SEEKERS SVPPLYED, OR Three and forty Non-Church Queries by Scripture anſwered. Penned and publiſh't for the vindication of Chriſts Commands, and edification and confirmation of his people.
By Thomas Killcop, Servant to Chriſt Ieſus, the King of Kings.
O my Dove, that art in the Clefts of the rock, in the ſecret places of the ſtaires: let me ſee thy countenance, let me heare thy voice, for thy voice is ſweet, and thy countenance is comely.
Take (for) us the Foxes, the little Foxes: which ſpoile the Vines, for our Vines have tender grapes.
Beloved it is needfull to write unto you, and to exhort you to contend, and that earneſtly too: for that faith that was once delivered to the Saints.
LONDON, Printed by Tho. Paine for George Whittington, and are to be ſold at his Shop at the Blew Anchor in Corn-hill neer the Royall Exchange. 1646.
AS Iſrael departing out of Babell, to repaire Zion, were hindred: ſo now ſpirituall Iſrael departing ſpiritually from ſpirituall Babell, to repaire and build up ſpirituall Zion, are alſo hindred by ſuch as are called (Non-Worſhippers) and as they built and held weapons too, ſo muſt we ſpiritually. Of theſe are three ſorts, ſome deny worſhip only, ſome believers alſo, and ſome deny Scripture too. The firſt ſort are moſt conſciencious, but the laſt are trueſt to their principles; for ſuch gifts as they ſay, muſt accompany Adminiſtrators, and confirm adminiſtrations. Are rather by Scripture ſpeech to accompany believing, and to confirme the word to be the word A•Mat. 16.17.20. Heb. 2.4. Mar. 1.27. Iohn 12.37. Therefore that Non-Worſhipper that is not alſo a Non-Believer, yea that doth not by Scripture deny Scripture, is not true to his principles. And if the firſt ſort (which I have to deale with) dare own Scripture to be Scripture, and themſelves Believers, though they want gifts, much more hold might they be, to practice this received word, and declare their faith by obedience, though they want the ſame gifts.
Theſe I take to be the Foxes ſpecified, Can. 2 15. there is firſt the ſpeech of Chriſt to his people, and therein, Exhortations, and provocations to worſhip, verſe 14. And then their reply to him, declaring their grievances, in that the Vines are injured, and their ſmall fruit hindred by little Foxes. Theſe vines are believers, fruit is obedience, Iohn 15.8. and theſe Foxes are ſuch as (what in them lies) hinders the Saints fruitfullneſſe as I conceive.
They petition, and ſo doe I, (not to man, but God) that Chriſt (not the Woolfe) would take them, and bind them, with the cords of love and pierce them, (not in the fleſh with a ſword of ſteele, but) in the heart with the ſword of the ſpirit. For the weapons of our Warfare are not carnall, but ſpirituall, and mighty through God, to caſt downe, &c. Acts 2.37. Heb. 4.12. 2 Cor. 10.4.
Their way is to ſtudy ſuttle queries, which pusſles, and puts at a ſtand, the (weake, but) conſciencious people. For tis eaſie to propound what is hard to anſwer, they are ſuttle, and I ſimple, they in parts ſtrong, and I weake. But I have the word on my ſide, which they have not, and truth feares no cullers, and I faint not, knowing that God makes babes to praiſe him, Mat. 21.16. they quote Scriptures, ſo do I Let the Reader weigh theirs and mine, and ſee whoſe are ſutable to what they are brought for, and whoſe not. I have covited brevity, therefore read deliberately, weigh carefully, practice conſcionably. Farewell.
Quere 1WHether the viſible congregated Churches of Chriſt did, or ever ſhould ſuffer defection under Antichriſt, from theſe and other Scriptures. Jer. 10.20. Dan. 8.13. and 9.25. and 11.31. and 12.7.11. Hoſ. 3.4, 5. Amos 5.13. and 8.12.11. Mich. 3.6 7. Luk. 17.22.23. Joh. 9.4. 1 Theſ. 2.3. 1 Tim, 3.5. Rev. 11. and 12.6. and 15.8.
Que. 2Whether the defection, ſhould be totall, or in part only?
Anſwer. Though ſome of theſe Scriptures concerne the Jewes only, ſome Chriſts perſonall preſents, ſome the day of glory, hardly any ſeemingly for the thing in hand. Yet I grant a defection hath been (in part; yea, wholy) but this defection is vicious, not vertuous: and though it hath been, it ſhould not be. As Luk. 19.13. Rev. 2.25. 1 Tim. 6.14. 2 Pet. 1.19.
And a recoverie from this defection, (either in whole or in part) is vertuous, not vicious. Cant. 1.7, 8. Iude 3. Rev. 2.5.
Object. God may juſtly, for the abuſe of Gifts, Ordinances, or Administrations: take them away and ſtill with-hold them?
