Samuel Eaton (who calls himselfe a Teacher of the Church of Christ at Stockeport in Cheshire) In his Book called, THE QƲAKERS Confuted, sent to the Parliament,

SAITH in his Epistle to the Parliament, then sitting at Westminster, That they are not to judge of Saintship according to the large charity of some who are truly good, &c.

Ans. So here is another Doctrine then Christs was, who said, The tree is known by its fruits, and by their fruits ye shall know them. And the fruits of the Spirit is known from the fruits of the flesh.

Again, in the conclusion of his aforesaid Epistle he begs a pardon of the Parliament, for the thoughts of his heart that he hath spread before them, and so puts them in the Popes place.

Likewise in his Epistle to the Reader, because Richard Waller witnesseth his Teacher within, and bids others to minde the Light within them; and that he was come off of all other Teachers, &c. he judgeth this to be delusion; Con­trary to John the Apostle, who saith, Ye need no man to teach you, but as the same anointing doth teach you, which is truth, and is no lye, John 2.27. And again in Heb. 8. Ye shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for they shall all know him from the least to the greatest: for the Lord will write his law in their hearts, and put his spirit within them, &c.

Prin. He saith, he doth not believe that there is any substantiall, essentiall, or personall union betwixt the eternall Spirit and believers?

Answ. Although the Scripture saith, the spirit dwels in the Saints, 1 Cor. 6. and he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit, 1 John 1. As though the Saints had not union with God, which the scriptures saith they have.

Prin. He saith, It is palpably false, and blasphemy to say, that Saints know all things, and have power to work miracles to the glory of God.

Answ. Contrary to the Minister of Christ, John, who saith, But yee have anoynting from the holy one, and know all things, 1 John 2.20. And Christ said, Greater things then these shall yee do that believe in me.

Prin. He saith, Though we believe that the spirit of Christ dwells in the Saints, yet we as­sert the spirit of Christ to be distinct from the Saints, &c.

Answ. How are they led by the spirit, how are they led into all truth? And how are they sanctified by the spirit, and their unity in the spirit? by which spirit they have unity with God; by which spirit the Saints worship him; And he that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit; He that hath not the spirit of Christ is none of his. And so they are distinct [Page 2] from it; but they are not so that have it, and be in unity with it, and one with another with God.

Prin. He saith, Although there be the same spirit in all the Saints that gave forth the Scri­ptures, yet all Saints have not the same inspiration of the spirit, that the Prophets and Apostles had, so as that they should be able to give forth infallible truths, and immediately discover the pure and clear will of God, as the Prophets and Apostles did.

Answ. In this his Ignorance of the spirit, he hath shewed, and of the holy Ghost: And himself is the false spirit gone out into the world: For the spirit of truth shall lead into all truth, and bring to memory Christs words, and doth inspire into them the things of God, and doth reveal to every one according to their measure.

Pr. The Spirit doth not communicate according to the capacity in the creature.

Ans. Then there is none can divide the word aright; and God gives to every man as he will, and reproves the world, and leads the Saints into all truth.

Prin. He saith, they had not known the signification of the words of Christ, but by the Evan­gelists, &c.

Ans. I say, he, nor none knows the signification of Christs words, by the Evangelists words, but by the Evangelists spirit, and the same inspiration which thou saist, thou looks not for.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures do give their own sense, and is a standing Rule, &c. And yet thou said a little before in page 4. They are darke, and are left to you to give a sense.

Ans. Here then thou confoundest thy selfe; and the spirit of God is the standing rule which leads them to speak forth scripture, and not others words, and the Prophets and A­postles words, did not lead to speak forth scripture, but the spirit.

Pr. He saith, They that have the anointing within them, had not an infallible judgement, &c?

Ans. And John saith, They know all things; and bid them try the spirits, whether they were of God: And said, they had the spirit of God, which spirit is infallible, and gives an infallible judgement, which spirit was to try the false Prophets that was gone out into the world.

Pr In some places thou said, the Scriptures were dark, and hard to be understood;

Ans. And here thou saith, it is plain, and easily to be understood, page 8. Mark thy confu­sion, for the Scripture is not understood without the spirit.

Pr. He saith, there is an infallible judgement, which may be made from the Scriptures with­out the spirit, page 9.

Ans. Who can judge infallibly without the spirit? Christ told the Pharisees (who had the Scriptures) They were of the Devill, and judgement they had neglected, and he did not own their judgement to be infallible. And the Apostle saith, what they knew who are se­parate from the spirit, they knew naturally as bruit beasts, Jude 10. & 19. [...]hough they may speak high words in hypocrisie. And there art thou with thy infallible judgement as thou said, without the spirit (which is proved fallible) and there is no infallible judgement to be given that stands without the spirit; they that judges without the spirit, will judge amisse, and not infallible, as the Jewes did of Christ, and as the naturall bruit beasts did which Jude speaks of, there art thou.

Pr. And he further saith there in the same page, That the Scripture is to be judge of the spirit, and a light sufficient to judge of Doctrine and manners, &c.

Ans. The Jewes had not infallible judgement that had Scriptures, but stood against Christ the Light, and judged him to be a Devill, that judgment was not infallible, and that doctrine and manners of theirs was not right; which stood against Christ the light.

Pr. He saith, the conclusion is, that the Scriptures is the foundation of an infallible judgment concerning things contained in them, and not the spirit, page 10.

Ans. So he hath thrown out God and Christ, and the spiritual man who was before the Scripture was, who was the cause of the giving them forth, and the inspiring them through the Saints, which the Scripture saith, shall judge the world, yea Angels. And he may say upon this conclusion, that the world and the Devill hath the Judge, for they will get Scripture.

Pr. He saith, He that can bridle his tongue is not a perfect man.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Apostle James, who saith he is, and so thou art out of James doctrine.

Pr. But the Saints have not Christ in the flesh, page 12.

Ans. Contrary to Christ and the Apostles Doctrine, who said, they were of his fl [...]sh and of his bone, and should eat his flesh, and they that eate his flesh have it in them.

Pr. He saith, Christ within sufficient for all things to teach them, and to make them perfect as he is, and as God is. Now saith he, such an having of Christ as this is, we assume not, nor dare not assume: And we declare against it as a Satanicall delusion, and the Quakers are the poor creatures that confesseth this in them, page 13.

Ans. And you that are not made perfect by Christ the truth, you remain out of truth, in the delusion, and so you be out of the Apostles doctrine.

Pr. The Pastor saith, That such a voyce as comes immediately from God we have not heard, and such an immediate inspiration as this from God we have not received, nor do we wait for it, page 13.

Ans. So shewing himselfe to be of them that God never sent: So you are as the Jewes that could say, Moses heard the voyce of God, and the Prophets heard the Lords voyce. But their own eares stopt to the voyce. For Christ said, Ye have not heard the voyce of God at any time. And ye say ye look not for it: and you that deny immediate inspiration, have de­nyed the powers and the spirit, for that's immediate, and the Ministers of Christ wit­nesse it.

Pr. All that prayes by the spirit, and speaks by the spirit, and doth not shew a miracle, these the Pastor saith are Impostors, page 14.

Ans. Which many prayed by the spirit, and spake by the spirit, did not shew mira­cles at the Tempters command, though among believers there be miracles in the spirit, which be signes and wonders to the world, as Isa saith. But these are the Impostors that prayes, and speaks, but not by the spirit of God.

Pr. Because the Quakers say, that such as preach and speak, but not by the Spirit of God, are the false Prophets which the Lord never sent, this the Priest saith is an evill de­signe, wherein lyes venome and poyson.

Ans. Which they were and are in the evill designe, that spoke not, nor preacht not from the spirit of God, and lyes in the venome and poyson.

Pr. He saith, though Christ was then in heaven, and spake not, page 15.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle, who said, he had spoken to him, and hath spoken to us by his Son, as Acts and Hebrews.

Pr. He saith, all that are brought to the faith of Christ, are not built upon an immedi­ate voyce that comes from God to themselves, nor to any others who are their Teachers. See page 15.

Ans. Who shews he never received faith from God, which from him is given, which faith is immediate: through which faith they have accesse to God who is immediate, and he goes about to overthrow all Teachers made by the will of God, and by Christ, and the Revelation of Jesus; for how can they be Ministers, if they have not the Ministry revealed to them? So, he doth not know the Son that denies revelation, nor the Father, and denies themselves to be any true Ministers but by mans will, which is not immediate, which is the spirit, which ministers of the spirit, and are immediate in the spirit, which thou art no.

P. He saith, That there may be much fallacy and delusion in Revelation.

The Pastor saith, That God did not intend immediate teaching, nor to give out an imme­diate voyce in after ages, which should direct and guide men in the ways of salvation, page 16.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Scripture, which saith, All the people of the Lord shall be taught of the Lord; and he that is of God heareth Gods word; and that is immedi­ate, and lives, and doth endure for ever. And there is no fallacy nor delusion in the Re­v [...]lation of God, but all fallacy and delusion is out of it.

Pr. And he saith, Timothy had not his knowledge immediately, and yet he was in the faith. And he saith there again, the faith which was once delivered immediately from heaven to the Saints, cuts off all from having any faith more delivered from heaven, and of all other immediate voyces from thence.

Ans. So he hath shut out Christ who is the Author of every mans faith, which every one is to look at Christ which was before Scripture was: That which was once delivered to the Saints, and given to the Saints, the Saints now must know their giver, and delive­rer, and must know from whence the faith comes in this age, as well as in the o­ther age. For if they have but words that speaks of the Saints faith, how they had their faith delivered from God; If that the Saints now have not their faith delivered to them from God, as they in ages past, they have but words: And as the Devil had, and stood against the author of the faith, Christ the light and the truth, as the Jewes had of the Saints, but out of their faith, and stands against them that be in it. And Timothy had im­mediate teaching, for he had the testimony of the Lord, 1 Tim. and thou saist he had not immediate teaching.

Pr. He saith, there must not be waiting for an immediate word, but that word which hath been already to the Prophets and Apostles, which none have the word spoken as it was to the Pro­phets and Apostles, they must have it immediately, &c. pag. 17.

Answ. The word that was spoken to Isaiah, the Apostle felt immediately, which the Pastor saith he did not; for there was no Scripture but came by immediate inspiration. And the Word is immediate, and all the Ministers of Christ preach the immediate word, and wait for it, and the outward written words with inke and paper are mediate.

Pr. He saith, but an overcoming of the body of sin, such as delivers from all sin in this world is expresly against the Scriptures, and made free from sin, &c. pag. 18.

Ans. Contrary to Rom. 6. Contrary to the Apostle to the Colossians, where he had put off the body of sin. And contrary to Christ, who saves & cleanseth from all sin by his blood, blots out all sin: And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin.

Pr. He saith, that Christ is in heaven in his humanity, therefore not to be seen, not to be heard, not to be handled by us or any others that live upon earth, and they cannot give their own assu­rance, &c. pag. 19.

Ans. So shews that they were never made Ministers by him, who never saw him, nor heard him, so never handled the word of life from the Father nor the Son, nor saw it, nor heard it, so are the Pastors that spoil the flock. And he is the earthly Adam and humanity, but Christ the second Adam is the Lord from heaven.

Pr: He saith, that Timothy was commanded to preach, and yet had not heard, nor seen, nor handled any thing of Christ, &c. page 20.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle, who bid him to stir up the gift in him, and told Timothy he was in the faith, and he was to be strong in the grace of Christ: And whosoever hath faith, knows Christ to be the Author of it, and knows something from Christ, and so thou thy self hast confuted.

Pr. He saith, that the Saints doth not see Christ, for the heavens contain him, page 20.

Ans. And the Apostle saith, they sate with Christ in heavenly places, so he is contrary to the Apostle: And Christ was in them, and walkt in them, and God dwelt in them, and Christ in you, except ye be reprobates?

Pr. He saith, the whole minde and will of Christ and God is left them in letters, page 21.

Ans. And the Apostle saith, it is past finding out; the unsearchable wisdome, and the secret things belongs to God, and are revealed by the spirit, and no man knows them but by the spirit.

Pr. And he saith, the Gospel is the Letter, &c.

Ans. And the Apostle saith, It is the power of God; and the letter kils, and many may have the form, and deny the power, and so stand against the Gospel, which is the power of God.

Pr. And he saith, the Devill shews his spight and spleen in them who say they have the word, as it was in the beginning against the Scriptures, &c. page 22.

Answ. That is not so; for they that have the word as was in the beginning, own the Scriptures, and are not against them, but are in that which fulfils them.

Pr. He saith, that all the Saints receive the spirit of Christ, yet never heard his voyce.

Ans. This is confusion, for who are the sheep of Christ know his voyce.

Pr. He saith, they are uncovered, when commonly they have two caps on their heads: [Page 5] and the people are covered when they have a hat on their heads, &c. page 29.

Ans. This is according to thy deceitful teaching and learning.

Pr. He saith, the Scriptures is the voyce of Christ to them, &c.

Ans. And Christ said to them that had the Scriptures, They never heard the voyce of God at any time, to the Pharisees, John 5. For there thou art un-put forth amongst the sheep, and they heard the voyce that gave forth the Scripture, and came to the life, and Christ at the end of them.

Pr. And he saith, there is an immediate voyce which speaks within, which we have never heard, nor do we know it within our selves experimentally, and we believe and hope that we ne­ver shall know it, &c. page 30.

Ans. And so shews that they never knew the spirit of the Father speaking within them, but follows their own dreams and spirits, and stops their ear against that of God in them; and they blesse themselves from that immediate voyce within, and calls it the voice of the Devil, which is the spirit of inspiration, and the word of God in their hearts, which men must obey and do.

Pr. And he saith, to say Christ is within them, doing all immediately and infallibly within them, and so do say it is Christ and the spirit within them, and not they.

Ans. Now this he calls a spirit of Delusion: And the Apostle saith, I live, yet not I, but Christ in me. And he works all in us, and for us, after his own good pleasure. And this was not a spirit of delusion in them. And this thou art reprobated from, and found in thy own works.

Pr. And he saith, That which is within them is not eternal and infallible, when the Quakers asked him whether it was or no, and he saith nay; that which judgeth in them is not eternal, & infallible. He saith, they assert no such things as that concerning themselves, And he saith, though all the Saints have the spirit of Christ dwelling in them, which is eternall and infallible; yet that this spirit should do all that Saints do, and should say all that Saints say, and should judge for them both for persons and of things after an infallible manner; and that they should neither say, nor do, nor judge any thing by any understanding of their own, but the spirit, all this we deny. These are his words, page 31.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Apostle, who saith, As many as are the sons of God, are led by the spirit of God. And Christ acts all in them, and for them; and the fruits of the spi­rit, &c. and the spirituall man judgeth all things. And that is it which leads the Saints to devide and discern all things both temporall and spirituall, the spirituall wisdome of God which gives them a spirituall understanding, which men must rule withall, but not with their own, that comes to nought; and you that have not that which is infallible to judge in you, know not the spirit of Christ, neither can you judge of persons or things that have not the infallible judgement, nor have the spirituall man. Neither have you the word of God in your hearts, nor Christ which is eternall and infallible, all which the Quakers have to judge persons and things.

Pr. He saith, that children are of the seed as to the Church priviledges, and externall Ordi­nances of a spirituall nature.

Ans. (Mark his confusion) But Christ saith, ye must be born again, or else ye cannot inhe­rit the kingdome of heaven, and such be of the Church.

Pr. He saith, If they can but destroy all formes, the power will fall with it; for the forme pre­serves the power, page 37.

Answ. Contrary to the Apostle, many have the form, but deny the power. The power preserves the forme, sees the end of forms, and destroys them, and brings to see before forms was, where forms is not. For the Apostles who lived in the power, denyed the Jewes forms, and Gentiles both, as we do now deny the Popish forms, and yours which you have invented and set up.

Pr. And an immediate teaching (he saith) of the spirit, and to wait for secret inspiration of God, is to subject men to satannicall delusions, &c. page 40.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle, who said, holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost, and they were to wait for the revelation, as in Peter, and all be in the Sata­nical delusion that be not in the immediate teachings from the spirit: And every one [Page 6] that hath this spirit, and the leading of the spirit hath that which is immediate.

Pr. He saith, the Prophets and Apostles drew people to an outward word, &c.

Ans. Now is that which lives and endures for ever, outward? and did not they bring them to Christ the power of God, which is the end of words, which is immediate?

Pr. He saith, Is not the Gospel an external way, &c?

Answ. No, the Gospel is a living way which is revealed within, and is the power of God to salvation.

Pr. Are not they seduced (saith he) who are drawn off from the externall means by which the spirit is given, and faith wrought, to wait for the receiving of the spirit without any word to convey it to them? which spirit when they have it, is not the spirit of truth, but of delusion, &c. page 41.

Ans. The spirit and faith is not conveyed to any man, without the word, and they are seduced that rests in the externall from the eternall, and the spirit is not given by external means, neither is faith wrought.

Pr. And he saith, They need not any mans teaching them, but as the spirit in the Scriptures teaches, and they need not that any teachings of man should be added.

Ans. And so by this he hath thrown out himself from being a Pastor, and all other Pastors and Teachers; and the spirit is not in the Scriptures, but in them that gave it forth. And the spirit which gave forth the Scriptures, which was in the Saints, opens the Scrip­tures again, and leads into all truth.

Pr. And he saith, there is an excesse in that Scripture which saith, Ye need no man teach you, but as the anointing teacheth you.

Ans. And here he makes as if John did not mean as he spake, and would make John as false as himself (who spoke truth.)

Pr. And he saith, the Apostles sayings to the Saints, And ye know all things, he calls it an excessive speech, for no one knows all things but God, page 42.

Ans. So contrary to John, and would make him a lyar, the Minister of God. So he is in the false spirit gone out into the world. Contrary to 1 John 2. who knew all things.

Pr. He saith, Outward teaching is the way and meanes whereby the deep, and profound, and necessary truths of Scripture come to be understood, but not immediate, page 44.

Ans. So he hath denyed the spirit to open the Scriptures, immediate inspiration by the spirit, and its teaching; and set up an outward in the room of it. Here his spirit is try­ed again, gone out into the world. For salvation is immediate, and the means that brings to it, and none knows the Scriptures by outward teaching, but immediately by the Lord God.

Pr. And he saith, Ministeriall gifts are not now to be found in the world, such as the Mini­nisters of the Gospel had in the Primitive time.

Ans. Therefore no such work ministerial now as was then, nor any such officers as P [...] ­stors, Teachers, &c. as was then.

Ans. He hath preached himselfe to be one of the false spirits which went forth from the Apostles into the world: And yet he saith, Christ is with them to the end of the world. And yet saith, no hearing of his voyce, nor seeing him, nor handling of him; so he hath con­futed himself, and hath shewed you he hath quenched the spirit among you all.

Pr. He saith, that the Apostle was silent in that point, that men must be endued with extraor­dinary gifts.

Ans. Which the Apostles Epistles prove to the contrary, who saith, without faith ye can­not please God; which is a gift, and an extraordinary gift, and saith, He that hath not the spirit of Christ is none of his, which is an extraordinary gift. So you are another Ministry, and other Pastors and Teachers, and that which is another gift then the Apostle, is not the gift of God.

Pr. He saith, How comes the Apostle to raise up a living to some persons for preaching, when he saith, That they that preach the Gospel, must live of the Gospel? &c. page 48.

Ans. It was contrary to the Apostle to preach to raise up a living for preaching; but saith, they were not to preach for filthy lucres sake. But they that preach the Gospel, live of the Gospel, that is not as you raising Livings, making a trade of the forme, and deny­ing the power, which is the Gospel.

Pr. Here he cries out against gifted mens preaching, and saith, Paul prophecyed against them, page 49. and names them to be such as have itching eares.

Ans. As he is gone out from the Apostles, and so cries up his imagined gifts his own gifts, which the Apostles did not cry against, but said, every one must minister that had received a gift, and thou art one of the itching eares gone out from the Apostles.

Pr. He saith, that their Synagogues (commonly called Churches) were not ordained for any spiritual uses, as for serving God in them, &c. pa. 51.

Ans. Which is contrary to all the professed Teachers in the Nations, who say they are ordained for the use and service of God, and cals them Churches; but to this I believe he will call his words back again.

Pr. And to break Christs command, be not of men called Master.

Ans. He calleth it a civil honour, Pharisee-like, a teacher of the Pharisees. And here he hath proved himselfe not to be a guide of the way, and the governor of a mans life, for that title, Master, belongs to Christ, and not to any man. These are his words, and the signification which he gives of that title there. See page 52. And yet he dare presumptuously take it, and plead for it (which Christ denyed in the Pharisees) and so impudently break Christs command, and so hath shewed that he walks out of his Do­ctrine, and is a transgressor, and no Minister, but an Antichrist.

Pr. He saith, the Apostle never bred up any that they needed no man to teach them, pag. 53.

Ans. And so giveth John the lye, who saith, Ye need no man to teach you, but as the same anointing teacheth you. And the Apostle, who saith, ye need not say every man to his neighbour, know the Lord, &c. and denies the effectual work of the new Covenant. But all shall know him from the least to the greatest, Hebr.

Pr. He saith, Paul denies perfection to himselfe.

Ans. Paul did not deny perfection to himself nor others; but his work was to the per­fecting of the Saints, but your work is to keep men from perfection, and that hath been the Ministers work since they apostatized from the Apostles. And yet Paul judgeth him again, and saith, as many as are perfect are thus minded.

Pr. He saith, there is a contradiction in the Letter, speaking of the Scripture, page 60.

Ans. Shewing that he doth not know to what condition i [...] was spoken, for there is no contradiction in it: but in them that be out of the spirit, that gave it forth is the contra­diction.

Pr. And he saith, there is a Perfection that respects Justification and not Sanctification, see page 61.

Ans. Now there is no Perfection, but where there is Sanctification.

Pr. And he perverteth the Scripture of John, that saith, If we say we have no sin, &c. And he saith, Whosoever saith he hath no sin, deceives himself. See pag. 62.

Ans. So he wrongs Johns words, and puts he for we, and is charging sin upon the Elect, and so himself is found a Lyar. For there is a time for men to see they have sinned, and a time to confesse and forsake sin, and a time to witnesse the blood of Christ cleansing from all sin, and he that is born of God doth not commit sinne: And here the children of God are manifest from the children of the Devill.

And Eaton, hast thou been preaching and praying all this while and never yet heard the voyce of God? The night is upon thee, thou hast no answer from God.

And as for the rest of Eatons lyes, we let them rest upon his own head, not being worth mentioning; the witnesse of God in his conscience shall answer in the day of his Judgement.

John Bunyan, Richard Spenceley, John Burton, and John Childe in their Book that they call, A vindication of a Book called Some Gospel TRUTHS opened. These Principles followes. And as for his Lies and Slanders, they will come upon himselfe, they are his own Garments. And for the Scriptures which he quotes, they are owned, but not to cover the WOLFE withall.

IN his Epistle to the Reader he saith, The Quakers will own that salvation was obtai­ned by Christ (this is truth saith he) And but a little before he saith, They do deny that salvation that was obtained by him, &c. And thus he hath shamed his Father of confu­sion that taught him, the father of lies, who says and unsays, for salvation is owned by Christ and God, and no other.

Pr. Again in the same Epistle he denies Salvation is obtained by Christ within, and saith, the Scriptures doth not prove it, and calls it fighting against the Truth, &c.

Ans. When as the Apostle saith, work out your salvation with fear and trembling, and that is within. And the ingrafted word is able to save souls, and that is within. And the Apostle saith, If Christ be not in you ye are reprobates: And that is not opposite to Christ without them, nor contrary to the Scriptures; And no one knows salvation, but who knows this Christ in you who is the salvation, and where he is within there is salvation, and so thou art one of the Reprobates, that can talk of Christ without, and denies him the salvation within.

Pr. He saith, the Quakers own Christ Jesus revealed to them in spirit, (and calls it) De­lusion.

Ans. And yet he saith, others are carried away with errour for not receiving Christ revealed in the spirit, and this is his patched up stuffe, comprehended with the spirit, and with it is judged, who finds fault with them that have it, and is against them that have it not.

Pr. He tells people of the history of the Word; As he saith, some have no other wit­ness nor knowledge but the history of the Word, and the relation of others, &c.

Ans. And yet he is against the Revelation of the spirit in the Quakers. But he is one of the Beasts officers to fight against the Lamb, but it is to no purpose, who thus builds up and throws down.

Pr. Again, Bunyan is railing against the Priests, and runs up into the Pulpit himselfe.

Ans. And so the Wolfe hath got the Sheeps cloathing, and they can speak of Christ without, who be reprobates, who have him not within.

Pr. He saith, The Lord Jesus Christ is afar off in his bodily presence.

Ans. And yet he saith, the Lord is at hand. And the Apostle saith, he was in them. And Christ said, he would dwell with them.

Pr. He saith, They were sealed by Christs death at his offering upon the Crosse.

Ans. And yet Christ must come to save them at the last day: And the Saints witnessed their salvation while they were upon earth, and said Christ was in them except they were reprobates. And the Son of God was come, and gave them an understanding.

Pr. He saith, the Quakers witnesse the teaching within, which he saith, the Apostles witnes­seth the contrary, &c. page 4.

Ans. Why dost thou wrong the Apostle, and put thy lyes abroad, when as the Apostle said, and Christ said, the spirit of the Father spoke in them. And the Apostle said, the Law and the Covenant of God was in their hearts, and the anointing was within them, to teach them. But why fightest thou against the Apostles teaching, the Apostles doctrine, and Christs doctrine? Dost thou not see thy weapon now fails thee? Thou hast cast thy selfe without, and hath not the Apostle and Christ corrected thee here now?

Pr. And to prove that the blood of Christ was shed before the world was, he brings a Scripture, which saith, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, &c.

An. Here all may see, whether this be a fit man to teach, or whether or no he be not one of the Novices, I leave it to all to judg his measure, who have a just measure; for the Scri­pture saith, since the world, and thou saist, before the world was.

Pr. He saith, That the son of Mary, God man is absent from his Church.

Ans. Contrary to Christs words, I in them, and they in me: And, I will be with you to the end; so one of the blinde Prophets contrary to John, who saith, we are in him, and that is true; and thou saist he is absent from his Church: And the Apostle said he was the head of the Church: but of your Church we believe he is not the head, but will grinde you to powder: And thy words and thy doctrine are corrected by Christ and the Scrip­tures. And Christ said, where two or three meet together in my name, I will be amongst them, and the Saints were flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone.

Pr. He saith, To be justified by Christ is not to be justified by the spirit within, and that Christ within doth not work out justification for the soule, but must look out for salvation unto that man, that is now absent from his Saints on earth, these are his words.

Ans. Corrected by the Apostle, who saith, he works all in us, & for us, and yet thou saith that Christ is absent from his Saints on earth, who is corrected again by the Apostle, who saith, Christ is in you, and contrary to Christ, who is the Saviour of the soul; and men are justified through faith, & that is within in the heart, which is held in a pure conscience; and Christ is in the Saints, who is their justification, and the Apostle preached Christ in them, and where he is, there is justification; and who hath his light and receive him not, there is condemnation.

Pr. And he saith, The Quakers are deceived because they say, Christ is within them, kept down by something within them.

Ans. Corrected by the Apostle, who saith to the Saints Christ is in you the hope of glory; and he was prest down as a Cart with sheaves; and Christ was in prison, and they visited him not, and hungry, and ye fed him not, and thou never knew Christ formed in thee, nor the reigning of the seed, which is the Heir of the promise of God: How was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world bu [...] among such as thou art? And reprobates may talk of justification, in whom Christ is not, who witness him not within, he is not your justification.

Pr. And his principle is, that the place where Christ shall come to judgement, is at the mount of Olives, on the East side of Jerusalem.

Ans. Thou hast put him far enough off from thee, and hast not yet judged thy self (and Christ is come to judgment) and so art one of the false Prophets, who bids people look for him beyond the Sea, loe here, be there: But who are come to Christ the light, the life, they need not go forth; who abide here are sealed by the spirit, puts not off the good and evill day.

Pr. He saith, It is a delusion of the Devill, and a dangerous doctrine to bid people follow the light within them.

Ans. And they be in the dangerous doctrine, and the delusions of the Devill that draws people from the Light within, and thus he doth oppose the foundation of God, the light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. And the doctrine of the Apostle, who saith, the light that shines in their hearts, must give them the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus. So he is one of the Devils ministers, opposing the foundation of God, draw­ing people from that the Apostles drew them too; for no one comes to the Kingdom, but who comes to the light within them.

Pr. He saith, That every man hath not the spirit of Christ within him.

Answ And John said, Every man that cometh into the world is enlightned. And Christ said, I will send you the comforter, the spirit of truth, which shall lead you into all truth, and he shall take of mine and give it unto you, and he shall reprove the world of sinne, the spirit shall. (Mark) all people, here is Saints, here is Disciples, here is the world, get from under this how thou canst, for under reproof thou art come, and that which doth reprove the [Page 10] world is manifest to them; and the wicked quencheth the spirit, but the Saints are led by it, and here are all men.

Pr. And again thou sayst, That it is a filthy errour to say, that that light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, will lead man to the Kingdome of righteousnesse and peace.

Ans. Thus he is splitting himself against the Rock, and striking against the foundati­on, which every man that cometh into the world being enlightned, that through it he might believe; and believing in the light, he might not abide in darknesse; and this he makes insufficient, which he that doth not believe in the light is condemned: And thus the spiritual Sodomite and Aegyptian is blinde, raging about the door, and no man comes to the Kingdome of Righteousness [...] and peace but by the light within, and so he is in the fil­thy errour himself, denying the light, and hating it.

Pr. Thou sayst, Christ is the light of the world, and yet not in every one that cometh into the world.

Ans. So corrected by John, who saith, he doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world. And the light shines in darknesse, and the darknesse cannot comprehend [...]t, and he that hates the light is enlightned, and will not come to it because it will reprove him; that which doth manifest to man an understanding of reproof is within him, and that condemns him, hating it, and the Saints believed in the light, and they abode not in darkness which the unbelievers do, and stumbles, which the others do not.

Pr. And he saith, Christ was not in his Disciples when he s [...]id, I am the light of the world.

Ans. And so is corrected by Christ, who saith, I in you, and you in me.

Pr. He saith, They that will come to justification they must go to Christs grave without, and to Mount Calvery (page 9.)

Answ. And the Scripture saith, ye need not go up to heaven, nor to say, who shall go over the sea for us, and bring unto us that we may hear it, and do it, but the word is nigh, in thy heart, Deut. 30. so corrected by the Scriptures. And the Angel said unto them that went to the grave without, Why seeke ye the living among the dead, he is risen; and the Saints sits with him in heavenly places, and need not go to Mount Calvary for him.

Pr. H [...] saith, The light wherewith Christ doth enlighten every one that cometh into the world is but a creature, and is not a spirit (p [...]ge 10.)

Ans. And John saith, all things was made by him (made by the light) in him was life, and the life was the light of men: And this shines in darknesse, and the darknesse cannot com­prehend it, but all stumbling at the foundation of God, which was before any creature was made, who is the power of God, Christ Jesus the light, and the Prophets and Johns doctrine they stumbled at, who saith [...] the light is a creature, by which all things are made and created, and so art corrected by the Scripture.

Pr. He calls the light conscience, and a poor dunghill creature that will convince of sin.

Ans. Which light was before conscience was, or creature was, or created or made light was: He made the Sun, the Moon, &c. and the light was before these were made, and he is both life and spirit too; for that which convinceth of sin is above the creature which checks him, and reproves him, and lets him see when he goeth astray from the Creator, and that's the light of Christ, with which all men may see their salvation, with that which lets them see their sin.

Pr. He saith, The law doth not lead men to Christ, but under the curse (page 17)

Answ. That is to them that transgresse it. Solomon said, the law was light. And David said, the Law was a light unto his feet, and a Lamp unto his paths, and so led him from the curse them that do it, which Christ is the end of, and redeems from un­der it.

Pr. He saith, It is not faith and works together that justifies in the sight of God, but it is faith and good works that justifies in the sight of men onely, and saith, Works will not justifie in the sight of God. And he saith, that works is onely but to justifie their faith to be true be­fore men.

Answer. Abraham was not justified to men only by his obedience, but to God, and [Page 11] where there is faith, there is justification, which works by l [...]: And the Saints faith and works was not only to justifie them in the sight of men, for the work of God is to do what he saith; and his will, which who doth not are not justified in so doing: but to be beaten with stripes, who seeks to be justified by their faith and works in the sight of men, are dead faith and works both.

Pr. He saith, They are no Christians that doth not hold Christ absent from his Church, but Antichrists.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Scriptures, which say, they are flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone, and they are as nigh together as husband and wife. And thus he is ignorant of the great mystery, Christ and the Church, which Christ is the head of.

Pr. He saith, That the light wherewith Christ (as he is God) hath enlightned every man that cometh into the world, is not the spirit of Christ, (page 19.)

Ans. And so makes that which comes from God and Christ not spirit (as he is God) and thus the man is beating the ayre: He saith, Christ was God that lighteth every man, &c. And yet (saith he) not with the spirit; how then cometh men to be condemned, not be­lieving it, and so thou hast reproved thy selfe, and art blinde, and into the Ditch fallen.

Pr. And again thou sayest, Though Christ as he is God doth give every man a light (which is conscience) otherwise called nature.

Ans. A d so thou hast given those new names to the light of Christ, contrary to the A­postles, as thou mayest read, John 1.2. John doth not tell us, that is conscience or natural light, as thou doth; and the light which every man that cometh into the world is enlight­ned withall, which was before all things, and by it all things was made. So it was be­fore any Naturals was, and is that which gives all men the wisdome of God to order the Naturalls, so by the Scriptures thou art reproved.

Pr. And he saith, Christ will not give his spirit to the world.

Answ. And Christ said, he will send his spirit to reprove the world, and that is sent to them; and that which doth reprove them i [...] manifest to them in the world to their own understanding, and in them, which spirit leads the Saints into all truth: There is no man reproved, but it is within him manifest to his understanding; And if he quencheth the spi­rit that reproveth him, he is not lead by it, and that is the condemnation of the world, that light is come into the world, and men love darknesse, &c. And this thou calls not spi­rit. Now this is the condemnation of them whose consciences are seared, and of them who have the created and made, and natural lights, the Sun, the Moon, and Stars, which light was afore they was.

Pr. And thou saith, The Scripture plainly denies that conscience can justifie, though it may condemn. See page 23.

Ans. Which is contrary to plain Scripture, where the Apostle saith, Rom. 2.15. Their consciences either accusing or excusing. And again saith he, Herein do I exercise my selfe to have alwayes a conscience void of offence towards God and towards men: And the light con­demns which you call conscience.

Pr. He saith, that the Gospell is called the ministration of life, but not of condemnation. Same page.

Ans. But they are condemned that obey not the Gospel of Christ: And the Scripture speaks of a savour of death unto death, and a savour of life unto life, and the Gospel is so, the power of God.

Pr. He denies that Paul bid the Saints listen within, &c. see page 25.

Ans. When as Paul said, that the light which shined in their hearts to give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And it was the treasure in the earthen vessell; and Christ was within them. And the ingrafted word that was able to save their souls. And the hidden man of the heart. And he had revealed his Son in them, and many other Scriptures. And he saith, he served the law of God with his minde. And yet thou saith, he did not bid any listen within. And he saith, the word was in their hearts to obey it, and in their mouths: And can they obey that, and not listen within, and do that, and not have their minds stayed upon the Lord?

Pr. He saith, the light doth not shine in the consciences of them that be lost. See page 26:

Ans. But John saith, the light shines in darknesse, but darknesse cannot comprehend it, and there is that of God in the children of disobedience, and reprobates, as in Rom. 1. and 2 Chap.

Pr. And he denies that every man hath the light.

Ans. Contrary to John, who saith, that is the true light which inlightneth every man that comes into the world, John 1.

Pr. He saith, It is a counterfeiting of the new birth for men to follow the light, wherewith men coming into the world are inlightned withall, &c.

Answ. Which none comes to the new birth, but who comes to the light which every man that comes into the world is lighted withall; which believing in, is a child of the light: Believing and receiving comes to receive power to become the Sons of God.

Pr. He saith, To say that Christ is risen within, there is no Scripture to prove it. See page 28.

Ans. Doth not the Apostle say, Christ formed in you? And Christ in you the hope of glo­ry? which hope purifies as God is pure. And Christ within, doth he not arise there be­fore all waves be still? and shall he not arise with healing under his wings? How igno­rant of the Letter are the Priests grown, much more of the mysterie? Gal. 4. and Malachy.

Pr. And whereas thou saith, thou art confident, that while some would perswade others that they have no sinne, their consciences will tell them they lye, see page 41.

Ans. The Apostle told the Romanes that they were made free from sin; and the Romanes did not tell the Apostle, that their consciences told them he lyed, as thou saith.

Pr. He saith, the body of Christ is out of the sight of all his Saints, &c. see page 47.

Ans. And the Apostle saith, They sate with Christ in heavenly places: and the Saints are flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone, and the Church which he is head of is his body. And every one that eats his flesh, knows his body given for the life of the world; and the bo­dy of Christ is not out of the sight of the Saints that are in the Church: Therefore you Ministers and Teachers that say Christs body is out of your sights, are not Saints, neither are you of his Church which is his body; neither have you eaten his flesh, nor know that which is given for the life of the world, but are out of the sight of the Church which is his body.

Pr. And thou saith, they shall have a greater judgement without them, then they shall have within them, &c. see page 48.

Ans. And the Scripture saith, If ye judge your selves, ye shall not be judged of the Lord.

Pr. And that place in Jude he brings, to prove that all men have not the Spirit, &c. See page 49. Where he saith, They walke after their own ungodly lusts, these be they who separate themselves, being sensuall, and have not the spirit, who went in Balaams way.

Ans. Who shews that they went forth from the spirit, and turned the grace of God in­to wantonnesse. And this doth not make for thee to thy purpose, but rather against thee, and the same spirit that reproves the world leads the Saints into all truth.

Pr. He saith, That God did not give the Law that people should live in it, &c. See page 49.

Answ. And the Scripture saith, that they that did the Law had life, and were justified by it: For do this and live (saith God to Moses) and therefore thou wouldst make God a lyar, who cannot lye; who saith, that God did not give forth his Law that men should have life: Is not the Curse and the Death in the transgression of it? Christ is the end of the righteous Law, who is the light that doth enlighten every man that doth come into the world, which believing in it, he comes to be a child of Light: Which light thou blasphe­mously calls conscience or Naturall, which is Christ the Light, the foundation of God, which doth enlighten every man that comes into the world, that with the light they might see Christ who hath enlightned them, the foundation of God from whence light comes. And the Apostle saith, the law is spirituall, and just, and good; and he it was that was the carnall, and so thou art the carnall, not yet come to the Law which is spiritual.

Pr. He saith, He that will but observe the motions of that light which every man hath with­in [Page 13] him (say they) so as to obey and close in with it, to follow it, shall undoubtedly save himselfe from the wrath to come: Now this is clearly a great errour as thou saist. See page 50.

Ans. Contrary to Johns doctrine and Christs, who saith, the light that doth enlighten e­very man that cometh into the world, is the true light, that men through the light might believe. Therefore be they enlightned; and he that believes in the light shall not abide in dark­nesse, nor in errour, nor in condemnation, but shall have the light of life. Saith Christ, I am the light of the world; And saith moreover, believe in the light before they be children; believe in the light, that ye may be children of the light: So every man is enlightned with a light before they be children, with the true light. He that believes in the light is a child of the light: he that doth not believe in the light, the light condemns him.

Pr. And whereas thou saith, The Law gives not life, nor justifies. See page 50.

Ans. It is false, thou art mistaken in the Scriptures, and rebuked with them. The Law gives life to him that obeys it, and lives in it: and he that doth it lives, and is ju­stified, the doer of the Law, and not the hearer only; and it is righteous, and just, and good. But Christ Jesus the Law, and the spirit of life, which is the end of Gods righte­ous Law, is the justification to life; Gods righteousnesse, who is the end of the other law. And the Apostle Paul saith, The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Pr. And thou would make it an errour to say, the Saints are saviours of the world: See page 50.

Ans. The Apostle said, when he writ to the Saints he should save himselfe and others, and this was by the power of Christ: And Jude saith, others saving with fear, but hating the garments spotted with the flesh. Now thou art a deceiver, and not a Saviour both of thy selfe and others, and ignorant of the power and the spirit.

Pr. He saith, there is no such Scripture as saith, the light within the conscience. See page 52.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle, who saith, the light shines in their hearts, and is not there the conscience? 2 Cor. 4. And Christ saith, they will not come to the light lest their deeds should be by it manifested, & they by it reproved, and this is not conscience nor na­ture. And the Apostle Paul saith, Our rejoycing is the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdome, but in the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world.

Pr. The new Covenant which God promised to write in their hearts, he calls that the law by nature, see page 52.

Ans. And thus he is stumbling at the corner stone, and errs in his judgement; for that which orders nature is above nature, and all naturallists and transgressors do call it naturall.

Doctor Glisson's Paper concerning James Parnels death in prison, which the Lyes that are in it are not worth mentioning, but upon themselves will fall; but here is one of their lying slanders taken off as followeth, who strikes at the Rock, splits themselves, and the blood of that Innocent lies upon their heads.

Pr. IN the Preface he saith, That the most knowing part of these Quakers have received their principles from Rome, &c.

Ans. It is false, for the Instructions which they have received is from Christ, who was glorified with the father before the world began, and before Rome was, or revilers either, which makes the world to rage. The corner-stone, the light, which lightens every man that comes into the world before it was, which makes the Beast, and the false Prophet, and the Pope, and you to arme themselves against the Lamb and his light, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world withal: And the Priests Instructions have been from Rome, to set [Page 14] up their Schools, to make Miinsters, and Temples East and West, with a Crosse at the end of them, and the Tenth which they imprison men to death for, and their preaching by the hour-glasse, and naming their Colledges and Masse-houses by the Saints names. Your Instructions have been from Rome to do these things; but the Lamb shall have the victory, glory to the Lord in the highest for ever.

George Emmot who calls himself a spirituall Quaker converted. Who is turned with the Dog to the vomit, and gone in the way of Core, ex­alting himself, and gain-saying Truth, and gone in the way of Cain, into his first birth, & turned against the second.

DId God smite thee for thy pride? Did God let thee see the false worships in the Steeple-houses in the sheeps cloathing? Did God let thee see the deceit of the tythes in the Priests? Did God let thee see the vanity of respecting of persons, and honouring of the creatures? was thou turning from these things (as thou confesseth?) And art thou now turned to them again? By whom the way of truth comes to be evill spoken of. Is thy latter end worse then the beginning? will not all thy words be thy burden, and fall heavy upon thee? thy time is not past George Emmot.

And as for all the reviles, scoffes, & mocks in thy Book, they are not worth mention­ing, and raking in the dust for among sober people. Hast thou turned the grace of God into wantonness, which had taught thee to deny the ungodly lusts of the world? and would have brought thee to salvation, and so forsaken the Covenant of the Lord God, the law in thy minde, and in thy heart, whereby thou might have been taught to know the Lord: But now thou art run out to Teachers that may be removed into a corner, that will poyson thee. And do put some into co [...]ners and Priso [...]s, because they will not give them maintenance, and then they are them that put into prisons and corners.

That which brought thee to leave off thy ribbons and vanities, and lusts of the world, wa [...] the grace of God which thou hast turned into wantonnesse, and published it to the Nation, see page 6. And thou art turned in to that the grace taught thee to deny.

Pr. He saith, The Steeple-house is a holy place more holy then a house, see page 8.

Ans. The Pope hath taught thee this, and his Teachers and thou art gotten into the ho­ly place like the Pharisees, and saies the Apostle defiled it: and thus you and your Popes do­ctrine is got up since you have apostatized from the Apostles, which Apostles brought the Jewes off the holy places thou speaks of; and while you and them have been in these holy places, you have been in the unholiness.

Henoch Howet his Book titled, The Quaking Principles dashed to pieces by the standing and unshaken TRƲTH. He hath dashed himself to pieces upon the Rock, as his torn Language in his Book discovers: And his Principles are here as followeth, which a great part of his Book is not worth mentioning, but turned back upon himselfe, who must bear his owne burthen in the day, that burns as an oven, that his works are tryed, he shall remember, to the witness in him I speak.

Pr. HE makes the Scripture to be the onely weapon whereby Christ overthrow the Devill, see page 3.

Answ. Who bruiseth his head, and was before Scripture was: Yet the Scriptures is for correction and doctrine, furnishing the man of God in his place, and Christ the seed was before Scripture was: And all them that hath Scripture, and not Christ, cannot [Page 15] overcome the Devill, you and the Papists doing his work; for they that overcome him, it is with the power, and those have the Scriptures of truth which the Devil is out of.

P [...]. Here he saith, the Scriptures is the hope. See page 4.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Scriptures which saith, Christ is the hope; and they that had the Scripture, stood against the hope Christ.

Pr. He saith, there is nothing in man to be spoken to, but man. See page 5.

Ans. How then ministred the Apostle to the spirit: And Christ spake to the spirits in prison; and Timothy was to stir up the gift that was in him: and the spirit of the Father speaks within them, and the light it shines in the heart, which God hath commanded to shine out of darknesse. And the Son of God is revealed in me saith the Apostle. Here the Scriptures are for correction of thee, and reproof of thee, who said, there is nothing to speak too [...]n man, but man; when the Apostle saith, that which may be known of God is manifest in man, for God hath shewed it unto them, Rom. 1. And the Apostle was ma­nifest to every ones conscience in the sight of God, and that was of God which the chil­dren disobeyed.

Pr. He calls that a darke delusive light.

Ans. Which John calls Christ the light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, which we speak of, so he is fighting against the foundation of God that stands sure. And thus the man is striking at the Rock, and splitting himself, & is not come to John, but is as dark as the Pharisees & Heathen, whose darknesse cannot comprehend the light that John saith lighteth every man that cometh into the world, that shineth in the darkness, that is the true light, John 1. chap. So you that deny the light which Christ hath enlightned every man that cometh into the world withall; be the enemies of Christ, that will not that he should reign over you, who are by him to be slain, and so that Scripture which he mentions there in page 10. stands for himself who gets his words, and calls him Lord, but doth not do as he saith, and ye all that be in darknesse stumble at the Scriptures, which see not the light that lighteth every one that cometh into the world.

Pr. H [...] saith, They that deny the honour of men are Witches, and Wizards, page 14.

Ans. Wilt thou say that Mordecai was a wizard, and had a familiar spirit, that would not bow to Haman? And the Apostle found fault with them that worshipped the creature more then the Creator, who is God blessed for ever. And all the familiar spirits and wizards fell down and worshipped Nebuchadnezars Image, which Daniel could not bend to their Image nor inventions.

Pr. And again thou saith, They that love God and love Christ keepeth his commandements, see page 14.

Ans. And thou art bringing many Scriptures to oppose the commands of Christ, who saith, Be not ye of men called Master: So thou art seen not to be of the spirit of Christ, but the spirit that is gone out into the world, that is Antichrist, and opposeth his Doctrine, who is the end of the Prophets, and was before Abraham was, and so hath given judgement of thy selfe, thou neither loves God nor Christ.

Pr. And here he accuseth Paul, and saith, Paul saith, he is not perfect.

Answ. When Paul saith, As many of us as are perfect are thus minded, and brings him­self in the number, and speaks wisdome among them that are perfect, page 15.

John Timpsons Booke, called, The Quakers Apostacy from the perfect Rule of the SCRIPTƲRES discovered.

A True title to his Book concerning his own condition, as his Book doth witnesse himselfe in the Apostacy, whose work is to oppose the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world that John bore witnesse of. So opposing the Covenant of God, of life and peace, and the foundation of God which stands sure, Christ Jesus, which he may as well say nothing, or do nothing. But the stone is set upon his head, and the foundation of God is layd, witnessed by the Prophets, Christ and the Apostles, and [Page 16] the Scriptures are owned (by them in scorn called Quakers) (and the light it speaks of) who out of the apostacy are come, and so from among the apostates. And as for the lyes and slanders in his Book, that are not worth mentioning, but they shall turn upon his own head, whose immodesty hath discovered them.

Pr. In his Preface to the Reader He saith, It is an expression of a darke deluded minde, to say that God is not distinguished from the Saints.

Ans. But God and Christ is in the Saints, and dwell in them, and walk in them; and he is a Reprobate, and out of the Apostles doctrine.

Pr He saith, We have broken the everlasting Covenant of God.

Answ. Because we own the teaching of God by his spirit. and the light which doth en­lighten every one that that cometh into the world, which is the covenant of God.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures is the rule of life. See page 4.

Answ. Contrary to Christ, who said, the spirit should lead them into all truth. And they that are the sons of God, are led by the spirit of God. And the Churches was to hear what the spirit saith, for the spirit led them to speak forth Scripture.

Pr. Again he saith, It is a contradiction, and a confused sencelesse thing to preach the word of faith in the mouth, and in the heart, see page 6.

Again he saith, Most senseless is this profession of Christ in the mouth, and believing in him with the heart, God that made all things. These are his words, page 8.

Ans. It is not a senselesse profession to preach the word of Faith in the heart, and in the mouth; and to say, God will dwell in you, and the word is in the heart, and in the mouth. The word is God, and thou art senselesse and fallen in confusion in the contradicti­on, out of the Apostles doctrine; and the Apostle saith, Christ in you, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.

Pr. And he calls it a Notion, to say that Christ lighteth all, and therefore the light is Christ.

Ans. So here he is kicking and spurning against the light Christ, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, which is the Rock, the foundation of God, the corner-stone, which is fallen upon thy head, and all be in the notion that be out of it.

Pr. He scoffs at the Quakers, because they say they have the word of God in them.

Ans. Christ his name is called the word of God.

Pr. He saith, God blessing, or blasting his owne Word to some according to the different ends intended by himselfe, see page 9.

Ans. Now the Word of God is not blasted: God never blasts his own Word, but it is they that are blasted that disobey the Word. For the Word of God doth its service, and accomplisheth the end which it goeth forth for, and doth not return in vain: And it is the sword of the spirit, and that is not blasted. It is a hammer and a fire, and it lives, and doth endure for ever: So thou art blasted, who saith, the Word of God he blasts: and art to be cut down by the word of God for thy blasphemy.

Pr. He saith, the Quakers are deceivers, because we say that Christ is not in outward ob­servations and formes. And John Bunyan saith, that he is distinct from the Saints, and would have him in the forms, &c. see page 13.

Ans. And we say he hath triumphed over the Ordinances, and blotted them out, and they are not to be touched; and the Saints have Christ in them, who is the end of out­ward forms, and thou art deceived, who thinks to finde the living among the dead; and Bunyan is deceived, who said, he is distinct from the Saints; and so you are a company of pittiful Teachers.

Pr. He saith, Every true Christian doth believe that the holy Scriptures alone is to be the ob­ject of faith, &c. page 17.

Ans. So he hath thrown out God the giver of it, and Christ the Author of it; for ma­ny have the Scriptures, and deny Christ the Author of faith, and object.

Pr. He asketh, Did you ever read of law and testimony in the heart, &c? see page 18.

Ans. Yea, God saith, I will write my law in their hearts. The law was in Davids heart; the law was in the Apostles heart. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, and that is in the heart. See Heb. 8. Rev.

Pr. He saith, The covenant of God is not to all in the Church of Christ, see page 19.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Scriptures, for where the Church is, there is the Cove­nant, the head Christ Jesus: And God saith, I will give him for a covenant to the Gentiles, those are the heathen: And I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah, and these are called the people of God. And therefore thou art in the fall in ignorance, and a man without understanding, and affirms thou dost not know what; and silence would become thee better then to publish thy shame in print, for they are not in the Church of God, that be not in the covenant of God.

Pr. And he saith, The Scriptures is the sure and perfect rule, page 20.

Ans. And the Scripture saith, Christ is the Bishop of the soule; and God hath all souls in his hand: And many have Scriptures, but their soules the Bishop of them they know not, but they remain in death, and the life they want that gave it forth, and so are all on heaps about the Scripture one with another, and calling them the rule and the spirit; And the spirit of God that led them forth to speak forth the Scripture, was the rule to the Saints and holy men of God: but they that be in the transgression will kill one another about their words, and the spirit leads to see them again, and brings them into unity with them and God.

Pr. He saith, It is blasphemy to say that Christ is in them as God and man, &c. see page 23.

Ans. How are they of his flesh and bone? And doth not the Scripture say, Christ in you, and God will dwell in you, and walk in you? And are not the Saints of his flesh and of his bone? And are they not partakers of the divine nature?

Pr. He saith, It is a fancy to say the eternall word of God is in them, see page 26.

Ans. Thou art in the fancy that the eternal word is not in, and witnessed, and under the fire and sword, and hammer to be hammered down. And so art corrected by the Apo­stle, who saith, Let the word of God dwell in you richly, The ingrafted word which is able to save your souls, and immortal word, which is immortal.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures is the only rule of knowing God, &c. See page 26.

Ans. Christ saith, none knoweth the father but the Son, who spoke among them that had the Scripture; and so he hath thrown out the Son, the rule of knowing the Father who re­veals him. For many had Scriptures who knew not the Father, nor knew the Son, nor heard his voyce, as in John 5.

Pr. He saith, All those that be without the Scriptures, are without all comfort, and hope, and God. See page 26.

Answ. Here then is thy Doctrine, that none have comfort, none hope, none have God, but who have Scriptures. Abraham will tell thee otherwise, and Enoch, for those knew God, and walked with him, and knew hope and comfort: and Joseph and Jacob, and God was with them before the Scriptures was written: And Christ was promised before the Scriptures was written, and many have the Scriptures, and not the comfort, nor the hope, but stand against him as the Jewes did against Christ. And many may have the comfort, and not read Scriptures.

Pr. He saith, The onely judge of all errour is the Scriptures, &c. see page 37.

Ans. So he hath thrown out Christ, and thrown out the spirit, and the spirituall man, and the Saints, and God the judge of all who was the Author of the Scripture.

Pr. He saith, The Apostle doth not say that God in these last dayes doth speak, or will speak unto us by his Son; but God hath already in time past spoke by his Son, and that speaking is to these last dayes, and we are not to look for any other speaking, or revelation, &c. page 39.

Ans. And so by this thou hast denyed the scriptures, and the authority of them, which is Christ Jesus, and denyed the Apostles doctrine, and the new covenant where the law is writ in the heart and minde, and all taught of God. Thou hast thrown down and laid waste Christs commands, who saith, Learn of me. And the command of God, who saith, This is my beloved Son, heare ye him: And so art ignorant of the scriptures and the power of God.

Pr. He saith, It is abhorred dotage they are bewitched with to say, they witnesse forgivenesse within, &c. See page 41.

Answ. Thou shews thou never knew a Saints life, and that which cleanseth from all sin, and the testimony within of forgiveness of sin; for where it is forgiven it is within. The Apostle saith, If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin. And many may speak of Christ without them, and the body of sin not dead: And so the Wolfe may get the form of godlinesse, and the Devill may confess the son of God in words.

Pr. He saith, It matters not much if the sense be in the Scriptures, where the words be there or no See page 47.

Ans. And yet he saith, the Scriptures is the rule, and it is the word; and so by that means have all men run into their senses, into confusion from the words of the Scriptures, which is not to be added to, nor taken from, nor can it be broken, nor is it of any private interpretation; and the Scriptures are the words of God, and Christ is the word, and in him they end, and the spirit is the rule.

Pr. He saith, Doth not Christ approve of the Jewes opinion, in thinking that in the Scripture they should have eternal life: And he saith, Christ refers them to the Scriptures to finde life. See page 48.

Answ. When as Christ said, They would not come unto him that that they might have life; and bid them believe in him whom God had sent, who was the end of the Scrip­tures: And Christ did not approve of them that thought to have eternall life in the Scriptures.

Pr. He saith, to say that the light of Christ is not received from the Scriptures, it is an abominable thing to be asserted.

Ans. But the light is received from Christ; and many had the Scriptures as the Jewes, but stood against the Light as you do now, and did not receive it, that had the Scrip­tures which testified of it: And the Light cannot be blotted out, but it doth condemn, and it leads to the knowledge of God, and to eternal life.

Pr. He calls it a fancy of an idle brain, to witnesse the law of God written in the heart, that is different from the morall law, &c. see page 61.

Ans. The Scripture saith, I will write my law in their hearts, and put it in their inward parts, and I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel, not accor­ding to the old; And this is the Covenant with Israel, not according to the old, and so they be in the fancy, and idle brain that be out of the new Covenant of light, Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, and all false Christians.

Pr. He saith, This I do deny, that the perfection of the whole law of God is writ in mans heart, so as to know it, and do it, as it is written in the Prophets and Apostles, &c. See page 64.

Answ. Here thou hast discovered thy selfe to be in the unbelief, and limits the Holy One, that God is not the same, Christ is not the same yesterday, to day, and for ever: And none knows the Prophets and Apostles, but who have the same covenant as they had; and the same law and same spirit. And whereas thou art opposing those as say the Word is within them, and the Light is within them, and the Spirit is within: And because they say those be in unity, and be one, which makes thee appear one offended, who must be ignorant still. He that is ignorant, let him be ignorant still; but the light in thee shall see they are one.

Pr. He saith, That none have ever had such attainments of Christ a Redeemer, without the help of the Scriptures, &c. see page 65.

Answ. Now Abraham, and Enoch, and Noah, and Adam, had the promise of Christ before Scripture was written: And the Gospel is the power of God; and ma­ny may have the forme, and not the power, and eternall life is not in them, nor the power of God: For Christ is the power of God, who saith, Yee will not come to me that yee may have life, who was afore Scripture was, and all the Attainments is in him the Scripture speaks of, and he is not attained to without life.

Pr. He saith, Where did ever any say that they went through the Law to Christ: This he judgeth, and saith, that they be strangers to the life of God that say so, &c. See page 71.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle, who saith, I through the law am dead to the law, but alive unto God. And the law was our Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. And again he saith, The righteousnesse of the law is fulfilled in us.

Pr. He saith, All notionall light is from Christ whatsoever, &c. see page 72.

Ans. Now notional is imaginations, and that is not properly called light, and there­fore thou mistakest, for light is not notion, but is the thing it selfe that is from Christ.

Pr. Here again he denies, that Christ hath enlightned every man that cometh into the world, with light sufficient if they obey it, to lead them to eternall life, &c. See page 73.

Ans. Yet thou saith, every one hath so much light as shall leave all men without excuse before the great tribunall of Jesus Christ. And yet thou saith, that which leaves them without excuse is not sufficient, and so would make God unjust and unrighteous; and the light is sufficient, which doth enlighten every man in the world to lead them to eternall life, believing in it, and receiving it, which not believing is sufficient to condemn them, who all believing in it shall see and receive their salvation.

Pr. He saith, It is a contradiction in it selfe, and a speaking lyes in hypocrisie, to deny swea­ring, and calling of men Master, and to witnesse the teaching of the Lord, and the spirit to guide into all truth, and to say the spirit is the rule.

Ans. They be in the lyes and hypocrisie, and transgressors of Christs commands, that are swearers, and called of men Masters, and the spirit of truth which leads into all truth, is the rule and guide of men into truth, as Matth. 5. & 23 Chap. and these be the Anti­christs, contrary to him, that swear and are called of men Masters; which Christ saith, swear not at all, nor be called of men Master.

Pr. He saith, Christ was in the world, and the world was made by him, and yet Christ was not in all parts of the world, &c. see page 76.

Answ. And he is the light to the Gentiles and Jewes, and salvation to the ends of the earth: and yet he saith, that Christ is not in all parts of the world.

Pr. The light wherewith Christ hath enlighten every one that cometh into the world, he calls a little sparke of reason, subject to errour and vanity.

Ans. Which is Christ the light, the foundation of God which stands sure, that which makes manifest all errour, and his flesh saw no corruption. The greatest part of his work in his Book is to strike at the Rock and foundation of God; and there is no errour in the light, which enlightneth every man that comes into the world, neither is it subject to it, but condemns it, and thee that saith it.

Pr. He saith, page 79. All the light is to be understood in words, and an outward dispensa­tion, &c.

Ans. The Jewes had outward words and a dispensation, and yet knew not the Light Christ, by the words without life. Neither did they understand the dispensation of God.

Pr. He speaks of an externall Ministry, &c. See page 80.

Ans. That which led them to minister was not externall, and the externall reaches no further then the external, and that is of men, and by men; but the eternal reaches to the eternal, which reacheth beyond external.

Pr. John saith, This is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world: and he saith, this is to be understood with limitation: and saith, Christ was not in all ages & places of the world. See page 81.

Ans. How was he the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world? And how did he minister to the spirits in prison? and how speaks he in the Law? and how is he the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever: and that is the Devill in thee that would have a hold for thee to dwell in, that would limit Christ the light not to be in every man. That which darkens every man is the Devill, and that which lightens every man is Christ, without limitation, and he limits that which would limit him, and that understanding.

Pr. He saith, He knows not what the true light is, and eternall life, nor the eternall word, the everlasting Gospel, the light which gave forth the Scriptures, and the Judge of the world, and the kingdome of heaven within, and the law of the new covenant, and Christ within, these he saith, he knows not, &c.

Ans. We do believe thee. And yet he goes about to oppose them, and knows not what they are, and so he fights like a blinde man, who knowes not the eternall word with­in, nor the Light, nor the everlasting Gospell which the Saints did, and doth know withi [...].

Pr. He saith, That infants and fools, and such as are borne blinde, were never enlightned with the light of Christ, which he calls the light of nature, &c. See page 85.

Ans. Which is contrary to Johns words, 1 John 9. who came for a witnesse, to bear witnesse of the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, which light is above nature, and contrary to Isaiah, who said, Fools shall not erre in the way. And a blinde man and an infant is inlightned with the light of Christ, for that is the Light in the blinde man that reproves his thoughts and words that be evill; which believing in it, he shall not be condemned, but hath the light of life, and becomes a childe of Light: And in Christ is light, and that is the life of men; and where there is life in an Infant, there is light.

Pr. He calls it a fancy and a pernicious errour to say Christ hath enlightned every man that cometh into the world, &c. see page 88.

Ans. And thus he opposeth Johns doctrine: They be in the pernicious errour that deny that light that lighteth every man, according to Johns doctrine, John 1. who saith, this is the true light that enlightneth every man that cometh into the world, and the Pharisees stum­bled as much at this true light as you do now, though it shined in their, and your dark­nesse, yet your darknesse cannot comprehend it, but it shall be all your condemnation that hate it.

Pr. He saith, The commands of Christ within (Christ and the light) is inconsistent with the Scriptures, &c. see page 89.

Ans. Which is contrary, for the light within owns the Scriptures without: and yet he said it was the gift of God, and the gift of God doth own the Scriptures in their place as they were spoken; and none knows the commands, and Scriptures, but with the light within, and they be in unity, and the light within gives the knowledge of them, 2 Cor. 4.

Pr. He saith, It is a fancy to say the Covenant of God is to all men in the world, and the grace of God hath appeared unto all men, &c. See page 89.

Answ. Contrary to the Apostle, who saith, The grace of God which brings salvation hath appeared unto all men. And contrary to the Prophet, who saith, I will give him for a cove­nant to the Gentiles, a light unto the people, salvation to the ends of the earth, and a new cove­nant to the house of Israel and Judah; And they that do not believe this are condemned.

Pr. He saith, It is most desperate and diabolicall to talke of a sufficient light and grace in all to be saved, &c.

Ans. And yet thou saith in page 73. of thy book, That every man hath so much light that shall leave all men without excuse before the great tribunall of Jesus Christ, and men shall onely be condemned for not doing things which they had power & light to do. And so thou confoun­dest thy selfe, these are thy words: And here thou saith, he hath not light sufficient to save. Thou cal [...]s this a fancy, and prodigious blasphemy, page 92. and no man cometh to salvati­on but who owneth the light, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, Christ Jesus the salvation. No man owneth his own salvation, but who owneth the grace of God that brings salvation to them all if that they will receive it, to teach them to live soberly, righteous, and godly, and deny the contrary: And this grace and light is suffici­ent, for it brings salvation; for that which brings salvation is sufficient, and thou art in the diabolicall doctrine that art out of this, and contrary to what the Apostle saith, and Christ, which enlightens all men, which says, believe in the light and ye shall not abide in darknesse, but have the Light of life, and become children of Light, and so is sufficient; if not, they are condemned by it, and hear his Law.

Pr. He saith, The light of Christ we have made it the corrupt sparke of reason. See page 92.

Ans. But it is he that calleth it the corrupt spark of reason, contrary to John, who saith, It is the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world: And we do not [Page 21] make it the corrupt spark of reason; for there is no corruption in it, but it leads to true reason, and there is no true reason but in it; and thy corrupt spark of reason is out of it, and to be condemned with it.

Pr. He calls it an intoxicated notion and bewitching to say that Christ hath enlightned eve­ry one that cometh into the world immediately, &c. see page 93.

Ans. So he would make the Light which John bore witnesse of (to the chief Priests and Levites) which doth enlighten every man, &c. not immediate, and gives these ill-favoured names to them that do bear their testimony to it: But let him split himselfe against the Rock, and thou art in the intoxicated notions, and in the witchcraft that doth not own the light that enlightneth every man that cometh into the world, and art not a witnesse of Christ, contrary to the Prophets and John, who said, This was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, to which Light the Apostle bore witnesse to Jewes and Gentiles, which thou a reprobate bears witness against.

Pr. And to bring all people to the light wherewith Christ hath enlightned them withall. Such he calls seducing, and sending men to hell, and damnable heresies.

Ans. They bring men to hell, and are the seducers, and in the damnable heresie, and corrupts the reason, that doth not bring men to the light that enlightneth every man that cometh into the world, and so to Christ, but denies it, and such denies life and sal­vation.

Pr. He saith, That none can be saved by following the light of Christ Jesus, which he calls corrupt.

Ans. The light of Christ Jesus is not corrupt, who doth enlighten every man that com­eth into the world; that light which they are enlightned withall doth not corrupt, but lets all men see their corruption, which they are condemned not believing, in which belie­ving in, they are saved; and no man sees salvation, or hath salvation, but with the light which comes from Christ Jesus the salvation: And all that hate the light are corrupt in their Doctrines and Principles, wayes and words, and such be the Antichrists.

Joseph Kellet, John Pomroy, Paul Glisson, Christopher Feak, John Simpson, George Cocken, and Lawrence Wise, Their Principles laid open, in a Book put forth by them, called, A faithfull Dis­covery of a Treacherous designe of Mysticall Antichrist displaying CHRISTS Banners. But yee may owne the sinne of your weaknesse who have publi­shed forth this BOOK.

Pr. YE say, God who commanded light to shine out of darknesse, &c. page 1.

Ans. But ye do not say that the light hath shined in your hearts, to give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. And those were the false Apostles, and D [...]vills ministers and messengers of Satan, transforming himselfe into an Angell of Light, that drew people from the light within, which gave them the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ, from whom it came, which was the work of the true Apostles to bring people to the light within, that shined in their hearts, to give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus; and told them there was the treasure in the earthen vessel. So in the false spirits that are gone out into the world are ye reproved, ye seven Priests.

Pr. Here they call it wine mingled with water, to say the light doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which is Christ, which brings men off of their Teachers, and makes manifest sin. This ye say makes the Scriptures unnecessary.

Answ. Which none knows the necessariness of the Scriptures but with light, nor salvati-vation, nor wine from water.

Pr. And they say, Doth not the light bring men off the glorious mystery of the Scriptures? &c. page 3.

Ans. We say nay, it brings them to it, the mystery Christ Jesus from whom light comes, it brings men off of the heathen to God.

Pr. And they say, that the light doth bring men off of the foundation of the Prophets and A­postles, &c. page 4.

Answ. Which light is Christ, who is the promise to the Gentiles, the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world. And none comes to the foundation, but such as come to the light Christ, that hath enlightned him.

Pr. They say, They be all alienated and enemies unto God until faith, &c. see page 4.

Answ. So they have denyed their Schoolmaster, which is untill faith, which will keep them out of the alienation, which is the Law.

Pr. And ye call the light Christ, who hath enlightned every man that cometh into the world, a natural light, &c. see page 5.

Answ. Contrary to John, who saith, it is Christ by whom all things was made before Naturals was, Sun, Moon, and Stars.

Pr. To hold forth Christ the light, who lighteth every man that cometh into the world, they say is to hinder the Gospel, pervert the faith, and at once destroy all good that ever was done, &c. see page 6.

Ans. That is unlike that it should do so, that Christ the covenant of God, who came to save, which light doth lighten every one that cometh into the world, in which believing are saved, in not believing are damned; and none comes in to God, but who comes to the Light, nor to the Gospel, and all mens works acted without the Light, are to be condemned and destroyed.

Pr. To bring people to the Light, Christ, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, is to bring them from the Mediator, and to draw men from eying his death, resurrection, and intercession, &c. as these men say, see page 7.

Ans. Here they are corrected, for none knows these things but who come to the light Christ, who hath enlightned them; for with the light they see their Mediator, and see his death and resurrection: And they that come not to the light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, may speak of these things, but cannot know them, the witnesse in the conscience shall answer in all men; for the light that shines in the heart gives them the knowledge of them (of the Mediator) death and resurrection of Christ. And they say, not every man in the world is enlightned, and John saith every man is, and so here their spirits are corrected again: And I will give him for a covenant to the Gentiles, and for a new covenant to the house of Israel, and to the house of Judah: And they bring these words, Christ in you the hope of glory, to oppose Johns words.

Pr. You say none comes to God but by Christ, and yet doth not own him that doth enlighten every one that cometh into the world.

Ans. And so are not like ever to come to him, though you may talk of him in words, as the Pharisees and Devils did, as all the apostate Christians doth now, and yet not own his light, with it you are all to be condemned, Ministers of Satan which are out of the light.

Pr. And you say, Far be it from you to say that Christ is equally God, &c. See page 8.

