DUKE UNIVERSITY DIVINITY SCHOOL LIBRARY “> leonress10. Nf FA I T He Ofthe feverall Congregations or Chur- ches of Chrift in LoNDON, which are com- moaly ( though anjuftly ) called A'N AB AP TIS TS. Publithed fur the vindication of the Truth, and Infor- + mation of the ignorant; likewife for the off of thofe af- » f- — peshons which are pan both ia P: ite), - un juftly caft upon them. | Wnrto which é added ) HEAR TBLEEDINGS Ror. Profelixe shamsinatio€s 8 ae age ton om Sem ead fey Faber, being haps toasery mieentonle Las a soe] sane chine keberebuee? dette bebed OetD el ees abe bee Per ti cannes bat Gch the hinge wbich wn hese fern, ond bear Aas 4 "The fourth Impreffioa Comedted, Londen, Printed Heary Hiks, andare to be fold at his: _. Rgat door tothe Refeand (rewn in Fleet-yard, 1652. aaa eo m7 ™ i > ee er of tf - & a? Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2022 with funding from — Duke University Libraries _. https://archive.org/details/confessionoffa The Epittle to the Reader. AEH 3 (WT teous Reader, mer Here is nothing wherein Saints fhonld b¢ mare cotoer{ant. than in promoting the benwwr of the Lord and bu Chirft, Striving Nand findyong to walk before bims agevoable tothe trash recer- ~ded in bis ward, the confideration of which, is afbrong in- BD dacemert watonusrarngage (tothe wtewot of ovr abilities) in this work, that when other men content themsfelves by living sw the rule, we may jtrive (0 walk, clofe therceme, ({rikable 6 the patq n left us by God em hes word) andwhen many accom it their lor) to: turn ir backs upon what they profeffed to have received frome Chpifhy we mony veto homeur God, by 4 fread{aft continnance st what -we have received, dim 0 diligent (peaking the thong s which we have fern and heard frote him; weight of which at frft prevasled upon se ro deckere wtite tbe world this , sfefion of faith, and faichtul Epitle, which we have dghiwreprint:d, d made publique for the reafows fallawing. . 1], the invitations and carneft folscss.asions serpy of txtr Bretbre And tha Picker ae kaow him the only érue “and felis Cha eee cay el “tender y. in re pap sty Se ben God, wad ebay the Gof of Jes Cit jo alee Sidhe prs 8. pert even “rhe the wai 93 Go hole d pews dr eee Aradits ) only the wordof God, in. the Holy > Scxipeuses, im “waich is plainky wvhneloever is nedfi t for sto behipro, aod -prebiley abil is te onby wale of hotincs and olydtace fox al Saints, tunes, inall placésco be ET é Gels. ‘Ma. . 2 Ti. $2684 27 dle. 20, Gals. 8, > Oh 5. ag 1h. siete site Pg, The Loses Jehus Chit, ( of wher + nd the P ‘voll diene vein Sa ott a by ma Sete weld who hath mode who alfo-wheathe ¢ Briere wed eas ee oe pass womens of the Tribe of Lt fos Ahh Doon a the Virgin Mary, the calc weed stap se her,the power df dhe anaft high,overfbadowing her; sad be are,yet 6, Geni 3-,1$0 Chaces 22, paps Pe rete ha.) 24 a susan hy has ae 2, 3- Heb. g. 8.cGal. 4 4 >» t4. Bevel wir Gen 492 9, 10. 4g and 9, 10. “Wigt. i, 16.with Luke 3- 22. 26.Heb a. ty ret: Hebd. 4, 15. 10. Pricf and «King ; this number and order of office is _neceffary ; for in relpet of our “ignorance, we {tand in need of his prophetical office, And in refpect of ow great ‘alienation from God, we need his Prieftly office to reconcile us; and in seipest of our averinets and utter inability to return to God, we need bis Kingly Office mw ‘convince, 8,9, & to, 81. Rom: 5. 19. Ephcls5. 2. Col. 1. 20. Ephet 2. Iq 53-16. Rom, 8. 34. Heb.9.24. & 8.1 1 Pet. 2.§. John 4 2g, 24. 18, This Prieft-hood was not legal or ry, but according to the Or- der of * Afelcbifedec , and isftable and not for a time, bue for ¢- ver, which is fuitable to Jefus Chreft, as co him that everlivech: Chaiftwas the Prieft, Sacrifice, and Akar: he was a Prieit, according to both nacures ; he was a facrifice according to his humane nature » whence in *Seripture itis attributed to his body , to his ¢ : yet che effectualnels .of this Spcrifiee did depend upor his divine nature, itis called the blood of Gad. He was the Altar according to his ‘ divine ature , it belonging to the ‘ Alterse fandtifie chat which is offered upon it,8e fo it ought to be of greater dignity than the facrifice it felf. a Heb. 7.17. b Heb. 7°16. 1 > 20, 21. 24,85 CHedy 5. 6 d Heb. io. se. 1- Pet- 1.18, 19. Col.1. 20.29, ¢ Hebe 9.42. AGS 20: 28+ f Heb go0g. be 33.10. 19..4¢. Map 2g. 47. Johni7. 19. ee PTs ‘gg. Concerning bis Kisgly Office, * Chrift being rifen from the dead, and afcended into heaven, soiling al pore heaven andearth, he doth fhi- fitually govern his‘Chusch, and doth exercife his pewer over all Angels. and ACTER Fath, rm met, good and bad, to the prefervation and falvation of the Ele&t, and to the over-tuling and deftruction of hisenemies, By his Kingly power, he appli- och the benefics, virtue, and fruits of his Prophelie and Prieit-hood to his Elect » " daing their fins, prefervingand frengthning them in all their confliéts a~ 1G Sataa, the World, and the fiefh, keeping their hearts in faith, and filial : by hits Spirit; by this bis mighty power he rulech che vefleis ot wiath, us gy limiting acd reftraining them as 5c {cems good to his infinite wildome. 1 Cor. 15-4. 1 Pet. 3.2%, 22. Adar. 28,18, 19920. Lute 24.51. All. Be 165+ 3031. Jolw 49. 36. Rom.44.9. fon. §. 26,27. Rom. 5.65 798. 417. Guth, 5.22533. Mar. 1. 27, Heb. te Np john 16.156 Job. %.8. Rom. 1.21.17, 18. Se “ge. This his Kingly power (hall be more fully manifelted , whea he fhall come in gloty to reignamong his Saints, when he hall put down all mile and authority under his feet, that the glory of the Father may be perfectly manifett- ed io his Sonne, and the glory of the Father and che Son in all his Members Epi, 4.17, 18. a. Pet.2. Cor. 1§. 