John Baptist's DECREASING AND CHRIST's Increasing WITNESSED: Being a Treatise concerning Baptism in the Type, AND Baptism in the Mystery.  
By John Gratton, Wellwisher of the Anabaptists, etc.  
Printed in the Year 1674.   

TO THE Friendly Unprejudiced READER.  
Friend,  
IT is no Desire in me, that because so many have appeared in Print, that therefore I would be one also that should be accounted Eminent; But having been one of the greatest Sinners upon Earth, and therefore have through infinite Love and free Grace much forgiven me, my Love is so much to him that is Lord of all, that I am not a little grieved to see his Pure and Precious Truth so strongly on all hands encountered with, and fought against its Comfortable and Glorious Appearance in the Lord's poor despised People, called by the scornful World Quakers: And seeing that this of Water-Baptism hath been and is a Thing, they that are not only Adversaries to Truth, but to their own Souls, have so publicly made use of to fight us with; I having both been an Eye & Earwitness of the same, have been not a little exercised in Mind about this Matter, but have seriously considered and tried all their Arguments that I have been acquainted with for this thing, and I find them so far contrary to Truth, and the Mind of Truth, that a Necessity fell upon me to write what it pleased the Pure Eternal God to communicate unto me by his Spirit; so that what is according to Truth & sound judgement thou wilt here find written (as to the Tenor and Substance of the Matter) from the Spirit of God in me, and so is not mine but his; to him be the Glory wholly given forever; But if there be any circumstantial Defect for want of Heed or Exactness, which may either fall upon me or upon the Printer, charge it in its right Place, and lay it not upon the Spirit of God. Having given thee this Caution; I desire thee to observe in the next place my End in the publishing this little Treatise, which is, First, To clear Truth of Scandals in this Point laid to our Charge: 2dly, To strengthen the Owners and Lovers of it: 3dly, To acquaint or inform them that are mistaken about it: And lastly, That I might so aswer that Love so greatly bestowed upon me, as to be clear of all Men, and stand single unto God, whose Servant I am through Mercy, and might bring Glory, Honour and Praise unto his Holy Name forever.  
So now, before I leave thee, I shall only acquaint thee of the great Differences amongst men about this thing, and then take leave: The Presbyterian saith, Water-Baptism belongs to Children of Believing Parents, and therefore they examine the Parents of their Faith; Now if the Parent be an unbeliever, than his Child is not to be accepted to this Ordinance, as they call it: From which I shall only now obserut this, That if this be so, then is the Child a Sufferer for the Sin of the Father's Unbelief, which God hath said, shall never be; The Child shall not suffer for the Sin of the Father, nor the Father for the Sin of the Child; but the Soul that sins it shall Die. 2dly, The Episcopal saith, The Child is by this regenerated and born again, sanctified and changed, and made a new Creature; and therefore if a Child be in Danger of Death, great Haste is made to get it sprinkled; And if this be true, What further need of a Saviour? 3dly, The Baptists say, Believers only have Right to Water Baptism: I grant, Believers are only they that are Truly Baptised; but that they are enjoined or commanded to observe this Water Baptism, they now so differently observe, I find not. But, I hope, if thou readest what follows with a single Eye, thou mayst come to see all these Dippers and Sprinklers, and their Shortness in this, and gain some Acquaintance with the Lord's Mind, as thou waitest in his pure Light, which makes all things manifest, to which I beseech thee to turn thy Mind, and believe in it, that thou mayst be a Child of Light, and then thy Fellowship will be with us, who are Children of it; and so we may Praise the Lord together, who is Light; to whom be all the Honour and Glory forever and ever.  
Written by one of the Least of all, yet one of the Lord's Chosen Ones, unknown to many, yet known by the Name of john Gratton. Monyash, the 4th of the 3d Month, 1674.   

A TREATISE Concerning BAPTISM.  
THey that are baptised into Christ, have put on Christ, live in him, and are One Spirit with, or in him; are all united by One Spirit into One Body, and are Members of his Body, of his Flesh and of his Bones, and of his Fullness receive Grace for Grace; and know One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism; and are One in him, and he in them; and so are come into the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last; He, whose Name is called The Word of God, by which all things were made in Heaven and in Earth; to him be Glory forever.  
Now the Baptism of the Spirit is One in all; and all that are baptised by the One Spirit, are baptised into One Body, and are all made to drink into One Spirit; and these have no Confidence in the Flesh, but are they that worship God in the Spirit, and are truly led and guided by the Spirit, hear and know his Voice, and are acquainted with his Operations, Life, Power and Virtue; and can do nothing acceptable to God, but what they do in it; and so it rather may be said, as in Truth it is, That it is the Gift or Grace of God in them and by them, that works both to Will and to Do of his own Good Pleasure.  
Now all other Baptisms whatsoever, that are not in the Spirit, are of no Profit; for the Substance of all is come, I say, of all those Shadows, Figures and Types, which had their Day, and in their Day were appointed to be used, according to the Appointment of the Father, but were but for an appointed Time, until the Seed came, to whom the Promise was made, who is the Heir, in whom all Fullness dwells [mark that] that in all things he might have the Pre-eminence; for he alone, of himself, is sufficient and able to save to the uttermost them that come to God by him, & him only; without the Help of any outward Washings, outward Offerings & Oblations, or whatever may be named, or hath been named either of things in Heaven or in the Earth, they are all to give place; for him only hath God highly exalted, and given him a Name above every Name, that at his Name every thing, though it hath been never so highly exalted, should bow; and that in all things he only, who is Heir of all, should rule as a Son over his own House; for all these were but as Servants, and were not to abide forever; I say, All those Types and Shadows, and whatsoever came before him, though useful in their Place, and to be observed in their Time, yet were all to give place, and pass away, and not to abide forever in the House; for they were but Servants; and the Son is over all, & hath Power over all, and alone hath Right singly to Reign; of the Increase of his Government and Kingdom there shall be no End.  
So Moses was Faithful in all his House as a Servant, and did faithfully minister in the Law, which was added because of Transgression, until the Seed came; but when the Seed came, to whom the Promise was, who was and is the Heir, He, as a Son over his own House, was and is established: I say, When he was come, than the Servants Services ended in that Nature, gave place, and were taken away; he took away the First that he might establish the Second, and that forever, which will never be removed into a Corner; to him be all Glory wholly forever.  
