News of a new world, or, The Mystical prison-door opened whereby the outwardly bound are inwardly free, while the seemingly free are still really bound : declared in an epistle of love to the free-born of all sorts, not only in England, but in all nations / written by one better known of God than men, because an unworthy member of the invisible church.

The Prison-Door opened , &c.

LIberty , yea , The glorious Liberty of the Children of God , hath the Lord's Annointed , higher than the Kings of the Earth , proclaimed to them , that have been long Captives ; He it is that opens the Prison to them that are unwillingly bound under the Bondage of Corruption , and sets their Affections , or souls feet , in a large place or Principle , for the new Commandment of Love is exceeding broad .

All ye therefore , that have been free in Spirit , to do or suffer , the Will of your Lord and Master , who hath permitted the Devil to cast some of you into Prison , that ye might be tryed , by a short time of Ten dayes Tribulation , to you belongs the Crown of Life , and Everlasting Liberty , for being faithful to the Death ; of your own carnal Bondage , to you also is publisht ( because in you 't is witness'd ) the Acceptable Year of the Lord , but the day of Vengeance to others , who have with disdain to the Captives in Babylon , required by way of scorn , the Songs of Sion , whose Inhabitants have been in the house of Mourning , while they , who have laught and feasted , seem but like Fools , to fat themselves for a day of Slaughter .

He that is given from on High , as a Covenant of the People to establish , or rather , raise up the Earth , and cause to inherit the desolate Heritages , He it is that hath all Authority and Power , to say unto the Prisoners , GO FORTH , to them that are in Darkness , shew your selves ; and fear not ye little Flock , to whom it 's the Fathers good Pleasure to give a Kingdom .

They that have been fed with the Rod , with the bread of Affliction , and water of Affliction , shall now walk at Ease , in wayes of Meekness , Humility , Righteousness , and Holiness , being led by the deep , but still Waters , and their green Pastures , wherein they may lye down freely , without Fear or interruption , and shall be in all High Places .

High Places on Earth , for they fear not any humane Power , because in that which must give Law to the World : High Places in Heaven , whence the Accuser is cast out , and there is their Conversation , for they dwell on High , by being lowly , and by first turning inward to God in themselves , they then appear outwardly for God , to others in the posture of humble Servants , but in the work , of subordinate Saviours to God's whole Creation , under Christ , that saves them to the uttermost , and so assures them , whereby , having learnt of him by Faith , they teach all others in Love , who are weary and heavy laden , to take upon them his Yoke and Burden , which is light and easie .

These are they , wheresoever they are , that hunger not after ought that feeds the lust of the Flesh , the lust of the Eyes , or pride of Life : Hence is it , that though they are black , yet are comely ; for , notwithstanding the Sun hath looked on them , yet they are not smitten with its heat , wherewith others are parched like the dry Desart , and heathy Wilderness , for they being imbodyed , yea , one Spirit with the Lord , the true Tree of Life , do stand planted by the ever running Rivers of pure Water , which makes them incessant bearers of Fruit in all seasons , for all Places and Persons without exception ; but especially are very big with desires , by kindness to Convince and Convert the unkind ; like Him , who came first to those , that with great despite rejected him .

Ye therefore are the truly Free People , who have freely travelled through Bonds of various sorts , whether by a subjection to mortal Princes and Powers , or in other kind of Tryals , by yielding to Him that is Immortal , your Liberty inward , appears not by that which is outward , but by using both or either , as they are given , ( viz. ) for Him that hath made you Free indeed : As natural Births rise not , but through Death , to spiritual Perfection , so no degree of outward Freedom , can be inwardly or rightly improved , but in the straight Way of the Cross ; for the Self-will , slain or crucified in the one , is very much the Crown and Glory of the other .

Then may ye build and plant freely , because in obedience to him only , who hath planted and builded you up in Himself ; then may you trade , buy and sell , because you may have all of Him , without Money or Price , that hath bought you with his precious Blood , and will not sell you , for , or with your own ; then having kept the Lords Sabbaths and become Eunuchs by your own Consent , for the Kingdom of Heavens sake , may you Marry , or give in Marriage , as if you did it not , because not for any sordid ends , as earthly Muck-worms , or base beastly Necessity , but are taught to discern , between Christ's Call to all things , and your Own , for he hath Married you to Himself , and thereby hath given you in Marriage to his New manly Nature , whereby having a better Name than that of Sons and Daughters , ye are espoused to all the beauty and glory of the New World , and so by ceasing from that which feeds the corrupt Self-hood , in all works of the old , ye have learnt at length to do them in another Spirit then your own , even without the leadings of carnal desire , which as it drives or separates from God , in the most lawful duty , so , till a Conquest thereof be gained , by quitting our selves in a right Performance , or forbearing a Wrong , we cannot joyn to the Lord , who is and should be witness'd both in our selves and Works , to be All , and in All : Herein is the real Liberty to all things , even when we are in that Love that seeks not its own , but the pure Will of God , and the good of others .

Ye that have tasted the Vanity of all under the Sun , can tell it feelingly , and by trying what is below , are tyred with it , but not with seeking what is above ; nor can it be long until you find the true Pleasure , which is soon perceived , by forbearing ought that you can comprehend , and yielding your selves up with a holy earnestness , to that being , which comprehends you , because in the one you are a restraint upon your selves , that you may be Free , in the other ye cannot be bound .

All the wayes of Wisdom are wayes of Pleasantness , yea , to the very Natural man , because through obedience to Death , he becomes Spiritual , and by being bound a while , in time is made Free to Eternity : All her paths are Peace , because , although sometimes da●k and untrodden , yet lead to the King of Peace , and lasting Liberty , who gives it not as the World doth , but as absolute , and without Condition .

No Prison or Bonds , like those of the corrupt selfish nature , and no Liberty , like walking by the Line or Rule of the Pure ; in the one , man becomes chain'd and shackled as a servile Slave to tyrannical lust , which while it bears Dominion , though speciously covered with Religious Veils and Ornaments , yet causes a profanation of the very Sanctuary it self , by it 's seemingly zealous Worshippers ; In the other , man is Free , though his Body be bound in Chains of Iron , when his Spirit is at Liberty , so as to glorifie God in the very fires , and may walk in burning flames or furnaces , not subject to the heat thereof , but singing Praises to God , in that Spirit which can quench such Violence , make Prison-doors flye open , stop the mouths of Lyons , and disdaining the acceptance of any Deliverance , but in order to the obtaining of a better Resurrection .

For as the Soul knows no such Prison , like that of the Flesh , so no such Liberty , like that of the Spirit , wherein we walk without account or controule to any on Earth , because in unfeigned subjection to the only true One , our Lord and Master , which is in Heaven ; therefore , while the Body is at large , the Mind is to be the more confined , lest by the worlds variety and diversion , which alwayes presents its self while we are in it , to allure ; our thoughts and affections should scatter , and so the inward composure gained by long silence , should become disordered ; for by inverting the new Natures course , from stilness to trouble , the whole Man fluctuates , and becomes unstable as Water , and unfit to ask , receive , or transact , ought from the hand of God , or with Man .

Wherefore how incumbent is it on you , Oh ye New-born Souls , to watch your selves more diligently , if at outward liberty , then when ye were under Locks , Bolts , Bars , & Guards or Keepers , lest outward sights , objects , or occasions , beget inward wandrings , and bring a Cloud over the understanding , to deprive you of that calm Serenity , and those heavenly Prospects , which you had time to behold without interruption , when in a holy kind of solitude , you turned your backs upon your own Country , Kindred , and Fathers Houses , among the Hittites and Amorites of this world ; for as the Souls Converse can never be confin'd by the Bodies Restraint , so neither can it retain it s true Liberty , when it becomes a Servant to that whereunto it is no Debtor , or consenting to entangle it self with the cumber of real Cares , but feigned false Comforts , that do impare its Freedom , of continual Ascending , or indeed Retiring , to the hidden Life with Christ in God .

The many things of this World , are very apt to interrupt the one thing necessary of the other ; great is the unhappiness of being serious about trifles , and trifling about what is serious ; the true Seed thrives best , when watred with Tears , and warmed with Sighs ; not , that the highest obedience of this kind can change the Nature , but only help the growth and spreading of the unchangeable in an earthly Soyl that 's otherwise , which without weeding and dressing , though inclos'd by restraining or Common Grace , becomes f●ll of Thornes , Thi●tles , and other Plants , that are not of the Heavenly Fathers planting , but tend to obscure and stifle the growth to maturity , of that peculiar good and perfect Gift , which cometh from above .

