Sect. IX.
An Epistle, evidencing the Qualification of such whom Sathan makes use of, to Rend and Divide the Church of Christ. A Paper given forth by Edward Burroughs, Anno. 1661. Touching the Scattered in Israel, wherein by a Parable is lively described a part of what hath happened amongst the Flock of God in those latter dayes. The Conclusion, manifesting Several Passages, very material and worthy observation, as a further discovery of the Fruit and Cause of Division.
An Epistle prefixed to the Historical Manuscript, mentioned in the Preface to this Treatise; Evidencing the Qualification of such, whom Sathan hath made use of, to rend and divide the Church of Christ.
The great Evidence of pure and undefined Religion, is a Conscience void of Offence towards God; but the contrary is attended with Anxiety and Trouble. He that in the Light of Christ Jesus inclines to preserve such a Conscience, must not so value his Repute and Name amongst men, as thereby to loose his Peace with the Lord. The consideration whereof hath abundantly satisfied us, to encourage the preparing of this Treatise, knowing, that the Long-suffering, Patience and Warnings of many Faithful Friends have had little place with many such persecuting Opposers of the Friends of Truth, as are under the Profession thereof. And {First Part 69} therefore it may be Just with the Lord to suffer their long-suffering to have a End.
We also know, that the Unsavory Testimonies and Unchristian-like Discourses of many such in our Meetings for the Worship of God, have been so frequently (as well as publickly) manifested, as that ‘tis thereby known both to Professors and Prophane, that the People called Quakers are now Divided: by which ‘tis to be doubted, that some may really conclude, that though their Name is not extinguish’t, yet that the Nature, Doctrine and Life, which accompanied them at their first coming forth, hath of late suffered Shipwrack. This having been seriously pondered by us, hath encreased the concern of our Conscience this to appear, that so as the Door hath thereby been so far shut in some parts of this Nation, as that there hath been of late but few gathered into a Belief of the Everlasting Light, so it may again in the Lords time be more opened, by a clear Discovery that there is yet remaining a Remnant of the Ancient Stock, who have been (and our Faith in God is, that they will be) preserved in his Fear, to preservers in his unchanging Way, Light, and Life of Truth, unto the End.
That now the Reader may have some short Account of what the Lord hath manifested unto us on this Occasion, we further thus Declare:
The Original Case of Division and Seperation between the Members of any Society, once at Unity in the Truth, touching Religious Matters, hath sprung from Satan. The Persons in whom he hath chiefly appeared to accomplish the same, have been such as usually appear more publick than other their Brethren, and that under various Qualifications: some have had Zeal without Knowledge, and some have had Knowledge without Zeal, and others have abounded in Confidence {First Part 69} without either Knowledge or Zeal: and none of these, whilest exercised under these Qualifications, have found Acceptance with the Lord.
And as Satan hath made use of Persons thus variously Qualified, for the Preservation of his Kingdom; so Christ Jesus (whose appearance hath been and is to destroy the Works of the Devil) hath and doth make use of such Instruments in his Hand, whom he hath furnished with true zeal, and that according to Knowledge: for though all have not the like Degree of Knowledge, yet that Zeal, which is exercised according to the Measure of Knowledge given by God, and received by Man, finds Acceptance with the Lord of Life.
Now forasmuch as in this Treatise variety of Matters is Discourst, wherein Divers Persons have been concerned (many of whom were once at Unity (which we are perswaded consisted in the Everlasting Truth) and that every one of them might reasonably have been taken to be under one of the aforesaid Qualifications, ‘tis with us at this time (considering that the Tree is to be known by its Fruit) to note a few things attending such respective Qualifications, and that Chiefly for the sakes of such, as have Zeal without Knowledge: and so, if the Lord make us Instruments in his Hand to open the understanding of any, whereby they may come to have a true Savour of (and Unity with) those who have so received the Spirit, as to be exercising themselves in true Zeal, and that according to Knowledge, we shall have our End.
We now begin to speak of those who have Zeal without Knowledge. Charity obliegeth us of to conclude, that they design any thing more than to Live well, that so, they may dye well, or any thing less, than to appear what they know they are: not but yet this we certainly know, that albeit these have professed Christ Jesus to be their Foundation; yet many of them (for want of Knowledge) have been {First Part 71} building thereon the Wood, the Hay, and the Stubble of other Mens Inventions, whereby they have suffered loss, having exalted their own Righteousness, thorough a Zealous Submission to other Mens Lines made ready to their Hands; as if therein the Righteousness of Faith consisted, or that it were lawful (contrary to the Counsel of the Apostle) to Glory in Men: The Apostle Paul, Rom, 10. 2. thus saith I bear them record, they have a Zeal of god, but not according to Knowledge: and from the next Verse we learn, that they were such as being ignorant of Gods Righteousness, and going about to Establish their own Righteousness, have not Submitted themselves to the Righteousness of God. This was spoken of Israel for their Information, that they might not have a dependency on the Righteousness of the Law (as if thorough the Strict Performance and Observations of Outward Things, Established under the Law, they should come to know the Salvation of God thorough Christ) but rather that their Dependency should be upon the Righteousness which is of Faith, which (according to the Apostles Doctrine, Vers. the 8th. of the same Chapter) informs us thus, The word is nigh thee, even in they mouth and in thy Heart, that is the Word of Faith which we Preach. So that by this Doctrine (and what Elsewhere is written in other of his Epistles) it appears, that the Apostles care for Israel was, that they might be brought off those Outward and carnal Ordinances, which were Established for a season, untill the time of reformation, unto the Word nigh in the Heart, which (undoubtedly) was and is no other than that Law, which (according to the word of the Lord by the mouth of the Prophet Jeremiah, (Jer. 31. 33) Was to be put in their Inward Parts, and written in their Hearts. All which leads us to make this Observation, that whosoever they are (though under ever so specious Pretences) that have indeavoured to Establish Outward indispensable a Rules, and Orders in matters relating to Conscience, for the Church of Christ (in this Gospel {First Part 72} Day) to Walk by, (neglecting to commit and Command every one unto the Word nigh in the heart, that thereby they may be preserved from subjection to any thing outwardly ordained, which they may either scruple in Conscience, or are not led by the Word nigh in the Heart to Practice) are such as in the best and most Fovorable Construction, act from Zeal without knowledge, in which kind of Zeal Paul himself (Phil. 3. 6.) though as to the Righteousness of the Law blameless, yet) Persecuted the Church.
