A survey of the spiritual antichrist opening the secrets of familism and antinomianism in…A survey of the spirituall antichrist opening the secrets of familisme and antinomianisme in…
A survey of the spiritual antichrist opening the secrets of familism and antinomianism in the antichristian doctrine of John Saltmarsh and Will. Del, the present preachers of the army now in England, and of Robert Town, by Samuel Rutherfurd ...A survey of the spirituall antichrist opening the secrets of familisme and antinomianisme in the antichristian doctrine of John Saltmarsh and Will. Del, the present preachers of the army now in England, and of Robert Town, by Samuel Rutherfurd ...
Samuel Rutherford 1600?–1661London: printed by J.D. & R.I. for Andrew Crooke, 1648
[48], 354 [i.e. 344], 239 p. · 248k words · Wing R2394 · ESTC R22462
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Ans. Would Saltmarsh and Del give us Annotations on the Bible, they should furnish us with many monsters in Divinity: here he maketh the garment wherewith the Son of God was clothed, Rev. 1. all the forms of worship wherewith God manifested himself to the Jews under the Law, to Christians under the Gospel, yea to the heathen that had ⟨p. 340⟩but natural and civill Revelations of God. 1Shall we ask a warrant for playing thus on visions, types, allegories? Familists tell us, the Spirit taught them so.
Ans. Would Saltmarsh and Del give us Annotations on the Bible, they should furnish us with many monsters in Divinity: here he maketh the garment wherewith the Sonne of God was cloathed, Rev. 1. all the formes of worship wherewith God manifested himselfe to the Jewes under the Law, to Christians under the Gospel, yea to the heathen that had ⟨p. 340⟩but naturall and civill Revelations of God. 1Shall wee aske a warrant for playing thus on visions, types, allegories? Familists tell us, the Spirit taught them so.
1Divers ways and forms of worshipping of God, and of leaving these forms, and ascending higher and higher, from natural, to civill and moral Religion, fr•m thence to Law then to Johns baptism, then to Christ in the flesh, then to pure Gospel, then to poor and all-Spirit, or Familists fancies,Divers wayes and formes of worshipping of God, and of leaving these formes, and ascending higher and higher, from natu••ll, to civill and morall Religion, fr•m thence to Law then to Johns baptism, then to Christ in the flesh, then to pure Gospel, then to poore and all-Spirit, or Familists phancies,
But 1. what Spirit made Christ the Son of God Mediator to appear to heathen in their Poets-Religion, their idolatrous images and false Gods, for they worship devils, not the Son of God, Levit. 17.7. Deut. 32.17. Ps 106.37. 1 Cor. 10 20, 21.
But 1. what Spirit made Christ the Son of God Mediator to appear to heathen in their Poets-Religion, their idolatrous images and false Gods, for they worship devills, not the Son of God, Levit. 17.7. Deut. 32.17. Ps 106.37. 1 Cor. 10 20, 21.
3. What ground of so many circles and new forms of Religions, a natural, civill or moral Law, Joh. Baptists way, Christs way in the flesh, the Spirits way, which is (say they) after Christs ascension to heaven, all glory, without ordinances, at all? the Scripture tells us of none but Law or Gospel, and the Son of God is in none of these, without Law or Gospel that we read of.
3. What ground of so many circles and new formes of Religions, a naturall, civill or morall Law, Joh. Baptists way, Christs way in the flesh, the Spi•its way, which is (say they) after Christs ascention to heaven, all glory, without ordinances, at all? the Scripture tells us of none but Law or Gospel, and the Sonne of God is in none of these, without Law or Gospell that we read of.
5. We know not what this means to worship the Law, the heathens Religion, the Gospel, we know no worshipping of created things, of word, Sacraments, figures, Scriptures, reading, all these being means of tendering worship to God, not things worshipped, Christians worship none but God.
5. Wee know not what this meanes to worship the Law, the heathens Religion, the Gospell, we know no worshipping of created things, of word, Sacraments, figures, Scriptures, reading, all these being meanes of tendering worship to God, not things worshipped, Christians worship none but God.
6. It must be Idolatry to a Familist to worship God in hearing, Sacraments, reading, praying, for God hath left all these to him, and he lives in a higher way upon the Spirit without Ordinances.
7. But to him that knows an Idol to be nothing, as Familists do, an Idol is nothing, because Idolatry and the sins of the outward man, adultery, lying, swearing, forswearing, a tongue speaking vanity, a right hand of falsehood, are no sins, because done by the outward man, and Saltmarsh and his fellow-libertines, have that much knowledge of the Spirit, as to know adultery is no adultery to a justified man, or an Elder of the family of love, and that which is idolatry to an unrenewed man, to adore figures and forms, is no Idolatry to renewed men who have knowledge that an Idol is ⟨p. 341⟩nothing, not any externals to Familists, the wickedst pranks hell can devise are no sins, and sin is but an opinion, know then killing of your father, and bowing down and adoring the devil to be no sins, and lay by conscience of sin, as Dav. George, and Anton. pocquius, and such swine teach us, and they are no sins. But these words, we know an Idol is nothing, hath another sense, as before I cleared.
