I Have received thy Paper, wherein I find thee acted by Corahs spirit, in Kains way: but man, know thou, that its neither lyes, nor false accusations that I have layd upon thee, far be it from me; and the Lord doe so to me, and more if I wrong thee, or you, as thou haft done me and my Brethren. But in plainnesse, and in truth, I answer against thy sophistry, for the defence of innocency, and if there be any other end in me, let it be accursed.

Priest. Deluded soules; The Scripture saith, Pro. 17.15. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, even they both are abomination to the Lord.

Answer. Deceiver of soules, Pro. 17.15. is fulfilled upon thee and you, who through covetousnesse, with fained words maks mat­chandise of soules for your dishonest gain: and yet saith, you are the Ministers of Christ: here you are found justifying the wicked, even a generation of persecuting Priests, to be Christs Ministers.

Pr. Which ab [...]minable ends is found in you, and in all of your way, more then in any generation of people in the world at this day that I know of?

Ans. Here thou art sound ignorant of us, and belyes us, in say­ing, that we justifie the wicked, we are cleare from thine accusation; and let all that knows any thing of our conversations beare us wit­nesse, whether we countenance wickednesse in the least, in any ap­pearance: so man, be willing to receive thy rusty stuffe back again into its own bottle from whence it was broached, for it hath no place amongst us; for by us all wickednesse, and your leven and trash is denyed.

Pr. Who are not only as the Devill himselfe accusers of the Bre­thren; but also contemners of the generation of Gods children Rev. 12.10. doe you not discover this apparantly in all your reproach full prat­lings, slanders, seriblings, and oppositions against the most godly and pretious, both ministers and people, whom the world batch?

Ans. As for accusing the Saints or Children of light, that's false; or for contemning godly and pretious Ministers and People; far be [Page]if from us: but Kaines generation, Hams off-sping, and Ishmaels brood, and them that say they are Christians, and Ministers of Christ Jesus, and are not (them we write and speak against) in whose steps you are sound, in envie, and covetousnesse, suing at Law, straining mens goods, Preaching for hire, for filthy lucre: therefore let Rev. 12.10. turne edge against thee, who is not onely found accusing, but falsely accusing, and fiercely despising the innocent; writing in wrath, and contempt, concluding us to be deluders, and deluded, becaus;e the Lord hath opened our Eyes to see your cunning deceipt and hypocrisie: for which cause you are angry, because your trade is like to perish, or be set at naught; and if the rest of your Bre­thren (the children of Mammon) hate you; yet know thou, that you are both in one ground albeit you be a little more in words, and seeming somthing more like the truth then the other; yet receive them for thy Brethren, for you are sound in the unity of enmity against the seed of the woman, and teaching of Gods spirit with­in man, contrary to Iohn 14.26.

Pr. And will God thank you, or will not the Devill rather, for sad­ding the soules of the Saints, whom the Lord would not have sadded?

Ans. We are bound to give thanks unto God, but not God to give us thanks; here thou art seen in thy drunken wisedome, speak­ing thou knows not what: and as for the Devill, he sights to main­tain his Kingdom against us, and therefore will not thank us, for his peace is broken (which thou calls sadding the soules of the Saints;) I say, take heed that it be not the Devils peace that is broken in you, for no other Kingdom doe we strive against, but that of darknesse; and if you were out of it (in the election of grace) then would you know us, & what we justifie & what we condemn; but thou and you knows us not, therefore it is fulfilled which was spoken by our head, they hated me without a cause; even so doe you his members, who are content to bear your hatred, & the Lord lay it not to your charge.

Pr. Or will he accept of your accusations, charges, and condemnati­ons against his own Elect? Is it not he that justifieth them? who and what are you that you condemne them?

Ans. God accepts the righteous, and they shall judge the world, and their accusations, charges, and condemnations is just against evill doers: but that we condemn such, is false; but the spirit of truth in us condemneth such as is not acted by it, and led out of [Page 7]pride and covetousnesse, and out of Kaines, Corahs, and Balaams way, where you are found: And if you say, God justifieth such, I say its false, and thou wilt find it so, we are clear from accusing and condemning the Elect and justified of God; so here thou art found a lyar.

Pr. And if God have long patience with you, yet will not he al­wayes forget, nor at all forgive such great impiety, except you Re­pent; consider this you that forget God, &c.

Ans. While we were in the night of Apostasie, and in darknesse under your fruitlesse ministry; then were we forgetters of God (as thou and you are, which saith, and doth not) in which time the Lord might justly have cut us off in his hot displeasure: but now he hath turned us toward himselfe by repentance in selfe denyall, which repentance is never to be repented of: and wouldst thou have us back again into the puddle of your imaginations? we know your spirits, if we could give you Tythes, and let you goe on in your own wayes unreproved, then we might be accepted, and have peace with you, by putting into your mouthes as well as others, then we might escape the spoyling of our goods, and the imprisoning of our bodies (by you) as well as the Papists and others.

Pr. Are not you they also that justifie the worst and wick [...]st of the people above the godly? Does not your more ordinary silence towards them, with your feined and false faxning sly and subtle insinuation, abundantly testifie this?

Ans. Here, thou false accuser, I charge thee with a lye, and it re­mains for thee to prove wherein, and what wickednesse, or wicked people we justifie; how long will thou not cease to lye, thou would fain be Capernaum-like, but thou must come down to the sides of the pit for thy lyes and slanders, except thou repent; for I tell thee, that our silence is not at all towards thee and you the leaders, nor towards them that are led by you; but wheresoever we meet with deceipt, we warn people to fly from it. And thou, the leader of the blind, must take thy portion with them that are blindly led except you repent. And as for subtilly insinuating our selves into the wick­ed, that's false; for out teaching is not with in [...]cing words, but we Preach the crosse of Christ, which is a dying unto sin, and a grow­ing towards persection, which is foolishnesse to you, which teach­eth people, and tells them, they shall never be persect; here thou [Page 8]and you are sound subtilly to insinuate your perswasions into the transgressing part in people, and there you lodge in the hearts of your hearers, and by your bloody instigations, stirs them up to fight for your trade; take notice of that, and be ashamed thus to bely the innocent who is under persecution by you.

Pr. Yea, and most especially your own justification evinceth your guilt in this.

Ans. Here I doe utterly deny thy assertion: for selfe-justification we deny, and all that remains in the flesh (which is of the flesh) and doth account it to be as rotten rags, and menstruous clothes, and doth abhor our selves, and our own righteousnesse, and perfe­ction, cleaving onely to that of Christ Jesus, who hath, and doth perfect, juslifie, sanctifie, and glorifie, and worketh in us both to will and to doe; so a lyar thou art, and as I said before, not onely an accuser, but a false accuser; so be content to own it, for thou hast set thy selse to act it to thy shame.

Pr. Who although, as I said before, you are a generation of evill doers, decemblers, and deceivers, as is abundantly evident by all your unfruitfull words, and works of darknesse, notoriously known of all, &c. yet doe you justifie your selves more then the Pharisee, though you fall short of him, &c.

Ans. This was thy accusation in thy former Paper, which thou promised to prove positively, and particularly; but being required to doe it, thou now goes about to shift it off with false excuses; for art not thou ashamed to say it is un [...]chtistian-like in us; to say un­to thee, we require thee to prove that which thou thy selfe promi­sed to doe? but now thou goes about to cast a snare upon the inno­cent, and by thy windy wisdome strives to drive thy Clouds to vail then Sun. Oh Elimas-like, how long wilt thou not cease to pervert the right wayes of the Lord?

Pr. But thou Joseph Hilling hath sent me a proud Challenge and Charge to doe it.

Ans. I Charge thee to be a lyar here again, and I appeale to these words which I sent unto thee (thou having layd down some accu­sations as before) this was my words. For all which we require thee to bring in proofe positively and particularly, &c. not challenging nor charging thee at all to prove it, but onely requiring thee; therefore own thy condemnation, thou hast belyed me, and the [Page 9]lying spirit in the sets at naught the way of life.

Pr. And why should Pearles be cast before Swine, that will trample them under feet, and turne againe, and rend us?

Ans. We doe not look for Pearles at your hands; for how can a Fountain send forth at one hole, sweet water and bitter? Or how can a lyar and a false Accuser communicate Pearles? and although thou tearm us to Swine, yet doe we chew our Cud, and knows our Manna, the food of life; and the Swine we know, thou that feeds upon the huske, putting the letter for the word, and try all of spi­rits, and for your rule, and not the new Creature. Therefore, I say, deale honestly with thy soule, and take heed that thou be not found a Swincherd, in stead of a Shepherd, take notice of that, thou that trades with the letter.

Pr. And why should you require this of me, or nay of us, sith thou dost deny and renounce the power which the Lord hath given us to edification, and not to destruction; which if thou hast no expe­rience of thy selfe, yet take head of condemning them that have; for wisedome is justified of her children; and they that are of God, hears Gods Word, &c.

Ans. I have required nothing concerning this of thee, nor of any of you, but that which thou thy selse prosered; and why dost thou profer that which thou dost not performe? this is truce-breaking, and thou art a truce-breaker herein. And as for denying the power, which thou saith, the Lord hath given you, (as above) thou hast given me good cause to deny thee, and the power by which thou art acted, whose impudent lyes, declares thee to have no power given of the Lord, but thy power is the power of darknesse (which pleads against the light) transformed into the likenesse of truth, before them whom the God of this world hath blinded, who sees not your life, nor discerns not your voyces. And as for having experience of my selfe, It tell thee, The spirit of truth in me condemns all whose expe­rience is but selfe experience, for I know nothing of God by my selfe, nor of my selfe, for that cannot justifie wisdom; but thou whose experience is of thy selfe, is not a child of wisdom, for if thou were, thou would be ashamed to lye as thou hast done, as is proved. And as for them that are of God, who hears Gods word, them I dearly own, and imbrace, for they are gathered into the sold unto the one Shepherd, and shall be no more meat for you, (Ezek. [Page 10]34.10. to the end) neither shall you be numbred with them so long as thou lyes falsely accuseth, is called of men Master, and sells thy selfe-experiences for money; thou must stoup, the stone is descend­ing against thy Image, and the Sun is risen which will seatter thy mist: therefore beware betime.

Pr. Thou art angry with me, because I say, you are poor, miserable, &c.

Ans. Thou speaks thou knows not what, for we are no more the blinder for thy so saying; but our blindnesse and miserablenesse was, when we were deprived of the food of life (and of the light which giveth the knowledge of God) by your cunning sophisticall Do­ctrine, by which you insinuate your selves into the peoples affecti­ons, keeping them alwayes learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth which maketh free: and here is blindnesse, and cause of anger, war, and fighting in the unperfect unruly part, marke that.

Pr. Pardon me, I had but almost forgot what you say, you see with them, John 9.41. and with Laodicea, Rev. [...].17. that you are rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, &c.

Ans. Here thou mocker shews thy selfe, in belying of us, we doe not see with them, Iohn 9.41. who did not own Christ; but we see with them that suffered the spoyling of their goods, and with them that was counted as the off-scouring of all things, and as sheep for the slaughter for Christs sake; yea, and with such as was counted deceivers by the Sect of the Learned, to wit, the Scribes and Phari­sees: therefore be willing to receive it home again, for it shall stand for thine own condition, with the rest of thy Function, who is the successors of the Scribes and Pharisees there spoken of, Iohn 9.41. take them for your predecessors, and fill yee up their meisures, for In their steps you are found. And as for the La [...]diceaus, Rev. 3.17. that we are in their steps, there spoken of, is another lye; for the Lord is our witnes, we doe not boast of riches by increase of goods; neither doe we say, that we have need of nothing; and here thou art exercising thy selfe in the war against the Lambe; for God forbid that we should glory in any thing, save in the Crosse of Christ, or delight in any other increase, but the increase of grace, for we have need of patience, that after we have done the will of God, we might receive the promise, Heb. 10, 36. so here thou art found in thy falsification, wresting and twining of Scripture (to thy ows destruction) against the innocent.

Pr. But let me tell thee, that I doe not, nor shall not at all beleeve you in this matter, though you trumpet out your own prayses, and bla [...]e your owne perfections never so much.

Ans. Man, when we trumpet out our own prayses, and blaxe out our own perfections, then you may have cause not to beleeve us, and though you seem to lay it upon us, yet we are cleave; and if thou affirme it. thou affirmeth a lye, as thou hast done many, as is proved already; for there is nothing of us, to wit, of flesh and blood, that's prayse-worthy; but we prayse the Lord, the the perfector and perfe­ction of his Saints in whom is all fulnesse, unto whom we fly for teachings, which makes you seers and diviners of our dayes in such a rage, that forging lyes is become your greatest refuge, who per­swades people that we trust in our selves, and selfe righteousnesse; which things we utterly detest, and they remain for thee and you all to prove. And as for despising of others, that is false, for we own all Creatures as they are in themselves (Creatures, or Vessells) but the seeds is at enmity (mind that) for the Creation of God, we have no cause to hate, but the mover of cedition in the ground, take notice of that.

Pr. As for that Scripture thou cites, Luke 18.9.10. and bids we consider the scope of the Parable, and we cannot but see our selves punctually to resemble the Pharisees.

