Concerning false Christs and false Prophets, &c.

WHereas there was something said by the Preist of which about false Prophets, &c. and it is a ge­nerall outcry in the world amongst Teachers and Professors concerning false Christs and false Pro­phets, that Christ said should come and deceive many, and the cry is that they are but now come, and that these are the last times of which Christ said they should come, and say they; now they are come according to the Prophecy of Christ and saying in the Scriptures, where he hath foretold of them, and said they should come, as in Matthew the twenty seventh, and twenty fourth Chapters. To which it is answered as hereafter followeth, in reference to the saying and Prophecy of Christ, that speaks and foretells of the coming of the false Christs and the false Prophets (as aforesaid) It is answered that such as say they are but come now, [...]hey speak ignorantly and without understanding, and they are ignorant of the [Page 2]Scriptures, and the comming of them and their long reigne, that so affirme, who say, they are but now come, be they Preists, Parsons, Rectors, Doctors, Elders, and Teachers or Pro­fessors of what sort so ever; for as Christ told of false Prophets Mat. 7.15. So he also said that by their fruits they should be known ver. 16.20. of the same Chapter: And then said Christ unto his Disciples beware of false Prophets which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly are ravening Wolves, for by their fruits ye shall know them, it is to be observed that Christ spakes this unto his Disciples whilst he were perso­nally present with them, and that he bad his Disciples then to beware of the said false Prophets, and also gave them a rule or marke by which they might know them (as aforesaid) and in Mat. ver. 11. Christ prophesied or foretold that many false Prophets should arise, and not onely so, but also they should deceive many, and saith Christ in Mat. 24.24. there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets, &c. in so much that if it were possible they should deceived the very elect (but it is not possible that the elect should be deceived by them) yet Christ hath told his Disciples, Mat. 24. that false Christs and false Prophets should arise and deceive many, and that they would deliver up the Saints or Disciples and followers of the true christ to be afflicted, and that they should kill them, &c. then should iniquity abound; and that prophecy of Christ [...]ath been fullfilled in a great abundant measure, on the false Prophets part, together with such as have been seduced by them, and many of the Saints and servants of Christ have by the means of the false Prophets been imprisoned, killed, hated and delivered up to be persecuted, scourged and afflicted, such hard measure hath and doth the Saints and servants of Christ mee [...] with, by reason of the false Prophets and them that they have deceived. Therefore the false Prophets do and have appea­red in a deavouring or wolvish nature, though they have been like wolves hid in sheeps clothing, and covered with a pretence of godlinesse, yet formerly they have appeared and still doe appear in a devouring [...]a [...]ure, more like unto Dogs and Wolves (to rend and tear t [...] Lambs and Sheep of Christ) than good Shepheards to li [...] [...] serve or guide and feed the Flock [Page 3]of God 1 Pet: 5.1, 2, 3. but with force and cruelty have the false Prophets against them appeared, and have neither strength­ned the Diseased, nor healed that which was sick, neither have they bound up that which was broken, nor brought a­gain that which was driven away, neither have they sought that which was lost▪ but with force and with cruelty have they ruled like such that the Lord is against, who eat the fat and cloth them with the wool, but feed not the flock; but ra­ther seek to persecute and kill them, Ezek. 34.3, 4. where­by the aforesaid prophecy of Christ is in a great and abun­dant measure fulfilled; And again saith Christ Iesus our Lord in Mar. 13.22. false Christs and false Prophets shall arise to se­duce, if it were possible, the very elect; but saith he, take ye heed, behold I have foretold you, ver. 23. who was it that he fore­told, was it not his Disciples that he foretold (as aforesaid) yea and moreover Christ Iesus our Lord and Saviour declared and foretold of the coming of false Christs and falls Prophets (as aforementioned) and said he then, this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled or done, as may be read, Mar. 13.30. did Christ Iesus say to his Disciples whilst he was personally present with them, that false Prophets (and as aforesaid) should come, and did he whilst personally present with his Disciples bid them beware of them, and did he also affirme, that the generation then present should not pass away till those things spoken of in Mat. 24. and Mar. 13, should be done, amongst which things spoken of was the false Prophets rise and coming, how is it then that Priests and Professors are so ignorant of the Scriptures, and cry they are but now come, what will ye be lyars of Christ, of the Scriptures, and of the Doctrine of the holy Apostles? are ye resolved to seek to out­face, and withstand them all? be not so impudent and wicked, hath not Christ said (as aforementioned) that false Christs, and false Prophets should arise and come, by whose means many should be deceived? And did not Christ say, that generation then present should not pass till they came, or those things be­fore the passing way of that genera [...]on [...] should be done, and is this the generation of men (that generation) which were [Page 4]personally present then; though the evill Spirit of error doe rule in a great number of the persons, who are of the seed of evill doers, in this sinfull (and sin contending for) genera­tion, yet there hath been many generations since Christ said, false Christs, and false Prophets should come; And that that generation then present (whilst Christ were personally with them) should not pass till those things should be done; how is it then that Priests and Pofessors are so ignorant of the Scri­ptures, to try they are but come now, and that these are the last times of which Christ said they should come: Observe, Christ said to his Disciples while personally present with them, false Christs and false Prophets should come, and deceive many Mat. 24. Mar. 13. (as aforesaid) and he also said that generation should not pass, till those things should be done, this Christ said to his Disciples and friends, whilst personally present with them; and said beware of them, for many shalbe deceived by them; and you shall be delivered up to be afflicted, and ye shall be killed and hated of all nations for my names sake, and as Christ said they should come, Iohn in his time (or in that generation before it was passed) said they were come, and moreover he said that was the last time, in which it was said they should come, for saith the Apostle Iohn in the 1. Epistle 2. Chapter 18, 19. ver. Little children it is the last time; and as you have heard that Anti-Christ should come, even now are there many false Christs, or Anti-Christs, whereby we know that it is the last time, here they were come, yet priests and professors are so ignorant of the Scripture, that they cry out now they are come, and they are come, but now when they came before the decease of the Apostle Iohn, many hun­dred years since, yea saith he, they went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, no doubt but they would have continued with us, but they went out that they might be made manifest, they were not all of us, ver. 19. And as Christ had foretold his Disciples of the coming of those false Christs, an [...] how they would deceive many, saith he, goe not forth (or o [...]t after them, but rather abide within) so when they we [...] me, Iohn said and declared then, that they [Page 5]were not come in his time, and he