A testimony against the Quakers False-doctrine, and the image they have set up Being a defence of the book called Antichrist transformed. In answer to a little book, published by Giles Barnadiston. And for better information, the image is hereto annexed verbatim, with the subscribers thereof. Published by Geoffery Bullock.

A Testimony from the Brethren, who were met together at London, in the third month, 1666. to be communicated to the faithful Friends and Elders in the Countries; by them to be read in their several Meetings, and kept as a Testimony among them,

WE your Friends and Brethren, whom God hath called to labour and watch for the Eternal good of your Souls: at the time aforesaid, being through the Lord's good hand, who hath preserved us at liberty, met to∣gether in his Name and Fear, were by the Operation of the Spirit of Truth, brought into a serious Consideration of this present state of the Church of God; which in the day of her return out of the Wilderness, hath not only many open, but some Covert-Enemies to Conflict against; who are not afraid to speak evil of Dignities, and despise Government: without which we are sensible our Societies and Fellowship cannot be kept holy and invio∣lable.

Therefore as God hath put it into our hearts, we do communicate these things following unto you; who are turned from darkness to light, and profess with us in the Glorious Gospel throughout Nations and Countries: Wherein we have travelled, as well for a Testimony against the unruly, as to stablish and confirm them, unto whom it is given to believe the Truth; which is unto us very precious, as we believe it is also unto you, who in love have received it, and understood the Principles, and felt the Vertue and Operation of it. In which our spirits breath, that we all may be preserved, until we have well finished our Course and Testimony, to the honour and glory of our Lord God, who is over all blessed for ever.

1. We having a true sense of the working of the Spirit, which under a Profession of Truth, leads into a Division from, and Exaltation above the Body of Friends, who never revolted nor degenerated from their Principles, and into marks of Separation from the constant Practice of good and an∣itient Friends, who are found in the Faith once delivered to us. And also unto a slight esteem of their Declarations or Preaching, (who have and do ap∣prove themselves as the Ministers of Christ) and of the Meetings of the Lords People, whereby, and wherein Friends are, and often have been preciously revived and refreshed.

And under pretence of keeping down Man and Forms, doing down the Ministry and Meetings, or encourage those that do the same. We say, the Lord giving us to see, not only the working of that Spirit, and those that are joyned to it, that bring forth these ungrateful fruits; but also the evil Con∣sequence and Effects of it, which are of no less importance, than absolute∣ly tending to destroy the Work of God, and lay waste his Heritage. We do unanimously (being thereto encouraged by the Lord, whose presence is with us) declare and testifie, That neither that Spirit, nor such as are joyned to it, ought to have any Dominion, Office, or Rule in the Church of Christ Jesus, whereof the Holy Spirit that was poured forth upon us, bath made us Members, and Overseers. Neither ought they to act, or order the affairs of the same: But are rather to be kept under with the power of God, till they have an Ear open to Instruction, and come into Subje∣ction to the Witness of God; of the encrease of whose Kingdom and Government there shall be no end.

2. We do declare and testifie, That that Spirit, and those that are joyned to it, who stand not in Ʋnity with the Ministry and Body of Friends; that are constant and stedfast to the Lord, and to his unchangeable Truth, which we have received, and are Witnesses of, and Ambassadors, have not any true Spiritual Right, or Gospel-Authority to be Judges in the Church, and as the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ; so as to condemn you and their Ministry: Neither ought their judgment to be any more regarded by Friends, than the judgment of other Opposers, who are without. For of right, the Elders and Members of the Church (which keep their habitation in the Truth) ought to judg matters and things that differ, and their judgment which is so given therein, ought to stand good and valued among Friends; though it be kickt against and disapproved by them who have degenerated as aforesaid. And we do further declare and testifie, That it is abominable Pride, which goeth before Destruction, that so puffs up the mind of any par∣ticular, that he will not admit of any judgment to take place against him: For he that is not justified by the Witness of God in Friends, is condemned

by it in himself; though being hardened, he may boast over it in a false Confidence.

3. If any difference arise in the Church, or amongst them that profess themselves Members thereof; We do declare and testifie, That the Church, with the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, have power (without the assent of such as dissent from their Doctrine and Practices) to hear and determine the same. If any pretend to be of us, and in case of Controversie will not admit to be tried by the Church of Christ Jesus, nor submit to the judgment given by the Spirit of Truth in the Elders and Members of the same, but kick against their judgment, as only the judgment of Man, it being mani∣fested according to Truth, and consistent with the Doctrine of such good an∣tient Friends as have been, and are found in the Faith, agreeable to the Wit∣ness of God in his People; Then we do testifie in the Name of the Lord (if that judgment so given be risen against and denied by the party condem∣ned:) then he or she (and such as so far partake of their sins, as to counte∣nance and encourage them therein) ought to be rejected; And having err'd from the Truth, persisting therein presumptuously, are joyned in one with HEATHENS and INFIDELS.