The Creatures first Elective Freedom was it , that proved so fatal both to Angels and Men ; those curbs and checks that are some pain to the outward man , serve but to train the Inward , to bridle it self , and when this is done , it knows no less the Door , by which entrance is made into the Feast of fat things , with those that are compelled from the high-wayes and hedges , to the Marriage Supper ; then with the Halt , Lame , and Blinde that are taken out of the streets , or strait Lanes of restrain'd Communication , while others that though invited , and seemingly Rich with their Farms or Merchandize , for the hire of Souls , are sent empty away miserably poor and naked .

Happy is he that witnesseth himself a Companion in Bonds with the Poor and wise Child , even the Spiritual Babe of Grace and Glory , better then the Old Adam or foolish King , refusing any more to be admonisht , for fining after the similitude , not only of the first , but last & great Transgression ; for out of the stinking Prison of the fleshly nature , he cometh to Raign in Spirit , whereas the other that is born in , and unwilling to loose that his Kingdom , becometh poor .

Great is the Mystery of Bondage and Liberty ; the seeming Captives are commonly most Free , and Liberty used as an occasion to the flesh , is the greatest Bondage ; but behold the long , and long expected year of JUBILEE is at hand , wherein our Freedom from the great Tyrant and Oppressor shall be made manifest ; and such as refuse it , their ears shall be boared as a signal Mark of their perpetual Servitude .

The Day of Vengeance , and Year of the Redeemed are one ; as the Womans Seed have been confined in Sackcloath , to Wilderness , Dens and Caves of the Earth , by the Serpents brood and Viperous Generation , raigning in the world , and walking at large : So now the liberty of the Sons of God , will be a tormenting close restraint to the Sons of Belial , he that cuts off the Chariot from Ephraim , the Horse and Battle bow from Jerusalem ; even Sions King , the Lord of Hosts , he it is that speaks peace to the Heathen , and saith also , that his Dominion ( which being of Peace and Love , is not attainable by Might or Power but his own Spirit ) shall be from Sea to Sea , and from the River ( the streams whereof make glad the City of God ) to the worlds end .

To this Strong hold therefore turn , all ye that have been Dayes , Months , or Years , Prisoners of hope , and long Sufferers in flesh or Spirit , with joyfulness ; it is declared , that double shall be rendred to you , for he that by the blood of the Everlasting Covenant hath sent you out of the pit , wherein is no water , can bend Judah for himself , and fill the bow with Ephraim , and by raising up the contemned ill●terate Sons of Sion , against the wise and learned ones of Greece ; can make his poor and peeled , but willing people in the day of his own Power , like the Sword of a mighty Man : Then shall the Governors of Judah , by their just , righteous , holy , meek , and humble Conversation , be made like a harth of fire among the wood , and like a flaming torch in the sheaf , devouring the fierce implacable people round about , that cannot desist their rage and malice against the poor and needy , for the Lord himself saith , he will even seek to destroy all Nations that come against Jerusalem .

Great have been the strivings and conte●ts for many years , by Prisons , Bonds , and various Deaths or Torments , to Conquer and Subdue the Innocent h●rmless holy ones of the living God ; but behold the day and hour cometh that the burden shall remove , and yoaks shall be broken or de●troyed , because of the annointing , which grows too strong for all Walls , Chains or Fetters , and this not by a resisting Principle , but the yielding practice to all long Sufferings , with meekness and patience , which not only convinceth enemies , but at length will upon the Cross , conquer Enmity it self , by reason of that all powerful Nature of God , which is pure Love , t●o strong for a thousand deaths ; and more Tormentors , that by lingring severities as bad as the Age wherein they are can bear , do seek to wear out the Saints of the most high God .

Nor can it be long after Prison Foundations are once shaken ; but some Jaylers or Keepers themselves , will spring forth trembling , saying to such as seem in their own power , What shall we do to be saved ? He that will lay New Foundations for Liberty , will shake with a Vengeance all that are the Old for Bondage ; and as often as this is felt within , and witnest in Power by that Spirit which can sing Praises with understanding , in a Night of general Apostacy , and particular Confinement , the outward accomplishment thereof does not appear far off .

Then is the time for bowels of love to be discovered , and instead of passions , compassions to be had on those that shall be gathered to the Church from those dark corners of the Earth , that for a long time have been full of the habitations of cruelty ; which cruelty , by whomsoever indured , and to what degree soever , yet is the least thought of revenge Diabolical , and very inconsistant with the everlasting Father of Mercies , whose Arms are alwayes open to the worst of sinners , at what time soever they turn to him by Repentance .

Then indeed will be the time for such as have been mans Prisoners , even when they shall become the Lord's Free-men to stoop and condescend to those that have been ( not while they were ) as Lords and Masters ( whether in Prison or abroad ) over them : 't is said that Diamonds are cut best by their own dust , and so contrite Hearts abound with tender meltings to them that are of the like temper , and can bow to any persons high or low , in the lowly Spirit and meek Principle , but are as averse from bending or stooping by way of compliance with the stout-hearted , till they are spoyled by the Almighty of all their Powers : when the great Teeth of the young Lions are broken , they may be fed and nourisht without danger , but not while they appear in raging rampant fits , as Beasts of prey .

The gods of the earthly Nature , both in our selves and others , must be tamed by famishing , and the lust of the flesh ( exprest in wrath or otherwise ) and the lust of the eyes , and the pride of life , must be pin'd to death by poverty , instead of giving where we owe nothing , either as Tribute or Custom , to whom , by the Laws of God or Men , it does not belong . The wilde Ass us'd to the Wilderness , can snuff up the wind ( of the Airy Principality ) at her pleasure ; nor in her occasion is she to be turned away , and such as seek her ( yea for her own good ) will not weary themselves ( by yielding to her wild and wanton Nature ) and all this is , because in her Month they shall surely find her , as an object of pitty and lamentation .

And that being foreseen , while on the one hand the evil spirit and practice hath been resisted , and not bowed unto by gratifying the flesh of such as are declared Enemies to the spiritual Seed ; so on the other hand , the poor souls of those very persons , as the most real Prisoners and Bond-slaves of Satan in his dark Dungeon of the self-willing wrathful Nature , have been prayed for , to be forgiven , yea a large Room left in the hearts of the afflicted for them , whether they have been instruments to increase or ease ( which hath sometimes hapned ) the Bonds of the afflicted : such , as have sate long in the thick darkness of the Mystical Prison-house , cannot but have a sence of their misery , that remain still bound in the same , more especially while they flatter themselves in the fools paradice of a false Freedom , to wit , under sin , but not from it .

To you therefore that remain bound in the worst sence , this is the express word of the Lord , Wo to them that decree unrighteous decrees , and that write grieviousness , that they have prescribed to turn aside the needy from Judgement , and take away right from the poor of the People , to whom the greatest priviledges are due , for theirs is the Kingdom of God ; and what will ye do in the day of Visitation , and in the Desolation , which shall come from far ? to whom will you flee for help ? and where will ye leave your glory ? Without me they shall bow down under the Prisoners , and they shall fall under the slain ; for all this his anger is not turned away , but his hand is stretched out still .

To you that are Free , not so much because your outward Man is , or you believe shall be , ( and so remain ) releast from Prison-walls , where you have been kept at the meer lusts of mortal Men and earthly Powers , as that before , or since you have had this outward Freedom , you were or are become Witnesses of the Inward , which is a a clearness from all thoughtful care of those concerns which belongs to the loathsom Prison-house of the Body , whether in reference to that , which may for a time indulge , and make it a painted Sepulchre ; or , bring it to the dust , its first Original ; and having thus far opened your strictest Prison-door ( from which you cannot be wholly free , till it be demolisht or laid in the Grave ) you will then find your souls rais'd in holy desires towards a refin'd sort of Enlargement , that is above or beyond the reach of all Bonds , Death , Pain , or Sorrow , because unchangeable ; the pleasure whereof is of the highest Latitude , and not at all attended with any care or cumber , nor with empty vanity or vexation of spirit .

You that in unfeigned simplicity are pressing towards , or arrived at , this true and glorious liberty of the Sons of God , must know for certain , that he only which is dead , is freed from sin , and he that hath suffered in the flesh , hath ceased from it ; and therefore , ye either are or must be armed with the same mind , that ye may be meet Companions , for and with Him that dies no more , to the end , that neither Sin , World , Flesh or Devil may have Dominion over you .

