abominable was the mention of the calling of the Gentiles to be the people of God And yet so great was the blindness of the Jewes in reading the Prophets the thing was frequently and plainly foretold by the Prophets Isa. 42. 1 4. Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment unto victory He shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgment in the earth and the yles shall wait for his law Mat. 12. 18 19 20 21. I will put my spirit upon him and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles and in his name shall the Gentiles trust Isai. 42. 6. I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee and give thee for a Covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles to open the blind eyes to bring out the Prisoners from the Prison and them that sit in darkness out of the Prison-house Isa. 49. 9. And he said It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the Tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou maist be my salvation unto the ends of the earth from which place Simeon seemes to have taken his expression Luke 2. 31 32. and is alleadged by Paul Acts 13. 47. to that end Isa. 55. 5. Behold thou shalt call a Nation that thou knowest not and Nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God and for the holy one of Israel for he hath glorified thee Isa. 60. 1 3. Arise be enlightned for the light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee And the Gentiles shall come to thy light and Kings to the brightness of thy rising Accordingly our Lord Christ doth often declare himself to be the light of the world not confining his appearing to the Jewes only but as the Sun of righteousuess he was to inlighten all Nations John 8. 12. Then 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 John 9. 5. As long as I am in the world I am in the light of the world John 12. 46. I am come a light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not walk in darkness Whereby the term world is meant specially the Gentiles as the Apostle useth it Rom. 11. 12. according to that speech of Christ John 12. 31 32. Now is the judgement of this world now shall the Prince of this world be cast out and I if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me Which thing our Lord Christ insinuated in the parables of the invitation of all sorts in the high wayes to the marriage of the Kings Son Mat. 22. 9 10. and to the great Supper Luke 14. 22. and the prodigall Son Luke 15. 32. and more plainly foretold John 10. 16. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold them also I must bring and they shall my voice and there shall be one flock and one Shepheard For though our Lord Christ Mat. 15. 24. saith I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel and commanded his twelve Apostles Mat. 10. 5 6. Go not into the way of the Gentiles and into any City of the Samaritans enter ye not but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel yet did he begin to Preach to Galilee of the Gentiles so that the people which sate in darkness saw great light and to them which sate in the Region and shadow â—f death light was sprung up Mat. 4. 5 16. and when the woman of Canaan pleaded for her self and her daughter that though she were a Dog yet the Dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from their Masters table Mat. 15. 27. Jesus answered and said unto her O woman great is thy faith be it unto thee even as thou wilt and our Lord Christ did Preach himself to be Christ to a woman of a City of Samaria called Sychar who was thereby brought to believe on him with many of that City John 4. 41. And after his resurrection he gave express commission to his Apostles to make Disciples of all Nations Mat. 28. 19. to go into all the world and to Preach the Gospell to every Creature Mark 16. 15. appointing all sorts of Disciples to be Baptized in all Nations according to which injunction they went forth and Preached every where the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signes following v. 20. And when Poter stuck at it to go to the Gentiles when Cornelius sent to him God resolves him by a vision and a charge of the spirit with the descent of the spirit upon them that he bad also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life Acts 11. 18. which thing he alleadged in the Councell at Jerusalem Acts 15. 7. when he said Men and Brethren ye know that a good while ago God made choice among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the Gospel and believe and God which knoweth the hearts bare them witness giving them the holy Ghost as he did unto us and put no difference between us and them purifying their hearts by faith To whom James assented adding v. 14 15 16 17. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his name and to this agree the words of the Prophets as it is written Amos 9. 11. After this I will returne and will build again the Tabernacle of David which is fallen down and I will build again the ruines thereof and will set it up that the residue of men might seek after the Lord and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called saith the Lord who doth all these things Which thing was also made known to Ananias concerning Paul when he was told that he was a chosen vessel unto him to bear his name before the Gentiles and Kings and the Children of Israel Acts 9. 15. and to Paul himself Acts 26. 17 18. I have appeared to thee and now send thee to the Gentiles to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan huto God Whence he took it that the Gospel of the uncircumcission was committed to him Gal. 3. 7. that he was a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity 1 Tim. 2. 7. which thing he counted his speciall priviledge Eph. 3. 8 9. Unto me who am less then the least of all Saints is this grace given that I should Preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the phrase in the text to enlighten all men or make all men see what is the fellowship of
that by a faithfull and carefull use of those natural abilities that light of reason conscience and understanding which every person of mankind under heaven receiveth from God he may and shall receive from him yet further that which shall be of saving import and consequence to him Not much short of these is that French divine of much note who maintains universal grace objective though not subjective that is though there be not such an universal working by illumination or other operation of the Spirit of God so sufficient or effectual as to beget saith in every one yet there is so much revealed to every man even those that have not heard of Christ as might if they would apprehend it beget faith in God to salvation Sect. 2. The Opinion of the Quakers concerning a Light within each man is inquired into Out of the Principles of these men whether instilled by Popish Emissaries which have crept into the English Armies and Churches or some other way that sort of people who now go under the name of Quakers from their usual quaking before they began to speak thereby deluding the people as if they waited for a Revelation from God though most of their speeches of all of them have been their usual invectives against Preachers and pressing men to follow the light within them these people I say have drawn their tenet of an universal light in every man that cometh into the world without Bibles Preachers Church-communion Christian Ordinances to know his duty so as that he may be perfect which is indeed the reviving of old Pelagianism or worse and tends to the making of Christian Religion if not all Religion whatsoever unnecessary Those who heretofore or at this day maintain this universal sufficient light besides these Quakers are many of them subtile disputants and do set down their opinion distinctly and argue for it acutely though they decline the expresse owning of Pelagius his grosser expressions and Puccius his natural faith and Hurberus his universal election But the Quakers as they are for the most part destitute of that art of reasoning so they decline all conference in which they may be pressed to state the point in difference distinctly and to deliver their proofs and answer objections but instead thereof by clamour and reproaches which please their silly followers they reject all motions tending to a fair debate of the point in controversie Being desirous to know what they held one of them brought to me James Nailors Book termed A salutation to the seed of God and Love to the Lost which being in many passages obscure I delivered to him that brought me the Book fifty five Queries to be answered by them yea or no as the person had required of me to answer his Queries The Answer though made by one formerly known to me as a person of some ingenuity and learning yet was framed otherwise then I required declining to answer affirmatively or negatively to the Question as by me propounded but shifting off a plain Answer and instead thereof venting personal invectives Yet to my third Question which was thus Do you believe that those men who were never taught the Doctrine of the Law or of the Gospel of Jesus Christ have commonly a light within each of them which may guide them to the true knowledge of God and his waies unto everlasting life Omitting his words of obloquy thus he answered The Law is spiritual and there is no Nation or people into which the sound of it hath not come and the Gentiles which had not the letter were a law to themselves shewing the effect of the Law written in their hearts And Christ is the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world with a spiritual light the one loves this light and brings his deeds to it and by this light is led from his evil deeds into the knowledge of God who is life eternal in Christ to know the other hates the light because his deeds are evil and loves darknesse rather then light and there is his condemnation And their sound who were Ministers of this truth went into all the earth and their words unto the ends of the world Rom. 10. 18. In which Answer there is not an expresse resolution of the Question but sundry shifts to avoid a plain Answer as 1. Whereas he asserts that the Law is spiritual Rom. 7. 14. which is the Law of the ten Commandements or the last Precept of the ten and the Apostle ver 9. saith I was alive without the Law once which intimates that he was once without the Law that is without the right knowledge and understanding of it And Rom. 2. 