THE QUAKERS VVISDOM deſcendeth not from Above. Or a Brief VINDICATION Of a Small TRACT, Intituled, The Quakers Folly made manifest to all men, As alſo of its Authour, from the Exceptions made againſt It, and Aſperſions caſt upon Him.
In a PAMPHLET CALLED The Voice of Wisdom, &c.
Publiſhed by GEORGE WHITHEAD, Quaker.
By THO. DANSON, M. A. Late Fellow of Magd. Coll. Oxon. And now Miniſter of the Goſpel at Sandwich in Kent.
And if it be not ſo now, who will make me a Liar, and mak my speech nothing worth? Job 24. ult.
What have I now done? Is there not a cauſe? 1 Sam. 17.29.
London, Printed for J. Allen, at the Riſing Sun in Pauls Church-yard, 1659.
I Am once more come upon on the Stage, not without a Bluſh; yet not becauſe I am unwilling to have my Doctrines brought to Light, (as G. W.G. W. voice of wiſdom, p. 3. would make thee believe.) For I am ſo far from being aſhamed of them, that could the whole world be brought within the reach of my voice, upon a due call, I would make a Confeſſion of my Faith. Nor yet becauſe I am conſcious to my ſelf, of wronging the Quake•s ▪ in my relation of the Diſputes between us; either by laying down things in their Names, which they never ſpoke, or diminiſhing from their words, or making falſe conſtructions (to uſe the very words of G. Whithead's Charge) For let any underſtanding man peruſe the Book,In Epiſt to the Reader. (which occaſions this Reply) and he will find, that either I am charged with falſhood, in ſuch paſſages as have many and credible witneſſes to atteſt the•r truth; or elſe in particular words, as in putting Sanct•fic•tion for righteouſneſſe w thin, by which alteration (if any ſuch there were) no wrong was done to their meaning. And as for any falſe conſtruction of their words, if thou thinkeſt it worth the while to compare my falſe, and this mans true conſtruction, either thou ſeeſt not with my eyes, or thou wilt ſee that they have no cauſe of complaint. I have followed my preſent Antagoniſt ſtep by ſtep, and omitted nothing that hath the leaſt colour of Scripture, or•eaſon, (unleſs where I make a reference to my former Book, to avoid repetition) leſt he ſhould ſay, that like a child, I Skip what I cannot read. Only I confeſs, I am not able to match him at his Billingſgate Rhetorick, nor wo•ld I with Jonah, be as hot as the Sun that ſcaldes me. For I make account (as once a Learned man ſaid) that ſo much as there is of undue paſſion, ſo much of nothing to the purpoſe For there Reaſon ſpends upon a falſe ſent, and forſakes the Queſtion ſtarted. I truſt that thou wilt be more confirmed in thy bad opinion of the Quakers, and that the duſt which they raiſe with their feet, I ſhall blow away, I mean, croſſe their endeavours to hide their meaning in doubtful words, either out of ignorance, not being Maſters of their own Notions, or (which I rather believe) out of deſign, it being true of them, which Job ſpeaks of the Thief, If one know them, they are in the terrours of the ſhadow of death, Job 24.17. I hope thou wilt not be byaſſed by their ſeeming humility, for pride may be the root that bears that Branch. The Apostle ſpeaks of a voluntary humility, which was the effect of being vainly puft up by a fleſhly mind, Col. 2.18. And ſure I am, that if one part of the character which the Biſhop of Alif in the Council of Trent, gave of the Proteſtants, (viz.) that they had Orthodoxos Mores, i. e. an Orthodox Converſation, be as true of the Quakers, as it was of the Proteſtants; yet the other part, (viz.) that withal they had Haereticam Fidem, i. e. an Hetorodox or Heretical Belief, is as true of theſe men, as it was falſe of thoſe. And thou wilt find,In the•••ep. that particularly G. W. laies the most innocent Truths under the odious imputation of Anti-Chriſts deceits.
That thou maiſt not know the depths of Satan as they ſpeak, Rev. 2.24. But maiſt hold faſt that Doctrine which thou haſt already, v. 25. is the Prayer of
Darſon ſaith, the Lights mentioned, viz. natural and ſupernatural are two, and though all have the one, yet but few have the other.
Anſ. The life of Chriſt is the Light of men, and that is not natural, but ſpiritual, and thou might as well count the Life of Chriſt natural, as count it (the Light) ſo.
Reply 1. The diſtinction of natural or ſupernatural or ſpiritual Light we have, Rom 1.17, 20. Where the revelation of righteouſneſſe in the Goſpel is oppoſed to the knowledge of the God-head, which men attain to by the Creation, Ch 2.14 The Gentiles are ſaid by nature to do the things con•ained in the Law, and are ſaid to be a Law to themſelves; when yet withal 'tis affirmed that they had not the Law (viz. revealed) or the Oracles of God, for they were committed to the Jews only at that time, ch. 3.2. 2. And to that ſilly Argument, that I might count the life of Chriſt natural, as well as the light, I anſw•r, that there is a life of Chriſt natural, (viz. whereof Chriſt is the author as God) as well as2 ſpiritual (whereof he is the author, as God-man) John 1.3. All things were made by him, with all their qualities and properties, and whatſoever goes to the making them what they are, wh•ch ſo far as it intends life, may be explained by Acts 17.25. He (God) giveth to all life and breath. Or if there be not ſuch a n••ural life, then Plants, Bruits, and all Man••nd have a ſpiritual life (an abſurdity to groſſe to lodge in the brain of any other man, but a Qua•er.)
charged R.H. with ſaying the true Light hath not co•e over and comprehended thee.
Anſ. That's falſe, he ſaid no ſuch thing, for the Light hath comprehended thee, but thou art not come into it, nor haſt comprehended it
Reply. My credit will go further than thine, G W. R. H did ſay as was related, but perhaps he meant as thou ſaieſt, that I was not come over to c•mprehend the true Light.
charged us with conſenting that the knowledge o•the Goſpel is vouchſafed to every man.
Anſ. No ſuch thing d•d we conſent to, but that there were ſome in darkneſſe, ſo that their ignorance of the Goſpel does not argue that they had not that light in them, that was able o b•ing them to know the Goſpel but rather that they diſobeyed the l•ght of God in them, and liked not to retain God in their k owledge.
Reply. My words are, If you meaning be that the Goſpel is vouchſafed by Chriſt to every man, I expect your proof: And R. H. by ſilence conſented tha•that was their meaning, Quak•rs Folly, p. 2. If your mean•ng be that all men have th•Lig•t of the Goſpel w•thin them, only all do not obey it, 'tis contrary to the Scripture. Eph. 5.8. H oppoſes the ſtate of darkneſſe in wh•ch they were, to their preſent ſtate of light; or if you•meaning be (for the words are doubtful) that all men have a ſpiritual capacity3 to underſtand the Goſpel when preached to them that's falſe, as appears by 1 Cor. 2 14 The na•ural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit o•God, nei•her can he know them, &c. no more than the blind eye can diſcern a viſible Object.
brought Pſal. 147.19, 20. and that by the ſtatutes and judgments are meant the ſupernatural light or knowledge of the Goſpel.