If you are indeed risen with Christ , so as to seek the things only that are above , then are you past the reach of Jewish Rage , and Gentile Power of spiritual Sodomites and Egyptians ; for as when Christ was dead and risen , his mortal Enemies of both these sorts which combin'd to Crucifie him , ceast any longer seeking after him , his very Body being then too subtil and Spiritual , for the influence of outward force or cruelty , because Satan himself , much more his Instruments are fast bound in Chains to the bottomless Pit , and not suffered to behold ( but as an addition to their own Torment ) the Elect Children of the Resurrection equal to the Angels of God in Heaven .

In like manner , as you that have been the Mystical slain Witnesses of Jesus , whose bodies the very sons of men , as meer men among the People , Kindred , Tongues and Nations of this World , have not hitherto suffered to be put in earthly Graves ( not but that there is a difference between the Saints Bodies now , and when they shall be rais'd out of the d●st ) yet having fulfil'd the time of Civil Death ( without such Burial in deep silence as in former Ages ) during which , the Dwellers upon earth have rejoyced over you , making themselves , merry with Feastings , Pomps and Jollities over your mournful state , and yet after all this , the Spirit of Life from God having entred into you , then may you in love stand with your cleansed feet or pure affections over all the Seed of Enmity , taking that in your selves and them also Captive , whose Captives ere while you were , whereby great Fear will fall upon them that see you , because ascended up to such a Heavenly Conversation as your worst Enemies may behold , but not hinder you from those right and left-hand Blessings , which are the Portion of them that have in this manner chang'd like Joseph their Prison garments , and washt them white in the blood of the Lamb .

But are you indeed Risen out of the earthly up to ( yea higher than ) the Angelical Nature , then have you learnt to appear or disappear in bodily set forms of all works , especially , that are of a spiritual kind , as best suits the Attainment of their truest ends ; at which you have arrived by keeping first the straight way that leads to life Eternal , by departing from all that 's evil or unlawful , to the use only of what is lawful ; and lest you should still hold the Truth in unrighteousness , by imprisoning as it were , the Spirit in a house of God's own building , you contract your out-works to that which is expedient ; keeping this course at first , within the confines of all Naturals on this side Death , but pressing still forward , to and thorow all Spirituals beyond it , by the same Rule , till at last ye come to be above the Power of any thing , but the true Power it self , so as to take or leave , not in your own , but the Lord's Will only , and for others Edification .

This is that first Resurrection , whereinto as ye are Children of the Free-woman , ye having past through various Births , Forms , or Measures , the second Death hath no power over you , much less are you troubled ( or at least overcome ) with fears of the first , and therefore as while you abide this heavenly pitch of Liberty , you often see things so unutterable , that whether ye are in or out of the Body , ye cannot tell ; so likewise , if you descend from thence , but , about your Heavenly Fathers business , then whether ye are , or soon after shall be , in Prison , ye cannot tell ; for this lower old World is but a large restraint to a new heart or free spirit , that finds it a Prison wherein the dark Prince retains all that refuse to be set at liberty by Christ , who is the true Light and Son of Love .

Yea , though ye seem perfect as David was , and men after God's own heart , yet being intic'd into the paths of the Destroyer , the lustful Traveller in the whorish spirit of this World , whose wayes are very moveable , may meet you , and gain admittance ; the entertainment whereof , more or less , will make you as it did him , like them that go down into the Pit , where ye may be brought very low , ere ye are delivered , and cry long to him that hath the Keyes of Hell and Death , to bring your fettered souls out of Prison , where the pangs of both may , as they did on him , get hold upon you .

As there is a Heaven , so likewise a Hell upon Earth , the one by a sence of his Presence , the other of his Absence , who is Lord of all , that forms the light , and creates darkness ; for if we ascend with the Prophet into Heaven , we find him there , and if we go about to make our bed in Hell , yet he that is Omnipresent is there also .

A careful Watch to keep your Garments clean , and your selves unspotted of the World , while ye are in it , is the Posture proper ; for such as are ransomed by blood , not so much of present and past Ages , either in War or Peace ( although thereof as well as of the Treasure , Tears and Prayers , that have been spent , ye now reap the benefit ) but of him that was taken from Prison , and from Judgement , and who shall declare his Generation ? for he was cut off from the land of the living , and for the transgression of his own people was he stricken : With a great price therefore hath he obtained your Freedom ; yea , absolute , can you but wait for it , without the conditions of Bonds , Oaths or Covenants to any mortal . For you being begotten again to a lively hope , by the Resurrection of Christ from the dead , are of the heavenly Race or blood-Royal to all intents and purposes , and whether as Christians or Men ye are Free-born , and therefore bound to insist upon your vast priviledges of the new World , by so much the more as ye are or have been shortned of those that are your due in the old . But the greater your Birth is , and Redemption , the more care should be to make Improvement , by living , not to your selves , but to Him , who to Redeem you , both died and rose again .

To him that died : By dying to all that is already dead , or that being so , cannot be revived again , to live unto Him that died for all ( viz. ) Creatures in one respect , the whole Race of mankinde in another , the Elect Saints in a third , and so to deliver them , who through fear of Death were all their life time subject to bondage .

By this first step of Self-denial , within and without the Prison-walls of your own flesh , and refusing to joyn with ought aforementioned , you will at once shew the present Generation , how much of this first Creation , as it stands in its degenerate state of corruption , must be swept off the Stage , as unfit even for common converse or Communication in that Restitution and time of Refreshing , that is at hand , because in a fixed enmity against Shiloh the great Prosperer , or safe-making Restorer ( together with his Followers ) who by his long-suffering , and their meek Testimony thereof , hath sufficiently declared how unwilling he is that any should perish , but that all should come unto Repentance . Nevertheless there is a time for Patience abused to become Fury ; and the Earth or Tribes thereof , that after much rain and dressing , bear nought but thorns and bryars , shall be rejected as nigh unto cursing or perpetual separation from the Lamb upon the Throne .

Your life also should be to Him that rose again , and that in a Two-fold respect .

First , in bringing forth whatsoever grows from Christ the Head , or pure natural Root , and not already broken off from him , or corrupted , and permitting it with all tenderness , to exert or shew it self in subjection to , and harmony with , the same Lord , who is also Head of all , that is or are spiritual , even the First-born from the dead among many Brethren ; lest by the instability and mismanagement of the Creatures present purity or perfection , for want of better Conduct than its own proper and elective Freedom , it brings it self in Bonds , and so not only loses the liberty of a transient Dominion , but bars for ever against it self the door of Hope , to that which is Everlasting ; 〈◇〉 which danger , not only the enlightned Sons in the Gentile world , call'd Pagans or Heathens , instructed inwardly only to do the works of the Law by Nature , but even the very Professors of Christianity on the stock of common Grace , which by the help of some visible Church , Sect , or Party , may carry them very far , yea into and out of Prisons , as sufferers for Christ's sake , and yet are not clean escaped .

Secondly , your Life to Him that is risen , not only consists in your own unchangeable Union with him , but in rightly comprehending , or at least apprehending all , that though obscur'd under the confinement of present Veils and Forms , yet seem capable of the true spiritual Liberty ; notwithstanding any present entanglement , which through the Divels subtil devices , serves to captivate their minds , so as to imprison the Truth , or hold it in unrighteousness , either by declining to what is simply evil in its self , or not enclining to the best good , but only a knowledge in part , which when what is perfect is come , must be done away .

Your labour of Love is as freely due to all on that account , as the Love of God , which though not due , yet hath been Free , in freeing you from whatsoever Bonds , Shackles , Fetters or Prison , Bars , and straitning clegs of your own corrupt selfish Nature , that may seem to hinder you from Preaching , both in words and works , the everlasting Gospel , beginning at the Elect or houshold of Faith , but from them des●●nding or going on to all Mankind , yea , to every Creature under Heaven ; to which glorious Embassy or Imployment , by the Law of the Spirit of Life , which hath made you free from the Law of sin and Death , are you called and appointed able Ministers .

This will be your proper Exercise , more than bodily or barely lawful , for it is an expedient diversion , whereby your minds being at some seasons unbended from those visionary Meditations , and inward Enjoyments of the Lord , which when you are freely retir'd , and at liberty from all your own thoughts or motions , that may hazard an interruption to this your most intimate and supersensual Communion with the spiritual Bridegroom , seem too great for your long abode in the flesh , but are as it were ready to swallow up and devour your very natural Being , which without some suspence or Intervals , could not subsist under that induring weight of glory , whereof by Faith you have so clear an evidence .

