AN OLD BRIDLE FOR A Wild Asse-Colt. OR, The new mystery of iniquity unfolded, briefly discovering the Physiognomy of a wanton youthful King. Carnal Reason, Who under the name of true Reason bewitcheth, and deceiveth many unstable souls; for whose sakes is here declared their cunning wiles, and slights; by which they do deceive, and draw Disciples after them, to their own perpetual disgrace, if not destruction. In a brief Commentary on the second of Peter, Chap. 2. Where the Apostle hath plainly prophesied of that sort of Antichristians, or false prophets, now commonly known by the name of Ranters; whose unreasonable practices being only named, and laid open to view, will be sufficient ground to reasonable men, to desert their wicked ways, and societies, which they continue so infections and disordered. Avoid them as an alluring Strumpet. Proverbs 5.8. Remove thy way far from her, come not nigh the door of her house. Rom 16. 18. They that are such, serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own Belly, and by good words, and fair speeches, deceive the hearts of the simple. By RAUNCE BURTHALL. LONDON, Printed for Stephen Dagnall, Bookseller at Alsbury. To the Reader. Reader. IT was a sad complaint of the Lord against Israel, Ezekiel, 2.7. and thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will forbear, For they are Rebellion. Whether the persons in this Treatise described may be thus Characterised, consider for thy satisfaction the reason of Gods calling the Jsraelites by the aforesaid name, viz. their refusing to hear, and obey tje word of the Lord, and verily if ever people did thus offend, surely these that are the subject of this discourse are not innocent, for has not the Lord spoken to these men by that Law of nature, mentioned Romans the 2.14, 15? have they not conscience accusing, or excusing? surely if they have not, it is because they have so long sinned against their consciences, that they are become seared with an hot Jron, 1 Tim. 4.2. 2 Has not the Lord spoken to them by the Prophets, yea, by his Son; and do they not refuse to hear while they say of his word, it is no Rule to them? did Jsrael despise it more, 2 Chro. 36.16? or the stiffnecked in Acts 7.51. or some among the Corinthians, in saying? that there is no Resurrection of the dead, 1 Corinth, 15.12? or Hymeneus and Philetus, in saying the Resurrection is passed already, 2 Tim. 2.17, 18? or the scoffers mentioned in the 2 of Peter 3.4, 5? in saying where is the promise of his coming, and that all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation? or these that walk in the lust of uncleanness, despising government, 2 Per. 2.10? or the covetous, the proud, the boasters, the false accusers, the incontinent, the fierce, the despisers of those that are good, the lovers of pleasures, more than the lovers of God, 2 Tim. 3.2.3, 4. Certainly if the Jsraelites were called by the name of rebellion, for refusing to hear the voice of the Lord in the Law and the Prophets; then those that now refuse to hear his voice in the ●aw, the Prophets, and in the Gospel of his Son, may justly be called by the same name And as earthly governor's do not endure rebels in their dominions, but do cast them our by death or otherwise, no more will the Lord suffer these that despise his Law, and yield no obediènce to it, to enjoy any protection from him. Those mine enemies that would not that I should Reign over them, bring hither and slay them before me, Luke 19 27. Yea, he will come in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that obey not the Gospel, 2 Thes. 1.8. Reader let the consideration of this move thee to take compassion of those that have brought themselves so near destruction, even as Christ did over the City Jerusalem when he beheld it, and wept over it, Luke 19.41, 42. and if thou wilt enlarge that which is briefly declared in this following Treatise, thou mayst happily be an Instrument of turning many so righteousness, which will be well rewarded, even with everlasting Glory as bright as the Stars. * Dan. 12.3. Farewell. sun and clouds 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 IT hath been the portion of God's people, even in all ages, to be pestered with false prophets, and that of divers sorts, some of longer continuance, That have acted like princes, carrying on their interest with great pomp, and Applause, from the world: yea with such authority as if they were infallible, and under the name of true prophets, have been all along true persecutors of the people of God. But these I hope are near their tropic, and their date almost expired: for did their Arm of flesh, (the powers of the world) withdraw their assistance from them, they could not long stand: for their whole strength depending thereupon, it would spoil their interest. The true Church of Christ hath altogether her dependence on the spirit of Christ, to carry on her design, although the earthly powers oppose them: but the carnal Church being sufficiently instructed where her strength lies, depends on the Arm of flesh as her chiefest pillar whereon to work her design: but when that prop fails her, the chiefest flower in her garden is gone. A second sort of false Prophets, and whom I make the subject of this discourse, are such that have been very eminent (at least some of them) very beautiful and glorious professors