AN APOLOGY FOR The Service of Love, AND The People that own it, commonly called, The Family of Love.  
Being a plain, but groundly Discourse, about the Right and True Christian Religion: Set forth Dialogue-wise between the Citizen, the Countryman, and an Exile: as the same was presented to the High Court of Parliament, in the time of Queen Elizabeth; and penned by one of her Majesty's menial servants, who was in no small esteem with Her, for his known wisdom and godliness.  
With another short Confession of their Faith, made by the same people. And finally some Notes & Collections, gathered by a private hand out of H.N. upon, or concerning the eight Beatitudes.  
LONDON, Printed for Giles Calvert, at the Black-spread-Eagle at the West end of Paul's, 1656.   

To all courteous Courtiers, the Exile sendeth greeting.  

YOu courtly Courtiers, courteous by kind,  
Lowly, wise, and pleasant in mind.  
This little Device from the ground of his heart  
The Exile hath sent you, take it in good part:  
And when you have read it, peruse it again,  
For the matter is weighty, true, and eke plain.  
Weigh well the fire, do nothing in haste,  
And measure you likewise the wind as it blows:  
So call me again the day that is past,  
For that is the right way God's wisdom to know.  
Both ear, yea and heart, so that ye prepare,  
O ye lovely Courtiers, courteous all,  
These things for to mark, which I now declare,  
Left God's wrath once kindled, unawares hap to fall.  
Where godly Love as a marriage weed,  
In lowly hearts works all things new,  
There is the truth expressed indeed  
In holy life, it is very true.  
The head of the Spring where ever it lie,  
If it be kept sweet pleasant and clean;  
From thence then all Rivers, descending thereby,  
Much sweetness of taste, shall there through obtain.  
First sound ye the water, and measure the wind,  
Then mark well the matter, and sup up the mind;  
The Libertines herein, are set out full plain:  
So are Christians likewise, that in peace would remain,  
But when ye perceive who the Libertines be,  
Then wish that all Christians might be set free.  
God's blessing shall fall, upon their heads full sure,  
That first shall begin the same to procure  
By way of Petition, when they shall think time,  
And God shall the Rulers hearts thereto incline.  
God save the Queen's Majesty, and give her the might,  
Good Christians to defend, and subdue Libertines quite.    

The Argument.  

IN few words, the Exile hereafter doth approve,  
That wonderful and necessary, is the service of Love.  
If you weigh well his words, you shall easily espy;  
That among some of our learned there is a wedg awry,  
But to redress the same, that can no earthly man do,  
Each man to amend one, is the next way thereto.  
But yet by no other mean, may a man thereto attain,  
Save alone by the mean expressed in Love's service certain.  
And the chief of all virtues he doth likewise approve,  
To be a meek minded spirit, fast grounded in Love.    

An Apology for the Service of Love.  
A Marvellous Matter manifested by an Exile, through a short Communication, in manner of a Dialogue: And pointing as it were with his finger, upon an unconfutable truth: He giveth to all Courteous hearts, that shall vouchsafe advisedly to read the same, great cause of careful Consideration.  The Citizen, the Country man and the Exile, Interlocutors. And first, the Citizen to the Countryman. 
THou knowest right well Countryman, that the Citizen hath oft times need of the Countryman, both for clothing, victuals, and other necessaries; wherefore I pray thee, let us two hold friendship still, and be merty together in honest pastime, like as we always in times past have done: But now I pray thee Countryman, tell me, how happeneth it, that thou art so sad now a days, over thou wast wont to be?  Countryman. 
I have not any cause to be merry, considering the state of the world, and dangerous time that now is.  Citizen. 
Why Countryman of fellowship tell me the cause, is it for want of worldly things? or else what is the matter? show me, for thou knowest me to be thy friend; yea, in very deed, I am thy near kinsman; therefore thou mayst be bold to express thy mind freely unto me, and I shall truly, and trustily keep thy Counsel; for I intent to be merry and follow my trade, and not to busy myself in other men's matters.  Countryman. 
I shall then tell thee, as unto my very friend, the cause of my heaviness: when I consider what great cause we have to be thankful to God for his manifold goodness, mercifulness, and great benefits extended on us his creatures in our creation: And in that he hath also given us his holy law, as a glass of righteousness, therein to look into and behold our sinful spots, and deformities, and so learn thereout the way or mean, to become purged from the same filthiness; yet now, although we have seemed to look therein a long time, I see that our spots and deformities generally; are waxed worse and worse. And about the law or holy Scriptures, there is risen every where great contention, and this I see come to pass, through all Christendom, so well among those which are counted for men of high knowledge, and great learning, as likewise among all other sorts of smaller understanding, in consideration whereof I have both for myself and others more cause to lament, then for to laugh or be merry.  Citizen. 
Notwithstanding Countryman, thou knowest right well, that we have been taught these many years, by our learned preachers, and that as it seemeth according to the Scriptures, that all our spots are cleansed, and washed away, only by the death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and by no other means, whereof we may in no wise doubt or mistrust, but must acknowledge that he hath made a full reconcilement, and satisfaction to God his Father, upon the Altar of his Cross, once for all our sins, and for the sins of the whole world: yea moreover as thou knowest, that we all have our freedom thereby; though yet, as it cannot be denied, we have been deceived in times past, by many false prophets, and teachers, which have craftily crept in amongst us, in sheep's Clothing, under pretence of holiness: But yet Christ sayeth, you shall know them by their fruits, and those you know were the superstitious papists, which brought in all Idolatry and abuse: But now, God be thanked, all such Abominations with worshipping of Images, etc. is gone, you hear, and Banished quite out of this land, truth is set up in place, the Gospel of God's Kingdom is sincerely preached, all over, by God's true prophets, elect ministers, and upright disciples of Christ, and is thankfully received, you see, of all people to their salvation, and so the bands of Antichrist, son of perdition, which is the Pope, are broken, and we now by that means, are set free from all thraldom, wherein we were once captivated, & are restored into the liberty of the Gospel; for even so you know we are taught, to this day.  Countryman 
We are so taught I grant, and have not much presently to say there against: But yet how many in these days, amongst such as account themselves for wise and learned, are likewise still deceived and do deceive others, I keep silence thereof: for thou knowest well enough that I have been shent heretofore, therefore I mean not to contend, or once seem to meddle in such high matters, as are above my capacity: & you know moreover; that it is thought some were constrained, to sing a song at Paul's Cross, in which one among the rest, overreached himself so high above his accustomed note, that soon after in quavering, he lost his voice for ever.  Citizen. 
I know of whom you mean: Well, it is a lamentable case that such things should be wrought among Christians; yet nevertheless happily he had not otherwise than his desert.  Countryman. 
And again happily he was set on, or entered into so high a Note by others, and by such means, might perhaps be constrained to overreach himself as it were unawares; yet will I not judge herein, but leave it to him that knoweth all secrets, and will reward every one according to his deeds.  Citizen. 
