in your hearts by faith so may those Scriptures be understood Col. 1.27 Christ in you the hope of glory and that 2 Cor. 13.5 Know you not that Christ is in you c. He is in the hearts of beleevers by his Spirit and dwells there by faith guiding and leading them directing and assisting them teaching and enabling them to perfect holiness in the fear of God not only becoming a Principle of life or quickning giving existence or being to the new-born but causing them to grow up in him and to perform the actions of spiritual life or of a living new-man Secondly as in the first Man there was not only life but light set up in him so the new-born babe in Christ the new Man is also endowed with light suitable to his life That quickning Spirit which gave him life gave him also light Ephes 5.14 Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light as is the Man so is his life and his light His birth is from above so is his life his light Eph. 1.17 18. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledg of him The eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints that he may answer the ends of God in his new Creation As formerly the spirit of a man the Candle of the Lord in man Prov. 20.27 acted its part under the first Covenant so the quickning Spirit of Christ or rather the Lord Jesus Christ that quickning Spirit 1 Cor. 15.45 and 2 Cor. 3.17 is the Sun of righteousness arising with healing in his wings Mal. 4.2 upon them which sate in darkness Isa 60.1 2. and in the region of the shadow of death Luk. 1.78 79. and Mat. 4.16 notwithstanding all their Torch or Candle-light Christ is their spiritual Light This living light or Light of life is it which beams into the souls of the new-born babes those little ones which beleeve in Christ giving them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 according to that testimony of the holy Spirit Psalm 36.9 With thee is the fountain of life in thy light shall we see light as far surpassing the Candle-light of mans spirit as the administration of the law of faith doth that of works This spiritual light as far excelling the former as the administration of the Covenant to which it relates doth excell that which was in-glorious in comparison thereof 2 Cor. 3.10 As man was not at first made for himself but to serve his Maker and had for that purpose the law of his Creatour written on his heart by which to this day he is accused or excused So neither is the new man or renewed man indued with the principle of life and light according to the image of him that created him for no other purpose but to exist barely and to be no other way serviceable to him that hath quickned and illuminated him But there is a law proper to this state of new life called by the Apostle Rom. 8.2 The Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus to which law subjection is to be yeelded by all that are born of the Spirit or from above Which law as the former viz. of works is written in the hearts of these Heb. 8.10 as that former on the hearts of those with this difference viz. that was written on the heart in Creation this in regeneration that in the first birth this in the new birth On which law of the Spirit of life the renewed principle of light which is in the renewed man acts as the candle in the man did or doth in the former capacity reflecting on it and receiving conviction and direction from that and as far as the new Covenant is above the old so far is this law of faith above that law of works Prov. 6.22 23. And this law of faith Rom. 3.27 or law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus Rom. 8.2 or this better Covenant Heb. 8.6 doth excel and far surpass the first Covenant as being founded upon better promises than that was which are expressed most fully in Jeremy 31.33 34. and 32.40 Ezek. 36.25 26 27. and applyed Heb. 8.10 11 12. Wherein God undertakes by Covenant and promiseth to pardon iniquity transgression and sins and to remember them no more also to cleanse from all pollution and all filthiness that is to take away both the guilt and filth of sin to take away the old and give a new heart to take away the heart of stone and give an heart of flesh to put his laws in their inward parts and write it in their hearts to put his spirit within them and cause them to walk in his statutes and to keep his judgements and do them God will not turn from them and they shall not depart from him these are better promises than those upon which the first Covenant was established Heb. 8.6 For there was equitie and justice in that Covenant whose tenour was Do and live And cursed be every one which doth not continue in every thing that is written in the Law to do it Who can say God is unrighteous in taking vengeance upon those who abide not in all things fulfilling that Covenant considering the capacity wherein man stood when this Covenant was made with him at first when God made him upright But now a Person being left to wrestle it out and to toil in the remaining strength of his own spirit to fulfill it how impossible is it for him to attain to the fulfilling thereof not so much in respect of the faultiness or weakness of the law or first Covenant though it pleased the Lord to impute a faultiness thereunto Heb. 8.7 And the Apostle saith that it was weak Rom. 8.3 And if there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness had been or come by the law Gal. 3.21 Neither doth this lay an imputation upon the law which the same Apostle testifieth is holy just and good Rom. 7.12 For surely if there be any such person which abideth in all things that are written in the law to do them such an one shall finde the Lord just in his Covenant fulfilling to a title what on his part is promised therein The weakness therefore imputed to the law is not so much in respect of the law as in respect of the subjects thereof who through the weakness of the flesh cannot fulfill it according to Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh c. The law is holy just and good but it can do no more then point out the duty and discover the transgression and pronounce sentence against the transgressor and this it doth not in weakness
spirit of a man or candle of the Lord is propounded and discussed I do likewise finde in the same first of John 14. vers that That word was made flesh and tabernacled among them and they beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father according to that Testimony Phil. 2.6 7 8. who being in the form of God thought it no robbery to be equal with God but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a Servant and was made in the likeness of men being found in fashion as a man agreeable to that Psal 40.7 Heb. 10.5 7. A body hast thou prepared me then said I lo I come In the volume of the book it is written of me to do thy will O God by which will we are sanctified c. In like manner according to the tenour of these Scriptures the word before spoken of John 1.1 was made flesh John 1.14 and thenceforth was called Christ the Lord Luk. 2.11 or the Lords Christ Luk. 2.26 As is witnessed in the Song of Simeon to whom it was revealed by the holy Spirit that he should not see death untill he had seen the Lords Christ who taking up the holy Child Jesus or the word made flesh into his armes he blessed God and said Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word for mine eyes have seen thy Salvation which thou hast prepared before all people a Light to lighten the Gentiles and the Glory of thy people Israel Luk. 2.26 27 28 29 30 31 32. Thus the word God who was the enlivener enlightener of the world the maker and sustainer thereof gave being both of light and life to the natural man and so enlightned every man that comes into the world setting up a light in him a candle light i. e. the spirit of a man common to all men as men But the word made flesh becoming the Messiah which is by interpretation the Christ Joh. 1.41 opened the Mystery of Godliness manifesting God in the flesh according to that in 1 Tim. 3.16 Without controversie great is the mystery of Godliness God manifested in the flesh c. To which agrees that 1 Joh. 1.2 For the life was manifested and we have seen it and bear witness and shew unto you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested unto us The word I say thus in fullness of time becoming flesh became therewith the Lords Christ or the Lords anointed or the holy child Jesus Act. 4.26 27. The anointed Saviour and hereby brought life and immortality to light through the Godspel 2 Tim. 1.9 10. manifested by his appearing Tit. 2.11 3.4 according to purpose Eph. 1.9 and promise Tit. 1.2 from the foundation of the world accordingly beleeved on expected by al the cloud of vvitnesses from Abel forward to this day from the time the promise vvas given Gen 3.15 In this sense and as thus considered Christ is said to be come a light into the World John 12.46 I am come a light into the world to what end Is it to enlighten every man that cometh into the world Nay but that whosoever beleeveth on him should not abide in darkness agreeing with that in John the third and 19. Light is come into the world and this light is the Son of God whom the Father hath sent that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish but have everlasting life and thus is he the light of the world John 8.12 As one whom the Father hath sent John 7.29 and sealed John 6.17 and anointed Luk. 4.18 to be the Covenant to the people and light to the Gentiles according to the prophecy going before of him Isa 42.1 6 7. 61.1 2 3. Whereby he brought in another life another light into the world diverse from that which was given to the world or set up in every man that comes into the world according to the Terms of the Covenant whereof himself is Mediator Heb. 8.6 and being made perfect he became the Author of eternal Salvation unto all them that obey him Heb. 5.9 Remembring only this that as there is a life common to al men that come into the world who nevertheless cannot therewith inherit the Kingdome of God till renewed so there is a light common to all men and women that come into the world which cannot discern the things of the Spirit of God til renewed as their life is for the life and the light have one Original 7. Obj. Art thou so foolishly blind as not to see thy own Babel confusion in what thou hast said Is not Christ and the word one How then dost thou in thy beastly Nature the head of the Serpent reigning in thee by dividing distinguishing confound the truth Answ O that there were given to these people an ear to hear and an heart to consider the things that differ Let him that reads understand though I be nothing yea worse then so I passe not for mans day my judgement is with the Lord in this matter Only it will not be amiss to give a brief account why I have thus distinguished or rather taken notice of the distinction wh ch the Scripture gives of God the word by whom all things were made who though he were the fountain of life and light to all living though he were clothed with light as with a garment yet the light wherein he dwelt was unapproachable 1 Tim. 6.16 whom the Apostle testifieth no man hath seen nor can see yea though he were in the world and the world was made by him yet the world knew him not but to the world he was invisible though he made it and gave it subsistence and being as is witnessed Acts 17.28 In him we live and moove and have our being even our creaturely being as such yet was he invisible to us while such notwithstanding and though some of the invisible things of God might be discerned by the visible things of the creation viz. his eternall power and God-head yet he the Creator and maker thereof could not be discovered by that little light in man which was common to every man untill the word was promised to be made flesh Gen. 3.15 in the seed of the woman who was break to the Serpents head And this is borne witnesse unto by our Lord Jesus Christ himselfe John 1.18 No man hath seen God at any time As they who came to see whether Christ were risen John 20.3 They saw the napkin which had been about his head and the linnen cloathes wrapped together sufficient to demonstrate at least that he whom they sought was not there if not also to testify that he was risen but him that had layn there and was risen this those things cold not discover this was reserved to his owne appearance vers 15 16.19 20. So though upon the account of the common enlightning which every man and woman which cometh into the world receives
from God the former and maker of them which light they receive together with the principle of their naturall life which light and life as they are both one in the Author and fountain thereof John 1.4 So are they both one in the subject thereof As James Naylor himselfe acknowledgeth in his Answer to certaine Queries in a book called Strength in Weaknesse mentioned before Page 24. line the first Yet this little light in man is so far from being the powerfull word of faith which was in the beginning and by which all things were created I say it is so far from being it That it cannot discover who or what it is that 's spoken of the napkin and the graves cloathes It may see some of the visible things of God and there by somewhat of that which is invisible but him that is invisible they can never see till he manifest himself for no man ever saw him or shall see him since the transgression but as the word made flesh Jo 1.14 manifested in the flesh 1 Tim. 3.16 as revealed in the Sonne John 1.18 and by him manifested unto his Witnesses 1 John 1.2 according to that blessed testimony among others 2 Cor. 4.6 God who commanded light to shine out of darknesse hath shined in our hearts the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ which no man can see but as he receives another life John 3.3 and light for the life and the light are one For this very reason Because I have observed the enemy to hide himselfe in this bush and here to lay his Ambuscado's to take persons at unawares and to cast his net over them blundering and confounding by tearmes the Truth it selfe under shadowy expressions not obvious to the first view of every reader Because Christ is called the light of the world therefore where light is spoken of there Christ is applyed to be hee or if under these expressions The light is but one in all Are there more lights then one Shew any other light c. Not heeding that which is testifyed of the Word that while he was hid in God though he bore up the Pillars of all the Creation as being made by him and existing in him though he was light and life to all beings according to their capacities besparkling all with rayes or Candles as their maker and Creator yet untill a body was prepared him and he made flesh thereby becoming the seed of the Woman and fulfilling therein that promise which had been a word of faith to the Beleevers throughout all ages who all dyed in faith having not received the promise but saluted it as that which they saw and kissed it and rejoyced in it as Abraham did who saw him the Word that was to be made flesh and was glad I say till the word was thus imbodyed in flesh or considered as such and so to be seen and beleeved on there was no such thing as Christ a Light to the Gentiles other then in promise I say Christ as the Lords Christ or Christ the Lord according to those testimonies before mentioned in Luke 2.11.28.32 for as he was Manifested in the flesh he was thus stiled Of whom it is thus said He which hath the Sonne hath life and he which hath not the Sonne of God hath not life which is true of Light for the life and light are one Eph. 5.14 and promiscuously put one for another which light and life is no other way attained but by a persons being borne againe John 3.3 by receiving i.e. by beleeving on the Lord Jesus Christ For to as many as beleeved on him to them he gave power priviledge or prerogative to be made the Sons of God even to as many as beleeve in his name which were borne not of Bloud nor of the Flesh nor of the will of Man but of God John 1.12 13. The Children of the first Birth with their life and light cannot enter into the kingdome of God nay they cannot see the kingdome of God 1 Cor. 2.14 John 3.3.5 6. Except they be borne againe i. e. from above of the Spirit But the new-borne they which beleeving receive Christ or receive Christ by beleeving those are they whose hearts God purifyes by faith Act. 15.9 renewing them in the Spirit of their mind Eph. 4.23 by the washing of Regeneration and Renewing of the holy Spirit Tit. 3.5 6 7. which he shedds on them abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour justifying them by his grace that they may be made heires according to the hope of eternall life With this new-life comes in the true light of the renewed Man who till then is dead as in opposition to life and darke as in opposition to light notwithstanding he be both alive and enlightned by the fountaine of life as a branch of the naturall Creation 1 John 2.8 Eph. 2.5 5.8 John 1.3 4. Hitherto touching the first Assertion or Proposition and the proofe thereof Secondly It is further affirmed touching the little Light which shines in the dark heart viz. That it is the word of Faith the Apostle exhorted to take heed unto Rom. 10 6 7 8. 2d Reply I cannot with more clearenesse proceed in the Examination of what is here alledged from Rom. 10. Then set downe the words of the Scripture it selfe which is cited for proofe thereof that the Reader may have the clearer view thereof The words are these viz. But the Righteousnesse which is of faith speaketh on this wise Say not in thine heart Who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring Christ downe from above or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ againe from the dead but what saith it the word is nigh thee in thy mouth and in thy heart that is the word of faith which we preach Having presented the Reader with the sight of the Scripture produced for Evidence I need say no more then this It doth not prove the thing for which it is brought Let him that reads consider whether there be one word therein which mentions the little light which shines in the darke heart or calls that little light the word of Faith or exhorts to take heed thereunto as being it Now if the Scripture quoted for proofe proves not the thing as it plainely appeares it doth not Where is he that made the Chalenge to all the Citie of London to prove that any thing is by these men spoken or declared but what the Scriptures beare witnesse unto the same or if it be said that the Apostle meanes the little light which shines in the darke heart when he speakes of the word of faith which is nigh both in the mouth and heart I must say to this as before in the former Case Meanings are by some approved while as yet they are under Judgement and condemnation by others as I have already instanced in the Answer to the 4th Objection Inasmuch therefore as this appeares as