Ans. Here thou hast reckoned us up with the Pharisee, and saith, we resemble him; here I charge thee with another lye, and it re­mains for thee to prove which of us did, or doth boast in our pray­ers of Fastings, paying fo Tythos, and that we were not like other men; but we are bold to declare, that our regeneration is not by our own merits, nor our salvation by works of righteousnes which we have done; but according to his mercy; he hath saved us by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the holy Ghost, Tit. 3.5. so thy accusations touches us not, but shall stand against you (with Luke 18.9.10. and all other Scripture) for y [...]e are out of the rule of Scripture, both under the Law and Gospel, as easily may be proved.

Pr. Couldest thou, or any of you, but convince me of this, that they are just that justifie themselves, then I should side, and say with you and the Papists your patterns in this, and the most of your opinions, that perfection is not onely attainable in this life; but that it is the easiest thing in the world; but how hard will it be to prove this principle

Ans. I doe not strive to convince any of their justnesse that ju­stifie themselves, for I deny them that so doth, and the Papists to be our patternes: but whether you will side with us, or not; thou and thy fellows must be forced to take the Popes Law for a prop to your Gospel, for by that Law you are guarded; therefore let thine accusa­tion return home again, and take the Papists for thy patternes (thou and you who tradeth in their shops;) and as for perfections to be at­tainable in this life; here thou shews forth thy ignorance; and that thou art not called into the ministry of Christ. (Reader mark) per­mand of God to Abraham, Gen. 17.1. Deut. 18.13. Iob 1.8. & 8.20. Psal 37.37. It was the Doctrine of the Apostle. 2 Cor. 13.9.11. & in Phil. 3.15. It was for that end that the Scripture was recorded, 2 Tim. 3.17. it was the Prayer of the Apostle for the Chruch, Heb. 13.21.1 Pet 5.10. Heb. 6.1. yea, the whole end of the Ministre, Ephes. 4.11.12. thou that denyes perfection, denies thy gift, and the power of the Lord. For shame, for what end dost thou Preach? it is evident hereby, that you keep people alwayes learning, and ne­ver able to come to the knowledge of the truth which maketh free, Iohn 8.32. And now, that it is the easiest thing in the world, I say, in perfection is ease, peace, and joy in the holy Ghost, and no treasure is to be compared to it, or any measure of it; and you that are not growing towards it, knows nothing of redemption: And thou that perswads people, that perfection is not to be attained unto, here, keeps people alwayes in the bondage of corruction, for it is hard to be attained unto, which is the cause why many stumble.

Pr. Was is not Christs peculiar prerogative to be without sin? Heb. 4 15.1 Pet. 2.22. 1 John 3.5. he did challenge the world, Ioh. 8 46. and could abide the bitterest brunts of the Devill, because there was nothing in him for Satan to worke upon, Iohn 14.30. but who be­sides himselfe could ever say so?

Ans. I grant it was, and is, the proper freedom of the head, and also of the members of that head, and these Scriptures which thou hast cited, I own, compared with Heb. 2.18. and that none could ever truely say so of themselves, is granted also. But this doth not disanull perfection; and thou that doth despise it, and pleads against it, pleads against the one offering against the Prayer of Christ, and priviledge of the Saints (Iohn 23.14.) and against the whole end of [Page 13]the Ministry, Ephes. 4.12. and against the worke of a Minister, Col. 1.28.29. so man, I exhort thee be ware what thou dost, least thou repent when it is too late; for as the tree falls, so it lyes, and as death seazes upon a man, so judgement will find him out; and every man shall be judged according to the deeds done in his body; and the righteous hath hope in his death: but the wicked shall rise to the re­surrection of condemnation.

Pr. Paul, after a long and prosperous progresse in sanctification, mortification, and vivification, was not ashamed to speak the truth, Rom. 7.11.18.24. but who can beare witnesse of your humili­ation in this manner; nay, the contrary is contemptuously, and impu­dently boasted of by you.

Ans. Here thou art seen to be ignorant of us, speaking evill of things thou knows not; for the Lord is our witnes, whether we have not groaned under the bondage of corruption, or not; and cryed unto him which is onely able, to be delivered from the body of sin. And the Apostles condition we own, knowing that in our flesh dwel­leth no good thing which is of its own nature, although thou hast thus judged of us; neverthelesse, we have a treasure hid in carthen vessels, which you (with all you doe) cannot deprive us of, which is our joy. But to proceed, Paul did not continue in sin, he said, God forbid, Rom 1.2 &c. they could not live any longer in sin, they were planted together in the likenes of his death; See what he dyed unto, Rom. 6.10. and although Paul did complain of the body of sin, Rom. 7. yet consider what testimony he gives in Rom. 8.1.2.3. & 37. verses; take notice of Rom 8.8. thou that stands up to make voyd the comming of the Son of God, by pleading against perfection, taking the Apostles condition in his imperfection, to pleade for the Devills Kingdom withall; but leaves his after condition, in Rom. 8.1.2. as though the Apostle all his life time had been subject to bon­dage. Oh shamelesse man, who for covetous ends would have people kept from the teachings of Gods Spirit which sanctifieth. I say, The Lord rebuke thee.

Pr. Is your condition then with Christ, and not with the Apostle? O horrible Blasphemy! are you finite creatures equall with the infinite Creator? doe not all naturall, as well as spirituall light, abhor this?

Ans. Here thou askes a question; I say, our condition is with Paul in the measure of the growth, and with Christ according to [Page 14]the measure unto which we are grown; and although we be finite creatures, as the Apostles was; yet we can truely say, as we are faith­full, that we are partakers of the divine nature, which worketh, and leadeth us unto the righteousnes of God, and out of the Fall, and out of the Curse, into the Son-ship, to receive the spirit of adoption; and so we are made members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones, Ephes. 5.30. and is not ashamed of the Doctrine of the Apo­stle, Ephes. 2.5.6. (mark) thou that denyes perfection, and equallity with Christ; shall the members deny the head? oh horrible! if this be thy Knowledge, no wonder if thou rage with thy naturall light, (for spirituall light thou art ignorant of) which was the Apostles message 1 Iohn 1.5. Acts 26.18. which message is trampled un­der Foot by you that hath your Logicke: but that any thing which is of the flesh, or corrupt will of man, is equall with God, that we deny, and so is cleare from horrible blasphemy.

Pr. Thou tells me, I call Divine light, naturall; but if this be thy Divine light? I must tell thee, I call it not naturall light, but Dia­bolicall delusion, even the glowings of Satan, transforming him­selfe into an Angell of light.

Ans. I have told thee the truth, though thou call it what thou will; and seeing thou art given over to beleeve lyes; and not onely so, but a maintainer of that worke thy selfe; therefore thou calls light, darknesse, and darknesse, light. And if thou call that Di­abolicall delusion, which I call Divine light; I must tell thee, thou art a blasphemer, wrest and twine what way thou can; for I call no other light, the Divine light, but that spoken of Luke 2.31. Iohn 1.9. & 3.20. & 5.35. & 8.12. & 12.36.46. Acts 26.18. Ephes. 5.13. consider this, thou that would put out the Sun, and have all to walke in the light of thy, (and your) flame, which by your falne wisome is invented, or kindled; thou that hates this light, which we own, is in darknesse, and so in Diabolicall delusion, acted by the spirit of Satan in the transfiguration; having a name of that which you are not, to wit, the Ministers of Christ; for you are found in Kains, Corahs and Balaams way, in envie, resifting the spirit, gain­saying the truth, loving the wages of unrighteousnes, pleading for fin and imperfection, and so, no Ministers of Jesus Christ, but of Anti-christ: For the Minister of Jesus Christ, said, If we walke in the light, as he is in the light, then have we fellowship one with another, [Page 15]and the blood of Iesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sins, (mark) if we dwell, or walke in the light, 1 John 1.7. the light gives the knowledge of God, 2 Cor. 4.6, the light is Christ Iesus, John 8.12. & 12.36. & 46. and Christ is the power of God, 1 Cor. 1.24. and the power of God in Divine, 2 Pet. 1.3. by which Divine power, we are made partakers of the Divine nature, 2 Pet. 1.4. which nature be­ing enjoyed, leads into an equallity with Christ according to mea­sure in the regeneration: So man, let thine own weapons turn edge against thee.

Pr. But because you own not the Scripture to be the Word of God, you are not afraid to abuse them, and misapply them at your pleasure, both in this particular, and all other, that Satan suggests unto you.

Ans. The Scriptures we own, to be what they are, to wit, the Words of God, Deut. 11.18. &c. 12.18. &c 17.9. Prov. 30.6. Isay 31.2. I [...]r. 44.28. Micah 2.7. & 9. and a testification, 10.5. 39. a Declaration, Luke 1.1. a Treatise, Acts 1.1. and the words of Christ, Marth. 24.35. Marke 8.38. Luke 4.22. Iohn 8.47. 1 Tim. 6.3 Rev. 1.3. and these words we own (which was inspired by the spirit of life Into the Saints) to be a Declaration of the word of life, which is the Word of God; and what art thou, that thou would have us to pervert the Scriptures; thou shews thy selfe igno­rant of the Word of the Lord, which would have the Scriptures to be the Word of the Lord, contrary to these Scriptures, Gen 15.1. Num. 22.18. Dout. 30.14.1 Sam. 3.1. Psal 33.6. & 107.10. & 119.89. Ier. 2.1. & 7.1. & 33.1. Ezek. 1.3. &.6.1. & 7.1. Deu. 9.2. Ier. 23.29. Iohn 1.1. & 14 the World sanctifieth, 1 Tim. 4.5. it is called his, or him, Heb. 4.12.13, see Heb. 11.3. Iames 1.18. at. 22.1 Pet. 1.23.25. Rev. 19.13 & (mark) the a of Pet. 3.5.6.7. oh yee Priests, and others, who calls the Scriptures the Word of God, here you are found the abusers, and mis [...]applyars of the Scriptures; I refer the Reader to these places above cited, if it be not so, and th [...] suggestions of Satan to be in the Pharisaicall grave like Ministers of this, and other nations, who thus perverts the Scriptures, calling the Scripture that, which they call not themselves, but testifieth against, as is proved. So Simon Atkinsou, thou art caught in the net, that thou hast layd for others, and the day is over thee and you all.

Pr. As for further instance, how ignorantly, impudently, &c. hast thou wrested the words of the Prophets, Christ, and of his Apostles, to [Page 16]make odious his most faithfull, pious, painfull and profitable Ministers that rule well and labours in the word and doctrine, who are therefore of men to be counted worthy of double honour, 1 Tim. 5.17. upon whom thou would powre double contempt and disgrace for their labour.

Ans. Its well that these Scriptures, and your practises is both ap­parant, we shall lay the one to the other, and the Reader shall judge, if he will, whether I have wiested the words of the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles by applying the Priests practice to them, yea. or my; Reader, mind these Scriptures, I say 56.9.10.11. Ier. 5 30.31. Ezek. 34. to the end. Hos. 6.9. Micah 3.11. Mat. 23. from 4 to the end. 2 Tim. 3.1 to the 10. ver. 2 Pet. 1.2.3. & 14.15. & 17. Inde 11. and now deale honestly with these places, and see it the Priests of our times be not in the same steps. And where as thou saith it is to make you odious; I say, I would you were discovered to all, then would your odiousnesse appear to them, as well as it doth to us, and your lambe-like discipline they would also see to be of no profit, but for your own bellies, and your faithsulnesse and painful­nesse for that end: For which end, you strive to keep people from the new Covenant, Fleb. 8.9.10.11. and from the light that giveth the Knowledge of God, 2 Cor. 4.6.7. and from the anoynting within, 1 Iohn 2.27. I say, you keep people from the Kingdome of God within them, Luke 17.21. in the dregs of the old Covenant, miked with a new name, or shadow of Christianity, held in, and by, the coverous envious boasting principle: And here you keep people in slavery, to honour you own rules, as lords over them. You are not like the elders, that was of old spoken of, 1 Tim 5.17. they had not recorded that they had the tenth of mens increase, as of goods; and ground, or sued men as Law, or cast them into Prison, if they could not pay them: neither did they cast men in Prison, for asking them a question, as you have done, and threatneth: and here thou and you, and powering disgrace upon your selves, and your Mini­stry, and I am clear from contemning, or falsly accusing you, for your fruit makes you manifest, and they are blind that doth not see your loven.

Pr. They turn many soules to righteousnesse, and shall shine as stars in the firmament for even and even, Dan. 12.3. which the envious one in you, indeavours by you, to deprive them of their present comfort, though he cannot keep from them their future Corwne.

