THE SPIRITS VOICE Concerning HIMSELF: OR, A Faithful and Clear DISCOVERY Of the Operations of the SPIRIT IN The Hearts of the Saints. Omnes enim quando oramus, mendici Dei sumus, antè januam magni patris familias stamus, imò etiam prosternimur, supplices ingemiscimus aliquid volentes accipere, & ipsum aliquid ipse Deus est. August. de verbis Domini, Serm. 15. Ad omnem sanctàm operationem ab homine peragendam, requiritur, non modo gratià regenerationis hominem habitualiter disponens, sed & motio Dei gratiosa, ipsum actualiter movens, sinè qua vel sola, licet propter grataim regenerationis dicatur posse bene operari, fieri non potest, ut actubene operetur. Twiss. Vind. Gratiae, etc. BY PETER ATKINSON, Minister of the everlasting GOSPEL. LONDON, Printed by Thomas Lock for the Author, 1659. To the Christian Reader. IN trial of spirits (Christian Reader) keep always in mind this necessary Truth concerning the Spirit of Truth, which is, Joh. 16.14 That the Spirit of truth glorifies Jesus Christ; Hence thou mayest safely conclude, That those spirits that deny Jesus Christ, that rob him of his glory, are not of God. Those that with the Arians, Familists, and Paul Best, (none of the best) deny Christ's Divinity; or with the Eutychians, his Humanity; or with the Nestorians, teach that he bathe two persons; or with the Monothelites, that he hath only one Will; or with the Macedonians and Valentinians, that he brought his Body from Heaven; or with the Socinians, deny his incarnation and satisfaction for sin; or with the Quaker deny justification by the sufferings of Christ at Jerusalem; these do not glorify, but dishonour Christ, and so are not led by the holy Ghost. This Caution may be one preservative against poison; If thou wouldst know more concerning the holy spirit, read over this little Treatise; the time will not be long, thy labour (I hope) will not be lost; it's short; good reason; the world is full of Books. The Communion of the Holy Ghost be with thee. Amen. Thine ●. P. ●… THE SPIRIT'S VOICE CONCERNING HIMSELF. ALthough some scoff at the Saints of God in reference to their having the spirit of Grace in them; and others deluded and presumptuous, boast of the Spirit of God, who are indeed inspired with an evil spirit, as Zedekiah the false Prophet, 1 King. 22.24. and some audaciously assert, That grace may be lost, and the spirit taken away from such as are truly Saints; yet the truth is, the spirit of grace is in all those, only in those, and never departs from any of those, who are indeed born of him, and renewed by him. Search Divine Records, you shall find how God hath promised to pour his spirit upon his people, Isa. 44.3,4,5. as also that he shall not departed from them, Isa. 59.21. He is said to be given unto them, Rom. 5.5. To dwell in them, Rom. 8.11. 1 Cor. 3.16. to abide with them, John 15.16. They are the habitation of ●od by his spirit, Eph. 2.22. the House of God, Heb. 3 6. they are the temple of God, 1 Cor. 3.16. yea, their bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 6.19. Now for the prevention of self-deceiving, and for our singular comfort and encouragement in God's ways, let us diligently examine ourselves whether the spirit be in us, by these blessed effects of the spirit following. 1. They that have the spirit know all things, as the Apostle saith, 1 john 2.20. Ye have an unction from that holy one, (that's the spirit from Christ your Head) and ye know all things; in the Syriac it is, Ye know, or discern every man; as if St. John had said, Ye know those false Teachers that went out from us, and were not of us; and it's according to that of our Saviour, Ye shall know them by their fruits, partly by their pride contention, separation; partly by their Doctrine; for if any man do Gods will, he shall know the doctrine whether it be of God; the Saints know false Doctrine so as not to know it, own it, but disallow it; They know not (saith Christ) the voice of strangers: Also they know false Teachers by the fruit of their Doctrine in their followers, which is neglect of duty, looseness of life. But this is not all, for in the 27. verse the spirit is said to teach them so, that they needed not that any man should teach them; and it's said also, That he had thus taught them; see the words, that is, They needed not that any man should teach them any other thing, any otherwise then the spirit had taught them. Now for the spirits teaching, observe how God is said to send his word by his spirit in his Prophets, Zech. 7.12. the spirit of the Lord was upon Christ to preach the Gospel, Luke 4.18. and the Apostles are said to speak the things of God in the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth, 1 Cor. 2.13. therefore the Holy Ghost taught the Saints by the Prophets, Christ, & the Apostles; and so the words of the Prophets, Christ and his Apostles, are the words of the Holy Ghost; these words he teacheth and makes known unto the Saints, other words they needed not know; none are like these, nor more words, these make wise unto salvation. Further, they know all things necessary to be known; they know the first Principles of the Oracles of God; they know Christ and him crucified; they