JESUS CHRIST is the way to eternall life; no one goeth to the Father but by the Sonne, he is the way, the truth, and the life; He is the door, by which if any man enter, he shall be saved; For there is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved, but by Jesus Christ, into whose hands all things are commit­ted, both in heaven and in earth, and under the earth. He hath the keyes of Hell, and of Death: He hath the keyes of David, and openeth and no man shut [...]eth, and shutteth and no man openeth. He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every Creature, by him were all things created both in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whe­ther Thrones or Dominions, Principalities or powers, all things were created for him, and by him, who excelleth in glory, blessed for ever­more. Happy and blessed are all they who have part in him, and in the everlasting covenant of Life.

Now the testimony of Jesus Christ is wonderfully declared in the Scriptures of Truth, both in the Law and in the Prophets; But in the New Testament written by his faithfull Apostles very plain; so that all who believe the Scriptures, cannot deny Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of God, for all the Scriptures do give witnesse to him: And my pur­pose is to declare something of the testimony of Jesus in the holy Scrip­tures.

First, he was ordained before the world began, unto the glory of them that believe; For he is the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world.

Again, he was promised at the beginning immediately after the fall of man, That the seed of the woman should break the Serpents head, though he should bruise his heele. Now to Abraham was the promise made, that in his seed all the Nations of the earth should be blessed; and the promise was after this manner: When Abraham was old, and Sarah his wife past Child-bearing, it was said at such a time Sarah should have a sonne. Now Abraham being not weak in faith, doubted not in the promise of God, nor considered the deadnesse of his owne body, neither the barrennesse of Sarah's womb, but against hope believed in hope, so be­came the father of them that believe, as it is written, I have made thee a Father of many Nations: So Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousnesse, and he was called the friend of God. And according to that which was spoken, his seed was like unto the stars for multitude without number; For Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob begat the 12 Patriarch [...], and the 12 Patriarchs moved with envy, sold Joseph into Aegypt, who sound favour with Pharaoh King of Aegypt, and was made Ruler over all [Page 2] the Land. Now when there was a great Famine both in Aegypt and Ca­naan, the Fathers wanted sustenance; and Jacob hearing there was corn in Aegypt, sent out the Fathers first into Aegypt, and at the second time was Joseph made known to his brethren, and Jacob who was called Israel, went down into Aegypt, and all his family, even threescore and fifteen soules, and had the best of the Land of Aegypt to dwell in. Now Jacob dyed in Aegypt, but was buried in Canaan, in Abrahams purchased burying place; And Joseph also when he dyed, made mention of the children of Israels departure, and gave commandement concerning his bones; for when the word of the Lord came unto Abraham when he was at Mesopotamia, saying, Get thee cut of thy Countrey, and from amongst thy kin­dred, and from thy fathers house, unto a [...] and that I will shew thee, which was the land of Canaan; but after he promised to give it to his seed for a pos­session; but of their servitude in Aegypt he first spoke, how they should be evill entreated four hundred years; but after that, he would judge that Nation to whom they were in bondage. And when the time of promise grew near that the Lord would shew his love to Israel, and his judgements upon Aegypt, there arose a King in Aegypt that would not know I [...]rael, but made them to serve with rigour, and caused their children to be slain, to the intent they might not increase, in which time Moses was borne, and Pharaoh's daughter found him, he being a fair and comely Childe, she had compassion and pitty on him, taking him up, nourished him as her owne son, and he was learned in all the wisdome of the Aegyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds. At a certain time he went forth, and seeing an Aegyptian and an Israelite stri­ving together, he smote the Aegyptian. No [...] the next day two of Israel were striving together, and he coming to them would have set them at one, saying they were bret [...]en: But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away, saying, who made thee a Prince and a Judge? Wilt thou kill me as thou didst the Aegyptian yesterday? Then Moses perceived that what he had done was known, and being afraid he fled into another Coun­trey, where he begat two children.

Now at the end of forty yeares, the Angell of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the middest of a bush; And he looked, and behold the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed; And Moses said, I will now turn aside to see this great fight why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God cal­led unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses, and he said, here I am; And he said, draw not nigh hither, put off thy shooes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is ho [...]y ground, Exod. chap. 3. So the Lord spoke unto Moses, as you may read. Now this Moses whom they despised, saying, Who made thee a Prince and a Judge? The same did the Lord raise to be a Captain, and a deliverer, by the hand of the Angell that spoke to him in the bush, and wrought great and mighty wonders in Aegypt, and in the Red Sea, in making his power known on Pharaoh and on all his mighty Host, and also in preserving Israel in the Wildernesse, giving them Angels food for the space of forty years, [Page 3] (though he destroyed those that sinned) he gave unto his people the land of Promise, slowing with milke and honey, and cast out seven Na­tions before them.

Now Moses that great Prophet of the Lord, to whom he was pleased to speak mouth to mouth (but he would make himselfe known to other Prophets in dreams or in visions) This holy man of God prophesied to Israel, That the Lord their God would raise up a Prophet of their brethren like unto him, and him should they heare in all things: And it should come to passe, that whosoever would not heare him should be out off from amongst his brethren and people. This spoke he of Jesus that great Prophet, who in his time was revealed to Israel, as it was written of him in all the Prophets, he was of the feed of Abraham according to the flesh, reckoned by genera­tion, and the Son of God proved by mighty signes and wonders which he did; when John before had preached the baptisme of repentence and amendment of life, that they might receive remission of sinnes in the Name of Jesus Christ who came after him, but was preferred before him, for he was before him, whose shooe-latchet he confessed he was unworthy to unloose. John was he of whom it was spoken; The voyce of one crying in the wildernesse, saying, prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths streight. This was that Elias the spirit of prophesie spoke of should come before the great day of the Lord, To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. John confessed, and also taught, that Jesus was the Son of God, he had witnesse from him that sent him to baptize with water; for saith he, the same on whom thou shalt see the spirit descending and remain­ing on him, is he that shall baptize with the Holy Ghost; And I saw, and bear record saith John, that this is the Son of God. This vvas the Ministration of John, to preach repentance, and baptize unto amend­ment of life, and also beare record that Jesus vvas the Son of God; And vvhen he had finished his course, he vvas beheaded at the com­mandement of Herod.

Novv the Lord chose 12 to be his Witnesses of all that he did and taught, vvhich were his Apostles and Ministers of the Kingdome, and others sent he out also according to the vvill of the Father, to publish the everlasting Gospel. A multitude of witnesses had Jesus that he was the Son of God, he had vvitnesse from the Wise men of the East, he had vvitnesse from the Firmament. The Wise men of the East savv the star of the King of the Jewes, and came to vvorship him, and vvere led to him by the star. He had witnesse from the Shepherds in the field: The Angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the Angell said; feare not, beho [...]d I bring you glad tidings which shall be great joy to all people: For unto you this day is borne in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord; and this shall be a signe unto you, yee shall finde the Babe wrapped in swadling cloaths lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the Angell a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and good will towards men. And when the Shepherds came to Bethlehem, [Page 4] they found all things according to the vision, & rejoyced with exceeding great joy. His mighty works did bear record of him; he turned water into wine, he healed all manner of diseases; he caused the blind to see, the dumb to speak, the deaf to hear, the same to go: He commanded the evill spirits, and they obeyed; he cast them our by his Word. They also confessed him to be the Son of God, but at his commandement they were silent. He knew the thoughts of mens hearts; he knew Judas the Traytor from the beginning, as he himselfe said, Have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a Devill? Yea, he knew him before the foundation of the world, and he was chosen to fulfill the Scripture; for the Lord knows his elect from the foundation of the world, and none of them shall perish; therefore Judas went to his own place, and [...] other had his charge.

Further, he declared himselfe to be the Son of God; he cursed the Fig-tree, and it withered; he commanded the roaring Sea, strong tem­p [...]st and winde, they were still, and obeyed his word. He walked up­on the Sea as on dry land. He fed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, and twelve baskets of fragments were taken up.

Again, he was tempted in the Wildernesse forty dayes without meat, being amongst the wilde beasts, the Devill having all advantage against him, having power given him to shew him all the kingdomes of the World in a moment, willed him to fall down and worship him, promi­sing him the glory and riches of them; but the Lord reproved him with the word of his mouth: And when the Devill set him on a pinacle of the Temple, he willed him to cast himselfe down, for it was written, He shall give his Angels charge over thee to keepe thee in all thy wayes, they shall beare thee up in their hands lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Now when the Lord had overcome him with the power of his Word, for it was not possible that the Devill could prevail against him, Then the Devill left him, and an Angell ministred unto him; and for this cause was he tempted, that he might succour them who are tempted, for he him­selfe was compassed about with infirmities, and was in all points like unto us, sin onely excepted. When he came into the world, he tooke not on him the nature of Angels, but the seed of Abraham, he was born of a Virgin, and nourished as another man: Forasmuch as children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himselfe took part of flesh and blood, that in all things he might be like unto his brethren; wherefore he saith, I will declare thy Name amongst my brethren. Again, Behold I and the chi [...]dren which God hath given me: So that they who are sanctified, and he who sanctifies, are both of one; For as many as believes in him, he gives power to become the sons of God. If sons, then heires, joynt-heires with Christ of the immortall inheritance. O unspeakable tidings! blessed is every one that heares and believes, and abideth faithfull to the end, the same are bles­sed indeed.

Now as Jesus Christ came into the world, and took upon him our na­ture, so was called the Son of Man, because he was found in shape as a man, and also shewed himselfe to be the Son of the most high God by many infallible proofs, and finished the work he had to do, appointed [Page 5] by the Father; and this was the work he came to do, to destroy the works of the Devill, and to give his body a sacr [...]fice for the sins of the world, That as many as believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, but they that believed not, should not see life, but the wrath of God abide upon them. Certainly the love of God is great to the world, that he sent his Son to lay down his life for the World: For as Moses lift up the brazen Serpent in the wildernesse, so is the Son of man lifted up. For when the Congregation of Israel had sinned against the Lord, he sent fiery Serpents which destroyed many of them. Then they cryed unto the Lord [...] and the Lord commanded Moses to make a brazen Serpent, and lift it up to the Congregation; And it came to passe, when any man was stung of the fiery Serpents, when he looked up to the brazen Serpent he was healed. Which brazen Serpent was a figure of Christ, for so was Christ lift up from the earth, and as many as believe in him are healed of all their sins; For this is the same Gospell the Apostle preached, That Jesus Christ dyed for the sins of the world, and as many as believe in him should have their sins remitted and freely forgiven, and not onely so, but life everlasting; That as Christ rose from the dead the third day, accor­ding to the Scriptures, so should they who believe in him be raised up in the life immortal, by the power of God who raised up Jesus from the dead, and exalted him at his right hand, and given a name above every name, That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, and every tongue confesse Jesus to be the Lord. For as I live saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and all tongues shall confesse to God. Now this is the sum of all, that we stedfastly believe in God that made heaven and earth, the sea and all things therein, and in Jesus Christ his onely Sonne, and our Lord and Saviour, that he by his death hath purchased for us ever­lasting life. Through the free love of the Father in pleasing himselfe in the death of his Son; for saith he, This is my beloved Sonne in whom I am well pleased. This is the testimony of the Father, that he was well plea­sed, as it is written in the Prophets, he will quiet himselfe in his love. Therefore let us now believe the glad tydings of the Gospel without wavering; for verily the truth of the Gospel is glad tydings. Is it not good tydings to believe that all our sins are forgiven us? and all our i­niquities are blotted out? This is the blessednesse David spoke of, when he said, Blessed are they whose sinnes are forgiven, and iniquities blotted out. Again, Blessed are they to whom the Lord will impute no sin. For this is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days saith the Lord, I will put my Lawes i [...] their hearts, and in their mindes will I write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. O excellent tidings! Sinnes freely forgiven, and Iniquities never more to be remembred, and not onely so, but life for ever, with the Father and with the Son, in the immortal glory, even in the Kingdome of heaven, which is prepared for all that believe in his Son Jesus Christ, for he hath promised that everlasting inheritance, that cannot lie. Feare yee not my little Flocke, saith the Lord Jesus, it is my Fathers pleasure to give you the Kingdome. Oh! excellent tidings is come with Jesus Christ, forgivenesse of sins here in this world, [Page 6] and everlasting and unspeakable glory in the world to come. And veri­ly if we be the children of God, he will be carefull for us at all times; And if we suffer for his Name sake that calleth us, or we have peace in the world, all things will work together for good to them that love the Lord; for this understand, that nothing is without the Father, Therefore the very hairs of our head are numbred.

Now concerning how we ought to walk and please God: John's Mi­nistration as I said before, was to repentance and amendment of life, that men should turne from all their sins: For, the axe is laid to the root of the trees, and every tree that brings not forth good fruit, is hewen down and cast into the fire. For every man that repenteth not, and turneth not from the evill of his way at the preaching of the Gospell, is like unto the Tree that is hewen down, and cast into the fire: For the Lord hath the fancie in his hand, and will thorowly purge his floore, and will gather his wheat into his Garner, but will burne the Chaffe with unquenchable fire. For whosoever cometh to me, saith Christ, & heareth my sayings, & doth them, I will shew you to whom he is like; he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a Rock, and when the flood arose, the storme heat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded up­on a Rock. But he that heareth, and doth not, is like a man that without a foundation bui [...]t an house upon the Earth, against which the storme did beat ve­hemently, and immediately it fell, and the ruine of that house was great.