So john also was faithful in his Day, as a Forerunner, or as One sent to run before him, whose Way he was to prepare; and he cried (for he was that One, foretell of, whose Voice was heard in the Wilderness, saying) Prepare ye the Way of the Lord, make his Paths strait: but the Lord's Voice, which is nigh in the Heart, cryeth, This is the Way, walk in it; I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; No man can come unto the Father, but by ME [mark ME] Said Christ, I am the Way itself, walk and live in Me, and abide in Me; in Me ye shall have Peace: He doth not say IN ME AND JOHN; nor, I AND JOHN AM THE WAY; No, no; But, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; I am the Light, or, am come a Light into the World; He that believes in Me shall not abide in Darkness, but shall have the Light of Life [mark] Not a Lifeless, Changeable or Shadowy Light; but an Unchangeable, Pure, Living Light; for his Life is the Light of Men: He that hath it, hath Life; he that hath it not, hath not Life, but is in Darkness, under Wrath.  
So john testified and said, I am not that Light, but am sent before, to bear witness of that Light, that true Light that enlighteneth every man that comes into the World: I am not the Way, but a Forerunner, or one sent to run before, to make Preparation for the Way of the Lord; and he that sent me, sent me to Baptise with Water: But, GREATER IS HE THAT SENDS, THAN HE THAT IS SENT: For though he came after me, yet he is and even was preferred before me, the Latchet of whose Shoe I am not worthy to untie; he shall Baptise with the Holy Ghost and Fire: I indeed Baptise with Water, He with the Holy Ghost and Fire: I must Decrease, he must Increase: That he might be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come, Baptising with Water, as I was sent to do; for this End, that he might be made manifest to Israel; AND WHEN he is made manifest to Israel, then is the End of my so Baptising with Water ACCOMPLISHED; then must I Decrease, but He must Increase; for, of the Increase of his Government and Kingdom there shall be no End.  
Now the Day dawned, the Sun appeared, and all lesser Lights were overtopped, and all Shadows fled away. Now its true, john was a Burning and Shining Light; but john received all from above; but He that 〈◊〉 above all, and gives to all Men Life and Being, is the Fullness of Light and Life; and as he arises and ascends in his Glory, he gives to all men liberally, as it pleaseth him; Glory to his Name forever.  
Now, that Water-baptism, or Baptising into Water, were only ascribed unto john (as ●●ving Commission) both by our Saviour Christ, and his Apostles, and by john himself, see Mat. Chap. 3. Vers. 11, 15, 16. where john affirms, I, saith john, I, mark, Indeed Baptise you with Water unto Repentance; but, mark here all ye Water-Baptists of all sorts, mind this, but HE that CONETH AFTER, ME [mark] What then I●hn? thou must depart it seems, if he must 〈◊〉 After; this word [After] signifieth Io●●'s going away, or giving place to him that was to come after him: What then, john, thou art but for a Time? No; I must Decrease, for He is Mightier than I, whose She● Latchets I▪ am not worthy to unloose. Well, john; And what will he do for us? Will not he Baptise with Water? I tell you, I Baptise with Water, that he might be manifested to Israel; but he will exceed me or my Baptising into Water; for he shall Baptise you with the Holy Ghost and Fire▪ whose Fan is in his Hand, and he will thoroughly purge his Floor, and gather his Wheat into his Garner and burn up the Chaff with Fire Unquenchable.  
Well, they might still have said, John, This is a Great Work; but will he not own thee & thy Baptism, & establish it with his forever, or to the End of the World? [mind] Yes, might john have said; for in Effect he did say, He will own me; for GOD SENT ME BEFORE; and for this End, that Christ might be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come; But not that he will establish my Baptism with his; for I must Decrease: and there is no Necessity for it; for his Baptism is the Substance of all other, and throughly purges and refines, and makes pure; and I am but a Forerunner of him.  
Well, But he comes to thee, to be baptised of thee? Yes; but john forbade him, saying, I have need to be Baptised of thee, and comest thou to me? [mark] Here was need for john; I have need, said john; well, Jesus denies it not but there was so, nevertheless Suffer it to be so NOW [mark Now] Why Now? Because Now is thy Time; for thou wast sent before me for this End, might Christ have said, and this Dispensation is of God; and thus, or therefore it becometh us to fulfil all the Righteousness: why, then john suffered him.  
But some may Object, and say, If it was Righteousness to be Baptised into Water then, and that Christ was, ought not we to follow Christ in all Righteousness?  
I Answer; In all Everlasting Righteousness he ought to be followed; not in all the Outward or Ministerial Part of Righteousness; for there is the Righteousness of God revealed within, from Faith to Faith, and the Righteousness of the Law without; the Law was Righteous, Holy, Just and Good, and Christ fulfilled the Righteousness of the Law; and had he not fulfilled the Law in every Tittle, he could not have said Its Finished; but he fulfilled the Law: And he also fulfilled John's Dispensation, or he obeyed or did all the Law commanded; and he obeyed and did also all that was commanded by the Dispensation of john; and when all the Righteousness required was fulfilled, it was Reason that he only should have Place that had fulfilled it: So down to the Circumcision he went, and to the Passover, and to all the Law called for; he humbled himself, and became obedient as a Servant, and served it in its Time & Place, and fulfilled it in its Time and Place, and fulfilled its Will and Requirements; and not only so, but bore all the Curse due to us that had broken it, and been disobedient unto it, and set us free from it, was the End of the Law for Righteousness to us that believe: so that we are not under the Law, but under Grace, or the Gift of God that brings Salvation to us, who have not the Shadowy Works of the Law; but are Believers in and Obeyers of Him, who is exalted both above the Law and the Prophets.  
So also down into the Water he goes, and fulfilled John's Dispensation, or that Righteousness required by it; which when it was fulfilled, He only was worthy to have Place, that had fulfilled it; And having fulfilled it, he went up strait way out of the Water [mark] He did not there abide or stay; but strait way went out of the Outward thing, and then came the Word of Power, and the Heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended like a Dove and lighting on him; then came the Voice from Heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  
Now is he descended that is also ascended, and is now established alone; This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Hear, Hear, Hear him: He that hath Ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith: Hear him of whom Moses, and all the Prophets, and john, who was more, spoke; for now he is come that is mightier than all, and all Power is given unto him, not unto him and john, or unto him and Moses; No: But unto him, Him only hath God exalted to be both King and Priest unto Israel; and he alone is established a Priest forever, of an Unchangeable Priesthood; not changeable nor finite, but forever, of an unchangeable Priesthood [mark ye] but not after the Order of Aaron, nor after the Order of john, but after the Order of Melchizedeck, who met Abraham and blessed him, him that overcame, and blessed him; and will give to him that overcomes to sit with him in his Throne, as he hath overcome, and is set down in his Father's Throne.  
