A General Epistle Given forth in OBEDIENCE TO THE God of Peace.  
For the Preservation and Increase of CHARITY and UNITY amongst the Professors of Christ Jesus, and the Teachings of his Divine Light within.  
By a Servant of Christ, a True Lover of Christian-Charity Peace and Unity WILLIAM GIBSON.  Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God, Mat. 5. 9 Put on Charity, which is the bo●d of perfectness, Col. 3. 14. He that saith he abideth in Christ, ought himself even to walk so as he walked, 1 John 2. 6. Let your Conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ,— Phil. 1. 27. 
LONDON Printed, and sold by John Bringhurst, at the Sign of the Book in Grac●-Church street near Cornhill, 1682.   


REader, notwithstanding the Author's great care to prevent. Errors in the following matter, yet several Errors have escaped the Press, which thou art desired to take notice of; as the mistake of the Printers. Those which are most material to hurt the Sense, I have collected in this Errata, some other small literal Faults and Errors in pointing and transposing or misplacing of words there are, all which may be discerned in reading, by such who are skilful and diligent therein, and by such corrected so far as may be, for the help of those who are less skilful in reading and correcting; the two greatest Errors take particular notice of, the first is in the Introduction page the 5. line the 16. where speaking of the Spirit of the Creature Man or Woman, it is there rendered the Spirit of the Creator; the second great error is in p. 107. l. 15. where the word sensually is put instead of the word sensibly.   

ERRATA.  
INtroduction page 3. line 10. for Light read Spirit; p. 5. l. 16. f. Creator r. Creature; p. 6. l. 17. f. were read was; p. 12. l. 14. f. word r. words; p. 10. l. 3. blot out some of.   

First PART.  
IN Margin, p. 52. r. God commanded the Light to be and appear, and separated it from the Darkness in the First days work; p. 59 l. the 8. add the word (one) p. 76. l. 18. add the word (same) p. 78. l. 12. f. nember r. member; p. 95. l. 21. add the word (the) p. 102. l. 23. f. Chrisi r. Christ; p. 105. l. 7. f. Justifying r. Justify; p. 107. l. 15 f. sensually r. sensibly; p. 109. l. 10. next after the word you make a full stop; p. 126. l. 22 and 23. read, O all ye ends of the Earth; p. 160. l, 19 deal and fear; l. 14. deal or.   

Second PART.  
PAge the 2. l. 5. blot out and; p. the 6. l. 13, 14. r. thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall; p. 19 l. 5. r. the verse 9 and 10, etc. l. 23. blot out (him;) l. 29 f. careful r. careful; p. 20. l. 11. f. fevere r. severe; p. 24. l. 7. add (spoken of) p. 28. l. 20. f. understanding r. understand; p. 29. l. 12. r. 1 Cor. 13. p. 45. l. 24. next after and, add (have) p. 56. l. 12. f. soberly r. sober; p. 65. l. 31. f. ●o● r. to; p. 80. l. 25. blot out (to;) p. 93. l. 22. f. sowed r. soweth; p. 96. l. 6. f. sealed r. seal, p. 99 l. 8. f. commended r. commended.   

Several Scriptures which should have been in the Italic Letter are omitted, particularly the First Chapter of Genesis, etc. in p. 52, 53, 54, 55.   

Note, this Book being printed by several Men, occasioneth it to be in two Parts, only beca●● of the beginning anew of the Figures upon the top of the pages, and that which is called the Second Part gins with the figure 1 at the top of the page or leaf.  
There is also some part of the Book put in Black Letter, which had been most properly in the Roman: these improprieties of the different form of Letters, doth no way hurt the matter as to the sense thereof.    

THE CONTENTS.  

AN Exhortation to the Professors of the Light within, to live and walk in the same; and the Walker in the Light distinguished from the Talker of it, who walk in Darkness, Page. 1  
Concerning good Conscience, 21.  
Concerning evil Conscience, 23.  
Concerning them that are weak in the Faith, 28.  
Concerning days, 30.  
Something concerning Christian Order, or Order in the Church of Christ, 42.  
Something more concerning the Order of the Works of God in Heaven and Earth, and particularly in his People, 52.  
Something more particularly concerning the Order of Christ in his Church, 72.  
Concerning the Form of the true Apostles Doctrine, 95.  
Concerning the Commands of the Apostles of Christ, which they gave, not of themselves, or by their own power, but by and in his Power, Wisdom, Strength and Authority; for they were his Ambassadors, over them he reigned, in them he spoke and gave commands, who is the Head of his Church, and one in the Male and Female, 97  
Concerning the Honour that God gives unto his People, 130.  
Concerning Rule and Government in the Church of Christ, 133.  
Concerning the Living Faith with its Fruits and Works, 142.  
Something concerning Self-Separation, 155.   

The Second PART.  
COncerning falling from God, 1.  
Concerning just Judgement amongst God's People, given or committed to them, or spoken by or through them (in whom God dwells according to his promise) against the Devil and his works, sin and wickedness, 9  
Concerning the Just and Righteous Judgement of God in and by his People under the Dispensation of the Gospel, 13.  
Concerning the Mercy of God, and of his People, 17.  
Something concerning true Love, or Charity, 28.  
Something concerning the Unity and Fellowship of true Christians, 53.  
Something concerning the Seven church's in Asia, who were gathered into the Profession of Christ Jesus, 57  
Something concerning Marriage, 78.  
Concerning pure Religion, 83.    

  

A General Epistle TO FRIENDS, etc.  
An Exhortation to the Professors of the Light Within, to LIVE and WALK in the same; and the WALKER in the Light distinguished from the TALKER of it who walks in Darkness.  
ALL you who profess Christ Jesus, the Prince of Life and Peace, to be your Prince, Captain of your Salvation, and Bishop of your Souls, who profess to be Taught, Led, and Governed by his Spiritual Light within you:  
See that you all Live and Walk in the same, that you may all possess that which you do profess; and it is most certain, if we walk in the light, (wherewith God in Christ hath enlightened us) then have we fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all Sin: But if there be not a Walking in this precious Divine Light (which shines from God the Fountain of it) then there can be no Fellowship with God the Father, nor with his beloved Son, nor true Fellowship one with another: No cleansing from Sin then, but the sin of all such who only Talk of the Light (Walking contrary to it) remaineth and increaseth: Therefore all be very careful in this great weighty Concern, wherein the Glory of the great God, and the Salvation of your Souls are so very greatly concerned. O Friends! Be all as willing to follow and obey this Spiritual Divine Light, as you are to profess it, and talk of it; for if there be not a Walking in it, the Profession of it will be in vain: For after the Light of Christ Within be known, and Good and Evil made known by it, if the Creature do not yield Obedience to it, in forsaking the Evil, and embracing, following, and doing that which is Good, than his sin becomes more grievous to Almighty God than before; for as 'tis written, In the time of Ignorance God winked; but after the Gospel, the Power of God is preached to, and in, the Creature (which hath been subjected by Satan under sin, in the Bondage of Corruption) and by which the Creatures Heart and Soul is, in some degree, quickened and opened to know what God requireth of it: If then it do not deny Self, take up its Cross against the Devil and Self, than its Opposition and Disobedience to the Divine Gospel-Light, God accounts the Sin of stebellion, which is as Witchcraft, from which the Lord God of all our Mercies and Blessings deliver and preserve you. Into this State of Misery were the foolish Galatians fallen, to whom the Apostle Paul wrote, and after he had sharply reprehended them for their Backsliding and Unfaithfulness, he traveled again on their behalf, that Christ might be form in them. And as their Backsliding became matter of great Sorrow and deep Exercise to him, the like hath befallen the ancient and faithful Labourers in the peaceable Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in our age for some; for as he was sent to turn the People from Darkness to the Divine Spiritual Light of God and Christ, from the Power of Satan (who had embondaged them in sin) to God, whose Power is Almighty, breaking the Power of Satan down, and delivering the Creature, by its powerful working, out of the bondage of Corruption, into the glorious Liberty of the Sons of God: Even so hath the Lord God Almighty and Merciful, sent his faithful Servants, in this Age, to turn People from Darkness unto Light, from the Power o● Satan unto God, that through the working of the glorious Power of God in their In ward Man, they might receive true Faith and Repentance, and so might receive the Forgiveness of their Sins past, in the name of Jesus Christ, through the forbearance of God; and not only so, but also by the same power, to know Redemption out of Sin, from the Power of Satan, who led them into it, and so come into the glorious Liberty of the Sons of God. This glorious work of Restauration hath the Lord in his tender Mercy begun, and effectually carried on in Thousands, Glory be given unto him for the same, and for all his tender Mercies; for he is worthy. But as it was in the Apostles days, so is it in ours; there were some then, who, after they had tasted of the Heavenly Gift and power of the World to come, and thereby had known the beginning of the work of true Faith and Repentance, and the Exercise of a good Conscience, yet through their Slothtulness, Negligence, and multiplied Disobedience & Rebellion, they came to make Shipwreck of the Faith which God had given them, and to put away a good Conscience which God by his powerful Spirit had wrought in them: Of this sort the Apostle Peter writ, saying, It had been better they had never known the way of Truth, than after they have known it to departed from the holy Commandment delivered to them: But (saith he) it is come to pass according to the true Proverb, The Dog is returned to his own Domitia, and the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the Mire. Judas & Peter writ of these and such like  Apostles & deceitful Workers, saying, They are Wells without Water, Clouds without Rain, carried about of Tempests, wand'ring Stars, to whom is reserved the Mist of darkness for ever; Trees whose. Fruit is withered, without Fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the s●o●ts. Such were they whom the Apostle Paul writ of, saying, (Acts 20. 30. and 2 Pet. 2. 2.) Men shall arise among yourselves, speaking perverse things, and shall draw Disciples after them, through whom the way of Truth shall be evil spoken of. I say, as it is was then, so is it come to pass in our days; divers Persons, who have come among us in a Profession of the Pure, Unchangeable, Divine Light of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, for some time, did in some Measure know it, and obeyed it, they have turned into Rebellion against it; and such have, and do now make War against the Children of it, who walk in it, in whom the pure, peaceable Fruits of it do appear. And this some Men have done, and do, under the Profession of it, and a specieus' pretence of Love to it; this is abominable Deceit, yea, the deceivableness of Unrighteousness, which worketh in them, which hath been wrought in them by Satan, because they have not kept in true Love and Obedience unto the Spiritual Light of Christ the Son of God, to which they were turned. They have not kept in the Godly Fear, not in true Humility, therefore hath Satan (the Prince of Darkness, and King over all the Children of Pride) darkened their Understandings, adulterated their Affections, and corrupted their Wills: Thus by him they are prepared and used as Instruments for him, against the Lord and his Divine Light, Grace, and Spirit, under the Profession of the same. Such by professing and using the words of Truth, have, and do deceive the Hearts of the Simple. God Almighty hath Confounded the work of such, in our Age we have seen it, and do give Glory to him for the same. We do believe that he will confound such Evil works, and that the Instruments thereof will be eternally miserable, if they do not find a place of Repentance, which to see them find would be matter of great Comfort to us. Several Persons have gone out of the Truth under specious Pretences of Greater Manifestations of God, and Attainments, and Growth in the way of Righteousness, than they were come to, whom they turned against. And through those false Pretences they have drawn some tenderhearted, well meaning Persons from the Divine Light and Fellowship in it, into evil Imaginations and unrighteous Jealousies, concerning the faithful Ministers of Christ, and their Labour of Love for the Glory of God, and the Peace, Unity, Preservation, and Eternal Good of his People.  
But the Lord God in Mercy hath given several who were thus hurt, to see how the hurt came upon them, and hath recovered them out of the Snare wherein they were subtly taken, blessed be his holy Name for the same; and we hope that he will visit and restore such well-meaning Persons, who are taken, and yet held in such like Snares, though some who are turned aside after Satan, may grow worse and worse, as others have done before them, until God cut them off in his Anger, as he hath done such like already.  
My dear Friends, you who have anciently been turned to the Divine Light of Christ, who have and do walk in it, you know what I have here briefly touched at is true, and you in this divine Light, may see the Old Enemy of our Peace & pure Christian Fellowship & Unity at work against the same, under a Profession of the Light, to darken and draw persons from it, into the works of Darkness. And thus, as in the Apostles days, he hath, and doth transform himself as like an Angel of Light, as he can: how should he appear like an Angel of Light, if he should in words deny the Light of Christ Within Man and Woman? The Apostle writing of false Apostles, saith thus, viz. For such False Apostles are deceitful Workers, and fashion themselves like unto the Apostles of Christ; and no marvel, for Satan himself is changed into the fashion of an Angel of Light: Therefore is it no great thing, though his Ministers fashion themselves as though they were the Ministers of Righteousness, whose end shall be according to their Deeds. Thus 'tis rendered in 2 Cor. 10. Old Translation, Printed in 1566. O consider of it all such whom it concerns! And how should the False Apostles in the True Apostles days, have transformed themselves like unto them, if they should have in Words denied the Light of Christ Within (though in Works they did?) Seeing Christ's Command was, and is, to believe in the Light and walk in at, that Men and Women might then, & may now, and hereafter be Children of the Light, as the faithful Followers of the Light then were, and now are. The great Message and Work of John Baptist, and the Apostles Paul, John, Peter, and the rest, was to bear witness of the Light, and to turn People to it, that they might all believe in it, and obey and walk therein, that they might be saved. Now for Satan to send his Apostles, or Preachers [amongst us] to seek, to deceive us, if they should come blaspheming against the Light of Christ Within, mocking and scoffing at it, as many dark Preachers and Professors of this Age do, (who have been bred up in Darkness and Ignorance from their Youth, who yet never understood what the Light of Christ Within is) he were not like to prevail upon those who have been turned to it, and have had their Hearts tendered, and in some measure opened by it: But if he come under a Profession of it, and his Ministers confessing it, and in words owning of it, professing to be taught and led by it in their talking of it, and in the rest of their Conversation, especially if they do keep out of the common, gross Debaucheries that are in the World, than they are like to prevail upon such, who do not faithfully watch in the Light which maketh all things manifest as they are. Christ hath commanded us to Watch and pray, lest we fall into the Temptation (of the Devil). He said to his Disciples, What I say unto one, I say unto all, watch. The holy Prophet said, I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak Peace to his People, and to his Saints; but let them not turn again to folly. O blessed are all they who so do, they are the Children of the Wisdom that comes down from above; their Eye being kept single to God, they are kept by his mighty Power through Faith, so that they shall not stumble, nor walk in the crooked ways of Satan, which leads to the Chambers of Death, even to take hold on Hell.  
My Friends, you, who are anciently convinced of the blessed Truth, as 'tis in Christ Jesus our Lord, and have kept your Habitations therein, some of you may remember what great Evils some run into, when they made a Profession of the Light of Christ Within, and when they had so done and were reproved for it, and admonished to repent and reform, they would tell us, We must leave them to their own Measures of the Light of Christ, and what they did they were justified therein by it: And such would say, The Light Within is sufficient to teach us, (will not you leave us to it?) And when some had acted things which were evil and scandalous, they would say, That they were justified by the Light in them. They would have persuaded us that the Light of Christ Within did lead them into those evil and confused, disorderly Practices which they run into: But the Lord Jesus Christ by his Light shown us plainly, that those things which they said the Light Within taught them, led them into, and justified them in, were the Works and Fruits of Darkness, proceeding (through them) from Satan, who had betrayed and deceived them, as he did Eve. And as we then withstood those who blasphemed against the Divine Light of Christ Within, by seeking to father their Works of Darkness upon it, by rendering it the Author thereof; so in the Light of Christ we do withstand those vain Talkers of the Light at this time, whose Walking and Works are in Darkness; and in the Light of Christ we testify to the sufficiency of it, against all Priests and Professors whatsoever who blaspheme against it, calling it a Natural Insufficient Light, etc.  
Take notice, Oh my Friends! That Satan the Prince of Darkness, and his dark, wicked, profane, Generation or Offspring, long have, and at this day do profess the great, true, and living God, & Christ Jesus, whom he hath sent, in Words but in Works they do deny both the Father and the Son.  
And although Satan, the Prince of Darkness, may, in some of his confused, dark Instruments, confess to, and profess the Light of Christ Within, yet he is still Satan, the Adversary, the Prince of Darkness, and his Professing and Talking of the Light is only with design the more readily to prevail upon, and destroy those who through Love to the Light, delight to hear it spoken of and commended. And Satan and his dark Instruments have done more harm to some such in their false feigned Profession & Commendation of the Light than ever they did, or could do, by their direct opposition to it, and blasphemous words against it.  
My dear Friends, Consider what our Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles have testified, concerning the only true God, and left the same upon Record in the Scriptures of Truth; Christ's Testimony is, That God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in the Spirit, and in the Truth. The Apostle John's Testimony is, That God is Light, and in him there is no darkness at all: If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the Truth; but if we walk in the Light as he is in the Light, then have we Fellowship one with another, etc. Observe that this living true God, who is a Spirit, and Light, is one God; his Light and Spirit in his People is one in its kind or Nature with himself, he being the Fountain of it, and it of himself, it cannot contradict him, or itself, in the several Measures, Manifestations & Dispensations of it, in those who receive it, believe, and obey it: For if it should, or could do so, then God by it would be rendered the Author of Confusion [and not of Peace,] in all the Churches of the Saints; which to believe or suppose, is very highly blasphemous against him, and directly contrary to the holy Apostles Doctrine, who saith, God is not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace, in all the Churches of the Saints.  
The same Apostle saith, The Fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, Righteousness, und Truth, proving what is acceptable unto the L●rd: And he exhorted the Saints, saying, Have no Fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness, but rather reprove them. To those who walked in the Spirit and Light of God, he said, Walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us: To these also he said, Ye were sometimes Darkness, but now are ye Lighi in the Lord, walk as Children of the Light. See Eph. 5. Again he saith, The Fruits of the Spirit is Love, Joy, and Peace, Long suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance; against such there is no Law; and they that are Christ's have crucified the Flesh, with its Affections and Lusts: If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit; let us not be desirous of vain Glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Again he saith, The Works of the Flesh are manifest, which are Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lasciviousness, Idolatry, Witchcraft, Dar●ance, Emulations, Wrath, Strife, Seditions, Heresies; Envyings, Murders, Drunkenness, Revellings, and such like, of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in times past, that they that do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. Gal. 5. Again the holy Apostle John in the Holy Ghost saith, He that saith he is in the Light, and hates his Brother, is in Darkness even until now; he that loveth his Brother abideth in the Light, and there is none occasion of Stumbling in him: But he that hateth his Brother is in Darkness, and walketh in Darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that Darkness hath blinded his Eyes. If a man say I love God, and hateth his Brother, he is a Liar; this Commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God loveth his Brother also. See 1 John 4.  
My dear Friends, Observe, That where the Fruits of the Spirit and Light of God and Christ are wanting, in those who profess the same to be their Teacher, Ruler, and Orderer, and contrariwise, the Fruits or Works of the Flesh do appear, this is a plain proof, that their saying they are taught, l●d, and governed by the Spirit and Light of God and Christ, is very notoriously false, yea blasphemous against God, Christ, and his Divine Light and Spirit: For when Christ told his Disciples, that false Prophets, Anti-christs', Deceivers, etc. should come, saying, Beware of false Prophets which come to you in Sheep's Clothing, but inwardly they are ravening Wolves, he said, Ye shall know them by their Fruits. Do men gather Grapes of Thorns, or Figs of Thistles? Even so every good Tree bringeth forth good Fruit, but a corrupt Tree bringeth forth evil Fruit. A good Tree cannot bring forth evil Fruit, neither can a corrupt Tree bring forth good Fruit: Every Tree that bringeth not forth good Fruit is hewn down and cast into the Fire: Wherefore by their Fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven. See Math. 7. 15. and 24. Again he saith, Many false Prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many: And because Iniquity shall abound, the Love of many shall wax cold; But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. There shall arise false Christ's, and false Prophets, and shall show great signs and Wonders, insomuch that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very Elect.; See Matth. 24. 11, 12, 13, 24. & see Mark 13. 22. he repeating the same words of Christ, and there he saith, Take heed, I have told you before.  
Observe Christ's Promise to the faithful chosen Elect, notwithstanding all the deceiveableness of unrighteousness, which then did, now doth, or hereafter may work in the Instruments of Satan, (by feigned Words, or fair, or flattering Speeches, false signs, or lying wonders, whereby he lieth in wait to betray and deceive, by which he hath prevailed upon some unstable, unwatchful, unfaithful, and therefore unskilful Souls, who are not acquainted with the depths of Satan, speaking in his Agents) yet can he not in his Agents, deceive the Elect, the chosen of God.  
Observe, all that are convinced of the truth, and come to some degree of Obedience to it, are not come to the settled State of Election, (although they are come to a sight and feeling of the Spirit of Christ, in whom the Election stands) in which State it is impossible to be deceived. Let not the weakest amongst the Believers in, and Obeyers of the Light of Christ Within, be discouraged at these say; for as they keep to the Light, God the Fountain of it will keep them from falling. God set Adam in a State of Innocency, in which it was possible for him to stand, yet it was not impossible for him to fall; for we both read, and believe, he did fall; he could not stand in his own strength, but in the strength of the Lord his Maker, through want of his diligent attendance, and waiting upon God his Maker for preservation, he fell under the power of the Deceiver. But Christ who never fell spoke of a State, & brings those who continue diligent & watchful into it, which is beyond that, as his forecited words do plainly imply. The Apostles writ unto the Believers in the Light of Christ thus: viz. Wherefore Brethren give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall. 2 Pet. 1. 10. Read the Chapter through, etc. Again he saith, Beware, lest ye being led away with the Error of the wicked, fall from your own Steadfastness: But grow in Grace, and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Christ, to him be Glory, now and for ever, Amen. Chap. 3. 17, 18. Again Ju●e writes thus: Now to him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his Glory, with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be Glory and Majesty, Dominion and Power, now and ever, Amen. Judas 24, 25. read the Epistle throughout.  
Observe further, that the Settled State of Election, where deceit cannot enter, is not a State above, or beyond Watchfulness, and the holy Fear of God (the Son of God himself in the days of his Flesh, watched and prayed, and was heard in that he feared, as the Author to the Hebrews writes, Heb. 5. 7.) but in this State, of Watchfulness, and the holy Fear of God, they continually abiding steadfast in, to such it is become Natural to dwell and abide there, being rooted and settled in the Godly, or Divine Nature, of which they are made partakers; as the Apostle writ; see 1 Pet. 1. 4. See how Fulks renders this place in his Confutation of the Popish Translation at Rh●mes; he renders the words Divine Nature, Godly Nature.  
Eternal Glory to him for the preservation of his People, who daily wait upon him; he gives them Wisdom, Strength and Preservation; he who keeps them never ●lu●b●rs nor sleeps; holy and mighty is his Wisdom and Strength, by which he redeems, preserves, and up●●●● his People, in doing that which is well pleasing in his sight. Blessed are all those who diligently wait to be made partakers of the same, they shall be upheld thereby through all Temptations, Trials, and the Buffet, and Winnowing of Satan, out of his snares, and over him, (in Christ the Elect Seed, which bruiseth his Head) and over all his several sorts of Agents; for as the Apostle saith, Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the World, by whom we overcome the World.  
O my dear Friends! All diligently wait on God in the Divine Light and Spirit of his Son, that you may grow in the Grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ more and more, that you may be all firmly rooted and grounded in him; as Trees or Branches of Righteousness, the planting of the Lord God, that you may bring forth much Fruit to the Praise and Glory of his name. Christ the living true Vine said unto his Disciples of old, I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Husbandman; every Branch that beareth not fruit in me, he taketh away; and every Branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit— Abide in me, and I in you: As the branch cannot bring forth of itself, except it abide in the Vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered. Joh. 15. 1, 2, 4, 5. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my Disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you, continue ye in my love. If ye keep my Commandments ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's Commandments, and abide in his love. This is my Commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you. See John 15. 5, etc.  
O my Friends! These are the sweet and comfortable Say of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Prince of Life, Love, and Peace. Let them be duly weighed, faithfully regarded and followed by you all who profess to be his Disciples, (that is) Learners of him; for as he saith, Without him we can do nothing, except we be joined to his gracious Spirit of Light, Life, and Peace, we cannot please God, but being joined to it, it worketh in us to will and to do that which is well pleasing in the sight of the Lord God. So we become his workmanship in Christ, created in him unto those good Works which God hath ordained we should walk in, that our Light may shine before men, that they may behold our good Conversation in Christ, constantly coupled with that godly fear, wherein there is not only a hating of, but also a coming out of, and preservation from, Pride, Arrogancy, and every evil way— O my Friends! This is that which is to be desired, sought of God, and diligently waited for; this is the durable Riches that far excels all that can be mentioned besides it; this is the Treasure that is to be laid up in Heaven, according to Christ's Command, where neither Moth can corrupt, nor Thief break through and steal. Blessed are all they who diligently wait for the Increase and Security of this Treasure, they shall never be forsaken of the Lord; he whose the Earth is, and the fullness of it, who feeds the Ravens,  the Grass, and takes care for Sparrows, will take care and provide for them. So all wait, that your Faith and Confidence may be preserved, confirmed and increased to his eternal honour, and your enduring Peace and Comfort; even so be it, Amen.  