the former to be asserted without proofe for that this Scripture doth not at all mention the little Light which is said to shine in the dark heart nor calls it the word of faith nor exhorts to take heed unto it as such nor useth no such phrase as by reading the words will appeare Further answer is not requisite to be given to it then to say It is an ungrounded and an unproved opinion Object But what may the Apostle intend by the word of faith which he saith is in the heart and in the mouth and infers to be a saying of Moses Deut 30.14 where the like words are used if it be not the light which shines in the dark heart what other thing can it be Answ It is evident that the Apostle treating about the Righteousnesse of the Law and the Righteousnesse of faith asserts in the 4th verse of the 10th of Rom. That Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth alledging that Moses describeth the Righteousnesse which is of the Law that the man which doth those things shall live by them Doe and live And this was according to the Tenour of the Law written on the heart of man from the Creation It was no new thing that he Commanded them but the same repeated which was engraven on their hearts before viz. That they should love the Lord and serve him which was the end of their Creation Of which much hath been spoken in the former part Alluding to this passage of Moses the Apostle useth the like forme of speech that as the Children of the first Covenant had the Law of that Covenant written not only on tables of stone but also on the fleshly tables of their hearts as appeares Rom. 2.15 So the Children of the new Covenant might have the Law of the new Covenant speaking to them in the like sort the heires of righteousnesse or the children of faith might heare the righteousnesse of faith speaking to them on this wise viz. Say not in thine heart who shall ascend into heaven to bring downe Christ from above or who shall descend into the deepe to bring up Christ againe from the dead But what saith it The word is nigh thee in thy mouth and in thy heart Quest Nigh thee nigh who Ans Even nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart Quest Whose mouth and whose heart Ans Not every mans mouth and every mans heart but in thy mouth and in thy heart who art a Beleever Quest What Word is that Ans The Word of Promise the Word of Faith which we preach Quest What Word is that which you preach Ans That which saith If thou shalt confesse with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt beleeve in thine heart that God raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved This is the Word of faith which is in thy mouth and in thy heart and on this wise the Righteousnesse of faith speakes For with the heart man beleeveth to Righteousnesse and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation for the Scripture saith Whosoever beleeveth on him shall not be ashamed Thus the word of Faith or Law of Righteousnesse is near unto the Children of faith the heires of salvation even in their mouthes and in their hearts The Law of the new Covenant is a word nigh unto the Children of that Covenant even to as many as beleeve and are of the faith of Abraham the faith which is of the Operation of God And these not as in the schoole of Moses hearing the voyce which hath thundrings and earth-quakes saying doe and live or the man that doth them shall live in them and Cursed be every one that abideth not in every thing that is written in the Law to doe them But the word of Faith speaks on this wise This is the worke of God that ye beleeve on him whom he hath sent As those who are marryed to another Husband that they may bring forth fruit to God even fruites of righteousnesse which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God serving him without feare in righteousnesse and holinesse all the dayes of their lives who having restored their soules leades them in pathes of righteousnesse for his names sake being to them in stead of Broad Rivers and Streames writing his Law in their hearts putting his holy feare therein having Circumcised their hearts Calling them to his foote and keeping them there leading them though blinde in wayes they knew not who orders their goings that their footsteps slide not So that his Word is nigh them I say nigh unto those who are borne from above and are the Children of the new Covenant viz. in their heart and in their mouth even the word of faith of which the Scripture speakes But not so to every man nor is the little Light which shines in every dark heart this word of faith nor is this word of faith or Law of the new Covenant nigh to any person viz. in the mouth and in the heart but only to those that beleeve as the scope of this Scripture discovers and then and not till then is it a Scripture fulfilled on such and not on others who till they receive Life and Light through beleeving on the Lord Jesus are really destitute of both 1 John 5.12 He which hath the Sonne hath life and he which hath not the Sonne of God hath not life which is true of light also for it hath been acknowledged already that the light and life are one I shall now proceed to the third Assertion touching the light in every man viz. That it is the unction of the holy one c. Thirdly I finde it affirmed touching the little light in every man which shines in the dark heart That it is the unction of the holy one given of the Father whereby we need not to teach one another but as the anoynting teacheth us which is truth and no lye Reply Here being no Scripture cited for the proofe of this Assertion but certaine words of the Scripture made use of It doth appeare to me to have Reference to that passage of the Apostle 1 John 2.27 I know not what other place properly to referre them unto for proofe I shall therefore recite these words and compare them with what is here affirmed touching the light in every man or the little light which shineth in the dark heart viz. verse 20. But ye have an unction of the holy one and ye know all things Vers 27. But the anoynting which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anoynting teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lye If this be the Scripture passage intended for proofe and beside this I know none other Then I affirme as of the former that it speaks not at all to the thing which is under consideration for how doth it appeare that the little light which
the light or law in every man is not that Spirit of truth mentioned John 16.7 nor doth that light or law in every man reprove any man of not beleiving in Jesus Christ It remaines to consider of a further clause in the Objection which saith touching this light viz. Object That this light is from the fountaine of lights it is the light of life John 16.25 26 27 28. John 12.35 36. Answ 1. Although the Lamp or Candle of the Lord in every man proceeds from God as from the father and fountaine of lights Yet that the light in every man is the light of life is not a Scripture Phrase to say no more thereof 2. These Scriptures brought to prove it viz. John 16.25 26 27 28. John 12.35 36. speak not the thing viz. the light of life much lesse doe they say that the light in every man is that light of life and this will appeare to any one that examines the Scriptures which are quoted which is conviction enough to the meeke and tender and more need not to be said thereunto but to desire such to consider how it is written The next passage I am to consider of touching the light viz. what it doth in every man I finde thus exprest viz. Loving the light it will guide you to God from all wen that you need never looke at man more Ri. Farnworth Discover faith Reply The light which is in every man by which the deeds done in the body are discovered and manifested for the light makes manifest And the Law in every man which gives sentence upon those deeds done as good or evill for by it comes the knowledge of sin I say this light and law should be by any person loved and obeyed yet were it not able to guide to God from all men so as that we need never look at man more For this were to ascribe falsehood and to put a lye upon the holy Spirit of truth which testifieth Gal. 3.21 If there had been a Law given which could have given life verily righteousnesse should have been by the Law And Gal. 2.21 If righteousnesse come by the Law then Christ is dead in vaine So that there doth need a looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith Heb. 12.2 Yea even the Man Christ Jesus * * 1 Tim 2.5 who endured the Crosse despising the shame and is set downe at the right hand of the Throne of God loveing the light that is in man will not doe it obeying the Law will not nor cannot leade up to God without looking unto him whom God hath anointed and appointed to be Salvation to the ends of the earth besides whom there is no Saviour who saith Look unto me and be you saved all yee ends of the earth * * Esay 45.21 22. Neither is their salvation in any other For there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Acts 4.12 And other foundation can no man lay then what is laid which is Christ Jesus * * 1 Cor. 3.11 Christ himselfe and he alone is the true and only foundation besides which no man may lay any other by what name soever he call it whether light or law or what ever other name may be given to it it 's a name divers from that name which God hath anoynted to be the salvation of the ends of the earth by receiving of whom through faith by believing in his name we are priviledged with the dignity of Son-ship and declared to be born of God John 1.12 13. As many as received HIM to them he gave power i. e. right or priviledge to be made the sons of God even to them that BELIEVE in his name who are born not of the will of man BVT of God There is some what further to be added in answer to this passage or sentence but I referre it to that which followes where there will be occasion to treat againe upon the same matter though the expressions of words may be somewhat varied That which followes to be considered in this passage Being obedient to the light within it will bring you to purity to holinesse to uprightnesse there is your Teacher present with you That light obeying it is your salvation disobeying that light is your condemnation Minde your Teacher within minde the light within Jer. 31 34. Esay 54.13 John 6 46. John 1.2.27 * * A briefe discovery of Antichrist Reply It is a most certain truth that there is in every man a Lamp or Torch or Candle of the Lord which is a great light within him together with which there is a Law which is holy just and good whose tendency is to direct the Creature to purity to holinesse and to uprightnesse and in that sence is his Teacher within him according to the divine truth of that Scripture The Law was our School-master unto or untill Christ Gal. 3.24 which is true of the Law written either on the heart or on tables or in a book all which are Scripture expressions I say this light and Law which is in every man hath a tendency to direct toward purety and uprightnesse but hath no power to assist it gives not the Creature the least abillity to perform the thing it requires Gal. 3.21 If there had been a Law given which could have given life but what the Law could not doe Rom. 8.3 Neverthelesse it exerciseth the parts of a Teacher or Tutor in giveing rules and precepts in pointing out to a Person his duty and reviving and calling to account the things done passing a righteous and just sentence according to the terms and tenour of the Covenant of works viz. The man that doth them shall live in them Rom. 10.5 Cursed be every one that contonueth not in every thing which is written in the Law to doe them Gala. 3.10 But as it doth not give strength to the performance of what it requires so it hath received no anointing to relieve the Creature against the sentence of the curse incurr'd upon the transgression which it selfe pronounceth but wounds him and leaves him without pouring in either oyle or wine according to what is testified Rom. 4.15 Because the Law worketh wrath So that although a person by the light and law within him may see his worke before him what is to be done and while he obeyes the command is under that sentence which saith The man that doth them shall live in them And he hath peace while he continueth in his obedience But if at any time he doe amisse in any thing where is his Peace then The Law is faithfull it is impartiall it doth not speak Peace to the transgressor Nay the Law worketh wrath it pronounceth sentence Cursed be every one which continueth not in every thing And this sentence is absolute without limitation Here 's no covering or terms of recovery no roome for repentance under the leading and teaching of this School-master but scourging and lashing and wounding without healing haveing no
are all one in Christ Jesus And if ye be Christs then are yee Abrahams seed and heires according to promise To this seed of Abraham i. e. the Children of faith whether Jew or Gentile male or female bond or free was the Covenant made and this was it Jer. 31.33 I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour for they shall all know mee from the least of them unto the greatest of them saith the Lord. By the Consideration whereof It may most plainly be discerned how this Scripture is mistaken and misapplyed 1. forasmuch as it treats of a new and another Covenant which God would make after those dayes not according to the tenour of the first which obliged the persons of all mankinde either as it was engraven on their hearts according to Rom. 2.14 or on Tables of stone or in a booke under the Administration of the first Mediator Gal. 3.19 But this is another Covenant called here and in Heb. 8. a New Covenant 2. The persons with whom this Covenant is made and confirmed are the seed of Abraham only not the Race of Adam who was the father of every man that comes into the world but of Abraham the father of the faithfull 3. Nor were all the seed of Abraham taken into this Covenant and the priviledges thereof however they were joynt-sharers and partakers in the former yet not here for the Children of the promise were counted for the seed Rom. 9.8 How farre then is this Scripture mistaken and misapplyed which is subjected to the light in every man which intermedleth not with the condition of any man but the children of the New Covenant only i. e. the beleever or man in Christ If yee be Christs then are yee Abrahams seed and heires according to promise Now with Abraham and his seed were the promises made Not with every man that cometh into the world No more was this Covenant promise mentioned before Jer. 31.34 And therefore suites not with the purpose or matter touching which it s produced viz. to prove that the light in every man is his teacher and teacheth him i. e. every man so as that he need not to be taught by any one saying know the Lord for that this Scripture speaketh not to or touching any but the Children of the New Covenant the children of faith or of the new birth only and not of every man coming into the world The next Scripture mentioned is Isa 54.13 And all thy Children shall be taught of the Lord. Quest Thy Children Whose and who are They Ans The citing of the very next Scripture by themselves produced will both answer the question and discover the error in their misapplying it to the purpose in hand the place is this Joh. 6.46 which I rather doe judge was intended to have been vers 45. the words are these It is written in the Prophets And they shall be all taught of God Now how that saying in the Prophet which was last recited and to which this in John referres is to be understood will appeare from our Saviours words which are these viz. No man can come to mee except the Father which hath sent mee draw him and I will raise him up at the last day It is written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God Every man therefore that hath heard and learnt of the Father cometh unto mee Not that any man hath seene the Father save hee which is of God hee hath seene the Father Verily verily I say unto you hee that beleeveth on mee hath everlasting life Who doth not discerne that Esay doth not speake of every man that comes into the world nor of the light in every such man as being his teacher nor doth our Lord Jesus so interpret his words Nay the contrary is Evident For our Lord doth not say every man hath a teacher viz. the light within him and that being obedient to that light within him it will bring him to purity holinesse c. Obeying it is salvation minde the teacher within the light within But he declares plainly That no man can come to him except the father draw him i. e. teach him for so it follows It is written in the Prophets they shall be all taught of God Quest Who are they Ans Thy Children shall be all taught of the Lord Isa 54.13 Not every one that cometh into the world but every man that hath heard and learned of the father cometh unto Christ and it s hee that beleeveth on Christ who hath everlasting life These are the children who are taught of the Lord who having heard and learnt of the father come to Christ which is not the case of every one that comes into the world but of such only as being regenerate and renewed in the spirit of their minde become children of the Covenant and heires of the promises thereof or being Christs through beleeving are heires according to promise Gal. 3.29 The next Scripture mentioned is Joh. 1.2.7 But the Anoynting which yee have received of him abideth in you and yee need not that any man teach you but as the same Anoynting teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lye Reply This Scripture as the former doth not beare it selfe in its tendency toward every one that cometh into the world viz. the light in every one nor calls that light their teacher but it speakes of the Unction which they viz. the Apostles and some others had received from the holy one and describes the nature and property thereof its efficacy and operation in them but what 's this to the condition of every man or to the proofe of this that the light in every man is this Unction or Anoynting but this Scripture having come to hand before and been Considered then and there there need not more be said thereto in this place there having been too oft repetition of things formerly spoken the reader is desired to beare in minde what he hath read already or else to helpe his memory by looking backe into those pages where this Scripture is examined That which offers it selfe to be Considered in the next place touching this light in every man and what it does is thus expressed This light opens all Scriptures and leads man out of the fall up to God the Father and Fountaine of lights this is the true light and leadeth unto life Eternall Joh. 1.5.8 9 10 11 12 13. Joh. 17. 10 23 24. Farnworth Ranters discovered pa. 13. Reply God who is light 1 Joh. 1.5 the Father and Fountaine of lights He revealeth secrets Dan. 2.28 29. God the Word Joh. 1.1 That true light vers 9. being made flesh vers 14. and so became the Lord's Christ Luk. 2.26 Hee openeth his mouth in parables Math. 13.35 and openeth the parables which himselfe hath uttered vers 18.38 Beginning
