A DISCOVERY OF THE Abominable Delusions of those, who call themselves the Family of Love..  
WHEREIN THEIR FALSE CHRIST, and false Profession is plainly laid open, and all their gross Cavils clearly confuted.  PRO. 28. 
They that forsake the Law praise the wicked: but they that keep th' Law, set themselves against them.  REVEL. 2.6. 
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.  
Printed. M. D.CXXII.   

TO THE READER.  
AMong the many Tares that the Envious man hath sown in these last Days of the world; there are two principal ones, by which he so prevaileth (among them that acknowledge a Christ) that he bringeth many millions of souls to eternal perdition; which we earnestly beseech may be seriously considered. One is: a persuasion he worketh in many, that if they have the knowledge of Christ in words, and do make a profession of him with their lips & mouth. and so are accounted Christians by name, practising some observations, which have a show of his sacred Commandments, although in deed and Truth they be the inventions of Men; this they think & are persuaded is Christianity effectual, and will serve sufficiently to bring them to heaven.  
A second is: that when the Devil seethe he cannot prevail with diverse in this persuasion, but that they see Christianity is another thing, than a bare profession of Christ; then by little and little he throweth them upon these fearful rocks of Familisme; to believe and be persuaded, that true Christianity, and the worship of God, is only inward in the heart, & not at all in any outward observation, or Bodily performance whatsoever: and that the knowledge of a Christ, who by his bodily Death suffered for our sins, is needless; which being effectually wrought in their hearts, they grow presently to a loathing of the true Christ. and the bodily observation of all Christ's Ordinances, for the gathering of his Church: for his Ministry: for his Worship: and for his Church government, and all the appertaining thereof: hating and contending against all, that in the fear of God, stand for the maintenance of them. And not so only, but also defend with a high hand, that men may be saved, without knowledge or Faith in the Blood of the man Christ; and that Christians ought to subject their bodies at the Magistrates command, in all outward reverence, at any Idolatrous abomination, Mahometisme, Papisme, or whatsoever, keeping their hearts to God: all which commands of the Magistrates, they account but Idle vanities, as shall be showed.  
And for the spreading of these, and many other most fearful things; the Devil hath raised up H.N. the most skilful workman of this Craft: and for his Successors (though butchers in respect of their Master) M.P. who calleth himself the mighty Prince of the Hebrews; and his servant; who writeth thus: 
Servant of M.P. a true Certif. cap. 1. sect. 10.  It is not the pride of our manly being, that we mean to be equal in this or that, but only we mean God to be the very fame in M. P. and the servant of M.P. that he was in H.N. etc. These having written diverse Books, many of which we have read, by which they have gotten many Disciples, especially such, as having known much truth (which usually is accompanied with the Cross of Christ) have not only forsaken that truth, wherewith they were enlightened, but now do most woefully blaspheme it; whose unjust accusation of us, and proud boasts, occationeth the publishing of this little work.  
And although these especially be dealt with, yet there are diverse others (who will not be called Familists) that are deeply tainted with diverse of these things; some, called the scattered flock, who agree with the former, that they may remain in Babylon, 
A little book to the Church of Rome. pa. 113.  and there mourn & tarry, etc. And what account they make of the Lords Ordinances, may appear by that they writ of Baptism, 
In T.L. advertis. pa. 5.8  which they say, is tears: tears is the water in Baptism, etc.  
Another sort there are, who although they have not the name of Familists, in that they dislike many of their blasphemies, yet are dangerously affected with one of their main grounds: They cry out against outward Church: Ministry: Worship: and Church government: and feeke and sue to the Magistrate for reformation thereof; which when they cannot obtain, they submit, and earnestly persuade others to submit to those things, (which being against their Consciences) they cry out of, only to avoid the cross of Christ; and they persuade the people, that seeing they have had comfort in that estate, although the things they practise be most vile, yet they may remain in the practice thereof: and they being reproved for speaking evil of that they practice, and submit to, they have Fig-leaues to cover this their naked hypocrisy; and when the examples of the Disciples and Churches of Christ are brought to reprove their courses; they answer: These were invisible Churches; the Elect in the outward Church; and diverse such fancies, whose courses herein, are met withal in this writing following.  
The mean betwixt these we desire to walk in, not approving it sufficient for justification, to have a Fleshly knowledge of Christ only; or to have respect to any outward observation or bodily service where the soul or affection is wanting: For in all the Ordinances of Christ's Gospel, nothing availeth but a new creature: 
Gal. 6.15. 2. Cor. 5.17 joh. 3.5.  and if any be in Christ he is a new creature: & none can enter into the kingdom of heaven, except he be borne again.  
But we do abhor any hypocritical conceits, which indeed are deceits, where the knowledge and Faith of Christ after the flesh, and those bodily observations that jesus Christ commandeth, is despised and made of none effect; yea where in stead thereof any manner of idol-service is set up and outwardly reverenced. Christ telleth us, It becometh us to fulfil all righteousness, 
Math. 3.  in bodily washing or Baptising: and as often as we eat that bread of Communion, 
1. Cor. 11.26.  and drink that Cup, we show forth the Lords death, till he come. God hath made our Bodies, redeemed them, preserveth them, 
Psal. 119.113.  and will glorify them; so as we will glorify him with both, in abhorring vain inventions, and loving his Law. Christ hath coupled soul and body together, and let no man separate them, in his service. If bodily observations be abandoned in the Commandments of the first table concerning the worship of God, 
Mat. 23.38.  which is the great Commandment: and that we may with our bodies perform any worship, why is not the Commands of the second Table, our duty towards man abandoned in all bodily observations? and that our bodies may steal, Whore, Lie, Murder, and what not? which thing the oldest Father of this Family doth not stick at, as is showed. Pag. 54.  
In dealing with this woeful people, let none take offence that we speak sharply to them, but consider the causes thereof. They have been and are the greatest enemies of righteousness that ever were, feigning a God, and a Christ, according to their own fleshly hearts: and have more perverted the strait way of the Lord, than ever did any; and therefore we having Christ and his Apostles for our example herein, we trust none will condemn us, but those that are touched: for if any be offended at this our Discovery, it is testimony sufficient what they are; we mention the names of none, lest they should have colour to say we persecute them. The wicked and hypocritical Scribes and Pharises for whom was reserved the damnation of Hell. Elimas' the Sorcerer, 
Mat. 23.33.  jannes' and jambres, Hymeneus & Philetus, and all the rest, whose fearful judgements are written; are not so wicked in their blasphemies as these are, as shall plainly appear; and therefore let all pronounce against them the judgements that are written, that others may hear and fear, and do no more such wickedness.  
It is merely for want of love of the Truth that men are given up to such fearful delusions; from which, that we may be delivered, let us follow the Truth, and that in love; which truth is contained in the holy Scriptures, and not in the Dreams of H.N. or any other. 
Heb. 1.2.  In these last days the Father hath spoken by his Son jesus Christ; who was faithful as Moses. 
Heb. 3.2. Act. 3.22. Mat. 17.5. Act. 3.23. Gal. 1.8.  Moses sends us to him. The Father sends us to him. And he that will not hear this Prophet shall be destroyed. And cursed shall he be, that teacheth otherwise then he hath taught by himself & his Apostles. And his Name shall be taken out of the book of Life, that taketh from it, 
Reuel. 22.18.19.  and the plagues which are written shallbe added to him, that addeth to the words of this Son of God. All which the Lords mouth hath spoken.  
Thus have we taken this pains for the sake of those that are ignorant of these things; to the and that they seeing the Pit, may be warned, and saved from falling into it; which God for his Christ's sake, Grant to every soul. Amen.  
〈…〉   

A DISCOVERY OF THE FAMILY OF LOVE.  
THE wisdom of GOD, not only forewarneth (plentifully in the Scriptures) To take heed of false Prophets, 
Math. 7.15  and deceivers, in that many are gone out into the world; 
1. joh. 4.1.  but also teacheth to make their madness manifest to all men, 
2. Tim. 3.9.  that their deceits and craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive being made known, all may be preserved from their snare, and be able to denounce against them the judgements which are written. 
Psal. 149.9.   
Our Saviour telleth us; that after the shortening of those dreadful days of the abomination of Desolation, men shall say, Lo here is Christ, lo there is Christ, but believe them not, 
Math. 24.22. etc.  go not thither neither follow them, And if any shall say: he is in a Desert, or in a secret place, Go not forth, believe it not, For as the Lightning cometh out of the East, and is seen unto the West, so shall the coming of the Son of man be, even that bright Coming, spoken of 2. Thes. 2.8. For the consuming of that man of Sinne. Where plainly we are taught, that the way of the Lord JESUS in the Gospel is plain and manifest, 
Esa. 42.16.  For he will lead the Blind by the way that they knew not, and will make darkness Light before them, and crooked things strait, and the light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun, 
Esa. 30.26.  and the light of the Sun shall be 7. fold, and as the light of 7. Days, in the day that the Lord will bind up the breach of his people, and heal the stroke of their wound; and thither must men go that will find Christ indeed, For all his ways are plain to him that will understand, 
Pro. 8.9.  and strait to them that would find knowledge, 
Pro. 14.6.  and his Wisdom is easy to him that will understand.  
But where obscurity and darkness is, a people of a dark speech that thou canst not perceive, and of a stammering tongue that thou canst not understand, thither must we not go, nor such must we not follow, 
Pro. 5.5. &c  For the paths of a strange woman are movable thou canst not know them; keep thy way fare from her, and come not near the door of her house, for her feet go down to Death, and her steps take hold on Hell, she weigheth not the way of Life. This were sufficient, if there were no more, to dissuade all that will not wilfully perish, from harkening unto, believing, or following, those most obscure, intricate, and tedious deceits of that people (followers of that oldest Elder, or ancient deceiver Henry Nicholas) who term themselves the family of Love, whose execrable blasphemies are broached so obscurely both by words and writings (as hath been always observed by those that have had to do with them) that the depth of Satan in them, is of many not easily discerned.  
Most true it is, they have much more poisoned this Kingdom in former times then of late years, at which times diverse discoveries and confutations hath been made; but seeing now they spring afresh, and that they have destroyed the Faith of certain, near & dear unto us; as also that they have challenged some of us (with great boasts and brags) to combat with them; and have in Writing under their hands testified, that we walk in so many evils (the particulars whereof are hereafter named and answered) that none fearing. God may have any fellowship with us. In consideration of all which, and to testify our unfeigned detestation of their profession, as also to clear ourselves of their unjust accusations; we trust no indifferent person will judge of us otherwise than well, for thus publicly dealing with them.  
Therefore in the fear of God; with reverence of his Sacred mysteries: with unfeigned humiliation of our unworthiness: with love to God's truth: and a hearty detestation of that which is evil, we will proceed only to deal in such things as we have by the now Family, or their favourites been provoked unto. And first of their Christ.  
That they hold another Christ then the man Christ jesus, who gave himself a Ransom for all men, not only H. N. hath published, but also the present Family in England, do with stiffness justify.  
H. N. and the Families Christ.  
First, H.N. their oldest Elder (or rather their God, as shall plainly appear) hath thus written.  
This same true light is the Anointed with the Holy Ghost, 
Euang. Reg. Cap. 13. sect. 2.  which anointed in Hebrew is named Messiah, and in Greek Christus, he was also in times past called of certain Rabbins among the jews, 
H. N. Christ the perfection  the Lord his Saboth. And they say that the same Anointed is the 7th day in the Paradise of God, wherein God rested from all his works, and is the (Perfection) the which also is very true, etc.  
And in the same Chap. thus: Oh that they yet now awaked and took heed in the word of the service of Love unto this Gracious time, 
The word of the service of Love is the Christ.  and gave ear unto the same, that they might understand their safe making, and so then be rightly and according to the truth brought into the true being, that is unto Christ.  
And again, (speaking in praise of the Romish Priests) thus: Therefore they were joined with others in the service of the Holyworde, 
Euang Reg. Cap. 3. sect 14.  because they let pass the childhood or the youngness of the holy understanding, and grew up according to the requiring of the service of Love, 
The perfection of the oldest Father is H. N's. Christ.  unto the manly agedness of Christ, that is unto the true being of the oldest and holiest Father.  
And again thus: Hereunto serve the Parish Priests, as to such procurators or helpers forward of the Commonalties, 
Euang. Chap. 14. sect. 16.  for to bear a good care over them, and to witness and teach them daily the holy understanding of Christ; the oldest Father.  
Also thus: 
First exhort. of H.N. cap. 12. sect. 22.34.  If ye will not that the wrath of God come or fall upon you, so deal faithfully before God and his holiness, and walk with your Spirit in the lovely and virtuous being, fasten your minds thereto, and build your righteousness thereon, for that is an eternal fast standing foundation, whereon all Gods Prophets and holy ones have builded, and is, Christ himself.  
So that H. N's. Christ is plainly by his own testimony; The perfection in the Lovely being, whereunto his Elders do attain, and not the man Christ. Concerning whom he thus writeth.  
Oh alas, how great Contention and unprofitable Disputations hath there been, 
Euan. cap. 18 sect. 17.  concerning the Conception of jesus Christ in the womb of Mary, and touching his Birth! but if they all which contended hereabout had known the power of God, and that also the mystery of the mind and works of God, had been given them to understand, so should they then verily not have contended thereabout. For his Successor writeth thus: Where it is come to pass that all riches of the Spirit is gone clean away, 
The salutation of M. P. called the last trumpt. sect. 12. etc.  there the mind is become a poor widow: and the same widow bringeth forth a Maiden to light, which will conceive the holy thing coming of the holy Ghost, for then the power of the highest shall overshadow the same Virgin, and she shall thereby conceive God with us, even the deliverer from all thraldom and bondage.  
We might allege much more of their intricate and tedious stuffo, but it is wearisome.  
According to which damnable Doctrine, his now followers affirm: That men may be saved by the works of the Law; without knowledge or Faith in the blood of the man Christ jesus: yea they hold it a mere fable, and speak of it with great contempt, that we look for justification with God in and through another; that we look for justification without us; that we speak of imputative righteousness; that we hold justification by believing; for in truth they do not hold that Christ's Death & bloodshed hath purchased any man; but that he was an example to us and such like; for they hold that those Gentiles, Rom. 2. kept the Law, which (say they) was the Christ within them, and those by this Christ, namely by keeping the Law were justified.  
Which detestable blasphemies of H.N. and his followers, (of making Christ to be a power and perfection in man, which is his justification) might rather be wondered at then confuted, were it not that the Devil in his instruments transformeth himself into an Angel of light, to deceive the hearts of the simple, for whose cause we have endeavoured to say something.  