of the gospel, so that in appearance to all men (yea and to the Saints,) Christ was their end both in profession and conversation. Why what's the matter is it not so still? I could hearty wish and should much rejoice it were so. But alas they? are fallen, they are down, they are bewitched, I had almost said doubly bewitched, with white, and black: witness, their high and and eminent expressions, even to admiration, one while: and in a moment curse and swear like Bedlams: Is this the spirit of reformation? Is this restoring the creature from its fall, to its primitive excellency, they pretend so indeed, but it appears otherwise: verily I cannot otherwise believe, but that if God had sent them, to be reflorers, he would have gone before them, and carried them out so, as they should have made better proceed; Christ saith, all that ever came before me are the eves, and Robbers. john 10.8, Exod 33.15. Exod. 33.2. And Moses was of the same mind, saying to God, if thou go not before us, carry us not hence. Nay an Angel of Gods own sending, did not satisfy him, and the people; except Gods own presence accompanied: Then take we heed these Men deceive us not: who would make us believe, that they are some of those Angels, spoken of in the Revelation, to go before us; truly I am full of Christ's and Moses mind, I had rather have Gods own presence to go before us, then be troubled with such Angels. For if he go before us, I am sure there will be no cursing, nor swearing amongst us, but rather Hallelujahs, blessing and praising God for such restitutions, Rev. 19.6. saying, the Lord god omnipotent Reigneth. Yea but do these people indeed restore, as they say they do: why, what do they restore, can they take off the curse from the earth, that it bring not forth briers thorns: can they restore women from pains in Childbearing, can they deliver the creatures, (as Beeus and muttons &c.) from being killed, Rom. 8. to be our food: and deliver them also from divers other vanities they are subjected under by God, for the time being. If they can, why then do they suffer (Beefs & muttons &c.) or so much as a chick to be killed for them to partake off: Gen. 1.29. why do they not live upon herbs only, nay do not these men plainly declare their pride in making themselves wiser than God, in attempting to overthrow that order his wisdom hath set here below, until fallen man be restored, which is far beyond their power to effect, though not beyond their pride to attempt. Object. But say they, we must restore as fare as we can, and leave that which we cannot do, to God himself. Ans. I An. it is well they have some manners, But I should have judged better of them and their manners also, had they with Moses taken God to go before them. Object. But say they, we are restored already, and now is the time, for we are restored to such perfection that we cannot sinne. And even as that vanity which is upon the creatures came for man's sake, even so we being restored, the creatures of right are restored. An. Stay a little, one swallow makes not a Summer: it doth not follow that all men are restored, although it were true that they were, which is false. But secondly I answer, if they would speak truly, 2 Pet. 2.22. and in stead of restored say, they are returned so as Peter makes mention of, namely, that the dog is returned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire: then I shall believe their return: and all that know them, will confess the same: or had they further dealt plainly and said, that they had been restorers of that old sect called the Adamites, the family of love, the old opinions of Simon Magus, and the Nicholaitans: I should likewise have believed them: except only these may be supposed to be somewhat wilder, and do somewhat outstrip those their predecessors, in looseness, and profaneness: But because the Apostles, Peter and jude, expressly speak of such a kind of men as these are: let us hear a little their descriptions: I shall speak only of some verses. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 2. Peter 2.2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways, by reason of whom, the way of truth shallbe blasphemed. Observe here, the Prophets are bad, and their ways are bad, the Prophets are false, and their ways pernicious, it's very dangerous following blind and false guides, yet these false Prophets shall have many followers. The way of truth suffers deeply by them, for it is evil spoken of, and blasphemed: now whether our false Prophets blaspheme the way of truth or not, that so we may not wrong them, consider. If you speak to them of the scriptures: 1 Concerning the Scriptures. they will tell you, they would not so much as make use of them: but because of you to whom they speak, they are above them, and beyond them, but where I know not, nor themselves neither: but I am sure that they are without them, and their testimony. Again, if you speak of Religion, 2 Concerning Religion. and holiness, they will tell you, their work is to drive men out of religion, and holiness, and their way to effect it, is by swearing and cursing: but whither drive they? verily I know not; except to the Devil, their now intimate companion, for he that we call the devil, is become their God, and they are not afraid to tell you, that they had as lief to keep company with the devil as with