Not after the Order of a Carnal Commandment, but after the Power of an Endless Life: This is the Sun that choathes the Woman, who hath the Moon (with all changeable Dippings in Water) under her Feet; and the least in his Kingdom is greater than john, though he was more than a Prophet.  
Also in Mark 1. 8. I indeed have baptised you with Water, but he shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost.  
Also Luke 3. 16. I indeed baptise with Water, but one mightier than I cometh, the ●atch●t of whose Shoe I am not worthy to unloose, he shall mind] baptise you with the Holy Ghost and Fire.  
But he ever takes Water-Baptism to himself, and never asscribes it to Christ Jesus; but speaks of a greater Work to be done by him, a Purging, Purifying, Refining, Cleansing Work; and John's was but a Type of what was a coming, and therefore ran before, and hasted to give place to him that came after, who alone is himself established, in all things to have the Pre-eminence.  
Now [mark] this word Forerunner, or One sent to run before; one that runs makes haste away, that he may finish his Course before his Time be out. Now it's plainly said, that as john fulfilled his Course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not He: Mind ye, john was not He, not He that was to be established to abide forever, a Priest forever, of an Unchangeable Priesthood, but was sent before him; therefore when the Apostle here comes in the 13th Chapter of t●e Acts and Vers. 23, 24, 25. he speaks on this wise (as he was preaching Christ Jesus, not john; he was not, I say, preaching john, nor John's Baptism, but Christ, the Seed of David) Of this Man's Seed (saith he) hath God according to his Promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus, when John had first preached before his Coming the Baptism of Repentance to all the People of Israel: Mind ye, all ye Baptizers in Water, when Christ was raised unto Israel, when john had first preached before his Coming [mark] john had a Time we grant and own with all our Hearts; but was it not before his Coming here spoken of? But when his Course was fulfilled, when john had first preached the Baptism of Repentance [first, mind ye] then God raised up unto Israel a Saviour. Oh! but john could not save; but him whom God hath raised saveth to the uttermost them that come to God by him, Him whom God hath raised: And so john honestly disclaims all the Honour due to Jesus Christ; and as one afraid lest the People should asscribe any of it to him said, Whom think ye that I am? as he fulfilled his Course [mark that] John's Course was fulfilled; I am not he, but behold there cometh one after me, whose Shoes of his Feet I am not worthy to lose [Him] Behold he is the Lamb of God that takes away the Sins of the World; but I am not he. And so in the 47th Verse the Apostle comes to declare in much Plainness, how that Christ is set or established, & he joins none with him; For so hath the Lord commanded us (saith he) saying, I have set there, saith the Lord, to be a Light to the Gentiles, that THOU [mark, not Thou and john, nor Thou and Moses, but in the singular Term, Thou] that Thou shouldst be for Salvation unto the Ends of the Earth, Isa. 49. 6.  
But again, in John 1. 2, 26. The People came to John, and asked him, saying unto him, Why Baptizest thou, if thou be not that Christ, neither Elias, nor that Prophet? John answered them, saying, I Baptise with Water [mark] but there standeth One among you, whom ye know not, He it is who cometh after me, is preferred before me, whose Shoe's Latchet I am not worthy to unloose: These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where john was baptising.  
The next day john seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the Sins of the World: This is He of whom I said, After me cometh a Man that is preferred before me; for he was before me, and I knew him not; but that he might be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come Baptising with Water.  
Mark the End of John's Baptism was, That HE might be made manifest to Israel therefore am I come, baptising with Water: So than this was the Service of John's Baptism, and it served for this Purpose, and to this End, That Christ might be made manifest.  
And so john bare Record of him, and preached him, and not himself; but cried, Behold the Lamb of God; look not at Me; b● hold not Me, nor the Lamb of God and Me; no, he never joined himself to Him; but said, I am sent before Him, and now he is come behold Him, the Lamb of God; He taketh away the Sins of the World; but look not now at Me; I am not that Light, but am sent before, a Witness, and am come Baptising, that He might be made manifest; and if He were manifest to Israel, then were my Desire answered, and the End of my Labour in Water-Baptism accomplished, so that they might believe in him.  
john bare Record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending like a Dove, and it abode upon him, and I knew him not; but he that sent me to Baptise with Water, said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost; and I saw and bear Record that this is the Son of God.  
See how plainly john preached Christ and his Baptism, and all along put this Distinction, I Baptise with Water, He with the Holy Ghost and Fire; I must Decrease, He must Increase.  
But they might have said, Why John, why must thou Decrease? Why, john might have said, Because my Baptism is but w●th Water, that He might be made manifest; but His Baptism is with the Holy Ghost and Fire, a Baptism that exceeds mine as far as the Light of the Sun exceeds the Light of the Moon.  
So its clear, that john was sent to Baptise with Water, and Christ was sent to Baptise with the Holy Ghost and Fire: And Christ fulfilled John's, and the Law, and all the Righteousness required by them, and then was himself alone established, a Priest forever, of an Unchangeable, Unalterable Priesthood.  
But further; for I am desirous to clear myself of this Matter at this time from all Opinions concerning this thing. I have already made it appear, that john himself was on my side; and his Record is clear to prove, That the Baptism of Christ Jesus is that of the Holy Ghost, and that he himself was sent to Baptise with Water; and he no where makes mention of any other that was sent to Baptise with Water but himself, I say, that was sent. In the next place, I shall bring the Testimony of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who also at all Times asscribeth Water-Baptism unto john.  
Acts 1. 5. And being assembled together with them, commanded them, That they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the Promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me; for John Truly (or might he not have said, and is it not all to one sense had he said so, John, its True) Baptised with Water: But mind, he doth not say, Do you so too, or, I will baptise you with Water also; No, no: John, said he, Truly baptised with Water, but YE [mind Ye] YE shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost not many days hence  
This is the Baptism they were to wait for, and to be by Christ baptised withal, no Water at all enjoined to it by Christ Jesus, though he owned it in its Time, and fulfilled it, as aforesaid: But [mark] now was the Time of Promise at hand, Not many days hence (saith Christ) ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost.  
