A CONFESSION AND Profession of Faith IN GOD: By his People who are in scorn called QUAKERS. ALSO SHOWING That the People of God are no Vagabonds, nor Idle, Dissolute Persons, nor Jesuits, though they wander up and down, and pass from one Country to another, and from one Nation to another, as they are moved of the Lord in his service. And this is to clear the Truth from all false Aspersions. By R. FARNSWORTH. London, Printed for Giles Calvert at the Black-spread-Eagle near the West-end of Paul's, 1958. A CONFESSION AND PROFESSION OF Faith in God, etc. TO all true (a) Act. 11.26. Christians Gods (b) 1 Pet. 1.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Elect, and (c) Phil. 1.1, 2. Saint; of the most High God, who are begotten by the (d) 1 Pet. 1.22, 23. Joh. 3.5, 6 Immortal Word, and born again of Water and the Spirit; The Church (e) Col. 1.18. Eph. 1.22, 23. Eph: 5.26, 27. of which Christ Jesus is (in the Holy Scriptures) declared to be the Head: And to all faithful moderate People whomsoever, wheresoever, and by what Names and Title: soever known by, or distinguished to (or amongst) the sons of men; know ye hereby assuredly, That we who of the world are slanderously reported (as the people of God were in former ages, Rom. 3.8.) and who are reproachfully called Quakers, do profess, and confess, testify, own, believe, and declare as followeth: THat we Profess and Confess Faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his eternal Son, the true God; and in the Holy Spirit: And we do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Words of God: This we testify; and we are not ashamed to Confess and Profess Faith in God the Father, and in Christ Jesus his eternal Son, and in the Holy Spirit, as the Scriptures saith; but we do believe in them, and acknowledge subjection and dutiful obedience unto them, viz. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: And moreover we do hereby declare and testify to all true Christians Gods Elect, what God we do own, and profess Faith in even in that God that appeared unto Abraham, (the Father of the Faithful, when Abraham was ninety nine years old) and said unto him, I am the Almighty God walk before me, and be thou perfect, Gen. 17.1. The everlasting God, Gen. 21.33. The God of Heaven and Earth, Gen. 24.3. The God of Truth, who is just and right, and without iniquity, Deut. 32.3, 4. The faithful God, that keepeth Covenant and Mercy with them that love him, and keepeth his Commandments, to a thousand Generations, Deut. 7.9. The faithful and merciful God, who will not suffer his to be tempted above that which they are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that they may be able to bear it, 1 Cor 10.13. 1 Sam. 2.3. 1 Sam. 2.2. He is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed, 1 Sam. 2.3. Neither is there any Rock like our God, 1 Sam. 2.2. As for God his way is perfect, the Word of the Lord is tried, he is a buckler to all them that put their trust in him, 2 Sam. 22.31. and therefore he is worthy to be believed, and have Faith in him professed, for who is God save the Lord, and who is a rock save our God, 2 Sam. 22.32, 33. He is the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, Neh. 9.32. That God who is the King of all the earth, Isa. 45.21, 22. Isa. 45.5. who reigneth over the Heathen, and sitteth upon the throne of his Holiness, Psal. 47.7, 8. A just God and a Saviour, Isa. 45.21, 22. Thus saith the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, The Lord of Hosts, I am the first, and I am the last, and besides me there is no God, as you may read, Isa. 44.6. Isa. 43.11, 12. Who is a God near at hand, as well as a far off, Jer. 23.23. That God who dwelleth in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, Isa. 57.15. Yea, the God of patience and consolation, Rom. 15.5. the God of hope, Rom. 15.13. Jude 25. and that God who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all Mercies, and the God of all Comfort, 2 Cor. 1.3. The God of Love and Peace, 2 Cor. 13.11. The King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, 1 Tim. 1.17. God who is Light, and in him is no darkness at all, 1 Joh. 1.5. The only true God, Joh. 17.3. and the Lord our God is one Lord, Mark 12.29. For there is one God, Mark 12.29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34. 1 Cor. 8.5, 6. and there is none other but he, Mark 12.32.34. And there is none other God but one, 1 Cor. 8.4. Isa. 44.8. And this is God the Father which we own, and profess Faith in, and in Christ Jesus his eternal Son, who said, I and my Father are one, Joh. 10.30. (upon which saying, the Jews took up stones to stone him, Joh. 10.30, 31.) yet notwithstanding the same Christ that the Jews hated, we love, believe in, and own, who was delivered up to be crucified for our offences; and was raised again for our justification, Rom. 4.25. Who is the true God, and him we own, and profess Faith in, and in the Holy Spirit, God; together equal with the Father, and the Son, one God over all, God blessed for ever, Isa. 45.6. Joh. 10.30. Rom. 8, 9, 10, 11. Eph. 4.4, 5. Eph. 4.30. Rom. 9.5. 