A Sudden and Cloudy MESSENGER, With Glimpses of great joy to the Israel of GOD. Declaring the hastening of that day of the Resurrection of the Lord JESUS in his Saints, tending to a deliverance from spiritual and temporal Captivity, but much sorrow, woe, and calamity, to the Lords, and his people's Enemies in England. Presented especially, to the waiters for this day of the Lord, to the gathered Churches, Parliament, Army, City of London, and Ministers of England. A Spark from the Altar, or a beam of the Light of God, declaring the scattering of the gathered Churches in England. A voice out of Cloudy Discoveries to the Army. A further warning to London, of the dreadful coming of the Lord God Almighty. A voice to high and low, showing what the determination of the Lord seems to be on this Land. A warning to awaken all the Idol Shepherds in England, otherwise called Ministers, with friendly advice to those in the Ministry, that have the true spiritual life of Jesus brought forth in them. By a lover of peace and purity, though appearing so terrible and dreadful. EDWARD ELLIS. Gal. 1. 15. 16. 17. When it pleased God to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood, neither went I to them that were Apostles before me. Cant. 2. 11, 12. lo the winter is past, the rain is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the Turtle is heard in our land, the Figtree putteth forth her green figs, and the Vine with the tender grapes give a good smell. Arise my love, my fair one, and come away, until the day break, and the shadows fly away. Cant. 3. 11. Go forth O ye daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon with the Crown, wherewith his Mother crowned him in the day of his Espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart. London, Printed for the Author. 1649. An Epistle to the Churches, Parliament, Army, City of London, and Ministers, so called, in ENGLAND. CHurches, should I tell you of more wars, Pldgues, Famine, Staining of all Worldly Glory, shaking all Earthly Powers; you would, (it may be) believe me. But, if by a Beam of light, I tell you of the shaking and scattering of your Heaven, your Sumptuous and Glorious Building, the Churches gathered: You say, This is a hard saying, who can hear it; but surely it will be done, whether you believe it, or no. But, hear a word more, I told you my Spark of light was well nigh spent, it's now supplied, or anointed with fresh oil: mistake me not, my design is not presently, if I could, to take you off those ways wherein you are, or may be profitable in building up one another in your most holy faith, so long as there is Lambs, smoking flax, or bruised reeds, or babes in Christ among you, there is need of your helping one another, till power from on high be brought forth in a more immediate way to do it, which shall be in the time appointed by the Father. The end of that which is declared unto you, is to prove you are not of so long continuance as many of you imagine. Honourable Parliament of England, who are managing the great Affairs of this tottering Kingdom, you are now higher than you were: I have nothing against it, but there is one higher than you, the Lord of Hosts, who has his designs in the midst of yours. In this small volume, written by a glimpse of his light, you may take a small view and sight of his footsteps, that are, and will be upon this kingdom, even the overturning all worldly powers, and Governments, that His may be set up, whose right all Government is, the Lord Jesus, which is more pure, and spiritual, than any is yet in the world; to which, if you, or others, shall act subserviently, you may flourish; if not, expect yours, or their designs frustrated, or broken, that tend to Exaltation. This kingdom, to whom you ought to be as Fathers, how many storms has past through it, and been upon it? all's pretty quiet now, and they begin to strengthen, and settle all, almost exalting themselves, as though all evil were past, though not a whit bettered by those judgements that have been already. But behold, that line of dissolution that is spread over this Land, to lay its excellency yet more lower: I wish you would lay it to heart, and tremble before the Lord; put off, and lay by your brave Ornaments, within, and without, that the Lord may know what to do unto you. Could I command as many drops of blood, as tears have fallen from mine eyes, or sighs from within, as have been in beholding the miseries hang over this kingdom: I would write unto you in a more scarlet dye. If you will read this Book, you shall find nothing but joy and gladness proclaimed to the Israel of God, and that the day of their Redemption draws nigh; but lamentation, mourning, and woe, to the wicked, be they high or low, rich or poor, noble or ignoble; those in power, or not in power, I can proclaim nothing else; what it will cost me, I know not: Storms I have met with already, but they caused me not to desist from my work, but were as wind to the fire, which makes it flame the more, so long as God thought fit to employ me. I have lived among divers Great Persons many years, a poor servant, and now come to this hard encounter with them, it seems harsh; but surely the strong Lord of hosts is before, he leads, he is Light, Life, and Strength, a strong Tower, a Buckler, and Shield, to help me to bear stripes, if need be, and to avoid their scorns, although they should say, as Eliab to David, 1 Sam. 17. 28. I know thy Pride, and the haughtiness of thy Spirit. Or as Michal to David, 2 Sam. 6. 20, 21. That I have uncovered myself as one of the vain fellows, it is before, and at the command of the Lord: But I will yet be more vile than thus, in this manner, if the Lord think fit, and will be base in mine own sight. plainness and truth is almost out of fashion, it was once otherwise, Job 32. 21, 22. Let me not, I pray, accept any man's person, neither let me give Titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering Titles, in so doing my Maker would soon make me away. Zech. 8. 16. Speak you every man the truth to his neighbour. But, Idle Shepherds, awake, call upon the Lord, come, you should be wise, if you read what is said concerning Powers, great ones, City and you. What will you do even like your brethren in former times, will you not? you know who smote Michaiah on the cheek, 1 Kin. 22. 24. and said, which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me to thee: so Amos 7. 10. a Priest that ought to have been wiser, when a herdsman comes with a true message from God, he like a deceiver sent to the King, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the Land of Israel, the Land is not able to bear all his words, go saith he, flee the way into the Land of Judah, eat bread, and prophesy there. But prophesy not again at Bethel, for it is the King's chapel, and it is the King's Court. He might as well have said, Amos, this is no place to entertain such Persons as shall prophesy of ruin, or Desolation, although commanded by God, if you will come hither and be welcome, you must speak pleasing things, prophesy of Wine and strong drink, and pleasures, such as are fit for great persons, prophesy flatteries, as Ahab's Prophets did, 1 Kin. 22. 