Anſw. From thoſe that abuſed them he may, but for their abuſe, to with-hold them from their ſucceſſors: is to ſet childrens teeth an edge, for fathers eating ſower grapes. Ezek. 18.2, 3, 4.
Que. 3Whether there hath been a reſtauration, ſince that defection?
Que. 4When, and how far this reſtauration hath been?
Anſ. That a Reſtauration hath been in part, (even in England) both in doctrine, and practice: thouſands can experimentally teſtifie. Which reſtauration will be more and more, Cant. 2.12.13.15. 2Dan. 12.4.9.10. In the meane while we ought to walke by our, rule, ſo far as we have attained. Phil. 3 16.
Que. 5Whether there be any pattern of a true Church under the Goſpel that ever was gathered without Baptiſme?
Anſ. No, for the 3000. Acts 2.41. were added by baptiſme, which could not be, if the Church they were added to, were not alſo baptized, and baptiſme is the entrance into Chriſt, (in reſpect of order) Gal. 3.27. Iohn 3.5. Rom. 6.1, 2.
Que. 6Whether any people (how godly ſo ever) may gather and baptize themſelves, and others: unleſſe they have a Commisſion from Heaven, (as Iohn, the Apoſtles and Ananias had) either imediatly, or mediatly, by the viſible gifts of the Holy Spirit? As Iohn 16.33. and 17.18. Math. 28. Acts. 9.10.
Anſ. This querie declares much ignorance in the querer.
For firſt, never had Iohn, the Apoſtles, Ananias, nor any other, a Commiſſion to baptize themſelves.
Secondly, (Viſible gifts) is not Scripture language, but very improper, becauſe though the baptiſme of the Spirit, was ſometime viſibly ſeen like a Dove, or like firie tongues, Math. 3.16. Acts 2.3. Yet it was not alwaies ſeen. For the Iewes knew not that the Gentiles had it, tell they heard them ſpeake with tongues, and magnifie God. Acts 10.46. And never was any other gift viſible, no not once, though their effects were viſible, as healing the ſick, raiſing the dead, &c. A knowing man can diſtinguiſh betwixt a thing it ſelfe, and the effects it produceth.
Thirdly, Theſe gifts (improperly called viſible) are not Commiſſions from Heaven, nor ſo called. Fourthly, they fit not for adminiſtrator-ſhip. For Iohn had a commiſſion from Heaven, and was a lawfull Adminiſtrator, Mat. 21.25. Iohn 1.33. though he had not theſe gifts, Iohn 10.41.
And Chriſts Diſciples, were lawfull Adminiſtrators, Ioh. 3.22. and 4.1 2.3. When they had not Apoſtle ſhip, nor power to worke miracles, nor the baptiſme of the ſpirit, for this Adminiſtrator-ſhip, was before Iohns impriſonment, Iohn 3.34. or3 Chriſt returne to Galilee, Iohn 4.3. But after theſe things; many of the twelve came to Chriſt, Mark. 1.14.16.19. and 2.14. and after this, Chriſt choſe the twelve, from other Diſciples: and after this choice, he called them Apoſtles, and then gave them power to heale ſickneſſes, caſt out Devills, &c. Mark. 3.13.14.15. Mat. 10.2. And their baptiſme with the ſpirit, was not till after Chriſts aſſenſion, Acts 1.4.5. and 2. chap.
Whether Iohns baptiſme, and miniſtrie, were not to end whenQue. 7Chriſts were fully come? Iohn 3.30. Act. 13.25.
No verily, for firſt, thoſe places ſpeake no ſuch thing, 2. Anſ. Iohn began Chriſts Goſpel, prepared his way, made his pathes ſtraight, Mark, 1.1, 2, 3, 4.
Whether any were baptized in the name of the Lord Ieſus, or ofQue. 8Chriſt, before the aſſenſion, or with Iohns baptiſme after the aſſenſion?
Yea verily, for theſe differ not,Anſ. being both the baptiſme of water, Acts 1.5. and 10.47.48. and both the baptiſme of repentance, for the remisſion of ſins. Mar. 1.4. Acts 2.39.
Whether there be not a baptiſme for the giving, and receiving ofQue. 9the holy ſpirit, diſtinct from that of Iohn or Chriſt, ſeeing Philip it ſeemes, could not adminiſter that of the holy ſpirit, though he did adminiſter the other. Act. 8.12.15.16.17.
The baptiſme of water, and the baptiſme of the holy ſpirit,Anſ. are doubtleſſe two diſtinct baptiſmes, Act. 1.5.
Whether the baptiſme in the Apoſtles Commisſion, Mat. 28. Mar. Que. 1016. were the baptiſme of John, ſo called, Mat. 3.7. and 21.25. Act. 1.22. and 18.25. and 19.3. or the baptiſme of Chriſt, or in the name of the Lord Ieſus, ſo called, Act. 2.38. and 8.16. and 10.48. and 19.5. or the baptiſme with, or in the name of the holy ſpirit ſo called, Math. 3.11. and 28.19. Mark. 1.8. Luk. 3.16. or all theſe baptiſmes together?
