perish but have everlasting life The knowledge of this Law sprung not up with mankind in nature it was not written in the heart of natural man as a thing just and equal Adam's Light onely shewed him what was just to be done and when he had sinned convinced him and passed sentence upon him and there left him in his misery not affording any direction or help for his recovery which made him fear and hide himself Gen. 3. 10. Then was the great fountain of free Grace opened and by the occasion of the transgression and misery of man this Law of Faith was added and founded upon Christ in that Gracious Promise Gen. 3. 15. The seed of the woman shall break the head of the Serpent this Law is not natural but supernatural not springing up together with man as that of works but added to shew the exceeding riches of the Grace of God in his kindness to poor sinners through Jesus Christ Eph. 2. 7. which is as farr above the reach of a natural man to know as the Heavens are above the Earth yea as the thoughts of God are above the thoughts of man Though vain man would be wise yet he is born like a wild Asses Colt Job 11. 12. It s above the reach of his reason to conceive how Faith in a crucified Christ should be the way to save a sinner and hence it is that the preaching of a Christ crucified for the obedience of Faith is to the Greekes soolishness 1 Cor. 1. 23. he is not able by all his Candle-light to discover this misterie of the hidden wisdom of God according to that divine Testimonie 1 Cor. 2. 9 14. Eye hath not seen nor Eare heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him but the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned the truth hereof will yet further appear by considering that Querie Acts 2. 37. Men and brethren what shall we do and that of the Gaoler Acts 16. 30. Sirs what must I do to be saved which do clearly argue that these men now prict in their hearts and wounded in their consciences had no sufficient Light nor understanding to direct themselves to a remedie and therefore they ask What shall we do And as this Light cannot discover the Law of Faith so it cannot convince any man that his not believing in Christ is a sin this is the proper work of the Spirit the Comforter as the Scripture testifies John 16. 7 8 9. Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you and when he is come he will reprove or convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment of sin because they believe not in me c. In as much then as it is clearly manifest that the natural man with all his Light is unable to reach these great misteries this gives occasion to speak somewhat briefly of that light which can reveal and make them manifest which will be found to be a Light as far exceeding the Light of the natural man in glory as the ministration of the Gospell exceeds the ministration of the Law in glory 2 Cor. 3. 11. For if that which is done away be glorious how much more that which remaineth is glorious as the things discovered to wit the glorious Gospell of Christ the knowledg of the glory that is the goodness and mercy of God in the Face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 6. are more glorious so is the Light discovering them hence it is called the marvellous Light of God 1. Pet. 2. 9. and it is no other then the Light of Christ Jesus as Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2. 5. which doth irradiate the soul of man with the knowledg of these great misteries agreeable to that of the Psalmist Psal 36. 9. In thy Light we shall see Light He is given to be a Light of the Gentiles Acts 13. 47. He only being in the Bosome of the Father can reveal him according as himself doth witness Math. 11. 27. Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the Bosome of the Father he hath declared Him The invisible and inaccessable God coming down in the man Christ Jesus which is the great misterie of godliness God manifest in the flesh 1 Tim. 3. 16. makes all the glory of his goodness and mercy to appear in the Face of Jesus Christ as he said to Moses Exo. 33. 19. I will make all my goodness to pass before thee hence he is said to be the brightness of his glory Heb. 113. now as Christ is the shining forth of the Fathers glory so it is he only that shines into the hearts of all that believe on him the Light of the konwledge of the glory of God as in the first creation God made all things by the word so in the new creation or new creature all things wrought by the Word made flesh who is the one Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2. 5. and the great Agent by which Christ workes is his Holy Spirit that Spirit which the world never saw nor can receive Joh. 14. 17. By this Spirit sent forth he doth reveal the misterious things of the Gospel even the hidden wisdom of God concerning Christ and the new creature which was not written in the heart of man nor could be known by the wisdom of this world as it is evident in 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11 12. Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entred 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 yea the deep things of God even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God now we have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of god that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God thus the same Apostle saith that his knowledg in the misterie of Christ was revealed unto him by the Spirit Eph. 3. 4 5. Christ doth no other way inlighten the eye of the understanding but by his Spirit Eph. 1. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledg of him the eyes of your understanding being inlightned c. This is that Spirit that teacheth all things John 14. 26. that guides into all truth Joh. 16. 13. And because none but new creatures can receive this new