thou must no more goe forth to seeke a righteousnesse but looke in the kingdome of heaven is within Ans The Christ of whom this discourse hath been treating is no other but the same to which the Scripture beares witnesse as hath been testified by many severall passages before recited not here to be repeated viz The Lord 's Christ The anoynted Saviour or Christ the Lord. And it is a truth not to be disdain'd but considered by the sober-minded and received according to the divine Evidence that appeares in it That the Lord Jesus Christ is held forth in the Scriptures under a two-fold dispensation First Either as hee was God the Word made flesh so becoming the Lord's Christ and Tabernacled among men and as such hee was to be beleeved on though hee under that dispensation were without not only before but after his Resurrection That hee was without while in the dayes of his flesh none will deny whether hee be considered before his suffering or after his resurrection 1 Cor. 15.5 6 7. That hee was to be beleeved on while hee was so is prooved from Joh. 14.1 Yee beleeve in God beleeve also in mee Hee that honoureth not the Sonne honoureth not the Father Joh. 5.23 Thus he spake touching himselfe while yet hee was in the flesh and consequently without during which space of time hee fulfilled all Righteousnesse Math. 3.5 And became the end of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10.4 His soule being made an offering for sinne according to the Prophesies which went before of him Isa 53.10.12 Hee finished transgression and made an end of sinne Confirmed the Covenant and brought in Everlasting righteousnesse Dan. 9.24 27. By the sacrifice of himselfe which he offered up through the eternall Spirit at once and that once for all Heb. 9.14.26 28. This hee did for his Redeem'd ones without them as is witnessed by many Scriptures Rom. 5.8 While wee were yet sinners Christ dyed for us Rom. 4.25 Who was delivered For our offences and was raised againe For our Justification 1 Cor. 5.7 Was sacrificed For us Gal. 3.13 Was made a Curse For us Eph. 5.2 Given himselfe for us 1 Thes 5.10 Who dyed For us Titus 2 14. Who gave himselfe For us Heb. 9.12 By his owne Blood hee entered in once into the Holy place having obteined eternall Redemption For us 1 Pet. 2.21 24. Christ also suffered for us who his owne selfe bare our sinnes in his owne body on the tree that wee being dead to sinne should live unto Righteousnesse By whose stripes yee are healed 1 John 3.16 Herein perceive wee the love of God because Hee laid downe his life For us All this hee did for his without them not within them as is plaine by this Cloud of witnesses So that to speake of a Christ without and of what he both did and suffered without not in but for his people Even while they were yet sinners is no despicable thing nay it is such a dispensation of Christ as the Scripture gives testimony of and beares witnesse unto The beleife of which is necessary unto salvation and without which there is no peace according to the divine truth of those Scriptures Esay 57.21 There is no peace saith my God to the wicked And Rom. 4.23 24 25. But for us also to whom it shall be imputed if wee beleeve on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead who was delivered for our offences and raised againe for our Justification Rom. 5.1 2. Therefore being Justified by faith wee have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also wee have accesse into this grace wherein wee stand and rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God and hope maketh not ashamed Rom. 5.1 2 8 9 10 11. For when wee were yet without strength in due time Christ dyed for the ungodly Yea while wee were yet sinners Christ dyed for us vers 8. Much more then now being Justified by his blood shall we be saved from wrath through him vers 9. And being reconciled wee shall be saved by his life And hence wee Joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom wee have now received the Attonement And to this purpose is that prayer of the Apostle Rom. 15.13 Now the God of hope fill you with all Joy and peace in beleeving Nor is this consideration of Christ as the object of faith for justification the antitype of the brazen Serpent lift up upon the pole in the Wildernesse to which the then bitten ones under which the sins-smitten soul the self-condemned sinners were figured and to it must these looke and live Numb 21.8 9. Esay 45.22 John 3 14 15. I say this consideration of Christ is not the whole of what the Scripture testifies concerning him nor may any such use be made hereof as if the magnifiing the grace of God were a covering for sin as the objection intimates Nay nay should we continue in sin because grace hath abounded God forbid Rom. 6.1 There is therefore a further dispensation of Christ viz. in Spirit according to the tenour of that testimony of the Apostle touching the mystery of Godlinesse 1 Tim. 3.16 God manifest in flesh Justified in Spirit and this dispensation of Christ in Spirit the Scriptures likewise beare witnesse unto which is Christs application of that which hee did for his beloved ones in the dayes of his flesh applying that to them by his Spirit by which he dwelleth in them which he wrought for them without them Then he prepared the medicine and since applyes it and gives it operation then he wove the Garment and since cloathes his therewith then he was the bruised and broken Corne now the loafe or staffe of Bread his flesh meate indeed and his blood drinke indeed both eaten and drunken by the beleever As there was a necessitie that the Word should be manifested in the flesh to answer the end of that dispensation 1 Tim. 3.16 viz. to become the end of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10.4 That he might Confirme the Covenant viz. finish transgression and bring in everlasting righteousnesse Dan. 9.24 27. By being made of God to the beleeving Wisdome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 So it was necessary that he should be Justified in Spirit in order to the more effectuall application of what he had done to those for whom he did it To whom hee was to be preached and by whom hee was to be beleeved on in the world and received up into Glory According to the testimony of the Holy Spirit by the mouths of men and Angells Luk. 24.51 52. Acts 1.9 10 11. 1 Tim. 3.16 For which purpose hee promised to send the Comforter the Spirit of truth that he might abide with his schollers and followers for ever John 14.16 17 18.26 To teach them all things and to bring all things to their remembrance whatsoever hee had said unto them viz. all
manifest But in the fulness of time the fountains of the great deep were broken up and the windowes of heaven were open and the treasure of wisdome and Counsel which had comparatively been hidden from ages and generations not positively so for every Age had its proper measure in proportion to the dispensation under which it was yet in comparison of what was further made out by the appearing of the grace of God giving testimony of his great love to the world in sending his own Son Rom. 8.3 To dye for sinners Rom. 5.8 Yea while they were yet sinners and at enmity with him then to reconcile them to God Rom. 5.10 Then I say and at this time for the Word to be made flesh and Tabernacle among the sons of men and cause his glory to be beheld as the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth without controversie this was the great Mystery of Godliness God manifested in the flesh c. He had been hid in God long before but now was made manifest bringing immortality and life to light by the Gospel preparing a way into the Holyest of all which way was not yet open but shut up under veiles and shadowy darkness whilst the first Tabernacle was yet standing and this God hath done upon terms not of the first covenant that is to say of works called the old Covenant but upon the terms of the second Covenant or Law of faith bringing in everlasting Righteousness upon the account of that better hope by which we draw nigh to God Heb. 7.19 Thus as that first Covenant or law of works which was witnessed sufficiently in mans heart so far as to justifie God and render man inexcusable for transgressing it yet through the bountiful goodness of God was afterward engraven on Tables of stone and so became a written and legible Law the keeping of the Oracles whereof was committed eminently to Abrahams posterity yet so as that the sound thereof went forth among the Gentiles far and near who also might be admitted upon the terms thereof into the family of the then Israel of God and many taking hold of that Covenant of God were admitted to whom there was but one Law as well to the stranger as to him who was born in the house Exod. 12.48.49 In like manner this new Covenant which God made with miserable fallen affrighted run-away hidden Adam touching the seed of the woman which should break the head of the serpent as in the promise Gen. 3.15 this in process of time comes to be drawn from under the veil and so immortality and life comes to light through the gospel Which notwithstanding it were so sufficiently manifested from the time it was first promised as that the heirs of Salvation did see through these veils and beheld him that was invisible and all others might have seen and many did see that which left them without excuse for with whom was he angry but with those who had not faith Heb. 3.11 18 19. as with those to whom the Gospel was preached but did not profit them not being mixt with faith Heb. 4.2 Yet out of the super-abundant goodness and riches of grace Eph. 2.7 commending his love to poor sinners God makes this new impression thereof in such large and capital letters as that it may be read and seen of all men to whom the tidings thereof comes making publication of this joyful message by the Acclamation of that heavenly Host who praising God said Glory to God in the Highest on earth peace good will toward men Luke 2.13.14 bringing good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people the sum of which was There is born this day in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord Luke 2.10.11 or the Lords Christ v. 26. a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of his people Israel v. 32. Which voyce of this heavenly Host was not like that on mount Sinai wherein the mount was altogether on a smoke like the smoke of a furnace where the whole Mount quaked greatly and the people which were in the Camp trembled Exo. 19.16 18. but contrarywise it was here Peace on Earth good will towards Men and glad-tidings of great joy to all people These were the blessed openings of the Fathers bosome bringing life unto light Revealing the Counsels of his heart which had been kept secret from the beginning of the world but was now made manifest for the obedience of faith among all nations according to the tennor of that Scripture John 3.16 17. God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son that whosoever beleeveth on him should not perish but have everlasting life Now is the first promise unbowel'd and declaration is now made who is the seed of the woman and what is the Law of faith and also who are the proper subjects thereof Every one to whom the sound thereof comes is under the obligation thereof but they only which do beleeve in Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life and these also are reckoned for the seed This then is the tennor and tendency of the Law of faith That whosoever beleeveth on Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life and this not occultly but openly declared Together with this new Edition of the Law of faith the Subjects thereof are likewise declared to be such as are to be renewed to be new made to be born again and to have a light implanted in them suitable to this Law as they had a light implanted in them suitable to that of works That like as the former light sprang up with them in the natural birth Man had his candle from the beginning of his Creation to see his Creator and a Law sprang up with him to serve his Maker that is to love him with all his heart with all his soul c. So now in this new Creation is he in like manner to be endued with a light suitable to his birth he must be born of the Spirit or from above and therewith to be enlightned to have this Law written in and on his heart this is a branch of the new Covenant I will write my lawes in their hearts c. This is that which was pointed at all along thoroughout the old dispensation in all the types and sacrifices they looked unto Jesus the Mediatour of this new Covenant whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his Righteousness for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God That he might be just and the justifier of him that beleeveth in Jesus Rom. 3.25 26. and by this law of faith to exclude boasting The Law of works speaking on this wise do and live or the man that doeth these things shall live in them sets man upon doing for life or that he may live and while man is doing he is apt to be boasting as he Luk. 18.11 I am
beleeved entred into rest It follows then that although God hath made of one blood all Nations to dwell on the face of the Earth c. and bounded their habitations Act. 17.26 Yet he hath distinguished the Race and Generations of mankind into two seeds first expressed in Gen. 3.15 in these words Thy seed and her seed Afterwards more amplified and that distinction evidenced not to be different qualities or qualifications in one and the same person as some understand but in distinct persons differently qualified as appears in the persons of Cain and Abel Ishmael and Isaac Esau and Jacob and so all along Wherein though all mankind are of the Race of Adam yet there are but some which are of Abraham and of those all are not the seed which the Lord hath blessed for though all which proceeded from his loins were his children according to the flesh yet the children of the promise are counted for the seed and these also are so the children of Abraham children of Promise children of Faith children that cannot lie as that they were first the children of Adam as Abraham himselfe also was according to that divine testimony 1 Cor. 15.46 47 48 49. That was not first which is spiritual but that naturall and afterward that spirituall The first man is of the earth earthy the second man is the Lord from heaven As is the earthy such are they that are earthy and as is the heavenly such are they also that are heavenly The former are the children of the first Adam by naturall generation the latter are the children of the second Adam by spirituall regeneration of whom it is thus witnessed Joh. 1.12 13. That to as many as receive him i. e. the Lord Jesus to them he gave the privilege or prerogative to be made the Sons of God even to as many as beleeve in his name who are born not of bloods nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God So that it appears As the first stone of the building viz. that living elect precious corner-stone the Lord Jesus himselfe was not borne of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Luk. 1.34 35. So likewise the living stones of the same spirituall building are borne after the same manner for nature and kind not of the will of man nor of the will of the flesh but from above according to what is testified in John 3.3 by the true and faithfull witnesse himselfe Verily verily I say unto thee except a man be borne again or from above vers 5. or of the spirit vers 6. he cannot see the Kingdome of God Which being regenerate or born from above reverts into the former Joh. 1.12 13 viz. a receiving of and beleeving on Jesus Christ both which put together produce that new birth which is from above viz. when it shall please God the Father by his holy Spirit to make discovery of his love in Christ through or by means of a promise to sinners shall take off the fears and doubts of a Soul causing it to lie down at the foot of that grace thus brooding over it and willingly accepting thereof upon the terms on which it is tendred Surely this amounts unto a begetting again unto a lively hope 1 Pet. 1.3 is a testimony of the great good will of God by which he begetteth by the word of truth a kinde of first fruits to himself Jam. 1.18 especially when this discovery of Gods love shining into the Soul through the face of Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 shall be mixt with faith in them that hear and receive the glad tidings of it Heb. 4.2 Gal. 3.14 The Spirit of God thus revealing Christ to the heart of a Sinner and Gods great love in him preparing the heart to receive him mingling faith with the promise and giving strength to receive the seed of the Word of promise in fulness of time or according to the time of life spiritually so considered brings forth that birth which is after God according to that which is spoken 1 Pet. 1.23 Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever This new birth presupposeth a new Life which holds similitude and proportion with the first Creation when God first made man he breathed into him the breath of lives and he became a living soul setting up in him a light viz. the spirit of a man viz. the Candle of the Lord suitable and proportionable to his capacity as he then stood directing him in all things necessary to be known or done in respect of God or himself according to the law written in his heart So likewise in this new birth or new creation the person receives a new life Ephes 2.5 Even when we were dead in sinnes he hath quickned us c. Evidencing that as he which hath the Son hath life 1 John 5.12 So this life puts forth it self in such discoveries as wherein the new-born Babe in Christ having received through beleeving a witnesse in himself 1 John 5.10 and hath set to his seal that God is true John 3.33 crying to God Abba Father by the Spirit of Adoption received Rom. 8.15 even the spirit of the Son sent forth into his heart Gal. 4.6 and desiring as new-born Babes the sincere milk of the Word the unmix'd milk of that same Word by the incorruptible seed whereof the new Birth was begotten and born 1 Pet. 1.23 That it may grow up in him in all things and this upon the accompt of having tasted that the Lord is gracious 1 Pet. 2.2 By which spiritual growth it appeareth to others as to himself also that he is alive in Christ as in his head and root by faith And that Christ lives in him also by faith Ephes 3.17 and Gal. 2.20 Not onely as an Object to be beleeved on without him as having done all for him Rom. 4.25 and 8.3 1 Cor. 1.30 2 Cor. 5.21 but as inhabiting in him according to that Testimony Gal. 1.16 It pleased God to reveal his Son in me which is more amplified and explained Gal. 2.20 I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life I live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me This inhabiting or in-dwelling of Christ in the heart is proper only to beleevers to new-born Babes in Christ unto whom he hath become a quickning Spirit Ephes 2.1 5. and 1 Cor. 15.45 in such he dwels as in his Tabernacle while they are Tabernacling in their house of clay And as its proper to them only which beleeve so it is effected and performed in them by the same Instruments by which its life and being was at first conveyed viz. by the Spirit on Christs part John 14.17 Rom. 8.11 and by that fruit of the Spirit viz. faith on mans part Ephes 3.17 That Christ may dwell
