A Lamenting Word showing, How there is a Desertion come upon us, and what are the Evils, and with whom they are found that have procured it unto us.  
DELIVERED, By way of Testimony unto the present Work of God, and against the defection of these Times in the drawing back of many from it.  
LONDON, Printed for Thomas Brewster at the three Bibles, at the West-end of Pauls, 1657.   

To all the precious Saints, who stand upon their Watch in this hour of Temptation.  
THat you are kept in watchfulness, in faith, and waiting for the Lord, whilst others are eating and drinking with the drunken, and beating their fellow servants, is a mercy to yourselves, a terror to the Enemy, and a refreshing to my soul.  
The Cause, Spirit and Interest of late so contended for by men, and owned by God, that has for some time lain dead and butted in the hearts of many, and in the defections of this day seems to be rising again among you, and to receive some revivings through your Faith, and a fresh supply of the Spirit of Grace upon you.  
As you have left behind you the low and carnal Principles of many, who propound no higher an issue to the late Administrations and Changes among us, than a worldly establishment of the Ecclesiastical and Civil State, and are looking after some better thing as provided for these last times, so the Lord direct you unto a right understanding what that good thing is that God will bring to pass in the Earth; that at least some of the tops of the Mountains and Rocks of that good Land may be in your eye, to strengthen and guid you whilst you are labouring towards it, through the deeps of your infirmities, temptations and sufferings.  
And as both inward and outward afflictions have always attended them that have took part with the Lord, so you may look to meet with the same in yourselves, especially at this day, wherein this old corrupt World drawing near its end, and Satan knowing his time is but short, will both combine their most principle Agents, their most exquisite skill, force and power, if possible, to cut off the faith, and hope and remnant of them that love and wait for the glorious Coming and Kingdom of our Lord Jesus; wherefore for your help in the way, let me put you in mind of a few things.  
Let your eye be unto the Lord Jesus; as his Appearance and Kingdom is the consummation of our faith and hopes, and the great and last issue intended by Providence in the Changes and Revolutions that have been and may yet come to pass among us; so setting him in the eye of your faith, will be of best use to direct and help you in all those works and affairs that led ther●unto: abide in Christ; so, whilst the clouds and storms of temptations, troubles and sufferings, do beat upon your fl sh, in him you shall break through and overcome: you stand by faith; if you go forth in the confidence of your gifts, graces or any other privileges without the Lord, you shall fall as others before you have done and come to nothing.  
In the late Changes and shakings that have been among us, the Lord Jesus was that Spirit that moved the wheels, and disposed all as the beginning unto his last and great works of mercy and judgement, which he is determined to do, and wherein you should wait upon him in these last times: though the visible wheels seem to be at a stand, yet let your faith and prayer be going on, and you shall see, that our righteousness tarries not, and the judgement of our enemies slumbers not.  
Let not the treachery and declination of these times from the interest of the Lord Jesus trouble you, in the falling of many Stars, the slumbering of the Virgins, the defection of the Civil and Military instruments, the roaring of the Sea and Waters, that is, the rage of the people; but let these things rather encourage you to look up, for the summer, your Redemption draws nigh.  
As God has appointed a day, wherein Jesus Christ shall shine forth in all his dignities and offices, as Law-giver, Saviour, King and Judge, and wherein all Kingdoms shall serve and obey him, that is, all Authorities and Constitutions both in the Church and would shall be dissolved, or refined into a subjection unto him, his Law and Kingdom; so there shall be no settlement unto any Gov●rnment or People, no success unto any Counsels or Policies new or old that shall rise up against the Lord or his People in this work: upon this ston have many of our Princes already fa●len, and the wheels of them that are since come up in their place are troubled, drive heavily, and the waters, their troubles do increase upon them: th refore stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved, looking for him; for yet a little while of darkness and trouble upon the World, of temptations and trials upon yourselves, and He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry.   

A lamenting Word.  
WHen I call to remembrance the times that are past, the days wherein the Lord walked in the midst of us, for a spirit of judgement to them that sat in Council, and for strength to them that set the battle to the Gate; when through the faith and testimony of a praying people, and the presence of the Lord going before them, the Pillars of our earth began to shake, and the unrighteous to fall at his rebuk: And do consider the condition we are now brought back into, how our soul is bowed down to the dust, and our belly cleaveth to the earth; how the Lord hath cast off and put us to shane, and goes not forth with our Armies; makes us to turn back from the enemy, and hath scattered us among the Heathen; we are made a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us; wisdom is departed from our counsellors, and the vision from our Prophets; I cannot but from these things, with some grief conclude that the Lord is departed from us.  
Much time hath been spent in seeking unto many Physitians, and more in impreachings and mutual recriminations, whilst the effect of all hath proved no better then a heightening of our distemper, and our wound made more incurable. Surely it would be a work far more becoming a people in the condition we are in, to seek out what is that wickedness and folly which hath been done among us, which hath provoked such a signal and continued discountenance from the Lord against us, and such a disaster and perplexity as is upon us: a short reflection upon the times that are past, how things were with us then, together with a due consideration of our present posture, how things are with us now, may be of much use by way of giving us light in this inquiry.  

The light we had in the late War and changes, what it was.  
When the time came that God would judge and pluck down those two unbridled and bloody Powers, Monarchy and Prelacy, which had for many hundred of years divided the prey between the souls and bodies of the people of this Nation; that people among us whom he intended should serve him in this work, he was pleased to honour and furnish with three special gifts, with light unto the work, with faith in it, with a signal testimony of providence, giving victory in the work.  
The light that was given, was but little at the first, and came forth by degrees as we were able to receive it, and as there was need, God leading us by the hand, and as it were teaching us to go from strength to strength, from one difficulty to another in the beginning of the work, not knowing what would be the end of it; so that we were constrained at divers times to profess and publicly declare, that our way was dark, and we knew not what to do until the Lord was enquired, and further light vouchsafed.  
By that light we had we were directed, First, to a sight and discerning of the then present evil state of things, from which we groaned to be delivered: And Secondly, to a prospect of a better and more excellent way to be pressed after.  
As to the first, the whole frame & constitution of things both in Church and State appeared to us to be leavened and corrupted with Antichristian principles, destructive to the great interests of Civil and Gospel-freedome: Particularly, First, the exercise of an imposing power over the conscience in things of faith; together with the exercise of an Arbitrary power over the outward Rights and Liberties of men unsubjected and unaccountable to the Law or the people; the one of these being an entrenchment upon the prerogative of Christ, and the liberty of the spirit in his servants; the other upon the natural sovereignty and freedom of the people.  
Secondly, We were lead on to take notice of the conjunction and intermixture of Magistracy and Ministry, stretching themselves beyond their just capacities into each others line; the Magistrate constituting and imposing a Ministry and worship tempered to his interest; the Ministry strengthening itself in its dominion over the people by the Law of the Magistrate; and so by a mutual combination of their powers and interests serving each other, in order to the checking and resisting the work of Christ in every Age, which usually consisted in a greater growth of light and truth then their Interest or Temper could bear.  
Thirdly, The Laws besides the supernumerariness of them, the obscurity and perplexity of words and notions, were observed to have many things in the body of them composed in times of Superstition and Tyranny, and hurtful and offensive to the work of Reformation; and the practise of them to be corrupt, dilatory and chargeable.  
Fourthly, Persons were invested in Offices of Rule and trust, from corrupt and carnal respects, as politic, Noble, Rich, &c. whilst others furnished with a spirit of government were rejected; also men were choose into the Ministry according to Rules of human qualification or national conformity, whilst others of spirit and gifts more worthy of it, were removed into corners; by the one the streams of judgement and equity were stopped, by the other the streams of light and truth: the Heathenish state of things, worldly pomp, glory and pre-eminency were kept up by both, and the Gospel-way which is in simplicity, moderation and brotherly condescension, was excluded.  
Lastly, The way of Churching whole Nations and Parishes, of Tithes, Patrons, presentations and innumerable things more were judged by us then to be no other then the remaines of Romish infection, as yet by reason of ignorance or Interest unpurged away.  
The removing far from us this corrupt frame of things, that way might be made for some better things then in our eye seems to me to have been the subject( as to the visible part of it) of that sharp contest lately in this Nation disputed and gained through blood and prayer after a first, second, third and fourth War.  
That better state of things which by the good hand of the Lord then upon us was descried, as that which might answer the ends of Providence, the expectations of the godly, and the exegencies of an unsettled Nation, was in the place of the Old, the erecting a new Basis, a constitution upon the Foundation of Gospel-principles, the whole building both in Church and State to be composed and framed according to Gospel-light and Rule; that is, so that all the several Offices and Powers committed to Christ, might be vi●ibly owned and exercised in the Nation, Isa. 33.22. For th● Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King, he will save us.  
As this way was that which Persons of clearest light and principles pressed after, and hoped to arrive at, and by declarations from the Army was attested unto, so the wheels of many signal Providences, the interpretation of prophetical Scriptures sealed up before, and the Pulse of a faithful praying people seemed to aim and beat this way; it being to be supposed that the laying again the foundation of mere Civil Right and freedom, being no more then a worldly Reformation, would be a result no ways answerable to such special tokens and glorious deliverances from spiritual and outward bondage as were bestowed upon us.  
And although such a foundation built up according to Gospel-pattern may not be conceived to be that very kingdom that shall be set up in the last days; yet would it be a dispensation expedient for such a people as we are, especially at such a time as this, who thereby might be put into a better capacity then as now we are of removing the stumbling stones, and preparing the Lords way, and so might put ourselves into a posture of waiting and readiness to receive him when he comes in his Kingdom.  
But if the backsliding part of this generation who have seen the goings of our God and King among us, shall say in their hearts, where is the promise of his coming? let all things continue as they were from the beginning, and shall draw back from that good work wherein they at first run well; yet let such as yet rule with God, and are faithful with the Saints, as wise men that know the time and their work, not suffer their eyes to sleep, nor their eye-lids to slumber, till the Lord will bring to perfection those glorious things, whereof we have been in travail, but have not yet been able to bring forth.   