God: but in conclusion on they will tell you, there is no devil at all. Speak to them of preaching, 3 Concerning preaching. or holding forth the truth, they will tell you, that the greatest preachers, are the greatest deluders: but they must except themselves, for they are the greatest deluders of all, which appears thus: those men that allow of preaching do ingeniously acknowledge it a means in subordination to the spirit of God, administering good to the hearers: but contrariwise these men deny preaching, and yet practise that which is equivalent, in their occasional meetings: namely, they communncate one to another both by word, and writing, and like men infected with the plague, they catch the disease one of another: I mean their corrupt opinions and practices: and yet not withstanding, you must believe if you can, that it is all from the spirit, immediately, without means, all means are below their sphere, they are above all means, and truth too: now is not this a pretty Juggling? are not these the most notorious deceivers? but I would seriously demand of these men, whether they never enjoyed any living influences from God, in the use of means: namely gospel duties, and spiritual exercises, or did God never ordain any forms, or means or have they dissembled all this while, & now only come to a right posture; if it be so that they are above and beyond all formal enjoyments, insomuch as forms are useless; then let them know they must not so much as speak together concerning * And if men may not by speaking communicate about Religion, then why did God give men gifts for that purpose, considering God gives nothing in vain. God, and Religion: for its formal, whatsoever they do: and all this while they have dissembled and cozened others: but themselves most: but however these delude themselves, true believers have and do know the joyful sound, in forms and means, waiting on God, till higher enjoyments come. But where do we find, any one instance of Prophet, Apostle, or Saint, that did ever curse and swear men out of their Religion, and forms: the Gospel's saints did not so to the jews, and their forms: Psal. 89.15. but rather buried with honour those honourable corpses, and were abundant in condescensions of love to the weak brethren, even after God had left those forms, and their date was expired. Verse 10. they despise government: etc. They knowing that fear of law, and freedom to sin; 2 Pet. 2.10. cannot stand together, do therefore despise the laws of men: that so they might the better without control, accomplish their lusts: therefore to evade that, they labour to make men believe, that the law, by which all men should now be guided, is within all men, which law they call, reason, and also their King: but when I consider what a Lord of misrule their King is: among themselves, men must be very wary, of voting up this King, into the throne. 1 Pet. 2.13, 14, 15. I rather incline to God's counsel, which Peter exhorts to, promoting a visible lawful government among men, during the time appointed by God; then submit to their invisible, presumptuous, and self-willed King, 2 Pet. 2.10. until their young king Reason, obtains a riper judgement, and his subjects a more rational and civil deportment. And shall also earnestly desire, they may never have, jude 8. any filthy dreams, or visions, tending that way: for 'tis a sure tenant, that a good outward government, constituted, with good and wholesome laws, was never esteemed by Godly men obnoxious, or a burden, and bondage to any, but to evil men. Verse 13. And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness etc. they say there is, no unrighteousness: but in our conceits; and consequently no such thing to be rewarded: I suppose they would have it so; but john's opinion, and theirs, differs; he saith, If we say we have no sin, 1 joh. 1.8.10. we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, and we make him a liar, for saying so of us, if it be not so: but the truth is our unrighteous actions declare plainly, that we neither have seen him, nor known him, 1 Job. 3.6. (namely Christ Jesus) therefore they are strange Children, that can sin, because grace hath abounded, and that it may abound the more, such are grown very skil-ful, they have learned how to answer Paul's Interrogatories, how shall we that are dead to sin live any longer therein? It is true indeed in a ceremonial consideration, that hath been sin heretofore, which is not sin now, but it is fare otherwise upon a moral account, for even now, in the time of the gospel, we are under the law to Christ; 1 Cor. 9.21. now where a law is, there is a possibility of trangression. Verse 13. Yea but are these so unreasonable as to riot in the day time, and count it pleasure so to do: I could wish they had not left me without Apology for them, in that behalf they have even almost (if not altogether) cast off all shame, it's a trouble to them, to think of being ashamed: to abstain from all appearance of evil, is to much niceness with them, their Stomaches are not so queasy, their work is chiefly to offend men, touching Religion, and except they make evil to appear openly, their work goes not kindly on: therefore they will drink, and tipple and swear like mad, and that you may know they account it pleasure, they will sing merrily, their amorous ditties: how ever it hath