A discovery of divine mysteries wherein is unfoulded secret things of the kingdom of God, being a testimony ... : all which are published for the edification of such as desire to know the truth / by a servant of truth, Edward Burroughs.

A DISCOVERY OF Divine Mysteries; Wherein is Unfoulded SECRET THINGS of the KINGDOM of GOD: BEING A TESTIMONY I. Concerning Life and Death, with their several Fruits and Effects distinguished. II. Concerning the Mystery of GOD and Godliness; and concerning the Mystery of the Devil, and Iniquity. III. Concerning true Liberty of Conscience, what it is in it self, and how obtained; And what the true Guide and Rule is of the Exercise of Conscience. IV. Concerning the Diversity of Iudgments in Religion; the Cause and the Effect thereof, and the Means to bring to Unity.

All which are Published for the Edification of such as desire to know the Truth: By a Servant of Truth, Edward Burroughs.

London, Printed for Robert Wilson, at the Sign of the Black-spread-Eagle and Wind-mill, in Martins Le Grand, 1661.

THE PREFACE.

THE Light of the Day of GOD Almighty, is arisen upon us in our day; and the shinings forth thereof, is with great clearness and force, even as the Sun at noon-day, and many are come to the glorious Appearance thereof, and to walk in its Light with much joyfulness: for, as the Wise man said, The Light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the Eye to behold the Sun: And so fully is our Morning-Sun now appeared, that the Upright in heart may walk and not stumble, and the poor in spirit may run in the path of Life, and not fall; for, indeed we may say the Night is spent, and the Day is come; therefore let us walk in the Day, and put on the Armour of Light, as many as are made the Children thereof.

And where the Light of this Sun is arisen, and in whose hearts it shineth, it cannot but give some Testimony through such an one, of its own Glory, Vertues and Excellency, to them that sit yet in darkness and in the bondage of Corruption, that they also may see the same Light and Glory arise on their Tabernacle: for 'tis the property of this spiritual heavenly Light, to shine forth out of darkness, and to give light to such as have long sate in darkness, that their souls may live, and be refreshed with the Light of the Living; And for this cause do we labour and spend, and are spent, accounting nothing too dear for us, that the Light of Truth may shine abroad and guide the Upright in the perfect way, till the Elect be gathered into the pasture of Eternal Life, and the Sun so elivated on the Firmament of Ioy and Praises, never to go down, but the saying fulfilled, There shall be no night, but the light of the Sun shall be as the light of seven dayes.

These following Testimonies were written at divers times, as the Lord drew forth my spirit through the motions of his Life in me; some of them, some years since; and being cast by among bundels of Manuscripts, and now lately come to my sight, and looking them over, I have thought good to send them abroad, as being of service to many: And this is the Occasion and End of my present publishing these things. And to the Iudgment of the Spirit of God in all the Saints, do I commend my Labours, and may self to be approved;

Who am a Friend to all men. E. B. Westmoreland, the 25th of the 7th Month, 1661.

CHAP. I. A TESTIMONY concerning LIFE AND DEATH, with their several Fruits and Effects distinguished.

THere is only Life and Death, and there is but only Life and Death in the whole Creation, that ruleth and reigneth, in, and among, and over all the Children of men; and all the Children of men upon the face of the Harth are under the Government and Dominion of Life, or of Death, in whatsoever they are, and in whatsoever they do; and Life or Death hath the Rule and Government in every Creature, in every Exercise, whether of Works or Words; and all People upon the Earth are subject to the Government of one, or the other, and bring forth the Fruits and Works in obedience to Life or to Death, and shews them forth in visible appearance. Now these two, (to wit) Life and Death, are contrary one to the other, in being, in nature, in works and fruits; and each of these are known and distinguished the one from the other, in being, in nature, in fruits and effects, which diversly they bring forth in this World; and each of them hath a Kingdom and Government in himself, distinct from, and contrary each to other; and each of them have their several Subjects, which also are contrary in birth and generation, in quality and kind; over which they rule and govern, and to whom they give distinct Portions and Heirships in this World, and hereafter: And where Life rules and reigns, Death is held in captivity and bondage; and where Death lives, the Life dies; and where one of these brings forth fruit, the other is barren; for they agree not in one, but are in all things contrary: and the Subjects of the one are always opposing and striving against the Subjects of the other: And between Life and Death there is continual war and strife among the Creatures, who are the Subjects of the one of them, in whatsoever man is, and in what he doth.

First, concerning Life I will speak. Life was in the beginning with God, and is without descent, and God is Life in himself, without beginning or ending of time, place, or matter; and Life put forth it self out of its invisible being, into work and action in the beginning of the World, and appeared in visible operations and works, and brought forth all Creatures, and all things, into visible appearances; and Life was the Author of all, the Beginning and Foundation of all; and Life was and is that Being and Vertue of all things that are, and it was the Ioy and Delight of all things that it self brought forth; for all 〈…〉 through it, and it gave breath and 〈…〉 all Creatures; and Life blessed them all, and in it were all Creatures at Unity, being framed and brought into visibility, and for the pleasure of Life, which was all in all in the beginning; and there was a sweet concurrance and harmony in the whole Creation through the power and being of Life in the midst of all Creatures, through which the whole Creation was made and framed by the Eternal Word of Life, and through which they stood and did remain in blessedness; and Life ruled and reigned in every Creature that was brought forth, and was the glory and substance thereof: for Life was and is that only begotten of the Father, the Son and the Heir of the Everlasting Father, his express Image and Brightness; being one with the Father, not separated or divided from him.

And as for Death, it was not yet known, nor had it any place in the Creation; if had yet received no Power, nor Kingdom, nor Government, neither was it in being: But Life was all, over all, through all, and in all, in the beginning, before disobedience and transgression entered to war against Life; But Life was Prince, Ruler and Governour, in and over all the works of the Creator. And Life in its Being is God, and God is Life; and in its Government, and Fruits, and Effects, is Purity, Righteousness, Truth, Holiness, Meekness, and all the works that are just and equal according to God, and like Him, and which shewes him forth in the Creation; and this was, and it was thus in the begining, before Death entred into the World, or had a Kingdom; But it is written, the Devil abode not in the Truth, but went out of the Truth; and he is the king of Death, and hath the power of it; he went out of the Power of God, and out of the Life, by which all things was made and created, and abode not in the Truth, nor in the Life, to live, and act, and speak in that, but desired to be, and became to be something of himself without God; and he spoke of himself, and acted of himself, without the Power and Life, and also contrary to the Power and Life of the Creator, being separated from it, and become a distinct being of himself; and then having lost his state and first condition, thus became an Enemy to Life and Truth, and became the King of Death; and he was the first of Death's race, and he holds the Power of it upon this day; he being gone out of the Truth, and out of the Power and Life of God, and become a distinct being of himself, having a Kingdom of his own to promote in opposition to the Kingdom of God. Then he drew mankind out of the Power and Truth, and Life; beguiled Eve and Adam, as you read in the Scriptures, and they lost the Life & Power (even all feeling of it, and comfort in it) by which they were created and made; and they also transgressed and acted contrary to the Life and Power, and acted of themselves, and spake of themselves, without the Power and Life of their Creator, being separated from it; and were and did something of themselves without God the Creator: and then the Power and Life cast them out of all Peace, Joy, and Happiness, into the Earth, and into Death; and Death became King and Prince over mankind: And they had no more possession of Life, nor blessedness by it in their separated estate, neither did it any longer reign in them; but they having transgressed against the Life, and acted of themselves, and spoken of themselves, without the leadings and movings of the Life, this was their transgression; They went out of the Power and Life in all motions and actions, and them Life drove them forth of its Good Pleasure into the Earth, separate from its vertues and peace, and into Death, which is contrary to it self, to live in anguish and sorrow: and so when the Devil was gone out of the Truth, and had led Mankind out of the Truth, and out of Life, and thereby they were all separated from Life, and drove out from God, out of his pleasure, into his wrath; Then became Death to have a being in Mankind, and great authority, and not before; and then Death began his Kingdom in the VVorld, and over it, and he set up his Rule and Government in, and among, and over all the Children of men.