Anſ. That makes for what I ſaid, for that may be ſhewed to a people which they know not: And this Prieſt hath confuted himſelf, for if theſe ſtatutes were the knowl•dge of the Goſpel, Why did I•rael not know them who had them?
Reply. If the Intent of the phraſe, ſhewing, be no more than that the Goſpel was preached, yet even that the Gentiles wanted at that time. The light of the Goſpel did not ſhine to them (as we may ſuppoſe the Sun might do, if all the world were bl•nd) He hath not dealt ſo with any Nation, (i. e. not ſhewed them as to Iſrael) Pſal 147 20. To the Queſtion, Why Iſrael did not know the Statutes, who had them? I anſwer, Ignorance of them is not here attributed to the Jews, but to any other Nation except them. The Relative they hath for the Antecedent any Nation, not Jacob and Iſrael.
ſaith, Rom. 2.15. is ſpoken of natural light oppoſed to the knowledge of the Jews.
Anſ. 'Tis ſpoken of the work of the Law, which Law was written in their hearts, and this Law was ſpiritual, and not a natural light.
Reply. Seeing you do not underſtand the difference between the Law, and work of the Law in the heart, I'le teach you: By the Law in the hea•t, is meant an inward and ſpiritual conformity thereunto, which is called the Law, as the impreſſion of the Seal upon a Letter or4 Bond, is called the Seal; which conformity lies in theſe, among other things; viz A conſent to the Law that it is good, Rom. 7.1•. A read•n ſſe to obedi•nce, Heb. 10.9. And a bringing into captivity•very thou•ht to the obedience of Chriſt, as the Apoſtles exp ſſion is, 2 Cor. 10.5. But by the work of the Law is m•ant, the knowl•dge of ſin, which is by the Law, Rom. 3 20 And the eff•cts of th•t knowl dge in Con c•nce, viz. a t•ſtimony to t•eir obedience or diſob•dienc•tog•ther w th approbation or cenſure, Rom. 2 15 And hough the Law b•ſpiri ual, yet the work of it in the Gentiles is but natural, v. 14. The Gentiles do by nature (ma•k the exp eſſeneſſe of the phraſe) the things co•••ned in the Law.
Chriſt was not to be a light to the Gentiles till his coming in the fleſh.
Anſ. What then was Chriſts preſence in the fleſh among all the Gentiles whom he did enl•ght n? What darkneſſe is this? Seeing h•s outgoing h•ve b•n from of old. And what became of all th•G ntiles that died before the daies of Chriſt in the Fleſh? Were they condemned becauſe they had no light of Chriſt given them, or becauſe they diſobeyed the light which th•y had?
Reply. 1. Till the time of Ch•iſt in the•••ſh, the Goſpel was not preached to the G•ntile-world; but I did not ſay (as you•mply) that Ch••ſt did preach it in his own perſon to them: Chriſt did honour the Miniſtry of the Apoſtles above his own, by the larger extent of their Commiſſion. As for Chriſts outgoings from of old, that paſſage taken out of M cah 5 2. intends Chriſts eternal ge•e•ation and e••rnal deſignation to the Office of Mediator, not any knowledge of Ch iſt vouchſafed throughout all ages to the whole world. To your laſt Queſtion I anſwer, that the Gentiles before Chriſt periſhed for diſobeying the L•ght th•y had, Rom. 2.12. But yet their ignorance of Chriſt was the occaſion of their condemnation5 for that diſobedience, Acts 4.12. Neither is there ſalv•tion in any o her, for there is none other Name under Heaven given among men, wher•by we muſt be ſaved. Thei•diſobeying that light d d damn them, but their obed•ence to it could not have ſaved them without Chriſt, and Chr ſt ſaves n•ne but thoſe who know him.
[What followes in p. 11, 12, 13, 14. of G W. Books, is nothing but what hath b n anſwered in Qu. Folly, and therefore I ſhall omit them]
SAi•h, p 9. your Doctrine of Pe•fection is againſt the Tenour of the Scripture, and to prove it, he b••ng•Job 9.20 and he ſaith, p 11. the Perfection Paul d•nies is th•ſtate of the reſurrection, which is to be wi h•ut ſin.
Anſ. Here he hath wronged the Scriptures, for th•y do not ſay that Perf•ction is againſt the Tenour of them, for God commands Pe•fection. And Paul denied not the ſtate of the reſu•rection, for he ſaid, If you be riſen with Chriſt, &c And he denied not freedom from ſin, Rom. 6.18, 22. Job 9 20, 21 proves not, that Job was not without ſin, when God had delivered him out of that affliction, wh rein he had ſaid, If I ſay I am perfect, &c. but after this Job was perfect.
Reply. All the Scriptures which require repentance and mortification during this life, do deny the poſſibility6 of Perfection. For they and it are incompatible. As for the commands they are the meaſure of our duty, not of our ability to obedience. Ther's no reaſon to the contrary, but that Gods commands ſhould run in the old ſtile, though we are unable to fulfil them. As for Col. 3.1. which he quotes, 'tis plain that that reſurrect, with Chriſt, was conſiſtent with ſin, v. 5. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth; By members we are to underſtand inordinate deſires, motions and actions of corrupt nature (ſuch as are reckoned up in the verſe) By mortifying them, a c•nſtant endeavour to repreſſe and ſubdue them. And the Argument to inforce the duty of mortification is drawn (as from their death with Chriſt, and life with him,) ſo from their firſt and ſpiritual reſurrection with him. But the ſtate of the reſurrection which Paul denies, is of that perfection of holineſſe (as I told you G.W.) which accompanies the laſt and bodily reſurrection. As for Rom. 6.18 22. I anſwered it in my Book, p. 47. The Apoſtle explains himſelf, that he means from the dominion of ſin, v 14. And for Job 'tis plain enough, that the Character given of Job, viz. a perfect man, was before his affl•ctions, and not after (as G W. would make the Reader believe) for Gods commendation of him for his perfection and uprightneſſe, v. 8. was the occaſion of the Devils deſiring leave of God to afflict him, v. 11. and of Gods grant, (that his words might be found true) v. 12.
p. 12. A Believers perſon with his works are accepted with God, though his works be not perfect.
Anſ. Here he would have believers like the Prieſts, who ſin in the beſt of their performances (as they confeſſe) But I ſay the Believers works are wrought in God, and God works them in them, and theſe works of God are perfect.
