a faithful discovery of a treacherous design of mystical antichrist displaying christs banners, but attempting to lay waste scriptures, churches, christ, faith, hope, &c. and establish paganism in england. seasonably given in a letter to the faithful in and near to beverley. containing an examination of many doctrines of the people called quakers in yorkshire, together with a censure of their way, and several items concerning the designs of god, satan, and men, in these things, recommended to the consideration of them who are in good earnest for christ. pomroy, john. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a85173 of text r202092 in the english short title catalog (thomason e699_13). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. 146 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 34 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a85173 wing f568 thomason e699_13 estc r202092 99862499 99862499 114660 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a85173) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 114660) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; 108:e699[13]) a faithful discovery of a treacherous design of mystical antichrist displaying christs banners, but attempting to lay waste scriptures, churches, christ, faith, hope, &c. and establish paganism in england. seasonably given in a letter to the faithful in and near to beverley. containing an examination of many doctrines of the people called quakers in yorkshire, together with a censure of their way, and several items concerning the designs of god, satan, and men, in these things, recommended to the consideration of them who are in good earnest for christ. pomroy, john. feake, christopher, fl. 1645-1660. glisson, paul. kellet, joseph. [8], 59, [1] p. printed by h. hills for thomas brewster, and are to be sold at the three bibles in pauls church-yard, london, : 1653. authors' note "to the reader" signed: john pomroy, paul glissen, joseph kellet. "an advertisement to the reader" signed: christopher feak. john simpson. george cokayn. lawrence wise. annotation on thomason copy: "june 12". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng society of friends -controversial literature -early works to 1800. familists -controversial literature -early works to 1800. christian life -early works to 1800. a85173 r202092 (thomason e699_13). civilwar no a faithful discovery of a treacherous design of mystical antichrist displaying christs banners, but attempting to lay waste scriptures, chur pomroy, john 1653 26282 44 70 0 0 0 0 43 d the rate of 43 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the d category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2007-08 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2007-09 apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2007-11 elspeth healey sampled and proofread 2007-11 elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a faithfvl discovery of a treacherous design of mystical antichrist displaying christs banners , but attempting to lay waste scriptures , churches , christ , faith , hope , &c. and establish paganism in england . seasonably given in a letter to the faithful in and near to beverley . containing an examination of many doctrines of the people called quakers in yorkshire , together with a censure of their way , and several items concerning the designs of god , satan , and men , in these things , recommended to the consideration of them who are in good earnest for christ . london , printed by h. hills for thomas brewster , and are to be sold at the three bibles in pauls church-yard , 1653. an advertisement to the reader . if in any age the devil hath transformed himself into an angel of light , or his apostles and ministers have transformed themselves into the apostles and ministers of christ , they have done so in this apostatizing age , in which we live ; yea , they have been more cunning , subtil , and seemingly spiritual in transforming themselves in this age , than ever they were in any foregoing generation : sathan is now acting his part upon his stage , with all deceivableness of unrighteousnes , and shall continue to act like unto himself , and beyond his former actings , untill the angel cast him into the bottomless pit , and shut him up , and set a seal upon him , that he may deceive the nations no more , &c. for by how much he shall perceive his kingdom neerer unto a period , by so much every day he and his factors will shew themselves politickly active for the supporting and exalting of his hellish and tottering kingdome ; and as god hath , doth , and will enlighten his saints and witnesses more and more towards the end of antichrists reign , and the beginning of the calling of the jews to christ ; so the dragon , that old serpent , hath , doth , and will more and more fill his agents , and instruments , with a diabolical spirit of madness , and delusions . hence it is , that whensoever god hath drawn neer unto any countrey or city in the light of his gosspel , to dispel popish and antichristian darkness , the devil hath usually in such countries , and cities , raised up a sort of new and spirituall antichristians , which are far worse than those grosse and popish antichristians , who live in the midst of antichrists babylonish territories and dominions . and as the summers sun is accompanied with divers catterpillers , and venomous creatures , so many venomous principles and practises have discovered themselves in the profession and lives of some , where the gospel hath gloriously shined for the inlivning and enlightning of others . wherefore as solomon did apply his heart to know wisdome , and the wickedness of folly and madness ; so christians are not to be discommended , who do endeavour to know the mystical errors of the new antichristians , which are risen up among us , that they may avoid them ; and may be furnished with abilities to declare against them . and the pains and labors of such are worthy of commendation , who by their tongues or pens , do endeavour to lay open the riddles and misteries of satan and his instruments unto a discovery . among whom these brethren are to be justly , and deservedly honoured ; who have pithily , solidly and christianly , discovered some of the serpentine errors , and delusive misteries of the familists and quakers . the blessing of him who dwelt in the bush , be upon the indeavours of these brethren , and prosper this small book , which hath much in it for the battering of error , and the maintaining of truth according to scripture , which is the prayer of us , who can subscribe our selves , friends to all saints . christopher feak . john simpson . george cokayn . lawrence wise . to the reader . reader , providence hath by sundry steps led us thus to write , and after that to publish these papers , beside our first intentions which aimed them for the use and edification of certain our friends near us , wherefore thou hast them so directed . the occasion of our writing was the dispersing of some papers amongst us , out of which we drew those doctrines and exhortations which we examine . and having the advantage of some former knowlodge of that way which helped us to look beyond their insinuating expressions , and principles , more accommodated to the relish of many professors , we took warning ( though it is our grief and hinderance ) to hold a sword in one hand while we build with the other . we do not mention the names of persons , nor transcribe their writings , because they are well known to them to whom we wrote , and we know our innocency in not accusing falsely ; besides that since we wrote we have seen some papers printed conteining the like things . to insist on that wherein they differ not from us we think it needlesse , besides that the difference is so great that we cannot comfortably in this place join in any testimony with them . our brevity craves thy better attention , but we do advertise thee that the deceipts lie so much out of thy sudden view ( if thou hast read their papers ) that if thou have not patience to weigh our reasons , and ponder our scriptures , thou mayst do the truth and us wrong , and thy self also ; yet mayst thou suppose that we would not thus write if we were not ready to pass by the scornful , despise the railers , and answer the sober that shall further examine us , or in modesty reprove us . if thou thinkest our labours might have been spared , and that these delusions will fall of themselves shortly , we say amen to it as thy prayer ; in the mean time we may not despise a temptation , or neglect our friends . if thou blame us for not doing it so well as thou couldst do , or wishest it were , bear with the extravagancy of our love , and if thou wilt own the sin of thy silence , we will own the shame of our weaknesses , who indeed have neither skill nor time to do as we would . neverthelesse such as we are , we would be faithfull in a little , and if our god will accept our mite , and blesse our labours herein for the discovery of errour , and preserving our christian friends known and unknown ( if not also for the recovery of them who are in the snare ) then have we some answer of our prayers , and recompence of our labours , who ever shall be ( through grace ) the lords and his peoples more than our own , john pomroy , paul glissen , joseph kellet . the courteous reader is desired to amend the misprintings here mentioned , as page 2 line 33. for same , read fanne , p. 14. l. 19. blot out his , p. 20. l. 31. for varily , r. verily , p. 21. l. 2. for to his , r. in his , l 4 for it , r. them , p. 26. l. 19. for of jesus , r. to jesus , p. 33. l. 1. for at it last may becomes , r. at last ( it may be ) comes , p. 35 ▪ l. 6. for fits , r. fits , p. 37. l. 8. for what this , r. what of this , p. 44. l. ●4 . for propiety ▪ r. propriety , p. 46. l. 1. for boasts , r. boasted , p. 51. l. 10. for al false witness , r. all false ; witness — p. 46. l. 4. for proof this , r. l proof of this . to our dear and christian friends in and near to beverly , who are of doubtful mind in this hour of temptation , enquiring after the way of god more perfectly , which some say is found among the separated people , called quakers , truth and peace be multiplyed . god , who commanded the light to shine out of darknesse , having given us , of his meer grace , to know something of the mystery of godlinesse , and the mystery of iniquity ( which now worketh ) hath mov'd our compassions toward the scattered lambs of the flock of god round about us , and ingaged us to overlook our weaknesses , and ( in this time of sinfull silence ) to cast in our testimony to the truth of the gospel , while some privily bring in damnable heresies , denying the lord who bought them . we cannot wonder , though we cannot but grieve , that many simple-hearted should listen to the voice of strangers , who come in the semblance of christ , remembring that we our selves have been tempted , and some of our feet had almost slipped . now therefore by our faith , hope , and rejoicing in christ jesus , and from our observations and experiences of satans devices , we testify to you , that the deceiver of the nations hath found out a way wherein one may retire from the faith and not be called a back-slider , but a christian of higher growth . his designs are deep and desperate , but in subserviency thereto , he doth ( through the sufferance of god ) make use of some ( otherwise wel-meaning , yet over-hasty of belief ) as stales and coies to bring the simple into his nets , while he in others lyes in wait to deceive . we shall not mention those doctrines of devills , which some imbrace , and the basphemous notions of religious atheism , though those are but higher degrees of that light , or rather darknesse , which we shall advertize you of in these papers ; but we shall examine certain doctrines and exhortations which are contained in sundry papers which are scattered in the country , and asserted by some who go about deceiving , and being deceived . we do confesse that there are many words of truth , and some of precious concernment , that come from some of them , and sundry things which have an aim , as it were , and guesse , at the state of the church , when the new jerusalem comes down from heaven : but what design the deceiver hath to forestall those blessed expectations , or bring an odium on them , and by those cloking truths to out off many corrupt notions , will be manifested in our discourse . surely could we see a simple tendency in those warnings , rebukes , exhortations , which they abound with , to awaken this perverse generation to look after jesus christ , and direct their steps into the way of righteousnes and true peace , we should rejoice that there were so many touched at heart , and brought to the lord , though they walk not with us : nevertheless we shall not forbear to own what words of truth we shall find , though we think it meet , especially intending brevity , not to insist upon those doctrines wherein they differ not from us , for the word of the lord came not out from them , neither came it onely to them ; but where they seem to us to be mingled with deceits , those whatsoever , in what moderation the truth allows , we shall make to pass under the same , for what is the chaff to the wheat ? saith the lord . now dearly beloved we beseech you to observe how by a kind of majestie of seeming oracle they do , as by authority , sit down in the chair of judgement , and as the onely skillfull to direct the paths of the children of men they give their advice , saying , forsaking all your teachers without . mind the light which is in you , which they say is christ , and — is pure , and — that it discovers every evill which ariseth in the heart , and that power accompanies that light in them that yield up themselves to it , to subdue all the evil it discovers ; they also say , this light is the sure word of prophecy , and — the anointing from the holy one , so that they that have it , as they say all men have , need not that any man teach them , but as thatvnction teacheth them , which is truth and no ly . o how is their wine mingled with water , untill it lose its vertue , its colour , though it keep the name of gospell ! it must alwaies be remembred that they intend that light which enlighteneth every man that comes into the world , wherefore this exhortation is by them directed to all them expressely who are the children of this world . now let him that heareth when they say mind the light in you , and observe not any outward teachers or teachings , consider 1. whether this maketh not the scriptures of the testament of god unnecessary ; which through the abounding mercy of the father of lights are superadded revelations of his mind and love , which are no where found but there . 2. whether this admonition brings not down the glorious mysteries of the scriptures to the censure of the spirit of light in man , yea in every man , and so natural men ; although the scriptures say they grope after god , as men at midnight or without sight . 3. whether this intends not to disoblige you from every rule or duty which is not yet in your mind , leaving you to be guided by conscience , whether rightly or wrongly informed , there being no appeal left from the apprehensions of our uncertain minds to any standing , certain rule without , contrary to isa. 8. 20. 4. whether this establish not heathenish philosophy , which seeks the repair of natural light , without scripture principles , as equall with the scriptures , which some in this way elsewhere who are scholars have avouched , although paul rejected it , col. 2. 7. 8. we write thus from a godly jealousie , lest as the serpent beguiled eve , first weakning the authority of the word , afterward denying the truth of it , so he should deal with some of you . 5. consider whether this take not away the advantage of having the oracles of god ( rom. 3. 2. ) which was committed to the jews to transmit unto the generations to come , that the gentiles might be acquainted with , and built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles . 6. we leave it further to the spirituall to judge how farr this reflects disparagement on jesus , who owned , expounded , and commanded to search the scriptures , answered satan and men out of them . 7. also how it reproacheth the end of gifts , ephes. 4. 12. for the perfecting of the saints ( who are far beyond naturall men ) and the order of the churches . 8. and the ordinary standing way of god for the conversion of sinners by the preachers or publishers of the gospell , rom. 10. 14 , 15. for if every one that commeth into the world hath light in him sufficient to salvation , and that they ought to mind that light onely , what lesse can follow than what hath been propounded ? but you are not ignorant , brethren and beloved , that there are sundry things to be attended as gods will and mind , in commands , prophecies , promises , &c. which are not known by any light of nature , of which sort is the whole doctrine of faith , and hope , or the gospel , which never entred into the heart of man , in the highest attainments of nature , to conceive , neither can the natural man receive them ; neither can the prudence of man in the flesh be subject to , or in amity with them , but opposeth the hearing of faith , untill gods outstretched arm work faith , accounting it foolishnesse ; we being , until faith , alienated and enemies to god in our minds , reconciled onely by or in the body of the flesh of the man christ jesus , who is god blessed for ever . there is indeed a law from mount sinai , which is a repetition of that law which was once written in mans heart , which cannot but own what it could not so fully dictate ; if then that light in man was not sufficient to its proper end , namely to direct and judg , in matters of morall righteousnesse , but it was necessary that the law should enter ( on mount sinai ) as an exact rule , that offences , which before were not manifest , might abound in the eyes of the sinner , how much lesse could that law which brings the knowledge of sin and the curse , justify and glorify ? wherefore the gospel or law from mount sion , the law of faith , leads us in a newway , by the mediatour who came to do what the law on mount sinai , or in mans heart , could not do , rom. 8. 3. hence is it that man naturally runs to mount sinai for righteousness and life , in his personal obedience , which these men put you upon , and man so easily closeth with , contrary to the gospel , which is not first known by seeing within , but hearing tidings without , isa. 53. 1. rom. 10. 14. luke 24. 47. as for the nations that never heard , or do not hear the gospel and scriptures , we will not enter into gods secrets , but this we are bold to say , 1. that the knowledge or faith of christ justifyes , and there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved , act. 4. 12. 2. but we conceive not how christ is preached out but by them who bring the word of god , whose feet are beautiful . rom. 10. 14. 17. it is true that as the sun , described psal. 19. doth from east to west proceed to enlighten the world , so hath the sun of righteousnesse ( whose tabernacle is in the heaven of the church ) enlightned the eastern countryes , which this sun hath left in the dark , though he now shines amongst us . thus is the word nigh us , christ in his gospel comming to our doors , and not leaving us to travel to jerusalem ( as of old ) to hear the word of the lord , which yet is nigh to us ( though he be in heaven and we on earth ) by faith , ver. 8. 9. ephes. 3. 17. 3. but yet if it should be evinced to us that the gospell was preached in every creature , yet it proveth not that it is so preached in every individual man , woman and child , as the ministry of paul ( in the same verse ) shall be needlesse , or that it was so before the incarnation of christ when as this mystery was hidden from ages and generations ( v. 26. ) and was manifested by preaching , as we read tit. 1. 3. compare this also with the sixt verse of the said 1 col. as for this nation in which we live , 1. it cannot be denyed but that in england the most have in their minds the history of the scripture , though they had not known it but for outward teaching . 2. we know also that the scripture-light which they have attained is not minded by them as the word of christ which shall judge them ; which it were well they were more told of , and did believe . 3. we acknowledge that every unregenerate man hath more power than he doth improve to obey light . 4 it may not be rejected by us as unlikely , that god by his spirit , which works by way of remembrance , may bring to mind words of gospel-truth , which a man hath read or heard without understanding or affection , and thereby quicken and turn men without any actual reading or hearing . yet in such a case , 1. it is the spirit brings to god by faith in christ . 2. and it is by scripture light , even the testimony of the apostles and prophets , which once was read or heard , else he could not know it . 3. it is not gods ordinary way , who usually for divers ends which might be mentioned , for the conversion of sinners makes use of his people and servants , according to the standing appointments of the kingdome of christ . whereby you may see the aim of these doctrines ( as mannaged by them ) is to hinder the gospel , pervert the faith , and destroy at once all the good which ever was done or is like to be ( through the grace of god ) by a godly ministry . nay how this tenet fighteth with their own practises , who leave not men to the light in them , but by words and papers industriously suggest to them their apprehensions ; and though they often quote the scriptures , yet , 1. it is but partially , and 2. not as the ground of their faith , but 3. chiefly as a staff to beat others with , or to shoot with them in their own bow . but blessed is that people whose ears hear that gospell which peter preached acts 10. even of christ dying at ierusalem for sinners , and rising again for justification of all them who shall believe , &c. yea rather blessed are they who receive it in word and power also , 1 thes. 1. 5. and that not as the word of man ( though ministred by man ) but as it is indeed the word of god , cha. 2. 13. and blessed are they to whom god sends his servants , as paul , to speak to them , and watch over them , for if by any meanes satan can , he will hinder the people of such a benefit , as ver. 18. for they are to be esteemed highly , 1. in love ; 2. for their works sake ; 3. because they are overseers of them in the lord , 4. and do admonish them , 1 thes. 5. 12 , 13. 5. and it is but ingenuity to acknowledge such who addict themselves to the ministry of the saints , by whom also their spirits are refreshed 1 cor. 16. 28. but we shall proceed to enquire into that doctrine which saith , the light in you ( which also enlighteneth every man that commeth into the world ) is christ . what then is become of the person of the mediatour , the man christ jesus ? 1 tim. 2. 5. heb. 7. 24. mind how they do secretly withdraw you from eying his death , resurrection , intercession , &c. for us , without us , while they make that ( at best ) but a shadow of what is done in us . so making the first and second adam not to be two men , but two things in every man . dear friends , doth nor the scripture speak to saints ( not every man ) when it saith christ in you the hope of glory , col. 1. 27. and that it was a mystery hidden from ages and generations , that ( when the partition wall was broken down ) the gentiles should be fellow-heires , and that it was manifested now , but only to the saints to whom god would shew the riches of the glory of this mystery , christ in you , collossians , gentiles ? moreover paul speaks of the saints , when he saith 2 cor. 5. 26 , 27. we know no man after the flesh , no not christ , which words after the flesh , may be referred to know as well as to man , and then it will be thus much , we know no man carnally or in the judgement of the flesh , no not christ ; besides it is a most evidently sound interpretation , we know no man as jew or gentile , circumcised or uncircumcised , bond or free , or in any such carnall consideration , to be advantaged or disadvantaged by it in order to salvation , but as he is a new creature or not . nay though the apostles have seen and known the lord jesus , a man , a visible shepheard , an outward teacher and instructer of them , and they had looked on him as the jews kinsman after the flesh , and thought afterwards that the jewes should onely have the benefit of his comming , and that he would then have restored the kingdome to israel , but now henceforth ( even since his ascension , and since our faith in him ) we for our parts know him so no more , but if any man be in christ , or of his body , he doth so know him , as to become by this knowledge and faith a new creature : as also we read ephes. 4. 20 , 21 , 22 , 23. but if any man contend to destroy our faith , and sleight the person of our glorifyed saviour ( for some of them say christ without will do us no good ) let such a man know , that the body of jesus christ at jerusalem was offered up to god for an atonement once for all , heb. 10. 10. and that no man cometh to god but by him , he. 7. 24. 10. 19 ▪ & that in this name onely is salvation and remission of sinnes to be preached , acts 10. 42. and that he that abideth not in this doctrine is a deceiver and antichrist , and may not be received into your houses , 2 john 9. 10. nay that we are not ashamed of that christ whom the iewes slew and hanged on a tree , nor the foolishnesse of this preaching , whereby he doth and shall save them that believe . far be it from us to think that christ is equally god incarnate in that sonne of mary , and in all saints ( nay in the whole creation , as some say ) for how is his flesh and blood given for the life of the world , taken and eaten by faith , and lived by ; exhibited in the lords supper for a memoriall from age to age untill he come ? how neer such come to trample on the blood of the covenant as a common thing , heb. 10. 29. we leave it to them with fear and trembling to examine . in the mean time it is most freely confessed by us , that god is the father of lights and lives , jam. 1. 17. psalm . 36. 9. natural and spirituall , and that the eternall word lightens every mans candle , the spirit of man being the candle of the lord , prov. 20. 27. whereby man sees the eternal power and godhead of god , rom. 1. 20. but nothing of the mystery of the father , and christ as mediatour is seen but only by the children of god , john 1. 13 , 14 ▪ john 16. 3. matth. 11. 27. col. 2. 2. further they say , this light ( before mentioned ) is pure . but how doth vain man justify what god condemns ? and would perswade us that nature is not corrupted , but that the soul is pure , and by its flesh commeth to be clogged , and by ill examples ( pride and passion &c. begetting or rather stirring up the like in others ) diverted from the rule of righteousnesse in the mind . it s true , if the eye were single , the body would be full of light , as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light ; but as the case stands , the scripture that concludes all under sin , concludes all under ignorance , saying , there is none that understandeth . their light in them is darknesse , and they children of the night ( for a dimme or bright candle makes not day ) and of darknesse , yea darknesse it self . their wisedome is foolishnesse , and the eyes of their understanding fast closed , untill the spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of christ open them , ephes. 1. 17 , 18. wherefore , as the disciples were clensed by the word of the gospel which christ had spoken to them , ioh. 15. 3. so we conclude that the unbelieving are blind , and impure in their consciences , tit. 1. 15. which concludes directly that the light of , or in conscience , before faith , is not pure . moreover they affirm , that this light discovers every evill as it ariseth in the heart . we answer , that the light which lightens every man that cometh into the world , discovers not the greatest evill , which is unbelief ▪ onely those sins which are against the morall law , as pride , covetousnesse , oppression , &c. which these cry out against , but never against unbelief , which is the condemning sin , and doth bind the guilt of all transgressions on the back of a sinner . now as the evil it discovers is legall , so is the righteousnesse this light brings in ; these principles directly establishing the works of the law . but though the law teach sin-denyall , yet its the gospel teaches self-denyall , even to live out of our own righteousnesse ( though performed by the grace of christ ) seeking peace and righteousnesse in and from him who dyed for us at ierusalem , who is now exalted to the throne of the heavenly majesty , from whence he sends the spirit of truth to convince the world of sin ( and we hope will convince some of these deluded ones ) because they believe not in him . but concerning other evills , we testify , that when the lord opened our eyes with his eye-salve , we saw iniquity abounding like the sand on the sea shore , and yet grace superabounding . we are not like to know how much we are beholding to our glorious redeemer , who hath borne them away , though they are innumerable , psal. 40. 12. who knoweth then o lord the errors of his life , and his secret faults ? for though some may dare to say their hands are clean , yet who can say his heart is clean , which is deceitfull above all things , who can know it , ier. 17. 9. though he watch its motions . we intend not in all this to cherish the sluggishnesse and watchlessnesse of people , but to shew to man the impossibility of re-entering paradise ( by obedience ) the same way that he left it ( by disobedience ) or that by any lesse light than of the sun we can discover those secret sinnes , especially unbelief , which are not discoverable by the candle-light of conscience as it comes into the world . yet further they boldly conclude , that power accompanies that light to destroy every evill as it appears in them that yield up themselves to it , and watch that their vain minds draw them not from abiding in the pure light of christ , thus , they say , is help layed on one mighty to save , even jesus christ , who is the author of eternall salvation to all them that obey him . it were a small thing , o all ye that passe by , if we and our names should sleep in the dust in everlasting silence , and contempt . but will not the stones cry out if we hold our peace while these deceits seem to lay all upon christ , and his spirit , while as in truth they lay nothing at all upon him ? is the light of nature , the light of christ as mediatour , nay christ himself , and the strength that accompanies that light , the strength of christ ? then how is man become the author of his own salvation , while you change the name and call it christ ? moreover , here is jealousie administred to the eie of an experienced soul , notwithstanding their fair speeches , by laying such stresse upon the watchings of man , as if man rightly do his part by watching and yielding up himself to the light in him , he shall be ruled and directed by it , and his vain and evill thoughts shall be brought into subjection , yea so , that he may possibly compasse an exact obedience to the law of christ , or dictates in his heart , in this life , and so ly down in the bosome of the father in the everlasting rest which is prepared for the people of god , which rest these assertors are displeased at if we refer the saints for , to the resurrection and coming of our lord . now however this light so shining in man being attended , and the evils it discovers being watched , and opposed by the power which accompanies this light , which is free-will , may be brought to a marvellous reformation , yet it reaches not the work of regeneration ( which may be collected out of this assertion duly minded : ) moreover it reserves to man a power of turning away from the lord jesus , and by his disobedience or vain mind , notabiding in this light , he may fall from that eternal salvation , which began to be wrought in him by the power of light while he did abide in it , as this doctrine implies . it is further observable , that there is no mention made in any of their papers we have yet seen , of eternall salvation from the wrath to come , or condemnation of hell , by any atonement , price , or purchase , or blood-sacrifice of our mediatour without us , but of an eternal salvation from the dominion of evil , by jesus christ , who is eternal life in us which we partake of as we abide in him ( in obedience ) thus making this eternall light of life to be in every man , but not every man in it ; which a man may truly , in their sense , be said to partake of , and again to fall short of , as he is guided by this light , or his vain mind , every day . but having given you the import of these sayings , we shall proceed for your further satisfaction in this argument to declare our faith and experiences , leaving you to judge in your selves how far they agree or differ from us , or rather whether they or we do differ from the revealed mind of christ . first we believe and know , that , according to the word of promise , there doth go forth power from the father and from jesus christ , who by the eternal spirit , doth quicken whom he will , by the gospel , 1 thes. 1. 5. so he makes his gospel his power , his arm , rom. 1. 16. isa. 53. 1. thus doth he who waits to be gracious seek and save lost sheep , beseech and overcome rebellious sinners , who did not , could not , pitty themselves . the day will discover how in a mystery the work of salvation is conducted through those intermissions in which for some moneths and years sometimes a soul once awakned sleepes again , untill the resolved outgoings of free grace at length quicken , and work faith unfeigned in such a one ; so that if thou canst tell how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child , then maiest thou come a little neerer to trace out this work of god . we are then the children of god , being not born of blood , or obtaining this privilege by a carnal descent from , or good education under , godly parents ; nor of the will of the flesh , which is will composing it self to religious observations for carnall ends ; nor of the will of man , though improved , heightened to the utmost of humane activity ( though to close with the gospel sound by power of free-will ) but of his own will begate he us by the word of truth , iames 1. 18. indeed here is the hiding of his power under exhortations , admonitions , rebukes , perswasions , offers , and promises in the gospel , because , as all creatures glorify god in their kind , so man , as rationall must glorify god his maker ▪ in closing with the chief good and eternal life in the redeemer , which is therefore so offered as the most reasonable thing , most feeding , perfecting , and making happy , the capacious and necessitous souls of men . yet the secret interposures of almightynesse in his regeneration are so undeniably affirmed in scriptures , and seald up in the experiences of the sanctifyed , that it doth appear , it was not their watchings , strivings , willings , runnings , but his mercy and compassions , according to the mystery of his will , that ingaged him to make a difference where he found none ; yea often taking of the worst of men to bring them unto christ , that it might yet more fully appear to all men that of his mercy he saveth us . secondly , but in the next place when any soul by this preventing grace is brought to christ , having once tasted how gracious the lord is in his dear son , he is taught to wait on christ for the renewings of strength , morning by morning , and doth desire the milk of the word , that he might grow thereby . thus doth the remembrance of the loving kindnesses of the lord , and the sights of his glory in the true sanctuary , ingage him ( as david psa. 63. 1 , 2 , 6 , 8. ) to seek , wait and follow on to know the lord . yet to the praise of his grace , the father doth not only meet halfway his returning prodigals , or backsliding children , but in the continuance of his preventing mercy , seekes , saves , calls upon his own while they are in the wildernesse , forgeting their duty , or turning out of his way to the right hand or to the left . it s true , he that waits cannot be exempt from the reproof of the sloathful servant , if he be not exercised in gods ways , as prayers , meditations , assemblies of saints , watching , obedience , &c. thus he that waits and walks shall renew his strength to wait still untill the lord come as the latter and the former rain upon the earth . but though this be mans duty , yet it is the pleasure of the lord to make his wind blow when he listeth , and check , chide , and call home the wandrings of his people , to make his grace exceeding glorious . thirdly , neverthelesse though we are tyed to all means , yet hath the lord tyed himself to none , so as that he may not in his soveraignty withhold mercy untill his own time . but if power alway go with light , what shall we think of paul who found the law of his members warring and leading him captive against his will , though he gave up himself to the law of his inward man ? rom. 7. 14. unto the end . surely , the topstone of the whole frame of spiritual graces and privileges is not laid untill the resurrection and second coming of jesus christ , which is cleared in the scriptures calling it our adoption ( as it was written of christ , and of the day of his resurrection , thou art my son , this day have i begotten thee ) also making our life to be hidden , untill then ; stating the life of a christian now to be in faith , and hope , which looks beyond death , and charactering a true saint by his waiting , looking for , and loving , the appearing of christ , heb. 10. 37 , 38. 1 thess. 1. 10. heb. 9. 28. blessed are they who are the children of god by faith in christ jesus ▪ though all their life time they be found groaning under the burden of sin , buffetings of satan , and are in heavinesse ( if need be ) through various temptations , which are to make them vile and little in their own eyes ; knowing what maketh them to differ ; and that jesus might perfect his strength in their weaknesse , and his grace in their guiltinesse ; and might trie their faith , which shall be found unto praise and glory at the appearing of christ , the hope of which is as an anchor to their souls , which saves them from sinking under their pressures , and perishing in their stormes . then shall they that now die not having received the promises ( which are sure to all the seed ) receive them , and the crown of righteousnesse at that day who fight the good fight , finish their course , and keep the faith . this putteth not the day of the lord far from us ( as some , charge us ) no more than did abraham , isaac , and jacob , who saw the promises a farre off , and because they apprehended themselves not likely to inherit them in this life on earth , therefore they confessed themselves pilgrims and strangers , whose portion was not in this life , heb. 11. 16. neverthelesse as we look for compleat victory over all , and the last of enemies death , at the resurrection , so we are to hasten to it , ( 2 pet. 3. 12. ) in all holy conversations and godlinesses , if by any means we might attain unto the resurrection ( phil. 3. 10 , 11. ) by being as like christ as may be , who in that he died , he died unto sin and the world , and in that he liveth , he liveth unto god ; though for the changing our vile , corruptible , mortal , natural bodies , like unto his glorified body , the apostle looked not for it , nor his crown , until the coming of christ . phil. 3. 21. but that we may take the foxes , and the little foxes that spoil our vines which began to have tender grapes let 's yet make search and see how for the driving on the great design of overthrowing the gospel as administred by man , and weakning the authority of the holy scriptures , they seek to perswade all men , that that light in them is the gospel , and the sure word of prophecy , to which they would do well to take heed , until the day dawn , and the day-star arise in their hearts . it may be the accuser of the brethren will say we are zealous in our own cause , though our consciences tell us we ought to be angry ( yet without sinne ) when we see the way of life stopped up from the children of men , which we doubt not to demonstrate to the seeing eye , in reference to the gospel it self , and its ministration . first then to manifest that this assertion puts men quite beside the way of salvation ; we pray you to consider , that if it be not the voice of the gospel , but of the law mans heart , who hath no more light than the eternal word enlightens him with ( as every one that cometh into the world ) then who so bids him seek righteousness , peace and life , in attendance and obedience thereto , puts man beside the way of life , rom. 9. 32. rom. 4. 5 , 14. gal. 2. 