6. and then thou shalt be entertained at Court, and with great ones as they were: it may be so now in our Land, flattering and deceitful Priests that prophesy lies and pleasing things to the fancies of great persons may flourish, when as they that declare the truth of God to them, may go in danger of the loss of all outward enjoyments, but they will say I am beside my business, towards you O watchmen; therefore harken, do not you like Amasiah say, I have conspired against this Land, nor that it is not able to bear all my words, nor bid me prophesy somewhere else, or of pleasinger things, they are the true sayings of God, would you have me cry Peace, when the Lord cries trouble, and so be consumed for my pains, what the Lord hath spoken to me, that declare I to you; Oh you'll say, Observe, what? he makes himself a Prophet, this is as Christ saith, false Prophets shall arise and deceive many: well, they shall so, take heed you be not a kin to them: do you think I am guided by a deceiving spirit, come then, handle me, pry into me, try and search me by the Scriptures, I am willing to be tried, but you want sight, I'll refer myself to the judgement of those that have a clearer light than you, even the Saints: But secure London, what say you to me? what's your judgement concerning these sad things threatened against you, you have had many warnings from the Lord, by divers men, you have taken little notice of them to believe them, would you believe one that should be raised from the grave to declare against you from the Lord? why? behold, he hath sent one with a message raised from the valley & shadow of death, from the powers of darkness that were within him, even from the belly of hell. The floods compassed him about, his billows and waves passed over him, he was even broken, and shattered in pieces; his strength of inward and outward man; was well nigh spent, as to his own view, and the view of others, laid aside as a vessel of no use, yet suddenly by an Almighty power, raised him like a Lion roaring for his prey: of a fearful and faint heart made bold, of weak was made strong, to declare as sad a message elsewhere as to you, even with, and not minding the hazard of life. Wilt thou believe now, and turn to the Lord, whether you will hear, or whether you will forbear, know you have had a message, you shall be inexcusable. As for you of the Army of Officers, and soldiers, the least part of this small book concerns you, as you are soldiers, but if you war against Heaven, you will be conquered, notwithstanding all your victories; the line of dissolution will reach you, you have been such, as have been made use of by God to work great outward salvation for Israel, that before was in, and under the hands of cruel, and unreasonable men, blessed be his great name for it, and the Lord reward your kindness and labours into your bosoms, with spirituull and temporal blessings. I know, you will many of you confess, that you have seen much of the power of God with you, subduing your enemies, and that God hath shown much of his kindness to his poor Israel, as in giving them such deliverance as at this day, they are so precious and dear in his sight, that he hath reproved and given men (I may say) to the slaughter for their sakes: but as if that were not enough he is following them with more excellent things, even the breakings forth of his own glory, in a more large manner, which you may see a glimpse of in this book: and what ever desolations shall come upon this kingdom, through his fullness in them, they shall lift up their heads when others shall call to rocks and mountains to cover them from that wrath which will be upon them. The Temple of the Lord Jesus is to be built, and exalted, yea, glorified with his own glory: the time and day grows on apace, though Israel itself knows not what to make of it, when Moses walked into Egypt, saying, Let Israel go, though there were great combustions amongst the Egyptians, and Israel harkened not to the voice of Moses for anguish of spirit, and cruel bondage, and Moses was troubled, and much discouraged in his work, complaining to the Lord, that Israel would not harken to his message, Exod. 6. 9 12. Yet it presages Israel's deliverance is nigh at hand, Israel is in boudage now, and hath been a long time, and for the Lord to snatch poor persons out of the fire, and cause them to walkup and down in the midst of great ones, as hath been done through the strength of God in Cambridge-Shire, and now in this city: the great ones must know Israel must be delivered out of captivity and Bondage spiritual, and temporal: let the world and Israel too think what they will, of a truth▪ God is hastening with the breakings forth of some great spiritual Glory. Where your Scouts were met formerly, it argued your Army was near, the Lord sending his Scouts or forerunners, crying, the Lord is come, and coming; it presages he is at hand, if the Lord send watchmen, that shall lift up their voice like singers, and call upon the waste places of Jerusalem, to break forth into joy, and sing together, and say to Zion, thy God reigneth, and the Lord will bring back their captivity, read Isa. 52. 7. 8, 9 and tell me what you think. This the Lord hath done of late in England, and does still, though they be accounted mad men, men wondered at, scoffed at, as Neh. 4. 2. What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? Scoffers, harken, Israel must sacrifice otherwise than they have done; the spiritual Temple of Jesus must be built: We care not, though for walls, bulwarks, or Armies for this work; God is all this to the building of this Temple, Isa. 26. 1. Zech. 9 8. Nay harken, The Lord himself will be the alone Erecter and Exalter of it, Zech. 16. 12. 13. Not by might, or by power, but of the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, Zech. 4. 6. The Lord will be the Glory of it also, it's now but the day of small things, there's many powers of darkness to hinder the breaking forth of this Glory. But, who are you, O great mountains, before the breakings forth of the Lord Jesus? You shall become a plain, he shall be brought forth in despite of you, and there shall be shoutings, crying, Grace, Grace unto Him. Be silent, O all Flesh, before the Lord, for he is rising out of the habitation of his holiness. The fountain yet maintains life, therefore O spiritual Israel, do you search the Scriptures whether these things be so, or no, like those, Acts 17. And do not lightly cast these precious Declarations to you, away, till you have carefully examined these things, and consider what these voices mean. O Israel, consider, is here another Gospel? the breakings forth of another Spirit? another faith, or new prophecies? Or, is here not a taste of the promises, prophecies, and words of the Prophets of old, and Apostles of our Lord Jesus Ghrist? I speak as to wise men, judge what I say, and with Mary, ponder these things in your hearts. The God of wisdom be your light injudging: It's the desire of him, who could willinglp spend, and be spent, (if the Father thinks fit) for the furtherance of your Consolation and Joy; who is The unworthiest of all Saints, Edward ELLIS. A Spark from the Altar: OR, A Beam of the Light of God. Declaring the Scattering of the gathered Churches in England, before the consummation of all things. Or, The End of the World, tending to a Discovery, or Separation, between the Righteous and the Wicked; which shall be done by the Lord's coming to his Temple: At which day, the Saints shall enjoy a more clear Sight of their father's Glory, than now they do. CHurches, Harken; I know you will startle at this Cloudy Messenger, with a spark from the Altar, or a beam of the Light of God, scattering yours, which seems to be as a full Sun. Many of you glory much in your privileges, as if the Lord were nowhere in his manifestations of Light, and Love, but among you; So did the Jews, Jer. 7. The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord. Many of you think yourselves very well, and rich; I should not meddle to impoverish, or strip you of your Glory, were I not certain I am under the teachings, and subservient to the design of my Father. You have, many of you, like Hannah's Adversary, vexed the souls of those that were not under your forms, upraiding them with barrenness, and unfruitfulness, boasting of your own. But consider, Hannah had an Husband, and being vexed with her Adversary, cried unto the Lord, he brought forth fruit out of her womb, and she was a joyful mother of children, when she that vexed her, its possible, waxed feeble. To spiritualise it; Those you have, and still vex, have an husband, the Lord Jesus; in him is their fruit found, which he will bring forth, and cause them to be fruitful, and strong, when you may be weak, and feeble: Then shall they sing Hannah's Song of Joy, read it, 1 Sam. 2. Therefore, talk no more so exceeding proudly, let not arrogancy come out of your mouths; For the Lord is a God of knowledge, by him actions are weighed, they that stumbled, are, and shall be girt with strength, 1 Sam. 2. 4. Psal. 113. 7. 