HAving long heard of the great name of G. Fox, (a man cried up by the People called Quakers) and having read his Book in Folio (some years since) against, The Occasion of the Dispu­tation. as I think above six score Books and Papers (written by pious and able Pens against them) and now this Summer hearing of his coming into these Parts of N England, G Fox his Book in Folio weigh­ed. and the poor cheated Souls the Quakers with joy expecting his coming, as the coming of an Angel of light from Heaven: I read over his Book afresh (as in the holy presence and eye of God, (with a single Eye and Heart) and more clearly finding his Answers so weak and silly, so Anti-Christian and Blas­phemous, and yet so Imperious and Scornfull, so Cursing and [Page 2] Censorious, Damning and Reprobating all that bow not down to their new Upstart Image; my Spirit rose up within me, and I be­lieve the holy Spirit of God (in answer to my poor Petitions and Meditations) resolved and quickned my Spirit to the present Undertake and Service. And therefore for his most holy Names sake, and the Name of his most holy only begotten, the true Lord Jesus the God-Man and Mediator &c, And for the honour of the most holy Spirit of God (so horribly torn in pieces by this foul Spirit of the Quakers) For the vindicating of many of the precious Truths of the old Christian purity, and for the sake of so many precious Souls lying slain and bleeding before me, I made this Offer following to G. Fox, and any or all his Followers or Associates, then together at New-port on Rode-Iland. Tis true G. Fox was at Providence some few dayes before, and spake pub­lickly; and it was free for me publickly to have heard him, and op­posed him; But going the last year to one of their general As­semblyes at New-Port, and having begun to present to them some Considerations about the True Christ and the false, the True Spirit and the False and being cut of in the midest, A Spirit of con­fusion in the Quakers Meet­ings. by the sudden Prayer of one, and the Singing of another, and then by the Prayer of another and the sudden dissolving of the Assembly, I resolved to try another way, and to offer a fair and full Dispute, according to Ed. Burrowes (and therein G Foxes) Offer in his large Epistle to Foxes Book. To this Purpose I drew up my thoughts into fourteen Propositions; and knowing that New-Port was the chief Town on Rode-Iland and Providence on the Main, and that G. Fox. had spake at both places and bewitched many with his Sorceries, I sent this Paper following to G. Fox at Newport, viz,

THis Paper above-said I sent inclosed in a Letter to my kind friend Capt. Cranston Deputy Governour of the Colony, that being such a publick person, he might timely be informed of such a publick Assembly, and as also might vouchsafe (as afterwards he carefully did) to afford his Countenance and Assistance to such Peaceable and Pious Exercises. But before the Boat went down with the Letter aforesaid from Providence to Newport, I sent a Copy of my Positions to a Neighbour J T. The first usage to the Author & his Proposals whom I heard was inclining to them. He takes a Copy of them and reads them in their Meeting, before John Crosman Master of the Boat (one of them also) who presently the same hour, called me Blind Sot in the open Street, upbraiding me, how I durst send my 14 I yes to such a man as G. Fox (one of them called him) the eternall Son of God; so that before my Letter went to Newport (which Crosman carried) by Letters, & Crosman his and other Relations, all was known, The deceitful­ness of Fox & Foxians. even long before my Letters were opened, or delivered to the Deputy Governour: For in the Junto of the Foxians at Newport it was concluded for Infallible Reasons, that his Holiness G. Fox should withdraw, seing there was such a Knot of the A­postles of Christ Jesus now at Newport together, (especially John Stubs, a man knowing the Greek and Hebrew) Therefore that it might appear that such a Nehemiah as he would not fly, it was [Page 5] agreed that my Letters should not be delivered to the Deputy Go­vernour, untill G. Fox was gone; so that it might be truly said, one of the sub­til Tricks of this subtil Fox viz. to steal handsomly from the Dis­pute & yet not to seem at all to run for it. that he never saw the Paper which I sent unto him. I had a touch of this Leger de main trick in our Dispute at Newport, and the Deputy Governour did publickly testifie that my Letters to him were dated the 13 of July (which he said he wondered at) but were not brought to him untill the 26th of the said Moneth, and untill G. Fox was some hours departed. John Burniat profest that that he knew nothing of the detaining of the Letters, only he knew that G. Fox never saw my Paper. G. F. supposed I would be forced to be as plain in my Proofs as I was in my Positions. He knew that I was furnished with Artillery out of his own Writings. He saw what Consequences would roll down the mountaines upon him from his p oud and Insolent, yet poor and bald Writings; and how far some of his present practises were fallen out with his Writings, and therefore this old Fox thought it best to run for it, and leave the work to his Journey-men and Chaplains to perform in his absence for him.

Before I come to Transactions between those three left behind him [ John Stubs, John Bu [...]net, William Edmundson, and my self] I think fit to tell the Reader what a preparatory Conflict the most holy and only Wise Lord, A great pri­vate Conflict before my publick. was pleased to exercise me with, before I came to the Publick.

My former antient Neighbour and friend J. T. being bit by such infectious Teeth himself, fell on me, as a man would fall upon a Toad or Serpent, and sent me this following Letter, notwith­standing he was but newly bitten by them; and for forty yeares pretended no small love and respect to God and me.

He first gave fire upon me in this following Letter.

Having read this Letter, and knowing this my Neighbour of late to have declined much from his former profession of Godli­ness, and many wayes by his Loosness had grieved my Soul, I won­dered not much at his Lines, (though now much unexpected of him) as knowing the Quakers spirit, to be a ready Ditch or Gulfe, that readily sucks and draws into it Soules affrighted easily to skin over their Sores: Proud and Self-conceited ones, who gladly close with the Spirit of, Fuel for the Quakers Fire of Hell. and Children of Pride, and Loose facing Professors, of which sort the Quakers Meetings do much consist, as not being able to walk close with God, not daring to turn who­ly Profane, or Atheists, and so daube up the breach with untem­pered Morter (the wild and foolish notions of the Devils Whisper­ings, under the cloak of the immediate Inspirations of Gods holy and heavenly Spirit) Many thoughts I had to pass by his Af­fronts, and Insultatians: But considering that it was not my Name (not worth the while) but the most High, Eternall Majesty; and his most holy Spirit thus fouly pierced and debased, I return'd this Answer following.

I had hoped that I had Conjured down (at least for the pre­sent) that Waspish spirit, but he [...]ves ou [...] against me (within a few dayes) in this second Letter following.

To this Second Letter I Replied in this following

THe Ingenious and upright Reader might now well suppose [...] the Contest were over: but it is not the Light of Truth or Reason or Scripture or Experience, or the Testimony of the P [...]dent or their own Consciences that will satisfie this white Devill of this pretended Light and Spirit within them, and there­fore must I crave the Readers Patience while I produce I. T. his third and last Letter to me and my Answer to it.

THus Reader it pleased the Infinite Wisdom of the most holy and only Wise, to pierce through my heart with the thrusts and stabs of a of a foul mouth'd slanderous spirit, by the hands of long professed friends and lovers, yet pretending the name of God and of Scripture, as wel as my self. How doth it behoove us then to make sure that we can in truth say as Jeremiah, Lam. 3. Thou art my portion saith my Soul O Lord; Thou and none else, Thou alone without Health, Strength, Beauty, Honour, Lands, Goods, Friends, &c. How should we make sure that with Tho­mas, we may say unto the Lord Jesus, my Lord and my God? for whose sake we ought joyfully to bear what false Christs, false spirits and their Souldiers can dart from Earth or Hell against us.

My Answer was as followeth.

Hitherto (gentle Reader) have been the Skirmishings of my Forlorn Hope; I hasten now to the relation of the main Bat­tle, for after this my third Letter and Answer, I heard no more of that soul and slanderous spirit: I should rejoice to be instru­mentall to his casting out of my ancient friend J T. however he pluckt in his horns as G Fox himself did, and I have yet heard no further.

Within some few dayes after that our Deputy Governour had [Page 23] delivered my Paper to them, the strange Quakers (as was agreed with G. Fox) came to Providence. John Stubs, John Burnes, and others, The first [...] Pro­vidence of the Qa and my self. and came to my house six or seven together: their Sa­lutations were (like the meetings of their dumb spirit) in silence. I bid them welcome &c. John Stubs began and said, they had received a paper from me, and they came to me to tell me, that they accepted my Offer, and that they had appointed (according to the liberty given them by my self in my Paper) the 9th. of the present August to be the day at Newport. I told them they were welcome, and the more welcome because they brought me tidings of their Resolution: for I longed for Opportunityes of such Exercises, to which I thought the most High invited us by our precious Libertyes &c. I added that my Paper was in the first place directed to G. Fox: but they suddenly catcht at my word, and John Burnet told me that G. Fox was departed before my Letters were opened, G Fox his cun­ning Departure and that G. Fox never saw my Paper (and probably as afterward in the dispute he spake honestlie not know­ing the Mistery) John Stubs added that my Paper gave liberty to G. Fox or his friends. I said therefore I would not fail (if God pleased) to meet them at the place, and by nine in the morning, on the day they had appointed.

They departed (after drink offered and accepted by some) but the next morning being the first of the Week I sent them word in writing, that diverse of our Neighbours were grieved that the Conference should be caried away from Providence to Newport wholly, My care of in­gaging them to my whole Offer and of discussion, the [...] seven at Providence. (as some of them had also spoken) I told them that the accepting of my Proffer necessarily included the Conference about the latter seven at Providence: I told them their Consci­ences and Credits lay on it, and therefore desired them to fix on a day for the dispute of the latter seven at Providence before their departure hence. This Paper was delivered to one of their Company in the room where they were together, but whither on purpose or (as tis possible) by mistake, they say the Paper was lost: so receiving no Answer from them, I late in the evening sent them another writing, signifiing, that I could not hold my self ingaged to meet them at Newport about the first seven, without their promise of discussing the latter seven at Provi­dence. Then they wrote to me that I had seemed willing, and that they had given notice, and the Countrey would come in, therefore they challenged me to appear and prove my malicious [Page 24] and bitter charges against them, and withall promised that upon the finishing of the first seven at Newport, some of them would give me a meeting at Providence &c. Upon the receipt of this, I sent them a third writing signifiing that I rested in their Pro­mise, and therefore (if God pleased) I would not fail to be with them at the time and place appointed. And God graciously as­sisted me in rowing all day with my old bones so that I got to Newport toward the Midnight before the morning appointed.

Then I sent them a fourth Paper (with a Copie of my first that miscaried as they said) and signified to them, that is would be convenient to agree about some Order of Transition, or passing from one position to another: as also since they were many and I but One, I presumed their Reason told them that I expected but One at once, and that if another desired to speak, the first should hold his peace; Scruples a­bout meeting in the Quakers Meeting house at Newport. as also I signified that some were scru­pulous of going into the Quakers Meeting-house, and therefore I desired some thoughts about it: they thought it convenient to send H. Bull to request me to goe to his house to them; I went; they urged the Capciousness and Conveniency of their house, and I told such as scrupled, that it was one thing to goe into a Jewish Synagogue, or a Popish Chappell to worship, or countenance, their Worships: another thing to Profess and Contest against them, in which respect Paul disputed many dayes in the Jewes Synagogues against them, and I could freelie goe into the Popes Chappel, to dispute against the Pope and his Worship.

I knew our aged Governour Mr. Nich. Easton & other the way to conquer. Magistrates (of their judgment) would be there, & so the Civill Peace maintained, & I had a strange assurance given in to my spi­rit from God in answer to my poor requests &c. viz, that by Moderation and Patience I should conquer their Immoderations, and impatiencies, I therefore thought it in vain to spend time a­bout a Moderatour: Tis true they gave me no Answer either by Speech, or writing concerning their coming on me one at once, but to their seeming great advantage they constantly fell on me all at once, and one of them William Edmundson, with grievous Language and insulting.

When I came into the place aforesaid I found three able and noted preachers amongst them, The Persons Disputing with me. viz John Stubs, John Burnet, William Edmunson sitting together on an high Bench with some of the Magistrates of their Judgment with them: I had heard [Page 25] that John Stubs was learned in the Hebeew and the Greek (and I found him so) as for John Burnet I found him to be of a mode­rate Spirit, and a very able Speaker. The third W. Edmundson was newly come (as was said) from Virginia, W Edmundson described. and be proved the Chief Speaker, a man not so able nor so moderate as the other two: For the two first would speak Argument, and discuss and produce Scripture: but William Edmundson was very ignorant in the Scripture or any other Learning: He had been a souldier in the late warres, a stout portly man of a great voice, and fit to make a Bragadocia (as he did) and a constant exercise meerly of my Patience: he would often Vapour and preach long, and when I had patiently waited till the Gust was over, and began to speak, then would he stop my mouth with a very unhandsome Clout of a grievous Interruption: so that sometimes I was for [...]' [...] to play the Moderator, and to protest that such practises were against the sober rules of Civillity and Humanity. It pleased God to help me with such Patience to weather them, J Stubs his I genuity. that John Stubs openly confest twice, that though some others had given them some interruptions, yet that I had not done it.

I took my Seat at the other end of the house opposite to them, and began telling them that the most High was my witness, The beginning of the Dispute. that not our of any prejudice against, or disrespect to the persons of the Quakers (many of whome I knew and did love and honour) nor any foolish Passion of pride or boldness (for I desired to be sensible of my many decayes of my house of Clay, and other waye [...]) nor any earthly or worldly ends I had that occasioned this trouble to my self and them.

I was first commanded this work from Heaven: The Occasion of it. Why should not this Argument be good for mee and for others as well as the Quakers? they say their commands are immediate (for Interpre­tations are immediate) but I say they herein suffer Satan to cheat them, for they say they pray, they fast, they wait, they listen, they judge of the motions that arise within them, and so have I done. The great maker and searcher of all hearts knowes, that none but his holy Majesty was privy to the Conception of this business.

1. My end was, the vindicating his most holy Name, My ends. which my Soul saw was trodden in the dirt by Sathan clothed with Samuels Mantle, and the bright garment of an Angel of Light, which once he was, but pride deceived him.

[Page 26] 2. I had in mine eye the vindicating this Colony for receiving of such persons whome others would not, we suffer for their sakes, and are accounted their Abbettors: that therefore toge­ther with the improvement of our Liberty's which the God of Heaven, and our Kings Majesty have graciously given us, I might give a publick testimony against their Opinions in such a way and Exercise, I judged it incumbent upon my Spirit and Conscience to doe it (in some regards) more then most in the Colony. I may also truly say that.

3. I had also in mine eye, that this exercise might occasion some Soul Consideration in many. I told them that we had a dolefull Alarum and instruction lately, Nicholas Davis drowned at Newport a little before the Dispute. we were taught what Salvation and saving was, in the late death and drowning of a per­son so known to us (and all N. England) Nicholas Davis. I told them our case, and the case of all mankind is his (in Spiri­tuall and Soul matters) Oh a world for an Oar, Rope, a Plank. Only it must be to all of us our work, to try whether our Savi­our our Salvation be reall, and not failing in so great a Straight.

Some of these blessed ends it hath pleased God to propagate by this occasion all this Colony over, and all of us round about have put forth our selves in Disquisitions and Searchings after the true grounds of the Christian Religion and Worship.

I had many thoughts of beginning such an exercise with Prayer unto God for his Presence: What Prayer was used. but I knew I could not joyn with them nor would they owne my Prayers: I had thoughts (as Eli­ah among the Baalites) to have prayed in the singular number: But some Considerations made my spirit content with this kind of Petition unto God: For not only in my Closet and my heart, but publickly before them all I said, I doe humbly hope and beg of God the Father of Spirits so to order and direct our Spirits in these our Agitations, that his holy name may receive glory, and the Soules of all of us some Soul-profit and Advantage.

I began with the first Position, which I think W. Edmunson also read out of the Paper. viz.

That the People called Quakers are not true Quakers according to the Scriptures. The first Po­sition.

1. I said I knew they did not owne that name Quakers, as imposed on them by God, or taken up by themselves, but given them in scorn and derision, as G. Fox, Ed Burrowes (and I had heard John Stubs who joined with them) declared; The name Quakers. and that [Page 27] one Gervace Bennet, a Justice in Derby first so called them in the year 16 [...]0 And yet I had cause to judg that the name was given by Justice Bennet and others to them from that strange and un­couth possessing of their bodyes. with quaking and shaking of their Bodyes even in publick Assemblyes and Congregations, which extraordinary motions I judged to come upon them, not from the holy Spirit and Power of God, but from the spirit and power of Sathan for diverse Reasons.

First. Although they pretend that Moses and David and Hab­baccuck and Daniel were Quakers, yet as to the Christian Pro­fession, and the dayes since our gallant fore-Fathers in Germany (at Spiers) protested against the whore of Rome, and from that Protestation, by the Papists, they were called in scorn and wrath the Protesters, The Rise of the [...] Prote­stant. or Protestants (about 150 years since) unto this day. I say as to the Protestant Professors and Confessors, the Quakers are but a new upstart party or Faction risen up little above 20 yeares since in the northern parts of England, Lanca­shire &c. Tis true, tis probable they are the Offspring of the Grindletonians in the same Lancashire about two yeares before, The Grindle­tonians. who held those two grand Points (though many wicked paths of Doctrine and Practice were amongst them) viz. 1 That God doth all. 2. They could not sin. taking it according to the Letter. These Grindletonians were the Offspring of the late Nicholaitans, (as all of them are in truth justly so called) from Henery Nichols who put forth his Books of the same Poison in K. James his time, (which long since I read) and were confuted by many, and by Mr Ainsworth and Mr Robinson, precious and powerfull Witnesses of Christ Jesus. H. Nichols and his Nicholaitans were the Litter of those Spiritualls and Libertines which spread in Germany and France in Calvin's dayes; against whome that heavenly soul, The Libertines gave his powerfull and heavenly witness in his Book against the Libertines. These Libertines Satan raised up about the Protestant Reformation from the ruines and rubbish of the old Manicheans and Gnosticks, and other blind Guides who swarmed in the first third and fourth Christian Centuryes, until the Pope swallowed up all the lesser Serpents, and so became a Dragon with seven Heads and ten Horns, forcing all with fire and Fagot to deny Christ Jesus, and to martch under Anti-Christ (the Anti-Christ the man of sin) his Colours.

Some of these Particulars I could not then express, but think [Page 28] fit here to remember the former dayes, for Information of such as doe desire it.

These People came from Lancashire and other northern parts to the Southward of England and to London. I spake with some of their Chief then in London; I knew it was the old proud spirit which had appeared in so many soul lyes in their former decei­ved and deceiving Leaders, and I was the more confirmed in my thoughts when I saw their soul spirit so transport them, not only in lying Doctrines, but lying Quakings and Trembling, lying preaching through the Streets Repent, Repent: and lying and ab­ominable Nakedness of men and women, untill their ugly Child and Daughter Rantisme rose from their Bowels and practised Na­kedness of men and women in the Streets and in their religious Meetings, as Adamites: The Ranters are but the Qua­kers Daughter. when it is notoriously known they fell into many uncleannesses and Aaulteryes. To my face and to the world in print they maintaind, there were no sins in them: Saying That the Saints could not sin, and God did all and was all, and they were as pure as Adam and God himself, this is known by their Writings extant &c.

2. Again I said unto my Antagonists that the manner of these quakings and shakings were not as of those quakings and trem­blings of David, Moses, and the Corinths receiving Titus with Trembling, True Quaking or the working out Salvation with Fear and Trem­bling: for that may many wayes be proved to be the Soul and Spirit, out of a holy Aw and Dread of the Majesty of Heaven with whome we have to deal, who only can pitty and help us in our deplorable and forlorn conditions: Hee it is who worketh the Will and the Deed, and therefore with deep impressions of Aw and Dread we ought to attend upon all his holy meanes ap­pointed, wherein (as of old in the Tabernacle and Temple) he hath promised to come to us. Beside, as it is naturall for he Body to tremble when the mind doth, as we see in many Persons in the beginning of a Battle, or going over a deep Water, or go­ing to suffer Death, or looking over a high Clift into the sea &c. So when the Bodies of those holy men, or any now doe so tremble Experience proves it that it is no ordinary motion, but extraor­dinary, and upon extraordinary occasions, and those holy and heavenly Occasions, as may be instanced.

But the quaking and shaking motions of the Quakers (as I shall prove) they proceeded not from those holie Affections [Page 29] proper to Gods Children, The horrid shaking of the Quakers. so also they were horrid and mon­strous casting their bodies into horrid and monstrous motions and Gestures which mine eyes have seen: Besides the abundance of notorious Instances, what strange horrid motions are those which Theera John (as he madly calls himself) and John Toldervy were [...]ost and tumbled up and down with? which cannot be im­agined to proceed from the holy Spirit of God, but from Sathan to delude and cheat poor sinners with.

To this purpose I told them that at the first coming of this spirit to London and Westminster, some Parliament men told me that themselves went to one of the Quakers Meetings about Charing Cross, but were so affrighted with the shaking of their own bodies, and of their Chairs and Stooles under them, that they could never again be got into their Assemblyes.

I added, that such Shakings, Motions, Extasies, Satans Coun­terfeit moti­ons. &c. were known to be the frequent workings of Sathan upon his Servants in all ages, Such were the furious motions of Baals Preists, the motions of the Possessed mentioned in the Gospells, and other Historyes, and known to be amongst the Barbarians, our Neigh­bours about this time. John Burnet and William Edmunson rose up and said that I had laid many deep and heavy Charges upon the people of the Lord, The Quakers Answer. which I should be never able to prove: I had denied them to be Christians, and so had wronged the good Spirit of God in them, and their Profession of worshipping God in the Spirit: Yea I had taken away their being (as men) out of the World, as a dangerous People to Nations and Kingdomes & Common-weales, yea to Kings & Princes, and so not fit to live a­mongst men in the World. These Speeches were often uttered and enlarged by one or other of them, and that with Zeal (and Passion in W. Edmunson)

I waited patiently till these Gusts of their angry Spirit was over, and then I told them I had not wronged them in a title: But by the help of the most High I would make all good against them, & toen leave it to every mans and womans Soul to judge at their own Perill.

About this time John Stubs alleadged that of Paul; Phil 2. Work out salvation with fear and Trembling.

I replyed in no way opposed the awfull and most serious im­pressions of Gods Majesty in all his appearances & ordinances upon the Soules and Spirits, Quaking and Trembling. yea and Bodyes of Gods Children. [Page 30] But I denied that those places to the Corinthians and Philippians concerned any such bodily shakings and quakings as we now de­bated.

Beside I said if Quaking and Trembling were a Command and an Ordinance, No Ordinance of God and institution of God to be practised, then was in constantly to be practised (as the Jewes say of Cain that the Mark which God set upon him was a constant Trembling) O if not alwayes, yet alwayes in Worship, or if not alwayes in worship yet at some certain times. But the plain truth is, the Devil will be Gods Ape in most things: Counterfeit Quaking and Trembling. He subornes and substitutes a ba­stard Quaking and Trembling of the body in Imitation of David, Moses &c. on purpose to thrust out the true Fear and Trembling which ought to be constantly in us, raising up all our Affections and all within us to a due sence of the Terror of the Lord, the dreadfulness of our Danger, and the wonder of our Deliverance (which we can never make too sure) from sin and wrath to come to all eternity.

I also declared, that the most High and holy one, was free as he pleased to cause the trembling of the Soules of his People to over flow with influence upon their Bodyes also, asin Moses, David, Daniel, Habakkuk, Paul, &c. this is like to be in some extraordinary cases and Conversions or turnings to God, as Paul's was, and that especially in bringing of great Sinners or old Sinners unto himself &c.

There were some few Speeches, some from the Governour and his Wife, and some few others that spake, some in favour of, and some against the Quakers, but neither did my Opposites nor I so far attend them as to engage with them, excepting some Turnes that were between William Edmunson, and William Hitchcock (an Inhabitant of Newport) who (as others did) witnessed against their upbraiding me with my age ( Old man, Old man &c.) as also for their Interruptions.

Mine own Brother Mr Robert Williams, School-Master in Newport, desired to speak: nor he nor others dissenting from them could be permitted, except they would set their hands to my Paper. My Brother (unknown to me) put in a paper to them. which he took the liberty to read, A Paper put in of two great Considerations desiring that two things might be answered by the Quakers. 1. The matter of the true sence of Sin as Sin. 2. Of the Materiallity of such a Person as the Lord Jesus Christ, and the materiallity of his [Page 31] Bloudshedding. This Paper they took but waved it. W. Ed­munson openly charged me with breach of Covenant, viz. That if any would speak on my behalf, they should set their hand to my Propositions. Tis true it was desired by one of them at my house at Providence, that if any joined with me, they should sub­scribe to my Paper. But I answered that I was alone in the Bu­siness, I had not consulted with any others but the God of heaven himself: so that I denied vehemently that there was any such agreement, The unequall Termes of the Quakers en­joyning Sub­scription. or any colour for it. Besides it was ridiculous to put either such a Bar and Limit upon any mans spirit, and least of all upon Gods Spirit, viz, that no man should desire leave to object or querie &c. except first he would subscribe my Pro­posalls. But I took the boldness justly to charg them with pal­pable and gross Partiality viz. that W. Hitchcock and others, (opposing or dissenting) might not speak, & their open Partiality. but W. Harris, W. Dyar or any favouring of them might speak without exception, because all that speak for their pretended light, it must be sup­posed that they speak from the Spirit of God himself: others out of Ignorance, Malice and Envy: this will appear more after­ward.

However, there were these few debates about the liberty of speech in the Auditory and By-standers, and the Quakers deniall and enjoining of Subscription: yet the most High, Father of Spirits did so compose all spirits, that it was wonderfull that such Opposites should goe through such a work and Conflict all day untill night, without more Interruptions and Disturbances.

I was ready and waited to put forth my third Reason to prove they were not true Christian Quakers, it was from Isai. 66. To this man will I look that is poor and contrite, and trembleth at my Word. I told them that G. Fox in his Book all along was so far from trembling at the Word of God in the holy Writings or Scrip­tures, The Quakers evill spirit [...] the holy Scriptures. that he could not endure they should have that name, or be once called the Word of God, Tis true I know his pretence, that Christ Jesus is called the Word of God, Rev 19. But I know tis true also that he grants the Scriptures to be true, and inspired from the holy Spirit of God, and to be Gods words, though not his Word. Well, to pass by the simplicity of the Distinction, and let us take what he grants, and is it not prodigious and mon­strous Contempt that these holy Words, this holy Book and Wri­ting of God should be so undervalued and slighted, yea vilified [Page 32] and nullified, The Light of each man in the World above the Scriptures. if compar'd with their pretended new found Light within them, which was (say they) before the Scriptures, and gave forth the Scriptures, and therefore was above the Scriptures and gave forth the Scriptures, and therefore was above the Scriptures, and therefore is not judged or tried by the Scrip­tures, but they by it. Yea, and thus light must be in every one of mankind in the whole World: Hence it was that these holy Writings were so disused in their own private Readings, in their Publick Worship, The Pope and the Quakers great affection and ownness against the holy Scriptures. and in their Families.

I told them God was little beholding to the Pope and the Quakers for their humble Reverence and great Affection to his holy Letters, Declarations and Proclamations. The Pope had his Infallibility as well as they, his mmediate Inspirations as well as they: They both owned, and yet did not owne the holy Scrip­tures, the Pope and they only must interpret Scriptures, they only give the Sence, they only judge all Controversies: yea they dispence with the Scriptures, and if they were quite lost and bur [...]'d and not a Copy of them left in the World, yet there were no loss but a good Turn, a good Riddance, for then the Pope and the Quakers Infallible spirit and its immediate Inspirations, would be more esteemed and set by.

I produced an Instance of one Thurston an Apostle of theirs who came to Providence with extraordinary long hair hanging over his shoulders; An Instance of a long-haird profane Qua. fighting Na­ture and the Scriptures. It was so long that an aged Soul (captivated for present amongst them) the wife of C. S. demanded of him why he ware it so long since Nature it self did teach it to be a shame for a man to wear long Hair, as the holy Scripture affir­med? He would not say, He car'd not what Nature or the holy Scriptures said, but he said as much in effect (as she told me her­self, and may with true fear and trembling still think on it) viz. when that God that bid me wear it, bids me cut it off, then [...] cut it off. As if he would say, what tell you us of the teaching of Nature (as we see in that monstrous case of their womens Nakedness) or what tell you me of Scripture? I have a Light within me that made that Light, was before it, gave it forth, & is above it. This mans hair was so offensive and odious, that meeting of me, and saying, Fear the Lord God, I could not but answer him in these words, viz. What God dost thou mean a Russi­ans God? alluding to that of Paul to [...] They profess to know God, but in their Works they deny him.

[Page 33] I told them the rage of the Devill in all Ages had been most fierce against these heavenly Records, in which the most gracious God and King, out of the infinite depths of his Wisdome and Goodness, had provided for the Ages and Generations to come the glorious Appearances of the eternall Invisible King in the former Generations of mankind from the creation of the World, as also the Wonders yet to be finished till time should be no more, all which were in the holy Scriptures.

I remembred them of a profane bloudy Wretch in Ireland who in the late horrid Massacre, An horible Instance in Ire land against the Holy Scriptures hunting (among other bloudie Wolves) after the Goods and Lives of the Protestants, found a Bible, and with Indignation (the same which I believe is in most Papists and Quakers) he flung it into the Kennell, and stampt upon it with his feet saying, A Plague of God take this Book, this hath caused all the Quarrels among us.

Whether I spake all these Particulars at one individuall time or Turn I cannot clearly remember, only I am certain thus I spake and more.

My Opposites once and again had Turnes of Speech, but still the only sum of all was, that they owned the Scripture, but yet the Spirit that gave it forth was above it, withall they urged that I could not prove where in the Scripture, the Scripture was cal­ed the Word of God.

I Answered, That many things were infallibly so, The Scriptures the word of God. and true although not in so many Terms and Words mentioned: But yet there were abundance of Scriptures wherein the Prophets did ex­presly say, Thus saith the Lord, The Word of the Lord came un­to me, Hebr. 1. The Lord spake diverse wayes, and at diverse times in the Prophets, but now he hath spoken by his Son. Sure his Speech is his Word: Hence the Word of God is the Word preach­ed, as Paul, 2 Thess.1. Not as the word of man, but as it is indeed the Word of God, Act. 19 which preaching of the Word & grow­ing of the word were not competent and proper expressions to be affirmed of the person of the Lord Jesus; especially I told them I would use the words of the Lord Jesus when he sought with the Devil that famous Combate, Math. 4. No other Weapon did he use against him but [...] It is written, and again, It is written, It is written, here Christ Jesus quotes Dut 8. Man shall not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God: where Moses and Christ Jesus affirm [Page 34] that God hath many words, contrary to what some Quakers have affirmed to me saying, that God hath no more words but one, and Christ Jesus here affirmeth. That every appearance and pro­vidence of God, is a word proceeding out of the mouth of God, as well as this holy Scripture he alleadged. Though yet it is true, that Christ Jesus is the Word, or declared Mind of God, incompa­rably above all his spoken or written or providentiall Words and Expressions: He came out of the Bosoms of the Eternal Father and brought the brightest Revelations of his eternal God-head & Councels, and therefore is most justly and eminently stiled the Word of God.

I urged that the Word or Words of God were Figurative Speech­es, for properly God had no Mouth, nor Tongue, nor Lips, nor Heart nor Brains &c. but as our Kings Majesty his Declaration touching Religion, his royal Charters, his Letters from Br [...]da are often insisted on and urged by the Quakers as the word of a King, though his writings contain many hundred words; so it is with the King of Heaven his Scriptures and writings &c.

I had oft occasion to mention G. Fox and Ed. Burrowes their Book in Folio called The great Mystery &c. upon which W Ed­mundson reproved me for speaking of G. Fox and E. Burrowes in scorn and derision (so his words were) I guest he took me as if I had scornfully intended G Fox in his Burrowes, The Occasion of the Title of this Book. but I openly purged my self, protesting before the Lord, that I had no such thought, yet this Passage was the occasion of the Title of the Book For the singer of Gods most wife and holy Providence is often wonderfully seen in small, unexpected & inconsiderable Turns and Occasions: In such poor shells oftimes may be found the Ker­nels of rich and usefull Observations. Sure (thought I) Gods holy Finger is in it, that G. Fox and Ed. Burrowes (Men so qualified and named) should so notoriously conspire against the true Lord Jesus Christ in their dark and subtle hellish Contrivings and Imaginations. It was also Gods overruling hand that W. Edmundson should so upbraid me, and first put the Conceit and thought of such a Consideration into me, which I apprehended as Digitus Dei the finger of God directing and pointing me to so proper and pertinent an use and Application.

Thus the only wise and Righteous King catcheth the craftiest Foxes in their own Burrowes, and turns their proud Surmises & Gensures upon their own Pates. This occasioneth me with Amaze­ment [Page 35] and Astonishment to cry out O God how deep are thy Be­ing, thy Attributes, thy Providences, thy self and all thy wayes be­yond our thoughts and finding out!

To proceed, I had observed and prepared many Quotations out of G. Fox his Book, but they desired not to hear them read, as in the following dayes of Conference they were read by my continual importunate Urgings: I say at first I could not get op­ortunity to insist upon some Particulars, a Last whereof I think now fit to present the Reader with.

In Page 155. of G. Foxes aforesaid Book he brings in one J Stallam their Opposite saying [ To say the Light in, every man gave forth Scripture, and will open Scripture to us, is palpable Dark­ness, and contradicts the Scripture] G. Fox answers, [ All be in utter Darkness and know not the Scripture, untill they come to the Light that every man was in that gave forth Scripture, for the Light lets them see to what it was spoken, and Christ the end of them.