24. 28+ Heb. 9, 28,2 Theff, 1. 9s to. 1 Thef. 4.15516, 17. Johet7. 23.26. 21. Jelus Chritt by his death did purchafe falvacion for the Elect that God gave unite him + Thete have incerelt in him, and betag called, have fellowfhip with him . for whona he makes interceffion to his Father in their behalf,’ and to chen! Zocti God byhis Spiric apply this Redemption, asalfo che free gift of e- temal life and glory is given to themand none elfe. Ephe!, 1.14. Heb. 5. 9. Pier. 1. 21, lob 17.6. Heb. q. 25. 1 Cor, 2.12, Rom. 3. 293 3% 1 Jobs, 52t2. Johuts5.13- Fobn 3.16. 22, Faith is the’ aif of God, wrought ia che bearts of che Elect, by the Spirit of God; by which they come to know and believe the truth of the ° Seri- and the excelieney of them above all other writings, and all things in the world, as they hold forth che glory ef God in his acgribures, the excellency of Chrift in his nature and es, andofthe power and fulnels of the Spine in its workings and operations, and fo are inabled to caft their fouls upon this cruch thus believed. Ephef2. 8. Joh 6. 29. & 4: 10. Phil, 1. 29. Cal 5.22. Jobut7.17. Heb.4, 11,12. Jobn 6.62. 23. Allchoie chat have this precious ( faich ] wrought in them by the Spirit. can never finally or totally fall away, icing the gifts of God are without se- - pentance, fo chat he ftill begets and nourifheth in them faith, repentance, love, JO» hope, aad all che graces of the Spirit untoimmortality; and though ma- fy teres and flouds arife, and beat againit them , yet they fhall never be able to take them offthat foundation and rock , which by faith they are faftned up- Of; notwithfanding, through unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the fen=\. fible fight of chis light and love, be clouded and oyerwhelmed'for a time; yet ” God is fill the fame, and they eanege i to be kept by the power of God tun= 4 ‘alone the naked foul , a> finner, and ungodly, to receive Cheift cucified _ Of Cheift, without refpestto > any lia in the creature; but it be- the book of life from all ecernity, (AL. 7. 24.29, Fob 13. 10. John 10 | 24. Faith is ordinatily * begotten by the preaching of the Gofpel of word ing wholly « paflive, and dead in trefpaffes and Gns, doth Believe, and is con verted by no Icls ¢ power tha that which raifed Chrit fromthe dead, 4 Rene, b 10-17. 1 Cor. 2. 28. 6 Rom. 9. 1g. cExck, 16,16. Rom. 3.42. Rome i> 16. Fpbef. 1.19. Colya.t2 _ 25. The preaching of the Gofpel to the convertion of finners, is * abfolurely free; No way requiring asabfolieely neceffary, valifications ati- Ons , Ne a aw, oF iti rindey of Law; but cay and and buried, and rifen again, who is made a Prince anda Saviour for fach finners as through che Golpel final be brought to {believe on him, 4 Fabs 3. I4 15. OE. 12. Sa.gs.t. Jokn7.37. 6% Tim. 1. 13. Romg.5. O $8. Ads 5. 30,33, & 2. 36. 1. Coren. 2% 24, ‘ 26. The fame power thac converts co faith in Chrift, carieth on the foul throug] all duties, temptations , conflicts, ings; and whatfpever a be- believers , he is by > grace, and is carried on in » and cemptan- ons, by the fame. 44 Pef.t. 5. 2Cor. 12.9, 62 Cor. 1§. 10, ¢ Phsh. 2 12,13. Jobs ts. ¢. Gal, 2, 19,20, : 27.° All believers are ay Chrift united to God; by which union’, God is onewith them, and they ase-one with him ; and char 4 believers ae te * Sons of God, and joint heirs wich Chri, to whom all the of chis life, and that which istocome. a t Thef. 1.1: Jobwi-y. a1. & 20: 17. Heb. 2.11. 1 Johm4. 16. b Gal. 2,19, 2 38. Thofe thachayve union with Chrift, are. juftified froma > aif theit finnes by the blood of Chri; which jultification isa gracious and full acqydictance ofa git fianet front all fin by God, through the fatisfaCtion thartChrit beth miade by his death for all chee ms, aad ne, ee by the Spirit chrough Delieving. 41 fohnt,7. Heb.i0. 14. & 9.26. 2Cor. 5.19. Rom. 3. 23. Ali 13.38, 39. Rom. 5.1, & 3. 395 40. a * a9, All belicversare a. and * fanctified people, and char fandtification soe fonds fo en Cina se the ‘ love °o saanifelted in the foul, w. iever.preflech after a nd L vangelital obedience to all the commands, which Chrift as head She ' the agy Covenast hath pecicribed co them, 4 1G0ts te ty X Pets le 3.4. 1 Jabn 4. 16. Mar, 28. 20, ae , 30 Al 82 Us GF. tg. Rom. 5. Dp TO. 4 80. 26.12. cE pb. 830440 id Epbef, q 72 Rom, 5. 40, 11. es + All aden im the time ofabiedifeyere in a continual + warfere andcom- ~ baic ags a iy i moc and the Desil ; aad are liable to all manner of aBistions, tad perfecurions, ¢ ated, and ap- onan of God {piri > Se Ser bnelel exjoyet by 0 al temporal chings ace them who-heve‘nofaith. « Rom, 7:23.24, Ephif. 6. 10, 11135 83. } Hob. 2. 9,10. 9 Zam, 362% 6 Rom, Be 2g. 3 Thej. 3. 3. Gal,2. ” 19,40. 3 (cf. 5+ Je a Dent. 2. $< ftrengrh the Saints se ili o beanies ith all fideset-woh, 1 7 5 ‘the is shit Gaptain of iis fal Fetus Chrif woud ed eh tg be ch all deie ions, and (rd them by tis power to his eveilait Kingdom _ . “A Confeffion of Fatth. g iia te werd Babtifo. t te'dipor plunge , yet [o as covenient Garments be both | the AA ator and {ubjett with al modeity, which s5 alfa our pram ties manyeye witmcfercanteftifie, “og hs @p. The perioa defigned by Chrift to diipenfe Baptifm, the Scripture bold forth to bea Ditciple; ix beingno where tied o a particular Church-officer , oF perfon extraordinarily fent, the Commiffion injoyning the adminiftration, given co them as confidered difciples , being men able to preach the Gof. pel. La. 8. 