somewhat resemble Conjuration And did not the Prophet Micah Prophesie against such Priests as Teach for Hire and such Prophets as Divine for Mony See Mic. 3.11 21th Charge Ibid. Truth 's Defence by G. F. and R. H. printed 1653. p. 101. It is dangerous to read viz. the Scriptures which the Prophets Christ and the Apostles spoke forth freely Obs Again what abuse this is in the Quotation for here they leave out the very Intent of the matter because it touches themselves as Persons Conscious 'T is not said in those general words that it is dangerous to read the Scriptures c. but it is dangerous to read and to make a Trade of that which the Prophets Christ and the Apostles spake forth freely and to give meanings to it contrary than it is And further it is said You wrest the Scriptures to your own Destruction Psal 56.5 These Men were willing to leave out what concerns their making a Trade of the Scriptures or of that which the Prophets Christ and his Apostles spake forth freely 'T is not said to be dangerous to all Men to read the Scriptures but to them that pervert them and make a Trade of them So 't is dangerous for any to read them for an unlawful end but not for any to read them for a good end For it is expresly said in the same page quoted Blessed is he that doth read and doth understand As to what they object in the latter part of their Quotation I answer that it is a great Evil to condemn either the Scriptures to the Fire or any other Books given forth from the Eternal Spirit of God the Evil in both is of the same kind tho' the Matter of Fact may differ in degree It was a great Evil and wicked Act in Jâ—hoiakim King of Judah to burn Jeremiah's Roll or Book writ by Barack Jer. 36. but it would be a greater Act of Wickedness to burn all the Books of the Holy Prophets or the whole Bible There are Degrees of Robbery but all of the same kind 22th Charge p. 10. Edw. Burroughs p. 47. of his Works That is no Command from God to me what he commands to another neither did any of the Saints which we read of in Scripture act by the Command which was to another not having the Command to themselves Here they leave out the next words viz. I challenge to find an Example for it they were obliged every one by their own Command One was sent to Baptism and to preach the Gospel another was sent not to Baptise but to Preach the Gospel all these left out And then they go on with their Charge viz. And thou or any other who go to Duty as you call it by Imitation from the Letter without which was a Command to others in your Wills and Time your Sacrifice is not accepted but is abomination to the Lord for you go without the moving of the Spirit in your own Wills and Strength which God hates and which his wrath is upon Obs From what these Men have partially left out in their Quotation he intended Special Commands or Commissions as to Baptise to Preach or to pray c. which they that perform in their own Wills and Time and go to Prayer or other Acts of Worship or Devotion towards God without the Moving and Assistance of his Spirit 't is but Will-worship and they are not accepted therein but rejected of the Lord as Israel in their observing their Sacrifices Oblations Incense New Moons Sabbaths and calling of Assemblies and making many Prayers were rejected of the Lord and testified against by his Prophet tho' they imitated the Letter of the Law in these things Isa 1.11 12 13 14 15. But there are Universal and Moral Commands of Justice and Honesty and Prohibitions of the Contrary which are universally binding to Mankind but chiefly from Inward Light and Conviction And God has not left man without Light and Grace to oblige him therein it being Conviction that can Effectually only oblige to obedience W. P. who is also quoted in this Case against us out of his Quaquerism a New Nickname c. Printed 1673. p. 71 72. is further explanatory and distinguishing in this point as between Ordinary and Extraordinary Cases and I am persuaded these Adversaries cannot answer him in Justification of their Charge against us And therefore very partially quote him on the same Subject after these words viz. No Command in the Scripture is any further obliging upon any Man than as he finds a conviction upon his Conscience otherwise Men should be engaged without if not against Conviction a thing unreasonable in a Man They leave out these following viz. Therefore the Apostle when he wrote to the Churches exhorted them not to do those things whereof they were ashamed and to shun what was manifested to be evil and affirms That whatever might be known of God was manifested within for God had shewn it unto them To which I further add how can Man truly know that there is an All-seeing God who is Judge of all and that he is to be loved feared and worshipped And how can he truly believe the Holy Scriptures and obey the Good Precepts thereof without Inward Illumination and Conviction by the Holy Spirit Light and Grace in his Heart Charge 23. p. 10 11. A Shield of the Truth by James Parnel Printed 1655. p. 11. He that saith the Letter is the Rule and Guide of the People of God is without feeding upon the Husk and is ignorant of the true Light Edw. Burr p. 515. tells us That the Scriptures are not the Rule and Guide of Faith and Life unto the Saints but the Spirit of God that gave forth the Scriptures Obs These two Instances are both brought to prove that we slight or contemn the Scriptures which is very unjustly surmised For if they had honestly observ'd what both write upon the same Subject they might have seen there is no denial or slighting of the Scriptures As first J. P. on the place quoted confesseth that who are guided by the true Light cannot walk contrary thereto i. e. to the Scripture And Secondly E. B. on the place quoted also confesseth that the Scriptures are profitables and were given forth to be read and to be fulfulled and that the Spirit of God which is the Rule of the Saints Faith and Life leads them to walk in the fulfilling of the Scriptures and according to them Which therefore cannot Import any Contempt of them but the contrary And their Preferring the Spirit to the Letter and to the Scripture as the only or chief Rule of Faith and Life unto the Saints as it was before the Scripture was written this can be no undervaluing of the Scriptures seeing they testifie of Christ the Way the Truth and the Life and of the Spirit as that which guides true Believers into all Truth and even into a right Understanding and profitable Use of the holy Scriptures or Doctrine