1 Cor. 2.10, 12. Joh. 4.24. Rom. 9.5. And unto (us and all true Christians) the Saints in Christ Jesus; Phil. 1.1. It is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his name's sake; As you may read Phil. 1.29. As concerning the Scriptures, etc. That which in the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament is declared and testified of to be the Word of God, that we believe in, own, and confess to be the word of God, according to the Scriptures; And that the holy Scriptures of the old and new Testament, as they are the Words of God, so to be we own, Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture came in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1.21. Who prophesied of the grace that should come unto the Saints [and us] in after ages, searching what or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the Sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow, unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves but unto us they did Minister the things which are now declared unto you, by them that have preached the Gospel unto you, with the holy Ghost sent down from heaven; 1 Pet. 1.10, 11, 12. And God spoke all these words saying, I am the Lord thy God, etc. Exod. 20. ch. So the words and sayings of God we do not deny, but own them so to be, according to the Scriptures of the old and new Testament as aforesaid: But unto the Wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes? or that thou shouldst take my covenant into thy mouth? seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee, as you may read Psal. 50.16, 17. As the holy Scriptures are the words of God, so the wicked are not allowed nor appointed by the Lord to preach or declare them, as the statutes of God, nor take his covenant into their mouth, as God hath said: And the reason is, because they hate instructions and cast his words behind them: But such as are instructed and taught of the Lord, Isa. 48.16, 17, etc. 1 Pet. 4.10, 11. who love his Instruction, and hear his word, they may preach and declare his statutes, etc. as they are thereunto directed and led by the holy spirit of the Lord; for the words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, seven times purified; as the Scriptures testifieth, Psal. 12.6. Have not I written unto thee excellent things in counsel and knowledge? that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mightest answer the words of Truth to them that send unto thee. Prov. 22.20, 21. For the preparation of the heart in man (that * Isa. 50.4, 5 Lu. 12.12. is taught of God) and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord; Prov. 16.1. And saith the Lord, Ye shall lay up these my words in your heart, and in your soul, as you may read, Deut. 11.18. And again saith the Lord, observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and as you may read, Deut. 12.28. But [saith the Lord] if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, than they should have turned them from their evil ways, and from the evil of their doings, as you may read, jer. 23.21. And saith the Prophet jeremiah, Mine heart within me is broken, because of the Prophets; All my bones shake, I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the Lord, and because of the words of his holiness, as you may read jer. 23.9. But if that true prophet of the Lord had been here now, and his bones had shaked, would he not have been mocked, and reproachfully called A Quaker or Shaker, etc. and might he not have been excommunicated, or cast out from amongst men, as A Quaker, without any just cause, and all such also as trembled at the word of the Lord, as many now adays are; and for being faithful to the Lord, and owning his power, and the words of his holiness, as the true Prophet did; But the Prophet Ezra saith as followeth, Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel; as you may read, Ez. 9.4. And saith the Prophet Ezekiel, The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, Eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling, etc. Eze. 12.17, 18 There was the word of the Lord that came to him, and here are the words and sayings that proceeded from the word; But if any eat their bread with Quakeing, and drink their Water with trembling now, according to the sayings of God declared from the word of the Lord, will they not be mocked and called Quakers in much scorn? And must they not for owning the power of God, and his works, be cast out from the societies of great professing men: Would not such have cast out the Prophet Ezekiel, and such as these Scriptures makes mention of, if they had been here in these times, Ezek. 12.17, 18. Dan. 10.7, 8, 9, 10, 11. job 21.5, 6. job 37.1. Psal. 38.8. Psal 55.2. Psal. 119.120. Isa. 66.2, 5. jer. 23.9. jer. 30.5.6, 7. Acts 7.32. Heb. 12.21. And saith the Lord unto Moses, who trembled at the word of the Lord, and did fear † Act. 7.31, 32. Heb. 12.21. and quake, I will raise them up a Prophet from among their Brethren, like unto thee; and will put my words in his mouth and he shall speak unto them all that I command him, Deut. 18.18, 19 And saith the Lord by the Prophet, I have put my words in thy mouth, Isa. 51.16. As for me, this is my covenant with them saith the Lord, my spirit that is upon thee, & my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not departed out of thy mouth; nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth for ever; as you may read Isa. 59.21. Every word of God is pure, he is a shield to them them that put their trust in him; Ad thou not unto his words, lest he reprove, thee, and thou be found a Liar, Prov. 30.5, 6. And saith Christ Jesus, the eternal son of God, Math. 7.24, 25, 26.27, 28, 29. Joh. 15.7. 