SEEKERS SUPPLIED, OR Three and forty Non-Church Queries by Scripture answered. Penned and published for the vindication of Christ's Commands, and edification and confirmation of his people.  
By Thomas Killcop, Servant to Christ jesus, the King of Kings.  CANT. 2.14.15. 
O my Dove, that art in the Clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs: let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice, for thy voice is sweet, and thy countenance is comely.  
Take (for) us the Foxes, the little Foxes: which spoil the Vines, for our Vines have tender grapes.  JUDAS 3. 
Beloved it is needful to write unto you, and to exhort you to contend, and that earnestly too: for that faith that was once delivered to the Saints.  
LONDON, Printed by Tho. Pain for George Whittington, and are to be sold at his Shop at the Blue Anchor in Cornhill near the Royal Exchange. 1646.   

To the Christian Reader.  
AS Israel departing out of Babel, to repair Zion, were hindered: so now spiritual Israel departing spiritually from spiritual Babel, to repair and build up spiritual Zion, are also hindered by such as are called (Non-Worshippers) and as they built and held weapons too, so must we spiritually. Of these are three sorts, some deny worship only, some believers also, and some deny Scripture too. The first sort are most conscientious, but the last are truest to their principles; for such gifts as they say, must accompany Administrators, and confirm administrations. Are rather by Scripture speech to accompany believing, and to confirm the word to be the word A● Mat. 16.17.20. Heb. 2.4. Mar. 1.27. john 12.37. Therefore that Non-Worshipper that is not also a Non-Believer, yea that doth not by Scripture deny Scripture, is not true to his principles. And if the first sort (which I have to deal with) dare own Scripture to be Scripture, and themselves Believers, though they want gifts, much more hold might they be, to practise this received word, and declare their faith by obedience, though they want the same gifts.  
These I take to be the Foxes specified, Can. 2 15. there is first the speech of Christ to his people, and therein, Exhortations, and provocations to worship, verse 14. And then their reply to him, declaring their grievances, in that the Vines are injured, and their small fruit hindered by little Foxes. These vines are believers, fruit is obedience, john 15.8. and these Foxes are such as (what in them lies) hinders the Saint's fruitfulness as I conceive.  
They petition, and so do I, (not to man, but God) that Christ (not the Wolf) would take them, and bind them, with the cords of love and pierce them, (not in the flesh with a sword of steel, but) in the heart with the sword of the spirit. For the weapons of our Warfare are not carnal, but spiritual, and mighty through God, to cast down, etc. Acts 2.37. Heb. 4.12. 2 Cor. 10.4.  
Their way is to study subtle queries, which pussles, and puts at a stand, the (weak, but) conscientious people. For 'tis easy to propound what is hard to answer, they are subtle, and I simple, they in parts strong, and I weak. But I have the word on my side, which they have not, and truth fears no colours, and I faint not, knowing that God makes babes to praise him, Mat. 21.16. they quote Scriptures, so do I Let the Reader weigh theirs and mine, and see whose are suitable to what they are brought for, and whose not. I have covited brevity, therefore read deliberately, weigh carefully, practice conscionably. Farewell.  
Thine in Christ's cause. Thomas Killcop.   

SEEKERS SUPPLIED. Or 43. Non-Church queries briefly and plainly answered by Scripture.  
Quere 1 WHether the visible congregated Churches of Christ did, or ever should suffer defection under Antichrist, from these and other Scriptures. Jer. 10.20. Dan. 8.13. and 9.25. and 11.31. and 12.7.11. Hos. 3.4, 5. Amos 5.13. and 8.12.11. Mich. 3.6 7. Luk. 17.22.23. Joh. 9.4. 1 Thes. 2.3. 1 Tim, 3.5. Rev. 11. and 12.6. and 15.8.  
Que. 2 Whether the defection, should be total, or in part only?  
Answer. Though some of these Scriptures concern the Jews only, some Christ's personal presents, some the day of glory, hardly any seemingly for the thing in hand. Yet I grant a defection hath been (in part; yea, wholly) but this defection is vicious, not virtuous: and though it hath been, it should not be. As Luk. 19.13. Rev. 2.25. 1 Tim. 6.14. 2 Pet. 1.19.  