But I pray thee Countryman, who is he that standeth yonder to still all this while? he seemeth to be neither Citizen nor Countryman; but rather a wildman that were clothed in moss, and coming late out of the wilderness or mountains: his hair, as seems to me, hangs strangely over his shoulders, and his garments seems to be torn with wild beasts, or else rend with bushes.  Countryman. 
Alack he is a poor Exile, and is indeed our very near kinsman: for he was born of my mother, and was her second son begotten of my father, but is not my brother. He is now termed of the Family of Love, or of God; and because many seek after his blood, he may not therefore well as yet show his head; notwithstanding happily, if be were here, forasmuch as he is an Exile, and hath no certain dwelling place, he durst with more boldness answer thee in all thy doubts, and these deep and dangerous points (whereof thou hast spoken before) than I dare do: For you know that it is meet for a Countryman to follow his calling, and not for to meddle in divine causes, that are above his capacity.  Citizen. 
That is well said Countryman, for indeed, I would gladly talk with such a one as would answer me boldly plainly, and fully to all whatsoever I should demand of him. Ho, thou poor fellow come hither, I would speak with thee.  Exile. 
Here I am, what is your pleasure with me?  Citizen. 
How sayest thou, Exile? wilt thou answer directly, plainly, and fully to all things that I shall ask of thee, and that according to truth?  Exile. 
Yea, according to my simple understanding, and as one unlearned; witted I that you would credit me, when as I have told you the truth.  Citizen. 
Then first of all tell me, Where is thy dwelling?  Exile. 
My dwelling place as yet is uncertain on earth, though often times in the wilderness, and mountains among wild beasts.  Citizen. 
And what are thy garments made of, wherewith thou seemest to be so strangely clothed?  Exile. 
Of the skins of wild beasts.  Citizen. 
How happeneth that?  Exile. 
Lest otherwise I might hap to be devoured of them.  Citizen. 
And why art thou, as an Exile, fain to fly?  Exile. 
Because that I being nevertheless a Christian & a true hearted subject to the Queen's Majesty, and in all things obedient unto her Laws and Ordinances, may not yet be suffered to live in rest and peace: and that only by reason of some envious and blasphemous tongues.  Countryman. 
I pray thee Citizen, spend not the time about such trifling matters and questions; but rather go to the former matters, whereof you spoke to me erewhile, and know his understanding therein.  Citizen. 
Very well, content, though this be no trifling matter, that Christians, and true hearted subjects to their Prince, and living obediently under her Laws and Ordinances (might it so be proved) should be thus persecuted, especially in the days of our most gracious Queen Elizabeth: and also in the days of preaching the Gospel. First of all then, this is my question, How sayest thou Exile? Are not all our spots and deformities washed clean away, and we so cleansed from our sins, by the death and passion of Jesus Christ only?  Exile. 
Yea, all theirs are to whom such words are spoken, or promise made in holy Scripture, neither is there any other washing, or cleansing of sinful spots I confess, but alone by the death and passion of Jesus Christ.  Citizen. 
To whom are such words spoken, and who are they then, that shall be saved, or whose spots are done away by Christ?  Exile. 
Only to such, as through the preaching of the word of the Gospel, are in true repentance converted, under the obedience of the love, or life of the same word, to the faith, doctrine, and life of Jesus Christ and his apostles; and even like as were the Congregations of the faithful, to whom such comfortable words of salvation and cleansing, or freedom by Christ, were written in times, past: To all suchlike I say, are such Comfortable promises made, and do so stand fast established for ever, and not to the obstinate unregenefate or unrepenting sinners.  Citizen. 
But yet tell me, how sayest thou, Are not all free by Christ?  Exile. 
So many as are thus cleansed as aforesaid, or are delivered by Christ, through the Regeneration of the true Baptism, of repentance and newness of life from the sin, death, Devil and Hell, wherein they were captived, and so restored, into the glorious liberty of the Sons of God, they are all no doubt free through Christ.  Citizen. 
Wilt thou then deny the Sacrament of Baptism?  Exile. 
Though I speak of the true Baptism, or regeneration through repentance, and newness of life, yet do I not deny the holy Sacrament of Baptism, which signifieth regeneration in Christ, and is ministered to Infants, thought some have most unjustly so reported of us.  Citizen. 
It seemeth unto me by thy words, that thou shouldest partly stand in doubt concerning the manifold mercies and benefits of God extended towards us and all mankind, in giving over his Son unto the death of the Cross, as though he had not sufficiently therein fulfilled and accomplished upon the Altar of that his Cross a fall satisfaction and sacrifice for the sins of the whole world: the which thing who secret doth deny doubtless he erreth very much & is against the holy Scriptures.  Exile. 
I do nothing doubt or mistrust, concerning the manifold graces of God the father, extended towards us all: Nor yet concerning the full and perfect satisfaction sacrifice or oblation offered up by Jesus Christ, once for all, upon the Altar of his Cross, when as he give his holy body to be Crucified, and his most precious blood to be shed, for the redemption of all mankind, for to bring again through himself, the generation of mankind, which is altogether estranged from God and his righteousness, by the disobedience of Adam, in his Innocent and glorious estate, wherein he was first created: And therefore I have no doubt at all, but do believe assuredly according to the Scriptures, that Jesus Christ hath of his part accomplished it all. Notwithstanding of this one thing I stand in doubt, viz. Whether many at this day amongst us, which boast ourselves for Christians, and for partakers of all the merits of Christ's death and passion, have any earnest lust or inclination, with all Gods elect, to accomplish that which on their part is lacking of the passions of Christ, and is nevertheless earnestly required of us, in the holy Scriptures, viz. to repent us earnestly of our sins past, to forsake ourselves taking, up our Cross, and following Christ; to die unto sin, to crucify the flesh with her lusts, to put on the new man of righteousness, to dwell in Christ, and to have him to dwell in us, or to put on Christ, to have the same mind in us that was in Christ, to become as little Children, to believe in him, to keep his word, and to do all whatsoever he commandeth, to love one another, to obey our governors, and to live under their Laws; and even so to eat the flesh of Christ and drink his blood, that so we might have life in us: doubtless whosoever doth not thus endeavour himself to walk as is aforesaid, in this infallible Christian rule, which is expressed more at at large unto us in the Service of Love, in the after following of Christ; he may not know the truth, or Christ, become made free of the truth, nor inherit the Kingdom of heaven, or be saved.  Citizen. 
Thou hast put me in mind of a marvellous matter: But tell me, can any man live so pure (whilst he is in this mortal life) but that he shall sin?  Exile. 
Understand, there is no man living, be he what he is, but he shall sometimes sin or offend, whiles he is this mortal life; notwithstanding, He that is born of God (namely Christ Jesus the man of God from heaven, that new Creature in whom the seed of God remaineth) sinneth not. And then know this also, that there is a great difference between sin unto death, and sin not unto death.  Citizen. 
That is so indeed; but yet then, what thinkest thou herein? have we not been deceived in times past, by many false Prophets and false Teachers, which have walked among us in sheep's clothing, being inwardly ravening Wolves? And were not those the superstitious Papists, which brought in all abuses, as worshipping of Images, with much more idolatry into this Land, although it be now banished quite.  Exile. 