The english of that Answer is, G Fox his pro­d [...] Folly and Impiety. That every man, that is all Mankind Men and Women if they will, can give forth Scriptures, or write holy Scriptures: I know they call this Light, God, and Christ, and Spirit, the Covenant of God, the Life, Truth and Grace of God. I asked them in publick [Since this Light comes into this world in and with all Mankind, Pertinent Queryes and [...] whether it comes into them at the Conception, or at the Birth, or when else?

Whether it was in all Mankind before the coming and death of Christ Jesus or whether to those that are in the world since his coming, or both? Whether it be in the Under standing, Will, Memory, Affections in any of them severally, or lodged in all of them jointly? For it was a prodigious Fable to imagine such a Sun to shine in every Room of an house, and yet none of the In­habitants, nor any that come into the house discern and see it: Christ Jesus saith, as the mouth is, the heart is, and before a true turning unto God, we are in darkness, we are darkness, we hate the light of God and endure not to see it, but wish there were no God, no Father of Lights to discover and plague us for our dark Courses: yet our Hearts are so cunning and cheating that they will tell us that we have Light and Christ and God within us, and that we can speak and write holy Scripture, not remembring that (as Christ Jesus said of the Temple) ou [...] hearts are Dens of Thieves and (like painted Tombs) full of dead mens bones and rottenness, [Page 36] untill a second Birth by the Word and Spirit of Christ Jesus.

Again, in the some Page G. Fox brings his Opposite saying, [ And to say every mans Light is the true word of Prophecy is an old Fable, no man shall be able to spell out a syllable of the Gospel by all that is written in a mans Heart.] This subtle Fox answers, [ The Light that enlightens every man is Christ, and the sure Word of Prophecy to him he shall find it] In this Passage who can but see their horrible and simple profaning and wresting of plain Scripture: Is it not clear as day to him that is not willingly blind, that this word of prophecy in Peter, is the Word which the Prophets spake and writ of Christ Jesus, unto whom the spirit of God in Peter sends us, as being a more sure and convincing word to us then that voice which Peter and John affirmed that they heard from heaven in the Mount of Transfiguration? But thus profane­ly and simply do others of them affirm this Light to be that Pro­phet which Moses wrote of, Deut. 18. whereas the holy Spirit in Stephen Acts 7. applyes expressly that Phophesie to the Person of the Lord Jesus, that God-man in one person, whome Moses and Stephen preached the great Messiah, or Christ the anointed Pro­phet, The tumultuous time of he [...] in [...] Priest and King unto all that receive or believe in him.

Now diverse observing the publickly expressing how unsuitable it was that three of the ablest Speakers amongst them should Con­sult openly and whisper and utter themselves one immediate­ly after each other, and sometimes all together as one man against me: W. Edmondson answered and excused it saying, that it was mine own Paper (which he often produced) which exprest my Offer to make good my Position; against, all Comers; But I replyed (once and again) That as God is a God of Order, and doth all things in Number, Weight and Measure, in Most admira­ble Order and Method, so I had thought that (according as I writ and spake to them) they would have had so much Ingenuity to conceive, that nor I nor any man was so simple as to offer to Dispute with, to oppose and to answer twenty or thirty or one hundred at once: But thus like subtle and impudent Foxes and Jesuites they pleaded and practised from the beginning of the Conference unto the end of the 4 th day, Tis had to hold the Foxi­ans or any Quil­ty [...] to a fair Dispute. resolving to make use of and (like dying men by drowning) to catch at any ridiculous Ad­vantage though unchristian and uncivill.

But the truth is, this and many other Dicouragements and Dis­advantages and Difficultyes the Lord Jesus graciously and faithfully [Page 37] (For his name sake) enabled me to cut through, otherwise I saw the Debate would not have held on so many Hours as it did Dayes, I knew they had as much mind to this work (no nor any guilty Soul in the world) as Bears to be tyed to a stake to be baited: and I must humbly declared and predicate it (to the praise of the Father of mercyes, and for the incouragement of others to be Patient for Christ Jesus sake) that an hand from heaven caried me through to the end of each day, and to the end of the whole business.

Sometimes I offered to proceed to another Point, but all this first day was spent upon the first Point of true and false Quakers: For though many upon a sudden spake as Mr. Coddington Mr. Easton (then Governour, who spake sharply) William Dyer, William Harris and others against me, yet I minded closely what my Antagonists vented, who were placed on high in their Desk against me: John Stubs and John Burnet were more sober and manly, but W. Edmundson (who was the junior of three) would speak all like Solomons foolish woman, loud and clamorous, simple and knowing nothing, being in truth nothing but a flash of wit, a Face of Brass, and a Tongue set on fire from the Hell of Lyes and Fury.

One Instance here fell out, for when I urged that it was not what man had within him already, and brought into the world with him, that made a true Quaker, but the Spirit of God accom­panying and blessing the Reading and Hearing of the writings of God preached and opened: I said the Heart of man was shut up lockt and ba [...]'d up in willing Ignorance and darkness untill the finger of God in the use of those and other blessed meanes, pick open in a more gentle way, or break open by great afflictions and and terrours the Soul and Spirit of man. I said that Paul preached the word by the River side, but the Lord opened the heart of Lydia: and while I was saying that, It was not Paul nor Pauls Preaching nor the word that he preached— at this word W. Ed­mondson clamour'd out, He speakes Blasphemy: But it pleased God to move the heart of our Deputy-Governour Capt. Cranston justly and seasonably to witness against this Interruption saying, W. Edmondson justly improve by the De­puty Governor Capt Crawston Let him have liberty to make out his mind: So I proceeded and said, it may be W. Edmnndson is offended as thinking I spoke a­gainst the word Christ; but Christ Jesus knowes that I had no such thought, but of the words which Paul spake. And I added that it was not Lydia nor all her Light within her, nor Paul nor [Page 38] his Preaching, nor the word nor words that he uttered, but the Finger of Gods Spirit (according to Election) that set the word or words of Paul home, opening her heart and not every heart, (shewing what free grace is against the Popish and Arminian and Foxians exalting of Cursed Nature) and then it was that she being by the Lord turned, she turned to attend & apply to her soul the words which were spoken by Paul, as a poor Rams-horn made use of in the hand of God.

Toward the end of the day W. Edmondson fell into a long Invective, how I had falsly standered the People of God, not on­ly in this place, The Forians boast of their Number. but the whole Body of the People of the Lord called Quakers in all parts: For said he we are a great people, many thousands in England, many thousands in London, besides in Virginia and Barbadoes and other places, and N-England. And he and they said, hast thou any more to say to make out thy Lyes against them.

I Answered (as at other times) that the Papists the common Protestants, the Jews and the Mahumitans and Pagans &c. fir­ed the world with their Numbers, and yet we jointly opposed them in Religious matters notwithstanding their innumerable num­bers: And as for more proof that they were not True Quakers, and so truly Fearing and Trembling before God, I told them I would produce an Argument, that they were so far from being Christians, that they were a to be exploded and abhorred of all Mankind, as being fallen beneath the common temper and na­ture of the Humanity of men and women, yea of the Savage and Barbarous in the world, viz. their stripping stark naked their Men and Women and Maidens and pasting along in publick places and Streets unto the Assemblyes of Men and Youths and so were beheld and gazed upon by them! and this under a pretence of being stir­red up by God as a Service or Worship unto God, as an act of Christian Religion proceeding from the immediate moving of the most holy Spirit of God, most glorious in purity, and purity and holiness it self.

At first W. Edmundson seemed to make strange of the matter as if it could not be proved that any of their women should so appear in the Assemblyes of People. Two of the Fox­ian women na­ked in New-England. I told them the matter of fact was so notorious that it would be loss of time and Impudence to question it, being so fouly and openly practised both in Old and New England.

[Page 39] Also I added further, that G. Bishop of Bristow, one of them­selves, in his second part of the Persecutions of New-England, re­lates in print the names of two women in N-England that did so practice: and he complains of N-England Persecution because those women suffered Whipping for those actions by the Courts and Officers of N-England.

John Burnet said that the People called Quakers, were a People known to abhor all Impurity and Uncleanness and the Appearance of it, and if any of their women should so practice, they should condemn it in them, yet nevertheless if it should please the Lord God to stir up any of his Daughters so to appear as a Sign and Testimony against the Nakedness of others, they durst not con­demn it.

John Stubs said, that they did condemn all immodest Appearan­ces in women, both in Behaviour and Gestures. But if God stirred them up and commanded them to this service to discover the Na­kedness of others, they could not but acknowledge Gods hand, and submit to it: And he further added, that it was a great Cross to a sober womans spirit so to act, as well as an affliction and suffer­ing to her body.

John Stubs likewise alleadged the Prophet Isaiah, (as also did W. E.) and the Sign of the Prophet Ezekiel: and John Stubs read the 20 th of Isa. where Isaiah was commanded to goe naked for a Sign to the Egyptians and Ethyopians, to prophesie and de­nounce that they also should go naked with their buttocks un­covered as the words are: and this is (said they) a proof that the People of the Lord might be stirred up by God to such actions for Signs unto others. Isai. 20. discus­sed touching Nakedness.

I Answered, That this was in the dayes of Figures and Signs, Shadows and Ceremonyes: And though this was G. Fox his Answer (in his Book which I had there by me) yet G. Fox through­out all this his Book in Folio, turns of the Allegations and Argu­ments of many of his Opposites with this Answer, to wit, The Substances is come, the Body is come, Christ the End of the Law, the End of the Command, the End of the Scriptures, the End of the Prophets, and of all Signs and Shadows and Figures.

2. Although it were so threatned that the Ethiopians and Egyptians should so goe totally and stark Naked, and that Isaiah did so, which is much questioned: yet it is not to be questioned but that the Egyptians and Ethiopians in their flight, would cover [Page 40] their Secret parts with the first cloaths or raggs they could get, as it is no question but the Prophet Isaiah did.

3. The difference of Nakedness of Mankind and Womankind is very great in all Nations. The Sex of Women is more fitted and framed by God for a Covering, for Retiredness and keeping at home and for Modesty and Bashfulness; nor do we ever read, that ever God commanded such a thing to Women, or that ever it came into his heart, or that ever any Godly Woman did so prac­tice: there is no shadow or colour of Proof from the holy Scrip­ture, nor from any Civill and sober People, no nor from the naked Barbarians themselves, who though they suffer their Male Children to go naked till about seven years old, yet cover they their Females from their birth: Tis true it is said in Brasil and other bruitish places some Savage bruits go so, but they are Cani­bals, Men-eaters &c. and other B arbarians do not so except in Drunkenness and Madness.

They still answered, that they would not Countenance any such Practice but if the Lord God so commanded his Sons and Daughters it must be obeyed.

I demanded of them how it should be known that it was the voice and command of God, The true voice of God, and ma­ [...]y false and retended. the God of Holiness, and not the command of the unclean spirit? for I told them under that Cover that one of them might be so commanded, and sent of God in such a posture and behaviour amongst men, why might not ten or twenty, yea all the women in this present. Assembly be so stirred up as it were by the Spirit of God to the horror and amazement of the whole Countrey yea of the whole World?

They seemed to me to be Confounded with this Argument and weary to hear of it, and not willing to speak to it: I therefore took occasion my self to say that it was true in former Dispensa­tions. The Command of God came to Abraham to kill his own Child, his son Isaac, and this fact enjoined him did seem as hor­rible unnatural and cruel, as this Nakedness of the Women unwo­manly and unnatural. But,

1. It was in the day and dispensation of such wonderfull Signs and figurative teachings unto men.

And 2. I said God did furnish them with a Spirit of discerning the true dream from the false, Immediate In­spirations and Revelations. the true voice from the false, the voice of God from the voice of Sathan: But in our day wherein God had altered his Dispensations and Revelations which he [Page 41] used to the Fathers, and had spoken to us by his Son, and had left his mind both in the old and new Scriptures or Writings: We have the example and President of the Lord Jesus, that is, to attend to the holy Scriptures only, and to use the weapon of [ It is writ­ten it is written] against Satkans immediate Inspirations and temp­tations.

Here W. Edmondson fel into a great heat against me and said that I spoke Blasphemy, in saying that Abraham and the Saints then! had a way and Spirit of discerning the Spirits which we had not, implying that Gods Spirit was not the same: He added, that I had kept them long and had proved nothing, and yet we had not done with the first Position. I replyed, that I had produced such Grounds as should never be shaken, and that I presumed did ap­pear to the Consciences of many, and I heartily desired might also appear unto their Spirits, Soules, and Consciences. Some of the Auditors spake to this Purpose, especially W. Hitchcocks who in­sulted upon the Water Baptisms.

And thus by Gods Mercy and Patience the Discourse of the first day ended: which very day was notable and significant as to the created Sun in the Heavens, The Eclipse of the Sun in the midst of the first dayes Disputa­tion. who in the midst of our Contest was eclipsed, and hid his Face remarkably, and preached aloud to us, that although the true Lord Jesus Christ the Sun of Righte­ousness, do suffer (in his infinite wisdom and and Patience) false Christs and false Prophets and Herod and Pontius Pilate, and his e­nemies of all sorts, Jewes and Gentiles, to cloud his Face and Glory a little from the World and his own People, yet he will break forth again in his eternal brightness, splendor and glory.

When that heavenly young Martyr or Witness of Jesus Christ William Hunter was burnt at Burnt-wood in Essex it was a close and gloomy day, A note of W. Hunter burnt in Essex at Burnt wood. but this gallant young Champion of Jesus Christ crying out aloud at the stake, Son of God look on me, Son of God shine upon me! immediately that most wonderfull Light & Fire of Hea­ven the Sun tore the clouds and brake forth and shined gloriously and remarkably upon the face of this blessed Witness at the suffer­ing of the flames of fire, son Jesus his truth sake against the who­rish Principles of both the Papists & Quakers: and thus do the holy writings tel us, that this most glorious light the Sun of Righ­teousness, visibly appeared in his glorious and glorified Form and Shape to the visible eye of his servant Steven while he patiently suf­fered for the true Lord Jesus [...] the murthering Stones to lay him down to sleep.

[Page 42] THE second day of our Spiritual Contest & Battle being come (being the tenth of the sixth Moneth Angest (so called) I heartily wished that I might rather have kept my Bed then have gone forth to a whole dayes fresh Dispute with such (reputed) able and noted Champions. Not that the most high Lord Jesus whose cause and Name I was that day to manage, for the next point was about the true Lord Jesus Christ) not that I say he faild me in my Resolution to march on against Men and Devils for his Name sake, nor that he faild me in my cheerfull Confidence that he would carry me in the everlasting armes of his Power and Good­ness through that dayes Conflict (as he had done the day before) but that he was pleased to try me with more than ordinary Wea [...] ­ness and mouldring of my house of Clay, that so my strength might be in a great respect immediately from Heaven, consider­ing my great unfitness for this dayes Service: for thus it was, [...] bo­dy to the second dayes Contest. My continued loud Speech all the day before had left an impression of Hearsness upon me, and much rain falling that afternoon (after the Eclipse) I took some wet in my feet that evening, so that my Hoarseness increased, and all that day my Head was afflicted with pain, and my voice with a painfull Hoarsness. I lookt up to hea­ven, Prayer and, Patience. and desired to wait as a Begger at the Gate, and as a Dog under the table of Mercy, and my Spirit was chearfully resolved not to give occasion of Reproaching the name of God to them who (I knew) waited and watched for it, nor any Disappointment to such as were resolved to attend the Meeting.

This day I chose a middle Seat neerer to the Seat of my three Antagonists J. Stubs, J, Burnet, W. Edmondson that so I might be heard the better with less straining of my Voice and Breast.

I began and stood up and said, the holy Scriptures by the Pro­phet Jeremiah told us of certain Bow-men, Spiritual Bow­men & [...] some that bent their Tongues as Bowes for Lyes and complain'd that none were Valians for the Truth: I told my opposites that they and I were met as Bow men, and I could heartily desire that all our Arrows might fly one way, to wit in the defence of the true Lord Jesus Christ against the false: But since I had charged them in my second Po­sition to have set up a false Christ in stead of the true Lord Jesus I should address my self to make probation of my second Position. Yet before I enter upon it, I pray the Readers Patience to be ac­quainted with some Particulars.

[Page 43] First. Though my head was ill, and my voice & speech hoarse and painfull, yet the Lord graciously carried me through the the whole day with little hindrance in my self, and little disad­vantage to the understanding of the Auditors.

Secondly. This dayes Discourse was but accidental and additi­onal, The second days Contest. for they and I desired to have finished the the whole first se­ven Positions in one day at Newport, only in my paper I added, that if the whole seven were not finished in one day, the Conference might continue some few hours the next day following: on this second day therefore was a great Assembly, the Governour, Ma­gistrates, Inhabitants and strangers, Men and Women, &c. And this dayes Contest also held unto the Evening.

Thirdly. As I had beg'd of god a Spirit of Patience to hear all their Censures, Reproachings, Revilings, Vapourings and Insultings, so it pleased God to exercise me with one notorious though pri­vate, A black and senceless Impa­tation. That I was Drunk, and could not speak that day as I had done the day before: But my Daughter Hart, at whose house I lodged, and John Trip sen. who lodged with me can testifie that I com­plained of Illness, and eat but a few spoonfulls of milk with Mr. Trip at Breakfast: and though my daughter kindly offered me a Dram for my Illness, but I refused it knowing it might curdle the milk I had taken, and so increase my cold and Obstruction: & this the most holy God knowes, and these Witnesses know was all I took that Morning which might conduce to that soul Slander, of being of Drunk that I could not speak plainly that day.

Fourthly. The confused spirit of the Qua­kers. This day also I encountred with that Disadvantage of all the three aforesaid Disputants at once with all their might fighting for their Idolls and Images against me: I spake of it, and so did others again and again: But W. Edmundson still bruitishly pleaded that it was mine own Offer to undertake all [...]: I answered as before, that I took them to be rational Men, and by all Comers not to understand ten or twenty or an hundred confu­sedly at once, but in a fair and equal way, one after an other: it was grievous & often exprest by some of the Audience: But as be­fore on the first day I resolved not to lose time, or suffer a Breath: and the Lord was pleased to make my Yoke easie and Burthen light.

Now to the proof of my second Position which was, The second Po­sition. That their Christ was not the true Lord Jesus Christ.

[Page 44] Here I prayed their patience to suffer me to tell them that they were not Christians, Concerning true & false Christs nor Professors of the Christian Religion: They might (with Jewes & Turks & Papists) profess one God, yet Christians they could not be: but as the true Lord Jesus told us, many false Christ and false Prophets should come, who like Mountebanks instead of true Physitians, and false and counterfer: Monty instead of true, Traitors & Re­bills against the King eternal &c M [...]rtherers of him. should with Satans power and policy pass up and down and deceive Peoples and Nations, so I must affirm and de­clare that for their parts they had cut of the head of the Christian Religion, the true Lord Jesus Christ, and they had set up a false Christ, a false King, an Usurper in his stead, they had like Michal put a wooden Image, upon a pillow of goats hair in Davids bed, but David himself was gone, the true David, the true Lord Jesus Christ was not to be found amongst them: this I spake expresly, and they did hear me awhile.

My proof was, First. Because the Description and Character which the holy Scripture gives to the true Lord Jesus, no way a­grees with the Image which they have set up. I told them that it was known that the word Christ was a greek word signifiing [...] as the word Messiah in the Hebrew did. The true Lord Jesus Christ I said this true Lord Jesus was one Person made up of two Natures, God and Man united into one person, I said one Individual person, whatever S Fisher blasphemously utters against it. That as to humane Nature or being Man, all the Figures and Ceremonyes, al the Priests and Sacrifices pointed to him as the great Prophet, the great anointed priest the great anointed King and Governour &c. [...] humane na­ture which G. Fox all night long so barks a­gainst.

2. As to his humane Nature and being a man and One Man Moser and the Prophets wrote of him: of his Mother a Virgin, of the place of his birth Bethlehem, of his bringing up at Naza­reth, of his Scourging and other sufferings, drinking Vinegar and [...], she [...] of his hands and feet, the numbring of him with Malefactors, the parting of his Garments and casting Lots, his banying, rising and Asscending &c. and I said all those Prophe­sies and many more were exactly, literally, and punctually fulfil­led in and upon that Individual Person: so that I affirm, there is such an exact material and literal Harmony between the Prophesies and the historical Narration of his Birth, Life, Death, Resurrecti­on, &c. that he must needs be an Unbeliever, ( Jew or Gentile) that doth not acknowledge the admirable Consent and Musick of [Page 45] them, in a literal and historical Declaration.

On the other hand I affirmed their Christ was but half a Christ, a Light, The Quakers Christ allegori­cal and [...] Fancy destroy­ing the History. an Image or Picture or Fancy of a Christ made up of the Godhead and their flesh, I said they had set up a Christ within them which was but an Imagination, an Image, a Christ in the mysti­cal Notion: but in reality Nothing: For as the Papists make use of the name Christ, and the Pope saith he is Christs Vicar and Lief­tenant, and he doth all for Christ, and the Jesuites (soaring above all Christians pretend the name Jesus, and yet the Protestant Witnesses have made it to appear that in many respects the Papists are infinitely against both Christ and Jesus, and so are not Chri­stians but Antichristians: so I told them did they, they blew a Trumpet for Christ Jesus, God in Man, the everlasting Father, that we are bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh, that he was so born at Bethlehem and dyed at Jerusalem &c. And yet all these fair Flourishes and Colours are but as an English Flag in a Spa­nish or Dutch or any other Enemies Bottome: For do not all their Books declare that Christ is Spiritual, that Christ God and Man is within us, that his Birth, his Life, his Death, his Burial, his Resurrection, his Ascention are wrought within us, so that like the Oracles of Apollo, and the Ecchoes of the Jesuites the Quakers say Christ was born at Bethlehem and dyed at Jerusalem, but intend in truth and reallity no other birth nor life nor death &c. but what may be extant and wrought in the heart of man. Humphrey Norton deales plai [...]l [...] against the Person of Christ

To this purpose I told them that Humphrey Norton (one that blew the Trumpet and beat up his Drums in the Name of Christ Jesus as loud as any of them) expresly writes openly in his Book printed at London after his return from hence, to wit, Is not Christ God and is not God a Spirit? you look for a Christ without you, from what coast or Countrey shall be come? what Country-man is he? You stand gazing up in the clouds after a man, but we stand by in white chiding of you. So that if you fix now really and truly upon a Man the Manhood and Humanity of Christ, and that he did consist and still doth of body and soul (as we doe) then you are gone from, (and Christopher Houlder in his late Answer to Nathaniell Morton) are gone from your former Religion, Te­nents and Principles, The Equivocati­on of the [...] or else you are miserably bewilder'd in your Souls and Consciences, and some of you most fearfully equivocate, and others must be fearfully up to the ears in Boggs & Swamps not knowing what to hold between this Christ without, and the [Page 46] Christ within which you so much charge upon all except they [...]e Reprobates.

I told them I acknowledged Christ within as much as any of them, & infinitely more, for I did confess that every believing [...] did bring home and apply the power and virtue of Christs Birth, and Life and Death &c. Eph. 3. 10 The true union that is between Christ Jesus & Believers. according to that clear Scripture Eph. 3. 10. That Christ may dwell in your Hearts by Faith. I said there was a nearer union between Christ Jesus and a Soul be­lieving on him, then between a Man and his Wife, and between the Soul and the Body. That Union is Earthly and dissolving: but that between Christ Jesus and the Believer, it is eternal in Gods Decrees and Councells, it is temporary in Gods calling of his Chosen our of the World, to Repentance & belief in the Me­diator Christ Jesus, and it perpetuated and continues to Eternity.

I told them that (as the holy Scripture saith) they preached not Christ Jesus but Themselves, yea they preached the Lord Jesus to be Themselves: that whatever were their Pretences (as the Pa­pists) of God & Christ & Holiness & Mortification, yet they held not the Head (as the Scripture speaks) and if their Head be but a painted and an Imaginary Head, The Quakers painted Christ. they are but a painted and Imagi­nary Body. Their Sun of Righteousness they talk of is but a Sun painted upon a Sign or Wall which is not the true Sun, but the picture of the Sun of Righteousness.

I told them they set up this Christ within, opposite to Christ without, as Opposites & Contraryes, Denying & Destroying one an other: Christ within and Christ with out. for as it is with a King and his Palace, if his person be without, his person at that time is not within, though he be with­in by his Right, Authority and Influence: if his Person be with­in the Palace at that time it is not without. But the most clear Truth is though these subtle Foxians sometimes speak of a Christ without that dyed at Jerusalem agreeing with the Christ within, yet they presently declare their meaning to be Mystical: For ask them but these two Questions, and if they make any Answer you will see the Cheat, Two Questions to Quakers. the Equivocotion and the Mistery of Iniqui­ty in it.

1. Do they not hold the Light within every man to be All, to doe All and to suffer All within which the Christ without, Is or Did or suffered without.

2. Ask them what is now become of this Man, this person that thus suffered at Jerusalem, and they are forced to confess he [Page 47] is within, and can give no other account of him, as they answered to me at Newport the last day of the Conference.

But to return, I told them what I said I would prove out of their Writings, and especially out of G. Fox attested by Ed Bur­rowes his large Epistle, and as it was thought by John Stubs present.

John Burnet declared not, (nor any of them) against what I spoke: but said (as said the rest) if G. Fox have spoken or written any thing that is not right and truth, we profess not to follow him: and they were willing I should produce out of G. Fox his Book what I could that might make for my proof, viz. That they did not profess the true Christ.

I said G: Fox had pi [...]kt out some particular Lines, Sayings & Sentences out of the Books and Writings of his Opposites, (it is not to be questioned but to his utmost Advantage, G Fox his Book in Folio produ­ced. Page 3. as knowing best how to Answer what he chose and call'd out) and since they were tree and willing, I would produce some Instances: I took up the Book and read in the 3d: page, where he brings in his Opposite Samuel Eaton saying [The Saints have not Christ in the Flesh] G. F. his Answer is [ Contrary to Christ and the Apostles Doctrine, ‘ who said they were of his Flesh, and of his Bone, and should eat his Flesh, and they that eat his Flesh have it in them.’] Whence I affirmed that Christ Jesus had such a Body as might be really and materially in the Saints, and it was clear that they were one with the Papists in their sayings and Doctrines denying the Flesh, The Papists & Quakers de­stroy the Person of Christ. Body and Person of Christ Jesus: For as the Papists in stead of a Spiritual feeding upon his blond and Merits, they sub­stitute and bring in a Real, Material and Carnal, in their horri­ble and fantastical Transubstantiation; so do the Quakers pro­fessing to eat Christ spiritually, wholy destroy his material and fleshly being.

I proceeded saying, in the 4 th Page G. Fox brings in the same Opposite saying, The Saints do not see Christ, the Heavens con­tain him.. And G. F. Answers ‘ And the Apostle saith they sate with Christ in heavenly places: so he is contrary to the Apostle, and Christ was in them and walked in them, and God dwelt in them and Christ in you except you be Reprobates.’ I said that as the Papists were up ridiculously & odiously with Hocest Corpus me­ [...]m, The being of Christ in the Heavens This is my Body &c. so they with The Light within you the Light that enlightens every man, Christ within you except you be Reprobates &c.

[Page 48] For if the Heavens do contain that Man Christ Jesus bodily. (as they gran [...] in word) saying, They believe he dyed, rose, and ascended: then in that same sence and respect the Saints cannot now sit bo­dily with Christ in heavenly places, and therefore to alledge Christ within, and their sitting with Christ in heavenly places, was but irrational Nonsence and Jesuitical Equivocation:

The truth is they were gravel'd with these Considerations, and they were willing that G. Fox his book and his Answers should answer for them, The Quakers endure not try­ing but are wil­lingly ignorant. and although the oppositions of G. Fox his Op­posites were mighty, and G Foxes were meer simple barkings of dogs or foxes compar'd with the rational and prudential An­swers of a man, yet when I began to open and compare the Asser­tions of the Opposite and Fox his answer, they would cry out (es­pecially W E. like a galled horse winthing) Why dost thou make thy Observations upon G. Fox his words? G. Fox his words need not thy Expositions, let G. Fox his words alone they are able to speak for themselves.

I told them it was a senceless business for me to alleadge, (and they to be willing I should) G. Fox his saying and his Answers, and we should not debate and discuss the Sence, and I make out my Proof out of G. Fox his words, and his Adversaryes compar'd together: when they had spoken they knew their liberty to take of my Answers with their own, and leave what was spoke to every ones Conscience in the sight of God.

They were Obstinately (that is in Greek Heretically) resolved to avoid this Course, Willing Igno­rance. therefore I was glad to hale my Tacks & Bo­lings close home, and make my best of a bare Wind and now and then loof up into the wind, and get liberty to say something and omit abundance of my Thoughts.

Once I was forced to say to W. Edmondson: Friend yesterday you quoted the 9 of Nehem. how it pleased God to send them his good Spirit to guide them: I pray remember now a word in the 8 of Nehem. Nehem 8 they gave the Sence. They read and gave the Sence and caused the Peo­ple to understand the Reading. Without this searching for the Sence and meaning, the Pith and Marrow of the holy Scriptures, or any other Scriptures or Writings we make use of, what are our Readings but the Papists Latine, The Quakers nonsensical Spirit. the reading Ministers, the pratling of Children and Parrets? yet notwithstanding all that I could say and urge, it is known to all the Audience the Song was, let G. Fox words alone to Speak for themselves, if thou hast any [Page 49] more to bring forth let us have them: so that as before I was forced to wave my Observations and Intentions, and pass on to new Allegations: Though now I shall crave liberty to touch and point at (as with the finger) the Opposites Assertions of Truth and G. Fox his unsavoury and rotten Answers.

In Page 8. John Bunyan Christs twofold Presence. He brings in John Bunyan &c. saying [ The Lord Je­sus Christ is a far in his bodily presence] and G. Fox answers [ And yet he saith the Lord is at hand, and the Apostle said he was in them and Christ said he would dwell with them] I here observe and re­ply, the holy Scripture abundantly tells us of a twofold presence of Christ. 1. His bodily visible Presence, which John Bunyan speaks of and the Quakers in words grant. The 2. His Spi­rituall, invisible Presence, of which many Scriptures speak and that most clearly. Eph. 3. 10. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by believing &c. Concerning this visible bodily presence, of which the Question is. First. G. Fox his impertinent and silly Answer is not to the Point no more then the East and the West is to one point of the Conpass. 2. He fallaciously, (most unchri­st [...]ly and impiously) denyes the body of Christ Jesus to be any where, The Quakers Conjure with Christs Body. and as Conjurers do ( H [...]oas P [...]as) that which all now see is gone & vanished, so that with the ancient enemies of Christs Hu­mane Nature, the Manicheans, they say and unsay and at last af­firm a Christ only God and Spirit dwelling in them, and in all man­kind also.

About this time these subtle Foxes minded to spin out Time, and to wave the close Fight of examining Particulars concerning Christs humanity. The Quakers endure not sen­ces or Mean­ings just as the Papists and yet talk all of light. G. Fox his Book was brought forth (the same with mine) John Burniat took it and went along with me in the Quotations, I read and alwayes endeavoured to make my proof out of the Allegation: But W. Edmundson kept strict watch and stood Centinel, that no Observations of Sences or Meanings should pass, resolving to keep out the Fire and Light of Christ Jesus with Stand, or [...] let fly a Fire (from Hell) upon you. Well, I knew what froward Children and bruitish Spirits I dealt with, & resolved to go softly and to speak softly, and as I could gain ground by inches (at least) for liberty to give my witness for the Lord Jesus

In Page 9. He brings in John Bunyan &c. The old [...] of Christs Pre­sence. affirming that the Son of Mary, God-Man is absent from his Church, G. Fox answers, but never touching Scripture about it. [ contrary to [Page 50] Christs words, I in them and they in me: and I will be with you to the end: and Christ the Head of the Church & where two or three are gathered &c. and the Saints are bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.

I Reply, here half an eye may see as before, how he gives no other Presence or Absence of a Christ but invisible and Spiritual, and subtilly affirms that Christ Jesus hath no bodily Presence at all in the sence which all Christians of what sort or Sect soever (but these Juglers (and themselves also in word and horrible hy­pocrisie) do acknowledge and profess,

In Page.10. Fox & Bonner no difference. He brings in the same Author saying [Christ was not in his Disciples when he said I am the Light of the world] G Fox answers. [ And so corrected by Christ, I in you and you in me]

Pag. 12. He brings in the same Author, saying [ The Body of Christ is out of the sight of all his Saints,] G. Fox Answers, (they sat with Christ in Heavenly places, the Saints are Flesh of his Flesh, and Bone of his Bone, were the Church which he is head of his Body:) In which I Answer, The Quakers pretend to owne Christs [...] & yet it truth allow him no [...] to shed. and all his Book over (though he own a Christ without, and that died at Jerusalem in word yet he allows in effect no other Body to Christ Jesus but what is Mistical and Spiritual: so that with notorious Jugling, and Jisuitical Im­p [...]dence, they would make their simple Followers believe that they own such a Christ as shed his Blood at Jerusalem, and yet leave him in his Body no more Blood to shed then is in a Spirit which hath no Bones, Flesh nor Blood to shed at all.

Pag. 17. Enoch Howet. He brings in Enoch Howet Affirming [ That it is Blasphemy to say that Christ is in Man as God Man,] G. Fox An­swers (still like the Cuckow in one silly Note) How are they of his Flesh and of his Bones: And doth not the Scripture say, Christ in you, and God will dwell in you, and walk in you, and are not his Saints of his Flesh, and of his Bones, and there is one sentence added, are they not partakers of the Divine Nature?