Doctrine of Devils to Preach That Men shall have Sin and not overcome it while on Earth but Sin is the work of the Devil and Christ is manifest to destroy it 1 John 3. Therefore c. 'T is the Devils work to lead into Sin but 't is Christ's work to lead out of it Christ's Ministers are sent to turn People from Satan's Power to God's Power consequently from Satan's work and service they are the Devil's Ministers who Preach up Sin to continue term of Life and that it shall not be overcome nor perfect Sanctification obtain'd during life which therefore tends to keep People in Unbelief of Christ's Power and Work 13th Instance or Charge of Blasphemy p. 7. And Will. Penn in his Truth Exalted Re-Printed 1671. Laughs at the Church of England Men for confessing themselves Sinners and praying to God for Mercy Alas poor Souls saith he are not you at Have Mercy upon us miserable Sinners there is no Health in us from Seven to Seventy Obs Alas poor Sinners is not a sign of Laughter at them but rather of Lamentation and Pity over their miserable State who are always confessing but not forsaking their Sins You may see what Proofs of Blasphemy these Men produce against us 14th Instance or Charge p. 7. And Edw. Burroughs p. 33. saith That God doth not accept any where there is any Failing all who do not fulfill the Law and Answer every Demand of Justice Though none are accepted in any Act of Injustice or Omission of real Duty required yet coming under Judgment for the same and repenting thereof as they ought to do they obtain Mercy and Forgiveness of God for Christ's sake whose Grace though it Pardons Sins past through Faith and Repentance yet does not Indulge or Justifie any in their Continuance in Sin nor in wilful Sinning after Conviction Obs His meaning is First God doth not accept them in their Failing in Duty and in their not doing what 's Just as when some complain their best Duties are sinful and they do not answer or obey Truth in their Actions For our Acceptance is in Christ the Beloved and not out of Him 2. If Men seek acceptance by their own Legal Performances they fall short See James 2.10 But these Adversaries have unjustly left out the fore-going Words in their Quotation viz. But those that love God keep his Commandments and they are not grievous And these left out within the same Period Now doth God accept of any that do not love Him who do Injustice and Iniquity Now these Adversaries having opposed the Vrim and Thummim Light and Perfection Typified in the Brest-plate of Judgment Exod. 28.30 as testified and witnessed in the Gospel-Dispensation they proceed to other Charges to prove the People called Quakers Blasphemous in Principle 15th Charge p. 8. In Truth defending the Quakers written from the Spirit of Truth in G. W. and G. F. Jun. Printed 1659. p. 7. The Question being put Whether the Quakers did esteem their Speakings to be of as great Authority as any Chapter in the Bible 'T is Answered That which is spoken from the Spirit of Truth In any is of as great Authority as the Scriptures and Chapters are and greater Observe Here they have unjustly quoted G. W. c. leaving out the Annexed Explanatory Words which are within the same Period viz. As Christ's Words were of greater Authority when He Spoke than the Pharisees reading the Letter and they in whom that Spirit speaks not are out of the Authority of the Scriptures and their Speaking we deny Thus far the Answer Note here that the Comparison is not plac'd upon our Speakings nor yet the Authority distinct from the Spirit of Truth but upon the Spirit of Truth speaking in Man in the first place and through and by the Ministers thereof in the next place And surely the Spirit has not lost his own Authority or Power since it first gave out the Holy Scriptures In the next place that the Spirit of Truth immediately Ministring In Man or by any Spiritual Minister is of greater Authority Power or Efficacy than the Chapters are simply considered as without the Spirit And as to the Division of Chapters and Verses can these Men say That was done by Divine Authority I suppose not Yet we sincerely still acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be of Divine Authority as given by Divine Inspiration and prefer them before and above all other Writings or Books and in no wise question the Truth of them But we must needs allow the Holy Spirit from whence they came the Preference and its Immediate Teaching and Speaking in the Soul as of greater Efficacy Power and Authority to that Soul than the bare Writing or Scripture without or only reading thereof though it contain the same Words immediately taught And so Christ and his Apostles living and powerful Preaching in and from the Powerful Motion of the Holy Spirit as being of greater Efficacy Power and Authority than the outward Writing or Scripture it self simply or abstractly considered as distinct from that Spirit Though the Words Preached and the Words Written may be the same As when Christ had opened the Scriptures unto his Disciples they said one to another Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us by the way and while he opened to us the Scriptures which concerned his Suffering and entering into his Glory Luke 24.32 But how many by reading Christ's Words and Exposition of the Prophets without his Spirit do ever cause Peoples Hearts so to burn within them The Gospel as livingly Preached came not in Words only but also in Power and in the Holy Ghost 1 Thes 1.5 For the real Authority Efficacy and Service the Holy Scripture has upon a Soul is from the Holy Spirit or Word of Life giving the true Belief and right Understanding thereof As Answered in my Treatise Intituled The Christianity of the People called Quakers Vindicated in Answer to Doctor Ford p. 13. And in Christ's Lambs Defended to the Reader p. 7. Their Inference in the Margent That they i.e. the Quakers have immediate Revelations equal with the Prophets and Apostles Is not truly inferred for we may have Immediate Revelation from the same Spirit yet not in the same Degree There are manifold Gifts Openings and Discoveries given by the Holy Spirit and yet some above and excelling others And so there are many Testimonies and Writings proceeding and given forth from the same Spirit yet some far excelling others as there are many Varieties in God's Creation And it ever was and is far from me to prefer any of our Books or Writings how true soever to the Holy Scripture or Bible 16th Charge p. 8. G. F. Gr. Myst p. 242. tells us that the Priest saith That the Apostles were Eye-witnesses and understood by immediate Revelation from God Inspired with the Gift of the Spirit more than any Man could hope for since and saith They do not pretend