This kind of Zeal is accompanied with that Ignorance which the chief amongst Apostatized Churches have accounted the Mother of Devotion, by which Thousands in Ages past (in the Dark Night of Apostasy) have been led into the Observation of many Unsavoury Dictates, Erroneous Decrees, Unwarrantable Traditions, and Superstitious Examples, either of one Man, or assemblies of men, not knowing what they have either believed, or Practiced, to be an incumbent duty upon them, through an inward evidence from Gods Witness in the Consciences) or Tryal thereof by the Light of Christ. May not the same Cloud of Darkness overshadow any of the Children of Light in this our day, saith our Souls.
Moreover, ‘tis observable, that (if Report be true) this doctrine hath of late been exalted, NO UNITY BUT IN CONFORMITY; which if applied to the Outward Prescription of one Man, or Assemblies of men, assuming to themselves authority to act and determine in matters appertaining to the Gospel, and its Order, thereby to become a Bond upon the Conscience of those, who have Believed in the Everlasting Light of Christ Jesus (as the great Order and Ordinance of God in this Gospel Day) may occasion the Continuation of Discord Distraction and Division, contrary to the Gospel and Doctrine of Truth, which hath been publisht, received, and believed amongst the Children of Light in these latter days, who neither have nor can receive any Doctrine, contrary to {First Part 73} this Testimony of the Apostle, 2 Cor. 3. 6. The Letter Killeth, but the Spirit giveth Life.
We now appeal unto every understanding, ingenious and impartial Reader, whether since the Labour of the Apostles of Christ in the primitive dayes, was to draw the Outward Jew off from the observation of these ordinances, which were realy established by the appointment of God himself, having exalted instead thereof the word nigh in the heart, and Law written therein, as a fulfilling of that which (according to the Word of the Lord by the mouth of his Prophet) was to come to pass under the new Covenant, which was not to be like unto the Old, can consist with the tenour of the new Covenant for any to attempt the establishment, or giving forth of Outward Orders, Prescription, Sentences, or Decrees to be (on that foot) a Bond upon the Consciences of those, who have believed in the Everlasting Light? Especially if they are of the Gentile Stock, according to the Flesh (unto whom the Law appertained not) for so the People of England are; and if not, whether those who are otherwise perswaded, and according to such a perswasion may be found acting, may not (though under the Outward Profession of Truth it self) justly be numbered amongst those, of whom (in the best sense) it may be said, They have Zeal without Knowledge, and Ignorance is the Mother of their Devotion.
And now, as to those who have Knowledge without Zeal, Charity doth Oblige us to conclude, that such in that state chiefly design to live well, that so they may dye well: for (as Christ said, so may we) Luk, 12. 48. Unto whomsoever Much is given, of him shall be Much required: the want of Zeal in a known Good Cause is (as we take it) the neglect of a Known Incumbent Duty, wherein God hath given Power, else, how could it have been said to the Luke-Warm, Church of Laodicea (after understanding was given unto her, how she might come to see, viz. by anointing her eyes with eye Salve, Lev. 3. 19 (be Zealous & amend? for doubtless Power was given of God into her to amend as well as direction {First Part 74} how to see; but of the want of Knowledge, it cannot be so said, as of the want of Zeal; Because ‘tis not equally in our Powers to attain unto Knowledge (When we want it) as it is Zealously to Practice what we know to be our duty; we may therefore conclude, that where Knowledge is not accompanyed with Zeal,(though requisite) tis in the best sense a token of a Luke-warm Spirit, and in some, where it hath predominated, we have clearly discerned, that first they have been over-awed by the Frowns of man or Men; and then (Under the Pretence of bearing all things) neglect to give their Testimony for the Truth without respect to any Person whatsoever, more than the Truth might require; and by this means some have (undoubtedly) been the occasion whereby many have been caught in the Snare of the Evil one (not Knowing, through a Neglect of their Inward Teacher, which way to turn) and that Loads and Burthens have been Portions of others, who (whil’st they have kept Stedfast unto the antient Doctrine, Exalting the appearance of Christ by his Light to be our Law, Rule and Guide) have beheld some of their Brethren not only captivated with a kind of slavish Fear, but also in their Practices receded from what their first Principle would have led them to; having used politick Contrivances to retain the Favour and Affections of some (who perhaps in their View have appeared to be like unto the rising Sun) and so have given more way to a Temporizing Spirit, than to acquit themselves as Good Christians in the sight of God; by which the Conscience comes to be kept voyd of offence towards God and Man; and all this (as with respect to some, ‘tis doubted) for fear lest they should be termed Sect-masters, by such as in the Gospel-day, have assumed a Pretended Authority, to establish Outward Orders, to be a Rule for, and Bond upon the Children of Light to walk by, without any exception on thereby to avoid oppressing a tender Conscience.
But this is far wide of that Zeal, which accompanyed the Apostle Paul in his Converted State, who was termed a {First Part 75} Ringleader of the Sect of the Nazerenes by the Unbelieving Jews, that would have Judged him according to their Law (which undoubtedly would then have inflicted Severe Punishment on him) which being duly considered, we may well say, ‘tis far wide of Pauls Zeal to fear (under this Gospel day) the Title of a Sect-Master, on the score of refusing Outward Conformity to Outward Rules and Orders, relating to the Conscience, under the Notion of Gospel-Orders, establisht amongst the People called Quakers; not only Because they have no Law whereby to corporally to Punish, but also because we have no Ground either from the Word of the Lord by the Mouthes of his Prophets, or from the Appearance of Christ by his Light in us, or from the Scriptures of Truth, given forth by inspiration, since the appearance of Christ in the flesh, to Expect, that any should be Invested with Power from on high, to Establish such things relating to the Conscience; much less to Expect, that the Children of Light (under the New Covenant) should be led by the Eternal Spirit and Word nigh in the heart unto such a conformity.