Yes, we have been no doubt in times past much deceived, and yet are to this day. The superstitious Papists, I grant, were false Prophets, and false Teachers, which brought in many abuses with idolatry (for covetousness is idolatry) and the Prophet complaineth saying, This people carrieth unclean, or foul Idols, in their hearts, meaning still to go on in their wickedness, etc. Yea, all what the man esteemeth more of in his heart, than of God and his holy Law that same is to him an Idol; he falleth down before it, serveth and honoureth it, prayeth likewise unto it.  Citizen. 
Wilt thou say then, that many of us in this Land are yet deceived, and that we have now in these last days, false Prophets and false Teachers among us?  Exile. 
Yea, for so it is prophesied or fore spoken in the holy Scriptures, to come to pass in the last times: notwithstanding yet must I needs think well of all such Preachers, as hunger and thirst after the truth, righteousness, love, obedience and peace, expressing likewise the same in their good and godly conversation.  Citizen. 
How shall men know then the false prophets and false Teachers?  Exile. 
By their Fruits.  Citizens. 
That is very true: but show me I pray thee, by some certain notes or manifest tokens, how I might henceforth know them with their fruits; for that I and all men mightever after beware of the false, and give heed to the true.  Exile. 
Then mark well these six Notes following.  
1. They are such as presume to teach others the way to eternal life, before ever they have walked therein themselves, or yet have once desired to become first the disciples of Christ, or of his word, to a reformation of their own lives, etc.  
2. Such as will be taken for perfect Christians, and godly teachers, ere ever that Christ, who is the truth, the right spirit and the life, have gotten a living shape in them, whereby they might first preach Christ aright, out of a good conversion in all love, even so then go before the people, having both oil in their vessels, and light in their Lamps, etc.  
3. Such as will seem to have put on the new man of righteousness, and yet never took in hand, nor have known how to do off the old man of sin and wickedness first: notwithstanding, they take upon them to understand, and to expound Gods secret mysteries out of the Scriptures, etc.  
4. Such as will be free by Christ, and teach men so, ere ever they seen into their Captivity and thraldom of the sin, death, devil and hell, whole bondslaves and captives they themselves yet are: and ere ever they have repent them rightly from their sin, in such sort, that it might ever after appear among all men, in their holy walking.  
5. Such as will take on them to understand, and publish forth the secret mysteries of Gods divine wisdom, contained in the holy Scripture, by the ingeniousness of the fleshly wisdom, they themselves being as yet unregenerate & given to lying, blaspheming, traitors, oppression, covetousness, persecuting, with all kind of maliciousness, wickedness and licentiousness of life.  
6. Such as boast of their deliverance, in the last resurrection, and teach men soe'er ever they have got any part in the first, or are renewed in the Spirit and mind, or yet stand up with Christ, from the death etc.  
All these and such like, say I, are false prophets, though covered in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening woulfs; men shall know them by their fruits: with their mouth indeed, they confess Christ's but in their deeds deny him; they are likewise blind guides such as have taken on them to lead the Ignorant out of darkness into he light, and yet themselves, as those that love not the light, will still remain in darkness: These are very Libertines, inclined always to hatred and iniquity, stirring up strife, setting variance amongst Princes, breaking laws, despising authority and ordinances of men, resisting God's love and mercifulness, Blaspheming the truth, and persecuting the Innocent or simple, which love God and his righteousness, and walk in all obedience and peace: Wherefore those be the children of belial, and void of all wisdom, such as unless they repent in time, must be shut out amongst the foolish, rejected for the workers of iniquity, and with all Hypocrites receive their portion in the hellish condemnation consider advisedly of it, for it is very true.  Citizen. 
But wilt thou say, that all those and such like are no Christian?  Exile. 
Yes verily, by sign or outward show, and name they be.  Citizen. 
And must not such preach the truth notwithstanding, & show forth the many high knowledges, and secret mysteries out of the Scriptures.  Exile. 
Yea, all what they heart spoken or chance to read in any writing, that can they readily speak out again: But not like as all those true prophets of God, and disciples of Christ have always done, out of any Godly understanding through the holy Spirit of God or Christ; for that were impossible, because the same Spirit is not with them. For albeit they have the Scriptures, and the Godly witnesses, wherethrough they mean to be understanding and wise, yet forasmuch as they give not all their understanding over as captive, under the obedience of the love of Christ, and his holy word, as under that same Being or life, whereunto the Scripture witnesseth, but run still forth with the knowledge, so have they verily neither light, truth, spirit, nor being of God, Christ, nor of his word. And therefore they neither know, nor yet understand any thing at all rightly of that whereof they then pray or speak forth unto others.  Citizen. 
If all such as thou hast here spoken of, were libertines having neither light, truth, nor spirit of God or Christ; then God be merciful unto us, for then were it all in vain for many a one in these days to stand up or teach in a Congregation: notwithstanding I cannot be persuaded as yet, although I most needs grant, that for the most part, they do not live the same which they do teach to others, like as they themselves have confessed, but that they nevertheless preach unto the people both God's word & the truth out of the right spirit; be they themselves never to evil, else God forbidden: And I pray you Sirs, did not Judas, amongst the rest of the apostles, go and preach the Gospel, and yet was not he a wicked one, and betrayed his master? And did not Peter, which denied his master, preach Gospel also? And it is written, The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses seat or Chair; what they bid you observe that observe and do: But as they do; do you not, for they said and do nor: Therefore why may not wicked men preach the truth?  Exile. 
Let us consider advised by of the Scriptures, and be no longer deceived: Forasmuch as it standeth written, that Christ is the light of the world, the Heavenly truth, the right spirit, yea and the word of God itself: Then how were it possible that those which are void of Christ, should preach or prophesy aright, the true to inde or word of God, contained in the holy Scriptures, the whilst I say, that the same spirit of truth is not in them; for it is written, that the Scripture never came by the will or mind of man, but holy men of God did speak as they were inspired by the holy Ghost; And it is written also, that the natural or fleshly minded man, perceaveth not the things of God, etc. And again wisdom will not dwell in a froward soul, nor yet in a body that is subdued to sin: For, where wickedness hath the upper hand, the holy Ghost doth fly from thence: And yet note then moreover, that after such time that man hath once entered into Judas; he preached not 〈◊〉 Peter▪ perceaving afterward what he had done, he wept bitterly: wherefore I am not against any one that will weep with Peter: And as for such as sit in Moses seat or chair, which teach the law uprightly, I have not once touched; I speak only of them that sit in their own chair of pestilence which reach their own law, or Imagination of their fleshly parts and good thinking, but not the holy lan● of the Lord, which is spiritual and containeth the truth, the life, or Christ itself. And therefore for want of the true spirit of understanding, there ariseth in these days great contention, about the Scriptures.  Citizen. 
The more is to be lamented: But yet I pray thee answer me herein, for I am not resolved in this matter: Have we not now the truth amongst us? Is not now the Gospel preached sincerely, and received of all people thankfully to their salvation: where through the bonds of Antichrist, which is the Pope of Rome, that had us long in captivity, are now broken, and we all by that means set at liberty?  Exile. 
