time the Word was made Fesh and dâ—elt among the Son Daughters of Men and they beheld his Glory the Glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1.14 and this is Christ unto whom all things of the Father are delivered both in â—eaven and Earth and no man knows him but the Father neither knoweth anâ— man the Father save the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal him Mat. 11.27 By which it is evident that all Revelation is not ceased Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest vers 28. Here Christ hath promised Rest unto all that will come unto him But how shall they come unto him by Faith in Obedience to that measure of his divine Light of his Spirit of Grace which he hath placed in their Hearts it being the Lords Talent given to Man for this end that he should improve it to the Honour and Glory of God and Salvation of his own Immortal Soul by Jesus Christ the Evidence of whose Spirit giveth Life to the Soul of that Man whose cleart Mind and Spirit is faithful to his Gift for the Scriptures restâ—le That Christ affordeth unto all them that by true Faith come unto him Search the Scriptures for in them â—e think to have Eternal Life and they are they that testifie of me and ye will not come to me that you may have Life Job 5.39 40. Here it is evident from Christs own words That to search the holy Scriptures without the true saving knowledge of God in Christ and of his Spirit which moved in the holy Men of God and gave them Utterance to declare his Will and Mind according as contained in the holy Scripture without which in some measure Men cannot profit or benefit towards Salvation by Jesus Christ by their reading the holy Scriptures for they that will not come to the inward Evidence of Gods Gift of his Spirit and Grace they have not the Love of God in them Joh. 5.42 For Jesus Christ the Promise of God and Seed of the Kingdom him hath God given to be an Everlasting Covenant of Grace Light and Life to them that fear and tremble at the Power of his Word and stedfastly remain in the belief of his holy Name which is no less than to give up in their whole desire of Heart and Mind to serve him the Lord of Life in Truth and Righteousness with uprightness of Heart Mind Soul and Spirit for unto him it doth belong and unto such belongeth the Promise of God by the suffering of his Son the Lord Jesus Christ which doth extend Salvation to their Souls for God in tender Love Mercy towards all men falling short of his Glory by the fall of the first Adam doth tender the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus by the call of his good Spirit of Grace Life and Light which remains not in the oldness of the Letter but in the newness of the Spirit which hath no relation to the saving of that Soul which remains in sin term of Life having received the inward Evidence of the Spirit which condemns for every thought word and action which is not agreeable with the Spirit of Truth of which every man hath received a measure in his own heart to justifie or condemn even as his Works appear before the Lord so shall be his Reward if of Faith and Obedience then Life and Peace will follow but if it be of Sin and Unbelief then Death Hell and Destruction will be the Portion of him or her which dyes in such a state for the Wages of Sin is Death but the Gift of God is Eternal Life so they that dye in sin are free from Righteousness having no part lot nor share in the Promise of God and Hope of Jesus Christ for their Hope shall be cut as the Spiders Web which shall perish for evermore for Christ came not to save People in their sin but to save and redeem from sin and Transgression His Name shall be called Jesus for he shall save his People from their Sins Mat. 1.21 for they that dye in their sins cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven as Christ said If ye believe not that I am he ye shall dye in your sins and where I go ye cannot come which relates to a state of Perfection in this Life upon which Head I shall God willing treat more at large in a distinct Chapter by which the Understandings of them that desire after Truth may receive the benefit of my small measure relating to the same for man living in sin becomes destitute of any benefit by Christ for the Salvation of his Soul for he that commits sin it is of the Devil and he knows not God the Father but he that is faithful to the Gift of God in his heart learns to fear the Lord and to work his Righteousness which is the fullfilling of what God requires in obedience to the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who spiritually moves in the hearts of all whose day of Visitation is not over for Christ ruleth over all and will in no way fall short of his Honour either by the Salvation of the one or Condemnation of the other for Christ by the measure of his Spirit is in all except Reprobates 〈◊〉 and therefore it is matter of great concern for People to examin their own hearts whether by true Faith Christ abides in them for the Body of Man where Christ by the gift of his divine Light and Spirit liveth is the Temple of the holy Ghost and if any Man defile the Temple of God him will God destroy Then he that is not in obedience to the gift of God which he hath received is a Pollutor of the Temple and is without true Faith in Christ Prove your own selves know you not that if Christ be not in you you are Reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 Now they whose Minds are wrought towards the Lord their Affections are set on heavenly things above to seek God in Christ and in them Christ by the measure of his divine Light Grace and Spirit liveth Gal. 2.20 Now Christ being in his People the Body is dead because of Sin but the Spirit is Life because of Righteousness Rom 8.10 for there is neither Greek nor Jew Circumcision Barbarian Sithian Bond nor Free but Christ is all and in all and many more Scripture Prooffs might be produced to the same effect That Christ lives and moves by the Gift of his divine Light and Spirit of Grace and Truth in the hearts of his People and that their Bodies are the Temple of God for Christ by the gift of his Spirit Life and Light to dwell in which if People both Young and Old would forsake their Vanity and apply their Minds to seek the Lord in his own way of Truth and Righteousness according to the Gift of his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit as by Record for their help
that he baptized in his own Name he then thanked God that he had not baptized as he knew of any more save Crispus and Gaius and the Houshold of Stephanus plainly concluding that Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the Gospel 1 Cor. 1.16.17 Now the Apostles saying that he thanked God that had not baptized any other is sufficient proof that Water Baptism is not that which God doth expect in this day if other wayes the holy Apostle would never have said he than ed God that he had baptized no other as he knew of which is sufficient that the Almighty God doth neither except nor accept sprinkling or dipping with visible Water in this day for Jesus Christ hath fulfilled all Tipes and Figures which were but shadows of better things to come and are come to them which by true Faith in him and he in them by which there is no need to lay the Foundation of things past for Christ crucified and risen again as the Mystery oâ— his Death and Resurrection outwardly is inwardly revealed is the Substance and Foundation of his Peoples Faith which gives them an assurance in the hope of his heavenly Riches which they that are not dead with Christ from the Rudiments cannot pertake of for they are yet living with their affections uncrucifid as to the Rudiments of the World being yet subject to Ordinances of divers forms in their will Worship which the righteous have overcome so that they cannot again be brought into bondage to touch taste nor handle those things wherein their uncrucified Affections once did remain well knowing they are all to perish with the using after the Commandment of men which things indeed have a shew of will Worship and Humility and neglecting of the Body not in any honnor to the satisfying of the flesh Col. 2.20 21 22 23. Now the faithfull of God are risen with Christ in which state they are â—â—â—king those things which are above where Christ siâ—â—eth on the right hand of God so that their Affections are set on things above and not on things on the Earth Col. 3.1.2 and they are a blessed People which are come to witness that state in which they seek the Lord and his righteousness which is the right use of means that God hath appointed for the honour of his holy Name and the salvation of them who in the true use of means lay hold on God thorough faith in the son of his love the Lord Jesus Christ by whose Power the Faithful are baptized into the one spirit by the holy Ghost which is the true Baptism of Christ by whom they that are not baptized thorough the Water of Regeneration they yâ—t remain with their Affections uncrucified in which state the Lord hath no regard to their daily Offerings And yet if any for a furtherance of the Gospel should find freedom in the Will of the Lord to condescend to the weakness of some to baptize into Water we should not forbid it but the bare form and Imâ—â—ation taken up in the meer Will of men without any inward motion or call of God or inward approbation we utterly disown CHAP. XI Concerning the true Sabbath which signifies Rest to them who abide in Christ who is the everlasting Sabbath MAny are the Talkers of the Sabbath and of the first days Rest but few are they that come so far in the Work of God by Faith in Jesus Christ as to witness their first days Work in him who is the true and everlasting Sabbath in whom the faithful have their resting place they are them which are come to witness the end of their Labour which have their rest in Christ the true Sabbath Now where People in their differing