And so from Transgression came Death, that was its beginning, Man having transgressed against the Life that brought him forth; and being separated from Life, then Death took place, and its Kingdom was established over the World, and in all the Children of men, in opposition to Life, and its Government and Kingdom; and Death reigns, from Adam, so saith the Scripture▪ and the Life was transgressed against, and so provoked into an absence, and to withdraw it self into invisibility from the enjoyment of Mankind, that it should not be self nor perceived of Him to comfort him; and then the whole body of Death came upon Man, to lead his Conscience and vex his Soul: and Death, and only Death hath a Preheminence over all in Transgression, and is established into a Kingdom, over sinful Subjects, who are under its Command; and hath its Rule and Government, and brings forth its Works and Fruits in Mankind, contrary to Life, and in opposition to it, and to its Kingdom and Power, and opposeth the Kingdom and Power of Life (the Creator;) and in its Nature, and all its Fruits and VVorks, it is contrary and opposite to Life, and its VVorks and Fruits; and through Death is the whole Creation in its exercise by Man perverted from the right use and end ordained of God; and out of Death proceedeth all Evil, as Lying, Swearing, Drunkenness and Whoredom, Pride, Strife, and every evil work and word: These things are the Fruits and VVorks of Death; and Death governs the Children of men in the practice of all these things; and in transgression Death lives, and acts, and speaks through Men and VVomen; and Death rules in them, and hath perverted them in all their wayes; for they have given their Power to it, and it wholly captivates them, and is established over them, and hath the dominion in them, and Life is swallowed up of it: And this Kingdom of Death opposeth God, and the Kingdom of Life, and exalts it self against Life, and hath its operation in the Creature, in all manner of unrighteousness, bringing forth daily such words, works, fruits and effects, as doth oppress and is a burden unto the Life, and unto the God of Life and Death; and its Kingdom doth continually war and strive against Life and its Kingdom, and the one opposeth the other through all Generations since the beginning: for the Devil is the King of Death, and hath the power of it, and he is King in its Government, and Ruler in its Dominion; and this is the state of all the Children of men in Transgression, Death rules, and the kingdom of Death reigns in them, and it brings forth cursed fruits through them, and they are subjects thereof, and in obedience thereunto in all things: And through Death, which hath power over them, are they separated from Life, and have no part nor portion therein, because of Death, that hath separated them, and vailed and clouded them, and loads their Consciences.

But now the Promise of the God of Life, is, to restore Mankind out of Death and Darkness, and that Life shall reign again, and subdue Death, and destroy it and its Kingdom, and swallow it up; and this is the Promise of the Father: For, in transgression Death hath subdued Life, and overcome it in Mankind; But in the Restoration, Life shall swallow up Death, and subdue it, and overcome it: and this comes to passe through the rising again of Life from under Death, which hath held it in bondage; and Life that made the World in the beginning, and gave to all things life and substance, as I have said; which Life, in its measure in Mankind, hath been overcome and swallowed up in Transgression: That Life shall appear, though in another manner of appearance than it did in the beginning; for then it appeared freely of it self without opposition, and brought forth the first Creation; But now it doth appear through great opposition, and through all that doth oppose it in this second Creation, when Life comes again to reign over Death, and swallow it up, and overcome and subdue it; and who comes to witness this (the new Creation) they know Life appearing through opposition, and through the destroying of Death, and all its works and fruits: for CHRIST is the Life, and he is the Seed of the Woman, which bruiseth the Serpents head, who hath the power of Death; Life bruiseth his Head, breaketh his Government, and destroyes his Works, as it appeareth and riseth in the Creature; and Death and its works opposeth Life and its manifestation and appearance, and gainsayes it, and often quencheth it in its appearances.

Now the first appearance of Life in the Creature, it convinceth and reproveth the works of Death, and the words that proceed from Death, which are unrighteous words, and unrighteous works; and Life when it rises, reproves them and condemns them: and th ••• gh Death doth oppose and gainsay the Operation of 〈◊〉 ; yet Life works through, and overcometh, subdueth, and swalloweth up Death, and destroyes all its works in the second Creation: and Life again comes to take possession of the Creature, which it made in the beginning; and Life comes to reign again, 〈◊〉 Right it is to reign; for, by it the Creature Mankind, and all Creatures were in the beginning formed and brought forth, and therfore it is its Right to reign, and to have the dominion over the works of its 〈◊〉 is, whom since the beginning in Transgression, the Devil and Death, and his seat of Government▪ hath had they possession of: and CHRIST the Power of God, and the Life, hath been as it were dispossessed: and thus the first Creation has been defaced, and lost its Glory; and it hath been corrupted and degenerated quite from the perfect state as it was created in, and Mankind hath been servent to another Power, and led captive by another Power than the Power that made him, and another Government hath been established over him, and another Law hath exercised him than the Government and Law of the Creator, (to wit) the Power and Government, and Law of Death have had the Rule, Government and Exercise of man, and of the old Creation, and hereby all things have been diverted from their proper and perfect place and service, to which they were ordained in the beginning, by reason. Transgression and the reigning of Death; and Man 〈◊〉 been held in Captivity, and in sore Bondage, and 〈…〉 all 〈◊〉 and distress, deprived of unity with his 〈◊〉 , and deprived of the comfortable use and benefit of the Creation; 〈◊〉 that of all Creatures he hath been the most 〈◊〉 , being held in Bondage and Captivity under the 〈…〉 , which hath ruled and reigned over him, and in 〈…〉 alwayes subject to Death, and subject to the Curse and Anger of the LORD▪ and subject to 〈◊〉 and fears, 〈…〉 and sorrow; and all this is, because Death hath reigned and had dominion; even that which 〈…〉 in the beginning of Transgression, betrayed him of the 〈…〉 , that got possession it self to reign, and to have the Power, which ever since hath reigned, and alwayes doth, till the appearance of the Life again, which doth appear in the Creature for this end, to overcome and subdue Death, and destroy his works, that it self may reign and free the Creation from its degeneration and corruption, and free Mankind from his bondage and captivity, and from his misery and all his trouble, which is come upon him by reason of Death.

