in interpretation to set them above them as he that loves any thing equal to God loves it indeed more then God the setting up of any writings in equipage with Gods is a debasing of his word Again some of them assert that they have as full b There fulnesse is of the evil one p. 3. Q. 10. at the end of a Gagg a measure of the Spirit as the penners of the Scriptures had * Truths Defence p. 43. the fulnesse of the Spirit is well known by the emptinesse of their fruits had they said that they have as full measure of the evil spirit as Marcian primogenitus diaboli the first born of the Divel as Polycarpe calls him they had come neer the Truth This corner-stone being laid by these Master-builders of Sathans Babel they go on to deny 1. The personal body of Christ George Fox being asked whether Christ have a body in heaven and be a particular man or person Truths defence p. 78. 79. incompassed with a body to live for ever yea or no affirms That Christ hath but one body and that is the Church That 1 Christs mystical body corpus mysticum is the Church and that 2 This is but one is according to truth answerable to that we beleive Sanctam Catholicam Ecclesiam the Holy Catholick Church but 3 That Christ hath but one body is contradictory to the whole History of the four Evangelists which so often speakes of that body which he took of the Virgin Mary of whom Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after the flesh came as Paul phrases it and how he ascended and shall come again Luke acquaints us Acts 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 9 10 11. Shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him goe into heaven But this is not the first time that this Heresie hath been broached nor confuted many a hundred yeers ago were these things upon the stage of the World dic mihi aliquid novi aut tace trouble us not with old rotten stinking errours Secondly In their book called The persecution of the Quakers First the corporeal Body of Christ And secondly his coming in the Clouds to to judgment are denyed 1 pag. 8. Priest Herrick did affirm before the Magistrate and many others that the body of Christ is not spiritual and when he was by William Adamson challenged for his blasphemy he said he would prove it by Scripture and produced those words Christ said I am not a spirit and then he was by him charged with a lie for there was no such words in that Scripture 2. p. 9. Let their own words try them who look for a Christ yet to come as some of them said what will yee Quakers do who saith Christ is within you when Christ comes in the clouds here now all people do but honestly examine and see whether these spirits confess Christ who looks for him yet to come and whether you dare believe the Apostle every spirit who doth not confess Christ Jesus come in the flesh is not of God or these deceivers who look for him yet to come these things are so palpably gross and weak yea even irrational that their needs no words to the misproving of them 2. The Visible Church Whereas a Book entituled fiery darts saith R.B.Q. 20. p. 26. that since the Apostles dayes there hath been a great Apostacie and that a true Church of Christ could not be found are you of the same mind Answ yea Herein agreeing with those formerly called Seekers 1. That there was and is a great Apostacie as the Scripture foretold so experience hath evidenced and that Apostacie in all ages more or less hath been witnessed against V. Catalogum testiū veritatis but 2. such an Apostacie as hath wholy destroyed the Church and laid it so under ground as that it cannot be found what is this c. what is this but to make much of Scripture at present of no use which directs Sts. concerning Church Communion among others Heb. 13.17 obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. To invalidate those promises of Christ Matth. 16.18 Vpon this rock will I build my Church and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it and I will give unto thee the Keys of the Kingdome of heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And Matth. 28.20 Loe I am with you already to the end of the World 3. To give you this whole World visibly into the hands of the Prince of the World as if Christ had not overcome but being overcome by Sathan 3. Thirdly against the Scriptures 1. That it is dangerous for the ignorant and unlearned to read the Scriptures Truths defence pag. 101. 1. How far is this from the assertion of the Papists 2. How doth it justifie them in their prohibiting of Lay-men to read the word 3. and makes fair way to usher in Imagines laicorum libros Images as Lay-mens Books Secondly If any raises from the Scriptures points trials motives uses he adds to the Scriptures and to him are added the curses and plagues In eodem loco Rev. 22.18 Whether this but 1. to destroy all preaching 2. to condemn their own selves 3. to discover their ignorance between the explaining of Truth and coyning of falsehoods to passe as new truths their additions are corruptives the Ministers for illustration information incitation to edification 4. to condemn Christ and his Apostles which applied and urged in many places of the Scriptures out of the old Testament cited 3. Fiery darts p. 19. 30. 32. Quakers folly p. 25. 2. Ed. That the Scripture is not the word of God nor a standing rule In this way are grosely ignorant or wilfully malicious or both they will acknowledge no word of God but Christ as if no difference between verbum internum externum an inward and outward word verbum oris Scriptum the word spoken and written the thoughts of my mind are soliloquia a talking with my self what I speak is the word of my mouth and what I write is my word under my hand Christ is the eternal internal word of God the Wisdome of the father the Scriptures much of it was spoken by God by the mouth of his holy Prophets and all written as holy men of God were inspired by the Holy Ghost they would seem to exalt Christ it is to debase the Scriptures and deifie the light within them but if they will not hear Moses and the Prophets which testified of Christ neither would they Christ the word of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 1. 1. God who in sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets was not that then the word of God the prophets spake 2. And why not a standing rule The papists indeed say it is a nose of wax a leaden rule that the Pope may stand