7. But to him that knowes an Idoll to be nothing, as Familists doe, an Idoll is nothing, because Idolatry and the sinnes of the outward man, adultery, lying, swearing, forswearing, a tongue speaking vanity, a right hand of falsehood, are no sinnes, because done by the outward man, and Saltmarsh and his fellow-libertines, have that much knowledge of the Spirit, as to know adultery is no adultery to a •ustified man, or an Elder of the family of love, and that which is •dolatry to an unrenewed man, to adore figures and formes, is no Idolatry to renewed men who have knowledge that an Idoll is ⟨p. 341⟩nothing, not any externalls to Familists, the wickedst prankes hell can devise are no sinnes, and sinne is but an opinion, know then killing of your father, and bowing downe and adoring the devill to be no sinnes, and lay by conscience of sinne, as Dav. George, and Anton. pocquius, and such swine teach us, and they are no sins. But these words, we know an Idol is nothing, hath another sense, as before I cleared.
16. Another special sign of a spiritual condition is mortification,1 which is not merely and only in a total abstinence from sin or hatred of the world, Heathens void of the spirit of Jesus, upon moral principles, of their moralizing Philosophy of Plato, Socrates, Seneca •an go far on this way: But when a believer seeth him self, and his life incorporated in Christ and his cross, Gal. 2.20. I live not, but Christ lives in me, not because his deadness to the creature cometh without being procured (as Waldess• consider .92.345 saith) or sought with human industry, for though human industry it's alone, yea, or helped with supernatural Gospel-truths, or some common grace can never produce any, but a bastard mortification. Yet acts of sanctified reason and Industry spiritualized with the infused life of Christ, and informed with the pure light of f•i•h beholding Christ crucified, do work mortification; But then our Spirit must be as dead to these acts, as acts, as if they were not in us in the point of reffect feeling and confiding in them, not I, but grace, not I, but Christ in me.
16. Another speciall signe of a spirituall condition is mortification,1 which is not merely and onely in a totall abstinence from sin or hat•red of the world, Heathens void of the spirit of Jesus, upon morall principles, of their moralizing Phylosophy of Plato, Socrates, Seneca •an goe farre on this way: But when a beleever seeth him selfe, and his life incorporated in Christ and his crosse, Gal. 2.20. I live not, but Christ lives in me, not because his deadnesse to the creature cometh without being procured (as Waldess• consider .92.345 saith) or sought with human industery, for though human industery it's alone, yea, or helped with supernaturall Gospell-truths, or some common grace can neuer produce any, but a bastard mortification. Yet acts of sanctified reason and Industery spiritualized with the infused life of Christ, and informed with the pure light of f•i•h beholding Christ crucified, doe worke mortification; But then our Spirit must be as dead to these acts, as acts, as if they were not in us in the poynt of reffect feeling and confiding in them, not I, but grace, not I, but Christ in me.
1How mortification is a sign of a spiritual condition.How mortification is a signe of a spirituall condition.
2 The powers of the body or outward man by the soul-redoundance of actings, stand or lye dead to sin, Rom. 8.9. But yea are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. i:d: And if Christ be in you the body is dead, because of sin, or for sin, but the Spirit is life because of Righteousness: The body is a part of the flesh, and in so far as it is renewed with the soul, there is not that fire and fervour in bodily actings of sin as in a man void of the spirit, because though flesh and body both act too strongly in sin, yet are these powers blunted and the senses do not so welcome lusts as once they did, but the spirit is life or lively, as touching righteousness both to be acted and laid hold on by faith, so the renewed man is in a manner grieved that he must satisfy his natural life, yea so that he could rejoice, if he were deprived of his senses, ⟨p. 342⟩or at least, were freed from extreme quickness of fervour in his senses apprehending their delighting objects: hence cometh in the mortified, a sort of holy challenging of his liberty, as a servant made free can tell his old Master, he now owes him no service, so the spiritual man saith, Rom. 8.12. Therefore brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live after the flesh, we hold now of a new Lord, and are vassals to the Spirit of Jesus.
2 The powers of the body or outward man by the soule-redoundance of actings, stand or lye dead to sin, Rom. 8.9. But yea are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the sp•irit of God dwell in you. i:d: And if Christ be in you the body is dead, because of sin, or for sin, but the Spirit is life because of Righteousnesse: The body is a part of the flesh, and in so farre as it is renewed with the soule, there is not that fire and fervour in bodily actings of sinne as in a man void of the spirit, because though flesh and body both act too strongly in sin, yet are these powers blunted and the senses doe not so welcome lusts as once they did, but the spirit is life or lively, as touching righteousnesse both to be acted and laid hold on by faith, so the renewed man is in a manner greived that he must satisfie his naturall life, yea so that he could rejoyce, if he were deprived of his senses, ⟨p. 342⟩or at least, were freed from extreame quicknesse of fervor in his senses apprehending their delighting objects: hence cometh in the mortified, a sort of holy challenging of his liberty, as a servant made free can tell his old Master, he now owes him no service, so the spirituall man saith, Rom. 8.12. Therefore brethren, we are debters not to the flesh, to live after the flesh, we hold now of a new Lord, and are vassals to the Spirit of Jesus.
