FIRE IN THE BUSH.  
THE SPIRIT burning, NOT CONSuming, but purging mankind. OR, The great battle of God Almighty, between Michael the Seed of Life, and the great red Dragon, the Curse fought within the Spirit of Man.  
With several other Declarations, and Testimonies of the Power of Life.  
By JERRARD WINSTANLY.  
The righteous Law a government will give to whole mankind,  
How he should govern all the Earth, and therein true peace find;  
This government is Reason pure, who will fill man with Love,  
And wording Justice; without deeds, is judged by this Dove.  
LONDON, Printed for Giles Calvert, and are to be sold at the Black-Spread-Eagle, at the West end of Paul's. 1650.   

TO All the several Societies of people, called Churches, in the Presbyterian, independent, or any other form of Profession, in the service of God.  
BRethren, and fellow-members of mankind; This following declaration of the word of Life was a free gift to me from the Father himself; And I received it not from men; when I had writ it, I was moved to send it to you immediately; but I delayed it by almost a fortnight, and thought not of it; then one night as I waked out of sleep, the voice was in my very heart and mouth, ready to come forth; go send it to the Churches; Thereupon I was filled with great Love to you, my heart panting with love towards you, pitying your condition; in that there is a great striving, as it were for life among you, and yet you lie under the power of death and bondage, and knows not, or at least doth not actually hold forth that you know, that spirit which in words you seem to profess.  
You speak and preach of the life of Love; But you have not the power of it; your verbal profession, without the pure righteous action, shows you generally to be outlandish men, of several Nations, under the government of darkness, and that you are not yet the true Inhabitants of the Land of Love. Before you live you must die, and before you be bound up into one universal body, all your particular bodies and societies must be torn to pieces; for the true Light is coming now once more, not only to shake the Earth, that is, Moses worship, but Heaven also; That which you call gospel-worship, and the kingdom without shall fall, that so the kingdom within may be established; for all your particular Churches are like the enclosures of Land which hedges in some to be heirs of Life, and hedges out others; one saying Christ is here with them; Another saying no: but he is there with them; but truly brethren, you shall see and find, that Christ who is the universal power of Love is not confined to parties, or private chambers; but he is the power of Life, Light, and Truth, now rising up to fill the Earth, mankind with himself.  
Well, I have obeyed the voice; and I have sent this to you, with a heart free and full of love towards you; Some of you will receive this with gentleness; others will be offended; To some it will be refreshing, but others will storm, and prepare war against it; And the Ishmaelites they will scoff; but be it so: yet my Armour is tried, I am sure it will keep off the blow.  
You shall find I speak of the Garden of Eden, which is the spirit of man, not the spirit of Beasts. And in that Garden there are weeds and herbs. The weeds are these. Self-love, Pride, envy; covetousness after riches, honours, pleasures, Imagination, thinking he cannot live in peace, unless he enjoy this or that outward object; And sometimes the joy of envy when he obtains his end; and sometime the sorrow of covetousness when he is crossed, rules as King in the Garden. And the stinking weeds over-spreads the sweet flowers and herbs, which are the lights of the spirit of truth.  
There is likewise the most venomous weed called hypocrisy, attended with evil surmising, grudgings, speaking and promising, nay, swearing one thing, yet doing another, inventing much show of holiness to compass his selfish ends; and while he rules King, as he doth rule at this day; he is assisted with vain glory, fear of being disthroned, opp●essing others, unmerciful; careless of former promises and engagements; persecuting those who doth such things as he promised and vowed to do, whilst he was a servant, and such like.  
And as you may call those by the name of weeds; so likewise you may call them outlandish men; for they are not the true native Inhabitants of the heart, but strangers to the righreous spirit. And all these with their fellows make up but one power of darkness, devil, or Father of lies. And this power is the night time of mankind, or the absence of the son of righteousness from the heart. This power is the reprobate which the word of life hath rejected, this shall never enter into true rest; this is the wicked man, or Dragon in you, which causes all wars and sortowes; and the son that causes shame; the son of bondage, which must not abide in the heart for ever, but must be cast out.  
Therefore, so long as you labour under this selfish, dark, imaginary power, you are strangers to the son of righteousness; If this dark power bear sway in you; it is he whom you profess, and it is he whom you call God, and Christ; for that power that you hold forth in your actions, is the spirit you profess; If your actions be full of self love, as you may know it by your hasty anger, when your Religion is questioned, and by your snappish bitterness against those that differs from you; then this dark power is he you worship.  
There is likewise in the garden of Eden (Man's heart) sweet flowers and herbs; As Joy, Peace, Love, humility, self-denial, patience, sincerity, truth, or equity. These are the true inhabitants in the righteous Land; and all these make up but one power, or body, which is the seed or Tree of Life in you. And this power is the daytime of mankind, or the presence of the son of righteousness in the heart; This power is the Elect, the son of the Father in whom he delights; this son shall live for ever in rest, peace, and in the power of eternal life; This is the righteous man, this is Michael, the Seed Christ, or blessing.  
Therefore, consider what spirit you profess, and live not in darkness any longer; Babes and sucklings do see, and can say, that in your established forms you worship, and profess you know not what; you say one thing and do another; you make God and Christ a very cheat to the world, as if he were all words and no deeds; Indeed your king hypocrisy is so; But the King of righteousness which your established forms hath, and do dishonour before the Nations is not so; and you all must and shall be torn in pieces, and scattered, and shamed; for your excessive pride, covetousness, hardness of heart, self-love, and hypocrisy, and your verbal profession shall be loathed by all, and be cast out, as stinking, imaginary ●ung of false-hearted ones, who professes Love in words, and in actions deny Love; but lifts up the devil and covetousness and bondage.  
If you truly own Christ, you will cheerfully hold forth the restoring spirit in your actions; Christ the anointing spirit doth not enslave any, but comes to set all free; he comes not to destroy but to save; he comes not to put sackcloth and mourning weeds upon mankind, but to pull them off and to wipe away all tears.  
So long as the Earth is entangled, and appropriated into particular hands, and kept there by the power of the sword; as it is, and your profession holds it up, so long the Creation lies under bondage; And the devil, who is the power of covetousness, or murderer, doth rule, and is the God, whom you generally profess; for you acknowledge Christ in words, and the Dragon in your actions; and so hypocrisy reigns King in the Earth at this very day.  
But if any of you will truly acknowledge Christ, now in the end of your days, come join hands and hearts together, and set the Earth free; nothing now stands in the way of Englishmen; but inward covetousness; Be not like the Rats and mice, that draws the treasures of the Earth into your holes to look upon, whilst your fellow-members, to whom it belongs as well as to you, by the Law of Creation do starve for want; But you have no warrant from the Law of righteousness so to do; whensoever you lock up the treasure of the Earth, and desires more than food and raiment, you do evil.  
When you know the son within, as you can talk much of him without, than the son will set you free; and truly he is coming on a main, to break down all your pinfoulds, and to lay all open to the Common; the rough ways he will make smooth, and crooked ways straight; and level mountains and valleys.  
And covetous, proud self-love, and ruling and teaching hypocrisy shall tie up, or restrain his spirit no longer; for the voice is gone out, freedom, freedom, freedom: he that hath ears to hear, let him hear, he that is filthy, let him be filthy still, till he be cast out as dung and unsavoury salt; And so I leave this with you, as I was commanded, and bid you farewell.  
Being a friend to Love, wading through the bondage of the world JERRARD WINSTANLY.   

The Matters contained in the following DISCOURSE.  

What the Garden of Eden is. Chap. 1.  
What the tree of Knowledge of good and evil is. 2.  
What the Tree of Life is. 3.  
What the Serpent is. 4.  
What the living soul (Man) is, that is called very good 5.  
What the Curse is, that doth defile the man. 6.  
What the blessing is that restores him again. 7.  
What these four Beasts are; whose burdning powers, as that bondage which the Creation groans under, waiting to be delivered from. 8.  
What are the Time, Times, and dividing of time in the spirit of mankind, which man possess through before he sits down in true rest. 9  
How man is tempted, and when he is said to fall by temptation 10.  
How Christ was tempted, and by whom, and how he overcame the tempter. 11.  
What the kingdom without is, which is called the devils. 12.  
What the kingdom of Heaven is within, which is called Christ's kingdom. 13.   
With divers other testimonies of like Nature.   

FIRE IN THE BUSH. The Spirit burning, not consuming, but purging mankind.  

CHAP. I. What the Garden of Eden is.  
THE whole Creation of fire▪ water, Earth and air; and all the varieties of bodies made up thereof, is the clothing of God: so that all things, that is A substantial being, looked upon in the lump, is the fullness of him, that fills all with himself, he is in all things, and by him all things consist.  
And this God, or almighty Ruler, is universal Love strength and life,; And as he begets and brings forth every thing, in their degree and kind: so he is the Restorer of all things, from that defilement, death and sorrow, which they fall into, and the alone deliverer from the oppressing power, preserving every one in peace; Therefore he is called the Lord God, Almighty; for he is the only, and alone living spirit, which dwells everywhere, and can do, what he will.  
And of all those bodies, that are called Creatures; or the clothing of God, mankind is the chief. And because the Father or spirit of all things, manifests himself in mankind, in life strength, and wisdom more than in any other creature, therefore mankind is made the Lord of all; And the whole Earth is this: The Lords.  
For when all things were produced, and appeared very good in the liking, and content of the creating spirit: The word of Command, was to whole mankind (not ●o one or a few single branches of mankind) do thou take possession, over the fish, fowl, Beast; and do thou till the Earth; and do thou multiply and fill the Earth: And no part or branch of mankind is shut out by him from this employment.  
For as the great Earth, and the inferior creatures therein are as the Commons forests, and delights of God in the out Coasts of the Creation; Even so Mankind, The living Earth is the very Garden of Eden, wherein that spirit of Love, did walk, and delight himself principally, as being the Head and Lord of all the rest.  
In this Garden are five Rivers. Hearing, Seeing, Tasting, Smelling, Feeling; which we in our age of the world, call five Senses; And these five water springs, do refresh and preserve the whole Creation, both of the out coasts, and of the Garden.  
In this Garden▪ Mankind, and in every branch of him, there is a Tree of knowledge, of good and evil, called Imagination; and the Tree of Life, called universal Love, or pure knowledge in the power.  
When mankind, or the living soul feeds upon, or delights himself in the fruit of that tree of good and evil, which is selfish, unwarranted, and unexperienced Imagination, which is his weakness and disease: then he loses his honour and strength, and falls from his dominion▪ Lordship, and becomes like the Beasts of the field, void of understanding; For the Lord of so great and vast a body as the Creation is, must know all things clearly, as they be, and not by blind Imagination, that leads mankind sometimes astray, as well as sometimes in the right way.  
When mankind is guided by Imagination, he runs a great hazard upon life and death; This power is he, that calls good evil, and evil good. This knows not the crea●●rg Spirit in inward feeling; but does fancy him to be sometimes one thing sometimes another; and still dwells in the dark Chamber of uncertainty.  
And while mankind eats of this Tree, and delights himself here, he is driven out of the Ga●den, that is, out of himself, he enjoys not himself he knows not himself; he lives without the true God, or ruler, and is like the Beasts of the field, who live upon objects without them; And does not enjoy the kingdom within himself; but seeks after a kingdom and peace without him: as the Beasts do.  
This Imagination is he that fills you with fears, doubts, troubles, evil surmisings and grudges, he it is that stirs up wars and divisions; he makes you lust after every thing you see, or hear of, and promises delight to you, in the enjoyment; as in riches, places of Government, pleasures, society of strange women: and when you have all these, which you think or imagine to have content in, presently troubles follow the heels thereof; and you see yourself naked and are ashamed.  