16 , 21. but that it is the voice of the law , and not the gospel , hath been proved before by sundry couched arguments , as , that scripture and experience makes the moral law the counterpane of the law ingraven in every mans conscience , also that man naturally establisheth his own self-righteousnesse , which is of the law . beside the book of natural conscience is the creation and providence , which administer in themselves to the discursive faculty the knowledge of the godhead as binding man to glorifie god as god , not as father , saviour , or redeemer . should we here grant , that he that walks up to the law or light of nature , shall have the light of grace or gospel revealed to him , ( although we never read nor knew the gospel bestowed on any person or people upon that account , or the spirit received by the works of the law ) yet we do more than doubt whether ever there stood before the throne of glory , or shall , any such who without gospel-light and grace , did obey the law , please god , or rightly approach unto him ; for we know that faith in jesus , as dying for us , and rising for our justification , is the first stone in the spiritual building , and the fountain of love ( man loving god because he is first beloved of god ) without which mans specious works , & most upright worships are abhominations threapt on the lord . wherefore the lord builds not on the first adams foundations or covenant of works ( on which the higher man builds the more losse he suffers when he is brought to christ ) but layes a foundation in sion , even christ , in the law of faith or covenant of grace , and thereupon builds all things new . secondly , moreover we add , that if this position take away the true and proper ministration of the gospel , it must needs shut up the kingdom of god from men . for what are good tidings if they be not told ? but to the best of our understandings by this assertion is the ministration of the gospel taken away . for we do not know that ever the gospel was published or promised to be made known , without the ministration of man , or without hearing ; but rather as jesus christ said , i am with you in teaching to the end of the world ; so intended he teaching to be to the end ; also it was the apostles care that the truth might be committed from one to another from age to age , 2 tim. 2 ▪ 2. likewise the promise is isa. 59. the last verse , that the word should not depart from the mouth of jesus christ and his seed , and his seeds seed for ever , and that the spirit should accompany the word in the mouth of the seeds seed or successive saints from age to age . we confesse , that though reading the scriptures or scripture truths in books may be a means of faith through the holy ghost working therewith , yet this may be fitly comprehended under hearing of the apostles and prophets by their writings , by which they being dead , yet speak , and doth still confesse the gospel administred by man , and not by any other creatures , or by secret communication of light to the mind by god immediately , which these assertors affirm , and we shall have further occasion to examine . we contend not herein for any particular sort of men , or them who do most readily call themselves the ministers of the word of god , though we shall alway acknowledge the order and offices of the church of god , but our chief contention is for the gospel as administred by man , whether in word or writing , as not knowing how any should believe unlesse they hear the testimony of the apostles ( john 17. 20. ) or their word . for truly , we should bear more easily the laying aside of man or his ministration ( though none may adventure to do it but christ ) who hath declared his mind as we have observed and shall ) if these that advance themselves above him who is the true christ did not aim to beguile you of the scriptures themselves , even while you are looking on , and think not so . wherefore while they say this light or gospel is within you , they proceed to say it is the sure word of prophecy . is then a prophetick light in all men ? or what doth it prophecy ? of life and righteousnesse for sinners in a mediator , or of death because of disobedience ? or if this be the light that shines in a dark place , what is the day-star and the sun of righteousnesse , if this be christ , as was before affirmed by them ? but as the legs of the lame are not equal , no more are these parables ; but that we may shew their distance from the truth rather than from themselves , we beseech you to consider that by this means , either first , the scriptures are laid aside , not onely as not useful , but as not true scripture to you , nor truth to you , if they be not particularly dictated in your hearts after the same manner as to them that wrote them . thus they call it a dead letter ( which word was applied to the law ) whereas though the ink and paper be dead , yet the truth or meaning of those words is called the power of god , and hath a majesty , authority and grace above the words of man stamped upon it , and is said to convert , comfort , quicken and make wise the soul , which is done no otherwise than by the conjunction of the word with the power of god , psalm 119. 50. 105. surely the scriptures were written for our learning , and are able to make wise unto salvation through faith in christ , and may be used for doctrine , reproof , correction , and instruction in righteousnesse , that the man of god ( or a man who from god , or for god , is to attend upon the work of the ministry * ) may be perfect , throughly furnished to every good work . as for the expected dictating the scriptures by the spirit to us as to the writers , it is groundless , but we shall touch on that afterward . secondly , but if the evidence of truth constrain them to return to the word of the scriptures as binding in it self and useful , yet by their doctrine the scriptures are turned into allegories , and so their frothie conceipts , and catches of wit , are established as the sure word of prophecy . thus doth the deceiver suck the eggs , and lay them in the nest again ; and while they allow the scripture a nominal authority , yet it must not be heard but as their conceivings put a sense upon it ; and ( in short ) thus is the scripture judged , but is not admitted to judge spirits and apprehensions ; but if they speak it must be an oracle ▪ and as the pure testimony of jesus ( or the light in them ) which must be credited , but not disputed ; of this more in the sequel . this calls to mind a sentence in one of luthers letters ; verily ( saith he ) god must incessantly be implored with fear , humility , and earnest supplication that we may have his assistance and protection ; otherwise truly it may soon come to pass that the devil will present before our eyes such a phantasm , that we should swear it were the true holy ghost it self , as not only those antient heretiques , but in our time also examples which have been and still are great and dreadful do forewarn . this he wrote concerning this generation that we contend against , which began to his time . some dare not quite lay aside the scriptures , neither turn it into allegories , yet do not look in them to learn , because they think it is to build up themselves in carnal knowledge , which darkens the workings of the spirit , and again , because they judge that none can open its seals but the lamb , and therefore they 'l not meddle ▪ at least not to search for understanding therein , until the spirit in them open it to them . but let us consider , 1. jesus christ spake many things to his disciples which they understood not at that time untill after his resurrection , and the fulfilling of them : which doubtlesse he would not have done , if his wisdome had not judged it meet to treasure up knowledge in their memories for hereafter , though they had not the present understanding of them , or present benefit by them . 2. our blessed saviour calleth them fooles and slow of heart because they did not believe all that the prophets have spoken ( which taxeth them for negligence , non attendance , and willful ignorance of the scriptures , though the seals were not opened to them ) and beginning at moses he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself , v. 27. which was a teaching of knowledge from the letter of the word , and he opened their understandings that they might understand the scriptures , which they had surely ( as they ought ) read before . likewise it is observable that the lord seeing the eunuch acts 8. 32 , &c. reading a scripture in a conscientious way , for he was a worshipper of god , v. 27. though he understood it not , v. 30. sent unto him philip to open that scripture , and from that to preach unto him jesus : so will god do with others in the like condition . 3. instruction of children in the scriptures , 2 tim. 3. 14 , 15. was commended as a way blessed of god . in this way seeds are sown , which spring up it may be by way of remembrance long after , for conversion or further increase in knowledge , which they sooner make when they have the spirit , if they keep in memory what they read or heard in the time of their ignorance . most true we find it , it s not having but eating the book doth us good ▪ and the word doth not profit us without faith ; neverthelesse searching , reading , hearing the scriptures is mans duty ; faith and understanding is the gift of god , yet ordinarily in this way , prov. 2. 4 , 5. but to conclude , concerning the real word of prophecy which signifyed beforehand of the sufferings of christ , and the glory which should follow , that was in due time fullfilled in its kind , the same apostle saith , 2 pet. 1. 17 , 19. 1. it s more sure than a voice from the excellent gl ry , at least to others , and more argumentative . 2. more to be attended than the words of one risen from the dead , luke 16. 31. 3. nay our lord jesus himself said , that if they believed not moses writings , he did not expect they would believe his words , iohn 5. 47. moreover they affirm , that this light ( the same which they say is in every one that cometh into the world ) is the anointing from the father , that they need not teach one another . how great a progresse ( o thou most holy ) will thine enemy and the truths make , if this doctrine were imbraced ? 1. to break down the wall about the enclosed garden , the church , and make common the choicest favours of the king of saints , who endeared himself of old to his people by the promise of his spirit , wherby we know that he dwelleth in us , and we in him , because he hath given us of his spirit , john 16. 7. 1 john 4 ▪ 13. this is the spirit which the world cannot receive , because it seeth him not , neither knoweth him , joh. 14. 17. this is the spirit of promise ( promised to believers ) wherby they are or shall be sealed unto the day of redemption of the saints ( who are the purchased possession ) from the power of the grave unto the perfection of liberty and glory ; it being in the mean time the earnest of our inheritance which is reserved in heaven for us . is not this the oil wherewith our lord and saviour was anointed above his fellowes , who are his brethren , partakers from his fullnesse ? psal. 45. 7. john 1. 16. ephes. 4. 7. 2. moreover , how daringly doth this attempt ( if it were possible ) to pull the seven stars , rev. 1. out of the hand of christ ? and how easily doth this conclude against apostleship , pastorship , doctorship , eldership , &c. admonitions , exhortations , reproofs , and that with a high hand , although god hath set them in his church for the perfecting of the saints , and edifying of the body , and that untill every member be added to his church , and every member already in it be grown unto the fullnesse of the measure of the stature of christ ? eph. 4. 11 , 12. 1 cor. 12. 28. let the wise judge whether this doctrine teach not one member to say to another , i have no need of thee . but if any rejoice in the covenant of promise , we also will blesse the name of the lord who hath established the new covenant upon better promises than the old covenant . for to the people whom he taketh to himself , he will give not only a law without , but in their hearts also , and whereas in the dispensation mosaicall , there were many brethren in that outward ministration who knew not god , yet in the new covenant there is not a brother need say to his brother , know the lord ▪ as if he was ignorant of the lord , though the least of all saints . yet surely if this promise exclude all outward teachers , why should christ give teachers to his saints ? and peter stir up their minds ( their pure minds ) by way of remembrance , and endeavour by his epistle , that after his decease they might have the gospell in remembrance ; and john write to believers of all ages in the church , that they abide in christ , notwithstanding that they had the anointing in them ? all which expresseth the unspeakable love of christ , and care toward his people , knowing their weaknesses , which favour man would reject to his own losse . 3. but as if it were a small thing ( o you that fear the lord ) thus courteously to rob , and friendly to betray you , this doctrine proceeds ( if the authors understand it ) to cut off at once all instruction and reproof of enemies and ungodly ; and states not a brother but an enemy and child of ignorance twice over to have no need that any man say unto him , know the lord ; because it saith , every man that commeth into the world is enlightned by the light , which is the anointing , which , as these doctrinists say , excludes all need of outward teaching . if any man say , the spirit convinceth the world of sin , therefore every one in the world hath the workings of the spirit . it is answered , the holy anointing oil is not poured upon mans flesh , nor the stranger , but on the tabernacle , altar , &c. aaron and his sonnes , which makes this mercy peculiar to the saints , the holy priesthood , and not common , or like the convincing operations of the spirit , which do not appropriate such a person or consecrate him to the lord . besides , this conviction doth not exclude the teachings of man , but rather implyes it , for it convinceth of unbelief , which is not the sinne of them that have not heard , romans 10. ver. 14. he will say then , have they not heard ? is not the word nigh them , yea in their hearts ? verse 8. most true , it is in the hearts of them that believe ; yea verily their sound is gone forth into all the earth , even theirs who were preachers of glad tidings , v. 14 , 15. who carried the report which was not believed of some , v. 16. even the word of god , v. 17. which being received by the gentiles became a provocation of the jewes to jealousie , because it was first offered to them , and they received it not , v. 19. it pleased therefore the lord of all to send forth tidings of grace into all nations , and his spirit to convince the world ( contradistinguished to the jewes , rom. 11. 15. ) of sinne , because when they hear they believe not , untill convinced that it is their sin not to believe in christ , or submit to him , accept him as king , priest , and prophet , when offered to them . it might seem strange to you , dearly beloved , should we say that these discoursings on their part are but a blind to veil what is farther intended . it may be their confessions will sometimes give you it that you and all men ought to believe in christ in them , and that they perish for not believing that christ is manifested in their flesh , and that you are saved by the dying , rising &c. of christ or the light in you , and not by any christ without you . to the evidencing of which in part , be pleased to hear them using the word of the scriptures , saying , the kingdome of god is within you , ( and this they say of and to all the children of this world ) to which we answer . 1. that the kingdome of heaven the jewes expected to come as the kingdomes of the earth and men : but it came with no such pomp or shew , wherefore the pharisees were not aware , or observed not that it was ever since the daies of john the baptist , and that it was ( {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . ) in them , or among them , and they knew not . 2. most true it is that where-ever the kingdome of god comes with power and efficacy it sits down in the heart , and doth subdue the thoughts , wills , affections and actions of men to the scepter of christ . but it comes near to many in the gospel or outward message of peace ( though they know not the time of their visitation ) and again is taken away from a nation when the gospel is taken away . 3. we do indeed firmly hold against all the sonnes of formality , that it is not talking of god , but walking with god , not the form of godlinesse without the power , that sets one further than the outward court , and that god is not worshipped in truth , if he be not worshipped in spirit . also we hold that all the visible order and regiment of the church , as suited to the present condition in the body , is not of the substance of the kingdom that cannot be shaken , but shall cease at the second coming of christ 4. yet during the imperfect state of the church ( as we mentioned before ) and the love-conveyances from one member to another for the increase of the body , there cannot be any thing trans-acted but in some form . and for the standing forms of gospel-appointments , as church-order , sacraments , &c. we judge them added to ( as appendixes of ) the kingdome , and they are unalterable by the wisdom or will of man untill the appearing of christ . their end is to testifie our blessed subjection of jesus christ , as banners and flags hung out to the view of the world to make known the people that own christ crucified . also they are chanels of spritual grace ( scripture and experience witnessing ) and may not be neglected under pretence of avoiding formality , or present indisposednesse , or dullness , which many times is removed by a conscientious attendance upon these exercises . wherefore we conclude , that to set up the form without the power , or the power to jusle out the form of godliness , are both errors , and is beside the rules and practise of those times which abounded in glorious gifts , and wonderfull grace , who yet were most observant of , and exactly conversant in church order , pastors , teachers , elders , &c. baptism with water , the lords supper in the elements bread and wine , receiving in and casting out of visible societies by the power of christ binding on earth , and loosing offenders ( when penitent ) continuing in the apostles doctrine , and fellowship , and publique prayers , and prophecyings , as 1 tim. 2. 1 , 12. 3. chap. 1. 8. 4. ch. 14. 5. chap. 1. 7. 9. 17. 19. 22. compared with 3. chap. 16. v. but it sufficeth not to our adversaries to have left things in general , but they also affirm that presbyterians , independents , anabaptists and such differing forms , are all in the kingdom of babylon and in the confusions of it . touching which 1. it is our earnest desire that such so differing would not rigidly dwell upon their conceivments in externals to make a breach in the body of christ which is but one , by rejecting all ( though godly ) that are not in their way of discipline . faith in christ , and love to all saints , are joined together , eph. 1. 17. col. 1. 4. 2. yet we do abhominate those unjust aspersions of babel-confusions cast on these effects of an inquisitive mind , desiring to know the mind of the lord , which thou o vain man reproachest , though thy conscience would tell thee ( if thou hadst not silenced it ) that there are many godly persons , in those mentioned wayes , who rest not in the form , but in obedience to god as they understand exercise themselves therein , having also the power of godliness . 3. but it is observable they meddle not with popery and episcopacy , &c. for indeed these principles make all externals indifferent , unlesse that they are more violent against presbyterians , independents , anabaptists , because they stand more in their light , neither may familism speak ill of its native country and old friends ; we mean the romish antichrist . some indeed say that pastors , teachers , elders , churches and such administrations ended with the apostles age , and that it is not for us to seek them , but a more spiritual way . 1. but its manifest apostles were but to plant , such as apollos , timothy , titus , &c. came to water , ( 1 cor. 3. 16. ) thus doth one enter into anothers labours , one layeth the foundation , and another buildeth thereupon , ( v. 10. ) wherefore paul ( according to the wisdome given to him ) ordered that in every church or city where the church was , there should be elders , whose place and work it was , some to rule well , and some to labour in the word and doctrine . act. 14. 27. tit. 1. 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. 2. also we read of teachers , ministers , churches , overseers , deacons , where the apostle of the gentiles was not , col. 1. 7. 2 chap. 1. likewise the angels of the seven churches in asia ( 2. and 3. of rev. ) long settled . and the church in the wildernesse , during the apostacy from primitive peace and purity , hath witnesses that feed her 1260. ( prophetical ) dayes or years , rev. 12. 6. 14. 3. but it is above controversie , if our lord hath given gifts to men they must imploy those talents , though they are not so eminent as in the primitive times , being according to the measure of the gift of christ and his grace , eph. 4. 7. rom. 12. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6. now that the qualifications of an overseer , elder , deacon , may be found in these our daies is manifest if we consider the 1 tim. 3. 2. &c. tit. 1. 6. as not conteining any extraordinary grace . that we must not expect them to be sent forth as the apostles immediatly , is manifest , for though they are to have an open door in their own hearts , yet they are set down as such ( 1 ) that may desire the work , 1 tim. 3. 1. ( 2. ) are called to it by the saints and eldership trying and approving them , 1 tim. 4. 14. 5. chap. 22. titus 1. 5. and ( 3 ) such as are instructed for the further fitting them for their work , 1 ▪ tim. 4 ▪ 6. 13 , 14 , 15. 2 tim. 2. 2. likewise such ( 4 ) as being qualified in some measure , yet through modesty , or fear , or other respects , may be unwilling to feed the flock of god , though called thereunto , 1 pet. 5. 1 , 2. reserving still the honour to the chief shepheard ( v. 4 ) and that this is a rule to be continued in the church is evident , 1 tim. 3. 15. ch. 6. 14. so then , though they have not these extraordinary endowments , or miraculous operations , it s nothing material for the church , and the doctrine needeth it not as at the beginning . 2. also that timothy , titus , and the angels of the churches , and elders after the apostles , never did miracles that we read of . 3. miracles also being in the last times signes of antichrist rather than of christ . 4. and signes being not for them that do believe , but for them that believe not , 1 cor. 14. 22. 4. if the saints have now as much need of those appointments as then , nay more ( if we may say so ) then why should any seek to be loosed from their own mercies ? we confess we have read and heard of , seen and ( through grace ) humbly despised the vain boastings of them , who said they were perfect , and were above hearing , praying , believing , hoping ; speaking great swelling words of vanity , who have turned aside first from the holy commandement , and after that from the pretence of it : which should awaken us to edifie one another on our most holy faith , praying in the holy ghost , that we might not be led away with the error of the wicked , and so fall from our stedfastness . it is most freely confessed , that when things come to practise in this time , which is neither dark nor day , many doubts and questions do arise among many : yet as some of us have tasted of the goodness of god in this way , so we may not but acknowledge it ; and farther pray until the day break , and shadows flee away ▪ turn o beloved , and be as a roe or young hart on the mountains of divisions : surely , the doctrines of these men which we oppose , are levelled to subvert all order , churches , in whatsoever is done outwardly , for they say its babylon , and all the worship , and teachers without are of the beast and anti-christ . judge us o lord , for why should men in thy name rise up against thy sonne and us for his sake ; 1. rejecting thy care , 2. condemning thy wisedom , 3. and the generation of the just in all ages , 4. to establish themselves and prepare a high-way to paganism ? it is not a pleasure to us ( beloved in the lord ) to open these painted sepulcres , but since we have begun we will proceed to shew yet more , that you may see and wonder , and beware . they bid you speak no more than you have experience of , and than you live in . vve confesse it is and shall be to us for a lamentation that the religion of very many consisteth in talking of god and christ , and scriptures , and churches , and is but a sound of words without knowledge and faith , and so do rather darken than make manifest the truth , and because it is without obedience , their conversations destroy their confessions : and did these sayings aim at the reformation of this , we should not dare to cross them , but we have grounds from certain discourses personally had with some of this way to declare , 1. that this is to silence you from ever mentioning the histories and prophecies of the scripture ; creation of the world , garden of eden , adam , eve , flood , historie of the church , coming of christ into the world , the day of judgement , resurrection of the body , and such like , which being past or to come , we can have no present experience of : and some of us speaking of these scripture records have been blamed for speaking without experience . 2. or secondly , by this means all the scriptures must be construed as metaphorical in an allegorie , making the creation an allegorie ( and so the world without beginning ) adam , eve , the serpent , paradise , cain , abel , seth , noah , ark , abraham , isaac , jacob , aegypt , wilderness , canaan , kings , prophets , records , to be meer allegories , nay christ , his flesh and blood , his life and death , his cross and crown , scribes and pharisees , jerusalem , herod , pilate , churches , elders , anti-christ called babylon and egypt , &c. ( and what not ) to be fulfilled in the allegoricall construction of particular experiences . but concerning experience we are satisfied , 1. that to speak without experience in experimental affairs is to darken counsel , as they do that speak onely from the hearing of the ear , ( iob 38. 2. ) 2. but faith is the evidence of things not seen , and a subsistence of things hoped for ; though its evidence be not of the nature of sense , science , opinion or experience , being of things unseen by the sense , not known from the search and rationall comprehension of causes , nor intertained from the probable testimony of wise and holy men , nor tasted in the presence thereof : yet after a spiritual manner seen , known , and experienced by faith in the divine testimony . wherefore having believed , we also will speak of the sacred records , and gracious prophecies which are delivered to us in the holy scriptures , of which and in which god hath caused us to trust , giving us also the earnest of the spirit , which as josephs wagons to iacob doth ascertain us of the truth of the tidings ; and the gracious operations of the holy spirit in our hearts , from and by scripture truths , gives us to believe the histories and prophecies interwoven to be also of divine authority . 3. we do also judge the word of faith , which is divine testimony , to be more safe , certain and constant ground to speak of and from than experience . in this we are not for a dead faith , which is the fruit of freewill closing with the word from the testimony of man ; which leaves the mind wavering through carnal reasonings , which cannot be satisfied ▪ but for a lovely faith , even the work of the spirit with power , setling the mind on the divine testimony , as such . as for speaking no more than we live in , if it intend not to stop the mouths of all those who dare not pretend to perfection and blamelessnesse , but those who speak from notion and yield not up their souls to the things which they deliver to others , we testifie the same thing . as for allegories 1. we allow very many in the old testament , beside the ceremonial law , which was a shadow of good things to come , persons , offices , places , actions , things , which the ecchoings of phrases wisely and warily observed give hints of , and puts the beginning of every allegorie into our hands as the apostle took it in gal. 4. from the 54. of is . 1. verse ) which yet must be wisely followed , as scripture ecchos proceed to encourage , yet not to impair the truth or use of the letter and history , allegories being but accidentall thereto , and a fruit of the incomprehensible wisdom of god , that sets one thing to answer to another . but in the new testament , although jesus christ spake many parables and used similitudes which he opened to his disciples , yet the gospel ministration properly so called , not onely in the language thereof , but in the actions , persons , things thereof , is in much plainnesse , and not as moses who had a veil upon his face , but the messias discovered himself by speaking plainly and without a parable , john 16. 29. his parables in his publique preaching being chiefly for judgement to the willfull jews , that seeing they might not see , matth. 13. 13. we gladly own christ in us by his spirit to crucify our flesh , and raise us up in our hearts , in this world , and at his second comming our bodies in the resurrection , to a new and spiritual life ; and this we own as the power of his resurrection and fellowship of his sufferings : but we detest that doctrine that destroyes the atonement in his blood , and the truth of his humanity , and his personall body , besides his mysticall the church , so taking away the representation of god in the mediatour the man christ , which a believing eye fixeth on , and leaves the mind ( which is far from knowing god in any competent certainty out of christ ) to seek about for god , as individuum vagum , or something he knows not what , and at it last may becomes to this notion , god is in all and all in god ; blasphemously adding that he is no other than the world , or what he is in the world , clothing himself with changeable appearances ; and so the mind proceeds untill it be spoiled with vain and blasphemous philosophy . we conclude , that it is a sign of a rotten heart , and a roving head , to be loathing plain scripture , and longing after curious speculations , and witty allusions ; though in this we prejudice not the modest searchings of those whose hearts are it may be more than ordinarily prepared , and senses exercised to discern into the veiled truths of the scriptures , as heb. 12. 13 , 14. compared with heb. 7. &c. moreover they admonish that we wait in silence untill god open our mouthes . we answer , if that were the intent of this admonition to shew to man his dependance on god , and that he especially that waits on the word and prayer , take his goades and nailes from the chief shepheard , and pray in the holy ghost , we should not appear further in this matter than to own it . but we cannot but conclude from our observing the managerie of this assertion , and their practise , that they would not have any to read , teach , pray , in their families or in the assemblies , but when the spirit of the lord doth lead them by strong impulses and irresistible motions to such actions , and he that doth otherwise is by them accused of pharisaical imitation , or stealing the word of the lord from them that spake it with power . which we cannot close with , 1. because it is the will of god that the gift which is in us should be stirred up as fire , which sometimes is covered with ashes , hitherto are referred the exhortations to diligence , and improvement of talents , 2 cor. 8. 7. 1 cor. 9. 25. mat. 25. and many other places . 2. it laies wast the experience of them who have in the midst of infirmities and indispositions acted in the faith of their duty , and gods promise , and have been made blessings to others in their speakings , wherein also they have gathered warmth and enlargement before their work was over . afflicted , imprisoned souls have most need to be exercised in prayer . temptations will abound from satan and the weaknesse of the flesh , to hinder the profitable , soul-inlarging exercises of prayers , reading , exhortations in publique and private , if we break not thorow those hinderances to close with the revealed command leaning on the promise of grace . 3. unlesse we think ( as this doctrine implies ) that the motions of the spirit are the onely rule of duty ; which , if so , must be attended and obeyed without respect to the scripture command , saying , not saying , or gain-saying in the letter of it , there being ( by this doctrine ) no obliging rule but the law of the spirit . now if it be more moderately affirmed that the scripture as written in the heart , or the inward-heart-dictates as written in the word , are the rule , yet it will follow that if there be not a conjunction of the word and spirit , moving with inlargement , there 's no rule or obligation actually , and so no transgression to forbear , though daies , weeks , and months passe over the heads of them that pray not , or preach not , though necessity is layed upon them in respect of their work , and service , and the call of the need of others , 1 cor. 9. 16 , 17. compared , mat. 6. 11. 1 pet. 5. 2. 4. to the best of our understandings we judge the assertors to be against any constant preacher or course of prayer ; so allowing every man or woman equall liberty in assemblies to teach or pray , and this they say is the true ministry , and all other by the will of man : notwithstanding 1 tim. 2 , 12. it is indeed said you may all prophecy one by one , but its said also , are all prophets ? we wish all the lords people were prophets . the assemblies of the saints of old were constant , and they had men who attended on the word and prayer , who gave themselves to it , prepared themselves ( waiting on god ) that they might act to the edifying of the saints in love , act. 20. 7. act. 6. 2. 4. 1 tim. 4. 13 , 14 , 15 , 16. 5. this doth ( to our discernings ) tend to the establishing of the sayings of them who speak after their trembling sits with an extended voice , as the oracles of god , and leaves us not the liberty of the commended practise of the bereans , to trie the sayings of an apostle by the scripture . the simple believeth every word , prov. 14. 15. but in this case we have learned that the spirits of the prophets are subject to other prophets , for examination whether they accord with the standing vmpire of all questions , the holy scriptures . but that they intend to magnify their writings and epistles above or into an equality unto the holy scriptures seems very probable , in that they put their papers very diligently into one another hands , but not so the scriptures , and do some of them say , that it is alike for to take a sentence out of their letters and preach from it , as to take a sentence out of pauls epistles . we confesse we cannot find that ever man came to claim credit to the words that he spake , but he was to give proof of it , either by the mighty operations of the spirit of god by him , or by the testimony of truth given by them who did come with such works , or else if he were a prophet , the event was to declare whether he were of god ; yet if the matter of his exhortation was to withdraw them from the known will of god , deut. 13. 2. though his signes and wonders should come to passe ( as the man of sinne shall abound with such , 2 thess. 2. ) yet hearken not to him , for the lord proveth you whether you will keep his commandements . 6. the experiences of many tempted souls may seasonably be heard in this matter , who under the former pretences have waited untill their hearts grew so carnall that they had almost lost their savour , had not the lord shewed them that it was their part to give heed to their duty leaving the inlargements of soul to the incomes of the spirit , which graciously met them in the way of gods commands . as for the accusations of imitation and stealing the the word of the lord from others , we shall say , take the mote out of thine own eye . who more notorious imitatours of apostles and prophets without the call or gift of either , & who more steal the word from others , then they who have received their notions from scriptures , teachers , and leaders , and phrases also , and yet do acknowledge neither one nor other but as it were of themselves ? he that quotes the scripture steales not the word . he that imitates the practises of saints in foregoing ages , going forth by the footsteps of the flock ( not desiring singular waies ) seeking christ in his own standing appointments by the shepheards tents , and holding fast the true sayings of the holy scriptures , erres not if he speak and contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints , though it be not so delivered to him by immediate inspiration , or confirmed with miracles as it was to them , 2 thess. 2. 14 , 15. furthermore these who come unto you in the imitation and resemblance of christ , prophets , apostles , with their deemed oracles and great wonders , do shew themselves in the most composed garb of humility , as the greatest friends to the crosse of christ , and the onely bearers of it , disswading you from your own wisdome , will , righteousnesse , pride in apparell , diet , &c. giving and receiving honour of men , and such like , which is the crosse you must abide in , and through it ( they say ) passe unto everlasting rest . we wish heartily that all that wear the sheeps clothing were sheep indeed ; but there is one that judges . let us search and trie these doctrins and let judgement of persons result freely . first then , we are fully satisfied that he who hath learned arts and sciences , and hath read over systems or bodies of divinity , and exercitations concerning it , must come to christ as a little child , and be abased in all his pride of flesh in gods presence ; for all these make not one wise unto salvation : but what this man hath before christ he is puffed up with it , knowing nothing as he ought to know , 1 cor. 8. 1. yet doth not this subvert schools of learning , but it sets learning in its place . surely it is clean to the clean-hearted , as meat and drink , and being rightly improved , yields a larger tribute to jesus christ , than the worlds external goods . for want of which its easily observable how these pretenders to the cross , do often mistake in the english idiom or phrase of translation to wrest the sense . we affirm also that he that 's wise to buy and sell , and shift in shaking times , to raise himself while most do fall , must give up himself to jesus christ , seeking first his kingdome , and minding his will , without consulting with flesh and blood , though he be counted a fool for christs sake . yet doth not this cross the will of christ , for him that hath wisdom in his generation to buy and sel , and provide liberally for himself and his , if riches increase by the blessing of the lord , and not the covetous pursute of them that would be rich , still remembring , that of him that hath more there is more required , and that man be faithfull with that that is anothers ( for he can carry nothing out of this world ) being rich in good works . also considering he that hath most hath most temptations , which is enough ( if wisely weighed ) to stop the greediness of men after more than food convenient . secondly , we are assured , that who so comes to christ must forsake his own will , as guided by fleshly wisdome , or deceitful lusts , or expressing it self in opposing the will of christ . nevertheless this superintendency of the holy spirit , over-awing the will of man doth not abolish , but regulate it , for the people become willing in the day of his power . neither doth it follow that such or such a motion is therfore of god , because it crosseth natures desires , though if the clear will of god do so , it must be readily obeyed . thirdly , we are confident that whatever man hath done or received before he knew christ , which he accounted gain and boasted of , hoping for gods favour therefore , he will reckon his loss when christ is revealed to him ; because he was held contented in those snares of pride without christ , and he will no more desire to be found in his own righteousnesse , which indeed are as filthy raggs ; unlesse when he is under temptations , yet we also believe that the righteousnesse which is performed by faith , or the power of christ in us , is not to be rested in , as that in which we are accepted , eph. 1. 6. also that the externals of religion , before rested in , become not now abolished to the new-creature , as ceremonies which might be used or not used , but the externals of the gospel are to be used with the power of godlinesse upon a new account transacted to the glory of christ . fourthly , touching apparel , we confess and may not deny that in the church-relation , and in presence of christ , we may not have respect to gay cloathing and a gold ring , for then all eyes should be inward while soul affaires are transacted ; and we may not here know men after the flesh , but as they are enriched with faith and gifts of grace , and as they stand in the judgement of the spirit . wherefore apparel concerns the outward man in the capacity of man , though it is ( as all other things ) to be ordered and directed by the grace of god . and here we know not how to excuse this wanton nation that generally shews it self childish in nothing more than by respecting gay clothing , which sometimes covers an infirm and deformed body and spirit too , and in its self onely seems to shew a man that hath more thick clay than another . but seest thou a man boasting in his apparel , be not troubled , for it may be its all his portion and rejoicing in this world . we know the scriptures that declare against the pride and wantonness in apparel , is . 3. 1 pet. 3. 3. 1 tim. 2. 9. and that which judges this wantonness in women condemns the like in men also , yet we will consider ( and that a little more , because this is so much insisted on by the assertors ) what allowance is by god given to men , though not for a cloak of pride . 1. apparel was instituted to cover shame , to defend from weather , and grew into use , for distinction of sexes , and qualities of persons ; but for the shape of garments its left to man to attire himself prudentially , and because he is a member of societies , prudence directs to use the modest customes of the country ( as in other and greater matters . ) 2. as all creatures were given to man for his use , so some for his conveniency , delight , and ornament as a man ; else the bounty of god in the variety of creatures must be denied . man may serve himself of any creature , so that he be helped in his way , and honour his god by it : thus in dayes of gladness the scripture allows more than ordinary garments , after the manner of men . 3. pride doth not lie in putting on of apparel , though it be above what poor men can compass ; poor men may be as proud in their best cloaths , as rich men in their costly garments . 4. though neither men nor women professing godlinesse are so to adorn themselves with gold , silver , and pearls , as seeking praise in garments and not in good works ; yet surely god hath allowed men in eminent places , civil and military , to put on those badges of honour that belong in a civil way to to their offices , so as that the brutish part of mankind ( that are taken with nothing but pomp and power ) may not rudely assault their persons and offices which are to keep order in this world ; which is a curse threatned , isa. 3. 