[...]r. POWELS Paper, put forth in defence of himself, upon the
Quakers first Aspersing of him with Blasphemy, is here Inserted, that every
Judicious Reader may judge whether it needed any Answer, but only that the
Quakers had a Mind to have the last word: though it was a Lie.
A Word to the Wise is enough. OR, Whether this Position,
Jesus Christ was the greatest Sinner in the World, as is in this Paper held forth, be Blasphemy.
JESUS CHRIST was no Sinner actually, i. e. He committed no Sin; He was neither guilty of Original Sin, Blemish, nor actual Blot, but was Holy, Harmless and Ʋndefiled, separate from sinners, Heb. 7.26. 1 Pet. 1.19. Yet as he suffered in [...] Room, took the guilt of our sins upon him; He was the greatest [...] sinners; One particular sinner having only his own sins to Answer [Page 2]for: but Jesus Christ, (though he had no sins of his own,) yet he h [...] all the sins of all the Elect laid upon him, and so he had more to Answ [...] for then any particular sinner; And therefore in that sense is [...] greatest of sinners, being as Scripture alloweth, Isa. 53.6. 2 Cor. 5.2 [...] 1 Pet. 2.24.
Whereas John Vaughton and some other Quakers have cast such k [...] of Papers up and down in City and Countrey, with a design to aspe [...] Thomas Powell Preacher of the Gospel; the said Thomas Power thought it convenient to give the World this sasisfaction, that thou [...] these words above-mentioned, Jesus Christ was the greatest Sinner [...] the World, were given under his hand to John Vaughton Quaker; [...] that was his sense, and is his sense still, scil. by Imputation, and was [...] peated by him several times, even before and after he had written th [...] words, is Witnessed by Thomas Bye an Apprentice seven years to [...] said John Vaughton, and who was then present when this Discourse w [...] agitated between John Vaughton and Thomas Powell, which takes [...] the calumny thrown upon Thomas Powell by the Quakers, and they [...] Christians still made good.
What Mr. Thomas Powell Preacher of the Gospel h [...] said in his own Defence, I Attest to be Verity.
THOMAS BYE.
Thus, Reader, I have given thee my sense upon my own word which priviledge every man hath, and my words in their explained sense considered, are I am sure so found and Orthodox that none but the bold Socinias and the silly Quaker would gainsay it.
But seeing that my Adversary has cavill'd with this same Pap [...] of mine, in his pretended Answer thereunto, I shall consider in the first place that, and then his whole Book, which he stiles, A Vindication of Jesus Christ.
First, I begin with his pretended Answer which you will find [...] page 7. stuff'd with notorious Lies. He tells the World that I have abused my Witness. Wherein I pray?
New Thomas Bye hath since this Paper was Published, John Vaughons Lies notorious. declared [...] the Presence of several Persons, that T.P. did not speak nor mention the word Imputation, before he writ those words, so that the VVorld m [...] see that he hath abusd his VVitness.
Lye 1. Note Reader, If John Vaughton had been a Christian, [...] would have done like a Christian, i.e. done me right, by acquainting [Page 3] [...] world, that though Tho. Bye denied the word Imputation, as taken by me before, yet he denied not but that it was spoken by me jus [...]r it was written, nay, he believes a hundred times before ever we [...]ed from one another. Again, I can produce the Original that I [...]ve under Thomas Bye his hand, which is as I have inserted in my [...]er, scil. That the word Imputation was repeated even before and [...]; but since my VVitness has called to minde, that he cannot remember that I had the word Imputation before, yet he doth not say Positive [...] that I had not; whereas John Vaughton relates thus,
Now Tho. Bye hath since this Paper was Published, declar'd in the [...]esence of several Persons, That T. P. did not speak nor mention the [...]d Imputation before. So that you may see what a flagitious Re [...]or this Quaker is; but see further of his Impiety.