And a recovery from this defection, (either in whole or in part) is virtuous, not vicious. Cant. 1.7, 8. jude 3. Rev. 2.5.  
Object. God may justly, for the abuse of Gifts, Ordinances, or Administrations: take them away and still withhold them?  
Answ. From those that abused them he may, but for their abuse, to withhold them from their successors: is to set children's teeth an edge, for father's eating sour grapes. Ezek. 18.2, 3, 4.  
Que. 3 Whether there hath been a restauration, since that defection?  
Que. 4 When, and how far this restauration hath been?  
Ans. That a Restauration hath been in part, (even in England) both in doctrine, and practice: thousands can experimentally testify. Which restauration will be more and more, Cant. 2.12.13.15. Dan. 12.4.9.10. In the mean while we ought to walk by our, rule, so far as we have attained. Phil. 3 16.  
Que. 5 Whether there be any pattern of a true Church under the Gospel that ever was gathered without Baptism?  
Ans. No, for the 3000. Acts 2.41. were added by baptism, which could not be, if the Church they were added to, were not also baptised, and baptism is the entrance into Christ, (in respect of order) Gal. 3.27. john 3.5. Rom. 6.1, 2.  
Que. 6 Whether any people (how godly so ever) may gather and baptise themselves, and others: unless they have a Commission from Heaven, (as john, the Apostles and Ananias had) either immediately, or mediately, by the visible gifts of the Holy Spirit? As john 16.33. and 17.18. Math. 28. Acts. 9.10.  
Ans. This query declares much ignorance in the querer.  
For first, never had john, the Apostles, Ananias, nor any other, a Commission to baptise themselves.  
Secondly, (Visible gifts) is not Scripture language, but very improper, because though the baptism of the Spirit, was sometime visibly seen like a Dove, or like fiery tongues, Math. 3.16. Acts 2.3. Yet it was not always seen. For the jews knew not that the Gentiles had it, tell they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Acts 10.46. And never was any other gift visible, no not once, though their effects were visible, as healing the sick, raising the dead, etc. A knowing man can distinguish betwixt a thing itself, and the effects it produceth.  
Thirdly, These gifts (improperly called visible) are not Commissions from Heaven, nor so called. Fourthly, they fit not for administrator-ship. For john had a commission from Heaven, and was a lawful Administrator, Mat. 21.25. john 1.33. though he had not these gifts, john 10.41.  
And Christ's Disciples, were lawful Administrators, joh. 3.22. and 4.1 2.3. When they had not Apostle ship, nor power to work miracles, nor the baptism of the spirit, for this Administrator-ship, was before john's imprisonment, john 3.34. or Christ return to Galilee, john 4.3. But after these things; many of the twelve came to Christ, Mark. 1.14.16.19. and 2.14. and after this, Christ chose the twelve, from other Disciples: and after this choice, he called them Apostles, and then gave them power to heal sicknesses, cast out Devils, etc. Mark. 3.13.14.15. Mat. 10.2. And their baptism with the spirit, was not till after Christ's ascension, Acts 1.4.5. and 2. chap.  
Whether john's baptism, and ministry, were not to end when Que. 7 Christ's were fully come? john 3.30. Act. 13.25.  
No verily, for first, those places speak no such thing, 2. Ans. john began Christ's Gospel, prepared his way, made his paths strait, Mark, 1.1, 2, 3, 4.  
Whether any were baptised in the name of the Lord jesus, or of Que. 8 Christ, before the ascension, or with john's baptism after the ascension?  
Yea verily, for these differ not, Ans. being both the baptism of water, Acts 1.5. and 10.47.48. and both the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins. Mar. 1.4. Acts 2.39.  
Whether there be not a baptism for the giving, and receiving of Que. 9 the holy spirit, distinct from that of john or Christ, seeing Philip it seems, could not administer that of the holy spirit, though he did administer the other. Act. 8.12.15.16.17.  
The baptism of water, and the baptism of the holy spirit, Ans. are doubtless two distinct baptisms, Act. 1.5.  
Whether the baptism in the Apostles Commission, Mat. 28. Mar. Que. 10 16. were the baptism of John, so called, Mat. 3.7. and 21.25. Act. 1.22. and 18.25. and 19.3. or the baptism of Christ, or in the name of the Lord jesus, so called, Act. 2.38. and 8.16. and 10.48. and 19.5. or the baptism with, or in the name of the holy spirit so called, Math. 3.11. and 28.19. Mark. 1.8. Luk. 3.16. or all these baptisms together?  