8. He raiseth up the poor, (even such as you despise) out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill, that he may set him with Princes, even with the Princes of his people. But harken still; Tell many of you of a spiritual Glory, that's contrary to yours; or a Land more excellent than yours; one may almost as soon make a blind man believe the moon is made of cheese, (as saith the Proverb) as cause you to see this spiritual Land; that is, discoveries above, and contrary to yours. I have been wandering a long time like Noah's Dove, as the Spies to search the Land, I have seen it afar off, behold a branch, or a cluster of its fruit, it's a glorious land, only with pure, spiritual glory, the inhabitants are very wise, and strong, but with the wisdom and strength of the Lord of hosts, no need of any low, or inferior light, but the pure light of God; no need of Teachers, to say, Know the Lord; no fear of Enemies, The gates stand open. It's very pure, nothing but holiness there; it's very strong, the Lord himself is walls and bulwarks. There may be Dogs, and ravenous Beasts about it, they may attempt to storm it, but they shall soon be destroyed, Rev. 20. 9 This spiritual Land of Canaan, is altogether glorious: When the Lord has given me a more clear view of it, if he thinks fit, you shall hear of it. But Churches, harken: Many of you boast much of your strong Pillars, that will bear up your building to the end of all things almost, I mean those Scriptures that are so frequently brought to prove the continuance of your practice; but I spare you, considering the Disciples were ignorant to the Resurrection of Christ, though taught by him, living under his teaching of their measure. Yet harken, there's a great deal of danger in your way, and practice, in retaining those Scriptures that make for you, in opposition, and clear contradiction to many others. You boast much of them, to prove your way, if that be true which many of you hold out, if the light of God did not lead me, I might question the authority of them, which I do not, but am rather confirmed in the excellency of them, or else not know what to make of them. But Churches, harken still: Because many of you are so confident, that I may not beat the air, or speak at uncertainty, what will you say to those Scriptures that prove your dissolution? First, Consider those Scriptures that promise, and prophesy of the large measure of the fullness of God, the Saints shall be filled withal in the last days, and then tell how long you think your building can stand, Joel 2. 28. I will pour out my Spirit upon all Flesh, and your Sons and your Daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. And so, upon the servants, and upon the handmaids, in those days will I pour out my Spirit, Zech. 12. 8. In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and he that is feeble among them at that day, shall be as David, and the house of David shall be as God, as the Angel of the Lord before them. Zech. 10. 5. And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets; in the battle they shall fight, because the Lord is with them, and the Riders of horses shall be confounded. Zech. 10. Chap. 7. vers. 12. And they of Ephraim, shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine, yea their children shall see it, and be glad, their heart shall rejoice in the Lord. And I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord. harken, and observe Churches, the Strength spoken of here, is, because of the fullness of God he will fill his Israel with; me thinks there is one prop of your building gone. But, harken still, there's more behind, Isa. 60. 22. A little one shal● become a thousand, and a small one a strong Nation, I the Lord will hasten it. In his time, Isa. 25. 7, 8. He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all Nations. He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he taken away: The Lord hath spoken it. harken yet, Zec. 9 15. 16. 17. The Lord of Hosts shall defond them; and they shall devour and subdue with fling stones, and they shall drink and make a noise as through wine, and they shall be filled like bowls, they shall be like a Crown lifted up, as an ensign upon his Land, corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids. Churches harken, this mirth presages sadness to your building; doth it not appear to you weaker than it was, how ever, harken, there's more yet, Zach. 14. 8. 21. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, half of them towards the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea, in Summer and in Winter shall it be, and there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the Lord. Mic. 3. 7. And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation, and the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion, from hence forth, even for ever. Isa. 33. And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick. Rev. 21. 1, 2. And there was no more sea; and I John saw the holy City coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a Bride adorned for her husband. All these Scriptures do clearly prove the abundance of grace, and spiritual glory the Saints shall have poured upon them, from that fullness of their head, the Lord Jesus. When this time comes, surely Churches, you will stagger like a drunken man. You that are not taken up into, and made partakers of this glory, you will not know what to do with yourselves, you'll be like him that cried after his God. Awaken yourselves, and harken still, and secondly consider those Scriptures that hold forth a dissolution of your forms of worship, what if I should say Ordinances? as you converse in them. Remember it is but a Spark from the Altar, a beam of the light of God, that declares your dissolution: if your light be as a full Sun, sit still, and ●●e through me; fall not upon me with harsh censures. What can a Spark, a beam of light see; but consider, for in that, Rev. 21. 22. 23. And the Street of the City was pure Gold, and as it were transparent glass; and I saw no Temple therein: for the Lord God almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it, and the City had no need of the sun, neither of the Moon to shine in it; for the Glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. If this Scripture may be interpreted concerning the Glory of the Church on earth, as it may be compared with others, which cannot fully be done now with a beam of light: but if the Lord please, it may hereafter; but if it may be interpreted so as you cannot clearly deny, then what will become of your Churches which many expect shall even last near as long as sun and Moon endures. harken still, Ier. 31. 34. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, know the Lord, for they shall all know me from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord. 1. Epist. John 2. 27. But the anointing which you have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie. These Scriptures, I expect shall be fulfilled in the very letter of them, I conceive your quick apprehensions, in part, to quarrel against this, but I'll let you alone, till the Spark or beam of light be increased: I'll leave to your further consideration to confirm the scattering of you, Rev. 22. 3. 4. 5. Isa. 60. 19 2 Pet. 1. 19 and when you have considered these, and those quoted and set down before; tell truly what will become of that famous building many so much adore. I shall hardly hear, of the result of your thoughts, therefore know from a beam of the light of God, concerning your building, there will not be one stone left uponanother. The house of your glory will be left desolate. But come now let us reason, I know you startle, and are affrighted at the spiritual and heavenly voice of Christ, as the Disciples were when Christ spoke to them in a form they had not conversed with him in: so do you let the spiritual voice of Jesus come amongst you, which tends to destroy your fleshly forms or knowledge: you are terrified, and affrighted, and cry out a Spirit, but a deceiving one: I grant you, it is abroad: the deceiving one may act very like the true breakings forth of the Spirit of God, take heed you be not offended at the truth, because error is abroad. I certainly believe there are many choice spirits among you, to them I declare, my desire is not to force you out of your particular ways of worship; but if you meet with the presence of the Lord, walk there, and I say unto you, as it was said to the Disciples, tarry at Jerusalem till you be endued with power from on high, to arise from what you are: but in the mean time beware of passing such censures as usually comes from many that are of your Assemblies: you