Lastly, Thomas Bye my Witness to clear me from this cruel As [...]sion, viz. A Lie, (which I would not be guilty of for a world) [...]th here set his hand, that though (since he has considered) he cannot remember I had the word Imputation before, yet I had his hand [...]ely and voluntarily from him, to what I have said in my own de [...]ce.
The Refult of all touching the abusing of my Witness, you see, friendly Reader, i, a Lie of John Vaughtons own hatching, and yet [...]ow fain would this confident Quaker have fastned it upon me; but shall forbear my corrosives for his lying, till I have particulariz'd [...]m all.
Lye 2. John Vaughtons other Lie is in p. 9. wherein he maketh use [...] Mr. Faringtons name, telling hie Reader, that he said I was a Liar, [...] deny'd also. Mr. Farington acknowledgeth that I was mi [...] taken, in that I said the word Imputation was in, and was not, for so [...] understood me, and so he told my Adversary: but that he said I was [...] Liar, and had told many Lies about it, he denieth, and further saith, that if he knew me to be a Liar, he would not have told such as the Quakers, who think no pains too much to scrape in the Kennels and Dunghills of mine and his Brethrens infirmities, to have dirt to cast [...]on us.
Lye 3. John Vaughtons next Lie, is his charging Mr. Farington with a Lie, for so it is in effect, in that he chargeth Mr. Farington with beach of Promise, whose Fidelity in Point of Promisc, I shall make ma [...]fest, by transcribing my Adversaries own words. And that he should at Preach in his Meeting-House till he had Publickly condemn'd it.
[Page 4]But Now John Vaughton, thou knowest, and besides thee, an [...] sembly of people, that I condemn'd them in a Sermon, and no [...] this time These Words (Jesus was the greatest Sinner in [...] World) as thou in thy ignorance took it, viz. That he was a S i [...] Actually. I pleaded as much for the Innocency of my dear [...] viour, as thou pretendest to do. My Text was at that time, 2 [...] 5.21. Which fitted the sence and scope of my Position. [...] knew no sin. i.e. Experimentally, he felt no sin in his own he [...] he acted no sin in his Life. Chamiecus, Bcza, By field & Grotius in looc. But otherwise he knew fully wha [...] was, he knew well the effects of it, Say all Expositors upon [...] place. He was made sin for us, as he was made a Sacrifice for [...] for the Sin-Offerings in the Old Testament were called sin. [...] was made sin. i▪ e. By Imputation, &c. Sins were charged u [...] him. This, and such like was the whole matter of my Ser [...] Preached at Mr. Faringtons Meeting-house, and elsewhere, [...] satisfied both him and others, but if I had meant no otherwise by [...] Position then what thou wouldst fain suggest to the poor people [...] do assure thee thou wouldst have found Mr. Farington as good as word that way as well as this.
Lye 4. When I say, the Quakers are no Christians, I mean their principal Leaders, not all their followers, for I believe there are many poor souls, who if they knew the Quakers principle, would abominate them. Another Lie, that I charge John Vaughton with is, in [...] he denieth the Quakers to be no Christians, thing that has been pro [...] and shall still be prov'd when they please. To Illustrate this, is bu [...] lighting a Candle at noon day, &c. For has not the late Ingen [...] Mr. Hicks, undertaking to prove them hererodox, both in princi [...] and practice, and they are dumb, being consious to themselves that [...] are no Christians.
Lye 5. The fifth Lye he is his denying that to be their principle wh [...] they have so often Declar'd, viz Christ dying only as an Example, ind [...] they dotalk of Redemption, but this Redemption is of the Seed, wh [...] Seed is Christ, so that Christ came to Redeem himself, of which you m [...] read with satisfaction in Mr. Hicks Dialogues.
Thus thou feest, my Friendly Reader, what a Brow of Brass [...] Adversary has in laying his Brat at in Door, and yet it seems [...] Adversary, (as I have of late understood) is accounted a great Prophet amengst the Quakers, but I am sure he is a lying one, as m [...] be prov'd by the Catalogue of his Lies here inserted, and by an [...] [Page 5] [...]stance, which I shall here acquaint [...] ader with, and I [...] it will make him smile.
