COme all you who expect to be Heard and Accepted of the Living God; Faſting and Prayer, in the Spirit of Holineſs, is required as Neceſſary thereunto: but the want of a certain Knowledge Diſcerning, how, and in what manner the ſame ought to be Performed, (therefore it is that people are rejected) being all Vain Service and Loſt Labour, where no Reward is received, or when they ask amiſs, what anſwer ſhall ſuch have, judge ye? And therefore, be Admoniſhed, I beſeech you, to mind that which gives you a Diſcerning and certain Knowledge in this weighty Work: You may read what the Lord ſaid by his Servant Iſaiah, chap. 8. concerning Faſting; and what Chriſt Jeſus ſaid, Mat. 6. but how long may people read theſe Sayings. (as well as others) and yet have no certain knowledge of the Will of God therein? I ſpeak of ſuch who are out of the way of a True Underſtanding; which all are who are in a bare Confeſſion, with their Mouths, that God ought to be feared; but the Heart, that not being right in his ſight, Infidelity that taking place there; from whence a Concluſion is drawn, That Sin, which is Evil, can't be parted with; this is a great Evil indeed, ſet up in the Heart by the ſpirit of Antichriſt; where a Form of Words, and large Confeſſions concerning God and Chriſt are made; but the Bleſſed and Effectual Workings of God's Spirit in Fleſh, for the Deſtroying of Sin, that being denyed, the Enemy's works (which is Sin and Evil) they continue in the Heart (contrary to the Bleſſed Will of God) by which means the Nobility of Man's Underſtanding that is Clouded and Darken'd through Error and Falſhood; by which means the Minds of Mankind are exerciſed in a Brutiſh Underſtanding concerning Spiritual Matters; imagining a Performing of Service to God by confeſſing, That he ought to be feared, (and yet live out of what they confeſs in a Talk) that all good Succeſs and Bleſſing comes from him, &c. So then, let ſuch be judged by their own words, who confeſs he ought to be feared, and yet live in Sin and Evil, under a ſtrange Deluſion, That thoſe Works can never be ſo destroyed, as to know Dominion and Freedom from them on this ſide the laying down the Body, or at leaſt, till about that time of ſeparation from all outward viſible things: So here Sin, the Continuance of that hath been pleaded for by them who would be called Christians, and would be accounted ſuch who fear God, and that they are in his Service, though never expect to be free from ſin; What Service is that in Evil? And what Reward ſhall Evil Works have? Is not ſin an Evil work of the Evil One? And muſt not the Works of the Evil One, if continued in, have a Bad Reward?

Oh that people would Fear God in Deed and in Truth! for they that fear him will do no Evil: So the way of a Right Underſtanding, that leads quite contrary to Sin and Evil: So its ſtrong Deluſion indeed, to expect a Right Underſtanding in an Evil Way; and Preſumption indeed it is, to hope for Good out of Evil.

Oh, be Awakened to Righteouſneſs, in which there's no ſin! and then will the Eye of the Underſtanding be opened to ſee the Man of ſin, who hath exalted himſelf above that of God in Man, under Confeſſions and Profeſſions of the Name of God and Chriſt, whilſt that ſignified by the Name, which is Power manifeſted in Fleſh, for the revealing the Man of ſin, and deſtroying his works, that hath been denyed by the Exaltation of the Man of ſin in man; by whom Mankind hath been exalted above the Pure Principle of God in man, even above the Light of that Bleſſed and Unerring Spirit of Chriſt, by which that which is reproveable is made manifeſt: But through Unbelief of God's Love therein, Mankind in a great part being held under ſtrong Deluſions of Satan, their minds being exerciſed in a Brutiſh Underſtanding, ſome have called that Bleſſed Principle of God in man, a Deviliſh Light; and others a Bewildering Light, or a Natural Light; ſo that all that is of God in man that hath been denyed (whoſe Work do you think this is?) But if it were ſo, as the Wicked One in the wicked hath concluded, may it not be ſaid now, as it was in the dayes of old, after God had created Mankind upon the Earth, and they had corrupted their Wayes, which diſpleaſed God, who in his Diſpleaſure ſaid, My Spirit ſhall not alwayes ſtrive, &c. Then was not Deſtruction nigh? but in that there was a time in which God's Holy Spirit did ſtrive with fleſh, it plainly appears, the good will of God was therein to have had it otherwiſe; but Mankind reſiſting his Way of bringing it to paſs, the Way of Salvation that was removed, and a Way of Deſtruction let in; ſo the Way of Salvation then that was by the moving and working of God's Good Spirit, the which had place in Noah, who was a perfect man in his day, who being moved in a True Fear of God had a Right Underſtanding, in which he was a Preacher according to the Will of God. So that Bleſſed Spirit of God, by which Noah had regard and was acted by, though it was rejected by Mankind in their corrupt Wayes, yet it was not Deviliſh nor Natural, as Mankind in their Brutiſh Underſtanding in great meaſure have concluded: but the leaſt meaſure of that pure Principle of God in Mankind of his Bleſſed Spirit, is Unerring; the which in meaſure, in all Ages, in God's Time and Seaſon did ſtrive in Mankind, and for the good of Mankind, that through it they might have been Preſerved out of Corrupt Wayes and Works, which Corrupt Wayes and Works was and is the Cauſe of all Heavy and Grievous Judgments in Ages paſt, and to come upon Mankind: So its plain and evident, how Gracious, Merciful and Longſuffering God hath been throughout all Ages through ſome meaſure of the ſhining of the Light of his Unerring Spirit, notwithſtanding the Great and Grievous Provocations of Mankind in their Corrupt Wayes, by which their Underſtandings were and are darkened, that they could not come to a clear Diſcerning what manner of Love of God that was unto them (as it is written) How often is the Candle of the Wicked put out, Job 21. So its plain, that was and is the Love of God in the Light of his Unerring Spirit, by which the Wicked were ſhewn their Wickedneſs in all Ages; and the putting that Love from them was, and is the Cauſe that the Wicked periſh in their Wickedneſs, through the Hardneſs of their Hearts, and Unbelief of the Love of God in his Bleſſed Principle of Light, which ſhines ſometimes even unto the Wicked, though they cry, Depart, I deſire not the Knowledge of thy Wayes: And though this Wickedneſs of the Wicked, under many fair pretences of Confeſſions and Profeſſions of God, have labour'd to put away the way of the Lord, and through many Devices hath the Wicked One in his Agents in their Wickedneſs, ſet up many Corrupt Wayes; yet the Way of the Lord remains Pure forever, and can never be Corrupted, but it remains a True Witneſs againſt all Evil and Corrupt Wayes whatſoever. And this Perfect Way of God was the Way of the Upright in Heart in all Ages, by which they were led out of Evil (though under more Servitude) before the fulneſs of time, when it pleaſed God ſo to cauſe his Light to ſhine forth in Fleſh, in an abſolute perfect Dominion over all the Luſts of the Fleſh, where Satan could get no Enterance, though Forty Dayes Chriſt Jeſus was Tempted by him; ſo herein was the Son, who is the Heir of all, manifeſted. So all the true Prophets in all Ages, they had their Teſtimony from a meaſure of the Light of that Spirit; and there their Teſtimony ended (who were Faithful) and the Law written in Tables of Stone, that was by the Light of that Bleſſed Spirit, by which all might ſee and learn to come to Chriſt, in whom the Law is fulfilled: So here is the Prophet, whom Moſes ſpoke of, that God would raiſe up, whom all is to hear; and every Soul that will not hear that Prophet, Deſtruction attend it.