The converse of the higher Region is too Serene to be born long together , while our flesh by mixtures remain , without sometimes descending : and to descend upon any account whatsoever of such inglorious transactions , as may check and not further our Freedom to re-ascend again , where in our Head , Christ Jesus , we were at first , as he was with the Father , is but a degenerous consent to our own confinements in the lower World .

In these Principles and Works , consist our glorious Liberty of the New Birth , from all bonds of the Old , whether outward or inward , and whereby ere long , the Foundations of both shall not only be shaken , but so raised , as their place shall not be found , much less the Lordly Keepers thereof under the subjection and account which they are to their infernal Prince , whose restraint to his own place and Prison , from deceiving the Nations any longer , does now hasten apace .

For when the sons of men come once to understand their respective allotments upon these grounds and Principles , into that three-fold Race of Noah , who though was perfect in his Generations , yet one was for his folly accur●t , and made a servant of servants , for the present , unto his Brethren , and with these three sorts or offspring of his Sons , was the whole earth over-spread ; when this I say is well considered , then may it appear how easily , by these distinct Generations , the several Nations may be divided in the Earth , as they were immediately after the Deluge , and this without any acts of Hostility used to invade or ingross each others Territory .

For when Christ the great Prophet , who hath been in his Priestly Power , the first , so in his Kingly , will he be the last Preacher of Righteousness to all Nations , thereby to leave the World without excuse , then will his Angelical flames of fire break forth upon the ungodly , as heretofore he opened the Flood-gates or Windows of Heaven , for their destruction by water , and as then the Earth it self was not destroyed , but eased of its burden , and replanted ; so now , but upon more equal terms , and re-built upon better foundations , then to cause a confusion of language in the Fabrick , because after the Lord hath in this manner devoured the whole earthly Nature of things and persons , in their degenerous state of corruption , by the fire of his jealousie afore-mentioned ; then will he turn to the people a pure lip or language , that they may all call upon his Name , and serve him with one consent , which will cause a general cessation from Arms , or learning War any more .

At that time , as the now invisible , but then true Catholick Church , will drein all particular visible Churches of their living Members , whose life in the flesh , appears manifestly to be by the Faith of the Son of God , that works by Love , not of some Saints only , but of all , which is the true spiritual Freedom .

So likewise will the truly Royal , and long-lasting Dominion of Love , be then able to shew its lovely Form● as well as Power , to be so beautiful for its distributive Justice , Righteousness and Equity , no less at all seasons , than to all sorts , high and low , without respect of persons , as will eclipse the fading splendor of all the petty particular ( though now reputed great ) Principalities on Earth , which while the narrowing interest of self-love ( called that of State ) remains , are not the true , but false shadows of Dominion .

For as the Principle of universal Love and equal Liberty appears , both among Saints & Nation , to be the true general Interest of both , so the breaches that are or have been among both or either , will be made up or healed , and the Judgements which are at the door , to be fulfilled and manifest against the Beast , Whore , and false Prophet , will very much accelerate a Reception of the other as a Truth , not only among those that are already free in Spirit , but even with them also that as yet remain bound .

And since 't is common to Mankind to believe little of the good way , before they have try'd the evil ; 't is likewise to be expected , that the knowledge gain'd by experience , will enlighten beyond the prevailing power of contradiction , especially when the time comes , that the Deceiver of the Nations himself , becomes bound to his place , that they may be set Free in theirs , as well from the power of his subtil and insnaring devices , as from their own vain Imaginations , that though tending by bonds , and other engines of external force , to imprison Truth , and suppress those annointed Ones , that stand by the Lord of the whole Earth , in publishing it ; yet when the means of this kind us'd to straiten , prove a real inlargement to the godly Seed ( for the Word of God , whether in its inward or outward Revelation , is not bound ) and all attempts to bury alive , and keep in corners , the Free Principle that is of God , both in Christians and men , serve but to raise it higher on the house-top ; then will those Conquests , that through Conviction are gain'd by meek and patient long-sufferance in the Lambs warfare , appear dureable and lasting , as those by force grow out of date , whether in them that by works of Violence , have designed to impose their own , or that with good success for some time , have resisted others bondage .

Nor will the former reverting course of things be presidential to us of this Generation , on whom the ends of the world are come ; for if the Womans Seed of Gentile-Israel , now get forth of the Wilderness by the waters dividing , or those streams and multitudes of people parting interests asunder , and running on heaps , which while going all one way , hindred the Elect remnant from more then seeing the Promised Land , as a Land of distances seeming afar off ; then is the time , that by the mighty power of God , their passage shall become clear , and the hearts of those that intend opposition shall sink and fail within them , so that neither Sons of Anak , or the great men of renown , nor high Walls of antient Laws or Customs , that serve but to shelter the meer Natives of this World ( against the true Israelites indeed who are without guile ) that shall any longer terrifie or check the progress forward of the Holy Peoples and old Foundations being ra●s'd to the ground , new will be laid , not in the death of any more First-born , but in the Life , Spirit and Power of him that 's risen from the dead , tending to save , and no longer to destroy , but protecting his own in that glorious Liberty , Peace and Plenty , and Enjoyment thereof , without fear or interruption , wherein by reason of alternate changes heretofore , they have been at their best estate , no more than sojourners .

As the Seed of Promise by the Free-woman appears born or brought forth , that must inherit all Nations , so does that faith which staggered not before , renew its strength now , even to remove Mountains of opposition , which being the Gift of God to new-born Souls , they do thereby become very strong in the Power of the Lord's Might , and giving back the Glory thereof , to Him from whom they have received it , and through the evidence of things not seen , and the substance of what is hoped for , being seen and felt within them , there is less need now than heretofore , of any humane help to expound Prophesies , which to former ages seemed afar off , because now so near fulfilling or accomplishment : And therefore whether it be from Antiochus ( call'd ) the Great , or Epiphanes after him , or Eupator his Son ( as some say ) or from Christs Death , and Julian the Apostates attempt to re-build the Temple as others , that the Account did commence of the daily Sacrifice ceasing , or being taken away , and the abomination that maketh desolate or astonisheth , set up , all those dayes or years are already expir'd , and whether few or many of the 45. years interval from thence are past , to the end whereof , he or they are pronounced blessed that come , and when the Creatures Halcion-time of refreshing shall begin , of being delivered from its bondage of corruption , is not here given to declare ; although the gradual preparations , previous to so great a work of bringing forth , as well to the actual exercise , as knowledge of that glorious Freedom so long waited for , 't is to be feared will suddenly surprize some , that though professed Witnesses thereof , yet are accessary to that spirits Confinement which leads thereunto .

But to let pass all humane deductions extant from Scripture Prophesies , which are very many ( for much study ) whether by Writing or Reading , is but a weariness to the flesh and instead thereof , by inward silence , waiting to hear the still voice of the true Interpreter , one of a thousand ; we are not only taught experimentally , that where the Spirit of the Lord is , there is ( as well as shall be ) Liberty , even in and to them , to whom it is given , but also with open face , as in a glass , beholding the Glory of the Lord , are changed first inwardly , then outwardly , into the same Image , from Glory of one degree , to Glory of another , as by the Spirit of the Lord .

And furthermore , by the Faith that fails not in Tryal ; by the Hope , that as an Ancor , enters within the vail of all outward appearances , true or false , and continues still stedfast , yea against the hope of seen things , and many persons ; to believe in hope of others unseen , and less in number , that he whose day Abraham long since saw , and was glad , shall shortly appear the true King , as well as Father , of all Saints and Nations ; by the Love that reaches further than to those of our own Tribe , Kindred and Acquaintance , Natural or Spiritual , even to the Souls and Consciences of them that seem the chiefest Sinners against God , and Enemies to Us : Also by Visions , by Dreams , by ordinary Signs of the times , by those extraordinary of wonders in Heaven , and on Earth , by the face of the Skie in our English Horizon , compar'd with the Posture of other Nations , by Bonds of all sorts wearing off , as well as easie ; and yet deliverance not accepted in unworthy bowing to Oppressors ; by the Man-child come to the Birth , that must Rule the World , yea the very bearing pang thereof , already felt sensibly in some , and by sympathy in others ; by the worldly spirit falling , and that of God , which is pure rising , beyond the fear of Gibbots , Scaffolds , Stakes , Graves , or lingring Deaths in Dungeons ; by the Union of Saints growing ; by that of Sinners declining ; by the corrupt Self-interests of force and fraud , striving in vain to mingle themselves with the Seed of men , that liking Freedom better , cannot cleave each to other , because the true Interest of Mankind shews it self on the rising hand , in and over all that 's false or feigned ; by the very restoration it self , already witness'd in some particulars to that degree , as thereby to discern in what manner 't will shew it self ere long in the whole Creation , and man's ariving at the Dominion in himself , as the way rightly to re-assume it over other Creatures .

