Vindication of the Book Some Gospel-Truths Opened, Part

Vindication of the Book Some Gospel-Truths Opened · Part

p. 40Theſe be the Quakers Quaeries, and my Anſwers to them.

1. Quaer. Is any man juſtified in the ſight of God, but he that followeth Christ; and is it not a work to follow Chriſt, yea or nay; and what is the ſight of God?

Anſw. He that followeth Chriſt aright, muſt firſt believe in Chriſt; for how ſhall they follow him, in whom they believe not. Now then the Scripture ſaith, He that believeth on the Son hath everlaſting life, Joh ….16, 17, 18. ſo then we are juſtified by believing; and if ſo, than to follow Chriſt, is rather a fruit of our be…ieving, than juſtification it ſelf. And whereas you ask, What is the ſight of God? I anſwer, To be juſtified in the ſight of God by Jeſus Chriſt, is for God to look on ſuch poor creatures as we are; as compleat, without ſpot or wrinkle, in the obedience of the man Chriſt Jeſus; who otherwiſe could not behold them in love, becauſe of their iniquity, Hab. 1.13.

2. Quaer. Whether will that faith juſtifie a man which hath not works, ſeeing the Scripture, or the Apoſtle ſaith, faith witbout works is dead, and what is that which worketh faith? and where is it, within, or without?

Anſw. That faith that hath not works is dead, being alone. Yet it doth not follow, that all that have works, have faith. No; but contrariwiſe, men may have works, yea, the works of the Law of God too, and yet be under the curſe; which they could not bee if they had ſaving faith. So then, if faith without works is dead;Gal. 3.10, 11, 12, 13.Gal 3:10Gal 3:11Gal 3:12Gal 3:13 and again, if men may have works, and yet no faith, no ſaving faith, I mean. Then it will be good to enquire, what it is to have a right faith, which doth bring forth right good works; and who have works without a right faith.

And firſt, a right ſaving faith, is, for a man to be enabled of God's holy Spirit, to lay hold on what the man Chriſt hath done in his own perſon, when he was in the world; as his birth, righteouſneſſe, death, blood, reſurrection, aſcenſion and interceſſion; and to apply the virtue and merit thereof to himſelf, ſo as to ſee himſelf ſaved thereby, Rom. 3.24, 25. Being juſtified freely by his grace: How? Even through the redemption that is in Chriſt Jeſus. Whom God hath ſet forth to be a propitiation, or reconciler, through faith in his blood, &c. Again, Be it known unto you, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveneſs of ſins, and by him all that believe: mark, all that believe (namely, in his blood which was ſhed on mout Calvary) are juſtified from all things, from which they could not be juſtified by the Law of Moſes. Act. 13.38, 39.Acts 13:38Acts 13:39If the faith that applies theſe thing be of the operation of God, it is very much accompanied with good works. For the love of Chriſt conſtrains us: becauſe we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. And that he died for all, that we which live (namely by the faith of this, that Chriſt died for all, Gal. 2.20.) ſhould not henceforth live to our ſelves, but to him, that died for us, 2 Cor. 5.14, 15.

p. 41But ſecondly, they that deny the merits of the birth, death, righteouſneſſe blood, &c. of the man that was born of Mary, which he fulfilled in his own perſon, by himſelf, Heb. 1.2. I ſay, they that do not venture their ſouls on theſe glorious, myſterious truths, but deny the belief of them to be ſufficient of themſelvs to ſave from hell, and all other things, and doth expect that ſalvation ſhould be obtained by ſomething that worketh in them by working in them. It is impoſſible that theſe, though they may be, touching the righteouſneſſe of the law blameleſſe, (as Paul was while he was a perſecutor, Phil. 3.) to be ſaved hereby. Wherefore? becauſe they ſeek it not by the faith of Chriſt, but as it were by the works of the law, Rom. 9.30, 31.

And whereas you ask me, what is that which worketh faith? And where is it, within or without? I anſwer; That which worketh ſaving faith, is the holy Spirit of God, which is renewed through the hearing of the Word, preached by the Apoſtles or Miniſters of Jeſus Chriſt; Now the Spirit when it doth work, it entereth into the ſoul, and as I ſaid before, doth enable the ſoul to believe, and lay hold on the merits of the Son of Mary, Jeſus Chriſt. For ſaith he, when he is come he ſhall glorifie me, for he ſhall take of mine, and ſhew it unto you, Joh. 16.14.

3. Quaer. Whether any be juſtified but he that is born of God? And whether doth he that is born of God commit ſin? And is that within the Creature, or without, that worketh the new-birth?

Anſw. Juſtification may be taken two ways, either in the fight of God, or in the fight of the ſoul, or creature; My meaning is, that all that are or ſhall be ſaved, are juſtified in the ſight and foreknowledge of God before the foundation of the world, Epheſ. 1.4. According as he hath choſen us in him before the foundation of the World &c. Having predeſtinated us to the adoption of children by Jeſus Chriſt unto himſelf. And again, Moreover whom he did predeſtinate, them he alſo called: and whom he called, them he alſo juſtified: and whom he juſtified, them he alſo glorified. Rom. 8.30. Mark, all theſe things are ſpoken as being already done; predeſtinated, called, juſtified, glorified. He doth not ſay, they ſhall be, but he hath done it, that is in, and according to the fore-ordination of God.

2. Saints are ſaid to be juſtified in their own ſight or knowledge, as when God doth make manifeſt to the ſoul, what he had determined before ſhould be done. Be of good Cheer, thy ſins are forgiven thee. This is juſtification in the ſight of the creature. And whereas you ask me, do they that are born of God commit ſin. To this I anſwer.