So let none ſay in their Hearts, Who ſhall aſcend into Heaven, that is, to bring this Prophet Chriſt from above? or, Who ſhall deſcend into the deep, that is, to bring up Christ again from the Dead? For the Word is nigh, even in the Heart and Mouth; which Word of Faith the Miniſters which were True did Preach, and them which are True do Preach; and herein is the Labour of them whoſe Abiding is in the Word, that others may be turned to the Word in the Heart and Mouth, that by it they may be reconciled unto God: And this Bleſſed Word was in the beginning, before words were; All things being made by him, in whom is Life, and the Life was (and is) the Light of Men, who believe therein: And though the World did not, nor doth not know the Love of God herein, yet he was and is in the World; and though his Appearance was and is rejected by moſt, yet ſome did and do receive him, who felt and feel his Power to overcome the Luſts of the Fleſh, which is Sin and Evil; which Unſpeakable Love of God, ſhed abroad in the Hearts of the Primitive Christians, by this Free Gift of his Holy Spirit, which made them who received the ſame, who were truly ſenſible of God's Love therein, undergo great and grievous things, ſome things of which may be read in the Scriptures of Truth. So their Faſting and Prayers being performed by the Movings and Guidings of that Bleſſed Principle of God, how were ſuch preſerved by the Power of God, in the Peace of God, wherein their Souls reſted in God? So the Bleſſed Name of the Lord was unto them a ſtrong Tower (which was the ſame to the Righteous in all Ages) but never was a more clearer Diſcerning thereof then in this Age; there being a Cloud of Witneſſes of the Everlaſting Love of the Everlaſting God herein: and ſo they are Bleſſed who live up to that Bleſſed Principle of God in them, and continue Faithful to the End in the Teſtimony thereof: O the Remembrance of them will be had in great Eſteem in Ages and Generations to come.

So now, that which is Chiefeſt of all, and of greateſt Value, let that be firſt minded, that all things may be done according to the Will of God; in order to which a Right Underſtanding is neceſſary, the which is better then Gold and Silver; for the Wicked may poſſeſs Gold and Silver, and things viſible to their Hurt, where a Right Underſtanding is wanting; for if Knowledge and Underſtanding be wanting, people periſh: Therefore be adviſed to wait in the Way of Underſtanding, the Fear of the Lord God, who made Heaven and Earth, the Sea, and all things elſe according to his good Pleaſure; here is the beginning of Knowledge, and to attain to a Right Underſtanding: for, in the Fear of the Lord there's no Evil in that Way. So away with Invention and Imaginations of Fearing God, whilſt Concluſions are made, That Sin can't be parted with; all Wayes made up by men in Sin, are from a Corrupt Underſtanding: So come to the Fear of God, and he will teach us his Wayes; and all that come there come out of Evil; for there's no Evil in God's Wayes: ſo that they that are in God's Way, are out of Evil; by which it plainly appears, that all Wayes where Concluſions are made, That Sin, is in them; or, that they can't live out of Sin; or, that they know not a Way out of Sin; all ſuch, where ſuch Concluſions are made, are out of a Right Underſtanding, and their Wayes are Deſtructive, and their Works in them Wayes are Deſtructive, ſo that all who endeavour to ſave their Lives there, do want a Right Underſtanding; for Tranſgreſſion, which is Sin, is the Cauſe of Death; ſo all that are raiſed from Death, are raiſed from Sin, the Cauſe of it: ſo then, all that keep their Lives there, ſhall loſe Life; and all that loſe their lives there, ſhall find Life: So Bleſſed are they who ſerve the Living God, they do as they ſhould do; ſo that's no Evil (but Good) ſo let none think in their Perverſe Wayes, that they ſhall be fed with Knowledge and Underſtanding there (No, no) they will Starve and Periſh there for want of Underſtanding: ſo let all deal clearly with themſelves, in coolneſs and ſtillneſs, in the ſilence of fleſhly wiſdom, in a true Examination concerning the wayes they live in and let that which is wrong be rejected and that which is right received; and in that which is Right will be ••• n what Faſt is Pleaſing and Acceptable in God's ſight; and that Prayer which will be Effectual and Prevalent for the good of the Soul in a Right Underſtanding will be ſeen: So now, begin a Faſt; come, pitty the Oppreſſed; let the Priſoner go free; have Compaſſion on the Poor; break off Imquities by a True Repentance, in turning from Evil, the Cauſe of Anguiſh and Trouble upon the Soul, that the Soul may be ſet at Liberty to praiſe the Lord; and ſo let hard hearts be melted and broken down, and the ſeat of Unbelief, by reaſon of which the Love of God in the Light of his Son 〈◊〉 rejected, and by that means p ••• ſouls are kept in Bondage con ••••• • o the Will of God, let that ſeat 〈◊〉 Unbelief be thrown down; for God 〈◊〉 greatly diſpleaſed at the Preſumption of Mankind, who have exalted themſelves in their own wills, where Self exerciſeth Will-worſhip in a feigned Humility, whereby the Croſs is counted Fooliſhneſs. So Chriſt's Exhortation, To take up the Croſs daily, and deny Self, God's Love therein that is ſlighted; the Croſs that being without, Faſting that being without, Prayers that being without, all being done without a Right Underſtanding; for want of which Ptetended Faſting is vain, Prayer is vain, and the Converſation of Mankind is vain and unprofitable, where the will of man is ſet in Oppoſition againſt the Will of God in his Heavenly Guift, even the Light of his Unerring Spirit, by which the World is reproved of Evil: and this is, and will be the World's Condemnation, their ſleighting the many Viſitations of God's Love, in that he doth manifeſt unto them what is reprovable in his ſight; but they being unmindful of God's Love therein, by which means their Souls are in great Bondage under Sin and Corruption; ſubjected there under a vain Hope by the Subtilty of the Serpent, That though they live unſeparated from Sin, yet they ſhall obtain Juſtification through Chriſt, and ſee a good End, or good brought forth through Sin be never finiſhed; this kind of Perſwaſion is through ſtrong Deluſions of Satan, whoſe workings are in a deep Myſtery of Iniquity in pretended Godlineſs; but his End therein is, to make void that Bleſſed coming of Lord and Saviour to finiſh Sin, and to put an End to Unrighteouſneſs, and thereby to make way for the bringing in Everlaſting Righteouſneſs, that ſouls in that Bleſſed Principle of God may reſt in Peace.