Apostles until the raising up of Gods own feed out of the earth to stand a witnesse against wicked murderers and persecuters of the Saints and true Church of Christ Quest Whether the first day of the Week be more holy then any other of the Week Answ All the dayes of the Week as the Lord created them are holy unto the Saints who are redeemed from observing dayes and months and times and yeers These things are expresly asserted and subscribed Joseph Frice Now what shall we say to these things q 2 Thess 2 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. Is it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 possible that ever such things could be entertained as truth were not that executed the Apostle speaks of being given up to strong delusions to beleive a Lie 2. Shall they be hearkned to by them that have received the gospel Is it not another Gospell r Gal. 1.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that they bring 3. Can we look upon these dark and ungodly Tenents as light leading to more godliness greater perfection is the broad way to Hell the narrow way to Heaven 4. How can these men be received and bid God speed but we must be partakers of their evil deeds s 2 Joh. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 were they minutiora small differences the strength of Charity might bear them but surely these horrid tenents that overthrow foundations and practise of them wast the conscience and destroy godlinesse are intollerable and the least Love and Zeal to God and Christ and Souls of men can never beare them CHAP. 7. Of Sundry Blasphemies against God and Railings agaist his Ministers FOr their tongues are set on fire of Hell as James phrases it and they have not withheld setting their Tongues against heaven and to bring railing accusations against the Messengers of the most high a little of this is too much the Christian Reader will be quickly weary of it and therefore we shall not be long 1. Of their Blasphemies Perfect Pharisee p. 3. Affiâ—med by George Fax and J. Naylor before witnesses who attest 1. Sauls errand p. 58 Lancaster Petition 1. That they are equal with God as holy just and good as God himself Pardon me if here my pen fail me who can tell what to say to such blasphemous saying Humility is a sign of grace such pride of the fulnesse of iniquity the Angels in heaven vail their faces but these impudent Creatures Devils incarnate dare outface heaven and vie with God there is but one step higher to affirm that they are above God but certainly if God give not repentance to such wicked wretches they will be below the worst of Heathen for they may not be called Christians Ford and Fowl Ans to Speed Atkinsons sword of the Lord. Houghill and Burrougs Ans to Reeve 2. That the being of God is not distinct from them that are begotten by him ignorant creatures that scarce know any thing that is thus to prate concerning the being of God of which the wisest and holyest men know rather Quid non sit quam quid sit what it is not then what it is 3. That the nature and glory of the elect differ not from the nature and glory of the creator for the elect are one with the creator in his nature enjoying his glory Neither knowing God nor themselves the finiteness of the creature nor the infinitenesse of the Creator because God speaks much of the onenesse and greatnesse of their glory therefore can there be none but identity of nature and equal participation of glory quoad omnia in every thing they may as well confound all and say the creature is the creator that the cause is the effect and effect the cause that a thing is from another and that thing is it self they have not only lost their Religion but reason pride ignorance hath made these men more equal to the Devil then God and indeed they almost say as much in totidem verbis in so many words 4. That God is not distinct from living creatures 5. That the Soul is a part of the Divine essence 6. That there is no distinction of persons in the Deitie Perfect Pharisee pag. 6. at the end of the gag p. 14. Is it not railing against father Son and Holy Ghost to say these 3. shall be damned shut up in perpetual darknesse for the lake and the pit as you say in your Ishmael p. 10. l. last Notwithstanding the expresse naming of them in Scripture 2. And their peculiar properties 3. As likewise attributing to every one of them those things which are only effected by a God 7. That Jesus Christ is God and man in one person is a lie whereby they run themselves upon extreams either with old Hereticks as Paulus Samo satenus Arius c. or making him instead of one Lord Jesus Christ two with Nestorius or confounding the divine and humane nature denying the Deity making a mixture with Eutychus and Dioscorus c. 8. That Christ was a man had his failings for he distrusted God on the Crosse Gilpin p. 2. quam bene conveniunt How well these things hang together 1. They must be equal to God Christ but a man r Heb. 4.15 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. They perfect but he a sinner Which besides that it makes 1. him uncapable to save is 2. diametrically contrary to the word he was made like to us in all things sin only excepted Perfect Pharisee p. 8. 