The faith we had in the late Changes, what it was.  
Unto this light then vouchsafed the Lord added( as of special use for a people that are under such dispensations as we were) a faith to look for great things; the sum whereof in brief is as follows.  
That the set time was come, or at the doors, wherein the Lord would call to a reckoning the Rulers and Shepherds of the Earth, for the maladministration of their Rule and Trust, in the exercise of Tyranny over men by the one, of Lordship over Gods heritage by the other; the effects whereof should begin in these Western Nations first, as being the undoubted horns of that Beast, to whom the cup of wrath is first to be given, before the rest of the Beasts; and this to be done first by the spirit of the Lord in his people, stirring them up hereunto; after by the Lord himself, at his own appearing.  
That the Lord would pour out his spirit in such measures of light and zeal, and create in a remnant of his people such discerning and judgement, as should convince the world, winnow professors, discover and destroy the remaining Idols of Superstition, formality and worldly policy from among us; and hereby would take the advantage of blowing his Trumpet, and lifting up an Engine to other Countries, until he hath gathered a people out of all Nations; and then will set up the mountain of his house above all mountains; that is, will raise up his people to that height and greatness, that from thence he will manifest himself King over all the Earth, in giving the Law to all people, and rebuking strong Nations to the end of the Earth.  
That in order to the bringing of things to this glorious result, the Lord will( as it is necessary) shake the Heavens and Earth, the Sea and dry Land; that is, will so trouble and shake the universal frame of things, both in the Civil and Ecclesiastical, in the Religious and Heathenish States, as shall occasion great commotions, perplexities and overturnings everywhere, and among all ranks and degrees of men; and no healing nor settlement shall be found, until he come whose the Kingdom is. The beginnings of which somewhat appeared in the days of Luther, but were more eminently revived by the late wonderful translations of Providence in these our Islands.  
Whatsoever lower aims many might have, whose principles carried them no higher then unto some particular forms or models, into which they desired the ecclesiastical and civil constitutions might be cast; yet that the hopes and faith of many were raised up to look for these and such like great things, as hastening on in their several degrees and seasons, did undeniably appear by declarations from the Army, by the prayers and expectations, by the frequent assemblings, inquirings and consultations of a praying, observing people, to seek out what might be the intent and designation of Providence, and the work the Lord was about in our days; who hath promised a day wherein the Lord will be seen over them, and his decree shall go forth as the Lightning, and the Lord their God shall save them in that day, as the flock of his people, for they shall be as the stones of a Crown lifted up, as an ensign upon his Land, Zechariah 9.14, 16.  
Besides, the spirit that was upon many, stirring them up to pray, fight and go forth against all Parties and Interests in opposition hereunto, to bear up under the many desertions and discouragements by the falling away of false brethren, to follow God through interprizes and paths unprecedented, highly offensive, and seemingly irregular, doth give further evidence what manner of faith was at work among us: the reason of which faith, and the means whereby it was begotten and increased in us, next unto the inward manifestation of the counseling spirit of God, seemed to be the bringing to clearer light some Gospel-truths, the intepretation of Prophesies, and the events of Providence answering thereunto, with other hints and tokens sought out by a people that had pleasure therein.   

The Testimony God gave to us in the late Changes, what it was.  
The Testimony that God gave unto us in a visible way, in the face of the world, and as a Crowning to the whole work, was Victory over the enemy, given in through a series of Providence, as much wondered at home, as famous and prodigious abroad.  
Whilst the foundation and subject of the War was declared as of no more but a worldly nature, external rights and freedom, and the over-ruling part of Parliament and Army were such whose principles were but worldly and common, so long Providence shared the success of battle in a common and indifferent way between us and the enemy; but when by a remarkable turn of things God had laid aside, and took up other instruments, and new modeled Army of brighter and more refined principles, he forthwith let down the scale, consumed the enemy with a continual stroke, till he left none remain; concerning which, as an interview of some particular passages therein, these hints may be given.  
As their foundation was laid in wickedness, so God poured confusion upon their councils, made their way as the dark and slippery places, and cut off the spirit of their Princes in the day of battle, whilst he shined upon the councils and spirits of his people, and went forth before our Armies as in the Chariot of salvation; like as it was in the days of old, when God went forth before Israel in a cloud, which was darkness to the Camp of the Egyptians, whilst it gave light by night to the Camp of Israel.  
Though they had the concurrence of worldly power and policy, usurpation, pomp and greatness, under the shadow whereof they trusted; yet all fell before the righteous and integrity of a believing, praying, everywhere despised people; as if the Lord would have us gather, that the time to take down all such interests with their Abettors was nigh at hand, that way may be made for the bringing in those better things which God hath reserved for these last days.  
When the commandments and inventions of men, Arbitrary powers, constitutions and practices imposed in times of darkness and tyranny were set up in a way of superiority over, and by force of arms defended in opposition to the Government of Christ, liberty of Conscience, and the principles of common just and right; when things were thus, it pleased God to pass righteous judgement between the evil and the good, by rising up as a cruel and terrible one against all such Egyptian Task-masters, and yokes of bondage; whence the wise in heart might know and consider, that henceforth no Authority that shall rise up, no weapon that is formed against the building up of Sion, against spiritual principles, and righteous interests shall prosper, but shall molder and be broken to pieces.  
After that this glorious cause and interest, and the friends thereof had got safe through, and triumphed over the power and policy of all secret and open enemies at home; it pleased God afterward to make it and his people a cup of trembling to all enemies from abroad that came against us: neither the reformed pretences of the Scottish Nation, nor the naval force and pride of the Dutch could save them from those signal and terrible rebukes, which their anger and hatred against us and our righteous cause, provoked the Lord to visit upon them. So then, what ailed you oh ye ancient Thrones of Monarchy and Prelacy, with your King and Armies, that ye fell down? thou Scotland, with thy three Armies at Preston, Dunbar, Worcester, that ye fled and were not? yet Dutch that ye sunk into the bottom of the Sea like a ston? was it not some bright beams from the face of the Lord Jesus, shining through the faith, the prayers, and the righteous cause of his people, that made them look fair as the Sun, clear as the Moon, and terrible as an Army with banners, that confounded your counsels, cut off your spirits, and consumed you to nothing?  
Thus it was with us in times past, when we learned upon the Lord, when we followed him in untrodden paths, and ways that were not known; then the Lord was among us, making darkness light before us, leading us on from one degree of light to another, from one mountain of salvation to another, having lead us some dayes journeys into the wilderness, towards that Kingdom that he hath promised to set up in the last days.   