among men yea then my own life But I beseech you let no prejudice nor reproaches cast upon me or this Work hinder you from a serious perusal of it It 's likely many of you may be as sheep scattered without a shepherd and your adversary who goes about like a roaring lion will seek all advantages against you and his ministers will be in this dark hour of temptation the more industrious to make merchandise of your souls Oh Remember the Apostles exhortation 2 Joh. 8. Look to your selves c. Believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world And among all the deceivers that Christ foretold should come there are none more subtil nor lead into more pernitious wayes then the leaders and teachers of this people with whom I have to do O consider what need you have to be alwaies upon your watch take heed whom and what you hear and in a special manner be careful that you bottom upon a right foundation Jesus Christ God and man in union who in his own person without us hath wrought a great salvation having finished transgression made an end of sin abolished condemnation and death for us And if any man or an Angel from Heaven should not bring this doctrine and point you unto a crucified and glorified Jesus for access to God receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed Neither let it suffice you thus to behold redemption wrought for you in the person of the Mediatour without you but minde his comming down in spirit into your hearts to manifest this redemption and to live and work in you as a quickening spirit and let it be your care as to live so to walk in the spirit And the Lord grant that you being rooted and â—uilt up in him and stablished in the faith may henceforth be no more Children tossed to and fro and carried about with every winde of doctrine by the slight of men and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in weight to deceive but may keep your selves in the love of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life so prayes Your Brother and Companion in Tribulation and in the Kingdome and patience of Jesus Christ J. W. Mo. 1. the 15 day 1665. Here follow two LETTERS from several Friends to the Author desiring the Publication of this Dispute c. Dear Friend and Brother WE received yours with the inclosed Manuscript containing a relation of a Debate you had with the Quakers An account of the Light within and An Appendix all which we have as we could perused but yet not so as we intend and desire onely did hastily run it over being willing as many as could conveniently might see it or hear it before we set upon the transcribing of it for then it must of necessity lie still a while And lest we might either discourage or not comfort you in so good a work as we can bless the Lord for from our hearts by making no return till we have got it writ over we thought it meet to give you a few Lines from a few of us so signifie the receipt of it also our acceptance of it and hearty agreement with you in it and do believe the good hand of the Lord was in it to make your condition a necessity upon you by his wise-ordering providence to encounter this strong man in his strong hold the light within with which this spirit of delusion hath run thorow the dark world and by it kindled some sparks upon the reliques of old Adam but brought nothing to light of a crucified Saviour nor of the bloud of his Cross by which we have peace with God but contrariwise hath reviled us in making mention of this way of peace rather glorying in their own cross then in the Cross of Christ keeping a catalogue of their own wounds and sufferings filling all places with Prints of them but never mention the sufferings wounds and death of him through whose stripes we are healed which hath been to us as another Gospel then that which our Lord brought to light and was afterwards preached by his disciples and glorified in by good Paul when others glorified in the flesh this is that Gospel we have heard and received through the workings of his grace how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures and ascended far above all the heavens of this creation into heaven it self there to a ppear before God for us our blessed high-Priest and onely Advocate to whom we desire always to look that we may not sin against him this is our Kings high-way in which the way faring man though a fool shall not erre We confess there is a righteousness that is more agreeable unto man unto which he is more enclined as that liquor which this vessel of the natural man had first in it we hope without offence we may say not onely then this righteousness of Christ by faith but then unrighteousness and upon this spark may this light fall and make man to walk in the light of it but shall never place man again in that garden of Gods presence with him making all things delightful to him out of which after mans fall God drove him and hath ever since placed such a guard as shall for ever keep man from coming that way Nay an as it were in this matter may not be admitted under the administration of the Gospel nor is there any name given by which we shall be saved but that Name which is above all names unto which all things shall bow this is the Fathers Christ and our Jesus who when he came in the