Therefore this I say, that such as believe the Gospell, must live in o­bedience to the Gospell, and walke in the Commandements of Christ; And this is the commandement of the Gospell, That we love one another. Do to all men as we would they should do unto us. And not onely so, but love our enemies, yea such as hate us, pray for them that despightfully use us. And also flee all manner of sinne, as covetousnesse, drunkennesse, for­nication, envy, pride, sloth, gluttony, back-biting, evill speaking, lying. Let us endeavour at all times to speak the truth, and walke as in the day-time in all holy conversation, endeavouring to excell in e­very good work, for this is a manifest signe that we are ordained unto eternall life, if we walke in good works; for so it is ordained, that they that believe unto eternall life, should walke in good works. Not that we are justified by our good works, but freely by his grace, through faith in his name; but such as say they have faith, though they want works, can their faith save them? I say faith without workes is dead, like a body without a spirit: It is like, as though a man should say to one that is naked, cold, and hungry, be thou cloathed, warmed, and filled, Yet giveth him neither food nor raiment, nor suffereth him to come at his fire, but biddeth him depart in peace, but mini­streth not to him the things he stands in need of, even so is faith with­out works, of no value. For as we are justified by his free grace, with­out our own righteousnesse and good works, so ought we to bring forth the fruits of righteousnesse in all holinesse, not onely by commande­ment, but in love; For is the Father h [...]th freely loved us, in putting away our sins by the blood of his Son, so let our love appeare to our [Page 7] Father in doing his Will through unfained love, for we are not under the Law, but under grace, and where there is no law, there is no trans­gression. Wherefore we have peace with God the Father, through the death of his Son, who hath reconciled us unto God by his own blood, so that he is made of God unto us wisdom, righteousnesse, sanctification, and redemption; for it hath pleased the Father, that in him should all ful­nesse dwell: And this I say, of our good works, that we are not in the least justified by them; for when we have done all that we can, it is but our duty, and we ought to confesse our selves unprofitable servants. Notwithstanding good works are profitable unto salvation, for in this do we appear to be the Children of God, if we do his Commandements: For, the Lord will judge the world in righteousnesse, and the people with equity. And every man shall receive according to his deeds, whether they be good or evill. For the Lord will bring every secret thing to judgement, whether good or evill: for we shall all stand at the Judgement-seat of Christ, and shall receive accor­ding to our workes done in the body, for there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust, and every one must give an account unto God. Therefore this I believe, that such as believe in Jesus Christ, & hope in God (who raised him up in glory) for eternall life, and yeeld obedience to the Commandements of God, do surely inherit the Crown of glory laid up for them in heaven; but such as heare the Gospell, and regard it not, but walke after the flesh, in swearing, lying, pride, covetousness, which is idolatry, fornication, envy, and the like, are vessels fitted for destru­ction, for such shall not inherit the Kingdome of God, and for these things sake cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedi­ence. Therefore they that are elect of God, are such as keep the miste­ry of Faith in a good conscience, and by righteousnesse do seek for ho­nour and immortality; but they who are ordained of old unto condem­nation, do walke after the flesh, and serve it in the lust thereof, being filled with all manner of evill, envy, strife, maliciousnesse, fornication, murder, theft, drunkennesse, pride, covetousnesse, sorcery, witchcraft, and the like, for which things sake the wrath of God breaks upon them. And though the Lord beare long with the ungodly, yet hee will bring them to judgement, and their sinnes shall be set in order before them, and they shall utterly perish branch and root, and their generation be found no more, when the smoak of their torment shall ascend up for e­ver more.

Thus I have written (according to my weake understanding) of Je­sus Christ and the Gospel of salvation by him (for he is the onely way of life) and of the witnesse he hath recorded in the holy Scriptures, that he indeed was the Christ, the onely Saviour of all men that are called according to the purpose of the Father: For all the Scriptures give ex­cellent witnesse to him, both the Law and the Prophets, but especially his faithfull Apostles of his birth, of his life, of his wayes, of his mighty works, and great Miracles, of his Doctrine, of his Commandements, of his promise, He gave witness to them by the spirit of prophesie, that he was the Son of God, in telling them many things before, which they [Page 8] evidently saw to be true, and fulfilled before their eyes. He told them before of his sufferings, and the manner also, and of his rising again from the dead the third day. He promised to send them the Comforter, the spirit of truth to lead them in the way of truth, and teach them all things ac­cording to his Doctrine; which things they saw fulfilled, and received the spi [...]it of Truth which he promised them, and they were his witnesses in the world: And by the power of the holy Ghost, which was the spirit of Truth and Comforter, he promised them. They gave full witnesse of his Resurrection and Truth of the Gospell; they preached in his Name, they spake the Tongues, they healed the Lame, they cast our Devils, they raised the dead, and healed all manner of diseases by the power of the spirit through faith in his Name, that his words might be fulfilled.

Again, Mar 16.17,18. how many have suffered great persecution and death for his Name sake, both of the Apostles and Saints in those dayes: And thou­sands since the Apostles times have been cruelly persecuted, and many have not counted their lives dear for his Names sake, who doubtlesse have obtained a most excellent Resurrection in the immortall glory for ever. And I am perswaded also, that there are some faithfull ones yet (though Israel be mightily shaken) that would rather suffer valiantly, then deny the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ: And blessed are they who are faithfull unto death, for they shall receive a crown o [...] life. For since the coming forth of the Gospell there hath been great perplexity upon the earth; for Christ came not to set peace upon earth, but a sword: Nation should rise against Nation, and Kingdome against Kingdome: For the Lord would plead with the Heathen round about in the Valley of Jehosaphat. Ne­verthelesse in Mount-Sion and Jerusalem there hath been deliverance; yet as with Tribulation: The Sun is darkned, and gives not her light, and the Stars are fallen from Heaven, and the powers of Heaven are sha­ken: For now are the dayes of vengeance, that all things may be fulfil­led which is written in the Prophets, for one jot or tittle thereof must not faile. And the book of Prophesie against the rebellious Nations, and ra­ging Heathen, is written within and without, Lamentation and mour­ning, and woe. The seven Angels have sounded the seven Trumpets, and fearfull desolation is upon the Earth, because of the wrath of the Lamb, and plagues of God powred forth upon his Enemies. My pray­er is, That the God of Heaven and Earth who hath power over all these plagues, would hasten to accomplish his Oath, that time may be no m [...]re; For yet I see not the mystery of the seven Angels Trumpets fulfilled; for in the dayes of the sound of the seventh Trumpet, the mystery of God shall be fulfilled, as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets, and then shall the signe of the Son of Man appear in the Clouds of Hea­ven, and he shall come with power and great glory, and every eye sh [...]ll see him, even they that pierced him through, and all Nations shall w [...]l because of him. Amen.

Now concerning the outward Ordinances of Christ in his Church, I understand there be two. Baptisme and his Supper, practiced by hi [...] A­postles, and are to be till his coming, and the end of the world; For as [Page 9] many as believed were baptized in the Name of Jesus for remission of sins: But now there is a controversie, and hath been long amongst brethren, for I dare account them no other, and my brethren also about Baptisme, who ought to be baptized: And whether children of Believers have right to that Ordinance or no, to the which by the grace of God I will shew my judgement; not as one that pretends to be wise in the myste­ries of God, but rather desire to be faithfull, according to the measure of Faith the Lord hath dealt to me, desiring unfeignedly from my heart, that the God of Heaven would put to an end, not this Controversie on­ly, but all other amongst all brethren that believe the holy Scriptures, and professe the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and walke in obedience to his Commandements, according to the measure of faith, and propor­tion of knowledge; but such as profess the Lord Jesus with their words, but deny him in their works, I judge them not, but God himselfe, who knoweth the secrets of all hearts, shall judge them; for judgement is in the house of God. And if the Righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinners appear?

Now brethren, this I say of Baptisme (I beseech you beare with my plainnesse) that such as believe in Jesus Christ that he is the Sonne of God, and in believing do turn from their wickednesse, and become obedient to the Gospell, should be baptized in his Name, in whom they believe for remission of all their sins: This was practiced by the Apo­stles, and you both believe and agree to it; but now whether Children of Believers, while they are children, ought to be baptized or no, till they have understanding to give an account of their faith? I am fully perswa­ded that Children of believing Parents ought to be baptized.

First, That children belong to the Kindome of God, the Lord Jesus Christ plainly taught, when he tooke little children in his armes, and blessed them: When the Disciples saw it, they were offended, and re­buked him; but he plainly reproved their ignorance, saying, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdome of God

Again, Verily whosoever shall not receive the kingdome of God as a little Childe, shall in no wise enter therein, How harmlesse and innocent are lit­tle Children? (O that I were as a little Childe!) Children praised him in the Temple, and so was fulfilled that which was written, Out of the mouth of babes thou hast perfected praise. Paul, that faithfull and able Mi­nister of Christ, believed and also taught, that the children of a belie­ving Father, though the Mother believed not, were clean: and the children of a believing Mother, though the Father believed not, were clean, because the unbelieving Husband is sanctified by the believing Wife, and the unbelieving Wife is sanctified by the believing husband, else were their children unclean, but now are they holy. Now if such children be clean, how much rather shall not they be counted clean and holy that are borne of believing Parents? Therefore my beloved Bre­thren consider well, if children belong to the Kingdome, as he hath said, Of such is the Kingdome of God: And he hath taught us also, that if [Page 10] we receive not the kingdome as a little Childe, we shall in no wife enter therein; for it is easie with him to open the mouth of Babes to shew forth his praise. Therefore this I say, If children of believers belong to the king­dome of God, how much more then to the Church? And if both to the Kingdome and to the Church, may I not say with Peter, who can forbid water that these may not be baptized? But it may be you will answer, that there is neither command nor example in the Scripture, for Children to be baptized: To which I say, I am perswaded that there is example from the Apostles that baptized whole Families, in which it is like there were Children; but I dare not say there was, yet I believe there was. So I suppose you dare not say there was not, neither am I perswa­ded to believe there was not; but if there was, as very likely, then ex­ample and command is sore: But who art thou that believest in the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and hopes in God the Father for eternall life which he hath promised, that cannot lye to them that be­lieve and obey the Gospel? Now if thou and thy Wife also have this hope towards God, what hopest thou of thine own Children, that they are fellow-heirs with thee of the Kingdom? and if thou judgest so of thine own children, allow the same to thy brethren, seeing children belong to the kingdome, For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all that are afarre off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Therefore I think it good, brethren, that are become as little Children, innocent as Doves, wise as Serpents, that we may be fit for the Kingdome of God.

Now concerning the Supper of the Lord, this was given in remem­brance of Christs death till he come: For the Lord Jesus the same night he was betrayed, tooke bread, and when he had given thanks he brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given unto you, this do in remem­brance of me. And likewise he took the Cup after Supper, saying, This Cup is the new Testament in my blood which is shed for you: And as often as they did eat that bread, and drink that cup, they did shew forth the Lords death till he come. For as bread is meat indeed, and wine is drink indeed, much more is the body of Christ meat indeed, and blood drink indeed, and far excelleth temporal food: For he that eateth bread shall hunger again, and he that drinketh wine shall thirst again; but he that eates the flesh of the Son of man, shall never hunger, and he that drinks his blood shall never thirst, but in him shall spring up a well unto life everlasting: and this is onely by saith in him.

Now this I say, as our bodies are strengthened and fed with tempo­rall bread and drinke, so certainly are we quickned unto the immortal life, through the body of Christ which is broken for us, and his blood which is shed for us, even the blood of the New Covenant. Therefore it doth evidently appear, that we have life by him alone. Now this I suppose meet, when the Saints are met together at convenient times, that they take bread with thankfulnesse, and eate thereof in remem­brance of Christs body that was sacrificed for their sins; and also drinke of the Cup in remembrance of his blood, even the blood of the Lamb by which we are cleansed: For as in the Law almost all things were clean­sed by blood, and without blood there was no remission: Even so are [Page 11] all that believe the Gospel with obedience, cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, according as the Apostle saith, with one gift he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Now if we do thus eat and thus drinke in remembrance of Christ, we doe shew forth his death till he come: And blessed are they that eate and drink worthily, for they that do o­therwise are condemned, because they through faith discern not the bo­dy and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore let us be stedfast in the [...]aith, that we be not condemned in the World with the wicked and unfaithful generation; For such as once are called to the acknow­ledging of the way of truth, so as to escape the pollutions of the World, through the knowledge of the Lord, and yet turn again after the lusts of wickednesse, the latter end of such is worse then their beginning.

Neverthelesse the foundation of God stands sure, having the seale, the Lord knows who are his from the beginning, even the Lord, with whom nothing is impossible, fore-savv from the beginning his elect: And whom he fore-saw he predestinated, to be conformable to the image of his Sonne, that he might be the first borne amongst many brethren.

And also whom he predestinated, he called, and whom he called, them he justifi­ed, and whom he justified, them he glorified. O excellent Gospel! What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who shall be against us? If God who changeth not, have sealed us unto eternall glory, who can hin­der us thereof? If God who cannot lye, have promised, what power can alter his pu [...]pose? for he in whom we believe, hath all power in heaven and in earth, and under the earth, by whom all things were created both in heaven and in earth, the Sea and all things therein: So that the things which are seene, are not made of the things that do appear, but by the Word of God: O unspeakable power of the Almighty God! who can finde out all his workes? His judgements are deep, and his wayes past finding out. For who hath been his Councellor at any time, or who hath given unto him that he may be rewarded? For by him, and from him are all things.

Seeing then we have such a Father dwelling in Heaven, let us not fear, but go on diligently in the way of the Lord, looking for the crown of glory which we shall receive, for we are the Children of God through the faith of Christ. If children, then heirs with him of the Kingdome, fellow-heirs, joynt-heirs with the Son: And as Jesus our eldest brother was raised up by the glory of the Father, so shall we by the same Almigh­ty power be raised up, and be made partakers of the same glory with the Father and with the Son. And this is a great and exceeding promise, that we shall be made partakers of the Divine nature. Therefore my belo­ved brethren, how ever you are called, or under what name soever you be, if you hope to be made partakers of the glory of our Lord Je­sus Christ, then strive to walke as he did for an example, and learn of him to be meek in spirit, and lowly in heart; for in his humility he was exal [...]ed▪ Therefore let us strive to be humble, that with him we may be exalted; For he that humbleth himselfe shall be exalted, but he that ex­alteth himselfe shall be abased. The Lord gives grace to the humble, but the [Page 12] proud he beholds afar off. Therefore let every one esteem himselfe no bet­ter then his brother, and vvalke in love one tovvards another, as Chil­dren of one Father, and fellovv heirs of the same inheritance. If vvee had love one towards another, vve should love one another, and not speak evill one of another; for love covereth a multitude of faults. Love is precious and excellent, it is even the bond of perfection, it is the ful­filling of the Lavv; For the end of the Commandement is charity, out of a pure heart. Love is the chief Commandement of the Gospel, saith the Lord Jesus Christ, In this shall it be known that yee are my Disciples, if ye love one another. If yee keepe my Commandements, yee shall abide in my love (saith he) and his Commandement was, that we should love one another. The sum of the Gospel doth stand in these thr [...]e, Faith, Hope, and Chari­ty, And thus I believe, through the rich mercy of God which appeared to me, when I was as dead, because I had drunken deeply of the waters that were made bitter, by that star that is called Worm-wood; but praised be the name of my God, who hath healed mee with the Water of the River coming from his Temple. I believe that Jesus Christ hath offered up himselfe unto the Father an acceptable sacrifice for the sinnes of the whole World, That as many as believe in him should not perish, but have life everlasting: And because he hath given me to believe, I have hope also of etereal life. To speak as plainly as I can, this I say, I believe that all my sins are forgiven by the death of his Son Jesus Christ, and free mercy of God: Therefore I feare not the Wrath to come, as though the Lord had sent his Angel unto me, saying, All thy sinnes are forgiven thee, I will have mercy on thee, thou shalt live for ever. Even so do I believe the Gos­pel, which was not declared by Angels, but by his owne Son, whom he hath appointed heire of all things, who by inheritance hath obtained a more excellent Name then they: For unto which of the Angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? Again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Sonne: So that the Angels must vvorship him who are his Ministring spirits, sent forth into the World for their sakes who are heirs of Salvation.