By all these and much more , together with the unanimous consent of Saints of all Sects , Sorts and Statures , whether Children , Young-men or Fathers , to lift up their heads ; such clear and uncontroulable evidence is given of our Redemption drawing nigh , that an Angel coming from Heaven would hardly be received , if telling that he which is already fallen and thrown thence , shall not ere long be bound , and all his swarms of infernal Locusts confin'd together , to his and their place of smoaky Torment , in the bottomless Pit ; and the Faith afore-mentioned is too high upon the wing , to stoop to the insnaring lures of the Fowler , and the Victory over the World , even outwardly , ( by the inward first obtained ) is now too far gain'd to sound a Retreat , or become afrighted with false Alarums of the Serpents seed prevailing any more . The Conquests of the Lambs warfare are as sure and lasting , as all others are uncertain ; yea , the ground gain'd therein by seeming loss , proves often of most advantage ; but because this glorious liberty of the Sons of God , in the extent thereof , reaching to all men and Creatures , is of too illustrious and excelling a new nature to be born or received , by the old Creation , all at once , by reason of the prejudiced depraved nature of the sons of men ; Therefore it is that Christ , the Author of this common Salvation , and shewing it self in this glorious manner unto all , as well as of the peculiar unto some , the better to enlighten the Worlds darkness with his approaching Jubilee , or Release of the Creature from its Bondage of Corruption , does suffer the Testimony or Tydings thereof , to be sometimes clouded in one Age , that it might break forth with greater power in the next ; which Mystical Progress and Regress , is that whereby the loose hang-byes , and feigned pretenders to its Propagation , are shaken off and laid aside , to the end there may be no false Conceptions , abortive Births , no retrograde Motions , no sandy Foundations , or hollow-hearted Buildings , when the set time comes , for the full discovery of this so desireable Freedom , but that so pure a Principle , and refined an Interest , may find a truly Free People like it self , to espouse with it , not with thoughts of ingrosing a common good to themselves , but to communicate it unto others , that are less fit to lead then to fallow ; lest otherwise the self-arrogance of Lordly headship and Superiority should be minded by them , that cannot as Rulers , stoop and become servants in love , to the meanest part of the whole body in God's Creation , which consists of equal Subjects to the Prince of Princes , at least in outward Liberty , throughout his great , but free Dominion .

And thus it appears , that in much Wisdom Christ hath suffered , both in this and former Ages , a temporary Witness to this longlasting and glorious Freedom , sometimes more , sometimes less , heightned beyond the common understanding or reception , even of some Professors , but more profane ( being blinded and bound in chains of Self-love ) to be checkt and over-run by the worldly spirit in those various Births and gradual out-goings thereof , to which some better refinement seemed necessary , by a seasonable suspence or silence , but still in order to its clearer passage through those changeable appearances , to it s more full and compleat Manifestation , whereby it will grow at length too strong for any more suppression ; the several steps or methods whereof , that were observable in its convincing Death , will also appear in its victorious Resurrection , from under that contempt and reproach , wherein like it s holy Captain and Leader thereunto , though Dead and Buried for a season , yet hath seen no Corruption . For as the lot of them that have been more than others in the Power of Godliness , was heretofore and of late , to come under the severe censorious Judgement of mans day , among those that were more formal , whereby way is made too easie for the Hypocrites and Apostates , to invade the outward Peace and Liberty of all that are sincere , both in Form and Power ; so when these as Instruments , suffered to begin Judgement at the House of God , have done their work , then is the time for the openly prophane Ones contending to be their severe Judges , who made them their Brethren and Companions in wicked Cruelty ; and thus grinding each other o-as it were to pieces , like the upper and neather Mill-stones , while some common calamites , as an over-flowing scourge , may likewise overspread the whole ; those whose hearts are purified by patient long-suffering under all , both from God and Man , may arrive at an abiding , dwelling in Love , without Fear or Torment , and ●o be wholly disingaged , as well from the active , as the passive part , of a wrathful Ministration .

So that when in this manner , Iniquity of all kinds abounding , hath had its course without controule , over all that is of Go●● manifest , but as it were imprisoned by fleshly weakness , and subtil as well as cruel wickedness , and therefore panting and breathing after a greater degree of strength and Freedom , still longing for deliverance ; then will the Meek , but Mighty Spirit of the Lord , lying long in the grave of obscure silence , rise and shew it self , by lifting up a Standard ( without War , Tumult , Force or Violence ) by conviction on the minds of all , for universal Justice , Righteousness , Peace , Love and Liberty , against all opposition whatsoever ; then shall all breaches be healed , and paths restored , even for them to dwell in , that have long wandred and gone astray , if but willing to return , and of Enemies become Friends , to Christ's Lambs and Little Ones , that can be no other to them , though as Butts all this while , against whom the Seed of Enmity have spent all their Darts ; nor are they willing to eat their Morsel alone , nor enjoy their free Priviledges apart , as a separate People , but wait and think long to invest others therewith , who have through ignorance , lengthened their own and Brethrens Captivity , under the great Oppressor .

And as these things may possibly be fulfilled , ere we are aware , in these Brittish Nations , so Gods proceeding by the same Line of Judgement in other parts of the World , may not be far off ; for by that time the Reformed Churches abroad seem swallowed up by a licentious sort of Protestants at large , and both these by Popery , and ●hen those Countries that are planted with the fierce bloody Propagators of that Religion , by a suppression of any other , shall be overrun with the Turkish Mahometans , 't is then possible that Tydings from the East may divert the over-flowing course of those multitudes , which seem like many waters ; then also the Euphration streams of interposing People of many Nations , being dryed up by Sword , Sickness or Famine , way may be made for the scattered Tribes or Sects , but Royal Race of inward Jews , that by the Circumcision of their hearts and Spirits , are become true Priests and Kings in that Eastern Wisdom , Light and Knowledge of the Son of mans second Coming , without sin unto Salvation , through their Mystical Fellowship with Him , in his Death and Resurrection .

For as heretofore , so now it is desirable , that even brethren themselves be not ignorant of this Mystery ( which is a great one ) least they be wise in their own conceits , and thereby not knowing after what manner it is , that blindness in part is hapened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in , for so all Israel shall be saved , ( viz. ) those that are of it , whether as Jews under a Legal , or as Gentiles under an Evangelical Ministration that are Israelites indeed , in whom is no guile ; but 't is not Circumcision or Uncircumcision outward that avails , but the new Creature-obedience ; and out of Sion is to come the Deliverer , in whom both bond and free are all one , that shall turn ungodliness from the true Seed of Jacob ; the time being therefore now short , it remains , that they who are Married to any visibles or particular Form or Measure , short of that way which is most excellent , even the Royal Law of Love , be as if they were not confin'd , but wholly free ; and those that are free , as if they were bound in Spirit to become all to all : Nor will any trans●ient Communion , or Separation , comfort or cross , joy or sorrow , possession or want , appear to be of much benefit or loss , since the most comly fashion of the old world passeth away , and the pleasant voice of him , by whom both the worlds were made , is heard , saying , Behold , I make all things new .

This is that welcome voice , or glad tidings , which looseth the Prisoners , and raiseth them up that are bowed down ; yea , the dead shall hear it , and they that hear ( having died in the Lord ) shall live , and come forth of their Graves , whether of sin , tormenting fear of Death , Hell , or any kind of Bondage to corruption , from which , the incorruptible new-nature , of unchangable universal Love , does at once release the groaning , sighing , and in pain-travelling Creature .

In the first Mystical Resurrection , which is a kind of transfiguring glory , wherein the Spirits of them that are dead in Christ , rise first as living witnesses of the Restoration ; there is neither Marrying or giving in Marriage , whether in a litteral or mystical sense as aforementioned , but in the Lord , not in the necessitous bondage , to outward helps ; nor building or planting of Churches , Estates or Familes , unless in the will of the Lord , who is the chief builder and planter of his own House and Vineyard , before any else , and therefore no allowance in the works of that kind , to fulfil the lusts of the eyes , nor to abuse or waste the creatures in excess or superfluity , to support the pride of life :

Nevertheless , as in that which is the litteral , and yet but first Resurrection also which follows after , wherein the very bodies , as in the other , the Spirits of them that are dead in Christ , rise first ; there will be an absolute cessation of all those things and duties , that were both lawful and useful in the land of our fleshly nativity and kindred , so likewise in this , as previous to that ; there is to be a forbearance of nothing that is expedient to express the free estate of this glorious liberty of the Sons of God , who when they refuse no Cross , have a right to every creature-comfort , being received with Thanksgiving , and the work thereof sanctified by the Word of God and Prayer .