Ans. And the Scriptures saith, He is the everlasting Father, and his name is called the Emanuel, God with us: and his name is called the word, which is God, John 1.

Pr. And ye say, Whereby man sees the God-head of God, but nothing of the mystery of the Fa­ther, and Christ as Mediator. See page 9.

Ans. Can man see the god-head of God, and nothing of the mystery of the Father, and Christ the Mediator? Doth not he that knows the Son know the Father also? And hath not he that hath seen God, seen the Son? Is not the Son in the Father? Here your spirits are corrected: For the light that enlightens every man that comes into the world lets see the one, lets see the other.

Pr. You say, For a man to say the light Christ which doth enlighten every man that comes into [Page 23] the world, is pure, and justifies them that obey it, he justifies that which God condemns, &c. See page 9.

Ans. As you say who are with it condemned; for the light is that which doth con­demn and justifie both, and God doth not condemn it; for it brings into unity with him and peace, and all be condemn'd that be out of it, and none be justified but them that be in it, Christ, that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which is the justifi­cation of life to every one that believeth in it; and every man receiving the light, re­ceives his justification, and hating of it, receives his condemnation to death.

Pr. Again, Ye conclude the light of Christ is not pure before faith. See page 9.

Ans. So have concluded you seven, Joseph Kellet, John Pomroy, Paul Glisson, Christopher Feak, John Simpson, George Cocken, Lawrence Wise, that ye never knew Law nor Gospel, nor Faith from Christ, nor God: For the law is light, saith Solomon, Prov. 6. and that is the Schoolmaster untill faith: And the Law of God is pure, and the Law is just, holy, and good, and perfect; and what is just, holy, and good, is pure. And this ye seven have con­cluded not pure, the light in the conscience before faith; And the Law is the Light and Schoolmaster untill faith: And the Light is given to every man to believe, and while ye have the light believe in it: And so men have this light before they believe in it, and are children: And this ye conclude is not pure, so goes about to take away that men should believe in, they having the Light, and then afterwards to believe in it, and with that they see the Author of their faith, Christ Jesus from whence it comes, and so would destroy the foundation of God, the Prophets and Apostles which standeth sure; and so are yee found in the spirit of errour, and corrected, knowing neither law nor faith.

Pr. Again they say the Light (which is Christ) with which every man is enlightned that cometh into the world withall, they say doth not discover the sinne of unbeliefe. See page 10.

Ans. And did not Christ marvell at their unbelief, and see, and discovered the unbe­lief of the Jewes, of whose Father are ye; And doth not Christ the Light which doth en­lighten every man withal, discover unbelief? And doth not the unbelievers hate the light, and know the light will reprove them which they should believe in, that manifests their sin? and yet you say, doth not discover unbelief, which is their condemnation, not believing in it, because their deeds be evill, hating it.

Pr. And further ye say, That the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world bringeth in a legal righteousnesse, &c.

Ans. Doth not the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, bring in the righteousnesse of God? and is it not the righteousness of God? So it corrects you that be in the legall righteousness, and out of Christ, which enlightneth nevery man that com­eth into the world.

Pr. Again you say, The righteousnesse performed by the grace of Christ, the Gospel, teacheth to deny it. See page 10.

Ans. Now is there any righteousnesse wrought by the grace of Christ, but what is by Christ who is the covenant of grace? and the power of God which is the Gospel, which lighteth every man that comes into the world?

Pr. They call it conscience, or a natural light, &c. page 11.

Answ. Which light was before the word conscience was; or a naturall light, the Sun, Moon, and Stars either; for all things that was made, was made by it. The natural light, or made light, are created lights. He made the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars, they were made: And here is the naturall lights to the natural eye. And the light that every man is enlightned with that cometh into the word, was before these were made, glorified with the Father before the world began, and before the name Conscience was, or things was made, and then they was named, and the light doth exercise the conscience towards God and to­wards man; which light cometh from Christ the Author of faith, which is held in the pure conscience, who before the world began was glorified with the Father.

Pr. Again, the light which cometh from Christ doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which discovers the evill, which will give thee power against it, man walking in it and yet brings to the rest, to the Father, this they call free will, &c. see page 12.

Ans. Which light brings out of the will of man into the will of God, to him that is not born by the will of man from whence it comes, in which light men do his will, and know his doctrine. So here they are corrected again; for the free-will and will-wor­ship, is out of the light which is Christ, which John speaks of: And they that hate the light are out of Christ, and are not made free from the wrath to come; but they that be in the light are made free from the wrath to come, in covenant with God. So you that would set up another light then Christ, are Antichrist, in your own wils; for all wil-worship, and fained humility is out of the light in the transgression.

Pr. Here they say, that God made a difference where there was none, see page 13.

Ans. And the Apostle said, they were all gone astray. And God puts a difference be­tween the precious and the vile, judgeth righteously, and respects no mans person, and makes a difference in judgement. And they say, God checks and chides the wanderings of his people; and yet they say, God makes a difference where there is none, and you are to be checked and chidden.

Pr. Again they say, The children of God are all their life-time found groaning under sin, &c. page 14.

Ans. The Apostle tells you plainly, He that is borne of God doth not commit sin, nei­ther can he, because the seed of God remains in him: and he keepeth himselfe, that the wicked one toucheth him not; and they are made free from sin: And here the Apostle corrects ye again; for those are not groaning under, when the wicked one toucheth them not, but these reigneth over it.

Pr. Here they say, Who puts men to the light of the eternall word with which they are en­lightned withall, puts men besides the way of life, and puts men besides the way of salvation. See page 16.

Ans. None knows salvation but by the light which comes from the eternall Word, nor the way of life, which is Christ, which every man that cometh into the world is enlightned withall, and so the salvation to the ends of the earth.

Pr. Here again they say, That the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world shuts up the Kingdome of heaven against men, and takes away the ministration of the Gospel, and d [...]stroys the ministries of man, &c. See page 17.

Ans. None comes into the Kingdom of heaven, but who comes into the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; It opens the Kingdom of heaven, but it destroys mans ministration, and brings in the ministration of God and the Gospell: And this light ye call law, or works, that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which he that believeth in it hath ceased from his owne works, as God did from his, and comes to the end of the Law.

Pr. Again they say, the Scriptures are the means of faith.

Answ. And so have thrown out Christ the author of it, and God the giver; and the Scripture is but the declaration of the Saints faith, and it saith men had faith before Scri­pture was, as instance Abraham and Enoch.

Pr. Again they say, As for the expected dictating the Scriptures by the spirit to us as to the writers thereof, it is groundlesse, &c. see page 18.

Answ. So shewing of what spirit you are, who with the true spirit are corrected, that have the Scriptures dictated to you, but not by the same spirit as the Prophets and Apo­stles had.

Pr. They say, Instruction in the Scriptures is the way of sowing the seed in Chil­dren, &c.

Ans. And the Scripture saith, the seed is the Word, and Christ is the seeds-man, which was before Scripture was; and yet it doth no good except they eat the book, and so con­fute themselves. And many had the Scriptures, which stood against the seeds-man as you do now, and the Devill out of the truth makes a cloak of those things, who will not feed upon the Word.

Pr. So the light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, which we say is the Covenant of God, they say that is to break down the inclosed Garden. see page 20.

Ans. This is that which confounds Babylon the great, and brings it into remembrance [Page 25] with God, and brings the great Whore into judgement. The Light which is the way into the garden of God, breaks down their inclosed garden, that from the Apostles have apo­statized.

Pr. They say, that the power to justle out the forme is an errour, &c. see page 24.

Answ. Which was the Apostles work to bring off the form into the power, the sub­stance Christ, which was not an errour. But you being in the errour, keep people into forms out of the power, and so not in the Apostles work.

Pr. Again they here say, It is blasphemy to say God is in all, &c. See page 30.

Ans. And the Apostle saith, God over all, and in you all, blessed for ever, and through all, Ephes. 4.

Pr. They say, It is not a transgression though men pray not, nor preach not for many dayes, weeks, and moneths together, though necessity is laid upon them, &c. page 32.

Answ. Contrary to Christs command, who bid them watch and pray; And contrary to the Apostles doctrine, who said, woe be unto him if he did not preach the Gospel. So where there comes a woe there is a transgression: so likewise where Christs doctrine is denyed, and the Apostle, which said, pray alwayes, but without wrath and doubtings; and lifting up holy hands, and pray for enemies. But you pray in the wrath, and hands full of blood, and persecute friends, as your Gaols may witnesse; so as Pastor Eaton saith, you never heard the voyce of God: And Micah said, Night is upon Priest and Prophets, that di­vine for money, and preach peace to the people, if they put into their mouths, if not, they pre­pare war against them. Such have no answer from God.

Pr. They say, That apparell is for distinction of qualities of persons, &c. See page 36.

Ans. That is but in the world; for that which distinguisheth persons is the Word, the person of Christ from the persons of Adam in the fall, and who be in the transgression, and who be out of it; and who be vessels of honour and dishonour; and your wearing of gold and costly apparell, it distinguisheth you from the Apostles doctrine. And the holy women of old which was honourable, it was not the apparell that made them so to be, but the hidden man of the heart which was of great price to the Lord, which were brought to do the command of God: That honour which is in the world for cloaths and respect, God will stain, which stands in the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, and the lust of the flesh, and there stands the worlds honour in transgression.

Pr. They say, It is most true, the Jew inward desires not the praise of men, &c. see page 38.

Ans. Then all that desires the praise of men, and respect to persons, are not the Jewes inward by their own conclusion, but the Jew outward; And so Priest judge your work and fruit, how many Jews outwardly you have begotten; for that which begets the Jew outward, which hath the praise of men, and respecting of persons is the outward Jew, and that which begets the inward Iew, is the Iew within who hath his praise of God, and Christ who was the King of the Jews, was not the respecter of persons.

Pr. Again they say, It was not Christs command to give your Coats to the next beggar that asketh them. See page 42.

Ans. Which the Scriptures say, he that hath two coats let him give to him that hath none; and the rich will give to the rich, and thus they affront the Scriptures: And God doth give wisdome how to distribute, and to whom to distribute, and how to honour the Lord with the substance; and so shews your selves ignorant of Christs doctrine, in letting so many poor begge at your doors and in the streets, and yet you will have boot-hose-tops, and double cuffs, and ribbons about you, who are more like Stage-players then Ministers, that are not like to give your Coat to the next begger; which double cuffs and boot-hose-tops and ribbons you have got for tythes of poor people that have hardly a coat to put on; but they that obey Christs command, that have two coats gives to him that hath none:

Pr. Again they sa [...], The Son of man is not come; and these are false Prophets and false Christs who say he is co [...] at page 43.

Ans. And so they [...]ll John a false Prophet, who tels that the Son of God was come, 1 John 5. For we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding: And you are the false Prophets and Antichrists in the world that deny Christ come in the flesh.

Again we say, you are them that come not in by the door, and draw people from the teachings of God, who draw people from the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world.

Pr. And you tell them it is naturall. See page 43.

Ans. The light is the door which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, but ye blinde Sodomites are groping for the door, but cannot finde it, raging without, and would kill the just; but these keeps you that be in the Light, which is the door, and all be blinde; and they be made blind though they say they see that doth not see the light which lightneth every man that cometh into the world, by whom the world was made.

Pr. Ye say, The Apostles went out of their own Nation without money or two coats without a bag either, &c. see Page 44.

Ans. Which of all you in your own Nation goes without your Stipends, or Augmen­tations, Tythes, or Gleab-lands? which of all you will go into your own Nation with­out this? So not going, have ye not all judged your selves by the Apostles practice which ye speak of? and with your own words?

Pr. And ye say, that the greatest part of the persecution in the Nation is ceased, &c.

Ans. Ye say so, that to persecution are turned, whose fruits and persecution hath more been seen within these late years, then it hath been for severall scores, nay this hun­dred years past; and you are turned the persecutors of them that will not put into your mouths that you do no work for, and for speaking to you, as your Gaols bears wit­nesse.

Pr. Again they say, To be called of men Master, and so to transgresse Christs command, is but a civill respect to their publique employment.

Ans. Pharisee-like hath he shewed that he condemns Christs commands, and unlike Ministers of him, but Antichrists, that condemns Christs command, and calls it a civill respect in their employments. For you do not read of Mr. Paul, and Mr. Peter, &c.

Pr. Again they say, That is it which makes many eares to tingle, and is a desolation to say God is coming to teach his people himselfe, and to redeem them from all their Teachers, &c. see page 47.

Ans. Now is the Prophets fulfilling, They shall not need every man to teach his neighbour or his brother. Now is people coming to hear the Son, who is the salvation to the ends of the earth, Gods covenant. Now is that coming which shall make your ears tingle; and now is people come to the anoynting, that they need not any man to teach them: Now is people ceasing from men whose breath is in their nostrils, and looking to Christ and the Lord, the salvation to the ends of the earth.

Pr. Again they say, That Satan transformed into an Angell of light, is helping on good mo­tions and fair complyances with rules of right, to an ill end. See p. 49.

Ans. That is like your doctrine, that Satan should make use of good motions, and fair complyances, with rules of right: Now the rule of right and the good is out of his power.

Prin. Again they say, Why may not Satan helpe on Mortification, &c. See page 53.

Ans. Nay, that which mortifies is out of the power of Satan; that goes against his power, and that brings down the death of Christ and his resurrection, which they that be out of mortification knows not.

Pr. And the persecutors when they have persecuted the children of Light, which light doth enlighten every man that comes into the world, they say, they expose themselves to suffering.

Ans. And this light is it which torments them: So striking at the Light, they strike at the foundation, which we finde these seven mens work is to strike at the Light, the foun­dation, Christ Jesus, so Sathans Ministers. And abundance of lyes is their Book stuft with, which is not worth mentioning, which will turn upon thems [...]lves, in the day of fire and judgements they shall feel their works: In their conscience th [...] witnesse shall answer, and they that prison the just in their own particular, turns against them that be in the covenant of Light, where the Prisoner shews himselfe forth; for there is no persecution in [Page 27] the generall: but first men have stopped their eares against that of God within them, and gone from the Truth in their own particulars, then they turn against them that be in the generall, and such were alwayes called to be of the Devil, doing his work out of the Truth.

Richard Baxters Booke, called, The Quakers Catechisme. His PRINCIPLES followes. And his Works which are to the Fire to be condemned: And as for his Lies, and Railings, and Brawlings, and Revilings, we turn them back to himselfe; which for them, the greatest will be his owne sorrow.

Pr. HE saith in a Letter (at the beginning of his Book) to a friend, &c. To say that any is perfect, and without sinne, is the Devill speaking in man, &c.

Ans. Contrary to the language of the Apostle and Christ, who bid them be perfect, and the Apostle spoke wisdome among them that are perfect, and said, they were made free from sin. And it is the Devill speaking in man that speaks for sin, while men are upon earth, and speaks; for the Devill holds up him who makes men not perfect, which Truth makes men free again from the Devil, and speaks in man, and says, be perfect.

Pr. He saith, Christ doth not condemn men for being called of men Master, and it is not the title, but, &c.

Ans. Contrary to Christs words, who saith, be ye not of men called Master, for ye have a Master in heaven even Christ, and ye are all brethren. And thus he tramples upon the com­mands, and makes the commands of Christ of none effect, which is one of the marks that Christ gives to the multitudes to know the hypocrites by; and so doth not onely deny Christs commands, but teacheth men to break them: so crucifies Christ, and sayes they are his Ministers, but that's the Antichrist that abides not in his doctrine, as in 2 John.

Pr. And he saith, people are tossed up and downe like a bundle of feathers, and Novices, &c.

Answ. How should they be otherwise but be tossed up and down by you, when ye deny perfection, of being perfect, and calls it the voyce of the Devil speaking, that speaks of perfection, and overcoming sin? How should you but be the men that tosseth people up and down with every slight, and blown up and down with your windy doctrine that is not perfect, and so bring the Nations and people like unto waters? For all the unperfection is out of Christ in the first Adam in sin and transgression, and the Devill which is out of the truth; and all the perfection is in Christ the second Adam, the covenant of God, out of sin and transgression, and so who are in Christ are new creatures; and old things passeth a­way, and all things become new. So in the second Adam, in the Lord from heaven, above the earthly the first man, in the perfection out of the tossing; that's your imitated Church got up since the dayes of the Apostles, not the true Church:

Pr. He saith, a true Church is guilty of injury, &c. See page 4.

Ans. Contrary to the Scriptures, where the Apostle saith, the Church is the pillar and ground of truth, without spot or wrinkle, or blemish, or any such thing.

Pr. He saith, God hath commanded a sufficient maintenance in generall for Ministers, and left it to humane prudence to judge what is sufficient, &c. see page 7.

Ans. By this he hath left the spirit to judge, and the wisdome of God which acts by his commands, and so runs into earthly humane prudence. Therefore is there so much oppression for Tythe [...] and maintenance for Ministers, and so much making havock, and prisoning and persecuting for the same: And the power denied which the Apostles had to [Page 28] eate and to drinke, which Christ gave them; and so you run into the lust for the money of whom you do no work for, and the earth; and whilst they coveted after that, they lost the faith; and that is the cause that people have lost the unity, and run all upon heaps. Their Teachers have lost the faith (through coveting and love of money) in which they should have had unity with God, and one with another, and have pleased him, and had accesse to him, and have given them victory over the world, the Devill, enmity, and corruption.

Pr. He saith, all that come into the world are lighted with the light of nature. See page 7.

Ans. For so he calls the light, which John calls the true light (which is Christ) that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, so is ignorant of Johns doctrine, and the Scriptures; a man not fit to teach, but is gotten up by an usurped authority, and is not able to divide the word aright, but with the Scriptures thou art corrected, and the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world; the naturall lights were made by it, the Sun and Moon, and so forth: And men that are born blinde, are enlightned with that Light which was before the Sun was, before all things was made, which came a light into the world to enlighten every man, that all men through it might believe. Now all men may see how all men are mad against John, Christ, and the Apostles doctrine, that bore witnesse to the true light, and Christ bid believe in it.

Pr. He talks of, and preacheth up an externall word. See page 8.

Answ. Which the Scripture speaks not [...]ing of, nor the Prophets, nor Chrrst, but saith, the word that lives, abides, and endures for ever: and of the Scriptures of truth that cannot be broken. And of Gods words, and Christs words, and that is not external, this is not agreeable to sound words that cannot be condemned, but that is like his doctrine that knows not the eternal; but the Ministers of Christ did not tell people of an externall word, but an eternall word; but you being made by the will of man, speak to the people of an externall.

Pr. He saith, He hath not seen God in glory, nor any man, &c. See page 9.

Ans. We do believe thee and the Priests have not seen him: but the Saints saw him, and Job saw him, and Isaiah saw him the Lord of hosts, and Steven saw him, and Abra­ham saw his glory, and the Apostle saw him, and beheld his glory, the glory of God. And you are as the Pharisees that stand against Christ, that enlightneth every man that cometh into the world, that Christ said never saw the shape of God.

Pr. He saith, The word infallible, is the pillar of the Popish Kingdome, and the master-point of new Religion, &c. see page 9.

Ans. Now thou that calls infallibility a Popish point, a new Religion: Thy Religion thou hast manifested, and thy points that are not infallible; contrary to the Apostle who had many infallible proofs of the spirit of Jesus Christ, & they who have not are none of his; and who have the spirit of Christ, have that which is infallible, and lets them see infal­lible proofs, as thou mayst read in Scripture. And who have the spirit of God, have that which is infallible: And the Religion which is out of the fallibility, and out of the spirit of God is vain, and there is thine, and the Popes, as your fruits have declared, got up since the dayes of the Apostles in the apostacy fallible, but that which is in the spirit of God is infallible.

Pr. And thou saith, Thou hast no such revelation as the Apostles had as thou knowest of, and the Apostles were brought to speak infallibly to the Church by an infallible spirit, and thou nor the Pope hath no such infallibility as the Apostles had, &c. see page 10.

Answ. We do believe you, for you are the false spirit, you and the Pope that went forth from the Apostles into the world, that Christ said should come, that inwardly rave­ned from the spirit, and went forth from the Apostles, and onely have had the sheeps cloathing, and so are the spirits which the Apostles bids the Saints try (which went forth into the world) that had the true spirit, the record, the spirit of God; and they that have found the record, the spirit of God tries all your spirits, and findes you fallible, ravened from the spirit of God inwardly, onely having the sheeps cloathing that hath covered the wolfe in you all, the devourer. And so we do believe neither yo [...] [...]or the Pope hath the [Page 29] infallible spirit, being the false spirits that went forth into the world, and led the world after you. That Nations are come to be like waters, so are you broken all into heaps, and sects, and wants the infallible spirit in which you should have unity: And so hath not the Son of God revealed among you who have not revelation as the Apostles had, which we witnesse, who are come to that the Apostles were in, and so the Son of God reigns.

Pr. He saith, The holy Scriptures are the temporall word, &c. see page 11.

Answ. Now see if this be not an undervaluing the Scriptures of truth, and the words of God and Christ, and the Prophets and Apostles, which cannot be broken, he calls it a Temporall word, which the Scripture teacheth no such doctrine, but thy lying spirit.

Pr. He saith, The Gospell or Word is the externall light flowing out unto us from the Son, &c. See page 12.

Ans. Contrary to the Scripture, which saith, the Gospell is the power of God unto salva­tion to every one that believes, so not temporall, not a temporal light. And the light which cometh from the Son of God, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, that shines in peoples hearts, that gives the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus is not temporall, thou that saith so art in the delusion.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures are able to make men wise unto salvation without any more ad­ditions, and there is no more to be expected, &c. see page 12.

Answ. Contrary to the Scripture it selfe, and the Apostles doctrine, who saith, through faith they are able to make wise unto salvation. So there is an addition which the Apostles adds, and all the Saints and true believers, which is the faith which thou art reprobated from, and so no Minister of Christ, in the un-victory, so in the worlds lusts.

Pr. He saith, The soule of man is a spirituall substance, &c. And Magnus Byne saith, the soule is not infinite in it selfe, but it is a creature: And Richard Baxter saith, it is a spirtuall substance. &c. See page 13.

Answ. Now consider what a condition these called Ministers are in: They say, that which is a spirituall substance, is not infinite in it self, but a creature; that which came out from the Creator, and is in the hand of the Creator, which brings it up, and to the Creator again, that is infinite it selfe; which the hand goes against him that does evill, in which hand the soule is, which is immortall and infinite; which hand is infinite, which brings it up to God is infinite.

Pr. He saith, Do not they blasphemously make Christ an Idoll, that call our Temples, Idols Temples, &c? See page 15.

Ans. Christs body was and is the Temple of God, who ended all outward Tem­ples made with hands, and so that is no Idoll, but others are Idols, held up by you and the Pope, Jewes and Gentiles, that prison the seed of God in your selves. And Stephen was stoned to death for denying the Temple, and for witnessing the substance: so have you almost stoned many to death for denying your Idols Temples.

Pr. He calls that most ignorant and sottish dealing to own Christs commands that bids be not called of men Master, &c. page 18.

Answ. And thus he shews his ignorance and sottishnesse, and doth not read Mr. Paul, Mr. Peter, and they transgresse the doctrine of Christ; and he hath not the spirit of Christ, but is gone out into the world, where all the false spirits are opposing Christs commands, and the Spirits commands, and so no Minister of Christ.

Pr. He saith, All the Ministers since the dayes of the Apostles was to be ordained and called, which the Apostles were not, &c. See page 21.

Answ. Doth not the Apostle speak of them that usurped the authority? Yes, we say that all of you and the Pope since the dayes of the Apostles are called by men, and made by men, who are the false spirit that went forth into the world, that ravened from the true, so have not heard the voyce of God at any time: So he hath not sent you, but you have usurped the authority being made by man: And as no prophecy of Scripture came by the will of man, therefore all as do get the Scripture in their own wills out of the holy Ghost, are made by man, such are out of unity with God, with Scriptures, with one another, [Page 30] and all upon heaps about words, and such men make and sets up.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures is Gods law, and a sufficient rule for doctrine and worship it selfe, &c. See page 22.

Ans. Now many may have the Scriptures; and if they have not the spirit that gave them forth, they do not worship God in the spirit; And they that have the Scriptures, and do not do the will of Christ, they know not his Doctrine: And the Law is light.

Pr. He saith, But I must tell you, that our Bells are not carnall, if they were, they would scarce sound so well, or last so long, &c. See page 23.

Ans. If they be not carnal, then they are spiritual, and in that all the world will judge thee, that they are things seen, and so they are temporall and carnall; and what is tem­poral is not eternal, nor spirit. The Apostle speaks of carnall weapons, 2 Cor. 10.4. and carnall ordinances, Heb. 9.10.

And whereas thou speaks of baptizing your Bells, &c? Have not many Bells in England been baptized? And was not the Pope the first Autho [...] of it? And we do say that they are carnal and not spiritual, let them sound never so well, and last never so long, though in many Towns you have made them to tune Psalms; yet we cannot say that these are spiri­tuall that can tune Psalms, neither dare we, but do judge them that do say they are so. For the Scripture calls those Ordinances, which were Ordinances of God once, worldly and carnal, and the Sanctuary is called a worldly S [...]nctuary when the substance was come: And so we see, and say all your sorts of Bells, though they may be tunes of Psalms, yet they are carnall, and not spirituall, that is our conclusion; though indeed poor people being ignorant, may well, when such as thou saith they are not carnall, when they be, yet they stir up the fl shly nature in people.

Pr. He saith, To say a man is freed from the body of sin while on earth, is part of the Papists dung which they have taught you to feed upon, &c. page 24.

Ans. Contrary to the Scriptures and the Apostles words, who saith, they were made free from sin, which was before you or the Papists was. And contrary to John, who bids them try the spirits (who saith, the false spirits gone out into the world which are you and the Papists) he saith, he that is borne of God doth not commit sin, neither can he, because the seed of God remaineth in him, 1 John. And you are in the P [...]pists dung spoken of, who pleads for sin; and thou art contrary to the Apostles and Christ, who preached perfection and freedom from sin.

Pr. Again he saith, Christs Kingdome is an Hospital, and hath no subjects in it but diseased ones, &c. see page 24.

Ans. We read of no such thing in Scripture, that Christs Kingdome is an Hospitall, and his subjects are diseased ones. But they that follow the Lamb, in their mouth is no guile, nor spot, nor fault before the Throne of God, and are the elect which God layes no sin too; and they are the faithfull, and called, and chosen that overcome the world, and his king­dome stands in power, and in righteousnesse, and joy in the holy Ghost, and is not an Hospitall, nor his subjects diseased ones, for he heals them, and converts them, and wash­eth them, and therefore thou art a Lyar, and a man that doth not divide the word aright. The diseased, or such as come unto Christ to be healed, them who comes to him he heales them of what infirmity soever it be, and cures them and cloaths them in the right minde. Therefore thou art co [...]rected, and worthy of correction, and all the diseased ones are in your Kingdom, physicians of no value.

Pr. What can keep the soule from the enjoyment of God but sin, &c. See page 25.

Answ. It is the unbelief in Christ the Light, and the offering, and in his blood that keeps from the enjoyment of God, who is the way to God, which the Light lets see that.

The Author of the Book called, The Quaking Mountebanke, &c. His PRINCIPLES followeth. His words are seen in the Light, and are condemned for the Fire: The day is coming that thou (whosoever thou art) wilt suffer, and the witnesse in thy Conscience shall answer.

Pr. HE saith, the Quakers are no Conjurers, and yet he calls them Mountebanks, in his Libell called The Quaking Mountebank, &c. see page 5.

Answ. They have discovered his works and fruits, and the Fire is over his head, and proves that he hath the Language of a Mountebank, by his revilings and raylings, which among sober people is not worth mentioning. And the Quakers mountain is the house of the Lord, established upon the top of all the mountains in the earth: And their Rock is Christ, which will split all Mountebanks that make war against him in pieces: And now it is seen what is risen against the Lamb and the Saints; and the mouths of the false Pro­phets are opened, and the Inhabitans of the Earth are drunk, and the Beast doth make War against the Lamb and the Saints, but the Lamb and the Saints shall have the victory. And Quakers are not Mountebanks, but the Lords children.

Pr. And this Mountebank calls the Quakers beasts, that have the spirit of God in them feel­ing it, &c. See page 7.

Ans. So that it hath discovered his spirit whether he is gone; and his words shall be his burthen, and the Lord will finde him out, though he have not put forth his name: And those that know the minde of Christ, such he calls Beasts that do know the mind of Christ, and so hath discovered himself that he knows it not; but the Saints knows the minde of Christ, and spirit of Christ, and are the sons and daughters of God.

Pr. Here he maketh the Steeple-house the Arke, and calls it the house of God, &c. See page 9.

Ans. A place which Papists set up for Masse; so he shews his ignorance and prophane­nesse against the Saints whose bodies are the Temples of God.

Pr. And the Mountebank saith, that the Quakers are not a kin to the Aegyptians, but yet he saith, they love darkness rather then light, &c. page 12.

Answ. And thus his spirit is rebuked, and they that be in Aegypt love not the Light.

Pr. Again he saith, That Learning is the prime ornament of the soule. See page 13.

Ans. And so hath thrown away the power, and Christ the Bishop of the soule, who is its ornament, in which it hath its joy; and men with their Learning prison the soule which is immortal.

Pr. And he saith, The Quakers are no Pharisees, &c. see page 16.

Ans. And the Priests of Newcastle calls them Pharisees. Here is Gog and Magog in bat­tell together against the Lamb, and the royall seed called Quakers: Witnesse that which cannot be shaken, and the royall seed is a-top of their head.

Pr. He saith, The Quakers scorn to creep into houses, &c. See page 19.

Ans. Which doth not agree with the rest of his company, who say they do creep into houses. The Quakers are in the power of God, and in the authority of the Lamb, above all houses, and into houses creep not, but are upon the Throne: but you that be in the form that deny the power, creeps into houses.

Ellis Bradshaw's Book called, The Quakers Whitest Devill. His PRINCIPLES as followeth. And hath unvailed himselfe in what spirit he is, and how he hath gone from the Prophets, and Christ, and the Apostles, fighting against the Rock. But the stone is fallen upon his head, which will grind him to powder, whose words shall be his burthen.

Pr. HEre he saith, We do utterly deny all their ways and doctrines who exclude all teach­ings of men. See page 5.

Ans. Contrary to the Prophets, who bid people to cease from men whose breath was in their nostrils, therefore there is a teaching beyond it: And who comes to that, shall come to hear the Son: And the Apostles went to bring people off, to the end of the Prophets, and off of the Priests, and off the ordinances which the Prophets had established in their place, and the Lord is come to teach his people himselfe, where they need not say, know the Lord in the new covenant.

Pr. He saith, The Quakers spirit doth teach them to honour no man, &c. see page 6.

Ans. That is a lye, for it teacheth them to have all men in esteem, and to honour all men in the Lord: Yet they are convinced by the Law to be transgressors, if they respect mens persons; and they are not to hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with respect of persons as you do.

And whereas thou saith, The spirit of God doth not teach to judge before the time, &c. See page 6. And others say, the Saints shall not judge while they be upon the earth.

Answ. But the spirit did teach the Apostle to judge, and his time was come: And he tels some, that they were of old ordained for condemnation, and their damnation slumbred not, and they went on to eternall judgement, and it is high time not to judge.

Pr. And this he calls a mistake, to deny all those that say they have faith in Christ, and yet their righteousnesse is not perfect, as the righteousnesse of Christ is perfect.

Ans. Who hath faith in Christ is in the perfect Righteousnesse, and so you are in the mistake that have a faith and a righteousnesse that is not perfect; for righteousnesse and faith which is the gift of God is perfect.

Pr. For to say, that he that saith he hath hope in himselfe, and yet is not purified even as he is pure, is the hope of the hypocrite, &c. This he calls a mistake, see page 8.

Answ. And here he is corrected, and his spirit is corrected, being in the world, for the hope purifies as God is pure, but the hope of the hypocrite doth not.

Pr. He calls it a subtill delusion that owns not the Law without in Tables and Books to try the spirits within, &c. See page 8.

Ans. And the spirit of Christ within is the end of the Tables, Law, and Works, and Books: Therefore in this is discovered his own White Devill, and corrected by the spirit as he speaks of; and the Law is now in the heart, the new Covenant is witnessed and the Pharisees had the Law in Tables, as thou hast Scriptures, and stood against the life, and in the sub [...]le delusion as thou doth, who brings the external to try the eternal, which it is the eternal that tryeth the external, as Christ did the Pharisees, who told them when they wronged it; And so are you the wrongers of it, who hath not the eternall to try withall, so as the Devill who is fallen out of the power: And it was the eternal that led forth the Saints to speak forth Scripture, and with that they are tryed and seen w [...]o wrongs them, and wrest them to their own destruction; and Peter was one of those tryers who was in the Spirit of God, and could not read letters; and the Pharisees they had the letter with­out the life, and could not try.

Francis Blake's Booke called, Choice Collections of Scriptures against the practice of the QUAKERS, &c. His Principles follow.

Pr. HE saith, Repent and become sinners, because the Quakers say, they are made free from sin by Christ, see page 6.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostles Doctrine, who said, repent, and forsake sin, that they might receive the remission of sins, &c. And contrary to the Apostles doctrine to Simon Magus.

Pr. Francis Blake hath printed a Letter, which shews, that those that are in scorne cal­led Quakers ownes the blood of Christ. And John Bunyan saith, they deny it.

Ans. And thus they are in confusion; but the blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God we own, but their Lies we disown, and we witnesse the repentance which cannot be repented of; but we say to you, Repent and turn from your sins: And they that bid peo­ple repent and become sinners, are Satans messengers.

Luke Fawnes, Samuel Gellibrand, Joshua Kirton, John Rothwel, Thomas Underhil, and Nathaniel Webbs, in a Book called, The Second BEACON Fired. Sent to the Protector. Their thirst is after blood and persecution; over all such spirits we see, there is that in them shall Answer it.

Pr. THey say, The Quakers Principles are Blasphemous, Paganish, Antichristian, Anti-scripturall.

Ans. Because we hold out the foundation of God, Christ Jesus, who doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world.

Pr. He calls this loathsome, poysonous, and blasphemous errour, &c. See page 3.

Answ. You are poysoning the people, and are of the Whores stock, who would have blood to drink, which drunk of the blood of the Prophets and Martyrs, and Saints, and so lies provoking the zeale of the Magistrate against them, as the Pharisees and Priests did in ages past; but that was the blinde zeale that persecuted in all Ages, and they are Anti-scripturall, Antichristian, and Anti-ministeriall that deny the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, which is the end and substance of the Scriptures; and who is in that, owns the Scriptures, and is not against them, and are the true Ma­nisters and Christians; and so you are the Pagans and Heathens that deny the light that all men are enlightned withall.

Pr. They say that the Quakers are in an errour, to say, that none are the Ministers of God, and called of him, who are sent forth by the authority of man, &c. page 7.

Answ. So shews their ignorance of the Apostles doctrine and words; Not of man nor by man he saith he had received it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ, and so you that are made by men deny this.

Pr. They say, That is another errour of the Quakers, that say, he who is not infallible in his judgement, when he gives counsell and advice, is no Minister of Christ. See page 7.

Answ. Now he that is not infallible in his counsell, and judgement, and advice, is not he in errour? And are not the Ministers of Christ the Ministers of the spirit? And is not that out of the errour which is infallible in counsell and judgement? And are they Ministers of Christ that are fallable? and is not the power, the Gospel infallible? [Page 34] You may well creep and go to the Magistrates for help, who denies infallibility, and so naturall men knows not the things of God with the earthly spirit of the world. I say that is infallible which must order all the Creation to the glory of God, by which they were made and created.

Pr. You say again, You are laying and spreading their errours and blasphemies before the Magistrates, that they may stop their mouths. See page 9.

Ans. Now you shew that you have not the spirit of Stephen, nor the Apostles (whom their enemies could not resist) but the spirit of them that was against Stephen, &c. per­swading the Magistrate, and so your weapons ye shew are carnall, not the mighty weapons to pluck down the strong hold, and spiritual wickednesses, which weapons are spirituall. Ye are fain to fly to the mountains to cover you, to hide you from the presence of the Lamb which is now risen: And where did ever the Apostles go to the Magistrates for help, and complain against Errors and Blasphemy; and such as did so, judged Truth to be blasphemy, running to the Magistrates as you do now, who are apostatized from the Apostles; but many of the Magistrates are come to see you, and will not be your pack-horses nor Executioners any longer. And your whole intent is to brand the light of Christ Jesus, with the same expressions of Errour and Blasphemy, as the Jewes did in Ages past, who are begging to the Magistrates with Petitions, provoking, stirring up the blinde zeale where it is, against Christ, where he is in his Saints, such as keepeth his Testimony, whose thirst is after blood and persecution, who would stop the Presse that Truth should not be published to the Nation: Shew­ing yee have not the spirit that is able to gain-say, nor able to contradict the spirit that is in the Quakers. Therefore do you beg with your Petitions and feigned humili­ty, for the powers of the Earth them to stop: But where the spirit of wisdome, and of God, and of a sound minde is ruling, the intents of your minds are seen, such as was then in all ages that brought upon heaps, and stirred up tumults, and made Insurrecti­ons among people, and casting mists before Magistrates eyes, whereby they might be blinded, and turned against the just: For which cause brought Gods judgements upon such as you, and Magistrates both, and rebuked KINGS for his Anointeds sake.

John Toldervyes Booke called, The Foot out of the Snare. His Principles: And these whose names were subscribed to the Book, viz. Thomas Brooks, Thomas Jacomb, George Cockayn, William Adderley, John Goodwin, John Tombes, William Jenkins, and Matthew Poole, Priests.

WHom the Priests, and his intent is to father the work of the imagination that was in John Toldervy, upon the spirit of the living God, and of Christ that is in the Quakers. But all their work and imaginations is with the Light, and the spirit of Truth judged, and him, and his Priests, and all them their feet fast in the snare. And all that is in this Book which is contrary to the truth, and the Scriptures is judg­ed; but all that is truth is owned: And here is some of their Principles as followeth. John Toldervy, and the rest in the Book entitled, The foot out of the snare, he and they would lay all his actions upon the Light, but they split themselves against the Rock, and he himselfe hath split himselfe upon the Rock, which made him recant again, and deny all his foolish actions, and so these great high Priests come off with shame.

Pr. He saith, the declaring against all sin is nothing of the mystery of the Gospell of Christ. See page 3.

Ans. Ignorant are you; for that which makes manifest sin, is the light of the glori­ous Gospel of Christ the mystery, all his will-worships, and his will-actings, his [Page 35] self-righteousnesse, and obediences, and motions, and fancies which he followed, the Priests would lay it upon the Covenant in the heart, and Christ within, and doth not clear the Covenant and Christ within from all those actions which was destructive to the creature; which Christ the Covenant preserves, and the creation, and brings the creature into the liberty of the sons of God; and here your madnesse and blindnesse appears without distinction.

Pr. He saith, Not to call any one Master, nor to pull off the hat to any one, not to you any one, but to use the word thee & thou to a single person, not to use any Complements or greet­ings to any, not to bow to any man, to honour the Creature, not drinking to any: and to pull off the points and ribbons from his knees, band-strings and hat-hand, and buttons that was un­necessary on his Coat, and other things, and burned divers books, &c. And call this that put off all these things which were unnecessary, they calls it seduced perswasions, &c. See page 15.

Ans. Now all these that have born record with thee, under the life are ye come, and judged, which abides and remains, and for ever with it judged: For to instance, as for not calling men Master, that is the command of Christ. As for the not fashioning your selves according to the world in your former lusts of ignorance, that is the com­mand of the Apostle: And as for the forsaking of gorgeous apparell, naughtiness, and superfluity; they are corrected by the Scriptures, and judged by the spirit: And as for drinking to one another, and tempting one another with Beer, and bowing the Hat, and respecting and honouring the Creature, which is earthly Adams ho­nour in the Fall, which Christ receiveth it not, the second Adam. And as for respect­ing of persons, they that do so commit sin, and are convinced of the Law as transgressors. And now see where thou wast, and all the Priests in your seduced perswasions, and judgeth good of evill, and evill good: And thou and the Priests may see that all this that which thou did from thy own perswasions, is thy own will: But that which led thee from sin, and from the world, to righteousnesse, was owned, that shall be recor­ded for ever against thee and all the Priests, and stand a witnesse against you, though now thou art in the flower of thy age. And it will be hard for thee John, & the Priests, to get in that which ye have spread abroad; and the weight and the feeling the bur­then of all thy words, and your words ye are not yet come to feel: But when the fire and the heat enters into your flesh, that ye are scorched with the vehement heat, then remember every word that ye have given forth, comes pat upon you a burthen: From a lover of your soules, and a cherisher of truth.

And John and the Priests, all the Actions which was done in thy will, and set forth in the same to the view of the world by the Priest which abused the power, and that which was of God rising in thee to the sight of the world, crucifying afresh the Son of God, and so puts him to open shame: Thou wilt suffer, and the Priests, and that which was done in thy presumption which abused the power of the Lord God, that was never accepted of the Lord God, nor never owned by the men of God. But there is a thousand I do believe in the Nation that can see, and do see what thou and the Priests have recorded to the world, and are able to judge when the power moved thee, and when there was imaginations; and see that the Priests took thy part, and are one with that nature in thee which betrayed the just, even Judas like, and mind and take notice those that Judas betrayed Christ to, as thou betrayed the just too. See what friends they were to Judas? and what friends they will be to thee after that Judas has done, and after that thou hast done? now come to the just principle in thee. John, thy flight was in the winter.

And as for the word Thee and Thou spoken to a particular, shews they have forgotten the Latine books, that which they call their Learning; for is it righteous to call one many, or many one? That is a sound speech which cannot be condem­ned.

And all people upon the earth that have run out in their imaginations, whereby truth comes to be hurt; if they have done it willingly, the greater shall be their pu­nishment, they shall be whipt however. But all you that have bent your wills, and [Page 36] given your strength to the adversary of God, whereby the way of truth cometh to be reproached: You are such as turn his grace into wantonnesse, as cause the way of truth to be evill spoken of, and such shall have a reward according to their works, thee and you all.

Pr. They say, The fashions of the world, and the Complements are not sin to use them, &c. See page 45.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Scriptures, which the Ceremonies commanded of God, to use them after the substance was come was sin, much more the fashions and cu­stomes of the world: Yea, but saith they, this brings us in our living, and by the o­ther we lose our livelyhood, so ye may see what minde is up in choosing. And all the zeale in the wills which runs out before the Light guide, that is that which the Priests catch at to make their defence withall against the truth. But the Lord will reward them according to their works, who hath shewed mercy to Toldervy, and made him confess in another Book that which formerly the Priests and he had set forth, and vilified the truth, and so is published to the Nation, after the Answer to this Book called, The foot out of the Snare.

Such as deny the fashions of the world, which the Priests are in, points and ribbons, double cuffs, and boot-hose-tops, and the honour of men which God will stain, and be called of men Master; Such things as these 8 great Priests justifies and insnares people under them; and if any forsake them, they will say they are snared and delu­ded; and it is manifest who is their Master, and whom they serve, that the keeping Christs command is a snare to them; and because we cannot call them Master, and keep Christs commands, therefore they rage, who transgresseth his command, and then say they are Ministers of him, but your fruits are seen, and works, praysed be the Lord, you eight Priests have discovered your selves who are the false spirits gone out into the world from the Apostles, and out of Christs command, Matth. 23. Where do you read Mr. Paul, Mr. Peter, and, &c. And where do you read that Paul and the messengers of Christ were hung about with poynts and double cuffs, and boot-hose-tops, and ribbons, and made such a stir about doffing of hats, and thee and thou, as the novice Teachers do now, that are found in the lusts and fashions of the world, which the Apostle declares against, and brought to sound words which could not be condemned, and to obey the doctrine of Christ, not to be called of men Master: But you are the transgressors that abide not in Christs Doctrine, but are the Antichrists, 2 John, which the Apostle speaks of, that hath reigned from their dayes, but now dis­covered by the spirit, praised be the Lord God; and they know in their Latine origi­nall, it is not proper to say you to a single person, and they know to be called of men Master, is against the command of Christs in the transgression, and so usurping that authority which Christ forbids.

Thomas Collier his Booke called, The Looking-glasse for Quakers. His PRINCIPLES followes. And as for all his Lies, they will be heaped upon his own head, and to his owne sorrow.

Pr. HE calls James Nayler a lyar, because he said, That by which the just lives, is that by which the creature is justified. See page 2. And he saith, It is another righteousnesse, because we witnesse the righteousnesse of faith which is in the heart, which God is the Author of, &c. page 3.

Answ. Now that which we say God and Christ is not the Author of (but gathered from the letter) is a dead faith and righteousnesse, and there is your justification that stands in the unbelieving state and is condemned: onely speaking of the Letter as the [Page 37] Jews did, of a Christ that is come, as they did of a Christ that was to come: & have not heard his voice, nor received faith from him: who is the author of it through which men is justified and cometh to have peace with God, and this faith is in their hearts.

Pr. He calls it a hearkning to the voice of Sathan, to hearken to the voice within, and saith, they cry the light within, the voice of Christ the true word, which he saith, is but their own lying fancies at the best &c. See page 4.

Ans. Now to call the light within, the word within, Christ within, the word of faith within, which is to be obeyed and done, lying fancies at the best; here thou may see Collier, how thou divides the word not aright, and art ignorant of the Scriptures. And Christ saith the Spirit of the Father speaks in you, is not this all Scripture, and if they hearken to this, do they not hearken to Scripture? and is not the Scripture fulfilled in this? And is thy voice all without thee onely in the letter? And judges all delusion that hath any speaking within them, and so hath judged thy self from the holy men of God one of the dumb Prophets, and so contrary to the true Prophets and Apostles.

Pr. He saith, If the very Christ, of God be within those that are called Quakers, he can­not come down from Heaven, &c. See same page.

Ans. Here he stands against the promise of Christ that he shall come and dwell in you and walk in you, I will come again unto you. And he hath revealed his Son in me saith the Apostle. And this thou Thomas Collier, and John Bunyan is ignorant of plain Scripture; the Scripture it declares it, and the Apostle said know ye not that Christ is in you except ye be reprobates, and the Spirit of the Father speaks in you, and see how contrary thou art to the Prophets, Christ and the Apostles.

Pr. He saith, The Heavenly bodies spoken of in Cor. 15. are the Sun, Moon and Stars, &c. See page 6.

Answ. Let all people read that Scripture and see if it hold forth that.

Pr. Again he saith, They abuse the Scriptures, because they say he that is born of God doth not commit sin, &c. page 6.

Answ. When the Scripture is witnessed, as it relates, and speaks. And he abu­seth it, when he gives private interpretations to it, and owns it not as it speaks.

Pr. Again he saith, He that saith he hath no sin deceiveth himself, &c. page 6.

Ans. But the Scripture saith, If we say we have no sin, &c. So he perverts the Scri­pture, for it is not he, for if he say (he) he may put it upon Christ, who is without sin: and upon this account, he may charge the Elect, whom God lays no sin too: and sees no iniquity in Jacob, nor transgression in Israel. And it is Colliers wicked eye that sees sin, in the Elect, they that are born of God: and thus he abuseth the Scri­ptures, and is not able to divide the word aright; and therefore such Spirits is to be kept out of Scriptures, with the Spirit that gave forth Scripture: For he that is born of God doth not commit sin, and there is a time for men to see they have sin, and sinned, and a time to confess it and forsake it, and their is a time to witness the blood of Christ cleansing from all sin, and then a time to witness the birth born of God which doth not commit sin, 1 John 4. Chap.

Pr. He saith, Here is a strange conceit of a person that fills heaven and earth with his presence, and dwells in the Saints blindness with a witness, &c. See page 8.

Ans. Here thy ignorance hath appeared again: for all power in heaven and earth is given to him Christ Jesus who is in them, at the right hand of God, who is in the Saints dwelling; and doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, but this to thee is a strange conceit, and blindness with a witness. Thy witness is blind­ed with thy conceit, which shews thy ignorance of Scripture, and thy unskilfulness in the word, and doctrine; that all things is upheld by his word, and his power: and that there is no creature but is manifest in his sight: For all things that was made was made by him, that he might have a name above every name: and that to his [Page 38] name should every knee bow, and every tongue confess to the glory of God, and God will dwell in man, and it is he that seeth the heart.

Pr. He saith, Sin is in the Saints, &c. See page 10.

Ans. Sin is not in the sanctified, but in the unsanctified. And he that saith sin is in the Saints, he is blinded, he is of the Serpent, and he and they be in the po [...]lution themselves which the Saints have escaped, and are washed and cleansed, and so far as any one is sanctified, it is from the sin.

Pr. He saith, That we will not enter into the Kingdom by the Blood of the Covenant, that hath been often proved, &c. See page 10.

Ans. And Francis Blake did publish it in Print, that the Quakers did witness the blood of Christ that cleanseth from all sin, and so thou Prints against us, and he prints for us, thou Prints that we deny the blood of Jesus, and he Prints that we own the blood of Jesus; and so ye are devouring the innocent betwixt you; and the blood of the seed we own, which cleanseth from all sin, which doth not you, which say sin must be in the Saints, but make his blood of none effect which cleanseth from all sin.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures shall be our judge one day, which we call the letter, &c. See page 11.

Answ. And the Scripture saith all judgement is committed to the Son, and God will judge the world, and the Saints, and the spiritual man judges all things, and thus thou art ignorant of the letter, and this shall judge thee at the last.

Pr. He saith, That the Kingdom is not come, nor refreshing from the presence of the Lord, &c.

Answ. Which shewes they are like unto the Pharisees unconverted, gazing here, and there, and Christ told them the Kingdom was in them; And they that are not turn­ed to the light which comes from Christ the refresher, whereby refreshing might come; so are not come to repentance yet.

Pr. He saith, They that say they have no sin makes God a liar, See page 12.

Ans. Which the Scripture saith no such thing, but saith on the contrary the Scrip­ture saith many were made free from sin: And if Christ be in you the body is dead be­cause of sin; and they that are Christs have crucified the lusts, and all things are be­come new, and they that sin and lie, are not in Christ the truth.

Pr. He saith, All that have been, are, or shall be converted since the Gospel ministration are converted by the Apostles words, &c. See page 13.

Ans. So he hath thrown out the spirit that doth regenerate, and Christ the way to the Father, the word that sanctifieth, and Christ the power of God to salvati­on. Who said they would not come to him that they might be converted; so if they get all the Apostles words and come not to Christ, they are not converted, and none are converted by the Apostles words, but who comes to the Life that the words come from.

Pr. And he opposeth and saith, It will be the Quakers fall, because they say there is no other way to bring people to God, but by the light in them, &c. See page 14.

Ans. Which is Christ the way to God from whence it comes, which is mans con­demnation not believing in it, and so a saving light. For saith God I will give him for a Covenant, for a lgiht to the Gentiles that he may be my salvation to the ends of the earth, the light shall, and all that be not in the light are in the fall out of the Cove­nant, in the unsaved state, and knows not their salvation, but as the Scripture declar­eth, and so there is death and destruction talking of the same of wisdom, and keep­ing people out of the light.

Pr. And he saith. That Christ is not so the light of the World as he is the light of belie­vers, See page 14.

Ans. Christ is the light to the World, as to believers, and he that believeth in it shall not abide in darkness, but shall have the light of life: he that follows the light [Page 39] and believes in it shall have the light of life, and shall not abide in darknesse. He that follows not the light, but hates it, he abides in the darknesse, and the light con­demns him, which the believer walks in, and believes in, and hath the light of life, which light is one and the same, which doth enlighten every man that comes into the world, believers and unbelievers.

Pr. He saith, That the Scriptures is the rule of the Saints; and he saith, the spirit is the guide to that rule, &c. see page 15.

Ans. And so would have the Scripture to be before the spirit. Now the spirit was the Saints rule that led them to speak forth Scriptures, and to let them to see to what condition they were spoken too, and so by that they came to the law of Faith; and they was not Ministers of the Letter, but of the Spirit: So in this ye have proved your selves not to be Ministers of the Spirit, but of the Letter, which the Spirit was before the Letter was.

Pr. He saith, That the time of perfection will be when Christ comes from heaven, and not before, till then the Saints must be warring, waiting, groaning, and mourning, &c. See page 20.

Ans. And David saith, he had seen an end of all perfection (contrary to Collier) And the Apostle saith, they should hunger no more, nor thirst no more. And Christ saith, He that eateth his flesh, and drinketh his blood, shall hunger no more, and thirst no more. He that believeth is entered into his rest, shall hunger no more and thirst no more. And the Apostles and Saints witnessed Christ in them, and the Kingdome while they were upon earth, and the end of groaning and gruling which thou art in, that art out of this, and keeps people which are apostatized from the Apostle, from the Light which is the Truth.

John Deacon's Book, called, A Publique Discovery of a secret Deceit. His Principles follow. And as for the rest of his Lies and Slanders in his Book, which are heap­ed up, they will fall upon his own head, and be his sorrow. And all Liars upon the earth, that are given up to believe & tell lies, are comprehended with the innocency and truth, by which innocency is preserved, and men and people shall heap to themselves sorrow by their owne lies and inventions. Neverthelesse the Scriptures of Truth are owned in their place to the condition that they were spoken to.

Pr. HE saith, That the light wherewith every one that cometh into the world is en­lightned withall, is the light of nature, and reason, and sense, &c. See page 5.

Ans. Which is contrary to John 1.9. who saith, it was the true light by which all things were made; which as many as received him, he gave them power to become the sons of God, which is beyond naturall sense and reason.

Pr. He saith, That the worke of faith, and the growth of faith is by the naturall use of Or­dinances, and calls it deceitfull sophistry which denyes it, &c. page 7.

Answ. Faith is the gift of God, and Christ is the Author of it. It cometh not by the naturall use of Ordinances: The naturall man receiveth not the things that be of God, [Page 40] which faith is the gift of God: And thou art in the sophistry and in the poyson, that saith, faith the work and growth of it, is by the naturall use of ordinances.

Pr. And he speaks of a temporall expressive word of God, &c. see page 8.

Answ. But the Scripture tells us of no such thing as temporal word, but speaks of the Word of God that lives and endures for ever, and so the other is but his own imagi­nation:

Pr. He saith, The Quakers go about to picke forth the right eye of Christianity.

Ans. Because they hold forth the light that lighteth every man that comes into the world, Christ Jesus the Covenant of God which makes all the apostate Christians blind: And your right eye must be plucked out that offends; and this the Christians shall witnesse when their eyes are open that sees the light, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, the covenant of God.

Prin. He saith, The Quakers were never heard of till of late yeares, &c. See page 12.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Scriptures, which speaks of them before Moses, by Moses, by the Prophets and Apostles, and he bids them to worke out their salvation with feare and trembling: And now the great Earth-quake is coming amongst you false Pro­phets and Antichrists John speaks of, and Harlots, and Apostates from the Apostle, compellers to your worship: And now are you comprehended, with the spirit of God are you judged, who are ignorant of the salvation wrought out with feare and trem­bling.

Pr. He calls them subtill deceivers and hereticks that questions the word Trinity, and says it came from Rome, &c. see page 13.

Ans. Which he is justifying, and so he is turning to his Teacher the Pope, and Com­mon Prayer-book, of whom he hath learned it; For the Scriptures have not taught it him: And the Son and the Father is in unity, and this we own that are called Qua­kers, and deny you and your Pope, and your Common-prayer-book, and your false Teachers got up since the days of the Apostles.

Pr. Again he saith, O incomparable hypocriticall lyars! Is not this the character Paul gives of a false prophet to speak lyes in hypocrisie? because we preach Perfection, &c. See page 16.

Answ. It is agreeable to Scripture, Christs doctrine, and the Apostles doctrine, and the life of Christ: And we are made free from sin, saith the Apostle: And again, As he is, so are we in this present world. And as many as are perfect are thus minded, &c. But this thou cals hypocrisie & lies; and thus thou art out of the Apostles & Christs doctrine and life, and like a mad man rages against them that be in it, and hath denyed thy owne work, the work of the Ministry, which was for the perfecting, and so art a Physitian of no value.

Pr. He saith, The enjoyment of immortality is not till they have put off the body, &c. See page 17.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostles doctrine, who saith, Immortality was brought to light through the Gospell, this was when they were upon earth, and the word of God was in them, and Christ was in them which was immortall.

Pr. Again he saith, They shall not have power over death and the grave untill the natu­rall death, &c. See page 17.

Answ. Contrary to the Apostle, who saith, Oh death where is thy sting! O Grave where is thy victory! And they were passed from death to life; And he that believes shall never dye, and such hath power over death and the grave: And he that believes shall never dye, they have passed from death to life.

Pr. He calls them secret deceivers to grant perfect purity and perfection, &c. See page 18.

Answ. Which is contrary to to the Apostles doctrine, who brought people to perfe­ction and purity, and holinesse, without which none shall see the Lord: And they were to stir up their pure minds.

Pr. He saith, To witnesse perfect purity is an alluding to an enjoyment of heaven upon earth, and saith, this is as the world, &c. See page 19.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Scriptures, who witnessed the Kingdome of heaven in the Saints, and their conversation in heaven; and thou that brings to the contra­ry, art a deceiver, and grants not that other.

Pr. He saith, He dare boldly assert, that the Gospell is not first made known by the seeing within, but by hearing tidings without, &c.

Ans. Contrary to that which they call their Originall, which saith, the Gospel is preached in every creature: And there is none cometh to hearing and seeing of the Gospell, but it is with the eye within, that which is opprest: For the Jews that heard not, and saw not within, they stood against the Gospel: And Christ said, their ears were stopped, and their eyes were closed; and so they heard words, but the Gospel, the power of God they could not hear, but stood against Christ; and so none heare but they that hear within; and he is not a Preacher of the Gospel, which is the power of God, but he that preacheth to the inward eye.

Pr. He confesseth, That none of the Saints had ever a particular command; and then again he confesseth they had, and so he is in confusion, page 26. He saith, It is a lye to preach the Kingdome of heaven within unbelievers.

Answ. Contrary to Christs words, who told the Pharisees the Kingdome of God was within them, Luke 17. So in confusion in Babylon, the smoak of the bottomless pit hath blinded his eye, which is got up since the dayes of the Apostles, the foundation hath been lost among them inwardly raveners, which is the light Christ Jesus, which en­lightneth every man that cometh into the world, the rock of Ages.

Pr. He saith again, It is a lye to say that any come to the knowledge of the light of God by the light that shines in their hearts, &c. See page 28.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle, 2 Cor. 4. who said, the light that shined in their hearts should give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus, and so a messenger of Satan, the Devils Minister, one that draws from the light that must give people the knowledge, the witness in thy conscience shall answer.

Pr. And again he saith, It is a notorious lye to say that Christ preached the Kingdome of heaven in unbelievers.

Ans. Contrary to Christ, and contrary to Luke 17. who said, the Kingdome of hea­ven was in the Pharisees, and so thou art an unlike man to be a Minister of Christ who art of the Letter ignorant, that knows not the kingdome in thy selfe, that knows it not in the unbelieving Pharisees.

Pr. He saith, The greatest of the Apostles were never exempted from the remnants of sin, and the Saints pilgrimage is a continual warfare to heaven while they be on this side the grave, &c.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Apostle, who said, they were made free from sin; and said, how could they live any longer therein? And said, their conversation was in heaven, and they sate in heavenly places, and they witnessed the Kingdome wherein was joy in the holy Ghost: So this was the end of their pilgrimage then as he speaks of, who shews he is ignorant of the Scriptures, and of the Apostles doctrine: And it is not a strange thing that the Teachers of the world should cry up imperfection and the body of sin, who are ravened inwardly from the spirit of God that put it off, and gone forth from the Apostles and Christs doctine; but who are come to the spirit of God which they ravened from, puts off the body of imperfection and sin, and so you have cor­rupted the earth with your windy doctrine; for what good hath their doctrine done, that teacheth people they must be in imperfection and in sin while they be upon earth; they can but be so if they never come to them, and they are apostatiz [...]d from the Mi­nisters of Christ, whose work was to the perfecting of the Saints, untill they came to the perfect man, which these apostates work is to deny.

Pr. He is judging the Apostle, and saying, The pricke in the flesh which the Apostle received, was neither through the want or disability of faith, &c. page 34.

Ans. Why then did the Apostle cry out? answer me that. And the Lord said, His grace should be sufficient for him; and his strength should be made perfect in his weaknesse: and is not weakness disability?

Pr. He saith, That no man by that native light inherent in him had power to believe, &c. See page 26.

Ans. The light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, he calls it native, and inherent: He gives these names to it, which is the light which doth enlighten every man, &c. there is power in the light given to believe: But now he that hateth the light, hateth the power, and so the light is his condemnation; The names he gives, as native and inherent, are his own out of the truth.

Pr. He saith, The Scripture doth not set forth a certain allowance for Ministers, but it is left to humane prudence, &c. See page 12.

Ans. So he is flown from Christs words and the Apostles, who with the wisdome of God set down the Ministers allowance, and did not leave it to humane policy in after ages for maintenance for Ministers: For the humane policy will feed the false Prophets, as the Prophets, and Christ, and the Apostles declare of in Scripture, whose spirits is seen with the spirit that gave forth Scripture, gone out into the earth, who were covetous, and so idolaters, ordering with the earthly policy, which is humane and earthly.

Pr. He saith, Abrahams obedience was not an act of the body, &c.

Ans. Which any may read the Scripture and see, and judge thee whose body is out of the action of God, serving him who is not of God.

Pr. He saith, God doth not work immediately now, &c. See page 43.

Answ. So all the works of God are mediate now by his principle; Then none have the spirit of Christ by his conclusion, which is immediate, to work immediately; and none hears Gods voice, and none sent from God, and Christ is with none of them then. For who are sent from God hears his voyce; and who have Christ in them, they have that which is immediate.

Pr. He saith, He utterly declares (as others have done) against not praying or preach­ing, &c. unlesse the spirit move, &c. See page 44.

Answ. So here then, thou prays and the Spirit moves not, and preacheth, and the Spirit moves not: So then the spirit of errour is it that moves thee: And contrary to all them that gave forth the Scriptures, the Prophets and Ministers of God, who spoke as they were moved by the holy Ghost. And thou art never likely to read the Scripture, but by the same that gave them forth, nor know them, nor none upon the earth, nor know God of whom they learned that gave them forth, and was taught of him, and so art no Minister of the spirit.

Pr. He saith, Not to preach, nor to pray but as the spirit moves; This he saith, in a sort is to shut up the Kingdome of God from the sons of men, and brings men to neglect their duty, and is the gap where the delusion of Satan comes in, and draws men to sluggishness. And how can glad tidings be known, unlesse they be told, &c.

Answ. Now they are all in the sluggishness, shutting up the Kingdome of heaven against men, under the delusion of Satan, and none can bring the glad tidings, but as the spi­rit moves them: And they who go when the Spirit doth not move them, they are they that run and the Lord never sent them; who pray, or speak without the moving of the spirit, they are out of the path of all the holy men of God.

Pr. He saith, It is the priviledge of the Bereans that is to try an Apostle, &c. Again he saith, They are to put up their supplications when the spirit doth not move them, &c. See page 45.

Answ. Now see if God ever accepted that which was not moved from the Spirit: God who is a spirit never accepted that; and that which tries the Apostles is the light, and gives the Bereans to believe the Scriptures which the Apostle speaks of.

Pr. And he saith, Far be it from me to imagine that the spirit of God moved the Apostles to preach when they did onely, and not at other times, and that they always waited in silence till then, &c. See same page.

Answ. So he would make it that the Apostles preached when the spirit moved them not, and run without the moving of the spirit, and so would make them like him­selfe: And Peter said, they spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost. And they that are the sons of God, are led by the spirit of God. And the spirit shall lead them into all truth: And the spirit should tell them what they should speak, and shew them things to come, and that was their guide and rule; and thou who speaks, and not the spirit moves thee, art no Minister of the spirit, and sayes, far be it from thee to imagine the Apostles preached onely when they were moved, and so doth not own the Apostles were the Mi­nisters of the spirit, with thy imaginations.

Pr. And the singing of the Saints in the spirit and grace, is not like the ungodly singing without the spirit.

Ans. And saying, the grace of God hath not appeared unto all men; and all have not the spirit, which is contrary to Scripture. It saith, the grace hath appeared unto all men; and i'le powr out my spirit upon all flesh. And the spirit that reproves the world, leads the Saints; and you that sing Davids quakings and prayers, is not in the understanding nor grace, but distinct from the Saints, which must be turned into howling. How can ye give them the Psalms to sing then that have no grace?

Pr. And the Priests of Scotland say, Cursed is he that sayes grace is free. These are the Scottish principles, &c.

Answ. And yet ye give the Psalms to all to sing, and yet ye say all have not grace, and all have not the spirit of God, and then can they not sing in the grace, and sing in the spirit. Is there any prudent reason or good understanding without the spirit?

Pr. He saith, We deny the Scripture to be the Word of God.

Answ. The Scriptures are the words of God, and Christ is the word in which the words end.

Pr. And he speaks these detestable words, and sayes, Is not our tongues oyled with a spirit of confused delusion, which is his own, &c. See page 5.

Ans. Because we say such as pray or preach, it must be by the moving of the spirit of God; which they be not in, that are in the spirit of delusion.

Pr. And he is opposing the commands of Christ, who said, be not of men called Ma­ster, for ye have one Master, even Christ (who conquers death and hell) And he saith, Why may they not be called Master?

Ans. It is his Master that teacheth him to be called of men Master, that is gone out of the truth; but Christ said, be not of men called Master; and wo be to them that are, Matth. 23. And you are them that are made by the will of man that breaks his commands.

George Willington's Booke called, The Gadding Tribe Reproved. A right Title to his condition in his Book, who like a wilde Beast is gadding up and down; but the Lord rebuke such spirits. His PRINCIPLES follow, &c.

Pr. HE himselfe falls a judging others, and then he cries, Oh man! who art thou that judgeth another, &c. page 9.

Answ. And doth not see the worke that he is doing himselfe: But bids others they should not judge, and falls a judging himselfe, which is like all the rest of his gad­ding Tribe, and how they run with their horns at the righteous, and push at the up­right in heart: But the Lamb is above them all, and the wrath of the Lamb is kind­led; therefore the Beasts rage, who against the Lamb makes war; And where judge­ment is come through into victory, he may judge, and the hidden things of darkness is brought to light, and the counsel of the heart made manifest; and the Lord is come, [Page 44] and the spirituall man judgeth all things, which shews the counsell of his heart is not made manifest, nor his hidden things of darknesse brought to light, and the Lord is not come to him, and so cannot judge. And George Willington hath judged before his time, with which he is charging others, therefore his words shall be his bur­then.

Pr. And his principle is, That he is justified by faith alone without good works, &c. See page 10.

Answ. What, without the faith that works by love? hast thou concluded those works the works of Popery, which are the works of faith that works by love that gives the victory? How dost thou gad now? whether art thou gadding now? Know, faith that works by love is owned, and he that believes is ceased from his works, as God did from his, and hath entered into his rest: And faith gives victory overall the Po­pish murthering spirits and thine both and your works; which gives to have accesse to God, and their works is wrought in him.

Pr. He saith, Whilst the upstart sect of Quakers do looke after the light within, he saith, we have a more sure word of prophesie, &c. and so would make the sure word of prophesie not the lihgt within. See page 12.

Answ. Whose spirit he hath made manifest where it is amongst them that are gone from the Apostle, who stands against the light within. For they that draw from the anointing within are the seducers, and they went forth from the Apostles that went from the anointing within. Art not thou and you all gadded, and the world from the anointing within you, and so seducing one another, therefore have you so ma­ny heaps of Teachers, and arming your selves, and making lies your refuge against them that are come to the anointing, which you are all gadded from, given judge­ment against your selves, who will not have people to own the light Christ Jesus, who doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; and none owns the anointing within, who owns not the light which you deny, which have apostatized from the A­postles; and the Quakers are risen up in the night of apostacy, and discovers you all what you are in, and what you went from, and what hath been lost since the dayes of the Apostles; and an Earth-quake is coming upon you that hath not been since the foundation of the world, out of which Earth-quake we are come into that which cannot be shaken. As the Quakers are not the Gadding tribe, but they have the anoin­ting in them, and as it shall teach them, they shall abide in the Son of God and the Father.

But it is manifest that thou and the whole world is gadded from the anointing within you which should teach you, and so are turned against the Saints and the Lamb: And have been the Harlots & the mouths of the false Prophets, blaspheming God in his Tabernacle, and drunk the blood of the Saints and the Martyrs, and the Prophets, and made war against the Saints to overcome them, and have overcome them; but the Lamb and the Saints shall get the victory.

Pr. And thou tels us of a Creed and Catholique Faith, commonly called the Apostles Creed, which except a man believe this Creed and Catholique Faith he cannot be saved, &c. See page 16.

Ans. Who taught thee all this language? Where did the Apostles teach thee any such things as the Catholique Creed? The Apostle teacheth us no such things as a Ca­tholique Creed, didst thou not learn this of the Pope who apostatized from the A­postles?

And the twelve Apostles taught thee no such Doctrine as the Catholique Creed, and thou saith, they signed it. Nay, the Pope signs thee that Creed and the Sacraments, the Pope signes thee that: And we are come to the foundation of God, which was before the Pope was, and we gad not. Thou shouldst not tell lies, to say they gad that come unto God, the Elect of God; Gods Elect and Christ the light is the salvation before thee and the Pope was.

Pr. And thou saith, Doth any forsake the Ministry to follow a new light, &c? See page 17.

Ans. That Ministry that doth deny the Light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world (as this gadding Tribe of Ministers, and Professors, have done since the dayes of the Apostle, and do) so by denying the Light, they deny the founda­tion of God. The Light we own which every man that cometh into the world is en­lightened withall, which is the foundation of God: and them deny to be any Mini­sters of Christ, that denies the Light, that enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, and his Ministers we own.

