The prophecy of the spirit of love set forth by H.N. and by him perused anew and more distinctly declared ; translated out of Base-Almain into English.

An Introduction to the Glasse of Righteousnesse .

they set forth , besides the everlasting God of Israel and his Law , r r Esa. 44.45.46 . Ier. 10. is nothing els but foolishnesse and ignorance .

48. Many of them have no understanding in the Law of the Lord , nor knowledge of his Ordinances , and of their calling through Jesus Christ s s Luk. 2. of the tribe of Juda , of the House of David , they have no right discerning at all .

49. And therefore it is , that they misse of the meaning or intention of God , and are thereby grounded on the glimmering of their knowledge , and not on the stock of the upright olive tree , t t Rom. 11. to the which they are called , to be grafted thereunto .

50. But now when we consider all this , and that we are not partakers of the Sap of the stock of our calling , u u Rom. 11. but to find our selves breken off from the same , and thereby misse of all that , which is of God , and which his Ordinances are one with , if then we have any love to the riches of God , and do consider and know the damagefull x x Mat. 16. losse , with all the desolation y y Dan. 9.11.12 . Mat. 24. and abominations , which are come in between , then cometh upon us , z z Esa. 13. Dan. 12. all woe and anguish , and we greatly bewaile the losse of these riches of God , above all the damages or losses of this world .

51. For where is there a more damagefull losse , a a Mat. 16. then where one findeth no righteousnesse of God , and where the Law of God and his Statutes and Ordidances are in the losse so utterly darkened ?

52. Oh what shall I more write , of this damagefull losse of the most precious riches ? my heart is heavie , and my soul is pained , in such sort , b b Ier. 9.13.14 . Lam. 1.2.3 . that oftentimes I am forced to sigh and mourne , because my mind will not be pacified .

53. O God , that they all saw , how they are c c Psal. 14. Rom. 3. turned herefrom , and that no man hath continued in thy truth , and how they are d d Rom. 7. taken captive under the sin , and strayed from thee ; ( yea these precious riches of God , they scarcely know , ) and how poor e e Apo. 3 3. and naked in themselves they are , without thy Sanctuary , to the end ( out of deep necessity ) they might cry unto thee , f f Psa. 130. for grace , and obtain ( in their spirit ) an inclined mind , to the obeying of thy love , that thou mightest have mercy on them all .

54. For if so be they come not to thy love , nor to the obedience of the requiring of her service , nor thereunto have no good will , belief or hope , surely there ●hall then no life of Gods Sanctuary be found in them , how wise , how skilfull , and execllent or rich of Spirit , how learned and expert in Scriptures , Languages or tongues soever they may be .

55. If moreover they lay not down their knowledge in the silence , even as though they knew nothing at all ; and that ( through the service of the holy Word ) they reform not themselves under the obedience of the love , nor suffer their understanding to be stirred up to obedience , whereby to be wholly inclined to the love , to passe forth towards the same , g g Mat. 10.16 . Mar. 8. Luk. 9.14 . to take up daily their Crosse with humble hearts , and to persevere h h Eph. 6. Phil. 4. Col. 4. in prayer and faith , with a firm hope , i i Eph. 3. till the establishing in the love , they can by no means inherit any richcs of God or Christ , nor k k 1 Cor. 2. understand or know any wisdome of God at all , how skilfully soever they search , or study in Scriptures after it .

56. For there is no wisdome nor knowledge of Christ , nor understanding of the Scriptures , to be had in any thing , but only in the love , or among them , who are inclined , and well-affected thereunto .

57. They may many of them ( I grant ) seek much wisdome and understanding , whereby to comprehend the same , and ( in conceit ) be satisfied and appeased with a taken on wisdome ; but if they come not to the love , neither are taught in her service to the true wisdome , they shall then find no wisdome nor understanding , nor yet any righteousnesse nor life , but must l l Joh. 8. die in their sins , and in their conceit of truth , for there is no right Spirit of truth , nor wisdome without the love .

58. Wherefore every thing , which is m m Amos. 8. decayed or broken down , must even now ( through the love and her service ) be set up again , and all that straieth and is dispersed , must again be gathered together , nEzek . 34. Mic. 4. Soph. 3. through the love and her service : namely , all those that hope for the Salvation of the only body of Christ , for that is the promise , to the children of the Testament , in the o o Jer. 23.30 , 31.33 . Joel . 2. last time , in the which God will magnifie himself against all heathen or uncircumcised ones .

59. This hath God in former times promised , and he will perform it for his holy names sake , p p Ezek. 38. Mic. 5. to make it known and honorable far and wide , that his honour and Sanctuary q q Psal. 74. Dan. 8. may no longer be trodden down , but may appear pure and clear : and he will shew in the last time , how that he onely is the Lord , and that his office , work and doing , is not bound nor tyed to mens working , but that he performeth the same according to his will and pleasure .

60. O how happy is he , which is r r Esa. 5. Rom. 12. not wise in his own conceit , neither is with any spirituall s s Deut. 12. Jer. 7. imagination bewitched , tied , or bound ; but ( in the sin ) is daily against himself , and loveth not the evill , but is well-affected to the love , and so t t Luk. 21. possesseth his soul with patience , till the promises of Almighty God , that he might live unto God in all truth .

CHAP. IX .

1. A Complaint over the greatest sort of People , that neither regard nor expect the promises of Gods Righteousnesse , out of the love , but set up a righteousnesse of their own , as being perswaded that the same is of God . 15. The abuse of marriage . 22. The middle wall . 25. Shame to disclose the inward evilnesse . 33. A Prediction of calamity to come upon the conceited wise . 34. None can come to the new Man or Kingdom of God , but by the love .

BUt who hath regard hereunto ? who thinketh on the righteousnesse which God esteemeth .

2. Doth not the most part of people intend to set up their a a Rom. 10. own righteousnesse ?

3. Who thinketh on the Communion of Saints , b b Ioh. 6. whom God the Father draweth , to justification through Jesus Christ , in the love ?

4. Doth not every one ( which is come or risen up before the love ) seek to gather a private Congregation to himself , to advance his own word , and with contention to stick to the same ? not thinking that the Lord shall c c Esa. 66. himself bring forth , through his Word and service of love , and that his Salvation shall come from his right hand ; and that so through himself , he will bring forth unity in the love , and his children d d Esa. 66. out of Sion , according to the word of his promise .

5. But who looketh after it ? who longeth for it ? who dependeth upon Gods promises , that ( in time to come ) they shall be established , who hungreth or thirsteth after it ? who thinketh on the comfort of Israel , and upon the consolation of Juda ?

6. Every one supposeth without fail , that he hath the blessing of God already , and that there is for to come , no more then is present with him , or which he himself passeth forth in .

7. Herein do the conceited Christians comfort them , and cheer up themselves ( among each other ) but they have catcht an hand full of wind , and do make themselves glad with chaffe .

8. They thresh the straw , e e Esa. 33. and crush it very hard , but what availeth it , in their binnes f f 4 Esd 6. shall no bread be found , nor any corn in their barns , yea such things shall come upon them from the Lord , and ( for their stoutnesse cause ) shall not bide away .

9. Many of them cry also now : we have it , we have it , we are the Congregation of Christ , we are Israel , Lo here it is , Lo there it is , this is the truth , that is the truth , g g Mat. 24. Mar. 13. Luk. 17. here is Christ , there is Christ .

10. But when Christ shall shew himself , h h Mat. 24. Luk. 17. even as the lightning ariseth from the East , and shineth unto the West , then shall their own word ( which now is one with them ) be clean against them , because they have not esteemed the love , wherein the truth of God or Christ is sealed for ever .

11. Moreover divers have gathered many people or companies every where together , by sentences of Scripture , and with glistering knowledges , terming them by the name of Christ , and by the name of Israel , but the love they have shut out at doors , and thereof had least respect and regard .

12. For who standeth now in the love to the end i i Deut. 6.10 . Mat. 22. to cleave fast to the God of Life , and to love him , with his whole heart , soul , and thoughts , and besides , to love another as himself , that God ( who only is the Lord ) might be their arm , fortresse , and strength .

13. Is not every mans eye that accounteth not God , for the only Lord , fixed upon k k Ier. 17. flesh and bloud , or upon the vain corruptible created things in this world ? and doth not every one set his assurance on the same ? doth he not count it for his arm or strength .

14. And thus living in such love to the corruptible things , and in that false considence , every one loveth his own self , and ( l l Esa. 29. Ezek. 33. Mat. 15. with his heart ) turneth from the Lord , and so passeth on his errour , and merrily singing , m m Tob. 13. Apo. 19. Alleluia : even , as though that God had his delight in such abomination , and that Jerusalem were likewise builded up , and lay no longer trodden down .

15. In such a show or simulation , and in such pleasure of their own conceit ( not having n n Ioh. 5. the love of God , nor bearing the Law of the Lord o o Ier. 31. Heb. 8.10 . in their hearts ) they betake themselves to marriage , with bold courage , bringing forth their children p p Ose . 5. in the unrighteousnesse , and account that same for pure wedlock ordained of God , the which yet among them , is but meer adultery , q q Ezek. 16.23 . and impudent whoredom .

16. For consider , who is now ( I pray you ) within the right matrimony or conjunction of man and wife ?

17. Was it not expedient that Gods Law and will r r Psal. 40. Esa. 51. Ier. 31. should be in the mans heart , and that so the same man should in his will and disposition cleave unto that God , which hath made heaven and earth ? In like manner ought not the woman also to follow the man , and ( with the like disposition ) s s Eph. 5. cleave only to the mans will , and so in her heart bear that which concerneth God , or at least , labour , hope , and long after it , and in that sort bring forth her children , to the end to bring them up t t Tob. 1. Eccl. 7.30 . Eph. 6. according to the Law of the Lord , in the upright being , that the name of the living God might therein be magnified , from their birth , and from Generation to Generation for evermore .

18. But if we observe and note this thing aright , there are but few ( alas ) that proceed by this rule , and therefore they are generally u u Esa. 57. Mat. 12.16 . adulterers and adulteresses .

19. For such as come not together by the Lord , but x x Tob. 6. keep or shut God and his Law out at doors , are they not all y y Sap. 3.4 . children of adultery ? liveth not every one of them that are such , in his own matrimony and conjunction , contrary to Gods Ordinance or conjunction , z z Sap. 3. Heb. 13. of the undefiled bed ?

20. Therefore passe they not at all , for the pure begetting , procreating , or bearing , to the bringing up of children in godlinesse , to the praise of the most highest .

21. Oh! this same is with many , yet far from home , for every one desireth generally to bring up his children to himself , even to his own pleasure , that he may thereby spread his own name , and not the Lords ; and therefore there is no love of God , nor unity in the love among them .

22. For every where there is a middle wall and division between God , a a Esa. 59.4 Esd. 9.13.15 . Mat. 24. Luk. 21. and the man , between the spirituality and the temporality , between the Prince and the Subjects , between the husband and the wife , between the Parents and the children , between one brother and another , and between one friend and another .

23. Every one mindeth his own , and would fain have another agreeing to his mind : yea the man is now come to such presumption and stoutnesse , b b Esa. 45. that every one in particular would gladly have , that ( in all things ) he might use the everlasting God at his own will , and that God would give successe to all things , according to his pleasure .

24. And in such a manner is the wife minded towards the husband , the children towards the parents , and moreover one people towards another , whether it be in Ordinances , Religions , and Righteousnesses , or in temporall Laws . In every thing there is own wills desire , middle wall , destruction , suspition , mistrust , and covernesse .

25. Yet who taketh it to heart ? who doth forgo himselfe ? who considereth it ● doth not every man cover himself , that his shame might not be laid open ?

26. Who can now ( I pray you ) acknowledge , that he himself is so unclean , unjust , wicked , c c Esa. 1. and dissembling , and that he ought to turn him from his unrighteousnesse ?

27. Truly not many ( alas ) can brook it , nor yet well indure or bear the shame thereof , by reason that they will not do away nor forsake the covering or show of vertue , wherewithall they are covered .

28. For in this regard , the husbands will be much too upright , the wives too honest , and the children much too proud d d Esa. 3. and haughty , for to be content to acknowledge that they are open sinners , and no better then whores and naughty packs , e e Mat. 22. for thereby they might not in any wise come into the Kingdom of God .

29. So perversly are the children of men minded against God . For albeit they are guilty in all respects , ( if not with the deed , yet at least with the heart in secret ) yet notwithstanding they do all keep themselves covered before the face of God , and his Saints ; and would much rather be respected and accounted for just persons , ( even as the Pharisees f f Luk. 7. and letter-learned were ) then with the Publicans to acknowledge their sins , g g Luk. 18. convert and pray to Almighty God for his grace .

30. Whilest then the children of men will not understand nor acknowledge this same , h h Joh. 9. therefore remain they in their sins . Notwithstanding ( out of their unconverted hearts , and unacknowledgement of their errors ) they search the Scripture , i i Joh. 5. thinking to have the understanding of life therein , whereas the same is it , k k Ioh. 5. that accuseth them , and giveth testimony of the upright life : but to the same life they desire not to come , for they know it not , neither the way that leadeth thereunto : howbeit they perswade themselves that they are wise , and do well know , how they ought or ought not to live .

31. But that which they ought before all things to know , they do not know , understand nor see , for they ought necessarily to have seen , that they are , ( like broken of branches ) l l Rom. 11. separated and straied from the upright stock , and likewise to know the defection , m m Esa. 59. from their God and his Christ , and the lying against the Lord .

32. Seeing then they are blinded , in regard of the discerning of the fall from their God , and are not come to the incorporating with Christ , and yet say they are Christians ( and indeed are not , but are a Synagogue of the devill ) and do boast themselves of God , and God findeth them liars in his sight , therefore will he even n n Apo. 3. spew such out of his mouth , and not suffer his holy name to be any longer blasphemed by them , because they should see and know that they have o o Esa. 1. blasphemed the holy one in Israel , p p 1 Mac. 3. trodden down his Sanctuary with their feet , contemned him and his gentlenesse , and in their presumptuousnesse , esteemed themselves great and wise .

33. Inasmuch as this same is still unknown to the world , and unto all wel-conceited wise , and is of few looked into , and that the man learneth not to know himselfe , whereby he might judge righteously ; neither is with the inclination of his heart , disposed to the love , nor hungreth nor lusteth the convertion to his God , and will q q 2 Tim. 4. not abide the godly doctrine , but remain selfe-wise and stout of heart , therefore do I even truly perceive great infelicity , sorrow , r r Mat. 24. and misery , to be ready to come in this perillous time ; yea such an estate shall fall upon the children of men , as shall be out of measure horrible , and all this same must needs light upon them , because every one is much too self-wise in his own conceit , also too self-expert in the Scripture : and for that every one supposeth s s Jer. 8. when he hath the Scripture , and readeth or heareth the same , that he cannot then erre nor be deceived .

34. This say they , and yet do they all erre , because the upright judgement ( out of a discerning of love ) is not in them , and because out of the brests of the love , they have not sucked , and tasted the godly wisdome .

35. For it is certainly meer lies , what the letter-learned , t t Jer. 1. and what the wel-concerned wise of spirit also do without the love , institute or set forth , how clear soever in understanding , and how expert soever of good and evill they are become thereby , for they must all submit them to the love , and be reformed in herservice , otherwise they can never , although ( in their imagination ) they know , perceive , and com prehend all things , come to the new man , u u Joh. 3. nor to the Kingdome of God , for the love is only it , wherein every thing ( which is the truth and wisdome of God ) is comprehended . She x x Col. 3. 2 Tim. 1. is also the band or establishing of the perfection .

36. Whilest the sove then hath every thing ( which is of God , Christ , or Truth , contained or included in it , therefore might some man demand , shal we then let the Scriptures passe ? O no , God forbid : but men are not to use them for the knowledge , nor to the end to teach them forth historically , but to the intent they may give regard to such an upright spirit or life , as is set forth therein , or required thereby ( even as is y y 3 Clas. 24. partly also set forth and declared , both of this , and of the knowledge , in the third book of the Glasse of Righteousnesse ) that so through comfort of the Scriptures , we should ( to our rejoycing ) z z Rom. 15. have our hope on the promises , and on the foreshewing of God , by his Prophets , and by the Apostles of Christ ( who have prophecied of the healthful life , which abideth sure in the love for ever ) and so passing on towards it in the belief , a a Rom. 4. give credit unto God , that he in his promises is true .

37. But it is to be lamented , that the Scripture is by so few at this day discerned , out of the understanding of the truth , and of the love , whereby to understand the same rightly , according to the mind of God .

38. True it is , there is much written , and divers have set forth many writings , and have had much provoking of spirit , and great inclination to teach , howbeit every one severally , according to the sight or knowledge that he hath had , being in the state of the fall from God , and in the estranging from his Salvation .

39. But inasmuch as they were not come to the love , and that their hearts were not inclined to the love in all things , as they were to the spirit of their glistering knowledge and comprehension ; therefore did many of them erre and mistake , for the mind of God , b b Deut. 6.10 . Mat. 22. Rom. 13. and the fulfilling of the Scriptures , is the love .

40. And the same is c c Col. 3. the perfection , wherein every thing [ to a life and truth of peace ] standeth firm to our joy , and d d Eph. 1. to the praise of the glory of God , to all and on all , that hope upon it and long thereafter .

CHAP. X.

1. Great calamity shall come upon the children of Men , because of the contentious knowledge . 2. Knowledge and truth differ . 5. The way of life clearly shewed . 6. Yet through ignorance mistaken . 16. A lamentation over mans ignorance . 24. The author by his writings sheweth what is commendable , and what is discommendable : counselling to learn upright understanding , and the speciall Vertues of the Love , and to shun all disputing with the partiall .

FOrasmuch as the man is now perswaded , that he himself ( with his cies of the Spirit ) doth so clearly and nakedly discern and understand the right , as he cannot be deceived , and for that every one which standeth in partiality , is by his sight or spirit contentious , howsoever each severall party maintaineth his own matter , and defendeth the same to be of God , and will in all things have the right onely and alone passe with his own matter , and will not effect the love above all , to the unity of heart , therefore even through the same glittering , in case they have not all their understanding captive under the obedience of the love , there shall come horrible calamity upon the children of men , in such sort , that upon this earth , they shall become an a a 4 Esd. 5. abhorring one to another , for that every one standing stiffe in the knowledge and in the clearnesse thereof , will not [ for the loves sake ] give over his own matter , thinking that the truth ought not to give place .

2. It is true indeed that the truth ought not to give place , but betwixt the knowledge and the truth , there is great difference : for much knowledge [ which yet men call truth ] can easily arise out of the subtilty of wit ; but the truth of God proceedeth out of the love , and is even of one being with the love .

3. Therefore is the knowledge b b 1 Cor. 13. divided and broken , but the love is the truth , c c Ioh. 17. and the true being it self , and the perfection .

4. But [ alas ] this do not many of them know , to wit , that they should come to the love , and so bear the love , for a mark of the righteous Spirit , and rejoyce them with the truth : d d Ioh. 17. 1 Ioh. 1. that same is the word of life which was spoken of according to the promises .

5. Inasmuch now as I have noted , and do yet at this present find so much boldnesse in men , by reason of their knowledge , and imagination of the truth , whereon they are very stout and bold , and yet for the most part , it still faileth them of the truth and love , and for that the right way to the true life , and the loves nature , is thereby missed of many : And seeing moreover , that the right way and entrance into the true life , and into the loves nature , is ( by Gods grace ) granted me to be seen into , therefore have I out of the inclination of Love , clearly and nakedly , with uncovered words set forth the right way or entrance into the true life , and the upright nature or being of the love in the Glasse of Righteousnesse , distinctly noting the divine , and the humane , the spirituall , and the naturall , and what is decent and meet to be used , for a discerning , which is the establishing of the promises of God , according to the Scripture , that both Gods righteousnesse and mans righteousnesse might be knowne , and that we likewise in an inclination of love , might with consenting minds , passe forth towards the same .

6. But alas , what availeth it any man , that one point him out a good way , and an even and plaine path , if he walk not in the same , nor have no liking thereunto ?

7. What availeth it to knock , and in divers manners to call , if there be no ears to hear , nor any understanding to comprehend , or to understand the same , nor any heart to imbrace such things ?

8. Or , how shall one be able , I pray you , to declare conveniently unto such a man his error , and the entrance into the good life , that he might rightly regard and understand wherein his salvation consisteth , whereby he might be delivered from the bewitching of his heart , and so know what right is , to the intent he might once comprehend understanding rightly .

9. If a man say unto him , the increase , and the blessing e e 1 Cor. 3 cometh only of God , f f Prov. 2. Sap. 8. Eccl. 1. he is the giver of wisdom , and no man nor Letter , then runeth he clean away from the same illuminated man , which pointeth him to the life of wisdome , and utterly giveth over the Scriptures , and the daily Services of the holy Word , which direct him to the upright life , and are service-●●●● thereunto ; and so departeth from the wisdom , g g Jer. 7.11.13 . cleaving either to his vain imagination , or els to the world in her foolishnesse and error .

10. If one say unto him , that he must suffer himself to be h h Rom. 10 1 Cor. 3 2 Cor. 3.4 5. 1 Pet. 4. 2 Pet. 1. served to the peace of life , by some illuminated man , to the intent , that by hearing he may grow up in the belief to the salvation , then observeth he no difference often times between the unlightened men , and the Elders of the holy Understanding in the Family of Love ; but giveth such respect to the unlightned men for their knowledge , that he suffereth himself to be i i Gal. 1.6 Col. 2 taken captive thereby , to a bondage under their knowledges , and so becometh a servant unto men , and is by the unregenerated men bewitched with somthing that is not of God , not leadeth to the life of salvation , in such sort , that through his liking unto that which he heareth of them , and by which he is seduced and beguiled , he betaketh him to the vain things of the flesh , and forsaketh or forgeteth the true ministration of the Word of the Lord , and likewise also the good exercises , wherethrough he might have come , or been brought unto God , and to k k Psal. 36 Ier. 2.17 . the fountain of upright and perfect wisdom .

11. Unto which fountain of upright and perfect wisdom , the man should of right be alwaies subject , and long after it : and moreover , according to the requiring of the good exercise that leadeth thereto , hope thereon ; turn all his affection and inclination of heart thereunto , love the Wsdome and l l Pro. 4. information , and submit himself obediently to the Service of the gracious Word , that so he might come to the m m Prov. 2. life of the upright righteousnesse , and then take part therewith , and not with any of those things that lead not to the salvation .

12. If one say unto him that he must be spiritually minded , then climeth he up ( with his wit ) very high , after the spirituall understanding , and will likewise take upon him to understand the spirituall things , by his own knowledge , and will be so utterly spirituall , and so quite and clean change himself out of flesh into Spirit , that thereby he forgetteth and forgoeth the humane Ordinance and equity , and to shew love to his Neighbour , and unto all men likewise : Out of which bewitched opinion of spiritualnesse , many divisions and corruptions do arise .

13. If a man say unto him , that he should have regard unto the equity of nature , seeing God hath n n Gen. 1. created the naturall things also for the mans good , then doth he on the other side , so wholly adict himself to the naturall and visible things , that he receiveth them to his own bondage , and slavish delectation , and tyeth his heart thereunto , and so shuteth or keepeth off the most holiest being , and the true holy Spirit of Jesus Christ , out of his heart .

14. If the man read the Scripture , and do out of the testimonies of the same , hear that the Law of Moses and the Prophets have their Office and Ministery o o Mat. 11. Luk. 26. Gal. 3. till unto Christ , and that in like manner all is in Christ fulfilled , and that Christ p p Rom. 10 is the end or fulfilling of the Law , whereout the Gospell , or second Testament of the Holy Ghost proceedeth , according to the fore-shewing of the Prophets , then he thinketh he will in any wise take the best , and in his spirit receive Christ , and the Gospell , and that which is spirituall and heavenly of God , supposing thus ( with his understanding and knowledge ) to run clean beyond the law of Moses and the Prophets of the Old Testament [ to wit beyond the obedience of the foregoing Service , ] and so will rely upon Christ , and be a child of the New Testament ; for he readeth , that that is the most best , and imagineth , that if he should regard the Law and the Prophets , and should obey the foregoing Service and requiring thereof , he should then go back and finish his beginning of righteousnesse q q Gal. 3. in the flesh or outward ; for the Scripture and the foregoing Service maketh mention , that the fulfilling of the Law and the Prophets , is r r Luke 18.24 . in Christ , and that the spirituall and heavenly goods , be inherited in the Spirit : And thus will he be one of Christs , of the Gospells , and of the New Testaments , and apprehend in his spirit the spirituall heavenly goods , e're-ever he be passed thorow the Law or the Old Testament , or hath understood the Prophets of the foregoing Service in their requiring , s s Gal. 3.4 Heb. 7 how they lead him to Christ , and how , or in what sort all is in Christ fulfilled .

15. Herein lieth the man wrapped and snarled , and maketh nothing thereof , t t Esa. 59 but desolation and destruction , altogether troubling his understanding and conscience , and in like manner more others also , by his ignorance .

16. O God how is the understanding of the noble generation of man destroyed , being become lesse of godly worthinesse , then the beasts of the field ! howbeit , thou hast chosen and created thee the man to this end , u u Gen. 1 Sap. 2. that he should carry and bear the Image of thy living God-head , to the laud and praise of thy glory , to the intent he should be unto thee ( O God ) x x Lev. 26 2 Cor. 6. Apo. 21. a Temple and Tabernacle for thy holy dwelling .

17. But alas , the man is quite contrary , and against this same , and hath very little mind or desire y y Ier. 5.8 to come to his God again .

18. And therefore the fall and straying of men from their God , is become so deep and far , that there is z z Psa. 14 Rom. 3 scarcely any understanding , will , or desire of right conversion to be found among them .

19. O God , how are we blinded from the right knowledge of thy requiring , and become resisters and despisers of thee !

20. We have a a Esa. 59 Ier. 2 , 32 turned the back unto thee , as those that know thee not , and are become as children that are brought up of strangers , and are so fond upon strangers , that they utterly despise and detest the sight of their Parents , and forget their Fathers house .

21. We are even so far , O God , become strange towards thee , that we have almost no pleasure in thee ; for thou art unto us as the very contemptiblest and most despised'st thing : b b Esa. 53. Yea , so little have we rightly thought of thee , that ( in respect of thy right worthinesse ) we have counted thee utterly of no value , and esteemed thee nothing worth ; neverthelesse , thou bearest c c 1 Pet. 2. our sins , and hast compassion in our affliction , and art our Physitian , healing us of our offences , for thou makest us whole of the deadly wounds of our souls .

22. O God , d d Psa. 25.79 impute not our sins unto us , because of our ignorance , e e Luk. 23. Act. 7. forgive them also their offences , that know not what they do .

23. For seeing the children of men know not thee aright , nor submit themselves obediently to the requiring of thy Word and Service of Love , therefore surely they fall here , or erre there ; in such sort , that oft times they keep no measure nor rule at all .

24. But seeing that such things are now sufficiently known unto me , and that my spirit out of Gods grace , perceiveth a godlier life , then is found with many of the children of men , therefore the inclination to the righteousnesse constraineth me distinctly to shew both that which is commendable , and that also which is utterly discommendable before God and among men .

25. Therefore O ye children of men , note ( I pray you ) your ignorance , and think once upon that which is right , and learn an upright understanding , and a right knowledge of the wisdome , that tendeth to the love .

26. Learne of the Love in her Service f f Mat. 11. lowlinesse , long-sufferance , meeknesse , sobernesse , chastnesse , and righteousnesse , in faithfulnesse and truth ; that same shall be wholsome to your reigns , do good to your g g Pro. 3. navell , refresh your bones , and rejoyce your heart , and shall be unto you a living fountain h h Ioh. 7. that springeth to the everlasting life , and as a fruitfull tree i i Psal. 1. Ier. 17 Ezek. 47 Apoc. 22 planted by the waters side , that bring forth his timely fruits , whose greens or leaves do not wither or fade .

27. Take this same to heart , and be not as the wild beasts ; be k k Psal. 32. not like horses and mules , that have no understanding of wisdom .

28. Inrage not your selves in any wise , as the mad furious world doth ; set no horns on your heads ; thrust not your selves out , l l Prov. 1 Sap. 2. like the unwise or fools , neither let your part be among the greedy or covetous .

29. Keep you from the society of them that are forward to do violence , and of such as count it a small thing to shed mens blood .

30. Have not much disputation nor reasoning with them that ( by their will ) are desirous to have the matter to go on their side , or that are partially minded ; but rather in all things , observe what is right and equall , and what m m Rom. 14 serveth to peace and love .

CHAP. XI .

1 An Exhortation to the Family of Love , to imbrace the loves nature , and to pray with confidence for the godly wisdome . 18. Many pray for wisdom , that will not acknowledge themselves to be unwise . 20. The poor of spirit are blessed , 23. The self-wise will happily for a time , like of the Love and her Wisdome , yet according to his owne sense . 25. H. N. feareth least the Glasse of Righteousnesse shall be misunderstood , as other Sentences are . 35. The Alarme is stricken up , to preparemen to the battell . 43. The Lord indeed worketh all ; but not without us , nor without our obedience . 47. The well-willing are not to be dismayed . 51. The Christian fight is not with cursing nor killing , but with patience to subdue the sin within us . 56. God is pleased to save the world by a foolish Preaching under the obedience of the Love .

O Ye children of the Family of the Love of Jesu Christ , if so be ye love the Love , then consider also the Loves nature ; for the Love is clothed with righteousnesse , which also rejoyceth not a a 1 Cor. 13 in the iniquity , for her joy is in the truth .

2. After such a fashion consider ye the Love , and not after a vain course , according to the mind of the flesh , b b Esa. 40. for all flesh waxeth old and changeth ; but the Spirit that cleaveth to the Love , doth neither wax old nor change , but it abideth for ever .

3. Hereunto have regard , that your life may be in the preservation of the righteous , and fear not , like the fooles or ignorant .

4. For why should ye perish with the fools and ignorant ? wherefore should ye inherit the cursing c c Mat. 25. with the goats ?

5. Separate d d 2 Cor. 6 Apoc. 18. from them , and behold Gods right hand ; for from thence cometh unto us the life of salvation , and the light of the holy understanding .

6. Even there learne with the wise , the godly wisdom , that according to the Spirit , ye may be not earthly , e e Col. 3. but heavenly minded .

7. Suck also in like manner all gentlenesse out of the brests of the Love , and seek the peace of concord .

8. And when ye have gotten all this same , then play , sing , f f Psal. 96.87 . and praise the Lord as his little lambs , and g g Psa. 79.95.100 . as the sheep of his pasture , and as little children , h h 1 Pet. 2. in whom there is no guilefull heart hidden , and so get you a naked lovely heart , such as uncoveredly groweth up in the Love , and i i 1 Thes. 3 2 Thes. 1. increaseth therein more and more ; and increase ye likewise in wisdome , and in holy understanding .

9. If now ye be hereunto well minded , then shall your portion be with the Kings and Priests , or with the Elders of the holy Understanding , and your fellowship with such Senetors , as do further the Righteousnesse and your Service of the Word , with the peace-makers , that do earnestly seek the unity in the Love .

10. And thus shall then the slandering lips , k k T it 2. 1 Pet. 2.3 which defame you with all evill , by your good conversation with the wise , in the wisdom , and with the just or vertuous , in all righteousnesse and integrity , be put to silence .

11. Therefore be now ( through the love and her service ) wholly l l Rom. 12. Eph. 4. renewed , and purified in the spirit of your mind , passe now thorow the river of the love , even to the rest of life , the holy land of promise , that the ungodly bear no dominion over you .

12. Be altogether with one consent minded hereunto , and let the love have the preheminence and dominion with you all , that the little ones may be protected , and the simple defended .

13. Therefore , O ye lovers of the truth , seek unity , and labour for it , and make a departure out of all heathenish being , which is after the course of the worlds foolishnesse .

14. Do away the fore-skin m m Deut. 10 Ier. 4 of your uncircumcised hearts : lay away from you ( according to the former conversation ) the bewitching of the imagination , which glimmereth unto you before the eyes of your spirit , and glittereth before your understanding , as if it were some excellent thing .

15. Renew your understanding in the Service of the holy and gracious Word , under the obedience of the Love , and so in the spirit of your mind betake you n n 1 Cor. 14 to the Love , and and as deer children be subject thereunto , whereby you may in the love obtain eyes of clearnesse .

16. If notwithstanding ye be o o Iam. 1. unwise , p p Apoc. 3. blind , and q q Mat. 5 poore of spirit , yet grieve not your selves for all that ; for then ye draw neare to the Kingdome of God .

17. If you desire godly wisdom , then r r Iam. 1 pray and believe , she shall be given you , so far forth as your prayer s s Rom. 12. is stedfast , and as ye pray to God , in a lowly heart , with such a prostrated soule , as hath a desire or pleasure to do , and to fulfill the Lords will .

18. Men may find many which pray unto God for wisdom , and for the right sight of his Kingdom ; but they will not acknowledge , nor t t Joh. 9. Apoc. 3. understand , that they are unwise , poor , and blind , therefore they obtain nothing .

19. For although that the wisdom stood even at their door , yet so well seen are they , and so rich of spirit , through their own wisdome of the knowledge , that the upright wisdom of God and the being of his Kingdome , must be faine to tarry without .

20. Therefore right well speaketh the mouth of the Wisdom , Blessed u u Mat. 5. are the poor of spirit ; for the Kingdom of heaven belongeth unto them , or the wisdome of God ariseth ( as light ) upon them , and not upon the rich , or upon the great knowers .