They ſhall never commit the ſin againſt the holy Ghoſt, as is the meaning of that place, 1 John 3.19. There is a ſin unto death, and there is a ſin not unto death. — He that is born of God ſinneth not, but keepeth himſelf; and that wicked one, mark, that wicked one, the ſin unto death, toucheth him not: But they that are born of God, notwithſtanding, do daily ſin, as it is evident, Jam. 3.2. In many things we offend all, ſaith he, I and you, all of us. And again, If we ſay we have no ſin, we deceive our ſelvs, and (inſtead of having no ſin) the truth is not in us, 1 Joh. 1.8. And who can ſay, my heart is clean? Eccle. 7.20.Eccl 7:20There is none righteous, no not one. And again, There is not a juſt man upon earth, that doth good, and ſinneth not. And I am confident, that while ſome would perſwade others that they have no ſin, their own conſciences tell them they lye; and if it p. 42be not ſo in the reſt, it is becauſe they are hardened, and given to believe a lie.

As to the latter part of your Quaery, I anſwer; The new birth is wrought through hearing of the Word preached. And yet not by conſcience, nor by the obedience to the Law, or dictates of nature; but by the Spirit, coming into the ſoul, and ſhewing its loſt condition without the obedience of the Son of Mary, the Son of God; and his freeneſs and willingneſs to communicate, or give himſelf, and all his things unto it; which being done, the man is thereupon given up to God, and is become a new creature. I might ſpend much time in ſpeaking to this, but I forbear, becauſe of it ſelf it is enough to fill up a ſmall volumne,

4. Quaer. If Chriſt hath lightened all men as he is God (as thou confeſſeſt) then hath hee not lightened all men as he is the Son of God? and is not the light of God ſufficient in it ſelf, to lead to God all that follow it, yea or nay?

Anſw. Chriſt as he is God, doth lighten every man that coms into the world, which light is conſcience, or otherwiſe nature it ſelf, which doth alſo convince of ſin, Joh. 8.9 Yet Chriſt as he is God, doth not give unto every man that Spirit that doth lead to eternall life, for all men have it not, Jude 19. Secondly, Chriſt as he was and is the Son of God before the world was, being one in power, and being with his Father; hath lightened every one that coms into the world, as aforeſaid; but hath not ſo neither given them his Spirit. Some are ſenſuall, &c.

3. Chriſt as God-man, or as he came into the world to die for thoſe whom before as God he knew and loved; I ſay, he doth not in this way neither lighten every man with the ſaving light of life, or give unto them his holy Spirit. No, they that have been, and now are beleevers; do know and can remember, that all the time of their unregenerate ſtate, they were without Chriſt Eph. 2.12. So that here is no way or room for your doctrine, take it how you will, Chriſt hath not given to every one his Spirit.

2. part of the Quaer. Is not the light of God ſufficient in it ſelf, to lead to God all that follow it? yea or nay.

Anſw. Firſt, as I ſaid before, ſome are ſenſuall, and have not the Spirit of Chriſt. Secondly, no man can come to God as a Father by adoption, but by Jeſus Chriſt; then it muſt needs be, that all men, though they do follow that light which is given to every man, it is not able to lead to God as a Father in the Lord Jeſus Chriſt. Yet this light that every man hath, will ſhew a man there is a God, and that this God is eternall; and alſo will cleer out ſomthing of him to them by the things that are made. But now, if this light would lead to everlaſting life, then might the Devills alſo be delivered from everlaſting damnation, ſeeing they alſo do know God as a Creator, and revenger of ſin, more perfectly then any natural man in the world, though not as a Father by adoption.

But you ſay, doth it not lead to God all that follow it? Anſw. Not to be ſaved, though to be condemned, through the weakneſs and unprofitableneſs of that light, or conſcience, or the law, call it either, and I cleer it thus. Becauſe, if that light that every man receives, were able by our following it, to p. 43ſave us, then Chriſt needed not to have ſuffered, ſeeing all men had that light.

2. If that light that every man hath, which is conſcience, were able to lead a man to juſtification by following it; that promiſe was made in vain by Jeſus the ſon of Mary, when he ſaid, I will ſend you; mark, I will ſend you the Spirit, and he ſhall lead you into all truth: for they had a light before. But it is evident, that that was not ſufficient, becauſe they muſt have another ſent them by Jeſus Chriſt, and that muſt be the Spirit.

5. Quaer. Whether is not the ſame light in him that hates it, as it is in him that loves it, Joh. 3. If there be a difference in the light, ſhew it wherein; whether in the natu…e, or otherwiſe?

Anſw. Firſt, that Scripture quoted in Joh 3. Light is come into the world, &c. is not meant of that light, or conſcience, that every man hath; but the man Chriſt Jeſus is ſpeaking there of himſelf, as God-man, come into t…e world, born of the Virgin, if thou compare ver. 19, 20, 21. with ver. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. of the ſame Chapter, it is clear, for they all do ſpeak of the ſame thing; namely, the ſon of Mary, And again, ſaith he, I am the light of the world. Now the man Chriſt, though he was then in the world, and walked up and down in the ſame, yet he was not within any man in the world as man, (though he calls himſelf the light thereof) though he was in ſome; I ſay, in ſome, as God by his Spirit. Now the light, which was the man Chriſt, was the very ſame, whether loved by ſome, or hated by others; but if you conclude every man hath Chriſt, or that light ſpoken of there, Joh. 3. within him; That I deny, having proved the contrary. But ſecondly, Whether is there a difference in the light? Anſw. Firſt, there are more lights than one; there is a light that may be ſuſpected to be darkneſſe, where he ſaith, If the light that is in thee be darkneſſe, &c. Again, there is the light of the Law, Prov. 6.23. Again, conſcience alſo will convince of ſin. Now there is none of theſe that can ſave a ſinner from the evil of his waies. Take the beſt of them, which is the righteous law of God, that cannot. For had there been a Law given, which might have given life, then verily righteouſneſs had come by the Law: But if you conclude that righteouſneſſe, or everlaſting life cometh by the Law, you muſt conclude this again, that Chriſt did die in vain, Gal. 2.21. So then theſe things being not able to ſave the ſoul, the next thing is, the Son of God, the ſon of righteouſneſſe, ariſing with healing under his wings, he is alſo a light, and indeed the ſaving light, far ſurpaſſing all the other mentioned.