14. the Gentiles of whom my Question was are said twice not to have the Law yet this Answerer asserts There is no Nation or people into which the sound of it hath not come and to avoid the objection arising from the words useth this expression And the Gentiles which had not the letter whereas the words are expresse they having not the Law 2. He patcheth together different Scriptures Joh. 1. 9. Joh. 3. 19 20. as if the light communicated by Christ coming into the world were the same with that with which in his sense he lighteth every man that cometh into the world not heeding that if every man that cometh into the world had a light sufficient to guide him and that even the Gentiles of whom Paul saith Gal. 4. 8. that they knew not God had a spiritual light and that thereby some were led from their evil deeds into the knowledge of God who is life eternal in Christ to know then none were in darknesse contrary to Paul Ephes. 5. 8. none were without Christ or without God in the world contrary to Paul Ephes. 2. 12. then Christ need not come into the world to inlighten men nor sond Ministers of this truth into all the earth sith they had this light before Christ was come into the world to inlighten them with spiritual light and if Christ doth inlighten with this spiritual light every one that cometh into the world there are none but come to the light they having it within them and it doth reprove their deeds whether they will or no. But it is no marvell that men that boast so much of light within them shew so much darknesse of mind in their expressions it being true of them as Christ said of the Pharisees Joh. 9. 41. Because ye say We see therefore your sin or blindnesse remains However it may be hence gathered that this is their conceit That every man that cometh into the world even the Gentiles that had not the letter by which he meanes the holy Scriptures or Bible or any Preacher or Teacher to instruct them out of it yet had from Christ a spiritual light and that one loves this light and brings his deeds to it and by this light is led from his evil deeds into the knowledge of God who is life eternal in
from going into the pit and his life shall see the light Ver. 30. To bring back his soul from the pit to be enlightened with the light of the living Psal. 49. 19. The soul shall go to the generation of his fathers they shall never see light Psal. 13. 3. Lighten mine eyes lest I sleep the sleep of death Hence to sit in darknesse and in the shadow of death are conjoyned Mat. 4. 16. Luk. 1. 79. In respect therefore of life in Christ and communicated by him he is rightly termed the light Now that he hath life in himself at his disposal is affirmed by him Joh. 5. 21. As the Father raiseth the dead and quickneth so also the Son quickneth whom he will Ver. 26. For as the Father hath life in himself so hath he also given to the Son to have life in himself Joh. 14 6. Jesus saith to him I am the way and the truth and the life no man cometh to the Father but by me Joh. 11. 25. Jesus saith unto her I am the resurection and the life 1 Joh. 5. 11. And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life and this life is in his Son who is termed the Word of life 1 Joh. 1. 1. That eternal life which was with the Father and was manifest unto us Ver. 2. The Prince or Author of life Act 3. 15. The last Adam was made a quickning Spirit 1 Cor. 15. 45. which being spoken of the resurrection of the body it appears that he is the light in respect of natural life as well as spiritual at the first creation as well as at the future resurrection As it is certain that some sort of living creatures are produced by the Sun so it is certain that the Son of God is the Prince of life who hath life in himself and imparts it to other living beings and in this respect is justly termed the Light Sect. 4. Christ is Light as the Lord of glory 2. By Light is oft meant glory and majesty There is one glory of the Sun another of the Moon and another of the Stars for one Star differeth from another in glory that is light 1 Cor. 15. 41. The light which made the face of Moses shine Exod. 34. 29. is termed 2 Cor 3. 7. the glory of his countenance and the shining of Christ at his transfiguration Mat. 17. 2. is termed glory 2 Pet 1. 17. and thus Christ is Light that is full of glory and majesty the Lord of glory 1 Cor. 2. 8. Even on earth John saith Chap. 1. 14. And we beheld his glory the glory as of the only begotten of the Father And doubtless however in Christs outward shape there appeared no more then ordinary or rather less then ordinary splendour yet in his preaching there was such glory as made the people astonished for he taught them as one having authority Mar. 1. 22. In his Miracles there was glory so as that Vers. 27. they were all amazed insomuch that they questioned among themselves saying What thing is this What new doctrine is this For with authority he commandeth the unclean spirits and they do obey him And Joh. 2. 11. This beginning of Miracles did Jesus in Cana of Gaiilee and manifested forth his glory and his Disciples believed on him And Vers. 15. When he made a scourge of small cords he drove out the sellers of Oxen Sheep and Doves and changers of mony all out of the Temple and overthrew their tables and powred out their money and when Officers were sent to apprehend him they returned answer Joh. 7. 46. Never man spake like this man He commanded Lazarus to come forth out of the grave and he came forth Joh. 11. 43 44. He rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm Mat. 8. 26. These and many more things which appeared in him and were done by him manifested that he was indeed Light that is a person of splendour glory and Majesty notwithstanding his emptying himself in the forme of a servant Phil. 2. 7. Sect. 5. Christ is Light as cause of peace and joy 3. By Light is oft meant peace Isa. 45. 7. I form the light and create darkness is expressed in the next words I make peace and create evil Jer. 13. 16. While ye look for light that is peace In like manner Light is put for joy as Psal. 97. 11. Light is sown for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart Prov. 15. 30. The light of the eyes rejoyceth the heart Isa. 60. 20. The Lord shall be thine everlasting light and the dayes of thy mourning shall be ended Darkness takes away mirth but the appearing of the day brings joy The Sun is that which chears all things by its light and so doth Christ dispell storms makes peace and begets joy Whence he is stiled the Prince of peace Isa. 9. 6. our peace Eph. 2. 14. Peace I leave with you saith Christ my peace give I unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid Joh. 14. 27. These things have I spoken unto you that in me ye might have peace in the world ye shall have tribulation But be of good chear I have overcome the world Joh. 16. 33. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full 1 Joh. 1. 3 4. As from the Sun all the light serenity and sweetness of the air whereby the spirits of men are refreshed the members warmed the whole body cheared is derived so from Christ are all the pleasant apprehensions of peace with God all the joyfull tast of his favour all the quickening hopes of heaven which a Christian soul partakes of Sect. 6. Christ is Light in respect of his purity and wisdome 4. By Light is meant holiness purity or clearness Nothing more free from defilement then light all the jakes and dunghills and filthy lakes in the world cannot pollute the light of the Sun and therefore it is fit to resemble holiness And accordingly God is said to be Light 1 Joh. 1. 5. that is pure as it is said Chap 3. 3. And thus the Lord Christ is Light being annointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows as loving righteousness and hating iniquity Psal. 45. 7. Heb. 1. 9. He did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth 1 Pet. 2. 22. He could challenge his most prying adversaries Joh. 8. 46. Which of you convinceth me of sin 5. By Light is meant wisdome Light is a discovering quality Eph. 5. 13. All things that are discovered are made manifest by the light for whatsoever doth make manifest is light Light pierceth through the most narrow chinks into the lowest holes and so doth wisdome find out the most hidden things
through small hints Daniel is said to have light and understanding and wisdome found in him in that he was able to interpret dreams and shew hard sentences and dissolve doubts Dan. 5. 11 12. But beyond all the Lord Christ was light the Spirit of the Lord did rest upon him the Spirit of wisdome and understanding the Spirit of counsel and might the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord Isa. 11. 2. In him are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Col. 2. 3. No man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal him Mat. 11. 27. Jesus knew all men neither needed he that any should testifie of man for he knew what was in man Joh. 2. 24 25. He knew the thoughts of the Seribes Mat. 9. 4. He knew Judas would betray him afore Judas had conceived the treason Joh. 6. 70 71. He opened the secret counsels of God foretold the future troubles of the Jews persecutions of his Disciples his own death and resurrection the preaching of the Gospel and gathering of his Church over the world which are accomplished and the resurrection of the dead at his return to the final judgement which will be undoubtedly brought to pass in the day of the Lord So that of him it is true which we read Dan. 2. 22. He revealeth the deep and secret things he knoweth what is in the darkness and the light dwelleth with him Sect. 7. Christ is Light in respect of truth and grace 6. By Light is meant truth Isa. 8. 20. To the Law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them that is no truth in them or no comfort to them say others He that doth the truth saith Christ. cometh to the light Joh. 3. 21. Light and truth are either the same or very like and helpfull to each other Psal. 43. 3. Oh send out thy light and thy truth Now light well agrees to Christ under this notion sith he is the way the truth and the life Joh. 14. 6. All his words were words of truth his Gospel the Gospel of truth Jam. 1. 18. Col. 1. 5. If ye continue in my Word saith Christ Joh. 8. 