21. For when we of our selves are become poor , blind , or unwise , or do forsake that which is ours , and do come to contrition and meeknesse of heart , x x Psal. ●1 . Esa then will God dwell with us , and appeare in such hearts , as also the Scripture maketh mention , and then are we also poor ; but God is become rich in us , by means of our vilenesse , or because we are poor in the knowledge : It is true .

22. These and other like things have I in many places distinctly set forth in the Glass of Righteousness , and do here also set forth the same in this Introduction to the holy Vnderstanding ; if any man regard it , let him consider the inclination of mine understanding .

23. But what shall I say ? I find the man much too self-wise y y Rom. 1. 1 Cor. 1. in his owne conceit , and too void of understanding , in the mind of the love ; for commonly when the man heareth of the love , and of the right understanding of wisdom , he rejoyceth him in the hearing , and it seemeth as if it liked him well , likewise for a time he commendeth it .

24. But in conclusion there is nothing among the greatest sort but self-feeking , and very little doe they understand the first Schoole-rule of the Christian Doctrine of the service of love , for an entrance into the upright life in Jesus Christ ; but do understand every thing , which is held forth before them out of Gods wisdome and love , according to their imagination , and according to the mind of their liking . They seek thereout their own commodity , z z 2 Phil. 2. and not the Lords ; they run clean back from the mind of the love , and use all subtilty to manitain their own opinion .

25. Whereout I observe , that the man ( which is thus minded ) conceiveth of the wisdom and of the love utterly amisse . For which cause I likewise fear , least the Glasse of Righteousnesse ( how plainly and rightly , evidently and clearly soever it is set forth ) shall not of many be discerned aright , nor yet be conceived of , according to the truth .

26. If therefore they discern or conceive not a right of such apparent sentences ( as are so clearly and plainly uttered ) that even every one ( which loveth lowlinesse and righteousnesse ) must needs approve the same , and acknowledge that the man and the world is created thereunto ) how should they then be able rightly to understand or judge of all the mysteries of the Kingdome of God ?

27. For which causes sake ( to the intent no man might have occasion to estrange himself from the truth , unlesse it might be by his own revolting heart ) we have hidden or covertly set forth nothing , in the Glasse of Righteousnesse .

28. Notwithstanding , if any thing be covered or hidden unto any , a a 2 Cor. 4. it is hidden to the unbelievers , who have no desire nor love to the truth , nor to the life which is of God , for such are darkned b b Rom. 1. in their understanding , through pleasure in their own mind , and through the ignorance which is in them , c c Eph. 4. and through the blindnesse of their hearts , do gather unto themselves , d d Rom. 2. a treasure of wickednesse , to an horrible destruction ; and so through their own wisdome , do turn away and separate themselves , from the love , and from her service .

29. But unto all lovers of equity , which have a desire and belief towards the love , [ to the intent that by her service , they might tast of e e 1 Pet. 2. the uncorrupted milk , the Word of God , that f f Psa. 40. 1 Pet. 1. liveth for ever ] we have out of the inclination of love , so openly and clearly , according to the life painted out , and set forth the Glasse of Righteousnesse that every one , who with an humble heart hath regard thereunto , and desireth the understand of Righteousnesse , shall be well satisfied therein .

30. If also any man turn his heart unto God , and desire to do his will , the same shall likewise well understand , that the testimonies of the upright life in the love , ( as it is set forth in the Glasse of Righteousnesse ) is the upright ground of righteousnesse , that God from the beginning hath required of the man , which also in the restoring thereof shall continue for ever , to the Salvation of the world , according to the promises , even as God hath spoken the same aforetimes , by the mouth of his holy Prophets , who have all g g Esa. 2.60.61.62 . Jer. 31. Joel . 2.3 . Zach. 2.8 . Mich. 4. Soph. 3. Mal. 4. witnessed and prophecied of that same upright life , for to come in the last time , and in the same shall also all consciences be appeased .

31. For the end or fulnesse of the same , is the revealing or coming of the Kingdom of God , and the beholding of the joyes and Salvation of the eternall , h h Esa. 35.51.60.65 . Apo. 21.22 . perfect and uncorruptible being .

32. Oh that the man had any understanding in the godlinesse , and did perceive whereunto God calleth him , and did in like manner prepare his heart after the meaning of the written sentences , and did let alone judging by the knowledge !

33. But no , the man is much too self-wise by his knowledge , and therefore he is more inclined to judge of every thing after his knowledge , then to prepare his heart to the good , under the obedience of the love .

34. Therefore it is very much to be lamented , that many among the children of men , do oftentimes judge the sentences and writings ( which have out of the service of love , their ministration to the good life ) according to their Knowledge . For as soon as they read or hear the same , they suppose by and by that thet have rightly apprehended , and well understood them , not first minding to enter in , to obtain , and to live in that which they bear witnesse of , whereas yet the service of our writing tendeth hereunto , even that mens hearts ( as is there set forth ) should be prepared to the same .

35. For men strike up no alarm , in the host , to the intent to make the people unlusty to the battell , nor yet that they should but know the exercise of the warr , or judge of the Alarm-stroak , but that ( with good courage ) they should prepare themselves to the battell or fight . Thereby every one ( that hath courage to fight ) doth then make himself ready to incounter with his enemies , and to root out his adversary , or to subdue him .

36. But ( alas ) I find it with many , otherwise in that alarm by which the man is called to the spirituall i i Eph. 6. fight , to the vanquishing of his enemies , which ( inwardly in him ) are killers and murderers of his soul .

37. Therefore it is very true , that the children of this world are much k k Luk. 16. wiser in their dealing , as concerning the flesh , then the children of the Kingdom are , in that which concerneth the spirit .

38. What availeth I pray you , an alarm made , if men prepare them not to the battell ? for many are perswaded , that this is no time of fighting , and that there shall be no need thereof ; supposing , because of their unbelief , that nothing shall come of it ; and lay their hands behind on the back , or put them up in the bosome . Their heads are giddy , as if their hearts were utterly unlusty , or dismaid to the fight .

39. If one should seek for men of warre , where I pray you , should he find them ? Are they not for the most part gone back , l l Levit. 26. Jer. 48. and become faint hearted as women ?

40. If they do but once suffer harm , and be wounded ; or forced by any evill defamation , or assault of the wicked ) to sustain any molestation or reproach , then are they perswaded , that the cause is altogether nought , and so running again after their case , they suffer themselves to be ruled by women , m m Esa. 3. their enemy to raign over them ; and in like manner make truth n n Esa. 28. with death , and a league with hell , retain peace with the sin and accuser , and become of one mind with the world , supposing that then all shall be well : moreover they make an appointment or conclusion with themselves , that they will no more trouble themselves with the doctrine of the Family of Love , nor yet with the battell , thinking , Let them run that will .

41. For to resist the evill , to break and subdue the wicked heart and evil thoughts , and to suffer much distresse , contempt , and reproach , for the same liketh them not ; they will none of that Howbeit , we are alwaies to fight against the evill , and to keep good watch continually : we are alwaies to think night and day upon the vertue of the godly life , alwaies to long , and to hunger and thirst after it , alwaies to speak and to treat thereof , with such as do so labour thereafter ; and yet then of many sorts of people ( and letter-learned ) to be despised and reproached .

42. Because of this toil , and for the shame and reproaches cause , which meeteth them ( and because they love not the righteousnesse of the godly life , with the heart ) they let the matter passe , saying , out of unbelief , I cannot further it , I hold me still or unoccupied about it : let the Lord work it , I will commit it unto him . Supposing when they thus passe on according to their imagination , or do live after the fashion of the world , and ( with an o o Rom. 2. unrepenting heart towards God , do hold peace with the blasphemers and strivers , against the truth of Christ and his love , that then God will make it to be well with them .

43. Deceive not your selves ye dearly beloved , the saying is very right , p p Act. 16. Eph. 3. Gol. 1. that the Lord worketh it , and that he will also cause it to go well with us , q q Phil. 1.2 . and prepare us after his will and pleasure : howbeit not without us , nor yet without the obedience of the requiring of the service of his holy and gracious word , and of his love ; and whilest that we turne us away in such a sort from him , and from the Ministers of his word , and do refuse him ; r r Luk. 17. but it is done inwardly in us , under the obedience of the requiring of his gracious word and service of love , so as we stand subject unto him with good will ) therein , and be of one mind with him , against the ungodly being , that God may so in us magnifie his holy name s s 2 Reg. 7. and be called t t Ier. 10. a God of Hosts , a u u Esa. 47. God of Israel , or a God of such a one as beareth dominion with God over his enemies .

44. After this manner is God a Lord of his Army . He is only the Lord ; but we the instrument of his hands .

45. Out of such an understanding under the obedience of the Law of the Lord , did the Kingly Prophet David , eftsoons apprehend a zealous stoutnesse , even as in divers manners we read in his Psalms , how valiantly and couragiously he setteth himself on Gods part , against his enemies , as well in fighting with good courage , as also sometimes in praying and making supplication , that God might be his helper .

46. After the same manner ought it also to go with us inwardly in our hearts , under the obedience of the love , x x 2 Cor. 3. for no man can do any thing of himself , how stout , strong , or wise soever he be , unlesse God be with him , who strengthneth him , whom under the obedience of the Word and his love , he findeth to be of good will , and that prayeth unto him for his help .

47. If then any man be weak , finding himself infirm yet to the battell , the same is not y y Eccl. 2. rejected nor despised , no nor any one that hath been in errour , so that they do but trust in God , and be good of will , do abide in the faith , and so in processe of time do increase in strength , and be not unwilling in the word of the Lord .

48. Therefore , Oye little and sorrowfull hearts , z z Esa. 35.41 . be not dismaid , but be confident in hope , the Lord will not suffer you to be a a Esa. 54. put to shame : Therefore be of good courage .

49. Though that the battell come unto you , and that ye be despised by the unbelievers of the gracious word , and by the blasphemers of the love of God , and of the holy spirit of Jesus Christ , and that moreover , b b Mat. 5. 1 Pet. 2.3 . all evill be lyingly spoken of you , yet be not therefore dismaid .

50. For the God of Israel is c c Esa. 51. our comfort , and he the same God will be our redeemer and our King , wherefore have your refuge only on him , to the intent ye may not fear your adversary in the fight . For truly this fight is godly and amiable .

51. Men curse nor swear not there , they do not there kill nor destroy any , d d Eph. 6. save only that opposite being against God , for it is no outward battell or war .

52. They use there no outward e e Esa. 2. Mic. 4. swords or spears , they seek there to destroy no flesh of men , but it is a fight of the crosse and patience , f f Rom. 6. to the subduing of the sin .

53. This fight is also no disputation , brawling , nor wrangling for the knowledges sake of the Scriptures . It is likewise no contention with men , howsoever the most part of factious men ( which do every faction in particular call themselves the right Christians ) have even to this day so used it ; and do also yet still brawle , g g 1 Cor. 3. Jam. 3. contend , and strive one against another , ( and that with a secret , hatred , and envy ) who should be best , wisest and holiest , and how to have right and equity , every one in his conceiving , whereby they intangle themselves every way one with another .

54. But such brawling and discord , do not I hold for any Christian-like fight , seeing men do thereby forsake the love , therefore such a fight doth nothing further towards the life , nor towards the upright understanding of the divine wisdome .

55. Moreover , all those which stand minded to such a kind of outward fight , brawling , wrangling , & railing , have never rightly perceived nor understood h h Eph. 7. the inward fight . For inasmuch as they know not the vertue of the love , nor that whereout she proceedeth , therefore do they account the battell of the righteous spirit ( which through the crosse , in the spirit of wel-willing hearts , carrieth forth the fight against death , sin , devill , and hell ) for an ignorance and foolishnesse , because they do no more esteem of such a chosen Salvation , as is brought forth after the manner of men , and which the man hath his glorying in , then of the righteous spirit of love and life , which God himself bringeth forth , for i i Esa. 60. a true light , and salvation of men , after his godly nature and manner : the k k Esa. 42.48 . glorying whereof belongeth only unto God , and to himself he also keepeth it .

56. Wherefore seeing God hath considered , that all mans wisdome is vain , and that men by their wisdome know not Gods work ( in his wisdome ) nor his Salvation through his Christ , l l 1 Cor. 1. it hath therefore pleased God through foolish preaching ( under the obedience of the love of Christ ) to save the world [ that is to say , all those that believe in him ] that he might catch the wise , m m Esa. 29. 1 Cor● 3● in their wisdome , the crafty in their subtilty and craftinesse , and the letter-learned in their knowledge of the Scripture , thereby making known unto them , n n Psal. 94. 1 Cor. 3. how vain and void of understanding they are in the purpose of God ; and how that ( by all wisdome and prudency , and by all their learnednesse in the letter ) they have not known any thing of o o Mat. 11. 1 Cor. 2. Gods wisdome at all , wherethrough the Almighty God is magnified , and by which it is known , that his foolishnesse is much wiser , then all the wisdome of the world , or prudence of mans wit .

57. Now whosoever believeth the same , but on the contrary party is yet so selfwise , that he giveth no ear at all , nor is inclined to the love , or to our communion through the loves service ( wherein Gods purpose is known or understood ) the same man surely shall not understand the mind of God , nor yet his secret , p p Kom . 8. 1 Cor. 2. for it is unpossible to understand the wisdome of God , without obeying of the love .

CHAP. XII .

1. It is meet , that every one submit himself to the appeared grace . 2. The new day . 3. Patience towards the unbelievers . 4. Wherein the upright understanding is to be found . 5. The worldly wise find it not , but will rest upon their owne wisdome . 13. An exhortation to cleave to the truth , without bondage to outward things 15. What the perfect righteousnesse is . 19. And how we ought to cleave thereunto , and to esteem of the outward things , so far as they are profitable , and no further . 21. And that not for their owne sakes , but for the Ordinances sake . 22. How to behave our selves towards all men , wives , children servants . 26. He exhorteth to give our minds to a lovely behaviour towards all . 32. Not to regard any thing that may cause dissention , but to set our chief respect upon the inward , and not upon the outward . 43. The upright life is the same that the Fathers lived in . 45. Whereunto also the Gentiles were called by the Gospell . 46. He requireth all people to take heed to their calling . 50. And to turn away from the self-minded thoughts that do tempt and intice us . 51. Our union with God in the spirit , is the stone that is disallowed of men , 55. The Glasse of Righteousnesse serveth to try our selves by . 56. The man is diversly perverted . How H. N. passed forth under the love in his humane nature , and how God received him unto grace . 61. His little regard to the outward . 63. Yet not despising it , because it is profitable to train up the man in his youngnesse . 65. Men ought to esteem the greatest , more then the least , and to put difference in the Age of the Disciples . 66. That teacher , which is not entred , nor hath not accomplished the Righteousnesse in the love , is both himself , and also his hearers far from the truth . 67. The Priesthood out of Levi is good in his right use ; but the Priesthood of Messias is yet more excellent . 71. Why he pointeth not to the outward .

FOrasmuch then as ( through the a a 1 Cor. 8. revealing of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ , in the resurrection of the dead ) there is out of grace , such an holy office or service of the love , to a renewing of the world , now in the last time come unto us , and ( according to the secret counsell and will of God ) committed unto us , in upright righteousnesse and holinesse to be ministred , therefore it were very meet , that every one which is awakened thereby , should submit himself thereunto , and give ear unto us in the same service , to the obeying of the love in the spirit , that every mans eyes might be made bright , and become clearer and clearer , to b b Act. 7. behold with a clear sight of their eyes , Gods Kingdom of heaven , the which now manifesteth it self unto us , and cometh unto us under the obedience of the love ; and likewise with the same do appear and come unto us , livingly and gloriously all Gods c c 1 Cor. 15. Saints , which in times past died , and fell asleep in God .

2. Behold this manifestation or appearing of Gods Kingdome of heaven , d d Mat. 24.25 . and of the coming of Christ , together with all his Saints , e e Esa. 65. 2 Pet. 3. is the new day of life , and the f f Dan. 12. 4 Esd. 7. 1 Cor. 15. 1 Thes. 4. Resurrection of the dead , according to the Scriptures ; which manifestation of the Kingdom of God , and of the glorious coming of Christ , with his Saints , and of the new day , we now under the obedience of the love , publish abroad in all the world ( for a Gospell g g Mat. 24. of the Kingdome ) according to the promises .

3. But if any man heareth not , nor believeth the same , neither is wakened out of the h h Esa. 29. sleep of his ignorance , or will not hear this voice of the love , him do we let alone therein , still bearing a favourable good will towards him , and do cleave fast to the love , bear patience , with his ignorance and blindnesse , and do consider , that all of us have heretofore been unwise , i i 2 Pet. 2. and have been blinded from this glorious light of life , yea we do yet doubtlesse often find in our selves the lack of understanding , untill the light of life do manifest it self perfectly in us .

4. Howbeit , the right understanding consisteth not in many words k k 1 Cor. 2. or sayings , nor in high or deep knowledge , as is aforesaid : but it is found in long-suffering , and in such a heart as feareth the true God , under the obedience of the love , where men use temperance , l l 2 Pet. 1 discretion and kind-heartednesse , and where men love righteousnesse and information of equity .

5. But where is it now , where may one seek and find it ? who doth earnestly desire lust , or long for it ? who applieth his heart wholly thereunto ?

6. Truly not the children of this world , which are the lovers of errour , nor yet the self-wise of the vain-conceited hearts , neither the lovers of their own companies of Religion : For all these think not upon the service of the love , neither will admit any thing , but what they have chosen : they blaspheme also every thing , besides their own opinion , and have no regard to the Statutes and m m Exod. 20. Deu. 4.5.6 . Ordinances of the most highest , nor to the n n Mat. 5.6.7.11.16.19.22 . doctrine of Jesus Christ , neither to the requiring of his Catholike Church .

7. And therefore will the man to maintain his own cause , be alwaies above the understanding of the love , and so be the loves Master : For there are few found that do with whole heart submit themselves under the Love , to the intent they might obtain ( through concord and o o Joh. 17. Eph. 4. Phil. 1. equalitie in the Love ) one like mind to the good , to the one manner of subduing or mortifying of the evill hearts , minds , and thoughts .

8. For that , or him that directeth thereunto , they can by no means abide , nor yet be minded to the lovely life of upright Righteousnesse , which I H. N. out of intire love do beare witnesse of , because with many the same is not ( according to his upright being ) hearkned unto , nor rightly understood ; for every one ( with his conceited imagination , and unclean heart ) will fain be himself he , whom men ought to esteem for wise : in such sort , that many of them do arrogantly aseribe understanding to themselves , as if they knew already all that they should know , and were wholly such as in Jesus Christ they ought to be .

9. Moreover many of them are so rich p p Apo. 3. & wise , as though they needed no more ; and many perswade themselves that they are such as do live free , and that they are every whit the same that they should be , that also the Service of the love concerns them not , and that they are past it all .

10. Lo , such things think the fools and unwise ( those unfruitful q q Iude 1. trees ) that love their self-wisdom , and their own ease in the flesh , and are quite dead therein ; yea , though he be an Infidell or Heathen , yet scarcely thinketh he that he hath any wrong understanding for all that ; what might then one that is wise think , or he that perswadeth himself that he is holy ?

11. Now because many of them do esteem their owne matter for such a fairnesse r r 1 Cor. 1. or wisdom , therefore besides their own wisdom , they will in no wise heare any s s Acts 7. other understanding , nor esteem it for wisdome ; for every thing is evill or uncleane in their eyes , which is without their wisdom ; yet must they needs acknowledge , that the inside of their vessell , t t Mat. 23. is not cleansed from the filthinesse , neither doe they believe to be cleansed through Jesus Christ , or to be justified from the sin under the Obedience of the Love .

12. What helpeth it then , or whereto is it profitable , that one should shew any precious ornament or jewell of godly fairnesse unto such , if in their hearts , it were against them , or that they loved not the same ? Even so is it also with the testimony of the Word in the Love , when there is no love joyned thereunto , for to love that which is heard or witnessed .

13. Therefore let us in all things [ and before all ] grow like minded to concord u u Rom. 12 1 Pet. 3. in the Love , x x 1 Pet. 5. humble our hearts to the living God , and so love the vertue and the godlinesse , & cleave to no ungodly being , or unorderlinesse of this world ; but let us ( with impartiall minds ) hearken to the truth ( for an instruction to the wisdom ) with long suffering , and cleave to the vertue of the good life , with him that beareth witnesse only thereunto , and taketh part with no flesh .

14. Wherefore let no man bind his heart unto any outward thing which he is served with to the righteousnesse of life , much lesse to the worldly things , or to any thing which the desires of the flesh are inclined unto , that he be not disappointed of the entrance to the life , which thing would be a great grief unto me .

15. For this cause ( that no man should erre , but perceive whereunto our calling tendeth ) hear and understand what the chiefe summe of the perfect Righteousnesse is .

16. It is an humble heart , y y Psa. 51. that departeth from all earthly and corruptible things , and with a lowly and meek spirit is incorporated with God in pure Love , according to the Spirit , living in the forme of Jesus Christ z z 1 Tim. 1 in an unspotted conscience , and to have an inclined mind or desire to do the Lords will , and to fulfill all righteousnesse .

17. Towards this let us passe on ( with a good hope ) in a sure faith and confidence , let every one turn him a a Esa. 55. Jer. 18.25 35 Ezek. 118. Jon. 3. from the wayes of his error , and with-draw his heart from the bands of selfnesse , to the intent ( in an upright being ) to serve b b 1 Thes. 1 Heb. 9. the living God only , and turn away his senses and thoughts from that which hangeth on , to a bondage of the heart , [ that is to say , from all that is created outward or vaine , how holy , how good , how fair , or how amiable a grace soever ( according to the outward appearance ) it may shew forth unto the man : ] to the end , that no man be taken , or remaine captive in any bewitching ( to a thraledome of his mind ) with that wherewith the Heathen , and the unwise , or uncircumcised of heart , are still bewitched , tied and bound , not onely with the outward show of holinesse , or wisdome , but also with the delight of the outward created things c c Rom. 2 in this world , wherein with their hearts they become vain .

18. Therefore let us reckon all these things for such as they are , and repute some of them ( in that whereunto they are commodious ) for good in their degree and quality , to the end our heart may stand free in the everlasting uncreated Godhead , according to the Spirit ; that is , in the God of Israel , the Creator of all good things : and moreover , let us suffer our hearts to be prepared thereunto in the obeying of the requiring of the Service of Love .

19. That is truly the everlasting life , which in times past was preached unto the world , and is now in the last time ( by Gods grace ) come unto us , under the obedience of the Love , that our fellowship d d 1 Joh. 1 should be with God the Father , and with his Son the Lord Jesus Christ , and that our joy in the Love might be perfect .

20. On this onely and true God settle your hearts , to a union with him , and with his Christ , and love him e e Deut. 6. from your whole souls , minds , and thoughts , and so then love all created things in their degree , or as they are profitable .

21. Yet not for their owne sakes , but for the Ordinances sake that God hath created them unto , and whereunto he hath appointed them , as good ; then shall God be loved , honoured , and served by you above your selves , and above all visible things , and f f Exod. 20 Deut. 4. you shall also neither have nor serve any Idolls which are besides him .

22. In such a degree love ye also all men g g Lev. 19. Mat. 22. Mar. 12. Rom. 13. as your selves , or as your fellow-brethren , so shall there be no dissention nor division found among you : and then ( in the same sort ) h h Eph. 5. love your wives , which are minded with you in one heart and spirit to God ward , as fellow-members of your bodies , or els should ye be no married folks .

23. To the same good being of concord in the Love , i i Eccl. 7.30 love ye likewise your children that they may be brought up in righteousnesse after the Law of the Lord , to serve the living God .

24. If any man hath servants , whether men-servants , or miad-servants , k k Eccl. 7.33 . Eph. 6. Col. 3. let him not overcharge them with slavery , but use moderation : give them also now and then time to rest and to recreate their hearts in the things that God requireth .

25. But beware of the stout servants , l l Eccl. 33. such as in their leisure time seek nothing but unseemlinesse , pride , disorder and lightnesse ; for , for such , whether they be sonnes or daughters , men-servants or maid servants ( if so be they exercise nor desire no righteousnesse ) labour serveth much better then leisure ; yet with discretion , according to time and measure , alwaies be holding the good before them upon hope of amendment .

26. Hereunto let us be minded , and give over our hearts and minds , to live therein , and alwaies exercise love m m Rom. 12 1 Thes. 3. 1 Pet. 1.3 . one towards another , and so n n Heb. 10. James 5. with patience , and long-suffering , wait o o Luke 2. for the consolation of Israel , and for the health of the house of Jacob , whom God ( in his time ) shall call together from all the ends p p Mat. 24. or coasts of the earth , where now they are dispersed .

27. Wherefore increase ye in the good , q q Eph. 4. Col. 1. 1 Pet. 1. and grow up in the Lord , and for the communion of the Loves sake , and that we with consent of heart , may be joyned to the same , let us incline our hearts to each other , to the end we may all become one , such as love righteousnesse , and forsake dissention , & which dispise nor reject none , neither Jew , Mahomet , Heathen , nor any Sect or Faction , but rather draw all that will follow to our communion under the obedience of the Love , that the Service of the Love may become prosperous , and ( in all upright righteousnesse ) obtain the preheminence .

28. Whosoever then joyneth himselfe to our communion of the Love , yeeldeth himselfe to the love , and to the requiring of her Service obediently , loveth the righteousnesse , r r Psal. 15.24 . Esa. 33. John 9. Acts 10. and hath no guile in his heart , the same is acceptable to God , and all such shall be unied in the Love , and love one manner of righteousnesse , according to the mentioning of the Glasse of Righteousnesse .

29. Hereunto let every one be humbly minded , and so incline his fatherly heart s s Mal. 4. Luk. 1 to the children , to unity in the Love .

30. Let the children t t Eph. 6. Col. 3. bow themselves ( in holinesse ) to the humility , and so ( for the unities sake in the Love ) turne their hearts to the Fathers .

31. The like also let every one do towards his brother , and one man towards another , and that all under the obedience of the Love .

32. Do away from you u u Esa. 59. the middle walls , and have love all that love righteousnesse , proceed on after it , with one accord , have no regard to the foolishnesse of the Heathen , nor to any such dealings or witnessings , as cause Sects , dissention or renting , nor yet to their teachings and unprofitable devices , nor to the witching of their God-services , nor to the subtill knowledge of their wisdome : For their waies x x Jer. 5. are snares , and their wisdome y y Esa. 19.42.58 . nets ; who so hath no regard to the Law of the Lord , nor to Abrahams God , he shall be bewitched , tied , or taken , and be led away from the requiring of the service of love by them .

33. But all ye which turne you to the living God , which made heaven and earth , fear not the Gods of the Heathen , neither regard the nets of the wisdome of the uncircumcised , seeing they reject the Lords Word and his Ordinances .

34. For the nets of the Heathen are like Spiders webs , which do soon rent and fall asunder ; but the Law or Ordinance of the Lord is stedfast , and abideth everlastingly .

35. Therefore let the Law of the Lord , and his Ordinances , be alwayes for a teaching unto you , and fear the God of Israel , and let his love be still your rejoycing .

36. Mark the ground of the Love , ye deerly beloved , and let your ears of the Spirit , that you may hear , your eyes of the heart , that you may see , and your understanding , that you may understand , be opened or unlocked , not only to the outward , earthly and corruptible , but chiefly to that which is inward , spirituall and eternall .

37. For behold , I do verily witnesse this same distinctly enough unto you , to the intent we might all have regard to the upright life inwardly in our hearts , a a Rom. 8. become spiritually minded , and through the grace of the bountifull Godhead , serve in the upright life , the living God only .

38. Let every one b b Gal. 6. take heed to his time ; for if we be already separated with our heart from whoring with stocks and stones , ( as from such Idolatries ) doubtlesse it is then so much the more expedient ( inasmuch as such grace is extended on us ) that we observe our hearts and cogitations , and cleanse them from all outward unprofitable things , to be made free and unbound therefrom , to the intent our hearts abide not bound unto any manner elementish , created or worldly matter , nor yet unto any kind of appearance of c c Col. 2. spirituall or holy things , whereby ( in case our hearts stood bound therein ) we may be lead awhoring , and our hearts be bewitched therewith .

39. Therefore let us not regard , nor give respect unto , or esteem any outward things higher then for elementish , or so much as they are in their degree , or as they are profitable in their Service : neither let us go a whoring with them , to the intent our eyes of the Spirit may still have respect to the only God and his upright life , for to cleave with true understanding , unto the same .

40. For whatsoever is outward , whether it be man or beast , and whatsoever is to be seen , heard or felt , how fair , good , holy , or wise soever it seemeth to be , must certainly every whit ( so far forth as it standeth in his right degree ) d d 1 Cor. 15 Eph. 1. Heb. 2. be subdued under the only God and his love .

41. This same verily should the man once consider and understand , to the intent he might once be delivered and rid of his foolish witchery , and of dissention , and of whoring with this or that .

42. Therefore let no man be tied or bound to the lusts of whoredome with any outward thing , but give all his respect to that God , e e 1 Cor. 15 which is all in all , and inwardly in his mind let him take heed to the upright life , which is godly , holy , and good , that he may bear the Image or like being of his God ; f f 1 Cor. 15 for as we have borne the image of the earthly , so shall we also in like manner , bear the image of the heavenly , to the land and praise of the glory of God .

43. Loe , thereunto is my testimony , namely , that the upright life is the life of the upright Fathers , which served and worshipped the invisible , great , g g Deut. 4.5.6 . &c. and almighty God only , ( who still was God in Israel , and in Israel also wrought wonderfully ) who is h h Exod. 3. Mat. 22. che God of Abraham , the God of Isaac , and the God of Jacob.

44. Now in that these Tribes of Israel knew the God of heaven as a true God , and lived and cleave unto him , therefore did they stand free and untied from all the God-services of the Heathenish Sorceries , and were unbound from all whorings with outward things .

45. To obtain this grace in God , that is the Gospell , which is through Christ published to the Heathen , to the intent they should be released from their foolish bewitched God-services , and from all their lusts of whoredome , whereby they may with Israel , be incorporated into the stock of Abraham , and may altogether as one manner of people , serve the onely living God in one manner , Lawes , Statutes , and Ordinances , even as the second Booke of the Glasse of Righteousnesse maketh mention .

46. Therefore , O all ye people , Nations , and Tribes , if ye will not consider whereto ye are called of the God of heaven , through the seed of Abraham , according to the promises , neither do regard your heavenly calling aright in her degree , nor give your selves over thereunto , nor feare Abrahams God , nor love his Lawes and Ordinances , but do build upon another foundation , i i Eph. 2 then surely shall ye be banished from God , and from the Citizenship of Israel , and be constrained to serve vaine things , k k Deut. ●● and to keep such Ordinances as you doe not know .

47. That same shall intangle your hearts , bewitch your understanding , and make you bond-servants , which indeed we are , so long as we willingly remain l l Rom. 6 subject to the sin , and to the Sorcery of the heathen .

48. Therefore take heed to your time , and seek God , m m Esa. 55. while he is neare , and may be found , and while ye have yet space to turn you unto him .

49. Let the ungodly n n Ezek. 18 forsake his ungodly being , and so come to the life through the death of the Crosse of Jesus Christ , then shall he live and die no more .

50. Let us apply our minds to the same , and turn our hearts away from all sensuality of the flesh , not only from that which outwardly we look upon ; but chiefly from the self-minded thoughts which do arise o o Sap. 2. Mat. 15. out of our selves , and doe tempt or intice us thereunto , for to hold our hearts in bondage to the vaine corruptiblenesse , which ( through the works of unbeliefe ) leadeth away from the living God , wherby we may be deprived of the fellowship with God in the Spirit ; for the unity and p p Eph. 2. peace with God the Father in the Spirit ( for to live one with another in all Loue ) is the glorious liberty of the children of God , whereunto we are called by Jesus Christ .

51. Lo , this is the stone q q Psa. 118 1 Pet. 2. which was not allowed of the workmen , yet is there r r Acts 4. salvation in none other ; which stone is clean against all sense of the flesh , and against all them that are minded only upon the outward : therefore of those builders , [ which will themselves act , or set up the salvation ] he is rejected , s s Esa. 8.28 Mat. 21. and is unto them a stone of stumbling and offence : t t Psal. 118 Mat. 21. and this is a wonderfull worke in our eyes .

52. Behold herein we have likewise all sinned , and trespassed .

53. Therefore it stands us now upon , to regard well from the heart the mind of the truth , and with humble hearts to pray unto the Lord , that he will not punish us for our misdeeds of ignorance , u u Psa. 25 79. Dan. 9. but will thinke upon us according to his mercy , and guide our hearts after his will , that we might walke in his Ordinances , and be named after his Name , as our God and Saviour , who through the Service of his love maketh our errors knowne unto us , and releaseth or maketh us free from all perverse or covered nature of sinne , from all arrogancy and haughtinesse of the revolters , and from all falshood , dissention and deceit , which at this time do every where bear sway , and among many , have even hitherto had the preheminence .

54. O God , x x Dan. 9 let us in this dangerous time find grace in thine eyes , and incline thou our hearts towards thee , and towards thy righteousnesse : bring our spirit out of this desolation , and cleanse our hearts , minds , and thoughts from all dissention , y y Psa. 51 and create in us an upright mind , that no evill come upon us .

55. Of which upright mind , and upright course of life of all upright hearts , I have set forth a clear instruction in the tree of life , the fourth book of the Glasse of Righteousness , which Glass of Righteousness , with other more like testimonies , I have heretofore set forth , to the intent that every one might look into himself and know , whether he were of the upright communalty of the righteous , and lived and walked in the upright waies of the just , and so served the living God only , or not : For I wist not how to call any by name , for to shew outwardly , what sort I might judge for the rightfullest .

