THE FALL OF A Great Visible Idol By the coming of the INVISIBLE POWER, And SUBSTANCE. In this day and time of the Lamb's War which is come. Wherein Christ the true Light is exalted at the right hand of God, who dwells and walks in his people which are his Temple. Which doth bring down the boasting Baptists that hath highly exalted themselves upon the high and dark mountains of their own imaginations, as may be known by their own principles which are herein answered with something to the simple hearted that are among them, concerning water baptism and breaking of outward bread, which these Baptists hath so much Idolised in the night. Thus saith the Lord, cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his Arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord, for he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good colbeth, Jer 17. 5. 6. And blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is, Jer. 17. 7, for it is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh presiteth nothing, the words that I speak unto you they are spirit, and they are life, John 6. 63. From a true friend unto all that loves truth in the inward parts, in true love and pity unto the lost sheep, that they may be of the house of Israel. Joseph Fuce. London, Printed for Thomas Simmons, at the Bull and Mouth near Aldersgate, 165●. This is to the Reader that he may the better understand. NOw first of all (before thou comest to the matter hereafter written) thou art to be turned unto a measure of the true light in thy own conscience, and with it to search thine own heart, and to see whether there be not envy or prejudice lodging in thee against the way of truth, which hath been so abominably abused and evil spoken of, as if it were the most damnable Heresy that ever was declared, in so much that people hath often been stirred up by their Teachers into a great rage against the truth, before they know it, or hath heard us declare it, or seen our writings (so as to understand the matter) and therefore if there be any of the envious ones leaven in thee, let that be laid aside, and wait thou in the light, not turning to the one hand, nor yet to the other, not joining with me nor against me, before thou dost understand rightly the things there spoken of in love to thy poor soul, but wait in the pure fear of the Lord to feel the Power of God to arise within, and rend the vail which hath been over thy heart, that so the measure of the true light may come up in thee to bare rule, so as to give thee the true knowledge and the right understanding, for happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding, for it is better than the gain of gold, and except the light make these things manifest thou canst not understand this which I have spoken of, in the wisdom of God which I have received, & this knowledge cometh a far off (the wisdom of the flesh) therefore I will ascribe wisdom and righteousness unto my Maker, for he that is perfect in knowledge is with God the fountain of wisdom & true knowledge, and verily I shall leave the truth of my words to answer the witness in thy own conscience, and be thou so honest to thy own soul (before thou judgest) to try these things aright with that which will not lie in thee, that is the true balance and just weight that weigheth things a right, that so thou mayest come to be persuaded (in thy own mind) who are in the truth itself, that gives true peace unto the soul, and who are in the profession of the truth without the possession, in the hypocrisy, but have no true peace. And truly I have seen the hypocrisy, and great deceit of those Baptists many times, at several places where they have opposed the very life of truth withal the strength and subtlety they have received from the wicked one to deceive the hearts of the simple even to the grieving of my soul, to think that ever these Baptists should so impudently gainsay the truth and life of what they profess in words, and often I have been moved of the Lord in the power of the spirit, to reprove them for their lies and false accusations, which they have brought against us that witness forth the truth, against their deceit, and when I have so done, I have had peace in the light, and did not desire nor think to lay their wickedness open unto the world in Print, but rather desired they should have owned reproof and repent, and have turned unto the Lord in time (as some hath done that did walk with them) but they have despised reproof, and hated instruction, and set themselves against the light and spirit of the Lord, until his anger is kindled against them. And now seeing how they have set themselves against the truth, and will not cease to pervert the right way in going on in their deceit, bending their tongues like a bow for lies, thereby to deceive the hearts of the simple; Therefore the Lord hath put it into my heart to begin to lay open their wickedness (in Print) for the truth's sake, and in true love and pity to the poor simple-hearted people, that they may not run so rashly into their snares, to go with them they know not whether, until their steps take hold on Hell; for they have openly denied the true light, as is hereafter mentioned, and they that walk in darkness know not whether they go; and therefore thou that lovest thy own Souls peace, be warned in time to weigh things rightly with that which is a Just weight and true Measure in thy own Conscience, so mayest thou come to be persuaded in thy own mind who are in the right way, and then let the light be thy guide in it to walk, that so thou mayest come in due time to have peace with God in the Covenant of light and life for evermore. At a Meeting at Nethurst, upon the 24th of the 6th Month, 1659. appointed by Matthew Caffin Baptist, but there were several of the chief Baptists in all these South parts, namely, William Jeffery, Matthew Caffin, John Parsons, William Steel, and several others of Kent and Sussex. It was pretended by the Baptists, there to show the cause wherefore they could not join with the Quakers, as they with other scoffers in these last times call us the People of the Lord; but in stead of proving any Just cause why they do not own and join with us, they gave sufficient cause for us (and all that fear the Lord) to deny them, and to have no fellowship with them, except they repent. And the cause they gave us at this Meeting (and at other places) was those errors, damnable heresies and lies, which are hereafter mentioned and answered, as moved by the Spirit of love to all the simple-hearted people, that doth desire to walk in the way of truth unto Zion the City of the living God, where Peace is to be enjoyed for evermore. FIrst the Baptist affirmed, That the Eternal Spirit that was in Christ was not the Saviour of the world. Answ. Here they deny the true God to be the Saviour of the world, who was in Christ the Author of Eternal Salvation, the ground and foundation of all truth, who is a Spirit and is Eternal, and God the Father, and Christ the Son (whose Name is called the Word of God) and the Eternal Spirit or Holy Ghost are one, and the Father was in the Son, and the Son was in the Father, John 14. 11. and he that hath seen the Son hath ●oh 10. 30 seen the Father, and God who is the only Invisible and Eternal Spirit, saved all the holy men of God in the days of old since the beginning, and when the old world was drowned God saved Noah, 2 Pet. 2. 5. and the Eternal God said by the Prophet Isaiah, Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is none else, Isa. 45. 22. there is no God effectual besides the Eternal Spirit, that is a Just God and a Saviour, vers. 21. and this Saviour said, I, even I am the Lord, and besides me there is no Saviour, Isa. 43. 11. And the Apostle said, The Lord is the Spirit, 2 Cor. 3. 17. and this Eternal God (who is a Spirit) was he that saved all the holy men of God, and they both Prophets and Apostles called God their Saviour, 1 Tim. 4. 10. Titus 7. 3. and this Everlasting God and Eternal Spirit, (that was the ● Pet. 1. 1. ●ude 25. only Saviour of all the holy men of God) the Apostle said, to wit, That God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, 2 Cor. 5. 19 and Christ was in God, and sometime the Apostle called Christ Lord and Saviour, and they also called God their Saviour, for they were one in the beginning before the world was; but the Baptists doth not see how Christ ●ut the bo●y without ●he Spirit is dead, ●am. 2. 26. and God are one, as one of them said, and therefore denies the Eternal Spirit, that was and is in Christ's body to be the Saviour; and so blaspemously hath denied both the Father and the Son, and there is no Saviour besides the Eternal Spirit, which was God manifest in the flesh; and if any should read this, and not perceive the things of God, and so not believe the Words of truth; read the 13th of Hosea, and 14th verse, were God saith, Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no God but me, for there is no Saviour beside me; and all those that readeth this with a right understanding may see and perceive the Baptists to be ignorant of the Power of God; and also of the Scriptures, which doth so largely speak of that God (that was in Christ) to be the only Saviour; but time might fail us to bring all those Scriptures which doth speak of God to be the Saviour. Baptists Affirmed, That Christ was not come to them yet the second time, nor yet to any man upon the face of the earth. Answ. Here the Baptists hath manifested themselves openly to be Reprobates according to the Scripture, and therefore it is no marvel why they oppose the light in others so much, seeing they deny Christ the light to be come to them the second time, and there were such in the Apostles days that sought a proof of Christ speaking in the Apostle Paul, who said unto them, Examine yourselves whether ye be in the Faith, prove your own selves, know you not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates? 2 Cor. 13. 