writ to the faithfull to keep to the anointing within, 1 Ioh. 2.20, 27. And here Johns Epistle agreed with Christs Doctrine, and moreover as Iohn had told that the false Christs or Anti-Christs were come, and exhorted the faithfull to keep to the anointing within, he also said that the false Prophets were come, and were already gone out into the world, beloved said he, to them that kept to the anointing within them, 1 Ioh. 2.27. and kept the commandements of Christ, and knew that he abode in them, and that they abode in him, because he had given them of his Spirit, 1 Ioh. 2.23, 24. yea, and such as had overcome the Devil, the wicked one, and had the word of God abiding in them, ver. 13.14. who were of God and not of the world, 1 Ioh. 5.19. who being of God knew the Son of God to be come, and said he had given them an understanding to know him that is true, and then they were in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ, 1 Ioh. 5.20. they did not deny Christ to be within who were in him and he in them, neither were they of the world but of God, and such Iohn writ unto to try the Spirits; he did not write unto the world (nor hireling Priests) to try the Spirits, take notice of that, but he writ to them that were not of the world but of God, and were in Christ, and owned and professed Christ to be in them (as aforesaid) to such he writ to try the Spirits, saying▪ beloved beleeve not every Spirit, but try the Spirits, whether they be of God, because many false Prophets are gone out into the world, 1 Joh. 4.1. (marke) many false Prophets (saith he) are gone out into the world, then they were come long before this time, and since then they have had a long reign, and now is God discovering them, and bringing people off from them; Christ said they should come, viz. false Pro­phets, and false Christs, and John saw they were come and went out from them, and was not that, which inwardly ravened from the Spirit of God into the Apostacy, the ground which the false Prophets rose out of, and did not they that turned from the truth, and abode not in it, joyn together with the Beast to make war with the Saints? and did not such turne against the Saints as ran a whoring from that of God▪ and did not they make war with the Saints and overcome them and did not the false Pro­phets [Page 6]deceive and seduce Nations, and Kindreds, Languages, and multitudes, and set up the Image or worship of the Beast, and did not all that dwelt upon the earth goe out after them, and worship the Beast and his Image, but the elect whose names are written in the Lambes book of life, slaine from the foundation of the world, and must not they that worship the Beast and his Image be plagued and tormented, as may be read, Rev. 13. and Rev. 14. Christ said, false Prophets should come and deceive many, yea, if it were possible the very elect, Mat. 24 John saw they were come and gone out into the world, 1 John 2.18, 19. and in the Rev. John speaks of the Beast and false Prophet joyning together, and how they had prevailed, but the Beast and the false Prophet are to be cast together into the lake of fire and brimstone, and must be tormented day and night for ever and ever, Rev. 20.10. here he hath declared their punishment to be everlasting, John saw that all the world wondered after the Beast, Rev. 13.3. and they worshipped the Beast, saying who is like unto the Beast, who is able to make war with him, ver. 4. when he had made war with the Saints, and had overcome them, was not power given him over all Kindreds, and Tongues, and Nations, ver. 7. and did not the Beast so prevaile when he had made war with the Saints and overcome them, that he set up in the time of Apostacy, when he had dominion in England, in and through the Pope, Schools, Col­ledges, called Vniversities, to fit and make ministers for himself, and was not all constrained to worship that which vvas set up in the Apostacy, but such as had their names written in the Lambs Book of life, who could not worship the Beast and hi [...] Image, but rather choosed to suffer, and he caused [...]all both small and great, rich and poor, &c. to receive a marke in their right hand, and in their foreheads, Rev. 13.16. and was not Cathedralls and Parish Churches, so called, with the rest of the superstition their atten­dants, and sprinkling infants with the marke in the forehead, set up in the time of Apostacy; and did not the Pope by his decretall Epistle▪ cause Tithes to be paid to the Parsons and Rectors of Pa­rishes, and did they not so become Lex terrae, and so into paro­chiall rights, so called, th [...]e from, See Cookes 2. part Institutes fol. 641.642. was not that the ground and rise of Tithes in Eng­land, [Page 7]to the Parish Priests, Parsons and Rectors, &c. Did not the Pope create those names of Parsons and Rectors, &c. in the time of Apostacy, with a great number more of them, and was not those names that he created of the number of the Beast, which is said to be the number of a man, &c. Rev. 13.18. and is not ma­ny of those names which the Pope created yet upheld and stood in, as Parsons and Rectors, &c. And doe they not hold Tithes un­der such denominations; if so, is not that an evident demonstra­tion that they are yet in the Popes creation and of his succession, and as Iohn in the Revelation speaketh of the Beast and his wor­ship that took place in the Apostacy, doth he not speak of the I­mage of the Beast, that had life given to it in severall appearances, was not those Images of the Beast severall inventions, and set formes of worship, which had life given to them by nationall Laws, or else by force of the said Laws, people were bound to the Image and worship of the Beast, or for their refusall they suffered deeply, and was not the Mass Book an invention of the Beast and one of his images or forme of worship set up in England as well as other place; And was not people in England a long time bound to the Mass. Book, or that image and worship of the Beast, and when that was discovered or denyed by Ed. 6. was not the Common Prayer book set up in the stead thereof, See the Statute of the 1. and 2. Edw. 6.1. and was not that another invention or image of the Beast, and set forme of worship which had life given to it by a Law, though not much differing from the former, viz. the Mass book, and was not the life of that image or worship, viz. the Common Prayer book taken away againe, by a Law of Queen Maries, and did not she by the same Law give life againe to the former image of the Beast, that is to say the Mass book, or that forme of worship which was in the time of Hen. the 8. See Sessio secunda Anno Mariae primo Cap. 2. and 3. And did not Elizabeth who the next after succeeded Mary, repeale those Laws that gave life to the Mass book, and did she not set up the Common Pray­er book againe, and give life to the same by a Law: or thereby compell and binde people to the performance and worship of that image and uniforme worship set up by E [...]. 