Ans. How long wilt thou goe about to cover thy, and your skirts, as though we were ignorant of your untempered morrer; nay man, know thou, that we have followed you (in a blind ceale) with fasting, mourning, and prayers, and we are well experienced what profit is reaped from you, even open war at the Assizes, and Sessions, if we put not in at your mouthes, yea, Justices Warrants (as you call them) Bayliffs Prisons, Flnes; and if we speak to you in the feare of the Lord, you cry up your weapons that props up your Gospel, as Church­wardens, Stocks, Justices Warrants (as you call them,) then a Fine, and so long Imprisonment; yea, double worse then Queen Maries Jesuiticall Priest-hood for Persecution. Therefore, I say, take heed, leaft in stead of shining, your cry be not woe & alas for evermore. So S. A. thou art found far unlike them spoken of Dan. 12.3. its in vain for thee to borrow these expressions to cover that nature in which thou, with thy Fellows, livest: your nakednes appears under this covering, because its not your own, who is found out of Gods wisdom in lyes and false accusations, herein is envy known: And as for depriving you of your present comfort; that is ut [...]erly false except you call Tythes, and Augmentations, and set slypends your present comfort, which you strive after, as though gain were godlines. So let the Reader take notice, that we doe not harbour an envious spirit, but we speak the truth by the spirit of truth, which hath blown its Trumpet against the seed of the Serpent, and the day is springing over the head of all your Assirian Army, which fills the Countries.

Pr. These are able, through God, to cast down the strong holds of the Devil, in the hearts of the children of men, and to convince, through the spirit, of sin, of righteousnes, and judgement, whom the Devill (im­patient of the down. fall of his Kingdom) rageth in you most furiously.

Ans. They that are spoken of Dan. 12.3. indeed is able to doe these things thou here speaks of: but ye are not like them, thou and thy Fellows, which denyes the light, the manifester of transgression. Eph. 5.13. and denies perfection, and an equality with the head of the body; here thou shews, that ye are not members and that you do not turn people to righteousnes, for he that doth no righteousnes is not of God, 1 John 3.10. but he that doth righteousnes is born of God, 1 John 2.29. and so a Son, and an Heir, Gal. 4.5 6 7. and so a member, Eph. 5.30. and thou that denies and equality, and pleads against it, rents the members from the head and so is not wise: and the spirit of truth [Page 18]in us, beats testimony unto those, Dan. 12.3. but against you leve­ners, lyers, and slanderers, men in whom the Devilll rageth, as in Do­metrius of old, and the rest of the Crafts-men, who gained by their Trade, as you doe by yours. And now thou would make people be­leeve that the Kingdom of Satan, and his rage is in, and amongst us! Reader (mark) I appeal to thee whether the Devill rage in the per­secutor, or in the persecuted; in them that doth imprison for a word; or in them that is imprisoned; in them that suffers the spoyling of their goods, or in them that takes away mens Cows, Horses, Sheep, Pots, Kettles, or other houshold-stuffe from them, for whom they do not work: so Reader, judge even as thou would be judged of, between us and the Priests: so S. A. I charge thee, and the rest of thy Fun­ction (whose Fruits makes you manifest) to be the agents of Satan, and Ministers of his rage, and you fight for his Kingdom, to wit, for imperfection, and a continuance in sin (contrary to Rom. 6.1.2.) so thine accusation turns home again to thee, and thy Fellows, who is found in the guilt thereof.

Pr. And truely you doe approve your selves to be his most faithful Facters, and the potent promoters of his interest that ever he imployed in any age that I have Read of; well may you look for liberall wages for your unwearied working, &c. you run at his book, when God bids you not, sends you not &c. you compasse many Countries to make proselites, &c.

Ans. Here thou blind man cannot get into Lots house to appre­hend the messenger, (to wit, that of God in the consciences of men) but thou art groping in the dark, and lifting up thy lying voyce in the streets of Sodom, take notice of that; and I appeale to the consi­derate Reader, whether they that plead for sin, and liveth in it, be not the potent promoters, or mighty advancers of Satans Kingdom, or not? so here S. A. thou and you Priests are found the faithfull Factors, or men interested in hellish wars, who counts it horrible to hold perfection and equality with the head: And as for looking for Wages, thou that art in Balaams. way, must look for that, who pleads for the Kingdom of darknesse, viz. imperfection, &c, contrary to 2 Cor. 13.9. & 11. for that which keepeth from perfection, is sin; and I must tell thee, that so long as you have put in at your mouthes, you will not be weary; but sease wages, and you tyre, as is largely seen; but we run not at the book of Satan, but by the Commission and permission of our God (even the living God) to turne people [Page 19]from darknes to the light, a Cor. 4.6. which shines in their hearts, which leads out of, and preserves from the motions of transgressions, as it is minded and obeyed; and for that end doe we labour in tra­vell, as the Apostles did; and we are ashamed to call them the Mini­sters of Christ, who is settled Masters in their Parishes, at ease in the flesh (as a hog in the stall;) but if you be Ministers, Goe reach all Nations, and let the Heathen (as you call them) heare your Mes­sage, If it be the same that Iohns was, 1 Iohn 1.5.6.7. or els I con­clude you justly to be idle drones, jumbling in your notions amongst your Natives; so thy false accusations touches us not, but is retorted into thine own budget.

Pr. And when they are made, they are two-fold more the, &c. having onely changed some of their impiety, into deeper hypocrisie, and all their Religion into damnable Haeresie.

Ans. The Children of hell is lyars, covetous, &c. which marks is stamped upon thee, and thy generation of Priests S. A. but that we make people two, fold more the children of hell then before, is ut­terly false; I appeale to every mans Conscience, whether he that was a lyar, a swearer, a whoremunger, and an ignorant person, &c. being changed from these things into moderation? whether he be made two-fold more the child of hel then before, or not? For this I testifie, that we have no fellowship with the unfruitfull (workers, and) works of darknes; but them we owne, who is changed by the renewing of their minds. And as for changing impiety into hypocrisie (as above) in false, and I leave it for thee to prove wherein we are Hareticks, or hypocrytes; for we are clear from all that thou hast layd downs in this Paper against us, and it shall stand for your own condition, im­piety and hypocrisie, both apparantly brought forth, as in most Goales, Courts, Assizes, Sessions, Correction-houses, &c. in this na­tion; so here you are found the impious hypocrytes, who would be called Ministers of Christ, but is found biters and devourers, take notice of that, ye hereticks, who calls it Heresie and Popery (to Preach the light to be within, which gives the Knowledge of God) here you contradict the Scriptures, Iohn 8.12. Iohn 17.21.2 Cor. 4.6. so heresie shall stand for your own lot in the end of time.

Pr. How clearly is this seen of all, that have their Eyes open, is discorne between good and evill?

Ans. If thy sences were exercised to discerne between good and [Page 20]evill, then would thou be ashamed to say, that we made people two-fold more the children of hell, then before; but that it might be made manifest that the god of this world hath blinded thine Eyes, therefore hast thou spoken.

Pr. Were not these times fore-seen, and the danger of those dayes fore-told by the Lord himselfe, and his Apostles, Mat. 24.24.25. 2 Thes. 2.9.10.11.12.1 Thes. 4.1.2.3.4.2 Tim. 3. to 6.2 Pet. 2. 12.1 John 4.1.2.3. Iude 8. consider them seriously, and compare your own conditions with them impars [...]ially?

Ans. These things were indeed fore-told, which began in the dayes of the Apostles, as the Reader may take notice; but it seems thou art blind concerning the times. Reader, mark the ignorance of this man, who saith, these is the times (as above,) Christ said, False Prophets should come, Mat. 24.11. & 24.25. and by their fruits they shoud be known, Mat. 7.16.20. and Iohn, before his decease, he said, they were come; see 1 Iohn 2 18 19. saith he, it is the last times, (mark) it is; and, saith the Angel, all Nations have drunke, &c. (mark have) have drunke, Rev. 18.3. here you may see your ignorance, who saith, Christ said false Prophets should come, and now it is the last times; Christ said, they should come; Iohn said, it was the last time then, and there was many Anti-Christs then; so let Iohn beare testimony against you: And as for these Scriptures that thou hast cited, they shall stand recorded for a witnesse against all hireling Priests, who take pleasure in the wages of unrighteousnes, whose working is after the flesh for fat benefices, suceeding the grievous Wolves, which spared not the Flocke, whose comming is after the power of Satan the Prince of darknesse, with inticing words of man: wisdom feeding itching ears, living in fulnes, suing and halling to Prisons, lying, and falsly accusing, as I have proved upon you; and so S. A. thou art in the strong delusion, beleeving lyes, as that we depend upon merits, as selfe-righteousnes, or selfe-performances, selfe-justification, and the like: And as for 2 Tim. 3. let us see whe­ther we, or the Priests be such as is there spoken of, as selfe, lovers; the Priests for their back and belly sues poor people at Law, and cau­ses some to travell 400. miles; and some is imprisoned to death, and some suffers so (by that generation of Balck-coats) that they have not had a Pan, nor a Kettle lest; I say, such is selfe-lovers, and cove­tous men, taking three times double that which they challenge at [Page 21]first, not only trebble dammage, but trebble summes, this is the wa­ges of unrighteousnes, worse then Balaam, 2 Pet. 2.15. and they are boasters, beyond their measures, which is out of the Prophets life, Christs life, and the Apostles life, in a proud covetous life (as above) and yet speaking of the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles words, (in pretence of doctrine) pushing one another from their Benefices, as Beasts push from the F other; unstable soules, who trades with other mens lines, and they are proud, that consents not unto the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Tim. 6.3.4. who said, sweare not at all; be not ye called of men, Master; sue no man at Law; and freely ye have received, freely give, &c. but the Priests of England, resists his Doctrine herein; So (S. A.) they (and your) spirits is try­ed and seen: And I have considered these Scriptures which thou hast cited, and concluded thee in the path of rebellion, denying Christ to be come in the flesh, as in the vessels of his Sons and Daughters, to perfect and deliver from sin, and from corruption in this life; so man, desist from deceiving, least thou perish.

Pr. This time seemeth to me to be emblematized to the Prophet in the Vision, Zach. 3.12. it is the discovery of the state of a Church in the time of Reformation, &c. but the resisters shall reape rebuke for op­posing the faithful Ministers, whom he hath raysed up to reforme his House in these dayes, and cloathed with a spirit of light, zeale, and power, more then in many ages before, which that you cannot see, its because blindnesse is fallen upon you.

Ans. Here is a snare for thy Feet! for our High Priest is risen, who was the substance of Zachariahs Vision, Christ Iesus the light, whose Priesthood we own, who hath put an end to all you change­able Priests that receives Tythes, Heb. 7.12. and his Priest-hood you (Tythe-mongers) resists, because you love the wages of un­righteousnesse, suing at Law, and as it were fights for your bel­lies, and so is found evill beasts, slow-bellies, who can never have enough, I say 56.11. but the Ministration of Christ Iesus is free, without money or price, Isay 55.1. Mat. 10.8. Rev. 22.7. and you are found to be the resisters of this High-Priest, and his Do­ctrine, and Ministry, viz. the Ministre of the spirit of God. And as for opposing Gods Faithfull Ministers that is false, for we own them that is such with our soules; but we deny the reliques of Papistry, by which (you) reformers is up-held; and all such who saith, they [Page 22]are clothed with the spirit of holines, light Leale, and power, we deny, when they are found in Kains, Corahs, Balaams steps, acted by a persecuting spirit, haters of the light, in a Zeale without Know­ledge, clothed with the power of darknesse; by which power, you are suing at Law, casting into holes and dungeons, and pillaging poor people Houses (Cavelleer-like) and so is found as a Troupe of Robbers, Hos. 6.9. so the spirit of holines is not your clothing, for you execed your Fore-Fathers, the Scribes and Phasisees, (or the Lesuits in Queen Maries dayes) for persecuting: Here you are found to be filthy Dreamers, speaking the Visions of your owne hearts, studying, invented for money, your Church is your Shop, your Sabbath is your Market day, which makes me cry, Oh misera­ble Reformers, and Reformation! for shame desist thy leven.

Pr. You are given up to beleeve lyes, for that you received not the truth in the love of at, nor liked to retain God in your Knowledge; therefore are you given up to these strong Delusions.

Ans. All lyes and lya [...]s we doe deny, who saith they are Ministers of Christ Iesus, and yet makes a trade of the Letter; and we have received the truth in the love of it, which is the light and grace of God, Iohn 8.12. Tit. 2.11. which teacheth us to turn away from all covetous hirelings (who calls the Scripture their rule, and the tryar of spirits) but is neither guided by spirit, nor Scripture; I say, we are taught to turn from such to the light, which shines in our hearts, and to the anoynting, 2 Cor. 4.6. 1 Iohn 2.26. by which we come to know God, and to retain him in our Knowledge, by whose power we are brought from darknesse, deluders, false Apostles; and from all them who are murmurers, complainers, walking, after their own lusts, whose mouthes speaks great swelling words, having mens per­sons in admiration, because of advantage, Iude 16. who serves not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own bellies: so, S. A. thine accu­sation stands recorded against thy slefo.

Pr. Ʋunder which you lye as spectieles of Divine wrath, which is come upon you, as heretofore upon the Iowes, for the like sins; see 1 Thes. 2.15.16. in which sad case we are forced to leave you, not knowing whether ever the Lord will deliver you because you despise our help, and sets light by our cousells, and hates our instruction, your hearts being utterly, and desperately hardened.