Now where this is not known, be Awakened, I beſeech you, unto Righteouſneſs, which is God's, and no otherwayes man's, but as he becomes ſtript of his own Eyes, and ſo comes before the Lord with a Broken and Contrite Spirit, and Heart humbled at his ſight, who ſeacheth it by his Light, and ſhews to man in the Cool of the Day what beaſtly Imaginations are lodging therein; to the end, that man might lye down at the Feet of his Appearance in a True Faſt, in abſtaining from Evil; and Praying in the Spirit, that by the Exerciſe of God's Love in his ſtriving therewith, Evil may be overcome, and ſo the ſoul ſet at liberty from Evil, the cauſe of Trouble and Anguiſh, which is upon every ſoul that's in Evil.

So let every one that names the Name of the Lord depart from Evil. Come Curſer and Swearer, be perſwaded to be awakened, and ſee what a ſad Condition thy ſoul is in: but if thou wilt not, but hardeneſt thy heart, what will the taking the Name of the Lord into thy Mouth avail thee? Or Unclean Perſon who art defiled, and endeavouring to defile others, remember, That none in Ʋnclaanneſs can enter into Heaven; ſo except thou leaveſt thy Evil therein, thy Expectations of God's Kingdom will fail thee.

Come Idolaters, who are making Gods of Gold, and Silver, and Wood, and Stone, and ſo are bowing down to the works of your own hands; that is a great Abomination and Evil, greatly to be lamented, who are ſo far blinded from the Appearance of the Light of God's Spirit in your own Hearts, which being taken heed unto and obeyed, brings to the Knowledge of God; but that Love of God being rejected, what ſtrangers are you to God, and the Saints of Life? and ſo are become Beaſtly and Bruitiſh in your Underſtandings, your Bands of Corruption through ſin and iniquity being made ſtrong; and ſo under ſtrong deluſions are bowing to Pictures to put you in mind of God and the Saints, though they cannot hear, nor ſee, nor ſmell: what ſavour think you to get out of them Stocks and Stones? Be Awakened, I beſeech you, to Conſideration; and know, that it's ſome meaſure of that Grace and Truth which Jeſus of Nazareth was filled with; by Vertue of that all the Saints ſavour to God, and one unto another; which Grace hath appeared unto all, but the Saints or Believers, were and are taught by it: ſo that which convinces of Evil is to them that believe in it and obey it, an Inſtructer in the way of Life. So leave your Folly in Bowing and Cringing to the East, and to you know not what; and anſwer the Love of God in his Principle of Light in you, which makes manifeſt that which is Evil; and then will the Eye of your Underſtaning be opened, to the beholding of him who fills Heaven and Earth with his Preſence, ſo that no Darkneſs can cover man from him, who is God of the North, South, Eaſt, and West; who will ſpoil your glorying, who are boaſting your ſelves of the Antiquity of your Religion, who firſt went from the Croſs, which is the Power of God, and ſo got up in a form of words, and then ſet the Croſs upon the Houſe, of Stone, &c. Alas! your Religion is ſeen through; and all who hang upon your Skirts, they muſt have a ſhare of the ſhame, which is coming upon that Adulterated whoriſh Spirit, which hath led the minds of the people out from a ſenſe of the Royal Law of God within man, ſo that the ſtream of God's Love therein to Mankind, that hath been ſtopt; and in the Night of Apoſtacy the ſtream of Malice, and Envy and Hatred, that hath run in your Streets, where the Innocent Bloodſhed lyes at your doors. So it's time you were awakened to a true Repentance, that you may come to the knowledge of Salvation through the Remiſſion of your ſins: for it's the ſaving of your ſouls, I ſeek, and not the deſtruction of your bodies; ſo Truth is my weapon, which I deſire may reach to that of God which is Truth in you; that ſo the pure Language, which is Truth, may be reſtored in all; and the Royal Law of Love therein may ſhew it ſelf, which gives an Underſtanding, To love God above all, and our Neighbours as our ſelves, and to do to all men as we would they ſhould do unto us.

Come all you who conceive miſchief on your Beds in your hearts, and cannot reſt till you bring it forth into action; now conſider what manner of evil this is, which though it may be covered for a time, if continued in, ruin and deſtruction is in the way thereof.

Come you who live in Pride and Idleneſs, following the luſt of the Eye, the luſt of the Fleſh and Pride of Life, who live in fulneſs of Bread and Wantonneſs, Feaſting and making Merry over the pure Principle of God in you; this is a great Evil: therefore be admoniſhed to mind that God in you, and Watch and Pray in the ſame, that ſo by that which is good of God, the Evil may be overcome, and the root and ground judged from whence all evil ſprings.

Come all you Drunkards and Gluttenous Perſons, who waſte and ſpoil the good Creatures, which are appointed for the neceſſary uſe of Mankind; read what is written in Iſa. 5.11, 12. What a miſerable life are you in who are attended with Wo and Miſery, who are ſo far ſeparated from the love of God in his Son, and the Dominion that is therein to uſe and order all things aright, according to the will of God? For want of this knowledge how are many overcome with Strong Drink? the which having Dominion, how are many there unmanned of that natural ability of a man, and ſo lye lyable to other Temptations, whereby the ſoul lyes in bondage? Come now, be perſwaded to mind that love of God which in the Cool, when the Drink is out, ſhews you what a great evil this is; which if not departed from, ruin is in that way both of Soul, Body and Eſtate.