think, it is possible, you are very high in Principles, there be those that are higher: they will not despise you; if their highness be of God, it teaches no such thing, so far as they are acted by the true light of God, if they do, it is from the darkness that is in them, do not you judge them. harken still, and more which proves your scattering, or the dissolution of your practice, though many of you be glued as close to it almost as your flesh to your bones: consider that Scripture, Mal. 3. the coming of the Lord Jesus to his Temple, as a devouring fire to burn and destroy the filthiness that is in his Saints. The effects of his coming is to difference between the righteous and the wicked, between them that fear God, and them that fear him not: this Scripture reaches these last days, you are conversing one with another, with a great deal of comfort, because you are joined together in an outward form: but there will be found many false ones among you, when this day comes; and surely, than you will be shaken, and that day tend to your s●attering, how you shall be gathered together, judge you, Further, consider those Scriptures that prophesy of the shaking of heaven, and earth, and declare what will become of yours in that day, if you can, farewell, the Spark from the Altar: the beam of light hath even spent itself; for there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount of Ephraim, Jer. 31. 6. shall cry, arise, yea, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God. Micah 2. 10. Arise, yea, and depart, for this is not your rest, because it is polluted. Joh. 14. 31. Arise, let us go hence. Cant. 6. 10. Who is he that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the Moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an Army with banners. A Voice out of cloudy Discoveries to the Army. harken, O Army, I was of you, I am with you still, and acknowledge that present power you enjoy, to be that, the Lord of all Armies hath invested you with; you have been, and still in appearance are, instrumentally a wall of defence, to keep Israel from the rage of malicious enemies, through the good hand of our God, that hath been upon you, as you have fought for Israel, with your Swords in the Field; many of you being sprinkled with Blood: Israel hath wrestled with God for you in the Mount, like Moses, bedewed with tears; that one without another should not boast of victory, and that both might return praise, singly to God; and the Lord of Hosts be made more glorious to either of you. What you have done this way was excellent and glorious in its season; the Lord thereby dying, as I may say, his, and your garments, with the blood of his own, and Israel's Enemies: I cannot certainly determine, whether you shall conquer them any more so, or no; remember what the voice is (cloudy) you have got many Victories, and Conquests by your Sword of steal: Will you suffer yourselves now to be overcome by the Sword of the Spirit, the power of the Lord Jesus Christ? Surely this design of the Lord is hastening apace, whereby he will overcome all his Enemies, in his Saints, by the power of his Spirit, which will be as great a plague and torment to high and low, in this Land, as these miseries by a bloody and unnatural war; nay, surely greater when this day of the resurrection of the Lord comes in his Saints; which doubtless is hastening, they shall consume away while they stand on their feet, when as beheading and slaying in the Field, delivered them from their pain presently. As to this world, It's a wonder to consider, and observable, that not a Dog should bark at Israel, when they Marched out of Egypt, though at midnight: It will be as great a wonder, to see Israel, I mean, the beloved ones of the Lord, to march up and down in England, in his strength, and majesty, and not a Dog, I mean wicked men, so called, Revel. 21. not able to bite, though bark they may, by reason of that consumption, and vexation of spirit, that shall be upon them. Army, keep your Swords, and your Power, walking in ways of Justice, and righteousness; but you that are spiritual, mind, and hasten the coming of that day, wherein Israel shall have no need of Armies, to defend them from enemies; the Lord in them will be strong enough to do that; besides, he will be a wall of fire round about them, no need of Scouts, sentinels, or Guards, the Lord will keep it night and day; this glorious days a coming of the Saints Exaltation, and safety, by the fullness of Jesus in them. The Alarm's given, Trumpets sound, heralds proclaim it, The watchmen are set upon the watch-Tower, spy him nearer and nearer, tarry there long, no relief, as from men, yet not weary. Awake, awake, stand up Israel in the Army, when the Lord calls; but tarry till then, the world will yet rage, and be mad, but let's go up at once, fear them not, their strength is departed from them, the Lord of hosts is on Israel's side still. They say, they are strong, wise, and rich: It's no such thing, they have rejected the word of the Lord; they are weak, foolish, and poor, as to a spiritual understanding: But, were they as they say, the Battle's the Lords, he marches in the Van, He sounds the Trumpet, and will go before as whirlwinds of the South; Zec. 9 Joel 2. he will also send a hornet before, their hearts shall fail them, and melt away like water. This spiritual Army will be very great, mighty men all, when they are got together; no fear of fainting in their marches, for God is with them, and in his strength shall they walk. You enemies of the Lord of hosts in England, be you what you will, tremble, quake, and fear, for this terrible day of the Lord of hosts is coming apace. And you O Army, as you have been wise, and diligent, to learn, and find out the designs, and intended marches of your Enemies formerly; be wise now, and with double diligence, set yourselves to know the designs, footsteps, and travellings of the Lord of hosts, that are, and will be upon this Kingdom, and act subservantly; carry on your designs in the light and wisdom of God, he alone, and his Saints must be exalted in a spiritual power; to which, if you be subjected, you that are so, shall flourish; but ruination, and desolation of those that are not so at his coming: It's a voice, (but of a cloudy discovery) that's spoken to you. The Messenger that writ this Book, sudden, and cloudy, you must not expect clearness, it concerns you, and others, to pry narrowly into, and search the Scriptures, whether they be so, or no, than judge, not before. Micah 4. Chap. 3. 4. Farewell. FINIS. A further Warning to London of the dreadful coming of the Lord God Almighty. O London, in thee was I nourished many years; for thy happiness I have suffered much, my blood had not been dear to me, so thou mightest have flourished, and have been a City that the Lord would have taken pleasure in; my bowels are yearning after thee, I must bear witness against thee for all this; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished; from the days of thy Fathers, thou hast departed from the Lord: the Lord sent his messengers in the midst of thee to call thee to return to him, what usage they had, thou, and many in the world know'st to thy shame: your Fathers, where are they? the Prophets, do they live for ever, but hath not the words of his servants taken hold on you? The day of the Lord's anger they spoke of, how hath it been accomplished on you, these years past, thou hast, & art set on fire, yet thou knowest it not, you are consuming, but lay it not to heart. The Lord hath yet a farther controversy with thee, because thou art unmindful of him, he brings forth his judgements morning by morning, but thou takest no shame, his judgements are in thee, and about thee, but thou learnest not righteousness, nor beholdest the Majesty of the Lord; his hand hathbeen, and is lifted up against thee; thou wilt not see, but thou shalt see, and be ashamed for all thy abominations, (or confounded by the fury of the Lord.) O London, consider what plagues, what unseasonable weather, what want of bread hath been in thee in former years? but thou returnest not to the Lord! But behold, and tremble for fear, O London, that bloody war that was brought forth, not by the power of man, but from, and by the Lord of hosts: how many thousands of thy men are slain with the Sword, how