Ans. Reader, thou may take notice (how that the Apostle) in [Page 23]this 1 Thes. 2. who used not a cloake of covetonsnes, ver. 5. But la­boured and travelled, that he might not be chargoable, ver. 9. I say, take notice how he declares against the Jews, (in the 15.16. v) who kiled the Lord Iesus Christ, and their own Prophets; and forbad the Apostles to speake to the Goutiles: They had their Synagogues to ateep into, as the Priests of our time the Papists Masle-houses to creep into, not labouring in travell, as the Apostles did, (1 Thes. 2. 8.9.10.11.) but despising them that doth, (Iewes-like, 1 Thes. 2. 15.16.) but you are more subtile, holding up the first Priest-hoods maintenance, under the cloake of Gospel maintenance, crying against them that speaks what they have received freely: so the 1 Thes. 2.15.16. is fulfilled amongst you that is called of men Ma­sters, stands praying in your (Masle) houses, or Synagognes, striving to draw from the spirits teachings, &c. but we are delivered from you, and knows your voyces to be the voyces of strangers; and the Lord hath brought us into that one Fould, where he is the Shepherd alone, from the mouthes of all ye dumbe shepherds, which made a prey upon us; and so your help we deny, for you help into spirituall whoredom, but not out: And your counsell we deny, its invented trash, and you are found, and proved lyars; but he is our Counsel­ler, whose name is called Wonderfull, Counsellor, Isay 9.6. who is also our hope of glory, Col. 1.26.27. who is our Instructer, who faith, learne of me. Mat. 11.29. he hath turned unto us his pure Language, by taking away out stony hearts, for whose Instruction, we utterly deny all your leven, and you leveners, who faith, and doth not: so S. A. thou, and thy Fellows shall proceed no further undiscovered to the Children of Light; and except you repent of your lewdnesse, divine wrath will be the portion of your spir­tuall Witcheraft, wherein you keep people alwayes learning, and you your selves alwayes pleading against perfection. Oh ye Cater­pillars, and Grasse-hoppers, how long will ye not cause to destroy the blossomes of the vine, which increaseth dayly before your bloody devouring jawes, and envious instigations? Oh that ye would be warned!

Pr. And now to come to the conclusion of the Paper, which contains some simple Quaries, &c. and why Quaries &c.

Ans. The end of my quaering was, and is for the clearing of the truth, and try all of thy spirit, whether patlent, or perverse, and not [Page 24]tempt thee with evill, as thou hast enviously judged, but that by slighty cunning might be made manifest, as after will appear.

Pr. Thou shewes thy selfe without shame, to doe the works of thy Father, who was a tempter, &c. Mat. 22.17.18. & 19.3. &c. Mar. 8.11. & 9.14. Luke 10.25. John 8.56.

Ans. Here thou hast eited some Scriptures, unto which thou compares me for asking of thee a question. Ah thou judge of evill thoughts; the Scribes and Pharisees had better cause to call Christ a tempter, then thou hath to call me; for the knew from whence the Baptisms of John was, better then they, as Mat. 21.25. and whose Son he was, better then they, Mat. 22.45. although he asked them; I say, they mocked him, and subtilly layd waite to intangle him; but I have not quaeried of thee in that nature, but for clearing of truth, because of diversity of judgements: so I deny them (that sought to intangle Christ) to be my fore-fathers, although thy actions, with thy Fellows, cannot deny them to be your fore-fathers, as is proved; for innoceney will clears me, and the Lord be judge between thee and me.

Pr. And now, though I might send thee away as Christ did thy fore-fathers, Mat. 21.25. & chap. 22.45. &c. yet because I know thee, and the rest of thy generation to be lesse ingonuous, and more impe­dent and apt to be lifted up upon light oceasion; and least my total silence should afford any fuell for the fire of thy pride; I shal; shape thee such answers as may possibly have no more wisedome then thy Quaries, though probably more truth then thou quaries after.

Ans. I have not asked after the nature of the Scribes and Pha­risees to intangle thee (although thou hath intangled thy slefe) but for the causes afore said have I quaered, and thou art found the im­metator of those who first consulted to lye, (Mat. 21.25.26.27.) and then answered plainly, ver. 31. & 41. as thou hast done, [...]s after will appeare: But first thou hast made thy Kaine-like Jewish spirit manifest; Christ Jesus asked many questions, although he knew; And the Apostle exhorted, to give a reason of the hope that was in them; but albeit thou pretend to be a Minister of Christ, yet thou art found unwilling to answer but is lifted up in contempt and false accusations; for I tell thee, we know what we are, in good report, and bad; so, far be it from us to be lifted up upon any oc­easion. And as for the shape of thy Answers, in them thy wisedome [Page 25]is seen; and I appeale to the Reader, whether there be any truer thing to be quaried after, then the Kingdome of God, and the righteousnesse of it? and whether S. A. be not in felse-exaltation, who saith, his answers hath more truth then I quarie after? for the Kingdome of God, and his righteousnesse, doe I quaerie after.

And now to come to the Answer of my Quaeties; the first Word of my first quaerie being transcribed (where? or what?)

Quae. 1. Where? or what is the Kingdome? and where is it to be found? and what is the Righteousnesse of it?

Pr. Ans. Where it is? there is it to be found. This answer is just as wise as thy question. But secondly, it is not amongst you, though it is in and amongst the Saints, I woane, the Kingdome of grace; for that ye are fallow from common grace, and from the means of spirituall grace; from Christ the King, and from the stand­ing Lawes of his Kingdoms; so that truely, you have need to inquire more seriously after is then you doe, for you are far from it, and quite out of the way to it.

A. Here thou are found a vain jangler, mocking simplicity with thy fallen wisedom, saying, the Kingdom of God is nothing, though in and amongst the Saints; as though the Kingdom of God were in none but the Saints; (Reader mark) Christ saith to the Scribes and Pharisees, that the Kingdom of God was in them, although they were opposers of him, Luke 17.21. But, S. A. s [...]ilf it is not amongst us viz. the Kingdom of grace, contrary to Tit. 2.11. Iohn 1.9.10. which grace and light, hath enlightened, and appeared unto all men, and it is both spirituall and common unto all in its appearance, Tit, 2.11. or else the world should be excusabl; but the light shin­ing, and the grace appearing, there is therefore now no cloake for sin: But that we are fallen from this grace, is false; or from the means, or from Christ, or from his standing Law, for this grace we own to be our Teacher, as the Apostle did, Tit. 2.12. (and not a hireling Priest, whose own the sheep are not) and the means we own, viz. the gist of God, Christ the light who is given unto the Gentiles, as well as unto the Jews, Isay 49.6. and his Law we own, according to the Prophets and Apostles testimony, Ier. 31.33. Heb. 8.10. and these things we own, (and heare testimony of) to be within us, so that we need not goe forth, as saith Christ and his [Page 26]Apostles, Mat. 24.26.1 Iohn 2.27. whose command we have learned, by his grace to be obedient unto; and he, viz. Christ Iesus, is our way to the Kingdom, who saith, learne of me, and got not forth; he doth not say, learn of Hirelings, that makes bargales with their Parishioners for so much a yeare: but he saith, learne of me, and he is our High-Priest, whose lips preserve our Knowledge. So I charge thee, 8. A. to be a false-accuser, and a lyar in this thy Answer to the first part of my qu [...]rie.

Pr. To the other part of thy quarie, viz. What is the righteousnes of it? I answer, Not our own righteousnes, which is imperfect; Isa. 64.6. but the righteousnes of Christ, by faith imputed, &c. Phil. 3.9. this is the onely perfect righteousnesse in it selfe, though the righteousnessse of Saints is also perfect in him; but not meritorious: his is the righ­teousnesse of God which is revealed from Faith to, &c. Rom. 1.17. the everlasting righteousnesse, &c. which first the Jews. Secondly, the Papists. And thirdly, the Quakers, being ignorant of, and all going about to establish their owne righteousnesse, have not submitted to, Rom. 10.3. & 9.10, &c.

Ans. That its not our righteousnesse, its granted; neverthelesse, we must not cease to worke out our salvation, seeing that man is justified by workes, and not by Faith onely, Iames 2.24. Second­ly, That it is the righteousnesse of Christ by Faith, and that that righteousnesse is perfect in him, and in the saints; and that not meritorious; as of themselves; but by the righteousnesse of God, which is revealed, according to, Rom. 1.17. is granted. But lyart, and false accusers, is out of this righteousnesse, albeit they may say as the Scripture saith, as thou S. A. hath done, who saith, that the Quakers is agnorant of Gods righteousnesse, and goes about to esta­blish their own righteousnesse. Here I charge thee again to be a lyar; for Gods righteousnesse, which it the righteousnesse of Faith, we own; which righteousnesse speaketh on this wise, &c. as in Rom. 10.6. but what saith it? the Word is nigh thee, in thy month, and in thy heart, Rom. 10.8. this is the Word of Faith, and the righteousnes which is of Faith, which we beleeve and Preach; and if we, or any other, Preach another Gospel then the power of God, (Rom. 1.16.) or another power than Christ, the Power and Wisedome of God. (1 Cor. 1.24.) or any other righteousnesse then that which is of Faith, which saith, The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, [Page 27]and in thy heart, I say, let him be accursed; so man, be ashamed, for thou art found one of them, that saith, The Scriptures is the Word of God, and so hath not submitted unto the righteousnesse of God, which saith, The Word is nigh, in the mouth and heart, as before; so in the gall of bitternesse thou art sound, soming out thy own shame.

2. Querie. What it is that giveth the Knowledge of God? and how? Priests Ans. God himselfe onely giveth the Knowledge of himselfe, Iam. 1.5.17. Ier. 24.7. I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord.

Ans. That God onely gives the Knowledge of himselfe, is gran­ted; and seeing that God gives man an heart to know him, and is the onely giver of Knowledge: Why then dost thou judge us? be­cause we doe not own your help, counsell, and Instruction; (here thou art manifest) for God having given us hearts to beleeve (and know him) by his light which shineth in us, as in them, 2 Cor. 4.6. I say, this light, or grace (which is one) is sufficient for us, as it was for them, 2 Cor. 12.9. so him we own, and witnesse to be the onely giver of Knowledge, without the help of all the Learned Rabbies in the World, who is of it

Pr. Now he gives it? I answer: He gives it effectually onely, by his Spirit; but instrumentally, by his Word Preached ordinarily: he gives also some kind of Knowledge of himselfe, by his Works, both of Crea­tion, and Providence, when he exercises the minds of men to consider them: this answer is a truth, though I know it wil not satisfie thy foolish fancy.

Ans. That God gives the Knowledge of himselfe onely, and effe­ctually by himselfe, who is a spirit, is granted; therefore to God, who is a spirit, and who is light, who gives the Knowledge of him­selfe by his light, 2 Cor. 4.6. to him we commit, and submit our selves to be taught: And seeing God is the onely giver of Know­ledge effectually, (Reader mark) then, that, I say, which is the one­ly giver, is the ground, cause, and effect, spiritually and instrumen­tally, as in Phil. 2.13. And whereas thou saith, He gives some kind of Knowledge of himselfe (as before) I say, He is the onely effectuall giver of all Divine Knowledge, drawing us unto his Son, (Iohn 6.44.) in whom our Eye being placed, we come to see, and to understand (by his Knowledge) the Works of Creation and [Page 28]Providence. And although thou say, thy answers will not sat is f [...] my foolish faney; As for thy reproachfull termes of untruths. I little matter; but know, though I am satisfied with that which giveth satisfaction, and with so much of thine answers, as is truth, though but in words, gathered by thy comprehension, in litterall experi­ence, for true experience is far from a lyar; but God gives the Knowledge of himselfe, by his light, 2 Cor. 4.6. and this thou art ignorant of, who kicks against the prieks of Conscienes, which tells thee, thou should not lye, nor falsly accuse, nor Preach for Hire, nor be called of men Master, nor strive to keep people al­wayes learning, and still unperfect, still in the bondage of cor­ruption; they could but be so, if they never heard thee take notice of that. But furthermore, God is both the effectuall and instru­mentall giver; effectually, (according to thy own confession) &, I say, instrumentally by the Word, 1 Iohn 1.14. who was quickned in the spirit, by which he also went and Preached unto the spirits in Prison, 1 Peter 3.19. so, the Word is our Preacher, which the righteousnesse of Faith speaks of, Rom. 9.6.7.8 by whose light we see your cunning craft, and the bottome of you all.

2. Quaerie, Whether you will own the Scriptures to be your rule, and your loves and practises, judged by the Apostles lives and pra­ctises, yea, or nay?

Pr. Ans. I retort this Quarie upon your selves, who have forsaken th [...] Scripture rule, and left the good old way of the Saints: and what have you to doe with the Apostles practises as Apostles? ye false Apostles, deceitfull workers, transforming your selves into the Apo­stles of Christ, a Cor. 11.13. that say, ye are Apostles, and are not, but is found lyars, Rev. 2.12.