Rep•y, As for our confeoſſin, 'tis agreeable to7 Scripture, Eccleſ. 7.20 There is not a juſt man upon earth, that doth good, and ſinneth not, i. e. that ſinneth not in doing good. Exod 28.38. In•quity of holy things is there ſpoken of, Duties which are holy for the matter, are in•quity for the manner of pe•formance. Your argument doth no more conclude for the perfection of Grace, than it does that every child ſhould be a man the firſt day of his birth, for that is one of Gods works, as well as Grace. As for Saints, they may be ſaid to be perfect in regard of parts (as a child is a perfect man) 1 Theſ. 5.23. Sanctified in ſoul, and body, and spirit, and in regard of their aims and intendments, but not as to degrees of Grace. Sin and Grace in this life are together in the ſame ſubj•ct, as Eſau and Jacob in th•ſame womb. As for the name of Prieſts, which throughout you give me, and other Miniſters of Chriſt, I count it no diſparagement (however you intend it) ſeeing Chriſt is called by the Holy Ghoſt, the High Prieſt of our Profeſſion, Heb. 3 1.
[The anſwer of G. W to Eccleſ. 7.20. is no other than what M. Fiſh r gave, which is v•ry abſurd, and not worthy any further reply, ſee Qu•k•s Folly, p. 13.
We (the Saints) are one body with them in Heaven, and have the ſame title with th m in poſſeſſion, p 14, 38.
Anſ This confutes his former words, for they that are one body with them in Heaven, are members of the Body of Chriſt which is perfect, and its members c•m•leat,•ol 2.10 Eph. 3 15
Reply. The Body of Chriſt is not yet perfect, for the e are great numbers of elect belonging to it, yet u bo n. Chriſt gives a commiſſion to preach, and a promiſe of b••ſſing to the Apoſtles, and their ſucceſſours, M•t 28.19 20. And the Apoſtle ſaies, that Paſtors and Teachers are for the edifying of the Body of Chriſt, till we all8 come in the unity of the Faith, &c. Eph. 3 12, 13. Put both places together, and they inform us that Chriſts Body is not built up (i. e. all the Elect not converted, and ſo not actual members of Chriſts body, for ſuch men are by Faith) till the end of the world. As for Col. 2.10. 'tis plain enough that the Apoſtle calls the Saints compleat, in reference to the Doctrine of Chriſt, which ſhewed them all things neceſſary to ſalvation, ſo that they needed not the addition, which natural reaſon, humane tradition, or Judaical ceremonies could make. As for circumciſion, we find expreſly that it was urged as neceſſary to ſalvation, Acts 15 1. This the Apoſtle denies. They are alſo ſaid to be compleat in Christ, in reſpect of Ordinances, and outward priviledges, as particularly of Baptiſm, which rendred ci•cumciſion uſeleſſe, becauſe it ſignified the ſame thing which circumciſion did, in a more large and emphatical manner, v. 11, 12. As for Eph. 3.15. Ther's nothing in that v. to his purpoſe, but I ſuppoſe he means v. 19 That ye might be filled with all the fulneſs of God. Fulneſſe of God intends not equality, but quality, a divine and ſpiritual fulneſſe. And the Apoſtle praies that they m•ght be filled with it all (and ſo they ſhould be in Heaven) but he aſſerts not that either they were, or ſhould be filled in this life.
VVHereas S. Fiſh•ſpoke of our good work being a m••to•ou cauſe of our juſtification, this P•ieſt hath M••l•much ado to p ove th•t S. F. 〈◊〉a rank Papiſt, and••i•h our good wo•ks are but imperfectly good, and Iſa 64.6. All our righteouſn•ſſ•s are as filthy rags
A•ſ. S. F. never affirme•that imperfect works and the righteouſneſſe which is as il hy rags do deſe•ve Juſt•fication, as this P••hath w••nged him, but good works wh•ch are the fulfilling of th•aw
Reply. Whether I have w••nged S. F I leave to the Readers judgment, that ſhall peruſe Qu•kers Folly, p. 14,•5. I urged againſt him,••r though our evil works did cond•mn, yet ou•g••d work•could not juſtifie; becauſe none of ou•good wor•••n this life are perfect, and ſo not the fulfi l•ng of the Law, as evil works are the violation or breaking of the Law. And to prove the imp•rfection of our righteouſneſſe. I brought Iſa. 64 6. To which G.W. hath nor, nor indeed can anſ•er. 'Tis an expreſſe place, The Chu ch c••par•s all her righteouſneſſes to the garments of a per•on legally unclean, which by the Law were unclean, and to be waſhed, becauſe his body had touched them.
hath confeſſed, p. 15. that•ood works which are10 the fulfilling of the Law, deſerve ſalvation, and that the deſert of obedience ariſes from the dignity of the Subject, by which it is performed.
Anſ. So then this makes for what S.F. declared, for here it appears then that obedience to God is deſerving.
Reply. I did not directly affirm that good works which are the fulfilling of the Law deſerve ſalvation, but that from the rule of contraries (which Mr. Fiſher urged) we might ſo argue. For upon ſuppoſition that any meer man could fulfil the Law, yet he could not be juſtifi•d, unleſſe he had undergone the penalty of his former diſobedience, and ſo made reparations to the Juſtice of God for damages ſuſtain'd. And again, though I aſſerted the deſert of obedience from the dignity of the Subject, yet withal I affirmed that the Subject muſt be an infinite perſon, and one from whom no obedience is due, Quakers Folly, p. 15.
gives the explication of 1 Cor. 6.11. Where by the Spirit of our God, is interpreted of the Spirits application, i•referring to Juſt fication, or elſe it may relate to Sanctification, ſpoken of in the former clauſe.
Anſ. He would divide the Spirit of God, from the Name of Jeſus; when as his Name and Spirit are one. And where doth he prove that juſtified by the Spirit, (which he ignorantly calls the third Perſon in the Trinity) is not the work of Grace? Here he would divide the Grace of God from the Spirit, for the Saints were juſt•fied freely by his Grace, which was one with the Spirit.
Reply. Though Jeſus and the Spirit are one God, yet they have diſtinct operat•ons, or manner of working about our Juſtification. 'Tis Jeſus alone, and not the Spirit (nor the Father) who merits and makes ſatisfaction for our ſins. The Spirit gives Faith to lay hold on11 Chriſt for Juſtification, and ſeals the ſouls intereſt when obtained. I have proved that we are not juſtified by the work of Grace, or good works, in the diſcourſe upon Juſtification, Quakers Folly, p. 15. &c. And ſo that the work of Grace cannot be meant in that place (if by Spirit muſt be meant the meritorious cauſe of Juſtification, as you aſſert) I do not divide the Grace of God from the Spirit. But I affirm, that the G•ce wrought in us by the Spirit is no meritorious cauſe o•Juſtification. As for that paſſage, justified fre•ly by his Grace, which is in Rom. 3.24. It intends not grace〈◊〉us, but the grace or favour of God in giving Chriſt for our propitiation, v. 25. As for your accuſation of ignoran•e, I value it not, but look upon it as a juſtifiable ground〈◊〉account you a blaſphemer, for 'tis an implicite denying of what I expreſly affirmed, (viz) Perſons in the Godhead.
p. 16. The Apoſtle aſſerts•he holineſſe of mans nature as a work of the Spirit confo•ming it to the Law, to be the meritorious cauſe of our f•e•dom from ſin.