What jesus Christ is; for whom he hath endured all his sufferings; without Faith in whom, no soul can have salvation.  
THat jesus signifieth a Saviour, 
Math. 1. 2●  and Christ anointed; so that he is the anointed Saviour, to save his people from their sins, is sufficiently known every where in the Scripture.  
And although he be God over all Blessed for ever, yet also is he true man, ordained before the foundation of the world, promised to Adam when he had sinned, and to Abraham and the Fathers.  
The Prophets also declare the certainty hereof, A Virgin shall Conceive and bear a Son, 
Esa. 7.14.  and she shall call his name, God with us. Unto us a Child is borne, unto us a Son is given, 
Esa. 9.6.  he shall call his name Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, etc. And a Woman shall compass a man. 
jer. 31.22.  And in the fullness of time God sent his Son made of a Woman, etc. This Son of God thus made Flesh, dwelled dmong us, being sent of the Father to declare and do his will; in which estate (being like to us in all things Sin excepted) he suffered not only the cursed Death of the Cross, 
Reuel. 19.15.  but also trod the winepress of the wrath of God, the agony of which was so great, that he not only sweat drops of Blood, but also cried, 
Mat. 27.46.  My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me: and if it be possible let this Cup pass from me. This being the true jesus Christ that came by Water & Blood, 
1. joh. 5.6.  witnessed by the Spirit of truth; thus ordained, promised, Prophesied of, and performed; And now if it be proved, that what he did, he did it in Obedience to his Father, yet for the benefit of others, & that without the knowledge of, and Faith in him no soul ever was or can be saved; we say if these things be plainly proved, that cursed fiction of the Christ of H. N. and his followers will appear to be most abominable.  
Therefore first will we prove that Christ's sufferings were for others. That he died for sin is manifest. That himself had no sin, is as manifest; therefore of necessity he must dye for the sins of others. That he died for sin is proved. Yet the Lord would break him, and make him subject to infirmities, when he shall make his soul an Offering for sin, etc. 
Esa. 53.10. Heb. 9.10 c. 1. Pet. 3.18.  All the sin Offerings were types of his sufferings for Sin, and he once suffered for sins.  
That he had no sin himself, is proved; Though he had done no wickedness neither was any deceit in his mouth. 
Esa. 53.9. 2. Cor. 5.21  For he hath made him to be Sin for us, that known no sin, etc. But was in all things tempted in like sort, 
Heb. 4.15.  yet without Sin; 
1. Pet. 1.19. and 2.22.  He was that Lamb of God undefiled and without spot. He did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, he was that just one, 
Cap. 3.18.  who appeared to take away our sins, and in him is no sin.  
That he suffered for the sins of others, although what is said be proof sufficient, yet if any thing might be accounted plain with these woeful men, manifold testimonies might be added; 
Esa. 53.5.6.  you see Christ appeared to take away our sins; he was wounded for our transgressions, he was broken for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes are we healed: Verse. 12 and the Lord laid upon him the iniquity of us all, he poured out his soul unto the Death: he bore the sins of many, and paid for the trespassers: he died for the : 
Rom. 5.6.8.9.10.  for Sinners: his Blood justifies others: his Death reconciled us when we were his enemies: he was given to Death for us: for our Sins: 
Rom. 8.32. 2 Cor. 5.15 Gal. 3.13. & 4.5. 1. Pet. 2.21.24.  he died for all that were Dead: Christ redeemed us from the Curse of the Law, by his suffering, even the cursed Death of the Cross, that he might Redeem them that were under the Law: who his own self, bare our sins in his Body on the Tree, 
1. Pet. 3.18 & 4.1. 1. Tim. 2.6. 1. joh. 2.2.  etc. Christ the Just suffered for the unjust: and he hath suffered for us in the Flesh: he gave himself a Ransom for all men: and he is the reconciliation for the Sins of the whole world.  
Secondly, it is manifest that none can have salvation, but by Faith in those Sufferings of that man CHRIST JESUS. 
Mar. 16.16  He that beleeneth and is Baptised shall be saued: as many as receives him to them, 
joh. 1.12.  he gave power to be the sons of God, even as many as believe in his Name: 
joh. 3.16.  And whosoever Believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting Life: he that believeth not is Condemned already: Verse. 18 Be it known unto you men and Brethren, that through this man is Preached unto you forgiveness of Sins; and from all things from the which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses, 
Act. 13.38.39.  by him every one that Believeth is justified.  
The righteousness of God is manifest unto all and upon all that Believe. 
Rom. 3.22.  And Abraham the Father of the Faithful he believed, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: 
Rom. 4.24.  And to us also shall it be imputed for justice which believe: and the Justice shall live by Faith: 
Gal. 3.11.  And we are the sons of God by Faith in Christ jesus.  
Verse. 26 What shall we need to allege more testimonies? who will not wonder that any mortal man professing the Scriptures should dare to set his face against God in these his evident testimonies; when God saith, The just shall live by Faith in his Son Christ jesus; who dare say this is a fable, to seek justice in another then in ourselves? and that by the Law men may be justified before God, as after it shall appear they do.  
From all which testimonies we confidently affirm, that never any Sinner was saved, but by Faith in Christ, either believing him to come, by the Promise of God, to pay the ransom for man's sin: Or that he is come to perform the same; For they that were saved before his Coming, did believe in him, according to the promise of the Father: but after he is come, all must believe (as himself saith) That I am he, 
joh. 8, 24.  or else they shall dye in their sins.  
All which is so evident that it may be marvelled at, that the Devil should so besot men with blindness; as that they should contradict so evident a Truth; and the rather because in words they acknowledge the Scriptures, and in their Writings plentifully quote them; but indeed it is certain, it is but to blind the eyes of the simple: For as the Master saith, Therefore it is assuredly all false and lies, 
H.N. Dialog. cap. 16. sect 16.  seducing and deceitful, what the ungodded or unilluminate men, out of the Imagination of their knowledge, and out of the learnedness of the Scriptures, bring forth; institute, Preach, or teach. They Preach indeed the Letter, but not the word of the living God. Let them esteem themselves as holy as they will, they are all a false Christianity, and a devilish Synagogue or School. So say his Disciples, That we (out of the Family of Love) understand not one word in all the universal Bible, and that we are in the way of infernal darkness.  
So that pretend what they will, they reject all Scripture, further than may stand with H. N. and his fellow Elders in the Family of Love.. For thus further they writ.  
They ought to beware that, that they distrust not the Eldest in the Family of Love, 
H. N. in 1. exhor. cap. 13 Diuis. 11. fol. 31.  nor suspect any manner of evil or unwisedome by him, nor yet in any wise persuade themselves that the Exercises, documents or Instructions, which are taught or set forth before them by the Father of the Family of Love, or oldest Elder, are too slight too childish, or too unwise for them to follow after, or to obey, but with perfect hearts humbly and singly minded, as good willing Children, to receive the same instructions proceeding out of the wisdom and Council of the Eldest, and to stand even so submitted till they come unto the manly oldness in the Love..  
Again, he saith: The Scripturely learned man hath no knowledge of God's matters, 
In the Prophecy, cap. 8.  he cannot understand any tittle, much less interpret or expound the same to others, it is given only to the Family of Love to understand the secrets thereof.  
Again, thus: My Children and you Family of Love, give ear to me your Father, live according to my Doctrine, 
In his 1. exhort. cap. 11. sect. 1.2.  that it may go well with you, take heed to my Doctrine, and what I do set forth and teach, that it may be a Seal of life, and a witness of truth in your hearts, for it is your Life.  
And again thus: Let yourselves now in all your being, nature, mind, and disposition, 
Crying voice cap. 3. sect. 11  become renewed through the love in her service, and give all your understanding captive under the obedience of the Love.. And so teacheth his Children to say: O my Father in the Love, 
1. Exhor. cap. 13. sect. 2.  I submit myself and all my understanding under the wisdom of thy Doctrine. Let all judge if these wretches, abolish not the Scriptures, to set up their own devilish inventions, what show of the Scriptures soever they make.  
But they object against this strict Faith in this man Christ and his sufferings. Rom. 2.14.15. For when the Gentiles which have not the Law, do by Nature the things contained in the Law, having not the Law, are a Law unto themselves, which show the effect of the Law written in their hearts, their Consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts accusing one another or excusing. From hence they considently affirm, that these Gentiles known not the man Christ, nor believed on him, yet kept the Law, and thereby were justified before God; and because the Scriptures which they pretend to allege to colour their deceits, doth so plentifully declare unto us a Christ, therefore they say: This is the Christ; for you must not imagine, that they say that any man can be saved without Christ, yet they intent nothing less in that saying, then that any are saved through the purchase of the Blood of that man Christ, apprehended by Faith, for that they count an idle Fiction, their evil Consciences know we wrong them not herein; for we relate no more than what some of them have uttered, in which we have used much means to procure their revocation of that their cursed conceit, that so we might not be constrained to publish it, but they wax worse and worse every day in their delusions.  
Now to show how they pervert this Scripture to their destruction, let it be well observed, what th'Apostle aimeth at in this place. Paul being the messenger of the joyful tidings of Christ to the Gentiles; 
Rom. 1. cap.  in the former Chap. plainly convinceth all the Gentiles to be under the wrath of God, & that by not making right use of that knowledge which God afforded them, by the invisiblenes of his eternal power and Godhead, manifested and showed unto them by the wonderful Creation of the world, which was sufficient to make them without excuse, 
Psalm. 19  in that the Heavens declare the Glory of God, and the Firmament show the works of his hands, Day unto day utter the same, and Night unto Night teach they knowledge, there is no speech nor Language where their voice is not heard: The Gentiles (we say) knowing God by these his wonders, yet glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their Imaginations, and their foolish heart was full of darkness; when they professed themselves to be wise, they became fools, for they turned the Glory of the incorruptible God into several Idols, wherefore God gave them up to their own hearts lusts, etc. they turning the truth of God unto a lie, worshipping and serving the creature, above the Creator, and so not regarding to know God further by that means they had, God delivered them up to a reprobate mind, etc. Th' Apostle having now convinced the Gentiles proving them to be under the wrath of God, he concludeth: O man whosoever thou art thou art inexcusable; 
Cap. 2.1.  even as well Gentiles as jews; and jews as Gentiles, which also in the 2. Chap. he goeth about to prove: For his fervent desire of the salvation of the jews maketh him to declare the estate of the jews to be as bad, or worse than the Gentiles, that they might see it, be humbled, and fly unto jesus Christ: for although Circumcision in it time was profitable if they kept the Law, yet if they transgressed the Law, their Circumcision was counted as no circumcision; And the uncircumcision (saith th'Apostle) if they keep the Law, shall, not their uncircumcision be counted for Circumcision? Verse. 26 This was the glory of the jew, that he was called a jew, rested in the Law, gloried in God, knew his will, etc. This the Apostle seeketh to bring down; by showing them that; they that taught others, should have taught themselves: saying, Verse. 23 Thou that gloriest in the Law, through breaking the Law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as is written, etc. Having now also convinced the jew, & comparing the estate of the jew and Gentile together, both which had the Law, th'one in the hart & the Letter, th'other in the heart but not in the Letter, he affirmeth that the Gentiles did those things by nature, which the jews did not observe by the Letter; whereby they were more excusable than the jew, being only a comparative speech which is very usual 
* joh. 6.27. joh. 3.32. Luk. 14.26. 1. joh. 2.15.  in the Scriptures; not that either of them were justified before God, for by nature or Flesh, it is not possible to keep the Law; because it is weak, & by the works of the Law none can be justified in his sight.  
The Apostle having thus done, demandeth this question; What then? are we jews more excellent? 
Rom. 3.9.  No in no wise, for we have already proved, that all, both jews and Gentiles are under sin, as it is written; There is none righteous no not one, Verse. 19 etc. Now we know that whatsoever the Law saith, it saith it to them that are under the Law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world be culpable before God; Verse. 20 Therefore by the works of the Law, no Flesh shall be justified in his fight; But now is the justice of God made manifest without the Law, having the witness of the Law and of the Prophets, to wit, Verse. 21 the justice of God; by the Faith of jesus Christ, unto all and upon all that believe: For there is no difference, Verse. 23 for all have sinned, and are deprived of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his Grace through the Redemption that is in Christ jesus, etc. And that he might be a justifier of him that is of the Faith of jesus. Verse. 26 Therefore saith the Apostle, We conclude, Verse. 28 that a man is justified by Faith, without the works of the Law; we do not make the Law of none effect through Faith, Verse. 31 we establish the Law; For is the Law against the Promise of God? God forbidden: 
Gal. 3.21.  For if there had been a Law given which could have given Life, righteousness had been by the Law; Verse. 22 But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by the Faith of jesus Christ should be given to them that Believe. 
Gal. 3.26. etc.  All are the sons of God by Faith in Christ jesus; there is neither jew nor Grecian, bond nor free, male nor female, but all are one in Christ jesus. Whosoever is justified by the Law, Christ shall profit them nothing.  
If men for want of love of the Truth were not given up by God to strange delusions of the Devil, they would acknowledge their horrible error herein, give glory to God, submit to his truth, and confess, that this in the Gentiles, Rom. 2. is Law, not Faith: Nature not Grace. They say, these were justified before God by keeping the Law, but you see how plainly God contradicteth it, God's justice is manifest without the Law; and the Law cannot give Life. These Spirits say, They did that by Nature which made them just with God; when as God saith, Nature maketh us the Children of wrath, 
Ephes. 2.3.  because it cannot keep the Law, and we are saved by Grace through Faith, Verse. 8 And we are freely justified by his Grace through Christ's redemption. So that they do as manifestly contradict God: take away God's favour, Christ's justice unto us through the Redemption of his precious blood, and fet up man's merit for justice with God as ever the wicked jews did: but forasmuch as they are so confident in it, let us a little further prosecute this thing.  
If ever any should have had justice with God through works, Abraham the Father of the righteous should; but Abraham was not justified by works but by Believing, that was counted to him for justice; 
Rom. 4.2. etc.  now to him that worketh, the wages is not counted by favour but by debt: So that if justification with God come by works; we are not beholding to God for it, he payeth us nothing but our due; Oh fearful blasphemy! But th'Apostle affirmeth, that the promise made to Abraham, of being the Father of all the righteous, was not made to Abraham, or his seed through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith; 
Vers. 14.16. etc.  For if they that be of the Law be heirs, Faith is made void, and the Promise is made of none effect: Therefore it it by Faith, that it might come by Grace, to them which are of the Faith of Abraham, etc. Confirmed by the same Apostle, who saith; 
Gal. 2.15. etc.  we which are jews by Nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, know that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the Faith of jesus Christ, even we have believed in jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of jesus Christ, and not by the works of the Law, for by the works of the Law, no man shall be justified.  
Therefore taking this detestable Doctrine as sufficiently confuted, we will conclude with the words of th'Apostle, We do not abrogate the Grace of God, for if justice be by the Law, than Christ died for nothing, or without cause. 
Gal. 2.21.  Oh that this Scripture might be considered! It is here affirmed that if Christ's Death make not men just, but the Law, than Christ died for nothing, all other things purchased by Christ's Death (if this be denied) are counted nothing, and this is to abrogate the Grace of God.  
This their stumbling block from Rom. 2. being taken out of the way of all those that will not wilfully perish, the very foundation their new Christ is plucked up by the roots: for there is not any Scriptures, that they have hopes will make for them, although some have alleged john. 1.9. This was the true the that lighteneth every man that cometh into the world; But we having answered, that this light is not any power in man, but that man Christ jesus, 
joh. 1.14. joh. 8.12. & 9.5.  who was made Flesh and dwelled amongst us, etc. who is the light of the world. This hath not been so much urged: also sometimes they allege Cornelius, for proof of justification without Faith in the blood of Christ; but seeing themselves fail of proof, that he did not believe in the Messiah by looking for him for justification; therefore they let it rest concerning this, and take it up, upon another occasion, which in due place we shall speak of.  
These weak and wrested proofs, being the best that ever we heard them allege, for so great and weighty a matter; the taking away of the purchase by the blood of Christ, and therein man's everlasting comfort, they have for the making of this more passable, and to have the better acceptance (for indeed it is most odious to any Christian heart) they have (we say) invented this Position. That if men walk uprightly as fare as they see in moral things, although they be worshippers of Idols, whether real or mental, through ignorance, and therein continue living and dying, they may be saved; which indeed is the same in effect with the former, as the wise may discern; For if men may be saved, that in words acknowledge, or not acknowledge the Lord jesus Christ, both being in works adversaries to him, than what is the profit more unto those that believe in, and obey the Lord jesus, and those that by word or works deny him, If both may be saved?  
The wickedness of which, we shall also discover plainly, through the Grace of God.   