Now in him I believe for remission of sins, to vvhom the Angels and heavenly povvers are subject, vvho is exalted at the right hand of God for ever. This is my saith to believe in Jesus Christ for the forgivenesse of all my sins: And this is my hope in God for eternal life, and this is my charity to have love tovvards God and man, and to have a consci­ence void of offence towards both. Neverthelesse I finde my flesh weak and full of infirmities, lusting against the Spirit, and much contrary, so that I cannot do the things that I would; but when I would do good, evill is present with me; for my spirit is willing, but my flesh is weake: and I see many temptations follow our nature, For I my selfe have had great tryal in Temptation almost every way, but praised be my God, even the God of Heaven, who hath delivered me out of all Temptations, and still doth deliver me, and I hope will do to the end, that I may for ever rejoyce with the Saints in Light; for he is faithful, and well able, who will not suffer his to be tempted above what they are able, but in [Page 13] the Temptation will make way whereby they shall escape. Now this is a most excellent thing, that we are not under the Law, but under grace: That we are not justified by the workes of the Law, but freely by his grace: Therefore we need not feare Transgression, because we are not under the Law, but dead to the Law by the body of Christ. And tou­ching our Justification in the sight of God without fault, because he is the end of the Law for righteousnesse sake to every one that believes. Therefore let us not feare the weaknesse of our nature, and infirmities of our flesh, because God will not impute our trespasses to us; For this is the word of Reconciliation, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto him­selfe, in not imputing their trespasses to them.

Now this I say and believe of them that are elect according to the fore­knowledge of God, that walk after the spirit, and not after the flesh, as is ap­pointed for them; As they are not justified by their own righteousness and good works, but by the righteousnesse of Christ, so are they not condemned by their manifold infirmities and trespasses, because they are no [...] imputed to them. Therefore being thus reconciled unto God by the Gospel of his Son, let us not feare, but war valiantly to obtain the immortal Crown. Although I see with my flesh I serve the Law of sin, yet with the spirit I serve the Law of God; for the spirit seeks after the things that are spiritual, but the flesh after the things that are fleshly, and these two are contrary. The one seeks to fulfil the Law of God, the other seeks to transgresse. Now if we walke after the spirit wee shall live, but if we walke after the flesh we shall dye: Therefore let us by the spirit mortifie the deeds of the body; for if we walke after the spirit, we shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh: Resist the Devill, and he will flee. Let us not think it strange to be tempted, for the tryall of our faith is much more precious then gold; and happy are they that can endure tempta­tions, for they shall inherit the promise.

Now I do exhort my brethren, that we do adde unto our faith vertue, and to vertue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godlinesse, and to godlinesse brotherly kindnesse, and to brotherly kindnesse charity; For if these things be in us, and abound, they will make us that we shall never be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord; but an entrance shall be ministred unto us of the everlasting king­dome. Therefore let us cast off every thing that may hinder us in the way of the Lord, and take unto our selves the whole armour of God, the sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith, and for a helmet the hope of savation, having our loyns girt with the girdle of love, and our feet shod with the preparation of the everlasting Gospel of peace. Being thus armed, let us fight valiantly against all our enemies, the world, the flesh, and the Devil, yea all the powers of darknesse cannot prevail against us, While we keep in the Armour of God, and pray continually to him that is able to help us, but use not vaine repetition in prayer, let your words be few, and faith strong; for this understand that the Lord knows what we stand in need of before we aske of him, better then we our selves; therefore let us aske in faith without wavering, that we may receive [Page 14] our petitions, let us pray one for another, and for the whole Church of God.

Now my beloved brethren, I exhort against two things, first in ma­king long prayers, and using many words; second, in praying for remis­sion of sins: the first, the Lord forbids vain repetition in prayer, for saith he, they think to bee heard for their much babbling: He used few words in prayer, and so did the Apostles; the second, if thou believe in Christ that all thy sins are remitted, why prayest thou to God for remission of them? I understand it to be a fruit of doubting and not of faith. Now this I think meet when thou prayest to God, to use but few words, and pray to him as though he stood by thee as a man, and also believe that he knows every thought and intent of thy heart, then thou mayest ac­knowledge thy self according as thou findest thy self, and ask of him the things thou stands in need of, speak plainly unto him, regard not set forms to have praise of men, (as hypocrites do who have their re­ward) for I am perswaded, that it is far better to pray ten words with faith and zeal; then ten thousand words in a set form. But thou wilt say, that the Prophets prayed for remission of sins, and Christ taught to pray for remission of sins, when he taught his Disciples to pray, but that I understand to be as much Doctrine as prayer, in which is excellent things to be understood. First, that God which is in heaven is our Fa­ther, and that we ought to praise and hallow his Name, and that from him we receive our daily bread, for the earth is the Lords, and the ful­ness thereof. Now understand how he taught us to pray for forgiveness of sins, even upon condition, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespasse against us; for, saith he, if you forgive them that trespasse against you, then will your heavenly Father forgive you your tres­passes.

Now this I say, before Christ died for his people, they did well to cry earn [...]stly unto the Lord for the remission of their sins; but since Christ was made an offering for sin, there remains no more sacrifice for sin to them that believe, but only praise, even the calves of our lips, never­theless this understand, that if we forgive not them that trespass against us, neither shall we be forgiven; therefore as God hath forgiven us through the death of his Son, we ought to forgive one another, and all that trespass against us, else how dare thou pray to be forgiven as thou forgivest, and yet forgivest not, but seekest revenge; herein thou ut­terest thy own condemnation, in praying for thy destruction; there­fore consider how thou prayest, let Wisdome be thy Councellor, lest thou become wicked, and thy prayer abominable. This is my counsel to thee, that thou pray often, but beware of the Scribes and Pharisees example, which Christ forbid, but rather obey the excellent counsel of Christ, when thou prayest enter into thy Closet, and pray to thy Heavenly Father in secret, who shall reward thee openly. Luke 18. And that it is good to pray often, remember the words of Christ; and the Apostle exhorts to pray without ceasing, for such a one is he in whom we be­lieve, even able to help us at all times, and give us any thing we want; [Page 15] he suffereth us to be tempted, that we may be tried and found s [...]ithful, and so inherit the Promise; therefore when we are tempted, let us pray unto him for deliverance, and when we are not tempted, let us pray to him that he will not lead us into temptation, or suffer us to be tempted, but deliver us from all evil, that so we may be preserved unto his Hea­venly Kingdome. And my Brethren, let u [...] all with one heart and mind, pray for the coming of the day of Jesus Christ, and the Kingdome of God, that his Will may be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.

Now concerning Church Traditions, the Saints are not bound to daies and times, as the Jews were under the Law, which things were but shadows, but the substance of them all was Christ; therefore the sub­stance being come, the shadows are done away, else were we still in bondage unto the Law, but now are we freed and set at liberty by the Body of Christ, that we should not be as servants under the Law, but the children of God, walking in love and righteousness: for if we were bound to observe daies and times, we were still under the Law; there­fore saith Paul, Let no one judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the New Moons, or of the Sabbath daies, which things were shadows of things to come, but the body is of Christ. Now if we be come to the substance, which is the body of Christ, we ought not to turn back to shadows, to observe daies and times. Therefore Bre­thren, you tha [...] are zealous for Sabbath daies, you erre therein from the truth of the Gospel; for the Sabbath commanded to the Children of Israel under the Law, was but a shadow, and with the rest to end, when the substance came, and this was it a shadow of, even the Eternal Rest and everlasting Sabbath, as that faithful Minister to the Hebrews wri­teth, when he proveth by the Scriptures a rest for the people of God; Heb. 4. & 4. speaking of the Rest, from the first to the eleventh verse, Christ himself in his answer to the Scribes and Pharisees, when they were offended at his Disciples for plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath day, plainly taught the end of the Sabbath. First, he reproves them for their strictness, that they would not allow the Works of necessity on the Sabbath day, with that of David, saying, Have ye not read what David did when he was an hungred, and they that were with him, how he entered into the house of God, and did eat Shew-bread, which w [...]s not lawful for him to eat, neither they that were with him, but only for the Priest: Or have ye not read in the Law, that on the Sabbath daies the Priest in the Temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, that in this place is one greater then the Temple: but if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the Innocent; for the Son of man i [...] Lord [...]ven of the Sabbath. In which Doctrine he hath plainly taught the end of the Sabbath in him, and be the Lord thereof. And thus I understand it, with that of David, he reproved the outward strictness of the Scribes and Pharisees, that they would not allow the works of necessity, which they ought to haue done. (And after at o­ther times they were offended at him, for healing on the Sabbath day, but he reproved them) And in that he spoke of the Priest profaning the [Page 16] Temple on the Sabbath day, and are blameless, he plainly taught the the end of the Sabbath, for that Temple was but a shadow of the Tem­ple of his Body: And this understand, that we, as many as believe in him, are as Priests in the Temple of his Body, and so are freed from the Sabbath, yea, though we profane the Sabbath, w [...] are blameless, for our Temple is greater then that outward Temple was, as he himself said, one greater then the Temple is here; yet more he teaches, if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless, which doth plainly hold forth the end of the Law, the end of Sacrifice, and only Mercy, which is the riches of his Love in the Gospel of his Son; so if they had known this Scripture, I will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice, they would have known the Gospel, and understood that the Disciples had been guiltless, though they broke the Sabbath, so they would not have condemned them, because the Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath day: seeing then that the Sabbath daies are put to an end in him, wherefore then are ye zealous for a Sabbath, and not the seventh day, which was commanded of the Lord to be kept in its time? but another day have ye chosen, which ye have no Command­ment for in all the Scriptures, neither Christ nor his Apostles gave Commandment to keep a Sabbath day; therefore my Brethren consider of this thing, for it is no Commandment of the Lord, but a Tradition of men, contrary to the truth of the Gospel, (as I have shewed before) and came in with other error and idolatry, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.

Now this your Sabbath, the first day of the Week, there is no Com­mandment for in all the Scriptures, to be a Sabbath kept holy unto the Lord. You may read of the Saints meeting together the first day of the Week, but what is that to a Sabbath? for I suppose it meet for the Church of God to meet together once a week at the least, to exhort one another in the Mysteries of the Gospel, and I know not but the first day of the week may be as convenient as another, or another as it, though in the Apostles time, the Saints met together on the first day of the week, therefore they knew well, how that they were not to observe the Sabbath, else would they have met together on the 7th day, and have kept the Sabbath. Now Brethren, this I say, if ye regard daies, whe­ther the first daies, or other daies, regard them to the Lord, for some count one day better then another, but others every day alike: Let every one be fully perswaded in his own heart, and so let him walk: Nevertheless thou hast no Commandment in the Gospel to observe daies or times, but art at liberty in holiness: So if thy liberty be to keep a day holy, keep it holy unto the Lord, but beware of keeping a day to the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof: and let us not judge one a­nother in these things; for what if thou keep a day holy unto the Lord to humble thy self in fasting and prayer, shall I judge thee therein? or if I keep a day holy unto the Lord, who shall judge me therein? there­fore let us not judge one another, but rather pray one for another, for he that judgeth another, and oth the same thing, therein he judgeth [Page 17] himself, and ye that believe in a Sabbath, will be judging others that break the Sabbath, and yet ye your selves keep it not holy; is not your iudgement against your selves? As for me, I keep it not as a Sab­bath commanded of the Lord, but that I may walk without offence, such liberty I have, that I seek to walk before all men without offence, though I see the world full of offences, and all manner of wickedness and not only in the world, but amongst the most faithful Brethren many offences and errors, the Lord hasten to shorten these daies, for I fear the Lord makes a short work upon the earth, and that few enter in at the strait gate that leads unto life everlasting. Now it is far from me to wound the conscience of any that is zealous for the Sabbath, or to lay a stumbling block of offence before them, for this I am perswaded, that many, who have in their times been zealous for the same thing, and also subject to many other errors, are now in heaven, and for ever clean­sed from all pollution: for if Peter, that great and excellent Apostle, was to be blamed for error, in not going the right way to the truth of the Gospel, for which thing Paul reproved him openly; then no marvel if we who are so weak, be subject to error, therefore it is good and profita­ble to teach one another, and reprove in love, that we may be fellow-helpers one of another to the everlasting Kingdome: but such is the times of darkness, almost all orders in the Churches are lost, and con­fusion and error instead thereof, because the glory of the Gospel hath been, and is very greatly darkned, according to what is spoken in the Scriptures: For in the beginning of the Gospel; in the Apostles times, when the C [...]urches were established in the Faith, they appointed Offi­cers in the Churches, as Bishops, Elders, and Deacons, to keep in order the Doctrine of the Gospel, that no root of bitterness grew up to the defiling of many; for in the Apostles times, vvhen the Churches en­joyed the glory of the Gospel, they had povver to cast out, and receive in, vvhich Christ called binding and loosing, for, saith he, Whatsoever ye bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Again, whosoever sins ye remit, they shall be remitted, and whosoever sins ye retain, they shall be retained. Therefore vvhen the Churches vvere taught, and had vvith obedience received the vvord of the Gospel of their Salvation, then being the Body of Christ, and mem­bers one of another, every member had its ovvn place to the edifying of it self in love, grevv compleat together, receiving encrease from the head: so every one as he had received the gift from God. vvas to Mi­nister therein, and not to go behind his gift. First, such as were full of Faith and the Holy Ghost the Apostles chose, by laying on of hands and prayer, when the multitude of believers were encreased, their charge grew too great, both of the Ministration of the Gospel, and of the Saints charity, so that there was a neglect of the daily Ministration of the Saints charity, and the Apostles thought it not good to leave the Word of God, and serve Tables, therefore they desired their Brethren to look out seven men of honest report, full of wisdome, and of the Holy Ghost, that they might be set over that business, that they might [Page 18] give themselves continually to the Word of God, and prayer, so they had help from their fellow-brethren to the furtherance of the Gospel; and as the number of Disciples encreased, so did helpers also. Now the office of a Bishop, I understand to be a Minister of Christ for the Church, to whom is committed the charge of the Doctrine of Salvati­on; therefore he m [...]st be one that understands the wholesome Doctrine of Faith, able to resist the gain-sayer, he must be blameless in all ho­ly convers [...]tion, giving forth thereby an example to his fellow bre­thren, in meekness, in love, in charity, in patience, in temperance, in governing well his own family, yea, in all manner of holy Conversation an example to his Brethren, not only in word, but in deed; and such a one being sound able in Doctrine, and blameless in Conversation, may use the office of a Bishop or Elder, he must not be one that is cove­tous, and given to filthy lucre, or pride, or drunkenness, or envy, or an evil reporter of o hers, neglecting the well ruling of himself & own family, not one that loves to have the preheminence, and Lord over Gods Heri­tage, such as these ought not to use the office of a Bishop or Elder, but contrariwise, being found such, are by the consent of Bishops, Deacons, and holy Brethren, and by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be de­livered unto Satan, for the destruction of the flesh, that if it be possible their spirits may be saved in the day of the Lord: and also that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ be not blasphemed, and the holy Gospel evil spoken of Now the office of a Deacon I understand to be, a ser­vant and Minister of Christ in the Church, and to have a great charge in the Church, especially in the Ministration of the Saints charity, to see that the needs of the poor be supplied, and that all things be done in­love orderly, according to the Gospel; therefore a Deacon must be one that is grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre, but contrary, one that is sober, full of charity, hating covetousness, holding the Mystery of Faith in a pure conscience; if they be married, their wives must be grave, sober, not slanderers, faith­ful in all things, the Deacon must also rule well his own family, for if he cannot rule well his own house, how shall he rule in the Church of God? for they that do use the office of a Deacon well, do purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the Faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