know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, how that being rich for their sakes, he became poor, that they through his poverty might be made rich. They know that they are translated from death to life, that they have everlasting life, that all things work together for their good. 2. The spirit of God being in a man, doth bear witness with his spirit that he is a child of God, Rom. 8.16. These two spirits, the spirit of man spiritualised, the conscience purged from dead works, which is a thousand witnesses; and the Holy Ghost (the spirit of truth) joining with man's spirit for confirmation of this necessary truth, do make use of the spirit's words in Scripture, and the spirit's work upon man's heart, after this manner. Those that come out from amongst the ungodly, are separate, and touch not the unclean thing; they are God's children, he hath promised to be a Father to such, and that they shall be unto him sons and daughters, 2 Cor. 6.16,17. But thou art (say these witnesses to a man) come out, art separate, dost not touch the unclean thing, therefore thou art a child of God. Further, they testify after this manner; Those that are poor in spirit mourn, hunger and thirst after righteousness, are blessed, and so God's children; but thou art poor in spirit, dost mourn, hunger and thirst after righteousness, Ergo, thou art a child of God. And thus these that receive Christ to them, he gives power to become the sons of God; those that love those that are begotten, are also begotten of God, and are his own dear children; but thou (say these witnesses to a man) hast received the Lord Christ (though with a shaking hand) lovest dearly God's children, therefore thou art a child of God. 3. The spirit of God is the spirit of promise, and the godly are said to be sealed therewith, Eph. 1.13. God hath given his people promises, confirmed these promises by oath, added thereunto outward seals, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord; and as though this were not sufficient, he gives an inward seal, the spirit of his Son; the spirit discovers unto them the fullness and freeness of the covenant; the preciousness, certainty, and infallibility of the promises; so they are sealed with the holy spirit of promise, and hereupon being sealed, they set to their seal that God is true, john. 3.33. 4. The spirit also in the godly, seals them unto the day of redemption. Eph. 4.30. The day of Judgement though it shall be a day of wrath to the wicked, yet it shall be a day of redemption unto the Saints; they shall then be redeemed from the grave; they shall all be fully and everlastingly delivered from all evils; the spirit of God assures the Saints hereof; so that when they hear Christ say, Surely I come quickly; they do not say, God forbidden; but Amen, Even so come Lord Jesus. 5. Accordingly the spirit is the Earnest of our inheritance; Eph. 1.14. Believers are heirs, heirs of a country the Patriarches sought after, a House whose builder and founder is God; a Kingdom that cannot be moved; an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that fades not away, reserved in heaven for them; the spirit of God given to the Saints, is the earnest of this country, house, kingdom, inheritance; somewhat of it securing unto them the whole in time; the first-fruits of a plentiful harvest. 6. If the spirit of God be in us, he sheds (saith the Apostle) the love of God abroad in our hearts: Rom. 5.5. He gives us to behold what manner of love the Father hath showed unto us, how he loved us first; how his love is undeserved; how it is abundant; how of children of wrath and hell, he hath made us children of God, heirs of God, coheirs with Jesus Christ, how it's an everlasting love: God will not of a most merciful Father become a most inexorable Judge, as the Arminians saith: hereupon God lifts up the light of his countenance upon us, we feel his love, our hearts are warmed and ravished therewith, so that we return love for love, yea we love God above our lives. 7. Another effect of the spirit of God, is seasonably to comfort the hearts of the children of God: I will pray the Father, (saith Christ) and he shall send you another comforter, John 14.16. he comforts the Saints concerning all their sins committed, evils suffered, the displeasure of God, assaults of Satan, malice of men; against the Law in the members rebelling, that body of death pressing, and all spiritual wants pinching and grieving. 8. Another blessed effect of the spirit of God, is Joy: The kingdom of God (saith the Apostle, Rom. 14 11.) consists not in meat and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost: this Joy is in Christ Jesus, Phil. 3.3. in God's favour, Psal. 4.7. in the word, Psal. 119.111. Thy testimonies are the rejoicing of my heart, in hope of the glory of God, Rom. 5.2. It's a joy unspeakable and full of glory, 1 Pet. 1.8. It's a joy that a stranger shall not meddle withal, Prov. 14.10. and that no man shall take from a child of God, john 16.22. It's a joy attained by the written word: These things (saith John) I writ unto you that your joy may be full, 1 john 1.4. 