I have proved the two first not to differ, (query 8.) secondly, Ans. the baptism of, or with the holy spirit, is not called a baptism in the name of the holy spirit, this is a mere deluding falsehood of purpose to pervert, Mat. 28.19. which place speaks not of the baptism of the spirit, but of the baptism of water. For it is the disciplising baptism, and that is that with water, joh 4.1.2. compared with joh. 3.22.23. Secondly, it is that baptism to which is annex▪ t the promise of the spirit. Mat. 28.20. Mark. 16.17. and that is that with water. Mat. 3.11. Mark. 1.8. Act. 2.38.  
Obicte. Where is that baptism said to be in the name of the father, son and spirit?  
Ans. The baptism with water, is the baptism in the name of the Lord jesus, but the baptism of the spirit is not. Act. 8.15.16. and 10.47.48. and he (as man) is his father's deputy, doing and speaking his fathers will. Heb. 1.1.2. joh. 7.29. Therefore what is done in his name, or in obedience to him, is in the name of, or in obedience to the Trenity or Godhead, Luk. 10.16.  
Que. 11 Whether the baptism of Christ, be to be administered with water?  
Ans. Yea, Act. 8.38. and 10.47.48.  
Que. 12 Whether the baptism of the spirit be administered with water?  
Ans. No, Act. 1.5.  
Que. 13 Whether the baptism of john, or the baptism of Christ, in the ministration with water, be to be administered with these words (in the name of the father?  
Ans. Christ did not bid say, I baptise thee in the name, etc. He bid do it in the name, etc.  
Que. 14 Whether all that were visibly baptised in the name of the Lord jesus, received, or were they visibly baptised, with the holy spirit?  
Ans. All baptised Believers, had more or less, sooner or later, that baptism of the spirit, which you call visible, Act. 2.38 39  
Quere, 15 Whether ever any particular Churches of Christ, officers, officer, or People (as by virtue of particular Church privileges) did, or had power to administer, either all, or any of the aforesaid baptism?  
Ans. Any Church that had ability, had also authority to administer either baptism, but some wanted ability to administer that of the spirit, so much as on themselves, Act. 8.16, 17, 19  
Que. 16 Whether Elders, Bishops, Pastors or Deacons, had any more power by virtue of these titles of office, to administer in matters of worship, than any other in the Church had, or might have: though they were no officers?  
Ans. Disciples as Disciples, have power from Christ, to administer, john 4.1, 2. Mat. 25.16, 18, 19 Acts 9.10. yet may a Church, I conceive, make use most usually, of her ablest Members Acts 13.1. with Acts 15.22.35.  
Que. 17 Whether the Officers afore said, were not only civil?  
Ans. No, Christ is a soul Bishop, or Shepherd, 1 Pet. 2.25. And these are his Deputies, 1 Pet. 5.1, 2, 3, 4. Also the flock and food is spiritual, therefore Pastors also.  
Que. 18 Whether the visible presence of Christ, or any other of his visible ministries or ministrations of worship: were to continue any longer time, than the visible power and presence of the holy spirit by gifts, which was before told should accompany them, and was fulfilled according to these and other Scriptures, Mat. 3.11. Mark 16.17, 18, 20. john 1.33 and 7.39. and 14.26. and 16 13. Act. 1.25. and 2.38.43. and 8.16.17. and 11.15.16. and 19.5 6. Heb. 2.3.4.  
Ans. This query declares horrible sottishness in the querer. For first, the spirit was not in this sort present, till Christ's visible presence was gone, john 16.7. Secondly, not one of these Scriptures do fore tell that these gifts should accompany ministries and ministrations of worship. Thirdly, not one of them affirms such a thing to be fulfilled. Fourthly, some of them declare the word to be confirmed by them, As Mar. 16.20. Heb. 2. But that being confirmed, and people receiving that for God's word, they are to submit to it, without seeing miracles for such as now give nor heed to but neglect it, cannot escap. Because Christ and others, at first preach it, and God even then bore witness to it, or to them preaching it, with miracles, and other gifts of the spirit, as he at that time pleased, Heb. 2.1, 2, 3, 4. These gifts were to confirm doctrine while it was new, Mar. 1.27. Thus with Moses and the Prophets so also with Christ.  