And this comes to passe in the New-Creation when Life is born again, to rule and reign again, and to swallow up Death, and to subdue it wholly, and its Kingdom and Government. And then Man again is become a Son of GOD, an Heir of Salvation, and no more Death reigns in him, nor hath power over him, when he is restored out of Transgression; then, as Death hath reigned and had power in Transgression, Life shall so reign in and over the Creature, in the New-Creation, when that is brought forth, as Death hath reigned in the Old-Creation in Transgression and Disobedience: And Life will arise to reign and rule over all, and in all, though it be through great opposition; the Body of Death shall be put off, and the Government of Death shall be subdued, and all the Works, Fruits and Effects of Death shall be destroyed and done away, and its place shall no more be found, so as to bring forth Fruit; for its sting shall be taken away, and shall no more wound, nor pierce, nor hurt the Creature: For the sting of Death is Sin, and that hath wounded and hurt the Creature; and when this comes to passe, then there is glory and rejoycing over all, for Life hath swallowed up Death, and overcome it, and the cause of Sorrow is removed and taken away, and the Kingdom of Life is established in the Creature, and is set upon the Top of Death's Kingdom, and keeps it under, and if there be but a motion of Death that would spring up, or appear in the Creature, Life judgeth it down, and condemns it. And this Kingdom, is Righteousness, Ioy, and Peace, full of Iustice, Righteousness and Equity, and there is nothing in it that doth defile or destry, or bring sorrow or misery; but Life rules over all that, and subdues the Cause thereof, and removes every thing that would imbondage or captivate the Creature in evil: And this Kingdom is not of this World, but from Heaven and heavenly; and the Birth immortal is Heir thereof, which receives the Crown and the Kingdom of Eternal Life.

Now the Kingdom of Death is of this World, which is defiled and degenerated: Cain was a Subject of this Kingdom, and Esau that was a Reprobate, and Iudas that betrayed the Life, and all the Ungodly and Generation of the Wicked since the beginning, they were all of the Kingdom of Death, and the Kingdom of Death ruled in them, and brought forth its works through them, and its exercise in their hearts and in their lives; And though its power they opposed and gainsayed the Life, and they fought against the Kingdom of Life and Righteousness, and such were the Pharisces who put Christ to death, who is the Life. Death reigned over all these, and they were of the Stock of Death, and they were of this World, and had their Conversation below in the earthly things; and knew not the Life, not its Government, but were strangers to it, and enemies to it, as all are at this day, who are transgressors against the Life, and all such are subject to the Curse, to Sorrow and Misery, and the Anger of the LORD; but who comes to feel the Life, and the obedience to it again, Death is destroyed through Death; for, through the death of Death, Death comes to be destroyed, and no otherway: which the Life works, and the Life works through Death, and overcomes it, and swallows it up; and this is the second Creation, and the new Creation, where Life reigns over all, and doth possess the Creature, as it did before Transgression. The Life is the Light, and the Life is the Law, and Life lives, moves, and acts the Creature; and CHRIST who is the Life, becomes all in all; and blessed are they who wait for this, and do witness it: to such am I known in these things, where the Kingdom of Death is overcome and swallowed up of Life.

CHAP. II. A Testimony concerning the Mystery of GOD and Godliness; and, concerning the Mystery of the Devil and Iniquity.

THere are two great Mysteries in their invisible being, and in manifestation to us in the world, (that is to say) the Mystery of GOD and Godliness, and the Mystery of the Devil and Iniquity. These are two great Mysteries, which do discover and act themselves forth in, and among, and through the children of men in this Creation; and these two Mysteries are contrary one to the other, in being, in nature, in works, in fruits and effects; and they are in strife one against the other, the one continually opposing the other, and striving for the Creature, Mankind, to be the Instrument to display themselves through, in visible appearance; for the Creature Man and Woman is a Vessel wherein these Mysteries are contained, and whereby these Mysteries do shew themselves forth in the world; and all the sons of Adam upon the face of the Earth are possessed with, and of, one of these, (that is to say) The Mystery of GOD, or the Mystery of the Devil do manifest themselves forth through every Man and Woman; and through all the sons of Adam upon the face of the Earth, the works, fruits and effects of one of these are brought forth.

And as for the Mystery of GOD, it is infinit and eternal in being, and which was, and is, and is to come, without beginning or end: and this Mystery reacheth it self forth more or less in every creature upon the face of the whole Earth, and is the Life, and Being, and Substance of all Things; and all Creatures upon the face of the Earth, whether movable or immovable, is a partaker of this Mystery; and this Mystery is vailed and hidden secretly in and under all things that have a being, and whatsoever the Creature brought forth, even in the greatest appearance thereof; and its goodness and vertue, in what form or appearance soever, is but the production, or the manifestation of the Mystery [GOD] for the life of every Creature, and the vertue of every Creature is a Mystery, and proceedeth out of the great Mystery of GOD, who is Life it self, Vertue it self, 〈…〉 it self, and Being it self; and is the Goodness, and the Vertue, and the Life and Being of all Things and Creatures upon the 〈◊〉 of the Earth; 〈…〉 every thing that hath a being, even the Wicked and 〈◊〉 , are not without this Mystery 〈…〉 manner 〈◊〉 other; for by Him every Creature is, an 〈◊〉 first being.

But now more perfectly doth the Mystery of GOD appear in his Servants, and in his Children who are born of Him, and begotten by Him, and they have the sence and feeling, and understanding of this Mystery more than any other Creatures; and this is their Glory and Crown above all other Creatures upon the face of the whole Earth; for they only, I say, who are redeemed to God, and born of the Spirit, they are them that have the sence, and feeling, and understanding of this Mystery, even of the Mystery of GOD, infinit, endless and eternal. And though this Mystery be hid in all other Creatures, and manifesting it self through them, yet this Mystery is not known to them, nor understood of them, nor of any other Creature (I say) besides the Children of the Lord, in whom this Mystery is only revealed; for they are them through whom more manifestly and plainly this Mystery is made manifest, and to them revealed, and known, and felt in their Understandings; and they have the enjoyment thereof who know God, and are known of him, and are entered into Covenant with him, into Everlasting Covenant of Ioy and Peace; and through them doth this Mystery display it self, even in the sight of all Creatures, in works of Righteousness, and works of Purity, and works of Goodness, of Mercy, of Truth, of Peace, and of Wisdom, in their exercise of all things; and in this manner, and by these fruits and effects doth the Mystery of GOD shew it self forth through his Children, in whom the Mystery is opened, that is hid in all other Creatures: And this is the Crown of the Children of the Lord, that are born from Heaven, and from above, that the Mystery of GOD is felt and enioyed by them, and more manifest to them than in any other Creatures: And to know this Mystery of GOD, is Life Eternal; and to have the understanding of his Leadings, of his Judgment, of his Mercy, and of his Counsel, and of the operation of his Power; to feel this in the Understanding, this is Ioy, and a Crown of Glory, where the Mystery of GOD is revealed in Spirit.