happened so it is come to pass, that there are divers of Balaams' Asses amongst us, that have for some time been Ridden and burdened with such balamitish Prophets: but I hope ere long, God will open the mouth of these Asses, to speak with man's voice, (namely reason to forbid the madness of these Prophets.) Now what spots & blemishes these are to all moderate, and sober minded men, Verse 13. to feast or keep company withal: I leave to any man to judge, that hath not lost, and buried, his Reason amongst them. Now how they sport themselves with their own deceive they do it thus: they will look upon you earnestly, and say: I made thee etc. But upon your denial to make their words true they will say, (I am made thee: I can upon sufficient proof, make good what I charge them withal. ) Again they will say by God's blood thou art redeemed, And by God I will do so, or so, then if you dislike their speakings, as I know not who can like them, but themselves, considering their manner of the expressions, namely in the form and manner of an oath, than they would salve it thus, saying, are ye not redeemed, by the blood of God: and must I not do all by God's help: and thus they turn many precious truths, into oaths and Riddles: and make a jest of them: Verse 13. and so sport themselves with their own deceive. And is not this fine hocus pocus, you know a liar hath ever more a purpose to deceive, and these do the same, by their own confessions: But if they would thus salve their swearing, and would not have us think they swear, then why do they labour to defend swearing, by quoting divers places of scripture, to maintain it? Now seeing they Apologise one while, that it might not seem swearing, & another while maintain the lawfulness of swearing, they are plain deluders, they agree with the truth like harp and harrow. Verse 14. Having eyes full of Adultery: now concerning bodily Adultery: that's become a strange thing, they will acknowledge none but spiritual adultery: they are so confirmed in their opinion that way, that they make that their hackney to lead on to the other, which they call no Adultery. But what, is Marrying become Null? Are those nearest relations ceased? It's very strange that Christ was no better instructed, then to publish doctrines that were to have no longer continnuance: did he make that near relation of husband and wife to hold forth the near conjunction, and relation betwixt the Church and himself: and the love of the one the love of the other, with many other mutual respects: Ephes. 5.23, 24, 25. and are they now ceased? Old Tertullian could say, and that rightly, of nothing, there is no metaphor: Now if there be no reality in such relations, Christ must come again, and teach us truer doctrine, if he will have us believe him; but we need not wonder at their nullifying gospeldoctrines; for by this it appears plainly, that they nullify nature's law, and go beyond Adam's ruins, to pretend repair, where was no decay: therefore let these repairers know, if they are not wilfully blind, that marriage was instituted, Gen. 2.21, 22, 23, 24. in Paradise, before man's fall: And so it is not a law that belongs to man's fallen estate, but also to his estate in innocency; to confirm this the Prophet Malachy brings in a Reason, founded upon the Creation, declaring wherefore God made but one woman, for one man, although God had the residue of the Spirit, Mal. 2.15. and could have made more, had it been agreeable to his divine will; the reason saith Malachi was, that he might seek a Godly seed, and not a bastardly, illegitimate brood, which must needs have followed, and now would also, if either Simon Magus, or Nicholas his opinion should take place, as these their successors, would have it. Doth not the Apostle Paul, expressly call forbidding to Marry a doctrine of Devils, 1 Tim. 4.1.3. so that it plainly appears, that the devil and not God, taught these seducing spirits this doctrine? Hath not God plainly stamped this in nature? doth not the bird choose his mate, and both together bring up their young? Historians writ strange things, concerning the swan, in case of wrong that way. Objection Mat. 22.30 In the resurrection men neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the Angels of God: from this place they would conclude, that this resurrection is now, and so there is now no right of marrying, or giving in Marriage. Answer. I desire them, first, to Consider their predecessors, the Sadduces, that first framed this objection: and their end in so doing, which was to overthrow the resurrection of the body: so that the resurrection of the soul in the state of grace, here cannot be meant, neither speaks he of such a state of men and women, that had not first died the natural death, but of those seven men and that one woman, that were dead and buried, saying whose wife shall she be of the seven, for all seven had her to wife? Now such as the death spoken of here is, such is the resurrection, that stands in opposition: which is plainly that of the body. And whereas it is further said, they are as the Angels of God, it is evidently known that Angels do not procreate; then let them cease to break of Relations during the time of procreation, except they are ceased to be reasonable men. Verse 14. And cannot cease to sin. I know not well how they should cease to sin, when themselves