No Idolater can be saved, except they leave their Idolatry by hearty repentance, and believe in, and obey jesus Christ.  
ALL flesh desires to find an easy way to Heaven, and who would not dye the Death of the righteous? But whosoever seeks Heaven by ways of their own devising, they shall not find it. Indeed Christ saith; My yoke is easy, and my burden light; but that is to those who willingly deny themselves, take up his cross and follow him; otherwise, strait is the Gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth to Life and few find it, and many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able. The gates of the heavenly jerusalem (the Gospel, or new Testament, Gal. 4.24.26.) are open continually, they are not shut by Day nor by Night, Yea the Spirit, and the bride saying come, and let whosoever will take of the water of Life freely; 
Reuel. 22.  And wisdom cryeth without, she uttereth her voice in the streets, she calleth in the street among the press in the eate-rings of the Gates, 
Pro. 9  and uttereth her words in the City, saying, O ye foolish, how long will ye love foolishness, etc. So that there is mercy with God and plenteous redemption; but it is by the way, that God himself, who is the giver of it, will bestow it; Is not he worthy to have power of directing us how to come to life, seeing he himself giveth life, and that freely of his favour?  
The question therefore now is, whether any can have salvation, by their own wisdom, walking in their own ways; or by the way, which the wisdom of God hath directed.  
We have already plentifully proved, if Scriptures may be proof, That this is the Record of God (which whosoever believeth not hath made God a liar) and this is the Record that God hath given unto us eternal life, 
1. joh. 5.  and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not that Son of God hath not life. So that if any will yet affirm that any can have Eternal life, not confessing, nor believing in the Son of God, they make God a liar, whose record is otherwise: but this Record of God being believed, it doth declare all such to be liars, as affirm salvation can be to any that Believe not in this Son of God. If God have secrets which no man knoweth concerning this thing, we meddle not therewith; we know none he hath: but according to that will of God which is revealed in his sacred Scriptures, we dare be bold to say, no sinner can be saved, but by Faith in this Son of God, jesus Christ.  
That no Idolater can be saved is thus confirmed. Confounded be all they that serve graved Images, and that glory in Idols; 
Psal. 97.7. 1. Sam. 12.21. Num. 25.2.9.  For they are not only things of naught; and vanity; but they bring confusion and curse unto all that submit unto them. Yea the Lord saith, That Idolaters shall no more inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, than Adulterers, Fornicators, wantoness, 
1. Cor. 6.9.  Buggers, Thiefs, covetous, Drunkards, railers, nor Extortioners: But Idolaters with the fearful and unbelieving, and abominable, and Murderers, and Whoremongers, and Sorcerers, and all liars, shall have their part in the Lake that burneth with Fire and Brimstone, 
Revel. 21.8  which is the second Death. Therefore we are commanded to fly from Idolatry, and separate ourselves, 
1. Cor. 10.14.  and touch none unclean thing, and then God will be our God and Father, and walk among us, 
2 Cor. 6.17 18.  and dwell there, and we shall be his Sons and Daughters.  
Having thus in general proved that no Idolater can be saved, that we may come a little nearer the thing, let us observe how far Idolatry doth extend. It is sufficiently known of many, that Idololatria, signifieth a service of any likeness, not only of God, but also concerning the things of God's worship, which is truly acknowledged by the annotation in the English Bible in Quarto, upon 1. job. 5.21. Babes keep yourselves from Idols. The words are: meaning from every form and fashion of thing, which is fet up for any devotion to worship God: And a great adversary of the Papists saith. 
Dillingham against the Pa●. pa. 37.  To serve God as we list, and not as he will, is Idolatry. So that any forms or fashions of Devotion in God's worship, that is not Gods, or besides Gods, are Idols; and Christ's Babes must keep themselves from them, else they will bring them to destruction, as before is proved: therefore not only they that worship stocks and stones as God, or as similitudes of God, are Idolaters, & subject to the Curses pronounced; but also all such, as in Devotion to God set up forms or fashions to worship God by, that God hath not commanded; and this is plainly proved, by those fearful judgements pronounced against all such as worship those mystical Idols, The Beast, or his Image, spoken of Revel. 14.9. etc. Which generally all acknowledge that these worshippers do in words worship the true God: For these Scriptures are applied to those people that in words do acknowledge both God and Christ; yet saith the Holy Ghost, These worshippers, shall drink of the wine of God's wrath, and be tormented in Fire and Brimstone for evermore. Which estate of confusion all must comeout of that will be saved; For as it is a habitation of Devils, 
Revel. 18.2  so the worshippers therein, are worshippers of Devils, 
Revel. 9.20  though it be in a great mystery, and so perceived of few.  
Next it remaineth to prove, that salvation is promised as to Faith in Christ, as before is proved, upon Repentance of Idolatry; as of all other sin, so also to obedience of Faith: not to obedience of the Law; but to obedience of the Gospel, for that Faith that is not accompanied with Obedience, 
jam. 2.19.  is not only a dead Faith, but it is the Devil's Faith, & that which shall never profit any man to justification. Obedience to the Law had justice in it self, if any could have kept it: but obedience to the Gospel hath justice in Christ; to all that believe & obey him, who hath fulfilled the Law for them: and by the works of the Gospel we are saved. For this is the work of God (which shall inherit eternal life) that we believe in jesus Christ. 
joh. 6.29.  Which Faith is accompanied with Obedience of * faith. 
Rom. 1.5. & 16.26.  It is written, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he which doth my Father's will which is in Heaven. 
Math. 7.21.   
And let it be well observed, that obedience to the Son, is not properly the observing of those moral precepts contained in the second Commandment, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, for that God hath from the beginning written not only in the Tables of stone, but in the tables of man's heart; That as a man would another should do to him, 
Math. 7.12  so he should do to him again: and not that only is written in every man's heart, but even this also, that man should love his Creator above all: but the manner of this love consisting in obedience to his Commandments for his worship and service, that was directed in the Law by Moses and the Fathers, If the Gentiles would have it, they must come unto the jews, 
Rom. 3.2.  For to them were of credit committed the Oracles of God. But now in these last day's God hath spoken (or declared what worship he will have) by his Son, 
Heb. 1.2.  whom he hath made heir of all things. Commanding all to hear him; who hath showed what manner of persons, he accepteth worship of: what his worship is: what Ministry he hath appointed: and what a Church Government he hath constituted; and all other things for the well being of his Church; Which is his Body, 
Ephes. 5.23  of which he is the Saviour, who ought to be obedient to him in every thing. And as the servant Moses, and the Commandments given by him, was worthy of Honour in that time, and every transgression received a just recompense of reward, 
Heb. 2.2.  of which we read of diverse dreadful examples: Levit. 10.1. 1. Sam. 6.19. 1. Chron. 13.7.10. 2. Chron. 26.16. etc. Num. 16. cap. 1. San. 13.13. etc. & cap. 15. read Deut. 27.36.  
So is the Son worthy of more honour in his Commandments in these last days, 
Heb. 3.3.  and soter punishment are they worthy of that do transgress them: This is the Kingdom, 
Heb. 10.29.  and power in Heaven and Earth that is given to this Son of God, to wit; 
Mat. 28.18.  to rule over the bodies and souls of men (whom he hath redeemed) by the sceptre of his word. This is the government on his shoulder, 
Esa. 9.6. Heb. 12.28. Act. 2.30. 1. Cor. 15.24. etc.  and the Kingdom that can not be shaken; On which he sits for ever to order it, even till he have subdued all things; and deliver it up to his Father, and they that will not that he shall reign over them, by his own Laws, shall be brought and slain before him. 
Luk. 19.27.   
Now if such be the estate of all those that obey not the Son in his Laws, as if the Scriptures be true it is: then what is the estate and condition of such, as in stead of obedience to him, contemn his Commandments, and submit to men's inventions for matter of worship to God? where now is place for that hypocritical pretence of walking uprightly as fare as they see? when indeed their walking is so fare from uprightness, that when God calls and cries unto them, and stretches out his hand unto them all the day long; by that measure of means which he affordeth them, 
Rom. 10.21  they still gainsay him, and are rebellious against him.  
But their objection is: That all they that are ignorant, and either by words, or works deny Christ, and worship Idols, and see no further, but think they do well, they shall be excused: to which ignorant conceit we must say something.   