56. For I found the man a a Jer. 9 so altogether deceivable , so bewitched of understanding , so given to cover or dissemble his lies , so lordly 〈◊〉 because of his understanding , so double of heart , so earnestly bent to destroying and oppressing , against those that were not like minded with his hearts conceiving , so b b Ier. 18.25.29.35 . declining from him , that according to the truth , pointed him to the way of life , so self-seeking and partiall for himself , so resolute in his opinion , so reproachfull and malicious with accusation at him , that desired to bring him into the right way of the holy Fathers , so wel-conceited and affected towards his own phansies and errours , so hipocriticall in the vertue , so divided from the righteousnesse , so separated from conscience , so little seeking that which is the Lords only , so unstable in fidelity , so slothfull and slow to turn him to God , c c Pro. 6.24 . so without regard to the upright waies , so little reckning of the straying from his God , so affectioned to the earthly visible things , and so self-captived of heart , that I was altogether suspicious , jealous , and doubtfull of the man .

57. And not only of another , but also even of mine own humane nature , insomuch that I held it straight unto all vertues and righteous dealings , for to do the Lords will , in all my proceedings , for in that sort did I passe forth under the obedience of the love with my humane nature , to the intent to obtain the vertuous d d 1 Cor. 13. disposition of the love , and to be incorporated to the same , with soul and body , and with all the senses and thoughts of my humane nature , and indeavouring me in this same , with all diligence the Lord received me into the grace of his love , and into him and his love incorporated my mind , together with my senses and thoughts , and so gave me inheritance with Christ and his Saints , in his heavenly riches , e e Rom. 16. Eph. 1.2.3 . Col. 1. and revealed his last will unto me .

58. But not according to any conceiving of the flesh , or after the outwardnesse , namely , in any outward appearance , that liketh the man , and the sight of his fleshly eyes , or whereunto the man doth sometimes set his heart and understanding , as though he could satisfie God thereby , or as if a man with his outward humanity , & with a show after the outward appearance , might be incorporated into the God of heaven , and into his heavenly goods , or could live in the Godhead according to the flesh .

59. O no , ye dearly beloved , Gods working in renewing of the man through Jesus Christ , is not after the pleasing of men , nor according to any affection of the flesh ; nor yet such as any man by his fleshly conceiving or learned understanding , should be able after the outward , to judge of the same working of God in the spirit , or of him which is renewed in God .

60. For Gods working , and the renewing of the man , f f Rom. 12. Eph. 4. is brought to passe inwardly in the spirit , and in the inward senses and thoughts , through the power of his holy spirit of love , wherethrough men are abundantly filled with love towards the living God , and with love towards all men .

61. My respect also ( in my zeal to the vertuous nature of the love ) was least upon the outward show after the flesh , but it was most upon an upright heart and mind , such as consisteth in a good willing obedience , and tieth or bindeth it self to no elementish things , whether they be earthly riches , or worldly possessions , because I would in spirit and mind , serve and please the living God only , and likewise thereby love every man as my self .

62. And for this upright beings sake ( because in all love , the same should have and keep an g g 1 Cor. 4. Gal. 4. essentiall form in me ) I did ( as is aforesaid ) examine the senses and cogitations of my human nature , whether by them , any other thing were loved or desired besides , or whether they tied themselves unto any thing els . To the intent I might for the loves sake of God and Christ , h h Mat. 16. Luk. 9.14 . renounce , hate , and forsake it every whit , and crucifie , i i Rom. 6. Gal. 5. Cole 3. and kill my humane senses and thoughts with their lusts and desires , so far forth as they were not incorporated or subject to the good being of God , or to his vertuous nature of the love , whereby I might live through the power of God , and by the gifts of his grace , and through the co-incorporating of the upright being of Jesu Christ , k k Luk. 1. Eph. 4. in all upright righteousnesse and holinesse : that is , in the upright life and mind of the living Godhead .

63. Now although I have here shewed , that my respect was lesse upon the outward obedience , then upon the inward godly obedience , and that I thus laboured for such an upright heart and mind , as was required by the outward obedience , because I would l l Deut. 6.10 . serve the living God in his upright righteousnesse , yet did I not therefore despise the outward obedience , nor the good Ordinances in their right use , neither is it my mind or will , that men should not observe nor obey the right use of the Churches services , or the Priests or Elders Ordinances , which are exercised for a good outward discipline and decency , and to a bringing in of the said upright righteousnesse ! O yes , my meaning and desire is , that men should observe m m Rom. 14. and obey them ( as is said ) in their right use , and likewise that the Elders and Ministers of the word in the family of love , should by them require the true righteousnesse of the upright inward being and mind which God esteemeth .

64. For so in that behalf , men are greatly to esteem the outward Ordinances , and the obedience to the same , yet with difference in the understanding , as according to their worth , and in respect of them for whom they are necessary , namely , in such consideration , as the Ordinances and Ceremonies of the Law of the Lord n n Rom. 10. Gal. 3.4 . Heb. 7. and of the belief of Jesu Christ , have their ministration for , that is , by them to train the man up , and so to support him in the youngnesse of his understanding , untill he be released from all self-mindednesse , ignorance , and own wisdome or vain imagination , and the sight of the upright life , o o 2 Pet. 1. come unto him in the spirit , and so of himself he love all that ( with whole heart and mind ) which is right and just , and have a desire both before God p p Rom. 14. and amongst men , to live and to walk in all upright righteousnesse , and and to fulfill the requiring of the gracious word of the Lord , and his service of love : Lo , to shew such obedience , is the best obedience , inasmuch as the obeyers thereof , do inwardly before God , and outwardly amongst men , live by the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ , q q Luk. 1. in the upright righteousnesse and holinesse , and so not of compulsion but of faith , are obedient unto all inward righteousnesse , and outward Ordinances of the holy word and service of love , r r Mat. 22.23 . 1 Tim 1. and that is the principall obedience , whereto men are to give the greatest respect ; for it is the principallest , which the outward services or ceremonies have their ministration unto : It is true .

65. Wherefore men ought even before all things , to give the worthiest praise and greatest honour to the greatest or best , and not to respect or esteem the smallest , for the principallest : Likewise to observe a difference , between the prudent , good-willing , and stable ones , and those that are without understanding , evill willers , and revolters , that they minister not the services and Ordinances confusedly or mixtly out of the knowledge , nor disorderly require the obeying of the same , as if any man should urge them without difference , and should not distinguish between the state of the age of such Disciples as had obediently accomplished the requiring of the services , and attained unto the appointed s s Gal. 4. time of the father and of the age of Christ , or were obediently grown up unto the same , and the state of those Disciples that had not yet accomplished the requiring of the services , nor attained unto the appointed time of the age of Christ , but should give like honour unto , and esteem of equall value , eithers age and obedience .

66. When a man then ministreth an office of teaching , and yet is not entred into the Disciples beginning of the Christian life , among the Elders in the family of the Love , neither hath obediently accomplished the righteousnesse , which is wont to be required of the Disciples from their first entrance into the Christian life , untill the age of the elder Christ , and even for that cause cannot distinguish the same passage in his right Ordination ; surely the same man , and likewise the Congregation that heareth him , doth stray very far from the truth , and also from the right use of the Doctrine and Ordinances of the antient Fathers , tending to the Christian life , and from the upright being of the love of Jesu Christ , and of his holy spirit , and do become both together one with another , [ namely , the teacher and the Congregation which he teacheth ] alike ignorant and unexpert in that which is of value before God , and likewise in that which is most needfullest to be used amongst men , to their preserving in the godlinesse .

67. For mark , the s s Exo. 28.29 . Levit. 1.2.3.4.5.6 . &c. Priesthood out of Levi , which is ministred after the manner of Aaron is upright and good in his right use , and is also in his service , ( with the Law and Ordinances of the Lord , and with the letter , and through the Letter ) in the Family of the Lord , very profitable and necessary , while the t t Gal. 4. heire is yet a child , and hath not attained or reached unto the appointed time of his Father or Elder .

68. But the Priesthood out of Messias called Jesus , who is unto his Believers u u Psal. 110. Heb. 3.9.10 . an High-Priest at the right hand of the Almighty in the heavenly being , and a x x Ioh. 1.14 . true light , in the light of the ministration of his truth , is much more worthily to be esteemed , then the Priesthood out of Levi , for the same High-Priest doth in his office , bring unto the y y Rom. 3. Gal. 2.3 . believers in his name , [ namely those that are obediently grown up under their tutors and Governours untill the appointed time of their age ] the upright righteousnesse , and the upright being of his love , and accomplisheth with them ( in their spirit and mind ) all that which ( with the Letter , and with the Law or Ordinance , in the foregoing Priesthood ) is taught and required in the ministration of the Elders , whereby the Lord Jesus Christ ( called Messias ) is unto his believers and good willing obeyers in their spirit and mind , an everlasting a a Joh. 14. life , and a b b Heb. 8.9 . minister of the spirituall and heavenly goods , whose service also with them is done in the c c 2 Cor. 3. spirit , and by the spirit , and so is he unto them , an heavenly d d Heb. 5.6.7 . Eph. 1.2 . High-Priest for evermore , not of the earth , nor of flesh and bloud , but a son of the most high God , in the heavenly powers of the invisible being , and is now in the last time appeared and come unto us the chosen of God ( in his glory and triumph ) from the right hand of God his Father : and so hath with us ( with the spirituall and heavenly goods ) his ministration e e Heb. 7.8.9.10 . in the most holy of his Tabernacle , under the obedience of the love , af-the manner of Melchisedech , to the erecting of the perfection .

69. Thus ( as is said ) Jesus Christ hath his ministration even from the beinning , untill the perfection through his Saints and Elect , and so is in his teaching to his f f Heb. 9. people a Salvation from their sins , and a blessing and reviving g g 1 Cor. 15. Eph. 2. Col. 1.2 . from the death , and hath then in that manner with them [ namely , with the living , his Believers ] his ministration with the spirituall and heavenly goods : And so in the same ministration he is manifested by his believers , that he is he right Messias and King of the Jews , and the true h h Psal. 110. Heb. 7. high Priest for ever , after the manner of Melchizedeck , who in his Priesthood , is greater and more excellent then the man , because he abideth for ever .

70. Behold this same high Priest , in the ministration of the spirituall and heavenly goods , and this noble King of Israel and Juda , which ruleth in righteousnesse , and of God is chosen to such an excellent glory , before the foundation of the world was laid , is by inheritance sealed , to possesse the i i 2 Reg. 7. Esa. 9.32 . Ier. 23.33 . Dan. 7. Mic. 4. Luk. 1. feat of David his Father , to the intent there may be no end of the peace upon the same , from this time forth for evermore , and that so he may rule and raigne ( as an everlasting peaceable King ) over the house of Jacob , according to the promises .

71. For in this sort , and to the finishing thereof , is he revealed unto men , and published k k Ioh. 1. 1 Tim. 3. 1 Joh. 2. to the world for a Saviour , because all people should believe in him , by him inherit the everlasting life , and so confesse him , and that sameis the true righteousnesse which is availeable before God , and well pleasing unto those men which are of a good will .

72. Now inasmuch as the rich bountifull God hath ( out of his grace ) granted me to perceive , that we are all called and loved to the same glory of God , and to the upright being of the love of his Christ , because we should inherit with all what is of God and Christ , the everlasting life , and for that the same is the l l Eph. 1.5 . Col. 1. principall point of our godlinesse , therefore have I pointed none unto flesh and bloud , nor to any elementish or visible things ; neither doth my teaching tend to the outward , but from the outward , to passe on to the same inward and heavenly , and to Gods Kingdome of heaven , whereof is spoken before , to the intent that no man should set the consolation of his soul , nor the comfort of his Salvation upon the outward nor earthly , nor put his confidence thereon , but only on the upright life of the righteous spirit , and upon the coming of the godly glory in Jesu Christ , of which things I have ( according to my sight out of the heavenly revelation of God ) much and abundantly spoken in the Glasse of Righteousnesse , and in this Introduction , mine exhortation is out of love , also to the same , to the intent we should have an earnest love , and be provoked with desire towards it .

73. Which life of Righteousnesse , whereof we witnesse , is inwardly , godly , according to the divine nature , and outwardly brotherly , after the upright humane nature ; and that same is the upright righteousnesse , before God and amongst men .

74. Who so now from the heart seeketh God and his righteousnesse , and rightly hath regard to the upright life , the same person will acknowledge that my teaching and ministration is of God , and that it tendeth to the upright life : and who so likewise to this end searcheth the Scripture for the promises , shall assuredly find , that it maketh mention of such things , and that the Law , the Prophets , and the Apostles of Christ , d● all point and witnesse to the very same .

75. When the man now according to the truth perceiveth this same , then will he ( for the love of righteousnesse sake ) be also inclined there unto , and yeeld his understanding m m 2 Gor. 10. captive under the obedience of the love , praise God highly for his grace , and through the belief passe on towards the upright life in all love .

76. Though he now and then fail , stumble , or fall , yet if his eyes of the spirit have respect to the upright life , and to the love , and that he glasse himself daily in the Glasse of Rightousnesse , doubtlesse the same shall cause him to see , and shall rightly shew him his spots , and shall be unto him , n n Ioh. 4.7 . as an open fountain of life , against the sin and way of death .

CHAP. XIII .

1. None can know God nor Christ rightly , but in the Spirit of the love . 11. No better grounds then the Doctrine of the love . 14. An exhortation to the obeyers of her service , that they blaspheme not other mens writings , nor condemn any for Sects , but rather allure all to the love . 19. and that they put away the evill as much as they can , out of themselves . 20. The despisers are vaine . 23. The consenters hereunto are counselled , not to think they have already obtained , but to labour , and to continue in the doctrine of the love , till the laying away of the mortall body . 32. Not to be dismaid at the enemies , but like souldiers to prepare themselves to the battell . 33. Though we be sometimes hurt , yet to take new courage still . 36. Considering whereunto we are called through Jesus Christ .

TAke it to heart , O ye children of men , and let your understanding be renewed , a a Rom. 12. Eph. 4. according to the spirit , to such an upright knowledge as God esteemeth , to wit , with the word of truth , in the spirit of the love , to an assured living hope and good conscience in Jesu Christ .

2. For who so after the spirit , conceiveth not the same , nor is renewed in his understanding ( to the same upright knowledge ) under the obedience of the love , in such a one there is no knowledge of Christ , neither can he be rightly turned to Christ , or to the upright belief , but only through the same .

3. For the fall from Christ is come , and it is according to the Prophecie understood , known , and well perceived , how that the same , b b 2 Thes. 1. through the child of perdition ( according to the mention of the Scriptures ) hath in every respect so utterly c c Rom. 1. Eph. 4. blinded , depraved , and corrupted the understanding of men , concerning God and Christ , that the children of men ( how wise or learned soever they of themselves be ) do neither d d Ioh. 8.16 . of the Father , nor yet of the Son , know any thing at all .

4. And surely , whosoever doth not submit his understanding , under the service of the love , the same man sheweth thereby , that he is without understanding , because by his understanding he perceiveth not , how that he which hath not the love , e e 1 Ioh. 1 hath not also the Son , nor the Father , but is without Christ and his Church , and can please God by no other means , also can neither now nor evermore without the inclination of love , neither through any other services or literall wisdome , come to the holy knowledge of God , or attain unto the same .

5. But if any now believe not this same by reason of the high regard to their knowledge , or by means of any respect unto their holinesse f f Col. 2. or spirituall humility ; such as they have chosen or taken to themselves , and as is not according to the promises , as God in times past hath spoken by Moses his servant , and by the mouth of his holy Prophets , doubtlesse they ( howsoever they suppose or maintain g g Esa. 59. that they have the light ) must needs abide in h h 1 Ioh. 2. darknesse , for their unbelievers cause , whose unbelief cannot hurt the believers , neither can the Work of God for all that abide back .

6. O deep and unsearchable wisdome of God! i i Esa. 40. Sap. 9. Rom. 11. 1 Cor. 2. which of the great and high glorious wise , or of the self-chosen holy ones , hath ever attained unto thee ?

7. Unto which of them , is thine arm known , that hath heard or understood thy holy word , or thy mind aright ?

8. Therefore needs must they all in lowlinesse of heart be humbled under thee , and become subject to thy true love ( that they may rejoice them in the truth : ) otherwise they must remain blind in their imagination k k Ioh. 3. and may not see the Kingdom of God , for ever .

9. For so long as they through the love , or her inclination l l Mat. 18. be not in their corrupt understanding , turned about by the word of truth , and are not well minded to the vertue of the love , certainly there can appear unto them no light of the truth , to Salvation ; for God hath foreseen the perfection m m Deut. 6.10 . 1 Cor. 13. 1 Tim. 1. in the love , according to the promises , and not in the knowledge .

10. Therefore let every one be lowly of spirit , u u 1 Ioh. 4. and humble of heart in his knowledge , even as though he knew nothing , and so have regard to the service of the love , what it requireth ; and let him hope and long for it , to the intent he may be comprehended therein [ that is to say in the doctrine thereof ] for therein is the godlinesse understood and known ; and so let him indeavour towards the best .

11. And I hope that I shall alwaies towards the lovers of the truth do even so , and not omit to set before them the most best ; for thereunto tend all my intents and desires , neither know I at all any better thing then the teaching and ministring of the holy word , under the obedience of the love .

12. True it is , I have as far as I might examined many sorts of Foundations and understandings , and have likewise considered and scanned whereon they stood grounded , but there is yet no better thing come to my hand .

13. The Lord grant me his mercy , and strengthen my mind to do and accomplish his will , to the Salvation of men in the love .

14. O ye lovers of the truth , that have humbled your souls under the love and her service , o o Deut. 6.11.22 . Pro. 4. take ( I pray you ) the truth to heart , and reproach no mans writings , teaching , nor exhortations , that have their ministration to the righteousnesse , and to the concord , but draw it all under the love , that every one may give up and bring all what he hath taken on , or wherein he is learned , according to his humane imagination , to the communion of the love : give ear only to the godly Word of Life , under the obedience of the love , according to the manifestation of the glorious and godly light , set forth in the Glasse of Righteousnesse , and so above all his humane knowledge , love the Concord , and the upright life .

15. Moreover condemn none particularly by name , and be not offended at any , that your hearts p p Gal. 5. Acb. 12. be not moved to anger , stumble not at any thing , and reproach nor reject none for Sects , but love all them that indeavour towards righteousnesse , q q 2 Pet. 1. with a like love , to that upright righteousnesse which God esteemeth , and thus draw all wel-willing ones to the true righeousnesse , under the obedience of the love .

16. And if any man seek the truth of you , and his heart be inclined to the love , then joyn your selves with him in the love , and so speak r r 1 Pet. 3. of the hope which is in you .

17. For who so loveth the good , though yet for a while he be in errour , may for all that come to amendment in the love , unlesse he should give over his heart in a wilfull contentiousnesse , and despise the love and her service , for his self-minds sake .

18. But unto every one that will follow , and is well minded to the love and her service , s s Eph. 4. unto such reach forth the hand to the unity of the upright life , and that all in the love .

19. If the evill assail you , then put it from you , as much as is possible for you , untill the same evill get a going down in you , and go into silence : give it no respite to follow after his desire , but become ( according to the spirit ) t t Col. 1. 1 Thes. 3. 1 Pet. 5 strong and firm in the good life , u u Deut. 7. 1 Pet. 2. to a peculiar possession of God , even as it is here in this Introduction , and in the Glasse of Righteousnesse , according to the life shewed and declared .

20. If so be ye cast this same behind the back , to wit , that ye refuse it , or have no belief nor lust thereunto , nor do hope thereon ; and yet by your self-wisdom perswade your selves to be wise , then are ye vain , and utterly unmeet to the Kingdome of God , and how wise soever ye be , yet shall you be found vain , and without understanding , and void of the true light of life .

21. Now if any man say , that he is already in the life , and needeth no more , or that it is needfull no more for him to hearken after any other understanding , and therefore contemneth this form of the upright life , and his service to the same life whereunto we bear witnesse , and neither hath it , nor indeavoureth towards it , in the service of the love , certainly he is yet in the death x x 1 Ioh. 2. and darknesse , and knoweth nothing at all either of Christ , or of the life which is of God , even as the darknesses also have never perceived nor known him .

22. If any man then despise this good mind or spirit of love , and with the heart withstandeth , and blasphemeth it ; and doth not entertain the upright vertue of the love , the same man hath beguiled his own heart , and after the requiring of the knowledge of the old serpent , seeketh his own advantage , and not to do the will of the Lord .

23. But if on the other side ( O ye dearly beloved ) any do accept this which we bear witnesse of , for right and truth , let him not hardly over-hastily perswade himself , that he by his knowledge hath already gotten it ; for there must at the first belief be joyned thereto , and then look whose belief through the increase of God blossometh y y 4 Esd. 6. and is fruitfull , let the same man attempt the battell in hope against that which maketh up it self against the same ; Let him have regard to the Word of life , and so passe on towards it , a a Luk. 21. with patience or in long sufferance .

24. That truely is the right Crosse of Christ , b b Mat. 16. Luk. 14. which we are daily with good wil , in the obedience of the requiring of the service of love , to take up c c Act. 14. in the belief , untill we be well exercised in the love , and in the holy understanding ( whereunto we bear witnesse ) and not only in the knowledge .

25. Lo to this present , I find nor know no way els to the life , therefore , whosoever loveth the same , let him endeavour towards it , d d Joh. 8. and so abide stedfast in the requiring of the gracious Word , and of the doctrine of the holy spirit of love , untill the e e Rom. 6.8 . Col. 2. laying away of his mortall body ; then shall he with Christ and all Gods Saints inherit the Kingdome of God and the everlasting life , in the heavenly being .

26. Let every one take heed to his time , and f f Gal. 6. let no man deceive himself , with any vaine Opinion , that he do not erre .

27. For if any man g g Mat. 10. Luk. 14. loveth or esteemeth any thing , better then the godly life ( which is the very Saviour himself ) such a one is not worthy of the Salvation , nor yet of the life eternall .

28. And who so taketh not up his Crosse , and followeth after the godlinesse with his heart , h h Luk. 14. the same may not be his Disciple , that is , he cannot be taught in the godlinesse , nor born a child of God in the heavenly being .

29. Therefore it is all nothing ; that any man speaketh much of it , if so be ( with the heart ) he i i Esa. 29. Mat. 7.15 . follow not after the same , yea it is before God much more an abomination , k k Psal. 50. Ezek. 33. that any man speaketh of Gods righteousnesse , with talking or reasoning , and doth not with the heart follow after it , then any pleasure or delight unto him , and yet may one find an hundred men , which reason and talk of it , where there is not one of them that liveth rightly therein , or loveth it from the whole heart .

30. Notwithstanding , though men do now and then ( through some imagination ) think they have it , and have neverthelesse failed therein , yet are they not therefore to step back , tarry behind , or to lose the courage , but rather out of the inclination of love , to take good courage again , and to l l Phil. 3. Heb. 6.10 . passe on towards the same godlinesse , untill that it be in us , and that we ( according to the truth , be comprehended in the same , for by stumbling , falling , and creeping , and by being sometimes lead , doth a child ( at length ) learn rightly to goe .

31. By going wrong , and by hurting ones self , by means of passing in unpathed waies , with breaking thorow thistles , thorns , and hedges , also sometimes by doubting , and then by inquiring ( and that all in hope ) men come at last , or in processe of time to the right way , which we ought to walk to the life of truth in the love , therefore let no man be without courage .

32. Though we find our selves sometimes without understanding , how to enter into the life , or the m m Eph. 6. 1 Pet. 5. enemies encounter with us and so hardly beset us , that we know not how to get thither , yet let us for all that , though it seem not credible , take a good courage or mind n n Heb. 11. in the belief , and not forsake the hope , for the hope o o Rom. 5. leaveth none ashamed , and so give our attention , o o Pro 4. to understanding and information , whereby we may attain thereunto , and to the very same arm our selves , even as an unexpert souldier , that hath a desire to become a good man of war , armeth himself to the warfare .

33. Though at first he sustaineth some damage , as to be sometimes wounded , smitten , shot , hurt to death , and by his enemies to be taken captive , yet taketh he still a fresh courage , and abideth firm in hope , untill he be well exercised in the feat of war , who then is known for a man of war , that is one that understandeth and knoweth well , where any thing is to be won or lost , and wherein damage or advantage lieth .

34. If therefore earthly warriours be so bold in hope , for the corruptible things sake ; how much more then ought we so to be towards the everlasting uncorruptiblenesse , in case we have any desire or hope to the everlasting uncorruptiblenesse at all , q q Ose . 23. 1 Cor. 15. wherein death is swallowed up , and the everlasting immortality abideth , where all destruction passeth away , and in it self as a smoak vanisheth in such sort , that there is even nothing remaining in it but the pure and clear , the fulnesse and fairnesse of all vertues , according to the promises .

35. But a slothfull and unbelieving man that alwaies feareth , and is r r Pro. 6.24 . negligent and disobedient hereunto , or a doubtfull and wavering person , that still doubteth of errour , wounds , dammage , and losse , such a one thinketh not upon obtaining s s 4 Esd. 2. Sap. 5. Apo. 2. the royall Crown of everlasting life , and therefore giveth no credit thereunto ; for so through his unbelief and disobedience he distrusteth God in his promises , and is self-wise against Gods truth and his omnipotency , and lying still on his lees or dregs , he prieth from far , how it shall fare with the obedient believers in the service of the love ; truely such as remain so minded , enter not into the Kingdome of God , not in the t t 1 Heb. 4. rest or inheritance of eternall life .

36. Therefore let every one consider once rightly , whereunto we are called , through Jesus Christ . Is it not u u Mat. 25. Luk. 22. Joh. 5. 1 Cor. 15. to the everlasting uncorruptiblenesse and immortality , or kingly x x 1 Cor. 9. 2 Tim. 4. Jam. 1. 1 Pet. 5. Crown of eternall life , to y y Rom. 8. Gal. 5. Eph. 3. the inheriting in the spirit , of the infinite treasures of the divine heavenly goods , and moreover ( through the belief ) to be justified from the sin , for to bring forth the z z Joh. 15. Eph. 4. Phil. 1. fruits of God , which God hath pleasure in , and to live in God eternally ?

37. But ( alas ) this calling , the man hath utterly forgotten , and through his glosing which he hath invented thereon , he is quite strayed from the sense of his calling , and from the holy understanding .

An INTRODUCTION To the Holy Understanding .

CHAP. XIIII .

1. An admonition to awake , and observe our calling . 4. All without exception are called . 5. We have all been ignorant of our calling . 6. But God doth now graciously let us see our blindnesse . 7. Therefore let us regard this grace , and that the rather because of the borrible destruction that is for to come . 9. The wicked must be endured with patience . 12. the Love is stronger then the Beliefe . 15. If we fall , let us rise up again . 20. The way to the life . 21. Few do find . 23. The evill must be overcomed of the good in patience . 26. much written , yet great misunderstanding . 28. Those that have pleasure , and do continue in iniquity , are like the devill ; and be incorporated into his son . 33. Their certain punishment .

OH ! awake yet once ( I pray you ) from the a a Esa. 29.56 . sleep of your ignorance , O ye children of men , and have a sure confidence b b Joh. 5. 1 Cor. 15. 1 Thes. 4. on the Resurrection of the dead , so shall Christ c c Eph. 5. inlighten you .

2. Take heed to your calling , that whereunto ye are bidden , therein ye may be established according to the promises , that is for to obtain the high price or Crown of everlasting life , for this price or Crown of everlasting life , is not like a Crown of the Kings of this world , d d 1 Cor. 9. which many of them stand for , and is of many greatly desired , and yet there is no more but one that obtaineth it , and becometh King .

3. But according to the calling of God , we may all obtain e e 4 Esd. 2. Sap. 5. Kingly Crowns , and be endowed with one manner fulnesse of divine treasures , and be all Priests f f 1 Pet. 2. Apo. 1.5 . and Kings , according to the promises .

4. Hereunto we are all called to one , g g Ioh. 17. and in one , no man exempted , h h Gal. 3. the Gentiles as well as the Jews , the Commons of the people , as well as the Magistrates , the sinners as well as the righteous , the poor as well as the rich , the simple as well as the wise , the wives as well as the husbands , the children as well as the parents , i i Eph. 6. Col. 3. the bond as well as the free , the servants as well as the masters , and the handmaids as well as the Mistresses , k k Act. 10. Rom. 2.10 . Gal. 2. God is no respecter of persons ; for all those that turn them to God and love his Righteousnesse , are acceptable unto him .

5. Doubtlesse it is now made known unto many of us , that we have all in our understanding been utterly estranged and l l Rom. 1. Eph. 4. darkened from the knowledge of our calling , and have cleaved to the m m 1 Tim. 4. spirits of errour , walking in the death , and not in the light of life , likewise in sundry divisions , and not in the unity of our calling .

6. Neverthelesse , that God which is rich of mercy , n n Ezek. 18. 1 Tim. 2. 2 Pet. 3. and would not that we should perish , letteth us now see through the ministration of his gracious word , and through his bountifull and kind love , the waies of our blindnesse , o o Esa. 59. Sap. 5. and the deadly darknesses of our misunderstanding , pulling us to the light of his clearness , to the intent that all we which are estranged from God , and dead because of sin , might through the love of God the Father , and through the ministration of his gracious Word be renewed again , for to quicken us again p p Rom. 6.8 . 2 Cor. 4. Phil. 3. in Jesu Christ , out of the death of sinne , into the true unity of our vocation , to wit , in this day of the coming of Jesu Christ in his glory , for had not the same Jesus Christ been with the Amighty for a remnant , q q Esa. 1. we had all in our estrangeing been as Sodoma and Gomorra , and must needs all in like manner have perished .

7. Sith God therefore doth now shew on us such love , that he profereth his grace unto us , through the coming of his Christ , when as we ( in our estranging from his good being ) were openly his r r Rom. 1. Eph. 2. Col. 1.2 . enemies , and that he remembreth not our ignorance , to revenge on us such things , but out of the bountifull grace of his love , is inclined to help us , and by the ministration of his gracious word , to reach us the hand , for to pluck us to himself again in his love , let us then also make much of such a s s 2 Cor. 6. Heb. 1.2 grace , that through the bountifull grace of his love , we may in this horrible time , be reconciled unto him , and not be punished with the wicked world : The rather , for that there hath been enough before hand shewed us , of the horrible t t Esa. 13. Ier. 20.25 . Mat. 24. destruction of the wicked world and of all damned men , in the last daies , wherein few shall remain , or be saved ; but not by the Lords fault , for God desireth instantly to draw us all to his salvation .

8. But because there are many now adaies , that u u 2 Thes. 1. 2 Pet. 3. believe not God in his promises , but count him a lier , and x x 2 Cor. 6. Heb. 12. do not regard the time of his grace , neither will be saved , but have much more desire and will to the iniquity , y y Eph. 4. 2 Pet. 2. Iuda . 1. and to all uncleannesse , therefore also in this day , z z Rom. 2. cometh the wrath of God upon those children of unbelief ; and they shall not be able to escape the horrible and fearfull destruction .

9. Therefore let every one convert him from the errors of his blindnesse , a a Eph. 6. 1 Pet. 5. and arm himself in the belief , and stand fast in the hope b b Ia. 4. against the wicked , that maketh it self up against Gods righteousnesse , the which must be indured with patience , for c c Rom. 5.8 . Patience bringeth forth in us a firmnesse , or a persevering in the hope , and hope suffereth us not to be ashamed , but prepareth for us the peace with God in the love .

10. But though now and then it pinch somewhat hard to shew patience , yet have confidence , d d Apo. 2.3 . and keep still what ye have , turn not back in any case .

11. Though happily you think that it falleth heavy , find your selves impotent or weak , and the waies dark , desolate , unpathed , very long , e e 4 Esd. 7. Mat. 7. Luk. 13. small or narrow , the hills seem high to get over , and the gates very strait to go thorow , yet doubt not therefore ye beloved , give no regard to the unbelief , that saith it is impossible ; but contrariwise , with belief and hope enter ye in , for the beliefe is strong and mighty , f f Mat. 17.21 . Luk. 17. she removeth mountains out of their places , vanquisheth the enemies , g g Heb. 11. and is a certain assurance of that which is hoped for .

12. Look then what ye out of belief , and according to the truth do desire in God to obtain , that love ye with whole heart ; for the love which in her service , holdeth the heart fast with earnest love , is yet stronger then the belief , h h 1 Cor. 13. and goeth far beyond it all , and not regarding any difficulty , she overcometh it all , for the things sake which she loveth , for the love maketh that light , which appeareth heavy ; and bringeth life out of that , which seemeth to be death .

13. Therefore the love is not wearied with any thing , for that which a man loveth is precious in his sight , and he esteemeth it of great value : i i Rom. 8. moreover he regardeth neither losse nor trouble , to get or to come by that which he loveth best .

14. And therefore men are to k k 1 Cor. 14. Col. 3. seek for the most best , that they may obtain the same , and not to respect any of those things , that would oppose themselves , or be hindersome there-against ; for who so seeketh not , obtaineth not , who so tasteth not of the sowre , shall not partake of the sweet .

15. If any man fall , let him rise again , if ye be hurt or wounded , believe , so shall ye be made whole , yea though ye were already dead ; or were as dead in your minds , yet if ye believe the gracious word and Salvation in the obedience of his service of love , and put your trust in the power of God , l l Joh. 5. ye shall surely live and not abide dead , for the saving from death m m Joh. 11. is the Resurrection and eternall life .