Pr. And thou saith do not forsake the Temple, and truth of God to follow the bleating of Jeroboams calves in Dan and Bethel, &c.

Ans. Now whither art thou gadded? Art not thou gadded in this from the Apostles Doctrine, to the Temple, which the Apostles brought the people off from, where is thy light now? How ownes thou Christ, who keepes people to the Temple? and tels them of Jeroboams Calves in Dan, and Bethel? where is there any people gadding thither? whether hast thou not lost thy reason, and sobrietie to publish thy madness to the Nation? And did not Christ say the Temple should be thrown down, Mat. 24. And Stephen witnessed against it, and was stoned to death: and thou art calling people to it; and your Popish Masse house which you call your Temple, you have set up since the dayes of the Apostles, is like unto the Idol set up at Dan and Bethel.

Pr. And he saith your Ancient Divines are them that have entered in at the door. &c. See pag. 20.

Ans. How can you, and your Ancient Divines enter in at the door, when you de­ny the Light that doth enlighten every man that comes into the world, which is Christ the Door? Therefore it makes you to gad up and down without light in the dark. Now is the stone fallen upon you, and the rock you are splitting your selves against it. Now shall the Saints know the Song of the Lamb, rejoycing over the Beast, and the false Prophets.

Pr. He saith the written word the ingrafted is able to save the soul, &c. See pag. 21.

Ans. The Ingrafted word is able to save the soul, but the letter the written words are not: The Pharisees had the written words, but stood against the Saviour of the Soul. And how art thou gadded here in thy Judgement? how art thou like to own the word that saves the Soul, when thou denies the Light?

Pr. He is stirring up the Magistrate to persecute, his own mouth condemns him, who pre­tends love: &c.

Ans. And thou that gads abroad in thy mind to stir up the Magistrate to prosecute, art not in the life of the Apostles nor Christ, but in the Spirit of the false Prophets, and Antichrists, and one in that which all persecutors come from out of the truth.

Pr. Again thou saith we ought not to Judge, &c. See pag. 23.

Ans. Let all people that read thy Gadding tribe, see if thou doth not Judge, and so comes under Judgement, by thy own words. And the time was come to the Apostles when they went on to the eternall Judgement which we own, But this is not for such as are crying up Temples and Persecutors, nor stumbling at the Light: your measures are all too short of your whole gadding tribe that be from the light that every man is enlightened withall that comes into the world.

Pr. Again thou saith the Apostles was to call the Ministers of Christ mediately, and the Immediate call from God is not enough, &c. See pag. 24.

Ans. So thou hath set up the Mediate, before the immediate, and judgeth the immediate and not sufficient; But thou art corrected by the Scriptures, and the Apostle corrects thee who saith, I have not received it of man, nor by man: and bad others look at Jesus the Author of their faith: And the Apostle doth not say that they was to call men mediately, he doth not teach such Doctrine that their Ministers was called mediatly, nor send them forth so, but it is thou that art gaded from the Counsel of God: and the Apostle confutes thee, who said he was not of men, nor by men, and all that went forth from the Apostles, went forth by the immediate power of God, who was the Church of God, and by the power of that; But you are the mediate fallen [Page 46] from the Apostle, and made by the will of men; But now with the immediate you are all comprehended.

Pr. And thou brings many Scriptures to oppose Christs commands, and the Apostles Doctrine, which saith be ye not of men called master, &c. See pag. 28. For th [...] saith Christ doth not mean as he speaks: for thou saith the meaning is not that it is unlawful to be called master.

Ans. Here thou shewes whither thou art gadded; one that teacheth to break Christs commands. But the wo that is denounced in the same Chapter where the command is, belonges to thee. So an Antichrist that teacheth to deny Christs commands and dispiseth his Authority. And one that calls him Lord, but doth not the thing that he commands: but it is not such that enters into the Kingdom of God: and this thou shalt witness at last when thy words falls heavy upon thee.

Joshua Millers Booke called, Antichrist in man the greatest Idol. Which is a fit Title for himself; who cals that Antichrist, and Mistery of Babylon that justifies within; Contrary to the Apostles Doctrine who saith we are Justified by faith in Christ Jesus, which is in the heart. As for the rest of his slanders and Lies in his book they are not worth mentioning, but these that follows.

Pr. ANd he cals them devout men that denyed the light that hath enlightened every man that cometh into the word, &c.

He saith the Quakers are the most saddest and deplorable Spectacles of revolted Pro­fessors that ever I heard, or read of, since my knowledge of them, &c. See Pag. 2.

Ans. The Quakers are revolted from you Apostates, that are inwardly ravened as the converted Jewes did that were turned to Christ; for the Jewes revolted from the Temple and the Priests, and turned to Christ, from the other Jews, and owned the Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, which you Revolters de­ny, that have reigned since the dayes of the Apostles, and so are ignorant what we are come to, and the Apostles were in, and that which was before you and they was.

Pr. He saith the Angels of Light which are holy, and without sin, may be devils, &c. See pag. 3.

Ans. Which the devill fell from the Light, from the holiness, and so he cannot tansform into that. And all holiness intended which is not in the light; is as the Pha­risees was in, and the whole world, and is condemned with the Light.

He saith salvation by the Light within is cursed, &c. See pag. 6.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle who saith, the light that shineth in the heart gives the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. And con­trary to John who saith, every man that cometh into the world is enlightened; And as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the Sons of God. and the power of God is the Gospel of salvation to every one that beleeves in the light; And he that beleeveth in the Light hath the witness in himself: and the Apostle turned them from the Darknss to the Light. And the word was in their hearts of Faith that saves the soul: and there was the glad tiding [...] the Gospel. And Priest Shaw saith the Gospel is the four bookes of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And the Apostle saith it is the power of God: and saith many have the form, but deny the power. So now here himself he hath cursed; So this same man is a curser, as the Papists are. Both [Page 47] he and them are found out of the doctrine of Christ and the Apostles, who saith, bless and curse not: And the Scotch Priests likewise are cursers, as in the Scotch Principles ye may see; and no one knows salvation but by the Light within, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, who is the salvation to the ends of the earth.

Pr. And he calls his Steeple-house St. Andrews. See page 7.

Answ. Which never did Prophets nor Apostles give such names to houses, but the Pope who is his teacher.

Pr. He saith, It is an errour to say, that the light which every one hath that cometh into the world, is sufficient to salvation, without the help of any other meanes or discovery, &c. See page 9.

Answ. Contrary to Christ, who brought the Jewes off of all others helps to him­self, who said, Believe in the light while ye have the light; and they that believed in the light should not abide in darknesse, And no man cometh to the Father but by me, saith Christ. For he was the way, the truth, the light in men, and the life, and there is no salva­tion by any other name but by him: And there is none knows the blood of Christ which cleanseth, and the offering for the sins of the whole world, but with the light which cometh from Christ Jesus, who is sufficient, who is the salvation to the ends of the earth; so he is the only means without any other help: And as the anointing in people doth teach people, they shall continue in Christ: and as they walke in the light as he is in the light, they shall have fellowship with the Father, from whence all helps comes; and Christ will dwell in man, and walk in man, and what need they have any more helps?

Pr. He saith, It is an errour to say, we are justified by that which Christ doth in us, &c. See page 9.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle, who saith, we are justified by faith in his blood; and the faith is in the heart, and the blood is in the heart that purifies it, and held in a pure conscience: And the word of faith is within, Rom. 10. And faith gives victory over the world, and that which gives victory justifies; and Christ is within, who is justifi-fication, and sanctification, and condemnation, either of them is found within, and thou art in the errour, and not fit to talk of these things which thou understands not.

Pr. Again he saith, It is an errour (if not damnable) to say Christ is the means, and that there is no other means of salvation, &c. see page 13.

Ans. And Christ saith, No man cometh unto the Father but by me: and he is able to the utmost to save. And he shall be my salvation to the ends of the earth, saith the Lord. And saith the Apostle, God is in Christ reconciling the world unto himself. And he that hath the Son of God hath life, and the Father and the Son are one, and there is no salvation in any other.

Pr. He saith, That Christ gives light to no man under that name but believers, &c. See page 13.

Ans. Contrary to John, who saith, he doth enlighten every man that comes into the world, that all might believe through the light: And contrary to Christs own words, such as hated it, and would not come to it, and bids them believe in the light while they had it; and he that did not believe, was condemned already; and he that did be­lieve, had the witness in himself.

Pr. He saith, It flatly contradicts the whole Scripture, to say, that the light wherewith Christ hath enlightned every man, &c. will save, &c. See page 14.

Answ. Which God saith, I will give him for a covenant, for a light to the Gentiles, & new covenant to the house of Israel and Judah; and he shall be my salvation to the ends of the earth; and believing in it are saved, and not believing are condemned.

Pr. The wise heathen Philosophers had a greater measure of light in them (which is the first Adam) then I can thinke any men have now, &c. See page 15.

Answ. Which shews that he knows none of Christ the second Adam, the quickning spirit. And he knows no new creature; For who are in Christ are new creatures. Nor none [Page 48] of Christ the Covenant of God, of light, of life, of peace, who was glorified with the Father before the world began, which is beyond the first Adam, and hath shut himself forth not to be as high as his Heathen Philosophers: and many witnesse Christ in them in this age, as in the dayes of the Apostles, which is above the Heathen Phi­losophers.

Pr. The light which every man that cometh into the world is enlightned withall is Christ, he saith, this is the light of nature, and of reason. And saith, It is a damnable doctrine to deny all externall means of salvation, &c. See page 16.

Ans. When as the Apostle saith, We looke not at things which are seen, but at things which are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporall, but the things that are not seen are eternall; and that which is to savation is eternall, and is not external.

Pr. He saith, Wh [...]t word did Paul and Barnabas preach in the synagogues, but the Pro­phets, &c? See page 19.

Ans. Nay, they preached Christ the end of the Prophets.

Pr. He calls that a monstrous opinion for to compare them to the Heathen, who had not known there had been a God but by the Scriptures, and have no more knowledge but by it, &c. page 20.

Ans. For the Pharisees had Scriptures (and here heathen men may get Scriptures) but know not the true God; for none knows the true God, but by the spirit of God, (and the Son of God reveals the Father) though they may have all the Scriptures: and the light that shines in the heart gives the knowledge of him; and this the Apostle spoke to them that had the Scriptures; and who are of faith, are of Abraham, and in the knowledge of him that knew God before the Scripture was written.

Pr. And he saith, That the Law and the Testimony is Moses and the Prophets, &c. See page 21.

Ans. Contrary to the rest of the Priests, which say, it is the Old and New Testament; and he and the rest of the Priests are contrary to the Apostle, which saith, The law and testimony is the light, and spirit of prophecy; which many may have the Old and New Testament, yet deny the light and spirit of prophecy, as Priests and professors do now, who say prophecy is ceased. There they deny the practice of the Church, where edifi­cation, learning, and comforting is, prophecying all one by one, such they prison and persecute; and they are not like to own prophesie, when they deny the light, which doth enlighten every man that comes into the world, who is the end of prophesie; and none owns Christ, who owns not prophesie: A Prophet is a Seer, and them that deny Pro­phets are all blinde, and in the dark, and are such as have ravened from the spirit of God, and have killed the Prophets.

Prin. He saith, The Prophets are more certaine then any other Revelation. See page 21.

Answ. Was not the Son of God revealed the end of the Prophets? Did not God re­veal him which came in the volume of the Book to do the will of God? And so the Prophets and the Law, and types and shadows, which they that had the Prophets and the Law, and types and shadows, knew not the Son of God that was revealed, that was their end spoken of in the Prophets and Epistles, who is now revealed.

Pr. He saith, The Patriarks and Prophets were justified by conceiving Christ without, &c. See page 24.

Ans. Now the Patriarks and Prophets had the spirit that did give them an evidence of him, and by faith they saw him, which is beyond a conceiving, by which they were justified.

Pr. He saith, Justification by works, and inherent grace we call Christ, &c. See page 25.

Ans. We say Christ is the end, the substance, and who believes in him hath cea­sed from his own works, he is the end of gifts and graces; and mans own inherenting, and no one knows justification, but who receives the grace that brings salva­tion.

Pr. He saith, This justification by a righteousnesse within us, is mans grand Idoll, and Christs arch enemy, &c. See page 25.

Ans. We are justified by faith in Christ Jesus, and that is in us, in the heart, this he calls an Idoll, and Christs enemy, which he is the author of. So what doctrine this man teacheth contrary to the Apostle, erred from the Apostles; and faith it is that puri­fies the heart, by which we are justified by faith, and not by works, which throws down all Idols, and the enemies of Christ, which thou art one; and none owneth justi­fication but who witnesseth justification within, faith in the heart, and Christ being within, there is justification.

Pr. He saith, We miserably wrest the Scripture, because we say, he that respecteth per­sons commits sin, &c.

Ans. Now let all read that in James the Apostle, how that he that respects persons commits sin, and is convinced by the Law as a transgressor; so teaching men to trans­gresse the commands of God, contrary to the Apostles, who teach men to keep them.

Pr. He saith, Popery and vain philosophy is the foundation of the Quakers Religion, &c. See page 30.

Ans. Whose foundation is the light of Christ, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, which was before Popery or Philosophy was, which you are in, as your books, naming of days, and Colledges, and Steeple-houses, makes it appear.

Pr. He saith And to believe, or thinke our Justification is by something wrought in us, is that Antichrist whose name is mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of Harlots, &c. See page 32.

Ans. And the Apostle saith, we are justified by the faith of Christ Jesus, Gal. 2. And faith purifies the heart, and is a mystery held in a pure conscience. This Justification is by the faith of Christ within, and this thou calls Antichrist, and the mystery of Baby­lon, who art there thy selfe, that be out of this faith that purifies the heart: For all the holy men of God were justified by their faith, and the faith is in the heart: And thy belief that is without thee, and faith in Christ, is like unto the Jewes, who stood a­gainst him when he was come. True faith gives victory over Mysticall Babylon and the world, in which men please God, in which is unity.

Ralph Halls Booke, called, The Quakers Principles Quaking. In it his Principles follows, and lies upon himselfe turned, whose works are for the Fire, and to be burned.

Pr. HE saith, It is delusion to give up to the light within to be the Judge, &c. (which is Christ) and calls it an obscure kinde of chymistry, &c.

Answ. Which the Apostle commands to judge themselves; which they cannot judge themselves but with the Light, by which they may see themselves.

Pr. He saith doth the Light of nature (as he calls it) give liberty to women to teach? And so that he concludes, and calls grosse and palpable darkness, &c.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostles Doctrine, and the mind of God, and the Prophets, who said God will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh: and his sons and daughters should prophesie. So he is a limitter of the holy one; and a quencher of the Spirit, and in the darkness, and this is above the Light of nature.

Pr. He saith the Quakers blame every thing; and convinceth of nothing, &c.

Ans. Are ye not all convinced of your hirelings, of your covetousness? of your re­specting mens persons for advantage; and your teaching for filthy Lucre: and your gain from your quarters, and your love of money? Are not ye all convinced? Have [Page 50] not the Quakers convinced you all of those things and of your pride, and ambition, and been corrected by, and reproved for this by Quakers and Scriptures?

Pr. He saith the Spirit of Light will be Judged by the Scripture, keeping to the Scrip­tures, &c.

Ans. Which is contrary to the Scriptures, and the Apostles Doctrine. But he is there like to the Jews who had the Scriptures; yet they Judged the spirit of Light; But the spirit of Light ownes Scriptures, and the Scripture doth not Judge spiritual Light, and are not one against the other, but are in unitie.

Pr. And whereas he saith Noahs Ark was a true figure of the Church of God, so Noahs Dove is a clear Embleme of such as through affection of new and unknown pathes do stray from the Church of God, &c. See page 1.

Ans. Now you having strayed from the Church of God which Christ said are the false Prophets that should come, Matth. 24. and John saw was come; and the whole world are gone after you. And ye have brought the Nation to be water, and your tongues are waters, and your multitudes waters, and your peoples waters; upon this oc­cation is the Doves flying abroad, and hath found the Ark of the Testimony, and the Quakers hath found no rest for the souls of their foot amongst you waters, and the open­ing of the Seals, and the Tabernacle in heaven; For there is nothing but waters among you, the Doves finds ye all waters, not to set the soles of their feet. But according to the eternal Counsel and promise of God, how that the waters should be abated and dryed up, and the people of God begins to inhabit: and the Kings of the earth should not passe; and that which you call your Church hath been waters.

Pr. And whereas he brings the sayings of Scripture that speakes of Prophets, and pastors, &c. and names places of Scripture to oppose Christs Command, which saith be ye not of men called master, &c. See page 7.

Ans. Which is to no purpose but to manifest himself a transgressor that abides not in the Doctrine of Christ, that hath not the Father, and the Son.

Pr. And he saith the Prophecy of Malachy is upon us, who saith, cursed be the deceiver who do not bring in his Tythes, and offerings, &c. See page 9.

Ans. Which we say the Priesthood is changed, and the offerings is denyed, and he that holdeth them up is under the curse.

Pr. He saith to take the Scriptures as ye speak, brings in all absurdity, as when the Apostle saith the priesthood is changed, the commandment is disanulled that took tithes; Then he saith he would prove that none had Faith to take the Scripture as it is spoken: for if they had it (saith he) as a grain of musterd-seed, then they should remove mountains, and heal the sick, &c. See page 10.

Ans. Now by this he hath shewed his Ignorance; for Christs words and the Pro­phets are true as they speak, and the things they speak of the fruits of the Faith as they speak of is known, and the fulfilling of the promise; And that which the Apostle speakes of Hebr. 7. the Priesthood is changed, and the Law disanulled also, and ano­ther Priesthood is come in, not after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchi­sedeck; without Father, without Mother, without beginning of dayes, or end of life. You run into all absurdities, that gives your meaning to Scriptures, and private Inter­pretations have brought the world on heaps about the Scriptures; And who are in the Faith, are in the healing of the sick, and removing mountains; and you who be out of the faith have brought whole Nations into sicknesses, and mountains and rough places.

Pr. He saith the priests work is changed in point of Administration onely; but in respect of the order, the priesthood is not changed, &c. See page 11.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle who said Christ came after another order, and not af­ter the order of Aaron: but came after the order of Melchisedeck. So the order, and all things pertaining to it falls, which Ralph Hall saith doth not.

Pr. He saith the matter is not changed in any one of the Ceremonies, only the manner of Administration, &c. See page 11.

Ans. The first Covenant could make nothing perfect, saith the Apostle. The matter [Page 51] and t [...] manner changed of all that pertained to the first Priesthood: the matter and the manner fell down when the life came in, the second Covenant where through the new, and living way was felt, whereby we enter in unto God, by the blood, and life of Jesus Christ and the offering; And not by the first Priesthood, first Covenant, Tythes, off [...]rings and sacrifices; so matter, and manner fell all; and Christ came out of ano­ther Tribe; that is of Judah: And not after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchisedeck, and so after another matter.

Pr. And thou brings that concerning Jacobs paying a Tenth to the service of the house of God: and why may not ye have Tenthes for the maintenance of the house of God (which is called the Steeple house) which was the Papists Masse-house. Now see what a sutable measure thou hast, &c. See page 16.

Ans. There was a time when the Ark was maintained, and the Tabernacle, and the Temple, and the store-house and Tythes; And there was a time when all these things are utterly denyed. So thou art a man that doth not divide thy work aright, but a work­man that may be ashamed of thy work. Look on thy book who art crying up Tythes and Priests, and thou saith the order is not changed of Aaron in the substance, contrary to the Apostle, and yet pleads the order of Melchisedeck, and so art in con­fusion. And as for the order of Melchisedeck ye are as short of that, as of Christ in whom Melchisedeck ends.

Pr. H [...] [...] the best of Gods people have sin enough to be repented of, and to be humbled for, &c. See page 19.

Ans. Con [...]ary to John who saith he that is born of God doth not commit sin: neither can be, because the seed of God remaineth in him; and he keepeth himself that the evil one touchet [...] him not, and they was not to lay again the foundation of repentance from dead works; and saith the Apostle how can we that are dead unto sin, live any long [...]r [...]erein? and so [...]hou art ignorant of the Saints state; for sin exalts and doth not humbl [...], for that which brings down sin humbles.

Pr. He saith he knowes not one in the Nation that sues men at the Law, those that will not put into their mouthes, &c. And again he saith if they should not sue at the Law such as do not give them maintenance, they would sin in doing so: for it were to uphold coveteous minds &c. See p. 19.

Ans. Now this is to prove your coveteous desires; And the Courts throughout the Nation will witness against thee: and the most suites that be in the Nation for one per­ticular thing is the Priests, and the Parishioners, because for conscience sake they can­not put in their mouthes. Therefore are they worrying of them like Wolves, and de­stroying of them for their dishonest gain which they do no work for. And do not the Ministers of God the Apostles rebuke such as went to law before the unjust, one among another? and bids them set up the least in the Church to Judge such things, and told them they should Judge the world, yea Angels; and not to go to Law one among another about such things. Then where art thou, and thy generation that saith it is a sin if they do not go to Law? if the Ministers do not sue for outward things: let the least in the Church Judge thee. How unlike the Apostles you are who kept the Gospel without charge, and coveted no mans silver nor gold, who Preached the Gospel, the end of the Law, and brought people from under it? And you bring people into it, and your inventions, but the day is come that you are seen, and the night is past to many, and none can you deceive, but who be in the night, but the Judgement is gone over your heads, the Judge of the world is come.

Pr. He saith it was imputed to Abraham for righteousness his Faith: and doubtless Job was a perfect man in Gods account, and Christs righteousness is imputed to us, &c.

Ans. Yet thou s [...]it [...] none [...]oth good no not one, and brings that Scripture in the Rom. comparing them that were in the Faith withall them that were gone astray both Jewes and Gentiles, See page 21. Now let all try, and Judge thee here and see thy false mea­sure, art thou a man fit to speak of the Saints and their Faith, who puts them that be a stray, Jews and Gentiles, Amongst them that believe, putting no difference betwixt the precious and the vile, and so art not a man capable of true reason.

Pr. He saith Gods furnace is the grave, where all the remainder of corruption shall be con­sumed, &c. See page 22.

Ans. Now what differs this from the Papists who hold a Purgatory? And the Saints witnessed, and said, Now they were washed, now they were cleansed, &c. while they were upon earth; and they were sanctified through the obe [...]ience of the spirit, & they were justified, and sate in heavenly places, on this side the grave, whiles they were upon earth, and were made free from sin, and was perfect.

Pr. He saith, That Paul disclaimed perfection in himselfe, &c. page 23.

Ans. Who said, as many of us as are perfect be thus minded (which wrongs Pauls words) And again he saith, We speak wisdome among them that are perfect.

Pr. He saith, If a man were free from sin, he would be free from temporall punishment, and afflictions, &c. see page 23.

Ans. Christ was free from sin, and the Saints, and yet he was not free from tempo­rall punishment and affliction: And so here he doth not divide the word aright neither.

Pr. He saith, If we attain to perfection here, we should attain to a rest here, and brings the Apostles words, who saith, doubtlesse there remains a rest to the people of God, &c. See page 24.

Ans. And the Apostle saith there, He that doth believe hath entered into his rest; and so he doth not divide the word aright, to know what state and condition it was spoken to: And the Apostle said, they were perfect (the Ministers of Christ) and he hath perfe­cted for ever them that are sanctified; and so thou art not a sanctified one, and hath de­nyed the offering that hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified, and so hath denyed the Covenant that blots out sin and transgression; and the blood of Christ clean­seth from all sin.

Pr. But he saith, That doth not follow, that he that is dead to sin, is freed from sin. See page 24.

Ans. So he is contrary to the Apostle, who saith so, He that is dead to sin, is freed from sin, and can live no longer therein.

Pr. He saith, The law of God is a standing rule to the worlds end, &c. And thou that saith the Law is a standing rule, hath denyed Christ the end of it. See page 25.

Answ. But the Scripture and Christ saith, the Law must be fulfilled, who is the ever­lasting covenant in the heart, Christ, and in the minde the end of the Law, which was before the Scripture was written, glorified with the Father before the world began; which many have the Scriptures, and yet from the Law of God written in the heart, and neglect that which brings into Covenant with God, by which the Scriptures is fulfilled; and so here again thou dost not divide the word aright, and brings not people into that which doth fulfill Scripture.

Pr. He saith, Because this light doth not lead us to close with Gods Ordinances the Sa­craments, he looks upon it as a delusion of Satan, page 26.

Answ. The Scriptures mentions no such word; and the light was before your in­vented Sacraments was, and cannot joyn with them, but condemns them, but it owns the Scripture and the Ordinances of God.

Richard Baxter's Booke called, A Second Sheet to the Ministry, justifying our Call against the QUAKERS, &c. His Principles follow. Because the Children of God cannot satisfie his ungodly lusts, therefore he is complaining to the Magistrates. So he is one of the Complainers and Murmurers.

Pr. HE saith, That Timothy was not to hold fast that which he had immediately received from God, but that which he had received from Paul, &c. See page 5.

Answ. In this thou art contrary to the Apostle, who bid stir up the gift that was in him, and keep the faith (which Christ was the author of) and that would not contradict the Apostles words that was in the faith; and that which Timothy received from God, he was to hold fast, in which he had unity with the Apostle.

Pr. He saith, The holy Ghost is to help us in keeping that which is committed to us, and not to reveal more. See page 4.

Answ. Timothy could not know doctrine but by revelation, and doing the will of Christ. How art thou exalted, and would put lyes upon the Apostle, and limit the holy one, and set bounds to the Just, and be a Teacher of the holy Ghost, what it must not reveal? How art thou exalted in this above all that is called God, and sits in the Temple of God blasphemously? who would be a teacher of the holy Ghost, who must be the Teacher, and who tells what it must reveal, and what it must not reveal? Thou must be stopt for thy presumption. If ye have nothing but what the holy Ghost hath given forth, the form of words, the Church of Rome hath the same, and all the false Prophets upon the earth, and Antichrists, and Seducers, and the Devils, they get the Scriptures given forth from the holy Ghost, and holdeth these words in the unrigh­teousnesse, and stop, and resist the holy Ghost, and say it must reveal no more: These comes under the judgements of the Almighty, Gods decree is against them, and the Spirit, the holy Ghost doth lead into all truth, and doth reveal; and the Apostle bids the Saints wait for the revelation of Jesus: And the grace was brought by the revelati­on of Jesus, and the secrets are revealed to them that feare God, and the spirit reveals the things of God, and thou saith it reveals no more; which shews thou doth not know Scriptures, nor God, nor spirit.

Pr. Whereas thou saith, Ye have the Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles, & Christs words, and so are not to look for new Prophets, and that would be a question to the Church, and that would shew mutability in Christ. See page 6.

A. In this thou hast shewed thy self of what generation thou art; For there hath been the Mother, and the Harlot, that hath drunk the blood of the Prophets, and the Martyrs, and the Saints; and such as drink the blood have the forme, and get the sheeps cloa­thing, but cries prophesie is ceased, and revelation from heaven is ceased, onely they have a standing rule, the Scriptures without; and so there they have their cloathing, the sheeps cloathing, but ravened from the spirit, and so hath denyed the Church in which there is prophecy, and the spirit of God; for where that is, there is prophesie amongst sons and daughters, but not amongst you apostates.

Pr. He finds fault with a man that will not believe except he see, as instance, a man will not believe they are Ministers of Christ, except they worke miracles, &c. And a man will not be­lieve there is a Parliament, or Holland, or France, or Spain, except he have been in them, &c. See page 6. & 7.

Answ. Thou and thy wits are compassed, for Revelations and Prophecies are now spoken forth and witnessed, and thou cannot believe, because thou dost not see; and thou art finding fault with others that do not believe, because they do not see. Thou art seen and disapproved, and so now in that thou judges others, thou art judged thy selfe, who art blinde and out of the life; and many may see there is a Holland, and other Countreys, though they have not seen them with an outward eye: And we be­lieve the Ministers of Christ, though they do not work miracles; but from them are you apostatized we do believe and see.

Pr. He saith, The Saints were not to forsake the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some was, &c. See page 8.

Answ. That was in the time of the Apostles before the apos [...]cy: But since the apo­stacy, the Beast, and the false Prophets, and the murtherers of the Saints are got up, which assemble themselves together, and deceive the Nations, and are breaking the Saints meetings which gather [...]ther, that keep the testimony of Jesus, and the spi­rit of prophesie, and overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the testimony of Jesus. And Christ who is the Rock, and his Church doth continue: but that which Christ [Page 54] said should come is come, the false Prophets that should get the sheep [...] cloathing, and John saw was come, which went forth from them, which made war against the Saints and the Lamb; but the Saints and the Lamb shall get the victory: And we are come to the assembly of the Saints before you were apostatized; for your assemblies hath forsaken the Saints, your fruits declare it.

Pr. He saith, Because they have the peoples consent, and the Magistrates allowance, there­fore that is true ordination, &c. See page 11.

Ans. Balaam he had the peoples consent, and the Heathenish Magistrates allowance, when he should have cursed the children of Israel, and so this is no proof of ordina­tion: And the chief Priests had the peoples consent; and the Magistrates many of them which turned against Christ, this is no ordination to be Ministers of Christ. And the Beast and the false Prophet shall rise against the Lamb and the Saints, and yet they shall have sheeps cloathing, this is no proof of their ordination from God, but all this proves it from man: But all who have their ordination from God, are not owned nei­ther by people nor Magistrates in their wills; but who feare God, and are come to the spirit of God by that, to which they minister, and never went to the Magistrates for their allowance; and here again you are apostates from the Apostles, and in the steps of the false Prophets, whose ordination is by the consent of the people, and your al­lowance from the Magistrates, who are from the allowance of Christ that he gives to his Ministers, and the ordination of the Apostles, that was not from man, nor by man.

Pr. Thou bids us marke the Canon of the Holy Ghost in Timothy. See page 11.

Ans. And there is no such word as Canon in Timothy; and thou tells us of a Catho­lique Church, and we cannot finde any such word in Scripture, that it speaks of a­ny such word; but we perceive whom thou hast learned these words of, what center and stock thou comest of, from the Pope, and not from the Apostles.

Pr. He saith, They have an un-interrupted succession drawn from the Apostles, &c. See page 13.

Answ. For your succession is from the Pope, apostatized from the Apostles, ye are out of the Apostles Doctrine, in all your whole worship corrected, and reproved by Scripture. Did the Apostle set up a Temple, set up tythes, set up your Schools and Colledges? Is not the Pope the Author of all this? Are not yee his Succes­sors?

Pr. Thou sayes, Ye are the Ministers of Christ, because ye have the Scriptures and books, and such like, and you are not usurpers of the authority, &c. See page 16.

A. Now there is never a one of you all that ever durst say, ye have heard Gods voice immediately from heaven, or Christs voyce, or have the same spirit as the Prophets and Apostles, and Christ had, or immediate revelations from heaven as they had: So then you be in another ordination then they was in, and usurpers of authority into your ministry, and intruders into those things you never saw: And cannot any one be as good a Pastor or Minister as you, seeing all your teaching is but from books and other mens writings? Why may not others learn the same books, and writings, and so come to be Teachers and Pastors as well as you, seeing you have nothing but from Books and Writings, and old Authors? Why may not all that read those be Pastors and Teachers, and so then where be the hearers? and so with the life are you all judged. The spirit of God which gave forth Scriptures, which was before your old Books and Authors were.

Thomas Higginson, his Book called, The Testimony of the True JESƲS. His PRINCIPLES follow, &c.

Pr. HE saith, The Word is not righteousnesse without the flesh, &c. See page 3.

Ans. The Word is righteous it selfe, and the flesh righteous as it be­came.

Pr. He saith, Men are presented perfect to God, and without spot, before any work done, or good whatsoever, &c. page 3.

Ans. There is none doth the work of God but who believes; and he that believes overcomes the world, and his works are wrought in God, and he hath the word o [...] reconciliation in him: And by this means of thine all the world is presented perfect to God; for he is the offering for the whole world. But them that believe are par­takers, and them that do not believe are condemned. Yet I say the Lord helps the unbelief of many, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of them that believe; and men are not presented to God while they do evill, and afore they are sanctified and holy.

Pr. He saith, The invisible things of God, and the eternall power and glory of God may be known by that of God in every man, but not his good pleasure or purpose of grace, &c. See page 4.

Ans. Is the glory seen, and that known, the God-head known? the invisible things of God, and the eternall power, and not the good pleasure of God, nor his purpose of grace? Doth not the God-head dwell in Christ and his fulnesse bodily? And is not Christ the power of God? And he that knows God and his glory, and eternall power and God-head, Doth not he know the Son? Consider that; For he that hath known the Son hath known the Father also, and grace and the purpose of God.

Pr. He saith, Man may know God, and his eternall power, and God-head, and glory, and yet know nothing of the mystery of Christ, nor can that (which thou saith shews these things) lead unto the mystery of the knowledge of Christ, &c. See page 4.

Answ. Where the eternall power and God-head is known, his power, his glory, and the invisible things of God, there is something of Christ known, the mystery. For, there is none knows the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son reveals him: And he that knows the Father knows the Son.

Pr. He saith, To say that Christ is within man, is to worship Angels, and not to hold the head Christ, &c. See page 5.

Answ. Which none comes to witnesse Christ the head, but who witness him in them, that the Angels must worship, that dyed, and suffered at Jerusalem; and they that worship him in them, worships not the Angels; and they that are not worship­ping him in them, are worshipping Men, Devils, or Angels.

Pr. He saith, It is a bewitching of the mindes, to preach Christ within the Saints, &c.

Answ. Did not the Apostle say to the same Colossians, of worshipping of Angels, not holding the head? Did not he preach Christ in them, the same Colossians? And he told them of intruding into things they never saw. Did not he say, Christ in you the hope of glory whom we preach? warning every man, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. How dost thou devide the word contrary to the Apostles and Christ Jesus? and calls this Doctrine bewitching; and thou that preacheth another doctrine contra­ry to his, art accurst.

Pr. He saith, To say (the light in every one wherewith Christ Jesus hath enlightned them withall that comes into the world) is the way to Christ and the Father, and is the sure word of prophesie which people are to take heed unto. He saith, this is to deny the person of Christ, as the object of faith, and the Scriptures as the rule of faith, and faith it selfe, &c. See page 8.

Answ. In this thou hast shewed thy ignorance; for none knows the person of Christ but with the light that comes from him: None knows the Mediator, none knows the Author of their faith, but with the light that comes from Christ: And none knows the Scriptures of truth but with the light: And Christ is the rule of faith, and author of it, and giver; And many may have Scriptures and not saith; so in this thou devides not the word aright, uncapable of dividing the word; and that is the sure word of prophesie that shines in a dark place, which people are to take heed unto, till the day dawn, and the day-star arise in their hearts.

Pr. He saith, To say that redemption & righteousness is wrought within, is to bring Christ down from above out of heaven, or raise him from the dead, and to make the blood of Christ as another mans, &c. See page 9.

Answ. Now Christ is not known to be the justification, but as he is known within, and redemption out of Adams state in the fall. For he that believes hath the witnesse in himselfe, and ceaseth from his own works, and enters into his rest, as God did from his: For the world may professe Christ without them; but if he be not within them, they are reprobates, and shall fall short of the justification and redemption if he be not within them: And if they have not the Son of God, they have not life; and many will say, Lord, but doth not the thing that he commands. And one of thy generation of Profes­sors that writ against the Quakers, and said, That the blood of Christ was corruptible (and so it was like the blood of another man) and thou saith it is not. Now we say, that blood which cleanseth from all sin is incorruptible; and they that witnesse Christ in them, and justification and redemption, and need not say, who shall raise Christ from the dead, or fetch him from above, as thou says.

Pr. He saith, Obedience to the spirit within, and Christ a worker and a Law-giver in their conscience, and a worker of it in their persons but not as a Saviour: and what of God is felt or wrought in them, that they believe. While the unspeakable righteousness, opperati­on of life in Christ reserved, with faith, liberty, joy and peace, &c. is hid from their eyes, &c. See page 10.

Ans. Now can any be obedient to the spirit within, and to Christ a worker, and a Law-giver, and feel the work of God in themselves, and believe it; and yet the un­speakable righteousness and the operation of life hid in Christ, and faith, and liberty, joy, and peace to be hid from their eyes? Can a man know all these things, and yet not know Christ to be a Saviour? here thou art judged, and thy knowledg; for he that knows these things, knows a Saviour; and let the righteous judge, whose eyes are o­pen, how thou divides the word.

Pr. He saith, Faith holds things as true in Christ, though hid from sense and feeling, &c. See page 11.

Answ How cometh the just to live then if there be not a feeling in his faith? And how cometh he to have the victory then over the world? And how doth faith purifie if there be not a feeling? And how is it holden then in a pure conscience if there be not a feeling? And how cometh he to have accesse to God through faith? And doth not the Scripture speak of them that was in the faith, felt and handled the word of life? And was this without the faith of Gods elect, or sense? Therefore in this thou may see in this how uncapable thou art to divide the word.

Pr. He saith, They that put spirituall working for the grace of Christ, they destroy Christ Jesus. See page 11.

Ans. They do not destroy Christ Jesus, that put spirituall working for the grace of Christ, for the works of the spirit doth not destroy Christ; for where the works of the spirit are, there is the grace of Christ Jesus; and none owns Christ, but who be in the works of the spirit, and his graces; and they destroyed Christ, and deny him that be out of the works of the spirit, and his graces are spiritual workings.

Pr. He saith, The sight of the God-head without faith in Christ is the foundation of all false worships, &c. See same page.

Ans. Can any see the God-head? have a sight of the God-head? and not see Christ, and have faith in Christ? And who have faith in Christ, do they not see the fulnesse [Page 57] of the Godhead dwells in him Christ. And was not their minds turned from that of God in them (which declared the invisible things of him from the Creation, of his Eternal Power, and Godhead) which the Apostle sound fault withall? Let all examine and Judge, and read the Scripture Rom. 1. and try.

Pr. He saith obedience to Christ within is a sentence of the Law not of grace, and denying Christ overwhelming the afflicted in sorrow without hope, and turning the feet of the lame out of the way. And bids beware of such Doctrine, &c. See page 12.

Ans. If people must beware of the Doctrine of the Apostles who hath told them, Christ was in them except they were reprobates, And Christ was within them the hope of glory, to whom he Preached; For they turn people out of the way who keep them reprobates without hope, and is a denying of Christ that Preacheth not Christ within, and a keeping people under the Law, which Christ is the end of, and where Christ within is, there is obedience which is the end of the Law, and there is grace.

Pr. He saith the Justification and redemption by obeying the Light within, appears to his understanding to be a mystery of iniquity, &c. See page 13.

Ans. Thy understanding must come to nought, for he that believeth is Justified from all things, and comes not into condemnation, and he hath the witness in himself. And that lets him see his Redeemer, his Mediator and Saviour the Light, which walking in it, he is cleansed from all sin, and so no mystery of iniquity, for the mystery of iniquity is out of the Light: none sees Justification and Redemption but with the Light within, which comes from Christ who hath enlightened him.

Pr. He saith the Ministration of grace cannot he known by the Light which Christ hath enlightened every man that cometh into the world withall, &c. See page 14.

Ans. Contrary to John who saith, as many as receiveth him to them he gives power to become the Sons of God, and no one knowes the Ministration of grace but by the Light which comes from Christ the Covenant of grace.

Pr. He saith none can know the mystery of God in Christ with the Light in them, &c. See page 14.

Ans. Which is contrary to Scripture, I will give him for a Covenant, for a Light to the Gentiles, he shall be my salvation to the ends of the earth saith the Lord. So this was the salvation, so it gives the knowledge of the Ministery of salvation, the Light that shines in the heart gives the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus, who is the mystery that shines in the heart of them that believe in it; and them that do not, are condemed with the Light. And so they are reproved with the spirit of truth which leads the Disciples into all truth, which spirit the world can­not receive, for they do not receive the Light, and so are not like to receive the Spirit of truth.

Pr. He saith the Light of Christ (in natural man) knowes nothing of the spirit, &c. And the Scripture was the Image of Christ without, &c. See page 14.

Ans. Scriptures without are writings, and endures not for ever, but the power, Christ the power of God endures for ever; And who ever is in the Light, cometh to know Christ in the spirit, him who is the life. And it leads the natural man from his natural state that believes in it, For all by nature are the children of wrath: who believes in it, it leads from the nature; and from the wrath, which who believes in it is made free from the wrath to come, and they that believe not in the Light are re­proved by the spirit, and that which reproves them is manifest to them, and so they know it.

Pr. He saith to affirm the Light in the conscience (which we say is the Light of Christ) the way or guide to Christ whereto onely to attend; is a darksome, fleshly, and most legal prin­ciple, and calls it grave wherein Christ is buried, &c. See page 15.

Ans. Which is contrary to Christs Doctrine, who saith he that believes in the Light shall not walk in darkness, but have the Light of life. And he that does believe in the Light, hath entered into his rest and come to the Sabbath, out of the grave and out of the legal and out of the fleshly, and out of condemnation. And none comes to the Son Christ, but who comes to the Light which comes from him which he hath enlightened them withall.

Pr. And again he saith to say the Light in every man is Christ the Redeemer is a two-fold errour, &c. See same page.

Ans. Contrary to John who saith this is the true Light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world. And he was in the world, and the world knew him not. So shewes himself to be one of the stock of the world that knowes not him that was, and is in them the Light of the world, and the world knew him not; which he that believeth in the Light hath the Light of life, and he that receiveth the Light, receiveth Christ the Redeemer. And he that receiveth Christ, receiveth his spirit. And he that receiveth not the Light that he is enlightened withall, receiveth not his Redeemer but hates him: it is his condemnation, and he is in the errour.

Pr. He saith the Light within was not given for righteousness, neither could it reveal or give life, &c. page 16.

Ans. Contrary to Christ who saith he that believes in the Light shall have the Light of life. So thou art unskilfull in the word and Doctrine of Christ, and Christ within is given for righteousness; who reveals the Father and gives life, and they that have not Christ the Light within are reprobates.

Pr. He saith the Light within knowes nothing of the precious Gospel Mystery, See pag. 16.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle who said the Light that shined in their hearts should give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus, and the Light within comes from the mystery, and is of the mystery it self, and lets see the precious mystery which none knowes but with the Light within, and so the God of the world hath blinded thy mind, and hath shewed thy self that thou art of them that hates the Light, and shewes that thou comes not to it; for he that comes to it, comes to the my­stery, for the least Light of Christ in man is of the mystery, and comes from the mystery.

Pr. He saith, to say Christ came to Redeem the Israel from the Law without, to establish the work within, and law in the conscience, in obedience unto which men come to be Redeemed, and the Law in the heart, thus to say he saith is an errour, &c. See page 16.

Ans. Contrary to the Apostle who Preached the redemption, established the Law in the heart, and Christ within who redeemes men from under the Law, who is the end of it, and the word of Faith in the heart, and they that have not this be in the errour, though they may talk of Christ.

Pr. He saith it is the Divinity of Sophisters, and a blotting out of the glory of the grace of Christ, to set forth Christ as a law-giver, and worker in us, &c. See page 17.

Ans. Which I say, none knowes him as a Mediator and a law-giver, nor an offering, nor his blood that cleanseth them but as they know him working in them, and they be in the Sophistery of their Divinity that knowes not the glory of the grace of Christ working in them.

Pr. He saith a man shall not see himself dead and buried with Christ, and raised up with Christ by any work or obedience to Christ within, &c. See page 18.

Ans. He that believes hath the witness in himself; and there is the work within, and that is the work of God: and Faith is wrought within. And this is contrary to self, for over it, it gives victory, and teacheth to deny himself; So see how thou con­founds thy self; and he that believes is past from death to life, and they that are dead with Christ seekes those things that are from above.

Pr. He saith again, the Light within is the spirit of the world, &c. See page 18.

Ans. Contrary to Johns doctrine who saith he was in the world and the world knew him not, neither doth your spirits of the world know him now, and the worlds Spirit knew him not, and the world hates the Light, and darkness cannot compre­hend it, though it shines in darkness. And here thou art medling with things that are too heavy for thee, and the corner stone falls a top of thee, and the Light that enlighte­neth every one that cometh into the world, was before the spirit of the world was.

Pr. He saith that they that affirm the light in every man that condemnes for sin to he Christ the Redeemer, have set up an Idol, &c. See page 19.

Ans. Doth not Christ say, I am the Light of the world, which is the true Light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, who is the Redeemer and the Sal­vation [Page 59] to the ends of the earth, and he that receiveth it receiveth Christ. And is not this it that brings off of all Idols? And are not they setting up Idols, that are from the Light? And doth not Christ the Light come to condemn sin in the flesh? and is that the Idoll? How dare thou say so! he was manifest in the flesh, to condemn sin in the flesh; and he saith, I am the light, and that is not an Idoll.

Pr. He saith, Christ comes not down in spirit into our persons to redeem, but to manifest the redemption; and saith, he cometh the second time without sinne unto salvation, &c. See page 21.

Answ. The Apostle bids them worke out their salvation with fear and trembling. And Christ brings not peace on earth, but a sword, and judgment, and comes to make blind, who is the redemption, and makes it manifest by his spirit, and whose light doth con­demn him that hates it, for he will not have that which manifests salvation; And whosoever knoweth redemption, knoweth it to be manifest in him from Christ.

Pr. He saith, They who had the light within, and pierced into the invisible things, and e­ternall power, and God-head, had but the wisdome of this world, &c. page 23.

Ans. And so he would make the light of Christ, the wisdome of this world; which light cometh from Christ the wisdome of God: the wisdome of the world, cannot pierce into the eternall power and God-head.

Pr. He saith, The light within denies all things that God hath done for us in Christ, which hath no glory, but spreads a veil over, &c. page 25.

Ans. Which none knows what God hath done for us, nor sees the glory in Christ, but by the light which comes from him, who works all both in us and for us, according to his good will and pleasure, and brings not to deny what God worketh in us; and they nullifie it that are against his light, and are against his glorious person; for the light that's within lets see his glory.

Pr. He saith, Obedience to the light within is another atonement, and a denying the at­onement of Christ, and calls it a mystery of iniquity. See page 28.

Answ. VVhich none knows the attonement of Christ but by the light within, and all be in the mystery of iniquity that be out of the Light which cometh from Christ the covenant of God to Jewes and Gentiles, and that gives them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. Mark! he saith, the light is that which gives the knowledge, and the Light within doth not set up another atonement; but they do that do deny the light within, set up another atonement then Christ.

Pr. He saith, To obey the Law within (which we say is the law of the spirit of life, which makes free from sin and death) in this he saith, we agree with the Papists and Pa­gans. See page 30.

Answ Now in this thou may see where thou art out of the Apostles doctrine: And neither thee nor the Papists, nor Pagans own us in this, that we should be made free from the Law of sin and death, while we be upon the earth: And here the blood of Jesus is witnessed, and the attonement, and the Father and the Son, and this is all seen with the Light within.

Pr. He sai [...]h, He began by faith to behold the love, joy, and redemption prepared for him, before any evill or good was done by him, &c. page 37.

Answ. Dost not thou say, thou beheld it by faith? And now is not the work good to behold by faith? And doth not that give victory over the evill? And doth not that do good that beholds by faith? And so what is not of faith is sinne.

Pr. He saith, He is in heavenly places, and yet in the shadow of death with the earthly. See page 38.

Answ. He that is in heavenly places is in Christ Jesus, a new creature: And he that be­lieveth in the light, shall not abide in darknesse; so comes out of shadows: And he that be­lieveth, abideth not in the condemnation, and so comes out of the shadow of death, though they have sate in the shadow of death before belief; and comes out of the earth, and so hast proved thy self not a true believer, which comes out of the shadows, and death.

Pr. He saith, To purifie the members, as reckoning it our redemption, our righteousnesse, all such purity is sin, blindness, and idolatry, page 40.

Ans. And the Apostle calls Christ our redemption, and our sanctification, and our righteousnesse; and so we can truly say Christ is ours, and no idolaters. And them that cannot say Christ is their sanctification, redemption, righteousness, and mortification, is in the idolizing and sin.

Pr. He saith, The way to attain the spirit of Christ is not by waiting on the light within, &c. see page 52.

Answ. Christ saith, believe in the light, that ye way be children of the light; and he that is a child of the light, cometh to the birth born of the spirit: And Christ doth en­lighten every one that cometh into the world; And as many as received him he gave them pow­er to become the sons of God: And none hears faith, but who hears the light within, which is Christ within, who is the Author of it, by which the spirit is received.

Pr. He saith, That doctrine or spirit that calls to the Light within, doth but build up the worship of the world, &c. page 53.

Ans Contrary to the Apostle, who said, The light that shined in their hearts would give them the light of the knowledge of God in the face of Christ Jesus. And Christ saith, they that worship God, must worship him in truth; And he is the light, and he is the truth, that doth enlighteth every man that comes into the world, and this throws down all the worship of the world. And I say, none comes out of the worships of the world, and the doctrines of the world, but who comes to the light wherewith Christ hath en­lightned every man, &c. that shines in the darkness, and the darknesse comprehends it not.

Pr. He saith, To believe in God as in the Light within men, redeeming from sin, is to deny the witnesse of the Son, and have neither Son nor Father, &c. page 54.

Ans. Which I say, none owns the witnesse of the Son, but who owns the Light which comes from the Son with which he is enlightned; Nor none knows the Father nor the Son, nor receives them, but who receives the light which Christ the Son hath en­lightned them withall, nor knows God to be a Saviour but by the Light within.

Pr. He saith, They that seeke for righteousnesse by obedience to the light within, differs no­thing from the Jewes, but onely in the copies of the Law, &c. See page 56.

Ans. None sees the obedience of Christ the second Adam, the end of the Law, and copies of it, but with the Light within, which comes from Christ Jesus, that brings in righteousness, and ends sin and transgression, who is the end of the righteous Law, with which light man sees the weakness and unprofitableness of it, and the types and the shadows of it, which Christ is known in the light within, who ends it.

Pr He saith, To rest in hope that I am saved from sin and wrath by the blood of Christ the head, and while conscience condemns for sin, this is to hope against hope, &c. See page 57.

Ans. Such as are saved from the wrath by Christ the head, and his blood, they are saved from their sins: And then they that are saved from their sins, how can consci­ence condemn for sin, and the wrath come upon them for sin; and they that are saved from the wrath, they are saved from their sins: But where conscience doth condemn for sin, there is wrath; and he cannot witnesse a cleansing, nor salvation wrought out, nor saved from sin, but is in the false hope, and not in the true hope which goes against hope, for the true hope is Christ within.

Pr. Whereas thou speaks of Christs working and giving an example, &c. page 67.

Ans. Yet thou and the rest are offended at those people that are called Quakers, who say Christ was their example. And so ye can allow what ye speak your selves; but if an­other speak the same words, it is an offence to you.

Pr. He saith, Such as preach redemption by the light in every man are not of God, &c. See pag. 70.

Ans. The redemption of Christ the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; And every man that cometh into the world that seeth his redemption, it is by the light, which he that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world hath [Page 61] enlightned him with, which is Christ the Redeemer, the Saviour, the second Adam, the way to the Father, who shall make every tongue to confess him to the glory of God; but thou that hates the light art condemned.

Pr. He saith, Not the light in every man, but the words of the Prophets and Apostles, is that which leads to the Lord Jesus, &c. See Page 82.

Ans. Many may have the words of the Prophets, and the Apostles, but none comes to that which leads to the Lord Jesus, but who comes into the light, and life that the Prophets and Apostles was in, which Christ Jesus is the end of, who doth enlighten eve­ry man that cometh into the world. Therefore every man that cometh into the world must come to the light which Christ hath enlightned him withal, before he come to the end of the Prophets and the Apostles, Christ Jesus the Lord of life and glory.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures are the image of Christ; and he that seeks for God out of the humanity of Christ, he shall lose both God and himself, &c. See pag. 82.

Answ. The Scriptures are writings, and the writings will not endure for ever; and the image of Christ is the image of God. And all who be in the life that gave forth Scriptures, be in the image of Christ, which was afore Scripture was; and all that have the Scriptures out of the life that gave them forth, they have not the image: And he that is out of the truth may have the Scriptures; but he is out of the image, all are who be out of the truth; but who be in the truth, be in the image. And God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himselfe. And who knows the Son, knows the Father: And he that hath found the Son, hath found the Father also. And he that seeks after God out of Christ, shall never finde him.

And as for the rest of thy lyes and slanders in thy Book, and unsavoury expressions which are not worthy mentioning, upon thy own head they will come one day, and thy own words shall be thy burthen.

Jeremiah Ives his Booke, called, Innocency above Impudency, or the strength of Righteousnesse exalted above the QƲAKERS Weaknesse and Wickednesse. His Principles are as followeth.

Pr. HE saith, It is a rare thing to see any of the seed of the Devill grown up to that degree of impudence to charge a man, that he hath done that which he never did do, &c.

Answ. The seed of the Devill always said that which was not true, so not a rare thing to finde them; for the Devill and his seed is out of the truth, and when he speaks a lye, he speaks of himselfe, and so speaks a thing that is not, and there thou art.

Pr. He saith, The Apostle in his Catalogue of the evils of the times, &c. page 1.

Ans. Is it not better to call the Scripture a declaration (as they call themselves) then to call them a Catalogue? and some of you vvill say it is a History, and some a Catalogue; and again ye vvill say, it is the Word of God, which the Scriptures of truth is words; and God is the Word, and thou art in the evill time, out of the good, and thy time and day is evill.

Pr. He saith, The Quakers give that name (as quaking) to themselves, and others do not give it them as a Nick-name, &c. See page 2.

Answ. The first that ever I did hear them called Quakers, and the name given to them of Quakers, was one Gervase Bennet in Darby, a persecutor called a Justice of Peace, though many years before the power of the Lord was witnessed, yet I never heard them have that name of Quakers given, before that corrupt Justice gave it them, [Page 62] and misnamed them so, and in scorn called them so, and thou art one of his Scho­lers; and Quaking and trembling we own, though they in scorn calls us so; and the salvation wrought out with fear and trembling we witness.

Pr. He saith, The Devill speaks truth sometimes, &c. page 2.

Ans. Christ saith, he was a lyar from the beginning; and when he speaks a lye, he speaks of himselfe, and hath no truth in him; and so he cannot speak truth as it is in him; And the greatest professors upon the earth are there, of the Devill that speaketh the words of truth, but not as they are in it, as so saith Christ to the Jewes, they were of their father the Devill, they speak of themselves. So they that speak the Scrip­tures, not by the spirit, as was by them that spake them forth, they speak of themselves, as the Devill doth that abode not in the truth, but a lyar from the beginning; and thus the truth comprehended it: For it is one thing to speak the truth in the truth, and to be in it, for he speaks not of himself, but the truth in him; but the other all speaks of themselves, and there thou art (and so doth the Devill) and truth is not in him, nor them, and there with truth they are comprehended.

Pr. He chargeth us, Whether ever any gave worse words to us then we did to others, &c. page 9.

A. To speak truth is not to give bad words, to tell a Cain, he is a Cain; or an Esau, or an Ishmael, to be an Ishmael; or a Wolfe, he is a Wolfe: and say the evil Beasts are the evil Beasts, that are worse then the common beasts. And to say, the greedy dogs that can never have enough, are worse then the common dogs that are biting and tearing; and are worse then the common beasts that feed in peace, and eates their meate in peace. Now to speak such words and names as these are to them that are not so, that is a gi­ving of bad names, wrong names: But the spirit that gave forth the Scriptures, it gave such names to such as was found in those steps. It lets see now, and the whole Nation may witness, that friends may answer to his Challenge; and the Gaols and the Courts doth shew the greedinesse of such, and their persecution, and their malice against the Lambs; and so the Saints in the spirit doth give them their proper names, to properties in their places, among which names thou art found.

Prin. He saith, Much of the Scriptures may be understood without the spirit, &c. page 12.

Ans. The Scriptures was given forth from the spirit of God, and they are the things of God, and the words of God, and they are not known nor understood, but by the spirit of God again, for there is a spirituall understanding. Neither can they under­stand any of the Scripture of truth which cannot be broken but by the spirit of God within that gave them forth, which is of God of whom they were learned.

Pr. He saith Christ was not a Minister of the circumcision, &c. See page 14.

Ans. And the Apostle said, they were circumcised with a circumcision made with­out hands; and the putting off the body of sin, of the flesh, they were circumcised with the spirit; but who was the Minister of this Circumcision? For the Apostle saith, it was the circumcision of Christ, Coll. 2.11. And again the Apostle saith, We are the circumcision that worship God in spirit, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Pr. He saith, What man in his right wits would say a wildernesse was a City, &c. page 14.

Ans. When the people have transgressed the Law of God, they are erred from his wayes, they are become a Wildernesse, and bears the fruit of brambles and bryars, and not seeing any way to get out, till the Lords mercy be manifest to them; which is further then the Law of justice. And thou hast not seen thy wits end yet, nor seen the Wildernesse in thy heart fenced, though a City; and the children of Israel were called a wildernesse, in trangression, though in Cities.

Pr. He saith, He can tell things to come without the spirit of God: And thou saith, the Pharisees could tell by the skies what should be the weather, and the dayes should bring forth, and this without the spirit of God, &c. page 15.

Ans. That which gives to understand the Creation, and the altering and changing [Page 63] of the Creation, either in weather or dayes. It is the wisdome of God, and his spirit by which all things was made, that knows these things in the truth; who counts the Stars, and numbers them in their kinde; who sets the Sun to rule the day, and the Moon to rule the night. Now who understands these things, it is by the spirit of wisdome who understands them aright; and there may be a wilfull rejecting, and a having these things in the form, yet not a knowing these things in truth, and so Christ calls them hypocrites. And a man may know things by the spirit, and go in the errour from the spirit, and then hold them in his memory.

Pr. He saith, Every man that cometh into the world hath not the light of Christ in him, &c. page 16.

Answ. This is the true light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; and it shines in the darknesse, and the darkness comprehends it not. Now this light re­proves where it is come to, where it is hated, and their deeds be evill, and not loved, it is their condemnation, and so is not that which reproves them, in them; which doth make manifest the heart, and are not those that do quench the spirit, the wicked, and those that are led by the spirit, are not these the good? And is not here both [...]ood and bad? Thou art that darknesse that John speaks of, that cannot comprehen [...] the Light which shines in darknesse, like the Pharisees.

Pr. He saith, There may be a light to convince people of sinne, and yet not within them.

Ans. There is no people convinced of sin, but they are convinced within themselves and with the light within them; and it is the light that makes manifest to a man when he is convinced: It answers to something, and reacheth to something in their par­ticulars, though the words be spoken without them from the Light.

Pr. That every man in the world should not have his sins pardoned, &c. page 17.

Answ. Christ gave himselfe, his body for the life of the world; he was the offering for the sins of the whole world, and paid the debt, and made satisfaction, and doth en­lighten every man that comes into the world, that all through him might believe; and he that doth not believe in the offering is condemned already.

Pr. He saith, It is an errour to say that every man hath a light within him, to teach him to worship God, &c. page 18.

Answ. Every man that cometh into the world having a light from Christ Jesus the truth: Every man that cometh into the world being in the light which Christ Jesus the truth hath enlightned him withall, and walking in it, he shall worship God aright in the truth, and come into that the Devill is out of, and worship God in the spirit. But none worships God aright but who be in the Light which Christ hath enlightned every man with that cometh into the world; For who is in the light, is in the truth, for it is truth: And all other worships out of the Light is as the Devill is, and there thou art condem­ned with the Light.

Pr. He saith, That is the errour that he chargeth us with, that the light which doth en­lighten every man that cometh into the world, it is an errour to say it is within every man, &c. page 19.

Answ. Which he is ignorant of the Scripture: I will give him a covenant of light to the Gentiles, a leader unto them; and a new covenant to the house of Israel and Judah, and this Covenant was written in their hearts: And as I said before, the light shines in darkness, and the darkness comprehends it not: And where the light shines out of dark­nesse, it shines in the heart. He that hates the light is enlightned, and he that loves it; and that, reproves the evil deeds of him that hates it which is within him, and it is in the Saints heart.

Pr. He saith, It is miserable darkness to direct people to the Light within them, &c. page 26.

Answ. Which was the Apostles doctrine; he was sent to turn people from the dark­nesse to the light. And he told people, that the light that shined in their hearts would give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. And [Page 64] Christ bids them walke in the light, and believe in it: and they be in miserable darkness that doth not.

Pr. He saith, It is a known errour to say that a man was in hell, and in heaven, &c. page 21.

Ans. Who in this shews his ignorance of Scripture; for it gives testimony of men that did witnesse, that they had been in hell, in the nethermost hell; and witnessed a­gain they were in heaven, and sate in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; and such were in heaven as is spoken of in the Revelations.

Pr. It is an errour to say they have perfection, and they themselves not perfect, &c. And to say they have communion with the body and blood of Christ at the Gentiles Table, &c. page 23.

Ans. There is many of the servants and children of God, whose meat and drink is the body and blood of Christ that comes among the Gentiles, and their Tables, to witnesse against them, yet neverthelesse they have communion with the body and blo [...] of Christ: And many may witnesse Christ the perfection in words, though they are [...]ot in it, as the whole world doth; yet who are in Christ, are in the spirit, and are perf [...]t. So that it is one thing to be in the thing, and another thing to have sight of the t [...]ng, and another thing to professe the thing without the sight. Yet I say, the sight that [...]eeth Christ is perfect, and sees perfection; and the faith is perfect, whereby he com [...]th to the knowledge of the Son of God, and to the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ.

Pr. He saith, The writings of the Scriptures may be burned, but the Word of God contai­ned in them cannot be burned, &c. page 34.

Ans. If he had said, the word that it speaks of, or testifies of, he had spoken pro­per like Scripture: But to say, the Word is contained in the writing, and the writing saith it testifies of Christ the Word. And there is a proof to thee, that the Quakers are sent of God, who speak to thee of the Scriptures right as they are.

Pr. He saith. It is a lye to say every man hath the light of Christ, &c. page 44.

Ans. Contrary to John, who saith; every man that cometh into the world is enlightned. And as many as receiveth him, to them he gives power to become the Sons of God: And he that believes in the light, shall not abide in darknesse, but shall have the light of life, and so it is sufficient: And he that doth not believe, is condemned already; and he hath it to be­lieve in, or to condemn him.

Prin. He saith, Thousands stumble, because they have no light in them, &c. Page 44.

Answ. They are such as hate it, and doth not receive it, which hath enlightned them, and not walking in it, and so is their condemnation; and it shineth in the darknesse, and the darkness comprehends it not: And so they are in darknesse, and there is the unregenerate state.

Pr. He saith, The Pharisees were farre enough from having the Kingdome of heaven within, &c. page 45.

Ans. Contrary to Christs words, who said, it was within them.

Pr. He saith, It is a notion to say, the light of Christ is in every one, &c. page 47.

Ans. Which is contrary to Johns doctrine. It is not a strange thing to the Saints for these Priests and Teachers to question the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; for the Jewes, Priests, and Levites stumbled at it in the dayes of John, and it set them all up in an uproar as it does you; and they examined John, and que­stioned John, and he said, This is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, that all men through him might believe.

Pr. He saith, None were ever baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, that were not baptized with water, &c. page 52.

Answ. Where was Matthew, or Mark, or Luke, or John baptized, and many more which the Apostle said, he thanked God he had not baptized? &c. which he had be­gotten [Page 65] many. Baptizing is making disciples to the Lord Jesus, and Baptizing them into his name, that is his power, and he telleth the Saints that they were Baptized with one spirit, into one body, such he tells that he thanks God he had Baptized but a few: but he told of the spirits Baptisme, and brought the Saints off from things that were seen, and water is seen and its Baptisme. And as for all thy rabble from thy contenti­ous spirit, and railings, and unsavoury expressions, they will turn home upon thy self; and thy own words will be thy burthen; and the witness in thy conscience will answer in the day of thy Judgement.

Francis Harris his Booke called, his queries to the Quakers, &c. his Principles followes.

Pr. THou saith doth not these people that pretend to the light stumble at noon day as in the night, and there be no Gospel Light, we mean of the revealed and written Gospel Light in them? &c. page 9.

Ans. The Gospel Light is that which doth enlighten every man that cometh into world: and who hates it, neglects the Gospel Light, and receives not the power from God which is the Gospel, for that is the Gospel Light Christ Jesus that doth en­lighten every man that cometh into the world. The Light which every man that com­eth into the world is enlightned withall is the Gospel light, and they that walk in it stumble not; They stumble that be out of the Light which every man that cometh into the world is lighted withall, which Light is the way to the Father: and many may have the written words, yet out of the Gospel Light and the power of God which is the Gospel, as Rom. 1. which brings people to where the sheep lies down at noon day.

Pr. He saith what did Christ mean when he bid people search the Scriptures, or Peter when he called the Scriptures the sure word of prophesie, the light shining in the dark place? and yet Scripture without is a dead letter, &c. page 12.

Ans. And yet they call it the Light, and the word, which is a dead letter. Christs bids the professors of Scriptures to search it, that thought to have had life in it (not that they should find life in it) but that they should search it and see how it did testi­fie of him who was the life; that was his end, and those that was come to Christ the life; they was come to him the Scriptures testified of, as John 1. we have found him of whom Moses and the Prophets writ: and those were them that was come from John: the others were them that stuck in John, and came not to the life, but to the Scriptures to have had life in the Scriptures, and came not to him the Scriptures testi­fied of, and persecuted that. And Peter means as he speakes; he tels them of the sure word of Prophesy, and bids them take heed to it, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day Star arise in their hearts. He doth not say this is Scriptures without; which thou saith it is a dead letter, how can that shine.

Pr. He saith doth not this draw people to gross Idolatry; to bid people to take heed to the light in you, which you call the pure Light of God; not the light of nature? And whether you do not delude people, by saying there is a pure Light of God and Christ in every man and woman by nature, &c. page 14. 17.

Ans. The light which doth enlighten every man, &c. leadeth from all Idolatry: for all that be out of the Light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; they be in the Idolatry. And every man that cometh into the light, the light which they are enlightened withall, be in that which was before any natural lights was: and the the natural lights are the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars. And they delude, and deceive people that say the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world is a natural light, and they keep people in the Idolatry; And so shut up the Kingdom against men, and go not in themselves, nor suffer others; for all Idolatry is out of the Light.

Pr. He saith, to be carryed up to the power, and to the Spirit which resembles fire, whe­ther this be not Antichrist like a Lamb; to call fire from heaven to come down in the sight of men? And whether the power be from God or from Satan, that brings people into a trembling and shaking like Belshazar, &c. See pag. 20. 21.

Ans. That power was not of Satan that broke down the head of gold, the brests of silver, neither was that power of Satan that made Belshazar to shake and quake: and that power all must know, before the most High rules in the Kingdoms of men: and to be carryed up by the power, and the Spirit of God is not Antichrist, nor is not as the beast which with his lying wonders caused fire to come down from heaven, for the power, and the Spirit of God fathomes all such things; and seeth those were the Spirits that were erred from the Apostles; and the life they lived in that did so.

Pr. He saith the most righteous man falls seven times a day the Scripture tell us, See page 22.

Ans. The Scripture doth not speak any such thing as seven times a day, but it saith the Just man falleth seven times, and riseth again, but the wicked falls into mis­chief.

Pr. He saith such as have fasted till their neighbours who lived nigh them have not known them; they have been as though they had been come out of the jawes of death: whether this be not as the Pharisees? and an occasion to Satan? &c. page 24.

Ans. What would ye have said to David in his dayes, when that he fasted till he might number his bones? and was a stranger to all his acquaintance; was this an hypocrites fast? and because some now by the same power, are moved of the Lord so to do? Is this now like unto the Pharisees that appears to do so? Have not all Ministers and teachers shewed their ignorance of the Scriptures, and the life that gave it forth, and to be such as cannot divide the word aright, nor speak a word in season? But are rather such as burthens the just, and oppresseth; whereby the poor groanes, and cries under: not to distinguish between the fasting of the servants of God, and you that appeared to fast. So in this you shew you put no difference between the precious and the vile, and are not able to Judge of things that differs; so are Judged with that which doth put a difference in things that differ: and David was a wonder to his neighbours about him.

Francis Higginson, his Book called, A brief Relation of the Re­ligion of the Northern QUAKERS. His PRINCIPLES follow, &c.

Pr. HE saith in his Epistle, The great number that is fallen away from the Word of God.

Answ. The falling away from the Word of God was before the Apostles decease, and since the world is gone after you, and them that are fallen away; and so you put the Letter for the Word, the Scripture which are words, and so run into all opinions, into Sects; but now are people coming to the Light, and so to the Word Christ Jesus, him by whom the world was made, before it was made, from you apostates, to the word and the Apostles are we come.

Pr. Again he saith, I do not detest Popery it selfe more heartily then I do your Religion, Quakers, &c.

Ans. I do believe thee, for Popery it selfe is thy stock: The Tythes, the Universi­ties, the Steeple-houses, Masse-houses, and so I know thou must be a friend to Popery, and detest us before thou canst Popery, the Kingdome would be divided else a­gainst it self, and then it were not like to stand: But Popery and you we see is come up [Page 67] since the dayes of the Apostles in the apostacy, and so with the power of God yee are denyed.

Pr. Again he saith, Beware of false Prophets, for there shall arise false Prophets, and false Christs, and if it were possible they should deceive the very Elect, Math. 7. and Matth. 24.