2 Pet. 3.2 Jude 17. and the true God, he that is of God heareth God's words, John 8.47. And because we are of God, 1 John 4.6. and hear his words, we are bound as a necessary duty to profess faith in him, and do confess it before men; And they that are ashamed to do it, they may justly fear that Christ will be ashamed of them: For saith Jesus, Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me, and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with the holy Angels: as you may read Mark 8. ●8. And that which in the holy Scriptures of the old and new Testament is declared by the holy Spirit, to be the eternal word of God; That we believe in, own, and confess to be the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever; as the Scriptures saith, and as you may read 1 Pet. 1.22, 23. Through faith we understand, that the Worlds were framed by the word of God, as you may read Heb. 11.3. God who as sundry times and in diverse manners spoke in times passed unto the Fathers by the Prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whose name is called the word of God; Rev. 19.13. Whom he hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds, as you may read, Heb. 1.1, 2. And he upholdeth all things by the word of his power, ver. 3. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, who is the Image of the invisible God, for by him were all things created that are in heaven, and that are in earth; and he is before all things, and by him all things consist? as you may read Colos. 1.14, 15, 16, 17. For the word of God is quick and powerful, John 1.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. sharper than any two edged sword, piercing, even to the devideing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him, with whom we have to do: seeing than that we have a great high Priest, that is passed into the heavens, jesus the son of God: Let us hold fast our profession, Heb. 4.15, 16. as the Scriptures saith, and as you may read, Heb. 4.12.13.14. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures, as you may read, jam. 1.18. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, Jam. 1.21. which is able to save your souls: as you may read james 1.21. As ye have therefore received Christ jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him, Colos. 2.6, 7. The righteousness of faith speaketh on this wise, say not in thy heart, who shall ascend into heaven, that is to bring Christ down from above, or who shall descend into the deep, that is to bring up Christ again from the dead: But what saith it? The word is nigh thee in thy mouth and in thy heart, Deut. 30.11, 12, 13, 14. that is the word of faith which we preach; as the Scripture testifieth, as you may read, Rom. 10.6, 7, 8. For We preach not ourselves but Christ jesus the Lord, as you may read, 2 Cor. 4.5, 6, 7. Therefore they went every where preaching the word, Act. 8.6. Then Philip went down to Samaria, and preached Christ unto them, Acts 8.5. Act. 8.5. And as concerning the Gospel of Christ, and the Declaration of the Gospel, we are not ashamed to confess; for the Gospel it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, the just shall live by his faith, and as you may read, Rom. 1.16, 17. And as concerning the Declaration; Moreover Brethren, I declare unto you, 1 Cor. 15.1, 2, etc. Lu: 1.1, 2. the Gospel which I preached unto you which also you have received, and wherein ye stand, by which also ye are saved, unless ye have believed in vain, for I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures, etc. as you may read in the Declaration of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 15. But the word of the Lord endureth for ever: And this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you, Rom. 1.16, 17. & 1 Pet. 1.25. For this the mockers and scoffers that were foretold of, and are come in these last days, who walk after their own lusts, 2 Pet. 3.3 they willingly are ignorant of; That by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the Water and in the Water, as the scripture saith, and as you may read, 2 Pet. 3.2, 3, 4, 5. Whereby the World that then was, being overflowed with Water perished: ver. 6. But the heavens and the earth which are now by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgement, and perdition of ungodly men: as you may read 2 Pet. 3.7. For by the word of the Lord were the heavens made, Psal. 33.6. Therefore above all things take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the Wicked; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God: The * Rev. 19.13, 15. Heb. 4.12. Eph. 6.17: Word of God is the sword of the spirit, and the sword of the spirit is the word of God: Wherefore pray always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit (for † Phil: 4: 6. 1 Pe: 3.12. Rom 12.12 Joh: 4.23, 24. Phil: 3.3. Ephes: 4.4, 5, 6, 7. prayer is an ordinance of God) & watch thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints, Eph. 10, 17, 18. Building up yourselves (ye beloved) on your most holy faith praying in the holy Ghost; as you may read Jud. 20. Rom: 8.26, 27. 1 Pet: 4.7. And as we profess faith in God the Father, and Christ Jesus his eternal son, & in the holy spirit, as the scripture saith, & own the word of God, & prayer, & the ordinances & worship of God in spirit & truth, according to the scriptures; so likewise among the rest, we own Ministry & Magistracy to be ordinances of God, according to the holy scriptures; For as it saith, there is one body & one spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father; so likewise it is said of Christ, that when he ascended up on high, he gave gifts unto men; For he gave some Apostles, some prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and teachers. For this end that is to say, the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, as you may read, Ep 4.