Ignorance shall not excuse any that live in Idolatry, and do not obey the Son of God.  
THough it be sufficient that the Lord hath pronounced these judgements against such as believe not in, and obey not his Son, but are Idolaters, without exception of ignorant, or not ignorant; yet that the truth of the Lord may shine herein as the light at noon day, we have endeavoured to take away this their objection also, & that in particular words.  
That ignorance is sin it appeareth by those ceremonial sacrifices of atonement which were offered for it, 
Levit. 4.13 etc. 22.27. & 5.2.5.15.17. Heb. 9.7  and the wages of all sin is Death. Also the Lord saith: Harden not your hearts as in Meribah, and Massah, where your Fathers tempted me, etc. though they had seen my work, forty years have I contended with this generation, and said they are a people that err in their heart, for they have not (known) my ways: therefore I swore in my wrath, 
Psal. 95.8. etc. Hosea. 4.6.  surely they shall not enter into my rest. And my people are destroyed for lack of (knowledge.) And our Saviour teacheth, That if the (ignorant) lead the ignorant, 
Mar. 15.14  both shall fall into the ditch. And he that (knew) not his masters will, 
Luk. 12.48.  and yet did things worthy of stripes, he shall be beaten. And they that kill Christ's Disciples, 
joh. 16.1.  shall think they do God service, because they neither (knew) God nor Christ, which to know is Eternal life. 
joh. 17.3.  Peter through his ignorance advised Christ not to suffer, for which he had a most sharp reproof. Get thee behind me Satan, 
Mat. 16.23.  thou (understandest) not the things of God. Again, I know Brethren ye did it through (ignorance:) Repent, 
Act. 3.17.  that your sins may be put away. The Gentiles that regarded not to (know) God by his wonderful works, the Heavens and Earth, 
Psal. 19  which preach and teach day and night to every speech and language, and giveth every reasonable soul under Heaven a measure of knowledge, because they regarded not to know God, 
Rom. 1.28.  God delivered them up to a reprobate mind. And the jews had the zeal of God, yet not according to knowledge, for they being ignorant of the righteousness of God, 
Rom. 10.2.  they found it not. And Christ jesus shall render vengeance in flaming fire unto them that do not know God, and obey not the Gospel. 
2. Thes. 1.8.9.  And those that through the signs and lying wonders of the man of Sin are deceived, 
2. Thes. 2.10. etc.  they shall perish and be damned, because they received not the love of the Truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. What store of testimonies are in this thing. If men do evil though of ignorance, & for the same shall not enter into God's rest: but be destroyed: fall into the pit: be beaten: be delivered up to a reprobate mind: have flaming Fire rendered upon them: and be damned; all which the mouth of the Lord hath spoken. If any notwithstanding all this, will yet say Ignorance shall excuse any; 
1. Cor. 14.38.  we will answer with th'Apostle, If any be ignorant, let them be ignorant, and taste the reward thereof.  
The cause of Ignorance is hardness of hart, and unbelief, and not the want of means as is plain. If our Gospel be hid (that is, if any be ignorant of it) it is hid to them that perish, 
2. Cor. 4.3. etc.  in whom the God of this world hath blinded their minds, that is, of the unbelievers, etc. And they being strangers from the life of God, 
Ephes. 4.18.  through the Ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their hearts; So that unbelief and hardness of heart is the cause of Ignorance, and ignorance maketh men strangers from the life of God. Paul did it ignorantly through unbelief. 
1. Tim. 1 13  All have, or might have means enough, had they used that well which they had.  
And whereas they affirm it to be injustice in God to condemn all the Nations of the earth, that have been or are ignorant of Christ. We answer, though it be plain that Christ is manifest by a measure of means to every reasonable Creature under Heaven: 
Col. 1.6.23  For have they not heard? Rom. 10.18. yet in this (th'Apostle affirmeth) God's justice appeareth, that such as had but the invisiblenes of God declared in the Creation of the Heavens and the Earth, 
Rom. 1.19. etc.  which teach knowledge Day and Night, whose voice is heard in every Language under Heaven, & they regarded not to know God by the same, 
Psal. 1.1. &c  God delivered up to a reprobate mind. If any yet demand why the Cannibals know no more; the Apostle answers, Because they regarded not to know God by that they had. Hath not God promised that if any seek they shall find? 
Math. 7.7.  What made the Wise men of the East, to find the Babe Christ, but their diligent seeking? 
Math. 2.1.  Men find not because they seek not; 
jam. 4.2.  we need not go amongst the greatest Pagans, we shall find too many, who know not God nor Christ, in our own Nation; now the same cause they have no knowledge, that is the cause why the Camnibals have no knowledge; namely, because they seek not. The jews had means enough, yet were they ignorant of the way of God, and God was found of those that (in comparison) sought not after him. 
Rom. 10.20.  That none need be ignorant, read these Scriptures. Deut. 30.11. Rom. 10.6. etc. 18.20. Math. 7.7. jam. 4.2.3.  
Some also object: Act. 17.30. In the time of that ignorance God regarded not, etc. From hence they conceive that God regarded not to punish Ignorance: but let the place be considered, and it doth effectually convince that conceit. Th'Apostle Paul coming to Athens, and beholding the blind Devotion of the Athenians, and reproving them for the same, informeth them of the true God, whom (saith he) you ignorantly worship, him show I unto you, and having showed them what that God was, and what he was not: how he would be worshipped, and how he would not: concludeth with these words, In the time of that Ignorance God regarded not, but now he admonisheth all men every where to repent, etc. In the time of Ignorance God had no regard of your blind Devotion; but now in mercy, the knowledge of the Gospel being revealed to the world by his Son, he admonisheth all men every where to repent, even you Athenians of your ignorant worship, else as he had no regard in the time of your ignorance; you continuing the same, he will yet have no regard of your ignorant Devotion: the like is said of Cain's worship, that God regarded it not. 
Gen. 4.5.  God hath so little regard of Ignorance, that if his own Commandments should be performed without knowledge, 
Heb. 11.6.  it were sin; For without Faith, it is impossible to please God: and whatsoever is not of Faith is sin, 
Rom. 14.23  & the wages of sin is Death. This place therefore may be for confirmation of what is said, to prove, that God hath no regard of any ignorant worship whatsoever.  
But their main objection is from Cornelius, in that he is called a Devout man, 
Act. 10. cap  and one that feared God, with all his Household, which gave much Alms to the people, and prayed God continually: a just man, of good report, among all the Nation of the jews; The holy Ghost saith of this man: That his Prayers and his Alms were come up in remembrance before God; Therefore (saith the Lord) now send men to joppa, and call for Simon whose surname is Peter, he shall speak words unto thee, whereby both thou and all thy House shall be saved, This man (say they) was in the estate of salvation before ever Peter's Doctrine came unto him, which if it were so, it must be by Faith in the promised seed jesus Christ, and then will make nothing for them: where we can see a man or men, in whom we can behold as much good, as in Cornelius, we will willingly say as much of him as of Cornelius: But will it therefore follow, that such as live in Idolatry, and wilfully (though ignorantly) go on in the same, that such must be declared to be in the estate of salvation? Seeing the Lord hath so plentifully declared the contrary: Can any such thing be said of Cornelius? we neither read that he was an Idolater, nor refused to receive Christ jesus when he was offered.  
Thus much Cornelius estate proveth, That men that walk in no evil way, but on the contrary, have many goodnesses in them, God so remembreth and respecteth them, that he will not leave them, till he have sent Peter's Doctrine unto them, whereby they may be saved; yea God respecteth any good in any, as in Ahab: 
1. King. 21.29. 1. King. 14.13. jonah. 3.10 Rom. 1.12. etc.  jeroboams' Son: Niniveh, yea in those that have no more but the works of God to teach them, as every reasonable Creature under Heaven hath; that if they use that well; and glorify God by that they have, he will not leave them till he have brought them to Peter's Doctrine, whereby they may be saued.  
Now that Cornelius, although a just man, fearing God, and his prayers had in remembrance with God, was therefore in the estate of Salvation before Peter's Doctrine came unto him, it may be questioned, if not absolutely denied, for these reasons. 1. Because, the Lord saith, 
Act. 11.14.  Peter shall speak words unto thee, whereby both thou and thy House shall be saved. If they were in the estate of salvation before, to what end are these words spoken? 2. It is said when Gods work concerning Cornelius was declared unto the Apostles, and the rest of the Circumcision, Verse. 18 they glorified God saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. If they had life before, what cause had they to glorify God for granting it now by Peter's Doctrine? 3. Peter relating that God chose him that by his mouth the Gentiles (Cornelius and the rest) should hear the word of the Gospel and believe, 
Act. 15.7.8.9.  For (saith he) God which knoweth the hearts bore them witness, in giving unto them the Holy Ghost even as unto us; And he put no difference between us and them, after that by Faith he had purified their hearts. Now this being so, that by Peter's Doctrine the joyful tidings was brought and they believed, by which Faith their hearts were purified, and then they were in the same estate with the faithful; who dare be so bold notwithstanding all these manifest testimonies, as to say: Cornelius was in the estate of Salvation before any part of these came unto him? Those jews are said to fear God, when as yet they had not repent of killing the Lord of Life; The humiliation of Ahab and Nenivie, 
Act. 2.5.  came up in remembrance with God, as before is proved. 
Act. 17.23. and 3.1.  The blind Athenians are said to be Devout, and the unbelieving jews kept a constant course in Prayer.  
These be the best proofs they have, for a thing of so great consequence, the justifying of those whom God condemneth: Saying, unto the wicked thou art righteous, 
Ezek. 13.22  thereby strengthening their hands that they cannot return from their wicked way by promising them life. But we hope the Godly wise will reject the evil, and cleave fast unto what God hath so plentifully and plainly taught, that Ignorance shall not excuse any that continue in wickedness; For if ignorance would excuse men, how happy were the Ignorant? Or if one ignorant person, that justifieth himself in his wickedne? might be saved, why not two, and so twenty. and then where were the period to stay us here? Where were our rule, which Ignorant should be saved, and which not? Or how could it be avoided, but all Ignorant persons must be saved how wicked soever, if of ignorance? The reasons for one (if there were any) would be reasons for all ignorant persons whatsoever.  
And for Conclusion of this thing, they object: That general repentance will serve from Psal. 19.12. Who can understand his faults? cleanse me from secret faults. To which we answer, If there be any Repentance general or particular, we will not gainsay it, for we acknowledge the righteous. do offend oft in words and actions, 
Mat. 18.22.  which they know to be evil, the particulars whereof are so many, that they are not able to understand them, and therefore ought they to pray, Cleanse me from secret faults, that are hid from me, for want of remembrance, the particulars of which, if they were of could be related, they would particularly repent of them. But Idolaters that live in Idolatry and take pleasure therein, though of ignorance, cannot be brought within this compass. For let an Idolater who performeth any general Repentance, let him be asked whether he intent to include in his Repentance, his Idolatry which others know he life's in, his answer will be, no, in no wise. It is his Idol which is his God, or God-service, which he accounteth one of the best actions that he doth; For example: Let one of the Family of Love be asked (one that is not yet deified; for one that is deified cannot sinne, and so needs no repentance) let a youngling in the Family be asked, whether in his general Repentance, he do include his bodily worshipping, according to the custom of Mahomet, the Church of Rome, or wheresoever he liveth, the Magistrate commanding it, he will answer you no, he doth not repent of that, For he ought to subject his Body at any worship which the Magistrates commands, keeping his heart to God. For God's worship is not at all outward, and therefore that his practice is good and approvable. Doth he now repent of this in any generality? which he accounteth one of his good actions? Repentance is an acknowledgement of sin, etc. but an Idolater and Familist, acknowledge their action herein to be good, therefore cannot repent of them at that time. If any say they have not sinned, 
Ie●e. 2.35. 1. joh. 1.10.  God will enter into judgement with them, and their sin remaineth.  
Oh, but this is a dangerous censure (they object) not only of those that are living, but of many that are Dead. To which we answer, we censure none, only relate God's censure in his Word that cannot lie, Which word shall judge all men at the last Day: 
joh. 12.48.  we say of none, whether dead or yet living, that they are damned (except such as sin against the Holy Ghost, as many of the Familists have) because we know not in what moment of time they may repent: But this we say; whosoever they be that sin and never repent thereof, they shall perish; 
Luk. 13.3.  not we, but the Lord saith this. Therefore so long as we know men line impenitently in Idolatry, through what delusion soever, hating to be reform, and casting God's word behind their backs, we can truly say they are in the estate of condemnation, and shall perish if they repent not of that their Idolatry, and come into the Ark that saveth, 
1. Pet. 3.21.  which is the Baptism of Christ; the request of a good Conscience, by Christ's resurrection. For the profession that must be had and kept, is to draw near to God, 
Heb. 10.22.23.  with a true heart in assurance of Faith, sprinkled in our hearts from an evil Conscience, and washed in our Bodies with pure water.  
Having thus discovered the false Christ of H.N. and his learners & false way of Religion, of those that are running fast after him (though yet it may be not of that lovely Family) who affirm that by keeping the Law any may be saved, though they be never so great Idolaters, (as Idolatry is taken of all but Familists) which wide & broad way, of affirming that any may have salvation, though they believe not in the man Christ, but be Idolaters, overthroweth the virtue of Christ's precious Death and bloodshed; and all Religion and Godliness. We say, having discovered the falsehood of these, we now come to clear ourselves of their imputations, which followeth thus under their hand.   

Twelve transgressions that ye (commonly called Anabaptists) do commit even with a high hand, and therefore ye for the very greatest part are un-christians.  
FIrst, your greatest Zeal is concerning Ceremonies, and your least is concerning Godliness everlasting: and further ye contend against Godly ceremonies.  
Answ. In this unjust accusation are contained three things. 1. Wherein our greatest zeal consisteth, namely in Cermonies. 2. Wherein it doth not consist, in Godliness everlasting. 3. That we contend against Godly ceremonies. First, what mystery they may conceive in this word Ceremony (for they use it much) we do not well know, but if they had no other meaning, than as it is, Heb. 9.1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 translated, Religious Ordinances: or Divine service, or worship: or Ceremonies: then we say, our zeal ought to be great concerning the Ordinances of true Religion, or worship to God; for it is the first and great Commandment. 
Mat. 22.37  Religion or religious service, or worship towards God, consisteth in the upright, hearty and unfeigned submitting unto, with our Spirits, and performing with our Bodies such Ordinances and Commandments, as jesus Christ the great Prophet hath commanded; For he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see Life, 
joh. 3.36.  but the wrath of God abideth on him, and we must observe all that he commandeth, which if we will not, we shall be destroyed from among his people, 
Act. 3.23.  for we must stand fast and keep every instruction which he or his Apostles have taught us, 
1. Cor. 11.2  for in these last days the Father hath spoken unto us by his Son, and if the word spoken by Angels was steadfast, 
Heb. 1.2.  and every transgression, 
Cap. 2.2.3.  and disobedence, receive a just recompense of reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? 
Cap. 3.3.  For the Son is worthy of more honour than the Servant: we are Christ's friends if we do whatsoever he commandeth, but he that saith, 
joh. 15.14. 1. joh. 2.4.  he knoweth God and keepeth not his Commandments, is a liar.  
So that if the Ordinances of Religion, or Divine worship, be the Lords, if we should not be zealous therein, and earnestly contend for the maintenance of that Faith, 
jude. 3.  which was once given to the Saints, we should be justly reproved of the Lord, as the Church of Laodocea, and that judgement pronounced, 
Revel. 3.16  I will spew thee out of my mouth. But they will answer; the Scripture learned men have no understanding, as in any other thing so in this; For the worship of God is altogether to be performed within, in the Spirit, and not in any outward Ceremony whatsoever. With this they flatter themselves in their own eyes, whilst their iniquity is found worthy to be hated, the words of their mouths are iniquity and deceit, 
Psal. 36.2. etc.  they have left off to understand and to do good; they imagine mischief upon their beds, and set themselves upon a way that is not good, as shall manifestly appear, to all that have eyes of any indifferency, when we show what the worship of God is, as afterward we shall have a good occasion to speak of; only this may suffice to clear us from any unjust accusation, if we be zealous for the Lords Ordinances concerning his worship.  
To the second part of the accusation, that our least zeal is for Godliness everlasting. What do they mean by this Godliness everlasting? whether that of their oldest Elder H. N. the perfection of living in the holy understanding and upright righteousness in the lovely being, which in these last days is revealed by H. N. in the house of Love?  
Or do they mean that to be everlasting Godliness, which some of his young Disciples affirm to be in those Gentiles, Rom. 2. A justice in themselves through keeping the Law, which they call the Christ; neither of these (we freely confess) we seek after; For the first we do as much detest as we do the Devil himself, who is the Father of all lying allegories and revelations, that are not contained in the sacred Scriptures: And for the second we do no less abhor to seek justice in ourselves by keeping the Law, for then Christ died for nothing, and all that are bewitched with that cursed conceit, are abolished from Christ are fallen from Grace.  
But if they meant no more, but that everlasting Godliness were to do justice, love, mercy, and humble ourselves to walk with God, 
Micah. 6.8. Mat. 22.37. etc.  the some of all which is, to love God above all, by believing to have justice by the Death and bloodshed of his Son, and obeying his Commandments for his worship; and loving our neighbour as ourselves, we unfeignedly desire to strive after these, and do, according to our uttermost ability. And the Consciences of diverse of these men, if they were not past feeling, will not deny this, having formerly acknowledged the same by words and writings, not only that our profession leadeth to a holy life in our entrance, in our not admitting any but such as manifest themselves to us to be new Creatures; but also in our progress, wherein if any sin appear in any, we have power from the Lord jesus, and do execute the same power, either to cast the sin out of the party by Repentance, or to cast the party out of our spiritual fellowship by Excommunication, as we are commanded. 
* Math. 18.17. etc. 1. Cor. 5.13. . And for our dealings and carriages among men, we leave that to the testimony of them among whom we live: we had rather our actions should speak then our mouths: Men full of weaknesses we are, we freely confess with unfeigned humility, desiring to strive towards perfection, wherein when we have done what we can, we seek our perfection in and through the perfection of CHRIST, who is unto us all in all things, without whom we can do nothing. 
joh. 15.5.  And this everlasting righteousness both towards God and man, the Ordinances of God's worship leadeth us unto, though contemned of all Familists, in which the more zealous we are, the more do we attain to everlasting righteousness.  
To the last that we contend against Godly ceremonies. Their meaning is, (as afterwards they have explained it) in that we contend against and submit not with our bodies unto such observations for such Spiritual worship, as the Turk, the Pope, or any other Superior power, where we live commandeth. That we should contend against all vain inventions (for God's worship) and love Gods Law. 
Psal. 119.113.  The Holy Ghost teacheth us: For if we should worship God by men's precepts, God would account us hypocrites, 
Math. 15.9.  and our worship vain, but of this at large in his due place, in answer to their third taxation of us, for not submitting with our bodies to any outward service, keeping our hearts to God. This may suffice to clear us of the first.   

Secondly, you are without the Charity described. 1. Cor. 13. Chap.  
FOr answer to which, we say: The particulars of Love are many in that place, and therefore till we are accused particularly we can give no answer: We trust if they come to particulars, we should rather prove them to be liars and false accusers, then that they should prove such things against us; we know nothing herein by ourselves, that men can justly tax us, but we are not hereby justified with God. But thus much we may truly say, that when our walking was no better than now it is; some of these younglings in, or towards the Family, have solemnly protested, they never found the like love as among us, with any people that ever they knew.   