So that the selfish imaginary power within you, is the power of darkness; The father of lies, the deceiver, the destroyer, and the Serpent that twists about every thing within yourself, and so leads you astray from the right way of life and peace. And the whole world of mankind, generally at this day, through all the nations of the world, is eating of this Tree of knowledge, of good and evil, and are cast out of themselves, and know not the powe● that rules in them; and so are ignorant of their God; This is the fullness of the Beasts time, it is his last period; all places, persons, and things stink with his imaginary power of darkness in teaching, and ruling: therefore it is that fullness of time, in which the Restorer of all things will come, to deliver, the Creation from that bondage and curse, and draw up all things to live in him, who is the true life, rest, and Light of all things.  
For in the midst of this Garden likewise, there is the Tree of Life, who is this blessing, or restoring power, called universal Love, or pure knowledge, which when mankind by experience begins to eat thereof, or to delight himself herein, preferring this kingdom and Law within, which is Christ, before the kingdom and Law, that lies in objects without, which is the devil:  
Then man is drawn up into himself again; or new Jerusalem, which is the spirit of truth, comes down to Earth, to fetch Earth up to live in that life, that is a life above objects; even to live in the enjoyment of Christ, the righteous spirit within himself, and to tread the earthly life, that lies in objects without, under foot; This is the life, that will bring in true community; and destroy murdering propriety. Now mankind enters into the garden of God's rest, and lives for ever, he enjoys his kingdom, and the word within himself he knows sin and sorrow no more; for all tears now, which blind Imagination brought upon him, are wiped away; And man is in peace.  
This Tree of Life I say, is universal Love, which our age calls righteous Conscience, or pure Reason; or the Seed of life that lies under the clods of Earth, which in his time is now rising up to bruise the serpent's head, and to cast that imaginary murderer out of the Creation.  
This Seed is he, that leads mankind into Truth, making every one to seek the preservation and peace of others, as of themselves; This teaches man inwardly to know the nature and necessity of everybody, and to administer to everybody accordingly. This was the Father in Jesus Christ, who let him see what was in man; This was that godhead that dwelled bodily in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, and so making peace: when this almighty power of Life rules King of righteousness within; then Satan, or outward objects, shall find nothing in you to close with him, when he temp●s. This is the kingdom of Heaven within, and the white stone, with the new name written therein, which no man knows the glory, beauty, life, peace, and largeness of, but they which have it.  
This power is not a self-lover; But the universal Lover; This will have all saved, that is, will have all live in peace and rest. This Tree of life is full of humility, sincerity, patience▪ tenderness, moderation. Reason, wisdom, Truth, righteousness, Chastit●e Joy, Peace, Liberty, yea full of the well springs of sweet life.  
This is the blessing of Abraham, the promised Seed, that remains within, as a servant for a time, times, and dividing of time; then he is to arise and cast out the Dragon, and to purge out that drossy, imaginary power, that is crept in to defile the Creation; And so properly he is called the restorer, Saviour, Redeemer, yea and the true and faithful Leveller.  
And when this tree of Life is fed upon and delighted in, (by the five senses, which is the Creation, Mankind, or the living soul.) Then these five Rivers are called pure Rivers of the waters of life; for the life of truth and peace is in them, and they are the sweet conveyers of the waters, or breathings of life, from one to another through the whole body: and so bringing all into a oneness, to be of one heart and one mind; And there is but one God and King in all, and among all, who is Michael our Prince of peace.  
And the whole Creation now, will laugh in righteousness, for there will be no murmuring or complaining heard in all the mountain of the Lord.  
For this I can say, when this tree of Life begins to rule within a particular heart; he casts out sorrow, fears, inward presssures; he subdues muttering, surmising, heart rising; he kills envy, pride, vainglory, unclean lust; in one word, he casts the wicked man out, and takes possession of his own house and Temple himself. (The heart.) and sets it down in peace, so that the h●art shall sit singing, where are all my enemies become? they are sunk, they are gone, as if I never had any. All bondage within is gone, sighing and sorrowing is done away; my heart now indeed is a Land of righteousness, full of life, light, and fruit of peace and truth: Hallelujah: praise, honour and glory to him that s●ts upon the throne, and to the lamb for evermore.  
And as there is this change and alteration wrought within a particular body; and all the power, Authority and government of Imagination is plucked up, and cast out, and a New kingdom wherein dwells righteousness is set up:  
Even so, as this restoring spirit spreads himself in variety of bodies, and he will spread; for he is the vine, teach●ng, and ruling every one, till at le●g ●●●e whole creation is brought into the unity of him●●●f●; so that That saying is fulfilled, you sh●ll be a●l taught of God, and I will be your God, I t●e one spirit of Love; and you, the whole body of mankind shall be my people.  
Then that great reformation, and restauration spoken of▪ shall be made manifest in the Nations of the world; then those pluckings up, shakings down, tearing to pieces of all rule, power and Authority, shall be known what it is; that so Christ alone may be exalted in that day of his power.  
For now mankind everywhere, shall be made to speak and act purely according to the life and necessity of everybody, and every business; and keep his dominion and Lordship; And all inferior creatures shall stand in awe of, and reverence and love man. And t●e wisdom and Love in man, shall preserve all others in safety and peace.   

CAAP. II. What the Tree of Knowledge of Good and evil is.  
But when Imagination is fed upon, and delighted in, as it is at this day amongst most people; This is he that puts all out of order, he corrupts the five Senses, and makes mankind walk disorderly, and to tear and devour members of his own kind, just like the Beast of the field, and to differ nothing from them: the Beasts, they prey and devour one another; so does imaginary man, fights, makes wars, kills, robs, destroys, and wastes one another. This is the reign of the Beast, and yet he would be called a God, though he be the murderer; well, thou art and still shalt be called a God; But thou art the God of the world, that runs round, and when thou art brought to where thou beganst, then thy days are done, thou must die, And the voice is pronounced, it is done, time shall be to thee no more; And thou shalt be destroyed without hand, that is, without sword or weapons; which is the rock of d●fence; for Christ will consume thee, by the word of his mouth, and by the brightness of his commi●g.  
Well, this Imaginary power is the dark side of the cloud; This is the son of the mother Earth mankind, which causes shame; This is the curse▪ the Serpent, the devil, and his power hath filled the Creation, and is the burden it groans under; This is the power of darkness.  
And he would be as God, knowing good and evil, therefore the Almighty power of Life, affords him a time, times, and dividing of time to rule in mankind. And while he rules he fills all creatures with sorrow and slavery, and so in the end of his appointed time he is proved a devil, and not the true God, the destroyer and murderer, and not the Saviour. The curse and not the blessing of the Creation, the power of darkness, and not the power of Light,  
This is the darkness, that hath covered the Earth, and the curse that destroys all things, this is he that calls light darkness, and darkness light, good evil, and evil good; and while this power rules in mankind, mankind is in prison and bondage within himself, and sees no Light.  
And under this power of Imagination the whole government of the world amongst the sons of men is built; all Nations are under this kingdom of darkness; the frame of this worldly government, is the devil's proper kingdom; And the power of the sword fighting and killing, cannot throw down his kingdom, but set it up in more power; B●t that power that must destroy the dark kingdom, is a power contrary to him; And that is, Love and patience. Live in this life; and thou killst the devil, and shakest his kingdom about his ears. This power of Love and patience, acted with a cheerful life, kills Imagination.  
Indeed Imagination is that God, which generally every one worships and owns; and in the matter▪ they worship a lie, the devil and mere nothing; This is he that makes every one wise in his own conceit; that makes men, envy, censure, and dest●oy one another; and to take pleasure in none but what pleases self. This Imagination fears where no fear is: he rises up to destroy others, for fear, lest others destroy him: he will oppress others, lest others oppress him; and fears he shall be in want hereafter; therefore he takes by violence, that which others have laboured for. And, so he beats the even ground before him, like a blind man, that imagines that hill or block lies in his way.  
And though this dark power be a God, or mighty ruler in mankind; yet as soon as he appeared to rule, the true Light appears to break his peace; as soon as Imagination began to sit upon the throne▪ (Man's heart▪) The seed of Life began to cast him out, and to take his kingdom from him; So that this is the great battle of God Alm●ghty; Light fights against darkness, universal Love fights against selfish power; Life against death; True knowledge against imaginary thoughts.  
These two powers are Michael and the Dragon, and this battle is fought in Heaven, (that is, in mankind, in the garden of Eden) where God principally resolves to set up his throne of righteous government, it is not sought in the spirit of Beasts; but in Heaven in the spirit of mankind, who is the Lord. And this battle in our age of the world, grows hotter and sharper than formerly; for we are under the dividing of time, which is the last period of the Beasts reign; And he will strive hardest now.  
But it will be in vain, he must lose his kingdom; for the lamb will cast the Dragon out, and bring all into Peace; then every thing shall appe●re naked, and bare before the Lord of the whole Earth, and all Imaginary coverings shall be taken off everywhere.  
Now the end of all societies of Churches, preaching, praying, Ordinances, should be to find out this darkness, and to cast it out; And to worship the Father in Spirit and truth; And so to advance the Blessing, or the son in whom the Father is well pleased. That so mankind might cease speaking and acting from thoughts and Imagination, and may come to speak and act purely, as the truth was in Jesus, he being the supreme Lord of the Earth.  
This, you Preachers, and Professors, is, or at least should be the end of your profession; And if you come short of this, you lose all your pains, and will be ranked among imaginary Hypocrites, that worship they know not what, but as their fancy ●ells them; And that is neither better nor worse, but the devil which you worship.  
Therefore if man would live purely, to the honour of that spirit in him, which is called the Seed; he is then to know, what spirit is it, that rules in him, and to act from it, for that spirit that rules is the God, whether it be Imagination, or whether it be the light of life, which is universal Love.  
This is the shame and misery of our age, That every one professes Christ and the spirit, and they will preach of and pray to the Spirit; And yet they know not inwardly, by what spirit or inward power they are ruled; Every one looks upon a God and a ruler without him, as the Beast of the field does, few sees their Ruler within; These have lost their dominion and Lordship, and they live under the curse, and are blind in their Imagination, and are ignorant of the ways of truth.  
These are cast out of the Garden, they live out of themselves upon the Earth; they live upon riches, honors-pleasures, Ministe●s Lawyers, army's wife, children, Ordinances, customs, and all outward forms of worship, or in that beastly community with women; now adays cried up by the lust of the flesh; yea upon any thing without them, which they imagine good: take away these and they die, they know not how to govern themselves, nor others; these have lost their Dominion and Lordship; their kingdom is without, and their peace is placed upon perishing things, and as they vanish, so doth their peace and their kingdom.  
For they have no peace nor kingdom within; God and they have no sweet Communion together; the living soul and the creating Spirit are not one, but divided; the one looking after a kingdom without him; the other drawing him to look and wait for a kingdom within him, which moth and rust doth not corrupt▪ and thieves cannot break through and steal; this is a kingdom that will abide; the outward kingdom must be taken from you.  
They that live upon outward object● are filled with inward trouble, and pierced through with many sorrows; slavish fear within them keeps the way of the tree of life; they dare not live in the life of free community, or universal Love; lest others jeer, hate, and trouble them; or lest they come to want food and raiment; for Imagination thinks, if they love and succour others, ye● others will not love them again; These know not the Spirit, they live without upon the Earth, upon objects, under that dark power, called unbelief.  
But when man lives in the life of universal Love, than God walks and delights himself in his garden mankind; and man who is the living soul, consisting of he●ring, seeing, t●sting, smelling, feeling, hath sweet content and communion, with that ruling spirit of love▪ righteousness and peace within, and this is Christ's kingdom, or the day of the Lord within.  
While m●nkinde lives out of himself, feeding his imaginary fancy upon outward perishing objects; then the creating Spirit, and the living soul are at variance, and opposition; the Spirit would have man live within himself, and take delight in Love, humility, patience, chastity, wisdom Justice▪ and all such sweet smelling spices that rules in the heart, leading forth the body to act accordingly; for this is the anointing in him, that teaches man all things, and leads him into all truth.  