9 The good spirit of God helpeth the infirmities of the Saints, Rom. 8.26. strengtheneth them with strength in the inward man, Eph. 3.16. they of themselves are infirm, weak, afflictions are a burden too heavy; Satan and the old man are too strong; the work they have to do is too great; through the presence and assistance of the spirit they have strong consolation in the midst of troubles, their faith is strengthened, they give glory to God, their love is strong as death, which many waters cannot quench; and notwithstanding the difficulties and impediments of holy duties, they are resolved to go on. 10. Accordingly the spirit of God emboldeneth believers to appear for the truth and ways of God, Acts 4.8.13. We are of ourselves timorous, prone to shrink and shame all: the holy spirit of God is wont to put courage into the godly, that they dare hazard both Estate and life in the cause of Christ. 11. Likewise the spirit of God maketh intercession for the Saints with groan which cannot be uttered, Rom. 8.26,27. they know not what to ask as they should, the spirit of God is the spirit of prayer, and helpeth them not only to say, but cry Abba Father: Gal. 4.6. to cry day and night: Luke 18.7. to cry to God with their whole heart: Psal. 119.145. We groan (saith the Apostle) being burdened: 2 Cor. 5.4. burdened with the body of death, sins, temptations, afflictions, oftentimes with the sense or fear of God's displeasure, and come thus burdened into God's presence, and pray to God with groans, yea groans that cannot be uttered. 12. The Saints with open face beholding the glory of the Lord, are by the spirit (saith the Apostle) transformed into the same image, from glory to glory: 2 Cor. 3.18. the Saints are glorious in this world, their glory is spiritual, it consists in the image of Christ and of God, in righteousness and true holiness, the spirit doth change them from one degree of this glory unto another, till they be perfectly glorious in the kingdom of heaven. 13. And as the spirit transforms into the image of Christ, so he is wont to bring the words of Christ (which they have heard) to their remembrance, john 14.26. this is not below the spirit of God, for he is the spirit of the Son, and the Son's words are his words also; therefore he helpeth the weak and slippery memories of the Saints, bringeth God's word to their remembrance, that thereby they may resist satan, answer gainsayers, edify and comfort one another, preserve themselves from sin, and comfort themselves in a time of trouble. 14. Further, the spirit of God leads the saints, Rom. 8.14. they cannot stand but as he upholds them; they cannot go but as he leads them, he leads them in the old and good way, in the way of truth, in the way of God, of holiness and righteousness: in the way of wisdom, humility, meekness, uprightness, peace: In a word, in the way of God's commandments, the way of heaven: I will put (saith the Lord) my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my Statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements, and do them, Ezek. 6.27. And this he doth by his voice in the Messengers of Christ sounding in their ears, and his power and gracious influence upon their hearts. Now concerning the Law, called the Commandment, two commandments, ten words; know this for thy future & eternal good, That Adam through his lost the image of God, conformity in heart, and life to the Law: Christ as Priest (besides other things) hath purchased conformity to the Law: God in Christ hath promised this conformity: Christ as a Prophet he reveals the Law; as a King, subject's man's will unto it; and for this cause puts his spirit in the hearts of his people: God gives them faith whereby they believe, that God according to his gracious covenant will pardon their sins, and put his Laws in their minds, and write them in their hearts, give them to obey the Law, and repentance also, even sorrow for breaking the commandments, with an endeavour of obedience; therefore the Antinomian in slighting of the Law of God, (I speak not of it as a covenant of works) slights Christ's three-fold-Office, slights the covenant of Grace, the Office of the holy Ghost, betrays his want of the Divine nature, the image of God, the new man, which is subject to the Law of God, and to have a carnal mind, which neither is, nor can be subject to the law; he knows not what Faith is, what repentance means. O Antinomian, that sayest Christ must be all and man nothing; is Christ the Lord thy God? and dost thou worship him? according to that Psal. 45. two. And whether art thou of the number of those that every where call upon the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord? according to that 1 Cor. 1.2. 