6. viz. the Common Prayer book; See the Statute of the 1 Eliz. 2. And was not the [Page 8]same worship cried up as the true Christian Protestant Religion, and confirmed by severall Parliaments, or stood in force during the times of James and Charles late Kings of England, untill it was discovered, and the life of it, viz. the Common Prayer book was taken away in the time of the late war, or the said Common Prayer book was by Act of Parliament disanulled; And what was the next unto that, but a Directory, and was it not fetcht out of Scotland, and set up to be observed, and what must be next the Common Prayer book againe, or something of the like nature, drawn up into an uniforme, or would not the Patish Priests, Par­sons, and Rectors, &c. have it to be so, else what meaneth the pleading of some of them for the Common Prayer book, or the like uniforme worship, may it not be well said that people and nations are as waters tossed to and fro, that have been and are so unsetled about their Religion, since the coming of the false Christs, and false Prophets in the time of Apostacy, hath not the Beast, which Iohn in the Revelations speaks of, made war with the Saints, ever since the time of the coming of the false Prophets spo­ken of by Christ, Mat. 24. or since the time that Apostacy took place, and hath he not, to wit, the Beast overcome the Saints by persecuting and putting them to death, but is not the promise that the Lamb shall overcome, and them that are with him, who are called and chosen, and faithfull, and must not the everlasting Gospel be preached againe to all Nations, and Kindreds, and Peoples? hath not the Beast long reigned in Apostacy, and did not Iohn be­fore his decease foresee it, and declared that the Beast had power given over all Kindreds and Tongues, and Nations, and hath not all that dwell upon the earth worshipped the Beast but them, that is to say the elect, whose names are written in the book of life of the Lamb slaine from the foundation of the world, and is not the prophecy of Iohn in the Revelations, since the Apostacy and com­ing of the aforesaid false Prophets, largely fulfilled, Rev. 13.7.8. And hath not the Beast, according to that prophecy, long had power over Tongues, and to have power over Tongues, hath it not been to order them by Masters of Art, Batchelors of Art, Vice-Chancelors over Colledges and others, such as are of the number of the names of the Beast, who are expert in the deceit, [Page 9]or Magick Art, &c. and is not those Tongues that are so ordered which the Beast hath power over as aforesaid, learned at Colledges, &c. and are not those Colledges called by names given in the time of Popery, and was they not then erected, &c. and is not the Beast yet worshipped, and must they not drink of the wine of the wrath of God poured out without mixture, into the Cup of his indigna­tion and be tormented night and day, who worship the Beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the marke of his name, as saith Iohn in the Revelations, Chap. 14.9,10, 11. What is the whores Cup of fornication, and the great whore that hath long sitten upon the waters, with which whore the Kings of the earth have committed fornication, in which the blood of the Martyrs is found See Reve. 17. and read with understanding, are not the waters where the whore sitteth there spoken of, declared to be peoples and multitudes, and Nations, and Tongues ver. 15. doth the whore sit upon Tongues, what upon Greek, Latine and Hebrew, Schollers at Universities, or Colledges, now and ever since they were erected or set up in the time of Apostacy, after the coming of the false Christs, and false Prophets that Christ said should come, and Iohn saw were come, and have they not since then deceived the Nations; and are they no more setled then waters, or how should it be otherwise whilst they erre from the true Spirit, and follow their own inventions; but God is now bringing and hath brought many people out of the waters to the Rock Christ Je­sus, and is building them together in him, upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, in whom all the building fitly framed to­gether groweth to an holy Temple in the Lord, For an habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph, 2.18, 19, 20, 21, 22. And now is the Lord bringing people to the true spirituall worship againe according to the Scriptures, Ioh. 4.23, 24. Phil: 3.3. (which was before the Apostacy) at which the false Prophets that hath long rei­gned in the time of Apostacy are greatly offended, but it is but that the Scriptures may be fulfilled which saith, evill men and seducers, shall waxe worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, 2 Tim. 3.13. The true Christians owned and professed Christ Jesus with­in them, before the Apostacy, and did not deny Revelation but since the Apostacy, the false Prophets and Antichristians denyeth [Page 10]the true Christ to have an inbeing in his people, and are offended at such as own revelation, and the true Christ to be within accor­ding to the Scriptures; The Apostle Paul not of men neither by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead, did affirme and certify to the Brethren before the Apostacy, that the Gospel which was preached of him, was not after man, nor received of man, neither was he taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ, Gal. 1.1.11, 12. he did not deny revelation, as the false Prophets doe, but said, when it pleased God, who called me by his grace to reveale his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Heathen, immediatly I conferred not with flesh and blood, but went into Arabia, &c. Gal. 1.15, 16, 17. here this true Gospel Minister neither denyed revelation nor dis­owned the Son, but witnessed that God had revealed him unto him, and that within as aforesaid, but the false Apostles and false Pro­phets deny both revelation and Christ to be within, the true A­postle said he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, which Gospel he affirmed and declared to be the power of God unto salvation, unto every one that beleeveth, and furthermore he hath affirmed that therein, viz. the Gospel of Christ which is the pow­er of God as aforesaid, is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, Rom. 1.16, 17. here againe the true Gospel-Mini­ster before the Apostacy owned revelation, and did not say it was ceased, neither was he ashamed of that Gospel of Christ, namely the power of God, wherein the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith as aforesaid, and the same Apostle before the A­postacy commanded, that if any man, yea or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel than that, which he with the rest had preached, to let such beholden accursed, Gal. [...].8, 9. but since the apostacy the false Apostles or Ministers of Anti-Christ; together with the false Prophets who deny revelation and say its ceased, they preach a contrary Gospel to that which the true Apostles preached, where in the righteousness of God as aforesaid, is from faith to faith re­vealed; therefore the said false Apostles or Ministers of Anti-Christ, together with the false Prophets are held accursed; The true Gospel Minister in whom Christ was revealed, in preaching to the Gentiles before the Apostacy, where he speaks of the my­stery [Page 11]which God would make known among the Gentiles, he hath declared it, to be Christ in them the hope of glory, whom saith he we preach and teach, &c. Col. 1.27.28. did not the true Gos­pel Ministers in so preaching preach Christ within as aforesaid; and doe not the false Prophets since the Apostacy deny such a doctrine: The true Gospel Ministers before the Apostacy prea­ched the Gospel, with the holy Ghost sent down from Heaven, 1 Pet. 1.12. but since the Apostacy the false Prophets seeks to ex­clude the office of the Holy Ghost, and are highly offended at them now, that preach the Gospel againe, with the holy Ghost sent down from Heaven; the true Gospel-Minister before the Apostacy, was called and sent to turne people from the darkness to the light, Acts 26.16, 17, 18. and so from the power of Satan to the power of God, but in the Apostacy and enmity the false Christs and false Prophets are against the true light, and thereun­to opposite both endeavouring to keep all they can, for owning the light and joyning to the same, and they also labour by their wiles, slights and cunning craftiness to seduce, and as much as in them lyeth to turne people from the true light to the darkness againe, and so from the power of God to the power of Satan, but now they are known, for the day is dawned, and the day Star a­risen in the hearts of many, and the day declareth every mans works of what sort they are, therefore as this is read with a right understanding▪ let them that so read, take notice who the false Christs and false Prophets are, and of them hereafter be a­ware.