31 32. then are ye my Disciples indeed And ye shall knew the truth and the truth shall make you free 7. By Light favour and grace and goodness and love are meant Numb 6. 35. Job 29. 3 Psal. 4. 7. Prov. 16. 15. In the light of the Kings countenance is life and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain Lightsomeness in the face is a sign of goodness and love in the heart as on the other side a lowring grim visage is a sign of a tyrannical and imperious spirit Light is the most diffusive and communicative of all qualities and so fitly resembles grace and love And so it is said of Christ Psal. 45. 2. Thou art fairer then the children of men Grace is powred into thy lips therefore God hath blessed thee for ever Cant. 5. 16. His mouth is most sweet yea he is altogether lovely 1 Pet. 2. 3. If ye have tasted how gracious the Lord is Luk. 4. 18. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath aneinted me to preach the Gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of fight to the blind to set at liberty them that are braised to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And the eyes of all them that were in the Synagegue were fastened on him And he began to say unto them This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears And all bare him witness and wondred at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth Vers. 22. All his words looks deeds except when he had to do with proud hypocrites and incurably wicked persons did evidence a dove-like spirit harmeless compassionate kinde patient full of love and goodness He went about like the Sun doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil Act. 10. 38. And therefore in this respect is to be termed the Light by excellency The Word dwelt among us full of grace and truth Of his fulness we have all received grace for grace Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ John 1. 14. 16 17. 2. This attribute of light is given to Christ both in respect of his divine nature in respect of which it is said Joh. 1. 4. In him was life and the life was the light of men and in respect of his humane concerning which it is said Joh. 9. 5. As long as I am in the world I am the light of the world Which I shall shew when I speak of his enlightening Sect. 8. The Application in a double Use to see the estate of men without Christ and to draw our eyes to him For present we may hence infer 1. That they who are unacquainted with Christ are in darkness Ye were once darkness saith the Apostle Eph. 5. 8. minding them of their estate antecedent to their being in Christ. A man without Christ preached and believed is like a person in darkness 1. He is in respect of his estate as a man in the dark in that he cannot discern his own condition how unclean he is what danger is near him what way to avoid it what help to use He that is out of Christ and sees not by his light discerns not the filth of sin nor the keeneness of Gods anger nor how to remove the one or to asswage the other 2. A man without the light of Christ doth neither know God truly nor his precepts or counsel and so knows not how to address himself to God nor how to observe Gods eye on him nor what gifts he tenders to him nor what directions he gives him 3. A man without Christ his light is like the Syrians who were led to Samaria when they imagined they were in Dothan It 's easie for Satan or any deceiver to lead them hell-ward when they pretend to direct them heaven-ward Any cheat any errour or delusion may be put on him that wants Christ to be his light 4. He that wants light from Christ is as he that walks in the dark one while he stumbles here another time he wanders there If he be in the way yet it is more then he knows and therefore is uncertain whether it be best to go forward or backward or stand still How full of uncertainty have been the most witty Philosophers the most skillfull Rabbins the most acute Papists in their way following their own reason or tradition of men How miserably do they stumble and fall and hurt their souls How sadly do they wander out of the way when they think they are in it 5. Want of light from Christ leaves men in fears and perplexities what shall befall them The light of Christ secures
most truly verified of Jesus Christ through whom we now worship the Father in spirit and truth Joh. 4. 23 24. and our spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God 1 Pet. 2. 5. Sect. 3. Other Lights are no Lights in comparison of Christ. 3. Christ is the true light comparatively as being the chief light in comparison of whom other lights are not to be so termed 'T is true John Baptist is said to be a burning and a shining light Joh. 5. 35. And the word of the Prophets is termed a light shining in a dark place 2 Pet. 1. 19. And Christ saith of his Apostles Mat. 5. 14. they were the light of the world Yet they were as no lights in comparison of Christ who was in the bosome of the Father and hath declared him Joh 1. 18. as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 one that himself saw him and who received not the Spirit by measure and therefore spake the words of God above others Joh. 3. 35. As in like manner we are lights who now preach the Gospel yet comparatively to the Apostles who could say That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes and our hands have felt of the words of life we declare unto you 1 Joh. 1. 1 3. we are but dark The Law was a light and the Commandement was a lamp Prov. 6. 23. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path saith the Psalmist Psal. 119. 105. Yet in comparison of the Gospel of Glory of Christ who is the Image of God 2 Cor. 4. 4. it is scarce to be termed light but as the Star-light is as no light when the Sun is risen so even that which was made glorious to wit the giving of the Law had no glory in this respect by reason of the glory that excelleth 2 Cor. 3. 10. That is in comparison of the Gospel which is as the day-star and Sun-rising 2 Pet. 1. 19. Sect. 4. Christ the Original Light 4. Christ is the true light as being the Original light from whom other delegated lights which are set up in Christs stead as it is 2 Cor. 5. 20. do borrow their light It is true the Father of our Lord Christ is termed the Father of lights Jam. 1. 17. And Christ is light of light light from the Father of lights yet all is so fully invested in Christ that he could say Joh. 16. 15. All things that the Father hath are mine And therefore he saith even of the holy Spirit himself whom he calls the Spirit of truth that he shall not speak of himself but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak Ver. 13. And he shall glorifie me for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you Ver. 14. And when the Prophets testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow it was the Spirit of Christ which was in them that did signifie them 1 Pet. 1. 11. And in like sort when the Apostles by their preaching were lights of the world yet they received from Christ that which they declared 1 Joh. 1. 2 3. And those Believers who were brought to the knowledge of Christ among the Corinthians 2 Cor. 3. 3. are said to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by the Apostles So that as the light of the Sun is the true light because it is the fountain of light the Moon and other Stars borrowing their light from it in like manner Christ is the true light as being he from whom the Prophets Apostles and holy Teachers derive their light which they impart to the world Sect. 5. Christ the perfect Light 4. Christ is the true light that is the most perfect light True is taken for that which is perfect which attains the end to which nothing is wanting requisite to the use of riches Luk. 16. 11. opposite to the Mammon of unrighteousnesse which is defective not sufficient to make a man happy Now Christ is the true or perfect light 1. Because he is the highest light the rising-Sun or day-spring from on high or the height to wit of Heaven Luk. 1. 78. A light placed on high and that riseth from Heaven is a greater light then a Beacon fired and a Beacon on a hill fired then a Bonfire in a low valley The Original of Christ being a light which came from God that was from above Joh. 8. 23. makes him the more conspicuous and greater light 2. The light which is universal is a more perfect light then that which is a light to one part onely as the Sun is the most perfect light because his going forth is from the end of the Heaven and his circuit to the end of it and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof Psal. 19. 6. Now Christ is the light of the world Joh. 8. 12. Not only the glory of the people of Israel but also a light to lighten the Gentiles Luk. 2. 32. Acts 13. 47. 3. That is the most perfect light which is without any mixture of darknesse Mow Christ is light and in him is no darknesse at all Lord said Peter Ioh. 21. 17. thou knowest all things Surely there was no errour in Chrlst which might darken his understanding or nescience which might disable him from inlightning those that sit in darknesse and guiding their feet into the way of peace Luk. 1. 79. which is the chief use of the heavenly light of Christ. 4. He is a perpetual light John was a light for a season Ioh. 5. 35. he was to decrease in his lustre and use when Christ was to increase Ioh. 3. 30. The Prophets and Apostles were lights in their time but they had on earth their eclipses the Prophets could not alwaies declare the mind of God Nathan 2 Sam. 7. 3. bid David do all that was in his heart and yet ver 4. that night he had a countermand Elisha said 2 Kings 4. 24. of the Shunamite her soul is vexed within her and the Lord hath hid it from me and hath not told me Prophetick light was not as the Schoolmen said truly in them in manner of a habit which might dispose them to reveal the mind of God at any time but holy men of God spake as they were carried or moved by the holy Ghost 2 Pet. 1. 21. And the Apostles did not alwaies speak by the Spirit Peter was to be blamed when he compelled the Gentiles to live as do the Jews Gal. 2. 11 14. to him whom Christ said Mat. 16. 18. Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church he after said ver 23. Get thee behind me Satan thou art an offence unto me for thou savourest not the things that be of God but those that be of men But it was otherwise with Christ his knowledge was habitual alwaies ready in every thing he was to speak to never deficient he needed not that any should testifie of man Ioh. 2. 25. He spake what he had seen