broken mangled and perverted Quotations for our Principles and perhaps an Unapt Expression or two pickt up out of Good Matter And the main Things or Principles wherein we have all along even from the first chiefly differed from many of the Clergy are these viz. 1st Our sincere belief of the True Vrim and Thummim the Light and Perfection And 2dly Our Christian Testimony against Tythes forced maintenance and Persecution together with Popish Ceremonies and Superstitions not yet purged out as inconsistent with Christ's free Ministry concerning which we are manifestly the very same in Principle and Persuasion we were from the Beginning To the 2d part quoted against me I have already answered there may be various manners of wording and expressing the same matter and yet our Intentions 〈◊〉 â—he same As where I explain my Friends Meaning and Intentions 〈◊〉 be agreeable to mine and more fully distinguish and clear it according to the Harmony of his other Concurrent Passages in the same and other Books as sometimes in these precedent Observations As to Bugg's Postcript 't is according to his other Scribles Falshood and Jeers frequently repeated and mostly answered in the foregoing Observations and other Answers of mine He is so full of Tautologies Repetitions of the same Falshoods Boastings Scoffing and Flouting beginning and ending with Falshoods as observing us timerous about their Petition and that we make the World believe we fear Persecution Because we have endeavoured to prevent his and some Priests endeavours tending thereto against us to Authority this has disquieted him and them And therefore to be revenged he repeats his old detected Lies and Calumnies against us as that we call the Scriptures Serpent's Meat Beastly Ware c. with many more abominable Lies since often told of the same yet persists therein like a Hardned Wretch so that it is not worth the while to spend much more time in tracing the Crooked Steps of such a Mercenary Agent who gives no solid nor pertinent Reply to any serious Answer but clamours scoffs boasts vilifies and throws as much Dirt as he can upon us spending his precious time to seek our Ruin by Reproaches and Calumnies to enrage the Priests and incense Authority if he could against us But the Lord will Rebuke him and Reward him according to his Deeds I wish he may yet seek and find a place of Repentance if yet to be found before he be cut off and however that others may take warning by his Lamentable Relapse and Treacherous Apostasie A Brief Examination OF A Defaming Pamphlet Without Author's name to it Reproachfully stiled Some few of the Quakers many Horrid Blasphemies Heresies and their Bloody Treasonable Principles destructive to Government Delivered to the Members of both Houses of the LORDS and COMMONS in the Month of March 1698 9. PART II. THIS Title looks with Persecution Fury Deadly Envy and Blood in the Face of it it is like the work of certain Judasses and their Priests who are fallen into such a faint and feeble Condition as to be beholden to Apostates to help and assist them in their private Cabals to Plot and Contrive Mischief against the Innocent and to bring forth such furious Clamour Calumnies and Perversions thereby labouring to incense the Parliament and Government against the Peaceable People called Quakers Now let 's Examine some of their Principal Objections or Allegations quoted for Proof of their Furious Persecuting Title I. Concerning the Holy Trinity 1. Their first Objection The Scriptures do not tell the People of a Trinity nor Three Persons c. Against Geo. Fox Great Mystery p. 246. Here in the same Paragraph Period and Answer these Words are left out viz. And the Father Son and Holy Spirit are always one Observe hence what may be term'd the Scripture Trinity or Divine Three in the Deity the Father Son and Holy Spirit is plainly confess'd As also in Gr. Myst p. 99. As for the Unity we own and Christ being the brightness of the Father's Glory and express Image of his Substance we own As also in some Principles of the Elect People of God Printed 1671. p. 43. Of the Word Trinitas there is no mention made in Scripture yet the Scripture speaks of Father Son and Holy Ghost and all these are One. Now pray observe if any be offended at this and if our Adversaries will produce us plain Scripture-Proof for the Terms Trinity of Three Persons then 't is meet we should Retract those Words before i. e. That the Scriptures do not tell People thereof 'T is worthy our Observation what Dr. Burnet now Bishop of Sarum in the Life of John Earl of Rochester p. 104. speaking of the Trinity saith Which for want of Terms fit to express them by we call Persons and are called in Scripture the Father Son and Holy Ghost Whereby it seems then they do not think the Word Persons either a fit or Scriptural Term to express the Father Son and Holy Ghost by and therefore these Men should not be too severe in Imposing it or Uncharitable in their Censuring others about it to occasion Disturbance in Peoples Minds and such Disputes as probably they cannot well quiet or bring to a clear Solution By any of our Questioning or not using the Term Persons in this case we do not deny the Doctrine or thing intended i. e. the Father the Word and Holy Spirit which Three are one And we would not have any so Injurious or Disingenuous as to conclude we deny the same 2 Q. Against Will Penn's Sandy Foundation p. 12 13 14 15. they pick up some Pieces of his Arguments but Answer them not levelled against this Doctrine held by some which they leave out viz. The Trinity of Distinct and Separate Persons in the Unity of Essence This our Adversaries leave out and which by this time a Day we hope none will maintain such a Separation in the Deity between the Father Son and Holy Ghost being one God blessed for ever They also take no notice of what he Writes for this Scripture Trinity Sandy Found p. 32. viz. Mistake me not we never have disown'd the Father Word and Spirit which are one And in p. 36. As concerning Christ I declare on behalf of that Despised People Vulgarly called Quakers the Grace of which we testifie hath never taught us to acknowledge another God than he that 's Father of all things who fills Heaven and Earth Neither to confess another Lord Jesus Christ than he that appear'd so many Hundred Years ago made of a Virgin like unto us in all things Sin excepted or any other Doctrine than was by Him declar'd and practis'd and also being God's Innocent Heritage in Principles Life and Death to bear an Unanimous Testimony for the only true God true Christ and Heavenly Doctrine which in their Vindication is openly attested Thus far W. P. in his own and our Friends Vindication 3. Here is the Three Persons thou dreams of which thou wouldst divide out of