Concerning Revelation and the Spirit, &c.

MOreover in the Primitive time before the Apostacy or coming of the false Christs and false Prophets, that Christ said should come, and Iohn saw were come, as aforementio­ned, the true Gospel-Ministers were so far from denying Re­velations, That they said, No man knoweth the things of God but by the spirit of God, which revealeth the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2.10, 11. And they also declared and said that they had not received the Spirit of the world, but [Page 12]the Spirit of God, that they might know the things, that were freely given them of God, ver. 12. and if no man know the things of God, but by the Spirit of God, which revealeth the deep things of God, then to deny Revelations and say they are ceased, Is not that to deny the office and work of the Spirit of God, and say it is ceased; and doe not they that say so plainly shew that they are false Prophets, and false Apostles, or Ministers of Anti-Christ, and doe not such also deny the true Apostles Doctrine, and shew that they are ignorant, and without the true Spirit guiding them to speak, and that they know not the things of the Spirit of God, who deny Revelation the office and work of the Spirit, to reveale and make known the things of God as aforesaid, without which Spirit of God or a measure thereof, no man can know the things of God, as the true Apostles hath said.

The true Gospel-Minister before the Apostacy, declared and said that if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his, Rom. 8.9. but the false Prophets or Ministers of Anti-Christ since the Apostacy, deny that any man should have the Spirit of Christ, and they doe not onely declare thereby that they are none of his Ministers, but also that Christ hath no true Disciples or Subjects, Therefore they that deny the Spirit of Christ they must needs be false Prophets, and Ministers of Anti-Christ, or the Devils Sub­jects, note such and take it for granted, they are the enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The true Gospel-Ministers and Saints in Christ Jesus, before the Apostacy declared and affirmed, that they had received the Spirit of God, whereby they knew the things, that were freely given them of God, and by the same Spirit they knew, that they were children of God and joynt heirs with Christ, and could by divine right say it, the Spirit of God also witnessing, with their Spirit that it was true, and thereby, viz. by the Spirit which they had received of God, or by the Spirit of his Son, which he had sent into their hearts, they could cry Abba Father, Rom. 8.14, 15, 16. 1 Cor. 2.10, 11, 12. Gal, 4, 6. But since the Apostacy, the false Prophets and Ministers of Anti-Christ declares and affirms, that it is presumption or blas [...]hemy, for any to affirme now, that they have the Spirit of God, and know thereby the things, which are [Page 13]freely given them or God, and to say that they are the children of God, and joynt heirs with Christ, and that they have the Spirit of God, as an evidence bearing witness with their Spirit, according to the Scriptures, that it is so; and that God hath sent the spirit of his Son into their hearts, whereby they cry▪ Abba Father, and can so call him by divine right, according to the Scriptures, as the Saints in Christ Jesus formerly did; This the false Prophets and Ministers of Anti-Christ calleth presumption, delusion and blas­phemy, therefore note them, and as Christ hath said, Mat. 7.20. by their fruits ye shall know them.

The true Apostle and Minister of Christ before the Apostacy exhorted or counselled the people to walk in the spirit, to the end that they might not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, Gal. 5.16. Be­cause they that live in the flesh cannot please God, as the true Gospel Minister before the Apostacy hath said, Rom. 8.8. and the fruits of the flesh are manifest saith he, which are these, See Gal. 5.19, 20, 21. and they which doe such things shall not inherit the kingdome of God, as the true Gospel-Minister hath said, and as may be read, Gal. 5.19. &c. 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10. Eph. 5.5, 6. But since the Apostacy the false Prophets and Ministers of Anti-Christ, they deny the Spirit of truth, and labours to keep people from walking in the Spirit of God, to the end that they may fulfill the lusts of the flesh, and that they may live in the flesh, and be kept but of the Spirit, least they should please God, and so for the up­holding and strengthning Satans interest in people they are, and labours to keep people in sin, and to pleade for the same, that they may live in the flesh, and bring forth the works thereof, to the end that they may be fitted for Satan, and be kept out of the king­dome of God; Therefore it is high time for people, that hath any regard to the glory of God and of their souls good to look about them, and not any longer follow the false Prophets and Ministers of Anti-Christ, that hath had such a long reigne, and are expert in the work of deceiving.