I Reply, The divine and humane nature of the Lord Je­sus. This Participation of the Divine Nature is (saith Pe­ter) in the Saints by those precious Promises, that is by receiving Christ Jesus, by believing in him according to that Ephes. 3. 10. (That Christ may dwell in your hearts by [...]) not that the Divine Being or Essence and Nature or God [...] communicable to a finite Creature: from hence these [...] S [...]mpletons fancie (and some have been such bold [...] as to say) they are Christ and God, as much as he that died at Jerusalem, Christed with Christ and Godded with God.

[Page 51] It is remarkable that Nicholas the Deaton was the Father (as I believed) of the old Nicholaitans and Henery Nichols in King James his time the Father of the new Nicholaitans in London and other places, Nicholas the Deacon and Nicholas Fathers of the old and new Nicholai­tans. crying up their perfection, their Spirituality and Godhead, all leading from the purity of Gods Worship and Authori­ty of the Holy Scripture, and at last to carnal Filthiness as the Daughters of these the Ranters declare evidently.

This Humane Nature, So Cristopher Houlder be boggles at the wor [...] Manhood humane Soul and Body of Christ Jesus is so cross, opposite and contrary to their new whimsical Christ Jesus (the Light within them) that G. Fox in all this Book cannot endure to hear of the Word Humane, as being a new Name and never heard of in the Scriptures.

As to the Word Humane, The word Hu­mane considered such an odious Word and Bugbear to G. Fox in all this Book: I said publick; many Words truely and properly English were well and commendably used that were not in the Scripture in English: it is true the Word Humane comes form the word in Latin Humanns, signifying partaining or be­longing to Man: used in the Scripture, 1 Cor. 10. so a Humane Soul or Body is no more but such a Soul or Body as all Mankinde have. Hence I told them, that the word Anthropinos peirasmos, 1 Cor. 10. (I presumed John Stubs knew) might have been turned Humane, but is truely turned no Temptation or Trial but such as is common to Men. This Fox knows, that if Christ Jesus be granted to have had such a Soul and Body as is Humane or Common to Men, down falls their Dagon be­fore the Chest or Ark of God, viz. their Horrible, Monstrous Idol of a Christ called Light within them.

We went on thus in alleadging Quotations, though not in a close Examination of them which they endured not, though ever and anon I made some sallies out upon them and had some Skir­mishings, and sometimes sharp Disputes before I would retreat from the Quotation.

In Pag. 282. Dan. Gandry Christ not seen as be is until the day of Judgement. He brings in Daniel Gandry saying [ We shall not see Christ as he is until he comes Judgement, and then and not before we shall see him] G. Fox Answers, (You where you are see him not: nor know him as he is, we do believe you: but the Saints the true Church whom he is the Head of, in whom he is in the must and in whom he is, &c.

I was not desirous to trouble the Audience with more Quota­tions, but they still urged, haste thou any more, hast thou any more, &c. upon their provocation I Quoted many more (to [Page 52] make up an overwhelming Cloud of Witness against these Pro­testant Jesuits and Judasites, Betrayers of the Son of God the true Lord Jesus Christ.

In Foxes Answer to his Opposite Daniel Candry it is clear that he affirms the contrary to his Opposite, to wit. that Christ Jesus is as much now seen visibly as ever he shall be seen: in which I believe he speaks the heart of all the Antichristian Wolves and Faxes who quake and tremble at the thought of Christs return again to judgment: The personal [...] of the Lord Jesus. and therefore these deluded and deluding Souls in their dark Prisons of willing Blindness, and the hellish Chai [...]es of the pride and hardness and security of their hearts, they dream they sit in Robes of Glory themselves & now keep open the high Court of eternal Judgment and pass Sentence upon this Christ without as a poor Outside Christ and all that worship him.

2. I observe in Fox his answer that he can not keep out of his Burrew of confounding a visible eye and a Spiritual, A visible and [...] visible eye and object. a visible and an invisible seing; you see him not saith he where you are, that is you that look upon such a real person indeed, such an one born living and dying as the History sets forth, you cannot see him as he is, but we that look at Christ Jesus and the history of him as Mystical, immediate, invisible, though we use to please you children and fools with the words of Christ dying at Jerusalem: we see him he is in the midest of us: and he is the invisible Head of the Church in God, while you talk of Visibles and seing him as Visible &c.

In Page 276. he brings in Richard Meyo saying; that he did believe in a Christ that dyed at Jerusalem: Christ within & Christ without. and he that doth not believe a Christ within, and preach Christ within, is a Repro­bate Colloss. 2. 2. Cor. 13. And he is not in a true Belief of Christ without, that doth not believe in a Christ within, but is in the Devils Belief, and believes as the Devils do.

In this his answer an humble Soul may see how this subtle Traytor under the golden Name of Christ, and Christ within in the heart, he stabs at the heart of the true Lord Jesus, who suffered for poor Mankind in mans own nature at Jerusalem.

2. I observe his virulent and venemous Mind and Pen stab­bing damning and reprobating all that truly believe in the true Lord Jesus, The Papist and Quakers Christ is [...] where. whome he confesseth to have been a real man dying [...] Jerusalem, &c. except they can believe that he is now no where to be found but in every mans heart that cometh into the world, that is no where.

[Page 53] In Page. 246. He brings in Christopher Wade saying, [ It is whimsical to say Christ God and Man, Christoph Wade. Flesh and Spirit is in them] He answers. [ Contrary to the Apostles Doctrine who said they were of his flesh and of his bone, and Christ in you, and he would walk in them, and he that hath not the Spirit of Christ in none of his, and they are of his flesh and of his bone, and Christ in you the hope of Glory]

In the same Page he brings in the same Author saying [ Flesh and bone cannot be a measure in one and a measure in an other] He An­swers [ wher as the-Apostle saith, we are of his Flesh and of his Bone, here thou art contrary to the Apostle, and that was more then one that had the Flesh of Christ, and his Bone and his Spirit.

In Page 248. He brings in the same Author saying, [ Its a false thing to say Christs Person is in man] He Answers, [ which is as much as to say, none are of his Flesh nor of his Bone nor eat nor had not his Substance.

And Page 249 The Saints bodyes are not Christs body. He An­swers, How are they Christs? How dwels be in them? and how are they of his Flesh and of his Bone then? and how bruitish are you become in Knowledge? hath he not bought them with a price, and are they not his?

And in the same Page he brings in the same Author saying, that neither Gods Essence, nor Heaven, nor Christs Person was in Pe­ters holy body. He answers, but the Apostle said God will dwell with you and walk in you, and again, our conversation is in Heaven.

And once more in the same page There is not whole Christ God and man in men. Answ. Then how must men grow in the measure of the fullness of the stature of Christ: and Christ and God will dwel in man and walk in man, God that made all things, and Christ by whome all things were made.

I Reply, this Author Christopher Wade I know not many of his Opposites (living and dead, whome he here vapours to answer in his Book, The Author whome G. Fox [...] and in Pride and [...]ad­ness [...] a­gainst. I know were worthy of Christian esteem and honour for the grace and Knowledge of Christ Jesus in them, and for other worthy respects: and whither this Opposite or any other whome he pretends to puffe at or Answer, have thought this audacious Quacksalver worthy of any Reply, I know not: For certainly (as he commonly concludes his Answer in his Book) Thy many notorious Lyes and Slanders and Blasphemyes are not worth the mentioning. however for the proof of my Position I am occasioned [Page 54] to follow this Fox into his holes and Burrowes, and to hale him out before God, Angls and Men as a most greedy audacious Fox and Wolfe, not sparing the Son and Lamb of God, nor his preci­ous Lambs and Sheep.

Now to all these last Quotations, The Quakers Christ but a whimsical Christ I say (as the Opposites to Fox said) that this Notion of Christ within opposite to Christ without is a most Frantick and Whimsical, Gross, and Blockish Fancy: For though he grant Christ Jesus to be a Man which d [...]ed at Jerusalem, yet making him only Spiritual, and such a Christ as is whole Christ, God and Man in every man in the World, he makes Christ Jesus to be but a Whimsical Christ, and that Man that died at Jerusalem but a Babylonian Fancy.

In Pag. 221. He brings in the Author to a Book called Hosanna to the Son of David, Hosanna to the Son of David saying, [ Christ is without the Saints in respect of his Bodily presence,] He Answereth, (They are of his Flesh and of his Bone, and eat his Flesh and drink his Blood: and how have the Saints his Mind and Spirit, and he with them and they with him, and sit with him in Heavenly places, and he is the Head of the Church: how then is he absent? the poor Apostates from him who feel not Christ with you, but he is with the Saints, and they feel him.)

I Reply, I observe this Viperous Tongue saying to the unknown, heavenly Author, and Fox his other Opposites [Ye poor Apostates &c.] what is it but a heighth of Develish Pride going before de­struction and condemnation? this proud swelling Bladder puft up with a Timpany of Wind and Vanity, what a huge swelling shew he makes? what a breadth of confident boldness and bruitish impu­dencie he carries before him? what a gross, Frantick Papist is he become, that cannot, will not distinguish between Christs Spirit­ual presence and his bodily? The Spirit of the Papists & the Quakers [...]. that cannot, will not consider the dif­ference between Spirits and Bodies, a Spirit that hath no Flesh nor Bones, and a Body which hath both, as Christ his Body had? that cannot, will not distinguish between their sinful Flesh and Bones, and the finless Flesh and Bones of that Man Christ Jesus? that cannot, will not distinguish between God manifested in the Flesh and Bones of that Man Christ Jesus, and manifested in the Flesh and Bones of Believers in him: O most Holy and Righteous are thy Judgements, O thou most High Judge of the World, who art a devouring fire and Justice it self, who thus castest down the Proud and Self-conceited into the Dungeon of such Black and Hel­lish Ignorance!

[Page 55] Pag. 217. Out of a Book mentioning the Quakers Cause, say­ing, [ To say Christ within is never to mention Christ without] He Answers, There is none knows Christ within, but he knows him without: the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever: And there is none knows him but they know him within, revealed of the Fa­ther, which is beyond Flesh and Blood. The Quakers notoriously dis­semble, for they do own and not own the Christ that dyed at Je­rusalem.

I Observe, This foolish Fox (for all his hiding Craft) is here found out: He professeth (against his Will and Heart) a Christ that died at Jerusalem, and therefore is he forced to name a Christ without: but when the Hole and Burrough is Digged the Fox is found: For Examine what is this Christ without! is he that litte­ral, real and material Person the Son of Mary (as all professing Christs Name generally agree? Is this he whom the Quakers ac­knowledge to have lived and died at Jerusalem? and do they intend a Material Crosse, a literal Death, a literal and real Jerusalem? some of them will say yes, but therein give the lye to others of them­selves, and also to the rest of their own story, in acknowledging no other Christ but such as in every man: such a Christ as real­ly and bodily died at Jerusalem, they scorn and hate and fly from as the Devils did, crying out, What have we to do with thee Jesus thou Son of the most High God, art thou come to torment us before the time? Hence the former Arch-deacon or Arch-bishop of these parts Humphrey Norton: Humph. Nor­ton more plain in words then other Quakers. he mocks at an outward Christ, he asks what Countryman he was and shall be: He reproves the Fools that have their Eyes abroad, and gazing after a man into Heaven, he jeers at the Crosse, and asks what manner of wood it was made of, seeing we must take it up dayly? And Fox faith, this Jesus Christ without and within, is Jesus Christ yesterday, and to day, and the same for ever: Christ yesterday and to day therefore in the Logick or Reason of this Bruite, Christ had no body that was born at Bethlehem, or died at Jerusalem: For he was born yesterday, and to day, and he is born forever: he dyed yesterday, and he dies to day, and he dies for­ever, which is a most Heavenly Truth relating to Gods purpose, Christs Merit, and to Forefathers, our present times, and such as yet must be born and follow after us.

But such Mystical and figurative Scriptures (which are in them­selves like Sampsons Lion and Riddle) through Satans Policy, and the proud simplicity of these simple Foxes, are made the common Holes and Burroughs where you may be sure to find them [...] just like the Jesuites (whose Cosens, if not Brethren of one belly of Hell [Page 56] they are) who usually confound clear Scriptures with Spiritual and Mystical Illusions, and fly from Distinctions and openings necessa­ry in places more dark, figurative and allegorical.

In pag. 211. He brings in John Burton saying, That the man that was crucified his body is now in the presence of his Father, absent from his People as touching his bodily presence. He Answers. Doth not the Apostle say he is the Head of the Church? and doth not the A­postle say they are of his Flesh and Bone and sit in heavenly places with Christ, and Christ saith, they must eat his flesh, and he is in them.

As I remember at the reading of this Quotation, I urged that herein G. Fox did plainly deny (as indeed in all the rest I have quoted) Christ Jesus to have had such a body as could be born of a woman, wrapped in swadling Cloathes, &c. as could be hun­gry, The Quakers endure not to be searched, tem­ [...]r of false and [...] spirits. weary, sleep, discourse, apprehended, buffeted, whipped, nail'd to the Gallomes, die, be buried, arise and ascend up visibly into these visible Heavens, now in the presence of his Father, and absent from his People on Earth, as touching his bodily presence: But one of my Opposites, (I think two of them) bid me not wronge G. Fox by my Observations, for his words were not so. I Answ. In effect and Substance they were, for G. Fox here, (and in all his Answers) maintains the Negative to what his Opposites Affirm. The Quakers & Ap [...]lines Ora­cles the same. And 2. As to the grounds of his deniall it is clear that sometimes they are most plain and clear, and sometimes most subtle, and commonly such as will bear a twofold Sence, on which they commonly ground some Jusuitical equivocation.

In Pag. 210. John Burton He brings in John Burton saying, Christ went a­way into Heaven from his Disciples, and so not within them. He An­swers, Did not be say that he would come again to them? Did he not say he was in them, I in you? And did not the Apostle say Christ was in them except they were Reprobates? the hope of Glory? was he not revealed in the Apostle and so in him? and did not the Apo­stle Preach Christ within, and you preach Christ without?

Again in the same Page [ Those Believers that are in the body at this day are absent from the Lord:] He Answers again, Doth not the Aposte say Christ is in them except they be Reprobates? and he is in them the Hope of Glory? [...] Jesuites in the world the Qua­kers [...]. and they have fellowship with God, and God will dwell in them, and walk in them, and he that believes believes in him, in Christ and so not absent.

Again in the same Page, they say [ He is absent from them as touching his flesh, He Answers, Doth not the Apostle say they [Page 57] are of his Flesh and of his Bone▪ and he that eates not his Flesh, hath no life in him, and they sit in heavenly places with him, and he that eates his flesh hath it in him.

And again in the same Page they say [ There is not any Heaven within into which the Man Christ is ascended, or can any man con­tain a man four foot long?] He Answers [ Christ is a Mystery, and is he not to be revealed within who is a Mystery? He who did de­scend to be revealed and made manifest in his Saints in flesh and Spirit, that did descend, which is now manifested, that the World wonders at: that is ascended far above the Heavens, who is the Saints life living Bread and Drink: and where ever used the Mi­nisters of Christ any such expression as thou doth, which shews that Christ to thee is a Mystery?

Reply, In all these four Passages G. Fox expresly denies that Christ is ascended into Heaven from his Disciples: That Believers now in the Body are absent from the Lord: that he is absent from Man as touching his Flesh: The Quakers wonderful jug­ling about the true Christ and that Christs Body is not containable in a place according to his stature and proportion.

2. In his Answers he notoriously jugles and equivocates as if he maintained Christ in Truth, he that lived and died at Jerusalem, and visibly ascended into the Heaven, though the whole scope and the plain open faced meaning of his words, with loud cries tend alto­gether to another business, to wit, to set up himself by setting up the Image and Picture, this Imaginary Christ which he calls the Light within them.

The same Author saith, Pag. 206. [ A false Christ hath a new false Faith to apprehend this Crucified Christ within,] He Answers, John Burton: [ which is contrary to the Faith of the Apostles which Preached Christ that's Crucified within and not another: Him that was raised from the dead was risen that Lord Jesus Christ within, the same yesterday, to day, and for ever, by whom the World was made glorified with the Father before the World began: it was be that was manifest in the Saints, that was, and is not another, for the other is Antichrist.]

Again in the same Page, it is a Sceipture of the Devils making to apprehend this Christ within: He Answers, Now I say if there be any Christ but he that was crucified within he is a false Christ, and the Scripture holds forth this, and the Devil never made it, but he and his Messengers are against it: And he that hath not this Christ [Page 58] that was risen and Crucified within is a Reprobate though Devils and Reprobates may talk of him without.

This Quotation was read again in their own Book by John Bur­net, and they magnified the Christ within, but they would not suf­fer me to observe the sence and argue from it, The Quakers Traitor & Re­bels against the true Lord Jesus saying, G. Foxes Words were plain concerning the true Christ: And so indeed I say they are to any penitent Soul truly (like Paul) unbottom'd from weak and filthy self, and his own Dunghil Righteousness, and burn­ing with sincere Affection to the true Lord Jesus: For these subtle, Foxes, and their Words discover (as the Sun at noon day) that as plainly as ever Absalom, Achitophel, Shimei, Sheba rose up in con­spiracy and Rebellion against David, &c. as plainly as ever Judas and Peter (for a time) and Alexander the Copper-smith, and Hy­meneus, and Julian the Apostate denied Davids Antitype the true Lord Jesus: so under the Cloak and Colour of Christ Crucified within, do their Rebellious Traitors bear Arms against the Medi­ator between God and Man, the Man Christ Jesus: For although it be Scripture Phrase, that we are Crucified, Dead and Buried, and Risen with Christ: yet what a poor proof is this, that Christ was Born and Crucified &c. yesterday, and to day within us, and there is no other Birth nor Life, nor Death, nor Grave but what is within us, and all are Reprobates and Devils that bow not down to this painted devouring Monster.

Still my Opposites were catcht in their own Craftiness they seemed well pleased that G. Fox should be heard in his Answers to his Adversaries. I have known the poor Lobsters catch the Foxes. and I restrain'd and stopt from making out my Proofs from the Sense, and Scope and Mean­ing: I was yet glad that so much was discovered, that I had (by Catches) liberty to give fire sometimes, and intended to make use of this present Advantage (which I from the first intended, when I saw I should be stopt, and they would not afford me the liberty I gave to them without the least Interruption) as John Stubs con­fessed.

Page 135. He brings in Thomas Moor saying [ Christ is absent from us while we are in this Mortal Body] He Answers contrary to the Apostle, who saith, the Life of Christ is manifested in their mortal Flesh.]

And Page 136. The same Author saith [ Christ is distinct from every one of us, and without us in our particular persons,] He An­swers, [Page 59] [ The Apostle said Christ was in them except thed were Repro­bates: and they were of his Flesh and of his Bone, and they eat his Flesh and [...] his Blood, then it was in them, and he is distinct from none but Reprobates who bates the Light.]

Reply, I wondred not so much at this Thunder, The wonderful blindness and bardness of my Antagonists and Fire, and sinking Brimstone from this Foxes mouth, and that all are Repro­bates with him that bow not down to his Carved Image: but I wondred at my Opposites, who declared (publickly as before) that they would not follow G. Fox but in the Truth. &c. and yet when I read all their plain Evidences to them of Foxes denying the true Lord Jesus, God and Man, and making only a Spiritual Christ, a Mystical Invisible Jesus, &c. that yet they should be so blinded and hardened, as to cover excuse and plead for G. Fox in all particulars, and stop me from drawing the Curtain and letting in the Light by Opening and Arguing from the Sence and Meaning.

I do not remember that any one of my three Opposites gave any positive answer to any of my observations on Foxes Principles, Answers, and Evasion: All their work was to keep themselves within their [...]renches or Burroughs, and to cry out [ Thou must keep to Foxes Words] or, Wilt thou go on to another?

In Page 71. He bring in Frances Higginson saying, [ Christs Humane Nature] He Answers, Frances Hig­ginson [ Where doth the Scripture speak of Humane, the Word Humane where is it written that we may search for it: For Quakers endure not the word Humane Now we do not deny that Christ (according to the Flesh) was of Abraham, but not the word Humane: And Christs Nature is not Humane which is Earthly, for that is the first Adam.]

Reply. This ignorant and simple Cavil (as I have before pro­ved is to be from 1 Cor. 10.) is often brought by G. Fox. in this Book, in an horrible equivocation to overthrow and destroy that Humane Nature, that Flesh and Body of the Lord Jesus, who yet had such a Body they say that died at Jerusalem: These Traiterous Jesuits or Judasites tell us Humane is of the Earth or Earthly, and that it the first Adam, but Christ Jesus is of the Seed of Abraham according to the flesh, that is, in their mental Reservation, accord­ing to their flesh, God in their flesh, Christ in their flesh suffering at a Mystical Jerusalem within them: They are Abrahams Seed, Isaaks Seed in whom all Nations (by this Christ the Light within them) must be blessed: And all that are not this Seed, this Flesh, [Page 60] this Christ (which they are) are in the Serpents Nature and Re­probates. Act 513. O [...]ned of Christs Hu­manity. But amongst all the most full and heavenly Scriptures for the Humane Nature of the Lord Jesus: I shall touch but one at present, Act. 13. at Antioch, Barnabas and Paul in a Synagogue of the Jews made the Humane Nature of the Lord Jesus, (as also in other places) the great Subject of their Discourse and Preach­ing: and concludes ver. 38. Be it known unto you therefore Men & Brethren, that through this Man is Preached unto you the Forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that Believe are Justified from all things from which you could not be Justified by the Law of Moses. By the meri­torious Sufferings. Death and Blood-shedding of this Jesus (lite­rally in the History born at Bethlehem as the Quakers say, &c.) is only forgiveness of sin, and justification, &c. and not by a Chimi­cal and Diabolical Christ and Fancy within us, begot by the Devil on a proud and lazie Ignorance: Let therefore (as it follows) the Proud Despisers wonder and perish, believing not in him the true Light of the World, the true Brazen Serpent to all that look up unto him.

In Page 37. Tho Collier He brings in Thomas Collier saying, [ If the very Christ God Man be within those called Quakers he cannot come down from Heaven] He Answers, [Here he stands against the promise of Christ, that he shall come and dwell in you, and walk in you: I will come again unto you. And he hath revealed his Son in me saith the Apostle, and know you not that Christ is in you except you be Reprobates: and the Spirit of the Father speaks in you, and see how contrary thou art to the Prophets, Christ and the A­postles.]

I urged that here G. Fox did plainly deny the expected personal coming of the Lord Jesus: The second com­ing of the Lord Jesus but they charged me to give none of my Sences and Meanings to G. Fox his words: but now I have leave (by Gods merciful hand) here to say, that their Hypocrisie and Deceit (whereby they cheat themselves and others) is so much the more gross and abominable, because they pretend in words to own Christ Jesus Humane descending, or Ascending as a Man into Heaven, and Christs there abiding until the time of the Restitu­tion, and Christs return the second time: They know also that all those Scriptures they produce (as Christ in you except ye be Re­probates, &c.) concern an inward invisible and Spiritual presence, and yet they bruitishly cry out contrary to the Prophets, Christ, & the Apostles.

[Page 61] It comes to my mind that in reading & urging some of these Passa­ges concerning these Foxians denying the Humane Nature and Person of the Lord Jesus, one of my Opposites John Stubs insisted upon that 9. of Isaiah where Christ is called the Everlasting Fa­ther: and yet he said, He was the Son of Man, born of a Woman, The Everlasting Father Christ [...] & how &c. I Answered, the Hebrew word rendred by our Translators, the Everlasting Father is Translated by some, the Father of an age, or the Father of Ages, alluding to the great increase and spreading of Christs Name, and the mighty increase of his Spiritual Seed (as the Lord promised to Abraham and Isaac) as the Stars of Heaven. John Stubs said the Hebrew word was [ Abi Haad, &c.] and it was rendred Pater Eternitatis: I replied that it was rendred (and that more near the Hebrew) Pater seculi, or seculorum: But I told him it was not a seasonable time and place for him and me to spend much time about the Translation of the word: he said he had brought the Hebrew Bible with him, The Quakers wonderfull, changed & [...] but in Dissimu­lation as to learning & the Scriptures and it may be he understood the Hebrew and the Greek and other Languages as well as my self and better too: I was about to say that they were wonderfully al­tered and changed from their former principles and practises, for heretofore they have professed to me that they had no need of Books, no not of the Scripture it self, for they had the Teacher within them, that gave forth Scripture, &c. if now they were per­swaded to study the Holy Scripture, and the Translation of it, and to examine the Translations and the Copies of them, then they did err and sin before, (which they say the Saints cannot) in so wonderfully neglecting and slighting them as useless and needless things.

Yea the truth is if their Light be so Alsufficient as they make it, to bring them to Heaven, to guide them immediately and infallibly &c. what simplicity is it in them to stoop to Pen and Ink, and mens fallible Translations, yea, many wayes charged with many failings.

I know their Pretences of becoming All to All to win the more, and of removing the offence and stumbling block, viz. as if they denied the Scriptures, but the truth is, they look at the Holy Scri­ptures still but as the Ceremonies which the Apostles dispensed with for a season: they [...]re no more for the Scriptures then the Pa­pists do, they are forced to make use of them for an end, but all their hopers in their Interpretations, which both Papists and Qua­kers [Page 62] bend their utmost to secure. viz. the Priviledge of Interpre­tation, and chair of Infallibility to themselves, or else down they tumble, for most sure it is the Holy Scriptures, and both Papists and Quakers are at irreconcilable difference, if the one stand the other must fall for ever.

Although I desired to finish all the first seven Positions that day, and offered once or twice to proceed, yet W. Edmundson (speci­ally) upbraided me that I kept them long, W. Edmund. [...] and that I proved no­thing, and upon a sudden a violent, tumultuous disorderly Wi [...] or Spirit filled all his Sails, so that he rose up and fell into a down­right Speech or Sermon to the People and Auditory: and first he declared how notoriously I had wronged them, in laying and pub­lishing so many false, and some of them dangerous Charges a­gainst them. 2 And how they had been so long patient towards me and suffer me to produce so many Allegations out of G. Fox his Book, and yet they speak nothing for me, but G. Fox his words cleared him from all my unjust challenges and charges. 3. He Appealed to the People, how willing they had shewed themselves to own the Scriptures, and to have all their Teachings and Diffe­rences tried by the Scriptures. 4. He fell upon the two H [...]ges of all the Quakers common Discourse.

First, An Invective against the Priests, False Teacher, False Apostles, who had got on the Sheeps cloathing and sold the words of Scripture for their Game and Lucre and be amplified this much how all their care and study was to get a good Living or B [...]nifi [...] of 50, 60, 100 or 200 pounds a year (more or less) and he that complained how I took up time, now (tediously) made us all to hear a Story, [...] concern­ing Benefices which he said he knew himself of one of the Priests that lived not many miles from the place where W. Edmund. lived, who told with his own Mouth unto William Edmund, viz. how that having a good Benefice, another Priest of his acquaintance came to visit him, whom he entertained kindly, and this his Guest told him that he was going to the Bishop of Dublin, who was his Friend: and the Priest the Host was afterward informed that this treacherous and ungrateful Guest, did use all the art he could with the Bishop of Durham (or Dublin) to get his Friends (that had en­tertained him) his Living from him.

2. The second part of his Sermon was (as usually it is of all their Sermons) an extolling and magnifying of that Light which [Page 63] he said had appeared to him, which he advanced as the Principle and the Foundation, the Light, &c. he added how they had left all the Glory and Pleasures of the World for this Light: And his vain extolling of their Idol Light and how they had endured and suffered much for Preaching this Light to ungodly and ungrateful men, who had ill required them for their Message and Work was only to bring good News unto them, to tell them that they should be free from sin and have Christ Jesus live and dwell in them. I kept silence until this famous Apostle and 'Preacher of Christ Jesus had done this Speech or Sermon which he said he was moved in his heart to make unto them & (as he often said) to give an account of his Faith which he performed with very great zeal and fervency, both of mind and body.

I had thought then to have spoke, John Stubs his Sermon but immediately Jo. Stubs stood up being moved (as he said) to Declare his mind and Thoughts unto the people also, and so he began a large Oration, Speech or Sermon also (though not so long as William Edmund­sons) he declared how pleasant a thing the Light was, and how pleasant a thing it was to behold it? And he said, are you angry be­cause we bring you the Tidings of the Light? This was the principle, this was the Foundation of all, the Light, &c. He added (for John Stubs his was but a Repetition of William Edmundsons his Sermon) that they had forsaken all the Glory of Honours and Pleasures of this World for this Light: and they had left their Wives and Chil­dren, and exposed themselves to hard Travels and to many Hard­ships and Sufferings for the Light sake: I heard him also pati­ently and gave him to Interruption (as he twice openly confest that I had not interrupted them: but when he had finished his Sermon and I had gained a little calm and liberty of Speech, imme­diately before I could finish one Sentence, that Pragmatical and In­sulting Soul W. Edmundson stopt and Interrupted me, so that I openly complained of incivility and inhumanity: that hearing patiently their two Sermons, The Quakers [...] interruptions they were set down, and common Reason said that it was my turn to speak, and every body desired what Answer I could [...]rame to hear it, that then I should be di­sturbed and stopt was [...] the Societies of Civil and [...] I then Answered, A short Answer to 2 Sermons [...] these very Sermons or Ora­tions which they had now made to the People were so far hereath [...] an Answer to them that [...] afforded [...] and invisible Argument, that the Spirit of God [Page 64] was not the Author of them: For we all knew that the Spirit of God was most purely Rational, and a Spirit of pure Order, and did not prompt or move men to break Hedges and leap over one Or­dinance into another: We were engaged in a mutual Conference and Disputation, The motions of Gods spirit not those of the Quakers we were in the midst of it, how came we then to fall into Popular Orations and Sermons? is it comely when persons are Disputing to fall upon our knees and Answer an Argument with a Prayer (as it is a frequent practice with the Quakers,) is it pro­per to break off Prayer and fall to disputing, or out of Disputa­tion into Preaching?

But I said my Opposites Spirit was far from the Holy Spirit of God. The Quakers not orderly nor patient and his movings are far from the Motions with which my Antagonists were acted, for they had neither power to keep civil Order, nor to be patient, for not being able to answer nor bear my words W. Edmundson said expresly what should we sit here and suffer him thus to vent his Blasphemies and Lies? he hath kept us here two dayes, and hath proved nothing, &c.

I took a little boldness and told them, that if Paul himself were present, or Jesus Christ himself in their bodily presence which they confessed he died in at Jerusalem, yet they would say unto them, even unto Christ himself, thou hast falsely charged but thou hast proved nothing: Paul himself should be an Enemy, and Jesus Christ should be a Blasphemer and a Beelzebub because he brought glad news of the Truth from Heaven to them.

I further said, that I had more to offer in the name and in the cause of the true Lord Jesus Christ, and after I had got liberty of speech, I said that as they which denied the person of the true Lord Jesus denied the true Lord Jesus himself, The Offices of Christ Jesus so they which denied the Offices which God the Father had invested him with and designed him to fulfil, they denied the true Lord Jesus Christ.

They demanded of me wherein they denied the Offices of Christ Jesus: I Answered, I had many things to declare in which they denied the Offices of Christ Jesus (as well as the Papists for which we se­perated from them as Antichristians, not holding the Head the true Lord Jesus the Sacrifice and Sacrificer, the only Prophet. A­postle and Messenger, bringing in the last times, the last Dispensation and Will of his Father: contrary to the Papists who set up (some of them) the Pope and (some of them) the general counsel above the Lord Jesus declaring his mind in the Holy Scriptures: and con­trary [Page 65] to the Quakers who set up a voice or motion within them overtopping and over pouring the voice or Christ Jesus in the Scriptures, some of them maintaining that this Light within them is that great Prophet that was to come which Moses Prophesied of, Deut. 18.

I said I would contract my thoughts, The Kingly office of the Lord Je­sus. and speak at present only a little of his Kingly power and Office, and I plainly denounced that they were all notoriously guilty of High Treason against the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus, yea as far as in them lay, they robd him of his Crown, and Life, and All.

In particular I told them I had abundant proof there ready to bring forth from G. Foxes Book, that he and his Associates denied (yea all of them) that visible Kingdome and Church and Institu­tions which he as King over all his Subjects hath Sovereign Right unto, and most faithfully and wisely ordained to continue until his coming again. The visible Chri­stian Church & Ordinances.

I told them that G. Fox his Book and all their Books and Pro­fessions denied any visible Church of Christ at all: and though they maintained and kept up Congregations (of pretended Chri­stian) Worships and Worshippers (in a direct contradiction unto their own Tenents, yet) they maintained the Church was in God and so not visible: the Officers of the Church were invisible and immediately made by the immediate and invisible Spirit. The Ba­ptisme was within, and only the Baptisme of the Spirit and of Fire: The Lords Supper appointed by the Lord Jesus to be a Spiritual Feast remembring him until his coming was with them nothing else but Spiritual joy, which they have one, in and with another, which they have by the second coming of the Lord Jesus to them, who they said was come again to the Apostles the second time, and unto themselves also.

Upon this (as I remember) there fell out some words between my Opposites, and some of the people called Baptists: But some of them (especially John Stubs) demanded of me, why I thus charged them and was my self so guilty, not living in Church Or­dinances myself. Touching the se­verall Churches extant.

I Answered, that it was one thing to be in Arms against the King of Kings and his visible Kingdome and Administration of it, & to turn off all to Notions and Fancies of an invisible Kingdome, and invisible Officers and Worships as the Quakers did: Another [Page 66] thing among so many pretenders to be the true Christian Army and Officers of Christ Jesus) to be in doubt unto which to asso­ciate and to list our selves.