Thirdly, you submit not to every Ordinance of the Magistrate. 1, Pet. 2.13.  
TO which we answer, they are false accusers: we give unto Caesar things which are Caesar's: 
Mat. 22.21.  but Christ commandeth us also to give unto God things which are Gods. Now if we take away from Caesar either by words or practice any thing that is his, we may justly be accounted Rebels against Caesar. And so all they that take away from the most high God, the things which are his, shall be accounted Rebels against the King of Kings, who although he be patiented and long suffering, and deferreth his wrath, yet if once it burn, 
Psal. 2.12.  Oh blessed are they that trust in him.  
The right knowledge of what is Caesar's, what is Gods, will be the best way of clearing ourselves of this imputation, for concerning this, we not only suffer the reproaches of this wicked Family, and all their wellwillers; but also all our persecutions are inflicted upon us for this cause. And without the distinct knowing of what is Gods: what is Caesar's: men shall greatly do amiss. It is written here in Peter: Submit yourselves to all Ordinances of Man, for the Lord: So also in 1. Cor. 7.23. it is written: Ye are bought with a price, be not the servants of men. In some things, we must submit unto them; and in other things we must not submit unto them, for the Lord hath commanded both; therefore it is meet we should know the difference.  
If there were no more but these places of Scripture, they would sufficiently decide the controversy. Peter saith, Submit yourselves to all humane Ordinances, or to every ordinance of Man; a humane, or worldly Ordinance it must be, that we must submit unto. Paul saith: ye are bought with a price, be not the servants of men: Christ hath bought us and therefore we must be his servants. This is confirmed in diverse Scriptures, 
Rom. 7.4.  That we should be unto him that died for us and rose again: 
Mat. 10.37.  For if we love Father, mother, wife, magistrate, or life, more than he, we are not worthy of him. And therefore did his servants in the commands of God, when they were contradicted by the Magistrates say: 
Dan. 3.16.18.  We are not careful to answer thee O King in this matter. Be it known unto thee, we will not fall down nor worship, 
Act. 4.19.20.  etc. And we cannot but speak the things we have heard and seen. Whether is it better to obey God or men, judge ye.  
In matters of God we must submit unto Christ alone, 
I am. 4.12.  he is the one Lawgiver, able to save and to destroy. The Father hath spoken by him in the last days, giving him all power in Heaven and in Earth; Confirming it by voice from Heaven, This is my beloved Son, hear him, and he that will not that he shall reign over him, let him be brought and slain before him. The truth of this most evident, not only by the Scriptures but also acknowledged by many Superiors: the chiefest over us on Earth acknowledgeth the same. The Kings most excellent Ma.tie saith: 
Apol. for the Oath of Allegiance. pag.  I utterly deny that there is any earthly Monarch over the Church whose word must be a Law, and who cannot err by an infallibility of Spirit, because earthly Kingdoms must have earthly Monarches, it doth not follow the Church must have a visible Monarch too: Christ is the Church's Monarch, and the Holy Ghost his Deputy: The Kings of the Nations Reign over them, but you shall not be so, etc. Lu●. 22. Christ when he ascended left not Peter with them to direct them into all Truth, but promised to send the Holy Ghost unto them for that end. These are his Highness' words.  
But the Familists answer us; That God's worship consisteth not at all in any outward observation: the which saying of theirs, if we overthrew, a great part of their tottering profession will fall, for they cannot deny, but we must worship the Lord our God, and him (only) must we serve.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, adoro, is not only taken for to Pray unto, or to beseech, but also to Honour, with bowing of the Body; and the Scripture expresseth the same. First Math. 14.10. saith; If thou wilt fall down and worship me. Luke saith of the same: 
Luk. 4.10.  If thou wilt fall down before me. Math. 8.2. And lo there came a Leper and worshipped. Mark saith of the same: 
Mark. 1.40.  And there came a Leper beseeching him, and kneeling down unto him. 
Luk. 5.12.  Luke of the same: And he fell on his face and besought. Math. 9.18. It is only said: There came a certain Ruler and worshipped him. Mark explains it saying: 
Mark. 5.22  He fell down at his feet and besought him instantly. The same saith Luke, 
Luk. 8.41.  not speaking of any other worship. Again it is said, Math. 15.25. of the Cannanite, she came and worshipped him, saying Lord help me. 
Mark. 7.25.  Mark calls this worship, And she fell at his feet. Further Mark saith, The man possessed, when he saw jesus ran and worshipped him. 
Mark. 5.6.  Luke calleth this worship only this: 
Luk. 8.28.  And he cried out and fell down before him. Also those wicked Soldiers are said to worship our Saviour, when bowing their knees before him, 
Mar. 15.19.  they mocked him. By all which and much more that might be alleged, it may most evidently appear that the wisdom of God that knoweth best how to speak, and to teach us, accounteth bowing of the Body, kneeling, or falling down, to be worship.  
Further it is said, And there were certain Greeks' that came to jerusalem to worship, 
joh. 12.20.  at the Feast; 
Act. 8.27.  And the Euunuch is said to come out of Ethiopia to worship. And Paul doth say, he came to jerusalem to worship. All which teacheth, 
Act. 2●. 11.  that the performance of those serulces and Sacrifices, that with their Bodies were to be performed, are counted God's worship, and not only a Spiritual reverence or adoration, which they might have performed & not have come to jerusalem. This may suffice to prove, that any bodily reverence in matters of God, and bodily services or Sacrifices are called God's worship; and therefore utterly forbidden in any Spiritual service, but only in the true service of the true God. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.  
This therefore is to give unto God, things which are Gods, even subjection with our souls and with our bodies, to those parts of his Spiritual worship which he hath commanded in these last days by his Son, 
Esa. 2 8.  This is his Honour, which he will not give to another.  
This the servants of God knew so well, that they would not give it to others, to the greatest Potentates of the Earth, notwithstanding all their commands and threats, And this through the power of God, we will maintain unto the Death, and approve ourselves to God and all good men, to be neither Rebels to Caesar, nor deserve just taxation but commendation herein of all, but hypocritical and Atheistical Familists.  
And for what is Caesar's, we uprightly acknowledge that all civil authority of Magistracy is the blessed Ordinance of God, That all civil reverence & Honour ought to be given to it: That Tribute and all other duties are to be paid unto it: 
Rom. 13. c.  That all civil commands of it, aught to be obeyed, And that of Conscience to God, whose ministers they are, even from the King, to the most meanest Constable. And that they may so execute their just offices, that they may notwithstanding, walk with jesus Christ, be members of his Church; and be saued. That they have a Sword given them of God to take vengeance on them that do evil; and are ordained of God, for the wealth of all weldoers. And this is all that can be Caesar's, or that we dare give unto any mortal man whatsoever. So that having now showed what is Gods; what is Caesar's, we confidently affirm, that the body may not be severed from the foul or heart in our obedience to both, as these hypocrites the Familists do suggest.  
In our obedience to man in all Civil things, that which we do we must do of Conscience and not for wrath only. 
Rom. 13.5.  And Servants (and so Subjects) be obedient to your Masters according to the Flesh; in all things, not with eye service us men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God; and whatsoever ye do, 
Col. 3.22.23. Ephe. 6.5.6  do it hearty as to the Lord and not to men. Also with singleness of your hearts as unto Christ. All which teacheth, That all our service to every Superior must be with the heart, and of Conscience, and not with our Bodies only: and for our obedience to God with our Bodies, aswell as our Spirits in all Spiritual or Divine service, and that they may not be severed therein, is proved: We are bought both soul and Body with a dear price, 
1. Cor. 6.20  and therefore are commanded to glorify God with both. For our bodies are the Temples of the Holy Ghost, and they are not our own. Verse. 19 And the bodies of Christians are the members of Christ, Verse. 15 and these members of Christ (our bodies) must not be coupled to any Harlot. whether material or Spiritual; And we are commanded to give up our Bodies a living sacrifice, 
Rom. 12.1.  wholly and acceptable, which is our reasonable service of God. This is plain to him that will understand. And the Familists teaching the contrary, it shall plainly appear, they are not only most notable hypocrites, but also Rebellious against the power of Magistracy.  
Magistrates that take upon them to Command in matters of God's worship, they do not only require bodily falling down, but also Reverence with the soul of heart. 
Dan 3.   
Did not Nabuchadnezzar require falling down and worshipping? And do not the Magistrates in Popery and elsewhere, where constraint to worship is, do they not require Divine adoration to their divine Service as they call it? let all their Orders for their constrained and stinted service be looked into, and this cannot be denied.  
And this being the Ordinance of the Magistrate; if it be rebellion not to submit with the body in such divine worship as they require, because they command it, as the Familists affirm; then they are rebellious, because they submit not with their souls, seeing the Magistrate requireth aswell the one as the other. And hypocrites they are most notably; for they not only practise this, but teach it to others; they teach and practice, that in all outward show and appearance, men should do that which in deed and in truth, they abhor.  
And if this opinion be true; That we ought to be subject in all matters of Religion with our Bodies, at the command of the higher powers, from 1. Pet. 2.13. etc. or any other Scripture; then all perfecution for Religion is established, yea it is just & lawful; For it is plain, these higher powers are ordained of God to command that which the Saints are required to submit unto; and whosoever resisteth them there, resisteth the Ordinance of God, and shall receive judgement; for they are the Ministers of God therein, for the Saints wealth; and have a Sword given them of God to take vengeance of them that resist them: therefore we must be subject for Conscience sake; say we, all these are inhuman Ordinances, as th' Apostle saith in this place; say the Familists, in Religious ordinances outwardly & bodily, which being so, then are they Gods Ministers, The Turk, the Popish Magistrates, and all others, to command all outward service and worship, even what they think good, and have God's Sword to take vengeance on all them that obey them not: and it is for the Saints wealth, that they thus do, and who resisteth them, shall receive judgement, and are not persecuted but justly punished. If this detestable dream were true, then are condemned all the servants of God in diverse Ages, that rather than they would either with body or soul submit herein, at the Magistrates command, suffered many great afflictions. 
1. King. 19.18.  The seven Thousand are condemned for not bowing the knee to Baal, and in not kissing him with their mouth. The three Children in not falling down and bowing to the Image. 
Dan. 3.  The Martyrs of jesus that suffered beheading, because they would not Worship the Beast: 
Revel. 20.4  And all that suffered those cruel torments for not submitting outwardly to that execrable Idol, the Sacrament of the Altar, in times & places of Popery. If they might have bowed, or otherwise outwardly with their bodies have testified subjection, keeping their hearts to God, then did they all most wickedly and were the only causes of their own afflictions, which to think, much more to say were most accursed.  
Again, If it be lawful to bow down (which is to worship as before is proved) with our bodies to an Idol, who is a Spiritual harlot, and yet that we may keep our hearts to God, why is it not also lawful to bow down or couple ourselves to a bodily harlot, and keep our hearts to God, seeing Idolaters shall no more enter into the Kingdom of God, 
1. Cor. 6.9.10.  than Adulterers; And seeing the holy Ghost saith; He that coupleth himself in his body with an harlot is one body with her, why is not he that coupleth himself in his body by bowing down, or otherwise reverencing an Idol, one body with it? It cannot be denied, but one is as lawful as the other. And H. Ns. Doctrine will not contradict this, if it be considered. In his Book called Documentall sentences, 
Cap. 13. sect. 8.  speaking of temptations to sin, thus he writeth. If they take and lay hold on us with force and violence, and that then although we cry there cometh not any power or help unto us, for to withstand them in their force and violence, and that they even so ravish us against our will, so are we guiltless of the transgressing, for we cried to be released of the tyranny of the evil, and there is no help come unto us; of which guiltless transgressing, the Law likewise witnesseth, where it saith; A woman which is violently taken in the Field, whereas there is not any help, and so ravished, and although she have cried aloud, yet got no help, she shall be guil: less of the transgressing, etc. So that the rule of these hypocritical Libertines is come to a good pass with them, it is not sin to couple themselves to Idols, which are Spiritual harlots, by performing all bodily service to them; also it is no sin to them to couple themselves with a material harlot, if they find no strength (by praying) to withstand the temptation; An acceptable Doctrine to all Libertines: who would not be of this Religion?  
But what truth was ever yet so apparent, but the enemy of all truth, the Devil, would have some objection against it? and therefore in this, his prompt Disciples object; 1. Cor. 9 From whence they collect this argument. If Paul became the all things, to the all men, that he might by all means save some, to wit; in practising with his body as the jews, or as them without the Law the Gentiles, in their Ceremonial worship did, at that time worshipping God in his Spirit: then ought we to submit to all Ceremonial worship wheresoever we live, in Turkey, Rome, etc. a part of the all things; But the former is true; Therefore, etc.  
That this place they wickedly pervert, is most apparent, for there is no such thing, as that the holy Apostle should practise as the unbelieving Gentiles did in their Sacrifices, or services, seeing himself taught so earnestly against it; Wherefore my dear beloved fly from Idolatry. 
1. Cor. 10.14.  The things that the Gentiles sacrifice they Offer to Devils and not to God, and I would not have you have fellowship with the Devils, 
Vers. 20.  ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of Devils, ye cannot be partakers of the Lords table and the table of Devils, 
Vers. 21.22.  Do we provoke the Lord to anger, etc. Who can deny this Cup, and this Table, and these things Sacrificed, to be bodily practices?  
But th' Apostle in this place, having proved his power from jesus Christ, to preach the Gospel, he shows what a fervent desire he had for the promotion thereof; for which labour he proveth by many reasons he deserved wages at the hands of the Corinth's, and that he had power to require the same, but he had not used it, but Preached the Gospel of God freely therein making himself a Servant not only unto them, but unto all men, preaching the Gospel unto all men as they were able to bear it. To the jews who were under the Law, becoming a jew by teaching them the Gospel by the Law and Prophets which was their own Element, that he might win them. The Gentiles who had not the Law, Rom. 2.14. As though he were without the Law, teaching them God, and so the Gospel not by the Law but by the Creation of the world, which they were acquainted with, as at Athens. Act. 17.22. etc. That he might win them that were without the Law. To the weak he became weak not giving strong meat to babes, teaching them as they were able to bear it, That he might win the weak. Thus as a skilful workman, he became all things to all men, that by all means he might save some, teaching all men the Gospel, by those means which themselves acknowledged, with he knew was the fittest way to convince them & convert them. And not to make them believe that he worshipped their dumb Idols, by performing all outward reverence to them, as these Children of the Devil, and enemies of all righteousness, that seek to pervert the strait ways of the Lord, would persuade; for that had been to have strengthened them in their wicked Idolatry, that they could not have returned from it.  
But first they bring for proof of the jews, Paul Circumcising of Timothy: 
Act. 16.3. & 21.26.  and purifying of himself and others with him, to please the jews, Therefore (say they) may we do so to all; to which we answer. God who had given to his own people his own Ordinances, which were to bring them to Christ, and when Christ was come, & many believed on him, yet were zealous of the Law, in that it was of Gods own appointment, the Almighty Lawgiver in mercy respecting the weakness of the believing jews, directed his servant the Apostle to observe some of those Laws, Circumcision and purifying for the present, till they could be brought to see the end of them; yet taught the believing Gentiles, 
Act. 21.25.  that they should observe no such thing; For if they should be Circumcised, they were abolished from Christ and fallen from Grace: 
Gal. 5.3. &c  and wished that all those deceivers, that would persuade the believing Gentiles, to any such course, should be cut off, and bear their condemnation: yea when Peter and Barnabas by their example provoked the Gentiles to do like the jews, 
Gal. 2.11. etc.  Paul sharply reproved them to their face for their dissimulation, affirming it was not the right way to the Gospel. All which being considered, what doth this make for the familistical Gentiles, to perform all outward observations in the worship of the Gentiles, Turks, etc. whose sacrifice is the worship of Devils? and is forbidden of God as before.  
Secondly, They bring Naamans' bowing in the house of Rimmon, 1. Kin. 5. And the Prophet bidding him go in peace, and therefore may they bow before any Idol. Let the place be well considered. It is a general Maxim, That no exposition of any one doubtful Scripture, or collection from it, may be taken, which overthroweth many Commandments and examples that are out of doubt, which being granted of this hateful Family, this their conceit will vanish. That this their collection is against express Commandments & examples, is proved: First Exo. 20.5. Thou shalt not bow down, etc. It was not lawful to bow down to Baal; and the Lord reserved those 7. thousand to himself because they had not done it. The 3. Children would not bow down, and were of God commended, & blessed for the same; And in this of Naaman it could not be lawful in him, in that he asked mercy at God's hands twice for it, which if it had been good, he needed not have done. So that it is most plain, it was unlawful to bow down, before the Idol Rimmon, and therefore will not warrant these hypocrites in their courses; but it being showed that this is not the meaning of the place, that the man of God pronounced Peace unto him, in falling down in the house of Rimmon, for that they had been both against command, example, & Naamans' repentance: we say it being proved, that this is not the meaning, let us now find out what it is.  
Two things may be observed, that Naaman required; one was: That 2. Mules load of Israel's earth might be given him to Sacrifice upon to the God of Israel; The other that God would be merciful to him in bowing down, in the house of Rimmon, for his King to lean upon and worship. The first of these was ignorant Idolatry, for the Tabernacle or Temple, was the place of Sacrificing to the God of Israel, and not elsewhere 
* Levit. 17. c. Deut. 12.5. etc. . The second was no less, if he meant to go on, in bowing in the house of Rimmon, and prayed God to be merciful to him herein. And fare be it from the man of God to bless him with salutation of Peace in either of these, which he knew to be expressly against the Commandment of God; but go in peace, trouble not thyself with these things, which will hinder thy peace, but being now cleansed of thy leprosy, sinne not against the Lord, which healeth thine infirmity, and his peace be with thee.  
Or it may be Naaman meant to testify against that Idol when he came unto it, and prayed the Lord to be merciful to him and strengthen him in that point; for he professeth, he will henceforth offer neither  offering, nor do sacrifice unto any other God, but to the Lord, In which case, the Prophet might justly bid, the peace of God be with him. These are not contrary to the Scriptures but agreeable, and therefore may be accepted; But the other is most contrary, as before hath been showed, and therefore to be abhorred.  
Thirdly, they say; To separate from any that sin not against the Holy Ghost, is against Charity. 1. Cor. 13. Love suffereth long. In answer to which, the Lord saith; It is not love; 
Levit. 19.17.  to suffer any sin to rest upon men, but express hatred; and therefore God's people are commanded to rebuke men for their sin; 
Mat. 18.15. etc.  & if they will not repent, if they be of the Church, to avoid them; if they be not of the Church of Christ, but unbelievers, 
2. Cor. 6.14 etc.  to separate from them & touch none of their uncleanness, as before is proved; and shall hereafter when this point is more particularly handled. And this is love, to make them ashamed, that they may come to repentance.  
Fourthly, They say Christ commands his Disciples to hear the Scribes & Pharises, Math. 23. and perform ceremonial worship with them, Go show thyself to the Priest. 
Math. 8.   
Answ. What then? because Christ Commands the Leper to go show himself to the Priest and offer the Offering appointed by Moses for his cleansing, which was Gods own appointment; therefore hence doth it follow, that we may outwardly observe such parts of worship as the Gentiles who sacrifice to Devils appoint? Christ commandeth th' one; but expressly forbiddeth th' other, as before hath been largely proved.  
As for hearing the Scribes & Pharises, etc. All may see that these Familists rather than they will want matter, they will say that which maketh against themselves. Christ teacheth that after their works do not; but these jannes' and jambres, bring this Scripture to prove, that they may do outwardly according to the wicked works of the Gentiles, which is their offering to Devils; Though our Saviour here expressly bid his people, not do according to the works of the jews his own people, if when he came they had not cast him off. The most that this place proveth, is: that if God's people teach truths, but practise it not, the truth they teach must be followed, & not their practices; but if they will not repent of their evil practices, they must be cast out for being God's people 
* Math. 18.15. etc. 1. Cor. 5. c. 2. I hes. 3.14. , and serveth nothing to prove, that God's people may practise according to the wicked works of the Idolaters, but the contrary; but of this exposition more hereafter.  
But seeing this Scripture is alleged here by the Familists, for proof of that which many (that are not so fare gone as they) will abhor; yet thus fare take it up, as that they may hear Idolaters, in their Religious exercises, which is a dependency of the former; we think it very necessary to speak something of that, forasmuch as many have been overthrown by that, upon these rocks of Familisme; for indeed in part it is the former. For it is this: a hearing of Idolaters to receive some Spiritual benefit by them, else why do they hear, and yet in their hearts do not join in any Spiritual fellowship with them, but judge them to be Idolaters, & their estate with God, to be most fearful: In a measure it is hypocrisy as the former, and utterly unlawful by the Scriptures.   