3 If the soul be much spiritualized, and have much of Christs life in it, the man is much satisfied with the active mortifying defrauding of his lusts and fleshly pleasures, and there is much will, and so much life of God, in subduing the body, in Covenanting with the eyes, in bearing down, and subduing the flesh 1 Cor. 9.27. But I keep under my body, but how? As those that run a race for a Crown, there is much will in such a running & sweating for the garland, and much consent and eagerness of mind, that the flesh, body, muscles, and loco-motive power pay for it, so do spiritual runners for the incorruptible Garland, this argues deadness to that flesh which loves to sleep & lye rather then to sweat for a •ools birds-nest that it sees not, and in so doing, he deadly suspects his own will of self-seeking, which is a singular note of deadness, for he trembles for fear that self came in with the spirit and cry half mine 1. Cor. 9.25. every one that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things Temperance of the mind is much afraid of vain-gloriation.
3 If the soul be much spiritualized, and have much of Christs life in it, the man is much satisfied with the active mortifying defrauding of his lusts and fleshly pleasures, and there is much will, and so much life of God, in subduing the body, in Covenanting with the eyes, in bearing downe, and subduing the flesh 1 Cor. 9.27. But I keepe under my body, but how? As those that runne a race for a Crowne, there is much will in such a running & sweating for the garland, and much consent and eagernesse of mind, that the flesh, body, musecls, and loco-motive power pay for it, so doe spirituall runners for the incorruptible Garland, this argues deadnesse to that flesh which loves to sleep & lye rather then to sweat for a •ools birds-nest that it sees not, and in so doing, he deadly suspects his owne will of selfe-seeking, which is a singular note of deadnesse, for he trembles for feare that selfe came in with the spirit and cry halfe mine 1. Cor. 9.25. every one that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things Temperance of the mind is much affraid of vaine-gloriation.
4 There is much will also in joining consent with suffering Gods will: so rejoicing in suffering, argues that Paul desired much that the power of Christ might rest on him, 2 Cor. 12.10. therefore I take pleasure (here is much deadness of will to satisfy flesh and self▪ and much life of will to join actively with God in suffering) in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: but he suspects himself in this deadness, ver. 11. I am become a fool in glorying, he checks himself, that he may suffer for Christs sake, not for his own sake, and the more dead the wil• is, the more mortification and the more mortification, the mo•• o• the spirit, and the less of the flesh is in the man, Rom. 8.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
4 There is much will also in joyning consent with suffering Gods wil: so rejoycing in suffering, argues that Paul desired much that the power of Christ might rest on him, 2 Cor. 12.10. therefore I take pleasure (here is much deadness• of will to satisfie flesh and selfe▪ and much life of will to joyne actively with God in suffering) in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christs sake: but he suspectes himselfe in this deadnesse, ver. 11. I am become a foole in glorying, he checkes himselfe, that he may suffer for Christs sake, not for his owne sake, and the more dead the wil• is, the more mortification and the more mortification, the mo•• o• the spirit, and the lesse of the flesh is in the man, Rom. 8.7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.
Reader, thou hast here, though I intended it should have been printed with the rise of Henry Nicholas (but it came later to my hand) a Petition or Protestation of the Familists which was printed and spread in England, an. 1604. and is said to have been presented to King James.
To the Kings most Excellent Majesty James the first, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c.
The Family of love. an. 1604.
Most Gracious Sovereign aLord, where there is published, in a book written by your Highness, as an instruction ato your most noble Son (whom Almighty God bless with much honour, happiness and long life) of a people that are of a vile sect bamong the Anabaptists called the Family of love, who do hold and maintain many proud, uncharitable, unchristian, and most babsurd opinions, unto whom your Highness doth also give the name of cPuritans, affirming in the said book that divers of them (as dBrowne, Penry, and others) do accord with them in their foul errors, heady and fantastical opinions, which are there set down at large by your Majesty, advising your royal Son (as is most meet) eto punish them, if they refuse ⟨p. 344⟩to obey the Law,e and will not cease to stir up rebellion.