2. Whether is Christ thy leader and commander? and dost thou obey him? as it is Isa. 55.4. He commands thee to repent, believe, ask, seek, knock, strive to enter in at the straight gate, to deny thyself, take up thy cross, to watch and pray, to say, Hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done, etc. to say, Forgive us our trespasses: to pray in good earnest for pardon of thy sins daily: Dost thou obey Christ herein? if not, though thou sayest that Christ is thy all, yet thou dost but mock Christ, and makest him nothing. I fear thou dreamest (according to a discovery of thee, and such as thou art) that Christ was but a mere man, and that coming unto God by faith, he was godded with God, and that herein he is an example and pattern unto us, and thou imitating Christ herein, thou likewise art godded with God, equal to Christ, yea past him in respect of any further use thou hast of him, and a Christ to others: O Antinomian, God ere long will awake thee out of thy dream concerning his Son and thyself, fear shall surprise thee, the terrors of God shall compass thee, trouble and anguish shall take hold upon thee. 15. The spirit of God is a free spirit, and doth establish the people of God: Establish me (saith David) with thy free spirit: he is free in his operations, he bloweth where he listeth; his influences and breathe are gracious, Psal. 51.12. he frees the spirits of the saints for, and in duties of piety and mercy; he doth establish, strengthen, and settle the saints according to the promise, 1 Pet. 5.10. he doth not suffer the souls in whom he dwells, to be unstable souls, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine, to turn Anabaptists, separatists, Quakers, Blasphemers; to turn with the dog to the vomit, and the sow to the wallowing in the mire, and the unclean spirit to return with seven other spirits worse than himself, that so his latter end should be worse than his beginning. Lastly, they that are possessed with the holy Ghost, are far from sinning against the holy Ghost, yea they are troubled at the thought of that sin; this sin is not as some fancy, when a man will not be convinced by miracles that Jeius is the Christ: this sin is after illumination, conviction: It is saith Christ, a word against the holy Ghost; it is blaspheming and reproaching the holy Ghost, as we read expressly in the Evangelists; those that after they have escaped the pollutions of the world by the knowledge of the Lord Jesus, do departed from the holy commandment given unto them, and wallow in sin, that sin willingly after they have received the knowledge of the truth, do despite (it's said expressly) to the spirit of grace, and are guilty of this sin: see Heb. 10. 2 Pet. 2. The Pharisees sinned against the holy ghost in saying that that spirit by which Christ spoke and wrought Miracles, was an unclean spirit: Mark 3: 28,29,30. And do not our Quakers (those I mean who were enlightened) sin against the holy ghost, in saying that that spirit in Christ's Ministers by which they preach, which is the same spirit, is an unclean spirit, a Devil? Yea; they that are possessed with the holy ghost are not only far from sinning against the holy ghost, but they are afraid of those sins we read of in the Scriptures, viz. Tempting, resisting, & vexing of the holy spirit of God; yea further, of quenching, or grieving of him; and when as through sin he is grieved, their spirits are grieved, their souls are greatly troubled, they cry out, Take not thy holy spirit from us, Psal. 51.11. But some may say, It seems that some that are enlightened taste of the heavenly gift, are made partakers of the holy ghost, fall away, and so fall short of heaven. I answer, The seed of saving grace once sown in the heart of a man though it be but as a grain of Mustardseed, doth never perish, but through the spirit of grace is still preserved; this grace in the very first moment it is infused, created, differeth much from that we call common grace; it's a thousand times better, a fruit of God's eternal love, purchased with Christ's blood, and promised only to such as God sprinkles with this blood, Ezek. 36.25,26. and differenceth a man's duties from the duties of the ungodly, both in respect of the manner and end; as also though it be but a dram, it denominateth a man gracious, and in time is prevalent against corruptions. The spirit of God may (in reference to the glory of God, & the churches good) enlighten the reprobate by the Ministry of the word, so as he may be much affected & reform, yet he never attains a new heart, a good & honest heart, he never becomes a new creature, all his reluctancy and duties are in reference to himself; his faith is feigned, his love is feigned, he himself but a wretched hypocrite at the best; there is always a vast distance even betwixt him and the broken Reed; betwixt his grace (if you call it grace) and the smoking flax; the root of the matter is not in him, neither any good thing towards the Lord: Jehu though he was zealous for the Lord, and Judas forward for the poor, yet they had no spark of true grace: Solomon when he was at the lowest, had a spark, though no more, and that buried under many ashes: he had somewhat of the Divine nature, they nothing of that nature; his did differ much from theirs, even in the species, form, and esse thereof. Hence it necessarily follows, that they who are not enlightened, know not all things necessary to be known unto salvation, are not comforted, sealed, have not the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, do not boldly profess the truth, do not call upon the Name of the Lord with groans, do not walk in the ways of God, etc. however they may pretend to the spirit of grace, yet they never had, neither as yet have him dwelling in them. Further