are the widows, and fatherless increased in thee: how are thy riches exhausted? what leading into captivity? what complaining in thy streets? How art thou forced to be servant to those that formerly thou wouldst have despised! (thou dost it now, but canst thou help thyself?) O London, what vexatiousness of spirit hast thou? what a trembling heart is in the midst of thee? a great and sad consumption is upon you: But that which is the greatest plague of all, and declares a further consumption upon you, is, you are not bettered by the judgement of the Lord. You are at peace in appearance now, and you think the bitterness of death is over: but a deceived heart hath deceived you, London! I beseech you in the name of the Lord consider, the Lord hath yet a further v with you: his hand is stretched out still: thy sins remain: your spots are not the spots of the Lord's people: but of rebellious Children that refuse to hear the rod, and who hath appointed it; you refuse to return, your pride testifies to your face, you will refrain turning to the Lord, and you will refrain turning away his anger. What people ever set themselves against the Lord, and prospered: how furiously hath the Lord marched up and down amongst us: how are his garments died in blood: not of the mean men only, but of the mighty; thy mighty and thy honourable men are fallen in thy streets: yet his anger is not turned away. London! mind that Thunderclap given to you of late: the Lord was there, itpreaches to you, that unless you repent, you shall perish also. London! in thee, & against thee is found the blood and cries of poor saints, acry of oppression, the cry of the poor unminded: a cry, yea, and a horrible cry of abomination, that hath, that still doth come up into the ears of the Lord of Hosts. London, is there no healing for you, are your wounds incurable? nothing but the blood of Jesus can wash you from your filthiness, which to your shame you despise: What shall I say unto you, be instructed, lest the soul of God depart from you, and he take no pleasure in you: London, you are conquered and overcome in your power by men, that it cannot break forth to manage war against them: but your inward power that maintains war against heaven is unsubdued, you are yet found fighters against God: but he will bestronger than you: and overcome you by his strong power in despite of thee. The Lord hath lain still a long time, and you thought he had forgotten, or forsaken the earth; but he is, and will rise more and more with fury in his face, to recompense wrath to his, and his people's enemies: to make up his jewels, and glorify the house of his glory, that is, his Saints, whom you have so much despised, and trampled under foot, you have ruled, they must rule. You that have been, and still are enemies to the Lord, your best days are past, the days of Zion's joys are coming: the Lord must be King over all the earth, the Lord will come gloriously too, and in his Saints. You enemies to God make haste, you wicked generation, what you do, do quickly, the Lord is coming apace, with sorrow and mourning to you, but with joy and gladness to his Israel. How will you like it worldlings? to see the Saints rule 'twill vex you, but you cannot help it: they must be the head, you the tail, the Lord Jesus will reign in them, you must be spoiled, Isa. 32. Behold a King shall reign in righteousness, and Princes shall rule in Judgement. Ezek. 39 10. And they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord. How will you like this you stout spirits, to see the Saints spoil you, and you to be their servants, and come bowing to them, Is. 60. 14. The sons of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee, they that despise thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet: the Lord will manifest himself so in his Saints, and he hath begun it already, that the proudest of you, if you will not honour and exalt them, woe unto you▪ Isa. 60. 12. The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish: yea, those Nations shall be utterly wasted. As youtender (O London) your own happiness and welfare, repent of your despising the Saints, and take heed of offending them hereafter, the Lord hath, and will reprove Kings and great ones for their sakes. But London thou boastest of thy Religious enjoyments, thy prayers and fastings; and because of these, you cry as those in Micah 3. 11. and are like them, You lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us, no evil can come upon us: be not deceived, so did the Israelites many years, Zec. 7. And yet the Lord took no pleasure in them. it is possible, he takes as little in you. You will say, are all our days of fasting in vain. Hear you that are enemies to God, he takes as little delight in your Sacrifices, as in those, Isa. 63. 3. London, thou thinkest there be those in thee, that God hears their prayers; it is true, that God hears the prayers of the Saints, but you shall have but little benefit by it, that war against heaven, they have prayed much for the prevention of spilling that blood that hath been spilled, and for the avoiding those judgements they saw hang over this Land: but you see they could not prevail, their prayers returned into their own bosoms: they pray now much, but it is for the breaking forth of a spiritual glory: a vexation to you, O Rebellious people: you shall (it is possible) see it, but not taste thereof; London, consider thy condition, the Bridegroom is coming, he yet entreats thee to return, if thou wilt not, he will send plagues upon you, till he hath consumed thee; and leave a poor people, and afflicted, and they shall fear, and praise the name of the Lord, which you refuse to do. Hear this from the Lord by the unworthiest of men, Edward Ellis. Amos 7. 14. I was no Prophet, neither was I a prophet's son, but I was an herdsman, and a gatherer of Sickamore fruit: and the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, go prophecy unto my people Israel. Isa. 21. 10. That which I have heard of the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you, I was bowed down at the hearing of it, I was dismayed at the seeing of it. Isa. 28. 11. 13. For with stammering lips, and another tongue will he speak to this people, that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken, Ezek. 2. 5. Yet shall they know there hath been a Prophet among them. Isa. 52. 8, 9 10. Thy watchmen shall lift up their voice, with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion, break forth into joy, sing together you waste places of Jerusalem, for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem: The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. FINIS. A voice to high and low, showing what the determination of the Lord seems to be on this Land. HIgh & low, harken, the Lord of Hosts is come, and still coming, his decree is like that of Nebuchaduezzar, Dan. 3. 29. I make a Decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their house shall be made a dunghill: this is the determination of God upon all those that shall speak, or act, any thing amiss against the God of Israel, unless they repent; and that which the Lord hath begun already to do, he hath, and is still a making good, that prophecy, Isa. 24. Read it, O England, to thy sorrow, who wouldest have emptied this Land of the Saints, and destroyed them, now thou art near destruction thyself, the day of the Lord is come against all those powers, that whereas Cedars, as Oaks, as high mountains, he hath poured contempt upon Princes, Psal 107. and caused them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way, and that promise is now fulfilled. It shall come to pass, Isa. 24. 21. that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the Kings of the earth upon the earth, Isa. 23. 9 The Lord of hosts hath purposed it to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable upon the earth. This he hath done already very much. You present powers that have been as a rod, and staff in God's hand for the accomplishing of his design, tremble, and fear, and avoid walking in their steps: think not your power so strong, that it cannot be moved, for that strong God which overturned those powers that were before you, is able, and will most certainly dash you in pieces, if you shall walk in their steps of oppression and violence, Psalm 75. 