And as for the Mystery of the Devil, it is darkness, and in darkness; and it shews it self forth in the Ungodly, and in the sons of Adam in transgression, and in such onely doth this Mystery of Iniquity, and of Sin, and of the Devil display it self forth in all unrighteousnesse and sin; and that which is contrary to the Creator in works, words and thoughts; All these things are the manifestation of the Mystery of the Devil, and its fruits and effects, who is out of the Truth, who is vailed and covered, and hidden in the hearts of the Ungodly, and in the hearts of the sons of Adam in the Fall: This Mystery was not from the beginning, as the other, but when the Devil went out of the Truth, and had led Man's mind out of the Truth, and taken possession of the heart of Man, and become ruler and lord there, having gained authority over Man through Man's obedience to him, then began this Mystery to discover it self, and act it self through the Creature; and this was since the beginning: And though no other creature be an Agent to manifest forth this Mystery but Man, yet Man in his exercise of all Creatures, or all Creatures through the exercise of Man in transgression, there is shewed forth this Mystery of Iniquity, that secretly lurks in the spirits of ungodly men; which spirit of unrighteousness, the Mystery of the Devil, leads Man into all sinfulness, of drunkenness and uncleanness, and such like, and hath polluted the Earth, and defiled all Creatures through Man's exercise in them: and this is truly an appearance of the Mystery of the Devil; yet he hath other appearances, and other makings-out of his Mystery (to wit) in a way of seeming Righteousness, and seeming Holiness, and seeming Purity; and these shew the Mystery of Unrighteousness, the Mystery of the Devil, who deceives the soul that is immortal of the enjoyment of the Creator, who is the desire of the Immortal Soul; and so through a form, and likenesse, and appearance of a thing is the Soul Immortal deceived, and beguiled with that which hath appearances in it, but no life nor substance.

And though the Mystery of Iniquity be but one in it self, yet it manifests it self divers wayes; sometimes in open prophanesse and wickedness, and sometime in seeming righteousness and holiness, and in a form of Religion without power: But the Lord is arisen to confound the Mystery of the Devil and Iniquity, and will discover it, and destroy it; for it is the Mystery of Iniquity that worketh in the Children of Disobedience, that are strangers to God; and through the operation of this Mystery are people kept at a distance from the Lord, and out of Unity and Covenant with Him: and this Mystery of Iniquity worketh hiddenly, not known but in the Eternal Eye, which sees through the spirit of Creatures, and comprehendeth and fathometh over the nature of things, and can judge beyond the appearance, even in the ground, before action appeareth: for while people are professing and acting Holiness and Righteousness visibly, and yet not changed by the Power of the Lord, nor renewed in nature, mind, and spirit, from the first Adam to the second, the Righteousness and Holiness brought forth in that state, is but the acting of the Mystery of Iniquity, and the Wolf putting on the Sheeps cloathing; And this God will judge, and all appearances without life, and all shews without substance, All this will the Lord judge and confound, and bring to nought; for it is but the working of the Mystery of the Devil, who is out of the Truth.

And this Mystery hath more abounded since the dayes of the Apostles, than in Ages since the beginning, in as much as this Mystery hath operated and displayed it self forth in a higher appearance and fairer shew than ever it did before; for this Mystery hath sat in the Temple of God, and shewed it self to be God, and been worshipped above all that is called God: This Mystery of Iniquity, the Man of Sin, which hath put on the Sheeps cloathing, and shews it self as the Sheep of Christ, and as Christians and Churches; all which hath been for many Ages the manifestation of this Mystery, while that the Mystery of the Devil hath not been destroyed: but now is the Lord arisen, who will discover and destroy this Mystery, and save the Creature; and in the destruction of this Mystery, is the other Mystery revealed, (to wit) The Mystery of God and of Christ, and that is the Mystery of Christ, that destroyes the Mysterie of Antichrist and of the Devil: And now the Sons and Daughters of the Lord Almighty are coming into this Mystery of God Eternal, who is blessed for ever; and all that is coming to be overthrown which doth oppose it, and gainsay it; and there is nothing that can destroy or discover this Mystery, but the appearance of Christ the Son of God; for it is he that doth discover and destroy the Mystery of Iniquity, by the Spirit of his Mouth, and by the Brightness of his Coming; and this are people coming to: The Man of Sin is to be thrown down, and the Man of Righteousness, the Man of God is revealed, and Sons and Daughters shall shew him forth in the World, and the Mystery of God shall shew it self forth over the World, and in Nations; and blessed are all they that come to the opening of this Mystery of God, which is the Mystery of Life and Eternal Salvation.

CHAP. III. A Testimony concerning true Liberty of Conscience, what it is in it self, and how it is obtained; and what the true Guide and Rule is of the Exercise of Conscience.

THis is my Testimony, as I have received from the Lord: True Liberty of Conscience, is, Liberty and Freedom of the Conscience from the bondage of Sin, and all Transgression past and present; and from whatsoever hath been, or is a Burden or Oppression upon the Conscience, whether inward or outward: the Conscience, I say, is at liberty when it is freed from the burden of the guilt of Sin past, and from the present temptation unto Sin: And till this is witnessed, there is no true Liberty of Conscience; For every thing whatsoever, which is Sin and Transgression against God, in works or words, brought forth by the Creature, is bondage and a burden, and oppresseth the pure Conscience: and therefore perfect freedom from all Sin and Transgression, is, where the body of Sin and Death is put off, and where the Evil is crucified, and the guilt of it taken away, and where the Conscience is truly exercised by the Spirit of Christ, which leadeth into all Truth, and preserveth from all Evill; Then is the Conscience at liberty, and this is true Liberty of Conscience, when this is brought forth in the Creature: For where Sin is brought forth, and Transgression lived in, there the Conscience is bound, and the Cord of Iniquity imbondageth the Conscience, and it hath not its liberty in the Service of God, nor from the service of the Devil, because the Spirit of God doth not exercise it; but the spirit of unrighteousness leadeth the mind into the lusts of this world, into Lying, Swearing, Pride, Drunkenness, Hypocrisie, and Idolatry; and the guilt of these things burdeneth and presseth down, and is a bondage upon the Conscience: and where the Conscience is bound by unrighteousness within, and by the spirit of the world, which leadeth contrary to the Lord, there is no power of man without can set that Conscience free, or give liberty to it; because the Cord of Iniquity hath bound it within, and the burden of guilt is upon it, and Conscience lies under bondage, unexercised with the Spirit of God, which is free, and setteth free the Conscience in the practice of all Good, and from the power and captivity of all Evil.