would be lawless, for they making good and evil, God and the devil all one, what cessation from sin can be expected? Therefore the Prophet Malachi again, hath hath this additional description of them: saying, ye have wearied the Lord, with your words, yet ye say, Mal● 2.17. wherein have we wearied him? He Answers them thus, when ye say, every one that doth evil, is good, in the sight of the Lord, & he delights in them, mark here how they delude themselves, although they act sin and wickedness, they think God accounts them good, and delights in them too: Oh what a blinding sin is this breaking of Relations: which Malachi taxeth them of here, I will close this with Asaphs words, saith God: these things hast thou done, & I kept silence, thou thoughtest that I was altogether * Some of them stick not to say that Christ was a Ranter. 2 Pet. 2.18. such an one as thyself; Psal. 50, 51. but I will reprove thee, and set thy sins in order, before thine eyes. Verse 14. beguileing unstable souls. Mark well what people are misled by them, they are unstable souls, such as were newly out of the shell, of a carnal state, a little escaped from them, who live in error: as Peter speaks they are silly people, that are so led, but most silly to continue long so led; for when once the depth of their wicked ways, is perceived by an ingenious spirit: he cannot but forsake both them and their ways: except he be willing to bury his reason, and become a wicked man, and a fool both at once. Verse 14. An heart they have exercised with Covetous practices, one would think this could not touch them at all: for they account nothing their own, but all things common: but if you were but a little acquainted with them, as some are: to their cost. You should find that to be but their devellish cunning namely: to teach you to account nothing * They say propriety is a devil, but whether it be a devilish speech, yea, or no, consider these places of Scripture. 1 Tim. 5.8. Act. 5.4. 2 Cor. 12.14. 2 Thes. 3.7. to 12. Acts 20.33, 34, 35. 2 Cor. 11.8.9. With many more. yours: that so they might with this Engine in a very short space deprive you of all you have. Oh what quick returns have they in their journeys, to such places, and houses, where their lank bellies, and purses, are made Plump, they, make hay while the sun shines: for fear lest their beguiled Asses, and Mul●s, should throw off their burden, too soon. Verse 17 Wells without water. They would have you think them deeply learned, in divine mysteries, when as it's but the mystery of iniquity: new guilt over, even their white witchery, (called the deepness of satan in the Revelation) which can never salve the wounds their black witchery makes, namely their Curse, Swear, Rioting, etc. they make show of waters indeed because they are styled wells, but if you assay and let down your bucket, Prov. 20.5. like a man of understanding as Solomon speaks of, (where counsel in the heart of man, is likened to deep waters,) and by * As the Queen of Sheba proved Solomon's wisdom and parts. wise and prudent questions gauge their depth: there will come up nothing but dirt and stones; there is no waters to refresh you, but mud to Choke you. jude Verse 13. He there calls them wandering stars. This holds forth their Physiognomy, as clearly as a Father doth the child's that is like him, no Limner can draw shape so near his pattern, if you come to a beggar, and ask him where he dwells, he will say he hath small dwelling, whereas when you have well examined the matter he hath the largest dwelling of all for he dwells every where, so these wand'ring unfixed stars, as they are like, so they are the boldest of all, beggars; for where ever they come they are at home still; 'tis all common where they graze: now ye know wand'ring stars, are bad guides, to seamen, and travellers: only the fixed stars, are serviceable to men, even to such men that stay at home, in their callings, like fixed stars; and are not inordinate bussie-bodies, but do with quietness work and eat there one bread, are profitable to themselves, and others: but these wand'ring stars; are useless both at home and abroad, they shine, deceitfully. They guide falsely, but devour truly, all that trust them, both in their souls and bodies, but as wand'ring stars, blaze, and instantly vanish and appear no more, so will these go out ere long, like the snuff of a candle. Verse 18. They speak great swelling words of vanity etc. Observe here, they are but words, they are not true enjoyments, their words are great, and swelling they break over all former bounds, and limits, both of nature, and Religion: they are all spirit, full of visions, and revelation on they are rapt up into the third heaven. Higher than Paul was, but with this difference, Paul heard things unutterable, but these have great utterance for their wares, with strong lines and high expressions, even to amazement; Mat. 24.5.11.24. but our Apostle Peter here leads us out of that maze, styling them, swelling words of vanity. These are they, They openly acknowledge themselves to be Christ. spoken of by Christ himself, saying many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ and shall deceive many, yea if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect, they are very cunning; therefore take heed, you poor deluded souls, look well to your standing, look