Ans. And Christ said, they should come, and they should be inwardly ravening Wolves, but they should be cloathed with the sheeps cloathing; to his Disciples he spake this, and before the Disciples decease they saw that they were come, the false Prophets and the Antichrists, as in 1 John 2.4. which went forth from them, that inwardly ravened, that Christ said should come that had gotten the sheeps cloathing, which the Apostle saw was come, that went forth from them: And in the Revelations he saith, all the world went after them. All the world wondred after the Beast and the false Prophets: And the Beast had power over all Nations, and Kindreds, and Tongues, and Peoples, and the false Prophet which the world went after, and these made war against the Saints, and overcame them. And so the false Prophets and the Antichrists, you have had the sheeps cloathing, but have been the wolves, ravening and devouring the Lambs: Ye could not have deceived, if ye had not had the sheeps cloathing upon you: And so the Beast and his names, who have had power over all Nations, and Kindreds, and Tongues, and so the Beast and Whore hath been upon you Tongues, which makes you Orthodox men, which John calls waters: Here have been the beast and his names, who have had power over all Nations. And the mother of harlots, the great whore, wch all nations have drunk her cup of her fornication, that the inhabitants of the earth are drunk with the wine of the wrath of her fornication; and the Kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and she sits upon the waters, and the waters are Peoples, and Tongues, and Nations, and Multitudes. Now you have told long (the poor people) that the false Prophets are come but now, and the Antichrists are come but now, and bids them come to Matth. 7. and Matth. 24. and so have shewed your ignorance of the Scriptures, which saith they were before the Apostles de­cease, as in the first Epistle of John, which went forth from the Apostles, the false Prophets, Antichrists, and false Spirits, which Christ said should come, which the world since have gone after them. Now have, and doth your ignorance of the Scri­ptures appear, and not to be men able to divide the word aright. The discerning now is risen among people, that they begin to see and know who divides the word aright. And so all this hath been but for pretence, to bid people to go to Matth. 7. & Matth: 24. and say false Prophets should come. Now we see you which John said, they were come, and all that dwelt upon the earth went after them: And so ye have had the form of godliness, but the power hath been denyed; and so you have burst into names and heaps, and sects; but now is the vials, and thunders, and plagues, and trumpets sounding and going forth, and the seven woes going out: And now are the Kings of the Earth, and the Beast, and false Prophets, and Antichrists, and the mother of Harlots, and the Beast and his names, and horns gathering together, with the old de­ceiver the Devil, to battel against the Lamb, and the Saints of the Lamb: But the Lamb and the Saints have got the victory, and the rivers of living waters is opening to all that thirst. Sing and rejoyce, let us give glory to God, for now is the marriage of the Lamb come.

Pr. Again thou makes a great pudder, that any one should witnesse he is equall with God, &c. page 2.

A. And in a Catechism of the Assembly of the Priests (called Divines) which they put forth to the Nation, in which they have laid down (for young children, and old men, and all to learn) That the holy Ghost and the Son is equall in power and glory with the Father. Yet if any one come to witnesse the Son revealed in him, or come to wit­nesse the holy Ghost in them, as they that gave out Scriptures; or witnesse the minde of Christ, and witness that equall with the Father, that equality which you speak of: You Priests destroy that which you have put forth to the Nation, and cry out horrid [Page 68] Blasphemy. And thus ye confound that which you have set up, and kill that which ye have begotten.

Pr. He saith, I shall mention their errours. First, they hold their speakings are a decla­ration of the word Christ in them. 2. That the letter of Scripture is carnall. 3. That Jesus Christ is come in their flesh, that he is in them as man. 4. And that the Scriptures are not the written word of God. 5. That the soule is a part of God, or a Divine essence. 6. That they enjoy God here, and Christ here. 7. And attain to a state of perfection. 8. That sprinkling of Infants is a marke of the Beast. 9. And our Church, and worship, and Temple are Idols Temples, and Beast-houses. 10. And not to be called of men Master. 11. And the not speaking to a single person in the plurall number, &c. These he calls Errours.

Ans. All your Temples set up (imitating the Temple of Solomon built) since the dayes of the Apostles, are Idols, for God never commanded them. And have not the Papists had them? And have they not been Masse-houses, Beast-houses, and are they not? Is God worshipped in Temples made with hands? Is not he worshipped in the spirit and in the truth? And the Scriptures are words of the Prophets and Apostles, and Christ; they are words, and so called in the Scripture; they are not called the written word, but words, and Christ the Word cometh to fulfill them: And all you that doth not speak from the Word, if your Declaration be not from it, you are the spirits gone out into the world, apostatized from the spirit that was in the Prophets, Christ, the Word, and the Apostles, that doth not speak from Christ the Word in you. And the Letter written in paper and inke; now paper and inke is not spirituall, but that which it speaks of is spirituall: And (thou) to a single, and you to a single, makes it appear that neither thou nor you never learned your Accidence yet, neither are perfect of the Bible what it saith: For neither the Bible nor the Accidence teacheth to speak any such language as you to a particular. Therefore ye are pittifull men to go to instruct the Nations, & cannot endure sound righteous words, and simplicity of speech but stumble at it. And again, God will dwell in you, and walk in you, and your bo­dies are Temples of the holy Ghost: And Christ is in you except you be reprobates, saith the Apostle. And again, God breathed into man the breath of life, and he became a living soule; For that which came out from God was the cause that man became alive, a li­ving soule, and is not this of God? And God who hath all soules in his hand, and Christ the Bishop of the soule; And is not that of God which comes out from God? Is not that of his being? the soule which he hath in his hand, and so divine, and is not Christ in man? And doth not Christ say they must eate his flesh? And so if they must eate his flesh, is not his flesh in them, and have they not the spirit? And how can any eate Christs flesh, if his flesh be not in them. And doth not the Scriptures say, that he was manifest in the Apostles flesh? And how can ye call him Christ in man, with­out the man be there? And sprinkling Infants, which the Scripture doth not hold forth, but a thing got up since the dayes of the Apostles, not witnessed by Scripture, they cannot shew by the Apostles that it was one of his marks, but a tradition of men, an invention of men: and then they may all see (such as say they have not a command to do it) if it be not a mark of that beastly spirit that is erred from the Apostles, who is out of the power? And Christ saith, be not yee of men called Master (it is his com­mand) for yee have one Master even Christ, and ye are all brethren. So thou that oppo­sest the commands of Christ, and teacheth men to practice the contrary, thou and you are Antichrists, and shew your spirit of errour from Christs spirit. Now let all read and see if this man divides the word aright to people?

Pr. He saith, They have an unction, need not that any man teach them. And waiting for the Spirit to come down upon them, by inspiration, and give them utterance; And he saith they sit silent, and not whisper among them. And they do not own Davids Psalms to be sung, See page 12, 13. these are errours saith he.

A. Was it not the Apostles Doctrine that they need no man to teach them but as the same anointing teaching them that abide in it? And was not they seducers that drew from it? 1 Joh. 2. And did not the Apostles wait for the receiving the Holy Ghost the [Page 69] Com­forter, the Spirit of truth? And did not the holy men of God speak as they were moved by the Holy Ghost? and so the Gospel and the things of God was revealed to them; what they had heard, and seen, and was revealed to them, and spoke as the spirit gave them utterance; and prayed for a door of utterance, and others was to pray that they might have a door of utterance given to them when they was to Preach; And to sing Davids Psalms, without Davids spirit; people sings not with the under­standing: now in all these things have not ye shewed, and made manifest your spirits to be all the false spirits gone out into the world, from the Apostles Spirit, holy-mens spirit, that spoke forth the Scriptures as they were moved, and waited for the Spirit which led them into all truth, and revealed to them the things of God? so you that be out of this Revelation, and Preach against this, you have Preached up your spirits out from the Apostles; and declared your folly to all the Nation. And then because they wait in silence, and not a whisper among them; Is not that agreeable to the Apostles Doctrine and the Prophets? Is there not a learning in silence? And was not whispering forbidden by the Apostle? And doth such things as these offend thee? and so thou hast shewed thy spirit.

Pr. He saith they meet in the night, and they make their object of their teaching, of Ministers and Tithes; and of the pure light that is in every man that cometh into the world. And for any man for to know what is in him, by looking at him, or upon him, or discern his soul; this he suspects to be an evil eye. And he saith that the learned men and Ministers, and Physitians to be in the power of Satan, &c. page 16. 17. 18.

Ans. Here again ye have made manifest your power, who are gone forth from the Apostles, into the mystery of Iniquity, which hath wrought long since their dayes. And now is the power of God made manifest, which breakes down the mystery of Ini­quity; and raiseth up the mystery of godliness; that of this power, neither the learned men, Physitians or Ministers, are able to Judge of it, but as they do own Christ the power of God. Formerly in the dayes past, as the learned Rabbies Judged of Christ, so do they Judge of the power now, so not strange to us. And the Saints met in the night, yea till mid-night. And we do deny the Ministry that takes Tythes, and say the Priesthood is changed, and the Law is changed by which is was made; and the Com­mandment disanuled that gave tithes and the Priesthood changed that took them. Heb. 7. And we say Christ is come a Priesthood after the order of Melchisedeck the similitude, and likeness, who ends the similitude and likeness: in Christ is the end of similitudes and liknesses, and wars in whom is peace. So no tythes paid to the similitude and like­ness: But all is to come to the Son, and to hear the Son, and honor the Son. I will give him for a Covenant of light unto the Gentiles and a new Covenant to the house of Israel, and the house of Judah. Among the Jews to whom Christ was promised, he told them he was the light of the world; and the Prophet said he would give him for a Covenant of light unto the Gentiles. And Christ bid them believe in the Light, and they should have the Light of life, and they should not walk in darkness. And John saith if ye walk in the Light then have ye fellowship one with another, and the blood of the Son of God cleanseth you from all sin. So none cometh out of the darkness, and out of the stumbling: and have peace with God, but who cometh to the Light. And art thou offended at this object? Dost thou stumble at this Light? at the door, the Rock, the corner-stone, splitting thy self against it, but it is fallen upon thy head. Again the spiritual man discerns and Judgeth all things; And as face answers face, so doth the Spirit of the Lord in man: And man may dis­cern by the Spirit of the Lord God, where the seed is in the Death, and where the seed is not, and where the soul is living, (in which the Lord hath pleasure) and where it is in the death, as the Scriptures of truth doth testifie. The holy men of God dis­cern it, and ye being ignorant of this, doth manifest that ye have neither salt, nor savour: nor handling, nor tasting, nor seeing, nor feeling; But what ye know, ye know natu­rally as bruit beasts and so there is the evil eye not having spirits of discerning and savoury. How should ye minister unto people, to their states and conditions, if ye can­not discern their spirits which is in them? How are ye ministers of the spirit? The natural man, though he have all the natural tongues, doth not receive the things of God, yet the natural man may get the letter: and if he have not the spirit that gave it forth, [Page 70] he is [...]ot a Minister of the spirit, but of the letter, and c [...]red from the spirit that the Apostles was in as you are, and you have made your selves manifest.

Pr. He saith the Quakers will have no Tooles taken out of the shops of humane learning to work withall, See page 26. again they call our Ministers States Ministers, or Priests; and some of them quakers go naked through the streets, &c.

Answ. How ignorant art thou here of Scripture? will not all people here judge thy ignorance, and your ignorance? which the Scripture lets them see that the Lord did make his Prophet Isaiah to put off his cloathes, and go naked for a signe among the Egyptians, and Ethiopians, to Egypt, and Ethiopia; a figure of their nakedness: and if the Lord did make some signes among you, or have made some as signes among you to go naked; a figure of your nakedness; who are of spiritual Egypt, and of their root, and stock; And of those spirits, false spirits that went out into the world from the Apostles. If the Lord make some signes as among you of your nakedness, how you have ravened from the spirit of God, and wants the cloathing of that, look upon your own shame; are they not Innocent people that go naked among you, and are an offence unto you, who sees not your shame, that that may be covered? And are not ye State Ministers made by men, and Schooles, and Colledges set up by States main­tainance from the State, and Tythes from the State, out of the States allowance? And ye say ye never heard the voyce of God, nor Christs voyce immediately from heaven: whose Ministers are ye then, but States Ministers? and deny immediate Revelation, and in­spiration: How can we say ye are Ministers made by the will of God, when as ye tell us ye never heard his voyce? Or how can we say you are Ministers of Christ, and deny Revelation, and inspiration, and immediate voyce from heaven, and so knowes not the Son and the spirit that reveals? As for your tooles that comes out of your shops of humane learning, The Quakers deny your shops of tools that comes out of the humane learning. And the Scripture gives no such expressions as a shop of tooles that ever the Prophets; or A [...]ostles had a shop of tools of humane learning. But your shops of tools of humane learning hath come up in the Apostacy since the days of the Apostles, and these are your tools that you work withall in the Apostacy; And so ye workmen will fall out with one anothers work, and with your tools strick at one another: Ye have had a shop, that in­wardly ravened; that went forth from the Apostles; the false spirits that went out into the world, ye have had a shop of tooles with which ye have worked, and lived in your old A [...]thors, and books, and studies, and Fathers; and so burst into many heads and heapes; and one destroying another about one anothers work since the dayes of the Apostles who have a shop of tools out of your humane learning. So all your tools ye have wrought withall since the Apostacy hath been taken out of the shops of hu­mane learning which is earthly, this proves ye are apostates, and the spirits gone out in­to the world. And Luke saith the tongues of the Hebrew, Greek and Latin was set up a top of Christ by Pilate who crucified him. And John saith the beast had power over all tongues. And the whore sits upon the tongues; and the tongues are waters. What hath the beast sate upon our tongues? our Orthodox-men, our Schooles and Colledges? what doth the whore sit on our tongues, Original, and upon our tools and shops that which is a top of Christ? It is not unlike but that the Beast may have power over all these. The earth was of one language before they built Babel, and when they imagi­ned to build Babel, God confounded them into many Languages: And so the life is risen, Christ Jesus, which was before Babel was, and when Babylon is not; and be­fore Pilate was that set the many Languages upon him. The life is risen over them and you all, which life is Christ which breaks your shops to pieces of your tools of hu­mane learning, and your tools both, which was before Babel was, and when Babylon is not: and so your glory is marr'd there, and your pride is stained. The life is ri­sen, Christ the life is risen over you: The Merchants and the Trades-men rages which hath long had your shops. Sing and rejoyce over them ye Saints.

Pr. He saith the Apostle saith, The last times are perillous, there should be false accu­sers, and fierce despisers of them that are good. Again he saith, a Turke or an Indian will deny the light within him. Again, Christ is in heaven with his carnall body. See page 43. 45. 48.

Answ. Christs body is a glorified body, and the Scripture doth not speak any where that Christs body is a carnall body in heaven.

Again, the perillous times came before the Apostles decease, they saw them that were false accusers, and fierce despisers of them that were good: They that had the forme of godlinesse, but denyed the power, that should be lovers of themselves, and covetous, and these were crept up before the Apostles decease; and since the dayes of the Apostles the world have been after them: That both covetous, and heady, and fierce despisers have rul'd; they have been like Jannes and Jambres who withstood Moses, when the children of Israel were to come out of Aegypt. And so do you that crept up since the Apostles decease, who are covetous and high-minded, heady, fierce despi­sers of them that are good, have a forme of godlinesse, but deny the power thereof, which are to be turned away from, and so keeps people in spirituall Aegypt and Sodome. Are ye not all covetous, and lovers of your selves? And do not you all deny the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, Christ the power of God; and so keeps peo­ple under your teachings all their life time, laden with their sins & divers lusts while they be upon the earth, and the body of it? and telling them that there is no perfe­ction here? That Ministry that tosseth people up and down with your slights and wiles, and windy doctrine, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth; which truth is the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world. Are not ye fierce despisers of them that are good? Hath not all the blood which hath been shed since the days of the Apostles, of the Martyrs and Saints been by the stock that you are in, who are the false spirits erred from the true spirit that the Prophets and Apostles were in, and gone out into the world from them, as ye confesse ye have not the same infallible spi­rit as the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles had, and Eaton the Pastor saith: And the Indians will not deny the Light, nor Turks neither, that convinceth them of sin; for to the Turks and Indians was the Covenant promised as well as to the Jewes, for they are Heathen; and thus your ignorance appears of the Scripture of truth, and Ministers of God, and with them you are judged.

Pr. Priest Coale saith, The light which he is justified by is a created light. Page 56.

Answ. The Scriptures of Truth which the Saints declared, and Christ, never held forth such a light as was created, as justified them; for the Saints are justified by Christ the light by whom all things were created. Light was not created, that was the Saints justification.

Pr. He saith, Who are washed from their sins by the blood of Christ, and made Priests unto God; and in this sense if they themselves do not once become Priests, they will become companions of Devils for ever. See page 56.

Answ. They that become Priests to God, and are washed by the blood of Jesus Christ, are come out of the Devils power, and overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and owns the light to be their justification, which thou denies.

Pr. He tells us of Pauls mediate call, and his extraordinary call of it selfe had not been sufficient.

Answ. The Scripture tells us no such thing of Pauls mediate call; and Paul de­clares himselfe (take Pauls owne words) not of man, nor by man, but by the will of God: and that was sufficient; which call you are out of since his dayes, by men are ye called.

Pr. He saith, Christ doth not forbid, not simply to be called of men Master, &c. page 62.

Ans. It was Christs command plainly to his Disciples, Be not ye of men called Ma­ster, for ye have one master even Christ. And thus thou stands against Christs doctrine, and commands, and so a transgressor, and an Antichrist.

Pr. He saith, Christs humane nature, &c.

Ans. Where doth the Scripture speak of humane, the word humane? where is it written? tell us that we may search for it. Now we do not deny that Christ accor­ding to the flesh was of Abraham, but not the word humane. And Christs nature is not humane, which is earthly, for that is the first Adam.

Pr. Priest Coals principle: He saith, His justification is not done within him, but with­out him in the Court of heaven.

Answ. Reprobates may talk of Justification: Did not Christ work Justification without them upon the earth for man kinde, and brought righteousnesse? And where there is Christ made manifest within, is not their Justification wrought there from hea­ven within? Where faith is witnessed within, doth not that justifie? and none knows Justification in truth, but where it is wrought within. See page 77, 78.

Pr. Again, Priest Coal saith, The life that he lives is a created life.

Ans. So thou hast shewed thy selfe a naturall man, not spirituall, nor a son of God led by the spirit of God; nor in the faith, and dost not live by faith, nor a living in the spirit, so hast manifested vain glory.

Pr. He calls trembling and quaking the shaking of the soule.

Answ. The power of the Lord God cometh to shake down that nature which pri­sons the soul, &c. and sets it free. And as for all thy other Complaints, Reviles, Railings and Lies will turn upon thy selfe, and they will be hard for thee to bear; and thou shalt cry out with Cain, when thou and you feel the burthen; who are cut of Christs steps, who is the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world; In the day of thy judgement thou shalt witnesse, and the witnesse in thy conscience shall answer.

Francis Fullwood His Booke, called, A True Relation of a DISPƲTE. His Principles follows.

Pr. HE saith, The Scriptures are able to make wise unto salvation. Again, the Son in whom eternall life is, is onely found in Scripture, and they are they that testifie of him, and therefore eternall life is found in Scripture.

Ans. Many had the Scriptures, but stood against the Son of God; and many may have the Scriptures, and not the Son of God. The Son of God is not Writings, Scriptures signifies writings: And many may have the Scriptures, and not have the Son of God, and so not eternall life: For the Devill hath Scripture, but hath not eternall life; for he that envyeth his brother, hath not eternall life abiding in him. So who have eternal life, they have that which the Scripture speaks of, testifies of, it testifies of Christ the life, of the spirit, and so they are the words given forth by the spirit of God, and so are to be fulfilled by the same spirit again. And the Scriptures are able to make wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. For they were not wise unto salvation, who had the spirit without the faith.

Pr. He saith, We attain our Gospell another way then Paul did. And it is blas­phemy to tell us that what ye deliver is by revelation from heaven, &c.

Answ. You have received your Gospell another way then Paul did I do believe, who are apostates from them: And is it not blasphemy for you to speak, and preach that which ye have not received from heaven? & so ye have brought your selves under the curse, and shewed another Gospel. For whosoever receiveth the Gospel which is called the power of God, it is immediate, and by immediate revelation from God from heaven; And so your Gospel which is of men, and after men is another, not the power of God, received from God; for whosoever receiveth the Gospel, the power of God, must receive it immediately, for the power of God is immediate; and that is the glad tidings to poor souls, that sets the souls free, which is immediate.

Pr. He saith, We claim Tythes not by the Law of God, but by the Law of the Land, [Page 73] and Tythes seems to be Christs wages, and Melchisedeck still liveth to receive Tythes in Christ. &c.

Answ. Christ is come, the everlasting Priest-hood, who ends the true commande­ment that gave tythes, and the Priests that took them; which ends in him, Melchise­deck that received tythes of Abraham, of whom Christ came according to the flesh. And so Christ doth not any where to his Disciples (who ended the true command that gave tythes) give forth his Disciples an order to set up another Law in the Nations to give them tythes, the tythes of mens estates, and so you are none of the Order of Melchisedeck, never come thither; but of the order of them which Christ said should come, who are inwardly ravened, which John saw was come, & went forth from them, the false spirit that went forth into the world, into the earth; and so ye have set up Tythes, and Temples, and Schools, and Priests by the Popes authority. Had yee not your Spiritual Courts not long since? And was not the Pope the first author of your Tythes? And are not you of that Order? (far off of that spirit that leads after the Order of Melchisedeck) for ye are ravened from the spirit: For none comes to the Priest­hood after the Order of Melchisedeck, but who comes to the spirit of Christ, and these are Kings and Priests to God for ever. So ye have received your Tythes after the order of that spirit that went forth from the Apostles into the world, into the earth, that in­wardly ravened, and went forth from the Apostles, which the world have been after since the dayes of the Apostles, and have had the sheeps cloathing, but ravened and devoured the Lambs, and worried the sheep, Ministers, Prophets, and Saints: So your Order will all men comprehend (that be of the royall Priest-hood after the order of Melchizedeck) to be come of the Popes stock, for the Apostles and Christ did not set up Tythes.

Pr. He saith, Baptisme comes in, in the room of Circumcision, and it is called the cir­cumcision of Christ. Again he saith, that thee and thou is a custome: So if any man be conten­tious, we have no such custome in the Church of God.

Ans. Circumcision is no where said to be a type of sprinkling Infants; and that sprinkling Infants is no where said to be the circumcision of Christ. But the circum­cision without of men, was a type of the circumcision within: And that the Apostle witnessed the fulfilling of it in the spirit, and so denies the outward. And the bap­tisme of John was a type of that within; And you to a particular, which is your cu­stome, which the Scripture doth not declare to us, that that custom was in the Church of God. But the Apostle bid them keep to the form of sound words, that could not be con­demned. Now you to a particular is not a found word, as they can tell that have but read either the Bible or Accidence: And there is no Heathenish customes comes into the Church of God that will spot or wrinkle it, nor nothing cometh into it (that is the pillar and ground of Truth) that will be condemned.

Pr. And he tells us of a word Trinity: And he saith, the onely ordinary way to know Jesus Christ is outward Revelation; and to attain to the knowledge of Christ is by the Scrip­tures; and he may be a Minister of Christ, though he be partly out of Christs doctrine, and though he be called of men Master. He saith, the Scripture tells us plainly, that Baptisme is a Christians circumcision. Again, He that saith that light which is in every man is suf­ficient to discover and lead men to Christ, is under the darkness of his own fancy, having so far left the true light, the word of God.

Answ. The light in every man which Christ hath enlightned him withall, loving it and walking in it, it is sufficient to discover Christ and salvation; and they that be out of that, be in the darknesse and fancy. And as for the word Trinity, that comes from the old stock the Pope, the Scripture teacheth us no such word. And none can know Christ by the Scriptures, they testifie of him; but none can know Christ but by Revelation; flesh and blood had not revealed it to Peter; and the Son was revealed in the Apostle; and none can preach Christ (that deny revelation) in truth; and they that are Ministers of Christ, they be in his doctrine; For when they are out of his Doctrine and his commands, then they are wrong Ministers which ministers not for Christ, but [Page 74] they preach themselves, and are Antichrists transgressors: And the Scripture doth not tell any where, that Baptisme is a Christians circumcision, as sprinkling Infants; but Circumcision in the spirit, and Baptisme in the spirit is all one, in which the o [...]ward ends.

And as for all thy other silly expressions published to the Nation, it bad been better thou had kept silent, and all of you, then to have published your shame to the Nation. But your folly you must bring forth to make it manifest to all men, whose eyes are o­pening. Are not you in the Devils snare, who are out of the discerning? For you cannot tell what to bring people into; alack for you who are hung about with rags, and are not covered with the spirit of the Lord, but are all from that which we are in, and so hast kept people in darknesse, and not turned them to the light, being all ravened from it, and so think there is life in the Scriptures, which testifie of the life: So I say search it, and see if it do not testifie of the life: And every one of your words that ye have all spoken that have not been from the life, shall be your burthen, the wit­nesse in thee shall answer it.

Thomas Weld, Richard Prideaux, Samuel Hammond, William Coale, and William Durant, Ministers in Newcastle. Their Booke called, The perfect PHARISEE. Their Principles as followeth.

Pr. THey say, If they shall say that every man hath the knowledge of Christ by spe­ciall revelation, and that immediate by the spirit, that which it quite contrary to the common knowledge of thousands.

Ans. All that ever come to know Christ (you and all the people upon the Earth) it must be by revelation; for no man knows Christ but by revelation. And all that ever own Christ, they must own the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world to be the covenant of God; which light men are to believe in; which not belie­ving in, they are reprobated. And thousands and thousands I do believe you, who have had the sheeps cloathing upon the back of them, and so have covered the Wolfe with it; Neither you nor they never knew the revelation of the Son of God; and so never know the son of God untill he be revealed, and so hath not the knowledge of him. The Scriptures testifie of him, but they that had the Scriptures knew him not, but who was in the light, and in the Covenant; and so ye have all discovered your selves in the apostacy, apostatized from the Apostles spirit; and all to be the false spirits gone out into the earth, into the world for means, for maintenance, and so ye are all puft up in your pride; and so that makes all your doctrine to be so dry and so barren, there being no revelation among you, nor no immediate speaking from God and Christ, but feeding people with the husk, with the outside. And have proved your selves here to be but the Wolfe in the sheeps cloathing, inwardly ravened from the spirit: But with it ye are comprehended; and if it had not been so, you would never have published your folly to the Nation. But the spirit of love, and humility, and meekness (which bears all things) comes to be known by the spirit.

Pr. For people to be led with a light within, this is to make the Scriptures use­lesse.

Ans. No, this lets see the Scriptures in their place, and the fulfilling of them, which was given forth to be believed, practised, read, and fulfilled, not for men to make a trade of them, and call people from the Light within, with which they should see the Scriptures; and none comes into Covenant with God, with their hearts and their minds, that they need not say one to another know the Lord, that they may be always living under mans teaching.

Pr. How clear (say they) the Scripture is, that faith cometh by hearing, and not by min­ding the light within.

Answer. Doth any man know Christ but by the Light within? And is not Christ the Word? Can any see without the Light, the Word? Doth it not make manifest? Nay, doth it not give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus? read 2 Cor. 4.1. from whence faith comes; and so faith comes by minding the light within, Christ, the author of it, and brings to look as him, and hear him.

Prin. And Multitudes were converted by those faire Epistles written by the Spirit.

Answ. None are converted but who be in the spirit that gave forth those Epistles, though they may have all the Epistles: For that hath been the Papists and your conver­tings who hath had the Epistles, by the Epistles, out of the life, since the dayes of the Apostles, and so made proselites Pharisee-like; For that baptizeth, and that circum­ciseth, for in that is the fellowship and the unity. People (as I said to you before) may get the sheeps cloathing as ye have long time been covered with, but inwardly ye have been ravening wolves, as your fruits have declared, as the Northern part of the nation may make it manifest. The witnesse in all your consciences shall answer for me, and let you see that your own words are your burden, and an heavy cry will come upon you when ye feel it, who now are fat, and full, and fresh, and lusty; but a day of requiring is coming, and inquisition is made for the blood that hath been shed of all the Prophets, Martyrs, and Saints since the dayes of the Apostles, and the priso­ning, and the persecuting by you and your off-spring got up since the dayes of the A­postles; the false spirits that went out into the world, that are now standing against the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world: So marks that you be inwardly ravened, and that you be the Antichrists and the false Prophets, you are not like to own the light in every man who are ravened from it, and are turned against them that walke in the light, and keep the testimony of Jesus. Here is the Beast and the false Prophet that makes war against the Saints, and overcomes them for a time; but the Lamb and the Saints must have the victory. And you (about Newcastle) Ministers and Teachers, are like to a heap or dunghil, sogged and mudded; but come to the wit­nesse, else eternally you will be condemned.

Pr. They say, Blessed are they that heare the Word, and keep it; which is a word spoken and written, not the eternall word. It is a notion of the Word of God, to call the Word of God a Declaration. And the holy Scriptures is able to make men wise unto Salvation, to the Law and Testimony.

Ans. To the Law and to the Testimony; The law is light, saith Solomon: And the te­stimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. And many may have the Old and New Testa­ment, and yet be out of the Light, and out of the Testimony as you, and so out of the spirit of prophecy. For Isaiah had the testimony before Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, and the Revelations was written, and bid them come to the Law and to the Testimony; and you that do not speak according to that rule, it is because you hate the light in you. And the Scriptures, Luke calls them a Declaration, who was a Minister of the Word, and the Scriptures are the words of God, and the words of Christ, and so not the Word, but the words which the Word Christ fulfills. So ye are men not capable, nor of a true understanding to divide the word aright, nor to speak a word in season to the wearyed, but do all lead the halt, and lame, and blinde out of the way; who for so doing must find misery.

Again, they that hear the Word of God, they hear that which lives and doth en­dure for ever; and this Word is eternall which lives, and doth endure for ever, which they have within them; and with that they see the words, and letters, and writings, or outward Tables may be broken, but still the Word remains. That ever the Mini­sters of Newcastle should say, that the Scriptures are able to make men wise unto salvation, and leave out faith; you are no more made wise then the Pharisees was with the Scri­ptures [Page 76] without faith: The Pharisees were not made wise unto salvation by the Scrip­tures without the faith, neither are you: But who are in the faith, they are made wise to salvation through the Scriptures, and comes to Christ the end of them; for it gives to see the Scriptures, and in it (in the faith) is the unity which Scribes and Pharisees, and Apostates are out of.

Pr. That a mediate call since the time of the Apostles; and that the Officers and Elders of the Church are to be ordained by a mediate way, the power without the person, government without governour is a meer fancy.

Ans. Since the dayes of the Apostles, that Christ said should come, and in­wardly ravened, that went forth from the Apostles, the false-spirit gone out into the world, and the world hath run after them. They can speak no therwise but of a me­diate call; and their Elders and Members are made mediately, and so have all erred from the power and spirit of God (of that which they call a Church) and this is since the dayes of the Apostles. For all Elders and Officers of the Church of God (the pillar and ground of Truth) they are made immediately by the spirit: For the Church is spirituall, else how should they see the things that are immediate, or behave them­selves in the Church of the living God, which is the ground and pillar of Truth, the Church, which is in God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The power of God rules and orders people when there is no outward government: Nay, it strikes down government of men and governors, as in the days of Daniel and Pharaoh, and in many other places of Scripture mentioned, the power of God strikes down government and Governours out of it, and this is the power that is honoured which strikes down false governours and Government and which is not a fancie as you ignorantly say.

Pr. And ye say Christ doth not forbid to be called of men master in the expression of civil honour, and we will warrant a Pulpit from the Scripture, Ezra's example: and ye say they that stand praying in the Synagogues that are reproached as Antichrist, &c.

Answ. They that pray for mony, and Preach for mony, and get up a Pulpit and plead Ezras example, They might have pleaded the Pharisees had the chiefest seat; they are ignorant of Christ the Light, and the life, and the power; who came to put an end to Ezra, and the Pulpit both; who Preached up and down the mountains, and wildernesses and denyed the Pharisees praying, and all that are got up there without the power, and that is the Antichrist that is got up in the long robe, and praying for mony, and pleads Ezras Pulpit; and saith it is a civil honour to be called of men master, and so slights and transgresseth Christs Commands, and calls it civil respect; these I say are they that have gotten the sheepes clothing upon their backes, but inwardly ravened from the spirit of God, and deceives the world. But now their hypocrisie can­not be hid, but must come to light, and be published upon the house top, and give light to the whole house, and not under the bushell, and the children of light shall shine that men shall come to glorifie their Father which is in heaven; and you Antichrists in the Apostacy has got up in Ezras Pulpit which comes to end.

Pr. They say it is a civil respect to say you to one. Again Christ laid down the very reason why his disciples should take neither gold nor scrip, but wholly depend upon the means due unto them for Preaching, &c.

Ans. When saw we the New castle Priests go out in this manner, without gold or scrip, and wholly depending on the Preaching of the Gospel? Or when saw we any of them called Ministers of England do so? go without a scrip, depending only upon Preaching the Gospel? nay are not there Petitions flying up and down the Nations to the Magistrates for maintenance, enough to shame both Magistrates, and Church, and themselves too, if they had any shame; that their flocks, and Vineyards would not maintain them; to shame all the people that ever they have Preached too, and make people so ashamed of them to turn their backs on them. For they cannot say that they have lived upon the Gospel, but they have lived upon the States, and what they have got by ravening, He that lives upon the Gospel gets a flock and gets a Vineyard, ye are found in the Popes maintenance (which is tithes and offerings from men) and [Page 77] not in the maintenance of Christ which he allowed to his disciples, whom he is with to the end of the world. Now these are States Ministers made by man; and so have their allowance so put in, and taken out by men; so are out of the allowance of Christ which he gives to his disciples whom he is with to the end of the world: which you may see ye are out of the steps of them; and will appear to all sober people to be the Apostates, in the Apostacy ravened from the spirit of the living God; and the power the Apostles was in, who said have not I power to eat and to drink; not great sums of mony, Stipends and Gleab-lands, and tithes set forth by the Magi­strates. And the Apostles often would not use their power to eat, though they had power. And never did any of the Prophets, or Apostles bring up their people they Preached too with an hour-glasse, no such form or custome, or when any spake with­in their hour glasse, they had a law to prison, that is the beast that doth so, that quencheth the spirit, and is not the Ministery of Christ. And doth not many of you shake the glasse, and think the time long? And you could not tell when to give over, and you would run all into confusion but for a glasse. And is not this carnal glasse your limit? See how ye can Preach without it, and so tell well when ye have done without a sickness in your spirits, which must have a carnal to limmit them: which shewes man hath not power over his own spirit. And the power of God know [...]s when to speak, and when to keep silent. And so all your Preaching by the glasse, which is a limit of your earthly spirits, which went out into the world, forth from the spirit the Apostles were in which they Preached by, but that which ye study out of old Authours, the sheepes clothing, ye sell yearly by the glasse. Is that your measure? The Priests measure that he measures out to people? look in any steeple-house almost and see if the Priest have not a measure, or it may be two measures a day. Do not call this the weak­ness of the people; for many people are ashamed of these things that you should give them but two glasses a week. Now is it not more honour to lay by your glasse, and come into the spirit, and Preach by the spirit and so speak as it moves, and gives utterance: and quench it not in any, and so that all may learn, and all may be com­forted in your Church, and you to one is not a form of sound words, so not civil but to be condemned and shewes you have not learned your accidence nor Grammar.

Pr. Such as trembles at the word of God; and works out their salvation with fear and trem­bling, is judged to be notorious, bringing back to the Covenant of works.

Ans. Nay the power of God that wo [...]ks out the salvation with fear and trembling brings off from the Covenant of works, and brings above all the powers of wickedness, and so that is it which brings the people of God to be persecuted, and hated, to live in the power, and the seed of God: and no one knowes salvation but who knowes fear and trembling.

Pr. It is a delusion (with you) for one to witness an Immediate call, and others to witness with them that they are so called.

Ans. Was not the Apo [...]tles and Saints written in one anothers hearts, and one anothers Epistles there? and called immediately, and witnessed one another as it is now?

Pr. And ye say some of them go naked. And another to come and say he had a call Im­mediately from heaven to take away the Priests hour glasse. And of their mean apparrel. And the forsaking the world, though they neglect their families. And they run up and down in places and streets, or Steeple-houses to vent their Doctrine, &c.

Ans. These are the marks they give to us, whereby they give to their books the name of perfect Pharisees. And the Apostles Preached as they went up and down in Townes, and Markets, and Synagogues; and those was not Pharisees, but those was Pharisees that held up Synagogues, and Tithes, and Temple, and Priests; so ye have the mark of the perfect Pharisee. The name is entered into your bowels, and hearts. And as for any being moved of the Lord to take away your glasse from you, by the eternall power it is owned. And to take away your limmit, carnal limmit to your earthly spirits, that are gone out into the world from the Apostles, from the spirit. [Page 78] And if any have been moved of the Lord to go a signe among you, to put off their cloaths, to shew you are naked and want the covering of the spirit. And as for any going in mean apparell, and forsaking the world, and come off from cos [...]ly attire; was not this the Apostles doctrine? Are ye like unto the Apostles, the messen [...]rs of Christ? or the messengers of Satan crying up the world, and its glory, and costly at­tire. And who are come to forsake the world, are come out of the sinfull neglect of their families, into the wisdome of God that preserves the creation, and not destru­ctive. And as ye are speaking of Perfection, so far as men are perfect, they are perfect in glory, and changed from glory to glory, and witnesse perfection upon earth, and see an end of it, as David did, who had out-stript all his teachers; but among all yours, that are kept under your teaching, there is no talk of perfection among you, nor your hearers, so fall short of coming to see the end of it. And the one offering, and the blood of Christ, and the new Covenant, that perfects, blots out, and cleanseth from all sin.

And as for all the rest of your unsavoury and hard expressions in your Book, the judgements and sorrow ye will feel for them; and in the day you are judged, the wit­nesse in you shall answer:

Thomas Pollard, a member of the Church about Litchfield, in his Book which he calls, The Holy SCRIPTƲRE clear­ing it selfe from Scandals. His Principles follows.

Pr. HE saith, It is a cavill to say thee and thou to a single person.

Ans. Which shews that he never learned Accidence nor Bible, the Lan­guage that the Saints spake one to another.

Pr. He saith, It is wickednesse to call the letter of the Scripture, and what is gotten from the Scripture to be brain knowledge, page 4.

Answ. The letter, paper and inke; the letters are carnall, and what is gotten from it is brain knowledge without the spirit. But the Scripture, the thing it speaks of is spirituall, the Word is spirit, &c.

Pr. He saith, the Lord never said to us as he said to David, that you are after his heart, or any of your way, or that ever went in your way; and do not destroy all by your Doctrine. page 7.

Ans. No, David had out-stript all his Teachers, so have we many of us, who have trembled as David did, witnessing the new covenant Christ Jesus, in which we need not say know the Lord: And who witnesseth this, witnesseth the Tabernacle of David built. Again, our Doctrine destroys but mens and transgressors, and doth not destroy the smoa­king flax, and bruised reed, and we can say we are after his heart, and God hath said we are after his heart.

Pr. He saith, And how people may finde rest to their soules, take the Law and Testimony. See page 9.

Answ. They that had the Scriptures, and have the Scriptures, denyed the Light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, and say, prophesie is ceased; so then they may say the spirit is ceased, it is all one: For the law is light, saith Solomon, And the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesie. Now cries the world, the Law and Testimo­ny is the Old and New Testament; which many may have the Old and New Testa­ment, and yet deny the Law and Testimony, which is the light and spirit of prophe­sie; for the Law and Testimony was before Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and the Epistles and Revelations was written, in the dayes of Isaiah: And so they that be not ac­cording [Page 79] to the Law and the Testimony, they be out of the light and the spirit in the darknesse, though they have all the Scriptures which the Law and Testimony ownes in their places. And many may have the Scriptures given forth from the spirit of God, and yet not have the comfort and rest to their souls till they come to Christ that the Scriptures testifies o [...].

Pr. He saith, Try the spirits whether they be of God, for many false Prophets are gone out into the world, page 11. And Satan transforming himselfe into an Angell of light; and false Apostles and Ministers of unrighteousnesse transforming themselves as the Ministers of righteousness. And he saith, If they bring another Gospell and Doctrine then what is prea­ched, receive them not into your houses, nor bid them God-speed.

Ans. That which ye tell people is the Gospell now which ye preach, is the 4 Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John you say, &c. As instance Priest Shaw of Alding­ham in Lancashire said so: Contrary to the Scriptures, which saith, the Gospell is the power of God: And many may have the four Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, &c. the forme, but deny the power, and so deny the Gospel, which is the power of God: And so they that deny the power have put the four books for it; and they that have not the Father and the Son are not to be received into their houses, as saith the Apo­stle John, for they would come in the form, and deny the light as you do: but he that hath the Son and the Father, he is in the power, the substance of the form.

Again, the Devill transformed himself as an Angell of light before the Apostles decease, and the false Apostles, Devils messengers, and Ministers of unrighteousnesse was got up before the Apostles decease; and the false Prophets were gone out into the world, and the false spirits before the Apostles decease, as in John; which since the dayes of the Apostles they have led the world after them, they have been received into houses, and corrupted the whole earth, of whom you have been. Therefore the Apostles brought the Saints then to the annointing within them, and to the light that shines in their hearts, which would give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus, which light you bring from it: And now since the dayes of the Apostles have ye been carried away, swallowed up by such as have not the Father and the Son; and the false spirits that went forth into the world, and the false Prophets, and Satan, who hath transformed himself as an Angell of light, and the Ministers of unrighteousnesse, and false Apostles, which do confesse they have not the same spirit as the Prophets, Christ, and Apostles had, so are erred from the false spirits and false Prophets, who hath been de­stroying since the dayes of the Apostles, and gone out into the world, and false Apo­stles; for the false Apostles, Satans Ministers, transforming themselves as Angels of light, the false spirits that went out into the world, and the false Prophets, these went all out from the spirit that the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles was in. So these were the spirits that was to be tryed by them that had the anointing in them; you who now are seen and tryed by them that are come to the anointing in them to be gone out from the Apostles.

Pr. He saith, You put out the eyes of poor soules by bidding them to hearken to the light within, &c. page 14.

Ans. The eye that sees the soule is the light which cometh from Christ the Bishop of it; and no one knows the eye of the soule, but who comes to the light within, and opens it, which cometh from Christ the Saviour of it, which gives him the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ, 2 Cor. 4. and lets him see his Saviour.

Pr. He saith, I do affirme that no man can have salvation by vertue of his obedience, &c. page 17.

Answ. He that believes is saved, he hath salvation; he that doth not, is condemned already: and no man hath salvation but by believing; and where believing is, there o­bedience is to the Gospel. They that obey it not are condemned, and neglect their salvation.

Pr. He saith, They lay in wait to deceive, who call the breaking of bread carnall, pag. 18.

Ans. We cannot say that the outward bread is spiritual the bread which perisheth, the carnal; and we say Christ is the bread which is spiritual, and they deceive people which say outward bread is spiritual, and not carnal.

Pr. He saith, How should we have known sin, to be sin; and righteousness to be righteous­ness, and a Christ that died at Jerusalem but by the Scriptures; he saith nay we could not have known those things. Page 21.

Ans. That which makes manifest sin, is light: and they that had Scriptures knew not Christ that died at Jerusalem; but that they crucified him; And David and Joshuah saw his sufferings, and saw that Judas should betray him: and they that had Scriptures knew not sin from righteousness they knew not the sin of unbelief; they knew not Christs righteousness who had the Scriptures and knew not the way to the Father, but turned against the light the truth as you do, which makes manifest sin, and as the Pharisees did.

Pr. To say, The officers of the Church are invisible its plain of the Father the Devil. Page 24.

Answ. The holy Ghost made the officers of the Church overseers, and that made the officers, the overseers to be invisible: for they saw with an invisible eye; and so they was in the spirit, which is invisible and not in the flesh, else they could not be overseers in the Church of God, and you are the visible apostatized from them.

Pr. He saith that which is contained in the Bible is spirit and life. Page 25.

Answ. That which the Bible declares of, is spirit and life which is Christ, which you are ignorant of that hath the letter, and deny the Light, and so saith life is contained in the letter.

Pr. He saith the Scripture is able to make men wise unto salvation, &c. page 25.

Ans. Through faith it is: for the Pharisees and chief Priests had Scriptures, yet were not wise unto salvation (neither are you who deny the Light of Christ) and they are seducers, and evil men which the Apostle saw coming in which should wax worse and worse, and have over grown the world with hardness, and prejudice and wick­edness that have the Scriptures but have not been made wise unto salvation without faith in Christ Jesus, which have been since the dayes of the Apostles, who have had the Scriptures without the faith, and so out of unitie.

Pr. He saith Paul spake of some men that should be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and his glory, that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. See pag. 36.

Answ. Who obey the Gospel obey the power of God and comes to the substance the end of all the Scriptures; and obeyes the Light which Christ hath enlightned him withall. And such as disobey the power, disobey the Gospel, and so you have brought judgement upon your selves who get all the form, and put the form for the Gospel: from the presence of the glorious God and his power, doth the power punish them, which they disobey, which power is the Gospel. And those was coming up before the Apostles decease which have led into disobedience, since the Apostles decease; but now by the power of the Lord manifest that discovers it.

Pr. He saith Christ left us an Example, who is our example, &c. pag. 32.

Ans. And yet ye are offended at others who say he is their Example: and would have none to own his light, so he is not your example that deny the Light Christ, but him that is out of the Light.

Pr. He saith for a perfection in glory to be attained to, on this side the grave, I utterly dis­own. page 43.

Ans. Where glory is in the least degree it is in perfection, and who have not glory, and doth not attain to glory on this side the grave, they are in a sad condition; For the Saints rejoyced with Joy unspeakable, and full of glory, and they witnessed the hope of glory within them while they was upon earth, and of that hope they was to give a reason that was in them, and they saw the glory of God, and the Father, [Page 81] and so came to be changed from glory to glory till they were come into the Image of God. And the Apostle saw before his decease such as would not endure sound Do­ctrine; such as was given to fables; and had the itching ears, and heapes to them­selves teachers, and those forsook the faith, which such have now since the dayes of the Apostles reigned, whereby none among them comes to be out of all teaching, that they need no man to teach them; and that they need not say know the Lord, and to see the glory of God. None comes into the everlasting Covenant, into the power out of the form, and none cometh to know all things by the anointing in them, but they are all on heapes about their heapes of teachers, and itching ears, and so cannot endure the sound Doctrin, that any should come into the Covenant of God; that they need not to say know the Lord. That is the sound Doctrine to come into the Co­venant of God Christ Jesus the substance of all the Prophets, glorified before the world began, to learn of him who is the way to the Father, the truth, and the life: and the heaps of teachers are all erred from him and the Apostles, and so from the true teacher Christ Jesus who saith learn of me. And there people would destroy one another about their teachers, which Christ teacheth otherwise to love their enemies: and so there is men following their imaginations, and not the Lord; and reprobates concerning the faith, in which is the unity, and there are you.

Pr. He saith Paul did not commit the Church to the light within them: for he told them deceivers should come, &c. page 39.

Answ. Paul when that deceivers was come and false Apostles among the Church of the Corinthians, he told the Corinthians that the light that shined in their hearts would give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus; and so hear thou shewes thy ignorance of Scriptures, and of the Church, and of Pauls Doctrine, whose work was to bring them to the light within them, when the deceivers was got up, and so committed the Church to the light within them, and told them that that would give them the knowledge, &c. So they that draw people from the light within are the false spirits that the Apostle speaks of that went out into the world before the Apostles decease, which led the world after them, by whom the way of truth came to be evil spoken of, for the Apostle told them that the Light that shined in their hearts would give them the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus, and not their teachers without them, as you do, who bring them from the Light within them, and so act contrary to the Apostles.

Pr. He saith to bring people to the Light within is dispising the word: again he saith the Light that is in a man is not able to lead him to happiness, &c. page 50.

Answ. No man cometh to happiness but who cometh to the Light within which cometh from Christ the happiness of all man kinde, the Redeemer, the re­storer of man kinde, out of the fall, out of the first Adams state to God, into the se­cond Adams state, who is the Covenant of God with man in which they have peace. So in this Light stands every mans happiness; and he that hath the happiness, hath Christ the light within him; and the peace with God. And the light within which cometh from Christ the word is not against the word, nor Scriptures which are the words, but it ownes them, and with them hath unity; and no one sees the word but with the Light within. And as for all the rest of thy unsavoury expressions, and childish speeches is not worth mentioning. And thou hadst better have let silence have covered thee, then to have published thy nakedness to the Nation: for thy words will be thy burthen in the time of thy necessity, the witness shall answer in thee.

Ralph Farmers Booke, called, Satan enthroaned in his Chair, &c. His Principles follows.

Ans. Which is a Title sutable to himselfe, discovered by the chil­dren of the day, who is his Seeds-man, as to the Nation he hath declared: But them that be in the Truth, Love, and Peace, he doth not touch.

Pr. HE saith, We do not pretend to infallibility as you do, which is lying and hypo­criticall, &c.

Ans. We do believe you, that in the infallible spirit of God you are not, but in the false fallible spirit gone out into the world, that went forth from the Apostles, who had the spirit of Christ: And so how can you be Ministers of the Spirit, and not the Letter, if ye be not infallible; For who be in the spirit, are in that which is infallible. This I say, none be Ministers of the spirit, nor none be in the spirit, nor none have the spirit of Christ, nor the holy Ghost, nor the spirit of the Father speaking in them, but who have that which is infallible, and in that which is infallible. And they be in the lying spirit and hypocrisie that be out of it, and all the false spirits that is gone out into the world: So ye do well to confesse that ye have not the infallible spirit, yee are not infallible, and so no Ministers of the spirit: And how can they but delude peo­ple that are not infallible, and are none of Christs, which have not the spirit which is infallible, and are not Ministers of the Gospell, which is the power of God, which is infallible.

Pr. He saith, We are foretold that false Teachers that shall bring upon themselves swift destruction, and evill men and seducers which wax worse and worse, deceiving and being de­ceived, should come. And there should come false Christs and seducing spirits, and the doctrine of Devills, speaking lyes in hypocrisie, such as deceive the hearts of the simple with their feign­ed speeches, &c. See page 39, 40.

Answ. Hast not thou here brought forth thy ignorance of the Scriptures, which saith the seducers, and the false Christs, and the false Apostles, the Doctrine of Devils, and the feigned words, and fair speeches, which deceived the hearts of people, came up before the Apostles decease; and doth not thou in this shew thy spirit to be that spirit that went out into the world, not able to divide the word aright? but art telling peo­ple they are now come, when as the Apostles saw they was come before their decease; which since the dayes of the Apostles all the confusion hath been among them, and you that deny the light, are in distraction. And yet ye that be not infallible in the in­fallible spirit, but fallible, are crying to people they are come but now, and so grow until ye are worse and worse. And thee and the Priests of Newcastle, and many of the rest of you are crying against such as say Christ is their example; And yet many of you have published to the Nation in print, that Christ is an example, and the men are re­spected who speak them, and not the words simply as they are in themselves, and that's the partiall and the respecting of persons, not the truth it self.

Pr. He saith, If we will but acknowledge their Ministry and Church according to Christ; he will write a Recantation, page 53.

Ans. Your Church and your Ministry hath made it selfe manifest not to be agreeing to the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles; for you say you are not infallible, and you say you have not the infallible spirit: And you say you never heard the voyce of God immediately from heaven, which the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles did. And how can you be Ministers of the spirit, who are not in the infallible spirit, but the false spirit gone out into the world? but such as are ravened from the spirit of God, and [Page 83] onely have the sheeps cloathing, and so cannot gather to the Church in God, but make the Nations like waters. And ye must recant before ever you come into the Mi­nistry of God, the Prophets, Christ and the Apostles was in, and to their Church, and to own the light that doth enlighten every one that cometh into the world.

Pr. He saith, The wise men of the East came to Christ by a Starre, &c. page 64.

Ans. You say the Scripures brings to Christ: and the Jewes had the Scriptures, and came not to him (nor knew him not) who was out of the spirit that gave them forth; and so are you by your confession, and so not come to him.

Pr. He saith, A man is not justified by that which is within him, &c. page 65.

Ans. We are justified by faith, which is a mystery held in a pure conscience that pu­rifies the heart, and this is within. And here again thou hast shewed thy spirit to be that that went into the world, which was reprobated concerning the faith held in a pure conscience, without which men are not justified. And so ye are broke into heaps, into sects, and opinions, who are out of this faith which is a mystery held in a pure con­science, by which people have accesse unto God, through which faith they are justifi­ed; which you are out of, on heaps, in which is unity, and gives victory over sin which you plead for while you be upon the earth.

And as for all the rest of thy stuffe in thy Book, it will be thy own garment, and a heavy load and a burthen thou wilt feel it, whose nakednesse might have been covered by thy silence, but thy spirit must be tryed. I say the Lord forgive thee, for a heavy charge is come upon thee, and you: For in stead of seeking the peace of all men, you have made your selves manifest to be neither Ministers, nor Fathers, nor Elders, nor sober Christians, but Wolves, that tears and rents to pieces. Indeed the ragged righte­ousnesse of men, the worlds cloathing which hangs on your backs ye may have; but the Elect, and the Saints, and the Lambs cloathing, the righteousnesse of the Saints, ye cannot touch, but the Lambs are in the fold layd down.

Magnus Byne, his Booke called, The Scornfull QUA­KERS Answered. His PRINCIPLES follow, &c.

Pr. HE saith, Beware of false Prophets that come to you in sheeps cloathing, but in­wardly are ravening wolves. Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whe­ther they be of God, because many false spirits are gone out into the world.

Ans. Must thou shew thy ignorance of the Letter? So much a man unlike to divide the word aright? For Christ saith, false prophets should come, & Antichrists, that should be inwardly ravening wolves, that had the sheeps cloathing, that John saw was come before the Apostles decease; which went forth from them, which all the world went after them: and they could not have deceived the world, if the Wolfe had not had the sheeps cloathing upon them: So as you may read in the Revelations, how they ra­vened and devoured, and drunk the blood of the Martyrs, the Saints and the Prophets; And so you that are crying to the world they are come but now, are the deceivers of the world, as you may read Matth. 7. and 1 John 2.4. Revel. Chap. 13, 14.17, 18. and not men dividing the word aright. For now from them are people come, and co­ming to Christ the Rock, the foundation of God, and to that spirit which you raven­ed from; which stands sure, before the world was made, out of the waters; For the Nations are as waters, and the false spirits, the false Prophets, and the mother of Harlots have ruled, and with the sheepes cloathing have deceived the Nations; but now the Lamb and the Saints shall rule: For ye have confessed that ye have not the In­fallible [Page 84] spirit, as the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles had; so we say ye are raven­ed from it that they was in, and only have the sheeps cloathing: For the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles had an infallible spirit; which the false Prophets, Antichrists, Devils, and Deceivers was always out of; and the mother of harlots, and Babylon, though they might get the sheeps cloathing.

Pr. He saith, It is filthy blasphemy to say, the spirit of Christ that dwells in the Son, dwells in man, and he must be infallible, and he must be perfect, and sinlesse: and saith, Let them alone to their Father the Devill, &c. See his Epistle to the Reader.

Answ. He that hath not the spirit of Christ is none of his; and who hath the spirit of Christ, hath that which is infallible, and this is out of the spirit the Devill is in: And they that were not in the spirit, and are not in the spirit that dwells in the Son, though they have all the Scriptures, are in the spirit of blasphemy, and there thou art that will blaspheme against the Son: And the false spirits that be in the world are on heaps about the Sons, the Prophets and Apostles words out of the infallible spirit of those that gave them forth, who was perfect and sinl [...]ss [...]; as in Rom. 6. they were made free from sin. The Apostle said they were perfect, and he spoke wisdome among them that were perfect. And this you deny who are ravened from the spirit of God, and the one offering which perfects for ever them that are sanctified, and so the un­sanctified.

Pr. He saith, There is many wayes to Sion.

Ans There is but one way to God, and that is Christ the Light, out of the Fall, in­to the Paradise to the tree of Life, out of the Condemnation; and that is the Light, the Covenant of God. Now with the light the way to the Father is seen. In the first A­dam is many wayes, fighting about their wayes, and destroying one another about their wayes; which Christ the light, the way to the Father teacheth otherwise, to love ene­mies, and to do good to them, and to overcome evill with good, and heap coales of fire upon their heads; which way is but one which you are out of, who deny the Light in the many wayes, and names, horns, and heads, and images, which is the Beasts num­ber, who are ravened from the spirit of God, and are from the one way, Christ the Light, in which is unity.

Prin. He saith, The Scriptures may be understood by the helpe of Tongues, Page 12

Ans. All Scriptures was given forth by inspiration; and so without the same inspi­ration it is not understood again. Pilate had the Tongues, and yet did not understand the Scripture, nor Christ the substance of it. And this you have set up since the aposta­cy, your Tongues, ye raveners from the spirit.

Pr. H [...] saith, Tythes is not his infirmity, the Lord hath given him Tythes: And he doth take them as the Lord giving him maintenance and it is his liberty.

Ans. Tythes to the first Priest-hood was allotted by God; but Christ the second Priest-hood ended that Priest-hood and Tythes both, and the Priests that took them made by Gods law, and the commandment that gave them disannul'd. And Christ is come, the everlasting Priest-hood, not after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchisedeck, the similitude in whom the similitude ends, Christ the end, the sub­stance, the end of W [...]r. So thou that takes Tythes art (out of the substance of Melchi­sedeck, and the first Priest-hood that took Tythes) in the Transgression, and in the Imi­tation, and the veil is over thy heart, and thy liberty is bondage in the unsanctified state: But the sanctification is in the Son of God, who ends types and similitudes: And he it is that sanctifies; And who preacheth the Gospell, lives of the Gospell, and the Pope hath given thee thy tythes by his command, and not by the command of the Lord, for Christ and his Apostles established them not.

Pr. He saith, That the Scriptures are the sure Word of God: and that the Scriptures are a precious light, page 17. Again he saith, The Son of God is the first principle of the pure Religion.

Answ. The fulnesse of the God-head dwels in the Son, and he is in the Father, and he is the Author of the first principle and the end of the Law, for he is all and in all; [Page 85] for many may have something from him, yet cannot say he is come; but he that hath him, hath life eternall, hath the substance, the end of things. And the Scripture de­clares, and testifies of the light which is Christ; and many may have the Scriptures, but stand against the light, for they are them that testifie of me the light: So Christ is the precious light, and the Scriptures are the words of God; which Christ the word was before they was given forth, the word in whom these words of God end [...]: So thou may see thy ignorance.

Pr. He saith, While we stay in Sodome, we crucifie the Lord of glory. And Christ is bu­ried in us, &c.

Ans. And John Bunyan a Teacher there fights against him; and thus they are not onely against the Truth, but one another. But he must know the suffering of Christ in the spirituall Sodome in him, and to see the seed that suffers there before it reign, and he reign with Christ in glory.

Pr. He saith; It comprehends our suffering in the flesh after his example. Page 21.

Ans. At this doth the Priests of Newcastle, and John Bunyan, and many others of the Teachers of the Nation rage: and here you are one against another; but Christ saith, why persecutest thou me? And he was in prison, and it is your work to put him in prison.

Pr. He saith, He hath the tythes of two Parishes; and it is the old man that minds the [...]athly things, page 23. Again he saith, and those that take tythes are not Antichrists: And the Scriptures is a choise vessell of the Lords Sanctuary, and it is the letter and the hi­story, &c. page 25.

Answ. Well may people be all in confusion, when ye say the Scripture is a History. a Declaration, the Letter, a Vessell, the choice vessell of the Lords Sanctuary, a light, and yet the Word of God. Now is not this to break people to pieces? The Scriptures of Truth are the words of God, and it is called a Declaration and a Trea­tise: And the choise v [...]ssels were them that gave it forth, of mercy, and of honour; and they that take tythes, and pay them, they be out of the substance Christ, who is the end of Tythes; for he is the sum of tythes, and all other figures that did pertain to the first Priest-hood, first Covenant, and all similitudes: so thou taking tythes of two Parishes, it is the mark of the old man. For the Apostles did preach up and down in many Synagogues where the Priests was, yet they did not seek for the tythes that did belong to them, that did pertain to the first Priest-hood: They preached the Go­spel, and lived of the Gospel, and said, they were evill beasts, that did minde earth­ly things; amongst whose spirits ye are found, judged by the Word, which is Christ.

Pr. He saith, He is called of men Master through mans courtesie, and calls them blinde and sinfull, and in errour that speaks against it. Again he saith, it is not oppression in him to take tythes of two Parishes, &c. page 28. 30.

Ans. Here under the woe of Christ art thou come; who said, woe unto them that was called of men Master; and said, be not you so unto his Disciples, &c. For ye have all one Master, which is Christ, and they abode in his Doctrine. And we do not read of Mr. Paul, Mr. Peter, Timothy or Titus, or Mr. James or John; but among you the Apostates we read of such titles. And to set up that which Christ (him by whom the world was made before it was made) came to fulfill and end, in the world which typed him forth, Christ the way to the Father, out of the world, and tythes in the first Priest-hood is not the way, they are oppressors that cries them up, and builders up of that which Christ ended, so transgressors; So have not the Son nor the Father: and they bring not the glad tidings, for the Gaols may witnesse in the Nation, that glad tidings is not brought; and the Courts and the oppressed Parishes of which ye take treble da­mages of many people ye do not work for, and cast into prison; and so this is not the Gospel, this is not the glad tidings, nor the Gospel.

Pr. He saith, I finde not this power of binding Kings with chains, and Nobles with fet­ters [Page 86] of iron, which is the honour of the Saints, this Scripture I finde not fulfilled, &c. page 35. Again he saith, A Saint may be found in that which is sinfull, though this man (the Qua­ker) will not allow of sin. Again he saith, the people of God are more then conquerours in the Lord which gives them rest and peace in the midst of their wars. Again, hope keeps the soul groaning and waiting all the while in the earthly tabernacle, &c.

Ans. I know the power, and spirit, and sword of the Saints that executes the judg­ments, to binde, and chain, and fetter Kings and Nobles, thou art out of it, which is now among the Saints; and that Scripture is fulfilled, yea in England among the Saints: And such as are more then Conquerours, they see the end of Wars, and that which causeth Wars. He that is a Conquerour may be in the War; but he that is more then a Conquerour, he is in that which takes away the occasion of Wars, and is come to that which was before Wars was: And he that hath this hope (which is Christ) he hath that which purifies himselfe even as he is pure, and comes to wit­nesse the Kingdome of God that stands in joy, peace, and rigteousnesse, and so is not always groaning in the earth, under the earthly tabernacle while he is upon the earth, but comes to know the body of sinne put off, made free from the body of sinne. And the Saint is not sinfull, neither doth the Saints ever allow nor approve of sin; he that allows and approves of that is out of the sanctified state.

Pr. Notwithstanding thy passing the first and second resurrection (as thou saith) there re­mains a torment for thee at the last day, and woe, page 42.

Answ. They are blessed that have part in the first Resurrection, the second Death hath no power over them, but are made free from wrath that is to come, and are pas­sed from death to life, and are translated into the Kingdome of the Son of God, and are in unity with the Son of God and the Father both, and so thou utterest forth lyes.

Pr. He saith, To declare against such as are called of men Master, is a matter of his faith.

Answ. They had not faith that were called of men Master, which Christ cryed woe against; nor the Jews neither have you who breaks his commands.

Pr. He saith, The Spirit that declares in the Letter, keeps me from vanity, frees me from the law of sin and condemnation.

Ans. The spirit that was in the Saints that gave forth the Letter, did free them from the Law of sin and condemnation, and kept them from vanity. The spirit is not in the Letter, for many may have that, and not the spirit: and they are in the sinne and va­nity, and are not freed from the Law of Condemnation, none is, but who be in the spirit.

Pr. He saith, They are to feed the people who are ordained over a particular place, over which the holy Ghost hath made them overseers, and they are covetous wretches and worldlings that keeps back their Tythes. And no more wages he receives then what the Gospell allows. And he is a thief that keeps back the hire from the Labourer, and the Lord gives man tythes as a portion in the earth, &c. See page 57, 58, 59, 60.

Ans. The holy Ghost made the Apostles overseers of the Church, and the Elders. But that which hath made you overseers hath been men, and the Pope, by your Schools and Colledges; so thus you deceive the people, by telling them the holy Ghost made you overseers. For ye say ye have not the same infallible spirit as the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles had (as witnesse Samuel Eaton in his Book, and divers others) and Tythes was allotted by God to the Priests and Levites and people in the first Cove­nant and Priest-hood, and they were Robbers that kept it back. But Christ is come, the everlasting Covenant, who ends Tythes and Priest-hood, and the first Covenant, and blots out the Ordinances. Therefore they that be covetous, will take them by violence from the people. But them that are come to the Gospel allowance; freely ye have received, freely give: What they set before them, of that they are to eat, preach the Gospel, live of the Gospel; these triumph and trample upon the first Priest-hood, types, figures, and shadows, sees the Priest-hood is changed, the Ordinan­ces [Page 87] blotted out, the Commandement disannul'd that gave them, Do witnesse the one offering for the sin of the whole world, and are of the royall Priest-hood: Such as these cannot pay tythes, covetous and worldlings may do it, and take them that are apostatized from the Apostles, set up by the Popes authority, by which the true seed is opprest; who went forth from the Apostles by a usurpt authority, under whom you are sheltred for your tythes; But now you are seen by them, who are come to the Apo­stles that you went from, and judged.

Pr. He saith, The Lord hath given tythes for the maintenance of the Ministery of this Nation.

Again he saith, This light within is turned into utter darknesse, page 62. 65.

Ans. It was the Pope and the apostates from the Apostles since their dayes that hath given Tythes; from the spirit that the Apostles was in they are ravened that take them, for the Apostles took none, their fruits in the Nation declares it; which if they will not give the Priests Tythes, how they cast them into Prisons, Dungeons, untill death: For Christs maintenance which the Apostles witnessed; freely they had received, and did give again freely; and he that preached the Gospell, to live of the Gospell, and covet­ed no mans silver, goods, nor apparrel. But do not ye covet mens silver and goods, when ye take treble damages of them, and cast them into prison? Is not this the work of the Ministry of the Nation? Is not the over-flowing scourge of the Almighty gone over you? and the Rod and the Lash come upon you all?

Again, the Light within hath led to the light of life, and leads to the light of life out of utter darknesse, in which thee and thy generation is seen that stands against the light. So all you Apostates are whelmed under in the apostacy since the dayes of the Apostles, who are out of the allowance of Christ his wages and maintenance, the gi­ving freely, which shews they have not received of God, but bought, and sells, yea and after great rates too; and so are the Merchants that John speaks of in the Revela­tions, and this cumbers the creation, yea Nations; Ye bring not the glad tydings to them, but burthens them; yee are seen and felt.

Pr. He saith, Away with your bodily, fleshly, litterall trembling and quivering. See page 70.

Answ. Habakkuk his lips quivered, Davids flesh trembled, Daniel trembled, Paul trembled, Davids bones quaked; and this man the Lord regards that trembles at his Word, though cast out by thee and thy generation in this age, as was in the dayes of Isaiah. So thee and thy generation, who saith away with trembling of the flesh, and bo­dily. Away with the power of God that throws down that which defiles the flesh; so before fl [...]sh, sin is condemned in it, and the powers of darkness wrought out of the flesh. You must know trembling, thou and all thy generation, before the Devill be dispos­sessed out of your earthly Tabernacles: you must all know trembling, and thou and thy generation have shewed your ignorance of the mighty power of God, the salva­tion that is wrought out with feare and trembling. And that power that threw down in all ages, the nature that captivated the seed of God, and defiled the flesh, and dark­ned the understanding, the sense and reason, and warred against the soule; ye have shewed your ignorance of that power that throws all these down, and that which de­files the spirit and the body, whereby the body, the soule, and the spirit comes to be sanctified: And before this be so, ye must know a bodily trembling and shaking; and he cries away with it before ever he came at it, lest he should be tormented before his time; who is one of them who ever was against the holy men of God, but the power of the Lord God has overtaken thee, and with that are ye comprehended, and ye are in the presse, and your cluster is full, and the sickle is gone out.

Pr. He saith, The Priest-hood is changed, but not the Tythes abolished by the coming of any substance; and they that keep back tythes of God, he hath preferred his mammon before his God, & is guilty of the sin of Ananias: And denying to pay tythes is weakning the hands of the Ministers: and God in wisdome hath required by an outward Law, in the absence of the inward, for the maintenance of the Ministery by tythes or other maintenance, and so they owe [Page 88] a tribute unto God; and so they must pay tribute, and custome to whom custome is due. Again he saith, custome, tribute, Tithes, &c. love will teach thee these things are due, therefore covet not anothers portion.

Ans. When the Apostle had spoken of tithes before the Law to Melchisedeck like un­to the Son of God; and spoken of Tithes to the Priesthood made by a Law, had a com­mand to take them: he saith the Priesthood was changed, the Law was changed, the command was disanulled that gave them Tithes, the Son of God was come the end of the similitude and the likeness before the Law. Now saith he of the things (for tythes were things before the Law, and in the Law) of the things which we have spoken this is the sum, Christ a Minister of the Sanctuary which God hath pitched and not man. So there is the sum of the things and the substance: and the plentious Re­demption that leads men out of the earth, that brings them to lay down all at the feet of the Apostles, which is beyond tenthes which was to the service of the Lord due; Here the earth cometh to be known to be the Lords; it is given up here, and man Re­deemed out of it, of this glorious Gospel are ye all ignorant; and so Tithes is not as Annanias, to be compared with Annanias, not now; and not as a tribute, but as a custome, which since the dayes of the Apostles in the apostacy, that the Nations have drunk the whores cup, there have been Queens and Kings that have made Lawes, that is gone out of the power of Christ which the Apostles was in, into the beasts power, and made Schools to make their Ministers, and have set up Tenths; So this custome of the sin, hath taken away the sence of it, that people have been hardened that they have torn people, spoiled their goods, and cast into prison, and taken treble dammages, and kept them in prison, and haled them before Courts and Sessions, Assizes, and Benches; which is not like the Ministers of Christ; for the law is changed of God that gave tenths, and since that was changed, the Law in the heart, and a new Covenant; And since the apostacy from that, men have got the sheepes cloathing ravened from the spirit, wolves whose fruits declare it; who have deceived Nations, and the world, and have got up a Law from man, and a command from man, the Pope being the Author; and the Law of God is changed; and the command of God is changed that gave tithes, and they have got up this to take them, the Law of man, the command of man; and the Law of God and his command is denyed, spoken by the Apostle Heh. 7. which all that be in the wisdom of God sees over these things, and feels over them, and Judges you all, and executes Judgement, and is in the power and Authority to execute Judgement, and convince all, and are in the honour of Saints. So your Ministry, if Tithes fall, is weakened; but the Ministry of Christ came in, when Tithes fell, and that Ministry fell that held up tithes, and that Priesthood which the Priests lips was to preserve the peoples knowledge. So by the fall of that Ministry that took Tithes, the Ministry of Christ came in, is the rise of this Ministry since the dayes of the Apostles in the apo­stacy that is made by Kings, Bishops, Popes, Schools, and Colledges? in the fall, this Ministry that takes tithes, (which Tithes falling say they, and saith thou the hand is weakened of the Ministry) it is not the power that strengthens the hand but the earthly.