submit to him for life and salvation by which they receive the witnesse in themselves that they are adopted Sons 1. Joh. 5.10 the spirit it self bearing them witness that they are born of God Rom. 8.16 and are the seed whom the Lord hath blessed Esay 61.9 So that Christ is not at a distance not a farre off from such as truely beleeve but is nigh them dwelling in their hearts by faith Eph. 3.17 and by his Spirit Rom. 8.11 and is in them the hope of glory Col. 1.27 whereby they being renewed in the spirit of their minde Ephes 4.23 and being married to this their other husband henceforth they bring forth fruit to God not according to oldnesse of letlet but according to newnesse of spirit Rom. 7.4 6. not taking advantage of the grace of God to dispence with themselves in poynt of obedience toward God but reckoning themselves under deeper obligation that as grace hath abounded toward them so might their obedience towards him that hath manifested that grace unto them as hee who sayd What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits I will take the Cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord Psal 116.12 What were those benefits The Lord hath heard the voyce of my supplication thou hast delivered my soule from death my eyes from teares and my feete from falling I will walke before the Lord in the land of the living Psal 116.1 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the Lord as long as I live Psal 116.17 She loved much because much was forgiven her Luk. 7.47 The life of the New Creature of the renewed man or man in Christ in whom Christ lives by his spirit and dwels by faith is no idle unfruitfull life but as a branch in the Vine and as a part of Gods husbandry he is purged and pruned and caused to bring forth fruit filled with fruits of righteousnesse which are by Jesus Christ unto the praise and glory of God Phil. 1.11 Not living to himelfe It is his meate and drinke to doe the will of his Father He now comes to beare witnesse to the truth of that Scripture which saith In keeping thy Commandements there is great reward Though formerly his soule went forth after the knowledge of Christ sometimes the Excellency of him as he was discovered and revealed in the Scriptures sometimes the necessitie of him as being the way to the Father and the only Name besides which there is no other given among men whereby they can be saved Under which dispensation and in the exercise whereof it was not so much Christ that was the ultimate object of the soules enquiry as it was the Creatures preservation from wrath to come It was not so much for Christ himselfe as for the Creatures owne selfe that the soule was so earnest and ardent in its pursuite after vision and manifestation yet it knew it not nor could it have beleeved that it had been so with it But Judgement breaking forth into victory remooving the Spirit of Feare and giving in stead thereof the Spirit of love and of a sound minde 2 Timothy 1.7 The Grace which was given in Christ Jesus was made manifest and by him brought to light and in his light was the new Creature caused to see light and by it to discerne where it had stucke all this while and how it had mistooke its way and sought its selfe in all its seeking under pretence of following on to know the Lord whom to know is life eternall Then the fire burned and the love was kindled towards him who had shed abroad his love in the heart by the Holy Spirit setting it in an holy flame towards himselfe and his service Henceforth hee became as one made up of strong desires and breakings of heart after doing the will of God Oh that hee were then baptized into the will of him whose he is and whom hee would serve according to the tenour of those Scriptures I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minde that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Rom. 12.1 2. 2 Cor. 7.1 1 Pet. 1.14 15 16. As being bought with a price would glorifie God in body and Spirit which are Gods Not now as formerly obeying for life or that he might live but from life or because he is made to live or because he doth live by the power of Christ living in him Gal. 2.20 his whole life is a Thank-offering a sacrifice of praise the end henceforth of all he is and all he does is this that he may live to him who dyed for him and rose again to him who hath loved him and washed him from his sins in his blood Rev. 1.5 to him who hath said to him when he was in his bloods live not expecting a covering of sin that he may live in sin nor the righteousness of another that himselfe may live in unrighteousness but that he might live to God and serve him without feare in righteousness and holiness of truth Luk. 1.74 75. But as really as he doth beleeve that Christ is made of God to him righteousness 1 Cor. 1.30 so verily expecteth he to be made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 that the righteousness of the Law which could not be fulfilled by him through the weaknes of the flesh might be fulfilled in him by the power of the spirit of life Rom. 8.3 2 4. wherein he is made able and wiling to wait for the hope of righteousness by faith Gal. 5 5 18. expecting to be led and made willing to follow the guidance of the spirit even the spirit of truth by which he lives and moves and exists in Christ who is by his spirit in him the hope of glory Col. 1.27 Object Thou hast heaped up together many of the Saints words whose condition thou never learned of God Tell plainly whether the Christ thou tells of be within or without Answ How farre my soule is made one with what I beare witness unto is knowne unto him from whom nothing is hid to whom I apply for a further measure of the spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of him whom to know is eternal life remembring what is witnessed Rom. 15.4 being unmooved by the Judgement or censure of mans day and in relation to the objection have spoken in plainness already That the Lord Jesus Christ to whom in this poore stammering way I bear witness is considered both as being without and within the soule Respecting his person or bodily presence his glorious or glorified body so he is considered as being without not within the soule according to the testimony of those Scriptures before-named Joh. 17.24 Father I
though with all possible brevity Reply That the Gospel is the power of God to salvation may not be denyed Rom. 1.16 for it is so to every one that beleeveth and let him be accursed that preacheth any other gospel than that which is so Gal. 1.9 But where the gospel which is the power of God to salvation is preached if it be not mixt with faith in them which hear it it is not the power of God to salvation to such according to the testimony of that Scripture Heb. 4.2 For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard So that the gospel is not the power of God to salvation to any but to such as beleeve it and by faith receive the glad tidings and message thereof and become obedient thereunto Rom. 1.17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith as it is written The just shal live by faith The gospel which in it self is the power of God to salvation so named already may be prerched not only in word but also in power and in the holy spirit as twice to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 1.5 in demonstration of the spirit and power as to the Corinthians 1 Cor. 2.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it may be powerfully ratified and confirmed by signs and wonders and mighty deeds yet not powerfull to salvation except received by faith in them that hear it Such a gospel was it to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 1.5 It was brought to them in mighty power and received by them in much assurance as the very word of God to which they yeilded the obedience of faith 1 Thes 2.13 14. As the Romans also did Chap. 15.18 19. Wheresoever the Gospel is preached in Evidence and demonstration of the spirit and received by faith in them that hear it it is the arm and power of God to salvation to such and doth powerfully incline them to yeild obedience in word and deed to whatsoever is therein revealed unto them He that receives the light and is obedient to it receivs the gift of God and shall receive the power the light rejected no power received Reply It hath been said before by this friend to whom I now reply That Christ is the light and That Christ is the gift of God To which may be added that which is testified 1 Cor. 1.18 That Christ is the power of God as it is expressed by the Apostle Now let it be considered what is spoken by the friend in this parcel of words above recited and whether it amount not to a repetition and Tautology of words He that receives the light and is obedient to it receives Christ for Christ is the light receives the gift of God that is Christ for Christ is the gift of God and shall receive the power that is Christ for Christ is the power of God and such as receive Christ and obey him reject not the light nor can be without the power forasmuch as he whom they have received and obeyed is both the light and the power and the gift and is no more than if it had been thus express'd He that receives Christ obeys him receives Christ and shall receive Christ Christ rejected no Christ received Your heart shall fail and your eyes wax dim that look for another way or another Gospel than that which redeems out of sin Reply It hath been said before that Christ is the way Let their heart fail and their eyes wax dim that expect salvation by any other way than by him who is the Way the Truth and the Life Forasmuch as there is no other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved and that Gospel which tenders salvation by Christ to sinners without redemption from sin let it indeed be Anathema from the Lord. For it is witnessed of the true and only Lord Jesus that his name should be called Jesus that is Saviour for that he should redeem his people from their sins Mat. 1.21 and save them to the utmost that come unto God by him everliving to make intercession for them Heb. 7.25 even for them who by him do beleeve in God purifying their souls in obeying the truth through the spirit being born again c. 1 Pet. 1.21 22 23. Which testimony is born up in the hearts of the children of the regeneration who are made the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus having received the adoption of sons they cry unto him in spirit incessantly night and day that this redemption from the body of sin and death may be compleated in them saying how long Lord holy and true fighting the good fight of faith keeping up the watch and warre of the Lord as knowing that the God of peace will shortly tread Sathan under their feet I say their feet as really within them as he hath troden him under his own feet for them without them And further knowing that they shall assuredly reap in due time if they faint not this being their victory even their faith by which with patience they possess their soul being confident of this one thing that he is faithful who hath called them who will also do it and having begun a good work in them will also perfect it perform or finish it untill the day of Christ having this hope they purify themselves in the power of him who of God is made to them righteousness and sanctification as well as wisdome and redemption The name of Christ is pleasant in the outward sound in as much as thereby men think to have their sins taken away but the Gospel is the power of God that redeems out of sin Reply Who ever names the name of Christ is to depart from iniquity and he who naming the name of Christ how pleasant soever he count that name yet if such an one depart not from iniquity but rowl his sinne under his tongue as a sweet morsel and bless himself in his heart saying I shall have peace though I walk in the Imagination or stubborness of my heart to adde drunkenness to thirst the Lord will not spare him but the anger of the Lord and his jealousie will smoak against that man there 's no such use of the name of Christ as to make it a Cloak for sin for the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness in men Whatsoever and in whomsoever it be and he that regards iniquity in his heart hath a root of gall and wormwood that will eat out all the pleasantness that may seem to be in the name of Christ in the outward sound Deut. 29.18 19 20. Yet for asmuch as there may be some snare and temptation lie upon some souls touching those words before minded and repeated viz. the Gospel is the power of God that redeems out of sin Whence some persons do conclude that they are redeemed out of sin and that the body of sin is destroyed in
not only to pacifie but to purifie the conscience and that not in relation to sins past only but also that for time to come thou mightest denying all ungodlinesse live righteously soberly and Godly in this present world which earnest longing of soul was mightily raised up and increased in thee by the delayes which the heavenly Father exercised thee with according to his divine wisedome to commend his love to thee and thereby to let thee know how great a love and what a manner of love it was that should bear withall thy frowardnesse and impatiency and unbeliefe and mistrust and almost despairs giveing thee hints and tasts and opening certain crevises of light makeing darknesse light before thee and crooked things streight susteyning and supporting thee with secret hope founded upon his goodnesse in promiseing and faithfulnesse in performing which thou sometimes beleeved'st though weakly that he would doe and could not chose but doe because he was faithfull in this desart he kept thee the longer to acquaint thee with the disposition of thine owne heart that thou mightest see what was in thee and that he might cause the carkases of the rebells murmurings and unbeliefe to fall and perish in this wildernesse And at length thou knowest how though thou thought'st it long first he caused judgement to break forth into victory by removing all thy doubts fears distrus'ts not all at once nor on a suddaine but by measures and degrees as thou wast capeable of bearing such discoveries revealing him whom thy soule loved and so longed for performing that for thee in an higher more safe more sure way which thou by thine owne works wouldst have affected for thy selfe in thine owne strength and in thy owne way so that the kindnesse and love of God our Saviour thus appearing not by works of righteousnesse which thou hadst done but according to his mercy he hath saved thee by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Spirit the shedding abroad whereof though but in the first fruits were the evidence of thine adoption whereby in some measure thou wert able to cry Abba-Father And could'st tel to others what a wonderful redemption thou hast attained unto through grace whereby thou art redeemed not only from thy vaine conversation wherein in times past thou lived'st but also from all thy selfe righteousnesse wherein thou wast exalting thy naturall man dressing a dead carkasse with raggs of thine owne makeing trimming up the Tomb and garnishing the Sepulcre and bringing thine ointments and spices to odoriferate a dead Jesus whom now thou understandest is risen and hath appeared manifesting himselfe to thee and in thee in a portion and measure by whom thou beleevest in God that raised him from the dead and hath given him glory by whom thou hast received the attonement and obteyned eternal redemption by faith in him And now what workings of heart are upon thee tongue cannot express thy new life and renewed being puts thee now upon enquireing as David after Jonathan what 's to be done to testifie thankfulnesse to him who hath loved thee and washed thee from thy sins in his blood now takeing the Cup of salvation and calling upon the name of the Lord walking before the Lord in the Land of the liveing Now the new song sing praises to our God sing praises c. It 's too wonderfull to say how brim full and runing over thy heart is what would'st thou not be now and doe now for him who hath done so much for thee I want words to expresse Now that which thou wast exercised in at the beginning when thou wast working for life before thou wert unbottom'd laying it as a foundation instead of Christ will become thy soule to be conversant in as a fruite and effect of life and of thy praisefull heart for though they were not fit