to the works of the Law for Justification Sometimes to the other false and strange foolish Opinions Therefore surely it was no needless thing to bid the Christians beware of temptations and to stir them up to make their Calling and Election sure seeing they had many Enemies to meet with and had but little Faith but like Children when they first go alone are ready to stumble and fall at a small thing But because it is my desire to help others if it may please God I would proceed before I leave this a little further according to the Knowledg God hath given me Quest What Comfort hath a Christian in these Conflicts with his Enemies which are so many Answ This is one Comfoâ—â—â—hat God will never leave him nor forsake him his loving kindness he will not take away from him but will preserve him and defend him to his Heavenly Kingdom 2. That Jesus Christ doth Intercede for his people as he prayed for Simon that his Faith should not fail Luke 22. 32. 3. That he that hath begun that good work Faith in us is able to carry 〈◊〉 on to the end and to perfect it to the day of Glory John 10.28,29 4. That there is a Promise of Victory over sin and Death and all 〈◊〉 Enemies So that we may say they shall not always overcome us 〈◊〉 there is a stronger than they Rom. 6.14 Heb. 12.5 6. 5. That we fight against vanquisht Enemies such as are overcome in our Head already John 16.33 Surely Paul had a strong Faith in these things when he Preached the Gospel meeting with many difficulties and dangers from his Enemies yet his perswasion we see did not fail him but the Lord stood by him and strengthened him and he was delivered out of the paw of the â—â—on and he saith in confidence that the Lord would deliver him from â—â—â—ry evil work and preserve him to his heavenly Kingdom 2. Tim. 4.18 Obj. But W. Baily saith Who among the ungodly would turn their ears from this kind of Doctrine pag. 35. Answ What if the ungodly make a wicked use thereof Is it therefore false and is it unlawful to Preach it If a Man walk with a staff â—â— his hand in the Road with which he Murdereth a Man is it therefore unlawful for me to walk with a Staff by which I am supported and my Life preserved If any make that bad use of it as to continue in sin let them remember the Lord's dealing with Israel in the Wilderness treated of 1 Cor. 10. and the 12 verse But now on the other hand the self-Righteous the Just before Men 〈◊〉 proud in their Spirits and they scorn this Reconciliation by the Obedience of the Person of Christ and his Death and Sufferings and â—â—e no need of it or them no Beauty no Comeliness in Christ Therefore according to that which Christ saith he came not to call the Righteous but sinners to Repentance So that I may bring in your Objection here Obj. But if all Men are not Lighted with the true Light then some have no true Light Then why should they be Condemned is this equal pag. 41. Answ That all Men are Lighted by a Light that is true in its kind by Jesus Christ as he was the Creator of all things I deny not But that all Men have a saving-Light from him as Mediator I do deny And if thou ask Is this equal Answer Is it not lawful and equal to with-hold relief from him that scorneth to receive it and yet is in want 2. Is it not equal for a King to withold a Pardon from a Murderer when he scorneth to accept of it yet is at the point of Death Why then should it not be equal with God to with-hold a saving-Light from such as those I have been speaking of that say in their hearts they have no need of it Many more things might be spoke but I pass them by and shall not meddle with them but leave them to others whose business it is more properly to contend for them viz. As to the powerful work of God without and the Righteousness that justifies being without and other things which I am satisfied in yet deny not the inward workings of the Spirit neither a Holy Life and Conversation but say as before often that good Works must be maintained upheld and taught but in their time and place and not so as to destroy the Gospel and bring Mens Consciences into slavery Bondage under the Law The next thing is S. Crisp his expressions concerning me how he hath set me forth which I could not but wonder at when I viewed it that any pretending to an infallible and an unerring Spirit should write so many false things First pag. 50. Oh horrible Canaan Such a Canaan God never led hiâ— people into nor ever will Where these tasks are not laid upon them Thâ— is a Canaan for the Sons of Belial who are Men without any Yoke I testify in the Name of the Lord that made the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in them that the true Name of this Canaan is Sodom and Egypt What shall I Judg of this I have not met with the like Expression That Canaan the Kingdom of Christ given unto his people being Justifyed by Faith without the Deeds of the Law and from thenceforth acting in Love to him living to his Glory That this should be called a Canaan for the Sons of Belial And to be so confident to say He testifyeth in the Name of Jehovah that the true Name of this Canaan is Sodom and Egypt It made me even tremble when I considered it That any Man should testify in the Name of Jehovah and speak such Vntruths Why might not this Man say of Paul as well where he saith Galat. 5.13 Brethren ye have been called unto Liberty that he told the Galatians that they might Steal and Lie and Kill and Commit Adultery and do all manner of Evil Seeing he was Treating as we are about the Law and the Works thereof And likewise why did ye not say that Paul allows it to be lawful to Kill Steal and Commit Adultery c. when he saith in 1 Cor. 6.12 All things are Lawful unto me And so Chap. 10.23 It may be thou wilt say not so because Paul said to them in the Galâ—t Vse not your Liberty as an Occasion to the Flesh but by Love serve one another And in the Corinthians said All things are not expedient And besides Paul lived a just Life In like manner did I say that I ought to go on in Holiness 1. For the Glory of God 2. To manifest my Love to Christ 3. To convince the World of sin 4. It is my Duty in God Pag. 19 20. To be found in doing justly between Man and Man according to the Light And yet he saith This is a Canaan for the Sons of Beâ—â—â— and declareth it to be the Wickedness of my Principles Pag. 50. he saith The