Now these are to be tryed, and if they be found blameless, they may use the office of a Deacon; but this understand, that it is lawful for a Deacon to use the office of a Bishop or Elder, and for an Elder to use the office of a Deacon, for the Apostles, who were Elders, used the of­fice of Deacons when they served Tables, and also some of the seven Deacons used the office of Elders, when they preached boldly the Go­spel of Jesus Christ. Also Paul used the office of a Deacon in the Mini­stration of the Saints charity, so that Deacons and Elders are fellow-helpers in love (rather then distinct Officers) for the persecting of the Saints, and keeping up the way of Righteousness, according to the Gospel.

Now when the Churches were thus established in the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ; having these helps in government, they had power to binde and loose; for if any amongst them were disobedient in not submitting to the righteousnesse of the Gospel, and did rebell against the way of Truth, they were to note such; and if they would not repent with one consent, put them out from amongst them, that they may be ashamed, yet not count them as enemies, but as brethren, in exhort­ing them that if it be possible they may repent, and be received in a­gain; but if they refuse to be reproved, and will not repent of their wickednesse, but go on to destruction, such indeed are delivered unto Sathan, and it had beene good for them if they had never beene born.

Christ taught his Disciples of this doctrine of Excommunication, when he spoke after this manner; If thou see thy brother offend, tell him of his fault between him and thee: If he heare thee, thou hast won thy brother; but if he will not heare thee, take with thee one or two more: And if he will not heare them, tell it to the Church; but if he will not heare the Church, count him as a heathen man: For whatsoever yee loose on earth shall be loosed in hea­ven, and whatsoever yee binde on earth, shall be bound in heaven. Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth, that they should use this power against that fornicator: That when the Church was met t [...]gether with the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, that they should deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord, and they were obedient to his Doctrine in putting him out from amongst them; but it pleased the Lord to give him repentance, to mourn and be afflicted for his sinne; Therefore the Apostle exhorts them to have compassion on him, and minister their love unto him, and rather forgive him, then over-charge him with sorrow. Paul also for­gave him in the person of Christ, according to Christs words, Whosesoe­ver sinnes yee remit, they shall be remitted; and whosesoever sinnes ye retaine, they shall be retained. Now Paul wrote not unto them onely for his sake that did the wrong, nor for his sake that had the wrong, but that his care might appeare to them in the Doctrine of Christ. And he exhort­ed the Brethren to note them that caused division, and that walked not orderly according to the Gospell, such as were covetous, or drun­kards, or fornicators, or raylers, that they should not keep compa­ny with them, no not so much as to eate; but rather if they repent not, hold them accursed. Now this power of binding and loosing be­longs rather to the office of an Elder, then a Deacon, though it be­longs not onely to them, but to the Deacons, and every member, even the whole Church; For an Elder or Bishop hath not power by vertue of his office (as wicked Usurpers suppose) but by the vertue of the gift of God in them, whereby they are made more excellent in the knowledge of the mystery of the Gospel, and able to discern between good and evill, in the things that differ, for the Church ought to do all things in wisdome and love, with one heart and mind.

Now concerning the Church-charity, in the beginning of the Gospel [Page 20] it was such, that the brethren had all things common, for such as had land sold it, and cast down the price at the Apostles feet, and cont [...]i­bution was made as every one had need This charge was committed t [...] the seven Deacons chosen of the Church, who were appointed over that business: And this is a most excellent thing to be observed in the Church, that there should be a kind of equality amongst them, accord­ing as it is written, He that gathereth much, hath nothing over, and he that gathereth little, had no lack; that is, the Saints relieving one another in charity one to another, not by commandment by the Law, but by the love of Christ shed in their hearts, knowing by Faith they shall be hei [...]: together of heavenly riches, why then not heirs together of earthly riches? for as many as are worthy to be counted of the Church num­ber, ought not to suffer want if there be an ability amongst the brethren, for the abundance of the rich ought to be a supply for the necessity of the poor; as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth for ever. Thus the love of God, through the Gospel of his Son Jesus Christ, works in the hearts of his Saints: But this understand, that all things ought to be done in love and righte­ousness, in which all the Saints are called, not that some should be op­pressed, and others eased; for if any that is poor learn to be idle, and not do the things that are convenient, let them be informed and repro­ved, and if they repent not, judged according to righteousness: And also if any that is rich be found following after covetousness, which is Idolatry, and will not minister to the poor Saints necessities, let such be reproved, and if they repent not, be judged according to the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, seeing they refuse to make the poor Saints par­takers of their earthly riches; let them also fall short of the poor Saints true riches, but as many as stand fast in the Faith, and abound in all goodness, let them walk in the rule of unfained love, and pure charity, which the Lord hath ordained for his Saints, that as we hope to be heirs together in heaven, let us walk as brethren together upon the earth.

What advantage would it be to us to win the whole world, and lose our own souls? or what would we give in exchange for our souls? therefore blessed are they that believe the Gospel of eternal life, and are called therein, according to the purpose of the Father, such have cause to rejoyce evermore. This under­stand also, that all sorts of people in the Church, are under the Church Government, which stands in righteousness, without respect of persons, both to Elders, Bishops, Deacons, Brethren, high and low, rich and poor; therefore as the Apostle saith, Reprove not an Elder without two or three witnesses, And this I say, (who am the least of all Saints, and a Child in the knowledge of heavenly things, and scarcely worthy to be called a Christian) if they be found guilty, let them be reproved, and judged as the others. Now as touching the Ministration of the Word, they all had liberty to teach, according to their ability in knowledge, and mea­sure of Faith, to the edifying of one another in love, save only that wo­men were not permitted to speak or teach in the Church, but to keep silent, and if they would know any thing, enquire privily of it, that they [Page 21] also may be instructed in the mysteries of God, as fellow-heirs with the men of the everlasting Kingdome.

Now the cause why women are not allowed to teach in the Church, I am perswaded is this: They are the weaker vessels, and more easie to be deceived and drawn aside into errour; for Adam was first created, then Eve, but Adam was not first deceived; but the Woman being deceived was found in the transgression. Neverthelesse through faith and good workes, she shall be saved with the man, for she is also made partaker of the same faith, and same spirit with the man, according as it i [...] written: And it shall come to passe afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sonnes and your daughters shall prophesie, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants, and upon the [...]andmaids in those dayes will I pour out my spirit (saith the Lord:) So that the spirit of prophesie, which is the Testimony of Jesus Christ, was not onely given to the Man, but to the Woman also, both to sons and daughters. Philip had four daughters did prophesie. Now Paul under­stood by the Testimony of Jesus Christ, even the spirit of prophesie, That there should be a great departing from the faith, and that the man of Sin should be revealed, whose coming should be with all deceivablenesse of unrigh­teousnesse, after the power of Satan, in lying signes and wonders, to the decei­ving of the simple. For this cause therefore I am perswaded, he would not permit women to speak in the Church, lest they should the sooner bring in heresie to the perverting of many, being themselves deceived with the Serpent. Neither was it comely that the woman should usurp au [...]hority over the man, but rather be in subjection, as also saith the Law: For, the woman is not the head of the man, but the man of the woman: Neither was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man, neverthelesse they are both one in the Lord: For the head of every man is Christ, and the head of Christ is God, and the man also is the head of the woman; therefore it is comely that women learn in subjection, but a shame for them to usurp authority over the man: So let them have honor as weaker Ves­sels, in wisdome and love, as fellow-heirs of the immortall life.

Now for men, it was permitted that every one, as they had received the gift, might Minister decently and in order; for when the Church was met together in one place, such as were filled with the knowledge of the mystery of Truth, did Minister in teaching one another, that all might learne and be edified. And thus was their order; when one was speaking, and another had revelation, till the first held his peace, the second spoke not, and so the other kept the same course, whether they had Psalmes, or Doctrine, or Revelation; And if any spake strange Tongues, it must be by Interpreters: So were all things done decently and in order, to the Churches comfort and profit, and to the edifying of it selfe in love, through the rich grace of God in Christ Jesus, the chief Captain and head of his Church.

Now as touching their maintenance who were Ministers of the Word and Doctrine, giving themselves wholly up to that holy Calling, it is or­dained that the Ministers of the Gospel should live of the Gospel; for if [Page 22] they sow in the Church spiritual things, it is but a small reward for them to reap their carnal things: But they must not seek to enrich themselves (l ke the false Prophets) but having food & raiment, learn therewith to be content; For an Elder or Minister of the gospel must not be covetous nor minde earthly things, but be an example in Doctrine and holy con­versation to their Brethren. To this agrees the words of Paul, Ma ke them who walke, as you have us for an examp [...]e. And such are well ruling Elders, and worthy of much honour: Therefore this I say, if any be c [...]led that are rich in worldly goods to be a Minister of Christ, let such not onely Minister the gospel, but Minister also of his worldly riches to the Church necessities, that so he may lay up for himselfe true riches in hea­ven, which no Thief can steale from him; And if any that is poore be called to be a Minister of the gospell, let them that are taught in the Word fully supply his wants in ministring to him of their carnal things. And thus thorow the kno [...]ledge of the Lord, and bowels of compassion, is honest provision made for every one in the Church of GOD, the ground and pillar of Truth.

Thus it was in the time of the clear light of the gospel, and thus it ought to be in the Church of God; but now it is not so, the light of the gospell is darkned, and the way of Truth troden under foot. The beau­ty of Sion is spoyled, in Jerusalem is great desolation, the ancient of the people are given to idolatry, by covetous practices do worship the creature more then the Creator. Her Priests are full of wickednesse, run­ning swiftly in the way of Balaam for gifts and rewards, loving the wages of un­righteousnesse. Many grievous wolves are come forth, as lyons greedy for the prey, to lay Sion waste, and to destroy Jerusalem, and great is the destruction thereof. Her Rulers regard not the Law of the Lord, but execute the way of the heathen. Her Elders wit [...] full consent do greedily devour the prey, Her young men are strong to choose the wayes of wickedness, but the way of the Lord is not regarded amongst them, they all like women are overcome. Where is the well-ruling Elder? Where are the holy brethren? O Sion! where is thy beauty? O Jerusalem! where is thy comelinesse? The Lord is wonder­full rich in mercy, and admirable in love, that destroys us not altoge­ther at once, for great is the wickednesse of the whole earth; but bles­sed be his Name, who yet loveth Sion, and hath not forgotten Jerusa­lem; Though he doth afflict her a little for many faults, yet in great mer­cy will he receive her for ever. Now all these things are come to passe, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled, for the Word of the Lord never failed, neither shall it to the end, because it endures for ever; For when the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to his servant John (who was a faithfull witnesse of Jesus Christ, and of those things he heard and saw) he de­clared to him the things which must shortly be fulfilled, after he had ap­peared to him in vision as pleased himselfe: Read Rev. 1.13,14,15 16. Then was John afraid and became as dead at that great vision; but he was strengthened by the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave te­stimony of himselfe to John, saying unto him, Feare not, I am the first and the last, I am he that liveth, and was dead, and behold I am alive for ever­more. [Page 23] Amen, and have the keyes of he [...]l and dea [...]h. Write the things which thou ha [...]t s [...]ene, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. The mystery of the seven stars which th [...]u sawest in my right hand, and the se­ven golden Candlesticks. The seven stars are the seven Angels of the seven Chur­ches, and the seven Candlesticks which thou sawest, are the seven Churches. Then the Lord declared to his servant J [...]hn the things he should write unto the seven Churches, to warne them of his mighty power in whom they believed, and of his great judgements against them that disobey­ed the Gospel of life, and also exhorted them as one that loved them with unfeigned love, shewing them the evill that was amongst them, and warned them to repent, that they might live with him, and decla­red his power to reward and judge every one according to their works; as you may read, Revel. Chap. 1.3,4. Then was revealed to John the things that were to be fulfilled, read Rev. Chap. 4. He was in the spi­rit when he saw these things. Now the mystery of the four Beasts I be­lieve is this, they did signifie and declare the things that should come to passe, their forme and likenesse holding forth the same.

The first Beast being like a Lyon, did signifie and declare the myste­ry of the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah. The second Beast being like a Calfe, did declare and signifie the mystery of Idolatry, that should follow the Revelation of the Gospel of the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah. The third Beast having a face as a man, did declare and signifie that the Lord is mindfull of his Covenant he made with Noah and his seed, and all creatures, to destroy the Earth no more for mans sake; but while the Earth remaineth, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and win­ter, night and day shall not cease.

And the signe of the Covenant is his Bow in the Firmament, when a Cloud covereth the Earth, so that the Lord will not utterly destroy all at once from the Earth, but will judge the world with equity, and the pe [...] ­ple in righteousnesse. And the fourth Beast being like a flying Eagle, did declare and signifie great destruction and desolation in the Earth; And the four Beasts had each of them sixe wings, which I believe did signifie their swiftnesse to fulfill the Word of God. And they were full of eyes within, which did signifie their quicknesse to finish their charge, and they rest not day and night, saying, holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almigh­ty, which was, and is, and is to come; which doth signifie and declare that the Lord is holy, just, and true in all his wayes, and his judgements ac­cording to righteousnesse.