Ans. Here thy winding Serpentine Wisedom and equivocation in seen, evading my question, turning is back against the innocent, (accusing us as above;) I say, the Scripture we own every jor and tittle in its place and time of its ministration, viz. the Old and New Testaments, the first and second Priest-hood, the Law, and changest the Law; I say, all these we own in their time, and also the change; and we own, and also witnesse the service of God, and his worship, in the newnesse of the spirit, and not in the oldnesse of the letter; and also the ruse of a new Creature, which is availe­able, Gal. 6.15.16. which is, and was, the good old way of the [Page 29]Saints; and so by that rule we come (through him that doth renew us, as in Tit. 3.5.6.7. into the practises of the Apostles, in mea­sure; and so is not false Apostles, nor no deceitfull workers (that remains for thee to prove S. A.) so 2 Cor. 11.13. touches us not; (Reader mark) Paul in the 7. ver. testifieth that he Preached free­ly, and in the 9. ver. Again, That he was not burthensome: And again, in the 10. ver. he would not be stopped of that boasting, for cutting off occasion, in the 12. ver. from them which desire occa­sion; (mark) Paul Preached freely, and they that sought occasion against Paul, was false Apostles; even as the Priests of our dayes, who Preaches for Hire, now seeketh occasion against them that Preaches freely; so Rev. 2.12. shall stand for your own conditi­on; and the Lord knows our innocency, who knows also that I lye not, neither doe I falsly accuse you, ye Taske masters like of Egypt.

Pr. Ah arrant arrogant Pharisees; Will no lower forme in the Church then that of the Apostle fit you? 1 Cor. 12.28.29. and marke it well, ah more umbitious thou Diotrophes; Doe you love to have the highest preheminence? Did ever any but the Pope, (that Lucifer Prelate) and your selves pretend to an Apostolicall Com­mission and Revelation, since the false Apostles? But if ye will needs be Apostles, then prove your Apostleship, as Paul did, 2 Cor. 12.11.12. or elt you must lye in the laps of the lye, as indeed you doe?

Ans. Here thou calls us proud wandring Pharisees, from which we are clear; I say, our example had not where to lay his head, Luke 9.58. and we are willing to take our portion with him, and with our cloud of witnesses, Heb. 12.1. who wandered, being de­stitute, &c. Heb 11.37. and such laboured in travell, Preaching the change of the Priest-hood, and Law; and was persecuted of them that had their Synagogues to creep into (as you have now) because they testified against them then, as we doe against you now, who is sound in their steps, as is proved. And whereas thou saith, Will no lower forme sit &c. (as before) I say, we are content with our measure, whether high, or low, and it is lawfull for us to covet earnestly the best things, 1 Cor. 12.31. and that Scripture owned, 1 Cor. 12.28. And though the Apostle hath shewed a more excellent way, ver. 31. And whereas we are accused with the Pope, to pretend Apostolicall Commission; the Pope we deny, and [Page 30]all you who is proped up by his beastly power; imprisoning for a Word, or a question, and suing at Law for your Gentils Tythes, which was instituted and managed by the Pope and Saxon Kings, as in the years 933, 940, 959, by King Ateston, King Edmund, and King Edgar, Pope Innocent, and others; which Priest-hood and Tythes, was never commanded by God in Old in or New Testament; here you are seen succeeding your fathers, ambitiously holding up that which God never commanded. And whereas thou saith, We pretend A­postolicall Commission; False accusations & selfe protences, we deny; but unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gist of Christ, & that measure we own, (Eph. 4.7.) to be our Comission and Caller, viz. the grace of God, at the Apostle did, (Gal. 1 15.) whether into Apostolicall, or Propheticall, or lower places, which is all free Ministrations, according to their measures, without mo­ney or price, and profitable in their places for the work of the Ministry, for the edesying of the body, for the perfecting of the Saints, which perfection, in this life, by your Priests is denyed; and so you are sound unprositable, and false Apostles deceitfully working for your fat benefices, transformed into the name of the Apostles, or Ministers of Christs, having your Commission from Man, to trade with the Letter for money, for the free Ministration of the Spirit is denyed by you; so you deny the Commission of the Ministry, which was, Go teach, &c. freely yee have received, freely give; and for his sake who gave this Commition, we take pleasure in infirmity, as the Apostle did, a Cor. 12.10. and some in much patience, which signes and wonders, and mighty deeds, as may be proved to the prayse of the loving God; and we doe not make a gain of people, as you doe, no more then the Apostles did, 2 Cor. 12.17.18. neither doe we goo to a Towne or parish to in­quire what maintenance there is for a Minister (as Tythes, Gleabe-Lands, &c) and give them a Sermon or two (as you call them) of liking: But we goe to inquire who fears the Lord, and owns the Spirit of God to be their Teacher, which Teacher cannot be re­moved into a corner, Isay 30.20. and with such we can take a little meat and drink, which the Apostles was Commisioned to re­ceive; and here is our joy and proofe, not onely in imitation, but in life also, witnesse a gainst all you who rules as Lords, patterns of pride and covetonsnesse, learning your Trade, and selling, your in­venitions, [Page 31]bearing rule by your weans, which is a filthy, horrible thing now in England, as it was in Ieremiahs days, Ier. 5.30, 31. Oh ye Priests, put it not from you, for it sticks fast upon you.

Pr. And now to the rest of the Quaries, I shall onely propose some cousiderations.

Ans. I did but propound foure questions unto thee, as in num­ber, and thou hast diverted two of them, and answered two of them with lyes, and true words, and false accusations mixed together, as one voyd of all sence, making no matter what thou speake, as is, and may be proved. Reader, this is the querie which is not an­swered: Whether the false Teachers and Decoivers may not be known by their fruits and whether they that bring [...]th forth the same fruits which was declared against by the true Prophet Christ Iesus, and his Apostles of old, be not the false Teachers now, as they were then, yea, or nay? This quaerie is digressed because it coma neer thee S. A.

Pr. first Consideration. Dost thou conclude in cold blood, that either none, or very few of the Ministers in England, are truely god­ly? and that either none, or very few reall Saints are the seale of their Ministry in the Lord? and is such sensoriousnesse safe, and without flune?

Ans. I doe conclude, That the Ministers of Jesus Christ new in England, who is called by the grace of God, with Commission from the Spirit of God to Preach the Gospel freely, as they have received in by the Revelation of Iesus in them, (as in Gal. 1.16) according to the measure of the gist of God, Eph. 4.7. I say, these are truely godly, as they are obedient to the grace appeared, (mark) and that the children of light who is called (and obedient to the grace) out of the fashions and customes of the world, and out of all formally invented worships, to worship God in spirit and in truth in the inward man, Psal 51.6. I say, this is the seale of their Ministry; but that the Parish ministers (who is called Ministers in England) is truely godly, that I do deny; For he that loves me, saith Christ, keeps my Commandements; (now mark.) he hath com­manded his to be perfect; but the Priest of England denyes, and pleads against his Doctrine herein he hath commanded, not to sweare at all; but the Priests of England pleads against hsi Doctrine herein he hath commanded, not to sue any man at Law; but the Priests of England resists his Doctrine here, in suing poor people, [Page 32]and swearing, or causing some to sweare mens goods from them, yes trebble sums. Christ commanded to give freely as they had received; but the Priests of England, neither receives freely, nor gives freely, Christ commanded not to be called of man Master; but the Priests of England both calls, and is called Master, with many more par­ticulars (which might be mentioned) to this purpose; all which shews, That the Priests of England is out of Christs Doctrine, and so hath not God, 2 Iohn 9. so not truely godly. And as for them which follows you, which is thus found out of and oppose it against Christs Doctrine; I say, they make your Ministry manifert and seales it with their unbridled lungs and actions to be a barren fruit­lesse Ministry, voyd of sanctification, which maketh Saints; so you, and your followers, I doe deny to be either truely godly, or reall Saints. But I call them (not in cold blood, as thou quaeries) neither according to flesh and bloods wiscom; but by the spirit of truth, and light of our Lord Iesus Christ; I say, I call you, like Priest, like people, Hos. 4.9. &c. and this is no sinfull sensuring, I commend my felse to every mans Conscience in the sight of God, as the Apo­stle did, 2 Cor. 4.2. and to the honest hearted every where, who is but willing to compare your practises with the Doctrine of Christ, and practises of his Aposels.

Pr. second Consideration. Dost thou say or thinks, that thy selfe mire hatest all daceit, and sin whatsoever, then the said godly Mi­nisters and Sainits in England, or else-where doe?

Ans. I am not sufficient of my selfe to think any thing as of my selfe; but my sufficiency is of God, who hath opened my Book of Conscience, wherein I find and reade the motions of the flesh, to be an enemy to the motions of Gods Spirit, which hath made me cry with tears for deliverance from that bondage; so, by the power of God, I utterly tetest that nature in my selfe in the particular, and in the generall, which opposeth Christ and his Doctrine; and doth conclude you to be no Ministers of Christ, who wrests his Do­ctrine for selse ends, and to your own destruction; and them to be no Saints who follows such; for the god of this world hath blinded their eyes (that cannot see you to be painted Harlots) lest the light of the glorious Gospel should shine unto them; Therefore, I say, you are running from mountain to hill under pretence of Resor­mation, and still without the doore in the fashions and customs of [Page 33]this world, and in your airic Knowledge and Wisdom, there you set up your building, and also the foundation of your worship, hatched by Tradition, springing from imaginations, the ground of changeable, wayes [...]; take notice of that.

Pr. third consideration. Dost thou affirme that the detestable titles of blinde guides, dumbe dogs, greedy Dogs &c. are given without sin to such Minesters, and that their Doctrine and practises prova them to be such, as Christ and his Apostles declares against?

Ans. As for godly Saints, or Ministers, these titles are not given to such by us God forbid; but I affirme and testisie by the spirit of truth, with the Prophet, that these titles are given without sin to you who is found seeking gain from your quarter, as they were. Isay 56.10, 11. and you beare the expresse image of the false Pro­phets, and false Apostles practises, as the Reader may take notice in my Answers all along this Book; to that of God in every Con­science who Reades it, I appeale.

Pr. fourth con. Caust thou prove, or darest thou deny that Mini­sters in the Gosspel time were not seated in their own Churches, whether in Countries, Townes. or Cities, Act. 14.23. ch. 20.28. Tit. 1 5. 1 Pet 5 1.2. Col. 1.17. all these places plainly speaboth the countrary?

Ans. I doe not deny, but that the Apostles ordained Elders in every Church, and that such as was not greedy of filthy luere (Tit. 1.7. 1 Tim 3.3) but took the over sight, not for silthy luere, but of a ready mind, 1 Pet. 5.1.2.3 and they watched for soules, (Heb. 13 17.) and not for gain from their quarters, as you Priests doe; but that they were seated in Parishes (the Popes division) with their set stypends, suing men at Law if they could not pay them the tenth of the increase of their goods, and ground; I say, that of deny; and all these Scriptures that thou hast cited will not prove such a thing, as that the Eiders there spoken of received Tythes, ei­ther Tews Tythes, or Gentiles Tythes, as tenth Stack tenth Cock, tenth Lambe, tenth Fleece, tenth Geese, tenth Pig, and a Hen if one have but two, and Smoake pence, or Peter pence, &c. so S. A. thou and thy Fellows, with your invented Elders must be forced to own the Pope to be the institutor and promulgator of your Gentiles Tythes, and he is your example for these things, and not the Apo­stles, nor Elders of old; and I refer the Reader to Henry Clarkes Book, stiled, a description of the Prophets, Apostles, and Ministers [Page 34]of Christ, and also of them called Ministers in England, &c. there thou may take notice of the rise and foundation of your English Church order, and your Ministers maintenance, who is found de­ceitfull workers, and enemies to the Crosse of Christ.

Pr. fifth con. Were not the Apostles, Evangelists, and Prophets, ex­traordinary Officers in the Church, 1 Cor. 12.28. and particularly Commissioned to Preach up and down at itinerants any where, every where without limitation? Mark 16.15. and doth not thy deniall of this, argue grosse ignorance of the very Scripture letter?

Ans Here thou shews thine extravagant spirit confusedly, Reader compare the fourth proposition, and fifth together, and see what con­traditions is in them; for in the fourth, thou S. A. goes about to prove the Ministers setled in Churches, whether in Countries, Townes, or Cities; and now thou saith, they are Commissioned to Preach any where, every where, without limitation; and also, that they are parti­cularly Commissioned, and were extraordinary Officers, citing Marks 16 15, as though none but the eleven had had that commission; let Paul, Silas, Timothy, Barnabas, and these Scriptures (Acts 20.4.5.6. ch. 13.1. & ch. 9.10) bear witnesse against thy falacy; for Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists, with Pastors and Teachers (Eph. 4.11) is but ordinary members compacted in the body, (1 Cor. 12.12. & 27.28) and ordinarily supplyeth that place in the body, where they are placed, as also doth the lesser members; and one cannot say to ano­ther, I have no need of thee, 1 Cor. 12.21.22. &c. so but ordinary Officers in the body for the edifying of the same, and for the com­pleating and perfecting it; so here thy deceipt is seen, and thou not to be like unto them, nor none of you Tythe-mongers who is at ease in the flesh, and in your parishes with a fat benefice: And whereas thou saith. I deny the Apostles, Evangelists, and Prophets, Call, Com­mission Office, and Ministry, w [...]ch was without limitation; here I charge thee (in meeknes, and in truth) to be a lyar, for I own the Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists, their call commission office, and travell in their Ministry; and I honour them with my soule, whose record layes open such leveners as thou to be deceitfull workers and ene­mies to the Crosse of Christ transformed into the name of the Mini­sters of Christ; but the nature ground, commission and life of Christ & his Apostles you want; so take thy shameles accusations home again who hath thus belied me, & the Lord open thy eyes to see thy own folly

Pr. sixth con. Is there not a vast difference between taking hire and wages, which the workman is worthy of, (Luke 10.7.1 Cor 9.7.10.15. 1 Tim. 5.18) and teaching for hire and filthy lucre sake? and if it be the duty of all that are taught in the Word, to communicate to him that teacheth in all good things Gal. 6 6. canst thou prove that it is not lawfull for them to take such things, and if Tythes are a Legall ce­remony, and unlawfull under the Gospel?