That it is not lawful to hear lying Idolatrous Prophets, except to reprove them, and contend against them, is thus proved.  
1. THe Lord expressly forbiddeth it. 
Deut. 13.3.  Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that Prophet, etc. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, 
jere. 23.16.  hear not the words of the Prophets that prophesy unto you and teach you unity, they speak the vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. For if any go to such Prophets to ask for God, 
Ezek. 14.10.  the Lord will punish them with the Prophet's punishment, Which is; to be cut off from God's people; 
Cap. 13.9.  not to be written among the righteous; and not to enter into the Land of Israel for ever. 
joh. 10.5.  Christ's sheep will fly from a stranger, for they know not his voice; and they are often commanded to beware of false Prophets which come in Sheep's clothing; 
Math. 7.15. 1. joh. 4.5.6.  the world heareth them, but they that are of God heareth us, saith the Apostle: Lying Prophets are for the wicked; 
Micah. 2.11  Gods people must not receive them if they come unto them to teach them, 
2. joh. 20.11.  much less may they go seek to be taught of them, Let them return to thee, return nel thou to them. 
jere. 15.19.   
2. As Preaching or teaching the word of God, and hearing of the same among the Saints is a part of true worship, 
* 1. Cor. 11.5. Math. 15.9.  so is preaching and hearing among the wicked a part of false worship, and so their Communion. From which the Saints are to separate, and have no fellowship with their unfruitful works of darkness, 
Ephes. 5.11  but reprove them; And so the wicked themselves account Preaching and hearing a part of their worship; 
Psal. 16.4. and 15.4. & 26.4.5.  which the Saints may not offer, but even contemn such vile persons and actions; and hate their assemblies, and not company with them.  
3. As God commanded that the Prophet that should presume to speak a word in his name, 
Deu. 18.20.  that he commanded him not to speak, was to dye; That is; the Israelites the people of God, were to slay his Body, 
Deut. 13.5.  and so to take evil away forth of the midst of them; So are God's people now commanded, that even among themselves, they must mark diligentlies them that teach contrary Doctrine and avoid them: 
Rom. 16.17.  and from such to separate themselves; 
1. Tim. 6.5.  yea if they were Angels from Heaven, teaching falsehood to let them be accursed, 
Gal. 1.8.9. Gal. 5.10.  and bear their condemnation whosoever they be, which being practised towards false Prophets, within the Church, or without, the Saints are no more to hear them; but to declare their estate of Death; as under Moses bodily; so under Christ spiritually.  
4. The Saints are to declare unto the wicked, That God saith, what hast thou to do to declare mine Ordinances that thou shouldest take my Covenant in thy mouth, 
Psal. 50.16. etc.  seeing thou hatest to be reform, and hast cast my words behind thee, and because I held my tongue, therefore thou thoughtest I was like thee, but I will reprove thee etc. This is written for the Saints instruction, 
Rom. 15.4.  that herein they may imitate their heavenly Father: 
Math. 5.48  For whosoever heareth in God's matters and is silent, he doth establish that which is done, 
Num. 30.14.15.  And he that winketh at iniquity when he seeth it, 
Levit. 20.4.5.  the Lord will set his face against that man.  
5. Our Lord Christ, 
joh. 8.44.  would not suffer the Devil (the Father of all lying Prophets) to confess him: 
Mark. 1.25.  yea by his power he made the evil Spirit in the man, 
Act. 19.15.  reprove those wicked men for meddling with the name of jesus, 
1 joh. 2.6.  And we must walk as he hath walked; that when we hear the Devil in the wicked false Prophets, meddle with the name of Christ, or his holy word or Ordinances, we must sharply rebuke them, and as much as in us is, not suffer them.  
6. The end of the Saints hearing any false Prophet meddle with the word of God, must either be for edification or else to rebuke them as before, else what do they there? If to rebuke them, it is lawful, as before is proved. If to receive Spiritual food from them, they may not, for there is food sufficient in God's house, & the Saints may not go to Egypt to seek food of any Egyptian. 
Esa. 30.1.  Woe unto the rebellious Children saith the Lord, that take counsel but not of me, they walk forth to go down into Egypt. 
Esa. 31.1.  And woe unto them that go down to Egypt for help: For the Lord will say to his people, 
jere. 5.7.  how shall I spare thee for this, though I fed thee to the full, yet they committed Adultery, and assembled themselves in Harlots houses: yea he doth further say, What hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the water of Nilus? 
jere 2.18.  or what makest thou in the way of Ashur, to drink the water of the River? And therefore this Prophet of the Lord, when he had none to company with in God's matters, 
jere. 15.17.  he would not sit in the assembly of mockers, but sat alone.  
7. Christ having given sufficient means in his Church, for the edification of every member 
* Ephe. 4.16 Col. 2.9. 1. Cor. 1.7. & 1. Cor. 3.21. 2. Chro. 11.15.  therein, it is high impiety for any of that said members, to seek edification of false Prophets, in that it giveth that Honour and Ma.tie that belongeth to Christ in his Church, to the Devill* by whose power that false Prophet teacheth; and the Lord commanded his people of old, that they being separated from other people to be the Lords, should beware lest they be taken in a snare after them, 
Deu. 12.30.  etc. and lest thou ask after their Gods, saying, how did these nations serve their Gods etc. So that God's people may not go hear (which is to inquire) of any false Prophet, lest they be taken in a snare, by submitting to that God, or that manner which that false Prophet teacheth.  
8. As the word of God is holy, as other Ordinances among the Saints, for it sanctifieth Church and all 
* joh. 17.17 Ephe. 5.26. 1. Tim. 4.5. : so the word of God is more profaned among, and by the wicked, than other Ordinances, because they take it to warrant their profane practices; and if the Saints of God may not join with them in soul, or body, in any of their profane courses, as before hath been proved; much less in souls or bodies, may they join with them in using the word, which is most of all profaned by them. 
Luk. 10.16. joh. 13.20. joh. 8.44. Rom. 6.16.   
9 As they that hear Christ's Prophets hear Christ, and they that despise them, despiseth him; even so they that hear false Prophets which are the Devils, hear the Devil, and they that despise them, despise the Devil. Therefore let all that hate the Devil, and would fly from him, so do unto his Ministers.  
10. It is the grievous sin of any false Prophet, to meddle with the word of God, and his punishment is fearful, & it is no less sin, 
Ezek. 13.9. and 14.10.  and shall have no less punishment, in any that shall go to ask or inquire of him for God; 
Vers. 7.10.  the punishment shall be both alike, For it is apparent, God's people may not go to ask or inquire for God of any false Prophet, which they do that go to hear with silence, else (hypocrites that they are) what do they there?  
11. False Prophets are strangers from God, and we are commanded not to hear strangers, but to fly from them: and it is the commendations of the Saints, 
Reuel. 2.2.  to examine false Apostles, and to find them liars, & the Lords anger is against his people, 
Ezek. 44.8.  when they suffer Strangers to take the charge of his Holy things, especially of handling the Word, which halloweth all the rest: and God demandeth of his Sons, 
Pro. 5.20.  why they should embrace the bosom of a stranger? And what dost thou in the way of Egypt? or what makest thou in the way of Ashur? as before.  
12. God's people must not go to the dead to inquire 
* Deu. 18.11. 1. Sam. 28.7. etc. Esa. 8.19.  which false Prophets are: 
* Ephes. 1.2 Esa. 29.9. etc.  yea God hath covered them with the Spirit of slumber, they are blind & make such blind as hear them, and their vision is as the words of a Book sealed up, etc. And shall any servant of God, go to them to ask of God? seeing their estates is such, and that such things are an abomination to the Lord, 
Deu. 18.12  which will cause him, to cast us out of his sight.  
13. A false Prophet meddling with the Holy word of God polluteth it, 
Hag. 2.13.14.  and the Lord will stretch out his hand to cut them off, even all false Priests and Prophets that worship & swear by the Lord, 
Zeph. 1.4.5  and that swear by Malcham; and commandeth his people to cast away all pollutions, 
Esa. 30.22.  as a filthy cloth, and to say, get thee hence; which doing, this controversy will be ended.  
14. It is as high iniquity, for a false Prophet to meddle with the holy things of God, which appertaineth not to him, but only to the Saints, as it was for Corah, and his wicked Company, 
Num. 16. c.  to meddle with those things of God which appertained not to them, but to Aron and his Sons; and the Lord will no less punish false Prophets for their iniquity therein, than he did Corah and his Company: and as he commanded all to departed from the Tents of those wicked men, and to touch nothing of theirs, lest they perish in all their sins, even so hath he commanded all to fly from Strangers, and false Prophets, and not to hear them, as at large before hath been proved, least partaking in their sins, 
Reuel. 18.4.  they partake in their plagues.  
And whereas usually hearing the Scribes and Pharises, is alleged for justifying of hearing false Prophets; which is formerly taken away, yet thus much we here add. Moses seat was the Chair of judgement: Moses was judge, not Priest; and the Pharises were some of them of such Tribes as might not be Priests, (although some Scribes were Priests sometimes. Nehemia, 8. And some Priests now are Magistrates) which shows, that although Magistrates who of God have the Chair of judgement, be corrupt, and walk not as they teach, yet the people of God must hearken unto the Law delivered by them, and do as they say, but not as they do; and serveth nothing to prove the hearing of false Prophets.  
For these Scribes & Pharises are said to teach truth, but not to do accordingly, but false Prophets teach falsehood, & therefore are called false Prophets, with plainly showeth, these were no false Prophets, Math. 23. for false Prophets may not be heard as is before largely proved. And for Phil. 1.15. Some preach Christ through envy, supposing to add affliction to Paul's bands, which was the Apostles joy, that he was counted worthy to suffer for Christ, as Mat. 5.12. Act. 5.41. not that he joyed in the envious preaching of Christ, that was miquity which he joyed not in. 
1. Cor. 13.6   
If any object that false Prophets preach many excellent truths, therefore may be heard, we answer. If they were Prophets of Israel, speaking sweet words in the name of the Lord, and teaching also in some things the vision of their own hearts, and not out of the Lords mouth, the Lord affirmeth, they bring no profit to his people, and therefore commandeth them not to hear them. Nay they bring hurt, for they bring themselves and all that ask of them for the Lord to confusion, as before is proved.  
Further we say: and it is found most true, that the more truths they bring, they deceive the more, and enthral their hearers under their bondage: For the less truths that false Prophets have, the less they deceive, as all may see, & are most rejected of those that have any Religion, even so should the cunningest false Prophet be, if they should teach falsehood only. These are their stolen waters, 
Pro. 9.17. & 7.21. etc.  and hid bread that allureth the passers by, to run after them: and herein is the mystery so cloaked, that few perceive it. Why should it be strange to any Godly man, 
2. Cor. 11.14.  that seeing the Devil transformeth himself into an Angel of Light, and that so do his ministers, and perceiving that by falsehood only, he cannot continue his hellish courses of deceive; that he should suffer many, or diverse truths to pass, that under them, he might colour all his falsehood? never false Prophet of whom we read of in the Scriptures, but they had some truths mixed with their falsehoods, to make them more passable; but let God's people be wise, to try them that say, & make such great show that they are Prophets, and are not, but do lie, and let them declare unto them, that their end shall be according to their work. 
Vers. 15.   
And whosoever will not receive the love of the truth, by those means that God hath appointed, but will go to inquire for God, and his Truth, at the mouth of false Prophets, because of some truth they teach; It is just with the Lord, 
2. Thes. 2.51.12.  to give such up to strong delusions, that they may believe their lies and be damned. And again, none can hear or receive any truth from them, but therein they hear, and receive the Devil, by whose power they teach, as before is proved. Besides they must also swallow up all their falsehood and be silent, when they hear the Lord jesus in his holy Truths blasphemed.  
Thus it is apparent, neither hearing nor any other Spiritual action, may be performed with the Body, in which the heart and affections is not present, contrary to this execrable and hypocritical Doctrine of the Familists.  
Having now clearly refelled all the objections of the hateful courses of these Baalamites, and Nicholaitans, of prostrating the body at any Worship, although it be the Gentiles, that sacrifice to Devils, & not to God; or any other that although in words they profess God, yet in works they deny him. We may now proceed to other of their taxations of us.   