5. neither doth this onely extend to persons in place , but their very houshold , and wherever god hath given plenty we know not any thing against a cleanly modest apparel , unto a decorum and some ornament , according to the sinless customs of the times and place of residence . this remembring , that they must give an accompt to god for the spending of wealth , who would have each thing served in its place , upon which accompt the costlinesse of apparell ( within the forementioned bounds ) seems to be according to the surplusage or remainder of estate , after works of necessity , piety , hospitality , charity , which are of more concernment than to comport or comply with pedigree or place , &c. in all these cases its best to keep within compasse , and not fashion our selves according to the lusts in our ignorance , and conforming our selves to this wanton world , but to what is most comely and honourable for them who should have all things under their feet . touching diet , we need not speak , having so much insisted on rayment which is in the same rank , this knowing that the sonne of man came eating bread and drinking wine , and yet was in hunger and thirst , to teach us to want and to abound ( which is unspeakable happiness to them that have so learned ) and that we are to walk as free yet not using our liberty as an occasion to the flesh . 5. we know it of unquestionable verity , that whoever being in an honourable condition in this world , are called , and come to christ , should imbrace the reproaches of christ , and gladly croud through honour and dishonour , else they are not fit for the kingdome of god , neither can they believe if they be resolved to keep honour among carnall and worldly men . yet we professe against that unchristian unhumane throwing off all subjection to and acknowledgement of superiours by word or deed , found among the maintainers of these doctrines which we contend against ; and do declare that their shew of humility is most abhominable pride ▪ in denying all respects to men , whom god hath said we should honor , rom. 137. 1 tim. 5. 17. 1 tim. 6. 1 , 2 , 3. eph. 6. 2. and not onely magistrates , elders , masters parents , as such , who may be godly , are to be honored by the faithful , but he saith also honor all men , 1 pet. 2. 17. which honor luke , paul , john , &c. gave to persons godly and ungodly , in the phrases usuall and distinguishing . we might mention that honour which job , joseph , mordecai , daniel , and the kings of judah , and faithfull men of old received in their conditions of advancement : paul also was honoured with many honours , which he acpted , acts 28. 10. times are in the fathers hands , he that said is faithfull , the meek shall inherit the earth , and to the daughter of sion should come the first dominion ; and as the first coming of jesus christ was attended with the crosse and persecution of all that followed him , so some do think that at or before the second comming of the man christ jesus exalted , jerusalem which now is a praise in heaven , shall be a praise in earth , as babylon hath been . now distinguish of the times and you may reconcile these and the like scriptures with them that lay tribulations and persecutions upon all the followers of christ . god hath taken off much of the yoak from his persecuted in england . it s most true the jew inwardly desires not the praise of men , yet god will make his enemies bow before them , and acknowledge them the seed which the lord hath blessed , when he calls his servants by a new name , having taken away the names of reproach . this we should not plead for , as knowing the error is commonly on the other hand , in too many complements ( yea among saints ) but that we see morositie and rudenesse imposed by them upon us as conformity to the crosse of christ : neither do we yet think the saints are fit for such a condition , ( until we see more of the fine linnen in use , rev. 19. 8. ) or that they should presse after worldly honor , but what righteousnesse , holinesse , and the image of christ by the grace of god in providence casts upon them . god will yet more stain the pride of all glory and bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth that are not willing to decrease that he might increase . finally brethren , whatsoever things are true ( and not phantasticall vain shews ) grave ( and not ridiculous or disorderly ) whatsoever things are just ( giving each their due , god and caesar , saints and all men ) pure ( and not defiled with wanton mixtures of pride and vanity ) whatsoever are lovely ( and not rude and harsh ) and of good report ( among men judging rationally ) think on those things , and let not the ungodly outstrip you in any true excellency , nor reproach you as if christianity did not perfect humanity . thus shall the riches of the gentiles be spiritually brought into the new jerusalem . furthermore , we think it convenient in this place to adde something touching propriety and community in worldly things , because we have sufficient reason to perswade us to judge that the maintainers of the fore-mentioned doctrines which are opposed by us , do think it unreasonable that one man should have so much , and another so little , and some of them are not free to be tenants to other men . our intentions are not to countenance that churlish , private spirit found among men ( which indeed too much leavens the upright ) neither to ty up any from giving all their goods to the poor , if they wrong not their relations and creditors : but we do oppose the law of community , which some ( did they speak out ) extend to break marriage bonds , while they do but tamper in words , questioning what scripture ministers have to join people together in wedlock . but they know it is not time to vent these things yet , for one chief among them did say , he is a fool that speaks all his mind to every one . we dare not incourage those grinding oppressions of , and proud insultings of ungodly men over , the poor and needy , as if nations , townes , tenants , servants , &c. were born for no other end but to be their drudges ; but we must affirm it as most reasonable to submit to the will of the lord , who ordereth the plenty and poverty , increase and diminishing , high and low estate of persons and nations , psal. 107. 36. to the end . we desire it may be considered , that besides the generall interest which the sonnes of adam have in the good creatures , which was lost in the first adam , and repaired in the second during the day of patience , we say , besides that , there is a particular interest or propriety in the creatures , whereby one man may say this is mine and not thine , which may be considered as diversly obtained . 1. by the general distribution of the earth to the fathers of the nations . for when the whole earth was of one language and dwelt in the plain of shinar , their proud design of building babel provoked the lord to confound their languages ( in the daies of peleg ) then were they scattered upon the face of the earth , and then did the most high divide unto the nations their inheritance , and the people of one language that sat down in any countrey not yet inhabited ( according to the providence of god setting the bounds of their habitati n ) took it for their inheritance , and while there was room enough fed their cattel at large , and removed their heards and flocks to fr sh feeding ; what wells they digged were their own , each family removing together and planting together in the cities which they builded ; the elders of families being the chief rulers , and the children of their servants became also their servants ; yet where others had planted , they had leave also of the inhabitants to sojourn with them , and if they desired a piece of ground they did use to buy it of them . hitherto we may refer israels title to the land of the canaanites because it was given them 430. years before they did inherit it , yet after a peculiar and unparalleld manner to abraham their father , because the children of canaan that servant of servants were a wicked people , and because it pleased the lord to choose israel for his inheritance . yet here did the lord provide that each tribe had their part by lot , which did descend to their posterity by inheritance . 2. which is the second considerable in the obtaining of propriety . children are surviving parts of their parents , and have a true right to their fathers inheritance by the law of god , nature , and nations : and though it may seem not so consonant to reason to make such wide differences in dividing inheritances among many brethren , as some do use , yet it was the law in israel that the eldest sonne should have a double portion to his brethren , which by the appointment of god most just , did perpetuate propriety , and that in a way of inequality , one having more than another . and not onely so , but for the preserving each private interest , the lord commanded solemne curses to be pronounced against him that should remove his neighbours land mark . 3. but a private interest in worldly goods is also had by purchase , which is an exchange of things equally valuable in lieu of each other . 4. also by the victorious issue of lawfull warre , when nations offer injuries and violence to their neighbours , reparation may be sought in warre , and the wrong-doers refusing to give satisfaction , forfeit what they have to the law of iustice , to make reparation for the dammage . but however propiety may be had , it may not be violated , no not by the desire of one after his neighbours house , wise , servants , ox , asse , or any thing that is his , exodus 20 ▪ 17. surely he that hath more of worldly goods than his neighbours , if his heart be prepared to serve his god , and his generation , hath an advantage to honour god probably more than ten men , were that estate shared among them , though they had like noble spirits . but we think it needlesse to adde yet more in this matter , saving that the experiences of other countreys give us warning of tumultuous attempts from this generation . but if it be disclaimed that any such thing is intended or desired of the crooked , selfish , proud , griping , injurious neration which we live among , as the casting up each ones propriety in what they have , under pretence of submitting them with the lowest of the people to serve the publ que ( which is a bait for the sonnes of disorder and violence ) if the preservation of each ones rightfull possession by law and magistracy in way of force be taken away , and that this be onely aimed at , namely that they who are of the houshold faith do as in the primitive times enjoy all things in common ; our answer is , that as for the practise of the churches of judaea , act. 2. their love did rise high at the first prevailing of the gospell , and propriety was cast up by no law or perswasion but that of love , as may be seen acts 5. 4. but that is not all ; surely the holy ghost foresaw , that shortly no man should have the benefit of house and lands , becausé the romans should come to take away their place and nation . but it is cleer by scripture-evidence , that there was richer and poorer among the churches of the gentiles , but the rich were charged to be rich in good works , and the poor to work for their own bread . as for the giving one coat of two to him that hath none , binds you not to give your coats to any beggar that first coms , but the lord jesus hath left his people to the prudence of his spirit in them , and discretion , to see the time when to give , and out of their abundance to supply anothers conveniency , and out of their conveniency anothers necessity , and out of their necessaries anothers extremity . there are certain other commands which are to be obeyed in their time with prudence . for our selves , we are not ignorant how our souls were carried after the lord in the day of espousalls to give up all into his hands , soul , body , estate , credit , relations , &c. resolving to hold nothing , but under his favour , who gave us them to have and hold by a new tenure , abiding his pleasure , to whom we hope we shall never deny whatsoever he calls for in the manifest junctures of his word , providences , and his spirit in our hearts , who may sometimes make an extraordinary case , and call us as once abraham , gen. 12. to leave his fathers house , and friends , to try us , as that young man who boasts of his obedientiall heart , mat. 19. finally , they say that god is now come to redeem his people from all outward teachers , and teach them himself , and for proof this prophecy they bring 1 john 2. 26. jer. 31. 31. isa. 54. 13. joh. 6. 45. heb. 8. 11. ezek. 34. 11 , 12. jer. 23. 23. concerning teachers , order , and church administrations , we have written what may be here seasonably remembred , withall declaring , that we know not any prophecy in all the scriptures that doth foresignify the taking away of all outward pastors and teachers until the 2●… . comming of the sonne of man , who is not yet come , though these false prophets and false christs say , lo here . as for the scriptures by them mentioned , they make out nothing peculiarly for this age , more than they did signify at the time of their writing , which far exceeded these times in abundance of teaching , which ( though it was better than ours ) yet differed not in substance from what is in some measure practised by many godly in the nation ; but when you see any ( o ye people ) when you see any teaching of another christ , or not as the anointing teacheth ; when you see any denying the new covenant , and speaking to a brother , saying , know the lord ( making him a brother though altogether ignorant of god ) when you see any drawing people from looking after gods teaching them to believe , love , do his will , profit , and the lively impressions of truth , stamped on the affections as well as conscience , then speak , and spare not to apply those scriptures ; moreover , when you see a shepheard that comes not in at the door of the fold , and that feeds not but scatters the flock ; when you find them that strengthen the hands of the wicked by promising him life in his evil wais , and sadding the hearts of the righteous by their lies , and false applications , and lightnesse and profannesse , that stand up in the name of the lord , and he hath not sent them , then if you be full of power by the spirit of the lord , and of judgement , and of might to declare unto them their transgression , go on and prosper ; but forbear those railing accusations wherwith you load as well the precious as the vile , boldly denying , that ever one gat good by outward teachers . we should write more fully unto you that fear the lord , if we thought the matter stuck upon those circumstantial allegations which these preaching anti-preachers make hand-over-head against all that mention the name of god in the publick assemblies of the nation . briefly to clear them who are godly from the pretended guilt of certain matters , for whereas their enemies say they are not ministers of christ . because they take wages ; which the apostles and prophets did not ; and have their particular houses to preach in ; are called masters ; study for their sermons , in which they use method ; and expound , which they call adding to the scriptures . also because they hold the use of learning in and about divine things . we answer to the first concerning wages , 1. it is one thing to take a supply of necessaries , yea unto conveniency , for ones self and family ( if you call it wages ) while they administer to the people spiritual things , and another thing to be a hireling ( though we fear there are many such . ) 2. as for the practise of the apostles and 70 disciples in the ninth and tenth chapters of luke , we read of their comming in as well as going out in the same chapters . they were not to go to the gentiles , but whither christ himself would come ; their message required hast ; two coats would cumber , to salute any by the way might occasion diversion or delay ; and for their going without money t was to encourage them whom he intended to send into the nations far off , to trust him , by an experiment of his providence in their own nation ( as you read luke 22. 36. ) so that that restraint was taken away , they did forbear working , went not at their own costs , and yet had wherewith to lead about a sister a wife , 1 cor. 9. 4 , 5 , 6. in which when they straightned paul and barnabas ( who contended with the false apostles who boasted of their preaching freely ) paul insisted on , and by many undeniable arguments asserted his liberty in the rest of that chapter . 3. we know some that own not themselves as pastors of parish churches , but gifted brethren approved and called by the saints , called and countenanced by the magistrate to instruct his people ; and for the maintenance the state allows , they know not by any solid reason to deny it , but accompt it a mercy if providence give them all their time for the word and prayer taking care otherwise for their subsistence . to the second allegation concerning particular houses , which they say apostles and prophets had not , we answer , 1. apostles were itinerant preachers or travelling messengers of christ , for the planting of churches . prophets were transient , or for some particular service , and so neither apostles nor prophets needed any constant meeting-places to which they were bound , but the ordinary and settled ministery of the old and new testament had constant meeting-places , as t will appear to him that readeth , so far as persecution in the apostles time allowed . 2. it is used by some but as the place which is most convenient for the peoples assembling , who have liberty , and gladly use it , to meet with the upright ▪ which was in the times of david of distinct consideration , psal. 111. 1. those great houses being most convenient for great and mixed assemblies ; being also pure to him whose conscience is pure . to the third exception we answer , 1. should they be called masters as christ is master , it were high indignity to the chief shepheard ; but they have it but as a civill respect to their publick employment , who can , and do , own the meanest saint as a brother and fellowdisciple of christ . their pulpits are but convenient stands , and for the better hearing of the people , as ezra used . their chief seats at feasts is but the respect which the master of the feast may give to any guest whom he judgeth more honourable , according to christs rule of good manners . concerning this point , impartially weigh 1 tim. 5. 17. heb. 13. 17. phil. 2. 29. 1 thess. 5. 13. which speak of the ministers of the gospel , and servants of the churches . but them that honour god , god will honour . to the fourth , fifth and sixth objection against them for studying , using method , and exposition ; we answer , 1. timothy the evangelist was exhorted to use such means as are here blamed , 1 tim. 4. 15 , 18. 2 tim. 2. 15. and chap. 3. 14 , 15. 2. salomon the preacher saith , the words of the wise , even words of truth , are as nailes and goads , when mannaged as himself used , eccles. 12. 9 , 10 , 11. he gave good heed , sought out , and set in order many parables , and because he was wise he still taught the people knowledge . for want of these , meditation and method , men speak in a circle with wearisome repetitions , and not like the good housholders variety , as christ exhorts . 3. the scripture is not bare words but sense ; philip opened the words of isaiah to the eunuch ; christ expounded to his disciples ; paul to the jews at rome from morning till evening ; ezra read the law distinctly , and gave the sense ; there is also in the church a word by interpretation ; and how is this adding to the testimony of the scriptures their fancies , because they expound , while their expositions agree with the sense of the words , and the scope of the place , and other scriptures of the like argument ? 4. the scripture was given for doctrine , reproof , correction , instruction , which is the foundation of a variety ▪ discourse from any scripture ; method is prudential , and variable , according to occasion ; study or meditation is duty and blessed , which should in a teacher expresse it self as in a workman that needs not be ashamed , rightly dividing the word of truth , by explication giving each word its due , and by application each their portion . as for learning , it is but subservient to the understanding the letter of the scriptures , gives a more distinct utterance , helps to significant words , and is an advantage that equalls them to their adversaries armed with learning against the truth . but some contend against learning , because they know it not : as for these people , we suppose , had they learning , as their leaders and abbettors beyond the seas , and in england did , so would they use it to the utmost against what they oppose . there be many railing and impertinent applications of scriptures made by them ▪ which every one may see into that hath not darknesse on his right eye , and we shall not mention ; onely remembring , it s not any person or circumstance so much that is aimed at , as the ministry it self , or all outward teachers ; in which argument they discover more envy , pride , passion , than in any other . but be assured , if the magistrates had not a material sword , as the ministers have not , their language would light as heavy on their heads , and more than so . in all this we plead not for the ignorant , ungodly , persecuting men called ministers , but do sadly bewail that after all the petitions from the nation , declarations of the state , and proposalls from the wise hearted , there is yet any thing hinders the doing of something to purpose to withdraw the publick incouragement from the corrupt ministry with whom god hath a controversie . concerning that they say , god is now comming to redeem his people from all their teachers , and teach them himself● we do declare our apprehensions of such approaching desolation on many things which are in high esteem among men , that ( should they be spoken ) would make many ears to tingle : but god will provide for the houshold of faith , and send them pastors after his own heart untill the new jerusalem come down from heaven , which these pretend to , but know not . but as god is about a great and strange work , so is satan , who now comes with all deceivablenesse in the mystery of iniquity , which answers line for line with the mystery of godlinesse , in bringing in a false christ , and false kingdome , consisting in a righteousnesse , peace , and joy , all false witnesse , the lying prophets , strange wonders , strong delusions , religious prophanenesse found amongst us in england , triumphing in the abolishing of good and evil , heaven and hell , and the transcendent speculations concerning god incarnate in all things ; apparitions , voices ; trances of and to persons manifestly deluded and bewitched with the spirit of lies . touching their seeming mortification , we advertise you that who so diligently apply themselves to the law ( as they rightly advise , if righteousnesse were to be sought by the law ) such may find , by minding their light , and standing on their watch , a great measure not onely of mastery over outward actions , but a nipping of the root of evill for a season . and how farr imagination may work when the mind is wholly subjected to it ; and composed to a contemplative sequestration from all outward objects , is partly known to them , who by nature or custome are addicted to melancholy . but how far the jealous god may give up over-credulous and unbelieving minds to sink into these deeps of strange delusions , must be left to him who is just , yet unsearchable in his waies , yet hath given us to know what should be in the last daies . now as there hath been a black and long parenthesis , or dark space , in the daies of the apostacy or back-fliding from primitive purity in doctrine and discipline , and according to the scriptures we are admonished of a happy and peaceable state of all the children of sion after the destruction of babylon , the lords own cannot but rejoice in the remembrance of the dayes of the son of man , hoping the return of them , which they desired to see so long , but have not seen . now being in some forwardnesse through the judgements of god begun in the nations , they are supposing the time is now come ; upon which the deceiver takes his advantage , saying , lo here , and lo there , and when he saw that bare forms would not satisfy the children of the kingdome , he addressed himself in a more glorious and taking way , saying , now are the daies of the son of man , now hath christ sent forth his disciples , as of old the twelve apostles , and 70 disciples , without staff , scrip , or money , &c. see here be miracles , there be multitudes flocking in , here 's the great power of the holy ghost , there are men falling down , and saying , god is among you ; here is the spirit poured on the hand-maides , and there upon the children . but we have learned , that if an angell from heaven bring us another gospel , christ or spirit , let him be accursed . we consider that as evill angells suggest evil , so do angells of light good motions ; now satan transformed into an angel of light ( which is an embleme of knowledge , righteousnesse , innocency , peace , meeknesse ) is suggesting and helping on good motions , and fair compliances with rules of right , to an ill end . wherefore 1. go not after them , nor follow them , lest you put your selves from under gods protection , if they come to you it is safer . 2. hold fast to the authority of the scriptures . 3. exercise faith much on jesus christ the mediatour . 4. have and hold a form of sound words that cannot be condemned , 2 tim. 1. 13 : tit. 2. 8. a better form of words cannot be than the words of the wisdome of the spirit in the scriptures . 5. take heed of judging ordinances as unnecessary or indifferent things ; yet let your souls wait on god in them ; else if you be beguiled of the marrow , you 'l be easily perswaded to throw away the bone . 6. give diligence to more entire communion among your selves , two are better than one . 7. whatever is offered to you from scripture , do not only examine the truth of the doctrine , but also whether it be the true meaning of that scripture . 8. discourse not with these people about circumstances , but first enquire whether you agree in the main things , the scriptures , christ , faith , resurrection of the body ; &c. 9. remember that if your hearts be established with faith , and in the love of god in christ , you shall not be as little children tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine . 10. consider also the end of this generation in germany and in many places of england . we shall conclude , pointing you to some serious thoughts concerning the doctrines and practises of these people , which god may order for good ends ; as first , to awaken our souls that are apt to slumber , 1. to take heed of the evils of the times , pride , covetousnesse , formality , oppression , &c. which these declaim against . 2. to prove our standings , and understandings ; o it is not a time to be a professor without the root of the matter in him . 3. to learn all our lessons over again , which any of us embraced too much on the testimony of man , which now shakes , and will fall if not grounded on the testimony of god received by a lively faith . 4. to enquire after the way of god more perfectly , and not to rest in national-church-constitution . 5. to look abroad among the faithfull scattered in the countrey , whom few look after . 6. it may come to awaken us to walk before our god more lively , lovely , meek , holy , dis●re●● , savoury , living at he me more ( in self examinations ) seeking after full and clear enjoyments of christ in his waies . secondly , the onely wise god may by meanes of these make way for the clearing up , first , of the glorious mysteries appertaining to saints experience by provoking them , 1. to take notice of the knockings , offers , motions , of the beloved putting in his finger to open their hearts , which sleepy souls under the temptations of ease mind not , as christ desires and deserves ; this is an occasion of many souls mournful walking , feeblenesse , and unacquaintedness with christ . secondly , the urging of these doctrines , and boasting of such inward experiences though falsely grounded , should provoke us to enquire after , 1. the royal dignity of the king of righteousnesse on his throne in a saints heart , effectually guiding thoughts , words , actions , with a princely freedome of inlarged soul . 2. and of the frequent instructions of the great prophet , who shall awaken their eares to hear whom he takes in hand to teach , writing the law of god in their heart . 3. likewise the glorious liberty of the children of sion adopted from under sinai's curses ; even the purgation of the conscience by the blood of sprinking , by the comforter , who saith , fear not , i am thy god , &c. thirdly , we should be stirred up to enquire more in our experiences , after the sweet and familiar entercourse from conjugall love between the king and queen of glory , walking , talking , living , resting together in that oneness which is the beginning of heaven . all which , with what concerns this head , are not onely consistent with , but do absolutely require faith in jesus , who was crucifyed on mount calvary , who is the head of the body the church , by the blood of whose cross we have received the atonement , and are admitted into the presence of god , heb. 10. 19 , 20. eph. 2. 16 , 17 , 18. secondly , the jealous god being displeased with the many false glosses , and carnall interpretations of his holy word , which do rather shut than open it , may by this meanes awaken the upright , and wise , to give diligence to the most plain , convincing , evident , and simple interpretation of the scriptures , which are not inclosed in a private interpretation ( or application ) onely to , or of the persons to whom they were directed , but alway reach the like state , spirit , condition , where-ever and whenever , they being of more publique interpretation , as that josh. 1. 5. is applyed heb. 13. 5. and hos. 11. 1. is also fulfilled mat. 2. 15. thirdly , the head and husband of the church may hereby make way for the clearing up the primitive institution and exercise of church-administrations , and by means known to himself to work out those rotten members of church and ministry , shaking down what is not right , that that which cannot be shaken may remain . thirdly , these things will also tend to the discovery of many giddy and wanton professors , and of them who are approved of god ; also whether we have embraced the truth in the true light of it , and love of it , and so , whether we will contend for it , &c. fourthly , hereby god doth chasten us for our formality , earthly mindednesse , carelessnesse of the saints scattered , whom we now see drawn away before our eyes with these invisible bands of strong delusions , which god onely can dissolve . some other things we have in our thoughts , which providence will shortly manifest , but we shall not now mention . but whatever the thoughts of god are , surely the enemy the devil thinks not so . but to destroy persons and truths not a few , by laying wast scriptures , churches , graces , experiences ; which is the first lesson these teach their disciples , even to forget and forgo all past principles and experiences . and to bring an odium upon the glorious affairs of christs kingdome ( which hasten towards us in their time ) which these imitate , and boast of , but have not . and to hinder the progresse of the gospell by weakning the hands of the most faithful preachers thereof , who heretofore were silenced by the prelatical power . yet however satans designs may be layed , surely there are many simple-hearted who may do him service unawares , as peter once did ; wherefore on some have compassion , making a difference . five things are partly observed , partly conceived , to occasion honest and simple minds closing with them unawares . 1. the badnesse and ignorance of many in the ministery ( so called ) in most places , by whom god doth not speak to their hearts , and they cannot be contented without it ; which occasions their looking out , and listning to these who come as it were with the presence and power of god . 2. some present deadnesse in their hearts , occasioned either by formality in duties , or through grieving , the spirit which then retires and leaves them in sadnesse , which they are weary of , and so close with these as the first physicians that come plausibly to direct their way to regain their losse . we might here shew you that the deceitful heart reasons it self out of the way of the lords mercy , saying , the lord is gone out of the publique assemblies , he will use the ministery no more , for i have prayed and endeavoured , and yet have not found quicknings there , when it may be that soul went to the watchmen that beat and abused him , or else went not in faith , and hope fixed on god above men and meanes , or were impatient of the tarrying of god , and so concluded in hast ( as some of that way impertinently in this case use to say ) he is risen , he is not here ▪ but read cant. 1. 7 , 8. 3. they are perswaded that god is doing some great and wonderfull thing , from the scriptures , signes of the times , and sayi●gs of the wise ; and having made triall of many waies ▪ at least in their minds ) at length come to this as the most wonderful , which first they for a while admire , & not being able to see thorough their words to their meaning , and beyond the golden pretences of glory , and spirit , and cross , &c. come to be perswaded there is some divine thing among them , and so are ingaged to wait among them , and in waiting , the mind ( partly by desire , and partly by sympathy , affections and tremblings , provoking others to the like ) we say , the mind is put forward to meet the temptation half-way , and so fall into the like feelings ▪ which we doubt not to say proceed from the mighty power of satan . 4. grappling with some corruptions , and being foiled by neglect and slumberings , and being in this way made to look more to their watch , the truth heretofore manifested to them comes forth : and why may not satan help on mortification , and a righteousnesse of works , for such an end as to take away the death of christ as for us without us , and the hearing of faith ? 5. some that are witty , having gotten some speculations by the end are fed in their fond desires after high things , & finding the clew run well for a while , trace these notions , untill they find them stick , and because for shame ( it may be ) they cannot retire , they get another end , and after that another , untill they have lost themselves , and be indeed constrained to return to the plain sense of the scriptures . but that is mercy from god to redeem any from these snares . the wonder is great in this temptation , because when once the mind is biazed , and hath drunk in the bottom of these principles , he shal read the scriptures with such spectacles , that he 'l think all the scriptures confirm his way , and by one allegory or other will wrest the plainest scriptures against them to stand on their part ; and this wicked wit some have by this meanes , ready at hand , and as it were naturall to them . as for those who yet are not of their way , whose affections are good , but whose judgements serve them not to discern the mystery of this way , they warn them , to take heed of speaking evil of what they know not , and opposing the work of god which may be for ought all men know that are not of their way , carryed on among them . those who are in their snares are held , 1. by denying them liberty of discoursing or reasoning with them that are not of their way , urging them to believe the pure testimony of jesus in them ; although had we time or desire to render them dispicable to the enemies of the truth , we could shew what inferences they make , and how things hang together like ropes of sand . 2. by setting them at utmost enmity to , and distance from , them who are most able ( by the grace of god ) to convince them , and oppose their deceipts , by representing them under the most hateful names of scribes , pharisees , priests , dogs , swine , idolators , samaritans , sorcerers , babylonish , and what not that 's naught ? 3. by denying them liberty to try what is commanded them in their hearts , under pretence of giving up themselves to god to do what he will with them ; the sad consequences of which are known by some instances lately , by this means drawn to what modesty hates , and some to baspheme , and attempt lying wonders . 4. by frequent meetings and multiplyed papers ; and it is manifest how the mind is strengthned by daily conversing with them onely of one way . 5. by fitting them with things suitable , whether they have been church-members or not , or whether discreet or less knowing . 6. by applying all the scriptures which speak of the sufferings of christ , and the apostles , and prophets , to prove themselves partakers with them , as if they were the onely hated persecuted people for christs sake ; when as indeed some do expose themselves to sufferings more than wisdomes waies lead to , or god requires , out of an ambition to be persecuted . neverthelesse , although many otherwise honest hearted may be thus insnared and thus detained , yet we have cause to judge that some think to raise themselves by levelling others ; or make themselves considerable by some new thing , which yet is not new ; or to bring us under the yoke of rome again , which hath these probable grounds . considering the concordance between these principles and the popish in the righteousness of works , &c. also that some of them say papists are as near the kingdome of god as protestants ; again , remembring that familists have ever been greater enemies to puritans than to papists or prelates . again , that many writings of papists are applauded and used by diverse of this way , above and before preston , sibbs , perkins , &c. likewise that some printed books shew something of the designs of jesuits and others , turning and changing their cloaks to deceive , divide , and break us . but he that sitteth in the heavens laugheth , the lord hath them in derision . wherefore by what we have written , and a short time will bring forth , you may see something of those specious impostures , which we warn you of in the name of the lord ; o watch and pray that you fall not into this temptation . now to him who is of power to establish you a ording to the gospell and the preaching of jesus christ , according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret since the world began , but was made manifest since the comming of christ , and by the scriptures of the prophets , according to the commandment of the everlasting god , made known to all nations for the obedience of faith , to god only wise be glory , through jesus christ for ever . amen . at beverly this 11th . of febr. 1652 / 3 from your brethren in the faith of christ , and hope of eternall life by him , joseph kellett . john pomroy . paul glisson ▪ finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a85173e-150 2 cor. 11. 1. 3 , 14. rev ▪ 20. 3. see cal. de sur sect. liber . ecl. 7. 25. multum in parvo . notes for div a85173e-670 prov. 1. 17. iohn 1. 9. ephe. 3. 3 , 4 , 5. act. 17. 27. 2 cor. 11. 3. 4. 16. ephes. 2. 20. 1 cor. 2. 9. 14. rom. 8. 7. isa. 53. ● . 1 cor 1 23 {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . col. 1. 21. 22. rom. 2. 14. rom. 5. 20. rom. 7. 9. rom. 3. 19 , 20 , 21. isa. 2. 2. 42. 16. heb. 10. 20. phil. 3. 9. isa. 53. 11. {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} col. 1. 23. the preposition {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} often signifies inter , ad &c. it is also preached to every creature , that is , it was sent to all , and not any one is excluded by the straightness of the commission of gospel publishers , as mark 16. 15. joh 14. 28. {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} 1 cor. 1. 21 23. ioh. 6. 51. 63. 64. gal. 2● 20 , 1 cor. 11. 25. {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} ut {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} non ut {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . rom. 3. 11. luk. 11. 35. 1 thes. 5. ephes. 5. 8. 1 cor. 3. 19. 20. {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . ephes. 5. 5 , 6. i ohn 8. 24. phil. 3. 9. rom. 5. 1 , 9. iohn 16. 9. psa. 19. 12. prov. 20. 9. mat. 28. 20 ioh. 16. 8. ioh. 5. 21. isa. 30. 18. luk. 15. 4. 2 cor. 5. 20. eccles. 11. 5 iohn . 1. 12 , 13. rom. 9 16. ephes. 1. 9. 1 cor. 4 7. 6. 11. tit. 3. 5. 1 pet 2. 3. isa. 32 2. hosea 6. 3. psal. 119. 176. jer. 3. 1 , 12. is . 30. 21. is . 64. 5. psal. 84. is . 40. last 16. hosea 6. rom. 8. 23. acts 13. 33 col. 3. 3. 2 cor. 5. 7. tit. 2. 13. rom. 8. 2. 1 pet. 1. 3. 1 joh. 3. 2. gal. 3. 26. 1 pet. 1. 16. gal. 6. 2. 2 cor. 12. 9 1 pet. 1. 7. heb. 6. 19. rom. 8. 24. 2 cor. 1. 20 , 21 , 22. heb. 11. 13 rom. 4. 6. 2 tim. 4 7. rom. 6. joh. 1. 9. rom. 2. phil. 3. 9. {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} rom. 1. 20. gal. 3. 2. heb. 11. 6. rom. 4. 24 , 25. 2 pet. 1. 5. 1 tim. 1. 5. phil. 3. 6. isa. 26. 16. 2 cor. 5. 17 2 cor 3. ch. 1 cor. 1. 18 rom. 15. 4. 1 tim. 3. 15 , 16. * ( any christian not excluded . ) luk. 18. 34. luk. 24 ▪ 25 ▪ ephes. 6. 4. 1 tim. 4. 6. 1 pet. 1. 10 , 11. 2 pet. 1. 19. cant. 4. 12. eph. 1. 13 , 14. 4. 30. rom. 8. 23. 2 cor. 1. 22. 5. 5 , 6. 1 pet. 1. 4 , 5. 1 cor. 12. 19 , 20 , 21. hos. 4. 6. ephes. 4. 2 pet. 3. 1. 1 ch. 12 , 13. 1 ioh. 2. 14 27. ioh. 16. exod. 30. 32. 26 &c. 1 pet. 2. 8. 54. rom 10. acts 13. 38 ; 30 42 ▪ 45 , 46 ▪ 47. luk. 17. 21. mat. 11. luk. 10. 5. 9 luk. 19. 44. mat. 21. 43. rev. 11. 12. john 4. 23. eph : 4. 12 , 13 , 16. 1 tim. 6. 14. 1 thess. 1. 8. acts 2. 40 ▪ 41. 1 cor. 11. 26. 1 thess. 5 : 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. acts 20. 7. mat. 18. 16 , 17 , 18. acts 2. 42. 43. 1 cor. 14. 1 tim. 5. 17. phil. 11. 2 thess. 2. 9. mat. 24. 24 ▪ jude . 16. v. 20. v. 2 pet. 3. 17 cant. 2. last . heb. 11. 1. 2 cor. 4. 13. 2 cor. 5. 5. gen. 45. 27. 2 cor. 3. 12. phil. 3. 10. john 1. 18. 2 tim. 4. 3 , 4. col. 2. 18 , 19. isa. 64 , 7. 2 tim. 1. 6. {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} 1 cor. 14. 