5. and now you may see the Baptists, yea the very chief among them are Reprobates, out of the Faith the Saints were in, who preached Christ in them the Hope of Glory, and said, He is come that is true, and they were in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ; and so they that did receive him at his coming to dwell in them, he gave them an understanding how to preach him up in others, and also in Heaven at the right hand of God; but they that do not know him come to them, they do not know him in any other Creature in Heaven or in earth, and where the true Christ the Son of God who is a quickening Spirit doth not Rule, there the Antichrist ruleth, the son of perdition ruleth, the old man of sin reigneth in them and over them, and he maketh them subject to sin; and now Antichrist is come up very high in these Baptists, and he doth appear very bold in them, insomuch that they deny the true Christ to be come the second time to them or to any other Creature, but the Scripture is so far a witness against them that all the moderate people may see that they are ignorant of the things of God, and also of the Scriptures, and so altogether unfit to preach unto others; for how can any truly preach Christ to come to others, that doth not know him come unto themselves, Paul was a persecutor before he knew Christ revealed in him, but after it pleased God to reveal his Son in him, than he was fit to preach the manner of his coming in others, Gal. 1. 16. and Christ said unto his Disciples, he dwelleth with you and shall be in you, I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you, John 14. 18. and John in his Epistle said, We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ, 1 John 5. 20. here John said he is come, but the Baptists saith he is not come, and so are out of the Faith and Doctrine that the Apostles were in; and John spoke of such false prophets that were entered into the world as these Baptists are, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, this is a deceiver and an Antichrist, 2 John 7. (Mark) he doth not say there, he that denies that he was come, or shall come, but he saith, who confess not that he is come in the flesh (Mark that) for both Papists and other Priests, and the Baptists and we do all believe that he did come in the flesh, and was crucified without the Gates of Jerusalem, and also that he shall come at the last day to Judge the quick and the dead, according to the Scriptures; but this is the great controversy which we have with all those about this matter, that is, whether Jesus Christ be manifested or come in the flesh now according to the Scripture; but all that resist the light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, they resist the true Christ which the Apostles and we say is come in the flesh, and they receive the Spirit of Antichrist, and become one with that, and so resist the true light, the true comforter, the man of sorrows, that puts an end to sin; and John in the Spirit or the Spirit in John, said in the Revelation, Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me, Rev. 3. 20. he that hath an ear let him hear what the Spirit saith. The Baptist denied, That Christ was that crucified oftener than once. Answ. Here you may see the Baptists chief principles are to deny the true Christ the Son of God, who proceeded from the Father to seek and to save that which was lost; but the Baptists renders evil against him that came for good unto all men, even to the lost, to seek and to save that which was lost, and he giveth to every man that which is good, this is the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, and this is he the Baptists deny, and whom the Jews were so much against, and did often deny him,, saying, Crucify him, crucify him, and release unto us Barrabas, and he was crucified without the Gates at Jerusalem, at the place which is called Calvary, Luk. 23. 33. there was one time spoke of where Christ was crucified without the Gates, and after that John said he was crucified in the streets of the great City, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, Rev. 11. 8. that was another time and place spoken of; and the Apostle Paul who had been a persecutor, and was converted after Christ's suffering (without the Gate at Jerusalem) and after the Church was gathered and grown up (so as to taste of the good Word of God, and the power of the World to come) than he writes to the Hebrews concerning some that crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame, Heb. 6. 6. the Son of God was the true Christ, which was crucified by the Jews without the Gates at Calvary, and in spiritual Sodom and Egypt, and also by such as departed from the Faith; for they crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh (take notice of that) That you may see plainly how the Baptists deny the true Christ, the Son of God, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. The Baptists affirmed, That the Comforter spoken of in that 14th of John to come again to the Disciples, was not Christ. Answ. Christ in that 14th of John said, the Father should give them another Comforter; but he did not say it was not Christ that should come to them which was then with them, but on the contrary said, he dwelleth with you and shall be in you, vers. the 17th. and so he was to be known after another manner, not after the flesh without them, for he was manifested unto them in that form of flesh, and so became of no reputation, and passed thorough outward things, and suffered the contradictions of sinners in the time of doing his Father's Will, for which he was sent in that form; then when all was fulfilled, both outward Baptism with water, and outward Circumcision with hands, than he said, all is finished, and gave up the Ghost, and went to the Father from whence he proceeded, and then was there no necessity of those outward things, nor Command to do them from God as before, because they were fulfilled, yet for a time they were a little used by them that came unto all in those things, that they might win some out of all those things (which was to decrease) up to Christ that was to increase and prevail mightily in those with whom he dwelled until he went to the Father, and after he was risen he appeared unto his Disciples in another form, and after that he appeared in them, they did not tell people of his being among any people without them as he was known; but said, know you not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you be Reprobates; but these Baptists they deny his so coming again, and saith it was not Christ, although Christ said so plainly in John 14. ●. & if I go & prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; and in vers. the 18th Christ said unto them again, I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you, but the Baptists said it was not he, and so would make Christ the liar, in as much as they can, with their lying divinations of their own brain, saying, the Comforter there spoken of was not Christ, although he himself said, I will come to you, and John said he was come unto them, and they were in him, even in his Son Jesus Christ, this is the true God and Eternal life; little Children keep yourselves from Idols, 1 John 5. 20, 21. The Baptists affirmed, That it was Blasphemy to say that those things spoken of to Christ's Disciples in Matth. 24. was fulfilled in that age. Answ. Christ said then to his Disciples, many should come in his Name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many, and said, Lo here, or lo there is Christ, believe them not, go not forth, for the true Christ was to be known within them, and he said unto them, they should hear of wars and rumours of wars, and earthquakes was to be, and the love of many shall wax cold, because iniquity shall abound; and the Disciples was to be afflicted and persecuted, and killed at the last of their age, and the Sun was to be darkened, and the Moon was not to give her light for a time, and all these things is spoken in the 24th of Matthew, and the Scriptures there and in other places doth plainly prove that these things were to come to pass in the Apostles age; and therefore Christ bids them watch, and be always ready, because the time was nigh, but the day and hour no man was to know until it came; and Christ said to his Disciples, Matth. 24. 34. Verily I say unto you, this Generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled; and in the 14th verse Christ said, And this Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all Nations, and then shall the end come; but the Baptists counts that blasphemy for us to affirm that the end of all those things was come, and so fulfilled in the Disciples age before that Generation passed away, as Christ said; Further I shall prove out of the Scriptures that these things did come to pass. First concerning false Prophets and Antichrists, they were to come unto the true Prophets and Apostles, to deceive them (if it were possible) and they did so come as Christ said they should; and the Disciples, Apostles and Prophets that did watch (as Christ said they should) they did see the false prophets and deceivers come privily in the very form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, 2 Tim. 3. ●. and John said in his first Epistle 2. 1●. Little Children, it is the last time, and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists, whereby we know it is the last time; and John said, Many false prophets are gone out into the world, 1 John 4. 1. but first they came unto the Church, but they resisted them, and overcame them, and then they went into the world, and the world heard them, vers. 4. 5. and so hath the world been deceived ever since the Apostles days, in the night which Christ spoke of to come wherein no man could work; but if I should undertake to declare as much as might be spoken of both of the true Apostles and Prophets, and false apostles and prophets, surely time would fail me, but this is a sufficient proof for this particular; also the Disciples were to see Jerusalem compassed about with Armies, and then was there wars, and the Sun and Moon was to be darkened, and there was to be earthquakes, and there was darkness, for it was said from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the Land unto the ninth hour, Mat. 27. 