So also Peter, in Acts 11. 16. saying, Then remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptised with Water, but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost. Still Water Baptism is ascribed to john, by himself and by Christ Jesus; let us hear what the Apostles say concerning it.  
In Acts 1. 22. Peter in his Declaration to the Disciples concerning judas, and choosing another in his stead, makes mention in the 22th Verse, on this wise, Beginning (said he) from the Baptism of John [mark] unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be Witness with us of his Resurrection. Here it is still ascribed unto john.  
Again, in Acts 13. 23, 24, 25. Paul speaking of the Promise, God hath (saith he) according to his Promise, raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus, when John had first [mark first] preached BEFORE HIS COMING [mind] before his coming, the Baptism of Repentance to all th● People of Israel, and as John fulfilled his Course. [Mind hear Paul still asscribes it to john.  
Again, in Acts 19 1, 2, 3, 4. And it came to pass, that while Apollo's was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the uppermost Coasts, came to Ephesus, and finding certain Disciples there, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, WE HAVE NOT SO MUCH AS HERD WHETHER THERE BE ANY HOLY GHOST. And he said unto th●m, Unto what then were ye Baptised? They said, Unto JOHN's BAPTISM.  
[Mark] Haddit John's Baptism been in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, then how should they but have heard of a Holy Ghost? So that here, before I proceed any further, I shall take notice of this place a little. Water Baptism is still ascribed here to john; I indeed baptise with Water, said John; John indeed baptised with Water, said Christ; and say the Apostles, John verily baptised with the Baptism of Repentance, saying unto the People, that they must believe on Him that was to come after him, that is (said he) on Christ jesus: So I shall yet bring no more Proofs for this Point, these being sufficient. But before I leave this Place, take notice, That though they had been baptised unto John's Baptifm, yet they had not heard whether there was ANY Holy Ghost; which doth clearly manifest, that although it should be granted, that John's Baptism was still of Necessity, which far be it from me to do, yet how doth it thwart all our Water-Baptists of our Age, who baptise with, or into Water, using the words [Father, Son and Holy Ghost] which they cannot bring Precept or Example for.  
For though the Apostles did by Permission baptise, it was but in Condescension unto John's Baptism; for Commission they cannot bring from Christ no where; nor that they did use the words now used by you, saying, I Baptise thee in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  
So that your Practice, all of you Water-Baptists, is contrary to the Holy Scripture; for in this place Paul baptised those in the Name of the Lord Jesus: And Peter (in Acts 10.) commanded to be Baptised, Repent, and be Baptised in the Name of the Lord jesus: But no where can they find, that either john, or any of the Apostles used to say, I baptise thee in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost: so that your Practice in this is grounded of a sandy Foundation, and will undoubtedly fall.  
Prop as hard as you can, and take ye altogether, ye Water-Baptists of all sorts, and work never so hard with both Hands, your Babel-Buildings will all fall, and great will be the Fall thereof; and all your Props and all your cunning Work will be broken to pieces, and you shall never be able to raise your Buildings again; but the chiefest of your Workmen shall be ashamed of their own Doings, and you shall gather Paleness in that Day.  
Oh therefore be entreated in tender Love, I beseech you, to Return! Return out of Babylon, unto the Gift of God, the True Light, that makes ye all manifest, and in which ye are all seen and comprehended: I say in the Name of the Lord my God, and in much Love to your Souls, be entreated to return unto it; its near you to instruct you, and to make all things manifest to you, if you will come unto it. Oh turn your Minds! How oft have you been reproved by it, and you never found Guile in his Mouth; though he hath told you all that ever you have done, yet you regard him not, but prefer fading, finite and unprofitable Things above him. Oh! haste, haste out of Babylon, tarry not; the Day of Vengeance is near, and then will you come to know the True Baptism is not into Water, but into the Name of the Father, Son and Spirit; and that Christ (in the 28th of Matthew 18, 19) when he sent his Apostles out to teach all Nations, and that the Baptism there spoken of, & commanded by Christ, was not into Water, but into the Name of the Father, Son and Spirit; neither is there any such a word as Water mentioned in his words there spoken to them; but into the Name of the Father, Son & Ho●y Ghost he bade them baptise.  
But some may say, It must needs be Water there intended, because that none can baptise with the Holy Ghost, but Christ.  
I Answer, True; None can but He, and by his Power only; therefore he tells them in the first place, that All Power is given unto me (saith he) both in Heaven and in Earth; and they now must not go in their own Strength or Power, but in his Power; and it was his Power in them and by them, that did the Work he sent them to do; and so he saith unto them, Without me ye can do nothing: but lo, I am with you always, even to the End of the World: and all Power is mine. And now you Water-Baptists, let me ask, Now where is John's Power? john hath now no Power, nor Moses hath now no Power in a way of Administration, if all be given to him, and be his, as I am satisfied it is: And here its plain, he only is here established.  
Now it must not be admitted for any other to have a Tabernacle standing or builded with his; No; Though Peter would have had Three, one for Moses, one for Elias, and one for Christ: That Elias was already come [mind] and they have done to him whatever they would: And is it not plain to you, that this was john the Baptist here spoken of and intended? And yet, mind, neither Moses nor Elias must have a Tabernacle built with his; but a Cloud came and took them away [mark] and Christ only left; and a Voice from Heaven came, saying, This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear him. Oh! what would you have? How clearly is it manifest unto all who walk not in Darkness, that he only is by himself established to be heard in all things: And saith the Apostle, He that refuseth to hear this Prophet shall be cut off from off the Earth: And again, See ye refuse not him that speaketh; for if they escaped not that refused him that spoke on Earth, even Moses, how shall ye escape, if ye refuse him that speaks from Heaven, whose Vo●ce then shook the Earth? but now says he, Yet once more will I not shake the Earth only, but also Heaven [mark] that those things that cannot be shaken may remain: Mind what must remain, and how he alone (even Christ) is above all established.  