After all my search and examinations and considerations I said, I do profess to believe, [...] nearest to Christ Jesus that some come nearer to the first primi­tive Churches, and the Institutions and Appointments of Christ Je­sus then others, as in many respects so in that gallant and heaven­ly and fundamental Principle of the true matter of a Christian Congregation, This was and I hope is the prin­ciple of the N English Church. Flock or Society, viz. Actual Believers, true Disci­ples & Converts Living Stones, such as can give some account how the Grace of God hath appeared unto them, and wrought that Heavenly Change in them; I professed that if my Soul could finde rest in joyning unto any of the Churches professing Christ Jesus now extant, I would readily and gladly do it, yea unto them­selves whom I now opposed.

But Thirdly. Not finding rest, they themselves knew, there is a Time of purity and Primitive Sincerity: there is a time of Trans­gression & Apostacy, The various ap­pearances of Christ Jesus there is a time of the coming out of the Babilonian Apostacy & Wilderness: there is a time of many Flocks pretending to be Christs and saying, Loe here he is &c. and a Command of Christ Jesus, goe not into the Wilderness, goe not into the private Chambers: There is a time when Christ Jesus his Doves and Loves cry out to him, O thou whome my Soul loveth, tell me where thou feedest, where thou makest thy Flock to rest at noon; for why should I be as one that turns aside to the Flocks of my Compani­ons? I doe not remember that any Reply was made to this by any of my Opposites, nor heard I any more of this Objection.

I now praied there patience to hear me a few words: I said we had spent two whole dayes from morning to night and had pro­ceeded no further then the Debates of the two first Positions, M [...] offer in the end of the second dayes conference. I told them if they were free I would attend them again in the Morning (being the first of the week) to fall upon the proof of my other five positions remaining for Newport: or if they were not willing to that, I would (if God permitted) attend them there on the second day called Munday, in the Morning to pro­ceed upon the rest.

W. Edmundson said, Lying pretenders to Gods service they had spent so much time already upon but two of them: and both he and John Stubs said they had other business in hand then to attend unto my false Charges which in all [Page 67] this time I could not make out: they said they must go about the work of the Lord to which he had called them.

I told them I had used all diligence, I failed not to meet them a­bout the exact hour appointed, and alwayes before the Audience was come. I never withdrew nor absented a Minute, but put my old Carcase to constant pursuit of my promise which lay on me to fulfil, and to make out my proofs, although they had spoke never a word until I had finished: I used all possible brevetie, The Authors just Apologie against the adjust [...] of the Quakers and oft times suppressed my thoughts pressing in upon me for Utte­rance and Audience; I rather chose thus to Apologize for my self, then down right to blame them, on whom (they saw well enough) I said the blame of our long proceeding. I told them I had spoken nothing to them but the Eternal truth of God, which sooner or later would arrest them, and using aloud the words of the Lords Jesus [ viz. The words that I have spoken shall judge you at the last day.] I withdrew.

Within a quarter of an hour they sent one to me to desire my coming in again to them and William Edmondson (commonly their proud mouth) told me that I had deeply charged them and laid many false Accusations upon them, and some of them dan­gerous, both as they were Christians, and as they were men: they had used long patience in hearing of me, and yet because it should be seen that they were willing to hear the utmost that I had to say they would meet and spend a few hours with me on the second Day following at nine in the Morning, only they would not endure any long and tedious Discourses.

I Answered that their own souls knew, A mutual agree­ment for a third dayes confe­rence. and the Auditors knew I used to be brief: and if they had pleased to have given me leave, I would have finished the whole seven by noon the first day: and I would now promise them (by Gods help) to finish what I had to say to the other five remaining in a quarter of an hour, so that in five quarters of an hour I would present them with what I had to say: W. Edmundson said they would expect I should so do, and all of them seemed well pleased that I offered to dispatch each Position in a quarter of an hour; I said they must not count me false & a Promise-breaker if I was not exact to a quarter of an hour possible I might be within a quarter, possible I might something exceed it, but I hoped not to exceed above a quarter.

W. Edmundson replied, Nay Roger thou must be punctual if [Page 68] thou wil [...] be a Christian: and indeed afterward at Providence he unjustly more then once upbraided me saying, A quarter of an hour [...] Is this your quar­ter of an hour? I answered that Christians, nor any prudent man would be so curious and critical as to raise Censures and Accusa­tions upon the nicityes and uncertaintyes of a few Minutes, for unless we had [...] and quarter-Glasses (as in some Ships) it was impossible to be exactly punctual: however by Gods help I said I would study such Exactness, that I would rather o­mit much I had to say then fail in my promise to them.

After this (as I heard) W Hitchcock of Newport held dispute with them about Water-Baptisme, I was withdrawn being even­ing and weary.

I was told by many of Providence, that I knew them they would not stand a Disputation: or if they did they would not con­tinue without great Advantages and be as slippery as Eeles, and break off abruptly, The Quakers [...] & policy as their spirit hurried them, I therefore studi­ously endeavoured to tole and drive them to the finishing of my remaining five at Newport, and the other seven at Providence. And thus by the most wise and gracious hand of God we came to the end of the second dayes work, and the second Position and the end of the Week.

It was queried by some why (at Newport and Providence after­ward) they appointed the end of the weeks for the Disputation? and why since it was not finished they would not proceed on the first day? It is not immaginable that they cordially owne that day; (for the Quakers work upon it) but they wisely resolved to have the whole first day with the People to make up their Breaches, The Quakers would not dis­pute on the first day and why. stop Leakes dress the wounds that might be in the foregoing Agi­tations against their Consciences & Credits. It is dolefull that men of excellent parts, and of great Knowledge in the Scripture, should yet so ly under a Sentence of Gospel justice, that they can­not but deceive as they are deceived, that they cannot but believe Lyes, and tell Lyes, horrible and blasphemous Lyes, as confidently as the Purest Truths, and suck in, and powre out the poyson of Dragons, the great red Dragon, the Eather of Lyes, instead of the sweet Milk and Wine from the Breasts of the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the son of God Christ Jesus.

[Page 69] THe third day of our Conference being come, The third dayes conference at New-port being the second of the Week as was appointed, W. Edmundson be­gan and said to this effect, Roger, we have waited upon thee two dayes already to hear what thou hadst to say to prove thy false Charges against us: we are here according to promise to spend some hours about the rest of the seven which yet remain: we must tel thee that we wil not give thee leave to make a long work of it: if according to thy promise thou wilt dispatch each af the o­ther five in a quarter of an hour, we will keep our promise and hear thee.

I knew it was in vain, (as in the other two dayes past I found it) to insist upon their obstinately continued Advantage of three con­stantly engaged against me (beside their accidental speakers who had liberty when others were forbidden) I say notable and Chief men in their way and Sect: A Letter sent into all of us. and having just then read a Letter as I sate there directed to my self and all of us to be read in the Assembly, I begun with presenting the Letter to them, and told them that just now it was delivered to me &c. I knew not certainly from whome it came, nor of one Tittle of the Contents of it: only I judged it to be my Brother Robert Williams (School-Master of Newport) his hand: I read the Superscription and of­fered if they pleased to unseal and read it, or I would deliver it into their hand so to doe.

W. Edmudson answered that they came not thither to hear Papers, but to hear how I would make out my false Charges a­gainst them and this he speaking none would whist against it, and this he did speak because my Brother beyond my expectation and thoughts spake some words the first morning against their Insulting and domineering over me, as also delivered a paper to them which was with much adoe handed and delivered to them but never read, containing these two great Points in every true penitent Converts eye, viz. the sight of Sin as Sin. And 2. The sight of the material Lord Jesus as the true Messiah or anointed, these were the two Daggers which they knew stab'd at the heart of their feigned Christ and Light within them.

I knew my Brother patiently waited there the two first dayes, and was (with others) silenced: The letter refu­sed to [...] by the Quakers. and now I guessed he had sent them his mind and would trouble them no more. I told them [Page 70] the whole Assembly had Interest in the Letter, as directed to us to read to the rest.

W. Edmundson and the rest desired the Auditors to speak if they desired to have it read: some of the Quakers said it might be read when the business was over: so I to make no breach put it up, and in the end of the day offered it again, claiming their Promise, but they regarded it not, so that after the Conference end­ed (we of Providence being called away by a Boat preparing to depart) I stept to my Brothers house and acquainted him with Passages, who said that not only the Superscription was his hand but the Letter also, and I might open and read it, and (if it might be) present it to the intended Assembly at Providence: of which we shall hear when it pleaseth the mercifull hand of the Lord to bring us to those Transactions. In short, The Sum of the Letter it was refused there also & therefore I have judged it fit, since it was so solemnly flung out both at Providence and Newport that it should have as solemn a Publication to the whole world, and the rather because it is a witness of Truth as to the [...] first dayes transactions, Myself repro­ved in the Letter in 3 particulars impartially reproving my Opposites and me also where he conceived we were failing: It is true I am not of my Brothers Conscience as to the Discipline of Christ. viz. [...] have admonished the Quakers in private, before I had so publickly &c. since they pro­claim their sin like Sodom on the house top: and it is preposte­rous to run from House-top sins to closet Concealments and Ad­monitions.

2. Nor can I own the Quakers in their, wayes and worships to be Servants of the Lord (as my Brother calls them) any more then the greedy Wolves, devouring the souls of the Ephesians, Act. 20. were the meek and innocent Lambs and sheep of Christ.

3. Nor doe I think I charged them too deep or too sharply, The difference of the Quakers as my Brother speaks: I knew the Foxes and Wolves (the able Leaders amongst them) do not run away with Pigs and Worldly Swine only, but that some Lambs and Chickens of Christ Jesus are carried away in their (Soul bloody) jaws also, whom I beseech to remember themselves, and I humbly beseech the God and Father of mercies to pull them out, and help all that love his Name, to help to pull them out as Brands from the Eternal Burn­ings. As for the Wolves and Foxes the Blind Leaders, Sharpness some­times a duty the Chap­men that by seigned words make Merchandize of Souls (2 Pet. 2.) [Page 71] mouths must be stopped, and the Prey rescued from their Jawe [...] and because we ought to save what is saveable, and to recover poor sinners Leaders and Followers from their corrupt and rotten Profession we ought to use Sharpness, Tit. 1. Reprove them Sharply (Apotómoce, cuttingly) that they may be found, or reco­ver in the Faith of Jesus.

These three words I thought fit to say as to my self, let the Qua­kers answer for themselves, who I fear will answer to my Bro­ther as they did to me [ Lyes, slanders, false Accusations, &c.] However the Reader is here presented with the Copy of it.

This was that poor Letter (condemned unheard by these high Saints who now keep Judgement day) to the fire and ever­lasting silence: this was the two edged Sword which smote in the honest upright intentions of the Author every way reproving me, reproving them, and yet having so much Sugar with his Vinegar and Honey with his bitter Powder, The modesty of this letter that had it been unseal'd and read at Newport, or read at Providence, whose taste could it have offended, but theirs only who like the men of China, judge all the World to have no eyes but themselves excepting the Men of Eu­rope to whom they will grant one eye, and that is more then our proud Pharisees will do to any that bow not down to their most grosse Phylacteries.

But from this finger of God this providential Letter appearing upon the Wall before us: I return to the work of the day, which was the Discussion and Probation (on my part) of the other five Proposals remaining.

I therefore (after the Letter was put up unread into my pocket) requested their Patience, while I produced my Proof of the third Position, The third Posi­tion against the Quakers spirit Discussed which was, viz. [ That the Spirit by which they were acted was not the true Spirit of God:] Tis true I had many things in my mind and memory) some of them I here express) but I was forced to pick and chuse and lay by: for I told them that according to my promise, and their expectation I would present them with the Substance of my proof of this Position in the com­pass of about a quarter of an hour.

[Page 76] I reminded them first of the nature of the Word Spirit in La­tine Spiritus, The word spirit in Greek P [...]ma, in the Hebrew Ruch and Ruach, signifying sometimes Breath, sometimes Wind, and from thence applied unto God himself, unto Angels, unto Men, as denoting a spiritual, powerful, invisible fine substances distinct from flesh and earthly Bodies: Hence God was said to be a Spirit, not properly but that his Being was pure, powerful, invisible, &c.

1. Whether God was properly a Spirit (as the Quaker af­firmed) we had some controversie at Providence of which here­after.)

2. Concerning Spirits, I observed two great Sects: 1 Those of the Pharisees (who were accounted to most Orthodox, Sound and right, holding such a Spiritual Substance in Angels and Spirits and a Resurrection. 2. The Sadduces which held neither An­gel, nor Spirit, nor Resurrection, as at this day, &c.

3. It is clear there is a two fold Spirit: 1. Holy and pure: such a Spirit is God himself, The quality Spirits and the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father by the Son, such are the Spirits of the Angels, the Spi­rits of Gods Children in part, and the Sprits of just men made perfect (the Quakers say here, we say in the life coming.)

The other Spirit is a wicked Spirit, a lying, and a murtherous Spirit in Sathan and his Children, yet often counterfeiting the Ho­ly and pure Spirit, like the Oile and Ointment which God pre­scribed and forbad the like of it to be made on pain of death. Therefore we are commanded not to believe every Spirit, but to try even the very Spirits, not only of men but of Doctrines, Churches, Religious, pretending the Name of God, (as do the Turks, Jews and Christians) and of the Son of God. as do all the Antichrists and Antichristians extant. All Spirits must be tried.

4. The Holy Spirit of God (being the seven Lambs of Fire, the seven Eyes, and seven Horns, Rev. 5.) he is pleased to work variously.

First in an ordinary way of Regeneration and Sanctification, &c. common to all the lowest and youngest of Gods Children, ( John 3. that which is born of Spirit is Spirit) Hence we read of the Spirit of Prayer, and of Holiness wrought in the Soul by the finger or power of God: so that the knowledge of the God, the fear, the love, the trusting to and in God, the calling upon God is natural to all Gods Children, Gal. 5. Abba Father, &c.

[Page 77] The second is extraordinary and immediate, such as was pour'd upon the Lord Jesus, Isai 1 1. such as Christ breathed upon the Apostles, and by the Apostles hands upon others when they sp [...]ke with Tongues, foretelling things to come, and penning the Holy Scriptures of Records, as did the Prophets of old, and the first Messengers the Apostles of Christ Jesus.

I told them I had many things so say as to the false Spirits of the false Christs, and false Prophets, the Spirits of Devils as well as the Spirits of God (in the Revelation) and the three wayes of deceit mentioned, 1 Thess. 2. by Spirit, by Word, or by Letter: but I would contract my self, I say that their Spirit by which they were acted was not Gods Spirit.

1. Because the Holy Spirit of God was given by means, but the Quakers pretended all along in G. Fox and other Books, Gods Spirit given by Gods means that their Spirit was immediate or without means: I said in the 8 th. of the Romans was a Golden Chain of Gods Order or Method of Working from Predestination to Glorification: In the 10 th. to the Romans was a Golden Chain of the Means appointed, . How shall a Man be saved? The Spirit of God working by means by calling upon God? How shall he call on him except he believe in him? How shall a Man believe in him except he hear of him? How shall a man hear of him except some Preach? how shall a Man Preach except he be sent, &c, Hence Peter Preaching Christ Jesus to the first Converts, they were some thousands brought to Christ, when they were pie [...]ced to the heart, and cried out what shall we do? Peter sends them not to a Light within them, but bids them Repent and be Baptized, Act. 14. Paul so spake that many believed, Act. 16. while Paul spake the Lord opened Lydias heart: The Quakers at Newport appealed too publickly and I appealed to the Consciences of those called Quakers at Newport there present, whether in a con­tradiction this Spirit they now professed, descended immediately upon them from God (as they spake) or was not conveyed unto them by the Ministry of the former Preaching Quakers that came unto them: so that these now are but the waterers and confirm­ers of this Doctrine of the Spirit in them.

2. As Believing and Conversion comes by hearing, &c. so these extraordinary gifts and powring [...] of Gods Spirit was generally by means also: Christ used [...] upon the Apo­stles: the Spirit of God descended [...] laying on of hands: [...] Peters Preaching, [...] Spirit of [Page 78] Tongues and Prophecy descended upon Cornelius and his company, and not before, yea, and what is that waiting in silence used in private, and in the publick Assemblies of the Quakers, but [...] con­fessed means in which they wait for the Spirit of God (as poem Souls they think) descending on them.

I was then forced to omit the Allegations out of G. Fox his book then by me and ready, but I will now recite a few of them.

In page 6. of this Book in Folio, Samuel Eaton G. Fox brings in Samuel Eaton saying [ The Prophets and Apostles drew people to an outward Word] He Answers, Now is that which lives and endures for­ever, outward? and did not they bring them to Christ the power of God, which is the end of words which is immediate.

Again in the same Page Samuel Eaton [Is not the Gospel an Ex­ternal way] He Answers No, the Gospel is a Living way which is revealed within, and is the power of God so Salvation.

In the same Page Samuel Eaton [Are not they seduced who are drawn off from the External means by which the Spirit is given and Faith wrought, to wait for the receiving of the Spirit without any Word [...]o convey it to them, which Spirit when they have it is not the Spirit of Truth but of delusion.] For Answer, [The Spirit and Faith is not conveyed to any Man without the Word, and they are seduced which rests in the External from the Eternal, and the Spirit is not given by Eternal means, neither is Faith wrought.

I Reply, and observe how the wisdome of Men is enmity a­gainst God, and how witty this Fox is to catch himself and others in the Traps of eternal Howling? how doth he here confound the audible words of preachings of Gods mercy in Christ Jesus, with the inaudible, invisible, mystical and metaphrocial word, Christ Jesus himself.

2. Who sees not his gross and impudent denying of the Spirit and Faith to be conveyed by means from God unto us.

In Page 15. G. F. brings in Henoch Howet saying [ There is nothing in Man to be ministred to but man] He Answers, Henoch Howet How then ministred the Apostle to the Spirit? And Christ spake to the Spirits in Prison: and Tim. was to stir up the Gift that was in him and the Spirit of the Father speaks within them: and the Light shines in the Heart: and the Son of God is revealed in me faith the Apostle: that which may be known of God is manifest in man, for God hath shewed it unto them, Rom. 1. and the Apostle was [Page 79] manifest to every ones Conscience in the sight of God, and that was of God which the Children disobeyed.

I Reply, 1. (As in his late Book exalting his Heathen Light above the Holy Scriptures) he simply and prophanely joyns the P [...]ilistain Priests, and Egyptian Conjurers with Holy Job and his Friends, &c. so here he confounds and jumbles together the na­tural powers and faculties and Humane Light in all Mankinde with the Grace and Spirit of God both ordinary and extraordi­nary as may be seen at the fist view.

2. His Scope is (abominably and horribly) to make the holy Spirit of God capable of being-preached unto, to be converted and turned unto God, yea to refuse and be damned, for it is not Man he faith that is preached unto.

3. How Sottish and Blind doth this Deceiver proclaim himself in the Christian Doctrines of Preaching, G. Fox ignorant of the true spi­rit of God Conversion, Faith and the Grace and Spirit of God confounding Gold and Drosse, Pearls and Pebbles, Harps and Harrows (as all one) altogether.

In Page 136, 137. He brings in Thomas Moor, Tho. Moor saying [ Nor are we to wait for a further Revelation to be given forth then the Scripture for the Word of God came not first immediately to the Gentiles but to the Apostles:] He Answers, The Apostles that Preached the Word of God, it was immediate to whomsoever they preached it, for they had read it immediately for the word itself is immediate with more that follows to the same senceless and absurd purpose.

Reply, As if all that receive G. Fox his Book simply pretended to be from the Spirit of God receive it without G. Fox his Brain and Hand, The use of means and Pen or Paper, Printing and Letters: or because a King delivers his minde to his Secretary, and commands him to Pen it in a Proclamation, Declaration, &c. therefore the Kings Word or Will comes to every man immediately without any such means, as the Secretaries composing his Clarks Transcribing, the use of Printing, Letters, Paper, &c. to talke after this sort, what is it but to talk Frantick and Bedlam, and without the guidance of a common rational Spirit.

In Page 5. he brings in Samuel Eaton, saying [ Though all the Saints have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them, which is Eternal and Infallible, yet that this Spirit should do all which Saints do, and should say all that Saint say, and should judge for them, both persons [Page 80] and things after an infallible manner, and that they should neither say nor do any thing by any [...] of their own but the Spirit: all this we deny] He Answers, [...] Fox and the Quakers above all Kings and Princes. Popes & Emperors Saints and Angels Which is contrary to the Apo­stle, who faith, as many as are he Sons of God are led by the Spirit of God: and Christ acts all in them and for them: and the fruits of the Spirit, &c. and the Spiritual man judgeth all things: And that is it which leads the Saints to divide and discerne all things both temporal and spiritual; the spiritual Wisdome of God which gives them a spiritual understanding, which men must rule withal, but not with their own which comes to nought: and you that have not that which is infallible to judge in you, know not the Spirit of Christ, neither can you judge of persons or things that have not the infallible judgement, nor have the Spiri­tual man: neither have you the Word of God in your hearts, nor Christ which is eternal and infallible all which the Quakers have to judge persons and things.]

I Reply, Mahomet the Grand Segnior, or Elder, and Prophet transcending Moses and Christ (as he and his followers Mahu­metans say) he pretended that he had the mind of God by im­mediate Revelation, The Mahumetans & Quakers considered and found one and that by Revelation of the Holy Spirit in the shape of a Dove, he wrote the Minde, the Word or Scri­ptures of God the Alcoran; But poor silly Souls were Mahomet and all his Disciples compared with the Seraphical Doctors, the Foxians, who neither say nor do any thing with any understanding of their own, but the immediate and infallible Spirit of God says and does all in them: who are fit to be Kings and Princes, Gover­nours, and Judges, Masters of Ships and Families, &c. indeed of any place of power or trust, but these walking Gods, and Christs, and Spirits, even the meanest of the Quakers? May not the meanest Youth or Wench, if but a pretended Quaker (according to this rule or rate of being immediately inspired in all they do or say) transcend all other Teachers, The Quakers Godsupon Earth & all others Brasts Repro bates & Devils Translators, Interpreters, Kings and Counsellors, Navigators, Historians, Geographers, Rulers and Judges, &c. It is true that Thomas Munster and Becold, and Knipperdoling, and Fifer pretended immediate Revelations, and so have other Leaders of these Nicolaitans in France and En­gland, &c. but none were so large and open hearted as to com­municate so freely and bountifully to all their followers, the im­mediate Inspirations of their pretended holy spirit, as these [Page 81] foolish and filthy Dreamers do: for so faith Fox [ All the Qua­kers say or do is by the infallible and eternal Spirit] but how hor­ribly their Spirits, Principles, Divisions, Miscarriages (in many sinful practices) and Apostacies amongst themselves give the lye and contradict this their infallibility is notoriously proclaimed on the house top: and I may say something more to this Head after­ward.

At present I return to my Antagonists, who (while I was Ar­guing against their immediate Spirit) could not hold until my quarter of an hour, and this Head (about their Spirit) was fini­shed but brake silence, The leading of the Spirits de­bated. and they said ( especially John Stubs) doth not the Scripture say, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his: And as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God, and ye have an unction, and need not that any man teach you, and know all things?

I then answered that there was a leading of a Beast by an Hal­ter or Bridle, and there was a leading of a Man with a Reason when his understanding and judgement is satisfied, and if so, I presumed they intended, that the leading of the Spirit did not lead them as Beasts, Toe tryal of Re­velations but as Rational, satisfying their Reasons and Judgements: and if so Reason grants that there are false Spirits, lying Prophets, Seducers and Deceivers, &c. Reason therefore fur­ther faith, that every Soul must be satisfied, whether this Leading, or Anointing, Reason, sancti­fied and right; improved or Teaching of the Spirit be by means of Praying, Preaching, Reading, Meditating, Conferring, &c. or immediate without the use of these: if motions without the use of these be pretended Reasons tells us that a Rational Soul must be able to try whether the Spirit pretending be a true or lying Spirit, and that it must have some Rule or Touch stone to make their Tryal by, that the Rule must be my own Reason, or some Testimony of unque­stionable Witnesses satisfying my Reason, or some heavenly in­spired Scripture or Writing which my Reason tells me came from God: Reason also tells each rational creature, that it is very suspicious to be a false, lying and develish motion, which flights the Holy Scripture and other holy means wherein the Holy Spirit, Presence and Power of God hath appeared to Gods people formerly Reason tells me, that if I finde my self weak (as who doth not) to fight against the Devil (the roaring Lion and old Serpent) and I am bound to seek out for help, and what help more powerful [Page 82] and proper then that of the eternal and all powerful Father of Spirits: and that it is best to take James his Counsel, if any Man want wisdome let him ask of God who gives to all Men liberally and upbraideth not: if so, then Reason tells us, that except we suffer our selves to be led as Beasts by Sathan (as the poor Qua­kers are) we must come to the use of Means, or a mediate lead­ing and teaching, and then what is become of these hellish fancies of only immediate Teachings and Inspirations?

I told them that beside this Counsel and Command of God in James, the Lord Jesus tells us by an admirable fimilie, that the holy Spirit of God is given in the use of means, The Spirit g [...]t­ten of prayer Luk. 11. If you who art evil give good gifts unto your Children, how much more shall your hea­venly Father give the holy Spirit to them that ask him? and that is Isa 11. the spirit of Wisdome, the Spirit of Knowledge, the fear if the Lord and all the Graces of the holy spirit. The Quakers Spirit It is clear that the Pen men and holy Scribes of Gods will unto us (in whom God did speak, and by whom he wrote immediately and infallibly those blessed chosen pens of his were not infallibly guided by an imme­diate Spirit in all that they said and did about this Scripture, as these poor Dreamers say of themselves, and therefore must ne­cessarily dash against the Holy Scriptures, and all holy means for­merly used by the first Christians, yea and all rational means to pieces; for all that they say or do is the immediate Spirit, and Christ and God himself as Fox here affirmeth.

I answered further, The omnisciency of the Quakers that if that Scripture alleadged by John Stubs [ [...]e know all things] be to be expounded literally, and (as G. Fox in this Book) viz. that the Saints know all things as God then why are not the Quakers Omnipotent and Almighty as well as Omniscient: yea as it is said of the Pope, if he can deliver all South out of Purgatory (if he please) without Money, surely he is very inhumane, impious and cruel that he doth not: so I said what impiety is it, what cruelty and inhumanity is it in the Qua­kers said I, so infallibly knowing all things as God, not to reveal unto Men, and especially in their publick Assemblies so many disap­points of the Godhead of Creation of the Holy Three in Hea­ven and Earth, (which they confess) and all the deep Mysteries and Prophecies in the Holy Scripture, especially in John and Dan­iel their Revelations &c. the Most Holy, Omniscient, and [...] Jehovah knows that the Pope and his Purgatory, the Quakers are [Page 83] their Omnisciency are but Childrens and Frantick Persons Dreams and Phantasies, Knowing and doing all things and that the Saints knowing all things is the same with their doing all things through Christ which strengtheneth them that is not all things literally, (for that were ridiculous and blasphemous to affirm it) but all things figuratively and Compa­ratively, which his holy Wisdome thinks fit to require them to know and do in order to his Glory and their Salvation.

But John Stubs insisted, how they knew the Mystical number of 1260 dayes, the 42 Months, the Time and Times and half a Time, and that the Woman was come and coming out of the Wilderness in them, and that now they were Preaching the Everlasting Go­spel to them that dwell upon the Earth.

I Replied, it is notorious how many excellent men have been bewildred, and missed in the opening of these Mysteries. I said that if their infallible and their all-knowing Light could open all things and was now the Everlasting Gospel or Glad News To Light with-ic the Word Eternal, &c. and that it was not only in the Quakers and their Saints, but in all Mankind, I desired to know what they meant by this Word within, whether they meant in the under­standing (the eye of the Soul) or in the Will, or in the Memory, or in the Affections, or in all of these joyntly: for Light is only seen with the Eye, not with the Tongue, nor Ear, nor Hand: it is true in the 2 Cor. 4. it is said; that God hath shined in our Hearts, 2 Cor 4 God hath shined in our hearts but there the heart must be understood the Understanding the Minde which is properly and nextly the feat of the Light and Knowledge of God, and this shining (though Fox make it to be natural or born with every Man) is said to be by Pauls Preaching as is there abundantly proved where it is as clear as the Noon day shining, that God shined, Christ shined, and Paul shined before the Light or Notice of the glad news of a Saviour come to the heart or ears of poor Sinners, and so thereby are turned from their natural hellish Darkness, to a Supernatural Heavenly Light.

Who knows not (with Jeremiah) the heart of Man to be na­turally dark, The darkness within deceitful, desperately evil and wicked, & Gen. 6. the imaginations of the heart of all men to be only Evil and that con­tinually, and that it may be said of all men (as it is said of the holy God, in him is Light and no Darkness so) in them is Darkness and no Light, so that to hearken to, to turn to, to listen to any voice or motion within in heavenly things, in matters of super­natural [Page 84] light, is as proper as in matters of law to go for Counsel to a cheating thief or rogue, in matters of health, to a known cheating Mountebank, as to turn within to a mans heart which was the arrantest Jugler and Cheater in the world.

At this word W. Edmundson cryed out, Blasphemy, He speaks Blasphemy. I conceived he meant I called their immediate holy spi­rit which they pretended to, the arrantest Jugler & Cheater in the world: My heart was warm, At Evidence that the Qua­kers spirit and [...] deceitful Heart are one and my tongue breaking silence, and longing to shew him his willing mistake, and that I mentioned not nor thought of the Holy Spirit, but every mans own deceitful heart (though clearly I have thought and proved their holy Spi­rit is no other but Sathan himself aad every Mans own deceitful Heart: but I was prevented, for some of the Auditory spake aloud that he mistook me, and amongst others our Deputy Go­vernour Capt. Cranston openly said that W. Edmundson mistook me, That testimony of the Deputy Go­vernour Capt Cranst in and others against [...] rashness for I expresly said that the Heart of man was the arrantest Jugler & Cheater in the world.

This did not satisfie W. Edmundson, but he replyed, let the words be read then by him that took them in short-hand: so they cal'd upon one of theirs to read what he wrote: now I know­ing what short-hand could doe as well as most in England from my Childhood, and that it is impossible for any to write Verbatim so fast as I then spake with vehemency, I concluded he had not ex­actly my words: yet I am confident in a faction and partiality he seemed to read some words favouring my calling their spirit the arrantest Jugler and Cheater in the world, extreamly contary to my certain knowledge of my intentions, and of what I uttered, beside the sudden the quick exception of our Deputy Governour and others: but alas this was a small business: but I was about to say (as before I did say) from the holy Scripture Pro. 28. He that trusteth to his own heart is a fool, and till a spirit of Regenera­tion and Conversion charge the heart of man, there is no other Christ nor Spirit within, but the Spirit of Sathan, which is the spi­rit by which the Quakers are acted, and is the arrantest Jugler & Cheater in the world: The great Chea­ter who cheats all Cheaters This Jugler is so cunning that he out-jug [...]es the Juglers, he catcheth-the craftiest foxes that catch so many others, he takes Captive and leads away in chains the Wise and Prudent, the High and Mighty, til the holy Spirit of Christ Jesus discover and break his snares and lead him Captive also.

[Page 85] 2. I was adding another Argument from Isai. 59. and I did mention the place where the great promise, The great mag­na Charta [...]i Isa. 59. Grant or Charter is given by God the Father to Christ Jesus and his Posterity, viz. that his word and his spirit should be in Christs mouth, and in the mouth of his Seed, and in the mouth of his Seeds Seed from thenceforth and for ever.

I said that that blessed Son of God and Son of Man the man Christ Jesus, lived and dyed a Batchelour, he never had any na­tural Seed or Issue: Believers are his Ofspring, his Seed, his Chil­dren and Grand-Children and so downward to as many as the Lord shall call. The true Seed And that Fox should not say the Word and the spirit are all one (as commonly G. Fox doth) and that the Father and the Son are one without Distinction (as boldly and Babilo­nically he doth) Here is (most distinctly and exactly distinguish­ing) 1 The Father promising. 2. The Son the Mediator re­ceiving this Promise. 3. The Promise it self, which is of a Word to the Son (though that blessed Son is also called the Word) viz. of the revealed Doctrine, Will and Mind of God recorded from and by the holy Scriptures, viz. that this Word should be in his mouth and in the mouth of all his Seed, or Christian Children after him, especially his Messengers and Preachers to the end and Consummation of all things.

I told them it was notoriously know how they slighted this holy Charter, how they joyned not the holy Word and Spirit toge­ther but trod upon the Word of God under a cloak of advancing the Spirit, &c. But of this I shall speak in the next Position fol­lowing.

I was also mentioning a third Argument against their spirit from the Irrationallity and Unruliness of it, contrary to the Wis­dome and Rationallity and Order and Holiness of the holy Spirit of God: this is apparent from their bitter Reviling, and often sence­less and frantick Reviling in some of them, Devil, Devil, Devil The devillish Inquisitors, The railing spi­rit of the Qua­kers. Monks and Fryers, &c. exceed them not in spattering out Diablo, Diablo against such as dare to oppose them: indeed they are both Possessed by one spirit of blas­phemous Railing and Reviling against the Witnesses: far from the holy Spirit of the Gospel who in Meekness instructeth those that oppose themselves. Was there ever fouler Language given by any poor Oister-woman at Billingsgate than is given by M. F. [Page 86] against Capt, Wiggans (to be seen in print to the shame of the Qua­kers Spirit) of all their womanhood? T [...]tir Cursing What is all their notorious common censuring and cursing even of eminent and learned and holy persons) for Cains, judases, serpent Pharises, dumb Dogs, witches, Blasphemers, Reprobates, Devils, but a fruit of wicked and [...]otten flesh, denying and defying the holy Spirit of God.