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13. See 1 Pet: 4.10, 11. Also see Rom: 12.6, 7, 8. And let every soul be subject to the higher power, for there it no power [which the soul is to be subject to] but of God, whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist the power and ordinance of God, shall receive to themselves damnation Rom. 13.1, 2. For Rulers (that rule for God in his power and ordinance as aforesaid, they) are not a terror to good works but to the evil. But if they rule not in the power of God, by which they are to discern and judge between good and evil: it will be otherwise yet, acting and ruling in the power of God, they are for the encouragement and praise of them that do well, and so are to them the Ministers of God for good: as you may read Rom: 13.3, 4. Concerning Magistracy that rules for God, etc. MOreover, how Magistrates that rules for God, according to them holy scriptures of the old and new Testament are to be qualified, and by what power, and for whom they are to act; The spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and the God of Israel said, he that ruleth over men must be just, fearing God, as you may read, 2 Sam. 23.2, 3. Ruler's [for God] must be just men, and fearing God, as God hath said; and such are as the light of the morning, when the sun ariseth without clouds, ver. 4. Therefore they that are so must needs be good examples, and not hate the light in others, nor them that walk in the pure Religion; spoken of Jam: 1.27. Which is to visit the Widows and Fatherless in their distress, and to keep themselves unspotted of the World. When the righteous are in authority the [good] people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule the [good] people mourn: Prov: 29.2. For the righteous considereth the cause of the poor, but the wicked regardeth not to know it, verse 7. And if a Ruler hearken to lies all his servants are wicked: as you may read Prov: 29.12. Therefore how just and upright ought Rulers to be, that they may not encourage the wicked, and cause them to rejoice in their wickedness, and cause the godly to mourn and be sad: Judges & officers which God commanded and ordained in the time of old, to be set up in all the gates throughout the Tribes. 1. They was to judge the people with just Judgement. 2. They were not to wrest Judgement. 3. They was not to respect persons. 4. They was not to take a gift, for the Lord saith, A gift doth blind the eyes of the wise: And 5. They was not to pervert the words of the righteous. But, 6. That which was altogether just they was to follow as the Lord hath said, and as you may read Deut. 16.18, 19, 20. And 7. When a controversy did arise between man and man, so that it came before the Judges to be determined, the Judges was enjoined by the Law of God to make diligent Inquisition, to the end that they might before judgement, find out the truth or falsehood of the Witnesses: and if the judge by diligent inquiry, etc. found out the Witness to be a false Witness, and testify a false thing against another: 8. Then he was to have passed the same judgement upon the false Witness, that he should have done upon the other that he witnessed against, if his testimony had been true; as you may read Deut. 19.15.16. to the end of the chapter. Judges are forbidden by the Lord, and by his Law to wrest the Judgement of the poor in his cause, as aforesaid. And 9 Judges and officers are required by the Law of God, to keep them far from a false matter. 10. & the Lord doth forbid Judges, for slaying (by false judgement) the innocent and righteous; and again Judges are forbidden taking a gift; as you may read, Exod. 23.6.7, 8.11. Also the Lord saith, Thou shalt not raise a false report. 12. Nor put thy hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous Witness. 13. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. 14. Neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many, to wrest judgement, the Lord doth forbid it. Exod. 23.1, 2. And Moses in his charge to the judges, commanded and charged them; First, to hear the causes between their Brethren; And, 2. To judge righteously between every man and his Brother. and the stranger that was with him: And thirdly, That they should not respect persons in judgement: But 4. That they should hear the small as well as the great; And, 5. That they should not be afraid of the face of man; for saith he, The judgement is Gods; and the judgement that it too hard for you bring it unto me, and I will hear it; as you may read Deut. 11.16, 17, 18. Deut. 16.18, 19, 20. And by the Law of God he is pronounced accursed that perverteth the judgement of the Stranger, fatherless and widow; Deut. 17.19. Jehoshaphat the King of Judah when he returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem, 2 Chron: 19.1. He set judges in the Land, throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, City by City, Ver: 5. And charged them, or said to the judges; 1. Take heed what ye do: 2. For ye judge not for man, 3. But for the Lord, 4. Who is with you in judgement. Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you, take heed, and do it: 5. For there is no Iniquity with the Lord our God, 6. Nor respect of persons, 7. Nor taking of gifts. And he charged them saying,, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, and with a perfect heart, See 2 Chron: 19.5, 6, 7, 8, 9 And such Judges, Magistrates and Officers we own and honour in our hearts and souls, who rule for God, by the holy spirit, and according to the holy Scriptures of the old and new Testament, God is our Witness that we lie not. And if any would have such owned to rule for God, and honoured with the honour given from God, who are not led by his holy Spirit, but act contrary thereunto, and contrary to the holy Scriptures; then speak it out plain: For all such as are owned and honoured by the only true God, we honour and own. And as concerning the office and duty of Rulers and Magistrates, or officers and Ministers according to the new Testament; He that ruleth [for God, must rule] with diligence, Rom: 12.8. One that ruleth well his own house, in the first place: 1 Tim: 3.4. Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, 1 Tim. 5.17. For Rulers [that rule by the power of God] are not a terror to good works, but to the evil; wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and then thou shalt have praise of the same, as you may read, Rom: 13.3. Is any power for the praise and encouragement of those that do good, but the power of God? and is not that the highest power, which every soul is required to be subject to? & if the soul be not required to be subject to any powers but the powers of God, which are the higher powers, than ought every Ruler amongst men, before they rule for God, having Souls, to let their souls in the first place be subject to the higher powers which be of God; And then being ordained, and empowered by the power of God, to rule for him, they will not be a terror to good works, (because good works, they are brought forth by virtue of the power of God, and by the same power in him, and powers comunicated by him, to men, to rule for him, they are to be defended and encouraged by the men of God, that rule and minister for him, & to the praise of his) but to the evil, Whose works proceeds from the power of the Devil, 1 Joh: 3.8, 10, 12. They are a terror, [who are in God's power ordained and empowered to be Ministers of his justice, and peace,] wilt thou not then (as aforesaid) be afraid of the power of God? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he (that rules therein) is the minister of God to thee for good; but if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God; and therefore aught to discern between good and evil, to the end that he may not discourage them that do well, under pretence that they do evil; nor to encourage them that do evil, under pretence that they do well: For if he ere from the power of God, and want discerning, he may turn his sword against that which it is to defend and preserve, where it is not born in vain, and for want of discerning, and being gone astray as aforesaid, may nourish vice and profaneness, & so be a discourager of them that do well, and an encourager of them that do evil, if he know not the power of God, or be erred from the same, and have not his soul in subjection to it; That he may know them that in the power of God have their souls subjected thereunto, and are doing good by virtue of the same, and abstaining also from evil in all its appearances. Therefore whosoever resisteth the power of God (by which his ministers of justice are ordained to rule for him) they resist the ordinance of God, and shall receive to themselves damnation. Rom: 13.1, 2, 3, 4. And to that power and ordinance of God are we subject for conscience sake, Rom: 13.5. And the Law is good if a man use it lawfully, Knowing this, that the Law is not made for [the punishment of] a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient; for the ungodly and for sinners; for unholy, and profane, for murderers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and such like, being the fruits of the flesh: and as you may read, 1 Tim: 1.8, 9, 10. & Galat: 5.18, 19, 20, 21. But the fruit of the spirit is love, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, against which there is no Law: as you may read, Gal: 5.22, Gal: 5.24, 25, 26. 23. And they that are Christ's, have crucified the flesh, with the affections, and lusts, and are neither desirous of vain glory, nor of provoking, and envying one another, ver: 24, 26. Written the 3. day of the 10. month, commonly called Decemb, 1657. Who are no Idle, Wandering, Dissolute Persons, nor Jesuits; and who are no Vagabonds, etc. Such as are moved and directed, and commanded by the Lord God and his Spirit, to go and declare his mind and will, by the Assistance and according to the appointment thereof; though they go from one Nation and Country to another, accordingly as aforesaid, yet notwithstanding they are neither Idle, Wandering, Dissolute persons nor jesuits, nor Vagabonds. Abraham was called out of his Father's house, Gen: 12.4 Read Goe 12. ch. & Gen: 13. c. and native place to go abroad according to the directions of the Lord, and did so, and were as a stranger and sojourner in a strange Land, yet he were neither an Idle, wandering dissolute person, nor Jesuit, nor Vagabond, no more are his seed now, though falsely they are accused to be so. Moses went down into Egypt from Midian, Exod: 3.1. Exo: 38.9, etc. where he had been a keeper of Jethro 's sheep, to do the will of the Lord, & yet he were neither an idle wandering person, nor a Jesuit or Vagabond, though Pharaoh the king then of Egypt falsely accused the servants of the Lord to be idle fellows, or to take the people off from their work. And Pharaoh the king regarded not the words of the Lords messengers, but accounted them vain; and as the false accusing spirit did then, so doth it now, though the persons guided thereby profess more than Pharaoh did, and accuseth them to be idle, wandering, dissolute persons, or Jesuits and Vagabonds that are not, no more than Moses the servant of the Lord was then. Elijah the servant of the Lord was not an idle wandering dissolute person, nor a Jesuit, nor Vagabond, Exod: 5: 4.