Now the mystery of those things which God gave unto his Son Jesus Christ to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to passe; And he sent and signified by his Angell unto his servant John, who bear record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and all things that he saw: Blessed are they that read and understand. Now the revelation of those things I understand to be declared, and the mystery of God to be fini­shed in the opening of the seven Seales, in the sounding of the seven Trumpets, in the powring forth the vials of the last plagues of God by the seven Angels.

Now my purpose is to declare according to my vveak understanding, concerning the mystery of the seven Seals. Saith John, I saw at the right hand of him that sate upon the Throne a booke written within, and on the back-side sealed with seven sea [...]s: And I saw a strong Angell proclaiming wi h a loud vo [...]ce, who is worthy to open the Booke, and to loose the Seales thereof. And no man in heaven nor in earth, nor under the earth was able to open the booke, neither to looke thereon; And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the Book, neither to look thereon. And one of the El­ders said unto me, weep not, behold the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seales thereof. And I beheld, and he in the middest of the Throne and of the four Beasts, and in the middest of the Elders there stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having se­ven hornes, and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth, Rev. 5. (read to the end) Novv thus I understand those things; The Book in the Lords hand written within, and the back side sealed with seven seals, did signifie the mystery of mans salvati [...]n, which was lost by reason of transgression: So death reigned over all, and no man was able to restore himself; but being driven from the presence of God, lay under wrath and condemnation, but the Lord who is rich in mercy, did purpose in himselfe to save some. Now when John saw the mystery of mans salvation, sealed up with so many seals, and that no man in heaven nor in earth, neither under the earth was found wor­thy to open the Book, neither to look thereon, he had cause to weep, and all men with him, for the way of salvation being sealed up; but one of the Elders declared glad tidings, saying, Behold the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah, the root of David hath prevailed to open the booke, and loose the se­ven seales thereof. And John saw Jesus Christ the Lamb of God, who was both able and worthy to open the Book, and loose the seven Seales thereof: And the four Beasts and four and twenty Elders gave honour and praise to him, and many Angels praised him; yea, every creature in heaven and in earth, and under the earth praised him, for to him is committed all power in heaven and in earth, and under the earth.

Now when the Lamb opened one of the seven seales of the Book, John heard as the voyce of Thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see: And I saw, and beheld (saith he) a white horse, and he that sate upon him had a how, and a Crown was given unto him, and he went forth conquer­ing, and to overcome; Which mystery I do understand doth signifie the Son of Mans going forth with the everlasting Covenant of life, riding powerfully in righteousness to bring the elect children to the Kingdom, which is signified by the first beast that was like a Lyon. And when he had opened the second Seale, I heard the second Beast say, Come and see, and there went out another horse that was red, and power was given to him that sate thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one ano­ther, and there was given to him a great sword. This I believe doth signifie the Wars, and rumours of Wars, which Christ foretold of should come to passe: And his people should be persecuted, and evill spoken of, and some of them suffer death for his Names sake, and they that killed them [Page 25] should thinke they did God good service, their mindes and understand­ings being so darkned through the mystery of idolatry, which is signified by the revealing of this mystery by the second Beast, which was like a Calfe: And when he had opened the third Seal; I heard the third beast say, Come and see: And I beheld, and loe a blacke horse, and he that sate on him had a paire of ballance in his hand: And I heard a voyce in the middest of the foure beasts say, a measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny, and see thou hurt not the oyle nor the wine. Which mystery doth sig­gifie, that in the middest of all these plagues there should be plenty of Corne and Oyle; though the black Horse might peradventure signifie fa­mine and dearth, yet not of Bread, but of hearing the Word of God, as it is written in the Prophets, For the Lord doth remember his Cove­nant which he hath made with all flesh, not to destroy the earth any more for mans sake. And when he had opened the fourth Seale, I heard the fourth Beast say, Come and see: And I looked, and behold a pale horse, and his name that sate thereon was Death, and He I followed with him, and power was given unto him over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword and with hanger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. This mystery doth signifie a great and most fearfull destruction in the earth, that many should dye by the sword in the Nations, by the power of the first Beast which ri­seth out of the Sea, or the earthly power of the raging heathen, whose name is Death, and the Grave. And many in the Nations are fallen by his power, and perished in perdition, and fallen in the world without either faith or hope, or any knowledge of God, even like unto the beasts of the earth. And this is signified also by the 4th beast, who was like unto a flying Eagle, wch is high, and of a devouring nature. And when he had opened the 3th Seal, I saw under the Altar the souls of them that were slain for the Word of God, and for the Testimony which they held: and they cryed with a loud voyce, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth. And white robes were given to every one of them: And it was said unto them, they should rest yet for a little season, untill their fellow-servants also and their brethren that should be killed, as they were, should be fulfilled. The mystery of this I un­derstand to be the second Beast that John saw rise out of the earth, which had two horns like the Lamb, but spake as a Dragon; which doth exer­cise the power of the first beast, and hath made an Image to the first beast, and hath given power thereto, that the Image should speak; and cause as many as will not worship it, should be persecuted and killed. This second Beast is one with the first, and exerciseth the same power; but more deceivable, for he hath horns like the Lamb: he pretends to fight for the Lamb, and shews himselfe as though he stood for the Saints. So under the title of the Lambs, he maketh war against the Lamb; And in pretending friendship to the Saints, he slayes them as wicked men, as many as the Lord permits him, and their blood cries night and day for revenge, and he will revenge his Saints that cries night and day. Ne­verthelesse they who have suffered death or persecution for Christs sake, and have been faithfull to the end, have received a full reward of the im­mortall [Page 26] life; but what is that to the beast and earthly powers, they shall be revenged according to their works, and receive judgement from the Lord: And this is a great desolation that the Beast and the Dragon should not onely have power to deceive the world, but have power also in the Church to kill, persecute, and make warre with them, their appointed time, even forty and two moneths, while the the holy City is troden un­der foot; and this I understand to be the mystery of the fifth Seal, And I behe [...]d, and when he had opened the sixth Seale, and loe there was a great Earthquake, and the Sun became blacke as suckcloath of haire, and the Moone became as b [...]ood, and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a Figtree casteth her untimely figs when she is shaken of a mighty winde. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountaine and Island were moved out of their places: and the Kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chiefe Captains, and the mighty men, and every bond­man, and every free-man hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountaines, and said to the rocks and the mountaines fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?

This mystery I understand to be a terrible Vision, and greatly fulfil­led; for the earth is mightily shaken by the former judgments and plagues, and still it is shaken more and more: The Sunne being darkned, and the Moon turned into blood, and the Stars fallen from heaven, this is a great desolation spoken by the holy Prophets; the glorious shining of the Gospell is darkned through the smoak of the bottomlesse pit: And many faithfull Saints have been slain by the power of the Beast and false Pro­phets, which were the locusts that ascended out of the smoak of the bot­tomless pit: And the Sun and the Aire is darkned by reason of the smoak of the bottomlesse pit: And also many Stars are fallen from heaven. Ma­ny who outwardly have appeared some-what in the time of Tryall and hour of temptation have fallen to the earth, who have seemed like stars, and many Saints also who have been stars indeed, have been cast down to the earth, and troden under foot: But the Lord will never forsake the least of his, but in due time will judge their cause: And though Sion be as a Fig-tree that is shaken of a mighty winde, yet the Lord is with her in the middest of all her poverty. And heaven departed as a scroll when when it is rolled together, and every Mountain and Island were moved out of their place, the glory and beauty of the earth hath beene much destroyed by the great plagues of God, and wrath of the Lamb. By the Sword, Plague, and Pestilence in all the Nations, which hath beene powred forth upon the Kings of the Earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief Captains, and the mighty men, and all sorts of people bond and free; For certainly if the Lord set up judgement in his owne house, how shall the raging Nations escape his wrath? Therefore as he hath said he will judge the heathen round about in the valley of Jehosaphat, which is the valley of great slaughter. And because of this great desola­tion that the Lord makes in all the Earth, many have fled to hide them­selves from the wrath of the Lamb, yea to escape if it were possible [Page 27] those plagues that have compassed them about; And many have desired rather to dye then to live, because of their great plagues, have sought after death rather then life; for in the day of the Lambs wrath who is able to stand? Yet in Mount-Sion, and in Jerusalem there hath been deliverance in the middest of all those judgements; for the foure winds must not blow upon the Earth, till the Angel came out of the East with the seale of the living God, and the servants of God were sealed in their fore-heads: And of every Tribe of the Children of Israel were sealed a certain number according to the foreknowledge of God: And also a great multitude which no man could number of all Nations, and Kin­dreds, and People, and Tongues stood before the Lamb cloathed with white Robes, and Palmes in their hands, and cryed with a loud voyce, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteh upon the Throne, and to the Lamb: And all the Angels stood round about the Throne, and about the Elders, and the foure Beasts, and fell before the Throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen. Blessing, and glory, and wisdome, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might be unto our God for ever and ever, Amen.

Now the Lord to make known his love to his people, declared to John, that in the time of great Tribulation many were saved, even all they that were sealed, whose names were written in the Lambs book of Life from the foundation of the World. I say, to reveale this mystery to John, that he might also make it known to the Churches; One of the Elders answered and said unto him, what are these that are arrayed in whi e Robes? and whence came they? And he said unto him, Sir, thou knowest: And he said unto John, These are they which came out of great Tribulation, and have washed their Robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, therefore are they before the Throne of God, and serve him day and night in his Temple: And he that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them, they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the Sunne light on them, nor any heate; For the Lamb which is in the middest of the Throne shall feed them, and shall lead them to living fountaines of waters, and God shall wipe away all teares from their eyes. Thus was declared to John the mystery of them that are saved through much Tribulation, be­cause of the power of Darknesse in all the world. These are they who live and reigne with Christ a thousand yeares, Sathan being bound and chained for deceiving them; but the rest of the dead, which are many in the Nations, lived not: and this is the first Resurrection. Blessed and holy are they that have part in the first Resurrection, for such shall not be hurt of the second death. These are they who are faithfull unto Death, and so obtain a Crowne of Life, being freed from the second Death by the blood of the Lamb. These are they, who according to their measure of faith, and ability of knowledg walke in righteousnesse, bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, suffering persecution and reproaches patiently for righteousnesse sake.

But this I am perswaded, that Satan is let loose out of his prison, and running swiftly in the Nations, to gather together great multitudes, even [Page 28] Gog and Magog to battel, (whose number is as the sand of the S [...]a) to compass the beloved City, and the Tents of the Saints, but the Lord in his own time will work a great deliverance, then shall Gog be utterly de­stroyed, and Magog shall not escape, Satan also that old Serpent, which is called the Devil, shall be taken, and with him all that destroy the ea [...], and be cast into destruction for ever; then shall the light and brigh [...] of Sion shine in all the earth, and Jerusalem shall be built in the middest thereof, with precious stones, and the Holy City lieth four square, to­wards the East, towards the North, towards the South, toward the West, and at every side of the City three gates, at which the people of the Nations shall enter in, and the Holy City shall no more be trodden un­der foot, when the fourty and two moneths are expired, neither any un­clean person come therein, but all shall be holy unto the Lord, for the day of the Lord is at hand, when the heaven shall be dissolved, and earth burned up, and he will make a new heaven, and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness, and there shall be no more Sea, then will he dwell with his people according to his promise, and his Tabernacle will be with the sons of men, when all the mystery of his wrath is fulfilled in the Nations.

And when he had opened the seven [...]h Seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour, and I saw (saith John) the seven Angels which stood before God, and to them were given seven Trumpets; and another Angel came and stood at the Altar, having a golden Censor, and there was given unto him much Incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all-Saints, upon the golden Altar which was before the Throne, and the smoke of the Incense which came with the prayer, of all Saints, ascended up before God, out of the Angels hand; and the Angel took the Censor, and filled it with the fire of the Altar, and cast it into the earth, and there was voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an Earthquake [...] and the seven Angels that had the seven Trumpets prepared them­selves to sound. Now the mystery of these things I understand do signi­fie; first, when the seventh Seal was opened, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour, doth shew, while the seven Seals are o­pening, the seven Trumpets sounding, the seven last Plagues powring forth, there should be little silence and peace in the Church; for when the seventh Seal was opened, the seven Angels stood before God to re­ceive seven Trumpets, that the Wrath of God, and of the Lamb, might more abundantly be revealed from heaven: and the mystery of the other Angel which came and stood at the Altar, having a golden Censor, and there was given to him much Incense, that he should offer with the prayers of all Saint; upon the golden Altar, which was before the Throne, doth signifie, that the Lord is mindful of his Saints, in the time of darkness and great tri­bulation, though he hid himself from them, yet doth he hear their pray­ers, and their cryes come up before him, being acceptable unto him, as an offering with much incense presented before him, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of all Saints, ascended up before God out of the Angels hand, and the Lord doth judge and avenge their cause upon their enemies, for he will avenge his Elect that cry night and day, though [Page 29] he bear long with them. This mystery is great comfort to all Saints, that th [...]ir prayers go up before God, and are as an offering of much in­cense unto him, and that he doth judge their cause against their enemies, and in the end will avenge them, though he bear long. And this do I understand the mystery of the opening of the seven Seal, in which is also signified the mystery of the seven Trumpets, and the seven last plagues, ministred by the seven Angels, wherein is finished the fierce wrath of the Almighty God, as he hath declared to his servants the Prophets, but these are great mysteries, and hard to be understood; for this I am per­swaded, that there are few upon the earth that understand these myste­ries, which in their time have been, and are now fulfilled in a great mea­sure amongst us, I who am but a child in knowledge, who have not been acquainted with the way of Truth one year, do see and understand many mysteries fulfilled, and in fulfilling; and this I am perswaded, that one jot of Scripture shall not fail, but in its time be fulfilled, according as the Lord before hath purposed in himself, and that the time is at hand when many shall run too and fro, and knowledge shall be encreased, then shall seven women take hold on one man, and desire to be called by his name, and ten m [...]n lay hold on one Jew, and desire to worship with him, for the desire of all Na­tions is at hand.