that as the Serpent is a Spirit the Seed Christ must be Inwardly and Spiritually known by his Light Life and Power to bruise under and cast out the Serpent See how at large W. P. explains it and confesseth to the true Christ the promised Seed both as in the Flesh and in the Spirit Christian Quaker 1st part Chap. 19. 25. Let us but Soberly consider what Christ is and we shall the better know whether Moral Men tho' Heathen are to be reckoned Christians What is Christ but Meekness Justice Mercy c. Can any then deny a Meek Man to be a Christian This against W. P's Address to Protestants Second Edition Anno 1692. p. 119. Here they have added tho Heathen and after Mercy they leave out Patience Charity and Virtue in Perfection W. P. did not design thereby to lessen the Power or Dignity of Christ who is the Author of these Virtues no more than the Apostle did in saying He Christ is made of God unto us Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption spoken in the Abstract And the Prophet saying God is my Light and my Salvation tho' God and Christ also be the Author of Redemption and Salvation III. Concerning the Holy Scriptures 26. Whether the first Pen-men of the Scriptures was Moses or Hermes Or whether both these are not one c. This with more Questions quoted against John Whitehead Quakers Refuge p. 17. Thus these adversaries as F. Bugg and the Author of the Snake use to do to Defame us leave out these following words relative to each thing questioned viz. is not the subject of my Argument at this time Hence 't is plain the Person who recited the Questions which was not John Whitehead but R. R. waveth these Questions and cited them not as the Subject of his own Argument about the Scriptures but of some others he would not be concern'd to dispute those Questions or Doubts For he further confesseth in the said Quakers Refuge quoted That such Scriptures and Prophecies as have been Written and Prophesied by the Holy Men of God as they were moved by his Spirit Treating of the Mystery of God in the Redemption and Salvation of Mankind by Jesus Christ and the Duty of Man in his Obedience to and Worship of the same God as his reasonable Service for the Gift of so great Salvation are the great Concerns now under our most serious Consideration From hence it 's clear the Author was no Contemner of Holy Scripture nor intended any Contempt thereof as is more fully cleared in my said Antidote against the Venom of the Snake in the Grass p. 83 84 85. 27. The Scriptures are not the Word of God Yet he says of his own Writings To you all this is the Word of the Lord. Against G. F. Gr. Myst p. 246. Ibid. p. 225. Note first by the Word of God he means Christ the Essential Living Word in the first place Secondly To you all this is the Word of the Lord in that place he speaks of the Light within and the Spirit that was in them that gave forth the Scriptures Gr. Myst p. 225. yet confesseth the Scriptures of Truth are God's Words which Christ the Word fulfills p. 246. And if elsewhere concerning what he gave forth from the Living Word that it was the Word of the Lord he intends only as Words immediately proceeding from the Motion of the Word of the Lord and not of his own Writings Abstractly as he is misunderstood and misrepresented What we are Charged with in their next Passages concerning the Authority of the Scriptures and concerning Beastly Wares the Letter c. p. 6 7. 'tis fully Answer'd and Distinguish'd in the first Part And our Adversaries injuriously dealing with us and misrepresenting us fully detected IV. 29. Concerning the Sacraments so call'd Circumcision Water-Baptism Paschal-Lamb Bread and Wine Sprinkling Infants c. These are spoken to before only this I propose That what any of our Friends have written heretofore against Sprinkling Infants as Unscriptural if they 'll please to bring us plain Scripture-Proof for that Practice as they use it then we are bound to revoke what 's written against it V. Concerning the Resurrection of the Body 30. They quote some Arguments out of W. P's Reason against Railing and his Invalidity of J. Faldo 's Vindication and Tho. Ellwood 's Answer to G. Keith 's First Narrative and Rich. Hubberthorn 's Opposing the Doctrine of the Glorified Saints in Heaven not being Perfect both distinguishing between the Natural Body and the Spiritual Body according to 1 Cor. 15. whose Arguments not being Answer'd by these Opposers I shall need say the less to them only would have them so Charitable as that if they believe that the Resurrection-Bodies of the Saints shall be the same Natural and Carnal Bodies that now they are upon Earth that they would not Condemn us as Blasphemers for Believing our Resurrection-Bodies shall be Spiritual and Glorious far excelling these Natural Carnal and Earthly Bodies For else how should the Saints Bodies be like unto Christ's Glorious Body VI. 31. That the Quakers make themselves Equal to God and a Part of God This repeated Falshood is detected and answered in the First Part and so are their Instances of the Soul against Gr. Myst p. 273. and p. 100. and p. 91. and p. 229. where the Word Soul is distinguish'd in a two-fold Sense First in Relation to God his Divine Spirit or Breath of Life Secondly to Man as thereby made a Living Soul 32. We are of his Flesh and Bones and have his Substance Against Gr. Myst p. 248. This is falsly Quoted 'T is not there said in the Affirmative That we are so but an Inversion upon the Adversary from Ephes 5.30 John 6.56 33. Christ is not distinct from his Saints Against Great Mystery p. 207. He means not divided or separate from his Saints as by his following Words Christ is in his Saints Gr. Myst p. ibid. 34. Christ is the Elect. Gr. Myst p. 88. So saith the Prophet of Him Isai 42.1 G. F. also calls Christ's Sheep the Elect. Gr. Myst p. 88 89. 35. The Light within is Christ Gr. Myst p. 310. True but not truly Quoted but thus viz. The Light which every Man that cometh into the World is Lightned withal is Christ Gr. Myst ibid. And Christ the Light saith I in them and Thou in Me John 17.23 26. 36. The Soul is not a Creature but Infinite in it self without beginning Gr. Myst p. 29 90. This is mis-cited and wrong mixt they turn and confound Questions into Affirmatives That which is Infinite in it self relates to that which came out from the Creator namely that Divine Life or Soul which gave Life and Being to Man's Soul 'T is not said Man's Soul or Spirit is not a Creature as distinguished more fully in the First Part. 37. They that have the Spirit of God are equal with God Er. Howgill 's Works p. 232. These are none of F. Howgill's