Come you Gameſters of all ſorts, who ſpend your time in Gaming and Sports, who are coveting an Increaſe by ſuch unequal and unjuſt wayes, and many ſpending their time in ſuch Practices, How many Families are ruined by ſuch a Courſe of Life? and what an evil example Parents thereby ſhew to their Children and Families? This is a great evil, ſuch being an ill ſavour who are living therein, both to God, and man who fears God. Therefore be admoniſhed, to break off theſe evils by a true Repentance, and learn to redeem time, that a Change may be witneſſed (before you go from hence) by vertue of the Power of Chriſt, which often moves againſt evil: ſo let not the juſt alwayes be reſiſted by the unjuſt; but if the juſt principle of God be minded and joyned unto, then will the unjuſt be overcome, and the juſt ſet up; in which all that dwell will be good ſavour in their day, and a good example to all.

Come all you who are exalting a falſe Birth, where your Ears are ſtopt and your Eyes are cloſed, ſo that you have neither heard, nor ſeen, nor handled that which was from the beginning; even that word of Life (which everlaſting Life was with the Father, and was and is manifeſted to Believers) from whence Teſtimony is given of Gods love therein, where the true fellowſhip is witneſſed in the Bleſſed Light of God; which all you, who are exalting a falſe Birth, do deſpiſe, and ſpeak very evilly of, or at leaſt, very ſlightly: So the true Heir hath been rejected, and not thought fit to raign; having been called by you who are exalting the falſe and untimely Birth, either a Devil (which ſome have called him; and others, Natural, or a Fool: by which it may be ſeen, how the Serpent's Wiſdom hath been ſet by, by the Adultereſs, who would fain have her Baſtard to be Heir; for which end how ſeemingly fair hath the Harlot Trimmed and Decked her ſelf? being arrayed in Purple and Scarlet, and decked with Gold and Pretious Stones and Pearls; her Religion being in her head, from whence Abominations are let into the Heart; where if the Light appear to ſearch it, it is mocked and ſleighted by Iſhmael: So that falſe Prophet he is ſet up, who cryes out, No Revelation now; ſo the deceitful heart being after the falſe Prophet, groſs darkneſs that covers: ſo the love of God in the Bleſſed appearance of the Light of his unerring Spirit, that is not comprehended; ſo the Eye hath not ſeen, nor the Ear heard, neither hath it entred into their hearts, the Mercies and Goodneſs of God, which is to them that fear him, and love his appearance in the Heart, where the Light of his Bleſſed Spirit doth ſhew forth his goodneſs, from whence is Miniſtred forth life and ſtrength to the poor ſoul, ſtrengthning it againſt the appearance of evil: ſo the ſoul being made ſenſible of the Peace of God, and reſt through the Revelation of his Holy Spirit, which cauſes joy and gladneſs to the Soul; having found a friend in its adverſity, it ſets a high value and eſteem of him, and is willing to be guided and directed by him. So the Harlot is ſeen, and the falſe Birth is ſeen, and the falſe Prophet which ſteals the true Prophets words is ſeen: ſo the Adultereſs may Cry long enough, and Scold long enough, and Peep and Mutter, all her Whineings in ſeeming Prayers, and Teaching Doctrines all end in filthineſs and ſin in her beſt duties; and yet this Impudent Harlot concludes, There is none like her; and her Birth is the true Birth; and all the reſt are falſe: But her deceit is manifeſt, and her Sorceries and Witchcraft is ſeen; and a Bed of Torment is prepared for her: ſo they are Bleſſed that fear the Living God, and ſanctifie him in their Hearts, who do not commit Leudneſs with the Harlot, nor add any thing to the maintaining of her Gallantry.

Come all you Ranters, who have gotten ſome words of Truth, but do uſe them in an exalted ſpirit, in which you are ſwimming up and down above the pure ſtream, which flows from the pure meek principle of God, the nature of the Water of Life, which comes from the Fountain of all good, that being to drive away all filthineſs of Fleſh; where that hath paſſage, it refreſhes and keeps green and freſh, in a good ſavour to God and man. But you Ranters having loſt its ſavour, are exalted above that which is lowly and good, being under a great Imagination of a knowledge of good and evil, on which, through the ſubtilty of the Serpent feeding you, are become dead to any true ſenſe of the Vertue that flows from the living Power, from whence through diſobedience you being ſhut out: What a do you are making? ſome crying out againſt Meeting, as formal; and that you feel not the Power that was amongst them: which indeed is no wonder when you are paſt feeling, and ſo being toſſed up and down in your minds in an exalted ſtate, ſome appearing in a ſingular pretended Zeal, under a voluntary humility, as if you were Wiſer and Holier then others (the Serpent here having puft up) ſets a judging the Body, and feeds his members who waits for hurt, as by the ſlipping of ſome through weakneſs, or the like, and ſo gets all occaſions of making Parties and Rents, ſtill the Serpent being covered under a pretence of a higher Attainment; but at length, after ſome time of exerciſe in this work, and through the everlaſting love of God in the Body, in preſerving it ſound and intire, where his will is done, and a fight given of the Enemy's working therein, and ſo not able to prevail: At length many go out in Diſtraction to Meetings, and there make ſad noiſes, to prevent (if poſſible) the going forth of the Declaration of Truth, as much as in them lyes; keeping people from a Reception thereof by their Babbling and Squalling to Diſturb Meetings, it having plainly appeared. But their Nouriſhment being from the Vine of Sodom, diſobedience to that which they might be convinced of, being the cauſe from whence the firſt going out was; ſo the Root being corrupt, the Fruit is corrupt: ſo all in time grow dry and withered, being an ill ſavour therein, and a ſtink whilſt they live herein upon Earth; ſo that both the way and end in that way is deſtructive. The which may ſerve for a warning to all who are convinced of the Truth, to take heed how they ſlight Gods love therein, in diſobeying that Principle of God in them, which is meek and lowly; and all that live in true Obedience to it, they live in ſafety, where evil in uncleanneſs cannot enter, nor haughtineſs hath no place there; but they that anſwer that Bleſſed Principle, they riſe in its nature to hate uncleanneſs and haughtineſs; ſo in its nature of meekneſs and lowlineſs, all who grow here bring forth good Fruit, which is a Bleſſed ſavour in his ſight, who is Creator of all; and all who are grafted into this root, and abiding therein, do feel ſap and nouriſhment from the ſame, whereby they ſpring, grow and flouriſh in a green, lively, ſenſible life of the exerciſe of God's love to mankind; and ſo dare not appear otherwiſe in the ſight of men, then they ſtand approved in his ſight who ſees all things: and ſo, meeting together to wait upon him, who hath all Power in Heaven and Earth, all gathering together in his Bleſſed Name, feeling true Refreſhment in his Preſence: ſtrength there by is renewed to love God above all, and to love one another, and to watch for the good in one another; and to teſtifie againſt the evil, which may be an occaſion of defiling or hurting any; ſtill waiting in meekneſs and love, to the end the good may be preſerved, and that which is evil reſiſted: And though this love by many may be rejected, yet it is that which will carry them who are exerciſed therein above the head of all oppoſition; and preſerve them who keep their Habitation therein out of all extreams, even to finiſh their courſe with Joy and Peace in that Crown of Life which is everlaſting.