Therefore, before true Liberty of Conscience be witnessed, or any have true Liberty in Conscience, Iniquity must be purged out, and Sin crucified, and the body of Death put off, and Guilt washed away, and the Anointing received that leadeth into all Truth, and the Blood of Christ (the Seed) felt, that sprinkleth the Conscience from all sin, and works of the flesh, and washeth away all that which stains and defileth the Conscience, and then the pure Conscience hath its true liberty from the bondage of all Evil, and from the guilt thereof, and in the exercise of all Good; and this is true Liberty of Conscience; and thus it is attained, and by no other way nor means, than by the sword of the Spirit of God, which cutteth down the contrary: and where Conscience is thus freed within by the Power of the Lord, and delivered from the bondage of Evil, and from the burden of all guilt, and exercised in all good by the Spirit of God; Then nothing without, nor any Power of Man, which may work against such by Persecution, and act in opposition to such whose Consciences are thus freed, can imbondage the Conscience to Godwards, or bring it under a burden to Godwards, I say: for it is not altogether bondage of Conscience, or the burden or oppression upon his Conscience, that is set free, as aforesaid, though he is outwardly persecuted by Men; for that doth but hinder the exercise of his Conscience to manwards, but not to Godwards; for there his Conscience is free, in Joy and Peace, though, by reason of Persecution, he cannot have the exercise of it to men: I say, though such be put in Prison, banished, or whatsoever suffering be laid upon them, by any men, or Laws without; yet their pure Conscience is free and at liberty in it self to Godwards, through all this, and over it all; for he Lord hath set them free from all that bondage and guilt of Iniquity, which hath been a bondage upon their Consciences within: and whether they do suffer, or have freedom or captivity in their persons from men, yet is their pure Conscience at liberty to Godward, and in perfect freedom in it self, and to themselves, though for the Name of Christ, and his Truth, they be persecuted, and all evil done against them by evil men, and the exercise of their pure Consciences prevented, as to manwards.

For that which defiles the Conscience, doth bring it under bondage; but that which keeps it pure, and free from pollution, that keeps it in liberty, and in perfect freedom to God, over all Persecution and evil men, and unjust Laws, which would exercise dominion in and over the Conscience of the Saints, and bring them into captivity; as sometimes their persons are by evil Laws and Persecutors.

But who standeth in the Power of the Lord, and in the exercise of the Spirit of God, which freeth the Conscience in their own particulars (as I have said) doth not come into bondage in Conscience to Godwards, by Laws, or Men, but enjoyeth freedom and liberty therein; as much in Sufferings and in Persecutions under all the Cruelty of men, as in doing and practices when they are not persecuted; for in Sufferings the Conscience is exercised, and hath its liberty in patience and forbearance; And at liberty of persons, in practice it is exercised, and hath its Liberty, in doing and performing whatsoever the Spirit of the Father moveth and leadeth unto. And thus, where God hath freed the Conscience, and it is free, and at liberty in Him, and to Him; nothing without can bring it into bondage or captivity; but in all conditions, and in all exercises, whether doing or suffering, the pure Conscience is in liberty in it self, and in perfect freedom in God, through all, over all, and beyond all.

But now, there hath been a great Cry among many (that have professed Righteousness and Religion) for Freedom of Conscience, and begging and craving from the Powers of the Earth to tolerate Liberty of Conscience, and that they might have the Liberty of their Conscience in Religion: and thus some have been looking too much without for Liberty of Conscience from Men, and from Powers without them, before their Consciences were set free by the Lord within, and the bond of Iniquity broken, and that burden of Iniquity and Guilt done away, which hath been a burden and bondage upon the Conscience: For, as I said, no Man, nor Powers of the Earth can truly free or give liberty to the Conscience, which is bound by the Cord of Iniquity within; But 'tis evident, the cry for Liberty hath not been so much for the Exercise of Conscience truly so, as for the Freedom each one of their Sect, and for the Liberty in practice of their own Worship and Conformity; and thereupon have divers men, of divers Sects, sought to the Powers of Men, and of the Earth, to grant them Liberty of their Consciences; when as it hath been rather, for the freedom to, and defence of, their Sect, and of their practices in their Worship, than for Liberty of Conscience truly so; for while they have cryed for Liberty from without, yet Sin, and Iniquity, and Transgression have lain upon their Conscience within, and they have sought from Men for the Liberty of their Sect, to practise their own Worship, which they have called Liberty of Conscience: And to this intent by some hath been the Cry for Liberty of Conscience, that their Sect, and their own Wayes of Worship, might be defended from the violence of others, who have opposed their Practices and Worships: for people of divers ways of Worship, and of divers Sects, have all been at strife one with another, and divided one against another; and yet all professed good Conscience, and cryed for Liberty thereof from the Powers of the Earth; not but that the Powers of the Earth ought to grant free Liberty of Conscience in the exercise of every Sect of Religion, and to suffer all to profess and practise their Religion, while they walk justly and peaceably in a Land: But here hath lodged the deceit and deceivableness of the spirit of Satan, in the hearts of men, from the least to the greatest of all those divers false Sects and Worshippers; they have therein zealously gone on, and pleaded for their Sects and Worship, though never so grosse or dark, and contrary to Truth, under the denomination of Freedom and Liberty of good Conscience; and the very Title and Name hath been the Colour, and deceived many, while a false Worship, and false Practices of false Sects, have gone under the name of Liberty of good Conscience; and thousands have been deceived, and blindly led into such a false Sect, and into such a Profession, to act and perform with great Zeal, false Practices in a false Worship, falsly supposing it to be out of a good Conscience, and that they have acted in the liberty thereof: yea, and many may suffer great and grievous things, and some the losse of their Lives, for the very practice of false things, and false Worships, in a false Sect, and yet under the name of good Conscience, and for Liberty of Conscience, as they may profess and believe.

But this may seem strange to be spoken to some, who may enquire how it comes to passe, and how this may be, that many may suffer great and grievous Cruelties; and some the losse of their Lives, for the practice of false things, and the exercise of false Worships, which they may suppose to be out of a good Conscience, and for good Conscience sake; whereas it is not truly so, nor rightly so: But how happeneth this, may some say?

I answer. This cometh to passe after this manner: Because Conscience is made of that, and of the things and performances which God requires not; and so there is a great zeal in the doing and performing of such a Practice, and such a Worship, when as the Lord hath not required these things at their hands; and this is, because the Mind, and Heart, and Conscience is dark, and not truly informed, nor guided with the Spirit of Truth, and of the Father; but a false Spirit ruleth and leadeth the Conscience, and it is not exercised with the Spirit of the Father that leadeth into all Truth: So I do acknowledge that Conscience may be mis-led, and mis-guided, and mis-informed; and Conscience may be made of doing such and such things which the Lord doth not require, and there may be a fear not taught of the Lord, not received by the sence of his Presence, but only received into the heart by the Precepts of men, Example of others, Custom of times, or the like; and here the Conscience being not truly informed, nor guided by the Spirit of the Lord, there is a false fear and zealousness in the performing of such things which the Lord doth not require, nor his Spirit lead into the practice of; but only the Tradition and Precepts of men, hath placed a false Law and Commandment, which requires a false obedience; which many, whose understandings are blinded, and being without true knowledge, they zealously perform and practise as the Worship of God, thinking themselves bound in Conscience to practise such things, and not to leave them undone; when as the Lord, and his righteous Spirit leadeth not to them, nor yet his just Law doth require the doing thereof; but only a false Law and Commandment is received by Precepts and Traditions of men, or from looking upon the Practice of others: By such means as this, there is a false fear in a blind mis-guided Conscience, and a zeal without true knowledge.

