Silent meeting, a wonder to the world, yet practised by the Apostles and owned by the people of God, scornfully called Quakers Britten, William, d. 1669. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A69638 of text R13581 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing B4825). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 33 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 8 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A69638 Wing B4825 ESTC R13581 12647990 ocm 12647990 65205 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A69638) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 65205) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 345:11 or 376:8) Silent meeting, a wonder to the world, yet practised by the Apostles and owned by the people of God, scornfully called Quakers Britten, William, d. 1669. [2], 13 p. Printed for Robert Wilson ..., London : 1660. Signed at end: William Britten. Smith's catalogue of Friends' books (I, 320) notes 3 "editions," all presumably with the same imprint; Wing (B4825) records 2 "issues." Reproduction of original in Friends' Library, London, and Union Theological Seminary Library, New York. Marginal notes. eng Society of Friends. A69638 R13581 (Wing B4825). civilwar no Silent meeting, a wonder to the world; yet practised by the Apostles, and owned by the people of God, scornfully called Quakers. Britten, William 1660 5914 7 0 0 0 0 0 12 C The rate of 12 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2006-05 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-05 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-05 Taryn Hakala Sampled and proofread 2007-05 Taryn Hakala Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Silent Meeting , A WONDER to the WORLD ; Yet Practised by the APOSTLES , And Owned by the People of God , Scornfully called QUAKERS . LONDON , Printed for Robert Wilson , at the Signe of the Black-Spread-Eagle and Wind-Mill in Martins l'Grand , 1660. Silent Meeting , A WONDER to the WORLD ; Yet practised by the Apostles , and owned by the People of God , scornfully called QUAKERS , Reader , HAving formerly passed through a two-fold Ministry ; First , As a Gifted-Man in the National . Secondly , as a Baptist : And now brought to wait on God in Silence , it is a wonder to many ; upon which the Lord hath led me forth to publish this Paper , and make it a Free-gift unto those who desire some satisfaction concerning Silent Meeting ; in which I wait on God for a Purer Ministry , if he please to bring me unto it , or if I fall short , ( like Moses to dye on Mount Nebo ) and onely see it afar off , his blessed will be done . I preaching first in the National Ministry for hire , selling my Sermons at my best Market , and afterwards being took off from that merchandizing , becoming a Baptist , and preaching freely without selling , did not think my spiritual condition to be very good ; but the Eternal God , who Empties from Vessel to Vessel , to take away all the Carnal Taste , did not suffer me many years in this Estate ; who by a further discovery of himself , brought me back to Silence , that I should wait with the despised Remnant called Quakers . And as one alone from the Tumult or outside of a Wood can easiest hear the Clamours and Outcries within ; so I being come forth of the Forms and Forrest of the World , unto a holy Silence , by the power of Jesus Christ within me , could the better discern to see and view the various Sects and Forms in their Congregations , how unlike the most part were unto the true Spouse of Christ ; which with a heavy burthen on my spirit , I beheld their Parochial Assemblies to appear something like Nebuchadnezzar's Image in the Golden head ; but upon a through observation in the Life , Fruits , and Conversation , as the Iron and Clay ; Barren , Fruitless , and Empty , having the Imitations and Forms of Godliness , but denying the Power of Christ , in leading forth the Creature . When thus , like the returning Prodigal , I came to look on my self within , I saw how I had fed on husks ; but God ( my Father ) had Bread enough : And although Arts , Sciences , Teaching for Hire , getting of money , with such Carnal Delights , quieted flesh a while , as a Rattle or Pipe doth a Child , for a time without the Breast : Yet now the Immortal part seeing its Emptiness , and coming to the true Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness , nothing but an Eternal God would Satisfie , to give that Bread , Flesh , and Drink of Life , whereby a poor Soul may grow in Grace , and in the knowledge of God ; but those that live and depend onely upon outward Forms , and visible Things , the same deceive thousands , who thereby fall short of what they imagine . I now see that he is no true Minister of Jesus Christ , but who is led forth by his Spirit , and such we rejoyce to hear declaring the things of God : otherwise upon