Come all you who live in Envy, Hatred, Malice, Strife and Contention, Masters and Dames of Familes, who are in Branglings, and evil and raſh Speakings, and Diſcontents; theſe Fruits proceed from a corrupt and curſed ground; and ſo is an ill ſavour and bad example to your Families: This is a great evil.

And all Children who are Stubborn and Heady, who do not obey your Parents, as it is meet in the Lord: This is a great evil.

And all Servants who are not Subject and Obedient in your ſeveral places, but are high-minded, and cannot bear Reproofs; but are ready to Anſwer again, and to be Diſquiet, and Murmur, and Whiſper, and to tell Tales to ſtir up Anger and Strife: This is a great evil.

COme, ſit down together in a deep Silence out of all fleſhly Wiſdom, forgiving all Treſpaſſes; that he that ſits upon his Throne, who ſaid, behold I make all things new, that he may forgive all your Treſpaſſes; and then wait for acceptance into Gods pure holy Covenant, his holy Law in the Mind that it may be writ in the Heart, and they ſhall not teach every man his Neighbour and every man his Brother, ſaying, Know the Lord; for all ſhall know me from the leaſt to the greateſt; for I will be merciful to their unrighteouſneſs, and their ſins and inibuities will I remember no more; A bleſſed day, magnified be the Lord, whoſe Works praiſe him for ever (and not good works out of wicked workers mouths) to theſe mighty works of the mighty God, the which he is working and bringing to paſs through his mighty power, are appointed that mankind ſhould live in the enjoyment of them, to the praiſe and honour of his Maker for ever.

And that it may be diſtinguiſhed between evil workers who have got the good words, and the good works, from whence all true and good and gracious words came, (obſerve.)

In one of the Collects appointed in the Book of Common Prayer, it is thus written,

Almighty and everlasting God, which of thy tender love towards man, hath ſent our Saviour Christ Jeſus to take upon him our Fleſh, and to ſuffer Death upon the Croſs, that all mankind ſhould follow the example of his great Eumility, mercifully grant that we both follow the example of his Patience and be made partakers of his Reſurrection, &c.

Now mind; To pray for this, that is common, and uſed in the old World of Tranſgreſſion, where iniquity and ſin is, which ſeparates from God, and are out of his Bleſſed Work: But to be in the Humility and Patience, this is God's Work, where his Will is done on Earth as it is in Heaven: So that if people would but ſo far condeſcend to the Will of God, as to ſit down in coolneſs in a true Silence of all the works of the fleſhly wiſdom, would they not agree with us, who are in Scorn called Quakers, in Judgment at leaſt, though it may be not in Practice, viz. That Words without Effects, are as Dreams and Chaſſ, (to the Wheat, the Subſtance.) So he that hath a Dream, let him tell his Dream; but he that hath Gods Word let him ſpeak it: What is the Chaff to the Wheat? Is not my Word like a Fire, ſaith the Lord, and like a Hammer, that breaketh the Rock in pieces, Jer. 23. I am against the Prophet, ſaith the Lord, that steals my Word from his Neighbour, who uſe their Tongues, and ſay, he ſaith, and Propheſie falſe Dreams, and tell them, and cauſe people to err by their Lyes and Lightneſs. And ſo now in Coolneſs, when the works of the enemy are down, viz. Prejudice and Paſſion, &c. Then by a little work of God, in its leaſt appearance, by which mankind is made ſenſible, they may ſee by this ſmall diſtinction what it is that we, who are in Scorn called Quakers, ſtand for, (and againſt:) And when the Eye of your Underſtanding is opened, to behold his glorious works whom you have pierced; then will you love us, whom ſo many have hated, becauſe of our Teſtimony of God's Works. Do but ſee how you firſt hated the Light of God in your ſelves, before that great Darkneſs came over you to hate us, who are called Quakers, becauſe we are bowed unto Chriſt's Spirit, the true Chriſtians Spirit, and therein have in ſome meaſure partaken of his Cup, out of which ſome indeed have drunk very deep, even to the following of his great Humility and Patience, even to Death, as in the New-England Sufferings may be ſeen (by thoſe cruel imaginary Christians, whoſe wicked hands have been deep in the ſhedding of Innocent Blood. And though through Ignorance the Sufferings of God's people hath been much in Old-England, yet they have not been in that deſperate kind as there; where doubtleſs they are more drunk with the Whores Cup of Sorceries and Witchcraft, then thoſe of that kind are here in Old-England, whoſe ſpirit is felt; but that their Wings are cut, ſo cannot fly at that rate, which otherwiſe they would be at; for now their Hands are tyed, how wonderfully do their Tongues go? by which its plain they have no Bridle, but are ſet on Fire of Hell, wondering, deſpiſing and fretting againſt the work of the Lord in this the day of his power, though thouſands are raiſed by it, to declare and publiſh the ſame words, in life and converſation, &c.

COme Perſecutors, Awake, Awake, hearken how the Cows and the Oxen Low in your Ears; when you lye down to ſleep, doth not their Lowing trouble you? And when you riſe, are not you tormented at the noiſe of their Lowing? ſleep as ſecure as you can, you will be awakened at laſt; and then the noiſe of the Lowing of Cows and Oxen will ſound in your Ears: In your lying down, in your riſing up; in your Eating and Drinking; in your going about your buſineſs; it will be a dreadful noiſe, when the cauſe of the Innocent, whom you have wronged, comes to be laid before you.

Come Perſecutors, Awake, Awake, hearken; do you not hear the Bleating of Sheep, which have been taken from Innocent people, for keeping the Commands of Jeſus? ſtop your Ears as hard as you can, they will be opened at laſt; and heir Bleating will be ſo loud ſounded in your Ears, that you cannot avoid the terrible noiſe thereof.

Come Perſecutors, Awake, Awake; hearken what a dreadful noiſe is amongſt the Pots, Kettles, Skillets, Frying-pans, Dripping-pans, Pewterdiſhes, Flaggons, Chamber-pots, &c. the which have been taken from an Innocent people, for keeping their Conſcience void of offence towards God and man; that men take offence againſt the Innocent, when no proof can be made thereof; that is the ſteps of the wicked in all Ages: But hearken Perſecutors, ſure you are not ſo faſt a ſleep, but that you may hear the ratling of theſe things in your Ears; well, they will make a fearful noiſe at laſt.