And thus it was amongst the Iews in the Prophets dayes, they sacrificed their Children, and cut themselves, and caused their Children to passe through the fire, and did many things zealously; when as saith the Lord, Who hath required these things at your hands? for they come not into my heart. And Paul witnesseth the same of the Iews in his dayes, and bore them record, that they had a Zeal, but it was not according to True Knowledge. And thus the Iews were zealously performing that, as their Duty, and as out of a good Conscience, which the Lord required not at their hands; and so they made Conscience to do that, which the Lord required not, and their Consciences were mis-led, and not rightly informed; and, as it was amongst the Iews in this case in the dayes of old, so now is it amongst the Christians in the Apostacy, their Conscience being mis-guided by a false spirit, they are doing and performing the things in great Zeal, and for the exercise of their Consciences, which the Lord doth not require of them: Thus do the Papists; they do and practise the things in great Zeal, and through a false Fear in their blind Consciences, which things are in themselves Idolatry, and not commanded nor required 〈◊〉 the Lord; as in many particulars I might shew, even in many parts of their Worship and Religion, which out of a Fear, and blind Zeal, and mis-guided Conscience, they practise; which is in it self but Idolatry, and not required nor accepted of the Lord. And many things in relation to the Protestants Worship, and amongst all the several false Sects upon Earth; which are done and practised in great Zeal, and out of a false Fear, and as in pretence of a good Conscience, and yet are things in themselves Idolatrous, as done and practised by them: And this comes to passe, as I have said, because the Conscience is mis-informed, and a false spirit guides and rules in the exercise of Conscience, and the understanding of the People is blinded, and they know not but they do well, though their minds are captivated, and their minds and judgments in error; and though there be a sincerity to Godwards, and a desire of Him in the bottom, among some People of all Forms and Sects, and some of all are zealous towards God in their practices, in their Religion and Worships; yet among all People, and the Churches that have been for many Generations, there hath been great Error in Iudgment, and much blindness in mind, and the Conscience falsly exercised towards God, and the Superscription hath been, To the Unknown God; and He hath been ignorantly worshipped, and the Spirit of the Lord hath not truly exercised Peoples Consciences, nor guided their Zeal, nor been Ruler in the Judgment; And by this means the sincerity and humility towards God hath been eaten out, and alwayes quenched, and the bare practice of things and profession of Religion in the outward appearance, hath been more lookt at, than the Presence of God felt in the Practices: and 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉 the Zeal hath been more for the performance of such things, than for God purely enjoyed through them: And thus it hath been through Christ •••• in the Apostacy since the dayes of the Apostles and true Churches; Many have erred in their Judgments, and the Zeal for God 〈◊〉 proceeded our of the error of Judgments, and out of misinformation of Conscience, and some other thing▪ man only the Spirit of God, hath ruled in the Iudgment, and been the exercise of peoples Consciences. And this is 〈◊〉 of things about true Liberty of Conscience; and about the Error in Iudgment; and the blind Zeal in captivated sincerity.

Now it may be objected, What is the only absolute Rule of the right Exercise of Conscience; and when are Mens Consciences truly guided?

To this I answer, The only chief and perfect Rule of the right Exercise of Conscience, both to God and all men, is, The SPIRIT of CHRIST: for it is only that which can truly guide the Conscience, in Faith, Doctrine and Worship, and in all things towards God; even the Spirit of CHRIST, which is the gift of the Father, it only leadeth into all Truth, as it is written; and all, whose Consciences are guided and exercised by it, are in Unity and Peace in their Worship, Doctrine, and Religion; for the Spirit of CHRIST is but one in it self, and guideth the Conscience into the exercise of one Truth and Faith; and in this same Spirit is the true Union and Communion of Saints in Religion and Worship, and this is manifest through the Scriptures; for the Apostle exhorted to walk in the Spirit, and by it; and as many as walked by the Rule of the Spirit, peace was upon them: and it is the Spirit of CHRIST, the Everlasting Comforter, that teacheth all Truth; and the Holy Anointing of the Spirit that dwelt in the Saints, taught them all things; and they needed no man to teach them, but as the Anointing that dwelt in them. And then are Mens Consciences truly guided in all the wayes of Righteousness, when the Spirit of God guideth the Conscience, and is the Rule of all Faith, Doctrine and Practices.

So that Traditions of Men, Prescriptions of Councils, Antiquity of Time, Commandments of Men, nor Example of others, without the Spirit of Christ, cannot be the onely true Rule of the Exercise of Conscience: for all these things are changeable, alterable, and subject to variations, and therefore cannot infallibly guide the Conscience in the Duty towards God, nor rightly exercise the Conscience in Unity and Peace; but while a Nation, or Kingdom, or People walk by the Rule of Traditions, Prescriptions, Commandments of Men, Example of others, or the like, they erre in Judgment, in Faith, Doctrine and Worship, and are all divided, and in Contentions about these matters, because their Rule of Conscience and Judgment is doubtful and alterable, and not infallible; and therefore they have no perfect assurance of God's acceptation to them in their Faith and Religion, nor perfect Peace and Unity in their Faith and Worship; But as the Rule of their Consciences in their Duty towards God is divers, some makes one thing and some another their Rule; so are they divers and divided, in what they hold, profess and practise, and are but of great Babylon in their Religion: And because that something besides the Spirit of God exerciseth the Conscience; therefore is it, that here are so many wayes and Sects of Religion and kinds of Worship in Christendom, and among Christians, while the Spirit of Christ only is not the Rule of Iudgement, and Exercise of Conscience to God and Man; for the only perfect Rule of Conscience in the exercise to God, is the Spirit of Christ, and not any other thing.

And now, whosoever shall persecute the Exercise of Conscience, when guided by the Spirit of Christ, such persecute Christ Iesus: And this is Persecution for the Name of Christ, when Sufferings are inflicted, as Reproaches, Imprisonment, or whatsoever, for the exercise of Conscience towards God by his Spirit: but, and if any are persecuted for Religion-sake, only so, if that in such their Exercise of Religion they are not guided by the Spirit of Christ, yet that suffering is a kind of Persecution also: If, I say, the suffering be only for, and because of their Religion-sake, and they walk justly and righteously as men; so that (as is signified about the middle of this Chapter) though some may profess good Conscience, and cry for Liberty thereof in their false Sect and Religion, not taught them by the Spirit of Christ; yet the Civil Magistrate ought not to punish and use violence to such for their Religion; but if they do, they persecute, and the Lord will lay it to their charge. But yet this is safe for all, first to obtain true Liberty of Conscience to Godwards, and to receive the Spirit of Christ, to be taught only by it, in the Exercise of Conscience and Religion, that they may not erre in Conscience and Iudgement in Spiritual matters, nor suffer wrongfully under pretence of Righteousnesse-sake, when as it is not truly so.