Meeting we sit silent in the Tongue , yet having a heart full of praises , where we Worship God in Spirit and Truth , who makes our bodies Temples for the same Spirit ; not speaking by hear-say , and humane Arts , but lay all that down ; when earthly thoughts , earthly words , and earthly works are all laid aside , and the Temple within us is ready , the Light of Christ shining in it , and the Lord with a further Manifestation of his Love , enters it by his Eternal Power ; whereupon we can truly say , that the Lord's presence is amongst us , feeding of his Flock , and making us feel the power of an endless life . As one must come forth of the house which intends to see it round about ; so we in obedience to God being separate and come forth from the world , can the better see how the major part of people come to their Worship , as to a Market , dressed up in their Fashions , with their Tongues in Carnal Discourse , both going thither , and returning back ; the Eye gazing upon Vanity and Filth ; the Ear ready to receive such stuff as defiles , and the Heart as an Anvil to Forge within ; whereby they come , not enquiring , like the Spouse of Christ , Cant. 1. 7. or as a people to do the Work of God ; as a true Wife to rejoice in her Husband ; but as an Harlot , that wantons and sports her selfe ; yea , if they stay a while for their coming together , what Scoffing , Playing , Quarrelling , Carnal Talk , Unseemly Behaviour , and Sinful Actions are taken up amongst them ! woful experience can testifie . And among such people I poor wretch did once spend some time , selling them words which they paid for , but did not keep them ; using pleasing expressions , and speaking by hear-say ( as others did ) and not upon experience from Christ within me , but by imitation ; as Players on a Stage , assume the Names , and act the person of Princes , Nobles , &c. but being come off , and unmasked , they are no such men ; yea , I was perswaded then , that flesh must sin , and have its lusts fulfilled , while I was in the body ; not seeing that all filthiness of flesh and spirit must be cleansed , or else Holiness cannot be perfected in the fear of God . And with comfort I write this Truth , That I have found and felt more of the Lords presence in one Silent Meeting , then I have done in a hundred Sermons preached by me in times past ; and though then I did deliver them with much zeal : But this is A Wonder to the World , who have given their Money for that which is not Bread ; buying the Letter of their Priests that chide them for sinning , yet say , they must continue sinners while they are in this body , telling the people that God must do all for them , and in them , yet bid the same people to get Faith , get Repentance , &c. So that the new Creation in making a new Creature , is a Mystery unto them that are thus ignorant , 1 Cor. 5. 17. which affirm , that people must live in sin until they die ; as if God had laid a necessity upon the Creature to offend him ; therefore they own no Light within , nor power of Christ within , whereby to bring each thought in obedience ; but rather like the Athenians , they mock at what they understand not , Acts 17. 18. Take heed therefore , both you that sel Scripture-Letter for money , and you Hearers , which think you buy it ; for thus Simon the Sorcerer thought with his money to purchase the gift of God ; but his deceit deceived himself , and he went without it , Act. 8. 20. And do not think that speaking , hearing , and reading the Scriptures , sufficeth to make you wise unto Salvation ; but consider , how it must be by faith in Christ Jesus : So except Christ in Spirit be within , to work Faith and Obedience ▪ the seeing , hearing or reading the Letter avails little without us : for the Letter of former Scriptures , the Scribes , Pharisees and persecuting Priests had , who crucified Christ ; as many now have the Letter also , yet to little purpose whilst they seek to destroy : the works of the Spirit : Nor doth Christ say , That there is Eternal Life in the Scriptures ; but reproves the Jews , who thought so , yet would not own him who was the substance of all . Look therefore , by the Light of Christ within you , unto whom ye yield your sleves in your members to obey , as Eyes to see , Ears to hear , and Tongues to speak , Hearts to think , &c. For therein you are servants , whether in Power for doing good , or under the Devils power by living in sin ; and whether you live after the flesh in the Devils Power , or after the spirit in Gods Power , may be easily known by the minde within of each man and woman : for upon what the mind is carryed with most eagerness , joy and delight , in Earthly things , or upon Heavenly things , in that estate you are at present , of Flesh or Spirit , either for Heaven or Hell , Rom. 8. 5 , 6 , 7. Yet I advise you not to take up this or that outward Form , but to seek for that Pearle , and fell ( or part with ) all earthly affections to buy or obtain it , Matth. 