Words but his Adversary's what a Falacious Course do these our Adversaries take to prove us Criminal F. H's Words are He that hath the Spirit of God is in that which is Equal The Matter is Answered in the First Part and so is that Quoted out of Saul's Errand p. 8. 38. The Righteousness which God effects in us is not Finite but Infinite G. W. Voice of Wisdom p. 36. This was Inferr'd from the Priests owning That the Righteousness whereof Christ is the Subject and that whereof he is the Efficient are of one Species or Kind And from Galat. 4.19 Christ being formed in us And 2 Pet. 1.4 The Saints being made Partakers of the Divine Nature And Heb. 2.11 Eccles 3.14 I concluded Then God's Righteousness in us is not Finite but Infinite Voice of Wisd p. 36 37. Now I suppose they place the Mistake or Error supposed between the Words Effects and Infinite as if nothing could be said to be Infinite that had a beginning or that is effected which is to suppose whatsoever is Infinite has no Beginning as well as no End but Infinite is not always taken in that Sense for 't is sometimes apply'd to things that had a Beginning as in Nah. 2.9 chap. 3.9 But my meaning simply of the Word Infinite was That God's Righteousness which he effects in us is Everlasting and without End Psal 119 142. And Christ is said to be of God made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 I hope none will deny him to be Infinite or his Work of Righteousness and the Effect thereof to be Quietness and Assurance for ever Isa 32.17 VII Of Christ's Coming to Judge the Quick and the Dead P. 9. 39. But Three Comings of Christ not only that in the Flesh at Jerusalem and that in the Spirit but also another coming in the Flesh yet to be expected we do not yet read of Against G. W's Light and Life page 41. But is this to deny or oppose Christ's coming to Judge the Quick and the Dead 'T was never so intended And Questioning some Men's Carnal Expectations of a Fleshly coming of Christ to be seen with their Carnal Eyes was this to deny his coming in the Glory of his Father with his Angels to Reward every Man according to his works Mat. 16.27 Luke 9.26 No sure for that 's confessed and undeniable Likewise to question some Men's Notion of a Fleshly coming of Christ Personally to Reign a Thousand Years on Earth is this to oppose his Kingdom or that Prophecy of his Reign a Thousand Years mentioned Rev. 20.2 4 5 6 7 No sure Let our Adversaries produce plain Scripture-Proof in Terminis for Christ's Coming and Reign in that manner and the Question is Resolv'd To their other Citation out of Nature of Christianity p. 29 30. Thou may'st look until thy Eyes drop out before thou wilt see such an appearance of him meaning with his carnal Eyes This is true in Fact for those very Eyes decay and perish and Christ's last coming in Power and great Glory in his glorious Body accompanied with All his mighty Angels at the Resurrection must be seen with stronger clearer and more celestial Eyes than perishing Eyes of Flesh And though we have believed Christ's Second Appearance or Coming without Sin unto Salvation mentioned Heb. 9.28 that is to save Men from their Sins to be a Spiritual Appearance and Work yet this is not to deny Christ to be the Judge both of the Quick and the Dead or his coming to judge the Quick and the Dead in the great and last Day 40. And as for that 1 Thes 4.15 concerning the Coming of the Lord from Heaven which these Men would blindly put a-far off Q. against Brief Discovery p. 9. in Answer to John Horn c. Anno 1659. Here they leave out As to a coming of Christ with Flesh and Bones meaning without any Blood in it for such a Body they then held and The Apostle saith We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep These are left out also in their Citation In the Ancient Bible of Q. Elizabeth the words are We which live and are remaining in the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which sleep From my inferring the Saints knowledge of Christ's Spiritual Coming who is Lord from Heaven I would have none suppose that we at all doubt of the Coming of the Son of Man the Lord Jesus and shewing himself from Heaven at the great Day and all his Holy Angels with him as testified in Holy Scripture by himself and Servants On Phil. 20.21 after the words Their Conversations was in Heaven They add To wit a Heaven within them Thus the Quotation is wronged in this and divers other words 41. There is none have a Glory and a Heaven but within them Gr. Myst p. 214. Here they leave out what follows viz. Which was before Man had a Being The words should be Transposed viz. There 's none have a Glory and a Heaven within them but which was before Man had a Being For what true and heavenly Glory or Joy any have within them 't was before Man had a Being this appears to be the intent of the Author the word But being misplaced and yet what the Saints have and injoy in this Life is much short in degree of that more full Attainment and exceeding Weight of Glory in that which is to come VIII Concerning Government P. 10. 42. The Quakers hold none Lawful but in their own Hands for that they have only a Right to Rule over the whole Earth and that it is Lawful for them to Fight and subdue the World under them and that they expect it These we utterly deny and testifie against as gross Calumnies cast upon us contrary to our Peaceable Christian Principle and Practice both as to Rule and Fighting We seek no Worldly Kingdom or Dominion to our selves but the Promotion of Christ's Peaceable Kingdom in Men wherein we desire ever to approve our Selves his Innocent Subjects whose Weapons are not Carnal but Spiritual being Crucified with him to the Ground and Cause or War and Fighting And therefore in his Power testifie against this Malicious Persecuting Spirit which hath thus fouly misrepresented us as a People against all Civil Government and as holding it lawful for us to Fight and Subdue the World under us and that we expect it too O for Shame for Shame you Malicious Persecutors Cease Cease such your horrid Falshoods and Malicious Attempts to incense the Government thereby These Adversaries quote a piece of a Declaration of the Quakers as they call it beginning thus viz. We have chosen the Son of God to be our King and he hath chosen us to be his People c. p. 10. Out of which Declaration they have here left out several material Passages to clear our Innocency from Fighting as charged upon us as His Kingdom i. e.