Anſ. And yet he hath d•al d good works of obedience to be a deſerving cauſe o•juſtification. What is not juſtification a freedom from in? Acts 13.39. And where doth he prove the holineſſe o•mans nature is a merito•ious cauſe of our freedom from ſin?
R ply I ſee G. W. thou art ſo far from perfect, that thou wanteſt moral honeſty. Thou ſhouldſt have added, what I did in the ſame period, to make up my ſenſe? but mark withal, 'tis not that [holineſſe of mans nature] which is in us, but in Chriſt. And then thou might'ſt have anſwered thy own Queſtions. The righteouſneſſe of Chriſts humane nature or active obedience, as we uſu•lly call it, in oppoſition to paſſive, is aſſerted to be the cauſe of our freedom from ſin and death, Rom. 8.2. But not righteouſneſſe inherent in the ſame nature, as it ſubſiſts in our perſons. As for Acts 13.39. I find nothing to12 the purpoſe; it aſſerts not your Popiſh Doctrine, that juſtification is ſanctification, or that the righteouſneſſe whereby we are juſtified, is infuſed or inherent. The words are, And by him all that beli•ve are juſtified from all things, from which ye could not be juſtified by the Law of Moſes, And it proves that by Faith men are freed from the guilt of all their ſins. And what of that?
ſai•h, Rom. 8.4, 5. It impo•ts the end for which God ſent Chriſt, that his righteouſneſſe might be imputed to us, as if it had been inherent in our ſelves.
Anſ. If the Apoſtle had not meant the righteouſneſſe of the Law fulfilled in their own perſons, he would not have ſaid, fulfilled in us, neither would he have counted Chriſts righteouſneſſe inherent in themſelves, if he had not counted it••h•m, nor needed he to ſpeak of the•ighteouſneſſe of the Law being•o be fulfilled in Chriſt (as if it had not been fulfilled in him)
R••ly. Bold man! Who art thou that teacheſt the Apoſtle how to ſpeak, who canſt not ſpeak ſenſe thy ſelf? (as appears by the middle clauſe of this thy anſwer.) If thou didſt underſtand thy ſelf, thou wouldſt ſay that the Apoſtle would not account that righteouſneſſe in the Saints, which was not in them. Nor indeed do•s the Apoſtle ſo miſtake, but he aſſe•ts that the righteouſneſſe of Chriſt redounds to their benefit, as if it had been their own inherent righteouſneſſe As the principal is diſcharged from the debt, when the ſurety paid it, though the cred•tor cannot, nor does ſay that the principal did make payment. Nor does the Apoſtle ſpeak of Chriſt's fulfill•ng the Law as i•he had not done it, but he tells of what Chriſt ha•h already done, and to what end, (viz) that we might have the benefit of it, as if it had been our perſonal act.
Suppoſed S. F. to mean, when he acknowledged degrees among Believers, that ſome of theſe (Bel•evers)13 have a mixture of ſin with their Grace.
Anſ. This is a falſe ſuppoſition, grace is pure, the mixture of ſin is in that which goeth from the grace.
Reply. Reader, If thou doſt not judge this latter clauſe in the anſwer to be unintelligible non-ſenſe, thy judgment and mine muſt part her•. Mixture doth ſuppoſe at leaſt two ingredients, but what•hat is which goes f•om grace to mingle with ſin, I cannot divine. He ſhould mean, that when grace decreaſ•s, corruption increaſes, and gathers ſtrength. As for my words, they intended but that ſin and grace are in the ſame ſubj•ct, or in each faculty of the ſoul, not ſucceſſively, but together, at the ſame time, which Paul expreſſes by anot•er Law in his members, rebelling againſt the Law of his mind, Rom 7.23.
[Reader, G.W. quotes a paſſage, p. 18. l. 17. of my Book, wherein he ſaies, I wronged S. F. But I ref•r you to the place, where you may read it, and judge as thou ſeeſt cauſe.]
ſaies, p. 19. Conſcience in the Saints being but in part cleanſed, as a witneſs it te•tifies falſhood•o them alſo.
Anſ. This man laies falſhood and badneſs to the charge of the Saints Conſciences,•he•eas they witn•ſſed truth to them, Sanctification throughout, 1 Theſ. 5.23. and holineſſe perfect•d in the fear of God
Reply. I do ſtill affirm that no faculty in the Saints•s ſanctified wholly, but only in part (And that place you bring, 1 Theſ. 5.23. is a diſtribution of the ſubjects of Grace, it intends not pe•fection of deg••es in each ſubject) And if no faculty,•he•no•C•nſcience, As for 2 Cor. 7 1. which you f••m•o quo••, y••w•ong that Scripture. The words are not〈◊〉ſ••p••f•cted, but perf•cting holineſs And the Apoſtle•o not ſuppoſ•th•ir holineſſe to be perfected, but exho••them to end•avour14 after degrees of Grace, nearer perfection, which he expreſſes by cleanſing from all filthineſſe of fleſh and Spirit, in the former clauſe of the verſe, which ſuppoſes that there was filthineſs remaining in both, and then in Conſcience, for that is partly intended under Spirit, See Quakers folly, p. 19.
ſaith, p. 21. As Chriſt was made ſin for us, ſo are we the righteouſneſs of God in him, but the former was by imputation, not inherence, and therefore ſo the latter.
Anſ. If our being made the righteouſneſs of God in Chriſt be but like Chriſt's being made ſi•for us, then this Pr. might as well ſay, that we ſhall have no righteouſneſs in us at all, for Chriſt was made ſ•n for us, who knew no ſin.
Reply. There is not the ſame reaſon G.W. for ſaying the one, as for ſaying the other. For 2 Cor. 5. ult. aſſerts ſuch a proportion as I mentioned, but no Scripture ſuch a one as you vainly ſuppoſe. Yet this I ſay, that as there was no neceſſity of inherent ſin in Chriſt, in order to the imputation of our ſin to him, ſo nor of inherent righteouſneſs in us, to the imputation of his righteouſneſs to us. But our Juſt•fication is as independent upon our inherent righteouſneſs, as if we had none. The Surety (though he never contracted penny of the debt) is as much obliged to payment as the Princ•pal; and the Principal is as truly diſcharged by the Su•ety s payment, though he pay nothing out of his own eſtate.