A. Here the end of thy drut is seen; Meats for the belly, and the belly is for meat; but God shall destroy both it and them, 1 Cor. 6.13. but there is a great difference between that hire & wages which the Apostles was commissioned to receive; and taking of Gentile tythes, which was never commanded in the Old or New Testament, and also taking set stipends, making bargains with Parishes, suing and casting into prisons, as is proved: I say, here is a vast difference; thou hast cited Luke 10 1.1 Cor. 10 7. 10 15.1 Tim 5.8. for the defence, of your hire. Reader take notice of Luke 10.7. where Christ saith, in the same house r [...]m [...]in eating and drinking &c. for the labourer is worthy of his hire; also v 8. Eat such things as is set before you, mark, he doth not say, Take Tythes and if they will not give you Tythes, sue them at Law, or cast them into prison, as you priests doe; but he said they might cate and drink with them that did receive them, Luke 10.8 mind that, they were not to bide where they were not recei­ved, v 10. But the Priests of our time, who calls themselves Ministers of Christ (as men voyd of all reason) compels all sorts of people to maintain them albeit they be not received; and they that denyes them to Tythes, (let them be what they will in opinion, or judge­ment) in Law, or prison they must goe. Oh shamelesse men, where is your comission, or example in the New Testament for these things, yea, or in the Old Testament? And whereas thou cites, 1 Cor. 9 7. I say take notice, Paul saith, v. 4. have we not power to eat and to drink I (mark) he doth not say have we not power to take Tythes? and al­though he had power to eat and to drink, yet he used none of these things; neither did he write that it should be done unto him, see ve [...]ses 15.16.17 18 19. And as for 1 Tim 5.18. I answer, we shall not deprive the Oxe of his provender, nor the labourer of his hire, but shall communicate of our carnalls to them that sows spirituall, and teaches in all good things, as &al 6.6. I say, if any (who la­bours in the Word, and preaches freely as he hath received it) come [Page 36]amongst us, he shall have meat and drink, if he have necessity, and we shall not hinder him of such wages as Christ gave his commissi­on to receive, Luke 10.7.8 but as for Tythes, (which you are not onely Preaching for, but also as it were, fighting for) the ministers of the Gospel, recorded in the Scriptures, did not own them to be a lawfull ceremony after the change of the Priest-hood; but preached the Law changed, and the commandement disanulled, Heb. 7.11. therefore unlawfull under the Gospel and as unlawfully used by you, take it into consideration; is there not a begger in England, as there was not to be in Israel? and where is your store house? Ah ye Tythe-mungers, let shame cover you all.

Pr. seventh con, Whether the Ministers of England &c. or the Qua­kers trade in Babels wares as thou chargest us I but stay a little, sith thou art so forward in this matter, I suspect thee the more, and shall therefore make bold to search thy packe before we part that I may see what com­modities thou carries, and whence thou hadst thy wares, &c. I feare thou will be found most foule in this fauls thy selfe.

Ans. I answer, yee Parish-masters trades in Babells wares, as is, and may be proved; and therefore my charge is truth, and shall stick neer you till you come down from the throne of your imaginations, where the stone, of your building is graven, & your image molten. And whereas thou saith, Stay a little, &c. I say, come freely, with all thy Function, and search me, adn spare me not, and accuse me for nothing but that which I carry; so I shall say little more to this, but take heed thou be not found a blinde searcher, as the Reader may take notice, as followeth.

And now I come to thy false conjunction, or accusations wherein thou would ranke us with the Papists, if thou could.

Pr. first accusation. The Babylonish merchants. (I meane the Papists) have their severall sorts of corrupt wares to sell, which you are their onely chapmen for, and hath taken them of their hands; That the com­mon light in all is sufficient to salvation, provided men doe not stifle it, nor extinguish it by wilfull sinning against it: Sirs, say not you-so too?

Ans This accusation is false, and confused; we never was at the Papists Colledges to learne a trade, as most of you have bin; as at Trinity Colledge, Christs Colledge, Jesus Colledge, St. Johns Col­ledge, &c. these Colledges was instituted by the Popes Law, and na­med after Saints, for nursing up of Jesuites; as also your Churches [Page 37]with the Popes Crosses upon the most of them, and called by the name of Saints, as St. Peters Church, St. Pauls Church, St. Maries Church, &c. so I have not given you a wrong title, viz. Merchants of Babell, which comes neerer you in the mistery, then Papists out­ward tenents; for I must tell thee and you, That Babell may be buil­ded with cunninger Carpenters then the outward impression of su­perstition; neverthelesse, you are found the Papists imitaters, injoy­ing both their learning-shops, and market-shops, to wit both Col­ledges, and Masse-houses, in which you buy and sell your wares; as singing Hopkins and Sternholds meeter, as part of your worship, commanded by the Sexon Kings as in the year 747, by King Edgbert, and in 924. by King Ethelstone, alies Atelstine, &c. as also your sprinkling of Infants, which was commanded by King I [...]as, alies Ina. or Ive, in 1213. I refer the Reader to Henry Clarks Book, stiled a description of the Apostles and Ministers of Christ, and of those called Ministers in England, &c. Thou saith, the Papists holds, that the common light in all, is sufficient, (as before) joyning us with them; and yet thou asks us, Whether we say so or not? Here the Reader may take notice, that thou accuseth us for thou knows not what, and also that thou art a blind searcher, who said, thou would search my packe, and yet thou art sain to inquire of us, What we carry, and what we say? I say, thou art not fit to judge, seeing thou art both blinde and hasty; and the Papists I deny, with their bloody instigations, but that light I own, which the Prophet Prophesied of, (Isay 49.6.) and John boare testimony to, John 1.9.10 to be sufficient to salvation which was given for salvation, Isay 46 6. John 8.12 and he that walks not in this light, walks in darknesse, and knows not whether he goes, be­cause darknesse hath blinded his eyes, as is manifest upon thee S. A. which knows not what thou speaks, nor whereof thou affirmeth.

Pr. 2. Ac. That mans naturall will is free to repent, beleeve, and turn to God; and that conversion is not the fruit of the spirit in the elect alone.

A. Here thou wou'd joyn us with the Papists, but we deny thy conjunction with the Papists, and thou art found a blind searcher, for we hold no such thing (as above:) For we know, that mans naturall fleshly carnall will and mind, is not subject to the Law of God, but naturally inclined to corruption, from which, he that walks in the light, knows a cleansing, 1 John 1.7. but that convertion is not the fruit of the spirit alone, is false also; For the spirit quickneth, the flesh [Page 38]prositeth nothing. John 6.63. and this we testifie, that it is God in all his saints, m [...]sch worketh in them both to will, and to doe, Phil. 2.13. so 5. A. thou must own a lyars portion, except thou repont.

Pr. 3. Ac. The Papist teathouth, that a man may be perfect, without sin in this life, and may fulfill all Gods Commandements: and doe not the Quakeres the same?

A. Here thou accuseth us with the Papists in thy smoakie consu­sion; for sirst, thou said affirmatively, that we had taken the Papists waves off their hands; and now thou art asking us questions, What we doe? but thou should have had thine Eye better opened, before thou had searched my packe, for thou boasted proudly; and yet thou inquires of us: so thou art found a blind searcher in the streets of Sodom. and therefore a blind guide nor fit to lead others. And as for pe [...]f [...]ction. I have spoken to it before and he that perfects, is also the fulfuler and end of the Law for righteou [...]nesse sake, to every one that beleeve [...]h, to the Jew first, and also to the Genetile, Rom. 10.4. and the righteousnesse of the Law is sulfilled in them that walk­eth after the spi it Rom. 8.4. take notice of that ye who pretends Reformation, and see if ye be yet come to the Law and h [...]w you have passed through its Ministration of condemnation, to the Ministration of righteousnesse and peace.

Pr. 4. Ac. The Papists makes their perfection to lye in thi [...]n casting off of wordly imployments, callings relations after the fl [...]sh, propr [...]ties, as their Nuns, Monkes and Hormots, abusing Mat. 19 11 &c. you are as like them herein, as you were s [...]itted out of their moutles.

Ans. We deny thy accusations and the papists perfection herein; but this is our perfecter by whom our perfection is wrought, even he, which said Fashion not your solves like unto this world, whose Doctrine we are willing to obey, though reproached for the same, and numb [...]ed with the papists as our head was with transgs [...]ffours, Isay 53.11.12. but what the Nuns and the Munkes abuse. is no­thing to us, for we know, that perfection doth not lye in selling out outward estates; but in dying with Christ unto sin, and in putting off of the old man, with his deeds, that the new man may be wit­nessed, which is perfect. (Eph 4.24) cleaving onely to the perfect righteousnesse of God, by the spirts of his Son in our hearts, Gal 4.6. so we deny both you. and all the rabble of your papistical Functi­on, who hath swallowed up the Popes Law which he vomited, to [Page 39]guard his Jesultes with by which Law you cause the innocents to suffer, as most of the Goales in this nation can witnesse; so you are the unclean spirits, which is spitten out of his mouth, exeresing the power of his beastly Laws; so you are his Image, though more [...]in [...] ­lier carved, adn hath a more guilded covering, so you are found to be more in the mistery Babell, having your hearts exercised with co­vertous prctises, whith is Idolatry, Gal. 3.5. this is extant is England, and else where amongst you priests, the papists imitators, as more largely may be proved by tour Churching of Women (as you call it,) Mortuaries, Funerall-Sermons, and Marrying for money, with much more Romish trash, too tedious to mention.

Pr. 5 Ac. The Papists holds inherent righteousnes to be the matter of our justsfication. and not the righteonsnes of Christ alone; and doe not you also the same?

A. Here thou blind man accuseth us with the Papists, and yet thou enquires, Whether we doe the same, or not? thou art proved a blinde searcher as I said; confusedly first accusing, and then quaerying whe­ther it be so, or not? I say, if the Papists hold inherent righteousnes, to be the matter of your justification, as thou saith; then we deny both you, and the Papists herein; for we hold not inherent righteous­nes, viz. th [...] righteousnes which dependeth upon outward merits to be our justification alone; although James hath said, that man is justified by Works, and not by Faith onely, Jam. 2.24. but we are ju­stified by the righteousnes of the Faith of the Son of God, which Faith is justified or made perfect by works, Jam. 2.22. So S. A. be­ware how thou searchest my packe another time, least thou be found falsly, and confusedly accusing, as then arr now.

Pr. 6. Ac. The Papists doe place their Religion and Righteousnesse most in externals, and things that have a shew of wisedomo in will-worship &c. so doe the Quakersridgedly restratning, as of obsolute necessity, the use of Cuff [...], Points Lace, Hathands, and the like, as if they might not at all be used, or could not without sin, or as if these were matters of greatest moment.

Ans. Here thy blind and false conjuction is seen, as all along is proved and thou art seen to be ignorant of us, and our Religion; for we deny that foundation which is external, and we deny the Papists the head, and you the tayle in the mystery of Babell, and all your externall performances, as they are held in the our sed nature [Page 40]and ground, and all your principles in that ground. And as for ha­ving a shew of wisdom in will worship, &c. this will turn home again to thee and your selves, who sormally in your wills can preach and pray by your glasse or watch being not a shamed to lye in the con­clusion of your work, (as thus) you having rent a verse of Scripture in pleces, Preaching so long as an houre lasts; then you say, much more might be spoken but time will not por [...]t, when you have nothing else to does but to serve your bellies; for the which service, you leave the other, be ginning in your own time, and ending in your own time; and none must aske you a question, not speak in exhortation, till your houres talk be ended; contrary to 1 Cor. 14.30.31.32. and here your will worship is [...]een, as certain of your own P [...]ets [...] Cr [...]s [...]s-men can testifie, who by the grace of God, is convinced of, and turned from your witchcrast. And as for ridgedly restr [...]ning the uso of Cuffs, &c. (as above) that is false; but we doe it willingly in obe [...]ience to our God, not in a voluntary humility, neither to the satisfying of our st [...]sh; and if thou were not shamesul [...]y hardened, thou would not contemne us for the casting off of the superfluities of naughtinesse, which l [...]mes exhorted to east off, lames 1.21. see 1 Pet 3.3.1. Tim. 2.9. and thou that on encourages peoples in outward adorning is contraty to the Apostle 1 Pet. 3.3. and so help them to sow to the flesh, and into whoredom, and is of that generation which ealled the proad happy (Mas. 3.15.) and one with the Papists, with your C [...]ff Points, Ribbous, and [...]uch like arregant trash, desired by your ambitious wills, for the outward adorning of your dust and ashes in which you Parish Masters is patternes, nothing different from the Papists in the ground, take notice of that Reader, if thou have an Eare.

Pr. 7. Ac. The Papists, say, that we are no true M [...]sters of Christ, but decesvers, and teacheth the Devination of our own brai [...]es, and so doe you, with much more.