5. Lift not up your horn on high, speak not with a stiff neck; for promotion cometh neither from the East, nor from the West, but God is the Judge, he putteth down one, and setteth up another. If you will honour God, he will honour you; if not, you shall be lightly esteemed, both of God, and his Saints, for they are looking for a spiritual glory and power; and will esteem of you, as you act by the breakings forth of a spiritual light in you. You corrupted ones of what degree soever; how have you despised the poor Saints, and scorned the excellent of the Earth? Now is God lifted up, now is he exalted, and they shall despise you, howl you great ones, what a sad day, by the light of God, do I see coming upon you; your Glory is gone, the Saints shall see through you now, by the light of the Father. You painted Sepulchers, what ever you are, if you will not exalt the Lord Jesus, they'll esteem of you no more, than the mire in the streets: many of them have esteemed of you, and hath got their bread with sorrow of heart among you, because of that abundance of vanity that was in you, and that darkness that was in their own spirits; they durst not speak to you for fear of your power; their Father will fill them with his own glory, then shall they not fear your faces. You Great ones that have, and yet do, oppress the Saints; put off your brave Ornaments, and mourn, for the day of your joy is much spent, vexation and disquiet of heart you must have, but Israel joy and gladness. The Saints deliverance must be in the destruction of their inward and outward enemies; you enemies of the Lord in England, consider, turn to the Lord speedily; the door of mercy is seemingly yet open, it may be soon shut; you will cry for pity then, but there shall be none; but as you have rejoiced at the sorrows of the godly, so shall they rejoice in yours. Zion heard and was glad, and the Daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy Judgements, O Lord, Psal. 107. 42. When God is pouring contempt on Princes, on the great ones of the Earth, the Righteous shall see it and rejoice. You Enemies of the Lord, be you great men, or others, read in the Revelations, what Songs the Saints shall sing, it's your doom, and day of sorrow. The day of the Lord is come, O England! a day of wrath and fury, a Consumption is in this Land; many sorrows already, more behind: yea, such a day as yet, was never upon it. Alas, for that day is great, so that none is like it, Jer. 30. 7. I have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace: Wherefore do we see every man with his hand on his loins, as a woman in travel: all faces are turned into paleness; the fowls of the Air knows the time of their coming, but thou, O England, knowest not the coming of the Lord, it presages more ruin to thee. The day of the Lord makes haste, wherein he alone must be exalted in his own pure strength and wisdom. Rulers take heed you act in the pure wisdom of God; all your fleshly wisdom must be destroyed, and the designs it thinks to effect will be frustrated, to your sorrow and grief, that are not spiritual. The day is come, the Lord marches on still, wherein he hath, and will sift, and fan thee, O England! you see how the Lord hath discovered your spirits, one to another. Parliament, consider this, you seem to be more pure than others; there's drossy and chaffy spirits amongst you; surely the Lord will search you yet more. Take heed the next discovery be not by the breaking forth of a spiritual glory and power, in those that are upright amongst you: surely the Lords separating day's at hand, to divide between Sheep and Goats, who are yet so mingled, that nothing but the pure light of God can discover. O England! this will not be one of the least of thy plagues, that are coming upon thee: you seem to be like those Mal. 3. desiring delighting in, and longing for the coming of Jesus to his Temple. He makes haste, but who may abide his coming? He comes like a Refiners Fire, and fuller's soap, to take away that filthiness that is in his Saints; then shall they return, and discern between the Righteous and the Wicked: and what a sad day this will be to thee, O England judge. The day of the Lord is come, and hastens greatly for thee O Israel! for thee O captive Daughter, Zion, who liest in the dust among the poor in the valley and shadow of death; how dost thou mourn, by reason of the oppressors within and without thee, thou fearest continually, there is none to guide, or comfort thee, almost amongst thy friends; thou art drunk, yet not with Wine, but with the fury of the Lord; thou faintest as thou travailest up and down; thou art as a wild Bull in a Net, the more thou strivest to get out of thy misery, the more thou art entangled: thou prostratst thyself to thy Enemies, that say, bow down that we may go over thee: and how have they darkened the breaking forth of thy spiritual glory? thou chaste Spouse, how many looks hast thou for thy dear Husband, for the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus in thee, why he is risen, and hath appeared to some already? The words will seem to thee as Tales, thou believest them not; yet say not, how can this thing be? though it be marvelous in thy sight. O sad soul consider, Is any thing too hard for God? he will work, and who shall let him, if he say, take away thy filthy garments, they are gone; be full, thou art full, he will fill thee with his own presence, then shall the enemy be thrust out, and the spoilers spoilt: The days of thy mourning shall have an end; deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwelleth with the Daughter of Babylon, the Lord will contend with those that have vexed thee, they shall be consumed by the brightness of his appearing; thou shalt rejoice according to the days of thy mourning. How hath thy King, O Zion, cast down thine enemies in this kingdom? he will go on, and thou shalt rejoice, when the world shall howl for sorrow, Isa. 65. 13. 14, 15. Read thy glory also in the 60. of Isa. The son of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings, and cure thee of all thy diseases; and as thou hast been the shame of this kingdom, thou shalt be the glory of it; the Lord will hasten to you all, O Israel in his time. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him, that glory may dwell in our Land, Psal. 85. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see, the reward of the wicked, Psal. 91. 8. As we have heard, so have we seen in the City of the Lord of Hosts, in the City of our God, God will establish it for ever Psal. 48. A Warning, to awaken all the idle Shepherds, (otherwise called Ministers) in England, with friendly advice to those who are in the Ministry, who have the true Spiritual Life of Jesus brought forth in them. Watchmen, where are you? What, asleep? Where's your Flock? Awake, and hear the Lord's controversy with you: You have fed yourselves, and not the Flock; you have sought yourselves, and not them: You have been cruel, in rejecting, and scattering them. And now behold, the Lord is, and will be cruel, scattering, and rejecting you: You howl and cry already, because no man will buy your wares. Ye Merchants of Babylon, did you think it possible, so great judgements should have come upon you in so little time? Alas for you, you blind guides, how do you travail up and down in sorrow, and yet more is your portion still? How will you live? The Lord will take of his Saints which you have despised, for Priests, and Levites. Do not you see how they are increased already? They were but as a cloud of a hand breadth, and now they are almost spread over the Land. Are they not as a great Army? Not of Locusts, as you think; but the Servants of the most High God, in whom he will so appear, that you shall be filled with madness, and vexation of Spirit, by reason of the brightness of the Lord's coming in them, which Glory, unless you return unto the Lord, you shall not taste of. You think you are rich, and wise, and see more than they. Well, Watchmen, what do you see? Do you see men like trees? Does the light appear to you to be neither clear nor dark? Are you brought into a Wilderness, not in temporal, but spiritual things? You will say, no, this is new light, and heresy. Therefore, harken, and know, you wicked Pastors, your light is darkness, and you retain it, in opposition to further breakings forth of the Lord Jesus. Woe unto you, woe unto you, that call light darkness, and darkness light. Watchmen, The morning is come, and yet cometh, and also the night, if you will inquire, inquire. return, come, its night, and Watchmen, what think you of it? You are ignorant. Therefore, consider Micah 3. 