Come Perſecutors, Awake, awake; open your Eyes, they will be opened at laſt, and then the Beds, Cloths, Corn, Hoggs, Horſes, Butter, Cheeſe, Bacon, and all ſorts of Commodies taken from Tradeſmen, out of their Shops, and working Inſtruments from poor people, Shoe-Leather, and abundance of other things, too long to name; all taken from an Innocent harmleſs people, who ſeek the good and wellbeing of all men: At laſt all theſe things ſhall be laid before your Eyes, you ſhall not be able to ſhut them againſt them, nor to ſtop your Ears, from the ſeveral dreadful noiſes; but they muſt ſound in your Ears, and you muſt know, that all theſe doings proceed from a corrupt rotten heart and mind, which is abhorred by the living God.

I. CHriſt Jeſus he is Lord of Heaven and Earth, and hath power over all fleſh, by whom the World was made, who is Heir of all things, and hath right of government in the Hearts and Conſciences of all people, and over all the Kingdoms of men, the right of ordaining and appointing Miniſters being in him, and alſo in giving forth his Righteous Law and Commands in their Hearts, where he ought to reign, where his Miniſters ſo ordained of him are to wait, with their Minds ſtaid in his Light, to receive of him freely a ſupply of wiſdom and power, and to communicate from the ſame freely, and to be contented with what proviſion the Lord is pleaſed to make for them; and by him there being a change of the Prieſthood under that Covenant given unto Moſes and the people of Iſrael, there is made of neceſſity a change alſo of the Law; and foraſmuch as the Prieſts in this Age, who are not ordained of Chriſt, do uphold that which the Lord hath changed, therefore we do deny them, and that which they claim for their Maintenance.

II. Theſe Prieſts being not ordained of Chriſt, nor appointed to that Office by him, they therefore do uſurp that Authority, the which doth of Right belong to Chriſt Jeſus, the which are preſumptious ſins, and therefore we do deny them.

III. Theſe Prieſts having denyed the Revelation of Chriſt's Spirit now adayes, and ſet up the Letter and Law without above the Spirit and Law within, by which its plain and evident, that they are Strangers to the great Love of God in his New Covenant, and being void of the knowledge of the gift of God to the World, they have nothing but Imaginations and Inventions of their own Brain-ſtudy, and out of others Works and Labours, therefore we do deny them.

IV. They not being ordained of Chriſt they bring forth no pleaſant Fruit, as is evident, but being ordained of man, being man-made Miniſters, they are men-pleaſers, ſo no Servants of Chriſt Jeſus, but of their own Bellies, and for the ſake thereof they are abominable greedy of filthy Lucre, and therefore we do deny them.

V. They being out of the way of the Lord, and ſtrangers thereunto, therefore they can be no guides therein, having ſet up Imaginations and Devices in their own Hearts, they follow them in defrauding people, therefore we deny them.

VI. Foraſmuch as Chriſt hath ſaid, John 10. All that ever came before me are Thieves and Robbers, or as it may be rendred, All that go before him; (Now mind) before Abraham was he was, and before the Prophets were he was; ſo the true Prophets they did not go before him, they waited for the Signification of Chriſt's Spirit, which was in them, the which was their Foundation, and this was the Apoſtles Foundation, and the Believers in the Primitive time were built upon the ſame; but the Thieves and Robbers were the falſe Prophets and Prieſts that came before him, who ſteal the true Prophets words, and uſe them in their Divination for Money, and Rewards, and Preaching for Hire, the which were wicked practices, teſtified againſt, and cryed out againſt by the true Prophets; among which wicked practices we finding the man-made Miniſters in this Age and Generation, who go before Chriſt, and being of that number Chriſt Jeſus ſpoke againſt, therefore we deny them.

VII. All take notice, that the Teſtimony againſt Prieſts that preach for Hire is no new thing of twenty or thirty years ſtanding, as ſome do vainly imagine; thoſe abominable practices were teſtified againſt by the true Prophets; read Micah 3. Iſaiah 66. Jer. 5. Ezek. 13. Hoſea 6. and read Chriſt's Teſtimony againſt Hirelings, John 10. (and mind) all the holy men of God were and are of the ſame mind. And for Prieſts and People now adayes to pretend to Coſpel-order and Goſpel-dayes, and to live in the ſame, and if not worſe practices then the falſe Prophets, Prieſts, Teachers and People, who were before the more powerful manifeſtation of Chriſt to fleſh, the everlaſting Goſpel, who is the end of the Law for Righteouſneſs to all that believe; this is a very great ſhame even to the name of Chriſtianity, and the falſe Teachers the Prieſts being the Leaders into theſe Abominations; therefore we do deny them.

VIII. Paul an Apoſtle of Jeſus, he did exhort the then Believers, to follow him as he was a follower of Chriſt, who ever was, and is a bleſſed Leader out of Tranſgreſſion, out of ſin, and therefore out of Strife and Contention; he taught and teaches to love enemies, for this Cauſe was and is the love of God in his Son manifeſt in fleſh, even to condemn ſin in the fleſh, and to deſtroy the Devil's works of Malice, Envy, Luſt, Pride, Exceſs, Covetouſneſs, Lying, Guile, Hypocriſie, Deceit, Fraud, Vain Worſhips, Vain Services, Perſecution, and all other Abominations that may be mentioned; the true and faithful witneſs, even the Light of his holy Spirit in mankind, never did nor will aſſent unto to any thing that is evil. And foraſmuch as the Prieſts are led by another Spirit, and acted by another Spirit, as by their Fruits and Practices they are manifeſted, even to be led by the ſpirit of Cain, he being the firſt Perſecutor about Religion; and the Prieſts being in the ſame ſteps of Perſecution, they may ſay if they ſpeak truly, Beloved, be you followers of us as we are followers of our fore-Fathers, Cain, the falſe Prophets and Teachers in Ages paſt; they bringing forth the ſame Fruits, therefore of neceſſity they muſt ſpring from the ſame corrupt ground and root; and therefore let all the wiſe in heart judge, whether we have not good cauſe to deny them.

IX. It hath been ſo from the beginning, that he that was born after the Fleſh, perſecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even ſo it is now; and when we turned our backs upon ungodlineſs, and waited in the grace of God, that we might live godly and righteouſly in this preſent evil World, we did believe we might ſuffer by unreaſonable reaſonable ungodly men, who live exalted above the Grace of God, of which number the Prieſts are chief; and therefore we deny them.