The same Quaker, John Vaughton by name pretendeth (upon [...] having those words above-mentioned und [...] my Hand) to be [...]'d of God to reprove, or (as he phraseth [...]) bear Testimony a [...]st me in the Countrey as well as in the [...]cy; it happened that [...]n he came into the Countrey, which [...]s above twenty miles [...], I was then at London, and he came t [...]e place where I Preach, [...] then there was neither Preacher nor people, I being there but [...] a Fortnight. Surely, this man [...] no more to Reve [...]s, if he doth who will believe him, [...] that he hath been the [...]wils fool hitherto, and by the Father of Lies was sent upon a shev [...] Errand.
Now thou false Prophet who hast censured me, what shall I say [...] have prov'd thee guilty of such wilful studied Lies; Thou [...] call'd me a Liar, but I have prov'd thee one; And therefore in [...] Name of my great Lord and Master, I do Pronounee thee Ac [...]sed; and that if thou repentest not, Thou shalt be damned.
I come now to my Adversaries Book, John Vaughtons Pamphlet fictitions. as it declares his ability [...]hing the Defence of several Tenets among the Quakers. I have [...] in general to say of it, abstracting what is there written from [...]tologies, vain Repetitions and other Impertinencies; the mat [...] of it may be contain'd in a Nut-shell; but seeing that I have [...] Pen to Paper, I'le answer it more particularly. I shall first con [...]er the Title of his Book, which is this, A Vindication of Jesus [...]rist the Immaculate Lamb of God.
I admire the confidence of this Man, how he dares to stile his [...]ok A Vindication of Jesus Christ. If he had not been a Quaker [...] were somthing, but forasmuch as thou art a Quaker, and talkest of [...]dicating Holy Jesus, Lay thy Mouth in the dust for how darest [...] to Vindicate that which thou dost not hold. A Vindication of [...]rist, I cant't believe it; thy title is only a colour, a pretence, a [...]t, whereby thou mayst allure souls to swallow down thy poi [...]on [...] errours; but notwithstanding this, my Adversary perhaps [...]y reply, He and all his Friends own Christ; I answer, Friends, i.e. Quakers. so thou [...] thy Friends will say of every Principle in the Christian Religion; [...] own this, and you own that; and by this Engine it is, that the [...]vil makes use of you to prevail upon poor souls, whenas Persons [...] at are able do by a diligent scrutiny finde out your lies, absurd [...]nings, fallacies and specious pretences.
[Page 6]Reader, Give me leave to tell thee this, The Quakers owning [...] Christ, or any other principle of the Christian Religion, is no ot [...] th [...]n a meer mystical Romance. They acknowledge such a Ch [...] as un-Christs Christ. They deny him to be God and Man in [...] Person. They deny Christ to be a distinct Person from the Person of the Father, and they deny him also to be a distinct Person f [...] any of his Members; For proof whereof see what I have [...] Quoted out of their own Books.
Gods Christ is not distinct from the Saints; Gee. Fox great Mystery. p. 2.6. spoken in the presence of Mr. Hicks and several others. G. Whitehead Diph. p. 13. G. Fox. great Myst. 206. I know the beginning and date of thy Christ Jesus Christ, a Person without us, is not Scripture-language, but the Anthropomorphites and Mugletonians. [...] there be any other Christ but he that was crucified within, he is the [...] Christ. And he that hath not this Christ that was risen and crucified within, is a Reprobate; Though Devils and Reprobates [...] make a talk of him without. It would have better become t [...] John, to have Entituled thy Book thus, No Christ but Conscien [...] and in this thou wouldst have been true to thy principle, for w [...] know, that that Christ which thou in thy Book vindicatest, is C [...] science, Light within, not Jesus Christ God man without us. [...] no marvel why the Quakers can't understand how Jesus Ch [...] should be a sinner by Imputation, how Jesus Christ should be b [...] of a Virgin, be made a curse for us, when they still by Christ understand Conscience.