Now most gracious Sovereign, because it is meet that your Highness should understand by their supplication and declaration of the truth herein by themselves (of whom your Majesty hath been thus informed) prostrate at your Princely feet, as true ffaithful, loyal and obedient Subjects to all your Laws and Ordinances, civill, politic, gspiritual and temporal, they with humble hearts do beseech your Princely Majesty to understand that the people of the family of love, or of gGod, do utterly disclaim and detest all the said absurd and hself-conceited opinions and disobedient and erroneous sorts of the iAnabaptists, Browne, Penry, kPuritans, and all other proud minded sects and heresies whatsoever, protesting upon pain of our lives, that we are not consenting nor agreeing with any such lbrainsick preachers, nor their rebellious and disobedient sects whatsoever, but have been and ever will be truly obedient to your Highness, and your Laws to the effusion of our blood mand expenses of our goods and lands in your Majesties service, highly lauding Almighty God, who hath so graciously and peaceably appointed unto us such a virtuous, wise, religious and noble King, and so careful and unpartial a Justitiar to govern over us, beseeching ⟨p. 345⟩him daily to bless your Highness with his godly wisdom and holy understanding to the furtherance of his truth and godliness, and with all honour, happiness, peace and
To the Kings most Excellent Majesty James the first, by the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c.
The Family of love. an. 1604.
MOst Gracious Sovereigne aLord, where there is published, in a booke written by your Highnesse, as an instruction ato your most noble Sonne (whom Almighty God blesse with much honour, happinesse and long life) of a people that are of a vile sect bamong the Anabaptists called the Family of love, who doe hold and maintaine many proud, uncharitable, unchristian, and most babsurd opinions, unto whom your Highnesse doth also give the name of cPuritanes, affirming in the said booke that divers of them (as dBrowne, Penry, and others) doe accord with them in their foule errours, heady and phantasticall opinions, which are there set downe at large by your Majesty, advising your royall Sonne (as is most meet) eto punish them, if they refuse ⟨p. 344⟩to obey the Law,e and will not cease to stir up rebellion.
Now most gracious Sovereigne, because it is meet that your Highnesse should understand by their supplication and declaration of the truth herein by themselves (of whom your Majesty hath been thus informed) prostrate at your Princely feet, as true ffaithfull, loyall and obedient Subjects to all your Laws and Ordinances, civill, politique, gspirituall and temporall, they with humble hearts doe beseech your Princely Majesty to understand that the people of the family of love, or of gGod, doe utterly disclaime and detest all the said absurd and
aThere is nothing in this Petition the smells of Christs ointments, nothing that looks with any face, like the anointing that teacheth all things, nothing to heighten Christ, much to flatter K James, all to lift that abominable impostor H. Nicholas up above Christ, the stile and words full of gall against Puritans, and the truly godly in England, th•e words base, earthly, low, devilish, heretical, temporizing▪ &.There is nothing in this Petition the smels of Christs ointments, nothing that looks with any face, like the anointing that teacheth all things, nothing to heighten Christ, much to flatter K Iames, all to lift that abominable impostor H. Nicho•as up above Christ, the stile and words full of gall against Puritans, and the truly godly in England, th•e words base, earthly, low, devilish, hereticall, temporizing▪ &.
aBasilicon Doron w•itten to Prince Henry.
bTheir fleshly and abominable doctrine, as especially that the Familists may wallow in adulteries, blood, rebellion, perjury, and if the Spirit help them not against these sins, they are as innocent, as the maid forced in the field, who did cry and there was none to help, and so by no Law can be guilty. See their tenets, as H. Nicholas taught.Their fleshly and abominable doctrine, as especially that the Familists may wallow in adulteries, blood, rebellion, perjury, and if the Spirit helpe them not against these sinnes, they are as innocent, as the maid forced in the field, who did cry and there was none to helpe, and so by no Law can be guilty. See their tenets, as H. Nicholas taught.
bTheir foul opinions may here be read in this Treatise, and in H. Nicholas writings.Their foule opinions may here be read in this Treatise, and in H. Nicholas writings.
cKing James was misinformed in that, for Familists and the godly unjustly called Puritans, are as contrary as light and darkness.King Iames was misinformed in that, for Familists and the godly unjustly called Puritans, are as contrary as light and darknesse.
long life, and to judge rightly between falsehood and truth.
And because your Majesty should have a perfect view or an assured persuasion of the truth, of the same our protestation, if therefore there be any indifferent man of the Kingdom that can justly ntouch us with any such disobedient and wicked handling of our selves, as seemeth by your Majesties book, it hath been informed unto your Highness, unless they be such our omortal enemies the disobedient Puritans, and those of their heady humours, before named, who are much more zealous, religious and precise in the tithing of mint, anise and cummin, pand in the preferring of such like pharisaical and self chosen qoutward traditions and grounds, or hypocritical righteousness, then in the performing of judgement, mercy and faith, and such like true and qinward righteousness which God doth most chiefly require and regard (Matth. 15.15. &c.) and whose malice hath for twenty five years past and upwards, r& ever since, with very many untrue suggestions, and most foul errors and odious crimes, the which we could show if need were, sought our utter overthrow and destruction, but that we have behaved our selves in all orderliness and peaceableness of life, where we dwell, and with whom we had to deal; sor if we do vary or swerve from the testablished Religion in this land either in service, ceremonies, Sermons, or Sacraments, or have publicly spoken tor inveighed either ⟨p. 346⟩by word or writing against our late Sovereign Princess government in cases spiritual or temporal, •hen let us be rejected for Sectaries, and never receive the benefits of Subjects.