45. and when Jesus cried with a loud voice and yielded up the Ghost, behold, the vail of the Temple was rend in twain, from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the rocks rend, and the graves were opened, and many bodies of Saints arose, Mat. 27. 50, 51, 52. And Christ said the Gospel should be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all Nations, (Mark) and then shall the end come. And when Paul questioned whether the Gospel had been so preached, he said, have they not heard? yea verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their Words unto the ends of the world, Rom. 10. 18. and then came the end of all those things according to Christ his Words; but the Baptists call that Blasphemy. The Baptists affirmed, That neither Abraham, nor Isaac, Peter nor Paul was redeemed from the curse, nor out of the fall, nor are not yet; neither is Abraham, Isaac nor Jacob in the Kingdom. Answ. The fall of man was into transgression of the righteous Law and Command of the righteous God of Heaven and earth, and so man fell from God out of that state which he was created in, into sin and iniquity, which separated between God and man, yet God had an eye of pity unto man in that fallen sinful separated condition, and God made a Covenant with man whereby man might come again unto himself out of the fall, and the Covenant was, that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head which tempted and led away into sin, that so man might come again unto God out of sin, and so the Seed or Word of God (which was with God before the World was made) became as a Gen. 14. 19 Gen. 15. 1. Gen. 22. Gen. 17. hammer unto the head of the serpent to bruise it; and God talked with Abraham when he appeared unto him, as a man talketh with his familiar Friend, and God blessed him, and made a Covenant with him, and changed his name from Abram to Abraham, for a Father of many Nations have I made thee said the Almighty, whose everlasting Covenant was with Abraham and his Seed for ever, and the Covenant was to be in their flesh, Gen. 17. 3. and Abraham the Father of the faithful was perfect and did see Christ's day, and he rejoiced to see Christ's glorious day, who said, before Abraham was I am, John 8. 56. 58. And Noah was perfect and God saved him; and Enock was translated by Faith, that he should not see death, Heb. 11. and they were redeemed out of the fall, and from under the curse up to God, who blessed Abraham the Father of the faithful, and they that were of Faith pleased God, & were & are blessed; but they that were of the wicked one, and did always resist the holy Ghost, they were and are under the curse in the fall, and the wrath of the just God comes upon them, but Enoch and Noah walked with God, Gen. 5. 22. Gen. 6. 9 and David said, Into thine hand I commit my Spirit, thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of truth, Psal. 3●. ●. Now the Baptists in the envy and bitterness of their spirit hath manifested their ignorance of the scriptures, and also of Redemption out of the fall, in saying those notable holy men of God were not redeemed out of the fall. But now thus saith the Lord that created thee O Jacob and he that form thee O Israel, fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by my name, thou art mine, Isai. ●3. ●. Isai. 63. 9 and the Apostle paul when he spoke even to this very thing concerning himself, and they that were redeemed from under the curse (mark that) he saith, Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, &c Gal. ●. 13. and Peter said they were not redeemed with corruptable things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish & without spot, 1 Pet. ●. 18. ●9. and so it doth appear they were redeemed unto God the Judge of all by the blood of the Covenant, or Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and the Saints and Elders which were in heaven were redeemed unto God, out of every kindred, and and tongue, and People and Nation, and they sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the Seals thereof, for thou wast slain and hast-redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and People, and Nation, Revel. 5. 9 and the Saints conversation was in heaven, and are in the Kingdom of Heaven, although the baptists say, neither Abraham, Isaac, nor Jacob was in the Kingdom, neither are they yet in the Kingdom saith the Baptists, who shuts up the Kingdom of Heaven against men, for they neither go in themselves, neither suffer they them that are entering in to goin, and so are found in the Pharisees and Hypocrites practices, see Mat. 23, ●●. there was entering into the Kingdom then, and there was those that did hinder men from going into the Kingdom then, and as it was then so it is now, as it doth appear by these Baptists that say neither Abraham, Isaac nor Jacob was in the Kingdom, and so are found out of Christ's Doctrine, and altogether contrary to his words, as they are in the Scriptures of truth; which are profitable for correction (of such unprofitable talkers as these envious ignorant Baptists are) and for instruction of the simple; now when Christ spoke of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he said they were in the Kingdom, but the Baptists say they are not in the Kingdom. Now when you have read the Baptists words, and Christ's words, then let the witness be Judge who is the liar. And I say unto you that many shall come from the East and West, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of Luke 16. 22. Heaven, Mat. 8. ●●. here Christ saith with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven, and in Mat. ●●. he speaketh of entering into the Kingdom, and John spoke of his brethren in the Kingdom Revel. 1. 9 and Paul speaks of some that were come unto Mount Zion, unto the City of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, & to innumerable company of Angels, to the general Assembly and Church of the first born which are written in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of Just men made perfect, Heb. 12. 22. 23. they were redeemed out of the fall, up to God the Judge of all, and they had received the Kingdom, and were in Heaven, and all that feareth the Lord truly may see the Baptists far unfit to Preach the way into the Kingdom of God, seeing they are yet in the fall and Kingdom of darkness, and thinking all others to be so, and there they labour (as may be seen by these principles of theirs) to keep others in darkness and unbelief, and so do not enter themselves, neither would they have others to be translated into the Kingdom of the only dear Son of God, there to find rest and Peace for evermore. The Baptists affirmed that no man could come into that state that Adam was created in on this side the grave. Answ. This is a denying Christ's suffering to do the work which the Father sent him about, which was to seek and to save that which was lost, and to quicken man that was dead in trespasses and sins, and Christ did finish the work which the Father gave him to do; although the effect of the Baptists words is to deny it. Now see what the Scripture saith. The Son of man is come to save that which was lost, Mat. 18. 11. and the Saints were saved, as in 2 Tim. 1. 9 1 Cor. 15. 2. for since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead, 1 Cor. 15. 21. and this the Apostles witnessed and declared unto them that had been dead in trespasses and sins on this side the grave, and you hath he quickened, Eph. ●. ●. (mark) for we are his workmanship created in Christ Je●●●●n●● good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them, verse the 10. and so they were come out of the sin and transgression (which Adam was dead in) up to God again, who was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, and the Law of the Spirit of life did make them free from the Law of sin and death on this side the grave, and then there was no condemnation to them that were in Christ Jesus which walked not after the flesh but after the Spirit, and that was on this side the grave, for they could do nothing against the truth but for the truth in Christ Jesus, who is the express Image of his Father's Person, and in him and by him was man created in Christ Jesus; and the Apostle Paul said on this side the grave, O death where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory? the sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the Law, but thanks be to God which giveth us the victory Eccl. 11. 3. through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. 15. and if victory be not received on this side the grave (which these Baptists speak of) it will not be at all known unto them that are cut off in their sins; for where the tree falleth there it lieth, whether it be towards the North or towards the south, for the time is at hand, he that is unjust, let him be unjust still, and he which is filthy let him be filthy still, & he that is righteous let him be righteous still, and he that is holy let him be holy still, Revel. 2●. 11. he that can receive it let him. Matthew Casfin one of the Baptists affirmed, that if he were in that first state that Adam was created in he should not be mortal, nor thirsty, sick nor weary. Answ. Thou that sayest neither Abraham, nor Isaac, nor Peter nor Paul was redeemed from the curse, nor from the fall, and that no man could come into that state that Adam was created in on this side the grave, thou hast manifested Zach. 5. 1. 