And it's said again by Paul, God (saith he) who at sundry Times and in divers Manners spak● in days past to the People by the Prophits, hath in these last days spoken unto us. BY HIS SON [mark, not by his SON and JOHN but by his SON] whom He hath appointed Heir of all things [mind] So All Power is given unto me (saith Christ) Go ye therefore, teach all Nations, Baptising them into the Name of the Father, Son and Spirit, or if you had rather have it [Holy Ghost] teaching them to observe whatever I command you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the End of the World; but tarry at Jerusalem till ye have received Power from an high; for without me ye can do nothing: So 'tis not (saith Peter) by our Strength or Righteousness that this man is made whole; Why stand ye gazing upon us, as though by our Power & Holiness it was done? Be it known unto you, that by the Name of JESUS, whom ye crucified, even by Faith in his Name, is this Man made whole. And said Paul, I have laboured more abundantly than ye all, yet not I, but the Gift or the Grace of God that's in me. And so it was in his Strength that they were more than Conquerors, and could do all things through Christ, that strengthened them; but before they could not, before (I say) that they went in his Strength. So there was need for them to wait at ●erusalem, till they had received of his Fullness, of which they all received Grace to help in Time of Need.  
But now [mark] They had not Need to have stayed at jerusalem for Power to have Baptised with Water; for they had been doing that before, and were Able enough for that Baptism; but now they were to en●er upon a Greater Work; and it is not they must do it, but the Gift of God in and by them, or the Power they received; so saith Christ, Lo I am with you; and as many as received him, to them he gave Power; for, all Power is given to me (saith Christ) ALL [mark] So though the Apostles, as Men, could not baptise into the Name of the Father, Son and Spirit, no more than we, as men, can do; yet [mark] Christ in and by them can, or us either, and in and by them did; and when the Apostles laid their Hands on them that believed, the Holy Ghost fell upon them and sometimes when they were preaching unto them, the Holy Ghost fell upon them; yet it was not them that could so much as preach as they ought, but Christ in and by them: God speaks by his Son through his Vessels of Honour, fitted for his Use; so it's not them, but Christ, who also Raised the Dead, Opened the Eyes of Blind, Healed the Sick, Cleansed the Lepers, and many great and good Works did they, yet not they, but the Gift of God in them and by them; and so they went in the Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power, and preached Christ the Wisdom of God, and the Power of God, the Savour of Life unto Life IN THEM [mark, in them] that are saved, and the Savour of Death unto Death in them that perish.  
But they never cried out, Water-Baptism is the Door; for Christ Jesus said, I am the Door, by ME [mark, not Me and Water, nor Me and john, but BY ME] if any man enter in, he shall be saved (Oh he is of himself sufficient) and shall go in and cut, and find Pasture.  
The Apostles never called it as you do, An Initiating Ordinance, and (say you) A Command of Christ: But who say so beside you? Where do you prove it? Prove, Friends, whoever you are. I challenge all the whole World to prove, that Christ ever mentioned such a thing to any of his Ministers, as by way of Command, as Water-Baptism; but said, as above said, Ye (said he) shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost; and Go, teach all Nations, baptising them into the Name of the Father, Son & holy Ghost; say not, We cannot, be not dismayed; for, Lo I am with you; and all Power is given unto me, both in Heaven and in Earth; therefore without me ye can do nothing; but abide in me, and then ye shall bear Fruit; in me ye shall have Peace.  
But though it were so, that he had meant as you Baptists say he did, Water Baptism, and that that Commission belongs to you, (say you) the World is ●ot yet ended, therefore (say you) it is still to be observed; suppose this were granted you, than I ask you, How miss Paul of it, that he had no Share in this Commission? for Paul saith in 1 Cor. 1. 13. That Christ sent me not (saith he) to Baptise, but to Preach the Gospel [mark] How comes it to pass that you are greater Sharers in this Commission than Paul? And how must we do to know it? For if it did not reach Paul, who was Converted, and one not behind the Apostles, how can it reach you? And though you may say, All are not sent to Baptise; Then I ask you, How must we do to know who are, and who are not? But say you, Paul meant [NOT ONLY] Oh Friends! have you this Hole to creep out at? its a little One, too little to get out at. 'Tis your Meaning: but we must not take your Meanings when the Lord lets us see he means otherwise; for Paul said not so; nor dare any true Christian say that Paul meant so, but said what he meant, and meant what he said.  
Well, but say you Baptists, He did Baptise.  
It's true, he did some Few; but he thanks God they were so few: But it seems though he did, he did not do it by Commission; For Christ sent me not to Baptise (saith he) but to Preach.) How then? why, by Permission as he also Circumcised Timothy by Permission, because of the jews; but not, because Christ had commanded it; for he had not.  
Paul himself said, If ye (speaking to the Galatians) If ye be Circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing; yet took that Liberty for a particular End, because of the jews, to do that particular Act. He also observed the Law, and went under Seven Day's Purification, and had an Offering bought according to the Law, but not, because it was commanded by Christ; for Christ had not commanded it, but because of the jews: Yea, and had (had he not? another time his Head shorn, and was under a Vow. Much might be said that was done by the Apostles, that was not commanded by Christ; nor that they left No Command to after. Ages to observe.  
But it's also clear in Acts 26. 15, 16, 17, 18. that Paul had no such word in his Commission, as to baptise into Water; For I (said the Lord) have appeared unto thee for this End or Purpose, to make thee a Minister and a Witness, both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the People, and from the Gentiles unto whom now I send thee [mark] What to do? Not to baptise into Water; he mentions no such thing, no; but to open their Eyes, and to turn them from Darkness to Light, and from the Power of Satan unto God, that they may receive Forgiveness of Sins, and an Inheritance amongst them that are sanctified by Faith that is in Me. This was Paul's Commission, if we may so call it, as he himself tells the King Agrippa; but here is not one word of Water Baptism, or not only to Baptise, as you Baptists say: But if you have no better Weapons than these, the●e are too short to save your Heads.  
But to proceed: You still say, The Apostles did Baptise.  
Peter said in the second of the Acts, REPENT and be BAPTISED every one of you in the NAME [mark] of I●sus Christ, for the Remission of Sins, and y● shall receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost (this Baptism, being for the Remission of Sins upon Repentance, was necessary to Salvation; but so is not yours) for the PROMISE [mark] is unto you. But the Promise's was Not WATER-BAPTISM, but, ye shall be Baptised with the Holy Ghost, said the Lord Jesus by way of Promise: And this is that which was spoken by the Prophet, joel 2. 28. And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all Fl●sh [mark] Was not this the Promise of God to them and their Children, and to all that are afar off, and so on?  