Only right gracious Sovereign, twe have read certain books brought forth by a Germane Author under the characters wof H.N. who affirmeth therein that he is prepared, chosen and sent of God to minister and set forth the most holy service of the love of God and Christ or of the •oly Ghost unto the children of xmen upon the universal earth, out of which service or writings we be taught all dutiful obedience towards God and Magistrates, and to live a godly and honest life, and to love God above all things and our neighbours as our selves yagreeing therein with all the holy Scriptures, as zwe understand them. Against which Author and his books we never yet heard nor knew any Law established in this Realm by our late gracious Sovereign.
long life, and to judge rightly between falsehood and truth.
And because your Majesty should have a perfect view or an assured perswasion of the truth, of the same our protestation, if therefore there be any indifferent man of the Kingdome that can justly ntouch us with any such disobedient and wicked handling of our selves, as seemeth by your Majesties booke, it hath been informed unto your Highnesse, unlesse they be such our omortall enemies the disobedient Puritans, and those of their heady humours, before named, who are much more zealous, religious and precise in the tything of mint, annis and cummin, pand in the preferring of such like pharisaicall and selfe chosen qoutward traditions and grounds, or hypocriticall righteousnesse, then in the performing of judgement, mercy and faith, and such like true and qinward righteousnesse which God doth most chiefly require and regard (Matth. 15.15. &c.) and whose malice hath for twenty five years past and upwards, r& ever since, with very many untrue suggestions, and most foule errors and odious crimes, the which we could shew if need were, sought our utter overthrow and destruction, but that we have behaved our selves in all orderlinesse and peaceablenesse of life, where we dwell, and with whom we had to deale; sor if we do vary or swerve from the testablished Religion in this land either in service, ceremonies, Sermons, or Sacracraments, or have publickly spoken tor inveighed either ⟨p. 346⟩by word or writing against our late Sovereigne Princesse government in cases spirituall or temporall, •hen let us be rejected for Sectaries, and never receive the benefits of Subjects.
Only right gracious Sovereigne,
nWhat Pharisees be these? doth not Paul judge himself the chief of sinners? is not Elijah a man compassed with infirmities? No wonder it be h•rd to prove any wicked doctrine or practise, for H. Nicholas in his Epistle to the two daughters of Warwick would prove men may belly and dissemble, and deny their Religion and Christ before men, so the heart be good.What Pharisees bee these? doth not Paul judge himselfe the chiefe of sinners? is not Elias a man compassed with infirmities? No wonder it bee h•rd to prove any wick•d doct•ine or practise, for H. Nicho•as in his Epistle to the two daughters of Warwicke would prove men may bely and dissemble, and deny their Religion and Christ before men, so the heart be good.
oShall we then believe that Familists now in England will not be deadly persecutors of Puritans?Shall wee then beleeve that Familists now in England will not be deadly persecuters of Puritans?
pPuritans are against all religious ceremonies of mens devisings, so that tithing of mint, is unjustly ascribed to to them.Puritans are against all religious ceremonies of mens devisings, so that tything of mint, is unjustly ascribed to to them.
qTo Familists all outward worship and ordinances are traditions, they live only upon love within, and are swine, without, and yet sin not.To Familists all outward worship and ordinances are traditions, they live only upon love within, and are swine, without, and yet sinne not.
qThere is to Familists no judgement and mercy, but that which is inward; let men, as touching the outward man, be swine for filthiness, Lions for blood and rapine, they may have inward righteousness, and that is all and enough.There is to Familists no judgement and mercy, but that which is inward; let men, as touching the outward man, be swine for filthinesse, Lions for blood and rapine, they may have inward righteousnesse, and that is all and enough.
rThen Puritans only none or few of the prelatical way or other Sectaries refuted Familists.
But that we might read them without offence, whose writings we suppose under your Highness correction your Majesty hath yet never seen aor perused, heard of by any indifferent nor true information: for the said H. N. in all his doctrine and writings (being as we are credibly informed as much matter in volume, if they were all compiled together as the whole bBible containeth) doth neither take part with, nor write against any particular party or company cwhatsoever as naming them by their names, nor yet praise nor dispraise any of them by name; but doth only show in particular in his said writings (as saith he) ⟨p. 347⟩the unpartial service of love, requireth what is good or evil for every one, wherein the man hath right or wrong in any point, dwhether it be in the state of his soul towards God or in the state of his body toward the dMagistrates of the world, and towards one another; to the end that all people (when they hear or read his writings, and do thereby perceive their sins, and estranging from God and Christ) might endeavour them to bring f•r•h) ethe due fruits of repentance, which is reformation and newness of life, according as all the holy Scriptures doth likewise require the same of every one. And that fthey might in that sort become saved through Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of all the world.
Notwithstanding, dear Sovereign, yet hath the said Author and his doctrine a long time, and still is, most shamefully and falsely slandered by our foresaid adversaries both in this land and in divers others, as to be replenished with all manner fof damnable errors and filthy liberty of the flesh.