Now I say in the fall of this maintenance which weakens this Ministry, weakens you Ministers in the apostacy, ye have shewed what ye are covered withall in the rise of the Lamb, and his Ministry, in the Preaching of the everlasting Gospel, and the ever­lasting Gospel shall be Preached to them that dwell on the earth, which is the power of God: and though the Devil, and the beast, and the false Prophets, and the Kings of the earth do make war against the Saints and the Lamb, yet the Saints and the Lamb shall get the victory, and thats come to that the Apostles were in before you was, and so in your fall, this rises.

Pr. He saith Christ without the Church, doth not comprehend all the Elect; and we are not elected, though we receive Christ because we are elected in him, &c. Page 80.

Ans. Thou art medling with things too weighty for thee, Christ is the Elect who God upholds, and the election obtains it, (the victory) and Christ knowes his, and said [Page 89] he had other sheep, and he knew all the Elect; and is the wisdom of the Father, the Light, the Life, and the power of God, the offering, the sacrifice for the whole world, the Redemption of man-kinde; and who receives him, and are in him, are the Elect; and out of their own works, and have possessed him, and his Image and glory; and are come to the throne of grace who is in all and over all; the salvation to the ends of the earth, and who are elected receives Christ, and are in him.

Pr. He saith thy denyal of sin, and Satan, and Antichrist to be, where they are in power and part is the old trick of the evil one, &c. page 83.

Ans. Who are come into the Lambs power, they are come out of the power of the beast, sin, and Satan; into the City, the midst of the Paradice of God where no unclean thing enters; but the tree of life is the food, and they are a top of sin, Satan and Antichrist, and all thy tricks; and witness against all sin.

Pr. He saith when the dissolution comes, he bids farwell to all the Saints of God. pag. 94. Again if we say we have no sin we deceive our selves; and the truth is not in us: if we say we have not sinned, we make him a lyar. page 89.

Ans. The Saints are in Christ and God; and at the dissolving of the earthly or sin, they do not bid all the Saints farewell; for then they come into unitie with them, with the Elect. And John doth shew there was a time to see they had sinned, and a time to see they had sin, and a time to confesse it and forsake it and a time to witness the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse from all sin, a time to witnesse the birth of God born, which doth not commit sin, and the seed of God remaining in them, that the wicked one could not touch them.

Pr. He saith the Saints are neither in the fulness of the Godhead, nor part: away with this Blasphemy that saith this is, &c. page 92.

Ans. The work of the Ministry was to bring people to the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the unity of the faith; to the measure, and stature of the fulness of Christ, and Christ will dwell in the Saints, and God will dwell in them; and thou saith they have no part of the fulness of the Godhead; and John saith of his ful­ness have we all received; in whom dwells the Godhead bodily. And ye be all in the Blasphemy that be out of this part of the fulness.

Pr. He saith the Quakers knowes a man whether he be a Saint or a Divel, as soon as they see him, or hear him speak, or act, and they are beyond all our forefathers; And the Apostle saith, what man knoweth the things of a man saving the spirit of a man that is in him: so we are not as Christ in this respect; and thou saith thou art as Christ in this present world: and no man can be without sin in this house of clay, and saith I was shapen in iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me; and my flesh is sins free-hold, &c. page 94. 95.

Ans. Here thou hast shewed that the Quakers have a spirit given to them beyond all the forefathers (which we do witness) since the days of the Apostles in the apostacy, And they can discern who are Saints, who are Divels & who are apostates, without speaking ever a word, they that be in the power & the life of truth. And the natural man knows not the things that be in another man: but with the spirit within him may know what is in himself: but the spiritual man searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. Here thou hast made no distinction betwixt the spiritual, and natural; And as Christ is, so are we in this present world; and where Christ is manifest, he destroyes the sin in the flesh, where they come to be as he is; they come to be above clay and mortal, and fading, and so the flesh comes to be put off which thou calls sins free-hold, and the body of it, and cometh to be made free from the Law by the body of Christ; and this the Saints witnessed while they were on earth; And the creature comes into the liberty of the Sons of God. And as thou was born in iniquity thou shewes thou was born in the unregeneration, there was some sanctified from the womb, there is some children clean who are believers; he that can receive it let him; so thou art an ignorant man not able to divide the word aright nor canst Minister unto the people, not knowing the condition they be in, unless they tell thee, and so apostatized from the Apostles, and not Ministers of the spirit, that Ministers to the spirit; for could not [Page 90] the Apostles Preach and speak to the Jewes and Gentiles, unless they come and told them what condition they were in? or did all the Jewes and Gentiles come and tell the Apostles what condition they were in before they Preacht to them?

Pr. He saith the Light in man is imperfect, a weak, faint light, page 97. Again the light in the Gentiles is called a natural light. page 88.

Ans. The light that every man hath that cometh into the world, is not an Imper­fect light, a weak, or faint light, or natural light; but who are weak, go from it, and faint, and hate it, and dispiseth it, as Esau, and run into the earth, And who believe in it, have the light of life; and receives it, becomes the Sons of God. And the light in the Gentiles which brought them to do the Law, was spiritual, not natu­ral, which the Apostle sets up to be the Circumcision, and the Jew inward: and throwes out the Jew outward, and Circumcision both: and this he brings to have the praise of God, which the Jewes had not in the outward, and this makes the Jew no Jew, and their Circumcision no Circumcision, and Judged them. And all professors upon the earth that be from that that doth the Law in the heart, and the Jew inward, you be from that who stands against the Light of Christ that doth en­lighten, &c.

Pr. He saith, If an hypocrite reign, his power is of God: and Saints are to yield to the power and it must be honoured, and have obedience from the Saints. Page 101. And so they that call them corrupt Magistrates are the filthy dreamers that Jude speaks of. Pag. 102.

Answ. Such as are turned into corruption, and are hypocrites they are gone from the higher power, which the soul should be subject to, and its gone over them; and so for the Lords sake the Saints cannot be subject to that power, but that power that brings down the hypocrisie, and the corruptions in Magistrates, and as they come to be clothed with the power of God, they are able to put a difference betwixt the precious and the vile, and that they own; those are a praise to them that do well. The Jewes of old time could not obey the heathen Magistrates, bow to their gods, that feared God, that lived in the Law of God; nor to their Commands nor their power nor authority; nor the Apostles could not bow to the Authority of the Jewes, to their ordinances, their power that held them up, which Christ came to put an end to; which was held up by Magistrates: nor that among the Gentiles held up by Magistrates. For Christ was come to reign who had all power in heaven, and earth given to him. And since the dayes of the Apostles in the apostacy the Saints cannot now bow to that which the Pope, and Kings, and Queens set up; though they call it a Supream power that commands the things, which who be in the power of God, that destroyes that which defiles the flesh and the evil speaker, and that is the dignity which the Saints own and live in, and speakes not evil of, but they do that transgresse the Spirit of God, and goes from it as Jude speakes of; therefore have the Martyrs, and Saints, and Pro­phets suffered since the dayes of the Apostles by the Beast, and the false prophets and the great whore which have been in the power of the Devil that went out of truth, and that the Saints was not subject to. But now Christ is come to reign, the Lamb and the Saints shall have the victory, and the higher power is owned, that is higher then all the transgressors upon earth, that reaches to the soul; and the transgressed principle of God in every man upon the earth: for the Beasts power hath set up your Tythes, Temples and Colledges, and compeld men to worship, which the Saints could not, and therefore have suffered by it, that have worshipped God in the spirit and truth, that the devil is out of; and such was in the higher power.

Pr. He saith there is a kinde of Infiniteness in the soul; and it cannot be Infiniteness in it self. Pag. 103.

Ans. Is not the soul without beginning coming from God, returning into God again, who hath it in his hand, which hand goes against him that does evil, which throwes down that which wars against it; And Christ the power of God, the Bishop of the soul, which brings it up into God which came out from him; hath this a beginning or ending? And is not this infinite in it self, and more then all the world?

Pr. He saith the soul is a creature: and yet it is a noble power, and an Essence, and is the appetite, fancy, &c. Again he saith he knowes that the soul is a spiritual thing; and cannot be divided into parts and powers, as being one single entire essence. Page 107.

Ans. The soul being in the death in transgression, so mans spirit there is not sancti­fied, and the soul is in death: And fancy, and the appetite, and anger, and plea­sure, &c. which thou saith is taken for the soul usually, and called the soul, are them that wars against it; so thou divides the soul into parts, which is one, and art igno­rant of it, and yet thou said it cannot be divided. So thou art in the Babylon, and con­fusion. So the living of the soul, and the spirit sanctified, that diligent hearkening is come to where the Counsel of God is stood in, his voyce heard, his hand felt, that the soul comes up into, that comes from him from God; thats living and Immortal, and gives a Creature its feeling, and sencibleness through things: and so the Cove­nant of God comes to be received wherein the soul lives, the Bishop of it which is im­mortal, and then the new creature born is known, whereby the spirit of man is sancti­fied, whereby the God of the spirits of all flesh is known. Now where the power and life guides up to God the Father of life, that works down, and directs the mind up to God where the soul hath the issue, the immortal, to the immortal, whereby light springs in Christ is known, the soul praiseth God the Saviour; the low estate that God hath regarded and reached down to it. Now where the light is hated, that of God within transgressed (that doth pertain to the righteous Law of God, and answers it) the spirit of man is not sanctified and mans understanding darkened the higher power is denyed, the soul comes into death, transgressing of the Law is known; the witness buried which should guide the mind whereby the soul should live in the diligent hearkening; thereby comes man to be defiled, and his spirit and body and minde, whereby he glorifies not God in his body and soul, and spirit, and glorifies not the God of the spirits of all flesh; thereby he comes to be an alien and a stranger to the life of God, and his wayes and Covenant, and thou sayes the soul is a spiritual thing, and yet a creature, an appetite and fancy. And every man that cometh into the world having a Light from Christ the second Adam (though they be in the first Adam) the Bishop of their souls; So every one being turned to the Light which Christ the second Adam hath enlightened them withall, they shall see the Bishop of their souls Christ the power of God, which is immortal, brings the immortal soul into the immortal God, Christ their sanctification, who sanctifies their spirits, and bodies, and brings the soul up into God from whence it came, whereby they come to be one soul: For in the lusts of the world, and the affections of it, is the war against it, and there is the powers of wickedness; the soul must be in the higher power, higher then the flesh which stains the man, spirit and body, and powers of wickedness. So the light being turned to, he receiveth the spirit of God which sanctifies him, the spirit of Sancti­fication in Christ Jesus, the Sanctification and Redemption. So every man that cometh into the world having a light from Christ Jesus the way out of the fall, the se­cond Adam; receiving the light they receive their Redemption, and Sanctification, whereby their spirits, bodies and souls are sanctified.

Pr. He saith, The binding of Sathan shall not be by a personall reigne of Christ in a body. He saith, the Quaker denies the light written in Scripture: And he saith, when yee that pretend most love to Christ within, and light within, ye deny the Lord that bought yee: And the high talke of a Light within goes out for ever into utter darkness.

Ans. The Light within, and Christ within; who owns this, and are come into it, owns the Lord that bought them, Christ and no other; and they that receive not this within, are Reprobates without him, and deceives him, yet talk of him as the De­vils, false Prophets, and Deceivers: And they that go from the Light within, go in­to utter darknesse, and stumble, and do not know whether they go, and wants the garments, and the Lambs cloathing. And so the Light within, he that believes in it hath the witnesse in himselfe, abides not in the darknesse, nor in the condemnation, but hath the light of life. And the light within that shines in the heart, gives the light of the know­ledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. And who knows Satan bound, and [Page 92] false Prophets, and Antichrists, and Beasts, and mother of Harlots taken and cast into the fire, and Christ reign, and know his bodily presence, they know his flesh, and are of his flesh and of his bone, and his spirit, and minde, and power, who hath all power in heaven and earth given to him over the Devil, over the A [...]tichrists, false Prophets, Beast, and mother of Harlots reigns above their power, triumphs, tramples above their power, and this is known by the Light within. And now doth Christ reign in his Saints, and the Paradice of God is known, and Eden, where all things are sanctified and blessed, and good; where there is no curse, but blessing: and he that went out of this did transgresse, and disobeyed, which brought the death upon all his posterity, earthly Adam: But who are come in through the obedience of another, the second A­dam, Christ Jesus, who became the Curse, and tooke away the Curse, who is the sanctification, and brings the blessing and redemption; by whom and through whom are many entered into the Paradise of God, and have the right to the tree of Life. And they are not come into this, who are yet in the disobedience, the unbeliever, and lyar, and reviler, and whoremonger, and Adulterer hates the light in the diso­bedience, and cannot touch the tree of life, for the sword turns every way upon them.

And as for all thy hard expressions and reviles in thy Book, they come from the Disobedience, over which the sword is that keeps it in awe, over whom goes the higher power, and that cannot touch, nor taste of the tree of Life in the Paradice of God, in the Ancient of Dayes, thou shalt feel my words to be truth.

Robert Simpson, Robert Parnell, John Andrews, Thomas Ewen, Bryan Hanson, and Richard Moon, In their Book called, The Church of Christ in BRISTOL reco­vering her VAILE. Their Principles as followeth.

Answ. It is a true word to you: And that you are recovering the vaile more then the life, and substance (that takes away all vails) as your Principles that follows in your Book makes it manifest.

Pr. YOu say, Now the spirit speaketh expresly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of De­vels: And also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, and draw many Disciples after them: And they went out from us, it is manifest they are not of us, 1 John 2, &c.

Ans. You have brought these words to shew your ignorance; for the Apostles saw such as should depart from the faith, and the false Prophets and Antichrists that Christ said should come, John saw was come, and went forth from them before the Apostles decease: And they went forth from the Church, and departed from the faith, in which faith the Church had unity, and this they apostatized from; which since the dayes of the Apostles they have had the sheeps cloathing, and so got up an ima­gined Church with a vail on it (in the apostacy) and these were they that drew Dis­ciples after them, which caused the way of truth to be evill spoken of; and the seducing spirits, and the doctrine of Devills have been up since the dayes of the Apostles, which they saw come in before their decease; and such went from the faith, in which is the unity. And thus they be in the enmity, destroying one another, persecuting one ano­ther, [Page 93] prisoning one another about Religion, and Church, Doctrine, and Scriptures, and Christs, and the Prophets, and Apostles words; which shew they be out of uni­ty with God, with the Scriptures, and there you are; and out of the faith that works by love, by which they should heap coals of fire on the heads of all the adversaries. And so this is the dawning of the day, the ending of the night of apostacy; you who be of the skirts of the great Whore are seen, as you have manifested by your tale you have told to the world in your Booke, who stiles your selves, The Church of Christ, which is made up by the Letter. How want ye the life the Saints lived in that gave forth the Scriptures? Oh! ye want the covering of the spirit of the Lord God. And now are all your spirits and men departed from the Faith, and false Prophets that should inwardly raven, that Christ said should come, that got the sheeps cloathing, but inwardly ravening wolves, whose fruits should declare them; which John saw was come, which went forth from them, which led the world after them; and the false Apostles, and Satans Ministers and messengers, which the Apostle saw come up before his de­cease: These since the dayes of the Apostles have been the guides and leaders of the world, and Teachers, and gatherers of people into Names, into Heads, into Horns, whereby one hath been against another, that they have gathered people out of peo­ples; and brought people to a head, and not to Christ, and yet all have professed themselves Christians: So they have had the sheeps cloathing, but inwardly ravened from the spirit of God, and so have been Wolves cloathed with the sheeps cloathing, tearing the Lambs to pieces, yea and many Gaots and Beasts too sometimes, which the fruits of this hath declared sufficiently since the dayes of the Apostles, and in this Nation: And these have deceived the world, and have been the wrestlers against flesh and blood, strikers at the Creature; such as have departed from the faith, ravened from the spirit, went forth from the Apostles, had sheeps cloathing, such have been the Teachers and gatherers into Sects, and Names, and Heaps; and every one will cry, his Church, his Church, and all against the light which comes from Christ where the Church stands. But now he is redeeming and recovering that which hath been lost since the dayes of the Apostles, in this night of the Apostacy. The light is come, the night is gone, the Lamb and the Saints are going on conquering, and to conquer. The Throne of the Lamb is set up; and all those false Prophets, Beasts, Antichrists, and mother of Harlots, great Whore, and Kings of the Earth, and the Devill, are making War against the Lamb and the Saints.

Now are all the Antichrists appearing, and are in armes, and rising against Christ and his light. The Lamb is on the white Horse, who slayes with his Sword, which are the words of his mouth, and the Lamb and the Saints shall have the victory. Glory in the highest, and rejoyce ye holy Prophets over her.

Pr. They say, The mysticall body may sometimes be subject to distempers, and humours, and wants, page 1.

Answ. Are you Judges? Can you judge of the mysticall body which the Saints are baptized into? Is their humours, wants, and distempers in the body which the Saints are baptized into? Is not the wants, humours, distempers in your body? Do you here in this divide the word aright? Distinguish things in the ground, and speak a­right of things; and yet ye would not be judged, and say Judge not; and is not mysti­call, spirituall?

Pr. You say The Scriptures are the word of God.

Answ. The Scripture saith it selfe, the Word is God; Christ, whose name is called the Word of God; and the Scriptures are words, the words of God, the words of Christ, the Declaration which the Ministers of the Word set forth; which words ends in Christ the Word who fulfills them: And it is called the Scriptures of Truth which cannot be broken; and so ye do not speak as the Church did that gave forth Scripture. And the spirit of God was the rule that led them to speak forth the Scriptures, which brings to know the right use of them again.

Pr. They say, To call that light in every man Christ, is to slight Christs glorious person in heaven, and to nullifie it.

Ans. In this have not you shewed your ignorance? And to be them that went forth from the Apostles, and so are hardned from the spirit they was in; which said, Christ is all in all, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; And none seeth the person of Christ in heaven but who be in the Light, that he hath enlightned them withall; yea, the Covenant of Light to the Gentiles and Heathens as well as Jewes, and so God is not a respecter of persons. And all that be from this Light are now making war a­gainst the Lamb and the Saints, and the accuser of the Brethren is cast out, and the light which doth enlighten every man which comes into the world, is Christ.

Pr. They say, It is a delusion for them that are in the light to see what mens inward states are before God. page 29.

Ans. Have ye given your selves a name of the Church of Christ, and is there not a spirit of discerning among you? Have ye not manifested here that ye are harlotted from the Church of Christ the Apostles was of? And how can ye minister, or teach people if that ye do not discern their states, how they stand before God? How can you com­mend your selves to every mans conscience in Gods sight? How can ye present the soules of men to God, and see not their states how they are in his sight. How come ye to have fellowship in the Spirit? How can you or any Minister to the state and condi­tion that people be in, and see where they are, and doth not know how they stand in Gods sight? in this how have you shewed your ignorance of the Scriptures, and the Epistles written to the Saints which speaks to the state and conditions the Saints were in? How have ye a name, but declared your selves dead from the life? How have ye stained your own glory, and marred your own beauty, and sets your selves out of the steps and paths of the Church of Christ?

Pr. Simpson he saith, If my heart deceive me not, I could wish that God would recover you out of the Devils snare. page 40. And ye speak of breaking of bread, and Ordinances, and the Lords Supper, and Baptisme, page 35.

Ans. The prayers of the faithfull are acceptable that are in the spirit; but he that doubts, he knows not his own heart, and prayes without discerning, being out of that which purifies it: And for Baptisme, and Ordinances, and the Lords Supper, and the bread that the Saints broke, ye have all been ignorant of in this night of apo­stacy since the dayes of the Apostles; who had spoken to the Corinthians, what he had received of the Lord, he delivered unto them: And as oft as they did eate that bread, and drinke that cup, they did shew forth the Lords death till he come, and they were to do it in remembrance of him. And afterwards the Apostle writ again to the said Corinthians, & tells them, the light that shined in their hearts would give them the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus: And said, while we look not at things that are seen, but at things that are not seen: For the things that are seen are temporal (Bread, Wine, and Water are seen) but the things that are not seen are eternall; And bids them exa­mine themselves, and prove their own selves (and said) Know ye not that Christ Jesus is in you except you be reprobates?

Pr. He saith, He hath been a Preacher of the Gospell at Bristoll and Wells, and he hath not need to seek a proof of any man, page 43. And he saith, I am no Preacher to bid every man turn to the light within him, neither did I ever read or hear, that any of the A­postles or holy men of God preached such a Gospell. And they said, Sarah Latchet (who was excommunicated, who had been one of them) it was fittest to send her to Bridewell.

Answ. This was not the Ministers of the Gospels work to wrestle with flesh and blood, which is yours. And they in the sight of God had witnesses, and they could seek them; which thou saith thou needs not: And they turned people from the darknesse to the light; and Christ bid them believe in the light while they had it, that they might become the chilldren of the Light And the Apostles doctrine was, that the light that shined in their hearts would give them that light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of [Page 95] Christ Jesus, and this thou never heardest of (as thou saist) And thy Gospel that is not this, and agrees not to the Apostles, is another, and so accursed: And the Saints was one anothers Epistles written in one anothers hearts, read and seen of all men; And thou hast been a bad Preacher at Wells and Bristoll, that knows not the Light.

Prin. They say, A man may be a Christian, a believer, a converted soule, he may be in Christ, and yet not not have received the spirit of sealing and establishing, page 53.

Ans. This is like to the rest of thy Doctrine who are out of it themselves; they are not able to judge of the state of babes, believers, converted soules which are in Christ: For they that are in Christ have the spirit; and they that are converted, are converted by the spirit: And he that believeth cometh to be sealed with the spirit of promise.

Prin. They say, The light in every man is a notion, and yet they seeke God by pray­er solemnly. And they shut up the Kingdome of heaven against men, that bid all men turne to the light within them, and from the believing on the person of Jesus Christ, page 60.

Answ. None opens the Kingdom of heaven to all men, but who turns people to the light which Christ Jesus hath enlightned every man withall that cometh into the world. Nor none believes in Christ, but who believes in the light which Christ the light hath enlightned them withall, and such have the witnesse in themselves, and can set to their seales that God is true: And they see their Sanctification, Justification, and Redemp­tion; and none ever prays the acceptable prayer of the Lord, but who be in the light that cometh from Christ; and such calls not the light a Notion, for all notions be a­mong such that be out of the Light, which Christ doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world withall: They are from the Rock, the Foundation, and Sanctification, and see not Christ. And this is not to deny Christ, but receive him, and believe in him. And all upon the earth be Antichrists, that denies the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, and be from it.

Pr. And as for your speaking of judging, and not to judge before the time untill the Lord do come, &c.

Answ. That was spoken to the Corinthians, who will bring to light the hidden things of darknesse, and make manifest the counsels of the heart. Now the same Apostle said to the same Corinthians, that God would dwell in them, and walk in them; and they were not to judge before the time untill that he did come. And he told them the Saints should judge the world, and the world should be judged by them. Now where the Lord is come, such as have the Son, and the Father, and bring this Doctrine, they are to be received; and they know where sin and transgression is finished, and where it is standing: So if any man have an ear to hear this, and can receive it, let him.

And as for the rest of the things in your Book, your silence might have covered your shame, for every mans words shall be his burthen. Therefore he that hath the word of God, and speaks that that shall not be so, which now comes to be richly known, and is known among the Saints and Believers, the true Church which is come out of the Apostacy, since the dayes of the Apostles, to that the Apostles was in.

Jonathan Clapham, a labourer of the Gospell (as he saith) and William Jenkin: Their Book (called, A Discovery of the the QUAKERS Doctrine) to the PROTECTOR. Their PRINCIPLES, &c.

Pr. HE saith, I dare not say that I am infallible (as the Pope and the Quakers) And the Magistrate in this externall politick Kingdome is a Mediator, though [Page 96] he is no Officer nor Magistrate in the Spirituall Kingdome of his Church: And if this be re­ceived by Magistrates, that they have nothing to do with the worship of God, Christ is little beholding to them: Then they may protect the worship of Mahomet, as well as Christs. And yet yee say, That the Magistrate is the Officer of Christ. See his Epistle to the Pro­tector.

Answ. How is it then if the Magistrate be no officer of the Church, that you make use of Magistrates to prison, to persecute, to give you Tythes, and to quench the spirit when any thing is revealed to another that sits by? Was not the Magistrates in all ages stirred up by the blinde Priests, and Prophets, and Teachers, to persecute, and to prison such as they judged to be blasphemers? And so did not all the Saints in all ages suffer, not as for Truth, but as for blasphemy; yea by them that had the form, covered with the sheeps cloathing?

Now the Magistrate that is in the power of Christ, he is beyond an external King­dom, and sees over the Kingdoms of the world; and that as he is a Help-Governour for Christ, he is a member of the Church, and he knows who worships God, and who worships Idols. And who worships God be in the power of God; He is in that which sees over all externall Kingdomes, that's the higher power which the soul must be subject to, and that's the true Magistrate: And thou not being infallible, thou art not in the spirit, and so art not a Minister, and art not able to judge of powers that is not infallible, nor Magistrates, nor Kingdomes, nor Churches; For who is in the in­fallible, is in the spirit that Christ was in, and the Apostles and Prophets that gave forth Scriptures. But we say, that thou nor the Pope thy elder Brother (in the aposta­cy from the Apostles) are neither of ye infallible, nor in the infallible spirit that the Apostles was in; but ye are both erred from it in the apostacy, as your fruits declares, contrary to the Apostles.

Pr. They say, The Magistrates are to protect the Church from the ravenous Wolves: for yee to stop the freedome of the Quakers in your Dominions, and their License, and the Lord blesse your Highnesse. See his Epistle to the Protector.

Answ. Before thou saidst they were not Officers in the Spirituall Church, and now wouldst thou have them to limit and quench the spirit? and to be your Executioners, by telling them the Quakers seduce people? Ye have manifested your own spirits that yee have not the spirit to resist their spirits, but are crying to the Magistrates. And did John bid the Saints call to the Magistrates, to the outward powers of the earth, to try Seducers, or did the Saints? And have not you manifested your selves to be them that cry, help men against Christ and the Saints? and cries to the mountaines to cover you; crying to the Magistrates, Help men of Israel, these are the men that will turne the world upside down, and so go to the arm of flesh? Have not ye here shewed your spirits to be them that should come, who were inwardly ravened, which John saw was come, and to be the Wolves in the sheeps cloathing, and the blasphemers, such as you cannot tear your selves, you would have the Magistrates to tear. But the Lord hath opened an understanding among many of them that they see you.

Pr. He saith, We dare not contest with the Quakers, they teach men by minding the light in the conscience, to attain a morall righteousness, that is the highest; and as if they had accomplished it wholly now, and not to be fulfilled in another world. See Epistle to the Protector.

Answ. We do believe that you are not able to resist the Quakers, who have appear­ed in that that cannot be shaken. Therefore is it not a shame to you to say you are a Church and Ministers, and to say the Magistrate is no Officer in the Spirituall Church? And yet you to flye to the Magistrate, and tell him you dare not contest with the Qua­kers, and blesse him if he will but stop them? Think ye not the Magistrate will see you in these things? And the light which Christ the righteousnesse of God hath en­lightned every man that cometh into the world withall, leads man from the end of the righteousnesse of the Law that comes to be fulfilled in all its righteousnesse whatsoe­ver, and so the light is too heavy for thee, and hard for thee; and it is the precious [Page 97] stone thou stumbles at: And things fulfilled in another world, the Prophecies, the Parables, the Types, the Figures, the Shadows, the Gifts, the Revelations, the Dis­pensations, these things was in this world manifested: And Christ who is the end of all, who comes to him into the power of the world that hath no end. What is there, to fulfill there, in the world that hath no end. Things are to be fulfilled in this World, that hath an end: And thus thou hast shewed thy ignorance.

Pr. He saith, The Scripture is the Word of God. And he saith, Christ is not properly the Word, but figuratively, page 3. And the Scripture is in more proper sense without fi­gure called the Word of God. He saith, without the Scripture we do not know how to wor­ship God aright, and serve him, and therein attain to eternall life.

Again they say, God is not pleased to use this way of immediate Revelation now: Nei­ther indeed is it the worke of Gods holy Spirit to discover things unto us now immediately, page 5.

Ans. Christs name is called the Word of God properly, and not figuratively, and more properly then the Scripture, as in the Revelations. And the Scriptures are the words of God, and words which Christ fulfills (the Word.) So it is properly to call the Scriptures the words of God, and properly to call Christ his name the Word of God; and the Word that became flesh, that is proper Scripture: And they that had not the Scriptures worshipped God before the Scriptures was written, as Abraham and Enoch and others; and they attained to eternall life. And if people have all the Scriptures, and not the Spirit (which was before they was given forth) they want the standing rule; they cannot know the Scriptures; they cannot worship God aright; they cannot finde eternall life; they have not unity with God, neither do they worship God a­right; but who be in the spirit that gave them forth: And we do believe you, that immediate revelations now by the holy spirit of God revealing things to you im-immediately ye have not; and you say it is not the work of Gods spirit now, nor the way of God now, &c. You that have ravened from the spirit of God inwardly, have been the Wolves which Christ said should come, which John saw was come, which the world hath gone after you, and yee have burst into Names, and Heads, & Horns, and Sects. And the power was given to the Beast, and the false Prophets, and the great Whore hath corrupted the earth: All Nations have drunk her cup of fornicati­ons, and the Kings of the Earth. So they have flown to the Kings for help against the Saints and against the Lamb, but the Lamb and the Saints shall have the victory. And so when you have been ravened from the spirit of God, it hath not been like yee should attain to immediate Revelation by the spirit of God. But now who are come to the Lamb, are come to that ye ravened from, they witnesse immediate Revelation. They are come to that the Apostles was in, the spirit of Christ, the spirit of God, they witnesse immediate Revelation. Who are come into the feare of God, the things of God is revealed unto them; who are come into the spirit of God, it reveals to them the deep things of God. So you that deny immediate revelation by Gods holy spirit now, and discovering things to you immediately; you have shewed your spirits to be the false spirits, unclean spirits that be in the earth, like the Frogs that go out of the mouth of the Beast and the false Prophet, which was discovered by John, and revealed to John, discovered and made manifest; which now with the same holy spirit of God are you all apostates revealed and discovered to the children of the Light, to the Lambs and the Saints, who witnesse the spirit of God which reveales the things of God to them, and immediate revelation. As ever the false Prophets, false Apostles, false Tea­chers, in their false prophesies and teachings did, who had gotten the form, and de­nyed the power, immediate Revelation by Gods holy spirit. And was it not they then that cryed to the powers of the earth for help against the Saints in all ages, which was discovered and judged by the spirit of God, and must go into the fire.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures are able to make wise unto salvation, and they are a more sure word of prophecy then any voyce that we can hear from heaven, page 6. And we will call them the Word of God whether the Quakers will or no, and we are to go to the Law and Testimony, page 7.

Ans. In this ye are contrary to the Ministers of the Word, who calls the Scriptures the words of God, and Christ the Word, and calls the Scriptures a Declaration and a Treatise, which Christ the Word came to fulfill. And the Law and Testimony which ye say is the Old and New Testament; which many may have, and yet stand against the Law which is light, as saith Solomon; and stand against the testimony of Jesus which is the spi­rit of prophecy, and crucifie them that be in it, in the Law and Testimony, they that have the Old and New Testament, as witnesse the ravening Wolves that have had the sheeps cloathing, but inwardly ravened from the spirit; which Christ said should come, John saw was come, went out from the Apostles, which since the world have gone after them: And many may have the Scripture, and stand against the voyce from heaven, as the Jewes did him that spoke from heaven, which was more sure; him that spoke from heaven who was the end of the Scripures, and comes to fulfill them. And the Scriptures are not able to make wise unto salvation, as you say, who leave out the Faith; but through faith they are.

Pr. Let the Quakers shew where ever Christ or the Apostles bid people looke to the light within them. And the Quakers say they write from the spirit of the Lord, and speake from God immediately and infallibly as did the Apostles, and doth not this bring them under the curse in the Revelations? page 8. And say the Letter is a dead and killing letter, these he calls wicked errours. And to say the light within is sufficient, an old Popish argument.

Answ. The light which every man that cometh into the world is enlightened withall, is the salvation to the ends of the earth, and sufficient; for he that believes in it shall have the light of life, and come to witnesse the Law of God in his minde and in his heart; and the new Covenant, which he shall not need to say, Know the Lord. And the letter of Scripture, paper and inke is a dead letter: And thou and you all that speak and write, and not from God immediately and infallibly as the Apostles did, and Pro­phets, and Christ, but onely have gotten the words, you are all under the, Curse in another spirit, ravened from the spirit that was in the Apostles, onely have had the sheeps cloathing, inwardly ravening wolves; so deceived the World and the Nations, and have been held up by the powers of the world, the powers of the earth. And the Kings of the earth have drunk the cup of fornication, and they were like to main­tain that which they have drunk. And so power hath been given to the Beast over all Kindreds, Tongues and Nations, and they should make war against the Lamb and the Saints, and continue it till the words of God was fulfilled: And the Apostles told the Corinthians, that light that shined in their hearts would give them the light of the know­ledg of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus: And so all people upon the earth that have gotten a knowledge, and if the light that shineth in their hearts hath not given it them; what they know, they know naturally; in these things they corrupt them­selves. And so thou and you that be ignorant of the Apostles doctrine, the light that gives people the knowledge, and the immediate infallible spirit that the Apostle was in, and that the Scriptures was given forth from, are and the Pope together in another fallible spirit then the Apostles were in, comprehended with the spirit that gave forth Scriptures.

Pr. And what a dreadful Judgement is upon them that leave the Scriptures, to look to the light within them. Page 9. And many deceivers should come into the world that con­fesse not Christ come in the flesh, receive them not into your houses. And the man Christ is testified against by the light. Pag. 13. and he saith they publikely deny the resurrection of the dead body. And he saith, Christ in the flesh his sufferings was but an example and a figure.

Ans. Christ ended all figures in suffering and examples, and paterns; yet he is the Saints patern, and example as the Scripture witnesses, and there is no other example nor patern to be heeded but Christ alone, which they are to learn of, but to say he is nothing but a figure, for that thou, and you all will be judged: for he ended all figures and is the resurrection, and the life both; and thy dead body shall live with my dead body, this is Scripture, and they that said the resurrection was past in the dayes of the [Page 99] Apostles, overthrew the faith of some. That which overthrowes the faith denying the resurrection kept the seed in death, where it hath been in you all since the dayes of the Apostles; for who are of faith, are of Abraham, of Christ according to the flesh; and so if the dead arise not, their Preaching is vain, and their faith is vain. So I say mortal must put on immortality, and corruption must put on incorruption: the first man was made a living soul; the second was made a quickening spirit, there is earthly bodies, and heavenly bodies: and there Is a resurrection of the just, and unjust, the one to eternal life, the other to condemnation. And the Judge is the man Christ Jesus to Judge the quick, and the dead, who both dyed, and rose again that he might be God of the dead, and the living. And the light which every man hath that cometh into the world doth not testifie against Christ; And the light doth not bring to deny the Scriptures but to own them; And none ownes them aright, nor Christ, but who are in the light which cometh from him. And all that do deny the light that doth enlighten every man, &c. are the wolves, and the false Prophets, and Antichrists that have gotten the sheeps cloathing, and such cannot be received into the houses of the Saints, that are from the light which every man is enlightened withall. And none confesseth Christ come in the flesh, but who is in the light which Christ hath enlightened them withall. And so now is all Professors, and teachers upon the earth; and Kings of the earth ravened in­wardly from the light which Christ enlightened them all withall; standing against the light, and the Lamb, and the Saints, that be in it; and are not to be received into the houses of the Saints, neither to bid them God speed, for they be out from God that be out of the Light which Christ the Son hath enlightened them with­all.

Pr. And he saith Christ hath a humane reasonable soul. Again, Christ the Eternal Son of God distinct from the Father Eternally; before he was made flesh, his spirit was distinguished from the Father and the Son from Eternitie; and not onely when he was manifested by de­scending on Christ in the likeness of a Dove, or by falling upon the Apostles like cloven tongues, &c. page 17.

Answ. Christ saith he is in the Father, and the Father is in him, and he will send them the Spirit of Truth the Comforter that proceeds from the Father and the Son, and Christ saith he was glorified with the Father before the world began; and yet ye say, the Son is distinguished from the Father from Eternity: and the Son saith he is in the Father, and the Father is in him: and you say the spirit is distinguished from the Father and the Son from Eternity, and Christ saith it proceeds from him and the Fathers and he is the God and Father of the spirits of all flesh, and the substance of all things; And is not a humane soul, earthly? for you say that Christ had a humane soul, and is not humane earthly? and hath a humane body, and is not a humane body an earthly body? Is not his body of the seed of Abraham ac­cording to the flesh? and is not his body a glorified body? was not the first man of the earth, earthly, and had an humane body, the second man the Lord from heaven? And is not the soul immortal which cometh out from God which is immortal and goes into God again? and is not humane, or earthly mortal? And are there not three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Spirit, and are not they all one? how then are they distinct, and three that bear record in earth, the spirit the water, and the blood, which agree, in one? And Christ saith. I and my Father are one; and I in the Father, and the Father in me, and he is in the Saints, and so not distinct.

Pr. He saith it is impudency in the Quakers to deny the word Trinity and three Persons. And the Church ever denyed such as denyes the Doctrine of the Trinity. Page 18. 19.

Ans. As for the word Trinity, and three Persons we have not read it in the Bible, but in the Common-prayer Book or Masse-book which the Pope was the Author of; but as for Unity we own, and Christ being the brightness of the Fathers glory, and the ex­presse Image of his substance of the Father we own; That we own which agrees with the Scriptures, and for that which the Scripture speakes not; which men speak, and teach [Page 100] for Doctrine their own words, that the Scriptures speakes not, nor teacheth, such the Scriptures shut out, and we deny.

Pr. He saith that is the weak, ignorant, dark, and the wicked Sect of the Devil, that maintains an equality with God; the soul to be one being with God or part of God. And saith (the Quakers say) there is no Scriptures speakes of a humane soul, and the soul is taken up into God, and God is all, in all.

Answ. The Assembly, or Synod of Priests put forth a Catechisme, and say that the Holy Ghost and the Son is equal with the Father in power, and glory: and this they put forth that people should learn it: what then if any come to witness the Holy Ghost, they come to witnes that which is equal in power and glory with the Father? what if any come to witness the Son of God revealed in them (which he that hath not him, hath not life) do they not come to witness him who is equal in power and glory with the Father? (this is your own Catechisme) and is it blasphemy to confesse your own words, that ye have given people to learn? God breathed into man the breath of life, and he became a living soul. God, who hath all souls in his hand. And is not this that cometh out from God, which is in Gods hand, part of God of God, and from God, and to God again? which soul Christ is the Bishop of, and doth not thou speak of a humane soul, an earthly soul, and is earthly, immortal and cannot die nor be killed? And is not that which came out from God, which God hath in his hand taken up into God again, which Christ the power of God is the Bishop of, is not this of Gods being? And doth not the Scripture say, God is all and in all? And how dost thou here devide the word of God aright? who shewes so much ignorance of the letter of Scri­pture.

Pr. He saith, It is a wretched doctrine to say men have not a humane soul in them, and to say that the soul is a part of the Divine Essence.

Ans. Is not that of God that come out from him? and is not the earthly and humane of the ground? and is not that mortal; and is that which is immortal humane? And dost thou say it is humane, and is not that earthly? And where doth the Scri­pture of the Prophets, Christ or the Apostles tell people of a humane soul; and of Christ having a humane body in heaven? and doth not the Apostle speak of his glori­fied body?

Pr. He saith that God should dwell in his Saints, and Christ inhabit in believers; how can this be? the heaven, of heavens cannot contain him, how much lesse shall the strait heart of man?

Answ. The Scripture saith God will dwell in men, and walk in men, and Christ that fills heaven and earth is in you except ye be reprobates, and so in this thou hast shewed thy self one not able to divide the word aright, and the bodies of the Saints are the Temples of God, and God will dwell in them, and walk in them, and he will be their God, and they shall be his people.

Pr. He saith, Nor is it an essential in-dwelling of the Divine nature in Gods peo­ple, &c.

Answ. Doth not the Apostle say the Divine nature the Saints was made partakers of? and God dwells in the Saints, and Christ in them, except they be reprobates? And doth not the Saints come to eat the flesh of Christ? and if they eat his flesh, is it not within them?

Pr. He saith God dwells not in the Saints as a personal union, &c. page 22.

Answ. How comes the Saints then to eat of his flesh and to be of his flesh and bone, and God dwelling in them, and have unity with the Son and the Father, and to be of his body, which is the Church, and Christ the head.

Pr. To say a man is justified and made righteous (by Gods putting righteousness into us,) and by righteousness wrought in the creature, confounds Justification and Sanctifica­tion, &c. See page 25.

Answ. The Apostle brought the people to the faith by which they was justified, that was in their hearts, for with the heart man believes unto righteousness, &c. And the [Page 101] light they was to believe in, that was Christ. And the light that shined in their hearts gave the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus their Saviour. Now Justification by the works of the Law, was, do this and live: Circum­cise the children; if they did not, they was to be cut off: and they was to keep the Law, and the works of the Law, the faith of Christ ended: for it took away the nature that the Law went upon; now the Papists, and Priests be out of the works of the Law, or the works of faith that works by love, for they are slaying one another about Religion, though they pretend works, and this was ever out of the faith of Christ Jesus to kill one another about Religion: Now the Apostles was in the works of faith, who neither prisoned, nor persecuted any that was a contrary minded that did so, nor wrestled not against flesh and blood, but against the power that capti­vated creatures. And so all this work about works doth shew you and the Papists both be out of the faith that works by love, where love should overcome all things, and bear all things. I do not measure Priests, and professors, nor Papists by the works of the Law which the Apostles speakes of, which the false teachers were bring­ing people to, in the dayes of the Apostles; Neither do I compare or measure Papists, or Priests with the works of faith that works by love, that becomes all, to all, for the winning some of them. Papists, and Priests and professors will kill one another about their faith, which is not the faith that works by love; and contrary to the Apostles, and Quakers faith.

Pr. He saith our warfare cannot be expected to be over as long as we are in the body: and the best of Saints do not live free from sin. Pag. 27.

Ans. The Apostles said they was made free from sin, and the blood of Jesus Christ the Son of God cleanseth us from all sin; and such as witness the everlasting Cove­nant of God, that blotted out their sins, and transgressions. And they did witnesse the one offering that perfected for ever them that are sanctified; And the Saints did witnesse the Kingdom of God which stands in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; and were new Creatures, and the old man put off, and they were more then conquerours. So thou art ignorant of the Scriptures, And it is the Doctrine of Devils that Preacheth that men shall have sin, and be in a warfare so long as they be on earth, that is not the Doctrine of Christ which brings people to the faith, the which gives the victory, in which they have unity one with another, and please God.

Pr. He saith to witnesse heaven within and hell within, and the resurrection, is the mystery of Iniquity. Page 31.

Ans. Which shewes thou never knew heaven in thy self, nor hell there, nor Christ the resurrection and the life, which they are blessed that are made partakers of the first resurrection, on them the second death shall have no power. And the Scriptures doth witnesse heaven within. And if Christ that was offered up the resurrection, and the life, be not within thee, thou art a reprobate.

Pr. He saith, We shall have incorruptible, powerful, glorious and spiritual bodies; and yet they say Christ is in heaven with a humane body (which is earthly) See pag. 34. Again the spirits can enter into heaven, while the body is upon the earth, &c. And he saith the fourth Commandment commandeth the keeping of a seventh day: and he that breaketh the least Commandment and teacheh men so to do, is least in the Kingdom of Heaven. Page 41.

Answ. Have not all the Priests and teachers in England, denyed the Jewes Sab­bath, the seventh day? and do not you work on it? And do not you meet together on the first day of the week? And do not you all teach men to break the Command­ment there? And you keep markets and fairs on the seventh day; the Jewes Sab­bath? ye meet together on the first day of the week: (which is the eight day and so not one in seven. And if the Saints-sat in heavenly places with Christ Jesus; And if the Saints in heaven must have a glorious body, and Christ an humane body (which I say is earthly) how doth this agree with Scripture, that says Christs is a glorious [Page 102] body? And is it an earthly body the Saints eats, when they eat the flesh of Christ? And is not people in their first state, in the earthly, before they come to witnesse a spiritual body like unto his glorious body? How do you divide the word aright? and they that have the spirit of Christ, their spirits are in heaven, and they have unity with the Father.

Pr. We have no such immediate converse with God now, as to see him face to face, page 42.

Ans. We do believe you have not, who are gone from the spirit that the Prophets and Apostles were in, ravened from it since the dayes of the Apostles in the apostacy, and so are not in the counsell of God, and are out of his teaching and instruction, and so farre off of having fellowship with God; for who have fellowship with him, comes to see him; and you are not of Abrahams seed who saw God face to face, but are of the Pharisees stock, who never saw his shape, John 5.

Pr. And you say, In the last dayes false Prophets should arise, and shew signes and won­ders; and if it were possible they should deceive the Elect. And the coming of the man of sin is after the working of Satan, with all power, and signes, and lying wonders, &c. page 44.

Answ. Christ said they should come, the false Prophets and the Antichrists which John saw were come; yea, many Antichrists were gone out into the world. And the Apostle Paul saw the man of sin before his decease, the coming of him with the lying signes and wonders; which since the dayes of the Apostles in this night of Apostacy, they have rul'd and reign'd, the man of sin with his lying signes and wonders; and these are not the true signes, but lying. And when they were ravened from the spirit of God they got the sheeps cloathing, inwardly ravening wolves, which if it were possible, they would deceive the very elect; which went forth from the Apostles in the apostacy, and since, they have deceived the Nations, the wolves, the inwardly raveners, though covered with the sheeps cloathing. And here these things have been among you in the apostacy: And the Apostates have reigned and rul'd, and have had the dominion since the dayes of the Apostles; But now (with that which ye all have ravened from) are ye made manifest and comprehended. So this man of sin with his lying signes and wonders, who ravened from the spirit of God as the Devill did, who went from the Truth, is he that compels all his members to plead for the body of sin while they be up­on earth, and so to keep them out of the faith of Gods Elect, that gives the victory over the world: And such he cannot deceive, nor none of his members, that ra­vened from the spirit of God.

Pr. He saith, The Quakers, the despising the fashions of the world, contemning the honours and pleasures thereof, and their sober carriage and deportment among men, and wil­lingnesse to suffer; all these he calls wickedness. See page 49, 50.

Answ. But it seemeth this practice, sobernesse, denying the fashions of the world, and contemning of honours and pleasures thereof, and the sober carriage offends him and the world, and the rest of the Priests and Professors, and to deny their lusts which they be in.

Pr. He saith; The Devill is not an Adulterer, page 51.

Answ. Did the Devill abide in the Truth? And did not he go out of it? Are not all that go out of the Truth of him, Adulterers, who begets his own image? and is the foundation of adultery?

Pr. He saith, The light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, is a na­turall light, or law, page 56.

Ans. Which light is the end of the Law, Christ Jesus, before any naturall light was made or created; for all things that was made, was made by him, and he doth enlight­en every man that cometh into the world, who is the end of the Law.

Pr. He saith, the light will not bring men to salvation, page 56.

Answ. The light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, is Christ the salvation to the ends of the earth.

Pr. He saith again, The light is not sufficient to lead men to salvation, page 60. And to witnesse Sanctification within, and Justification there, is to confound justification and sancti­fication. And grace, and justification is a created thing, and the sight within is meer dark­nesse which the Quakers speak of. See page 61.

Ans. The light which every man that cometh into the world is enlightned withall comprehends all darknesse, and leads out of it, and there is no occasion of stumbling in it; for as many as receives him, to them he gives power to become the sons of God. And the light is not darknesse; but he that saith the light is darknesse, is out of the light, in the darknesse. And Justification and Sanctification within doth not confound it with­out, but is the same that is within as is without: And grace is the gift of God, and Sanctification both, Christ Jesus, who was before any creature was created, and the grace comes from the Throne.

Pr. He saith, They are the unstablished people that are running after every way of er­rour, that owns the Quakers in these Nations, page 62.

Ans. In that the Nation will witnesse against thee; for them that own the Quakers, it's known that they have been the most knowingest, seeking people that have been in the Nations, and the most sincerest people; and none comes out of errour, but who comes to the Quakers light which they follow, which is Christ.

Pr. He saith, That Christ hath a humane created soule, See page 63. Again, and the light in the conscience to be Christ is a false Doctrine. And the Quakers seeke to bring people from all other teaching but the light within them. page 65.

Answ. The soule of Christ is witnessed; But to say it is humane, earthly, and cre­ated (when the Scripture doth not teach us that doctrine) we cannot own your words, nor believe, but deny them. And Christ is the light in the conscience, which doth en­lighten every man that cometh into the world, who was before any creature was; which he that receiveth it comes to him to be his Teacher, and feels him reign. And every man must come to the Light which Christ hath enlightned them withall, &c. who is the Covenant of God, to feel the Law written in their hearts, and in their mindes, to bring them off all other Teachers, whereby they need not teach one another, nor to say, Know the Lord.

Pr. He saith, Men may be called of men Master, and it is but a cavill to deny it. And they may deny to be called Father, as well as Master, &c. See page 68.

Answ. Thou hast in this denyed the doctrine of Christ, and slights it, who saith, be not ye of men called master; for yee have all one Master, which is Christ, and ye are all bre­thren. And thou hast shewed thy selfe out of the Brother-hood; and there is a birth to be born, which can call no man Father upon earth, which thou art ignorant of.

Pr. He saith, There is lawfull respects of persons, and it is said God himselfe is the re­specter of persons: and the Quakers overthrow all authority, because they do not respect per­sons, because they deny that, page 71.

Answ. God is not a respecter of persons, as saith the Apostle, for his Covenant he gives to the Gentiles as well as to the Jewes. And the faith of Gods elect is held with­out the respect of persons; and he that respects persons commits sin, and transgresseth the Law. And so thou divides not the word aright.

Pr. He saith, False Prophets shall arise, and damnable heresies, and many shall follow their pernicious wayes, by which the way of truth shall be evill spoken of.

Ans. The Apostles saw them come up, the false Prophets that brought in the dam­nable heresies, that was covetous, &c. and many followed their wayes. And the false Prophets goes from the light that Christ hath enlightned them withall, and raveneth from the Spirit, and gets the sheeps cloathing, and through their covetousnesse makes a trade of that: and you are such which causeth the truth to be evil spoken of, which are come up, manifest since the days of the Apostles.

Pr. And the Quakers are not to be received into their houses, nor bidden God-speed, and such as creeps into houses, leads silly women captive, laden with sin, and led away with di­vers lusts.

Ans. The Apostle saw such as crept into houses, and saw such as transgressed the Doctrine of Christ, that was not to be received into houses, and saw the deceivers that walked after their ungodly lusts, before the Apostles decease; and such as led peo­ple always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, as it is manifest now in the world, they are learning 40. 50. or 60. years, and yet there is a cry among them, that they must have the body of sin while they be upon the earth, and live in their sins, and none can be without it; and this is the height of your do­ctrine it leads too, which is now in the mouths of all people that be under your teach­ing that teach that Doctrine; and yet you will say, the work of the Ministry is for the perfecting of the Saints, to the edifying of the body of Christ, till all come into the u­nity of the faith unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ: And this work ye have denyed your selves to be in; but such that are as Jannes and Jambres, how should it be otherwise? that ravened from the spirit of God inwardly; that went forth from the Apostles, that be covetous, that keeps peo­ple alwayes learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. So you are them that keeps people from the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, and keeps them in spiritual Aegypt, Sodome, and Gomorah, where they be always lear­ning, having the forme of godlinesse, and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth; and this to you all will be a sad cup at last.

And as for all thy lyes and slanders in thy Book which are not worth mentioning, they will come sad upon thy selfe one day for the grievous lyes thou hast uttered in it unto the Nation; which thousands in the Nation that are not under the name of Qua­kers knows, and sees the contrary to what thou hast published; but they will fall upon thy own selfe, and be thy own burthen: And then thou shalt say, when thou feelst thy owne works burn, thou hadst better have been silent, and not have published forth thy folly, and made thy name to stinke, and brought thy name upon record, who hath made lyes thy refuge; but the haile is come, and coming, that will sweep them away.

William Thomas, called Minister of the Gospell of Ʋbley; His Book called, A Vindication of the SCRIPTƲRES and MINISTERS. His PRINCIPLES followeth.

Pr. HE saith, Christ directs to looke for life in Scriptures, because they testifie of him; and that the Scriptures are the ground of Faith, and the Saints rule. And again, We are justified by Christ without us, and not within us. See his Epistle.

Ans. The Scriptures many had, and searched them, and found not life in them, for Christ is the life; and if men have all the Scriptures, and have not Christ, they have not life. And so Christ did not say they should have life in Scriptures; but he saith, they thought to have life there, and they testified of him: And they would not come to him that they might have life. How ignorant art thou of the Scriptures, and of Christs words, to divide them on this manner? And Christ is the Author of the Faith. And many if they have Scriptures, they have not the ground of faith, untill they have Christ the Author of it, and God the giver of it, which is able to make wise unto salvation through the faith which Christ is the Author of. For Enoch and Abel, &c. had faith be­fore the Scriptures was written, and so before thy ground was. And the Saints had a rule before the Scriptures was written; for the spirit was their rule that led them into all truth, and to speak forth Scriptures; that is the rule that mortifies, circumciseth, baptizeth, and leads into all truth: The Word of God that fulfills Scriptures, leads [Page 105] into all truth; that is the truth that leads into all truth. Now the Scriptures cannot lead into all truth, but it testifies of that that doth so. And if Christ be not within people, they are reprobates: And is a reprobate justified? And if Christ be within, is not the Justification there, redemption and Sanctification witnessed, Christ the same yesterday, to day, and for ever?

Pr. He saith, We consider how few there be in the Church that belongs to God. See his Epistle.

Answ. This is your owne Church, which is not the pillar and ground of truth. For who be in the Church of Christ, the pillar and ground of truth (where there is not a spot nor wrinkle, nor blemish, nor any such thing) they are them that belong to God; they are living stones built up together a spirituall houshold, but this thou art afar off.

Pr. He saith, We willingly acknowledge we are fallible men, that may be deceived; and to finde infallible Teachers is against experience. None pretends infallibility but the Pope. See page 9. He saith, The Scriptures is the Well, and living Fountaine from whence living waters have been drawn this hundred or thousand years, page 8.

Answ. If every one that hath the Scriptures hath the fountain, hath the Devill the fountain? for he can bring Scriptures: Hath he the Fountain and Well of living waters? Nay we say, God and Christ is the fountain of all good: And saith David, all the springs are in him. And so many may have the Scriptures, and yet want the waters, want the fountain; which hath had them since the dayes of the Apostles, which have had them this many hundreds of yeares in the Apostacy, the sheeps cloa­thing, and have known no other Fountain but it, nor no other Well: So there hath all the leannesse of soules been among people, that they have not known the Fountain of whom they learned that gave forth Scriptures. And we do believe you that yee are fallible men, that say the Scriptures is the well and fountain of living waters, and you are not infallible. And it is contrary to your experience to be infallible: And we say the Pope is not infallible neither, though he be your Father, the Ancient. Yet we say, he and you are apostatized from the infallible spirit that the Apostles was in, in which we are come, with which ye are seen and judged. So not to have the spirit of Christ Jesus, not to have the spirit of the Prophets and Apostles, not to be led by the spirit of truth into all truth; not to be in the spirit, not to speak as ye are moved of the Holy Ghost. But to be such as ravened from the spirit of God in­wardly, and have gotten the sheeps cloathing, ye and the Pope, and so have devou­red Nations for this many hundred yeares, so have all been like ravening Wolves. For who witnesse these conditions that they were in that gave forth the Scriptures, they witnesse infallibility, an infallible spirit; which is now possessed and witnes­sed among those called Quakers, glory to the highest for ever. That your folly now should be made manifest, the morning is springing in, the night of apostacy is go­ing. So I say the Devill, false Prophets, Antichrists, Deceivers, Beast, mother of Harlots, none of these can witnesse an infallible spirit, nor the Well nor Fountain, but the Letter; though they may get all the sheeps cloathing, and come in likenesse of a Lamb or a Sheep to deceive people withall. But being out of the spirit that Christ, the Prophets and Apostles was in that gave forth Scriptures, they are not infallible as they were; but with that they are all judged out, which will answer that which they are all gone from where the key is known, and the Well was, and is in believers.

Pr. And the Scriptures is the rule; and the Quakers dream of the Light to be their Rule to walk by. Page 14.

Answ. The word of God which lives, and endures for ever (which came to the Saints of old, which caused them to give forth Scriptures, and to write them) which fulfills all the words again, is the Rule: which word was spoken to the Saints before Scripture was written: which lets all people see that declaration and fulfils that decla­ration to them, Christ the leader of the people, the Covenant of God, who is the light and they are in the dreams that denyes it.

Pr. He saith, But Christ by his Magistrates hath appointed Tythes a maintenance for his Ministers. Page 21.

Answ. Since the dayes of the Apostles the Pope did give Tythes: and other Magi­strates that followed him: and he hath had the tenths of the Tythes since this night of apostacy, and the reprobation hath been from the Apostles Doctrine. And many have had the sheepes cloathing, but have been raveners from the life that they lived in, that gave it forth: so have not seen to what state, and condition the Scriptures was spoken from, and to; being out of the life they was in, that gave it forth; And sees not the substance Christ Jesus who came to end the first Priest-hood, and the Ministers that took Tythes tolerated by the first Covenant which the Apostle witnessed the end of, an everlasting Covenant and another ministry, and another maintenance to them: which since the dayes of the Apostles, such as are ravened from the spirit of God, have lost the maintenance the Apostles and Christ gave; and so set up another, Tythes and a ministry; which is neither agreeable to Jewes, nor Gentiles; nor Christs, but more darker. But the night of apostacy is going over, the true Light shines, and the light of the living springing in.

Pr. He saith, The immediate spirit excludes the word to be the rule. Page 38. And the word, and the spirit he saith are different things; And the Pharisees thought right, that eternal life was laid up in the Scriptures. Page 39.

Answ. Christ told the Pharisees they would not come to him that they might have life: and he was the life, and he was the way, and no one cometh to the Father but by him: he doth not say he was scripture, but he bids them search it, for it testified of him: and no one hath life but who are in him. And the word, and the spirit are one: and the spirit doth not exclude the word nor the Scriptures for they was given forth from it, and ownes them again, with it are they seen, given forth in time, fulfil­led in time, cannot be broken, and the Saints, life is hid in Christ who ends them.

Pr. He saith, Men are saved but not by Christ within us. Page 42.

Ans. How is mans salvations wrought out, but by the power of Christ wihtin? How is the old man destroyed, but by Christ within? How is the Justification felt, but by Christ within? And the seed Christ made manifest that suffered without; is made manifest within, there is redemption, and life. He that hath the Son of God, hath life, re­demption to God out of the first Adam, and who feels Christ within feels salvation; and who doth not are reprobates though they may talk of him.

Pr. He saith, It is a fond signe to depend upon an unwritten word immediately within them­selves: and say from that word is the life manifested within. Pag. 43, And Christ is not come to them in the flesh, and he saith Timothy had the gift of God freely; and Elders are called ordinarily, and not Immediately. This call ordinary is common to all Ministers, to continue to all ages in the Church. Page 47.

Ans. All they that have not the unwritten word in their hearts, which is immediate, knowes not the word of faith, knowes not the word of reconciliation: knowes not the Ingrafted word that is able to save their souls, knowes not that which lives and abides and endures for ever; knowes not eternal life, neither have they it that hath not the word, the immediate word within them; knows not the immortal seed. And such be in the fondness, and have the Scripture and put that for the word, which is words. And since the dayes of the Apostles in your Churches; your Ministers, your Elders, your makers of your Ministers, have been all mediate, and so it is ordinary as ye call it. But before the Apostacy, in the days of the Apostles we say neither Elders, nor Ministers, was mediate: But that which made the elders, was the Holy-Ghost, to oversee; and that which brought them to minister was immediate: and so they was Ministers of the spirit, and all Elders made by the mediate, is carnal, earthly, and their weapons are earth­ly, and their rule which they over-see withall is earthly. Therefore hath your Church broken into so many pieces: and they divide, and cannot hold together like earth, because ye are not in an Immediate spirit. And so we do see it is so since the dayes of the Apostles, neither your Elders nor your teachers are called Immediately. But on­ly [Page 107] have the sheepes cloathing, ravened from the spirit of God. And so are the wolves tearing one another to pieces about the letter, and your apprehensions of it. And Timothy, which many of you say had not an immediate call, and yet thou saith, he had the gift of God. Doth not that which God gives to men, bring to do his will? And that which is given from God to man, is not that immediate, and perfect? And we do beleeve you, ye do not witness that ye are of his flesh, and of his bone, that ye have not eaten it, nor drunk his blood: therefore do you say the Scriptures is the fountain of life, and have been this hundreds or thousand years, which the Pharisees had Scriptures in their ages, and had not life: ye have had the Scriptures which ye call the well and fountain of life many hundreds, or thousand years; yet though you and the Pharisees have all Scriptures, except ye do eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you, neither you, nor the Pharisees; which flesh is our food, and blood is our drink, which we do believe you, this many hundred of years ye have not eaten his flesh, nor drank his blood: and so are not of his flesh, nor of his bone; therefore cry ye so much against immediate, and infallibility.

Pr. He saith, The holiest man that is, is not able to give an infallible Character of ano­ther man. Pag. 49. we do grant, that our Ministers came from Antichrist, and past through him. And he chargeth people for leaving their callings: and say that the Quakers are like to them that flie from the wrath to come.

Answ. We do believe that your Ministers came from Antichrist, and through Anti­christ, for he was the Chanell; But the Quakers are neither of you, nor of Antichrist, nor of the Pope: but they are of the Apostles stock, and of Abraham, and of Christ be­fore the Pope was, Antichrist was, or you was and so with the spirit of God and the Apostles you are fathomed. And the Quakers do witnes they are made free from the wrath to come, which the Pharisees did not that fled to John. And there thy measure is too short; all may see it that be in the light, and thy ignorance of the Scriptures thou hast discovered and shewed, and thou saith that the holiest man is not able to give an infallible Character of another man: hast not thou in this discovered thy self to be no Minister of Christ or of the spirit? who cannot give an infallible Character of another man, how canst thou minister to his condition? how canst thou see where he is? how canst thou see them that be turned from the darkness? and that be in the darkness, and distinguish the one from the other, and a holy man, from an unholy man, that canst not give an infallible Character of any mans state? How canst thou know when men be in the spirit; and that they are Epistles written in one anothers hearts; not with paper and ink, but with the spirit of the living God? oh a divider of the word aright hath been wanting among you dark ones, thou may say right enough, your Ministers came from Antichrist, and through Antichrist; And did not the Saints leave their cal­lings?

Pr. He saith, It is a fancy to witness the righteousness of Christ within us. Page. 61. and to maintain persecution, he brings Ahabs slaying the false Prophets, and for the laying on of hands, he brings the practice of the Apostles. And to stop the liberty of conscience, he saith must Saul be permitted to do what he will against Jesus of Nazareth?

Answ. False Prophets are enemies, yet they are not to slay them; now the Apostles did not wrestle against the flesh and the blood, with the false Prophets, at you Mini­sters do now; though Saul did before he was Paul, and shewed himself of your nature you be now in unconverted; And who ever be not in that state to witness Christ in them manifest in their flesh: and there condemning sin in the flesh; that they may through him become the righteousness of God; they be in their fancies: And Christ destroyes the ground of all fancy, and brings to see where there is no shadow nor changing, and brings their conscience into liberty, and washeth it and sprinckling it, where the Ministery of faith is held in it. And your laying on of hands, (since the apo­stacy from the Apostles) is not as the Apostles, who have not an infallible spirit, nor are infallible, (nor called immediately) as they were; none of them you lay on your hands can receive the Holy Ghost, who you your selves are not in the immediate spirit, nor in­fallible, [Page 108] nor called immediately. So all in the apostacy is from the Apostles hands, and calling; your folly is made manifest, the light hath discovered you, at which ye are stumbling; and every one is wrestling against the Lamb, and the Saints that are wrestling against the Light: and such are Antichrists that shall be slain with the sword, the words of his mouth: and the Lamb, and the Saints shall have the victory.

Pr. He saith humane learning helpes to understand heavenly things. Page 70. Again Christ inlightens men no more wayes but one, to wit by a natural light. Page 71. And the righteousness within is not that which justifies, and we are not freely justified, and saved, and redeemed (that is) through that Redemption, and righteousness that is within us. Page 74. 75. He saith, We are justified freely, but not by the grace wrought in us.

Answ. By grace ye are saved and that not of your selves, is is the gift of God; and this in the heart manifested before it be known, and possessed. And every one that knowes Justification, Redemption, righteousness and salvation, this is all known within us, else people be in the first Adam, drove from God, not come to the second Adam, not knowing salvation in the ground, Justification in the ground, Redemption in the ground. If Christ the righteousness of God, Redemption, Justification, and salvation, the righteousness be not felt within, and found within, they are Repro­bates. And the Reprobates may talk of it without; but where that is, there is salvation, righteousness, Redemption, Justification, &c. And Christ doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world him by whom the world was made before it was made, which light people are to believe in; which is not natural: which gives to see over the nature, before the natural was? for the natural lights are the Sun, the Moon, and Stars which may be seen with a visible eye: which Christ the light, the Covenant of light to Jewes and Gentiles, the salvation to the ends of the earth, which doth enlighten every one that cometh into the world, that all men through him might believe. Here is God no respector of persons; he that believeth in the light, shall be saved: and he that doth not, is condemned. And he comes to be a Child of light, who believes in the light: and now shall the world be reproved, for not be­lieving in the light, and humane learning is that which is earthly, and natural; that doth not open the heavenly: that which reveales the things of God, is the Spirit of God, beyond all the worlds wisdom. For that you call humane learning, and humane soul, and humane body, is earthly, not heavenly, nor understands them. The earth is be­low, so they that are of the earth, and they that is from above speak of the things above, and so they that are below measure by the earthly wisdom below, and so that which gives to understand the heavenly things, is the spirit of God and the spiritual wisdom; which is not of man, nor from man; for saith the Apostle neither knowes any man the things of God, but the Spirit of God.

Pr. And the righteousness of Christ by which we are justified (he saith) is not within us: Again the Lord will poure out his Spirit upon all flesh; but that is not meant that all should have the spirit, for some have not the spirit, as in Jude. Page 79. He saith he desires God to lighten with a better light then that which lightens every man, &c. and to lead them out of these grosse delusions. See page 80.

Answ. You that are not justified by that Christ that suffered without, manifested within you shall never know Justification; if the Justification be not within, you are reprobates. And the Lord hath fulfilled his promise, by pouring out his spirit upon all flesh, Sons, and Daughters, handmaids, old men though they quench it: And they in Jude, prove they had the spirit which went in Balaams, Cores, and Cains way, but they erred from it; where you are in the sensual state, in the sects, and seeing not the promise of the Father pouring out of the spirit upon all flesh, Apostatized out of the life the Apostles was in, and the Prophets; manifest your selves to the whole world. And so you that ownes not the Light Christ Jesus that God sent into the world, and gave his only begotten Son into the world, which doth en­lighten every man that cometh into the world, that all through him might believe: but thou that desires a better light of God then he, (to wit, Christ) shewes thy tempting, [Page 109] and Blasphmy. For there is no other way to the Father but by Christ the Light of the world, that doth enlighten every one, &c. and he that doth not believe in that light is condemned.

Pr. He saith, And Christ doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, that is meant the Church. See Post-script. Paul and Peter instructed by immediate Revelation, which we are not so presumptuous as to expect. And he saith, Reproaches are cast upon the Ministers, because they are not infallible, and preach not by immediate inspiration as the A­postles did. Post-script.

Ans. You that do not instruct and preach by the same immediate infallible spirit as the Prophets and Apostles was in, you be all in an usurped authority, out of the spirit, run, and not sent from God: For whom God sends, he sends immediately; and teach­eth, he teacheth immediately, and they know his infallible spirit. And none knows the Scriptures of Truth of you all since the dayes of the Apostles in this night of apo­stacy; but who are in the infallible spirit, and immediate, which the Prop [...]ets and Apostles was in, which you from it are gone forth, and it is presumption in you to teach without it. And so you are not reproached, nor the Pope that are the false Pro­phets, and Antichrists that Christ said should come, and the Apostle John saw was come, that inwardly ravened, and have gotten the sheeps cloathing, have the forme, but deny the power; who deny infallibility, and the immediate call, and the immedi­ate Ministry, have denyed the power of God, and so keeps people alwayes learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, in the usurped authority, which the Apostles stopt and rebuked before his decease: And so you do not see the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which Christ faith, I am the light of the world, not of Saints onely. And saith the Prophet, I will give him for a Covenant to the Gentiles, not a new Covenant to the house of Israel onely; and there he was prophecyed of before John came, the greatest Prophet who was born of a woman, who said, This is the true light that doth enlighten every man, &c. And when Christ was come, he said he was the light of the world: And whosoever did believe in him, should not abide in darknesse, but should have the light of life. And so since ye ravened from the spirit of God, and have onely had the sheeps cloathing; ye have brought people upon heaps and Sects: and they that be not in the infallible, are they that reproach; for they be in the reproachfull spirit, which the spirit of God never did, which was immediate and infallible, which the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles were in, which alwayes judged the reproachers, which was from the infallible spirit.