Concerning good Conscience.  
MY dear Friends, something lies upon me to write to you in the tender Bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of our Christian Peace, Fellowship, and Unity. The matter before me is this: I find that there are some persons professing Truth amongst us, (who not being faithful to the gracious Spirit and Light of our Lord Jesus Christ, which they make profession of) that are offended with the Method, Manner and Form in which Friends Care of God's Glory, and the good one of another, is manifest; these persons talk much of Liberty of Conscience: To which I say, Liberty of Conscience (rightly understood) hath ever since we were a People, been, and still is owned amongst us; but for any who profess to be followers of the Light, Members of the Church which is in God, to plead Liberty of Conscience for themselves, without putting a difference betwixt good Conscience and evil, this is an Unsound and Unchristian Plea (for the Apostles of Christ distinguisheth betwixt good and evil Conscience) yea, shows that they are separated and divided the one from the other, for they proceed from contrary Causes. The Apostle said, My Conscience beareth me witness in the Holy Ghost, Rom. 9 1. And again, I have lived in all good Conscience unto this day: For our rejoicing is this, the Testimony of our Conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly Wisdom, but by the Grace of God, we have had our Conversation in the World, and more abundantly to you-wards. See 2 Cor. 1. 12. He who had believed and received the Holy Ghost, was made of a good Understanding by it, his Will and Affections also being purified from Corruption thereby, so that he did not only understand what was right and wrong, but he also willed and took pleasure to act and do that which was and is well pleasing in the sight of the Lord: And this he was enabled to do by the Power of the Holy Ghost, or Spirit of Truth, which (according to the Promise of Christ) leads his faithful Subjects by Degrees from Glory to Glory, from one degree of Grace to another) into all Truth: And so are the faithful followers of Christ Jesus led in this our day.  
Paul writing to Timothy saith, Now the end of the Commandment is charity out of a pure heart and of a good Conscience, and of Faith unfeigned, from which some having swerved, have turned aside unto vain jangling. 1 Tim. 1. 5, 6. Again ver. 18, 19 he chargeth. Timothy to hold Faith and a good Conscience, which s●me having put away, concerning Faith have made shipwreck. Again, Chap. 3. ver. 9 The Mystery of Faith is held in a pure Conscience. The Apostle Peter writes to the Believers thus, (viz.) Having a good Conscience, that whereas they speak evil of you as of Evil-doers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good Conversation in Christ. 1 Pet. 3. 16.   

Concerning evil Conscience.  
THE Apostle writes thus: Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall departed from the Faith, giving heed to the seducing Spirits and Doctrines of Devils, speaking Lies in Hypocrisy, having their Consciences seared with an hot Iron. 1 Tim. 4. 1, 2. Now the Prince that begets and upholds this evil Conscience, hardened and seared, is the Devil, who abode not in the truth, in whom there is no truth, he is that Prince of the power of the Air, who works in the hearts of the Children of Disobedience, as the Apostle saith. This is he who leads into the fleshly Liberty from the Cross of Christ, into the fleshly Lusts, which war against the Soul, and drowns such men in predition, who become Enemies to the Cross of Christ. This Liberty is not to be given way unto, nor to be pleaded for by any true Christian; this is not the Liberty of the Sons of God, which he hath promised to restore them into, who believe in Jesus Christ, and take up their daily Cross and follow him, giving and taking Liberty to this evil Conscience brings into corruptible Bondage, yea, it vassalizeth the Creature, Soul and Body to Satan; and if this Liberty be continued in, it brings everlasting destruction both upon Man and Woman.  
Paul writ to Titus, saying, Unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure, but even their Mind and Consciences defiled; they profess that they know God, but in Works they deny him. See Tit. 1. 15, 16. Again, the Apostle writing to the Hebrews, saith, Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of Faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience, etc. Let us hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised; and let us consider one another to provoke unto Love and to good Works, not forsaking the Assembling ourselves together as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another,; etc. See Heb. 10. 22, 23, 24, 25.  
Oh my dear Friends! All tenderly consider, that the great work of God in, and through Christ, is to put away this evil Conscience, and to work in man a good one, yea, to redeem out of all corrupt, sinful, fleshly Liberty, which Liberty embondageth the Creature under Satan's power, as I said before. Now Christ the patiented and innocent Lamb of God, was sent by the Father to take away the Sins of the World, which John Baptist in his Eternal Light saw, and testified of, and in the same Divine Spirit and Light of Christ Daniel the Prophet saw, and testified of, saying, He shall finish Sin and Transgression, and shall bring in everlasting Righteousness: Blessed are all they who in Faith and Patience wait to see this great Work carried on, and finished in the appointed season of the Father.  
O my Friends! Seriously consider how enclinab●e, apt, and prone. Men and Women are (after they are come to some degree of the knowledge of God, and of Christ, and of the daily Cross) to hearken to the Serpent's voice, (who deceived Eve) who leads into this ungodly Liberty, who by his Transformations hath deceived some in our Age after they knew God and Christ, as aforesaid; and he has promised them Liberty and great things, as he did Eve, and has brought them into misery as he did her; and through this his accursed work, a Root of Bitterness is sprung up in some, which is in danger to defile many, which God through his tender Mercy put a stop unto, confound, and drive backward: This is the earnest desire of my Soul.  
The Apostle Peter writes against the fleshly Libertines, with which the Church was exercised in his day, which became matter of much Travel and Grief to the faithful Apostles; of them he thus writes, viz. These are Wells without Water, Clouds that are carried with a Tempest, to whom the mist of Darkness is reserved for ever; for when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the Lusts of the Flesh, through much Wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error: While they promise them Liberty, they themselves are the servants of Corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same he is brought into Bondage,; etc. See 2 Pet. 2. 16. to the end.  
Dear Friends, Something more is upon me to write concerning Conscience. The Apostle writing to the Church at Corinth, speaketh of the Idolatry of the Gentiles, (viz.) As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto Idols, we know that an Idol is nothing in the World; for though there be that are called Gods, whether in Heaven or in Earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many) But to us there is but one God the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him; howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge; for some with Conscience of the Idol unto this hour, eat it as a thing offered unto an Idol, and their Consciences being weak are defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, neither if we eat not are we the worse. But take heed, lest by any means this Liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak; for if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the Idols Temple, shall not the Conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are sacrificed to Idols?; etc. Read 1 Cor. 8. 4. to the end of the chap.  
Observe here, that some with Conscience of the Idol did eat things sacrificed unto it, and their Consciences therein and thereby were defiled. The Christians, who knew there was no other God but one, were warned by the Apostle, that they should not sit in the Idols Temple at Meat, with those who eat their meat unto the Idol, lest their so doing should embolden those ignorant Idolaters to persist in their Ignorance and Idolatry; for though some might say, they did not eat it to the Idol as the Idolaters did, but for strength and sustenance to the outward man; yet this would not answer the Counsel of the Lord in the Apostle, nor the Light of Christ in their own Souls; but they were to abstain from eating with them at such Sacrifices, thereby to prevent emboldening them therein. And in chap. 10. ver. 20. take his Testimony against this sort of Idolatry in these words, viz But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to Devils, and not to God. (See Acts 15. 28.) And I would not that ye should have fellowship with Devils.  
My Friends, these Testimonies I bring, not only to show good Conscience from evil Conscience, and weak from strong, but also to show how careful the Apostle was, that those believing Gentiles (who had received the knowledge of the one true God) should walk in faithfulness to him, according to the knowledge which he had given them, that by their good conversation, in Christ as well as by their, preaching of the word and Doctrine of the Gospel, those Idolaters might be turned from their dumb Idols to serve the living God.   

Concerning them that are weak in the Faith.  
YET something further concerning them that are weak in the Faith. The Apostle writing to the believing Romans, writes thus, viz. Him that is weak in the Faith receive you; But not to doubtful disputations; for one believeth that he may eat all things, another who is weak eateth herbs: Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not, and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth; for God hath received him.— One man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day alike; Let every man be fully persuaded in his own Mind, etc. See Rom. 8. 1, 5, etc.  
My Friends, some unruly, and some unskilful persons of our time, who would be accounted strong, faithful, and wise, under the Profession of the Light of Christ Within, have endeavoured to strain and wrest this last cited Scripture, thereby to justify and cover themselves, in the practising of some things which are contrary to the Truth, as it is in Christ Jesus; as also in the omitting and neglecting of some things, which the Light of Jesus hath led the faithful into, not only the Elders or aged in Christ, but the younger also. In bearing with weakness we are of the Apostles mind and concerning eating of Herbs, or any sort of Food or Meat; we would have all who profess the Light of Christ Jesus, to wait diligently in it, that by it their Understandings may be cleared, that they may see as the Apostle did, and be persuaded as he and many more were, and are, that there is nothing unclean of itself; that so out of weakness they may grow strong in the Lord. The same Apostle who took this care, that they might not judge one another about Meats, Drinks, and Days. Hear what he further saith concerning these things, when some among the Christians would, or did command to abstain from Meats, and would have it received as a Principle or Doctrine of Christ in his Church, than the Apostle judged it, and ranks it as one of the Doctrines of Devils. See Tim. 4. 1, 2, 3.  
Observe whilst the abstaining from Meats, in the before mentioned sense, was practised as a Weakness (which it really was) through shortness of Understanding, he bore with it and exhorted others so to do, saying, We who are strong aught to bear the Infirmities of the weak: Rom. 15. 1. But when some did account themselves strong and wise in Christianity, (but were not so) would have enjoined it as a Command, that he judged, as aforesaid.   