But imaginary man, he cannot live within himself; this is madness and foolishness to him, he must run abroad for delight and content his seness altogether in outward objects and strives with greediness after outward contents: And jeers, laughs, hates, and persecutes the Spirit, calling him madness, blasphemys' confusion, and that will destroy all government and order; which Imagination hath set up in the world. And this now is the hot time of the day: God, or the creating Spirit takes no delight, to walk in his garden while it is so hot an opposition, between him and dark flesh.  
But when mankind begins to look within himself, and sees his pride, envy, covetousness, Lust of the flesh, anger, hypocrisy, and nothing but darkness and discontent; and begins to say with himself; oh what have I done, how am I fall'n? all outward content in objects flies away, and I am left naked, and wants Light, life, and rest within.  
Oh that I could see and feel Love, humility, chastity, sincerity, truth, wisdom, contentedness, and peace live and rule in power in me: Then I should rejoice abundantly, in the enjoyment of my myself, within myself; though all other outward contentments in objects were taken away; though I were poor without, yet if I were rich within, I could rejoice: if I were in prison, without, If I were in freedom within, I could rejoice; if all my outward friends and objects forsook me; yet if I had familiar friendship, with that sweet Spirit within I should have peace enough: No life like to the life within; This kingdom wi●hin is excellent, and full of glory; the outward kingdom and peace is a deceiver, it forsakes a man in his misery; but the inward kingdom never fails a man, in life nor death: Oh that I did enjoy this kingdom within.  
This now is the cool of the day; And the heat of opposition between flesh and Spirit begins to decline; flesh sees his folly, and grows very weary thereof; the patience of the spirit is honoured by the flesh. And that righteous Ruler, (God▪) The Seed and tree of Life, begins to walk in this cool of the day, with delight, in t●e middle of t●e garden; (Man heart) the sweet breathings of that pure spirit is now entertained, and fall'n Earth begins to see himself naked, and to acknowledge his nakedness before the spirit, and is ashamed.  
And declares how he came by his nakedness; even by embracing objects, and seeking a kingdom without himself; his covetous heart closing with that imaginary conceit, promised him much delight; but like a subtle Serpent, he hath deceived him: And now the Seed begins to work, to bruise the serpent's head, and man begins to look upward, towards the life of the Spirit within, which he sees now is a life above the life of Earthly objects.  
Well, saith the Spirit, to this shattered Earth: Thou seest thyself naked, and thou seest the Serpent that deceived thee; and thou art now separated from me; thou lockdest for peace and rest without, and thou art deceived; Thou art afraid to look within, because thy conscience, the Light, that is within thee, which is myself, condemns thee; And this fear is the fruit of thy Imagination; thou fearest where there is no cause of fear; Thou lookedst for good to come from objects without; but behold sorrow, thou thoughtst, Oh that if thou hadst lost outward objects, thou couldst have had no inward joy; But thou seest now, how Imagination, that Serpent hath deceived thee, oh thou living foul; how art thou fall'n?  
But the seed of all things, which is myself, will bruise that serpent's head, and I will restore thee again; I am thy Redeemer, and besides me there is none.  
But yet the battle between Michael, that Seed, and the Dragon, that Imaginary power is not ended, it begins again to be fought in heaven, that is, within the garden mankind; and the day grows hot again, flesh and spirit does begin a fresh to oppose each other sharply.  
For Imagination begins to tell the soul; If thou enjoyest not fullness of all objects, thou wilt want and starve for food, and so presently fear of poverty takes the throne and reigns; and fear bids thee go; get what thou canst, by hook or by crook, lest thou want, and perish, and die miserably.  
Thou seest how full of hardness of heart and deceit every man is; each one seeking to save himself; And if thou want food and raiment, Love and Life within, will not preserve thy body from misery,  
Then thou seest the treachery of men beset thee, poverty threatening thee, thy body weak, thy mind distempered with fear and care what to do, and how to live; Some laughs at thee, others cheats thee, yea, such as seem to profess the same spirit, thou strivest for, are most bitter against thee; and they look after objects more than the inward life, for who more covetous, and hard then they; And wilt thou be alone? yea, thou art alone, where is any one that owns, or tenders thee.  
Well, saith the soul, this is an evil time; and then saith Imaginary fear, filling the soul with sorrow, oh that this body had never been borne, I would I had died in the womb; If this be the happiness of a man, I would I had been a Bird, a Beast, or some other creature. While I had no care of doing rightly, I could live, I had friends, I had peace; But since I began to do as▪ I would be done by: friends now stands a far off; everybody hates me, and I am open to all misrey; does righteousness bring thee to this, oh miserable wretch?  
This now is a battle of another nature, than the former was; for in the first battle, the Imaginary flesh was lofty and stout, and full of presumption, self-conceit, scoffs, jeers envy, vaporing, and secret subtlety, laughing in his sleeve as we say, at the ways of the Spirit of Life.  
But now he is in another temper, he is furnished with the weapons of slavish fear, evil surmising, sense of misery, sometimes angry, sometimes ready to despair, and to curse the day of his birth, his soul takes pleasure in nothing without, and yet hath no peace within.  
And in this battle likewise, God and man▪ flesh and spirit are separated, there is no sweet agreement; The selfish Imagination would be a God still, and fight strongly to keep the tottering kingdom, and will not leave off till the Spirit of burning ● who is consuming fire, Even God himself; come and fire Imagination out of all his strong holds, and with a strong power redeem the imprisoned Earth from his presumptuous and despairing bondage.  
Though there was a parley before, between flesh and spirit; the man and his righteous God; In the cool of the day, while the living Earth saw himself a little naked, and was under a little sense of trouble, and fear, yet the Serpent (In 〈◊〉) is not conquered by a sle●ght parley; but by a stronger contest; for after this parley within himself, man is cast out of himself, that is, out of the garden, to seek content in outward objects; as in riches friends, wife, children, and the like; and than the battle grows hot again.  
For if our true peace and rest, lie in objects and in a Law without, as Imagination would have it, than the Spirit is not within the Creation, but without; And if so, than there may be places found, where the Spirit is not, and then God is not everywhere , and so, the words of Jesus Christ were not true, when he said, the kingdom of Heaven is within you; and the word is nigh you, even in your mouth and in your heart; and as the Apostle said, God the Father is above all, and through all, and in you all, Eph. 4.6.  
But the Spirit is within; for the Creation is his clothing; God was in Christ, reconciling the world (or fall'n Earth to himself, he was not without him in objects, offering peace; but he was within, drawing him from the deceitfulness of objects that fades away, to look for rest and peace only within, therefore it is said, Christ is our rest, that is, the Anointing within is our rest, who teacheth us all things, and le●ds us into all truth.  
And by this Relation; you see here is the living soul, mankind; then here is the fall of mankind; Then here is the rising or restoring of mankind.  
And that which hath by Imagination, or Judas Ministry been held forth to us, to be without us, as Adam; the Serpent, the Garden, the Tree of Knowledge, of Good and evil; and the Tree of Life; and the fall of Man, and promise of redemption, all to be without; yet all these are within the heart of man clearly.  
And whether there was any such outward things or no, it matters not much, if thou seest all within, this will be thy life.  
Therefore in this which follows, I shall write of these three particulars.  
The Living soul, which is pure nature, that was called very good.  
Then the Serpent, or curse, which is the Imaginary power of darkness, or man's fall.  
Then the Seed of life▪ the blessing, called the restoring power, delivering mankind from that bondage, and setting him down in rest and peace within himself.   

CHAP. III. What the Tree of Life is.  
ANd when mankind begins to enter into himself again, and to enjoy rest, and peace, and Life within, which is the resurrection of Christ; then woe, woe woe, to the imaginary power▪ that rules the world, he shall be shaken with terror, and fall, and burst asunder, for this is Judas and the Pharisees that have killed Christ all along.  
But now Christ, or the anointing▪ is, arising up in sons and daughters, they must die: Therefore, whatsoever government is set up by Imagination, shall be thrown down; For every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted out.  
Surely then there is a fourfold power, much idolised, and doted upon by covetous flesh, which must be shaken to pieces; And woe, woe, woe, to the Inhabitants of the Earth, to those that live in, or are the upholders of those powers.  
The first is the Imaginary, teaching power, called hearsay, book, studying, university, Divinity, which indeed is Judas Ministry, for this cries hail Master, to the Spirit, and seems to kiss him in Love, in outward show, by preaching of him, and by long prayers to him; But betrays him into the hand of the selfish power.  
This power or ministry, must destroy himself, as Judas did; and so he doth, for the divisions within the public Ministry makes him burst asunder; and all his inward bowels, of covetousness, Pride, self-seeking, evil surmisings, gruding, hypocrisy, seeking to please men more than the righteous power▪ and all their close envy; is discovered.  
Then secondly, The Imaginary Kingly power, who by the power of the sword, and successive con●uests 〈…〉 one part of mankind, to rule 〈…〉; p●e●ending to keep the Creation in 〈…〉 yet proves a self-upholder; By murder and 〈…〉 others under foo● this power takes ease▪ honour, falnesse of the Earth to himself by the sword, and rules over the labours and bodies of others at his will and prerogative.  
Thus power m●st be shaken to pieces.  
Therefore you K●ngs and Monarchs, and State rulers, that upholds kingly Authority in your hands come in, and kiss the son betimes; it is not long, before he will more gloriously appear, to shake terribly the Nations, not England only, but all Nations; for the dominion of Christ is to reach from East to West, from North to South; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.  
Thirdly, the imaginary Judicature, called the Law of Justice; which indeed is but the declarative will of conquerors, how they will have their Subjects be ruled; And this pretends to keep all in peace, and yet it is the very support of envy, hardness of heart, and unrighteous covetousness; Therefore woe to you Lawyers, that binds heavy burdens upon men's shoulders, which you yourselves will not touch with the least of your fingers.  
Fourthly, buying and selling of the Earth, with the fruits of the Earth; This is an Imaginary Art, to fetch in content from without, and breeds discontent, and divides the creation, and makes mankind, to imprison, enslave, and destroy one another.  
These four imaginary selfish powers, are to be shaken to pieces at the resurrection of Christ; For these are they, that all the time, times, and dividing of time of the Beasts reign; put Christ to death; And these are they which Christ will destroy, by the brightness of his coming, and by the word of his mouth.  
Therefore woe, woe, woe, to the Inhabitants of the Earth whose delight, peace, and life lies in, and upon objects without them; and are strangers to the spirit within them.  
These four powers are the four Beasts, which Daniel saw rise up out of the Sea. Dan. 7.3. &c. And this Sea is the bulk and body of mankind, which is that Sea, and waters, upon which the Spirit of God is said sometimes to move; for out of mankind arises all that darkness and Tyranny that oppresses itself; And though these Beasts appear divers, one from another, yet they are all one in their power; for imaginary-self ruling in man's heart, is the Father that created and bred them all.  
The first Beast which Daniel saw rise up out of the deceived heart of mankind, was like a Lion; and had Eagles wings: And this is Kingly power, which takes the Sword, and makes way to rule over others thereby, dividing the Creation, one part from another; setting up the Conqueror to rule, making the conquered a slave; giving the Earth to some, denying the Earth to others; And his eagle's wings betokens his swiftness, to ride on horse back, or march on foot quick, from place to place, conquering and to conquer.  
The Imaginary selfishness, created this power, to burden and oppress the Creation, which was the work of the righteous Spirit.  
Yet Daniel saw this Beast lifted up from the Earth, and made to stand upon the feet like a man, and a man's heart was given to it, that is, This Power should be the Image of true magistracy, and while the Beastly power of self-love rules in the hearts of mankind; this Kingly power should be the preserver of the meek in spirit, and so help the woman.  