The desertion that is now upon us, what it is.  
BUt after that God had subdued our enemies under us, clothed us with salvations and victories, disposed the power into our hands, and thereby had put us into a capacity of performing the promises and paying the vows made to the Lord and his people in the day of our straights, we settled down into secu●ity and ease, not attending what further duty might be incumbent upon us, to make further progress in the good things begun until they grow up to their perfection; as if Providence had designed no higher ends in these acts of severity and goodness among us in throwing down one generation and setting up another, then the putting of his people into a condition of mere worldly freedom and quiet: So being raised up from a low and oppressed estate unto the seats of Authority and Rule, we fell in love with our new greatness; and being set up in a condition of outward security and freedom, we sat down at ease therein, and refused to follow the Lord through those further difficulties and trials whereby only can be obtained an entrance into the promised rest; and thus being turned from after the Lord, he is departed from us, and hath left us in the wilderness to be scattered in the darknesses, dreams and devices that we have chosen.   

The first symtome of the desertion that is upon us.  
THat the Lord is not among us as in former times, will appear too true, if our present condition, and the symptoms that are upon us be but seriously observed.  
First, We are degenerated from those public and righteous principles, justice, faith, light, zeal and purity, whereby we were acted and moved to press after worthy and righteous things, and are returned back to the dark and filthy principles of worldly policy, self-love, national conformity, and such like, building again the things that we sometimes destroyed:— let old administrations and forms of Government, public Instruments and proceedings be set up or laid aside, as they shall be found subservient or otherwise to the present works of providence, and the interest of Sion. Let all personal or particular interests inconsistent with the preservation and good of the whole body of the people be dethroned and abolished.— Let principles of light and truth, and a reformation of all things framed according thereunto be zealously pressed after, though the Nations be angry, the people moved, and all things thereby put out of course. All confidence in ourselves or other men being laid aside, let us lean upon the Lord for light and counsel what to do, and follow after him as he shall go before us in his word and spirit. Such things as these enlivened with a spiritual savour and heat from the Lord, were upon the hearts of many for a season, who are since fallen in love with that woman Jezabel which has seduced them to commit fornications with her; to wit, the present Antichristian and corrupt frame of things both in Church and State, known by its pomp, luxury, greatness, and the pleasures of this world, which has been already shaken, but is not yet removed from among us.  
No less noble and worthy were those works unto which a door was opened to us of the Lord, and were at first pressed after by us, whilst our integrity remained with us, to wit, the doing execution upon all such Authorities, Laws, and Constitutions as had been erected and continued for the defence of Tyranny, Usurpation, single Prerogative, lording Clergy, &c. and as had by force and persecution put a check upon the common Right and Freedom of men, and upon the Light and Liberty of Christians. The purging out from the Ministry, Ordinances, and Churches, &c. all mixture of human Contrivance, State policy, and Romish devices, to the intent that all proceedings therein might be reduced under the sole Authority of Gospel-rule, and the Unction of the Spirit. The framing of all things both in Church and State according to such just rules, and the disposing all power into such faithful hands, as that the Administrations on Earth might submit themselves to be ordered according to that fuller measure of righteousness, light, and truth, as these last daies look for, until the Kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ.  
But now that spirit and heart we had to these things is departed from us, and nothing is more minded by most then the securement and preservation of those very corrupt interests which by many providences, faith and prayer were designed for destruction: remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy first works, or else I will come against thee quickly, Revel. 2.5.   

A second sign.  
ANother sign that the Lord is not among us as in former yeers appears herein, that our singleness of heart to the Lord is gone, & we are joined to other Lovers: it pleased God of late to visit these our Northern Islands with some brighter beams then he vouchsafed to other Nations, and to choose these ends of the earth where he would begin to set up the Kingdom of his son above all the oppressive and Antichristian powers of the world; then he alone was our King and counsellor, our Captain in the field, then we waited for his light alone to show us our way, and to led us through all our streights and fears; when his grace shining forth through the preaching of the Gospel had freed us from a spirit of bondage within, and by a wonderful succession of providences had delivered us from many yokes of bondage without, then it was upon our hearts that the admittance of Jesus Christ unto the exercise of his regal Power and sovereignty over us, would be the only expedient to make up all our breaches, to heal all our distempers, answer all our exigences, and make us a name, a joy and a praise in all the earth; then we saw it was not a King, nor Nobles, nor any imposed Liturgy, nor a Reformed Directory, nor the Congregated ways, nor any thing whatsoever that could deliver us, but to have the Lord himself in the midst of us, and to be all taught of him, that is, to have his Word and Spirit no longer as an underling, but to be set up above all, so as to direct, judge, and bear rule in all Cuuncils, interests and affairs amongst us.  
But now that a little space of breathing from the former troubles hath been given, we have no more need of him, we have chosen us other Saviours; we are Lords, we reign, and are full, and come no more at him; without him we have Judgement and council to steer our course aright, and manage all proceedings with success: formerly, before our difficult or new undertakings there were seen among us, tears and prayers, and travellings of soul; the Churches and other faithful Saints were sent to for counsel, prayer, and help, but now we can without God constitute Governments, establish a State-Ministry, make war, and conclude peace; we can rear up again the shaken walls of Monarchy and National Church-way, defame, imprison, and persecute all that will not bow to it; we can do all this and the Lord not know of it, see how this filthiness is spread over the whole body of profession; The Presbytery sometimes honourable for their faith, zeal, and purity; in shaking off the yoke of Prelacy, how did they after assume that pre-eminence to themselves which they suffered under before; and deny that Christian liberty to their brethren which themselves at first groaned after. Independency and the Baptized way, precious and lovely at the first for their spiritual simplicity and singleness to the Lord, not leaning upon the Authorities of the world either for promotion to themselves or pre-eminence to their way, how are they since clasped about the Powers and Pillars of the world; many chief leaders become Chaplains, Triars, Masters, and in all Dignities and Offices for worldly advantage; and so are become the chief stones and beams in this old worldly frame of things, by their gifts and parts renewing the lustre thereof, which themselves had before in contempt and detestation. The Army no less terrible abroad for their zeal against Kingly interest, then beloved at home for their principles of Light, Liberty, and tenderness; displaying the Banner, and sounding an alarm to a spiritual Kingdom, having the Lord going before them, and they following him through fire and waters and many dangerous passages; how are they now become mercenary, holding the Sword in defence of an Interest for the ruin whereof it was first drawn. The professing part of the people, how are they set down at ease, some in forms, others in notions, divided about gifts, privileges, and apprehensions, while they lye upon beds of Ivory, and stretch themselves upon their Couches, and eat the Lambs out of the flock, and the Calves out of the stall, that chant to the sound of the vial, and invent to themselves instruments of music like David, that drink wine in howls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments, but they are not grieved for the afflictions of Joseph, Amos 6.4.  
We have been looking for salvation to mountains and hills, to Authorities, Army, the persons and actings of men, whilst that wherein our salvation is, to wit, the further rising and going forth of that blessed sun whose beams have already dawned upon us, and a professed subjecting of ourselves and affairs thereunto, has not been regarded; but the confusion and emptiness that God already has, and may further writ upon all these props may fulfil that word upon us: Ye shall be ashamed of the oaks which ye have desired, and ye shall be confounded for the Gardens that ye have chosen, Esay 1.29.   