13. 45. even that Kingdom of God to be within your selves , which is in the Sanctified Ones : for God manifests himself in the Creature , making his people partakers of the Divine nature , 2 Pet. 1. 4 causing things invisible to be understood , even his Eternal power , &c. So that he leaves man without excuse , Rom. 1. 20. And for that Spirit which leads into these Truths , we silently wait : And this was Practised by the Apostles , who had from Christ two distinct Commissions for going forth to preach : The First , From Christ in the flesh , before his death , Luke 9. 1. 10. which lasted but a time ; for although they could cast forth Devils , whilest it held , yet being ended they could not do it , Luke 9. 40. and in this they went onely to the Jews . Their Second Commission was to all Nations , Matth. 28. 19. both to Jewes and Gentiles ; given them by a risen Christ , and confirmed by the Holy Ghost , or Christ in Spirit , about Fifty dayes after , Acts 2. 1. during which time , although they Prayed , yet they did not go forth to preach unto the people , until they had that Spirit which they were commanded to wait for , as the Seal of their Commission , Acts 1. 4. So they were silent as unto Preaching , wherein they waited for that which should lead them into all Truth , John 16. 13. Whence note , It was not the Letter , or Christ in the Flesh , that Jesus said should do it ; but him in Spirit , who promised his Disciples to come again unto them , John 14. 28. John 16. 22. and although he came again to them after he was risen from the dead ; yet in the several Promises we may see , how it was the Holy Ghost , or Christ in Spirit , should lead them into all Truth , and bring all things to remembnance ; and make them able Ministers of the Spirit , John 14. 26. 2 Cor. 5. 6. And such the Holy Ghost teacheth , Luke 12. 12. yea , it is said , The Holy Ghost speaketh , Mark 13. 11. And the Spirit speaketh in them , Mat. 10. ●0 . And what injuries are done to them , is taken to himself , Mat. 25. 41. Thus being at Jerusalem , all in one place , with one accord ( as they were commanded to wait ) Acts 1. 4. Acts 2 1. in that Silent-Meeting they received what they had waited for , which made them able Ministers of the Gospel : And then Peter began to speak , verse 14. This being the Order of their second Commission , and is to hold unto all that looke for Christ's spiritual coming into their flesh , to make them able Gospel-Teachers , & their bodies a habitation and temple for the same Spirit , 1 Cor. 6. 19. Eph. 2. 22. Therefore it is not Christs spiritual coming in another Saints flesh , which I feel , that gives me comfort ; but when the same Holy Ghost , even Christ in spirit dwelleth in my body ; I then can witness it , by his Eternal Power within , who is my Light and my Saviour : But this is a strong Lesson to the World , who cannot receive or know this Spirit promised to be in the Saints , John 14 17. Yet this remember , that he who hath not Christ in him , is a Reprobate : Which Scripture Truth , and Gospel practise is Owned by the People of God scornfully called Duakers : Who coming like Solomon unto self-Experience , in seeing all our joyes , pleasures ; profits , or other things delightful to the Flesh , to be but vanity and vexation , we become silent thereunto , not answering , to obey the lusts of the carnal mind , but as dead to the world , that we may live unto God : Even then humane prudence in things of the Lord is laid in silence , and fleshly glory is emptied forth ; leaving off to love the World ; or the things of the world , as formerly ; being as the great dung-hill for the true Convert to keep under his feet , and not magnified in his heart ; knowing , that every work and secret thing , both good and evil , must come to judgement , Eccles. 12. 14. In which Holy Silence , although the Tongue speaks not , yet the Spirit helpeth , Rom. 8. 26. which the Heart-Searcher beholdeth : The body in Silent-Meetings , resting from labour ( which is all the rest in a carnal man's worship ) but we go further , with a heart striving to rest from sinful imaginations , and entering upon a true rest in God , of which we feel , see and taste in its beginnings , as an earnest of our blessed Inheritance ; desiring Christ may take the whole Dominion in us , to deliver from that bondage of corruption , by redeeming the body from the same , which in part is begun , and shall be finished when Christ is formed , Gal. 4. 19. and the strongest takes the whole possession ; but a time we must wait for this as at Bethsada's Pool , until the Lord by his healing water cures his poor wounded Creatures . In consideration of such a spiritual Ministry , note Three Things : 1. The Work of Moses . 2. Of Christ in Flesh . 