It is true the Holy Spirit of God in Scripture is pleased to use Censures & Curses but not to every one, nor in such a manner as this soul-mouth'd Spirit doth: [...] I mentioned before their Impu­dency (which stinks up to Heaven and cries for vengeance) in the stripping stark naked of their Women, and discovering of them­selves in the Assembly of Men and Youths, under the Cloak and Cover of the Spirit of God: as also the unnatural Preaching of their Women in publick Assemblies and Congregations, contrary to so many Reasons from Nature and Grace, so positively expressed by the Holy Spirit in Scripture. [...] Preaching.

What Spirits are their Dumb Spirits in their Dumbe Meetings but those soul dumbe Spirits mentioned in that Gospel, [...] which the Lord Jesus will cast out and tumble down to Hell (whence they came) in his holy season.

What is their monstrous way of Singing and Toning and Hum­ming many at once, The monstrous [...]ging of the Quakers. as they often do and notoriously did at Ports­mouth on Rhode Island this last year, when no man is edified, nor understands what they say, and it may be not themselves (and this under colour of singing in the Spirit) what is it I say but ren­dring their Tongues which should be their Glory and the Glory of God, their scorn and shame, and the holy Name of Gods holy Spirit contemptible also.

4. I did also mention a fourth Reason against their Spirit, and had prosecuted it but I knew that (by reason of my Adversaries interposure) I had exceeded my quarter of an hour: The true Spirit willing to be ex­amined by the Scripture and [...]. it was ta­ken from the Holy Spirit of God subjecting it self to be tried, com­manding all men to search the Records, commanding the Bereans for examining Pauls Preaching and Spirit by the Holy Scriptures. and this is the true meaning of the Spirit of the Prophets are sub­ject to the Prophets, not that a true Prophet or Messenger of God can subject the truth of God (which he believes so to be and will rather suffer many deaths then relinquish) to be sentenced by all the Prophets in the Church to be false, and he acquiess or rest in, [Page 87] or subject his Spirit and Conscience to that Sentence: but that the true Prophets of God are willing to have their Teachings question­ed, examined and made clear by the holy Records to the Souls and Consciences of all men.

Hence i [...] pleaseth God to give Rules for the trial and discerning between the true Spirit and the false, The false and J [...]glers endure not searching. 1 Joh. 3. & 4. chapters.

On the contrary, I would have shewed (which indeed all men know) that the thief endured not searching the gall d Horse en­dures not rubbing, the guilty Debtor endures not Reckoning, the false and jugling Spirits escape in a Mist, and by the help of dark Lanthorns, and under the covert of the night: who may not see this in G. Fox. all along his Book, running into the Thickets and Burroughs of Words of divers significations, The Quakers Cry is Light but they aare not come to it. Scriptures notori­ously wrested, general, and sometimes uncouth and barbarous Language, which hath been the trade of the false and lying Mur­therous Spirit in all ages, and will be until that short time be fini­shed wherein the Lord will tread him under the Saints feet, and cast him into the Lake that burns with fire and brimstone.

How oft have I been visited by the Quakers, crying Repent, Re­pent, hearken to the Light within thee, &c. And I could never per­swade them to sit down and examine their sayings by the Holy Scriptures, but when their Cuckoes note and song was over, The two pretend­ed witnesses Reeve and Muggleton. and their Fools Bolt shot, then fell they to Cursing and pouring out the Thunder-bolts of Gods Judgement: and so be gone no less then Reve and Muggleton (pretending to be Gods two last Prophets and Witnesses) about twenty years since in London whose Cur­sings were notorious.

But to return, while I was beginning to urge the tryal of the Spirits, W. Edmundson said the Spirit of God was above the Scrip­tures and not to be tryed by them; for it gave out the Scriptures &c. And I said and say it is easie to boast of the Spirit, The Quakers would set the Spirit and Scrip­ture at odds. but the true Spirit (in a Sense) and the holy Scriptures are one, as the Fa­ther and the Son are one, and therefore cannot but be willing to be examined by the holy Records, as every man or author will stand to his own scripture, work or writing: for the Writers were but Pens of Heaven writing, and used by the hand of the ho­ly Spirit. And I remember that I said to W. Edmundson, Friend, You yesterday in your long Sermon alleadged that holy Scripture viz, Men will not come to the light, least they should be reproved, [Page 88] because their deeds are evil: This is the true cause of your quar­rel against the Scriptures, and of exalting the Spirit above them that is upon a true ballance, your own Spirit, yea the Spirit of Sa­than to be God, and Christ, and Spirit and all.

After some few interchanges and altercations, The 4th Posi­tion concerning the Scriptures. we descended to the fourth Position, which they read out of the Paper (as they did all the rest) which was this, viz. That the People called Qua­kers did not own the Holy Scriptures.

In one Copy it was written Really own, viz They did not really own the Holy Scriptures.

I said there was a twofold owning the Holy Scriptures or the Writings of God as there is a twofold owning the Scriptures or writings of men, the Proclamations and Declaration of Kings and Princes. The one is verbal and literal, A twofold ow­ning of any [...]crip­ture or Writing viz. that such a writing or Declaration, or Treatise is extant, and that it proceeds from the Kings Authority and Command.

The second is real and actual, when the Authority of it is in all humble obedience submitted to and obeyed: when the Justice and Equity, and the excellency and goodness, as well as the royal Au­thority is embraced and magnified.

I said the Jews owned verbally and wonderfully that Writings of the Old Testament and the Papists owned both old and new but it is known that in many particulars they do in effect deny and damn them. The Jews and Papists and Quakers all of them in effect deny the holy Scriptures. 1. They both set up their rotten Traditions, their unwritten Verityes (as they speak) of equal authority with, if not (in cases) above the holy Scripture.

2. They set up the Papists by the authority of the Council of Trent, a most defective Translation, notoriously false in many places all over above the first Copyes of the Hebrew and Greek whence all Translations as Counterpanes and secondary Copyes or Duplicates ought to flow.

3. The Papists set up the Pope as the only infallible Judg & Interpreter in all Questions about the Scriptures and the Jews make their Rabbies as so many Popes also.

4. Their Interpretations are so forraign and strange and many of them so absurd & monstrous from the genuine & proper Sence of the Scriptures, and adulterated with wrestings and allegorizings &c. that is truly said of them that they bring not their Doctrines, Disciplines and Conversations to the Scriptures but force the [Page 89] holy Scriptures of God to attend and wait upon their Abomination as a Negro Slave or Lacquey.

I said the Jews and Papists did not more disowne the holy Scrip­tures upon the account of their Popes and Traditions and Inter­pretations than the Quakers did up on the account of their Light and Spirit and Interpretations also. The Quakers slighting the ho­ly Scriptures in many horrible Particulars. Who knows not that in the beginning of their Profession, they generally fell from the read­ing of them by themselves or in their Families, or in their Publick Assemblyes, only crying up the Light within, the Spirit within, the Scriptures within, their Teacher within. They stil say The Scrip­ture was not the Word of God, the Scripture is but a dead Letter, they have no need of Paper-Teachers having the spirit that gave it forth? Yea as the Papists say, if the Scriptures were lost and burnt out of the world, the spirit within them could give new Scriptures. A dissembling Show of Qua­kers respecting the Scriptures.

Tis true the Quakers in this Dispute-professed to be tryed by the Scriptures, which the first Quakers among us wholly denied, but only by the Spirit within them: But what avails this Confessi­on? is it not but a subtle trick of Equivocation, when stil they profess to owne G. Fox all along, and he professeth the Soules of all men to be a part of God and the divine Essence, and that there is no distinction between God, Christ, and Spirit and themselves, what should hinder but that the Scripture is but a dead Letter and (compared with their spirit) a weak and needless Paper unto them that have such a light and Spirit within to guide them?

I told them before and now that there was an Irish Papist in the late warrs that spoke the very heart and soul of Jews, An Irish Papist confessing the Truth. Pa­pists and Common Protestants, and the Quakers, themselves, as to the holy Scriptures. In plundering and rifling a Protestants house he found a Bible and flung it in the Kennel, and kickt and trod upon it saying, The plague of God take this Book, it is the cause of all these Quarrels.

My Opposites said they owned the Scriptures in their place as a Declaration of the Saints Conditions, & John Burnet took a Bible and read publickly that Passage in Luke 1. where Luke calls his Writing a Declaration. I urged that this will of God. (for this Declaration of what Christ said and did, and of all the rest of the Scripture, was a Declaration and Revelation of Gods Will to his People and to the whole World) this written and revealed [Page 90] will of God I said was the Judge and Decides of all Questions, the tryer of all Spirits, all Religions, all Churches, all Doctrines, all Opinions, all Actions. They answered they did owne the Scrip­tures, and would be tryed by the Scriptures (which is a new trick, meaning according to their own not to be questioned Interpreta­tions) I urged that they set up their Spirit above the Scriptures, (fathering all their Revilings Cursings and Abominations upon the holy Spirit) I asked whether they owned the Scripture as the square Rule or Guide according to whose sentence all the Knowledge of God and of our selves, the Knowledge of Gods Worship and Service and our own Blessedness and Salvation was to be determined, yea and the Spirit within them to be tryed, de­termined, approved and condemned also.

They still fled to this Burrough, the Spirit that gave forth Scripture is greater then the Scripture: the spirit is in us, that Spirit only opens the Scripture: the Spirit is immediate and in­fallible and they only who have this Spirit know the Scriptures. The Scripture miraculousl [...] pre­servd to be Gods standing out­ward Record & witness. I answered that I maintained the inward breathing of the holy Spirit more than themselves, fo [...] quoted before Luke 11. viz. that we ought in all our Preachings, Hearings, Readings, Pray­ings, &c. to beg the help of the Spirit called the Finger and Pow­er of God: and yet I also maintained that this Record, this Word Will or Mind of God written and pen'd by chosen Pen-men as Pens in the hand of his holy Spirit, and so miraculously preser­ved from the Rage of the Devils fiery Instruments, Babilonian, Assyrian, Roman and Popish Tyrants and that much among the Jewes and Papists (and much by their meanes also though they hate it) I say this Record is the outward and external Light, Lan­thorn, Judge, Guide, Rule by which God witnesseth himself and his Truth in the World, comforteth and feedeth his saints in their Dispersions, discovers and reforms the defects and wanderings of his People (as in Josiah his finding this Record, and Ezeki [...]l & John eating the Book, out of which the holy Spirit inspired them to prophesie to Kings and Peoples &c.

Tis true who doubts it but that God and the Spirit were before the Scriptures, and so he was before the Creation, before Christ Jesus was born, and his Redemption actually accomplished: are the works of God therefore, and the several Dispensations and Institutions and Instruments of God in the several times and [Page 91] places of any whit less power or esteem because the most holy God and his most holy Spirit were before them? John the Baptist faith that Christ Jesus was preferred before him, for he was be­fore him, and he was not worthy to unloose the Shoe-latchet of Jesus the Lamb of God; and yet for the fulfilling of all Righte­ousness the Lord Jesus must come to John to be baptized of him, and the holy Spirit of Light will declare himself to be true by the holy Scriptures, and discover all other Spirits to be spurious false and Bastards and notwithstanding their cracking and prating of Light if they slight this outward standing Record and Witness of God in the World it is because there is no light in them,

One of these two must be done either we must subscribe to the Papists and by their pretended Spirit and Church find out and authorize the Scriptures, The holy Scrip­ture the only out ward standing Rate & Record like the Records in the Tower just as the Foxians say, or else we must with Luther and his Associates, Calvin and his followers main­tain Learning study the Scriptures, search the Originals, Copyes and Translations, and vindicate their Purity and Perfe­ction, their Authority and sole external Direction how to judge of all pretending Christs and Prophets and Doctrines & Church­es and Spirits.

While we were thus discoursing W. Edmundson propounded this Smilitude, The Help Scrip­ture are Gods Love-letters [...] if I should write a letter to a friend and subscribe my name W. Edmundson, doth it follow therefore that the Letter is W. Edmundsons? I answer that the Quakers do affirm that the Scripture is within them, what is the english of that? but that the Light which they and every man in the World hath within them (the Christ the Spirit which every one hath) is Scripture, and in a sence I said it was a Truth that W. E. his letter to his friend was W. Edw. not only a Declaration of his word, mind or will to his Friend, but in a respect his mind and will it self that the sent in Writing to his Friend, and so the Scripture in a Sence is Gods mind and Will to us.

Upon this occasion I told them that the Scriptures were the Love Letters of Christ Jesus to his Church, as the Love-Letters of some mighty Monarch to his Betrothed Queen or Empress, they are dear, not as common Peter and Ink, but as [...] Good­will, the dearest Love and heart of the King and Emperour him­self: and thus are holy Scriptures highly prized embraced, and laid up in the heart and bosome of the true Children of God, [Page 92] listned to, and followed as the voice of Christ Jesus to his true sheep and Spouse: the Bastard Children and the Wolves covered only with the sheepskins: they have other Words, Letters & Spirits, 2 Thes. 2 whatever they, prate of Scripture, and speak brave swelling empty words as Jude speaketh.

Tis true as G. Fox all along in his Book vapours that the Spirit was before Scripture, and gave forth Scripture: but I proved be­fore, that their Spirit, their Light, their Christ, were but hellish Darkness, the spirit of Sathan, and a false lying Christ, &c. 2. The Dispensations of God were many and divers (as before the Law and after) but in this last and third dispensation, he hath spoken (that is his word, mind and will whatever) the Quakers as well childishly as Blasphemously prate to the contrary by his Son: And as the Son himself the Lord Jesus in his own person, The admirable excellency of the Scripture when he per­sonally maintained that famous combat with the Devil used no other weapon but Prayer and Fasting and the Holy Scripture, so he left written this holy patern and example, that we through Pa­tience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, Rom. 14. Luther being demanded how he gain'd such knowledge and abili­ties in such blind Popish darkness, Luther Light he freely confessed that the holy Scripture was his first help, the second Meditation, the third ear­nest Prayer to God to vouchsafe his Spirit to bless the two former unto him. Joh 20.2. con­sidered The Lord Jesus therefore not only ordained his Messen­gers or Preachers of his glad Tydings to Jews and Gentiles, but his Penmen also, Joh. 20. for those two great ends (as to us) to wit,

1. These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (to wit, that that individual person and man cal­led Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah so long promised and expected (contrary to the Blasphemous Fancies of the Qua­kers.)

And 2. That Believing in him (that individual person called Jesus, and not in a Fancy within) we might have Life and Bles­sedness.

It is no wonder therefore, that the Devil (the great Thief) as he compasseth Sea and Land with the Pharisees, Jesuites and Qua­kers to make Proselytes, so wherever he comes he labours to blow out the Candle of the Holy Scripture.

It is the Spirit Breach or wind of the Devil in the lips of A­theists, Jews, Papists, Quakers, Ranters, &c. that puffs and blows [Page 93] against this Holy Light (more precious infinitely then the Sun in the Heaven:) it hath been most wonderfully to amazement, pre­served like the Sun in the Firmament, and shines most gloriously again and again, after the blackest and longest storm and night of Apostacies and Persecution.

The Turkish Hystory tells us of a Woman appearing in the Heavens with a Book open in her hand, A famous vision in Turkey some of their Mahume­tan Priests dared to say (for which one greatly suffered) that the Woman was the Christian Church, and the Book was their Bible or Scriptures which threatned ruine to their Mahomut and Al­coran: John was not commanded (and in him the Protestant Witnesses) to stand still and listen to a Light, to a motion or voice within, but to eat up the little Book open (once again) in the hands of Christ Jesus, Rev. 10. and after this eaten up to pro­phesie to Peoples and Nations, to Tongues and Kings.

Whether this Book be the Book of the Revelation or the Book of the whole Bible or Scripture, The two Wit­nesses cat up the book of Script. it is apparent that during the 42 Months of the Papal Reign and Darkness, Christ Jesus hath given Authority and power to his Witnesses to search after the Holy Records in the Original, Hebrew and Greek Copies, and to bring them forth by Translating and Preaching the Doctrine of them, &c. for which they have suffered Death and Burning, Tindal the first heavenly Trans­lat or burned as Tindal and many other excellent men of God. The Walls of Rome, yea the Gates of Hell have shaken and felt the might of this Hea­venly Artillery: It lies therefore the Devil and all his Messengers in hand to break to pieces, or to nail up their heavenly Or­dinance.

It hath been observed that there never were any (more then o­thers) famous for Christianity, but they first were famous for an admirable Love kindled by God in their Hearts to the Holy Scriptures: It is true the Jews (to whom the Oracles of God were committed, to wit in the Old Testament: how studious have they been in it, The Jews out­ward reverence to the Script. even to every Word and Letter? they accounted it a crime for any Book to ly upon it, but this alwayes to lye up­permost. My self have seen the Old Testament of the Jews most curious writing whose price (in way of trade) was threescore pound, which my Brother a Turkey-Merchant had and shewed me: [...] speak of an inward love, a Soul-love, &c. It is won­deful [...] Luther relates of that blessed Duke of Saxony, whom [Page 94] God stir'd up to favour and cherish Luther &c. viz. that he caused his six pages each of them to read to him daily everyone his hour in the Holy Scripture. The first Pro­testants affecti­on to the Scrip­ture This was the affection in all the first Wit­nesses the Waldensians, the Bohemians, the English, French, Dutch, Scotch, &c. who together with the Scriptures had mighty Affection to the study of the Hebrew and Greek in which golden Cups and Bowles the King of Kings was pleased to convey the Wine (like Abashuerosh) of his Eternal Majesty and Goodness to us.

It is wonderful to consider how much the study of the Scri­ptures and of the Hebrew and Greek Tongues confounded and put to slight the Papists, The Scriptures put both Papists & Quakers to slight and forced them to study the Scriptures and the Tongues also, both which the barbarous dark Spirit of the Quakers hate, as darkness hates and Light.

It is no wonder this Spirit of Lying cries out so fiercely against the Schools of Learning in Old and New England, it knows that the right and regular propagation of natural, of civil, and espe­cially of Divine Knowledge scatters the thick Fogs of the Qua­kers affected hellish ignorance.

The blessed Martyrs and Witnesses of Jesus in all ages has been ravished with holy delights like David in the holy Scripture, in Q. Maries dayes, that famous Ridley (called Bishop of Lon­don) he had got most of the holy Epistles in Greek by heart, even before he left Pembrook Hall in Cambridge: Christs Martyrs or witnesses love to Scriptures and as the fire of Persecution grew hotter, so did those blessed Witnesses (like Je­sus with Moses and Elias, and Paul at Troas) spend hours and nights in Prayer and holy Conference upon the Scriptures, and those things which the Lord Jesus should and hath now accom­plished according to the Scriptures.

It is true (in print) James Parnel spake like a Papist an A­theist, and a Quaker of the holy Martyrs or Witnesses of Jesus Christ, James Parnel his horrible sin & Judgment and of the book of Martyrs it self. It is no wonder that the most Righteous and jealous Lord left him not to dye the common death of all Mankinde, but to Murther himself by a proud presumptuous attempt of declaring himself to be Christ by fasting 40 dayes and 40 nights, I believe this to be a Truth from the Testimonies I have seen of Parnels case (being my [...] then in London) whatever, Fox & the Quakers impudently affirm to the contrary.

[Page 95] It is true that James Parnel, and Fox, and all of them some­times miserably (and after the Devils Method) make use of Scripture as a Shield or Buckler to fence themselves against the Scripture, How the Qua­kers own Scrip­ture and as a Sword to run through the Heart and Bowels of the Scripture, the Saints, and Christ, and God himself: they make use of it as Stirrops, and Ladders, and Scaffolds for their counterfeit Christ (in pretence but in reallity themselves) to mount up into their Saddles and Thrones of the Eternal power and Godhead that so the Earth may be theirs by Authority: So that as the Lord speaks of the Jews Sacrifices that they were not his: and of Jehoiakim that he did not know the Lord, 2 King. 17. the Samaritans feared the Lord and yet feared him not. Jer. 22. and of the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 11. that they did not eat the Lords Supper though they did eat it: so I affirm (from all the premises alleadged) the Quakers do not own, that is truely and Christi­anly (as they say Bonâ fide and in reality) but slight, and vilifie, and abominate, and nullifie the holy Scripture, that their un­written Lies and lying Spirits may be exalted.

We have a great word in use amongst Merchants and others, to wit the word [ Effects] they desire to see effects of money or Goods, The word Ef­fects for want of a real and effectual prizing and loving & obeying and magnifying the holy Scriptures. The Jewes & Pha­rises, the Papists and Quakers do not owne the perfection & Au­thority of the holy Scriptures, but set up their Traditions & Popes Councils & Spirits above them, and therefore the Jewes & Pa­pists and Quakers do not owne the holy Scriptures.

I freely acknowledge that many of these Particulars I could not then express because of my Confinement to a quarter of an hour, and sometimes the Interpos [...]rs of my Opposites.

I remember I urged that dead and rotten esteem that both Papists and Quakers fling as dirt in the face of the holy Scrip­tures, The Papists and Quakers call the holy Script. a dead Letter. calling it a dead Letter, a Nose of wax, a leaden Rule which may be pincht and bow'd to every mans Opinion: But First, They horribly bow and pinch that holy Scripture, 2. Cor. 3. which meddles not with all the Scripture but with the Covenant of the Law and Justice, opposite to the Covenant of Grace & Mercy, & calls the Law a killing Letter compar'd with the Grace & Mer­cy of an offended God now reconciled by Christ Jesus.

But Secondly. These poor Foxes fly to their Burroughs and confound the matter of the Scripture or Writing, being Paper [Page 96] and ink, &c. with the contents the purport, and (as I may say) the matter contained in the matter: The power of writing in all Affairs. we use to say what have you to shew for it? what evidences have you? what Records, and sometimes when no Witnesses are living or can be had, an old poor Record is produced which proves the life and spirit of the business: what Simpletons do these (only) wise ones shew themselves in affairs of men that know not, that (as Solomon sayes of the Tongue, Life and Death is in the power of the Tongue so) Life and Death is in the power of a piece of Paper: what hath an Executor (yea many thousand Executors to shew for their Estates sometimes of hundreds, yea thousands years but a little paper, and ink, and wax from the Testators? what gives life to a condemned soul but a Pardon or Reprieve in a piece of Paper? who knowes not that a Writ or Paper signed by his Majesty, the Lord Chancellour, the Lord ceief Justice hath Death in it, and fetcheth off the heads of many, yea the highest Offenders?

The Quotations out of G. Fox which then I could not insist on, I shall present a few and then pass on to the fifth Position.

In the 47 th. Pag. G. Fox brings in Jos. Miller saying, Josh. Miller. It is an Errour (if not damnable) to say Christ is the meanes, and that there is no other meanes of Salvation.

He Answers, And Christ faith no man comes unto the Father but by me: and he is able to the uttermost to save? and he shall be my Salvation to the end of the Earth saith the Lords and saith the Apo­stle, God is in Christ reconciling the World to himself, and he that hath the Son hath Life, and the Father and the Son are one, and there is no salvation in any other.

I reply: I shall now freely declare to the Sence of this Allega­tion, though in the Dispute my Adversaryes would not suffer me to meddle with the Sence of G. Fox his words, contrary to our Covenant in my Writing, The Quakers notorious Cove­nant Breakers. viz. that each Party should speak as long as they pleased, which Liberty they enjoyed without my In­terruption: and first I doe not think that Jos. Millers words run so loosly in his own Book: I do not think that a man of Wisdom would call it an error to say that Christ is the meanes of Salvation: But to the second part, to which G. Fox opposeth, I believe it is an Error, and a damnable Error, and a Doctrine of Devils, to say there is no other meanes of Salvation: for this wretched Jugler sub [...]illy confounds the Instrumental Causes of Salvation with [Page 97] the Efficient in God the Father, Means of [...]. and Meritorious in God the Son, Christ Jesus. 'TIS true, there is no Redemption and For­giveness of sin, but in his Blood, Ephes. 1 though I know this Jugler (as before) means not a Christ, nor his Blood, nor Death as we do mean, but Imaginary within, &c. And yet as Means and Instruments: Christs Messengers are said to save themselves and others: The holy Scriptures are said to make wise to Salvation: A man may be Gods means or Hand to save his Wife, and the Wife her Husband: We are saved by hope saith Paul, and saved by Baptisme saith Peter, yea, Women are sa­ved by Child-bearing, as God blesseth those painful Curses to be blessed means of bringing to, A Union be­tween the Meri­torious Cause and means, and the Instrumen­tal and Efficient or worker. or growing up in Christ the Savi­our. All these subtly and wickedly G. Fox sets at variance with the Meritorious Salvation by Christ Jesus, between which there is an Heavenly Union and Concord, as between a man sa­ving his Brother by throwing a Rope, Or Oar, or Board unto him, &c. or a Midwife saving both Woman and her Birth in Child-bearing by the Means of Women, and Helps which her Skil and Labour administreth to her. To talk of this Immedi­ate Christ and Spirit without Scriptures, without Preaching, and other holy means, is as silly, as Impious, as Blockish, as Blas­phemous, and as Bedlam, and Frantick, as wicked and Anti­Christian.

Would not every body laugh at G. Fox, if he should say, that because the Kings Majesty graciously pardons Condemned Rebels at the Mediation of the Prince his Son, therefore the Com­posing the writing, the proclaiming of the pardon, the bring­of it to the Rebels hands Written and sealed with the Kings broad Seal, are no means of their Salvation and Deliverance?

In Pap. 221. he brings in the Author of Hosanna to the Son of David, Hosanna to the Son of David. saying, [ The sure Word of Prophesie the Apostle speaks of, is the Prophesie of Scriptures]

He Answers, Doth the Scripture shine in a dark place until the Day dawne? Are they them that must be taken heed unto as to a Light? Can any see the Scripture, and know the Scripture, but with the Light within? Cannot a Cam, a Baalam, a Core bring Scripture that it is gone from the Spirit of Prophesie within, and then put the Letter for it?

[Page 98] I Reply, 1. I know that Fox makes their Idol within called Light, [...] to be the more sure word of Prophesie, and his usual proof is, [ The Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesie,] But first, why must all the Prophets or Messengers of God, who from the beginning of the world were Gods mouth and Pens, Concerning the Birth, Life, Death, Burial, Resurrection, Ascention and coming to Judgement of the Lord Jesus be here cast out from the Word of Prophesie? Is it nothing, Luk. 1. that God spake (surely Gods speaking is his word) God spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets, God speaking by his Prophets [...] his Word. which have been since the World began. And Heb. 1. God spake sundry times and in divers man­ners in Time past unto the Fathers, but how did God thus speake or utter his word, but by the Prophets: And Rom. 16. But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the Prophets, ac­cording to the Commandment, &c. Theréfore how oft is it written concerning the Lord Jesus. These things were done that the Scriptures might be Fulfilled,] in which regard, (as to our satisfaction and belief) the written word or Prophesie of the Prophets are a more sure Word and Evidence to us concerning the Lord Jesus then the Miraculous Appearance from Heaven of Moses and Elias, and the voice from Heaven of which Peter here speaketh; though in it self a true Testimony, yet not so sure, so firm and pr [...]gnant as the Word that God spake be the mouth of his holy Prophets from the beginning of the World, &c. Hence the Answer of Abraham, and indeed of Christ Jesus: If they, hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they believe though one should rise from the Dead.

2. How sure is the Quakers Light, their Word of Prophesie [...] A sober mind can not but admire that Face and Forehead of Brass and Adamant with which God the Righteous Judge of the whole world hath plauged Satan and his Followers, The madness of leaving the Scripture and turning to a Spirit within. so that they blush not to prefer such a simple Image, a meer Bab [...]e and Childe Puppet of their Immediate Word of Prophesie before the Word, the mind and will of God by the mouth of all the Prophets?

For is it not known in the holy Scripture, in all Histories, in all Ages, in all Nations, what Cursed Opinions, horrible Un­cleannesses, Bloody Murthers and Slaughters have been Con­ceived and brought forth from the Spirit within, and Revelati­ons [Page 99] from Dullish Lights and Spirits, and the horrible End that generally the Authors and Promoters of such Spirits and Inspi­rations have come to?

3. This Scripture, The workings of Satan by Spirits and Inspirations in all Ages. Revel. 19. The Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesie, what is it but Goliahs Sword to fetch off the head of this proud Philistin, for, doth not the Angels forbid John worshipping of him upon this ground, viz. that the An­gel was his Fellow Brother, Fellow Servant, Fellow Worshipper, Fellow Witness? Is not this the Argument whereby he prohibits him, viz. that one Testimony of Jesus was the work of Gods Spirit in the Angels, in their way, as well as in Johns and Pe­ters in theirs, &c. and shall we say that the the Angels too are Quakers, and Christ hath enlightned them also, as well as eve­ry man that comes, &c And Revel. 22. Doth not Christ threaten the Adders to, and Diminishers from the word of this Book of this Prophesie: what Affinity hath a written Book a written Prophesie with Immediate whisperings and Inspirations?

2. Why should G. Fox here mention Cain, Baalam, Core? what Scriptures could they bring? what Scriptures were written in their times? The Devil and the Quakers al­leadging Scrip­tures. I think it no breach of Charity to guess that the Quakers and G. Fox are so used to Cursing and Censuring their Opposites (at the first dash) for Cains, Baalams, Cores, that they could not well tell how to miss them: Such persons no question, and the Foxians, and the lying Spirit, the Old Fox and Serpent, bring Scripture: But doth the Divel cordially prize and love the word of Prophesie, the Testimony and Witnesses of Jesus? However, he plainly here Confesseth that the holy Scrip­ture is so powerful that the very Counterfeit, the picture and Name of it will do him good Service, with such whom he desires to cheat and Ruine. And yet secondly this shews the Quakers horri­ble wickedness, that although they love the holy Scripture (for the general of them) as well as doth their lying Father, yet turn they the Truth of God into a lye, and with the ugly Spider sucks that which he turns into poyson, even from the same Flowers of Pa­radice, the holy Scriptures, from whence the hony Bees, the true Believers, suck the pure hony of Eternal Truth and Comfort.

3. Again, what madness is it for this bind Dreamer to ask his Opposite, whether the Scripture shines in a dark place until the [Page 100] dawne? & whether they must be taken heed unto as to a Light? For, how often is the holy Scripture even the very Law before the Gospel, K [...] Light in the bold pretenders (to so much) the Quakers, or glad News was preached, adorn'd and beautified with the Illustrious Title of Light? and all the subtle Foxes in the world must know that if they attend unto whisperings and peepings, Isai. 8. and leave the written Law, the Word, and other Prophesies of Scripture, or written Prophesies, Words and Oracles of God! For all their Childish Vapourings and pratings of their Light, the Eternal Father of Lights proclaims them to be Children of howling darkness and that there is no Light within them: I speak it with horrour and Amazement, and also with sorrowful Confidence that he that shall find a spark of true Light either of the knowledge or grace of the true Lord Jesus in this their Fantastick Light, he shall find the Living among the Dead, he shall prove the Prophets that spake, and the Lord God of the Prophets whose word was spoke, to be Lyars, for saying there is no Light within them.

But Fox again demands, [ Can any know the Scripture but with the Light within?] And I ask him what Light have the Pa­pists and Jews, The pure Scrip­ture filthily abused. and the Divel himself, when they and he bring Scripture to Christ himself? I know very well what he means in his Jesuitical, Diabolical Reservations, by the Light within and by knowing the Scripture, his meaning is known and Com­mon, viz. except he be one of those dark Souls called Quakers: But did not the Devil bring a pertinent Scripture and promise to Christ Jesus as ever Papist or Quaker could have alleadged, though pointed and directed as are the Papists, Jews and Qua­kers Allegations to a Venemous and poysonous End.

He brings in Henoch Howet saying, Pag 14: Henoch Howet. By the Weapon of the Scripture only Christ Conquer­ed the Devil. [ The Scripture to be the only Weapon whereby Christ overthrew the Devil,]

He Answers, Who bruiseth his Head, and was before Scrip­ture was, yet the Scripture is for Correction and Doctrine, furnishing the man of God in his place, and Christ [...] was before the Scripture was: And all them that hath [...] and not Christ can not overcome the Devil, you and the Papist do­ing his work: for they that overcome him that is with the Pow­er, and those have the Scriptures of Truth, which the Devil is out of.

[Page 101] I Reply, How doth Christs bruising of Satans Head, and be­ing before Scripture was, disprove Fox his Opposites saying, viz. the only weapon whereby Christ Jesus overcome the Devil was the Scripture? what is this to the point of the Compass? may not half an Eye see what a simple Sophister this is, to make such Yawes as not to c [...]me near the Ships Course and point in hand.

2. Who sees not Fox in his Burrough of the divers Accep­tation of the Word Christ? For in the Sense of his Opposite that man Christ Jesus who sought the Devil, and Fox Confesseth di­ed at Jerusalem: was not before the Scriptures, But his Birth, and Life, and Death, &.. were Proppesied and declared by the holy Scripture long before he was born.

3. As for this saying, [ They that have the Scripture and not Christ can not overcome the Devil] What News doth Fox tell the World, which no Body denies? and how doth this deny that Christ Jesus overcome the Devil by the Scripture?