CHAP. IV. Concerning the Diversity of Judgements in RELIGION.

TO all ye that are of divers Judgments and Opinions in, and concerning Spiritual matters; who are divided about matters of Faith, Doctrine, Worship, and Church-Government; some of you holding one thing, and some another different and contrary to that; being diversly divided in mind and heart, concerning the matters that are one in themselves, and to which you all assent, as to the things in themselves, and yet are different and contrary-minded about the self-same things: To you all I am moved to write, that so ye may be informed perfectly; first, What the Cause is of your Divisions, and why it is thus amongst you: And secondly, Of the bad Effects and Fruits such Divisions have brought forth: And lastly, the means and way of Reconciliation, that ye may come into Love, and Peace, and Unity with God, and one with another, in all things pertaining to his Kingdom.

First, The Cause of your Divisions, and of the Diversities of Judgements and Opinions that are amongst you concerning the things and matters of God's Kingdom, is, Because you want the Spirit of God to guide you, and it is not the Rule of your Knowledge and Iudgment; and you wanting the Spirit of God, in which is Unity among Saints, therefore is it you are so divided, and divers, and different, and contrary one to another in these things; it is, because ye want the Spirit of God, I say, which only teacheth the true Knowledge of God, and gives an Understanding in all his Wayes and Matters; It is the Spirit of God that teacheth true Faith, true Doctrine, and true Worship, and all things about Church, Ministry, and Religion; and if that you had the Spirit of God in you, and were taught and guided by it, it would teach you into one Faith, and one Truth, and into the true Worship, and into the true Church-Government, and you would be in unity and peace; And if you all had the Spirit of God that gave forth the Scriptures, and by which Spirit the Saints of God were guided in dayes past, it would teach you into Unity, and to be of one mind, one heart, and one soul in all the matters pertaining to God's Kingdom, in Faith, Worship, Doctrine, and all things else; if you had the Spirit of God, I say, and were taught by it, then you would have Unity with God, and one with another, in all his wayes, and there would have been no Division nor Contention amongst you about Spiritual matters; but because you want that, therefore you have strife and division amongst you, even throughout all Christendom; Here's a Nation and a Kingdom holding such a Faith and Worship, and there's another People holding Faith and Worship contrary to that; and here's one Sect of people, and there's another, different in Faith, Iudgment, and Opinion; and this is a shame to whole Christendom, that all should profess Christ Iesus, and Faith in him, and Salvation by him, and his Doctrine and Worship, and yet be in strife and division, and in great contentions concerning the same; some holding and practizing one manner of Faith, Worship and Doctrine, and others holding contrary and different; and this shews that ye are all fallen from the Life of Christianity, as it was held in the Apostles dayes amongst the true Churches; for they were of one heart, mind, soul and spirit, as it is written; they were of one Faith, of one Worship, of one Doctrine, and hand one Way of Church-Government; and this continued amongst the Churches of Christ, till there were some that had erred from the Spirit of God in their own Consciences, and then they also erred in Faith, in Doctrine, and in all other things relating to God: And these were the Apostate Christians that had erred from the Spirit, and divided themselves from the true Church, and differed in Iudgment amongst themselves; and this was, because they had erred from the Spirit of God, which would have kept them in unity with God, and one with another: for the Spirit is the Bond of Peace, and the Seal of the Covenant of Love among the Saints. So now all ye who are divided in your Knowledge and Iudgement, and are in contention one with another about the matters pertaining to God's Kingdom, you are the Apostate Christians, and you are without the Spirit of Christ: The first Apostate Christians erred from the Spirit, and so became divided from the true Faith, and from the true Worship, and also among themselves; and you never yet received the Spirit of Christ that you might come into Unity and Fellowship with God, and one with another; and that is the reason of all your Divisions in Religious matters, because you have not received the Spirit of Christ, to teach you, and to unite your hearts to God, and one to another; but you having the Scriptures, traditionally, by descent through Ages, which do describe and declare of that Faith and Doctrine, and of the Worship and Church-Government, which were among the Saints of old, which they held and practised, and from the Scriptures which declare of the things, from thence you take up a Conceit and false Judgment, and an Imitation, and a false Conformity; and then each sort of you call that your Faith and Church-Government, and some after one manner of form, and some after another; and thus you are divided, because you want the Spirit of God that gave forth the Scriptures; which Spirit did work true Faith in the hearts of them that gave them forth in dayes of old, and it taught them Worship, Faith, Doctrine, and all things concerning Gods Kingdom, for the Spirit led them into all Truth; and now you wanting the same Spirit that wrought in them, and taught them; and you having but their words (to wit, the Scriptures) from thence, in the Wisdom which is below, and in the carnal Reason, and in the first mans understanding, each Nation takes up a conceit, that it is so and so, and takes up an Imitation of Worship and Church-Government according to their own sensual wisdom, and according to the bredth and depth of their Conceits; and then imitates, and that severally and diversly, and in a divided manner; and this is amongst Kingdoms, and amongst Neighbours and Brethren, this Division in matters of Faith, Worship and Doctrine, and Church-Government; and yet all these have had the name of Christians, and Church-Members, and Worshippers of God, but yet are of many wayes of Worship, holding different and contrary Principles of Faith and Doctrine, and also of Worship and Church-Government; and thus have Nations, Cities and Countries been for many Ages; and thus hath it been, and is at this day amongst the Apostate Christians, that want the Spirit of Christ to be their Rule, of Knowledge, of Iudgment, and Worship, and of their Faith and Practices in Religion. And this is a shame to whole Christendom, amongst whom the spirit of Antichrist hath entered, which hath thus divided Nations, Cities, Neighbours and Brothers; for all these Divisions about Religion amongst the Apostate Christians, are of Antichrist, and not of God; it is that spirit of Antichrist that hath wrought all these Divisions, and planted them in the minds of People.