The next thing which I would take notice of in my Adversa [...] Book, Reader, if thou believest that this Discourse, passed between John Vaughton and I. th [...] must value his memory then at a high rate, but I am apt to think, his memory is as fallible as yours and mine, though he had the considence to tell me that he was perfect. is a Discourse that he saith past between him and I, whi [...] avouch to be seigned, save a passage or two.
He relates this as our Greeting one another, viz. You Quakers hold damnable and erroneous doctrines.
This is true we all know: but that I saluted him thus, or [...] such kind of words by way of greeting, is another of his Lies. [...] he knows we friendly saluted one another: Reader, most of [...] Discourse is fictitious, both in its dependence and in its matter, a [...] might instance diversly, but I shall only in this. He brings me [...] speak as followeth.
T.P. There are none perfect who are not free from temptations.
J.V. Christ Jesus was tempted, was not he perfect?
T.P. He was the greatest sinner in the world.
J.V. Who was the greatest sinner in the world?
T.P. Christ Jesus was the greatest sinner in the world.
None, he maketh my saving these words, viz. Jesus Christ [...] [Page 7] [...] greatest sinner in the World; to follow upon his saying, Christ [...] was tempted, was he not perfect? whereas he knoweth, (if he [...]ld but appeal to Conscience, The light within) that he wrong [...] me much, because the occasion of these words dropping from me [...] a discourse between him and I, touching the Imputation of [...]rists Righteousness to us and our sins to Christ. To do that which hath bin sufficiently don already, I forbear, therefore shall not discourse here largly about Scripture and Revelation which offers it self so [...]a [...]ely to me, being that which was between my Adversary and I. The Quakers doctrines have been discover'd and confuted by those who know them better then I. viz. Mr. Hicks, Mr. Faldo, Mr. Raworth. I only answer, him as to some of his own lies, that he fathers upon me.
Another thing that I shall take notice of in his fictitious Discours, [...] is bringing me to speak again as followeth.
T.P. What do you own Revelations in these days?
J.V. Yes, we do own Revelations in these days.
T.P. Then burn the Bible, &c.
This, Reader, is also another of his Lies, and Mr. Bye my witness [...]th also Attest, That as far as he remembers I said no such word, [...] Away with the Bible, which was the words I spoke I very well [...]member, implying thus much, if Revelation, were so ordinary and [...]non as he talk'd of; there was no need then of the written [...]rd. Cast thy eye, my Reader, upon the Margin and then about [...]ipture light and Revelation-light, take my Advice as followeth. [...] that most famous Book of that Worthy Divine Mr. William [...]dge of Yarmouth, entituled, Scripture-light the most sure Light, [...]pared with 1. Revelations and Visions. 2. Natural and superna [...]al dreams: 3. Impressions with and without Word. 4. Light and [...] within. 5. Divine Providence. 6. Christian experience. 7. Hu [...] Reason. 8. Judicial Astrology.
Its a Book worth its weight in Gold. I would not [...] any Christian to be without it, for I know it will [...] their esteem of the Scripture, and so long as People do but [...] the Scripture that veneration it deserves, they shall never turn [...]akers, or be overturn'd with any errour. The last thing that I [...] take notice of in my Adversaries Pamphlet is as followeth.
Then a young Man of T.P. his Hearers ask'd this Question, [...] Seeing you are but a People of about twenty five years standing, and [...] say that your way is the right way, what became of the People that [...] before you were a People?
Thomas Powel takes upon him to answer it in the name of the [...]akers thus, They (said he) believe they are all damn'd.