But now God's last spokesman, hath already uttered, and confirmed his last message, Mar. 21.36.37. Heb. 1.1. and 2.3.4. therefore Gods use and end for miracles, or gifts, termed visible, is null. For whosoever teacheth otherwise now, than what is already taught, is to be accursed, Gal. 1.  
Que. 19 Whether the visible gifts of the holy spirit, were not the life, power, etc. of the visible ministries and ministrations of the Gospel, as much at least as the holy anointing oil, and the body of Christ was the life of those under the law?  
Ans. To compare oil with Christ's body, I account it blasphemy, Secondly these gifts, termed visible, are not the life and power of Gospel ministrations, for they lived and acted without them, as I minded in query the 6. how john and Christ Disciple administered in a Gospel way, when they had not such gifts. That John was a gospeler, see further Mat. 11.10.12. Mark 1.12.4. Luke 16.16.  
Que. 20 Whether the death of the Visible body of Christ, was not the death of the visible ministries and ministrations of the Law?  
Ans. Yea, and well it may, being the substantial Antitype of those Types and shadows, Col. 2.17. Heb. 9.9, 10, 11. & 10 1, 2.  
Que. 21 Whether the death of the visible power of Christ, by the ceasing of the visible gifts of the holy spirit, was not the death of the visible ministries and ministrations of the Gospel?  
Ans. The ceasing of gifts cannot kill Gospel ministries or ministrations of Worship, first because they never had life by them, as query 6. and 18. Secondly, neither were Gospel administrations shadows of these gifts, as the ministeries of the Law were of Christ's death.  
Que. 22 Whether it be possible for any man to be a true visible Preacher or Minister of worship in any other kind, according to Rom. 12.6.7. 2 Cor. 12.3, 7. Ephes. 4.7. 2 Tim. 4.14, 15. 1 Pet. 4.10.11. unless he hath received, or been visibly baptised with the holy spirit that if way be manifest to sense, that it is immediately, or mediately after a supernatural way from God?  
Ans. 'tis doubtless possible, for such to be visible Preachers, and Ministers of worship, that have neither gift of miracle, nor the spirits baptism, as is proved in quetie 6.  
Que. 23 Whether if any can, or at least will pretend to administer in a Gospel's way, visibly (who are dead to it, for want of visible life by gifts) why may not every one that can and will pretend it?  
Ans I have oft proved that the want of gifts make not men dead to administrations, Secondly, though believing men in the ways of God may administer, yet first, unbelievers may not. Psal. 50.16.17. Secondly, Non-participaters, (though believers) may not, (when Christ's ways are afoot) for Christ himself would not preach the Gospel, but first be baptised, to fulfil righteousness, even a righteous order. Mat. 3.15. and 4.23. And Paul though appointed to witness Christ to the Gentiles, must first be baptised. Acts 22.15, 16. Thirdly, believing women (though baptised) may not in the Church (by administering) usurp authority. 1 Cor. 14.34 1. Tim. 2.  
Que. 24 Whether any believer now living in the world, can truly say he is visibly baptised with the holy spirit? according to Acts 8 15 16.17. and 10 44.45. and 19.2. and many other places?  
Ans. First, I have proved this baptism, not to be always visible, from Acts 10.45.46. Secondly, every baptised believer (since Christ ascension) is, or shall be, little or much baptised with the holy spirit, or else God keeps not promise. Acts 2.17, 18.38.39. john 7.38.39 Believers without this, are without their earnest, and likewise unsealed, Ephes. 1.13.14. which I doubt the Querer is.  
Que. 25 Whether any believer now living in the world, can show what this particular gift, or gifts are, and after what manner or form particular gifts are to be administered, as the gift of knowledge, wisdom, faith, miracles, prophesy, disearning of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues? etc. 1 Cor. 12.8.9.  
What the baptism of the spirit, (the Birthright of every called one) is? I purpose (God assisting) to declare fully, from Acts 19 In a book which I shall entitle, (A two fold baptism) in the mean while, see the substance of it, in Acts 2.18. in these words. (On my servants and handmaids, will I pour my spirit, and they shall prophesy.)  