X. And whereas Chriſt Jeſus, who is Lord of the Sabbath, did above ſixteen hundred years ago ſet up the everlaſting Worſhip in the Spirit and Truth, and directed all to take that for their Leader into all Truth, and the Truth and bleſſed effects whereof being witneſſed to the praiſe of God this day, as it was in the Primitive time. And whereas the man-made Miniſters of this Age and Generation, who are not ordained nor ſent of Chriſt Jeſus, do teach for Doctrine the Commands of men, and ſo worſhip in vain, and by their Traditions and vain Cuſtoms they have excluded that Worſhip in Spirit and Truth, the which Chriſt Jeſus ſet up; therefore we do deny them.

XI. Whereas the man-made Miniſters now adayes do make that their Plea for their Perſecution and wickedneſs, they have a Law, ſo ſaid their fore-Fathers, the Scribes, Phariſees, and Chief Prieſts, who Crucified Chriſt, they ſaid, they had a Law; and what Perſecutors about Religion ſince Cain had not ſome ſeeming pretence and covering? though indeed theſe in this generation do excel in rare Arts and Coverings to hide their wicked bloody Spirit of Perſecution under; but he is riſen and come that ſees through them, and teaches his Followers of them; and therefore we do deny them.

XII. And we do commend the Reader for his full and compleat ſatisfaction about the ground and ſetting • p of Tythes, ſince the Goſpel-dayes, unto a Book Entituled, The Great Caſe of Tythes Revived, by Francis Howgil, who dyed a Priſoner for the Teſtimony of Jeſus; in that Book are all Reaſonable Objections clearly anſwered, and there is clearly ſhewen, what a dark night of Apoſtacy was over people when Tythes were ſet up by a Law, and how many hundred years it was after Chriſt, before that groſs Ignorance was uſhered in, in making Laws to Proſecute and compel about Tythes.

THe Lord of Heaven and Earth, who by his great power and wiſdom did Create all things good, who in the beginning gave unto mankind Dominion over the Earth, and God bleſſed them, and ſaid unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and repleniſh the Earth, (and ſubdue it) and have Dominion over the Fiſh of the Sea, and over the Fowl of the Air, and every Living thing that moveth upon the Earth: And the works of the Lord were all good (and are all good, ſavoury pleaſant) being ordered by his univerſal power and wiſdom, by which they were created.

But mankind being fallen from the ſenſe thereof, they have formed and faſhioned many Inventions in their minds, being captivated under the enemy's power of Darkneſs, wherein they are become corrupt and unſavoury, having loſt their Dominion, inſtead of ſubduing the Earth, they have let the Earth over them, and being become Earthly-minded, the things that move upon the Earth have Dominion over them; and thus being captivated under the enemy's dark power, ſet the enemy's dark power above the power and wiſdom of God, Chriſt, the ſame yeſterday, to day, and for ever, by whom all things were created, who is Heir of all, by whoſe Power, Life and Immortality is brought to Light; glory be to him for ever.

But people being imbondaged and corrupted, they are become ſuch ſlaves thereunto, and in ſuch a ground of Infidelity, that they cannot ſo much as believe in God's power and wiſdom, which is manifeſted to create again into its own primitive, ſavoury, holy Life, in Dominion over the Earth; but in the State of Infidelity, mankind being plunged with their narrow ſpirits they go about to meaſure the things of God, and in their fallen Earthly wiſdom to weigh things of Eternity (and being confounded in their works) what variety of coverings do people get to cover their ſhame in all parts of the World, as well as in Chriſtendom (ſo call'd) where indeed they do greatly excel other Nations in curious Arts to make coverings to hide their great ſhame; (a miſerable Trade! but very coſtly in in this Nation.) And foraſmuch as the love of God hath been, and is largely manifeſted, through which many have been, and are redeemed from that great folly and madneſs, in that vain travail and labour, in joyning with thoſe Arts-men of the Times, who ſpend their dayes and conſume abundance of Treaſure in making falſe coverings to cover their ſhame; out of which confuſion many being redeemed, who are baptized into Chriſt, and have put on Chriſt's beautiful Garment, and are comely in his ſight, who is Lord of Heaven and Earth, before whom every Creature is manifeſt: and becauſe ſuch cannot run with them in the ſame Exceſs of Riot, and pay towards the Maintenance of thoſe Sottiſh Artsmen, what a wonder they make of it! and cry to the Magiſtrates for help, to puniſh the Innocent people, for keeping their Conſciences void of offence both towards God and man: What Impriſoning, even many to Death, and Spoiling, Tearing and Rending of Goods, ſeeking thereby the deſtruction and ruin of many thouſands of induſtrious laborious Families.

A Paper coming to my hands, Intituled, The Chriſtians Vow in Baptiſm, Explicated and Renewed; given forth by an unknown Author, who is crept into his hole again, from whence he brought that bundle; which upon due conſideration he will have cauſe to be aſhamed of, being works of Darkneſs; where many words are uſed out of the wiſdom of God, the which hath a tendency of darkning and hiding Gods Counſel from mankind; and therefore that I may be clear in this matter, in giving check to that high preſumption manifeſtly ſhown in the ſaid Paper as above, is this given forth.

A Paper Intituled, The Goſpels Glory, or the Covenant of Grace; and Grace of the Covenant, Ʋnfolded.

And for the better underſtanding of them who Impartially deſire to know the Truth as it is in Jeſus, is this brief Anſwer given.

The Bleſſed Goſpel of Chriſt, glad Tydings of Chriſt, The Power of God unto Salvation to every one that believeth; Rom. 1.16, 17. therein is the righteouſneſs of God revealed from Faith to Faith: This was preached unto Abraham which was hundreds of years before Moſes, and therefore ſo long before his Writings: And the ſame bleſſed Goſpel they which are of the ſame faith with bleſſed Abraham, Gal. 2.8. are bleſſed with him in the knowledge of; this is inviſibly to be felt and ſeen, to expel the Clouds of darkneſs and error, and to rent the vail thereof; and to break down the Partition wall which is made up through ſin and iniquity; and thus to finiſh ſin and put an end to tranſgreſſion, and to bring in everlaſting righteouſneſs; and herein is the righteouſneſs of the law fulfilled in them that believe, through the Goſpel of Chriſt, he being the end of the law for righteouſneſs to them that believe: And in this inviſible glorious work in opening the underſtandings of them that believe, is the glory of the Goſpel manifeſtly ſhewed: 2 Cor. 4.3, 4. But if our Goſpel be hid, it is hid to them that are loſt; in whom the God of the World hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, leaſt the light of the glorious Goſpel of Chriſt, who is the Image of God, ſhould ſhine unto them; ſo unbelief is the cauſe why people have not the knowledge of the Goſpel which the Apoſtle was not aſhamed of, it being the power of God unto ſalvation, the power of a Saviour, the wiſdom of a Saviour, Chriſt Jeſus the Heavenly man: In his bleſſed ſpiritual appearance for the refreſhing of every truly hungering and thirſting ſoul after his righteouſneſs: Paul to the Galatians ſaith, the Goſpel which was preached of me is not after man; Gal. 1.11, 12. for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jeſus Chriſt; ſo that the bleſſed Goſpel is an inward glorious work, wrought by the Spirit and power of Chriſt Jeſus, the foundation of all the Prophets and Apoſtles; on which the true believers were and are built, to the praiſe and honour of God for ever.