Secondly: Concerning the bad Effects of these Divisions in matters of Faith and Worship, as I have said: This Division in Religion hath begotten and brought forth very much Evil throughout the World, much heart-burning, envy, hard-heartedness, strife and contention between Kings and Rulers, and between Nations, between Cities, between Neighbours, and between Brothers; this Division hath wrought bad Effects amongst all these; so that it hath brought forth much War and Bloodshed between Kings, and great Persecutions between Rulers and their People, and great Debate and Strife amongst Neighbours and Friends; so that great Murders and losse of many Lives have been produced and brought forth upon this Quarrel, about Difference in matters of Faith and Religion; and Antichrist hath not only divided people in Iudgement, but hath also provoked people into rage and envy, to the killing and destroying of one another; and even that Division about Spiritual things, begotten by Antichrist amongst false Christians, hath been turned into personal enmity, and brought forth in the end, murdering and killing the bodies of Thousands, when the original debate hath arisen about Church-Government, or Points of Religion; and this is the woful Effect that Division of Religion hath brought forth in all Christendom. And all this Fruit and Effects, as well as the Cause of it, hath been of Antichrist, and of the Dragon and the Devil throughout the World; all this Persecution and spoyling of Goods, Imprisoning of Persons, taking away of Lives, and Banishment; and whatsoever Persecution otherwise that hath risen and been inflicted upon any, for and because of Differences in Religion, and about Faith and Worship, all this hath been of Antichrist; and even all Laws made for that end, and all Executors of such Laws, and all Penalties of such Laws; and all Wars and Bloodshed whatsoever, that have ensued only and upon the account of Differences in Religion; that being the first, and the only ground of the Quarrel; All this hath been of Antichrist, and it came out of the bottomless Pit; and never rose from the Spirit of God, but from the Antichristian spirit of Envy and Wickedness, that hath first divided people about matters of Faith and Religion, and then provoked them to envy and malice, stirring up Kings to fight one against another, that was not of their Religion, but different and contrary to it: And so the hearts of Rulers have been stirred up to persecute all under them, that were different and contrary in matters of Faith, Worship, and Religion; and this the spirit of Antichrist hath effected throughout Christendom: and so each King that hath been strongest, would maintain the Principles of his Faith, and the Practice of Religion, according to his own Conceit, in his Dominions: And thus hath Religion, Worships, and Church-Government been set up and stood amongst Apostate Christians throughout the World, by Force and Power, and by violent Laws, and through Persecutions and Murders; and all this hath been by the spirit of Antichrist: and the Spirit of God hath had no hand in those matters, for the setting up and contriving of false Faith, false Worship, and false Church-Government; all this hath depended upon the Powers and Authorities of the Earth, through many Ages: and what Religion, and Church-Government, or Way of Worship, that Kings or Queens have set up, that only hath been promoted; but all the rest persecuted and restrained by force and violence; and all this hath been of Antichrist.

And now to all ye that are of divers Judgments in matters of Faith and Worship in Religion, this is a Caution to you all; and I do warn you all in the presence of the living God, that though ye be divided in the belief and practice of Spiritual things, yet live in peace and unity with all men, in all outward relations, and do not envy nor hurt one anothers Persons; though you are in difference about Religion, yet suffer not that Difference to grow into persecuting or envying one anothers persons, but seek to inform one another, and instruct one another in the Spirit of Meekness, and perswade one another out of that which is evil, to that which is good, by patience, gentleness, and long-suffering; and do not force one another by violence, nor persecute one another, neither by words, evil-deeds, nor actions, but live in love to the persons every one of another; and fight not with Persons, nor kill one anothers Persons with carnal weapons about Religion, but take the spiritual weapons, and war with the Spirit against the evil one in one another; and love persons though they are enemies, and this is Christ's Doctrine; and never hereafter let your divisions about Spiritual things grow into personal quarrels, to the envying or killing one another. And this is a Charge to you all in the presence of the living God.

Lastly, The Means and Way to be reconciled and to come out of all Division and Strife, and to come into Peace with God, and one with another, about Faith and Church-Government, is by the Spirit of God; and every one of you in particular must receive the Spirit of Christ, that it may work in every one of your hearts, true Faith, and teach every one of you the true Worship of God, and the way of Doctrine, and true Church-Government; it is the Spirit of Christ in every one both male and female, that must reconcile and bring into unity with God, and one with another, in all Spiritual things; for it is that which is the bond of Peace and Love among true Christians; and it is that which reconciles peoples hearts into oneness: And if you receive that Spirit, every particular person of you, it will bring you to be of one Faith, of one Worship, and then your Doctrine and Church-Government will agree: if you receive the Spirit that gave forth the Scriptures, it will work in you the same Faith, and lead you in the same way of Worship which the Scriptures speak of, and then you will cease taking up Conceits, and making Imitations of Church-Governments from the Letter, but the same Spirit will work in your hearts Faith and Knowledge in the fulfilling of the Scriptures; and this is true Christianity, and the other is the way of all Apostate Christians, all Imitations from the Letter without the Spirit as gave it forth: for there is a great deal of difference between making a Conformity in the Imitation of a Worship, and Church-Government, from the Scriptures without the Spirit, and between the Spirits teaching and leading into the same Truth, and same Worship and Church-Government, which the Scriptures speak of; the one is of Christ, and is in unity, peace, and everlasting fellowship; the other is of Antichrist, and is in division, strife and contention: so you must all wait for the Spirit of Truth, that you may receive it, to work in your hearts, to teach you, and lead you, or else you will never come to true Union and everlasting Fellowship with God, and one with another; neither can you be of one true Faith, in one true way of Worship, nor in one way of Church-Government, except you receive the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit. And these be the words of the Lord God unto you all.

Now as concerning the way of Uniformity in Faith and Church-Government, imposed upon Nations, and Countries and Cities, by cruel Laws of Kings and Rulers, as hath been the practice through Christendom, to cause a whole Nation and Kingdom to bow and conform to such Principles of Faith, and Worship, and Church-Government, according to the will and pleasure of a King, or a Ruler, such Uniformity and Union and Fellowship among Christians hath not been of Christ, where people have walked by Imitation, and conformed to the Commands of Men in such a Faith, or to such a Worship or Church-Government; this hath not been of God, neither could this Unity stand or remain for ever, but it hath perished, and will perish where ever it is; and that Faith and Worship, and Church-Government which is so set up, and so held, will never save the Soul, nor comfort it; but it is blasted of God: whilst a Nation, or a Kingdom, or a People have Uniformity, or hold Faith, Worship, or Religion, either in the ignorance of their Consciences, or contrary to their Consciences, by the force of Mens Commandments, and not by the perswasion of the Spirit of God in their own Consciences; such Conformity, I say, is of Antichrist, and not of the Father, neither can it stand in the Day of the Lord; but the fire of his Wrath will consume it: All the Apostate Christians in their Uniformity of Faith, Worship, and Church-Government, which is some other way, or by some other means, than only by the Spirit of God, is of Antichrist, and will be confounded: for there is no true Unity and Fellowship in the Wayes of God, and his Truth and Worship, but what is in the Spirit, and that Unity will stand for ever, for it is in GOD; not feigned, neither because of the love and fear of this world, as the other is. That Uniformity in Faith and Worship which is forced upon People, is all but hypocrisie and deceit, both to God and man, and God will judge it in the Imposers, and Imposed: Therefore no true Unity in Faith, nor Worship, nor in Religion but what is in and by the Spirit of God: for as 〈◊〉 come to divide themselves into many wayes, and into divers Sects when they went from the Spirit of God, and lost it, and whilst they have been without the Spirit they have remained in Division, Strife, and Contention about Religion; so now the means and way of true Union and Fellowship, and Faith, is by receiving the Spirit of God again, and not any otherwise: and as Christians are brought again to receive this Spirit, and walk therein, all division and strife about Religion will cease, and the cursed fruits and effects thereof will also wither and be no more; but then Unity, Peace, Blessedness, Everlasting Fellowship and Comfort with the Lord, and one with another, in all his Ways, will be witnessed amongst all People.

THE END.