4. Is all Scripture or writing given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable (though Fox alleadgeth this Scripture by halves) for Correction and Doctrine, The Scripture [...] pro­per Weapon a­gainst the De. &c. then it clearly follows, that as Christ Jesus overcome the Devil by the Scripture, so by the same Weapon this subtle Fox, and all other of Satans Foxes' must be Corrected, Confuted Catcht and destroyed, (except they repent) for ever: But what is this Confession that the Scripture is profitable for Correction, &c. but a kind of grant to his Opposite that Christ did overcome the Devil by this Weapon, for he Confesseth it profitable for Correction, &c. though yet all this running about in and out into his holes in this Answer is a whispering, and yet [...] enough to be heard, viz. that Christ did not overcome the Devil by the Scripture,

5. As for the Quakers Power here pretended in Opposition to the Scripture, as being those that have Scripture within them, and so overcome the Devil? The Devil a Fox too Crafty for all the Fexialts. How doth the Devil deal as one that pretends to Fight, with Children who lies down and Cries as if those poor Childish Souls had Overcome him? Thus sometimes a Devil of D [...]kenness, of Swearing, of Stealing runs away from the Sermons of the Quakers, as a naughty De­vil, sometimes at the Chiding and [...]juring of a good Watch! That the may get the faster hold by spiritual pride, hypocrisie, [Page 102] self Conceit, and Contradiction to the Scripture, by will wor­ship and Superstitious Inventions against the holy Institutions and Commands of the true Lord Jesus Christ.

Pag. 289. He brings in Francis Duke, Francis Duke. saying, [ When Christ told the Devil that man should not live by Bread alone, but by eve­ry Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, that was believ­ing the Scripture: And this Word of God in the Scripture was the Ground of Christs Faith, and so to all that are his

He Answers, Many may have the Scripture and never hear the voice of God, as the Jews in the fifth of John, and they said they believed the Scriptures, though they were out of the true belief: But receiving the Word from God, is, as they that gave forth the Scriptures: which man lives by and not by bread alone, and so knows him who was before Scripture was given forth: And for saying that the Scripture was the Ground of Christs Faith, he was afore the Scripture was writ, and so fulfils their Words, and is the Author and the Finisher of the Saints Faith, which was before the Scripture was given forth, him by whom the World was made, and is the Author of the Saints Faith, that bruised the Serpent under his feet, which was before the Scripture was.

1. I Reply, The Quakers Ridiculous for, and in their Tau­tologies. How Notorious for Tautologies are these bruitish Clamours? Thrice in this small Answer have we of Christ, which was before Scripture was, who was before Scripture was, &c. shall we believe their Notorious Lyes, viz. that the Light within them gave forth Scripture, and that they speak and write as they are moved by the most holy and Infallible Spirit, when their writings are so weak, lame and Childish, just like the talk of Aged doting Women, and so full of Idle Repetitions?

2. What Answer is this, how bruitish and Impious, viz. that a man may have the Scripture and yet not be in the belief, therefore the Word of God was not the Ground of Christs be­lief, so again, the Devil and wicked men may have the Scripture, and yet believe not in them, therefore Christ Jesus and his saints believe them not neither: this Inference is clear, you say Christ was before Scripture was, &c.

I Reply, He was, and he was not,: But let Heaven and Earth Hear and abhor the Sophistry of these Deceivers, they would fain [Page 103] have no such Christ at man, The Quakers [...] Fancies as to Christ and the Scripture. a Christ without, an out-side Christ, but a Spirit and God only, and [...] in their Flesh: yet again, (for shame of the world) they are forct to Confess that there was such a man or person, &c. and yet to Cloak and Cover that Confession from Crossing their Principle, they say; that be­fore Scripture was Christ bruised the Serpents Head, that is Christ that made the World, Christ the Light, the Word,; But this again, we say is false also, for the Promise is, Gen. 3. that the Seed of a Woman which was Christ in his Manhood, born in the Fulness of Time, Gal. 4.

And let G. Fox or any of their Juglers Answer: If they speak honestly, and ( bona fide) if there was really such a man called Je­sus at Jerusalem, &c. as there was such a man called G. Fox lately in New-England, was there not such a man called Jesus, after the Scripture was written or penn'd? The Humanity of Christ. was dot this man for­ty dayes tempted of the Devil, and did not this man called Jesus Christ Overcome the Devil by the Weapon of the writing or Scripture: and was not the holy Scripture the Ground of his Faith, as he makes the Will or Word of God declared in this holy Writing or Record the Ground of his saints Faith also?

He brings in John Timson saying, Pag 16 John Timson [ The Scripture is the Rule of Life:

He Answers, Contrary to Christ, who said, the Spirit should lead them into all Truth: And they that are the Sons of God are led by the Spirit of God: and the Churches was to hear what the spirit said, for the spirit lead them to speak forth scripture.

I Reply, If among the seven things that God hates, he is an Abomination that soweth Discord, The holy Scrip­tures the Rule what is he that would Op­pose and set a: Odds the most holy spirit, against the holy scrip­tures Inspired by him? and in Effect declares that Gods Children are not to attend to the voice of God in these his holy Inspired writings, but to a secret Voice or whispering within them: Contrary to the scriptures Voice both before and since Christs coming, as I have, and shall further manifest.

2. As to the spirits leading into all Truth, and the sons of God are led by the spirit of God: Is not Fox here in his Burrough, not distinguishing between the Extraordinary leading of the ho­ly Apostles Appointed to be the Eye Witnysses of Christs Death and [Page 104] and Resurrection, The leading of the Spirit. &c. and the first Messengers or Apostles to the Nations, in which Respect, the one Author of those three Gifts, Administrations, Operations, 1 Cor. 12. peremptorily asks the Question, Are all Apostles, are all Prophets, have all the Gifts of Miracles? and yet all Gods Children are Regene­rated, are sanctified, are guided and built up an habitation of God through the Spirit: and yet also the gracious presence and work­ing of the holy Spirit, may be hindred and quenched, by neg­lecting of the holy Fuel of the holy Scriptures and other holy means appointed. And therefore the Lord Jesus Commands us to pray for the Spirit: Odds Spirit gi­ven by means. and Daved cries out, Thy Spirit is good lead me, &c. and take not thy holy Spirit from me. And this is the Devils (the Old Fox) his Devilish Subtlety to make the Cloak of the Spirit Extraordinary Assistance, and the Angels Ex­traordinary protection, a ground of Christ Jesus, and his Servants flinging themselves down from the Pinacle of the Temple, and this I say from the God of Truth will be the Breack neck of the People called Quakers, (without Repentance) every Soul of them.

We now descend to the proof of the fifth Position with their Consent, [...] fifth Posi­tion which was, their Principles and Professions are full of Contradiction and Hypocrisies.

I told them, that they knew well, that the Spirit of God had given us abundant Warning against false Gods, false Worships, false Christs, false Spirits, false Prophets; He Commands us in Scripture not to believe them, The danger of being deceived &c. but to try them, to try all things, as we do with Touchstones, and with Ballances, yea, with Fire it self. For, some Counterfiet Coyne hath been so like pure gold, so double guilt in the middle, and the Ring round about pure gold, Depths of Hipo­crisy that it hath deceived the Touchstone. The Devil himself as black a Fiend as he is, the Spirit of Darkness, yet he knows how to wear Samuel [...] Mantle, and the white Robe of an Angel of Light, &c. I told them it was Common for Spanish, Tur­kish, or any other Enemy in Time of Wart to hang out English Co­lours, the more easily to deceive & Catch the poor Merchant man, and Judas the Traitour gave no other signe to the Jews in his be­traying of his Lord and Master, the Lord Jesus, but God save my Master, and a Kiss.

[Page 105] Most of this I Remember I spake, and then I told them that Paul tels Timothy of some that should speake Lyes in Hipocri­sie: [...] in Hipocri­sie. I told them of these, there were two sorts.

1. Such as knowingly (for wicked and Devilish Ends of Profit or Preferment) take the Leading Stoff in hand, as 'tis more then pro­bable, that the Misleader of so many Millions of Mahumetans did: and as one of the Popes in Merriment to his Cardinals Con­fest it, saying, Quantum Lucrifecimus [...]x hac Fabula Christi? What gain have we made of this Fable of Christ? Two forts of Soul Deceivers Thus Judas knowingly, for his Gain sought Opportunities to betray Christ Jesus. Thus the Schichemites (and Millions are their Successors as they are to Nebuchadnezzars Idolaters) under went that pain­ful and shameful Ordinance of Circumcision, partly to please their Princes, and partly for that hope (as Schechem told them) that all that Israel [...]ad should be theirs.

A second Sort of Soul Deceivers that are, and yet know not in their Consciences that they are blind Guides or blind Followers, but for not loving Truth God hath given them up to believe Lyes, for Truths: false Christ and Spirits, for true Christs and Spi­rits; yea, and with Paul to think that they verily ought to do many things against Jesus of Nazareth, yea, and as the Lord Je­sus Positively Foretold they shall think to do God Service to kill himself, in killing his Servants.

I told them my Charity, bid me hope that the Quakers and themselves present were not of the first, but of the second sort, and I prayed them to be as patient as they could while I must prove that their Principles and Professions were full of Lyes and Contradictions, and of Hipocrisies, and Dissimulations. I wondred that my Opposites and Auditors bare all this Load so si­lently? But at this word W. Edmundson and the rest brake out saying, We regard not what thou thinkest and sayest of us, nor do we need thy Charity, but go on to thy proofs, &c.

I then said, tha their many Books, and G. Foxes (that there­by me) and their Professions, The Quakers of late [...] Chang­ed [...] of their Spirit, or else more notori­ously Equivoca­tors. did so exceedingly Clash one with another: and some of their latter Books (as Christopher Houldsworths)and some of theis latter Professions and Practi­ces were such that many of their Observers Conclude, that ei­ther they had altered their Religion in many of their Principles [Page 106] and Practices, and were turned from what they formerly held, and were amongst us: Or else their Hipocrisies and Dissimulati­ons were more and more prodigiously Abominable. I came to Instances, and told them that when they were Charged to deny that man Christ Jesus, they profess and preach they are wrong­ed, for they believe in that Christ which was born of a Virgin, and died at Jerusalem, The Jugling of the Quakers a­bout Christ. and yet for all this, it is but in Truth a Spiritual, and Mistical, and Allegorical Christ, which (under boord and in the bottom) which they hold. For, in New-England (before G. Fox came) H. Norton and others say, Is not Christ God, and is not God a Spirit, and is there not a Spiritual Virgin, a Mistical Bethlehem, an Heavenly Jerusalem? And do not G. Fox and Ed. Burroughs all along hold our such a Christ, whose Body is not now to be found? and such a man as is in every Saint, or Quaker? and in every person in the world except he be a Reprobate?

Again, 2. They say, they hold the Christian Church, the Christians Ordinances, About the Church and Or­dinances. the Christian Ministry, the Christian Baptism, &Supper the Resurrection, the Judgement, the Life Everlasting, but search their Books, Examine their preachings and professings, and you shall see, and may admire their Juglings and Dissimulations: Do not Fox and Burroughs all along disclaim any Church Ministers, Baptisme, &c. but what is Immediate and Invisible? Do they really own any Supper but Christs inward Supping with them, and they with him? Or any Resurrection but the tising of their Bodies to perfect Holiness? or any Judgement and Eternal Life, but what they have now attained, and are now passing Judge­ment upon the world?

3. Again, though they do deny any Church but Invisible, yet their Churches and Congregations are known and Visible and stated (not attending Invisible Motions) both first day and other dayes with prayers and Preachings, and singings, and real joyn­ings or Addings to them &Castings out: These things necessitty forceth them to practice, or else they cannot possibly keep to­gether, although in Monstrous Dissimulation they disclaim it.

4. They profess that their Saints have an U [...]ction, yea, that every person in the world so enlightned by Christ Jesus, I and and out­ward Preacher so that he hath Christ and Spirit, and the Kingdome [...], them, [Page 107] (as the Pharisees had, and the very same the Saints have) and if they will, they have Teaching enough to Justifie, Sanctifie and save them: and yet again what a noise is there in the World about the Quakers, Teachers, He Apostles, and she Apostles, such as the Lord Jesus never sent either the Twelth or the Seventh, or their Successors. How do they boast to be the only Ministers of Christ Jesus sent into Old England and New-England, into Scotland and Ireland, yea, into Italy and Turky, and other Nati­ons as diligent and zealous as the Pharisees to pervert and poy­son Souls with a false Conversion and Salvation.

5. You profess the Scriptures to be the words of God, As to the Scrip­tures. but not the Word of God, and yet now you profess to be tryed by them: Anon again, you need not the Scriptures, you have that Light and Spirit within you that gave out the Scriptures, and if all the Copies in the World were burnt yet you have the Scrip­tures within you, G Fox his last Book Exalting the Heathen therefore you not only (as the Spirit of God faith) deceitfully handle the Scriptures by deceitful Interpretati­ons, but by deceitful owning, and not owning, and as G. Fox in his late Book in Exalting Heathens above Christians own­ing them, and yet Exalting the Spirit in the Philistian and Egip­tian Sorcerers above them.

6. As to Magistrates, how full are their Books and Ser­mons against Persecution and Persecutors, As to Magi­strates and yet how plainly do their Principles persecute all others that subject not to their Light, when they have attained such godly Magistrates as they are (as they speak) in the Light. I told them I was Concern­ed to make this out more fully in the proof of my Fourteenth Position, and therefore at present I would trouble them but with one Quotation out of G. Fox, Pag. 170. where I Read, and Iohn Burnet Read also, how G. Fox brings in Iohn Stallam say­ing, Pag 150 John Stallam [ And the Magistrate is not to Level the Law with the Light in every mans Consci [...]nce, The Quakers [...] are for Persecution Again, if the Magistrate be in the Light and discern the mind of Christ, and discern his Law, is he to Compel all the Nation and Common-wealth to come to the practice of his Light?]

G. Fox Answers, The Magistrate of Christ, the help, Govern­ment for him, he is in the Light and power of Christ: and he is to subject all under the Power of Christ, into his Light, else he [Page 108] is not a Faithful Magistrate: and his Laws are agreeable and Answer according to that of God in every man: when men act contrary to it they do evil, so he is a Terrour to the Evil doers, discern the precious and the just from the vile, and this is a praise to them that do well.

[...] I urged from hence, that the Quakers (and G, Fox in his Book in many places) owne no Magistrates but such as are god­ly that is in their dark Sense, that be Magistrates for their Christ, be in the Light and Power of Christ, The Quakers Zealous Perse­cutors. for then say they, their Laws are agreeable to that of God in every man.

2. These their Magistrates (in the Light) ought to subject even the Consciences and Souls of all that be under them, by Corporal punishments to come under the Power of Christ into the Light.

3. This is Confirmed and sealed with a peremptory Doom upon the neglecter and failer, viz. [ Else he is not a Faithful Magistrate.]

4. I observe the Reason and Equity which they alleadge of this subjecting all Subjects to the Light of Christ, because such Magistrates, Laws and Edicts are witnessed by God in every man, and therefore he sins against God himself who breaks such a Magistrates Command, and therefore is justly punished, &c.

Upon my urging of some of these particulars some of them desi­red to hear the Quotation read again: So John Burnet read the whole passage again, Yet will not own [...] and said, that G. Fox pake not there of matters of Religion and Conscience, nor of the Magistrates compelling men to be of his Religion and Conscience, but of punishing them for matters of wrong between man and man, which are against the Light in every mans Conscience, as Drunkenness, Whoredome, Murther, Stealing, and the like.

I Replyed, the Terms were such both of the Question by the Opposite, and the Answer by G. Fox which argue and Compre­hend the matters of Religion and Conscience, viz. If the Magi­strate be in the Light, and discern the mind of Christ, & and G. Fox his Terms are the same about Christ and the Light and bringing them subject to Christ.

2. It is not Imaginable, that the Opposer would question whether the Civil Officer ought not to punish such Incivilities [Page 109] and Inhumanities as Drunkenness Whoredome, Steal­ing, Murther, &c. Therefore G. Fox must intend that their Magistrates for Christ must Fight for their Christ against all their Opposites, though they cry Persecutors, Persecutors, &c.

In Pag. 221. G. Fox brings in the Author of the Book cal­led Hosanna to the Son of David saying, The Quakers Perfection, and yet in Measure Pag. 221. Hosan­na to the Son of David. [T hey know not abso­solute Perfection that are admitting of Measures and Degrees, nor come to the Day and the bright Morning Star, is not Risen.]

He Answers, did not the Apostle speak that they were Chil­dren of the Day, and the night was over, and knew the whole Body, and yet said, he would not go beyond his Measure? And doth he not speak of the Stature and Measure and Fulness of Christ? and were they not come to Perfection, and spoke wis­dome among them that were perfect?

I Reply: As to their Monstrous pride I shall speak, when I come to Compare the Pope and them in the Tenth Position: At present I Ask them, whether Paul speak of his Measure in Holi­ness and Grace, or no? Some of them say that they are not on­ly perfect as God in Holiness, but also in Power Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, &c. But if Paul be not brought in to speak of such a Perfection in Holiness as is in God, G. Fox beats to Air, &comes not near the Question: to save their Doctrine of Perfection from being a perfect Contradiction & Lie, The Old Romans with their Di [...]Minores or los­ser Gods and the Papists and Qua­kers all one. and they would fain make themselves &others believe that they are as tru­ly perfect in their Holiness as God is, though their Holiness be not so much: As if they were perfectly Gods, (though but little Gods) as God himself being a great God, and so are forct to shew their Contradictions, and wheel about to Perfection of parts as a Child is mankind though not a perfect man, and a drop of water is true water, The Perfection of the Godhead and may be as Salt as any drop in the Ocean: having the Quality of, but not the Equality with the Ocean As otherwise, G Fox foolishly & blasphemously speaks of God in this Book, Moreover, since these high minded Souls dare to say that they are as pure as God and (some say what they think) that they can no more sin against God, then God can sin against them, &c. I Ask them whether there be any Measures and Degrees in God? whether his Perfection in Holiness be not Holiness it self? Wisdom itself, goodness it self, unto which there can be no Addition or [Page 110] growth as we are Commanded to grow in the grace and knowledg of Christ Jesus. To talk therefore of Measures &Perfections, is as sil­ly as for G. Fox when he hath begun to sow a Shoo, and hath as yet taken but a few stitches, yet to boast Confidently that the Shoe is perfect.

We deny not, but a Dram Cup may be as perfectly full of wine as a Pipe or Butt, The Quakers Fallacious per­fection. and so Johns little Children as perfectly, that is, as truly Gods Children, as his strong men or Old men: But to say this Cup or Spoon is equal in quantity to a Pipe or Tun, a Child is equal to a strong man, much more for a poor Pot­sheard to say he is equal with his Porter, and a Worm of the Earth equal to his Maker, what is it but a bloccish and blasphemous Fallacy and Contradiction? and a wheeling about to a Perfecti­on of parts which none deny.

In 222. He brings in the same Author saying, Hosanna to the Son of David. [ Christ is with­out his Saints in respect of his bodily presence.]

He Answers, How are they of his Flesh, and of his Bone, and how do they eat his Flesh, and drink his Blood? And how have they his mind and Spirit? And he with them, and they with him? and sit in Heavenly Places: And he is the Head of his Church, and how then is he absent? yea, poor Apostates from him feels not Christ, but he is with the Saints, and they feel him.

I Reply, and Ask, is this Eating of his Flesh, and drinking of his Blood after a Corporal, Bodily manner, visible and real as to other, G Fox his Falla­Presence of Christ Senses Or is it Miraculous and Spritual? Or is it Spiritual & Mistical by Faith, and by believing as the Protestants say? After the first Corporal way the very Papists affirm not: Visible and Na­tural or Miracu­lous and Super­natural Eating of Christ. After the second way you will not say it is: Nor would you be thought to be so gross Papists as to hold Trans [...]t stantiation? and therefore must it be the third way which is by believing: and then you poor Jugling Souls, what is it to a Bodily presence, that you Eat him by believing?

2. Whereas you say, you sit with him in Heavenly Places, you are one with him, &c. he is Head of the Church, &c. Here I must Ask you you hold him to be such a Visible Head of the Church, as the Pope faith He is, and if you say yea, I then Ask you where will yea direct us to such an! Individual Man, Christ Head of the Church or person as the Pope is, and may be directed to, as we know from so great Art all the World over, If you say No, what is this then to talk of a bodily [Page 111] presence of Christ (which is the point) and then Flap me in the mouth with a Fox Tail, and tell me (in a Childish and Equivo­cating Contradiction) that you mean not a Bodily presence, but a Spiritual.

3. As for the poor Apostates, and your feeling of Christ, which the poor Apostates do not.

I Reply, An Adulterous Wretch, Accused Joseph of Whore­dome, who was a pattern of pure and holy Chastity: For, whom do this Whorish Brood of Foxians thus brand for Apostates, and fling among them Firebrands, Arrows and Death? Are they not all the Children of God that are, or ever were, or shall be called? Are they not the Souls under the Altar who have been slain Thousands and Ten Thousands for the Testimony of Jesus a­gainst these horrid Delusions? Are they not the very first Chur­ches, and the Apostles of Christ Jesus, His Bodily pre­sence from whom Christ in his Bodily presence was departed, as he often Forewarned them, and (as the holy Scriptures abundantly Recordeth) is Fulfilled? For, The Quakers Count all Gods Children Apo­states. see the Jugling of these Deceivers, when this Bodily presence is Examined, they mean no such Individual Man and person, but a mind and Spirit, and such a Christ as hath no Individual Bo­dily Presence, as we and all men have.

If G. Fox when he is in New-England should say he is in London in his Bodily Presence, and that his Friends feel (as he speak) his Bodily Presence there, G Fox his Jug­lings and dreams about the person of Christ because they feel his Love and his Affections in their minds and Spirits: What Hocas Pocas and Jugling Christianity is this? All the Saints and Children of God must all be Apostates, fallen from God and Christ, and Grace, that cannot Skill and Feel this Horrible Egiptian Canting Language.

I will turn my Thoughts higher. O thou most glorious Sun of Righteousness, Truth and Holiness shine forth, and let it be seen, how the Devil called the Lord Jesus Beelz [...]bub: The Trea­cherous Revolters and Apostates from thee, they call thy self, and thy Saints Revolters and Apostates. They boast with the bloody Papists and other Trait [...]ous Rebelt against thee, An Apostrophe or [...] to the Lord Jesus of their Right and Interest in thee, of their possessing and feeling of thee, feel­ing thy Scriptures and thy Bodily presence within them: Oh let thy glorious Light declare, who these poor Apostates and Revol­ters [Page 112] are, who brake down thine Altars, burn thy Temples, scoff at thine Institutions, Cry up a false and Hellish Christ within them, Christen him with the Name of Light, though he be thy Conquered Slave the Devil, telling us he is thine Angel of Light, who with his Counterfiet Souldiers of Light, Crucifie thee and pierce thee, and mock and Curse thee, (the only true Son of God and Son of man) as ever Herod and Pilate, the Priests and Judas, the People and Souldiers did.

In Page 259, 259 James Brown He brings in James Browne saying, [ the Kingdome that is in the Saints, is not in the Pharisees.]

He Answers, [That is, in the Saints, is in the Pharisees in a Measure, though it be but as a Gram of Mustard Seed, which is like to Leaven little.]

I Reply, 1. What If I should send you to some of your Mar­gents where the Greek word [ Entos] is rendred amongst you: that is, Christs King­dom in, or a­mong the Phari­sees unto you, upon you, as Luke 11. If I by the Finger of God cast out Devils, surely the Kingdome of God is Come upon you? The Pharisees expected (and so did all the Jews, and Christ Dis­ciples were not free) I say look for a glorious Temporal King that should make his Ingres [...] with Pomp, and [ Me [...]apu oteresio [...]] as the Scripture speaks with observation, but he came in as some Kings in disgu ze, and (as they speak) Incognito, and yet his Kingdome was among them, in the midst of them, by his per­onal presence, his powerful preaching, and his glorious Miracles.

2. Since (in Opposition to Christs Visible Kingdome his Church) you predicate a Kingdome within, Consisting of Righte­ousness, peace, and joy in the holy Spirit: do you think indeed that the Hipocritical Cursed Pharisees were such Righteous, peace­able and joyful Souls as your selves. As sure as God is Light: They and their Successors your selves, will find your selves when you wake, in horrid Quaking, and except you repent Hell Flames about your Ears, as the Lord Jesus told those whited Walls and painted Sepulchres.

3. Must you take Measure of the Pharisees, and tell us that the Pharisees in a Measure as a grain of Mustard Seed and [...]eaven are the same with your selves? Horrible and [...] Chri­stianity Do not you Cry out that you are perfect, not in Measures and Degrees, but that you a call one in Quality and Equality of Power and Glory with Gods and must [Page 113] this must be the same with Christ Jesus and his Saints, and you and the Pharisees all together? Can two walk together, live and love together, board and bosome together and not be agreed to­gether, no other wayes then Light and Darkness, Christ and Belial, Righteousness and unrighteousness? What stinking work do these provd Pharisees make of Christianity? How justly doth the Son of God give them their proper Titles, Ye Fools and Blind?

4. If it be the same Kingdome in Christ Jesus and in Saints, and in the Pharisees, and every wicked man in the world, though but as a grain of Mustard Seed, and Leaven, what is the Rea­son this Mustard Seed grows not up, A Monstrous King and King­dome of the Qua­ers. this Leaven spread not in them? Can a Nation be subject to the King of England, of Spain, or any other Prince or Monarch, and yet not know how, nor have no knowledge nor feeling of it at all? Can there be such a God, such a Spirit, such a Fire? yea, but such a Mustard Seed, or Leaven, Abominable Lyes in hipocrisie. such a T eacher, and yet not grow, not prevail, not prosper, nor be perceived? ye Fools and Blind are all your Mu­stard Trees stunted all the world over, no Shelter for the Hea­venly Birds, your pure flow [...]re of Holiness and sincerity, mixt and­blended with the black Weeds, Cockle and darnel of open Idola­tries and Prophaneness, and Pharisaisme, and Hipocrisie: What abominable Contradictions and Lyes in Hipocrisie are here? The Pharisees have Christ and his Kingdome of Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit within them, The Pharisees and Quakers Hi­pocrisie [...]. and yet live in pride and Covetousness, and Extortion, and Excess, and Cruelty, and Hi­pocrisie, and Blasphemy, and all this Rottenness and Deadmens bones stinking and ruling all within, notwithstanding all the white and paint, and garnishing without your selves, (their Hipocriti­cal Off-spring) have, and live in, you say, this Kingdome of Christ Jesus, this Kingdome of Righteousness and Joy in the holy Spirit, as perfect and pure as God himself? all one with us, Infi­nite in Majesty, Holiness, Power and Glory, not only in Quality, but Equality, &c. (as this wretched G. Fox affirmeth) And yet within and without Idolatrous and Superstuious, Inhumane and uncivil, passionate and fierce, Censorious and Cursing, and most Impudent and worse then Barbarous, in some of your Impudently, monstrous and avowed practices

Having dispatched our Agitations about the fifth Assertion, [Page 114] and the Quotations out of G. Fox which I could not then In­sist on in publick, The sixth Posi­tion; I descended to the sixth Position which was, viz. [ The Religion of the Quakers is not only an Here sie in the matters of Gods holy worship, but also in the Doctrines of Repen­tance, Faith, &c.

This Assertion hath two main Branches: First, that the Qua­kers Religion is an Heresie, and themselves Hereticks in the mat­ters of Gods worship.

2. Not only so, The Heresie of the Quakers. (about the Circumstances of which Gods own dear Servants themselves greatly differ) but also (which is more Lamentable and dangerous) in the Doctrines of Repen­tance and Faith, and the rest of the graces of Christ Jesus.

I told them first, that the word Hairesis Heresie, in Greek, (from whence the word Hairetkos an Heretick) signified an Opinion or Opinions, chosen and stood in by one or more against the Christian Religion. I said, the matter might be aggravated, and augmented from the Greatness and Vitallity of the matter of the Opinions, but the Formality and Nature of it lay in the will and obstinacy thereof.

John Stubs stood up and said, that Heresie was defined by some to be an Opinion obstinately stood in against the first Chri­stian Purity: Heresy what I Answered, yea, and the Opinion of some was, that Heresie was an Error in the Foundation obsti­nately stood in: But I said we had not time to enter upon a Dispute about the word or thing at this time, the Substance of my Affirmation was, that their Religion, Sector way was false, and gone from the Institution and way of the Lord Jesus deliver­ed by himself and his Apostles, or Messengers:

1. As to worship, they denyed the Converting and gathering of the Saints into visible Assemblies, or Congregations: affirming the Church to be Invisible, the Ministers Invisible, the Bapitsme and Supper Invisible, &c.

The second (which was aur Position) was in those two great Fundamentals, the Beginning, or A. B. C. of the Christian Religion, The Quakers He­reticks against all the Christian Principles, and more Herit [...]cal against the first Christian Religion viz Repentance from dead works and Faith towards God: As for those: two Doctrines of laying on of hands, and of Baptismes they concerned the Church, and worship, (concern­ing the Circumstances of which God is pleased to permit his [Page 115] Children to be lovingly differing and discussing; on then any Pro­testants or Pa­pists. the other four Repentance, Faith, Resurrection and Judgement (in which gene­rally Goods Children agree) in these also as well as in the mat­ter of worship, these wandring Souls are Hereticks, that is, ob­stinately maintaining Notoriously false and Anti-Christian Abo­minations, In so much that the many Sects amongst the Prote­stants, yea, and the Papists themselves do not so differ from a true Protestant and true Christian as do these wilful, ignorant, and wandring Souls.

1. Then as to Repentance, The Quakers Heresy in mat­ter of Repen­tance. I said it was the first heavenly and saving work of God upon the Soul, wherein he turned back home again the whole Soul unto himself, being revolted and run from him into Arms of Rebellion in the Fall of our first Parents.

This was the great point preached by Moses and the Prophets, and more expressly by John the Baptist, and by the Lord Jesus himself: and when he sent abroad his Apostles or Messengers in­to all Nations, This 24th. of Luke I earnekly Insisted on. they were to preach the Gospel or glad News of the Forgiveness of sins according to Luke 24. viz. that Repen­tance and Remission of sins should be preached in his Name unto all Nations, beginning at Jerusalem:

Here about I remember they told me that it was known that they preached the Doctrine of Repentance and of turning from all sin unto God, &c.

I Answered, that the Papists and they made a shew and Co­lour of Repentance, but it had not the Life and Substance of Repentance in it: It was no more but an empty Title and shadow of Repentance: The Papists and Quakers Repen­tance. we know the Papists define their Repentance by these three. First, Contrition, Secondly, Confession, and Third­ly, Satisfaction or Restitution.

But I said the Protestants protested against this Repentance of the Papists, and so against the Quakers, for, who knew not the sorrow and Confessions of Saul, and Ahab, and Pharaoh; and the Philistins, and Judas, yea, and also the Restitution which Judas made, (not daring to keep in his hands that which he had unjust­ly and [...] gotten) and yet who can truly ascribe unto these mens Repentance, the Character and blessedness of a true Chri­stian returning and coming home to God.

2. I said it is known in daily practice, that when some times [Page 116] Notorious, and openly Flagitious Persons profess to be Quakers, (for all their craking of fear and trembling and Quaking) there hath appeared no Sense of godly sorrow, of godly Contrition and brokenness of heart in them, for their sinful Nature and Life against so Infinitely pure an Holiness and Majesty? but immed­diately (upon their bowing down to Satan, The Quakers Converts. and owning him as a Light, and Christ, and Spirit within them) they are, having left Prophaneness now pure and holy as God is, they can no more sin then Christ can! the Mistery of godliness is God manifested in their Flesh, I know some of them say they come to perfection by degrees, yet they say the least of their new-born Quakers can not sin, and what is that but Perfection? yea, they are Christ and God: and therefore why should they give respect to any King, or Kings, &c. why should they not Thee and Thou the Aged, Learned, holy, and High, why should they not sit silent even scores and hundreths of them (possessed with a dumb Spirit) as in a Form and Order of Christian worship waiting for this Spi­rit, and then be perfect Christians?

3. The Protestants both English, French and Dutch, &c. have manifested against the Papists, and therein against the Qua­kers, that Repentance is a turning of the whole Soul from all sin as sin to all of God as God: The Protestants [...] Repentance. from the sin of Nature, and that Heart filthiness which we bring into the world with us, and from whence, even from within, as Christ Jesus tells us? what ever Satan and the poor Quakers prate proceed our evil thoughts, Adul­teries, Fornications, Murthers, Thefts, Covetousness, Wickedness, Deceit, Lasciviousness, an Evil Eye, Blasphemy, pride, Foolish­ness, Mark. 7. &c.

4. I urged, that their Proselites and Converts are but like the Pharisees of old, though oftentimes dearly bought by Sea and Land, I say, but turned from one sin to another, from one Image to another, from one Devil of Drunkenness or Swearing; &c. to a Devil of Pride, horrible pride, the worst of all prides in Earth or Hell, to wit, a Spiritual Pride swelling with the Drop­sies and Tympanies of their Conceited knowledge, Concerted Re­pentance, Conceited Faith, Love, patience, joy, holiness, Justificati­on, Sanctification, Mortification and Salvation.

2. How horribly do they despise the true broken hearted Pub­licans; [Page 117] who can see nothing but sin and Damnation in them­selves, The Quakers despising and cry out for mercy and Forgiveness? How do they Su­perciliously and Pape-like belch out at from, Hell, God I thank thee that I am not like these Publicans?

3. How bitterly do they Instantly raise and revile, Condemn and Curse, And Revili [...] others. breathing out Fire of Damnation as Fire and Brim­stone from the Mountains in Sicily, or else Hell it self against all that oppose them? as far from the Teaching of Christ and his first Mess [...]ngers as Lambs and Doves, are from the Ravenous, popish and Devilish Lyons and Eagles.