And in Vers. 21. Then they that gladly received the Word, were Baptised; and THE SAME DAY were added unto them Three Thousand Souls [mark ye, the same day] It was a Great Number to be baptised into Water, as you do, all of one day, if it was so; but it is not here so said, nor no mention made of Water in this Chapter; so that this place will not carry your Matter you would lay on it; for all these (its said) continued steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine; and their Doctrine I hope, you will own was for Christ: If any preach any other Doctrine then what is already preached, or lay any other Foundation then which is already laid, let him be accursed: We preach Christ (saith Paul) to the Jews a stumbling-block, to the Greeks Foolishness; but unto them that believe, Christ, the Wisdom of God, and the Power of God. It was Christ they preached.  
But say you, Philip baptised the Eunuch, and the jailor was baptised, and Cornelius and those with him Peter commanded to be baptised in the Name of the Lord; and (say you Baptists) when was that Command repealed?  
I Answer; Though it was a Command, yet it was but Peter's Command, and Peter had not all revealed to him at first, but was ignorant of things that were afterwards revealed, and so were the rest of the Apostles, witness Peter's Vision, and the Apostles blaming Peter for going to the Gentiles, because they yet saw not into that foretell Mystery, nor many before them saw it not; but it was revealed in the Lord's Time to them, how that the Gentiles should be Fellow-Heirs, and Partakers of the same Glory: But you cannot prove that Peter's Command was obeyed: He commanded them (it is true) to be baptised; and if they were, his Command was fulfilled; but who commanded you, or sent you? Show us your Commission; For Peter did not any where that I can find, command, That Water-Baptism should be observed to the World's End: No, no; it was the Baptism of Christ Jesus, with the Holy Ghost and Fire, that was, and is, and will be to the End, established and commanded in Mat. 28. by Christ: And though the Apostles did make use of John's Baptism, yet they laid no stress upon us, that were to come after them, to use it; neither was it commanded by Christ for them to use.  
But come; May not I say, that they saw not to the End of John's Baptism (though john had plainly said, I must Decrease) no more than they saw the Coming of the Gentiles, till it was showed by a Vision; and that though Christ had said, That the True Worship was in Spirit and in Truth, yet that they saw not through the Outward Worship; and have I not more Ground for it then you have for Paul's [NOT ONLY] but if you were in the Light, you would see that the Apostles did see but in part, and no further than it was revealed unto them, no more than we do now.  
But though we should say, that they did see unto the End of John's Baptism, and unto the End of all Visible things, as I know they did in Time, as I shall prove hereafter; yet although they might, yet they that were daily added, might have stumbled, had they denied them that of John's Baptism, except they also had seen into the Mind of God with them in this Matter; for they were but Enterers in as little Children, and not grown up to man's State at first, but went from Strength to Strength in the Spirit of the Lord, and so the Apostles could take Liberty for the furtherance of the Gospel, to command John's Dispensation, b●t were above it themselves, out from under its Command, in the Power of Christ, who was greater than john, and had all Power now himself; and so it could not command Them, but they It: And so Philip said unto the Eunuch, If thou believest with all thy Heart, THOU MAYEST; not, thou must, No; but if thou believest, thou Mayest; he would not deny it him, though I believe, Philip knew, that it was the Spirit's Baptism that must sanctify, and that Water could not reach the Soul of any, nor any way satisfy the Spiritual Part of Mankind. And yet took that Liberty in the Spirit, because of the Weakness of their yet Childish Capacities to submit to their Weakness in many things that belonged unto the Law, as well as in this of John's. And is it not also clear, That the Apostles would not yet seem to lay the Building, if I may so call it, of John waste, until they had laid and builded on a More Sure Foundation? nor wholly preach his Baptism useless, nor the Law neither, until such time as the Gospel had got some hold of the People? and than they testified of One Lord, One Faith, ONE BAPTISM; and that by one Spirit they were all baptived into One Body, and had been all made to drink into One Spirit; and that they were made able Ministers of the New Testament, not of the Letter, but of the Spirit: and came not with words Man's Wisdom teacheth, but with the Words the Holy Ghost teacheth, with which they were now baptised; comparing Spiritual Things with Spitritual, not with carnal, or external, or elemental Things with Spiritual, as you do, No, no; but Spiritual with Spiritual. Now they saw by the Revelation of the Spirit into the Mysteries of God's Kingdom, and therefore in Heb. 6. 1. the Apostle comes in with these words, LEAVING (saith he) mark, Leaving the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto Perfection. Come, Friends, deal plainly for your own Souls Good and God's Glory, and tarry not short of him that makes Perfect, and cleanseth from all Iniquity; and be persuaded to come and wait for the True Baptism of Christ, which is with the Holy Ghost and Fire, that ye may be sanctified and refined, and made every whit whole; for it is in much Love to your Souls that these Lines are written, by One that desires your Salvation even as his own, and truly breathes for the Prosperity of Zion, and the Establishment of Truth and Righteousness.  
But now some may Object, and say, That the Apostles could not have left them if they had not been in Them, or in the Use of Them.  
I Answer, True, they had so; and had also been in the Use of those things the Law had required; but mark, All these could not make Perfect; The Law made nothing Perfect (said the Apostle) as pertaining to the Conscience. And the Baptism of John (say you) was but a Type: Now if the Type could make perfect, then there would have heen no need of the Substance; for if Perfection had been by the Levitical Priesthood, then verily Righteousness would have been by the Law; and now say I, If John 's Baptism could have taken or have washed away Sin, then verily Righteousness would have been by John; I mean, that men would have been then by it made perfectly and truly Righteous: but john himself preached no such thing by himself; but said, I am not He, but behold him, the Lamb of God, that takes away the Sins of the World; This is he of whom I spak● one Mightier than I cometh, he must Increase, of the Increase of his Government and Kingdom there shall be no End.  