4. We do declare, That if any go abroad hereafter, pretending to that weighty Work and Service, who either in Life or Doctrine grieve good Friends, that are stedfast in the Truth, sound in the Faith; so that they are not manifest in their Consciences, but disagree to the Witness of God in them; Then ought they (whatever have been their Gifts) to leave them be∣fore the Altar, and forbear going abroad and ministring, until they are re∣conciled to the Church, and have the Approbation of the Elders and Mem∣bers of the same. And if any that have been so approved of by the Church, do afterwards degenerate from the Truth, and do that which tendeth to Divi∣sion, and countenance Wickedness and Faction (as some have done) then the Church hath a true Spiritual Right and Authority to call such to Exami∣nation; and if they find sufficient cause for it, by good testimony, may judg them unfit for the Work of Gods Ministry, whereof they have rendred them∣selves unworthy; and so put a stop to their proceedings therein. And if they submit not to the judgment of the Spirit of Christ in his People, then ought they publickly to be declared against; and warning given to the Flock of Christ in their several Meetings, to beware of them, and to have no fellow∣ship with them, that they may be ashamed, and Lambs and Babes in Christ preserved.

5. And if any man or woman, which are out of the Unity with the Body of Friends, print, or cease to be printed, or published in writing, any thing which is not of service for the Truth; but tends to the scandalizing and re∣proaching

of faithful Friends, or to beget or uphold Division and Faction; then we do warn and charge all Friends that do love Truth, as they desire it may prosper, and be kept clear, to beware and take heed of having any hand in printing, republishing or spreading such Books or Writings. And if at any time such Books be sent to any of you that sell Books in the Country, after that you, with the advice of good and serious Friends, have tried them, and find them faulty, to send them back again whence they come. And we further desire, from time to time, faithful and sound Friends may have the view of such things as are printed upon Truth's account (as formerly it hath used to be) before they go to the Press; that nothing but what is sound and savory, and that will answer the Witness of God even in our Adversaries, may be exposed to publick view.

6. We do advise and counsel, That such as are made Overseers of the Flock of God by the Holy Spirit, and do watch for the good of the Church meeting together in their respective places, do set and keep the affairs of it in good order; beware of admitting or encouraging such as are weak, and of little faith, to take such trust upon them: for by hearing things disputed that are doubtful, such may be hurt themselves, and may hurt the Truth, not being grown into a good understanding to judge of things. Therefore we exhort, That you who have received a true sense of things, be diligent in the Lord's business, and keep the Meetings as to him, that all may be kept pure and clean, according to that of God which is just and equal.

We also advise, That not any be admitted to order Publick business of the Church but such as have felt in a measure of the Universal Spirit of Truth; which seeks the destruction of none, but the general good of all; and especially of those that love it, who are of the Houshold of Faith▪ So, dear Friends and Brethren, believing that your Souls will be refreshed (in the sense of our spirits, and integrity towards God) at the reading of these things, as ours were while we sate together at the opening of them; and that you will be one with us on the behalf of the Lord, and his precious Truth, against those who would limit the Lord to speak without Instruments, or by what Instruments they list, and reject the Counsel of the Wise-men, and the Testimony of the Prophets, which God sanctified and sent among you in the day of his Love, when you were gathered; and would not allow him liberty, in and by his Servants to appoint time and place, wherein to meet together to wait upon and worship him, according as he requireth in Spirit, and calling it Formal, and the Meeting of Man.

We say, believing that you will have Fellowship with us herein, as we have with you in the Truth, we commit you to God, and the Word of Life, which hath been preached to you from the beginning (which is neither limited to

place, nor time, nor persons; but hath power to limit us to each as pleaseth him) that you with us, and we with you, may be built up in our most holy Faith; and be preserved to partake of the Inheritance which is heavenly, amongst all them that are sanctified.

• Richard Farnsworth.
• Alexander Parker,
• George Whitehead,
• Josiah Coale,
• John Whitehead.
• Thomas Loe,
• Stephen Crispe,
• Thomas Green.
• John Moon.
• Thomas Briggs,
• James Parkes.