And we his well-willers and favourers in the upright drift of his doctrine (as aforesaid) have also been of them complained on, and accused unto our late gracious Sovereign. gAnd the Magistrates of this land, both long time past, and now lately again as to be a people so infected and stained with all manner of detestable wickedness and errors, that are not worthy to live upon the earth, but yet would never present any of his books unto his Majesty hto peruse, nor yet set them forth hin any indifferent or true manner to the view of the world lest their malicious and slanderous reports and accusations ⟨p. 348⟩against the same and us, should thereby be revealed and disproved to their great ishame.
But that wee might read them without offence, whose writings wee suppose under your Highnesse correction your Majesty hath yet never seen aor perused, heard of by any indifferent nor true information: for the said H. N. in all his doctrine and writings (being as we are credibly informed as much matter in volumne, if they were all compiled together as the whole bBible containeth) doth neither take part with, nor write against any particular party or company cwhatsoever as naming them by their names, nor yet praise nor dispraise any of them by name; but doth only shew in particular in his said writings (as saith he) ⟨p. 347⟩the unpartiall service of love, requireth what is good or evill for every one, wherein the man hath right or wrong in any point, dwhether it be in the state of his soule towards God or in the state of his body toward the dMagistrates of the world, and towards one another; to the end that all people (when they heare or read his writings, and doe thereby perceive their sinnes, and estranging from God and Christ) might endeavour them to bring f•r•h) ethe due fruits of repentance, which is reformation and newnesse of life, according as all the holy Scriptures doth likewise require the same of every one. And that fthey might in that sort become saved through Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of all the world.
Notwithstanding, deare Sovereigne, yet hath the said Author and his doctrine a long time, and still is, most shamefully and falsely slandered by our foresaid adversaries both in this land and in divers others, as to bee replenished with all manner fof damnable errors and filthy liberty of the flesh.
And we his wel-willers and favourers in the upright drift of his doctrine (as aforesaid) have also beene of them complained on, and accused unto our late gracious Sovereigne.
aThey afterward tempt the King to forsake the Protestant Religion, and to turn Familist.They afterward tempt the King to forsake the Protestant Religion, and to turne Familist.
bIts a pure commendation that H Nicholas wrote much, the more the worse, since he writeth against the Prophets and Apostles.Its a pure commendation that H Nicholas wrote much, the more the worse, since he writeth against the Prophets and Ap•stles.
cChrist and his Apostles name false teachers Sadducees, Hymeneus, Philetus, Simon Magus, Elimas, &c. but though he name neither Calvin nor Luther, yet their doctrine he calleth often, carnal, fleshly, false, ceremonial wisdom, the letter, the flesh, the devil, hypocrisy.Christ and his Apostles name false teachers Saduces, Hymeneus, Philetus, Simon Magus, Elimas, &c. but though hee name neither Calvin nor Luther, yet their doctrine he calleth often, carnall, fleshly, false, ceremoniall wisdome, the letter, the flesh, the devill, hypocrisie.
dTh•se men that cry out against Scripture-wisdom as carnal, ceremonial, devilish, selfie, as H. Nicholas and his, cannot speak honourably of the perfection of Scripture.Th•se men that cry out a•gainst Scripture-wisdome as carna•l, ceremoniall, •evilish, selfie, as H. Nicholas and his, cannot speake h•nourably of the perfection of Scriptu•e.
dThe family of love have no heads or Kings that are borne o• the flesh and blood, of sin, spirit, lau• c 4. sect. 8. they themselves reign as only Kings on earth everlastingly, fide•it•s decl. c. 4. sect 18.The family of love have no heads or Kings that are borne o• the flesh and blod, of sin, spirit, lau c 4. sect. 8. they themselves reigne as only Kings on earth everlastingly, fideits decl. c. 4. sect 18.
PuritansScotland
Scottish theologian and commissioner to the Westminster Assembly.
Puritans, and all other proud minded sects and heresies whatsoever, protesting upon paine of our lives, that wee are not consenting nor agreeing with any such
brainesicke preachers, nor their rebellious and disobedient sects whatsoever, but have been and ever will be truly obedient to your Highnesse, and your Laws to the effusion of our blood
and expences of our goods and lands in your Majesties service, highly lauding Almighty God, who hath so graciously and peaceably appointed unto us such a vertuous, wise, religious and noble King, and so carefull and unpartiall a Justitiar to governe over us, beseeching
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him daily to blesse your Highnesse with his godly wisdome and holy understanding to the furtherance of his truth and godlinesse, and with all honour, happinesse, peace and
The unjustly so called Puritans, did never own Browne, nor Penry, who set on foot the old doctrine of the Anabaptists in England, and Enthusiastical revelations beside the word of GodThe unjustly so called Puritans, did never owne Browne, nor Penry, who set on foot the old doctrine of the Anabapt•sts in England, and Enthusiasticall revelations beside the word of God
eIt is not unlike that such fleshly teachers who crave Liberty of conscience to themselves, will petition the Prince that the tyrannous laws of Prelates, be executed against the truly godly, and that liberty be denied to all save to themselves only, a proper character of Heretics and Schismatics.It is not unlike that such fleshly teachers who crave Libert• of con•cience to themselves, will petition the Prince that the tyrannous laws of Prelates, be executed against the truely godly, and that liberty be denied to all save to themselves only, a proper character of Hereticks and Schismaticks.