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, vers. etc. though he passed much up and down the country in obedience to the Lord, and went to beg, or ask some relief of the widow of Sarepta; And if any of the Lords messengers should do so now, would not this generation of men accuse them for running wandering abroad a begging, & so accuse them to be idle wandering dissolute persons, and vagabonds, and troublers of the Nation. Did not king Ahab then king of Israel accuse the said Elijah the servant of the Lord falsely; and say, he was his enemy, & a troubler of Israel, but it was not so, viz. That he was a troubler of Israel, but of the wicked: Therefore the servant of the Lord, 1 King 19 ch. 1 King: 17.10, 11. (to cast off the false accusation charged upon him by the king, and to clear his own innocency) said to the king that it was he, viz. the king and his Father's house that was so, even the troublers of Israel the people of the Lord; And so the false accusing spirit in this generation is apt to charge the Servants of the Lord falsely, & to seek to lay upon them that which the accusers themselves are guilty of, as Ahab and his father's house was, when the innocency of the innocent, though falsely accused, is clear, and stands justified in the sight and account of the Lord. The Disciples of Christ sent forth by his own power, when he were personally amongst them, was commanded to go abroad in the countries, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Mat. 10.5, 6. Mat. 10.9, 10. and forbidden taking thought what to eat, drink or put on, and commanded to take neither silver nor gold nor brass in their purses, yet they was no idle wandering dissolute persons, nor jesuits, nor Vagabonds; But if any be sent of the Lord now, and forbidden to take any silver or gold in their purses; This generation would be ready to accuse them to be idle wandering dissolute persons, mad men & Vagabonds; might not the Disciples that Christ so sent have objected and said, Lord, how shall we do to be provided for, when we come amongst Strangers and in other Countries, if we must not take any Silver nor Gold, nor Brass in our Purses? had we not better take Silver and Gold & Brass in our Purses, that we may make provision thereby for ourselves, when we come amongst Strangers (& so stop their mouths) rather then to rely upon them? & will not they be ready to say, These are idle lose fellows, mad men and Vagabonds, that wanders about to live upon other men's labours, and cannot otherwise tell how to get a living? They neither have Silver nor Gold nor Brass in their Purses; do any that have means to live on go out thus, when they are to go into far countries, and amongst Strangers, except they be idle wandering dissolute persons, and Vagabonds, such as have no Silver nor Gold to take in their Purses? yet notwithstanding the Disciples of Christ that were so sent as aforesaid, were neiher idle wandering dissolute persons, nor Jesuits nor Vagabonds; No more are the Servants of Chrst, though they may so go, now, in obedience to the command and council of Christ, yet this generation of men are ready to accuse them, to be idle wandering dissolute persons, or Jesuits or Vagabonds, as that generation of men accused the said servants of Christ aforementioned, and others that succeeded them, Acts 4.13. Acts. 24.5 6. to be ignorant unlearned men, and deceivers, and turbulent pestilent fellows, mad men, and ringleaders of Sects and the like, though they was not, but that the false accuseing spirit of the world was then, and of ancient standing is now, yet accustomed with that work. Before Christ ascended he called his servants together, & gave them command to wait at Jerusalem, till they was endued with power from on high, Saying, then shall ye be my witnesses, not only in Judea & Jerusalem, but also to the uttermost parts of the earth: Act. 1.4 & 8. verse. Might they not then have objected, and said Lord, would it not be better (if thy excellency would be pleased) to choose out Messengers for thy own work in every Country that are native and Inhabitants, then to send us as strangers amongst them, where we are generally to them unknown? shall we not by that be hardlier thought of, because we are not (to any of them) known? and will not that be a means to bring us into great sufferings & persecutions amongst them, Mat. 4.18.19, 20.21.12. Mat. 9.9. Tit. 1 16. and when we come abroad in far Countries & beyond Seas, where we are not at all amongst them known, will it not give them cause to say we are Jesuits, or idle wandering dissolute persons and vagabonds? yet not withstanding what they might have objected against such a sending, (as leaving estates, relations behind them,) and coming under false censures and great persecution, they gave up freeely and went, leaving behind them their estates and relations: But such as are moved of the Lord to do so now, (in the cross to their wills, and through the trial of their faith and exercise of their patience) they are hardly judged of by those that are at ease in the flesh, and do greatly suffer by reason of the subtlety of the serpent that is clothed over and hid under a pretence and profession of Godliness, professing God in words, but unto every good work are abominable and reprobate; as such like aforetime was. When the Church was met at Antioh, as they ministered and fasted, Acts 13.1, 2. the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have appointed them, and they being sent forth by the holy Ghost, they departed unto Selucia, and from thence they passing over Seas sailed to Cyprus, Act: 13.4. and so to Salamis, ver. 5. And yet notwithstanding they were neither idle wandering dissolute persons, nor Jesuits, Act. 18.18 19, 20, 21, 22, 23. nor vagabonds, no more are such that are sent by the Holy Ghost now, though they may pass abroad in several countries and over Seas, about the work of the Lord now to act by his spirit as they are directed, as Paul and Silas afore mentioned did then. Likewise Paul and Barnabas, they passed much abroad in the countries after that, for after they had been at Salamis, they passed through the isle unto Paphos; Acts 13.6. And did the work of the Lord for which they was sent by the holy Ghosts order and appointment: And