ſaid, do you think that the righteouſneſs which the Apoſtle cals his own, was not Chriſt's?
Anſ. He might as well ſay, that the Apoſtle deſired no•to have Chriſts righteouſneſs, which is but one.
Reply. The Apoſtle askes a queſtion wh•ch implies an affirmation? Who maketh thee to differ from another?15 and what haſt thou that thou didſt not receive? 1 Cor. 4.7. And 'tis as true of righteouſneſs inherent, as of common gifts, which are there ſpoke of. The righteouſneſs of his perſonal conformity to the Law Paul deſired not to be found in, but in Chriſts imputed to him. But I have ſaid enough, which G.W. takes no notice of, becauſe he cannot reply to it Quakers Folly, p. 21. •2.
[Note Reader, that G.W. ſpends two Pages, 27, 28. of his Book, about my explication of Col. 1.26. and the diſtinction I make between Chriſt perſonal and myſt•cal; for anſwer whereto, to ſave the trouble of repetition, I refer you to Quakers Folly, p. 22, 23. Only whereas he replies to the diſtinction, that Chriſt is but one, I ſay ſo too, yet the Name of Chriſt is applied ſomtimes to the Head, and at other times to•he Body. And they are though one in reſpect of Union, yet of diſtinct conſideration in the buſineſſe of ſalvation, Eph. 5.23. Chriſt the Head is the Saviour, Chriſt the Body the Saved.]
And whereas G.W. denies, that he ſaid, we are juſtified by Sanctification, I am confident that was his word, however, if it was righteouſneſſe within, it comes all to one: 'Tis evident that the d•ift of his diſcourſe was to maintain that aſſertion.
THE Scriptures are the Word of God and the ſaid R•le of Faith and life, and that there is n•oth••ſt•n•ing R•le b•t th•Sc••ptu•es.
Anſ. What then was their Rule who ſpoke〈◊〉the Sc•iptu•es? And what was the Gentiles Rule? And what muſt be their R•le who cannot read th••criptures? M•ſt they be condemned, becauſe they cannot read th•m? The Word o•God is in the hea•ts of Believ•rs, and of this Word the S•riptures are a true declara••on but a•t not the Word
R••ly I muſt ag•in refer the Reader for an anſwer to th••Qu••ie•, to Qu•kers Fo••y, p. 29, 30, 43, 44. And〈…〉matter c•n•a•ned•n the Scriptures is a Rule to〈…〉(ſo for as 'tis revealed to them) and w•s〈…〉•••re it wa•put into w•iting. And ſo much of it as〈…〉up•n the hearts of Heathens, is a rule to th••R•m 2.12 And ſince they a•e in a body preſented〈◊〉, th•whol•o•h•m are our Rule. And for thoſe who c•nnot r•a•, though th•y ſhall not be condemned for a•••ur•l•ncapacity, yet they ſhall for not walk ng acc•rding to the Scriptures, as they a••ain the knowl••ge of them by ſome oth•r way a•hea••ng, &c. To that Not on, tha•the Sc•p•ures are but a true d•claration of th•Wo•d of•od•n the h•a•ts of Beli•vers. I rep•y, that th••••p u••s are al•o a d•claration of what ought to〈◊〉th•hea••s of Bel•ev••s,•nd unbe••evers. If you m•••(a•moſt of you do) that they are17 only a declaration of their conditions who ſpake them, read, 1 Pet. 1.10, 12. and that place alone will confute you.
John 20.30, 31. Suppoſe we had the ſigns faithfully r•co•ded, yet were they not our Rule, becauſe God did not g•ve order for them, but ha•h aſſured us as much as is•uffic•ent to create and preſerve Faith in the Goſpel wh•ch we have.
Anſ. Faith is the gift of God, not created and preſerved by the Sc•iptures, but by Chriſt the author of Faith And again, this Prieſt in affirming no other Rule, but what we have in Scr•pture, hath contradicted himſelf, p 44 he ſaies, that thoſe things that were not written, migh have•een uſeful, if they had been written, for they were done for the very ſame end, with thoſe (ſigns) which are l•ft us. So then many things that are not written, might have been as uſeful, as that which is written in the Sc••ptures.
Reply. I ſee thou art a man of depth, G.W. to make an opp•ſition where there is•ſubordination, between the efficient and inſtrumenta•cauſe. The ſecond creation doth not exclude (though the firſt did) inſtruments or ſecond cauſes, James 1.18. Of his own will begat he us with the〈◊〉of Truth. Rom. 10.17. Faith comes•y hear•ng, and hear•ng by the•o•d of God. Which Word is the repo•t o•the Goſpel. v. 16. I am not ſenſible of any contradiction in the paſſages G••quotes. Q. Folly, p. 26. I told Mr. F ſher, Sermons hav•the ſame common end with the Scriptures, yet they are not a Rule any furth•r than they ag•ee with the Scriptures, And hence the Bere••s are commanded for•xam•ning Pauls ſermons, by the Sc•iptures, Acts 17.11. Yet God bleſſes them ſo far as that the Word preached is the uſua•means of converſion, whereas the written Scriptures ar•more rarely ſuch. You add, as uſeful, which I did not affirm, for that18 which was delivered to us by Divine Authority, hath Gods promiſe of bleſſing, that it ſhall be inſtrumental to beget a Divine Faith, John 20.21. Theſe [ſigns] are written that ye might believe, &c. But from ſuch ſigns as are handed by humane autho•ity only an humane Faith may be expected, which is uſeful in its kind to prevent or take off prejudice againſt what is of Divine Authority, which the carnal reaſon of man is apt to cavil at••f you ſay (as you ſeem to do) tha•if all the ſigns were done for the ſame end, then being written they muſt reach the ſame end. I deny the conſ•quence, for the difference lies in Gods arbitrary diſpenſation. H•w•ought them all for the end mentioned, but hath thought fit to tranſmit only ſome ſ•w by writing to po••erity, and they ſhall be in ſtead of all the reſt.
cavils at my denial o•their infallibility, which I judge anſwered ſuffic•ently, Qu Folly, p. 39. l. 20.]
As for our want of infallibllity, 'tis no valid plea againſt our Miniſtry, p. 33. and the Spirit of God may accompany a Miniſtry, and the Miniſter not have the Spi•it. See for proof, Acts 20 30. Mat. 23.23.
A•ſ. Th•y that want infallibility are out of the Truth. The Scribes and Phariſees th•t ſpoke perverſe things againſt the Ap•ſtles, the Spirit did not then accompany what they m niſtr•d.