26, Ephe/.3.7.. Adar. 28.19" Lobn 4. 2, eAtts 20. 7. cbap. T1020. UCor- 11,24, with 1 Cor, 10. 16,17. Rom, 16.2. 41. Chrift hach likewite given power tohis Church toreceive in, and calt out, any Member thacdeferves it; and this power is given to cvery congrega- tion, and not to one particular perfon, either Member or Officers but in re- * Jation tothe whole body , in refcreace to their faith and frllowthip, Ader. 18. 17. 1 Cor, 5.4.13. with 12.6.2 3. 2 (or 2. 657, , 43. And every particular Member of each Church, how excellent, great ot learned foever, is fubject to chis cenfure and judgement; and that the Church he not without great care and cendernefs, and due advice, by the tule of faith and truth, 3.chap, Asay. 1a 1 Cor, 1.10, Inde tg. Rev. 2.20, 21,22. Acisty. 1, 2. Rom.14, 1, 44d 15. 1, 25 3. wen.” 46. And althou2h the particular Congregations be ditingt and feyeral'a bee. dies, every one as a compact and knit + City within it felf; yer arethey' alico. walk by -oacrule of truth; Soalfo they (by el! mrans convenicnt)areto have the councel and help, done of another, if neceffity require it, as members: of one body, in che common faith, underChrsi# theirbead:; -« 2 Cor. 4.17. and 14.33.6. and16.t. 6 Pf 122, 3. Eph. 2.12. 19. with Rev, 21.6 Be. Titm. 3.1504 AlEs 15, 25 3. (ante 8... 4. 13514, me 0. ae sap ueniillifey. ily semen et Cae ton of Fars. ihe . Acivil « Magiftracy isan Ordinance of God, fer him for the pu- ys? alge evil Fae aad forcthe praife of thera oe 3 and = inall lawful thiags, commanded by them, fubjection ought to be gtvea by us in the Lord, nor onely for wrath, but for conicierce take; and chat we are co make lupplications, and prayers for Kings, and all chat ave in authori thac wader ther: we may live a quietand peaceable Ife, ia ali gcdiinefs and honelly. 4 Rem. 33.15 2% 32qe 1 Per. 2.13) 1g. 5 71,2. 152 3. 48+ That we have great caule-co biefs God, aad to be rhanktul for the peace and liberty we enjoy in the fervics of owt God under che peeient govemmen t: but if the Magittrace fhould not favour us herein; 4 yor we dare nor fuipend our practite, becaute we believe we to go on in obedienceto Chritt, in proteffing che Faith which was once delivered to the Saints, which Faith is declared in the holy Scripaires, and this our Conteffion of Faith a part chereofand that we are to wirne!s to che auth of the Old and New Tefta men unto the deach tf neceificy requite, 1n the taidft of ‘all trials and affiGtions, as his Saims of old havedone ; sot accounting eur goods, lands, wives, children , peer er wot brethren, fiters, yea, and — lives dear unto us, fo we may fiouh our courle with joy, remembring char we 06 o- bey God rather than mens who wal when we toes aedeagal and kept the faith, give use the crown ofrighteoulnefs ; tod whom we mult give an account of all our aénons, no man being able to difcharge ws of the fame. « A) 2.40,41 axdg. 19. ands, 28529. 41. and 20. 23.8 The. 3.3. Phil. 1, 28, 29. Daw. 3.16,17. 4946, 7.10. 22,23. 61 Tim. 6 13, yh 5, Rom. 62.1. 8,0 Cor. 14.37. © Rev, 2. 20. d2 Tim, 4. 6, 758, Rom, 14.10.12, 2Cor. §- 10. Pjal. 49. 7-Pf.§0.3% Alts 8, 38, andto. f, 2. 35-44. Rom, 16.23. Dest, 6.13. Rom. 1. 49. Trislawful for a Chnitian to bea Magiftrate or civil Officer;and alfo it js lawful to take an Oati, foit bein truth, and in judgement, and in righ. teoufne’s, for confirmation of truth, and ending of all (trife, and that ‘rath and vain oaths the Lord is provoked, and chis land moutes. a Cor, 10, 18. Ler.4. 2. Heb. 6, 16.1 Thef, 4.6. Rom. 33, 55657. Adfat, 22,81, Tit. 3: go. Weare togive unto all men, wharlocveris their due, as. ¢heir place, “ace, eftace requires; and that we do defraud ae man of any thing, but do unto men as we would they fhould dountous, x Per. 2, 15. 17nd §. 5.Eph. $. 21. 33. 4nd 6.1.9, Til, 3. 19253. gt. There fhall be a « Refuxrection of thedead, both of che juft and unjult, and every one {hall give an account ot himfelf to God, thar every one may re- ceive he things done in his body, according to thazhe hathdone, whether it Le geodorbad, aeAits 24. 1§. 2Cor. 3, 1a, The Sane aS Ge. ey ed | it ee wih ee 90 i ph Bee 2 ab , z The Conclufion “Hue we defire te give unto Christ, that whichis bis, and unto } all lawful Authority that which is there due, and to owe no- thing to any man but love, to live quietly and peaceably , as it be- cometh Saints, endeavouring in all things to keep a good confcience, and to de unto every man( of what judgement foever), as we would they fhauld do unto ue; that as our pracdife is , foit asap prowe ws t0 be acon{cionable, quiet, and baraele{s people (mo wayes dangerous or troublefometo humane focicty) and to labour and work with our hands, that we may not be chargeable to any , bus 00 grueto hine that necdeth, both friends and enemies, accounting it more excellent to give, than to recerve- Alfo me — that we know but in part , and we areignerant of many things which we defire and feck to hnow, new & any foall do ws that friendly part , to foew ws from the word of God that we fee not, we have caufe to be thank full to Godandthem. But if eny man foall imepofe upon ws any thing, that we fee not commanded by our Lord Jefus Chrift , we fhould in bie th rather embrace all reproaches and tortures of mento be Stript of outward comforts, and if it were poffible, to dies thoufand eaths, than to do any thing againft the leaft vittle of the trath of God,orageinft thelight of cur otmcon[ciences. And if any foall call © what we have faid Herefic , then do we with the Apoftle acknowledge, | that after the way they call Herefie,worfbip we the God of our Fathers eee Hereffes, (rightly {0 called) becanfe they are again Chriit, and to be Stedfasi and inamoveable , alwayes abonncling in 0- soe toChrift, as keowing our labour fhall not be invain inthe Lord. PSAL. 74. 