A third sign.  
A Discerning the signs of the times, and what is our present work( a favour sometimes vouchsafed of the Lord) is now taken from us, which is a further sign that the Lord is departed.  
The presence of God with his people representing himself under such names and resemblances as suited with their present dispensation, was that Star that lead his people in all former Ages, and of late in our days, unto a disce●ning both of time and judgement, and of what Israel ought to do; as it is written, In thy light we shall see light; that is, the appearance of Christ to his people, is that which gives them light to know both the present work of God and their duty therein; so it was to the seven Churches in Asia: If God communicates his counsels to any concerning things not seen as yet, either the judgements or mercies that he is determined to reveal in the world, it is a sign of his presence and favour with such; Shall I hid from Abraham that thing which I do? Gen. 18.17. The Wife of Manoah said unto him, If the Lord were pleased to kill us, he would not at such a time have  told us such things as these, judge. 13.23. As on the contrary, it is a sign of a man or a people from whom God is for the present departed, to be left to the darkness of human contrivements, without any voice or vision of God concerning the present administration, and their duty therein.  
When Jerusalem knew not the day of their visitation, their house was left unto them desolate, and thenceforth they saw him no more unto this day: When the late Rulers and Prelacy of England would not see nor consider the work of the Lord that was to appear in our Land, the Sun set over their heads, and their place was left empty: The generations since, that have lost that judgement and heart to the work they sometimes had( as it is to be feared) are left and laid aside as of no more use, at lest in those more excellent and glorious works which remain behind.  
Whilst the Kingdom and work of our Lord Jesus was beautiful in our eyes, and our zeal and labour, and patience, and sufferings therein abounded, then we had a sight into those great things God was about, ( viz.) desolations upon all Tyranny and usurpations, upon all the corrupted Religions and Governments of the world, by the brightness of Christ's rising among his people: But now security, fullness and conjunction with Antichristian interests hath blinded us so, that we cannot see a far off, to the end of them; a manifest witness of the truth whereof is with sadness of heart to be seen everywhere at this day; the common Assemblies generally being unsensible of it; the gathered Churches for the most part silent; the Court careless in it; the Army having deserted it as to any further appearing for the bringing to perfection that blessed interest, which providence, faith and prayer has been in travel with.  
Whosoever shall observe the posture we are found in at this day, how divided among ourselves about the time and dispensation we are under; some saying, lo here is Christ, that is only within, denying his Person or visible Kingdom; others, lo there, in their order and way, limiting the presence and work of Christ within their party or persuasion; others saying, the time is not come that the Lords house should be built, because they would first build their own cieled ones: others dwellers among the Moles and the Bats, saying, no such time either is or will be at all; all things continue as they were from the Creation, God will do no new thing in the Earth; these things conclude that the tract and print of the footsteps of the Lord in his work among us is hide from our eyes.  
When our former troubles had beset us round, and our fears within were as many as our fightings without, and the sentence of death was written upon all ways and means of escaping by any visible hand, then we cried unto God out of the wilderness and low place; and the Lord rent the Clouds and came down in his still voice into our hearts, in tempests and whirlwinds upon our enemies; then the Lord Jesus shone upon us, and his savours upon our hearts melted us into trouble and sorrow over the corruptions of our Rulers, teachers, and people, Laws and Government, over the darkness, outward and inward slavery upon our own and all Nations; then we saw that the taking down of this old, worn, and viciated fabric of things both here and all the world over, to make way for glory and beauty to dwell in all lands, was that which providence aimed at in his dispensations among us; when we shall be weary of our new-dressed Idols both in Religion and state, and shall find them unable to defend us from those desertions from God, and afflictions from men that our backslidings have already in part and may further bring upon us; then it may be we shall cry to him that redeemed us from our first bondage, and then in the mount will the Lord be seen, and his work appear.   

A fourth sign.  
deadness to God, and servitude to men is entred in among us in the place of that free, fervent, and active spirit that was sometimes upon us; a sad token that the Lord is not among us. While the Lord Jesus was in the midst of us, as the great invisible wheel, then all the other wheels moved in their courses swiftly; all instruments whether in council, Army, or Christian assemblies, moved in their several stations with vigour and judgement; all ministered something, such as they had, towards the work; some brought carved work, some fine linen, others badgers skins, every one according as they had received▪ as the due lay upon Gideons fleece, when all the earth w●s dry, so while all other people and parties were dead and dry as to the work, the spirit of the Lord was with his people, whereby they were stirred up and enabled, some to engage against the Outworks of Babylon, Courts, Armies, imposed innovasions and superstitions; some to assail the very pillars thereof, Monarchy and Prelacy; some by their precious doctrines of Grace righteousness, and peace by Christ alone vanquished her mists and fogs of Legality and worldly elements, whe●eby the souls of men were held in darkness and bondage; others revealed her secret and more covered parts, so●ght to lay flat all her Bulwarks and Avenues, Forts and Towers throughout the land. Such bright and pleasant beams from the Lord Jesus, after a long and dark winter night, shined through the Gospel and Administrations of providence as set on fire the desires of many after him, and their zeal against whatsoever hindered the advancement of him in the exercise of his power as King of Saints here, and afterward as King over all Nations: and such holy ecstasies of love and zeal to Christ and Zions cause were upon a people among us, as rendered them unto a prof●ssing people in both Nations that had not like light and zeal, suspected and publicly censured to be a fanatic, deluded and Enthusiasticall Army and people; and also such high and heroic resolutions carried them on, as made them a wonder, and a dread to all the Nations about us.  
Oh, but what is now become of this blessed people? do they not lye as the bones in the valley dead ●nd dry? the eyes of many being sometimes anointed with the eye-pleasing of Gospel and spirit teaching became so bright and clear, as to take a prospect of that house or universal state of things promised to be set up, how are they now grown dim, and cannot see beyond the present corrupt state of things? the ears that were sometimes open to the voice and counsels of the spirit, to rule and teach, and steer thereby, how are they now stopped, and we sail by another compass? we are like men that began to build, and the first stones towards a goodly building were laid in our days, but finding that the raising of it up to an higher pitch would put us to more pain and difficulty then we are willing to suffer, we are become dead as to any further proceeding therein; is not this written upon the face of all things?  
Consider our teachers, our Gospel-teachers( I mean) such who have been unto the Church of Christ as the Angels of the Lord, now become silent and dead as to pressing forward to the things before, the Renovation and restorement of all things by the further comings forth of Christ.  
— Our Governours and chief Captains, who sometimes were as a hearth of fire among the wood, and as a torch of fire in a sheaf, devouring the wicked on the right hand and on the left, are now dead as to bringing up their good beginning to any further growth and maturity; the main Pillars of the old, corrupt, enslaving and Antichristian interest yet standing, and the former dispensations and works of Providence, and an answerable subjecting of all things thereunto being not regarded;— the fervent desires and longings that were among many Saints after a fuller reformation, and their sorrows and fears for the present corruption are for the most part ceased;— the blessed Gospel-d●ctrines are grown dusky, the teachers are waxed dim, the work is at a stand, and the foundations thereof are covered in the rubbish of the old, corrupt interests brought in again; and there are few that lay it to heart, or have any judgement or might to discern or give warning of this evil time; security, division, worldly advancement and seducing spirits, having eaten out that first simplicity, light and love that was amongst us.  
Add unto all this our servitude unto men; they among us that once disputed the interest of Christ, liberty of Saints, and the common good of the Nation, against the highest and proudest enemies thereof, how are they now become the servants of men, acquiescing in, and for advantage sake preferring the constitutions, commandements and politic devices of men, men corrupted from the first purity and practise, before the promoting of the precious cause of Christ, and the conscience of their duty and service therein; of whom one may take up that ancient parable, Gen. 49.14. Issachar is a strong ass, Couching down between two burdens, and he saw that rest was good, and the Land that it was pleasant, and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.   