Concerning Days.  
AGain concerning Days hear what he saith, (viz.) Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service to them which by nature are no Gods. But now after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly Elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in Bondage. Ye observe Days and Months, and Times, and Years; I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed on you Labour in vain: Brethren, I beseech you to be as I am. Gal. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11. Again hear what he saith, viz. Now the God of Patience and Consolation grant that you be like minded one towards another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one Mind, and one Mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 15. 5, 6.  
Again, hear what the Apostle saith concerning these things, writing to the believing Colossians, viz. Let no man therefore judge you in Meat or in Drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the New Moon, or of the Sabbath days, which are a shadow of things to come; But the body is of Christ, etc. Col. 2. 16, 17.  
Observe, That the Apostles and Primitive faithful Christians, who bore with the weaknesses of some, in their observation of Days, and limiting themselves to eating of Herbs, they were not to be judged in their eating or drinking, who eat and drank in the Faith and Counsel of God; neither were they to be judged, because they did not observe the Jews holidays (so called,) neither because they did not observe the Jews New Moons, or Sabbath days, which are a shadow; for they were come to Christ, who is the end of the Law for Righteousness sake, to every one that believes, as it's written.  
Again, hear what Christ saith, And he called the Multitude together & said, Hear and understand, Not that which goeth into the Mouth defileth the Man, but that which cometh out of the Mouth defileth the Man. Do not you understand; that whatsoever entereth in at the Mouth goeth into the Belly and is cast out into the Draught? but those things that proceed out of the Mouth, cometh forth from the Heart, and they define the Man; For out of the heart proceed evil Thoughts, Murders, Adulteries, Fornications, Thefts, False Witness, Blasphemies, these are the things which defile a man. Matth. 15. 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20. And concerning the Jews Sabbath hear what Christ saith, And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for Man, and not man for the Sabbath; therefore the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath, Mark 2. 27, 28.  
Observe, this he said unto the Pharisees, who judged his Disciples for plucking the Ears of Corn on the Sabbath day, who said unto him, Behold, why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful? Upon which he brought them an Instance what David did, in eating the Shewbread, etc. But Christ by offering up himself through the Eternal Spirit, hath since that put an end to these shadows; so that the Apostles and Primitive Christians were not to be judged for their refusing to practise them when Christ had ended them. And though the Apostles and Christians did bear with the Practice of these things in some, after they came to make some profession of Christ, yet they bore with it as weakness which it was, which the strong in Christ knew they would outgrow, as they diligently did follow on to know the Lord, through obeying him in what they did already know; for that is the way for every one to know what is needful for them to know, which they yet know not, even to be obedient to God in what they do already know: For he is faithful who hath promised, saying, He that is faithful in a little, I will make him Ruler over much. The Path of the Just is as the shining light, which shines more and more unto the perfect day, as 'tis written. And again, The light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun, and the light of the Sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, etc.  
Now if those weak ones, with whom the Primitive Christians bore in these things, should have called them Apostates and Innovators, and have called their Epistles, rotten Orders, M●ns Prescriptions and Edicts, and have judged them in their Christian freedom, because they did not continue with them in Bondage, in Eating Herbs, Observation of Days, Years, and Times, and should have cried up their Jewish bondage to have been Christian Liberty, and themselves to be strong Christians, and the others to be weak, or darkened and Apostatised; Would the Apostles and Primitive Christians have owned them as Brethren in Unity, and have had Fellowship with them in their so doing? Yea or Nay? Let Gods faithful Witness in all that know it, answer this Question.  
Oh! my Friends, I am grieved in Spirit, because of the hardness, wilfulness, and self-conceitedness of some, whose work, at this day, is to unsettle the minds of God's people, by drawing them from their diligent attendance unto the Spirit, Light, and Voice of God in their own hearts and souls, and in the mouths of his faithful Servants, (which Spirit, Light, and Voice in their hearts, and in the mouths of his Servants, is not contradictory to itself in the one or the other) after them, into ungodly jealousies, evil surmises, thoughts and imaginations, words and actions, by which evil work several persons, whom the Lord in mercy had gathered near to himself, have been drawn out from the simplicity, which is in Christ, into prejudice, evil jealousies, and also into some practices, which are inconsistent with the Truth as it is in Christ Jesus, divers of whom the Lord hath in mercy given the sense thereof, and through his righteous Judgements upon the evil, hath restored them into Unity with himself and with his tender people, who in his tender bowels have traveled for their restauration, who now greatly rejoice in their return. Glory, yea, Glory to his Eternal Name for the same, and that for evermore.  
'Tis my Faith, that God will disentangle some who are yet held by the aforesaid Snares, for whose return my Soul travels in Prayers and Supplications to God: Faithful is that saying of the Apostle, Rom. 14. 22. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in the thing which he alloweth. Again he saith, Now I beseech you, Brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgement: For it hath been declared unto me of you, my Brethren, by them which are of the House of Cloe, that there are Contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, that I am of Paul, and I of Apollo, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ: Is Christ divided? Was Paul Crucified for you? Or were you Baptised in the name of Paul? Christ sent me not to Baptise, but to Preach the Gospel; not with wisdom of Words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect: For the Preaching of the Cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God: For it is written, I w●●● 〈◊〉 ●he wisdom of the wise, etc. We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a Stumbling Block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God, etc. 1 Cor. 1. 10, to 19  
Oh! my dear Friends, and all you who profess the Divine Light of Christ to be your Teacher; seriously consider of these things: My earnest desire for you all is, that you may all diligently wait in the Light of Christ, therein to receive a right understanding thereof; for if you therein diligently wait, you will see that it was not the Apostles desire or pleasure, that they should contend, or be in strife for Apollo, or Cephas, or Him, or for them one against another; but that they should all exalt and magnify Christ, who died for them, and rose again to govern and lead them in righteousness, and to uphold and justify them in the same: And also consider, that he Preached not the Gospel with the wisdom of words, or the words which man's wisdom teacheth, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect; but he Preached the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven, in the words which it taught him; that their Faith, who heard him might not stand in the wisdom of those words, which man's wisdom teacheth; but in the power of God; for, as he saith in 1 Cor. 4. 19, 20. I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and will know, not the speech (or words) of them which are puffed up, but the Power; for the Kingdom of God is not in 〈◊〉, but in po●●r;; neither doth it stand in meats or drinks, but in righteousness and peace, and ●●y in the Holy Ghost, into which Kingdom God hath gathered and is gathering them that have or yet do, or hereafter may, in sincerity Hunger and Thrust after it.  
Again, consider the Apostle took great Care in his Preaching, that the Cross of Christ might Not be made of none Effect, that those who were come to bear it, might Not be weary of it, and Cast it off, because of the offence taken by the wicked at them, for their Obedience thereunto (nor for any other cause); for it is true as he writ, the Preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us it is the power of God; and as it was then, so it is now, he that was born after the flesh, persecuted him that was born after the spirit; and they that live godlike (on in the likeness of God in Christ Jesus) shall suffer persecution; but evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.  
Again Consider, oh my friends, and all you who profess the Light of Christ within to be your Teacher, Ruler, and Guide, what is the cause that some professing the Light within make such a Noise against that wholesome Method or Order which the God of Order hath brought forth amongst us, in taking Care of his Glory, and the good one of another; that the professors of the Gospel and its Light may walk Orderly in the Light as becomes the same, that their Light might so shine before men, that they might see their good works, and glorify their Father which is in Heaven, according to Christ's Command. Is it not obvious and plain that their Noise and Clamour is, because they seek a Liberty which Christ and the bearing of the Cross Admits not, nor allows of? Oh Consider the say of Christ, Strait is the Gate, and Narrow is the Way that Leads to life, etc. and broad is the Gate, and wide is the Way that Leadeth unto destruction, and many there be that go in thereat, but Labour ye, To Enter in at the straight gate. Many Ancient Faithful friends, who have kept their habitations in the Light, and their first Love therein to God (the fountain of it) and one to another, have not forgotten what Exercis● was gone through Twenty Years ago and upward, through the unsound Notions, Doctrine and Practices of some, who not only professed the Light within, but largely talked and Preached in Commendation of it when they were out of it, and in their works Enemies to it: Oh how were some at unawars beguiled through their fair words & fine speeches in their feigned Commendation of, and in words Magnifying the Light within! they told us in those days, They were come to a greater Dispensation and Glory, than we were in, and they told us, that we were in the form without the power; and told us, God would break our form and scatter us; but they proved false Prophets▪ for God hath broken them, and scattered them, but preserved and kept his People, who have been kept by his Mighty power through Faith in the true form of Godliness, while divers of them, with their high and vain pretensions, have not only been estranged from the Life and Power of Godliness, but also from the very form thereof, turning into the Liberty and Lusts of the flesh, and so became Enemies to the Cross of Christ, whose minds went downward, into the Earth and Earthly things, from the Heavenly; the Latter-end of such we have seen to be worse than their beginning, though many that were so subt●ly prevailed upon and hurt in those days, came (through the tender Mercy of God) to see the snare in which they were taken, and came out of it; and as it was then, so will it be with respect to divers who through subtlety and at unawars (for want of watchfulness in the Holy fear of God) have been of late years, and yet are ensnared and entangled, as others were before them; though some whom Satan hath made use of to ensnare them, may not return to the Lord by Repentance, but be cut off in his displeasure.  
And oh my friends, and all you that profess the Light within to be your Teacher, Consider; doth not some at this time who profess the same Light within to be their Teacher, pay Tithes to a Priest or priest's, go to a P●●●●● to be married, or be married by him, use the unchristian Customs and fashons of the People of the Nation, in their unsound speech and vain Complyments, and some in their superfluous and need●●s rapparee, and some in swearing, and some in seeking to, and complying with, and trusting in the Arm of flesh for their security; and do not these Cry, we must be left to ●ur Liberty in these things, We must hav● Liberty of Conscience? and have Not some of them presumptuously said, that the spirit or Light of God might allow them to do so? and to cover and justify themselves in this unchristian Liberty, have not some of them sought, to strain and wrest the afore cited sayings of the Apostles Concerning eating of Herbs, Meats, and the Observation of days, and other parts of the Scripture of Truth? Would not some stra●● and ●orest these Scriptures in our time to cover themselves in the aforesaid unchristian practices? let God's faithful witness in their own hearts speak in this Matter, and let the words that have fallen from the Mouths of some of the professors of the Light within (made public) of late, Witness against them in this matter.  
The Lord God said by the mouth of his Prophet, Woe to the Rebellious Children, that take Council, but not of me; and that Cover with a Covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin unto sin, Isa. 30. 1. My tender desires are for all that profess the Light & Spirit of God withtin, that they may walk in it, & be covered by it, that the woes of God they may Escape; but the unruly, lose and disorderly professors of it, will not Ecape the woes and wrath of God, if they do not unfeignedly Repent, and amend their do; and Cease from their unchristian deeds, which they have done, and words, which they have spoken against the Lord God, Christ, and his tender faithful servants, who have Anciently and to this day do labour in the Word and Doctrine of the Gospel, in turning many from darkness to Light, from the power of Satan unto God, and for their Preservation, Confirmation and Establishment therein.   

Something concerning Christian Order, or, Order in the Church of Christ.  
THe Apostle writes thus, God is not the Author of Confusion but of Peace, in all the Churches of the Saints. Again, he exhorts or commands, saying: Let all things be done decently and in order, 1 Cor. 14. 33, 40. The Apostle James writes thus, Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge amongst you, let him show, out of a good conversation, his works with meekness of wisdom: But if ye have bitter Endying and Strife in your Hearts, glory not, and lie not against the Truth: This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is Earthly, Sensual, Devilish; for where Envy and Strife is, there is Confusion and every evil work; but the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated; full of Mercy and of good Fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy; and the fruit of Righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace,;; James 3. 13. to the end.  
Again, Paul saith, Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ: Now I praise you, Brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the Ordinances as I delivered them unto you, etc. and the rest will I set in order when I come, 1 Cor. 11. 1, 2, 3, 4. And again, writing to Titus, he saith: For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain Elders in every City, as I had appointed thee, Titus 1. 5. read it through. Again, the Apostle writing to the Church at Corinth, saith: Now concerning the Collection for the Saints, as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia, even so do ye, 1 Cor. 16. 1.  
Observe here, that all things were not set in order at once by the Apostles, amongst the Believers and Professors of Christ, but as the work of Faith, Repentance, and Regeneration was wrought in order by degrees, even so good outward Order and Government they grew into gradually, or by degrees; so hath it been and is in our day, with those who to the light of Christ are turned, who therein wait, and more and more follow on to know the Lord; such do not build again the things which the Truth in them hath destroyed: They do not pay Tithes, ma●ry by a ●●●est, or turn back into the sinful customs and vain glory of the world; but they stand in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, and hold fast the Truth, which is their Crown, that no man take it from them, or them from it.  
Now all you that are young in Truth, and all others whom it concerns, take notice, that those whom God first turned from darkness to light in this our Age, who became lovers and followers of it, they thereby were led in the very morning or Infancy of their knowledge of the Light, and the teachings of it, to deny being Married by a Hriest, and to deny paying of Tithes, and to deny Swearing, to deny Envyings and Strife, Wars and Fight, which are the fruits of the Flesh, proceeding from the Lusts thereof, and to deny the vain customs, sinful Lu●●s, and glory of the world; to continue in the denial of these, is well pleasing to God: And as it was with the faithful in the beginning, or breaking out of the Gospel day amongst us; so it is with the faithful now, as with respect to their testimony in the denial of these things; and God hath given great Increa●● of his spiritual Treasures, Riches, and Blessings, to those that have continued faithful since that time; so that they are now nearer to the Lord, than they were in the morning of the day, and Infancy of their knowledge of him, Glory to his Name for the same. And thus it was with the Primitive Believers and Walkers in the Light, as the Scriptures of Truth declare.  
Now to such as say, Things amongst us (who profess the Light of Christ to be our Teacher) are not as they were in the beginning; I say, ●ay, as with respect to a●● Persons professing the Light, as aforesaid; they are not, nor yet with respect to divers things practised by the professors of the Light; for the Faithful have grown from one degree of Grace to another, and so from the practice of some good things, to the practice of more good things, having walked in the Light, they have held what they had, and gained more, according to Christ's promise, who said, He that is faithful in a little, I will make him Ruler over much: And there is to be a growing from strength to strength, and from Glory to Glory, from one degree of Grace to another, till there be an appearing in Zion in perfect beauty, till there be a coming to the measure of the Stature of the fullness of Christ, to a perfect man in Christ Jesus. This is accordiog to the Apostles Doctrine: Who thus goes on gradually towards perfection, are no Apostates, Backsliders, or Drawers back to perdition; but pressers forward for the complete Redemption of their Souls: So these are in a better condition than they were in the beginning of their profession of the Spirit, Truth, and Light of Christ within; As he saith, ●very Scribe that is taught or instructed unto the Kingdom of God, is like unto a Man that is an Housholder, which bringeth out of his Treasure things new and old.  
All that come to this State, walking in the light, as aforesaid, they increase in good Order in the Power of God.  
And again, Christ saith: Take heed what you hear, etc. And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a Grain of Mustardseed, which when it is sown in the Earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the Earth: but when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all Herbs, and shooteth out great Branches, see Mark 4. v. 24. to 32.  
Oserve here the Parables that Christ spoke concerning the Kingdom of God, and the Increase of it: Now as the Grain of Mustardseed is small, but being sown in the Earth groweth gradually, and in due season brings forth great increase of its own Nature and Kind, even so the Heavenly spark or seed of life, being believed in by man, it takes root in his heart, and grows gradually, and in the Appointed season of the Father brings forth fruit, first a little, and afterwards more; for Christ the living Vine said, In this is my Father glorified, that you bring forth much fruit: I am the true vine, my father is the husbandman. Every branch that bringeth not forth fruit (in me) he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth, that it may bring forth more fruit, Joh. 15. And again, he said, So is the Kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground, and the seed should spring and grow up, etc. for the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself, first the blade, than the ear, than the full corn in the ear, Mark. 4. v. 26. to 32.  
Again, the Prophet Isaiah Prophesying of Christ's Government and Kingdom, writes thus, For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, the Government shall be on his shoulder, and his name shall be called wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace; of the increase of his Government and Peace, there shall be no end; upon the Throne of David, and upon his Kingdom to Order it, and to Establish it with Judgement, and with justice, from henceforth even for ever: The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this, see Isa. 9 6, 7.  
Observe here the Parable of the Grain of Wheat cast into the Earth, it first springs to the Blade; secondly to the Ear; thirdly to the full or ripe Corn in the Ear. Now it may be truly said, that when the Grain of Wheat is sprung up to the Ear, it is not as it was in the beginning of its growth into the Blade, as with respect to the stature and growth of it; for the second is greater than the first.  
Again, it may be said, when it is grown to full ripe Corn in the Ear, it is not as it was in the beginning of its growth into the Blade, nor as it was when it was grown to the Ear, but not ripe, full, or perfect Corn; for the third degree of its growth was greater than the first or second, though they proceeded of one seed and were of one kind, and all good and beautiful in the order of their growth. Now this Grain of Wheat, and the fruit and product of it, in the several degrees of the growth thereof to its perfection, being made by Christ a Parable of the Heavenly Seed of God in the Hearts of his People, and of the several degrees of its work and appearance in them, and of th●ir several degrees of growth in it from their Infancy therein, to their compleatness or ripe Age in Christ. All you that profess to be the Generation or Offspring of this Heavenly Seed, Try and prove yourselves in this matter, be retired in the Spirit of your minds, and with the Light (you make profession of) take a view of your States and Conditions, and see whether your growth and prosperity in the Truth doth answer this parable, Yea or Nay.  
And observe what Isaiah Prophesied concerning Christ's Kingdom and Government, He saith, Of the Increase of His Government and Peace there shall be no End. Now they, who under the profession of the Light within, are against this pure Government of Christ, and the increase of it, in the particular, and in his Church in general, who are for bringing in and Practising a corrupt fleshly Liberty, Contrary to Christ, these are the Apostates and Innovators, with such the Faithful Christian Apostles and Elders, etc. were Exercised and greaved in the Primitive times, as the Epistles of Paul, Peter, John, Judas, etc. do show.  
Hear what Peter saith Concerning this matter, viz. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the Godly out of Temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of Judgement, to be punished; but Chief them that walk after the flesh in the Last of Uncleanness, and despise Government; presumptuous are they, self-willed,— having Eyes full of Adultery, and that cannot cease from Sin, beguiling unstable Souls— These are wells without Water, Clouds that are Carried with a Tempest, to whom the mist of Darkness is reserved for ever; for when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the Lust of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were Clean Escaped from them who live in Error: while they promise them Liberty, they themselves are the Servants of Corruption; for of whom a man is overcome, of the same he is brought into bondage,;; 2 Peter 2. 9, 10, 14, 17, 18. 19 read the Chapter through.  
And as it was in their days, so is it in ours; some fell away then from the faith and Obedience to the Cross of Christ, who had been Enlightened, and tasted of the Heavenly Gift, and of the power of the World to Come; who while they therein abode, were as Stars in the Firmament of the power of God, and as the Clouds that are filled with rain, and as the Trees of the Lords Planting, which brought forth some fruit to him; but when they fell away from Christ, the root, seed, Light and fountain of life, than their fruit withered, and so they came to be without fruit, as Judas writeth; Trees twice dead, plucked up by the Roots, etc. and could not grow any more.  
Now observe, it is not with these as it was in the beginning, when they were first turned to the Light of Christ, by which they come to see their Sins, and to be led to Repent of them, and to forsake them; the latter End of these is, and will be, worse than their beginning, as the Apostle Peter writes concerning such; for saith he, It had been better for them not to have known the way of Righteousness, than after they have known it, to turn from the Holy Commandment delivered to them; but it is come to pass according to the true Proverb, the dog is returned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the Mire, 2 Peter 21. 22. such, in former time, became the Agents of Satan to seduce and draw others from the Faith and Obedience of the Cross of Christ; some such have been and are in our day. All you that Love the Light of our Lord Jesus Christ, which makes Manifest all things as they are, and reproves that which is Evil, wait diligently in the Light, that therein you may see all the Mysterious workings of Satan and his Agents, that therein waiting and a biding steadfast, you may Escape all their Snares.   