Pr. And thou saith, To the Law, and to the Testimony: and how that he gave some Apo­stles for the perfecting of the Saints, for the worke of the Ministry, for the edifying of the body, till all come into the unity of the faith, to the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature and fulnesse of Christ.

Answ. Thou, and you all that have denyed infallibility and immediate inspiration and teaching, have shut your selves out of the Law and Testimony, and the work of the Ministry, which is for the perfecting of the body, and bringing them to the unity of the faith, to the knowledge of the Son of God, &c. For the Law is light, that is infallible and immediate. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, that is infallible and immedi­ate. And ye may have the Old and New Testament, and say that is the Law and Te­stimony; which the Law and Testimony was before Matthew, Marke, Luke & John, the Acts, the Epistles, and the Revelations was written in the days of Isaiah, see Isa. 8 chap. And that which perfects the Saints is infallible; that gift which was given to the Mini­stry is infallible and immediate; that which edifies the body of Christ is infallible and immediate; that which brings to the knowledge of the Son of God, is infallible, perfect, and immediate; that which brings to a perfect man, to the unity of the faith, is infallible and immediate, and perfect; that which brings to the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ, is perfect, and infallible, and immediate. And the infallible and immediate you having denyed, yee have shut your selves out of the worke of the Ministry in the Apostacy.

As for the rest of the lyes and slanders in thy Book, will be thy own burden, which uttereth forth thy own folly, and it toucheth not the Saints, but falls off like dust, they are of no weight. And the day is come that tries mens works infallibly, what is for the fire, and what not.

Jeremiah Ives, His Booke called, The Quakers Quaking. His Principles follows, &c.

Pr. HE saith, Have a care of slighting your watchmen, lest the Lord remove them into corners.

Answ. Christ the Teacher is witnessed, who is the end of Moses, the Prophets, the Covenant of God with his people, in which people know God if all their Teachers were removed into corners. And they that have their Teachers in corners, their houses are left desolate, from the Covenant of God they are strangers. So in this thy igno­rance appears of that Teacher that cannot be removed into a corner, who is the salva­tion to the ends of the ear [...]h.

Pr. He saith, It is an errour to say the Light within is equall with Scripture, and Gods Word.

Ans. Christ within is the Light (and he is above Scripture) and Gods Word which was before Scriptures was given forth.

Pr. He saith, Is it any more a Nick-name to call a man a Quaker that quakes by the pow­er of God? page 3.

Answ. Yes, if the power of God doth make that to quake and tremble, that must quake before the salvation be wrought out, and man come out of the Fall of A­dams state in the transgression in the earth, and darknesse, corruption, and pollution, and death, he must know the power of God that shakes that which is to be shaken, before he knows that raised up that cannot be shaken; which the world is ignorant of, though they have the form of it. And the first nick-namer of the Quakers that ever I heard was a corrupt Justice in the year 1650, whose name was Gervase Bennet in Dar­by, that ever named the people of God with the name of Quakers, though the mighty power of the Lord God had been known years before.

Pr. He saith, It is an errour in those men that will allow nothing to be called Gods Word but Christ, page 6.

Ans. Christs name is called the Word of God; his name is above every name, and over all things he must have the preheminence, words and names. Yet I say, the Scri­ptures of truth given forth from the spirit of truth are the words of God: Gods words which Christ the Word fulfilled by him in whom they end, who was before the words was spoken forth.

Pr. He saith, It is an errour to say they are immediately sent of God, and to have an immediate call from God to goe out of their Countries to preach the Gospell, &c. Page 9.

Answ. Thou, and all you that speak, or preach, or go to people, but not by the im­mediate spirit, and a call from God, are them that run and the Lord never sent you; and you profit not the people at all, as all the fruits in the Nation declares upon the house top. Therefore are yee wrangling, and envying such as are immediately sent from God, and left their Callings as the Saints did, and Prophets. I say none can preach the Gospell upon the earth, but who is in the immediate call; for the Gospell is the power of God, and that is immediate. The Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles which gave forth the Scriptures, they all spoke by the immediate spirit of God: and all that be not in that, they are not able to know the Scriptures, as that unsavoury [Page 111] Pearsival saith, he hath not the infallible spirit; yet he will bawl of the Scrip [...]ur [...] that was given forth from the infallible spirit. Though the Devill wandered from [...]e tr [...]th that compasseth the earth; though the Pharisees compasse Sea and Land; th [...]ugh the false Prophets and Antichrists have gone over Nations: Now all these may get Scrip­tures, but be out of the life of them: Such makes Proselytes, Devils Disciples, and Messengers: But such as be in the power of God, and life that gave forth Scriptures, that comprehends and fathoms the world, they are in that which the Devils, Anti­christs, false Prophets, mother of Harlots, and all their proselytes that have Scriptures out of the life, they be in that which they are all out of: Such are the Quakers, therefore doth all the world rage against them, who witnesse that which cannot be shaken.

Pr. He saith, It is an Errour to say that every man hath a light within him, that wil teach him to worship God aright, page 18.

Answ. Christ the truth who hath preheminence doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which shall make every tongue to confesse him to the glory of God; which if they love the light which cometh from Christ the truth, who is the life, it will teach and direct every man to worship God in the truth, in that which untruth is out of. So every man having a light sufficient to salvation, for it cometh from the sal­vation; Christ the power of God, the salvation to the ends of the earth. And this light will let every one see the Son of God beyond all externall meanes, wisdome, knowledge whatsoever. It is that which darknesse cannot comprehend, this light which John bears witnesse of, which is the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, which the Jewes and Levites stumbled at, which set all Jerusalem up in an up­roar, as it doth, the wisest Priests and Professors in this age. And no one upon the earth shall ever know Christ but by the light which he hath enlightned him withall. If he have all the Scriptures that speaks of him come already, as the Pharisees had, that spoke he was to come; yet if they hate the light, they shall all be snared, and stumble, and fall, and split themselves upon the Rock. And such as are now stumbling at the light which every man that cometh into the world is lighted withall, are the builders with the words, which saith, Christ is come, as the Pharisees did with the words, that said, he was to come: And so both these builders reject the corner-stone, and stumble at the elect stone laid in Sion; and none seeth God but with the light they be enlightned withall. And all the preaching of the Apostles, the substance of it was to bring peo­ple to the Covenant of Light, both Jewes and Gentiles, to whom he was promised: And all upon the earth that be from this light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, they be in the errour, out of the Covenant of God, and strangers from the covenant of promise.

Prin. He saith, It is an Errour to say, the letter of Scripture is carnall, page 22.

Answ. The letter of Scripture (paper and inke) we cannot say it is spiritual; but that which it speaks of is spiritual.

Pr. He saith, It is an errour to say they are perfect, and without sin, page 23. And ano­ther errour to say, that none can come to God and Christ, but they that come to per­fection.

Ans. Whoever comes to Christ, and comes to God, he comes in the one offering which hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified, & who ever comes to Christ, comes to him that is perfect; and without holinesse none can see him: And they that pretend coming to God and Christ out of perfection, they be in the errour, and all sin is er­rour, and who be in it be in the errour; which the Apostle said, that they were made free from sin, and had put off the body of sin, and by the blood of Christ was clean­sed from all sin; and by one offering he had perfected for ever them that are sanctified. And so they that say men must have sin while they be upon the earth, and that plead for it, they are not the friends of Christ. For who are the friends of Christ, be in his power, a top of the power of sin, trample it under foot.

Pr. He saith, That the Scripture is the Word. And though Christ be the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, yet that light in every man doth not direct a man into the worship and service of God, though it be the true light of Christ, page 35.

Answ. Nothing can direct men into the worship and service of God but the true light; for the light is that which doth let them see, and is that which doth make ma­nifest, which every man that cometh into the world is enlightned withall; which he hating it, and not come to it, because his deeds be evill, that will be his condemnation. And that thou shalt feel it heavy at the last, though now thou mayst roar and rage for a time, yet the bond is gone over thee, the Chaine is set, and the sentence is given.

Pr. He saith, It is an errour of such as leave Water-Baptisme, and breaking of Bread, page 38.

Ans. Doth not the Apostle bring people off of those things that are seen? And is not outward water, and outward bread the things that are seen? And are not these things temporall? though these things in their places and service is owned. But who comes into the baptisme of the spirit, they come into the one, in which all the other ends, the greater. For there was many come to John; but when they should have come to re­ceive Christ the Light, which doth enlighten every man, &c. they stood against him, as you do now. And Christ told them they received honour one of another, as you do now (a mark of the unbeliever) and the love of God was not in them, and the Word of God was not abiding in them; and they had never heard the voyce of God, nor seen his shape at any time. And there are you like unto the Jews, whose Table is a trap, sticking in the outward things, standing against the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, and so stumbling at the Corner-stone, elect and precious: But it is fallen upon your heads, and will grinde you to powder, fight, bustle, and do all all that ever you can do, it is upon you, and all your complements will do you no good. And none seeks the honour that comes from above, but who be in the light that doth enlighten e­very man, &c. And none honours the Son, but who be in the light that comes from him though they have all the Scriptures as the Pharisees had in their age.

Pr. He saith, Errour in life doth not prove errour in judgement, page 46.

Answ. Who erres in the life, erres in the judgement: For all that erres in the judg­ment, they are from the life, from it erred. And all the Pharisees that had Scrip­tures; yet from the life being erred, they all erred in their judgement, and knew not Christ the substance of Scriptures: So all you that be in errour in life, you erre in your judgement, you all stumble at the light with which Christ doth enlighten every man, &c. And none be out of the errour of life, but who be in the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, and out of the errour of conversation.

Pr. He saith, That the Quakers foam at the mouth, &c.

Ans. It's a shame that ever men should lose their sobernesse, and come to be a shame to all modesty; that so many that do call themselves Teachers in this Nation, should publish such odious lyes and untruths to the Nation: And how the Quakers have hung Ribbons upon one another, and given Ribbons to one another, as instance G. F. should have from M, F. Oh! that ever modesty should be so lost, and shamefastnesse quite gone, which should have been a garment to have covered impudency. That e­ver men, and Teachers of people, and professors should make lyes their refuge: But I say, the Lord forgive you, for all these things shall be your owne burthen; and a heavy burthen is come upon you, and coming upon you all in the Nation that trusts in lyes. But what if you should see every man with his hand on his thigh, in paine to be delivered.

Pr. He saith, The Prophet that shall presume to speak a word in my name, and I have not commanded him to speak he shall dye. See page 26.

Ans. Here thou hast brought thy selfe, and you all under thy own judgement, and given sentence upon your selves, and all the rest of the Teachers, that say they never [Page 113] heard the voyce of God immediately from heaven, nor immediate inspiration, nor revelation: So ye all want the spirit of God, and are out of it that the Prophets and Apostles were in, and with it all judged. Though ye may run in pretence of his name (with the forme) and say ye never heard his voyce, but that Prophet shall dye thou saith. So thou hast judged your selves, and there be all you Teachers in the apostacy since the dayes of the Apostles.

Pr. And Christ said, many deceivers should come in his name, and deceive many: and such as serve not the Lord Jesus Christ but their own bellies. And with good words, and faire speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. See Title page.

Answ. Christ said in Matth. 24. and in Matth. 7. that false Prophets should come, and Antichrists, which before the Apostles decease they saw them then come; and such as served not the Lord Jesus Christ but their own bellies; which went forth from the Apostles, which in the Revelation, John saw the whole world gone after them, and those got the sheeps cloathing; and so with the good words and fair speeches deceive, who was inwardly ravened from the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, and such have good words, and fair speeches, but deceive the hearts of the simple: And gather people into forms and heaps, and sects, and wayes, and opinions one a­gainst another, which are nothing but the Beast and his names, and all against the light that doth enlighten every man, &c. and so are making war against the Saints of the Lamb; but the Lamb and the Saints shall have the victory, who will slay with his sword, the words of his mouth: And judgement is come through unto victory, and set in the earth: And so the Deceivers and Antichrists are telling people, now is the last times; now are they come, and bidding them come to Matth. 7. & Matth. 24. which indeed Christ did say they should come; but John said they was come, whereby they knew it was the last time: And in the Revelations he saith, That all Nations have drunk the Whores cup, and the Kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the In­habitants of the earth are drunk with the wine of her fornication; and the earth is corrupt­ed, as ye make it appear, your fruits declare it. And this is that which hath brought the Nations to waters, and Peoples to waters, and Tongues to waters, and Multi­tudes to waters, which ravened inwardly from the spirit of God, yet have gotten the sheeps cloathing to deceive the Nations. Such as drunk the blood of the Saints, the Pro­phets and Martyrs, did make war against the Saints, and overcame them: But now the Saints and the Lamb have the victory, glory to the Highest: And to that which they ravened from, are people now come.

William Dell's Booke, called, A Stumbling Stone. His PRINCIPLES followeth.

Pr. HE saith, The carnall Church is a great enemy to Christs Church: And they are offended at Christ, because in him there was no humane nor earthly thing, page 13. He saith, It is the greatest errour that raigns under Antichrists Kingdom, to affirme that the Ʋniversities is the foundation of Ministers. And Peter undoubtedly taxeth the Ʋniversi­ties, with such men to be false Doctors, false Prophets, out of which proceeds all the Teachers in the world in their Towns and Cities, under the whole Kingdome of Antichrist, which have such Doctors and Teachers in the Ʋniversitie for the whole world, page 27.

Answ. The rest of the Priests and Teachers which are come from the Universities, and such as have set up themselves to be Teachers (as in this book ye may see) They say that Christ in heaven hath a humane body, and others say that he hath a humane soule; and thou saith there is no humane or earthly thing in him. And for as much [Page 154] as thy saying it is the greatest errour under Antichrists Kingdom, to say the Ʋniversities is the fountains of Ministers. That is a true word; it will be well for thee if thou be not catcht in this fountain among these errors, maintaining of them; for such are they that quench the spirit, and speaketh the Scriptures in that spirit which came not by it. And these are them that have deceived the whole world: And all such as make Ministers in their wils, quench the spirit, limits the holy one, despiseth prophecying, makes a trade of Scriptures, which came not by the will of man, for the satisfying of their owne wils. And happy would Dell have been, if he had lived in what he spoke.

Gyles Fermin called Pastor of the Church at Shalfor in Essex his Book called, Stablishing against Shaking. His Principles are as followeth, &c.

Pr. HE saith take away learning, and England becomes a dunghill.

Ans. Peter, and John was unlearned men, yet was no dunghill.

Pr. He saith true teachers pleads hard for their peoples ears. The Quakers say we are not Ministers, because we Preach for hire, and are covetous and divine for mony; and the Apostles took wages, and maintenance, and saith they eat, and drunk, &c. and he saith the Lord did ever be team [...] his Ministers honourable wages. Pag. 5. and he saith the labour­er is worthy of his hire. Page 6.

Answ. When the Apostle speakes of taking wages, of eating and drinking to them that examined him, he speakes this among the Saints, gathered out of the world, from among Jewes, and Gentiles. This was not spoken to such as held up Temples Tythes, and Priests, but a gathered seperated people from them. And the Gospel they Preached, the power of God, it opened the hearts of the people to give unto them, and not by an outward Law. And the great work of the Apostles was not to wrangle about their maintenance, as it is the great work of the Ministers now, (in the world made by men) in our age: and such as do Divine for mony, and prophesie for mony, And hire, was ever looked upon to be the false Prophets wages without the spirit of God that gave forth the Scriptures, and the false spirits in the earth; for the Spirit of God would never value, equal, or measure his gift with the earthly things And when the Apostle speaketh of the labourer, is worthy of his hire, he saith who goes a warfare at his own charge; and they that was taught, they was to communicate every good thing to them, this still was spoken among the Saints this was not spoken in Temples, and Synagogues, and them that took Tythes; for those was warred against by them that was in the substance: and the warfare was to bring people to the substance; out of the first Adam, to the second; and out of the shadowes. And that whereby the Mini­sters had the double honour, it was in the life, and in the power: such as measured not a gift with earthly things; which brought them to lay down all their estates at the Apostles feet; which was more then Tythes. But this Gospel we see not among you, nor this power, the power of God; neither Preachers, nor hearers? and the Apostles did not bid the Gentiles, nor the Jewes that was in their forms and inventi­ons, and traditions, that had Elders among them; he did not bid the people obey them that had rule over them: but they brought them from under those Rulers, from those Elders to Christ the substance the Elder Brother; and so who was in the life grown more then another, was the Elder; and he watched over the weak. And it doth make it manifest that you never received the gift of God whose work is thus to Jangle for outward things. For the gift of God which is perfect, would break through the unperfect, and raise up the witness to give freely.

Pr. He saith, No man can be a good text man unlesse he have attained to the Lan­guages [Page 115] which hath cost us so much; and he cannot know the errours but by learning. And he saith he may thus speak for the necessity of Arts without which men cannot be sufficient Ministers.

Answ. None knowes, nor is made Ministers of Christ by Arts, nor by Languages; let them get all the Languages upon the earth, they are still but naturalists; and men learning anothers mans natural Language; and he hath learned but that which is na­tural and he knowes but that which is natural; what another natural man can speak, and all their Arts is there. Now that which makes a Minister of Christ is beyond the natural: yea, all the natural Languages upon the earth; and seeth before they was: let it cost them never so much, yea gold, and silver, a wedge of gold and silver to get naturals and the most precious things upon the earth, cannot purchase, nor make a Minister of Christ, that which makes them is the Spirit of God, nor none knows the Scriptures but with the Spirit of God, given forth from the Spirit of God. Nor none knowes the errours but by the Spirit of God. Now if all men upon the earth have Scriptures, in every one of their natural Languages: yet none of these knowes the errours, nor none of these knowes the Scriptures without, the Spirit of God from which they was given forth.

Pr. He saith, If the Magistrates could find out any other way for maintenance for Mini­sters, they would part with tythes, which have been this many hundreds of years. Page 9. And there is many Ministers will not take their Tythes but they compound with the people for their Tythes. And we dare not trust the people for maintenance. But we see care hath been taken for us many many hundred years before we were born, &c. Page 10. And why doth not the Quakers charge us with idleness, as well as with taking wages.

Answ. Are ye not all a company of idle fellowes, bred up at School in the fil­thiness of the earth, pride, and filth: and when ye come out ye raven after great Bene­fices, and troubling Parishes, and stirring up the people to envy against one another, like a company of mad-men, and suing, and hailing people up and down to Courts for maintenance; Are not these the works of belly-gods? And is the Magi­strate the Lord of the vineyard that he must allot Ministers maintenance and the labourers? Hath not Christ told his Ministers what they must have already? And was not the Apostles to go forth without any thing, and to trust the Lord, and the people, which you dare not trust them? And trust to the Gospel, which ye dare not trust the Gospel to maintain you? but you have a set Benefice, or augmentation, or a Magistrates power to give you maintenance before you go out to a Parish; Oh how are ye biting, and devouring one another for such things as was not ac­counted of or, esteemed among the Saints, who suffered joyfully the spoiling of their goods, by such devourers as you are! And is that your deceit to com­pound with people for their Tythes? and is that your cloak then to say you do not take Tythes? and since the dayes of the Apostles in the apostacy: since the power of God the Gospel hath been lost (hath tythes been set up) which men should have Preached and lived on. So you that have had the form of godliness, denyed the power, (the Gospel) ravened from the life of God: your Gospel will not maintain you; and ye cry help Magistrate, help Law, cast into prison, summon up to Courts and this hath been your work for many hundred years for maintenance. And so all sober men that stands and looks on are ashamed of you. Thus the poor people are deceived with your false covers, wolvish spirits, you have gotten the sheepes cloathing upon your backs: but now is the vials, and hail storms fallen upon your heads, which makes many of you gnaw your tongues, and now is the thunders coming out and plagues which makes many of you free your selves.

Pr. He saith, False Apostles and deceitful workers, and Satan transforming himself into an Angel of light, &c. Page 11.

Answ. Christ said false prophets, Antichrists the inwardly ravenors in the sheepes cloathing should come, the Apostles saw they was come before their decease, which was devouring, as most of the Epistles declare of them, the Apostles saw them before [Page 116] their decease: that made a prey upon the Saints; that served not the Lord Jesus Christ but their own bellies, now since the dayes of the Apostles hath the world run after them; and they have devoured the world, and they have gotten the sheepes cloathing upon their backs: therefore have ye deceived the world. Now you have been the skirts, and the suburbs of this great City; the day hath declared you, your City is besieged, and the Lamb and the Saints have conquered it: by whom the Saints have been slain, and their blood drunk? In which City hath a trumpet sounded, and the piping hath been and the mourners have gone about the City. But now is come Lamentation, de­solation, and wo to her, and all her Merchandize, that hath builded up, and thrown down: whereby the world is brought into confusion, the faith and truth, and life; and love being reprobated out of, and from that the Saints was in, that gave forth the Scriptures; that which the Apostles saw coming in before their decease, which Christ said should come, hath ruled, and raigned since their decease, until this day, that Christ hath come and made it manifest.

Pr. He saith the devil could not do mischief in the Church where the candle is burning, and light shining: but he gets on his garbe: and the weakest of children are carryed about with every winde of Doctrine. pag. 17. He saith the prince of darkness is transformed into an Angel of light, he walketh in the Churches. pag. 18.

Answ. The Church of Christ is the pillar, and ground of truth, which truth, the Devil is out of, and abode not in it: he walkes on the out side, and is not in the Church, and so children thou knowes not, that are heirs of the Kingdom of Christ and are of his Church, the pillar, and ground of truth. And the devil, and false pro­phets, and mother of harlots; though they have all the sheepes cloathing; yet cannot get into the Church where the candle is, and the burning shining light: with all his Garbe as thou calls it. Let the whore be arrayed never so gorgiously, who hath ravened from the spirit of God, thats the Church, the pillar, and ground of truth that be in the spirit of God, the Candle is burning, and light shining; this the whore, and the Devil, and the wolves, and the false prophets, and Antichrists, and beast, is out of raging on the outside, in the earth? so the Church is the pillar and ground of truth, the Church of Christ and here the elect is known that cannot be deceived. And the Devil, and the Prince of darkness, though he transform himself into an Angel of light: yet he doth not walk in the Church for the Church is in God, the pillar, and ground of truth, and out of that he is, and all his Apostles, and his messengers and truth is a top of him, and them all, and with it are shut out.

Pr. He saith honour is the expressing of the inward respect that we hear to persons, and many Scriptures he brings for bowing and for master, pag. 23. and so stumbles at thee, and thou.

Ans. Which shewes he never learned his accidence, or Bible and is a transgressor of Christs commands, who saith be ye not of men called master for ye have one master even Christ and ye are all Brethren; and a transgressor of the Law, which they that respects per­sons commits sin, and are convinced of the Law as transgressors, and reprobate concern­ing the faith which is held without the respect of persons. And though they bowed in the old time: several that bowed before the Angels: yet Christ is come by whom all things was made, the salvation to the ends of the earth; to whom powers, prin­cipalities, Thrones, and dominions must be subject: to whom Angels, and Thrones must bow; yea things in heaven, and things in earth, and every tongue confesse him to the glory of God, and every knee bow and there people comes into the unity, and there they hold the head.

Pr. He saith the Quakers light teacheth to forsake the Scriptures; and set up a spirit in man, which will not be examined by Scriptures. page 26.

Answ. This is he which is out of the truth, speakes it: for the Quakers have not re­ceived the spirit of the world, but the spirit of God; by which they know the things which are freely given of God, and know the Scriptures given forth from the spirit of God: and with the same spirit the Scriptures is owned again.

Pr. He saith, Paul swore after Christ, and the Angells swore, page 27.

He saith, I wonder Paul should so forget himselfe, and sin so fearfully in swearing, &c. So the Quakers light that denies swearing, is of Satan, and not the light of Christ, page 28.

Answ. Christ the Light (which Satan is out of) who is the oath of God, ends all oaths sworn by Prophets or Angels whatsoever: And who swears be fallen into the condemnation of the Devill; and it is no where said that the Apostle swore; but such as thou art, matters not what thou speaks. So that spirit that preaches for swearing is not the spirit of Christ, but is the spirit of Antichrist, preacheth up that which Christ and the Apostles preached down, and preached Condemnation to them that did swear.

Pr. He saith, The light in the conscience that takes them from the Law of God, is the light of Satan.

Answ. The light Christ in the conscience is the end of the Law for righteousnesse sake: And that which keeps men from that which doth end the Law, is not the Do­ctrine of the true Apostles, but the false.

And the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which is the substance, leads men off of all types, and figures, and signes: who comes to enjoy him, enjoys the end: who comes off of all outward Elements, as Bread and Wine, and such things, to the substance it self, to look at things that are not seen. For things that are seen are temporall, but the things that are not seen are eternal.

Pr. He speaks of a new creature distinct from Christ, and saith while we live sin lives. And saith, I deny that the righteousnesse of Christ whereby a believer is justified, doth dwell in him, page 36.

Answ. Is not the new creature in Christ? He that is in Christ is a new creature, and is not distinct from him, and how hast thou divided the word here? And Christ is ju­stification, sanctification, and wisdome, and righteousnesse; and if he be not within ye, ye are Reprobates: And where Christ is, he is not without righteousnesse. There­fore they are not without righteousnesse, and wisdome, Justification, and Sanctifica­tion, if Christ be within, that is within; for where he is, that is not wanting: And the Apostle said they were made free from sin: And let not sin have dominion over your mor­tall bodies; minde, mortall bodies which sin was not to have dominion over: And old things passe away, and all things become new. Sin is an old thing, from the old de­ceiver: So while any sin is standing, all things is not made new, and sin hath its do­minion.

Pr. He saith, He hath not read where a believer dwells in Christs righteousnesse, page 37.

Answ. Every believer that is true is born of God; and he that is born of God doth not commit sin: And he that dwells in Christ, dwels in righteousness, and truth is that which sin and the Devill is out of, which blots out sin and transgression, where the bo­dy of it comes to be put off.

Pr. And the light which teacheth men to say they have no sin, is of Satan. And saith, The Quakers light teacheth them to deny prayer.

Answ. The Apostles light taught them to say they were made free from sin, they had put off the body of sin, and their sin and transgression was blotted out. Little children their sins was forgiven them that walked in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth them from all sin, taught them to know the saith that gave them victory over the world, that purified their hearts held in a pure conscience. And this is the Quakers light which teacheth them the path of the Apostles; and it teacheth men to be holy, as God as holy, and perfect, as he is perfect. This was the light of Christ, and bid them to be as Christ is, and said, as he is, so are we in this present world. And the light that guides the Quakers doth not teach them to deny prayer, but brings them to pray aright with the spirit, and with the understanding; which all prayers without it be in the hy­pocrisie.

Pr. He saith, We acknowledge there is a thousand of perfect men in England, as perfect as children tossed too and fro, page 40. But he saith, I deny that any man hath that per­fect knowledge of Christ in this life, &c.

Answ. Christ is in you except ye be reprobates. And the Scripture speaks of such as had both the Son and the Father. And all those children that are tossed too and fro, and are carried about with the windy doctrine, which hath gotten up in the apostacy since the dayes of the Apostles, that are ravened from the spirit of God: Such their doctrines are windy, and doth not settle, nor doth not perfect, not doth not bring into the unity of the faith, nor the knowledge of the Son of God, the faith that gives the victory; nor to a perfect man, nor to the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ, which was the work of the true Ministry which was before the Apostacy. Nor none comes to the knowledg of Christ but by the light.

Pr. He saith, The Church teacheth to pray without ceasing; but you bid stay till the spirit moves us, &c.

Ans. The Church (prayes not without the spirit) which is the pillar and ground of truth. And such as prays without the spirit, prays without understanding. And they that pray as the spirit doth move them, they know what they ought to pray for. So every man that cometh into the world, being in the light that lighteth every man, it will direct him to pray, and to pray aright, and to aske in the name of Christ, who is the way to the Father.

Prin. He saith, The Children of GOD never assumed to themselves an infallible spirit.

Ans. Did not the Apostles say, they that had not the spirit of Christ were none of his? and was not that infallible? And was not all the Scriptures given forth from the spirit of God, and is not that infallible?

Pr. The spirit of Christ is a spirit of wisdome, and a rationall spirit. The light that brags of an infallible spirit, and cannot speake sense nor reason, is the spirit of Sathan, page 46.

Answ. The spirit of Christ that was in the Apostles, which led them to speak to the world, who was in their own wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. It was foolish­nesse always judged with that wisdome, knowledg, and understanding; for they mini­stred to the spirits in prison. And Christ the Covenant of God which was promised to come, and should say to the prisoners, shew your selves forth, who was accounted as a mad man by the wise Jewes; & the Apostles and Prophets likewise was as fooles. Was not ever the Saints judged by the world to be (by the sense and reason) but just like mad men, and fools? Christ a mad man? the Prophets fools? and the Apostles mad, a babler? Who be in the spirit of the Prophets, of Christ, and the Apostles, with this generation are judged the same: So is the spirit of the Quakers, so tryed and known of all men, the witnesse in all mens consciences shall answer them.

Pr. Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the Oxe that treadeth out the corne: And they that plow in hope, and thresh in hope, are made partakers of their hope: And we are denyed of our corne, and are fain to go to the Magistrate, our nursing Fathers. And so we thresh halfe a yeare, and can get no wages, then are we fain to goe to the Magistrate, page 47.

Answ. How can you thresh or plow, and have not the infallible spirit? Can any get out the Corn, the Wheat that hath not the infallible spirit? Now we say, all them that hath not the infallible spirit cannot get out the corn; they may beat the ayr, they may get the sheeps cloathing upon their backs, and go out, and beat the ayre; and so when their Gospell will not maintain them, then they are fain to flye to the Magi­strate and to the hills that must be beaten as chaffe, because they cannot live of the Gospel they preach; which doth not open the hearts of people, doth not get out the seed of God.

Prin. He saith, The Quakers light condemns such as the light of Christ approves. And saith, Tell us what it is to walke holily, as the holy men of God did, &c. Page 49.

Answ. Who walke holily, walke in the spirit that the holy men did walke in, that gave forth the Scriptures which is infallible: And none walks holily, but who are led with that, out of the self-righteousnesse. And the light which the Quakers be in, is the light with which Christ doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which cometh from Christ, and is one with him. And no one upon the earth owns Christ but who owns the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which the Quakers are in (which thou calls a light from Sathan) And they must all come to the Quakers if ever they own the light; and if ever they own Christ the way to the Father, and come into the power of godlinesse.

Pr. He saith, It is wretchedness to say that Christ hath redeemed them perfectly, and now lived in them the Lord of all things, by which they are the sons of God, page 50.

Ans. The Scriptures saith he is in all, and through all, who is God blessed for ever. And who are redeemed, are they not redeemed into perfection, into Christ? are not they redeemed perfectly? Are not they redeemed out of imperfection? And doth not Christ say, he will dwell in the Saints, who is Lord of all? And are not all they in the wretched state that will not have him to reign over them?

Pr. He saith, The Ministers of Christ received the Gospell not by man, nor are taught it, but by the Revelation of Jesus Christ, but we owne no such Revelation as this, page 51.

Answ. We do believe you who are apostatized and ravened from the spirit of God, having onely the sheeps cloathing, and are the Wolves abroad in the world; which if it were possible ye would deceive the very elect: But the elect is kept in the arme of Christ, ye cannot pluck one of them out of his hands: His father and he is greater then all. And none knows the Gospel, but who knows immediate revelation; for the Gospell is the power of God unto salvation, and this is immediate. And so all you since the dayes of the Apostles are fled from the foundation Christ Jesus that doth en­lighten every man that cometh into the world in the Apostacy, with it you are all seen, and fathomed over the world doth the light reach, answered with that of God in e­very one, the salvation to the ends of the earth; which light cometh to fulfill Scriptures. The Apostles were judged deceivers who came to bring the people to the substance the Scriptures spoke of, so they were judged deceivers.

Pr. If the Quakers say that the Ministers have not the spirit that the Prophets and Apo­stles had, then positively we say we have not. And if the Quakers say they have it so, then I say the Prophets and Apostles had it not, page 53.

Ans. We do believe you, that ye have not the same spirit that the Prophets, and A­postles, and Christ had: Therefore doth it make manifest that ye be all on heaps about their words, and are fain to run to Schools and Colledges to be made Ministers by men, and not by the spirit. And the Quakers witnesse the spirit that the Prophets and Apostles, and Christ had, with which they own their words; with which spirit they see you who have gotten their words, and makes a trade of them, and are all on heaps about them, and falls out about Church and Ministers.

Pr. He saith, The infallible spirit did not guide Isaac when he blessed Jacob, for he mis­sed the person, page 53.

Answ. God with his eternall spirit did direct Isaac what to do, for that stood in his counsell, though of that spirit thou have shewed thy ignorance and thy fallibility, and thy selfe, in whom the Devil is transformed into an Angel of Light; which Christ said should come, the false Prophets, and Deceivers, and false Apostles, which the Apostles saw was come, which since their dayes they have had the reign over the world. But now to that which they ravened from, and into the truth (the Devill a­bode not in) is the Saints com [...]; and the Lamb reigns that is the substance of the Scri­ptures, the end of the Scriptures, that hath domin [...], Glory in the highest for ever.

And as for all the reviles, lyes, slanders, vilifyings, hard expressions in thy Book, they will fall upon thy selfe, and to thee they will be sad, and thou shalt feel every one of thy owne words shall be thy burthen, and they shall come home unto thee, [Page 120] cramed into thee again; for thou must eat thy own dung; and drink thy own pisse that comes from thee, for all that in thy book is but dung; in the day of thy Judgement the witnesse in thee shall answer. All along thou hast shewed thy ignorance of the spirit, that is poured upon all flesh thats infallible, for whosoever prayes, or hath a humility, or sings, and not by the infallible spirit, they sing not with the under­standing, nor pray not with the understanding, And under the Judgement of God thou hast brought thy self, and all thy generation.

Thomas Collier his Booke called, a Dialogue between a Minister of the Gospel and an Enquiring Christian. In it his Principles are as Followeth.

Pr. HE saith that the Scriptures is the absolute rule of Saints that are endued with the spirit and faith. page 7.

Answ. Such as were endued with the spirit and faith, before the written Scripture was, they had a rule, and they knew the seed, and they knew the promises, and they knew Christ more then the Pharisees that had the Scriptures: nay more the the Apo­states since the dayes of the Apostles that have the Scriptures, and the Epistles and Re­velations. For by faith they saw the glory, they was in the Foundation, they saw Christ the everlasting Covenant and that is the foundation still, Christ Jesus, him by whom the world was made, before it was made, and all that have the Scriptures, and have not him, they can do nothing. And that which ruled the Saints before the Scri­ptures was written, is the Saints rule after the Scriptures is written; to know the Scri­ptures what is written, and to know God of whom they learned that gave it forth, or writ it: with that they know to what state and condition it was spoken. And the spi­rit is the record, and he that hath all the Scriptures, and wants the true record, which is the spirit, he cannot know all things.

Pr. And the Scripture is the New Testament of the Saints rule, and the rule of Judge­ment. page 10.

Answ. The Scriptures given forth from the Spirit of God, people knowes not to what state they were spoken; but as they come into the spirit that gave them forth. And besides, the Epistles was written to the Saints in several conditions, according to their growth: and some of them grew higher then others, for some of them the day-star was not risen in their hearts, and some of them was children of the Day. So that, still was the rule that led them to give forth the Epistles, and revealed to them the states and conditions of the Saints, and to ages, and to generations, and to Nations, and the condition the world was in, and should come upon it; that was the rule, and is the rule by which all these words are seen again: and there is the record of the Spirit of God. And he that hath found the true record the Spirit of God; with that he shall know all the Scriptures: and is come within the book where all things are written; and which writes all things forth, the spirit.

Pr. He saith the Scriptures is that word which makes the Devils to stand in aw, and tremble. The written word for after generations by which mens souls are brought to Christ. pag. 14 15. again that the Scriptures is the sword of the spirit. pag. 16.

Answ. The Pharisees had the Scriptures, which Christ said was of the Devil, and was swallowed up in his power; and they stood against Christ the life, the substance. The Devil came with Scriptures (who is out of the truth) to tempt Christ the Word: but the Word, the substance of Scriptures hammerd down the devil, and Pharisees that had got the Scriptures, but were out of the life, that gave them forth. And they [Page 121] have the sword that have the word of God which was before the Scriptures was given forth, and they be in that the Devils be out of. So if the Devil, and wicked men bring Scriptures; they hammer them under, and redeem the Scriptures out of their ungodly mouthes. And the written word brings no soul to Christ the life, but who comes to the life that the written words speak of: and so it testifies of him the [...]i [...]e, that brings them to Christ that gave it forth.

Pr. God is willing that all should be saved; but he worketh not all into a saving condition. page 21. He saith it is true, there is a spirit and life in the Scriptures. pag. 22.

Answ. The spirit, and life is not in the Scriptures, but the spirit, and life the Scri­ptures testifies of, and the light Christ Jesus (the salvation to the ends of the earth) doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world with a saving light. And the light which every man hath that cometh into the world is saving: but many hating the light, and not coming to it, which hath enlightened them; they neglect their salvation, and slight their salvation, and not believing in it, they walk in darkness and come not to the light of life. But they that believe in it, come to the light of life, and abide not in the darkness. And the grace of God which brings salvation hath ap­peared to all men, such as turns it into wantonness, and walkes despitefully against the spirit of grace ownes it not for their teacher, but sets up teachers according to their own lusts; so turns against that which brings their salvation and walks despitefully against it, and followes their own lusts, and tramples upon the Covenant of grace, and the blood of the new Covenant. And all that see the Bishop of their souls, Christ Jesus the Saviour of their souls, it is with the light that cometh from him, and God wils that all men should be saved.

Pr. He saith to use Christs name to catch souls, when indeed it is but Jugling, and to stab him, and crucifie him a fresh. pag. 42. If Christ doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, &c. If this were truth then Christ died in vain, and in vain hath Christ spoke of himself, saying, I am the way, the truth, the life, the light, &c. pag. 45.

Answ. Such as do not believe that Christ doth enlighten every man that cometh in­to the world, are such as mentions his name, and haters of the light that cometh from him, these be in the Jugling state, deceivers of souls and people. And none sees Christ the one offering, but with the light that cometh from him: nor none knowes the Sa­viour Christ Jesus; but with the light that cometh from him: and that lets see the body prepared, Christ who was the seed of Abraham, according to the flesh, the one offering, that ends all offerings; and his blood that is the attonement, which is the Saints drink, which who drinks it shall live, with which their consciences are purged from dead works, to serve the living God. And none knowes the foundation of God that standeth sure, nor feels it, nor sees it, but with the light which cometh from Christ the foundation, which breaks down all other foundations; which light that every man is enlightened withall gives him the knowledge of the foundation of God.

Pr. He saith, I do believe that there was never a Saint perfectly free from sin here, but they shall have the body of sin and death, which will be their burthen to keep them humble. Page 52. And it doth not appear that they do attain purification, or perfection, before the change of the body.

Answ. That which is the true humiliation bears the sin, and iniquity, which is Christ; such as are not brought down with the Judgments for their sinful actings, never knew the seed that puts off the body (from which all the roots proceed) in that is the true humility, and the righteousness of Christ and the glory revealed. And the Saints witnessed the body of sin, and death put off, while they were upon the earth; and such as was in Christ was new creatures, all things become new. And the Apostles spoke wisdom among them that was perfect: and that was before the change of the body, as ye look upon. And the work of the Ministery was for the perfecting of the the Saints until they all come into the unity of the faith, (that gives victory) and to the knowledge of the Son of God; unto a perfect man: unto the measure, and stature of the fulness of Christ. This was the Ministers work. Not as children [Page 122] tossed up and down with every slight and windy doctrine of men, who lie in waite to deceive, So ye have tryed the work of your Ministry, and brought it to the Light.

Pr. He saith such a trembling as a way to perfection, is to set it in the roome of Christ, be­side the truth, and slight and undervalue the word of God: and justifie trembling: let all men beware of this trembling. page 78.

Answ. Who ever ownes the word of God, that reconciles to the Father, and ham­mers down, and brings out of the fall, and cuts down and burns up: they must know their salvation wrought out with fear, and trembling. And these ownes the word of God, and the words of God the Scriptures: and these owns this trembling: there is a cloud of witnesses in the Scriptures and none will deny this trembling that ownes the salvation wrought out, or to be wrought out: but such as be out of the truth; and that gets Scriptures (being out of the truth) and deny the power of God who are with it judged, those that have the form, but deny the power; deny the trembling, so they deny the salvation to be wrought out with fear, and trembling, and none knowes the salvation but them that know trembling. And such may say (that are the the Devils messengers) beware of this power that makes to tremble.

Pr. He saith the Scripture is truly the Ministry of the spirit to us. pag. 67.

Answ. Those were the Ministers of the spirit that gave forth the Scriptures: And those are the Ministers of the Letter, that be out of the spirit that gave forth the Scri­ptures, and that cannot Minister the spirit.

Pr. He saith the Scriptures doth not speak of a general Redemption of all, from the state of sin, and freedom from sin. pag. 75.

Answ. There is a general state and redemption of all, and freedom from sin by believing in the one offering the blood of Jesus Christ; and unbelief shuts out.

Pr. He saith mystical Babylon shall fall by the Kings of the earth. And many precious Saints shall destroy Babylon with the sword. pag. 84. And he saith, I cannot apprehend that the Saints shall have the Government of the world. pag. 86. And the beast when he ariseth shall give a mark in the right hand, &c.

Answ. Christ hath all power in heaven, and earth given to him; who believe in him, and are in his power (who hath all power in heaven and earth given to him) have the government and are in the government the Lambs government: but the un­believers are out of it. And that which slayes mystical Babylon is not the Kings of the earth and the Saints that be on the earth, slay not with the carnal sword: for they that kill with the sword, must perish with the sword, here is the faith, and patience of the Saints. Their weapons are not carnall, but spiritual, mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. And the Lamb slayes, and kills with the sword, and takes them, the beast, and the false prophet and the Devil, and casts them alive into the Lake of fire, where they shall be tormented for ever, that burns with brimstone, who kills and slayes with the sword which is the words of his mouth. And the Beast hath been long up, his marks, and his heads and horns with his names, but the Lamb and the Saints is trampling him to pieces under and over him getting the victory. And the everlasting Gospel is Preaching: and the witnesses you are igno­rant of: but are them that have been the slayers of them.

Pr. He saith, I do not professe my self infallible, but I shall freely give my apprehensions. pag. 110. to contend earnestly for the faith which is the first unto Justification and services of faith. pag. 111. he saith false Christs, and false prophets shall come. And to the Law, and to the testimony, &c.

Answ. The Law is light, and the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesie, and men may have all the Scriptures of the old, and New Testament: yet being from the light, the spirit of prophesie; from the Light, and from the spirit; they know not the Law, and testimony. And we do believe thee, that thou art not infallible, but art onely in the apprehensions, and before thou come to contend for the faith, and to [Page 123] know that by which the Saints are justified, thou must come into the Light that doth enlighten every man, &c. which lets see Christ the Author of the Faith. And false Pro­phets and Antichrists Christ said should come, which should get the sheeps cloathing, and say, loe Christ is here, and loe he is there: These Christ said to the Apostles should come, which before their decease did come; which since their decease the world hath gone after them. So every man that cometh into the world being enlightned, and having a light from Christ the Saviour of the soule; every man being in the Light Christ hath enlightned him withall. Every man with the light which cometh from Christ, with it they shall see a Saviour Christ Jesus, from whence it comes: And the light shining from the East to the West, and the coming of the Son of man, and receive Christ, and so come to the Rock. And so people having been from the Light which every man is en­lightned withall that cometh into the world, they have been all brought on heaps. But now they are coming to the Rock. And thy words Thomas Collier shall be thy own burthen, and for them thou shalt receive judgement. And this is the word of the Lord God to thee, and thy time is not yet past.

John Billingsley, who calls himselfe Mr. of Arts, Minister of the Gospell, and Pastor of the Church at Chesterfield, in his Booke called, Strong COMFORTS for weake CHRISTIANS. His Principles follows, &c.

Pr. HE saith, He would have the Mayor and Aldermen of Chesterfield to shew themselves to be really affected to the cause of Christ and his blessed Sab­baths, &c.

Ans. In this thou hast shewed thou art one that keeps people in darknesse, and not a Minister of the Gospel of Christ, and the new Covenant, but of the Law, and in the signes and shadows. For the Sabbaths, the Apostles did bring people off of them, and they met together on the first day of the week, and denyed the Jewes Sabbath; and still it is your practice, and yet thou cryest up to shew themselves for the cause of the blessed Sabbath: what blind and dark stuffe is this? For never did Pastor or Minister of Christ preach up such a Doctrine, as to stir up Aldermen and Mayors, and great men to shew themselves zealous for the Sabbath: And thus thou hast shewed thy selfe to be one of them the Apostles was afraid of, that observed the dayes which he brought the people off to the substance; which they met together on the first day of the week, which Christ rose on, and so was a crosse to the Jewes, who met together on the seventh day. And Circumcision was on the 8th day, on that day Christ rose.

Pr. He saith, The Scripture and the Spirit are unseparable (which he calls the Word) Page 7. and that the spirit is alwayes in the Scriptures.

Again, He is in the gall of bitternesse, and bond of iniquity, who calls the spirit a dead Letter, page 9.

Ans. Every one that hath the Scriptures, cannot say he hath the spirit that gave it forth; for the Devill may have Scripture, who is out of the spirit. And the Apostle which said, the Letter kills, and was old, was not in the gall of bitternesse, and bond of iniquity. And the spirit was in them that gave forth the Scriptures: And the Scrip­tures are the words of God which ends in Christ the Word, who fulfils them.

Pr. He saith, Prize the holy Scriptures, through which is all our hopes of eternall life, com­municated to us: And I wonder what any soule hath to shew for eternal life, but the Scrip­tures. So I call it Gods warrant. Page 13. And in the midst of thoughts prize the Covenant [Page 124] of free grace: And if ye would have substantial comforts from the Covenant, do not lay hold of Covenant comforts. Page 12.

Answ. Thou cannot speak a word to the wearied, who art in the presumption thy selfe, and to be brought down, who art applying the promises to the wrong nature. And many may have the Scriptures, and many have the Scriptures, and all ignorant of eternall life, untill they all come into the life as they was in that gave forth the Scriptures. For the Scripture communicates not the life, but God, of whom they learn­ed that gave forth Scripture; it is it that testifies of eternall life. And the souls comfort is Christ, which it speaks of.

Pr. He saith, The Apostle to the Philippians speaks of Saints as Citizens, our trading is in heaven. Now Citizens great trading is Mercandize, as ships go from London to India, &c. So thousands of soules go towards heaven, worth nothing, a poore empty creature. See page 15.

Answ. The merchandize is in the earth, in Babylon, and there thou and you are all. The soule is worth more then all the world which goes to heaven; it goes richly, full of all attire and fruitfulnesse, and not empty. Is not an empty creature, that which God breathed into man the breath of life, whereby it became a living soule? And he hath all soules in his hand, and Christ is the Bishop of it, the power of God, and therefore it is not empty; for the Saints had the heavenly treasure in earthen vessells.

Pr. He saith, The Sacrament and Baptisme is a most refreshing cup, for we walke by faith, and not by sight, page 18. I can say frequent mention is made of salvation by Christ, without mentioning any act of faith in us, &c. page 19.

Answ. Sacraments and sprinkling Infants called Baptisme; who walks after them, walks after sight, not by faith, for these things are seen; and they follow their owne traditions, and not the Scriptures for them, either sprinkling Infants or Sacrament: And who walks by faith and not fight, comes off the things that are seen. For things that are seen are temporall, but things that are not seen are eternall, saith the Apo [...]le. And he that believeth shall be saved, & he that believeth not shall be condemned (this is the do­ctrine of Christ to the Apostles) they are condemned already. And where the belief is, there is faith and salvation seen and known; but where belief is not, there is condem­nation, there salvation is not known, and every one that is saved, believes.

Pr. I do not say that there is perfect victory against every corruption. But that grace will be eating out, and curbing sin in the heart, page 21. And there is no peace nor comfort that is miantained without warring and constant combating, &c. Yea, peace and war against sin are alwayes inseparable companions, page 22. All true comfort hath its foundation from the written Word, they are fancies and flashes, rather then comforts from pretended immedi­ate revelations, page 23.

Answ. None knows true comfort but who comes to the immediate Revelation, that is to the spirit that reveals the things of God. If men have all the Scriptures, the written words, and not the word in which they end; they have not comfort, neither can they do any thing without Christ, neither have the wearyed rest, neither is the Bishop of the soule known, neither is the burthen and the old yoak gone off, though they have all the Scriptures; but as every one doth come to the life that gave forth the Scriptures, with which they see Christ the end, the substance of them, him by whom the world was made before it was made, these have comfort of the words. And the Scriptures are words, not the Word; and such as are here comes to know peace and the end of war, and the occasion of war taken away: And sin and corruption is sepa­rated from the precious, and contrary to the Just, with it it hath no unity. And there is no true peace untill they come into the Kingdome which stands in joy, in peace, in righteousnesse. Now where the body is standing, and the root of sin in the heart, not a perfect victory; The Circumcision is not known that puts off the body; the victory is not known while the body stands; which the Apostle withessed the body of sin put off by the circumcision of the spirit which was in the inward man; and he thanked [Page 125] God through Christ who had victory, who was manifested in his flesh to condemn sin in his flesh, that he through him became the righteousness of God: And the life that he lived was by the faith of the Son of God. And such as are made free from sin, and dead to it, and can­not live no longer therein, these had the peace. And such have not the peace where the body of sin is standing, and sin in the heart, there is the war: But such as stand in the faith which purifies the heart, and comes to witnesse the Circumcision of the heart, they come to have the heart purified, and the victory over the body as the A­postle declares.

Pr. He saith, James Naylor deserved to be hanged, page 5. He saith, I tell my people they cannot be free from sin, a perfect freedome from the being of corruption in them, while they are on this side heaven, pa. 9. And your speaking against Ministers, and speaking in Markets is as bad or worse as to bait a Bull, page 8. And he saith, The Steeple house is the Church.

Ans. The Ministers of Christ, and the Prophets of the Lord which spoke his word, which spoke in Synagogues and in Markets, in high wayes, and under the hedges, and upon the mountains, which disturbed the world; and all professors upon the earth that had the words of truth, which was out of the life, and disturbed the Heathen that knew not God; And all such Ministers of the Letter that have it, and not the spirit that gave it forth, are disturbed by the Ministers that be in the spirit, that preach and speak forth the substance of the Scriptures. And we know you, and do believe you (who saith, your people shall not be made free from their corruption; and tells them, the Steeple-house is the Church; and say the creature deserved to be hanged) to be such at inwardly ravened, which Christ said should come, John saw was come, and the whole world hath been after you that are wrestlers against flesh and blood, and strikes at creatures, in stead of striking at the power that captivates Creatures, and so have kept people under the bondage of corruption; and led people alwayes learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, and kept them in spirituall Aegypt, Sodome, and Go­morrah, in filthinesse, and telling of them the Masse-house is the Church, the Steeple-houses. Was it not a place for the Masse, set up for the Masse, with a Crosse at the end of it? Look, is it not on yet? And is the Masse-house become thy Church? thou mayst thank the Papists for that. Was not the Pope and the Papists the setters up of all your Masse-houses, and Colledges, which have gotten up since the dayes of the Apostles, a­mong you inwardly ravenors from the Church which is in God, and so have gotten up the Masse-house for your Church, and there ye do keep up people, telling them they must have corruptions while they be upon the earth? So ye are Ministers of corruption, which is contrary to the Apostles, who said they sate in heavenly places, and had esca­ped the pollutions of the world; and they were children of the day, not of the night, and the true light shined: So you that are ravened from the spirit of God, have got up the Masse-house, got people thither, and telling of them they must have their corrupti­ons, and they must have sin, and they must not be perfect while they are on this side heaven. Now they can but have sin, and can be but imperfect, if they never came at you, nor at your Masse-houses. Now you are the Devills Messengers and Ministers that preach­eth up sin, and corruption, and imperfection that people must be in, and have sinne while they be upon the earth. But the Ministers of Christ preached up perfection, to be perfect, and overcoming sin, and made free from sin; and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin; and they had faith, which gave them victory, and the Circum­cision that puts off the body of sin, and the new Covenant that blotted out sin and transgression. And such Ministers as you, that make a trade of Scriptures, as the Scrip­ture it selfe, the Prophets, the Apostles, and Christ doth make you manifest, your fruits to be contrary to them that gave forth Scriptures. So with it are you disapproved and judged with the life that gave it forth.

Pr. He saith, And it seemes to me to be no more sin to bait a Bull, then any other recrea­tion. And he saith, The Quakers came into the Steeple-house, and bid people to look to the light within them, and to tell him that he was an Antichrist and blinde guide. And saith, [Page 126] I had rather be a hireling, such as Christ hath hired in his Vineyard, and receive a penny, then some of the Quakers that go naked in the markets.

Answ. The Quakers who be in the power of the Lord God, have been moved of the Lord God to go into the world among Apostates, who are ravened from the spirit of God, and so are the Wolves that tears and rends, and are ravening up and down for your Benefices; and would eate one another out if you could, and swallow one a­nother like the fishes to the Sea. Are you contented every one with your penny from Christ? Are not you all fighting, and striking, and smiting, and casting into Pri­sons for meanes, for Tythes which ye do no work for? Is not Christ come, and hath found you smiting and striking your fellow-servants, eating and drinking like Sodome, and living in pleasure like the old world, some having two hundred, some three hun­dred pounds, some lesse, some more; is here equall a penny? Are ye like Christs Vineyard dressers, Husband-men in the Vineyard? Blush, and be ashamed! The stones are thrown now at Babylon, and dasheth her children to pieces: And Sion is building, and the Tabernacle of David is rearing up. Come up ye Saints and Prophets, the Lamb and the Saints hath the victory: And all those upon the earth, and you all are the blinde guides and Antichrists, who guides not people to the Light within, and bids them not look at that, but leads them from the Light within; ye lead them in the darknesse, and you are from the light in your own particulars, and so the blinde, guides for the fleece, for the earth, out of the Apostles Doctrine, and Christs, who brought people to the Light, and bid them believe in it; who told them, the light that shined in their hearts would give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus.

Pr. The Priests bear rule by their means, this is the meanes of the false Prophets saith he. If there be a burthen upon paying of Tythes, lay it upon God and the Magistrates, and not upon me, the Pastor.

Answ. Tythes to the similitude Melchisedeck, Tythes to the Priest-hood made by the Law of God; Christ is come, the end of the similitude, the end of the Priest-hood, and disannuld the commandement that gave Tythes: and all his Ministers, Pastors, and Teachers preached down Tythes, and preached up the substance, and preached down the Priests that took them, and the Law that gave them, and the authority, and the Magistrates both that held them up. And so you that have gotten Tythes since the dayes of the Apostles, whose root and ground was by the Papists in the apostacy, are such that burthens the Creation, and a griefe to all true Christians that be in the life and the power, and the spirit that the Apostles was in before the apostacy.

Now if thou wert a true Minister of Christ, if the Magistrate would give thee tythes, thou wouldst not take them; which is got up since the Apostacy came in, them that have got the sheeps cloathing, but are ravened from the spirit of God. And doth not thou think that the Priests that were obedient to the Faith, if they would have turned again to the Jews Magistrates, dost thou think they would not have given them tythes? And dost thou think that any of them that was obedient to the Faith, that they took Tythes after they were converted to Christ and his faith, the substance? And dost thou think that any that is out of the apostacy now, will take Tythes of the Magistrates now if they would give them? which were set up since the dayes of the Apostles in the apo­stacy? I will warrant thee they will dye before they will lose their glory and their Crown: And they that preach the Gospell, shall live of the Gospell. And the Prophets pro­phesie falsly, and the Priest beares rule by his meanes. What, doth the Priest receive his gifts by the false Prophets means? Doth not the people love to have it so? And are not you all found fallen into this Ditch that are inwardly ravened from the spirit of God? The false spirits gone into the earth for money, and for tythes, for lucre, for means, for gifts, admiring mens persons because of advantage; yet covering your selves with the sheeps cloathing, crept up into a Masse-house, and calls it a Church; and tells people, while they be upon the earth, they must have corruptions, and the body of sin, and this is the work of your Ministry: So among the Lyars; Whoremongers, Sorcerers, Adulterers, [Page 127] inwardly ravened from the spirit of God, out of the Kingdome are ye found.

And as for all the rest of thy rabble, and unsavoury expressions in thy Book, they are not worth mentioning: But in the day of thy judgement thou shalt feel thy owne words thy burthen, in the tryall of the Fire thy works will burn.

Immanuel Bourne, who calls himselfe Pastor of [...] Church in Ashover, in his Book called, A Defence of the Scriptures, and the holy Spirit speaking in them, are these Principles following. And Priest Gifford of Bedford his PRINCIPLE.

Pr. HE saith, Christ himselfe sent his hearers to the Scriptures, as the chiefe judge of Controversie, and of Faith.

Answ. Christ did not put the Scriptures above himselfe; he said, All judgement was committed to the Son, and for judgement he was come into the world. And the Pharisees that had the Scriptures they could not judge of Faith, nor of controversie, nor knew not Christ the Author of the Faith; nor none can judge but who be in the spirit that gave forth the Scriptures. And the Scriptures was given forth from them that was in the faith of Truth; but such as be not in the faith, knows not the Scrip­tures, neither is it able to make them wise unto salvation without the Faith. For the Pharisees and chief Priests were not, though they had Scripture, and they judg­ed and condemned the Author of Faith, that had Scriptures without the life; and so do all that are out of the life still that have the Scriptures, judge the Author of the Faith, Christ Jesus, who doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world: And the holy spirit spake in them that gave forth the Scriptures, and so they spoke it forth.

Now they that be from the spirit of God in their owne particulars speaking there, knows not the spirit that spoke in them that spoke them forth; but such are they that saith, The spirit speakes in the Scriptures. Such are the Ministers of the Letter, and not of the Spirit that gave it forth. And the spirit that gave forth the Scripture is that which judged of all conditions, which gave them the spirituall understanding. For people have not the spirituall understanding to judge, and to discern if they have all the Scriptures, unlesse they be in the spirit that gave it forth: And so the Scrip­ture it selfe without the spirit that gave it forth, cannot be the Judge of Controversie, nor of Faith, but is a dead Letter in it selfe, but the spirit is it that gave forth Scriptures.

Pr. He saith, Christ within is inherent holinesse: And George Fox professed equality with God. page 20.

Answ. Christ within is beyond all mens righteousnesse, or holinesse, for he is the righteousnesse it selfe. And the Assembly of Divines gave forth a Catechisme, pre­sented to the Parliament, for people to learn; wherein they say, that the Holy Ghost is equall in power and glory with the Father. Now every one that cometh to witnesse the Son of God, and the holy Ghost that gave forth the Scriptures by your account, they witnesse that which is equall in power and glory with God. And doth not the Assembly give forth this in their Catechisme, that people should learn? And is it blasphemy for to come to witnesse this which you have given forth, and the minde which was in Christ? Yet neverthelesse Georges words was not spoken as yee preach them; for his words were spoken beyond all creatures, and out of all creatures, and he did not say Geo: Fox.

Pr. He saith no natural man, that is darkness, is bound to look to the light within him to direct him to salvation; for it is in vain to look for light in darkness. Page 22.

Answ. The light which every man that cometh into the world is enlightened with­all, the salvation to the ends of the earth; which no man cometh out of darkness, out of his natural state but who doth believe in the light; which was Christs Doctrine, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of the light: and he that believeth in it shall not abide in darkness. And so they come to see the spending of the night and the light shining out of darkness, giving them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus; and the light shining in the darkness which the darkness canno [...] [...]prehend it. And no one upon earth ever sees their salvation, but with the light [...]ich cometh from Christ their Saviour, who doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; that all men through the light might believe: he that doth not believe in the light, is condemned. And so he that followes the light shall not walk in darkness; and he that followes not the light walks in darkness. So with the light thou art comprehended to be a Minister of darkness; in the apostacy, keeping people from the light. And one of the false prophets ravened from the spirit, which Christ said should come, John saw was come, and the world goes after you, that tells people the letter is the word, and the spirit is in the Scriptures, which is con­trary to Scripture, and them that spoke it forth, which said the spirit of God was within them. And the Scriptures were words of God: and Christ the word, comes to fulfill the words; who is the word, who was before the words was given forth; in whom the words ends.

Pr. The Kingdom of heaven is within you, not as Christ is in every one, but the Kingdom of heaven is within you, or among you. Page 29.

Answ. Christ is within except ye be reprobates; yea I say within all Professors is Christ, in Christendom, Christ is within them all, except they be reprobates. And if Christ be not within them all, they are all reprobates, but if Christ be within them all, the body is dead, and there is Christs reign, and his Kingdom, and no Babylon, nor Antichrist where this is so. And the Kingdom of Heaven is within you saith Christ, yea in the Pharisees: and that is the Kingdom in man that never consents to sin; like a grain of mustard-seed, like unto leaven, that leavens the new lump. And he that cometh to know that little Kingdom, and receiveth that little Kingdom as a little child, it makes the Kingdoms of the world become the Son of Gods King­dom: and knowes that no unrighteousnesse, nor ungodlinesse must enter in­to it.

Pr. And Christ spake to the multitude when he said be not ye of men called Master, and call no man father upon earth; and did not bid the Apostles not to be called of men ma­ster.

Answ. He spoke this to the multitude, and to the Disciples both, and said the Scribes, and Pharisees was called of men Master, who had Scriptures: whom he cryed wo against. And he said be not you of men called master for ye have all one master, even Christ; and ye are all Brethren, this was Christs Command. But all ye Pastors, and Ministers (Bourn) and the rest who are apostatized from the Apostles Doctrine, and Christs Doctrine, ye trample upon the Commands of Christ. It manifests that ye have the form of godliness, and denyes the power: and are not Brethren past from death, to life but are all on heapes about the Scriptures, Christs, Prophets, and Apostles words; and making a trade of them for your own self-ends in the Apostacy; such as Christ said should come, which John saw was come; which should inwardly raven, which the world is gone after, But now with that which ye all ravened from are ye all com­prehended. And Christ saith call no man father upon earth, where Christ is witnessed, the seed of God raised up, no earthly man is his father, nor cannot call no man fa­ther upon the earth, according to the Command of Christ, he that is heire of the pro­mise of the world that hath no end; of the second Adam born not by the will of man: but he that is of the first Adam is in another state, and stands against Christs doctrine, and is the Son of Adam in the fall.

Pr. He saith such as pretend Christ within deny the blood of Christ his righteousness for Justification.

Answ. Who witness Christ within, they are not reprobates; Justification and Sancti­fication is possessed, the thing that was imputed to the believers.

Pr. And giving honour to men, &c.

Answ. Christ the second Adam receives not honour of men, neither doth he respect mens persons, his enemies could say so: and they that received honour one of ano­ther was the Pharisees, the great Professors, which was a mark of the unbelief: which Christ would not receive their honour, the second Adam which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, will not receive the honour of men. Now he that receiveth the honour is out of the light, in the first Adam; is out of the power. And where humility is, which goes before the honour, there is no want of honour; for he cometh into the power that maketh him honourable in the hearts of all people, an­swering the humble principle in every one; a terrour to the evil doer; and here Magistrates that fears God, attain the honour that is without the respect of Persons in the humility answering with the higher power the just principle in every man: so come they to be honoured in the hearts of all people in the sight of God, and a praise of them that do well, which he that respects persons, transgresseth the Law, and commits sin; and is convinced of the Law as a trangressor, he that respects persons is out of the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ which purifies the heart, which is held in the pure con­science, and gives victory over the world; which who are of faith are of Abra­ham.

And so for all thy lies, and slanders, and reviles, and unsavoury and bad expres­sions which are loathsome before all sober people, and stincks; who hath published thy shame to the Nation in Print, it shall cover thy self, and be thy own garment; and every word be thy own burthen, and lay a weight upon thee in the day of thy misery, and calamity, and in the day of thy Judgement when thy works are tryed in the fire, the witness in thy conscience shall me answer.

Gifford who is chief Priest at Bedford his Principle. He said (openly) That faith was not perfect, &c.

Ans. Faith is holy, and the gift of God, and purifies, and justifies, and is a mystery in which is the unity, by which God is pleased; and this is perfect being the gift of God; and from this he hath shewed his reprobation, and his ignorance.

Thomas Moore in his Booke called, A defence against the poison of Satans Designe. These are his Principles Following.

Pr. HE saith Christ Jesus is personally absent from a believer. And Christ is in, and to our hearts the hope, but not the possession, nor do we possesse the glory. Again he saith, The grace of God which brings salvation to all men; instructs them not to look into themselves or to any light or spirit in them. Pag. 5.

Answ. Christ in you the hope of glory, saith the Apostle. And if the Saints sate with him in heavenly places, they are not absent from him. And if he say I in them, and they in me, so not absent from them. And the Son of God was revealed in the Saints. And he that hath not the Son of God hath not life, such may say they are absent from him. But such as have him revealed, have life, and he is not absent. And such as be absent from him have not eaten his flesh, nor drunken his blood; and so are not of his flesh, nor of his bone. And they may talk of him, and say he is come, as the Jewes did that he was to come, and he not in them, and so reprobates. And the grace of God that brings salvation which hath appeared unto all men which is the [Page 130] Saints teacher, whose hearts are stablished with grace, this is within them, which brings them to know the hidden man of the heart; and a strength in the inward, and comes to look at the light within them; agreeable to the Apostles Doctrine, who said the light that shined in their hearts, would give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. And such as have Christ in them have the possession, have the substance, have the glory which was with the Father before the world began.

Pr. He saith there is none here hath yet ceased from their own works, as God did from his. pag. 9. And the Apostles received the last Revelation to be given forth immediately. And such as slight the word, and call it a dead letter; and brings people to the light within them, a spirit within them, this is a strange doctrine. And if there be not something to be added, and given forth by men, and another manner of Preaching then by the Apostles, what need is there of Printing? &c. Page 15.

Ans. He that believes hath entered into his rest, and ceased from his own works as God did from his. And since the dayes of the Apostles there hath got up another Ministry by man of man, made by man (which is not as the Apostles who received it not of man, nor by man) And these stands against the light within, and the spirit of God within, which none knowes true teaching, nor true instruction, nor opening of the Scriptures, but as they come every one to the spirit of God in them, as was in them that gave forth Scriptures. And who be here, have the thing within them, as they had that gave forth the Scriptures; enjoying and possessing it; And these Fathomes the Apostates, out of the Apostles Doctrine, and witnesse the Preaching as the Apostles was in, which all they since the dayes of the Apostles, that ravened from the Spirit of God, be out of, and this doth not deny the Scriptures, but sees them all in their place, and to what condition they were spoken. And the letter is a dead let­ter of it self and gives not life to any, but who comes to the Spirit of God in their own perticulars, as was in them that gave it forth. For the Jewes had not life, though they had Scriptures, until they came to Christ, which the Scripture testi­fied of.

Pr. He saith Christ is not natural.

Answ. Yet some of ye say he is humane. And as for thy speaking of his mortality; ye speak, ye do not know what; Christ is the same to day, yesterday, and for ever.

Pr. He saith, It is the Apostles sence of them that served their bellies they pretended to an inward light: and this is the Apostles sence of belly who did cause divisions contrary to the Doctrine they had learned, and here their belly maybe understood their minde, heart and spirits, or also their experience of these inward, &c. To rejoyce in any thing under the Sun, is opposite to the Apostles who had their conversation in heaven. Page 42.

Answ. None comes to witness their conversation in heaven, but who is come to witnesse Christ within them, the substance, the second Adam who redeemes out of the earth, and the Apostle which brought the Saints to the light that shined in their hearts, &c. this was not a serving of Bellies that walked in the light, that light shining in them, and believing in the light Christ, out of whose belly flowed rivers of living waters, and such made not divisions, but were in unity in the light, and fellowship. But those were they that made the divisions that inwardly ravened, and went from the light, which Christ had enligtened them withall, and such went from that which should give them the knowledge, and enjoyed the earthly things; and served not the Lord Jesus Christ, (that be out of the light which comes from him) but their own bellies. And they act contrary to the Apostles Doctrine; and rejoyceth in things under the Sun, which who doth, serves their bellies.

Pr. He saith yea, when enlightened by that heavenly light even from Jesus, yet they are of themselves deceitful, &c. pag. 44. And the light is something else besides the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. Page 45.

Answ. The light which every man is enlightened withall, &c. is not deceitfull, but [Page 131] leads men out of all deceit. And it is of God that gives them the light of the know­ledge of the glory of God, &c. and it is one, and the same that lets see to the begi [...]ning, and ending; which comes from the beginning.

Pr. He saith, That none may expect to receive the word immediately from Christ as the Apostles; but mediately. Page 46.