which Created all things c. Where 's the Blasphemy in all these Surely none feeing God is Light and in him is no Darkness at all 1 John 1.5 The Lord is my Light and my Salvation Psalm 27.1 And there is one God the Father who is above all and through all and in you all Ephes 4.6 And know you not how that Jesus Christ the true Light is in you except you be Reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 God who is Light and Christ the Light of the World is so in all as he enlightens all Mankind God who commanded Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts 2 Cor. 4.6 Now it is evident what these Adversaries call Blasphemous is testified in Holy Scripture 3. Charge of Blasphemy p. 3. In Geo. Fox's Book styled The Pearl found in England c. Printed 1658. where speaking in the Person of the Quaker's Light he hath these Passages p. 15 16. I 'll break in Pieces I 'll make Nations like Dirt I 'll tread them into the Mire c. With divers other Prophetical Passages partially pick'd up minced and curtailiz'd and many Lines left out where the dashes are as against Pride Hypocrisie Covetous Practices Hypocrites False Prophets c. All within the Threats and Prophesied against in the Name of the Lamb and Life of God and if truly read agreeable to the Holy Prophets in Scripture Thou shalt crush them with a Scepter of Iron or with a Rod of Iron and break them in Pieces like a Potters Vessel prophesied of the Son of God Psal 2.6 7 8 9. And will not the Lord tread down his Enemies I will Tread them in mine Anger and Trample them in my Fury Isa 63.3 Now is it not great Presumption to deem such Prophesies Blasphemous These words are also quoted and included in their charge of Blasphemy i. e. The Wrath of the Lamb is risen upon all Apostates who are gathered in the Apostacy Apostatiz'd from the Prophet's Life the Apostles Life the Life of the Lamb the Lamb is Risen c. the pure Life of God is Risen c. the Just will Rule the Lamb will have the Victory Woes Woes and Miseries are out-going upon all the Heads of the Wicked What our Hands have Handled and what our Eyes have Seen what was from the Beginning the Word of Life this declare we unto you What a strange Presumption is it that these Men should charge us with Blasphemy for such passages as these which are directly concurring with Holy Scripture Prophecies against the Wicked and for the Lamb's Power Dominion and Judgment against them Apostates and others And for our handling and seeing the Word of Life which was from the Beginning we knowing and sincerely professing the Lord God and the Lamb to be our Light and no other see Isa 14.5 Jer. 21.5 Nahum 1.2 Zeph. 1.14 15. Zech. 7.12 John 3.36 Rom. 1 18. and 2.5 8. 1 Thes 2.16 Rev. 6.16 17. and 14.10 and 15.1.7 and 18.3 See Wo and Woes and to whom Isa 5.8 11. and 18.20 and 10.1 4th Charge of Blasphemy p. 4. Again G. Fox in his Book stiled The Teachers of the World Vnvail'd c. in p. 27. thus saith I am the Light of the World him by whom the World was made if you love the Light with which you are enlightened withall you love Christ who saith Learn of me But if you hate that Light there is your Condemnation from him who is one with the Truth in every Man who of the Lord was moved thus to write whose name of the World is called G. Fox Obs Here are several Lines left out before the last words relating to G. F's name wherein mention is made of what he means that 't was the Light which the Apostles were in Which could not be meant of G. F. himself who was not in the Apostles days nor born into the World until many hundred Years after their days thus perverse and impertinent are these Men in their Charge and Proofs 'T is evident G. F. here speaks in the name of Christ and for him and not of himself or in his own name but of Christ the Light who Enlightneth every Man and who is Lord over all And G. F. writes as his Servant moved by him and therefore 't was very unjust as well as great Envy in these Persons to make this an Instance of the Quakers Blasphemy see John 1.9 and 3.19 5. Their next Charge of Blaspemy against us p. 4. Is viz. And to This another of their Eminent Teachers one of their Prophets says Amen in his Book The Quakers Challenge c. printed 1668. Of G. F. 't is said who is a Prophet indeed and hath been Faithful in the Lord's Business from the Beginning It was said of Christ that he was in the World and the World was made by him and the World knew him not So it may be said of this true Prophet George Fox added whom John said he was not But thou wilt feel this Prophet George Fox again added one day as heavy as a Milstone upon thee And altho' the World knows him not yet he is known p. 5. These words whom John said he was not we disown in that place they are confusedly misplaced And the Author was not one of the most Approved or Eminent among us as falsly represented tho a more Honest and well Intending Man than Skilful in Expression as in this case his Intention ought to be considered He could not intend that the World was made by G. F. as he did after explain himself in Print but by Jesus Christ by whom God Created all things Ephes 3.9 Heb. 1.2 but that the World knew him not he intended relative both to Christ and to his Servant as 't is said of the Sons of God 1 John 3.1 The World knoweth us not because it knew not him As there could be no Blasphemy or Reproach to God or Christ intended in the aforesaid recited Passage so neither can the People call'd Quakers be justly charged therewith That we-may see cause to word some things otherwise than some have and yet mean the same thing is often repeated by F. Bugg and these Persons tho I see no real advantage they get by it against us For suppose any one does unsafely or untelligibly or dubiously word any matter And I find his meaning to be safe and give a true Explication thereof according to the Honest or Innocent meaning of the Author from other passages his meaning therein is agreeable to mine which I safely and sincerely express tho' his words are not altogether the same 6th Charge of Blasphemy Edw. Burroughs In his works p. 149. Has an Answer to this Question is that very Man with that very Body within you Yea or Nay He saith the very Christ of God is within us we dare not deny him Obs To Instance this for a Proof of Blasphemy against us is to Charge the Holy Apostle with Blasphemy 2 Cor. 13.5 Examine your selves