The lustful will , subdued to the Will of God , and the selfish nature being bridled ; by the pure , there is no more danger in abundance , then in want ; nor in outward liberty , then a Prison : A free voluntary confinement to the Cross , steers our direct way to the Crown , ( viz. ) a real conquest over the sensual or carnal part , whether of pain , or pleasure , in any thing declined , or desired together with an inward joy of contentment , to feel the immortal life daily growing up through a decay of the mortal ; so as not only in green inclosed Pastures of still retirement , but in the common high-ways of most ordinary familiar converse , to be kept purely unspotted of the world , and elean from wallowing in the mire of inordinate passions and affections .

When Jerusalem is created a rejoycing , and her people a joy , there will be rather an improvement then a cessation of any works , ordained to uphold or meliorate this first Creation , because all manner of productions , will be with more perfections , when that which hinders it , and genders to all imperfection , becomes bound , if not ●xpel'd , for there shall be no more an Infant of dayes , but the Child shall die an hundred years old , and old men also ; but such as must have fulfil'd their dayes , yea , they shall build , but not for others to inhabit ; they shall plant Vineyards , but not for others to eat the fruit of them ; for as the dayes of a tree , so are the dayes of my people , ( saith the Lord ) and my Elect shall long ( even the Lords day , or Sabbath of a thousand years in length ) enjoy the work of their hands , resting from all their labour and travel .

Then shall cease all complaining in our streets , for want of Justice , Liberty , Righteousness , or Food or Physick for Soul or Body ; for wheresoever those waters or people run that issue out of the Sanctuary , there the Nations shall be healed of all their bruises , breaches , divisions and oppressions , and every thing that moveth , where this clear River runs , shall live , viz. it 's incorrupt life of innocency , and freedom from that , which by an unwilling subjection to vanity is it 's burden ; and on either side of this River , grow all trees for meat ; even such blessed souls , that neither see when heat cometh , nor ar● careful in the year of drought or restraint , whose leaf shall not fade , nor fruit consume , because continually new , and brought forth according to the respective months or seasons of the new flux of time , or long Sabbath to the whole Creation .

Thus do these Sanctuary-waters , make the earthly nature of mankind , restored from the curse , fertil , and the fruit or good wholesome works of Righteousness , Reformation , and reasonable service to God and man , that these living Trees , or Saints of the most high God , true Plants of renown produce , shall be for meat or nourishment to the Sons of men in all Nations ; and the leaf thereof , or their visible outward profession , and general , or ordinary morral Conversation , like a continual Winter Green , without change or falling , shall be for medicine to cure the distempers of all bodies politick , and humane or civil Societies .

These things may seem to this present Age like dark prophesies , or but allegorical Illustrations of them that are so ; but by that time seven years more shall be expired , not only Saints , but Englands common people will by experience understand them much better : by three times seven ; the Nations abroad , that now are invelopt under Popish darkness , and Turkish tyranny ; but before seven times seven shall pass , t is expected that the very heathen shall appear to be the inheritance of Sions King , and the utmost ends of the earth his possession , present , and no longer in Reversion .

But before this glorious day , the morning cloud of thick darkness , short , but sharply felt , may be the gradual or successive lot of all places and persons respectively , previous to their being visited by this welcome day spring from on high , and as the fellowship of inward sufferings are or shall be experienc'd by a sincere conformity therein to him that hath trodden the Wine-press of his Fathers wrath alone , and hath led us the way by his own Doctrine , Precept , and Example ; so the outward will be found more or less in measure easie .

Yea , when distress of Nations shall be great , that of Sions mournful Sons and Daughters shall be very little , for the Mark is set upon them that sigh , to escape , when others , neither old or young shall be spared .

Then shall the ( earth made like a ) wilderness and solitary place , be glad for them , viz. that made it so , even the wild beasts and birds of prey , very much disappearing , because confin'd to the business of the Lords Sacrifice in Bozrah , and the great slaughter appointed in the Land of Idumea , in the year of Recompence for Sions Controversies ; for as the wrathful Ministration very much in the active , but especially in the passive part thereof , is cast upon Gods implacable Enemies , though possibly for some time they may have been imployed as hired Servants ; so his poor peel'd People , that ere while seem'd like the dry barren Desart , shall rejoyce and blossom as the Rose ; it shall blossom abundantly , rejoycing with joy and singing , their Peace shall be like a continual running River , and their Love like an Ocean without bounds or bottom .

But to conclude ; 't is endless to think by words , of declaring fully the endless Life , which together with them that live it , are beyond all present discoveries , while under the Veil that must be rent or ended , ere we begin to know more than in part , or as we are known , for the company of Elect Angels is innumerable , and of so vast extent is the general Assembly of the First-born , whose Names are written in Heaven , that no Place , Nation , Age or sort of professing people on earth , can or ever could possibly comprehend them ; but Love in a holy still silence , from all words or deeds , but what do express its own pure nature , can do much in both , for it reaches all things and persons with its own likeness at last ; but beginning first in theirs , till in a fixed enmity , they either dislike or reject it : for it binds and looses on earth by heavenly appointments or order , and not otherwise .

By this Free Principle therefore , two great things shall shortly be accomplished ; First the true Universal , but of late bewildred and invisible Church shall be gathered , which is one , and not many , nor confisting of those one outward Form of Religion only , much less of one sort of that , but of all sorts , that seem of all , but being lovers of Truth in the inward parts , practice nothing but what they so know , with humble sincere desires and ready minds , by further discoveries , to know more and do better .

Hereby are the several members of one Body reduc'd from wandring ( in many wayes and forms , out of the more excellent ) into one Spirit , who being scattered and obscured in a preter-natural variety ; neither know the true dimensions or parts of the Body , nor the efficacious Power of the new Natural Spirit , by reason of its diversified manner of breathings in one another .

Nor is this Catholick Church so much mentioned , as if any formal admission thereinto were more easie then a Gospel fitness prescribes unto such as are dead to all contentious pleadings for any other , notwithstanding their abounding with choice of Members , that want not marks of visible sanctity ; for those scattered Saints well know , that their being already in the true Spirit of the living Body , will render them discernable , when the dry bones meet , although for present they remain ravicking the●selves only among the Virgins that are without number , not formally espoused to any fellowship , wherein fewer Queens than Concubines do appear ; but this general Church , the Members whereof being scattered in every Nation , by fearing God , and working Righteousness , some are known , others unknown , but the Lord and his Spirit witnessing with theirs , that they are accepted of him ; and by reason of their local distance , look not to see the whole Assembly of that Age wherein they live , till by laying down the Body , or translating Change , they do it of all Ages together in the Resurrection ; mean while , as near Neighbour-hood gives opportunity , they abide in the same Spirit , ready to meet with as many as are Free in the Lord , and can do it with one accord , for their Faith being unfeigned , shews it self by love to Saints of all sorts and measures , and next these to all men , not allowing of Wrath , Enmity , or vain Jangling , either for preferrance of themselves or any other , but depending upon the Spirits Wisdom only , to give evidence in each Heart or Conscience , who they are that are more or less worthy , whether of single or double Honour .

This Universal Church therefore , is not press'd or mentioned , to reflect upon Particulars , or any Sort , Sect or Fellowship , nor Members thereof respectively , that pretend not a Competition with , but only Subordination to , this grand Assembly of the First-born , that comprehends all else , but rather to undeceive some , that say , they are Jews and are not , as also them that are , but know it not , because not so accounted , for want of signs external , though as authentick under the Gospel , as that was under the Law , to wit , of Circumcision .

Secondly , by this Free Principle likewise , is that general Government to be known , that is fit and meet for the whole Universe , and to be evidenced by Practice , which whether as the Kingdom of David , or Common-wealth of Israel , admits not of being calculated to the single Meridian of one Nation only , much less some personal or corrupt Interests thereof , but of all Nations , Countries , Kindreds and People , and whether they be few or many , in their several and distinct Confines of this world , and spread through the face of the whole Earth ; for it is a Power that can appear and subsist in any Form , but in its own most easie , because agreeable and subjected to the free Will of God , and not to be depraved , but most enlightned consciencious part of man , taking in the knowledge and experience of all ages past and present , but reserving still room for more , by keeping in Gods hand the chiefest conduct , as the main true ballance of Improvement .