eThe Familists and Antinomians, because Purirans are esteemed the godly party, now call themselves, but most unjustly, the true successors of the Puritans, and all the godly opposite […] their way, who strive to walk with God, they call Legalists, Pharisees, literal Doctors; but because they change all colours, with the court and wind oft times, they are enemies to old non-conformists cal•ed sometime Puritans, in that 1. against Puritans they make all externals indifferent. 2. They reject Scripture and embrace revelations. 3. They contemn close walking with God as pharaisme and law-living.The Familists and Antinomians, because Purirans are esteemed the godly party, now call themselves, but most unjustly, the true successors of the Puritans, and all the godly opposite 〈…〉 their way, who strive to walke with God, they call Legalists, Pharis•es, literall Doctors; but because they change all colours, with the court and wind oft times, they are enemies to old non-conformists cal•ed sometime Puritans, in that 1. against Puritans they make all externalls indifferent. 2. They reject Scripture and imbrace revelations. 3. They contemne close walking with God as pharaisme and law-living.
fBut I noted before that Familists will have no Magistrates over them, and we may see it to be their practise this day.
gThe Familists subjection of their consciences to the spiritual Popish laws of Prelates prove them to be men of more wide consciences then Puritans, they need not fear to be called Puritans.The Familists subjection of their consciences to the spirituall Popish lawes of Prelates prove them to bee men of more wide consciences then Puritans, they need not feare to bee called Puritans.
gDeceivers as Simon Magus and others take godly titles to themselves, for H. N. saith, fidelitas docl. c. 4. sect. 11. beside Gods service of love there is not another in heaven or in earth: here they call themselves the family of God.
hThey knew well that Prelates embittered the mind of K. James against Puritans his faithfullest subjects.They knew well that Prelates imbittered the mind of K. James against Puritans his faithfullest subjects.
iThey say it to the praise of their Mr. Henry Nicholas that he names no mans name, but here they name both sects and names.
kProtestants know Puritans to be godly, and sound in the faith. Familists turn their back then on the Protestants and the soundest of them.Protestants know Puritans to be godly, and sound in the faith. Familists turne their backe then on the Protestants and the soundest of them.
lReader judge how the Familists and Antinomians now in England shall deal with Puritans and the truly godly, what a bloody heart they bear toward them, since their fathers the old Familists do persecute them with so bloody a tongue before their Prince.Reader iudge how the Familists and Antinomians now in England shall deale with Puritans and the truly godly, what a bloody heart they beare toward them, since their fathers the old Familists do persecute them with so bloody a tongue before their Prince.
mObedience to the Kings laws to the effusion of their blood, can have no orher sense, but they will raise bloody wars against Puritans if the K (which I hope shall not be) command them, I pray God it be not fulfilled in their children this day in England: they promise they have been, and ever will be obedient to the Kings laws which respecteth the time to com•, so as if the King and Parliament should again establish Popery they say for all time to come they shall be ever truly obedient, and add no limitation, condition of obedience in the Lord. You may see the consciences of Familists that (as after the shall hear) they prostitute themselves to avouch or deny, take or leave all Religions, as the times and mens laws shall […] prove them or not.Obedience to the Kings laws to the effusion of their blood, can have no orher sense, but they will raise bloody wars against Puritans if the K (which I hope shall not be) command them, I pray God it be not fulfilled in their children this day in England: they promise they have been, and ever will be obedient to the Kings laws which respecteth the time to com•, so as if the King and Parliament should againe establish Popery they say for all time to come they shall be ever truly obedient, and adde no limitation, condition of obedience in the Lord. You may see the consciences of Familists that (as after ye shall heare) they prostitute themselves to avouch or deny, take or leave all Religions, as the times and mens lawes shall 〈…〉 prove them or not.
of H.N. who affirmeth therein that hee is prepared, chosen and sent of God to minister and set forth the most holy service of the love of God and Christ or of the •oly Ghost unto the children of
men upon the unive••all earth, out of which s•rvice or writings we bee taught all dutifull obedience towards God and Magistrates, and to live a godly and honest life, and to love God above all things and our neighbours as our selves
wee understand them. Against which Author and his books we never yet heard nor knew any Law established in this Realme by our late gracious Sovereigne.