forms of Will Worship rest from their outward Labour one day in seven calling that the Sabbath Day thinking thereby that the Lord of Sabboth will accept their will Worship with their rest from outward Labour for his â—abbath they deceive themselves and the Lord of Sâ—bâ—ath will reward them according to their own Works by which they preâ—end to serve him for the Lord only looks at them who in in uprightness of heart labour against sin that by so doing they witness the effect of their Labour through the Power of God by Faith in Christ against sin for they that labour not six days against sin shall never witness the seventh Day Holy to the Lord of Sabbath which proves such Talkers of the Sabbath to be no keepers of any Time Holy to the Lord of Sabbath and as to many such Talkers about the Sabbath Day on which they are more unholy in their Minds as to the Lord of Sabbath than on any other of the six days in which Peoples Minds are exercised on things of Bodily concern which being freed from outward Bodily Labour on the first day which they call the Sabbath their minds are more in the exercise of those things which are of no profit to the Soul neither of so much profit to the Body as their outward Labour is on the other six days of the Week which things are manifested by their Fruits as appears both in words and actions upon the first day which they pretend a Sabbath to the Lord in which state they are Sabbath Breakers and not Sabbath keepers for all Time is to be kept holy unto the Lord of Sabbath which if any observe a Day let him keep it holy unto the Lord and not to judge another mans Liberty in matters of Faith concerning the keeping or not keeping of a Day for one man may be prepared as from the Lord to keep a Fast unto him when another man may not be called of God to dâ— the same for every man is to seek God for himself for the Lord hath promised To be found of them that seek unto him with a peâ—fect Hâ—art and with a willing Mind for the Lord searcheth all Hearts and understandeâ—h all the Imaginations of the Thoughts which if they seek him he will be found of them but if they forsake him he will cast them off forever 1 Chron. 28.9 1 Sam. 16.7 Psal 7.8 9. and 139.2 3 4. Jer. 17.10 Now in what men pretend to God if in uprightness of heart they do not retain him in all their Thoughts their Work is of no effect for the profit of their Soul but further adds towards their Condemnation which is matter of weight for People to consider how thâ—y spend their precious Time which God hath given them in this Life to make their Peace with him through Faith in obedience to the gift of his Grace which came by Jesus Christ the Lord of Life and Everlasting Sabbath of his Peoples Rest which for People to talk of without a true believing in his outward Sufferings and in the inward Word of his Life their Souls shall never find rest in the Lord of Sabbath who was buried and rose again the third day which is the first Day of the Week which in honour to
evil one time and another time move them to do it for the Spirit of God by Jesus Christ moves his People in the way of holiness in which holy Way of Righteousness they have born their faithful Testimonies for Gods holy Truth against Fighting to defend their Faith by or with the carnal Sword or to take up any such like evil Practice again for Gods way of bringing his People nearer to him is by Jesus Christ whose Kingdom he will more and more exalt in the hearts of the saithful and not with the using of any carnal Weapon but by the Power of his own Spirit Ezek. 4.6 in which state they desire the wellfare of all men both Soul and Body and not as many do to kill the Body and say they desire the wellfare of their Souls whose Bodies they have destroyed for the Spirit of God meaneth not any such thing as to destroy mens Bodies with the carnal Sword and say they desire the wellfare of their souls for according to Christs Dostrine he that destroyes the Body of his Enemy cannot love the Soul of his Enemy for Christ came to save both Soul and Body and through the Power of God in him are many redeemed which by nature were Enemies â—nto him then what more can be said are not men by rature Enemies to one another then come to the Law and the â—rophets and do even as ye would be done unto for if you will be beloved of God in Christ you must love both Soul and Body of your Enemies even as Christ hath done unto them which have been Enemies unto him for Love covers a multitude of faults and Love leads them that are faithfull to God to keep the sayings of Christ who hath commanded to pray for Enemies and to do good unto all men by which they may be the Children of their Father which is in heaven in which state the Kingdom of this World may become the Kingdoms of Jesus Christ that the Prophets saying may be fulfilled that Nation shall not lift up Sword against Nation neither shall they learn War any more Isa 2.4 Mich 4.3 untill which time the saying of Christ is fulfilled upon them that take the Sword which must perish with the Sword then happy are they that are yet living in the Body and have known the end of all War Strife and Contention for unto their Number Will be the gathering of them that shall not lift up the Sword one against the other neither learn war any more of which Number are the despised of this day who strive to maintain Peace by denying all Wars and Fightings with the carnal Sword or of the like Nature CHAP. XXIII Concerning Conscience which justifies the Ways of the Righteous and condemneth the unrighteous Works of the Wicked MAny People talk of Conscience among vvhom some there are vvhose Hearts are so hardned that their Consciences are seared as vvith a hot Iron such are in the depth of Iniquity against God and his Christ and many are they that have so little regarded Conscience that they have sinned out the Day of Gods Grace and many more are travailing in the broad Way of Destruction and fevv there be that knovv vvhat Conscience is or the Nature of a good Conscience tovvards God and all men for the Righteousness of God is held in a pure Conscience by vvhich the fruits of their righteous Works are manifest in the sight of God and in the sight of men but the Righteousness of the World is Unrighteousness vvith God for their Righteousness is held in a corrupt Conscience of their own Unrighteousness vvhich is to themselves for Destruction but vvhere there is any thing of Life in heart mind and spirit as to the things of God vvhich concern the Wellfair of the Soul there is Conscience at vvork either excusing or accusing according as their vvords thoughts actions are before the Lord vvhich searcheth the heart and giveth to every man according to the Fruits of his ovvn Works vvhether of Faith and Obedience or of Unbelief and â—isobedience vvhich the Witness of God vvith every and â—isobedience vvhich either justifie or condemn for all men shall be tryed by their Deeds done in the Body and accordingly they shall receive from the Lord the righteous Judge of Heaven Earth vvho vvill call all to an Account in the great Day of his Coming to judge the Quick and the Dead then happy vvill it be vvith them vvho have made good Conscience in all things of this Life towards God and all men for the Day is coming in which Fear and Dread shall come upon all the Ungodly vvho have not made Conscience of Obedience to the Name of the Lord Jesus vvho is largely manifested and many have and do believe and confess and shevv their Deeds as many have already â—one vvho have brought out their Books of curious Arts â—nd burnt them in the presence of men the loss of which to â—hem vvas gain though the price thereof amounted to fifty thousand pieces of Silver Acts 19.17 18 19. and such vvere they that by believing made good Conscience before God in the sight of men vvhich if all vvould live up in obedience to the Witness of God they vvould come to the improvement of the like Conscience before God CHAP. XXIV Concerning the free Love of God in and by the Lord Jesus Christ THe Love of God by the gift of his Spirit of Light Life and Grace is free for all men by Jesus Christ for God so loved the World that he sent his only beloved Son the Lord Jesus to suffer Death for all men that abosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting Life John 3.15 16. Then they that believe in Christ are them that abide in the love of God which leads to keep all his Commandments which he hath by the Son of his Love the Lord of Life commanded all men to keep for the great Love of God was manifest that Jesus who was made a little lower then the Angels for the suffering of Death crowned with Glory and Honour that by the Grace of God should taste Death for every man Heb. 2.9 by which every man that heareth his Word and believeth on God hath Life and shall not come into Condemnation but is passed from Death unto Life John 5.24 For the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the Voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live Vers 25. which is according to the Apostles saying that when he was dead in Tâ—espasses and Sins against God the Voice of the Son of God appeared unto him who became willing to give up in true love to serve the Lord with uprightness in heart and mind by which thorough the Love oâ— God in Christ he came through Faith and Obedience to receive that Crown of Righteousness which was not only in store for him but for all them that love the appearance of the Lord Jâ—sus in their