9. That whosoever expects to be saved by him that died at Jerusalem shall be deceived when Christ unlesse you beleive that I am he you shall dye in your sins w and Peter neither is there under heaven given any other name * Act. 4.12 Fowl and Ford against Speed H. Clarke in his Description of the prophets p. 9. whereby we may be saved x 10. That singing Davids Psalms in English Meeter is to sing the Ballads of Hopkins and Sternehold King James his Fidlers and to sing them is to turn them into Lies and Blasphemies They would disannul the duty of singing they accustoming themselves to howling and roaring contrary to that of James is any merry let him sing Psalms y 2. Neither can they sing David Fr. Gawler See Antichrist in mab by Mr. Miller p. 7. Psalms in Davids Language 3. Neither are they able to judge how well or how ill they are translated but are ready to speak ill of what they know not 11. that that word 1. John 1.8 If we say we have no sin we dâ—ceive our selves was spoken by the carnal man It stares them so in the face they would fain out-face it and so overturns their Doctâ—ine of being without sin that they would willingly overturn it and will venture upon calling the Apostle a Carnal man rather then themselves should not be thought perfectly spiritual 12. For our giving forth Papers or printed Books it is from the immediate eternal Spirit
of God and for the simple ones sakes as we are moved by the immediate spirit of Christ to write to teach to exhort or to put in Print Truths Defence p. 104. How then comes it that Gother son Ep. 4.5 is fain to write against others of his own and call to them to recall their Tenets and repent 13. All their Railings Cursings and Blasphemies they Father on the Holy Ghost and make them to proceed immediately from the eternall spirit of God in them as may appear 2. Of their railings at Ministers and slandering of them Only whatever they say is little in respect of what before and there can be no wondring at their Blasphemies against Men when they have thus opened their mouths against Heaven and if they have done these things to God himselfe no wonder if such to his Servants but to speak their language with which they often salute the Ministers That they are of the Synagogue of Satan Hel broke loose p. 35. and know nothing of God but are enemies of God being guided by the spirit of error without amongst dogs whose humility is fained a Their hearts they know that their Sermons are fleshly fancies b And they Q. for real flesh and conâ—urations dirty miry doctrine a stinking puddle that their hearts are filthy deceitful c That 's right seeking praise from men d They have little from you that they are scandalous e VVhat all Scandalum acceptum Be sure to say enough Muse as they use following the wayes of Balaam and Cain worse then Simon Magus knowing nothing of the life of the Gospel that they are Heathens wallowing in the mire and filth of the flesh on whom all the plagues of God are to be poured blind guides proud Baals Priests f The best that ever he had I hope Lyars Blasphemers h They Q. not guilty enemies to Christ Jesus Murtherers Sorcerers Whore-mongers children of disobedience greedy dumb Doggs Witches Antiâ—hrists Antichrists Marchants Robbers Deceivers Ministers of the World i VVorse then themselves Conjurers Devils of a Serpentine Nature a brazen faced Bâ—ast Covetous Idolatrous Priests Thieves Divelish Priests Priests of the world Foxes Ministers of Antichist proud Pharisees envious malicious Priests Aegyptians Sodomites Gog and Magog a seed of evil dâ—ers children of the Devil blind Watchmen Backbiters Railers Seducers Taskmasters of Aegypt devouring Lyons Firebrands of Hell Sons of Belial I shall but adde here one passage for all Naylor against Baxter p. 30. Thou askest if it will be for the peoples profit to despise their Teachers and Guides I say you who have despised Christs commands to set up your own Lusts and Pride Covetousnesse and false-Worship must be despised and when such Guides are discovered then shall the people profit when they come to be guided by that Spirit God hath given to every man to profit withall which you will keep them from as long as you can that you may fill up your measure and wrath come upon you to the uttermost being captivated by the Devil Son and Body the God of this world having blinded your eyes so that the Gos el is hid from you and you lost setting up the Letter instead of it having denyed the light and erred from it are got up into hardnesse of heart imprisoning beating making havock like rude Beasts what ever the Devil did where he reigned so do you being the head of the Serpent which Christ is come to bruise as he did in his own person so he is the same brood who now are found in the same bloody plots against the seed of God So Princed worse then ever any seeking the lives of others for practising that in life which your selves will preach in words for Money such a generation of raging Beasts was never yet in the world who seek to devour on every side you and who departs from sin is your prey the greâ—test deceivers that ever yet come now when you come to be revealed who would have believed that you who have had so many millions of pounds for reaching people to forsake sin and now if