3. Of Christ in Spirit . First , Moses believed and obeyed , seeing things afar off , yet drank of the Spiritual Rock that followed : but his work was not to hold unto the end in a Levitical Ministry , and paying of Tithes , with material Temple-worship , &c. For he shews , how the Lord would raise him another Prophet to be heard , and who would not hearken to that Prophet ( Christ Jesus ) in all things , the Lord would punish ; of whom Peter and Stephen spake the same , Acts 3. 22. & 7. 38. Secondly , Note , Christ's work in the Flesh , who had a glory with God before the world was , Joh. 17. 5. but now assumed a body to satisfie for sinners , and preached in that body to be the Light , for enlightning the world , to make them Saints ; not as if they were such , but that they might be so : shewing how his true Disciples and Followers should forsake all to embrace him ; and they believed he was the Son of God : Yet then , ( he being with them in his Flesh ) they were ignorant of many things ; as the Rising from the Dead , Mark 9. 10. and Understanding of the Scriptures , Luke 24. 45. and of Christ's Kingdom , thinking it should bee temporal , in Israel , Acts 1. 6. and of his Sufferings , before he entred into his glory , after his fleshly manifestation , Luke 24. 21 , 26. Yea , John Baptist testified of Christ , yet afterwards sent to know if it was he , Mat. 11. 3. Neither doth Christ say , that then in flesh he told his Disciples all things , or lead them into all things ; but left that work unto his coming in Spirit , Joh. 16. 13 John 14. 16 , 26. John 15. 26. For , although in himself he had the Spirits fulness , yet to Believers it should not come untill he was gone away in flesh ; the vessel of his body being broken , and the Unction therefore , to fill many therewith : where Note , As Moses Ministry was now at an end , so also Christ in Flesh should depart , and Christ in Spirit would come , to set up a Ministry , and abide with Believers for ever , John 14. 16. Heb. 13. 8. Thirdly , Consider Christ's work in Spirit , which is to abide for ever ; But at this the Jewes stumbled , thinking it was in flesh he should continue alwaies ; and so they looked for a temporal Kingdom , and outward glory , as many aim at in these daies : whereas his Kingdom is not of this world , John 18. 36. neither are his Ministers of the Letter , but of the Spirit , 2 Cor. 3. 6. Called , New Testament ( or New Covenant ) Ministers , having that written in their hearts before promised , Jerem. 31. 33. Isaiah 54. 13. John 6. 45. Who should not search Authors , Commentaries and Manuscripts as a Shop-book , for a Sermon ; but speak from the power of Christ within , as Paul did , and the Apostles did ; having the Word in the Mouth , and in the Heart , Rom. 10. 8. For the Scriptures must be preached by the same Spirit that gave them forth , and not onely by Humane Learning ; for Flesh is not able to comprehend the things of God ; and who hath not this Spirit is none of his , Rom. 8. 9. From whence we may speak boldly , That those which have not this Spirit , to preach from it , and by it , they are none of Christ's : and by this Spirit they knew the things of God , who had received it , 1 Cor. 2. 10. 12. and this searcheth the deep things of God : So it is plain , That True Ministers must have Christ in Spirit , who speaks in Spirit , Mat. 10. 20 , 40. And who heareth , or despiseth them , is said to do it unto Christ , Luke 10. 16. Therefore we must pray God to send us such , for men cannot do it by calling one another Batchelors and Masters , and Doctors upon humane Arts and Acts ; which is like that of the Jews , John 5. 44. wherein one man took honour of another : And take heed , least it be with you as it was with Jerusalem , of whom it is not said , ye could not , but ye would not , Luke 13. 34. A sad condition . And now this 22 , day of the 7th Month , the Word of the Lord came unto me , to warn all you in power ; and you National Priests ( or Ministers ) called , Bishops , Deans , Doctors , or Inferior ; and you that are Hearers , Know ye , that the Lord is pleading his own Cause , and hath a strong Controversie with you ; Therefore take heed what ministry you plead for ; and remember what I answered William Prynne ; That there is no Gospel Plea for Tythes nor forced Maintenance , &c. To you that was , and this is from the Lords Spirit , by me his Messenger . Now as the Apostles Silent Meeting was in expectation of the Spirit before promised ; so God ( in Scriptures ) having engaged himself , that in these latter dayes there should be flowings forth thereof , we silently wait for it ; and whoso looks now for this promised Spirit ( being a frequenter of Silent Meetings ) must in the power of Jesus Christ , sincerely strive to have these Three things in themselves : 1. A Spiritual Watch . 2. A Spiritual Touchstone . 