shall end and be no more for the Word of the Lord shall endure forever And what is left recorded in the written Word of God is for this end that People may learn in the Light of the Lord to perform that which by the Gift of his Spirit of divine Light Grace he requires of them to do the Declaration of which is recorded in the holy Scriptures of Truth which are profitable for Doctrine c. 2 Tim. 3.16 which no man can learn but as he remains faithful to the gift of God which he hath received for that end that by so doing he may come to grow more and more in Grace to the Honour of God and everlasting Wellfare of his immortal Soul which will never witness Salvation but by true Faith in Christ Jesus the most sure VVord of Prophecy whereunto they will do well to take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the Day star arise in their hearts without which there is no Salvation CHAP. VI. Concerning Faith Hope and Obedience which by the Power of God through â—esus Christ worketh Salvation to the Souls of them that truly believe in the gift of his Grace Also something concerning Silence JEsus Christ in all things became obedient to the Will of God the Father for the Redemption of all Mankind that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but should receive Life Everlasting which is the Promise of God by Jesus Christ unto all the faithful willing and obedient that is in all things for the Salvation of their Souls by Faith in Jesus Christ for Man by Obedience to the Gift of God which is a measure of divine Light by Jesus Christ by whom the Soul comes to be reconciled unto God for the Lord in 〈◊〉 â—ay requires no less than perfect Obedience of all Men 〈…〉 all men have received of his Gift of his Spirit of divine Light by Jesus Christ so he will not have any left without Excuse in the Day of his Coming to take Vengeance on all the Vngodly which call not upon the Name of the Lord. for Christ is made manifest according to the Commandment of the Everlasting God made known to all Nations for the Obedience of their Faith Rom 16.6 and for that end did the Apostle write that he might know the proof of them whether they were obedient in all things 2 Cor. 2 9. for this is the Day of Gods Visitation wherein if ye will hear his Voice harden not your hearts against the Light of his Spirit of Grace for unto whom ye yeild your Minds Servants to obey his Servants you are to whom you obey whether of Sin unto Death or Obedience unto Righteousness Rom. 6.16 Now the Gift of Gods divine Light by Jesus Christ makes manifest to all men all the thoughts of his Heart and intents of his Mind for the Righteousness of Faith speaketh on this wise Say not in thy heart who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring Christ down from above or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the Dead but what saith it the VVord is nigh thee even in thy Mouth in thy Heart that is the VVord of Faith Rom. 10.6.7 8 By which it is evident that where men perish it is not altogether for want of Knowledge but for want of Obedience to the Gift of God which he hath placed in the hearts of all the Sons and Daughters of Men which by obedience would give them Power over their lustful Desires which by Nature lodgeth in the hearts of sinful Men and Women whose Minds for want of Obedience are drawn by the Enemy's Power to joyn with the Temptations of the Devil but if they yeilded Obedience to the gift of Gods Spirit they would witness strength to with-stand the Enemy and cause him to flee for the â—eapon of every true Believers VVar-fare are not carnal but spiritual and mighty through God to the pulâ—ing down strong Holds casting down every high thing that exalteth its self against the Knowledge of God and bringeth into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ having in readiness to revenge all Disobedience when their Obedience is fullfilled 2 Cor. 10.1 5 6. and in this do the faithful come to witness the inward Affections of Christ more more abundant towards them whilst he remembereth their Obedience how with fear and trembling they receive him 2 Cor. 7.15 Which things are plain and by Obedience easie to be understood that they who come to receive the benefit of Chriâ—â— by the Power of Gods Spirit in and through him it is by true Faith in Obedience to his Word at which they fear and tremble it being sharper than any two-edged Sword dividing between the Precious and the Vile which is an Engagement between the Power of God and the Power of the Souls Enemy who hath seated himself in the Temple of God as if he were God which Enemy is the strong Man that hath taken Possession in the hearts of the Sons Daughters of Men whose Minds are alienated from God by reason of Sin and Transgression who keepeth the House until a stronger than the Devil doth dispossess him of his Power unto which Povver through the Lust of Peoples unregenerated Hearts they are most inclined to serve vvhich hath been and yet is the state of many Thousands of Men and Women vvho are deceived by the Devil vvhich is for vvant of Obedience to the gift of God Povver vvhich by true Faith and Obedience vvould dispossess the Devil of his Povver and bring the inward Man into the true saving Knowledge of his sanctified Work of Grace in their own Hearts vvhich things they are ignorant of who remain in a blind zeal for God but not according to the true saving Knowledge of him in Jesus Christ Rom 10.2 by which their Faith remains in a dead Hope that shall perish for true Faith works the whole inward Man of Heart Mind Soul and Spirit into the true Love of God and Hope of Salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ whose Spirit gives Evidence of an assurance in those things that by true Faith are hoped for so that Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the Evidence of things not seen Heb. 11.1 2. for by Faith the holy Men of God obtained a good Report for we see and understand through Faith in God that the Worlds were framed by Christ the Word of God so that things that were seen were not made of things which do appear Heb. 1.3 By when it is manifest that Christ is the Word by whom all things were made long before the Scriptures were given for 〈◊〉 for the Law came by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ in whom remaineth the â—ope of hâ—s People for the â—arvation of their Souls and from this Word Christ the Seâ—vant of God received Grace Apostleshâ—â— for their Obedience to the Faith
eating of the Lords Supper CHAP. X. Concerning Baptism and Sprinkling Infants which People hold most necessary to Salvation SPrinkling of Infants it being set up without any prescribed command or Example commanded by Christ or his holy Apostles although many Teachers in this Age have wrested the holy Scriptures thinking thereby to make their own invention to be accounted the Ordinances of God Now the main Reasons that many teachers have rendered they have grounded from Christs word Mat. 22.19 which doth not prove baptizing of â—nfants to be commanded by Christ Go ye therefore and teach all Nations beptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Now the command of Christ was to his Disciples that they should go and teach which proves that teaching was commanded before baptizing or dipping as the word may be rendered by which all may understand that they could not be discipled which were untaughâ— for this we know that Infants are uncapable of being taught which proves that they are not capable of being Disciples And in Mark 10.14 15 16. where they bring Christs saying Suffer little Children to come unto me forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven which saying is explained in the following Verse that whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little Child he shall not enter therein can never reach by Visible Water which cleanseth not the inside of these wise Hebrew Greek and Latine learned Builders who ground their unsound Foundation of Sprinkling Infants in the room of Circumcision which according to the holy Scriptures of Truth one Tipe did never tipe out another but every Tipe typified the substance for Circumcision was a Tipe or Figure and cutting off the fore-skin was a Figure of the Circumcision and cutting off the Fore-skin of the heart Now baptism with water was a Tipe or Figure as in Peter 3.21 which tiped out the spiritual Washing or regeneration which is baptizing of Infants come in the room of Circumcision then how do they agree in a parrellel seeing that the Males were only circumcised then why are the Famales now baptized if Baptism come in the room of Circumcision which as to their form in batpizing they differ one from the other even as in other things which they account to be the Ordinances of Christ but are found to be the Ordinances of men set up and maintained by the Power of men who in their several Forms differ each from the other for some sprinkle others dip and some dip over again others plunge others sprinkle with mixt Water and to my knowledge some have had their Children sprinkled with warm water in cold weather for which form some of their Priests have said to me that they have allowance for their differing Forms under this Dispensation that is to dip or sprinkle according to the nature of the Climate where they live but to prove their assertion by Scripture they cannot do which without scripture Proof they are willing to say something for what they hold but in what form soever any by their Priests are baptized there is no effect of their work doth appear but like Priest like People all pleading for A Body of Sin while they remain in this Life which doth manifest that visible Water is of no effect notwithstanding these hired Builders bring Christs words to Nicodemus John 3.5 that except a man be born again of Water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God From which words some do infer that Infant Baptism is of absolute Necessity to Salvation Now Christ did then speak of that heavenly Water which did regenerate and make new for through the Power of that Water the Heart came to be made clean according to the Prophets Saying Then will I sprinkle clean Water upon you and you shall be clean from all your Filthiness Ezek. 36.25 By which it is manifest that visible Water cleanseth not the inside which is to be cleansed through the washing of Regeneration for it is not