2. thyself to be yet in the fall, in sin and darkness, and transgression, not yet come to Adam's first estate; which was a living soul, but under the curse which is gone forth, as a fiery flying roll; and in that fallen estate thou hast exalted thyself over a people to be their Teacher, who counts themselves members of the Church of Christ; for how canst thou tell what thou shouldst have done, that art not come to Adam's first estate (mark) yet art intruding into those things which thou knowest not, as it appeareth by thy saying thou shouldst not be mortal, thirsty, sick nor weary, and it is no marvel to me to see such contention and confusion among those Baptists that doth own such messengers that comes in their own name, which are not redeemed out of the fall into Adam's first estate, but art in the will worship, beguiling unstable souls through thy voluntary humility, intruding into those things which thou hast not seen, vainly puffed up by thy fleshly mind, and all may read there were such, Col. 2 18. and they that are not yet hardened amongst those scattered people, that were once made tender (by something of God in their consciences which they knew not) oh I say let them with speed return their minds again to the witness in them, and that will let them see how the Lords hand is and hath been much against the Baptists since they resisted the light; therefore he hath scattered them so much in their imaginations, that they are divided into opinions like the Priests, and therefore it is high time for all people that fear the Lord to come out from among them, and wait in the light of Christ, which would then appear to lead them out of darkness, by the footsteps of the flock, toward the rest at Noon, Cant. ●. ●. The Baptists at that meeting affirmed, that the light which we Preach (whom they call Quakers) they do deny, and trample under foot, but John Luke's at a meeting soon after appealed to the light in every one's conscience which Joseph Fuce spoke of. A. Here the Baptists hath declared the very cause why they are in so much confusion, errors and Popish Doctrine and lies, and so full of envy and bitterness of spirit against us the people of the Lord, which bears witness unto the true light which is Christ, seeing that they deny the light which we Preach, and trample it under foot (as one of their chief Teachers said) but another said, he appealed to the light in every one's conscience, which Joseph Fuce spoke of, which is Christ the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, John 1. ●. and no other do we Preach to be Christ but he that said I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of Life, John 8. 12. John 12. 46. which is Christ the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, John 1. ●. and this is the light which we have Preached up at the right hand of God, who dwells in his people according to the Scriptures, and no other Christ do we own but he which all the Prophet's bare witness of, and that John said was the true light, as we have proved very plainly by the Scriptures, and that thousands of people know which are not come yet to walk in the light, but if they do not harden themselves but fear the Name of the Lord, in due time they shall know the rising of the Son of righteousness with healing under his wings, and the wicked shall be brought down in them and for them, and now all moderate people may see these Baptists to be blasted with a thick mist, and overcome with gross darkness, who make it their work to deny the true Christ the Son of the only true God, and so denies the Father also; for no other light do we Preach to be the Christ, the Saviour, the Son of God; but he that hath said I am the light of the world, and he that believeth in him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, and this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world and men love darkness rather than light because their deed● are evil, John ●. 19 And here their Teachers are found one against another about the light, and now people may see the Apostles words are true who spoke of such boasters, proud blasphemers, having a form of godliness but denying the power, and now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith, But they shall proceed no farther, for their folly shall be made manifest to all men (that reads this with the light) as theirs also was. 2 Tim. 3. and take notice what Pet●r saith, but there were false Prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false Teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable Heresies, even denying the Lord tha● bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction, ● Pet. ●. 1. and these Baptists that deny the Eternal Spirit to be the Saviour of the world, and also deny t●e true light, and so they now while they are in their form crying up outward things to be Ordinances for a prerence, and so bring in damnable Heresies. And so did the Pharisees (that were exceeding wicked) cry up the Temple and such things, and for a pretence made long prayers, Mat. 23. ●4. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in Heaven saith Christ, Mat. 10. 33. therefore be warned in time you that be not past feeling, for this I know, that it had been good for such wicked blasphemers that they had never been born, ●hen so lightly and rashly to deny the only Son of God, which is the light of the world; for he that despised Moses Law died without mercy under two or three witnesses, of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith he was sanctified as an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace, Heb. 1●. 28. 29. Another Baptist at Nethurst meeting afore mentioned affirmed, That Christ was not a Spirit, and bid one Humphrey Killing●eck prove i● if he co●ld. Answ. God is a spirit, John 4. 24. and Christ said he and his Father was one, John ●0. 30. and he is a quickening Spirit the Scripture saith, but the Baptist saith he is not a spirit, for they make flesh their arm, and therefore look without to know him after the flesh, although the Apostles said they were to know him so no more (mark) Thus saith the Lord, Cursed be the man that trusteth in man & maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord, for he shall be like the heath in the desert and shall not see when good cometh, J●r. 17. 5. 6. and blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is, J●r 17. 7. and the quickening Spirit is both Christ and Lord. Now concerning Jesus Christ our Lord, h●w he came in the form of a man, or how he took flesh upon him, he was of the seed of Abraham and David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead, Rom. 1. and when the fullness of time was come God sent forth his Son born of a Virg●n, and made under the Law, and then he made himself of no reputation, but Gal. 4. took upon him the form of a servant, and so came under Tutors and Governors for a time, in that form of a man, or in that body which was prepared under the Law, in the time of signs, and types, and figures and shadows of good things to come, and there was Circumcision without, and Baptism with● outward water, and Synagogues and Temples made with hands, and he like unto other men came into those things in that body of flesh which he ●ook upon him, and so fulfilled all those things which did signify of that which is become more excellent unto us, and so he passed through those things which were but shadows, ●nd went to his Father from them as a shadow, for it is said a cloud received him out of their sight, and while he was among them in that form, he was also rejected and grieved to see their wickedness, in so much that he wept over them, and was taken by wicked hands and cruc●fied, and put to death, and slain and pierced by them, and was laid in a Sepulchre (a figure) and risen again the third day according to the Scriptures, and appeared unto Mary like a gardener, and also he appeared unto his Disciples in another form, Mark 16. and so he tasted death for every creature; for in him was life, and the life was the light of men, and he said, John 10. I lay down my life that I may take it again, no man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself, I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; and so he took flesh upon him and offered once for all, who perfected for ever them John 6. that are sanctified, but the flesh profiteth nothing, and he was one with the Father before the world was made, and he w●nt to the Father again, and was and is one with the Father, and he and the Father are one, John 1●●0. but neither the Jews nor these Baptists doth not see how; for they neither know the Christ of God nor the Father that say he is not a Spirit, Joh. 8. ●. but the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. ●. 1●. and therefore the Baptists being natural saith, Christ is not a Spirit, but they in whom Christ is revealed know him to be a Spirit, as the Apostle said, and so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul, the last Adam was made a quickening Spirit, ● Corin. 15. 45. (mark) that you may see how carnal the Baptists are. Another Baptist at the aforementioned meeting affirmed, That Christ and God was not one. Answ. This is altogether contrary to these Scriptures which are Christ's own words, read these Scriptures in the light and you need no farther proof, I and my Father are one, Joh. 10. 30. Holy Father keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are, Joh. 17. 11. and now people may see with the light that is risen in the conscience how these Baptists hath separated themselves sensual, having not the Spirit, Judas 19 And when these Baptists were justly charged with confusion, for speaking three or four together to one of us, Matthew Caffin said to Joseph Fuce, it was to make him silent; and also when Matthew Caffin was required to prove what he had accused us of, or else he had proved himself a false accuser; then Matthew Caffin Baptist Teacher said, they were fain to cavil hard with us, and many such like swelling words and boasting false accusations and affirmations against the truth and us that own it; but their proud boasting words being so unsavoury, I shall not meddle with them all, they are too many, but those that are so much against the truth, I am constrained to answer for the truth's sake, and in the Power of the Spirit did I justify the truth against its gainsayers to their faces, and then they fled into confusion and cavilling, making use of that to make us silent, (as Matthew Caffin said) and all that doth understand the Scriptures of truth knoweth such there were, and such there are, as Peter said, There shall be false Teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction, 2 Pet. 2. 1. Now if their hearts should be vexed, because their Ezek. 3. 