3. The Spiritual Scales . I say unto all , Watch ; For ye know not when the time of Tryal is , or when the coming of the Spirit shall be ; it being as the Winde , which bloweth where it listeth ; For flesh loves to break out , and have it's will , and the lusts thereof ; therefore the spiritual Watch must be truly kept within , to see and note what works are in hand , and what words are issuing forth , and what thoughts are in thee : But those which keep not this Watch , do run hastily upon action , and their tongues speake unadvisedly , in hasty Questions and Answers , oftentimes proceeding to Passion , and Rage , like short fits of madness , with their hearts wandering out after folly , and carnal objects , by which means many Professors break forth into filth ; yet say , They are Souldiers of Christ , but keep not a Spiritual Watch under him ; so their tongues are not bridled , nor have they learned to take heed unto their wayes . Therefore , if thou seekest to reap the pure Benefit of Silent Meetings , learne first to come unto a pure Silence in thine own self , which is to silence all in thee that is evil , by that Eternal Power of God ; so thy tongue , heart and hands shall be under the Faithful Watch , and the Actions without in the body , with thy Actions within of thy mind , as Love , Joy , Desire &c. will by degrees be all brought into true Obedience : which Watch keeping according to thy measure ( or Talents received ) sin shall not have dominion over thee : but thou wilt grow in Grace , and become a Conqueror in him that hath loved thee : Therefore remember what Christ spake to his Disciples , was also to thee , and me , Watch . Secondly , When the work , word or thought , is thus slaid by the Watch , then bring it to the spiritual Touch-stone ; for tryal , whether it be good or no ; for oftentimes Satan and Flesh covers Vices under the names of Virtues , and will either extenuate or lessen a Sin , or else flourish it over with some zeal , or pretence of holiness ; therefore we must prove and try them in the Light of Christ : which the Apostle sets forth by Examination and Proof of a man 's own work , 2 Cor. 13. 5. Gal. 6. 4. and thereby is seen what is acceptable to the Lord : For God by his spiritual work cometh into a man as a Refiner , to purifie ; and unto what strength and heat the spiritual fire in thee is come , so is the melting , trying ; and refining within , upon proof of thy actions , and taking away of dross and filth : Yea , note in words themselves , how sometimes they are too many ; sometimes unsound and untrue ; sometimes too short , in telling but half a truth , &c. Therefore let them first be tried by the Spiritual Touchstone , before they proceed out of thy mouth , whether they are pure or impure . Thirdly , Use the Spiritual Scales , to weigh , ponder , or consider all things to bee spoken or done , before they pass from thee : For man durst not let so many filthy words drop from his tongue , if first they were weighed or considered within at the heart : Yea and Nay , Yes and No , must bee the same as they are spoken , and so speak the same thing intended and pretended ; for otherwise you are Lyars , and Lyars are for the Lake , to bee amongst Doggs , and Whoremongers without : yet with many , lying is common , who have not learned to speak the same thing intended ; as , if you ask them to eat , to drink , to tarry , &c. they will say No ; yet desire them again , and they will accept it ; so here they are Lyars : Some in scoffs and mocks , think it is witty to speake a Lye , in a Jest ; others being asked the truth of a thing , will sometimes flourish and enlarge it , making the same too much , or too little , as in praising or disprasing , in buying or selling , and account themselves expert dealers , and cunning Chapmen , because they can use their Tongues for advantage ; whereas they are but Lyars in it ; and such know not what a Spiritual Watch meaneth : Therefore know , That in all such Estates ye are quite out of the Good Old Way , or Way of Truth ; and remember , If any such seem Religious , yet they are not so , seeing their tongues are unbridled , not brought to the Truth , and their Religion is vain or empty . Yet because you are such , I do not say , you are damn'd ; but declare your being captive in fleshly Babylon , shewing from the Spirit of God , what must be done by you , if ye are saved . If any are in Christ , they are new Creatures ; and there is a New Heaven , and a New Earth in them : For all their Parts , Members , Faculties , and Abilities ; are put to a New Use , the New Heart , and New Spirit is in them ; so they Speake and Act New Things from that Law of God written in their inward Parts ; and such dare not Vent their Frothy Words , as Flesh did formerly ; but now there is a killing of that ; as Paul dyed daily ; so the new Creature Dyes daily to Sin ; he is Dead as to Act in Sin , but Lively to Righteousness ; whereas the Sinner is quick to Sin , but Dead and Dull in the things of God ; So thou shalt see the