31. 1 cor. 12. 28. acts 17. 11 1 cor. 14. 32. g. f. affirmed to j. k. heb. 2. 3 , 4. cant. 1. 7. tit. 3. 8. jude 3. mat. 24. 24. of widom . mat. 18. 2. 1 cor. 1 30 jer. 9. 23. gal. 7. 16. 1 cor. 4. 10. prov. 10. 22 luk. 16. 12. 1 tim. 6. 9. 17. prov. 30. 8. of will . acts 9. 6. psal. 110. 3. of righteousness . phi. 3. 7 , 8 , 9 1 cor. 11. 28. rev. 3. 19. james 2. 2. 2 cor. 5. 16. hab. 2. 6. gen. 3. 7. 21. pro. 31. 21. deut. 22. 5. mat. 11. 8. gen. 9. 2. 1 tim. 6. 17. esther 5. 1. luk. 15. 22 mat. 22. 11. cant. 3. 11. 1 tim. 2 9 , 10. mat. 11. 8. 2 chron. 18 29. rom. 13. prov. 31. 21. eccl. 5. 19. 1 pet. 1. 14. psal. 8. 6. mat. 11. 19. phil. 4. 12. of honour . heb. 11. 24. luk. 9. 62. john 5. 44. luke 1. 3. act. 26. 2. 25. 2 joh. ver. 1. psal. 37. dan. 2. 44. 7. 27. mic. 4. 8. rev. 19. isa. 62. 7. rom. 2 ▪ isa. 61. 5 , 6 , 7 , 9. cha. 65. 7 , 9. isa. 58. 8. isa. 23. phil. 4. 8. {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , rev. 21. 26. gen. 11. 2. gen. 10. 25. deut. 32. 8. acts 17. 26. gen. 13. 9. gen. 21. 30. gen. 14. 14. gen. 19. 9. gen. 21. 34. gen. 23. 16. gen. 15. 13 , 16. gen 9. 25. deut. 21. 17 deut. 27. 17 ▪ gen. 23. 16 judges 20. 13. 1 tim. 6. 17. 2 thes. 3. 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12. psa. 112. 5. joh. 6. 44 , 45. 2 thess. 4. 9. psa. 143. 10 isa 48 16. heb. 8 , 10 gal. 6. 6. 1 cor. 9. 7 ▪ &c. peruse the 2 cor. 11. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 12 , 13 , 14 , &c. neh. 8. 4 , 5. luke 14. 8. acts 8. 31 , 35 ▪ luk. 24. 27 , 44. act. 28. 23. neh. 8. 8. 1 cor. 14. 26. 2 tim. 3. 16 psalm 1. 2 tim. 2. 15 luke 17. galat. 1. job 19. 28. isa. 33. 22. rom. 8. 2. ephes. 4. 21. gal. 4. 5. isa. 41. 12. cant. joh. 17. 23. phil. 2. 8 , 9. col. 1. 18 , 19 , 20. 1 cor. 10 , 11. mat. 16. 23. jude 22. 2 cor. 11. 15. rom. 16. 25 an epistle sent vnto tuuo daughters of vvarwick from h.n., the oldest father of the familie of love ; with a refutation of the errors that are therein, by h.a. ainsworth, henry, 1571-1622? 1608 approx. 193 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 33 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2005-12 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a08219 stc 18553 estc s1318 22121742 ocm 22121742 25099 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a08219) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 25099) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1475-1640 ; 1732:20) an epistle sent vnto tuuo daughters of vvarwick from h.n., the oldest father of the familie of love ; with a refutation of the errors that are therein, by h.a. ainsworth, henry, 1571-1622? niclaes, hendrik, 1502?-1580? epistle sent unto two daughters of warwick. 64 p. by giles thorp, imprinted at amsterdam : 1608. running title: an epistle of h.n. refuted. dedication signed: henry ainsworth. signatures: *⁴ a-g⁴. includes text and commentary. reproduction of original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the 25,363 texts created during phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 january 2015. anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng niclaes, hendrik, 1502?-1580? -epistle sent unto two daughters of warwick. familists -controversial literature. 2005-02 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2005-03 aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images 2005-05 haley pierson sampled and proofread 2005-05 haley pierson text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-10 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion an epistle sent vnto tvvo daughters of vvarwick from h. n. the oldest father of the familie of love. vvith a refutation of the errors that are therin ; by h. a. rescue me ( lord ) , and deliver me from the hand of strangers : whose mouth talketh vanity ; and their right-hand is a right-hand of falshood . psal. 144. 11. imprinted at amsterdam by giles thorp . 1608. to the christian reader , wisdome & grace . as ther are many enimies of the truth of the gospel , and many that write to broach and spread their errors : so is it needful that some write against them , least troden truth be quite forsaken ; and silly sowles be wrapped in error , vnto perdition . it is not easy for al men to espie satans subtilties , nor the deceitful sophismes of his ministers : both he & they , can trāsforme themselves like angels of light . such therfore as discern them through the grace of god , should give warning vnto others ; that as the foolish womā is † troublesome , babling & lowd , inviting her ghests to the depth of hel : so the * maidens of wisdom , may lift vp also their voice ; and make their crie be heard , on the highest places of the citie . what wormwood and bitternes & even deadly poison , is sparsed abroad in henry nicholas his writings , ( who caleth himself the | father of the family of love ; ) the children of wisdome that do read the same , may by the light of gods law soon perceive : yet with faire and flattering speeches , he hath beguiled many vnstable sowles ; & such as have had no love to the truth , have been givē over vnto his lies . and never had satan a fitter time to work his malicious wil on the sons of adam : then in these last evil dayes , when atheisme and iniquity , doe so much abound . never had he a fitter religion for atheists and carnal hypocrites , then that which h. n. out of his corrupt and fleshly hart hath set abroach . it taketh away the crosse of christ , & persecution for righteousnes sake : and teacheth men to cōmunicate with al religions , services and ceremonies ; so as they cleave in hart to his feighned service of the love ; it maketh them pure and without al syn , in their own foolish imaginations ; yea ( more then which the serpent himself did never teach , ) it deifieth them with god. in a word , it bringeth a fretting leprosie vpon al religion , & overthroweth the grounds of faith layd in holy scriptures , which h. n. by foolish allegories , perverteth to the destruction of himself and his family . and for the principles of theologie , he hath written more blasphemously and absurdly then ever did mahomet in his alcoran . for this cause , in answering this his letter , ( as i was requested by some that heard how much it was boasted of , among the nicholaitans ; ) i have touched by the way some of the impious heresies that are in his other writings , without knowledge wherof , his frawd in this epistle cannot easily be perceived . for as a child of darknes , he laboureth to be obscure in his words , y t men may admire the deepnes of satan by which he speaketh ; and himself when he is folowed , & can no other way escape , may have this for his last refuge , that men vnderstand him not . but * al things when they are reproved of the light , are manifest : for the light is that which maketh al things manifest . now the | word of the lord is a lantern , & his law a light ; by it therfore have i assayed to discover the snares of this seducer : not doubting but god , who causeth the morning to know his place , that it may take hold of the corners of the earth , † & that the wicked may be shaken out of it ; wil , notwithstanding al the dark delphick speeches , and glozing allegories of these falsers , declare their works and manifest their impieties , and wil | turn the night , ( in the darknes wherof they think to be shrowded ) and they shal be destroyed . let therfore the prudent reader , make trial of that which on both sides is said , by the word of truth : least , as the serpent beguiled evah through his subtilty , so their harts be withdrawn from the sincerity of christ. and the lord give them vnderstanding in al things ; and preserve them ‡ from this generation for ever ; for the wicked walk on every side , whiles vilenes is extolled among the sons of adam . henry ainsworth . the preface , made by some of h. n. his disciples . this epistle was written by the author vnto two maydens that were before purposed out of zele to have suffred death for the confession sake of the christiā ceremonies , which as he saith in divers places of his works , are no more but outward meanes set forth by god & his ministers to direct people to the inward righteous life of christ in the spirit ; ) supposing therin that they should rightly have obeyed & fulfilled the cōmandemēt of christ , who willeth vs to forsake our own lives for his sake . but vpon better consideration therof , through the grace of god , and these distinct godly testimonies and reasons , ( both touching that point and divers others ) herein conteyned ; their mindes as it hath bene reported by some of that followship wer altered herin to an other vnderstanding of the matter , and they did willingly indevour themselves afterwards , to follow his good counsel . answer . the drift of this epistle / being ( at the best ) to disswade from the pacient and cōstant witnessing of the truth of christ / especially in the outward ordinances of the gospel and open profession of the same , under a colour of inward and spiritual confession / and service of god in the holy ghost it shal not be amisse to look a little into the sleights of satan / wherby ( as it seemeth ) he hath deceived / and would stil deceive the simple ; and to shew the weaknes and insufficiencie of the reasons alleged in this letter : as also to manifest / how the outward obedience of the body / must be conjoyned with the inward of the mind and spirit ; and the external ordinances of christs testament professed and practised ; if we would have the spirit and life which is of god. and howsoever h. n. accounteth the ordinances of the gospel but ceremonies ; yet in that he confesseth them to be outward meanes set forth by god , to direct people to the inward righteous life of christ in the spirit , he manifesteth himself to be but a seducer / in perswading the two maydens not to suffer death for the confession sake of them : seing the outward meanes of mans salvation and of the righteous christian life / is to be stood for vnto the death / as in handling the particulars shal by gods grace appear . and if by the authors counsel / those daughters were drawn ( as here is insinuated ) from their outward confession & suffring affliction for the ordinances of christ / against the romish antichristian doctrines & ceremonies ; their faith was but weak / they forsook the inward righteous life of christ in the spirit / and their mindes were perverted to a very evil vnderstanding . if also they assented to other points of h. ns. heresies / and folowed his corrupt counsel : then were they led * captive / ( as the apostle sayth / ) being simple women / laden with synns and led with divers lusts . from which estate / god keep al his people / & direct their feet in the wayes of life & peace . an epistle . sent vnto two daughters of warwick . from h. n. the wisdome of the father , through the love of christ in the power of the holy ghost , in the second birth out of the new life , of the heavenlie being , be vnto every one which with an vnpartial hart seeketh the godlynes in iesus christ , to a harty salvation . because that every one which seeketh god with hart , mought know the right diversitie betwixt the heavenly and the earthly , betwixt the spirit & the flesh , betwixt the light and the darknes , betwixt the death & the life , and betwixt the righteousnes of the spirit , and the righteousnes of the elementish things ; and then to love the same . that grant vs the almightie god through his love , amen . 1. because ye mought through the spirit of christ inherit the same gift and meere affection or goodwillingnes to the godly life : i do bear or cary the same gift , ( god is my witnes ) before al men . but now am i compelled through the love of christ , severally to open the same gift vnto two yong daughters of a certayn place named warwick . the lord give his prosperitie and grace thervnto ; for that his righteousnes which is wrought through the spirit of christ , mought be knowen of them , and that the life of christ which by many is sought after the flesh , might be knowen and inherited of them according to the spirit , even like as god which is blessed is a spirit . ioh. 4. 2 cor. 3. h. a. our saviour christ / the ‡ wisdome of the father / hath warned vs to beware | of false prophets / which come vnto vs in sheeps clothing / but inwardly are ravening wolves . the apostles / through the love of christ in the power of the holy ghost , have foretold vs / that | in the latter times / some should depart from the faith / and give heed vnto spirits of error and doctrines of divils , speaking lies through hypocrisie / and having their consciences burned-with-a-hot-yron ; and therfore counselled vs / † not to beleev everie spirit / but to trie the spirits whither they ar of god / because many false prophets / were even then gone out into the world . the evil that they should enterprise / is * privilie to bring in damnable heresies , even denying the lord that hath bought them : the maner of their cariage should be to vse | feighned words , ‡ fayr , flattering and good speech , * swelling words of vanity | promises of liberty , and the like . the effect of their doctrine should be / † deceiving of the harts of the simple , even of | many / yea / if it were possible / of † the verie elect ; and by those many that follow their damnable wayes / † the way of truth should be blasphemed . the end of al which ( touching themselves ) is / that because such reprobates / receive | not the love of the truth / that they mought be saved ; therfore god sendeth them strong delusion / that they should beleeve lies / and they al may be damned / which beleeve not the truth / but hav pleasure in vnrighteousnes . these things considered / it standeth vs vpon / to look wel to our selves / least we be caried away with the error of the wicked . this author h. n. beginneth ( as was foretold ) not onely with fayr and flattering speech / but also with swelling words of the second birth , out of the new life of the heavenly being , and sondry the like . he boasteth of the gift / of the godly life / which he beareth before al men / and here severally openeth vnto two yong daughters : and of this he taketh god to witnesse : he telleth them / ( in the 2. section folowing / ) that the christ of god was not yet declared vnto them according to the heavenly truth . thus promiseth he great matters / and seemeth to be a setter forth of a new christ / and consequently of a new god. very needful therfore it is / to attend vnto his doctrine / and if it be true / for to receive it ; if false / for to abhorr it / and to hold the author therof accursed . and herevnto the lord inable and guide vs by his grace . 1. first where he vaunteth of the gift borne before al men / ( in his other writings / ) opened to these daughters / ( in this epistle ; ) let vs bring it to the trial / by the word of god , who ( he saith ) is his witnes . for we read of some / that have * given gifts vnto their lovers / that they might come vnto them on every side for fornication : and whither this writing / and other pamphlets of h. n. be not gifts sent abroad for such evil purpose / let the godly reader judge . if his gift have wytnes of god / it hath witnes of his written word / as the prophet saith / † to the law , and to the testimony , if they speak not according to this word , it is , because ther is no light in them . is h. n. willing to come to this trial ? it seemeth farr otherweise ; for in al his writings he much inveigheth against scripture-learning ; contrary to the true prophets and apostles / who highly commended this / as being | able to make men wise vnto salvation / and profitable to teach / to improve / to correct / to instruct in righteousnes : and never did any of them entwite the learning or knowledge of the scriptures ; as the reader may see h. n. to doe in this epistle and his other pamphlets . our saviour christ / willed al men / even his adversaries / to * serch the scriptures / for they testified of him . if they testified likewise of h. n. and his doctrine ; doubtlesse he would not despise ( as his manner is ) the scripture-learning of others ; especially whiles he wil seem to rely vpon the testimonies of the same for himself . but if we may not learn the truth of religion / out of holy writt ; how then may we attayn it ? h. n. telleth vs in his first exhortation to his children , thus | my beloved children , like as the true communiality of holy ones , and elders of the house of love , confesse , vnder the obedience of the love , the beleef in iesu christ , and the christian baptism ; and like as i expresse the same here vnto you , and confesse or acknowledge it before al men to be the true faith , and the vpright baptisme ; even so ground with fast beleef , your harts likewise therin . so then the doctrine of h. n. and his folowers must be the groūd of our faith : as they confesse and beleev / so must we . and herein the familists religion accordeth wel with the turks , whose great prophet mahomet in his law or alchoran / to draw disciples after him saith thus ; | they that worship god , let them if they be good , beleev his messenger ( mahomet : ) and again ; o ye good men , be followers of god and of his messenger , & never wittingly depart from them . but may we not our selves / by the light and grace that god giveth vs / make trial of h. n. his religion by the word of the lord ? no : for in his first exhortation he saith ; | no man can rightly according to the truth of the holy scriptures nor according to the spiritual vnderstanding of the godly wisdome , deal in , or vse the true god-services , nor the services of the holy word , ( it becometh not likewise , that any man should take in hand to busy himself therabout , ) but onely the illuminated elders in the godlie wisdom , which walk in the house of love. but what if h. n. with his coelders / be but deceivers of mens sowles / seduced themselves and seducing others ? for be they not men as others are / and subject to error ? he telleth vs no / for ‡ they have received the word of life , through the power of the most highest , out of his holy heaven , from the living god , and are even so through the same word , godded with god. therfore in an other place of that book / he saith men | ought to beware that they distrust not the eldest in the familie of love , nor suspect any maner of evil or vnwisdom by him : nor yet also in anywise perswade themselves y t the exercises , documents & instructions which ar taught or set forth before them , by the father of the familie of love , or oldest elder , are too slight , too childish , or too vnwise for them to follow after or to obey . but with perfect harts , humbly and single-mindedly , even as good willing children vnto the obedience ; to receive the same instructions , proceeding out of the wisdom and counsel of the eldest . and must we needs put out our own eyes / that h. n. may lead vs ? may we trust him that he himself is not a blind guide / and false prophet / such as christ foretold should come in this last time ? for this matter he hath given vs his warrant thus / * my loving children , and thou familie of love , give ear to me your father , and live according to my doctrine , that it may goe wel with you : for the lord wil have the father honoured of the children , and what the mother biddeth or commandeth the children to doe , that wil he have kept . * take heed to my doctrine ; and all what i out of love , do set forth , teach , and exhort you vnto , that print to a seal of life , or a witnes of the truth , in your harts . for it is your life . by this we may see what a good ground h. n. hath layd for himself and his cause : that men should receive his word and doctrines / for oracles of god. he saw that his brother / the antichrist of rome / had much prevailed in the foolish world / by making men beleev / that he and his church could not err : he minded also ( perhaps ) the glorie that mahomet hath among turks / by perswading them / that the alchoran ( his law-book ) | is without all falshood ; therfore h. n. wil sayl by that compas ; and make that the foundation of his work . and coming as an enemy to warr against christians / he is much more malicious then nachash the ammonite / who would have | thrust out but one ey of the israelites / wheras this tyrann would thrust out both ; and that not of the body / ( as nachash would ) but of the mind and vnderstanding ; that having bereft men of their wits / he might keep them prisoners vnder his heresies . for in his crying voice , he hath proclaymed saying / ‡ let your selves now in all your being , nature , mind , and disposition , become renued through the love , in her service ; and give al your vnderstanding captive , vnder the obedience of the love. thus h. n. wil be gaoler and keep in captivity the minds of al men ; til they bow vnto him and say / as he hath taught his children ( or rather his s●laves ) in his first exhortation , * o my father in the love , i submit my self , and al myne vnderstanding , vnder the wisdome of thy doctrine . and when he hath gotten mens minds thys captived ; he may lead them whither he lyst / though it be into the deepest dungeon of hel . we find in christs testament the beraeans commended / that tried the apostles doctrines by the scriptures dayly ; act. 17. 11. and other christians also / that took heed to the most sure word of the prophets / as to a light shining in a dark place ; 2 pet. 1 , 19. howsoever therfore h. n. would extinguish the seven lamps of the golden candlestick of gods law / that men might see by the smoke of the fyre which he hath kindled : we mean not to trust his pretended light / but to bring to the trial both his spirit and his gift . for the serpent by his subtilty / brought evah vnto death / whiles he took away gods playn word / and set his own in the place : like may be our end / if we submit our selves / and all our vnderstanding / vnder the foolishnes of this mans doctrine . h. n. 2. see my beloved in the love of christ , i must speak vnto you even like as paul spake vnto the fleshly israelites , where he saith , i bear israel witnes that they stand fervently minded towards the lov of god , but not according to knowledg ; for they seek to set up their own righteousnes . rom. 10. so is now the witnes of god in our spirit with the holy paul towards you , that yee likewise stand fervently minded towards the love of god , but not according to knowledge , because that the christ of god is not yet declared vnto you according to the heavenly truth , but wel according to mans wisdom or industrie , which to the literal scripture , add their own prudencie , and even so goe forth withal , or occupie their own righteousnes without the spirit of christ , which is a miserable doctrine , being taught without the spirit of christ. h. a. solomon warneth vs of an heretik vnder the figure of a foolish woman / that calleth vnto her / * them that passe by the way : yea such as go right on their way / saying / ‡ who so is simple let him come hither . and in this her cal / she counterfeiteth wisdomes words / for even so had her maidens spokē : | before to the sons of men / that went astray . the apostle paul / found fault with the israelites / that for want of knowledge did seek to set by their own righteousnes / by the works of the law : neglecting the righteousnes of god / which is by the faith of jesus christ. h. n. here cometh / like the troblesom woman / and calleth these two daughters / which went right on their way / even in the true path beaten by paul and the other apostles . and the more to allure them / he vseth pauls words / and pretends his affection : but his drift is to draw them quite awry / from the true way of righteousnes / which paul did preach / vnto a false righteousnes by the works of the law / a miserable doctrine which h. n. in his writings hath taught without the spirit of christ. these two daughters of warwick , did ( as i have heard ) so know and beleev in christ and in god / and seek the true righteousnes / which is by faith ; as other true christians of our english nation have done and doo . but the christ of god was not yet declared vnto them , ( as h. n. sayth ) according to the heavenly truth . wheras that which he meaneth by heavenly truth / wil be found indeed to be hellish error ; he teaching such things of god , and of christ , and of mans righteousnes ; as the prophets and apostles have every wher condemned : which anon will appear . h. n. 3. because that the same miserable doctrine and false wisdom of the flesh which gendreth her own righteousnes , mought be made known , and even so then to be forsaken , therfore hath god now in the same last day showed his grace & mercifulnes on vs poor & wretched ones , and hath declared vnto vs through his holy spirit , his service of love , for to declare vnto al good willing ones through the self same service , which is the true way to the everlasting life . therfore let everie one now through the same service of love be warned that he look wel hereto , that he boast not himself in any of the works of righteousnes , or take on the same to salvation neyther to condemnation , before that he in the spirit of christ through the love of the father be renewed in al righteousnes of life . not that i mean in the elementish ceremonial righteousnes , which the man setteth forth or occupieth out of his owne prudencie , but i mean in that righteousnes which according to the heavenly truth is in the being of christ , and is set forth through the spirit of god. for the father is not honoured but through the son , that is , no man may know , eyther serve god , but that he must be born out of the spirit of christ , even like as ther standeth written ; ther availeth before god neyther circumcision nor vncircumcision , but onely a new creature in christ iesus wrought through the love , gal. 6. therfore shal christ in the day of judgements , accuse and find faultie a flesh in their righteousnes , even like as he saith , i shal reprove or rebuke the world of their righteousnes . ioh. 16. that this is al what the man out of his first birth , hath set vp for a righteousnes , which is an enimy vnto god , even like as he sayth , ioh. 10. they are al theeves and murtherers which are come before me : that is , whosover letteth himself think , that he is a christian before the spirit of christ be born in him , that same is a theef and a murderer . for whosoever hath not the spirit of christ , the same belongeth not vnto him . rom. 8. even like as paul hath witnessed wher he saith , i durst not speak any word , vnlesse that christ had spoken the same in me , or through me . rom. 15. yea no man ( sayth he in an other place ) can name iesus to be the lord , but through the holy ghost . 1 cor. 12. a natural man ( sayth he ) testeth not the spirit of god. 1 corinth . 2. my children ( saith paul to the galathians ) with whom i travel agayn in birth , vntil that christ be fashioned in you . 1 gal. 4. here may we mark that without the spirit of christ , ther is no knowledge of god , and vvher god is not knovvn , ther can ther not any doctrine be occupied to the mans salvation . it is verie true . h. a. the author pretending to deal against that / which he would faynest establish / to weet / the miserable doctrine and false wisdome of the flesh , which gendreth her own righteousnes : first draweth the readers to himself and his familie / and the service of love ; as being the declarers of the true way to the everlasting life , now in the same last day . but this is like the cariage of the whorish woman who * caught the yong man and kyssed him / and with an impudent face sayd vnto him / i have peace offrings , this day have i paid my vowes : therfore came i forth to meet thee . &c. and h. n. hath no better warrant then his predecessor mahomet , who ( before him ) boasted himself to be the † teacher of the nations . that the reader may discern the frawd of this falser / i wil first briefly shew what doctrine he hath taught cōcerning god and christ ; and then i wil proceed in answering this his letter . the god which h. n. treacheth to the world / is not as the scriptures declare the true god vnto vs / one eternal / everliving / infinite / incomprehensible / almighty / vnserchable and vnchangeable being / who onely hath immortality / and dwelleth in the light that none can attayn vnto / whom never man saw / neither can see / vnto whome be honour and power everlasting amen . 1 tim. 6. 16 exod. 3. 14. rev. 1. 4. iob. 11. 7. 8. 9. & 36. 26. psal. 90. 2. & 93. 2. & 102. 26. 27. & 145. 3. act. 17. 25. iam. 1. 17. but h. n. telleth vs of a god / that † was in the beginning as a light af life , of one substance with the manly creatures . for as he saith after * in this letter , god had created the man , that he should be of one life , one being , one spirit , and of one nature with god. now the manly creature we know was finite / comprehensible / not from eternity / but had his beginning in the sixt day of this world / and soon was changed from his estate and became like to the beasts that perish . how then can it without highest blasphemie / and dishonour of god / be sayd or thought / that god was of one substance with the man ? yet h. n. to bring his blasphemie to a higher degree / if he may ; hath further manifested his mind thus : † see and mark ye beloved , in the beginning , when god made al things wel , then was the lord one lord of his kingdom , & one god of his works ; ther was also no more but one god and one man , and they were one , and had in al one order , being and nature , for god was al that the man was , and man was al that god was . the divil when he had the | serpent for his instrument / ( the subtilest beast of the field ) durst not vtter such abomination vnto evah / as to say she should be of one substance with god , or al that god was ; but only that she should be like vnto god , knowing good and evil : but here having gotten a new instrument h. n. ( which mystical letters may rightly be read † ha nachash , that is / the serpent , who now is weren more old in evil / more bold in falshood / ) he shameth not to teach / that god and man were one substance and being : god al that man ; and man , al that god was . by this doctrine h. n. leadeth men at once from god to the divil / and deifieth the serpent . for the serpent was too subtile for the manly creature : the divil deceived and overcame the man / with al that he was : his body sowl and spirit . now seing god the creator / and man the creature / had al one substance and being , and the one was al that the other was ; it wil folow vpon this blasphemers doctrine / that the man had as much power / wisdom / wil and ability everie way to withstand the divil / as god himself had : but the divil was too strōg and too wise for the man ; therfore also he was too strōg and to wise for h. ns. god / who had no more of any thing then the mā . now he that is most mighty / most wise &c. must needs / ( even in any pagans judgement ) be esteemed for god. the divil could not prevayl with christ / though he proffered him al the kingdomes of the earth / to fal down and worship him : but he hath gottē this honour and much more from h. n. for far lesse preferment / that he wil not only worship him / himself ; but draw al the world / if he can to doe the like / by his serpentlike doctrine . but a man would think / that vpon consideration of adams fal / and al his childrens miserie ; h. n. would change his more then beastly judgement / of god and man to be one substance . no it is farr otherwise . for as he hath feighned such a god as never was ; so hath he begotten and brought vs forth a christ / to weet / a lovely being ; or rather a lothsom idol in his own hart / as after shal be shewed ; which christ , ( he sayth ) † maketh of two that they be one , namely the godhead and the manhood . by meanes of this mediator / | is god the father one substāce , or manned with vs through christ , and is al in al. herevpon h. n. ( which hath written the world a new gospel / and beginneth it with his own praise / as * the holy evangelists begin theirs with christs / ) telleth vs of himself / that he is ‡ godded with god in the spirit of his love. and least men should neglect to worship this beast / and give him his divine honour ; he every wher vrgeth his godhed and authority ; one example wherof i wil set down . * the god of heaven , as the father himself , is come down , and he bringeth in the service of his love , himself with his christ and his holy ghost , & with al that which with him is gods : vnto his obedient mā h. n. & godding the same w th him , he hath manned him with the same ; and his wil is , that now in the last time , through his service of love , al people or generations of men , which are good willing to his righteousnes , should assemble them vnto him & his godded man , & even so likewise with them , al that which is manly ; to the end that they al should become of one being with him and his godded man , & so be al named gods , and children of the most highest . for even so in the same conjoyned comming and conformity of being ; namely god with al what is gods , and the man with al what is manly ; it al , what is not gods nor manly , becommeth through god and the man vtterly condemned . was ther ever any trump of satan / that durst proclaym such atheisme to the world vnder colour of religion as this man doeth ? mahomet was never so grosse or wicked to think thus of god / or of himself : he in his alchoran every where speaketh rightly of god / that he is † one , immutable , most wise , most high , incomprehensible , omnipotent &c. he was willed ( he sayth ) to say , | nothing is injoyned me , but to worship god alone , and not to esteem any his fellow ( or partner . ) and agayn * that thou ( mahomet ) mayst be proved true , cal thy self but a messenger onely . but h. n. wil be godded with god , and have al that is gods , ( as himself sayth : ) then is he doubtlesse gods fellow : and hath the eternal power and godhead , which the apostle sayth , | ar seen by the creation of the world &c. now what can h. n. or any of his ylluminated elders , answer to that which the true god propounded vnto job ; | wher wast thou when i layd the foundation of the earth ? declare if thou hast vnderstanding &c. * hast thou an arm like god ? or doost thow thunder with a voice like him ? deck thy self now with majesty & excellencie , & array thy self with bewty and glory . cast abroad the indignation of thy wrath , and behold every one that is prowd , and abale him &c. then wil i confesse vnto thee also , that thy right hand can save thee . wee know the true god | can do al things / and that there is no thought hid from him . let h. n. with his new gods / shew forth their godhead in their powerful works . let them ( as the prophet isaias sayth ) shew things that ar to come hereafter , that we may know that they ar gods. isa. 41. 23. christ said to the jewes / if i should bear witnes of my self , my witnesse vver not true . ioh. 5. 31. but h. n. beareth witnesse of himself / and hath no testimony from god / nor his scriptures / more then had * theudas or iudas of galilee . or mahomet . christ did confirm his authority | by signes and wonders . he alleged his works for † witnesses that the father had sent him . but blessed be god / who though he hath suffred these idols of indignation ( the familists ) to vtter the pride of their arrogant harts / yet hath he not permitted satan to give them power to work any miracles / for to seduce the world withall : that such as do follow them / may shew them selves deprived of wisdome and humane reason / in crediting such an impostor / that hath nothing but foolish words to bewitch their minds withall . the prophet isaias teacheth / that | al nations before god are as nothing / and they are counted to him / lesse then nothing and vanity . to whom then wil ye liken god ? * to whom now wil ye liken me / that i should be like him ? sayth the holy one . h. n. answereth / that himself is not onely like god / but hath one substāce with him / and al that is gods. but as the prophet mocked those woodden idols / that were | half burnt in the fyre / and the other half worshipped as a god : so may al men deride these earthen idols / that cannot save their bodyes out of the dust or fyre ? for goe they not down to the grave as other men / and perish like their doung ? is not h. n. rooted out of the land of the living / and doth not his name rott with him ? can any of his godded men save themselves from fyre or sword / and scape out of the hand of the hangman ? and then may we speak to them as did the lord to the king of tyrus ; | wilt thou say before him that slayeth thee , i am a god ? but thou shalt be a man , and no god , in the hands of him that slayeth thee . the apostle paul sheweth the folly and blindnes of the gentiles that ‡ turned the glorie of the incorruptible god , into the similitude of the image of a corruptible man ; and is not h. ns. foolish hart more ful of darknes then theirs ; that after soo great light of the scriptures / turneth the glory and being of the incorruptible god / into ( not the image onely but ) the verie being of a corruptible man ? doubtles god hath delivered him vp into a reprobate mind ; that his madnes may be manifest vnto al men ; which thus hath turned the truth of god into a lie / magnified and honoured the creature , to the dishonour and blasphemie of the creator / who is blessed for ever / amen . to al then that h. n. can say for his own godhed / or his disciples / let al true christians answer / as jeremy taught the jewes to answer the men of babel ; the gods that have not made the heavens and the earth , shal perish from the earth and from vnder these heavens , ier. 10. 11. by this the reader may perceive / what a poysoned religion this nachash h. n. hath brought into the world / concerning god. now for his christ , h. n. teacheth vs not according to the scriptures / of one particular man / of the stock and generation of † the jewes / born about xvi . hundred yeres agoe | in bethlehem ; who himself alone ( being god * equal with the father ” before the world was / and in that fulnes of time † took vnto him our humane nature ) * bare in his own body the syns of al his elect / and by that † once offring of himself vpon the crosse / hath purged them al / from al their syns &c. no , h. n regardeth not ( as after in this letter sect . 11. he sheweth ) this knowledge / that in times past ther was one christ in israel which was born amongst his own &c. but telleth vs of a lovely being / and a holy life : this is his christ. for in his first exhortation he sayth / | walk with your spirit in the lovely and vertuous being : fasten your mind therto , and build your righteousnes theron . for that is an eternal and fast standing foundation , wheron al gods prophets and holy ones have builded , and is christ himself . agayn / in the same book he sayth / † after a little time of your distresse and anguish , or heavines , the lord wil bring his christ , ( that is his best beloved and most holy being ) in power and glory vnto you . in this his epistle to the two daughters , | he expoundeth pauls words 1 cor. 13. though i had al faith , &c. if i had not love , it were nothing ; that is ( sayth h. n. ) whosoever hath not christ , he is with u● god : th●rf●re also in an other place / he caleth † love , the vpright being of christ himself ; and because this lovely life and being / appeareth dayly fresh and new / in those that come to the family of love / therfore they professe to beleeve / not that christ was , but that he * i●●●●●eived of the holy ghost , through the power of the most highest , & born of the h. virgin mary . and wheras the scriptures teach that christ suffred ‡ for vs / and for our syns ; h. n. 〈…〉 christ beareth * in vs our syns . the scriptures teach / that | by the obedience of one ( meaning christ ) many are made righteous : he hath washed vs from our syns † in his blood / he was | once offred to take away the syns of many / and with * one offring hath he consecrated for ever them that are sanctified : h. n. teacheth vs that ‡ christ / vnder the obedience of the love of his father , is gone before vs therin , for that we should , in like manner follow after him , vnder the obedience of his love , in his death of the crosse , to the safemaking of vs from our syns . thus must we save our selves by our own suffrings / and christ ( set forth vnto vs in the scriptures ) is but an example / to teach vs what we must doe . but what should i stand longer vpon this point ; for the familists hold and professe / that † an obedient and godly life is christ iesus ; and so their doctrine of christ , agreeth with their former doctrine of god : both being wretched and blasphemous . having thus opened the groundwork of h. ns. religion , it shal be the easyer to discerne his frawd in this letter / which i now wil particularly answer . let every one now , through the same service of love ( sayth this author ) be warned , that he boast not himself in any of the works of righteousnes , or take on the same to salvation neyther to condemnation , before that he in the spirit of christ , though the love of the father be renewed in al righteousnes of life . in that h. n. sayth / before he be renewed , he playnly intimateth that his deadly error / that after men are renewed / they may boast in and take on their works to salvation ; contrarie to pauls doctrine / who sheweth that not onely † the vncircumcision , ( the vnrenewed gentiles / ) but also the circumcision ( the renewed jewes ) should be justified of god by faith , which faith excludeth mans | rejoycing or boasting ; and * al works of the law. he confirmeth it also by ‡ abrahams example / who though he were renewed in righteousnes of life / had nothing to rejoyce of with god ; but was justified by faith alone ; and as he / so * we al / shal have faith ( not works ) imputed to vs for righteousnes . but h. n. speaking of the 10. commandements given on mount sina / caleth that law / god 's † eternal , true , & living righteousnes ; that he would have to be erected through his people israel , vpon the earth , and wherin al the children of men , generations and heathen , should live . wherin his doctrine is quite contrary vnto pauls / who sayth / * if ther had been a law given , which could have given life , suerly righteousnes should have been by the law ; but the scripture hath concluded al vnder syn , that the promise by the faith of iesus christ , should be given to them that beleeve . now the way of life / the apostle had before shewed / in the same chapter / saying / | it is evident that no man is justifyed by the law in the sight of god , for † the just shal live by faith ; and the law is not of faith , but the man that shal do tho●e things shal live in them . h. n. therfore teaching contrary to the apostle ( as we have seen , ) even a miserable doctrine / and false wisdome of the flesh / which gendreth her own righteousnes / is by th' apostles commandement to be holden accursed . gal. 1. 