And when the time comes for Christ to reign, this Beast shall deliver up his crown, sceptre, Authority, and government unto Christ, and lay all down at his feet, Rev. 4.9. &c.  
The second Beast was like a bear; And this is the power of the selfish laws, which is full of covetousness, and of a bear-like tearing and devouring nature; and he had three ribs in the mouth, which are these,  
First, the power of Prisons, whereby he kills and devours.  
Secondly, the power of whipping, banishment, and confiscation of goods, whereby he kills.  
Thirdly, the power of hanging, pressing, burning, martering; whereby he kills, and devours much flesh, for take these three ribs out of the mouth of the Law, or inns of Court trade, and that Beast hath no power, but dies.  
The third Beast was like a Leopard, spotty; and this is the thieving Art of buying and selling, the Earth with her fruits one to another. Imaginary selfish covetousness created this Beast likewise; And this Beast had four wings; Policy, hypocrisy, Self-Love, and hardness of Heart; for this Beast is a true self-Lover, to get the Earth to himself, to lock it up in Chests and barns, though others starve for want.  
And this Beast had four heads, that guides him, and upholds him in his ways.  
The first is the power of the sword fighting for it.  
Secondly, the power of the Law, enslaving others to it.  
Thirdly, the power of the covetous Imaginary clergy, preaching it up, and drawing the people to wander after him.  
Fourthly, the power of a blind deceived Heart, overawed with fear of men, and a conceit that it is a righteous Art; And this Beast had dominion to rule.  
The fourth Beast is the Imaginary Clergy-Power, which indeed is Judas; and this is more terrible and dreadful than the rest; and though he come last, yet indeed he is the Father▪ that begot the other; All these Beasts, they differ in shape, and yet they agree all in one oppressing power, supporting one another; one cannot live without another; and yet they seem to persecute one another; and if one truly die, all dies.  
What is the reason? only this; they show hereby, that either alone, or altogether, they are the curse and plague upon the Creation, and is the cause of all sorrows and tears, amongst mankind; for they devour abundantly, and yet they rise out of the Sea, even from the body of deceived, covetous, dark, powered mankind, in the night time of that world.  
These four Beasts are all very fruitful; for from them, as from four fountains or Monarchs, springs up divers heads and horns; that is, several spreadings forth, of selfish tyrannical Power, whereby the Creation is oppressed and burdened; and these reign in power, while propriety rules as King; but when righteous community rises, which is the blessing, than they all fall, and are shaken to pieces.  
The Creation, will never be in quiet, peace, till these four Beasts, with all their heads and horns, the variety of their branching powers do run into the Sea again, and be swallowed up in those waters; that is, into mankind, who shall be abundantly enlightened; and Light-Life, and truth shall mightily overflow, as the waters of the Seas over the Earth; and all those Beasts with their self-will powers, shall sink like mud, to the bottom, and their place shall be seen no more.  
These are the herds of swine, that must perish in the waters.  
This work Christ will bring to pass, at his more glorious appearance, he will consume the mystery of iniquity, by the brightness of his coming. You angels of the Lord, who are the Lights of the Earth, speak aloud, roar out, and spare not, power out the appointed plagues upon the Beast, in this her hypocritical, dividing of time.  
These are the four Beasts, or selfish Beastly powers, that rise up out of the Sea, to oppress, burden, and destroy universal Love, and there return back into the Sea, will be the rising up of Love, who is the son of righteousness, causing daylight.  
The kingly Power, he took the sword to kill and conquer; and to lift up self, to be the Ruler; for all laws of the Nations are laws made by the will of this murderer, kingly power.  
And this Beast shall be thrown down by his own power; for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, that shall devour the body. I wonder not to see the Midianites destroy one another; He that takes the sword shall perish with the sword. This kingly power fighting, is the Army of the Midianites.  
Therefore, where you see Army against Army; It is but the kingly power divided, tearing, and devouring itself; for as he riseth by his own sword, so he shall fall by his own sword, as the Midianites did; they sheathed their swords one in another's bowels, while Israel looked on, and at last took the spoil:  
So shall kingly power do in his several governments by the sword; they shall dash one against another; Time shall dash against times, and times shall dash against the dividing of time; and the divisions in the dividing of time shall destroy him; till the Creation be cleansed of these plagues; and that curse which hath destroyed the Earth, shall now in the period of time, destroy himself.  
And this makes way for Christ, the universal Love, to take the kingdom, and the dominion of the whole Earth.  
Therefore you soldiers, you may see the end o● your trade, it is a destroyer▪ and shall be destroye● by itself, and surely you shall find no true peace herein; No, no; there is no peace and rest but i● Christ the Saviour; your trade upholds the murderer, or the devil.  
Now the other three Beasts; who, are Clergy Law, and Buying and Selling; these rise up by craft; supported by the kingly power; And the chief Beast is the Clergy, he bred all the other; He is a King, understanding dark sayings, and he shall by craft deceive many; the other Beasts are this Beasts sons, he bred them.  
For this teaching Art, first bids mankind, to look abroad, for a teacher and a ruler▪ and to look abroad for Justice and content; and when he had deceived them, so to do: then he put mankind upon buying and selling, of the Earth and her fruits, and so by that means the Creation is divided, and mankind is put upon an Art to cheat, and burden himself; for the Earth ought to remain a standing portion to them, and their children successively, by the righteous Law of Creation.  
Then this teaching Art found out the Law; calling it the Law of Justice; a very good name, to cover his knavery; for he is a mighty Beast with great teeth, and is a mighty devourer of men; he eats up all, that comes within his power; for this Proverb is true, go to Law, and none shall get but the Lawyer. The Law is the Fox, poor men are the geese; he pulls of their feathers, and feeds upon them.  
These four Beasts are the fountains of Tyranny to the Creation, they are of a fruitful generation; one begetting divers Beasts; that are of mighty devouring natures; But the most dreadful and terrible Beast, is the Clergy Power; for though the other three raised him up by action; yet this Imaginary learned Beast raised them up by policy; for self ends.  
For this stamped the other under foot, saith Daniel; And is not this true? hath not the Clergy ruled over kingly Power, Law, and buying and selling, and brought all under his Command? for at the first, he was only a teaching Power, and then it was a Beast, differing from the rest, yet he stamped them under foot, and all the other had their strength and succour from him, by his teaching and imaginary instruction.  
Out of this teaching Beast rise up ten horns; or the branching forth of his strength in ten particulars; Five fighting against the powers of the Creation, Hearing, Seeing, Tasting, Smelling, Feeling, which is called the body of the living soul, that is, very good.  
And five fighting against the powers of righteousness, which is understanding, Will, Affection, Joy, and Peace; which is called the Seed, and making war against him; and so darking Heaven and Earth.  
This is he, that restrains the liberty of the outward man, not suffering him to have a free enjoyment of his portion in the Earth; making such actions to be sin, which the righteous creating Spirit made not a sin.  
And he restrains thereby the liberty of the Inward man; not suffering him to act in the liberty of himself; for he makes a man a sinner for a word, and so he sweeps the Stars of Heaven down with his tail, he darkens Heaven and Earth, and defiles body and mind.  
For so long as I must not act, according to the freedom of my own spirit and power within me; but must be guided by others without me, and punished for such actions, which others in the ruling Chare do, in a higher nature than I do; I am then in bondage, and my eyes are put out.  
And this is the Covenant, that the outward teaching power, makes with the branches of mankind, to put out their own eyes, to see by others; telling them none can see, but scholars: so that this fourth Beast, is more dreadful than the other three; for it stamps the other three under foot, and rules over all.  
And out of the ten horns of this Beast, rise up another little horn; and this is the dominion and rule, which the teaching power takes up, called ecclesiastical▪ power; and this little horn was raised, by a power that was not his own; for the kingly power puts that dominion and rule into his hands; While he remained only a teaching power, he stamped the other under him, and overawed others by his deceitful words.  
But now he hath got a power to rule, called ecclesiastical power, which is the extract of selfish righteousness, from the seeming righteousness of the four Beasts into one ruling power, and by this, which was little in the beginning; There were three of the first horns plucked up; that is:  
Kingly Power, Law, and buying and selling; for the Little horn, or ruling clergy lifted up himself above all these, and made these uncover and fall to him; he had dominion and power over all these, and these were in subjection, and afraid, and bowed to him; He by his teaching lifted up these, and these by their acting, lifted up him to rule; and he by his ruling treads these under his proud covetous feet.  
And this is he▪ who is said to be a King of a fierce countenance; understanding, dark saying, that is mighty, but not by his own power, and he shall by craft and power destroy many; his rising was in the latter days, when transgressions were come to the full; when people were most blind, by his outward teaching; then they easily receive him to be the outward ruler over their souls; for now the Sea being bemuddied, that is, mankind being mightily deceived, he by his learned policy, riseth up out of that deceived Sea, for all the people wandered after him, though he sore oppressed them▪ Dan. 8.23. Rev. 13.3.  
And as the sword, which is not his power, lifted him up and supports him, by forcing the people to pay him tithes; for the Law of the Magistrate forces the people to pay them.  
And he being lifted up, he made war with the Saints, and overcame them, for a time, times, and dividing of time; But as he was lifted up by others power, through his own craft; Even so he shall be destroyed again, without hand; the Sword shall not destroy him, he shall be discovered in all his oppressing, hypocritical, bewitching knavery, by the light and wisdom of the Spirit of Truth, that shall rise up out of the Sea of mankind likewise, appearing in sons and daughters of righteousness, in the latter days.  
As Paul said, Christ shall destroy him by the word of his mouth, and by the brightness of his coming, Dan. 7.26. &c. 2. Thess. 2.8.  
When Christ the anointing spirit rises up, and inlightens mankind, then in his light, they shall see the deceit and falsehood of this Beast, that hath deceived all the world; and shall fall off from him, and leave him naked and bare; and if he will teach and rule, let him show his power over the Beasts; for the people will all look up to God, to be taught and governed by him.  
The discovery of the fullness, and foulness of this Beast, throws down all the rest likewise; for when mankind begins to fall off from one part of the beastly power, he will fall from all, for they all depend one upon another,  
Kingly power depends upon the Law, and upon buying and selling; and these three depend upon the Clergy, to bewitch the people to conform; and all of them depend upon Kingly power by his force, to compel subjection from those that will not be bewitched.  
But when mankind once sees, that his teacher and ruler is within him; then what need is there of a teacher and ruler without; they will easily cast off their burden.  
Therefore woe, woe, woe, to the Inhabitants of the Earth; when Christ rises in power, and b●gins to come in glory with his aints. This discovery is coming on apace.  
Therefore you soldiers, and you great powers of the Earth, you need not fear, that the Levellers will conquer you by the sword; I do not mean the fighting Levellers, for they be yourselves; but I mean Christ levelling; who fights aga●nst you, by the sword of Love, patience and truth; for whosoever takes the Iron sword to fight against you, are your own sons, that fights against you; ●o● Christ came not to destroy, but to save; But Antichrist, whose power you are, came not to save, but to destroy.  
Therefore, if there be any amongst you, that count truth and peace precious, take the Spirits advice, and come out of Babylon, dwell no longer in the Courts and ways of imaginary confusion; come into truth, Light, and Liberty, and be at p●ace.  
When Christ comes, and is glorified with thousand thousands attending upon him, they shall not be clothed with devouring instruments, like Dragons, b●t be clothed with Love, righteousness and Peace, like Lambs; And at his appearing said Daniel, the Beast was slain; and his body given to the burning flame; that is, all the Imaginary selfish Power, that made people run abroad for a Teacher, and a Ruler, was all cast into the fire of pure Light, and was consumed in that unquenchable flame; Even destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming, as darkness vanisheth when Light comes in. Dan. 7.11.  
He that hath ears to hear, Let him hear what the Spirit speaks.   