to be a foundation yet are comely and beautifull being built upon the foundation who so offereth praise glorifieth God now to live holily Godly righteously strictly to walke watchfully and circumspectly humbly to be filled with fruits of righteousnesse which are by Jesus Christ unto the praise and glory of God and all this as a thank-offering performed as a Sacrifice of praise was not this thy frame of Spirit then Sure it was Neverthelesse The enemy of thy salvation Satan that old Draggon the Serpent that lyar and murtherer did he not lye in waite to devour this new born Babe this birth from above tempting thee either to doubt of the truth and reallity of this discovery and manifestation to thy soule perswading thee it was a delusion and that the newes was too good to be true and so possest thee with feare distrust and unbelief under which thou for a season wert distressed till the Son of righteousnesse dispelled this cloud for thee by makeing his day-light shine more bright upon thee But this baite not takeing effect this murthering tempter did insinuate to thee that now the bitternesse of death was past God had made thy mountaine strong so as that thou shouldest never be moved thou wert now called unto liberty and that there was not need of being so strict as thou hadst been thou needest not henceforth be so watchfull nor mournfull nor prayerfull these had their use in their day while thou wert seeking after the enjoyment of God but were now unnecessary and uselesse for thee haveing attained but to live freely and cheerfully in the liberty to which thou wert called to enjoy the fulnesse and fatnesse of the blessing wherewith thou wert betrusted whether it were spirituall or temporall this was to walke worthy the Lord and his high calling and to speake good of his name and of his Salvation and to declare to all that should see or converse with thee that thou wert redeemed indeed and in thee was fulfilled that word Let the heart of them rejoyce which seeke the Lord much more of them which finde the Lord With this sort of temptation thou wert in danger of being taken it had so specious a pretence for God and came so near to that which was acceptable to the flesh that thou listened'st to it and to the reason that seemed to be in it the fruit was goodly to the eye pleasant to look on 't was good for food and to be desired to make one wise for it represented God in another manner of appearance then thou hadst known him it led thee into a more seeming Spirituality of discerning then thou hadst been acquainted with tending to a neglect of thy former so much prized and prospered duties of seeking the face of God in prayer and other exercises under this notion that they were but forms and that bodily exercise peofiteth not and that they were but performances in letter but not in Spirit with many more such like as these till at length thou wast drawn into a disesteeme and disuse of that which once was more deare and precious to thee then thy life and wherein thou enjoyest communion
with God with whom thou had'st confidence in thine addresses but thy discoveries being now of another kinde thou applyest to the meeting with God in them after another manner then thou wast wont Now thou soughtest and enjoyed'st God and the Creature under a pretence and specious shew of seeking to enjoy God in the Creature Nay did not the Creature eye it with God and take place of God and require that of thee which is proper only to God did'st not thou by hearkening to this deceiver who beguiled thee as he beguiled Eve didst not thou love and feare and seek after and delight in the Creature more then the Creator didst thou indeed glorifie God as God in proportion to what thou knewest of God and such discoveries as he had made forth of himselfe in thee when he caused his glory to shine in thy heart through the face or appearance of Jesus Christ but thou pretending to more wisedome and professing thy selfe to be wise becamest a foole and changed'st the glory of the incorruptible God into corruptible Images and worshipped'st the imaginations of thine owne braine Golden Gods or Silver Gods or such as were formed out of baser mettall the God of this world having deluded thee put out thine eyes and made thee to grinde in his mill serveing and loveing prizing and delighting in lying vanityes under pretence of liberty in Spirit or Christian freedom in the use of the Creature by which thou wert cheated as Solomons fool was by that whorish woman who notwithstanding her lips drop as an honey combe and her mouth is smoother then oyle yet her end is bitter as wormwood sharp as a two edged sword They which yeeld to goe after her flattering lips they goe as fooles to the correction of the Stocks till a dart strike through their liver and are as a bird hasting to the snare not knowing that it is laid for her life for she hath cast downe many wounded yea many strong men have been slaine by her Oh the number of valiant ones how faint and feeble are they through the subtill insinuations of the God of this world who hath poysened them with this deadly potion in a Cup of gold mixing his poyson with these two glittering ingredients Liberty Spirituallity To the Virgins that having knowne the depths of Sathan and have kept their garments pure abideing in the councill of the Lord rooted and established in him and growing up in him bringing forth fruit unto him O Blessed are ye of the Lord be not high minded but feare But to the rest with whom it is not so let it be said doe ye thus requite the Lord Ah foolish people and unwise is he not thy father that hath bought thee shouldest thou sell thy rock thy God for a lye a vanity Oh that ye were wise and would consider thine own wickednesse shall correct thee and thy backslidings will reprove thee remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do thy first works To the relapsed or back-sliding Christian considered either as unsensible or sensible thereof To the first How is the gold become dim how is the fine gold changed the precious Sons of Zion comparable to fine gold how are they esteemed as a common thing The Nazarites which were once purer then snow and whiter then milke more ruddie then Rubies and polish't as the Saphir their visage now is blacker then a coale they are not known in the Streets Because they have forgotten the God of their Salvation And have not been mindfull of the Rock of their strength But have trusted in their owne beauty And as it s testified in another case Ezek. 16. Thou hast taken of thy fair Jewells of my Silver and my gold which I had given thee and madest to thy selfe Images of men and didst commit whoredome with them How weak is thy heart saith the Lord God seeing thou dost all these things and that which is the more to be lamented is this that although grey haires are upon thee here and there yet thou knowest it not but presumest all things are with thee as yesterday and heretofore saying I am innocent I have not sinned but doe seeke the Lord daily and delight to know his way not forsakeing his ordinances but approach his presence with delight Neverthelesse thou considerest not where thou art nor what thou art doing nor what will be the issue thereof when the most high shall recount with thee and bring upon thee the remembrance of thy wayes saying to thine heart What hast thou to doe in the way of Aegypt to drink the waters of Sihor or why hast thou gadded so about to change thy way hast thou not embraced this present world and the gloryes thereof have not the sparkling glittering appearances thereof taken thine eye and thy heart what a share have the promotions and the preferments thereof in thine estimation and affection where and what is become of thine ancient tendernesse and meltingnesse of soule Art not thou in the way of Assyria and hast not thou drunk of the River thou knowest the time when thou wouldest have preferred one moments comunion with God before all the earthly gloryes if thou mightest have enjoyed them Nay thou forsookest these that thou mightest enjoy that thy kindred thy Country and thy Fathers house were not deare to thee in comparison of thy being entertained into fellowship and comunion with him whom thou esteemed'st more then thy life thine all what things were gain to thee then thou then counted'st dung and drosse in comparison of the excelleney of the knowledge of Christ Jesus thy Lord for whom thou wast content to part withall that before time had been deare to thee but he suffering thee to be tryed that thou mightest know what was in thine heart how is thy heart become as weake as water and how hath the God of this world blinded thee makeing thee to joyne in affinity with his Gods of Silver and Gods of Gold The Honours Titles dignityes preferments wealth houses Lands the Revenues of this earth which are the portion of the children of the earth of which thou wert once affraid least thy heart should be deceived therewith but now it is otherwise with thee thou embraced'st lovest pleadest for huntest after them as though thou couldest never have too much nay scarce enough thereof This is a lamentation and shall be for a lamentation and it will so appeare to thee when this thy wickednesse shall correct thee and this thy backsliding shall reprove thee and thou thereby be brought to see where thou art and made to confesse thine iniquity giveing glory to the God of heaven in whose hands thy breath is and who is acquainted withall thy wayes In order whereunto thou hast been under-dealing more then once whereby thou mightest have been retained from the error of thy wayes but thine eares were stopt and thine eyes were closed thou sawest no evill in thy way nor regardest much to know the end and cause
reciting the passage in its own words John 1.9 That was the true light which lightneth every man that cometh into the world or every man coming into the world Now let him that reads judge whether the terms of the Proposition viz. That the little light which shines in the dark heart is the powerful word of faith or if the Terms in the Objection viz. That Christ is the light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world may be read in this recited place and if they cannot be found in the words of the Scripture then the challenge of him which wrote the Book Entituled Common Salvation mentioned before is returned as an evidence against themselves and their assertion remains still unproved by the Scriptures 4. Object Although that those words viz. The little light which shineth in the dark heart is the powerful word of Faith which was in the beginning by which all things were created Nor that Christ is the light which lightneth every one that cometh into the world Although these very words be not expressed in John 1.9 nor Christ so much as once named in all the nine first verses yet of whom can it be meant other than of Christ as may be gathered from those verses considered and compared together Answ I might in answer to this Objection alluding to that of the Apostle Acts 17.28 alleage a passage out of your own Bookes viz. Fran. Howgill Common-Salvation Page 3. Thou that tells of opening Chapters and verses by meanings thou never heard a word of Christ I only observe this to shew you what hard measure you mete out to others when your selves are constrained to do the same things as will hereafter be further made to appear 5. Object Doth not Christ himself say in John 8.12 I am the light of the world and in John 12.35 36. where it is plainly expressed That Christ is the light without any meaning Answ Although in the 8. of John 12. vers Christ is called the light of the World being the same who in the 12. of John v. 36. is to be beleeved on yet neither in the 8. nor 12. nor first of Joh. by any of them or all of them put together is it proved that the little light which shines in the dark heart is the powerful word of faith which was in the beginning by which all things were created which cannot be affirmed of any other but of him I say of him by whom all things were made that were made of whom it is said he was in the world the world was made by him the world knew him not and how or where he should be called the little light that shines in the dark heart or powerful word of faith or the light which lightens every man that cometh into the world I do not nor cannot read let the impartial sober minded consider whether any thing but a meaning can make it out whether such meaning be according to truth 6. Object Thou art stumbling at the light which should guide thee and therein manifests thy confusion and ignorance while thou art talking about the light thou comprehends it not through the darkness that is in thee Shew if thou canst what is said touching the light of Christ wherewith he enlightens every man that comes into the world either in the 1.8 or 12. of Joh. or any other Scripture that thy knowledg in the Mystery thereof may be manifested if there be any such thing in thee or else for ever cease speaking any further thereof A. Not to meddle with that branch of the Objection at all which censures and judges and speaks of darkness confusion and ignorance for bringing the things asserted to tryal by the words of the holy Scriptures and for discovering the unproveableness thereof by the Scriptures produced by them to prove the same lest the anger and frowardness in the Objector might produce a like spirit in the Answerer but rather inclining to the latter part thereof viz. to shew what is said in the first of John touching the light wherewith every man coming into the world is inlightned according to that measure wherewith I shal be assisted though with never so much weakness and stammeringness of speech in holy fear and trembling before him whom I serve with my Spirit even in this Service though but a babe therein I shall propound to consideration a few things 1. I do find that in the first of John there is mention made of the word which was in the beginning with God of whom it is said and that word was God Joh. 1.1 All things were made by him vers 2. i. e. The word God In him was life and that life was the light of men vers 4. John was sent from God to bear witness of that light vers 7. i. e. The word God vers 1. That was the true light which lightneth every man Coming into the world vers 9. even he by whom the world was made vers 10. He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not This word God he in whom was life and the life was the light of men He i. e. God the word the maker of the world vers 10. He was that true light which lightneth every man that cometh into the world According to that Divine testimony 1 Joh. 1.5 This then is the message that we have heard of him and declare unto you That God is Light and in him is no darkness at all So that he who is the true originall fountain of light In whom is life and that life is the light of men v. 3. who enlightneth every man v. 9. with life light that cometh into the world Is the word God Joh. 1.1 as appears by what is witnessed in the forenamed Scriptures even God the Creator of the ends of the Earth Esa 40.28 The maker and former of all things The word God thus considered the original and fountain of all light and life he of whom it s said as in Acts 17.28 29. In him we live and move and have our being For we are also his Off-spring even all the generations of mankind who are or ever were subjects of life and light as he is the Author and fountain of both Psal 36.9 To all and every one that comes into the World I say as thus considered So the word God or God the word is the light and life of men and as so considered he doth enlighten as really as inliven every man that cometh into the world Setting up in every man a Spirit by which he doth exist or live as a man differencing him from other creatures by that Spirit of a man by which he lives a rational life calling it the candle of the Lord searching all the inward parts of the belly Prov. 20.27 i. e. the things of a man 1 Cor. 2.11 As appears more at large in the former part where the nature and property of this light the