We have no doubt the holy Scriptures which bear witness of the truth, and therein the mind or meaning of the truth is contained amongst us: So have we many wholesome Sermons preached, and declared unto us, notwithstanding had we the truth amongst us, so had we Christ amongst us: and had we Christ amongst us, so world we no doubt lo●e him or his word, and neither would persecute him nor his members: And then, had he once a form or shape in us, so should he likewise manifestly appear out of us, in our good conversation and holy walking: For it is written, If Christ be in you, than is the body dead or mortified concerning sin: And again, Whosoever hath not the spirit of Christ the same is none of his. And were the Gospel preached sincerely out of the truth, that is, out of the spirit of God or Christ, through a good conversation under the obedience of the word, in all meek-mindedness, and godly love: so would many thousands in this land, doubtless have repent them of their former life, and amended their ways upon the preaching of the same Gospel: and would have moreover followed the footsteps of such godly Preachers or Prophets, as had even so imitated Christ; and so then in very deed the people should have received the Gospel thankfully to their salvation: and by that means should the bonds of Antichrist, (which is the sin, the devil, or will of the flesh) which hath long time held us captive, be broken in us: and we then rightly through Christ, should have been delivered therefrom, and set at liberty; Notwithstanding, how many in these days are set at liberty, or have taken to themselves at liberty to do all manner of uncomliness both against God and man; I refer that to the Testimony of their own Consciences,  Citizen. 
I perceive than thou art not against any godly Preachers, that walk forth in all obedience of the word, and in whom Christ doth live and dwell, which also do show forth, through the same meek-minded spirit, all due obedience to God and Governors, as likewise an upright, lovely, peaceable and brotherly life towards all men: and that preach forth the same word of truth and life (which they as then have both felt, handled, and tasted of) unto others moe.  Exile. 
No verily, but I do reverence in the Lord all such, as the true ministers, and distributers of the heavenly riches and treasures of God and Christ: and only to such is that high office of preaching or prophesying committed, and to none other; for such will not resist the godly life in the Love, whereunto we are all, out of grace, undeservedly and lovingly called, and warned in the service of Love, now in these last days of our preservation.  Citizen. 
I think no less, but that thou hast expressed unto me thy mind aright herein; but yet tell me, Wilt thou then say the Pope is not Antichrist?  Exile. 
I know not the man: notwithstanding to say what I conjecture of him, I do not otherwise imagine of him, but that he is or may be possessed with the spirit of Antichrist, which is the will of the flesh or of the devil, the contrary anointed one, and enemy to Christ, rhrough which spirit many ignorant ones in these perilous days, as well among the high learned, as among the ignorant, have taken to themselves a freedom to work all manner of blasphemies, oppressions, persecutions, with all other uncomely abuses, both against God and men. But yet such a freedom and liberty, understand, doth not the Gospel of Christ bring in, or teach, but rather the Devil, and that spirit of Antichrist.  Citizen. 
Thou hast doubtless made me afraid, and also astonished at these thy wonderful answers: so that, I dare scarce demand any more matter of thee, lest haply any one should lie in wait in some secret place and overhear us, and so carry this our communication, to some of our learned that now be in authority; for than we all haply, if they might find us, should sing a Counter note, unless we did recant all the same, and yet hast thou spoken an unconfutable truth.  Exile. 
The case is lamentable, the whilst the truth may not be spoken freely, notwithstanding, if you have aught else to demand of me, either touching natural or Heavenly things, ask of it freely, and I, under permission, and according to my understanding, will answer as the Lord shall give me in mind: for as much as all things needful both natural and spiritual are expressed at large unto us, in the Service of Love.  Citizen. 
Of fellowship then, show me a little of thy understanding, touching the natural creatures, that are earthly and elementish, how and in what manner they live, move, and have their course of being, for that my dull capacity might the better conceive of the Lords works in the Spiritual creatures.  Exile. 
I find out and perceive (according to my simple understanding) that the Lord the maker of Heaven and earth, hath ordained and set all things natural, that they should remain in the upright form and order, and that likewise the whole mass of the earth, as man, beast, fish, foul, herb, tree, with all else that is earthly, and elementish, which is under the Sun, is to be beheld and considered of him in five parts, of the which, four be elements viz. Air, Earth, Fire, and Water, of whose substances every particular living creature is partaker: The fifth part is a natural living Being, wrought through the almighty power of the heavenly word whereby every creature is sustained, and liveth in his natural kind or being, and bringeth forth likewise thereout his fruit or increase. And there is no visible substance or creature, being earthly and elementish, that is not or hath not been partaker thereof: And albeit now that this whole mass, hath from in the beginning of Creations increased itself mightily, in many creatures on the earth, yet do we see in as much as every element (so soon as the life is taken away from the creature, or the creature from it) claimeth or taketh him his own, viz. the fiery element his, the airy his, the watery his, and so leaveth to the earthly only his own: yet the earth is not therefore any whit the bigger: the water, not any whitt the more increased: the air, never the fuller or larger: ne yet the fire any thing at all augmented thereby.  
And why? Like as the same increase out of God's workmanship, hath proceeded from them in the life; even so doth every element (at the departure of the life) claim again to himself no more but his own, like as is said etc.  Citizen▪ 
I perceive more by these thy words, than ever I could consider of before; For I see now that God hath ordained, or set the natural creatures, and every one in his course, for to remain in a comely order, to an everlasting praise of his holy name. But yet I pray thee, like as thou hast spoken some what of thy understanding things natural: so let me also hear a little of thee, concerning the spiritual and heavenly workmanship of God in man, for his preservation in Christ Jesus.  Exile. 
The great mercifulness of God the Father, concerning his gracious workmanship in the man, and how he hath in the beginning form him, according to his own Image and similitude, is to be beholden, or considered in an heavenly or spiritual manner, viz. in the very like being of his Godhead, in perfect righteousness and holiness. Notwithstanding now, the man being fallen away through Adam's transgression; from this his former glorious estate wherein he was set, so is there no way or mean for him, to come again to be brought thereunto, but through faith in Jesus Christ, and that only by his death, and passion, bloodshedding and resurrection, when we as Christians become turned clean about, viz. When we out of God's grace, upon the founding forth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, do repent us unfeignedly of our sins past, amend our lives, take up our cross daily on us against the sin, and even so crucify the flesh with the lusts and desires thereof, etc. according to the Scriptures, and also like as we are reached, and counselled thereunto at large, in the Service of Love.  