any declare that he hath forsaken it and is set free you preach it down as the most dangerous eâ—ror that ever was Full of Slander empty of Charity and who can ascribe this but themselves to the good â—piâ—it of God Enough ne quid nimis surely they are angry and I am apt to think the Miniâ—ters have hit the Devil in them a sound rap of the nose that makes him to roar so loud But yet they are not altogether foolish there is some wit in their anger though it be but Serpentine 1. Hereby would they alienate the Peoples affections from them The end of their railing without end present them so ill that the people might get no good by them 2. To get esteem and gain by what others lose they would by this be thought exceeding zealous none like them for God Christ and Souls truly had they kept in their poyson when they vented all this they might have been better thought on but to be so evill themselves while they are making others so is not politick 3. To prepare the Ministers for more to exercise them with their tongues that they may better rye their hands this is but a paper of Devils set on your heads before your bodies be brought to the stake but might I advise men should first stop their Eares secondly bridle their â—ongues thirdly shun their company and fourthly let them be branded for hideous Blasphemers notorious Railers CHAP. 8. A short account of a dispute at Cambridge Aug. 1659. between three eminent Quakers and one Scholar AUG 25. T. S. of Chr. Col. returning home from Saint Johns Library saw George Whitehead preaching in the Quakers The Quaker diâ—armed Pref. common meeting House b Over against Sidney Col. when Whitehead had done he confuted his Doctrine but considering how apt filly women were to be misled he sent the following to the Maior hoping to reclaime in the end his c The Majors Wife who it seems was then a Quaker Whereas George Whitehead delivered first that they are not Hereticks second teach no other but what Abraham and Christ and thirdly said that the Scriptures are not the Word of God I am ready at any hour or place 1. to prove these false 2. to make good my Arguments lâ—sts used against him 3. That it is a sin for him to preach or any such or for any to hear him Chr. Colh T. S. The Major sent for Whithead who before him wrote 1. That we do not open a door to Heresies 2. That we are not Hereticks because 3. We do not teach any Heresie d So it is a signe 4. We walk not in the steps of Hereticks 5. That the Bible is not the Word And this he would maintain e Quantum potuit against T. S. at what time and place the Major should
by a (z) Fashioning their doctrine to practise a new light publick doctrine This doctrine then was readily embraced by those whose age and temper was aptest to consult with flesh and blood None refraining himself from multiplication of wives for want or covetousness for their wives were kept upon the common-Stock Neither did they keep any face of Order or any shew of modesty in those marriages for presently after the receiving of that Law the brethren ran to the hansomest women of the City striving who should be served first and lay with them without any form of contract so that within few days there was not one woman of 14. years of age but was violated (a) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Pet 2.14 But those of the City that yet had some remnant of sound mind being extreamly grieved with disorder and groaning under that foul tyranny made a party and laid hold of John of Leyden Knipperdolling and all the Prophets which coming to the ears of the frantick rabble of people which made the greatest number they took arms and rescued the Prophets and killed fifty of their adversaries most of them in cold blood and with several kinds of devised cruelties (b) Seducers cruel John of Leyden encouraging the murtherers and crying that he that would do God service should give the first blow CHAP. IV. Continuation of the siege of Munster The reign of John of Leyden The taking of Munster The deserved punishment of the Rebels VVHile they were thus wiving and striving in Munster the Bishop had fair play if he could have husbanded the occasion Some weak attempts he made with ill success and having till then born the charges of the warr alone he was afterwards assisted with men and mony by Herman Archbishop of Colen and John Prince of Cleves and asked succour of all the Cities of the Rhyne about which demand there was a meeting appointed to be held at Coblents Decemb. 13. 1534. This long delay gave time to John of Leyden to project new designs He declared that the Spirit of Prophesie was retired from him and reposed upon John Tuscocurer a Goldsmith of Warendorp And this new Prophet having called the Congregation together declared that it was the will of the heavenly Father that John of Leyden should be (a) He wil cease to be a Prophet that he may be King King of the Universe And that with mighty Armies he should kill all Kings and Princes and destroy all the ungodly and save the people that love righteousness and that he must possess the Kingdom of his Father David till the time come that he must deliver the Kingdom to his Father (b) The hâ—ight of blasphemy And that all the ungodly being killed the godly should reign in the World Whereupon John of Leyden fell on his knees and lifting up his hands to heaven said Men and brethren so much I knew long ago but I would not reveal it Now God hath made choice of another to bear witness to that truth Then said Tuscocurer again Thus saith the Lord As I set Saul to be King in Israel and after him David taken from the Sheep-fold so I have set John