The true Gospel-Minister before the Apostacy counselled peo­ple, he ministred unto, not onely to walk in the Spirit, that they might not fulfil the lusts of the flesh, but also that through the spi­rit they might mortify the deeds of the body, to the end that they [Page 14]might live unto God, and bring forth the fruits of the Spirit and so glorify him: But since the apostacy, the false Prophets and Mi­nisters of Anti-Christ, they labour to keep people from the Spirit, least the deeds of the flesh should be mortified, and therefore they labour to keep them out of the Spirit of truth, least they should by it be led out of deceit and into the truth, to live to the praise and glory of God as aforesaid, also see Gal. 5.16. & Rom. 8.13, 14. Joh. 15.8. Gal. 5.22, 23, 24. For if they should walk in the Spirit, and bring forth fruit unto God, and dye to the world; Satan would loose his hold, and his interest in people would cease and come to an end; Therefore that he may uphold a kingdome of sin and un­righteousness, covered over with a pretence of godliness in peo­ple, he sits the false Prophets and seducers to labour and Minister for him, but as Christ hath said, by their fruits ye shall know them, a before mentioned, Mat. 7.

Concerning perfection according to the Scriptures.

THe onely true God, when he appeared to Abraham the Father of the faithfull, declared and said, I am the Almighty God, and in his doctrine or by way of command said unto Abraham, Walk before me and be thou perfect, Gen. 17.1. which doctrine Abraham received, and also Christ Jesus our Lord in his doctrine, or by way of command he said unto his Disciples, and those that he taught, who had grace and received the same, be ye perfect as your heaven­ly father is perfect, Mat. 5.48. And such as pressed after perfe­ction, the doctrine of the Father and the Son, said by the Spirit of truth, as many as are perfect be thus minded, Phil. 3. to press others on to the same, and before the apostacy, whilst the holy Ghost had the ordering in the true Church, and were of Counsell with the Ministers of Christ, who preached the Gospell with the holy Ghost sent down from Heaven, Acts 15.28. 1 Pet. 1.12. they declared and said, we preach wisdome amongst them that are perfect, 1 Cor. 2.6. and they taught in all wisdome, labouring to pre­sent every man perfect in Christ, Col 1.27, 28, 29. for which end they said, Christ Jesus when he ascended upon high gave [Page 15]gifts unto men, that is to say, for the perfecting of the Saints, &c. Eph. 4.10, 11, 12, 13. who having grace according to the mea­sure of the gift of Christ, Eph. 4.7. received the same, But since the apostacy, the false Prophets and Ministers of Anti-Christ, they deny the aforesaid doctrine of perfection, and under a cover, they are not ashamed to say and affirme, that the doctrine of sinless perfection, was first bred by the Devil, secondly detested by Christ, thirdly and never received or truly beleeved in, by them that had any sparke of true grace, when the said Doctrine of perfection as aforementioned was first bred, or brought forth by the Almighty God, secondly and owned, approved of and preached by the Lord Jesus Christ, thirdly and heartily received, beleeved in, pressed after, attained unto, and preached by them that had received the Spirit of grace, and thereby were guided as aforesaid; Then they that deny the said doctrine of perfection aforementioned, and speak so falsly of it as aforesaid, doe make it appear that they are false Prophets and Ministers of sin, or Subjects to Anti-Christ, and no true Christians, nor any true gifted men, but as Christ hath said, by their fruits they are, or shall be known, therefore beware of them, and take heed of being devoured by the wolf, which long hath layen hid in a sheeps cloathing, but now comes to be seen where the day is dawning.

Concerning laying on of hands, &c.