flesh was not ministred unto but did himself minister and became a servant but our God who also is Christs God hath highly exalted him This Gospel we have never heard nor felt from these folks but on the contrary derided with scornful expressions when we have gone about thus to argue any thing with them and in stead of words of soberness in the evidence of Scripture-light we have had such returns as you have met with as many in this County can evidence clearly for us as their own Papers do for you under their own hands Nor are we willing to rip up the remembrance of things upon any other account then if it be the Lords will some among them might be reduced and the Lord may give them repentance unto life and do hope there may be such a blessing in this Labour of yours God having directed you not to insist upon any thing less then their All viz. That the light with which every one is enlightned that comes into the world is not a saving light this is that which we have believed but have not had ability to bring it forth in so orderly a way fit for publick
be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost for the promise is unto you and your children and to all that are a far off even as many as the Lord our God shall call And Jo. 38. 39. He that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of living water But this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified so that it is apparent in several respects that this Scripture proves not their assertion Further it was said that Balaam was a wicked man and yet he had the spirit of God and saw the starr of Jacob Numb 24. therefore every man that comes into the world hath the spirit of Christ Ans It is one thing to have the spirit of the Son which is the great promise of the new Covenant Isa 50. 21. dwelling in a man 2 Tim. 1. 14. and another thing to have the spirit of God come upon a man at some particular time and for some particular work thus it was with Balaam and thus with Saul and his messengers 1 Sam 19. 20. 21. 23. but this proves not that every man that comes into the world hath the sprit of Christ for the Scripture doth not say that these men had the spirit of God before it came upon them only these Scriptures do shew that God can and sometimes doth by the power of his spirit impress upon a wicked man and make him to declare some future glorious things for his own praise and his peoples comfort as Dan. 4. 1. 2. 3. Joh. 11. 50. 51. may be seen neither is it said in that place Numb 24. 17. that Balaam saw the starr of Jacob but I shall see him but not now I shall behold him but not nigh but when every eye shall see him Rev. 1. 17. but it will not follow hence that he had the faith of Job to see him his Redeemer Job 19. 25. 27. nor the spirit of the mediator the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2 5. which only dwels in believers 2 Tim. 1. 14. that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us no more then the Angel of the Lord that spake in the Asse with mans voyce Numb 22. 28. 2 Pet. 2. 16. dwelt in the Asse though that is utterly false which this people hath published in their Paper viz. that he was a Baptist which said that Balaam had no more spirit then his Horse Some of them asked what was that which caused Judas to bring the money again and made him repent implying as I apprehend them that it must needs be the spirit of Christ Ans There is a light and law in every man that convinces and reproves of sin except of not believing in Christ Rom. 2. 14 15. for when the Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their concscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another and this made Judas bring the money again c. But this light or Law in every man is not the spirit of Christ mentioned Joh. 16. 7. 8. which was promised to be sent to reprove or convince the world of the sin of not believing in Christ c. for he was not come while as Christ was not ascended John 16. 7. 13. but of this light and Law in every man I shall speak more after the rest of my Arguments to prove my assertions are laid down By these briefe Answers it may appear with what little success these Scriptures were brought to prove that every man even the wicked and unregenerate have the spirit of Christ and that notwithstanding all that was said the plain and positive Scriptures brought brought by me to prove the contrary viz. That all men have not the Spirit of Christ do remain firm â—and â—nshaken there being nothing more plain than Christ's own words John 14. 17. That the world cannot receive the Spirit of Truth And the Apostles Rom. 8. 9. Jude 19. That some are in the flesh are sensual not having the Spirit of Christ As I could get liberty other Arguments were propounded for the proof of that which I had undertaken to make good viz. That Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving Light which are as follow though in that confused Assembly they could not be so orderly and with that enlargement urged as they are here set down Whom Christ enlightens with a saving Light into their hearts he causeth the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ to shine to give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ according to the testimony of Paul 2 Cor. 4. 6. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ He brings life and immortality to light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 10. And he doth no otherwayes manifest the Grace of God our Reconciliation Peace and Salvation but by the light of the glorious Gospel shining in our hearts and he that wants this Gospel-light hath no saving-light but is lost 2 Cor. 4. 