Now my beloved Brethren, what I have written is according to the measure of Faith, and portion of knowledge I have received. And this also understand, that since I was converted to the knowledge of the Truth, I have not learned of any man, neither have I much regarded a­ny mans Doctrine, (but the Doctrine of the holy Apostles, of the Lamb, and all the holy Scriptures which I find profitable unto Salvation, through Faith which is in Christ) not that I thought my self more wise then others, (the Lord is my Witness who knoweth all hearts) but I saw my self in great darkness, and much confusion amongst all; wherefore I understand us all to be in the Wilderness, and sore oppressed with the yoke of Babel, so that all is full of division, confusion, and great desolati­on, which my prayer is may cease in Sion, and that the Daughter of Si­on may be made strong, having her horns of iron, and hoofs of brass, that she may beat in pieces many people. And this I exhort you my Bre­thren, to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for they shall prosper that love it, let him have no rest, till the holy City, which is trodden under foot, be built again, then shall Babylon fall, that great City that raigns over all the earth, and be no more a City, but a desolate place, for great is the Lord that will judge her; then will there be joy in Sion, and great gladness in Jerusa­lem, for then shall be blessed the Inheritance of Jerusalem for evermore.

If any one desire to know what manner of person I am, thus far I do acquaint them, that I am not wise and learned, according to the flesh, neither rich nor honourable, but am one that desires to be wise in this, to know the living and true God, and his Son Jesus Christ, which is life eternal. And my Brethren who are not wise and learned, I exhort you to get wis­dome and learning; this understand, that the fear of the Lord is the begin­ning of wisdome, and a good understanding have they that keep his Command­ments. [Page 30] This is true wisdome, to fear the Lord, and this I would have thee to know, by Faith, Iesus Christ, believe that he died for thy sins, and that thou hast all thy sins pardoned by his Death, and hope also that thou shalt live for ever; for this is the promise of the Father to them that be­lieve in his Son, therefore this is good tidings to thee: First, that all thy sins are pardoned and freely forgiven thee, and then when thou depart­est this life, enter into heaven, and there live for ever in glory unspeak­able with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, and with all his holy Angels. Now if thou believe in Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and hope in God (that made heaven and earth, and all things therein) for eternal life, who is well able to give it thee, thou shalt be saved; but this thou must also do, walk in his Commandments, and the chief Command­ment is Love, Love all men, do to all men as thou would they should do unto thee, this is the Law and the Prophets: This is easie and plain doctrine to be understood.

And if thou desire to do the Commandments, keep with thee this prin­ciple, to do unto all men, as thou would they should do unto thee; and if thou can believe in Jesus Christ, and hope in God, and endeavour to have a good conscience void of offence, both towards God and man, doing all things as in the presence of God, thou needs not doubt in the least the salvation of thy soul, because he hath promised that cannot lie. Now this is excellent wisdome, to believe the Gospel, and pure learning to yeeld obedience to the same, for this is better then fleshy wisdome, and far more excellent then carnal learning, For he hath confounded the wisdome of the wise, and brought to nought the und [...]rstanding of the prudent, he hath hid from the wise and prudent, and revealed to babes and sucklings, that no flesh might glory in his presence; but as it is written, Let him that will glory, glory in the Lord: Where is then the wise? where is the Scribes? where is the Disputer of this world? for behold God hath made foolishness the wisdome thereof, so that the world by wisdome knows not God; there­fore hath it pleased the Lord by the foolishness of preaching to save some. Now if any who is wise according to the flesh, and desires to be wise and learned according to the Spirit, let such a one become a fool, that he may be wise in denying himself, his own wisdome and righteous­ness, and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and live in obedience to his Commandments, praying servently to the Lord for the things he stands in need of, and henceforth consult no more with flesh and blood, but with all meekness receive by Faith the living Word, which is able to save his soul; this is my counsel to thee that art wise and learned, if thou desire to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the Truth of the Gospel of Life, and to know the holy Scriptures, which are pro­fitable unto salvation, even able to make wise unto Salvation, through Faith which is in Christ; Seek not by reading many books, seek not by thy own wisdome, study, and industry, as thousands have done and faln short, ab­hor Phylosophers Fables, and books of curious Arts, if thou have them, burn them: as the holy Brethren did in the Apostles time, when they came to the knowledge of the Truth, for Phylosophy is very unprofita­ble [Page 31] to the children of God, therefore the holy man of God exhorts a­gainst it, saying, Take heed lest any man spoil you through Phylosophy and vain deceit, which is after the Traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after God; for such are foolish indeed, and horribly drunk with madness, that leave the Lord, with whom is hid the treasures of wisdom, and seek wisdome at man, who is void of understanding: for as the un­derstanding Potter is more wise then the pot, so is the Lord far more ex­cellent in wisdome then man; who then is wise that seeks wisdome and counsel at man? cursed are they that a [...]k counsel, and not of the Lord; if any lack wisdome, let them ask of God who giveth liberally. There­fore this I say, seek the Lord by faith, repentance, and new obedience, turn from all thy sins, and bring forth fruit meet unto repentance, be­lieve stedfastly in Jesus Christ for remission of all thy sins, hope in God for the promise which he hath made to them that believe, which is eter­nal life. Now if thou thus believe the Gospel with obedience, thou art blessed indeed, and art come to principles of excellent wisdome, thou art come to be a child of God, an heir of eternal glory, thou art come to believe in him who made heaven and earth, the Sea, and all things in them, who is the All-sufficient and Almighty God, with whom nothing is impossible, who hath light dwelling in the immortality, which no mortal man can approach unto; he searches the heart, and trieth the reins, and knows every secret thing, all things are open and naked be­fore him, now walk as in the presence of such a God, endeavouring at all times to do his will, in yeelding obedience to his Commandments: Instead of reading books of Controversie, and unprofitable disputations of men of corrupt minds, read the holy Scriptures, in which thou may find both much comfort and profit, if thou believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And when thou readest mysteries which thou understands not, be not thou troubled, but wait patiently upon the Lord, and pray to him, even the God of heaven, who is the Revealer of all secrets, and be thou sure to keep in the Faith of the Son of God, and hope of Eternal Life, having love towards God and man; be careful to have thy conver­sation excellent in all manner of holiness, for it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. And in this also shall it be known that thou art a child of God, if thou delight in righteousness and holiness. This understand al­so, that the holy Scriptures came not by the will and wisdome of man, but the holy men of God spoke them forth as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, therefore no man understands them, but they to whom they are revealed, and made known by the same spirit that spoke them forth; Therefore seek not to know them by thy own wisdome, or hea­thenish learning, but pray thou unto the Lord to give thee of his Spirit, that thou may discern the things that are spiritual, For the natural man knowe not the things of God, neither indeed can he, because all they are spiritually discerned: But the spirit searcheth all things, even the deep things of God. Bles­sed is every one that receiveth the spirit of God as an earnest of the inheritance, by which they are sealed up unto the day of redemption. And thus have I given my advice (both to the wise and unwise, learned and unlearned) who [Page 32] am [...] young in the knowledge of heavenly mysteries, desiring the pray­ [...] [...]ithfull brethren that I may abound more and more in the know­ledg [...] o [...] God, and his Son Jesus Christ, and be a profitable servant to him who hath called me to glory and vertue.

Now concerning false Prophets and Seducers, there are many in the world who outwardly have on sheeps cloathing, but inwardly are raven­ing wolves, even as the Lord Jesus Christ hath said should come. And also have not many false Christs come in his Name saying, they have been Christ: And many have said, Loe here, and loe there is Christ, and many have been deceived. If it please not the Lord to shorten these dayes, I feare few will be saved (but the Lord knows his owne, and none of them shall perish) For now is a time of great desolation, I desire not to be found bringing railing Accusations against any; for this I understand, that the Scriptures must be fulfilled: For false Prophets and Deceivers are Ministers of the wrath of God, and do receive in themselves the recompence of all their errour: For this understand, that if any Prophet be deceived, the Lord hath deceived that Prophet, by putting a lying spirit in his mouth Ezek. 14.9. 1 King. 22,23. There­fore this my great desire, that the Lord would hasten to rebuke Satan & all his Ministers, who beare his image in all manner of unrighteousnesse, for the markes of false Prophets are all manner of ungodlinesse, their wis­dome is from below, earthly, sensuall, and devillish. They follow covetous practices, in looking for their gaine for their Quarters; They love to feed themselves with the fat, and cloath themselves with the Fleece: They cry peace, peace to them that put into their mouths, but such as refuse, they prepare warre against. They say, Come bring wine, let us fill our selves with strong drinke, for to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant: They are such as serve their owne bellies, and not the Lord Jesus Christ, ca­ring more for filthy lucre and ungodly gaine, then the good of Christs Flock. They are like silly women, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, having eyes full of adultery that cannot cease to sinne. Now if any one that reads these things finde himselfe guilty, be­ing condemned in his owne heart, let him also know that God is greater then his heart, and knoweth all things. It is not I that judge him, yet let him know that he shall come to judgement, and receive according to his workes, whether good or evill.

Now this is my counsell to thee, who believes thou art a Minister of Christ.

First, consider whether thou be acquainted with the truth of the Gos­pel thy selfe.

Secondly, consider whether thou walke orderly according to the Gos­pell; for this understand, that such as teach the Gospell to others, should first know it themselves.

Now this is a thing worthy to be considered in these dayes, and also admired, how the Apostles, when they had received Commandement, went from Nation to Nation preaching the Gospel, and such as were or­dained unto life believed the Gospell, and were established in the Faith, and received immediately both what to believe, and how to walke, that [Page 33] they might be saved. The Apostles preached not the Gospel with wis­dome of words that mans wisdome, teaches, but in plainnesse of speech, and power of the spirit: They stayed not long in a place, but passed (as I may so say) swiftly in the Nations, yet made known the excellent wisdome of God to them that believed; and such as believed became a­ble to teach one another in the same Doctrine they had learned of the A­postles: Therefore thou that desirest to be a Minister of Christ, consi­d [...]r whether thou be able to divide the Word of God aright, to preach the same Gospell the Apostles preached, the same Christ, the same faith, the same hope, the same Commandements; for he that preaches any other Gospell (saith Paul) let him be accursed. Now if thou be able to preach the same Gospel, and divide the word-aright, then see also that, thou wa [...]ke as they did for an example, that thou mayst be an example to o­th [...]rs in all manner of holy conversation, that thou mayest save thy selfe, and them that heare thee: But as for them that go contrary to this rule, that preach the divination af their own Brain, being ignorant of the true Go­spel, walking after the flesh, in fulfilling the lusts thereof, their damnati [...]n slumbreth not. And to you that desire to learn, and be taught in the Word, consider how you are taught, that you may be established in the Truth, having received how to believe, hope, and walke, that you be not hearers of the Word, but doers also, that so the Name of Christ may not be blasphemed, nor the Gospel evill spoken of: And that you being esta­blished in the Truth, may be able to reach one another, as every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold grace of God, that so you may grow and in­crease in the knowledge of the Lord to the everlasting salvation of your soules: But now I demand with great cause of sorrow, where are the faithfull Ministers of Christ, who are established in the Truth, and able to divide the word of the Gospel aright, who walke as the Apostles did for an example, and are examples to their fellow-brethren in all man­ner of righteousnesse? Where are the holy Brethren that are taught in the Word, that are able also to teach one another in the mysteries of God, as they have received and learned, walking orderly according to the Truth of the Gospel? Ah! great desolation which is revealed by the sixth Angell; The water of Euphrates is dried up, that the way of the Kings of the East might be prepared. The Lord hasten his worke, and let his Kingdome come, that his will may be done on Earth, even as it is in Heaven; for he hath not created the earth in vaine, but to be inhabited. The Saints shall take the Kingdome: When the Kingdomes of this world are become the Lords and his Christs, they that spoyled Sion, a [...]d layd waste Jerusalem, shall no more be found; for he in his times shall shew who is the onely Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and God over all the Earth: Therefore all ye Saints come to Sion with songs, and to Jerusalem with great joy. Then shall there be one shepherd, and one sheep, and the hireling shall be no more, neither wolves or Li­ons, or wilde beasts shall devour any more: But the flocke of the Lord shall feed quietly on all the mountaines of Israel, and have a goodly pasture, full of pleasant [Page 34] springs: They shall lye downe safely, and goe as Calves in the stall, and none shall make afraid. For Israel shall be as an Army strong and valiant, and have power over all Nations, and shall rule them with a rod of iron, and as a potters vessel shall they be broken to shivers before them: This honour have all the Saints, for great is their King. Let the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two edged sword in their hands, to execute vengeance upon the Heathen, and judgements upon the people: To bind their Kings with Chains, and their Lords with fetters of Iron: To execute up­on them the judgements written: O therefore be wise ye Kings, and be instru­cted ye Judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with feare, and rejoyce before him with trembling. Kisse the Sonne lest he angry, and yee perish in the right way, when his wrath is kindled but a little, blessed are they that put their trust in him. For his coming is at hand, whose goings forth hath been of old, even he that trea­deth the winepresse of the wrath of Almighty God, and before him the Nati [...]ns shall be subdued. It is easie for him to do his pleasure. Then the Nations shall learn war no more, they shall beat their swords into plough shares, and spears into pruning-hooks; The bow and all the weapons of warre shall fall out of the hands of the mighty, then the King of Saints shall dwell in Sion, & the holy one in Jerusalem. His Temple shall be a sump­tuous building, (in which he will place his Name for ever) it shall not be defiled with any uncleane thing, but all the Vessels thereof shall be holy unto the Lord. There shall no more be found the Heathen in Jeru­salem, nor the Canaanite in the house of the Lord; When the fulnesse of the Gentiles is fulfilled, the Jewes shall come in, then shall all Israel be sa­ved; The deliverer shall come out of Sion, and turn the ungodlinesse from Jacob. When the Lord doth this thing, Israel shall rejoyce, and Ja­cob shall be glad. The coming of the Lord is at hand, when all shall be performed; for when the Fig-tree and other trees shoot forth, we know that Summer is nigh; Even so by the signes of the Times may we know that the day of the Lord is at hand; but the day and hour knoweth no man, neither the Angels. But this understand, That he will come as a thiefe in the night, at an hour when he is not looked for. Therefore let us as many as look for salvation, watch; for happy and blessed shall we be, if we be found good servants doing his will, but the slothful and wicked servants shall have their reward and portion.

Then shall all the Tribes of Israel have their inheritance by Lor [...] Sa­maria and Judah shall be one people, and be no more divided. Ephraim shall no more envy Judah, nor Judah Ephraim, but the shame and re­proach of Israel shall utterly be removed. Who will say then unto Sion, where is thy King? or to Jerusalem, where is thy Prince? Then may Si­on say, and Jerusalem answer, the God of Israel is my King, and the Lamb is my Prince; therefore am I exalted for ever. Kings shall worship at my feet, and Princes shall bow before me. I was troden under foot by mine enemies, they cast me down to the grave; but now am I exalted and raised from the grave, and have power over all my enemies: My hornes are of iron, and hoofs of brasse. Where are all my enemies? There is none to rise up against me, because they could not stand before [Page 35] my great Prince and chief Captain: They were as the morning dew, and shadow that passed away as stubble and chaffe, burnt with unquenchable fire, as grasse that withered, as dust of the summer floor before a fierce winde. There is none of them able to stand before my Redeemer, who is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and God over all the earth, blessed for evermore.