Now though Chriſt doth not differ in himſelf, yet there is a difference in the power of theſe lights, the law & Chriſt the one not being able to ſave, the other being able. And again, there is alſo a difference in the nature of them; the one being a condemning light, the other a ſaving light. It is Moſes that accuſeth you (ſaith Chriſt) even Moſes in whom yee truſt: But do not think, ſaith Chriſt, that I will accuſe you to the Father: No, ſaith he, it is Moſes, or the Law given by him. But again, where Chriſt ſpeaks for himſelf as a Saviour, he ſaith, God ſent not his Son into the world to condemne the world, but that the world through him might be ſaved, Joh. 3.17. ſo that I ſay, Firſt, that light ſpoken of Joh. 3. which is the man Chriſt, is not in every man that coms into the world. Secondly, that the man Chriſt, or the light ſpoken of there, is not againſt himſelf. Thirdly, there is the light of the Law, conſcience, and nature it ſelf, p. 44which are in all men, which things are altogether inſufficient to ſave a man from death, by his ſeeking of juſtification thereby. Again, there is Jeſus Chriſt he is the Saviour, but not in all men. And again, neither is the man Chriſt Jeſus the condemning light.

6. Quaer. Whether is it poſſible, that any can be ſaved without Christ manifested within. If no; then whether is not the doct…ine of ſalvation, wbich is only neceſſary, to preach Chriſt within: and is it not the whole myſtery of ſalvation, God manifeſt in the fleſh

Anſw. There can none be ſaved, but they that have the Spirit of Chriſt given unto them. But it is not the Spirit of Chriſt given to the Elect, that doth work out the ſalvation of their ſouls within them, for that was obteined by the blood of the man Chriſt Jeſus on the Croſſe, Hebrews 9.12. compared with Heb. 13.12.

Again, every one that is, or ſhall be ſaved, muſt, and ſhall have the Spirit of Chriſt within them; yet doth it not follow, that to preach Chriſt (onelyonly) within; is the onelyonly doctrine of ſalvation. For then alſo the preaching of the blood of Chriſt ſhed on the Croſſe, as I ſaid before, muſt be of none effect. But he that doth preach the doctrine of ſalvation aright, muſt firſt begin to preach that doctrine that Paul preached in 1 Cor. 15.1, 2, 3, 4. For I delivered unto you (ſaith he) firſt of all how that Chriſt died for our ſins according to the Scriptures: and that he was buried, and that he roſe again according to the Scriptures. Now Chriſt, or the Spirit of Chriſt, is received by ſuch preaching as this is, as is clear from that Scripture, Act. 10.38, to 44. where Peter ſpeaking of the word that was publiſhed throughout all Judea. How God anointed Jeſus of Nazareth (or which dwelt at Nazareth) with the holy Ghoſt, and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppreſſed of the Devill: for God was with him. And we are witneſſes of all thoſe things which he did, both in the land of the Jews, and in Jeruſalem (ſaith Peter), whom they ſlew, and hanged on a tree: Him God raiſed up the third day, and ſhewed him openly; not unto all the people, but unto witneſſes, choſen before of God; Even to us who did eat and drink with him, after his reſurrection from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to teſtifie that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. And is that all? No. But to him give all the prophets witneſſe, (to him, even Jeſus of Nazareth whom the Jews crucified on the tree), that through his name, whoſoever beleeveth in him, ſhall receive remiſſion, or forgiveneſs of ſins. Now mark. And while Peter yet ſpake theſe words, the holy Ghoſt fell on all them that heard the Word. While Peter ſpake theſe words, that by Jeſus of Nazareth forgiveneſſe of ſins was preached to them that believe in his name, the holy Ghoſt fell on all them that heard the word. Namely, which Peter ſpake: this is the way in which the Spirit is given? Namely, by preaching a crucified Chriſt.

But now, no man can be ſaved without Chriſt, or the Spirit of Chriſt be given to him, becauſe he cannot be able to lay hold ſavingly of, and to hope for that glory that Chriſt as he is God-man hath accompliſhed in his own perſon without, unleſs he have the Spirit. But farther, thou ſaieſt; It is not the whole myſtery of ſalvation, God manifeſted in the fleſh?

Anſw. Truly to know that God out of love to poor ſinners, did in the p. 45fulneſs of time ſend forth his onelyonly begotten Son, who is equall with his Father, to be born of a woman, and made under the law, to redeem them that are under the law, that he might receive the adoption of ſons; this is to know the myſtery of godlineſs. Therefore, when the Scriptures ſay, God was manifeſted in the fleſh, they mean, God ſent forth his Son, which was and is the Word of God, God himſelf, and he was made fleſh, Joh 1.14. And ſo in the nature of man he did become the Lamb of God, or the ſacrifice of God, that doth take away the ſins of the world, ver. 29 Now here I might enlarge abundantly, but that I would not be tedious.

7. Quaer. Whether is it not poſſible, that many may profeſſe as much of Chriſt Without, as thou haſt ſayd of him, and yet be damned; and if this be the faith to profeſſe him born, dead, riſen and aſcended without; then is there any unbeleever in England? ſeeing all in the outward ſound beleevs, and profeſſeth as much as thou haſt ſaid. Yea, or nay?