16. Though ye find your selves even damned in the hell , and taken captive of sin and devill , yet fear not but believe , n n Psal. 18.23.33.116 . ye shall be delivered and saved from thence .

17. For the belief and hope towards the Salvation , and the love to righteousnesse , in the grace of God , neither can nor may abide in the sinne , death , devill or hell , but they must prevail , vanquish , and bring to nought or destroy , all that is not of God .

18. Therefore have neither the o o Mat. 16. gates of hell , nor the bands of the devill , nor the p p Rom. 8. pangs of death , nor the strength of sin , nor the lusts of the world , nor the mind of the flesh , any power over such believers , either to hold or to raign over them , q q 1 Cor. 15. but they bring them all under them to a victory .

19. But if at any time through the slendernesse of our understanding , we be plucked away from our good mind , or be after the nature of the Serpent , r r Gen. 3. Sap. 2. 2 Cor. 11. beguiled by the wisdom of the flesh , and thereby through weaknesse full , and be made so senselesse , that we cannot discern the life from the death , yea , become so feeble and faint-hearted , that we have scarcely any desire at all to the good , but do daily s s Rom. 7. suffer and feel the sting of death , yet let us not therefore be dismayed , nor despair in mind , but rather so much the more cheer up our selves in the belief , and through the serviceable word of truth , take unto us a new stomack and fresh courage again , to a stouter going forwards , keep so much the sharper watch , and still have diligent regard on the thing that may annoy us to the entrance of the life , whereby we may through the belief and obedience of the Word , t t Eph. 6. 1 Pet. 5. keep of and vanquish it every whit , and so with a good will have our passage towards God in the spirit , untill the love abide firm in us , and that we have such a free heart and mind , as may be subject to nothing , but to the high Majesty of the living Godhead only .

20. Now to come hereunto , we must renounce our selves and all created visible things , not only outwardly after the flesh , but quite and clean inwardly with the heart according to the spirit , and so give over our selves obediently under the service of love , unto the God of life and his gracious word , u u Rom. 6.8 . to a dying in the spirit , from every thing whereunto our will and mind ( according to the flesh or outward fashion ) is tyed , and keep our selves diligently from all holy appearances , and worldly fashions , that so then x x 1 Pet. 1. in the obeying of the gracious word and his service of love , our inward mind for to come to a submitted being , may be made tender , soft , and lowly , and we in like manner with humble hearts find our selves y y Psal. 57. ready to do the Lords will , a a Rom. 6. the end whereof is eternall life . It is true .

21. Which way to the life few do b b Mat. 7. find , because it is unknown c c Mat. 11. 1 Cor. 1.2 . and hidden unto all understandings of the flesh , and unto all wise ones of the world , and her Scripture learned .

22. Who is there now rightly inclined to the life and peace , but those that indure all deadly things , dissention , and whatsoever cometh upon them thereby , untill it d d Rom. 6.8 . 2 Cor. 4. wholly vanish , and come to nought in them ? and which have the life and peace alwaies before their eyes , and do pray with great fervency unto God in the spirit , that he will be their power and strength .

23. After this manner ought we with humble hearts to be minded in every thing that cometh upon us against the good , for the evill must by the good be e e Rom 12. overcomed in patience .

24. Yet not out of our works or own power , f f Rom. 3 4. Eph. 2. O no , but through the belief in affiance towards God , and so abiding Gods leisure in his work , we are daily to pray unto God in the spirit , that he will destroy and take away , or root out the evill out of our hearts , and choose and set up the good again therein .

25. Hereunto are we to g g 1 Pet. 5. humble our hearts before God in his service of love , that we may find such healthfull grace before his eyes , in the coming of Jesu Christ , who now to the Salvation of all those that hope in Christ , h h 2 Pet. 3. and long for his coming , cometh to a righteous judgement over the world with equity .

26. Oh hereof there is surely much written , shewed , and testified , were it but observed and understood aright , but there is great negligence and much misunderstanding among the children of men , for we find many lamentable errours , not only in the erring world , but also in those that perswade themselves to be wise , and to love the good .

27. Awake once O thou precious man , and consider that the eternall God i i Ezek. 18. 1 Tim. 2. 2 Pet. 3. hath no pleasure in such unprofitable living , as is mixed with contrariety unto God .

28. But if so be O ye children of men ye have pleasure in the destruction , according to the course of the blind world , and do k k Sap. 2. Rom. 1. Eph. 4. 2 Pet. 3. Iude. 1. delight in the strange life of the ungodly being , go on thus boldly in the same , and do shew no l l Rom. 2. upright obedience to the word , m m Mat. 3. Lu. 3.13 . nor amendment from sinne , then hardly think also that ye are certainly minded n n Joh. 8. against God , even like the devill himself , and incorporated with the child of perdition , or of the devill that extolleth himself in the desire of his errours , by means of the pleasure or reward of unrighteousnesse against God , and against all that men worship God in , saying in his heart or essentiall mind , that he himself is the Lord , o o 2 Thes. 2. and exalteth himself in like manner , in the hearts of the unbelieving and disobedient men , to a ruling above God , and above the godly nature , and so setting himself in the Temple of God , [ that is , in mans heart ] p p Dan. 8.9.12 . Mat. 24. he utterly laieth wast the House of the Lord , and in like manner worketh in the man , a secret wickednesse , which is not soon to be perceived .

29. Truly , who so with the desires of their souls do cleave unto this pernicious nature , they are very abominable in their doings ; for there is none of them that doth good , no not one .

30. Their best vertue is a covered sin , and an abominable hypocrisie before God and his Saints .

31. Their throat is an q q Psal. 5. Rom. 3. open Sepulcher ; their tongue flattereth , their mouth speaketh anogancy , and they deal with unprofitable and false things .

32. Their lurking is r r Psal. 10. Pro. 1. how to beguile the simple , and to oppresse the poor and innocent with tyranny , not once thinking that there is a God , which will revenge such things , and recompense it all unto them . O yes , he will certainly find them out , and render them their just reward .

33. For if God spared not the old world , but s s Gen. 7. 2 Pet. 2. condemned the same through the floud because of sin , nor Sodoma and Gomorra , t t Gen. 19. 2 Pet. 2. but for their ungodlinesse sake , caused fire and brimstone to fall from heaven upon them , to their destruction , then will he not also assuredly spare this wicked nature , but recompense his wickednesse upon his own pate .

34. Seeing then the Almighty God did in times past , cause so great punishment to come upon the ungodly for their unrighteousnesse sake , u u Mat. 11. Luk. 10. how much horribler punishment are they worthy of , x x 2 Pet. 2. Jude . 1. that do now in this evill world commit ungodlinesse , because all those former punishments upon them , who in times past committed ungodlinesse , are set forth before these for example , that they should fear these last plagues of the wicked world , y y Mat. 25. 2 Pet. 3. which wicked world , is reserved for the fire , that it may perish thereby , according to the promises .

CHAP. XV.

1. An expostulating with the man , for his bold and wilfull cleaving to the abominations of the wicked world . 5. The curse of such boldnesse . 7. The fulfilling of the Law is the way to Christ , but the man by his wisdome will have other waies , by cleaving whereunto the Antichrist is brought forth , in the hearts of the Unbelievers . 11. This embracing of Antichrist the man will deny with the mouth , and contrariwise will confesse the Law of the Lord , but in the deed , he doth the contrary . 14. An admonition against misunderstanding of certain Scriptures and sentences . 24. Which sentences he explaineth . And first , how the righteous spirit is procreated . 34 How those that are taught by the righteous Spirit , are no longer the servants of the Prophets .

O Thou man that dost yet with thy will cleave to the obominations , and vain things of the evill world , wilt thou not once fear before the God of all Gods , before the King of all Kings , before the wisdome of all wise-ones , before the righteousnesse of all righteous ones , and before the highest judgement of all Judges ?

2. Wilt thou not indeed once remember that there is such a God , a a Esa. 45. as requireth righteousnesse ? yes assuredly , he b b Esa. 28. will make up himself with the same , terrifie the earth and fall upon his enemies , for they shall not be able to c c Lam. 2. escape the hand of his vengeance ; for he will d d Esa. 4 Ezek. 37. Eph. 5. cleanse the earth of the uncleannesse of the ungodly being .

3. Or thinkest thou ( O man ) that God is dead , and thou shalt live ? Or that God is blind , and thou seest ? thinkest thou still to reigne , and that God shall lie down under thee , and be according to thy mind , as though that thou wert the head , and God the feet , and that he should be driven as a footstool to be put under thee , and that his Law , Statutes , and Ordinances , shall still be trodden downe , and forgotten ?

4. Make not too much adoe ( thou e e Esa. 28 45. Rom. 9 earthen vessell ) against thy Creator ; for truly thy stoutnesse is too presumptuous and arrogant against one that is much stronger then thou art .

5. Therefore look into it , all that have eyes to see , whether that all haughtinesse of the flesh doth not exalt it selfe above God , and how gladly every one beareth dominion against Gods truth , and how that there be many do cover themselves with the appearance of holinesse , wherewith the eyes of many men are bewitched , supposing that such haughtinesse and appearance of holinesse is of God .

6. Under which covering of the show of holinesse , and under the glorying f f Mat. 24 of the Lords Name , the man boldly forceth on his arrogant conceiving , and advanceth his owne will , and forsaketh or rejecteth utterly the Law of the most highest , and the Statutes and Ordinances of his people Israel , which God in times past gave them by Moses his servant , and ratified by the mouth of his holy Prophets .

7. For at the end , or g g Gal. 4 in the fulfilling of all the same , hath God brought forth his Son ( the h h Sap. 7. Heb. 1. like Image of his Godhead ) to the salvation of his people : which Son of God i i Mat. 5 is not come to break the Law , but to accomplish the same , to the intent , that the Law and the Prophets may still remaine in their state and office untill Christ , whereby through the same Christ , men may be saved or justified k k Acts 15. Rom. 3.4 . Gal. 2.3 . Eph. 2. from the sin by faith , and not by the works of the Law : Lo , thus cometh the Kingdome of God , and the everlasting life .

8. But whilst the man hath by his wisdome , set himself above the wisdome of God , he hath brought in other Lawes besides these , which are none of Gods , but are false and lies , and hath made none account of the Law of the Lord .

9. Therefore are also the Prophets which are thereout risen up , l l Mat. 24 2 Tim. 3 , 4 2 Pet. 2 found false , and lying ; and thereout likewise doth the Devill at the end of these same , bring forth the Image of his likenesse [ namely , the son or m m 2 Thes. 2 child of the Devill , full of deceit and lies ] in the hearts of lying and unbelieving men , to a destroying and desolation of the people , and to an abhominable evill world , such as is full of wickednesse and falshood , even like the Devil himselfe .

10. That same is the adversary of God and Christ , which is now revealed unto us as a child of damnation , who ( for as much as the fall from Christ is come ) hath set himselfe n n 1 Thes. 2 as a God in Gods Temple , [ that is in mens hearts ] and boasteth himselfe as a God , and so ( with his owne holinesse and wisdome ) polluteth it all , presumptuously and proudly with great boldnesse o o Apo. 13 blaspheming Gods holy Name ; which wicked nature , and adversary or enemy of God and Christ , the man doth in all respects cleave unto , and becometh of one nature or coessence therewith .

11. Howbeit , that the man is joyned to the adversary of God and Christ , and dealeth so ill and unkindly with God and his Christ , that he will not willingly confesse with the mouth , but he is not ashamed to shew it by his workes and deeds .

12. Let every one glasse himselfe once aright , and then acknowledge according to the truth , whom he loveth , serveth and cleaveth unto , whether to the world or to God , to Belial or to Christ , to his owne mind , or to the mind of God or Christ , with the mouth no doubt he will say , to God , and to the mind or will of Christ , p p Tit. 1. but with the deed it will be found quite otherwise .

13. In like sort fareth it also with the understanding of the testimonies or sentences of Scripture , with the mouth manie happily will confesse , that they have well conceived all the sense and understanding of the holy Scripture ; but to follow that which the sense of the holy testimonies do betoken , point to , and require , they clean omit , whereby it doth sufficiently appear , that ( with the life and heart ) they are minded against the same , and have not understood the holy Scripture .

14. O ye deerly beloved , erre not so wholly with the erring blind world , nor with the conceitednesse of the letter-learned , that ye should forsake the Law of the Lord : be not also q q Prov. 3 Rom. 12 too wise in your owne sight , and judge not of all sentences according to your imagination : for much ignorance hath taken the hearts of men captive , whereby oft times they judge ignorantly , because by their wisdome r r Mat. 11. 1 Cor. 1 they understand not the wisdome of God .

15. It is all reasonably well knowne unto me with what a perverse eye the man doth oft times out of the testimonie of the writings or sentences which he heareth , draw a perverse sense , as it goeth now every where very brief amongst men : of which sentences ( wherein there do many erre ) there is both partly in these writings and likewise in the Glasse of Righteousnesse , plain Declaration made , and how that many men do erre therein , because they understand not the Scripture .

16. But to the intent that no man through any wrong conceiving of the sentences ( which are now much treated of by the man ) might receive anie hinderance to salvation , and that likewise every one may be guided into the Holy Vnderstanding of the Glasse of Righteousnesse , and to an upright conceiving of the same , we will recite certain sentences here following , and uncover and clear the right understanding of the same , not only in this Introduction , but also in many places besides of the Glasse of Righteousnesse , and shew the wrong conceiving or fight of them , and warn every one to beware of the judgement of his sight , which he giveth by the ignorance of his imagination .

17. True it is , I have heretofore ( in the beginning of my calling by God , to the ministration of his holy and gracious word , under the obedience of the love ) set forth certain writings , but inasmuch as some sentences happily in them , were not uttered in the plainest manner , therefore have I with the s s Supra . foresaid principall Elders of the Family of Love , more amply and plainly expressed them .

18. Also in the beginning of my writing , I could not find that among any of the children of men , there was any such communalty of God or Christ , as was comprehended in the upright life of Christ ( as is also before mentioned ) but the everlasting God , who is s s Ioh. 4. spirit and life , t t 1 Ioh. 4. and the essentiall love it self , hath in my office or service under the obedience of the love , manifested the same unto me , and so the true Communalty of God or Christ , which also is spirituall , lovely , and upright of life , hath he made known unto me in the spirit , I have also seen , heard , and touched , or felt it , and being of one substance therewith , have my fellowship as one body u u Rom. 12. 1 Cor. 12. , in Christ with the same .

19. Oh would to God that all men had the grace , to humble them under the love and her servite , that so then in the obeying of the service of love , the same true Communalty of God or Christ , might also every where appear and come unto the children of men ; and that in the spirit of Jesu Christ or of the love , to the intent that all errour , contention , and wrangling among them all might once have an end , and so we all one with another , might be of u u Rom. 12.15 . 1 Cor. 1. 2 Cor. 13. Phil. 1. one mind in Jesus Christ .

20. But inasmuch as I could not heretofore in the beginning of my writing perceive , or find among the children of men , that true and lovely Communalty which is comprehended in the upright life of Christ , and that all my desire and love was bent to the upright life of the same Communaltie , therefore have I also from the beginning of my writing ( out of the Service of Love ) witnessed of such a life of upright righteousnesse , and of such upright hearts , as the communalty of God or Christ hath her life in , according as the Glasse of Righteousnesse doth also mention , and make relation of the same upright life of the true communalty of God or Christ : neither can I yet perceive nor know any other thing , then that the upright communalty of God or Christ ( where she in Christ appeareth or is revealed ) liveth therein , and shall still be minded so to do .

21. And whosoever also x x Sap. 8. loveth the righteousnesse with whole heart , and hath a desire to be joyned and incorporated to the only God and his true Christ , or to have his fellowship with them , such a one will likewise ( according to the sight of the true life , which is appeared unto me out of the living God ) be inclined or bent unto such an upright being of the upright communalty of Christ ( whereof we bear witnesse ) for to live , or to be comprehended therein under the obedience of the love , through the belief .

22. Wherefore let every one note and marke our testimonies of truth according to love , and not with perversenesse of heart , nor in reproach or partiality , that they appear not unto him in a crosse or a contrary sense .

23. For sure it is very lamentable , that the testimonies of truth ( which are brought forth to the best ) should be taken overthwartly and not aright ; because the perverse sight maketh many to judge perversely and falsly , and unrightly to understand the director , causeth many greatly to stray . It is true .

24. It is recorded in the first book of the Glasse of Righteousnesse , y y 1 Glas. 2 that the upright procreation of the righteous spirit , cometh not of men but z z Luk. 1. out of God only ; this same word or sentence is very right , yea unchangeable for ever . For otherwise God hath never wrought among his holy ones , and yet hath testified of such things ( afterward to come ) by the mouth of his holy a a Eze. 36. Joel . 2. Act. 2. Prophets , to the intent that men should think upon his wonders of old time , and trust firmly upon those of the time to come , according to the promises , namely , how that God is the Salvation , and will establish his holy Covenant , b b Luk. 1. according as he hath made the same with Abrabam and his Seed .

25. Now when men have read this saying , and heard such a sentence , to wit , that God will work things by his righteous spirit , they must then have regard to the counsell that directeth the way to God , and from the heart follow the same with humble souls , c c Rom. 12 still persevere in prayer untill the coming of the promises , d d Tob. 4. Rom. 13. and not consent to the sin , but so take heed to such a healthfull grace , as being out of Gods mercy called to the very same , according to the promises .

26. For aforetimes the heathen were no people of the God of Israel , but were e e Eph. 2. strangers in the Testaments of the holy Fathers , and in the inheritance of the godly promises , and f f Eph. 4. 1 Pet. 4. every one walked his way in ungodlinesse , and in sundry Idolatries , and were ignorant of the Lord .

27. But the everlasting God of Israel forgot not his Covenant , g g Luk. 1. but was mindfull of the oath which he had sworn to Abraham his beloved , to a blessing of the Gentiles , and looked on h h Act. 17. the time of their ignorance , and did in like manner for a season cast off his people , and shew his hearty love on all the Generations of the earth , or heathen , and caused a joyfull message , through his Christ , to be published unto them , i i Mat. 3. Luk. 3.13 . Act. 2.3 . to a repentance and amendment from their offences , calling and bidding them k k Eph. 2.3 . to be co-heirs with the Citizenship of his people Israel , l l Esa. 2. Amos. 9. Zach. 8. Act. 15. that unto his people Israel , he might prepare him an upright people also out of the heathen , according to the promises and foreshewing of his holy Prophets .

28. Hereon ought all Generations of the earth to have regard , and duely to consider , whether they do accordingly take heed aright to their calling , which is out of grace come unto them from the bountifull God of Israel , and whether they do also with lowly hearts ( as those that are unworthy the same ) humble themselves for to obtain the right m m Ioh. 1.3 . 1 Pet. 1. birth of the righteous spirit out of God , to be fellow brethren with the children of the house of Jacob for to serve the living God , and in those daies ( when n n Act. 3. the refreshing shall appear from the presence of God ) to celebrate and glorifie the same God of Israel with them , what time as he ingrafteth his branches into their right stock again , who for the Gentiles sakes , have been broken off and scattered , p p Lu. 21. Rom. 12. untill the fulnesse of the Gentiles should be come in , the treading down of Jerusalem have her end , and so all Israel be saved , according to the promises .

29. Therefore let us have a right regard to our calling , and separate our selves according to the spirit , from the foolish course , q q Rom. 1 Eph. 4 , 5 1 Pet. 4 vain walking , and ignorant boasting of people , and humble our souls to the grace of our calling .

30. For if God in times past spared not his own people , but did cast out , break off , and scatter them abroad for their stiffeneckednesse , and prides sake , and r r Act. 13 Rom. 11 rejected the hearthen in their roome , how much lesse will he then spare the proud heathen , but cast out , break off , lay wast and scatter them , and in their stead , receive his own people Israel again , that they may serve him all the daies of their lives , s s Luk. 1. Eph. 4 in such righteousnesse and holinesse as is pleasing unto him , they shall be his people , and he God with them , shall be their God from Generation to Generation everlastingly .

31. For thus saith the Lord concerning Israel , t t Esa. 59 Rom. 11 there shall come a redeemer unto them in Sion , and to them that turn them from fin in Jacob , saith the Lord , and I make this Covenant with him saith the Lord , u u Esa. 59 my Spirit which is in thee , and my words which I have put in thy mouth , shall not depart from thy mouth , nor from the mouth of thy Seed , and childrens-children ( saith the Lord ) from henceforth for evermore .

32. In those daies shall the treading down of Jerusalem have an end , and the word of the Lord shall be fulfilled concerning her ; and unto her he said , x x Esa. 60 arise Jerusalem , be bright , for thy light cometh , and the glory of the Lord ariseth upon thee ; ( then also will the Lord cause himself to be heard , even to the worlds end ) y y Esa. 62 And they shall say to the daughter Sion , Lo thy Salvation cometh , behold he bringeth his Treasure with himself , and his reward is now prepared before him , they shall name them the holy People , the redeemed of the Lord , and thee [ O Jerusalem ] they shall call , the visited , and not the forsaken City .

33. Lo these are the promises concerning Jerusalem , and concerning Israel in the last time ; let every one take heed to his time , according to his calling through Jesus Christ , and the end or principal scope of all righteousnesse , z z 1 Tim. ● is the love , wherein the promises of God are established ; and that same is the true a a 1 Joh. 3.4 token of the birth out of God , through the righteous spirit : It is true .

34. It is also there [ in the same book ] recorded , b b 1 Glasse . that those which are taught by the righteous spirit , are no longer servants of the Prophets , which ( forsooth ) some have read or heard thereof , and have by that meanes forsaken the requiring of the Prophet call Word of the Apostles of Christ , before they were ( according to the mention of the Word ) confirmed in their calling , and through the perswasion that they had the truth or Spirit of God , they are stopped out of their calling , turned to the liking of their owne opinion , c c Rom. 1. Eph. 4. and so become vaine in their understanding .

35. Some would needs account themselves free through the Spirit , d d 1 Glasse 3.4 before they have tasted or known the Spirit of Promise , and so have run forth before the time , and have not by their wisdome , understood the promises of God , nor the calling of the Gentiles .

36. When the man now regardeth not his calling ( according to the requiring thereof ) rightly , but looketh about to some other understanding , and will count himself free through the spirit , before the first or foregoing service ( which e e Gal. 3. Heb. 7. directeth or leadeth thereunto ) be accomplished or fufilled by him , then forsaketh he the service of the fore-witnessed or foregoing Word , and goeth forth in a liberty , which yet is false , according to his own spirit , before he hath fulfilled his servantship in the service of the fore-going holy Word , f f Luk. 21. wherein he should possesse his soul with patience , g g 1 Cor. 11 and so shew forth the death of Christ , upon hope and confidence of his coming for an holy annointing , and for an upright freedom in Jesu Christ unto him .

37. Who so therefore readeth these sentences in the first book , let him observe thereby what they require , and how they sound ; namely , that those which desire to come to the blessednesse and freedome of Christ , must h h Rom. 6 Gal. 3.4 be at the first , servants or Disciples of the righteousnesse , deny and forsake themselves for Christ his sake , and alwaies long to come to the true obedience of the righteousnesse in all love , i i 1 Glas . 7. not according to mens imaginations , but according to Gods calling , that so they might live k k Iohn 8 Rom. 6 free in the righteousnesse of God , and not in the sinne , nor as servants of men : this same is there distinctly set forth , were it but rightly understood .

38. But who so hath regard to his own liberty , and not to the calling of his salvation , nor in the obeying of the foregoing Service ( l l Rom. 6 13. Eph. 4. Col. 2.3 1 Pet. 2.4 to the mortifying and laying away of the sinne in the flesh ) doth not take heed to the same , that so he may be incorporated to the good spirit of Christ ; the same man erreth not onely from the doctrine of the Word after the manner of men , but also from the wisdome of the truth of God , and so getteth a delight in his own understanding ; in such sort , that he neither hearkeneth , longeth , nor careth for the good any more , but hath a desire to error and perversity .

39. Oh! it is sure very lamentable , that the man out of such a mind cleaveth to the unrighteousnesse , or else chooseth another calling , and practiseth a selfe-made humility , m m Col. 2. or spiritualnesse , and careth not for Gods promises , nor establishing of his Word , n n Luke 1 Acts 3 in such a sort as God hath heretofore spoken by the mouth of his holy Prophets from the beginning of the world .

CHAP. XVI .

1. Of the saying , that men should be impartiall , how it ought to be understood . 12. How the Common Love is profitable to impartiality . 16. Of those that are outwardly just unto men , but unjust before God . 22. Of such as think themselves to be impartiall , because they regard no outward Religions , and in the meane space with-hold from God that which is his . 28. Divers raile at all that observe any Religion . 35. How we are to judge of all outward God Services and Ceremonies .

THere goeth also a sentence abroad among many , ( whereof likewise much mention is made in our writings ) that according to the requiring of Christian Doctrine , men should stand a a 1 Cor. 3 impartiall .

2. O ye deerly beloved , erre not through any conceit of the imagination , but have regard to the Word concerning the upright impartialnesse , and if ye mark the same well , you shall understand , that men are to be impartiall in the truth , and with those that witnesse the truth under the obedience of the Love , to the intent that no man take part with flesh and blood , but with the truth , and be in the unity of the love , b b Rom. 12 15 1 Cor. 1 2 Cor. 13. Phil. 2 well minded to a like life of righteousnesse , namely , with all them that do under the obedience of the love , witnesse and minister the gracious word of truth , and be comprehended in the upright brotherly love .

3. But men may not thus be impartiall with the world , or with those that with heart and will do cleave unto the world , that lie still in the vanity and sin , and that are not believing nor desirous to obtaine any better thing : no , nor with the conceited wise , nor with the maintainers of factious ceremonies , c c 2 Cor. 12 Gal. 3 1 Tim. 6. 2 Pet. 2. who are envyers , blasphemers , and evill speakers against the holy Word of Truth , and of the service of his Love .

4. Truly , with such men are not to stand impartiall , but with spirit and life to be against them utterly , and yet to shew forth the upright nature of the love unto them , if happily by some means they might be drawne ( to their preservation in the godlinesse ) unto the communion of the Love .

5. But with the d d Infra . 18 lovers of righteousnesse ( as is aforesaid ) and likewise with the sinners ( such as cleave not by their will to the unrighteousnesse , but do daily depart therefrom , and have a servent desire to the righteousnesse , under the obedience of the love ) men are to stand impartiall , and to sticke fast unto that which is godly , and that tendeth to the concord and peace .

6. Therefore judge of the impartialnesse with understanding , and put a difference between the godly life , and the life of the world , and try your selves , if so be you know your selves .

7. Look into your hearts ( observing whom you cleave unto , desire , and love ) how , or with what manner disposition , ye stand impartiall , whether ye would rather suffer e e Heb. 11. or indure disgrace , reproach , and contmpt , with the Lovers of the Righteousnesse , then cleave unto the honour , voluptuousnesse and riches , or ease of this world : Oh! I feare that many of them boast themselves to stand impartiall with the truth , who notwithstanding are altogether partially minded against the truth .

8. Neverthelesse , let no man take anie thing unto him out of any choosing , whether it be out of loathing or of liking , but let every one search his own heart , how he findeth the same disposed , & examine once himself , whether he stand impartiall rightly or not .

9. And when the man hath seriously tried and proved himself herein , in such sort that he knoweth assuredly how his heart standeth , ( in case he wholly love God and his righteousnesse , intend the truth in the Love with his whole soule , and desire to deny and to forsake himselfe , f f Mat. 16. Luke 9.14 with all that is in the world , for the godlinesse sake ) then shall he very well know and understand a difference between the cleavers to the world , and those that from the bottom of their soules love the righeousnesse .

10. Wheresoevea then any upright impartiall hearts are found , and that they do shew forth under the obedience of the Love , the praise of God , the salvation of men and the truth , out of the love of righteousnesse , and do point none unto flesh and blood , nor to any visible elements , but only to the good life of the true essentiall Godhead , and are thereunto serviceable to all men , to all concord in the love of Jesu Christ , with those are the Lovers of righteousnesse and truth , to stand impartiall to the unity of heart in the love , and so to have regard to the ministration of the godly testimonies of the holy spirit of the Love unto obedience , for to walk in such a life of godlinesse , as is pointed out and witnessed thereby , and in that manner to grow up in the good g g Eph. 2. Apo. 21 to an house or tabernacle of the living God or Christ , and to give no further respect to the outward , then as it is serviceable thereunto , to the intent , that no man may be bewitched in his spirit , but may cleave to the vertue and nature of the love , and that the h h Col. 3. love may obtain a dwelling place or forme in him .

11. Lo , after this manner ought men to live impartially in the good , i i Esa. 1. Psa. 37. 2 Pet 3. to turn from all ungodly being , and not to maintain the evill .

12. There goeth also a saying about among divers , that to shew the k k 2 Pet. 1. common love is the most best means to keep ones self thus impartiall .

13. It is true , our writings do also testifie such things ; howbeit , let every one for all that look to it , and beware of his own judgement , that by the l l Gen. 3. Sap. 2. 2 Cor. 11. subtilty of the Serpent , or of her nature , or els by the mind of the flesh , he be not beguiled ; the saying in it self is very right , but many that marke not the saying according to the truth , doe speak the same with a wrong sight or understanding .

14. For some use such sentences for their own seekings cause , and so in such a show of vertue , their heart ( in regard of being incorporated with God in the spirit ) remaineth covered , m m Esa. 29 Jer. 23 and estranged from God , and many also give great respect unto such sayings , insomuch that by occasion thereof , they do oft-times ( according to mens private conceit ) cleave to some outward vertue , which surely is the very smallest of all , and do leave the principallest n n Mat. 23 1 Cor. 13 1 Tim. 1 or greatest , which God requireth . The like did also many heretofore that were learned in the Law , upon whom the Lord pronounced wo , because they observed the least things of the Law ( whilest they tythed Mint , Anise , and Cummin ) and left the greatest matters of the Law , o o Mat. 23 Luk. 11 to wit , judgment , mercy and faithfulnesse .

15. For albeit they observed all this after an outward show , so as they seemed thereby to be righteous , yet was it all surely of no value , seeing they were not joyned with whole heart unto God , p p Ioh. 15 nor according to the spirit incorporated with him .

16. Furthermore , divers men there are found , which ( after the outward fashion ) give every one his own , and unto divers ( out of common love ) shew outward mercy indifferently , who also carry themselves so justly , that q q Phil. 3 outwardly they are not to be reproved in any thing , howbeit , they are inwardly before God theeves and r r Mat. 23 Ioh. 10 false men , because they with-hold from God that which is his , s s Esa. 29 Ezek. 33. Mat. 15 that is to say , their heart , which is far from him , and standeth subject or tied unto visible things , which heart or inward mind , belongeth wholly , yea only unto God .

17. Therefore God is not appeased nor satisfied with the least , when the heart is not turned from all visible and mutable things , and doth not cleave perfectly unto him , or at least endeavour to wards it , to wit , that the man desire of God out of his grace , that God will strengthen him to the obeying of his will , and t t Eccl. 3 prepare his heart to his will and pleasure .

18. Look whose hearts are not thus minded , u u Deut. 6 Mat. 22 for to love and cleave unto God with all their souls , their common love is false and altogether unclean , x x Rom. ● for they have yet willingly a pleasure in their own concupiscence , and are yet far distant from the upright love of God , neverthelesse they do sometimes perswade themselves that they have the very best conceiving of the righteousnesse , and so proceed on according to the common course of wordly hearts .

19. Therefore there is great diversity between the unpartiall men , who addict their hearts unto God , and to the good , and those men whose hearts have minded worldly things , and yet do boast them of the unpartiallnesse . For look what unto worldly hearts [ namely , unto such hearts as are turned from God and his service of Love ] is a pleasure , lust , and life , that same is unto all the children of righteousnhsse , y y Luk. 16 an abomination and a horrible death .

20. Wherefore mark well the meaning , in what state or being the right unpartiality consisteth , and out of what heart it is , that men are to exercise the common-love , rightly ; verily with such an heart , as out of all his mind z z Eccl. 1.2 feareth God , and is inclined to the upright vertue in the love , or is comprehended therein , and not with an unadvised heart , which is without understanding in his common-love , and in his unpartialnesse that distinguisheth not the godlinesse , or the worldly righteousnesse , one from the other , or that hath a pleasure to run on crookedly and erringly , a a Luk. 12 to set his rest or to fix his heart in the earthly love , b b Rom. 1 Eph. 4 1 Pet. 4. according to the course of the blind world , or mind of the flesh .

21. Be not utterly I pray you c c Eph. 5 without understanding , but learn well to discern the truth , and let the Lord and his righteousnesse be a pleasure unto you , and erre not by any wrong sight that standeth in opinion or imagination , but observe judgement , and regard the thing which is right and just .

22. There is found moreover a certain kind of people , which perswade themselves that they are unpartiall , because they stand untied and unbound from all outward Religions or God-services , and from all such as are called Sects , supposing that in such a sort it is altogether well with them , and that so standing they are in good case , because they are so free , and have such a conscience as passeth not for such things : they set up their rest also , that they will not trouble themselves about any thing , nor respect or have any regard , either of Jerusalem or of Sion , or els of Gods Communion of Saints , but do earnestly care how they may get their living and welfare , maintain their Family , and withall do that which is equall and right to every man , having a Proverb : Let Gods Water run over Gods Field , and let us take our rest .