the washing away of the filth of the Flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3 21. Now Johns Baptism was to decrease and the Baptism of Christ to increase for Christ was before John whose Baptism made way for the Baptism of Christ to take place for this Testimony John did bear of himself That he should decrease and that Christ should increase for John's baptizing was to Repentance but he that cometh after me shall baptize you with the holy Ghost Mat. 3.11 Then if John's Water Baptism was to decrease which was to Repentance where is the benefit of Water-Baptism in this day to any who have repented And to them which have not repented their Life of remaining in a Body of Sin all their days doth manifest no benefit in Water-Baptism towards the Salvation of any man that is baptized with visible Water in what Form soever for as Water Baptism was a â—ipe or Figure Pâ—t 3.21 so all Types and Figures made way for the Spirit of Hâ—iness in which they are all fulfilled through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ whose Baptism is that of the holy Ghost which except People receive they can never witness the heart cleansed from dead Works for John baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost having the pâ—omise to receive Power Acts 1 52 which doth manifest that People cannot receive full power against sin before they have received the Baptism of Christ which is that of the holy Ghost and Fire which burns up and purifies the heart of the inward man by which the thoughts of his own corrupted desire are brought into subjection to the Power of God by Jesus Christ which cleanâ—eth the inward man of Heart Mind and Spirit through which he comes to serve the Lord with Uprightness of his whole Desire in which state he becomes 〈◊〉 thorough Witness for Gods holy Truth that there is but one Lord one Faith one Baptism Ephes 4 5. into which Baptism all the Righteous oâ— God are baptized for so many as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his Death therefore they are bâ—râ—ed with him by Baptism into he Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newness of Life Rom 3.4 Now whâ—t People have gâ—thered in their Comprehension concerning the Apostles words 〈◊〉 Cor. 14. it avails no for their proâ—â—â— in the least measure of strength to prove Water Baptism an Ordinance of God in this day for if so then is Circumcision because the same Apostle in that day both circumcised and baptized which was for this end that he might gain some to Christ and not that it should continue in practise among Believers for time to come Then how are they true Beleivers with whom the practise of Water Baptism doth yet remain for the very same Apostle laid that practise aside in his day saying that least any should say
an assurance of Salvation in which state mâ—n may know hâ—w the dead are raised and with what Bodies they shall appear for it is certain that there shall be a Resurrection of the dead bâ—th of the Just and Unjust for all shall appear before the Lord the righteous Judge of Heaven and Earth before whom the heavenly spirited and the earthly spirited shall appear to give an account of all their Deeds done in the Body of this Life which then will be time sufficient for the unrighteous to know with what Bodies they shall appear in the mean time the Apostles words are very suitable unto all such whose state of Disobedience is far from the saving knowledge of God by the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and though not simply fools yet through 〈…〉 Disobedience and Unbelief 〈…〉 as the 〈…〉 be 〈…〉 the husband man â—o 〈…〉 of the Râ—â—rrection Thou soul that which thou so rest is not qâ—â—e 〈…〉 it dye and 〈◊〉 which thou so rest thou so well noâ— that 〈◊〉 that shall be bath reâ—â—rain it â—ay chance of Whâ—at 〈…〉 othâ—r Grain and withall coâ—â—ledes that God 〈…〉 as it pleaseth him and to every Seed his own Body 1 Cor. 15.35 36 37 38. by which the unrighteous may know with what Bodies they shall come forth for he that so with to the Flesh shall of the Flesh reap Corruption but he that soâ—eth to the Spirit shall of the spirit reap Lifâ— Everlasting Gal 6.5 for the time is at hand that he that is Vnjust let him be Vnjust still and he that is filthy let him be filthy still and he that is Righteous let him be Righteous â—â—ll and he that is Holy let him be Holy stiâ—â— fâ—r behold the Lord will quickly come and his Reward will 〈◊〉 with him to give every man according as his works shall be Rev 22.11 12. which doth manifest that according as men have sown so shall they reap for every seed shall have his own Body whether of Works of Faith and Obedience to Salvation or Works of Unbelief and Disobedience to Damnation Then seeing these things are plain as by holy Record which agrees with the inward Word of Gods Spirit and the gift of his divine Light which came by Jesus Christ and through Faith in Obedience to him through whom Salvation comes which work is most necessary for People to be concerned in for as the Soul is the most Noble part of Man so ought every man principally to be concerned about his Soul and the well air thereof yet because the Body is a part of the Man and that Christ is the Saviour doth of Soul and Body of every sincere Believer in him therefore every Man may and ought to be concerned about the whole Man both â—oul and Body and the Faith and Hope of the Resurrection of the Body as the â—pirit of God worketh that Faith and â—ope in us it is of great use to sanctifie us and prepare us for the Resurrection to come for Paul doth not call them Fools simply for enquiring concerning the manner of the Resurrection but for their Ignorance and Unbelief that some did not believe the Resurrection which they that do not believe it they remain in gross Ignorance and Unbelief and such are directed to the Husband-man to learn the manner of the Resurrection by using the Example of the â—orn And it is a great Error for any to hold That the Saints now living in the mortal Body have attained the Resurrection of the Body or that they attain it immediately after Death for it is most evident from the holy Scriptures that the Resurrection of the Dead is reserved to the last coming of Christ to judge the quick and the dead and the dâ—â—d in Christ shall rise first so where there is the true knowledge to God in Christ of the Souls well-being it mâ—â—t necessarily follow that the spiritual Understanding wâ— be the more capable to know in what state the Body wâ—â—appâ—aâ— which shall never enter Gods Kingdom with natural Flesh â—lood aâ—d Bones for though it be sown a natural Body it is raised a spiritual Body as it is written The first â—â—aâ— a living Soul the last â—â—dam was mad a quickâ—ning Spirit so that which was first was not spiritual but natural and afterwards that which is spiritual Sâ— then it must be 〈…〉 minded only that have the true knowledge of these things for the natural minded man is a fool aâ— to the true Knowledge of God because he remains in Dâ—â—obedience to the gift of his Grace but is bewitched that he should not obey the Truth made manifest by Jesus Christ Gal. 3.1 through which unfaithfulness the mind of his Understanding is Darkness as to the things of God which chiefly concern his Soul and such live without God in the World not knowing that there is a God by his saving Grace according as by their Works is manifest which includes them to be one with the fool which saith in his heart there is no God neither indeed is there any Salvation of God to the rebellious Children of Disobedience who pretend they know God but in Works deny him Therefore it is most necessary for all such to bend in their Minds and by true Repentance seek the Lord whiâ—e he is to be found for he is only found of them that truly seek him in true Humility of Spirit and not oâ— them that remain in a state of serving the Lust of their corrupted Desires and yet remain talking about the fashion of the Body and in what likeness they shall appear before they witness any thing for the Souls wellfair as they â—â—ght to do for Christ is rîsen otherwise all preaching is in vain and Faith also is in vain or if the deaâ— rise not thâ—n is not Christ raised and if Christ 〈…〉 raised Faith is in vain and all men are yet in their sins Buâ— the Lord hath given a true knowledge of himself to the Righteous who witness Christ to be raised from the dead and is become the first Fruits of them that slept and by true Faith they witness his Resurrection by what they feel of his heavenly divine Nature that he is raised from the dead for since by Man came Death by Man came also the Resurrection of the Dead for as in Adam all dye even so in Christ shall all be made alive 1 Cor. 15.21 22. So as People come to witness a dying state from sin they shall also witness a living â—ate to God through whose Spirit of Grace they shall partake of his heavenly Riches through Faith in Jesus Christ but as to these spiritual things there is no profit by them to any who come not into Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace which comes by Jesus Christ whom no man knoweth but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Mat. 11 2â— Joh. 6.44 Then as the Scriptures are left for