Latitude of my Judgment and Faith is that if I do Lie Steal speak evil words c. that I am not a whit the less approved of God for so doing Take notice Reader he doth not say that it is the Consequence of the Doctrine I laid down neither saith he that in all probability I may grow to such a Faith but speaketh in the present Tense that it is thus with me and thus I did believe at this very time Now I remember I have read 1 Cor. 2.11 What Man knoweth the things of a Man save the Spirit of a Man that is in him I know no such thing by my self that my Faith and Judgment is such Yet this he said of me yea notwithstanding all that I said to the contrary in pag. 14. and else-where viz. That Faith ingageth to serve the Lord. So that I know not what to make of it but such a slanderous Report as Paul met with Rom. 3.8 when some affirmed that he taught that Men might do evil that good might come of it Therefore as it is a solemn thing so I do solemnly declare that I know no such thing by my self is 〈◊〉 would make me Guilty of But say as before that I believe that in case a Son do offend God his Father by falling into sin God will Correct and that sharply but his loving kindness will be not take away from him But further this Man saith of me pag. 51. Thou hast cast off Christ's Yoke and Burden and endeavourest to betray him into the hands of Priests and Pharisees What he meaneth here by this viz betraying Christ casting off his Yoke and Burden which I conceive he accounts the denying of the pure Light as he calleth it in every Man to be the Saviour of the World is As to this Yoke and Burden I confess I have cast it off and that likewise viz. looking for Justification and acceptance with God by the Works commanded by the Light and by Obedience to that Light yet do I walk in Obedience to my Conscience as my Duty As to my Conversation I may say with Paul Acts 24.19 Those that have known it ought to have Objected against me first if they had whereof â—â—â—ly to lay to my Charge and not a Stranger So this is the Reward or part thereof for speaking the things I experienced upon my heart but I matter not such Reproaches I look for them only this I beg of God a support under them and a right Carriage through them If it be my Lot and Portion even so be it It is a small matter as Paul saith to be Judged by others whetheâ—â— have been faithful or no in what I have writ Yet I know not 〈◊〉 may lead as sober a Life as S. Crisp though I do not expect to be Justified or to have my Peace made or to get into the Love and Favour of God by these Good things wrought in me But believe they are the Fruits of that justifying Love and Favour of God to us through Faith in Christ without the Deeds of the Law So that if I be counted a Lier a Thief a Blasphemer a wicked Person not fit to be believed in Words or trusted in Actions it is I say a small matter it is no more than what was their Lot which went before And the Scripture hears Witness to it viz. That all manner of evil shall be spoken of the people of God falsly for Christ's Names sake The same that comforted Paul comforteth me 1 Cor. 4.3 4. in this Case Again I say it is a small matter to be Judged by W. Baily or 8. Crisp or by a Jury of eleven I call them a Jury because a Jury Judgeth according to their Evidence not knowing the Person that Committed the Fact And such were some of these Yet I do not know that I have acted any thing contrary to that which God hath given me in my inward parts And therefore as these things have been falsly declared concerning my Faith with what else soever I have only this to say as my desire The Lord lay it not to their Charge but forgive them and embrace then in the Arms of his Pitty and Compassion Even so be it Amen and Amen I have one thing or Question more to Answer if it be upon the hearts of any one to ask me Whether I was of the Quakers Faith and Principle or no Which I shall Answer by way of Querie and leave it to others to Judg. Though it 's possible my Adversaries may have five words for my one Yet in this I have rejoyced that in an hour when they came to try me my Faith did not fail me which is more to me than thousands of Words Though good Words are good in the place â—â—â—ther he be of the Quakers Way Faith and Principle who Believeth the Light in every Man which reproveth for sin is Jesus Christ the Saviour of 〈◊〉 World Then was I of their Way and Principle according to that I mentionâ—â— pag. 3. of my Book But do now say it is a rotten corrupt and â—â—â—ound thing or Principle as to the leading or guiding into the knowâ—â— of the Gospel or the way of Salvation that God hath appointed Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 it will be asked How can I prove it Answer By my own Experience I found it so as to my self Of which I could speak more but omit it at present And prove it to 〈◊〉 unsound thing I mean the Light within every Man to reveal 〈◊〉 Gospel Because it hath led these Men to say in pag. 29. which I 〈◊〉 before viz. That W. Haworth saith It was the Godhead by which 〈◊〉 Barbarous people saw the Vengeance when they apprehended Paul to be â—e a Murderer He saith I have contradicted my Companion 3. Pag. 5. Crisp saith The Latitude of my Canaan is to have none of these Burdens laid upon me which burdens he before reckoned up is not to Lie Steal c. Which Burdens he saith I have cast off And cautions Men how they believe me and trust me c. Notwithstanding I had said in pag. 19. It was the Duty of every Man to walk in the Commandements of God 4. The same Crisp saith It is my Judgment to believe that if I do Lie Steal c. or any such wicked thing I am not a whit the less approved of God Though I had declared my Judgment in my Book to the Contrary Now I would ask any one to give a Just reason why this pure an infallible an unerring Light may not as well lead aside into ways of Damnation as to prompt them into the misunderstanding of our words and the Declaration of our Faith I farther Querie Querie Whether this pure infallible unerring Light as they call it may not suffer a Man to rest in a Righteousness short of the Righteousness which is sufficient to compleat and perfect Man every way and to Justifie before God and to bring to everlasting Peace as it hath
within every Man which according to Far the younger forgives Sin J. C. page ibid. And if thou hadst understood what thou saidst immediately before concerning the Blood of Christ which thou callest Oyl poured into the gashes of Conscience thou wouldest not have spoken thus slightingly not Blasphemously of the Quakers Christ Answer Through Grace I understand what I say in that expression and have experienced it in mine own Soul I understand by the Blood of Christ all the Sufferings of Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah and the Merit Virtue and Value of them I do not with Quaker Penington understand the Heavenly Blood in opposition to that Blood of his Earthly Body that was shed Penington in his Questions page the 25th saith can outward Blood cleanse the Conscience in thy confession upon this Article I Question not but thou art of the same mind that the outward Blood and Sufferings of Christ are all of no value for the taking away of Guilt notwithstanding all thy glorying words there This Blood and Sufferings the value of them towards God for the expiation of the Guilt of Sin I apply to my own Soul that is guilty of the breach of the Law and have peace hereby Rom. 5. Being justified by Faith we have peace with God are Reconciled and so must needs have Peace of Conscience through Jesus Christ As for my speaking slightingly if not â—sphemously of the Quakers Christ I am throughly perswaded by my reading and converse without the least desire in my heart to wrong them Nay this last Testimony of Fox the younger is enough to convince thee if thou hast been deluded by them That the Light in every one is the Quakers Christ and that they believe there is no Manhood of Christ now but it vanished when Christ ascended and diffused it self into every one Now if thou art of the same mind but will not pull of the Monks hood Why should you