CHAP. IV. What the Serpent is.  
IF this be true, It will destroy all government, and all our Ministry and religion?  
I answer, it is very true; for all government and Ministry, that is lifted up by Imagination, is to be thrown down, and plucked up: That Christ alone may be exalted in the day of his power. And you have Scripture for it; 
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when he shall have put down all rule, and all authority, and all power; for he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet,  1 Cor. 15.24.  
Look back into Ages past, and see, what overturnings, and pluckings up there hath been of the Authority, power, and government of Nations; Every government standing his period; for when it was universally proved a devil, a destroyer, and waster: then it was throne down.  
And this casting down, plucking up, and wars in the Nations shall be till Christ, The Law of universal Love comes to reign; and then he shall settle all in peace, and be the true restorer.  
You oppressing powers of the world, who think God hath blessed you, because you sit down in that chair of Gov●rnment, out of which the former Tyrants are gone: do you remember this? your overturning, overturning, overturning, is come on to you, as well as to your fellow break-promises, that are gone before; You that pretend to be saviours of the people, and to seek the peace of the whole Nation; and yet serve yourselves upon the people's ruins, not regarding the cry of the poor, sur●ly you must have your overturnings too.  
For such a Government, as preserves part, and destroys another part of the Creation, is not the power of Christ, but of Antichrist; That Government that gives liberty to the Gentry to have all the Earth, and shuts out the poor Commoners from enjoying any part: ruling by the tyrannical Law of Conquest over brethren; this is the Government of imaginary, self-seeking Antichrist; And every plant which my heavenly Fath●r hath not planted, shall be rooted out.  
This man will have n● government some will say.  
I answer, you run too fast; True Government is that I long for to see, I wait till the power, Authority, and government of the King of righteousness rule over all, for as yet the power and dominion of the Prince of darkness rules everywhere, and that is the government, which must be thrown down.  
But government is called Magistracy, and all magistracy is of God.  
I Answer, magistracy is a good name, and the mystery of iniquity, hath not only got this name, but many other excellent names: to be set upon the head of his blackness of darkness, that under a good name he may go undiscovered, and he puts bad names upon things that are excellent.  
Therefore let us see, whether Imaginary government, that divides part of mankind to enjoy the Earth, and the other part not to enjoy the Earth, is worthy of the name, magistracy; No, no; such a dividing, self loving power is an enemy to magistracy.  
For magistracy hath two excellent principles in his nature, which the dark selfish government is an enemy to.  
First magistracy signifies a great Light, as much as to say, greater Light of Love, greater Light of Humility, greater Light of Reason, greater Light of Truth, keeping promise and covenant; greater Light of Peace, and tenderness of heart, greater Light of boldness, in a cause that is universally righteous.  
And where this power, Authority and government rules, this is pure magistracy, and it is the Life and power of Christ.  
Secondly, magistracy signifies the greatest Band, ●hat ties the Creation together in p●ace, and this band is universal Love; for this Love streams out to preserve all, and de●pis●s none; This is the unity of the Spirit, and the band of p●ac●; this is pur● majesty indeed, that ●ies peopl● t●gether in Love; And this is the power authority, and government of Christ; The love of Christ in us, constrains all men to do his will.  
Now l●oke and see, is the magistracy of the Nations lik● this? Is it a light of pure excellency and universal Love above others? doth it tie the Creation together, in the unity of s●i●it, and band of peace? we cannot say it doth, or if any say it doth, then I'll answer.  
What means then the lowing of the Oxen, and bleating of the Sheep? what means such complaints, that those that sit in the chair of magistracy, are covenant, promise, and oathes-breakers, and are self-lovers; Lovers of honour, mo●eys and ease, and regard not the c●ies of the oppressed? T●ey favour the rich for reward, and despise and slight the poor. They give the Earth to some, and deny the Earth others, by reason whereof murmurings, and divisions multiply, and so uphold the slavish Law of conquests.  
Now judge: Is such a magistracy as this the greatest Light? doth this tye the Creation together in the unity of spirit and band of peace? surely as yet, the mystery of iniquity sports himself, uncontrolled under this excellent name or covering, called magistracy; but the babes and sucklings will draw off his veil, and show all his nakedness and shame him.  
If you would find true majesty indeed, go among the poor despised ones of the Earth; for there Christ dwells, and there you shall see, Light and Love shine in majesty indeed, rising up to unite the Creation indeed, into the unity of spirit, and band of peace; the blessing of the Lord is am●ngst the poor, and the covetous, scoffing, covenant-b●eaking, thieves and murderers, that crowd themselves under the name magistracy, shall be sent empty away.  
These great ones are too stately houses for Christ to dwell in; he takes up his abode in a manger, inn, and amongst the poor in spirit, and despised ones of the Earth.  
Secondly, imaginary ministry and Religion is to be plucked up, as unsavoury salt; and this is the learned public ministry of the world; for this ministry is set up by craft and covetousness, how to draw the Earth, and the labours of men into the Clergies hands; These men make themselves ministers, as a man teaches birds to speak; But they do not stay till Christ make them, for that will be too long for them to wait, the rich Benefices will be all taken up.  
This ministry having learned other men's words, by their long education in their university schools, takes upon them to interpret other men's words and writings, and this imaginary study of theirs, they call pure Doctrine, and tells the people it is pure Religion to come and hear their Sermon, and to give them Tithes, or a la●ge maintenance for so doing.  
But this is a false Prophet, he runs before he be sent; Study and Imagination was never appointed, and sent of Christ to be a Minister for him, this is Antichrists ministry.  
For when Christ sent out his Disciples to preach, he saith, that which you have heard and seen, go preach; and saith Paul, we cannot but speak the things which we have heard and seen from the Father; But the university public ministry runs before he be sent; they take up another man's message, and carries abroad other men's words, or studies or imagines a meaning; and this is their ministry; This is not to preach the truth, as it was in Jesus, purely and experimentally, as they received it of the Father, but as they receive it from man, and by man.  
The Scriptures of the Bible were written by the experimental hand of Shepherds, Husbandmen, Fishermen, and such inferior men of the world; And the university learned ones have got these men's writings; and flourish●s their plain language over with their dark interpretation, and glosses, as if it were too hard for ordinary men now to understand them; and thereby th●y deceive the simple, and makes a prey of the poor, and cousins them of the Earth, and of the tenth of their labours.  
And because those men's writings are taking with the world, therefore thes● learned ones shuts out the true Penmen in whom the Spirit dwells, and saith now, such mechanics must not meddle with spiritual things; And so by covetous policy, in opposition to the ●ig●teous spirit, they engross other men's ex●erimentall spiritual teachings to themselves; as if it were their ow●e by university or school learning succession. Pope l●ke Nay just the Pope.  
And by their ●lacknesse of darkness, in their school-learning, they have d●awne a veil over the truth; And Light by them is hid from the world; for the plain t●u●h is, this Imaginary ministry is neither better nor worse, but plain unmasked Judas. And the snappish bitter profession, that cries it up, is the unmasked murdering Scribes, and Pharisees.  
The one betrays Christ, the spirit of righteousness with a kiss, pretending a great deal of Love to the Spirit, by preaching and praying, to a God without, they know not where, nor what he is.  
The other kills him, and will not suffer him to appear in the world; for these snappish professors calls every thing blasphemy, unless they approve of it, still tying the Spir●t to themselves; saying, lo, here is Christ in this man, and lo, there is Christ in that man.  
But Christ is the Light of Life, spread abroad, and he is now rising in Husbandmen, Shepherds▪ Fishermen; And by these he first takes off the black interpretation, hat the imaginary learned Scholars by their studies have defiled the Scriptures of old with, and restores them to their own genuine, and pure Light.  
And then to discover his appearance in sons and daughters, in a fuller measure, the poor despised ones shall be honoured first in the work; and from this ●ust, the blessing shall arise to cover the whole Earth with peace, and with the knowledge of the Lord.  
For this is the vine that shall overspread the Earth, and shall be confi●●d no longer within a college, or private university Cha●ber, or under a covetous, proud, black gown, that would always be speaking words: but fall off when people begins to act their words.  
When Jesus Christ the son of man was upon Earth, in that one p●rson, he could very seldom speak but the hypocritical snappish Pharisees were either si●●n●, and watched to trap him in his speech, ●ob●i●g him into bondage; or else with open mouth they cried out, he is a blasphemer, a devil, and a friend of Publicans and sinners, condemning him, b●cause he was no scholar, How knows this man l●ters seeing he never learned.  
And have not the Pharisees of our age, who are the imaginary bi●t●r professors, the same subtlety a●d language? And as they of old sought to kill Christ; so these end●avour to suppress him, and will not suffer him to arise in sons and daughters; though the Scripture declare it, w●ich they make such a strict professio● of, as if they would not lose one letter.  
These professors will st●ll ●onfi●e Christ to a private chamber, and to p●●●icular ●odies, ●nd restrain him, who is the ●●iversall power of Love and peace. They own a●m in w●rds, but they deny him in power; they worship God at a distance, not knowing where he is, nor what they worship; And they call this ●lasphem●e, to s●● Christ is in you, thoug● the Scriptures which they profess say the same. Know you not that Christ is in you; And the Kingdom of Heaven is in you; And they that worship the Father, must worship him in spirit within, and in truth of action without, and fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. Love your enemies, and do as you would be done by, in actions and not in words only.   

CHAP. V. What the living soul (Man) is, that is called very g●●d.  
IN the body of mankind, and indeed, in every single body, there are three particulars necessary to be known, without which no man can know himself, let him say what he will.  
The first is the Creature, or the living soul▪ which before the curse defil●s it, is very good, and this was the Image of God, (or of the righteous spirit) in flesh, or first Adam; And this living soul is the heaven, in which the ●attell is fought between the curse and the blessing: Micaell and the Dragon; And this living soul is the wax fi●ted to receive, either the impression of the curse, and so prove disobedient to righteousness, or the impression of the blessing, and so prove obedient to righteousness.  
Secondly, there is the mystery of iniquity, or the power of deceit, and this is the God of the world, or Prince of darkness; that deceives the liv●ng ●oule fi●st, and takes possession, and this in one man is the Image, or rather nature of that one power of darkness, or devil that is spread abroad through the Creation, to cover over, or keep down the blessing, or Seed of Life from rising.  
Thirdly, the Life of God, or of the righteous spirit rising up in the living soul, and casting the curse or power of darkness out, and bringing mankind into peace; and this is the second Adam, or the Lord from Heaven.  
Now this living soul mankind is a Beast, and the King of Beasts; for the life of the five senses only is the life of the Beast; And this Beast in every one, as well as in the whole, is to reign for a time, times, and dividing of time, before mankind ca● b● united to the life of the righteous God, and made one with that one spirit of universal Love. As Jesus Christ prayed, Father, I pray that they may be one in us, as thou oh Father art one in me, and I in thee, they were not united yet.  
The Image of God in flesh died, and was put out by darkness; But the Seed, or spirit of true life rising up from under that darkness, dies no more, but lives for ever; This spirit is the tree of Life.  
Therefore, you that say you know but one power, be not deceived; for if this one power of righteousness, which is the tree of Life rule in you, than you are new creatures indeed, you are one with the Father and the son; And th●n you shall know death no more: that is, you shall not live ●● opposition to the spirit of righteousness no more, neither in thought, word, nor deed; And then all sorrow and tears shall fly away likewise, and you shall be at rest, which is the day of the Lord, or the Light or day time of mankind. Darkness is now swallowed up and gone.  
But if selfish actions, and selfish Principles live in their strength in you still; if Imagination be Ruler, truly then, that one power is but the power of darkness, to whom you are in bondage, and you are not yet past the combat, the Dragon is not yet cast out, and you must know a fuller resurrection, before you can sit down in peace.  