Ans. Such as receive not the word of God immediately from Christ as the Apostles did; they are not Preachers of the living word that lives and abides for ever. And we do believe you, that since the dayes of the Apostles, ye have not received the word immediately from Christ as the Apostles did, but are onely Ministers of the letter. And such were they in all ages that closed their eyes, and stopt their ears, and in­wardly ravened from the spirit. That marred the face of Christ above all men, who was the spiritual Sodom and Egypt where Christ is crucified. These got Scriptures, but were from the spirit of God within, that gave them forth, and such was the hypocrites that Judged all wayes the spirit of God that gave fo [...]th the Scriptures, [...]nd shut out of the Kingdom, in which spirit now ye are found in these last dayes.

Pr. He saith, That Christ ascended without material blood, and the Apostle d [...] [...]t Preach both the word, and faith in the heart. pag. 50. and that the new Jerusalem is [...] come down from heaven. pag. 51. and a brief discovery of the wolves in sheepes skins, &c. Page 57.

Answ. The blood of Christ which satisfies the Father which the Saints [...]ink, and his flesh which they eate, which in so doing have life; is that which the world stumble at; which who drinkes it, lives for ever. And the Apostle Preached the word of faith in their hear [...] and in their mouthes, and the word reconciles to the Father, and hammers down, [...]d cuts down, and burns that which separates from the Father; and over it gives victory. And the word material, the Apostle doth not call it so, but precious, and Jerusalem is come down from heaven and witnessed among the Saints, heavenly Jerusalem and the Babes knowes their mother. And who are in Christ, and Christ in them, see it, possesseth it. But all such as are against the light within, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, are the Antichrists, the false prophets, the wolves which have gotten the sheepes cloa [...]ing; (which may deceive the world, but not the elect) as thy book hath de­clared [...]hee. And such Christ said should come, and John saw was come: and since the dayes of the Apostles the world hath gone after them. And they inwardly ravened from the light and so have gotten the Kingdoms of the earth into a profession, and form which are now standing against the Light within, and gathering against the Lamb, and the Saints that are in the light, and is the light, which they ravened from, making War against them, but the Lamb, and the Saints shall get the victory.

Pr. He saith, And the righteousness of God wrought by Christ for us; which need not to be wrought over again in us. pag, 58. And that Christ our Justification should be in us, that dyed, and suffered, that ascended, this he cals a fancy, to fancy him in a particuler person. Page 59.

Answ, Whosoever hath not Christ within, are Reprobates; and whosoever hath Christ within, hath the righteousness. Now Christ that suffered, Christ that was of­fered up, is manifest within, and the Saints are of his flesh, and of his bone, and eat his flesh, and drink his blood; and not another. The Christ that ended the Priest­hood, ended the offering, ended the Temple, ended the Law, and the first Cove­nant the seed of God, Christ Jesus, this manifest within; he that hath him, hath life, Justification, Sanctification and Redemption. And so Christ the same to day yesterday and for ever, who is the hope, and the Author of their faith. And so all be in the fancy that be out of the state of witnessing Christ (that suffered) within them and rose again: and who be in this, they be out of the fancy and shadowes: and comes to see where there is no changing, but possesseth righteousness, glory, substance, the end of their faith, and Christ their hope that remains, that abides.

Pr. He saith, There is something of God in man that will render the light which the Quakers speakes of natural. Page 67.

Answ. That which is of God in man captivated, viz. life and immortality; who are not come to the light, will not render the light (when he cometh to it through the Gospel) naturall, which the darknesse now cannot comprehend though in it it shines, and that of God in man will not call Christ (the light) naturall which the Quakers speaks of.

Pr. He saith, Yee may remember in the last times, false Christs and false Prophets shall a­rise, and shall bring in damnable heresies, &c. and will shew signes and wonders, and if it were possible they would deceive the very Elect. And such as follow strong delusions, and believe lyes, and be damned, who obey not the Truth, nor receive it in the love of it, page 68.

Answ. Christ said false Prophets should come, Antichrists should come with signes and wonders, which the Apostles saw was come, which inwardly ravened, and went forth from them; which since the dayes of the Apostles they have got the sheeps cloa­thing, and the world is gone after them, and have deceived the world by their lying signes and wonders, and have brought them to be all on heaps about Religion. And the damnable heresie, and the lying signes and wonders, and strange delusions; yee may look into the whole Christendome, among your selves, and your own stock of Pa­pists: For none obeys the Truth, but who owns the Light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which cometh from Christ the truth; and all false Prophets are from that, and all Antichrists are from that, which hath reigned since the dayes of the Apostles in the apostacy, and inwardly ravened, have gotten the sheeps cloathing; which have made war against the Saints, and overcome them; but now to that which they ravened from, are the Saints come: And the woman hath been in the wilderness, and the man-child is brought forth to rule the Nations with a rod of Iron. And all such now that inwardly ravened from the Light, are standing up against the Lamb and the Saints: But the Lamb and the Saints have the victory, and the rej [...]ycing over the Beast and false Prophet is come, who kills and slayes with the sword, which is the words of his mouth: And the Saints which are with him, their weapons are spiritual. And none lifts up the Son of God, as the Serpent was lifted up in the Wildernesse; but as every one is in the Light that the Son of God hath enlightned him withall, and then they know him that draws all men after him.

Thomas Moor, In his Booke, called, An Antidote, &c. Are these Principles following.

Pr. HE saith, God doth not give the Revelation of these things now immediate­ly, as he did by the first Apostles, nor in such manner as he did to the Prophets of old. See his Epistle.

Answ. All that have the Scriptures, and are Ministers, and not by the same power and spirit as the Apostles was in, knows not the Scriptures; and all who be in it are in the immediate, and in that which reveals, and in that which fathoms all the Mi­nisters of the Letter, who saith, God doth not give forth now immediately as he did to the Prophets and Apostles: Since the dayes of the Apostles in the apostacy, such as have ravened inwardly from the spirit of God, the time of Antichrist, Beast, and false Prophets reign, and the mother of Harlots, who have had the sheeps cloathing, such immediate Revelation hath been hid from them; and such should continue untill the words of God was fulfilled, and the fulfilling of the Prophets: But now is the fulfil­ling of the words of God, and that come into, which the Prophets and Apostles was in, with which that is seen and known, and him that hath been slain from the foundati­on of the world.

Pr. He saith, To looke to the Light within, that is in opposition to looking at Jesus. That the light in every man is naturall. And if yee turne your eye inward, ye shall presently see their mover and teacher: and this he calls foolish and Antichristian. And saith, That no man hath in him, as of him, that light spirit and wisdome in the inward parts. See his Epistle.

Answ. All upon the earth that ever comes to the knowledge of the glory of God, they come to the light in them, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which light was before any naturall lights was made or created; which light gives the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus; and this is of him, and from him: And all that be from this, be in the foolishness, and be in the drunken spirit drunkning. And all that ever comes into Covenant with God, to have Gods Law written in their hearts, they must come into the light which Christ Jesus hath en­lightned them withall, which brings them into him who is the life and knowledge of Christ, and there they shall finde their Teacher within them.

Pr. And he saith, To the Law, and to the Testimony.

Answ. Many may have the Old and New Testament, yet stand against the Law and the Testimony, and put the Old and new Testament for it: For the Law is light, saith Solomon. And the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. And many may have the Scriptures, and stand against the Light, and say prophecy is ceased, as the world doth now, who are inwardly ravened from the spirit of God; and despiseth prophecy, and so quencheth the spirit: And the light within doth not deny Jesus: And none knows him nor owns him, but with the light that comes from him: And the Pharisees and the Jewes were opposite to Christ that doth en-lighten every man that cometh into the world; and was from that of God in their own particulars, their eyes closed, and their cares stopt, as you are now.

Pr. He saith, Take away the Word of the Lord as declared by the pen, and then what wis­dome is in them. Epist.

He saith, If a believer should turne his eye into himselfe to looke for counsell and direction, be may be led to walke in the flesh as other Gentiles in the vanities of their minds, and follow their abominations.

Answ. There is none upon the earth hears the counsell of God, or Christs teaching, but who are come to the spirit of God within, and to the Light within: And all peo­ple upon the earth, that are led from the vanities of their minds, and walking in the flesh, they are come to the spirit within, and led with it; which all the Jewes and Gen­tiles was astray from, while they walked after the vanities of their minds, and then cru­cified the Just: And none hears the counsell of God, or comes into the faith of Jesus, nor the grace of God that brings their salvation, but they come to feel it within, the grace in their hearts, and the word in their hearts, and the faith in the heart, there's that which purifi [...]s. And all that be from the light and spirit of God within them, they are in the vanity of their own minds in the flesh, out of the counsell of God, and the wisdome of God which the Saints had, and was in before the Scripture was penned or printed. And the wisdome of God, Christ Jesus; them that had the Scrip­tures stood against the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, as all you do now, and never come into it; But as ye come into it that doth enlighten every man, &c. the wisdome of God; which none cometh out of the sin and the evill, but who come into that: And that is not opposite to the Scriptures without, but owns it given forth from the life in the wisdome of God.

Pr. He calls Perfection a Devilish doctrine. That the Scripture is the absolute rule, and medium of our faith, page 2. And Timothy did not receive his furniture and service of the Gospell immediately from the person of Christ. And he saith, If I had seen Christ as Paul did, I might have received the Word in the same manner immediately from the person of Christ.

Answ. Timothy had faith and the gift of God; and Christ is the Author of Faith, and so that is received immediately, whereby hee was made wise unto salvation [Page 134] through faith, with which he knew Scripture, and so by that he was furnished. And we do believe thee, and you all, that ye have not seen Christ as Paul did, nor the A­postles: So ye be out of the faith, and shew he is not in you, neither do you sit with him in heavenly places. Who ever receives faith from Christ, or knows Christ the power, knows immediately; which from God thou hast shewed thy selfe a reprobate, and under the judgement of it thou art come. And the Apostle preached Perfection; and Christ bid them be perfect, as their heavenly father is perfect, and the Saints was to grow to perfection: And the work of the Ministry was for the perfecting of the Saints, till they all come unto a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. And thou in this hast denyed the work of the Ministery, that calls the Doctrine of perfecti­on a devillish Doctrine. And the Scriptures is not the Author, nor the meanes of it, nor the rule, but Christ who gives it, and he increaseth it; and Faith was before Scrip­ture was given forth: And all they that gave forth Scripture had faith from God, and they are able to make wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus. But them that have the Scripture, and deny the light that doth enlighten every man, &c. and hate it, have not faith, as the Pharisees had not; and so such as the Apostle spoke of which was reprobate concerning the faith before his decease, that had got the form of godlinesse, are them that say, the Scripture is the Medium of Faith, and absolute rule; but that which rules it, and increaseth i [...], is Christ.

Pr. He saith, Christ his grace brings salvation, but not by any such light or power dwelling in them. Page 6.

Answ. The grace of God which brings salvation, that teacheth the Saints, is in their hearts, and stablisheth it: That dwels within them, which brings salvation, is their Teacher; the grace of God which brings them every one to say, this is the Lord which I have waited for, where the everla [...]ting life runs, and fl [...]ws.

Pr. He saith, Such as cause divisions are to be marked, that serves not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their owne bellies, their lusts, will, or light within them, page 12.

Answ. The light which doth enlighten every man, &c. Christ Jesus the second Adam, leadeth men from their lusts and wills, and serving their own bellies, to serve the Lord Jesus Christ from whence it comes: For such as serves their own bellies are out of the light, in the transgression, in the first Adam, in their own lusts and wills, where thou art among the Apostates deceivablenesse, mystery of Iniquity, which the Apostle saw was coming in, which since the dayes of the Apostles it hath reigned; but now with the light discovered and made manifest. And such as have served their bellies, and serves their bellies, which the Apostles saw coming in before their decease, are now manifest, such as deny the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which is the salvation to the ends of the earth: Are not they casting into prisons, and haling before Courts, such as will not put into their mouths, that they do no work for, for their own bellies? and these cause divisions among all people. Do not these serve their bellies? And are not people come to mark them what a division they have set among people? yea for Tythes, and maintenance, and persecuting, and pri­soning for it, and haling before Judges and Justices, by Writs into Courts, and at Assizes and Sessions? Doth not these serve their bellies, that makes all this division, and not Christ? but they deny the light which doth enlighten every man, &c. and so deny Christ the Lord that bought them. And the light that every man hath that cometh into the world; and the light that shines in the heart, it gives the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus, and brings all off from serving their bellies, and leads out of the lusts in the fall, which came by Adam in the transgression.

Pr. He saith, To speak the Word of God immediately, and that which I speak I speak it immediately. I am strengthened against that, and admonished by God, to hold fast the form of sound words. And that which is able to make men wise unto salvation through faith. And Timothy was to stir up the gift of God that was in him mediately, and the putting on of the hands, and the neglecting not the gift that was in him. And God hath published his last dispensation, and nothing more to be added or altered. page 15.

Answ. It thou art strengthened by God against speaking his Word immediately; or if thou speaks immediately, thou being strengthened by God against this (as thou saith). In this thou shews thou never knew him; who ever is strengthened of God, it is by his power, and that is immediate; who ever speaks his word that lives and en­dures for ever, it is immediate. In this thou, and you all have shewed your selves to be Ministers of the Letter, and not of the Word of God, which is immediate, which lives, and abides, and endures for ever, and is immortall and fades not away; and this thou and you speak not immediately, and therefore have ye indeed put the Letter for it, that be from the Word of God in your hearts, not born again of the immortal seed, the Word of God. And whosoever stirs up the gift of God in them, it is immediate, and by the immediate. And who ever holds fast the form of sound words, the Scrip­tures, they are made wise unto salvation by them through the faith, they are in the immediate gift of God; and gift which brought Timothy to lay on the hands upon the Presbytery, and see and divide the word aright, and kept him out of partiality, it was immediate, and the immediate Word of God that he was to preach in season and out of season: And since the dayes of the Apostles from this have you all been a­postatized, and asleep in the night of apostacy in the great City; though there hath been Pipers among you, and sounding of Trumpets, and the voyce of th [...] Brid [...] [...]d the grinding of Mills, and the light of Candles. And the time is coming that B [...]ylon shall fall, and become the habitation of Devils, and the Saints shall rejoyce and sing over her, &c.

Pr. He saith, It is not properly, and absolute in a full sense that God is manifest, or glori­fied in the flesh of his Saints, page 29.

Ans. The Saints are the Temples of God, and God dwels in them, and walks in them; and they come to witnesse the flesh of Christ, and they glorifie him in their souls and bodies, and the Lord is glorified in their bringing forth much fruit: And they witnesse the seed, the one offering for sin and transgression to be manifest within, and such are not Reprobates, yet witnesse the one offering Christ Jesus; and them that have not him within, they are Reprobates.

Pr. He saith, The body is dead because of sin, yea it is, yet in it selfe is but a wretched vile body, page 30. And Christ is in, or among believers the hope of glory. And that person Christ is personally absent from the believers: And we do not possesse the glory of this glory Christ in us. page 32.

Answ. I do believe you that are not come to the Light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, ye do not possesse the hope of glory in you, ye are ab ent from Christ, and do not feel him. But the Saints in the light receive Christ the hope of glo­ry, and so he is not absent from them, for they have unity with him and the Father, and knows a change in them from glory to glory; and witnesse Christ in them as be­lievers in the light, which walks not in darknesse, that have the light of life. And where the body of sin is destroyed and put off, they glorifie God in their souls and bo­dies and spirit which is the Lords, and those are not wretched.

Prin. He saith, CHRIST is absent from us while wee are in the mortall body.

Answ. Contrary to the Apostle, who saith, the life of Christ is manifest in their mor­tall flesh.

Pr. He saith, Christ is in heaven with a spirituall body.

Answ. And Priest Higginson saith, he is in heaven with a carnall body. And thus ye are confused, and discerned, who are from the Light, and can speak of the body of Christ by the Letter, and tell where he rose by the Letter, as the Priests of old could tell Herod where he sh [...]uld be born; but Christs body is glorified.

Pr. He saith, The first Resurrection we desire not to account our selves to have apprehend­ed, page 44. Such as magnifie their belly to be some eternall operation, and making it with­all deceivablenesse of unrighteousnesse in them that perish, glorying in their shame, minding sensuall earthly things: All since the Apostle have not the Ministry of the Gospell immedi­ately, [Page 136] but mediately from the person of Christ in their believing through their word, page 46. And the Text saith, not the word of faith in the heart.

Answ. Rom. 10. The word of Faith which they Preached was in their mouth, and in their heart, nigh them even in their heart. And all since the dayes of the Apostles we do believe you have not received the Word immediately from Christ, as the Apostles did, who have erred and apostatized from them. (So none are Preachers of the Word in the Truth, but who are Preachers of it immediately) and such all are the false A­postles, and such as serves not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own bellies, which mind earthly things sensually, and are in the deceivablenesse of unrighteousnesse, de­ceiving the people with the good words; forcing, and taking maintenance of people they do no work for, and keeping of them all from the immediate teachings of God, they themselves being out of it, and concluding all under their own dominion, and shall all agree in one against the immediate teaching. And they that be out of the im­mediate teaching, is under the power of the Beast, and Antichrist, and the great whore the mother of Harlots: And so they served their bellies, when they went from the immediate teaching into the strong delusion, as since the dayes of the Apostles it hath discover [...]d it. How are people all on heaps, out of the life, and spirit, and power of God? And so all that perish in the deceiveablenesse of unrighteousnesse, they are from the light which Christ doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world withall; for none perisheth who be in the Light. And the Saints witnessed they were risen with Christ; and them that were risen sought the things that were above, and not the things up­on the earth. And they that know the first Resurrection, and are in it are blessed, the second death hath no power on them: and they are a top of Adam, and they are in Christ the resurrection, and the life. And such as be in the first Adam drove from God, and loveth to live in the Fall, looks not after the first Resurrection, neither desire to come into it.

Pr. He saith, The glorious bringing down of the Kingdome and glory is yet to be waited for even by the Disciples all the time of this mortality. page 54. All believers are personal­ly from Christ in their mortall bodies: and none of the Fathers saw the day of Christ as actually revealed, accomplished in their time.

Ans. He that believes is born of God, and overcomes the world, and abides in the doctrine of Christ, and hath the Son and the Father, and the spirit of Christ, the life of Christ in the mortall flesh: And the Kingdome of heaven Christ said was in the Pha­risees, and the Saints comes to, and possesseth the Kingdome: And the Kingdome of heaven is within them, is in righteousnesse, in peace, in joy in the holy Ghost, and in power, and they were changed from glory to glory; and they rejoyced with joy unspeakable and full of glory; and that was in the Kingdome, and this was while they were upon the earth. And Enoch and Abraham saw the day of Christ, and David saw the betrayer, and whose feet should be snared, whose eyes should be blinded, and whose back should bow down; and he saw Judas that betrayed Christ: And Isaiah saw the suffering of Christ, and how God laid the iniquity upon him. And Isaiah saw his name, and made his soule an offering for sin. And Daniel said the Messiah should be cut off, but not for himselfe, which the Apostles witnessed fulfilled.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures is the power of God unto salvation, page 59.

Answ. Many may have the forme, but deny the power of God, which is the Gos­pell. And the Letter doth not give life, neither is it the power of God unto sal­vation.

Pr. He saith, That Christ is distinct from every one of us, and without us in our particu­lar persons, page 61.

Answ. The Apostle said, Christ was in them except they were reprobates; and they were of his flesh, and of his bone; and they eate his flesh, and drank his blood, then it was within them; and he is distinct from none but Reprobates, who hates the Light.

Pr. Nor are we to wait for a further Revelation to us to be given forth, then the Scriptures. [Page 137] For the Word of GOD came not first to the Gentiles immediately, but to the Apostles, page 77.

Answ. The Apostles that preached the Word of God, it was immediate to whom­soever they preached it, for they had received it immediately. For the Word it selfe is immediate, for it is the savour of death to the death, and of life to the life, and none knows the Scriptures but by the spirit that doth reveal them: So all that witnesse the spirit of God, witnesse the Revelation, and the revealing of the Scriptures to them by it, and the things of God, layd up for them that love God, which the eye hath not seen; which the eye may see the Scriptures outwardly. And none knows the Son of God, neither knows any man the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son reveales him. And so people may have the Scriptures, but not the rev [...]lation of the Son of God by them. For the Pharisees had the Scriptures, but not the thing they testified of.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures are the Word of God, and the key of knowledge page 79. and the opening of all things contained in the Scriptures.

Answ. The Scriptures are the words of God, and that is his Word who fulfils them, Christ Jesus, whose name is called the Word of God. And that which opens the Scri­ptures is the spirit that gave them forth, that is the key of David, who in the light saw more light. For the Pharisees who crucified Christ, had that which testified of Christ, the Scriptures. And you that be in the apostacy since the days of the Apostles; but ye want the key, and have taken away the key of knowledge: And all that dwells upon the earth, that stops their eares, and closeth their eyes against that of God in them, that doth deny the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, wants the key of knowledge.

Pr. He saith, He gives gifts unto men for the work of the Ministery, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ, untill all come into the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, Page 81.

Answ. And yet he said before, Perfection was a devillish Doctrine, and a fancy: so out of this work, and this Ministry thou hast thrown thy self; For this work, and this Ministery hath been lost since the dayes of the Apostles in the apostacy; but now is ap­pearing in the end of Babylon, the knowledge of the Son of God people are coming to, and the unity of the faith from among the Apostates, who have had the sheeps cloa­thing, but all on heaps about it, being ravened from the spirit of God inwardly. Among whom the Proclamation hath been in the Steeple-houses, and Pulpits, in Mar­kets, Towns, Disputes: No perfection, no overcoming of sin; Perfection is a Do­ctrine of Devils, a devillish Doctrine, and a fancy, &c. And this hath been pro­claimed among the Apostates in the apostacy since the dayes of the Apostles, by the Beasts authority, under Satans power, the deceiver of the Nations, where the mother of Harlots is; But I will reward her double, and shall take the Devill, and with him the Beast and false Prophet, and cast them alive into the fire. Rejoyce ye holy Prophets over her, and Saints, who are come into the unity of the Faith, and to a perfect man, and to the knowledge of the Son of God. And the everlasting Gospel shall be preach­ed to them that dwell upon the earth, and God shall be feared, and glory given to him. And none comes to the knowledge of the Son of God, the salvation to the ends of the earth, the Covenant of Jewes and Gentiles, untill they come into the light which Christ doth enlighten every one withall that cometh into the world, that gives him the knowledg of the Son of God, of the author of his faith, and the taste of his fulness, and to become a perfect man.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures is the meanes whereby the righteousnesse is revealed from faith to faith, page 82.

Answ. The Pharisees had the Scriptures read every Sabbath, and the form of god­linesse, denyed the power, and was reprobate concerning the Faith and the righte­ousnesse of Christ Jesus. And God it is that reveals the faith, and gives the faith, and the righteousnesse; and many have the words, and yet not it; who hath it, hath the [Page 138] word in their hearts, and the spirit that gave forth the Scriptures, and seeth God the original of all good; and the Scriptures cannot reveal it, but they testifie of it: and all must come into the spirit, before they know revelation, or know the Scriptures either.

Pr. He saith, New Jerusalem is not come down from heaven, and be will make all things new; not hath made, page 83. He saith, The body is dead because of sin, yet there is a remainder of the old man in the members, page 84.

Answ. Where the body is dead because of sin, and that put off by the Circumcision of the spirit; If the root be holy, the branches are holy also; and such comes to glori­fie the Lord in their bodies and soules which are the Lords, who hath redeemed them out of the sin. So they that are Christs, have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, and all things are become new. And the new Jerusalem is witnessed come down from heaven among the Saints; for who witnesseth Christ, and know Christ, knows the Tabernacle of God, and knows the new Jerusalem, and knows the place where there is no curse. And many knows their Mother now, and that which had led captive, is gone, and going into captivity.

Pr. He saith, The Apostles gave the last and full revelation of the Gospell to all Nations. And Timothy learned Doctrine mediately, and since none may expect to receive so immedi­ately as Paul did, but all mediately, page 88, 89. Again, God now gives, and teacheth mediately and spiritually by the testimony of him mediately, page 90. It is a little necessary to shew the vanity of their pretence of immediate revelation from Gods spirit, page 91.

Answ. All them be in a pretence, and in vanity that are from the immediate reve­lation of the spirit of God: And if all people have all Pauls Declaration; and if they have it not immediately revealed to them by the spirit of God as Paul had, they have not the comfort of Pauls words, neither have they the comfort of the revelations. And John saith, the everlasting Gospell must be preached to them that dwell upon the earth since the apostacy from the Apostles (mark that) And that which Timothy preached, who was in the faith, the gift of God, and spoke his word, and divided it aright, it was immediate. But since the dayes of the Apostles hath the immediate been lost; and I know yee cannot expect it in the state ye all stand in, inwardly ravened from the spi­rit of God, and truth. But now is the Saints come to that which ye ravened from, and the Apostles were in, who witnessed the immediate teachings of God; and Gods teaching is immediate, and the testimony of Jesus is immediate, which is the spirit of prophecy; but many have that which testifies of him, and be from the immediate spi­rit as was in them that gave forth the Scriptures. And all upon the earth that be from the immediate spirit of God, as was in them as gave forth Scriptures; and their Mi­nistry be but mediate, and they be but in the mediate, they are all Ministers but of the Letter made by man; and what they have it is but from man, and not from God immediately. Such have nothing but the sheeps cloathing, and inwardly ravened from the spirit of God in them. And here is Babylon the mother of Harlots, and the Beast, and his names: but over all have they victory that be in the immediate, in that which the Apostles was in, and answer that in them all which they ravened from.

Pr. He saith, Even now, in the dayes of their adversity, while the person of the Lord, the fountaine of their teaching, for whom they waite, is personally absent from them, Page 92.

Answ. All they that hate the light, sees not Christ the fountain of teaching, and these be them that inwardly ravened: Such have their teachers in corners, and are in the dayes of adversity, and eate not the flesh of Christ, nor drink his blood, and are not of his flesh and bone, and receives not his spirit. But all who wait in the Light which Christ Jesus hath enlightened every man that cometh into the world withall: Every man that cometh into the world, with which light he hath enlightned them, their eyes shall see their Teacher that cannot be removed into a corner. Salvation they shall see, and dayes of adversity shall end, and his guiding they shall know, and come to be in [Page 139] unity with Christ, and eate his flesh, and drink his blood, and be of his flesh and bone; which thousands do witnesse this, and the Prophet raised up, the end of the Prophets; and they that heare him not are to be cut off. And none lifts up the Son of God, but who be in the Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, and that brings him to understand the Scriptures, and the substance of them.

Pr. He saith, The grace of God that brings salvation, it is a fancy to say it is stirred up in them; but is a thing wrought in another for them: And to say the Word of the Lord is within, and the spirit within, is mens following their own brain, and visions of their own hearts. And he saith, whereas they imagine of a light within them, all that knows God, shewes the light in them to be darknesse it selfe. See Post-script.

Answ. All that knows God, owns the Light within them, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus, which light shines in their hearts, And all that knows God, owns the Light that doth [...]lighten every man that cometh into the world, Christ Jesus, and believes in the Lig [...], and hath the witnesse in them­selves. And all that be from the Light within them, be in the darknesse, and stum­bles, which have been in this night of the apostacy from the Apostles Doctrine. And all Gog, and Magog, and the Beast, and false Prophets, and the Kings of the Earth are making war against the Light that doth enlighten every man, &c. but the Light shall get the victory. And all that be from the Word of God within in their hearts, and their mouths; though they speak of the Scriptures without, yet they use their tongues, and follow their own dreams, and visions of their own hearts and brains, and be from the Word of God that lives, and abides, and endures for ever. And all that ever wit­nesse the grace of God that brings salvation, they feel it in their hearts, stablishing of them, and seasoning of their words, and knows the throne of grace from which it cometh: And this doth not deny what Christ hath done, but owns him all along from the foundation of the world; and what he wrought, and what he did, and what he said for us. And all upon the earth that have the Scriptures, and are out of the spirit that gave them forth, they are all in a confusion here, and on heaps a­bout words: And the Word of God within, and spirit within, it leads people from following their own dreams, and following fancies of their own brains, which all have done many hundreds of yeares past, in the apostacy, since the dayes of the Apostles.

And as for all thy lyes and confusion in thy Books, they will be thy own burthen, and the witnsse in thy conscience will answer in the day of thy judgement; thou shalt feel a smart work thou hast to go through, who art now in the pack, and body of con­fusion, buryed under the body of iniquity. But thy folly is discovered sufficiently to the Nation, and thy spirit is now tryed, who art one of the heads risen up against the Lamb in his day, and his Light, but it is thy condemnation.

Matthew Caffinn, In his Booke called, The Deceiving QUA­KER Discovered. His Principles are as followeth, &c.

Pr. HE saith, Nothing will cure the soule but the knowledge of salvation which is made known by outward meanes, because the will of the Lord in order to soules peace and rest was discovered by outward meanes. page 4.

Answ. The Pharisees had outward meanes, Reading, praying, and expounding, and yet knew not the soules comfort and peace: For Christ bid them come unto him, that their soules might have r [...]st, all that was weary and heavy laden. So if people have all the Scriptures upon the earth, hearing, and praying, and all the outward [Page 140] meanes, and be not in the power, which is the Gospell, which is immediate, not out­ward, they have not their souls comfort and rest: And if they be not in the life that gave forth the Scriptures; for the soule is in the hand of God, and Christ the Bishop of it, and the Minister of the spirit watcheth for it; and they that hearkned what the Spirit said, their souls lived, and this was not outward. But when men stop their ears, and close their eyes to that of God in them as the Jewes did, and all the inwardly ra­veners, false Prophets, and Antichrists in the apostacy, since the dayes of the Apostles, such hearken not diligently, and their soules live not. And all such as deny the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, seeth not Christ the Bishop of their souls, nor their salvation.

Pr. And he saith, The Quakers cry wait upon the light within you, and this is another report then that of the Scriptures. And he saith, I do not finde where it is spoke that God spoke in this people. pag. 5. And t [...] Apostle which was to go to preach to all Nations, did not turne the people to a teacher within t [...]em, to teach them all things. And the Apostle affirmes that they was to give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, &c. and not their tea­cher within them. page 8.

Answ. It was the Lord that spoke in his Prophets, by their mouths, and in his Son, and they were the mouth of the Lord. And where God dwels in his people, he speaks. And the Apostles were to go into all Nations to preach the Gospel, and preached the Covenant of God; which who came into it, the thing they preached, the Law writ­ten in their hearts, needed not any man to teach them, nor needed not to teach one another, saying, Know the Lord, as it had been in the first Covenant, people had been taught to know the Lord; and the Priests lips was to preserve the peoples know­ledge. But who are come into the Covenant of God, Christ Jesus the second Cove­nant, they are come into the treasury of wisdome and knowledge. And the Apostles told the Saints, that the light which shined in their hearts would give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus; and this is not another report then the Scriptures, but this is the Scriptures report; And John told the Saints, that the anointing which abideth in them would teach them all things; and the word was in their hearts and in their mouths, to obey it, and do it, and this was the Ministers work: and to the hearing of Faith, which Christ is the author of, whereby they receive the spirit. And the Apostle brought the people to their Teacher within them, which is the Light, and turned people from the darknesse to the Light, and from the power of Satan unto God; which light shining in their hearts, it gives them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, &c. See 2 Cor. 4. Chap. Now light shines in the darknesse, they being turned from the darknesse to the light, it gives knowledge: So such come from under the pow­er of Sathan unto God; for while they be in the darknesse, they be under the power of Sathan, and nothing gives nor makes manifest the knowledge of the Saviour, but the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, which shines in the dark­nesse; and they being turned from the darknesse, and from the power of Sathan, such the God of the world cannot blinde: But they in whom this light shines, and they in the darknesse, the God of the World blindes, and the light of the glorious Gospel they do not know.

Pr. Saith Antichrist, If you will believe in the Light within you, it will lead you to Christ. To wait upon the teacher within, there will be such an eternall light that will make known all things. page 9. And the Quakers exhort all ignorant people in the world to depend upon a light within them. Wherefore be counselled not to be carried away with strange doctrines. page 11.

Answ. The light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, is not a strange Doctrine; the light to the Gentiles, the teacher of the Gentiles, the salvation to the ends of the earth, the new Covenant to the house of Israel and Judah. And this was a strange Doctrine to the Jewes and to the Gentiles, though to them is had been promised: So this light shines in the darkness, and the darknesse not comprehending it, such are ungodly wicked men, and they must be turned from the darknesse to the [Page 141] light, before they come to retain God in their knowledge, or come to that which must give them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. And all that come to witness their Teacher within, Christ, are possessors of the Prophet Christ Jesus raised up, the teacher of this people according to the promise: And that is Anti­christ which keeps people from the light, and the false Apostles; for that was the true Christ, and the true Apostles that bid people believe in the light, and walk in the light, and brought them to the light within; and the true Prophet and Prophets said, that he would give him a Covenant to the Gentles; and this is the true light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, and all that denies this are Antichrists and Deceivers.

Pr. He saith, How beautiful are them that preach the Gospel, &c. not by the light within. And the word of faith cannot be said to be in mens hearts and mouths. page 14. And the sure word of prophecy spoken of in Peter, is the Scriptures which people must take heed unto, as unto a light shining in a dark place: and the Saints received the words of the Apostles not as the words of men, &c. Wherefore the Quakers suppose that God himselfe is their teacher, and so erre, not knowing the Scriptures. page 17.

Answ. They that preach the Gospel which is the power of God, which gives relief to that which was captivated in every creature, they are in the light in their own par­ticulars, with which they know the glorious Gospel, and answer the light in every man that shines in the darknesse, and life and immortality there comes to the light, through the power which is the Gospel, and this is that which is beautifull. And the word the Apostle preached of faith, was in the heart, and in the mouth, and is so un­derstood by all the regenerate. But by all them that have only the forme, and inward­ly gone from the spirit, knows it not, but are of this ignorant; they cry, how should this be so? As the Jewes said, how is it that thou maketh us to doubt? Yea, the Word was it that made them doubt. And the sure word of prophecy, which people do well to take heed unto as unto a light shining in a dark place (mark) in the dark place, untill the day dawn, and the day-star arise in their hearts. This was it that let them see that no prophecy of Scripture came by the will of man: and this lets them see that such as went in Cains, Cores, and Balaams way, which were Preachers of the Forme, but wanted the power, but lost the holy Ghost, and such admired mens persons because of advantage, and came to be dead, twice pluckt up by the roots; which those dead have long reigned, layd upon the earth, whose carkasses stinks, since the dayes of the Apo­stles in the apostacy; so many may have the Scriptures, and quench the pro­phesie.

Pr. He saith, Christ is not yet so the Word, but be himselfe testifies the Scriptures is the Word of God. page 21.

Answ. Christ his name is called the Word of God; and the Scriptures are the words of God, which Christ the Word of God fulfills, in whom the words all ends: And such as the light shines in the darknesse, and the darknesse comprehends it not, they are not like to see the spirit untill they be turned to the light.

Pr. He saith, They erre, not knowing the Scripture, when they affirme that the only means of faith is the immediate teaching of Christ dwelling in them. page 23.

Answ. Could the Apostle preach Christ untill he was revealed in him, who is the Author of every mans faith? And the doers of the Law are justified, and not the hearers only.

Pr. The Quakers will not own the Scriptures to be the touch-stone to try the spirits withal. page 28. And the Scriptures are not the rule: Oh shamefull deceit! And George Fox said, that he knew Christ come in him page 29. And this is the deceiving of many; and this cannot be till first the true faith of his coming be made voyd, which these men endeavour to do. page 29.

Answ. The holy men of God before the Scriptures was, had a rule, and a touch­stone; and the Pharisees had Scriptures, but were out of the life that the holy men was in that gave it forth, and wanted the rule, and the touch-stone: But the Apostles [Page 142] that was in the life, and the substance of what they spoke, they had the rule, and touch-stone. And all in the apostacy since the dayes of the Apostles, that are ravened from the spirit of God, have had onely the sheeps cloathing; but have lost the touch­stone, and so have destroyed one another about Scriptures, the Saints words, which was not the work of the spirit that gave it forth. And Christ is in you except you be re­probates. So reprobates witnesse it not, therefore they stand against it, and therefore are against them that witnesse it. And all the false Christs, and the destroyers of the Faith of people, are such as draw people from the Light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, and keeping them from witnessing and receiving Christ in them, the substance and the author of their faith, and such never knows him come in the flesh, nor the spirit. And such as witness Christ within them, receive the author of their saith, and destroy the faith of none. And the spirit was the rule of the Saints that led them to give forth Scriptures; and it lets them see in all ages who got the forme of godliness, who used their tongues, who lived in the spirit, who erred from the spirit, who run when the Lord had never sent them, whom the Lord had never spoken to: and this was the rule, and this was the spirit of discerning, and this was the touch-stone to try withal.

Prin. And they say, they owne Christ that suffered, meaning the Spirit within. page 36.

Answ. There is none knows Christ nor his suffering, but with the spirit of God within; for with the spirit of God in the Prophets, and the holy men, they knew Christ that was to come to suffer; with the spirit of God in the Apostles, they knew that was the Christ that did suffer; with the same spirit of God within people, they now come to see him, and enjoys him, and receive him the same that did suffer, which none doth that are out of the spirit. And the Pharisees that had Scriptures knew him not, who were gone astray from the spirit; nor the Gentiles, though they had Scrip­tures: Neither doth the Apostates, who are inwardly ravened from the spirit of God, though they have all the sheeps cloathing, know the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, though they be for multitude as the sands on the sea shore; nor doth any know it, and receive it, but who comes to that which they ravened from.

Pr. He saith, That Christ is a distinct being from the Father. page 40. They that hold that they are now in the possession of the Kingdome of Christ, and that they have eternall life now in possession, perverts the right way of the Lord. Page 42.

Answ. Christ is not distinct from the Father, for he and the Father is one; the Father is in him, and he is in the Father, and the Father and the Son dwells in the Saints who are out of the transgression of his Doctrine; and he that hath not the Son of God, hath not life: and he that hath the Son of God, hath life eternall, really in possession, and such perverts not the right way of the Lord; but such as have not the Son of God, they are all in the first Adam, in the crooked wayes, and crooked by-paths in the world, n [...] witnessing life, but standing against the Light which shineth in the Darknesse, which their darknesse cannot comprehend; which are all the inwardly raveners since the dayes of the Apostles, among whom hath been the apostacy and the Apostates, from w [...]om the light of life hath been hid: But he that followeth the Light, he cometh to have the light of life: And he that receiveth the light, receiveth life eternall and to receive the Son of God: And he that receiveth the Son of God, hath eternall life in substance and possession.

Prin. He saith, Death which hath passed over all men is not a spirituall Death: page 51.

Answ Thou and all you shall feel it as a spiritual Death before ye know life and immortality come to light, and the spirituall wickedness wrestled against, whose wea­pons are spirituall, and not carnall, that wrestles not against flesh and blood, but spirituall wicke [...]nesses in high places: And that is it which causeth the life of all creatures to groan, and oppresseth it, whereby life and immortality is hid from the eyes, and the [Page 143] power transgressed, whereby the spirit and soule of man must be sanctified before he witnesse thorow purification, before he come from under the death, and spirituall wickednesses: For sin brings death, and that is the spirituall wickednesses that is to be wrestled against, and transgressing the pure Law of God, the commands of God, brings death. And so he entertains the spirituall wickednesse which brings death upon his life, so comes oppression on his body, and on his spirit, and his soule burthened and wearyed, and unsanctified, and polluted, which Christ gives rest to, who is the Sanctification, and Redemption, and Justification; which the Law goes upon man, a­greeable to that of God in him: but Christs body makes free from the Law, and re­deemes from under it: So as the power of God, the Gospel is known, and Christ known, the creature comes from under the bondage of corruption, and life and im­mortality comes to the light through the Gospell, whereby the death is known, which who believes shall never dye, and the life is known, which shall never dye.

Pr. The Quakers deny Water-baptisme, and slight it, and call it a carnall thing.

Answ. Outward water is not spirituall, but it is a carnall thing as it is in it selfe; and it is the spirit alone that baptizeth into the body, which brings off of things that are seen, which are temporall, as the Apostle said, while we look not at things that are seen; for the things that are seen are temporall, &c. and water is seen.

Pr. He saith, False Prophets and Antichrists should come in sheeps cloathing.

Answ. These Christ said should come, to his Apostles: And before the Apostles de­cease, they saw they were come. And the Apostles saw before their decease the Devill transform himselfe into an Angell of light; and Satans Messengers and Ministers come up, such as had a feigned humility and will-worship got up, and the abstaining from meats, neglecting the body; and such as Jannes and Jambres, that crept into houses, which had the sheeps cloathing, the form of godlinesse; and such were the seducing spirits, the doctrine of Devills, which ran into the strange delusions, bringing in the damna­ble heresies; which went in Cains, Cores, and Balaams way; and they saw the coming of the man of sin; and the Apostles all saw by the spirit of God before their decease, which Christ said should come, which inwardly ravened, which since the dayes of the Apostles the world hath gone after them. All this which Christ said should come, which the Apostles saw was come, and coming, before the coming of the just One: But the Just One now is come, who hath revealed it, the light which doth enlighten eve­ry man that cometh into the world. Cain, Core, Balaam, false Prophets, Antichrists, such as goes into strong delusions, and brings in the damnable heresies, and forbid­ding the eating of meats, and Marriage; these all inwardly ravened, an [...] these all have been up since the dayes of the Apostles, and these have been covered with the sheeps cloathing; and the false Prophets and Antichrists, they inwardly ravened, and the Devill the man of sin he went out of the Truth, and abode not in it; which Truth which he went out of, all they that have the sheeps cloathing; and he, and they all can get Scriptures, but inwardly ravened and gone from the spirit of Truth in their own particulars, such are the destroyers of the creatures, and of the Creation: But with that which they all ravened from, are they all manifest and discovered, which to that are now people come, and coming, which these inwardly raveners have had the sheeps cloathing, which have been the Beast, and false Prophets, Devills messengers and Ministers out of the truth, which have reigned since the dayes of the Apostles, having had the sheeps cloathing, which have long deceived the Nations. But now the Devill, Beast, Antichrist, and false Prophets are all discovered with the light, and life, which they all went from, and the truth. And the place is seen where there is no Curse; and the Beast, and the false Prophet is taken, that they shall deceive the Nations no longer, and is cast into the lake of fire, under whose dominion thou art, whose words shall be thy burthen.

Pr. He saith, Let us minde the Law and Testimony.

Answ. Then ye must all minde the Light; for the law is light, saith Solomon, then ye [Page 144] must all minde the spirit, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; which many may have the Old and New Testament, yet be from the Law and Testimony; for the Law and Testimony was before Matthew, Marke, Luke, John, the Acts, Epistles and Revelations was written, as in the 8. of Isaiah, which the Prophet minded. And they that say the Old and new Testament is it, shews themselves to be ignorant of the spi­rit, and ignorant of the Law and Testimony. And the Law and Testimony doth not deny the Scriptures, but owns them in their place, and sees the fulfilling of them with the Testimony of Jesus, they see Jesus who was afore Scripture was, and comes to fulfill it.

William Jefferies, his Booke, called, ANTICHRIST made known. In which these PRINCIPLES are following, &c.

Pr. HE saith, Men are mistaken in saying, the Romish Whore of Babylon is Anti-christ. And the chiefe City of this great Whore, the mother of Harlots is the City of Rome, the Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, and Clergy. And the spirit of Antichrist denies Christ come in the flesh, and say the light within them is Christ, when at the best it is but the light of nature. And this is the spirit of errour and darknesse, and their light is become darkness. See page 63, 64. 68.

Ans. The light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, is Christ, and none can confesse him in Truth, nor see him, nor lift him up, as the Serpent was lif­ted up in the Wildernesse, but who be in the Light which cometh from him. And by this thou hast overthrown thy self; for them that confesse the light in them to be Christ (which Christ saith he is the light) these doth not deny Christ come in the flesh. And the Devill may confesse the Son of God, and the Jewes may confesse him he is come, as the Apostates confesse him he is come: But none of all these knows him in the flesh, confesse him come in the flesh, or knows his flesh, or the flesh of the Son of Man, but who be in the Light that comes from him that doth enlighten every man, &c. which light was before any naturall created lights was made, glorified with the father before the world began: and in the light walking, it leads into the day where there is no night, which light is Christ the Covenant of God, and such here cometh to know darknesse past. Now I say, neither Apostates nor Jewes, whose cares were stopt, eyes closed to that of God in them; and the Apostates that are inwardly ravened, having sheeps cloathing, which are Babylon, which are the Harlot, who ravened inwardly from the spirit of God, brought the world after them, which was the mother of them all: None of all these can confesse Christ come in the flesh, but onely from the Letter, for these knows not his flesh; the Devill is out of the truth, and truth is a top of him. The Jewes eyes must be opened, and their eares unstopt before they know his flesh. The Apostates must come all to that which they have ravened from inwardly, before they come to know Christs flesh, and are of his flesh, and eate his flesh, and confesse that Christ come in the flesh, who is the offering, and the sacrifice of the whole world that makes the peace between God and man, and perfects for ever them that are sanctifi­ed. The top-stone layd a top of all sin, and transgression, Death, Hell, and Grave, brui­sed the Serpents head. Here is no Babylon, nor here is no Antichrist, and this the Quakers confesse with the Light within them. And all upon the earth are Antichrists, and knows not Christ, not Christ come in the flesh, that be from the light that doth en­lighten every man that cometh into the world, and owns not that, but denies it. And all Sects. Bishops, mother of Harlots, Antichrists, Popes, Cardinals, and Clergy, Baby­lon, Romish Whore, which is gotten up since the dayes of the Apostle, inwardly ra­vened [Page 145] having had the sheepes cloathing; they are not like, none of these that are ra­vened to own the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world. And so Babylon and so Harlots, and so waters, and so from the Rock.

Pr. And he saith the Whore will confesse Christ come in the flesh. Satan transforming himself into an Angel of light, he maketh the fountain of waters bitter, the sweet promises, the water of life; which maker glad the City of God like wormwood, and changeth the taste of them. Page 72 74.

Answ. Antichrist, the mother of harlots, false prophets which went forth from the Apostles as in Johns Epistle. These will confesse Christ come in the flesh as ye do, and all Sects upon the earth; else ye could not deceive the Nations, but as ye get the sheepes cloathing. So ye have brought the Nations, tongues, people, Languages and multitudes to be like waters; But these are the waters which now begins to grow bitter, for neither the Devil, nor Antichrist, nor false prophets nor mother of harlots who are gone from the Truth, and are inwardly ravened, though they may have the sheeps cloathing; they cannot touch the waters of life, nor the fountain to make them waters better that makes glad the City of God. For ye that inwardly ravened, which got the sheepes cloathing, are as the Devil which went out of the Truth, get Scriptures, and their confession of Christ is as his is, which since the dayes of the Apostles the world hath been after them. The inwardly raveners have gotten the Scriptures; who are out of the Truth which the Devil who is out of the Truth the deceivers of the Na­tions. And there the beast, false prophets Antichrist, mother of Harlots, deceivers, man of sin, Devils messengers and Ministers, damnable Heresies, their tongues are waters, their peoples are waters, their Nations waters, and multitudes waters: all on heapes about Scriptures destroying one another, about the prophets words, the Apostles words, Christs words, Ministers maintenance. Now the Devil, the Beast, false pro­phets and Antichrist is taken, and mother of Harlots, and cast in the Lake of fire, and Babylon confounded, and the everlasting Gospel shall be Preached to every Nation, kindred, tongue, and people. And as for all the rest of the stuffe in thy book, thy pack of confusion, Babylons children, it will fall heavy upon thy self, and be thy own burthen, and presse thee under; which in the day of thy Judgement thou shalt remember that I am a friend to all soules. There is neither Jewes that pro­fesseth a Christ was to come, nor Christians that professeth a Christ is come; nor none upon the earth (though ye have all the Scriptures) knowes the flesh of Christ, but who ownes the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world. For the Jewes knew not the flesh of Christ, though they had Scriptures, (but cruci­fied him) whose ears were stopt, and eyes closed to that of God in them: the Gentiles knew not the flesh of Christ who was astray from the life of God, neither do those called Christians know the flesh of Christ who are inwardly ravened from the spirit of God in them, though they have gotten all the sheepes clothing, and talk Christ is come, and died at Jerusalem, as the Jewes could say of him to come, and to be born at Bethlehem; yet they could not confesse him come in the flesh, nor did not know his flesh, no more do these Christians know his flesh, though they have all the form of godliness; But who cometh to the seed Christ himself, they know it in them, then they shall know the one offering (a top of all the worlds Sects) for the sins of the whole world, which none knowes the flesh of Christ, nor Christ, nor as God was in Christ, but as every one comes to the light with which they are enlightened: which who hate it, knowes him not, but it is your condemnation, and that ye shall all feel at last. So the one offering which is Christ is set over the whole world, and his flesh the world knowes not, nor the Princes of the world, which where the seed is come out of the grave, it knowes him, the seed knowes him, and are of his flesh, and of his bone, it is their meat and drink. And Christ is come now, who treads the wine-presse alone without the City, though all the Beasts and false prophets and Antichrists upon the earth rise against him, yet the Lamb and the Saints shall have the victory, and the Nations shall be ruled with a rod of iron, and he that was dead, is alive [Page 146] again, him by whom the world was made is manifest, and he rules in his Saints and the Tabernacle of God is with men.

Pr. And whereas thou saith that Antichrist will be a single person.

Answ. which is contrary to the Apostle 1 Joh. 1.18. who saith, even now there are many Antichrists whereby we know it is the last time; and they went out from us, but they were not of us the Antichrists which is against Christ.

The agreement of Divers Ministers of Christ so called in the County of Worcester and parts adjacent which are 58. in Number. Some of their Principles followes.

Pr. THey have sought Gods direction out of the Scriptures which they call his holy word, and what is the greatness of their work, and edification and salvation of souls, &c. And do humbly bewail our too great neglect, who have not frequently, and earnestly la­boured in so great a work: and especially that we have done no more in Catechising, and per­sonally instructing, &c. Page 3.

Answ. It was the Ministers work before the Apostacy to go from house, and warn all both small and great, yea with tears; this was the work of the Ministry in the Spirit; And they was in the spirit that gave forth Scriptures: and so brought people into the life that gave it forth, with which they was able to instruct one another, and to stir up the pure in one another. And the work of the Apostles, the Ministers of the Gospel and Christ was to bring people into the life that gave forth Scriptures, and into the substance Christ Jesus that the Scriptures testified of; But you who are fain to seek in the letter for it, in the Scripture for it; and have it not from within, as they had that gave forth the Scripture and re­ceived it of God: ye are never like to beget to God; And when truth comes, as it did among the Pharisees, which came to end their forms, and their shadowes, the builders stood up, and rejected it in their forms. And now since the dayes of the Apostles, such as have had the Scriptures, but inwardly ravened from the Spirit of God, are standing against the light Christ Jesus that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; And so ye may get people into a form, and cover them with sheepes cloathing. Now Christ is come, Reignes and Rules, his Saints with him, all rise up in armes against him, Kings of the earth, beast, and false prophets, the Dragon and his Angels; but the Lamb and the Saints shall have the victory, glory to the highest. And so that is but the blind zeal that is stirred up in the Apostates, against Christ in this age, as it was in the Jewes against Christ in their age. But Jewes must come to that which they closed their eyes, and stopt their ears against, and the Apostates must come to that which they ravened from, before they be stirred up in the pure zeal.

Pr. And you say aged men are commonly more ignorant then the yonger sort, and our un­skilfulness, and others unfitness for the work, &c. Page 7.

Answ. Your unskilfulness, and ignorance of your old men that is the cause of that ye have been ignorant of the work of God, therefore is there so much ignorance among you and the old men; and this you may publish to your shame to the Nation. And who will be Catechized by unskilful men, and ignorant men? But this is it, that your folly might appear, and that ye might publish it forth, and set it upon the house tops, that all that run might read you 58. Pastors and Teachers, and your young men as your old men.

Pr. You say ye receive the publike maintenance to this end that you may be enabled to lay out your endeavours for the good of the whole Parish from whence we receive it. And we are further oblidged in justice to do our best for their salvation.

Answ. How can men that are ignorant, and unskilful, (and the old men are yet foolish) and your unfitness do good for the salvation of men, when that the old men are so ignorant, yea, more then the young? But it is the publike maintenance that en­ables you, which did not enable the Apostles; And that is the thing which you in the Apostacy have looked at; For take away that from you, and pluck down your Schools and Colledges: we should have but a few Ministers in England among you; a few in­structers. So these are all made by men, since the dayes of the Apostles in the Apostacy, and teaching for filthy lucre, and the love of money which he ought not, disapproved of by Paul and Timothy. And take away but your publike maintenance, and few of you would be able to Preach the Gospel freely; if this tryal, and proof was among you, to prove you, it would be found that your God was your belly, and him it was ye served; and him it is that means, helpes; and enables; which Christ and God was the enabler of his Ministers, and Prophets, and Apostles; whom the earth was his, and they trusted in him: in Christ by whom all things was made, that was made and Created.

Pr. It astonished us many times (ye say) when we have talked with some of our hearers that they know so little of our Doctrine, which we have taught to them many years. It is sad to us to hear many men that can talk so about matters of the world understandingly, that can scarce speak a word of sence about the matters of their salvation, or scarce give a rea­sonable answer of a Question of the Foundamentals of Christanity. Page 19.

Ans. Thus you have spoken to your shame and it is manifest that here is like people, like Priest, that shewes ye have not profited them at all: and it shewes that the Apostles words are fulfilled among you, the doctrines of men, the commandments of men, they perish in the using of them; And who are greater in the world in striving for the earth for maintenance, for Tythes, casting into prison, hailing before Courts, and Sessions, then you that have called your selves Pastors, and Ministers of the Gospel, which your fruits have declared to all the Nation? and so unlike the Ministers of Christ, as your hearers are unlike Christians (by your own relation) without reproving one another, which the Apostle reproved them that taught for filthy lucre: Christ reproved them that were called of men master, and reproved them that taught for money, and for meanes, and those that minded earthly things, But how can ye reprove these things and live in the things your selves, one to reprove another, and be in the same thing himself; this will stinck among all sober men, and set you all on heapes among one another, as ye are. So how can ye, or they know any thing of the foundamentals of Religion, or salvation, or your people either? that deny the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world. Christ Jesus the foundation of God, the wis­dom of God, the end of the Prophets, and the Law, types, figures, and shadowes; ye have denyed the very key that opens to it. Therefore ye all come short of the glory of God: and Teachers, and people are all fallen into ignorance; since the dayes of the Apostles in the Apostacy: but now Christ is come, and coming to reign.

Pr. They say upon the sad experience of mens ignorance, we have been brought to con­sideration of our neglect, &c. And our hearts have been brought low to think how we have wronged Christ, least God should require your blood at our hands. Pag. 19

Ans. Repent, repent for ye have long deceived the people, and the blood will lie upon you, and the blood of many that hath been shed in the Nation, and have dyed in prison, and whipt, and stockt, and beat through your means: the blood lies upon you all. Repent: the Judgement of the great whore is come. The Magistrates begin to see you, and you shall not ride upon them. And your ignorance and all your hearers, you may well cry out of them, Repent, and come to the light which Christ Jesus hath enlightened every one withall that comes into the world, to give you the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus, out of the ignorance: which none cometh to the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, &c. but who comes to the light that shines in their hearts (yea in darkness) Christ hath enlightened them withall; Where it shineth out of darkness, it gives them the light of the know­ledge [Page 148] of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. And all are ignorant, who are from the light, and wrongs Christ, and you have all wronged him that have denyed the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, who are inward­ly ravened from it, and have had the sheepes cloathing: and so have kept people in ignorance, blindness and darkness. But now the true light shines, the day of glory is dawning; Christ and the Saints is reigning, and have the Kindom, glory to the Lord for ever.

Pr. They say, Alas that any reasonable soul should be so bruitish, most of their lives is spent in ignorance, and worldliness, living in the flesh, &c. Page 24.

Ans. Here is the fruits of your Ministry. Are not ye ashamed to manifest your fruits thus now to the whole Nation? Is this like a vineyard, that your people that you have taken maintenance of, and the Magistrates, that they should give you maintenance all this time, and your people spend most of their lives, in ignorance, worldliness, and the flesh? Is this like the fruits of the Ministers of Christ, or the fruits of the false prophets, that have not profited the people at all? Did not the Apostles keep them from them that bewitched them, and would have brought them into the flesh. And ministred to the spirit, got out the wheat, and the corn. And are not you ashamed to publish such a thing to the Nation, you 58. Ministers. To say a reasonable soul should be so bruitish? can that which is reasonable be brutish? that which is bruitish Warrs against the soul. But this is but to discover your Ministry, and what ye minister to, and that the soul ye are ignorant of it.

Pr. They say, Is it not pity that God should have any reasonable Creature that knowes not his maker, or his Lawes, or his own happiness? Is it not pity, that after all that Christ hath done, and suffered for the world, that any that calls themselves Disciples, should so little know him, and the salvation, and should set so light by him. Pag. 26.

Answ. In this you all Pastors and Teachers have shewed your work; what doth not the creatures yet know their Maker? what are they heathen yet? what do not the creature yet know Gods Lawes? what worse then the Jewes, heathen, and them that call themselves the disciples of Christ, and Christians so little know him, after Christ hath suffered for them? what hath been your work all this while, what have ye been doing, what have ye had wages for, that they so little know him that hath suffered for them, and their salvation? and should set so light by him how can they prize him, or see any light from Christ, when ye keep them from the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world? which none seeth salvation but with it; and by it; and none seeth Christ that suffered, but with it, and by it: and none cometh to see, and know Christs end, and the end of Gods Law, and prize him, and set much by him, but by the light. And doth not reasonable creatures know the Law of God? Are not reasonable creatures in the faith? are not the unreasonable out of the faith now that knowes not their Maker, nor his Law, nor little of the suffering of Christ, or their own happiness, and little know their salvation, and set light by Christ? Are not all these your fruits? Are not all these your hearers, that ye complain of to the Nation? Have not ye now discovered your selves in this that have the form of godliness, but denyes the power? that keepes people alwayes learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth? But such as be led away by with diverse lusts and laden with sins. And now are ye complaining that your people serves the lust of the flesh, and the earth, not knowing their Maker, nor knowing his Lawes, nor their salvation, and setting light by Christ: this ye may complain of with shame, who are such as crept into houses before the Apostles decease, and since ye have gone over the world; But now ye are discovered with that which gives to see the end of the Apostacy and Apostates, which gives to see before the world was made.

Prin. They say if the Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; whom the God of this world hath blinded their minds, of them that believe not, least the light of the glorious Gospel should shine unto them; who is the image of God. And the people perish, when visions fail, &c. Page 28.

Answ. Who believes not in the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, the God of the World blinds their mindes. Every one that cometh into the world is enlightned, that through the light they might believe. And every one that believeth in the light, hath the witnesse in himselfe, and abides not in the darknesse, but hath the light of life. And you that keep people from the Light that doth enlighten every one, &c. are the messengers of Sathan out of the truth; And the God of the world blindes the mindes of such as do not believe in the Light that every man that cometh into the world is enlightned withall, that all through it might believe. And who believes in it that doth enlighten every man, &c. the light of the glorious Gospell shines in them, which is the mage of God.

Prin. And you say, Visions are ceased, and Revelations, and immediate Inspi­rations.

Answ. But I say, Repent every one of you, and come to the Light; for the burthensome stone is fallen upon you, and all that stands against the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, shall split your selves against the Rock, and be grownd to powder. And every one that cometh into the world, Teachers, Professors whatsoever, must come unto the light which Christ Jesus the salvation, that saveth the souls, hath en­lightned them withall, before they come to life, or know the light of the glorious Gos­pell shining in their hearts, or come to the end of the Law, or end of the Prophets, or end of the Revelation, or out of the apostacy, or out of the Jewes state, whose ears was stopt, and eyes blinded, out of the Gentiles state that goes astray after the vanities of their mind. So all you, and all upon the earth, Jewes, Gentiles, and Christians of what sort soever, must come to the light which every one of you is enlightned withall, before every particular comes to see their salvation or satisfaction; yea, the salvation to the ends of the earth, the glory of Israel, the light of the Gentiles, which the apostate Christians have ravened from the spirit of God within them, have got the forme, but stands against the Light that doth enlighten every man, &c. such have caused the way of truth to be evill spoken of, yea among other Nations of the Heathens. They have been hot, and broyled in their lusts, having had the forme of godlinesse, and sheeps cloa­thing; but all standing against the Light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, smiting, striking their fellow-servants. (Now the Lamb is come, and the Saints to reign with him.) Such their portion must have with the hypocrites, who to every one will give a reward according to their works. And the Lamb, and the Saints shall have victory, him by whom the world was made before it was made, glorified with the Father before the world began. Now is the seed Christ come to reign, and the Just have preheminence. And I say to you all Subscribers to all these Books, Priests, Pro­fessors, Teachers whatsoever, your patience would have better covered your shame and folly then your hast, extreams, and rashnesse, But your folly must come forth, that to all men it might appear.

Abundance more of Stuffe is in it which is not worth mentioning, whose words shall be your own burthen, the witnesse in all your consciences in the day of your judgement, when your works are all tryed with fire shall answer, to a friend of your souls, and your goods eternall; but judges your fruits, words and actions, for the day of the Lord is come that will try every mans work.

John Stalham, who calls himselfe a Servant of the great Bi­shop of Souls, who watcheth over a Flock at Terling in Essex, In his Booke called, The Reviler rebuked. These are some of his Principles following.

Pr. HE saith, Immediate Ruptures and Revelations seduceth simple peoples mindes, &c. And the perverse Principles of their selfe-adorning light. And the Qua­kers deny all externall worship of divine Authority, as not to be found among us: And let Learning be advanced among pious men, for God hath his witty, and learned ones. And the life of their Religion is the rule of the holy Scriptures, the glory of the blessed Trinity. See his Epistle to the Protector.

Answ. The life of Religion is the spirit that gave forth Scriptures; for all that have the Scriptures, and be out of that, be in the feigned R [...]ligion. And the Scripture no where speaks of a Trinity, but the Papists, who be apostatized from the life of the Scripture. It speaks of Father, Son, and holy Ghost, and the water, spirit, and blood; and the learned ones upon earth never knew Christ with all their naturall learning. And if one get all the Naturals upon the earth, and the Scriptures in all the naturall Languages, and one supream power of a Nation tollerate all these Languages to be the Originall, and they have the Scriptures in all these Languages, these are witty ones; but these knows not God nor Christ by all this, though they have all the Scriptures, while they are from the spirit of God that gave forth Scriptures: For that which brings to know God, is by the revelation of the spirit of God, the light which doth not deceive the minde; but their mindes be deceived that be from the light. And all wor­ships that be in the spirit, and in the truth, that gave forth the Scriptures, called the Old and New Testament, that we own, and is owned among the Quakers. For God who is a Spirit, who led his servants, and Prophets, and Son by his spirit to speak forth the Scriptures, which Christ the Son is come to fulfill, who saith, they that wor­ship God, must worship him in spirit, and in truth, and that among the Quakers is owned. And the light which cometh from Christ leadeth from perverse Principles, and adorn­ing selfe, for it leads out of its righteousnesse; But perverse men ever stood against it in all ages, and so spurned against the foundation, and overthrew themselves.

Pr. He saith, The spirit speaking in the Scriptures. And them that say they have no sin, a gracious heart will slight and despise. He saith, the Kingdome of God is not within them, Luke 4. And he saith, The soule prepares it selfe for death. See Epistle to the Church.

Answ. Such as had gracious hearts, never despised him that had no sin, but the un­gracious did. As for example, all the Pharisees against Christ, and against the Apo­stles, and Saints, and the holy men: And the Apostle which told the Romans, they were made free from sin; and they that were dead to sinne, how could they live any longer therein? he slighted them not, but encouraged them. So we finde thee not to be a Mi­nister of Christ, and have proved and tryed thy spirit to be of such as say they are Apostles, and are not; And the spirit spoke in them that gave forth the Scriptures, so they were declared forth. And men may have the Scriptures, and not know the spirit that spoke in them that gave forth Scriptures: So that is the cause that all people be on heaps about the words, and saying, the spirit speaks in the Scriptures, which spoke in the holy men of God that spoke them forth, and learned of God the Father of spirits. So who have not it, the spirit, have but Letters, and are Ministers of the Letters, and not of the Spirit. And the Kingdome of heaven is within you, saith Christ in Luke 17. to the Pharisees, and thou saith with, or among them. And I say, that is the King­dome within them which never consented to sin, and in you all, which one day ye shall witnesse; which the gazer, and observer abroad, his eye and eare is closed, and [Page 151] stopt too, which he must come to, before he be as a little child, and know the leven that levens up the new lump; and knows the Kingdom, which is like unto a grain of mustard-seed; and where the diligent waiting is, the soule comes to live, and the everlasting Cove­nant felt. And thou that brings souls to be prepared for death, thou art more like to do that, then to present them to God, a slayer and executioner, so not a servant to the Bishop of soules, where the soule liveth, and rejoyceth, and comes out of death, and magnifies God the Saviour: And so all the Ministers of Christ their work is to prepare souls out of death, for life.

Pr. He saith, The Bible is the soules physick: And people must depend upon the spirits speaking in the Scriptures. He saith, the person of Christ is not his man-hood: and the natu­rall light the Quakers call Christ within, and nature grace. And he saith, The body of sinne is in the believer till he lay down the body. Epistle.

Answ. The souls refreshment is Christ, and Physitian Christ. Many may have the Bible, and not know it, and the Scriptures, as the Pharisees had. The soules Physitian is that which the Scriptures speaks of; which many may have the words, the Bible, and yet have not the thing it speaks of; and they that have the thing it speaks of, have both. And many holy men had their souls Physitian before the Scriptures was written and printed: and they that had the spirit that gave forth Scriptures, they had the souls Physick; and they know all the springs is in God, and the Lord, who in his hand was the souls: And such as are in the spirit they depend upon that, and they come to see the Scriptures by the spirit given forth from it; and such comes into the unity of the spirit, and the light which is Christ within, by which all things was made and cre­ated, was before the naturall Lights was, and Nature: For all the Naturalls that was made, was made by the Light Christ Jesus, the wisdome, who is the wisdome of God, by which all things was made, with which wisdome we see over the naturall Lights, and over Nature. And the grace (that comes from the Throne) that brings salvation, which is the Saints Teacher, teacheth not to call Nature grace. And he that believeth is borne of God, and he overcometh the world, and entereth into his rest, and shall never dye. And he that believeth hath victory, yea while he is upon the earth, he cometh to wit­nesse the Circumcision that puts off the body of sin, and makes free from it, which the synagogue of Satan cannot witnesse.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures are the Word of God, page 4. And the Spirit is given by the Letter. And he saith, the spirit proceeds from that which is put within the Book or Bi­ble. page 5. And I judge them that pretend the spirit without the Scriptures. And the Scripture is a more sure rule then visions and revelations. pag. 7. And God that gave the letter, gives the spirit with it, and by it. page 9.

Answ. God gave the spirit before he gave forth Scriptures: And the Devill and wicked men may get Scriptures, but they have not the spirit, nor none have it, but as they come to feel it given from God, as it was given to them that gave forth Scrip­tures. And so people are to finde the spirit of the Father speaking in them, as it did in them that gave forth Scriptures, then the spirit answers to the spirit that gave forth Scriptures; then there is an unity with the words, and with God of whom they learned; which many may have the Bible, and not know the spirit that spoke it forth, but be erred from it: And the Scriptures are the words of God, of truth, God spake all these words. He that adds to these words, the words of God is pure. Christ is the Word, his name is called the Word of God, who was before the words were spoken forth, who comes in the volume of the Booke to fulfill the words: And the spirit was before the Scripture was given forth; for it led them to speak it all forth, the words of God, as they had learned of God: So the spirit comes not by the Letter, but the Letter comes forth from the spirit. And many had the Scriptures, and knew not the Revelation, and judged the Revelation of the Son of God, and judged Christ who was come, the end of the vision, which was for an appointed time. So therein thou hast concluded thy selfe to be among them that have the Scriptures, and sets up that beyond the Re­velation of the Son of God, which is the end of Scriptures; which none knows the fa­ther [Page 152] but the Son, and he to whom the Son reveals him, though they may have all the Scrip­tures. And the things of God is revealed by the spirit of God.

Pr. And he saith, The Scriptures is the rule and the guide of Saints. And saith, the old administration of the Covenant of grace is abolished. page 13. He that understands, Matth. 11.2 27. of immediate revelations onely, shuts out all mediate revelation by the Scri­ptures, and falsely accuseth the Lord of the Scripture. page 14. And the Apostle saith, not that the spirit reveals the deep things of God. If we should deny the Scriptures to be the rule, we should deny the Scriptures of God. page 18.

Answ. The Saints rule was the spirit that gave forth Scriptures; and the Word of God which fulfills the Scriptures, without him they can do nothing, if they have all Scriptures. And the spirit of truth shall lead into all truth. And none knows the Scrip­tures, nor God, nor can be a Minister of the spirit by a mediate Revelation, but a Minister of the Letter; for who are Ministers of the spirit, are immediate, and are in the immediate revelation of the Scriptures to them by the spirit that gave them forth; and these ministers to the spirit, and brings people to God the Father of spirits, that they may know what to reveal to others they minister to. And all they that have the Scriptures, and not the spirit that gave them forth, they are on heaps about words, and wants the rule. And the Covenant of grace, which is the end of the old Cove­nant, is witnessed and stablished, and cannot be abolished, which ends the decaying Covenant. And as for abolishing the Covenant of grace, thou dost not know what thou speaks of. And the Apostle said, the deep things of God was revealed by the spirit of God; & no one knows the Scriptures and the things of God, but as God unto them doth reveal by his spirit; which in this thou hast shewed thy ignorance of that spirit guided the Saints to God the Father of spirits, which revealed unto them the deep things of God, with which spirit again the Scriptures are known. And the spirit which always rules the Saints, and guides them up to God, and to speak forth the Scriptures. They did not deny the Saints words spoken before them, but was in unity with them in the spirit, and so came to the spirits of just men; which none doth but who are come into the Saints rule that gave forth Scriptures. And so people have had the Scriptures, but in­wardly ravened from the spirit, thou and the rest of thy fellows, and have been all on heaps about words, and so voyd of the revelation that they were in that gave forth Scriptures. For all are unlearned upon the earth that are not in the immediate inspira­tion as they were in that gave forth the Scriptures, and in the tongue of the unlearned, like the Aegyptian Sea.