I have proved the two firſt not to differ, (querie 8.) ſecondly,Anſ. the baptiſme of, or with the holy ſpirit, is not called a baptiſme in the name of the holy ſpirit, this is a meer deluding falſhood of purpoſe to pervert, Mat. 28.19. which place ſpeakes not of4 the baptiſme of the ſpirit, but of the baptiſme of water. For it is the diſcipliſing baptiſme, and that is that with water, Ioh 4.1.2. compared with Ioh. 3.22.23. Secondly, it is that baptiſme to which is annex ▪ t the promiſe of the ſpirit. Mat. 28.20. Mark. 16.17. and that is that with water. Mat. 3.11. Mark. 1.8. Act. 2.38.
Obicte. Where is that baptiſme ſaid to be in the name of the father, ſon and ſpirit?
Anſ. The baptiſme with water, is the baptiſme in the name of the Lord Ieſus, but the baptiſme of the ſpirit is not. Act. 8.15.16. and 10.47.48. and he (as man) is his fathers deputie, doing and ſpeaking his fathers will. Heb. 1.1.2. Ioh. 7.29. Therefore what is done in his name, or in obedience to him, is in the name of, or in obedience to the Trenity or God-head, Luk. 10.16.
Que. 11Whether the baptiſme of Chriſt, be to be adminiſtred with water?
Anſ. Yea, Act. 8.38. and 10.47.48.
Que. 12Whether the baptiſme of the ſpirit be adminiſtred with water?
Anſ. No, Act. 1.5.
Que. 13Whether the baptiſme of Iohn, or the baptiſme of Chriſt, in the miniſtration with water, be to be adminiſtred with theſe words (in the name of the father?
Anſ. Chriſt did not bid ſay, I baptize thee in the name, &c. He bid doe it in the name, &c.
Que. 14Whether all that were viſibly baptized in the name of the Lord Ieſus, received, or were they viſibly baptized, with the holy ſpirit?
Anſ. All baptized Beleevers, had more or leſſe, ſooner or later, that baptiſme of the ſpirit, which you call viſible, Act. 2.38 39.
Quere, 15Whether ever any particular Churches of Chriſt, officers, officer, or People (as by vertue of particular Church priveledges) did, or had power to adminiſter, either all, or any of the aforeſaid baptiſme?
Anſ. Any Church that had abilitie, had alſo authority to adminiſter either baptiſme, but ſome wanted abillitie to adminiſter that of the ſpirit, ſo much as on themſelves, Act. 8.16, 17, 19.
Que. 16Whether Elders, Biſhops, Paſtors or Deacons, had any more power by vertue of theſe titles of office, to adminiſter in matters of worſhip,5 then any other in the Church had, or might have: though they were no officers?
Anſ. Diſciples as Diſciples, have power from Chriſt, to adminiſter, Iohn 4.1, 2. Mat. 25.16, 18, 19. Acts 9.10. yet may a Church, I conceive, make uſe moſt uſually, of her ableſt Members Acts 13.1. with Acts 15.22.35.
Que. 17Whether the Officers afore ſaid, were not only civell?
Anſ. No, Chriſt is a ſoule Biſhop, or Shepheard, 1 Pet. 2.25. And theſe are his Deputies, 1 Pet. 5.1, 2, 3, 4. Alſo the flock and food is ſpirituall, therefore Paſtors alſo.
Que. 18Whether the viſible preſence of Chriſt, or any other of his viſible miniſtries or miniſtrations of worſhip: were to continue any longer time, then the viſible power and preſence of the holy ſpirit by gifts, which was before told ſhould accompany them, and was fulfild according to theſe and other Scriptures, Mat. 3.11. Mark 16.17, 18, 20. Iohn 1.33 and 7.39. and 14.26. and 16 13. Act. 1.25. and 2.38.43. and 8.16.17. and 11.15.16. and 19.5 6. Heb. 2.3.4.
Anſ. This querie declares horrible ſottiſhneſſe in the querer. For firſt, the ſpirit was not in this ſort preſent, till Chriſts viſible preſence was gone, Iohn 16.7. Secondly, not one of theſe Scriptures doe fore tell that theſe gifts ſhould accompanie miniſtries and miniſtrations of worſhip. Thirdly, not one of them affirmes ſuch a thing to be fulfild. Fourthly, ſome of them declare the word to be confirmed by them, As Mar. 16.20. Heb. 2. But that being confirmed, and people receiving that for Gods word, they are to ſubmit to it, without ſeeing miracles for ſuch as now give nor heed to but neglect it, cannot eſcap. Becauſe Chriſt and others, at firſt preach it, and God even then bore witneſſe to it, or to them preaching it, with miracles, and other gifts of the ſpirit, as he at that time pleaſed, Heb. 2.1, 2, 3, 4. Theſe gifts were to confirm doctrin while it was new, Mar. 1.27. Thus with Moſes and the Prophets ſo alſo with Chriſt.