good or evil the Lord shews it unto them in their own heart and conscience by the Revelation of his spirit which Justifies the thoughts and intents of the Righteous but condemns the thoughts and intents of the Wicked Now the holy Scripture is short in giving men the knowledge of their thoughts and intents without the searchings of the Spirit of God for the Lord searcheth the Heart and tryeth the Reigns and decleares unto Man what is his Thoughts Amos 4.13 Also the Prophet hath said by the Spirit of Truth That they shall all be taught of God which is according to Christs saying John 6 45. Every man that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh to meâ— neither hath Eye seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entered into the heart of man the things which God hath Prepared for them that love him but God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things even the deep things of God for what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of a man which is in him even so the things of God knoweth no man but the spirit oâ— God and to whom the Spirit reveals them for true believers in this day as well as in dayes past have not received the Spirit of the World but the spirit which is of God that they might know the things that are freely given to them of God 1 Cor. 2 9 10 11 12 By which it is manifest that divine Revelation by the inspiration of Gods holy Spirit is of absolute necessity for Salvation in and thorough Faith by Jesus Christ whom no man can know but by the revealed gift of his Spirit which through Faith begets the inward man into the saving knowledge of God and of his Son the Lord Jesus Christ through which every true Believer in him comes to receive of the like benefit with the Saints in their day to see with their spiritual Eyes and to hear with their spiritual Ears and with their spiritual hands they come to handle the Word oâ— Life 1 John 1.1 Then if all divine Revelation and Inspiration of Gods Spirit to his Children be ceased must not all spiritual seeing and spiritual hearing be ceased also which by their Doctrines doth seem to me as if they conclude Christ also to be ceased for if the Inspiration of Gods holy Spirit of Revelation be ceased then how shall God and Christ be heard and seen spiritually as believers in dayes past did spiritually hear and see him Also if God hath committed his whole Will and Mind to Writing then by what means are these saved which have not received the knowledge of the Letter of the holy scripture Will they conclude they all perish for want of the Letter when the Mind and Will of God is that a Remnant of all Nations of them that fear him and work Righteousness shall be saved And though the holy Scriptures do give Infallible Marks of such an estate yet there is no scripture can infallibly assure any man that he hath these marks but it must be the spirit of God that gives every true believer such an assurance for the spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirits that we are the Children of God Rom. 8.6 So it is the Spirit of God by which that assurance is revealed to beleivers or more properly in believers by which they come to witness that they have the Son and he that hath the Son of God hath Life 1 Joh 5.12 Now the holy Scriptures hold forth that he that hath the Son of God hath Life but give no assurnce of Life but the Spirit of God doth reveal an assurance which proves that all divine Revelation is not ceased CHAP. XVII Concerning the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of Anti-Christ THe whole state of mans Life is governed in Thoughts Words and Actions by the Power of the Spirit which hath the Commanding part in man who is either governed by the Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of Antichrist which is the Devil for there are but two Spirits which rule the Spirit of God through Jesus Christ which rules in the Righteous whose Thoughts Words and Actions are governed by the Power of Gods Spirit which brings the Thoughts of the Faithful to be subject in Obedience to the Power of his own Spirit in and through Faith by Jesus Christ Now the Spirit of the Devil is that Anti-Christ which Gods Power permits to rule in the Children of Disobedience whose Thoughts Words and Actions are governed by the Spirit of the Devil so that men are Servants unto that Power which they obey for the Thoughts of mans Mind are in a continual motion and where God is not retained in the Thoughts they cannot be of any service to him for the Souls benefit but are in servitude to him unto whom they yeild their Obedience which Work altogether tends for Distruction of the soul therefore People ought to be diligent with that gift of divine Light which God hath given to find out the hidden things of Darkness in the heart of man who by Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace may come to understand the Lords Will to be done in their Thoughts Words and Actions which work will bring honour to the Name of the Lord and Peace to their own Souls for he that brings his Deeds to the Light they are made manifest by the Light whether they are wrought in God through faith and Obedience to the gift of his Grace for the promise of God by Christ is to the obedient part for his Children are made a free and Willing People to serve him with uprightness of Heart Mind Thoughts Word and Actions for the carnal Thoughts of man brings Death over the soul but the spiritual Thoughts of man bring Life for to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace with God in Christ Sâ— as there is but two Spirits which bare rule the one or the other hath the Commanding part in the heart and mind of man for the Mind cannot serve two Masters that is no man can serve God and Mammon for while the Mind is in obedience to the Spirit of Life it overcomes the Spirit of Death but while it remains in obedience to the Spirit of Anti-Christ it becomes dead remains with Death which state hath no relation to the things of Christs Kingdom for God is not a God oâ— that which is dead in sin and Treâ—pass against the heavenly divine gift of his Spirit of Grace Life and Light which come by Jesus Christ whole Spirit is not of this World neither are they of this World whose Minds are begotten of God thorough him to live in Obedience to his holy Truth but the Spirit of Anti-Christ is of this World and rules the Thoughts Words and Actions of them who are the Children of this World which by subjecting to his Power they believe that in the best of men sin remaineth all the
which Doctrine ought not to find itching Ears among any the Children of them who have persecuted the Lords Servants to Death at Boston but as the Lords Seâ—vants and Messengers of his Truth have born the merciless Rod of that persecuting Generation so ought every man concerned either actually or by consent to bear the Charity of the Lords People which is great Charity indeed to inform them of their unrighteous ways against the Lord and his People The fore-going Letter some of them called Railing but the Day will come in which they shall know and that from the just God of Heaven and Earth that it is no railing to infoâ—m People of the Truth which in the time of my Letter was both lawful and expedient for me so to do neither are they to have forgiveness of God further than they turn and repent neither are the Lords People to forgive that on Earth which is not forgiven in Heaven but to pray that his Will may be done on Earth as it is done in Heaven CHAP. XXVIII Concerning the Covering and Vncovering of the Head in Honour to Man or Men. WHere there is liberty by the Law of God for one man to remain with his Head covered before another it can be no transgression of any Righteous Law among men and as to Customs of that nature it is better to obey God than Manâ— for all things which a man is perswaded of God in his own heart to be comely decent and of good report that men ought in obedience to God to follow but that which hath no Scripture Example from any command of Christ nor Practice of any of his Apostles for one man to stand bear-headed in honour to another is that which cannot proceed from the Life and Power of God because it is not found in the holy Scriptures to be commanded of God neither in practice by any of Christs Disciples nor his holy Apostles bâ—t only a beaâ— Cuâ—tom got up among some of the Nations which indeâ—d by many of them are so accustomed to the Hat Hand and Knee by or with which they bestow so much Honour one towards the other that by that practice with other of their Works among men they have not due regard to the Works of Righteousness and Holiness for the honour oâ— God before whom in the time of praying prophecying the Head is to be uncovered for the Head of every man is Christ and the Head of Christ is God which proves a dishonour to the Name of the Lord to honour men whose hearts they know not as to God but honour them in the saâ—â—e form as they do the Lord when their Prayers are made to him who is the searcher of all hearts and giver to every man according to the fruits of his doings which to the faithful will be a Crown of Righteousness to the hoary Head but to the Sinner though a hundred yeaâ—s old he is accursed which also doth of Hat-Honour by which men honour that which is accursed of God CHAP. XXIX Concerning the great Judgments of God upon the Inhabitants of New-England by Witch-craft WItch-craft is altogether wrought through the Spirit and Power of the Devil which rules in the Children of Disobedience who ramain in the Works of the flesh with which Witch-craft is included Gal. 3. and 5 20 for which cause the just Judgments of God are the Reward of all Wicked and â—â—godly men but to all that repent their Sins and Blasphemies wherewithsoever they shall blaspheme shall be forgiven but he that blasphemeth against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven in this World nor the world to come Joh. 5.6 17. Mat. 21.10 Now as to divers Authors their apprehensions are various in differing one from the other about Witches and Witch-craft which to prevent error that Truth and Righteousness may take place I have taken in hand to set forth in order a Declaration which is according to the holy scriptures which do hold forth the nature and cause of People having familarity with the Devil who is the Father of all Unrighteouâ—ness through which Unrighteousness he begets the heart and mind to serve him in which state more or less are most men through which Life of Disobedience the Understanding of man is darkened that it cannot see what is for God according to his will neither do they comprehend divers works which are against him which is also as a Judgment from God for Disobedience which indeed is of the nature of Rebellion which is as the sin of Witch craft then where men are in the like state they are blind as to the knowledge or God concerning such whom he commanded to be destroyed in the time of the Law Deut. 