charge me with Blasphemy for saying that the tasters of Christ's Grace cannot take up with this Christ is this the Sealed One Him that was ordained as Peter speaks set forth Rom. 3. to be a Propitiation the Head of the Church the High Priest at God's right hand the first-born of every Creature the brightness of his Fathers Glory the Eternal Word that was made Flesh the Seed of Abraham in which all the Nations of the Earth shall be Blessed that Lamb of God that took away the Sins of the World Judge of quick and dead the only Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords the Alpha and Omega all in all Therefore hear me John that it thou beleivest as these have expressed themselves I charge thee with the highest Blasphemies imaginable and if thou do it knowingly and wittingly such as never shall be forgiven if thou attribute any of these Titles to any thing that is in Man besides the very Person of Jesus Christ J. C. Page 8. Oh that the Gospel was studied by us and Preached by us more J. C. is very angry at these words and saith O vain Man dost thou think by the fleshly study and Preaching from the same to advance the true Christ Nay but Man and self instead of Christ and his Righteousness for the Gospel is a Mysterie and the Preaching of it Foolishness to all that Perish and the things of it are the heavenly things themselves searched 〈◊〉 only by the Spirit of God Therefore cease from thy own study and wait in the silence of all Flesh for the pouring out of the Spirit which can only open the Mysteries of Christ and his Righteousness and shew them unto thee Answ Had I said that with fleshly study and Preaching from the same we should advance the true Christ I had spoke like a vain Man but thou hast foysted that in apprehending that all the study and pains that we take in searching the Holy Scripture is fleshly and carnal and Mr. Faldo's Key will open this to us that all the enquiries after Knowledg is accounted by you but the Toyle Labour and Birth of the Flesh I perceive thou art not at all for searching into the Scriptures and comparing Spiritual things with Spiritual only for waiting upon the Light within you as your Teacher and Rule and Guide Couldest thou perswade all the Ministers to silence Thou and Fox might carry your Kingdom of Delusion the better The Gospel is a Mysterie thou sayest but John it is a Mysterie revealed it was hid in God and none knew it but himself If a Mysterie we had more need to Study and search out for it in the Scriptures The Angels stoop down to pry into this Mysterie and to learn it now revealed and yet thou wouldest not have us to study it O vain Man But what dost thou mean by the Gospel being a Mysterie Is it such a Mysterie as cannot be understood by Mans searching the Scriptures through the enlightnings of the Holy Spirit But the Key helps me again It is a Mysterie because it is only an Allegorie and J. C. thinks that Allegorism is only the true Preaching of it as once I heard thee make use of that passage spoke by the Angels to Mary viz He is not here he is risen intimating so much we are not to Look by Faith to his Death but to the Light Rising in our hearts Thus it is a Mysterie as in your sence That Preaching that thou mentionest from the Corinthians was the Preaching of Christ Crucified that was counted Foolishness looking for Life to come by the death of another Per mortem alterius stultum est sperare salutem Thus do the Jews Heathens Socinians Quakers What that death 1600 years since as far off thee as Jerusalem This is thy Language the Heavenly things themselves which thou mentionest are the things of the Gospel in Heb. 9.23 It 's true but I am jealous that thou meanest the Light within by these Heavenly things themselves whereas it is plainly in opposition to the Vessels Tabernacle c. under the Law that were sprinkled with Blood thou must understand either Christ himself who in Chap. 2. v. 10. was consecrated through sufferings or the Church and People of God who are the Heavenly Jerusalem or Heaven it self whereinto he is entred with his Blood The things of the Gospel are things searched out by the Spirit i. e. they are already searched out by the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.10 God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God Christ Crucified which he speaks of before the things of this Doctrine v. 16. but we have the mind of Christ they are revealed by the Apostles and by the Wisdom Judgment of Man enlightned by the same Spirit that gave them forth we may attain the Knowledge of them and not without but this Spirit thou speaks of is nothing but the Light that every Man hath according to the Quakers but withal we cannot be perswaded by thee to
Faith may not be found there v. 5. I see it Add to your Faith Vertue Now Faith always respects an Object without Christ's Person is the Object of Faith So now John it is right he is very blind that hath no Faith in Christ what is this to thy Business so the other that thou sayest those in whom Faith abounds upon this Righteousness will neither be barren nor unfruitful J. C. Par. ibid. What is this less than calling Christ Beelzebub and what followes but that be hath a Devil Answ Big words and a sore Charge which I would not be Guilty of for more than this World But what is the matter Why in that I say our Righteousness consists in those Vertues and Gifts that the Holy Spirit works in us First I call them Vertues and Gifts is there any hurt in that Secondly I say the Spirit is the Author of them God himself and he works them in the mind of Man through the Preaching of the Word Is this to call Christ Beelzebub to give him the Glory of his Works What then is the matter Because I cannot say that the Righteousness the Spirit works in us is the same but different from the Righteousness that was personally wrought out by Christ when here on Earth in that I think one far excels the other the sum is because I say that all the Righteousness the Quakers can attain to by attendance to the Light within will not justifie them without the personal Righteousness of Christ imputed which they despise J. C. Pag. ibid. And we express these outwardly in our Observation of the Moral Law in our walking among Men. So the worse people are and the Looser they walk the greater Right they have to the Righteousness of Christ and in a better Condition to receive it than those that in the sence of the evil of Sin turn from it because thou sayest this is properly 〈◊〉 own Righteousness which consists in those Gifts and Vertues that the Spirit of God works in our mind is not this Ranterism in the highest degree Answ If it be Ranterism it is thy own For thou addest many words there that are none of mine It is Knavery in thee to make such bad Inferences from the Doctrine of the Gospel it is like that in the Primitive time from Paul's Doctrine Shall we sin that Grace may abound Thou mayest find these words not far off viz. in my Epistle viz. the poor heavy laden Soul will thankfully receive this Righteousness the sick this Cordial the starved Prodigal this Bread How canst thou in Conscience go about to make the People Believe that we Preach in this wise That the worst people have a greater Right to