Nor is it confined to Numbers , Place , Wealth , or broad or narrow Rules of property ; for a man , whether Poor or Rich , is more pretious than Gold ; but this Form and Power aforementioned , can shew it self in the least and lowest , and also in the greatest sort and numbers , as joyned or distinguished , but still under one and the self same Rule of impartial Justice , Equity and common Freedom , that whether on Islands or Continent , the Inhabitants of the whole World may live under one Royal Law , as subjected Brethren to the same Dominion , and this without compelled or confused necessity of uniting or dividing Territories , Lands or Lordships ( or indeed at all ) but by mutual consent ; for hereby such lasting Foundations are laid , for true and growing Liberty , Peace and Plenty , without Blood-shed , War , Noise or Tumult , as may inure to the People or Inhabitants of each Nation , even where they are now fixt or settled , and abide to the Worlds end .

For as it shews comprehensively , the inclusion of any use or help which may be had of all Saints and Men , so likewise the exclusion of all Beasts and Devils , black or white , by making sinners afraid , that seek umbrage and shelter in some out-works of Sion , and surprizing Hypocrites with fearfulness , bridling the Prophane with a severe Curb , but indulging the Free Spirit with all due encouragement , binding that which neither knows , or not rightly to use Freedom , but setting and keeping Free all that is or are so New-born , especially after its tryal , by patient bearing and wearing out unjust and undue Bondage .

This and much more is learnt , by an humble filent waiting on the Dictates or Comman●s of this new Man Christ Jesus , whose name is Wonderful Councellor , Prince of Peace , on whose shoulders this great Government is cast to manage , and therefore shall not miscarry , though mediately intrusted into the hands of his Heavenly Watchers , or his Meek holy Ones on Earth , but of its increase and peace there shall be no end ; for as it comes to be understood , that of one blood he hath made all Nations , having determined the times before appointed , and the bounds of their Habitation , so will Judgement be shewn unto the Gentiles , without striving , crying , or his Voice being heard by any man in the streets ; nor shall the bruised Reed be broken , or smoaking Flax quenched , till Judgement come forth to Victory , and in this his Name , and Nature also , shall the Gentiles trust .

By this Free Nature , or true pure new Natural Freedom , is taught to pull down and pluck up , all those things , and those only which as inconsistent therewith cannot stand , and by casting out the Scorner or mocking Seed of the Bond-woman , to build and plant that , and that only which will abide , by changing the mutable state of all Saints , men and other Creatures , altogether by way of Improvement , but nothing by way of Degeneration , for having descended as a Faithful Servant , it teaches in that straight course , and no otherwise , to ascend by right as Lord of all , leading a●l captive in silent Conviction that oppose it , but all them that follow it , unto the top of its own Dominion , not to bind or inslave the Free , but to set free the Bound , and make them more Free , that by way of inlarged desires are so already .

This is that Free Wisdom , coming from above , that dwelling within no other confines but of Prudence , teaches to encrease poor Families like Flocks , to erect houses for all sorts of good ( not carnal ) Fellowships , to build Cities , Towns and Villages , all after new Forms , but for better and more publick ends , then those low , mean , and base Concerns of mortal name , fame , or interest ; yea , to plant not only a private Garden , Field or Country , but all Nations , that are either at present , as dry barren Desarts , or stancht and choakt with weeds , and top-heavy scratching brambles , yea to make the whole Creation like a Paradicecal Eden , or Garden of God .

Hereby also will be instruction to follow all manner of Trades and Callings , without such accurst entanglements , or beastly marks , previous to the allowance of the pretended Freedom in all Arts or Sciences , as those who are Free indeed decline for the conditional clogs thereof . This wise Prudence guides the simple learner , till he become a perfect Teacher , and lets the Teacher see himself an imperfect Learner , till he can become all to all , to gain some .

't wil make the Servant fit to be a Master , without aspiring or insubjection ; and the Master willing to serve , without regret or trouble ; this is it that can Rule , Obey , Gather , Scatter , Live or Die , not for it self ; for it shews the way to all persons , by becoming pure in one degree to cease from , and for that of another , still offering and yielding up the lower to the higher , till all comes to the foot , and into the hand of Him that is highest of all .

In this manner preparing the great , as well as every little World or Man , to become a fit Sacrifice , to Him whose works were all at first good , and therefore knows best by fiery tryals how to purge away all impure mixtures , in order to their Restoration , not destroying the Pretious , but separating it from the Vile , till all immortal Beings are distinguisht by their respective Principles , Love or Enmity , wherewith in time they have espoused themselves for an Eternal Union .

And then the pure fine Veil of Creature-Innocence , which the Creator made as a changeable cloathing to wear a while , upon his own unchangeable Power and Glory , being by the same hand , but as a Mediator , or the Redeemers restitution of all things , brought to light from long darkness , and caus'd to succeed that false Covering , which by sin and Satans entrance upon the World , hath been cast over all flesh ; and this last , which was also first , subjecting it self to death by fire freely , as that which hath interven'd , must do by force or feigned obedience , all things and persons in this manner being detected , shall stand in their naked simplicity before the Judge of Q●ick and Dead .

Then those who in this life have received their good things , and so be fool'd themselves with Satans golden chains of sensual selfish and imaginary pleasure , profit or honour , will be confin'd to their place of everlasting Bondage .

But such as have declin'd no Seas of trouble in the flesh , whether of hardships , losses , crosses , or captivity by far and faithful adventures in the Lambs long-suffering warfare , shall then be received , not into any more moveable Tabernacles , but fixt in during substantial dwellings of Love , in their Fathers house , where are many Mansions .

And mean while , their transient bonds , or other marks of the Lord Jesus , which they bear about in their mortal bodies , and earthly concerns , are their lasting badges of honour in this life ; ( if onely own'd in meekness , without boasting or being puft up therewith ) and of a never dying Freedom in that world which is to come . By this small prospect from the Creatures bondage into liberty , may be perceived the grand mistake of any that press not so much towards the Lord of Heaven , for a Spiritual enlargement in their bodily prisons , as towards the seeming Lords of the earth , to be releast from Stone-wall'd inclosures ; for doubtless as the mind grows inwardly free , so a restraint from outward converse is it 's priviledge and advantage , to keep it fixt and steddily intent upon those things above , that tend to raise it far beyond the sense , and by degrees , above the power of all bonds whatsoever ; for when those that are within become broken , because of the annointing , those that are outward , though of the strongest kind , cannot long continue .

But besides , what doubt or question is to be made , that so soon as the work is finisht which was given to do in the secret Chamber , but by the decree of the Angelicall watchers , and by the demand , or word of the holy Ones , the door of the closest prison on earth will fly open , which hinders from ought of duty that lies abroad ? and till that be clear , the hidden life yields too much of substantial profit & pleasure , then to be quit for vain shaddows or fond diversions : Especially , since the soul that knows its broad compass in the pure will and love of God , finds experimentally all parts and places of this lower world , no better then a large restraint ; but the body , it 's more close prison , which for those very dues of nature , that it daily requires , keeps the Spirit from dwelling alwayes on high , and compells it s too frequent descendings .

Nevertheless , the Free Citizens of the inward upper world , have long since resigned their own Elective Freedom in reference to any lot or portion below , for they wot not what to chuse , knowing , that to live , is Christ , but to die , their gain ; and therefore as their outward Bonds are no burden , so their Liberty of that kind also , will be no snare , because not willing to accept it but from his hand only , who hath all Authority and Power .

But as Christs fleshly Birth or coming into the world , was in a place of repose for Beasts rather than men ( thereby resembling his first manifestation ) in the mixt nature of our own persons ) so likewise his second and spiritual birth , whereby he will become admired in all them that believe , will no less probably shew it self most early in those Dens or dark Caves of the earth , that are the great Dragons habitations of Cruelty , where the Ostrich , Owle , and other doleful creatures dwell , the Satyrs dance , and none of the Vulturous Crew have wanted their Mates to belch out their blasphemous Oaths , and Enmity against the Wounds , Blood , and Life of the Lamb , as well as the meek and lowly Ones , of the most high God , whereby those wretched Sodomites , through their lewd ungodly conversation have vext the righteous souls of the pure in heart , whose tongues were sometimes made to cleave to the roof of their mouths , appearing as it were dumb , and no reprovers , because in the houses of a Rebellious people .