〈…〉 11.12 Exod. 22 18. for they that are not come to 〈◊〉 Law and the Prophets do not know the will and Mind of God relating to the new Law of Light Life and Grace by Jesus Christ for they that serve sin are servants to sin and of him they are whose works they do Rom. 6.16 Iohn 8.44 Mat. â— 24 Luke 6.13 Then in what state are they that are alwayes confessing but never forsaking for if through Obedience they did forsake sin then there would be no such need of confessing that which they have forsaken because where men forsake their sins and live in all good order of Gods holy Truth as they are commandâ—d to do then the Lord will remember their Transgressions no more Isa 45 7. and 44.25 for where men keep Judgment and do Righteousness at all times they are not in a state of alwayes confessing and of not forsaking Psal 106.3 for where men confess and not forsake their works manifest a dead Faith James 2.26 in which state of â—â—obedience they draw near with their Lip and Moâ—th to honour the Lord when it is manifest by Works that the heart is far from him and their fear is taught by the precepts of men therefore doth the Lord do amarvelous work and a wonder for the Wisdom of then Wise Men shall perish and the Vnderstanding of their Prudent men shall be hâ—d Isa 29.13 Mat. 15.8 Mark 7.6 which scriptures are fulfilled as a Judgment of God for innocent Blood shed in New-England whose Priests and Rulers with the consenting Inhabitants have been bewitched that that should not obey the Truth of God made manifest by Jesus Christ whose Servants they have put to Death at Boston for which cause as a Judgment they are deliverd up through Unbelief to hardness of heart to commit other sins which with the sin of Blood hath furder stored up the Lords Wrath to add to their Troubles through the increase of his Judgments against them for rebelling against his holy Truth for which cause as Judgment increaseth against sin so sin in New-England increaseth against Judgment until the Light of sin at this time is of that hight and nature that there is no less of the Priests and their Church Members with others of their hearers then five
while time is the spirit of God keeps striving to live to his Word to do his will that is to yeild their obedience to the Word of his Spirit that the Will of God may be done in their earthly Tabernacle agreeble to the desire of his Will which is in Heaven this is the way of them that to God abide faithful to keep the path of him that is Just in which their is neither variation nor shadow of turning buâ— keeping the way of Life which leadeth to enter thâ— strait Gate that is to that man that doth nothing know-nothing and willeth nothing of himself but bears and suffers and sees God making holy day in him this man keeps the Sabbath holy being void of all skill and will is subject only to God in him to do out will know both how what when and why he pleaseth God Now the whole World lieth in this Death and Sin for that it doth nothing else but kiss its own hand and Sacrifice to its own Net that is adore the purpose counsel invention and wisdom of it self and to this purpose are all things drawn and bent even the holy Scriptures and words of God namely to be consonant to the Reason of men and not to cross their own wisdom course and way but all these things must be overthrown unlearned again if they will see God therefore doth the Spirit of God and the holy Scriptures so vehemently urge the Children of Men to become Children and Fools and to vomit up again all the art and knowledge of this forbidden Tree to be purged by the strength of the Tree of Life consequently let men in this state look and observe in themselves narrowly what they do either in their worship to God or serving their Neighbour and they shall find that all this is true in their own brest that themselves is the mark they aim at in all they do J. E. T. M. CHAP. V. Concernining the Sin of Covetousness THe nature of which Lust or Devil lusteth to covet after that Which God hath expresly forbidden namely the Tree of Knowledg of good and evil which causeth men to become as Gods whose Eyes are opened against themselves to perceive the Tree good for Food and pleasent to the eyes and a Tree to make one wise therefore do they covet after the fruit of the Tree and greedily eat of it not considering how they eat Death and dye to God as Adam did even so is it with every man that is not planted into the Tree of Life and new born of Christ regenerated and brought forth by the immortal Seed the Word of God the Spirit of Truth and Seed of his Kingdom but on the contrary covet after the perishing things of this World thereby to enrich themselves there-with contrary to what God hath commanded first to seek the Kingdom of Heaven and the Righteousness thereof unto which is the promise of adding all other things for as the Promise was on condition to Adam To do and live so hath it been the same to all men in every age and is the same in this day therefore let none deceive themselves for the doers of the Law were only them that kept the Word of the Lord who accounted them worthy of receiving Life to live with God forever for to the Disobedient who are only hearers of the Word and not doers of the Word there is no true peace neither in this Life nor in the Life to come for there is no peace to the Wicked saith my God so that the doers of the Law were they and only them that kept the Commandments of God and by faith in him were the works of the Law imputed to them for Righteousness So not in this Gospel Day Christ is given for a Light to lighâ—â—n the Gentiles and for Salvation to the ends of the Earth that whosoever will believe in him might not perish but have the Light of Life Therefore as Christ hath dyed for the sins of the whole World that every man in the World may be left without excuse God hath given unto them a gift of divine Light which is to them a Talent and Seed of the Tree of Life as is else-where called the â—ord of Faith being a manifestation of the Spirît given to every man to profit withal which as they hear to obey and do it they also profit by it to perform the Commandments of God and of this nature is their strength in the Tree of Life renewed which causeth the Seed to grow and makes rich the berren land through purging out the old Leaven that the new Lump may take place which bringeth forth holy Fruit abundantly to God so that the Children of her that was barren now bringeth forth and become many and thus do the faithful grow who covet after the better part namely to fear God and work Righteousness to 〈◊〉 Justly love Mercy and walk humbly doing no other thing to any then as themselves would be done unto This is the Law and the Prophets and also what God hath commanded for all men to do in this day that they may come to pertake of his Promise to grow in the Tree of Life from Grace to Grace until by Grace the work of God in them is wholly perfected but these things are to a Coveteous man even as the wise Charmeer is to the deaf Adder for having ears to hear they hear not to receive the Truth in the love of it because the love of Money is their pride in which they delight to become wise rich and what not in the perishing things of this life Here coveâ—ous men grow from one covetous desire to another until through pride and covetousness they come to â—all as Angels have done and yet may remain as many covetous Usurers do who have cloathed themselves with the Prophets and Apostles words that thereby they may appear in the sight of mâ—n to be knowing prudent and wise and accounted men of good Reason yea and withal religious and righteous whenas indeed it is but their own work and the Righteousness thereof which is as filththy Rags and fig-leave Garments of Unrightecusness where-with they vainly seek to hide themselves from the presence of God whose all seeing eye beholdeth the wayes of every covetous mans setting up for himself to walk in for which cause God that searcheth the heart and knoweth the intents of the mind and checks reproves and condemns for every vain thought evil intent and idle word and Unrighteous work for which cause often times covetous and proud unrighteous men and woman fall into such condemnation by the Power of God that they even despair of Mercy yea the horror of their condemnation is such that Preist nor Levit nor the dark Watch-men of the night can afford no help to the wound of a troubled Conscience in which state of a wounded Spirit who can bear which for remedy the physitian of no value is set to work who in his own will