To this end, and to the man's preservation, will the Almighty God now in the end of the world, prepare him his Angels or Ministers: And all what is gone out from God & enranged, & would gladly return to him again; the same shall they now (through the sounding forth of his Gospel or last trump) gather together as good wheat: All those shall be brought again through Christ unto God. And contrariwise, all middle walls, ignorant knowledges, false wisdoms, wicked imaginations, which are not proceeded of God, but are risen up out of the bottomless pit of darknesses, together with all whatsoever hath handfast itself, or holden fellowship therewith, and will not have any better, shall be in like manner gathered together as unprofitable weeds; yea, all those shall be found as incorporated members to the iniquity, and thrown (soul and body) into the bottomless pit of the everlasting condemnation, as likewise into the hellish fire which is prepared for the Devil and his Angels from the beginning: Lo thus shall every one claim his own: The bottomless pit of the condemnation (from whence all evil doth proceed) shall, through the sounding forth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, claim his. And the mighty God (from whom all good doth proceed) shall, through his Christ, claim unto him, all godlinesses or virtues which are proceeded from him, together with all whatsoever separateth itself from the iniquity, hath handfast itself, or held fellowship with the godlinesses; all those as incorporated members to the godlinesses, and godded or spirited with God in one spirit, shall go to God again, and shall reign with God and Christ (soul and body) in the kingdom of heaven, and live in joy everlastingly. It is very true.  Citizen. 
But is there not some Predestinate unto preservation, and again some predestinate unto condemnation, as also elected thereto from the beginning?  Exile. 
Yes verily, there are two with their members, that are predestinated or preordained thereunto from the beginning: The one is, Christ the man of God, predestinate unto preservation, and with him all his incorporated members: The other is, the man of sin Antichrist, predestinate unto condemnation, and in him all his incorporated members. As for any other predestination than this, (come it out of Turkey or else where) I know not of it.  Citizen. 
Thou hast told me the truth, and also fully answered me to all things natural and spiritual, which I have demanded of thee. What shall I ask more? God be merciful unto us, and unto all such as err of ignorance, and give them eyes of understanding, and ears of pure hearts, that they seeing in what estate they yet do stand, and hearing also which is the right way to come out, might repent them, turn from their wickedness, believe rightly, and so come to the knowledge of truth, and be saved, Amen.  
Now Countryman, thou hast heard this fellow, and his wonderful answers, what sayest thou to it, for I am almost at my wit's end, and marvellously astonished.  Countryman. 
Doubtless Citizen, he is in great Heresies and misbelief, or else I may tell to thee in counsel, in any of the learned in these days are far out of the way that leadeth to life, and also ignorant of the ground of the heavenly truth; wherefore I think it not amiss, that thou examine him concerning his belief in God the Father, in Jesus Christ the Son, and in the Holy Ghost the Comforter; and whereupon he hath grounded his Religion: how he came by this understanding: what he thinks of our learned Preachers in these days: as also of other matters as thou shalt think meet, lest haply we might be seduced, through some subtle heretic; infidel, or disobedient person, which perchance might be against the Queen's Religion, or else pretended to bring confusion over the Land.  Citizen. 
Thy counsel is very good but than I pray thee rather talk with him thyself; for I am brought into such a trembling perplexity, and sorrow of heart since I have heard him, and that as well for mine own cause, as also for others; which I yet see going astray, that I dare ask no more questions.  Countryman. 
Very well then, I will talk with him myself. Come hither Exile, show us I pray thee, whereon thy belief, and thy religion standeth grounded?  Exile. 
I protect before God and man, That my belief is in God the Father, in Jesus Christ the Son, and in the Holy Ghost the Comforter, and is grounded on the Faith of the Holy Fathers, Prophets and Apostles mentioned in the holy Scriptures: also according to the common Apostolic Creed, the Creed of Athanasius, and the Nicene Creed, to even so far forth as I may obtain grace and power thereto, of the Lord.  
Secondly, I acknowledge, there is no other way or mean, either of remission of sins or of salvation for us to be had, or yet mercy to be obtained at God's hand; but alone in, by, and through the death, passion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour: And that he hath offered once for all, upon the Altar of His Cross, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice and oblation, for the sins of all the whole world.  
Thirdly, I do acknowledge, that none shall be partakers thereof, but only such as upon the publishing forth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, do show forth an unfeigned repentance for their sins past, and walk in new obedience or in a new life, according to the requiring of the Gospel: also such as believe aright in God, and Christ and are even so baptised into the death of Christ: Such as are regenerate of the water and of the spirit, and forsaking themselves and their own lives, do take up their cross on them, and follow after Christ in death and sinful lusts and desires: and so stand as those that are waking and waiting for the coming of their bridegroom, ready prepared, having both oil in their vessels, and light in their Lamps: Such as love God and his Christ, and as his very disciples keep his Commandments, and walk in all love towards God, and their neighbour, and in all dutiful submission and allegiance towards their Governors; and also live obediently under all their manly Ordinances: And finally, such as in whom Christ liveth and dwelleth, or those that incline themselves under the obedience of the love of Jesus Christ, and of his holy word, with all diligence thereunto.  
Now, as touching my Religion, this I say, so often as I call to mind and consider the great love and kindness of God the Father, showed on me unworthy one, in that he hath created me like unto his own Image, and given me also his Law, for that I might live therein; And, which is much more, hath out of his mere love and mercy, and of our part undeserved, sent his son Christ to be a Saviour of the world, etc. So stand I Religatus or bond again, (that is to say, Religious) to love my Lord and God (which loveth me so entirely) with all my soul, heart, and might; and for His love's sake to love my neighbour as myself: To love my Prince and all that bear authority under her; to live as a subject under her Laws, and humane Ordinances: And finally, to walk uprightly, peaceably, and brotherly among all people in all love: And this is only to be obtained at God's hand by prayer, and humble submission under the obedience of God's holy word, through the comforting of the Holy Ghost, or Spirit of Love, of which spirit God hath promised to shed forth, upon his sons and daughters plentifully, now in these last days, like as is manifest in the Service of Love. And therefore I acknowledge, that whosoever now shall refuse to incline or endeavour himself, for to walk in the same small or narrow way, being called or warned thereto out of love, by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to live in such a groundly faith of Jesus Christ, in such a true Religion, and upright obedience to God and Governors, and in all subjection under God's holy Laws, and manly Ordinances: and likewise in such a brotherly love towards his neighbour, and peaceable life towards all men, as I have here rehearsed, and likewise, as is more at large expressed, in the holy Scriptures and in the Service of Love: He is doubtless out of the true faith of God and Christ, and erreth very much, and shall not, neither now, nor hereafter (unless they repent in time) find mercy with God, or yet through Christ obtain remission of his sins, inherit the kingdom of heaven, or yet become saved. It is very true: therefore consider advisedly of it in time.  Countryman. 
Tell me how comest thou by this understanding,? or by what means was it made manifest unto thee?  Exile. 
Through the obedience of the word of God the Father, ministered out of the love of Jesus Christ, through the holy Spirit of love, and in the Cross of Jesus Christ, etc. out of which ministration, all things needful to be known, so well things natural as spiritual, are at large laid open, the true discipline frequented, all grounds of Religion, with all manner of errors, nakedly declared, the truth manifested: And also all people both Christian and Heathen, Jew or Gentile, or of what Nation or Religion whatsoever, etc. are lovingly called and warned, to repentance and reformation of life: likewise forewarned of the great plagues, unlucky misery and woe, that will speedily, and unawares come upon all unrepenting sinners, and licentious Scripture-learned, to their utter condemnation in the fire of hell, among whom I have been chief; and now what am I poor sinner, that I should not submit myself, to such a gracious warning, and repent ere ever Gods heavy wrath and indignation, in his righteous judgement fall upon me to my utter destruction.  Countryman. 