Moreover, ‘tis Observable, Pauls Plain confession thus was, After the Way which they call Heresy, so worship I the God of my Fathers, Believing all things which are Written in the Law, and the Prophets, &c. And herein do I Exercise my self, to have always a Conscience Void of offence towards God and towards Men.
If all those, unto whom God hath given the Knowledge of his Truth in this Gospel-day, had had so much Zeal, as to have walk’t according to this example, they might have all become Honourable in their day, & have kept a Conscience Void of offence towards God and towards men: and then none of them would have been afraid of being Stigmatized as Sect-Masters, by such, who (Like the Outward Jew) have Gloryed in things Outwardly Pretended to be Established (in this Gospel-day) and have made such things to be as a Rule, whereby they have indeavoured to try their Brethren (who at this day have approved themselves Jews in Spirit, Zealously exercising {First Part 76} themselves in the Word nigh in the Heart, according to Knowledge) even as the outward Jews would have done by Paul. For such a Reflection would never have hurt them in the Breasts of those, that had continued truly Faithfull; and this many are given to Understand, from that Honourable esteem that some antient and faithfull Brethren have in the Hearts of such, as have not in a Temporizing Spirit changed their Way, notwithstanding they are Stigmatized with the name of Sect-Masters, even by those, who Like the Gentiles, appear to Exercise Lordship over their Brethren.
In the Next Place, we come to take a little notice of those, who abound in Confidence, without either Knowledge or Zeal; this sort may be well compared unto those Beasts, with whom (‘tis reputed) Paul Fought at Ephesus, which (if it were so) was (doubtless) a contest had with Unreasonable Men. The bait by which this sort are enticed to appear Some-Body in probability is this, The Door is open for any under the Profession of Truth (whose Lives are not Outwardly Scandalous) to appear (amongst some of the Society of the People called Quakers) as Governours; and though ‘tis hard for us to suppose, who among such are the Persons that are to be Governed, when Liberty is taken and admitted, as aforesaid (whereby none of the society is excluded) to appear as Governours, yet so it is; and of this have our Eyes, and Eares been Witnesses: A part of the Doctrined of this sort we have understood to be on this wise, If you do not see your selves, you must follow us that do see: Alas! ‘Tis easily to be savoured where all may then run, if such an Exhortation (from any one thus qualified, and that with respect to follow the Exhorter) should take place; he then that leads, and those who might be led, would quickly fall into the Ditch together; and so the Kingdom of Sathan come to be advanced; instead of being Destroyed.
But Blessed be the name of the Everlasting God, that Sun, which hath arisen amongst us, that Glorious Appearance {First Part 77} of the everlasting Light, which hath shined in the many Hearts, is not yet in Obscurity; and our Faith is, that it will not: The Lord hath a regard to his own Name, and to the Glory of his Eternal Power, so that though many ancient and honourable Brethren, whom the Lord Comissioned in these latter Days, to publish his Everlasting Gospel (Exhorting all, to yield Obedience unto the Appearance of Christ by his Light in them) are fallen asleep; yet there are many of the same Stock yet remaining, upon whom he hath not only poured forth of his Spirit, and Anointed them to publish his Everlasting Gospel, but also hath kept them in Integrity, and their Garments undefiled from the Spots and Polutions of this World; and not only so, but hath given unto them True Zeal, according to Knowledge, thorough which the Way unto the Kingdom of God (in the Demonstration of his Spirit) hath been declared, and hath continued them in the Service whereunto they have been called; and these have not, in a Temporizing Spirit (for fear of the Threats and Frowns of Men) changed their Way, nor yet followed any for the Loaves: and though some of these have of late been accounted dark Spirits, leavened Spirits, Troublers of Israel, Sect-masters, Leaders into a Separation, and into down-right Independencies, Parishes and Schisms; yet the Testimony live with us, that the Power of the Eternal God (on which alone we are perswaded their Dependencies have been, and are) hath accompanied such, when thus Judged, Despised and Reviled, by that Generation, who (unto us appear) as if their Dependencies were upon Men, that labour and travel to gather unto themselves.
To conclude; this further Testimony lives with us, that the Righteous God bears us this Day Record, that the very Reason wherefore this Treatise is now prepared, is because our very Consciences on the behalf of God’s Truth and People are concerned, and therefore we cannot but encourage this so necessary a Work, having amongst many other our {First Part 78} Brethren long waited, and born in Patience so see if peradventure that Lord might change the Hearts of those, who have occasioned Contention, Strife and Division to arise amongst the Families of the Lords People: for what-ever measures other may take of us, yet this Evidence we have in our selves, that our Souls Desires are, That the bright Appearance of the Everlasting Day might not set in Obscurity in any Heart, where it hath been both manifested and received; nor yet that any of the Lords People might be ensnared, to hold again that things which in the Light of Christ, our Lord they have destroyed.
William Rogers,
William Forde.
Here now follows that Paper, made mention of in the Title Page, touching the Scattered of Israel, given forth in the Year 1661. by Edward Burroughs, Minister of the Everlasting Gospel.