Becold my Prophet to be King in Sion And when the Senate refused that prophesie the Prophet refused the Senate and appealed to the Congregation sâ—ying Give ear Israel Thou shalt abrogate thy Magistrates and put down thy Preachers and instead of them establish 12 simple men (c) Simple men seduced great agents for Satan without any learning them thou shalt command that they read my word unto my people and without any help but my spirit expound it into them will I pour the spirit of wisdom and understanding Then giving a sword to of John of Leyden And to thee saith he Father Becold the Father giveth this sword and calleth thee not only to be King in Sion but over all the World and to extend thine Empire unto the ends of the earth This oracle was followed with great shoutings and acclamations of the people crying God save the King and presently he was brought to S. Lamberts Church-yard and there again proclaimed K. There the new King created four Counsellors of State the chief whereof was one Gerard a Book-binder one Talbeck he made Lord Steward of his houshold Gerard Kippenbrok Treasurer of his Plate and Jewels Knipperdolling Governor of the City and appointed twelve Archers of his Guard This Taylor King presently made use of his skill to make himself fine in clothes He translated the copes and carpets of the Churches convents into dublets and breeches and cloaks which set off his Majesty all in gold and silver His horses wore a suitable livery richly harnessed with golden and silver Saddles and footcloths he had great change of rich apparel in which he appeared abroad having his chief Officers aid Counsellors riding before him in great State Next to him rid two young men richly attired the one carrying a naked sword with a golden hilt set with precious stones the other carried a Bible and a triple Crown of gold of exquisite work glittering with diamonds Himself wore a great chain of gold about his neck like a Coller of some noble Order with a golden Globe having a golden Sword thorough it hanging at the chain with this Motto about the Globe Rex justitiae hujus mundi the King of Righteousness of this world After him followed fifty Pensioners clad with parti-coloured garments of ash-colour and grass-green white caps and golden rings on every finger making the ash-colour an emblem of mortification the grass-green of regeneration the white caps of innocencie the golden rings of charity but among these prophetical riddles he ordered his Court with so much State and so disposed his Officers that if he had been a King born he could have done it no better So much all his adversaries acknowledge In that Royal array he shewed himself three times a week in publick and went up to a high Throne set up with great magnificence Under him sate Knipperdolling Governour of the City and lower his four great Counsellors of State In that Court he he judged of all controversies most of which were about divorces for by his new orders any man that was weary of his wife might take another as many more as he listed which could not but multiply suits and give work to the new King and his Counsellors and Prophets In that Court Knipperdolling would ever come out with some Bedlam rapture Once he fell flat to the ground and creeping upon his hands and feet he went to several persons of the Assembly and blowing them in the mouth said The Father hath sanctified thee receive the holy Ghost Another time he fell a dancing saying So I danc't once with my little harlot and now the heavenly Father hath commanded me that I should dance so in the Kings presence Another time before the King came he sate in his chair of Majesty
appoint Then George Whitehead caused these positions to be writ saying he would defend them aâ—so f His strength was great or wit small 6 The Scriptures doth not say if any man say he hath no sin he deceives himselfe 7. I deny that this is a truth if any man say he hath no sin he deceives himselfe as concerning the Saints g But the Saints on Earth will say so 8. It is not a sin for me or any such man to preach or any to hear us Aug. 27. T. S. nor hearing of the time and place of meeâ—ing went to the Major to know what was resolved he answered the Aldermen were not willing it should be in the Town-Hall h Some of them according to this relation too willing their common meeting should be in the own so that if there were any dispute it must be in the Quakers common Meeting-house but several Aldermen were not willing there should be any and that he would not advise T. S. to dispute whereupon T. S. resolved not to dispute against the minde of the Corporation i Modest and sober Aug. 29. came this from W. to T. S. Friend T. S. this is to certifie thee that accorâ—ing to our agreemâ—nt when I was with thee I am willing to give thee a meeting and seeing no other place is appointed I intend to be at our Meeting place this day about one or two where I may exspect thy appearance according to thy promise to me first to produce thy arguments c. subscribed G. Whitehead Immediately he received another from Mr. James Alders Sir I was called this morning to Mr. Majors and there I was told that it is the desire of the Quakers to meet you at their house of meeting they begin to think you are afraid to meet them c. k Crow before victory Notwithstanding â— S. continued in his Chamber till one came from Mâ— Alders to tell him the Quakers were met and reported that T.S. did not dare to come thereupon he went When met G. W. told the people the Questions to be disputed were Quaker disarmed dispute 1. Whether it were a damnable sin for him to preach and secondly a damnable sin