But what thinkest thou of our learned Preachers in these our days, whilst many of them haply, have not heard or read of such a ministration out of love, as thou speakest of here; or else, if they have heard of it, they have not perhaps so well considered thereof as it seems thou hast done, art thou against them?  Exile. 
I am against no learned Preacher, which advertizeth the people to repentance, godliness, peace, obedience, and love; and so long as they love God, and his righteousness, they have, I suppose, all heard of the ministration of Love; and have many read and seen of the Books, though perhaps they have not understood them effectually, or rightly considered the mind of the Author therein; for had they so done, then would they not verily have spoken so much evil of them, as they have done, unless (as I cannot so think as yet) they did obstinately hate God, and abhor all righteousness, peace and love, neither yet would they have imprisoned, not so shamefully slandered so many simple souls, which upon admonition from the destruction, given them in the Service of Love, have had an unfeigned desire to repent and amend their lives, although some of them haply are, in certain points through ignorance or fear.  Countryman. 
Wilt thou then take part with, and justify the Author and his Books, and so condemn our learned Preachers?  Exile. 
I will neither take part with, nor yet justify the Author, nor yet any of his Books, but will leave them to answer for themselves; neither do I meddle with things therein, which are above my capacity. Notwithstanding, all what I find therein written (or else where) that advertiseth me to repentance, godliness of life, obdience to God and Governors, love towards God and my neighbour, and peace towards all men, according to the Scriptures; that must I needs think well of. Nevertheless, if he or his Books be not able to answer for themselves, so then will not I answer for them: neither will I before a Law-judge, condemn any, whether learned or unlearned, but leave that unto those, unto whom judgement doth belong.  Countryman. 
I cannot mislike thy Answers, yet notwithstanding, some may haply gather of such like words, as thou hast here spoken unto us, That the Author of those aforesaid Books, with all you that are now termed of the Family of Love, go altogether about to put down that Religion which her Majesty hath now set up and allowed, and to bring it to nought: And in so doing, forasmuch as she is chief Governess of the same Church, etc. it may be imaged that ye are so against the State: yea and perhaps such like matters, have been put either into her Majesty's head, or else into some of her honourable Counsellors heads: And thereupon it is come to pass, that you are by some of our learned Preachers, termed for Libertines; yet all this notwithstanding, I will not give any rash credit or judgement therein, until I have first heard thee speak of it.  Exile. 
I give you most hearty thanks therefore: Then first of all I beseech you, let me know what you call the Religion that is set up, or at the least wise willed so to be, by her Majesty, and allowed: so shall I the better give you an answer therein, according to my simple skill.  Countryman. 
It is to preach the Gospel plainly and sincerely, out of God's holy Spirit, that all people learned or unlearned, may so well by their life as by their Doctrine, understand the same to their endless comfort and salvation; and so to express a true belief in God the Father, and in Christ our Saviour, to expel all idolatry, to abandon and abolish all foreign powers, to administer the Sacraments and Ceremonies of the Church uniformly in their right Order: To obey the Queen's Majesty, and live under her Laws and humane Ordinances, acknowledging her as chief Governess in all causes, etc. here (under Christ) in this Realm of England and Ireland, etc.  Exile. 
This certainly is a good Religion, were it once generally put in ure: notwithstanding, whatsoever men list to imagine of us; that may they, we cannot let them: But hear me, and I will tell you, as it shall be found in the truth; Were all his Books of whom we spoke, rightly considered of with indifferency, so should they be found assistances in all, to this aforesaid Religion, and not hindrances: For, did the Preachers first, and then the people, according to his writing, and admonition in the Service of Love, viz. repent them, and follow such counsel as is expressed by him, in the same: so should not doubt the Gospel then be sincerely preached, according to her Majesty's mind, and the true belief published to the salvation of many: All idolatry and foreign power, as well inwardly as outwardly, expulsed and driven away: The Sacraments and Ceremonies of the Church should then be rightly administered: The Queen's Majesty obeyed, not for fear, but rather out of love, and acknowledged as chief Governess in all causes, etc. as is meet; And which is more, the Lords heavy wrath whereof he hath often warned us, in the Ministration of Love; and alas, which also I fear me is at hand, for our wickedness cause, should then be easily appeased. And then yet moreover, whereas many times it happeneth, that the Prince is taken away for sins cause of the people, her Majesty should then reign prosperously amongst us, in all those her good erterprises; and should also live unto a good old age; all discord should then cease and come to an end; and so we, in the Realm of England, should live joyfully, in all tranquillity, godliness, obedience and love; and be safely protected of God and his holy Angels, from the danger of any adversary worldly or ghostly: But to say, that we be Libertines, that is not so: and who so shall look rightly into the Service of Love, he shall well perceive, that therein is no liberty to sin given or taught. We are indeed frail, and full of infirmities, and have all need of God's mercy; therefore our desire is, that we might obtain such grace and power with God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby we might so repent us of our sins past, that we might henceforth leave off from our wicked ways, more and more take up our Cross on us against the sin, die even so daily with Christ, and so imitate him in death and life, until such time as we become raised up again, with Jesus Christ in a new true life; for that we might by such means escape, the horrible plagues and miseries, which now in these last times, are in coming over all licentious Libertines, and unrepenting obstinate sinners: For other rejoicing have we not, then alone in the cross, death, bloodshedding, and resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ. And as for the Libertines and who they be, I have sufficiently expressed before in six notes. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear, and who lists not, may choose.  Countryman. 
But yet, this one thing I know for a surety, that thou and thy company, are not only suspected to be superstitious Papists; but also it is thought that this ministration called the Service of Love, is published forth to the end, to maintain all superstition and abuse in the Roman Religion: and witted we two so much, then doubtless we would not once deal therewith, nor yet talk with thee any farther, wherefore I pray thee yet once again, that thou wouldst for my further satisfying in this behalf, show us thy mind therein, ere ever we do part hence.  Exile. 
The truth is (so far forth as I can perceive) that the Author of those Books, in his Ministration out of Love, doth neither maintain or allow any manner of Superstition, frequented in the Roman or Popish Church; But he, indeed, seemeth to open and disclose the first ground of the same Religion, and the signification of every thing, so well Sacraments as Ceremonies, frequented and allowed in the same Church, willing every one that shall hap to dwell, where he must live under the same Sacraments and Ceremonies, and where the same are by the Laws of the Land allowed and commanded, to obey the Rulers and their Laws, and for obedience cause, not to rebel in any case against their Rulers, but rather to go to the Church where the same are administered; and there to mark only upon the signification of the same; and what a Christian life and obedience to God and Governors, the same in their right signification, do ask and require of them.  