Ans. God will pour his spirit on them, (that is the gift) and they shall prophesy, (that is the effect) they shall be filled with the holy spirit, as a fountain is filled with water, that is the gift, and the fullness within, shall bubble forth, that is the effect, as john 7.38, 39 Acts 2.4 The appearance of fiery tongues, is an overplus in the gift, and the speaking with tongues, is an overplus in the effect.  
Que. 26 Whether any that hath a visibile gits, or gifts of the spirit, must not of necessity know that he hath so?  
Ans. 'tis likely he should, yet I conceive, it may possibly be otherwise. For Samson thought the spirit abode with him, when it was gone. judg. 16.20.  
Que. 27 Whether any that hath a visible gift or gifts of the spirit: must not of necessity administer infallibly, when he administers by them?  
Ans. Yea doubtless. 1 Cor. 12.3.  
Qu. 28 Whether any one that hath a visible gift or gifts of the spirit, administering sometime by them, and sometime beside them, must not of necessity know, when he administers infallibly by them, and when beside them: As well at least as any Officer in commission, or any Soldier of, or in any Army, or any Officer, or member of a civil state; can tell when he administers or acts, according to his commission, institution, birth, privileges, etc. and when it is not?  
Ans. We have our Commissions, institutions, etc. not from gifts, but from the written word. 1 Cor. 14.37. Gal. 1 8 9 2 Pet. 1.17.18.19. Secondly, there is a possibility for people thus gifted, to be mistaken in this kind. For the Corinthians which came short in no gift, 1 Cor. 1.5, 6.7. Supposed the spirit taught them to let women teach in the Church. 1 Cor. 14.35, 36, 37, 38. and the Galatians had these gifts, and yet that was error, which they took for truth, and they fell backward, when they thought they went forward, Gal. 3.2, 3.5. and yet all the Saints, (gifted or not gifted) are in some things infallible. john 21.24. and 1 john 5 18, 19, 20.  
Que. 29 Whether any that hath a visible gift, or gifts of the spirit, must not of necessity know, when he administers each several gift?  
Ans. No, we may possibly think, we administer the gift of wisdom, when envy is in us: or the gift of knowledge, when pride hath possessed us, or uncharitableness: but are deceived. jam. 3.13.14, 15. 1 Cor. 8.1, 2, 3.  
Que. 30 Whether it be not necessary that the visible gifts of the holy spirit, should continue in the Church, as long as there is a Church, to distinguish between christian and antichristian spirits. As in civil affairs, officers and members of a civil state should have visible commissions, institutions, birth-priveledges, etc. to distinguish them from false intruders?  
Ans. First, any man endued with reason, will deny those gifts (which you call visible) to be Commissions and institutions. Secondly, civil Commissions and institutions are written, so are ours, as before minded, Thirdly to distinguish between Antichristian and Christian spirits, was not Christ's end for gifts, as query 18. Fourthly, Antichristians, shall by miracles deceive all except the Elect. Mat. 24.24. Rev. 13.13, 14, 15.  
Que. 31 Whether the visible Church, want not members, when any of the gifts are wanting in it? according to 1 Cor. 12.  
Ans. That chapter, speaks only of the Church general, whereof the church at Corinth, was a body or members in particular. A part of the whole as verse 27. So that this Church wants not members, if ever these gifts were, though particulars have them not, and whoever now hath interest in the Church general, hath interest in them gifts. joh. 20.30, 31.  
Que. 32 Whether visible gifts, and consequently visible ministries, and ministrations of worship, were not to cease all at one time, seeing they came all from one spring. 1 Cor. 12 4.5, 8, 9, 11, 13. and 13.8.13.  
Ans. These administrations, 1 Cor. 12.4.5. are Christ's administrations of gifts, not our administration of worship, (a great mistake) I confess that when these gifts cease, our Lord ceaseth to administer them, and these administrations of gifts, spring not from a command, as our administrations of worship do, joh. 15.14.  
Que. 33 Whether the food of the Church, (after visible gifts) should not be immediately from God, without any visible means. As the Saints witnesses, etc. according to jer. 31.33.34, Ezek. 34.11, 12, 13, 14.15. Revel. 12.6.14.  
