A faithful discovery of a treacherous design of mystical Antichrist displaying Christs banners, but attempting to lay waste Scriptures, churches, Christ, faith, hope, &c. and establish paganism in England. Seasonably given in a letter to the faithful in and near to Beverley. Containing an examination of many doctrines of the people called Quakers in Yorkshire, together with a censure of their way, and several items concerning the designs of God, Satan, and men, in these things, recommended to the consideration of them who are in good earnest for Christ.

Furthermore these who come unto you in the i∣mitation and resemblance of Christ, Prophets, * 1.1Apostles, with their deemed Oracles and great wonders, do shew themselves in the most com∣posed garb of humility, as the greatest friends to the crosse of Christ, and the onely bearers of it, disswading you From your own wisdome, will, righteousnesse, Pride in apparell, Diet, &c. giving and receiving honour of men, and such like, which is the crosse you must abide in, and through it (they say) passe unto everlasting rest.

WE Wish heartily that all that wear the sheeps clothing were sheep indeed; but there is one that judges. Let

us search and trie these Doctrins and let judgement of persons result freely.

* 1.2 First then, we are fully satisfied that he who hath learned Arts and Sciences, and hath read over Systems or Bodies of Divinity, and Exercitations concerning it, must come to Christ as a little child, and be abased in all his Pride of * 1.3Flesh in Gods presence; For all these make not one wise unto salvation: but what this man hath before Christ he is puffed up with it, knowing nothing as he ought to know, 1 Cor. 8. 1.

Yet doth not this subvert Schools of learning, but it sets learning in its place. Surely it is clean to the clean-hearted, as meat and drink, and being rightly improved, yields a larger tribute to Jesus Christ, than the worlds external goods. For want of which its easily observable how these pretenders to the Cross, do often mistake in the English idiom or phrase of translation to wrest the sense.

We affirm also that he that's wise to buy and sell, and shift in shaking times, to raise himself while most do fall, must give up himself to Jesus Christ, seeking first his kingdome, and minding his will, without consulting with flesh and * 1.4blood, though he be counted a fool for Christs sake.

Yet doth not this cross the will of Christ, for him that hath wisdom in his Generation to buy and sel, and provide liberal∣ly for himself and his, if riches increase by the blessing of the * 1.5Lord, and not the covetous pursute of them that would be rich, Still remembring, that of him that hath more there is more required, and that Man be faithfull with that that is anothers (for he can carry nothing out of this world) being rich in good works. Also considering he that hath most hath most * 1.6Temptations, which is enough (if wisely weighed) to stop the greediness of Men after more than food convenient.

Secondly, we are assured, that who so comes to Christ must forsake his own will, as guided by fleshly wisdome, or deceitful lusts, or expressing it self in opposing the will of Christ.

Nevertheless this superintendency of the holy Spirit, over∣awing

the will of Man doth not abolish, but regulate it, For * 1.7the people become willing in the day of his Power.

Neither doth it follow that such or such a Motion is ther∣fore of God, because it crosseth natures desires, though if the clear will of God do so, it must be readily o∣beyed.

* 1.8 Thirdly, we are confident that whatever Man hath done or received before he knew Christ, which he accounted gain and boasted of, hoping for Gods favour therefore, he will reckon his loss when Christ is revealed to him; because he was held contented in those snares of Pride without Christ, and he will no more desire to be found in his own righteousnesse, which indeed are as filthy raggs; unlesse when he is under Temptations,

Yet we also believe that the righteousnesse which is per∣formed by faith, or the Power of Christ in us, is not to be re∣sted in, as that in which we are accepted, Eph. 1. 6.

Also that the Externals of Religion, before rested in, be∣come not now abolished to the New-creature, as Ceremo∣nies which might be used or not used, but the Externals * 1.9of the Gospel are to be used with the Power of Godlinesse upon a new account transacted to the glory of Christ.

Fourthly, touching Apparel, We confess and may not deny that in the Church-relation, and in presence of Christ, we may not have respect to gay cloathing and a gold ring, For then all eyes should be inward while soul affaires are * 1.10transacted; And we may not here know men after the flesh, but as they are enriched with Faith and gifts of Grace, and as they stand in the judgement of the Spirit.