Christ's Righteousness than those that have a sence of the Evil of Sin Dost thou not see thy nakedness Art not thou ashamed for this Guile Can any be heavy Laden Burdened sick Starved â—in a Spiritual Sence as I spake it and not have a sence of sin is this â—â—nterism now But let me add that the Right to this personal Righteousness ariseth not from any Righteous walking of ours but it is God's 〈◊〉 Gift he bestoweth it where he pleaseth There is no Righteous walking which thou supposeth here before we are in Christ and so have actual Right to this Righteousness But this I will heartily speak that there is more hope of so me of those vain wicked people to embrace this Righteousness of Christ and so to be saved than some reformed Quaker according to that in the Scripture Mat. 21.31 Publicans and 〈◊〉 go into the Kingdom of God sooner than you the Publican was justified when the Pharisee was rejected J. C. page ibid. For the moral Law Christ is so far from repealing 〈◊〉 that Matt. 5. he binds it faster and closer to his disciples for of old it 〈◊〉 said c. Answ What knowledg thou hast of the Law thou hast shewen before in saying Law and Gospel are both one Christ was so far from repealing it that he fulfilled it it is granted and he did fulfil it by keeping it 〈◊〉 I shewed in the Epistle and bearing the curse of it otherwise none 〈◊〉 have been saved but that he did bind the moral Law closer or faster 〈◊〉 his disciples is strange to say why Moses bound it for life did he not What did Christ bind it faster than Moses then it should be for more than life if they kept it then they incurred more than eternal death and condemnation if they broke it but when thou comest to this point Thou art wretchedly out John I challenge thee and all the Quakers in England to prove that Christ bound the Moral Law to any of his Disciples closer and faster than Moses to be kept for Life and Blessedness Nay John thou mayst see the end of Christ in expounding the Law so spiritually it was to take down that proud Pharisaical Spirit that is in thee and all Quakers and somthing of it in all Disciples and to convince them that they could not keep the Law and thereupon they might see a need of Forgiveness and Righteousness by another though thou hearest me say we are to express the Vertues outwardly in the observation of the Moral Law in our walkings among men what then By these deeds of this Law shall no flesh i. e. no man living Psal 143.2 none of the Sons of man be Justified J. C. pag. 13. But remarkable is that Mat. 7.13 14. where he Commands doing as he would be done by and calls it the strait gate Foreseeing that false Prophets would preach another broader way Answ Thy Exposition of Scripture is remarkable as will appear before we have done with this I charge thee with belying Christ in saying that he calls this Principle To do to others as we would be done by the straight Gate thy only argument that can be brought is this viz. That this sentence straight is the Gate doth immediately come after the other viz. to do as we would have others c. But now look into Luke 13.23 we must take all that the four Evangelists say to make up the compleat history There is the occasion of his speaking these words upon ones coming to him with this curious question viz. Lord are there few to be saved ver 24. strive to enter in at the straight gate This Passage of doing as we would be done by is omitted by Matthew So then there is not that coherence between the 12. and 13. verses as J. C. would make to be Christ had been speaking of several things of several Natures before and when he had done with one he begins with another distinct thing As in the Proverbs he that would make one verse there have connexion with the precedent verse in many places would make strange interpretation So here in this place now why should not we interpret one place by another Christ saith of himself I am the Door Joh. 10. By me if any Man enter he shall be
thee as to thy Wife and Estate to take them from thee What can be the tendency and import of this Phrase so frequently used in thy Book only that you think we have no Right or Claim to the Scriptures as our Rule or that you would if possible take them from us as the Pope from the People Your Rule we are sure they are not otherwise you walk not according to your Rule for ye practice not many things that Christ commanded in the Scriptures Baily It follows that the Faith that Justified them and their Salvation was without by a Righteousness or Person wholly without as ye do Reply I am not here concerned to Answer in that these are not my words nor the young Mans words my words were cited a little before in that same Page of thine line 4. the Reader may see them is this to do Justice Arguments of Baily to prove Man to be Justified by inherent Righteousness Answered B. PAg. 36. Did they not say their Faith wrought by Love Reply The Faith that receiveth Christ's Righteousness doth work by Love but as it works by Love in us it is not the Righteousness that Justifieth nor receiveth it any vertue or efficacy from this working by Love to Justifie us in the sight of God but still the Righteousness that Justifieth us is in the Person of Christ as its Subject Baily And purified their Hearts Acts 15.9 Reply There is a purifying the Heart in Sanctification and in Justification also and both are through Faith it is upon Faith we are Actually forgiven by the merits of Christ thus our hearts are cleansed from the guilt of sin and this is chiefly to be understood I apprehend in this Text. Again by Faith our Hearts are purified in that the New Creature begins in Faith upon our believing we are turned to God begin to Repent and be Holy but yet our Justification is not our Regeneration nor this purifying of the Heaâ—â— in our Sanctification the Righteousness whereby we are Justified B. And that the Righteousness of the Law was fulfilled in them who walk not after the Flesh Reply That Scripture Rom. 8. That the Righteousness of the Lâ—â— mighâ— be fulfilled in us cannot be meant that it should be fulfilled in our persons in that in v. 3. before he saith For what the Law could 〈◊〉 do in that it was weak through the Flesh Now if we could in our own persons fulfil the Law then might we be Justified by the deeds of it but in this v. 3. he had said the Law could not Justifie because it was weak through the Flesh i. e. since the fall none ever that was but meen Man could keep it so it was invalid to Justifie then it follows God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful Flesh c. That the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us By Christ coming in the Flesh and being a Sacrifice the Law was Answered in us he having our Nature and being our Head and Surety in our Room and the Law is not fulfilled by any other nor in any other way thou sayest in one place of thy Book that thou hast known the Scriptures from a Child O! that thou hadst but understood this one great place of Scripture thou wouldest never have turned Quaker B. And that the Anointing was in them and was their Teacher and that it was Truth and no Lie Reply May not this be true and yet the other Doctrine also The Spirit here spoke of is in all the Saints and