Thus have I written largely according to my understanding, of the things that were, and of the things that are, and the things that I believe shall shortly come: But I would not that any should take me as wise, or as a Prophet, but rather as a child in the knowledge of heavenly my­steries, and as a Brother labouring for the Kingdome of God, and looking for the coming of Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven, according to his word: Though I have spoken Prophesie, let no man despise me, but this understand, that the Lord hath not spoken to me by words in vision, as he did to his holy Prophets, neither hath he powred forth the Holy Ghost upon me, as upon the holy Apostles of the Lamb, and many in those daies, (therefore let no one think of me above what I am or seem to be) but this he hath done to me, praised be his Name, he hath given me the same Spirit of Faith with them (as it is written) I have believed, and therefore do I speak. And this I say my Brethren (who am but a child, for I am with you, and the Lord also with us, though we know him not, yet are we known of him, for his promise was to be with his people to the end of the world) to the Law, and to the Testimony: And if I, or any other, speak not according to it, it is because there is no light i [...] us. Again, if I, or any other [...] declare any other Gospel then that which the Apostles preached, hold us accursed. Again, He that comes unto you, and not with this Doctrine of Salvation, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God-speed, lest you be partakers of his wicked­ness: Therefore my Brethren I exhort you to search the Scriptures, whether those things I have written be so or not, for if they be accord­ing to the Scripture, they are true, and if not, I have erred for want of knowledge. I am far from accounting my self infallible, but rather a lyar, in comparison of the Truth as it is in Jesus Christ: And marvel not if I count my self a liar, when Paul that great and faithful Apostle ac­counted himself a liar, in comparison of the Truth of God, when he said, If the Truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory, why yet am I also judged as a sinner? The Apostles were not Gods, as some Hea­thens did imagine, but men subject to the like passions and infirmities that we are; and though they preached an infallible Gospel, yet were they not infallible, but had that Treasure in earthen vessels; but the Go­spel is infallible still, though the knowledge thereof be small.

Now some may say unto me, Where is the Church of God? and who are the people of God?

To which I answer, The Church is in the Wilderness, in Mystery Baby­lon, full of confusion, division and error; (for the Man of Sin sits in the Temple of God, shewing himself to be God) nevertheless she is preser­ved by the power of God, and fed in this Wilderness by his holy An­gels, [Page 36] (which are his Ministring Spirits) all her appointed time, (fourty and two moneths while the Beast hath Power) for a time, times, and half a time, which is known to the Lord, and not to man, and the people of God are the elect Congregation in all the Churches. I believe [...] as some, that all (that are called) Papists are Saints, and the peo [...]le of God, neither all (that are called) Protestants are Saints, neither all (that are called) Anabaptists are S [...]nts, neither all (that are called) Indepen­dents are Saints, and the people of God, neither all (that are called) Qu [...] ­kers are Sain [...]s. And other names are given to many, because there is dif­fe ences in opinions, for want of knowledge. I do not believe that all the people of God and Saints, are under any one name, but the Lord hath an elect Congregation under many; for he knoweth his own people and Flock, though they be scattered on all the Mountains of Israel, and none of them shall perish.

Art thou (called) a Papist? and dost thou believe in God, and in his Son Jesus Christ, and hopest for Eternal Life? wilt thou judge and hate thy Brother, who is (called) a Protestant, that believes in Jesus Christ, and hopeth for Eternal Life? Is he not thy Brother, though you diff [...]r in opinions, for want of knowledge, which is a terrible Judgement of G [...]d in his own house? for Brother is against Brother, and hate one anot [...], and children betray their own parents, Father-in-law against Son-in-law, and Son-in-law against Father-in-law, and a mans enemies are they of his own house. Now this I say, as many as believe in Jesus Christ, are bre­thren under what name soever, though they cannot believe it. therefore do they judge one another, and speak evil one of another. O that we were as forward to judge our selves, and looking at our own faults, then should we bear one with another. Now Brethren let us not fear, th ugh we be in the Wilderness, the Lord is mindful of us in the middest of all our afflictions, and though we have little Faith and knowledge, and are very weak in Christ, The bruised reed he shall not break, nor the smoaking flax he shall not quench, till he bring forth Judgement into Ʋictory, And this un­derstand also, that since J [...]hn, and the coming forth of the Gospel, the Kingdome of heaven hath suffered vi [...]lence, and the violent taketh it by fo [...]; for such as have been called to the Faith of the Gospel, have had great trial in temptation, some have suffered death, some persecution and re­proaches for his Names sake, but all temptation; but the Lord who i [...] faithful gives the Kingdome to all his, though they have entered a [...] by force and tribulation; therefore my Brethren fear ye not, for the Lo [...] [...]s with you, and great shall be the reward of all that are faithful, acco [...]d [...]g to their measures; for if you be faithful in a little, you shall obtain much. Remember the parable of the Widdows mite, and also the parable of the Labourers hired into the Vineyard, so it shall be with us, for we shall in­herit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with Moses, and all the holy Pro­phets and Apostles, and faithful Saints, yea, and with the Father, and with the Son, and with all the glorious and holy Angels, and ever blessed Cherubims, among whom the Lord will for ever dwell in his immortal and unutterable glory; though we be weak in Christ, let us not fear, for the [Page 37] first shall be last and last first: Therefore let all that believe, though they have not seen him, rejoyce with unspeakable joy, for great is their reward.

Now my Brethren I exhort you to repent, and turn from all your sins, pr [...]y earnestly to the Lord to strengthen your Faith, and make known to you the Truth of his Gospel: Ask of him Spiritual riches, cloath the naked, feed the h [...]ngry, be merciful, as you hope for mercy, forgive, as y [...]u hope to be forgiven. You that are rich, be rich in alms and good works; you that are poor, seek to live honestly, love one another, have love towards all men, Awake out of your sl [...]ep, stand you up and watch, for the [...] of Redemption is nigh, and the end of all things at hand.

And to the ungodly Generation I say, ye swearers turn from your swearing, and let your yea be yea, and nay, nay, for what is more, cometh of evil: Ye liars, turn from your lying, else your part will not be in the holy City, but in the Lake that burns with fire and brimstone: Ye drun­kards, turn from your drunkenness, else you shall not inherit the King­dome of God. Ye covetous, turn from your covetousness, which is Ido­la [...]y, and worship the God of heaven, and his Son Jesus Christ and co­ver after spiritual riches, for all the gods of the earth must be famished, and Idols and Idolators be destroyed: Ye proud, turn from your pride, and learn to be humble, that the Lord may teach you in his way, for the pr [...]ud he beholds afar off: The children of Pride, with their King the great Leviathan, shall utterly perish; Isa. 27.1. therefore woe to the Crown of pr [...]de; Ye Thieves, repent and steal no more, but make restoration ac­cording to the Law, if you be able, and ask forgiveness of them whom you have wronged, and henceforth labour with your hands, and learn to l [...]e honestly; be not ashamed to confess your sins, and to desire the c [...]unsel and prayers of the godly: Ye Envious and Murderers, repent and turn from your sins, for ye have no Eternal Life abiding in you, but if you repent and turn from all your sins, the Lord is wonderful rich in Mercy to forgive all that truly repent. For this I say, if a wicked man turn from his wickedness, and believe the Gospel with obedience, he shall be saved, for his sins shall not be imputed to him in the day of his deliverance. And also if a righteous man turn from his righteousness, and make shipwrack of Faith and a good conscience, he shall die in his iniquity, and his righteousness shall not be remembred in the day of his Transfiguration; therefore I say to the wicked, Repent, for great is the reward of the righteous, and to the righteous stand fast, for fearful is the end of the ungodly. Art thou a Swearer, a Liar, a Drunkard, a Forni­cator? thou wilt say thou cannot repent; Then know certainly if thou c [...]nnot repent, that thou art of old ordained unto condemnation, being a vessel of dishonour fitted for destruction, by filling up the measure of thy sins, and treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath, that thou may receive the recompence of thy errour which is meet; and by this may thou know whether thou be for life, or for death; for if thou can repent, and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, thou shalt be saved, but if thou be­lieve not, and abide in thy sins, thou shalt be damned. And thus is the [Page 38] knowledge of the way of Life given forth in the world, nevertheless the Lord knoweth his from the beginning, and none of them shall perish, for the gifts and callings of God are without repentance: Therefore my be­loved Brethren, as many as believe in Jesus Christ with obedience, ac­count your selves Elect of God, and by encrease of love towards God and man, make your Election sure, for the promises of God are yea and A­men to all that endure to the end. And this I say to all that hopes for Redemption, and looks for the coming of Jesus Christ with all his glori­ous Saints, and mighty Angels; Let us stand upon our watch, for though our Lord have tarried long, he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry; then blessed shall we be if we be found good servants at our Masters com­ing, having on our wedding garments, and oyl in our Lamps, that we may be prepared at the voice of the Bridegroom. For this know of a cer­tain, that the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is nigh, even at the doors, for I am perswaded that I shall not tast of death, till I see the Kingdome of God come with power. But it is not for me, nor any of the Saints, to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own pow­er; but this I believe, through the Mystery of Faith, that the dead in Christ shall rise first, and them will God bring with him, as it was prophe­sied neer the beginning, by Enoch the seventh from Adam, saying, Behold the Lord cometh with thousands of his Saints, to give judgement against all men, and to rebuke all the ungodly among them, of all their wicked deeds, which they have ungodly committed, and of all their cruel speakings which wicked sinners have spoken against him: And this will be when the Lord shall be revealed from heaven, with the mighty Angels in flames of fire, rendering ven­geance on all that disobey the Gospel of Jesus Christ; then shall we o [...] they which are alive, and remain in the Faith of Gods Elect, at the com­ing of the Lord, be changed to the same glory, and translated into the I­mage of the Lord, and so be caught up with them in the Clouds of Hea­ven, to meet the Lord in the Ayr, and then will he be marvellous in all his Saints, and admirable in them that believe. For now Brethren wee who are Elect, are the children of God; but yet it doth not appear what we shall be; but this I believe when he doth appear, we shall see him as he is, and be like him in glory, and be Kings and Priests, and reign upon the earth; then shall be fulfilled the word of the Lord, Rev. 5.10. Hosea 13.14. O death, I will be thy death, O grave, I will be thy destruction, repentance is hid from mine eyes: Then shall be the end, when the Son hath delivered up the Kingdome to God the Father, when he hath put down all Rule, and all Authority and Power, for the Son must reign, and sit at the right hand of God the Father, till all his enemies be put under his feet; the lust Enemy that shall be destroyed is Death, then the Son himself shall be subject to him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Then shall be fulfilled also these words, Rev. 21.4. And God shall wipe away a l tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, neither crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the first things are passed: Therefore let us all that believe and hope for Salvation, pray earnestly for the comming of the day of our God, that his will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, that we may with the great multitude of heaven­ly [Page 39] Host praise our God, & sing Hallelujah in glory for evermore, because of the holy City, new Jerusalem, that shall come down from God out of hea­ven, and there shall be no more cursing, but the Throne of God, and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him, and they shall see his face, and his name shall be in their foreheads, and there shall be no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the Sun, for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign for ever and ever; these things are faithful and true, for the Lord God of the Holy Prophets hath sent his Angels, and shewed them to his servants the things which must shortly be done; he that testifieth these things, saith, I come quick­ly, Amen, Even so, come Lord Jesus.

The mystery of Jesus Christ, as he declared himself in vision and words to his servant John, he holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, and walk­eth in the middest of the seven golden Candlesticks, he was the fi [...]st and the last, which was dead and is alive; he hath the sharp sword with two edges; he is the Son of God, which hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet like fine brass; he hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; he is holy and true, and openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth; he is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creatures of God. Thus he declared himself in vision and words to his servant John, that he might write the same to the seven Churches which were in Asia, unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamus, and unto Thiatyra, and unto Sardis, and un­to Philadelphia, and unto Leodicea. Now I understand this Doctrine which came from the Son of God, was to all Churches in the whole world, and all of it belonged to every Church, though the Lord appear­ed in Vision to every Church, as he saw the Mystery of Iniquity begun in them, to warn them to repent, and be faithful; and also of his Mighty Powers to render vengeance on all their enemies, and on all that disobey the Gospel: he also declared his Mighty Power to reward them that were faithful, and overcame. And thus I understand the Mystery of the Vision and Doctrine of Jesus Christ.

First, in that he held the Seven Stars in his right hand, and walked in the middest of the seven golden Candlesticks, doth signifie, that it is he alone that holds the faithful in his right hand, and also walketh in the middest of the Churches, for the mystery of the seven stars are the seven Angels of the seven Churches, which doth signifie the most faithful in the Churches, and the Churches are counted they who profess the Name of Jesus Christ, though there be many hypocrites amongst them; accord­ing to the parables of Jesus Christ, The Tares must grow amongst the Wheat; till the harvest, which is the end of the world: And also the Kingdome of heaven he compared to a Net that caught both good fish and bad; and also remember the parable of the Sower, For many have been called, but few chosen. Was there not a Traytor amongst the Twelve? and many false Brethren and Antichrist in the Apostles time, which trans­formed themselves like the Apostles of Christ? seeing it was so in the time of the pure light of the Gospel, marvel not if it abound much more in the [Page 40] times of darkness and antichrists reign, but the Lord holds the faithful in his right hand, and walks in the middest of them all, and knows their works, labour and patience, and perfectly sees them who say they a [...]e A­postles, and are not, but are liars, who shall have their part in the La [...]e; But to them that overcome he will give the Tree of Life, which is in the mi [...]d [...]st of the Paradise of God.

2 He was the first and the l [...]st, which was dead and is alive, and liveth for evermore, which doth signifie that Jesus Christ was no other but God manif [...]st in the [...]l [...]sh, the holy One of Israel, vail'd in an earthly Taberna­cle, a [...]d had power to lay down his life, and take it up again, for it was not possible for him to be held by the power of Death: Therefore he in whom we believe is able to give riches to them that have poverty and tribulation for his Names sake; for it was permitted to the Devil to cast some of them into Prison, and they should have Tribulation many d [...]ys that they might be tryed: And such as have been faithfull unto death, have obtained a crown of life, and no hurt of the second death.