But now Gods laſt ſpokes-man, hath already uttered, and confirmed his laſt meſſage, Mar. 21.36.37. Heb. 1.1. and 2.3.4.6 therefore Gods uſe and end for miracles, or gifts, termed viſible, is null. For whoſoever teacheth otherwiſe now, then what is already taught, is to be accurſt, Gal. 1.
Que. 19Whether the viſible gifts of the holy ſpirit, were not the life, power, &c. of the viſible miniſtries and miniſtrations of the Goſpel, as much at leaſt as the holy anointing oyle, and the bodie of Chriſt was the life of thoſe under the law?
Anſ. To compare oyle with Chriſts body, I account it blaſphemie, Secondly theſe gifts, termed viſible, are not the life and power of Goſpel miniſtrations, for they lived and acted without them, as I minded in querie the 6. how Iohn and Chriſt Diſciple adminiſtred in a Goſpel way, when they had not ſuch gifts. That John was a Goſpeller, ſee further Mat. 11.10.12. Marke 1.12.4. Luke 16.16.
Que. 20Whether the death of the Ʋiſible bodie of Chriſt, was not the death of the viſible miniſtries and miniſtrations of the Law?
Anſ. Yea, and well it may, being the ſubſtantiall Antitype of thoſe Types and ſhadowes, Col. 2.17. Heb. 9.9, 10, 11. & 10 1, 2.
Que. 21Whether the death of the viſible power of Chriſt, by the ceaſing of the viſible gifts of the holy ſpirit, was not the death of the viſible miniſtries and miniſtrations of the Goſpel?
Anſ. The ceaſing of gifts cannot kill Goſpell miniſtries or miniſtrations of Worſhip, firſt becauſe they never had life by them, as querie 6. and 18. Secondly, neither were Goſpel adminiſtrations ſhadowes of theſe gifts, as the miniſteries of the Law were of Chriſts death.
Que. 22Whether it be posſible for any man to be a true viſible Preacher or Miniſter of worſhip in any other kind, according to Rom. 12.6.7. 2 Cor. 12.3, 7. Epheſ. 4.7. 2 Tim. 4.14, 15. 1 Pet. 4.10.11. unleſſe he hath received, or been viſiblie baptized with the holy ſpirit that if way be manifeſt to ſence, that it is imediatly, or mediatly after a ſupernaturall way from God?
Anſ. Tis doubtleſſe poſſible, for ſuch to be viſible Preachers, and Miniſters of worſhip, that have neither gift of miracle, nor the ſpirits baptiſme, as is proved in quetie 6.
7Que. 23Whether if any can, or at leaſt will pretend to adminiſter in a Goſpell way, viſibly (who are dead to it, for want of viſible life by gifts) why may not every one that can and will pretend it?
AnſI have oft proved that the want of gifts make not men dead to adminiſtrations, Secondly, though beleeving men in the ways of God may adminiſter, yet firſt, unbeleevers may not. Pſal. 50.16.17. Secondly, Non-participaters, (though beleevers) may not, (when Chriſts wayes are afoot) for Chriſt himſelfe would not preach the Goſpel, but firſt be baptized, to fulfill righteouſneſſe, even a righteous order. Mat. 3.15. and 4.23. And Paul though appointed to witneſſe Chriſt to the Gentiles, muſt firſt be baptized. Acts 22.15, 16. Thirdly, beleeving women (though baptized) may not in the Church (by adminiſtring) uſurp authority. 1 Cor. 14.34 1. Tim. 2.
Que. 24Whether any beleever now living in the world, can truly ſay he is viſibly baptized with the holy ſpirit? according to Acts 8 15 16.17. and 10 44.45. and 19.2. and many other places?
Anſ. Firſt, I have proved this baptiſme, not to be alwayes viſible, from Acts 10.45.46. Secondly, everie baptized beleever (ſince Chriſt aſſention) is, or ſhall be, little or much baptized with the holy ſpirit, or elſe God keeps not promiſe. Acts 2.17, 18.38.39. Iohn 7.38.39 Beleevers without this, are without their earneſt, and likewiſe unſealed, Epheſ. 1.13.14. which I doubt the Querer is.
Que. 25Whether any beleever now living in the world, can ſhew what this particular gift, or gifts are, and after what manner or forme particular gifts are to be adminiſtred, as the gift of knowledge, wiſedome, faith, miracles, propheſie, diſearning of ſpirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues? &c. 1 Cor. 12.8.9.
What the baptiſme of the ſpirit, (the Birth-right of every called one) is? I purpoſe (God aſſiſting) to declare fully, from Acts 19. In a booke which I ſhall intitle, (A two fold baptiſme) in the meane while, ſee the ſubſtance of it, in Acts 2.18. in theſe words. (On my ſervants and handmaids, will I poure my ſpirit, and they ſhall propheſie.)
