Keach, Benjamin (1640-1704)

A Dialogue between a Young Professor and a Quaker [from the Grand Impostor Discovered: Or, The Quakers Doctrine weighed in the Ballance, and found wanting. A Poem, By way of Dialogue: wherein their Chief, and most Concerning Principles are laid down, and by the Authority of Gods Holy Word clearly Refuted. By B. K.]

London

Printed for B. Harris [etc.]

1675

"Thou say'st, the spirit is a silent voyce, / VVhence is it then thou mak'st so great a noyse?"

PROFESSOR.
And is this all the Answer I must have?
And thinkest thou to Hector and out-brave
The Holy Scripture with thy Airy Notion,
VVhich is no more, at best, but blind Devotion?
Thou say'st, the spirit is a silent voyce,
VVhence is it then thou mak'st so great a noyse?
VVhat reason have I to give ear to thee?
Thy railing words are nothing unto me:
Great swelling words they be, and certainly
Like flying Clouds, lighter than vanity.
Upon Christ Jesus I will build my Faith,
VVhatever this thy Airy Notion saith.
Should I not be as sensless as a stone
To make thy words my Rule, thy word alone?
No, no, my Friend, I'le serve the God of Heaven,
As in his VVord he hath Directions given.
And while thou dost on Holy Scripture trample,
I'le worship God, as I shall have example
From Holy Men, their word shall be my guide,
VVhom Christ appoints this matter to decide.
In Scriptures dialect I understand
God's to be worshipped by Christ's command:
To Christ I will give ear, and his Directions
Shall guide my understanding and affections.
But what art thou whose vain presumptuous breath
Is but a bubble blown away by Death?
That dost the written VVord of God dis-own,
And worships God by Fancies of thine own;
And will not give a Reason of thy Faith,
Nor shew what Rule thou for thy practice hath.

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06/14/2004