3 He had a sharpe sword with two edges, which doth signifie the ruling the Nations with a rod of Iron; for it is no other but the sword of th [...] Lord that hath slain so many in the Nations; for as much as it went out of his mouth, he commanded a sword by his Word, and it is fulfilled: And many are the slain of the Lord, and great hath been the Supper of our God; For the fowls of the Ayre, the flesh of Kings, and the flesh of Captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and them that sit thereon, and the flesh of all free-men and bond-men, and of small and great. Jer. 25.33. Rev. 19.18. Neverthelesse the Heathen thinke not that it is the wrath of God amongst them, but every one of them think by their owne power they are valiant, and have victory in war; but it is no other but the Lord Jesus Christ that treadeth the winepresse of the wrath of the Al­mighty God. Isa: 63. He hath also stained his raiment in Edom, and dipt his ve­sture in blood; for he hath set up judgement in his owne house, and gi­ven the sword power to slay the righteous with the wicked; but the righteous have their soules delivered, but the wicked do perish for ever. And this I understand was prophesied of before, that when the LORD commanded a sword to go through the land, though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they should deliver neither sonnes nor daughters by their righteousnesse, but their owne soules. Ezek. 14. How much more then shall he not bring a sword upon them that sacrifice to Idols, and commit fornicati­on, and lay stumbling blocks before his people; but to them that o [...]r­come he hath promised the hidden Manna, and a stone wherein a new Name is written, which no man knoweth but he that receiveth it.

4 He is the Son of God, and hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his [...]ete like unto fine brasse, as they burned in a fornace. This mystery I do und [...]r­stand, that the Son is one with the Father: And his eyes being like a flame of fire, doth signifie his consuming power against his enemies; for our God is a consuming fire: And his feet being like fine brasse, as they burned in a fornace. Seeing it pleased the Father to perfect the Cap [...]ine of our Salvation through suffering, it pleased him also that many shou [...]d [Page 41] be partakers of his Sons affliction (and be made partakers with the Son in his glory) being cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, and purified in the fornace of affliction, as it is written by the Prophet Daniel, Many shall be purified, made white, and tried, but the wicked shall do wickedly. In th [...] Mystery is declared, that our Redeemer is a consuming fire to the wicked, and in the end will destroy them for ever, Jezebel that false Pro­phetesse, and all that commit fornication with her; But to us that over­come, he will give power ov [...]r the Nations, as he hath received of the Father, and they shall be broken to shivers before us like a potters vessel, and we shall have the bright Morning-star.

5 He hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars, which doth signifie that to him is committed all power in heaven and in earth. Seeing he hath the seven spirits of God, which are sent forth into all the earth, and also are before his Throne, for the heavenly powers are subject to him: And he hath the seven Stars, how shall he then not know them? Though hy­pocrites may be hid from men, yet it is not possible for them to be hid from our Redeemer, the living Word of God, which is quick and pow­erfull, and sharper then any two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the soule and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any Creature that is not manifest in his sight, with whom we have to do: And he will come as a Thief to them that do not watch; but to them that watch, and defile not their garments, they shall walke with Christ, and be counted worthy, and be arrayed in white, and not have their Names blotted out of the Book of Life, and also their names confessed before the Father and the holy Angels.

6 He is holy and true, and hath the keyes of David, and openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth; Which signifieth that Jesus Christ who came of the seed of David according to the flesh, is the onely way to life. He is the door of the sheep-fold by which all the elect must enter. No man goeth to the Father but by the Son; for they which believe must not perish, but have everlasting life: And this is the open door which no man is able to shut. And in that he hath the keyes of David, doth signifie that he is the King of Saints, and the onely Prince of Israel. His Throne is for ever and ever, a scepter of Righteousnesse is the scepter of his king­dome; Therefore in his Times he shall shew who is the only Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords: He promised to them who had a little strength, and kept his word, and denyed not his Name, to keep them in the hour of Temptation which should come upon all the world, to [...]y them that dwell upon the earth, and also to make them pillars in the Temple of his God; and they should goe no more out, but he would write the name of his God upon them, and the name of the Citie of his God, which is New Jerusalem, coming downe out of heaven from God, and also his own new Name; but to such as said they were Jewes, but were not, he would make the synagogue of Satan: and worship at their feet, and know that he loved them who kept the word of his pati­ence.

7 He is the Amen, the faithfull and true, the beginning of the creatures of God. Seeing he is faithful, he requireth that his servants should be faith­ful and true, and not luke-warm, Neither hot nor cold, lest he spew them out of his mouth: For he is the Amen, and faithfull witnesse, the beginning of the Creatures of God, and hath power to do the same: Yet his love is such, not willing that any should perish, but rather come to life, as it is writ­ten, Why will yee dye O house of Israel? Therefore he gives them counsell to buy of him gold tryed in the fire, that they may be rich; And white rayment that they may be cloathed, and nakedness and shame may not appear: And to anoynt their eyes with the eye-salve, that they may see; For as many as I love (saith he) I rebuke, be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold I stand at the doore and knock, if any man heare my voyce, and open the doore, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me. The myste­ry of gold tryed in the fire, to be faithfull in Tribulation even unto death, and so obtain true riches: And white raiment, to be stedfast in the faith, that they may be cloathed with the righteousnesse of God through Christ. And Eye-salve, to be sanctification through the spirit; and in that he saith, whom he loves he rebukes, it was given to the faithful not onely to believe, but suffer for his Names sake, and through much Tribulation to enter the Kingdome of Heaven: Yea, all that would live godly in Christ Jesus must undergo persecution, and happy are they who have patience in the day of Tribulation: And in that he stands at the doore and knocks, that if any man heare his voyce, and open the doore, he will come in to him. The word of saith is after this manner: Say not in thy selfe, who shall ascend into heaven to bring Christ downe from above, Or who shall descend into the deep, to bring Christ again from the dead: But the word is nigh thee, even in thy heart, and in thy mouth: For if thou believe in thy heart the Lord Jesus Christ, and confesse him with thy mouth, thou shalt be saved; for with the heart man believeth unto righteousnesse, and with the mouth con­fession is made unto salvation, for whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved. This is the word of Faith the Apostle preached: And this I say, if thou can get the door of thy heart open, to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of all thy sinnes, and walke in obedience to his Commandements, the Lord will come unto thee according to his promise, and sup with thee, and thou with him.

Now in that he was like unto the Son of Man, doth signifie that he was the same Jesus who was manifest in the flesh. And he was clad with a garment downe to the feet, doth signifie his righteousnesse: And was girt a­bout the Paps with a golden girdle, his excellent holinesse: And his head and haires white like wool, as white as snow, his antiquity or ancientnesse of dayes. Dan. 7.9. For his goings forth hath been of old. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last and his voyce was as the sound [...]f many waters, doth signifie his power in the Nations, among many people and great multitudes. And his countenance was as the sunne shineth in his strength, doth signifie his glory in his Kingdome, which was also shewed in his Transfiguration to Peter, James and John, Mar. 11.

Thus I have shewed my opinion concerning the Mystery of the Vision of Jesus Christ that John saw, the which I had thought not to have done as yet. It may be if the Lord permit and increase my knowledge; that I may hereafter write of the Mystery of the seven Trumpets, and the seven Vials of the last plagues of God, ministred or powred forth by the seven holy Angels, by which is fulfilled all the wrath of God, if the day o­vertake me not which I long to see; but for the present state, this is my care, that I may by all meanes obtaine the resurrection of the Just. And by the g [...]ace of God I will endevour my selfe to comprehend that, for which I am comprehended of, Christ Jesus; for verily I could wish to be dissolved, and to be with my Redeemer, rather then to abide in the flesh; Not that I could wish to be uncloathed, but rather to be more excellent­ly cloathed with that immortality; for so am I perswaded of the Crown of glory which we shall receive that believe in the Gospell, that it is far better to be with the Lord then to abide in the flesh. I speak not these things because of any trouble that I have in the Flesh, for I have peace both within and without, peace of conscience, and peace in the world. I praise the God of heaven and earth who is my Teacher, and hath made known to me the great mystery of eternall life. No earthly man hath taught me the things that I have learned, neither am I under any mans Ministery; yet do I not account my selfe sufficient, or worthy to be a Minister of the Gospel, but pray the Lord to send worthy Labourers into his harvest; for great is the Harvest, and few are the Labourers. And thus I make bold to do, to write concerning the way of Truth, as I have learned, that I also may be fruitfull, according to the measure of the gift of God in me: For it is lawfull for me (who am but base and con­temptible, and the least of all Saints) so to do, if I goe not behinde the gift of God: And if I have therein exceeded, let the spirituall judge; but the Lord is my record whom I feare, that out of godly sincerity I have written these things according to the measure of my faith: And my great desire is now to grow in faith, and be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, that I may be counted worthy to enjoy the hope that is laid up in Heaven for all the Elect: For such is the reward of them that feare the Lord, that no affliction here can be worthy the glory that shall fol­low hereafter. Christ knew of this glory, which made him to embrace the Crosse, and despise the shame for the glory which was set before him, which was much to be desired; Therefore saith he after this man­ner, (speaking of his departure into his glory) I have a Baptisme to be baptized with, and how am I streightned till it be fulfilled.

Again, he prayed the Father to glorifie him with the same glory he had with him before the world began; therefore having such strong consolation, I fear not but the reward is great and unspeakable glorious: And as for persecution I have no cause to fear, for I understand the I­mage spoken of, to stand in this Nation on its feet, Dan. 2.33. which are part iron, and part clay, partly strong, and partly weak, which mystery I under­stand doth signifie the many divisions; and though the Beast that killed the Saints (and persecuted the holy people) have his strength, yet be­cause [Page 44] his Kingdome is divided, he is become weak, for the great City is divided into three parts, therefore he wants his former power. I un­derstand also, that the Stone cut without hands, is ready to smite the feet; then let all that have the testimony of Jesus Christ, read what shall be­come of the glorious Image, the Iron, the Clay, the Brass, the Silver, and the Gold.

Verily I cannot but Prophesie, that the coming of the Lord is nigh, even at the doors; not that I have any new Revelation, but the same which is written in the holy Scriptures by the Prophets and Apostles, and made known to me through the mystery of Faith; therefore do I write to make known the same to others, that if it be possible I may stir them up to wait for the same things. And though it were so, that the day of the Lord were not now at hand, I know it is profitable for us all to be zealous in the Lord, and walk as children of Light; for without all controversie, great is the mystery of godliness; which is to say, God manifest in the flesh, seen of Angels, preached in the world, believed by many, both Jewes and Gentiles, received up into glory, and the heavens must contain him till the restoration of all things, spoken of by the Pro­phets; for the same Jesus, which all the Scriptures give witness to, shall surely come, and so come in like manner as he was seen go into heaven; for as a Cloud received him out of their sight, so shall he come in the Clouds of heaven with power and great glory, and every eye shall see him, even they that pierced him thorow. But this understand, that his second coming shall not be like his first, when he came in the form of a servant in the flesh, veil'd in the earthly Tabernacle, and laid down his life for the world; but his second coming will be in the glory of the Father, as a King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and we shall see him as he is in his own Kingdome, and heavenly Tabernacle, and he will reign, and we with him for evermore, and all his enemies shall utterly be de­stroyed, then shall that old Serpent, which is called the devil, and the Whore of Babylon, and the Beast, and the false Prophet, and Gog and Magog, and all the great multitude of the ungodly go into perdition and the smoke of their torment shall ascend up for ever, but the glory of the Lord will be marvellous in the Land of the Living: For as the Light­ning cometh out of the East, and shineth to the West, so shall the com­ing of the Son of man be, for the world shall be full of his glory, and when he comes, the Saints he will bring with him in his Kingdome, and they shall appear with him in his glory, which he plainly shewed in his trans­figuration; for before he had said, That there was some standing there that should not taste of death, till they had seen the Kingdome of God come with pow­er: Then six daies after he took with him Peter, James, and John, and was transfigured before them, his face did shine as the Sun, and his Rai­ment became exceeding white, and there appeared with him in his King­dome in glory two Saints, which were Moses and Elias; without all doubt Christ will be unspeakable glorious in his Kingdome: For if the face of Moses did shine, who received the Ministration of death written, and in Tables of stone, so that the children of Israel could not behold, because of [Page 45] the glory of his countenance: How much rather shall not Christ be glori­ous who hath the Ministration of Eternal Life, not written in Tables of stone, but in his own power, to give whom he will, for Christ is worthy of more glory then Moses, as much as the builder of the house is worthy more honour then the house; for Moses was faithful as a servant in the house of God, but the Son is the heir and builder of the house (which house we are that believe, and so far excelleth in glory; And this under­stand also, that the excellent Tabernacle of witness which the Lord commanded Moses to make, and shewed him the pattern, and bad him make all things according to the fashion thereof, which Tabernacle was a witness, and also a figure or shadow of the true and heavenly; and though it was excellent and beautiful to the eyes of men, I am perswa­ded it had little excellency in comparison of the heavenly, which the Saints do enjoy. And also the outward Temple was a most sumptuous building, very precious, rich and beautiful, which was a shadow of the Temple of Christs Body, which is his Church, and far more excellent, for the Saints are partakers with the Son of the same glory, therefore the true and heavenly do far exceed all earthly types and figures. And also the rich and excellent garments of Aaron, did signifie the unspeaka­ble beauty of Christ, who is a great High-priest over the house of God; so the excellency of the Tabernacle and Temple, and all things belong­ing thereto, were but figures and shadows of the heavenly, which shall appear at Christs coming in his Kingdome. And also King Davids victory over his enemies, doth signifie the victory of Jesus Christ over all his e­mies, as he himself said, Bring those my enemies, that will not that I should reign over them, and stay them before me. Again, it shall come to pass, that they who will not have him to rule over them, shall be cut off from amongst his people, and he shall sit on the Throne of David for ever, therefore is he called David their King, and the wisdome and glo­ry of Solomon, and the riches of Jerusalem in those daies, was also a sign of the unspeakable wisdome and glory of Christ, and excellent riches and beauty of the new Jerusalem, made without hands, which is in hea­ven but shall come down according to his promise.

Now my beloved Brethren, seeing the Scriptures of Truth are so full of excellent Prophesies, which shall be fulfilled at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us all who are of his little Flock, watch to day, as though we knew he should come tomorrow, for who knows but the Sign of the Son of man hath appeared in the Clouds of heaven already. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.

SOME ANIMADVERSIONS on some part of the REVELATIONS OF JOHN.