Anſ. God will poure his ſpirit on them, (that is the gift) and they ſhall propheſie, (that is the effect) they ſhall be filled with the holy ſpirit, as a fountaine is filled with water, that is the gift, and the fulneſſe within, ſhall bubble forth, that is the effect, as Iohn 7.38, 39. Acts 2.4 The appearance of fierie tongues, is an overplus in the gift, and the ſpeaking with tongues, is an overplus in the effect.
Que. 26Whether any that hath a viſibile gits, or gifts of the ſpirit, muſt not of neceſſity know that he hath ſo?
8Anſ. Tis likely he ſhould, yet I conceive, it may poſſibly be otherwiſe. For Sampſon thought the ſpirit abode with him, when it was gon. Iudg. 16.20.
Que. 27Whether any that hath a viſible gift or gifts of the ſpirit: must not of neceſſity adminiſter infallibly, when he adminiſters by them?
Anſ. Yea doubtleſſe. 1 Cor. 12.3.
Qu. 28Whether any one that hath a viſible gift or gifts of the ſpirit, adminiſtring ſometime by them, and ſometime beſide them, muſt not of neceſſitie know, when he adminiſters infallibly by them, and when beſide them: As well at least as any Officer in commiſſion, or any Souldier of, or in any Armie, or any Officer, or member of a civill ſtate; can tell when he adminiſters or acts, according to his commiſſion, institution, bi•th, priveledges, &c. and when it is not?
Anſ. We have our Commiſſions, inſtitutions, &c. not from gifts, but from the written word. 1 Cor. 14.37. Gal. 1 8 9 2 Pet. 1.17.18.19. Secondly, there is a poſſibillity for people thus gifted, to be miſtaken in this kind. For the Corinthians which came ſhort in no gift, 1 Cor. 1.5, 6.7. Suppoſed the ſpirit taught them to let women teach in the Church. 1 Cor. 14.35, 36, 37, 38. and the Galatians had theſe gifts, and yet that was errour, which they tooke for truth, and they fell backward, when they thought they went forward, Gal. 3.2, 3.5. and yet all the Saints, (gifted or not gifted) are in ſome things infallible. Iohn 21.24. and 1 Iohn 5 18, 19, 20.
Que. 29Whether any that hath a viſible gift, or gifts of the ſpirit, muſt not of neceſſitie know, when he adminiſters each ſeverall gift?
Anſ. No, we may poſſibly thinke, we adminiſter the gift of wiſedome, when envie is in us: or the gift of knowledge, when pride hath poſſeſt us, or uncharitableneſſe: but are deceived. Iam. 3.13.14, 15. 1 Cor. 8.1, 2, 3.
Que. 30Whether it be not neceſſary that the viſible gifts of the holy ſpirit, ſhould continue in the Church, as long as there is a Church, to diſtinguiſh between chriſtian and antichriſtian ſpirits. As in civill affaires, officers and members of a civill ſtate ſhould have viſible commiſſions, inſtitutions, birth-priveledges, &c. to diſtinguiſh them from falſe intruders?
Anſ. Firſt, any man indude with reaſon, will deny thoſe gifts (which you call viſible) to be Commiſſions and inſtitutions. Secondly, civill Commiſſions and inſtitutions are written, ſo are ours, as before minded, Thirdly to diſtinguiſh between Antichriſtian and Chriſtian ſpirits, was not Chriſts end for gifts, as querie 18. Fourthly, Antichriſtians, ſhall by miracles deceive all except the Elect. Mat. 24.24. Rev. 13.13, 14, 15.
Que. 31Whether the viſible Church, want not members, when any of the gifts are wanting in it? according to 1 Cor. 12.
9Anſ. That chapter, ſpeakes only of the Church generall, whereof the church at Corinth, was a body or members in particular. A part of the whole as verſe 27. So that this Church wants not members, if ever theſe gifts were, though particulars have them not, and whoever now hath intreſt in the Church generall, hath intreſt in them gifts. Ioh. 20.30, 31.
Que. 32Whether viſible gifts, and conſequently viſible miniſtries, and miniſtrations of worſhip, were not to ceaſe all at one time, ſeeing they came all from one ſpring. 1 Cor. 12 4.5, 8, 9, 11, 13. and 13.8.13.
Anſ. Theſe adminiſtrations, 1 Cor. 12.4.5. are Chriſts adminiſtrations of gifts, not our adminiſtration of worſhip, (a great miſtake) I confeſſe that when theſe gifts ceaſe, our Lord ceaſeth to adminiſter them, and theſe adminiſtrations of gifts, ſpring not from a command, as our adminiſtrations of worſhip doe, Ioh. 15.14.
Que. 33Whether the food of the Church, (after viſible gifts) ſhould not be imediatly from God, without any viſible meanes. As the Saints witneſſes, &c. according to Ier. 31.33.34, Ezek. 34.11, 12, 13, 14.15. Revel. 12.6.14.