8. and this gift of his / hath no witnesse of the holy prophets or apostles to confirm the same ; but by his predecessor mahomet is wel approved ; for evē so did he teach the turks * that the law of god is not impossible and intollerable : ( howsoever the apostles say the contrary ( rom. 8. 3. act. 15. 10. ) and that they which keep the the law are joyned with god & saved . after this h. n. sheweth that he meanes not the elemetish & ceremonial righteousnes , but that which according to the heavenly truth is in the being of christ , ( for this we had heard is his heavēly truth , that every man should have the being of christ / or be christ himself . ) his proof herof is , the father is not honoured but through the son ; that is ( sayth h. n. ) no man may knowe or serve god , but that he must be born out of the spirit of christ. and thus he leadeth the daughters by degrees / to their own new birth / for their righteousnes and salvation : and to maynteyn this heresie / he corrupteth and abuseth the scripture gal. 6. 15. wher paul sayth ( against such as | vrged christians to be circumcised / that they might avoid persecution ) that in christ iesus neyther circumcision avayleth any thing , nor vncircumcision , but a new creature ; meaning that such as were graffed into christ by faith / vnto salvation from their syns ; they need not care in this estate for having or wanting the outward jewish signe of circumcision / but labour for that which it signified / namely to become new creatures / dying dayly vnto syn / and living vnto righteousnes / which fruits ar vndoubted testimonies that they ar in christ. but h. n. corrupteth the words / first saying ther avayleth before god , and then adding , in christ iesus wrought in the love , meaning / that a new creature / in christ ( which christ is ) wrought in the love / ( for so he thinketh christ to be the lovely being in vs / as before is shewed ; ) this new creature avayleth before god / for righteousnes / and safe-making from our syns ; as his words elswhere are . thus careth he not / how he wrest / or what he add vnto the scriptures / so as they may seem to serve his turn . that the reader may see his deceit / i wil shew what is his veyn and manner of reasoning . two things are given vs of god through christ. 1. | justification , and 2. † sanctification . justification is by | the forgivnes of our syns for christs sake / and for the death that † he once suffred for vs himself alone on the crosse ; whervpon followeth our blessednes and salvation ; and this justification we apprehend by | faith alone . after which foloweth the work of christ in vs / by sanctifying our bodies sowles and spirits / and making vs conformable * to his death burial and resurrection / and furnishing vs with fruits and graces of the spirit : which being † fruits of faith in christ / following the same ; are no cause of our justification or blessednes / for that we have | freely before given vs of grace . now cōmeth h. n. and he taketh this latter point of sanctification , and al such scriptures as speak therof / and putteth it in place of the former / to weet / our justification , making this our new birth / and these fruits of faith / to be the very cause of our happines / righteousnes it self / yea and christ himself . which deceitful reasoning of his / may further be manifested / by a type and shadow of our redemtion / shewed to our fathers / traveling towards their outward rest in canaan ; as we do now travel towards our eternal rest in heaven . they in their journey were | stung by fyrie serpents / and many of them died . to save them from this death / a serpent of † brasse was set vp / on which who so looked / was ( without any other salves or medicines / ) healed of his deadly wound . then being thus healed , they went | forward on their way / fought † against the amorites and other enimies , and won the promised land ; and this they were to doe / before they could have possession of the same . if h. n. had then lived / and should have perswaded the people / that not the looking vp to the brazen serpent / but their after journeyes / and battel 's against the amorites / did heal them of their stings ; should he not haue belyed the work of gods grace / who without any work or war of theirs / did heal them freely ? even so doth he in this . the venim of synn / by the fyrie serpents the devils / tormenteth men , and bringeth them to * death . jesus christ is lifted vp vnto vs / ‡ as was the serpent in the wildernes / vnto whom we looking vp by † faith / are throughly healed . after this god unployeth vs ” in a holy life / and christian warfare / to subdue our lusts and affections / and bring forth fruites of the spirit in sanctification . now cōmeth h. n. and telleth vs / this holy life / this christian warfare / is our righteousnes / our safemaking from our syns / and is christ himself . thus is he an enimie vnto ‡ the grace of god / and hinderer o●●mans salvation ; seeking to procure it by the works of the law / by which no flesh shal be saved ; and in stead of christ / would give vs an idol of his own fiction . after this / as vnsavourly and to as little purpose / he alledgeth / an other scripture / wher christ ( as he sayth ) in the day of judgemēts , shal find faulty al flesh in their righteousnes , as he saith i shal rebuke the world of their righteousnes . ioh. 16. first it is to be observed that christ spake these words of the comforter ( the holy ghost ) which he / being gone away would send to his apostles / ioh 16. 7. ( as after came to passe / act. 2. 33. ) and sayth / when he is come he will reprove the world &c. but h. n. allegeth this / that christ himself should do it / and falsifyeth our lords words / putting i , for he , the reason wherof seemeth to be for that h. n. holdeth not a distinctiō of the three persons in the godhed / as we professe | according to the scriptures ; but ignorantly shuffleth and confoundeth al. secondlly / he addeth to the scripture / saying their righteousnes ; wheras christ sayth onely that the holy ghost should convince the world of righteousnes ; which may as wel / ( if not better ) be vnderstood of christs righteousnes / then of the worlds ; especially seing the reason therof is rendred thus / † of righteousnes , because i goe to my father . now though one may vnderstand it otherweise / of the worlds feighned righteousnes / yet is it overmuch boldnes in h. n. to put his own vnderstanding in sted of the text it self : for this is the meanes to corrupt gods pure word / even as the mans hart is most corrupt . thirdly , he referreth this to the day of judgements , which is far from christs meaning ; for he promiseth the efficacy and power of the holy ghost in his servants / whiles he is absent from them / before the day of judgemēt ; as the text sheweth to any wise hart . but wherfore doth h. n. put in this , may we think ? doubtlesse to draw men vnto himself / for he is the comforter promised / yea he is christ himself ; and this day and time of his preaching / is the day of judgements . this is evident by his own words otherwhere . for in his first exhortation , he thus writeth ; † according to al the testimonies of the holy spirit of love , this gracious word , and his service of love , is the light , and the day of the true judgement , wherwith god with his holy ones accomplisheth , and wherwith also he wil accomplish , his judgement vpon the earth , according to the truth . in the gospel of h. n. it is also thus written ; | for behold in this present day , the glorious coming of our lord iesu christ , with the many thowsāds of his saincts , becommeth manifested , which hath set himself now vpon the seat of his majesty , for to judge in this same day , which the lord hath ordeyned or appointed , the whol world with equity and with faithfulnes and truth according to his righteousnes . and agayn in the same book . * behold and consider my beloved , how wonderfully god worketh in his holy ones , and how that now , in this day or light of the love , the judgement seat of christ is revealed and declared vnto vs out of heaven , to a righteous judgement vpon earth , from the right hand of god , and how that on the same judgement seat of christ , ( that the scripture mought be fulfilled ) ther sitteth one now , in truth in the habitation of david , which judgeth vprightly , thinketh vpon equity and requireth righteousnes . by this the reader may see / what this man aymeth at in al his writings / even to draw al men vnto himself / as judge of the world sitting on the throne of christ / and spareth not to apply the promises of christs coming / to this day of his preaching / being a more shamelesse and presumptuous blasphemer then ever was mahomet / or any arch-heretik that satan sent to bewitch the world . as he hath abused this 16. of iohn , so doth he afterwards the 10. of john. they are al theeves and murtherers which are come before me : that is ( sayth h. n. ) whosoever letteth himself think that he is a christian before the spirit of christ be born in him , that same is a theef and a murtherer . wher againe he intimateth christ and a christian to be al one : and if the spirit of christ be borne in a man / then though he make himself christ / the door / the shepheard &c. he is no theef / no murderer . thus h. n. sheweth himself to be sold vnto syn / and given over to an heretical and reprobate mind / perverting al scripture vnto his destruction . it is very true . h. n. 4. see my beloved in the love of christ , even thus standeth the foūdatiō of y e christianity , & in such maner of wise hav●th apostles taught the salvation in christ , even like as paul sayth to the corinthes . 13. although i givc al my goods to the poor , and that i suffer my body to be burned , and although i had faith ( saith he ) that i could remove mountayns , if i had not love , it were not any thing vnto me : that is , whosoever hath not christ , he is without god , and without righteousnes in this world . i mean the being like christ , which is received through the power of the holy ghost , and not any ceremonial christ , which one man speaketh of or promiseth to an other , through the ceremonial service , which he out of his prudencie according to his fleshly mind hath set vp . o no , the work and begetting or procreating of the children of god , cometh not so slenderly to passe , as men now at this time teach each other : out of their vnregenerate spirit , which never proceedeth from god. h. a. uuhat a sandy foundation of christianity h. n. hath layd / we hav seē before by his doctrine of god and of christ / and of mans righteousnes . here / ( to build hay on his rotten ground / ) he perverteth an another scripture / and would father his error on the apostle paul / who most of al other did set against it . for the teaching the salvation in christ to be by fayth , as before is shewed : h. n. wil have him say it is by love , the love that is in vs ; which love he expoundeth ( as his manner is ) to be christ himself ; so wresting the word / ( as did the old serpent / ) vnto mens destruction . the love treated of by the apostle / 1 cor. 13. is a qualitie in the saincts / wrought in them by the spirit of god ; as it is written / | the fruit of the spirit is love , &c. now this love which is in vs / ( whither it be towards god or our brethren / ) is not the foundatiō or cause of our happines / but an effect thereof / as we may learn by the apostle / that sayth / † herein is love , not that we loved god , but that he loved vs , & sent his son , to be a reconciliation for our synnes . which love / when we perceiv by faith ; then we agayn doe love the lord ; as it after followeth / | we love him , because he loved vs first . then from the love of god / floweth also the love of our brethren / as is further added / † and this commandement have we of him , that he which loveth god , should love his brother also . and that these graces come not of our selves / ( and consequently ar not meritorious in vs / nor causes of our salvation . ) moses taught his people / when he sayd / | the lord thy god will circumcise thy hart & the hart of thy seed , that thou mayst love the lord thy god with al thy hart & with al thy fowl , that thou mayst live . as for the cause of our salvation / that it is onely gods love and grace towards vs / the apostle paul sheweth saying † god which is rich in mercy , through his great love wherwith he loved vs , even when we were dead by syns , hath quickned vs togither in christ ; ( so ) by grace ye are saved . this grace we apprehend by fayth ; which fayth / if it be alive / stirreth it self / and | worketh by love . and thus the saincts doe shew their fayth by their love and good works ; but in case of justification before god / and mans salvation / al works are excluded / as the same apostle proveth saying / | david declareth the blessednes of the man , vnto whom god imputeth justice without works . this being so / what labour they for / but our curse and wretchednes / which would have vs rely vpon our love , or any good works / for the saving of our sowles . his next inference is more mischeevous / when he expoundeth those words / if i have not love , thus : that is ( sayth h. n. ) whosoever hath not christ is without god. thus maketh he love in vs to be christ ; and so the playn doctrines of the gospel concerning our saviour shal be but a fable . and that this is his meaning / he sheweth elswhere more playnly / when he sayth / * if ye wil not that the wrath of god should come or fal vpon you , so deal faithfully before god & his holy ones , & walk with your spirit , in the lovely and verteous being , fasten your mind therto , & build your righteousnes theron , for that is an eternal fast standing foundation , wheron al gods prophets & holy ones have builded , and is christ himself . here men may see what a miserable foundation he hath layd / for to build our righteousnes on / evē our own walking in the lovely & verteous being , and this with him is christ. wherby he proclameth himself to be antichrist : for the apostle john sayth / † every spirit which confesseth not iesus christ comen in the flesh , is not of god , but this is ( the spirit ) of antichrist . now to say that love ( which is an affection of the mynd / ) is christ ; is to deny him comen in the flesh / out of the loynes of david and abraham / of the virgin mary / in the dayes of herod the king / as the scriptures playnly teach . and by as good reason may h. n. deny that ever ther was any such man as adam , any such beast as the serpent , any such creation of the world / as moses describeth / gen. 1. or any god : and so by his allegories / overturne al religion / and bring atheisme in the place ; which in deed he hath done / with most high abomination / in deifying himself and blaspheming god. by christ , or righteousnes , h. n. sayth he meaneth the being like christ , not any ceremonial christ : so he seemeth to esteem the playn doctrines of the gospel / to be but ceremonial , that wheras we read there of one jesus to be crucified for our syns &c. this he coūteth but a ceremonie / shadow or figure / such ( it may be ) as was the † ram that abraham offred / or the beasts that aaron killed / or ( perhaps ) the parable that * jotham told : for the true christ that saveth men / is the lovely being that is in the familists themselves : this idol hath their god h. n. out of his prudency according to his fleshly mind set vp . and this is a great secret / or mysterie of iniquity . h. n. 5. herevpon my beloved mought ye or som other say , we learn not , or ther is not any thing taught vnto vs , then out of the clear scripture , which may not lie . yea my beloved the scripture lyeth not , but al those which ar not instructed through the spirit of christ , they lie & are beguiled , & signify or expoūd the scripture which is spokē through the holy ghost , & shewed out in the spirit of life iohn . 6. vpon an earthy or elementish foundation , wherthrough the man can not obteyn or get any renewing of the hart . even like as in the witnessing of the scripture ther is witnessed sufficiently to those that can vnderstand the same . who is ther without the word of the lord which is spirit & life , iohn 6. that hath atteyned vnto the salvation , or who hath i beseech you in any world , brought forth any true witnes , vnlesse that he through the spirit of the lord , which is his word , become altogether born anew● h. a. uue are sure the sacred scripture l●●th not / but h. n. which abus●th and falsifieth the scripture / and denieth jesus to be the christ / making love and the lovely being in himself and his familie / to be christ , ( as we have heard : ) is by the apostle condemned for a liar and an antichrist , 1 ioh. 2. 22. and he not being instructed through the spirit of christ , hath taught an earthly and rotten foundation / to the ruine of true religion . the scripture cannot rightly be vnderstood or opened but by the holy ghost , that is the gifts of the holy ghost . but some have the gifts of the spirit / which yet are not themselves altogither born anew : as had balaam / the scribes and pharises / caiaphas / judas the traitor and others many / which as the apostle sayth / heb. 6. 4. were once lightned & have tasted of the heavenly gift , & were made partakers of the holy ghost . therfore it is false which h. h. writeth / that none in any world , brought forth any true witnes , vnlesse that he became altogither born anew . againe he here brocheth another error / in expounding the spirit of the lord , to be his word ; which h. n. in his grosse vnderstanding perversly gathereth from christs words iohn . 6. 63. the words that i speak vnto you are spirit , wherby our lord meaneth that his words were spiritual , not that they were the holy spirit it self . for he vseth the like phrase of a spiritual and regenerated man saying / except a man be born of water and of the spirit / he cannot enter into the kingdome of god ; and / that which is born of the spirit is spirit . iohn . 3. 5. 6 now seing h. n. describing his communialty of the love / sayth / ‡ whosoever cometh into this good city , he becometh altogither born anew in the spirit , he may by like reason conclude that himself and his nicholaitans / are also the holy spirit , and so be a blasphemer against the holy ghost , as he is against the father and the son. the scriptures teach vs playnly to distinguish between the word and the spirit of the lord / this latter being cause and author of the former / as it is written / 2 sam. 23. 2. the spirit of the lord spake in me & his word was in my tongue : and of al the prophets it is witnessed / that they spake as they were moved by the holy spirit . 2 pet. 1 21. the apostle sayth / † this is the word which is preached among you ; and how they preached it / an other sheweth / when he sayth / that | by the spirit of god they knew the things given them of god , and spake those things not in words which mans wisdom teacheth but which the holy spirit teacheth . that al men may see how ignorantly ( if not worse ) h. n. hath confounded the word and the spirit of the lord / as if they were one thing . h. n. 6. note wel , or consider of fellowship , the estate or manner of the apostles , how that they , although they went about so long tyme with christ , & wer alwayes with him , whiles the power of god was wrought through him , vnderstood not what the mind of the lord was , concerning the godly causes , before that the day of pentecost or whitsontide , when that they received the holy ghost , was come vnto them . even like as there standeth written , how that they sayd at the tyme when christ was crucified among them , we had hoped or supposed , that he should have delivered israel , and it is now the third day , and ther cometh nothing of it , we wil goe a fishing . for they supposed that christ should have set vp a fleshly kingdom . h. a. here h. n. to magnify himself / as a spiritual and godded man , spareth not to wrong the holy apostles ; as if they before pentecost , ( acts. 2. ) vnderstood not the scriptures / nor preached the word truly ; wheras it is evident that they were sent and had preached the word long before / luk. 9. 1. 2. which word christ had given them and they received / iohn . 17. 8. 14. and were made clean by it / iohn . 15. 3. and he had opened their vnderstanding to vnderstand the scriptures luk. 24. 45. though afterward at pentecost , they received more plentifull graces of the spirit / when christ was gone from them . act. 2. 1. 2. 4. &c. again h. n. as if he delited to falsify the scripture / sayth there standeth written , how that they sayd when christ was crucified , we hoped that he should hav delivered israel &c. wheras these words were spoken by cleopas and an other disciple which were none of the apostles / as appeareth luk. 24. vers . 18. 21 33. and to make vp his patcherie / he addeth that they sayd / it is now the third day , & there cometh nothing of it , we wil go a fishing wheras those two spake not at al of going a fishing , but other men at an other time , ioh. 21. 3. by this the reader may mind what credit is to be given to h. n. his allegations of scripture / who careth not to profane the holy word / for maintenance of his lies / and setteth things down as they come in his idle head . but why say i so of this godded man ; seeing men | ought not to distrust him , nor suspect any manner of evil or vnwisdom by this oldest father ; whose eysight ( as himself sayth ) * was clearer then chrystal , & his vnderstanding brighter then the sun. h. n. 7. the whiles then that the apostles which dayly went about with christ , and had the word of the father dayly among them , vnderstood not the spirit of the lord : how should then the multitude of these , ( which now say that they are christians , & yet neyther have nor know spirit nor word , but go on with their fleshly prudencie in the literal scripture , and set forth the same with their fleshly harts before the simple people , as it seemeth best vnto them , and say even so very stowtly , we have the word of the lord , wheras it is but their own word , wherin that they through their own prudencie are gendred or begotten , ) feel eyther perceiv the same . h. a. the application of this invective / belongeth to h. n. himself and his nicholaitans / who out of his fleshly hart as seemeth best vnto him / though against the literal scripture / setteth forth his forgeries to the simple people ; yet boasteth very stowtly / that he is ‡ anoynted with the holy ghost , in the old age of the holy vnderstanding of iesu christ , godded with god in the spirit of his love , made heyr with christ in the heavenly goods of the riches of god ; illuminated with the spirit in the heavenly truth , the true light of the perfect being : elected to a minister of the gracious word &c. so that in him and his sect / the prophesie is fulfild / which foretold how in the last dayes / men should be lovers of them selves , boasters , proud , cursed speakers &c. 2 tim. 3. 1. 2. but if the apostles ( as he sayth ) vnderstood not the spirit of the lord ; how should then he / ( that is sold into syn / and given over vnto heresies which are works † of the flesh / ) feel or perceiv the same ? h. n. 8. it is true they have the scripture , and the same giveth witnes of the lord and of the word , but is not the word it self iohn . 5. neyther yet may any man vnderstand the witnessing of the same , vnlesse that he hath first inherited the spirit of the lord in the second birth . h. a. one evil and heresie draweth on another / wher god restreyneth not men by his grace . here h. n. denieth the scripture to be the word of the lord / saying that it giveth witnes of the lord and of the word . which he would gather from christs speech iohn . 5. 39. serch the scriptures for they testifie of me ; but he abuseth the scripture and concludeth amisse / as if because it giveth witnes of the lord iesus , therefore it is not the word ; the contrarie wherof is true / it giveth witnes of him , therfore it is his word . for christ playnly calleth that which is written in the law / the word , iohn 15 , 25. and so doth paul / rom. 9. 9. 1 cor. 15. 54. and peter 2 pet. 1. 19. the scriptures ( for we speak not here of the essential word of the father / which † is christ himself ) are the word of the lord written , even as the lively preaching of the prophets and apostles / was the word of the lord spoken . the beginning of their books sheweth this ; as hos. 1. 1. the word of the lord that came to hosea ; ioel. 1. 1. the word of the lord that came to ioel ; and many the like . it is sayd exod. 20. 1. god spake al these words ; and in exod. 24. 4. it is said moses wrote al the words of the lord. if then that be gods word which is spoken / that also is his word which is written ; and h. n. is but an instrument of satan / to teach otherwise / that he may bring his own word in the place . if the scripture be not gods word , because it is a witnesse : then the holy spirit , which h. n. made the word ( before in sect . 5. ) is not so / seeing that is a witnesse also ; 1 iohn 5. 6. yea christ is a witnesse rev. 1. 5. god the father is a witnesse , 1 iohn 5. 9. 10. the apostles also were witnesses , luk. 24. 48. if then that which is a witnes , is not the word , then none of these / but h. n. and his dreames must be the word , to weet / of the serpent ; and he indeed is no witnesse of god / neyther do his writings bear testimony to the truth / but seek to destroy it . h. n. 6. oh my beloved look into the same a little with me , what vncertayn witnessings that we out of an earthly or a natural being , have followed after , even vntil this day . we may wel say with the prophet , it is altogither lies what the scripture learned preach eyther teach for asmuch as they do reject the word of the lord ier. 8. here giveth the prophet a distinction or diversity , betwixt the word of the lord , & the witnessing of an vnregenerated man , which he bringeth forth out of the letter of the scripture . h. a. the more we look / the more indeed we see what vncertayn witnessings you h. n. out of an earthly being , have followed after , even vntil this day . this stil more and more appeareth in your abusing of the prophets and apostles . here you would father a distinction vpon jeremy / as if the word of the lord , and that which is written in the scripture / were not one and the same ; the prophet teacheth no such thing ; but blameth the jewes for rejecting the word in truth and deed / whiles they boasted to be wise / and to have the law with them ier. 8. 8. 9. he denyeth not the written law to be the word ; ( for i have before proved / that it was gods word exod. 20. 1. & 14. 4. ) but sheweth how vnregenerate men wil abuse it / and yet boast of it ; as your self h. n. are found to falsify the word / and yet vaunt your self to be a godded man , and minister of the gracious word . every | jod and title / and consequently every letter word and sentence of the scripture / is gods vndoubted word / though yow and al divils should deny it ; the false glosses / and heresies that yow and other vnregenerated men gather from it / are the word of satan ; which the scripture it self / by help of gods spirit / evidently doth disprove / and so the word of the lord endureth for ever ; and that is the word which the apostles preached / 1 pet. 1. 25. and what they did preach / is recorded in their writings . h. n. 10. oh if these men , which now so boldly or freemindedly doe say that they are christians , and wil alwayes confesse christ with the mouth ; had eyes to see , & the right spirit for to vnderstand : then should they surely cease or leav off , for to walk in the strange or erring wayes . 11. there is read in the scripture , that christ should be confessed or acknowledged ; which is a very true witnes : but the mind or meaning of the lord therin do verie few vnderstand . and many suppose ( whiles they have read in the scripture of one christ , & likewise through their industry or prudencie , they know that in times past ther was one christ in israel , which was born amongst his own , ) that the same when they know it , & confesse it with their mouth , is the right confessing of christ , wherof the scripture speaketh . no my beloved , no , the confession of christ must stand in greater force or effect , then to be confessed with the mouth , in the ceremonical service , which is a baptising with water , or an other elementish confession . h. a. here h. n. openeth his evil mind more playnly to the two daughters ; whom hitherto he hath boarded with feighned flattering speeches . first he is offended that m●n wil so boldly say they are christians : but we have no cause to be afrayd or ashamed of this name / which is warranted in the word of god / act. 11. 26. 1 pet. 4. 16. but to be caled the family of love , is a name that h. n. hath invented and taken to himself and his sectaries . secondly he speaketh of erring wayes ; when he hath not yet shewed any one error / that we walk in ; but pratled against vs ( as the apostle sayd of diotrephes ) with malicious words . then coming to speak of confessing christ he denyeth not the thing ; but stands vpon the meaning . he inveigheth against the knowing & confessing with the mouth of one christ , ( whom they read of in the scripture ) that in times past was born in israel &c. wherin he teacheth open antichristianity ; for our saviour speaking of his own person that was born in israel / sayd / ‡ except ye beleev that i am he , ( meaning the redemer of the world which was promised ; ) ye shal die in your syns . and agayn praying to his father he sayth / † this is life eternal that they know thee the onely very god , & whom thou hast sent iesus christ. the apostles | preached this one man and no other / who was born among his own / of davids seed after the flesh / according to the scriptures ; they require a confession of this christ with * the mouth / as well as beleef in him with the hart ; and did themselves confesse him with the mouth / as ensamples vnto vs. act. 2. 22. 23. &c. & 3. 13. &c. but h. n. liketh not of this christ , nor of this manner confessing with the mouth ; he would perswade an other christ bred and borne in his own fansie and corrupt imagination / as before hath bene shewed ; and another manner confession doth he require : which what it is / let vs now examine . h. n. 12. mark wel what i write , no man can confesse christ among al those that wil confesse him , vnlesse that he in his like being , have his fashion or shape in him ; not according to the elementish ceremonies , wherwith the one maketh another wise with the historical scriptures : o no , but according to the true being , or flowing out of the christian-like nature . through which christian-like nature , ther is subdued or brought vnder foot , among al those wher the same is born , out of grace , the death , divel & hel . h. a. uue mark wel that h. n. writeth for truth / his own errors and deceits / out of his corrupt hart . no man ( sayth he ) can confesse christ , vnlesse that he in his like being have his fashion in him . this is an vntruth of h. ns. fiction ; he writeth thus / but in the holy scriptures it is not so written . for to confesse christ , is one thing / to hav his fashion in vs , is another thing : the first may be / wher the latter is not ; as the apostle telleth vs of some that confesse that they know god / but in works do deny him , tit. 1. 16. the confessing of christ is with the mouth ; rom. 10. 10. the having of christs shape in vs / is by fayth ; eph. 3. 17. phil. 3. 8. 9. which faith is in the hart ; and ( as th'apostle sheweth rom. 10. 10. ) these both / ( confession with the mouth / and beleef with the hart ) are needful to salvation . it is possible for hypocrites to make a good and true confession of christ with the mouth / and yet in their harts not be partakers of the christian or godly nature ; as iudas iscariot , simon magus , and others that were baptised and made christs disciples by a true outward confession : but it is vnpossible that any should have the christian like nature in him in deed and truth / but he wil also confesse christ with his mouth ; or weep bitterly with ‡ peter / if through fraylty of the flesh he doe deny him . wheras therfore gods word requireth both these in christians ; and h. n. would draw these two daughters from the one ( namely from outward confessing with the mouth / ) vnder pretense and colour of the other / ( namely of having christs shape within them : ) he dealeth deceitfully / and not according to truth . it is / as if he should allure them to fornication ; and when they alleged against him gods law / heb. 12. 16. let ther be no fornicator &c. he should answer / true , but the meaning you vnderstand not ; many suppose that the chastity of body , is the right chastitie ; no my beloved no , the godly chastitie must stand in greater force & effect then to be in the outward or elementish body , for so the pharisees vnderstood the law of old ; but christ applyeth it against the lusts of the hart . mat. 5. 27. 28. if this reasoning be naught / so is h. ns. about confessing christ. for as gods word requiring chastitie / intendeth it both of the body and of the mind : so when it requireth confessing of christ / it meaneth both with mouth and hart / as is playnly set down rom. 10. 10. other deadly poison hath h. n. here touched / as where he sayth christ in his like being must have his shape in the man ; wherby he meaneth such a kind of trāsubstātiatiō / as that christ and the man , should be one substance one being ; yea the lovely vertuous being in man / that is his christ / as before i have shewed . this opinion is not possible to be warranted by holy writ / but is the mere invention of this antichristian . christ our redeemer / is in his own substance and person / in heaven at gods right hand / mark. 16. 19. act. 3. 21. but we are | on earth / and christ dwelleth not otherwise in vs thē by fayth / ephe. 3. 17. which faith purifieth the hart / act. 15. 9. and worketh by love gal. 5. 6. and fayth / which is the evidence | of things not seen / apprehendeth gods great and precious promises / which are given vnto vs † that by them we should be partakers of the godly nature / in that we flee the corruption which is in the world through lust / ( not by having the very substance and being of god and of christ / as h. n. grossly imagineth / ) and wayt with pacience for the second coming of our lord in the clowdes of heaven / at what time both the dead in christ / and those that are alive / shabe caught vp in the clowds to meet the lord in the aire / and so shall we ever be with the lord / as th'apostle sayth 2 thes. 4. 17. an other damnable error / h. n. here hath / saying that through the christian-like nature , ther is subdued among all those where the same is born out of grace , the death divil and hell . wherby he would teach vs to be our own saviours / we our selves must conquer the death divil and hell ; for as wee have heard our own lovely being / that is h. ns. christ. and wheras the apostles teach vs / that forgivnes of syns is by gods imputation of christs righteousnes and death / and not imputing our syns vnto vs / and that our fayth in christ is imputed vnto vs for justice ; rom. 4. 6. 8. 24. 25. 2 cor. 5. 19. h. n. hath put imitation in stead of imputation / saying / that | through the dayly god-service and offring in the holy , in the taking vp of our crosse , in the imitation of christ in his death , we obteyn the remission of syns . therfore he willeth vs to † follow after christ in his suffring , for those are the dayes of affliction heavines and death , wherin christ hath gone before vs in the holy , for to prepare vs throuh the same death of the crosse , the everlasting forgivnes and redemtion of syns . agayn in his book called the spiritual land of peace , | he telleth vs of an instrument wherwith all enimies be overcome . this instrument of victorie is the crosse of christ ; ( not that which christ / of whome we read in the scriptures / died himself on / and triumphed in the same over the principalities and powers / col. 2. 15. but that which we bear in imitation of christ / ) & it is named patience or sufferance / ( such as is mentioned heb. 12. 1. iam. 5. 7. ) and it ( sayth h. n. ) is the true altar in the holy , vpon the which the true meat offring is , that is given to the faithful beleeving travellers to eat , and also the true drink offring that is given them to drink , which meat offring is named the flesh or body of iesu christ , and the drink offring is named the blood of iesu christ. and the same body and blood of iesu christ , is vnto the constant & faithful traveiler in the proceeding on in his pilgrimage , a true mediator to lay away the syn in the flesh , & to establish the promises with him that are made to the fathers . thus the things which are spoken of christ and his oblation of himself / and of our partaking therof | by faith ; this man perversly applyeth to our own patient suffrings ; and maketh patience to be our victory , contrarie to the evident doctrine of the apostle / who sayth that it is faith , 1 iohn 5. 4 5. agayn , the scriptures teach not that our christianlike nature / but that christ himself in his own person for vs by death destroyed him that had the power of death which is the divil / and so delivered al vs his children which for feare of death wer all our life time subject to bondage / heb. 2. 14. 15. but h. n. teacheth that christs death / is our like suffring / as appeareth by his first exhortation | where he sayth that the man ought in his yongnes , to learn to take vp his crosse on him , to follow after christ , his saviour , in his like suffering and death of the crosse , and to shew forth patience with christ , against all the assaultings , vntil that all the enemies or adversaries of the lovely life , through the † death of christ , ( that is , in maner of suffering , ) be vtterly vanquished . by these wordes / and the scriptures which he quoteth / it is playne / that he meaneth our own suffrings in imitation of christ / to be our vanquishing the enimies / and our salvation : which heresie he every where out of his own carnal wisdome vrgeth and perswadeth / to the dishonor of our lord jesus / and magnifying mens own sufferings and merits . and if we look further what h. n. meaneth by his death , divil , and hel ; we shal find these also to be idols and fictions of his own ; that in deed his victory / is like his christ ; even erroneous fabulous and blasphemous . the holy scriptures teach vs of a death in syn , ( when men are wholly given over therevnto / ) ephe , 2. 1. contrary to which is a death to syn / by sanctification of life rom. 6. 2. they teach vs also of a death for syn , ( that is a reward of eternal punishment in hel . ) rom. 6. 23. gen. 2. 17. iam. 1. 14. called the second death , rev. 2. 21. & 20. 14. vnto which the divils and all reprobate men shal be condemned for ever and ever for their syns at christs appearing ; mat. 25. 41. 46. now h. n. ( playing the part of the old serpent / which perswade ▪ evah that | she should not die / ) perswadeth his disciples that here in this present world and life / is death and hel ; so the judgement / the fyre / the condemnation threatned in the scriptures ; he maketh fantastical imaginations or humane affections . for as with him / the love / and to † walk in the lovely & vertuous being / is christ himself : so on the other hand inveighing against them that speak evil by the service of love / and the minister of the same ; he sayth / their | false being is the divil , the antichrist , the wicked spirit , the kingdome of hel , and the majestie of the divil himself . now the punishment for this / is the sentence which h. n. ( who as we have heard / vaunteth that he sits on the throne of christ to judge the world ) pronounceth : his condemnation of the false being / is eternal death and hel fyre / as appeareth by his crying voice , † where he calleth al men to himself / to come al and cōfesse their syns / and make known vncoveredly the inwardnes of their harts / to the end that they may become justified or purged from all their synnes , and received into the holy communialty of the love / when as now in thissame day the wicked world becommeth judged with the lords mighty hand . which wicked world ( sayth he ) is reserved or kept in store til vnto this same day of the love , to the fyre of hell , for to be condemned in the self same day of the love , for evermore , to her eternal cursing & judgement of the fyers cruel vehemencie . and a little after he addeth , | verily , now in thissame day , when as now all vngodly , and all selfwise , with al vnrepentant persons , and false harts of the scripture-learned &c. inherite with much smart and grief in the vehement crueltie of the fyre of hel , the terrible condemnation : then shal the people of god / namely , the whol communialty of the love of iesu christ &c. rejoyce them in all love &c. : and that this their joy / is like epicures in this present world and life / and in their counterfeyt regeneration and godded estate : he elswhere playnly confirmeth / saying that in their citie of peace | there is a watchman on the wal therof / that hath a trumpet named after-this-time-no-time-more ; and that the watchmā foūdeth out of the same last time / as out of the last trumpet , the sound of the everlasting life , after the which there is no life more to be wayted for , for the same life continueth for evermore . therfore in the conclusion of his crying voice when he had bidden all † come now hither to the love and her service ; he addeth / | come now al hither to the paradise of your lord and god &c. come in now all hither to the paradise of the love , and pluck in her garden the tender olives ; | become drunken with the wine of her soon-ripe grapes , and embrace her to al concordable friendlynes . thus like an harlot , he allureth men to his religion / and imitateth the whore of babylon which | made the inhabitants of the earth drunken with the wine of her fornications . for his vaine conceyted lovely being , with the toyes and pleasures that men imagine in that estate / is a fooles paradise , wher men become drunken and besotted in syn / and drowned in perdition . this is h. ns. heaven ; and they that are not here / he thinks they are in hel ; yea playnly sayth / ( in his new gospel / ) † that the second death is come and beareth dominion over the world , and all vnbeleevers . by this the discreet reader may see / what a christ and salvation h. n. doth teach , and what a death divil and hel / the nicholaitans or familists doe subdue . this wretched man seemeth to have written his books in scorn of al true religiō , that atheisme and epicurisme / vnder shew of religiō mought reign in the earth . h. n. 13. herevpon mought some men say , ye would have the man perfect . no , my beloved , no ; i speak not of the perfection of the man , but i speak of the perfectnes which christ ought to have with the man , before he can be confessed or acknowledged . the man in his vnregenerated spirit is vnperfect , i speak not thereof , but what he is , that is he out of grace , without cause of boasting . 