A fifth sign that the Lord is departed.  
THe heavens have been for some season silent, and little or no answer of God among us, a further s●●n that the Lord is not among us as in former years;— the vi●ible administrations of Gods providence being Gods voice, whereby he sometimes spake graciously to us, and terribly to our enemies, have been for too long a time withheld, and the windows of heaven shut, and we have been left under many darknesses and desertions; while the interest of Christ and his people was in our hands, and the debate about it was depending between us and our enemies, then the Lord went before us through the floods of many waters, all the several parties that rose up against us; neither the enchantments of Balaam, nor the Armies of his King, from one hill or another could prevail against us; such witness God gave unto us by a continued series of providence so visibly and gloriously for us, as made that noble cause among us and the Adherents unto it a terror and astonishment to all the Nations about us; but when this cause began to be declined, and other fruit to appear, the countenance of heaven also changed toward us, since which time our wheels have driven heavily, our Armies are scattered by the Heathen, proceedings at home are fruitless, and expeditions abroad do as little; we looked for much, and lo it came to little; and when we brought it home, God did blow upon it; why, saith the Lord of Hosts, because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto h●s own house; therefore the heavens over us are stayed from due, and the earth is stayed from her fruit Hag. 1.9, 10.  
In days past the spirit of the Lord was among us, making a way for us in the wilderness, in paths untrodden before, and a way in the deep waters, in ways which no man had passed through before; he put the honour upon us to bind our Kings in chains, and our Nobles in fetters of Iron; then all inst●uments moved swiftly, and work went on apace; one work after another was set before us, and successses answered and came in one upon another; those yokes that our Fathers groan●d and bled under for many years, we shook off in a few months; those bulwarks of Babylon, Monarchy and Prelacy that had been taking root for many hundreds of years, were thrown down in one day; such clearness of jud●ement and willingness of heart was among us, as made hard work easy, and rough services smoo●h; the Lord ca●●ing ●n his pleasant gales and warming beams for our succour in the work; all our works were crwoned with gl●ry and success, whilst sincere affections to Christ were our principle, and the advancement of ●im in his reconciling grace and ●eigning glory was our end in all.  
But into what a confusion and desertion we are now fallen, they have little spiritual eye-sight that cannot discern; Private and lesser interests are attended, whilst that which is of the highest and general concernment is at a stand; unto the further prosecution whereof there is no skill nor strength, nor life, nor heart;— while reformation moved upon the faith and prayers, tears and travels of Gods people, it was as an Engine upon the wheels, or as a Ship with wind and tide; but since these were deserted, how do our Pilots towe and hale, and weary themselves in vain? what success have most Teachers h●d upon their people, but to Preach them into lukewarmn●ss and slumber, sin●e they left to be a praying, waiting people, or the communion of them that are such? How has a victorious Army been scattered, since they left off to be a praying Army? how many interruptions and rebukes have the Rulers met with since they sailed in another bottom, and by another wind and tide? whole yeers cannot bring forth now what monthes, weekes, and daies produced formerly; and that work that was carried to some boservable height in a troublesone time, is found too hard to be proceeded in in a time of peace; oh that we would consider the hand that is upon us, and how faith, prayer, and the smiles of providence, and together therewith the work of the Lord are departed from us to another people.   

The sixth sign.  
IT appears by what has been said, that our soul is bruised, and the outward state of things too, yet we have no mind to be healed, nor to heal one another, and offers of healing in the way it may be had are not accepted, which may be added as one sign more that the Lord is gone: they that had pitty and shewed compassion upon us in our former troubles, when our burdens were heavier then our groanings, and by their spiritual gifts and righteous Administrations as fathers and nurses did nourish and feed us in the beginning of the day, how are their bowels now shut up that they have no compassion towards the travail of their soul whom they have begotten in Christ Jesus!  
When the former shepherds, Kings and Prelates had for a long time exercised Lordship and cruelty over us, and after them others of a more Reformed stamp rose up and sought the pre-eminence, then God raised up shepherds who for a season fed us with the better pasture of judgement and justice, Light and truth; then there was bread and balm in the hand to refresh the many hungry souls and bruised shoulders which the yokes and bonds of the Oppressors had made upon us; but now that we are as sheep scattered by seducing spirits, or worldly interests, whereby many are become sick, weak, and many fallen asleep, and we in a condition( if grace prevent not) of relapsing into our first darkness and slavery, yet how few are there that have an eye of pity, or a word of healing for us? we are like a man wounded, that being vexed with pain is full of fury and anguish, and troublesone to every body: so we being wounded with the rebuk of the Lord, are of a crooked and bitter spirit, hurting and offending one another, having neither healing in ourselves, nor accepting it from others.  
I know we have sought to many Physicians that we might be healed; but our could, formal, and general teachings, and shreds and broken pieces of Reformation in Governtment, are but as they that sewed pillows, and daubed with untempered mortar, which profited not. There are breaches and sores in the body, the visible state of things, but the distemper lies in our vitals; our faith is gone, our first love is lost, the Cause of Christ lies butted among us, and our hearts are dead unto it.  
And whereas there is but one way remaining, which our former faith and experience, and a praying People at this day do tell us of, and propound unto us as the only healing dispensation both unto Church and State; to wit, a subjecting of our souls and lives, our Ministry and Government, our Laws and Constitutions, with all Interests and Affairs, unto that Kingdom and Authority, and those Designs and Works foregoing it, which the Prophecies of old, and Providences of late have intended for these last times, yet this way and course is of no acceptation with us; but however pretended to formerly, and in the judgement of spiritual Gospel-Christian, of more weight then any other that has been proposed, is now excluded as a seditious Principle, destructive to the present state of things, and the work of a fanatic, brain-sick, and unsound Generation; whence our Conclusion appears too true, That the Lord is not among us as formerly.   

The sins that have brought this desertion upon us, what they are, and with whom they are found.  
NOw to make an enquiry what those sins committed among us may be, which have provoked the Lord to bring upon this Generation, formerly a People of right noble Principles and glorious achievements, such a deserted estate as it now lies under, seems to be a work becoming all such Christians as would turn away the present rebukes that are upon us; in which undertaking although the evil may appear more grossly and vis●bly upon some particular parties, more then upon others: yet forasmuch as upon just and impartial search I find no parties nor persons whatsoever, neither myself nor others, that can stand aside and say, we are free from partaking in those sins that have provoked this cloud upon us; therefore in plainness of heart, without fear or flattery, I shall briefly declare what things I have against every one, from the greatest to the least among us.   