love of all things vvhich are his ovvn and vvholly cleave to the Tree of Life to live to Gods Word that the Life of it may grovv in him othervvise he vvill remain in that state vvhich fulfils vvhat is vvritten That he which is unjust unrighteous unholy and filthy let him be so still for the Lord will quickly come as a swift Witness and his Reward will be with him to give to every man according as his Works shall appear to be and a day of terror horror and misery vvill be to every vain proud covetous and unrighteous man and vvoman vvho have defiled the Temple of God through a life of obedience to the love of any one thing vvhatever more than to love the appearance of Gods holy Truth his divine Light and Word of his Spirit vvhich is the appearance of Christ the Tree of Life and seed of the Kingdom of Heaven which all unrighteous and covetous men have and do in this day burden oppress and keep under as a Cart loaden with Sheaves until with many the Spirit of God leaves striving and their house becomes desolate being left in hardness of heart with a seared Conscience having eyes and ears with which they can never more see the tenders of Gods free Love and the riches of his free Grace and large Mercy towards them that hunger and thirst after his Righteousness which only them that abide faithful are made to partake of for although the seed of the Tree of Life hath been lown in all sorts of ground yet for as much as through pride covetousness usury oppression and the like of other sins which fruit it hath brought forth to unrighteousness the seed or their own lust which hath refused to cleave to the Tree of Life and lived on the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil which hath caused their ground to be accursed and their 〈◊〉 with the fruit thereof to vvither vvaste and perish away for every branch which bringeth not forth fruit in the Tree of Life the saâ—â—e is taken off and cast into the fire of Gods Wrath which is burning against all the unrighteousness of men but as any repent they find mercy with God with whom all power in Heaven and Hell doth remain for as Love is a Heaven to them that live to him so likewise is his Wrath a flame of holy zeal and fire from Heaven which is Hell both in this World and also Hell in the World to come which will burn forever against every wicked Spirit of every wicked Man and Woman who have yeilded themselves Servants to serve their own lusts which hath brought forth all manner of evil fruit which is accursed in the sight of God who hath commanded all men against Pride and Covetousness which are the two great inlets or doors of Unrighteousness which mans Enemies the Devils his own lusts keep open through which the greatest of all sins enter namely Pride Blasphemy Covetousness Vsury Oppression Murders all manner of Prophaneness Lying Swearing Drunkenness Theft Whoredoms both spiritual and temporal Back-bitings Whisperings Witch-crafts Hatreds Strifs Emulations and what not of other sins is it that Pride and Covetousness make not way for them to take place for Pride and Covetousness are not willing to live and abide alone without the whole company of Enemies which find room enough to abide and live together as Brethren of one House or Family in the heart and mind of every covetous man and woman whose lust is natural to give way to any appearance of outward profit or gain in the things of this 〈◊〉 Lust is such a subtil Devil that it teaches and lead 〈◊〉 a covetous man and woman to cloath the outside with a form of Religion which is but a Child of their own lusts begetting whose Servants they are to whom they obey and a Child of their own Lusts whose work they do And thus is the Scripture fulfilled by men in a form of godliness without the power of God therein being outwardly cloathed with Scripture words which to them is such cloathing that causeth such men and women outwardly to appear as Sheep of the true Fold when indeed as the Scripture speaketh they are inwardly ravening Wolves for when they speak most fair there is seven abominations in their heart So that all men and women under what Name soever few are they that cleave to the Tree of Life to live to God in thought word and work as they ought to do because the love of some one thing or another blocks up the way of Truth that no part of the Cross can be taken up by them that love any thing more than the appearance of Gods holy Truth for which cause many are them that cannot enter the strait Gate which will not open to any but to them that keep in the path of the just which leadeth to the Tree of Life from which the faithful receive their daily nourishment who are made fit to enter the Kingdom of Heaven but of such their Number is small and in this life the tryal of their Faith is great but this is their strength through faith in the Promise of God that nothing shall befall them more than what he will enable them to bear for they have an assurance of his Grace that it is able to save from the nethermost pit of Hell and will keep and preserve all them that abide faithful to him who in the stillness of mind and retiredness of thoughts witness his saving power whose Salvation is to the ends of the Earth So that nothing more shall befall his chosen ones then vvhat hath happened to the Houshold of Faith in dayes past There is no nevv thing under the sun for as in all ages even so novv he that vvas a Jew in the outvvard vvas only a hearer of the Lavv and not a doer of vvhat vvas contained in the Lavv and so no true Heir of the Promise vvhich vvas to faithfull Abraham and to his seed not after the flesh but after the spirit for that which is born after the flesh lives to the things of the flesh which to the wisdom of the flesh are sweet and delightfull but the end thereof is the bitterness of Death for Death and Destruction is the portion and inheritance of every covetous man born after the flesh whose love to covet is that Enemy the Lust and Devil of his own houre that persecutes the Just Principle of Truth both in themselves and others which fulfilleth the scripture he that that is born after the flesh persecutes him that is born of the spirit which consequently follows that every man which is in disobedience to the spirit of God is a persecutor of the just and holy One but who is it that considers this or thinks of it nay rather do not men hide and cover themselves with this and the other form of Religion which if they do but barely come up to the outward form and in common honesty answer the extream
Righteousness of the Law of men they pass among men for Christians not at all considering that no man can be a true Christian but as he is born of the Spirit and through the Spirit to mortifie the deeds of the flesh such are not only Christians in name but in nature also they witness the work of God by Jesus Christ whose Leaven is the seed of the Kingdom the Tree of Life unto which every true Christian cleaveth to know himself purged cleansed and purified regenerated new born and planted into Christ being of one spirit with him to know do omit go forth and work for God when and at what time soever his spirit moveth here the Anointing teacheth them in all things and the Evidence of the spirit gives an infallible assurance of their having the mind of God in Christ and to thêm that have not made some good beginnings in this work however their outside Cup may seem clean as to men yet their minds are in the world and the world in all its wayes is at enmity with God who will shut out every covetous man woman from having any lot or inheritance in the Tree of Life except they turn to God by true Repentance which will manifest it self by holy fruit of the Spirit which bringeth forth no unclean thing in thought word nor work but is altogether obedient and submitting to its own nature to work Righteousness do justly love mercy and in lovvliness of mind and meekness of heart keeps the even path and enters the strair Gate which will not open to any that do not in all things follow the teachings of Gods Word and leadings of his Spirit which begetteâ—h true faith of which is good works viz. to fear God to work Righteousness to do justly love mercy walk humbly and doing no other thing to any whatever than as themselves would be done unto this is the Law and Prophets and what God requires of all men to do otherwise they are not accepted of God by Jesus Christ to enter into his rest So that if any man say he hath faith and trusteth in God to believe in his promise and doth not manifest his faith by holy works which according to the Light of the Gospel so shine that others may gloryfie God by the same that man whomsoever he be is a Lyar and the saving knowledge of Gods holy Truth abideth not in him for faith without works is dead and such a faith and hope will fade away and perish And again in whom Faith is not Grace worketh no effect which is altogether through mans own neglect of Obedience to the spirit of Truth which leadeth into all Truth for the Truth is no other than the Tree of Life which is Christ in whom no mans faith can abide without works of Holiness for where men have a Faith without works of Righteousness their building is founded upon a rotten foundation against which the Gates of Hell do ever prevail that is of their own Lusts they are led and kept in bondage not having any right to the promise which only belongeth to the free born who are redeemed by the power of an endless Life and made heirs of the promised Land and heavenly Jerusalem which is from above and is the Mother of all them that abide in faithfulness to the end Now here every unrighteous and covetous minded man is shut out from entring the Kingdom of Heaven nay though he may be outwardly righteous as was one in Christs day when he said It was easier for a Camel to go through the eye of a Needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom Heaven which is for this cause of a coveting desire to which their love is joyned that their love abounds more to delight therein than to part with all to take up the Cross in true love to follow Christ who hath said He that loveth any thing more than me is not worthy of me Now for what end do people think were these things written do they think that God is such another as themselves or that he will be mocked No verily God will not be mocked such as every man soweth of the same he shall reap whether to the flesh or to the spirit the one being life the other death for to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace which things ought by all men to be duely considered before Time be no more for as Death leaves so Judgment finds and in the Grave they cannot repent but these things are not regarded nor minded among many therefore is it written The fool hath said in his heart there is no God which though in words he acknowledge God yet the bent of his covetous mind draws the heart from retaining God in its thoughts that such men live without God in the