came to them againe after his death and then the shadow or figure was put away Answ In this case the counsell of the Prophet Esay is applyable To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no morning light in them Esay 8.20 1. The Scripture doth not any where declare that the Disciples brake bread in remembrance of Christ between the times of his death and resurrection 2. The Scriptures doe testifie that they did breake bread after his resurrection and ascention and if both these be true then this Author wanted light in the opening this Scripture-passage or the light in him was not sufficient to open this therefore not all Scriptures The former of these two viz. that the Disciples of our Lord did observe the Passeover or Supper in remembrance of Christ till he came to them again after his death that this was true and that the Disciples so did it remaines to be proved where and how it was by them so done during his abode in the grave The latter of them that the Apostles did observe the breaking of bread after the resurrection and assention of Christ is thus witnessed Acts 2.42 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and prayers Acts 20 7. 1 Cor. 10.16 1 Cor. 11.23 24. If this were not that breakeing of bread which is by our Lord Jesus appointed and by the Apostle intended 1 Cor. 11. Let it be made appear by the Scriptures of truth by him that can without a meaning and this I doe in an especiall manner commend to the serious consideration of Fr Howgill Or let that meaning and opening of the above named Scriptures if they need any be according to verity and truth and this I commend to Rich Farnworth and both these writers to observe their difference herein touching the opening of Scriptures viz. Chapters or verses The one affirming the sufficiency of the light in every man to open all Scriptures The other saying Thou that tells of opening Chapters or Verses by meanings thou never heard a word of Christ It remaines to consider touching the light in every man Whether it doth or can lead man out of the fall up to God the Father and to eternall life Reply The light in every man considered either apart and singly as the spirit of a man the candle of the Lord or as the Law written on every mans heart for so the law is light Prov. 6.23 as before minded The light and Law as thus considered doth not nor cannot lead a man out of the fall c. First That it doth not This is evident first in the person of Adam In whom the light after his fall was as eminent to say no more as in any other of the children of the transgression Considered as meer subjects of the light common to all or of that light which is in every man that comes into the world of which number he was not the least Yet the light in him though it discovered to him his transgression and wrought in him feare and hideing of himselfe it led him not out of the fall up to God the Father and to eternall life for it is said Gen. 3.8 9 10. And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord and he said I heard thy voice in the Garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my selfe So true is that word by the law is the knowledge of sin Rom. 3.20 And the law worketh wrath Rom. 4.15 And so farre was the light and law in the first man Adam from leading him out of the fall up to God the Father that it had this effect upon him to drive him from the voice and presence of God and through feare to hide himselfe As this is true of the first man and of the light in him so may it be affirmed of the Generations of mankinde and of the light in them it leads them not up to God out of the fall nor can doe as not being thereunto enabled as may further appeare Those dreadfull examples of Cain and Judas in whom the light and law did shine so eminently to their soules conviction that they saw their sin and owned their guilt the latter proceeding so farre that to conviction he added confession I have sinned in betraying Innocent blood And unto both these added restitution Matth. 27.3 He repented i. e. confessed the sin and restored the Silver That is as I have heard some say shamed the deceit yet did not this light which convinced him lead him out of the fall up to God but the contrary as is evident in that Scripture and in Acts 1.18 19. verses other instances might be given and experience discovers the many selfe convicted ones whose light neverthelesse leads them not out of the fall up to God the father but by the light and law in them are convinced and condemned and driven away from God and made to hide themselves Object These Instances nor any other of the like kinde do not at all weaken the truth touching the nature and power of the light for the defect was not in the light but in the persons not loveing nor obeying the light hence was their condemnation which if they had loved and obeyed it had been their salvation and would have led them up to God the Father and to eternall life The light and law in the first man what ever it was to him before he transgressed how lovely and delightfull soever it was to him then yet after his fall his heart did meditate terror the light and sight of the law was not desirable it was not to be loved but feared it wrought wrath in him I was affraid and hid my selfe did it require obedience after the fall so as to lead up to God for its worke was to poure forth contempt upon the transgressor to execute the just equall and righteous though severe sentence of death haveing no other thing in commission from the law-giver but death to the transgressor In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely dye This decree was peremptory and without condition and the law could propound no dispensation upon terms of loveing or obeying it to encourage the Creature to face about much lesse to lead him up to God and this was the condition of the first man till the seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 As the Serpent was lift up upon the pole of the promise to destroy the destroyer and become a door at which man through faith should enter According to that word I am the doore by me if any man enter he shall be saved John 10.9 Nor was this Adams condition only but it is the state and condition of every man to whom the light and law doth discover sin and slayes the sinner leaves him so till the Lord Jesus the quickning or live-making Spirit doth become a principle of life and light
within him and he become new born John 3.3 till Christ be formed in him Gal. 4.19 and he created a new in Christ Jesus 2 Cor. 5.17 being begotten of his owne good will by the word of truth James 1.18 and so born again of the incorruptible seed by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever 1 Peter 1.23 24 25. I say till a man be thus new born and new created in Christ Jesus and Christ be formed in him till the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath set him free from the law of sin and death he cannot see the Kingdome of God nor by the light and law under the former consideration of which every man is partaker be led up to God out of the fall unto eternall life The Scripture beares Testimony of Paul That in the heat of his zeale he made havoke of the Church Acts 8.3 Chap. 9.1 Chap 22 4 5.19 20. and being exceedingly mad against the Saints shut up many of them in Prison punished them and compelled them to blaspheme and gave voice against them when they were put to death Acts 26.10 11. yet he was in all this zealous toward God instructed according to the perfect manner of the law Acts 22.3 and touching the righteousnesse thereof was blamelesse Phil. 3.6 and thought with himselfe that he ought to doe many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth Acts 26.9 he was kicking against the pricks and persecutig the Lord Jesus vers 14 15. And knew it not 1 Timothy 1.13 For although he were a Blasphemer a Persecuter and injurious yet obtained he mercy because hee did it ignorantly in unbeliefe Hence it appears that Paul did obey the light that was in him and did prosecute with zealethe dictates thereof and was therein zealon toward God according to that which is said John 16.2 The time cometh that whosoever killeth you will thinke that he doth God service or as they of whom Paul bears record Ro. 10 2. That had a zeal of God but not according to Knowledge Either the light in Paul was not sufficient to lead him out of the fall up to God and to eternall life or else he did disobey and did not follow the light which did lead him That he did not disobey but follow the light which was in him it is evident for then his sin had been against knowledge whereas it is said he did it ignorantly 1 Tim. 1.13 his conscience did not reprove him for the things he did for thus he witnesseth Acts 2.3.1 That he had lived in all good conscience before God untill that day and in the exercise thereof was without blame in himselfe and as touching the law blamelesse before others yet was he neverthelesse a persecuter of the Lord Jesus in his Saints and did not know it which discovers plainly the light in him was either not sufficient to discover to him the error of his way or at least did suspend its act of enlightning him in the knowledge thereof it check'd him not it convinced him not otherwise his sin had not been a sin of ignorance which is want of light but a sin against light and knowledge and consequently against conscience whereas on the contrary he thought he ought to doe many things against Jesus of Nazareth not knowing him to be the Lord and he did what he did in his persecuting and blaspheming without light and his conscience being silent toward him in all this according to that saying of our Lord Luke 23.34 Father forgive them for they know not what they doe For it is to be remembred that there are sins of ignorance as well as sins against light and knowledge the former are not without their guilt and punishment though the latter greatly aggravates both one and the other as is witnessed in those two Servants Luke 12.47 48. nor was it without the singular wisdome and mercy of God who appointed sacrifices to be offered for sins of ignorance Leviticus 4.2.13 27 28. errors in the judgement as well as in the will the head and the heart both sick must be purged Levit. 5.15 17 18 19. Levit. 4.2 13 27 28. But to sin against light and knowledge to be reproved and checked and convinced by the light and yet not to reclaime but to goe forward in the evill is not only transgression and sin but it is sin aggravated it is opposed to sins of ignorance and is called sinning presumptuously or sinning with an high hand and despising the word of the Lord such as so sinned were to bear their iniquity they were to be cut off Numb 15.27 28 30 31. Deutro 29.19 20 21. And to these kinds of sinning hath David relation when he prayes Psal 19.12 13. Who can understand his errors cleanse thou me from secret faults keep back thy Servant also from presumpteous sins and let them not have dominion over me then shall I be upright and innocent from the great transgression To this agrees that saying of the Apostle 1 Cor. 4.3 4. Yea I judge not mine own selfe for I know nothing by my selfe yet am I not hereby justified but he that judgeth me is the Lord. So that hence it will appeare that a person may sin through a want of light or knowledge and such may be great sins viz. Blasphemy Persecution in an high mannner against God and his Saints such as of which Paul was guilty and yet the person committing them by reason of his want of light to detect and discover them may be without conscience of sin as in himself and he in this his estate not sin against light Nay he may doe this in the prosecution of his light such as it is According to those words of our Lord Matth. 36.23 If the light in thee be darknesse c. Luke 11.35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darknesse They shall thinke they doe God service haveing a zeale of God but not according to knowledge The light that is in them discovers not unto them that they are in an evill course all this while nor are they convicted of disobedience to the light for then their zeale could not be a zeale of God nor they think they were doing God service and have a quiet conscience therein nor selfe accuseing nor selfe condemning therefore the objection doth not hold good in the terms thereof that the light loved and obeyed will lead up to God the father and to eternall life forasmuch as persons may goe on in a course of sin and therein proceed desperately against the Lord and his anointed ones and yet not know it not have light to discover it nor reprove them for it much lesse to lead them up to God out of the fall and to eternall life And where the light and law in any person discovers to him his sin and makes him know his transgression yet is it not able to lead such a person out of the fall up to God
the father and to eternall life for it roles him in garments full of blood it tumbles the transgressor into his grave and roles a stone upon him and seales the stone so farre is it from leading up to God from the fall that it drives the soule from God and keepes him in the fall till the Lord who is the quickning or live-making Spirit say to him while he is in his blood live by opening to him a doore of hope in this valley of Achor Besides what is said in this instance of Paul and that it appeares plainly that the light in him did not discover to him his transgression and lead him out of the fall up to God and unto eternall life notwithstanding hee professeth himselfe to have had a zeale toward God in what he did and that he did not sin against his light in what he did but thought he ought to doe as he was doing while he was opposing and kicking against the Lord. So may it be further discovered touching the light in every man that as it leads not out of the fall up to God and unto eternall life those that love it and obey it as in this instance last mentioned So neither doth it lead into all truth such as love it and obey it as may be discovered in severall instances and examples viz. Who can Impeach that man of Aethiopia the Eunuch of not loving or not obeying the light in him in whom neverthelesse it appeares to be insufficient to open to him the meaning of the Scripture of the Prophet wherein he was reading but understood not of whom the Prophet spake for being asked whether he understood what he was reading he doth not say yea But answereth How can I except some man guide me and discovers plainly he did not understand what he read by the question he propounds when he saith Of whom speaketh the Prophet this of himselfe or of some other man Nor is it sufficient to say the light reveales all truth to them that love and obey it though not all at once but by degrees to them which know little and doe love and obey it they shall know more and so it might have been with this Eunuch the light in him was sufficient to have opened to him this Scripture and all others though Philip had never instructed him This were to Impeach the wisdome of the most high and holy God as if hee had needlesly and causelesly appoynted Philip by the Spirit to goe neare and joyne himselfe to the Eunuchs Chariot And it were to impute folly unto Philip who when in obedience to the Command of the Spirit he was come to the Chariot of the Eunuch did not bid him minde the light within him and informe him of the sufficiency thereof to instruct him and teach him and that he had not need of any man to teach him if he would but love and obey the light which was in him that was sufficient to direct him into all truth and particularly into the understanding of that Scripture of the Prophet Esay which he was then reading but understood not Nay had hee not a faire opportunitie of reprooving him and of calling him an Ignorant man for saying How can I except some man guide mee Might he not have had just occasion to have bid him turne his eyes inward and minde the light within his guide and teacher was within hee had Scripture within But there is not a word of all this proceeds from him but contrariwise as hee by the Command of the Spirit was bid to arise and goe toward the South and particularly was directed to the Eunuchs Chariot to which hee accordingly applyed himselfe so being come thither without any reproofe to the Eunuch or acquainting him with the sufficiency of his teacher the light within him Hee opened his mouth and began at the same Scripture and preacht to him Jesus and accepted from him this Confession I beleeve that Jesus Christ is the Sonne of God Acts 8.26 to 39. A further example there is in the person and case of Cornelius of whom it cannot be said but that hee was in the meeknesse loving and obeying the light and prosecuting the dictates thereof in all simplicity improoveing his measure and talent even to acceptation with God for that hee was one that feared God and wrought righteousnesse as Peter testifies of him Implicitly Acts 10.34 35. And the Spirit of God beares him witnesse that Hee was a devout man and one that feared God with all his house and gave much almes to the people and prayed to God alway or incessantly Was hee one that walked not up to his light loving and obeying it The Lord by his holy Angel doth acquit him of this Charge testifying unto him in these words Cornelius Thy prayers and thine almes are come up for a memoriall before God Nor doth the Lord by his Angel encourage him to goe on in his way hearkening to the light in him and to abide therein loving and obeying it nor doth he call him into silence and command him to cease prayer and to waite in silence expecting his teaching from within but expressely directs him to send for Simon Peter that he might tell him what he ought to doe who accordingly so doth and Peter being come unto him at the speciall instance and direction of the Lord manifesting his pleasure to him in the vision and having received an account from Cornelius his owne mouth of his being sent for who having called together his kinsmen and neare friends said Wee are all heere present before God to heare all things that are Commanded thee of God Then Peter opened his mouth and preached unto them Jesus of Nazareth whom God anoynted with the holy Spirit and power who went about doing good being hee to whom all the Prophets give witnesse that through his Name whosoever beleeveth in him shall receive remission of sinnes And while Peter yet spake or while he was speaking those words the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word and they spake with tongues and magnified God This was not a silent meeting for Peter opened his mouth and spake nor was it a fruitlesse and empty meeting notwithstanding there were words spoken for the Lord bore witnesse thereunto by the gift of the holy Spirit yea though a Christ without them were preached unto them as appeares by Peters Sermon who stileth him Jesus of Nazareth whom God anoynted with the Holy Spirit and power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devill for God was with him even hee whom they slew and hanged on a tree whom God raised up the third day and shewed him openly I say a Christ without them is by the Apostle Peter preached unto them and their faith in him as such is borne witnesse unto by the holy Spirit which is given unto them whence it may without Injury to the truth be offered to the serious and sober minded to Consider