3. But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost But Christ doth not cause this light of the glorious Gospel to shine in the heart of every man that comes into the world for the Gospel is hid to some and the light of it doth not shine in their hearts as the Scripture testifies 2 Cor. 4. 3 4. But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine unto them Therefore Christ doth not enlighten every one that comes into the world with a saving light Whom Christ enlighteneth with a saving light to them is given an understanding to know the Father 1 John 2. 13 Ye have known the Father And the Son 1 John 5. 20. And we know the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true And the Spirit John 14. 17. Even the spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him c. And the things that are freely given them of God 1 Cor. 2. 10 12. But God hath revealed them uuto us by his spirit Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the spirit
which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God So Matth. 13. 11. He answered and said unto them viz. his Disciples Because it is given unto you to know the mystâ—ries of the Kingdom of Heaven but to them it is not given That Light only is saving which discovers these things to which agrees that saying of Christ John 17. 3. And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent But there are some who know not the Father nor the Son John 16. 3. And these things will they do unto you because they have not known the Father nor me Matth. 11. 27. No man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Nor the Spirit John 14. 17. Even the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him nor the things of the spirit 1 Cor. 2. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned They have not the Spirit as was proved before therefore they cannot discern spiritual things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiritually Yea further they cannot discern nor know these things because their understanding is darkned Ephes 4. 18. and as to these things they are meer darkness Ephes 5. 8. Yea the light that is in them is darkness according to the words of Christ Matth. 6. 23. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness how great is that darkness And Christ himself gives another reason why they cannot know these things Matth. the 13. the 11th Because it is not given to them It is given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven but to them it is not given And in Matth 11. 25. he tells us plainly it is because they are hid from them And at that time Jesus answered and said I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes Therefore Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light To such as Christ enlightens with a saving Light he also gives a spiritual life such he quickens regenerates and makes new Creatures such as the Light is such is the Life in men Joh. 1. 4. And the Life was the Light of men If the Light be saving that is effectually and eventually saving it quickens and regenerates and makes a new Creature according to that in 2 Cor. 3. 18. But we all with open face beholding as in a Glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord this saving Light and Life and given together as John 8. 12. Thou spake Jesus again unto them saying I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life A man cannot have a saving Light to see the Kingdom of God except he be born again John 3. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him Verily verily I say unto thee Except a mâ—n be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God And hence it is that Christ is a live-making Spirit 1 Cor. 15. 45. because who soever is enlightened with a saving Light is also quickened together with Christ Eph. 21 5. You hath he quickened c even when ye were dead in sins hath he quickened us together with Christ But Christ doth not quicken and regenerate every man that comes into the world every one is not a new Creature some are born of the flesh John 3. 6. and are in the flesh Rom. 8. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God some are dead in sin wherein they walk according to the course of this World Eph. 2. 1 2. and have not life 1 John 5. 12. He that hath not the Son hath not life yea some do dye in their sins John 8. 24. I said therefore unto you that ye shall dye in your sins for if ye believe not that I am he ye shall dye in your sins Therefore Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light Whom Christ enlightens with a saving Light to them he also gives Faith the words of Christ are plain John 12. 46. I am come a Light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness Mark where there is no Faith there is an abiding in darkness and so no saving Light Faith is the Organ of the soul to receive and let in a saving Light An unbelieving soul is a dark and ignorant soul hence it is that Christ who is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the beginner of Faith Heb. 12. 2 when he gives his Spirit to illuminate the understanding and to fill the soul with his marvellous light he doth also by the same Spirit give and work faith for it is his gift Eph. 2. 8. whereby the soul is capacitated to receive him as a glorious light to dwell in the heart And thus Christ by his Spirit and Faith and no other way dwells in the heart irradiating the whole soul with the bright beams of his glorious light according to these Scriptures John 14. 