9 folly is so manifested openly, they may blame themselves, for these damnable heresies were taken from their own mouths at the meeting aforementioned, and most of them were affirmed by Matthew Caffin one of their chief Teachers, who said, they were fain to cavil hard, and use confusion to make us silent; who did then as at other times earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered unto the Judas 3. Saints; but now mark what James said, But if ye have bitte●, envying and strife in your hearts, glory not and lie ' not against th● truth, this wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilishes, or where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work, ●ames 3. 14, 15, 16. And those Baptists were found boasting themselves enviously, and cavilling hard, and in confusion, as Matthew Caffin said, and gloried into his own shame, and the rest of the Baptists that resist the truth, let it be especially to them that were with him and did not reprove him; such as is here mentioned and answered, have they often brought forth since they opposed the light and gainsayed the truth, and so by their fruits are they known unto those that do not wilfully resist the light. More of the Baptists Principles declared and affirmed by Matthew Caffin (Baptist Teacher) at another time and place, as is hereafter mentioned, at Chichester upon the 30th day of the 3d month, 1659. MAtthew Caffin affirmed, That Christ and his Spirit was distinct one from the other; and at a Meeting at Henry Copeses at Ellsted in Surrey he declared and stood to affirm the same thing again before many people at that Meeting. Answ. Here this deceiver goeth about to divide Christ, or to make people believe there is a dead Christ without a Spirit, for James saith, The body without the Spirit is dead, James 2. 26. and Christ said, I am alive for evermore, Rev. 1. 18. and this deceiver hath falsely said, we deny the Resurrection; but now it is fallen upon his own head, for if Christ's body were without a Spirit, than were it dead according to the Apostles Words, and if he were dead without a Spirit (according to the Baptists doctrine) then were he not risen; so in effect he hath plainly denied the Resurrection, but if thousands should deny him, yet he abideth faithful and lives forever; you may take notice there were such that came among the Corinthians that were in contention, and Paul asked them whether Christ were divided? or was Paul crucified for them, as if one might be as possible as the other; but of a truth Christ is not divided, but he is both Lord and Christ, and the Lord is that Spirit which proceeded from the Father, and went again unto the Father, and he and the Father is one, and all that doth truly and rightly know these things, they must be converted into the light first, for great is the Mystery of Godliness. And now if there be any so wilful as not to believe that Matthew Caffin is a deceiver, by all these fruits of his, which are sufficient proofs, (mark) then see how William Jeffery one of his chief brethren proves plainly that Matthew Caffin is led by the spirit of Antichrist, and in a very deceitful secret way denies Christ come in the flesh, but that ignorant envious man William Jeffery did intent that should have been a proof against us, but it doth not at all concern us, for all people that hath heard and rightly understood our Doctrine of Christ and his Spirit, (which is in his body) they know we have declared Christ to be a quickening Spirit in his body, and also to be the head of the Church, which is his body, as the Scriptures saith, Eph. 5. 30. Col. 1. 2●. and the Saints were Members of his body, and of his flesh and of his bones, and he was their head over them and in them all, Col. ●. 11. and so in his Name and Power do we preach him up to be the light within the body, and not apart from the body as Matthew Caffin hath affirmed him to be distinct the body from the Spirit; But how fit a proof hath William Jeffery brought against his brother and fellow-messenger Matthew Caffin in the 68 pag. of their own book with their names to ●●, in the 68 pag. William Jeffery his words chief is to prove them to be led by the spirit of error, and the spirit of Antichrist (mark) that preach up the Spirit of Christ apart from the body or flesh of Christ, (and as it is before set down) Matthew Caffin did several times say and affirm, that Christ and his Spirit was distinct one from the other, and so the one of these proves the other to be a deceiver, (mark) William Jeffery his words in the 68 page of that book (called the deceiving Quakers discovered) how plainly he proves his brother a deceiver, and also himself and the rest of the Baptists, who do generally believe and say that the body or flesh of Christ is above the skies, in some place they call Heaven, and his Spirit in them which hath been dipped in water, this is generally held forth by them, and so it is plain they do say the Spirit of Christ is in them a part from the body, which they say is above the skies in Heaven; but if it were as they say, then hath William Jeffery overthrown their whole faith (which is vain) & proved them all deceived and deceivers as well as himself and Matthew Caffin; but with the light all moderate people may see these Baptists to be in the night (and not to have a Vision) that could not see how William Jeffery went to overthrow their whole faith, before it came openly forth printed into the world; but now it is manifested their form is dead, and they in it appear nakedly, for all their highswelling words, and to be all deceived and deceivers; And for Zions' sake I cannot hold my peace, the love of God is so strong in me unto simple-hearted poor Souls, but after the Father's love is manifested unto them, and they reject it, than I may say as the Apostle said, But if any be ignorant let him be ignorant, 1 Cor 1●. 38 At a Meeting at Covole the 28th of the 6th month, 1659. the Matthew Caffin (Baptist Teacher) affirmed, That Christ doth not come in us, that is, in their bodies; and he also said, He denied that to be Christ that was in people, and many words to that effect. Answ. These Baptists chief Principles are to deny the true Christ, at the Meetings where they come, and that exceeding boldly and impudently, as all sober people may see that reads this with the least measure of light; for that was the true Christ which all the true Prophets bore witness of, and that Moses writ of to come amongst the people, and h● did proceed from God, and dwelled amongst Joh●● 14. his Disciples, and they beheld his glory, the glory, as of the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth, and he John 14. ● told his Disciples, he dwelleth with you and shall be in you, for said he, I will not leave you comsortless, I will come to you, John 14. 17, 18. and this was the true Christ the light of the world, and the eye of the body, who proceeded from the Father, and went unto the Father, and come again unto the Disciples, which waited to know him that was to come and be in them, and he did come to them within, and the Antichrists came unto them without, but greater was he that was in them, than he that was in the world, or they that were without them, and so by his power in them they withstood the false prophets and Antichrists, and then went they into the world, 1 John 4. ●. but Christ the Son whom the Father sent to be the Saviour of the world, was then come again according to his former promise, and was in them and they in him, as it was said in John 14. 20. and if you that read this, do not believe he did come again so soon to them, see what John saith, And we know the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ, this is the true God and Eternal life, ● John 5. 20. and so the Scriptures testify of him to come and be in his Disciples, and they in him; but the Baptists saith plainly, he is not come in their bodies, and that is the ground why they are so enraged like the troubled Sea, because they have resisted him that said, Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come into him, Rev. 3. 20. but the Baptists hath kept him out, and so are Reprobates concerning the Faith which he worketh in them that receive him at his coming; and the Apostles bid the Corinthians examine themselves whether they were in the Faith, Prove your own selves, know you not your own s●lves how that Jesus Christ is in you except you be Reprobates? 2 Cor. 13 5. and now all may see that they were Reprobates that d●d not know Jesus Christ in them, and so are these Baptists now that do not know Jesus Christ in them, and now is it seen and proved plainly that these Baptists are led by the spirit of Antichrist in a reprobate state, not confessing Christ to be come in the flesh, but denying him in themselves, which is the very cause why they so wilfully resist and gainsay him in others, where he is come up a swift witness against unrighteousness; and so according to the Scriptures it is proved that the true Christ did come and dwell with his Disciples in the form of the flesh, and did go away unto the Father, and came again unto his Disciples according to his promise, and they knew he was come in them to dwell, but this was not after the flesh, for they were to know him so no more, but as he appeared, they were to see him as he is, 1 John 3. 2. and they did know him come in them a quickening Spirit, for by him were they quickened who had been dead in trespasses and sins, he that reads with the light may understand. And now I shall prove again he doth not only deny Christ to be come in their bodies or flesh, but he also denieth that to be the Christ that was in people; and now if you will at all regard the Scriptures of truth, with the light you shall see how plainly ● shall prove out of the Scriptures that to be the true Christ the Son of the only true God that was in people, that you may all see how the Baptists hath denied both the Father and the Son, and would go on deceiving and being deceived. First see what Christ saith unto his Disciples, At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, & you in me, and I in you, (Mark that) John. 4. 2. and so it is plain that Christ said they should know him in them which was the true Christ which lighteth every man that cometh into the world; and Paul to Timothy said, Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting, 1 Tim. 1. 