4. To name no more at present, How doth the Devil of worldliness and Covetousness domineer over many of them? Their Covetous­ness. By a strict Profession all persons are taken off from Drunkenness, Whoredome, Swearing, &c. and put on Theiftiness and In­dustry, and if their hearts Center and fix not on Christ Jesus, and the Heavenly Records of Christ, the Scriptures: and on the Life to come, but upon Self, Exalting self, a self Christ, and Spirit, and Heaven, and Resurrection, &c. which is the Truth and bottom of the Quakers Religion, what can the most of them run in but a Course of greedy gaping after, and getting, and ra­king, and gathering the muck and dung of this present Life?

It is true, that many that hold the same Fanciful Notions with the Quakers, yet are of Ranting, jovial, spending Spirits, but the Spirit that haunts the Quakers most is a soure, proud, and Melan­choly Devils, A sowre Spirit is the Common Spirit of the Quakers. and his Commission is to turn such persons into the Gadarens Swine rooting up all that ever they come at for their own Ends and Belly: How many are the Instances even in this Colony in some especially, as able and as active Souls as any in this Colony or Country, and as guilty of murthering the Natives by the Liquor Trade as any: and as suddenly and strangely snatcht away by the hand of Gods Power and Justice, as any usually can be, but being departed I will touch no more upon this string.

From their Doctrine of, and their Heresie or Obstinacy in a false Repentance, I touch next upon their false Faith: The Quakers false Faith. I said it was true they spoke much of faith and Justification, &c. as the Papists did, and as G Fox in his Book (by me) did: yet if they pleased I would demonstrate by Instances out of his Book all along that he Confounded and made all one, both Faith and Ju­stification, [Page 118] yea [...], and made believing in Christ Jesus but a meer Babel and Chaos of Nonsence and Confusion. For although (which is Foxes Common Burrough)he that Faith hath Repentance, G. Fox his hor­rible Confound­ing of Faith and all other Christi­an Virtues and Graces together hath Justifications Sanctification, and all Chri­stian graces, yet to Confound and make them all one, is as to go into a fair Garden, and say a Rose is every Flower in the Garden: or to say, that the Letter. A, or O is every Letter in a Printers Box, or Book: Or to say, that a Rebels receiving the Kings pardon, that is the King himself his receiving it is the pardon it self, that is the Rebels Conviction, Conversion, Condem­nation, Execution, Resurrection, Acceptation, Exaltation, and Adoption into the Favour and Communion with the King for the Future. All this Monstrous and Nonsensical Language is the Tongue or Speech of the Quakers, and G. Fox especially.

2. I told them that although (with the Quakers and P apists) G. Fox talkt much of Faith in Christ: yet I had proved and fur­ther should, True Faiah what it is that the Quakers put out and obliterate the true Christ or Object to be received and believed on, as before in the matter of Faith, they put out the true living Eye of Faith, and put in a painted, or Glass Eye in the Room of it.

True Faith is a Receiving of Christ Jesus as my only King, Priest and Prophet: It is a believing on, or receiving of Christ distinct from God, John 14. You believe in God, This true Lord Jesus Christ the Quakers turn into a meer Fiction, The Quaker, Transubstatiation worse then the Fantastick Tran­sustantiation of the Pepists Dream, or Imaginary Christ in the mind of a man, or Woman: a Popish Transubstantiated Christ, all Spirit and no Body, and so not con­sisting of Flesh and Spirit: He hath no Flesh of his own, as you make him: and yet Flesh of his own, because your Flesh is his Flesh, and yet your Flesh you say also must dye and rot, and ne­ver rise again, and so you have blown up and Jugled away the Flesh of Christ Jesus, both his and your own also altogether.

This is a Trick of the Father of Lyes, and Juglings beyond that Monstrous Fancy of the Papists Transubstantiation, for al­though they turn the Bread into the Flesh of Christ, yet they turn not the Bread of Christ, nor the Flesh of Christ into their own Flesh: The Quakers can give no Account what is become of the Flesh or Body of that man Christ Jesus, these Foxes have devoured the Lambs of God. Miraculous and Monstrous is [Page 119] the Papists blasphemous and Bloody Fancy of Transubstantiation, but not more miraculous and monstrous, &c. then that of the Quakers, which granteth Christ Jesus to have been born, lived and dyed as We, &c and yet now Transubstantiated into a Spirit, and the Quakers Flesh. So that in the Upshot, the Christ in whom they believe is vanished (by an Hellish Chimistry) into themselves, and it is most certain, (the Lord open in great mer­cy some of their Eyes to see it) they do believe on themselves, and that lying Spirit within them.

I Remember, that hereabouts John Burnet said, that it was not true that they preached not true Repentance, and herein he fell into a Speech or Sermon to the People, John [...] Sermon. professing that the Quakers maintained Repentance toward God and Faith in Christ and Godliness, and Righteousness, &c. and he continued I Judge above half an hour, (though not so long nor so furious as William Edmundson the day before.

I listned carefully and watcht his Ending (being desirous to say something least another of them should fall into a Sermon al­so and put me by) and I speedily said (to this Effect) Friend you have here delivered many holy Truths of God (at this there was deep silence, And my Answer as if I had turn'd a Proselire, at least it pleased them to be applauded, I went on and said concerning Repentance and turning from all sin, of the Blood of Christ, and of being saved by his Blood, of living soberly, Righteously, and godly in this present World, &c. but withal I said, they did not reach me nor any thing that I had spoken as proof against them, for I and all their Adversaries the Protestants preached Repen­tance and Faith, &c. but theirs was an Anti-Christian Repen­tance, The Quakers and the Papists gene­ral Faith and Repentance and Faith, &c. because either not true Repentance and Faith as Protestants argue against the Papists and Quakers, or else in general Terms not distinguishing between true Repentance and false, and shewing the difference between the true Faith and the false: So that I said you might have preacht this Sermon even in Rome before the Popes face in his own Chappel, yea, the Pope and the Cardinals and Friars, and Jesuits deliver the same Doctrines (in general Terms) daily: The Jugling of the Papists [...] Quakers But as Thieves Juglers, and Counterfiets when they come to Examination, their Impudent sayings and Swearings prove but the paints of Whores and Har­lots? [Page 120] so do the Devilish Doctrines and Devilish Conceit and Fancies of Papists, Quakers, and all Fantastick, Formal, Carnal Protestants, who Cry Lord, Lord, &c. but are Answered by Christ Jesus with I know you not, Depart from me ye that work Iniquity.

I cannot Affirm that I spake all these Individual words, nor have omitted ought that I or they spake: yet I remember no more, though being Confined (by their great desire and my self) to a puarter of an hour, for each point I was forced as all may judge to omit many Amplifications and Illustrations which now I crave the Readers patience, while I present him with some of them.

I Intended to have Charged them with the falseness of their Hope, The Hope peace and Joy of the Quakers and Love, and Peace, and Joy which they often Crake, (though they pretend quaking and Trembling) their Heaven con­sisteth, and all the Eternal Life to come, they look for, they are now in present, full Possession of.

What Scripture is more common in the mouths and pens of the Quakers, then that of Paul to the Colossians, Chap. 1. which is, Christ in you the Hope of Glory: Christ the Hope of Glory whereby they Insinuate two of their grand Deceits and Lyes, First, that there is no other Christ but what is in every man in the World. Secondly, That there is no other Glory to be hoped for in, or by, or with the Lord Jesus, but what the Saints, that is the Quakers enjoy, and are already possessed of within them in this Life.

To which I say, how many painted Anchors and painted Hopes are there? How many Hopes as in Job like the Spiders web swept away to Eternity? If there be e're a painted Anchor or e're a Spiders web in the world this of the Quakers.

Hope is one, as in time I may furthet demonstrate.

For, do they not overthrow the very Nature of Hope which they prate of, and give the Spirit of God Rom. 9. the Lye, which tells us that Hope is not of things in possession, o [...] which we see? doth not Paul there tell us almost in plain Terms, that it is sim­plicity and Non-Sense to talk concerning Hope after such a Rate? The Simplicity as well as Impie­ty of the Quakers Hope Doth not 1 Pet. 1. tells us of a Living Hope (opposite to paint­ed and dead Hopes) and this Living Hope called in other places the Hope of Righteousness, the Hope of the Redemption of our Bodies? the Hope as of Heirs for an Inheritance? of the Glory that [Page 121] shall be revealed in us, which is a state of the manifestation of the Sons of God, though faith John, We are now the Sons of God, 1 John 3. we know not what that is, all that is now enjoyed is but as the first Fruits to the Harvest, as the Spirit speaks.

2. Again, what Ignorance and simplicity is it to call Christ or God, the Glory or the goodness, or good things which we hope for, Literally and properly upon the Promise, and the Power, and goodness of God, no Christ Jesus? Can the Eternal God in any Literal Sense be called the Hope of Israel, Jer. 14. but in the same Figurative Sense whereby Moses cals him Our Life, and the Length of our Dayes? and we in Common Speech call such a man, or his Promise, or any Crea [...]ures dear to us, Our Hope, our Love, our Joy, &c. that is the Ground or the Object of our Hope &c

Their great Blunderer Humphry Norton he deals as plainly and roundly as G. Fox (his oemulous Corrival) falsly and frau­dulently, Humpry Norton his Hope when that holy Scripture [I f in this Life only we have Hope, &c.] was here objected to Humphry Norton, he clapt his hand on his Breast saying. He had it there already, that is opposing it to (and denying the Hope in) the Life to come, especially, as to their Bodies which are not raised up (they say) Spiritual Bodies, being (though of late) more subtly and hipo­critically all one with those deceived Souls that said the Resur­rection was past already. It is true, they will pretend to owne the Scriptures, Christs humane Nature, the Resurrection, and Judgement, and Faith, and Hope, ahd Repentance, &c. as true and found as any Protestant: but still it is no otherwise, but as G. Fox and Ed. Burroughs say in this Book, that is, (as I have and shall open) in a most Jugling and deceitful Sense and mean­ing.

It is reported that some of them at their Death have used those words [ Lord Jesus receive my Spirit, The Quakers Hope of life [...] come ] some have Charitably thought that they intend thereby their going presently into the presence of Christ Jesus, but as to the Truth and bottom, howev­er they blind the world, and the weakest of their Followers, (un­til they be fit to wean and fall to strong meat) others of them Covertly say & write and others of them more plainly say, viz. That they believe no more Rising of their Bodies then the rising of a Dog: and as to their Spirits they believe their Souls are [Page 122] patts of God, and go unto God and into God: and therefore their saying, Lord Jesus receive my Spirit, is no more then Lord Jesus receive thy self, according to some of their plain Expres­sions: To whom should I pray? my self? to whom should I give Thanks? my self? wherein their woful, black, and filthy Spirit Contradicteth it self amongst themselves, though they agree in the Devils Bait, The Quakers bait by which Satan takes them (which Catcht himself, and with which he Catcht our first Parents and all his Posterity) viz. Ye shall be as Gods, live as God, know as God, be Gods and Christs for Evermore.

I shall now crave the Readers patience to hear some few Quo­tations out of G. John Bunyan Fox, (which my quarter of an hour would not then permit) declaring their Apostasie and Heresie in the mat­ters of Repentance, Faith, &c.

In Pag. 127. he brings in John Bunyan saying, [ It is a Coun­terfietlng of the New Birth for men to follow the Light wherewith men coming into the World are enlightned.]

G. Fox Answereth, [ which none comes to the New Birth, but who comes to the Light, wherewith every man, &c. which believ­ing in is a Child of the Light: believing and receiving comes to re­ceive power to be the Sons of God.]

I Reply, The new Birth of the Quakers none are truly Converted, born again, &c. but in a true Sense they come to Christ Jesus: For the Scripture saith, He gives Repentance to Israel, He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith: But that Jesus Christ as God, (so the Quakers owne him) and as man (for so they also owne him) should be in every man, and Woman, and Child in the World, I have proved and shall prove it to be a blockish and Devilish Fancy.

2. If this Light, this Christ the Mediator between God and man be only a Spirit and not man, why do the Scripture, why do the Quakere madly say there was such a man, though they can­not: tell now what is become of him except he be (as they say) within, &c.

3. If this Light, this Christ, this Mediator be in every man, what should be the Reason that so many Thousands and Ten Thousand of Millions see him not? only a few persons Cursing and Reviling all the rest, and that say all but the Quakers are de­ceived I Can the Sun be in a Chamber and persons not blind, but [Page 123] seeing and awake, and using his Light and yet not see it. Certain­ly it is but a painted Sun that doth not shine equally on all, it is but a painted Fire that doth not burn, and the Quakers are but Pictures of Christians, and pictures of men to argue after such a Rate, that Christ not only as God, and Creatour should be in every man, but also as the Mediator, as the Spirit, and yet not operate according to the Nature of the Sun and Fire: It is true, the Lord Jesus came into the dark would, and their darkness com­prehended him not to be He that was to come, the true Messiah: but when Christ Jesus as Mediator, the true or only Light shall dwell in the Understanding and Will, and Memory, and Affe­ctions of a man or Woman, and those persons be savingly in­lightned by him as you write, and yet not Converted and saved by him, it can be the Language of none but those that peep and mutter, Isai. [...]. but have no true Light, but a false and painted Light within them.

Lastly, The true and false new Birth. saith Fox this turning to the Light within is the New Birth: But the Holy Record saith, that till the preaching of the Word, or Gospel, or glad News come to the mind of a man, (ordinarily by the Ear, and hearing, and preaching, Rom. 10.) there is no Faith, nor Covenant, nor Christ, nor God in the Soul, Ephes. 2. and we are not only in darkness, but darkness it self, Ephes. 5. and only by the holy Word and Spirit preached the blessing, Isai. 59., God shineth in our hearts, and not by any such Immediate Fantastick Faith or Spirit, as the Anti Christian Qua­kers dream of, The Quakers per out the Eyes of their own Ex­perience. yea, against the Light of a twofold Experience in their own Souls.

1. That of many of them being enlightned and formerly Con­victed by the reading or preaching of the Doctrine, Word or Will of God revealed in the holy Scripture.

2. That of their new Light (as they falsly and foolishly prate) pretended to be brought unto their Ears and knowledge by the means of these new Apostles, Preachers, and Ministers, so pretended of Christ Jesus.

When God hides (that is by Spiritual Judgements) the Light of Scripture, of the Spirit of Reason, and of Experience, &c. who can find it out? No man, no nor Devil can subsist one mi­nute without the power of Christs Eternal Power and Godhead: [Page 124] but when Christ Jesus comes into the Soul as Mediator of the new Covenant, and be thus idle and not operative in all mankinds in the World, and not to Convert, and work belief in them, which must be either because he cannot, or because he will not, as the Leaper said, is as black and blasphemous a Fancy as any Athe­istical or Anti Christian Soul can harbour.

He brings in George Willington saying, Pag 44. George Willington [ He is Justified by Faith alone without good work] He Answers; [ What without Faith that works by Love.]

I Reply: In this passage, and in many others, this subtle man clearly discovers what he makes true Justifying Faith to be, viz. not one hair breadth more then the Faith that may be to God in the first Covenant, the Covenant of works, and a looking to be Justified and saved be God for a mans own Abilities, performan­ces and Righteousness, far from the Faith of the Gospel, which though good works in Love follow it, yet not one good work in the world goes before it: Nor one good work in the world goes with it in the point of Justification, The Quakers mean Jewish and Popish or pardon of our Trans­gressions: and therefore G. Fox hath not only George Willing­ton his Opposite, but the express word and Declaration of the Spirit of God saying, [ Rom. 3. Therefore we Conclude that a man is Justified by Faith and not by the works of the Law.]

Alas porr Bankrupts who owe more Infinitely to God then we are worth: who are over head and Ears in Debt to God, to our own Souls, The doleful state of all men till mercy not Ju­stice put them to Men and Angels, and the whole Creation, having sinned against Heaven, &c. that have not one farthing toward the discharge of so many Infinite Millions of Talents: God of his rich Infinite mercy convinceth some of the proud Sons and Daughters of men of their deplorable Condition, makes them cry for mercy, and for Christ Jesus sake and Mediation, he freely Justifies and forgives them. Thus saith the Scripture all along, and that our Faith, our believing or receiving of this grace though it be followed with Mary Magdalene Love, Contributes not one farthing toward the payment of our Infinite Millions, no not so much as one good Thought.

He brings in Joseph Miller saying, Pag. 47. Joseph Miller [ It is an Errour to say, we are Justified by that which Christ doth in us He Answers, Contrary to the Apostle, who saith, We are Justified by Faith in his Blood: [Page 125] And the Faith is in the Heart, and the Blood is in the Heart that purifies it, The Quakers Jus­tification with­in us. and held in a pure Conscience: And the Word of Faith is within, Rom. 10. And Faith gives Victory over the World, and that which gives Victory Justifies, And Christ is within you who is Justification, Sanctificotion and Redemption: either of them is found within, and thou art in the Errour, and not fit to talk of these things thou understandest not.

I Reply: Grant that in a true Respect and Sense, Faith is within, and the Blood within, and the Word of Faith within, and Christ within, and Justification and Sanctification within, will it therefore follow I say, will it therefore follow with any Colour of Common Reason, Fox his Babilo­nith tumbling of all in a Croud and Heap toge­ther that therefore in one and the same Sense they are all within, and they are all one, and they were not without before they were within? I know this subtle Fox and He that helps his deluded pate to bind up such a Bundle of wrested Scriptures, would have it so, that he may jumble and blend all together in a Babilonish Mystery, and subtly deny the Truth of the holy Scriptures History.

It is true, Cheist dwtls in our Hearts by believing, Ephes. 3. and Consequently his Cross, yea, his Manger, yea, his Blood, yea, his Grave are within, &c But that Christ Literally shed his Blood within us, as a Ransome to his [...]ather for the sins of the whole world, is as Fine and bruitish a Fancy, as that the Cross, the Spear, the Souldiers, the High Priests, Scribes and Pharisees and People, Pilate, the Romans, Jerusalem, Jude, & the whole world (as some of them have idly & oft [...]uprated) are Literally within us.

It is true in a Sense, the King and his pardon, and Counsellours and Scribes, and writings, and Seals, &c. are all in a Rebels heart, as he believes and applies all these within him, Justification opened. and his belief works by love: But if they be within otherwise then we Affirm, &c. and as G. Fox would have it, then they are not without also, (which is the mark all these Arrows from Hell fly at,) and Consequently Christ Jesus and his Blood shedding, and a Literal Jerusalem, and a true and real man Christ Jesus, and the holy, real Literal Scriptures are blown up and vanished altogether.

Pag. 10. He brings in John Bunyar saying, [ It is not Faith and works that justifies a man before God, but it is Faith and good works which justifie in the sight of men only, and such works will not [Page 126] justifie in the sight of God: and he saith, that works is only to justifie their Faith to be true before men.]

G. Fox Answers, Abraham was not Justified only to men by his Obedience, The Quakers Popish Justifi­cation by works. but to God: And where is Faith there is Iusti­fication which works by Love: And the Saints Faith and works were not only to Justifie them in the sight of men. For the work of God is to do what he saith, & the will which who doth not is not Justified by so doing, but to be beaten with stripes: who seek to be Justified by their Faith and Works in the sight of men are dead, Faith and works both.

I Reply, He that reads this passage may without doubting Conclude that G. Fox and his Foxtans are as perfect Pharisees (Jewish and Popish) as ever burroughed in Rome or Ierusalem, maintaining a Covenant of works, The Papists and Quakers see no need of Christ. Justification by works, and renouncing Christ Jesus his Blood and merits: For if Abraham was Justified and received his pardon by his Obedience to God what need was there for him and us, to look out for a Surety, a Re­deemer, a Mediator to pay his Blood for our Ransome, and to fetch us out of the miserable state of Sin; Death, and Hell, &c.

2. Whereas G. Fox asketh what is the work of God, but to do what he saith.

I Reply, 1. The work of God (according to Christs Doctrine) is to believe on him whom God sent. It is true, it is the Com­mand of God to keep his Commands, but since the deadly Fall of man, The Papists and Quakers know not the differ­ence between the two Cove­nants. none, not one being able, Rom. 3. (though Fox deny it,) it is the work, the great Work of God to fly to that blessed Propitia­tion for poor sinners, (throughout the world:) But G. Fox can­not distinguish between the Covenant of works, of Iustice, and of Debt, and that of mercy, and of receiving all as a Beggar, and Condemned Rebels, poor proud Souls they know not any differ­ence between the Blood of Christ Jesus and their own Blood, as we shall see afterward.

3. Whereas he saith, they that do not Gods will are not justi­fied in so doing:

I Answer, therefore it follows ronndly as his Conclusion, that they that do Gods will are justified in so doing: that is their sins are pardoned as David and Paul by pardon of Sin describe justi­fication,

[Page 127] Who sees not the subtlety of this Fox cheating himself and others with the divers signification of this Latin word Justification? It is true, a man can not be justified or defended for Thieving, Fox his playing with the work Justification. Whoring, Murthering, &c. Doth it follow therefore, that they that do not Steal, whore, murther, &c. by this abstaining from Sin, and by this their work they obtein the pardon, and stand by this their work, legally right and justified in the Court of Heaven!

I Conclude, that by these hints a broken hearted sinner, who hath seen Sin as Sin, the sin of his Nature, his chief sin, &c. will see how far from the Doctrine of true Repentance, true Faith, &c these mens Teachings be, and (for all their boasting) what need they have to Examine themselves whether they be in the Faith, and whether there be any other Christ Jesus within them then a Counterfiet and painted Messiah, and whether their Counterfiet and painted Faith, Repentance and Hope will yield them another Fruit then a dolefully Counterfieted and perishing Salvation.

At last by Gods merciful held I come now (with their glad Consent) to the seventh and last Position propounded to the dis­cust at Newport, The last of the seven Positions at Newport viz. that their Religion was nothing else but a mixture of Popery, Arminianisme, Socinianisme, Judaisme, &c.

Herein I knew I was not to exceed my quarter glass, and there­fore I take liberty now a little to inlarge, to remember the Rea­der of the old Proverb, that where God hath his Church, the De­vil will have his Chappel: And that where Christ Jesus hath his Field of good Seed, while the Servants sleep, the Enemy will sow the Tares, The Quaker Re­ligion pieced up o [...] many old He­resies of rotten Doctrines, and rotten Professors, who like Windefals, and Revolting Rebels fall from the holy Truths they have professed, being loose and weak believers, or only affrighted and Terrified Hipocrites, by Gods righteous Judgement delivered over to listen too, and believe Lyes as the only heavenly Truths of Jesus.

I had purposed to have shewed how in matters concerning God, the Son of God, the Spirit of God, &c. the Quakers have followed, the Cerdonians, the Priscilliant, the Valentinians, the old Gnosticks, and Manicheans: but I Confined my self to the Terms of the Position, and declared that the Quakers were down­right Papists in many points, some I then Infisted on, and the rest [Page 128] intended, I shall now mention. First, In magnifying the rotten strength and Arm of dead and rotten Nature: when it is Objected to G. Fox in his book, that by Nature we are all dead in sint and Trespasses:

G. Fox Answers, by dividing all men into three sorts: Some are born holy from the wombe, Of Natures its Impurity as Jer. Some the Saints that is, only their Children born holy without any sinful Corruption. Thirdly, the wicked who will not turn to the Light within them, and they are only the Unbelievers dead in sin. But the Protestants, Da­vid and his Followers Confess their Natures, Births, and Con­ceptions to be all defiled with fin, and with a sinful proneness to all Iniquity, though miraculously some are Sanctified, or set apart to God from the wombe as Jeremiah, John the Baptist, &c. Some after a more peculiar and miraculous manner, as the Lord Jesus: Some by New Birth, and the wonderful Supernatural Power of the holy Spirie Changing, Regenerating, and as it were New Creating the Soul and Spirit, in Everlasting, Unchange­able Holiness and Righteousness after the Image of his first and second Creatour.

It is true, that the Papists come nearer the Truth as to Birth, Corruption and Defilement then the Quakers, The Papists righ­ter then the Quakers acknowledging all so be Conceived and born in Sin, not that the Devil or the Papists care to acknowledge this Truth, but that they may use it as a Cridge over which they may pass to the Necessity of Baptisme on pain of Damnation: on which they may also build many other Superstitious Fanciee as to the holy Ordinances.

But the Quakers, although they hold only their own Chil­dren to be Conceived and born holy & without Sin, yet they jump into one step with the Papists, The power of natn e in spi­rituals as to the Power of Nature in Spi­rituals, ane that every man and woman in the world hath a suffi­cient Light within him to see God and Christ, &c. and to turn themselves unto them to Eternal Life. Contrary to the Pro­testants, who from the holy Scriptures maintain mans Natural Blindness and Darkness, Ephes. 5. Mans Natural Deadness, Ephes. 2. and that our wisdome can not discern any Spiritual thing, that is, Spiritually, 1 Cor 2. That our Quintessence of Nature, our very wisdome is Enmity to God: He hates us as we hate him, and are at deadly fewd and mortal Hatred like two men of War [Page 129] giving Fire one upon another, The way of Co [...] ­version both of the Papists and this Quakers we resolving to sink by Ejods side, rather then to yield to God: but God in Infinite pitty, seeing our weakness and madness, and certain Destruction hangs out a white Flag, and offers a Parly, on purpose to save us from our desperate mind & Ruine, which by many heaven­ly means of Free mercy he Effecteth? The Papists speak more like Men, and at last yield that men and Women have left them (since Adams Fall) power to listen too, and obey Moral Perswasions, and offers which God makes: The Quakers talk only (like Bruits) of no means, no means but Immediate Revelation of the Spirit: and yet in Contradicti­on to themselves they make the Spirit an inward means, and their Apostles or Messengers an outward means, or else they make themselves idle Embassodors, The way of the true Protestants in vain and to no purpose. The Protestants affirm from 2 Cor. 3. that we have not one good Thought but from God, that it is God, not we, that turns the will, Phil. 2. that when the Word of Faith is preached, Rom. 10. and Faith or Belief is wrought by hearing: yet is it Gods free Grace that makes the diffe­rence, 1 Cor. 4. when several Hearers are Assembled, and God opens Lidiahs heart and not others, Acts 16. the learn­ed Academians mock, and only Dionifius and Damaris, and a few believe, Acts 17. Rom. 9. 2. because God sheweth mercy on whom he will, and whom he will, he bardneth.

The Papists and Quakers both maintain that dolefully, un­comfortable, Falling from Grace and desperate Doctrine of falling away from true and saving grace: The Truth is, neither of them seem to know Experimentally what true and saving grace is: It is true, they differ, the Papists make Saving Grace the Pro­perty only of the Regenerate: The Quakers say it is in every man and Woman in the world, they have it, though they know it not, and will not turn to it, and believe in it: yet both agree that they loose it, whereas the true Protestants though they grant great Failings and Falls, [...]nd Desertions of Gods Children, The true Pro­testants Doctrine as to Falling away. yet they hold the Seed of God, the holy Spi­rit and Word of God, Isai. 59. and 1 Cor. 3. that Incorrup­tible, Eternal Seed, of which they are begotten, never Final­ly? [Page 134] nor Totally to be Ecclipsed, and they justly account that Doctrine of Intercession, viz. when Son-ship or Childship is cut off by Sin, and Renewed by Repentance, to be a simple Fantastical Notion, as if David were a Child of God to day, a Child of the Devil to morrow, a Child of God this hour, and a Child of the Devil the next, &c. only they fix this Impiously upon mortal and great sins only, as if Adam Eating of an Apple were not sufficient to his and our Destru­ction, as well as Davids sinning with Bathsheba and Uri­ah, &c

3. I must be briefer, though not so brief as I was forced to be in our publick probations: I told them that Papists and the Quakers were great Confederates in their Endea­vours to raze the Records of Heaven, The Papists and Quakers agree against the holy Scripture. and to rob the Saints and the world of this Inestimable Jewel and Treasure of the ho­ly Scriptures.

1. The Papists own it not to be all the word or will of God revealed, but that there be unwritten Verities, that is, Gods mind revealed from Father to Son, by Tradition.

The Quakers will not vouchsafe it the Name of the word of God, out of a simple pretence, because Christ is the word of God, that is, he is indeed the chief manifestation of all the Appearances of God.

2. The Papists horribly abuse, it, calling it a Nose of wax, a Lea­den Rule, a dead Letter, &c. and so do the Quakers triumphing over it with base Insultations, as over a dead Letter, a Car­kass, &c.

3. The whole world of Papists assembled in eighteen Years Labours, The Papists and Quakers Enmity against the He­brew and Greek (& Chymical Laboratories at Trent) at last thundred out their Anathamaes and Curses against all that should not prefer the Vulgar Latin Copies before the He­brew Copies and the Greek (in which it pleased the holy Spi­rit of God first to write his mind and will or word unto us:) And do not the Quakers as simply and bruitishly bind them­selves to the bare Letter of the Common English? Though they know the Hebrew and Greek Copies are the Foundati­on and Touchstone of all other (though millions of) Transla­tions: Though they know there be more English Transla­tions: then one; Though the English Translations wonderfully [Page 135] differ; Though Ravi [...]s (that Famous Oriental Hebrician, &c.) proclaims above a Thousand Faults, and some gross in our last Translation: though some of them (as John Stubs) boast of their humane Learning produced his Hebrew Bi­ble in our Conference: yet will these Ephesians cry out like Frantick mad) great is our Latin Translation, great is our English Translation: Yea, one of them boasted to my self, that the Spirit of God would teach them Scripture without the Hebrew and the Greek, or the English either.

4. The Papists set up a Judge in Controversies above the holy Scriptures, The Papists and Quakers Judge of Scripture who can dispense with Scriptures and do all that God can do. And say not the Quakers the same of their Spi­rit which is above the Scriptures, for it gave forth the Scrip­tures, and is in every man

5. The Papists though they will not deny to make the Scriptures the Rule, Interpretation of Scripture and profess to be tried by it, yet their Church, and the head of it the Pope must Interpret: And do not the Quakers herein the same concerning themselves, though some thing more bruitishly, for they will allow no Interpretations, nor meaning at all, but you must take the words as the Translators have given them us (right or wrong) and you must not enquire either into the meaning of words, or the meaning or mind of God in the place. Oh what a black, deaf and dumb, Lazie Spirit hath possessed the Souls of these great pretenders too and Monopolizers of the holy Spirit of God, both Papists and Quakers?

6. The Papists generally use not, nor have the holy Scrip­ture, (no not in their Devotions) in their own Tongue, but in the Latine, (the Whores Tongue of Italy:) therefore no wonder they prize it not: but even the Lights or Lu­minaries so pretending, The Papists and Quakers slight­ing holy Scrip­ture amongst them difuse it, Care not for it, read it not, &c. many have it not: So that Luther tels us that in Thirteen years or more he saw not a Bible in his Col­ledge at E [...]ford, until by Gods merciful providence he came to see one, to his own & the Comfort of Thousands, & Luther tels us that at one great Assembly of the Emperour and Prin­ces, the Protestants of Germany had Conveyed a Bible on the Table: The Cardinal being first come he opened the Book, and read here and there in it, (it is like he had not seen [Page 132] it before in his Life,) In comes one of the Popish Princes, and askt the Cardinals Eminency what Book he had there?

He Answerred, I know not: but I am sure it is against us, and it is laid here for that purpose. Oh the Infinite mer­cies of God to us in our times, and our Infinite Debt to his Infinite goodness, and our Infinite guilt in neglect of it:

The Quakers [...] first took off themselves, Families and As­semblies from any use of it: The Papists and Quakers would be rid of the Scripture Their Spirit they Crake that made the Scriptures supplies all, &c. The Papists and Quakers both have said and printed, that if the Scripture were consu­med & quite taken out of the world, there would be no Loss, so long as they have the Spirit. The Truth is [...]could by Arguments many make it appear that the Papists and Quakers love the holy Scriptures no better then Goliah loved Davids stone and sting? nor no better then the Devil loved Christs Gegraptai; It is written: It is written: for the P apists and the Quakers, and the Devil knows that if the holy Scriptures be Exalted; as the revealed will or word, or Declaration of the mind of God, down-falls their pretences of Traditions and Revelations, whereby the Devil deceive themselves and himself also. The Papists and Quakers unite against the Blood of the Lord Jesus.

4. The Papists and Quakers shake hands in the most hel­lish Doctrine of Justification by what is within us, by what Christ works within us, in short, by what is called Sanctifi­cation put for Justification, and the forgiveness of sin, in and for the merits of the Lord Jesus freely imputed and given to us: The P apists use the word Inherent Righteousness, but the Quakers bogle at the word not finding it in the English Bi­ble, yet they agree that by the works of Obedience, yea, and also by the Acts of their own Inventions and Superstiti­ons, they can-make a pardon under a hedge to themselves, and Crake that they have received a pardon and Justification sealed under the Broad Seal of Heaven to them, but it is against the glory of the King of Heaven, and against the glory of the Son of God, and his glorious Sufferings, and their own Salvation. The Infallibility of Papists and Quakers

5. The Quakers are Papists in that Spirit of Infallibility which they arrogate to themselves, pretending that the holy, Spirit shall lead them into all Truth, speak Immediately in [Page 133] them, &c. though herein they differ, the Pope infallibly expounds Scripture, but the Quakers speaks Scripture, and his word is Gospel, &c. yea, all men have this Spirit, and need no Teacher, and yet what an horrible Contradictions noise is there of the Quakers, Apostles, Messengers, Mini­sters, Preachers. He and she sent into Old-England, and New­England, Scotland, Ireland, Turky, Italy, to bid people hearken to the Immediate Spirit within?