Anſw. I know there are many that do profeſs in word, that Chriſt was born, dead, riſen, and aſcended without, and yet may be damned. Yet he that doth really, with the faith of the operation of God beleeve theſe things, and doth alſo apply the virtue and merit of the ſame to themſelvs for juſtification and life, ſhall be ſaved. If thou ſhalt confeſs with thy mouth the Lord Jeſus: and ſhalt beleeve in thine heart that God raiſed him from the dead, thou ſhalt be ſaved, Rom. 10.9. And alſo 1 Cor. 15.2. By Which ye are ſaved, if ye keep in memory What I preached unto you. What was that? Why, how that Chriſt died for our ſins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and roſe again, &c.

2. It is not faith, onelyonly to talk of him with the mouth, but as I ſaid before, to beleev the ſame by the operation of the Spirit in our hearts.

If this be faith (ſaieſt thou) to profeſs him born, dead, riſen and aſcended Without, then, is there any unbeleever in England?

Anſw. All that profeſſe this do not truly beleeve it, for to profeſſe in word alone, and beleeve in heart, are two things. Secondly, if to profeſſe this were the faith, yet were there a good many unbeleevers in England, for the Quakers will not profeſſe him aſcended without, neither making interceſſion without, but contrarywiſe ſtrike at this doctrine.

8. Quaer. Whether hath that man faith in Chriſt that is not changed in the nature, and is not the liar and ſlenderer an unbeleever, and of the curſed nature, yea or no?

Anſw. He that hath faith in Chriſt is a new Creature: and the liar and ſlanderer is an unbeleever: and if he live and dye in that condition, his ſtate is very ſad, though if he turn there is hope for him; therefore repent and turn quickly, or elſe look ro your ſelvs, for you are the men, as is clear by your diſcourſe.

9. Quaer. Whether any receive Chriſt, Who receive him not into him? if not, ſhew how Chriſt can be received, and whether many profeſſe him not which never receive him?

Anſ. Chriſt as he is man, as he was a ſacrifice for ſin, cannot be received really and perſonally into any, but yet, he that doth indeed receive the Goſpel, and beleeve that he was a ſacrifice upon the Croſſe for his ſins, doth and hath alſo received his Spirit into him, which giveth him the comfort of theſe p. 46things, John 14.26. And ſecondly, there are very many that profeſſe him, that at the day of judgment will fall ſhort of eternall life, notwithſtanding all their profeſſion; for as I ſaid before, it is not the profeſſor, but the ſound beleever, that ſhall be ſaved by him. But let the Reader mark, how thou condemneſt thy own doctrine by this Quaery, for thou granteſt many profeſſe Chriſt that never receive him. How then hath every man Chriſt, or the light of Chriſt within him? If it be within him, either he muſt receive it, or ſnatch it by force againſt the will of another, however the Scripture ſaith, what is it that thou haſt not received; (yet all men have not received that) Jude 19.

10. Quaery, Whether to preach for hire, for gifts and rewards, and to divine for money, and to make merchandiſe of the people for ſo much a year for preaching to them, be not true marks and ſignes of falſe prophets? or can any give truer ſignes of falſe prophets than Iſaiah and Micha give, yea or nay?

Anſ. There are a company of dumb dogs that are crept into the Nation, that love, give ye, and deſire to bear rule by their means; and they are every one for his gain from their quarter. Secondly, there are a company of wolvs crept out alſo, having warpped themſelvs about with ſheeps clothing, and theſe are both alike abominable to the Lord Neither can a man give a more right deſcription of a falſe prophet, than the Prophets and Chriſt with his Apoſtles did give, therefore examine your ſelvs.

11. Quaer: Whether must not the Devill be chained before Chriſt reign, and what is that which chains him, and whether art thou come to one of the days of the thouſand years, yea, or no?

Anſw. Chriſt hath two ſeverall times wherein Satan muſt be bound by him, one is at the converſion of ſinners, the other when he ſhall come the ſecond time, and perſonally appear, and reign, in the world to come.

Again, whether I am come to one of the days of the thouſand years?

Anſ. No, becauſe he that doth reign, with Chriſt one of theſe days, ſhall live and reign with Chriſt a thouſand years, Rev. 20.4. But there is never a beleever in the world, that doth, or in any likelyhood ſhall live halfe ſo long, before they die or be changed at the coming of the man Chriſt Jeſus.

12. Quaer. Whether doeſt thou know any Chriſt, preach or profeſſe any Chriſt, who hath not lightened every man that coms into the world with the light of life, or of condemnation, And is he not a deceiver that exhorts people for ſalvation to any other thing then the light of Chriſt. Yea, or no? And how hath Chriſt lightened every man if not within him?

Anſ. That Chriſt I preach, is the Chriſt of God, who as he is God hath lightened every man that coms into the world wi…h conſcience, and the law, which is the light of condemnation, but nor of life; for the law is the miniſtration of condemnation 1 Cor. 7.8. And all men have the law and conſcience: but theſe will not ſave them. Again, there are ſome that do indeed enjoy the light of life. And whereas thou ask'ſt, is not he a deeeiver, that exhorts people to any thing elſe than the light of Chriſt? Anſw. He that telleth any man, that the miniſtration of condemnation will ſave him, which is the law, he is a lier, and a deceiver: but he that exhorts people to lay hold on what the man Chriſt Jeſus hath done in his own perſon for ſinners, and preſſeth ſouls to venture p. 47upon that for ſalvation, preacheth the truth. Thirdly, Chriſt hath given to every one the law, and conſcience within him: yet theſe are not able to ſave him, but let him follow the righteouſneſſe of the the law never ſo much, yet if he be not directed of God, to flie to Jeſus the Son of Mary, and to what he hath done in his own perſon for them, he ſhall never be ſaved, Act. 4. verſe 12.