Ans. First, your Scripture, Rev. 12.6. saith, they shall feed her. Secondly, your other Scriptures, eaten not fulfilled in this life, for now we know but in part, and see as in a glass darkly. 1 Cor. 13. But when Christ again appears, then, and not tell than we shall see him as he is, even face to face, and know as we are known. 1 Cor. 13. 1 john 3.2, 3. and tell then, we are to make use of word and ordinances. 2 Pet. 1.19 1 Cor. 11.26. Rev. 2.  
Que. 34 Whether there be in the Scripture, any clear proof for the time, rule for manner, and discriptinn of the power, for restoring the Church from the defection, from faith, order, etc. as there was under that defection of the law. 2 Chron 36.22.23.  
Ans. That place discribes no rule for manner, nor power for restoring, but only the time when: but our Gospel rule gives a commanding power to restore its faith or order. jude 3 Rev. 2.4, 5. As of old, their written commands, and institutions, gave power, and their restaurations were squared thereby Ezra 3.2.4 10. Nehe. 8.14 15.16. so now.  
Que. 35 Whether it be not clear from Ezra 1.12. and 6.14. Zach. 4.6. and many other places that Ezra and the rest, went not about to reform, tell they had a particular command from God, with power and particular promises of protection, and success, and strengthened with most sweet and gracious promises?  
Ans. First, to expect immediate Revelations from Heaven to Prophets, and from them to people now, is to deny Christ, as come in the flesh Former Prophets, typifying ours, and he is the Antytipe of them, Acts 3.22.23. Heb. 1.1 Secondly, these Prophets gave them not their 1. commission. But (the work by opposition ceasing) their prophesying did only reincourage them. As is clear. Ezra 4 24. and 5 1.2. Hag. 1.2.3.  
Que. 36 Whether 1 Cor. 12.1. As concerning spiritual gifts brethren, I would not have you ignorant, etc. Doth it not lay an absolute necessity upon every one that will administer in a Gospel way, to be really possessed with such gifts as also, rightly to understand them.  
Ans. Want of gifts hinders not administering in a Gospel way, as query. 6. joh. 3 22.23. Mar. 1.1.2.3.4. Yet I grant that none is to administer beyond his ability, Rom. 12.3.6. He that hath but one talent is not to use five: nor yet to hid his one because he hath not five. But every one is to administer, as he hath received. 1 Pet 4 10.11. Or he shall be bound and cast into utter darkness, Mat. 25.30.  
Que. 37 Whether it be not player like childish, apish, improper, and Anti-christian: for any to pretend to administer visibly in the name of the father son and spirit, that wants power to give the holy spirit, etc. or at least that hath not visibly Gospel life himself by it, for matter of faith, order, etc.  
Ans. Here is horrible impiety discovered, first reckoning Christ's service, apishness, Secondly, accounting people ungifted, to be lifeless, touching either faith, or order.  
First, john and Christ's disciples, query 6 and Philip as you grant, query 9 administered the baptism of Christ, when they could not convey the spirit, Secondly, the Samaritans, had visible life touching faith, and order. For they believed and were baptised. Acts 8 12. or received the word of God, vers 14 and the Ephesians had visible life touching faith and order. For Paul, (though a stranger) found them to be believing disciples. Act. 19 1.2. when both the Samaritans, and Ephesians, wanted (as yet) your least degree (to wit) the baptism of the spirit, as Acts 8.16. and 19 2 6. Which you falsely call vissible life, etc.  
Que. 38 Whether ministering visibly in the name of God or Christ, in a bare form, without the visible anointing baptism, presence &c of the holy spirit, by and with gifts to administer without the power and authority of jesus Christ, be not plain deceiving, cozening, a false vision, a divination of their own hearts, a thing of naught, false dreams, lies lightness, etc. jer. 14.14 and 23.21.25, 26, 27 32. Mat. 24. Yet all in the name of Christ, etc. and from running before sending, and climbing up some other way, than God and Christ hath ordained. Incurring to himself that heavy vengeance, Numb. 18.7 Deut. 18.20 jer. 13.14. Revel 20.10.  
Ans. To affirm (as you do) that such administrations, that are in the name of God, or Christ, are without the authority of Christ, if not accompanied with gifts, must needs be deceiving, cozening, a false vision, etc. and from running, before sending, etc. Because (as often minded) john and others that wanted these gifts, did administer by authority from God or Christ, john 1.33. Math 21.  