The sin of the Army, what.  
TO begin with the Army first; these, whlle a Gospel-spi●it was upon them, inflaming them with zeal to the Lord Jesus, with love to all Saints, and with a spirit of judgement to see righteousness and freedom brought forth unto all men, the Lord forgave the many haltings, slips, and infirmities that through darkness or temptation th●y were overtaken with; but since then an evil heart of unbelief is found in them, in not following the Lord unto the perfecting of that work, the foundation whereof was laid by their own hands, that frame of spirit that was upon them when they were lead forth against the oppressive and Antichristian interests, would have carried them on( if worldly advancement and security had not quenched it) unto a more excellent way to a more perfect and spiritual Reformation then yet is brought forth.  
While their work was against the outer-courts and outer-works of Babylon, onely the bricks and day, and grosser things thereof, they had spirit and faith for service; but when they came into her ceiled Chambers and Marble Towers, her golden wedge and goodly garment, these they spared from the sword: while Monarchy and prelatical clergy, and the former state of things appeared in a more loathsome and ugly form, so long the Sword had no mercy on them, till they were cut off; but no sooner did these appear again under new names; and a more comely habit, but they were admitted again unto their first power, seat, and authority as before, and accepted into favour and embraces as much as ever.  
When the Army was labouring in streights, difficulties, and perilous undertakings, and the Lord alone appeared unto them as their light & comfort, then their hearts were tender, and their eyes enlightened to behold the King in his beauty, and the things that were afar off; then they saw many things amiss among us, ( viz.) in the Government, will and pleasure to have been long exercised instead of judgement and justice; human policy and contrivance to be still set up above the dictates of sanctified Reason and Gospel-light. In the Magistrates, a declination from their first Principles of light and zeal, and from the just expectations of their godly and faithful adhering friends. In the Law and Practitioners of it, they saw many Statutes, customs, and Proceedings kept up, that were imposed in times of Tyranny and Superstition, and exercised to the hindrance of light and Reformation, and to the prejudice of Christian and Civill Liberty. In the Ministry, much Antichristian leaven, as the investure into it worldly, the maintenance of it worldly, and the fruits of many in it, no better then Philosophy and vain deceit, teaching for Doctrines the divinations of their own brain, or the commandements of other men: In the whole frame of things, such corruption, rottenness, and decay, as that they judged a reducement of all things unto pure Gospel-rule, and just and spiritual Principles( a thing never done before) would prove the onely thing that would answer the designation of so many glorious Providences, the faith of Gods People, and the present exigency of things as they stood with us; which would consist in giving the pre-eminence unto the Peoples safety, above personal prerogative; unto the Word of God and Law of Christ, above carnal Reason and the politic contrivances of fleshly wisdom; unto spiritual gifts above human qualification; and in owning and exalting the kingdom of Christ on Earth above all righteous Principles of State-policy, or Nationall-interest whatsoever. And such a state of things they judged by faith and well-doing as well attainable as promised; for brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron; I will also make thy Officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness, Isa. 60.17.  
But when after final Victory over the common Enemy, having tasted and surfeited with the sweetness of ease and rest, they found the further progress in the work would expose them to a further juncture of difficulties yet behind; instead of applying themselves to the Lord for new oil and trimmed Lamps, a further supply of light and faith( as they had always done in like case before) they betook themselves under pretence of avoiding Anarchy and confusion, into a new contrived way of their own, built upon the old Arbitrary and carnal Principles; and sheltering themselves under the shadow thereof, did thereupon put a stop unto all further proceedings in the Work; and so by degrees are relapsed into those dark and defiled Principles, as they were ashamed of before.  
The beginning of this desertion I observed with some grief of heart, did too visibly appear in the Officers immediately upon their return from that crowning victory at Worcester; their frequent meetings unto prayer and consultation were then intermitted, and after some Months were revived for a little space, and produced some faint and languishing addresses to the Authority then in Being; their spirits grew dull and heavy, the sense whereof moved one of them in a speech of an hour long, with many tears to bewail his own and others slips, and another of them with much fervency, to urge the prosecution of the cause of his dear Jesus; this being the time of the expiring of their zeal as a dying coal of fire.  
Unto this unbelief they have added further offence against God, in sitting down at ease ●n the pleasures of this unreformed state of things, whilst the afflictions of Joseph, the despised cause and people of God are not remembered; the victories and salvations vouchsafed them of God, and the rewards and honors they have received from men, have put upon them such a glory and greatness, that they are fallen in love with their present condition; so that the preservation of themselves in these fleshly privileges has so taken up their hearts, as that they are dead unto any further promoving of that blessed work, which the Lord has yet to do among his people, and by them upon the Rulers, States and Kingdoms, and interests of all Nations; the present state of things pleasing them so well, as that they have a jealous eye against whatsoever would loosen the roots of it, and in defence therof have made shipwreck of their first principles, and have taken up such mercenary, treacherous, and unchristian principles, as( whereas they were a beauty and sweet savour before) have rendered them a stink and contempt unto the people; it being to be feared that they succeeding that wicked Generation that is fallen, in their houses and possessions, they have partaked too much in their sins, and do now inherit their dark, corrupt, and Anti-christian principles which were their ruin: whether by these sins they have not provoked the Lord to leave them unto this their dark, dry, and unfruitful state, Oh that they might consider.   

The Sin of the Powers that have been, and are.  
AS concerning the Powers, this Nation has had variety; an hasty succession of one Power after another, the Government having been transmitted from one unto another, until it has passed through the hands of all or most parties among us, from the grossest to the purest: some of these there were, that for a season suited their Administrations to the present designs of Providence, and exercised their power in a zealous and well guided subserviency unto that growth of light and reformation God determined to bring forth; while they did so, the Lord breathed upon their Counsels, and lifted up their horn above the horns of Monarchy and Prelacy, that had tyrannized before, and the Inhabitants of Judah, the People of God were their strength in the Lord of hosts their God: Instead of all other Rules of State-policy in use before, they were by a good hand directed unto a better Rule, to wit, that the time of favouring Zion and of doing great things was come, and that all Administrations of Government ought to intend and look towards that, or should be broken; while they steered by this point, they were lead through many dangerous shelves and boisterous seas, unto many pleasant shores and refreshing harbours of victories and salvations; but when they had overcome most of their fears, and had brought things unto that state as answered their principles, and satisfied their interests, they settled into security and ease, and so lost the sense of that duty incumbent upon them, either as to any fuller redress of common grievance, or to any fuller reformation, whereby they might have been capable to have served the Lord in his dispensations towards Zion.  
The neglect hereof became also the sin of the succeeding Powers unto this day that came up after, whereby the Lord has been, and yet is provoked to deny success to their several Assemblies and proceedings, and to deny unto the Nation the benefit of receiving by their hands any healing or cure at all: the introducing and establishment of another Interest, to wit, the present state of things, being that which has butted their first Light, and Zeal, Vows and Engagements out of sight and mind; and in the place thereof has bgotten in them a lamentable darkness unto the further improvement of those first blessed principles, in the prosecution of that first glorious Cause, in order unto those approaching good things that have already dawned upon us.  
And until all private, personal, and self-advancing interest be laid aside by those in power, and that first principle be assumed again, to wit, The submitting all designs and interests, all exercises of Rule and Power unto the help a●d furtherance of that shaking renovating work and Kingdom of the Lord Jesus, and the admitting Providences, Prophesies, and former dispensations for a guiding Rule, before all reason of State whatsoever; until it be thus, I do not expect that any parties of men, or forms of Government, whether by One or Many shal administer that health and cure to this Nation, as the nature of our sickness and wound calls for: God will not bless the most righteous principles, nor most reformed pretences, when they are impr●ved either against, or not about that which is his special work in any age: Be wise th refore oh ye Kings, be instructed ye Judges of the earth; Kiss the Son lest he be angry: ye are busied about lesser Matters, while ye neglect the weightier, judgement, Mercy, Faith, and the love of God, the taking off yokes, and breaking bonds, the purging out of the old scum, and the new defilements that are found in Government, Ministry, Court, and upon the whole frame of things: a spirit unto this is withheld from you, because there is sin found among you.   

The Sin of our Teachers.  
THere is also found folly and sin among our Teachers, which has added affliction to the misery; I speak of such, who as the brighter Stars in our heavens, have opened unto us the knowledge of Gospel-misteries in a clearer way, and in fuller measures of light and comfort unto dark and wounded sinners, than others had done before; by means whereof the knowledge of the Lord Jesus did so cover our Land, as that the mists and fogs of former darkness, the yoke and spirit of bondage, which bowed down both ours and our fathers necks, Legality, Superstition and Tyranny, began to give place and vanish away: they were for a season as burning and shining Lights; their Doctrine kindled such a fire in the hearts of many, as burnt down ●he old, corrupted, National Church-state, with the Pillars and Gates thereof, Monarchy, and Prelacy, Court, and Conclave; their Doctrine sent forth such a Light as gave a just and worthy advancement unto Grace above all Creature-works; unto Christ as sole Law-giver in the Churches, above all National or politic Jurisdict on; and unto the Unction and gifts of the Spirit above all School-learning, or human qualification whatsoever; insomuch as old things began to pass away, and a glimpse of better things appeared, a new Church, new Government, new King, and new World to be looked for.  
But these Teachers being had in high esteem for their works sake, and having received double honor, instead of giving the glory to their Master, took it to themselves; and looking upon themselves as excelling many in Gifts, as embraced of many Christians, as honoured of great Men, they fell in love with these their fleshly privileges; and thereby were lead aside to seek after honor to their Gifts, ease to their Persons, and establishment to their Interests, and so neglected the promoting of those precious and glorious Truths, which themselves had travelled with before, and which rendered them as a sweet savour unto God, and as the Angels of the Lord to many of his People; and so by degrees at last fell into a compliance with that very Interest under a new name and disguise, which themselves had abandoned before, as under the detestable names of Tyranny and Anti christianism: some of them leaving the work of the Church for a lazy college life; and the Ministry of the Word to attend upon Philosophy; leaving the Communion of Christians for the treasures and promotions of Pharaohs house, choosing rather these treasures of Egypt than the reproach of Christ;— O●hers become triers, Lords over their breath en, exercising that authority by human deputation, which themselves had contended against before, as robbery to the Churches of Christ:— and many others with their whole Churches fallen into such a slumber, security and ease in present things, as that they have lost the exercise of their spiritual senses to discern the promised good things to come, and what is their present duty in order thereunto: wherefore the Lord has brought upon many of our Teachers a sore desertion for their sin, which may be seen herein.  
First, in the loss of that faith, light, and zeal they had in the beginning of the day, and which the further work of the day calls for, in order to the building of Zion, and the lifting up the Lord Jesus unto that Throne of Dignity and Power over all the Earth as he is anointed unto, by the overturning and dissolution of the present state of all Nations and Kingdoms.  
Secondly, in their want of spiritual savour and relish unto a fuller Reformation of things, and unto them that seek and expect such things.  
Thirdly, in that they had sometimes escaped the Corruptions of the Anti-christian Ministry, Lordly pre-eminence, rigid imposing principles, plurality of places, greediness of Lucre, Men-pleasing, Time-serving practices, living in pleasures, sitting, lying down, loving to slumber; but they are now again entangled therein, and seem to be so well pleased in the present polluted state of things, as that they are become dead to those desires and workings of heart after those better promises of good things to come on earth, that they sometimes pressed after: thus are many of our Stars fallen from heaven, as a fig-tree casteth her untimely fruit; whereby we may discern some signs of the times that are upon us.   