when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, Act. 13.13. They passing through the countries came to Perga in Pamphilia, and when they departed from Perga aforesaid, passing over the countries they came to Antioch in Pisidea, and did the work of the Lord, appointed them by the holy Ghost there also, Acts 13. from ver. 14. to ver. 45. But then (as now) the jews, the old envious professors, being offended at the truth, they out of their envy, spoke against those things which was spoken by Paul, and so was in an error therein, and also for contradicting and blaspheming him and the truth; ver. 45. Yet they that was so contradicted, and as aforesaid, was neither Jesuits, nor idle wandering dissolute persons, nor Vagabonds, but they was the dear servants of the Lord, and waxed bold against the deceit, to declare and testify the truth of the Lord, Act. 13. from ver. 45. to ver. 50. But though they was neither jesuits, nor idle wandering dissolute persons, nor vagabonds, no more than such as are the Lords Messengers now; yet the envious professors the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women so called, and the chief men of the City, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and banished them, or at least expelled them out of their Coasts, but they shook off the dust off their feet against them, and came to Iconium, see Acts 13.50. And the servants of the Lord that were so persecuted and banished were at peace, Act. 13.50, 51. and justified in the sight of the Lord, and the Disciples were filled with joy, and with the holy Ghost. The professors of them times, and the chief men of the City, and even such as were accounted devout and honourable amongst them, they were in great error in being so ready to be stirred up by the envious professors, and so raise persecution against the servants of the Lord, and banish or expel them out of their Coasts, insomuch that they shook off the dust of their feet to be a witness against them, according to the command and counsel of the Lord Jesus; and then the chief men of the City, and the professors, (and as aforesaid) they did not believe that the Apostles and servants of the Lord was the Lords Ministers and Messengers that so passed abroad in the countries and over Seas, into many Nations, no more than the chief men in many Cities; and such as are old, envious professors, and also them that are accounted devout and honourable by men, do believe that the Servants of the Lord are the Lords Ministers and Messengers now, that pass abroad in the Countries and over seas into other Nations; but being envious against the truth, they raise persecution against the servants of the Lord, and are ready to expel (or banish) them out of their coasts, and call them idle, wandering, dissolute persons, or Jesuits, or Vagabonds: so void of discerning of truth from error are they, being prejudiced in their minds against the Lords Messengers, (as such in the cursed nature aforetime were, and now are) that they cannot abide that truth should be truly declared, or entertained in the families, and cities, and countries where they are; but as the witness of God ariseth, and answers to the judgements of God upon them, and that which shall be against them for their disobedience to the truth, and envy against the truth, and servants and messengers thereof, they shall then be ashamed of such their ignorant or wilful actions, and cry out in the bitterness of their spirit against themselves for so acting, as aforesaid, when the Book of conscience is opened, and the judgement of Christ against them is pronounced. Therefore while you have time, prise it, and fear the Lord God, so will you not oppose nor persecute his servants and messengers, but receive them, and delight in the truth, as to you it is revealed. And after that Paul and Barnabas had been banished, as aforesaid, or expelled out of their Coasts at Antioch in Pisidea, Heb. 13. and those Regions, when they had been in the synagogue there, and sat silent till the legal Preacher or Reader had done, who after that declared the truth in opposition to the deceit; but the enmity standing in the minds of the old envious professors and citizens, as aforesaid, they did not only act Antichrists part in rejecting the truth declared, to cast it out of the people's affections, by contradicting and blaspheming the Lords Messengers, but they proceeded further in Antichrists work, as to reject and banish, or expel the said Messengers of Christ out of their coasts; and such an Antipathy there is between Christ and Antichrist, that the Antichristians now, though formal and feigned professed Christians, they cannot endure that the truth, and true real Christians and servants of Christ should be entertained and abide in their Coasts, but endeavours are used to get a Law to whip them (by the advice or consent of the professed Ministers of Christ) till blood come, and then banish or expel them out of their coasts, who are the Lords true Messengers and Ministers, according to the order and appointment of the Holy Ghost, and so send them away with a Pass, to the end that (as much as in the will of corrupt man is) truth may be kept under, from growing and taking place in the people's hearts and affections; but though Antichrist hath now, as than he had, such as will so act his part under specious pretences against the truth, yet the prosperity of the truth is a torment to the adversaries thereof. And when Paul and Barnabas had been banished as aforesaid, yet they were not discouraged, but waxed bold in the Lord, and afterward went to Iconium, and went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, though they had not the command there to stand up, as the parish-priests do in the high-places; and