On this account , some spirits have been kept in prison , like a kind of Hell upon earth , more troublesome then the bodies restraint , whereby the souls aforementioned , have seemed almost to dwel in silence , each of them whose portion have been in obscure confinement in this manner to bemoan themselves sometimes a part in secret , saying , Wo is me that I sojourn in Meshech , and that I dwell in the Tents of Kedar , whose portion is to be with the uncircumcised .

But the All-Wise God , that brings good out of evil , knows by this double kind of silence , wherein he thus permits his own to be detained , how , as it were to press inward the leaven of his own Kingdom , that consists not in words but power , till at length it works it self outward by breaking all bonds of both kinds in sunder , and to torment that infernal spirit , with its followers ; which , when it becomes bound from offending Babes of love , will feed and prey upon its own wrathful off-spring , or seed of Enmity ; while the seed of the free Woman are releast to all intents and purposes , walking at liberty upon earth , because redeemed from it , warning and teaching every one in all wisdom , by Preaching the Everlasting Gospel in words and works of it 's own nature , that by such means , they may present every man in Christ Jesus , whereunto they labour , striving according to his new Manly-natures working , which ( some that seem wise builders of States and Churches understand very little of , but ( worketh in them with mighty power .

Then shall the end of their silent long-suffering travels be seen , and the meaning of their patience under those reproachful censures be known , whether by Brethren or Strangers , because by some of both judg'd for straining at a Gnat in their account , of one kind , which is not to swallow a Camel of another , but in pure obedience to him that hath fulfilled all Righteousness , wherein , because so unable to follow him in the Positive or Active part , they are the more obliged to endeavour it in the Negative or Passive , and therefore dare not decline the straitest gate of outward tryals , rather than lose their inward freedom afore-mentioned , by causing the offence of the Cross to cease , through bowing in any degree , though under fair pretences to the worldly Spirit , which by a constant and steady patience in the Lamb's Warfare , will not only be bowed , but broken .

Nor are such as are Free in this freedom , rendred thereby worthy only to be Members of any petty Body Politick , or Corporate ; or to be advanc'd to Honour and Dignity in the Court of Princes or Potentates , as Joseph , Mordecai , Daniel , and others have been , since the Church began to lift up her Head under Constantines Imperial power and shelter , after more then two hundred years depression from her primitive glory , least in truth , such living stones being plac't in old rotten Fabricks , not rightly founded , for some trans●ient benefit and lustre put upon them by a good Inhabitant , should suffer loss , and come to decay , when the house it self is left desolate ; and so the Church , having cloathed her self in the gorgeous attire , that suites the mixture of such times , should be driven again to quit it by wearing sack-cloath in the wilderness .

They who have arrived at this glorious liberty in themselves , are ( and ought to be so accounted ) free dennizens in all Nations , or of the whole world , nor of this below , but by being so ( as new naturaliz'd ) of that which is above , even the new Jerusalem which descends from God out of Heaven , for that being their proper Inheritance and habitation for converse , their life here , is spent very much for their sakes who know no better freedom , then as derived from him who is of the earth , earthly ; which , whether at it 's worst estate already corrupted , or it 's best , which , though not so , because yet changeable , for the worse , as well as the better , is corruptible , and so altogether vanity .

And therefore the labours of these Chri●tian Freemen , is to keep others from falling lower then they are , to wit , into the nethermost Pit or Dungeon of hellish bondage and darkness , that may be felt from whence is no Redemption , as also to draw them with cords of love higher , even into the unchangeable liberty derived from the glorious Son of God , who is the Lord from Heaven , Heavenly .

Wherein they whom Christ hath made Free indeed , are made to stand fast therein , without being intangled again with any yoke of bondage , whether from men or evil Angels ; hence is it that they seem like-indefatigable Labourers to set the oppressed free , both within and without , counting no Commands of Christ grievous to themselves , and therefore with the more Authority preach in good works the life of true Freedom to all men whatsoever , that sit in darkness and shadow of death , but are best understood by them , that having received the first fruits of this Spirit , are groaning within themselves , and waiting for the Adoption , to wit , the Redemption of the Body .

Now whether this is written by one in Prison or out of Prison , need not be askt , for he cannot tell , because though he walks in spirit at large , yet not without some symptoms of a fleshly thraldom , to the bodily prison of his earthly nature ; but by the sincere love he bears to true freedom , and good will to all that wish or witness it , he is as the Lords Free-man , a bounden Servant to the Grace of the least and lowest , but not to the lust or corruption of the Highest on earth ; therefore in meekness and patience does he desire to possess his soul , knowing that it is but a very little time , and he that shall come will come , and will not tarry , who having the keyes of Hell and Death with him , will loose the Bonds or troubles of the Righteous , and cause the Wicked to be in their stead , by putting down the Mighty from their Seat , and listing up the meek and lowly .

For 't is neither worldly Greatness or Gallantry , nor Wealth or Wisdom , nor Pomp or Power , much less what 's worse , but the Lord alone that will be exalted in this day that 's come and coming ; he it is that hears and regards the sighing of the Prisoner , without words or written Petitions , and will ere long see the travel of his Soul for that universal Liberty to all Saints and Mankind , as afore-mentioned .

And though hope deferr'd hath made hearts sick for a season , yet when-desire comes , 't will be a Tree of Life , because as well above ground as under it ; 't is possible , that the Prisoners may yet rest together without hearing the voice of the Oppressor , when small and great may remain quiet , and every faithful servant free from the hard Bondage of his Tyrannical Master .

Now if it be said , Alas ! who shall live when God doth this , or when these kind of Parabolical Prophesies will be fulfilled ? 't is answered , they that desire to live the Life , as well as die the Death of the Righteous , and therefore make it their work to stand always refign'd to every daily , yea hourly appointment of Divine Providence and Pleasure , valuing the meek and lowly life of innocent long-suffering travells in words and works of Truth and Soberness , at a higher rate then the unjust reward of frowns or flatteries , perswading to curse the Seed that God hath blessed , or to bless the Seed that God hath cursed .

But because the Judgements of the Lord are a great deep , 't is very evident that they who are mo●t conversant in Gods pure Will , for the knowledge of them , are or ought to be at so much the more distance from their own will , and desire , to hasten or preproperate their execution , especially if thereby any vain hopes do arise , that the fire which is already kindled in Sion should extinguish , till Gods whole work be performed therein , by her dross being thorowly purged , and her Converts being fully redeemed with that Righteousness and Judgement whereby all false allayes must be consumed .

And since it is not contending by secret Plots or open Violence , against persons or Powers high or low , though upon the most specious pretences of introducing better things then the present Generations of men seem acquainted with , but a harmless , holy , inoffensive Life and Conversation , exprest in universal love without dissimulation , towards God and all men , which will gain a belief in the world , that the Yoke of Christs Government is more easie than that of man , especially in his degenerous beastly state of Corruption ; 't is therefore to be remembred , that Christs next coming , will be as the Son of Man , and that like Lightning more than Thunder , which impl●yes , that his Witnesses m●st approve themselves to the Consciences , as well of every man , as Chri●tian Brother in the sight of God , as also , that the bearing of thi● testimony should be without Noise and Violence .

But if this Dove-like spirit finds no rest , by reason of a sinful deluge of iniquity still abounding , and filthy waters prevailing , then what remains , but that the prudent should still keep silence , and in-Ark themselves in the hidden Life with Christ in God , waiting in a secret or inward obscurity , till the floods of the ungodly shall be asswaged , and freedom given for the meek and lowly to reap , and inrich the Creation with the fruit of their vict●rious Conquests gain'd over the worldly spirit , not by force or fraud , but by innocent and patient long-sufferings with joyfulness , so as they may bear without envy or offence , in their hands and hearts , the Palm branches of lasting Peace , and universal Love , to all Saints and men , but crying Hosanna to none , save the Highest only .

And this is the faithful Testimony of one that desires to glory in nothing , save in the Cross of Christ Jesus , whereby the World may be Crucifi'd to him , and he unto the World : Therefore so far as ●ught in this Witness seemes worthy of any Honour amongst the most honourable , therein , he would be unknown , because 't is not his own that he seeks , either to give , or receive by it ; But if any thing of that kind hath intruded not only to his own , but even others offence , whether of brethren or strangers , he acknowledgeth it so far beyond his Warrant , that as he dares not be unwilling to bear the Cross when it finds him , without h●s own seeking it , in this World ; so neither to accept the Crown of esteem , or approbation , until he comes in to another .

THE END .