“On the 22th. of the 8th. Month 1661. I was grieved in my Spirit for the Scattered of Israel, and my Thoughts troubled me very much for the Afflicted in Jerusalem: for I also was greatly affected with them; and I prayed unto God, that he would shew me his Purpose concerning them; and these words came unto me, Abide thou in me, thou helpless Lamb, and I will shew thee great things, only stir not from me, for thou hast no Helper but me; and if thou goeth never so little from me, behold a Wild Beast seeketh to devour thee; therefore I say Abide: and then I weeped greatly, because I saw what great danger I was in; for I had not seen the like before, neither can I write it as I saw it; for I was in great Fear: but on a sudden there came a voice to me, saying; Be {First Part 79} still, and Fear not; and I was so; for he made me so, as if I had not been in the Body: and presently I saw a great Field or Common, where many Beast were Feeding, amongst which were a great Flock of Sheep feeding also, and I beheld them, and that there were very many goodly Sheep, and some also were very weak and Scabby; but they did all feed together, and did not hurt one the other, neither did they despise one the other at all; as last the Night was near, and I saw the Shepherd come to gather the Flock into a Fold (which I saw thereby) and staid by the Fold himself, and sent his Dogs, and he had many pretty little Dogs, which did eat of his own Morsels, and did lie at his Feet; for he loved them very well, and took great Delight in them, and he did make them gather his Flock, and they did go round the Flock: but some of the Sheep were feeding about, and some did feed by the way, and did not go so fast as the rest; and when the Dogs saw that, Some of them, that were young, and not well Acquainted with the Masters Manner, and Custome, did run form the Flock with Fierceness after the Sheep, that stayed behind, and did affrighten the Sheep further away; for the Sheep did not understand that the Dogs would have had them to the rest of the Flock, but were afraid of the Dogs: and still the Dogs did pursue them Sheep, and did bite some of them; and when they were weary with the running after them, then they returned again to the Flock, and did in their Minds greatly blame the Sheep: but I saw some of the Dogs, that were well acquainted with their Masters Manner of gathering his Flock, did wisely go behind the Sheep, and such did drive them gently along without hunting of them, or wearying of themselves: so when they had gathered the Flock together, the Shepherd put them into the Fold; but there were many Goats amongst them, which did punish with their Horns against the Sheep, and did put many of them by the Door, so that they did run by the side of the Fold; but the Shepherd did gather them together again, {First Part 80} and when he had gathered them all together into the Fold, he made fast the Door, and went to seek the Sheep, which did not come with the Flock; but while he was looking for them, the Goats were very troublesome in the Fold, and hurt the Sheep very mich; but he would not separate them until he had the other also; and when he had found them, some of them were lying very lame, for the Dogs had hurt and wearied them, and some were feeding under green Hedges, but the Shepherd took the Sheep that was lame, and carried them on his Back, and did drive the other before him, and did bring them to the rest of the Flock; but the Sheep that were lame, he put into a little place alone, and did dress their Wounds, and Anointed their Feet with an oyl, that he had, that did perfectly cure all their Diseases; for he spared no pains, but was willing to hurt himself, rather than them: for his Ointment was mixed with his own Blood, and did by sympathy Cure all their Diseases, and when he had cured them, he put them all together, and did put the Goats from amongst them, and then did they rest in perfect Peace, for their was nothing to make them afraid amongst them; but they did all feed Innocently together, and his care was over them all alike, according as they had need: And he took their Fleeces as every one had, for some had much better than other some; but those which had the great white soft Fleeces, did not despise them which had course ones: for they were both profitable to him; and I saw some Sheep which had all most no Wool at all on them, and them neither did he despise, for the Bryers and Thorns had pulled it from them, when the unlearned Dogs did drive them away from the Fold; but when the Winter came, he took of the wool of the other, and put it on them, and the other Sheep were not at all displeased at it, neither was there any Envy in their Hearts: and I saw the Shepherd himself take some of his own Garments, {First Part 81} and covered them, that were very naked, so that they were all preserved from the cold of the Winter, and the Frost had no Power over them. But I looked when the Shepherd would have beaten the Dogs, or have killed them, but he did not hurt them at all, only put them in a String, and led them with him; for he purposes to instruct them better but some of would not be led, for they were very foolish, and did not understand his Mind; but them he took home, and would have kept them at home, but they would not stay, but would always be going abroad, and barking at the Lambs to affrighten them out of their Pastures: and some of the Dogs were ready to devour them, for there was something of the Nature of the Wolf in them; and them he bound up in Chains to fulfil his purpose on them. And when I beheld these things I greatly wondred at the Care of the Shepherd over his Sheep, and also at this Mercy towards his unruly Dogs; and he said unto me, This will I do, and much more for my Sheep, and my Lambs; and I know they have none to help them but my self, and therefore will I not forsake them, though they be driven from Mountain to Hill for a moment yet as I live (saith the Lord) I will not separate the Flock from the Goats; until I have brought *1 them also, and have cured their Wounds, for they are of my chosen Flock, I will not send any more after them, but I will go my self, and carry them on my Shoulders, and put them into my place, which I have prepared for them, until they be healed; for my Blood will sufficiently heal them, and my Garment cover them, that none of their Nakedness shall appear, neither shall Shame or Fear rest on them any more.”
“Then was I greatly troubled and grieved in my Spirit, because of my unworthiness; for I would fain have praised him, and I did acknowledge my self unworthy to speak to him, but I prayed unto him, that he would form his {First Part 82} own Praise in my Mouth, and receive of his own from me; for I was nothing before him, who is all Praise, all Love, all Life, all Beauty, all Holiness, and of his Compassion there is no end, what shall I say of him! if I had the Tongue of Men and Angels, it could not sufficiently speak forth his Praise; and when I say how exceedingly all Men were to praise him, or to speak of his Wonders (for they were altogether past finding out) then I wept greatly, and desired only, that he would permit me to sit at his Feet, and he swore unto me by himself, That he would deliver me from all my troubles within and without; and truly, it was his own free Promise, for I durst not ask it of him, but was contented to have waited still in my Sorrowful Condition all the Days of my Life, that I had to spend amongst Men. But what shall I say! I am contented with his Will, and rest at his Feet.”
“Friends, I am constrained by the Spirit of Endless Love to warn you all, that you may forbear Judging of any Man any more, upon any Pretence whatsoever, but commit all Judgement to the Son; for he cryeth in me, that he will shortly appear with righteous Judgement upon the Earth, and Wo was upon him that hath took upon him to sit upon my seat of Judgement, and hath not Judged Righteously; for the same Measure that he meeteth, shall be met to him again, for whatsoever I find upon my seat of Judgement when I come, if he be not as I am (Holy, Just and Mercifull, without any mixture) him I will destroy with the Breath of my Mouth, for he is as unclean Smoak before me.”