And yet he acknowledgeth them not otherwise, but as Sacraments, Ceremonies, Signs, Images, Figures, or shadows of good and holy things, etc. But above all, he exhorteth all to the humble obedience, peaceable and Christian life, which those do figure forth: And as for us, I put you out of doubt, we do likewise utterly detest all superstitious Papistry; but we most chiefliest do desire, that the same true obedience and godly life (which is Christ Jesus) might increase itself more and more, in us, and in many.  Countryman. 
That life indeed is the best, but why doth he call his ministration the Service of Love, and those that take warning thereat, why are they termed the Family of Love? show me thy understanding herein, because such a name seemeth to me, as also to many as yet, very straying?  Exile. 
I will tell you according to my simple understanding, and as I gather by such writings of his, as I have read in the Service of Love, Forasmuch as all the generations of men on earth, so well Jew as Gentile, Christian as Heathen, Papist as Protestant, yea of what Religion soever, have now in these last horrible days, not only most grieviously transgressed Gods holy Commandments; but also (every one in his) is far away digressed, from the first ground whereon they were set: and are yet moreover (even with the old world, and with those of Sodom and Gomorah) run into all licentiousness and carelessness of life provoking thereby God's just wrath and heavy indignation: So that of his justice, he might therefore worthily have destroyed us (like as in the days of Noah) even all the children of men. Yet notwithstanding he hath now, as a gracious Father, and according to his wont mercy, pitied the generations of men: And therefore hath once again, according to his promises, warned all people upon the earth, through this his ministration out of Love, to repent and turn, every one from his wicked ways, believe the Gospel, become baptised, & so be preserved ere ever the great woe, misery, plagues & unlucky judgements fall suddenly & unawares upon all unrepenting, and unbelieving sinners, and licentious Scripture-learned, or Libertines, to their condemnation in the fire of hell: All these plagues (saith he) and many more are like to come shortly on us all, if we take scorn to be warned by these latter lovely admonitions, etc. which he termeth, A service of ministration out of the Spirit of Love or of God, wherewith the man is served or ministered unto, to his preservation: & therefore he calls it oftentimes The Service of Love; Further, why he calleth all those that repent and amend their ways, upon the admonition thereof the Family of Love is this, because he thinks them meet to bear such a high name, the whilst, that being so graciously served and warned thereby, they so desire as God's children, to love God as chief, and their neighbour as themselves, to obey their Prince and Governors, to live obediently under their Laws: as also to deal uprightly, brotherly, and faithfully with all men in all love, testifying even so aright, and according to the truth, that they only are the true Christians, which lead a Christian life, and not the talkers thereof; And thus much concerning my understanding therein.  Countryman. 
But how cometh it to pass then (tell me) that you are now almost of all men, as well great as small, yea rich as poor, but especially of the learned Preachers, bruited forth and that most odiously; for the most detestable Sectaries or Heretics, that ever reigned on the earth; yea, and as people not worthy to live in a Commonwealth?  Exile. 
What be those brutes wherewith we are so bruited? tell me, and I will answer you so near as I can according to truth.  Countryman. 
These they are: Some say, you deny Christ, the Trinity, and the Lords prayer; others say, that you are Libertines, and lie one with another's wife, desiring to have all men's goods in common; likewise some say, you would have no Magistrates, and that you account whoredom, murder, poisoning, etc. to be no sin: as likewise that you deny the resurrection of the flesh, and the immortality of the soul: Others say, you justify yourselves by your works without Christ, and that you condemn the Scriptures, and would not have them used; as also that you say, you live without sin: yea and some say, you are against the State. And moreover, that you will obey Turk, Pope, or any other of what Religion whatsoever, under whom you dwell: as likewise whatsoever you say, when you are commanded by a Magistrate, to render an account of your Faith or Religion, you use to dissemble, and mean not the same that you say; with hundreds more, too much here to recite.  Exile. 
O Almighty and most merciful Father, thou which always showest mercy to such as love Thee, and keep thy Commandments, thou knowest, our Religion, is only to love Thee as chief, & our neighbour as ourselves, according to thy holy word: To obey our Governors, and to live under their Laws, not once calling in doubt, that this Church is now in subjection under heathenish Magistrates, which command the things that thou hast forbidden. Look down O Lord we beseech thee, and behold our misery; let us not now be driven away from our dutiful obedience, which we own to thee, and to these thy Magistrates and Governors, for any manner of fear, tyranny, and false brutes, of such as live not under thy Law. Alas, Countryman, alas! we are indeed grossly abused, by some that teach men disobedience to Magistrates and Laws, falsely citing that piece of Scripture, It is better to obey God then men: by that, drawing the people's hearts from obedience to fantasies: and which of all is most dangerous, when even their own company, are by the high powers dealt withal herein, than their teachers say of us, Those be they that will have no Governors, etc. Thus grievously slandered are we, as thou hast said: So while they set all men to wonder at us, for the thing wherein they are guilty themselves, and not we; they have (the more is the pity) sufficient opportunity, to perform their malice, and to establish their purpose; which God grant that the Magistrates may at last, though now very late, discern throughly. Notwithstanding, if these their false brutes, should be credited of the Magistrate, (as God forbidden) then alas we were without remedy, or hope of justice at their hands, and must be condemned, yea, although we were never heard.  Countryman. 
Be of good cheer, Exile, and let no such things astonish thee; for be sure thou shalt find the Magistrates, not only wise, honourable, and learned; but also such as will graciously hear every one's cause with justice, and reform in time that which is amiss: Wherefore I pray thee yet further, show me the cause where out such brutes are raised and proceed against you.  Exile. 
It cometh to pass hereout, forasmuch as many in reading the Books of H. N. (out of which Books we also are charged to have gathered Heresies) will take upon them contrary to all justice and equity, to judge, determine, and expound our mind and understanding therein, according to their sinister conceiving of the matter. And thereupon have not only thrown us into dungeons and prisons, to our great loss and hindrance; but also have published forth such like innumerable lies, and most horrible defamations against us; reporting the same notwithstainding to the people, and that out of their preaching places, for an infallible truth, whereas many of them, never as yet talked with any of us, whereby they might first know what Heresies we hold, and have gathered out of the said Books, and so are these their unjust brutes and slanders, believed of many, and published abroad for an infallible truth; and no marvel: for (will you see the devil) who would have thought I pray you, or supposed, that the learned Preachers of these days, could have spoken forth (whether it were out of report, of of malicious envy) so many horrible lies, and blasphemies against so harmless a people, which never as yet gave them, not any man else any cause thereto.  Countryman. 
Yet hast thou not fully satisfied me, as what manner of people those be that thus shamefully use to blaspheme and persecute you, wherefore I pray thee tell me that.  Exile. 