R ply. Why do you not reply to Acts 20.30. Which proves clearly that the Goſp•l-Miniſters are not infallible? As alſo 1 Theſ. 5.19, 20, 21. Which I improved, Q. Folly. p. 33. we may m•ſ••ke in ſome things, yet ordinarily we preach infallible Truths. Hence the Church is called t•e Pillar and Ground of Truth, 1 Tim. 3.15. Pillar, non ſe•ſu a•c•i••ctonico, ſed forenſi; as upon the Exchange in London, are Pillars upon which hang Tables of Proclamations. And Ground,〈…〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Seat of Tru•h, or place of its reſidence, and the gates of Hell ſhall19 no more prevail againſt the publication, than the profeſſion and practiſe of infall•ble Truths in the Church univerſal, though they may againſt particular Miniſters and Churches, by damnable Hereſies (ſuch as yours, G.W.) And as for your inſtance of the Scribes and Phariſe•s. I anſwer, that though the Spirit did not•ccompany their Miniſtry, when they ſpoke againſt Chr••t yet h•d d accompany it, when they taught the people to•b e•v•ſuch things as Chriſt enjoyn•d And this they d•d o•••ntimes, as I ſhewed, Mat. 23.3. What they hi•you obſerve, that obſerve, and do. Chr•ſt did then approve of their Doctrine in thoſe things wherein he would have it practiſed. And if ſo, then the Spirit was in their Miniſt y, and yet he was not in themſelves, for t•ey ſa••, and did not, (i. e. practiſed not their own Doctrine.)
[Reader, note that G.W. having anſwered after his faſhion ſome o the a•guments in•he Diſpu•e, he pretends alſo to reply to ſ•veral things, which I wrote againſt R.H. but G. Whith•••s replies are ſo•j•ne, that I need but deſi•e you to compare them (if you judge them worth your reading, for I ſhall not ſtand to tranſcribe them) with the places in my Book, to which I ſhall refer you, and I dare ſtand to your judgment.
[G.W. p. 34. T. D. p. 35. G. W p. 35. T. D p. 36, 37. G. W p. 37. T. D. p. 40, 41. G W. p. 40. T.D. p. 44.]
Only four paſſages I ſhall bri•fly reply to.
The righteouſneſs which God wo•ks in us, is but finite, as well as other effects, p. 39
Anſ. And yet this Pr p. 37. hath owned that the righteouſneſs wh•reof Chriſt is th•ſubject, and that whereof he is the efficient are of one p•cies or kind; then I ſay, the righteou•neſs which God e•f•cts in us, is not finite, but infinite, for Chriſt is Gods righteouſneſs, and Chriſt is formed in us.
Reply. A pitiful cavil! The righteouſneſs in Chriſt20 which I aſſerted to be of the ſame kind with that in us, muſt be underſtood of the righteouſneſs of Chriſts humane Natu•e, John 1.16. & of his fulneſſe have we received Grace fo•Grace, (viz.) As the eſſential and integral parts of the child anſwer to the Parents, or as the Paper receives the impreſſion of the ſtamp. Chriſt indeed is Gods righteouſn•ſs, in reſpect of Gods donation and acceptance of him for mans righteouſneſſe, 1 Cor. 1.30. Who (Chriſt) of God is mad•unto us righteouſneſs. But the righteouſneſs of the Divine Nature or Godhead is not our Juſtification. No, but the righteouſneſs of Chriſts Humane Nature, as it receives an infinite value from the Divine Nature, to which the Humane is united in one perſon.
ſaid, the Spirit was not wont to be effectual without the Letter of the Word, and gave inſtance, Rom. 10.17.
Anſ. He might as well have ſaid, the Apoſtles Miniſtry wa•not wont to be effectual, for P•ul was not a Min•ſter of the Letter (or writing) but of the Spirit, or thing declared of. 2 Cor. 3.6. Rom. 10.17. is againſt his principle, for there is a difference between the Word and the Letter, for the Word abideth for ever. 1 Pet. 1.23. So doth not the Letter. How would Pr. convince Heathens of Chriſt, i•the Spirit be not effectual without the Letter ▪
Rep•y. I had thought Paul had been a Miniſter of the Letter, (if you mean the writing) for did not he miniſter (as you phraſe it) many Epiſtles to the Churches, and command the Letter to be read, Col. 4.16. 2 Cor. 3.7. intends that Paul did not only ſhew them their duty, and the happin•ſs to be had in Chriſt, but his Miniſtry was a means of conveying ſtrength to do it, and putting them into an happy eſtate. Your d ſtinction between Word and L•tter is frivolous, the Letter abideth for ever in the ſ•n•e there intended,••z. in the impreſſions of it21 upon the hearts of the regenerate, v. 2, 3. 'Tis not true of the new creature, that he is bo•n to die. To your fond Queſtion, I anſwer, The Apo•tle makes preaching ordinarily neceſſary to the converſion of Heathens, Rom. 10.14. How ſhall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? Preaching, without the Spirits efficacy, brings but the Letter of the Word, yet 'tis as neceſſary by Gods ordination, as plowing, with the influence of the Heavens, to make the earth bring forth.
The Goſpel gives life upon imperfect obedience.
Anſ. And yet before he denied our good works to be a deſerving cauſe of juſtification, when now 'tis ſo far deſerving, that the Goſpel gives li•e upon it.
Reply. Fair and ſoftly goes a great way in a day, G W. you make too much haſt to have good ſpeed, to find out a contradiction where there is none. I did not ſay that imperfect obedience deſerves life, though I did, that the Goſpel gives life upon it. Thus your Catholick Brethren, when J mes ſaies, This man ſhall be bleſsed in his de•d, Jam. 1.25. cry out, here is a clear place to prove, that we are bleſſed for our d•eds, but alas, they ma•k not the warineſs of the Scripture phraſe, which is not for, but in his deed. Our deeds may be Arg•ments or Evidences of our bleſſed ſtate, but no deſerv ng cauſe. And hadſt thou had any ingenuity, thou woul•ſt have taken in the who••period, which was neceſſary to underſtand my meaning, which was thus, Thoug•the Law gives not life without perfect obedience, the G•ſp•l gives it upon imperfect obedience, i. e. Thou•h the L•w exac•s per•ect perſonal obedience to Juſtification,〈◊〉the Goſp•l does not, but by believing we obtain int•••ſt in Chriſts righteouſneſs for that end.
David was not free from th•b•ing o•ſin in this life, but a ſad inſtance of the power of it in real Saints,22 and yet he is made a pattern to New-Teſtament-Saints, Zach. 12.8. p. 48.