“Therefore, Dear Friends, let all Unrighteousness be far from you; for thus saith the Voice in me, Whosoever I find in Envy, that same Envy shall be his Torment, and whosoever in Covetousness, or in Pride, or any unclean Mind, that same shall be their Clothing, and they shall stand behind me, and all that is with me, having no other Garment but their own {First Part 83} Filthyness. For the Envious shall have their envy for Reward, and the Covetous shall have his Covetousness, and whatsoever his work shall be here, that shall be his covering when I appear.”
“Therefore all People, mind your own Souls, and let no-thing but what is like the same Holiness, Righteousness, Mercy, and Love, without respect of Persons, in any wise appear, and let Covetousness be far from you, and be you as he was in the World, that you may be like him in his Glory: for verily you cannot be like him in his Glory, further than you are in his Nature of Holiness.”
Therefore all Friends, look into your Hearts, and let no spark abide there of the old nature; for if there be, it will drive you to look out at others, and in that time ‘twill gather Strength, and Kindle a great Fire in you, which is not easily put out, which many at this day may know.
Edward Burroughs.
Though many things are very worthy notice from the above-cited lines, given forth through the Servant of the Lord Edward Burroughs, and obvious enough to many; yet for the sake of some, ‘tis thought meet to take notice of two particular Matters, which seem very pertinent on this Occasion.
First, That some of the young unlearned Dogs, not well acquainted with the Masters Manner in gathering the Sheep, did run from the Flock and with fierceness after the Sheep that staid behind, and did affrighten them, and bite some of them; neither would they be led, nor yet stay at home, but would always be going abroad, and barking at the Lambs to affrighten them, being ready to devour {First Part 84} them; for there was something of the Nature of the Wolf in them; and them the Shepherd bound up in Chains to fulfil his purpose on them.
Secondly, That some of the Dogs, well acquainted with the Masters Manner, did wisely goe behind the Sheep, and such did drive them gently along, without hunting of them, or wearying themselves.
From these two Citations out of the aforesaid Paper we may learn, that the Spirit of the Lord, thorough his Servant, hath in a Parable very lively described a part of what hath happened amongst the Flock of God in these latter Days; for of certain knowledge we can say, that there are such as are learned in the School of Christ, who (being well acquainted with Christ Jesus their Lord and Masters Manner of gathering the Sheep) do not over-drive the Flock, not yet weary themselves for meer Vanity; and their are also the Unlearned, who are not acquainted with the great Masters Manner in gathering the Sheep, and these in a great Measure have occasioned the Encrease and Continuations of the Division amongst the People called Quakers, by their contending for an outward Unity, and Conformity, with respect to Forms of Government in the Church; so that they seem not only ready to bite, but also to devour others, that see not clearness in themselves to practice according as they, in their hunting Spirit would (as much as in them lies) constrain and inforce. Nay, there are some, not only unacquainted with Christ Jesus’s Manner of gathering the Flock (like a Shepherd that gathers his Lambs in his Armes, and gently leads the them that are with Young) but also have laid blame of such as have exactly Walked in his Footsteps. And indeed, so Foolish and Confident have some been, that the masters manner of gathering the Flock hath become as a By Word or a Mock, and not only, so but Matter of Evil Fact in the sense of some, Witness the Forty Four Articles Relating to Church-Government, drawn up against J.S. and J.W. two {First Part 85} Ancient and Honourable Friends in the Truth, a part whereof is for that they should say, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE FRIENDS OVER-DRIVEN.
To Conclude; We also know, that some of these have been by the Spirit of Truth Reproved; as not fit to say they, speak in the Name of the Lord, When the Lord hath not spoken by them; nor yet to appear as if they were sent of God, to gather the Flock, or to Proclaim themselves Keepers of the other Folks, Vineyards, when they have not kept their own Vineyard: by which it appears, that the will of the Lord touching, such, hath been , that they should Hearken unto the Word of Reproof, and be led by his Spirit; which if they had, they would have stay’d at home, until they had been Instructed and Learn’d in the School of Christ; but yet notwithstanding, some have contrary hereunto, gone abroad, and their great Work hath been, to cry out against Honest Friends, under the notion of Dark Spirits, levened Spirits, Troublers of Israel, Corah’s, Judaea, &c. just like unto those Young Unlearned Dogs signified in the Parable, that would not be led; but would be going abroad, and Barking at the Lambs, to affrighten them, being ready to devour them; for as in the Parable ‘tis said, there hath been something of the Nature of the Wolf in them; But Blessed be the Lord, many are Witnesses, that of late some of them have been as in Chains and Fetters of Iron, so that they are not able to Prey upon those who are upon the Rock Christ, who doubtless, in his own time, will fulfil his Purpose on them. Oh! that all Concern’d herein at this Day would seriously Consider, & Proceed no farther in their Hunting, Biting, Devouring Spirit, nor yet Weary themselves for meer Vanity, lest the Eternal Decree of God should be sealed against them, to their Destruction for ever more.
To conclude this first part, we have yet to add, that since ‘tis signified, that the forty four Articles, before cited, relate to Church-Government, and that we say, they were drawn up against two Antient and Honourable Friends in the Truth {First Part 86} viz. John Story and John Wilkinson, we think it proper to cite one Passage as an evidence thereof, out of the 4_th. Section of the Second part of the Historicall Manuscript, Mentioned in the Preface to to Reader, with the omission onely of the Names of Persons, for the Reasons already given in the Preface. _
The Passage is as Followeth.
Before we shall make any Observation on the aforesaid Articles or Preamble thereto, ‘tis needful to Inform the Reader, that nine Persons, Concerned in Exhibiting the said Forty Four Articles against the two Friends, spoken of before, thus Declare concerning them, in a Letter to nine others Chosen by the Accusers to be Judges over them, viz.