Some of you have g●t a speech; That those that see two powers within themselves, of darkness and Light, Love and Envy, sorrow and comfort striving together, sees with two eyes: 〈◊〉 you may say, you see every thing and power 〈◊〉 a single eye, and nothing you see evil, but 〈◊〉 ●●●gs and actions are good, and as they must 〈◊〉.  
Surely this is well, if you become all of you tha● sp●●k● these words, to eat of that Tree of 〈◊〉; for my part I'll not condemn you, I can r●jo●ce to see the Resurrection of Christ in any, but I must watch some of you, to see if your conversations be so universally filled with Love, as shall make the dark world startle; and then I ca● say of a truth, Christ is risen indeed in you.  
If your own eye be dark, that is, if darkness rule your whole body; then all the actions of your body towards others are in darkness, and builders up of selfishness, which is the one power you yet live in.  
But if your eye be truly single, and full of Light, than the Light power wholly rules in you, and the actions of your outward man will be full of Light, and Life, and Love, towards every single branch of the whole Creation.  
But some may say, explain these three particulars in mankind, that we may know them distinctly, one from another. I Answer, I shall readily do it.  
The first particular is the living soul, or that estate of simple plain heartedness, which hath the Life of the five senses only only, and by that Life preserves that single body, or proprieties.  
But the Life of the Spirit, in sound reason lives not yet in the senses; for pure Reason lives llke a corn or wheat, under the clods of Earth, or Beast, and is not yet risen up to rule as King.  
This plain hearted state is set in the midst of many objects, tempting him like the Serpent; and it is open ●o many crosses, and tears, like the tender grass, that is soon bruised by the foot of the ox; it hath not the true rest of Christ in it, though there be much rest and peace in it; for it is changeable.  
This is such a state, that though there be self-love, yet there is no hatred towards others in it, but a quiet content to let others live too. As a child, though he love himself (the propriety of a Beast so to do) yet he envies not others; for envy, Pride, covetousness, hypocrisy, rash murdering, anger, hath not yet defiled the Earth. The man is plain, honest hearted, even Innocent Aam.  
Like nathanael in whom there was no guile, and yet Nathana●ll knew not Christ, that Anoyn●ing spirit as yet ruled not as King in him; for he was open to temptation, and change, and many tears.  
Like Peter, a man of the same plain hearted temper, full of Love to Christ and others; yet selfish, he was without guile, and was loving, without knowledge, therefore open to temptation, and charge, and tears.  
Now, though Christ Commended Nathanael, and prayed for Peter, that his faith or strength might not fail him, yet they were both strangers to the Spirit, which was given them afterwards.  
And as Christ told his Disciples, I have chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil; that is, eleven of you are plain, honest, simpl● hearts, in whom there is no guile; you have sincerely in love to me, forsaken all your ●riends, and riches to follow me: so that covetousness doth not reign, Imagination doth not fright you, with what shall we eat, and what shall we drink, and wherewith shall be clothed hereafter? As they they themselves said, M●ster, we have forsaken all to follow thee, and what shall we have & c?  
So that here is no subtlety, but down right simplicity without guile, and these are like wax, prepared for any stamp.  
But now Judas the twelfth man was a devil, he was defiled and fall'n by temptation, that is, he was one that followed Christ for self ends; not simply, like most preachers, and covetous, bitter hearted Professors, that will covenant before hand, what they must have before they foll●w Christ; And when they hear they must part with all to follow Christ, than they are sorrowful. This is Judas, a devil, the power of covetousness, the curse that hath defiled mankind, and he strives to spread himself, that he may defile all. But Christ who is the blessing appears to destroy this curse.  
And when plain hearted Peter told Christ, that though all forsook him; yet he would not; alas, saith Christ, Peter, thou art plain hearted, and thou know'st not the wiles of the tempter; thou wilt be overcome and made to deny me, I know thy strength; for I that am the light and life of the world, do not yet live in thee; Thou art a down right living soul, a plain innocent harmless man; but thou art not yet anointed, nor cannot be, till I be gone from you; And then I'll send you the comforter, that shall lead you into all truth, and abide with you for ever.  
Therefore, when I am taken from you, stay you quiet at Jerusalem, till you receive power from on high, which is the father's promise to you, and that power ruling in you, shall keep you from being overcome by temptation.  
And you see Peter's strength proved weakness, though there was simple hearted innocency in Peter's love to Christ's body; yet his love was changeable; for when the trial came, Peter denied Christ.  
And this plain heartedness is the first time of the Beast, or self, which is full of peace, while a man is in it; but it is a state like wax, flexible and easy to take any impression.  
Therefore the two powers of Light and darkness, Christ and the devil; strives who shall rule in this living soul first; And these two powers are Jacob and Esau, flesh and spirit, struggling within the womb of the living Earth, who shall rule first; And darkness first prevails, and rules within, enslaves▪ and causes sorrow, and through his deceit, draws the man to seek content in objects without. But then follows Christ the restoring power, and delivers the living soul again from that bondage, and sets him down in himself, which is the rest and strength of Love unchangeable, who doth cast out all fear.  
Now while the dark power rules; the man is as Judas, a devil, a betrayer of Christ, therefore when Christ begins to redeem; he kills that darkness, and brings mankind back, to that plain hearted estate of simplicity, in which the devil found the man when he deceived him; and makes him meek, humble, flexible▪ loving▪ plain hearted, without guile, free from envy, like the state of a little child; Except a man be borne again, and become as a little child, he cannot enter into heaven; that is, into peace; The power of the devil must first be cast out, before Christ will appear to sit down in rest.  
This plain hearted estate is that which Paul spoke of; A man must first become a fool, that he he may be wise; that is, void of guile, or hypocritical deceit, which the power of darkness is full of; and these are the foolish things of the world, whereby God will destroy the imaginary wise.  
This plain heartedness without envy or guile, is the virgin-state of mankind; And this virgin is she that must bear a son, and call his name Emanuel, God with us.  
This chaste virgin-state, that hath no outward Lover, and that is not defiled, but cleansed from deformity, is this virgin chaste state, in whom the son of righteousness will arise, and take the man into union with himself; he rules as King, and mankind, the living soul is freely subject with delight.  
So that this innocency, or plain heartedness in man, was not an estate 6000. year ago only; But every branch of mankind passes through it, &c. first is defiled by imaginary covetousness, and thereby is made a devil; and then he is delivered from that darkness, by Christ the restorer, and by him made one with the Father and the Son.  
In one word▪ then, the innocency of mankind, which is the Image of God, is plain heartedness without guile, quiet, patient, chaste, loving, without envy: yet through weakness is flexible, and open to temptation and change; This is the living soul, which God breathed the breath of life into; This is the Garden of Eden, it is the spirits house or mansion, and in the body of mankind the spirit hath many mansions or dwelling places; this is the field or heaven, wherein Michael and the Dragon fights the great battle of God Almighty.  
Many men live in their innocency longer than others▪ some are tempted sooner than others, but all must be tempted, and tried by the evil one; that so way may be made for Christ to show his power; for the Office of Christ, the blessing, is to restore and deliver from death and bondage, and to set man down in life and unchangeable rest.  
Therefore temptations and falling from innocency must be, that so man may be drawn up into the life and strength of the righteous God, or ruler▪ from whom he shall never fall again; this is the mystery of God, God manifest in the flesh, or righteousness ruling King in man.  
So that this innocent estate is the Image of God, but not the strength and life of God; It is wise, but not wisdom itself; it is just but not justice; it is loving, but not Love itself. It rejoices, but it is not Joy itself; It is patient, but not Patience itself; It is chaste, yet not Chastity; It is plain hearted without guile, yet not sincerity itself; It is filled with rest and peace, while he enjoys himself within, and doth not make a league with Satan, or outward objects; for than he falls and meets with sorrow.  
Therefore he is said to be made in the Image of God, because this innocency is an estate very good, and there is no evil in it; yet it is changeable, subject to be overcome by temptation.  
But now God, or the righteous spirit is unchangeable; for he is wisdom, Justice, Love, Patience, Sincerity, Chastity, Joy, and Peace itself, nor cannot be overcome, by any temptation.  
And this is the mystery and wisdom of God, to let that innocent nature of man fall, and be defiled by his own invention; that so, he may declare his power, in redeeming him from that defilement, and in taking him up into unity of the godhead, to remain in that fountain of Life and rest, and never to be deceived again; and this is a redemption indeed; not only to deliver from bondage, but likewise to destroy the tempter; that he shall never appear to draw man into bondage again; this is the work of the Lamb, and the mystery of God. This work is that which makes us to have fellowship with the Father, and his son Jesus Christ; This work puts those so●g● of praise and halalujahs into our mouths and hearts, to him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb for evermore.  
This is the fi●st est●te of mankind, or the living soul in his innocenc●e, and you need not look back six thousand yeare● to find it; for every sing●e man and wom●n passes through it; and when the restorer rises up, they shall be able to say, this is truth.  
The second est●te of mankind, is the time of the curse, while he re●g●es, which is the power of darkness, or Dragon, that deceives the plain hearted, simple man; making him to covet after content in objects without him, and to look for a God without, and so fills him with anger, envy, hypocrisy, vexation, grief; and brings him into bondage within himself. Now this curse reigns in these three particulats.  
In the lust of the Eye; In the lust of the Flesh, and in pride of Life.  
The lust of the eye is covetousness, after any object the man sees thinking within himself, that if he can obtain such and such objects, he shall be at rest and filled with delight; And this is an unsatisfied roving Lust, and is a self-lover, hurting others; for this Lust of the eye, would draw all to itself; and leave all others naked; and when he cannot enjoy those objects; Then envy and anger arises▪ vexes, frets and torments the man mightily; But if he obtains, he rejoices; but his joy is the joy of envy, which doth perish again, and ends in vexation.  
The second is the Lust of the flesh; And this is an excessive, or immoderate degree of covetousness, which doth waste and consume the objects that his eye lusted after, not to preserve mankind, or his body, but to satisfy excessive Beastly desire; he eats and drinks excessively; clothes himself vain gloriously, or runs into the immoderate use of women; And so those objects which are for the preservation and delight of mankind, he immoderately uses, and by his excess, destroys himself and them too.  
The third is the pride of Life, and this is the very height of covetousness, called vain glory, or secret pride of heart, lifting up himself above others, making others bow to him; looking upon himself as a God above others, who indeed are his equals, vexing and fretting, and ready to kill them if any refuse to give him that honour he would have. Hamon's proud heart is mightily troubled, if Mordecay will not bow, This is the pride of Life.  
As Nebuchadnezar said, is not this great Babel which I have built for the glory of my Majesty? so lifting up himself above others; this is the power of pride; But now humility stays, and lets others lift him up.  
Look through the whole body of darkness and every branch of him may be applied to one of these heads.  
And while these lust's rule; the whole body of darkness reigns as King in the man; As Envy, Pride, covetousness, evil surmisings, hypocrisy, unclean lust of the flesh, Gluttony, drunkenness; And the man hath lost his innocency, and is become a devil; he is a prisoner to his lusts, and is in bondage within himself; he enjoys nothing with sweet content.  
For let him have what he would have, still he is unsatisfied▪ and discontent dwells in his heart upon every cross; he lives without God in the world, and feeds upon husks like the swine: that is, his delight reaches to outward things only; to riches, honours, pleasures, and women, they are the husks he feeds on, which dies and rots; take these away, and he hath lost his kingdom; And in this deceived estate, mankind is a complete devil, and is become a very decree of himself and others, as experience makes it appear.  
The third estate of mankind, is the day of Christ, or the rising up, and reign of the blessing, which is the restoring power, delivering mankind from this bondage of Lust, and subduing this power of darkness, and drawing mankind into union with the Father, making all things new, and so making peace.  
And this he doth, first, by bringing mankind back again, to his estate of innocency and plain heartedness, and so in the eye of the world is a fool, before he be made wise.  