Then Puritans only none or few of the prelaticall way or other Sectaries refuted Familists.
sFamilists count all Religions, popery or any thing, as they come out to the view of men neither up nor down.Familists count all Religions, popery or any thing, as they come out to the view of men neither up nor downe.
tBut the Saints of love (say Familists) are above and beyond all laws and Rulers, Magistracy is but for fleshly men.But the Saints of love (say Familists) are above and beyond all laws and Rulers, Magistracie is but for fleshly men.
tFamilists by their principles may profess or deny any Religion, as the Market goes.Familists by their principles may professe or deny any Religion, as the Market goes.
tThis is no little exception in which they swerve from the Religion of England, in that they are Famili•ts, and of a sect destructive to all Christian religion, to Christ, his person, office, righteousness imputed, faith, repentance, Scriptures, heaven, hell, judgement, resurrection, &c.This is no little exception in which they swerve from the Religion of England, in that they are Famili•ts, and of a sect destructive to all Christian religion, to Ch•ist, his person, office, righteousnesse imputed, faith, repentance, Scriptures, heaven, hell, judgement, resurrection, &c.
wHe that doth evil hates the light, H.N. was once thought to be homo novus. But H. Nicholas was a fleshly abominable seducer and false prophet, a Mercer in Amsterdam.He that doth evill hates the light, H.N. was once thought to be homo novus. But H. Nicholas was a fleshly abominable seducer and false prophet, a Mercer in Amsterdam.
xNeither Calvin nor Luther knew any thing of God, but only H Nicholas is the Catholic Apostle of the world, and cannot err.Neith•r Calvin nor Luther knew any thing of God, but only H Nicholas is the Catholick Apostle of the world, and cannot erre.
yNothing here of Christ by whose name only we are saved Act. 4.11.12. dutiful obedience to God and Magistrates, and to love •ur neighbour, are such Law-righteousness, as pagans do diefie, as highest devotion; in all this petition, nothing smelleth of Christ his Spirit, eternity, nothing of Scriptural or spiritual communion with God in Christ Jesus.Nothing here of Christ by whose name only we are saved Act. 4.11.12. dutifull obedience to God and Magistrates, and to love •ur neighbour, are such Law-•ighteousnesse, as pagans doe diefie, as highest devotion; in all this petition, nothing smelleth of Christ his Spirit, eternity, noth•ng of Scripturall or spirituall communion with God in Christ Jesus.
zAll heretics make the Scripture their rule and only judge, but not simply, but as they understand them, which is to make their own understanding only umpire and judge in the matters of God.All hereticks make the Scripture their rule and only judge, but not simply, but as they understand them, which is to make their owne understanding only umpire and judge in the matters of God.
And the Magistrates of this land, both long time past, and now lately againe as to be a people so infected and stained with all manner of detestable wickednesse and errors, that are not worthy to live upon the earth, but yet would never present any of his books unto his Majesty
eOf all the means by which men are saved through Christ, they speak only of the works of the Law, of inherent righteousness and repentance, not one word of free grace, faith in Christ, and the imputed righteousness of Christ. Familists then are the legal Pelagians, not we: no reformation is known to Familists but inward, & that of the heart.Of all the meanes by which men are saved through Christ, they speake only of the works of the Law, of inherent righteousnesse and repentance, not one word of free grace, faith in Christ, and the impu•ed righteousnesse of Christ. Familists then are the legall Pelagians, not we: no reformation is knowne to Familists but inward, & that of the heart.
fNot more said then truth can bear, for H Nicholas his doctrine is a se•tina, a pump dunghill, and a sea of many fleshly errors and heresies.Not more said then truth can beare, for H Nicholas his doctrine is a se•tina, a pumpe dunghill, and a sea of many fleshly errors and heresies.
fThe due fruits of repentance, and newness of life, are here made antecedent means and ways going before our saving in Christ, or our free redemption that is in Christ Jesus, so as we must be justified by works, otherwise let any man make sense of these words.The due fruits of repentance, and newnesse of life, are here made antecedent meanes and wayes going before our saving in Christ, or our free redemption that is in Christ Jesus, so as we must be justified by workes, otherwise let any man make sense of these words.
gOur Saviour saith ye shall know them by their works.Our Saviour saith yee shall know th•m by their workes.
hThe foulest of the books of H. Nicholas containing the mystery of Familism and fleshly looseness, are only to be seen by the wise and experienced Elders who can digest them. •. It is hard to prove any thing against them who prof•sse it lawful to deny their Religion before men▪ H.N. Epist▪ to the daughters of Warwick.The foulest of the bookes of H. Nicholas containing the mystery of Familisme and fleshly loosenesse, are only to be seene by the wise and experienced Elde•s who can digest them. •. It is hard to prove any thing against them who prof•sse it lawfull to deny their Religion before men▪ H.N. Epist▪ to the daughters of Warwicke.
hIt is not like but Q. Elizabeth heard of these books and saw them, since many of her and K James his Court favoured them.It is not lik• but Q. Elizabeth heard of these bookes and saw them, since many of her and K James his Court favoured them.
iJoh. Knewstu•. M Microni•s, H. Amsw•rth wrote against th•se filthy errors, and set down their own words to the world.Ioh. Knewstu•. M Microni•s, H. Amsw•rth wrote against th•se filthy errors, and set downe their own words to the world.