not Christ did in his Name cast out Devils Luk. 10. 49 50. And by this he refuted Luk. 11. 19. the Pharisees who imputed his casting out Devils to an assistance of the Prince of the Devils 2. By the concomitants and consequents of his lifting up which was his death on the crosse Joh. 11. 32 33. For 1. The prediction of it with the fulfilling thereof shewed he spake from God whose property it is to foretell future contingents as certain 2. The things themselves proved him to come from God 1. The wonderfull accidents that hapned at his death Mat. 27. 54. the renting of the Vcil of the Temple and of the rocks and the quaking of the earth and opening of the graves made the Centurion and his Souldiers say Truly this was the Son of God 2. His Resurrection not withstanding all the obstruction used by Pilate and the Jews with the rising of many bodies of the Saints which slept and appeared to many in Jerusalem manifest by the many and undoubted signs thereof to many persons many times proves his descent from God 3. The giving of the Spirit on the great day of Pentecost in the sight of Proselytes from all Countries which was also done by Apostles in other places together with many Miracles in his Name proved that he taught the truth he received from the Father 4. The dispossessing of Satan of his Empire in the worship of Idols and the giving of Oracles as from them and the drawing of the Gentiles to him as he foretold Joh. 12. 31 32. in which was part of the great mystery of Godlinesse 1 Tim. 3 16. which we at this day see accomplished together with many other Prophecies of the destruction of Jerusalem its treading down of the Gentiles the Preaching of the Gospel over all the world the calamities of the Jews the persecution of the Christians with other things Matth. 24. Luk. 21. and elsewhere abundantly demonstrate that he was the true light which came down from Heaven in respect of the Doctrine he taught and words he spake His words also appear to be the true light from the matter of them and the ends whereunto they tend and the effects of them For 1. The matter of them is pure like God containing holy Precepts not amorous Poems or sophistical quirks of wit or curious devices of art or cunning maxims of State policy or glorious atchievements of war or any thing that tends to exalt man but such Precepts and Revelations as make man spiritual heavenly wise like unto God There is nothing vain and fabulous like to the frothy wit of men nor deceitfull like to the wily old Serpent but solid and weighty concerning peace with God conversion unto him denying our selves taking up our Crosse following of Christ in patience contentednesse meeknesse humility and such like things as shew faith in God and hope of a reward in Heaven all plain without flattery of men to induce them to follow him in hopes of earthly preferment and worldly wealth or pleasure or praise of men but the clean contrary yet are they such things as when declared appear so necessary for sinners so full of goodnesse and congruity to Prophetical Predictions that the conscience of men not listed up with pharisaical concei's of self-righteousnesse nor obstinately addicted to their own lusts will assent to and embrace them 2. The ends of them and the effects are the salvation of man and the glory of God All that Christ spake it was to comfort the humble and afflicted soul Luk. 4. 18. to ease the burthened Matth. 11. 28. to direct them to God to reform the evils in Gods worship to take men off from covetousnesse hypocrisie and such evils as are pernicious to believe in God to love each other to lay up our treasure in Heaven not to be excessively carefull for the things of this life with whatever else might bring men nigh to God and alienate them from this present evil world And accordingly so were and are the effects regeneration or new birth rejoycing in God mortification of the deeds of the body comfort in tribulation a life of faith love to the Brethren in Christ and everlasting consolation and good hope through grace All which with inumerable other Characters and Symptomes of Christs Doctrine and Testimony do shew that he was the true light and that what he spake to Pilate Joh. 18. 37. was right To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world that I should bear witnesse unto the truth every one that is of the truth heareth my voice Lastly That in respect of his sincerity or moral truth he was the true light it is manifest in that as he said to the Jews he sought not his own will but the will of the Father which sent him Joh 5. 30. That he sought not his own glory Joh. 8. 50. Which appears in that he sometimes forbad the spreading of his fame withdrew himself when they would have made him King Joh. 6. 15. was content to be deprived of ordinary conveniencies Luk. 9. 58. In a word made himself of no reputation or emptied himself and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likenesse of men and being in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even to the death of the crosse Phil. 2. 7 8. that he might give Testimony to the truth Sect. 8. Application by way of Vindication of our selves from the Accusation of Quakers as if we denied the Light John 1. 9. and warning to shun false Lights From that which hath been said 1. It may appear that those who go under the name of Quakers do unjustly accuse publique Preachers as if they did deny the true light which inlighteneth every man that cometh into the world that they deny Christ the light for so in their speeches and books they do frequently charge them None that I have seen is more profuse and frequent in these charges then G. F. that is George Fox in his Catechism who saith p. 7 Toat neither the Jews nor Christians do believe in the light which doth inlighten every man that cometh into the world though they professe some of Christs and the Apostles words which the Jews do not P. 9. he saith Teachers by the will of man meaning publique Preachers in England and Professors say that Christ doth not inlighten every one that cometh into the world and they deny Christ. P. 13. That none can confesse Christ but who confesse the light which every man is inlightened withall But frequently in the same paper he terms such as acknowledge not the light which he imagins every one hath Antichrists Deceivers not Teachers of Christ but deniers of him p. 15. But this crimination is but the raving of men that are used to make clamours and outcries without any proof Though the text plainly enough distinguisheth the light inlightening and the light in every man from that true
light inlightning yet they do not or will not understand this difference but confound the light inlightning which is indeed Christ with the light within each man which they term Christ and therefore make them that deny the light within to be deniers of Christ as if a man must deny the Sun to be light who doth deny the light to be in blind Bartimaeus his eyes And yet we do not deny the light which is in every man that cometh into the world only we deny the sufficiency of it self without Scripture preaching and learning to bring us to God and to direct us in his worship and to make known Christ to us and the way of reconciliation and salvation by him Again because we call the Scriptures a light and the Preachers lights therefore they exclaim against us as if we denied Christ the light and the light within Whereas there is no repugnancy between these Christ is the chiefest and highest light and yet the Law of God the Scriptures the Apostles are lights of the world Would any man in his wits reason thus The Sun is the great light in the Heavens and the Sun inlightens the eyes therefore he that calls the Moon a light or a torch or candle a light denies the Sun to be the light that inlightens all the world and the light that is in mens eyes Sure these men while they thus I cannot say argue but clamour give occasion to sober men to question whether they be not of those that come into world without light that have no light in them sith they cannot discern the want of reason in these sottish speeches more suitable to idiots and children then to men of ripe age But I rather choose to pray God to give them light then to upbraid them with their darknesse and to acquit our selves from their charge rather then discover their folly 2. However it is necessary that we be all warned to avoid false lights and to make use of Christ the true light There is much affectation and pretence of new light in these our daies Nor is it to be denied but that through the blessing of God much light either new or newly appearing hath shined forth sundry points in Divinity sundry texts of holy Scripture have been lately more cleared then they were in former daies Neverthelesse it is to be heeded that under pretence of new light many vain fancies are vented and received and that Satan hath prevailed with many to put darknesse for light and light for darknesse Of these none have more manifestly denied Christ then those that make a Christ within them the true light and while they except against the light of the Scriptures and the Word preached under pretence of Christ being the Word they put darknesse for light in that they make the natural light in each man which is but darknesse in spirituals as if it were to be heeded as mens rule in all sorts of duties and knowledge of the things of God Doubtlesse such men do really deny Christ who deny the words of Christ to be their Rule He that rejecteth ms and receiveth not my words hath one that judgeth him saith Christ John 12. 48. And where to find Christs words if not in Scripture I know not which while men leave and deny to be the Gospel but direct men to the light within them and call that the Gospel they do plainly reject Christ the light and follow the false light of mens vain imaginations nor can it be expected but that they should walk in darkness and stumble and fall to their destruction Be perswaded therefore as you desire your safety to make use of Christ the true light indeed not in that sense in which Fanaticks call Christ the light in them which is not the true Christ or true light who is in heaven but shines forth in the Scriptures and the explaining and preaching the doctrine which is contained in them but a meer phantasme or foolish fire which serves not to guide but to delude men The same is to be said of them that follow Ecclesiastick traditions unwritten Popes determinations Prelates and Councils Canons Fathers sayings as their light Concerning all whom it is true that there is no light in them that they are not derived from Christ the true light except they agree with the words of Christ in the holy Scripture whereby the true light doth enlighten as is to be shewed in the next point to whch I proceed Christ the Enligtening Light SERM. III. Joh. 1. 