Friend, thus have I with all plainneſſe of ſpeech anſwered thy Quaeries, and I fear not at all but I have ſpoken the truth as it is in Jeſus. And as for committing them to the judgment of others, as thou wouldeſt have me; ſet others ſay what they will, I am ſure I have ſpoken the truth of God; and I make no queſtion, but at the ſecond coming of my Lord Jeſus from heaven to judge the world, theſe things I ſhall not be aſhamed of; Neither am I now, but am ready if God ſhall give me life to ſpeak the ſame things to any man, face to face, and I deſire thee, and all, even as many as ſhall read or hear this Treatiſe, to conſider, and look to themſelvs, leaſt they ſin againſt God ſo much in their life time by rejecting theſe truths, that it ſhall never be forgiven them to all eternity, though they repent them of their rejecting the ſame. There is one thing more to which I ſhall ſpeak a few words, and that is to a few words written at the end of thy book, which is called the poſtſcript, wherein, is ſeverall charges againſt my ſelf and ſom others, which I ſhall ſpeak ſomewhat to.

The firſt is agaiſt John Burton, thu…; John Burton ſaid in a diſcourſ with ſome friends, that Chriſt had two bodies, and one of them is out of the ſight of the Saints. Anſw. My Brother Burton being abſent, I ſhall anſwer for him concerning the charge laid againſt him. And therefore, that Chriſt, who is and was before the world began,, God equal with his Father, did in the fulneſſe of time take upon him a bodie from the Virgin Mary, which was ſo prepared by God his Father, it is evident in Scripture; and in it after he had lived a while in the world, he did hang on the Croſſe, was taken down thence again, and laid in Joſephs ſepulchre, was raiſed again, and aſcended away from his Diſciples therewith into glory, Act. 1.3, 9, 10, 11.

Again, he hath another bodie, and that is his Church, Eph. 1. ver. the laſt. Now that he is out of the ſight of his Saints in one of the bodies; namely that which did hang on the Croſſe, it is alſo evident, 1 Tim. 6. where Paul ſpeaking of that very Jeſus, who did bear a faithful witneſſe before Pontius Pilate, ſaith in ver. 16. Who onelyonly hath immo…tality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath ſeen, nor can ſee. That is not with their mortal e…es, in that glory as yet. If you ſay ſtill, notwithſtanding this, that Chriſt as he was before the world began, hath but one body, and that to be his Church, I ask you what that was, that was taken down from the Croſſe, and laid into Joſephs ſepulchre, Luk. 23.52.53.

The ſecond charge is …gainſt my ſelf, and is this; John Bunyan ſaid, Chriſt ſecond coming is not his coming in Spirit, for his coming in Spirit is no coming.This is a falſe thing ſpoken of me.

The former part of the words; namely, Chriſts ſecond coming is not his coming in Spirit, thoſe I owne. But the other, namely, * For his coming in ſpirit is no coming, is a lie, made of me by the Author, Edward Borrough.

The former words were ſpoken at a meeting in Bedford, ſome Quakers p. 48being preſent contradicting and blaſpheming: And now they could not be content with that; but they muſt make up all with a lie, and publiſh it in print. Quaker there and I had ſome diſcourſe concerning Chriſt's ſecond coming, and he would affirm, that his coming in Spirit was his ſecond coming, ſpoken of in Scripture. Then I asked him, which was his firſt coming? He anſwered, when he was born of rhe Virgin, and took fleſh upon him from her. Then ſaid I, I ſhall eaſily prove, that his coming in the Spirit is not his ſecond coming, for I will prove that his coming in the Spirit was before that which the Scripture and you alſo do call his firſt coming; and proved it by that plain Scripture, where Peter ſpeaking of the Prophets, ſaitb, ſearching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Chriſt which was in them (the Prophets) did ſignifie, when it teſtified before hand of the ſuffering of Chriſt, and the glory that ſhould follow, 1 Pet. 1.10, 11. and 3, 18, 19. where ſpeaking of Chriſt's being put to death in the fl…ſh, but quickned in the Spi…it. By which Spirit he preached to the ſpi its (now) in p…iſon; but when was this, only when once the long ſuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, ver. 20. Which was long before the firſt coming of Chriſt, ſo called in Scripture, for that was, as I ſaid, when he took a body from the Virgin Mary.

But ſecondly, it ſeems cleerly by theſe words, that you do look for no other coming but his coming in Spirit. O! how ſuddenly and unexpected of you, will the Son of man break down from heaven, with all his mighty Angels in flaming fire, and call you together, with all Nations to judgment. And though now peradventure you are ready to ſlight the perſonall appearing of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, that man to judgment, only looking for a judgment within, yet you will I am certain, very ſuddainly be made to paſs under another judgment, which will be more exceeding great then any judgment you ſhall have here, and more terrible. As for the latter part of the charge, which is a very lie; though I ſhal not trouble my ſelf to lay it to your charge (you have ſo manifeſtly declared your ſelvs already what you are). Yet I beſeech you, that hereafter you would not be ſo ready to receive lies from others, and publiſh them to the view of the world, leaſt you appear to all men (as you do to ſome) to be ſuch as are of an accuſing lying ſpirit.

But farther, That Chriſt's coming in the Spirit is not his ſecond coming, it is evident; partly, in that the coming of Chriſt in Spirit, was before that called in Scripture, his firſt coming. Secondly, he that comes the ſecond time is he that came the firſt time. Now he that came the firſt time was very God and very man, and not a Spirit onelyonly; for handle me ſaith he, a Spirit hath not fleſh and bones, as yee ſee me have, Luk. 24. Now this ſame Jeſus that was very God and very man, ſo born of Mary, ſaith, I go and prepare a place for you; and I, the very ſame (as alſo Act. 1.10, 11.) will come again, and take you to my ſelf; that where I am, there ye might be alſo, Joh. 14.1, 2, 3. Here I might ſpend many words, but it needs not, the whole current of Scriptures do confirm this thing; and therefore I ſhall forbear, and content my ſelf with this, Hee that will bee filthie let him bee filthie, for the day is at hand.