Something more Concerning the order of the works of God in Heaven and Earth, and particularly in his People.  
THE great God, who made Heaven and Earth; and the fountains of Water, who made all things good in the beginning, he is the great God of Order, he works his works in Order. In the beginning God Created the Heaven and the Earth, and the Earth was without form and void, and Darkness was upon the face of the Deep, and the spirit of God Moved upon the Face of the Waters, and God said, let there be 
* Note, God Commanded the Light to be and appear the first day.  Light, and there was Light, and God saw the Light that it was Good, and God divided the Light from the Darkness, and God called the Light Day, and the Darkness he called Night, and the Evening and the morning were the first day: and God said let there be a Firmament in the midst of the Waters, and let it divide the Waters from the Waters, and God made the Firmament, and divided the Waters which were under the Firmament, from the Waters which were above the Firmament, and it was so, and God called the Firmament Heaven, and the Evening and the Morning were the second day; and God said let the waters under the Heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry Land appear, and it was so; and God called the dry Land earth, and the gathering together of the waters called he seas, and God saw that it was good; and God said, Let the Earth bring forth grass, the Herb yielding seed, and the fruit-tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself upon the Earth, and it was so, and the Earth brought forth grass, and Herb yielding seed, after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself after his kind, and God saw that it was good, and the Evening and the morning were the Third day: and God said, let there be Lights in the Firmament of the Heaven to divide the Day from the Night, and let them be for Signs and for Sea●ous, and for Days and Years, and let them be for Lights in the Firmament of Heaven, to give Light upon the Earth, and it was so, and God made two great Lights, the greater Light to Rule the day, and the lesser Light to Rule the Night, he made the Stars also, and God set them in the Firmament of the Heaven, to give Light upon the Earth, and to Rule over the Day, and over the Night, and to divide the Light from the Darkness, and God saw that it was good, and the Evening and the Morning were the Fourth day: and God said, let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving Creature that hath life, and Foul that may fly above the Earth in the open Firmament of Heaven, and God Created great Whales, and every living Creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly after their kind, and every winged Foul after his kind, and God saw that it was good, and God blessed them, saying, be fruitful and Multiply, and fill the waters in the Seas, and let Foul Multiply, in the Earth, and the Evening and the Morning were the Fifth day: and God said, let the Earth bring forth the Living Creature after his kind, Cattle and Creeping thing, and Beast of the Earth, after his kind, and it was so, and God made the Beast of the Earth after his kind, and Cattle after their kind, and every thing that Creepeth upon the Earth after his kind, and God saw that it was good; and God said, let us make Man in our own Image, after our Likeness, and let them have Dominion over the Fish of the Sea, and over the Foul of the Air, and over the Cattle, and over all the Earth, and over every Creeping thing that Creepeth upon the Earth; so God Created Man in his own Image, in the Image of God Created he him, Male and Female Created he them; and God blessed them; and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the Earth, and subdue it, and have Dominion over the Fish of the Sea, and over the Foul of the Air, and over every Living thing that moveth upon the Earth; and God said, behold I have Given you every Herb, bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the Earth, and every Tree in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed, to you it shall be for ever, and to every beast of the Earth, and to every Foul of the Air, and to every thing that Creepeth upon the Earth wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat, and it was so, and God saw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good, & the Evening and the Morning were the Sixth day. Thus the Heaven and the Earth were finished, and all the host of them, and on the Seventh day God ended his work which he had made, and he rested on the Seventh day from all his work which he had made, etc. These are the generations of the Heavens and of the Earth when they were Created. Read the whole first Chapter of Genesis, and the beginning of the second, etc.  
Observe here the Beautiful and Lowly order of the work of the great God of Order, in bringing forth his Beautiful Creation of Heaven and Earth, and all things in them; behold he did not make Heaven and Earth and all things that are in them at once, or in one day; you may here Read what he made the First day, and what he made the Second day, and what he made the Third day, and what he made the Fourth day, and what he made the Fifth day, and what he made the Sixth day, and that he finished and ended his work on the Seventh day.  
Reader, here thou mayest see how the works of God were Carried on by degrees, to their Compleatness; Likewise thou mayest observe the Ignorance of some in our day, who say, Things among us (who profess to be Taught and led by the Light of Christ within) are not as they were in the beginning, when we were first turned to the Light, but here is new Order or Orders set up amongst us, several Meetings and Practices, which we are afraid, will bring in Apostasy. Such Ignorant, Dark talk as this have I heard from some who account themselves Children of Light, Ancient in Truth, Grown, Wise, etc.  
Observe from what God has spoken by the Mouth of Moses, as aforesaid, that from the First day to the Seventh day, in which God ended his work, he brought forth New things every day, This glorious work he Carried on by degrees, till he had Completed it according to the Counsel of his own will.  
Again, observe, Man, who was at the first made in the likeness of his Maker, holy, Just, and good, being seduced, deceived by the Serpent, who abode not in the Truth, in whom there is no Truth, he is become a degenerate plant of a strange Vine unto God, by taking, eating, and doing, that which the great God from the first hath forbidden, he died the Death according to the word of the Lord, and in this degenerate fallen State is dead in trespasses and sins, his Spirit, mind, will, and affections, dead from God, from Purity, from Holiness, Righteousness and Innocency, in this State of Death he doth not Rightly seek after the Living God, in this State he is not rightly affected towards him, he doth not behold his goodness, his glory and Mighty power, he doth not Reverence and fear him as he ought, neither doth he hunger and thirst after him and his Righteousness, Purity, Justice, Love, etc. but on the Contrary, his dead mind, will, and affections, all dead from God, are Employed and Exercised by Satan in that which is Evil, and that continually, as the Lord hath spoken by the mouth of Moses, viz. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the Earth, and that every Imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only Evil continually; and it repent the Lord that he had made man on the Earth, and it grieved him, etc. Genesis 6. 5, 6.  
Observe the great and merciful Creator, and God of the whole Earth, hath promised the Redemption of his Creature Man, yea, both the Male and Female out of the Bondage of Corruption, into the glorious Liberty of the Sons and Daughters of God; this he hath spoken by the mouths of his Servants, as it is written in the Scriptures of Truth, when God gave his just and righteous Sentence of Judgement upon the Serpent, for his Cursed work of deceiving the Man and the Woman, he said unto the Serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art Cursed above all Cattle, and above every Beast of the Field, upon thy Belly shalt thou go, and Dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy Life; and I will put Enmity between thee and the Woman, and between thy Seed and her Seed, and it shall bruise thy Head, etc. Genesis 3. 14, 15. The Apostle writing concerning this Seed, saith, Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made; he saith not, and to Seeds, as of many, but as of one, and to thy Seed, which is Christ, Gala. 3. 16. This Seed Christ was Glorified with the Father before the World began; as he said, Glorify thou me with thine own self, with the Glory that I had with thee before the World began, Joh. 17. he is that Eternal Divine Word, by whom all things were made, who lighteth every that cometh into the World, who, in the days of his Flesh, commanded man, saying, Believe in the Light, walk in the Light, etc. The Apostle writing of him to the Saints, said, He was Ordained from of old, but manifest for you in the last time, etc. made of the Seed of David and Abraham, according to the Flesh, ●ut declared to be the Son of God with Power, by the Resurrection from the Dead; he was made in due time of a Woman under the Law, to Redeem them that were under the Law; he went up and down doing good, healing all manner of Diseases, Maladies and Sicknesses; yea, he raised the Dead unto life; after which he offered up himself through the Eternal Spirit, as a Lamb without spot and blemish, an acceptable Sacrifice to God for the remission of the sins of the Transgressor's, (who believe in him, and come to the obedience of the Faith,) he risen from the Dead the Third Day, and appeared to his Disciples, and gave them many things in Charge, particularly to feed his Lambs and Sheep, (and to love one another, and love Enemies, etc.) after which he ascended according to the Scriptures, and is on the right-hand of the Majesty on High, from whence be shall proceed to Judge the World in righteousness, the man Christ jesus; this is he who was with the Church in the Wilderness, the spiritual Rock; for saith the Apostle, He was with the Church in the Wilderness; for saith he, They all eat the same spiritual meat; they all drink the same spiritual drink; they eat and drank of the Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ; this is h● of whom John in the Revelations testifies, saying, He rides upon a White Horse, his Vesture is dipped in blood, his Name is called the Word of God, and the Armies which are in Heaven follow him. This is he that was dead and is alive, and lives for evermore, who hath the Keys of Hell and of Death, who slays the Dragon that plays in the Sea, who destroys Death, and him that hath the Power of Death, which is the Devil; this is he who is the Resurrection of the Dead, and the Life of the Living; this is he who said, He that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and said, he that liveth and believeth, shall never die; Martha, believest thou this? this is he of whom the Apostle writ to the Saints, saying, Ye, that some time were dead in trespasses and sins, hath he quickened; by Grace ye are saved through Faith, and that not of yourselves; for it is the gift of God. Again, this is he of whom the Apostle writ, saying, We have all been gone astray, as Sheep without a Shepherd; but now we are returned to the Captain of our Salvation, and Bishop of our Souls: this is he of whom 'tis written, That there is no Name given under Heaven, by which man can be saved, but by the name of Jesus Christ; it is also written of him, That there is not Salvation in any other; he himself hath said, I am the way to the Father; no man can come to the Father but by me; I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; I am the Door, he that enters in by me the Door, shall go in and find Pasture; I am the good Shepherd; I lay down my Life for my Sheep; all that came before me, they are Thiefs and Robbers. The Apostle saith, If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, Rom. 8. 9 they who Preach the Words of God, spoken by his Spirit, in, and by his Son, or in & by his Prophets or Apostles, without the Spirit of God and Christ, they steal, the Lord is against them, see Jer. 23. Ezekel 13, 1. to the end. 1 Cor. 2. 10, 11. 1 Pet. 1. 11. 1 Cor. 12. 3.  
Observe, This is he by whom God brings forth his New Creation in man, who was fallen dead in Trespasses and Sins; the Apostle saith, If any man be in Christ, he is a New Creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become New; and all things are of God; and he writ to the Saints, saying, We are God's workmanship, Created in Christ Jesus unto good Works, which God before Ordained that we should walk in them.  
Observe, This is he that burns up the old Heavens, and the old Earth, which Satan hath filled with Sin and Wickedness; this is he that Baptizeth with the Holy Ghost, and with Fire, who burns up all the false Joy, false Pleasure, which is as a false Heaven; for as the Kingdom of God the true Heaven, consists in true Joy and Peace, so Satan transforms himself in his dark Kingdom, in fallen man, which he has filled with sin, and gives him, for a short time, a false Joy and Peace in Evil doing; this is that Joy that must be turned into Sorrow; this is that Peace which is not the Peace of God, therefore God will destroy it. Heaven and Earth, and all things, were good in the beginning, and man was good, yea very good, his Spirit, Soul and Body; but being fallen from God, degenerated into a Plant of a strange Vine, his Heart, Mind, Spirit, Will and Affections, all Corrupted, Poisoned, Slain, Dead, from God, he is now become as the corrupt Earth, which brings forth Briers and Thorns, whose end is to be burned. Mankind in the fall is accounted by the Prophet as a Forest or Wilderness, overgrown with Briers and Thorns, and he Prophecies of the day of the Lord that shall come upon this Wilderness, Briers and Thorns, Sin and Wickedness, and shall burn them up. And again, the Prophet of the Lord saith, The day of the Lord shall come, which shall burn as an Oven, and the Proud, and all that do wickedly shall be as stubble, and it shall burn them up, and leave them neither Root nor Branch.  
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God; Sin brought Death and Separation from God; God saith by the Prophet, Your Sins separate betwixt you and your God, your sins withhold good things from you; wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your do from before mine Eyes, and then draw near, and let us reason together; though your sins were as Crimson, I will make them as Snow, though they were as blood, I will make them as Wool; I will carry them into a Land of forgetfulness, and Will remove them as far from you, as the East is from the West. Again, God commands by the Apostle, saying, Cleanse your hands you sinners, purify your hearts ye double minded, be afflicted and mourn, let your laughter be turned into heaviness, and your joy into mourning; humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and he shall exalt you in due time. And the Apostle saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the Dead, and Christ shall give thee Light, Ephes. 5. 14.  
Observe, That all the fallen dead sons and daughters of Adam, who come to be made alive to God, to become a generation to him, to bring forth fruit to his Glory, they must come to be Awakened by the Spirit and Voice of God, sounding an alarm in their own Hearts and Souls, to have their ears opened to his voice, the eyes of their unberstandings opened to see him a God nigh at hand, they must know the Revelation of the Righteous Judgements of God upon the head of the Serpent in their own Hearts, Minds, Wills, and Affections, and through his Righteous Judgements to know the old man with his deeds which are Corrupt, according to the deceitful Lusts of the flesh put off, and so to know the fulfilling of the Apostles words, who said, They that are Christ's have Crucified the flesh, with the Affections and Lusts; He that is in Christ is a New Creature.  
Again, observe, this work of Redemption of the Creature out of the bondage of Corruption, into the glorious Liberty of the sons and daughters of God, is a work that is carried on by Degrees, as Christ hath showed and set it forth in many Parables, showing the smallness of its beginning, as to the sense and apprehension of the Creature in whom it is begun; The Kingdom of God in the unregenerate is Compared to a grain of Wheat cast into the Earth, which first suffers, or dies▪ but in its suffering or dying brings forth the fruit of its own kind, first the blade, than the ear, than the full, or ●ipe Corn, in the Ear, It is also Compared to a grain of Mustard Seed cast into the Earth, which being small, yet in the Appointed season of him that gives the increase, brings forth fruit plentifully: Again, it is Compared to Leaven put in three measures of Meal, till the whole was Levened: Again, it is Compared to a Net cast into the Sea, which gather good and bad to the shore, and gathers the good into Vessels, but casts the bad away.  
Observe still, here is a glorious Order in the work of man's Regeneration and Restoration to God; Man, who is turned from Darkness to Light, from Satan's power to God, with the Light he is come to see his sin: Now he is to wait to know God, (who is a Consuming fire to sin and wickedness,) to appear in him, to burn up and Consume his Sins, to Slay that Dragon or Serpent in him, who has led him into Sin, and hath kept him in it, and caused him to take pleasure in the same. Now he is to wait to know the Mighty, Living, Dreadful God, to appear in him as a refiners fire, and as Fuller's soap; Now he is patiently to bear the Indignation of the Lord, because he hath sinned, until he hath Mercy on him; for he will not Contend forever with the Repenting, believing Penitent ones, because he delights in Mercy. Now he that thus believes, waits, and submits to the Chastising hand of the Lord, doth not always Continue under his rebukes, Chastisement or Judgement; in the midst of Judgement he remembers Mercy to such; under Judgement he supports the Spirits of these Contrite ones; he strengthens them in this Winter season, and he Leads them through it, as a man of God hath written, Behold the Winter is over and gone, the time of Rejoicing is come, and the voice of the Turtle is heard in our Land. Thus they that have set their faces Sion-wards; and are travelling with their faces thither-wards, go on and grow from glory to glory, from strength to strength, from one degree in the grace of Christ Jesus unto another, until they appear in Zion in perfect beauty; so these are not like a Dwarff, that doth not grow; for a Dwarff was by the Law of God forbidden to be a Priest, and so was a Lepor; but such who believe, wait, and grow, as aforesaid, are not as the Dwarff or Lepor, and Diseased, who are all Corrupt, from the Crown of the Head to the Sole of the Foot, and who hath no Health in them as they say; but these are come to Christ the Physician of Value, yea the saving Health of all Nations, as it's written of him; though these can do nothing of themselves, yet they can do all things through Christ that strengthens them, which the Apostle knew and writ of; These have put on the Lord Jesus Christ; These make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the Lust thereof; these are strengthened by Christ (who is God's glorious power and wisdom) in their Inward man, as it's written; these grow strong in the Lord; by degrees, these put on the whole Armour of God, by which they are defended from all the fiery Darts of the Devil, these are made Conquerors in Christ, who Destroys the Devil, and his works in them; To these is given the Spirit of Praise instead of that of heaviness; these are returned to Zion with songs of diliverance, and Everlasting joy; amongst these God reigns, in and through them he shines, to enlighten the dark World, which lies in wickedness; Thus it's written, Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.  
Again, the Apostle writing of the Beautiful Order of the work of God in Heaven & Earth, saith, There is one Glory of the Sun, and another Glory of the Moon, and another Glory of the Stars, for one Star differeth from another Star in Glory, so also is the Resurrection of the dead, 1 Cor. 15. 41, 42.  
Observe here, what the Apostle hath written concerning the Different Order of the Sun, Moon, and Stars in Heaven, & saith, so is the Resurrection of the dead; showing that the several States and Conditions of those whom Christ hath Quickened or raised in some degree from death to life, do also differ in their several degrees of growth in Life, Stature, and Strength, and accordingly do differ in their gifts and places, and glory and beauty, in the Resurrection from Death to Life.  
Christ said to them whom he had Quickened, I am come that you might have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.  
Again, The Psalmist, who was Anointed by God and his appointment, both Prophet and King, writ thus, Praise ye the Lord; Praise the Lord from the Heavens; Praise him in the heights; Praise ye him all ye his Angels; Praise ye him, all ye his hosts; Praise ye him, Sun and Moon; Praise ye him all ye Stars of Light; Praise him, ye Heavens of Heavens, and ye Waters, that be above the Heavens, Let them praise the Name of Lord; for he commanded, and they were Created; he hath also Established them forever and ever, he hath made a decree which shall not pass; Praise the Lord from the Earth ye Dragons and all deeps, Fire, and Hail, Snow and Vapour, Stormy Wind, fulfilling his word, Mountains and all Hills, fruitful trees and all Cedars, Beasts and all Cattle, Creeping things and flying Fouls, Kings of the Earth and all People, Princes and all Judges of the Earth, both young Men and Maidens, old Men and Children, let them Praise the Name of the Lord; for his name alone is Excellent, his Glory is above the Earth and Heaven, etc. P●al. 148. read it through.  
Here again Observe, the great God of Order, who in the beginning Created all things in Order, and placed them in their Order in Heaven and Earth, all which was very good; he calls of them in Order, by the mouth of his Prophet, to praise, Magnify and Glorify him, for whose glory and honour they all were Created good in the beginning; Oh vain Man! who under the Dark power of Satan, has been bred up in thy Transgression as a Wild Ass' Colt, or as a Wild Bullock unaccustomed to the yoke, (or thou that hast known the yoke of Christ and cast it off) wouldst thou in thy folly limit the Holy one of Israel in the beginning, Carrying on and Completing of his Creating anew in Christ Jesus, the fallen degenerated and dead Sons and Daughters of Adam who have believed in his divine Spirit and Light, and therein waits upon him in it, he will not be Limited by thee, but will rebuke and Judge thee for thy presumptuous attempt: behold the beautiful Creation, the works of God in Heaven and Earth, and the Order thereof, and these will Teach thee better; it is true what the Apostle hath writ, The wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all unrighteousness and ungodliness of men, because that which may be known of God, is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them, for the Invisible things of the Creation are clearly soon, by the things that are made, even his Eternal power and Godhead, so that they are with out excuse Rom. 1. 18, 19, 20, see the 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, to the end of the Chapter.  
Observe here, God's Creation, Heaven and Earth, and the things therein are as a book, wherein man and woman may read the wonderful works of God, and the Glorious Order and Beauty of them, all People being enlightened by Christ the divine word, by whom God the Father made them all, they believing in the Light of him, in it they may see his wonderful power and wisdom in the bringing forth, upholding and beautiful Order thereof, God having enlightened all by his Word and Spirit, which are one, Calls all the Ends of the Earth to Look unto him; he saith, Look unto me O all ye ends of the Earth and be ye saved; for I am God, and there is None Else, ● Mighty God and a Saviour: they who believe in his Light, and therein wait, they come therein to see and have Unity with his glorious works in Heaven and in Earth, and in their own Hearts and Souls, and therein come to be made sensible of his bounty and kindness unto mankind in the Creating of them, and setting them in their Beautiful Order, and upholding them in the same, and in the deep sense of these things, Man's Heart becomes tender, broken, and humble within him, and in this tender subjected humble frame of heart and mind, he returns the Praise, Honour, Glory, Dominion, and Thanks unto him, the great God and Creator, of all things, who is worthy of Glory, Honour, Obedience and Praise over all Heaven and Earth, now and forever more, Amen.   