9. That was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world Sect. 1. Christ enlightens all things with their natural light as Creatour THe next point is that Christ Jesus is the enlightening light The day-spring from on high saith Zacharias Luk. 1. 79. hath visited us to give light to them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death Luk. 2. 32. Simeon terms him a light to lighten the Gentiles For explication of which it will be requisite that I shew 1. With what light Christ doth enlighten 2. Whence it is 3. By what meanes he doth enlighten 4. Why he doth enlighten 1. The light with which Christ doth enlighten is manifold 1. There is a bodily light in inanimate bodies such as are the Sun and Moon and Stars of which Moses saith Gen. 1. 16. And God made two great lights the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night he made the Stars also And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth and to rule over the day and over the night and to divide the light from the darkness And it is said Psal. 33. 6. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth 2. There is a natural light of creatures which have sight to discern what is convenient for them and accordingly do move towards that which agrees with their nature or remove from that which they discern inconvenient to them Of the light or life of these beings it is to be conceived that the word which was in the beginning with God was the cause according to that of the Evangelist Joh. 1. 3. All things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made 3. There is a rational light of men whereby they are able to judge of what in duty they do or omit and have a conscience or privity to their own actions as either right or wrong And of this also Christ is the efficient as the words following Joh. 1. 4. import In him was life and the life was the light of men All these sorts of light the word enlightens with as Creatour it being said of him That by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth visible and invisible whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers all things were created by him and
work self-denial heavenlynesse faith hope in God and whatever else is amiable and imitable He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil Act. 10 33. He did no sinne neither was guile found in his mouth when he was reviled he reviled not again when he suffered he threatned not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously 1 Per. 2. 22 23. The real of Gods house did eat him up Joh. 2. 17. It was his meat do do the will of him that sent him and to finish his work Joh. 4. 34. He was the good Shepherd that laid down his life for his Sheep Joh. 10. 11. Having loved his own which were in the world he loved them to the end Joh. 13. 1. Though he were their Lord and Master yet he washed his Disciples feet ver 23. 24. Though he was rich yet for our sakes he became poor that we through his poverty might be rich 2 Cor. 8. 9. Being in the form of God he made himself of no reputation but took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likenesse of men and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient unto death even the death of the crosse Phil. 2. 6 7 8. He pleased not himself but as it is written the reproaches of them that reproached God fell on him Rom. 15. 3. The Son of man came not to be ministred to but to minister and to give his life a ransome for many Mat. 20. 28. In all these things and in all other his words and deeds he did shine forth so clearly that even his enemies could not but acknowledge him to have been a holy and just person even before Pontius Pilate he witnessed so good a confession 1 Tim. 6. 13. that Pilate who condemned him yet acquitted him from fault and the malefactor that suffered with him testified that he had done nothing amisse Luk. 23. 4 14 41. 3. Christ did inlighten now in this time as the expression is Mark 10. 38. after his resurrection untill the day in which he was taken up by giving Commandments through the Holy Ghost unto the Apostles whom he had chosen to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs being seen of them fourty daies and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God Act. 1. 2 3. 2. After his departure out of the world into Heaven he was and is an inlightening light now in this time mediately 1. By sending of the Holy Spirit whom he promised to send to the Apostles from the Father even the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father and that he should testifie of him Joh. 15. 26. And guide them into all truth that he should not speak of himself but whatsoever he should hear that he should speak and would shew them things to come he should glorifie Christ for he should receive of his and should shew it to the Apostles that all that the Father had were his and therefore he said he should take of his and shew it to them Joh. 16. 13 14 15. Which was accordingly accomplished when the holy Spirit was given to them and those Prophets and other Teachers whom Christ gave to his Church were endued with the Holy Ghost after his ascension To whom and to the rest of Believers the holy Spirit is given as the earnest of their Inheritance and thereby the eyes of their understanning are inlightened that they may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his Inheritance in the Saints Eph. 1. 14 18. Who receive not the spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God that they might know the things which are freely given them of God 1 Cor. 2. 12. Because they are Sons God sends forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts crying Abba Father Gal. 4. 6. 2. By the sending of Apostles and other Teachers into all Nations of whom in that respect he said Mat. 5. 14 15. Ye are the light of the world A City that is set on an hill cannot be hid Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but on a candlestick and it giveth light to all that are in the house Ephes. 3. 8 9. Paul saith of himself To me is this grace given to inlighten all men as the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies being the same which is used Joh. 1. 9. And indeed Christ when he ascended up on high led captivity captive and gave gifts to men some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastours and Teachers Eph. 4. 8 11. who were Angels of light and being placed on high hills in great Cities and on Candlesticks in many Churches were eminent lights in the world So that was said of the Heavens Psal. 19. 4. was verified of them Their sound went into all the earth and their words unto the ends of the world Rom. 10. 18. By which light the unfruitfull works of darknesse to wit the wâ—les of the powers of darknesse in their Idolatries and other wickednesse was discovered and innumerable souls brought out of the power of darknesse into the Kingdom of the Son of God From whose light succeeding Teachers by preaching the Gospel and baptizing Believers which the Ancients called inlightening many millions of people through the Romane Empire and other parts of the earth became Christians and were added to the Children of light and these Teachers are termed Starres in Christs right hand Rev. 1. 20. Lastly In the world to come as the phrase of Christ is Mark 10. 30. As the lightening that lighteneth out of the one part under Heaven shineth unto the other part under Heaven so shall also the Son of man be in his day Luk. 17. 24. Then shall he put on his glorious apparel and deck himself with light as a garment and being attended with all the Angels of light shall come in the glory of his Father and raise up the bodies of all the Children of light and bring them to the light so as that those eyes which were boared out for acknowledging him shall see him riding on the clouds of heaven triumphantly and they themselves shine as the Sun in the Kingdom of the Father And then he shall be our noon-light we shall know as we are known 1 Cor. 13. 12. Sect. 7. Christ inlightens by reason of his own lustre and his Fathers design to to shew him to the world The Reasons why Christ is thus an inlightening light are 1. From his own property he being light of himself is as all light is apt to communicate his light to the world As the property of the fire is to burn and the property of water to moysten so it is the property of light to shine forth Nothing is more diffusive of it self and apt to shew it self to others then light Darknesse hides things but light makes them appear As the Prince of