The 3. Charge is alſo againſt me, ſaying, I ſaid, there was nothing in me, nor any man, to be taken notice of.

p. 49Though in ſome ſence I do not deny theſe words, yet I know, and am ſure, that directly in this form of words, I did never lay them down, but I paſſe that. Now in this ſence I do not deny them; There was nothing in me, as I was in my unregenerate eſtate; nor in any man elſe in the ſame eſtate, that is worthie to be taken notice of for juſtification. Firſt, becauſe every unregenerate man is without Chriſt, before he be converted, Eph. 2.12. Wherefore remember, that yee being Gentiles in the fleſh (unconverted) that at that time yee were without Chriſt. Now a man that is without Chriſt, and hath not his Spirit in him, as ſome, yea moſt men are, Jude 19. What is there in that man, that is worth the taking notice of to juſtifie him.

Alſo converted Paul ſaith, I know that in mee, that is in my fleſh, dwelleth no good thing, Rom. 7.18.

As for others that are charged with things, becauſe their names are not alſo mentioned, I ſhall paſſe them by; onelyonly thus much I ſhall ſay further to the laſt charge, That there is nothing in any man by nature, before he be converted, that is worth the taking notice of, as to ſeek juſtification thereby. And that that light which every man hath, being at the beſt but Conſcience, Nature, or the Law, let a man take notice of it, follow it, obey it never ſo much, it is not able to juſtifie the ſoul: for if righteouſneſſe come by the Law, then Chriſt is dead in vain. And as I ſaid before, every man hath not Chriſt to take notice of, though every man hath conſcience, or the light of nature in him, which is alſo able to convince of ſins againſt the law of God, yet is not able to deliver from that curſe pronounced by the Lord, againſt them that diſobey the law. Nay the law it ſelf is not able to ſave them that do follow it, being too weak for ſuch a thing: And indeed God did not give it to that end, that Saints ſhould have life by it. No; compare Gal. 3.21. with Rom. 5 20. you may clearly ſee why God gave the law; namely, that ſins or offences might abound. But how? By diſcovering ſin by its workings. Now then you that follow the Law, and ſeek life by it, this is all you are like to have of it: Firſt, you ſhall ſee your tranſgreſſion againſt it, made known to you by it, Romans 3. ver. 20. and an horrible curſe pronounced againſt you, becauſe you cannot give a compleat continual obedience to every tittle of it.

And now friend to thee, who haſt taken in hand to anſwer my Quaeries laid down in the end of my book; I ſay, thou haſt onelyonly wrangled and quarrelled at them; but haſt not given one plain and right anſwer to any one of them. Therefore I ſhal leave them ſtil to be anſwered by you, or others of your ſpirit. You ſhall finde them at the end of this diſcourſe: And I beſeech you to anſwer them in all plainneſſe of heart, and with as moderate a ſpirit as you may. It is like there may be ſome addition to them: but as I have dealt plainly and ſincerely with yours, ſo do you deal uprightly and plainly with mine, for the ſatisfaction of thoſe who ſhall read them. And here I ſhall draw towards a concluſion, onelyonly ſpeak ſome words to thoſe who unawares to themſelves may be carried away with the doctrines of the Quakers: And I ſhall be briefe in ſpeaking to it. The way that I ſhall take, ſhall be very plain to be underſtood: for I ſhall not lay down any doubtful ſentence in my ſpeech to them, nor others.

And firſt I ſhall ſhew you that the doctrine of the Quakers is an errour, and how.

2. Who they are that are carried away with it, and why.

p. 503. The way Satan takes to make this deluſion, or filthie doctrine to take place in the ſoul.

That the doctrine of the Quakers is falſe, or an errour, I ſhall ſhew, firſt, by diſcovering the doctrine it ſelf. Now the Doctrine of the Quakers is plainly this; Namely, that every man that comes into the world, hath the Spirit of Chriſt in him. Now that this is an errour is clear, becauſe the word of God ſaith plainly, That ſome are ſenſual, having not the Spirit, Jude 19. And again, Tbe unregenerate man, in the time of his unregenerate ſtate, is without Chriſt, Eph. 2.12.

2. He that will but obſerve the motions of that light which every man hath within him (ſay they) ſo as to obey and cloſe in with it to follow it, ſhall undoubtedly be ſaved from the wrath to com. Now this is clearly a groſſe errour; for firſt, If all men have not Chriſt, as they have not; then is it not an errour to preſſe men to ſeek for life, by following that which is not able to give life. Yet this they do, who labour to perſwade men, yea the ſouls of men, that it is no leſſe then the very Spirit of Chriſt in every man, that doth convince of ſi…, when the Scriptures ſay plainly, the Law, Rom 3.20. Conſcience, Rom, 2.15. and Nature it ſelf, Rom. 2.14. 1 Cor. 11.14. will and doth convince of ſin; yet none of theſe is the Spirit of Chriſt. And the great argument that they bring to prove that it is the ſpirit of Chriſt, is, becauſe the Spirit doth alſo convince of ſin. Now what a poor argument is this, to ſay, That becauſe the Spirit of Chriſt doth convince of ſin, therefore whatſoever doth convince of ſin, muſt needs be the Spirit of Chriſt As much as to ſay, becauſe the Saints are called the light of the world,Joh. 8.12.John 8:12 Mat. 5.14. therefore the Saints are the Saviour of the world; ſeeing Chriſt alſo doth call himſelf the light of the world. Or becauſe the Moon hath, or is light, therefore the Moon is the Sun. This is but ſophiſtical arguing, and doth beget moſt damnable errours and hereſies in the world: but this is the way that they take, to intangle poor ſouls with their ſad and erroneous doctrine; ſee page 22. of his book, line 12. and 13. They ſay, that it muſt be Chriſt within them, that muſt within them work out juſtification for them; when it is evident from the whole current of Scripture, that the Son of Mary was delivered to be crucified for our offences, and his Reſurrection, through faith in it, is our juſtification; as all along through grace I have declared and cleared. And the work that the Spirit doth in point of juſtification, is, to ſhew us what the Son of Mary hath done and ſuffered in his own body on the tree, and is now doing in the preſence of his Father, in the higheſt heaven.