23. Is not this to have utterly mistaken the life of the truth , and the testimonies of the upright unpartiallnesse ? Shall there be no d d Esa. 2 40 , 59 Mat. 5 1 Pet 1 word of life then , nor service of love ministred , nor any thing thereout to be expected , or e e Rom. 8 longed for ? Are then the promises of God ( which concern f f Esa. 51 52 , 60 &c. Jerusalem and Sion ) come all to an end ? And shall the oath of God which he hath sworn ( as that the world g g Nu. 14 Mac. 2 shall be filled with his glory ) be thus utterly forgotten ? Will he not then gather together his holinesse again , h h Esa. 43 Baruc. 5. Mat. 24 from all Coasts of the earth , and be gracious unto them ? Yes assuredly , he will not be slack , nor forslow his time .

24. But alas this is least thought upon ; howbeit , that which concerns themselves they think much of ; but i i Lam. 1.4 Ezek. 8.9 23 Dan. 8 whether God hath that which is his , or that he remaineth ( as a stranger ) without his Sanctuary , that care they not for ; they will be sure to take to themselves the earthly things , which ( as true it is ) God hath created for the man , and for the mans welfare , but their hearts , which God ( according to the inward man ) hath created for k k Lev. 26 Ezek. 36.37 2 Cor. 6 his own dwelling , and for the praise of his glory , they draw to the earthly l l gap . 2. Rom. 1 and corruptible things , and so steal or with hold-from God , that which is his , and are theeves in Gods honour , and in his earthly created goods .

25. Note once I pray you and consider , whether the same be a right unpartiallnesse or not ; Notwithstanding in such a state they seem to be righteous men for all that : yea such a one shall with many welenough passe for a brother of the Gospell , but truly according to such a course ( if we will come no nearer unto God ) we are before God m m Esa. ● John 10 all theeves and robbers , Idolaters , Adulterers , and Adulteresses .

26. This is doubtlesse a great abomination or abhorring , that the man tieth himself to such things as God hath n n Gen. ● created unto good for him , I say nothing yet of such as use them so unseemly and inordinately , and so shutteth his God out at doors , and keepeth the godly being out of his heart .

27. Therefore let us learn to stand upright in the unpartialnesse , according to the truth , and not after the manner of men , and ( afore all things ) give unto God , o o Deut. ● Mat. 22 that which belongeth unto him , [ namely , the heart and mind ] and likewise p p 1 Tim. 4 use that well which belongeth unto us , to the laud and praise of his glory , that he ( blessed may he be ) who is all in all , may also be glorified and praised in all , and that we in like manner might be made an q q Tit. 2 acceptable people unto him , as his own Creation , r r Gen. 1. Eph. 2 and work of his own hands , wherein he liveth and raigneth , and might moreover be made the Sheep of his Pasture , a City of Peace , and an house s s 1 Cor. 3 or Temple for his dwelling . To this end should we take heed to his holy calling , that we may be made children or t t Rom. 8 Eph 3 heirs of his spirituall and heavenly goods . O yea , even so be it .

28. Again there are found certain others , which perswade themselves to be unpartiall , who boldly reproach or revile others , and rail at those whom they hold for Factions , or that are called Sects , and u u 2 Pet. 2 Iude. 1 so speak evill of that which themselves know not , neither can they discerne the matter , according to the truth , but despise the thing that seemeth amisse in their eyes , and yet cannot point the erring or wandring ones to any better .

29. Oh when shall the perverse mouth once keep silence , the x x Psal. 34 1 Pet. 3. reproaching lips be put far from us , and that once sought ( from the heart , and out of love ) which is equall ?

30. O raile not ye beloved , and pluck no man from his zeal , to any fleshly or worldly understanding , as some have done , whilst they have turned those from their zeale , that were zealous after righteousnesse , and because they could not point them to any better , then that was , which before they had their zeal in , therefore fell they to the world , and became more erring and blind then ever they were before , but in this manner ought it not to go ye dearly beloved .

31. But if there were any godly wisdome & upright love , men should use it in this sort ; that is to wit , they should testifie that y y Phil. 4 Heb. 10 which were right and reasonable , according to the requiring of God and the truth , they should cleave unto God with the whole heart in the spirit , and so z z Eph. 4 reach one another the hand to the love , and not reproach nor despise any , nor yet turn any aside to the earthly and mutable things , or to any partiality , to the intent that they which had the right teaching and did minister the gracious Word of the Lord , might then likewise be heard and understood aright and according to the truth ; and that all zealous hearts might be united a a Col. 3 in one band of love , and all they likewise which love the equity b b Sap. 8 and righteousnesse , become one heart c c Act. 4. and mind , d d Eph. 4 as there is one God , one Faith , and one manner Salvation , in all and with all .

32. After such a manner ought men to stand unpartiall , and to this effect , e e 2 Pet. 1 to use the common love , and not to destroy that which is good , or to make division , nor yet to strengthen the world in her wickednesse , but to have a desire that the zeal to righteousnesse , under the obedience of the love , might be spread abroad among many , with a loathing of the sin , and all unrighteousnesse .

33. Howbeit , to exhort any man that he suffer not his heart to be bound nor intangled with any thing that is outward , is very meet , so far forth as his heart may thereby be turned to have regard to the upright vertue of a pure heart and to the love , f f Gal. 3 whereby to be subject to the outward things no more , but to serve the living God with a willing spirit .

34. Thus or to this effect men shall loose the binding of the heart , and proceed towards the upright righteousnesse , with a free mind and humble heart to God ; for such things doth God require above all , and not the g g Rom. 3 Gal. 3.6 tying to the outward , wherein neither life nor death of souls consisteth , nor any life of righteousnesse required .

35. For indeed it is true , yea certain and sure , both by the testimony of the godly truth in the spirit , and also by the testimony of the Prophets and Apostles of Christ , that neither in any thing whatsoever is visible or feelable , nor in any factious God services or ceremonies , which are observed with mens hands in contention , and do not require any life of righteousnesse consisteth either any salvation nor condemnation , before God ; h h Rom. 14 1 Cor. 8 neither can they bring any vantage or damage at all unto the souls of them , whose hearts are not intangled therewith , or have not any abhorring thereof .

36. Notwithstanding , if the God-services and ceremonies be Jewish , or Christian , i i Rom. 3 then do they testifie of the life which God commandeth , and k k Rom. 8 Gal. 3.4 Heb. 7 requireth by them : but if the ceremonies or God services be heathenish , or mens invention , or if they be ministred in strife , and in schism or partiality , then do those ceremonies and services shew , that the life of those people that minister them , is bewitched , and that they l l 1 Gor. 1.2 know not God , nor m m Rom. 10 his righteousnesse , nor yet undeastand his Law or will , and that they do walk in a n n Ier. 7.11 Eph. 4 meer imagination , and not after the Lords will , and that is the thing which God forbiddeth .

37. For surely it is thick darknesse over the children of men , o o Esa. 59 that they be so utterly blinded and bewitched of spirit , that they cannot comprehend nor understand the upright life of righteousnesse ; for men are not to be subject in the spirit to the outward things wherewith they are served , but should let themselves be served therewith to the upright righteousnesse , and should cleave unto that which is spirit and the true life it self , and which is required by those outward services .

38. After this manner p p Rom. 14 1 Cor. 8 if the heart be not tied with lusting and liking unto the outward things , neither doth through any fear or disliking abhor them , the Ceremonies do stand free for the Believers , indifferently to be used .

CHAP. XVII .

In this Chapter is shewed the right difference between the true God-service and the Idol-service , and also the Ceremonies of eithers Services .

NOw there are certain also that ( being intangled ) make conscience , that men must necessarily use the Christian Ceremonies ( after the counterfeiting out of the Letter ) as a Commandement of the Lord .

2. Therefore seeing we now find many such people , as in their consciences are tied or bound , that they must necessarily use the services and ceremonies , which after the testimonies of the Christian Services and Ceremonies , are counterfeited out of the Letter , as a Commandement of the Lord , and because they understand nothing at all of the difference between the right Services and Ceremonies , and the counterfeit , I could not for the Loves sake omit , to shew also a right difference of the same .

3. Thus mark now , ye Lovers of the truth , how that between the true Services and Christian Ceremonies , which are administred a a Mat. 28 Mat. 16 Acts 2.3 4. &c. out of the true light and word of life , and the counterfeit services and ceremontes which are administred out of the knowledge of the Letter , there must a right difference be noted and observed , and so then must be considered , to what intent or to what sense the true services and Christian ceremonies are Gods Commandement , and whether the services and ceremonies be Gods everlasting Commandement , or else be but annexed b b Gal. 3 Heb 7 or joyned to the everlasting Commandement of God or Christ , for to serve the man withall in the obeying of them , and to bring him in to the everlasting Commandement and life of God , and that he should by such a means understand Gods everliving Commandement c c Rom. 12 and Will , and live therein : For Gods true Commandement hath been from everlasting , and d d Esa. 4 Mat. 24 1 Pet. 1. and remaineth unchangeable , to everlasting .

4. It is e e Exod. 20 Deut. 5. commanded in the Law , that men should rest upon the Sabboth day , or sanctifie the same , and such other like ; and after that the mouth of the the Wisdome and Truth saith , f f Mar. 2 that the man is not made for the Sabboth daies sake , but the Sabboth day for the mans sake , shewing a difference in Gods Commandement , [ namely , between that thing which was Gods commandement from everlasting , and abideth unchangeable , and that which for mens sake was annexed thereunto ] because they should understand Gods righteousnesse , and his everlasting commandement thereby .

5. And thus were the g g Exod. 12 38.39.40 Luk. 1.2.3 4 , 5 , 6. &c. ceremonies of the Law annexed to Gods everlasting commandement , [ that is , unto that which hath been Gods commandement from everlalasting , and shall abide for ever , ] because the people of Israel should out of the ceremonies of the Law , and out of the outward Godservices of the same , h h Deut. 30 4 Esd. 7 understand the life of godlinesse and the righteousnesse which God requireth , and so live therein [ namely , to love their God i i Exod. 20 Deut. 4.6.10 Mat. 22 with all their hearts , and their neighbour as themselves ] after all the manner of their Fathers , Abraham , Isaac and Jacob , to whom the ceremonies were not commanded , and yet for all that ( being obedient to the Lords commandements ) they walked waies in his statutes and ordinances , which obedience or walking in the upright life , was required by the Law , and by the obeying of the ceremonies or outward God-services , services , and were published through Christ in the world .

6. But whilst now that in times past , there came a k k Rom. 11 blindnesse upon the learned in the Law , insomuch that they knew no difference between the upright life that God requireth ( which is his commandement from everlasting ) and the ceremonies of the Law , which were annexed thereunto , & that the upright life ( l l Mat. 3.17 2 Pet. 1 wherein God had his delight ) was appeared and come , therefore rose there up many controversies about the services and ceremonies amongst them that m m Mat. 12.15 , 19 , 21 , 22. knew not the upright life , and there fell out many questions and janglings , and that all for the law and the ceremonies cause ; but God had no pleasure in any thing save only his beloved , the like life of his being , in whom he had good pleasure : And this is his Commandement , n n Deut. 18 Mat. 17. Act. 3 even that men should heare , believe , and obey the same , and live for ever therein , and that men should obey the services and ceremonies administred out of the true light and word of life , to an incorporating thereinto .

7. Now inasmuch as divers in times past , o o Mat. 15 , 23. Joh. 9 gave greater respect to the ceremonies , and works of the Law , then to the life of godlinesse ; therefore they did cleave to the ceremonies and works of the Law , and believed not the life that was required thereby , but fell away from the right stock of the p p Job . 8 father Abraham .

8. But the believers ( that gave more regard to the life of godlinesse , then to the ceremonies or works of the Law ) abode still q q Ioh. 6 by the word of life , and were not bound , albeit they forsook the ceremonies of the Law , which were out of the Letter commanded , by the unilluminate and unbelievers of the word of life ; for the ceremonies could not in themselves without the word or light of life , extend to any commandement of God .

9. Therefore was the upright life at that time r r Deut. 13 published and taught , because men should believe the same as a precept or commandement of the Lord , and be obedient unto his requiring , that so ( through the beliefe ) they might be made free s s Act. 15 Rom. 3 Eph. 2 from the sinne , or be justified therefrom , and might live thereby with God the Father to an everlasting peace according to the promises .

10. This communalty or believers of the good life , were as children of the belief and obedience , t t Mat. 26.28 Acts 2.4 . joyned together to a bringing in to the same life , under the service of the holy Word , and the hand reached them thereunto , with the Christian ceremonies of Baptisme , and the Supper of Christ , which Christian ceremonies were administred unto them out of the word of life , and observed by them to obedience ; yet not for the ceremonies , but for the upright lifes sake , which ( being afterward to come ) was u u Infra . 23 required therewith . And thus the Christian ceremonies were not the everlasting commandement of God , but the word of life was it .

11. Howbeit , the ceremonies were annexed thereunto for an assistance x x Gal. 3.4 Heb. 7 and bringing in of the believers into the life , as is aforesaid , even as the same is prefigured unto us , by the ceremonies of the Catholike Church of Jesu Christ , to the intent that the believers of the holy word , and of the good life or Christ , should through the service of the ceremonies , y y 2 Pet. 1 have regard to the same word of life , being afterward to come .

12. Even thus for the good lifes cause , and for the mans sake , are the true Christian ceremonies of the gracious word , and of his service of love now in the last time annexed unto Gods everlasting Commandement , for an assistance of all them to the z z 2 Pet. 1 entrance of the upright life , which believe in Jesu Christ , and humble themselves to the service of his love , to the end they should be brought thereby to the life , which is Gods everlasting commandement , and still abideth [ namely , to a a Deut. 10 30 Mat 22 love our God with all our hearts , and our neighbour as our selves , and to obtain the same b b Rom. 3 Eph. 2. through the belief ] even as it is preached and written , because no man should trust upon the ceremonies , and find himself deceived by being without the upright life .

13. Neverthelesse after those daies of the fore-said ministration of the Christian ceremonies , many c c 1 Tim. 4 Tim. 3. 2 Pet. 2 fell away from the true belief of Christ , or of the good life , knowing no difference in Gods precept or commandement , wherethrough there are now also many become vaine in their understandings , in such sort , that they themselves know not the meaning of the christian ceremonies , nor yet to what purpose they were adjoyned to Gods commandement ; and by that occasion there is risen up ( for the Christian ceremonies cause ) much discord and debate , even as heretofore it came to passe , for d d 2 Cor. 11 Gal. 1.2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 the Jewish ceremonies .

14. Wherefore seeing the services of the former Christian ceremonies after the Letter , do bring in controversie , and are not set forth or observed out of the word of life , nor out of the love of Jesu Christ , to the unity of heart in the love , but out of the letter with different understandings , and in diffention , and cannot alone in themselves extend to any commandement of God , therefore are not the believers of the good life [ namely , the communalty under the obedience of the love of Iesu Christ ] bound ( as is rehearsed ) thereunto , as of necessity outwardly to observe them , but they stand free unto them either to keep , or to omit them , to wit e e Rom. 14 as they serve them to peace , and are edifiable unto men ; for Gods commandement f f Ioh. 12 is the everlasting life , and that is the very love it self , even g g Deut. : 0.30 . Mat. 19.22 Rom. 13 to love God above all things , and our neighbour as our selves .

15. Lo , this ( to be short ) is the difference of the Jewish and Christian ceremonies , and of those of the Family of the Love of Jesu Christ , namely , to what purpose their office or service is commanded , and to what intent they are annexed to the everlasting Commandement of God and observed .

16. Now there are likewise divers people that will not use some ceremonies ( because they judge them as heathenish or idolatrous services , and as a forbidding of the Lord ) by means of abhorring and fear that they have of them , least any harm or hinderance should hoppen unto their souls thereby ; concereing the which it also must be considered , how and wherefore the same should be idolatrous services , and a forbidding of God , for every unright usage hath his occasion , sense , and signification ,

17. For whilest the heathen or the uncircumcised people ( are in respect of the knowledge of God , become vain , h h Rom. 1 Eph. 4 blind , and insensible , ( as being utterly estranged from the upright life which God esteemeth , ) therefore do they make or counterfeit unto themselves out of the vanity of their thoughts , services and ceremonies , which the vain hearts that understand not Gods Law and Ordinance , are bewitched and bound with .

18. So then the vaine , corrupt , and bewitched life [ which neither knoweth , nor loveth the living God , nor his i i Rom. 1 Eph. 4 righteousnesse ; but is rebellious and unfaithfull to God ] is Gods forbidding . And out of it have the blind people which know not the upright life , joyned thereunto their services and ceremonies , k k Deut. 12 wherefore the contary life to God is the forbidding of the Lord , [ to wit , that men shall not believe , serve , nor be subject to the same ] and not alone the heathenish services and ceremonies in themselves .

19. And for the bewitched lifes cause , all is idol-service , and against Gods will , which such people as are held captive under it , or in their inwardnesse are corrupted and bewitched by it , do observe and use , not for the services , but l l Esa. 1.58 Am●s . 5 Mic. 6 for their corrupt lives sake .

20. For albeit they do out of such a bewitched life of unbelief take on them or counterfeit any thing , which men call Jewish or Christian ceremonies , yet it is not that which availeth before God , m m Eph. 2.4 because they are strangers from the life which is of God .

21. Therefore seeing they are become n n Rom. 1 vain and dark in their understanding , insomuch that they know neither the true God , or his true God-service , nor the Idoll or his Idol-service , therefore neither are their outward Gods which men call Idols in themselves , o o 1 Cor. 8 the right Idols ( but they are that they are ) neither are their services or ceremonies , the right Idol-services : For the Idoll and the Idol-service ( which God accounteth for such , and shutteth for ever without him and his Kingdome , and will not have it to be in his Temple or Tabernacle , but inwardly to be rooted out ) p p 1 Reg. 15. 1 Cor. 6 Eph. 5 Col. 3 is the depraved or corrupt life as is aforesaid ; by which corrupt life , the people that are holden therewith , are bewitched and tied to the unprositable and vain things , which indeed are all Idol-services .

22. Forasmuch then as the services and ceremonies of the vain minded people ( which are ministred in their estranging from Gods true righteousnesse ) cannot bewitch our hearts , whilest that we are not , nor may not be made partakers of their vain , perverse and corrupt life with the heart , neither do suffer our selves to take pleasure in such things , q q 1 Cor. 10 how should their outward services and ceremonies ( simply of themselves ) be in any wise unto us a forbidding of the Lord , or any idolatrous service ? r r Iohn 4 For God is a Spirit , and in the Spirit maketh known unto us , that he beyond all and above all , desirefh s s Deut. 6.10 Mat. 22 only our hearts , and that therein ( as in his living Temple ) he will t t Lev. 26 Ezek. 37 Iohn 14 2 Cor. 6 Apo. 21 live and dwell , and onely in the same be served and honored , in all upright righteousnesse and holinesse .

23. Therefore mark this ground , and consider in your understanding , to what purpose God commandeth to be obedient unto his services and ceremonies , which are administred out of his word of life , and wherefore the heathenish services and ceremonies be against God : and how that the right God-services and ceremonies do cleave , and are knit to the good life and upright being of the living God , and the right Idol-services and idolatrous ceremonies do cleave , and are knit to the corrupt life and word of vain imagination .

24. Now if ye mark this according to the truth , then shall ye well understand , how or in what sort u u Mat. 15 23 Rom. that the outward services of the heathen or uncircuncised , be esteemed least of before God , and how also that the outward Ordinances of God , are the smallest services in the service of his Saints , and that God doth most of all regard that we ( through his Ordinances and ceremonies ) be joyned unto him , and so then ( according to the requiring of his ceremonies ) x x Deut. 6 Mat. 22 love him with all our hearts , and our neighbour as our our selves , and y y Iohn . 17 know him as a true God , how that he only is the Lord , and the everlasting life .

25. Neverthelesse it is unto me wel known , that sundry speeches go about among the children of men , wherewith they despise and blaspheme our godly testimonies , and according to their conceit out of the Scripture or Letter , or out of the imagination of their knowledge , do alledge much there-against , saying , this is Gods commandement , hereby must we abide , or this is Gods forbidding , who can say against it ?

26. It is true concerning the outwad , they can ( out of the Scripture ) speak very much , do make therewith much z z Rom. 16 division , strife , and discord among each other ; but they seldom think or consider that they ought to come in the spirit , to a a Joh. 5 that which the Scripture pointeth unto .

27. Oh that they all knew the right meaning of the commandement or forbidding of God , according to the truth , then should the strife for outward things be soon ended and laid down !

28. But look into the matter ye dearly beloved , whether it goeth not now also as it did heretofore with the Galathians ( when many of them were bound with the outward circumcision ) b b Gal. 3 , 5 , 6 whilest certain caused themselves to be circumcised , supposing out of the testimonies of the Scripture according to the letter , that the same ( although notwithstanding it was not administred unto them out of the Word of life , under the obedience of the belief ) was yet a commandement of the Lord , such as according to the letter men were necessarily to keep ; but inasmuch as they distinguished not the services and ceremonies , which were administred unto them out of the Word of Life , from the services which were administred unto them out of the letter , without the word and light of Life , neither had the sight of the living commandement of the Lord , or of God , nor yet discerned or knew the same from the commandement according to the letter , therefore were they c c Gal. 3.5 lead away with the outward , from proceeding in the spirit , and were very miserably bewitched with the outward , because they thought that even the salvation of souls lay therein .

29. On the other side , there were also many among the Corinthians , that d d 1 Cor. 3 made conscience , and counted it for an abomination , to buy , eat , or use the offering of the Idols , after the manner of the heathens ceremonies , supposing that Gods forbidding and the hurt of souls , lay in the outward ceremonies of the heathen , and that of themselves alone they were Idol-services . But what ( I pray you ) is there on the one side or on the other , or in any such like that concerns us ?

30. Verily in case we be come to the knowledge of the truth , and to the right discerning of this difference , then we know that all the outward services of the heathen ( so that the heart stand free from them ) are not of force to e e Mat. 15 desile the inward man , f f Cor. 4 Gal. 4 in whom Christ hath his form .

31. Also there consisteth in them alone , neither salvation nor condemnation , such as God respecteth . For look what the heathen or the vain minded uncircumcised people do observe , as concerning their God-services that is their ignorance , g g Eph. 2.4 because they know not the true God , neither do hunger nor thirst after his upright righteousnesse .

32. In case then that we be come to the true knowledge h h Iohn 17 of the living God , ( the which is our calling , ) and do from the heart love his life of righteousnesse in the spirit , shall we then say , and in such an ignorance rest perswaded , that the God-service after the heathenish manner should be any thing , or that it were the very Idol-service it self , that be far from us .

33. We confesse before God and his truth , and before all that believe thereon , that there is i i Cor. 8 no outward Idoll , nor any outward Idol-service in heaven , nor on earth , but that there is one onely God , ( whose God-service requireth the upright righteousnesse , and likewise reacheth to the k k Heb. 8.9 ministration of the spiritual and heavenly goods in the living being of God , according to the spirit , wherethrough all things are , & out of the same & his spiritual & heavenly ministration in the spirit , preceedeth l l Iohn 17 Eph. 4 the upright righteousnesse & the unity of the heart in the love , & the true God-service on the earth , whose Altar is m m Heb. 9 not made with mens hands , but is prepared of God from the beinning of the world for evermore ; & on the other side , we confesse that all the God-services & Gods of the heathen are but vain n n Ier. 10 mockeries , & for nought els to be respected , then for a foolish inchantment in the ignorance , wherewith the vain hearts ( which know nothing of God , nor of his Law ) are bewitched and tied .

34. Whilest then the ceremonies which ( in contention ) men call God services , and as it were Ordinances of Christianity , and which in sundry manners are brought in out of the Letter , do now bring much wrangling , strife , and dissention in , therefore busie we not our selves much about them ( whilest that our heart is very little , or nothing at all tied unto them ) but rather have more regard , o o Gal. 5. Heb. 10 to give heed after the spirit unto that which the ceremonies of the Law , and the services of the holy , Church of Jesu Christ do require , or whereunto they are administred and used by the holy ones of God , and by the ancient Fathers of the holy Church of Jesus Christ , out of the true light .

35. Neverthelesse though we say we have more regard to attend unto that which the ceremonies and services of the holy Church of Jesus Christ do require , yet do we not therefore despise the Christian ceremonies or services , as though they were of no value , or were besides the mind of the Spirit of Jesu Christ ; O no , that be far from us , but we esteem them great in their right degree and use , p p Gen. 17 Mat. 28 Mar. 16. as that the salvavation is with the ceremonies ( but not through them ) promised unto the believers , q q Rom. 3.9 Gal. 2.3 yet not that it should appear or come out of them .

36. For if the salvation were bound to the ceremonies , then must God needs be a lyer , whilst he had not ability to shew mercifulnesse unto men out of his grace , nor to save them , r r Rom. 3.11 Eph. 2. but that they must deserve the salvation through the works of the ceremonies .

37. Howbeit God abideth true , and gracious , s s Psal. 116 Rom. 3 but the man is unfaithfull and lying ; for the man hath forsaken the covenant of his God , and hath t t 4 Esd. 7.8 not regarded his promises , but abused his ceremonies , broken and despised the right ordinances , and in the ministration of them , hath not attended unto the salvation of the belief , nor yet trusted in God , to obtain the same according to the promises , but is u u 1 Tim. 4 fallen away from the meaning of the belief , gone forth after his own taken on faith , and hath forgotten the rock x x Deut. 32 Rom. 9 1 Pet. 2 of his salvation .

38. Neverthelesse , though ( through infidelity , and the ignorance of men ) the right use of the ceremonies , and the meaning of the true belief , and of the godly promises , be of many men forsaken , y y Num. 23 Deut. 4 Rom. 3 2 Tim. 2 yet is God true notwithstanding , and he with-holdeth not that which he hath promised , for his holy names sake ; hereby declaring , that he is not unfaithfull or lying as the man is , but an everlasting , z z Eccl. 2 gracious and true God towards those that love him , that seek his righteousnesse from the heart , and a a Mat. 5 hunger and thirst after it .

39. For he b b Deut. 4 forgetteth not his Covenant which he hath made with the Fathers , neither doth he break his promises in c c Luk. 1 such manner as he hath spoken them ( aforetimes ) by the mouth of his holy Pruphets , but will ( for his own sake establish them , and cause the man d d Psal. 50 to see his own human unfaithfulnesse and lying against his God , how that the man hath not regarded Gods Covenant nor his promises , under the services and ceremonies , which were ordained for him of God ; to this end that he e e Exod. 12 13 Mat. 26 Luke 22 1 Cor. 11 should think upon the same , to the intent he might be saved , accordiag to the promises .

40. But not f f Ro. 9.11 that Gods promises are established out of the ceremonies , or through the works of the ceremonies . O no , but g g Rom. 5 Gal. 5 in the love , according to the spirit , and according to the truth out of the heavenly being , through the belief , even as it is promised , and as the Scripture maketh mention .

41. Wherefore seeing that God hath now out of his grace given us h h 2 Cor. 4 such clearnesse ( under the obedience of the requiring of his service of love ) in the spirit of our hearts , therefore look we more upon the promises , giving heed unto that [ namely the i i 1 Tim. 1 love ] which the promises are established in , then we do upon the like counterfeited services or ceremonies : And for this cause we cannot let our hearts be bound or intangled with any thing that is ministred without the true light and service of love , nor yet yeeld to take part either against or with it , but do endeavour our selves to the upright k k Eph. 4 righteousnesse and holinesse in Jesus Christ , and to all concord in the love and her service .

42. For thereunto were we and all men called heretofore of God the Father , through the spirit of Christ , even that we should come through faith l l Rom. 3.5 , 8 to the righteousnesse in Jesu Christ , and to his true m m Mat. 22 Iohn 17 1 Tim. 1 love , and that the ceremonies out of the true light , should for the same intent be serviceable unto us .

43. Now might one here demand if the matter be so , why then have some yet regard to taking part with flesh and bloud ? And wherefore do some yet make conscience to themselves , to account the Schismaticall ceremonies indifferent unto them for some are held captive with affections , in their conscience , n n Rom. 14 Gal. 3.4 , 5 insomuch that they must yet observe certain ceremonies , and others againe have such an o o 1 Cor. 8.10 . abhorring of them , that they must necessarily leave them ?

Answer .

44. Their unbelief p p Rom. 1 Eph. 4 and blindnesse is the cause of it , inasmuch as they believe not the promises of God , nor yet understand that the same are avouched in the spirit , but will justifie and esteem themselves faithfull , either by cleaving to these , or by leaving of those ceremonies , and think that before God they should be counted unfaithfull , if their hear●s were not stedfastly bound unto those things , which they q q Col. 2 have chosen to themselves , and which without the word of life , and requiring of his service of love , they judge their faithfulnesse to consist in , not perceiving how unfaithfull r r Esa. 59 and lying themselves are in their inwardnesse unto God and his upright righteousnesse . For the Lord requireth by his services and ceremonies principally , the inward s s Ezek. 36 Mat. 23 Luk. 11 cleannesse according to the spirit . And even to that end did the old Fathers of the holy Church of Jesus Christ , t t Act. 2.8 10. &c. use the ceremonies among Christ his believers .

45. But because this is not understood nor believed aright by the children of men , therefore know they not also what is reckned unto them for salvation , nor yet wherein consisteth the condemnation .

46. For seeing they give respect to their unclean consciences , and are fast tied to something that directeth not to God and his righteousnesse , they cannot therefore perceive nor understand what God requireth of them , for their consciences are stained with something which they esteem for holy , and yet is not of God , and therefore they fear .

47. But if they came to the u u Joh. 1 2 Pet. 1 1 Ioh. 1 sight of the living being of God , which only is boly , and whereby all visible things are hallowed , and be used or ministred uprightly , then would they ( through the ministring of the x x Sap. 13 Rom. 1 visible things ) have regard to the everlasting , & not to the corruptible , either for to fear it , or els for to esteem the outward , above the profit thereof , as whereby they might in any wise be accused , and would in the spirit love that , which all is comprehended in , and which the ceremonies of the Law of the belief , and of the service of love do point and direct unto .

48. So then the summe of all that God requireth of us , is y y 1 Reg. 15 an obedience which is after God , and not after the manner of men , or according to elementish working ; namely , An z z Ezek. 36 1 Tim. 1 upright heart towards God and his righteousnesse , a a a Psal. 5. willing spirit , and a pure unspotted conscience in Jesu Christ .

49. b b Heb. 6.10 Let us hereunto , in the obedience of the requiring of the service of Love , proceed on with c c 1 Tim. 1 unfained faith , in d d Rom. 12 1 Pet. 1.3 brotherly love , and in e e Rom. 12 2 Cor. 13 Heb. 12 a peaceable mind ; for thereunto are we called , and this same is the upright Salvation , which God maketh choice of in us .

Take it to heart .

CHAP. XVIII .

1. Wee are exhorted to accept of the proffered Grace , and to grow up in Righteousnesse , unto the Glory which shall be revealed at the last . 3. Not to binde our Consciences to any outward thing , nor to assume any Libertie to our selves . 11. To take heed of Halting on both sides , and of Mixing with the World . 15. We are at first , called to Sanctification , and not to much Confessing with the mouth . 16. Christ ( indeed ) is to be confessed : but how ?

SEeing then ( Dearly-beloved ) that such a godly sight is now in these dangerous times by Gods Grace appeared unto us , that we sensibly perceive in our selves the divine Calling to the same : ( which appeareth unto us , not out of Flesh nor Blood ; but is brought unto us out of the heavenly Truth , or Loyns of Jesu Christ , through a a Acts 2. the holy Ghost , b b Acts 15. for to cleanse our hearts through Faith , according to the Promises ; the which is c c 1 Cor. 3. the blessing and increase of God , that is not tyed unto any working of men , but is the power of God the Father himself , for d d Eph. 1. a pledge of our Inheritance : ) therefore let us take heed to such an appeared e e 2 Cor. 6. Hebr. 12. Grace , and f f Heb. 3. Grace , and f f Heb. 3. not turn us away in the time of the godly calling of Salvation , but give over our hearts ( in the beleef ) thereunto [ namely , to the obedience of the Love , in the Spirit ] and so ( with all inclination of love , with lowly hearts unto God , and with long-suffering ) g g Eph. 1.4 . 1 Pet. 2. grow up and increase in the Righteousnesse and Holinesse that are pleasing unto God , that we may be a seat of the holy Triumph of our Lord Jesu Christ in his Coming . Which heavenly cleernesse of the godly Triumph , and of the glory of his Christ in the Spirit , h h Rom. 16. Ephes. 3. Col. 1. 2 Tim. 1. hath hitherto been hidden from the World , and hath ceased , because it should be i i 1 Pet. 1. disclosed and made manifest ( in holy Glory ) in the last time , to the joy of the Beleevers , that hope for the salvation of upright hearts .

2. That truly is it which God requireth , and whereunto all Gods Prophets have born witness : And k k Joel . 2. Acts 2. it shall come to passe ( saith God ) in the last dayes .

3. Therefore let no man now make to himself any conscience , l l Col. 2. Gal. 4.5 nor suffer his heart to be bound or tyed by any earthly outward thing , that he be not thereby hindred for coming to the purity or sanctification of the heart , which ( out of God ) cometh to passe in the Spirit .

4. Let no man also take any thing upon him to any intent of Liberty , whereby to live m m Gen. 3. Eph. 4. in the apple of conscience , after the minde of this World . For ( in such a course ) the Liberty should be wholly abused , and be unto us an occasion n n Gal. 5. 1 Pet. 2. to use liberty according to the Flesh , and utterly to fail of the upright o o John 8. Rom. 6. Liberty in Jesus Christ .