5. 6. Where the Lord declares against false Prophets. You are their Brethren, their judgements yours. Night shall be unto you, that you shall not have a Vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that you shall not divine. And the Sun shall go down over the Prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the Seers be ashamed, and the Deviners confounded: Yea, they shall cover their lips, for there is no answer of God. This is your plague from the Lord at this day you careless Shepherds, the sun is set upon you; this glorious and bright day of the Lord is dark over you; the breakings forth of the sun of Righteousness is upon the Saints, it will break forth to a perfect day. Light, Life, and Glory, is among the Israel of God; but darkness and obscurity among you. But you'll say, you are Ministers of the Gospel, and light is amongst you: So were the Scribes and Pharisees Teachers in Israel, as well as you in England. They could declare to Herod, the place where Christ should be borne. But when he was born, and chose poor despised, and ignorant persons, to proclaim his Glory in the World, who greater Enemies to him than they. harken, you that have, and would pretend to be our Leaders, have not many of you acknowledged, and preached something of glorious times which were to come, even the coming of the Lord Jesus in Spirit. Why, behold, he is come, and still coming in his spiritual glory; but the persons he hath appeared to, are so mean, and poor; so sinful, and unworthy; that you, (O ignorant Watchmen) and thousands more in the kingdom, are offended, and stumble, even to the ruin of your poor souls, unless you repent. harken, you know who could tell where Christ was borne in the Flesh, the shepherds: The place where he was laid, in the Manger. Watchmen, would you know the place, or the persons, in whom the Lord Jesus will be born, or bring forth himself gloriously in, its possible, in the vilest, and unworthiest of men, that you should stumble; and the riches of his mercy exalted towards them: They will love much, because much was forgiven them. But take notice, the breakings forth of this Glory, gives no liberty, but destroys, and consumes the filthiness of their natures, who are partakers of it. Would you hear of the spiritual glory, and excellency of the Lord Jesus? Go to the ploughmen, to the Shops, to the soldiery, and many other places, and there you may find those that can declare much of it to you: But you will go near to perish before you will do so, therefore you lie down in darkness. You careless Guides, the Lord is angry with you: How many poor souls has been lost, whom you pretended to be Watchmen to, and you never gave them warning of their danger, but even lulled them asleep: You walk in lies: You have, and do, strengthen the hands of evil doers, that they return not from their wickedness. You deserve to perish for them; the Cry of the poor oppressed Husbandman is against you, whom you have defrauded, by requiring part of their increase, not minding their precious souls for it, like greedy and cruel dogs as you are, read Isa. 56. 11. and Phil. 3. 2. You may say, the State gives it you, let them look it be not laid to their charge. The true Ministers of Christ, in former time, never required the Magistrate to enact laws to constrain people to maintain them; nor did they make such a trade of Preaching as you do, to sell the word of God as men sell beasts. You ignorant and beastly Watchmen, those whom you have sheltered yourselves so much under, might as lawfully make a Law, to drive you from the Pulpit, to the plough, or dig the ground, and as just it would be. Watchmen, come, are you for Peace? You'll say, with all your hearts, never good days since we have had such divisions. But Hypocrites, harken, they that put not into your mouths, you prepared war against them. But remember, how many years is it since Israel's troubles were? How did you help them forward? How did you rejoice in their afflictions? Now is, and shall be the time of your woe and calamity; they shall help forward, and rejoice in yours; yea, they shall give you a double portion of sorrow. harken still: You wait for a day to reign as you have done: You'll pay these Preachers their wags then, will you not? But stay, you may be deceived, the Lord does not bring forth children for the Slaughter: Know it, ye ravenous wolves; if you wait for it, you may starve before that day come: I know you are hungry, and thirsty, after the bodies and blood of the Saints, like your forerunner, Bonner, of whose Tribe you are: Would you be content to satisfy your hungry appetites on him that is writing to you; if my Father thinks fit, and gives me life and strength, you shall. But harken, Watchmen, be instructed, be wise in time, meedle no more with the Saints, you will but trouble and molest yourselves, and yet not conquer them. Behold what you have pulled upon your heads, by meddling with them in former years, the same you shall meet with still. Read Zech. 12. I will make Jerusalem a Cap of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the Siege against it: The Lord will make his people like a hearth of fire among the Wood, like a torch of fire in the Sheafe, and they shall devour all the people round about. But again; In that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people, all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the Earth were gathered together against it. Therefore, be you quiet, and be content, if the Lord of hosts think fit, and be their servants, though it be to hew their wood, and draw their water; and if you will yet preach, preach this, that the kingdom is to be given to the Saints of the most High God, and that the Lord has, and will, reprove, and destroy, the great ones of the kingdom for their sakes, if they will yet oppose, and labour to destroy the breakings forth of God in them. Watchmen, hear yet, the day of the Lord hastens greatly upon us, to stain, and bring down all fleshly and worldly wisdom, and, out of its ruin, bring forth a pure and spiritual Glory in his Saints. There is a fountain open for sin, and for uncleanness; If you will repent of your abominations, and turn to the Lord, you may be washed, and made clean; If you will not, you are in hazard of perishing. It's the counsel of God concerning you, O false and deceiving Prophets. Jer. 23. 15. Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for, from the Prophets (of England, it may be read) is profaneness gone forth into all the Land. Zach. 13. And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, than his Father that begot him, shall say unto him, thoushalt not live, for thouspeakest lies in the name of the Lord. And it shall come to pass, that the Prophets shall be ashamed every one of his Vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive. Isa. 26. They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise; their m●mory is, and shall perish. Psal. 120. Then said they among the Heathen, the Lord hath done great things for them, the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. Zech. 11. 3. That is, A voice of howling of the Shepherds, for their glory is spoiled. If the Lord had not been of our side, may Israel say, they had swallowed us up. Friendly advice to those Ministers that have the spiritual life of Jesus brought forth in them. Dear Friends. I Hope you will not startle, or be offended at those harsh words spoken to those lazy Pastors, or punishments denounced against them: They are words of Scripture, or according to it; the punishments, such as are threatened by the Lord against such a Generation of men as they are; my desire is not to cast contempt upon you, but to encourage the lowest appearance of God in you, though you be but one of a hundred to those false Pastors. It has been so, what a company of false Prophets were there to one Elijah, 1 Kings 22. 