6. The Quakers are Papists in that high lofty Conceit of their Perfection, when in Calvins time this Spirit came from Hell under the Name of Spirituals, The Quakers Popish Perfecti­on. and when of latter years in Lancashire under the Name of Grindletonians, all their Re­ligion turned chiefly upon these two Hinges.

1. They could not sin, were perfect, &c.

2. They did nothing, said nothing, but God and the Spi­rit did all.

7. The Papists and Quakers are great Friends in their No­tions & practice of Revelations, The Popish Re­velations of the Quakers Visions, Dreams, Impulsions and Inspirations: He that hath known so much as I have known of both their Spirits this way, and-hath read their Le­gends as I have done, and can Instance in particulars as I can, will say, it is a foul, Popish, Devilish Spirit that haunts them (both under this fine pretence) to turn both off from the words of Jesus, Pophists and Qua­kers one in Ce­remonies and Inventions. Luke 10. How readest thou?

8. What Cart Loads of Traditions and Ceremonies have the Papists, and I believe if the Quakers have opportunities and means (as the Papists have had) they will not be be­hind them: what a noise is made about uncovering or bow­ing the Head, Knee, for Courses of wearing of Lace, (yea, Bands and Hatbands by some of them:] Of saying you or Thou, of using Masick, Carving, painting, of sitting silent, (some hundreths together) of sighing and shaking of the Body? all which, as relating to Religion and Christians: &c they are but simple, Insignificant, and Idle, popish, Trash and Trumpery.

9. The Papists and Quakers are Brethren in Iniquity in their Affirmations that the Pope is not Anti-Christ, and that [Page 135] the Church of Rome is not the great Where: The Papists Af­firme that Anti-Christ is not yet come, The Quakers and Papists agree that [...] Pope is not An­ti-Christ and that he shall come just in the end of the world, and shall finish all those wonders in the Revelations in three years and an half: the Quakers though they hold Papists and Protestants (all ex­cept the Quakers (to be Anti-Christians: (& as Fox doth) cast back all the Prophesies of false Christs, false Prophets, and Anti-Christ to the time of the Apostles themselves: yet the great Whore and the Devil, and sin, (upon the point) they simply Confound and make all one; as may be seen in Fox his Title to this great Book, and other of his and their wri­tings.

10. It may be wondred why the Popes when made or crea­ted by an humane & Devilish Fiat, The Quakers not owning freely their Names. they change their Name, and why the Quakers guided by the same Hellish Spirit and Fancy, are so dainty and tender about owning their Old Names: The Histories say, the Original with the Popes was with him who was Osporce, or Swines snout, by Name, and was not thought fit being raised so high to bear so low and sordid a Title. If it were so then, yet it is noting now but their horrible pride being in their Conceits so high, so In­fallible, so perfect, to scorn to be like other men that are but Hogs Snouts, &c.

11. The Papists and Quakers are led by one Spirit of feign­ed holiness, The Quakers and Popish Monks and Munns all one Devotion, monkish Solitariness, &c. Their Monks and Friers and Nunns must be sequestred from the world, medle with no saecular and worldly business, which is no more but the Beggars Life, and therefore justly called Fratres Mendica [...]es Begging Friars, and the Indians Life, formerly the men laying all Labour upon the women, and all this is no more then hunger and Ease, the Dogs Life al­so. It is true, the Apostles by a true Light ought to have worldly maintenance, but Paul wrought day and night with his hands, which I never read of any of these lying Apostles, The Papists and Quakers Curing Quakers in all their Travails to have done.

12. The Papists and Quakers tongues are both spitting and belching out Fire from one Fire of Hell: All that have [Page 136] not the Church their Mother, our Church say the Papists have no God to their Father: the Protestants hope and speak Charitably of the Salvation of many among the Papists, but the Papists have no Charity for any that bow not to the Image: and Quakers (as G. Fox for the rest) Judge all that differ from Christ that is themselves to be in the De­lusion, in differing from them, and if they dare to oppose them, Dogs, Serpents, Reprobates, Vipers Cains, Pharisees, Devils, &c.

13. The Papists and Quakers are Firebrands both in the matter of Persecution or hunting such as differ from them. The Persecuting Spirit of the Pa­pists and Qua­kers It is known that the Papists cry out that they persecute none but the Tares, (the Lottards, the Hugenoit, the Wolves, the Hereticks, &c.) That the Quakers, as do all Papists and Protestants cry out against all Persecution when it is their own Cases, I say the Quakers most vehemently cry out against violence, against Creatures, but against their Cor­ruptious and Corrupt Principles: And yet as for the Pa­pists let it be Considered whether there be any one Religi­ous state known in the world that Answers that woman drunk with the Blood of the Saints, and Witnesses of Jesus Comparably so near as doth the Estate of the Romish Church and Profession.

And for the Quakers two things I say:

1. Their Tongues are the most Cutting and bitter of any that I can hear of professing the Protestant Reformation, and it is certain, The Quakers Tongue and hand where the Tongues is so, that the Heart is so first, and where the Heart is so, the Tongue and Hand do never part Company: and therefore they will be as bitter and Cut­ting in Hand also, where God pleaseth to permit a Sword to fall into it.

2. I have proved, and shall prove in this discourse, that G. Fox, Ed. Burroughs and John Stubs, &c. maintain in their writings not only a Magistratical: Power in the Qua­kers, and in none else, rashly not only to punish by the Ma­terial Sword Transgressions against men, but also sins against [Page 136] God, his Church, his Christ, his worship and Religion.

2, As for the Agreement between the Arminians and the Quakers, I told them that the Papists and the Arminians, the Pelagians and Semipelagians, and the Quakers were so Confederates and one, that in naming one I named the other

1. As to the Power of Nature and Free Will in heavenly and Spiritual matters

2. As to the loosing of true Saving Grace.

3. As to Election and predestination in time, upon Obedi­ence. The Quakers One­ness with the Ar­minians. & Rejection and Reprobation upon Rebellion and Disobe­dience. Contrary to the true Protestant Doctrine of a Cer­tain Number of Gods Elect or Chosen drawn by mercy, out of the Lumpe of Lost Mankind according to Gods Appoint­ment from Eternity, by his Call in Time, by his holy Word and Spirit: and all from this Grace and Spirit of Regene­ration, or New-Birth, it was not, it is not possible the Da­vid or Peter, or any Child of God be un-Childed, can Final­ly or Totally depart and Fall.

3. The Quakers are Brethren with Socinas and the Socini­ans following him, in making Christ a Type and Figure, a pattern and Example how Christians ought to walk: The Quakers and Socinians One­ness Not that the Blood which he shed upon the Cross at Jerusalem was a sufficient price and Satisfaction unto God for the sins of the whole world.

Thus all the Quakers more Explicitly or Implicitely speak, and Humphry Norton in print, viz. Can one mans Obed­ience and Suffering pay a price to God for another mans sins? It is true, Socinus magnifies the Free Grace of God in par­doning Sin, and sending that man Christ Jesus to be a pat­tern and Leader to all that will follow him.

But they endure not to think that the Flesh and Blood of one man being Finite should be able to satisfie Gods Infinite Justice, and to pay a price of Infinite worth and Value. What is this but the Summe and Substance of all the Quakers Teachings? For although they preach Gods mercy and Grace, and talk of such a Thing as the Blood of Christ Jesus: Yet upon the point, that Body, that Blood, that Death &c. is nothing but a Fancy, Christ Jesus but a Fancy with the Quakers and Christ Jesus his Birth, his Life, his Death, his Burial, his Resurrection, his Ascention, his [Page 137] Return again to Judgement are all but a Mistical and Al­legorical, and not a Literal, Real and Substantial matter; And when they are forced to Confess such a man to have been (though the Term Humane, G. Fox doth bogle and start at as at a Ratle Snake) yet then examine them (as I have done) what is become of him: then he is vanished into a Spirit and Ghost, and there was never any such thing as a Man you talkt of: And this is a Devilish Jesuitical Trick the Quakers have beyond the Socinians concerning the Body and Sufferings of Christ Jesus.

I might here Insist upon the Quakers Notorious Sabellia­nisme, taking clearly away (with Sabellius) the distinction of the Father and the Son, The Sabellians and Quakers all one. and Confounding Father, Son and Spirit in One, as G. Fox in all his Book doth. At present I Insist upon the Position in my Paper, viz. that there is much Judaisme in the Quakers Religion.

1. In that great point of Righteousness, Reconciliation with God, and pardon of Sin: They were Zealous (as the Quakers are) in the works of Righteousness, thinking there­by to please and pacifie God, and to satisfie his Justice, put­ting their own dirt and dung, Swines Blood and Dogs necks upon Gods. Altar, instead of that One spotless Lamb of God, that Man Christ Jesus who alone Expiateth, and taketh away, the sins of the World.

2. The Jews were Zealous for their Additions, Traditi­ons and Superstitious Inventions, The Quakers Judaisme. which (as the Lord Jesus speaks) they preferred before the Commands of God: as the washing of their hands, and of their Bodies, and of Pots and Cups; and Beds, and Platters, and other things upon a Conscientious and Religious Account.

The Quakers (if they had their Scope) scorn to come be­hind the Jews, or Papists for Ceremonies and Traditions, which it was necessary for them both to add (as Apples and Nuts, &c. to still poor Children from Crying after Gods Worship.

1. I named some of the Quakers Traditions and Inventi­ons in our publick Conference, (unto which I shall now name [Page 138] some more) I told them, The Quakers Traditions and Ceremonies and now do, of the Un-Christian and unnatural Invention of Women Ministers, Women Apostles, Women Embassadors to all Nations: a business that all the Apostolical first Christian practice, and all sober and modest Humanity abhor to think of.

2. Their dumb and silent meetings (their dumb and deaf Spirit) without Colour of Common Humanity or precept, Dumb Worship or practice, or promise of Christ to such a worship.

3. Their bruitish Salutations of strangers, yea, and of ac­quaintance, Foes or Friends: It is true, that some of them will admit of those two words, Either none or Immodest Salu­tations How do you, and Farewel, as if there were some holiness in these two, and in none other, and they might practice this holiness toward the world, &c.

4. Their New Way of feeling and grabling the hand in an uncouth, strange and Immodest way, and this instead of kissing, called the holy Kiss amongst Christians, and a Token of Love and Reverence to men also in sober and Civilizd Nations.

5. Their bruitish Irreverence to all their Superiours either in Age or in any other way of Preheminence, a most proud and monstrous Bestiality against so many Commands and Ex­amples of holy Scripture, The Quakers dis­respect to all Su­periours. and against the very Light of Bar­barous Nature it self, for the Indians use both Reverent words and Gestures towards their Sachims, Wiyouhs and Rulers. Contrary to which, some of us have heard the Children of the Quakers brought up and taught to say to their Fathers George thou lyest: Mary thou lyest to their Parents, a Language which deserved little lets then Death by the Law, which God delivered to the Jewish Nation, and sure­ly deserveth severe Punishment at this day.

6. Their Crying down of Mus [...]ians ond musick, The Quakers against Musick. (so Ex­cellent a gift of God) as a foolish and Devilish practice, though confirmed by so many Reasons from, and before Christs time in Scripture, and in all sober Nature and Civi­lity, though it is abused, as all the gifts of God are.

7. Their own un­Christian, Fantastical sing­ing Fantastical, absurd, and un­profitable way of Toning and singing.

[Page 139] 8. Their Condemning of the Commendable and Ing eni­ous Arts of Carving, Carving, paint­ing Embroydering, and Painting, so ap­proved of, and Commended by God himself in Scripture, &c.

9. Their Crying out against Ornaments of garments, and otherwise, Ornaments against that Order God hath set in is works, and that Variety of his gifts for necessity, for Conveniency, for delight, even to Astonishment and Admiration in all his glorious works.

All these particulars (and more) I had not time, nor have I now to reckon up and amplifie, I remember no Material Exception, or Objections I had from my Antagonists. On­ly John Burnet spake against my great charging of them, and William Edmundson he thundred out continually how deep my Charges were, and how weak my proofs, and that I had proved nothing.

I told them that if Paul or Christ Jesus himself were there in presence, The Conclusion of the Confe­rence at Newport they propably would be Answered as I was, viz. that they made many deep and false Charges against the peo­ple called Quakers, but they could prove nothing: but I said, I momitted the Examination and Consideration of all passages unto every mans Conscience, and the praise and Is­sue only unto God.

After some turns of this sort, &c. I praid their patience to Answer me one question, The quickest and last turn about where Christ is viz. where is now that Man Christ Jesus which they had Confessed to me was born at Bethlehem, and died at Jerusalem, &c. At this they were all a while silent, and then John Burnet Answered saying, he is where the Scriptures say he is.

I Replied, where do the Scriptures say he is, John Burnet Replied, the Scripture say he is within: I rejoyned to this purpose: Then must his Body be Ubiquitary, as the Tran­substantiators and Consubstantiators are forced to hold: Then must he have Infinite multitudes of Bodies, them must his Monstrous Body or Bodies come from within his Saints, yea from within all mankind to Judgement, &c.

Just here it pleased God so to Order it, that from the Boat (ready to set Saile for Providence) I and others were [Page 140] called upon to depart: So I was stepping down, An Unexpected yet Seasonable and true Testi­mony from Eli­zabeth Williams the Lord opened the mouth of the Elizabeth Williams my Brothers wife, one of the Society of the Baptists in New port, who hearing their Clamours, their only Refuge, he hath proved nothing and said aloud: The man hath discharged his Conscience: He hath fully proved what he undertook to prove against you, and the words that he hath spoken shall Judge you at the last day. And thus [...] Father of Lights, the first and last, the Alpha and Omega graciously carried me through all alone these three dayes Contests, as in a shadow of Death with these Deceived, and Deceiving Souls: through my La­bours of making out my proofs, the burthen whereof lay wholly upon me though they had been silent,) through their Censures Reproaches, Falling on me so many at once, their Interruptions, and other Disadvantages and Provoca­tions, his holy Name be ever praised and magnified.

AFter we were thus (as above said) parted: They Remembered their Promise to me of dis­cussing the other seven at Providence, and accordingly John Stubs and William Ed­mundson sent me a Note of their willing­ness to come to Providence the last day of the next week being the 17 th. The Conference at Providence. day of the sixth Moneth called August.

I Returned them from the Shoar side another Note sig­nifying, that (if God permitted) I would then and there be ready to Receive them.

That day it pleased the goodness and patience of God to bring us to, and being met thus at Providence, I first presented them with the Letter which was sent to them and me (God knows) without my thought or knowledge, at Newport, in publick Assembled. Put there they thrice refused it, and here at Providence Wil­liam Edmundson Answers, that they came not to Pro­vidence [Page 142] to hear Papers, Passages about Reading the for­mer Recited Let­ter. but to hear me make out my Charges against them: One of my Neighbours Tho­mas Only Senior an able and Leading man amongst the People called Baptists at Providence, Thomas Only moved also for the Reading of the Letter, William Edmundson said to him who art thou? Art not thou a Baptist? hast not thou seen it already? and further said to him, Thou art an Envious and filthy man, upon no other Pro­vocation but his Rational desire the Letter might be Read. William Edmundson though he had on either side of him an able John, viz. John Stubs and John Cartwright spake all, and at last was forced to say that if the Letter Contained matter tending to prove my Positions it should be read. But in the End I put up my Letter again, at the motion of Captain Hol­den of Warwick, as I did at Newport, in the morning of our third dayes Conference, for I observed that for all their bruitish Clamour of Diana, their Light or dark Lantborn, they could not endure to be Informed, Admonished, Counsel­led, least of all Reproved by any: and I also resolved to wait upon Gods mercy for a Season of publishing it on the House Top, and therefore the Reader hath it Faithfully presented in the Eighty seventh Page in the beginning of the third dayes Conference at Newport, About a strange Query put to my Autagonist by Captain Green. this time stood up Captain John Green of Warwick one of our Magistrates, who observing the Insulting Carriage especially of William Edmundson, he desired leave to propose one Query, which being granted he said, he spake not as a Magistrate with Authority, but as an Auditor and sitter by, and he said, I desire to know whether Mr. Williams be here as a Delinquent Charged to Answer at the Barr, or as a Disputant upon equal Terms.

This Query they waved as well as they could, and I wav­ed it also, and bore what seemed Intollerable to some that we might not bed scouraged to go on in our business, about this time Mr. Caverly of Warwick desiring leave to speak, motioned for the Choice of a Moderator between us, A Moderation motioned. William Edmundson Answered that Roger Williams bad himself pro­vided [Page 143] a Moderator, and he produced and Read my Paper of Position,, wherein I desired that all matters might be left to every mans Conscience and Judgement. &c.

I knew with whom I had to deal, and therefore purposely waved, what ever I thought they would bogle at, & purposely gave them all possible Advantages, &c. and I humbly wait­ed on God for patience for his sake to bear with all Incon­veniences, Insultings, Interruptions, &c. and then, I knew there would be no great need of a Moderator.

Having thus cleard the way, The first of the Positions deba­ted at Providence I told them, I would briefly fall on my proof of the first, of the seventh Positions to be debated at Providence, William Edmundson took forth his Paper and Read it, viz. [ The People called Quakers in Ef­fect hold no God, no Christ, no Spirit, no Angel, no Devil, no Re­surrection, no Judgement, no Heaven, no Hell, but what is in man.

I told them that it was true, that in words and Terms they professed and maintained all these, as other Protestants did, but if their writings were Examined, and especially this of G. Fox which I had there by me it should appear that what they professed in one place they overthrew in another: I told them that they had there George Fox his Book as well as I, and if John Stubs wou'd turn to them I would name the Quoted Pages, and read them and he might read them also.

I named Pag. 273. where George Fox brings in Alexander Ross saying, Alexander Ross [ It is horrible Blasphemy to say the Scripture is not the Word of God, and to say the Soul is a part of God.]

He Answers, [The Scriptures are the words of God, Exodus 20. and the four Books of the Revelations, but Christ is the word in whom they End. And it is not Horrible Blasphemy to say that the Soul is a part of God, for it comes out of him, and that which comes out of him is of him, and Rejoyceth in him, I said here what George Fox meant by the four Books of the Revelations, [...] Fox his Non­Sense I knew not, and if they did they should do well to declare.

[Page 145] But they past it by and so dist and [...] fisted on the matter which was that G. Fox imagined such a God and Godhead as is partible and divisible, Quakers blas­phemous [...] about God and the Soul. which might be divided into parts and pieces, and by this strange communication of his Essence, made him dissol­vable, and so corruptible, &c. against the Purity & Majesty & Eternity of God: For this renders the Essence or Being of God capable of falling from his purity as man hath done and doth, and capable of punishment and condemnation in Hel-Fire as the Soul of man is, all which and more necessary Consequences of of that opinion are horrible and blasphemous to imagine, much more to be uttered of the eternal invisible and infinitely and only Wise God.

John Stubs here read the words of G. Fox and said, the reason was to be weighed which G. Fox used which was, About Gods Breath. For it came out of him, and that which came out of him is of him, and rejoyceth in him. To this end he desired the word in Gen. 2. might be viewed, which he turned to and read, viz. God breathed into him the breath of life and man became a living Soul.

About this time Sam. Gorton sen. desired to speak, and said If it be affirmed that God can be divided, & that man was a Part of God, the God-head was destroyed and the Soul of man, and upon the Basis all the rest would follow which was asserted in this Position. And whereas John Stubs read it as it is in our Transia­tion, viz. God breathed into him the breath of life, Mr. Gorton said it was Lives in the Margin, the breath of Lives, which John Stubs acknowledged.

It is frequent in their Books, (when they will speak plainly) for them to confess that God breathed forth himself into Adam, and that therefore mans Soul or Spirit is a part of the Divine Essence, that the Soul is an increated substance: The Quakers Gross conceit of soul & body. that as for the Body, it comes from the Earth, and returns to the Earth, and dust and rottenness, and however they sometimes preach and print that the Body shall rise again, yet others again of them speak plainly, that as the body of a dog or beast so it vanisheth: But as for the Spi­rit, they say that returns to God, that is into God. And although they talk to blind our eyes of a Resurrection and Judgment, and of Souls being punished with the Devil and his Angels, yet others of them affirm that all Souls return into God, and that the soul of Ju­das is now as happy in God as the Soul of Peter, yea others of [Page 146] them speak plainly that they are Christ & God: therefore one of them being desired to give thanks at dinner, asked roundly, to whome should I give thanks? to my self? and Ca [...]vin relates [...]ow (long ago) one Quinitinus in his time a Leader this way, being demanded how he did? Their high [...] resolutely answered, How can Christ doe but well? and yet at that time he was very sick.

About this time W. E. said, what dost thou tel us of storyes what this man said and that man said we will not believe thee! But just here rose up a neighbour Joseph Jinks, who said he had to prejudice against the Quakers; yet he could witness to the truth of these speeches of the Quakers, for one of the [...] spoke as much to his face lately at Newport on Rhode Island: but I still la­boured to keep down heat and therefore I told them I would not trouble them with Proofs from elsewhere, but from their own wri­tings, and from that of G. Fox there present, and therefore I pray­ed them to turn to Pag. 39. Pag. 89. Mag­nus Bine. where G. Fox brings in Magnus Bine saying, The Saints are neither in the fulness of the God-head nor part, away with this Blasphemy which saith this is, &c. Fox an­swereth, The work of the Ministry was to bring People to the Knowledg of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the unity of the Faith, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: and Christ will dwell in the Saints, and God will dwell in them: and thou s [...]yest they have no part of the Fulness of the Godhead and John saith, of his fulness have we all received, in whome dwels the Godhead bodily, and ye be all in the Blasphemy, that be out of this part of the Fulness.

I said, that G. Fox rose up contrary to what Magnus Bine affirmed, to wit, That the Saints are not in the fulness of the God­head. [...] the ful­ness of the God head: But W. E. bid me let G. F. his words alone, his meaning a­lon [...], and keep to the words. I told them the substance of my proof lay there in the substance of G. Fox his answer to his Ad­versaryes: I took Fox his own word for the Quotation out of his Adversary, which may be thought to be taken with as much Favour and advantage to himself as may be: [...] Reasoning. and therefore if they stopt me from opening and comparing the words in a ra­tional and just way, they stopt [...]e in the bringing forth of my Proof and Arguments.

I think here it was that W. E. said further, If thou goest on to make out G. Fox his Sence and meaning, we tell thee that we will stop thee, &c.

[Page 147] But since our business is with G. Fox [...]s well if not more than with W. E. especially because of his Book, we shall now more [...] inlarge upon the words &c. and Sence and Meaning also.

For the Fulness of the Godhead is one thing, and another thing our (and all his works and Creatures) partaking of that Fulness, in some mercifull likeness and coformity, as Moses and we behold his Back or dark Resemblance, and by Reflection, (as we behold the Sun) take in some weak low thoughts and conceits of the E­ternal and Invisible incomprehensible and inconceivable Power and Godhead.

Thus to partake of some drops of the Ocean of his Wisdom, The great temp­tation of know­ing and holy People. Pow­er, Goodness, Holiness, &c. is not to become an Ocean of Power, Wisdom, Goodness, Holiness, yea Wisdom it self, Power it self, Good­ness it self, Holiness it self as God is. This devilish Pride was the Sin of the Devils, or wicked spirits, this was the Sin of our first Parents unto which the Devil beguiled them; and this is Sathans but still to catch all Wise & Rich & High, and especially Holy People with, viz. to be as God, to be in the fulness of the Godhead, to be God himself.

2. However this Jugler speaks here of the Fulness of the God­head bodily in Christ, The Quakers make themselves God and Christ yet if he be examined and searched it is clear that by Christ he meanes the Body, the Quakers, and every one of their Bodyes is Christ in whome the Godhead dwels bodily: and the great Mystery of which the Holy Scripture speaketh, 1 Tim 3. Is God manifest in their flesh, and therefore Sam. Fisher useth in his Writing; Christ Jesus (as Peter did in his denying of him saying [that Person whome you call God-Man] is as high Treason against the Kings of kings, and King of Saints, as hath ordinarily been acted since God most wonderfully gave life to a lump of Clay, which now perks up to the eternal Power and Godhead.

Pag. 90. G. Fox brings in the same Author saying; Magnus Bine. There is a kind of Infiniteness in the Soul, and it cannot be Infiniteness it self, He answers, Is not the Soul without beginning, comeing from God and returning into God again which hath it in his hand? which hand goes against him that doth evill, which throws down that which warrs against it, and Christ the Power of God, the Bishop of the Soul, which brings [...] up into God, which comes out fro [...] God, [...] his a beginning and ending, and is not this infinite in it self, and [...] then all the World?

[Page 148] I Reply in these few li [...]es, let him that hath his [...] make common sence and English of some of them. The Soul of man infinite.

However this is express that the Soul is without beginning or ending, coming out of God, and returning into God: [Hath this (saith Fox) a beginning or ending, and is not this infinite in it self and more then all the World]

I know I have had better Opinions and better Reasons from these poor Natives of America then this poor self conceited God and Christ, G. Fox expresseth concerning the Soul and Spirit of Man: what is here but a bruitish notion of the Spirit of man, and a bruitish notion of the Eternal Power and Godhead?

Among the six or seven Opinions of the Soul of man, this is one (and one of the grossest) viz. that Mans Soul is an efflux, afflation, that is a slowing or breathing out of the Essence of eter­nal and infinite Godhead. This worst and most Blasphemous O­pinion of the rest, the old Serpent hath taught those Foxians, in so much that these bewitched Souls say and print, that this World is God, The Quakers are the old [...] and the Godhead, manifest no variety of appearances, and returning all again into the center of the Godhead: in which they shew horrible ignorance and Blockishness in heavenly or earthly matters: for reason tells us that [...] be innumerable and yet numerable in time, [...] his [...] but Infinite is but one. The Quakers and Manicheans are but one in many particulars Manichens held two infinite powers or [...] One infinitely good, the other infi­nitely as bad, which they say is the reason (in some Disputes I have had with them) why God nor the Devil, good nor evil gets the final victory one over another in this World. But this [...] of two infinite or boundless Beings, is soon found simple and bruitish for an infinite or boundless [...] cannot possibly receive a Neighbour a Competi [...]ou [...], or second infinite or boundless, for then the second would terminate and bound the first a d [...]it self [...] and so not one infinite at all be granted Beware of Dogs saith Paul & the Holy Spirit saith ( Cant. 2. 6. ware of Foxes [take us the foxes] sure it is: The Infinite [...] of God we are to [...] with them in these bruitish [...] so also to fly from these their bruitish Barkings, and Blasphemings against the [...] Glorious and in conceivible Excellences of God and amongst the rest has in­comprehensible patience, which could not bea [...] such horrible [...] were not his patience himself, infinite and incomprehen­sible: [Page 149] Alas poor lump of clay and dust and ashes: poor [...] va­pours we are, that are so far from being infinite that: (in a sence) we are infinitely Blocks and Beasts, and not able to give a guess at what Infinity, and an infinite Majesty, and Godhead is.

I quoted Pag. 67. The Quakers obstinate in hor­rible fancies & Blasphemies where against Fr. Higinson he saith [Again thou makest a great Puddle that one should witnes he is equall with God] G. Fox answers that the English Divines in their Ca­techisme say [that Holy Ghost and the Son are equall in Power and Glory with the Father] yet if any one come to witness the Son of God revealed in him: or come to witness the Holy Ghost in them as they that gave out Scriptures to witness the mind of Christ and witness that equality with the Father, that equality which you speak of you Priests destroy, that which you have put forth to the Nation, and cry out horrible Blasphemie.

I Reply, let these horrible Blasphemous lines be examined, and when the black and hellish joyce is prest out of them, will it not be this, viz. [The Quakers say that they are equal in power and Glory with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Pag. 182. I will adde to this Pag. 282. where G. Fox brings in Daniel Gaudry saying, Daniel Candry surely they cannot be perfect here nor here­after in equality but in quality. G. F. answers, Christ makes no di­stinction in his words but saith, be ye perfect as your heavenly Fa­ther is perfect, and be you Merciful as he is, and as he is so are we in this world. &c.

I Reply, whether it be G. Fox his ignorance of the difference between Quality and Equality, or whether it be his flinty Impu­dence, The Quakers challenge an equality with God. or both, sure I am there is an horrible, monstrous Brat of hellish Blasphemy hatcht amongst them, viz. that poor dust and ashes may not only (by infinite Grace) be like the King of Glory is Holiness, &c. but he may be (and the Quakers are) thank by [...] with him as great a King Prince and Monarch as he, equal in Power, Wisdome, Goodness, Justice, Holiness, Mercy; and all these Eternal, Infinite and Incomprehensible.

G. Fox would not endure this in his own stinking Dignity and Preheminence: for although he suffer his inferiour and petty Saints to be like him in (his pretended Holiness, Goodness &c.) yet he is so great a [...], and so jealous of his Crown, that Humph. Norton himself must nor dare to touch that simple Bable, but himself and blind followers must all adore the Godhead, and [Page 150] none must dare to be equal; or Corrival with him.

Unto this I adde, Pag. 248. where G. Fox. brings in an un­named Author saying. To say that God is substantially in man, and essentially one with him, can be no other but the Man of Sin, the Devil himself hath transformed himself into an Angel of Light, and if it were possible would deceive the very Elect. G. Fox. Answers, That God will dwell in man, and the Saints bad unity with the Father and the Son &c.

In which Answer it is plain, 1. that G. Fox. maintains that the Godhead is essentially and substantially in man.

2. That his proof is only some Mystical and figurative Expres­sion, as viz. of Gods dwelling in Man, and walking in man, &c. whence he impiously & ignorantly confounds that relative [...] by believing in the Son of God, into an Essential or Union of [...] ­ings with the eternal Creator himself: a Union of finite and tem­poral shadowes, with the most Infinite and Eternal Creator; of visi­ble and vanishing and foolish dust, with the invisible immortal and only wise God, which no truly humble Soul can but tremble to hear and think of.

It is clear in these Passages, The Quakers make themselves Father, Son & Holy Spirit 1. That the Quakers make them­selves Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2. They make no other work of Redemption on Justification, &c. but what is wrought in their spirits, minds and fancyes, called within them.

3. They make no other state of Heaven, Resurrection, Judg­ment or Life to come, then is in them and their Bodyes at present.

Now concerning their bold and blasphemous ascending into the Throne of God we shall hear a little more in G. Fox making no Distinction between the Father and the Son, with that known He reti [...]k S [...]bellius. and 2. In his making no distinction between Christ Jesus himself, and his Saints or Believers in him.

In Pag. 246. He brings in Christopher wade saying, God the Fa­ther never look upon him humane Nature. G. F. answers, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself And art ignorant of the [...] my, christ, wade God manifest in the flesh; and [...] is called the e­verlasting Fathers. As for the word [...] which is from the ground, it comes from thy own Knowledge which is Earthly. And Christ took upon him the [...] of Abraham and David according to the flesh, and this is Scripture-Language.

[Page 151] I reply, in the former part of this Narrative I have shewn how simple & irrational G. F. his clamour is against that word Humane, and that the bottome is their impious, H. Norton more plain then G F. unchristian and hypocriti­cal denying of Christ Jesus to be a man, one individual person as every man is: therefore Humph. Norton (G. Fox his Corrival) is more plain and down right, saying, is not Christ God, and is not God a Spirit, and chiding us for gazing after a man, &c.

I ad to the former page 293. where G. Fox brings in one Fer­gison, Fergison. saying, that Christ and the Father and the Spirit are not one, [...] are distinct, &c.

G. Fox answers, this is a denying of Christ Doctrine, G. F against the mystery of Fa­ther Son and Spirit who saith, I and my Father are one: and the Holy Ghost proceeds from the Father and the Son: and he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and they are all one and not distinct, but one in unity: that which comes out from him leads the Saints into all Truth that ever was given them from the Spirit of truth, and so up unto God the Fa­ther of truth, and so goes back again from whence it came.

Again the same Author saith, it is Blasphemy to say the Son is not distinct from the Father, &c.

G. Fox Answers, the Father and the Son are one, the Father in the Son, and the Son in the Father: so that which is in him is not distinct from him, and they Blaspheme which say, the Son is not in the Father, and deny Christs Doctrine.

I reply, G. Fox all along his Book calls that blasphemy which the most holy and eternal Lord calls heavenly Truth. He hath like some witches and other notorious wretches so inur'd himself to poyson, The Quak blas­phemies as to the most holy Spirit. that it is all one to him to swallow down the most sensual and sensless Dreames, even concerning the fearfull mysteryes of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, when the holy Scripture tels us concerning these Mysteryes, that in this life we know but in part, is through a glass darkly &c.

2. For his Proof, it is the Childs song in the streets, they are one and therfore not distinct: I fear he knows, but will not know the nature of several respects and accounts viz. that in one respect Christ Jesus saith, I and my Father are one, and in another respect my Father is greater then I; thus in one serce a Father is one with his Children, an Husband with his Wife, a Captain with his Souldiers, a Skipper with his Sea-men, a King with his Subjects. And yet in another respect, the Son is not the Father, the Wife is [Page 152] not the Husband, the Master is not his Servants, the Captain is not his Souldiers, the Master is not his Sea-men, and the King it not his subjects.

And thus though G F. and M F. be one in mariage, and one in a spirit of notorious railing, The Quakers Chaos & [...] yet she her self will not say but she is the Woman and he is the Man, she the wife and he the husband and this Distinction God in Nature the Law of our Country and all Nations will force them (will they, nill they) to acknowledge: otherwise (like the man possessed in the Gospel) I fear no Chains of Humility nor Modesty would hold them from throwing off all Chains of Conscience, and from flinging all upon heaps of con­fusion without all due respective respects and distinctions.

There are four great points of the Christian Belief: The Quak di [...] [...] the root of a [...] Christianity in the great Do­ctrines thereof