Anſ That Scripture proves his Doctrine falſe, for the words are, He that is f•e••le among them ſhall be as David, and the Houſe o•Dav•d ſh•ll be as God, as the•ngel of the Lord•efore them. So that David and the New-T•ſtament-Saints were free f•om ſin, for in God is no ſin
Reply ▪ The words are intended in the Letter, of the H••o•ch Fort•tude and S•rength which the people ſhould have in•he t•me of danger, like to David's. And of•e•ngelik•a•d Divine pitch of both, which the Ruler•(intend•d by the Houſe of David, which was the Royal Fam••y) ••ould be raiſ•d to through Faith in Chriſt. And ſo they give us two ſizes of ſtrength and for••tude, and not one only (as G••interpre•s them.) Some ſhall be as David, & others as God. Now look as Omnipotency is not Literally promiſ•d to Davids Houſe, but by an•x••ſſe of ſpe•ch, or Hyp••bole, a greater meaſure of ſtrength than others againſt bodily enemies, ſo nor can we underſtand it (ſp•ritua•ly) b•t of a greater meaſure of ſpiritual ſtrength againſt•p••itu•l enemies.
To conclude this diſcourſe, I ſhall not refuſe to imitate an adverſary (though I ſhall be more ingenuous than to wrong h•m as he hath done me) but ſhall b•i•fly ſum up his principles, and aſſertions, with the place in his Book, where they are to be found.
The Spirit was eff ctual among the Gentiles, who had not the Letter of the Word, p. 39.
The works of God which true Believers witneſſe, are perfect, p. 18.
23He (meaning my ſelf) would have the Believers like the P••eſts who ſin in the beſt of their performances (as they conf ſſe) p. 18.
Th•t our good works are the meritorious or deſerving cauſe of our Juſtification, p. 19.
G. W. finds fault with me for holding that the Scriptures are the Word of God, and the only ſtanding Rule of Faith, and life, p. 29.
Thoſe Teachers that want infallib•lity, are out of the Truth, p. 33.
G. W. calls it Ignorance in me, to call the Spirit the third Perſon in the Trinity, p. 22.
MY Rejoynder to G.W. having been finiſhed a good while ſince (as the date of the Epiſtle will inform thee) and the Bookſeller having thought fit to delay the publication, after it was off the Preſſe, (upon a conſideration not neceſſary to be mentioned) I have been perſwaded by ſome worthy Friends to annex a Narrative, the materials whereof lay by me; and are of undoubted credit. To moſt of them thou ſhalt have the Witneſſes names (perſons of much integrity) and where they are wanting in the reſt (the Witneſſes not judging it adviſable in ſome reſpects to be publickly named) I ſhall be accountable to any man that deſires it for a punctual proof. Thou canſt not be ſo much a ſtranger in England, as not to know how frequently the Quakers decry the preſent Miniſtry, with their Doctrine and Worſhip, under the Notion of Antichriſtian. But how little reaſon have they ſo to do? conſidering how much themſelves do ſymbolize with Antichriſt, particularly in that grand Doctrine of Juſtification by works, which as they hold in the Principle, they reduce it to Practiſe. Witneſſe. Mr. Davis Min. of Dover.For one of them lately at Dover, when he came to die, upon the queſtion put to him,2 made anſwer, that he expected ſalvation only by his own works, and not by Chriſt. And dying men may uſually be preſumed to ſpeak their hearts. And I am out of doubt that they are acted by the antichriſtian Faction. A Gentleman of good credit aſſured me that he met with an Engliſh Jeſuit in London, the firſt Lords day in June laſt; one who was bred in Cambridge, and had been formerly of his acquaintance, who after ſome ſhyneſſe to be known, at length confeſſed that he came over to propagate the Romiſh Faith, and told him, that there was a good honeſt people called Quakers, whom we jeer'd at, that did their work at the ſecond hand; and he boaſted much of the numbers that turned Catholicks immediatly, or medily, by becomming Quakers. And another Gentleman that came this Spring from St. Omars, did avouch that he ſaw the Jeſuits there, about four a Clock every evening throw off their Gowns, and put on aprons, and betake themſelves to the exerciſe of Handy-craft callings; ſome plaid the Shoomakers, others ſate at the Loom, others kill'd and dreſſ'd ſheep, and they did not ſtick to boaſt, that under the diſguiſe of ſuch callings (working as Journeymen, and changing place as they liſted) they ſerved the Romiſh Church. And the Head of the Colledge told him, that England never was in ſo fair a way of return to the Romiſh See, ſince it broke off, as now. And what hopes the Papiſts can have, unleſſe from the encreaſe of Quakers, I leave Reader to thy determination. And the truth is, the Quakers now d•clare their intentions to propagate their perſwaſions by the ſword, whereas they were w•nt to pretend to ſo much meekneſs & peaceableneſſe ▪ that they would bear neither ſtaffe nor ſword. At•••t Meeting of the Quake•s, in Hurst-Peir-point in Suſſex, he that undertook to be the Speaker, cald out to the Min•of the Pariſh (who then accidentally paſſed by) ſaying, We will have you all down, for now our day is come ▪3 and another Quaker in the Pariſh of Nuthurſt in the ſame County, did ſay to a Godly perſon of good quality in that Pariſh, that he no more cared to kill one of the Priests, (as he ſtiled the Miniſters) then he would to kill a dog. And another Quaker way-laid the Miniſter of Covewold, (a very worthy and reverend man ▪ at his return from a Faſt) and juſtled him upon the high way, (as he kept it; having his Wife behind him) and drew out a ſword, which he had by his ſide, about half way, which was a ſhrewd preſumption that he intended the Miniſter miſcheif; but that ſome Neighbours that came from the Faſt, coming up to them, prevented it. And they do uſually give out threatning ſpeechs againſt the Miniſtry, and their Friends. Mr. Wingfield.One Inſtance you may take, as it was formally atteſted to me, under the hand of a Godly miniſter of a Town within one mile of Sandwich.
I do teſtifie that Luke Howard of Dover Quaker, did ſay in my hearing on the 25 day of July 1659. upon the rode, near Dover Caſtle, that it was revealed to him by the eternal God that the Prieſts ſhall be deſtroyed, and by the people who are called Quakers. In teſtimony whereof, I ſet my hand, Aug. 3. 1659. Will. Wingfield. Min. at Word.
And in a late Pamphlet, call'd a Word of advice to the Souldiers, by E.B. Quaker, p. 2. (he ſpeaking to the Souldiers, of the Miniſters) uſes this paſſage, Oh give the Prieſts bloud to drink, for they are worthy. I my ſelf read the whole Book through, and can therefore atteſt it upon perſonal knowledge.
And what affronts theſe wretches offer to the Worſhip of God, is notoriouſly known: On the Lords day (being the 18 of Sept. 1659.) one Will. Naylor Brother to James Naylor, (a Quaker) came into the Savoy Church,4 when Mr. Hooke was in the Pulpit preaching, and made ſuch a bellowing noiſe, that it ſeemed to be rather the Devil ſpeaking within him, than his own natural voice; inſomuch that the Miniſter was neceſſitated for a time to hold his peace; and many of the people were ſadly affrighted at the dreadfulneſſe of the noiſe, that ſome ran one way, ſome another, to ſecure themſelves from the danger which they apprehended was near them. This is teſtified by credible Witneſſes, as Mr. and Mrs. Hooke, and divers others.