the said Paul and Barnabas so spoke, that a great multitude both of the Jews, and also of the Greeks, believed: But than [as now] the unbelievers that were Jews, even great professors, they stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the Brethren, Act. 14.1, 2. Yet notwithstanding they abode a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord; but the multitude of the City were divided (then, as now, where the truth taketh place in the hearts and affections of some of the Citizens, etc.) and part held with the Jews, and part with the Apostles, Act. 14.3, 4. insomuch that there was then (as oft-times now is, or of late hath been) an assault made both of the professors and people, together with their Rulers, to use them that received the truth, and the Lords Messengers both, despitefully, and stone them, Act. 4. Yet they that were thus assaulted by the people, professors, and Rulers, and against them had such cruelty intended, they were neither idle, wandering, dissolute persons, nor Jesuits, nor Vagabonds, no more are such as the envious professors falsely accuseth to the Magistrates to be so now. And after that cruelty intended against the said servants of the Lord, and as beforementioned, after they left Iconium, as it were ordered, they went abroad in the Countries without a Passport from the said Rulers, etc. to Listea and Derbe, Cities of Lyconia, and unto the Region that lieth round about, and there they preached the Gospel, Act. 14.6, 7. but though they so passed abroad in the Countries or Cities, and Regions round about without any man's Passport, or as aforesaid, yet they were neither Jesuits, nor idle, wandering, dissolute persons, or vagrants, no more than such the Lords Messengers that pass abroad in the Countries to declare the mind of the Lord, are now, though this generation falsely accuse them to be so, and are ready to get a Law made intentionallie against them, to punish them under such false censures and denominations; but yet notwithstanding the innocency of the innocent stands clear in the sight of the Lord; and his servants and messengers that are so accused as aforesaid, doth and will stand justified in the sight and account of the Lord, when the wicked, whoever they are, that are troublers of them, shall be troubled, and justly condemned before the Lord, when he taketh vengeance on them that are the troublers of his children and servants, and as you may read, 2 Thess. 1.4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 v And whilst the aforenamed servants and messengers of Christ that passed abroad in the Countries, and as aforesaid, Act. 14.6. was preaching the Gospel in those places and Regions last mentioned, Act. 14.19, etc. as Listra, Derbe and the Regions round about, etc. there came thither certain professors, as Jews from Antioch and Iconiom, places and cities where the said servants of the Lord had declared the truth, and from one of them places were banished, as is apprehended, and at the other, towards them much evil by Rulers and people was intended, as aforesaid, who persuaded the people against them; and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the City, supposing he had been dead: Mark this, you that are envious professors, and all such as are persecutors, and read your examples by comparing the fruits of your envious spirits, with the fruits of such as so acted before you against the Lord's truth and his messengers, etc. Howbeit Paul was not dead when they supposed that he he had so been, upon the aforesaid persecution and stoning, but he rose up, and came into the City, and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe, and when they had preached the Gospel to that City, and had taught many, they returned again to Listra, and through the countries to Iconium, where so much evil were, and had been intended against them, as aforesaid; and from thence to Antioch, and at Antioch in Pissidia, they had been banished or expelled out of their coasts, as aforementioned, confirming the souls of the Disciples, exhorting them also to continue in the faith, and that we must through great tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God. And after that, and when they had passed throughout the Country of Pisidia, they came to Pamphilia, and when they had passed abroad in the Country, and had preached the word in Perga, they went abroad in the Countries down into Attalia, and from thence passing over Sea, sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended by the Grace of God for the work which they fulfilled, Act. 14.19. to the end. Act. 13.1, 2. And though they passed so much abroad in the Countries, and beyond seas to declare the truth, and met with such great persecution, and had so much evil intended against them by Rulers and people, yet notwithstanding they had not any Passport or certificate for their traveling under the hand or seal of any Portgraves, Bailiffs, Constables of Castles, Conservators of the Peace of Cities, Corporations, Towns, places, or Countries and Provinces, Sheriffs, Mayors, Keepers of National Liberties, etc. nor from under the hand or seal of any called Justices of the peace, or any other head Officer or Officers of such aforesaid repective places, that ever we read of, yet they were no Vagrants, nor idle, dissolute, wandering persons, etc. No more are the servants of the Lord now, though they do, and may pass much abroad in the Countries, and over seas, to do the will of the Lord, as he them moves thereunto, and without any man's Passport, etc. as the aforesaid servants of the Lord did, though they may pass through many tribulations, the footsteps of the flock of Christ, and paths to the entrance into the Kingdom of God. R. F.