how you are bottomed, and principled, for if your Religion come from no higher rise than man, these cunning men will rob you of it, for they profess it to be the very end, and scope, of their message: they will curse and swear you out of all, and leave you as void of Religion, as themselves, even no more Religion than a wild Bull. And alas poor souls, even these deluders themselves, are Retrograde, even gone bacl many degrees, below the first heaven, and so have created trouble, and vexation to themselves: they must for all their proud looks, Heb. 6.1. come to their ABC. again even the beginnings of the Doctrine of Christ: And lay again the foundation of repentance, from dead works, and of faith towards God, and be glad they speed no worse. Verse 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption etc. The wits of men and Angels contracted, and united into one; could not possibly invent so many evident, and clear descriptions of these wild Kine. These are the true libertines, the scripture makes mention off, and opposes, although it hath too long been, the portion of the truly Godly, to undergo that reproach: let therefore, Godly men, have their white Robes restored, and given to them, (viz.) let their innocency, be restored, by those, who have formerly taken it from them; and let the saddle be laid upon the right Horse; time, and action, hath made manifest who they are; even those that have turned spiritual liberty into carnal, and themselves out of all Religion into beastiality. But what fools, or rather mad men are these, that dare undertake to promise others liberty; when they themselves, are such fettered slaves, and Goale● birds? Nay, their God, (the devil I mean,) is kept fast in everlstaingChaines, under darkness; unto the judgement of the great day; and how then can these his Subjects promise others freedom, and their Master Chained up? Object. We acknowledge only one power; and so there is no devil. Ans. We acknowledge likewise but one omnipotent, eternal power, in whom, all finite, created existencies live, and move, and have their beings; we confess all action, as it is action, (even in devils) is of God, and so 'tis good; but how can this free either devils, or men, that are subjected, under a Law; for their actions, must not be mere actions, but regular, according to Law. Now in respect of God, all is good that's acted, or can be acted, by men or devils; yet the same action that is good, in, respect of God, may be very evil and wicked, in respect of men, and devils; because the Law's rectitude was not observed, but violated; witness, the words of Peter, and john; both Herod, and Pontitus Pilate, Acts 4.27, 28. A like instance 2 Sam. 11,12. Here God acts, and man acts; the one well, the other ill, in the same work. etc. Were gathered together for to do whatsoever thy hand, and thy Counsel determined before to be done; yet what good was in Iud●● in betraying; and Herod, and the rest, in putting Christ to death; except their end, and scope, had been one and the same, with Gods own will and power acting? 'tis true, the work which they did was very good, but not as done by them; but only in respect of him, who brings good out of evil; so that all the good that was in it, is Gods; all the evil attending it, is theirs; and what else was that but their covetousness, malice, and envy, that set them to work, to do all they did. Thus we see 'tis very plain, that there is one holy power, acting nothing but good, and a corrupt power as devils and wicked men, acting nothing but evil, such as these carnal libertines are (with whom I contest;) and whose seducing ways, I admonish all to beware off, that are not willing to be blinded, and to live in fellowship with the devil; and as it is most true, that Antichristians are least sensible what Antichristianisme is, even so these men's frequent employment, and communion with the devil, hath so infatuated & benumed their senses, that they falsely conceit and conclude, there is no devil, although they are his vassals to do his will at every beck. Again, I say beware of these spirit mongers; that their fair pretences, beguile you not; as I have heard many young people and children, have been in London; by men called spirits, who cunningly, by fair pretences and promises. steal them away, and sell them for slaves; never dream ye that these men can bring you to freedom, when themselves are so deep over head and ears in bondage; remember Peter's excellent reason, 2 Pet. 2. v. 19 (viz.) For of whom a man is overcome, of the same is be brought in bondage. I shall by way of Caution, shut up all with two Places of Scripture. 1 Pet. 2.21. First, that of Peter, it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, then after they have known it, to turn from the holy Commandment delivered unto them: The other place is Christ's own words, and miserable doom, upon Revolters; Mat. 12.43, 44, 45. when the unclean spirit is gone out of a man; he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none; then he saith, I will return into my house, from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished: then goeth he and taketh with himself, seven other spirits, more wicked than himself; and they enter in and dwell there; and the last estate of that man, is worse than the first; even so shall it be unto this wicked generation. FINIS.