31,522 Arife,O Gods sig thine own caufe; Remember bow the fooli|t man bla{pbe~ meth thee dayly. O let not the oppreffed return afoanced, but let the poor and meedy praise shy nanse. Come Lord Jefius, come quiedy: nT Ee To all the Churches of God fanifyed in Chrif Jefus , called to be Saints, withall that imevery place profe{sthe mame of Jefus Chriit om Lord, both theirs and ours. . ' Beloved Brethren, S ving thefe many years, cl the grace and free merey of our God eet irene eemoral snaiee of Chrift d iw the S holy-Scriprures of the Prophery and Apofties ; and finding the <& ceeding benefit and comfort of walking with God in fome meafor faitable to what he hath made known anco as 5 and well knowing Swe that we are called to live in the laft ages of the world, wherein ini- ~*S quity abounds , and the love Of many waxeth cold : as likewife com: thofe peculiar times fpoken of in the 2.0f Tim. 3. 1. Sc. afe come upon as, wher cia mea. who fomtimes have made a profeffion of God and godiynef:,are cura: 80 commit oli m aane: of ancleannels wich greedine’s ; having turned the grace oar Lord Jels imo laftiviouine’s , calling dasknefs light, and light daskeefs, by Of whom the way of trech is evil fpoken of; and many poor foals throngh temp seady to quiz their profeffons,and te be taken wich their fnare‘jwe thenghe It ous to declare our arcer diflike , abhorring , and detettation of all fuch evil perfons: wales, who fhall ander any pretence whatloever plead for, or practife ang way o P - i ’ the goodneft of oorGed , inabled :o difcern the feerer, Pye Sd ad fares of Satan , which he hath luid co entrap poor fonls iny bj them from ftep co Rep , untill they heve been wholi; captivated in his fnares, wed by bim todo him fervice. wh "1 . .. We coald do ne lef, then according to that meafare of light we have received from the Lord , to difcover his Wiles, tod Scraagem td to eaation all that profes the Lord ,'00 watch over their own hearts, and waies, and to take heed | . : — — <_——— a ' found , that wato himielfby , viz. the prefentiag unto men bis great love, im giving keowledge of the tue ing of that which is efled 5 fouls, _ retandtveliing | he ot oyfale of meet nothing, emptinels and confafien , fpeaking things wheteof they — wot; and many the perfous ef thofe who {peak fucks language ia great admisation, es the chief, teadct chasuable, knowing, high and {pirivaal Cheiftians 5 tc inde tgp te wed Te eae Fe oe ee ee ee “gillian dicted ; Heart-bleeding for Profeffers Abo TRAOMS, re memme | fpoken by them, are many of them trae in themfelves Cwirhout which Sytan_ could | poe fo effectually deceive J as that God end Chrift, and the Sprit deci gn we, avd chat God and Chrift and che Saints are one 3 Yer ate we (0 uoderftand this woiog te be ouly in away of relation through participaion of che fame {p1- tic, aad chis dwelling to be only im refpedt of grace, and powerfull opers- tiog and influence , working im the hears of believers, according ro the tepor of the Now Covenant, in making menholy and homble, purifying ther hears. - eapfing chem 10 walk ia all good confcience toward: Ged and Man, a! which by them i$ @ampled anderfoo: , and another kind of union, and indwelling driven at in their difcomfes., which alihongh covertly exprefled, until by craft and lubriity, they have prepared the hearts of fimple and unftable fouls, (0 receive whatioever they fhall fog geftunco them, yet then is openly difcovered 5 being indeed the roo: ef all bictesnefs - and defperate prophannefs and blafphemy, that can be imagined in the world 9 for from thence they conclude , that themielves are God, and Chrift, and what God is, they ate , avd what they are, God is, fer fay they, tM_reis ue ipirit bur one , aad fo deny . any created Angel-or Spirit ; holding upon the fame account the living foul im mas to be encreated’, and 1@-confeqvently to be God himfelf, and ace created by Gods Now chit being the grownd-v o k of their dclufion, che bailding is aniwerable. , Bor firft, Concluding che seafonabie foul to be God. Secondly, They affirm thac chis foul being cloched with rheir homane bodies , OF fichh, is Cwift, or God in fiefb, herewpon they imayine thir Jefus Chriit fpoken of in the Gofpel., 2s being born of the virgin Mary , accuied by the /ows, delivered by Pt- Tate to be erncified , dying at /-1ufalem wpon the Cro fs, rifing the third day, and af- cending into heaven, is only to be underftood parabalicady , os figuratively , {peaking . ofene thing, and inrending another; pointingar, and prefiguting a wart only with- i9 mb} conceiving the Virgin Mary, the lewer, Pilate, lerujalen, the Crofs, Chriff rifiagand efcending , {poken of in che Seriprures , to be al! withio them, and no fuch thing fabftancialiy, or in crouch without. Asthey conclude all things (poken of Chriff, tobe bur in a typicai, or figarative manner; imrending and cypifying ont this God within » of God incarnate in their tlefh, Rill meaning their reafonable fouls, conceiving this ro be the fubftance of ail thofe. fhadowes 5 oaklo spon chis groond they are forced co conclude the whole new Tefta- ment, with ail the Dorines, Lass, Rules, and Adminiftrations of the fame, to be but a fhadow o: figure, holding forth a fubftance within. As for inftance, Mofes and Aaron , spe iron figures of the fabftancial Saviour, and Prieff