difference of these Two Estates , betwixt Darkness and Light , when thou comest to use the Spiritual Watch , Spiritual Touchstone , and Spiritual Scales ; according to thy measure in the growth of Grace , to know the power of an endless life within thee , working and effecting these things ; and then thou mayest say , I now see what pure silence is ; yea , then thou shalt benefit by Silent Meetings . And those that are come to the pure silencing of flesh , to bridle the tongue , to wrestle with the spiritual Wickedness in the high place of the heart , that each Tongue may be brought into Obedience unto Christ , and whatsoever they Act , do all to the Glory of God ; such can witness the Power of Christ in them , and when he please to call them by his Eternal Spirit , to go forth as Ministers , they can best Declare what God hath Revealed unto them . As the Man having the Devil 's cast forth , published in Decapolis , how great , things Jesus had done for him : Whereas they that preach by hear-say , and humane study , shew , they speak not as the Spirit gives them utterance , but with the Tongues of flesh , from Carnal Apprehensions : So that , when they preach unto the people , it might be objected : Jesus I know hath the Spirit , and Paul I know had it ; but who are ye ? Upon what account would you conjure forth sin out of others , who have not the true Spirit your selves ? Therefore let none Assume or Own any other Gospel Ministers , then those called forth by the Spirit of God , as Christ in Spirit , after his Resurrection and Ascention , confirmed the same , to lead them into all Truth , and bring all things to their Remembrance , as able Ministers of the Spirit , and not of the Letter , as Carnal men do , who teach one another Humane Learning , and then sell it for Divinity , forcing many to pay for it a dear rate , even to spoyling of Goods , Imprisonment and Cruelty . But some will object , Their Non-Scripture Distinctions of Mediate , and Immediate ; Ordinary , and Extraordinary , &c. saying , That although the Apostles were so called of God , yet they ordained others not so called ; and so out of their Carnal Inventions , they undertake to consecrate or make Steeple-houses , Mass-Houses , High-Places , or the Tower-houses to be Churches , and to be Holy-places , and fit men by their Arts and Degrees to preach in such places , &c. Ans. All their pretences can no more make such places holy , then a heap of stones ; nor add any vertue thereby into the Pulpit , then into a Tub : For God is worshipped in Spirit and Truth : Nor are true Teachers to deliver any other Doctrine than what the Apostles did : Therefore see what Qualifications they were to have , 1 Tim. 3. 2. &c. Tit. 1. 6. &c. Now it is not flesh and blood that Reveals this unto them , nor the Tongues of Humane Learning , which qualifies men thus for the Ministry , but the same Spirit of God : Therefore it is common to see those having much Humane Learning to be Great Persecutors , and will not take up the Cross to follow Christ , and so cross their own Lusts , Pride , Covetousness , Envie and Filth , but give way unto it , by which means we find so many cruel Priests ; For there is scarce any Persecution of Saints , but the Priests are chief Actors therein , either by Instigating , or Acting . Now consider Friends , it was that charged on Thyatira , for suffering Jezebel , who call'd her self a Prophetess , to teach and seduce the people : So these National Ministers call themselves Divines , and Gospel-Ministers , yet lead the People in Error ; which we now seeing by the Light of Christ , if we do not Discover , Reprove , and Oppose them therein , God will lay the same thing to our charge as he did unto Thyatira ; For now Jesus Christ will set up his own Ministry : And although he forbade not his Disciples to hear the Scribes and Pharisees , when the Law-Ministry was not ended ; yet now having finished that work in his flesh ; his Spiritual Ministry he hath set up to continue unto the end , and no other are we to hear . And this is the Testimony which the Lord hath called me to hold forth , Therefore hearken unto it . The 23d Day of the 8th Month , 1660. William Britten . THE END . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A69638e-120 Deut. 32. 49. 〈…〉 . 48. 1 〈…〉 . Dan. 2. Lu. 15. 17 Iohn 6 51 , 53. Iohn 4. 23. 2 cor. 6. 16 , 2 Cor. 6. 17 ▪ 2 Cor. 7. 1 Isa. 55. 2. ● Cor. 10. 5 2 Tim. 3. 15. Ioh 5. 39. Rom. 6. 13 , 16. Luk 17. 21 Mat. 10. 5 Act. 1. 14. Eph. 1. 13. Joh. 4. 2. 2 Cor. 13. 5. Eccles. 2. 1 Iohn 2. 15. Rom. 8. 23 Deut. 18. 15 , 19. Iohn 1. 9. Ioh. 16 17. Iohn 12 34 Gal. 1. 16. Acts 2. Luke 10. 2 Mar. 13. 37. Iohn 3. 8. Psal. 39. 1. Mar. 13. 37. Eph. 5 , 10. Mal. 3. 3. Rev. 21. 8. Rev. 22. 15 Iam. 1. 26. 1 Cor. 15. 31. Eph. 6. 12 2 Cor. 10. 5. 1 Cor. 10. 31. Mar. 5 20 Acts 19 15 2 Cor. 3. 6 Gal. 1. 8. Iohn 4. 23 , 24. ● Tim. 1 3 Mat. 16. 17 Rev. 2. 20. Mat. 23. 3