for any to hear him But T. S. began as the propositions lay in his paper and so went to prove tha Quakers do open a door to damnable Heresie T. S. he that writ Ishmael and his Mother cast out opens a door to damnable Heresies but you writ â—hat Book therefore Whithead answered he did not write it all for there is somewhat scribled l It was all but scrible in it T.S. asked if he were the Author of all printed in it he answered about three yeers ago I and four more writ it between us m Multis manthus gâ—ande levatur onus and said that he would own it T.S. further urged All Papists open a door to damnable Heresies you who writ this Book are a Papist therefore W. I am no Papist T.S. He who refuses to take the Oath of abjuration is a Papist he who writ this refuses to take the Oath of abjuration therefore a Papist Heâ—e George Fox n a notorious Quaker as before made a long Discourse to prove that it was not lawful for a Christian to swear o To put off the odium of refusing the Oath of Abjuration it is no duty to curse r il and blâ—spheme and would have had T. S. proved it was lawful to swear who answered it was beside the Question Here the Majors Wife entreated T. S. to lay aside Whiteheads Book and dispute from Scripture So T. S. did from 2. Cor. 5.20 He who pretends to be an Ambassador of Christ and hath no commission to show but what all the damnable Hereticks in the World do or may shew that man opens a door to damnable doctrines But you pretend to be an Embassador of Christ p VVhat is that to them but a bâ—ind and have no commission to shew but what all the damnable Hereticks in the World do or may shew therefore W. I have my Commission from Christ and did ever any Heretick pretend a Commission from Christ T. S. Yes David George Socinus Arius and all the Hereticks I ever read of W. They could not prove it by the effects as I i. e. shew the people converted by them T. S. They could Arians converted a nation of Infidels to Christianity and his opinions in a short time spread so far that all the World seemed Arian q Totus mundus est Arianas W. But did the Hereticks live good lives T. S. It is confessed that Arius and his did that Pelagius did and I remember that no Sect-master that did not Here Whitehead would prove himself no Heretick from 2. Pet. 2.1 2. Hereticks are those that deny the Lord that bought them I do not deny the Lord that bought me therefore T. S. I deny the Major all Hereticks do not deny the Lord that bought them the Apostle instances but in one sort even the worst who would even deny the Lord it followes not hence none are false Teachers or false Prophets or Hereticks but such as deny the Lord that bought them r A particulari ad universate non valet consequentia W. I have Christ within me therefore I do not deny the Lord that bought me T. S. You do not prove your Major Here being silent T. S. Out of this place urged against him He that writ Ishmael and his Mother cast out even denyes the Lord that bought him but you writ that Book There the Major he further proved He that denyes Persons in the Trinity and calls him Dreamer and Conjurer who asserts them saying that a man who saith there be 3 persons in the Trinity shall be shut up with them in perpetual darknesse for the Lake and the pit that man is an Heretick even denying the Lord that bought him but you George Whitehead deny the 3. persons in the Trinity c. This Minor was proved out of the Book it self p. 10. the 3. persons thou dreamest of which thou wouldest divide out of one like a Conjurer all are denyed and thou shut up with them in perpetual darknesse for the Lake and the Pit Here Fox made a long Discourse against the Trinity T. S. I came not to hear you repeat a deal out of Paul Beast I came to dispute Fox Prove there be 3 persons T. S. 1. Joh. 5.7 There be 3 that bear Record in heaven the Father the Word and the Spirit and these 3 are one Thus If the Father Son and Holy Ghost be 3 He 's then 3 persons â— VVhile H. D. gibes at 3 He 's and the argument for three persons taken from the places he considers not that T. S. was necessitated to condescend to vulgar capacities who cryed out they would hear no Philosophy or School-terms but they are 3 He 's therefore Fox What mean you by 3. He 's T.
S. Three that may as it were be pointed at he he he Fox I do not like that argument T. S. Therefore further are you three Persons that dispute against me Fox Yea. T. S. Prove it Fox We are in 3 places and therefore 3 persons T. S. Therefore replied the Father Son and Holy Ghost have been in three places and therefore 3. persons at the Baptism of Christ s Argumentum ad hominem while Jesus came up the Holy-Ghost down and the Father in heaven Fox Persons have flesh and blood t Learnedly T. S. Angels are persons and have not one of them said Angels are not persons u Well versed in Metaphysicks Fox A person is a subsistence T. S. So are Father Son and holy Ghost T. S. Further argued He who denies the Bible to be the word of God saying that to assert Scripture to be the word of God is one of the deceitful immaginations which the Priests of this generation have deceived the people with that man is an Heretick But you deny the Bible to be the word and tell Mr. Townsend that to assert it is one of the deceitful imaginations which the Priests of this generation have deceived the people with See Ishmael and his mother cast out p. 1. lin 1. therefore This was not answered but Fox said they cannot be three persons because they were not visible in several places T. S. If Christ was man and the holy Ghost was in the form of a Dove then they were both seen Fox Prove that they were