is their Teacher what then did the Spirit therefore dye for the Church shed its Blood on the Cross was that made under the Law is there no distinction to be made betwixt Christ and the Spirit Is that which the Spirit works in the heart of a Saint that very self-same work and suffering and Obedience which Christ acted and sustained in Judea and at Jerusalem we are for inward Righteousness but this is not compleat enough to Justify us B. And was he not their Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption Reply In this Scripture these two viz. Righteousness and Sanctification are plainly distinguished which thou wouldst confound we have both from Christ and by him but they are not both one B. How their Salvation was wrought out with fear and trembling and â—…t it was God which wrought in them to will and to do of his own good â—…ure Reply As to the first of these we shall have an occasion to mention when we come to that part of the Book wherein he goeth about to prove all God's people to have been Quakers The other is true and 〈◊〉 own God's working in us both to will and to do every thing that 〈◊〉 good but yet neither our willing nor doing by his enabling of us is the Righteousness that Justifieth us in the light of God These are all thy Arguments to prove we are Justified by a Righteousness within not without how strong they be let the Reader Judg. After some Repetition of my words in the Epistle viz. Of Christ's being amongst us and that I said we eat his Flesh and drink his Blood that we have Christ both within and without c. Thou Paraphrasest thus B. Now if Jesus Christ dwelleth in you doth not the Saviour dwell in you and if you eat and drink his Flesh and Blood is it not then in you Reply The Saviour Christ is in us by his Spirit but yet neither is the whole person of Christ in us for he is Man as well as God this Union doth not confound our Person and his Person nor our Actions and his but they are distinct neither is this In-dwelling and Union the Righteousness that Justifieth us we eat and drink his Flesh and Blood by Faith so have the benefit of his Obedience Sufferings and Death the Spirit causing us to trust to the Merit of them as Sinners but yet the Flesh and Blood of Christ is not in us unless the Quakers will turn Carpocrations that asserted that they did really eat the substantial Bodily carnal Flesh and Blood of Christ or Papists that assert the very Flesh Blood and Bones of Christ are turned into the Bread or rather the Bread into the Body of Christ Yet the Quakers have asserted this that the Man Christ is within us meaning nothing but the Light within but of this before Thou intimates thus much here Baily that the Flesh and Blood of Christ is nothing else but the Light that is in every carnal wicked Man In the close of Pag. 36. B. Would not this be madness and folly for Paul to say I count all loss and dung that I may Win Christ and that I may be found in him not having those Gifts and Vertues which the Spirit of God worketh in me Reply I query and Answer plainly whether those Gifts and Vertues of the Spirit which he had within him were not his own Righteousness i. e. his own Faith Love Humilty and Prayers Tears Fastings
〈◊〉 killeth why then according to thy Divinity the Gospel killeth 〈◊〉 for they are both one in their Nature then the Gospel conâ—â—â—â—â— to Death What then is the Administration of Life and Spirit and Righteousness and hath more Glory in it that excelleth I suppose it is the Doctrine G. Fox hath brought out of the North-Country Gal. 5. the Law genders to Bondage so the Gospel for both are of one 〈◊〉 What makes free then What Truth is it As many as are of the works of the Law are under a Curse Gal. 3.10 how comes theâ— the Blessing For as many as are of Faith are but in the same 〈◊〉 for Law and Gospel are one The Law is called a Yoke in Acts 〈◊〉 That neither we nor our Fathers were able to bear why so is the Gospel for both are of one Nature The End of Preaching the Law and giving it upon Mount Sinai was to terrify afright trouble as all the people were exceedingly afraid The Law in Rom. 4.15 worketh Wâ—ath why so doth the Gospel and this is the End of Preaching it for they are both one in their Ends according to J. C. what Divinity 〈◊〉 is the Doctrine of Comfort J. C. The Law for the Conviction of sin and yet thou callest it Spiritual Answ Paul in Rom. 7. saith The Law is Spiritual i. e. requires that all the thoughts of Man and desires and Motions of the heart should be Holy and Spiritual continually therefore it is a fit instrument for the Spirit to make use of by enlightning the Soul in the Knowledge of it to convince not of outward gross evils only but of heart-pollutions and so he sees his spots in this Christal-Glass and cries out I am Câ—nal J. C. The Spirit is said to convince and reprove the unbelieving World John 16.8 Answ Ergo the Law Jude 15. He shall convince all that are ungodly of all their â—godly Deeds Answ This is the second Scripture thou producest to prove Law and Gospel all one now here is not one word of the Law Behold the Lord cometh with ten Thousands of his Holy ones which may be Angels as well as Elect Glorified Saints Is this Lord the Law Is it the Light within which thou wouldest have it interpreted of Is it not Christ Jesus that is so frequently called Lord in the New Testament Is not this Coming his second Coming to Judgment not an appearing of the Light only to Judg and Condemn Men in their Consciences It is the Lord Christ in person coming as Judg. Observe that all these that he will Judge spoke of here shall be condemned it is not a reproof in order to deliver and save It 's said to execute Judgment upon all i. e. upon all those false Teachers described in the foregoing verses that were such as denied Christ v. 4.18 They were Mockers 19. They were such as did separate from the Saints in order of the Gospel 19. They were such against whom the Saints were to contend for the Faith in a word They were of your Spirit and Principle and Doctrines herein is the difference yours is Rantism covered with Morality theirs was with open Face none of these were saved v. 4. Who were of all Ordained to this Condemnation therefore impertinently alledged by thee and prophanely wrested by thee to overturn the second Coming of the Lord whom he will judge when he cometh if you Repent not for all your hard Speeches against him which I have heard and read This Scripture is interpreted by another Mat. 16.27 For the Son of Man shall come is that the Light within in the Glory of his Father with his Angels what is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here one expounds the other what is Holy ones there is Angels here Again he rewards them every one according to his works J. C. pag. ibid. Ps 19.7 The Law is said to be perfect converting the Soul Answ This is the third place alledged to prove Law and Gospel one The Law is here taken for all the writings of the Scriptures will it follow that therefore it is so to be taken in all other places and that there is no distinction to be made Nay but therefore one part of the Doctrine contained in the Scriptures the Spirit makes use of for conviction and another for Conversion according