Something more particularly concerning the Order of Christ in his Church.  
THE Apostle writing to the Church at Corinth writes thus, viz. ye are the body of Christ, and Members in particular: and God hath set some in the Church; first, Apostles; secondly, Prophets; thirdly, Teachers, etc. Are all Apostles? are all Prophets? are all Teachers? etc. see 1 Cor. 12. 27, 28, 29. Again, he writes to the Church at Ephesus thus, viz. And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the Edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the Unity of the Faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the Measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, Ephess. 4. 10, 11, 12.  
Observe here, the Apostle shows the order particularly of the several gifts of God to the several Members of his Church, which he gave them by the one Spirit, in which gifts the several Members were appointed to serve him, and e●ch other, and as they all kept in their proper Gifts, they did therein serve him and each other, and the weakest Members of the Church also, for whose service they received their Gifts, (The weak had and have the most need of the help and service of these gifts) and as they all kept in the Exercise of their several gifts in the motion, leading and guidance of God's holy Spirit, the root and fountain of them all, they had all Unity therein one with another, although their gifts did differ, both in the manner of their working, and in the measure or greatness of them, so that there was an Harmony and Unity amongst them, though they were many Members, yet were but one body, all in Subjection unto Christ the one head.  
Secondly, Observe the Apostles question, are all Apostles? are all Prophets? are all Teachers? etc. He doth not say, they are; the contrary is manifest; neither are all the Members in the Church of Christ in this Age called, appointed, or ordained (In their presant State) to be Prophets, Apostles, or Teachers; for these are peculiar or proper gifts, given by the Lord God, as, and when, he pleaseth, according to the Counsel of his own will.  
Thirdly, Observe, that by what I have said in this matter, I only intent all the Members of the Church of Christ in their present State, are not sent forth publicly with a message of Salvation to Preach to the Nations, nor to Prophesy or Preach publicly in words the Doctrine of the Truth or Gospel of Christ, nor are they all appointed of God to Prophesy and foretell things to come, nor are they all made Teachers in a public Ministry in Doctrine, or Exhortation; for these are peculiar or proper gifts, given according to the Heavenly will and Counsel of God (in his own time and season) as I said before.  
Fourthly, Observe that though all the Members of the Body of Christ, have not all or some of the aforesaid places in the body, yet ev●ry Member hath a place in the body, and it is a precious and blessed thing, for every Member to know its place, and keep in it, in its proper service, whereto it's called of God; but when any Member goes out of the Counsel of God, and looks at another's gift, and goes out of his own proper place from his gift and service in the body, striving in a wrong mind or zeal after others gifts; Imitating them in words, voice, or sound, or other visible or ●udab●e Motion or Action of the Creature, or through a zeal without knowledge, or by any other means whatsoever, than such a Member hurts itself, and grieves or offends the other more discerning Members of the body, who sees and feels the out-going of the said Member.  
Fifthly, Observe, it is the place and duty of the discerning Members of the body, who see such out-going, tenderly in the Love and wisdom of God, to speak to such, in order to bring them to a sense of their out-going, and to restore them into their place again (if possible) and to watch over them in Love, for their preservation in it.  
Sixthly, Observe, it is the duty of such who have been mistaken, and gone out of their place, as aforesaid, to hear and receive Counsel of those who freely tender it to them, in the Love of God, several such in our day, have had Counsel so given to them, who have received it in the same Love, which have tended greatly to their profit, even to their settlement and Establishment with God, and Unity with his People, praised be the Lord God for the same.  
Seventhly, Observe, that some who have had a place in the Church of Christ, through want of watchfulness in the holy fear of God, have been drawn out of it, by the subtle Adversary of their Souls; and when some of the Members of the body, (who kept their habitation in the Light, in which they have a right sense, sight, savour and discerning of Spirits, words and Actions) have spoken to them, in the Wisdom and Love of God, in Order to have Restored them, into their places, that they might therein have been preserved in Unity with God and his People, they have not received in Love, that which in Love was spoken to them, for the good End aforesaid; but on the Contrary have rejected the same, and have let up prejudice, hard thoughts and evil will against their friends, who sought their good, and so these evils given way to by them, have eaten out the Love, gantiness tenderness, Meakness, and patience, that once in some Measure appeared in them, and a raging scornful, bitter, reviling Spirit, hath entered some, as also from the same root, feigned Humiliy, feigned words and flattery hath appeared in some, these latter mentioned fruits proceeding from the Evil root, is more Dangerous to deceive than the former, therefore all you who Love your own Souls, be warned to fly from the Spirit of dissimulation and flattery, as also from the rude, railing, boisterous, quarrelsome, perverse, Crooked, self-revengful and scornful, Stubborn, selfwillful, and self-Exalting Spirit.  
Eightly, Observe, that the same God, who by his Spirit, and in his own Order set some in the Church; First, Apostles. Secondly, Prophets. Thirdly, Teachers, etc. by the same Spirit, he gives proper or peculiar gifts to some, that are not Apostles, Prophets, or public Teachers, according to the aforesaid definition of them, viz. he sets some in the Church, helpers in Government, which last mentioned Members are of great service in their places, in the body of Christ, they being kept by him in true Humility.  
[O friends, all keep low in your Minds, let nothing be done amongst you in highmindedness or vain glory, for that God Accepts not; but the Meek he Guides in Judgement, but the Proud are an abomination to him.  
This is the Testamony of the Lord Jesus Christ to you, viz. The more Persons grow in Christ, the Root, Foundation, and Head of his Church, the more Meek, Humble, and Patient they grow.]  
Ninthly, Observe, that though all the Members of the body have not all or any of the before mentioned services in the body, yet have they all a place in the Body, as I said before, and they are blessed who know their place and keep in it, though it be the place of one of the least of the Members of the Body; for that is to be desired, which the good man made choice of in his days, who said, I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord, than to dwell in the Tents of wickedness, for the Lord God is a Sun and a Shield, the Lord will give grace, no good thing will he withhold, from them that walk uprightly, Psalm 84. 10, 11.  
Tenthly, Observe, that as every Member hath a place in the Body, so it hath a service therein, though not the place of an Apostle, or Prophet, or helper in Government; yet all they who are properly and truly of the body, do Preach, witness and testitie of God and Christ, his Kingdom and Glory, (and against the Kingdom of Satan, Sin, Wickedness, and the vain Glory and Lusts that are in the World,) In their Christian Lives and Conversations; and every Nember that abides in its place and service, in the fear of the Lord, and true Humility, hath Peace and Comfort with the Lord, and Unity with all their fellow-Members, who keep in their places and services; and all who keep their places and services, as aforesaid, therein, are in a preparedness for whatsoever the Lord God pleaseth to call them further unto, and when any is called to further or other service, than what God hath already called them unto, their Peace with God and Unity with his People, will be continued in their obedience to God that calls them.  
Again, the Apostle writeth thus of Christ, viz. he that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all Heavens, that he might fill all things, and he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the Edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the Unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the Stature of the fullness of Christ, that we henceforth be no more Children, tossed to and fro, and Carried about with every wind of Doctrine by the slight of men and cunning Craftyness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, but speaking the Truth in Love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body fi●●ly Joined together and compacted, by that which every Joint supplieth according to the Effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh Increase of the body unto the Edifying of itself in Love, Ephess. 4. 10, 11. to the 17.  
First Observe, that the gifts of the Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, etc. were not given only to convince People of the Truth and way of Righteousness, but also to build them up in it gradually from strength to strength, to a R●pe Age in Christ.  
Secondly Observe, that those who were turned to the Light and Spirit of Truth by those whom God sent to turn them to it, could not in the Light and Spirit gainsay or oppose them who therein Laboured in their writing and speaking to them to build them up in it; from strength to strength, for the Light is not Contradictory to itself in the Preacher or the Nearer, or in any of the Children of it, for that which the Light or Spirit of Truth speaks or dictates to write in one of its Children it doth nor reject, oppose or gainsay in any other of its Children; for if it could do so, then should it be the Author of Confusion amongst ●'s Children, which is most false and blasphemous to say; for God by this Spirit and Light is not the Author of Confusion, but of good, profitable, and Comfortable order and peace in all the Churches of the Saints. The Apostle in this divine Light saw, and by Experience knew that which he writ concerning it, viz. God is Light, in him is no Darkness at all, if we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in Darkness we lie, and do not the Truth; but if we walk in the Light, as he is in the Light, then have we fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son Cleanseth us from all sin, 1 John 1. 5, 6, 7.  
Thirdly, Observe, that they who profess the Light of Christ within, whether they be old or young professors of it, that gainsay, oppose, reject, slight and contemn that which the Light or Spirit of Truth hath spoken and dictated to write in its servants and Children for the Profit, Edification, Confirmation, Establishment, & comfort of the Body, (which Thousands being Children of the Light, have gladly received, and finds the great comfort and profit of) These are not the Lights Children, these do not walk in it, though they talk of it, and though some of them may be full of self-confidence, that they walk in it, and that they are discerning Persons, Wise, Strong, etc. yet this is their great mistake, herein they show their spiritual darkness, blindness, nakedness, miserableness, Laodician like.  
Fourthly, Again Observe, That the Apostles who had turned the people to the Light and Spirit of Truth within, who were thereby gathered into Congregations or Churches, did afterward write the several Epistles to the several Churches, and therein gave to them Commands, Doctrines, Instructions, Exhortations, Admonitions, and sometimes sharp Reproofs, and Rebukes, as the Lord by his Light and Spirit moved in them, according to the several States and Conditions of those they writ to; the Apostle Exhorts Timothy, viz. them that sin, rebuke before all, that others also may fear, 1 Tim. 5. 20. Again, Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort with all long suffering and Doctrine, 2 Tim. 4. 2. Again, he writ to Titus, viz. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke, with all Authority, let no man despise thee, Titus 2. 15. And again, Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the Faith, it is rendered out of the Greek, in the Margin, Cutingly, touching to the quick, Titus 1. 13. Here take notice, that Reproofs and Rebukes are commanded of the Lord, and profitable in their season, though it sometimes comes to pass, that those who are seasonably reproved and rebuked, do not seasonably and rightly receive the same, but turns against it, in Self-justification, and into Enmity against those, who in the Council of God, give it unto them for their good, in some such is that Proverb verified, Reprove a fool, and he will hate thee; but a wise man, and he will love thee.  
Fifthly, Observe, Timothy and Titus were Overseers, made so by the Holy Ghost, Spirit and Light, therein to watch over the Saints for their good, to Minister to them from time to time, whether by Word or Epistle, what was needful and profitable for them; we do not read in the Scripture of Truth, nor believe that these two Overseers did reject Paul's Epistles, written to them, or call them Man's Edicts, Man's Decrees, Prescriptions, or put any such contemptible names upon them; but on the contrary, we believe they received them in Love, and obeyed the good Counsel, Charge and Exhortations therein given them; we do not read, nor believe, that these two Ministers of Christ did plead their Place and Office in the Body and Church of Christ, to Exclude and Reject Paul's Epistles to them, which he gave forth in the Light and motion of the Holy Ghost; we do not read, nor believe, that they said to Paul, we deny thy Forms, D●de●s Prescriptions, etc. we are Ministers of the Gospel as well as thee; thy Epistles are of no use or service to us, why dost thou seek to impose them upon us? the Holy Ghost, and Light within, by which we are made Overseers, is sufficient for us, away with thy Orders. The Apostle Paul writ thus to Timothy, viz. These things writ I unto thee, being to come to thee shortly, but if I carry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the House of God, which is the Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of Truth, 1 Tim. 3. 14, 15.  
Behold here Paul in this Epistle Instructs Timothy, (who was an Overseer in the Church) how to behave himself in it; we do not read, nor believe, that this Overseer in the Church did Reject Paul's Instruction herein; or that he pleaded the Sufficiency of the Light within, in opposition to Paul's Advice and Instruction, but we do believe that he saw in the Light, the Instruction given to be good and profitable for him, and therefore gladly received the same.  
Now if these Overseers in the Holy Ghost could see a Service to them in Paul's Epistles, which certainly they did, then there certainly was a Service in his other Epistles to the Novices, 
Paul, who in the Light and Holy Ghost, taught the Elders by his Epistles to them; he also taught the Younger by his other Epistles, though both of them knew and obeyed the Light within; in it they saw the good use, profit and comfort of them, and therefore did not contend against them, but cheerfully received them, and obeyed the Council of the Lord therein given.  or young Scholars, weak in the Faith, feeble minded, etc. Upon all which, Observe, That neither these strong men, Overseers in the Churches, nor the younger, who walked in the Light of Christ, did plead their being taught by the Light of Christ, or Holy Ghost within, in opposition to their being Taught, Exhorted, and Instructed, by the Instrumental helps of those Epistles which Paul and other of the Apostles writ to them as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. I do Advise and Exhort those professors of the Light within, who are offended at some profitable and wholesome Epistles, given forth by some of the most ancient and faithful of the Children of Light in this Age, (concerning good Order and Government in the Church of Christ,) to read the two Epistles to Timothy, and that to Titus, and Peter's Exhortations to the Elders (or Overseers) to f●ed the Flock of God, over which the Holy Ghost had made them Overseers, which take as followeth, viz. The Elders which are among you I Exhort, who am also an Elder and a Witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also partaker of the Glory that shall be revealed; feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy Lucre, but of a ready mind, neither as being Lords over God's Heritage, but being Examples to the Flock, and when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away; likewise ye Younger submed yourselves unto the Elder, yea all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with Humility; for God resisteth the Proud, and giveth grace to the Humble; humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may Exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. Be sober, be 〈…〉; (or watchful,) because your Adversary the Devil, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the Faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren that are in the World. But the God of all Grace, who hath called us into his Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stabtish, strengthen settle you. To him be Glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Pet. 5. 1, to the 12. Again, hear his sweet Exhortation, Finally, be all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as Brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing,— For he that will love life, and see good oa●s, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no Guile. Let h●m eschew, or fly from Evil, and do good, let him seek peace, and ensue it, (that is follow it) for the Eyes of the Lord are over the Righteous, and his Ears are open unto their prayers, but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 1 Pet. 3. 8, to the 13.  
Sixthly, Observe here Peter that faithful Apostle of Christ, in his general Epistle, Exhorts the Elders who were among the Churches, to feed the Flock; we do not read nor believe, that those Elders took it 〈◊〉 of Peter that he so Exhorted them; we neither read, nor believe, that they pleaded their Gifts and Places in the Church, or their being led by the Light, or Holy Ghost, within, in opposition to his Christian Council and Exhortation in the same Holy Ghost, Light and Spirit, given them by his Epistle; but on the contrary, we believe that in the Light they saw the same to be good and profitable for them, and therein gladly received and obeyed the same, and also we believe, that the younger who walked in the Light, did submit themselves ●nto the Elder therein, and that they who obeyed the Light were thereby led into Humility and Lowliness, and therein to submit themselves one to another, in the Fear and Council of God.  
Again, Paul writing to the Colossians, writ thus, viz. And when this Epistle is read amongst you, cause that it be read in the Church of the Laodicians— And say to Archippus, take heed to the Ministry, which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.  
Observe two things in the foregoing words, first, that he did not only charge or enjoin them to read his Epistle amongst them, but also to take care, that it was read to the Laodicearis. Secondly, He writ to them, to say to Archippus, take heed to thy Ministry, etc. We do not read, or believe, that the believing Colossians did reject this Epistle of Paul's, or neglect their duty in reading it, and causing it to be read according to his Exhortation, or that they pleaded the sufficiency of the Light within, in opposition to his E●istles, and council therein given unthem, but that in the light, they had Unity with it, and therefore gladly received it, and had benefit by it, neither do we read or believe, that Archippus was offended with what Paul writ concerning him, nor that he pleaded his Gift and Ministry, and the Light within, against Paul's council, in the matter relating to him, but that he had Unity therewith in the Light.  
Again, Paul writ to Timothy thus, viz. I charge thee before God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall Judge the quick and dead, at his appearing, and his Kingdom, Preach the word, be instant in season, and out of season, reprove, rebuke; exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine, for the time will come, when they will not endure sound Doctrine, but after their own Lusts, shall they heap to themselves Teachers, having itching Ears, and they shall turn away their Ears from the Truth, and shall be turned unto Faules'; but watch thou in all things, endure afflistions, do the work of an Evangalist, make full proof of thy Ministry,; 2 Tim. 4. 1, to the 6th.  
Observe, Have not some professors of the Light within now, itching Ears which cannot endure sound Doctrine, and are not some such for setting up Teachers, which with unsound Doctrine, for a wrong Liberty, against the Cross of Christ, can, or do please their itching Ears.  
The Apostle said, we speak not as pleasing men, but God, who tryeth our hearts, 1 Thess. 2. 4. Again, to the Galatians he writ, saying, For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the Servant of Christ, Gal. 1. 9, 10.  
Paul charges Timothy before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, to Preach the Word, to Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort, etc. and to make full proof of his Ministry; we do not read, nor believe, that Timothy was offended with this Fatherly Charge, or Exhortation in this matter; or that he excepted against, or opposed this Charge, or pleaded his Gift or Place in the Church, or the Holy Ghost, or Light of Christ, in opsition to it, or that he said, he had no need of it, or that it was of no use or service to him, but on the contrary, we believe that this faithful young man, whom Paul had begotten to God, (through the power of the Gospel) did gladly receive; and profitably ●●prove, the Charge, Exhortation and Council of Paul the Aged, his Elder in the Truth.  
Again, Christ after he was risen from the dead, said unto Simon Peter, Lovest thou me, more than these? he saith unto him, Yea Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my Lambs. He saith to him again the Second time, Simon Son of Ionas, Lovest thou me? he saith unto him, Yea Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my Sheep. He said unto him the Third time, Simon Son of Ionas? Lovest thou me?— And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep, John 21. 15, 16, 17.  
First, Observe, How Christ put the Question before Recited, upon Peter Three times, designing thereby to settle, and revet or fasten, the sense and care of this great Duty, of feeding his Lambs and Sheep, upon him, which command of his Masters he faithfully performed, and Exhorted the other Elders to perform their duty in this matter, of so great weight, as is showed before. The like did Paul, James and John, and the rest of the faithful Apostles and Elders.  
Secondly, Observe, How these Holy men of God did f●ed the Lambs and Sheep of Christ, in Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God unto them, which they Preached in the Power of the Holy Ghost, sent down from Heaven.  
Thirdly, Observe, We do not read in the Scriptures of Truth, nor believe, that these Lambs or Sheep of Christ, did profess the Teachings of the Light within, in opposition to its teaching of them through these Apostles and Elders, who were commanded 
Note, The Light of Christ within, is not contradictory to itself, in any of the Children of it, nor in any others.  and empowered from Heaven to feed them, they did not plead the sufficiency of the Light of Christ within themselves, against its Teaching them in these Apostles, for as I said before, the Light in him, that is Taught, cannot oppose the Light in him that Teacheth, neither is the Light contradictory to it self in any of its Children but walking in it therein is their fellowship one with another.  
Fourthly, Observe, Christ calls those that were to be fed, Lambs and Sheep, which signifies, they were not of a Woolfish or Dogish Nature or Spirit, that is, Bitter, Cruel and Ravenous, but as Lambs and Sheep, they were meek and ●u●et; Oh that all the professors of the Light of Christ within, were such, then would not some of them cause such dishonour to the Lord as they do, neither would they cause such grief and travel to the faithful Labourers in the Gospel of Peace, as they do.  
Again, Paul writ to Timothy thus, viz. take heed unto thyself and unto thy Doctrine, continue in them, for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee, 1 Tim. 16. read the Chapter throughout.  
The same Apostle to the Church of the Thessalonians writ thus, viz. Now we Command you Brothers in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every Brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the Tradition which ye received of us, etc. 2 Thess. 3. 6.  
Again, he writ thus, viz. We Exhort you Brethren, warn them that are unruly (or disorderly) Comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patiented towards all men, I Charge you by the Lord that this Epistle be read unto all the holy Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen; 1 Thess. 5. 14, to the end, And to the Thessalonians again, he saith in his second Epistle, viz. for we hear that there are some among you which walk Disorderly, working not at all, but are busi-bodies, Now them that are such we Command and Exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with Quietness they Work and Eat their own Bread, but ye Brethren be not Weary in well Doing; and if any man obey not our word by this Epistle, Note that man and have no Company with him that he may be ashamed; yet count him not as an Enemy, but Admonish him as a Brother; Now the Lord of Peace, himself give you peace always, by all means, the Lord be with you all, 2 Thess. 3. 11, to the End.  
Observe here if any of these to whom Paul wrote, and to whom he Charges his Epistle to be Read, should have called his Epistle his rotten Orders, his Edicts, man's Prescriptions, Imposition upon Conscience, Innovations or Apostasy, and such like; could he or any other of the faithful in Christ Jesus have owned such therein to be Brethren in the Unity and fellowship of the Gospel, or could he or they have owned such words and say a● these to be the fruit of the Divine Light and Spirit of Christ within, as applied t● the faithful in Christ Jesus) Oh Certainly Nay.   

Concerning the form of the Apostles Doctrine, etc.  
The Apostle writ thus to the believing Obedient Romans, viz. But God be thanked ye have obeyed from the heart that form of Doctrine, which was delivered unto you; Note here, that it was the Apostles Joy that they obeyed that form of sound Doctrine which was delivered to them, for this he thanked God, he was not of the mind of some who, formerly as also some of late were and have been, who under the profession of the Light within, and its teaching, have spoken, preached, or written, that the way of God's People must, or aught, or may be as the way of a Serpent upon a rock, or as the way of a ship on the Sea, which leaves no form● or Impression behind them, this neither was nor is the way of God's People either under his Law or Gospel, but the way of an Adulterous woman as it is written, Prov. 30. 19, 20. And further observe, Steadfastness of the true Christians in the Apostles Doctrine, viz. And they Continued Steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and fellowship, Acts 2. 42. Moses the man of God, and the holy Prophets, Christ and his holy Apostles left good forms of Doctrine in sound words behind them, under the several Dispensations of God, in which they Lived, which is contained in the holy Scriptures of Truth, which form of sound Words and Doctrines are both Comfortable and Profitable to the man of God in this day, and will be to the People of God in Ages to come, and it is gross Darkness and Spiritual Blindness, that is come upon them who have spoken, Preach or believe that the way of God's People must be as the way of a Serpent on a Rock, or as the way of a Ship in the Sea, which leaves now Impresion or form behind it, It were to be desired ineed that the Devil and Wicked men might leave ●● form or Impression of their wickedness behind them, seeing their wicked forms others are Apt to follow them in to their own hurt and danger of Eternal Ruin, God Almighty in his own Appointed time will root out and destroy all the wicked forms of Imaging, speaking, and Acting wickedly, which the Devil, in whom there is no Truth, hath led men and women into, by which he hath led them to destroy themselves and each other.   