Ans. The papists we deny, with all their blood-thirsty crew: and also we deny all the persecuting generation of pr [...]efts in England, & else where to be the ministers of the power of God, which is the Gospel; and we have found you to be one in the ground with the papists though more painted in the mistery; not divine, though de­viners; and what we say we are ready to prove against both the pa­pists and you, having not onely found you out in the mistery, but [Page 41]also in open rebellion against the Doctrine of Christ, the end of his comming, and against the vertue of his offering as is proved.

Pr. 8. Ac. The Papists say, our Churches are no true Churches bus they own to for their Pastors and Teachers; and so say the Quakers.

A. Here thou art trapped in thy own snare, both in Popery, and confusion: for thou said before, that the papists said, You were not true Min [...]sters of Christ, but deceivers; and now thou saith, that they own you for their pastors and teachers: here is confusion that the pa­pists should first call you decesvers; and now (according to thy own confession) calls you, and own you, to be their pastors and teachers: and [...]o may they well, for they pay you wages; so here, you pri [...]sis are found papists pastors and teachers; although thou hast gon about hither [...] to cleare thy selfe and priest-hood papistry, yet in thy [...]se conju [...]i [...]n, and blind search, the sire of thy pride, envy, and anger hath b [...]o [...]en f [...]rth in a flame to discover thee for thou art owned of them, with thy Faction, to be their pastore and teachers; so [...] art found [...]onle in that wherein thou seared me and now thou must take the papists for thy, and your brethren, and hearers, and let them b [...]ate your testimony, for they pay you Tythes, or wages, and you injoy their sh [...]pps, marke that.

Pr. 9. Ac. The [...]arsts know, that the great thing that must be done before they can [...]duce amongst us, is to make them reject their teachers; and there fore they bond all their wits and endeavours to vi [...]fie them and drow the hearts of the people from them; end so do the Quakers

Ans. What the papists, your owners doth, it is nothing to us we deny them and your pastets and teachers, who is thus found in dis­cord. First thou saith. they call you no true Ministers but deceivers. Secondly thou saith, they own you for their pastors and teachers. And now thou saith they strave to vis [...]fie you, and draw people form you. Oh bottomles pit consasion no wonder if they mist or vapour darken the ayre, and obscure the Sn; but that we bend our wits and endeavours to debase you, or villisie you, contrary to truth and righte­ousnes: I say that false, for we lye in the will of God, who is ga­thering people (from all dumbe shepherds) himselfe, that they may be no more meat for them, Eze. 34.10. so we rest in his coun­sell and in his promise, [...]zo. 34.11.10.17. Iohn 10.16 so we rest in his counsell, who treads the winepress [...] alone, Isay 63.3.4.5.6. by whose power, the refuge of lyars is violated, and he hath a contro­versie [Page 42]with you all, and is risen in righteous judgement to render a reward to the proud, Psal. 94.2.

Pr. 10. Ac. The Papists main error consists in the contempt of the Soriptures: they say, they will not take it for the Word of God, but on the authority of the Church; and that it is but part of his Word, and that Decrees and Constitutions of Popes and Counsels, are of equall authority with it: the Quakers say, its not the Word of God, but onely a Declara­tion of the Word that was in them that gave it forth, and that what thems [...]lves speak or write, is from the same spirit & therfore equal with it

A. Here we deny both you and the papists, who holds the Scri­pture to be the Word, either in part, or in whole; and also we do deny both the Popes Decrees, Constitutions, Counsels, and your divinati­ons and practises, to be equal with, or agreeable either to the Scri­pture as it is or to the spirit that gave them forth; and you that say, they are the Word; and they that say, they are in part the Word of God; I say unto you, you are both Idolaters, for the Scripture, which you call, the Word, saith, God was the Word, John 1.1. and, that Word be­came Flesh, John 1.14. so you Priests is forming a whole idoll, and the Papists but part of an idoll; so you are found filling up the mea­sure of your fathers, greater idolaters then the pa [...]if [...]s. And whereas thou saith, the Quakers say, its but onely a Declaration; I say, the Evangelist saith also so, Luke 1.1. and God is the Word, who also is a spirit which did inspire his mind and will into his servants, which they recorded for a restimony unto future ages; which testimony is perverted, wrested, idolized, and made a trade upon by the Parish-masters of England and else-where, who is owned of the Papists for Pastors and Teachers according to S. A. his own consession: but as touching the Word of God, I have spoken largely to it in the 15 pag. so, I say, he that speaketh and writeth truth in sincerity, speaketh and [...]riteth from the spirit of truth, viz. the spirit of God and so from the same spirit that gave forth the Scriptures and so, (as it is truth) equall with the Scriptures of truth, according to its measure.

Pr. 11. Ac. The Papists say, it is but a dead letter, & so do the Quakers

A. Thou said before, that the papists owned you to be their pastors and teachers, so you popish pastors and teachers, we deny your testi­mony, if you say that inke and paper in it selfe is living; but we own it, that it was the inspired words, and will of God, freely revealed, and freely recorded by them to whom it was inspired by the move­ings [Page 43]of the holy Ghost, and so written freely for our learning; but not to make a trade of, as the Papists, Bishops, and Iesuites did of old (after five, or six, or seven years learning, as Prentises at some University) and as the Parish masters doe now, who after 5.6. or 7. years Prentises at some University or great Schoole, gets a place, or Parish in the Country, and so much in the year, and teaches there, it may be, all his life-time, and will tell people, that three parts of the world hath never heard of Christ; and yet he abides in his Parish, and once in seven dayes stands up in his shop, where he is accompa­ni [...]d by some, may be 40.50. or 60. years with some, and more, or lesse with most part; and still they are like the crackling of Thornes under a pot, unbridled, unstable, not so much of Christs Doctrine lived in and obeyed, as yea & nay; in their communication; or not to sweare at all; so you Priests are found hatched in the Popes Nest, but deeper in the mistery of witchcraft, by sayrer painted profession.

Pr. 12. Ac. The Papists say, it is not fit to be judge of controversies; the Quakers say, the touchstone of tryall is not the word without, but the light within.

Ans. I say, I deny the Papists herein, for the Scriptures is fit to judge of some controversies, if it be held in the righteous part; but I doe not say neither with the Papists that it is not fit; nor with you popish pastors and teachers, that it is the tryar of spirits: so here I deny both the Papists, and you. And whereas thou salst. We say the touchstone is not the Word without, but the light within: I say, that God it light, (John 1.5.) who fils Heaven and Earth with his presence, let. 23.24 and this is the word which we own, which is like a sire, and a hammar; before whose eyes all things are naked and open, Heb. 4.12.13. who is a discerner of the thoughts and searches the heart, and tryes the reignes of people, this is our touchstone, the Word nigh in our mouthes and hearts, Rom. 10 8. the ingrofied Word, I am. 1.21. and this is the light which shineth in our hearts, which giveth us the know­ledge of the glory of God. 2 Cor. 4 6. and reproves and makes ma­nifest all things, Eph. 5.13. and thou that contemns the light with­in, comtemns that which gave the Apostles knowledge, 2 Cor. 4 6, for Christ was given for a light, see the promise, Isay 49.6. and also his own testimony, Ioh. 8.12. & 12.46 and it was not a Christ with­out the Gentiles which was the hope of glory, but Christ in them, Col. 1.27. and this Christ is the light, and seed, which bruiseth the [Page 44]head of the serpent within, take notice of that; and unto him all power is given, and he hath said, Got not forth. Mat 14.16.

Pr. 13. Ac. The Papists prefer the vulgar translations, before the saws words that the spirit did indite the Scriptures [...]s; namely, Hebrew and Greek; and so doe the Quakers the English before these.

Ans. We own all Tongues in their places; but that the Scripture was given forth or indited by the spirit in Hebrew and Greek onely, is false; or there was at ler isalem of every Nation under Heaven, and every man heard them speak in his own Language, Act. 2.3.9. but I say, that you, or any other, by the litterall Knowledge of these Tongues can open the Scriptures, that we deny, for as there is no respect of persons with God, so there is no respect of Languages (with him) nor Tongues; but in every nation, he that fea [...]eth God, and worketh righteousnes, is accepted, Acts 10 34 35, so seace your witchcraft, & from dawbing over the saints words with your Lod [...]ck, who epride is in your songues; your Tongues is waters, the seat of the Whore Rev. 17 15. and because you would be counted wise and learned therefore you mingle your Tongues & so your marchandize passes or currant amongst the blind; yea, I may say wilfully blind, who (if they will) may see your ravenous inside, out of which is powered envie railing lyes and slanders covetousne [...], and persecution at all that reads in this, [...]nd marks your reproa [...]hes, may see. And now I deny both the Papists, and you, who is both nursed up at Universi [...]ies (so cal [...]ed) and learned in your Tongues, as Pilate was, Iohn 10.19. o [...] let Peter and John (be witnes against you) who was not learned and yet gave forth the Scripture; so our native Tongue we own as ch [...]ese to us, because it is the fist of God, wereby we understand one another, and we own all other in their places; but we deny them that takes pride in any Tongue, or mixes their dirty Logick with the Scripture, for money.

P [...]. 14. Ac. If the Papists could but get down the regulusing autho­rity of the Scriptures, they would conclude, they had won the field; for they will not abide that all spirits be t [...]yed by the written word, nor will the Quakers.

A. The Papists we deny, and their indeavor herein: and the Scri­ptures we own, and their regall authority, which is the power of God: but all such as creep into houses, to make a trade of the Scriptures, abuseth the Scriptures authority; and here ye Parish, made [...]s, and [Page 45]Jesuite successors (who coms from their Colleges into their Masse-houses) are found in deavouring to tread the Regal or Kingly Autho­rity of the Scripture under your seet; so from that authority, you are gone to the image of Queen Ma [...]es Law, by which the Jesuits was and you Priests is garded; and by the same Law, some of you have imprisoned to death; as witnes, Exeter, Colchester, Lancester, Yorke, and Durham Goales; so the authority of the Scriptures, viz. the power of God is denied by you, which is sled to the power of na­tionall Laws and Magistrates to hold you by; putting the letter for the word and tryall of spirits, you your selves being ministers of the letter; and yet, whith the letter, cannot see your selves in Cains, Corahs, and Bala [...]ms spirit and practises, for which (amongst the rest of your forceries) the curse will overtake you, exe [...]pt you repent: And thou that would have the Scripture to be the tryar of spirits, thou presumes to take the ballances out of the hand of God; the Lord weigh [...]th the spirits, Pro 16 2. and the spirit search [...]th all things 1 Cor. 2.10 and whatsoever maketh manifest, is light, Eph. 5.13 so that which searcheth weigheth and maketh manifest is, the Lord his spirit, and h [...] light, and these three are one, from whom we have [...]ecei [...]ed the unction, or ano [...]nting, which teacheth of all thing, 1 Iohn 2.27. they that t [...]yed the pirits was such as John exhorted to the anoyn [...]ing for teaching from the teachings of man saith he Yere [...]d not that any m [...]n te [...]h you &c 1 John 2 27, and they that were of God h [...]ard them that ex [...]or [...]ed to the anoynting from the teachings of men of cor­rupt minds; and this I testifie that they are guided by the spirit of A [...] Christ, who doth not own Christ the light, come into th [...]i [...] flesh to destroy the works of the Devill, and to give thee knowle [...]e of God and of Adoption, and the hope of Glory; and to give [...]e knowledge of condemnation, and righteousnes and of ea [...] [...] stration and how they are passed through. And whereas h [...] art telling of a [...]titeen word [...]o be the [...]rya [...]; I say, the Scripture we [...] the addition [...]e deny and shall have it upon thee to prove, for [...]ver and gold is pure in its nature, but it may be mou [...]en into a Calfe; so [...]o the Scriptures is pure and true as they are; but they may be (and is) ab [...]sed by the builders of Babell now in the mi­s [...]ery of their work [...]ng; but the Lo [...]d will no longer be mocked by such cunn [...]ng Carpenters but is risen, and hath taken a view of all shadows, by his light, which is as the eye-lids of the Morning by [Page 46]which all buildings is made manifest to be upon the sand, though the builders of all sorts have pretended to hew their stones from one Rock; yet the Lord hath a controversie with you, and by his power, which is the authority of the Scriptures, is the shaking all buildings at their very roots.

Pr. Now many more particulars could I instance were it necessary, and not over tedious, to prove your selves to be the Babylonesh Factors, that have received the marke of the Beast in your hand, though not in your fore-heads so fully yet as to discover you to all; yet to us you are discovered plainely.