to the Nature of the Doctrines The whole Nation is called properly the Land is therefore every piece of Ground in it good to bear Wheat because Ground or Land in general is J. C. So that Law and Spirit are frequently used as terms that signifie the same thing Answ It doth not appear by those Scriptures thou hast yet mentioned And I challenge thee to produce one Scripture where Law and Spirit are one the Gospel is called Spirit 2 Cor. 3. but the Law is called the Letter J. C. If thou knewest that Spirituality of the Law thou wouldest not 〈◊〉 about to divide them or quarrel with us about them Answ I have known the Spirituality of the Law convincing me of that to be evil which you say is not Sin viz. Evil thoughts arising in my heart though not consented to Yet I know how to distinguish between Law and Gospel it was the Doctrine of Righteousness by the Gospel that relieved me as it did Paul though he had a Body of sin working in him yet gives thanks to God through Christ in that there 〈◊〉 condemnation to them that were in Christ It is the Doctrine of the Gospel not Law taken strictly that declares non-imputation of Trespasses J. C. pag. ibid. But hence hath risen the mistake of many because they 〈◊〉 found several Names in Scripture therefore concluded they must needs intend several things while it is frequent in the Scripture to intend one and the same thing under several Names given them yet one in Nature and Being several Ministrations divers operations yet all by one and the same Spirit Answ I have before shown that Law and Gospel have diffâ— Ends and Natures not only several names therefore this of Father Son and Spirit is nothing to the purpose Father Son and 〈◊〉 are one in nature Thou speakest of several ministrations c. and yet all by one and the same Spirit Answ What then is therefore the Gift of Tongues and the gift of Fielding one and the same Gift is the Gift of Faith and Miracles all one 〈◊〉 might not the one be where the other was not as Christ to them who had cast out Devils said I know you not There is but one Soul in the body and all the actions are from that Soul therefore is my speaking and walking both one The Heaven and Earth from one Creator Sun and Moon are they therefore one J. C. pag. ibid. We know the Spirituality of the Law in the Apostles sense is the inward Conviction of the Spirit Answ This cannot be for the Law in its own nature is spiritual though none should be convinced
unskilful Pilot that undertakes to Steer the Ship and yet runs it upon Rocks and Quick sands So this teacheth the things contained in the Law and yet destroyeth the Gospel missing of the way of Obedience out of Love to God There is no Doctrine under Heaven begetteth this Love to God like the Doctrine of the forgiveness of all sin in the Blood of Jesus Christ But is there then a difference betwixt this Light in every Man reproving for sin and the Light of the Spirit in their Teachings and Operations Yea very much if I had Words to express my self though I am 〈◊〉 Condemned person by a Jury of eleven and though it be accounted 〈◊〉 Divination of my own Brain it matters not VVhat is the difference 1. The Light of the Spirit esteemeth reckoneth or prizeth the Personal-Obedience of Christ 1600. years ago viz. his keeping of the Law in every point He having fulfilled the Law in our Nature that knew no sin of his own as the only Righteousness by which we are justified before God Rom. 5.19 And makes the Soul gladly receive it and imbrace it in all humbleness of Spirit this Person and his Personal-Obedience as the greatest Treasure in Heaven and Earth and causeth the Soul in all thankfulness to walk in Obedience before and to the Lord. But the Common Light looks for a Righteousness within to be justifyed by the Righteousness in which Man liveth and consequently the Righteousness of the Law 2. The Spirit begetteth an esteem of the Sufferings of Christ the Sacrifice of his Body as the only means by which we are freed from the wrath of God due to our sins he being made a Curse for us Heb. 10.12 13 14. Isa 53.5 Gal. 3.13 But the Common-Light counteth it a Doctrine tending to Loosness as may be seen pag. 35. and 50. of the Book called Rebellion Rebuked And I my self did once so esteem it but now no such thing 3. The Spirit makes us esteem the Cross of Christ and the carrying forth the Person of Christ through it and the penalty of the Law and raising him to Life again and exalting him into Glory to be a Prince and a Saviour Acts 5.31 to be the Power of God to Salvation to as many as thankfully receive it and embrace it But the Common-Light esteemeth that power and dread in the Conscience which restraineth Man from sin binding Man to obey for Life and Salvation to be the power of God to Salvation And in many more things there is a difference in their teachings and directions Nay I scarce know one Gospel-Truth but this Common-Light contradicteth yet the Teachers of this Light come with the words of this Glorious Gospel So that word is true which hath comforted me many a time and may comfort others viz. If it were possible the very Elect should be deceived But notwithstanding all the subtilty of Satan it 's not possible But farther the Spirit causeth a higher Repentance than the Common-Light Such a Repentance such a Change in the Will that the Saints even loath their own Bodies they are as it were weary of them because of the Corruption that dwelleth in them though the power of it be broken that it doth not Rule and Reign over them Not because they would be justifyed by a Righteousness wherein they would live as Paul Witnesseth 1 Cor. 4.4 But that they might glorify God more in their Generation that they might be for the praise of his Name that hath redeemed them But the Common-Light worketh a Change in the Life and Conversation to merit Eternal Life by and to get into the Love and Favour of God So that there is not so clear a Love nor so free a Will to walk in the Commandements of the Lord as is in the Gospel-Repentance wrought by the Spirit As may plainly appear by what VVilliam Baily saith in the 35. pag. of his Book viz. If so be the Father hath poured out all his wrath upon his Son there is no need to fear miscarriages And again he saith If so the Devil may play what Cards he will Now whoever tasted of the Gospel that would make this use of it but did count it as their only happiness There is difference in the Motives and Arguments to move to a Holy Life between these two Lights My experience in this hath been as a second Pillar which the Lord hath made use of to uphold my Spirit for some time And comparing my experience with John 16.14 15. I have been relieved and perhaps it may be a relief to others if with me now they view the three Distinctions in those words v. 14. He shall Glorify me for he shall receive of mine and shew it unto you 1. I considered who that was that should be glorified Whom I conceive is Jesus born of the Virgin Mary the Mediator or middle-Person betwixt God and Man having the Nature of both that he might accomplish the work that he had to do and that he might hear and defend his people when they cry unto him seeing he was touched with the feeling of our Infirmities Heb. 4.15 But is now