[Page 10]This he imputes to my mallice and envy, if he had imputed to my Judgment, he would not have been mistaken. I do here gain avouch that one of the Quakers principles is, that all exc. themselves should be confounded and damn'd, which principle theirs I learn from an undeniable consequence that resulteth fr [...] several Phrases scattered up and down in their own Books, as [...] their way is the onely way, which if it be, then this Consequential follows, all that approve not what they do are damn'd. Other heretical Books are bad enough, but the Quakers are the very fink and Common-shore of all, The quintessence of all He esie. At [...] time I have but one Quakers book in my Study, Entitul'd a Catech [...] for little children, put forth by G.F. A great Leader among [...] Quakers, and in it I find this to my purpose, p. 13.
Quest.
Father, are Jews, and Gentiles, and Christians, that do not beli [...] in the light which doth Enlighten every man that cometh into World, all out of him who is the Light, the Life of men?
Answ.
Yea, Child, saith the Father to it.
Many more passages (were it not for wasting of good Pap [...] might I transcribe out of that hellish Book, I beseech you, who [...] Parents, to get other kind of Catechism's for your children, for [...] principles contain'd in G. F's Catechism, are principles that the Devil of hell hath hatch'd, ergo, They are Soul-damning.
For a further confirmation of my assertion, I would desire [...] Reader to see Mr. Faldo's Key, which will interpret many of [...] Quakers Words and Phrases, as followeth.
Publicans and sinners, i. e. All that are not Quakers.
The Royal Seed, i. e. Christ and every Quaker.
Sons of God, i. e. The Quakers only.
The Synagogues of Satan, i. e. The Assemblies of any sort of people for divine worship who are not Quakers. Cummultis aliis
For a perfect confirmation of my assertion, viz. That the Quaker do hold that all who dye not in belief of their principles shall damn'd. See in this ensuing Relation, which I shall stand by.
Once a Maiden Acquaintance of mine, was courted by a zealot [Page 9] Quaker, who during the time he was Suitor, had prevailed with her to go with him to hear his Friends. S i. Quakers, and that once or twice, at last he demandeth of her how she lik'd them, she answered worse and worse, which occasion'd him to break off from her, and withal to say that if she heard any other, she would certainly be damn'd.
I know not any thing else in his fictitious discourse, that requires answer. I have consider'd every thing that I judgd Material, as to his opprobrious term [...]s scatter'd in his Book, viz. Minister of the Power of Darkness, Enemy to God, &c. I look upon as below my self to take notice of, and if so be I am accounted a Blasphemer by such who are the greatest Blasphemers in the World, I shall rejoice, knowing that it is one Note and Character of false Prophets, to cast dirt, filth and Reproach upon the true.
In the Postscript of my Adversaries book, I find him to be offended at such expressions in my prayer, as (I believe) will record his heterodoxy to pesterity, and spoile him I am sure for a Gospel Minister, notwithstanding his crowing Divinity of late, our best duties are Fly blown with sin, and best performances are Bed ridden. These words (It seems) do stumble the Quakers much its no marvel, because they hold perfection to be attainable, but let these imaginary Perfectonists, boast as they please, we know that such who are Christians understand these Phrases well, unto whom they are so acceptable that I need not enlarge any further. As to the other Expression, ‘We must have no dependency upon Christ within.’
I say so still, i. e. As the Quakers understand it, and do say that our hopes of Salvation must hang and depend upon what Christ God-man without hath done without us.
I do find also that my Adversary has lin'd his book with many excellent Texts of Scripture, unto which I shall only say this. A poifonous Pill is never a whit the less poisonous, because 'tis guilded over with Gold; nor a Wolf is never a whit the less a Wolf, because he hath put on a Sheep-skin; nor the Devil is never a whit the less a Devil, because he somtimes appears like an Angel of Light. So neither is John Vaughtons Book, any whit the less an Erroneous book, because of Scriptural Phrases and Sentences.
I come now to the Conclusion of my Adversarys Book, which you have in these words, ‘ [Page 10]Let Thomas Powel (and all others to whom these Lines may come) know, that our Owning and Preaching Christ within, a the holy Apostles did, doth not at all gainsay or oppos Christ as he was Manifest without in the dayes of his Flesh; for we have a Dear and Honourable Esteem unto our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in all his manifestations, both within and without; and he who professeth and talks of him only or wholly without, denying him any place within Man, is a Deceiver and an Anti-Christ.’