6. And surely, our Land may parallel Jerusalem, wherein is many false Teachers, for one that is true and faithful: But the Lord knows who are his, though men know not one from another. Friends, The Lord Jesus most certainly is hasting with a glorious manifestation of himself, in, and for his Saints. My desire is not so much to teach you, but, as a friend, desire you to take heed you act nothing against him, which (its possible) you may do, by reason of that darkness that remains in you unsubdued, and destroyed by light of God. The way he comes in, is, and will be contrary to the wisdom of flesh; its possible, you shall not have the first sight, or discovery of this Glory. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ out of the Grave, was made known to Mary Magdalen, out of whom Christ had cast many Devils, before the Disciples, and to two others unexpectedly in their journey: they declared, but the Disciples believed them not, their words seemed as tales: The Lord Jesus will have his Resurrection in the hearts of the Saints, and that such a one, as will cause a great earthquake in them, even to the destroying those powers of darkness that shall striv to keep him down; and what if he shall thus so appear, and raise up himself, first in those that whereas great sinners as Mary Magdalen was, and they shall declare this glad tidings, and proclaim this glory, that the Lord is risen, and will rise more and more in his Temple. Why should this offend you? May not he do with his own what he will? Give as much to a poor prodigal, or more, than to you that have continued in your father's house? What if the unworthiest of men, yea, the last be first in this discovery of Jesus; be not troubled, or offended at it, the Vision may speak in you, though it tarry: wait for it, and with Abraham, see this day, and rejoice. You will ask what day do we speak of: Why, the day of Israel's deliverance from the spiritual bondage and captivity wherein they lie, whose oppressors shall be destroyed by the brightness of his appearing, a glory to be manifested in these last claies to the Saints. Read those Scriptures which say, Sorrow and sighing shall fly away, all tears shall be wiped from their eyes: There shall be no more a Canaanite in the House of the Lord. And those prophecies that concern these last days, and you shall see glorious things spoken of Zion, the city of the Lord of Hosts, which some have a glimpse of, and are earnestly longing for their breaking forth to a perfect day. My Friends, I would not have you think, that I conceive the various transformations of the devil, as an Angel of light, to be these glorious discoveries of Jesus: But its certain, the Lords discoveries are amongst us, the devil is so busy in acting like him. Take this as a rule from one that waits for clearer light, what ever Principle gives way to the Principles, Filthiness, or excellency of our natures, is contrary to the pure light and nature of God. But our God will teach us to avoid their slights; they may come near, but shall not deceive the Elect. Friends, Let me entreat you, not to be so much offended at laymen's Preaching, (as you call them) I have travailed up and down formerly, and have seen you much against them; I am afraid there is a remainder of that Spirit still. Moses was not angry (though a great Prophet) when some would prophesy in the Camp, but honestly said, I would all the Lord's people were Prophets. When the Disciples saw some casting out Devils, and followed not them, they forbade them: Christ hearing it, very meekly replies, forbid them not; of a truth, there is a more clear sight and enjoyment of spiritual things among them, than with you. But I spare you, choosing rather to go backward, covering your infirmities, than forward, to lay them open. Yet, my Friends, if it be possible, let me beg one thing at your hands, even for the Lord Jesus Christ sake: Consider the poor husbandmen, who suffer much by your way of maintenance. What if you should Preach the Gospel, and trust God for a living? The Aposties did so, the people whereas cruel to them, as these can be to you, yet they lived in the world, should not you? Mistake me not, I think you ought to live on the ministry, if you be truly called thereto by God, But your bargaining with people, so much you will have, or not preach, is a practice I understand not, if you do by the pure light of God, it is well. Friends, the Bridegroom is coming, mind his beloved ones you meet withal of it: he comes as a thief in the night, Blessed are they that wait for him. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly: and let those that love his appearing say Amen. Finis. Cant. 2. ver. 8. The voice of my beloved, behold, he cometh leaping over the mountains, skipping upon the hills: I sat under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. Be thou like a young Roe, or young Hart upon the mountains of Bether, or of Division, as you may read it. Cant. 8. Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness leaning upon her Beloved? Psal. 8. What is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou visitest him. An apology to the true Israel of GOD. MY dear Friends, you have been very precious in my sight, formerly, though I, a poor weak creature, have wanted power so to walk as to adornthe glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, which hath caused me where I have loved, scarce to own God or you, for fear of bringing contempt, and despising to both; no enjoyment satisfying me, but even to be declared the Son of God with power, as Christ was, which yet I wait for more, and more, God hath disposed of me now a little to bring myself forth by writing: the words used to great ones, to idle Shepherds, to many in the gathered Churches, may seem harsh to you, and grieve your spirits, thinking them to be contrary to the meekness & gentleness of Jesus Christ, and so be grieved and made sad; but shall I add Sorrow to you, now my bowels are most yearning over you, and not able to speak any thing against you, but all I can for you, In blessings spiritual and temporal, to prevent your grief if it be possible; consider first, what is judged here of such a Generation, as have been, and are enemies to God, it's in the womb with you, it's here brought forth: you had by the light of Christ spelled it, here's only the pronunciation of the word. Secondly, consider Jesus Christ is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, as well as the Lamb slain from the beginning, both these he used on earth, he was meek, gentle, not quenching smoking Flax, nor breaking broken Reeds, yet was able to appear otherwise, if need were, as you may see at large Mat. 23. which life he doth, and will bring forth in his Saints. Thirdly, those raised expressions, and actions the Saints used, and shall act, did not, nor shall arise from a power or principal of darkness, but from the power and purity of God in them, read 2. King's 3. 4. Acts 13. 10. Psal. 149. 6, 7, 8, 9 1 Cor. 6. 23. Rev. 18. 6. 7. Israel, I believe the Saints shall be more terrible to the world then ever they have been, and reward them according to their works, not in, or by a base power, but a pure one, rule, judge, inflict punishments, they shall, but in righteousness and judgement, whereas the world hath ruled over, judged, and inflicted punishments on Israel by a beastly, and fleshly power, and principle, which the time is coming, and who knows how soon, but such a power then, shall not be found in Israel, but destroyed by the exaltation of Jesus in them. Fourthly consider, hath not this generation of men spoken so too, been as Goliath, despisers of the host of Israel, not beccause they were filthy, but for the breaking forth of some Beams of the glory of God, and thereby defied God himself, most certainly he hath and will defy them more and more, and that the breaking forth of himself in his people, in this I have endeavoured to remove that sight of trouble I saw might befall your spirits. And Israel, through the goodness of God, you may in this book see a glimpse of a feast prepared for Israel, some have had a taste of it, how soon you may, I know not, see it, long for it, and rejoice as Abraham, you'll say I may do it, and not taste of it myself, well you have been, and still are precious in my sight, the Lord do with me as seemeth good in his sight, let me have your prayers who am unworthy of mercy, Edward Ellis. FINIS.