16. here the Apostle speaks of the true Christ suffering in him, and first to show it forth for a pattern (mark that) and Paul told the Galathians what a persecutor he had been of those that preached in the Name of Christ, while he was among the professing Jews; But when it pleased God who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Heathen, Gal. 1. 15, 16. and Christ was in them the Hope of Glory; and the Apostle said, Little children of whom I travel in birth again until Christ be form●● in you, Gal. 4. 12. and again the Apostle said, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death, Philip. 1. 20. and God was their Father, who was above all, and through all, and in Eph. ●● them all, and Christ was at the right hand of God in them all, and Christ lived in Paul, and he said, The life that I now live in the flesh, I live by the Faith of the Son of God, Galat. 2. 20. Many more Scriptures might be brought to prove that Christ was in people, whom the Father sent to be the only Saviour of the world; and that was the true Christ which was in them, and they were in him, as John said, He is come that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ, 1 John 5. 20. but these Bap●ists have denied him to be the Christ, And them will he deny before his Father which is in Heaven, Matth. 10 33. And so you may see how the Baptists preacheth Christ in words, but now when they are tried they deny him to be come in them, and also deny him in all others; and now it may be said by some (that are ignorant of the things of God) that Christ did say unto his Disciples, He would go away and come to them again, and be in them; and that the Apostle said, He was come, and was in them; but yet they speak of his coming to Judgement, and also of their waiting for him until he did come, and all this is true. I shall answer it in short for the truth's sake; all that did wait and watch in a readiness for his coming in them, they knew his appearance in them, and also the Resurrection from the dead without, for he was manifest with them and revealed in them, and they preached him so to come in like manner unto others; and the Apostle bid them watch and wait for his coming, and the Apostles themselves did meet with such, and wait with them for his coming, and hoped to see him appear in them in due time unto whom he had been preached, and among whom they had laboured; and the Apostle Paul said, My little children of whom I travel in birth again until Christ be form in you, Gal. 4. 19 and so they looked for his coming into them, and for his appearance, even as we do now (in whom he is come to rule in our hearts) and the Apostles did look, and we do look for his coming in the Clouds of Heaven, and all his holy Angels with him at the last to Judge the secrets of men, according to the everlasting Gospel; and this is the Word of truth to all that can receive it. And now all you simple-hearted people which desire to know the truth concerning water-baptism, and breaking of outward bread, whether you have been dipped or would be dipped, if you were sure God did require it of you, who have thought or do think water-baptism and breaking of outward bread had been commands of Christ to his Disciples after his Resurrection, and so to all believers after the Apostles decease. And now in the fear of the Lord lend your ear and hearken diligently that your Souls may live, for in true love and pity unto your poor Souls do I write unto you of these things, even as it hath been manifested unto me in the light which gives the true knowledge of the things of God unto they that are spiritual; And by the Revelation of the Spirit I have perfect knowledge given unto me of those things which the natural man doth not know, because they are spiritually discerned, and revealed by the Spirit unto the Children of the Lord, to the praise and glory of our God, and to the comfort of their Souls which are redeemed out of death, to rejoice in God the Saviour for ever. And when there doth arise in you a desire to read and understand these things, then let your minds be turned unto the light of Christ in your Consciences, which is so freely given unto you, for to make manifest that which may be known of God unto you, and in you, (mark) and when the mind is turned unto the light, then will the darkness and ignorance be manifested to be within, which is the very cause why people doth not rightly understand the things of God when they speak or read of them with their minds blinded, and the nobility of their understandings clouded with enmity against the light, and therefore doth not know those things they read or speak of (but naturally as bruit beasts) yet will they be judging or saying this or that is their Judgement or Opinion; then, when they are contradicted, they wring or wrest the Scriptures (to their own destruction) thinking thereby to uphold their Opinion, and so to get victory over one another, such is the Pharisee practise, who love to have the praise of men (in these our days;) and therefore now you simple-hearted that would walk in the right way but do not know it, I do write unto you, that you may not be hasty, and so run rashly into any opinion, but believe in the light in your own Conscience, for he that Isa 28. 16. believeth shall not make haste, and then waiting in the light, the power of God will arise in due time, and rend the veil, and overturn the dark mountains, and so may you come to Rom. 14. 5 be persuaded in your minds; & such was the Apostles Doctrine when there was striving or contending about days, even as there is among the chief Baptists now; and so now people may see the Baptists are gone into Opinions and Sects like the Priests, some for one thing and some for another, one Sect for free Will and another for Election (as they call them) and another Sect of them are among the shadows and figures observing the seventh days for their sabbath, which God gave unto the Children of Israel for a sign, Ezek. ●0. 1●. and the Apostle said unto the Colossians, Let no man therefore Judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new Moon, or of the Sabbath day, which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ, Colos. 2. 16, 17. Now they that do not go into the observation of the Sabbaths cannot be Judged in them by any man, (mark that) but the Apostle Judged some among the Galatians, saying, Ye observe days and months, I am afraid of you lest I have bestowed my labour in vain, Gal. 4. 1●. for his labour was to bring them out of the observation of days, and outward things, to Christ within, who is Lord of all days, yea he is and shall be known Lord of all, and therefore it is his right to Rule over all when he comes, and therefore be not offended when he would arise to Rule and Reign in you, for blessed are they that are not offended in him, who hath born the iniquity of us all, and he lighteth every man that cometh into the world, and that light is the Law of the Spirit, which is of him, and this Law is their Teacher that love it and are guided by it out of darkness unto Christ, which is the Lawgiver, that taketh away the sin, and fulfils the righteousness of the Law in man, and then man is at the end of the Law, with Christ, who brings in Grace and Peace and everlasting righteousness, within them that first become obedient Gal. 3. 24. unto the Law which is light within, which was our Schoolmaster and the Apostles Schoolmaster to bring them to Christ, who fulfilled those visible things in which he was in, and passed through, for in the time of Circumcision when eight days were accomplished for the Circumcising of the Child, they called his Name Jesus, Luke 2. 21. and he was baptised of John in Jordan, for so he came unto John to fulfil that Ministration as well as Circumcision, but John would not a had it so, yet Christ said suffer it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness; & when he was baptised, then was not that fulfilled? (mark) strait way he went out of the water, Mat. ●. 16. then began John's Baptism to decrease, and Christ's Baptism to increase which was more excellent, and so after Christ ha● been in the Synagogues and Temple made with hands and in water Baptism, he came Mat. 23. 38. out of them, and said behold your house is left unto you desolate, and he came strait way out of the water, and left them there that would not leave that and follow him the fulfiller of all th●se things, into the Kingdom of rest and peace Joh. 3. 15. Pet. 4. 7. for ever, (Mark) than they that abode in the Temple-worship cried the Temple of the Lord, yet were in envy against Christ the Lord of all who left their Temple desolate; and they that were baptised (after a little time) ran into contentions, because Christ was not among them in the water to keep them out of the contention, but then he had left both Temple and water, and they that did not leave those things to follow him who is the Prince of peace, they were and are in the contention, in and about those things which were fulfilled, because 1 Cor. 1● 11. 1 Cor. 3. ●. Christ the Prince of peace was not with them, then to keep them out of the strife contention and envy which they were in that did not follow Christ, who went straightway out of the water, and out of the Temple and Synagogues and left them desolate. But if any of you tender hearted ones should be questioning, whether Christ did not command water Baptism afterwords unto his Disciples when he sent them forth to Preach and Teach. Now be low with your minds turned in to the light, waiting in the fear of the Lord, that you may be the si●●er to understand my answer, which shall be unto you according to the Scriptures, and I hope shall be plain to satisfy all reasonable moderate people concerning water Baptism. For verily I say unto you I had never any command from the Lord to be baptised with outward water neither to Baptise any creature in outward water, but the Lord hath commanded me to do that which is far greater and much more harder to the creature, but by the power of his Spirit in the light was I made able to do it, yet of myself have I nothing to boast of, because the work is the Lords, and the power by which it is done, and I his servant have said unto some of those Baptists Teachers, if they could prove water Baptism to be a command of Christ in this day, I should own it, but they could never yet bring me any Scripture (that would serve for a plain proof) without wresting, and also I have searched the Scriptures in which I find written how Christ sent forth many Disciples then, as now also, and I do not find any where in the Scriptures that he sent them to Baptise in water after John's Baptism decreased, there is in Matthew the 10. Mark 6. Luke ●. and 10. Chapters, how Christ sent forth many Disciples and commanded them what they should do in his Name, but water Baptism is not mentioned there; but if any should say he baptised then himself, for he was not crucified then, I answer and say, he did baptise, but his Baptism was not with water but with the Holy Ghost and with fire, Mat. 3. 