And at Aldermanbury, on a Lords day, June 12, 1659. whilſt the Pſalm was ſinging, a Quaker gat up into the Pulpit, with his Hat on his head, and ſetting his Breech upon the Cuſhion, fell to ſewing. Anoth•r example as remarkable as the former, was in Chriſt-Church, Octob. 6, 1659. It being a Day of publick Thankſgiving, the Parl. L. Major, Aldermen, Com. Coun. & Officers of•he army, being there met together, to hear Dr. Homes and Mr. Caryl, who were appointed by the Parl. to preach before them. Mr. Caryl being the laſt that preached, it ſo fell out, that when he was in his laſt Prayer, there were two Quakers made a very great diſturbance in the publick aſſembly, in the very preſence of authority: This will be teſtified by many Witneſſes that were preſent. And they ſeem to regard their own Worſhip as little as they do ours. For March 6 1659, one Mary Todd of Southwark, Quaker, at the Bull and Mouth in Alderſgate-ſtreet, an uſual Meeting place, whilſt her Friends (as they call one another) were ſpeaking, pull'd up all her cloaths above her middle,Mr. Tho. Creſſ•t, Chirurgion. expoſing her nakedneſſe to the view of all that were in the Room, and walked ſo up and down a while, uſing ſeveral expreſſions about her practiſe, as ſutable to a ſtate of innocency and perfection: This I had from an eye and ear-witneſſe who is5 named in the Margin: and what a beaſtly and abominable practiſe this was; eſpecially in a woman, beſides the unſeaſonableneſſe of it, being in the time of their Worſhip, (ſuch as it is) I leave to thee to judge. And whereas 'tis an uſual thing for the Quakers to call Miniſters of the Goſpel Liars, it is well enough known, that beſides the Lies of their Doctrine, they have not ſo much moral honeſty, as to ſpeak Truth in matters of Fact.
In May laſt, there having been ſome diſcourſe one day between one Howard of Dover Quaker,Mr. Ruſſel, Min. in the Marſh. and a Miniſter in Rumney Marſh, the next day was appointed for further diſcourſe between them two, but over-night the ſaid Howard ſent his horſe and man for Mr. Fiſher (ſometime a Miniſter, now a Quaker, and ſuſpected to be a Jeſuit. ) and going with him to the place of meeting, told the people, that ſeeing S. Fiſher came accidentally thither, he would now leave the diſcourſe to him; whereupon one among the people ſtept out, and told Howard that he lied, for he did ſee his horſe and man go out over-night, and ſee the ſaid Fiſher ride into the Town on the morning upon the ſame horſe, by which it was manifeſt that he ſent for him on purpoſe. All that they could ſay in juſtification of themſelves, was, that the ſaid Fiſher came accidentally in reſpect of the people or Miniſter who was to diſcourſe, they knowing nothing of his coming. To conclude, I deſire thee Reader, to peruſe the Quakers anſwer to certain queſtions propoſed to them, hereto annexed, wherein thou wilt find them denying the Scriptures to be the Rule for judging matters of Faith; aſserting that they ſhould have had knowledge of God ſufficient to ſalvation, if they had never heard of the Bible; and their words and writings are as infallible as the Scriptures; and again, denying the Perſons in the Godhead, the Humane, Nature of Chriſt, and that6 Chriſt is a diſtinct Perſon from the Saints, and that there hath been a true Church ſince the Apoſtles, till now, and that one day is more holy than another. And ſurely by theſe Principles in conjunction with the reſt which thou haſt an account of in the Book it ſelf, to which this Narrative is annexed, the Quakers have for ever forfeited the name of Chriſtians, and are to be reputed Heathens.
Sandwich,Octob. 10 1659.
Queſt VVHether the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament be the Rule of trying and judging all matters of Faith and obedience towards God?
Anſw. And now I ſhall ſet down theſe Proofs to prove the Scriptures are not to be the Rule for to try and judge all things or matters of Faith, John 5.22 &c.
Q. Whether the Light within, you ſo much ſpeak of, be ſuffici•nt to guide you to Salvation, if you had never heard of the Bible?
Anſ. I do believe if I had never ſeen the Bible, yet believing the Witneſſe which God hath given, which is Chriſt, the Light & hope and Glory in us, which we ſo much ſpeak of, and preach freely as we have received, to the offending of thoſe deceivers that preach for hire, and ſo make merchandiſe of the people, I ſay, I ſhould have attained to the knowledge of God, if I had never heard of the Bible.
7Q Whether the teachings or writings of any of your way be infallible or of equal authority with the Scriptures of the Old and New Teſtament?
Anſ. I ſay, we do not erre in ſpeaking or writing the Truth as it is in Jeſus, and that of God in all Conſciences ſhall one day witneſſe this to be true and infallible: and the Scriptures and our writings hath and will moſt certainly come to paſſe.
Q. Whether the Father, the Word, and the Spirit be three diſtinct Perſons in the ſelf-ſame Godhead?
Anſ. As for thy words, three diſtinct Perſons, that I deny, till thou proveſt them by plain Scripture. It is like the Biſhops in Rome may own thee in them, for that is ſome of their unfruitful works of darkneſſe.
Qu. Whether J•ſus Chriſt hath a Divine and Humane Nature in one perſon?
Anſ. Thy words, Humane Nature, I return them with thoſe words, Three Perſons, into the Pit of confuſion, from whence they came.
Qu. Whether Jeſus Chriſt remains for ever a diſtinct Perſon from all the Saints?
Anſ. But as for being a diſtinct Perſon from all the Saints, he is not.
Qu. Whether the true Church hath failed upon earth ſince the death of the Apoſtles of Jeſus Ch•iſt, mntil theſe times? if not, in what age or ages, or among what people hath it continued?
Anſ. He cauſed all both ſmall and great, rich and poor, bond and free, to receive a mark in their forheads, or in their right hand. Read, Rev. 13. And thus the true Church ceaſed or failed upon earth, ſince the death of the Apoſtles of Chriſt, until•he raiſing up of Gods own ſeed out of the earth, to ſtand a witneſſe againſt wicked murderers, and Perſecutors of the Saints, and true Church of Chriſt.
8Qu. Whether the first day of the Week be more holy than any other day of the Week.
Anſ. All the daies of the Week as the Lord created them, are holy unto the Saints, who are redeemed from obſerving daies and moneths, and times, and years.
Theſe things are expreſly aſſerted and ſubſcribed by
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