16 17. I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever but ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Eph. 2. 22. In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 3. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith But every man that comes into the world hath not Faith 2 Thes 3. 2. For all men have not Faith none believe but such as are ordained to eternal life Acts 13. 48. And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed None can come to or believe on Christ but such as the Father draws John 6. 44. No man can come to me except the Father which sent me draw him nor hath every man that comes into the world Christ dwelling in him some are without him Eph. 2. 12. That at that time viz. when they were Gentiles in the flesh ye were without Christ in the world Some have him not 1 John 5. 12. He that hath not the Son hath not life In a word beleevers only have Christ dwelling in them John 6. 56. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me and I in him Therefore Christ doth not enlighten every man that comes into the world with a saving Light To these last Arguments I remember not any thing brought by way of answer to weaken any one proof but that which was their last and chiefest Refuge was that Text John 1.
Light according to Joh 3. 3. Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God therefore this Light is to all that have it the Light of life Joh. 8. 12. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the Light of life the same Spirit that inlightens doth regenerate and renew Tit. 3. 5. According to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost and so not every man that comes into the world but he that is born of the Spirit Joh. 3. 5. and made a new creature 2 Cor. 5. 17. according to that Gospel-promise Ezek. 36. 26 A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you is inlightned with the marvellous Light of Christ By this Spirit also doth he write this new Law of Faith in their hearts called the Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 2. according to that of the Apostle Heb. 8. 10. I will put my Laws in their minds and write them in their hearts where he speaks not of the Law of works which is writ in the Natural mans heart but of the Law of the new Covenant which the Apostle is there treating of and which God would put into their hearts who were in Covenant with him and whose sins and iniquities he will remember no more Neither doth he onely give a new life a new light a renewed spirit and write his Laws in their hearts by his Spirit but that he may cause them to walk in his ways Ezek. 26. 27. and that they may have help in themselves Job 6. 13. he gives the Spirit himself to dwell in their hearts as the same Scripture Ezek. 26 27 testifies And I will put my Spirit within you So Gal. 4. 6. And because you are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father and so they become one spirit with the Lord 1 Cor. 6. 17. He that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit And this is that witness that every believer hath in himself 1 Joh. 5. 10. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself a witness that he is the childe of God Rom 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God And while he looks at and believes on a Christ without him as having done all in his own person for him according to Rom. 4. 25. Who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification Rom. 8. 3. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfull flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Heb. 9. 26. And now in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself And Heb. 10. 12. But this man after he had once offered sacrifice for sins for ever sate down on the right hand of God He also knowes and hath a witness in himself that Christ dwels in his heart Eph. 3. 17. and lives in him as Paul witnessed Gal. 2. 20. Nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me And he is the habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2. 27. In whom ye are builded for an habitation of God through the Spirit 1 Joh. 3. 24. We know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us From that which hath bin said it doth plainly appear that the mistake of this people is very grosse who call the light in every man Christ and worship it as the Redeemer and the Lord that bought them whereas indeed as hath been cleared this light in every man is but the spirit of a man and the law written in his heart from the terrour and condemnation whereof the Lord Jesus came to deliver It also appears that to worship this light as the Redeemer is to worship an imaginarie and fictitious Christ and indeed an Idol and in effect to deny the person of the true Jesus who is Emmanuel God and man in union who in his own person without us not in ours hath by one offering once for ever wrought eternal redemption for us Heb. 9. 12. By his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternall Redemption for us and is the alone object of Faith yea hence it will follow that whosoever affirmeth as this people doe that the light in every man is Christ is a deceiver and an Antichrist such as the Apostle speaks of 2 Joh. 7. For many deceivers are entred into the World who confess not that Jesus Christ is come into the flesh This is a deceiver and an Antichrist whom the Saints are forbidden to receive into their house or to bid them God speed Verse 10. Receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed But of these and other usefull Inferences more fully after the answering of an Objection or two wherein all their seeming strength lies and whereon their greatest confidence is built Against that which I have said there is nothing more frequently urged then that one Scripture Joh. 1. 