contain'd in them To that other Part of their Charge relating to Difference p. 11. As they make nothing of it against us but only give us a Quotation whether altogether true or not is a Question So I see no advantage they can make of it against us suppose it as it is That if any Difference arise in the Church or among them that profess themselves Members thereof the Church with the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ hath power to determine the same if any pretend to be of us and in case of Controversie will nor admit to be tried by the Church of Christ Jesus nor submit to the Judgment given by the Spirit of Truth c. such to be rejected And what of all this Is there either Blasphemy or Sedition herein How is this pursuant to the Priests Charge in their Title Page Doth not our blessed Lord say concerning the offending Brother if he should neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an Heathen-man and a Publican Mat. 18.17 But first he prescribes a due Order of Procedure towards such an Offender First privately then before Witnesses vers 15 16. And the Apostle severely reprehends one Brother going to Law with another and that before Unbelievers saying Do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the World and if then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this Life set them to judge who are least esteemed in the Church See more at large 1 Cor. 6.1 to v. 9. As to the Story against Sam. Jennings about the proceeding against G. K. in Pennsilvania I question the Truth of it however if these Priests do esteem G. K. such an Eminent or Good Christian and not a Quaker why do they not openly receive him into their Society and Arms of their Church and promote him as well as privately Consult with him and Credit and Accept his Accusations against us It seems they are hard put to it for Aid in their Designs that they must be beholden to such as F. Bugg and G. K. for their Help against the People called Quakers who for many Years were own'd by them for God's Chosen and Peculiar People And G. K. will never be able to obliterate all he has written in their behalf with all his pretended Retractations 24th Charge p. 12. Saul's Errand p. 14. The Question was put to G. F. Whether Christ in the Flesh be a Figure or not and if a Figure how and in what To which he Answers Christ is the Substance of all Figures and his Flesh is a Figure And in Truth Defending the Quakers by G. W. c. p. 20. It is said expresly That Christ's coming in the Flesh is but a Figure Ans I deny that it is so said expresly by G. W. That Christ's coming in the Flesh is but a Figure it is an express Falshood as it seems to Charge me with the Words for they are in the Priest's Question Quest 35. Did R. H. well in Writing That Christ's coming in the Flesh was BUT a Figure These were none of my Words but the Priests In my Answer I have neither the Word But nor the Assertion So I ask hast thou not read That he was the express Figure of his Father's Substance And I understood that by the Word Figure R. H. and G. F. meant Example that is that they look'd on Christ as in the Flesh as an Example rendring Example or Figure Synonimous and yet confess Christ to be the substance of all Figures Types and Shadows as in Saul's Errand p. 8 and 14. but do not say that Christ in the Flesh is but a Figure neither did I so say or assert as is falsly cast upon me But in my Antitode against the Snake in the Grass I fully explain this Point according to Scriptures from p. 155 to 178. part whereof follows viz. Type or Figure sometimes points at a thing to come as in Rom. 5.14 who was the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Figure of him that was to come And sometimes Type or Figure denotes a present Example or Pattern as in Phil. 3.17 Mark them which walk so as ye have us for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Example And the same word is used in 2 Thes 3.9 and 1 Tim. 4.12 and Tit. 2.7 and 1 Cor. 10.11 only in different Cases or Terminations And also the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Example or Type John 13.15 Heb. 9.23 Thus Example or Type are made Synonimous in T. C's Lexicon and the like in Crit. Sacr. but more fully explained For there 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Exemplum Exemplar triplicem habet in Scriptura significatum 1. Significat Typum seu figuram rerum vel praeteritarum Heb. 8.5 vel futurarum Heb. 9.23 2. Exemplum Imitationis John 13.15 1 Tim. 4.12 Tit. 4.7 3. Exemplum Monitionis sive Cautelae ut 2 Pet. 2.6 That is to say Exemplum or Exemplar hath a threefold signification in Scripture 1. It signifies a Type or Figure of things either past or to come 2. An Example of Imitation 3. An Example of Warning or Caution Now see how Synonimously the Terms Type Figure Pattern and Example are rendred in Scripture and of what extent not only in relation to the Types under the Law but in some respect to Christ and his Ministers tho' he be also confessed to be the Antitype Substance and End of all Legal Shadows Types and Figures But I have not called Christ himself a Type of our Light within nor justified the same Thus far Antidote p. 176 177. 25th Charge G. F. Great Mystery p. 206. The Apostles preached Christ that was crucified within and not another him that was raised up from the Dead was risen that Lord Jesus Christ within Obs Not to insist on their following broken and lame Quotations with their nonsensical Dashes here they sillily carp at the manner of these Expressions they wanting due points as The Apostles preached Christ that 's crucified within and not another there wanted this Parenthesis For 't is plainly exprest before viz. If Christ that is crucified be not within and Christ that 's Risen be not within I say that you are all Reprobates Great Mystery Ibid. And he that hath not this Christ that was risen and crucified within is a Reprobate Ibid. here wanted the Parenthesis again tho' explained in the foregoing words viz. If Christ that was crucified be not within c. 'T is certain there is but one Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 8. who came both in the Flesh and in the Spirit What they Charge News coming up c. p. 14. Your Baptism is Carnal here they leave out Sprinkling Infants which God never commanded and their Sacrament as they call it is carnal and here again they leave out and there is not a word in the Scripture that speaks of a Sacrament and their Communion is Carnal a little Bread and Wine whereupon I propose to these our severe Judges that if these Expressions be offensive to them and