And therefore saith the Apostle [LEAVING] which word therefore seems to entail the fore going words in the Chapter before, where he had been telling them of their Childishness (he mentions the Doctrine of Baptisms, which cannot prove the Imposing of Water-Baptism any more than all the rest) and was now for bringing them on to a further State, where they might know Perfection, and have Meat that would satisfy, True Bread, that comes down from Heaven, and empowers to be Sons of God. And it seems clear to me, that there was some Need for those things they had so long lain like Children weak, and like Babes in, to be left; Therefore LEAVING these, let us go on to Perfection; and saith further, This will we do, if Godpermit: But if they had been commanded by Christ to have been used to the World's End, then why should Paul (for so I call that Author) have been so earnest at that Day, which was soon after Christ's Ascension, to have had them then to leave them, and to go on to a more Manful, Powerful, Perfect State: So that it is very clear to all whose Eyes the Lord hath opened, that though the Apostles had by Reason of their Weakness, submitted to their Childish Capacities, rather than they would lose their hold they had got of them; yet this or these things were not the Thing they were driving at: But the Aim and End of all they did, both in Circumcision, Passover, Vows and Seven Day's Purification, and Water-Baptism, yea, and all those things they did concerning Meats, and other things that they did by Permission, and not by Commission from Christ, I say, their Intents in all t●ese were never to establish them with Christ Jesus, to abide as long as the World lasted n●: But after they had held them in hand, in order to get them on, they took all Occasions they could, to bring them on further & further, till they all come in the Unity of the Faith unto a perfect Man in Christ Jesus, unto the Measure of the Stature of Christ Jesus; and so these became Useless, and all gave place to him, who is alone by himself established a Priest forever of an Unchangeable Priesthood; Glory is wholly due unto him.  
And so, now they came to speak of One Baptism, One Faith and One Lord, as a foresaid; and that by One Spirit they were all baptised into▪ One Body [mark, they were ALL, he saith, ALL Baptised by One Spirit into One Body] and had all been made to drink into One Spirit: but none can prove that [Alderman] were baptised into Water; for Paul was instrumental in the Lord's Hand, for the concinoing and converting of many: But he saith, He baptised none but Crispus and Cajus, and the Household of Stephanus, beside (saith he) I know not whether I baptised any other but many were convinced by him, doubtless very many, yea, Multitudes; yet no man can prove, that all that were convinced and converted by the Gift of God in Paul, were also All baptised into Water; yet saith he, Ye are All baptised by One Spirit, and have been [ALICE] made to drink into One Spirit; and there is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.  
Well, but say you Baptists, He doth not say, There is but One Baptism. No, nor he doth not say, There is but One Lord; must we therefore say, There are more Lords than One? God forbid; for to us there is but One Lord: And he doth not say, There is but One Faith; must we therefore say, There are more Faiths than One? So he also saith, There is One Baptism, and so say we too; and that One was promised, and accomplished, and commanded; for we believe as Christ said, The Works that I do [mark ye, the Works that I do] shall ye do, and greater Works than these shall ye do: But it's plainly said, That Christ baptised not, I say, not with Water, but with the Holy Ghost: And do you think that he used One Baptism to them, and commanded them to use Another to them that believed in him? do you think that he baptised them with the Holy Ghost, and then sent them out to baptise with Water? I know, whatever you believe, you have said no less; but you can never prove it: For, the Works that I do, shall ye do; but Christ baptised not into Water, nor never said that they should, that you or any other can prove; for Peter in the 11th of Acts declares what the Lord said, when the Disciples were talking with him about his going in to the Gentiles: Then (said he) remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that the Lord said (mark ye Christ's words) the Lord said, John indeed baptised with Water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost. But he no where mentions Water by way of Commanding them to use it in Baptism; but said, Ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost; and, Go ye, teach all Nations, baptising them into the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; and, Lo, I am with you.  
But further, I remember you Baptists have said, That your Baptism into Water doth signify Death, Burial and Resurrection: By which words you acknowledge it is but a Type. And you further say, That no man ought to be buried before he be dead. Now I conclude, that the Dead you mean, are such as are Dead to Sin; and if so, how can ye that are dead to Sin live any longer therein? Know ye not (saith Paul in Rom. 6. 2, 10, 7.) that so many of us as were baptised INTO (mark into) jesus Christ, were baptised into his Death; therefore we are buried with him by Baptism into Death, that like as Christ was raised up from the Dead by the Glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in Newness of Life: And in the 7th Verse, For he that is dead is freed from Sin. Well, now let me ask you, are you thus dead, buried and risen with him by your Water. Baptism? Or can any Man conclude, that Paul here speaks of Water-Baptism? Is it not plainly said, into Christ; not, into Water, but into Christ, into Death. And in Gal. 3. 27. For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ, have put on Christ; and they that are in Christ, are new Creatures (behold, all ye Water-baptizers) all Old things pass away, and all things become new, a new Heaven and a new Earth, in which dwells Righteousness. And we say, that the Sons of God inhabit in the New and Living Way, that which is pure, and changeth not, but endures forever, and in Righteousness are they established, and act not by the Power of a Carnal Commandment, but in the Power of an Endless Life; not in Imitation of the Letter, but in the Demonstration of the Spirit: For although it should be so as ye would have it, That Christ had commanded the Apostles to baptise into Water, as he never did, nor can it be ever proved; yet if it had been so, what is that to you? Who commanded you? Show us your Commission; Where did you receive your Power and Authority in this Matter, that you both preach and baptise? Whereas Paul saith, He was not sent to Baptise, but to preach: And we say, and know what we say to be true, That we are not sent to Baptise into Water, but to Preach the Gospel; and our Authority came not by Man, of Man, nor from Man, but by the Grace of God we are what we are; and his Grace is sufficient for us, and ever hath been since we were a People, and so will be to the End.  