Jude 19. Eph. 2.12.Jude 1:19Eph 2:12And to help us to apply this to our ſouls by faith now, for a preſervative againſt theſe and the like deluſions, obſerve. Firſt, as I ſaid before, All have not the Spirit of Chriſt.

2. That the law, with all our obedience to it, is not able to ſave, or juſtifie any poor ſoul, Rom. 3.20. For by the works of the law ſhall no fleſh living be juſtified, though it gives the knowledge of ſin.

3. That there is none other way to be juſtified in the ſight of God, but by laying hold of what the Son of Mary (Jeſus) did do and ſuffer in his own perſon, when he was in the world. For it is by him (and what he hath done in his own perſon by himſelf, Heb. 1.2.) that any man is juſtified from his ſins, and the wrath of God due to the ſame, by believing that his blood was ſhed p. 51for their ſins; as it is written, By his ſtripes we are healed, Iſa. 53.5. as if their own blood had been ſhed for their own ſins; and that his righteouſneſſe is theirs by imputation, as if they themſelvs had actually fulfilled all the law of God for their own juſtification, Rom. 10.4.

The ſecond thing is, who are they that are carried away with this deluſion? and why?

Anſw. Firſt, not one of God's elect whom he foreknew, ſhall be utterly deſtroied thereby (I do not ſay, they ſhall not be led away for a time; but they ſhall not be utterly deſtroied); for they are kept by the mighty power of God through faith unto ſalvation. But they are ſuch as are not indeed the elect of God, not choſen in Chriſt before the world began. Though Hymeneus & Philetus fall away, and overthrow the faith of ſome, yet the foundation of God ſtands ſure, having this ſeal, The Lord knoweth them that are his 2 Tim. 2. ver. 18, 19.

Secondly, they are ſuch as in time paſt; for the generality of them were either but light frothie profeſſors, or elſe were ſhaken in their principles, and unſtable therein, as ſaith the Scriptures, They that are deceivers do beguile unſtable ſouls. Or if they were ſuch as were in appearance ſober and ſerious in the account of others, it was either from thoſe convictions they had from the Law, or elſe from high notions they had of the Goſpel; which have both ſuch influence at ſom time on the foul (though not ſavingly) that the ſoul will go very far in obedience to them; as for example, Herod who was an enemie to the truth, yet for a time had ſuch heart-workings, being convinced by the preaching of John the Baptiſt, that he feared him, and obſerved him, and when hee heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly, Mark. 6. ver. 20.

Now the reaſon why ſuch people are carried away with ſuch hereſies as theſe, or the like, is,

Firſt, that as they were not of the elect of God, ſo God by ſuffering them to be carried away finally, may make it appear, that they were not of his elect. They went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us. But they went out from us, that it might be made manifeſt (or that men might ſee) that they were not all of us, 1 Joh. 2.9.

2. Becauſe God will not have his Church ſo diſturbed alwaies, with ſuch as are not of the truth. Now there are ſome men that have their time to walk with the Church of God by permiſſion; and theſe men are ever and anon ready to broach their errours, even while they are among the Saints, to their trouble. Now God having a care of his Church, hath a time to ſuffer the Divel to run through the world with ſome erroneous doctrine or other, which when theſe men taſte, being ſpirited before hand for that purpoſe, do preſently cloſe in with the ſame, to the purifying of the Church, and the manifeſtation of hemſelvs. And thus every branch which the Lord's right hand hath not plantd, ſhall and muſt have a time to be rooted up, Mat. 15.13.

3. Becauſe others that are of the right graffing in, may notwithſtanding not reſume, but fear, leaſt they alſo fall, through the ſame example of others who re already fallen, or may fall hereafter, Heb. 4.1, 2, 11.

p. 524. Becauſe others may ſee, that it is not by their own ſtrength that they do ſtand, but f…eely by the grace of God, and his power and love towards them in the Lord Jeſus Chriſt. God hath choſen ſom before the foundation of the world. Now to manifeſt this, though they are even as bad as the worſt by natu…e; yet I ſay, becauſe God will ſhew his power and his love, he doth preſerve ſome to eternal life, though others fall into eternal damnation. Of all that thou haſt given me, ſaith Chriſt, have I loſt none, but the ſon of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Joh. 17.12. Many other reaſons might bee given why theſe things muſt and ſhall be; but I rather chuſe to forbear. OnelyOnly thus much I have ſpoken, becauſe I know it is my duty to ſpeak a few words unto you, that you may either cloſe in with the truth, or elſe the more clearly be left without excuſe at the great day.

The third and laſt thing, is the way that Satan takes, to make thoſe deluſions take place in the ſoul.

Now the way whereby he makes theſe, or any other deluſions to take place in the ſoul, is, firſt, to perſwade the ſoul that they are the truth; and ſecondly, to to ſtir up in the ſoul an enmitie to any thing or perſon that ſhall declare the contrary.

Firſt, they are given over to believe a lie; that is, To believe falſe doctrine to be the doctrine of God, and of Chriſt. And that he might bring this to paſſe, he goeth about to change the names of things; and becauſe the Law, Conſcience, and Nature it ſelf can convince of ſin, therefore he calleth them Chriſt, or the light of Chriſt: Saying to a natural man, one that is not yet converted, Minde the light wihin you. If they ask what light? ſay they, That which doth convince of ſin. If they farther ask, Why, what is that? They ſay, It is the light of Chriſt, the light of life, or Chriſt within.