9. That was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world This Scripture they account to be an invincible proof of their fundament all Assertion which in their words and writings is thus held forth this light is Christ God the Lord God and the Lamb the object of faith and this true light which is Christ lightens not some but every man coming into the world And therefore it must needs be saving And that this light can be meant of no other then of Christ they further alledge Joh. 8. 12 35 36. where it is plainly exprest that Christ is the light of the world Because I observe that that subtil Adversary Satan doth get the greatest advantage against many weak and unstable souls through their misunderstanding and wresting of these Scriptures in the mean while being ignorant of his devices I shall indeavour according to my measure to declare the minde of Christ in them that if it be the will of the Lord such as are taken captive by him may escape out of his Snares When it is said that that was the true light which lighteth every man that comes into the world two things must be considered 1 Who this true light is 2 How he lighteth every man that comes into the world For the first the Scriptures do witness that this true light is the Word God by whom the world was made for as it is said Joh. 1. 1. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God So that which is spoken of in the 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10. verses following is to be referred to the Word God the Creator of all things and not to the Word as the Word is
hand with a further discovery of the mystery of Iniquity In the mean time I shall finish this with a few Cautions to all â—â—ts of people but more especially to young weak inquiring persons 1. Take heed of that Religion that begins with a lye for it is certainly a great judgment of God to be given up to believe a lye 2 Thess 2. 10 11. And 〈◊〉 the first step to this peoples Religion is an abominable lye and that every one is taught and required at his entrance into their religion to believe 〈◊〉 lye I have shewed in my former paper 2. Take heed of that spirit that denies either directly or consequentially Christ come in the flesh for that is the spirit of Antichrist 1 Joh. 4. 3. And he that biddeth such a one God speed is partaker of his evill deeds 2 Joh. 11. 3. Take heed of those persons how fair soever their pretences be who have no better weapons to defend their doctrine with then censures judgings threatenings curses for that was not the way of Christ and his Apostles And of those who can curse men and bless God with the same mouth for that ought not to be Jam. 3. 9 10. Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vaine words FINIS 1 Tim. 3. 19 20. with 2 Tim. 2. 17 18. Luke 17. 23. 1 John 4. 1. The first occasion of the debate Their firâ—â— Letter An Answer to that first Letter 2 Tim. 2. 23. * Subjective His second Letter to me The Queries set upon the door An Answer to his second Letter Their carriages towards me in my Chamber My offer to meet them upon conditions Their agreement to meeâ— with some alterations of the conditions My assenâ—â—o their alterations Our meeâ—â—â—ng disappointed by the Gaoler The meeting begins Some things premâ—sed in order to the debate The Assertion to be proved â— Argum Joh. Stubbs Answers My reply to J. Stubbs The reason why a natural man cannot know nor discern the things of the Spirit is Because he hath not the Spirit The disorderly carriage of somo Who were obstreperous Geo. Fox asserts the Spirit of Christ to be in every man The first Scripture brought to prove his Assertion Answer The second Scripture brought to prove their Assertion Answer Not all Israel but such only as are born of the spirit have the 〈…〉 A third Scripture Answer A fourth Scripture Answer A fifth Scripture Answer A sixt Scripture Answer None of the Scriptures brought by them weaken my Arguments 2. Arg. 3 Arg. 4. Argum. 5. Arg. No Answers given to weaken my Arguments Their harsh censures wherwith the meeting was concluded The fruit of that spirit by which this People are led An Answer to their Censures Railing not to be rendered for railing Christ not theâ—e example Their lies and false accusations The chief occasion of their censure What they call the Light with in What is their first lye Three reasons of the additional discourse of the Light within Five particulars premised A twofold light within man What the light within is as it respects the affections What the Light in every man is as It respecteth the understanding The Spirit or ligâ—t in every man is noâ— the Lord. The light in every man is inferâ—or to the â—ight of Angels Vis ratiocinativa a 〈◊〉 facultas intelligendi What the Light in Adam before the fall could do There is a Law written in every mans heart This Law is not God Proved * Though the Hebrew words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 creavit formavit fecâ—t may have a different signification as appears in Isa 43. 