whether the most High and Holy Lord who doth nothing in vaine would have directed Cornelius to send for Simon Peter to tell him what he ought to doe if the light within had been sufficient to have done it Or that the Lord would have done so much to have Convinced the Apostle of his duty in going to Cornelius when he was sent for if Cornelius had a sufficient instructer already within him to inform and instruct him to lead him up to the light of life or would Peter have Concealed this from his Messengers when they came to him if it had been so Or being come would hee not have shewed him how needlesse a thing it was for him to have sent so farre having a teacher within him sufficient to have instructed him Or at least would hee not have told him that although hee in obedience to the Command of God had sent for him and it was well that hee had obeyed the Lord in so doing Yet now being come Hee must be faithfull and preach to him the everlasting Gospel and must tell him hee was come to direct him to his teacher within him to the light within him which lets him see the evill of his wayes loving it it would be his salvation hating it it would be his eternall Condemnation Whereas this blessed Apostle the Messenger and Minister of the Lord hee preaches to him the Lord Jesus living and dying dead and risen whom the most High and holy God had anoynted to be a Prince and a Saviour and that through his name whosoever beleeveth in him should receive remission of sinnes which Doctrine was Confirmed by the effusion of the holy Spirit which plainely Evidences that it was no Idle nor fruitlesse Doctrine and may have its use to the Conviction of those who are contrary minded in relation to the all and alone sufficiency of the teacher within viz. the light in every man and woman which comes into the world and the onlinesse of that Doctrine of a Christ within whereas the Spirit it selfe is pleased to set his seale of Evidence to the preaching of a Christ without and to confirme the witnesse which was given of him upō the persons of those who received it the whole 10th Chapter of the Acts Conteines this instance as also the second of the Acts from 22. to the end thereof gives the like testimony to the same doctrine of the Lord Jesus as he was Jesus of Nazareth So that it doth Evidently appeare from what hath been hitherto spoken that the light in every man though it be loved and obeyed yet it is not sufficient to discover the mystery of all truth and this appeares from the supply which the Lord hath graciously made to those who have been most faithfull improovers thereof without reproaching or upbraiding them for their not abiding therein or giving them command to abide there to turne in and not to looke out after any other teacher but hath contrariwise provided teachers and sent them such notwithstanding their light within Besides what hath been spoken it may yet further appeare That man cannot thereby be led out of the fall up to God and attaine thereby eternall salvation First For that the law and light pronounceth an Irreversable sentence upon the person that is in the Fall or in the transgression Cursed be every one that continueth not in every thing Secondly If man by loving and obeying the light and law that is in him might attaine salvation then would not all boasting be cut off from the creature contrary to the designe of God Rom. 3.26 27. 1 Cor. 1.29 30 31. Thirdly The great End of God in magnifying the Riches of grace by the blood of Christ would be frustrate and made voyd and of none effect and Christ have dyed in vaine Gal. 2.21 Rom. 3.24 25. Fourthly The preaching of the Gospel by the Apostles and Messengers thereof were an unnecessary and superfluous thing for to what end or purpose should Christ be preached as dead and risen and ascended to be beleeved on for life if the light and law in every man being loved and obeyed could lead up to God and to eternall life Act. 26 16.18 Act. 10.39 42 43. Fifthly The Apostle expressely declares That the law could not effect this thing Rom. 8.3 For what the law could not doe in that it was weak through the flesh God sent his own Son and Gal. 3.21 If there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousnesse should have been by the Law and Gal. 2.21 If righteousnesse be by the Law then Christ dyed in vaine But Christ dyed not in vaine nor was hee preached in vaine to have both dyed and rose againe according to the Scriptures 1 Cor. 15.2 3 4. nor is that faith vaine which so receiveth and so beleeveth That such might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith Gal. 3.14 And through the Spirit waite for the hope of righteousnesse by faith Gal. 5.5 From whence proceeds that true walking in the Spirit by such as live in the Spirit Gal. 5.18 25. That following of the Spirit by such as are led by the Spirit Rom. 8.4.14 And this is that which God hath anoynted to lead up to him out of the fall and to eternall life according to that testimony 1 Pet. 1.18 19 20 21. Forasmuch as yee were not redeemed with corruptible things but with the precious bloud of Christ who was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world but was manifested in these last times for you who by him doe beleeve in God that raised him from the dead that your faith and hope might be in God Through whom is preached the forgivenesse of sinnes and by him all that beleeve are Justified from all things from which they could not be Justified by the Law of Moses no nor by any workes of righteousnesse which they could performe Tit. 3.5 Eph 2.8 9 10. Salvation is not ascribed to man's loving and obeying the light that is in him but unto a submitting unto the righteousnesse of God viz. Christ Jesus who is the end of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10.3 4. Who of God is made unto such Wisdome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor 1.30 Object Thou hast plainly discovered that the Christ in whom thou beleevest is a Christ without thee at a distance and afarre off and the Righteousnesse which thou tells off is the Righteousnesse of another by which thou expectest salvation though thou in the meane time art unrighteous and so thou seekest a Covering but not by the Spirit of the Lord thy Covering is too narrow and thy bed is too short For it is witnessed That Christ is in you except yee be Reprobates and the kingdome of heaven is within and Christ in you the hope of glory and as touching righteousnesse it is said the Righteousnesse of the Law is fulfilled in us which walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit therefore
things which hee had heard of his Father John 15.15 Who when hee was come should guide them into all truth Joh. 16.7 13. Nor should this be a priviledge peculiar to the then Disciples only or to the persons of that age or generation as appeares Joh. 17.20 21. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall beleeve on mee through their word That they all may be one c. in us By the Administration of which Spirit of truth Hee i. e. The Lord Jesus Christ makes forth the discovery of himselfe his minde and will touching things to be knowne and done beleeved and practised Joh. 16.13 14. Whatsoever hee shall heare that shall hee speake and hee will shew you things to come Hee shall glorifie mee for hee shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you As the glory of God did shine forth through the appearance of Christ Joh. 17.4 So the glory of Christ doth shine forth through the appearance of the Spirit Joh. 16.14 As Christ did nothing of himselfe during his ministration in the world Joh. 12.49 50. I have not spoken of my selfe but the Father which sent mee gave me Commandement what I should say and what I should speake and as the Father said to me so I speake So the Spirit of truth hee shall not speake of himselfe but whatsoever hee shall heare that shall hee speake Hee shall glorifie mee for hee shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you As God was in Christ reconciling the world to himselfe 2 Cor. 5.19 So is Christ in Spirit subduing the world to himselfe Joh. 16.7 8. Now the Lord is that Spirit 2 Cor. 3.17 As Christ by being put to death in the flesh hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 3.18 So by being justified in spirit or quickned by the spirit or declared to be the son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness 1 Tim. 3.16 He doth actually effect that thing in all them who by him do beleeve in God that raised him from the dead and gave him glory that their faith and hope might stand in God 1 Pet. 3.18 Rom. 1.4 Who by faith purifies their heart in obyeing the truth through the spirit waiting for the hope of righteousnesse by faith 1 Pet. 1.19 21 22 23. By which spirit he doth negotiate all the affairs of his kingdome on earth and so hath done from the time of his ascending up on high when he led Captivity captive and not only received gifts for men or in the man yea for the rebellious that he might dwell among them Psal 68.18 But also gave gifts to men Eph. 4.8.12 for the gathering into one or perfecting the number of the Saints for the edifying or building up the body of Christ till we all that is all the seed come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ which cannot be so long as one joint one finger or member of the body is uncalled ungathered or unjoynted according to that of Heb. 11.40 For as they without us could not be made perfect so neither they nor we apart nor together can so be without those which are to come after who altogether make up the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ whose body cannot be compleat till every joint be supplyed The Effecting whereof the Lord Jesus Christ performs by his spirit from the very first stone the foundation to the top stone thereof For he having been hammered and broken smitten and bruised crucified through weaknesse when his soul was made an offering for sin yet being raised in power and declard to be the Son of God with power by the spirit of holinesse and liveing by the power of God was made perfect through suffering and became the Author of eternall salvation to them which obey him being laid for a foundation for a Corner stone 1 Cor. 3.11 1 Pet. 2.6 Ephes 2.20 21 22. In whom the building is fitly framed together and built up together for an habitation of God through the spirit by which spirit the work is both begun and carried on by it the stones are hewen and made meet to be made partakers of a place in the building they are fitted and then fitly framed and built up together from first to last The first work which Christ by his spirit would exercise in the world after his departure was to reprove the world of sin viz. of unbeleefe John 16.7 8 9. and not only should they thereby be reproved of sin and of that before named in particular or in speciall that is of unbelief but it should convince them also of righteousnesse and of judgement The law under the former dispensation though it convinced of and reprooved for sin yet it discovered not a perfect righteousness nor brought forth judgement into victory but haveing detected the sinner it left him under the sentence of judgement and condemnation but the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus That quickning spirit proceeds at another rate it not only reproves the Sinner but reveales the Saviour opens a doore of hope to the convicted sinner If so there may be hope and for this reason among others it is called the Comforter giving to the sin-smitten soule the valley of Achor for a doore of hope I will be mercifull to their unrighteousnesse and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more making the discovery of grace a foundation of repentance and returning to a poore convicted and reproved sinner holding proportion with that ancient and first Gospel promise or word of faith the seed of the woman shall breake the head of the Serpent Gen. 3.15 applied by God to the trembling sinner Adam when he was affraid and hid himselfe By the same spirit doth Christ administer as a spirit of wisdome and revelation opening the eyes of the understanding Ephes 1.17 that men may come to the knowledge of him and may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints i. e. in them that trust in Christ or beleeve and are sealed with the holy spirit of promise Vers 12 13. Which operation of the spirit is wrought as himselfe listeth Joh. 3.8 and by what means himselfe pleaseth though ordinarily by the preaching of the word according to divine appointment Rom. 10.17 Ephes 4.11 12. whereby the spirit opens the blind eyes and turns men from darknesse to light and from the power of Sathan to God that they may receive forgivenesse of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith which is in Christ Jesus Act. 26.15 16 17 18. Which Faith is the fruit of his spirit in them Gal. 5.22 whereby they are given to beleeve Phil. 1.29 and to receive Christ Jesus Joh. 1.12 and to
will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me 1. Tim. 3.16 Beleeved on in the world received up into glory And he shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you whom the heaven must receive untill the times of restitution of all things Acts 3.20 21. For our conversation is in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile body or body of vileness that it may be fashioned like his glorious body Phil. 3.20 21. according as John also testifies 1 Joh. 3.2 3. But we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Thus then in relation to his bodily presence he is considered as without us as is testified 1 Pet. 3.22 Heb. 1.3 Col. 3.1 Act. 7.56 But in relation to his spiritual presence so he filleth all things Ephes 4.10 and in respect thereof it may be sayd Whither shall I go from thy spirit or whither shall I flee from thy presence Psal 139.7 8 9 10 11 12. and though the influence of his supporting and susteining presence extendeth to all things upholding them by the word of his power Heb. 1.3 though they see it not Col. 1.17 Yet his special Resience and presdence is with such as being joined to the Lord are become one spirit and are his house his Temple where he abides as one at home and that for ever as is testified 1 Cor. 6.17 19 20. He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit What know you not that your body is the temple of the holy spirit in you which ye have of God and ye are not your own for you are bought with a price therfore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are God's Nor is this union of Spirit or spiritual union this residence or Temple presence as the state of a wayfaring man which tarries but for a night for this is the word of promise Joh. 14.16 17. I will pray the Father and he shall or will give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of truth Ye know him he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3.17 The fear of Casting out is removed and gone and the soul put into a capacity of serving the Lord without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of its life Such persons being joyned to the Lord and become one Spirit with him Beholding with open face or with the face unveil'd which veil is done away in Christ the glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord and of such persons such Temples such spiritual houses may it be said as anciently it was said of the typical place of Gods residence and abode 2 Chr. 7.16 I have chosen and sanctified this house Mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually Psal 132.14 This is my rest for ever here will I dwell for I have desired it I will make the Horn of David to bud which was is and shall be accomplish'd in the Lord Jesus whom God hath raised up as an horn of salvation in the house of his servant David Luk. 1.69 By whom he hath begun to repair the breaches and build again the tabernacle of David which was fallen down and will build again the ruines thereof and will set it up that the residue of men may seek after the Lord and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called or as many as the Lord our God shall call Act. 2.39 saith the Lord that doth all these things Act. 15.16 17. Then shall the body be compleated and every joynt supplyed the Saints perfected and gathered into one in the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Who as he is the head of the body Ephes 4.16 5.23 in whom the universal body or Church of the first born become a perfect man being fitly joyned together in due order of membership to the compleating thereof So is he the foundation or chief corner stone of the building in whom every living stone is framed together built together an holy Temple in the Lord an habitation of God through the spirit Thus is the Lord Jesus Christ in Spirit both Author and finisher of faith in every one that beleeves As considered the object of faith so is he held forth in the Word as one who himself in his own body hath done whatsoever was necessary to bring us to God and this he did for us and without us Phil. 2.7 8. 1 Pet. 2.21 24. As considered the Author and Finisher of faith in bringing us to God so he performeth all in us by his Spirit from the very first step of conviction laying himself as a foundation in the judgement and will to the very top stone of the building and that he might be all in all It remains to consider some certain passages expressed in a Letter written by a friend of this conscience and perswasion the particulars whereof follow viz. Dear Friend I Truly own in thee a breathing after the Lord and unsatisfiedness till thou hast found him whom to know is life eternal but the mistake is about the way to attain Now the way for lost man to return to have Communion and fellowship with the pure and holy God is by Christ who saith I am the way But where to find this Christ or way here lyeth not only the difference but also for the want of the knowledge of this and walking in it is the true cause of mans misery and thou thy selfe art not ignorant of the several forms that cry Loe here and loe there yet the way is but one Search the Scriptures and see if Christ be not only the way but also Christ near and while we consider Christ at a distance is it any more than those that are of the world which say Depart from us we desire not the knowledge of thy wayes To this will that other Scripture agree When they knew God they glorified him not as God these had such a knowledge of God that they might thereby have glorified him as God which not doing they were given up to vile affections Now to know him that is the gift of God if ever we will we must know him as God holds him forth Christ saith of himself that he is the dore Can any one enter to God otherwayes than by Christ He also saith he is the light Can any one come to God but he must receive the light Also there are measures of this light The first measure or degree of light is that which discovers sin and iniquity and
