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.

Moreover they affirm, That this Light (the same which they say is in every one that cometh into the world) is the anointing from the Father, that they need not teach one another.

HOw great a progresse (O thou most holy) will thine Enemy and the Truths make, if this doctrine were im∣braced?

1. To break down the wall about the enclosed Garden, the Church, and make Common the choicest favours of the King of Saints, who endeared himself of old to his people by the promise of his Spirit, wherby we know that he dwelleth in us, and we in him, because he hath given us of his Spirit, John 16. 7. 1 John 4▪ 13.

This is the Spirit which the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, Joh. 14. 17.

This is the Spirit of Promise (promised to believers) wher∣by they are or shall be sealed unto the Day of Redemption of the Saints (who are the Purchased Possession) from the Po∣wer of the grave unto the Perfection of Liberty and Glory; It being in the mean time the Earnest of our inheritance which is reserved in heaven for us.

Is not this the oil wherewith our Lord and Saviour was anointed above his fellowes, who are his brethren, par∣takers from his fullnesse? Psal. 45. 7. John 1. 16. Ephes. 4. 7.

2. Moreover, how daringly doth this attempt (if it were pos∣sible) to pull the seven stars, Rev. 1. out of the hand of Christ? and how easily doth this conclude against Apostle∣ship, Pastorship, Doctorship, Eldership, &c. admonitions, ex∣hortations, reproofs, and that with a high hand, although God hath set them in his Church for the perfecting of the Saints, and edifying of the Body, and that untill every member be added to his Church, and every member already in it be grown unto the fullnesse of the measure of the stature of Christ? Eph. 4. 11, 12. 1 Cor. 12. 28.

Let the wise judge whether this doctrine teach not one member to say to another, I have no need of thee. But if any rejoice in the Covenant of Promise, we also will blesse the name of the Lord who hath established the New Cove∣nant upon better promises than the old Covenant. For to the people whom he taketh to himself, he will give not only a Law without, but in their hearts also, and whereas in the dispensation Mosaicall, there were many Brethren in that outward ministration who knew not God, yet in the new Covenant there is not a Brother need say to his brother, Know the Lord▪ as if he was ignorant of the Lord, though the least of all Saints. Yet surely if this promise exclude all outward Teachers, why should Christ give Teachers to his Saints? and Peter stir up their minds (their pure minds) by way of re∣membrance, and endeavour by his Epistle, that after his decease they might have the Gospell in remembrance; and John write to Believers of all ages in the Church, that they

abide in Christ, notwithstanding that they had the anointing in them?

All which expresseth the unspeakable love of Christ, and care toward his People, knowing their weaknesses, which favour man would reject to his own losse.

3. But as if it were a small thing (O you that fear the Lord) thus courteously to rob, and friendly to betray you, this doctrine proceeds (if the Authors understand it) to cut off at once all instruction and reproof of Enemies and ungod∣ly; and states not a Brother but an Enemy and child of igno∣rance twice over to have no need that any man say unto him, Know the Lord; because it saith, every man that commeth into the world is enlightned by the light, which is the Anoint∣ing, which, as these Doctrinists say, excludes all need of outward Teaching.

If any man say, The Spirit convinceth the world of sin, therefore every one in the world hath the workings of the spirit.

It is answered, The holy anointing oil is not poured up∣on mans flesh, nor the stranger, but on the Tabernacle, Altar, &c. Aaron and his sonnes, which makes this Mercy peculiar to the Saints, the holy Priesthood, and not common, or like the convincing operations of the Spirit, which do not appropriate such a Person or consecrate him to the Lord.

Besides, this Conviction doth not exclude the Teachings of man, but rather implyes it, For it convinceth of unbe∣lief, which is not the sinne of them that have not heard, Romans 10. ver. 14. He will say then, Have they not heard? Is not the word nigh them, yea in their hearts? verse 8.

Most true, it is in the hearts of them that believe; yea ve∣rily their sound is gone forth into all the earth, even Theirs who were preachers of Glad tidings, v. 14, 15. who carried the report which was not believed of some, v. 16. even the word of God, v. 17. which being received by the Gentiles became a provocation of the Jewes to jealousie, because it was first offered to them, and they received it not, v. 19. it

pleased therefore the Lord of All to send forth tidings of Grace into all nations, and his Spirit to convince the world (contradistinguished to the Jewes, Rom. 11. 15.) of sinne, because when they hear they believe not, untill convinced that it is their sin not to believe in Christ, or submit to him, accept him as King, Priest, and Prophet, when offered to them.

It might seem strange to you, dearly beloved, should we say that these discoursings on their part are but a blind to veil what is farther intended. It may be their confessions will sometimes give you it that you and all men ought to believe in Christ in them, and that they perish for not believing that Christ is manifested in their flesh, and that you are saved by the dying, rising &c. of Christ or the light in you, and not by any Christ without you.

Notes

• Cant. 4. 12.
• Eph. 1. 13, 14. 4. 30. Rom. 8. 23.
• 2 Cor. 1. 22. 5. 5, 6.
• 1 Pet. 1. 4, 5.
• 1 Cor. 12. 19, 20, 21.
• Hos. 4. 6.
• Ephes. 4. 2 Pet. 3. 1. 1 ch. 12, 13.
• 1 Ioh. 2. 14 27.
• Ioh. 16.
• Exod. 30. 32. 26 &c.
• 1 Pet. 2. 8. 54.
• Rom 10.
• Acts 13. 38; 30 42▪ 45, 46▪ 47.