seen in several places T. S. One was seen in the water the other out Fox Prove they were seen w Fox could not or would not see T.S. Many beheld them both Fox The Holy Ghost could not be seen T. S. He was in the form of a Dove therefore could be seen Fox Not in the form of a Dove but in the likeness x Rare hereat some laughing he answered that he was seen but not visible y Surely his religion reason and wits were lost By this relation it is visible to be seen 1. Their boldness 2. Their crowing without cause 3. Their inability to argue 4. Their little or no learning z At least that any of them will be known of 5. Their strange opinions about the Trinity and Scripture 6. How they run beyond all reason and sense to defend their tenets Lastly Their obstinacy when nâ—ither Scripture reason nor sense can convince them their damnable errours and stupid obstinacy will surely conclude such men Hereticks CHAP. IX A brief relation of three Disputations at Sandwich April 1659. between Fisher Whitehead and Hubberthorn Quakers and Mr. Danson Minister there 1. Disputation April 12. § T. Quakers folly p. 1. Edit 2. Quest WHether every man that cometh into the world be enlightned by Christ Danson We grant every man hath some light by which he discerns though dimly many 1. Sins 2. Duties 3. Divine Attributes but the mysterie of godlinesse 1 Tim. 3. ult God manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit c. we deny that all men have the knowledge of Hubberthorn The light is but one Danson The lights mentioned 1. Naturall and 2. Supernaturall are two though all have the one yet few the other If your meaning be that the knowledge of the Gospel is vouchsafed by Christ to every man I prove the contrary 1. Psal 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and judgements unto Israel he hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgements they have not known them By the Word Statutes and Judgements are meant the knowledge of the Gospel and the Psalmist asserts no nation beside the Jewes had this knowledge at this time 2. Ephes 2.12 Speaking of the Gentiles before Christ the Apostle sayes they were without Christ strangers from the covenant of promise having no hope and without God in the world They who had no hope that is no ground of hope of salvation were ignorant of the promises the ground of hope and so of God in Christ the object of hope and so of the summe of the Gospel Geo. Whitehead Rom. 2.15 sayes The Gentiles have the Law in their hearts Danson It is spoken of the natural light for it s opposed to the knowledge of the Jewes Whitehead It is said to be the knowledge of whatsoever might be known of God Rom. 1.19 Danson The Apostle intends that what might be known of God without the preaching of the Gospel was known to the Gentiles vers 16 17. It is by the Gospel the righteousness of God is revealed John 4.22 Christ tells the Samaritans the Jewes exclusively knew what they worshipped and that salvation was of the Jews and in respect of this Gospel-knowledge the Gentiles are said to have their understandings darkned Ephes 9.18 Whitehead That place sayes that the Gentiles were not so enlightned as afterward for 't is said that Christ was given for a light to lighten the Gentiles Danson It proves not that Christ was a light to the Gentiles in every age and generation but after his coming in the flesh Acts 13.46 47. Loe we turn to the Gentiles for so hath the Lord commanded us saying I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles That of the Ephesians denies the Gentiles at all to have been enlightned by Christ unlesse as God before Christ they were afar off from God and Christ and the knowledge of them Ephes 4.18 Alienated from the life of God In potentia proxima oâ— sensu composito which imports their understandings no more capable of the knowledge of God then creatures of one kind of life to converse with another So that the Gentiles wanted the light of the Gospel and light in their understandings as the light of the Sun is requisite externally and the light in the eye so the Gospel and an enlightned understanding Geo. Whitehead Thou makest the Gospel an outward light But 2 Cor. 4.6 the Apostle says it shines out of darkness in their hearts Danson The Apostle speaks of material light and argues from the effect of one creating word to another that by the like word of command he had the light or knowledge of Christ in his understanding As for in their hearts it is the same with Ephes 1.18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightned the light by which the Gospel is discerned is inward but the Gospel it self outward Whitehead 2 Cor. 4.6 The Apostle sayes The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ shined in their hearts Danson In whose Not of all mankind but of the Apostles and some others a small number in comparison and therefore vers 3. the Apostle sayes The Gospel was hid to them that were lost And vers 4. There are some to whom the light of the Gospel doth not shine And Mat. 13.11 it was given to the Disciples not to others to know the mysteries of the