Mark my words and I shall tell you a great and dangerous matter, and also satisfy your demand, what they be that now chief seek thus injuriously to deal with us: Understand, there are by her Majesty and her good Laws, appointed for every spiritual promotion, and office within her dominion, chosen men to perform all that function, as Bishops, Deans, Parsons, Vicars, Prebendaries, Preachers, etc. Besides which Officers and spiritual Governors, there are crept in also, some by the favour of one man, and some by another, certain others, which are scattered almost the land through, which also have gotten great stipends, out of men's Benevolence: And these preach without either order from her Majesty, or any public Authority; yea, & supposed to be to the number of four or five thousand: & note moreover, these pay no Tenths nor Subsidies, and yet impoverish them that should. Also, they cry out against all spiritual Offices and Officers, although they be found meet for that function by learned men, and thereto have authority by Laws and Statutes confirmed: They say notwithstanding & teach others to call them dumb-dogs, and sleeping-hounds, with such like names: which thing to redress, her Majesty hath granted Commission: But wots you what, those for whose reformation the same was granted, have so prettily handled the matter, that they either by substitution of Commission, or else by some other trick, have now to deal in the Commission themselves by their own hands, and so compel men to yield to these dangerous attempts, by whom also now we are thus strangely handled.  
Now see, Countryman, whether this be not a strange Metamorphosis, when the offenders against all Laws, are made Judges over the true observers of all good Laws, and reverence●s of all Authority: let all wise, honourable, and courteous hearts consider advisedly hereof; for it is high time.  Countryman. 
But yet, although they be not able to recompense you touching such injuries, as you have sustained at their hands, may not they all notwithstanding possibly repent them thereof and amend; and so you and they henceforth join together in one heart of godly love, viz. To love God above all, and your neighbour as yourselves: to obey the Queen, and Governors, and to live under her 〈◊〉 and Ordinances, as likewise to use all reasonable dealing and friendliness, amongst all men, like as becometh true Christians to do, according to the Scriptures, and Service of Love?  Exile. 
Yea verily; the possibility thereof is of the Lord to all, and among all that stand good willing thereunto, and can believe; And that it might even so come to pass we all do, and will pray unto the Lord both night and day: upon our knees.  Countryman, 
Yet one thing more I have to demand of thee, which is this: For as much as our learned Preachers, yea, and especially, those which have done you such injuries as aforesaid, do in words advertise the people to love God and their neighbours, obey the Queen and her Governors and to live under their Laws; as also to lead an upright life like as H.N. doth admonish all the generations on earth, in the same Service of Love▪ What then is the difference between them and you▪  Exile. 
Look a little into the matter with me, I beseech thee: There are very many found in these days, that believe of God and of Christ, but yet very few that endeavour themselves, through true repentance and newness of life, under the obedience of God's holy Word, as is aforesaid, for to believe rightly in God and in Christ, that is, so as God and Christ might dwell in them, and they in him: Lo hereby are the children of God known from the children of the devil: and this is the very difference between them and us. And therefore the holy Law of God or Commandments, which they teach to be observed upon pain of damnation; and yet have not any lust thereunto themselves; and then again in the end, confess it to be impossible for any man to accomplish or live the same; That do we with all our hearts desire to observe and keep, believing the possibility thereof to consist only in the Lord our God; and that the accomplishment of the same, shall in time come to pass in us, and all that believe, by the might of God the Father, through Jesus Christ. Consider advisedly thereof, all you that be wise.  Countryman, 
Now I do perceive that the difference betwixt them and you, is not much to speak of, and in few words this: what they say the same, you desire to do: and this is not any more than is betwixt heaven and earth, light and darkness, flesh and spirit, etc. Selah▪ And I think thou hast spoken all this out of the ground of three heart without either dissimulation or guile.  Exile. 
Yea verily, and even so the Lord increase his love in me, and in many, Amen. Neither have I done this without cause, as some both honourable and worshipful with others in her Majesty's Court knoweth: But like as I have sustained many great and grievous injuries: so have I also, according to God's holy word, expressed in the Ministration of Love, humbled myself in all stillness and patience, under the obedience of the 〈◊〉 of Jesus Christ, and h●… Cross▪ And now again hath the same love constrained he; partly for the clearing of myself, against so many odious and intolerable brutes and defamations, that have been spread forth against me to my utter undoing, and also partly for the satisfying of others which are brought there through into great mistrust fullness of us and our Religion, to write this little devi●e, 〈…〉 will to any one of the ignorant resisters of the Love of God, & his mercy towards them, neither yet towards any one of any adversaries; O no, but I rather wish unto them, as also to all people on earth, gra●e so to humble themselves, under the obedience of the word of God the Father, which is ministered out of the love of Jesus Christ now in these las days, that they with us, and we with them, through true repentance, in one consent of godly love and one obedience might 〈◊〉 stones be coupled, and fast builded up in Jesus Christ, to one holy Tabernacle, Temple, Family, Habitation or house of Love or of God: for as much as God is Love, and so henceforth to be no more but one God, one Faith, one Baptism, one Christ, one Lord, one Saviour in us all, over us all▪ and amongst us all, in all love, Amen. To whom with the Holy Ghost, be all laud and thanksgiving for ever and ever, Amen.  Countryman. 
The God of love & peace make us all meet to be of such an holy Family, Amen. In very deed Exile, now am I fully persuaded and do find it in the truth, that the obedience to the word of God the Father, through the ministration of the Love of Jesus Christ, which consequently requireth all dutiful obedience to Magistrates and Governors, is the very way to attain to the right spirit of wisdom, or key of the holy understanding without which spirit, the holy Scriptures have always been, and so shall still remain for ever, as a fast sealed Book, which no man amongst all the wise of the world, or Scripture-learned, could ever open or unlock; forasmuch as it appertaineth to the Lamb Christ only, that meek-minded spirit, fast grounded in Love, to open the same; But what shall I say more? Alas Exile alas, that ever it should be found true, or recorded in writing, especially in these days of our most gracious Queen Elizabeth, that upright Christians, and truehearted subjects, should suffer such cruel persecution. Oh alas woe is me, who shall give to mine eyes tears sufficient, that I might weep enough for the miseries cause, which I now see coming swiftly over the face of the whole earth▪ Alas, how will it now go with all those Libertines, and licentious Scripture-learned, which have out of their good thinking knowledge, and without the spirit of the Lord, thus seduced the ignorant, abused her Majesty's Laws and Ordinances, blasphemed the Love of God and her Ministers, and persecuted simple and true hearted subjects, which have not resisted them: Now shall they be found happy which have done well, and whose days are ended on the earth; for they shall not see the misery, which for the wickednesses cause that presently do abound, must fall over all the children of men. Alas, whither then shall all the children of men fly, that they might escape all those horrible plagues? Well, we are right sorry for thee and thy company; and yet much more sorry for those which have brought this trouble upon you; for we do well perceive, that you have been injured, slandered, and persecuted overmuch. God give them hearts to repent, that have wrought you this injury, and give you all in the mean time patience to bear the same: God be merciful and gracious to thee and thy company, which now are spoken evil of, and give to the persecuted and Exiled such favour, in the eyes of her gracious Majesty, that they may in some convenient time, have liberty, to walk forth freely unmolested; and that your orderly and good life, may show that you love God and his Laws.  
That they all may at some convenient time have liberty, to walk forth freely, unmolested; and your orderly and good life may show that you love God and his Laws, and that your subjection may testify, that you live under her Laws obediently, not disturbing any one about Religion, but walking yourselves uprightly, and brotherly among all men, as becometh the Gospel.  
FINIS.