Now theſe things are nothing elſe but conſcience, nature, or the law, for a naturall man hath nothing elſe that dwelleth within him to convince him of ſin: onelyonly theſe things have a new name put upon them. And poor Creatures heating the name Chriſt, being ignorant of the nature of Chriſt, do preſently cloſe in with theſe things, ſuppoſing, nay, verily beleeving that theſe are the Spirit of Chriſt. Which things being thus received, if at any time one come and oppoſe them, and tell them that it is an errour that they have taken up, to think that that which is in an unregenerate man is the Spirit of Chriſt, and contrarywiſe telleth them plainly, that it is but their own conſcience that doth convince them, or the law written in their hearts by nature. Nay, ſay they, it is the light of Chriſt in the conſcience, when there is no Scripture hath any ſuch manner of exp…eſſions, onelyonly a fancy of their own, taken up without ground from the Word. But the ſoul being poſſeſſed with this doctrine, preſently its heart riſeth againſt any thing that doth contradict it, and is filled with a ſecret enmity againſt it. Now the way that Satan takes to bring this about, is to perſwade poor ſouls, that all theſe thoughs that do any wiſe contradict the Principles received, is but a temptation of the Devill. And if at any time there be the doctrine of Jeſus, held forth in truth; his death, buriall, reſurrection, aſcenſion, and interceſſion; now without in the preſence of his Father for ſinners, and that there is ſalvation no where elſe but in the merits of the firſt born of Mary, which is Jeſus Chriſt, p. 56without the works of the Law, Rom. 3.28. Preſently with envie they are enraged, and cry; Doeſt thou not know that every man hath a meaſure of tbe Spirit given to him? Follow that, liſten to that, turn thy mind to that, and walk in the light of that. When alas there is no ſuch thing as the Spirit of Chriſt in every man: as I ſaid, and proved before at large; onelyonly the Devill hath gotten this way to call conſcience Chriſt, the law Chriſt; and hereby to intangle the ſoul with the name of a thing, without the thing it ſelf.

But now, the ſoul is ſet down in its principles, and he that doth any way confute that Spirit, preſently it falls a raging, and cries out, Se…pent, Li…r, Wolfe, Dragon, Devill; be ſilent with thy ſerpentine wiſdom, and ſmoak of the bottomleſſe pit. Now in this the Devill is wonderfull cunning: for leaſt he ſhould indeed be diſcovered, he doth ſet the face hard againſt the truth, and counteth it ſuch a deadly enemy, that he will not, cannot bear it; but lets flye againſt it all the helliſh words, and madneſſe he can; And now he begins firſt to cry, avoyd Satan. All which is onelyonly to harden him, in whom he doth dwell, more and more againſt the truth. Now he doth alſo harden ſouls in deluſions, by preſenting the ugly, and baſe converſations of a company of covetous wretches, who do profeſſe themſelvs to be the Miniſters of the Goſpel, but are not; now poor creatures being ſhaking and doubtfull what way to take, ſeeing the converſation of theſe men to be wicked, and the doctrine of theſe deluders, co…ered with a ſeeming holineſſe; they preſently embrace it, ſaying; ſurely theſe men are in the right way; they cry down the Prieſts, whoſe lives we alſo ſee to be profane, they are very ſtrict in their ways, and if ſuch be nor good men, who are? But yet that which is moſt taking, is (through the corruption and pride that is naturally in the heart of man) theſe men propoſe ſuch a way to ſalvation, as is in the compaſſe of a mans owe abilitie, even works of righteouſneſſe done by him, which is very agreeable to mans nat…re, which would willingly be ſaved, but would not be altogether beholden to God for it: and theſe works not being wrought by the Prieſts, or Nationall Miniſters, but by the other, though in oppoſition to the righteouſneſſe of Chriſt, the Meſſias God-man, poor ſouls not onelyonly ſuck in theſe erroneous principles, but are hardened in them againſt the doctrine of God, and his Son Jeſus Chriſt, by their ungodly converſation, and thus diſhonour the Son of God. But come brethren, let us be patient, ſtabliſh our hearts, wait but a while, and I doubt not, but you will ſee that thoſe who diſhonour our Jeſus, ſhall ſoon be brought down, both Ranters, Quakers, P…ieſts, and people alſo, that ſhall continue in oppoſing him either in doctrine or practiſe; for our God hath ſaid, Ah! I will eaſe me of my adverſaries.

Now, a few words more to thoſe who do beleeve in Chriſt aright, and lay him for their foundation.

Firſt, bleſſe God that you are not carried away with the deluſions that are on foot in this generation.

Secondly, ſee that you are laborers after a more experimentall knowledge of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt; flye more to his birth, death, blood, reſurrection, p. 54aſcenſion and interceſſion; and fetch refreſhing for your ſouls more and more from him without, through the operation of his Spirit within: and though the fruits of the Spirit be excellent, and to be owned where they are found; Yet hauehave a care you take not away the glory of the blood of Chriſt ſhed on the Croſſe, without the gates of Jeruſalem, and give it them; which you will do, if you do content your ſelvs, and ſatisfie your conſciences, with this; that you finde the fruits of the Spirit within you, and do not go for peace and conſolation of conſcience, to the blood of Jeſus, ſhed on the Croſſe.

Therefore learn of the Saints, or rather of the Spirit, Revel. 5. who teacheth to ſing this ſong. Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the ſeales thereof, for thou waſt ſlain, and haſt redeemed us to God by thy blood.

And as for you that cannot yet well indure to think you ſhould be juſtified by the blood of the Son of Mary ſhed on the Croſſe without the gate, I ſay, to you Kiſs the Son leaſt he be angry, and you periſh from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little, bleſſed are all they tbat put their trust in him, Pſal. 2.12.

FINIS.