to come , fo the admi- niftrations of Mofes as Mefaicall, were but flefhly and carnal adminiftrations , to be abolifhed when the fubitance was come, they being only fhadows of good things to come; in like manner do they anderftand Chrift in his perfon , to be bur a fhadow of Chséft within, and ali his heavenly and fpiriewal Gofpel co be bor a lerter and carnal hi- ftory put to an end and abolifhed, when they once come to spprchend that the fube france of all is wich. They comming alfo to believe that the foul is God do thence infer that they are perfe@,and far they are in as happy eftate as can be,fer this they arge,1Cte 15-24.tothe 28.t0 fhew when the Kingdome is delivered op to the Father, ail his people. come to a More immediate enjoyment of God the Father , and chen Chrift cealeth his Nediatourfhip,and confequently , all his New Teftament ceafeth.: now they conclude that ali this is accomplifhed when they come to difcern there is but one Spirit,and their foul that fpizic which is God, and chen they are te the poffeffion of ali chings. And fecing that «he Scriprere declares chat before our full poflefion of God and Gio- f¥ 5 there sovft be a temporal! deash , and refurreétion of the body and eretnal ment, they cpon the former grounds, tudging themielyes already glorified, do ro ST y ftand this death of the body in a!l fuch Seriprures myftieally, and that the Refarrecion and eternal judgement, ae daiready m the fou! , as Hymeneus and Philerwe did, a lim. 2. 18. compated with: Tim. 1.19. Thence alfo they conclude, that faith nd joftification by Chrift, cogether with all che O. dinances of Chsift, are abolifhed, as flefhiy form, like unto Chrift that appointed them, above and without all which , they triuasphancly (in their own fancies ) live when they once have ateained this fuper- eminent life (as they {peak ) of being ia the fall fruition of God , comprehending thar infinite being, (which they blafphemonfly affirm themfelves 1o do) intruding themiclves joro things they are altogether ignoranc of : Hereupon isic that they, as Peter feith, fcoft at aay fecond comming of Chrift, 2 Pet.3- 3,4, and mock at the holy Serip- tures , thofe heavenly Oracles of God , denying them to be the Word of God, or that Law by which chey ought co conform their lives,conceiving and utreting tbat there is no law nor cule, bat whac isin man, his light being his only law , thatisso fay, whar- ever that fpuit that dwels withia (which chey cai! God within ) di@aes*@ then, thar caught to be done by them, Rrengthening them(elves wish this opinion , chat there is no fin but what contradicts 4 mans owe light , (which is a manus oaly law ) and fin is on- ly fin vo biew char thinks it fo, and chat there is vo hell bur that torment rhat men fa- ftain ciroogh crofling their own light (which God knows is nothing but chick darknefs) from the fe principles che defperately wicked and deceitfull heares of men forttied in the it fins, having anw their confcience feared wich a hot ison, secount it their onely mifery and helsthac they are treabled at any ching,be jt never fo abonmnable;thus cafti offal] trouble and 1 emarle of fia, they follow the law of cheir own mind, ( 28 they muft, conceiving their own fouls to be che only erernal God) and wharfoever their evil hearct are naturaily inclined co, whether Dronkennefs,Curfiug, Swearing, er Whotedome (alchoug!s for a time their principles do not pot fuch Bareid impicties in execution Jyer at lengch being violently hurried on chrough the affiftance ofthe fitong impelfions, and reftle’s faggeftions and inftig ations of the devil, ( the jadgemems of Ged being alfo heightned upon them ) they now commit rhe fame with greedineis, and thar with fach a high hand, as they accoant i: cher perfe&son , awd tbe bigheft pitch of their glory , 9 give up chemfelves to fuch abominations , pleading for them, affirming thac they have made a League ond Covenant with fin, death a bell, and bave commmunten wid Gad in all ibele, feeing ald theje amd whatever evisi can he imagined, reconciled we God , aud fo geod , accownring all their a@ions tor good, being afted by their own fpirits, which (as they think ) are God , faying that God (but cculy nor God, but theis own accurted {picits ) willed chac they fhould carfe and fwear, and be drunk, aad fill dem- felves with all ancleanne’s. which acy efleem to be perieA righeeoulnels , calling chat holinefs and righteoufne!s which confifts in a iparleis conformicy so the lawet of Chrift revealed in the Scripture ( which curbs che imiolency of the flefh amd lefts of the heart) 4 plaguy and nafy bolymefs, that ooult bedcftroyed 5 fothar chole smengft chem,’ t- cam with the greaccft mmpudency , without the leaf check or concroul of conicience. commit the moft horrid abominations , (which we tremble to think of ) they are the moft perfect, and the moft fwallowed up in the will of God + co jaftify thefe their abo- minations , they fay, the Ang ls sf God {ware with glory and Majefly, winch Angels are God in chem ( for all created Angels they deny) who therefore may {wear as they will , asd chat wich glory acd Majeity ; Yea to grear is their thraldome and captivity, that now the Prince of the power of the Aire, that rulesinthe hearts of thele Chil- dren of difobedience , hath fo far the maftery and. dominion over them, as that rhey are ready » not only to fight agaioft God himfelf in his fpirituall Ordinances y bur agsinft civif focieties , violating the bond of marriage, and lawes of families, againft the very principies and light of nature , which common juftice (remajning among the — bs v bl ' . ‘ ee ae - gaold foon adjudge merit fevere ponifhmenttand certainly eee ee ll civil bonds do sot only ly lyable to the fuft and fearfall jadgement of God;bar jullly mouse che punifhment of chit worle. | pole : ~, Baving «hus laid open fome of the Principles , aod evil practifes of thefe men, even — ghat 1000 ofbicterncls , from whieh fach their fiafu'l branches grow 5 by which every , eyes are opened, may difcern what a fearfull shing it is to the Holy of God, aad give heed ro the motions Of a deceicful! heart, and to the didtaces of a lying lpirit: we thall now eadzavoar briefly to mike manifeft the fandinets , and dangerouinels of the foundation whereupon thefe chings are built 5 which we fhall flay sodo by proving 5 Thar che foul of man is not God, bur a creature , created and made by God +. which will appear both by Scriprare and reafon, if you conalider, 7" God is incomprehenfible, che heaven of heavens cannot contaie Mim, ‘but the fou! of man is comprehended and contained in the body. F 2. God is Almighty, but the fool of man is pot: whatever God will, thit he can do 5 bat mao defires many things , and hath wot power to accomplifh them. _ g. God knowech hinsleil aud alf things , che fecrers of hearts, things paft, prefent » aadco come 5 bar alas! the foul of maa knows not the being of it {elf , nor of the leat. ees ae, be eva ihe eat4 in another houfe nexe co him. thang het Jo. 4- The foul is or ) 1 Cor.4§, The Sirff Adam wos made a foul, Jar g8-id. 1: ‘is wricsens As the Lord liveth chat ob this foal, now to be made and Geeated , argues a beginning, bet Ood is without beginning ; therefore the foal cannot g- God is the God of the {pizits of all fleth, Nam. 1 6. 22. there ts a fpirit in the body, ef which God is the Father, Heb. 12. 9. which God forms within man, Zach. 12.1, with @hich fpirit the (pisic of God bears withels, Rom.8. 16. wid fides Foecen YS .or foulto be acreatures the eruch of which further appears in that God can deftroy the foul, or caft it iaro he! fire, Afet. 10. 98. ie thar the fou! may be converted, Pfa.tg. 7. if char it Mands in need of deliverence and redemption, Pia. 13.19. 34. 22 49. 8. Bat now Godcannot be deftreyed , neither needs he any redemption at all, By this it is clear thar mans foul is nor God » and if aot his foul aruch lefs is his body , that is fabje& ro fach vasiety of diftempers, and (oncithcr body ‘nor foul. O therefore what a horrid thing is it for. men ro affirm they are God, that made sud created all things, chat go- verns the world, and che like, end to facher all their abominations upon the Lord, thinking him ro be alcogether fach a one as themlelves are! Brom hence we may fafely conclude 1, That.if the fpisit be created by Gad and is united to the body, thew chole adtions that are done by the body, are the ations of the man. O hew fome men againtt the light » ery ont chat ic is God im man only chat aéts, chat fhall be faved, and the like, whereas itis evident that it ts the man chat adts, either good things, vig. the man that believeth, preyeth, conformeth and is blefled of God, or ic is the mtan that fins and walks in difobedience , whiel men is che fubjedt of diftru@ion. - , 2. That if the Spirit be created by God, it mutt be fabye@ co the will and law of the Greater : things created are for the praife of the Crearor, we ate made by God to fhew forth his praife , and by our obedience to declare out {elves to be his Children , we are not left at fibercy to rea from God 5 chis was rhat chat involved Adam at firft in mifery , and (till keeps his off {pring in forrow and confufion. 3: That fin isthe defedtion , variation from, or the cran(greffion of che lew of our Creator, and not of eur own wills: when we do the things God forbids, or leave un- done the things Commanded, gs mei et catia 24 say From the not tight undesftanding ae fabjeRtiony and elation aoe . 2 - PE eee Oe Mis ray tp nig » rE LOFT Heartobleedings for Profeffors abominations. +” 3@ 7, flow allo thofe vain allegorizings of chofe texrs of Scripture that fpeak of Ghriff hime felf, For if we {earch the Scriprure we fhall fee clearly, chat Chrift Jefus was mot = fie gure or fhadow of a fubftance to be enjoyed now or hereafter (as thefe men dream ) bus = the true fobfanrial good kt felf, che true Medistor God and man, the fabhtanceef all — figures, and fhadowes ander the Law , which was a School Mafter unto Chrift, Gal. 3. 24.The Apofile cells us, The adminiftrations vader the jaw,were a thadow of goed uhings to come, the body or fubflance whereof was Chrift, o: was ia Chuilt, now it is ageintt common fenle and reafon, that one fhadow fhould type our another , and chat as earnall. and ficthly ap ic felf ; bue the contrary hereof is moft certain , for Mojes and lefma be- ing typical Siviours, redeeming the [pn itual I{rael owt of ALgypt into earthly Caneaity muft needs hold our a fubftancial! Savior, thac moft effectually fhall redeem the épirrual Mrael, for falth the Apoftle He is able to fave to the vttermott all chat come to God by him, feeing he ever liveth to make incescetlion for them, Heb.7.5.He is the Alpbaand Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the firft andthe laft,Rev. 18, Who laid co tebe fear nor, for | was dead , and am alive for evermore , Amen: And i have the keyes of Melhaad of death. This Jefus is nor only srue man as coaching fieth, bar alfo God over all blef- fed for ever, or the mofthigh God, Rem: 9 5. leba the Baprift teftifyng of Chrift, Tob. 3. gi. faith he that commeth from above, is above all, this is cree of Chrift a couching his Godhead, who allo is rracly Man ,° fonl and beily, con- fifting of 2 humane fou! , and flethly body , on ee as i Lukge 24. 