Fourthly, ye submit not to Christ's ministry, namely, those which live, and teach according to God's word, and the Book of Common prayer.  
IN answering of which: First let it be observed, who they account Christ's Ministers, concerning which; thus they speak. To be called of God, is; to be raised up to the work of the Ministry; replenished with gifts necessary thereunto; and to go out under that outward form, which God in that age wherein he liveth, hath ordamed, viz. That outward form which the Magistrate appointeth in Turkey, Rome, or elsewhere. So that with these Elimasses, they are called of God to the work of the Ministry, that have ability to Preach, and go out under the outward form of Turkey, Rome, etc. Which to submit unto, or have fellowship with in any of their Spiritual services, so much as in hearing them, to receive any Spiritual good from them; or any other lying Prophets, that run, and God sends them not; is utterly forbidden, as plentifully hath been proved.  
But the Ministry of Christ which is appointed in his perfect Testament, to wit, the Ministry of Pastors and Deacons, 
Phil. 1.1. 1. Tim. 3. c.  we do submit unto with all reverence, in all things, according to the word of God.  
And for their mentioning the Book of Common Prayer, this is but to colour their hypocrisre, that they might have respect with authority, for they might aswell have mentioned the Romish Mass-book, or the Turkish Koran, as it; For they affirm that all Religions are lawful, if Authority command them. 
Servant of M.P. in his natural wise man. 2. Book sect. 14.  In these words; Even so because of God's peace, ye shall submit yourselves unto all manner of Religion, set up by Laws, wherein there is a pretence of Godliness; for all sorts of people cannot attain unto the true God service, at the first; Therefore ye shall not only obey all Religions, not despising the Turks, because of their unbelief; but also ye shall submit yourselves, unto all Laws and Authority of the Prince, from time to time, like obedient peaceable people. Considering we are not appointed of God as Lawmakers, and we must be no Law-breakers, but Lawkeepers; for if we break the Law, and dye therefore, are we not guilty of our own Blood? yes verily.  
Again thus; There are many vanities used in the world, 
The same in 2. Reformation, sect. 10.  and it is both needful and necessary, for us sometimes, to use ourselves after their manner to live in peace with them, etc.   

Fiftly, ye deny the Distinct degrees of Christ's Ministry.  
Answ. Ye liars are of your Father the Devil: we acknowledge the distinct degrees of Christ's Ministry, as before; but we deny the degrees of the Ministry of Mahomet, and the Anti-christ Rome-and all other, that are not heard of in Christ's Testament.   

Sixtly, some of you take in hand Ministerial works, whereas not any one of you is called of God thereunto.  
Answ. WHat it is to be called of God; with these Familists, we have formerly showed, to wit; to be raised up; to be guifted; and to have that outward form of calling which the Magistrates in Turkey, or else where ordaineth. We acknowledge that whosoever doth take in hand, any Ministerial work, and is not raised up of God thereunto, and replenished with necessary gifts to the same, they do most fearfully transgress. Our Consciences are clear herein, that none can justly tax us; but for going out under that outward form the Familists speak of, we do detest it, as the Devil, whose revelation it is unto H. N. and his cursed followers. The true Ministers of the Gospel, are not Ministers of men, nor by men, but by jesus Christ; 
Gal. 1.1.  neither by his immediate voice from Heaven; or by that way which he hath ordained in his Testament 
* 1. Tim. 3. Tit. 1. : and other outward forms for any Minister of Christ, know we none.   

Seaventhly, some of you take in hand to Prophesy, whereas ye are all without the testimony of jesus.  
Answ. THat we are all without the testimony of H. Ns. jesus or Saviour, which is, the estate of perfection in the lovely being, or upright righteousness as he calleth his Doctrine, unto which only his illuminate Elders do attain, which he calleth jesus Christ, as before is proved, we freely acknowledge, and do much loath and detest that devilish fiction; but the testimony of the true jesus Christ, God over all, and true man, like us in all things excepting sin, we bless his Name, we have, and purpose to hold fast unto the Death, of which, besides what here we have said; we are ready to render a reason, to any that shall require it.   

Eightly, ye are totally ignorant of the 6. Principles. Heb. 6.  
Answ. WE freely confess if H. Ns. knowledge of the 6. Principles, Heb. 6. be true; we are totally ignorant of them. Therefore we will in short set down, from their own mouths and Pens what they understand of diverse of these Principles, and show wherein we differ, and leave them to the judgement of the Godly wise.  
First, concerning repentance from dead works, they teach: that none need repent of performing any bodily service to any Idol, as before, but that they ought to continue therein; making all the beholders conceive, they do as they, inwardly, and outwardly; when as they in their hearts, loath & detest that service. And when they are come to the Family; they teach, they sinne no more: For they writ, That in this City of Communality, there is no more evil, 
Spirit. land. Cap. 33. sect. 9  nor evil suspicion, nor yet sight of evil in them; for within the same, one doth neither see, nor think any thing, but all good, etc.  
2. Concerning their belief of God, thus they writ; See and mark ye beloved, 
H. Ns. man's falling away &c. sect. 1.  in the beginning when God made all things well; then was the Lord one Lord of his Kingdom, and one God of his works; there was also no more but one God, and one Man, and they were one, and had in all one order, being, and nature; For God was all that the Man was, and Man was all that God was. And elsewhere, thus he writeth; 
H. Ns. Epist. to 2. Daughters of Warwick. sect. 22  God had Created the Man, that he should be of one life, one being, one Spirit, and of one Nature with God, etc. If this be the true Eternal, everlasting, unchangeable, and incomprehensible God, that had no other Order, being, and Nature, than Man, let all that know the true God judge.  
And concerning their belief of Christ, we have formerly related, that they hold not the Man Christ, that was conceived & borne of that Natural woman the Virgin Mary, for that is a thing ought not to be striven about, but the Perfection of H. N. and his fellow Elders of that lovely Family: or a Power in man, whereby they can keep the Law, without Faith in the Blood of the man Christ. This is H. N. and his followers Christ.  
3. Concerning Baptisine, This he writeth: Let yourselves in all your being, nature, mind, and disposition, 
Crying voice Cap. vlt. sect. 11.  become renewed through the love in her Service, and give all your understanding captive under the obedience of the Love; and humble yourselves so under her service, to the end that ye all may become washed in the Love, with the pure water of the Love, for to become washed with her pure water, is the upright washing, and the true Font of the Regeneration, or new hirth. So that to be captivated in H. Ns. love and her Service, is the upright Baptism. And where that cometh not to pass unto them, 
Epist. to the 2 Daugh. sect. 20.  there is not the Christian service ministered, let them make themselves so like fashioned to the Scriptures as they will. And for the Ordinance of water: he calleth that, 
Epist. sect. 11.17.  Ceremonial, Elementish, and men's own Baptism. And M. P. that mighty Prince of the Hebrews as he calleth himself, saith; john's Baptism is full of many great holy grave shows, 
M. P. burning light. Cap. 13. sect. 10.  but in power weak as Water, he can eat no man's meat, drink no Wine; ne strong Drink, therefore must his Head be taken off, for he shall not govern Disciples still; we were glad therefore to departed from him, for his going out, was the coming in of jesus.  
4. Touching their opinion of laying on of hands we are ignorant.  
5. 
Euang. Reg. Cap. 35. sect. 8.9.  Of the Resurrection of the Dead: Thus they writ; Behold in this present Day is the Scripture fulfilled; and according to the testimony of the Scripture, the raising up, and the resurrection of the Lords Dead, cometh also to pass presently in this same day, through the appearing of the coming of Christ in his Majesty; which resurrection of the Dead, seeing that the same is come unto us from God's Grace, we do likewise in this present day to an evangely, or joyful message of the Kingdom of God and Christ, publish in all the world, under the Obedience of the love; in which resurrection of the Dead, God showeth unto us, that the time is now fulfilled, that his dead, or the Dead which are fallen asleep in the Lord, rise up in this day of his judgement, and appear unto us in Godly glory, which shall also from henceforth live in us everlastingly with Christ, and Reign upon the Earth: So that all may plainly see, the resurrection from the Dead, is with these men, or rather Devils, to get into H. Ns. Doctrine of the Love.. And because these Godded men that are Godded with H.N. their God, do dye aswell as others, and being demanded what becomes of their Bodies after their death? some of their younglings have answered us, they conceive, their judgement is, that the soul goes into God again, and so becometh God; and their bodies lie and become as when they were not, which opinion may well stand with all their other execrations; For if the bodies rise not again, them no question they may aswell worship an Idol, as the true God, and commit all their abominations, for after this life, there is neither reward nor punishment for the bodies; Oh fearful wickedness!  
Lastly, 
Euang. Reg. Cap. 3. sect. 2 3.4.  concerning the Eternal judgement thus they say: When as now in this same day the wicked world becometh judged with the Lords mighty hand, which wicked world is reserved or kept in store until this same day of the love to the fire of Hell, for to be condemned in the self same day of the Love, for evermore, to her eternal cursing, and judgement of the fires cruel vehemency: And again, 
Sect. 4.  verily now in this same day when as now all  and selfe-wise, with all unrepentant persons, and false hearts of the Scripture-learned, etc. inherit with much smart and grief in the vehement cruelty of the fire of Hell, the terrible condemnation, then shall the people of God, 
Spirit. land. Cap. 27. sect. 11.12.  namely the whole communialty of the love, etc. rejoice them in all love, etc. And further thus: After this time no time more; After the which there is no life more to be waited for, for the same life continueth for evermore. This estate of H. Ns. love and her Service, it is with the Familists the Christ; It is the Holy Ghost; the Baptism; the Resurrection; the everlasting Life; the eternal judgement; and all in all: Of all which, we are destitute, yet herein we have knowledge, that they are abominations fetched out of the deepest pit of Hell, & such as we are persuaded, were hever before uttered by the mouth of any mortal man.  
No marvel now that H. Ns. Scholars say, we understand not one word in all the universal Bible, and that we are totally ignorant of the principles of the Family, who to set a gloze upon their wicked forgeries, abuse and pervert, Heb. 6. and other holy Scriptures, to their own destruction.  
Having now discovered some of H. Ns. principles, 
The sum of the true Faith.  we will in short set down our Faith, concerning these 6. Principles, Heb. 6.  
First of Repentance from dead works, we do believe, that every transgression of any Law of God is sin; 
1. joh. 3.4. Rom. 6.23.  and the wages of every sin is Death; and so a dead work: That no man by reason of weak Flesh, can keep the Law, 
Rom. 8.3.  and therefore by transgression becometh dead in Sin, 
Ephe. 2.1.3  and so by weak Nature the Child of wrath: For the Law causeth wrath, 
Rom. 4.15.  for where no Law is, there is no transgression: but the power of God's word, contained in the holy Scriptures, 
1. Cor. 15.34. Ephes. 5.14  (and not the Revelations or Dreams of H.N. nor any others) awaking man, and setting his sins in order before him, and the fearful terror of God's wrath against him, 
Act. 2.37. & 16.30. Act. 2.38. & 3.19.  causeth man to be pricked in his heart, and to cry out, what shall we do to be saved? To which God answereth; Repent of thy sins; confess them; sorrow for them; and reform them. But man seeing by the same holy Scripture, that this his repentance, or any other thing that he can do, cannot appease God's wrath, nor satisfy his justice for his sin; he is invited hereupon to fly unto God's Grace, by the Redemption purchased through the blood of his Son, who is God over all, and took our Nature upon him; and became Man: Dyed for us: and is risen again in his Body, ascended into Heaven sitting at the right hand of his Father, making intercession for his servants, even for all that obey him, 
Heb. 5.9.  through whom alone we have Redemption even the forgiveness of our sins.  
2. Thus by Faith in the Blood of Christ, is this Sinner sprinkled in his heart from an evil Conscience, 
Heb. 10.22.  and must also be washed in his Body with pure water.  
3. This is the Baptism that saveth, not only the washing away the filth of the Flesh, but in that a good Conscience maketh request unto God, 
1. Pet. 3.21.  by the Resurrection of jesus Christ: Yet not only the good Conscience is Baptism, but also washing with material water, into the Name of the Father, etc. For to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, which is the estate of Grace, or true Christianity in this life, called the Kingdom of Heaven; 
joh. 3.5. Ephes. 4.5.  We must have Water and Spirit, Christ hath coupled them together, as his one Baptism, and let no man separate them.  
4. By laying on of hands, we conceive is meant the whole ministry of the Church, which consisteth of those Offices mentioned in Christ's Testament. All which, are to be entered into, by laying on of hands as these Scriptures teach 
* Act. 6.6. & 13.3. : For other laying on of hands, by which extraordinary gifts were communicated unto men; we understand they were miracles given of God in the primitive Church, for the confirmation of the Apostles authority, who taught things that never before were taught, 
Heb. 2.5.  which that they might be credited, they did such things as never men did; And if any Familist can do Miracles as did th' Apostles, them might they have had some colour to write, and bring into the world new Gospels, as they are not ashamed to do.  
5. Concerning the Resurrection from the Dead; We believe that our souls shall be separated from our bodies by natural Death; That the Body returns to earth whence it came, and the Spirit to God that gave it, 
Eccles. 12.7 1. Cor. 15.  until the day that jesus Christ shall come again to judge quick and dead; Then shall our Bodies rise again, even these bodies, 
joh. 19.25. etc.  and with these eyes shall we see our Redeemer.  
Lastly, we do believe, and look for to our great rejoicing, the blessed appearing of our Lord jesus Christ, to that Eternal judgement, wherein he shall judge both quick and dead according to their works done in this Flesh, 
2 Cor. 5.10  whether they be good or evil, 
Reuel. 20.12.  to an Eternal being, to wit; Them that by continuance in welldoing seek glory and Immortality, 
Rom. 2.7. etc. 1. Thes. 4.17. Rom. 2.8.  they shall come to Eternal Life; where they shall be ever with the Lord. But those that are contentious and disobey the Truth, and obeys unrighteousness, & have done evil, and have not repent thereof, They shall come forth to the resurrection of condemnation; 
joh. 5.29.  indignation and wrath shall be upon them, burning in the Lake for evermore with the Devil and his Angels. 
Mat. 25.41.   
Now let all judge whether we be totally ignorant of the 6. Principles, Heb. 6. as these accusers do suggest; or rather that themselves are not only ignorant of them; for if they were, their sin were the less, but they deny them, and that after their enlightening.   