Concerning the Commands of the Apostles of Christ, whi●h they gave not of Themselves, or by their own Power; but by and in His Power, Wisdom, Strength, and Authority; for they were His Ambassadors, over them He Reigned, in them He spoke, and gave Commands; who is Head of His Church, and One in the Male and Female.  
THe Apostle Paul, writing to the Church at Corinth, concerning the Things that were Not in good Order amongst them, writing of many things in his First Epistle to them, in the 14 Chapter, concludes thus: If any Man thinks himself to be a Prophet, or Spiritual, let him know, that the things That I writ unto you, are the Commandments of the Lord. Let all Things be done Honestly, Desently, and in Order; vers. ●7. and 40.  
Again, the Apostle writing to the Church of the Thessalonians, writ thus, viz. We beseech you, Brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have Received of us, how you ought to walk, and please God; so you would abound more and more; for you know what Commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus: for this is the Will of God, even your Sanctification— That every one of you should know how to possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honour, Not in the Lusts of Concupiscence, as other Gentiles, that know not God; that No Man go beyond, and defraud his Brother in any matter; because the Lord is the Avenger of such, as we have forewarned and testified: for God hath not called us unto Uncleanness, but unto Holiness; He therefore who despiseth, despiseth not Man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit;; 1 Thess. 4. 1. to the 9th.  
Again, the Apostle Paul writes thus to the Thessalonians, viz. We have Confidence in the Lord, touching you, that you both do, and will do the things which we Command you. Now we Command you Brethren, that you withdraw yourselves from every Brother, that walketh Disorderly; and not after the Traditions, or Ordinances, which ye received of us.;  
Again, the Apostle saith, Therefore Brethren, stand fast, and hold the Traditions which ye have been taught, whether By Word, or our Epistles, 2 Thess. 2. 15. See 2 Thess. 3. 4, 5.  
Again, he writes to Timothy thus; These things Command, and teach; let no Man despise thy Youth, but be thou an Example of the Believers in Word, in Conversation, in Charity, in Spirit, in Faith, in Purity: See 1 Tim. 4. 11, 12. read the Chapter through.  
Again, hear what the Apostle Peter saith unto the Saints in Light, viz. This Second Epistle, Beloved, I now write unto you; in both which, I stir up your pure minds, by way of Remembrance, that ye may be mindful of the Words, which were spoken before by the holy Prophets, and of the Commandment of us, the Apostles of our Lord and Saviour; knowing this first, that there shall come in the Last days Scoffers, walking after their own Lusts, etc.  
Again,— The therefore, Beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also being led away with the Error of the Wicked, fall from your own Steadfastness; but grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ: To Him be Glory, both now and forever, Amen.; 2 Peter 3. 1, 2, 3, and 17, 18.  
Reader, who ever thou art, this I say to thee, in the Presence of Almighty God, the Searcher of all Hearts, before whom all things are naked and bare, who judgeth righteously, That I do Not bring the Commands, Ordinances, or Doctrines given and spoken by the Apostles of Christ, with Any Design to wrong, strain, or wrest them, or any of them; to ex●lt any Friend, Brother or Brethren, Sister or Sisters, above or out of their Place, in which Christ, the one Head, hath set them in his Body, his Church, or in anywise to exalt them, or any o●e of them, as Lords, over Gods People's Faith, which our Lord Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of; by which Faith they live to God, and please Him. But my design therein, is to Exalt Christ the Head, ●n them All, and over them All, who is One in the Male and Female: He hath given us a Command, to Learn of Him, saying, L●●●n of me, I am meek, and Low in hea●t, and ye s●●ll find rest to your Souls: ●f him we have learned Humility, true 〈◊〉 of Mind; in this we have found abundance o● Peace, Joy, Comfort, and Rest to our S●●ls. This to us is of much more value, th●n all the Riches and Glory of this World: ●ere is the Pleasant and comfortable Dwelling Place, here we desire to dwell forever. The Humble God doth teach; he guides the Meek in Judgement, and  them with Salvation: Eternal ●lory be given to Him for the same. My Design in bringing these things to thy View, is, to show that the Apostles, who preached the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven (as it's written), did in the Move and Authority of the same, give forth those Commands, Ordinances, and Doctrines unto the Believers, in the same Holy Ghost, Spirit, or Light; by which Light they saw and understood the Truth, Soundness, and Serviceableness of them: and by the same were they led; Not to Oppose them, and speak Evil of them, but to Obey, and practise them. Now, those that profess to be governed by the same Holy Ghost, Spirit, or Light within, if they possess what they profess therein, they will see, that the same Holy Ghost is, In some measure, given to some in our Day; and that by it, Some are made Able Ministers, and thereby have been Moved to give out So●● Commands, Not in their own Name, but in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the chief Shepherd, and Bishop of our Souls: and such Professors of the Light, who Po●●ess what they Profess, and diligently attend upon God in the same, they will herein See, and thereby be Led to Obey, and practise those things, Not as the Precepts, Traditions, or Doctrines of Men; But as the Commands, Precepts, and Doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he gives, and speaks by the Mouths of his Servants; which answers that Light of Christ, in the Consciences of his People. And such who reject them, they therein reject God, and Christ. These things so Commanded, are Not contrary to the Commands of Christ and his Apostles, recorded in the Scriptures of Truth; but Agreeable to them, in the fulfilling the precious Promises of God, spoken by the Mouths of his Holy Prophets; who said, I will pour forth my Spirit upon all Flesh, etc. For Christ said to his Disciples, When they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought before hand what you shall speak, neither do you premeditate; but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: For it is Not you that speak, but the Holy Ghost; Mark 31. 11.  
In the Apostles and Primitive Christians, observe the Holy Ghost that spoke to the Magistrates and Rulers, that persecuted them; the same spoke in them to the Church of Christ, and gave forth Commands, Precepts, Ordinances, etc. And the Believers, unto whom they wrote, having a measure of the same Holy Ghost, were thereby given to understand the same, and thereby led to the Obedience thereof.  
Again, the Apostle Paul said unto the Saints, You know how we Exhorted, and Comforted, and Charged every one of you (as a Father doth his Children) that you would walk worthy Of God, who hath called you unto his Kingdom and Glory; for this Cause, also, thank we God, without ceasing; because, when ye received the Word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it Not as the Word of Men, but as it is in Truth the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe; 1 Thess. 2. 11, 12, 13.  
Observe here, the Apostle commends the Saints for receiving the Word, or Testimony of God by him and others, not as the Word of Man, or Men; but as it was indeed the Word and Testimony of the Lord, which wrought Effectually in them, as he saith: And as ●t was then, so is it now; God having given (by his Servants) his Word, his Commands, and Doctrines; he hath by his powerful, enlightening Spirit of Life, opened many to receive the same, Not as the Word, Doctrines, Precepts, Decrees, Edicts, or Orders of One Man, Many Men, or Any Men; but as the Word, Commands, and Precepts, and Doctrines of the Great God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Glory, yea glory to the Lord God, and the Lamb, for the same.  
The Objection that some make concerning the practice of some things in the Church of Christ, at this day, is, because they were not practised when we were first turned to the Light, and came into the belief and profession of it.  
This Objection is fully answered before in this Epistle, where the divers growths and statures of God's people are written of.  
But the great Objection that is used by some at this day, is, That they 
An Objection answered.  do not see those things required of them, or believe them to be their duty; and because they do not see the practice of those things to be their duty, or required of them, therefore they oppose (Friends) in the practice of them. What these things are, these Opposers know; and the Faithful who are opposed by them therein, know them also. They are not things which are evil or scandalous, or of evil same or report amongst serious sober persons; we are not afraid to bring them to the Light; they are practised by many thousands in Unity, to their comfort, and tends to preserve both young and old, sweet and orderly in their Marriages, and in the rest of their Conversations, and is for the Relief of the Poor, Widows, and Fatherless Children. Some have done hurt in their selfish and wilful striving against these things; and when they have done the hurt, they would lay the blame upon the things which they strive against: and the Instruments who have and do encourage those things. And thus they judge unrighteously the Innocent, and justifying themselves who are guilty.  
Again, the Apostle exhorted, saying, Brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; If there be any Virtue, and if there be any Praise, think on these things. These things which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do, and the God of peace shall be with you, Philip. 4. 8, 9  
Observe, that Meeting together in the Love & Fear of Almighty God, to take care of his glory, in providing for the Poor, Widows, and Fatherless Children, and others who have need of help & assistance among us in their bodily Weakness, Temptations, Trials, and Exercises; is good, is honest, is Just, is lovely, is of good report, and is worthy of praise.  
These things are done in our Meetings, both by Male and Female. Such Meetings have the virtuous Presence of the Lord God, them: Such Meetings God doth gather, own, uphold, and justify by his powerful presence in the midst of them. Again, In those Meetings care is taken, that such who profess the truth, as it is in Christ Jesus, (and walk amongst us) do proceed in their Marriages sweetly, in good order, according to the example of holy men and women of God, in former time (and in our days) those proceed are briefly, though plainly touched at in the Scriptures of Truth. Again, In those Meetings care is taken, that those whose proceed in relation to Marriage, are not as they ought to be, that such be admonished, that they may come into a right sense of the dishonour they bring to God thereby, that they may repent and condemn the same, and give glory to God therein, that they may obtain forgiveness at his hand; and that his People whom they have grieved by their unfaithfulness therein, may be comforted in seeing this good Work of God wrought in them. Again, In these Meetings care is taken, that those who profess the Truth as it is in Christ Jesus, (and walk amongst us) do in their Conversations walk orderly, as becomes the Gospel, that no Professor thereof wrong another, or any other person whomsoever, in any matter or thing whatsoever. This is endeavoured by the faithful Children of God, Children of Light, both Male and Female, in their particular and distinct, and also in their more general Meeting, as much as in them lieth. And where any professing the Truth amongst us, do or have done the contrary, care hath been and is to labour with them in the love of God, and Meekness, and Patience, which Christ Jesus, the meek and lowly Lamb of God, hath taught us, to bring them into a right sense of the dishonour, they have brought to God by their evil do; and that they might repent of, and sensually judge themselves for the same; that so through unfeigned Repentance, and forsaking the same, they might obtain Forgiveness of their sins at the hand of God: for the Lord God who is merciful, delighteth not in the destruction of the sinner, but rather that he should repent, and turn from the evil of his ways, and live, and so come into unity with his tender People. Again, In these Meetings the faithful in Christ Jesus do watch one over another in Love, to be helpful one to another in their Temptations, Trials, and Afflictions, labouring to build up each other in the holy Faith, (which works by Love, as the Apostle saith) herein they manifest their love one to another, according to Christ's command: Their love is without dissimulation; by which they are known to be the Disciples of Christ, in fulfilling the Royal Law of Love in his Divine Light, according the Scriptures of Truth.  
Again, in those Meetings care is taken, that the Professors of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Teachings of his Divine Light within, do walk in the Light which they make profession of that according to Christ's command, their Light may so shine before men, that they may see their good works in Christ Jesus, and glorify our Father which is in Heaven; that as the Salt of the Earth, we may always keep that heavenly ●avour which God in Christ hath given us, and that we may grow in it more and more, that therein we may be a good savour both in them that are saved, and in them that perish, even as the Apostle exhorted.  
All the before mentioned things are true, honest, just, good, virtuous, lovely, and of good report, worthy of praise. Hereby God is honoured, and his children profited, benefited, comforted, edified, and built up in unfeigned Love, Peace, and sweet Unity, to his praise and glory, who is over all Heaven and Earth, worthy of Honour, Glory, Dominion, and Praise, now and for ever more. Amen.  
Observe, that which opposeth, condemneth, and ●●orneth the faithful in Christ Jesus, in these their services and labour of love, is neither true, just, honest, lovely, virtuous, ●or o● good report; neither is it worthy of praise, but the contrary: Therefore all you who profess to be led and guided by the Light of Christ within; you in the Light of Christ Jesus, I tell you, that his Light in you, will not lead any of you to oppose any of the good things before mentioned. And where any person professing to be led by the Light of Christ within, do oppose any of the  Meetings, or the aforesaid good services in them, it is Darkness, and not the Light of Christ, which so leads and persuades them: He that was a Liar from the beginning, hath deceived such. Oh that they might see his Snare, and come out of it! this is our tender desire for them for their eternal good. The Lord God, who is Light, in whom there is no Darkness at all, said by the mouth of his holy Prophet, Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness! woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes! Isai. 5. 20, 21. Christ said, If the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness? See Mat. 6. 22, 23. See Luke 11. 34, 35, 36. See Joh. 12. 35.  
Observe, it is No Proof, that these good things are not their duty, because they do not see them to be so: for it is undeniable, that it is the duty of all Men & Women to believe in the one Eternal God; but some were of old, and now are so blinded by the God of this world, their minds so darkened, and they so hardened in the practice and love of sin, that they did not, nor do see or believe that there is a God; as it's written, The Fool hath said in his heart, there is no God: And again, Christ said to the great professing Jews, High Priests, Scribes, Pharisees, Hypocrites, who were as the whited Walls, Graves, and painted Sepulchers, (but within were full of rottenness, hypocrisy and deceit) Ye neither know Me, nor my Father; ye neither know the Scriptures, nor the Power of God.;  
Again, it is the duty of every man and woman to believe in the true Light of Christ, that lighteneth every man that cometh into the World; but it's known by lamentable Experience, that even many of the Professors of Christianity, are far from believing in it; who on the contrary are Blaspheming against it, Mocking and Scoffing at it, persecuting and oppressing the Children of it, and opposing the Testimony of it. Now, if these do say, We do Not see or believe it to be our Duty to believe in and obey the Light; it doth Not therefore follow, that it is not their Duty: and if they say, We see & believe it is our Duty to speak and write against the Light, and to punish you who profess and obey it; Their so saying will Not prove that these their. Evil Works are their Duty to God and Christ, no not at all, but the Contrary. But to come closer to the Professors of the Light within, hear what Christ and the Prophet saith, viz. This People's Heart is waxed gross, and their Ears are dull of hearing, and their Eyes they have closed, lest at any Time they should see with their Eyes, and hear with their Ears, and should understand with their Heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. See Math. 13. 14, 15. Acts 28. 26, 27. The Author to the Hebrews writ thus concerning Christ, viz. And he became the Author of Eternal Salvation to all them that obey him, called of God an high Priest, after the Order of Melchisedeck, of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered; seeing Ye are Dull of hearing, or as it is rendered in the Margin out of the Greek, Hath no Experience; for when for the Time ye ought to be Teachers, Ye have Need that one teach you again, which be the first Principles of the Word or Oracles of God. See Heb. 5. 9, 10, 11, 12.  
Again, Christ speaking a Parable concerning the Kingdom of God, saith, For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he hath; and cast ye the unprofitable Servant into utter darkness, etc. See Math. 25. 29, 30.  
Observe, the slothful Servant who had not improved his Lord's Talon, was and is to be cast into utter darkness, his Talon being taken from him: Such an one in Darkness may talk of Light, as Job saith, Death and Destruction saith, We have heard of the fame of Wisdom; such an one may talk of the Light, who in his dark Works Denies it, and opposeth it, and contends against the Children of it, in their pure Obedience to it, and Such an one may say to the Children of the Light, I do not see that to be my Duty which you practise: I say, how should he see who is shut up in utter darkness, whose wilful disobedience has brought him to be like the deaf Adder, which stoppeth his Ears, which will not hear, as it's written.  
Again, Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the Light with you, walk while ye have the Light, lest Darkness come upon you; for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth; while ye have the Light believe in the Light, that you may be the Children of Light, John 12. 35, 36.  
Observe, They who believe in the Light, as Christ commands, and obey it in its first and smallest Manifestations, they in that Light Cannot oppose what the Light brings forth In others; for though Some who are turned to the Light, and have believed in it, and in some measure obeyed it, Do not see so Much or so Far into the things of God, as some others who are more grown and Established, and have received a greater Measure of Divine Wisdom; yet Cannot these Weak or Young ones, by the motion or teaching of the Light, contradict, oppose, or contend against what the same Light brings forth in others of the Children of it; fo● if this Can be, than God (whose gift to Man and Woman, the Light is) would thereby be the Author of Confusion, and not of Peace, in the Churches of the Saints, as is observed before in this Epistle; but God Is not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace in all the Churches of the Saints, as the Apostle hath writ, which is observed before. It is true as the Prophet writ, O Lord in thy Light we shall see more Light, etc. The Path of the Just is as the shining Light, which shines more & more unto the perfect day. It is certainly true, that we find it harder in this Age to persuade some people, to keep and walk in the Light, than it was to turn them to it; and some like Balaam having been opened by it, to see the blessed end of the Righteous, do still retain a Profession of it (though they rebel against it) and desire to die the death of the Righteous, as Balaam did; but refuseth to live that Selfdenying Christian life, which leads to that good End. Christ saith, Lo I come, and my reward is with me, to give unto every one according as his works shall be. And the Apostle saith, Such as every one sows, such shall he reap: he that sows to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap Corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap Life everlasting. If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the spirit mortify the deeds of the body (or flesh) then shall ye live. The Apostle Paul writ thus to the Children of the Light, Let us therefore as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so, as ye have us for an ensample. See Philip. 3. 15, 16, 17.  
Observe here, It was the Apostles belief, that if any among the Believers in the Light, were of another mind than he was, in any thing that he in the Light practised, God would reveal the same unto them also, they abiding steadfast with the Light to which they were turned; and as he believed, so do we believe in this matter. 'Tis possible, that some persons, who are turned to the Light of Christ within, who have believed, and in some measure obeyed the same, who in many things have Unity with the most ancient grown and established of the Children of the Light, yet in some things, may not be so opened and clear in their Understandings, as to see them, and join in Faith in the practice of them. We believe, and therefore say, That if such abide in the Light, faithful to what they know, God will reveal these things unto them. And we believe, and therefore say, They keeping in the Light, it will keep them from contending against or opposing others, in the practice of that which God has revealed to them, and required of them. What is not of Faith is sin, as saith the Apostle; Such therefore that are weak in the Faith, we ought not to reject, but to receive, though not to doubtful Disputations, but to hear their infirmities or weaknesses, to be good Examples to them, and to make intercession to God for them, and to hold forth Truth to them in sound Doctrine, that they may be strengthened with his glorious power in their Inward man; and that he may increase their Faith, and more and more fill them with that Wisdom and Knowledge, which is pure and peaceable from above.  
But observe, where persons have been long convinced, and are become Teachers of others, and by their so doing would be looked upon to be Elders, wise and strong, shall under the profession of the Light oppose, and teach others to oppose the faithful Followers of Christ, in things which they practise in the Faith of Christ, accompanied with his Power and a good Understanding, This Case is greatly differing from the : For these will not grant, that their refusing the practice of some things, and the opposing the Practisers thereof, proceeds from weakness, or short-sightedness through their Infancy in the knowledge of the Truth; Much less that it proceeds from Apostasy and Rebellion, the latter of which is true upon some in our Age; but these give out reviling Speeches against the Faithful, calling them Apostates, and many other evil names, which I here omit to mention, having no pleasure to repeat them.  
Observe, we are of the Apostles Faith and Judgement, who writ thus to the Church at Galatia; Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted: Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ. See Gal. 6. 1, 2. read the Chapter through. Christ, our Soul's Bishop, hath taught us how to seek to restore those that commit Offences against him and his People; and several hath been so sought, and recovered out of the Snare, in which they were taken; and others so sought, have not been gained, but have persisted in their evil doing, until God has ceased any longer to strive with them through his Servants, and then his Servants have witnessed against them, and declared their disunion with them, according to Christ's command; and some such being declared against, as aforesaid, have appeared in great wrath against us, like the raging Waves of the Sea, foaming out their own shame; but we pity them, and should greatly rejoice on their behalf, if they could yet find a place of repentance and return: for 'tis true which Christ saith, Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, etc.  
Again, it is true which the Apostle James writ, Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and cover a multitude of sins, Jam. 5. 19, 20.  
Again, to them that say, they do not see, as aforesaid, hear what Christ saith by his Angel to the Church in Laodicea, viz. Because thou sayest, I am rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see: as many as I love, I rebuke & chasten. Be zealous therefore and repent: behold I stand at the door and knock, If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me, etc. He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches, Rev. 3. 14. to the end.  
1. Observe, this Church or Congregation was gathered into the Profession of Christ and his Light within.  
2. Observe how greatly they were mistaken concerning their own state and condition; a most gross and lamentable Error were they in, as the before-cited words of Christ do plainly show, They were puffed up with Self-conceit, that they wanted nothing, when in reality and truth, they Wanted all things, that should have rendered them to be that which they professed to be; Namely, such who were Complete in Christ Jesus, the Head of His Church; who is the fullness; who  his Members with the Robes of his own Righteousness, and fills them with the bright Beams of his Divine Light, so that they see clearly; and he fills their Hearts with the Riches of his Grace, in the abundance of which, their Hearts and Souls pour forth Praises and Thanksgiving to the Lord God, and the Lamb who is Worthy for evermore.  
3. Observe, Though their State was so miserable; yet in his tender Mercy, he calls them to Repentance. Oh, consider this, thou Back-slider, whoever thou art, and let the sense thereof seize upon thee, and break thy Heart. Repent, and Turn to the Lord, with whom is forgiveness!  
4. Observe, How Christ charges this Congregation to be blind, and being blind they could not see their State as it was; but in their blind Self-conceit, said, It was What it was not.  
5. Observe, That these blind Self-conceited ones, while they remained such, could not see that to be their Duty, which the Children of Light saw to be theirs.  
6. Observe, That we do not here read, that these blind self-conceited Laodiceans, did so oppose the Children of Light, in their Faithful Obedience to it; as some do oppose in our day we do not read they called them Apostates.  
7. Observe, That some blind Self-conceited ones in our Age, have appeared worse than they, who are not contented with that ungodly fleshly Liberty, and unchristian Looseness in which they are; but therein do oppose, & War against the children of the Light, because they will not join and walk, and have Unity with them, in their dark Words & Works: But in the Council of God, Witness against the same.  
8. Observe, If these blind Self-conceited ones do not take Christ's Council, viz. Anoint their Eyes with Eyesalve, that they may see and repent; then their Latter End will be Miserable, much worse than their Beginning was. Oh, that such might yet seek, and find a Place of Repentance! This would be matter of great rejoicing to the Children of Light, who are calluminated, reviled, opposed, and greatly abused by them.  
Again, the Apostle Peter writ to the Saints in Light, viz. Giving all Diligence, Add to your Faith Virtue, and to Virtue Knowledge, and to Knowledge Temperance, and to Temperance Patience, and to Patience Godliness, and to Godliness brotherly Kindness, Charity; for if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barrennor unfruitful in the Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; but he that lacketh these Things is blind, and cannot see far off; and hath forgotten, that he was purged from his old Sins. Wherefore the rather, Brethren, give All diligence to make your Calling and Election sure; for if you do these things, ye shall never fall, etc. 2. Pet. 1. 5. to the 11. Read the Chapter through.  
1. Observe, All you that profess the Light of Christ within, what things you are to be found in, Which will render you, that you are not barren, nor unfruitful in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  
2. Observe, That he that professes to be plentiful in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, And is not found in the Possession and Practice of those  Christian fruits, he is blind, as the Apostle saith, and too like the self-conceited blind Laodiceans.  
3. Observe, That there are some at this day, who do profess themselves to be followers of the Light of Christ within, Who do lack these  good Things; and so, according to the Apostles saying, These are blind, and the blind cannot see till their Eyes be opened; So they cannot see their Duty, nor the Duty of the Children of Light, till their Eyes be opened. Such of them, who Have not yet sinned out the Day of God's Visitation, to them I Exhort and warn to retire, out of the Self-conceit, and vain Imaginations, to the pure Divine Light of Christ within, and thereunto diligently attend, that thereby the Eyes of their Understandings may be anointed and opened, that therein they may see their Duty, and by virtue of the same, be led into it, and kept in it; and also may see the Duty of the Children of Light, and have Unity with them therein.  
Again, Hear what the Apostle Paul saith concerning Blindness, viz. But if our Gospel be hid, It is hid in them that are lost, in whom the God of this World hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the Light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the Image of God, should shine unto them; for we Preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your Servants for Jesus sake; for God, who commanded the Light to shine out of Darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ; but we have this Treasure in the Earthen Vessels, that the Excellency of the Power, may be of God, and not of us, 2 Cor. 4. 3. to 8.  
1. Observe, That it is the God of the World, who blinds the Minds of People, designing thereby to hinder them of the Benefit of the Light; that so they might be kept blind, and in Blindness, Conceit themselves to be wise and knowing in the Things of God, and Gospel of his Kingdom, and in their Blindness to oppose and contend against those, whom God hath made Wise unto Salvation, in opposing their Christian Counsel, Advice, and Conversation.  
2. Observe, That the Apostles of Christ did not Preach Themselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and Themselves their Servants for Jesus sake; and so doth the faithful Ministers of Christ, in this day, praisEd be the Lord for the same; and the Excellency of the Power by which they are enabled to serve God, and each other, is of God, and not of Themselves. Therefore the Glory belongs to him forever.  
Again, Hear what the Apostle Paul saith concerning the darkened and blinded, viz. For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven Against all Ungodlyness and Unrighteousness of Men, who hold the Truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God, Is Manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them,— Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were they thankful; but became vain in their Imaginations, and their foolish Heart was darkened; professing themselves to be Wise, they became Fools, Rom. 1. 18, 19, to 23.  
1. Observe, That the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven, against all Ungodlyness and Unrighteousness of Men, for holding the Truth in Unrighteousness; That is, holding a Profession of it Without Subjection and Obedience to it, because they do not obey the Truth, in forsaking that which it shows them to be evil, & choosing & doing that which it shows them to be good.  
2. Observe, That when they through their Negligence and Slothfulness, continued and multiplied Disobedience and Rebellion, are come to be darkened, and made Spiritually blind; so that they neither see, know, or desire to Know their Duty, or to do it; yet this their Darkness and Blindness doth not render them Excusable, or uncondemnable either in the sight of God, or his Faithful People; but on the contrary, Inexcusable and condemnable in the sight of God, and also in the sight of his Faithful People ..  
3. Observe, The cause why they became so darkened and blinded was, that when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; therefore they became Vain in their Imaginations, and their foolish Hearts were darkened; professing themselvee to be Wise, they became Fools.  
4. Observe, What it is to Glorify God as God, when Man knows Him; for there are several Degrees of the Knowledge of God, all proceeding from one Cause, and are of one kind, though Not all of One Quantity or Largeness. Certain it is, that to Glorify God as God, is not only to believe that He is a Mighty, Powerful, Just, and Holy God; but also to Reverence, fear, and stand in awe of Him, and to obey Him, according to that Knowledge received of him. His Blessing is upon, & will continue and increase upon all those, who do so Glorify Him; for He hath promised, who cannot lie, That he that is Faithful in a little, shall be made Ruler over much, and shall enter into the Joy of his Lord.  
Again, The same Apostle writ to the believing Gentiles at Ephesus, viz. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, That ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the Vanity of their Minds, having the Understanding darkened, being alienated from the Life of God, through the Ignorance that is in them, because of the Blindness of their Heart, who being past feeling, have given themselves over to Lasciviousness, to work all Uncleanness with greediness, Ephes. 4. 17, 18, 19  
Observe here, the woeful and miserable Effects of Disobedience to God; what Darkness, Spiritual Blindness, Benummedness, and Insensibility it brings them into, who are given up thereto, alienating them from the Life, Power, and Spirit of God; yet this Blindness and Insensibility, Doth not render them excusable, in the Sight of the Lord God, who hath sent his Son, a true Light, who lights every Man that comes into the World; who therefore saith, Look unto Me all, O ye Ends of the Earth, and be ye saved; for I am God, and there is none else; a mighty God, and a Saviour, Isa. 45. 22.  
And again, The Apostle in his Light, Spirit, and Power saw, and therefore said, God's Will is, that all Men should know the Truth, and he Saved, 1 Tim. 2. 4. They therefore who believe in the Divine Light of Christ, and walk in and obey the same, are therein saved, preserved, and justified; but they that know this Light, profess, and talk of it, but do not obey, and walk in it, they are justly by the Lord God condemned, and their Disobedience justly Witnessed against by his Faithful People, who walk in his Light, and bring forth the pure peaceable Fruits of it; and if such disobedient, unfaithful Professors of the Light do not unfeignedly repent of their Evil Say and Do against God, and his People, and walk in Obedience to the Light they make Profession of; then will the Wrath of God fall heavy upon them in the End.  
Again, Hear what the Apostle Peter saith to the Faithful Children of Light, viz. But ye are a chosen Generation, an holy Nation, a peculiar People, that ye should show forth the Praise of him, that hath called you Out of Darkness into his Marvellous Light. Dear Beloved, I beseech you, as Strangers and Pilgrims, Abstain from Fleshly Lust, which War against the Soul, having your Conversations Honest amongst the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as Evil Doers, they may By your Good Works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of Visitation. 1 Pet. 2. 9, to the 13.  
Observe, This Doctrine of the Apostle, is according to the Command of Christ to his Disciples. He said, Let your Light so shine before Men, that they may see your good Works, and Glorify your Father which is in Heaven, Math. 5. 16.  
Again, Christ saith, The Light of the Body is the Eye, If therefore thine Eye be single, thy whole Body shall be full of Light; but if thine Eye be Evil, thy whole Body shall be full of Darkness; If therefore the Light that is in thee be Darkness, how great is that Darkness? See; Math. 6. 22, 23.  
Again, Christ saith, Out of the Heart proceedeth an Evil Eye, Mark. 7. 22. Luke 11. 34.  
1. Observe, That the Children of Light are a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, a Peculiar People, called out of Darkness into God's marvellous Light; They walking therein are as Lights in the World, their Light so shines before Men in the good Works, or good Conversation in Christ, this brings Glory to God the Father, which is in Heaven; they neither Need nor Do plead Ignorance, of their duty to God, or Man; or of the Commands of Christ; For they do both know, obey and do their Duty to God and Man, praised be the Lord God for the same.  
2. Observe, That Christ saith, The Light of the Body, is the Eye; wherefore if thine Eye be single, thy whole Body is full of Light; but when thine Eye is Evil, thy whole body also is full of darkness. Here are ' too Eyes spoken of; the good one and the evil one, he that hath the good Eye open in him, with it 
Christ saith, If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the Ditch, Mat. 15. 14.  sees right, sees good things, and is affected therewith, embraceth and holdeth fast the same; he sees his duty to God and Man, and by God's help doth the same, and therein is blessed; but he that hath the Evil Eye open in him (which Eye proceeds out of the Heart, as Christ saith, with this his Evil Eye he seeketh and watcheth for Evil, and therewith sees Evil things, and hath pleasure in them, and therefore embraces them, practiseth them, pleads for them, and holds them fast. This is the Man, whose Good Eye is blinded, and his evil one open; therefore he calls Good Evil, and Evil Good. Here Darkness and its fruits, are put for Light and its fruits, and Light and its fruits, are put for Darkness and its fruits. The Person that doth this, hath changed the Truth of God for a Lie. Oh, this is a miserable State, which some fell into in Ages past, and some are fallen into in our Age! Out of which, God Almighty preserve all, who to his Light are turned, who believe in, and love the same! And the Lord be merciful unto all, who, though they be Darkened and Entangled in the Snares of their Souls Enemy, through want of Watchfulness in the pure Light of Christ, and holy fear of God; yet have not sinned out the day of his tender Visitation to them. Oh that they may seek and find a place of unfeigned Repentance, and so return unto the Lord God, before the Harvest, or Gathering, or Restoring time, to them be ended.   