The Sin of the Churches.  
WHosoever shall cast an observing eye upon the Churches, t●e purest Churches, may find in them also the folly and desertion that at this day is come upon us; let not his words be an offence, who d●es and has born a dear affection towards them from thei● l●west state; concerning them I have this to say in their praise, that their beginning was small and contemned of men, but owned of God; some clearer beam of Gospel-truth it was, that at first lead them forth to seek a more perfumed bed of love for the Lord, a more undefiled way of Worship, and fellowship than the loose and National way was, wherein the Prophetical and Kingly Offices of Christ might be more owned and exercised in setting him up as sole Law-giver in all his Churches, and in giving liberty to his Spirit to speak by whom it listed; then was there a lively presence of the Lord among them, giving them light and favours unity among themselves, and harmony of spirit with the Administrations of Providence; and many other Ornaments of beauty and comeliness he put upon them, making them who at first were as a little branch, to increase and spread until they had covered the face of the Nation.  
But whereas these Gifts were given of God, as first-fruits and beginnings of a more excellent state, and as the Manna to those in the Wilderness, as comforts and helps for edifying of the Body, and for the following of the Lord in those further works he had to do; instead of making this good use of them, they sate down in these Wilderness privileges, and became rich and full therein, and bestowed them upon their lusts; some decking themselves with them to seek honor; others using them for strife and debate, to make a rent in the Body; some making merchandise of them; and others abusing them to wantonness and liberty in the flesh; all placing their contentment and rest in these things, few seeking that true rest which is in Christ himself.  
whilst they were little, and in a low condition, then the Lord was precious, his Laws, Government, and Interest were preferred above all: then they saw the frame of things that then was, to be a corrupted thing, and that a separation from it, and the seeking after a more Evangelical state of things, was that which the Lord called for at their hands: but now that they are grown to be eminent and considerable in the World, their Members become Lords and Rulers, Masters, triers, jailers, Officers and Exactors every where, these new promotions, such as they are, have so far blinded their eyes, that they have lost that light and sight they sometimes had of better things, new Church, new Government, new King, and a renewed state of all things: security in their gifts and privileges, and glory with men, having so filled and stalled their hearts, that they are become dead unto those further and higher hopes they had before.  
When their elder sister the Presbytery, which run well in the beginning, began to stint light, and Reformation unto their way alone, and did engage the Worldly Powers to their Protection herein, this was looked upon by Churches and Christians of further light as a very offensive thing: but now the Churches by stinting Reformation unto their own present state and measure, and staying upon a corrupt and worldly Government for their defence herein, have not only justified ●heir elder Sister in all that she has done, but have done far worse, by how much their light and experiences, and Gods appearances with them in order to a better way, have been more than the other had: Where is that first indignation against worldly Court, Church, and Clergy, the Nurseries of darkness and slavery, with all their branches? Where is their Zeal for a Restorement of Spirit to themselves, of Mercy and Justice to all men, and of Liberty to the whole Creation? Where is their first Faith, living upon God, leaning upon Christ, looking for Him, and seeking the Law at his lips? Where is their Mercy and Love towards weak Brethren, the lame, the sick, and tempted ones? What is become of this Spirit? Is not that Old principle, that dark, defiled, and earthly Spirit which was sometimes cast out, returned again into the house new swept and garnished, and with him seven Spirits worse than the first? Thus the Churches must bear their part in that blame and shane that is done among us, and do partake in that desertion that is upon us, which may be seen herein.  
In the darkness upon their Watchmen that they have no vision; themselves asleep in security and ease, while they are torn by division, and many of their children scattered and carried away after worldy lust, or spirits of delusion: I speak not against Church order, nor all therein; there are some names at this day who have not dedefiled their garments, who believe and cry and look for the redemption of Israel, whose light, and faith, and zeal shall increase till it set on fire the new-repaired walls of old Babel that are yet standing among us.   

The sin of those Christians who are not in Churches.  
AS the sin and defection of this day has entered into the purest Churches, so it is to be found amongst men of clearest Light, and highest pretences: there are not few in this Nation who have not joined themselves unto any visible Church, although many of them are to be esteemed not the least nor meanest Members in the invisible, of which their single and unassociated condition this account may be given; many of these having received a clearer light in the mystery of the Gospel than the generality of others had, and a sight of a more spiritual life and communion with God, and of more unity, loathness, and love to all Saints, than most( I say not all) in the Churches were grown up unto, upon this ground they reserved themselves free from Church-relation unto those further Truths, Enjoyments, and ways they had already a taste of, and were in hope with all Saints to comprehend and attain unto; in this state while they lived and learned upon God alone, and kept themselves as chast virgins for Christ, not taking to themselves any covering of flesh, self-glorying, self-righteousness, parts, gifts, or worldly Interests, but the Lord only for their righteousness, and salvation, then had they spiritual eye-sight to discern the darkness and corruption that was upon all things, and so look for that better and perfecter state of things promised, that the Lord would come as consuming fire against Babylon, as a Finer among themselves and the Churches, dissolving these old heavens and earth, and setting up new heavens and new earths, a new Church and new government, wherein dwelleth righteousness, and then they were afraid of sitting down, or settling in any thing before the Lord and his righteousness.  
But Satan, that can transform himself as an Angel of Light, has mingled their Wine with Water, their Spirits and spiritual Principles with his refined witchcrafts, Philosophical Notions, wandering speculations of the Godhead out of Christ crucified, losing the simplicity of the Gospel in Allegories; by which means too many are puffed up with their knowledge as excelling others, and their hearts stolen away from the Lord, and their minds from the Faith to the idols of the brain; and have so far lost that humble, lively, active Spirit, that Faith and savour in a crucified Christ they sometimes had; that they are scattered and fallen back, some into Mystical legality, some into the world, and others into a flatness and deadness of heart as to any further work for Christ, whilst another people among us reckoned by these in a far lower form in the School of Christ have a Spirit upon them to cry unto the Lord for the perfecting of that work he has so gloriously begun amongst us: So that we may say, How are our beautiful things become a wilderness? How are our Goodly stones, Army, Rulers, Teachers, Churches, and orhers that seemed by the Spirit of Grace, by afflictions, and by signal Providences to be prepared for the building, how are they now covered in the rubbish, and the lines of Confusion and Stones of Emptiness stretched over them.  
And thus he that in the first and purest Gospel-ages placed his abomination to stand where it ought not, in Churches, Ordinances, Spiritual Gifts, and Souls of men, has done the like in these dayes, having corrupted our graces and mercies, the most Reformed parties and things among us; and having perverted things that were given for good to be to our hurt; so that instead of improving our good Beginnings unto a further growth and maturity, our light and deliverances unto further light and deliverance, we are set down at ease therein, pleasing ourselves in present things; those better things reserved as yet with Christ in God to be brought forth in their season for them that wait and believe, and those works that are to be done in order to the making way thereto being forgotten and no more pressed after: And so( I wish I could not say it) we are degenerated into that old, dark, and Egyptian Spirit that we seemed to have escaped, wh ch consisted herein;— in the putting a stint and stop unto any further light and further Reformation above what their carnal Principles and Interests would bear;— and in a compliance with, and clasping about the Powers of the World for their defence therein, and for the pting a check upon all further Truth and Reformation, enwh at consisted with the safety of their place, order, and nation, and such-like worldly Interests; which course as it was the ruin of them that are already fallen, so it will prove to this generation if they repent not, and do their first works.   