Wherefore Apparel concerns the outward Man in the ca∣pacity of Man, though it is (as all other things) to be order∣ed and directed by the grace of God. And here we know not how to excuse this wanton nation that generally shews it self * 1.11childish in nothing more than by respecting gay clothing, which sometimes covers an infirm and deformed Body and Spirit too, and in its self onely seems to shew a man that hath more thick clay than another. But seest thou a man boast∣ing in his Apparel, be not troubled, for it may be its all his

Portion and rejoicing in this world.

We know the Scriptures that declare against the Pride and wantonness in apparel, Is. 3. 1 Pet. 3. 3. 1 Tim. 2. 9. and that which judges this wantonness in women condemns the like in men also, yet we will consider (and that a little more, because this is so much insisted on by the Assertors) what allowance is by God given to men, though not for a cloak of Pride.

* 1.12 1. Apparel was instituted to cover shame, to defend from weather, and grew into use, for distinction of sexes, and qualities of Persons; but for the shape of garments its left to man to attire himself Prudentially, and because he is a member of Societies, Prudence directs to use the modest cu∣stomes of the Country (as in other and greater matters.)

2. As all creatures were given to man for his use, so some for his conveniency, delight, and ornament as a * 1.13Man; else the bounty of God in the variety of creatures must be denied. Man may serve himself of any Creature, so that * 1.14he be helped in his way, and honour his God by it: Thus in dayes of gladness the Scripture allows more than ordinary garments, after the manner of men.

3. Pride doth not lie in putting on of Apparel, though it be above what Poor men can compass; Poor men may be as proud in their best cloaths, as Rich men in their costly gar∣ments.

4. Though neither men nor women professing godlinesse are so to adorn themselves with gold, silver, and pearls, as * 1.15seeking praise in garments and not in good works; yet surely God hath allowed men in Eminent Places, civil and military, to put on those badges of Honour that belong in a civil way to * 1.16to their offices, so as that the brutish part of mankind (that are taken with nothing but Pomp and Power) may not rudely assault their Persons and offices which are to keep order in this world; which is a curse threatned, Isa. 3. 5.

* 1.17 Neither doth this onely extend to persons in place, but their very houshold, and wherever God hath given plenty we know not any thing against a cleanly modest apparel, unto a deco∣rum and some ornament, according to the sinless customs

of the Times and place of residence. This remembring, that they must give an accompt to God for the spending of wealth, who would have each thing served in its place, upon which accompt the costlinesse of apparell (within the forementioned bounds) seems to be according to the surplusage or remain∣der of estate, after works of necessity, Piety, Hospitality, Charity, which are of more concernment than to comport or comply with Pedigree or Place, &c.

In all these cases its best to keep within compasse, and not fashion our selves according to the Lusts in our ignorance, and * 1.18conforming our selves to this wanton world, but to what is most comely and honourable for them who should have all * 1.19things under their feet.

Touching diet, we need not speak, having so much insist∣ed on rayment which is in the same rank, This knowing * 1.20that the sonne of man came eating bread and drinking wine, and yet was in hunger and thirst, to teach us to want and to * 1.21abound (which is unspeakable happiness to them that have so learned) and that we are to walk as free yet not using our li∣berty as an occasion to the flesh.

* 1.22 5. We know it of unquestionable verity, that whoever being in an honourable Condition in this world, are called, * 1.23and come to Christ, should imbrace the reproaches of Christ, and gladly croud through honour and dishonour, else they are * 1.24not fit for the Kingdome of God, neither can they believe if they be resolved to keep honour among carnall and Worldly * 1.25Men.

Yet we professe against that unchristian unhumane throw∣ing off all subjection to and acknowledgement of Superiours by word or deed, found among the maintainers of these Do∣ctrines which we contend against; and do declare that their shew of humility is most abhominable Pride▪ in denying all respects to men, whom God hath said we should honor, Rom. 137. 1 Tim. 5. 17. 1 Tim. 6. 1, 2, 3. Eph. 6. 2. and not onely Magistrates, Elders, Masters Parents, as such, who may be * 1.26godly, are to be honored by the faithful, but he saith also Ho∣nor all men, 1 Pet. 2. 17. which honor Luke, Paul, John, &c. gave to persons godly and ungodly, in the phrases usuall and distinguishing.

We might mention that honour which Job, Joseph, Mordecai, Daniel, and the Kings of Judah, and faith∣full men of old received in their conditions of Advancement: Paul also was honoured with many Honours, which he ac∣pted, Acts 28. 10.