Concerning the Honour which God gives unto his People, etc.  
THe fear of the Lord is the Instruction of Wisdom, and before Honour is Humility, Proverbs 15. 33. And Christ saith, If any man honour me, him will my Father honour, John 12. 26. And the Apostle Peter Exhorted the Saints, saying, Honour all men, love the Brotherhood, fear God,, etc. 1. Pet. 2. 17. The Apostle Paul Exhorted the believing Romans to be kindly Affectionated one towards another with brotherly Love in Honour preferring one another, Rom. 12. 10. Again he writ to them, viz. But Glory, Honour, and Peace, to every man that worketh good, etc. Rom. 2. 10. Again, hear what the Lord saith by the mouth of Samuel the Prophet, viz. Them that honour me, I will honour, and they that despise me, shall be lightly esteemed, 1 Sam. 2. 30. And again, Paul writing to Timothy saith, Let the Elders that Rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine, 1 Tim 5. 17.  
Observe, All the Children of God who are taught by his gracious Spirit of Life, Light, Love and Peace, who walk therein, they Glorify and Honour him, with their Spirits and Bodies, which are his, and with his good Creatures, which he hath made them Stewards over, which is their reasonable Service, and all such he honours, with the honour that is from above, which comes from himself, and all these do honour each other, and prefer each other, according to the Order of the Work of God amongst them in their several Gifts and Services in the Body of Christ, his Church; All keeping to, and walking in the Divine Light of Christ, all will be kept in Humility (and in Unity) yea clothed with it according to the Apostles Exhortation, and according to the Command and Example of Christ the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls, who said, Learn of me, I am meek and lowly in Heart, and ye shall find rest to your Souls. A Remnant hath learned Humility of him in this Age, and he hath given us rest to our Souls, which to us far excels all the Riches and Glory of this World, Praises to the Lord God and the Lamb for the same.  
Blessed are all they that walk in his Light, they find the fruit of it in them, to be unfeigned Love to Friends, and also to Enemies, and Meekness, Patience, Gentleness, Justice, Equity, and Righteousness towards all Men, and a good Understanding, and holy right Zeal for the honour of the Lord, and the good of his People; who walks here will not be puffed up with self conceit, or self wilfulness, or be filled with Wrath, Malice, Strife, nor strive to Honour or Exalt themselves, as Lords over God's People; such are not Lords over that Faith which God hath wrought in his People, but in the Love of God, Meekness and Humility of Christ Jesus, these build up one another in their most Holy Faith, and are Fellow helpers of one another's Joy in the Lord, as the Apostle hath writ and Exhorted. And as the Primitive true Christians practised.   

Concerning Rule and Government in the Church of Christ.  
CHrist Jesus after he arose from the Dead spoke unto his Disciples, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth, go ye therefore and teach all Nations, Baptising them into the Name (for so the Greek renders it) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always, etc. Matt. 28. 18, 19, 20.  
First Observe, Christ who was always spiritually present with those whom he sent to preach the Gospel, gave them many things in Charge to teach the People to observe; those who believed, received and obeyed the Gospel preached by the Apostles, did obey the Commands and Doctrines of Christ given by, or through the Apostles, who were his Ambassadors, those who did continue steadfast unto the end, were (by degrees) Taught and enabled by the powerful Spirit and Light of Christ in the Apostles and in their own hearts, to observe & do all things that Christ commanded them.  
2. Observe, Christ in and by the Apostles did command and teach those who believed and received the Gospel, and walked in the Light of it, and those who did believe and obey those Commands and Doctrines, were not (therein) subject or obedient to the Traditions, Doctrines, or Commandments of men (who were without the Spiritual Presence and Authority of Christ.) But they were obedient unto the Commandments and Doctrines of Christ, delivered in and by the Faithful Apostles, those holy Men of God.  
3. Observe, Here is Order and Rule in the Work of God, they that are Novices or young Scholars in the Faith and Doctrine of Christianity, are Learners, others Elders or Teachers; these are to be Taught and watched over, by those to whom God hath given an oversight of them in his power and wisdom for the Salvation, Preservation, and everlasting good of their Souls; these Stewards of God, who labour for, and watch over Souls for the good end aforesaid God, requires them to be faithful in this great Charge which he hath laid upon them; for they must give an account to him of their stewardship, and blessed are all those who have believed the Gospel, who obey and walk in the Light of the same, receiving and obeying the Commands, Doctrines, and Precepts of the Lord Jesus Christ, given unto them by his Light and Spirit in his Stewards and Ambassadors, which they see and receive in the same Light & Spirit of Christ in their own Hearts and Souls. An account will be given of them with joy, unto Christ the chief Shepherd and great Overseer of Souls.  
4. Observe, They who after they have believed in the Spirit and Light of God, and Christ within, and have partaken of the virtue and power thereof, fall away when Temptations and Trials come upon them for Christ and the Gospel's sake; these become like the stony ground, which Christ speaks of in the Parables of the Kingdom, that young and tender Blade, which appeared, in them being withered; an account cannot be given of these with joy, but with sorrow, though they who have laboured faithfully with them for their good are clear of their Fall and Misery.  
5. Observe, Those who have come to a farther growth and knowledge of the Truth than those last mentioned, who have come not only to know the Truth, but also further to obey it and suffer for it, yet they after they have thus done and suffered, have fallen away from their first love and obedience to the Cross of Christ, by rejecting and slighting the Counsel of God by his Light and Spirit in their own hearts, and in the hearts and mouths of his Servants; and these having cast off the Yoke of Christ, are become as Sons of Belial without Yoke; gone into the World, into the Cumbersome Cares of it, and the Deceitfulness of the Riches, Lusts, and Glory of it, such has made ill use of the grace or favour of God given unto them, such in their works (whatever their Words be) deny the only true God and our Lord Jesus Christ; such are the despisers of the Government of Christ in his Church, who though they retain yet something of the Christian form of Godliness, yet are out of the life and power thereof, and Enemies to it, as by their Evil Works and Words do and will appear. The Stewards and Ambassadors of Christ cannot give a joyous account of these, though having faithfully laboured with them for their preservation and well being, are therefore clear of their blood, or of being in any wise guilty of their Fall and Ruin.  
Observe further what the Apostle saith concerning Rule and Government in the Church of Christ, he writing to the believing Hebrews, writes thus, Remember them which have the Rule over you, who hath spoken unto you the Word of God, whose Faith follow, considering the end of their Conversation, obey them that hath the Rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you:— Salute all them that have the Rule over you, and all the Saints; they of Italy salute you, Grace be with you all Amen. Heb. 13. 7, 17, 24, 25.  
Observe, Though the many sorts of false Teachers have and do falsely pretend to watch for the Soul; who watch only for their own corrupt earthly Ends, as by their Fruits have and doth appear; yet God did of old and now doth send faithful Labourers into his Vineyard, who have and do labour and watch for the Salvation of the Souls of the Sons and Daughters of Men, glory be given to him for the same: These faithful Watchers are known by their Fruits, they covet no Man's Gold, Silver, or Apparel; they do not watch for Earthly gain; they do not take the oversight of the Flock for filthy Lucre, but of a ready mind; they are not Lords over God's Heritage, but good Examples to the Flock; they are not Lords over the Faith of the People of God. But they are Fellow-helpers of their Joy, Peace, Comfort, and Establishment in the way of Righteousness. They Preach and give freely, according to Christ's Command, they walk in Love to Friends and Enemies, witnessing against that which is Evil, in all, without Partiality and without Hypocrisy, and the Fruits of Righteousness is sown by them in peace; they have peace with God, and live in Love and Peace one with another. They have learned of Christ Jesus, true Humility, true Lowliness of Mind and Heart, in which they Preach in their good Example as well as Doctrine, to the honour of God and the good of his People; they labour in the Word and Doctrine of the Gospel, and in a good Conversation (in Christ) that he may be Exalted in all, both Male and Female, to Rule in all, whose Right it is. These do not seek their own glory, or exalt themselves; but in humility they glorify God with their Souls and Bodies, which are his, and faithfully and unweariedly serve God and his People in patience, possessing their Souls in all their Trials and Afflictions. Again Paul writ to Timothy, saying, An Overseer or Bishop in the Church of God, must not be an Novice (that is a young Scholar, one lately begotten to the Faith of Christ, or one that is Raw and unskilful in the word of Righteousness) lest being lifted up with pride, he falls into the Condemnation of the Devil; see 1 Tim. 3. 6. Again he writ to him, viz. Let the Elders that Rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine, Chap. 5. v. 17. Again, he writ to the believing Romans, thus: viz. For I say through the Grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath de●●t to every man the measure of Faith; for as we have many Members in one Body, and all Members have not the same Office, so we being many are one Body in Christ, and every one Members one of another; having then Gifts differing, according to the Grace that is given to us, whether Prophecy, let us Prophesy according to the proportion of Faith, or Ministry let us wait on our Ministrying, or he that Teacheth on Teaching, or he that Exhorteth on Exhortation; he that giveth let him do it with Simplicity, he that Ruleth with diligence, he that showeth Mercy with cheerfulness; let Love be without Dissimulation, abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good, be kindly affectionated one to another, with Brotherly love in Honour, preferring one another, etc. Rom. 12. 3. to 11.  
My Friends, all you that Profess to be Members of the Church of Christ, and taught by his Spirit and Light within you; by what is here written (given forth by the Apostle as he was moved by the Holy Ghost) you may understand that there is a Rule and Government in the Church of God, in his Power, Wisdom and Strength, for his Glory, who is the Head of it: And you may also understand hereby, that Christ the Head, hath given Gifts differing by the same Spirit, for the Preservation, Edification, and well Ordering and Governing his Church, and every one is to attend on his Gift in the Church, and to improve the same, which being done, is to the Increase of the Body, for the Edification of it in Love: Moreover by what is before written, you may understand that the Apostle through the Grace of God given to him, did warn every Man amongst the believing Romans, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly according as God had dealt to every man the measure of Faith.  
Observe, If every one which profess the Light and Spirit of Christ within to be their Guide and Teacher, did obey and walk in it, it would teach them all not to think too highly of themselves, or of their States and Conditions in the Truth (which some do) and if such of the aforesaid Professors were so Taught, then would they not think nor speak so highly of themselves or of their Sights, Knowledge, and Growth in the Truth as they do (far beyond what they really are) then would they not be so puffed up, self-conceited and unruly as they are; then would they live quietly, peaceably, and harmlessly among the People of God to his Glory, and the Comfort of his People, and their own peace and rest, which some do not, but are contentious, unruly and disorderly, self conceited, fretful, and clamorous with Tongues and Pens. Oh that they could seek and find a place of unfeigned Repentance, it would much rejoice my Soul to see it.   