Que. 39 Whether administering visibly, or rather seeming to administer in a Gospel way, without a true visible power & commission by gifts &c Or to partake of such ministries or ministrations: be not to set up an Idol, yea Idolatry in the highest degree: as far above jeroboams calvoes, as Gospel is above the law, Christ above Moses, and spiritual Babel with her plagues, Rev. 18.21. above literal Babel with hers. jer. 51. 63.6●.  
Ans. Then had john and others a commission, to set up Idolatry in the highest degree (they wanting these gifts as aforesaid.) Secondly, if these gifts, be visible power and commission, than john and others (that had not these gifts) had no visible commission at all, opposite to john 1.33.  
Que. 40 Whether to partake of such ministries and ministrations, either in respect of time, place, matter or form of worship, or whatever comes under institution of Antichrist, (as every institution doth, that is not from Christ) be not to receive the mark of the Beast, number of his name, and to worship the beast and his image, and so to be liable to those dreadful plagues, Ier 14.13, 14, 15, 16. & 29.15.16.17, 18. Rev. 14.9 10, 11. etc. read and tremble.  
Ans. Your speech is at random, not having (as yet) proved our time, place, matter or form of worship: to be of Antichrist, or not from Christ.  
I can prove the neglecters, (much more the opposers) of God's way of worship, to be resisters of his counsel, and that against themselves, and liable to be plagued, Luke 7.30. Math. 12.30. Rev 4.7 12. read and trimble.  
Que. 41 Whether it doth not highly concern every one that fears the Lord, to be infallibly assured of the warrantableness of their practice, and power in matters of visible worship, lest the Lord account them, takers of his name in vain, will worshippers, and Antichristians, and so guilty of, and liable to that sin and vengeance, Ex. 26.5. Deu. 4.2 and 12.32. Pro. 30.6. Rev. 21.10.  
Ans. This is a truth and good counsel, but not well applied, for first not true, but false worshippers are herein tardy. Rev. 14.7.9. Secondly fearers of the Lord, are also worshippers of the Lord and non-worshippers are non-fearers. Psal. 2.11. Psal. 5.7. Rev. 1●. 7. and many more places.  
Que. 42 Whether Exod. 25.9.40. and 10.33. Levit. 10. 1, 8. Numb. 16.7. Psal. 138.2. Ezek. 15.6. and 43.8.9.11.12. and many other places, Especially Psal. 138.2. I will worship toward thy temple and praise thy name, for thy loving kindness, and truth, for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy names. Doth it not eminently declare the exceeding transcendency of God's worship, above all other his name, works and ordinances whatsoever. And consequently that all the murders, rapes, oppressions plunderings, blasphemies, or whatever grievious sins, have been, or shall be committed, are little or nothing in comparison of this great blasphemy, to wit, abuse of this great and glorious name of God, by false and will worship.  
Ans. Therefore you might even trimble thus to murder, rape, and plunder this glorious name of God, to wit, his worship, for not false and will worship, but true worship, you rail against the consideration of the excellency of this name, wrought a contrary effect in David, who therefore worshipped toward his holy temple. Psal. 138.2. Here O heavens, and witness O earth, (at the great day of Christ) against this horrible and desperate plundering of this glorious name.  
Que. 43 Whether it may not be gathered from Scripture, that there should be, etc. a time for believers, &c to be silent, etc. and that there should be night to visible worship, etc. and they should wait on the Lord for a restauration and reformation, etc. Eccles. 3.7. Cant. 1.13. and 3.1. and 5.2. Esay 5.30. and 13.9, 10. and 26.20. and 28.26. and 60.2. jer. 13.16. and 14.22. Dan. 12.12. Hos. 3.4, 5. joel 2.2, 10. Amos 5.13. and 8.9, 10.11. Mich. 3.6.7. and 7.7, 8.14.15. Hab. 2.3. Zeph. 1.4.15. and 3.8.9 Zach. 12.14.17. Math. 24 29. Mar. 15.43. Luke 2.25, joh. 9.4. 1 Cor. 1.7, 8. Rev. 8.1.  