14. therfore let every one look wel vnto it that he be not self-minded in his vncertayn forecasts or preconceiving : but that he take heed , or be wel advised , whither he be worthy to receive the same grace of god. h. a. that which david sayth of the wicked man / that † his mouth is ful of deceit and frawd , vnder his tongue is mischief and iniquitie : is verifyed of h. n. in his deceitful writings . he seemeth here at first / as if he would not have the man perfect ; no , my beloved , ( crieth he at it ) no ; but presently from vnder his tongue floweth out mischief and iniquitie ; when he speaks of the perfectnes which christ ought to have with the man , before he can be confessed ▪ this is a depth of satan / to bring men into misery vnder colour of perfection ; and to abolish them from christ / whiles they may imagine / he is perfectly with them . though christ ( i mean the true christ whom we professe / not the idol which h. n. feighneth of the lovely being / ) be in himself perfect / yea perfectiou it self ; and though the work that he hath done for vs / be also perfect ; because with one offring he | hath consecrated for ever them that are sanctified / and his blood † hath clensed vs from all syn : yet his work in vs is yet vnperfect even in the best men that ever confessed christ whiles they lived on earth ; who therfore were taught every day to pray that | their syns might be forgiven them : and the apostle paul / after he had long confessed and preached christ truly / sayth of himself / † not as though i were already perfect , and agayn , * i do not the good thing which i would , but the evil which i would not that do i ; and agayn / † we know in part , and we prophesie in part , but when that which is perfect is come , then that which is in part , shal be abolished ; now wee see through a glasse darkly , but then ( shal we see ) face to face &c. but h. n. by an other spirit which perswadeth him : that he is | like god / yea godded with god ; writeth of his citie or communialtie and those that are come vnto it / that † as then there is no more evil , nor evil suspition , nor yet sight of evil in them ; for within the same , one doth neyther see nor think any thing els , but all good , joy , rest and peace , in the everlasting life . such a societie hath yet never been heard of on earth since adams fall / neyther doth the historie of the bible shew vs any such church ; onely it telleth vs / ther is a generatiō y t at pure in their own eyes , which yet ar not washed from their filthines , pro. 30 12. if the familists be this generation , they may rejoyce in the sparks of the fyre that they hav kindled / til they shal lie down in sorow . as for vs / we have learned of a better teacher / that there is | no man iust in the earth that doeth good and synneth not , but † in many things we syn all , for syn yet | dwelleth in vs / and if we should say we have no syn / we should but † deceive our selves / and the truth were not in vs. yet know we that our confession of christ / is acceptable vnto him / because he ‡ pardoneth all our iniquities / and healeth al our infirmities / hath * washed vs from our syns in his blood / and wil not impute them vnto vs. wheras h. n. to help the matter / sayth the man in his vnregenerated spirit is vnperfect / he followeth but his wonted course to deceive the readers ; for none are so grosse as to think the vnregenerated man is perfect ; neyther is this the question between him and vs ; but whither the regenerated be perfect or no / which h. n. erroneously holdeth but cannot prove ; we contraryweise have proved that the apostles and other christians were regenerated / but not perfect / whiles they lived here on earth among men / phil. 3. rom. 7. 1 cor. 13. iam. 3. h. n. 15. now mought ye say , we encline or endevour our selves therafter , so much as we may , for we have given our selves to the christian-like baptismey and supper of the lord. 16. oh my beloved , that were very wel , if it were even so in the truth ; for ther ar many that boast themselves of the baptismey of christ , and they have not known him in any world . for were they baptised in christ , then should they have put on christ , even like as paul sayth to the galathians 3. so many of you as are baptised have put on christ. 17. i would gladly now ask of al those which say they have received the christianlike baptismey , how or after what maner christ hath a shape or fashion in them . i am verie sure , that they all for the most part should be deceived , and should find themselves vnmighty or weak in that being of christ , wherin many should make manifest themselves , that they have not received the baptismey of christ , but their own baptismey . 18 everie one therfore that is vpright of hart , and seeketh the truth in christ vnpartially , let him prove himself how he hath put on christ , according to the spirit . and if he then finde not the stirring of the holy spirit of christ in him , then let him advisedly look sharply yea sharply herevnto , that he boast not himself of the christianity , but let him humble himself before the might of the lord , and trust vpon his grace . h. a. the christian baptisme / consisteth of an outward washing with water by christs minister ; and of an inward washing with the holy ghost / by christ himself . ioh. 1. 33. act. 8. 38. and 10. 47. the outward washing of the flesh / without the inward clensing of the hart , is not avaylable to salvation . 1 pet. 3. 21. yet may not the outward action be despised or neglected . for as the true circumcision was of | the hart in the spirit ; yet if any had not circumcision also in his flesh , he was † to be cut off from his people / as having broken gods covenant ; so is it likewise for baptisme come in place of circumcision . act. 2. 38. colos. 2. 11. 12. the outward baptisme many do rightly receive / which have not the inward ; as did symon magus , act. 18. 13. 20. 21. the inward none have in deed and truth / that do despise the outward ; we teach that these both must be joyned togither according to the scriptures ; and labour for both . the familists therefore which boast of their inward baptisme / and administer not the outward among themselves / but present their children to be baptised of papists or any other antichristians / so offering their children vnto | molech , and perswading others to do the like ; shew themselves to be farr from true christian baptisme / which defile their bodies and sowles with such hypocrisie and idolatrie . and h. n. which laboureth here to disswade these two daughters from suffring and witnessing against popery / bewrayeth himself not to have known christ in any world ; nor can he shew christs shape to be in him / whiles vnderhand he teacheth grosse impietie ; pretending inward baptisme and spiritual regeneration . but the drift of this man is / by his invective against others / to allure men to himself ; for when he concludeth with his exhortation that every one should humble himself before the might of the lord , and trust vpon his grace ; his meaning is / as elswhere he explaneth himself , † let your selves now in all your being , nature , minde , and disposition , become renewed through the love , in her service : and give all your vnderstanding captive vnder the obedience of the love , and humble your selves even so vnder her service ; to the end that ye all may become washed in the love , with the pure water of the love. for to become washed in the love with her pure water , is the vpright washing , and the true font of the regeneration or new birth ▪ now seing thus harlot-like he allureth all men to his * stollen waters within his lovely family ; for th'vpright washing ; let vs see what manner of washing and baptisme that is / which he so boasteth of . in this letter he coucheth his heresie in a word , namely | that being of christ ; wherby the meaneth that the man / or the lovely being in the man baptised / is christ himself / as before is manifested / and after shal further appear . this error he would ground on the apostles words gal. 3. 27. for all ye that are baptised into christ , have put on christ ; which place this author thus | allegeth / so many of you as are baptised have put on christ. where first ( as his maner is ) he corrupteth the text it self / by taking away those words into christ / and saying onely baptised / wherby he would intimate / that none are rightly baptised / but such as have put on christ ; contrary to the scriptures which shew that | symon magus and † many others were rightly baptised / as touching the ministerie of man / which yet had not put on christ / because they were not baptised into christ as the apostle here addeth / but h. n. omitteth . agayn / he gathereth that which the apostle strowed not / namely that to put on christ is to have the being of christ in vs : but this h. n. fansieth to himself ; for the spirit of god speaketh not so ; yea the apostle meant farr otherweise ; as his former words shew / wher he sayd / † for ye al are the sonnes of god , by faith in christ iesus . so christ is put on by faith , as also elswhere he is sayd to * dwel in vs by faith , not by a real or essential being , such as the familists feign to themselves by the spirit of error . now to beleeve in christ , and to have the being of christ , that is / to be christ himself : are farr differing things / as all men know . and as wel might the familists plead / that abraham was god / because he | beleeved in god ; and that the multitude of israel were the lord because they † beleeved in him ; as that men are christ or have the being of christ / because they beleev in him / and by beleef have put him on . neither can our imitation or following * of god or of christ in the likenes of his death and resurrection / make the being of god or of christ to be in vs ; any more then our following of the apostles / ( which also we are | exhorted vnto ; ) can make vs of one being with them . how absurd these things are / any reasonable man may see : yet such absurdities many / ar the groundly documents of this oldest father h. n. touching baptisme and other mysteries of religion ; as is more playnly to be seen in his first exhortatation ; for there treating of baptisme / and having described god to be a might spirig , a perfect cleer light , and a true being ; he addeth that | the same being , is god the fathers name , ( meaning that name of the father into which we are baptised / ) and his love it self . no word of god telleth him this / but he forgeth it out of his fleshly hart . the being of god ( as we may learn by the scriptures ) is such a thing / as neyther men nor angels can know or comprehend : how then should they be the same ? 1 tim. 6. 16. isa. 6. 2. psal. 145. 3. iob. 11. 7. 8. and 36. 26. but the name of god is that wherby in some sort he hath made known and manifested himself in his word and works ; exod. 3. 15. and 6. 3. & 33. 19. deut. 12. 8. 11. psal. 9. 11. after this having discoursed of the | fathers plucking vs to the love of christ / and so baptising vs into the name of the father / and this by the familists / in the administration of the holy word vnder the obedience of the love / with the law of the lord and with his correction ; &c. h. n. telleth vs that † god the father with the discipline of his law , manneth himself with vs , and we become likewise godded with him , to the end that we through his own being , should bear as men of god , his holy name , vnder the obedience of his law &c. wherin this heretik vttereth double blasphemie ; first that god the father manneth himself with vs ; by which doctrine ath●an like he spoileth god of his true being , his simplicity / immutability / infinitenes and the like / which the scriptures shew to be in god ; deut. 6. 4. iam. 1 , 17. 1 king. 8. 27 secondly in saying / that men become godded with him / he wretthedly extolleth corruptible man into the throne of the incorruptible god ; confounding heaven and earth / the creator and the creatures / between whose being there is no comparison . which things if he would not learn of the h. scriptures / ( because he scorneth scripture learning / ) yet might he have learned of philosophers and heathen men / who have sayd / that | though by certayn demonstration it is manifest that a divine artizen hath procreated vs , yet by no reason or wit can we perceave what his essence ( or being ) is . that god is † one alone separated from all , who cannot be explayned nor perceived , that he is the first simplicity , incomprehensible , incomparable , vniform ; that * he cannot be known or found out , yea that it ‡ is neyther possible to find him out , nor lawful to serch him out . and many like speeches have the pagans spokē of god / more divinely soundly and religiously a great deal / then this epicure h. n. ( the god of the familists ) hath written in his blasphemous pamphlets . after he hath thus described | the vpright christian baptisme ( as he sayth ) or washing in the name of the father ; he proceedeth with his baptisme / in the name of the son ; of whom he sayth that † he is conceived of the holy ghost , and born of the holy virgin mary . and that * thissame son of god beareth in vs our synnes &c. and that he vnder the obedience of the love of his father , is gone before vs therin , for that we should in like manner follow after him vnder the obedience of his love , in his death of the crosse , to the safemaking of vs from our synns : become incorporated to him with his like death , and baptised or washed vnder the obedience of the beleef in his name or safemaking , and bury even so through the beleef the old man &c. to the forgiving and releasing of our synns through his name or safemaking , to the end that we might even so through iesu christ , obteyn the renewing of our spirit and mind , in an vpright life and resurrection from the dead with christ in the appearing of his majesty . and that ‡ this is the vpright christian baptisme in the name of the son , and is the true forgivnes and purging of our synns through iesu christ. and all that thus folow not christ | are no christians , nor yet baptised in the name or salvation of the son. here is an other puddle of heresie for men to be washed in / in the name of h. ns christ. of whom he first telleth vs / that he is conceived and born ; whereas we beleeve in that christ which † was conceived and borne now many yeres ago . but the nicholaitans have a christ in them / to weet / their lovely being , as * before is shewed ; neither is their fayth setled on one jesus borne heretofore in israel , but they themselves are born of the virgin mary / as their father h. n. teacheth them in his gospel / ‡ saying / the vpright children of the beleef , which had their discent out of the seed of the faith of abraham , and the pure virgin mary , as also from the holy ghost , were known to be the true seed of abraham , because the same seed , was the seed of the promise of god the father , & was likewise in his mind , according to the spirit , the likenes of god his father ; also spirit & spiritual , of the godly nature & being , & according to the wil of god , wholly minded w th god. these vpright children of the beleef / ar the familists themselves / ( if we wil beleev them / ) they are born of the holy ghost / and of the pure virgin mary / and are not onely their own saviours / but / as a little before in the same place he writeth / † the seed out of the faith of abraham , & out of the pure virgin mary , is the true seed of promise , to the blessing of all generations of the earth . thus do these caytiffs take to themselves the honour of christ ; and though the prophet telleth vs but of one | child that is born vnto vs / which should be prince of peace / should order and stablish the kingdome of david forever : yet these tel vs of many children of the pure virgin mary / as being that seed of promise in whom al generations of the earth should be blessed . how they have this strange birth / we may gather by h. n. his learned interpretation of the name mary / which he sayth † signifieth a doctresse ; for the doctrine of h. n. is that wherby his disciples are born anew ; as elswher he expoūdeth that to be born of the virgin mary out of the seed of david after the flesh / is * of the pure doctrine out of the seed of lov. now mary caled in greek ‡ mariam / in hebrew † mirjam , i find in the scripture to signify their rebellion ; nehem. 9. 17. which name very fitly agreeth to the familists doctrine : but how or in what tongue it signifieth a doctresse / themselves i suppose can hardly shew / vnlesse vpon h. ns authority / who as he hath given them a new gospel / so also a new language / ( farr differing from the language | of canaan / ) wherby they may make what meaning and gather what allegories they lyst from words ; and none must suspect any vnwisedome to be in them . secondly h. n. sayth that thissame son of god beareth in them their synns ; wheras that son of god / in whom the scriptures teach vs to beleev / hath washed vs from our synns * in his own blood / and put thē away by the sacrifice ‡ of himself : for he was wounded † for our transgressions ; | his own self bare our syns in his body on the tree / and died * for vs. how erroneously then doth h. n. perswade / that christ beareth in vs our synns ? thirdly he sayth that christ is gone before vs / for that we should in like maner follow after him vnder the obedience of his love , in his death of the crosse / to the safemaking of vs from our synns : so teaching vs to save our selves by imitation of christ ; this being all the benefit we have by his death / that it is an example vnto vs how to do likewise . wherin h. n. sheweth himself to be a greater enemy to christianity then was caiaphas / who sayd it was expedient that | one man should die for the people / and that the whol nation perished not ; so prophesying † that christ should die for the nation ; wheras h. n. would have men die themselves for their own salvation / that so they might all perish for ever . but we have otherweise learned the true christ / who was delivered to death * for our syns / and is risen agayn for our justification . that as by ‡ one man / ( the first adam ) syn entred into the world , and death by syn / and so death went over all men ; so by one man / ( the second adam christ ) we might | reign in life / and as by * one mans disobedience many were made synners / so by the obedience of one / many might he made righteous . fourthly h. n. teacheth that men are baptised vnder the obedience of the beleef in his name or safemaking , and bury even so through the beleef , the old man &c. to the forgiving and releasing of their synns . where agayn he perversly applieth that to obedience and mortification / which is due vnto faith . for when the eunuch would be baptised / philip required nothing of him but * to beleeve ; and paul sayth / to him that worketh not , but beleeveth in him that justifyeth the vngodly , ‡ his faith is counted for righteousnes . although therfore | obedience to the faith must be given by all true christians / and they which are baptised into i. christ / are baptised † into his death and buriall ; yet is not this done / to the forgiving and releasing of their synns , as h. n. pharisaically inferreth ; but to shew forth the fruit and force of faith / wherby the just ‡ doe live / and lay hold on christ / whom god † hath set forth for a reconciliation though faith in his blood , to declare his righteousnes by the forgivnes of synns that ar passed through the pacience of god. wheras therfore h. n. doth gather from the premisses that this ( which he hath set down ) is the vpright christiā baptisme in the name of the son , & is the true forgivnes & purging of our synns through iesu christ ; he is found a false witnes against god and christ / and would give vs a synful sink of error / even a vayn perswasion of our own obedience righteousnes and sanctification / to wash our selves in ; and hath royled with his feet / the pure fountayn of christs blood / which clenseth all beleevers from all syn . that vpon himself his own words may justly be retorted / he boasteth himself of the baptismey of christ , and he hath not known him in any world . of like leven / is h. ns baptisme in the name of the holy ghost ; which he maketh to be also | the second birth out of the holy ghost , the true love of god & christ. and this ( even as the former of baptising in the name of the father and of the son / ) we must not vnderstand / of any outward action by the minister of christ / washing with water as did john the baptist / nor yet to be done at one and the same time with the former : but as h. n. sayth / † in the oldnes of time , when the dayes of the patience of christ , in the obedience of the holy and gracious word , & his service of love are fulfilled , ( that is / when men have walked long ynough in the familists religion ) that then the holy ghost becommeth powred forth through iesus christ ( vnderstanding / h. ns christ / to weet / the lovely being ; ) over them all that have followed christ in his death of the crosse obediently , ( that is / which have saved themselves from their synns / by their own fantasticall suffrings / ) and have kept his doctrine , with the word of his patience even vnto the end . thus hath this deceiver of minds / drawn all gods ordinance of baptisme / ( which with men is outward / and was by * the apostles admininstred with materiall water / ) vnto a blasphemous imagined being and conformity with god / or regenerated estate : and the holy doctrine of justification / by forgivnes of synns through the blood of christ shed for vs / and sealed vnto vs in † baptisme ; he hath wiped away vnder colour of sanctification or deification by our own following of christ. which things he teacheth by the same spirit that the serpent taught evah not to fear the outward eating of the forbidden fruit , seing she should be like vnto god / knowing good and evil . h. n. 19. after such a like maner witnesseth paul of the supper of christ wher he sayth , so many of you as have eaten of one bread , are become partakers of one body . hath any man now rightly vsed the supper of christ , the same is then become partaker of the body of christ , according to the mentioning of the scripture . 20. therefore see vnto it , yea see vnto it , everie one which sayth , that he hath fulfilled the service of christ , or would be a disciple of christ. for those services and ceremonies which are ministred through the comandement of the holy ghost , out of a christianlike being ; they have the promises whiles they are rightly obeyed , that should receive the pledge of the godly inheritance , which is the holy ghost . and where that cōmeth not to passe , vnto them ther is not the christian service ministred ; let them make them then so like fashioned to the scripture as they wil. for whatsoever is served without the spirit of christ , it is an abomination before god ; therein may everie one think freely . h. a. that which is here sayd of the supper of christ / if an honest faithful mā had written the same ; might wel be yielded vnto / for in the words ther would lurk no frawd . but coming from this old seducer / h. n. and being affixed to his former heresies / i deny that after such a like manner ( as h. n. before treated of bapisme ) paul witnesseth of the supper of christ. for paul sayth not that we ar one being with christ / but that we are the | body of christ / and that the bread which we break / is the * communion of his body ; which body we eat and have communion with / by | faith / not really and essentially as fleshly men imagine ; and we ar caled the body of christ , not properly but figuratively / by way of * similitude / and in | great mystery ; for as a man joyned to a woman / is one flesh , so ‡ he that is joyned vnto the lord is one spirit . but as the woman / notwithstanding her conjunction / is not the man / neyther hath the being of the man ; so the church notwithstanding her conjunction / is not christ / neyther hath the being of christ but by faith is coupled vnto him / as he sayth by the prophet / | i will mary the vnto me in faith . now that h. n. hath the like grosse understanding of the lords supper / as he shewed before of baptisme ; appeareth not onely by his entrance saying after such a like manner &c : but also by his words in his gospel wher speaking of the passover , he sayth | christ gav his disciples to drink out of the cup , ( which is his passion , ) his true blood , which is his holy life of the new testament . thus applyeth he all things about christ / to a holy life ; even then and there / wher it is playnly spoken of death . for though blood whiles it is in the body / is the life of the same : yet when it is shed out of the body / ( as christ ther | sayth his was / ) it signifieth death & not the life of the party ; as also the apostle testifieth / † so oft as ye eat this bread / and drink this cup ye shew the lords death til he come . and as david would not drink the water that came out of the well of bethlehē / because it was | the blood of the men that fetched it / that is / because they jeoparded their lives vnto the death to fetch it ; so we when we drink the wine out of the cup in the lords supper / doe drink the blood of christ , that is his death which for our synns he did vndergoe . but h. n. by the spirit of error that possessed him / he takes christs death for vs / to be a holy life in vs ; as before is more largely shewed . vnsound it is / and savoring of a fātastical spirit / that he opposeth in the end / the services and ceremonies which ar ministred through the comaundement of the holy ghost out of a christian like being , vnto the service fashioned like to the scripture . for ther is no service commanded by the holy ghost , but it is fashioned like to the scripture , and hath the ground and warrant therfrom ; otherweise it cometh from the spirit of satan / and not from god. for gods spirit leadeth men into al truth / iohn . 16. 13. and it is gods word which is the truth . iohn . 17. 17. the three that bear witnes in heaven / the father , the word , and the holy ghost , as they ar in being / so are they also in their testimony one . 1. ioh. 5. 7. as the doctrin of christ was not his own / † but the fathers that sent him : so neyther is the doctrine of the holy ghost his own / but the sons that sent him / as christ witnesseth saying | he shal not speak of himself , but whatsoever he shal hear he shal speak ; and agayn † he shal glorify me , for he shal receiv of mine , and shal shew it vnto yow . now seing the holy ghost teacheth no other doctrine then christ / nor christ then the father ; and seing christ himself sendeth al men to serch the scriptures / as they which | testify of him ; and his apostle hath taught vs / that the knowledge of the scriptures is able † to make vs wise vnto salvation through the faith which is in christ jesus : we may veryly deem it to be a delusion of satan / whatsoever any would teach vs towching gods service / that is not warranted by the scriptures ; and that those are spirits of errour / which so disdeyn and scoff at scripture-learning , and boast of illumination by the holy ghost . vnsound also it is / and contrary to the scriptures / that h. n. here would perswade vs / that where it commeth not to passe , that the holy ghost which is the pledge of the godly inheritance , is not received : vnto them there is not the christian service ministred . for the apostle sheweth / that israel had the true christian service ministred to them / when they did | al eat the same spiritual meat / and drink of the spiritual rock which followed them / which rock was christ : yet received they not the godly inheritance which is the holy ghost ; for with * many of them god was not pleased / they were overthrown in the wildernes / and ‡ could not enter into the rest of god / because of their vnbeleef . the christian service was rightly administred to † simon magus , whē he was baptised : yet was not his | hart right in the sight of god ; also vnto iudas , when he did sit and eat with the other apostles ; yet even then * satan / ( and not the holy ghost / ) entred into him . even so with vs / the true christian service in the administration of the word / seales / and censures / is set forth and practised : though many receiv it into evil harts and vnfaithful / to their greater condemnation . but the elect of god / are edified / comforted and confirmed in his grace hereby : though these are not many ; for many be called but few elected . mat. 20. 16 agayn / h. n. hath here set down that which overthroweth the whole scope of his writing ; when he sayth / those services & cerimonies which are ministred through the commandement of the holy ghost , out of a christian-like being ; they have the promises , whiles they are rightly obeyed &c. if thus it be ; then ought all christians to labour and seek for those services and ceremonies / ( as he calleth them ) that so they may obteyn the promises : then also must they shun and refreyn from al false and humane ceremonies or services / which have no promise / and are but the profaning of gods name . and this is our cause / fayth and practise / which witnes against and absteyn from the antichristian services and ceremonies of popery / for which doing / the world hateth and persecuteth vs : from which profession / practise / and patient suffering / this writer would diswade / and allure to communion with wickednes / by the vayn pretenses set forth in this letter : as after more playnly foloweth . h. n. 21. oh , how wel should they doe , which do now extol themselves before the simple , and say that they are preachers of christ , if they would first learn to know christ , before they made themselves ministers of him . they wil preach the word of christ , and yet they have not according to the spirit , seen the fashion or shape of christ , or heard of the same in any world . they say the scripture witnesseth vnto vs , that we for christs cause should forsake our lives , the which according to the truth , is very true : but the most part which speaks so much thereof , they themselves vnderstand not the mind or meaning of god , in that which the scripture sayth : namely , how that we must hate and forsake our own life , or els we cannot be the disciples of christ. therfore mark wel therevpon ; & not only vpon that , but also vpon al the witnessings of the scripture . 22 , oh vnderstand advisedly what i doe write , of the forsaking of our own life . when god had created the man , then was the man in subjection to the life of god , and not to his own life : for therevnto god had created the man , that he should be of one life , one being , one spirit , and of one nature with god. but when the man desyred in his hart , to love some other thing beside the life of god , ( namely the concupiscence of the syn , ) then went he into his own life , and contentation , and forsook the life of god , and lived even so his own life , and the life of the divil . 23. the whiles now that the office of christ hath his ministration , for to bring the man agayn vnto god the father : so cannot christ bring the man to the father , vnlesse that the man forsake his own life , which he hath lived so long to the divel and to himself , which is al that same wherin he hath sought , loved & lived to himself . 24. is not this now a great overshooting or misunderstanding that the children of men , can say and teach , that christ meant hereby , the natural or elementish man ? h. a. it had been wel in deed if h. n. who so extolleth himself before the simple , & sayth that he is a preacher of christ , ( yea godded with god / ) would first have learned to know christ , before he hade made him self a minister of him . for now being ignorant of the principles of religion / and a meer stranger from the life of god ; he hath perverted al things to his own and ther mens perdition . witnes this his corrupt doctrine about the forsaking of our own life . wherin he first and generally seeketh to colour his iniquity with deceit and fraud . for / to perswade that we need not give our lives / our natural & elementish lives , for christs cause / at any tyme ; which is a doctrine of the serpent : he maketh a discourse of our spiritual life in synn / and the old man corrupted with vices / that we ought to lay down and forsake ; which we al acknowledge to be a truth . and from this he gathereth a great overshooting and misunderstanding , of such as say christ meant the natural or elementish man ; which is a false and deceitful conclusion . we know that these both are required at our hands ; the one ( which is the mortifying of lusts and synful affections / ) of al men / if they would be saved : the other ( which is a suffering of natural death for christs sake / ) of so many as god calleth thervnto / in times of persecution . but h. n. vrgeth the one / that he might abolish the other ; with as good reason / as if one should perswade vs not to serv or worship god with body , because christ | sayth / we must worship him in spirit ; or as if to defend fleshly filthynes / he should reason in this manner . the wordome which god condemneth , is the whoring with mens own inventions , psal. 106. 39. the fornication , with stones and stocks , ier. 3. 9. the going a whoring after other gods. deut. 31. 16. is not this then a great overshooting or misunderstanding , that the children of mē can say & teach of that commandement , thou shalt not comit whordom , deut. 5. 18. that god meant hereby fleshly whordom , done by the natural or elemētish man ? loe this is the mould of h. ns argument / and may as truly be alleged for defence of carnal fornication / as he allegeth it for defēce of carnal idolatry / which he would perswade these two daughters to commit with the man of syn , rather then to suffer bands or death for the witnesse of christs truth . neyther is it to be thought but he thus vnderstandeth in deed the 7. commandement ; who so erroneously vnderstandeth / and expoundeth the second / for the maintenance of his fleshly ease . but oh he woulde have vs vnderstand advisedly what he doth write of the forsaking of our own life . god ( sayth h. n. ) had created the man , that he should be of one life , one being , one spirit , and of one nature with god ; this he meaneth / as before we have seen / to be godded with god , and that the man should be al that god was . which blasphemous error / i have before by the scriptures refuted . neither doth h. n. confirm his cursed doctrine here by any scripture ; because in deed he cannot . for al that the scripture sayth is / that god created man in his own image and likenes , gen. 1 26. & 5. 2. but that the man should be of one being with him ; it sayth not / but h. n. hath forged it out of his arrogant mind / who would thrust himself into gods throne . the image of god , is expounded by the apostle to be in | knowledge , righteousnes and true holynes : and h. n. addeth / to be of one being . which if it had been true / then could not man have fallen any more then god himself ; and if he had had the same life essentially with god ; then should he have ben immortal / and incorruptible / death could never hav seised on him / 1. tim. 6. 16. so h. n. must eyther deny the fal and corruption of man / wherof not onely the word of god / but nature it self and dayly experience wil convince him / and himself yeeldeth : or els / he must hold a god subject to corruption and mortalitie . which if he doe / then is he a monster among men / and a wonderment to the very hethen . for wheras the stoiks of old / esteemed their gods subject to al humane changes and corruption ; a hethen man writing against them sayth ; * it may be one may meet with some barbarous and savage men , that think ther is no god : but ther hath not been any one man found , who thought their was a god , and yet the same not free from corruption , and eternal . let this errour therfore ( which draweth such hethenish and blasphemous consequences after it / ) returne into h. ns. bosome wher first the serpent hatched it . the next deceit wherwith he would beguile his reader / lieth in this word life ; wherby he meaneth mans cariage or conversation / according as the apostle speaketh of walking in newnes of life , rom. 6. 4. : wheras the life which christ telleth vs we must be ready to lay down for his sake / is an other thing / both for name and signification ; for the name , is | psuche , the sowl , luk. 17. 33. & 9. 23. 24. which word howsoever we may translate life , because the sowl is the life of the body ; yet can we not take it for a life or conversation , whch the apostle in rom. 6. caleth † zoe , wheras therfore h. n. speaketh of the life of god , and then of mans own life , and life of the divil ; ( as if christ spake or meant of it / when he speaketh and meaneth of the sowl and natural life ; ) herein he vseth fraud / and not christian simplicity ; or ells / bewrayeth grosse ignorance . which may yet further be thus proved . our saviour speaketh of such a life as himself layd-down for vs / saying / | i lay down my † life for my sheep ; now let h. n. say what life that was ; whither it were not his very natural and elementish life ; ( as he caleth it ) for i hope he wil not be so wretched as to say that christ had any wicked synful life or life of the divil in him / to lay down ; seing we know that in christ ther never was synn ; or if he should be so absurd as to say it / yet christ him self wil convince him saying | i lay down my life , that i might take it agayn ; for was he to take agayn a synful life ? far be it from christian thoughts . now from this example of christ the apostle reasoneth thus / † hereby have we perceived love , that he layd down his life for vs : therfore we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren . so then what life or sowl christ layd down for vs ; the like ar we to lay down for our brethren ; and for christ himself / ( as peter | sayd he would ; ) but that was no synful life or conversation / but the natural life which he did lay down ; therfore ours must be the like . agayn this is further confirmed by christs words saying / he * that looseth his life ( or sowl ) for my sake shal find it ; meaning in the world or life to come ; but i hope we shal there find no synful life , such as h. n. fansieth christ here to mean. agayn the words folowing make it more playn / christ saying † for what should it profit a man though he should win the whole world , if he loose his own life ( or sowl . ) but it is our greatest profit / to loose our synful life . of that therfore christ speaketh not / as any reasonable man may perceiv . so the psyche sowl or life , which we must be ready at gods pleasure to lay down for christs cause / is not onely the synful life , but also the natural life of the natural or elementish man ; and h. n. is but a carnal worldling to love his elementish life more then christ / and teach men so ; vnder colour of forsaking our own wicked life and life of the divil . if the prophets and apostles had known this deep vnderstanding which h. n. conceiveth , and had not thought they were also bound to lay down the natural and elementish man , they would never have endured such things in their flesh as is witnessed of them . what needed | shadrach , meshach and abednego , to have changed the kings commandement / and yielded their bodies to the fyre / rather then they would serv or worship his image ; or * daniel have jeoparded his life among the lions ; or † stephen have been stoned to death for confessing of christ ; or | others to have been racked / scourged / prisoned / hewen asunder / slayn with the sword & c ? or what meant the apostles / to shew vs these patterns / and wil vs to † take the prophets for an example of suffering adversity ? was is not ( thinketh h. n. ) a great overshooting or misunderstanding in al these / to teach both by word and practise / that afflictions should be suffred in the natural or elementish man ? or rather had not al these holy martyrs / first layd down the spiritual synful life , and then gave vp the natural life also ? how cōtrary then is this h. n. to al holy men that ever were or wrote / that thus disswadeth frō the outward crosse / vnder pretence of inward holynes ? therfore let vs al y t lov the lord jesus / say | anathema to such false prophets / as thus teach doctrine cōtrary to the scriptures / for to favor the flesh / & avoid afflictiō / as is best pleasing to their sēsual minds . let the same * mind be in vs that was in christ jesus / who ( besides the troubles and anguishes in his hart ) humbled himself and became obedient vnto the death / evē the death of the crosse . and he which suffred these things for vs / hath | left vs an ensample ( as sayth the apostle ) that we should folow his steps ; who his own self bare our synns in † his body on the tree . and let vs learn with paul , to take ‡ pleasures in infirmities / in reproches / in necessities / in persecutions / in scripes and prisonment / in hunger and thirst / in cold and nakednes / and al other anguish for christs sake ; for when we are weak / then are we strong ; and this is a part of our mortification and denyal of our selves : vnto which when true faith and obedience in the spirit is adjoyned / god 's work goeth forward in vs towards perfection / the end wherof wil be everlasting life . h. n. 25. oh comprehend i beseech yow , the vnderstanding . we our selves have not made the natural mā : wherfore he cannot belong vnto vs. for the heaven with the earth and al that is therin , belongeth vnto god ; and it is gods pleasure and will ; that al shaped creatures , so wel the manly creature as any other of al those which god hath created , should live , and that it mought goe wel with them . 