Then secondly he rises up in power and glory, and makes man one with himself, and sets him down in rest never to fall again.   

CHAP. VI. What the Curse is, that doth defile the Man.  
EVery branch of mankind, is under one of these three estates, First, either in his Innocency; or secondly, under the power of the Curse; or thirdly, under Grace; or the power of the blessing. Now, no man hath, or can have true peace, till he be able to see this clear distinction within himself; he that sees nothing but one power, nor never saw any other but one power in him, that man as yet is a slave to the devil, But he that hath seen the two powers, to oppose each other within him, and then at last the blessing prevails, and casts the other murderer out, and sits down▪ and rules King of righteousness, and Prince of Peace. This is Heaven, and he that sees this one power of righteousness and peace rule, and sees the other quite fall'n; this man now is come to eat of the Tree of Life, and shall live for ever; and is truly entered into the one power, or new Jerusalem.  
Whosoever lives in this life, his actions will be actions of peace, preservation▪ Love and life to all. But if there appear actions of darkness in any, whereby any part of the Creation is capable of destruction by those actions; truly then, that one power in that man is but t●e curse▪ which may be called the Power likewise; but it is but the one power of darkness.  
When a man sees the darkness rule in others, and in himself; he sees himself in bondage, and is troubled; Now the Seed begins to arise, to bruise the serpent's head.  
Lot's righteous soul, or the pure Creation; man, as he is more or less restored from bondage, he is grieved to see the bad conversation of the wicked power, as he rules in himself and others; And there are many Lots at this day, whose righteous soul is grieved, to see how the devil and curse rules and destroys the Earth. The devil rules the world; Imaginary self-loving covetousness rules the King in the Earth; It is seen plain, and he goes on boldly without fear; hardness of heart riseth apace, proud murdering flesh grows secure, though his Judgement be near at hand.  
Stand still, and you shall see the downfall of Pharaoh and his company. As there are time, times, and dividing of times allotted to the reign of the Beast, in outward Government; which is first the power of magistracy, meddling with matters of Conscience, in restraining or punishing, before the universal Bishop was raised; this is the first time.  
Then the time of universal Bishop, till reformed Episcopacy came in, this is the second time; Then the time of reformed episcopacy, till the variety of independent and Presbyterian Churches, or State-Government came in; is the third time, and these two latter are called times.  
And now England is under the dividing of time, and it is a forerunner to the rest of the Nations, and this is the Image of the Beast; and this is the variety of Churches, and differences in Rel●gion, that is amongst men; every one pleading his privilege, or else it is called the dividing of time, in regard the Government of the Land is taken out of the hands of one man, and put into the hands of many; this is the dividing of time, or the half day of the Beast, in respect of outward government.  
Even so there are time, times▪ and dividing of time within the heart of man, which is the occasion of that outward division of times.  
The first time is the state of simple plain heartedness, or innocency; when the five senses acts in their own light, which is the pure light of a Beast, but knows not the power of the Seed, or of the creating spirit; but is a stranger to the spirit, and yet this state is the Image of the spirit; for this is wise, and loving, and just,; but not wisdom Love, and Justice itself; and being tempted, it breaks out into folly, envy, and unjustice, and this is the first time of the Beasts reign within a man.  
Then the pleasure of sin enters, or a league is made between that living Earth and outward objects, and the man being deceived, looks altogether without him for good, for pleasure and for content, and follows all the pleasures of his five senses with greediness; and here he would be a ruler, and some body over others; and in this estate man doth what he will, and his heart never smites him for it; he can lie, and cheat, and whore, and oppress others, and thinks all is good, for nothing troubles him; this is the state of prodigality or presumption. And this is Esau, the hairy man's kingdom; And this is the first step of his fall, eating the apple.  
Then there follows a time of trouble of mind, arising for that pleasure of self-seeking delight, and this is called trouble for misspent time, whereby he meets with many rubs in his good name, in his health of body, and in his outward livelihood amongst fellow-creatures, and now he begins to rebate of his wildness and follow; and the Beast or sensitive power begins to be a little tamer, and more moderate; yet covetousness (that Beast) reigns still, and that with more force within, yet this is a cooler time of the day than the former was, for he begins to consider what he doth; yet here is no rest, and this is the third time, and so these two latter degrees makes times; this is the second step of his fall.  
Then comes in the dividing of time, within a man▪ and this is, when the Law in the members fights against the Law of the mind; when a man sees his folly and the bondage of his nature, he sees himself a prisoner to his Lusts, and this light in him strives against darkness in him; he sees Pride striveing against Humility, Envy against Love, contentedness against anger, uncleanness of flesh against chastity, sorrow against comfort, and so cries out, Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death, or bondage to which I am ● slave? this is the third step of man's darkness.  
Well, this is the dividing of time within thee; this 〈◊〉 the time of the battle within thee, between Michael the Prince of Peace, and the red Dragon, the selfish, imaginary, covetous, murdering power, there is no quiet rest in this estate neither; nay, this dividing of time is the sharpest and hottest time.  
And now one step further in the first degree of time, and then the man enters into rest; And this is, when the Seed, or blessing in thee kills that Serpent, and casts him out, and takes possession of thee, and rules in righteousness in thee; for now all enemies are subdued under the anointings feet, and he now delivers up the kingdom to his Father, who is the one spirit of righteousness and peace, in whom there is no sorrow; And this God, or Almighty ruler, becomes all in all, the alone King in that living soul, or Earth; or the five living senses.  
Now this spirit of freedom being rising up in some already, in part, assures the Creation, and gives those bodies as pledges, that he will rise up in the whole▪ and restore all mankind to himself.  
And thus those three particulars in mankind is considered; first, the pure creation of the Living soul; the single life of the five senses, which is called the Earth. Oh Earth, Earth, Earth, &c.  
Secondly, the curse that hath taken mankind, or this living Earth prisoner; and this is the power of darkness, called sin or bondage, and this is called likewise flesh, or carnal man; If you by the Spirit mortify the deeds of the flesh you shall live.  
Now the created flesh is not to be mortified, or killed by us, but preserved; therefore the curse therein is called flesh, and deeds of the flesh, because it is a mere selfish power, that would have ease, and honour, and would be counted a God, and would rule over all, to the enslaving of all to himself; this is the reprobate, that shall have no peace, for all peace shall be taken from this flesh.  
Thirdly, the blessing, who is the seed of Life, or Christ, the righteous and rational spirit; arising up to rule, and treading unreasonableness under his feet, this is the restorer, or Saviour of the captived, or the imprisoned Earth, which sets mankind free from bondage within himself.  
And when this power riseth up to rule, he doth not rule to enslave others to him by the murdering sword, but he draws all men in Love to him; and the union and communion of Love by him is established, in, and among the Creation.  
And thus you see there are time, times, and dividing of time within the heart; and though you become to the dividing of time, yet you are not come to the Mount of God, to true rest, till dividing of time run his course likewise.  
But yet here is great comfort to burdened souls, that lies groaning under the darkness of this divideing of time within them, and that are mightily oppressed by men that rules in darkness, and oppression over them; To you I say rejoice, your Redeemer is come, he rides upon the clouds, and he will speedily appear for your deliverance, as he hath done for some of your brethren already, who are witnesses, that he is rising and spreading himself in the Earth, casting out death, hell, and bondage, and establishing life, peace, and liberty in mankind, and in the whole creation.  
Therefore whatsoever your condition is, murmur not at it, but wait, he that is come to others will come to you, and not tarry; His power and name is Love, and he will conquer all by Love and patience; And the sons of strangers and enemies shall come and fall down to him, and say, thou art the alone, righteous power; take thee our crowns, sceptres, Swords, do thou rule, for thou art worthy.  
This is the day of zions glory; This is the everlasting fire, that is unquenchable; this is the powerful day of the Lord; this is the lamb that was slave, and is now risen again; This is the well beloved son of the Father, in whom he delights; This is the promised Seed, the blessing of the whole Earth, who hath been hinted at, and pointed at by prophecy, but never fully manifested in the whole creation.  
But now he begins to appear, to draw all men after him, to cast out the curse, and to set the Creation in peace; therefore thou weeping soul, cast off this sackcloth, and mourning weeds, thy redeemer is come, and he calls thee to follow him, acting love and patience.  
This power of Christ takes away all peace from the flesh, and will not suffer any part of the creation to lie under a false peace any longer; And we see that while he appears but weakly, how the peace of covetous flesh is disturbed, and filled with much murmuring against the Light.  
Oh say men, if this power of universal love be advanced; this will destroy all propriety, and all trading, and bring every thing into confusion. It is true, he shall be advanced for that end, to confound the wisdom and power, and peace of the flesh, that the Creation may be ●o longer deceived, but now at length may come into him, and rest quiet for ever.  
Oh saith Imaginary, covetous, proud, self-seeking flesh; If I take not the sword, to restrain the unruliness of mankind; we shall not live one by another; But his intent is not in Love to peace, but that he may rule over all himself, and beat down others under him; And indeed this power is the cause of all wars; for if this murdering self-honouring power were once cast out; Love would live in peace, and know war, division and sorrow no more.   

CHAP. VII. What the blessing is that restores him again.  
But how came man's fall in at the first? I Answer. The outward objects of riches, honours, being set before the living soul, Imaginary covetousesse, which is the absence of the true Light, moves the man to close with those objects, and to seek content without him; and through this dark night power, wars, divisions, and discontent arises in mankind, to tear and devour itself; and so it is said to mankind, that his destruction is of himself; And the misery of mankind came in by these degrees.  
First, when whole mankind walked in singleness and simplicity each to other; Some bodies were more strong than others, as the elder brother was stronger than the younger, and the stronger did work for the weaker, and the whole Earth was common to all without exception; But this singleness and simplicity was subject to corruption and change; And the change came in thus.  
The stronger, or elder brother seeing the outward objects before him, thereupon imagines, and saith, why should I that do all the work, be such a servant to these that do least work, and be equal with them? It is fit I should have some larger part of the Earth than they, and be in some more esteem than others, and that they should acknowledge me in some degree above them.  
This Imagination is the Serpent that deceives the man; and as lust is thus conceived within, and the heart, or the living soul consenting to these imaginary inventions, presently death is brought forth, and mankind falls from single simplicity to be full of divisions, and one member of mankind is separated from another, which before were all one, and looked upon each other as all one.  
This is the first step of the fall, consent within being moved by outward objects of pleasure, riches, and honour for one to be above another; whereas it was the honour of the elder to help the younger, and not to tread him down.  
Secondly, it breaks forth into outward action; for this imaginary invention, in the elder brother moves him to set about, to enclose parcels of the Earth into several divisions, and calls those enclosures proper or peculiar to himself, and that the younger, or weaker brother should lay no claim to it, and the younger brother lets it go so; and presently their nakedness appears, that is, the imaginary covetousness of the heart is uncovered, and said open to the view hereby.  
This dividing of the Earth into parcels, was long before it grew a strong settled custom; for plain heartedness did much oppose the growth of this imaginary covetousness, or Serpent; for when contention began to arise amongst Abraham's servants and Lots, about the Earth; one side would have so much, and the other side so much; Well, said single hearted Abraham, let there be no strife between us, for we are brethren; Let us spread farther; and so the one went East, and the other West, and gave more room in the Earth each to other, and then they were quiet; this is the first breaking forth into action, to make division.  
Then next to this▪ mankind began to buy and sell these enclosures of Land, one of another, which the creating spirit of righteousness gave them no command to do; for by reason of this bargaining, the younger, or weaker brother is more forcibly shut out of the Earth, and so here is a foundation laid▪ to steal the Earth by craft, and to murder one another by the sword.  