11. and Christ said verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father, John 14. 12. and so it doth appear John's Ministry of Baptism was with water but Christ's with the Spirit, for he both Circumcised the heart and ears, and baptised with the Holy Ghost and with fire, which were spiritual things, and the Apostle said therefore seeing we have this Ministry as we have received mercy we faint not, for they were believers, 2 C●r. ●. 1. and were to do the same works that Christ did, and so as he did so were they to do by the power of his Spirit in them; and all those that believed, and came to be of the body (after Christ Ascended up on high) they were all baptised by one spirit into one body, the first of the Corinthians 12. 13. And the spirit was with them, and they with the spirit did bring or baptise into the one body, by the power and sword of the spirit which is the Word of God which they handled, so it is plain their works were spiritual, and their weapons were not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds, 2 Cor. 10. 4. and they Ministered spiritual things, 1 Cor 9 11. and consider rightly that place of Scripture the 28. of Matthew which the Baptists so often hath brought to prove water Baptism to be a command of Christ to his Disciples, but that Scripture doth not at all speak of water, and they are not only wrong in putting water in the room of the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but also in their not going forth into all the world to Preach the Gospel to every creature, for so was that command, Mark 16. 15. And it is said, go ye therefore and teach all Nations, Baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Mat. 28. ●9. (Mark) there is nothing spoken at all of water, but there Christ commands them to teach and baptise in the Name of the Father, Son & Holy Ghost, which Name saveth, for his Name is exalted above evety name, and is a strong Tower, & the righteous flee unto it and are safe, and so they Pro 18. 10. Phil. 2. 9 were to bring into or baptise in that which saved and kept them safe that believed through the Preaching of the Gospel in the Name and power of God; but the Baptists say they that believe should be baptised with water, as if there were no difference between the Name that saveth and a little water, which can do no more than the Hypocrites did which made clean the outside, but were as filthy within as the Baptists are that are against the spirit and life itself, for it is not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 3. 21. and the Apostle said there was one Lord, one Faith, Eph. 4. ●● one Baptism, & the spiritual Baptism is the only Baptism which by the power and the operation of the spirit that was in the Apostles they brought people into the one body which Christ was the head of, & they baptised them in the Name, and there would Christ be in the midst of them that met in his Name, to keep them in unity and peace, for he is the Prince of Mat. 18. 2●. Isa. 9 6. peace, but those Baptists that are in contention among themselves, and in confusion some for one thing and some for another, some observing one day for a Sabbath, and some observing another, they may perhaps have been baptised in water, but I am sure they are not baptised by the one spirit into one body and Name of Christ, for than would Christ be in the midst of them, to keep peace among them, but there is bitterness, strife and contention in the midst of them, and Christ said unto them that were baptised in his Name, and were to bapti●e in his Name, whatsoever they ask of the Father in his Name they should receive it, and now let all the tender hearted Baptists be awakened to search and examine themselves whether they be in the faith; and have asked of God in the Name, or out of the Name of Christ; They surely do know whether they have received that which they have asked for or not, and so may they come to know whether they have been baptised as Christ commanded in Mat. 28. or as the Baptists teachers hath imagined, and so they have wrested that Scripture as they do others to their own destruction, and thereby hath deceived many others, making them believe water is there included, or that is a command for water, when water is not so much as mentioned there, but the Name which saves all that are in it (mark) how plain the Scriptures proveth a great difference between water Baptism and the Baptism in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, for there were some in the Apostles days that after they did believe were baptised into John's Baptism, but they had not heard of the holy Ghost (mark) how they might have been deceived with John's Baptism had not they come to Paul who examined them about the matter, and found how they were led back into John's Baptism, and then he taught them, and then they were baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus; for it is said concerning Paul when he came to Ephesus, and finding certain Disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? and they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost; and Paul said unto them, unto what then were you baptised? and they said unto John's Baptism; then said Paul, John verily baptised with the Baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is on Christ Jesus; when they heard this, they were baptised into the Name of the Lord Jesus, Acts 19 from the first to the fifth verse, and now see whether the chief Baptists have not need to be taught and baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus, for all their water Baptism, which was John's Ministration? and now concerning other Scriptures which hath been brought by the Baptists, as the 10. of the Acts, where Peter asked a question indeed about water, but commanded them to be baptised in the Name of the Lord, and Philip Baptised the Eunuch in water but the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost is not mentioned there, see Acts 8. 38. so it is plain there is a distinction and great difference between water Baptism, and the Baptism of the spirit, or in the name that saveth, but some may say there was water spoken of, and practised by some, I say yes, they did in their freedom use water baptism, which was John's Ministration, and Paul (who was not behind the very chiefest Apostle) for he said he laboured more than them all, yet not I (said he) but the Grace of God which was in him, and he did Baptise Crispus and Gains and also the household of Stephanus he baptised, but yet he thanks God he baptised no more of them, for he said Christ sent him not to baptise, but to Preach the Gospel, 1 Cor. 1. 17. and now it is plain if it could be proved that some of the Apostles were sent to Baptise with water, that would be nothing to them now that speak of baptising with water, for what would that be to those Baptists which dippeth in water now, seeing Paul, (who after them that Christ spoke to in Mat. 28.) was made an able Minister of the Gospel by the Revelation of Christ in him, and Christ sent him among the Gentiles or heathen, not to Preach up water Baptism, and so to bring them into the water, (mark) but to Preach the Name of Christ among the Gentiles, and to bring them into the name which saved them, and so all people that doth understand those things may see all that ever the Baptists have done is but by immetation according to their imaginations, for if that which the Baptists bring for the proof of their command to Baptise did not reach unto Paul, who was so eminent, surely it doth not reach unto these Baptists, but Paul did Circumcise, and baptise by permission for a time as it doth appear, that he might win the more out of those old things (which was to pass away) unto Christ that maketh old things away, and then the new creature is witnessed which availeth, for it is said neither Circumcision nor uncircumcision availech but a new creature, Gal. 6. 15. and so people may understand wherefore Paul (as well as others) did baptise, although they might not be sent to Baptise nor Circumcise, yet he did both, for he became all things to all that he might win some out of all, unto Christ the end of all things, that was to stand but their time, but when the Baptists were in strife, one for Paul and others for Apollo and Cephas, but then they were carnal, 1 Cor. 3. 3. and then Paul told those Baptists plainly he was not sent to Baptise, 1 Cor. 1. 17. and 1 Cor. 1. 12. some went to subvert those believers (that were turned from among the Gentiles nnto God) saying they must be Circumcised after the manner of Moses, or else they could not be saved, but when the Apostles and Elders, and brethren, and the whole Church was met together at Jerusalem (and when they had conferred about the matter, it seemed good unto the Holy Ghost and unto them to write letters and send them with chosen men, unto An●ioch, and this was the substance (which is there mentioned) of their letters, to let them know, they gave no such command for Circumcision, or such things, (mark) and how they laid no greater burden upon them then these necessary things, saying that if ye abstain from meats offered to Idols, and from blood, and from things strangled and from fornication, from which if you keep yourselves, ye shall do well, far ye well, Acts 15. 