Mar. 7. 21. makes evil reasonings thoughts and folly to come from within out of the heart of man he surely makes mens hearts void of light till they be enlightened with his light And when James Chap. 1. 14 15. makes every mans sin the issue of his own lust as every good gift from the Father of lights who of his own will begets us again with the word of truth Jam. 1. 17 18. he intimates there 's not light in us to avoid sin till the Father of lights begets us again with the word of truth Sect. 4. Vacuity of light without Christ enlightening is proved from Gen. 6. 5. 8. 21. Job 14. 4. 15. 14. 25. 4 5 6. 11 12. Psal. 51. 5. Jer. 10. 14. 17. 9. and experience To these Texts in the new Testament I shall adde more out of the old As first the words Gen. 6. 5. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination or the whole imagination or frame of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually or every day which speech is with little alteration repeated Gen. 8. 21. the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth which speech is not a censure only of the Giants that werein the old world but of all men even from the youth of man without any exception of any and therefore is from their generation Nor is it to be conceived to be an excess of speech expressing more then was true for Gen. 6. 5. it is given as a reason of the great wickedness of man and Gods intended severe punishment and set down as the object of Gods view on his inquisition in the later to set out the greatness of his patience by the greatness of mans sinfulness to which ends those speeches had been impertinent if they were understood as expressing more then was true For then they had not expressed a true inquisition or a just reason of a severe judgement which is alwayes to be expressed as befits a Judge whose judgement is according to naked truth Rom. 2. 2. not with Rhetorical amplifications after the manner of Oratours or a right reason of Gods patience if the provocation were not as great as the words intimate Now this being supposed true we may hence argue thus If every imagination or the whole imagination or frame of the thoughts of mans heart be only evil continually or every day from his youth or childehood then every man till he be enlightened by Christ wants light to guide him in the knowledge of his duty and the way of salvation for if the thoughts be not right the actions are not right nor the light sufficient if men stumble and fall it is an argument they want light but such is the imagination of mans heart as the Texts do express Therefore every man that cometh into the world wants light to rectifie his thoughts about the things of God And that this pravity of mens imaginations is an hereditary and not meerly voluntary or an acquired disease by use custome or imitation the speech of Job doth intimate Job 14. 4. where to deprecate Gods bringing him into judgement with him in a bemoaning plight he thus speaketh Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean not one Wherein Job expresseth that it is no marvel that all mens lives are so short and so full of trouble because all being unclean naturally none by natural generation can beget a clean childe And if all are unclean morally as they come into the world then all are void of light for that 's a chief part of moral uncleanness till Christ enlighten them The same is confirmed by other passages in the Book of Job as Chap. 15. 14. What is man that he should be clean and he which is born of a woman that he should be righteous Job 25. 4 5 6. How can he be clean that is born of a woman Iob 11. 12. Vain man would be wise though man be born like a wild Asses colt Which speeches do plainly assert mans uncleanness and unrighteousness and ignorance as he is born into the world by natural generation To which may be adjoyned that speech of David concerning himself Psal. 51. 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me which is not likely to be meant of any special sin of his mother of whom no such thing is related nor is it likely that he would mention it to her reproach nor would it be pertinent to his confession of his own sin nor is likely to be an Hyperbole or excess of speech as Psal. 58. 3. Joh. 9. 34. For those Hyperbolical expressions are descriptions of a man notoriously and openly ungodly in the course of his life whereas David however he sinned in the matter of Urijah yet in respect of the constant course of his life was a man after Gods own heart and therefore it seemes to me to note his original corruption by natural conception as the cause of his great enormity in the matter of Urijah and to aggravate his sin as springing from himself Now of such corruption want of light to guide us in our way to happiness is a chief part That which the Prophet Jeremiah speaks Jer. 10. 14. Every man is brutish in his knowledge and Jer. 17. 9. The heart is deceitfull above all things and desperately wicked or incurably sick who can know it do express such a destitution of light truth and rectitude as shew that the heart of man is very evil Which being spoken of men universally as they are unchanged can be well imputed to no other reason or cause then the derivation of sinfull corruption to all mankinde by natural generation To all which allegations from Scripture experience addes abundant confirmation sith the ignorance unteachableness frowardness untractableness of persons especially in duties of Religion and the worship of God untill by Catechizing Preaching Discipline Government and other meanes whereby the wildeness of mens spirits is tamed they be brought to some sense and conformity to their duty And even then when by such meanes the hearts and lives of men are somewhat fashioned yet upon every new provocation of fear or hope they quickly draw back from any good course and embrace any errour unless by the Ministery of the word help of Government and work of Gods Spirit they be strengthened do fully shew that of themselves persons want light to guide them and power to uphold themselves in any thing that is good but on the contrary are prone to receive impressions and ro hatch devices of sin and errour till Christ do enlighten them Sect. 5. Every man needs enlightening by Christ by reason of the many evils consequent on sin As for the second reason of mans needing light from Christ by reason of the evils consequent on our natural darkness which are not to be removed but by Christs enlightening it is in like manner manifest by
have access to God must be thus transformed renewed put off the old man as the Texts shew Therefore they have not a light within them as a safe sufficient guide to lead them to God 9. Arg. From Psal. 81. 11 12. But my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me so I gave them up to their own hearts lust and they walked in their own counsels Act. 14. 16. Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own wayes Whence I argue That light in man cannot be a safe sufficient guide to a man in his way to God to which the leaving a person by God is reckoned as the greatest curse and judgement for refusing to hearken to God but to leave a person to his own imagination lust to walk in his own counsel in his own way which is all one as to leave him to the light within him is reckoned as the greatest curse and judgement to a man from God for refusing to hearken to Gods voice as the Texts shew Therefore the light within each person is of it self no safe guide The Quakers prescribe to men that as their rule which God counts their curse 10. Arg. From Rom. 16. 25 26. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began but now is made manifest and by the Scriptures of the Prophets according to the Commandment of the everlasting God made known to all nations for the obedience of faith 1 Cor. 2. 7 8 9. But we speak the wisedome of God in a mystery even the hidden wisedome which God ordained before the world to our glory which none of the Princes of the world knew but as it is written 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 Eph. 3. 9. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God Col. 1. 25 25. Whereof I am made a Minister according to the dispensation of God to fulfill the word of God even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his Saints 2 Tim. 1. 9. The purpose and grace of God is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath brought immortality and life to light by the Gospel Whence I argue They had not a light in them as a sufficient safe guide to God from whom the mystery was hid which concerned the grace and purpose of God into whose heart the things which God had prepared for them that love him entered not to whom life and immortality was not brought to light But from the Gentiles the mystery of God was hid life and immortallity was not brought to light nor did the things God had prepared for them that love him enter into their hearts Therefore they had not a light within them as a sufficient guide to God 11. Arg. From 1 Cor. 2. 11. For what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of a man which is in him Even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God Rom. 8. 9. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ the same is none of his Jude 19. Having not the Spirit Joh. 14. 17. The Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive Whence I argue They have not light within them sufficient to guide them to God who have not the Spirit of God because they cannot know the things of God without the Spirit But every man hath not the Spirit of God Therefore every man hath not a light within sufficient to guide him to God 12. Arg. From Mat. 11. 27. All things are delivered unto me of my Father and no man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal him Joh. 14. 6. Jesus saith unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me Whence I argue They had not a light within them to guide them to God to whom the Son did not reveal the Father who did not go by the Son as the way to the Father But the Son did not reveal the Father to every man nor did every man come to Christ Joh. 1. 5. 10. 12. 38. 5. 40. 43. Therefore every man had not a light within him sufficient to guide him to God 13. Arg. From Mat. 11. 25 26. 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 even so Father for so it seemed good in thy sight Mat. 13. 11. It is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdome of heaven but to them it is not given Whence I argue If God hide the things of God which concern the knowledge of himself from some and reveal them to others if to some be given to know the mysteries of the kingdome of heaven not to others then every man hath not a light within him as a sufficient guide to direct him to God But the antecedent is true as the Texts shew and the consequence is evident of it self Therefore the consequent is also true 14. Arg. From those Texts which speak of Christ as a light come into the world Joh. 12. 46. I am come a light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness Joh. 8. 12. Then Jesus spake again to 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 Joh. 9. 5. As long as I am in the world I am the light of the world Joh. 3. 19. And this is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men loved darkness rather then light because their deeds were evil Luk. 1. 78. Through the tender mercy of our God whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death Luk. 2. 32. A light to lighten the Gentiles which would have been needless if every man had a light within him befoâ—e Christ his coming into the world sufficient to guide him in the way to God Yea the Text supposeth persons in darkness before to sit in darkness and in the shadow of death and to have need of another light without them to guide their feet into the way of peace and that the Gentiles were without light Whence I argue That opinion which makes the coming of Christ into the world to be the light of the world needless is an errour But the opinion of the Quakers concerning a light