“And Friends, it is not any Personall Trespass against any of us, that we Charge them with, nor any Particular Concern of our own, as Men, that we are in the Defence, but the Cause of Almighty God, and in the sense of the Wrong they have done to him; [but yet notwithstanding, in the same Letter they say] “that they have born a Dear Love, and Honourable respect unto them in the Holy Truth [comparing his with what is Written in the third Article of the 44 Articles before cited, viz.] “Slighting the heavenly Motion on George Fox, his Spirit in that Case, in the Unity Pretiously felt, and closed with (meaning the Rule or Form of Church-Government, set forth by George Fox, pretending the motion of the Spirit, as by the said Article appears) ‘'tis evident to us, that in their sense a slighting of George Fox Rules, Methods, and Orders, with Respect of Church-Government, is a slighting of the Cause of God. And though ‘tis said, in the Unity Preciously felt and closed with, yet that is Notoriously Erroneous, if thereby is meant in the Unity of all Friends, for that some of his Papers and Prescriptions, in many parts of the Nation, amongst Friends, have been little taken notice of, as is will known to us, and credibly reported by many.
Moreover, ‘tis evident to us, that some had so great {First Part 87} esteem for the Prescriptions or Papers given forth by him, as that they have concluded it to be no less than the Fruit of Confusion and Darkness to Believe, that, what he hath given forth, was not intended by him to be urged with Severity, which is no other then an inforcing and this doth thus appear.
John Story (One of those two Brethren) Articled against as aforesaid, in their Answer to the said Forty Four Articles, took occasion to give his sense touching such things, which George Fox had given forth on this wise, viz. “That he did not Believe that George Fox intended any such things, that they (Meaning his Papers Directed to the Churches) should with Severity be urged. Upon any of Gods Faithfull People, but as Instruction or Directions, Commended them to the Churches, Leaving the Effect thereof to God, and his Leading Grace in his People, to make use thereof as he should manifest a need of such Direction, Counsel, and Advice.
To this sense Robert Barlow and eight Persons (Part of those, who were Concerned in Exhibiting the said Forty Forty Four Articles) Replied, a part whereof was on this wise: “Truly thy Darkness and Blindness is easy to be felt, and they must be very dim of Sight that see not: oh! the confusion thy Dark Spirit is in.”
To this we say, This Answer seems so very Dark, as if Blindness were the Lot of their Inheritance, who so writ: for we well remember, that the Testimonies of our ancient bre(thren who were skill’d in gathering, and carefull not to scatter the Flock) did not encourage any to follow any Outward Directions whatsoever, without an inward Conviction (from the Leadings of Gods All-sufficient Grace, Freely given to Profit with all) of the needfulness of the Direction, Counsel or Advice contained therein: and Why? But because an Observance (not grounded on the Sufficiency of Gods Leading Grace in ourselves) of outward Instruction or Directions, in this Gospel Day, may find no more Acceptance with {First Part 88} the Lord of Life (who is now to be worshiped, obeyed, and reverence’s, not otherwise than in and by the Spirit and Light, thorough which he doth appear in Man) than an offering of the Halt and the Blind (which was forbidden in the time of the Law) for a Sacrifice, might: and this our sense may well be vindicated from such like Testimonies as these, frequently utter’d by our antient Brethren; [We Preach not our selves; Let not your dependencies be on us; we are not (neither desire to be) Lords over your Consciences; you ought to Believe for your selves and see for your selves; and therefore we Counsel you to draw Water out of your own wells; let it be your own and not another’s] We now appeal of Gods Witness in all Consciences, how this Kind of Language and Discourse can agree with such as render it the Fruit of Confusion and Darkness not to be believe that the Outward instructions or Directions of G. F. amongst the People called Quakers, were Intended to be Urged with severity upon Gods Faithful People? Besides, that which seemes to aggravate the Darkness is this; That the Faithful must have Outward Precepts, Directions, or Instructions Imposed upon them. Had the sense of those, whose sense we cannot own, been only with the relation to the Unfaithful, it might have seem’d a little better.
The Consideration of these things is great cause of lamentation and mourning; especially when we Consider, that we have no Ground to believe, either from the Scriptures of Truth given forth by inspiration, or from the Light of Christ in our Consciences that any man (according to the motion of Gods Spirit in this Gospel Day) ought to take upon him the giving forth of Outward Rules, or Prescriptions relating to Faith or Discipline in the Church, with an intent that they should become a Bond upon others to submit thereto, further than from a recommendation unto the Conscience a service may be seen therein, according to the measure of Light given from him, who is the fullness: but whether this our sense is not by many others (besides the aforesaid nine Persons) {First Part 89} amongst the People called Quakers slightly esteemed, and a combined sort of Submission (contrived, as we suppose, by a few, though) entered into by many at this Day, we shall leave it to the unprejudiced understanding Reader to Judge, on mature Consideration of what yet Follows.
Some few years past many Friends in the County of Westmoreland having been a long time burthened in monethly and quarterly Meetings by such as endeavoured to introduce the practice of some things (under the Notion of Church-Government) which they could not (as they have declared) in Conscience consent unto, did at length forbear to joyn with such on the Dayes of monethly and quarterly Meetings, which were understood by us to be first assented to (we cannot say, unalterably establisht) to relieve the Poor and take care of any other outward concern relating to the affaires of Friends, as a Society gathered into the Everlasting Truth, Abhorring Lord-ship over one anothers Faiths and Consciences. But yet the Persons so refusing to joyn with others, as aforesaid, did (as we have been credibly informed) on convenient Times and Dayes, appoint by themselves, to meet together, to take care (in that method wherein they found Freedom in the Truth) of the same services which Monethly and Quarterly Meetings were first Understood to be appointed.
This by the other Party was called a Separate Meeting, and the Meeters accounted Dark, Leaven’d, Rending, Dividing, Separate Spirits; so that at length a Paper was given forth, and subscribed by Robert Barrow and Sixteen Persons more, Belonging to Nine Meetings for Worship of God, wherein they thus declare. “And we being sensible of the great trouble and dissatisfaction in the Church of Christ throughout this Nation, concerning this said Separation, we do therefore with one consent, and at our several Meetings respectively signifie our Absolute {First Part 90} dislike thereof; and we do hereby, in the fear of the Lord, discharge all those concerned in the said Seperate Meetings in our Affairs, in the Capacity they are in; but we do hereby signify, our Absolute Refusal to submit any of our Affares either relating to the Poor, or otherwise, to the Ordering of the said Seperate Meetings; but do submit them to our Establisht Monethly and Quarterly Meetings aforesaid, for Westmoreland, so far as our affaires are concerned therein, to be Ordered as in the Wisdom of God and Unity of his Spirit they shall see meet.