What Dispensation that is, that can bring Healing to us.  
HAving hitherto made some search of what nature is that wound we have received from the Lord, and what are the evils which have procured it, it will much concern us to inquire where Healing may be had for us, or what foundation may be laid which may set us in such a condition of righteousness, peace, and settlement, as shall not be subject to be corrupted, or shaken any more. There is a Principle, which as it has been of blessed use to us in the late works of Providence among us, so it may give good Light to us in this Enquiry, which is this;— That the appearance of Jesus Christ in his Grace and Glory, and the advancement of him as King over all the earth, that is, so as that all foundations raised for the Interest either of worldly Tyranny, or Antichristian Worship be thrown down; and that all things both in Church and Government, do submit themselves to be ordered by the Presence and Word of the Lord among his people; that this is the great Result intended by Providence in those over-turnings which have been, and may yet come to pass among us.— Their eyes are grown dim, who of late begin to say, That there was no further end in the late Turns of Providence among us, than the preservation of Gods People in a worldly freedom and peace, that they be not destroyed either by the common enemy, or by divisions among themselves: As Light and Reformation has come forth at sundry seasons, and in divers measures; so in any Nation where God had any work of this kind to bring forth, he gave no quiet unto that Church or Government that was therein, until they submitted themselves unto that measure of Light and Reformation intended for that Age, and People.   

This Principle being laid for a Foundation, these Conclusions do with clearness follow:  
FIrst, That no kind nor sort of Government whatsoever, though acting upon the most just and righteous Principles, can administer healing or lasting peace unto us, whilst it yields not itself in subjection unto the great determinations and works of Providence among us, in a subservient co-working with the Lord in the plucking up the remaining Walls of great Babel yet standing, and in making way for those better things which Prophesies of old, Providences of late, and the present Expectation of a waiting People are in travail with: if it may be admitted, that God has a great work to do among us( as who will not blushy to deny) and that all civil Administrations are like to stand or fall, according as they shall be found submitting thereunto or otherways; then no form or way of Government whatsoever can bring peace to itself or the people, whilst the present works of God are not regarded by it.  
Secondly, Neither a way of Government reduced as exactly as may be unto the judicial Law of Moses, nor any form of Worship, how spiritual soever, considered barely in themselves, can bring healing to us; that form of Government delivered by Moses, and that of Worship by the Apostles were in themselves good and excellent above all other; but when corruption entered in, and the Lord departed, both the Administrations themselves, and the People under them were scattered, the one into the Literal, the other into the Mystical Babylon.  
Thirdly, that the nearer approaching and fuller revelation of Jesus Christ, in the pouring out his Spirit upon us, and the taking to himself his great power to reign over us, in the more visible exercise of all his Offices, as Saviour, Law-giver, King and Judge, and a heart waiting for him, and willing to submit all things among us both in Church and State, in an humble and gracious subordination thereunto, is that healing Expedient only that can bring redress and cure to all the wounds and breaches whether civil or spiritual that are upon us: I remember what H●sea says, chap. 10.3. For now they shall say, we have no King, because we feared not the Lord, what then should a King do to us? And chap. 13.10. I will be thy King, where is any other that may save thee in all thy Cities, and thy Judges, of whom thou saidst, give me a King and Princes? If any that are set down at ease in the present privileges God has bestowed upon us, shall promise themselves peace therein; or if any others that are sensible the present state of things to be a bed too short to rest in, shall hope to find peace for the people by some other way or form of worldly Administration; let all such know, it is not in parties or privileges to have or give peace, whilst the Lord is not admitted as King and Saviour among us, whose rising only is that which shall bring healing to the Nations.  
That such a D●spensation as this shall be, and that more universal and glorious than any before it has been; since the sayings of the Prophets and Apostles, are by many not so understood and believed; let an observation obvious and plain to all men be our Argument herein, which is this: That the three hundred years last past, have been a season wherein Light and Truth have visited this Western World in a succession of Administrations, the latter still exceeding the former; in all which, the Lord Jesus has been gradually brought to light, and by which he has still gained ground upon that Anti-christian state, that hath a long time ruled the world: the bringing of himself to light, and the stretching forth of the line of his dominion over all parties and interests whatsoever, in order to the regaining the utmost ends of the Earth to himself, having been his design in all his spiritual and providential Administrations, at divers seasons and in several degrees that have been upon us: wherefore we may conclude, the Lord will not cease prosecuting his former method, to shake and distress all Nations, Governments, Parties and Interests, that hold their Authority, maintenance, or Place in a dependence upon, and for a support unto that Mother of whoredoms, the Anti-christian State; until the Kingdoms of this World become the Kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ.  
That such a Dispensation as this, is that only that can heal us, and the Nations: our present Experience may be instead of all other Arguments to bring us under conviction: if any inferior privileges or blessings could save us, below the Lords shining, saving and reigning Presence among us, the People of God in this Nation have had a larger measure of Privileges than many Ages before, than all the Nations of the World besides have at this day: Yet how dead and carnal? How far from a truly spiritual, reformed, and reigning State we are at this day, in the midst of all the Victories, Salvations and other favours we are set down in? Let the surfeiting in pomp and pleasure, and the cares of this life, and smiting our fellow servants, the new Confedracies with the old, rotten Interests, visible upon many among all sorts, and the indisposition that is almost upon us all unto a more through redress and Reformation be a witness against us: wherefore though many Eenemies are fallen, yet we are not saved, because the Lord is not King among us, we will not have him to reign over us.  
Now by what means the Lord Jesus arising as the Sun of Righteousness will work healing for the Nations, the great effects that shall go before and attend his Coming do show, which are these two; the making all old things to pass away, and the making all things new: As all the several dispensations of Light and Truth, have in their several seasons, brought an Earthquake upon that part of the World where they were brought forth: so that fuller and more glorious Revelation of the Lord Jesus in his healing Grace and reigning glory reserved for these last times, inasmuch as it shall spread itself far and wide over all the Earth, shall shake and take down the whole frame of things as now in Church and Government, all States and Interests every where: and as a worthy man sometimes banished for the Testimony of Christ, writes; The Change in the Heavens and Earth, is meant a change in the qualities, and face, and fashion of all things, in Churches and Common weals, Kingdoms and Nations; the old rotten frame of all things in Religions and Governments shall be broken down in Earthquakes, turning all the World upside down, so as it must be all made new again; the old fashion of Church and World being waxed old; as a Moth-eaten ga●ment, having so many moths freting in it, as not a sound part left in it, good for any thing, cannot abide a ffake or pull, but falls in pieces. Therefore it must be laid by as men do old clothes, quiter worn in pieces; and then he that laid the first foundations of the World, will make all new again: Which is the second Effest of his Coming, a new state of things, the street whereof of Gold, and her gates of pearl, and no Temple was seen therein, for the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb are the Temple of it; and there is no need neither of the Sun, nor of the Moon to shine in it, for the glory of God shall lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof: happy are they who know how to use the present state of things so, as that they be not hindered thereby( as many at this day are) from pressing on towards those better things, and that Grace that is to be brought forth at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which in his times he shall show who is the blessed and onely Potentate, King of Kings and Lord of Lords: to whom be Dominion, Honor, and Glory for ever.   
The End.