Anſ. Firſt, your Scripture, Rev. 12.6. ſaith, they ſhall feed her. Secondly, your other Scriptures, ate not fulfilled in this life, for now we know but in part, and ſee as in a glaſſe darkly. 1 Cor. 13. But when Chriſt againe appeares, then, and not tell then we ſhall ſee him as he is, even face to face, and know as we are known. 1 Cor. 13. 1 Iohn 3.2, 3. and tell then, we are to make uſe of word and ordinances. 2 Pet. 1.19 1 Cor. 11.26. Rev. 2.
Que. 34Whether there be in the Scripture, any cleere proofe for the time, rule for manner, and diſcriptinn of the power, for reſtoring the Church from the defection, from faith, order, &c. as there was under that defection of the law. 2 Chron 36.22.23.
Anſ. That place diſcribes no rule for manner, nor power fot reſtoring, but only the time when: but our Goſpel rule gives a commanding power to reſtore its faith or order. Iude 3 Rev. 2.4, 5. As of old, their written commands, and inſtitutions, gave power, and their reſtaurations were ſquared thereby Ezra 3.2.4 10. Nehe. 8.14 15.16. ſo now.
Que. 35Whether it be not cleere from Ezra 1.12. and 6.14. Zach. 4.6. and many other places that Ezra and the reſt, went not about to reforme, tell they had a particular command from God, with power and particular promiſes of protection, and ſucceſſe, and ſtrengthned with moſt ſweet and gracious promiſes?
Anſ. Firſt, to expect imediate Revelations from Heaven to Prophets, and from them to people now, is to deny Chriſt, as come in the fleſh10 Former Prophets, typifying ours, and he is the Antytipe of them, Acts 3.22.23. Heb. 1.1 Secondly, theſe Prophets gave them not their 1. commiſſion. But (the worke by oppoſition ceaſing) their prophecying did only reincourage them. As is cleere. Ezra 4 24. and 5 1.2. Hag. 1.2.3.
Que. 36Whether 1 Cor. 12.1. As concerning ſpirituall gifts brethren, I would not have you ignorant, &c. Doth it not lay an abſolute neceſſity upon every one that will adminiſter in a Goſpel way, to be really poſſeſt with ſuch gifts as alſo, rightly to underſtand them.
Anſ. Want of gifts hinders not adminiſtring in a Goſpel way, as querie. 6. Ioh. 3 22.23. Mar. 1.1.2.3.4. Yet I grant that none is to adminiſter beyond his abillitie, Rom. 12.3.6. He that hath but one tallent is not to uſe five: nor yet to hide his one becauſe he hath not five. But every one is to adminiſter, as he hath received. 1 Pet 4 10.11. Or he ſhall be bound and caſt into utter darkeneſſe, Mat. 25.30.
Que. 37Whether it be not player like childiſh, apiſh, improper, and Anti-chriſtian: for any to pretend to adminiſter viſibly in the name of the father ſon and ſpirit, that wants power to give the holy ſpirit, &c. or at leaſt that hath not viſibly Goſpel life himſelfe by it, for matter of faith, order, &c.
Anſ. Here is horrible impiety diſcovered, firſt reckoning Chriſts ſervice, apiſhneſſe, Secondly, accounting people ungifted, to be lifeleſſe, touching either faith, or order.
Firſt, Iohn and Chriſts diſciples, querie 6 and Philip as you grant, querie 9 adminiſtred the baptiſme of Chriſt, when they could not conveigh the ſpi•it, Secondly, the Samaritanes, had viſible life touching faith, and order. For they beleeved and were bapt•zed. Acts 8 12. or received the word of God, verſ 14 and the Epheſians had viſible life touching faith and order. For Paul, (though a ſtranger) found them to be beleeving diſciples. Act. 19 1.2. when both the Samaritanes, and Epheſians, wanted (as yet) your leaſt degree (to wit) the baptiſme of the ſpirit, as Acts 8.16. and 19. 2 6. Which you falſly call viſſible life, &c.
Que. 38Whether miniſtring viſibly in the name of God or Chriſt, in a bare forme, without the viſible anointing baptiſme, preſence &c of the holy ſpirit, by and with gifts to adminiſter without the power and authoritie of Ieſus Chriſt, be not plain deceiving, cozning, a falſe viſion, a divination of their own hearts, a thing of naught, falſe dreames, lyes lightneſſe, &c. Ier. 14.14 and 23.21.25, 26, 27 32. Mat. 24. Yet all in the name of Chriſt, &c. and from running before ſending, and climbing up ſome other way, then God and Chriſt hath ordained. Incurring to himſelfe that heavie vengeance, Numb. 18.7 Deut. 18.20 Ier. 13.14. Revel 20.10.