Exalted in the Heavens in that very Body which he took of the Virgin Acts 5.31 Heb. 4.14 This is he that was to be Glorified For he doth not point them unto that within him or within every Man but to his Person v. 16. speaking of his departing a little while after signifying his Death which filled them with sorrow 1. Who that was that should receive of his which is plain the Spirit of Truth the Comforter whom he said he would send v. 7. in his personal absence Whose office is to take of Christ's things and shew them to his people For though the Spirit be the same in Essence yet it hindereth not but they may be are two in Office and Personality The Spirit thus taketh of Christ's Righteousness Sufferings the Travel of his Soul to redeem his people and sheweth them unto his people The 3d. thing To whom these things were to be shewed They were the eleven chiefly there mentioned But surely as well to all his people in all Ages and Generations For none seeth them but by the Spirit as it pleaseth God to reveal them to us And this Spirit he giveth to all his people Now Jesus Christ being born of a Woman was made under the Law Gal. 4.4 who in all things did fulfil the Law in all respects and at all times in all cases and conditions So that he knew â—s sin neither was Guile found in his Mouth 2 Cor. 5.21 By which Obedience Righteousness and Holiness of Christ we are made Righteous Rom. 5.19 Therefore he is called by the Prophet The Lord our Righteousness Jer. 23.6 A Saviour and a Deliverer Now the Comforter taketh of these things and sheweth them unto us When we see our miserable and wretched Condition under the Wrath of God and our inability to keep the Law of God And this is the Language of
the Spirit to us viz. Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believeth Rom. 10.4 Now it is not the Office of the Spirit the Comforter much less of the Light within every Man which deserveth not the Name of the Comforter to work Righteousness in us to justifie us though it doth lead to Holiness Neither to bring us to fulfil the Law in our persons to be justified thereby before God 1 Cor. 4.4 Though I once was entangled with an opinion of this Nature viz. That it was Christ by the Spirit which wrought in me therefore it was not my Righteousness but his and this for Justification Jesus was put to death Crucified cut off not for himself he was an Offering for sin for ever Heb. 10.12 A sacrifice well pleasing to God And he rose again for our Justification Rom. 4.25 Signifying so much that he had satisfyed the Justice of God for the Sins of his people and could not be held of Death Now the Spirit taketh of these things when Man is as we have said before under the sence of the wrath of God and applyeth them unto his heart giving him Faith herein saying Christ was made a Curse for thee Gal. 3.13 i. e. in thy place room and stead He was in a bloody Agony he was forsaken of God and all for the sake of his people His Blood therefore cleanseth from all sin Now the Blood is not within us as the Quakers say Any Sacrifice any Crucifying withiâ— Man to purge to purify to make Reconciliation with God But the Spirit doth apply the Merit of the Sacrifice the Bloodshed of that Person Jesus Christ which was 1600. years since He it was not the Light within every Man that is often called the Redeemer in the Prophets And as Paul calls him from thence A Deliverer to come 〈◊〉 of Zion Rom. 11.26 when the time of his Birth drew nigh he was pointed at to be the Person Mat. 1.21 Luk. 1.31 32. to accomplish the Work This is said he gave his Life a Ransom for many Mat. 20.28 Now the Spirit as we said taketh of these things and applyeth them to his people and saith he hath not he will redeem but hath Redeemed us from the Curse of the Law Gal. 3.13 and hath made them Sons through Faith Gal. 4.6 though they had infirmities and had need of Reproofs and Exhortations to good works as may be seen in the Epistle he having obtained everlasting Redemption through the means of his Death entring into the Holy Place once with his own Blood Heb. 9.12 15. These things I say doth the Spirit Preach to the Souls of poor Men As an Ambassador receiveth of the King his mind and declareth it is a far Country so the Spirit receiveth of Christ's Love his Riches Care for his people and gives them to understand them for themselves for their own Comfort But to the last viz. He shall glorifie me So is it indeed the Spirit doth mightily exalt the Person of Christ it proclaims him to the Soul to be the fairest among ten thousand to be altogether Comely No deformity at all in him How excellently is he set forth in the Book of the Canticles And when the Spirit doth thus reveal Christ in his loveliness and Beauty they cry out O what a wretch was I that I should sin against so Gracious a God! That such as Jesus Christ must dâ— for my Salvation We that stood in the stouâ—ness of our Spirits and slighted and scorned to accept of his personal Obedience 1600. years since Now do melt in the remembrance of our hard hearts And thus is 〈◊〉 got likewise in the heart of Man a Love to live to the praise of the Name of Christ for ever because of a Rebel he hath made him a Son because he hath made Reconciliation by the Blood of his Cross from henceforth he would fear him and serve him as a Father that hath done so much for him that he cannot do so much for Christ never require or make amends So then you see it is not as the Quakers say Obey the Light within and submit to the power thereof that your peace may be made that ye may get into the Love and favour of God that you may be made the Sons of God by the Righteousness which the Light hath wrought in you according to that I have read that George Fox the younger hath writ These are his words viz. If ye would believe and wait in me or obey me the Light in you I will purge out all your iniquities and forgive all your Trespasses and I will change your Natures and make you New Creatures if you will hearken to me and obey me the Light in you Ye see the Motive of one and of the other Light to Obedience is different Again another difference is that the Light of the Spirit of Christ layeth a Man more humble and low in his own Soul than the Light the Quakers plead for It sheweth him that he hath nothing to boast or glory in but all is freely given him Nay if God should deal in Justice with him that he is a wicked person in that he hath sin dwelling in his flesh a corrupt nature if God should look upon him as in himself this might justly befal him to be condemned So that he cannot vaunt it over his Neighbour and say I am Righteous thou art Wicked I am good thou art evil I have done Righteousness thou hast done Wickedness and thou mayest be Righteous and hold on and do good if thou obey the Light in thy Conscience the voice of the Lord calling unto thee in the inward parts which thing the Quakers say by their Light and I have said it in heart many a time before the Lord humbled me to accept of the personal Righteousness of Christ for my Justification as I am a poor sinner Again there are things which the Light of the Spirit discerneth to be sin which the Light in every Man cannot discern to be sin As First to seek for and look for Justification Reconciliation Acceptance with God in with or by the Righteousness in which we live acted in our persons It seeth not this to be a Despising the Righteousness of Christ a corrupting the Gospel eclipsing the Glroy of Christ a contradicting God in his Way and appointment for the Salvation of poor sinners It seeth no evil in this which yet makes Christ of no Advantage not submitting to the Righteousness of God Yet I am not ignorant my Adversaries will say They are justified by the Righteousness of Christ and they do not despise the Gospel with many more good words as they have writ which would to God were true But I would here Answer a Question or two and then proceed If it should be in the mind of any to ask Quest What shall we do that we may attain to this Gospel-saving Spiritual Light Answ I know thou wilt count that which I am