THe true Gospel Ministers before the apostacy declared and said, that their sufficiency was of God, who had made them able Mi­nisters of the New Testament, not of the letter but of the Spirit; and they excluded self, and denyed the insufficiency and all the power of it, 2 Cor. 3, 4, 5, 6. But since the apostacy, the false Prophets and Ministers of Anti-Christ, they deny an inward call by the Lord God and his Spirit to be sufficient to the work of the Ministry, without an outward call of men, not qualified thereunto by the holy Ghost, and so they set up a sufficiency of self, and prefers that before the power of the holy Ghost, and they that [Page 16]doe so must needs be false Prophets and Ministers of sin, or sub­jects to Anti-Christ; and though under a pretence they would acknowledge the laying on of hands, yet they would not own the office, Counsell and authority of the holy Ghost in it, but deny­eth that the holy Ghost, did either speak in the Primitive time before the apostacy to them that laid hands on; or that they were qualified and impowered by the holy Ghost to the same, when in such a case the Scripture is plaine, for the proof of the thing a­gainst them, who against the truth so affirme, for it is said, and in holy Scripture left upon record, that there were in the Church that was at Antioch, certaine Prophets and Teachers, as namely Barnabas and Simeon, and Lucius, and Manaen and Saul, and as they ministred to the Lord and fasted, the holy Ghost said sepa­rate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have cal­led them, Acts. 13.1, 2. here it is plaine, that the holy Ghost spake to them, that ministred and fasted as aforesaid, and the holy Ghost also declared, that he had called the said Barnabas and Saul, for the work of the Ministry, or as aforementioned, and moreover the holy Ghost said by way of command, to them he spake unto, who laid on their hands, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work, whereunto I have called them, which was to the work of the Ministry, and if they had not in obedience to the holy Ghost direction and Counsell or order, separated the said Barnabas and Saul, they had been opposite and disobedient to the holy Ghosts command and authority, but they were obedient and truly subject thereunto, and did what they were required by the holy Ghost, and when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they let them goe, but they attributed the work of sending unto the holy Ghost, and not to the power of man without the holy Ghost, as the false Prophets doe now, so they being sent forth by the holy Ghost departed unto Selucia, and from thence they sayled to Cyprus, Acts. 13.3, 4. So it is clear that what they did in that thing, it was what they were qualified and impowered by the holy Ghost to doe, and they did it as a ma­nifestation of their subjection unto the holy Ghosts order and au­thority, who was of Counsell with them, and did impower them to doe what he saw good and needfull to be done by them as sub­jects [Page 17]unto him, Acts 13.1, 2, 3, 4. Acts 1.8. Acts 15.28, and he also for bad them doing what he would not have done by them, Acts 16.6, 7, 8, 9, 10. And so were of Counsell with them and a commander over them, as well as a guide unto them, and a re­membrancer, teacher and comforter of them, according to the promise of Christ Iohn the 14.16, 17, & 26. Ioh. 16.13. and they owned him and his authority when he was come, Gal. 4.6. Rom. 8.14. &c. Acts 1.8. Acts 10.20, 21. 1 Pet. 1.11, 12. and they did not seek to exclude the office, direction, Counsell and autho­rity of him, that is to say of the holy Ghost, as the false Prophets and Ministers of Anti-Christ doe and a long time have done, who are now greatly offended at them, that own the holy Ghost to be of Counsell with them, and to teach, command, guide, and com­fort them according to the Scriptures; Therefore take notice, that they that seek to exclude the office and authority of the holy Ghost out of the Ministry and Churches, to the end that they may set up themselves, they are the false Prophets and Ministers of Satan, or Subjects of Anti-Christ, who are the great enemies to the kingdome and Ministery of Christ, and are the Devils chief A­gents, and for the upholding of him and his interest in people, therefore be warned and take heed of them, for they have had a long reign, and by their fruits ye shall know them, according to Christs saying, Mat. 7.15, 16. &c. And now as God is pleased to bring people to the annointing and teaching of the Spirit of truth to teach them and qualify them with the holy Ghost, and thereby impower and send them to teach and require them to lay on hands, it is good, and ought to be done, for what the holy Ghost sees good to be done, and requireth any to be subject to him in the thing, to act with and in the behalf of him, it is neces­sary to be done, and they ought to yeeld their obedience as a sub­jection unto him; but if men take upon them by their own wills and inventions or humane learning, to teach and lay on hands, and be not fitted, impowered, and qualified by the holy Ghost to the same, it is but selfish, and the work is their own, and not the Lords, and therefore it works little or no true Reformation, as experience of long, and ever since the apostacy, may or doth largely [Page 18]evidence, and clearly demonstrate against them. Oh that men would deny themselves and self-confidences, and all self-refuges and interests thereof, as in reference to the work of the Ministry and worship of God, and also about the work of Reformation, &c. and let the Lord alone with his work, and give up into his will, to be led, taught, counselled and ordered by him, then would they see the emptiness and insufficiency of self, and their own nothingness, as in reference to the work aforementioned; and so see the Lord to be the author and well-spring of all good and happiness to mankinde, and also sufficient to re­forme, teach, order, and establish people and nations in the truth and true spirituall worship and Ordinances, both to the praise and glory of his grace, and the joy and comfort of their souls, and for the everlasting good and happiness of them: so would stocking, stoning, and persecuting of men, and wasting their est [...]tes, or spoyling their goods about Religion cease, and the Lion and the Lamb would lye down together in peace for this rending tearing and devouring of men, and spoyling their per­sons and estates, about matters of Religion and Reformation, hath been in the transgression and also since the apostacy, and during the reign of the false Christs and false Prophets, that Christ said should come, and John saw were come, as before mentioned, which is many hundred years agoe or past, since they came.

Concerning singing and the righteous man falling, &c.