25. and here you may see there was neither Circumcision, nor observing the seventh day for a Sabbath, neither water Baptism or any such things laid upon the Church that from among the Gentiles were turned unto God, neither by the Holy Ghost, nor the general Assembly of Saints at Jerusalem, and therefore if any come among the people now, to cry up Circumcision or water Baptism to be a command of Christ to us, because there was Circumcision with hands and water Baptism practised before Christ's Resurrection, and after by the Apostles, yet the Scripture saith no greater burden than these necessary things before mentioned in Acts 15. for we see now the Circumcision is that of the heart, and the Baptism is with the spirit in the name which saves, and so now there is no need of those old outward things because the end of them is come within, which is Christ the better hope, and his Baptism is with the spirit into the one body, and his Circumcision is of the heart and ears, and so he sitteth the true worshippers to worship the Father in the spirit and in the truth, and such are built upon the Rock (which the gates of Hell cannot prevail against) and therefore cannot be moved when the sects of the Baptists or Priests, or they of the Circumcision comes like the troubled Seas foaming out their own Judas 1●. shame against the Lamb and his followers who gets the victory over all through sufferings, and blessed are all those that waits in the patience faithful unto the end. And now concerning outward bread and wine, which the Papists and the several Sects of the Priests, and likewise the Sects of the Baptists use concerning and pertaining to their worship, some calling of it the Sacrament, and some the Lords Supper, and every one useth those good creatures according to their vain imaginations, and every Sect of them counts their own way right, to use bread and wine and Pro. 16. 2 water, concerning their worship both Papists and Baptists, and all the other Sects of Priests which cry up visible things to be Ordinances of Christ pertaining to their worship, and such worships now is not the true worship of the true God the Father, for he is and aught to be worshipped in the Spirit and in the truth; and all that are out of the Spirit in the visible bread and wine & water, they are the false worshippers, both Papists and other Sects as well as they, for they are all subject to the creatures more than to the Creator, who is worshipped in Spirit and in truth, and all the Statutes and Ordinances (after the fall into the transgression) in reference to visible things pertaining to the Worship of God in those forms, was ordained in time for to stand their time as shadows, types & figures of good things to come in due time, and the end of all those things did come, and those that did not know the end of all those things come, to redeem the mind to God in due time (mark they Idolised them, and they were their Idols, set up out of their time by the Idolatrous worshippers, H●o. 〈◊〉 2●. 1 Cor. 12. 31. for in due time God sent forth his Son, (a more excellent way) a new and living way, and they that received him in due time he changed them out of the old things which had their time to be set up and to stand until fulfilled, and then it was time for them to fall and have an end when Christ had been in them, and fulfilled them, and was come out of them again, and then will-worshippers they sought to hold them up out of their time, and thereby drew people from Christ into those things; but Christ called out of those things to take up the Cross and follow him who fulfilled those things, and he sent (those that followed him) forth to call others, which were without ready to perish with those things, and therefore to come into the Father's house, for all things were ready there, & they that would not forsake those things and come into Christ where all things was ready, they should Luke 14. not taste of the Supper; and it is said as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it unto his Disciples, and said, Take eat, this is my body, and he took the Cup and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it, for this is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many, for the remission of sins, Matth. 26. 26. 1 Cor. 11. 24. And now both Papists and Baptists, and many other carnal-minded people imagineth that bread and the cup of Blessing to be outward bread and wine, and therefore they will be eating and drinking outward bread and wine, and when they have been asked to prove their practice to be a Command of Christ by the Scripture, than they have run to those Scriptures as if they would have proved something for them, but we find those Scriptures to be against them, for there it is said in Matth. ●6. 1 Cor. 11. The Bread was his body which was broken for them, and the Cup was his blood which was shed for the remission of sins, but the natural man doth not know the things of God, because they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2 1●. and so they eat visible creatures, and do not dicern the Lords Body; now the visible bread and drink is for the satisfying the hunger and thirst of the visible body, being received in the fear of the Lord; but the bread of life, and the fruit of the heavenly Wine doth satisfy the hungry Soul, and the immortal Soul that hungereth and thirsteth after righteousness cannot be satisfied without that Bread of Life and Blood which Christ gave unto his Disciples, and with the light you may easily perceive that proved to be the spiritual meat, for Christ said, I am the Bread which came down from Heaven, John 6. 41. but that troubled the professing Jews, even as our words of Truth doth trouble both Papists and the rest of the Sects that use visible bread, and set that in stead of the invisible Bread of God which came down from Heaven and gives life unto the world, John 6. 33. and when we say the bread and drink which Christ gave unto his Disciples was his body and blood according to the Scriptures, than they wonder, and some of them hath said, how could he give them his body to eat and drink? and such was the Jews carnal reason, when Christ said, The bread that I will give, is my John 6. 52 flesh; then the Jews strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you, John 6, 51, 52, 53. but this was a hard saying unto the Jews, and also to the Disciples that looked without at the flesh and blood that was visible, insomuch that many were offended and went back, and walked no more with Jesus, for he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before, it is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing, the words that I speak unto you they are Spirit, and they are Life, vers. 63. and so he did give his body and blood, and life unto his Disciples, as he said in Matth. 26. for he had life in himself to give John 5. 26. unto whom he would, and unto this agree those Scriptures which speaketh of heavenly and spiritual gifts that were given unto the Saints which were to feed the flock of God with that which they had received, and they did feed some with the milk of the Word that were as new born babes, and 1 Cor 3 ●. Heb ● 1●. some with strong meat as they were able to bear it; and so they broke bread, or divided the Word aright as good stewards of the manifold grace of God, 1 Pet. 4. 10 and so that which they received of the Lord they ministered unto others 1 Tim. 2. 15. according to their gift or ability, as Paul said (after he had asked the Corinthians whether they had not houses to eat and to drink in) For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, 1 Cor. 11. 23. and they had received the word of reconciliation, and the life and truth itself, and that they declared and delivered a right according to every one's ability, and so they break bread from house to house as Acts 2. 46. the Scripture saith, And they kept the Feast, but not with the ●●aven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, 1 Cor. ●. ●. and this was their manner of breaking of bread, or ministering spiritual things, who did not handle the Word of God deceitfully, but divided that a right which they had seen, tasted and handled, which was 2 C●r. 4. 2. Heb. 6 5, 1 John 1. 1. good unto them, whose affections were set upon things above those natural things which the natural man looketh at. Now you may see there is not a word in Scripture that ever Christ or the Apostles did Command breaking of outward visible bread, but Christ (whose Words were Spirit & Life) said, I am the bread that came down from Heaven, that a man may eat of and not die; again he said, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you, John 4. and the true worshippers worship the Father in Spirit and in truth, and he that eateth of Christ's body (the bread of Life) shall live by him, said Christ, John 6. 57 and he said the bread that he broke and gave to his Disciples was his body, and the cup was his blood which he gave them, than (mark) what he said, But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom, John. 5. 1. and he that will drink of the fruit of this vine with Christ, must first come into the Kingdom of God, for there is the Throne and Table of the Lord known; and when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God, Luke 14. 15. Here it speaks of eating and drinking in the Kingdom of God, but the natural Jews and Baptists doth not know how those things should be, because they are spiritually discerned, and so they deceive themselves and others, that set up and cry up visible things in the room of that which is invisible, and such beguile people in a voluntary humility, intruding into those things which they have not seen, vainly puffed up by their fleshly, earthly and sensual knowledge, and not holding the head, such the Apostle Pa●l speaks of to the Colossians, that they might beware of them, saying, Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why as though living in the world are ye subject to Ordinances? touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men, which things have indeed a show of wisdom, in will-worship and humility, and neglect of the body, Col 2. And so in love and pity unto poor Souls have I freely declared and rightly proved that which first I received of the Lord in the Light which gives the right understanding, h● that can receive them, let him do it freely in the Light. THE END.