7. in which verse they are all used yet this may be gathered from them all that the the thing created formed or made is not the Creator c. A summaâ—y account of the Lightâ— in man before the fall The Light in man before the fall could not manifest a Redeemer The Light in man since the fall not such as it was before the fall The Light and Law remaining in faln man is sufficient to render God righteous when he iudgeth the disobedient A fourfold use of the Light in every man 1. To make manifest 2. To direct 3. To convince What Conscience is The knowledg of sin is by the Law What is the Lordâ— Witness in all men What it was that manifested to Adam and Judaâ— their transgression 4. To feel after God as Creator The suâ— of that which the Light in every man since the fal can do The Light in every man is a great an excellent and necessary Light 2. What it cannot do since the fall It is a nâ—tural light Perse or sensu diviso Subjective or sensu Composito In what respects the light within every man is Insufficient 1. It cannot bring any man to life The tenor of the Law of Works 2. It cannot discover the Redeemer it knows nothing of the Gospel Mystery Which is cleared in several particulars 3. It knows not the law of faâ—th The tenor of the Law of Faith The law of Faith is not natural but supernatural 4. Iâ— cannot convince a man that his not believing in Christ is a sin What light it is that can discover these great Mysteries It is the light of Christ Jesus as Mediator which irradiates the soul with the knowledge of Gospel Mysteries The great Agent by which Christ works is his Spirit None partakers of this Light but new Creatures The law of faith is writâ—ten in the heâ—â— of a new creâ—â—ture The Spirit himself dweâ—â— in the heart a new creaturâ— The Spirit is that witness that every bâ—â—liever hath iâ— himself What the great mistakeâ— of this people is 〈◊〉 worship the â—â—â—â—t in every 〈◊〉 as the â—â—deemer is 〈◊〉 worship an â—â—ol â—â—rist is the â—â—ject of faith â—ho is a deâ—â—iver and an â—â—tichrist â—n Objection â—om Joh. 1. 9. â—â—swered Two things to â—e considered â—oncerning â—â—e true light The true lâ—â—g is the Word God the Creator Not as God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 How the true â—ight lighteth â—very man that â—ometh into â—he World 2. Objection Answer The word made Flesh is only called Christ The Word made flesh doth only bring life and mortality to light The Word made fleshâ— doth only ligâ—â—ten savingly those that blieve on hiâ— The Word made flesh is given for a Covenant The light gâ—â—ven by the Word made flesh is far more excelleâ—â— then the ligâ—â— set up in everâ—â— man by the Word the Creator The misunderâ—standing of Joh. 1. 9. is from a neglectâ— of a distinct consideration of the Word and the Word made flesh â—â—e necessity the foreâ—entioned â—â—stinction â—â—ared in â—ree partiâ—lars The opinion of this people is many wayeâ— injurious to Jesus Christ and pernitious to the souls of Men. 1. It denies the great mystery of Godliness â—â—d the Lord at bought â—â—em It sets up an â—â—ol â—â—hat an Iâ—â—ol is 3. It opens a way to the Doctrine of Daemons and the worship of the Devil 4. It leads 〈◊〉 to slight 〈◊〉 Scripture 〈◊〉 rule and walk after tâ—â— own lusts 5. It opens door to greaâ—â— confusion Their Worship is Idolatry None but Idolaters admitted into the number of their Priends The manner of their Worship very confused as it was practised in their Meetings in Lancaster The names of their Assemblies members thereof Who are their â—â—achers What doctrins are taught by them What books these doctrine are to be found in Their foundation being rased their whole building will fall This people are objects of pitie A further Debate offered with this people 〈◊〉 who teachâ—â— that the â—â—ht in every â—â—n is Christ an Antiâ—â—â—ist â—â—e reason â—â—y the good â—â—ings in this â—â—ople are â—entioned â— plea for â—â—od things â—ay cloak a â—esign against â—hrist â—Vhence their â—pinion hath â—ad its advanâ—age Antichrist most opposeth Christ when â—he appeareth most like him Such hath bâ— the method this people What hath rendred persons unable deal with them Whence so many have embraced the false doctrine and way The wrong way that maâ—ny have take iâ—â— to suppress their errours The right way to suppress their errours What things are commendable and tâ— be owned in them â—ow one may â—â—me to disâ—n their seâ—t deceipts Characters false Prophet in the last days The spirit of the Quakers and of the Dragon compared Such as oppose themselves should be answered in meekness The Quakers in stead of Answers return Invectives Calumniation no refutation The Quakers maledictions How many sheets they have filled with raylinâ— Language Wherein thâ— Quakers folâ—â— manifest A right Spirâ— would have led them a better way When Antichrist speaks like a Lamb and when likâ— a Dragon The vaine shifts of persons maintaiâ—ning Errour â—uch as say â—â—ey are Apâ—â—â—tles ought to â—â—e tryed Preachers sent â—hough Meâ—hanicks are to â—e esteemed We must not â—id God speed â—o those that â—ring not doctrine of Christ When false Apostles are â—ryed they will be found â—ars A request to the Reader Queries to considered