From these fore-going Lines we observe, That though the Giver-forth thereof do not positively say, that the submission of ones Affairs (without restriction to Temporal or Spiritual Affairs) to the Establisht Monethly or Quarterly Meetings, shall for the future be an Outward Mark to know a Member of the Church by, or at least to distinguish such as are not members of the Church; yet who can but reasonably suppose that such a Meaning is their Meaning, or at least the Meaning of him or them chiefly concern’d in drawing up the said Paper, and promoting Subscriptions thereto, since ‘tis Plain (from the very Words cited) that others concerned in the Seperate Meetings (who have declared that for Conscience sake they cannot Submit to them) have no Right to act in the Churches Affaries; and not onely so, but that they take themselves to be invested with Authority (as to us appears) by using the Word [Discharge] for no one can Discharge another in any case, without Power so to do. And if we do but consider that the taking care of the Poor is one part of the Churches Affaires, from which those of the Seperate Meeting are Discharged, or declared to have no right to act in it, seemes to us extreamly Unchristian-like; for if it were so, that they had been overtaken in a fault, that can be no sufficient ground to declare, that they have no right to {First Part 91} administer their Charity to the Poor Members of the Church, because the taking care of such is Commendable in any Society of People whatsoever. Many other things might be observed from the said Paper, subscribed by One Hundred Sixty-six Persons, which at present we here omit, being largely treated on in the 19_th Section of the Manuscript first made mention of in the Preface, which is. Ready for the View of any Friend, that may be Desirous to peruse the same. _
However, the Remembrance of the Paper subscribed by Charles Marshall and Sixty Five more, at Ellis Hookes his Chamber, already cited together with this last mentioned, subscribed by Robert Barrow and One hundred sixty five more, Occasions this further Addition:
That it seemeth to be the Fruit of some Design to exalt one Man above measure, and not only so, but unjustly to defame others, as by Answers thereto have at large been manifested, according as in several Sections of the aforesaid Manuscript appears; and we may truly say, that what is already cited, doth manifest but little less than such a Design: for if a Conscientious slighting of George Fox’s Pretended motions, with respect to Formes of Church-Government (imposed contrary to Faith) and a charitable Belief, that he intended not to urge his Papers relating thereto, on any of Gods Faithfull People, with severity (which is no less than an Inforceing) but as Instructions or Directions, commended them to the Churches, leaving the Effect thereof to God, and his leading Grace in his People, to make use thereof, as he should manifest a need of such Directions, Counsel or Advice (as before cited) be by a part of the said Subscribers reputed such matter of Evil Fact, as that the Person concerned must be severely Testified against, under the term of a Dark Spirit in Confusion, it clearly shows a Design of unjust Defamation; unless a Blind-offering under the Gospel may be accepted, though condemnable under the Law. And as to the seeming design of exalting one man, ‘tis to us very evident, and past all manner of Question: as on evidence amongst many others that might be given, we shal, from what is already cited, {First Part 92} thus observe, that a Submission is signified to some certain Monethly and Quarterly Meetings, pretended to be establisht. But if the Reader enquire of whom they consist, the Answer in Truth is, of those (and of such like-minded with them) as drew up the Forty Four Articles against John Wilkinson and John Story whose Declared Judgement is (from the import of the Article already cited against John Story) that what Gorge Fox hath given forth as a Rule or Form of Church-Government, was so given Forth by him from an Heavenly Motion; that such his Motion was pretiously felt and closed with in the Unity, and ought not to be slighted: and forasmuch as Matters in those Meeetings are managed according to those Rules and Forms of Church-Government *2 it doth thence follow, that the Submission, spoken of clearly, centereth in a Submission to G.F. and the name of the Monethly and Quarterly Meetings, we therefore reasonably take to be, but as a Conduit to convey it to him: and well would it be for him, if he were clear of a Persecuting Spirit, against some, that cannot submit unto him, in the Form and Method which others have.
The sense of these things hath occasioned (in much seriousness of Spirit before the Lord) this Enquiry, What is that bait, which the enemy of the Soul of Man spread before him (since his first coming forth to Preach the Light, &.) to concern himself so much as he hath against some, that cannot own an urging with severity his Directions, or Prescriptions, on Gods Faithfull People; and in Particular to appear a Persecutor of such, which can certainly be proved against him, if endeavouring unjustly to take away a mans Good Name and Reputation can be termed such?
To this the Answer is; As the Serpent beguiled Eve, so Eve beguiled Adam, in prevailing upon him to eat of the Forbidden Fruit which she had eaten; and the Argument used
{First Part 93} by the Serpent to tempt Eve was this, Ye shall be as Gods. Even so are we persuaded, that there hath not been wanting unto him (to speak comparatively) a tempting Eve, which hath been too aspiring after such a State, which (with respect to humble self-denying Persecuted Members of Christs Church) is neither fit nor presidented; and yet ‘tis to be doubted, that this aspiring Mind hath had so much place with him, as that he hath taken too much upon him (which hath occasioned Rents and Divisions amongst the flock) and sometimes to pretend, that he hath seen things in the Vision of the Almighty, which hath been no other than the Imagination of his own Heart; and having given way thereto, and finding a fear upon Friends (thorough a tender respect unto him) to Judge or dislike what he might bring forth, under pretence of the Motion of the Spirit, it in Probability encreast his Confidence, especially when he considered, what had been written unto him by some Friends in the Day of their Infancy, which being in such Language as was suitable to an aspiring mind, might tend to his hurt, At length his same grew so great as that amongst some Weak Friends, it became even as a Proverb, that none would prosper, who should oppose him. This by others hath clearly been seen to be a subtil way, to obliege all such as should so believe, to be Servant to his Will; and for ought we know the Perswasion hath the more easily obtained him the repute (with some) of being set by the Lord in the like place amongst the Children of Light at the Day as Moses had amongst the Children of Israel in his Day: and this we doubt is the Occasion, that the Rebellion of Corah, Dathan, and Abiram is much treated on, to affrighten Simple People, in our Publick Meetings for Worship of God, (since the Divisions amongst Friends) especially in those Places where G.F.’s Papers (relating to Church-Government) have little place. But alas! those who are sound in the Faith, cannot be affrighted with such things, no more than they can be convinced with {First Part 94} the sight of such False Certificates *3 recorded in the 21st Section of the Manuscript, first mentioned in the Preface, and ready for the perusal of any Friend desiring the sight thereof) as of late have been spread abroad in his Favour, to render him an Innocent Man, and to acquit him from the Guilt of some Matters of Fact laid to his charge, when the Certifiers knew nothing at all thereof; and of this he himself could not be Ignorant, though the Occasion of spreading such Certificates abroad (if he know what was contained therein) which would have been proved to his Face, had been but so Just to the cause of Truth, as to have submitted to a hearing (according as was desired, and in the Preface signified) before Friends, of things Reproachful to the Truth, whereof he is guilty.