And whereas he ſaith, the grace of the Covenant unfolded; therein he ſhows what birth he is of, which might fitter be imployed in its Poetry, in making of Balads, then to be found ſo preſumptuous in affirming the grace of the Covenant unfolded in that dark (imaginary ſtuff in that Paper.)

The grace of God being an inviſible appearance of Gods holy Spirit unto all mankind, which is teſtified to Paul and Titus: For the grace of God that bringeth Salvation, hath appeared to all men, (Teaching us, &c.) So here was and is the univerſal love of God to all mankind; not willing that any ſhould periſh, but that all might know the Truth and be ſaved: So in that the grace of God appears unto all, the renders of his love is therein ſhewed to all without reſpect of perſons: That in every Nation they that fear God and work righteouſneſs through the bleſſed operation of the grace of his holy Spirit, ſuch are accepted of him: So than they are in the way of a bleſſing, who believe in God, and wait in a full aſſurance: And truſt in him, for the knowledge of the infallible teachings of grace, whereby way is miniſtred unto a growth in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Chriſt Jeſus: And thus far the Apoſtle did unfold the love of God, from what he had handled, felt ſeen, of the mercies and riches of Gods great love to all mankind therein, being a true witneſs of the love of God through the grace of his holy Spirit; by and in which the good of all was and is ſought, but indeed there be but few that doth regard it, though his hand of love be ſtretcht out all the day long: There be ſo many falſe Teachers, who by good Words and fair Speeches deceives poor ſimple ignorant people, through their great flouriſhing words about the grace of God; out of the ſenſible feeling of its bleſſed vertue and power in its infallible Teachings and thereby bringing Salvation: And though this love of God hath appeared to all, all have not the knowledge thereof, as they had and have, who are true believers in God: As ſaid the Apoſtle to Titus, Teaching us, ſo true believers Baptized by one bleſſed Spirit into one body; and therein being received into Gods holy Covenant of grace, cannot but cry out; Oh the vertue of Chriſt Jeſus by whom comes grace and truth, which is of a healing nature, glad tydings indeed unto wounded Souls, and none can be further truly ſenſible of the unfolding of this love of God, to the refreſhing and comforting of their immortal Souls, but by the feeling of its vertue and power, to quicken, revive and raiſe up out of ſin and iniquity the cauſe of death.

And in his Poetry he ſaith; Gods works preach not redemption from Hell, the name of Chriſt there is not legible.

Anſ. And in and by all Gods powerful and glorious works; both within man and without, is the bleſſed and powerful name of Chriſt to be read and underſtood: So its Gods works alone that preach redemption from the power of Hell and death, 2 Cor. 5.19. and therein is Chriſts holy name legible: But as it is written, that which is born of fleſh is fleſh, and ſo a heap of fleſhly works are in that Paper, to the ſhame of the Author, in giving them that Title, &c. And as that which is born of fleſh is fleſh, ſo that which is born of the ſpirit is ſpirit; and theſe two births are contrary, for the birth of the fleſh, though it may ſpeak great ſwelling words, and tell of the victory of Chriſt, and triumph in ſwelling words of his fame, as in that Paper; yet it being a worker of iniquity, it muſt have that Sentence, depart from me; it can in no wiſe inherit the Kingdom of God, though it may glory and ſay, I have preached and done many things, yet its product is but ſpiritual wickedneſs got in a high place, which the indignation of the Lord is againſt, ſo it muſt be caſt out; he that can receive it let him.

And thus much might be ſaid as to the words in that Paper; but to all Impartial readers this is ſufficient, to convince them that that Paper is none of the Goſpels glory, nor none of the Covenant of grace, neither is the Covenant of grace at all there unfolded? But it is a meer parcel of conceivings from the ſame imaginary ſpirit, that uſes to be Imployed about making of Ballads.

And ſo in true love to all unto whom this may come, I counſel you to mind the fear of offending God, that you may be made ſenſible of the bleſſed appearance of the grace of Gods holy Spirit, that you may be received into the bleſſed Covenant thereof, and therein be witneſs of its ſufficiency, in teaching what to deny, and what to do, this being the means ordained of God for the good of all, and all that becomes ſenſible of the infallible teachings of the grace of God; ſuch will not wonder at Silent Meetings, as many do who are out of the ſenſe of Gods love therein; many ſuch grow deſpiſers, and wonder, and cannot believe the effectual works of the grace of Gods holy Spirit, though in the demonſtration and power thereof, they be declared and publiſhed from time to time: And I wiſh all to take heed of being exalted through vain glory in fleſhly works, the which are attended with ſorrow and miſery, and will bring all them that reſt there to the end, but in the Lord is everlaſting glory. And mind the ſaying of the Apoſtle to the Epheſians; But God who is rich in mercy for his great love wherewith he loved us; even when we were dead in ſins, hath he quickned us together with Chriſt, by grace yea are ſaved; So mind the bleſſed teachings of the grace of God which is pure, holy and perfect in every degree, and this the mark which all ſhould ſet before them as they expect to run well in their Heavenly race, and obtain the bleſſed peace of God to their Souls, which is the will of God; and in the knowledge thereof I give this Teſtimony, who am what I am by Cods Grace, and therein a well wiſher to all who are truly ſeeking after the knowledge of Cod, in which love I reſt,

BLeſſed are they who feel the Inſpiration of the Almighty giving them underſtanding; that in reading the Scriptures of Truth (the Holy-mens Teſtimonies) they may be underſtood, and deliverance witneſſed from them who wreſt them to their own deſtruction.

There is indeed a time for all things, as ſaid Solomon, who in that wiſdom given him, knew that God created man upright, but man found out many Inventions: And all that Mirth whereby Gods righteous ſpirit is grieved, they who live in it; they increaſe their own ſorrow.