Unto which I answer briefly.
I confess the words as they lye in themselves are good, but notwithstanding this fairness, I smell a Quakers Rat in it and do avouch that what they say concerning Christ without, is a meer Equivocation in short, by Christ without they mean only this Christ in you without me. This my ingenious Reader is all they mean by Christ without, and should they deny this, they must be fain then to deny what they have said in other of their books. So by this you may see by what means the Quakers do entangle poor silly souls, viz. By a seeming approbation of every principle pertaining to the Christian Religion
The Conclusion wherein is contained in brief, Seasonable, Soul-Affectionate, and good advice unto the principal Leaders of the Quakers or any that are promoters of Fundamental errours.
Sirs,
You are the most injurious of that because by owning of errours you prejudice your selves, and by propagating of errours you prejudice others. Oh the precious time, strength and spirits that you spend in advancing that which you shall be no gainers, but losers by, you are the greatest Engineers that the Devil hath, for persecution and heresie has been the main Engins, whereby that Prince of Darkness hath endeavor'd to undermine Religion. Persecuters touch the body, but such that are Fementem of heresie touch the soul. Persecution with Saul kills its thousands, but heresie with David its ten thousands. Persecution is the arrow that flies by day, but Heresie is the Pestilence that rageth in the night. Persecution is the Pruning-knife that loppeth off the Branches of Religion, but Heresie is as the Axe which is laid to the Root of the Tree, Persecution is the Dragon that drives the Woman into the Wilderness, but Heresie is the B [...]ast that speaks Blasphemy. Persecution began in Nero a Tyrant, but Heresie began in Simon a Witch, Persecution began about 66 years after Christs Ascention, but Heresie immediately [Page 11] after Christs departure about the Sixth year of Caligulas Reign. Persecution is the wild Boar of the Forest, Heresie is the little Fox that eateth the tender Grapes.
Oh ye fals teachers, speak nor write any more that which is erroneous, can't you be content with deceiving your own souls, but you must deceive others too. O profligate flagitious Wretches, that must embrue your hands in the blood of souls, that you can't go to hell alone, but you must have company with you, that you must put a Cheat not only upon your selves, but upon others. If ever you are saved it must be by fire. Spair your pains, cost, and charges, make much of time, ere long it will be no more, spend no more of it in erroneous Excogitation. Acknowledge your selves lying Prophets, confess your faults and errors, God is Faithful and Just, to forgive and cleanse from all unrighteousness. Call home your Devilish Pamphlets and Books, Rec [...] what you have written and said, Now you may and you shall do well, ere long you must, but then it shall go ill: Besides,
Not only dammage of soul accrues by such kind of service, but also the thing aim'd at shall never come to pass. Veritas vincit, Truth at last will Triumph, it shall never be wholly Eclipsed, and therefore all your attempts, (O ye Promulgators of Errour) will be but vain. I trust in God that truth will never go out of this Land, notwithstanding the specious pretence, of truths Enemyes, though their books are publish'd abroad, having fair Titles in their Frontispieces, promising fair, I say in their Title pages, yet some piercing eyes there are that (with facility) perceiveth the Croaking Toads, and crawling vipers that swarms therein, and causeth them immediately to die the death. Oh that the consideration of the vileness of the service, hurt of the soul, and impossibility of effecting what in error is designed, might prevail upon these poor men to proceed no further, for though they are the Leaders of a great many to hell: Yet they will be as unable to bear the heat of hell as others.
Men and Brethren according to the Flesh, weigh these things seriously, and then tell me whether hitherto ye have not been the servants of the Devil and your own humours. That all our infamous hererodox teachers, may become famous orthodox teachers hath been, Is, and shall be the earnest Prayers of him who is an earnest well-wisher to all your souls,