39-In reference to the conjandioa of hermane and divine narore, he faith, 1 lay down my life , and { cake it up again, as man he died, as God he veiled biméelf from the dead;now thar any thoald be fo vile and wretched as to count the ever Diefled Lordywho is the moft high end bleffed Savior, flethly form and thadow, —~ according to the infnice wildom and love of God he affumed mas nature, that | : i 5 | cor fouls to think thereof, and tremble to think what hardneh of beart , and blindaeG of miad , foch foub we givennpto; and thoagh they may ta above the difpen’a:ion of Chrilt, che Kingdome being in them refigned up ther, they fay they know noc what 5 for before the office of Chrifts Mediator-fhip fes, and che Kingdome be refigned to the Father, the Scripcure expreGly cells us, enemict moft be fobdued undes his feet, Pfal. 110. 1. Piel-8 & t Cov. 15 24, Heb. 2.6,7. which is not yet effected, for Chrifts enemies , viz. the Devill, Si Babylon, Antichrift , the oppotize oppreffing civil powers of the world , death , and the grave , and the rule and authority they bear rele with , are mot yet wholly by Chrift pat down, therefore the Office of his Mediacorfhip ftill itaads ia force; Hence we may fafely conclude. ; Fist, That if Chrift be a fubftantiall Mediator, teuly fpirieual , his Gofpel the», which he and his Apofties hach declared , 18 n0t a bare outward Relation, Miftory, oF carnal! Letters , but a {pirical and fubltantial Troch sod’ Myftety, containing ths whule Will, and law of God, fos us and ali Saints to believe and pra@tife throughout 6 Ages, Secondly, Ic moft needs be as dupable as the Mediator is, for the Law of Chrifts Prieithood is as durable as the Pricft-hood it felf, the law depending upon the Priefi- hood ; for the change of the Prieft-hood and Law goes rogecher, and (0 the Prieft hood ‘of old being changed , the law chen aad nor till then was changed alfo, Heb. 7. 18- So whea Chritts Prieft hood is changed, chen the law of chat Priefthood, and aoe till thea fhali be changed alfo. Thisdiy , It mutt alfo be granted, chat che Scriptures which do declare this great my- ery of Jelys Chrift aud his Golpel, be the holy Scripcures, and che infallible ieee —— = il ¢ Beit? E - Heartoblecding: for Profe]or: abemiighieal. of God, for it could never have encered into the heart of man to have krown of mani- felled thole hidden MySterics, had nor God himlelf by his own Word revealed them > from heaven 5 now the Scriptures are Gods Word, declaring his méad, making known bis is Councell, being able co make the people of God wife one falvation through fairh “which is in Chrift Jefas , beiag given by the infpiration of God, and are profrable for Do&trine , for Reproof, for Corre@ion, for infireéion in righteosine’s, that the gan of God may be , throughly furnifhed unco al good works ; 2 Tim. 3 15,16. and thetefere not to be flighted and undervalued , asadead Letter, a bare Hiftory, a cunallempry Story. Therefore dearly beloved brethren, we beg and intreat you, and every one that loves his foul, to fear and crembie at the choughes of flighting and def- pifiog Chrift and his Gofpe! , or amy one of his laws, or holy commandements revea'ed in his Word; for know, thar God will fec his Son wpon his holy hillof Sion , Pfa/. 2. 8. * gud will call aif his enemies that will gor have him vo feign over them, and flay chen before bim. He is to be received to mie over os asKing, ® wel! as to hiewlelf anworthy of evernal life; Wherefore we im tenders compaffion to your >» snd zeal for the glory of Ged, do befeech and exhortyou, that yoo fill keep the holy commandmeot, 6 they were delivered anto you, thatyoudo fhew tie iame diligence to the end ( for he that endureth ro the end fhall be feved } that ye ftand falt, for the faith once delivered.ro the Saints, chat no man take your : P) nailer ape ga 7 gag ines os ate of ini . Qilec none of us i, waies « we iven up to the Bike privily, fhall bring in damnable herefics, denying the Lord that bougix them, and brirg upon themfelves iwiltdeftrudtion , aod many fhalifoilow there perni- tious or lascivious wayes, by reafon of whem the way of truth thall be evil {pokea of : Fade excites che Saints to remember the words of the Apoftles of cur Lord Jefus, how they foretold chee fhoald be mockers in the lat time, who thould walk afcer_ their own angodly !ufts, feperating then.felves, fenfual, having not che Spirit, verfe 17, 18, 19: and from whom fhall they feparare , but from she true Churches of Jelus Chrift, profel- fing the faith of Chrift , and being baptized im his name (the Scriprare go where ap: amy other Churches, that we read of) Pau! alfore!!: Timethy the rime come (and farely thole prophecies are now folfilled) when they would not endare found doGrine, bar atres their own lefts, heap to themfelves teachers, having in¢hing eaisythac fhonld tara sway their cars from the crath, eiving heed unto frbles. * 3. Godin his wifdome permits thefe things, that chofe which are approved, may be made manifeft , and thofe tha: feem to be whacthey are nor, may be difcoveted ; for Hypocrites have and will be creepmg into the Church (and char so marvel, fo: Satan peg inant into an Angel of Light) ber becanfe they receive nor the cruthin the dove thereof, Gods fends cher trong detafions thar they fhowld believe a lye, thac all may be d, who believe no: the truth, but have piealare in onrightesul- 2 Thef. 2. 