A These particulars which thou hast already instanced, is suffi­cient for us to see thy blindnes, for if thine eye had been open when thou searched my p [...]c [...]e (as thou said thou would) thou would have bin ashamed to have thus falsly accused us with thy confusion which accusations is justly reforted to the puddle from whence they sprang, for even the same spirit, that called Christ mad, and said, he had a Devill; the same spirit that called Paul, a pestelont fellow, and a mo­ver of Sedition; I say, the same spirit in thee S. A. hath indeavou­red to joyn us with the Papists thine own predecessors as is proved; therefore the Romish Factors or Merchants you are found, as well as Babylonish, having received the mark of the Beast in your Fore-heads, rushing forward in lyes and slanders, as a horse into the battell; so beast like, pushing and wrastling with flesh and blood, viz. with the persons of men plunging them into holes and dungeons, even as strong beasts drives the weak; so here you are found exereising the power of the first Beast, persecuting the free ministration of the spirit the anoynter, the comforter; for the Scribes and Pharisees was the first that with stood the Ministry of Christ and persecuted the saints and spoyled their goods. Secondly, the Papists getting the name of Christians, they brought in Gentiles tythes, and so made an image to the first beastly persecuting Ministre of the Seribes and Pharisees, having get up their Tythes, Easter reckonings, P [...]er-pence, Smoake-pence, and the like, as in Henry Clarkes Beck before menti­oned, & in Anthony Pearsons Book stiled the great case of Ty [...]hes may be seen; for the which, they persecuted them that with held them. Thirdly, the [...]arish masters or out dayes having get a fairer forme, is found filling up the measures of both S [...]thes and Pharisees, and the Papists persecuting and fighting themselves, as hath been [Page 47]proved, and as I can witnes from Richard Gilpyn of Grastooks, who pushed me with his hand, calling me simple foole, and threathing me with prison, and clapping by the heeles. &c. so to us you are made manifest, and shall no more we are a rough garment (to deceive) or a black dyed Inke garment; but the Lord will cut off the name of the Kimerims, or the name of the Black-coats; so look to it you sons of the Sorcerers; for the lack of wages hath stopped, and will stop the mouthes of the idol shepherds, that calls the Scriptures the word of God, and try all of spirits. And as for not being fully descovered to all; I would we were discovered to all, as we are by the grace of God, that all might know our innocency concerning those things whereof thou Acenseth us.

Pr. And the marke you have received, is your allowance among them to buy and sell with them; so Rev. 13.16.17. for now they doe trust you, and maintains commerce with you, sith they see you will not stick to sell their Rats-bane for bread, with which you have poysoned many a sonle.

A. Here thou slanderous man may be proved an open lyar, as hi­therto thou hast been all along thy preamble; for although thou hast indeavoured, and bended thy Caine-like spirit, to prove us con­sederate with the Papists, yet thou cannot justly; and therefore thy fallacy is turned home again, and thou, and all you, which is owned by them for their pastors and teachers, must own them in communi­ty or else be ashamed of taking wages of them; and also of [...]ad­ing in their steps, and trading with their Wares; for they learned 5. or 6. or 7. years, more or lesse, at a Colledge, or else-where, and so doe you: They sing Davids Psalmes Translated into Rime and Meeter by Iohn Hopkins, and Thomas Sternhold, or others, and so doe you: They sprinkled Infants, and so doe you: They Preached Funerall-Sermons, and so doe you: They had Mortuaries, and so have you: They took money for Marrying, Churching of Women, Burying the Dead and so doe you: They stood up in the same Pul­pits in which you stand, and in the same Houses (as may be proved) which you ignorantly call the Church: They rent the Scripture into Heads, Doctrines, Uses, Points, Motives, &c. and so doe you: They halled to prison them that spoke to them in the time of their houres talke, and so doe you: They Imprisoned but three moneths, but you Imprison six, so here you are found in their steps, as may be seen in Anthony Pearsons Book, and in Henry Clarks Book, spoken of before. [Page 48]And whereas thou saith, We are allowed, trusted, and they maintains com [...]e [...]ce or conversation &c. with us; here thou lyar is seen: let their bloody persecution against us in France, Spaine, Italy and else­where, beare testimony against thy slanderous Tongue, which dis­covers the treasure of thy heart what it is. And as for se [...]ing their R [...]t [...]-bane, &c. whereby we p [...]tson, &c. (as above as thou saith.) I say, the p [...]yson of Af [...]s is under the lips of lyars, slanderers, and false accu­sars, in which work thou art found, and thy Fellow levenars; and all Ph [...]i [...]a [...]call and Papisticall marchandize we abhor, and all such un­reasonable men as thou art; the Smoake of thy inverted Fuell is sea [...]ered by the light of our Lord Jesus Christ in this Paper; so p [...]ysoners you are by hypercrisie, and it shall stand upon you in the day of the Lord for a name, except thou repent of feeding poor people with leven.

And now to thy closure, the scope of which I shall transcribe.

Pr. [...]co fesse I have been more tedious thou [...]ntended, &c. and doth hereby testifie against your present condition, and after a first, and now this second admonition, as Hereticks, I [...]re act you, &c. Tit. 3.10. and will have no fam [...]lear fellowship with such selfe condemned persons as you are not honour any of your Papers any more with answer, [...]r receive you to house, &c. least I should partake of your evill deeds &c.

A. Thou hast had a long travell in lyes, and standerous accusti­ons; and the same that opened thy mouth in confusion and lyes, is now closing or concluding thy paper with resolutions of the same nature; but thou had more need to confesse and forsake thy folly and deceipt in which thou livest in the mistery, as a Wol [...]e in a Sheeps Skin; but it's too hard for thee to wage war against the free ministration of the spirit of God; for he will not be tyed to your forme nor confined to your houre-glasses, or watches: not will not at all be limited by this confused covetous Came-like, gain-saying slanderous spirit, which lodgeth, and liveth in your invented tra­ditionall will-worship; which spirit in thee S. A. hath begun with a lye, and continued thy Discourse with confused, and unjust retor­tings; and thy testimony against us, is but such another, a [...] theirs was who said, this fellow said I am able to destroy the Temple of God, &c. Mat. [...]6.60.61. and this I lay upon thee S. A. in the presence of the dreadfull God of Heaven and Earth that thou art a lyar, a false accusar, and a false witnesse against the innocent and guiltlesse, [Page 49]reflecting that upon us, which thou neither hast, nor canst prove, God forbid, it were better for us to dye, if it were so; but we know our innoceney, which will cleare us in the sight of God, when these thy snares will setter thyne own fect. And as for being Hereticks, or obstinate in a false beliefe, this is utterly false; for we are willing to give account of our Faith; and we doe appeale to God, the Judge of all, and to every mans conscience in his sight, and to the testimonies of the saints viz. the Scriptures, for any thing that we hold. And thou S. A. that teacheth for the fleede, and filthy lucre, and is found thus lying and slandering, hath no­thing to doe with Titus; For Titus did not make againe of people, as thou dost; see a Cor. 12.28. but thou art found a lyar, falsly, and enviously acousing the innocent. So thou art not found in the spi­rit of godly admonition, but in wrath, and in the spirit of wilfull contempt against the innocent, with whom thou can have no fel­lowship, neither doe we desire it in that nature. And whereas thou calls us Selfe condemned persons; here thou contradicts thine own accusation, who ranks us up with the Papists in selfe-justification; and now again calls us, selfe-condemned persons. I pitty thy sad condition, unstable soule, thou art a wandring star, to whom the mist of dark­nesse is reserved for ever, except thou repent. And, as for honouring our papers any more &c. I say, thou hast vilified them hitherto with lyes and slanders, and so is found contemning, and not honouring them. And now, whether thou will receive us to thy house, or bid us God speed? yet know thou, that we are not ashamed of the Doctrine of Christ. And we charge thee to prove wherein we are out of it, and what the evill deeds is which thou accuseth us of, and wherein we are Hereticks; these things remains for thee to prove, without false accusations: so as I said before, so say I now, search our packe, and spare us not but give us righteous judgement, and marke well least thou be mistaken; for thou S. A. hath not had thine eye in the head when thou searched my packe whereof thou did boast; so, blind-man-like, thou hast run thy selfe into error.

And now to conclude against it, in plainesse and love to thy soule, and for the feed sake in thee, I exhort thee, and warne thee, (being thy fellow-creature, and a lover of the Creation of God) that thou take head to thy soule, least thou lose it, and consider thine estate seriously, and be not puffed up by fleshly wis [...]dome, and [Page 50]because thou canst speake faire things; but take heed to the light which manites [...]eth all things, Eph. 5.13. which light will let thee see the root, ground and end of thy Ministry, and decen [...]ble not with that of God in thee, which me will answer; and testifie with me, that you all rebelliously walke contrary either to the Rule of Scripture, or a New Creature; and also, that you Speake and Write contemtuously contrary to your owne knowledge; so man. I exhort thee (as one called in measure from the Net, and from the Ship) if thou wilt receive it, to b [...]ware betime, and come out of that wicked and adulterous generation, wherein thou lyes in the shaddow of reformation, masked by the mist of the whores wisdome; For know this, That the fitteth upon multitudes, Nations, Tongues, and Peoples, Rev. 17.15. not upon one Nation, nor one Tongue, nor one People but upon Peoples, (marke) &c. but now is the Lord bringing People from the Multitudes, and Heaps of Teaching without, and from the mistery of Babylon the great which is drunke with the blood (or lise) (Rev. 17.11.) of the Saints which is recorded in the Scriptures. I say, he is bringing People from that ayrie drunken wisedom without, to the mistery which hath been bid. viz. Christ within, Col. 1.27. and those that doubteth of Christ speaking in man, is such as sought a proose of Christ speaking in Paul 2 Cor. 13.3 and now what shall I more say, for it would till a Volume to record all that might be spoken in defence of our innocency concerning those things whereof thou accouseth us, from which we are cleare, God is our witnesse, in whose presence we are naked, who knows that I lye not; so the Lord weigh thee in a more equall ballance then thou hast weighed us; and we pray that these things be not layd to thy charge. So with my tender love to the seed of God in all. I rest reserring this Dialogue to the honest hearted, and by the seed of righteousnesse in all to be judged.

And now, this w [...] testifie unto you all, That after the way that ye eal Herefie, worship we the God of our Fathers, bel [...]eving all things (as they are) which is Recorded in the Scriptures; and is willing to give a reason of the hope that is in us; and this is out hope, Christ in us the hope (Col. 1.27.) which hope maketh not ashamed Rom. 5.5. and this Christ, this light and hope within, gives us the Knowledge of the Glory of God, 2 Cor. 4.6. for [Page 51]none knows the Father, but by the revelation of the Sonne, which is light, Mat. 11.27. for that which may be knowne of God is manifest in man, Rom. 1.9. and whatsoever makes manifest is light, Eph. 5.13. and he that hath revealed, and made manifest the Father hath given us an understanding of the dversities of the opperation of God, which worketh all in all, (mark) all in all, 1 Cor. 12.6 as saith the Apostle, Eph. 2.13. its God that work­eth in you both to will and to doe. So this we testifie unto all people, That the living God is our God, who by the Word, the World did make, which Word became Flesh; who is the expresse Image of his Fathers Person, Heb. 1.3. in whom dwelleth the fulnesse of the God-head bodily, Col 2.9. and this is the Word which sactifieth. Iohn 17.17. the Word of Faith which is nigh, in the mouth, and heart, Rom. to. 8 by whose blood, or life, he hath purged and is purging our Consciences from dead works, to serve the living God in his spirituall worship, and in his owne Kingdome, which consists not in words, but in power, 1 Cor. 4. 20. and in righteousnesse, Rom. 14.17. and is not to be found without, but within, Luke 17.21. in which Kingdome which con­sists in power and righteousnesse, is the deversities of the operation of Gods work known both of election redemption, and sanctifica­tion wrought by him which worketh all in all. He is the Author of our Faith; which Faith purifies our hearts; which Faith is perfected by works, Iames 1.22. viz. the workes of righteous­nesse wrought in our hearts by the spirit of God, and brought forth by obedience to the motions of his power; so that with our hearts we beleeve unto righteousnes: & with our mouths, confession is made unto salvation; the new covenant being known, which is not like unto the old, under which Covenant we are in the substance of all Figures, in the better hope, which maketh per­fect, Heb. 7.19. which hope we hold as an Anker of our sonles, staying our wills and desires, subjecting all, as he is obeyed: And this is our Faith and Hope in which we stand, by which we know the teachings of Gods spirit, which leads in to the life of righte­ousnesse, purging our Consciences from all uncleanesse, as we obay the Counsell of his Will; by which Will we are sanctified, Heb. 10.10. and now we rejoyce in hope.

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to [Page 52]be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light, who h [...] deliuered us from the power of darknesse, and hath trai [...] us into the Kingdome of his deare Sonne, in whom we have [...] ­demption through his blood, merits, and righteousnesse, ev [...] the forgivenesse of sinnes, upon whom we lay hold by a lively Faith, the mistery of which is held in a pure Conscience, 1 Ti [...] 3.9. Therefore all People, examine your selves betime, wheth [...] you be in the Faith or not, for all your profession (which is [...] held in the purifying Faith) will vanish from you, and leave you naked in the day of the Lords vengeance; So take heed betim [...] what you kicke against, and minde the pricke of that of God [...] your Consciences in secret, which will let you see where you mindes are, and what is the treasure of your Hearts; this is [...] Teacher that cannot be removed to a corner, Isay 30.20. [...] whose presence you cannot fly to hide your se [...]ve, in [...] Profession; therefore turne to the Teachings of Gods Sp [...] that his Law which he hath Written in your hearts, may be Light unto your Feet and a Lantherne to your Pathes that y [...] Bread may be sure, and your Water may never fayle; that [...] in your own Lamps you may witnesse, without which you [...] not enter into the Bridegroomes Chamber: So remember ye [...] are Warned.