Pr. He saith, Printing was a rare invention, and it was the gift of God. page 21. And onely Gods servants preached by the written Copies, and since by the printed vo­lume. page 22.

Answ. That which is invented, and men have invented, it is not the gift of God; and men only preaching from the Copies written, and since by the Volumes printed. in this hast thou shewed that you have had only the sheeps cloathing; and that hath been it which hath made you Ministers: For they that were the Ministers of the spirit, their only preaching was not from copies and volumes, that did not make them Ministers, but what they had received from the Lord, that they declared forth, and was not Ministers of copies and writings only. But the copy and writings of the Scripture, had you them in the life that gave them forth, you would have gathered people into the unity; which being ravened from it, you bring them all upon heaps.

Pr. The letter or writing of the spirit of God is the Law, and touch-stone. page 23. He saith, the Scriptures is the spirituall sword. page 26. And the Scriptures is the ground of all Saints actions. And have not I written unto thee excellent things in counsell and knowledge? page 32.

Answ. The Pharisees had Scriptures, and had not the spirit that gave them forth; so they wanted the Word of God, the sword of the spirit, and they stood against the substance of the Scriptures. And they had Scriptures, but they were out of the Saints actings; for they turned against the Just: And so doth all upon the earth that have the [Page 153] Scriptures, but out of the spirit that gave them forth, they are out of the ground of the Saints actings. And none knows the excellent things written of knowledge nor coun­sell, but who be in the spirit that gave forth Scriptures: Though they have the Scrip­tures in their own knowledge and wisdome, yet they understand not the excellent things written, but as they come into the spirit that gave them forth. So thou art a man not dividing the word aright; and many may have the Scriptures, yea the whole world may have the Scriptures, and not being in the spirit that gave them forth, they break into Sects among one another. And the Devil may come with Scriptures, but hath not the spirit to fight withal, who is out of the Truth.

Pr. He saith, Women are excluded from speaking, though endued with more then ordina­ry gifts, and they are not allowed to teach. page 34. And the Canon of the Apostles is the key to open the Scriptures. And the sure word of prophecy is the Scriptures. page 38. which is a more sure word then an immediate voyce from heaven. He saith, the word which the A­postle speaks of to the Romans, in the mouth, and in the heart, is the Gospell promises with­out, Deut. 30. And the Scripture, Books, & Chapters, is the light that shines in mans heart, and the new Creature is too narrow for a rule. page 44.

A. The new creature is subject to the Law of God, for he is in Christ who is the end of Law, Types, Figures, Shadows, Parables, and there is rule, direction, counsell, wis­dome; and the old man cometh to be subjected, which is not subject to the Law of God, and here comes the blessing and the peace of the Israel of God, who walk ac­cording to the rule of the new creature; for he walks in the life that gave forth Scrip­ture, which the old man walks out of. And he may say, the Scriptures is his rule, but he is not subject to the witnesse of God in himself; nor owns not the light which Jesus Christ hath enlightned him withall, but doth the evill, and loves the darkness, which light is his condemnation. And the law is light, and the Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. And many may have the old and new Testament, and stand against the light, the spirit of prophecy within. And many may have the Scriptures, Books, and Chapters, and stand against the Light Christ Jesus, that doth enlighten every one that cometh into the world: And so put the Letter for the Light, and walk from the light in their own particulars, which should lead them into a new life: Such comes not to know the new life, nor the blessing of the Israel of God. And the woman (the Evah) must be silent, for she was first deceived; and the woman Jezebel, that calls her selfe a Prophetesse, that must not be suffered to teach, or to usurp authority; But Christ in the male, and Christ in the female, is beyond the first Adam, or Evah, or she that calls her selfe a Prophetesse, or the great whore that reigns over the Kings of the earth, there is all their languages under: Christ in the Females shall comprehend this as well as in the Male, and give judgement, and the daughters shall prophecy as well as the sons. And such as limit or quench the spirit in the Males or Females, are them that are apostatized and ravened inwardly from the spirit of God, and despise prophecy, only have the sheeps cloathing (such as thou and you) and knows not the spirit, but are ravened from it, the spirit of God that hath power over all flesh, and so makes your selves ignorant of it, & are such as quencheth it in others. And the spirit of God in the Apostles being witnessed, it opens the Scriptures, is the key, lets to see what hath been since the dayes of the Apostles, and rul'd, and reign'd, and had the dominion, the Wolfe in the sheeps cloathing; which have deceived the Nations, and such as have led the world, and brought them all upon heaps, and have never heard the voyce of God, and have published it in the Nation in print, nor the voyce of Christ, and have not the same infallible spirit as the Apostles had, and no immediate revelation nor inspiration as they had: so these have taken away the key of knowledge from among people since the days of the Apostles; and as for the word Canon, ye may go to the Pa­pists. The Apostles shewed the fulfilling of the Scriptures, that Christ was come, and the Apostles saw what Christ said should come, which inwardly ravened, went forth from them, which the world hath gone after; which now we, with the same spirit the Apostles was in, which you all ravened from, do see ye, and what hath reigned [Page 154] since the dayes of the Apostles. Now is the fulfilling of the Prophets; And the word was in the Apostles, and in the Saints, yea the word of faith, and this comes to ful­fill the Scripture, this word of faith which was preached in the heart, and in the mouth; and which was promised before. And the light was in the Apostles heart that shined, and the sure word of prophesie that did let see, and foresee, was in the hearts of people which led them to give forth Scriptures, and that which fulfills the Scriptures, the prophesie, is of Christ, who ends it; and the spirit led them to speak it forth, the spirit of prophesie: which many may have the Scriptures, and not have the more sure word of prophesie; And many may have the Scriptures as the Pharisees had, and stand against the Revelation of the Son of God from heaven, which is surer, for he was before Scripture was, who ends the Scriptures. for many may have Scriptures and be out of the life, and not know him, the Revelation of the Son of God; as the Jewes did not, and so say the Scriptures is more sure then Revelation from hea­ven, so more sure then the Son of God who is greater then all; and the Scripture was given forth by Revelation, and none knowes it but by Revelation.

Pr. He saith Christ doth not give to every man the light that leadeth to the Father, and there is not in every man that redeeming light, which leadeth to the Father. And it is false to say the light which John speakes of, is a salvation light; he saith the light in every man is but the candle light of natural understanding. pag. 56. And the light which every man hath, is a low common benefit, and no drop of this immortal seed. pag. 57. 58. Nor is the light which every man hath, his Mediation. And I call the light which every man hath, natural. pag. 59. And the light which every man hath, teacheth nothing of the way, truth, and life of Jesus Christ. pag. 60. And the light which is in every man is opposite to Scriptures, pag. 61. This is the light which is in every mans conscience which is but natural. And the Apostle saith he warneth every man, and teacheth every man that he might present them perfect in Christ Jesus. But he saith the Apostle did not warn every man: he did not levell the Saints light with every mans. page 62. It is not meant that every man is enlightened, but the Church. Page 63.

Answ. I am the light of the world, and doth enlighten every man that cometh in­to the world saith Christ the life. So the light which every man that cometh into the world is enlightned withall, wil let them see the life which it cometh from, will let them see their salvation Christ Jesus, will let them see their Mediator, will let them see the truth, for the light is truth, which cometh from Christ the truth. And the light is Christ the way, the truth, the life that enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world. In him was life, and the life was the light of men, in him by whom the world was made, which light was before any natural lights was; the Sun, Moon and Stars are natural lights; and these was made by Christ the light, who doth enlighten every man, &c. which men having a light from him by whom the world was made, by whom all things was created, who was afore any things was created, Lets them see be­fore any created light, natural light, made lights, which gives every one the know­ledge of life: which lets every one see the salvation to the ends of the earth; which lets every one see the Covenant of God that love it, and believe in it, they come to the life Christ, him from whence the light cometh. The light is of the immortal seed of Christ Jesus, one with the Saints light, the Saints believe in that the world hates, and re­ceives that which the world hates: so it is the worlds condemnation: it is the con­demnation of them that hate it. And so was he promised a Covenant to the Gentiles, aswell as to the Jewes and so doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, ac­cording to Johns witness and testimony, to the Priests, and Levites which came from Jerusalem to examine him. So the Priests now examine us in this age and professors which the Quakers are witnesses of, and bears testimony to, which Paul warned every man, and taught every man, that he might present them perfect in Christ the light. So the light is one with the Saints light, that condemnes the unbelievers. And the light which every man that cometh into the world is enlightened withall; that through it he might believe, and who believes in it, and receives it, he hath the light of life, and they become the Sons of God; and who hate it, it is their condemnation: and [Page 155] they are against Scriptures, but the light is not against Scriptures, but ownes them. And so the light is not so low as ye esteem it, for it was before any thing was made or created: as for the word Trinity, there is no Scripture for it: without ye finde it in the Common-prayer Book. And the light in the converted shines out of Darkness in their hearts, and gives them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, &c. And the light in the unconverted shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness compre­hendes it not.

Pr. He saith that the light without the Scriptures is no light. Pag. 64. And to call the light that doth enlighten every man the word of God, is contradiction. And there was no light before the Scriptures, which is now revealed in Scripture. pag. 64. That God is light, not the light in every mans conscience. pag. 68. And the best light that every man hath, is but created. Not one man in the world knowes God till he finde him in Scripture. pag. 69 The Lord Christ the Eternal Son, the Essential word of the Father, is more in Scripture, then in every man; or any man. pag. 70. They that speak from the Scripture rightly understood, speak more from Christ, then they that speak from the light within them.

Answ. The light was before Scripture was given forth: the light was before the Created lights was, and makes manifest all created lights: for all created lights, was created by it, and all that ever had the Scriptures, and are not in the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world; the light by whom the world was made, He knowes neither the word of God, nor Father, nor Son, nor Christ, nor the Lord, nor Scripture; and the word, and the Father, and the Son, and Christ, these are to be found in man, the Lord searcheth the heart, and is not to be found in the letter; but it testifies of these things. And they that speak so much of Christ from the letter, which gives not life because it speakes of him; and are from the light within them which cometh from Christ which doth enlighten every man, &c. they speak as the Devil doth; and the Pharisees preaching a Christ is come, as they did he was to come and stood against the light that doth enligthen every man that cometh into the world; and sent their Priests, and Levites to examine John, as they do now who be professors, and Priests. And many may have the Scriptures, and yet be from the light, and deny the light; the Devil who is out of the light may bring Scripture, and he hath not the light; And that is light, and that is the word which doth en­lighten every man that cometh into the world. So he is all, and in all, and through all, God over all blessed for ever, which shall make every tongue to confesse, and all stand guilty before him that hate it, and say he is righteous. And Christ which is called the word of God which doth enlighten every one that cometh into the world, is not con­tradiction. And many may have the Scriptures, and yet never know God, till they come to the light which comes from the Son who reveals him.

Pr. He saith Christ saveth by the declaration, or by Scripture; and makes the Declaration saving.

Answ. Christ is the Saviour, and that the Scripture declares of and speakes of; and many may have the Scriptures, and declaration and reject Christ as the Jewes did, and all do, that deny the light that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, from their Saviour which is not Scripture.

Pr. And to say the light in every man gave forth Scripture, and will open Scripture to us is palpable darkness, and contradiction to Scripture. page 74.

Answ. All be in the utter darkness, and know not the Scripture, until they come to the light, that every man was in that, gave forth Scriptures, for the light lets them see to what it was spoken, and Christ the end of them.

Pr. And to say every mans light is the sure word of prophesie, is an old fable, pag. 75. No man shall be able to spell out a sillable of the Gospel, by all that is written in mans heart. And the universal light, layes waste the free grace of God, so never was it every mans light, or free gift. And the light in every mans conscience is a bill of condemnation, discovers no sal­vation. pag. 76. And that which Adam had before the fall was imperfect.

Answ. The light that every man is enlightened with, is Christ Jesus the gift of God; [Page 156] the Covenant of God, the way to the Father, that all through the light might believe in him who is the way to the Father, out of the first Adam, the state in the fall, who fell from that which was perfect, and so became unperfect. And the light which every man that cometh into the world is enlightened withall, which shineth in the darkness, will be his condemnation if he hate it, and a sure word of prophesie to him he shall finde it, and condemn him for all his faults, and it was found in the heart which brought them to know God that gave forth S [...]ripture. He goes unto fables when he goes from the light: which all ye, and the world is in the fables. And the light which every man is enlightened with that cometh into the world, doth not lay waste the grace of God: but he that is in the light, seeth the Covenant of grace, and receives it. And all that deny the light tramples the new Covenant under their feet. And the light which every man is enlightened withall, is the light of the Gospel; which all men shall be Judged according to, and it is it that discovers the Saviour, which doth con­demn.

Pr. He saith the light is an imperfect light; and it is mixed with darkness. And if the Saints should say they have no sin, no darkness, they are more dark, and sinful. page 78. And every man is in Christ while he hath sin in him. p. 79. and the light in every man is none of the six principles in the Hebrewes. Page 81.

Answ. The S [...]ints witnessed the darkness was past, the true light shined; they was not in the night: and the S [...]ints was made free from sin; and the night was over, and they were children of the day, not of the night. And the light is perfect which doth enlighten every man, &c. And all lights that was made, was made by the light Christ Jesus that was before any thing was made; this is it that discovers them, and le [...]s see them, and this is perfect. And all be in ignorance that be out of it. And who be in Christ, doth not commit sin, is a new creature; old things passe away the old man and his deeds. And in the light which every man is enlightened withall, all the principles in the Law, in the Prophets, in the Hebrewes, ends: for it was before any words was spoken forth glorified with the Father before the world began.

Pr. He saith no man will ever be saved by his best obedience to the light which doth enlighten, &c. pag. 85 Christ hath satisfied, and merited for a certain number of sinners their deliverance. Page 87.

Ans. No man is saved, or doth witness salvation, but who are in the light Christ Jesus doth enlighten them withall. And who are in the light, they are in obedience of faith, and they neglect not the Gospel, nor the hearing the voyce that speakes from heaven. But who hate the light, they neglect the Gospel, and him that speakes from heaven, and doth not come into the obedience of faith, but be in their own works, in the dark, without light. Christ is the offering for the sin of the whole world, not for the sins of a people, but the seed Christ the second Adam, overthrowes all the sins, is the offering for all the sins that was brought in by the first Adam, and reconciles to the Father, and is the restorer; and nothing shuts out, but the unbelief in the light, for Christ saith believe in the light. And so Christ is the offering for the sins of the whole world, and not for some only.

Pr. He saith Christ the suretie payes the elects debt. Pag. 103.

Answ. Christ is the surety for all that dwell on the earth that believe in him, as he doth enlighten every man. And God layes no charge of sin to the elect, for it is not possible that they should be deceived. And the cause of all bringings into Sects is that people be out of the light, and so out of unity, and seeth not the Saviour, the Re­deemer, the substance of all types, figures, Parables, the end of the Law that goes upon the man of strife. And so being out of the light, out of the unity, out of the Covenant with God; In the light is the Covenant of God.

Pr. He saith the whole soul and body of Saints and every faculty of the soul, and member of the body there is some presence of sin in them all their dayes. Page 113.

Ans. The Saints are sanctified, and washed, and cleansed, body, soul, and spirit, and they are made free from sin, and then can live no longer therein; and the body of sin is [Page 157] put off; And they witnessed the darkness was past: so then the works of the true light shined, and the day was come, and they was of one soul, And they witnessed as he was, so was they in this present world. And he that is in Christ is a new creature. And where Christ is within, the body is dead because of sin. And he that is born of God doth not commit sin. And the Saints was upon the earth, when they was made free from sin, and not all their dayes sin in them, as thou speakes of.

Prin. He saith sin dwells in the Saints; if any Saint think otherwise he knowes not himself: and if he be one really sanctified, he is under a strong delusion, and drousie dream Page 119.

Answ. He that is sanctified is sanctified from sin, and washed, and cleansed, and he that is out of this sanctification is in the drowsie dream; For who are in sanctifica­tion, are in Christ the righteousness of God, and they are awakened to righteousness, out of the fall, in the second Adam, and drowsiness, and dreames, and delusions that come in the first Adam. And sin, and drowsie dreams, and delusions dwells in them that pretend that they are sanctified ones, and not really.

Pr. He saith it is a Popish Tennent that sanctification is wrought within men and Justi­fication, or a believers being justified from sin, and ungodliness, and not in it; but the mystery of iniquity lies in this qualification. pag. 120. And they that are justified by their sanctification, it is a falshood. And that none are justified but Saints perfect in holiness, is a no­torious contradiction. Page 121.

Answ. He that is the sanctification, is the justification, and so by their sanctifica­tion are they justified; it is one and the same, that which sanctifies, justifies. And every man that cometh into the world having a light that cometh from Christ the sanctification, redemption, justification; but them that be not in the light, are with it condemned. And such as be in the light, they come into perfect holiness, and their sins are not imputed to them; But them that doth not believe in the light, the spirit of truth that leads the believer into all truth, reproves them for their unbelief, and their righteousness, and their judgement, and so doth not justifie them, but reprove them. And the justification within, roots out all Popery, and all contradiction. But to speak of justification, and sanctification without, and not manifest within, ye are yet in the first Adam (in the Popery, where ye must have a Puratory to cleanse) and not the righteousness of Christ within, and sanctification within and Justi­fication. So such be reproved that can talk of it without, sanctification without: so there is the old Adam, in the sin and transgression. And all falshood is among them that can talk of justification without them, and not witnesse it within them; For who witnesse Christ within them, they witnesse justifica­tion there, and sanctification; for Abraham believed, and it was im [...]uted to him for righteousness; and his belief was within, and he saw Christ his glory. And such as believe they come to witness the imputation; But such as come again to witnesse that they are nearer then when they did believe; and to witness that they have re­ceived Christ within, is the end of their belief, there they witness the righteousness it self without imputation, which is the substance, that which the promise ends in, and all the fathers hoped for, who stood in the imputation, and all the believers in him: But Christ being come, the end of mans belief, the righteousness it self; here is a justification alone, without the imputation, Christ the righteousness of Gods blessing, and glory for ever. And a believer that is j [...]stified, he is a new Creature, and is past from the death which came by the sin; comes to enter into his rest where sin is not. And all the falshood and the contradiction is without the possession of justification and sanctification which reprobates talk of it in the mystery of iniquity, and unbelievers in the mystery of iniquity; which have the sheepes cloathing the outside, the cloth­ing of the Saints, yet ravened from the spirit inwardly; These have not been like to own justification within, or sanctification there, that inwardly ravened from the spirit of God: which all must come to that which they ravened from, and they them­selves before they feel the justification, sanctification, Christ within them, and have received the substance, the thing the Scripture speakes of: which not believing in the [Page 158] Light, and going from it; though they get all the sheeps cloathing, yet are they not thereby justified; though they get all the good words, and the forme of godlinesse, and obey not the Gospell, the power of God; for none obeys the Gospell, but wh [...] obeys the Light within. And who are justified it is by the faith of Christ Jesus, and without faith they cannot please him; And who are in the Faith, are the believers in the Light, and so the Justification and the Faith doth qualifie from their old nature, and mindes.

Pr. He saith, They are not justified because they are new borne, nor for their believing. page 122. And I can say I am crucified with Christ, and yet I have a corrupt rotten heart, and an old lying heart (as before he saith) and Christ lives in him, and there is a body of sin and death dwels in him: And the life that he now lives in the flesh, is by the faith of the Son of God. Page 124.

Answ. Where Christ is within, the body is dead because of sin; and where the saith of the Son of God is lived in, it gives victory over sin. And the life of Christ is out of Adam, in the Fall, in sin and transgression; And the Circumcision comes to be wit­nessed that puts off the body of sin. And where the life of Christ is lived in, the new Covenant is there, the new heart, rotten, corrupt, lying is put off, the old man and his deeds, with his deceitful lusts. And he that believes is borne of God, is justified, and he comes into the faith by which he pleaseth God; and he that doth not believe is out of the faith, and it is impossible he should please God, and is out of that which should justifie him.

Pr. He saith, Christs works in us are not to be joyned with our faith in Christs works, for that brings into the wildernesse. page 131. And to say that men are justified no farther then they are sanctified, is to deny Protestant doctrine, &c.

Answ. Men are justified by the believing, and in the faith, and by the faith, and in believing they overcome, and have victory; and there is Mortification, and Sanctifi­cation, and Redemption, and Justification, all possessed together in the one which is Christ, and this to the particular satisfaction. And all Protestants or whatsoever that have a Justification and Sanctification, and they in the unmortified state, unsan­ctified, they are out of the faith that purifies, out of the belief that is born of God, who hath past from death to life, and so is out of the substance that justifies, and is with­out Christ, and so are reprobates; but where Christ is within, there is Justification, Sanctification, and Redemption. And they are they that blaspheme the Tabernacle of God, and them that dwell in Heaven, that call good evill, and evill good; and leads in­to snares, and into the wildernesse, that go about to confound the Justification, but split themselves upon the Rock that denies the Light; and Christ is the offering for the sin of the whole world, who doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, that all men might believe in him, the offering, and they are justified in him from all things which the Law could not do. And here is the Covenant of God to the Jewes and Gentiles, the light of the Gentiles, the glory of Israel, the new covenant to the Jewes, the Law in the heart, and in the minde, by which the people should not need to say, Know the Lord; for all should know him from the least to the greatest, the salvation to the ends of the earth, where the way of redemption is the way for the ransomed to walke in, in which the fools shall not erre in it; in which way there is no wildernesse, nor slippery places; but the path of life, the way of the Just, and of holinesse, and the way of Sanctification, and the way of Redemption and Justification.

Pr. He saith, Christ was a sinner by imputation. page 132.

A. The Scripture doth not speak such kind of words; but that he knew no sin, no guile was found in his mouth: A Lamb without spot or blemish, though it pleased the Father to lay the iniquity upon him, by his stripes we are healed. And by the one offering, perfected for ever them that are sanctified, made himselfe an offering for the sins of the whole world; who breaks down the partition wall bewixt Jewes and Gentiles, slayes the enmity a­mong men, reconciles in one unto the Father by his body, his death upon the Crosse. Of his body are all the Professors, Protestants & Papists upon the earth ignorant of, this [Page 159] seed that breaks the enmity; therefore be all in the enmity one among another, having sheeps cloathing, but the sheep in you is not put forth; but the Wolfe is ravening abroad against the sheep, tearing them where the seed is risen.

Pr. He that throws off imputed righteousnesse, may go shift for his justification where he can get it: and Christ shall profit him nothing, though he be in faith or love, and self-denyall. page 133 And it is not the work of Christ in us that justifies and reconciles our persons. I can detect this for an errour, that Christs works in us, is that which justifies our persons before God. page 134.

Answ. Christ works in us Faith, and is the Author of it, and by faith is every one justified in the blood of the seed, the flesh of Christ the Lord from heaven, shed for the sins of the whole world: And this faith in this blood of the seed, not of the first Adam, nor the Beasts, but the blood of the seed Christ, the precious blood which is the life of Saints, and his flesh which is the food of Saints, which whosoever eats it, and drinks it, hath life in the Son of God, and lives in him as he lives in the Father. And this is wrought within, and no one knows it, but as it is wrought within by the faith in the blood of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, the great sacrifice for the sin of the whole world, overthrew Death and Hell, bruised the Serpents head, Devill, and sinne, the sacrifice for the whole world, the blood shed upon the Crosse for the sins of the whole world. The blood of the seed, which is the life that cleanseth, and this blood is felt within, for it purgeth the conscience from dead works to serve the living God. And here is the great mystery of God, and the wisdome of God, which covers all the wisdome of the earth, the knowledge and the wisdome of the understanding ones of the earth. The seed and the blood of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, which sacrificed and offered up, the body prepared, who fulfilled all types, figures, offerings, ends them and all other bloods, whom Death and Grave could not hold, dead, raised again, set at the right hand of God, manifest in the Saints, and in the midst of his Church, singing praise, was dead, and is alive, and lives for evermore, manifest in the Saints. And he that hath him hath life, and he that hath not him, hath not life. And whosoever witnesseth Christ within, they witnesse the end of Imputation, they witnesse the thing it selfe, the end of their belief, and they possess the sanctifica­tion, and such comes to know faith and love. And such as may have all the Scrip­tures, and preach of Justification and Sanctification without them, and not within them be as the Jewes, be as the Witches and Reprobates. They are reprobate that witnesseth not Christ within them, nor Sanctification there, nor Justification there, and so witnesseth not faith, and love, nor the faith that works by love, and they be in the errour and shifts thou talks of, and Babylonish; and none comes to witnesse the reconciliation, but who witnesse Christ within: So out of Justification and Sanctifi­cation there; if he be not within, they cannot witnesse reconciliation: If they be not believers in the Light of Christ, they cannot witnesse justification, but condemnation. B [...]t in the light, in Christ, Christ received in them justification, sanctification, re­conciliation is received, Christ Jesus the Light, that which reconciles to the Fa­ther.

Pr. He saith, The body of sin is the naturall body, consisting of flesh and blood, and bones, and the living soule is immortall. page 140. And sin will dwell in the house, untill the house be pluckt down over its head, which is the naturall body. And there is not one Saint that is absolute free from the in-dwelling and working power of sin. page 140. To plead for Per­fection is inherent holinesse, and to serve under Antichrists colours, and to make voyd the suffering of Christ. He that holds the Saints perfectly fulfilling all the Law, in all degrees of obedience and conformity to it in this life before death, hath drunk Antichrists cup. page 144.

Answ. The Saints after they witnessed the body of sin put off, and made free from sin, they glorified God in their bodies, souls, and spirits. And so the body of fin is not the creature, for that causeth the creature to groan, before it cometh into the li­berty of the Sons of God, that causeth the body of sin, the cloathing that comes up­on [Page 160] the Creature, the old man, which cometh by transgression, the first Adam, that leads out of transgression, brings the creature into the liberty of the sons of God, and so who is in Christ is a new creature; And old things passe away, and the body is the Temple of God, a holy Temple; And the living soule is immortall; yet many of thy generation say it is humane, that is earthly, yea, that Christs soule was humane, as ye may see in this Book, in the rest of your Principles, of them that call themselves Teachers and Pastors, whose soules are in death, and life; And immortality, not come to the Light, through the power of God which is the Gospell, and so have sh [...]wed your ignorance of the soule. And whosoever witnesse the perfect holinesse, and preacheth up that, they come from under Antichrists Kingdome. They that preach up Imperfection, they weare Antichrists livery, and his colours, and sounds the Trumpet of Antichrist; and who be in the righteousnesse, are in the perfection it selfe, without a thing me­ritted by man in his will. And who loves God, keeps his Commandements, and to him and them they are not grievous: And this was the seed that kept the Commande­ments of God, that Antichrist, Beast, mother of Harlots, and false Prophets made war against, as you may read in the Revelations: But this seed is a burthensome stone (unto yo [...] all) t [...]at keeps the commands of God, that loves God; and they that be born of God doth not commit sin: And the naturall body which is flesh, blood, and bone, is not the body of sin, it was never read so in the Scripture, that that was the body which was to be put off; for the Saints had bodies, after they witnessed the body of sin put off, and made free from sin.

Pr. He saith, That R. F. is against the doctrine of sin continuing in the godly till death, page 148.

Answ. That doctrine of Sin was never preached up by the Apostle, that it should continue in the godly till death, I say it continues not in the godly; for the godly are like God, out of sin; it continues in the ungodly, that is not like God. And he that is in Christ, is at the end of the Law, and the Precepts, and the Statutes, and the Ordinances, and the Commandements, and is in the substance, Gods righte­teousnesse.

Pr. He saith, The Letter is no dead letter, and it hath life in it selfe. And if there be but this letter or Ministry, it is Christs two-edged sword. page 153. 155. It serves unto his designe of searching hearts. And the Apostle would take people off from the conceit of perfect attainments. pag. 162. And may not filthy hearts transform themselves in the fancy of per­fection, as the Devill into an Angell of light?

Answ. The Devill transforming himselfe into an Angell of Light, or into a simi­litude, is like unto all the filthy hearts who fancy perfection without them, not within th [...]m, and speaks of Christ without them, not within them, as the Devill did; But the Doctrine of the Apostle, who preached Christ the Covenant of God, and brought people off of that which made nothing perfect, to that which was perfect, and bid them be perfect, and of one minde; and he spoke wisdome among them that were perfect, so he did not bring the people from it, but to it: And the Letter it selfe is dead, as it is of paper and inke: And all Ministers of Letters and Books written in paper and ink, and speaks from letters of paper and inke, and have not received from God what they preach, are Ministers of the Letter, and they are the Ministers of death, though they minister all the Letters written in the Scripture, and have onely but the sheeps cloathing, and begets not to God; but only making Proselytes as the Ministers did in old time, as the Jewes did, But they that were Ministers of the Spirit, that gave forth the Scriptures, they have the sword of the Spirit, which the Jewes, the Ministers of the Letter had not: Nor they that be out of the spirit, though they have all the Scriptures given forth from it; they that be out of the spirit, be out of the spirituall weapons▪ And that which searcheth the heart, is that which gave forth the Scriptures, which led all the holy men of God to speak them forth, who is the Lord, the searcher of the hearts; which spirit owns all the words of the Scriptures of truth declared forth from the spirit; but the spirit was before the Scripture was given forth.

Pr. He saith, Men that are redeemed from all earthly worships perfectly justified before God, sincere in their sanctification, yet they are in concupiscence, and blemishes, and con­flicts. page 166. And the Word of God doth not abide in them that say they have no sinne. page 179.

Answ. Who are redeemed out of all earthly worships, and sanctified, they are re­deemed from the blemishes, from the conflicts, from the concupiscence, and by their redemption they come to witnesse the Kingdome of God that stands in righteousnesse, peace, and joy in the holy Ghost, out of the conflicts; and who are in the spirit, they are in that which mortifies sin. And the Word of God it makes clean where it dwels, they are sanctified by the Word, and made clean: It comes, and finds the sin, and takes it away, and makes clean, and hammers it down, cuts it down, burns it up, reconciles to the Father, which sin and iniquity separated from.

Pr. He saith, Sacramentall water, and sprinkling Baptisme and water, &c. shewes our being ingrafted into the body mysticall. p. 176. 178. which consists of a signe of a thing sig­nified.

Answ. Sprinkling Infants is a signe of your own making, and Sacramentall water which the Scripture doth not hold forth, but it is a thing presumed above what it written. And that signe, a tradition, doth not bring into the body mysticall, but leads from it, neither doth any elementary thing; But that which baptizeth into the body is the spirit, whereby all cometh to be one: And that baptizeth not into an elementa­ry body, but into a glorious body, the spirituall body. For there is lying signes come since the dayes of the Apostles, which is out of the Apostles practice. You can shew nothing for your sprinkling with your Sacramentall water; but the Baptisme that the Scripture declares of, and the spirit is owned in its place.

Pr. He saith, Bread and Wine are spirituall Institutions, and is not carnall in a sense as set in opposition to spiritual Institution: and that is not meer carnal bread and wine after Christs institution to be used, nor an ordinary bread and wine. And he saith, In the Lords Supper is Christs body, and it is his blood. page 188. And this is my body and blood, the word of a Command, do this. page 191. And Christ fed not the soules with wheat bread, and red wine, &c.

Answ. By all this what differ ye from the Papists? have not ye laid their foundation, and layd their ground? Bread and wine, is but bread and wine, a temporall thing, a thing seen, and may turn to ashes; but the body and blood of Christ will not do so. And the bread is not spirituall, and the wine is not spirituall, but is a thing seen, and visible. And who eats the flesh of Christ, and drinks his blood, hungers no more, and thirsts no more; but who eats temporall bread and wine, hungers more, and thirsts more. And Christ did say, as often as ye do eat this bread, & drink this cup, ye shew the Lords death till he come. And that which the Apostle had received of the Lord, he delivered to the Corinthians: As often as they eate that, and dranke that, they were to do it in remembrance of him, shewing the Lords death till he come. But then saith the same Apostle to the same Corinthians in his last Epistle; Examine your selves. Know you not that Christ is in you ex­cept ye be reprobates? And said, while we looke not at the things which are seen; for the things that are seen are temporall: So bread and wine are things that are seen, are things temporall, but the things that are not seen are eternall. Now bread and wine is but bread and wine, not spiritual after consecration, it is but the same bread as it was before; and it is no nearer the body of Christ after they have consecrated it, then it was before. Who is in the life and power of God, that gives every creature its being, and causeth every creature to come forth, is in the life and vertue of all crea­tures, and the being of all creatures, and the wisdome of all the Creation, that is spiritual: He giveth every creature its being, and causeth every creature to come forth, and gives the sense and feeling of all creatures that is spirituall. And there comes up the soule to be known, and the seed CHRIST, his body, and his blood.

Pr. He saith, The worship of God in the spirit stands out of mans will, and they must [Page 162] waite in the light to feele the Spirit; but let all lost souls beware of this counsell: And to bring people to the commands of the Spirit is opposite to the Scripture Letter. page 204.

Answ. All true worshippers of God that he seeks to worship him, is in the spirit, in the truth, that which the Devill is out of, and in the spirit that gave forth the Scrip­tures; that is that which mans will is out of, where all poor souls comes to worship God aright, and magnifie God, and glorifie God, and to pray in the spirit, and to stand in the counsell of God. For no prophecy of the Scriptures came by the will of man: It was that which led them to speak forth Scriptures, which was beyond mans will: So mens will getting the Scriptures, which no prophecy of it came by it, they cannot worship God in the truth, nor in the spirit, but in their own wills: But who be in the spirit and truth that led them to speak forth the Scriptures, that learned of God the Father of spirits, and God of all truth, this is not will-worship. Now will-worship is among them that have the Scriptures given forth by the spirit of God in their owne wills, which no prophecy of it came by it: and can sing, pray, preach, read in their own wills, and be out of the spirit that gave it forth; they are in a will-worship, out of the worship of God in the spirit: And such are opposite to the Scriptures, and cannot agree with the letter of the Scriptures, that are fighting about words, falls into sects and heaps about the words; which the worship of God is in the spirit that gave forth Scriptures, which learned of God the Father of spirits, owns all the Scriptures in their places, and nor opposite to it.

Pr. He saith, Never was Psalms sung as they ought to be, but had some musicall tune or Po­etry. page 205. And the holy Ghost made overseers and Elders over the Church, but that was not immediate. page 207. That no man can read out of Scripture that Paul was free from covetousness, &c.

Answ. Paul saith, Let not covetousnesse be once named amongst you as it becometh Saints. And no covetous one should enter into the kingdom; and hee saith, it is idolatry. And the Apostle lived the life of the Son of God through the faith, and witnessed he was made free from the body of sin, and had victory over it, thanks God, and said, there was no condemnation to them that were in Christ Jesus; and Paul was in Christ, where there was no condemnation, which covetousnesse is out of. And the holy Ghost is im­mediate that makes the officers in the Church. It is the same as was in them that led them to speak forth Scriptures. And the holy Ghost that leads men to speak forth the Scriptures, and makes Elders and overseers in the Church, these are not made by men; but these see the fulfilling of the Scriptures, and comes into that which fulfils it, and are in it. And your singing your Psalms, and your Poetry, and setting them in frame and a musicall way, these are come up since the Pope, as Tunes, Organs, since men have ravened from the spirit, and gone from that, they got up this Poetry, and turned Davids conditions into a Meeter, and given them to a people who are ig­norant of Davids conditions: And Psalms are spirituall songs, and all are ignorant, when they are from the spirit of God that led the holy men of God to speak forth the Scripture; with which spirit of God, all the Psalms, and Spiritual Songs, and Hymns are seen, which from it was given forth, and all the Scriptures, and in that is the singing in the spirit. And the Ministers maintenance which the Apostle said, Have not I power to eat, and power to drinks? And as Christ said, freely ye have received, freely give. This was not spoken to the Heathen, nor Jewes nor Gentiles, who were unconverted, but spoken among the Saints who was a Vineyard, and spirituall things sown, and to such as they were made partakers of their hope; which hirelings and those that taught for filthy lucre, the love of money, that minded earthly things, that seek for their gain from their Quarter, that beare rule by their means, was all out from this, judged with the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles, to be such spirits, and have got the forme, and taught for the earth, and made the earth a Wildernesse, and such got not out the Wheat, nor plowed but in vain, which is the plowing of the wicked which is sin. So there is a great difference between them that Preach the Gospel, the [Page 163] glad-tidings to all nations which relieved the opprest: for the opprest b [...]ing relieved, immortality comes to the light, and life through the Gospel: the wheat was gotten out, the spiritual things sowen the vineyard planted, the flock was known, the milk was known, the corn gotten out: among such some used their power to eat, some did not, (mark) that power that did not oppresse, that did not hurt. But all you that preacheth for Tythes, and will take money of them that ye do no work for, by a Law, and cast into prison if they will not give it, and take treble dammages; you bring not the glad tydings to the Nations, you are the oppressors of the Nations, of the Ju [...]t; and are not helpers, and relievers of the oppressed: and so have made manifest your Apostacy: and to be Apostates out of the Apostles Doctrine; and out of the Gospel the power of God, which the Apostle was in. But now shall the Gospel be Preached that gives liberty to the oppressed, and strikes down all the oppressors.

Pr. He saith, God sends either mediately, or immediately: and he sends by mans Mini­stry mediately, pag. 211. He saith, they pretend to no such call of an Apostle, an officer in every Church as Paul, &c. pag. 213, And some are converted mediately sent by man, with their mediate call. Page 214.

Answ. All who are converted, are brought into the mediate, and converted with the immediate: there is none converted upon the earth, but it is with the immediate Spirit of God that mortifies. And all Ministry that is sent of God, and from God, and called of God, where that speakes to them, it is immediate, for whosoever hears his voyce, it is immediate and powerfull. And all Ministry of man, sent out by man (which is mediate) never converts any souls to God, for the soul is immediate, and mediate reacheth not to the immortal soul; but the immediate Ministry reacheth to the immediate immortal soul, and so Preacheth the immediate Gospel to it the power of God. And all Ministers that are sent forth in the power of God; who are moved of God to speak to any by the power of God, and the eternal Spirit of God, by the Holy-Ghost, that is immediate, and not of man, and that begets unto God, and converts them; that is immediate, not mediate, and they do as the power of God moves them which is immediate, and that is for God in that place. And they shall feel the Spirit of God in them witnessing with that power, and the Spirit of God in another that speakes to them. And the power of God is eternal, where it moves it is one, and the spirit of the Prophets, subject to Prophets. And all you since the dayes of the Apostles that do not not pretend to such a call as the Apostles had, and to be such officers as the Apostles in every Church; which we do believe you have not: you have shewed that the Holy-Ghost hath not made you overseers; And you have declared your selves to the world to be such as inwardly ravened from the spirit of God: and all to be but Ministers of the letter, not of the spirit, and so onely have the sheepes cloathing; So ye are such as have brought people, and Nations to be all on heapes, and like waters: not made overseers, as the Apostles was, not having the call as the Apostles had, so not by the Holy-Ghost, as the overseers was by, not in the immediate power of God, as the Apostles was called withall, and was in; and so not Preachers of the Gospel as the Apostles was, who was immediate, therefore these things have been wanting, the Holy-Ghost to make you overseers, and the spirit the Apostles was in, which would cool and quiet all the spirits of the people. For want of this are ye all on heapes about Scriptures; But the Holy-Ghost opens it again to overseers. And so ye that have ravened from the spirit of God inwardly, there is no talk among you to have the call as the Apostles had, and to be overseers (as they were) over your Churches that we do believe, your fruits declares it. But the spirit it is witnessed which the Apostles was in, which hath discovered you and your Church glory, be to the Lord God for ever.

Pr. He saith immediate teaching in the least degree of God immediately is contrary to Daniel 9. and Timothy. And saith I am yet to learn the promise of immediate teaching of God. pag. 216. And women are excluded from this kinde of prophesie. 218. He saith Mini­sters, pastors, teachers having the grace of God, gift of prophesie, called out among Brethren [Page 164] to office, to oversee a flock, as Bishops, of the Lords institution: these are not so taught immediately. Page 220.

Answ. All Bishops, overseers, officers are taught immediately that are of God, by the the same spirit, and the power that the Apostles was in, and owned, and allowed, by them: for the Holy-Ghost is immediate that gives them to oversee: and all who feels the grace of God, and turns it not into wantonness, feels that which is im­mediate. And such as have turned the grace of God into wantonness, and walketh dispitefully against the spirit of grace, and set up a heap of teachers after their own lusts, they are gone from the immediate grace of God that brings salvation. And all the teachings of God in the least degree, is immediate, which brings them to open Parables, speak forth Parables to the nature that is a top of the witness, that spirit is immediate, though they take a mediate Parable or comparison, yet that spirit is im­mediate that gives them to understand the Parable aright. And the gift that was in Timothy that he was not to neglect, was immediate, whereby he came to discern on whom he was to lay on his hands, and on whom he was not, suddainly to lay upon any man, that was immediate. And that which brought Daniel to understand by writings in books was immediate; and that which brings to understand the Scriptures is im­mediate. I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, your sons and daughters shall prophesie, and that is immediate, and prophesie is not to be quenched in the daugh­ter, as well as in the son, in the male, and the female is one. And we do believe thee, and you all, who are Apostatized from the Apostles Doctrine, in the Apostacy, ravened inwardly from the spirit of God, ye are yet to learn the immediate teaching. So are the Antichrists standing against the light which Christ Jesus hath enlightened every one withall that cometh into the world, the Covenant of God in the heart with which all people shall come to know the Lord, and be taught of God, that they need not say know the Lord.

Pr. He saith I conclude that immediate teaching did not onely furnish men for a teachers or Ministers function, but mediate wayes also. pag. 211. And the Quakers think it a lie against God to say the spirit is in the Letter, and Scripture, and is given by it, and makes a jangling about immediate teaching Page 222.

Answ. There is no one is furnished for the work of the Ministry of God, but who is in the immediate Spirit of God, which is to Minister to the Spirit. And there is no one made a Minister of God by the mediate; but by the immediate, For who hath the spirit of God, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, to sing in the spirit, or pray in the spirit, it is immediate. And all that be out of that be in the earthly, sen­sual, and Devillish, perishing knowledge, and that understanding must come to nought, and wisdom must be confounded, and as for the word Function, it is thy own, and must come to nought. And the spirit is immediate that led the Saints to give forth Scripture. And the spirit is not in the letter, but it was in them that gave it forth. And them that have not the spirit in them, that was in them that gave it forth, and are disobedient to that, are them that say the spirit is in the letter. And such say that the teachings immediate is jangling, that be from the spirit that is immediate, ravened from it in their own particulars, such are never like to beget to God: but are the Ministers of the letter, not of the spirit; and by that which the Devil, and they are out of, are they comprehended who be in the jangling, and in the lie.

Pr. He saith Christ took up a Bible, and Preached on a text. And as for uses, points, tryals, and motives, you must go to Titus 3.16.

Answ. Christ who came to fulfill, took the book, and read, and said it was ful­filled. He did not take a Text as you do, and lay half a year in it, as some of you: and have ten shillings a day for your pains, or more, or lesse; but he said it was fulfilled. And that place in Titus there is no word of motives, nor points, nor tryals nor uses, as you pretend: though he who was in the faith did study to divide the word aright, in whom was the gift of God which was perfect. This is not like your divination of your brain, for money, which ye sell weekly, nor your taking a text, and laying half a year in it; And thou hath shewed your selves to be the novices.

Pr. He saith, Though the righteousness be wrought in us by the strength of Christ and be found in us that are sanctified: yet as to Justification of a person Paul would not be found in it for a world. p [...]ge 229.

Answ. The righteousness of Christ fulfilled in us, and be found in the righteous­ness of Christ, that was the thing the Apostle strove after (not in his own righteous­ness) in that which ended the Law. And that righteousness which is wrought in us by the strength of Christ is Christs where sanctification is witnessed, this is Christs who is the end of the Law, and in this was the Apostle found, and stood for, which was out of the world.

Pr. And honour all men. And the fifth Commandment he brings for bowing the knee, and he saith putting off the hat is but a token of respect. Page 234.

Answ. Honour all men, that is to have all men in esteem, all men are had in esteem, for Christ hath enlightned every man that cometh into the world, that they might all through this light believe, and he that doth not is condemned; and that will bring all men to seek the honour that comes from above that love it; but if they hate the light, they seek the honour that is below, that is of the first Adam in the transgression, and that's the hat. But Christ the light that doth enlighten every man, &c. receives not honour of men; and the light of Christ which every man hath, &c. will not receive the honour of men. Now he that receives the honour of men, is of the first Adam, from the light in the transgression. Earthly Adam looks for honour of the earth, these are the marks of an unbeliever. And the fifth Commandement doth not speak of bowing the knee. And Jacobs bowing, and Davids bowing to Saul, &c. There is a time the elder must serve the younger. And Joseph and Abrahams bowing before the heathen, and the rest of bowings which thou speaks of in the Scriptures, the old Testament. Christ is come, to whom every knee must bow, and tongue confesse to the glory of God; and not the Angels bowed down to, nor worshipped. So ye have shewed whose Ministers ye are of, that are crying up bending and bowing the knee, is not this like kissing of Baal, and bow­ing the knee to Baal? Now Christ is come, to whom every knee must bow down to him. And as for Master, ye have thrown your selves into that transgression; (for Christ saith, Be not yee of men called master, for yee have one master even Christ, and ye are all brethren) and excluded your selves from among the brethren.

Pr. He saith Swearing is a part of Gods worship. pag. 235. And Christ was far from o­verthrowing the worship of God, And it was the formall part of an oath, when the Apostle Paul said, God was his witness. pag. 238.

Answ. Christ who said God was a spirit, and would be worshipped in spirit, and in the truth, said, swear not at all, who was the oath of God that ended oaths; but said, in all your communication let your yea be yea, and nay, nay, for whatsoever is more cometh of evill. And the Apostle was so far from swearing, who in the doctrine of Christ a­bode, as he saith above all things my brethren swear not at all, not by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath. Neither did any of the Apostles, though men that were in strife swore, and their oath ended the strife among them; and they swore by the greater, that is the true oath; But Christ, in whom is the peace, the covenant of peace, where soules comes to be one, and hearts one, who are the true brethren in him, are in the oath of God, the end of all oaths. For God when he could not finde a greater, swore by himselfe that did not change, concerning of his Covenant with men that doth not change, in which men come to have peace with God. And so men swear by the greater, whose oath ends their strife and controversie. But God could not finde a greater, swore by himselfe concerning of his Son the Covenant of God, which ends the strife among men, and between God and man, and is the peace on earth, and good will towards men. Now the swearing of the Angels, the swearing of the Priests, the swearing of Jacob, and Joseph, and David, and Solomon. Christ is the end of all these, the oath of God, in which their faith stood; and to which all the Angels must bend and bow to him that saith, sweare not at all. But your swearing now is not like to the Jewes, for they swore by the Lord, not swore by the book of the Prophets [Page 166] writings; neither did they swear by the Tables in which the Law was writen. Neither did the Apostles nor the Saints swear by the Epistles nor Christs words after they were wri [...]ten, and recorded: Now this is worse then the Jewes, for they were to swear by the Lord from whom the Law came; they were to swear by the Lord of whom the Prophets learned, and not by the Tables, nor by the Prophets words. Now the hea­then was to swear by Moloch, and to swear by Baal, and kist Baal; and the children of Israel to swear by the Lord, not to swear by any Writings or Declarations of the Prophets, or Moses: Neither do we read that the Saints swore by the Epistles, or the Revelations, or Matthew, Marks, Luke or John, and kist it: For the true Christians that wi [...]nessed Christ the end of the Prophets, the end of Moses, a greater then Solo­mon, Him by whom the world was made before it was made, before Abraham was, which reigns over the house of Joseph, and Jacob, to whom the Angels must bow, saith, swear not at all: This is my beloved son saith God, heare ye him.

Pr. He saith, A believer hath both the rise and furtherance of his faith and evidence from what is written. And if the Scripture be a dead letter, and the word in the heart be one with the Scripture, then that in the heart is dead. page 246. Let them tell the world how the Scripture is the Declaration without contradiction, and yet the word in the heart. page 247.

Answ. The Scripture as it lies, and is in it selfe, is a dead letter; but as the word is felt in the heart that gave it forth, then it is its own words. Now to them that be from the Word within, the dead mind, the dead letter. And so the words themselves there gives not life to that, but as the words is raised up within; as it was in them that gave it forth: and that is it which gives life, and that sees the Scriptures, and the fulfilling of them; and then that knows the Scriptures that cannot be broken, and in that the words ends, the word Christ: And that's it that gives life to all people, and saves the soule, which the Letter doth not, as it is in it selfe, without one have that which gave it forth, and that is not dead. And a believer, the author of his Faith is Christ, and the giver of it: And if he have all that is written, and be not in the light Christ, who is the author of his Faith, he wants the foundation of God that stands sure, Christ Jesus, that all the Fathers and holy men of God rest in, in the faith be­fore any Scripture was written, in him stood their faith, the foundation of God, Is­raels glory, the light of the Gentiles, this is that which fulfills all Scriptures, and ends the faith, the salvation. And the Ministers of the Word that comes to fulfil the words, those Ministers of the Word, they took in hand to set forth in order a Declaration of the things wrought among them, which had a perfect understanding from the very first, of what Christ both said and did: And so this Declaration was given forth to be read, believed, fulfilled, and people to enjoy the thing it speaks of, that which the Apostles preached to Jewes and Gentiles, the new Covenant, the one offering, the blood of Jesus Christ, him the end of the first Priesthood, that Abraham saw, and David saw, and Moses had the type of, the Prophets wrote of. Now who enjoyes him that these all spoke of, saw, and preached, they have the end, the comfort of the Scriptures. And here is the Declaration seen, and known; and here is the substance possest, and here is the words of God, and here is the Word of God that fulfills the words, which word was before the words, in which word the words end, and are all sum'd up into.

Pr. For to say Christ and faith is not to be found in Scriptures, He saith, I hope no hum­ble Saint will pin his faith upon this, &c. And they crying up thee and thou to a particular, &c. pag. 247.

Answ. Christ was before the Scripture was written; and Christ is life (not found in a dead letter) nor faith, and he is the end of the Scriptures, and the substance of them; and many had the Scriptures, and could not finde faith in them, nor Christ, nor life. And Christ told the Pharisees he was the life, the Scripture testified of him, but they would not come to him that they might have life, who is the end and substance of the Scrip­tures, by whom the world was made. And as for the words thee and thou, and you who [Page 167] are stumbling at it, shews they have never learned their Accidence or Bible. So short o [...] the language of the spirit that teacheth to speak sound words that cannot be condemn­ed, who are ignorant of the literall knowledge.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures was breathed forth by the spirit of God; but we receive the spirit another way then they did as gave forth the Scriptures, and the Scriptures was given forth immediately: but thus the Scriptures comes not to us, nor the understanding of them. We have Books, and Canons, and printed Translations in the Mother Tongue. page 248.

Answ. All your Books, and Canons; and if ye have all the Scriptures printed in all the Languages of the world, and if ye have not the same immediate inspiration that gave them forth, ye understand not the Scriptures. And we do believe you, that ye have not an immediate inspiration as they had, nor do not receive the spirit as they did that gave forth the Scriptures, who are ravened from it; But who ever knows the Scriptures of truth, it is by the same spirit as gave them forth; with this, and by this is the Scriptures of truth, the excellent words known again to what state and conditi­on they were spoken.

Pr. He saith The spirit is in the Letter, or the whole Scripture. Page 254. And they that writ forth the Scriptures were imperfectly holy; but Gods Word was holy. To conclude the spirit is in the Letter, and given by it, daily experience demonstrates it. And they that owns not the spirits dwelling in the letter, have lost their faith of the spirits presence, and runs to other Gospels and Doctrines, the spirit of errour is in all mens Doctrines that have not the spirit in them. page 255.

Answ. The holy men of God that gave forth the Scriptures as they were moved by the holy Ghost; but the Apostle said they were holy, and we shall believe him before we believe any of you apostate Teachers, which say they were not holy. And the spirit was in them that gave forth the Scriptures, received of God the Father of spirits, and dwells in God: And they that be from the spirit of God within which gave forth the Scriptures, are such as follows their own spirits, and useth their tongues, and gets the good words, the sheeps cloathing, deceives the hearts of the simple, and tels them the Spirit is in the Letter; which never did none of the experienced Saints say the spi­rit dwelt in the Letter; But did conclude the spirit dwelt in their hearts, the faith in their hearts, the light in their hearts, the word in their hearts, the anointing within them, God dwelt within them, Christ within them, the Law in their hearts, the witnesse within them, the ingrafted word that saved their soules; the gift within, the hidden man in the heart, strength in the inward man, the holy Ghost moved them, the spirit of the Father spoke in them, this led them to speak forth Scriptures: And these never said the spirit was in the Letter, as all the filthy dreamers say, who are in the sensuall separation from the spirit of God, and in Cains, Cores, and Balaams way, turning the grace of God into wantonnesse, ravened from the spirit of God in­wardly, but wolves in sheeps cloathing; These are such as have got the good words, but deceives the hearts of the simple, makes a trade of them, tells people the Spirit is in the Letter; and that is them that ravened from the spirit of God in their own particulars, and so they deceive people, and keep them from the spirit of God in their particulars; But the spirit that gave forth Scriptures is witnessed, by which that is known, they cannot deceive any longer: who are reprobates concerning the faith, which crept into houses before the Apostles decease; which have kept people always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, led away with divers lusts. So have kept people in spirituall Aegypt, and Sodome, and Gomorrah, and have been guarded with Magistrates and powers of the earth all over the world: But now is the Light breaking forth, and shining, that ye are all discovered. And so they have set up other Gospels, and lost the Faith, that tels people the Spirit is in the Letter, when the spirit and the faith was in them that gave it forth, and is to be in all them that knows it again, and knows God the giver of it.

Pr. He saith, He that is borne of the Spirit, is borne of the holy Word written. page 257.

Answ. He that is borne of the spirit, is borne of that which gave forth the Scrip­tures, of the Word, which was before the Scriptures was given forth, which lets them see the end of the words: so cometh to dwell in God of whom they learned that gave forth Scriptures.

Pr. He saith, If setting the Scripture in the heart of every man be nothing else, but telling people they have a light of conscience within them, and stirring up that light which every man hath that cometh into the world: They delude poor people, who never heard that light called Scripture before. page 257.

Answ. Them that never heard the Scripture outwardly, the light that every man hath that cometh into the world, being turned to it, with that they will see Christ, with that they will know Scripture; with that they will be led out of all delusion, come into co­venant with God, with which they will come to worship God in the spirit, and serve him, and that is more then conscience.

Pr. He saith, The light which John speaks of, which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, is a dim light, and it is a piece of the mystery of Iniquity, as subtile as any Antichrist, to say that the light shines in the darknesse, and shineth out of darknesse, the light of Christ for salvation. page 261, 262. He saith, Christ in you, the light in every man, is a poor, base, beggerly scrap. Page 264.

Answ. And the lig [...]t which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, is Christ the substance, the righteousnesse of God, and not beggerly; but all the beg­garly, they be out of the light, and it is not dim, but all be in the dim that be out of him the Light, that with which he hath enlightned them. And all be in the mystery of i­niquity, and are Antichrists, that seeth not the light that doth enlighten every one that cometh into the world, where it shines, and where it shineth out of the darknesse. This the true Ministers, who be in the spirit that gave forth the Scriptures, Ministers of Christ within witnessed and saw. And John was not antichrist, nor Paul, who said, Light shined in darknesse; and who said, light shined out of darknesse; and who said, this was the true light that lighteth every one that cometh into the world. Now ye are all igno­rant of the Prophets before John, who said, I will give him for a Covenant, for a light unto the Gentiles, and a new Covenant to the house of Israel, and to the house of Judah; mark! here was every man; and John the greatest Prophet born of a woman, saith, this is the true light that lighteth every one, &c. Christ Jesus, him by whom the world was made before it was made, in whom is life, and the life was the light of men: and the light shined in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.

Pr. The law written in every mans heart doth not condemn all sin, nor the branches of it, not originall sin, nor unbelief. pag. 266. He saith, To say that every man in his first state is naturall, and every man in his first state is as a beast, is a contradiction. And I every where deny the naturall light of every man; but I deny the highest degree of light to be here at­tainable: And the Saints light is not to be seen while we are under the Sun. And he saith, he knows he is more brutish then a man, and hath not the knowledge of the holy. pag. 272. And the light that shineth in the Scriptures, I professe my selfe to know nothing; the least de­gree of it is above the highest degree of the light that every one that cometh into the world is en­lightned withal. pag. 273.

Answ. The light which every one that cometh into the world is enlightned with­all, was before degre [...]s, and ends degrees, and is not natural; for it was before the naturall was made, or created; and this bears not witnesse against the naturall, the Sun, Moon, and Stars, but ownes them in their places; And the light which every one that cometh into the world is enlightned withall, which comes from Christ the Son, they not believing in it, it is their condemnation. And that which doth make ma­nifest sin, is light, and doth reprove, is light; yea, all sin, branches, and roots, and originall, and unbelief, that which doth make it manifest is light; and where this light is that makes all this manifest, there is the law in the heart, and new Covenant writ­ten, the law and the spirit of life that makes free from the law of sin and death. And the light which every man is enlightned withall, they believing and receiving it, [Page 169] they come into covenant with God, they come to know the Law of God in their hearts; that is the law of God in their hearts; the light which doth enlighten every man, &c. And every man is in his first state, in the transgression, many are worse then Beasts, and brutish; and what they know they know naturally, as bruit beasts: And thee, and all of you, who are ravened from the spirit of God inwardly; what ye have known, it hath been naturall, as bruit beasts; for ye are gone from the Spirit that should give ye to know and understand, and so that is no contradiction. And we do believe thee (who looks for the light in the letter of Scripture) thou art brutish, and saith the light of Scripture is higher in the least degree, then the light which doth en­lighten every man that cometh into the world. Alack for thee, the light which doth enlight­en every man, &c. was before Scripture was given forth. And the Saints that do re­ceive the light that doth enlighten every one, &c. receives Christ the perfect light, and doth receive God, and Christ, the substance, the end of degrees. And thou shalt ne­ver see the Saints light, while thou art looking at the Letter from the life within, which was in them that gave it forth; and the light shined in the hearts of them that gave forth the Scriptures.

Pr. He saith, The Scripture light, that is a standing rule for our faith, and there is present light in it to guide men to salvation, and so are not immediate revelations and tea­chings. And the knowledge of Christ and eternall life is given forth in the letter. page 283.

Answ. They that had Scriptures knew not salvation, and they knew not the rule, being erred from the spirit of God. And none knows salvation, but by the immediate teaching and revelation of Christ Jesus the Son of God, the salvation. And if men have all the Scriptures given forth from God, they themselves are not able to make men wise unto salvation without faith, which Christ is the Author of, who is the substance of what the Scripture speaks of, and so they are not able of themselves to guide men to salvation. Neither are they a rule of faith, but Christ is the Author of Faith, and the Spirit is the rule that gave them forth; and all that have them, and is not in the Im­mediate, knows them not, neither the Gospell. And none knows eternall life, nor Christ (which is the Autho [...] of life and faith, which was before Scripture was) by the Scriptures, but as they come into the life that they was in that gave them forth: And there is the life found, Christ found, Christ seen, him by whom the world was made before it was made; for the life, was in them that gave forth the Scriptures, by which they knew God, and eternall life, and Christ the Saviour, Abraham, the Prophet, and Moses; So the life must be in all now, before they know Scriptures, or Christ, or God.

Pr. He saith, If the letter declares of Christs fulfilling, then we should need to know no more of Christ then what for substance is in the Scriptures, then there is no need of immediate teachings. page 284. He saith, new Apostles, and doctrine discovered of a righteousnesse within them, and that is their justification. And this is as the ring-leaders of the Jewes a­mong the Galatians. page 286. And the salvation which is to be wrought out with fear and trembling is not the same as made Moses and David, Habakkuk and Paul tremble. page 287.

Answ. The power of God is one, which threw down Paul, shook Habakkuk, and Moses, and David, whereby these all came to know Christ; which power, who com­eth into it, and into the infinitenesse of it, which raiseth up the seed which is Christ, whereby the salvation is known, and wrought out with feare and trembling. And when ye all come to know this power that works out the salvation with fear and trembling, your reproaches will be laid aside, for reproaching of such whose salvation is wrought out with feare and trembling. And righteousnesse within, and sanctification within is a new Doctrine to you that are inwardly ravened from the spirit of God since the dayes of the Apostles, and so from the spirit of faith, from the hearing of faith; which they that drew the people to the Circumcision without, went from the hearing of faith within, by which they should be justified. So they that are come to the hearing [Page 170] of faith, they are come to the justification, and sanctification within, and looks not to the Circumcision and Baptisme without: So this is an old doctrine, and not new, but to you Apostates. And though the Scriptures declares of Christs fulnesse, and if people have all the Scriptures, that speaks and declares of his fulnesse (which you say you need know then no more of Christ then what for substance is in the Scriptures, and so no need of immediate teachings) we believe you; But none knows the fulness of Christ, but who comes into the immediate teachings. Your mouths may be full of Scripture, and use your tongues about the [...]aints words, and running up and down, and the Lord never sent you, saying, Thus saith the Lord, in Chap. and Verse: And it is sufficient that the Scripture speaks of his fulnesse; yet I say, you, nor none upon the earth never knew his fulnesse, but as ye come to the light wherewith Christ hath en­lightned you withal, in every one of your own particulars, though ye may have all the Scriptures; for they that knew the fulnesse of Christ, and they that gave forth the Scri­ptures, had the spirit of God in them: So must every one that knows it, and them again.

Pr. He saith, If the Scriptures be a rule for thee and thou, then it is a rule for respect to superiours: And keeping on the hat shewes the pride of the heart, and a lying spirit. He saith, they have not a growth of Perfection in this life, but a pressing on. page 290. And he saith, the Prophets took Texts, and raised motives. And he saith, he that believes not our poynts from Scripture, shall be damned, that hee must tell him from Christ. page 299.

Answ. Who are standing up against thee, and thou, and the Hat, shewes the pride of their hearts, and be out of the humility, looking for an earthly honour, which before the honour is the humility. Nay, the Scripture is not a rule for the respecting of persons, neither is the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ; they that do are out of the faith, and are convinced by the Law to be transgressors, and committers of sin, and so out of the Law, and Faith, that respects persons. And David, he saw the end of all that perfection, so he was past the growth of it, when he saw it end. And the Scriptures, and Christ, you know not, who are not come into the immediate teachings, nor have no need of that; who saith, the Scripture it is sufficient that declares of Christ. And the Prophets did not take Texts, and raise Motives, and Uses, and Reasons, and lay in them halfe a yeare together, and sell them for money, as ye do now since the days of the Apostles in the apostacy; But now I am come to reckon with you, and you shall have a portion, a reward according to your works: And I will slay you with the sword, the words of my mouth, saith the Lamb. And your Poynts, and Reasons, and Imaginati­ons, which ye fetch out of Scripture, is but to lead people under condemnation, and keep them from the immediate teaching, and the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world: And James Parnells blood who dyed in the Prison, that righte­ous man, his blood lies upon you, and that shall lye upon your heads sparkling, and from under it ye shall never come, but ye shall own it. And the spirit of God levels down all the proud and lofty hearts of men, by which people are brought into unity with God, and one with another.

And the first day of the week which ye call the Sabbath, ye never read it in the Scri­ptures as a strict command among the Apostles.

Pr. And the Magistrate is not to levell the Laws with the light in every mans conscience. Again, If the Magistrate be in the Light, and discern into the minde of Christ, and understand his law. Is he to compell all the Nation, and Common-wealth, to come to the practice of his light? page 308.

Answ. The Magistrate of Christ, the help-government for him, he is in the light and power of Christ, and he is to subject all under the power of Christ into his light, else he is not a faithfull Magistrate. And his Lawes here are agreeable and answerable ac­cording to that of God in every man; when men act contrary to it, they do evill: So he is a terrour to the evill doers, discerns the precious and the just from the vile, and this is a praise to them that do well.

Pr. He saith, The Scriptures is the more sure word of prophecy that shines in the darke heart untill enlightned by the Law. And every mans light, &c. is the shimmerings of the law, and not of the Gospel light: and it is the voyce of the spirit of unbelief that saith, the spirit and the power is not in the declaration. See his Appendix.

Answ. The spirit and the power was in them that gave forth the Declaration, and many have the Declaration, and wants the spirit, and wants the power, as the Phari­sees did; as all you Apostates inwardly ravened from the spirit of God, have had the Declaration, but not found the power in it, nor spirit in it, and so are in the unbe­lief, and are all on heaps about it: For if ye had found the power and the spirit in it, ye had been all one, and quiet before now about Religion; yea, whole Christen­dome, in power, and in the spirit, and in the bond of peace, and in fellowship one with another, and the Scriptures, and the spirit, and God. And the light which doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, every man being in the light which hath enlightned him, he shall feel the word of prophecy; he shal feel the light shi­ning in his heart; he shall feel the Day-star arise there in his heart, he shall see that no Prophecy of the Scriptures came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke them forth. He shall see that many may have the Scriptures, yet quench the spirit & despise prophecying; he shall see the Scripture is but the Letter declared forth from the spirit of Prophecy, by the Prophets, and the spirit of God in the Son, and in the rest of the Apostles. And the light which doth enlighten every one, &c. is the end of the Law, and all shimmering lights, and it is the light of the Gospel. And none knows the Gospel, the power of God, Christ Jesus, but with the light that cometh from him. And here cometh every man into his particular comfort; And that is the voyce of the unbeliever like the Pharisees, that thought to have had life in the Letter, and would not come to Christ the life, the substance of Scriptures, but stops his eare to the light of God in him.

Pr. He saith, Let all know, that the worke within is not the ground and purchase of true peace: And that God is more pleased with that which Christ works without for them, then that which he worketh within them. And those that Peter speaks of, that had escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of Christ, yea cleane, and yet are in the naturall state, first, and last. See Appendix.

A. Them that have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledg of Je­sus Christ, and are clean, are out of the naturall state, for they have escaped out of that state which they were in first. And such as witnesse their Sanctification & Justification wrought within them, they witnesse in this they please God, by the faith in the blood of the Son of God. Now they feel not the comfort, nor the benefit, but by the faith of Christ Jesus, the one offering, in which God is pleased withall, which is accepta­ble, which is Christs offering, his sacrifice, his flesh, his blood, his life, his mind must be manifest, and received within, before they come to Justification, Sanctification, and Redemption, and the serving of God in the new life. And herein is God glorified, to believe in the onely begotten Son of God; and here they honour the Son in believing in him whom the Father hath sent. And so they that feele not Chirst in them, are Reprobates.

And as for all the rest of thy lyes and slanders, and strife, and confusions, who would set one against another; all cool, and quiet sober spirits will see thy confu­sion, and so thy words shall be thy own burthen, and the lyes torn upon thy owne selfe. And no man shall establish Sion, nor lay a stone there, as he is in himselfe; but the Elect makes up Sion, and the living stones, where the elect and precious stone is in the midst (which is Christ) laid in Sion. And all thy Babylonish wayes, actings, doings, and the rest of all thy Brethren, and who are begotten with the same spirit of the great Whore, that inwardly ravened from the spirit of God, which long hath had the sheeps cloathing upon your backs, who all come from one Popish flock, are com­prehended now by the spirit of God which ye all ravened from inwardly, with it are ye all fathomed. And how the Whore hath been arrayed with the sheeps cloa­thing, [Page 172] and hath had power over Kindreds, Tongues, and Peoples, and Nations, and Multitudes, and brought Nations into waters, and Peoples, and Tongues, Multitudes like waters, which have drunk the blood of the Prophets, and the Saints, and the Martyrs. And so thou art flattering the Authorities of the earth, and crou­ching under them, out of whose mouth goes the unclean spirit; But that is stirr'd and stirring, and rising in people, which ye all ravened from, and went from, with which ye are all comprehended.

And the judgement of the great Whore is come, and her garments shall be plucked off, and that which ye all ravened from, high and low, shall answer the judgement, and it is set a top of you all. For such as ravened from the spirit of God inwardly, got the sheeps cloathing, but turned against the Saints, and the woman fled into the wildernesse; but now the Lamb and the Saints shall get the victory. Though now the Beast, and false Prophets, and mother of Harlots, and the Devill, and the Kings of the Earth [...] [...]ake war against him; He that was dead is alive, and lives for evermore. The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, who rides on conquer­ing, and to conquer, who slayes with the sword, and kills with the sword, which is the words of his mouth. Now wo to the Dragon, and false Prophets, Beast, and mother of Harlots, and them that worship the Beast, the unclean Spirits, Woes, Vials, Thunders, Plagues, Earth-quakes is come, and coming upon you: And he is manifest and come, that treads the Wine-presse alone without the City; who is the Wonderfull, Counseller, the Prince of Peace, whose name is called the Word of God. With him are the Saints singing victory over the Beast, and the false Prophets, great Whore, mother of Harlots, Babylon, Antichrists. Babylon is fallen, the Lamb and the Saints shall have the victory. The body of witch-craft in it thou art found, that all that reads thy Book, that be in the spirit of discerning, may see; whose body is redeemed, and reigns over thine in the glory and victory.

Ralph Farmer, his Booke, called, The great mystery of God­linesse, and Ʋngodlinesse. In which these PRINCIPLES are following, &c.