World for by their deeds they manifest the same therefore is it that there is no true saving knowledge of God to them and in this state are all covetous men among whom many are they that have taken upon them the Name of God and Christ whose words they have stollen who through covetousness make it their Trade to gain Money by this is also contrary to the Word of God and not at all according to the example of his holy Ones who coveted no mans Silver nor Gold but freely received the gift of God and as good Stewards of his manifold Grace they freely broke their Bread from House to House with singleness and gladness of heart rejoycing in the Work of the Lord whose Word they divided to every one his portion without Money or Price labouring with their hands for their maintenance that they might not make the Gospel chargeable to any and wo was to him that did not preach the Gospel without reward from men because the promise of him that taketh care for birds of the air and beasts of the field is large in that he taketh the greater for his Servants and Messengers of his Truth who have said That Godliness with content is great gain but alas who is it among men that regard or mind these things is not the love of Money which is the root of all evil that which is most beloved among men And again Covetousness is of Lust such a Devil that contrives and joyns so close and fast to the mind of men that some have lost their lives by sorrow for worldly goods for a covetous mâ—n can meet with no greater sorrow than to part with that in which his love doth most abide for above all other things that which a man doth most love to delight his mind in that is to him his Godd therefore is it that bear outside Christians are so entangled with the things of this Life for where the Treasure is there is the heart also and yet extream righteous as towards the Law of men which often is extream wrong in the sight of God because a covetous man takes the opportunity to enrich himself by
was done in Heaven therfore is it writen that as the body is dead without the spirit so is also Faith dead without Works that by whomsoever works are not manifested agreeable to Gods holy Truth and example of his holy People in days past they are only Christians in namê and not in nature of that life which God requireth of all men to live and abide in therefore it is that people profit not by what they hear or read because they are spiritually dead having blinded Eyes and deaf Ears with which they can neither see hear nor receive to understand the Spirit of Truth of which a manifestation is given to every man to profit withal and is the gift of his Spirit the Word of Faith to them that will hear to obey the Light of the Spirit of Truth which is the condemnation of the Disobedient who are here and there in this and the other Form of Religion serving God with mouth and lip in their own wisdom wills and with their own words being only called by the Name of Christ without the Nature of his Life which being destitute of no man can be a true Christian yet how contentedly do men live and abide in this and the other form but do not witness the strength of the power of God to redeem from sin and transgression and to make alive to God who is only a God them that through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the flesh and through the Spirit are brought in again by the flying Cherub and glittering Sword of Gods power in and by Christ the Tree of everlasting Life on which as any eats he cannot dye to God but hath an infallible assurance of life in the Son of God without which assurance no man can truly say that he pleaseth God in thought word and deed for it is the anointing which is by the Tree of Life that teacheth all things which leadeth into all Truth the evidence of which Spirit doth assure the Son in whom there is life and the nature of his life dwelleth and abideth in them that by true faith in him and obedience to the word of his Spirit they are made alive unto God and of this nature is Christ in his people and in whom he is not they are Reprobates and in whom he abideth not they are cursed Children abiding under the curse in their own wisdom knowledge will reason righteousness and the like which causeth them to lust more and more after the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil for which cause they rebel against the Spirit of God in themselves and deny his appearance in his People for which cause of Rebellion which is as the sin of Witch-craft the Truth of God abideth not in them therefore are they without God in the world living to their own God of which in the world there are many that delight and sweetly recreate their minds in by living a life of obedience to their own ways of righteousness which only proceeds from lust that gives way for men to live according as their own will and reason directeth them in all they do for God and to one another all which is vnder the Curse as it is written Cursed is he that putteth his Trust in man and maketh flesh his Arm. So all men that live in flesh and blood and are obedient to their own wisdom will and reason they are servants to their own lust being in bondage as slaves servants to that and those things which they do as it is written Men are Servants to him to whom they obey and Children of him whose work they do therefore he that will be free from the curse of condemnation must take up the cross and deny himself of all things which are not of God and his Spirit of Truth otherwise he cannot come to the Tree of Life but will fall short of that Crown of Righteousness which is in store for all them that abide faithful to God as by his divine Light he doth lead and teach by the spirit of Truth which leadeth into all Truth by which men are made fit to enter in at the strait gate of Christâ— Kingdom CHAP. VII Concerning Judgment begun at the House of God and in his House to judge down every appearance of evil THe House of God in general where Judgment first beginneth is his people but Judgment cometh to every Transgressor of his holy Truth and that to judge down every appearance of evil therefore said one in his day Who shall deliver me from this Body of sin death Now the Body of this man was the House of God and Temple of the holy Ghost in which God by his Judgment was at work to judge down cast out and destroy every lust that would evalt it self above the Witness of God that the House of God might be throughly cleansed and only become a house of â—oly Habitation for the Spirit of Truth to abide in for as 〈◊〉 is written The high holy one who inhabits EternÃty dwelleth not in Temples made with hands but taketh up his abode with men of clean hearts contrite spirits that fear him and work righteousness do justly love mercy and walk humbly such bear the image of God and nature of Christ with whom and in whom both Father and Son do take up their abode therefore where men give not up to come under the cross and follow the light and word of Gods Spirit in obedience to his call they resist the holy one crucifie him afresh to themselves such defile the house and temple of God and them will God destroy indeed how many such people with a fair Israel 〈…〉 of Religion are crept into a profession of Gods Truth 〈◊〉 â—hrough deceit have under the like profession entered 〈◊〉 selves as Christians among the People of God but he that caused the Net to be cast into the Sea which brought forth good and bad to the shore the same doth permit the net of profession to gather all sorts of People into the outward name Christian therefore doth Judgment also begin at the House of God which are his people to make a seperation between the precious and the vile not only to purge and cleanse from lusts but also to cut off the stubborn and stiff-necked ones which will not submit to the cross whose Judgment will also reach to the old Age of them that live in disobedience to the Spirit of Truth for Judgment from God hath spread it self to the ends of the Earth and hath begun its work at the house of God If the righteous scarcely are saved where shall the ungodly and sinners appear Judgment is not come to bring peace to any unrighteous person but is gone forth to do the work of God among the People and will both inwardly and outwardly lay waste and destroy all that is not of himself for that which only is of himself shall stand and that which is not of himself shall come to nought and therefore Judgment from God is gone forth to the ends of Earth that all that will be gathered may be preserved and that which will not hear the Spirit of Truth to be obedient thereto the same shall be scattered abroad till Judgment gather it as Fuel for the fire of Gods Wrath which forever burneth against the unrighteousness of wicked and ungodly men and for this very end is judgment at work for God that he may gather a People pure in heart and of uprightness in mind which in all things shall be of one spirit and mind towards him in thought word work therefore let none in this day which make a profession of Gods holy Truth deceive themselves for God will not be mocked such as every man soweth of the same he shall 〈◊〉 reap whether to the flesh or to the Spirit for all that is of the Spirit the spirit giveth evidence in every faithful man and woman that it is of God though the Spirit abideth not in every unrighteous man yet the appearance of it is often to their condemnation and so doth continue 〈◊〉 it hath left striving and the day of Gods Grace be over having sinned out the day of Gods Visitation Let all therefore consider in what state they abide as to God whose promise to the Righteous is That it shall go well with them but it shall go ill with the Wicked Therefore let not these Truths which have been received by the Spirit of Truth find itching Ears among any but as every man turn in his mind to the Spirit of Truth he will witness the truth of these Things â—th 1st Mon. 1694. THO. MAVLE THE END