10,11, 12, Se. t john a- 1B, 19, 4 We cannot wonder that thofe who draw neer to God in rhe vifibfe profeffioa of chis name, being dcftirate of the ‘power of godiinefs, do thus fall away 5 for Ged will eh be fanttified ia chem chat daw aighto him, either in making them conformable to his » Will ro the ptaife of his gizce, of cife in diicovering their falfhood , hypocrifie and * gadnefs, making them dreadful examples of his wondes ful feverity , tothe glory of his Joliice. Nadab and Abibu , for offering range fire, which the Lord commanded nor, were deftroyed by fie trom Heaven, Lev. to. 1,2, 3. The Lord himfelf procisims from Heaven , that his wayes are siphtcous, and che joft thal! walk in chem, bot tranfgreffors fa)! fall cherin, Hof. 44. «it.The ra row oath of the Saiars righteous walk, fuits not with the licentions principles and inie: eit, of carnai mea, and thongh fimdfers may be in Sion for atime, yet feai (urprizes them, and by reafon of the parity and brightnels of the wayes of Ged, they canvot abide therein, but caft Chrifts yeke from their necks, be- cavte it will nor be fubfervient to their own lofts.A remarkable example of Gods feverity _ againft thofe that fometimes proteffed the cruth , whofe hearts were nor right before Gd, we may fee in ludes , and in Ananias and Sapphire, who for lying againft the Holy Gholt ‘were juddcnly dctiroyed, to the great feat of ail che Caurch of Clift: As in nature ’ a “2 See nae 23, RP ke aa es Miele aR LS Heartebleeding: for Profefrs abominations, 19° the corruption of the beft things, isthe greareft cormmption, fo die greater profeffion = mean make of the ruth, when oace they be corrupted, they fall con An groficht abo- minations.. The truth is, this is v0 groand ro fufpe® our profeffion, becaule fome fa} from it, for whois it that fins (he unpardonable fin, but one chuc profelfed the cruch of. the Gofpel, Johns. $,6. Wao are thofe that are twice dead, plucked op by the roots? except thole thac by profeflion were formerly alive in the trath. Fiichly, and lafily, we do acknowledge, though fome eminent Profeffors of the fame truth, wirhus have faln fouly (which hath been the oceation of fach grief cous) yer it hath been hitherto, and we hope ever fhall be, our care (as they have been by the righ- ceour judgement difcovered ) according to our duty to put them from amongf{i us, en- deavouring to preferve our felves from all iniquity, and not to have fellowthip with the woprofitable works of darknefs, burt rather co reprove them; We conclude this faying of them that are gone from us, and faln into fuch nororious wickednefss a3 fohn faith, They went from as, becavfe they were not of us, for if they had beeca of us, no. doubt they would have continaed with vs, but they went our from us, that they might be mani- felt not to be of us- Uf any thall judge what we have here declared: doth favour of uncharitablenefs, rigid- nefs, cenforioufnels and bitternels of {pirit to chem chat diffent from us, we defire aif fuch feriovfly vo take notice, that crue love and charity is pot che foothing of any in their fins, the healing of wounds flightly , the crying peme, peace, when fudden deftruction is at hand;it is pot the davbing with unrempered morter, bar it is trme Jove ro the Truth, and to allfor che Traths fake , contifting in plainnels and fimplicity , engaging us to en- deavopr the efroring of them that are fain, t6 pal chem as brands out of the fire, to contend for che faich once delivered to the Saints, to nore Sorbie that walk difors, dei» 7 pang cayscegee doe thar ate found-im the fairtt. ~~’ ahi , ile fome men try Out againft gs for uncharitablencis, in cryingdowh in- fal practifes, O how oncharicable in truth arethey, that canfutler God to be difhonou- reds his Sonne to be vilited, his Truch wamplecvender foos, tis Ordimances Neighreds! and their own and thoufands of poor fowls im danger of, being urcerly feduced 5 1° theit own deftrodion , and yer have por a Beart te relent for fach’ pra@ifes, mor: a tongue to plead eg inft chem , whereby odnersumight be forewarned’ of their (wife 40" - proaching dangers our coniciences bear witnels, that the honour of God, the love of his Trach, zeal for his Name, and ifpoffiple, the faving of. fouls from death, bath been the prevailing argument with us, thos to emprefs ow felves 5 beleeehing the God and Father of owr LordJefus, that by the fame power which raifed him from the dead , he would make this iaftramental! to confirm thofe who yet abide in the truth, to reftore el the fimple in hear: , who are ready to corn afide from the voice of the true Shephéard, avd to follow ftrangers, and the cunning ficights and devices of the deftroyers chat walks up and down as a soaring Lyon feeking whom he may tevour, who hach cat dewn many, wounded, and flain many firong men: And that it may allo to aN men more faily difcover the defpe tare folly and madnefs of thofe who triumph in their proud imaginations againft che uth and Scepter of the Lord Jefas that all may cleerly tee their houle is che way to hell, going down tothe chambers of death, iealt Shey poor fouls, through faigned {peeches, being iaticed to yield, and forced _ chwowgh the Maccering of their lips, fhould go after chem itraightway. As an Ox gor.” eth ro the flonghter, or as a Fool to the correaion of the flocks, til! a dart fitike horew their liver, haftniag 3s Birds to Ute fnare, not knowing that ic isfor their lifes ed we by uncharicable filerce would become gailty of sheir blood. Now brethren : ee commend you to God, and ro the word of his grace, which is able to build you gp, "