11Anſ. To affirme (as you doe) that ſuch adminiſtrations, that are in the name of God, or Chriſt, are without the authoritie of Chriſt, if not accompanied with gifts, muſt needs be deceiving, cozning, a falſe viſion, &c. and from running, before ſending, &c. Becauſe (as often minded) Iohn and others that wanted theſe gifts, did adminiſter by authoritie from God or Chriſt, Iohn 1.33. Math 21.
Que. 39Whether adminiſtring viſibly, or rather ſeeming to adminiſter in a Goſpel way, without a true viſible power & commiſſion by gifts &c Or to partake of ſuch miniſtries or miniſtrations: be not to ſet up an Idoll, yea Idolatrie in the higheſt degree: as farr above Ieroboams calvos, as Goſpel is above the law, Chriſt above Moſes, and ſpirituall Babell with her plagues, Rev. 18.21. above literall Babell with hers. Ier. 51.63.6•.
Anſ. Then had Iohn and others a commiſſion, to ſet up Idolatrie in the higheſt degree (they wanting theſe gifts as aforeſaid.) Secondly, if theſe gifts, be viſible power and commiſſion, then Iohn and others (that had not theſe gifts) had no viſible commiſſion at all, oppoſite to Iohn 1.33.
Que. 40Whether to partake of ſuch miniſtries and miniſtrations, either in reſpect of time, place, matter or forme of worſhip, or whatever comes under inſtitution of Antichriſt, (as everie inſtitution doth, that is not from Chriſt) be not to receive the mark of the Beaſt, number of his name, and to worſhip the beaſt and his image, and ſo to be liable to thoſe dreadfull plagues, Ier 14.13, 14, 15, 16. & 29.15.16.17, 18. Rev. 14.9 10, 11. &c. read and tremble.
Anſ. Your ſpeech is at randome, not having (as yet) proved our time, place, matter or forme of worſhip: to be of Antichriſt, or not from Chriſt.
I can prove the neglecters, (much more the oppoſers) of Gods way of worſhip, to be reſiſters of his counſell, and that againſt themſelves, and liable to be plagued, Luke 7.30. Math. 12.30. Rev 4.7 12. read and trimble.
Que. 41Whether it doth not highly concerne every one that feares the Lord, to be infallibly aſſured of the warrantableneſſe of their practice, and power in matters of viſible worſhip, leaſt the Lord account them, takers of his name in vaine, will worſhippers, and Antichriſtians, and ſo guilty of, and liable to that ſin and vengeance, Ex. 26.5. Deu. 4.2 and 12.32. Pro. 30.6. Rev. 21.10.
Anſ. This is a truth and good counſell, but not well applyed, for firſt not true, but falſe worſhippers are herein tardie. Rev. 14.7.9. Secondly fearers of the Lord, are alſo worſhippers of the Lord and non-worſhippers are non-fearers. Pſal. 2.11. Pſal. 5.7. Rev. 1•.7. and many more places.
Que. 42Whether Exod. 25.9.40. and 10.33. Levit. 10. 1, 8. Numb. 16.7. Pſal. 138.2. Ezek. 15.6. and 43.8.9.11.12. and many other places, Eſpecially Pſal. 138.2. I will worſhip toward thy temple and praiſe thy name, for thy loving kindneſſe, and truth, for thou haſt magnified thy word above all thy names. Doth it not eminently declare the exceeding tranſcendencie of Gods worſhip, above all other his name, workes and ordinances whatſoever. And conſequently that all the murders, rapes, oppreſſions plunderings, blaſphemies, or whatever grievious ſins, have been, or ſhall be committed, are little or nothing in compariſon of this great blaſphemie, to wit, abuſe of this great and glorious name of God, by falſe and will worſhip.
Anſ. Therefore you might even trimble thus to murder, rape, and plunder this glorious name of God, to wit, his worſhip, for not falſe and will worſhip, but true worſhip, you raile againſt the conſideration of the excellencie of this name, wrought a contrary effect in David, who therefore worſhipt toward his holy temple. Pſal. 138.2. Here O heavens, and witneſſe O earth, (at the great day of Chriſt) againſt this horrible and deſperate plundering of this glorious name.
Que. 43Whether it may not be gathered from Scripture, that there ſhould be, &c. a time for beleevers, &c to be ſilent, &c. and that there ſhould be night to viſible worſhip, &c. and12 they ſhould wait on the Lord for a reſtauration and reformation, &c. Eccleſ. 3.7. Cant. 1.13. and 3.1. and 5.2. Eſay 5.30. and 13.9, 10. and 26.20. and 28.26. and 60.2. Ier. 13.16. and 14.22. Dan. 12.12. Hoſ. 3.4, 5. Ioel 2.2, 10. Amos 5.13. and 8.9, 10.11. Mich. 3.6.7. and 7.7, 8.14.15. Hab. 2.3. Zeph. 1.4.15. and 3.8.9 Zach. 12.14.17. Math. 24 29. Mar. 15.43. Luke 2.25, Ioh. 9.4. 1 Cor. 1.7, 8. Rev. 8.1.