himself not imputing their trespasses unto them Vers. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Heb. 2. 17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a mercifull and faithfull high Priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people Isa. 53. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions he was bruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed 1 Pet. 2. 24. who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we being dead unto sins should live unto righteousness by whose stripes ye were healed Col. 1. 19 20. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell and having made peace through the Blood of his Cross by him to reconcile all things to himself by him I say whether they be things in Earth or things in Heaven All then that have the light of righteousness and peace with God have it from Jesus Christ who is therefore termed by the Prophet Isai. 9. 6. the Prince of peace and was represented by Melchizedeck King of Salem that is Heb. 7. 2. first being by interpretation King of righteousness and after that also King of Salem which is King of peace Isai. 9. 7. of the increase of his governement and peace there shall be no end 3. There is the light of spirituall joy comfort hope courage boldness and confidence before God which is derived from Jesus Christ and no other We are the circumcision salth the Apostle Phil. 3. 3. who worship God in the spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh Rom. 5. 10 11. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life And not only so but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom we have now received the Atonement Col. 1. 27. which is Christ in you the hope of glory Phil. 2. 1. If there be any consolation in Christ 2 Cor. 1. 5. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ Eph. 3. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him Eph. 2. 11 12. Wherefore remember that ye being in time passed Gentiles in the flesh that at that time ye were without Christ being aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the world When they were without Christ they had no hope 1 Thes. 4. 13. whereby it is evinced that all spirituall joy in God all the comfort against death and wrath to come all the courage and boldness and confidence before God all the hope of the glory of God in which they rejoyce Rom. 5. 2. all the spirituall strength they have to endure and do is from Christ Phil. 4. 13. It is the peace of God which passeth all understanding which keeps mens hearts and minds through Christ Jesus v. 7. The light of life as it is termed John 8. 12. the inheritance of the Saints in light Col. 1. 12. is from Christ and him only 1 John 5. 11. And this is the record that God hath given to us eternall life and this life is in his Son he that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son hath not life John 3. 36. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Rom. 6. 23. For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternall life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 5. 17 18 21 For if by one mans offence death reigned by one much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offence of one judgement came upon all men to condemnation even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life that as sin hath reigned unto death even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternall life by Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor. 15. 22. For as in Adam all dye even so in Christ shall all be made alive Acts 4. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved 1 Cor 1. 30 31. But of him are ye in Cerist Jesus who of God is made unto us wisedome and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that according as it is written he that glorifieth let him glory in the Lord. Out of all which we may infer that all the light of spirituall knowledg whereby we know the way to God and understand his will and counsell is from Christs irradiation in whom are hid all the treasures of knowledge and wisdome Col. 2. 3. that all our light of peace and amity and favour with God is communicated to us by the appearing of Jesus Christ in mans horizon without which there would have been an eclipse of the light of Gods countenance for ever that all our joy in the holy Ghost our everlasting consolation boldness courage and confidence in God is through Christ who strengthens us without which we had been sick unto death for ever that our eternall life glory salvation is from Christ his resurrection and appearing without which an everlasting night of torment and horrour had scized on us we had been in utter darkness where is nothing but weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth Sect. 2. Christ inlightens Gentils as well as Jewes with spirituall light The other sense of the Text is That the light of Christ is not confined to the Jewes but extended to the Gentiles that he doth with spirituall light inlighten all sorts and Nations of Men according to the prediction of Simeon Luke 2. 32. Mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel A thing which was much gainsaid by the Jewes who could not brooke it That the Kingdome of God should be taken from them and given to a Nation bringing forth the fruites thereof as Christ speakes Mat. 21. 43. for which the chief Priests and Pharisees sought to lay hands on him v. 46. And when Paul had made a Narration of his converson and how Christ appeared to him and said to him Depart for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles the Jewes gave him audience unto this word and then lift up their voices and said Away with such a fellow from the earth for it is not fit that he should live Acts 22. 21 22. So odious and
themselves Their reviling but their disturbed passions and impatience of gainfaying Their affected speech looks carriage but a desire to hide their falshood and to insinuate into the affections of those unwary souls whom they would ensnare What do all the devices of Jesuits Popes and their agents tend to but either by force or subtility to set up the monstrous power of the man of sin and their own domineeting over mens consciences under him What is there in their conclave but policy In their Council of Treat but deceit In their Iesuits and Casuists but juggling Have not the Jansenists proved them so versatile in their determinations as to make their resolutions such as might fit all humours What is there but fraud in their doctrine and practice about keeping faith with Hereticks deposing destroying Princes excommunicate by the Pope equivocating answers upon oath with mental reservations And shall we go after such Masters and leave Christ Remember we that one is our Master even Christ Mat. 23. 10. And when any shall sollicite us either not to adhere to Christ as our teacher be it under pretence of being Christs infallible Vicar or not to read or hear his Gospel preached be it under pretence of a sufficient light within them or a new revelation reject them Forget not that Christ hath warned you that if any shall say unto you lo here is Christ or there believe it not Mat. 24. 23. Say as Paul Gal. 1. 9. If any man or Angel preach any other Gospel then is taught by Christ let him be accursed We will not venture our lives upon Mountebanks and will we venture our souls upon deceivers Shall we follow our own conceits which so often prove foolish and neglect Christs doctrine which alwayes proves wise and safe No no let us answer as Peter did for the rest of the Apostles Lord to whom shall we go thou hast the words of eternal life and we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ the Son of the living God Ioh. 6. 68 69. Oh that I could finde your mindes so established in the truth so armed against all the wily methods of the Devil so instructed in the truth that you may not be as children tossed to and fro and carried about with every winde of doctrine by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive but speaking or seeking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things which is the head even Christ Eph. 4. 14 15. Alas what can we expect but if we follow blinde leaders as all are that teach the things of God otherwise then Christ and his Apostles did we should fall with them into the ditch into everlasting perdition On the other side there is so much plain and clear light in Christ his doctrine as will guide our feet into the way of peace Away then with all such obtruded or insinuating teachers us endeavour to hide from us the light of Christ shining in his doctrine recorded in Scripture Let the word of Christ dwell richly in us in all wisdome Col. 3. 16. Let 's say as that blessed Martyr did None but Christ none but Christ That Christ which preached died at Hierusalem that word of his which is written in my Bible shall be my light to the testimony of Iesus to his everlasting Gospel I stick if men speak not according to it it is because there is no light in them Isaiah 8. 20. To this end it will concern you to take with you and observe these Directions 1. To take heed of false lights under what disguise soever they come The Lord Christ foretold his Disciples Mat. 24. 24. That there should arise false Christs and false Prophets and should shew great signs and wonders insomuch that if it were possible they should deceive the very elect concerning whom he saith Vers. 23. If any man shall say unto you Lo here is Christ or there believe it not Of these he had forewarned Christians Mat. 7. 15. Beware of false Prophets which come to you in sheepes cloathing but inwardly they are ravening Wolves Paul had foretold Act. 20. 29 30. that after his departing grievous Wolves should enter in among them not sparing the flock and that of the Ephesian Christians themselves should men arise speaking perverse things to draw away Disciples after them and thereupon warns the Ephesian Elders to take heed to themselves and to the flock over which the holy Ghost had made them overseers Vers. 28. Paul tels the Corinthians 2 Cor. 11. 