as he hath any stock of his owne so long as he hath one penny to go to the Physicians with he 'l spend it there but to be made a beggar and to be saved of alms to receive salvation of gift he likes not to be accompted so lame and impotent so sick yea dead proud man cannot bear thus nor will not beleeve this Nor is this spoken to discourage any from waiting on the Lord in the use of his appointments in order to their salvation Nay it is required of all that they work out their salvation with fear and trembling Yet withall to remember that it is God that worketh in them both to will and to do of his own good pleasure but it is spoken to mind thee that there is an ambitious mind in me and thee and we would think we are not so poor as we are nor so beggarly as we are nor so unable to help our selves but we can contribute much upon accompt of the stock we have in hand our Candle will serve the turn well enough we do not stand in so much need of the sun we may work by Candle-light sufficient to answer what 's required of us Whereas the scope and tendency of the Gospel is as to leave man without excuse for not improving what is left with him so it is to cut off glorying and boasting from man in the utmost of his improvements that he should reckon himself to have done nothing but to have been an unprofitable servant even then and there where and when he is most conversant in what is required of him and to be so far from bearing himself in hand that any work of righteousness which he can do hath in it a vertue whereby to declare him righteous as before God that the very unrighteousness of his righteous action either as to matter or manner would silence him in that perswasion if his eye were open to see it as it is seen by God If the most high should enter with thee into judgement thou wouldest not be able to answer him one of a thousand of thy miscarriages and transgressions which pass thee untaken notice of in the day of thine own judgement which would not nor could not if thine eye were open there are sins of ignorance as well as of knowledg yea sins cleaving to thy most holy things sufficient to abate thy glorying Those things which are now of price unto thee in which thou confidentest thy self are but creaturely excellencies and may be found in such as whom thou in comparison wouldest not set with the Dogs at thy Table I mean those whom thou in thy own judgement infinitely surpassest in vertue and goodness would blame and shame thee if compared with thee be therefore content to be stript of thy seeming glory which indeed hath a beauty if considered by it self as that of Moses also had in its day of dispensation but considering it as that which was to be done away and so the glory thereof was inglorious it had no glory in comparison of that glory which excelled The face of Moses did shine but it was veiled the schollers then could not behold it with open face But this veil is done away in Christ in whose face the glory of God doth shine with more clearness and with less terror and amazedness so as that the disciples the scholers and followers of the Lord Jesus those who having heard and learn'd of the father come unto him God who commanded light to shine out of darkness shines in their hearts to give them the light of the knowledg of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ which they beholding not as under a veil but as in a glasse with open face are changed into the same Image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. To the Regenerate man upon the accompt of his first manifestation And is it so indeed that notwithstanding all thy hitherto zealous strict and religious appearance putting it self forth in reformations humiliations resolutions austere and strict obligations for piety for purity for bringing under the body of sin by vows covenants holy purposes performances in religious duties and services neglecting of the body through watchings fastings abstinence from necessary supplyes and all this in order to the attainment of the true peace which is after God the peace which passeth mans understanding which thine awakened and wounded Spirit thirsted after the attainment of and could not be satisfied till it was enjoyed and in these supposed to have found it but it was but at times however it was liable to breaches yet those breaches were healed and made up with some one or more of these and this was the case of thy soul for many days perhaps for many years sometimes 't was day with thee otherwhile 't was night sometime thou sawest nor Sun nor Moon nor stars for many daies sometimes thou wert confident thy estate was good and safe thy heart melted into tears of compassion for others which were not so as thou wert and saw not that which thou sawest and in this thy confidence thou becamest a guid to the blind a light to them which were in darkness an instructer of the foolish a teacher of babes Thou prayedst with and for them thou weptst and madest supplication over them this or something like this thou bearest testimony unto as having been the frame of thy spirit neverthelesse in this thy bow abode not in strength 't was not alwayes bent sometime when thou wert reproving others thou thy self wert secretly reproved in thy self either for the same or some other evil when thou wert comforting others thine own heart was in doubt whether thou wert truly comforted of God while thou wert helping others with strengthning arguments against distrust despair couldst thou thy self believe that thou wert indeed translated from death to life when others thought highly of thee and their souls blessed thee and God for thee did not thine own heart at times tremble within thee lest thou after thou hadst comforted others shouldest thy self become a cast-away whence might this proceed these ups and downs these yeas and nays why did the mountains skip why was Jordan the river of judgment driven back why did the earth tremble the state which seemed to be founded upon a rock to move and step backward was it not because it did but seem to be so founded It was but earth and therefore trembled the bow was not the bow of Joseph therefore it abode not in strength the bogh was not Josephs bogh therfore not increasing it was not rooted in him who was the excellency of Jacob not strengthned by the arm of the mighty God of Jacob and therefore no marvail it admitted of such variety mutability notwithstanding its seeming excellency and stability Thy garments were but prison garments and thou in thy prison house though thou knewest it not the iron was entred into thy soul and thou couldest not
the branches to be broken Jer. 11.16 because it is not testified of them according to that word Hos 14.8 from me is thy fruit found It 's necessary to consider the foundation whereon we are built there 's no other foundation but the Rock nor no Rock but the Lord Jesus Christ and him laid as a foundation whereon the building must stand that will abide the storm and tempest There are two Common Roots of Mankind The First Adam the Second Adam two Creations two Covenants There must be a breaking off that there may be a grafting in a dying to the spirit that there may be a quickning or live-making by the second Adam not a garnishing the old tomb neither with feathers nor Garlands no nor garments neither but old things must pass away and all things become new not a new name only but a New nature also For except a man be born again he shall never see the kingdome of God much may the natural man do and yet but a Child of the first birth To the latter of these to such as bid defiance to c. To the latter of these to such as bid defiance to the most High God who say to the Almighty depart from us we will not the knowledge of thy wayes Even to these wisedome uttereth her voice in the streets she cryeth in the chiefe place of concourse How long ye scorners will ye delight in scorning and fooles hate knowledg turn ye at my reproof To day while its called to day harden not your hearts but seek the Lord while he may be found for there is a destruction determined from the Lord upon all the proud and profane ones for he will dash them one against another even the Fathers and the Sons together and will neither pity nor spare nor have mercy but destroy Hear ye therefore and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken give glory to the Lord God before he cause darknesse and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains and while ye look for light he turn it into the shadow of death and make it grosse darkness humble your selves and sit down for your Principalities shall come down even the crown of your glory and although you wipe your mouths and say you have done no wickedness yet the pride rebellion of Haman and Nebuchadnezzar the profaneness of Esau the gluttony drunkenness of Dives and Belshazzar as the iniquity of your heels will compass you about and what will you do in the end thereof when the watcher the Holy one shall say unto you as to him in the vision Hew down the Tree cut off his branches shake off his leaves and scatter his fruit let the beasts get away from under it and the fowls from his branches and let his portion be with the beasts in the grasse of the earth And though you may slight and contemn this as being a sound of words yet when your eyes shall see the fingers upon the plaister of the wall and shall read the writing which you cannot but see and read for the most High hath placed his candle upon a candlestick and not under a bushell and this writing is upon the wall over against the candlestick that thou maist see and shalt not chose but see eye to eye the light that 's in thee reflects upon the law written in thee that law written on the plaisterd wall or table of thy heart returns a reciprocal reflexion Then will thy countenance change and thy thoughts be troubled the joynts of thy loins be unloosed and thy knees smite against each other but if the vision be so terrible what wil the interpretation and the application thereof be unto thee when thou shalt be numbred and weighed found too light the glory of thy Kingdom finished divided from thee Then O thou fool whose shal these things be O therefore that thou wert wise and wouldest consider thy latter end and honour and extoll the most High God whose eternal power and Godhead is manifested in thee and shewne unto thee whose works are truth and his waies judgment and those which walk in pride he is able to abase To the Religious man upon the Terms of the first Covenant Thou art perswaded that thou art passed from death to life by all the Arguments whereby a person may be perswaded thereof Thou art convinced that as absolutely as it 's appointed for man once to dye so certainly necessary it is for a person to be born again of water and of the spirit if ever he expect to see the Kingdome of God and that thou art so born it 's to thee out of doubt being possest with these perswasions or such as these viz. That thou hast had the spirit of bondage to fear and haste abode under that dispensation for a season and this hath been the hour of thy travail through which thou hast been brought forth and hast been made partaker of the new birth the holy spirit testifying as much unto thee by giving thee ability to cry Abba father By this thou knowest thou hast past from death to life because thou lovest the brethren Thou art poor in spirit Thou dost hunger and thirst after righteousness Thou art weary and heavy laden Thou art persecuted for righteousness sake Thou dost mourn Therefore all the conditions of these promises shall be surely made good to thee whatever becomes of others whom thou pitiest and over whom thou mournest to think of their conditions And is it so indeed Art thou O man or woman at rest under all this if so what means those doubts and fears that so often arise within thee and whispers these things to thee What if my mourning should not be mourning aright my poverty of spirit not of a right kind my love to the Brethren but partial and feigned to some not to others scarce to any in a full proportion at least not to all without partiality is not this friend dearer to thee than that couldest thou not dye sooner for this friend than for that if at all for any oh how is thy wine mixt with water and thy silver with dross thy seemingly unfeigned love with respect of persons Sayest thou not sometimes in secret to thy soul O! if I were sure my hungring and thirsting were indeed after righteousness for righteousness sake and that I were indeed heavy laden according to truth then I were sure of satisfaction and were sure of ease but while these are the private reasonings of thy soul and yet thou wouldest seem and appear to be past from death to life death's in the window death 's in the pot thou yet needest the Physician for thou art sick though thou knowest it not But admit thou art able to deduce arguments of life from the actions of a living man Forasmuch as he that worketh righteousnes is righteous and such art thou and the course of thy life doth evidence this to thine own and all mens view walking
in all the ordinances of God without Blame This is a worthy testimony indeed and to be had in great estimation of all that love and fear the Lord. But may there not be a defect here can no man challenge thee for things done as a man Admit they cannot though that be rare no inequality no partiality in word or deed having been found in thee if so thou hast whereof to glory but not before God mightest thou not have done the same things sooner or better with respect to circumstances in relation to matter or manner to person or thing did thy heart never smite thee for defect or excess in relation to these it's with thee to give an answer according to truth now if thy heart condemn thee God is greater than thy heart and though thy heart condemn thee not and that thou hast confidence toward God yet must that confidence be according to God forasmuch as although it be a very comfortable thing and much to be desired to have the testimony of a mans own conscience in the thing he doth yet this being but a single witness though it may serve a man in mans matters in such cases as concern a mans self yet in the matters between a man and his God it 's requisite that to the quietation of his mind and the establishing his rest to the making up a peace in his spirit its necessary that his righteousness which he calls such be born witness to by God otherwise his peace flowing from his righteousness being but singly evidenced may be without joy in the holy spirit As is witnessed 1 Cor. 4.4 For not he that commendeth himself is approved but whom the Lord commendeth 2 Cor. 10.18 There be some eminent cases which being considered will give thee and me light in this matter Paul was a strickt observer of the Law highly privileged and dignified in walking exact and blameless living in all good conscience having a zeal of God and knew not but that he ought to do what he was doing even then when he was in the height and ruff of his persecution yet this quietness of mind in himself nor his zeal toward God nor his perswasion that he was doing God good service none of these did justifie him before God though they might contribute to a satisfying him in his own mind and a justifying of him in the Court of his own conscience which was at this time un-informed as he testifieth 1 Tim. 1.13 That he obteined mercy because he did it ignorantly in unbeleef That person mentioned in Luk. 18.10 11 12. who in his prayer appealed to God insisting upon his negative and positive righteousness declaring what he was not and what he was that he was righteous and did righteousness he was exercised in relation to God and man a keeper of both tables Yet the passage intimates that God was not like minded touching this boaster or cracker Gods thoughts were not touching him as his own thoughts were touching himself but the contrary for every own that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted Another passage most eminently remarkable is that of Job of whom it 's testified by God himself to the face of the accuser that he was a perfect and an upright man one that feared God and eschewed evill and that there was none like him in the earth Job 1.8 2.3 touching his integrity he makes a Narrative thereof which discovers the most surpassing excellencie appealing to God therein of whom he saith doth not he see my wayes and count all all my steps Job 31.4 6. let me be weighed in an even Ballance and let God know mine integrity if my step have turned out of the way and mine heart walked after mine eyes if any blot have cleaved to my hands if I have eaten my morsels my self alone if I have seen any perish for want of cloathing or any without covering if I covered my transgression as Adam by hiding mine iniquity in my bosome much is there spoken of Jobs integrity by which it's evident he had whereof to glory before men and by his confident appeals to God it is evident he did not doubt to stand also before him in the Judgement He was righteous and did work righteousness and was able to bear it out with confidence against the accusation of his professed adversary and his three friends yet his righteousness doth appear to be but a righteousness of the first Covenant done under the dispensation of the Covenant of works which he as a fearer of God and worker of righteousness might and did perform which answers the Character God gives of him Chap. 1.8 that he was one that feared God and eschewed evil agreeable to that testimony of Peter touching Cornelius in the tenth Act. 31.32 in every nation he which feareth God worketh righteousness is accepted with him And the rather is this considerable because that notwithstanding the testimony which God gave of the perfection and uprightness of Job in the before mentioned scripture and the narrative Job gives of his own integrity as before yet doth the Lord himself reprove him with many repeated arguments for his conviction as also doth Job lay his hand upon his own mouth and passe sentence upon himself which plainly declares his perfection whatever it was in relation to the first Covenant and his uprightness however it might be without blot or blame as in reference to what was outward and that Job might have in respect thereof whereof to glory before men yet in relation to the righteousness of God that which give him boldness there he with the Leper cries I am unclean Job 40.4 Behold I am vile what shall I answer thee I will lay my hand upon my mouth Chap. 42 I have uttered that which I understood not things too wonderful for me which I knew not I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear but now mine eye seeth thee wherefore I abhorre my self and repent in dust and ashes Thou maist have many evidences marks and signes whereon thy confidence may be built and these nevertheless may be return'd upon thee for want of authority to confirm thee in an undoubted perswasion of thy renewed condition Thou maist likewise abound in works of righteousnesse which may have a mighty influence upon thee to further that perswasion and yet reach no further than to set thee up amongst men thou maist be outdone in all thy working and undone in all that 's done for this is most certain man would be at work doing some thing that might render him his owne saviour whereas it 's plainly declared that it 's not in him that willeth nor in him that runneth but in God which sheweth mercy nor by works of righteousnesse which we have done but of his mercy he saveth such as are saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy spirit which man doth not care for being acquainted withall as long