and everlasting righteousnesse is wrought in him and said If they had known the Father they would him also Qu. Whether he were the King of Israell Answ Thou hast said it and he hath no Kingdom in the world but reigneth in the Father Q. Are you the Lamb of God in whom the hope of Israel stands Answ That if he were not his lamb he should not be thus sought for to be devoured and that the hope of Israel stands in the righteousness of the Father in whomsoever it is Q. Why came he in such manner into the City Ans It was for the praises of his Farther and he might not refuse any thing moved of the Lord and that their Father commanded them to doe * They will not worship men with putting of the hat but take worship from men as is due only to God it Q. Whether as he rode from Glossenbury and Wells some did not spread their cloathes on the ground before him and sing Holy holy Ans He believed they did Qu. Whether he had a wife Ans There is a woman the world called his c Very probable he did not own her his wife p. 10. wife October 27. Dorcas Erbury one of his Disciples was examined before the Magistrates of Bristoll Quest Why did you sing holy holy c. before James Naylor when he rode in Answ She did not but they that did were called to it by the d The God of this world that rules in the children of disobedience Lord. Q. Is James Naylor the holy one of Israel Answ He is so and she would seal it with her * Goodly confessor bloud Qu. And is he the onely begotten Son of God Answ He is the onely begotten Son of e She speakes plain God Qu. Why did you so honour him as to pull off his stockins and put your cloaths under his feet Ans Because he is the Lord of Israel and worthy of it Q. Do you know no other Jesus the only begotten son of God but him Answ I know no other Sauiour but f Poor Woman him Q. Do you believe in James Naylor Ans I do believe in g Whether may not a poor soul be missed him Q. What Name do you give him A. The son of God Q. VVhat do you call him usually A. I am commanded to call him Lord and Master and to serve h Where is that command written the very light within conscience will shew a sinful man not God p. 11. him Q. Hath Naylor raised from the dead A. I was dead two dayes he laid his hands on my head in Exeter Gaol and said Dorcas arise Q. Jesus sits at Gods right hand and shall judge the world Doth Naylor thus A. Naylor shall sit at the right hand of the father and judge the world The Magistrates sent to a Parliament man a copy of these Examinations and upon Report to the House a Committee was chosen to take notice of it and a Messenger sent for Naylor p. 6. The Magistrates sent Naylor for London 10. November with four Disciples of his Stanger and his Wife Martha Symonds and Dorcas Erbury Upon the 15th the Committee met in the painted Chamber and had Naylor in Examination Q. Did you reprove the Woman for holding the horse bridle A. No but I spake to them about it and they said they were moved of the Lord to it Q. It is laid to your charge you did assume to your self the faiâ—est of ten thousand A. If any spake it to that of the Father in me I dare not deny for its beautifull in whomsoever begotten Q. Do you own that of being that only begotten son of God A. I am the son of God Q. Do you own being the King of Israel A. I have no Kingdome in this World but a Kingdome I have Q. Do you own the title King of Israel Prince of peace A. It is but one and that of God born in me is the King of Israel Jesus Christ is the King of Israel is manifested in me and I own Q. Have any called you the Prophet of the most high God A. I am a Prophet of the most high God Q. Is then that worship due to you which was to Christ A. If they did it to the visible they were to blame but if to the invisible that worship is due to me according to my measure as was due to Christ Q. then you say that worship was due and to that which you call the invisible in you to you as was given to Christ at Jerusalem A. Yea. Q. (i) They will not give civil worship but take divine is not this divelish pride How many weeks have you fasted without bread A. Two or three Q. Did you live without any food all that time B. Yea. Upon the fourth of December report was made to the house on the fixth he was brought to the Commons-bar where having his Examination taken before the Committee read unto him and asked whether things were thus he answered yea and denied not any part thereof Whereupon the house agreed on the matter of fact and adjudged it horrid blashemy and he a grand impostor and deceiver of the people and ordered him close prisoner p. 13. After 8 or 9 dayes debate on the 16 of December it being carried that the question for his death should not be put the house Voted his punishment that upon the 18th of December he stand in the pillory two hours in the new palace yard with a paper of his crime on his breast Naylors punishment and then presently to be whipt by the Hangman to the old Exchange on the 20 to be put in the pillory for two hours before the exchange and then bored through the tongue with a hot Iron and stigmatized with the letter B in his forehead afterwards by the Sheriff of Loud to be conveyed to Bristol there ride through the City on a horse with his face to the tail and then publickly whipt through the Town and by the Sherâ—ffs of Bristoll to be conveyed to Bridewell in London there to be kept close prisoner from company pen inck and paper kept to hard labour and not to be released till further order December 17th he was brought to the bar to receive the sentence on the 18th the sentence in palace yard executed upon the indisposition of body and a petition of some for respite upon that account the rest of his sentence was deferred for a weeke p. 16. On the 23 of December there came neer about an hundred men with a petition for the remitting the rest of his punishment delivered in by Mr. Joshua sprigge k A Worthy man and subscribed in the first place by Col. Scrope the petition being not like to take they made their addresse to Oliver Cromwell as follows p. 17. Sheweth that your petitioners having out of tendernesse to the good cause of our spiritual and civil Liberties concerned in