For now saith the Buyer, this parcel of Land is mine, I have paid the fruit of my labours for it, to be properly my own. But the younger brother comes in▪ and saith, the land is our portion by creation as well as yours, and we give no consent to be shut out; therefore what authority had you to buy, or the other to sell; by thus doing you ●hea● us, and cast us out of the Earth; And from hence now divisions and wars begins to arise be●weene the brothers.  
And so the elder brother Cain kills the younger brother Abel; Cain was subtle and covetous, and Abel single hearted, and molested Cain, and opposed him in his self-seeking Principle, or imaginary invention, to raise himself to be above others; thereupon anger ariseth in Cain, and he kills his brother, and removes him out of the way, though Conscience tormented him afterwards for it.  
And by this murdering power, overawing one another, the cheating Art of buying and selling, and of dividing the Land into parcels, prevails amongst mankind; till at last Moses was raised, who was the perfectest man in his time, and he seeing mankind was run into this division.  
He endeavours to keep peace, and to prevent war and bloodshed, he makes a Law, wherein there was much equity between man and man, called ten commandments, wherein every man is limited in his own propriety; so that if another coveted his neighbour's wife, Land, house, or servant, it was his sin, and was to be accursed or punished, by a general consent of all the people; And they all said Amen to this Law; and said they would observe it, and do it.  
Yet saith Moses, though this be a Law, settling peace for the present; yet I am not he that shall restore you to your first singleness and innocency; for a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up like me, that shall do that restoring work; and him shall you hear; and he shall deliver Jacob from his sin, and Israel from his transgression.  
And here he points out Christ▪ who is the power of universal Love; and tells them that whosoever will not hear the voice of that restoring Prophet▪ shall be cut off from amongst the people.  
And yet this buying and selling, and Moses Law of equity to preserve peace, was part of the fall, for it could not keep them in peace together, but still mankind did molest one another, and rise higher in divisions, and sell to further contention, covetousness, and Pride amongst themselves.  
The stronger brother goes further in his imaginary ambitious invention, and makes war against the younger, or weaker brother, and takes their enclosures by force from them; and either kills them or turns them out of the Land, which they had bestowed labour upon; and so did break Moses Law, which said, thou shall not kill, thou shalt not steal.  
And now divisions, and enmity is risen to the height, and the power of the Sword is the very strength of the curse, and is the murderer▪ for this takes not away propriety from others, by labour, or by buying and selling; but by cruel violence and force, casting down one, setting up another by force, and now mankind is in the extremity of division.  
And they that enjoy the land▪ they or their fathers got it by the Sword, and they keep possession by the Sword, and no man regards the Law of righteous Creation, or of Moses Law of Equity; for every man seeks himself, and thinks it equity for others to regard him, and is offended at those that do not regard him; and the whole Earth is filled with this devouring self-righteousness.  
Therefore high time for the great Prophet, which Moses spoke of to arise, to restore fall'n man, or else no flesh shall be saved; for one is bent to destroy another; And all is for t●e Earth who shall enjoy it.  
And doth not the nakedness of man appear very manif●st, that some parties are truly like Dives, that fares deliciously every day, goes in rich apparel, silk, and gold upon their clothes; Chests full of silver, houses full of corn▪ and other fruits of the Earth; And yet sees others starve for want before their faces; And these very rich men notwithstanding makes a profession of Christ, as though they were his servants; Oh doth not these men openly declare their hypocrisy, and discovers their own nakedness, that all the world may see, that they are proud, covetous, envious, and the power of darkness itself, and so op●n enemies and traitors to Christ; All the title they have to their Land is by the power of the sword. Did Jesus Christ do so? Oh no, No; he was universal Love; and bids every one do as they would be done by.  
This power of the sword doth not only kill and rob, but by his laws made and upheld by his power; he hedges the weak out of the Earth, and either starves them, or else forces them through poverty to take from others, and then hangs them for so doing.  
They that have the greatest power of the sword in their hands, do kill, and take away the labours of others, and say it is righteous; but if a weaker hand doth but take from others to supply necessaries, the other calls this unrighteous, and hangs them for it; surely the King of righteousness is not so partial a God, as to call one and the same action good in his hand, that is the stronger and bad, in his hand that is the weaker brother.  
No, no; This is the righteousness of the man of sin; this is the righteousness of the Scribes, Pharisees, and Judas, that counts every thing righteous that pleases them, and every thing unrighteous that displeases them; This is the extremity of the curse, and yet this is the Law that every one, now adays dotes upon; when the plain truth is, the Law of propriety is the shameful nakedness of mankind, and as far from the Law of Christ, as light from darkness.  
And yet soldiers and Lawyers, and all that cry up this power of propriety, which is both brought in, and upheld by the murdering sword, would be called Saints and members of Christ.  
Truly you are all deceived, you are members and actors of the curse, which is the destruction and bondage of the Creation; you are that power that hedges some into the Earth, and hedges others out, and takes to yourselves by the power of the killing sword; A liberty to rule over the labours and persons of your fellow-creatures, who are flesh of your flesh, and bone of your bone; And you do the very same things, in a higher degree and nature, for which you hang other men for, punishing others for such actions as you call sin, and yet you live in the daily action yourselves; taking the Earth from the weaker brother, and so killing him by poverty or prison all day long.  
Now this enmity that bro●ght in this division; first of enclosing; then of buying and selling, then of killing one another for the Earth, is the curse within of imaginary covetousness, and it was bred by the presentment of outward objects, tempting the five Senses, or the living soul.  
And all the strivings that is in mankind, is for the Earth, who shall have it; whether some particular persons shall have it, and the rest have none, or whether the Earth shall be a common treasury to all without respect of persons.  
And this is the battle, that is fought between the two powers, which is propriety on the one hand, called the devil, or covetousness, or community on the other hand, called Christ, or universal Love. And as Christ doth cast covetousness out of the heart, so propriety is cast out from amongst men, and mankind will not only become single hearted again, but will walk in the light of pure Reason and Love, and never fall again into divisions, but shall be so acquainted with the wiles of Satan, that he shall utterly reject, and abhor his imaginary enticement; As Jesus Christ rejected the temptation of objects; And that Satan, or tempter without prevailed not, because the anointing was in him, that was stronger than flesh.  
Now this same power in man, that causes divisions and war is called by some men the state of nature, which every man brings into the world with him.  
But this Law of darkness in the members is not the state of Nature; for nature, or the living soul is in bondage to it, and groans under it, waiting to be delivered from it, and is glad to hear of a Saviour.  
Look upon a child that is new borne, or till he grows up to some few years, he is innocent, harmless, humble, patient, gentle, easy to be entreated, not envious; And this is Adam, or mankind in his Innocency; and this continues till outward objects entice him to pleasure or seek content without him; And when he consents, or suffers the imaginary covetousness within to close with the objects. Th●n he falls, and is taken captive, and falls lower and lower.  
First, into the slavery of that power of lusts within, leading him forth to act all manner of selfishness, with greediness to the destruction of others.  
And then falls from this delight into trouble of mind, and touch of Conscience, and inward torment, and so falls deeper and deeper into Hell, till the Seed or blessing rise up in him to work deliverance, and then carry him back again, and lead him into the ways of truth.  
And thus we see how mankind came to fall from his innocency; and that was by closing to outward objects for content, with inward imaginary covetousness, to find life in those objects without him.  
And man's recovery will be to reject outward objects; and to close with the spirit of truth, life, and peace within, preferring this kingdom within, before the outward kingdom.  
It is said that Christ was tempted in all things, like as we are tempted. Now how are we tempted? but by presentment of outward objects before us, and when the life of the five senses closes therewith, thinking to find content therefrom, we are deceived, and so fall from innocency.  
As for example, if objects of riches be laid before me, and my inward covetousness close therewith, I fall; or if the beauty of the female sex be set before me, If my inward lust close therewith excessively, running after variety of strange flesh, I fall.  
But if covetousness and lust be killed, or doth not breath in me, then, though those objects be tendered to me, I reject them; and so I fall not; And now Satan or the tempter, which are the outward objects finds nothing in me.  
And thus it was said of Jesus Christ, that when the Tempter came to him he found nothing in him, that is, Jesus Christ had not an imaginary covetous power in him, to seek a kingdom, or happiness without himself, in those objects of pleasure, riches, and honours of the world, but preferred the kingdom within him before that without him.  
And so he was said to have no sin, because there was nothing in him that consented to the temptation without; he made use of outward objects in moderation, for the safety and peace of his body, but desired nothing in excess, or immoderately.  
The power of darkness which is covetousness, and Imagination which is the devouring Dragon, had no place in Heaven, that is, in him; for the Dragon was cast out, and the Godhead did dwell bodily in him, in the fullness of righteousness and peace.  
Now I desire any man to show by experience, any other devil, or dark power, than these two, that is▪ The objects without, and the powers of the curse within, joining in consent together, to enslave the Earth, or the living soul, which is the innocency of the five senses.  
While these two join together, and meet in consent, mankind enters into sorrow, and hath true rest.  
But when the power of Lust is killed within, by the blessing, or the seed rising up, then outward objects troubles not, nor enslaves the man. For than a man is content with his present condition, and seeks for a kingdom within, which moth and rust cannot corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal; If he have riches, he dotes not upon them, he knows not how to use them; If he be poor, he is quiet and content; If he be at liberty he is content, if in prison he is content.  
So then kill covetousness, or that imaginary darkness within; And the devil is killed when the Tempter comes, he shall find nothing in you; he that is free within, is moved to excess, or unrationall action by no outward object; but he that is nor free within, is moved by every object.  
And this is the Reason why many people are so angry, and bitter, and flies upon their neighbours with reviling, and reproachful words, or envious actions, because they are slaves to their flesh; they are in bondage within, they know not liberty; It is the night time with them, the son of Love, righteousness, and peace is not yet risen up in them.  
Therefore they that are at liberty within, in whom the Seed is risen ro rule, do conquer all enemies by Love and patience, and make use of any outward object with moderation, and knows no excess.  
The powers of the curse, he subdues others by the murdering sword, and thereby enslaves others to him; as we see the government of all Nations is this, and the dark power in every man's heart is this; which indeed is the devil's kingdom that yet rules.  
But now the blessing, he subdues his enemies by Love, and saves, and gives life and freedom to his enemies; he first brings mankind back to pure creation, and then rises up, and rules King of righteousness within, and so keeps the man, that the curse never enslaves him again, and so he puts the man into a better condition than he was in before.  
This Seed or Christ then is to be seen within, to save you from the curse within, to free you from bondage within; he is no Saviour that stands at a distance; therefore your public Ministers bewitches you, by telling you of a Saviour at a distance.  
The enmity which bu●dens you is within, Even the Law of your members that wars against the law of your mind; so that the members are the creature; And that curse wars within them, and so troubles and enslaves the members.  
Therefore your Saviour must be a power within you, to deliver you from that bondage within; the outward Christ, or the outward God, are but men Saviours, such as Moses, Joshua, and Judges were, and such as Kings are, and these Gods sometimes proves devils. Surely such Preachers as tells you your God and Saviour is without, they know not the spirit, they are servants to the curse, their kingdom is all without, and therefore would have you to seek for a kingdom without that lies in objects; for that kingdom of Christ within they know not.  
And here I shall end with this question. What are the greatest sins in the world? I answer. These two; First for a man to lock up the treasuries of the Earth in Chests and houses; and suffer it to rust or moulder, while others starve for want to whom it belongs, and it belongs to all; This is the greatest sin against universal Love; this is the destroying sin, this is Achan's sin; this is the action of covetousness.  
The second sin is like to this, and is the same in nature with the other; And this is for any man, or men, first to take the Earth by the power of the murdering sword from others; and then by the laws of their own making, do hang, or put to death any who takes the fruits of the Earth to supply his necessaries, from places or persons▪ where there is more than can be made use of by that particular family, where it is hoarded up.  
And he said, son of man, seest thou what they do? Thou shalt see greater abominations.  Ezekiel. 8.6. 
FINIS.