I add, that they which speak evil of the Scriptures, are void likewise of the spirit, for the Scriptures are the words, inspiration, and breath of the spirit of God; holy men of God spoke (saith the Apostle) as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1.20,21. Paul tells us, that the words of David, Psal. 95.7. are the words of the holy ghost, Heb. 3.7. As the Holy Ghost saith, Harden not your hearts: the holy ghost is said seven times in the second & third chapters of the Revelation, to speak unto the churches those words which St. john from the mouth of Jesus Christ writ unto the churches. last: Judas saith expressly, that such as despise Dominion, speak evil of Dignities, go in Cain's way, run greedily after the error of Balaam, gainsay with Core, that speak great swelling words, and separate themselves, are sensual not having the spirit. There is a separation lawful, warrantable necessary he members of the church of Corinth are called out from among the Idolatrous heathen, and commanded to separate from them, 2 Cor. 6. but not any member of the church of Corinth was commanded to come out of the church itself, or to separate from the body thereof, though it was very corrupt, such a separation is expressly forbidden in the Book of God, Heb. 10. It's lawful, yea necessary, to separate from the church of Rome, it's Babylon, out of it we are called: this heavenly call we have so far obeyed, as that we are condemned for heretics, have resisted unto blood, many have been burnt at stakes: Have they charity and the spirit of God, that dare forsake, and also condemn our Assemblies? But some may say upon the reading of this Discourse, What means should we use that God may pour down his spirit upon us? I answer, We must ask the spirit of God: Christ saith, Luke 11.13. If ye who are evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Ghost to those that ask him? It's duty, not presumption to pray for him. 2. We must attend upon the word, it's the chariot of the spirit, and turn also at God's reproof: Prov. 1.23. Turn ye at my reproof, saith the Lord: Behold I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 3. We must thirst after the Water of life, the spirit of God: I will (saith the Lord) pour water upon the thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thy offspring, Isa. 44.3. 4. We must believe on the 〈◊〉 God, Christ inviting the thirsty to come unto him, and promising water of life unto them: John 7.37,38,39. It's said, This he spoke of the spirit which they that believe on him should receive. 5. Let us distinguish betwixt that new heart and spirit which God according to his promise puts in his people, and God's holy spirit which he hath promised to put within them: We must necessarily distinguish betwixt grace, and the spirit of grace; the new creature, and the Creator: The Lord saith in Ezek. 36.26. A new heart will I give unto you, and a new spirit will I put within you: And verse 27. he adds another promise, and saith he, I will put my spirit within you. And the Apostle Rom. 8.9. saith, Ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be the spirit of God dwell in you: Now if any have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Distinguish also betwixt the spirit's being in a man in respect of his essence, and in respect of his influence and operations: The Lord promiseth in many places (saith Orthodox Downam in his Christian Warfare) to give unto us his holy spirit, which is not only to be understood of the gifts and graces of the spirit, but also of the virtue and efficacy of the spirit dwelling in us. Let us also lean upon the good spirit of God, trust in him for direction, guidance, assistance in all things, let us give him glory herein, and he will be with us, quicken, settle, lead & perfect us. To whom with the Father and his dear Son Jesus Christ, be glory for ever. Amen. Amen. REader, because some pages are vacant, I thought good to put down certain railing speeches of the Papists against our Protestant-Ministers, that it may appear to all our hearers that the Quakers are either disciples to the Papists, or their confederates, or at the least led, or rather misled by the same spirit. Some of their rail are these that follow: The Devil possesseth you. The spirit of the Devil is within you. The Devil reigneth in your hearts. Ye are moved by the instinct of Satan. The Devil hath you fast bound. Ye are the children of the Devil. Ye are the limbs of Antichrist. Ye are the practised Ministers of Antichrist. Your babylon tower. Ye are fast bound in Satan's fetters. Ye have learned of the Devil. The spirit of Satan is in you. Satan holds you captive. Thou Heretic Judas, Beelzebub. You are Miscreants. These railing speeches, with many others, are gathered out of the writings of Mr. Harding and other Popish-writers, by those two famous Divines, B. Jewel, & D. Willet, and are set down in B. Jewel's Defence of the Apology of the Church of England, and Dr. Willet's Four Pillars of Popery. Call to mind good Reader, what railing speeches thou hast heard out of the mouths of the Quakers, and compare them with these rail of the Papists, and then judge whether they or we be more popish. FINIS.