about to Answer a notorious Lie except the Lord lead thee to experience it yet dare I speak it viz. That you must unlearn all that you have learned and pull down that fair building of Righteousness and deny that great progress you have as you think made towards Heaven by your doing that which is Good and abstaining from evil Which yet is of use in its place and to deny all that you think is of Christ in you the Light Life Peace within you it must all become as nothing in the point of Justification or to deserve or merit Salvation not that they should be left off in their place And notwithstanding all your Righteousness you must be sensible that you are miserable sinners and you must be as a Man that hath not a bit of Bread to eat nor a rag to cover his nakedness I have said before and say again I mean not that you should turn to a vain Life and Conversation Quest But if there be such a Low estate to come before we attain thâ— Saving-Light which way shall we come to it that we may have the other Answ Thou must not think that if thou art Righteous in thy own sight that thou art so in Gods also Neither if thy Conscience do not Condemn is it enough but apply thy self to the Glass of the Law for by the Law is the Knowledg of sin Rom. 3.20 Remember that God looketh not at the outward appearance but upon the heart 1 Sam. 16.7 and see if thou dost not break the Holy Law of God every day by thought word or deed If there be not wandring Thoughts arising in thee or some evil desires in thee some envy to thy Neighbour or some Covetous desire at some time or other Then remember He that offendeth in one point is guilty of all James 2.10 And if thou shouldst commit sin in ignorance thy ignorance will not excuse thee but thou standest guilty before God Luke 23.34 Neither yet say in thy heart though I do not keep it I shall come up to it in time and so rest here When-as thou knowest not but death may seize on thee the next hour Again forget not this that God requireth a continual keeping of his Law Gal. 3.10 Deut. 27.26 And much more might be said as to this Try now thy self by this written Law and see if thou dost not break it frequently and by all the power thou hast canst not keep it as thou oughtest This is the way for thee to see thy self poor and naked miserable and undone without the personal Righteousness of Christ to justify thee Obj. But you say If the Righteousness by which we are justifyed be wholly without and satisfaction made 1600 years ago for all sin the Deâ—â— may play what Cards he will there is no need to fear the loss of Salvation through Miscarriages pag. 35. Thus indeed did I think once as well as you as you may see pag. 16. of my Book Answ And as I said in that my Book in Answer so say I here again from my own experience Whoso counteth it a Doctrine tending to â—y Unrighteousness they never truly knew the want of a Saviour But this Objection is no new thing For after Paul had spoke of being made Righteous by the Obedience of one Rom. 5.19 in Chap. 6. v. 1. 〈◊〉 brings in this very Objection presently What shall we continue in sin 〈◊〉 Grace may abound he meeting with what was in their Spirits v. 2. 〈◊〉 forbid how shall we that are dead unto sin live any longer therein As if he had said is it possible can this be Will it not be abhorred If Christ dyed for the sins of his people that so many as believe on him are buried with him and as he had victory over Death so have they by Faith Will not this Influence their Spirits so as to live to the praise of his Glory What if they are delivered from the loss of Salvation which the Scriptures speak Isa 55.3 Acts 13.34 Jer. 31 3â— John 6.37 Psal 89.30 31 32 33. Doth it therefore follow that they should go on in wickedness and not love and fear God Though their Life and Salvation consists not in it or their Reconciliation or acceptance with God They ought to fear and love him but it is as a Father not as a Condemning Judg But as being taken into Everlasting Covenant with him as having the Inheritance sure to them and not for fear of losing it and being cast out If they transgress his will presumptuously he deals with them as a Father with Children in love Châ—stiseth them which way he pleaseth Heb. 12.5 6 7 8. Prov. 3.12 Now a Son loveth his Father because he is his Father So it is with the people of God yet the Relation of a Father and a Son standeth â—â—re So doth the relation of God and his people through Faith So that when they sin as we said he correcteth them because he loveth them and delighteth in them And how great a difference is there betwixt the Correction of a Father and the Sentence of a Judg But W. Baily Thou Objectest That was a needless Doctrine to bid his Disciples watch and Pray lest they entred into Temptation and of Peter who bid them Give all diligence to make their Calling and Election sure Mat. 26.41.2 Pet. 1.10 as in pag. 35. of thy Book Answ O no! Though the matter of Justification be sure on God's part viz. the Righteousness of Christ and the Merit of Christ his fulfilling the Law and being the end of it and this he doth manifest to his people by degrees working Faith in them Our State is sure and certain on Gods part His foundation is sure yet as to us it is brittle and very uncertain considered in our selves by reason of our Corruption that dwelleth in our Flesh and the many Enemies we have within and without carnal reason gets up and it contendeth in our Breasts saying what Foolishness is this to trust to the Righteousness of another What must ye not be Righteous in your selves and can ye be Righteous else and unbelief gets up and saith what will ye believe that the promises of God are true That ye are made Righteous by the Obedience of Christ That he for you hath overcome Sin Death and the Devil how can this be when sin dwelleth in your Flesh to this day and the Law cometh with its Threatning to bring trouble upon the Spirit The Devil accusing and stirring up the Enemies of the Gospel to lay false Notions and errors and stumbling-blocks in the way and the half of our selves Warring against the other The Flesh against the Spirit and so hinders the view and sight of the Gospel for a time and our Faith is very weak and low As I may say by experience How many dark and gloomy hours have I met with in my life-time What ups and downs What struglings in my Spirit very often sometimes tossed in my Spirit