Concerning the Living Faith, with its fruits and works.  
COncerning Faith, the Apostle thus writ (viz.) Now the just shall live by Faith; but if any Man draw back, my Soul shall have no pleasure in him (saith the Lord God) but we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul.— By Faith the Elders obtained a good report.— Through Faith we understand the World was framed by the Word of God— By Faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent Sacrifice than Cain.— By Faith Enoch was Translated, that he should not see death;— but without Faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a Rewarder of all them that diligently seek him. By Faith Noah was warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear prepared an Ark.— By Faith Abraham when he was tried offered up Isaac.— By Faith Moses when he was come to years, refused to be called the Son of Pharaohs Daughter, choosing rather to suffer Affliction with the People of God, than to enjoy the pleasure of sin for a season, esteeming the Reproaches of Christ greater Riches than the Treasures in Egypt; for he had respect unto the Recompense of Reward; by Faith he kept the Passover, etc.  
I may say with this faithful Author, What shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Baruck, and of Samson, of Jephtha, and of David also, and of Samuel, and of the Prophets, etc. see Heb. 10. 38, 39 Read the 11 Chapter through: Habbakkuk 2. 4. Rom. 1. 17.  
Again, the Apostle Peter writ to the Saints concerning Faith, v●z. Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation, see 1 Pet. 1. 5. Again, the Author to the Hebrews saith, Let us hold fast the Profession of our Faith, without wavering, Heb. 10. 23. Now the Apostle James who writ of this Faith, writ also of the works and fruits of it (which the rest also did) hear what he saith in this matter, viz. What doth it profit, my Brethren, though a Man say he hath Faith? can Faith save him? If a Brother or Sister be naked and destitute of daily Food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be you warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not th●se things which are needful to the Body; what doth it profit? Even so Faith, if it hath not works is dead being alone, yea a man may say, Thou hast Faith, and I have works, show me thy Faith without thy works, and I will show thee my Father by my works. Thou believest there is one God, etc.— But wilt thou know, oh vain man, that Faith without works is dead. Was not Abraham our Father justified by Works.— seest thou how Faith wrought with his Works and by works was Faith made perfect, and the Scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham believed God, and was imputed to him for Righteousness, and he was called the friend of God; ye see then how that by works a Man is justified and not by Faith only— for as the Body without the Spirit is dead, so Faith without Works is dead also, James 2. 14 to the end.  
Again the Apostle John writ to the Children of Light concerning this Faith viz. For whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the World, and this is the Victory that overcometh the World, even our Faith, 1 John 5. 4. Again Peter Exhorts those who were come to some degree of this Faith, saying, Give all diligence; add to your Faith Virtue, and to Virtue Knowledge, and to Knowledge Temperance, and to Temperance Patience, and to Patience Godliness, and to Godliness Brotherly Kindness, and to Brotherly Kindness, Charity; for if these things be in you and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; but he that la●keth these things, is blind, etc. Wherefore the rather, Brethren, give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure; for if you do these things, you shall never fall,; 2 Pet. 1. 4, 11.  
Again, the Apostle Paul writing to the believing Thessalonians, said unto them, We are bound to thank God always for you, Brethren, as it is meet, because that your Faith groweth exceedingly, and the Charity of every one of you all towards each other aboundeth, 2 Thess. 1. 3.  
Again, Paul writ to the Galatians, viz. Knowing that a Man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the Faith of Jesus Christ; even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the Faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law; for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified; but if while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are found sinners; is Christ therefore the Minister of sin? God forbidden; for if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a Transgressor; for I through the Law am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God; I am Crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh; I live by the Faith of the ●on of God,; etc. Gal. 2. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.  
Again, he writ thus to the believing Ephesians, viz. We are God's workmanship, Created in Christ Jesus unto good Works, which God hath before ordained we should walk in them, Ephesians 2. 10.  
The same Apostle writing to the believing Philipians, writ thus, viz. For it is God which worketh in you ●●th to will and to do, of his own good pleasure; do all things without murmuring and disputing, that you may be blameless and harmless the Sons of God; without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse Nation, among whom ye shine as Lights in the World, Philip. 2. 13, 14, 15.  
Again, he writ to the Ephesians, thus (viz.) Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be Glory, in the Church throughout all Ages, world without end, Amen. Eph. 3. 20, 21.  
Again, the Author to the Hebrews writing to them, saith, viz. Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will; working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for; ever and ever; Amen. Heb. 13. 20, 21.  
O all you who profess yourselves to be Christians, and to be led and guided by the Spirit and Light of Christ within; seriously consider of the faithful say of these faithful Apostles and Servants of Christ, concerning Faith in God, and Christ, and the Gospel, and Christian works, which God in Christ works in all those who comes to the Baptised by Christ with the Holy Ghost and Fire, which burns up the works of Satan, to with, Sin, who destroys the old man with his deeds, which are corrupt, and which renews and restores man again into the likeness or image of God who created him. All who come to drink into the one Spirit, and be Baptised by it into the one Body, come thereby to be made of one Heart and Soul, and to Worship and Serve God with one consent; these have not Faith without Works, which is dead; but they have the living Faith which God hath wrought in them, which by the Apostle is called the Faith of the Operation or Work of God, and with this living Faith they have the living Works and Fruits, which Faith and Works, prove them to be the generation and living offspring of God.  
Further observe, How sweetly all the  Apostles in their say, are in Harmony and Unity, concerning this living Faith and its living Works or Fruits.  
Again observe, Where many Professors of Faith and Christianity have been grossly mistaken concerning Faith and Works. The Apostle Paul in some of his Epistles, writing much against the upholding of the shadowy works of the Law, after Christ had ended them by his one offering, many Professors of Christianity of latter times have been willing to exclude all works, as with respect to Salvation or Acceptance with God, under the Gospel dispensation; though the holy Apostle Exhorted the Believers in Christ, to work out their Salvation with fear and trembling, saying, It is God that worketh in you to will and to do of his own good pleasure. Now the Words which I have here brought out of Paul's Epistles, with much more of the like nature that may be found in them (which for brevity I here omit) doth and will plainly show that he did never intent in his writing against the shadowy works of the Law, to exclude, deny, or make void the substantial, good and living Works of God in Christ, in his People, under the Gospel dispensation; so that he was of the same mind concerning Faith and Works with James, Peter and John; so here are four faithful and honourable Witnesses linked together, in Testimony to the living Faith which God works in his People, and the living Works and Fruits which accompany it, Glory to the Lord God for the same: and those Four faithful Witnesses to the living Faith, its Fruits and Works as aforesaid, are also faithful Witnesses against the dead Faith and dead Works of the Professors of Christianity in our Age, who notwithstanding their high Notions and talk of Faith, Election, Redemption, Salvation, etc. are yet dead in their Trespasses and in their Sins. The Apostle John writ to the Saints, saying, This is the Victory over the World, even your Faith. And Christ saith, If you have Faith as a grain of Mustard Seed, if you shall say unto this Mountain be thou removed, and to this Hill be thou cast into the Sea, they shall obey you.— But they that are yet (dead) in their Trespasses and Sins, pleading they must continue therein all their days upon Earth. Their dead Faith hath not given them Victory over the World, neither can it; for as they are taught by the Serpent to believe, that they must live in sin all their days, according to this ungodly belief, they submit themselves to him, and he leads them into sin, and they multiply their sin daily, as they say; and such are not in the straight and narrow way they talk of, but in the broad way, that leads to destruction. Oh! that they would turn in their minds to the Light of Christ Jesus, and believe in it, and diligently seek a place of Repentance; that they might find it, and so return to God from Satan and their Sins, which while they abide in subjection to, holds them in a Separation from God, from peace and rest with him, and from Unity with his chosen; whatsoever they do or may imagine or say to the contrary, they will find this true at last.  
Again, these in their dead Faith and works of Sin have not known Gods wondrous and miraculous works yet wrought in them, to throw down the Hills and Mountains of Sin and Wickedness, which the Devil, who abode not in the Truth, in whom there is no Truth, hath raised up in them, to wit, Pride, self-Exaltation, vain, freshly, earthly Glory, etc. for as the Apostle saith, All that's in the World, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of this World, and this World passeth away, and the Lusts thereof; but he that doth the Will of God abideth for ever; except a man be regenerate and born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God, and the blind who doth never see it, is never like to inherit it.  
Now all you who do not only profess Christ as the  Professors do, but also profess his Spirit and Light within to be your Teacher (which they do not) who profess according to John Baptists Testimony, and the Testimony of Daniel the Prophet, that Christ the Lamb of God, is the sent One of the Father, and is come to take away the sins of the World, to put an end to sin, to finish transgression, to bring in everlasting Righteousness; all be retired in the spirit of your Minds, to the Divine Light of Christ Jesus, wherewith you are lighted, and therein wait to receive and keep a right sense of your Conditions; see how you have taken up your Cross, and how you bear it, and what the fruits and effects of your bearing of it are; see that the hills and mountains of sin be overturned in you, and the rough places made smooth in you, and the Valley exalted in you; for who have not known these wonderful works of God, wrought in them, they are yet short of the possession or sitting down in the Inheritance of the Kingdom of God and of his Christ, which consists or stands in Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost; for through the Righteous and Fiery Judgements of God inwardly must sinful Man come, before he can draw near to God, see his Kingdom, or have a place in it; this fiery Baptism they must come through wherewith Christ Jesus the power and wisdom of God Baptizeth all who believe in him, and in his Divine Light patiently and constantly wait to be made new Creatures by him. It is true what the Apostle hath writ, If any Man be in Christ, he is a new Creature, old things are done away, and all things are become new, and all things are of God; for as he also saith, They that are Christ's, have Crucified the flesh with the Affections and Lusts.  
Again observe, That if any person professing to be led and guided by the Divine Light of Christ within, and that he or she believes the  Testimonies concerning Christ, viz. That he is come to put an end to sin, and bring in everlasting Righteousness, to enable his People to perfect Holiness in his Fear, according to what God hath promised, and his Servants have writ and spoken, if such person or persons so professing, continue in a lose and sinful Conversation, whether they be called Quakers, or by what other name soever, their Sin is not less but much more grievous to Almighty God, than the sins of the , who have not yet come to be opened so far as to understand what the Light of Christ within is: Therefore do not make profession to be taught and guided by it: but those lose and sinful Professors of the Light of Christ within, if they did ever really come to the Light they make profession of, and in any measure obey it, than were their hearts opened thereby to understand and know sin, and the displeasure of God against it more than the ; and so the Judgement of God will fall more heavy on them (if they repent not, and come not to walk orderly, as becomes the Gospel) than upon others who have not known so much as they have known, and therefore are not guilty of the sin of Rebellion, so much as they are; for Rebellion is as the sin of Witcheraft, as 'tis written: And he that knows his Master's will, and doth it not, he shall be beaten with many stripes, as 'tis also written.  
Again observe, such lose Professors of the Light of Christ within, may boast and talk of their Faith in God, and Christ, and the Divine Light within, of living without Sin, of Perfection, or of perfecting Holiness in God's Fear, yet being out of the Light and Life of Christ in Death and Darkness, and the Works and Fruits thereof, It is but Death and Darkness in them, which talks of Light, and Life, and Faith, Holiness, Perfection, etc. Their talk of these good things with their Mouths, is an Abomination to God Almighty, while their hearts are far away from him, while they are not in the Love and Obedience to God and Christ, and his Divine Light they make profession of; such profession without Subjection and Obedience, God doth reject, it is loathsome to him, neither can his tender people whom he hath sanctified by his Spirit of Judgement and Burning, have unity with these dead talkers, nor their dead words and works for Light hath no communion with Darkness, though Darkness talk of Light.   

Something concerning Self Separation.  
JUDAS the Servant of Christ writ concerning the Self-Separated ones, thus, viz. they are the RAging Waves of the Sea, foaming out their own shame, to whom is reserved the mist of Darkness for ever, and Enoch also the seventh from Adam, prophesied of those, saying, Behold the Lord comes in Ten thousands of his Saints (mark so it is rendered from the Greek, and is so in some English Translations) to execute Judgement upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly amongst them, of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodlily committed, and of all their hard speeches, which ungodlily they have spoken against him, etc. these be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.— But ye, Beloved, building up yourselves in your most holy Faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the Love of God, looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life, and of some have compassion, making a difference, and others save with fear, hating even the Garment spotted by the Flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, before the presence of his Glory, with exceeding Joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be Glory and Majesty, Dominion and Power, now and ever, Amen. Judas 13 and 19 to the end, see also 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2 Tim. 3. 1. 2 Pet 3. 3.  
Oh my dear Friends, seriously consider that as in the Primitive Gospel days, there were such Self-separated ones, makers of Sects or Parties, which caused great grief and deep Exercise to the Faithful in Christ Jesus; some such like have been in our Age, and some such like yet are, who having been convinced of the Truth, have come amongst us under the Christian Profession of the Spirit and Light of Christ within, who for some time did in some measure follow and obey the Teachings of it, but have since turned from it, yet keep in a Profession of it; these are they who separate themselves without it, in opposition to it, and the Children of it, blessed be God that their number is but small; but alas! they are too many, for we have received the mind of God, and Christ (and his Apostles) whose will was, and is, that all Men might know the Truth, and not only know it, but obey it, that so they might be saved; but alas! a few restless spirited Instruments of Satan, who under the pretence of the Spirit and Light of Christ, make War against the God of Peace, against Christ the Prince of Peace, and against the Subjects of his Peaceable Kingdom; these are in danger to deceive others, and bring them to be restless like themselves; the Lord in Mercy stop these evil Works and Workers. Oh that there might be a place of Repentance yet found by them! Oh that they could yet see from whence they are fallen, and Repent, and come into that simplicity and loving and peaceable frame of mind, into which the Truth had once in some measure drawn them Oh! this would be matter of great joy to those whom they in their darkness account their Enemies; as some bloting dark Notionists did the faithful Apostle Paul, for his faithful and steadfast Testimony against their Looseness, Confusion and Disorder. It is my steadfast belief in God, that he will not long suffer this Evil Work to go on to the grief of his People, and the endangering the loss of Souls, but he will plead with these Evil Workers, these Serpentine wise and self-conceited, he will stop and drive them backward, and woe will be to them if they cannot find a place of Repentance, which will be hard for some of them to find; they have so highly magnified themselves against God, his Tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven; but as Judas the Servant of Christ, well observed in his Epistle, that there was a difference to be put betwixt them who were so gone out into disorder, looseness, or confusion in his time; some not doubt of those, were unwarily, through the subtlety of Satan's Agents, drawn from the simplicity, honest mindedness, and good intention, which the Spirit of Truth had wrought in them, into ungodly Jealousies and a wrong liberty from their obedience to the Cross of Christ. Judas saw there was a Compassion to such, and therefore wisely in the Wisdom of God put the Churches in mind of it, and we are sensible such there hath been in our day, who hath been betrayed and prevailed upon by Satan and his Agents, as aforesaid; these have been sought in the Love of God and Bowels of Jesus Christ, their Advocate with the Father, travelling for them in his Faithful ones, who hath kept their Habitation in God, and we have seen the travels and desires of our Souls answered, in their returning into Unity with God and his People, through their unfeigned Repentance and Condemnation upon the Spirit of Darkness (which led them from God) and upon the evil Words and Works it led them into, and we believe that there are divers that yet remain in the same Snare, for whose return to God we travelin Spir it, and Hope that we shall see the Fruit of the Travel of our Souls in the Love and Power of God, for their good, and shall have cause to rejoice and praise God for the same.  
Wherefore, oh my dear and well beloved Friends, who are exercised by these sorts of Evil Agents, and their Evil Works, under a spacious profession of the Light, Grace, and Spirit of Christ, and the Teachings of it, All keep in the love of God, and in the patience of Jesus Christ: let Patience have its perfect work in those your deep Tribulations and sorrowful Exercises: fret not because of evil Men, nor their evil Works, for behold the Judge of Heaven and Earth, he sees them and you; he will not suffer you to be tried by them above what he will give you Ability to travel through without hurt, and fear, without loss or disadvantage to your Eternal Estates, if you diligently wait upon him, and move, speak, and act in his Council. It is true which was anciently written by an Experienced Man of God, Tribulation worketh Patience, and Patience Experience, and Experience Hope, and the living Hope is as an Anchor which is sure and steadfast; so keep this living Hope, that none of you may faint in'this or any other Exercise which you undergo for Christ's and the Gospel's sake, but all wait diligently upon the living God, who daily renews the strength of his People, so that they can truly say, Sufficient is the day to the Evil thereof; and can truly say, The Lord is our Rock and our Salvation, and we cannot fear what man can do unto us, he is an Everlasting Sun unto us, who gives us his Light to walk in, in which there is no occasion of stumbling; which Light shines in the Diligent, Watchful, and Obedient ones more and more, unto the perfect day, our God is a Shield unto his People, to defend them against the Arrows of the Destroyer; he Arms his Lambs and Children with his ●ight and Power, whereby the Fiery Darts of Satan are quenched. Eternal Glory to his honourable and powerful Name, for evermore, Amen, Amen.  
Oh my dear Friends, keep close to the powerful Spirit of Truth in all your Exercises, and particularly when you are Exercised with this sort of Evil Agents; keep close to the power of God, that in that you may feel that you have the command of your own Spirits, that no wrong or unnatural heats, sharpness or false fire may be kindled by you or any of you, but that your Minds and Spirits may be kept steady and cool in the Lamb's patience; for that will lead to run the race to the end, and will give the Victory: take heed and keep out of too many words, with restless discontented persons, under the Profession of the Truth, whose evil life and strength stands in multiplying words, wilfully striving for Victory or Mastery in a fretful, lofty, and impatient frame of mind; and also beware of such who are smooth and subtle in their contending against Truth and its Children, lest any of you be drawn out thereby to the disadvantage of Truth, hurting of your own Souls, and strengthening the Unrighteous in their way; but all be steady in your Testimony, against deceit in all things: and all Friends Male and Female, keep your Meetings in the Light and Power of God, and in them serve God and each other faithfully; be tender and wise in your carriage one towards another, at all times, particularly in your Meetings; hear one another tenderly, in a right frame of mind and in good order; and if weakness appear in those who intent well in their speaking about Truths concerns in your Meetings, or that weakly manage any thing of Truths concerns, either in your Meetings or at other times, let them be tenderly spoken to in the Order of Truth, at seasonable times, that such may be helped, and Peace and Unity preserved, and all that avoided that tends to bring forth contrary Effects; and cherish and encourage one another in your several Service, that ye may be mutually refreshed together therein, and that your precious unity and fellowship may be preserved without breach, and grow and flourish more and more, that the fruits of Righteousness may be more and more plentifully sown and reaped amongst you, to the Glory and Praise of the great God, whose building and husbandry you are; and living Branches in Christ the Heavenly Vine, bringing for●h more and more Fruit in him, to the Glory of God the Father, who is worthy of Glory over all Heaven and Earth for evermore. Amen.  
And my dear Friends, be very careful that none of you go into too many words in Dispute or Argument for, or in the Defence, or Commendation of those good things which God hath led you into (in which you are opposed by some who profess the Light of Christ within to be their Guide and Teacher, and by them reproached and derided for your obedience to God therein:) but let those good things speak forth their own worth and praise, in their good Fruits and Effects in and by you, to the Glory of God, and to your Profit, Comfort and Justification; and to the cutting off occasion from those who watch for, and seek occasion against you. And to the Convincement of such Gainsayers, who have not sinned out the day of God's tender Visitation to them; and for the staying, preserving, and effectually convincing such who are not clear in their understandings concerning those things, but are in some degree hurt and darkened by the Evil Example, Words, and Actions, of some Evil Agents, whom Satan hath made Instruments of Evil to them; yet do they not wilfully, scornfully, or maliciously oppose, or strive against Friends in those good things God hath led them into; but being short in their understandings and wrong, jealousies and doubts having entered them, they do not freely join with Friends in some things which God hath led them into, wherein he is honoured and his People profitted.  
Oh my dear Friends, he who wins Souls to God, is wise in the Wisdom of God, which is Pure and Peaceable. God Almighty enrich his People every where more & more with his precious Heavenly Wisdom, that in it they may serve him and each other in unfeigned Love, that therein their Peace and Unity may remain and increase daily more and more to his Eternal honour and our everlasting profit and comfort; even so Amen, saith my Soul.