to Jesus Christ or his Blood c. quoted against G. W's Light and Life of Christ within p. 8. Note here after Anty-type they leave out viz. neither to the outward Temple I ask these Men where the Scripture doth so direct Men to go to the outward Temple at Jerusalem for Jesus Christ Nay Doth it not contrariwise direct them See plain Scripture Deut. 30.12 13 14. and Rom. 10.6 7 8. 14. And indeed this i. e. Justification by that we deny c. Q. Against G. W. and W. P. their Serious Apology p. 148. Here they wrong the Quotation again Justification by what But by what Christ fulfilled wholly without us This is left out For if Sanctification Regeneration and the New Birth be necessary to the compleating our Justification and Acceptance in Christ then 't is not compleated wholly without us tho' obtain'd for us without us by Christ as the one Offering and our Mediator 15. Faith in Christ's outward Manifestation has been a deadly Poison these latter Ages have been infected with Against W. P's Quakerism a new Nick-name p. 6. 'T is making Faith in the History thereof that is in opposition to his Power and Work in the Soul and to Godly living as is evident in the place quoted 16. And since they believe that outward Appearance i. e. of Jesus at Jerusalem they need not Preach what is not to be again Against W. P. Ibid. p. 12. He means they need not always preach it where 't is believed and confesseth all true Quakers own that Visible Appearance of Christ 17. So when you come to know this to wit the Operation of Christ or the Light within you will cease remembring his Death at Jerusalem c. Against The Doctrine of Perfection Vindicated p. 19. I don't believe this to be justly or impartially quoted let them produce it at large and whose Book it is 18. So all Christendom hath talked long enough of Christ's Flesh and Blood Against G. F's Several Papers for spreading the Truth p. 59. This also looks like an unjust Quotation let them produce it with the reason thereof at large or else be ashamed of such Picking Nibling and Curtailing to deceive the Reader 19. Not to Jesus the Son of Abraham David and Mary Saint or Angel but to God the Father all Worship Honour and Glory be given Against W. Shewen's Treatise of Thoughts and Imaginations p. 37. I know his intent was not to Jesus Only as the Son of Abraham David and Mary but as he is God over all blessed for ever All Worship Hononr and Glory belongs to him And as he is the Eternal Son of God to whom all Power and all Judgment is committed it is that all Men should Honour the Son even as they Honour the Father John 5.22 23. and Matth. 28.18 20. Can outward Blood cleanse the Conscience Against Isaac Penington's Questions p. 25. Answ Not without the Spirit for the Spirit the Water and the Blood agree in One. 21. These nameless Adversaries again charge us with a two-fold Falshood namely That tho the Quakers do deny the outward Blood of Christ to have any Vertue or Efficacy towards cleansing of the Conscience yet they attribute this to their own Blood which they deny to the Blood of Christ p. 5. These are both most odious Perversions which we solemnly testifie against They also perversly add for Proof against the Quakers in this point viz. 22. For speaking of their own Sufferings and the Shedding of their Blood which was never done in England unless some Boy gave them a Bloody Nose This is a very scornful Untruth by the way They say thus to those whom they call their Persecutors That you will by no means be thence cleansed i. e. from the Guilt of the Quakers Blood but by the same Blood which you so Cruelly Shed Against The Guilty Clergy-Man Vnvailed p. 17. Anno. 1657. Now pray observe the Parenthesis i. e. from the Guilt of the Quakers Blood is perversly added and their Citation as lamely taken the Antecedent matter on which the Subsequent depends and to which 't is relative being left out and both the Intent and Sense of the Author wholly perverted by these Men's applying it all to the Quakers own Sufferings and Blood and therefore take T. S's whole Paragraph in the place quoted viz. Be not prevailed with to release Barrabas and give over Jesus to be crucified to gratifie the Murderous Appetites either of your Priests or the Multitude considering that altho' you may with Pilate wash your hands and to those Eyes that are dazled with Fury and Prejudice against Innocent Jesus appear clear from his Blood yet before the pure Eyes of the Lord will the condemning Stain thereof be found upon you so fresh that you will by no means be thence cleansed but by the same Blood which you so cruelly shed The Guilty covered Clergy-Man p. 17. I cannot believe this was Literally meant by the Author being a Man known to be of a better Understanding and Experience than represented by those Adversaries I 'm sure it is not the Quakers Principle to attribute Cleansing the Conscience to their own Blood or Sufferings The Guilt of Innocent Blood shed by the hands of cruel Persecutors may be charged upon Persecutors in after-Ages as Christ told the Persecutors of the Primitive Christians Matth. 23.34 35. Behold I send unto Prophets and Wise Men and Scribes and some of them ye shall Kill and Crucifie and some of them shall ye Scourge in your Synagogues and Persecute them from City to City That upon you may come all the Righteous Blood shed upon the Earth from the Blood of Righteous Abel unto the Blood of Zacharias Son of Barachias whom ye stew between the Temple and the Altar And was not this above Eight Hundred Years before Christ was Born that Zacharias was thus Slain 2 Chron. 24.21 surely the Wickedness of the Wicked shall be upon him And are not many Guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ who never actually shed it And as the Iniquities of all met upon him are not they all Guilty of his Blood and chargeable with it who remain Impenitent Persecutors of him in his Members and who Crucifie to themselves the Lord of Life a-fresh 23. If there be any other Christ c. answered fully before and the Mistake discover'd 24. Christ's Body or what he had from the Virgin Strictly considered as such was not the Seed i. e. the Seed of the Woman promised Gen. 3.15 Against W. P's Christian Quaker p. 97. Here they add the Parenthesis in Crotchets but Answer not the Scope or Intent of the Matter or Arguments urged both before and after what they have quoted W. P. denies not but confesseth Christ to have been Born of the Virgin and that he was the promised Seed the true Christ who bruiseth the Serpent's Head the Son of the living God and also God over all both before and after he took Flesh of the Virgin But