5. But seeing that we have now obtained an upright liberty in Jesu Christ ( under the obedience of the Love ) in the using of the Services and Ceremonies ; and that both it , and the manner how we are to use the Ceremonies uprightly ( in these dangerous times , is risen up unto us in our hearts , and vouchsafed us of God , therefore are we to look into this Liberty after the Spirit , for to use it to a growth of the upright life in the Spirit , that there may p p Isa. 1.10 . Rom. 9. remain a seed to preservation : for then will the God of heaven ( now in the last time ) make his holy Name , and his secret Wisdom famous and notable , against all the wise of this World , q q Mat. 11. 1 Cor. 1. & 2. & 3. who by their own wisdom , do not understand the secret Wisdom of God .

6. Hereunto let your hearts be inclined , ye Dearly-beloved , and not to the infidelitie of the blinde World , nor to the contention of the seditious Letter-learned . And in any case take heed to your r r Eccl. 4. & 27. Gal. 6. time , ye that are come to such a sight , and to the holy calling of the godly love ; and thank God from the heart ( with a cheerful mind ) s s Tit. 2. for such an appeared grace , out of the bountifull kindnesse of his love , in this last abominable time , whose end reacheth to the destruction t t Mat. 25. Rom. 2. 2 Pet. 3. or condemnation of all wicked men .

7. Let your eyes of the spirit , and u u Prov. 4. your whole heart of Understanding stand ever fixed or bent upon the upright life . Look not about after the corruptible being , but love the happinesse of preservation , which is ( through the Word of truth ) in all love proffered unto you ; else shall you be found empty and without understanding , with all the x x Jer. 7.8 . conceited Wise of the blind World , which , with all her own wisdom , must needs y y Isa. 29. 1 Cor. 1. go down , and Gods wisdome ( though unto the World it be a foolishnesse ) shall in the love stand firm for ever .

8. For Gods foolishness it z z 1 Cor. 1. wiser then all the wisdom of the subtil wit , or understanding of the flesh . For , if the man should have the right in his wisdom , doubtlesse God must needs be in the wrong .

9. Therefore abideth the Saying ever stedfast ; a a Psal. 116 Rom. 3. God only good and true in trying , and all men ( of themselves ) deceivable and lying .

10. Which deceivable and lying b b Eccl. 21. being the man ought , before all things , to eschew , even as a Canker , and with the heart to cleave to none c c Pro. 1.3 . 1 Joh. 2. whose minde , will , and desire hath any delight and pleasure in the ungodly being of the confused world : d d Mat. 10. Luk. 14. yea , though it were even Husband , Wife , Children and Kinsfolks , Father or Mother , Sister or Brother , Master or Servant ; Nay , be he who he will , so farr as he cleaveth willingly to the evill .

11. Oh! Take heed to your selves , that in any wise ye go not ( with the heart ) lame or limping e e 3 Reg. 18 , nor halt on both sides : that ye seek not the living God , with retaining the Divels nature ; f f 2 Cor. 6 nor Christ , with keeping the Belialish spirit of Antichrist ; nor the righteousnesse , by retaining any unrighteousnesse , to the intent that in such a mixture ye perish not with the wicked erring World , which desireth to serve God and the Divell together .

12. With those which are so minded , g g Supra 16 hold not your hearts common , or at unitie ; you [ I mean ] that have a longing to God and his Righteousness ; but rather be ye against them , [ namely , against such as withstand all Righteousnesse , and the Uuitie in the Love ; ] yet not with the Mouth , lest ye be burthened with any thing to your hinderance in Godlinesse : h h Pro. 4. but with the Heart , Minde , and Life . For in the same opposition is the right Preservation in Jesus Christ which God esteemeth .

13. Neverthelesse , unto the lovers of Righteousnesse , who have minded Love , Concord and Peace , or do endeavour therafter , we are to speak ( according as their Understanding can bear ) i i 1 Pet. 3. of the lively hope which is in us , [ to wit , so much as serveth to edification , and may be godly to hear ; ] and so become full of the Spirit , and k k Eph. 1. Phil. 1. Col. 1. knowledge of spirituall wisdom in all love .

14. Many have indeed heretofore ( as it is reasonably well known unto many of us ) spoken of Letter and Scripture abundantly , rehearsed every mans Failes , both of the Spirituall and Temporall , and ( according to the Histories of the Scriptures ) confessed their Understanding ; and yet have not marked nor known in what sort or being they should prepare their l l Eccl. 2. hearts before God : and so , by their untimely zeal , have cast themselves into the hands of the World , and plucked a yoak m m Act. 15. or burden upon their necks , which they were not able to bear .

15. Keep your selves , yee Deerly-beloved , from such things . For , at first , God calleth us n n 1 Thes. 4 2 Thess. 2 1 Pet. 1. unto Sanctification in the Spirit , and not unto much Confessing with the Mouth .

16. Now , if any man say , Christ hath taught to o o Mat. 10. Mat. 8. Luk. 9. & 12. confesse him ; That is right indeed , if it were well understood .

17. But , O Beloved ! tell me , I pray you , How will ye confesse Christ , p p Joh. 1.5 . whom ye know not , or before ye have , in q q Rom. 6.8 2 Cor. 4. Phil. 3. Col. 2. death and life , followed and put him on ?

18. True it is , ye have read or heard of Him in the Scripture ; neverthelesse , many have never seen r r Joh. 5. his shape , and his love dwelleth not in them : and therefore they understand not what they confesse . For how should you by any means confesse Christ , before s s Gal. 4. he have his shape in you , and that ye t t Joh. 17. Heb. 3. 2 Pet. 1. be made partakers of his being ?

19. Know yee not , that it is written , how that Christ saith to his Father , u u Joh. 17. I have given them the cleernesse which thou hast given mee , that they should be one , even as we are one : I in them , and Thou in Mee , that they may be perfect in one , and that the world may know , that thou hast sent mee , and thou hast loved them , as thou hast loved Me. Father , I will , that where I am , there may they also be with me , whom thou hast given me ?

20. Ruminate upon the sense , mark well the ground , understand the Scripture , and take a view of your selves , whether yee have received of Christ such a cleernesse or not ; and whether he be one with you , and ye with him , and with the Father .

21. Now , if it be thus with you , to wit , that ye be come to such a x x 1 Thes. 4 2 Thess. 2 1 Pet. 1. sanctification in the Spirit , through Christ , then ye know who he is for to confesse him ; and yee know him , how that he is y y Heb. 1. the like image of his Father , one Being , Spirit or Life with the Godhead z z Apoc. 1.22 . , who hath neither beginning nor ending .

22. He saith also , a a Joh. 14. I am the Way , the Truth , and the Life ; no man cometh to the Father , but only through Me.

23. Moreover , b b Joh. 10. I am the door of the Sheep ; if any man enter in by me , he shall be saved .

24. Therefore have regard to the ground of the Scriptures , how ( in all things ) they point us unto Christ , to the intent that he should have his c c Gal. 4. shape in us ; and that we should be in all upright righteousnesse and holinesse d d Joh. 17. Heb. 3. 2 Pet. 1. partakers of his Being , if it were but rightly understood . For it is unpossible e e Exo. 33. Rom. 8. 1 Cor. 2. to know the Spirit of Christ , with an heart that is cloathed or covered with a mind of the Flesh .

25. If Christ therefore hath a Shape in you , f f Joh. 7. How men shall rightly confesse Christ . and you beleeve in him , as the Scripture saith , then may you confesse him rightly : Howbeit , not out of your imagining , nor according to your knowledge out of the letter , as the learned in the letter and the common people do , that are without the communiality of the love of Jesus Christ ; but confesse him out of the shape that he hath in you , through such a cleernesse as g g Joh. 1. Acts 2. 2 Cor. 12 Gal. 1. 2 Pet. 1. his Apostles confessed him by ; even as it is written ,

26. That which was h h 1 Joh. 1. from the beginning , which we have heard , which we have seen with our eyes , which we have looked upon , and our hands have handled of the Word of life . And the life appeared , and wee have seen it , and do testifie and publish unto you the eternal life , which was with the Father , and is appeared unto us .

27. Here may every one look into himself , whether he also do thus know Christ , before he testifie or confesse much of him : otherwise he knoweth not what he confesseth .

28. Therefore , we must first be turned unto Christ according to the Truth ; that is , i i Rom. 5. Gal. 5. 1 Pet. 1. in Hope , through Faith , unto the righteousnesse , and so , with good will , stand firm thereunto in the beleef , k k Mat. 10. & 16. Lu. 9.14 . take up daily our crosse in the obedience of the holy Word of the Spirit of the love of Christ , and follow him with patience in our souls , to the salvation , untill he obtain a l l Gal. 4. Shape in us , and his death m m Gal. 6. of the crosse becom a joy unto us ; and so in the truth know him , to the intent we might confesse him rightly .

29. For the heart must be turned into him , and he into our hearts ; and then may wee rightly confesse him with the mouth . Or thinkest thou , O thou man , that this pleaseth God , to speak of God sometimes n n Mat. 7. with the mouth , and so to confesse his Chirst ( not respecting among whom , or to whom ) of whom a man knoweth nothing at all , and whiles your o o Isa. 29. Mat. 15. heart remaineth so far estranged from Christ , and from his upright Righteousnesss and Holinesse in the Spirit ? O no : whosoever taketh it so , shall be deceived therein .

30. For , if thine heart be not turned to Christ and his Service of love , neither be inclined to the p p 1 Thes. 4 2 Thess. 2 1 Pet. 1. sanctification in the Spirit , and thou , through the beleef of the truth , dost not , with inclination of the love , q q Eph. 4. grow up therein , then is all thy faith and confessing unprofitable , and unpleasing to God and his Christ .

31. If thou therefore , O man , dost either despise , or hast no regard unto that which is [ out of love ] held forth , or witnessed unto thee , thou shalt surely lament it at the last : namely , in those dayes when Misery shall fall upon thee , and that thou shalt see the Triumph of the gloriousnesse of Christ , r r Jude 1. in many thousand Saints , coming s s Isa. 43. & 49. from the rising of the Sun , and going down ; from the mid-day , and from the North or mid-night ; and that they t t Isa. 51. & 52.60.61.62 . shall with gladnesse be assembled ( as a Kingdom of God their Father ) unto u u Mat. 8. Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob , and unto all the holy Prophets ; x x Mat. 8. & 25. Luk. 13. and thou then shalt finde thy self shut out of doors .

32. And therefore now have ye all regard y y Psal. 51. Isa. 57.66 . Micah 6. to an upright heart and meek spirit , according to the spirit or life of Christ , and z z Pro. 1. separate your selves from the wayes of all the uncircumcised and unbeleeving .

33. Howbeit , not outwardly with the body , or with words ; a a 1 Cor. 5. for then must ye go out of the world , and abide in no place , for the unbeleeving darknesses b b Isa. 5.9 60. 4 Esd. 14. have covered the world every-where . But c c 2 Cor. 6. separate you from them with heart and spirit ; Beleeve the good in the love , and become likewise a light in the Lord ; d d Apo. 18. so shall ye not be partakers of their ungodlinesse .

34. This write I unto you , ye Deerly-beloved , for this intent , even to stir you up hereby to a pure minde , and to that piety which God regardeth : also for a warning of destruction to come ; and that ye may perceive , how that men are to stand unpartiall ( according to the requiring of the Truth ) for to use well the e e 2 Pet. 1. common love , and to know the upright confessing of Jesus Christ : whereby to understand ( so much as the Lord , out of his grace , permitteth us to see ) wherein the calling of our salvation consisteth , to the intent that no man , through misunderstanding or vain imagination , deceive himself , or be deceived by others .

35. If now any man be drawn away , f f Gal. 1. or lead aside from this good understanding which we bear witnesse unto , let such a one turn him again to the Good ( that his inclination to Gods requiring be not in vain , ) and lament and bewaile his ignorance , that the Lord may be gracious unto him ; and so apply himself , with whole heart , minde , and will , to the upright righteousnesse , which in the Love abideth firm for ever .

CHAP. XIX .

1. Of the common Saying , They shall be all taught of God ; How it is mistaken , and with what hurt . 11. Who they are , and how they order themselves , that shall be taught of God .

THere goeth also a common Saying abroad amongst many , and it is Scripture , [ the which is recited in the first Book of the Glasse of Right cousnesse ; and also in many mo places of our Writings ] a a Isa. 54. Jer. 31. They shall all be taught aright of God , and b b Ezek. 11. & 36. Joel 2. Acts 2. by his Spirit .

2. Now , whiles some that have heard and spoken of this Sentence , understood not the Scripture , nor rightly took heed to the sense of the Word , therefore they have not explained the meaning of the Word aright .

3. Also some that have heard it , have let the counsell of the Word go , and so are fallen into the sorgetting of the good , turned away from the desire to the Righteousness , and from the hope of Salvation , according to the Promises , and have sticked unto c c Rom. 1. Epes . 4. covetousnesse and lusts , the snares of the confused world .

4. Truly , those that cleave to the Word , and his Service of Love in such a sort , and do so take and understand it , they have conceived altogether amisse of the Word and his requiring ; and therefore they are d d Rom. 1. Ephes. 4. become vain in their understanding : Insomuch , that they forsake the Scriptures and Exhortations to the good all alike , and do let the conversion to God , and to his Righteousnesse , utterly dye out of their hearts ; speaking thus with unrepentant hearts , out of the vanity of their minde , ( not discerning the upright understanding ) It must all come of God ; There is One that giveth all ; For it is God onely that can teach us ; Of him must we receive all , and no men can give it us .

5. This they say well ; and run yet neverthelesse forth , as if there were no God , nor Ministring of his Word , that loved or required the Righteousnesse ; and do not once know , nor consider the estranging or e e Isa. 1.59 . falling from their God , whereby to turn them again to him and his Righteousness , and to shew repentance or f f Matt. 3. Luk. 3. Acts 3. amendment for their sins ; and so in all humility to have regard to what purpose God hath given his Promises , and annexed or ordained the Ministration of his Word under the obedience of the love therunto , wherby they might receive of him the vertue of salvation . For out of such a heart of humility g g Isa. 57.66 . 4 Esd. 8. Eccl. 3. Jam. 4. 1 Pet. 5. the humble do always in God finde their salvation ; and not the stout hearts , that do not esteem of Gods righteousnesse .

6. O God! How dangerous a time is it now h h 1 Tim. 4 2 Tim. 3 2 Pet. 3. Jude 1. in these last dayes , through the misunderstanding of the children of men !

7. What a number of false and venemous windes do there blow among the children of men , to the hurt of their souls , and to a drawing of them away from the Righteousnesse !

8. Oh , That there were in every one an hearty desire to the good ! then might they be protected and defended from the bewitching of the false windes , which make the heart negligent to the upright Good , and bring it either to the bewitched Humility , or to the Lusts of the vain world .

9. Therefore it is expedient to have a regard to Understanding , i i Prov. 1.2.3.4.8 . to take heed to the Wisdom , to esteem much of Godlinesse , to account the upright Righteousnesse k k Sap. 7.8 for the most precious , above all Riches , and to make choice of the Long-sufferance , with the foresightfulnesse as Superintendents .

10. This did the holy Fathers in times past give heed unto ; l l Sap. 11. Eccl. 44.45 , 46. and so God taught them in his wisdome , and preserved them , that they were not partakers of the plagues of the ungodly .

11. Wherefore let every one understand the meaning of the Word aright , and take a right view , that he may know who he is , and how he ought to apply himself to be taught of God , and to be endowed with his Spirit , and what manner of people God will choose for his holy people .

12. Truly not such , m m Sap. 1. as with their hearts cleave unto the world , love the Evill , n n Pro. 1. and in all things let go the counsell of God . Neither yet such , o o Mat. ● Luk. 17.21 as hang their Hearts in buying and selling , upon coveteousnesse , or p p Rom. i 3 1 Cor. 10 in eating and drinking , upon gluttony ; or in marrying , or being married , upon unchastnesse ; or upon any vain transitory rejoycing , whether it be in building or in planting ; and who in all their doings doe not attend nor have regard unto the works of the Lord , as it came to passe in the times q q Gen. 7. of Noe , and in the r r Gen. 19 times of Lot .

13. For all those , whose hearts in the time of Noe , clave not to Gods righteousnesse , but had a Lust , and gave over their hearts to the vain corrupt things : they marked not the work of the Lord , neither had any respect to the preservation of the Righteous , nor yet feared the punishment , which then was ready to come upon all wicked men . Of all this they knew nothing , till the Flood came upon them , and tooke them clean away .

14. Therefore understand and know the preservation of godly men in these last dayes , and consider well the meaning , who or which they are , that shall be taught of God , and in what course they walke ( the which we have in some measure expressed , s s 1 Glass . in the first Book of the Glasse of Righteousnesse , and doe here at this present expresse it : ) namely , they are those that t t Mat. 5. have hunger and thirst after the Righteousnesse , u u Judith . 8 Eccl. 2.3 that submit their souls to the obedience of the gracious Word , and his Service , x x Luk. 18 and continue daily in prayer ( not in many words , y y John 4. Eph. 6. Phil. 4. but in the Spirit , with desire to the Lord and his Righteousnes ) that they may obtain grace at the hands of God , to live z z Luke 1 in his righteousnesse , with an upright heart , and pure spirit .

15. These are sorrowfull for their sins , and sighing over them , suffer not their souls to be quiet , so long as they know or feele in themselves any vain or naughty Being , which their hearts are tied or bound unto : or so long as any thing in them doth reigne over them , which is not GOD , because they may not in all things serve their God onely .

16. These that love the good Being from the heart , doe seek in God to obtaine the same , and doe labour and zealously endeavour thereafter : a a Deut. 4 Jer. 29. Mat. 7. Luk. 12. For they seeke and finde , they knock and it is opened unto them , they ask and receive : not in presumptuousnesse , as though God owed it them , because of their seeking , knocking , and asking . O no : they looke not upon their own doings , but labour onely for this , even how to please the Lord , giving themselves over thereunto with humble hearts , according to the Spirit , and acknowledge that they are not worthy of such Grace , thus to be accepted and established in Gods truth and love .

17. With such humble hearts doe they through the Love and her Service , seek to find grace and peace at the hands of God the Father , and not the subtile knowledge , b b 1 Cor. 6 which maketh the heart stout and lofty : c c Mat. 6. but they seeke above all , and afore all things , the Kingdome of God , and his Righteousnesse . The which are the gifts of God , that God richly bringeth in the everlasting life , unto such as worship and love him .

18 For those that pray unto him for an upright heart , and for a new and pure Spirit , d d Luk. 11 he doth not endow with an evill heart or a wicked spirit ( though sometimes the evill heart , or unrighteous spirit make up it selfe there-against : yet is the same taken away e e Eph. 6. through the Beliefe , in the Crosse or patience of Christ , upon hope of the good that is for to come : ) but they obtain faithfulnesse and truth , f f Luk. 11 and the righteous Spirit , with an heart of meeknesse and love . And that is Christ , or the Anointed , which is holy , and teacheth right . It is true .

19. After this maner do they apply themselves that will bee taught of God , and his Christ , out of whom God will prepare him an g g Tit. 1. acceptable people , to be a remnant for himselfe in the destruction of the wicked world . Yea it shall be a h h Esa. 41 Soph. 3. Luk. 12. poor plain people : ( not after the outward sight of the eye , but according to the hidden inward man ) such as hope on the Lord , and in the Spirit , relye and trust upon his Name . And these same , yea such doth God choose unto him for his people , for to magnifie his holy Name in them for evermore .

20. For consider , ye beloved , how should any man be taught of God , or Christ , that will not give eare to his teaching or counsell , but doth as Gods enemy , cleave unto and love the i i Joh. 8.1 John 2. Devill and the World , which do openly resist God ?

21. Therefore oughr the lovers of the Truth , which hope for the salvation of the perfect Being , utterly to put out of their hearts k k Prov. 1 whatsoever concerneth the vanity or misbehaviour , and every thing which the heart , contrary to God & his Righteousnes , is bound or tied with , so much as in the Lord they are able , and so to give over themselves to God , that Gods goodnesse may have his place in them , and not any ungodly Being .

22. Also all lovers of the Righteousnes ought to l l Eph. 4. reach the hand , and to m m Rom. 15. 2 Thes. 5 Heb. 3.10 . exhort one another to the same : and so in one manner of Belief , to strengthen each other towards salvation with a good courage : n n 2 Pet. 1 and to have regard to the sure propheticall Word [ to wit , to the Service of the Love , administred in his time ] to treat thereof : o o Act. 2.20 to break that same bread among each other in stilnesse : and to persevere or abide stedfest in prayer , till p p Esa. 25 2 Cor. 3. all coverings ( wherewith their hearts , after the flesh , or according to the visible , are covered ) bee done away : and that the pure or cleare [ that is to say , the spirituall , heavenly , and uncovered Being of Christ ] q q 2 Cor. 3. appeare and come in their spirit , to the intent that so they might r r 1 Joh. 4. 2 Cor. 5. know , and cleave fast unto the living God , and his Christ , in the spirit ( even as he , blessed may he be , is a Spirit ) & in all Love ( wherein the Law and the Gospel of the Kingdom and the doctrine thereof , is s s Rom. 15 Gal. 5. 1 Tim. 1. fulfilled ) might with all their understanding , will and desire , live the upright righteousnesse of God : t t Deut. 4 Mat. 22. and that God likewise may be the most best beloved , and his Righteousnesse u u Mat. 13. 2 Cor. 4. their most pretious Treasure , worthy to be esteemed high above all .

23. Whosoever now doe thus , with an inclination to the same , stand in a good will , to them belongeth the blessing and happinesse promised of God : to whom it is also promised , x x Psal. 82. John 1. that they shall bee made the children of God , and be blessed with the dew of his increase , and be anointed for y y Psa. 45 Christians with the oyle of Love and of his Spirit or Christian nature : yet not out of flesh and blood , but out of the holy Divine Being .

24. When the man therefore is thus joyned unto God , then may he with God , rightly possesse all things , and understand and know , whereout the horrible destruction cometh upon the Children of men .

25. Wherefore the man should feare his God , that he might come to the godly wisdom , and might cleave unto that which is right and reasonable , to the intent , that he might not perish with the wicked .

26. For wisdom , z z Pro. 8. Sap. 7. is much better then Gold and Silver . Righteousnes much worthier and preciouser , than all Pearles and precious stones ; and prudence much more honourable , puissant , and strong , than all Castles , Cities , and Fortresses , also mightier than the multitudes of the Armed . The feare of God doth more quiet the heart in a little , than do abundant Riches in all the pleasures and delights of the world . It shall in his time be found and known to be even so .

27. Unto this holy and divine wisdom , apply ye your hearts , ye dearly beloved , and be ye warned in this dangerous time , in which , all foolishnes and ungodlines beareth sway : whose end reacheth a a Heb. 10 to the most horriblest destruction .

28. For so it cometh , which is for to come , and all ungodly being shall make up it self and be astonied , after that it shall b b Esa. 13. feare , tremble , and quake , and be compelled in the beholding of his own destruction , to suffer the vengeance of the fire , but the godly shall obtain peace .

29. Therefore take heed , feare God , stick fast to vertue , humility , and meeknes , least ye remain in the ungodlines , c c Apo. 18 and be made partakers of her plagues .

30. Watch d d Mat. 24. Luk. 21. 1 Pet. 5. and pray , and be reformed or justified , and stand fast upon Gods promises .

31. Observe your time , e e Gal. 6. unto sanctification , f f Jam. 1. and behold in you daily the spots of your spirit , in the Glasse of Righteousnes , and wash you , g g Esa. 1. Jer. 4. Ezek. 36 John 3. with the cleane waters , in the laver of the Love ; & be purged in your spirit , h h Eccl. 2. in the Fornace of the lowlines of heart , and so love that thing which is right and reasonable .

CHAP. XX.

1. The Author hath kept back nothing , that is necessary to Salvation . 5. And therefore eleareth himself of the Mans destruction . 8. Yet if any do know any better thing , he desireth that they will shew it out of love , as he hath done . 10. A Councel to all lovers of the truth , how to behave themselves . 19. Shewing them what God requireth . 26. He willeth , that men desire not to have all at once . 30. Many ignorant beginnings , have brought men into divers misunderstandings : especially , into security . 39. From which he exhorteth to return with a new courage , unto the seruice of the love . 43. Of divers that are diversly disposed to errour . Some to rest upon themselves , some upon their Liberty , some regard neither sin nor Grace , some straiten themselves to get the promises : and afterward grow inselent upon their own worthines . 57. Whereof he willeth to beware .

BEhold ye beloved , according to all that in my labour I have been able to do , howsoever the same be plain , and not to be compared to the stile of the subtile and flowred eloquence ) I cannot tell that I have ( according to the sight which is a a Rom. 16 Eph. 3. Col. 1. 2 Tim. 1. revealed unto me , out of Gods grace ) kept back any thing from the man , that serveth , or is needful for him to know either to his Salvation , or else for a warning unto him , of the present destruction , and of that that is to come .

2. Have regard to the time , and respect an unpartial heart in the Righteousnes b b Eph. 3. Be established in the love , and be still mindful of the same .

3. I have shewed my service out of the inclination of love : howbeit , I have written against none in particular , but before all understandings indifferently : I have weighed the equity , c c Esa. 28 Eccli . 21. in the ballance , measured the Righteousnes with the Square and Line , and described the Righteousnes in Letters , according to the life , the inward life out of God , [ to wit , his good nature ] I have expressed , and the outward righteousnes of man , have I not left out . To the intent , that it might all go rightly forward in the true Beeing , and that no man might be bewitched , or bound with any opinion or bewitching of spirit ; but that every one might according to the truth , and in the love stand free in God .

4. Lo , God d d Deut. 30. Act. 20. is my witnes , and Heaven and Earth also ; that in all my writing , I have neither sought nor desired any other thing , but the salvation of men in the love . The Lord of his mercy vouchsafe us to find grace in his sight , e e Psal. 86 & lead us in his wayes , for to clense our hearts by f f Psal. 51. Act. 15. his righteous spirit and by faith , to the end , we may know him in the truth , and be defended from all the errors and abominations of the wicked world .

5. Behold and awake , g g Eph. 5. in the spirit of your minds lay hold of understanding : look to your selves , h h 1 Joh. 2. and let not the errors of this world delight you . I cleare my self this day before you all , and before all those that willingly desire or be minded to error , or to the wicked world , that my Councel and will is not so .

6. If any man therefore take pleasure , or be addicted to the world or to her vanity and abominations : and do desire to fix his heart thereon . The same erreth through the pleasing of his own mind . But as for me , I cleare my self of his destruction .

7. For lo , I have out of the inclination of love , called and bidden you all out of the abominable World , unto conversion to God , and unto Repentance , and unto Amendment , and have herein warned you all sufficiently : I have distingtly shewed you ( as much as I might do and saw necessary ) both death i i Deut. 11 Jer. 21. Eccl. 15. and life , destruction and preservation : I have witnessed and pointed forth the God of life , which hath made Heaven and Earth , his Statutes k k Deut. 4 and Ordinances which stand fast for ever , ( wherein all the upright Fathers have lived , and which all Gods Prophets have born witnes of ) I have also distinctly marked out . Therefore shall no man ( that heareth or readeth our writings , be able to l l John 15 excuse himself , as though that we have hidden the Councel or Will of God from him in any thing .

8. Nevertheles , if there be any greater God , then the God of Israel , which hath made Heaven and Earth : If there be now any better Law or Ordination , then his Law : m m Deut. 4 Or better Statutes and Ordinances , then Gods Statutes and Ordinances , according to his Ordination : If there be any perfecter life then the n n 1 Cor. 13 Col. 3. 1 John 4. love , as is witnessed by his Christ : ( for through the very same was o o John 1. the life aforetimes published , which is everlasting : and on that same , or to that same everlasting life , is even our service and pointing also . ) Or if thre be any thing in any body , or if any man hath any better thing , that excelleth the everlasting life and the Love , which we bear witnes unto , let him manifest the same unto us , or let it out of Love be known unto us , to the unity of heart in the Love , even as we to the self same unity , do witnesse , manifest and publish , the everlasting life , and his righteousnesse of the Love and of the upright being .

9. Or if any man perswade himself , that he knoweth some better thing , which pointeth nearer or clearer to the Almighty , than the holy Spirit of the Love and of th everlasting Truth doth testifie and point unto us , ( by which Testimonies , he p p Ioh. 14. bringeth , and leadeth us into all Truth : ) Let the same man make himself apparent unto us under the obedience of the Love , with an unpartiall mind ; and not withhold from us the most best , for to serve in the unity of heart in the Love , as is said , in upright godlinesse , the living God onely ; For even thus standeth our whole heart affected .

10. Hereunto be ye now all armed and well disposed , O ye lovers of the Truth . Beware that ye sleep not , q q Rom. 13. Eph. 5. seeing it is now a time to Watch ; but awake in the Spirit : and abide in any wise in the Hope , untill ye see the light to the life your salvation .

11. Make not hardly any light account of it : cast it not with the unregarding ones , in the wind ; but have respect alwaies unto the good , and this service of the Love shewed on you ; which is in Letters described and ministred unto you , to a godly life , stretching to the Love , turn not aside from you ; but take r r Deut. 6. Prov. 4. the same to heart : and grow therein , to an upright being of the Love . And so then shew your unpartiall service towards one another , according to the upright nature and being of the Love ; For the Love to the unity of the brotherly nature requireth such things , to the intent that the everlasting true God , might in such upright s s Eph. 4. righteousnes and holines as pleaseth him , and in the establishment of his promises onely be observed ; and the earth likewise t t Esa. 60.61 . 2 Pet. 3. with righteousnesse , faithfulnesse and Truth , be inhabited . Towards this let us go forward , in a meek spirit .

If ye hear any thing that soundeth unto you strange or v v Hos. 8. absurd in your eares , yet be not bitterly minded : but follow after long suffering , and blaspheme nothing .

13. Let every one which is not to be spoken to , or to be councelled , runne to an end , with his understanding ; and grow ye up in stilnes , and singlenes of heart , x x Sap. 9. Jam. 1. praying God for Wisdom , and for an upright sight in the Truth ; But tie not your hearts unto any thing , save onely , to the good life of the Truth ; y y Ioh. 8. For that shall make you free .

14 Above all things ye beloved z z 1 Cor. 14. Col. 3. follow still after the Love , For there neither is , nor shall be , any thing that may excell her . a a Deut. 6. Mat. 22 1 Cor. 13 1 Tim. 1 The Love is the cheefest good , the Truth a light to the life , and the Righteousnes our joy . Hereunto let our hearts be affected : for herein standeth the praise of the Lord .

15. Thus let us forsake all bewitching of the Spirit : and depart from the evill , and increase or grow up in the good : And that all in stillnes , and in the hidden wisdom of God . For the time peradventure will yet a little while remain troublous , to speak freely before all people , of the Truth and godlines ; For at this time , she is b b Esa. 59. 3 Esd. 14. yet with the World much too base , but love and esteem ye her so much the more : and gather ye her to your selves , for a treasure in your hearts .

16. All what the wicked world loveth , all the enormities and abominations , that the Ministers of the wicked world , do gather in their hearts , and all the envy , contentiousnes , & strife of the obstinate Teachers against us , and our most holiest service of the Love , cast and hurle them all out of your hearts , and inwardly have nothing to do with them ; For their inwardnes is full of vanity , falshood and malieiousnes , and their joy is onely in their foolish knowledge , and in the earthly and transitory things .

17. But let your hearts be full of the life and being of the true God-head , and your joy onely in his righteousnes , that therein ye may live , in the Spirit , and according to the Truth .

18. Let it be a pleasure unto you that God becommeth Lord and King over all . Have a desirous heart to the good , to the same reach also c c Eph. 4. one another the hand , & retaine no offence of mis-doing one towards another ; but exhort to amendment , d d Eccle. 28. Mat. 6. Col. 3. and forgive in the Love , that so we may grow up with each other , in one band of Love unto the godlines , as a reconciled or e e Tit. 2. acceptable people of the Lord , through Iesus Christ , such as have found grace , and mercy at the hands of God the father , for to inhe●i● his promises , & to serve him with pure hearts in all love .

19. Behold , to be comprehended herein , is the life which is everlasting : and to reach one another the hand to the same godlines , & to exort to amendment of life , and to retaine no man his sins , is the f f Hos. 6. Matt. 9. Mercy which God requireth of us , and not Sacrifices .

20. He requireth Righteousnes , and nates the ungodly being ; He sheweth his long-suffering towards them of good will , g g Esa. 53. Heb. 2. and beareth their infirmity or weaknes , as one that would not have any man to perish or to turn back .

21. For a willing heart , is a delight unto him : and a broken or troubled Spirit , h h Psal. 51. for his sins cause will he not despise .

22. A good confidence towards his grace of a converting sinner , is a joy unto him : i i Luk. 15. and it causeth also a joy in the heavenly Being .

23. Therefore k k Deut. 20. Esa. 55. let no man be dismayed , nor faint-hearted : but let every one from the heart , upon hope in the Beleef ; apply himselfe to the good : and l l Luk. 21. possesse his soule with patience , unto the godly promises .

24. Let no man take any yoak upon him , out of his own choice , least by some means of his unablenes , he fall into a loathing towards the good , but grow up by little and little , and profit ye still from time to time .

25. Keep alwaies what ye have : go not m m Apo. 2. back in any case , that you loose not the Crown of Salvation . Go still forward increasing in the good , and in the knowledge of the holy understanding : n n Heb. 6. and so passe on towards the perfection .