IN the time of old, the true Prophets and people of God, when they were required to sing praise to the Lord, either upon deli­verance, or otherwise what the Lord required of them to sing, they in obedience to him sung, and were not without what to sing, both in manner and matter, as was must acceptable and well plea­sing to him; as Moses and the children of Israel upon their deli­verance out of Egypt and through the red Sea, they sung a song unto the Lord, and they declared that the Lord was both their song and their strength, there salvation and their God, &c. Exod. [Page 19]15. and this was long before Davids conditions were put into thyme and meeter by Hopkins and Sternhold, so likewise Deborah and Barak, when they were to sing, they had wherewithall to praise the Lord both in manner and matter, Judges 5. long before Hopkins and Sternholds time, so likewise David said sing unto the Lord, oh ye Saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness, Psal. 30.4. and this was long before Hopkins and Sternhold and some other Poets; put Davids conditions into rhyme and meeter for people to sing; Therefore the Saints were furnished both in manner and matter with what to sing, when it was required by the spirit of truth, of them and from them to doe the same, and also Solomon he had the song of songs, Cant. 1.1. and knew what he was to sing as it was required of him; and the Prophet Isaiah was not without a song to sing as it was necessa­ry to be done, Isa. 5. Likewise the barren that had not borne, had matter of rejoycing, and knew what to sing as it was requi­red of her, Isa. 54. And if any want matter of praise and know not how to sing, neither according to the right manner nor from the right matter, let them waite upon the Lord to teach them, that they may sing to the praise of him, who is not awanting to them that patiently waite and put their trust in him, and Jere­miah after his complaint, Jer. 20.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. upon a de­liverance said sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord, for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evill doers, Jer. 20.13. and moreover he spoke to the people by way of com­mand from the Lord to sing with gladness for Jacob, and to pub­lish praise and say, O Lord save thy people the remnant of Israel, Ier. 31.7 So when God requireth a people to sing, he teacheth them what to say, without Hopkins, and Sternholds Poetry, &c. who have put Davids prayers, prophecies, roaring and mournings into rhyme and meeter, with an addition also of their own inventions and lyes as appears; and as the Church in the time of old, and all the Saints and Servants of God had matter of praise given them, when they were required to sing in obedience to the Lord and to his praise; so likewise in the true Churches of the Saints in Christ Jesus before the apostacy, the blessed Apostle exhorted the Saints to be filled, with the Spirit, to the end that they might [Page 20]sing in Psalms and Hymns and spirituall songs, singing and making melody in their heart to the Lord, Eph. 5.19. what was those Psalms, and Hymns and spirituall songs, that in their hearts they sung to the Lord, seeing that Hopkins and Sternhold had not prin­ted Davids conditions then in ryhme, and set them out therein according to the Art of Poetry, &c. was not those Hymns and spi­rituall songs such as the redeemed then did and now may sing? though none can or could learne them, but such as were and are redeemed from among men, Rev. 14.4. And said the blessed A­postle before the apostacy, sing with the Spirit and with the under­standing also, 1 Cor. 14.15. but since the apostacy the people it seems knew not what to sing, till Hopkins and Sternhold, and some other Poets, made them songs of Davids conditions, and added thereunto their own inventions and lyes, and people are set to sing them now by the false Prophets without the true spirit to guide them, and also without the true spirituall understanding; For when they sing and say, O Lord I am not puft in minde, when they are puft in minde, doe they not lye in the name of the Lord, but if they were guided by the true spirit, they durst not take up­on them wilfully to lye, for Gods people doe not willingly lye; Therefore they that willingly lye they are not Gods people, but of their Faiher spoken of in Iohn 8 44. But as for the people and children of God, it is reported and declared by the spirit of truth thus; surely they are my people, children that will not lye, so he is their Saviour, Isa. 63.8. But they that sing and say,they are not puft in min [...]e, when they are full of minde, and say, they have no scornfull eye, when they are full of scorne, and looks with a scornfull eye one at another, and says, they are as a little child, that is weaned from his mothers breast, which is without actuall trans­gression when they are nor so, and says all their bones shakes, (when they doe not so, and says, they goe mourning all the day long, when they doe not so, for such as goe mourning all the day long, what time or part of that day have they to sing, doe not such both lye and sing without the spirit, and true spirituall un­derstanding; and is that any way to the praise of God, or is it not rather a selfish act, and when they follow Hopkins and Stern­told in their rhyme and additions in all things: doe they not sing [Page 21]lies of the Scripture, and of the righteous man: when they say the Scripture plaine tells me, the righteous man offendeth seven times a day to thee, whereon thy wrath dependeth, &c. when the Scripture doth not plaine tell any so; and that lye of Hopkins and Sternholds is grounded in people as a generall maxime, since the apostacy, as if none could be free from sin, because the righte­ous man say they, sins seven times a day, and they charge the Scripture with it, when the Scripture no where saith so, its true, there is a place in the Proverbs saith thus, lay not waite, O wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous, spoil not his resting place, for a just man falleth seven times, and riseth againe, but the wicked shall fall into mischief, Pro. 24.15, 16. but there is no mention of the righteous man falling seven times a day; and there is the place of Scripture, which makes most for that saying, when it doth not say so; but it seems Hopkins and Sternhold durst pre­sume to put in their own words, and say seven times a day to make meeter, and the people ignorantly have grounded a confi­dence upon a lie, and so have lied of the righteous man and also of the Scripture, since the apostacy by reason of the false Prophets or Subjects of Anti-Christ; Neither doth that Scripture say in plaine tearms, that the just man sins in those seven times that he falls, but the wicked sins because he falls into mischief, and lays waite a­gainst the dwelling of the righteous, and seeks to spoyl his resting place as aforesaid; moreover it is said of the wicked, that they sleep not unless they have done mischief, and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall, or suffer by them, for they cat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence, but the righteous is counselled to avoid the way of evill men, Pro. 4.14, 15, 16, 17. and are forbidden to enter into the path of the wicked, and if the righteous man should sin seven times a day, he would both enter into the path of the wicked, and walk in the way of evill men: But it is said, that the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day, Pro. 4.18. but the way of the wicked is as darkness, ver. 19. Therefore it is to be observed, that there is as much difference between the way of the righteous, and the way of the wicked, as between light and darkness, and that they, that deny the light [Page 22]are ignorant of the way of the righteous, and most acquainted with darkness the way of the wicked; and I say there is a vaste dif­ference between sinning seven times in the whole, and sinning con­tinually seven times a day, if it was so, that the just man did sin seven times in those seven falls; yet the just man he may fall severall times, and not sin in those falls, for it is said of Job, that he was a perfect and an upright man as any was upon the face of the earth at that time, Job 1.8. and he held his integrity as the Lord said, though Satan moved the Lord against him, to have destroyed him without cause, Iob 2.3. and he fell into many troubles or tryalls, sufferings and exercises, as just men oftentimes doe, yet it is said, that in all this Job did not sin with his lips, Iob 2. 10. And Iames saith, if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body; And the just or righteous man may fall into troubles, tryals, and exercises, for the tryall of their faith and patience, and yet in those falls may be kept from sin, for many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of them all; the Lord upholdeth them that so fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down, Psal. 145.14. for the Lord upholdeth them with his hand, Psal. 37.24.

Concerning Prayer.