The 9 transgression they accuse us of, is; Ninthly, you will not be reform by the Light which God hath manifested in these latter times, and whereof much is in the Book of Common Prayer, and in the Homilies, and in the Book of Ordering of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.  
Answ. WE having asked some of them, what Light this is, that in these latter times God hath manifested, for we conceive God never spoke, nor ever will, after his speaking by his Son, in these last days; who by himself and his Apostles, hath delivered all the Counsel of God, sealing it up with these sentences. If we or an Angel from Heaven teach any otherwise, than we have Preached, 
Gal. 1.8, 9  let him be accursed. And if any add to what they have done, 
Reuel. 22.18.19.  God will add the plagues written by them; or if any take away any of those their words, God will take away their names out of the Book of Life, (we say) we having asked them, concerning these things, they have answered us; God hath spoken to the world at three several times; First by Moses and the Fathers. 2. By Christ and the Apostles. And thirdly, by an everlasting Gospel in these last days, alleging Reuel. 14.  
Which what Gospel should it be but the Gospel of the Kingdom which H. N. hath published to the world; in which many of his poisoned Doctrines is broached, concerning which he hath given himself a stately style, fare exceeding the Apostles in all their writings, full of blasphemies, which is this: H. N. through the Grace and mercy of God, 
Euang. Peg. Cap. 1.  and through the holy Spirit of the love of jesus Christ, raised up by the highest God from the Death, according to the providence of God and his Promises: anointed with the Holy Ghost, in the old age of the holy understanding of jesus Christ: Godded with God in the Spirit of his love: made heir with Christ in the heavenly goods of the riches of God: Illuminated in the Spirit with the heavenly truth, the true light of the perfect being: elected to a Minister of the gracious word (which is now in the last time raised up by God, according to his promises) in the most holy Service of God; under the Obedience of his Love..  
The blasphemies of whose writings are so gross, as these wretches are very straight to whom they affirm that this everlasting Gospel is H. Ns. the Light which God hath manifested in these last days; yet apparently it is it, and no other; For they speak plainly to whom they dare trust, as they know, we well know; and disperse his Books to those in whom they have some hopes, requiring most solemn protestations that they shall not let any see them, who they know to be adverse 
* For often they writ, keep secrets from unbelievers. : So that it is plain, this light which they much boast of, and have told many of us of, is this Gospel of H. N. which is so fare from light, being compared with the holy Scriptures, that it is damnable darkness; from which, we trust our God will always keep us.  
But they tell us, much of it is in the Book of Common prayer, in the Book of Homilies; and in the book of ordering of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, wherein all may see these hypocrites, still would shelter themselves under Authority, though it be a manifestation to all, of their own hypocrisy; and of the horrible defamation of the Common prayer Book: for as we said before, they respect the Common prayer book and the rest, no more than they respect the Popish Mass-book, nor the Turkish Koran, to wit, in respect of the Magistrates command; being fare from thinking in their hearts, that any of them containeth the worship of God, which they affirm to be only inward, and not in any outward observation whatsoever: wherein they are most notable dissemblers, in making men believe, they respect that which they do not.  
And what a defamation is it unto the Common prayer Book, and the rest, that they affirm much of this new Light to be contained therein. Is any such thing contained in any of these Books, as that men ever had, or can have One Nature, Being, Life, order, and Spirit with God? That God is all that Man is, and that man is all that God is: That Christ is the Perfection in the lovely being, whereunto H. N. and his fellow Elders do attain: That Regeneration or the true Baptism, is the captivating of men into H. Ns. love and her service: That the Resurrection of the dead is the rising to H. Ns. Doctrine: That the Eternal judgement is in this Day of the Love of H. N: and the life everlasting the living in the Doctrine of H. N. after which there is no life more to be waited for: That any Idol may have all reverence performed to it with the body: that a man being tempted to any sin, if upon crying help come not, he is free from the transgressing, though he commit the fact: That in this City or Communialty, there is no more evil nor evil suspicion, nor yet sight of evil in them. For within the same one doth neither see, nor think any thing but all good, etc. That this Family should make manifest their whole heart with all their counsels, minds, wills, and thoughts, together with all their doings, 
1. Exhor. cap. 13. sect. 12.  dealings and exercises, naked and bare before the Eldest in the Family of Love, and not cover nor hide any thing (be it what it is) before him, also all whereunto their inclination, kind, and nature draweth them unto, and all wherewith they become tempted, or assaulted in their hearts. And in their lovely society, 
Spirit. land. Cap. 37. sect. 3.  they do not vow, or bind themselves in the matrimony of men, nor yet suffer themselves to be bound therein, but are like the Angels of Heaven. And there is no man that claimeth any thing to be his own, as to possess the same to his own private use; for no man, and that out of every ones good disposition, can desire any thing to be his own, or yet to make any thing proper to himself, from another; But also whatsoever is there, is free; and is left free, in his upright form; There is also no man denied to use any thing in freedom, of all that is profitable, and needful for him, for they stand all in equity as one in the Love, etc.  
Oh who would have thought that so many abominations had lurked in this wicked Family! though alas these be not all that are known; and how many more are unknown, 
Pro. of H.N. Cap. 22. sect. 16. and keep secrets from unbelievers.  men may imagine, by H. Ns. teaching his fellow Elders not to reveal their secrets, no, not to their own young ones. This is H. Ns. light brought into the world in these latter times: but we hope none of this new light, or rather darkness, will be sheltered in the Common prayer Book, It will not patronage any of these fearful blasphemies, and therefore the hypocritical boldness of these Familists will have little thankes for this their affirmation: but before they come to this Light, observe what they must do. Look who so will know these things, must departed from all the wisdom of the Learned, from the steps of the grave Fathers; and from the religious walkings of all the Devout persons, even all the knowledge men have, must away by little and little, from every one that shall be saved: 
M. P. burning light. cap. 7. sect. 23  but before a Wise man can let slip all, there must rise many agonies, anguishes, strive, and Earthquakes, etc. For before the Truth shall appear, the Destroyer must come and make all waste.  
All light of Truth must be put out, before they can come to these things. Oh fearful wickedness!   

Tenthly, ye are void of the Christian Faith.  
Answ. OF the Faith of H. Ns. Christ, we confess ourselves utterly void, and do bless our God for the same; but we having manifested our Faith in the true Christ, none will judge us to be void thereof, but Atheistical Familists.   

Eleaventhly, ye separate from the holy Catholic Church.  
Answ. FIrst let it be observed, what these Familists judge of all that believe not the Love.. Thus they writ; All such as believe not the Love, nor are Baptised into the name of the Father, it is not meet to account such unbelievers and vnbaptised ones, for Christians, at whose hands we should look for any word of truth, let them esteem themselves as holy as they will, they are a false Christianity and devilish Synagogue or School: now this being their censure of all but themselves. If they mean the holy Catholic Church to be the Family of Love, as indeed H. N. saith, than we must bear this accusation; For as we never were of it, so we purpose to be divided from it for ever. If they mean any other Assembly, how are they confounded, to call that the holy Catholic Church in one place, which in another place they call a false Christianity, and a devilish Synagogue or School; can the Devil's Synagogue be a holy Church? But if the Family or any other be a devilish Synagogue, God's people are commanded to separate from them in all Spiritual fellowship; Separate yourselves from this froward generation; 
Act. 2.40.  have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; 
Ephe. 5.11. 1. Cor. 10.20.  I would not ye should have fellowship with Devils in the Sacrifices of the Gentiles. What fellowship hath Christ with the Devil? the Beleeever with the unbeliever; the Temple of God with Idols; Therefore separate yourselves saith the Lord, touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you, 
2. Cor. 6.14 etc.  and be a God and Father unto you, and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.  
Thus is separation lawful, till they have proved that to be the Church of Christ, which they say we separate from, which we trust they shall never have cause to accuse us of.   

Twelthly, there is not any one of you that is a new Creature.  
Answ. WHat H. Ns. new Creature is, all may perceive, where he saith; 
Crying voice, Cap. vil. sect. 11.  For to become washed in the Love with her pure water, is the upright washing, and the true font of the Regeneration or new Birth. And the second Birth out of the Holy Ghost is in the Oldness of time, when the days of the patience of Christ, in the obedience of the holy and Gracious word, 
Exhort. 1. Cap. 7. sect. 29.31.  and her service of Love, are fulfilled, that then the holy Ghost becometh poured forth through jesus Christ, over them all that have followed Christ in the Death of his Cross obediently, and have kept his Doctrine (namely H. Ns.) with the word of his patience even unto the end, which is every where taught in his tedious and intricate writings, the estate of Perfection in the love, or Doctrine of this deceiver. For he saith, The second Birth which is not minded according to the Flesh, but according to the Spirit of the heavenly Truth obtaineth the victory, beareth rule with God, and bringeth forth the Name of Israel or Christ itself, as before hath been related upon another occasion.  
This their Godded estate, is their second birth or new Creature, which we do much abhor, and therefore no marvel, if they say of us, that not any one of us are new creatures; But such new creatures as the sacred Scriptures speaketh of, that we embrace and follow after, that being sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another; but after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour towards man appeared, 
Tit. 3.3.4.5  not by the works of righteousness which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Ghost, etc. Hereby in a measure are we new Creatures, 
Rom. 6.13.  not now giving our members servants of sin, nor taking pleasure in any unrighteousness as before we did; but endeavouring henceforth to give our members servants of righteousness in Holiness, 
2. Cor. 7.1. etc.  and to cleanse ourselves of all filthiness of Flesh and Spirit, and to grow up unto perfect holiness in the fear of God. For our helps herein, having not only the power of the Spirit of God in our hearts; but also all those blessed rules in Christ's Testament, for the guidance of us in the way of life; in which estate of Regeneration some are Babes: 
1. joh. 2.12. etc.  some are Youngmen: and some may be called Fathers, in respect of a measure of perfection, whereunto they may attain, only through Christ's perfection, without whose perfection all men's perfection, is imperfection: through him, all his, Are able to do all things: 
Phil. 4.13. joh. 15.5. ●  without him they can do nothing. The weakest of his members are perfect with God through him, the strongest are not perfect without him. For only through him the Father is well pleased, and he is our justification, 
1. Cor. 1.30  and all in all unto us. But that any man can attain unto such an estate in this life, as it is not possible for him to transgress any Law of God by any means in thought, word, or deed, we leave that devilish Dream with H. N. and his bewitched followers, who account this the second Birth or new Creature. The Apostles of Christ confessed the contrary. jam. 3.2. & 1. joh. 1.8.  
To these 12. supposed evils which in writing they have taxed us with, we will add a 13th. which we had from their mouths, and it is this.   

13. You observe not the Commandment given to the Woman and her seed, Reuel. 12. of flying into the Wilderness from the presence of the Serpent.  
Answ. THeir meaning is, that we are too open in our profession, through the which we endure much misery; for so they have said unto us, they would have us dissemble like themselves, and save ourselves from troubles. For M. P. who calleth himself that mighty Prince of the Hebrews, in his virtue of the Cross corrected, Thus he writeth; It is written, 
Cap. 3. sect. 1  saying; When they persecute you in this City fly into another; that is: whilst we are yet weak, & not well able to bear the cross; we may do as Peter did, with mouth deny Christ, but not in heart. And much more of this stuff he proceedeth in; but in diverse places of the margin, he writeth; Hid secrets from the unbelievers. To whom we may say, as Christ said to Peter, when he dissuaded him from Suffering; Get thee behind me Satan, thou art an offence unto me, 
Math. 16.  thou understandest not the things that are of God, etc. Are not Gods servants the salt of the earth? and the light of the world? shall the light be put under a Bushel? 
Math. 5.13.  and not set on a Candlestick. Christ commands that what he said in Darkness, that his should speak it in the Light; and what they heard in the ear, that they should Preach on the houses; and not fear them that would kill the Body, 
Math. 10. c.  and after that could do no more. For he that is ashamed of Christ and his words, 
Mark. 8.38  amongst this Adulterous and sinful generation, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the Glory of his Father with his holy Angels: For as with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, so with the mouth, he must confess to salvation; 
Rom. 10.10  If we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with Christ, and if we deny him, he will deny us; 
2. Tim. 2.12  This the true Christ teacheth whom we confess and endeavour to serve: But H. N. and the Families Christ teacheth them to save themselves, and rather to dissemble if Authority command it, then suffer any afflictions to the outward man, abusing for his purpose this Scripture, Blessed is the barren, that beareth not, etc. As also that Christ's yoke is easy, and his burden light; And therefore bringeth not his, to suffer persecution to the outward man, but to do any thing that Authority commandeth, whose gross abominations hath been formerly confuted, and we trust our innocency defended, against all the accusations of these Children of that old accuser of the Brethren. The Lord discover their most palpable abominations, and deliver poor simple souls from their snares, 
Pro. 9.18.  for assuredly the Dead are there, and her guests are in the depth of Hell.   

Conclusion.  
IF these Familists, or any that are not willing to be known to be of them, do except against any thing either by word or writing, which is here written, and say that we wrong them, in alleging H. Ns. and the rest, their hellish sayings, and laying them upon them; we answer them, many of these sayings are their own, and all the rest for any thing that we know, for otherwise they would not disperse their Books, if they did not approve of the Doctrine contained in them, & in all things that we know follow their course; and we heartily beseech all that shall have to deal with them; that if they be ashamed of H. N. and this his new light or everlasting Gospel, which they so much glory of, that they would require them, by writing to be published, to testify their abhorring of these his wicked blasphemies, otherwise they will not only confirm all, of their holding the same; but also give all occasion to judge them to be as they are, dissembling hypocrites, who hold things, and yet endeavour to persuade people that they do not hold them.   

Let them testify their abhorring.  

1. FIrst that which H. N. hath written of God, That God and Man had one Order, Spirit, Nature and being; that God was all that Man was, and Man was all that God was.  
2. That Christ is the Perfection in the Lovely being, whereunto their Godded Elders do attain: Or any power in man, whereby he can keep the Law, without Faith in the man Christ.  
3. That the true Baptism is: To be in the love and her Service.  
4. That the Resurrection of the Dead: The Eternal judgement: and the everlasting life, is in this life before the natural Death of the body: And that the Body cometh to nothing after Death.  
5. That they ought to prostrate their Bodies before any Idol or idol-service, at the Magistrates command, keeping their hearts to God.  
6. That the Worship of God, standeth not at all, in any outward Ordinance or observation.  
7. That if one be tempted to any Sin and cry, and there come no help; he or she is guiltless though they commit the Act.  
8. That they do not bind themselves in Matrimony of men, nor yet suffer themselves to be bound therein, but are like the Angels of Heaven.  
9 That they ought to confess before the Eldest in the Family, all their evil thoughts, words, and deeds whatsoever they be, and all that their inclination and Nature draweth them unto.  
10. That some of them are come unto such a perfection, that being Godded with God, neither in thought, word, nor deed, they can sinne any more.  
11. That no man maketh any thing his own, or proper to himself, but all things whatsoever is in the Love, is free, and is as one.  
12. That any that are ignorant though Idolaters and worshippers of Devils, and justifying themselves therein, may be saved; though they know not nor believe in the Blood of the man Christ.  
13. That H. N: M. P. and the servant of M. P. were raised up of God, to publish these things to the world, in these latter days as an everlasting Gospel.   
All these things hath Henry Nicholas and his followers published, being raised up out of the infernal pit, to the deceiving of them that believe not the Truth, (which jesus Christ the Son of the Eternal Father hath revealed) but have pleasure in unrighteousness, being of God delivered up to a reprobate mind, that they might be damned. If they testify their abhorring of these things, without scores evasion, or mental reservation, we shall be glad: If not; let them be content to be called his Disciples, whose Discipline they maintain. We do herein, as we would be done unto, for we are content that any whatsoever, shall ask us a reason of our Faith, in any thing, and we will render it to them.  
Now the Lord jesus Christ, the great and good Shepherd of his Sheep, disclose, and destroy the lies and snares of this Thief and robber H. N. and his followers, that the souls of all for whom Christ hath paid so dear a price, may be delivered from their destruction, and be brought unto and continued in his Fold, to their Immortality of soul and body, in Glory everlasting, By the same our Lord and Saviour, to whom with the Father, and the blessed Spirit, one Eternal, and everliving God, be Glory and Dominion, now and for ever. Amen.  PSAL. 111.104. 
By thy precepts I have gotten understanding: therefore I hate all the ways of falsehood.  VERS. 115. 
Away from me ye wicked; for I will keep the Commandments of my God.  
FINIS.