26. Neverthelesse , desire not to have every thing at once ; but grow up in the good , from the o o Heb. 5. beginning of the Christian life ( That is , from the repentance for sin , p p Matt. 3. to go on in amendment of life , and to abide stedfast therein , even to the q q Matt. 24. end ) untill the true life of perfection : That is , r r Eph. 4. untill the old age of the Man Christ . The which is inwardly to obtaine the Love essentially .

27. And that is the perfection of our godlines , wherein we are to grow up , from the begining of our turning to God , and to the entrance of the first School-rule of the Christian Doctrine of the gracious Word , and his Service of Love ; untill we be established in God and his true Love , according to the Promises .

28. If therefore any man love the good , and his soul desire to inherit the same , let him go thereunto with an humble heart : and follow after it out of undetstanding , that ignorance grieve not his soule .

29. For there have been many in times past , that would by force , have all the righteousnes all at once , and would feine , according to their fancy , consume and destroy the sin altogether by heaps ; but they have fallen into greater and grievouser sins .

30. But in asmuch now as many beginnings , are with lack of understanding taken in hand ; therefore divers men , are become vnlustfull to the s s Matt. 24. Righteousnes , and have turned themselves back again : and do cleave to the world , and to her misunderstanding , more than ever they did before .

31. Divers others perceive no difference between the illuminated and vnilluminated Men ; and so whiles they are not yet illuminated themselves , they give regard both to their own Imagination of the Knowledge , & also to the Precepts of unilluminated men because they trust upon such things : & suppose , that in such sort all is well with them .

32. They discerne not also the life from the death in their inwardnes , nor yet the hearing t t Pro. 4. of Councel & Doctrine , whereby to draw near to the living Commandement of God , and to live therein .

33. Many others hold v v Apo. 3. at a stay , and have no righteousnes : neither do they aske , hunger , nor thirst after it : and do neither go backwards nor forwards , which is indeed a great shame .

34. It were better for one , to suffer now and then some Inconvenience for lack of experience t so that he abide in the Hope ; than to hold himself still , or idle to the righteousnes before he be come to the salvation .

35. For albeit one do sometimes by stumbling and falling , suffer some inconvenience , yet he riseth again for all that , & bewaileth his Ignorance : and so then he taketh a new courage again , with a more circumspect understanding in the Spirit , x x Eph. 6. against the craftines of the sin ; and thereby profiteth and increaseth in the righteousnesse .

36. Now when a man perceiveth , or is aware of the gaine , to wit , that he increaseth in the good ; then is he of good cheere , and much stronger in the beleef , and firmer in the hope . Thus , in processe of time , he groweth up in the Spirit of the good life , untill he come to the perfection : that is to the Love .

37. Wherefore the losse teacheth Prudence and Wit , for to attend unto the word with understanding ; but the gaine bringeth weetnes , it maketh firme , in the hope , and begetteth a gladnes in our hearts . When as , to abide in undesire to the righteousnesse , and to be y y Apo. 3. neither hot nor cold , but luke-warme , is by all meanes to be utterly discommended .

38. I esteem in this behalf , much better of that man , z z Lu. 15. who like the lost Sonne , hath spent and consumed all his Treasure and Riches , and out of great poverty turneth him again , and seeketh at his Fathers hands the roome of a servant ( out of which humbling a man commeth again to his riches : and through such losse getteth understanding , how to govern to a multiplying the riches of God ) then of such a lazy , slothfull , and ane loitering man , as for fear of losse a a Matt. 25. Luk. 19. burieth his Talent : and will neither make gaine nor losse therewith .

39. Hereof beware ye dearly beloved , that ye bury not that little which you have received of God , nor yet with-hold or withdraw your selves for any manner of cause , from this our undeceivable and most holiest service of the Love .

40. For though that many people , have partly through the sundry partiall instigations of men , ( risen up before our said service ) been intangled , and darkned in that understanding ; and that therefore they could not rightly know the truth in her degree ; but did oftentimes stumble , fall , and and suffer harme ; yet , all ye that love the Truth with us , and have likewise fallen in the same , learne Prudence now thereby : and turn again b b Esa. 55 Jer. 3. Ezek. 18. into the way of righteousness . Refresh your selves in the beleef with a new cheere ; and so through the service of the holy Word , be ye renewed in your vnderstanding under the obedience of the Love .

41. Under the same service give eare to the Elders of the holy understanding , c c Deut. 11. and follow not the Will or Councell of your own mind ; but d d Eccl. 6. with the Elders , under the service of the Love , follow the minde and e e Pro. 1. Eccl. 16. Councell of the Wisdom , and alwaies keep your selves with the Elders in the family of Love , f f 1 Thes. 5. Heb. 13. to the concord , and to the multiplying in the good , and of the peaceable Kingdom in all Love .

42. Become not wavering in any wise ; But in case ye stumble , or fall , yet rise again ; and think , that it is sometimes better , that a child do in his good willingnes commit an error , or that a thing be done of him yet unperfectly , than that he should remaine brutish or untaught . Be not afraid , g g Matt. 25. Luk. 19. like the unfaithfull Servant , that buried his Masters Talent : which was not very well taken at his hands .

43. Men may finde divers that will take very great heed to themselves , least they should be deceived or beguiled , and so will stay onely upon themselves ; But because they so staying upon themselves , give no heed to the grace under the obedience of the Love , therefore remain they such as they are : and come not at any time to the light of life or day of Love : but abide still in the Captivity of the blindnesse , because they know not her blindnesse , or bands of her darknesses , wherewith they are bound .

44. Some others will in their unregenerate estate and deprivation , account themselves free , and will not be subject unto any thing , neither to the Scripture , nor to any Teaching , nor yet to the Service of Love ; and therefore in that sort do never come to the h h Ioh. 8. Rom. 6. Freedom of the children of God .

45. For in asmuch as they have not perceived , nor observed in the sight of their understanding , the bondage of i i Ioh. 8. Rom. 6. 2 Pet. 2. sin , nor her dominion ; thereforr remain they unproved and unexperienced : neither do they sigh nor k k Jer. 8. complaine for the yoak of sin , which hath taken them Captive ; and do know nothing at all , either of the Bondage , or of the Freedom , nor yet that they are so utterly deprived , or estranged from God and his Christ as they are .

46. Now men may also finde divers , that are altogether light-hearted , and clearlyminded : and so , in the range of their misunderstanding , have taken unto them , l l Esa. 59. a false light or conceited knowledge . These according to their naturall understanding , are well at quiet : their hearts are not once grieved for their mis-doings any more . They have also no regard , either of sin , or of Grace : they fear no Condemnation , nor hope for Salvation , or for any Redemption .

47. When it goeth well with them but in their creature , and in their Occupation or Trade , then are they content , and say , God be praised , we are in very goodcase : we are rid of all intanglement of heart : we now get our living godly and credibly , and toyle not our selves with any thing .

48. But alas , howsoever the godly nature , or the Image of God m m Heb. 6. be troden down in them , and constrained dayly to suffer the death of the Crosse for their sins , that passe they not once for .

49. Because they will not suffer with the godly nature , n n 1 Pet. 4. or Christ , against the sinne , they desire even nothing else , but according to the o o Phil. 3. flesh to sit still in ease , and look what in this behalfe crosseth them , that reckon they to be utterly evill and unright : and and so wax wanton , or lustfull in the flesh , and licencious , or light-minded in their Spirit , following still p p Sap. 2. Rom. 1. Eph. 4. that which liketh them , after the property of ignorant fooles : and despise the godly Councell of the Elders ; as also the wisdom , and unity under the obedience of the Love .

50. These are surely in very bad case , although they think not so ; For q q Esa. 5. they have no consideration on the work of the Lord , nor on the work of the Devill ; nor any regard unto that that shall perish , nor desire to that which shall continue ; This verily is a lamentable misery , the Lord keep us from such a Plague .

51. Again , some may be found which do endure much straightnes in dying from sin , for to receive the Promises which are made thereunto , according to the Scriptures ; and that they might so become honourable Saints , and be also respected therefore . Yea they regard no affliction , so as they may receive or get that ; and thus they fall into a choosing , applying to themselves the honour of the Promises .

52. And therefore , when according to their desire , they have gotten all that honour , then perswade they themselves , yea , it is already certaine , that they have greatly merited , because they have suffered so much , strived and vanquished so valiantly , and have so much knowledge , & do assume unto them , that they are then holy ; and that God on the other side is indebted unto them , of all the Promises , and of the Blessing mentioned in the Scripture , being well assured hereof , that it doth of right and equity appertaine unto them .

53 , Now because they have chosen to themselves such an opinion , they suppose that the Scripture witnesseth of them , as the people of God , and that likewise in regard of their holiness , the honour of Gods Promises belongeth unto them . They hold also so greatly of themselves , that they know themselves to be worthy of all the high stile of the holy Titles that men do give them : also all the services that men shew unto them , they boldly arrogate unto themselves and a great deale more .

54. For in their own eyes , they are the most understandingest , and the most best or holiest : yea , they are so exceeding proud upon their own knowledge and righteousnesse , as if there were no God any where else , save onely with them , according to the knowledge of their cogitations ; and as though that the true God , had utterly excluded all others his creatures .

55. Oh! What an abominable thing is it to assume and feine to ones self such a spirituall conceit ? For thereout is able to spring great abomination and wickednesse , such as is much worse then any fact of open sinners .

56. For there is no greater sin , then a spititual pride ; r r Act. 12. in which , the man ascribeth holynesse to himself by his works , and exalteth himself therewith ; s s Mat. 12 Luk. 11. which last error is much worse than the first .

57. O ye dearly beloved , beware of such a nature of bold arrogancy , that you become not back-sliders thereby , from the single humility and meeknes of the upright being of Jesus Christ ; and that you fall not into the abominations and dreadful punishments of ungodly Men.

CHAP. XXI .

1. Of the upright hearts , and their lowly estimation of themselves , 8. The ground of upright repentance is shewed in the thirteenth chapter of the third Book of The Glasse of Righteousnesse .

MOreover , men may also finde divers upright , and wel-willing to the righteousnesse , who in all obeying of the holy and gratious word , under the obedience of the Love , endure great straitnes , for the righteousness sake ; who also regard no straitnes so as they might obtaine but such Grace , a a Rom. 6.14 . that the Sunne might not have Dominion over them ; but that they might be b b Ioh. 8. Rom. 6.18 . freed from it , for to serve in righteousnesse , and love the living God onely , and to be obedient to the requiring of his word , not thinking what they are then worthy of , or how they are then to reign , or what doth then belong unto them .

2. O no , their thoughts reach not so far ; but they are still inclined for to walk brother-like in the Love , and with earnest desire to do the will of the Lord . They have regard unto Gods Promises , trusting even upon this , that God is true of his word , as one that sheweth his Grace on such as love him , d d Esa. 57.66 . and are lowlie of heart .

3. When as they have now , with singlenes of heart shewed all obedience , in the service of the gracious Word of the Lord , and of his holy Spirit of Love , suffered much grief and affliction for their sins cause ; and have tasted of the refreshing or annointing to the health of their souls , then become they but so much the more lowly and humble of heart e e Rom. 12 1 Pet. 1. and so much the more brotherly and peaceable towards all men ; and count themselves unworthy of such grace : neither know they how they shall be able to be serviceable enough in the Love .

4. They esteeme moreover very little of their own word , that ariseth out of themselves according to the flesh ; but the requiring of the serviceable Word of the Lord , where-under their hearts stand humbly submitted , to all upright righteousnes and holines , they make great account of , and hold it very worthy to be obeyed unto : Moreover the life of righteousnes , which is ministred & set forth in the service of the love , they cleave unto with all their hearts , and above all praise it exceedingly ; and gladly would that all men were in the godly nature and brotherly love , obediently come thereunto .

5. These shew alwaies towards God and his service of Love true humility and obedience , and towards men true love , faithfulnesse , and Truth : and do not desire according to the foolish pride of the world , any praise or service of men to themselves ; but rather that the righteousnes in the Love , might have his proceeding , and all people might under the obedience of the Love serve God , and inherite the peace of Christ .

6. Out of such an upright heart ( being f f Eph. 4. grown up to the old age of the holy understanding , and g g Matt. 13. taught to the Kingdom of God ) they testifie h h Psal. 1 15. that all Laud , Honour and Praise , belongeth to God onely , and not unto them . And so in their proceeding in the same upright life ; they likewise serve or reach the hand either to other ; and thus in their service they point the man onely unto God , and to the salvation of God in Jesus Christ .

7. this mind or nature is far the most best , because by it the man esteemeth the Grace of the Lord to be great , and all his own doings or works , and anguish respeceth or judgeth he , as i i Phil. 2. of no value , The Lord of his Grace , bring us all to such a mind , Amen .

8. The Ground of upright repentance and amendment for sin , is at large plainly CApressed and with clear distinction uttered unto you in the third book of the Glasse of Righteousness , in the thirteenth chapter according as the same is practized and used of all good willing ones , which seek and love the good life of the upright and lovely being from the heart , and do out of all their soul passe forth towards it , vnder the obedience of the Love .

Take it to Heart .

CHAP. XXII .

1. Sundry Opinions are taken from the Scriptures . 2. Divers do contend about the Kingdom of God , both what it is , and whence to be had , and when . 5. But the Scripture is clear enough , and the matter it self is explained . 24. He exhorteth to the Reading and hearing of the Glasse of Righteousnes : where men shall see the everlasting Ordinances of God , and the upright life , wherein Gods people have ever lived . 30. The same Ordinances were renewed by Moses , and the life published by Christ for a Gospel . 31. In sure hope whereof , the Beleevers rested , and are now with Christ manifested in Glory . 45. He calleth upon such as have too soone named themselves Christians , that they lay away their vain boasting , and turne to the Love and her Service .

THere are also divers men that draw sundry Opinions of Understandings , out of the Scripture : But every one particularly , after his own conceiving . Howbeit in asmuch as they know not the Councel of God , nor comprehended his wisdom , therefore do those Opinions and Understandings fall out to be of several sorts and do for the most part run all one against another , and are among each other intangled .

2. Some strive for the Kingdom of God , or inward life of Christ ( which is called the new Man : ) and suppose that it is this or that , or that it is here-hence or there-hence after the outward appearance ; for to come or to be obtained .

3. Others think , that it shall be first found and obtained , after the death of the Creature . Yea , the Principallest of the Learned in the Letter : who will ( forsooth be the understandingest in the Scripture , do maintain such a ground of Beleefe .

4. O God! How long shall the Scripture through the false and unright light or sight , be yet set forth and taught ?

5. It is doubtles plainly and clearly enough written , a a Luke 17. that the Kingdom of God is inwardly within us . He is in the middest of you ( saith b b Iohn 1. John ) whom ye know not : The same is he , that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost .

6. But many ( as it well appeareth ) know him not . For he , who is the very c c Col. 1. Image of God ; or the Christ , and the Kingdom of the glory of God , hath his going down in us , inwardly : and suffereth the d d Rom. 6. Death of the Crosse , for the Sinnes cause .

7. Nevertheles , if any man be baptized inwardly in the death of Christ , and e e Rom. 6. Col. 2. with his like Death , be , until his burying , planted into him , the same ariseth also with Christ , and liveth . For then , inwardly is Gods Kingdom of Heaven even in him , and not specially , here or there , as among these , or among those : but the Kingdom of God is here and there : among these , and among those : namely , in every one , in us . Howbeit unknown to many , as is already said .

8. Now if the Kingdom of God be within us , and that we ( as the Scripture saith ) f f John 7. beleeve in Christ , then ought we , after the Councel of the Wisdom , and of the holy understanding , to seeke it inwardly there : for even thither shall it come , and so be found inwardly within us .

9. But who so seeketh it only at the hands of another , and doth not attend the coming thereof inwardly , according to the direction of the holy word and service of love , the same shall in no wise find it .

10. For this cause men are not in the seeking of the Kingdom of God , to despise the Councel and Service of the holy word , which under the obedience of the Love , teacheth and directeth rightly to the same ; but , with lowly hearts to give good eare thereunto .

11. Therefore believe the truth , and follow the Councel of the Scriptures , g g Mat. 7 seeke and ye shall find , &c. h h Mat. 18 Turn you about , and become as little Children , and not subtile , cunning , i i Prov. 3. Rom. 12. or wise in your own selves . For who so receiveth not the Kingdom of God k k Mar. 10 Luke 18 as a Child , he shall not enter therein .

12. Wherefore it is all to no purpose , to set ones mind upon any thing , that is above in the Heaven , or that is beneath under the earth : either what people , this or that is : or where hence Christ shall come , or not : or with what outward appearance the Kingdom of God cometh .

13. For behold , if ye find not the Kingdom of God and his Righteousnes , l l Lu. 17. inwardly in your soules , and the forme of Christ in his glory , appeared not in your m m 2 Cor. 4. Gal. 4. inwardnes , then shall ye be constrained to misse , or be without the Kingdom of God and Christ ; n n John 6. and shall likewise not eat the bread from Heaven with Christ , o o Lu. 14. in the Kingdom of God his Almighty Father .

14. Therefore seek it , where it is to be found : and take right regard , whether it cometh : hunger and thirst ye after it . Nevertheles , hast you not after it , out of your own chusing , through mis-understanding ; but go ye p p Psal. 84. from one vertue to another .

15. Posses ye your q q Lu. 21. soules with patience , have regard on the coming of Christ , contend not any more , r r 1 Tim. 6 2 Tim. 2. Tit. 3. and strive no longer with flesh and blood .

16. Let it once suffice that ye have contended and wrangled for the Scriptures cause : rather now endeavour you , in obeying of the requiring of the service of love , s s Jam. 1. to receive or put on the gracious word of the Lord in your hearts , and labor ye t t Eph. 4. for the unity of the love . For in such a sort shall the Kingdom of God come .

17. Now when you have thus received or put on the serviceable gracious word of the Lord , the true Christ after the flesh , in your hearts or inwardnes , then apply your selves therewithal , in your inwardnes , to the good being which the gracious word of the Lord requireth in his service , for to overcome in like manner with Christ , every thing that is against him , to the intent his enemies , v v Psal. 110. for a foot-stoole ; may be laid under his feet .

18. And when you exercise your selves herein , be ye likewise baptized in the death of Christ , ( that is , in his patience ) x x Rom. 6. Col. 2. and with his like death or patience be ye planted into him and so y y Eph. 6. overcome ye through the belief , with the like crosse or patience of Christ , the sin , death , flesh , and the world , Devill and Hell , and all sensuality , which ariseth out of your own wisdom of the flesh : and be ye likewise in your inward man ; z z Rom. 12 Eph. 4. renewed unto righteousnes , a a 2 Cor. 4 Phil. 3. in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ . Lo , thus doth the Scripture teach us , if it were but rightly understood .

19. When we are now passed through this , b b Col. 1. and have through the death of Christ , even until his Resurrection , overcomed all those deadly things , then have we peace c c Rom. 5. Eph. 2. with God the Father , and stand firm in the love , which is the end or fulsilling of all the spiritual Testimonies . And therein is comprehended the perfection .

20. Not that we come hereunto , out of our own strength . But when , with lowly hearts we d d Esa. 55 turn us obediently to God , and the service of his gracious word , then doth God also offer himself unto us , and out of his Calling in the spirit , allureth or draweth he us unto himself , justifying us through the belief , in e e Col. 1. Heb. 9. Apo. 7 the blood of Jesus Christ , and maketh us cleane from our sins , and giveth us the everlasting life .

21. This is verily the word of Faith , f f Act. 2.3 4 , 5 , 7 , 8. &c. Rom. 10. 1 Pet. 1. which was published by the Apostles , through Christ , for a Righteousnes unto us . g g 2 Cor. 11. Gal. 1. Phil. 1. Whosoever therefore preacheth any other Christ , or preacheth Christ any other way : publisheth any other Gospel , or publisheth the Gospel upon any other fashion or ground : or believeth any otherwise , or buildeth upon any other foundation , h h 1 Cor. 3 than God hath from the beginning , through his Prophets and Apostles , required and willed , the same man remaineth i i Gal. 1. execrable or accursed , according to the mencion of the Scriptures .

22. For k k 1 Cor. 3 no other Foundation may there be laid , than the same that is laid , which is Iesus Christ , who from everlasting was , and is , and abideth for ever . Through whom God made all whatsoever is any thing : and l l Heb. 1. he beareth up all things by the power of his might , and maketh the clensing of our sins , through himself . Unto him as a Father of all , be Land , Honour , and Praise , for evermore , Amen .

23. These and such like things , was I partly of necessity moved to rehearse unto you , ye dearly beloved , to the intent , you might consider them aright , and understand the diversity of every thing , that concerneth the Salvation of men .

24. Furthermore , see that ye humbly , with meditation to God , apply your selves out of the inclination of love , to read , or to heare the Glasse of Righteousnes ; and consider or mark the life which is witnessed and set forth in the same . Behold there in the spirit of your understanding , the everlasting unchangeable Statutes and Ordinances of Almighty God , which also shall remain unchangeable for ever . For that which is there witnessed , is such an upright life , m m 〈◊〉 1. 〈◊〉 as the man is created unto , for to live therein . In which Statutes and Ordinances , the Lords people have lived from the beginning .

25. Yea , such a Life , Statutes and Ordinances , are a delight and joy to all upright hearts and Prophets , to live therein ; and they have heretofore born witnes thereunto , that in time to come , men should live in them . For through the truth , they saw into the life of peace in the love ; and that through the life of peace in the love , every thing is made perfect , and therein standeth firme , or abideth stedfast .

26. That verily is the life which is true , n n Joh. 1. and that life is the light of men , o o Eph. 1.5 . Col. 1. and the head of the holy Commonalty . Who so goeth out of it , cometh to the death , blindnes and darknes .

27. But the soules of those that live therein , are blessed in the Lord . For such people doth God require , as do walk in his Ordinances , ( that is to say , in the life and peace of love ) p p Deut. 6.2 . and do love the only God from the heart .

28. Lo , it is the true God , that requireth such upright Righteousnes : and he himself cleaveth to his Righteousnes ; his Statutes and Ordinances , everlastingly . q q Joh. 1.2 For he is the spirit of his life , the life of his word , the word of his Spirit , r r Exod. 3 Mat. 22. the God of Abraham , the God of Isaac , and the God of Iacoh , or Israel .

29. That verily is the true life of peace , and love : and the Statutes and Ordinances , are the same upright righteousnes , which the holy Fathers have lived and walked in .

30. The same Statutes and Ordinances of the holy Fathers were by Moses renewed , s s Exed . 20. Deut. 5. and witnessed unto a life before all people . And that life was through Jesus Christ ( being risen from the Dead , and ascended into Heaven ) t t Mat. 28. Mar. 16. published unto all people for a Gospel , because they should live therein . And unto all that believed thereon , was the Resurrection from the dead , and the everlasting life , witnessed and promised through Iesus Christ .

31. In sure and firm hope whereof , the upright Beleevers have rested in the Lord Iesus Christ , till the appearing of his coming , which is now in this day of the love , revealed out of the heavenly beeing , with which Jesus Christ , the former Beleevers of Christ ; v v John 5. 1 Cor. 15. 1 Thes. 4. who were fallen a sleepe , rested , or dyed in him , are now also manifested in Glory .

32. For Christ in the appearing of his comming , raiseth his deceased from the dead , x x 1 Cor. 15. to the intent that they should reign alive , with him over all his enemies : y y Mat. 25. John 5. Rom. 2. 2 Thes. 1. and condemneth all the ungodly , which have not liked of him .

33. This is the joyful Message , published to the Gentiles , whereby z z Eph. 2.3 as fellow-Heires in the Testaments of promise ; they are bidden and called to the house of Jacob , and to the Citizenship of Jerusalem , To the intent , they should depart from the brutishnes of their errors , and from the sundry intanglements of their Idolatries , and turn them to the God of Israel , for to serve him only , and to live in his Statutes and Ordinances , through the belief .

34. Which Righteousnes a a Ro. 2.3 . is required out of the Law : and is now in this last time openly and evidently witnessed out of the inclination of love , and through the insight of the same upright life , to a view of the upright righteousnes , which the man is created unto : and to a demonstration , whereunto , or to what end or fulfilling , God hath given his promises , and made his Covenant with the Fathers .

35. Behold hereunto ( namely , to that which we bear witnes of ) is the Calling of the Gentiles made , b b Rom. 11. Eph. 2. who are out of grace , called thereunto , for to serve with the Stock of Abraham , one God in one manner of Righteousnes .

36. Lo , these are the promises , c c Gen. 17. which were committed to the Jewes in the Circumcision : And Jesus Christ , Act. 13. Rom. 9. the safe-making word of the Lord is amongst them , d d Rom. 15. for the truth of Gods sake become a Minister of the Circumcision , to confirme the promises made unto the Fathers , that the name of the God of Abraham might be magnified likewise among the Gentiles . And for the mercies sake towards the Gentiles , is the Grace of life published also to the Gentiles , to the intent , e e Act. 10.11.13 . Rom. 11. they should praise God , and know the God of Israel , and his Ordinances .

37. Which God and his righteousnes , we do now know in the love , through the spirit of truth , which according to the spirit , f f Joh. 14. leadeth us into all truth : that is , into all love , according to the promises . g g Col. 5. For the love is the band of perfection . By which Band , we are sealed and confirmed for ever in the same perfection , to the intent , that Gods Glory , his Covenant and promises , may likewise abide firme , from everlasting to everlasting , Amen .

38. Behold the same God of Israel ( who out of his Grace , prepareth and bringeth all this unto us ) is the God , h h Gen. 1. that hath made Heaven and Earth , the Sea , and all that is therein . He it is that doth wonders , who neither breaketh his promises , i i Deut. 4. Luke 1. nor forgetteth his Covenant : who also suffereth not his Law and Righteousnes to be troden down for ever : but he setteth up the Children of Israel , his beloved : Not for their Righteousnes ; k k Deut. 9 but for their Fathers sakes , towards whom he had a desire , according as he promised , and spake the same in times past , by the mouth of his holy Prophets .

39. Therefore have regard unto the everlasting unchangeable God , being an invisible living God : the God that hath made you , created every thing that liveth and hath breath . He l l Heb. 13. it is , which was , which is , and which is to come : who liveth everlastingly , and shall still continue . And so is also his Life , Law , or righteousnes .

40. Wherefore give heed unto the thing that is right and reasonable , and shall continue for ever : glasse your selves in the glasse of Righteousnes , and therein behold according to the spirit , the upright life , and the m m Exod. 20. Deut. 5. Lords Statutes and Ordinances , which stand firm in God for evermore .

41. Let not the matter in any wise seeme too slender or too small unto you . For though the Righteousnes whereof we testifie , be n n 1 Cor. 2 no eloquent speech , and that the same seemeth to be but as a small brooke , yet is it notwithstanding o o Ezek. 47. a bottomles Sea , which all Rivers do run into . And whatsoever can be uttered concerning the Righteousnes ( were it even by so great multitudes of Bookes , as is the sand by the Sea-side ) it is every whit comprehended or grounded in the very same .

42. Who so liveth therein , or in the obedience of the same life the gracious word , p p Prov. 4 loveth the same life , and with a lowly and humble heart , applieth himself obediently thereunto , q q Ecl. 39 such a one shall become wise in the hidden wisdom of God . For the obeying of the requiring of the service of the gracious word of the Lord , and of the Law of his Statutes and Ordinances , r r Psal. 119. doth make the man wiser , than all his chosen Masters or Teachers : and in that manner commeth he to the holy understanding of the godly wisdom .

43. Hereunto let us be minded from the heart , ye dearly beloved , and regard ye the kind mercy of God shewed on us , out of his love . For such a perseverance or clearnes of the healthful or safe-making Beeing , is shewed unto us worthy in open sight , & hath in these last dayes , given us to know his requiring in our spirit and understanding , to a right distinguishing of life , s s Deut. 30 Jer. 21. Eccl. 15 and death , to the intent , that we who are yet in peril of death , & do suffer grief & heavines for the sins cause , should conceive hope towards such an healthful life , and rejoyce us in the Godlines .

44. Therefore let no man be t t 2 Cor. 6 Heb. 12. negligent in such an appeared Grace ; but every one give God the Honour , and so sigh over his wretchednes , that he may be reformed of his errors .

45. O ye Children of men , ye that have named your selves before the time , or much too soone , with the name of Christ , or with the name of Israel : Lay away from you your vain boasting , v v Mat. 3. Luke 3. Act. 2. repent , and amend you , and betake your selves to the love and her service , that ye may be saved .

46. Do not think in your hearts , that ye yet remaining , without the gracious word and his service of love ; do nevertheles stand sure in Gods Covenant : or that ye may not have transgressed nor forsaken the Covenant of your God .

47. Think not also that ye are before God ( howsoever after your conceit , ye have hallowed your selves ) any worthier , than all other Heathen are , which are without you . For truly , ye are subject with them all unto vanity , misunderstanding , and destruction and alike , covered under the darknesses , not knowing , what wayes ye all walk . For your own righteousnes is strange and unknown before the God of Israel : inasmuch as the same is not his life of righteousnes , nor yet his Statutes and Ordinances .

48. Therefore ye , which live and walk without the Doctrine and Service of the gracious word , are even altogether , touching the inward man ; one manner of people with all Heathen , although outwardly ye have sundry several sorts of good Services or Ceremonies ; but truly they are to no advantage or unity unto you , but to all controversie and division : they are not to the life , but much rather to a death , and destroying one of another .

CHAP. XXIII .

1. Whether the Christians and their Ceremonies have any preferment , or not . 6. They have been blinded as well as the Jews were in times past . 7. So as there was no difference between them and other people . 8. Every one hath made a chosen Righteousnesse to himselfe . 10. But now the godly knowledge is revealed out of the Love . And men ought to regard it , else to be found of no value . 15. Not the outward Christianity , but the inward man is the thing that God esteemeth . 20. But almost all turne them to the earthly things . 22. He leaveth every one free : but touching himselfe , he will hold him alwayes to the good life . 25. The godlinesse shall surely come forth : but who shall be partakers of it , is known to the Lord . 27. Hee exhorteth to Vnity and Peace , &c. 31. And requesteth that none will be offended at his Writings . 33. If any man have gifts , let him not be proud thereof , but ascribe all unto God .

NOw some might here demand , whether the Christian Ceremonies be nothing at all furthersome , or whether they ( omitting all other ceremonies ) have not in them some advantage towards the life ? For if the Christian ceremonies had no benefit in them , then to what end are the Christian ceremonies ? And what preferment then have the Christians by them ? Or to what purpose beare they the Name of Christ ?

2. Truly , ( as we have also shewed before ) the Christians and their ceremonies have in their right quality and use , much advantage : for unto the Christians is committed the ministration of the gracious Word of the Lord , and the revealing of the everlasting life : and to this end are the Christian Ceremonies given them , that all those which beleeve in Christ , the gracious Word of the Lord , should have a firme or sure confidence on the revealing of that same life , 2 Cor. 4. 2 Cor. 11. Gal. 3. the which is with the Christian Services and Ceremonies , promised for to come unto them , to an everlasting light and beholding of the naked clearnesse of God , through the uncovered face of Christ : 1 Cor. 13 2 Cor. 3.

For thus with the same Services and Ceremonies , are the promises of Salvation to come committed to the Christians , Rom. 9.11.15 . Eph. 2. or to the Christian communalty . They are also the children of the Testament of the holy Fathers , Acts 3. through the Belief , and that in all respects , after the same manner as the Iewes are the children of the Testament , in the promises of their Fathers , out of whom are born the Iewes as heires , and not as thereunto called . Gen. 17. Which promises were committed unto them in or with the Circumcision , which the God of Heaven ordained for an everlasting covenant between Himselfe and Abraham and his Seed ; Namely , that the God of their Fathers ( according to the promises , and according to the same covenant ) is even their God , and remaineth a God of their seed for ever .

4. Which Iewes , ( howsoever they are as Branches broken off from their right Stock ) are also grafted upon no strange Stock , Rom. 11. nor yet set or built upon any strange foundation , but upon the foundation of the Promises , and Stock of their Fathers , to which salvation the Gentiles are , through the Beliefe , called , out of Grace , as fellow-heires of the same promises in Israel , for to serve the living God . Eph. 2.3 .

5. Lo , these promises made to the Fathers , to the salvation of the Gentiles , are committed to the Christians in Beliefe : and the Christian ceremonies are witnesses of the truth of the same .

6. Howbeit , forasmuch as such a holy Beliefe , and service of Ceremonies to such a salvation ( as was evangelized in the preaching of the Apostles of Christ ) hath ceased , and by the Christians been forsaken , therefore have they been covered under the sin , blinded from the knowledge of their calling , and estranged from the understanding of Gods promises , even as the Jewes also in the time when they knew not the godlinesse of life , were blinded and estranged from the understanding of the promises . Yet were they Jewes notwithstanding outwardly : Rom. 2. but no Jewes according to the inward hidden man , such as God esteemeth , according to the life of thir Father Abraham : John 8. And therefore there was no difference between them and the Grecians , Rom. 3. but they stood alike under the sin .

7. Inasmuch as it goeth now also thus with the Christians ( or which men so call ) therefore is there between them and other people , no difference but they are all alike under the sin . And in regard of the righteousnesse which availeth before God , they are no otherwise to be distinguished , save onely by the ceremonies .

8. And every one , because of his misunderstanding , maketh a righteousnesse or an Ordinance unto himself ; which through the glistering of his knowledge , he chuseth or respecteth for a ( very ) Righteousnesse , and maketh to himself in like manner with the same , a Congregation , not attending upon the promises of God , nor upon the upright righteousnesse which through Iesus Christ he is called of God unto .