IN the true Church before the apostacy; the true Gospel Mini­ster said; I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also, 1 Cor. 14,15. But since the apostacy the false Prophets or Ministers of Anti-Christ and Subjects of sin, they pray without the true Spirit guiding therein and without the under­standing; for though they say, Our father which art in Heaven, they are ready to account it blasphemy, for any to say I am a child or Son of God; and they also say in one of the Petitions in the Lords Prayer, viz forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us; here they pray to God to forgive them their trespasses committed against him, as they forgive them that tres­past [Page 23]against them, when they doe not forgive such, as they account to be trespassers against them, but rather seeks to destroy them by imprisonment, and sending to the house of correction, and by abusing them with cruell persecution; Doe such pray for any for­giveness of God, who doe not forgive, when they pray for their forgiveness, as they forgive others; and if any be moved of the Lord, to goe and speak to a Priest, or a company of people led a­stray by a spirit of errour, to the end that they may returne and seek the Lord, doe not the Priests account it a trespass against them, and instead of passing it by with a forgiveness, if it be by them accounted a trespass, doe they not seek rather to punish to the uttermost, if so, doe they not pray without understanding, when they pray to be forgiven as they forgive others? when they never intend to doe as they say, and doe they not also pray that God may be avenged on them, as they seek to be avenged on the people of God, that comes to speak unto them in pure obedience to the Lord, which the Parish Priests accounts a trespass against them; But if they were in the truth, they need not to be afraid to be spoken unto by a servant of the Lord; is it not deceit that needs to be guarded with a law; to the end that none may speak, unto them in obedience to the Lord; likewise in the true Church before the apostacy it was an order amongst them, that if any thing were revealed to them that sat by, they might speak, and the first hold his peace, 1 Cor. 14.30. But since the apostacy, the case is altered in the Parish. Churches so called, and none must speak their that sits by, if the Lord command it, under paine of imprisonment, &c. Is not that in errour to the true Churches order; consider well of it and read, 1 Cor. 14, 30, 31, 32, 33. And before the a­postacy to pray by the true Spirit was much commended, and a­mongst true beleevers in the true Church, it was much practised, and prayer could not well be made acceptable to God but by the Spirit, or they knew not how to pray as they ought, without the direction and assistance of the holy Spirit, which made and now maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God; But since the apostacy, prayer by the Spirit hath been much de­nyed, and the false Prophets and Subjects of Anti-Christ, are ready to mock and jeer at them, that preach and pray by and with the [Page 24]Spirit, according to the Scriptures, as the Saints formerly did, Rom. 8.26, 27.1 Cor. 2.4, 5, 6. Mat. 6.6. &c. Eph. 6.18, 19. But who are they that jeer at this now, except the false Prophets and Subjects to Anti-Christ, who like hypocrites pray standing in the Synagogues, contrary to the true Christs command, Mat. 6.5. that they may be seen and praised of men of like minds, but as Christ hath said they have their reward, and by their fruits they shall be known, but Christ bids his to beware of such, and saith, that though for a precence they make long prayers, who devour wi­dows houses, and have the chief seats in the Synagogues, &c. yet not withstanding these, faith Christ, shall receive greater dam­nation as may be read, Mar. 12.38, 39, 40.

Concerning free-grace.

Grace is the gift of God, Pro. 3.34. and what is more free than gift, yet some say, cursed be all they that say, grace is free, and let all the people say Amen; I say let such be marked, for they are the enemies of Christ, and are false Prophets, and emi­nent or great for the interest of Anti-Christ, for the Lord God is a Sun and a shield, the Lord will give grace and glory, no good thing will he with hold from them that walk uprightly, Psa. 84 11. And grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, Joh. 1.14. and the true Christians beleeved through grace, Acts 18.27. and it the grace had not been free, through which they beleeved, might they not have died in their sins and perished; because they could not chime it as a debt, and they could not morit it, because whilst und bel [...]evers, what had they of an equall worth to give for it, they could not purchase it by any act or thing of theirs; Therefore is was and is a gift, and being a gift it is free, Rom. 5.17, 18. And before the apostacy the true Gospe-Minister hath declared the grace of God, which bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldliness we should live righteously, soberly, and godly in this present evill world, Titus 2.11.12. But since the apostacy, the false Prophets and [Page 25]Ministers of Anti-Christ; They deny the freeness, and sufficiency of the grace of God, and so denyes the doctrine of the Spirit of grace, to the end that they may set up self and live in sinfulness, drunkenness and abundance of ungodiliness, in despite to the Spi­rit of grace, but great will be the punishment of such as doe despite to the spirit of grace, and turne into wantonness, as you may read, Heb. 10.28,19. Iude 4. such are of the number of the false Prophets and Subjects to Anti-Christ; Therefore beware of them, for by their fruits they are known.

Concerning Faith.

The true Ministers of the Gospel before the apostacy, they came not with the enticing words of mans wisdome, but in demon­stration of the Spirit and of power, to the end that the true Chri­stians faith might not stand in the wisdome of men, but in the power of God, 1 Cor. 2.4.5. and the true Gospel-Minister, said to the true Christians by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your selves, it is the gift of God not of works, least any man should boast, Eph. 2.8, 9. But since the apostacy the false Pro­phets and Ministers of Anti-Christ, that deny the grace to be free, and say it is not sufficient, they deny the sufficiency of it, and so denies saluation by grace through faith, and sets up their own works or self actings, to the end that they may act Anti-Christs part, and boast of their own doings by the power of self, who deny the power of God, in which the Saints faith doth stand; and turns cursers of them, that own the true faith; who say, cursed are all they, that say, faith is without sin; as many false Prophets in Scot­land have done, true faith is the gift of God, and a fruit of the Spirit of God, as the blessed Apostle hath said, 1 Cor. 12.8.9. and Gal. 5.22, 23. and God gives faith, but be gives not sin; Therefore the faith which Cod gives, must needs be a faith with­out sin, and what soever is not of faith is sin, Rom. 14.22. but what­soever is sin, is not of faith, nor any part or degree of the same; true faith purifieth the heart, Acts 15.9. but sin polluteth, Mar. 7.21, 22, 23. true faith is pretious, 2 Pet. 1.1. but so is not sin; [Page 26]true faith in Christ is the Saints victory over the world, 1 Ioh. 5. 4. therefore it is a faith without sin, and Christ is the author of the true faith, Heb. 12.2. but he is not the author of sin; there­fore that faith which he is the author of, must needs be a faith without sin; Then they that say faith is not without sin, they must needs be false Prophets and Ministers of sin, or subjects of Anti-Christ, who doe no less than say, the gift of God is not without sin, and that Christ is the author of sin; Oh horrid blasphemy and wicked delusion, for if faith be not without sin, as they say it is not, then God in giving faith, must give sin accor­ding to the false Prophets account, which he doth not; and if faith be not without sin, as the false Prophets say it is not; then Christ in being the author of faith, might be the author of sin ac­cording to the false Prophets account; therefore people, now that you have such a cleer discovery of them, and in regard that their fruits doe so plainly describe them, if you yet follow them, and be still seduced by them, it is because you are in love with them, and are willing to be led astray by them; and if the blinds lead the blinde, shall not both fall into the ditch, as Christ hath said, Mat. 15.14. now you are warned and I am cleared; where­fore be separate and come out from among them, and touch not the uncleane thing, all you that regard the glory of God and you souls good, that you may [be hid in the day of the Lords wrath, and] be received into favour with him, and numbred amongst his Sons and Daughters, 2 Cor. 6.17, 18.