And we further say, we own that john was sent to baptise with Water, and we own him in his Day; but where did john baptise using those words, Father, Son and Holy Ghost? for they that had been baptised unto John's Baptism had not so much as heard of a Holy Ghost; so that this Baptism ye practise cannot be John's, nor Christ's it cannot be; for he never had Water ascribed to him: But john, who was a true Minister in his time of Water-baptism, said, HE (meaning Christ) shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost & Fire: So then, if not John's, as its clear it is not; for John's was a Type of the True Baptism of the Spirit, and when the Types, Figures, Vails and Shadows were ended, and HE, the End and Beginning, First and Last was arisen, and had rend the Veil from the Top to the Bottom, I say, when his Sun of Righteousness did arise, the Shadows fled away, and gave him place over his own House to rule, whose Right it was, then was the True Baptism known; then came the Holy Ghost upon them; then did the True Light shine, and the Darkness fled way; then were they inwardly washed, and their Understandings opened; then was the Circumcision of the Heart known; then was he entered into that within the Veil, into the true Tabernacle, which God pitched, and not Man: And so john went before as a Type, but willingly gave place to the Substance. So that its clear, the Baptism you use is not John's, and it it much more clear that it is not Christ's Baptism, and so it must needs be your own, done by you in Imitation of the Holy Men of God gone before, who did what they did in Obedience to the Lord, and in his Power, and were sent by him: but, oh! who ever sent you Baptists in this great and notable Day of the Lord? It will one day be said, Who hath required these things at your Hands? Either show us your Commission, or else acknowledge your great Error, & Repent, and come unto the true Light, and walk in it, prise it and obey it, that ye may be saved by it: For it is not a fair Outside of the Cup or Platter, but the inward Washing of Regeneration by the Spirit, and a living in the Spirit; and the whole Worship of God, say we, and say the Scriptures the same, That the True Worship of God is in Spirit and in Truth; but that your Water-Baptism is Spiritual, I deny; or that it ought to be observed in the Worship of God, you cannot prove; but John's was ordained to be used as a Type (before the Spirit's Worship, or the true Worship in the Spirit was fully established) and of itself a thing that I believe none of you dare say, doth in any measure sanctify and wash the Soul: And if it be of so little Effect unto the Soul, why, what Necessity is there for the Continuance of it to the World's End, since also ye cannot prove it so commanded? for, once more let me tell you, that the Baptism commanded in the 28th of Matthew, was INTO the Name of the Father, Son & Spirit or Holy Ghost: but, I say, this was not John's; for they that had been baptised unto John's Baptism had not so much as heard of a Holy Ghost (Acts 19 1, 2, 3, 4. which they must needs have done if they had been baptised with the use of these words, In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  
But further, you acknowledge yourselves that it is but a Type; well, I ask you then, What doth it type forth unto us; or what is it a Type of? If it be a Type of the Baptism of Christ, than I ask you, What further need is there of it, when the Thing signified by it is come? Or do you think that the Type and Substance must remain together to the World's End? Was it not always from the Foundation of the Law, that when the Substance came, that the Shadows fled away?  
But although you should still say, Why then did the Apostles use it after the Spirit's Baptism was accomplished? I answer as before, The Apostles had Power over it after they saw beyond it, and could submit unto the Weakness of Believers Capacities in many things, as above is mentioned; but that they saw not beyond it till it was revealed unto them is clear; but then they spoke of the one Baptism, of the one Lord & of the one Faith. And so john himself, when he saw Jesus walking, he said unto his Followers, Behold the Lamb of God, that takes away the Sins of the World: and John 's Disciples LEET John [mark] they Left John, and walked no more with him: For John's Baptism could not wash them from their Sins; but behold, the Lamb of God takes away Sin, puts an End to Sins, finishes Transgression & brings in everlasting Righteousness; he makes every whit whole, and fully saves to the utmost them that come to God by him, and makes clean them he washeth; And if I Wash thee not, saith he, thou hast no Part in Me: He satisfies; for he is the Bridegroom himself, but john was not; he, its true, was the Bridegroom's Friend, and would not rob him of his Prerogative or Honour, but rejoiced to hear his Voice, and when it was heard, said, This my joy therefore is fulfilled.  
So we own john in his place and Time, but we own the Bridegroom above john, although john was his Friend, & did what he was commanded, but thought not much to give him place who had commanded him.  
And so my dearly beloved Friends, it is in much Love to all, but chiefly to you called Anabaptists, that this is written, as I can truly testify in the Manifestation of that true Light spoken of in the Scriptures of Truth, unto which I once more beseech you, to turn your Minds, and believe in it, and come to walk in it, and obey it; and then will you have Fellowship with us, and truly our Fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Christ Jesus; by whom we have also received the Atonement, and in whom we live, out of whom we cannot live; for He is our Life; To him be Glory forever.  
Written the 7th of the 1st Month, 1674. john Gratton.   

GReat hath been the Travail of my Soul for the Prosperity of Zion, and for her Establishment above the Top of all the Mountains; and, blessed be the Lord my God, my Eyes behold her, and see her Beauty to exceed all the Glory of the Earth, and her coming out of her Wilderness State is come; I say, the Time is come: and many have lied or lain in the Way side, to have drawn her aside, and would gladly have alured and enticed her from her Beloved, & gladly would have had her turned aside unto other Lovers, and have cried out unto her, What is thy Beloved unto another's Beloved? and have spoken against her; and when they could not prevail with her, have evil-entreated her, and persecuted her for her Beloved's sake: and many have been her Troubles, but the Lord hath delivered her out of all: And great is her joy at this Day, and her Glory exceeds all the Glory of the Nations: Her Beauty is Perfect: she is a Virgin, and never was defiled, but is all Glorious; The King's Daughter is all Glorious within, her Garments are of wrought Gold, wholly pure; she has no Blemish, she is all fair, without Spot, the only beloved of the Lord; Glory to his Name. He hath remembered her in Love, and her Sorrows has he seen, and will plead her Cause, and subdue Kingdoms for her sake, and make her Way plain before her. Oh! come unto Zion, all ye that desire her Prosperity, and be not so foolish as to sit down short of her; her City is free, her Gates are open by Day & by Night: she has no need of the Sun by Day, nor of the Moon by Night; but the Lord God & the Lamb are the Light thereof: Her Light will never grow dark, her Sun will never set, Night shall be no more upon her; for her Sun is arisen, and as one to run a Race is marching on, his Strength is as a Lion, his Voice is heard to Roar, and great Fear is fallen and a falling upon the Beast of Prey. Oh! who would not live in her? Her Gates are paved with precious Pearls, her Inhabitants are all Kings and Priests unto God; she is altogether Comely, and her Glory shall never have an End, Amen.  
Oh! who, who would not dwell here? Come, come unto Zion, all ye that are sincere to what ye know: Turn ye, turn at her Call, and embrace her Counsel: Why will ye bestow your Money for that which is not Bread, and your Labour for that which satisfieth not? Oh! come unto me, saith the Lord, my Voice is near you; How often have I called, and ye regarded not, nor have not answered my Requirements, but are imitating them whose Life and Power you are out of. But now turn ye unto the Lord with all your Hearts, believe in his Light, and Life will you know that never can have End; but if you still Refuse, you will one day know that you were Warned and Invited by one that truly seeks not himself, but earnestly travels for the Welfare of all men, and is become Servant to all for Iesus' sake; To Him be all Honour, Praise, and Dominion forever and for evermore.  
J. G.  
THE END.