* 1.27 Times are in the Fathers hands, he that said is faithfull, The meek shall inherit the Earth, and to the Daughter of Sion should come the first Dominion; And as the first coming of Jesus Christ was attended with the crosse and persecution of all that followed him, so some do think that at or before the second comming of the Man Christ Jesus exalted, Je∣rusalem * 1.28which now is a Praise in heaven, shall be a Praise in Earth, as Babylon hath been. Now distinguish of the * 1.29Times and you may reconcile these and the like Scriptures with them that lay Tribulations and persecutions upon all the Followers of Christ. God hath taken off much of the yoak from his persecuted in England.

Its most true the Jew inwardly desires not the praise of men, yet God will make his enemies bow before them, and ac∣knowledge * 1.30them the seed which the Lord hath blessed, when he calls his servants by a new name, having taken away the * 1.31names of reproach.

This we should not plead for, as knowing the error is com∣monly on the other hand, in too many complements (yea a∣mong Saints) but that we see Morositie and rudenesse impo∣sed by them upon us as conformity to the crosse of Christ: nei∣ther do we yet think the Saints are fit for such a condition, (until we see more of the fine Linnen in use, Rev. 19. 8.) or that they should presse after worldly honor, but what righ∣teousnesse, holinesse, and the image of Christ by the grace * 1.32of God in Providence casts upon them.

* 1.33 God will yet more stain the Pride of all glory and bring into contempt all the Honourable of the Earth that are not willing to decrease that he might increase.

Finally Brethren, whatsoever things are true (and not phantasticall vain shews) grave (and not ridiculous or dis∣orderly) * 1.34whatsoever things are just (giving each their due, God and Caesar, Saints and all men) Pure (and not defiled

with wanton mixtures of pride and vanity) whatsoever are lovely (and not rude and harsh) and of good report (among men judging rationally) think on those things, And let not the ungodly outstrip you in any true excellency, nor reproach you as if Christianity did not perfect humanity. Thus shall * 1.35the riches of the Gentiles be spiritually brought into the new Jerusalem.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mat. 24. 24.
• * 1.2

  Of widom.
• * 1.3

  Mat. 18. 2. 1 Cor. 1 30 Jer. 9. 23.
• * 1.4

  Gal. 7. 16. 1 Cor. 4. 10.
• * 1.5

  Prov. 10. 22 Luk. 16. 12.
• * 1.6

  1 Tim. 6. 9. 17. Prov. 30. 8. Of Will.

  Acts 9. 6.
• * 1.7

  Psal. 110. 3.
• * 1.8

  Of Righte∣ousness.

  Phi. 3. 7, 8, 9
• * 1.9

  1 Cor. 11. 28. Rev. 3. 19. James 2. 2.
• * 1.10

  2 Cor. 5. 16.
• * 1.11

  Hab. 2. 6.
• * 1.12

  Gen. 3. 7. 21. Pro. 31. 21. Deut. 22. 5. Mat. 11. 8.
• * 1.13

  Gen. 9. 2.
• * 1.14

  1 Tim. 6. 17. Esther 5. 1. Luk. 15. 22 Mat. 22. 11. Cant. 3. 11.
• * 1.15

  1 Tim. 2 9, 10.
• * 1.16

  Mat. 11. 8. 2 Chron. 18 29. Rom. 13.
• * 1.17

  Prov. 31. 21. Eccl. 5. 19.
• * 1.18

  1 Pet. 1. 14.
• * 1.19

  Psal. 8. 6.
• * 1.20

  Mat. 11. 19.
• * 1.21

  Phil. 4. 12.
• * 1.22

  Of Honour.
• * 1.23

  Heb. 11. 24.
• * 1.24

  Luk. 9. 62.
• * 1.25

  John 5. 44.
• * 1.26

  Luke 1. 3. Act. 26. 2. 25. 2 Joh. ver. 1.
• * 1.27

  Psal. 37. Dan. 2. 44. 7. 27. Mic. 4. 8.
• * 1.28

  Rev. 19.
• * 1.29

  Isa. 62. 7.
• * 1.30

  Rom. 2▪
• * 1.31

  Isa. 61. 5, 6, 7, 9. cha. 65. 7, 9.
• * 1.32

  Isa. 58. 8.
• * 1.33

  Isa. 23.
• * 1.34

  Phil. 4. 8. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,
• * 1.35

  Rev. 21. 26.