But notwithstanding all this,we dare not say, that his Preaching the Light in the Beginning of his Travels abroad, as well as the Preaching of Light by others his Fellow-Servants in the Beginning with him) was not the Ministration given them of God; for at the sound thereof many Faces gathered Paleness; Horror and Amazement seized many, who then became sensible of their Lost State and Condition, whilest they were admiring their Teachers, and busied in Outward Ordinances, more than in the Cross Of Christ; And that Day (wherein many were not only so stricken with Amazement, but through Faith received the Testimony given, touching the Light of Christ) might truly be termed The Day of their infancy in the Truth, and so the more likely to be prevailed upon by the Enemy, who in that Day (as in Ages past) sought how he might destroy that Tenderness to the Truth, which was so begotten; for ‘tis certainly known, that many (whose Eyes ought to have been unto the Creator, Admiring and Giving Glory unto him, for his Gifts of Grace, and Ministration of Light then revealed) did on a sudden admire the Creature in such an abundant manner, as if not only the planting and watering were by him, but the Encrease {First Part 95} also: and in that Day some (whom the Lord hath made as Watchmen in the House of Israel) were concerned thereat, and Jealous with a Godly Jealousie ; and though at present ‘tis not with us to declare what that Jealousie was, yet, (if the Tree may be know by its Fruit) we may with Boldness affirm, that the then admiring the Creature might be truely paraleld with that State out of which the Lord through the Ministration of Light or Spirit of Life had led many at that Day, who had so learned the Truth , as (according to the Testimony thereof) to have their Eye to the Light within (viz. the Light of Christ) and not instead thereof to any Outward Person, through whom amongst other Brethren the Ministration of Light was revealed: But yet notwithstanding, some there were (as before is signified) that admired the Creature, which not only became unto them a snare, (but ‘tis much to be doubted) unto the Creature also, that was admired: for the Acceptation of more respect than was meet, stands in the same ground with the Offering thereof; and ‘tis too much to be feared that the imprudent Acceptation of what was unduely offered, hath befit a Spirit of Pride and Exaltation in G.F. which the Lord is determined (for his Name-Sake) to bring into Dust; and if he did but seriously mind his State and Condition, and was more ready to appear little in his own eyes, than to be accounted Great in the Eyes of others; and not give way to such a false Imagination that true Judgement was committed to him in all things (which can now be Testified was spoken by him, and that at that time, wherein his Judgement was known to be false) and that he may take a Liberty knowingly to put Stumbling Blocks in the way of Gods People, and yet be justified therein *4 We cannot otherwise be perswaded, but that he would then see, that he is fallen from the Truth; & that the words reported to be spoken by J. Naylor (when he said in Relation to his own falen state) I am but the figure of another, are now fulfilled in him. Oh! that the Lord would change his Heart, & bring him to a true Sight of, and sorrow for his sin, as he did J.N. after his Fall; and then, we hope, as he hath been an Offence unto the Church of God, so the Lord will lay a Constraint upon him (as he did upon James Naylor to travel amongst Friends, whom he hath offended, to clear the truth of that Scandal and Reproach which thorough him hath been brought upon it.
For ‘tis an Abomination before the Lord (and at this day seasonably testified against by the Children of Light) that G.F. should be an Occasion of so much Division, Strife and Contention, as hath been made in the Nation touching his Papers, under a pretence, That he hath been moved of God to give them forth, that Friends might be supplied with Directions to keep all things clean and sweet amongst Friends; meaning thereby amongst other things ( and that according to the Express words of his Papers) That there should be no Backbiting, Talebearing, Judging one another, until the Authors thereof be found, &c. and yet be the very Person, that is notoriously guilty in all those things himself, which would have been proved against him, had he submitted to a Hearing, as aforesaid: But for as much as he hath refused to submit to such a Hearing (though several Letter from Friends in Truth have been written unto him, to entreat him thereto, and in particular hath been treated withal by Daniel Smith, of Marlborough, to whom he gave this Answer, he judged ‘twould be a jangle, as ‘twas at Bristol; and so refused, as by a Letter from the said Daniel Smith doth appear) therefore we do at present refer for Proof of the Matters (whereof we assert in this Paragraph, that he is guilty) to the last mentioned Manuscript, and in particular to the 21st. Section thereof, which is ready for the perusal of Friends desiring to view the same.
William Rogers, on behalf of himself and other Friends in Truth concerned.
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*Note, Meaning those Sheep that were hunted from the Fold, and wounded by the unlearned Dogs. ↩
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* [Witness expressions frequently urged to this purpose (when Friends being met about Outward Concerns of Truth, have not agreed) see what George Fox’s paper saith. ↩
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Note, The Reader may peruse the Fifth Part of the Christian Quaker, and therein the said Certificates are more largely treated on. ↩
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* Note, When William Rogers discoursed with him touching this particular passage in his Book of Womens Meetings: And was not Micahs Mother a virtuous Woman? Read Judges 17, and then a few Lines after (though she was an Idolatrous Woman) sayeth, these and such like Women were recorded for their Wissdom and their Virtue, &for. He answered William Rogers thus, I knew what I did, I saw ‘twould be a Stumbling Block; but there is something in it. ↩
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