13 14. of false Apostles deceitfull workers transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ and no marvel for Satan himself is transformed into an Angel of light And of such he admonisheth the Romans I beseech you brethren mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned and avoid them for they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple Rom. 16. 17 18. Peter also tells 2 Pet. 2. 1. that there were false Prophets also among the people even as there shall be false teachers among Christians who privily should bring in damnable heresies denying the Lord that bought them 1 Ioh. 2. 18. And as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come even now there are many Antichrists 1 Ioh. 4. 1. Beloved believe not every Spirit but try the Spirits whether they are of God because many false Prophets are gone out into the world All which passages do demonstrate the great danger of Christians being beguiled by deceivers who are cunning in transforming themselves as their master Satan doth into Angels of light that they may seem Ministers of righteousness Wherefore it concerns all such as regard the safety of their souls not to be facile in entertaining such as pretend to hold forth light but to examine what they suggest and to try afore they trust To which end it will be needfull 1. That we be of discerning Spirits to know the disposition of persons that pretend light whether they be proud arrogant self-seeking vain-glorious covetous more vehement then considerate obsequious for advantages but otherwise wilfull 2. Concerning their proceedings whether they deal with the weakest afore they argue with the ablest whether they affect more shew of holiness then proof of doctrine whether they love not to conceal their opinions till they have ensnared men by raising a high esteem of their persons whether they practise not to disparage others that they may engross the esteem and affections of men whether they be not much in talk little in deed These and many more enquiries may much prevent the deceits of those that with feigned words make merchandize of weak souls But 3. The chief way is to try what they obtrude upon us by the Scripture Such Owles will not endure this light but as Tertullian terms them they are Lucifuga Scripturarum they fly the
Father he hath declared God and his will without obseurity He was full of grace and truth then which nothing is more lovely and therefore the more the averseness is from the Gospel of Christ the more estrangedness there is from the life of God and the more the light of Christ is entertained the more of the love of God dwels in that person 7. That a man have light from Christ it is needfull he should awake out of sleep Eph. 5. 14. A careless soul that 's heedless of what truth is held forth that snorts securely and dreams sweetly of peace when there is no peace is no more capable of benefit by the light of Christ then a man that 's of a drousie sleepy head that folds his hands and mindes nothing but his bed and pillow Of using bodily light not only sore eyes but also drousie heads are offended with light Watching is necessary to the use of Christian light which being neglected the Prince of darkness easily bindes the hands and shaves the hair as Dalilah did Sampsons which makes his strength depart from him To keep our soules safe it is needfull we keep our eyes waking and to pray with the Psalmist Lighten mine eyes that I sleep not the sleep of death Ps. 13. 3. 8. To this must be joyned standing up from the dead Eph. 5. 14. Graves and Vaults for dead bodies are not fit receptacles of light To be among men who have no spirituall life in their soules to be associated with meer carnall worldlings voluptuous Epicures proud selfish men is as inconsistent with the injoyment of the light of Christ as for a seeing man to lye among the dead which are cut off from Gods hand A child of light will have little but darkness from such unholy soules as are full of darkness yea doubtless such company will by their own reasonings and Satans sophistry blow out the light of Christ that it shine not where they are Hence it is that among such persons all discoveries of sin or duty Gods counsell or Covenant Christ and his Church Heaven and Hell are tedious No talk or action among such is more acceptable then that which proceeds from an earthly spirit Scripture truth holy Sermons spirituall experiences are unsuitable to that mirth they delight in those contents that please them those ends they aim at Whence it is that they put out that light which crosseth their designes and wish that neither God did see them nor Christ judg them nor Preachers teach them nor any Saint converse with them Doubtless then a soul that affects these cannot long endure such quench-coales nor joyn with such extinguishers but as he is made a child of light so chooseth to be with them in whom is light 9. It will concerne those who own Christ as their light to judg themselves and their wayes by his light It is the great benefit of light that it doth not make manifest Eph. 5. 13. And thus by the light of Christ the evill of our wayes is reproved the wayes of God approved we know the righteousness of God and our unrighteousness Now this is no small benefit to have light to discerne our own errors which without light from Christ we should never have unstood It is our advantage that God covers our sins and we discover them He that is ignorant of them cannot correct them but walks on in them without shame or sorrow as a man that walks in the night neither sees how foul his cloathes are nor knowes how to make them clean Hence it comes to pass that for want of light the carriage of most is so unhandsome and unlike the Gospell that they not only shame themselves but also cause others to stumble A wise Christian therefore will be often judging himself by the light of law discovering his transgressions and the light of the Gospel shewing his estate in Christ. 10. It will be needfull not only to use the light of Christ to judg our selves by but also to order our actions by I am the light of the world saith Christ John 8. 12. be that followeth me shall not walk in darkness There cannot be unsafe walking by Christs light there is no danger when Christ our light goes before Walk in the light saith Christ while ye have the light lest darkness come upon you John 12. 35. How many millions are there of soules perplexed and tortured all their life with feares and doubts for want of walking by the light of Christ in Scripture and chosing rather to walk by a light and sparkes of their own kindling which in the end either goes quite out or burnes so dimme as to leave them in darkness of spirit and horrour of conscience And no marvell sith it is Gods just judgment that such as neglect the light Preached should follow the mares of humane reason the examples customes dictates of men and in conclusion lye down in sorrow Isai. 50. 11. such foolish fires will lead to nothing but bogs and praecipices But Christ the true light when his Gospell is followed guides the feet of men into the way of peace Luke 1. 79. Oh that then all that talke of the light within them would follow the light about them even the light of Christs Gospel and example whereby the greatest security is obtained and the surest advancement with God sith he that followes Christ his light shall be where he is Then would men walk honestly or decently in good fashion not in banquetings and drunkennesses not in chamberings and wantonnesses not in strife and envying if they would put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not make provision of the flesh unto lusts Rom. 13. 13 14. 11. The light of Christ is to be used as our weapons or tooles to defend our selves or to work with The night is over the day hath approached let us therefore put off the workes of darkness and put on the armour of light Rom. 13. 12. The truth is light is the chiefest instrument for safety and work If a man be without light he can neither defend himself nor offend an enemy If any man walk in the day he stumbleth not because he seeth the light of this world But if a man walk in the night he stumbleth because there is no light in him saith christ John 11. 9 10. I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day the night cometh when no man can work John 9. 4. As the bodily light is given us by God to fight and work so spirituall light is given us by Christ to fight the good fight of Christ and to do the workes of God He then that would make use of Christs light must be armed with his Doctrine that he may be able to repel Satans fiery darts and expel him as Christ did by the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God Eph. 6. 17. And he that would improve the light must be doing that business which the word of Christ directs him to and to that end it must dwell richly in him in all wisedome Col. 3. 16. Their own light in men makes them rather wranglers with others sometimes the best as is seen in Quakers then contenders against their own lusts and moves them to disturb others in their work and to be busie bishops in anothers diocese rather then to lookinto their own charge but the light of Christ directs us to steddy to be quiet and do our own business 1 Thess. 4. 11. 12. And Lastly Make use of the light of Christ for thy comfort and rejoycing The light of the eyes rejoyceth the heart Prov. 15. 30. Truly the light is sweet and a pleasant thing it is to behold the Sun Eecl 11. 7. But the light of Christ his Gospel doth far more rejoyce the heart and is much more delightfull to the soul then bodily light can be to the eyes It is it which removes doubts griefs fears despair in life and at death Oh how sweetly might men live how comfortably might they dye if they did make use of it Light within you whatever Quakers tell you will leave you in perplexity when you shall have most need of comfort But if you believe in the light of Christ as it is held out to you in the Gospel you shall see the light of life Be perswaded to disclaime the pretended new light within you as your sufficient guide to God and choose the light of Christ from Heaven in his Gospel to walk by and it will guide and comfort you surely and sweetly to eternal life FINIS 2 Pet. 1. 16. 1 Cor. 2. 4. 2 Cor. 4. 2.