the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Secondly As the Light of which we speak cannot give nor lead to life so it knows not nor can make any discovery of the Redeemer who only can give life it is not acquainted with the precious Gospel-Mysterie hid in God it knows nothing of the good pleasure and purpose of Grace in God to restore faln man to life and communion with himself by Jesus Christ For the clearing whereof let it be observed That the Scripture doth abundantly testifie 1. That God purposed in himself from Eternity to restore man to life by Jesus Christ and no other way who therefore is most rightly callled the repairer of the breach the restoreâ— of paths to dwell in Isa 58. 12. and the restorer of life Ruth 4. 15. And 2. That Christ only can give a new life and 3. That he onely is the way to the Father as may be seen in these few instances Eph. 1. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world 5. Having predéstinated us unto the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will Chap. 3. 11. According to the Eternal Purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. That Christ only can give life see 1 Cor. 15. 45. And so it is written The first man Adam was made a living soul the last Adam was made a quickening spirit John 10. 20. I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly Ver. 28. I give unto thee Eternal life John 6. 57. He that eateth me even he shall live by me 1 Jo. 5. 12. He that hath the Son hath life c. And he also is the new and living way to the Father Heb. 10. 19 20. Having therefore Brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way whicâ—h he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say his flesh None knows the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Matth. 11. 27. Nor can any come to the Father but through this new and living way There 's no other entrance into the Paradise of God and to the Tree of Life but onely by Jesus Christ Rev. 2. 7. And therefore such Teachers as excluding the Mediator do affirm That as Adam fell from God by departing from the Light within him even so is he recovered and restored by returning and yeelding obedience to that Light within do lead people from Christ Jesus the true way to the Law that old deadly Gate through which it is impossible for any of the sons of Adam to enter and live They that would lead men unto God by a perfection of obedience in themselves and not by saith in a crucified Christ as the only way into the holiest instead of bringing them into Heaven to life and peace with God do shut up the Kingdom against them No man by the endeavours of the highest perfection of Reason or natural speculations of the Divinity will ever find accesse to God upon a Mercy-seat until he come to acknowledge the flesh or dead body of Christ to be the only way consecrated and prepared for him Heb. 10. 29 30. 2. That the Light that is in every man knows not this mysterie of Christ nor is able to make any discovery of it as is evident from Eph. 3. 9. where the holy Spirit testifies That it hath been hid in God from the beginning of the World And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the Mysterie which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ to the intent that now unto Principalities and Powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God Mark here it was hid from the beginning of the World so that neither all the Light in Adam in his innocency nor in the holy Angels knew it how much less could the Candle-light of mans Spirit since the fall by any force remaining in it enter into this great secret Doth not Christ himself tell us plainly That these things are hid from the wise Matth. 11. 25. I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and the prudent and hast revealed them unto babes And doth not Paul say when he preached the Gospel That he spake the wisdom of God in a Mysterie which none of the Princes of this World knew 1 Cor. 2. 7 8. But we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mysterie even the hidden Mystetie which God ordained before the world to our glory which none of the Princes of this world knew for had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory And doth not the same Paul who was a learned man brought up at the feet of Gamaliel and instructed according to the perfect manner of the Law Acts 22. 3. And as touching the righteousnesse thereof blameless Phil. 3. 6. plainly declare That before his Conversion notwithstanding all his Light and Learning and all his care to follow that Light to the utmost for he had lived in all good Conscience before God until that day Acts 23. 1. he was ignorant of these things and utterly unable with all his natural and acquired parts to come to the knowledge of them Why else if it was not so did he so violently persecute the Saints as appears at large in Acts 8. 3. 9. 1. and 22. 5 9 19 20 and 26. 10 11. And how else could he think with himself That he ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth Acts 26. 9. And kick against the pricks and persecute the Lord Jesus ver 14 15. But that the Light within which he was faithful to was unable to make known unto him the true Jesus and that it was so he himself doth yet further declare in those words Who are thou Lord Acts 26. 15. and in 1 Tim. 1. 13â— where he confesseth he had been a blasphemer a persecutor and injurious yet had obtained mercy because he did it ignorantly in unbelief Thirdly As the Light in every man knows not the Redeemer who according to Gods Eternal Purpose is the Author of Eternal Salvation to all them that obey him Heb. 5. 9. So it is altogether unable to discover the way and means whereby the Redeemer and with him life and happiness is to be received and enjoyed that is it knows nothing of the Law of Faith mentioned by the Apostle Rom. 3. 27. The tenor whereof is this That whosoever believeth in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life according to John 3 15 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not