Anſ. Indeed theſe words, ſilence; night; weight, are often in theſe Scriptures, but not once to purpoſe, but each Scripture is horribly abuſed. Firſt, Solomons all things, are all accidents that befall us, his time of ſilence Eccle. 3.7. is an accidentall ſilence, as by death, &c. and not an allowed time to be ſilent God-ward. As Eccleſ. 12.13. and if the righteous through feare, be altogether thus ſilent. As Amos 5.11.13. tis vice, not vertue, to be ſhund, nor followed as Eſay 62.6, 7. Mal. 3.15, 16, 17. And Chriſt will not owne ſuch hereafter, thus own not him novv. Mark 8.38. Iohns halfe houre ſilence Rev. 8.1 ſets forth Gods forbearing; to plague the ungodly, while the Saints acceptably worſhip, as verſe 2, 3, 4, 5. of this ſilence in other words, ſee further, Rev. 7.2, 3. 2 Pet, 3.9, 10. This night Cant. 1.13. & 3.1. and 5.2. is the whole time before Chriſts ſecond comming, and that time is day time Rom. 13.12. Heb. 10.25. 2 Theſ. 2.1, 2, 3. bed is worſhip, true worſhip is Chriſts, or Gods bed, falſe worſhip, is a Whoriſh bed and idolatrie is whoredome God-vvard, or Chriſt ward, Eſay 57.7, 8. There we learne from Cant. 1.13. &c. That night time is bed time, that is the time before Chriſts comming, is the only time of worſhip. See further, Luk. 19, 13. 1 Cor. 11, 26. 1 Tim. 6.13.14. 2 Pet. •.19. Kevel. 2.25. This night then, is not night too, but night for worſhip, and this bed is not a want, but a joyfull enjoyment of Ordinances. Cant. 1.16, 17. And this Waiting, ſo often ſpecified, is ſometime a waiting for ſuccour from God, as Eſay 25.9. and 26.8. Mich. 7.7, 8. Zepa. 3.8. ſometime for Iſraels conſolation, Luk 2.5. Gods Kingdome, Mark. 15.43. the reſurrection or Chriſts comming, Dan. 12.12, 13. 1 Cor. 1.7, 8. ſometime for raine Ier. 14.22. H•bacuk for a viſion, 2.3. the Iewes waited on Zachoriah for the word of God Zach. 11.11.17. Chriſts Diſciples by command waited for the promiſe of the father, to wit the baptiſme of the ſpirit, Act. 1.4. but not one of theſe Scriptures ſpeakes of a waiting for worſhip but this laſt place hath greateſt ſhew, and is the ſpeciall place, which all ſeekers, or waiters in generall cleave too, from that therfore note. Firſt, they waited not for ordinances, reſtaurations, nor reformations of worſhip, but for the ſpirits baptiſme, Acts 1.4, 5. Secondly, for this they waited in a way of worſhip, or in the uſe of Ordinances, as firſt baptiſme, Acts 1.5. compared with Marke 1.8. Secondly prayer, Acts 1.14. Thirdly, preaching, verſe 16.17.18.19.20. Fourthly, exhortation, v. 21.22. Fiftly, ordination, v. 23. Sixtly caſting of lots, v. 29. and all before this baptiſme. Hence note firſt, that waiting for worſhip, or uſe of ordinances, is Scripture-leſſe, and ſo groundleſſe, ſecondly, waiting unbaptized with water, for the baptiſme of the holy ſpirit is alſo groundleſſe yet, horrible preſumption. Acts 2.38. for though the baptiſme of the ſpirit preceeded the other only one time, Acts 10.47. yet the promiſe ran not ſo, neither were any ever taught, ſo to expect it, but contrariwiſe, Acts 2.38. Mar. 1.8. Luke 3.16. Iohn 1.33. I alſo find in theſe Scripture, ſome words not minded in the querie, of them a word or two, by darkneſſe is meant ſometime ſorrovv, as Eſay 5.30. Ier. 13.16. with ver. 14. Zeph. 1.14.15. ſometime ignorance, Eſay 60.2. Mich. 3.6.7. ſometime litterall darkeneſſe Eſay 13.10. Ioel 2.10. explained in Math. 24.29. that famine Amos 8. is not now, (if the writings of the Prophets and Apoſtles be Gods word) and though the Iewes, were and are Kingleſſe, Hoſ. 3 4.5. beleevers are not nor ſhall be, Luke 1.32.33. Beleevers make not haſt, Eſay 28.1•. that is, they haſten not to abtain by right or wrong, but expect the accompliſhment of their lawfull deſires in a lawfull way, but they doe haſten to keep Gods commands, Pſal. •9.60. Acts. 2 41 & ought ſo to do. Acts••.16. Thus briefly I have diſcovered how horribly theſe Scriptures are abuſed, and how groundleſſe now worſhip is, if thou art hereby benifitted praiſe God, and practice thy light.
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