Ans. Indeed these words, silence; night; weight, are often in these Scriptures, but not once to purpose, but each Scripture is horribly abused. First, solomon's all things, are all accidents that befall us, his time of silence Eccle. 3.7. is an accidental silence, as by death, etc. and not an allowed time to be silent God-ward. As Eccles. 12.13. and if the righteous through fear, be altogether thus silent. As Amos 5.11.13. 'tis vice, not virtue, to be shunned, nor followed as Esay 62.6, 7. Mal. 3.15, 16, 17. And Christ will not own such hereafter, thus own not him now. Mark 8.38. john's half hour silence Rev. 8.1 sets forth Gods forbearing; to plague the ungodly, while the Saints acceptably worship, as verse 2, 3, 4, 5. of this silence in other words, see further, Rev. 7.2, 3. 2 Pet, 3.9, 10. This night Cant. 1.13. & 3.1. and 5.2. is the whole time before Christ's second coming, and that time is day time Rom. 13.12. Heb. 10.25. 2 Thes. 2.1, 2, 3. bed is worship, true worship is Christ's, or God's bed, false worship, is a Whorish bed and idolatry is whoredom Godward, or Christ ward, Esay 57.7, 8. There we learn from Cant. 1.13. etc. That night time is bed time, that is the time before Christ's coming, is the only time of worship. See further, Luk. 19, 13. 1 Cor. 11, 26. 1 Tim. 6.13.14. 2 Pet. ●. 19. Kevel. 2.25. This night then, is not night too, but night for worship, and this bed is not a want, but a joyful enjoyment of Ordinances. Cant. 1.16, 17. And this Waiting, so often specified, is sometime a waiting for succour from God, as Esay 25.9. and 26.8. Mich. 7.7, 8. Zepa. 3.8. sometime for Israel's consolation, Luk 2.5. God's Kingdom, Mark. 15.43. the resurrection or Christ's coming, Dan. 12.12, 13. 1 Cor. 1.7, 8. sometime for rain jer. 14.22. H●bacuk for a vision, 2.3. the jews waited on Zachoriah for the word of God Zach. 11.11.17. Christ's Disciples by command waited for the promise of the father, to wit the baptism of the spirit, Act. 1.4. but not one of these Scriptures speaks of a waiting for worship but this last place hath greatest show, and is the special place, which all seekers, or waiters in general cleave too, from that therefore note. First, they waited not for ordinances, restaurations, nor reformations of worship, but for the spirits baptism, Acts 1.4, 5. Secondly, for this they waited in a way of worship, or in the use of Ordinances, as first baptism, Acts 1.5. compared with Mark 1.8. Secondly prayer, Acts 1.14. Thirdly, preaching, verse 16.17.18.19.20. Fourthly, exhortation, v. 21.22. Fiftly, ordination, v. 23. Sixtly casting of lots, v. 29. and all before this baptism. Hence note first, that waiting for worship, or use of ordinances, is Scripturelesse, and so groundless, secondly, waiting unbaptised with water, for the baptism of the holy spirit is also groundless yet, horrible presumption. Acts 2.38. for though the baptism of the spirit preceded the other only one time, Acts 10.47. yet the promise ran not so, neither were any ever taught, so to expect it, but contrariwise, Acts 2.38. Mar. 1.8. Luke 3.16. john 1.33. I also find in these Scripture, some words not minded in the query, of them a word or two, by darkness is meant sometime sorrow, as Esay 5.30. jer. 13.16. with ver. 14. Zeph. 1.14.15. sometime ignorance, Esay 60.2. Mich. 3.6.7. sometime literal darkness Esay 13.10. joel 2.10. explained in Math. 24.29. that famine Amos 8. is not now, (if the writings of the Prophets and Apostles be God's word) and though the jews, were and are Kinglesse, Hos. 3 4.5. believers are not nor shall be, Luke 1.32.33. Believers make not haste, Esay 28. 1●. that is, they hasten not to abtain by right or wrong, but expect the accomplishment of their lawful desires in a lawful way, but they do hasten to keep God's commands, Psal. ●9. 60. Acts. 2 41 & aught so to do. Acts ●●. 16. Thus briefly I have discovered how horribly these Scriptures are abused, and how groundless now worship is, if thou art hereby benifitted praise God, and practise thy light.  
FINIS.