9. Now whiles all this cometh to passe out of misunderstanding and bare imagination , Jer. 7. and out of the ignorance of the upright Righteousnesse , therefore is there dissention likewise . For every congregation in particular , Mat. 24. perswade themselves that they are the Christians , or the people of Isrrael : and do diligently use all dexterity & sharpnesse of wit in their cause , for to maintaine the same in his proceeding , and think by their wit to obtain the salvation , and so walk their own way ; Rom. 3. whereby also they are all void of the grace of God , to the knowing of their error and blindnesse .

10. But inasmuch as this godly Knowledge is now out of grace revealed unto us , as that we through the clearnesse which God hath powred into our hearts , 2 Cor. 4.2 . do understand to what salvation , or to what maner of health of the earth God hath given his promises ( to which purposefor to establish the salvation , the Beliefe is preached ) Therefore for the loves sake can we not omit it , but must needs witnesse the same , and reveale the Peace , and the true Love whereunto we are called , if happily there might or may be found any which had a desire or inclination thereunto : and then likewise we with them and they with us ( whether they were far or neere ) might be gathered together in the Love , according to the promises .

11. Seeing then that God neglecteth not his mercy towards us , but hath made known unto us his will ( to the intent his Word may stand firm , according as he in times past hath spoken by his Prophets ) that unto his people Israel he will gather him a people out of the Heathen , which shall serve him in righteousnesse : 2 Mac. 2 Amos 9 2 Mac. 2 Act. 15. ( at which time God will gather his people together again , and be gracious unto them , and build again the Tabernacle of David , and again sep up his people Israel , according to the promises : ) therefore ought we in like manner , from the whole heart , and with good will , to give heed unto that which is now by Gods grace , according to the truth , made known and tendered , under the obedience of the Love unto us : & in the same appeared grace to beleeve the salvation whereunto we are called , and to prepare our hearts in lowly mindes thereunto , that we might inherit our calling according to the promises .

12. But if any people refuse it , and for all that should perswade themselves in their hearts to be still Christians , or that their Congregation is the very people of Israel ( not thinking of the restoring of Israel , which in times past was fallen : and thus suppose that they have attained to the best ) and in their blindnesse set their confidence upon their own wisdome , righteousnesse and ceremonies , and upon their faith ; then shal it likewise goe with them in these dayes , as it did heretofore with the Jewes that beleeved not on the grace which was appeared unto them .

13. For in his time shall their full store-houses be found empty , 4 Esd. 6. and the empty be filled with goods . For their Christianity according to the inward man shall be judged and known for an unchristianity , and their beliefe for an unbeliefe .

14. Therfore let no man boast himelf of his Christiany because of his outward baptism , nor because of his outward righteousnesse , or narrow wayes of his walking , according to his chusing , or bare imagination : but let him give heed to the promises , and unto what the Gentiles are called , and whom the Christianity consisteth : the which is a Christendom according to the inward man , in the Spirit ; as also Paul in the preaching of his Gospel testifieth .

15. For the true inward man is the thing that availeth before God : namely , 2 Cor. 4. Phil. 2. Col. 1. Heb. 1. 1 Cor. 15. Eph. 4. Col. 3. Eph. 1. the very like Being of God , which the love is formed in , and the man created unto , to the intent he should beare it , to the land and praise of the glory of his God .

16 And through the revealing of such a heavenly clearnesse ( as that we discern , that many , yea almost all , which doe boast themselves to be Christians , are yet meer strangers therefrom ) we doe well know the fall from the right ground of the Christianity , and the bands of darknesse wherewith we were all held captive : And therefore we are all void of the grace of God , that he may have mercy upon us all , Rom. 3. to the intent he alone may have the glory .

17. Now whoso perceiveth this same , let such a one turn him to the Spirit , to the God of life , and to his righteousnesse , according to the requiring of the Love , and her service ; that his understanding may , Eph. 1. through the Love and her service , be enlightned according to the Truth , in the knowledge of Jesus Christ , and that likewise he might love God the Father , and live in his statutes with an upright heart . Deut. 5.

18. For out of the God that hath made Heaven and Earth , goeth the right judgement , Heb. 4. his Word is living and powerfull , and sharper than a two-edged sword : and his burning is as a flame of fire , to a consuming or devouring of all ungodly Being . Deut. 4. Heb. 12.

19. Whosoever feareth not him , as a true God , nor loveth his Righteousnesse , over such a one standeth his severity for ever . Rom. 2. Exod. 20 But many thousands finde grace in his sight , that doe but turne them unto him , love him , and keep his Commandements

20. But , who hath any regard hereunto ? Whose attention is towards the Lord ? Who is there that is spiritually minded ? Who giveth eare ? Whose heart and eyes turn them to the inwardnesse of the Being of God ? Truly very few : But they turn them almost all unto themselves , to the earthly things , or unto Flesh and Blood : and doe very gladly heare that which foundeth pleasant unto them , 2 Tim. 4. according to the delight of their fleshly eares : and so shut the eares of their heart against the God of Life and all the World , alienate their spirit from his holy wisdome , and will not heare him , nor accept him for their King , that they might live in his Law and Ordinances .

21. Therefore will not he also count them for his people , neither regard them . Psal. 1. Esa. 29. But they shall be compelled in their estranging , to become like the tossing of chaffe , wherein the whirle-wind , to a scattering , mingleth it selfe .

22. Behold , ye dearly beloved , of these and other like things , I have opened much unto you in the Glasse of Righteousnesse , to a distinction of the knowledge of righteousnesse : look unto which ye are minded , Deut. 30. Eccles. 15 into that may ye go ; whether into the sin , to the death ; or into the righteousnesse , to the life . I leave every one free , unbound , uncompelled .

23. But as for Me , my whole heart and mind standeth altogether inclined to the good life of upright righteousnesse , and all my confidence is in the God of Life , Rom. 12. 2 Cor. 3. that I shall not forsake the wayes of his Rightenesse ( which are by the grace of God brought and given unto me in the sight and being of my Spirit ) but shall still observe the same , and under the obedience of the Love , administer them unto the children of men : according to all the manner , as I have set forth and described them , according to the life , out of the inclination of Love , in all my service of writing , for a serviceablenes to many .

24. Whosoevr therefore with me , hath any desire to God and his righteousnesse , let such a one then from his whole heart , apply himself also with me unto the same . He also that strayeth , and hath no regard unto God nor his righteousnesse , neither is minded to the Love and her concord ; but will rather mix his heart with the World and her abominations , and go on after his own imagination , I must needs look upon it : howbeit , it maketh me sorry , and I suffer grief for it , because he doth willingly thus hunt after his own destruction .

25. For behold , it shall come to passe , that the k k Esa. 60 61.62 . Abac. 2. godlinesse , uncompelled through the beleef out of the Love of righteousness , shall come to light , according to the Promises

26. But who they are that shall be made partakers of it , and finde such Grace in the sight of God , or from whence they shall come to joyn with us , for the concord of the Love and her service , that is only known to the Almighty and his Spirit ; But the unity of us all shall be l l Ioh. 17. Act. 4. Eph. 4. one heart and mind in the Love . To the which one-minded Communalty mine heart standeth alwaies inclined . The Lord give us all Grace , to be joyned to his People in righteousnesse of heart , Amen .

27. Let every one also from his whole heart be minded thereunto , and apply himself for the same unities cause , to the Love and her service , and to the righteousnesse of heart before God : and so stand for the good with al diligence . Let him likewise , daily apply himself m m Eph. 6. Col. 4. 2 Thes. 3. in prayer unto the God of life , that he will vouchsafe to enlighten him and all lovers of the Truth , together with all People , with the knowledge of his wisdome and understanding , to the intent they might all incline their hearts , to the Love and her service , and so Gods matters be well understood , and interpreted according to the Truth , to the health of the earth , and renewing of the World with righteousnesse .

28. Wherefore n n Rom. 14. Gal. 6. bear one with another , out of Love : receive also unto you all wel-willing hearts , to the concord in the Love , & understand their testimony to the good ● and repaire one anothers understanding , to the unity of heart in the Love , and let no man raile , nor make Sedition or Division but let every one oyn himself unto us in Jesus Christ , under the obedience of the Love : and let him likewise in Jesus Christ seek the good to his preservation , that the service of the Love be not hindred .

29. If now by any it should be found , that some man should bring forth any chaff amongst us , with the Corn ; yet shall not men despise him for it , but repaire him in his understanding , with good o o Gal. 6. 2 Tim. 2. instruction to the meeknesse , and to the obedience of the Love in the Spirit , that so through the service of the Love , men mav gather the good Corn , the treasure of righteousnesse , p p Matt. 13. into the Barn , the mans heart , and that in like manner , the vaine being together with that which is deadly and pernicious , may utterly perish .

30. Whosoever now can rightly judge let not him raile ; but let him try the matter , q q 1 The. 5. and take or conceive the best out of it : and thus meet the little ones : and draw all to the Love , that no man may be offended , nor made bitter-minded . Let every one be minded hereunto from the heart , r r Matt. 13. that all offence may be rooted out , and destroyed from the Lords Kingdom .

31. After the same manner also my request is , that those which read or hear our Writings , will not take them to offence ; but bow their hearts under the Love , and receive that onely which is right and reasonable .

32. But if so be any man do suspect any misunderstanding in our writings , let him bear with the same through Love , that through the Love , all may be amended and repaired ; For my service is to unpartiality and to unity of heart in the Love , and that according to the gifts of the holy and godly understanding ; which are of God given and committed unto me .

33 Moreover , if any man perswade himself , that he is more richly endowed with gifts , s s 1 Cor. 4 let him not be proud upon the riches of his gifts ; hut let him humble himself among us , under the obedience of the Love : and then shew likewise with his gifts according to the mind of the Love , and according to the requiring of her service , his good willing service , without offence , and unseperated from us and our Communalty , to the intent the fellowship of the lovers of righteousnesse , t t 1 Ioh. 1. may in every respect be in the Love , and be drawn and served out of Love to that purpose .

34. For who art thou O man , that thou dost proudly lift up thy self , for the gifts cause of thy God , and that thou shouldst not be content to submit thy self with thy gifts or understanding , under the obedience of the Love of God and of Christ ? v v 1 Cor. 4. 2 Cor. 3. James 1. Knowest thou not , that there is no man , that of himself can have any good thing or upright understanding , except it be given him of God ? Wherefore bring and submit all under God and his Love , x x Es. 42. whatsoever doth belong unto him ; and seperate not thy self from us , seeing we are also well-willing thereunto .

35. If then thy gifts , be all gifts of God , see that thou y y Psal. 34. praise God in those gifts of his , under the obedience of his Love , and make no breach or division with the same , nor in any wise despise not another therewith , that hath received lesse then thou hast ; but shew forth Love in all that is given , or committed unto thee of God : and so joyn thy self with us , unto the gracious Word of the Lord , which the God of heaven hath raised up among us , according to his Promises .

36. Be also not z z Ezek. 34. Lordly , neither advance thy self by accusation against thy inseriour brother : likewise desire not to a a 1 Pet. 5. 1 Thes. 5. quench any mans small godly gifts , which he obtaineth under the obedience of the Love , nor judge , that any man besides his godly gifts hath taken on in his Councell any Flesh and bloud ; but be at peace with all them , which to a concord with the Elders in the family of Love , do obediently submit and give over themselves , with all their gifts and understandings under the Love and her service ; For b b Rom. 2 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 4. the gifts of God are manifold , yet minded all to concord and Peace , forasmuch as the true God of life , is with his gifts no God of discord , but of Peace .

37. Wherefore there is also in the manifold gifts of God , no more but one God c c 1 Cor. 12. which worketh all : to whom of right belongeth the highest respect , above al things ; For he is the most highest , the living , and the Everlasting : d d Psa. 139. whose Workes are wonderfull , and his e e Sap. 17. Rom. 11. Judgements incomprehensible .

38. His height is unmeasurable , his depth unsearchable , his glory unspeakable , his wisdome unwritable , his grace infinite , his word is unchangeable , his Law inviolable , his Truth uncorruptible , his Spirit unmoveable , his mighty Arm unfrayable : and his glorious Majesty remaineth stable for evermore .

39. Behold , this living and true God , of whom we have received our godly gifts , is an everlasting and true Light . f f John 1. The same Light is an everlasting true Life : that Life is an everlasting stedfast Word : that Word is g g John 6. a true Spirit .

40. The same Spirit is h h Sap. 7. the holy Wisdome , and the upright Understanding . The holy Wisdome and upright Understanding is the Providence . The Providence is the Will , which willeth that all what good is may be . In this Will is the Beliefe . The Beliefe is the Power and Might to accomplish . In the Power is the Work & Deed. The Work and Deed is all the visible and invisible Being which God for himself hath brought forth .

41. But all the things that are Gods , and which the true God hath brought forth and made [ both the invisible Being , and the visible created Things ] are all Witnesses , i i Rom. 1. that He , the same our living God , is the Creator of all things , the giver of all good gifts , and the eternall and true God , to the intent men should serve , honour , and worship him k k Deut. 6. Mat. 4. onely as God , Lord , and King .

42. And that same like Being of his Godhead l l Gen. 1. Eccle. 17. was in the beginning formed in the man : Which like Being of the Godhead , and the light of his clearnesse , the man hath , m m Gen. 3 Rom. 5. through the fall from his God , been deprived of . But the coming of the same light is in the resurrection of the dead ; to a godly glory , n n Esai . 60.62 . Joel 2. Acts 2. 2 Pet. 3. promised to be in the last time . And that same [ as a new World , full of Light and Life , wherein o o Apoc. 21. God himselfe dwelleth ] p p Psal. 97. appeareth unto us now in the Love , and in the Righteousnesse of the everlasting uncorruptiblenesse , according to the Promises .

CHAP. XXIV .

1. GOD hath ever spoken to the Fathers concerning his Sonne , or like-being , who is the Heira of all things , and the end of the Law and the Prophets . 5. The same Sonne promised to the Beleevers , that the true Life should be deelared in the last times . 8. Which is now fulfilled in the Love . 10. But not understood by many . 12. An exhorvation to lay down all contending under the Love . 22. Every Father of a Family , in the Love , hath liberty to use speciall Ceremonies . 23. All to be done to the Love and Peace . 25. As GOD extendeth his mercy , on us : so should we take heed unto it . 26. H. N. witnesseth of this grace : and it shall in time be manifested over all . 28. He glorieth not in his Revelations , but in God : Neither doth he despise any others therewith . 32. Howbeit his beurt is inclined unto them that embrace the Love . 34. There are no other people of the LORD , but such as obey the Love . 35. He hath not by his writings defamed any ; but called all to the Vnity of Heart .

THis Almighty God , which was , which is , and which abideth for ever ( who giveth his honour to a a Esa. 42 none other ) spake in times past by Moses and his Prophets , unto the Fathers , b b Heb. 1. and that oftentimes , and in sundry manners , whereby Hee c c Deut. 4 Esa. 42.45.51.55 . required the true fruit of his Righteousnesse : and did still testifie of the like Image of his Being , and ceased not therein , till the time d d 2 Kin. 7. Psal. 89. Acts 2. was fulfilled , that his beloved one was appeared unto them : namely , e e Mat. 1 Rom. 1. 2 Tim. 2. his Son , the fruit of his loynes , and the very like Being of his Godhead .

2. And even as the same Gods Sonne , [ namely , the like Being of the said God who liveth for ever ] was from the beginning , the First , whom f f Joh. 1. God finished all his workes by : so is he also the last [ that is to say , the perfection ] of all those things which God hath promised by Moses & his Prophets , according as it is written thereof . g g Rom. 10 1 Cor. 13. Gal. 3. In whom the Law and the Prophets cease , or be fulfilled .

3. Insomuch then as the Law and the Prophets were in the same Sonne of GOD in times past , fulfilled in Israel : and did cease in the same Sonne , the Lord Jesus Christ , who is the h h Rom. 10. Gal. 5. 1 Tim. 1. end of the whole sum of the fulfilling of the Law and the Prophets , to the confirming of the Promises of GOD the Father ; therefore did GOD then also at the last , at the end or fulfilling of his Law and Prophets , i i Heb. 1. speake unto the people of Israel , and to the Beleevers of his Word , by the same Sonne ; testifying how that all is k k Deut. 7. Eph. 1. 1 Pet. 2. His : which Son he hath appointed for an heir of all things , and l l Heb. 1. the same beareth all things with the word of his power ; and he is unto us a cleansing of our sins through himselfe .

4 This onely borne Sonne of GOD the Father , is given to the Children of Men , to the end they should be m m Rom. 11. grafted into his Spirit , [ which is the holy Spirit of Love ] and in their mindes be n n Joh. 15 Eph. 3. 2 Pet. 1. of one Being therewith .

5. Through which holy Spirit , the same Sonne of God , Jesus Christ , hath also promised his Believers , that the Truth of the Life , should nakedly and clearly be o o Joh. 14 Acts 1. manifested unto them , whereby at the very last , to a conclusion of all godly things , they in like manner might declare the Love , the most brightest Day-light : and through the same true Light , Gods most holiest Being , draw all people that have any desire towards God , to the unity of Peace under the obedience of the Love , to the intent we all which love God , and his Righteousnesse , should in these last dayes , know and understand in all things , the mind of God in perfect clearnesse , and through the holy Spirit of his Love , walk in all truth , as in a true light of the godly Clearnesse , according to the Promises , even as God also hath spoken the same , through the Son , whom he hath made heire even of all that is Gods . p p Mat. 11. Luk. 10. Joh. 3. For all what the Father hath , is His.

6. But because of his Long-suffering , ( that his goodnesse might be known in the Love : and that none , through his default , might misse of the fulnesse of the Life ) he hath spoken thus in times past , for to establish it in the last time .

7. I have ( saith q q Joh. 16. the Lord Jesus Christ ) yet many things to say unto you : but ye cannot beare them now . How beit when the Spirit of Truth shall come , the same shall lead you into all Truth : For he shall not speak of himselfe ; but whatsoever he shall heare , that shall he speake : and he shall shew you that which is to come . He shall glorifie me : For he shall receive of mine , and shew it unto you . All what the Father hath , that is mine : Therefore have I said , He shall receive of mine , and shew it unto you .

8. Lo , all this Love doth GOD now , through this new Day , or Light of his Fatherly Love , shew on us , for to draw our Spirit in him , out of the earthly , lying , and deadly Being , unto his Love , in the Heavenly true Life , which is everlasting .

9 Which his Love , r r Joh. 17 1 Cor. 13 1 Joh. 4. is the perfect Being of God and of Christ , and of the holy Ghost , which heretofore was s s Esa. 2. promised for to come in the last time : and it is the t t Apoc. 21. Jerusalem , which is now in the last time come downe unto us from Heaven , and the perfect fruit of Righteousnesse , where the Sun of clearnesse doth never go down , according as GOD hath spoken in times past by the mouth of his holy Prophets , who have all likewise prophesied of this salvation , to the intent that all people , to the unity of heart in the Love , should have a sure hope towards God , and towards their salvation .

10 But alas , it seemeth that this Beliefe and Hope to this same , is by many u u Jer. 5. 1 Tim. 1.4 . forsaken : or else the salvation and the truth is not well understood , for to hope thereon .

11. For there are found with many sundry divided testimonies : and every one in His , or the most part , will defend , that his testimony is brought forth by the Spirit of Truth . But among these , there is found great faile by many , whereby many are made doubtfull in their beliefe , x x Matth. 24. and become cold in their zeal to the Good . And by means of their dissentions , y y Luk. 17. which they have stirred up , and do yet daily stirre up among themselves against each other . Many know not what they shal hope for , or believe ,

12. Wherefore for the Unities sake in the Love , O ye children of men , lay downe your contentions under the Love , and have regard unto God promises , and to your Calling : and incline likewise your hearts to the obeying of the love , and of the requiring of her service .

13. For in the obeying of the love , and of the requiring of her service , ye shall become of one mind , and shall know , that there is no more but z z Eph. 4.2 . 1 John 5. one God or Father , who alone , is only good and almighty , no more but one Christ , with him at his right hand ; who only is the everlasting Mediator and Saviour between God and us , out of him no more but one spirit , who only is true , and no more but one love , a a Col. 3. which only is the band of perfection .

14. Nevertheles , the Gifts of God , through the spirit , under the obedience of the love are manifold . Likewise also the Services are manifold . Which b b Rom. 12. 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 4. Gifts and Services , are all to the Commodity and Profit of the Communalty , and are also all serviceable to the love , and to the unity in the peace . Howbeit , it is all but c c 1 Cor. 12 one spirit , that worketh all through the service of the love . Which service of the love , is not ministred , for to break that which God hath spoken and promised in times past : but d d Mat. 5 Rom. 3. to establish and accomplish it all , according to the Scripture .

15. Therefore let none of ours ( whose soules stand subject under the Love ) take upon him e e 1 Cor. 5 to contend against any for any of the gifts of God , which are of God graciously bestowed upon them , nor for the Services or Ceremonies cause , which any man observeth or publisheth , albeit the same be manifold .

16 For it is not for us to contend or strive against any , for the gifts cause which any man receiveth of his God , neither to contend against any mans Services or Ceremonies , which he useth , to the training up & edifying of the people , except ( as it is convenient & edifiable to further the peace ) that they doe all stand subject under the Love and her Service .

17. For one hath this gift : and f f Rom. 12 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 4. 1 Pet. 4. with the same he is serviceable to the Communaltie , to a unity of heart in the Love . Another hath another Gift , and it is also serviceable to the Communalty : and yet notwithstanding they are all used to the Love and to the Concord in their Services .

18. Moreover , some use one kind of service , or such a manner of Ceremonies : and some again , other Services or Ceremonies , wherewith they train up the people , to the making known of that Righteousnes unto them which God esteemeth , and they are also serviceable to the same : And all likewise are done , to the Love and her Concord .

19. Therefore seeing the Gifts of God , and the services are manifold , we let them stand free to every one , and do not contend against them , so far forth as they stand all under one God : and that they do not exalt their Services and Gifts , above the love and her service ; but do submit themselves all thereunder , and do likewise confes , that God only is the Lord , and only giveth in his service of love the godly Gifts .

20. Wherefore let no man contend with his Gifts or Services , nor let no man make any breach therewith , in the Communalty of the love ; but g g Psa. 34 praise God in all his works . And that all , to a unity of peace in the love .

21. Lo , such a unity , do the services , Ceremonies , and gifts of the one-onely holy spirit of love serve unto , all to the good life and Peace : and if we be all minded to the good life , and to the peace , then shall no mans services or Ceremonies be offensive unto us : neither shall we contend or wrangle for them .

22. For every h h 1 Pet. 4 Father of a Family under the love , hath doubtles the liberty , in his Family , to use Services and Ceremonies , according as he perceiveth out of the Testimonies of the holy spirit of love , that they are most profitablest or necessariest for his Houshold , to the life of Peace , for to keep his Houshold thereby , in Discipline and Peace : training them up therewith , that they may learne to practise and use i i 1 Cor. 14. Phil. 4.2 . that which is right and equal , for to manifest unto them thereby , the true righteousnes which God esteemeth .

23. If any man therefore hath obtained in the obeying of the Doctrine of the gracious Word and his Service of Love , any gifts of God : or if any man hath any heavenly Revelation , or if any man use any service of the Priestly Ordinance , let him with us be serviceable to the love therewith , to the intent it may all be agreeable with the love , and may all be done to Concord , in the service of love , and not to strife , dissention , or schisme , to the intent , that the good life in all love and peace , might be lined under one head , the living God , and only King , according as in times past it was prophecied thereof .

24. The same life in the love , is the life and very like Beeing of Almighty God : namely , Christ , the gracious word of God the Father , ( by whom k k John 1. God made all that is any thing . ) It is also the one only holy spirit of the Prophets : unto the which , all spirits of the Prophets , and all services , that come out from God , l l 1 Cor. 14. are subject and serviceable to the love , and only minded to the peace and life ; for God is no God of discord , but he is a God of Peace .

25. Forasmuch then as the God of Heaven , doth now shew his mercy on us : and doth daily disclose unto us , the thing that so many dayes hath been m m Eph. 3. hidden , therefore let us likewise with thankfulnes , and with submitted obedience to the love ; n n 2 Cor. 6 Heb. 12. take heed in the spirit , to the godly grace , and not be slack or slow , to further the good ; but o o Eph. 4. reach one another the hand , and be serviceable to the love , with helpfulnes to the vertue , that the service of the love be not hindred p p 1 Cor. 6 nor evill spoken of .

26. And seeing such heavenly Revelations , are by Gods Grace to me unworthy committed , and according to the mention of the writing , which through the grace of God , are come forth or set out by me H.N. under the obedience of the love are opened , and granted me to be known and q q Eph. 3. understood , because I likewise should reveal the same in the world : therefore do I also witnes the same among the Children of men , indifferently out of the inclination of love , to the intent , that vertue and unity may grow and multiply .

27. And these my testimonies of truth , shall also unto those ( which now are , and hereafter shall come ) be to a right discerning of the upright and lovely life , to as many as believe the same , and be comprehended in the love . For among them shall this service of love to the same life , according to the true being ; everlastingly proceed on out of the love , according to the promises .

28. Behold ye beloved , concerning all this which is revealed to me by the living God , r r 2 Tim. 1 and which I have testifyed and published out of his holy and gracious Word , I have no other glorying , but s s Jer. 9. 2 Cor. 11. in God the most highest , in the light of his true being , and in his heavenly revelations , even as it is sufficiently testified .

29. Out of which Revelations of God , I shew my service out of the inclination of love , unto all those that affect the Love , to the end we might with one consent be minded to the love ; for to s s 2 Cor. 10. draw the understanding under the obedience of the Love and her service .

30. In the same service standeth also all my hope and confidence in the living God , and my salvation in his Christ ; Which Christ standeth firm for us t t 1 Ioh. 2 to a Reconciler before God the Father , and in the service of his Love everlastingly ; that through the same service our inward mind , should stand free , and firm in God and his Christ ; and not be tied to any thing besides , without the Communion and service of the Love , whether to the sinne , or else to men : neither to any created or elementish things nor yet to any earthly or worldly things ; whereby with one accord we might live boldly in God the most highest , with the Communalty of the Love .

31. With these despise I none in his understanding , whether he be great or small , that every one ( as right and meet it is ) may give his understanding v v 2 Cor. 10. captive , or suffer it to be plucked under the obedience of the Love : and likewise do that x x Phil. 4. which is just and equall ; For who can refuse the Love , or withhold himself from her service , if so be he love the good .

32. Doubtlesse whosoever refuseth the love , and withholdeth himself from her service , or with his understanding , is against it , the same man sheweth thereby , that he is without understanding , and not minded to concord in the love ; And moreover , that his heart thinketh not upon the good , which God esteemeth ; but rather , upon his own good , which he hath chosen to himself . But who so are fully affected to the love and her service , and unto all that are just and equall , and do unpartially submit themselves under the obedience of the love , unto them am I inclined .

33. For with them , doth my heart desire to live , in such a life as is just and reasonable , y y Phil. 4. lovely and peaceable , and with them , in like obedience under the love , to stand obedient in the same life , z z Eph. 4. to all unity of heart in the Love .

34. Behold , the true Christians of Israel , the people of the Lord , and even in this sort minded with us ; and there are no other Christians , nor Jewes , nor House of Israel , nor People of the Lord ; but those that stand subject with us to the Love with one accord , and over whom the Love is likewise the head : who with us also , are not partiall or divided with this or that , which is earthly or visible .

35. Thereunto in like manner is the service of my writing : namely , to the right stock of life in the Love , and not to contend or to strive against any . And I do not know , that I have written against any mans dealing , ( so farre forth as the same is according to Trut , and out of love . ) Neither have I named any faction by name for to contemn them , nor singled out any persons particularly , whereby to reproach them : neither reviled any mans Religion for heresie ; but have called and invited all men , to the unity of heart in the Love . The which is the blessing of all the Generations of the Earth , according to the Promises made to the Fathers .

36. Therefore let every one glasse himself , and look how neer his cause is right : and so give over his understanding to the obedience of the Love : ( for therein consisteth the upright being ) to the intent that all may , through the Love and her service a a Eph. 1. be renewed , and the Corruption reigne no more ; but that the upright Righteousnesse which God esteemeth , b b Esa. 60. may come to light , according to the Promises .

CHAP. XXV .

1 , The Author concludeth this Introduction , with his Desire and Request to all that reade ; or hear his Writings , that they apply themselves unto that , which is set forth therein . 3. It is much happier to be among the lowly and sorrowers for sin : than to be with the proud and dissolute . 6. A menacing of the obstinate . 12. The reward of the righteous : and the horrible End of the rebellious .

HErewith ye beloved we will cut off , and end this Introduction , to the holy understanding of the Glasse of Righteousnesse . And we desire of all those that read , or hear our writings of the godly Testimonies , and likewise of all those that have any desire to the Truth , and do humbly apply themselves to that which is witnessed by us , and do joyn with us in all uprightnes , under the obedience of the Love , to the intent that the Love may bear the dominion , and rule in us to a one minded Communion , in one amiable and godly life , that they will not take it grievously , to suffer contempt , heavines , or anguish for a little while , with those that love the Righteousnes ; but rather stand alwaies minded ( whether it be in prosperity or adversity ) to be joyned to the mind of God , in all love even as the same under the obedience of the Love , is plainly and cleerly described , according to the life that abideth for ever in the Glasse of righteousnes .

2. The Almighty God grant us his Grace , and strengthen our minds to the same , a a Eph. 4. in the unity of Love and Peace : and in like maner all lowly hearts , that hope upon the righteousnes and suffer heavines , for the sins cause .

3. It is surely much happier to be among the lowly hearts , where b b 2 Cor. 7. is heavines and sighing for the sins cause , c c Matt. 18. Rom. 15. 1 Thes. 5. Heb. 3. where exhortation to amendment , and instruction to the knowledge of God and Christ is , and where men out of love d d Prov. 27. reprehend the blindnes of the heart for the righteousnes sake , than to be among the haughty , where the flattering lips of the ungodly and the dissolute stout , or uncircumcised of heart are ; where men embrace all gladnes , commendation , praise and honour of men , and not the honour of God .

4. Wherefore have regard hereunto , and awake to the good ; For behold , It shall in his time be found , that the endurers or sufferers ( who now for the sinnes cause , beate heavinesse , sorrow , and the Crosse ; and who out of the love of Righteousnesse , endure out such things ) shall be turned to a e e Esa. 60 62.66 . 4 Esd 2. Ioh. 16. godly joyfulnesse ; where contrariwise , all despisers of the Righteousnesse which now rejoyce themselves in ungodlinesse ( how evilly soever they do it ) shall be turned to f f Matt. 25. grievous sorrow and paine ; yea , g g 4 Esd. 5. Apo. 21. horrible it is to remember , the reward of the unrighteous or wretched men , which is for to come upon them .

5. O how happy is that man , which joyneth himself to the Word of the Lord , in his service of the Love , and h h Esa. 1. Mat 18 turneth him away from the evill : which betimes i i 1 Cor. 11. heareth his Judgement and so setteth himself down in the dust ; k which receiveth Wisdom , and Instruction to Vertue that loveth the Righteousnesse , and l l Prov. 3. Heb. 12. refuseth not the Chastening of the Lord , that he may be upright of heart , before God ; For it shall go well with him in this day of the righteous Judgement which God , now bringeth over the whole Earth ; yet passing through great dangers of his salvation .

6. How will it go with you then , m m Prov. 11. 1 Pet. 5. O ye sinners and sinneresses , which receive n n Sap. 2. 2 Pet. 2. Jude 1. this transitory life for your delight , and keep God out of your hearts , and have not once borne sorrow nor heavines for your sinnes .

7. Where will ye then hide your selves , ye haughty , ye covetous , and ye proud men , and all ye arrogant self-wise , that now will not submit nor give over your selves to obedience , under the service of the Love of the gracioue Word ? o o Sap. 5 What profit I pray you will your pride , and your riches then yeeld or bring you ?

8. Who think ye , will then have compassion on your misery , ye which now withhold your selves from the obedience of the Doctrine , and requiring of the gracious Word , and make your selves common with the worldly minded and with those that oppresse the little ones , grieve the Consciences of the simple , and betray , persecute , and spill p p Ezek. 22. the innocent Bloud ?

9. Oh! I am astonied , whil'st I thinke upon the horrible being of the ungodly , the wicked perverse nature that will not convert .

10. Oh how horrible and fearfull shall it be unto him , that shall behold it with his eyes ? Yea , what misery and Woe commeth over him , that shall taste bear , and be tormented with the same eternally ,

11. Therefore q q Pro. 15 much better in this dangerous Time is a little in the fear of God , with the Righteous ; than superfluities with the ungodly . It is also much better , to suffer and endure , Poverty , Shame , Reproach , Affliction , Heavinesse , Anguish and Contempt , r r Heb. 11 with the Children of Peace , which have regard on Gods Righteousnesse , according to his Promises , than to have all the Delights or Pleasures , with all the honour , riches , and Triumphs of this world .

12. For the Reward of the Righteous redoundeth s s Pro. 11. Sap. 5. to Gods Glory ; but the recompence of the ungodly , of the wicked world , with all unbeleevers or resisters of the good , t t Apo. 21 shall with confusion perish in horrible calamity , and with misery : It is true .

Take it to heart .

Love ye the Vertue fervently , Give God his Honour due : Delight therein continually , That is his Doctrine true . CHARITAS EXTORSIT , PER H. N.

FJNJS .