26. what shal the man then forsake , that he mought be reconciled to god ? not any thing els but his own life , that is the man of syn , which hath so long lien hidd in the hart of man , which is the temple of god , and hath sayd that he was god. 2. thes. 2. h. a. it is hard to cōprehend any good vnderstanding in any thing which h. n. doth write / he is so ledd with the spirit of error in al his wayes . yet may we comprehend that his first reason here is against himself ; we have not made the natural man ; wherfore he cannot belong vnto vs. very true ; but god hath made it ; therfore it belongs to him . if he made it / and it be his ; then may he require it when he wil / and we must not deny him his own . now he requireth it / when for witnesse of his truth men wil shed our blood ; though they doe it vnjustly / yet his requiring is just ; and we may not deny him or his truth / for the saving of our lives ; as before is proved . of this reason therfore which h. n. bringeth / we may say with the prophet / | his sword hath entred into his own hart . his next reason is a depth of iniquity ; for seeming to plead for god / he seeketh to draw men from god. gods wil is ( sayth he ) that al shaped creatures , so wel the manly creature as any other , should live & that it might goe wel with thē . so then to save their natural lives / y e familists think they may deny & forswear christ & al true religion ; & may cōmunicate with al idolatrie & worship of divils / if princes vpō payn of death / shal so cōmād . this was the intendement of this present letter / sent to two maydens / that refused ( as it seemeth ) the idolatrous masse and subjectiō to the romish antichrist / with hazard of their lives . this is the dayly practise of the nicolaitans h. ns disciples / who rather then they wil suffer imprisonment / banishment / death or the like / for their religion ; wil joyn with papists / protestants / arrians / anabaptists / or any religion / if the magistrate authorize and cōmand it . for though they hold that their * god of love ( as they cal him ) is the true living god , and besides him ther is no god more ; and his gods-service of love , which they minister vnder the obedience of his love , is the true safe-making gods-service , and besides the same ther is not any gods-service more , neyther in heaven nor yet in earth : yet wil they partake with any of the godservices vsed in the world / though they be contrary one to another . for h. n. in his new gospel complayneth that | many have vnorderly rejected and blasphemed the services and ceremonies of the catholik church of rome , rented the concord & nurturable sustentation of the same , & turned them away therfrom , & even so out of their knowledg which they took out of the scripture , brought in certayn services & ceremonies in another wise or order &c. but his disciples in england / which land hath rejected / and departed from the catholike church of rome / ( as many other nations have / ) doe pretend / in their late supplicatiō to the king , y t they ar his true faithful loyal and obedient subjects , to al his lawes and ordinances spiritual & temporal , and doe deny that they vary or swarve frō the now established religion in this land , eyther in services , ceremonies , sermons or sacraments . thus eyther h. n. or these his folowers / or both / must needs be hypocrites / that so doe write and professe of two adverse churches and religions ; when in deed they approve of neyther , but think as h. ns | co-elder avoucheth / that they which remayn without them and their communaltie , and without the requiring of the gracious word , and his service of love , or withdraw them selves therfrō : have no living god , nor yet true god-service ; but are | without god , and without gods-service , in this world . yet notwithstanding this their judg mēt and profession , rather then the manly creature should die / they wil fal down before idols / wil deny their god of love , and wil worship the papists god of bread in the masse / yea wil cōfesse or deny any point of doctrine / and submitt vnto any gods-service or religion . and if they wil thus doe / in things concerning god ; how much more may we think they wil so doe / in things concerning men . that if any prince should be so wicked as to forbid al mariage on payn of death / and cōmand or permit a community of womē / or whordome ; these mē rather thē y e māly creature should perish / would not spare to defile their bodies ( as wel as their sowles ) in al manner filthynes . yet syn they not ( as they perhaps think ) if their god of love have their hart in hold / and they be obedient to the requiring of the service of the love ; for as h. n. sayth | they know not of any other religion or godservice , then of the service of love. but let vs further see / if we can comprehend what h. ns. position here doth imply . if it be gods wil that the manly creature should live ; and this be absolute and without restraynt ; then may not the magistrate put any to death for any crime ; or make warre vpon any occasion ; for h. n. wil tel the magistrate / he made not the natural man , wherfore he cannot belong vnto him ; but vnto god , & his wil is , that al shaped creatures should live , and that it mought goe wel with them . this anabaptistical error / is built on h. ns. rotten ground ; and that the familists doe indeed deny the vse of the sword vnto the magistrate ( contrary to pauls doctrine rom. 13. ) and al vse of warrs / may appear by h. ns. words otherwhere / complayning of the land of ignorance ( which is every where / but in his familie ) that | they make there many swords , halberds , spears , bowes & arrows , guns , pellets , powder , armor or harnesse &c. for that the tyrannical oppressors and those that have a pleasure in destroying , should vse warr & battel therwithal one against another . and because the taking away of the sword / is the frustrating of the magistrates office / ( for wherfore serveth he / if not as for the wealth of the good / so * to take vengeance on them that do evil ? ) therfore it followeth necessarily / that they condemne al magistracie in the church / as do also the anabaptists ; for h. n. sayth of his lovely city / that ‡ no man reigneth over an other , and that pleaseth god wel , namely that the one man of god reigneth not over the other . thus vnder a colour that gods creatures al should live / he would abolish gods ordinances / ( who hath commanded † that some malefactors should die and not live ) and bring confusion vpon civil polities / as he hath vpon christian religion . agayn / in that he sayth al shaped creatures should live / and then the manly creature , so wel as any other ; wil it not folow also herevpon that beasts must live / & may not be killed for the food of man. for they are shaped creatures / and made by god / not by vs ; and so by h. ns. learning / cannot belong vnto vs ; and therfore may not be killed for our sustenance ; though god do playnly permit it in his law / gen. 9. 3. deut. 12. 20. 21. 22. and so here is another doctrine of divils , ( as the | holy ghost caleth it ) comprehended in this oldest fathers deep head / whiles by consequence he commandeth to absteyn from meates ; or els his ey-sight fayled him / when he set down this reason . but the apostle gathereth quite contrary to this man ; as namely because / the earth is the lords and the plenty therof / therfore we may eat al flesh / 1 cor. 10. 25. 26. accordingly / should h. n. ( if he had savoured the things of god ) have reasoned and concluded ; the lord made our bodies and our sowles / therfore it belongeth vnto vs / to look that with both we | glorify him . the body is for the lord / therfore * not for fornicatiō : the body is the temple ‡ of the holy ghost ; therfore it may not be prostrate before idols ; for † what agreement hath the temple of god with idols ; the body is the lords / therfore it may not sit at the table of divils ; and whatsoever the | hethens or antichristians offer / they offer vnto divils / and we cannot drink the cup of the lord / and the cup of divils . thus should h. n. if any christian wisedome or grace had been in him / have collected and inferred ; and not as now he doeth / perswade the two daughters to communion with the church of rome / ( which the holy ghost caleth * the habitation of divils ) because their bodies or lives are the lords ; and it belongs not vnto them / to lay down their natural lives for the testimony of jesus at any time . but if h. n. had known in any world what the true life meaneth ; he would not so have disswaded from suffring temporary death for the gospels sake . this present life ( which he so much estemeth ) is a ‡ dying dayly , as the apostle teacheth : the true life is / when the body having been † sowen in dishonour / shal be raysed in glory . of which raysing vp / this sadducee h. n. is vtterly ignorant / as after shal be shewed ; and in his ignorance perverteth al religion / and even reason it self / for to maynteyn a momentany natural life / though it be to the / perpetual damnation of body and sowl in hel . his | conclusiō what the man must forsake , that he may be recōciled to god ? not any thing els but his own life , that is the man of syn &c. is like his premisses / ful of guile and errour ; and what truth is in it / is against himself . erroneous it is / to say or to insinuate / that we may be reconciled to god , by any thing that we can forsake / be it syn or what els . for our reconciliatiō to god is wrought by christ alone / not by ourselves when we forsake synn ; of which poynt we have before spoken . guileful it is to say or insinuate / that christ in willing vs to forsake our lives for his sake / meant that by so doing / we should be reconciled to god , or that we do so esteem of any martyrs death . the man doth by it / ( as christ ‡ signified of peters death ) glorify god ; vnto whom he was before by christs death reconciled . false it is to say a man must not forsake any thing els but his own synful life ; for christ telleth vs further of † forsaking howses , brethren , sisters , father , mother , wife , children , lands for his names sake ; and these i trow are not also the man of syn that lieth hid in mans hart . but it was farr from h. ns hart / to forsake any of these for christ ; he loved his sensual life so wel . erroneous it is / that our synful life is that man of synn spoken of 2 thes. 2. of which poynt / is to be spoken in the next place . and this onely truth / that we should forsake our own synful life , overthroweth h. ns doctrine / and his disciples practise . for syn it is and a continual synful life / to frequent idolatrous assemblies / hear masse / worship a god of bread / and the beast antichrist ; observe his wicked ceremonies / and professe his heretical doctrines ; as the nicolaitans wil doe / and h. n. would perswade these daughters vnto ; whiles yet he pretends to have them leav syn . dissimilation and | hypocrisie / is a hateful syn both to god and man ; wherin they that live / are altogither strangers from the life of god : and this is the trade of life and religion among the familists , who hating all religions but their own ; yet wil professe counterfeit and walk in any religion / save their own ; for that they doe onely in secret / because their works are evil ; but god in his time / wil give them their due reward / even openly . h. n. 27. oh how grosly then do they comprehend this , which signify or apply this same vnto vs vpon the pope of rome , & say that the pope is the antichrist . oh , oh , no : the antichrist is nearer vnto vs , were it wel known . the wisdome of the flesh , wherewithal the man wil judg the godly causes , is verily the right antichrist ; i say , the wicked nature of the divil , ( wherwith the man is of one mind ; so long as he in the renewing of his spirit , is not incorporated with christ , ) is verily that same right antichrist . oh vnderstand it rightly , with an vnpartial hart . h. a. here h. n. crieth out of their grosse comprehension , that say / the pope of rome is the man of syn , the antichrist ; in the meā time / he sheweth himself to be most grosse / and carnal in his comprehension / that expoundeth that man of syn spoken of 2 thes. 2. to be the wisdome of the flesh ; the wicked nature of the divil &c. the vanity and falshood wherof / every babe in christ / that looketh into that scripture / may easily perceiv . for th'apostle speaking there of † the day of christs comming , teacheth them not to exspect that / vntil | the departing ( from the fayth ) were first come , and the man of syn , the son of perdition were first disclosed . but the wisdome of the flesh and wicked nature of the divil , was come already / for adam and his children had brought it forth and nourished it in the world / even from the beginning gen 3. rom. 5. 12. 14. 17. 18. &c. and it was disclosed both by the law / rom. 3. 20. and by the gospel already preached / 1 cor. 1. 18. 19. 21. 27. and 2. 6. 7. &c. 1 iohn 3. 8. &c. wherfore it is but deceiving of mens sowles / to teach them to wayt and look for that thing to come / which is already come ; and h. n. sheweth how farr he is from vnderstanding the scriptures / which yet so insolently vaunteth himself over al men . as for vs / we have learned of the apostles / to vnderstand generally every false prophet to be an antichrist , 1 ioh. 2. 18 19. 22. but specially one great antichrist to come after the apostles times / whose mystery began even * then to work whiles they lived ; but somthing ther was which then ‡ withheld his reveling / ( namely the hethen monarchie of the romane empire / ) which at that time † withheld and hindred ( the doctrine of the gospel ) by open tyrannie and persecution ; and should let the working and disclosing of that great antichrist in the papacie / vntil himself ( that hethen empire ) were taken out of the way . then after him should arise an other | beast or monarchie / with hornes like the lamb ( christ / ) pretending his faith and religion / ( as doe the papists / ) though his speech be like the dragons / in al damnable doctrines and idolatries . and this antichrist , should seat himself * in the temple or howse of god / ( which is the ‡ church ; ) and in the consciences of men / by his errors wherwith he should deceiv mens sowles . a large and lively description of which beast and great whore / that reigneth in the † city built on 7. hills / we have in the book of revelation / the light wherof h. n. would darken by the foggs and mists / of his own fleshly and allegorical interpretations . now that the reader may see how good a proctour h. n. is for the pope / and wherfore he is so neerly affected to him / and denyeth him to be antichrist ; it shal not be amisse / to shew what paynes he hath taken / to compare himself and his societie with the pope / and his clergie : that al mē may discern them to be both sworn brothers against christ. in his new gospel / caled evangelium regni , h. n. hath thus applied things / † this same foregoing ( sayth he ) of the elders of the holy vnderstanding , and their anoynting of the holy ghost , to priests elders and fathers , hath the catholik church of rome , til vnto this day , ministred and observed in figures , as is abovesayd . for to a token of remembrance of the holy anoynting of christ with the holy spirit , they have vsed the anoynting with oyl , & it is a sacramēt of the holy church of christ , which signifyeth vnto vs the anoynting of the priests or elders , with the holy ghost . 5. of which anoynted elders or foregoers of the cōminalty of the catholik church of rome , the cheefest anoynted is named papa , & signifieth vnto vs an old father in the holy vnderstanding : also the chief bishop or high priest which hath his being or conversation in the most holy of the true and perfect sanctuary , & ministreth his office of the holy word therout , and for that cause is also named the most holy father . &c. | those now that are next to the forenamed papa , are named cardinals , which signify vnto vs the principallest , which are neerest in the most holy vnderstanding of the godlines , vnto the eldest or holyest father ; and have their communion with him in the most holy of the true and perfect being &c. after this he proceedeth to shew how the * bishops signified the pastors of the sheep and lambs of christ ; ‡ the parish priests or curats , signified levitical priests , or adjoyned pastors and elders of the holy vnderstanding &c. † the deacons , signified ministers or helpers of the parish priests in the holy godservices ; “ the sextons , signified conservers or keepers of the holy things . | the many manner of orders , wherthrough many anoynted ones and zelous people sought the righteousnes and holynes , which are named monks , signified such as dwel alone , & are through the love of the righteousnes sanctified , & for that cause also separated from the world , and from al what is worldly and fleshly &c. and , * next vnto al these forenamed anoynted ones , are the common people , which beleev and cleave vnto the services religions and ceremonies of the anoynted , and which also humble them to the requiring of those same , &c. thus hath h. n. fetched the mysterie of his family of love / from the popes forge ; that al men may see it is no marvel that he denyeth the pope to be antichrist ; for h. n. ( the oldest father of this family / ) wil be the papa and great antichrist himself / and the pope of rome / was but his shadow and figure . howbeit / herein he was overseen to gather his pedegree frō the papacie / which he enought much better have fetched frō the holy scriptures ; ( but that he is an enimy to scripture learning : as he oftē bewrayeth . ) for h. n. the greatest in the family / who is ( as himself sayth ) † godded with god in the spirit of his love ; because | the god of heaven as the father himself , is come down , & bringeth in the service of his love , himself with his christ , & his holy ghost , & with al that which with him is gods , vnto his obedient man h. n. & godding the same with him , he hath manned him with the same ; this new god of the nicolaitans is described in scripture thus ; | they have a king over them which is the angel of the bottomlesse pitt , ( for so also h. n. sayth / he was † raysed vp from the death ; ) whose name in hebrew is abaddon , and in greek he is named apollyon , [ in al languages / the destroyer . ] the doctrine taught by this h. n. corrupting and darkning al the holy scriptures / was figured out by the | smoke of the botomlesse pit , which darkned sun and aier . and the ylluminated elders of this family / ar pourtrahed out by ‡ locusts that came out of the smoke of h. n. his heresies / with stings in their tayls like scorpions / to wound mens cōsciences by their deceivable doctrines . this had ben a directer and playner pourtrature of the familists / then that figure fetched frō the papists . and thus we may perceiv / it was not without cause that h. n. cried out / oh , oh , no , the antichrist is neerer vnto vs , wer it wel knowen ; when in deed so great a monster of antichristianity was hatched in his own bosome / who thus hath deified hmself and blasphemed god ? neyther is he a friend to popery onely / and a lover of the whore of babylon ; but of judaisme also / that he may appear to be quite abolished from christ. paul in his epistle to the hebrewes / † proveth at large the abrogating of the levitical priesthood and sacrifices / by the coming of our high priest christ jesus / and sacrifice of his own body / ( according as was prophesied of him / that ‡ he should cause sacrifice and ; oblation to cease ; ) and for the jewes / that would stil continew their figurative worship / he sheweth them to have no part in christ / when he sayth | we have an altar , wherof they have no authority to eat which serv in the tabernacle . but h. n. teacheth vs that the services of aarōs priesthood are yet necessary for some ; in these words / † oh alas , how grosly hav then certayn wise of the world , and scripture-learned overreached them herein , which have without diversity forsakē the law & the service of the elders testamēt , and of the priests office after the ordinance of aaron , and set back the same as a thing vnneedful : not once distincting vnto whom the service after the ordinance of aaron , is yet necessarie , nor yet with whom the same at th' appointed time ceaseth or leaveth off . thus h. n. sheweth how good a friend he is to jewes and papists ; but his enmity agaynst christ and his gospel / can not easily be opened / it is in so many particulars . he thrusteth himself into christs throne / and maketh himself the judge of al the world ; | for behold ( sayth he ) in this present day , the glorious coming of our lord iesus christ with his many thowsands of his saincts , which hath set himself now vpon the seat of his majestie , for to judge in this same day which the lord hath ordeyned or appoynted , the whol world with equitie &c. with many like speeches ( as before is shewed ) wherin the scriptures which foretel of christs comming to judgement at the worlds end / h , n. applieth to himself ; and so the playn doctrines of the gospel / are made but fabulous / by this blasphemers allegorie : and he sheweth himself to be the father of those † mockers that wer foretold should come in the last dayes / which walking after their lusts / should say where is the promise of his comming ? &c. now because at christs comming / must be the resurrection of the dead / therfore that one errour / necessarily draweth on another / namely that the resurrectiō is past already , which was the kanker wherby * hymeneus and philetus in the apostles dayes / destroyed the fayth . this heresie hath h. n. published in his gospel ; saying / ‡ behold in this present day is this scripture fulfilled and according to the testimony of the scripture , the raysing vp & the resurrection of the lords dead cometh also to passe presently in this same day , through the appearing of the cōing of christ in his majestie . which resurrection of the dead , seing that the same is come vnto vs from gods grace , we doe likewise in this present day , to an evangelie or joyful message of the kingdome of god & christ , publish in al the world , vnder the obedience of the love. in which resurrection of the dead god sheweth vnto vs , that the tyme is now fulfilled that his dead , or the dead which ar fallen a sleep in the lord , rise vp in this day of his judgment , & appear vnto vs in godly glory , which shal also from henceforth live in vs everlastingly with christ , and reign vpon the earth . thus hath this sadducee overturned that mayn groūd and principle of christian religion / without which our fayth were but ‡ vayn / and we were of al men the ⸪ most miserable ; and that his religion might be even a sink of synful errors / he hath taught / that in their lovely societie / they † do not vow or bind themselves in the matrimony of men , nor yet suffer themselves to be boūd therin , but are like the angels of heaven : to verify the apostles words / that | in the latter times some should teach and give heed vnto doctrines of divils / forbidding to marry &c. now seeing he sayth in another place / * that they commit not any adultery , for they are honest & chast of life , and clean or pure of hart ; what may we think is among them / but a cōmunity of al men and women / yet without syn ( as they suppose / ) so long as it is not with them of the world / especially seing he sayth also further / † there is no man that claimeth any thing to be his own , as to possesse the same to his own private vse . for no man ( & that out of every ones good disposition ) can desire any thing to be his own , or yet to make any thing proper to himself from an other , but also whatsoever is there is free , & is there left free in his vpright form . ther is also no man denyed to vse any thing in freedom , of al what is profitable and needful for him ; for they stand all in the equitie as one in the love ; and again / ‡ that they know not of any other religion or god-service , then of the service of love , and to love one an other , and so to keep themselves pure and vnspotted of the world ; which writing of h. n. may give al wise men occasion to suppose / that he teacheth in secret commune filthynes ; even the doctrine “ of the old nicolaitans , which god doth hate . in secret / i say / for his lothsome carnal abominations he wil not openly publish / ( though he hath published too much / ) eyther to the world or to his yong disciples ; but this caveat he hath given to his fautors / † ye shal not talk of your secrets , eyther yet vtter your mysteries opēly or nakedly in the hearing of your yong children and disciples : but spare not the same in the ears or hearing of the elders which can vnderstand the same , and are able to bear or away with the sound therof . for it is given to the elders to vnderstand the privy mysteries of the wise , and to expound their parables . this is the counsell of h. n. touching the secrets of his religion ; quite contrary to the counsel and practise of christ / his prophets and apostles ; for christ sayd to his disciples / | what i tel yow in darknes , that speak ye in light , and what ye hear in the ear , that preach ye on the howses ; and when the prophets * opened their mouthes in parables / and declared high sentences of old / they would ‡ not hide them from their children / but shew thē that posterity might know it / and children which should be born / might declare vnto their children &c. but the deep mysteries of h. n. must not be disclosed / because as it is writtē / ‡ every mā that doth evil hateth the light , and / † the morning , is to thē as the shadow of death : wherfore his doctrine is like the | foolish womans which sayd / stollen waters are sweet , & hid bread is pleasant ; but let al gods people know / that ‡ the dead are there / and that her ghests are in the depth of hell . now though he wil not let his yong-anes know his secrets ; yet he wil be so bold as to know their secrets ; and hath taught them to shrive them vnto him / with farr greater spiritual slavery / then the antichrist of some hath done . for h. n. in his | first exhortation ( after he had warned his children * not to distrust the eldest in the family of love , nor suspect any manner of evill or vnwisdom by him ) sayth ; ‡ fourthly it is expedient , that they should make manifest their whol hart , with al their counsels , minds , wils and thoughts , togither with al their doings dealings & exercises , naked and bare before the eldest in the family of love , and not cover or hide any thing , ( be it what it is , ) before him . also al whervnto their inclination , kind , and nature draweth them , and al wherwith they become tempted or assaulted in their harts . the pope requireth but confession of | mortal , not of venial syns ; but this tyrann h. n. wil know al / be it what it is ; yea even mens natural inclinatiōs . now be it his wisdome was much overseē to make such a law : for this may cal his godhed into questiō / & make mē think / he is but a liar / whiles he would be a god ▪ for our lord jesus knew the | thoughts of men / and had no need that any should testify of man / for he knew what was in man. if h. n. be godded with god / what needeth he that men should thus make known their inclinations and actions vnto him . but his disciples are wel ynough served ; that wheras the romish priests did whip thē with rods / these their godded priests should scourge them with scorpions . finally this h. n. teacheth almost every where in his abominable books / the doctrine of that old serpent / ‡ ye shal be as gods : saying that his people ⸪ have their inhabiting in gods vnderstanding , & stand cōprehended in the light of life , being vnited in gods true being : that † they are one being with ech other , namely god & his people of peace : that | god the father through his onely born son christ , is become of one substance agayn with the manly creatures ; and to that end also , because that al manly creatures should through christ be one substance with god the father , is christ preached ; that ‡ when as we are renewed in jesus christ through faith / also come to the same age of the man christ / so is god the father thē likewise one substance or māned with vs through christ , & is al in al : that it is “ gods wil , that now in the last tyme , through his service of love , al people or generations of men , which are goodwilling to his righteousnes , should assemble them vnto him and his godded man ( h. n. ) and even so likewise with them al that which is manly , to the end that they all should become of one being with him and his godded man , and so be al named gods , and children of the most highest . these and many the like blasphemies ( wherby he quite overthroweth the being of god / as before is proved / ) ar often to be found in his writings . for which also / ( that he might the more imitate the first serpent / which sayd † god doth know , ) he allegeth and corrupteth the holy scriptures ; that if he be antichrist , which should sit in the temple of god / | shewing himself that he is god / ( as paul warneth : ) this h. n. may be known to be a great antichrist ; and al the world may see / * caiaphas prophesied not righter of christ and of his death for the nation ; then h. n. hath spoken / when he cried out of the antichrist to be so neer vnto him . it is very true . h. n. 28. oh , what a slight and earthly vnderstanding is this , that god should be appeased with an elementish body : even like as though that god were fleshly , even as an vnregenerate man. 29. i say on gods behalf , that god is not in that manner of sort with the man ; but rather the vngodly being or nature , which all vnregenerated men do cary in their harts , wherout al wickednes is ingendred and brought forth . read mark. 7. mat. 23. and in more other places in the scriptures , wher the same is rcited or mentioned . 30. therfore my beloved , this is the counsel of god towards yow both , that yow should not boast yourselves in such an vncertayn confessing ; but for the love of christs sake , take it for the best , which i hav here witnessed vnto yow ; namely that yow have not confessed christ according to the truth , but the elementish ceremonies , even as they out of the darknes , without the spirit of christ , wer taught vnto yow . not that i therin do accuse or blame any man , as one that doth evil of a set purpose . o no ; for they know not any other , then that they doe vse the doctrine of christ. but my harty desire is towards every one , which say that they seek christ , that they mought seek and find him aright . h. a. oh what a slight and serpentlike subtilty is this / that h. n. should abuse and deprave the words and actions of gods servants in this manner ; as if by their meek and patient suffrings for christs sake / they thought to appease god w th an elementish body . it is far from the harts of al the faithfull / to imagine that any thing which themselves can eyther doe or suffer / in body or sowl / is able to appease god. they have otherweise learned to know the guilt and wages of syn / the infinitenes of gods majesty who is angry with the world for their misdeeds / the weaknes and vnworthynes of al mens works and suffrings . to that therfore which h. n. pretendeth to say on gods behalf ; i answer with job / and ask him / ‡ if he wil speak wickedly for god ; or talk deceitfully for his cause ? for we esteem our suffrings nothing / and all our righteousnes as dung . it is the † body of our lord jesus that was hanged on the tree / which is the onely sacrifice for our synns / and appeaseth the wrath of his father : and the things that we doe or suffer / benifit not him but our selves : for the chastisements of god / whither on our bodies or sowles / are ( as the apostle teacheth vs / ) | for our profit , that we might be partakers of his holynes . wherfore h. n. hath ⸪ conceived mischief and brought forth a lie / whiles labouring to abolish the outward confessing and suffring of christians / he falsly imputeth vnto thē this error / to beleev they appease god with an elementish body , yea the frawd of this falser is manifestly discovered / as the reader may observ ; for the error which he would lay vpon others / is found to be in himself / whose doctrine is such as teacheth men to be their own saviours . by the apostles gospel / we have our redemption and forgivenes of syns through † the blood of christ once offred ; to him also give | al the prophets witnesse / that through his name / al that beleev in him shal receiv remission of syns / ( sayth peter : ) but by h. ns. gospel / we obteyn it | by our own imitation of christ in his death / and taking vp of our crosse . and many such like deadly venimous doctrines are sparsed in his writings / to disanull the true christ / with his suffrings and merits / and to set vp a false and imaginary christ bred / and born in his corrupt hart / as i have before proved . now though we hold not god to be appeased with our suffrings / as this man cavilleth ; yet hold we vpon ground frō the scriptures / that we must serve and glorify god both with our * bodyes and with our spirits / because both ar gods ; and therfore are we willed to give vp ‡ our bodies / a living sacrifice / holy and acceptable vnto god / which is our reasonable serving of god. and if by bonds and prisonment / by racking / scourging / stoning / hewing asundex ; or other the like torments of body / as † others before vs have suffred / god also try vs : we ought with patience to bear them / and not to go from the confessing of christ and his truth / for avoyding them / as this deceiver would perswade vs. his conclusion therfore / which he maketh agaynst these two daughters / namely / that they have not confessed christ according to the truth , &c. is yet to be proved / for asmuch as he hath not by any ground from gods word / overthrowen their faith or confessiō in any poynt / but onely sought to vndermine it / by falshood and deceyt ; abusing the readers / ād perverting the holy scriptures ; his desire being to draw others into the same destruction with himself ; who in sted of confessing christ according to the truth , hath like an antichristian overthrown the whol gospel of christ / denyed him to be come in the flesh / and set vp an idol in his place / even the lovely being out of his own fleshly hart . h. n. 31. god is my witnes , that it is true which i here write vnto you ; & the occasion of my writing is chanced , for that i bear a sorrowfull hart with you both . but this is my hope over you , that ye will take it at my hands , as out of the love of christ , and not to be in any case obstinate in your selves , for to wind away your selves from the reading of these letters with humble harts . 32. and when ye have deliberately read the same witnesses , and the lord added his wisdome therto , wherby the eyes of your harts mought be a little opened : then spare me not to be your servant , and give me to vnderstand by the bringe therof , & ther shal yet more be brought vnto yow , then that which yow have presently . 33. and if yow cannot acknowledge this for the truth , yet look well alwayes hereto , that ye do not blaspheme the same which ye know not . and i likewise shal not blame yow , although that yow cannot comprehend the same . for the godly gifts cannot be brought to any one by violence or compulsion , for they are the gifts of god. 34. herewith i salute yow both , ( whose names i know not , ) very hartily through the love of christ ; & wish vnto yow , out of the ground of my sowl , the knowledge of the very true spirit of christ , that ye mought learn to know aright , your caling in christ. that grant vs the almighty god , through his love , amen . by your vnknown friend h. n. h. a. if god were witnes , that it is true which h. n. here hath written ; the scriptures / which are gods witnesses or testimonies would approve of the same ; but by holy writ / his errors are disproved ; and the evils which he vnjustly layeth vpon others / are justly returned vpon his own head ; and found to be in himself and his bewitched folowers / whom i leav to the doon of him which hath sayd / | i wil come neer to yow to judgement , and i wil be a swift witnes against sorcerers , & against adulterers , and against false swearers . &c. and for al that shal read these writings / as they ought to be farr from blaspheming the truth which they know not ; so should they be far also from approving or hearkning to a knowen deceiver and blasphemer of god ; such as this henry nicolas by this epistle and his other vngodly writings is proved for to be . his fawning words and submissive cariage / with promise of more matters after ; are but the behaviour of the * lewd woman / that vseth to entise with flattering lips ; when her † howse is the way vnto the grave / which goeth down to the chambers of death . what thank or reward then remaynes for h. n. for al his paynes and proffered kindnes / but that which the wise man hath appointed saying / he that blesseth his friend with a lowd voice , rising early in the morning , it shal be counted to him as a curse . pro. 27. 14. finis . in pag. 47. lin . 5. before the end , for love read live● notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a08219-e100 † pro 7. 11. & 9. 13. 18 * pro. 9. 3. | 1 exhort . cap. 11. see. 1. * ephe. 5. 13. | ps. 119. 105 pro 6. 13. † iob. 38. 13 | iob. 34. 25. ‡ ps. 12. 7. 8. notes for div a08219-e370 * 2 tim. 3. 6. 7. notes for div a08219-e510 ‡ 1 cor. 1. 24. | math. 7. 15. | tim. 4. 1. † 1 ioh. 4. 1. * 2 pet. 2. 1. | vers . 3. ‡ rom. 16. 18 * 2 pet. 2. 18. | vers . 19. † rom. 16. 18. | mat. 24 , 5. † vers . 24. † 1 pet. 2. 2. | 2 thess. 2. 10. 11. 12. * ezek. 16. 33 † isa. 8. 20. | 2 tim. 3. 15 16. * iob. 5. 39. | 1 exhort . chap. 6. sect . 7. | alchoran . azoar ( or chapter ) 18. | chap. 16. sect . 16. ‡ ibidem . | chap. 13 sect . 11. * first exhort . cap. 11. sect . 1 * sect. 2. | azoar 20. | 1 sam. 11. 2 ‡ crying voice chap. 3. sect . 11 * chap. 13. sect . 2. * pro. 9. ver 13. 15. ‡ vers . 16. | vers . 4. * pro. 7. 13. 14. 15. † alchoran . azoar 77. † epistles of h. n. epist. 3. chap. 3. sect . 3. 3 * sect . 22. gen. 1. & 3. † h. n. man● falling &c. sect . 1. | gen. 3. † gen. 3. 1. in the hebrew . mat. 4. † h. n. epist. 4. chap. 5. sect . 14. | ibid. see . 18. * mat. 1. 1. mar , 1. 1. ‡ gospel of the kingd . chap. 1 sect. 1. * proverbs of h. n. chap. 8. sec. 3. † azoar ● . 9. 4. 5. &c. | azoar 3● . * azoar 7● . | rom. 1. 2● . | iob. 38 4. &c. * iob. 40. 4. ● . 6. 9. | iob. 42. ● * act. 5. 36. 37. | act. 2. 22. † ioh. 5. 36. | isa. 40. 17. &c. * vers . 25. | isa 44. 16. 17. | ezec. 28. 9. ‡ rom. 1. 23 † rom 9. 5. | mat 2. * phil. 2. 6. ” ioh. 17. 5. † heb. 2. 14. * 1 pet. 2. 24. † heb. 9. 26. 28. | chap. 12. sec. 23. 24. † chap 20 sec. 5. | sect 4. † first exh . ch . 12. sec. 33 * first exhort . ch . 7. sec. 14. ‡ rom. 5. 6. 8 & 4. 25. * first exhort . ch . 7. sec. 17. | rom. 5. 19. † rev. 1. 5. | heb. 9 28. * heb. 10. 14 ‡ first exhor . ch . 7. sec. 17. † pattern of pres . temp● . † rom. 3. 3● . | vers . 27. * vers . 20. 28. ‡ rom 4. 1. 2. * vers . 23. 24. † h. n. first . exhor . cha . 1. sec 12. ●4 . * gal 3 21. 22. | vers . 11. 12. † hab. 2. 4. * alchoran , azoar ( or chapter ) 4. 5. 35. & 42. | vers . 12. | rom. 4. 25. † 1 thes. 4. 3 | rom. 3. 25. † heb. 9. 26. 28. | rom. 3. 28. * gal. 5. 24. rom. 6. † ioh. 15. 5. colos. 1. 10. | rom. 3. 24. | num. 21. 6. † vers . 9. | vers . 10. 11. &c. † vers . 21. 24. &c. * rom. 6. ●3 . ‡ ioh. 3. 14. 15. † gal. 2. 16. rom. 5. 1. ” rom. 6. 1. &c. ‡ gal. 5. 4. | 1 ioh. 5. 7. mat 28. 19. † vers . 1● . † chap. 16. sect . 10. | evang. chap. 1. sect . 9. * chap. 34 , sect . 2. | gal. 5. 22. † 1 ioh. 4. 10. | vers . 19. † vers . 21. | deut. 30. 6. † eph. 2. 4. 5. | gal. 5. 6. | rom. 4. 6. * h. n. first exhort . ch . 12. sect . 23. 24. † 1 ioh. 4. 3. mat. 1. & 2. rom. 1. † gen. 22. 13. * iudg. 9. 7. &c. ‡ spirit , land of peace . cha . 33. sect . 5. † 1 pet. 1. 25. | 1 cor. 2. 12. 13. | h. n. 1. exh . ch 13. s. 11. * proph. of the spir . ch . 1. s. 2. ‡ h. n. gospel . ch . 1. se. 1. † gal. 5. 20. † iohn . 1. ● . | mat. 5. 18. 3 ioh. 1● . ‡ ioh. 8. ●4 . † ioh. 17. 3. | 2 tim. 2. 8. 1 cor. 15. 3. 4. ioh. 1. 1. 14. * rom. 10. ● . ‡ mat. 26. 75 | eccles. 5. 1. | heb. 11. 1. † 2 pet. 1. 4. | h. n. first exhort . c. 20. sec. 19. † ibid sec. 26. 27. | chap. 8. sec. 5 6. | ioh. 6. 29. 35. | chap. 20. sec. 3. † rom. 6. 4. 1 cor. 15. f. | gen. 3. † 1 exhort . chap. 12. sec. 23. 24. 33. | ibid. chap. 15 sec. 17. † chap. 3. sec. 2. 3. 4. | sec. 4. | spirit . land . chap. 27. sec. 11. 12. † sec. 5. | sec. 18. | sec. 24. | rev. 17. 2. † evang reg . chap. 27. sec. 5. † psal. 1● . 7. | heb. 10. 14. † 1 ioh. 1. 7. | luk. 11. 4. † phil. 3. 12. * rom. 7. 19. † 1 cor. 13. 9. 10. 12. | gen. 3. † spirit . land chap. 33. sec. 9. | eccle. 7. 22. † iam 3. 2. | rom 7. 7. † 1 ioh. 1. 8. ‡ psal. 103. 8● . * rev. 1. 5. | rom. ● . 29. ● † gen. 17. 14. | levit. 18. ●● † crying voice chap. vlt. sec. 11. * prov. 9. 17. | sec. 17. | sec. 16. | act. 8. 13. 19. 20. 21. † 1 cor. 10. 2. 5. † vers . 26. * eph. 3. 17. | gen. 15. 6. † exod. 14. 31. * ephe. 5. 1. rom. 6. 3. 4. | 1 cor. 4. 16. & 11. 1. ● thes. 3. 7. 9. | first exhort . chap. 7. sec. 2. | ibid. sec. 3. 4. &c. † ibid. sec. 9. | galen . lib. 9. de placitis hipp. et plat. † proclus in theolog . plat. * theophrast . in metaph. ‡ plotin . en● . 6. lib. 8. chap. 11. | h. n. first exhort . chap. 7. sect . 10. † ibidē sec. 14. * sect . 17. ‡ sec. 18. | sect . 20. † mat. 2. 1. * pag. 18. ‡ chap. 18. sec. 10. † sec. 9. | isa. 9. 6. 7. † evang. reg . chap. 18. sec. 3. * docum . sent . chap. 3. sect . 5. ‡ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 luk. 1. 27. † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exod. 15. 20. | isa. 19. 18. * rev. 1. 5. ‡ heb. 9. 26. † isa. 53. 5. | 1 pet. 2. 24. * rom. 5. 8. | ioh. 11. 5● . † vers . 51. * rom. 4. 25. ‡ rom. 5. 1● . | vers . 17. * vers . 18. * act. 8. 36. 37. ‡ rom. 4. 5. | rom. 1. 5. † rom. 6. 3. 4. ‡ gal. 3. 11. † rom. 3. 25. | 1 exhort . c. 7. sec. 31. † ibid. sec. 29. * act. 8. 36. 38. and 10. 47. 48. † act. 2. 38. and 22. 16. | 1. cor. 12. 17. * 1. cor. 10. 16. | iohn . 6. 35. 29. * 1 cor. 12. 12 | eph. 5. 30. 32. ‡ 1. cor. 6. 16 17. | hos. 2. 2● . | evangel . reg . cap. 21. sect . 5. | mark. 14. 24. † 1. cor. 11. 26. | 2. sam. 2● . 17. † iohn . 7. 16. | iohn . 16. 13. † vers. 14. | iohn . 5. 39. † 2. tim. 3. 15 | 1. cor. 10. 3. 4. * ver. 5. ‡ heb 3. 19. † act. 8. 13. | vers 21. * iohn . 13. 27. | iohn . 4. | col. 3. 10. eph. 4. 24. * plutarch . advers . stoic . | 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . | iohn . 10. 15. † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 | iohn . 10. 17. † 1. iohn . 3. 16 | iohn . 13. 37 * mat. 16. 25. † vers. 26. | dan. 3. * dan. 6. † act. 7. | heb. 11. 35. 36. &c. † iam. 5. 10. | gal. 1. 9. * phil. 2. 5. 8. | 1. pet. 2. 21. † vers. 24. ‡ 2. cor. 12. 10. & 11. 23. 24. &c. | psal. 37. 15. * fidelitas . declar. chapt . 4. sect . 11. | evangel . cha ●2 . sect . 4. | fidelitas . declar. ch . 4. sec 11. | eph. a. b. | spir. land . cha . 39. sec. 8. | spirit . land . chap. 5. sec. 9. * rom. 13. 4. ‡ spirit . land . ch . 37. sec. 2. † exo. 21. 12. 25. 16 , 17. &c. | 1 tim. 4. 1. 3. | 1 cor. 6. 20. * ver . 13. ‡ vers 19. † 2 cor. 6. 16. | 1 cor. 10. 20 21. rev. 9. 20. * reve. 18. 2. ‡ 1 cor. 15. 31 † vers . 42. | sect . 26. ‡ iohn . 21. 19. † mat. 19. 29 | mat. 23. 28. 1 pet. 2. 1. † vers. 2. | vers. 3. * 2. thes. 2 7. ‡ vers 6. † vers. 7. | rev. 13. * 2. thes. 2. 4 ‡ 1. tim. 3. 15 † rome . † cha. ●● . ● . ● . | sect . 8. * sect . 1● . ‡ sect . 14. † sect . 17. “ sect . 18. | sect . 1● . * sect . ●1 . † evan. ch 1. sect . 1. | prov. of h. n. ch . 8. s. 3. | rev. 9. 11. † evang. reg . ch . 1. s. 1. | rev. 9. 2. ‡ vers. 3. 10. † chapters . 7. 8. 9. & 10. ‡ dan. 9. 27. | heb. 13. 10. &c. † evangel . regni . chap. 13. s. 8. | evang. ch . 1. s. 9. † 2 pet. 3. 3. 4 * 2 tim. 2. 17 18. ‡ evang. reg . ch . 35 : s , 8 , 9. ‡ 1 cor. 15. 16. 17. ⸪ ver . 19. † spir. land . ch . 37. sect . 7. | 1 tim. 4. 1. 3. * spirit . land . ch , 36. sec. 6. † ibid. ch . 35. sect . 4 , & 5. ‡ ibid ch . 39. se● . 8. “ rev. 2. 1● . † pro. of h. n cha . 22. s. 16. | mat. 1● . 27. * psal. 78. 2. ‡ ver . 4. 6. ‡ ioh. 3. 2● . † iob ●4 . 17. | pro. 9. 13. ●7 . ‡ vers . 18. | chap. 13. * sect . 11. ‡ sect . 12. | concil . trid. soss . 14 , ch . 5. | mat. 9. ● iohn 2. 25. ‡ gen. 3. 5. ⸪ spirit . land ch . 38. sect . 7. † ibid. cha . 40. sect . 18. | epis. of . h. n 3. ch . 4. se. 5. ‡ epis. 4. c. 5. sect . 18. “ prov. of h. n. ch . 8. s. ● . † gen. 3. 9. | 2 thes. 2. 4. * iohn 11. 4● . 50. 51. ‡ iob. 13. 7. † heb. 10. 5. 6. 10. | heb. 12. 10. ⸪ psa. 7. 14. † col. 1. 14. heb 9. 28. | act. 10. 43. | first exhor . ch . 20. s. 19. * 1 cor. 6. 20. ‡ rom. 12. 1. † heb. 11. 35. 36. 37. & 13 , 3. 2 cor. 11. 23. 25. &c. | mal. 3. 5. * prov. 7. 14 — 21. † vers . 27. mirabilia opera dei certaine wonderfull works of god which hapned to h.n. even from his youth: and how the god of heaven hath united himself with him, and raised up his gracious word in him, and how he hath chosen and sent him to be a minister of his gracious word, / published by tobias a fellow elder with h.n. in the houshold of love. translated out of base almain. tobias. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a13796 of text s106213 in the english short title catalog (stc 24095). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. 205 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 77 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo 2017 a13796 stc 24095 estc s106213 99841933 99841933 6553 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a13796) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 6553) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1475-1640 ; 1337:4) mirabilia opera dei certaine wonderfull works of god which hapned to h.n. even from his youth: and how the god of heaven hath united himself with him, and raised up his gracious word in him, and how he hath chosen and sent him to be a minister of his gracious word, / published by tobias a fellow elder with h.n. in the houshold of love. translated out of base almain. tobias. vitell, christopher, fl. 1555-1579, attributed trans. [12], 137, [1] p. s.n., [london : ca. 1650?] imprint from stc. with engraved frontispiece. not an stc book. identified as stc 24095 on microfilm. a translation, possibly by christopher vitell, from the original. pages 42, 43, 46, 47, 76, 77, 80 and 98 misnumbered 44, 41, 48, 45, 74, 75, 78 and 99. imperfect: print faded and with show-through; verso of last leaf not filmed. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng niclaes, hendrik, 1502?-1580? familists -early works to 11800. a13796 s106213 (stc 24095). civilwar no mirabilia opera dei: certaine wonderfull works of god which hapned to h.n. even from his youth: and how the god of heaven hath united himsel tobias 1650 37867 169 0 0 0 0 0 45 d the rate of 45 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the d category of texts with between 35 and 100 defects per 10,000 words. 2003-07 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2003-07 aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images 2003-10 olivia bottum sampled and proofread 2003-10 olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-12 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion now goeth ye iudgment ouer this world : now is ye prince of this world cast out : iohn ●2 : now is ye saluation ye por●●● and ye kingdom becom our gods and ye might his christs . revet . ●2 d. mirabilia opera dei : certaine wonderfull works of god which hapned to h. n. even from his youth : and how the god of heaven hath united himself with him , and raised up his gracious word in him , and how he hath chosen and sent him to be a minister of his gracious word ▪ published by tobias a fellow elder with h. n. in the houshold of love . translated out of base almain . now come hither and behold the works of the lord , ps. 46 66. know ye that the lord leadeth his saints wonderfully , ps. 4. a. and take heed that ye do not despise the works of the lord , lest there come upon you that which is said in the prophets . behold , ye despisers and wonder and perish , for i do a work in your days , which you will in no wise believe though a man declare it unto you , hab. 1. a. acts 13. b. the preface . tobias ( with h. n. a fellow minister of the gracious word of the lord ) wisheth to all lovers of truth , salvation and peace , in jesus christ our lord , amen . forasmuch as i tobias , a fellow elder with the oldest elders in the houshold of love , have alwayes been present with h. n. ( in all what the lord hath revealed unto him ) and now in this day of the love of iesus christ , am impulsed of the holy ghost , to declare and to publish among the children of men , under the obedience of the love of the truth of certain wonderful works of god , which befell h. n. and us the oldest elders in the house of love , and that i also know , that h. n. ( gods chosen minister ) and his ministration of the gracious word of the lord hath been disorderly rejected , and censured with several false judgements , by many false hearts , and good-thinking wise-ones , by many false christians , and unsent teachers , or preachers , and by some unfaithfull and opinionated self-seekers , who are turned away from us . and that the godly testimonies of the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ ( published by h. n. were by many disgracefully contemned and reproached , ( as if god had neither chosen nor sent h. n. to be a minister of his holy and gracious word , and as if the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ were an unclean thing . ) so have i for gods cause , and in regard of the love which i bear and have to all mens salvation , i could not omit to declare to all god-fearing-understandings and lovers of the truth , ( that they may believe the truth , understand the godly testimonies of the holy spirit of love , and may be preserved in these dangerous times ) and to witnesse the truth before them , how and in what manner the lord , the living god of heaven hath chosen h. n. from his youth , to the ministration of his holy and gracious word , and hath sent him thereunto in his old age of the holy and godly understanding through the holy spirit of his love . 2 for the holy spirit of the truth of god , and of the love of iesus christ was alwayes powerfully abiding upon h. n. ( in all his ministrations ) after that the lord had anointed him a with the same spirit , and hath through the same spirit raised and sent him for to declare to all people , the true b repentance for their sinnes , and to draw and bring in ( through his ministration of the holy and gracious word ) all those that love gods truth , and the accomplishment of the godlinesse in iesus christ , and hunger and thirst after righteousnesse c to the peaceable love and his godly service for the preservation of them all in the godlinesse ) that all they which h. n. and our fellowship may have their communion in iesus christ , and may not be seduced in these dangerous times , ( in which if it were possible the very elect d should be seduced ) with the unprofitable prating of the false hearts and unsent teachers or preachers ( which alwayes oppose the truth of god ; e and blaspheme against the holy spirit ) nor through any depraved hearts and apostates , ( who continually accuse with falshood the true ministers of the gracious word , and endeavour with all their power to abolish the same ministration , ) nor should be kept of or held back , from our most holy service of the gracious word under the obedience of the love , to their condemnation . 3 and therefore , and for the truth of gods cause , and for to declare the knowledge that the promises of god the father , and of the lord iesus christ g be fullfilled and established in the love . so is there also now presently in this same day of the love ( in plain words ) to all understanding , and before all good-willing hearts unto the righteousnesse through h. n. testified and published , what that very thing which the gracious word of the lord , ( which the lord now hath raised up according to his promises ) doth require of all men . 4 and for to witness and publish the truth that the lord hath chosen and sent h. n. therefore have i ( through the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ ) [ plainly ] testified and declared the sending of h. n. also certaine wonderfull workes of god , which from his youth hapned unto him from the living god , that all those which read or hear all the godly testimonies of our writings , may believe the truth with a single heart , to have a right regard to the true promises of the father , and of the sonne ( our lord iesus christ ) and of the accomplishing of the same , and may hope upon the fulfilling of the requiring of the gracious word and of his service of love ; and rightly and in truth follow and imitate our lord iesus christ ( in the saving word of his holy spirit of love ) h and might be of one mind with us and our communialtie of the saints i in the love of our lord iesus k into all unity and peace . 5 and likewise that through the same declaration the enemies of h. n. together with all the opposers and reprochers of the truth , and of the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ may see and know , that they have villified and contemned not onely h. n. a choseu servannt of god , but also god the father ( the builder of our house of love ) and the lord iesus christ ( our phisician and saviour ) and the holy ghost ( the inheritance of our spiritual and heavenly goods ) l and have pulled upon their own necks , the wrath and judgement of their condemnation , that they with humble hearts ) might bring forth real fruits of repentance . 6 for it is not unknown or uncertaine to us that h. n. doth testifie out of the truth of god and his gracious word ; and that the office of the ministration of the gracious word is imposed and intrusted to him ( through m god's ( grace ) to administer , for the lord hath chosen him thereunto from his youth , to witness the same testimonies of the truth of god , and to administer gods holy and gracious word , and to manifest his heavenly works , and to declare upon the earth now in these last times ( under the obedience of the love of iesus christ ) gods truth and upright being , and the acomplishment of the godlinesse in iesus christ . 7 thus in this election by the living god : h. n. hath declared on earth to this present day , from the n uncovered face of god and of christ ) gods real truth , and the requiring of his upright righteousnesse , together with his righteous judgement and the fulfilling of the godlinesse in iesus christ . 8 now whether this be believed , or not believed , however he hath revealed the the same out of gods true light & eternal life ) & in manifest declaration brought it to light in this holy day of the love of god and christ . 9 and the same day of the love of god and of christ ( which is come unto us from gods grace ) is the newest or last day of which long agoe the prophets of god , and the evangelists of iesus christ have foretold and published , and is the day o which god hath appointed or ordained , for to judge on the same the whole circuit of the earth with righ●eousnesse . 10 for on the same day of the love of god and of christ p shall all unbelievers and disobedient ones to the gracious word of the lord , and all evil surmisers towards the ministers thereof , together with all opposers of h. n. and blasphemers of the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ , be q revealed , and r judged , and according to their works shall receive their reward . 11 therefore take warning by this declaration of mine , all ye people which love the truth of iesus christ , that you in no wise oppose neither the gracious word of god , nor his chosen servant h. n. because god the father with his son iesus christ , dwelleth and liveth perfectly * in h. n. in the heavenly being , and hath anointed him with the holy spirit of god and of ( s ) iesus christ , and that no man without the fellowship of h. n. or without the obedience of the requiring of his doctrine , can be brought or gathered to the true living god , nor to his sonne iesus christ , nor united with the same good being . 12 behold out of a very hearty love , which i have to all your preservations in the godlinesse , am i presently in this day of the love , impulsed and forced , ( through the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ ) to make the same known before all your understandings , and to declare unto you how the calling h. n. came to passe by the living god , and how he was chosen of the same god to administration of his holy and and gracious word , under the obedience of the love of iesus christ . 13 and also to testifie unto you some mysteries t of the kingdome of the god of heavens , and of the heavenly revelations and workings of god , which were revealed and shewed to h. n. by the living god , out of his heavenly being , even from the youth of h. n. 14 the lord grant unto you all mercy and his graee that in the hearing of these testimonies , your hearts may not be offended nor be hardened against the truth u of the same testimonies , but that yee may hear them humbly , receive and accept of them in all thanksgiving to god for his grace , be well minded to the holy and gracious word of the lord and his service of the love to your preservation in the godlinesse , and may enter into the requiring of the same obediently . amen , so be it . take it to heart . certaine wonderfull workes of god , which befel h n. from his youth . chap. i. in the eighth year of the age of h. n. ( in the days of maximilian the first , being made roman emperour by vertue or power of the electoral princes of the roman empire and the german nation ) it fell out on an evening in a winter season , that the father of h. n. exhorted his family , and instructing them ( with many words , ) that they should fear god , a and to give praise and thanks unto him for the grace he bestowed on man . 2 the same time , the lord opened the mouth of the childe h. n. and touched his lips and tongue , and with this the childe spake to his father , and said . instruct me , o my father , what is that singular grace bestowed on us , for which we ought to give praise and thanks to god . 3 when the child had asked this questiof his father , the father looked on the child , and wondered that the child should aske him so earnestly , and answearing the child said to him . 4 ▪ o my sonne , doest thou aske what that especial grace is which god hath bestowed on us , and for which we are bound to give praise and thanks to him ? the same you read daily in the sufferings of our lord jesus christ , and is set forth unto us dayly in the service of the masse , and often also and abundantly is attested by preaching , how that god the father by reason of adams sinne ; ( whereby we all became the children b of death and damnation , ) caused his deare sonne ( jesus christ ) to suffer the ignominious c death on the crosse , and that thus jesus christ hath ( born ) the sins of adam , satisfied for the same on the crosse , and delivered us from that sinne , ( into which adam did fall ) hath reconciled us to his father d and hath set up again the sincere righteoness , and the true e life of godliness , and so all is found and restored againe that was lost by adam , & that same is joyned again f & made whole which through adam was broken and wounded : and this is that singular grace , which god , bestowed on us , to the laud and praise of his great power . 5 then said the child , o my father , i doe read indeed of the sufferings of our lord jesus christ , and i heare it daily testified in sermons , that god the father hath bestowed on us his great mercy , and that his beloved sonne jesus christ hath suffered the ignominious death of the crosse by reason of sinne g but i finde not according to truth , that the sinne is amended in us , nor that the true righteousness h ( wherein adam was created and placed ) is restored in us or set up again . 6 then said the father , oh my sonne , what i have told you about the grace of god shewed to us through jesus christ , you need not to doubt of it , beleeve the same in simpleness of heart , and , that it all is come to passe as i have told you . 7 then said the child , o my father i make no question of the mercy of god , which is come unto us through jesus christ , and all that which is preached to us of christ , and his satisfaction for the sinne , as that he ( through the death on the crosse ) hath prepared and obteined for us i the salvation from the sinne , i believe also firmely , that jesus christ ( for to bring us againe in all godlinesse to god his father ) k is gone before us in l that death of his crosse , and hath opened to us the way and passage to the kingdom of god his father , and to the everlasting life , and m hath prepared the way for us , that we might obtein the same . 8 for i understand ( out of the preaching of christ , ) that jesus christ is preached unto us ( in his gospel ) to such an end , that we should beleeve in him , n and should obediently o follow him in the same passeover of his sufferings till unto the fulfilling of our godlinesse , in the same jesus christ , and then also , that we ( through jesus christ ) should obteine againe the inheritance of our god , the upright p righteousnesse together with the spiritual & heavenly goods , the ( which as it stands to me in my understanding ) is the same grace and mercy of god , which is come unto us through jesus christ : so i cannot conceive , that it is any otherwise brought again , or shall be restored : which was lost through the fall of adam , or that we have missed by reason of adams sinne . 9 for as i have heard preached in the church , that the worke of god , which he did make in the beginning , and also the man q when he created him , was perfect , between which perfect worke of god , there came in a breach or rent through the sinne r whereby the man also is turn'd off from his god , and is wholly s estranged from his upright manly estate , and from the union with his god . 10 now if all this same shall be restored again , then that which was torn and broken , must be t joyned together again , and the man , with all that god hath made and ordained , ( even as it was in the beginning ) must be set againe in his upright u forme and order , which we see now plainly and perceive , that the same is not yet come to passe , or accomplished in us ; therefore it appeareth altogether ( in my understanding , ) that god for the bringing again of the man into his upright being , & that the repentance or satisfaction for our sins , must have another performance , and fulfilling , then many men suppose or conceive . 11 then the father mervailed much at the distinct expressions of the child , and said , o my son , hold they self iu silence , lest you dig too deep into the works of god . i will relate the matter to our spiritually learned ( which are our advisers ) * they shall well instruct thee therein ( to the belt ) for i my selfe , doe not understand this business , nor thou neither as i suppose , and besides , thou art yet too much young to be able to comprehend such things , therefore let us hearken to our advisers , and simply beleeve them herein . 12 then said the child , father it is well , let it be so , i submit my selfe alwayes to your authority , and so in that evening ) there was no more talke of it . 13 but all the night after the father was much perplexed with the sayings of his young sonne . and ( being of himselfe plaine and simple ) went the next day to the minorie-brethren to his confessor ( for he thought in his judgement that these brethren of the minories ( which were called also the observators ) were the most holy and most judicious in the godly things and able to give good instructions to him and his sonne ) and intimated to his confessor ( confiding in him most ) the whole businesse of his sonne . 14 and his confessor gave to him this answer , that he should bring his sonne to him , then he would take to himselfe a good brother , and would resolve them of all these matters . 15 the father did according to the direction of his confessor , and at a convenient time he went with his young sonne h. n. to the minorie-brethren , that both of them ( the father and the child ) might heare and understand the right instruction , ( of what the child had spoken ) and therein might be * pacified . chap. ii. now when both of these came to the confessor of the father of h. n , then the confessor looked on the child , which was very young and little , and said to the father , is that the lad thou told'st me of . that hath such strange whimses in his head ? surely , he is to childish yet , as to trouble himself with such things as you told me of . thou shouldest of right ( with a rod ) chastise him from the same , & neither to hear nor answer him in his sayings , for it is not otherwise then the madness of a child . 2 then said the child , hold there sir , why do you speak forth such words ? it is true that i am yet young and childish , and am still under the rod and discipline of my father , and stand under his doctrine and instruction , and if my father ( at his convenient time ) doth instruct me , and i cannot conceive or comprehend ( in my apprehension of my fathers saying , should it not be granted or permitted me to aske for the sense and true meaning thereof ? 3 when the confessor observed the lad 's so modestly answeared him , he began to be somewhat moved in himself ; and answered then to the child more discreetly , and said , yea , in truth my sonne it behoveth , you indeed , to aske what the right understanding is , but you are yet much too young and too small of capacity , to search into the a deep profound mysteries of the godly things , or to fathom them . 4 then said the child because i am young and of a small understanding in the mysteries of divine matters , therefore am i the more inclined for that reason to aske , and not to search thereafter out of my owne power , but desire to be instructed and taught therein ( from my youth ) of my elders and teachers . 5 then said the confessor it is well done my sonue if you keepe there , but me thinketh , that thou makest a doubt , ( as thy father informeth me ) of the satisfaction of christ , for the transgression of adam and for all our sins . 6 then said the childe : no sir , thereof i doubt not : but my saying is , that i do plainly see , b that the satisfaction in christ for our redemption or deliverance from the sinue , ( for which christ suffered death on the crosse c and made satisfaction ) is not performed as yet in us , and that we have not followed christ in his passeover to his father , and if i pereeive this , and find it to be so . is it ill done that i akse whether the satisfaction or the upright fruits of repentance be still owing , or how d we shall be delivered from the sinnes , and be brought to the upright righteousnesse ? 7 and when i inquiring after this , and likewise have and hope that it be performed in us , and that the righteousness in which adam was created and set into shall be restored unto us , and that we also shall be delivered from the fall and transgression of adam , this is ( i hope ) no doubt of christ satisfaction , but i may iustly doubt of our satisfaction ; for i conceive in my understandings , that we are still indebted to god concerning our satisfaction in jesus christ . 8 then said the confessor , o my sonne thou runnest out too far with thy young understanding , for after that , thou mayest not search so deepe , nor no man else , but simply beleeve all that concerneth christ and our salvation . 9 then said the child , well sir , i will simply beleeve all as you say , yet must i aske somthing of thee out of my simplicicy , & desire for the love of jesus christ , that thou wouldest answer to my simple question . 10 then said the confessor , well my sonne , aske and i will answer thee . 11 then said the child . if adam had lived simply according to the commandments of god , and had not falne off from god , & had not transgressed the command of god , should then he , and we , have lived , in the sinne or in the righteousnes ? 12 the confessor said , adam and we all should have lived eternally in the righteousness , and no sin nor e death should have reigned over us . 13 furthermore the child asked and said , when god created heaven and earth and all that is therein f and the man also , whom he made after his owne image , did not god then make all things good and perfect , and came it not to passe as he would have it ? 14 the confessor said o , yea , my son , g what ever god hath made , he made it well , and good , and all what god said and h commanded to be , it stood there present : and all things had their progresse * towards perfection , according as god would have it , and even so the man in his upright being . 15 then said the child , seeing the man was created from the begining , good , and upright , and i to live eternally in gods upright righteousnesse , and that he remained not steadfast therein . and that god ( for to reduce the man to his right estate againe ) hath given up his beloved son jesus christ to the death of the crosse k and so ( through the death of the crosse of jesus christ to re-establish l the man and all that was fallen , in his right state and condition ; therefore all must then be m restored to the same , in his right form , ( through jesus christ and his death of the crosse ) even as it was from the begining , the transgression of adam must be mended , and we must be n justified or cleansed from the sinne , and must be o borne again unto the image of god . 16 behold sir , in my understanding i conceive it soe , and that we ought to take heed to this mercy of god p and to follow our lord jesus christ ( in his q death of the crosse ) and to be wholy incorporated into him ( with his r like death ) where through in us also , the s sinne of adam ( and our sinne ) becomes amended and blotted out in us from the death of sinne , her t power and dominion taken away , and the upright righteousnesse & simplicity , and the eternal life ( to which adam was created u and set , and was ordained to live therein eternally ) be raised up again . 17 now if all ( as you say ) should be fulfilled or satisfied , then , as i conceive , nothing should be wanting in gods work nor in mans upright life , and obedience to god , and all things must be restored to his right forme . and seeing there is yet defect therein , thereupon i aske where doth the fault lie , ( in god or in us ) that the worke of god and his will is not performed in all , on us and in us , and that not the righteousnesse and the good life of jesus christ , but the sinne and the death reigneth and hath dominion over us , for me thinks , that the right ground of this ( whereof we now speak● ) is not yet by many entred into , nor rightly understood , and that the most necessary part of our godlinesse in jesus christ , and the x obedience which god requireth of us , through his son jesus christ , is still to be performed by us and in us . chap. iii. when the confessor had heard all these words from the young child , he could answer nothing to it , but said to his fellow brother that was present and had heard all the speech of the child , i know not what i shall say of the child and his sayings , i know not whether it be childishnesse or godly understanding it speaketh of . 2 then said his fellow brother , surely thou art bereaved of thy wit , doest thou not perceive that it is foolery and childishnesse the boy speaketh , and i wonder also very much why thou exchangest so many words about it , for if men of judgment were present , they would say that you were more childish then the boy himselfe , because thou hearest and answerest him in all his foolish words whereas they are meerly unprofitable things , after which he diggeth and searcheth , and should with these matters ( if he be let alone ) bring himselfe into weaknesse of minde . therefore it is most needfull that he be punished for these things , and make him to forget them . this he spake that the father and the childe should heare and spake it so loud , to that end , that neither the father nor the childe should observe , that they were not able to answer to the childs questions or informe him therein , and so these two fellow brethren tooke the childe between them , and in the presence of his father rebuked the childe with many hard words , and among the rest , the confessor said to the childe , do'st thou know what evill thou hast committed , that thou troublest thy selfe with the matters of the mysteries of god ? the child said no sir . 4 then said the confessor , o my son , thou hast nigh committed the greatest sin that man can do on earth ; for thou hast with thy thoughts digged and searched and troubled thy selfe ( which is not permitted to any man upon the a earth , let him be never so judicious ) to know the secrets of god ; i scarce know whether this sin may be forgiven to thee , or whether thou shalt for this go to hell ; and he made the child quite astonished , so that he spake no more of the same , nor asked after any more instruction , but fell on weeping ; and said : oh that i and all men might be saved . then said the confessor . 5 o my sonne seeing thou art now sory for thy sinne , i promise salvation unto thee , and that thy sins are forgiven . 6 then said the child i thank you sir , and will commit the cause to god let it come to passe according to his will : and so his father thanked the minory brethren for that they had well taught and instructed his sonne , and so departed from each other , and the minory brethren went their way and thought no more on this businesse , or gave little respect unto it . 7 but child was not appeased with the sayings of the minory brethren nor satisfied in his understanding but went up and down with a sad heart , and seeing could not forget the things he had spake off ; so kept he all the same within himself , and imparted the businesse no more to any man , till he came to the day of his manly oldnesse with the gray haire , and was stil more and more an earnest lover of service and ceremonies of the roman catholique church , and the requiring of it , and being alone busied himselfe dayly with divine matters , and with the fulfiling of the godlinesse in jesu christ . chap. iv. in the ninth yeare of the age of h. n. ( in the days of the emperour maxmilian the first ) there was revealed to h. n. after midnight near upon day breaking ( by gods grace ) a great wonderous work of god , and wonderful vision of a heavenly mystery out of the heavenly being , for he was compassed about with a mighty a great being of the glory of god , and the same was ad a very great mountain of glorious beauty . and when he was surrounded by this huge great mountain , and was throughly illuminated in all his being with the glory thereof , then this great mountaine wholly united it selfe with him in his whole spirit and mind , so that his spirit and mind , with the same great and glorious mountaine , became so great and broad , that he became also of an equal greatness and like being , with the same , in altitude , latitude , and profundity . 3 with which revelation and wondrous work of god , it was declared to h. n. that the same and the uniformity thereof b within the man is the true accomplishment of the godlinesse in jesus christ , and the righteous c iudgement of god , or the great day d of the lord , ( which for righteousnesse ) is promised to come upon the earth . 4 and as then that great uision and wonderfull revelation of god vanished wholly from his eyes and sight , so found he himselfe awakened lying on his bed , and was very much troubled and wearied in all his being and mind , and in respect of that wearinesse he had a mind to sleep . 5 and whilst h. n. lay thus on his bed ( near the breaking of the day ) he fell into a slumber . 6 and being fallen asleep , there were then revealed unto him in his sleep wonderfull things , which should befall him , and the saints of god ; for at that time understood he it not so well , as he did when the same befell him . 7 in this sleep he saw in a uision , that many saints of god were with him on the earth , and that the same saints of god and he , joyntly rejoyced much with one another in the godliness of our lord jesus christ , and that he loved all men highly to the same godliness , and called and invited them all thereto that they with him should rejoyce in the same , and that he also ( out of great love ) shewed to manifold men great friendship and many kindnesses , & for that he might likewise rejoyce ( in the same godliness ) with men like as with the saints of god . and that he held forth unto them ( with all pleasantnesse a●d discreetnesse and lovely speech ) the transcendant worthy nobleness of man and the most peaceable life of godlinesse , to which e god hath created , man and chosen him thereto through jesus christ . 8 and he saw also in this uision , that many men ( which did not accept or take to heart the friendship and love which he shewed unto them ( thereby to bring them to a peaceable life of godlinesse , and did not repeut ( were withered and changed into dry and ex●cicated trees f and that many of these trees , were wholly eaten hollow ( by knawing wormes ) and inwardly were mouldred g away to dnst and consumed away to nothing , and ●hat there was not left the least h monument or being of greennesse or blooming . 9 he saw also in the same uision , that many good thinking men did oppose him , and that the same and s●ch as were offended at him , and at all that love , and goodness which he shewed unto men , and for which they mightily envyed and reproached him , and hardned their hearts against his sayings , and the grace and mercy , which he offered unto them , were changed into several terrible , hurtful , and tearing wolves or devouring beasts , and they were inclined to bite and to i teare , and wholly to devoure him , and the saints of god , and that they joyntly together , ( with great bitternesse and and hardnesse of heart ) exceedingly bellowed and foamed against him and the saints of god , and ( with clamour and extream horrible noise ) came on against him , and railed and raged very terribly against him and the saints of god , for to destroy and consume them . 10 in which horrible and terrible out cryings and fury of these horrible beasts , awakned h. n. out of his sleep ( through great feare that they should teare and destroy him and all the saints of god that were on earth with him ) and at his awaking he cryed out aloud , oh how long shall these yet judge * over my soul ? 11 when he thus cryed out and awakened from his sleep he found himself much disquieted and perplexed at his uision . 12 his father and mother ( being affrighted at the noise of his out-crying ) ran hastily to him , to his bed , and said , god blesse thee my sonne , what ayleth thee ? what is is come on thee ? my dear , what is hapned to thee ? that thou thus cryedst out , oh how long shall these yet judge * over my soul ? 13 but h. n. out of a heavy mind did sigh , and said , i ayle nothing , but i am somewhat sorrowfull , and a little weaknesse is upon me . and he remained in all silence and stilnesse , and related nothing of all what had hapned unto him , however ( by the commotio● in his uision ) he found himselfe not well in his body , and was made very weake and feeble in all his joynts from that commotion . 14 when he was recovered in his joynts , and got his health againe , yet would he say nothing of any thing that befell him in his uision , and spake not at all of that heavenly revelation , ( which awakened him on his bed ) nor of the uision that appeared to him in his sleep , but kept all this in his heart . chap. v. in the nine and thirtieth year of the age of h. n. ( in the dayes of charles the fifth , being made roman emperour by vertue or power of the electoral princes of the roman empire , and the german nation ) there was revealed to h. n. from the high heavens a mighty revelation of the living godhead : and by the same was shewed and manifested unto him , the upright truth and righteousnesse of god , together with the faithfull love of his dear sonne jesus christ . 2 which heavenly manifestation of the living godhead together with all that was shewed unto him , descended to h. n. and wholly comprehended him to it selfe . 3 and the same god of heaven , excited and revealed in h. n. his holy and gracious word , even as he of old had promised to a raise up the same through his holy prophets , and with the same word , and out of the same word the lord b poured upon h. n. his holy spirit of the of the love of jesus christ . 4 with this heavenly glory and out-flowing of the same holy spirit of the true love of jesus christ upon h. n. the lord chose him to be a minister of his holy and gracious word which he ( the lord ) had excited and revealed in him . 5 and the lord prepared or ordained to h. n. for his assistance in the same ministration , daniel , elidad , & tobias which continued allwayes with him , and assisted him in all his ministration of the the gracious word of the lord . 6 and at that time also ( through the power of god and impulse of the holy spirit of the love of jesus christ ) h. n. was driven in his whole spirit & mind for to administer ( on t of the holy and gracious word , and holy spirit of the love of jesus christ ) the most holy office of the love , according to the command of god , and to attest and set down in writing the godly truth of god and of christ , and the c upright way of the through-going or passe-over which reacheth to the npright righteousnesse , and to the eternalllife , and to publish and express writingly in letters , before all eyes of understanding . 7 h. n. being thus chosen of the god of life to the ministration of his gracious word , and was impulsed by the holy spirit of the love of jesus christ , to set * forth the manefestatton of the truth of god and of the godlinesse of jesus christ , and let the sonnes of men to know their errours , ( that they repenting of their sins d may turn from their errour , and sincerely endeavour to keep the truth of god , and the godliness of jesus christ . so he gave himself obediently at that time to that service and work of the lord , and carefully endeavoured to set down all , that the lord revealed and commanded him , and that should be most profitable and necessary for the sonnes of men , to their salvation and peace , and to the entrance of the upright life . 8 but in his beginning of the same service and writings the word of the lord came to him and said h. n. stay thy hand from writing in this place , and get thee up and travel out of this land , wherein now thou livest , that thy soul may be preserved alive , in my service and worke ; and be not devoured by bloud-thirsty men , and in thy going out from this land , take thy journey eastward , and dwell there , till i my selfe ( by the hand of my angel ) bring thee from thence . 9 for whilest thou livest there , thou shalt apply thy selfe for the most part to be in the land pietas , that thou mayest be diligent there , ( rightly and according to the truth , to manifest my honour and love , and to reveal the same to those who are worthy of love . 10 for there , in the manifesting of mine honour and love , thou shalt testifie and figure forth in writing , the godly and heavenly things , which i do reveal and make known unto thee , and that profitable for the children of men , unto godliness . 11 to thee shall also ( from henceforth ) many mysteries of my heavenly kingdome ( which hitherto have been kept and concealed from the e world and her wise and letter-learned ) be revealed and made known , for to bring the same to light . 12 at the time ( according to the word and command of the lord ) h. n. instantly took his journey eastward , and became an inhabitant in the land of the east , and was for the most time iu pietas , even as the lord had commanded him . ae3 and the lord ( the god of heaven ) revealed to him in pietas many godly mysteries , and in these revealed mysteries h. n. excereised himselfe , in gods holy understanding , to the serviceable benefit or utility of the children of men , and to all their good knowledge of their salvation and peace in jesus christ . 14 there were revealed unto him also many wonderfull acts or workes of god , many of which are testified and brought to light in the writings of h. n. to the knowledge of the upright godliness in jesus christ . 15 but in all this , which the lord hath revealed to h. n. he was rejoyced too exceedingly , insomuch that he forgot all the sore wayes , which he in great sadnesse had passed through . 16 and the lord afflicted him heavily through his enemies , for the lord suffered him to fall into the hands of the wicked ( his enemies ) whose ungodly being is the false destruction , which hath brought on the earth death , or f mortality , namely , the kingdome of the devil and of hell , which god hath not willed that it should be in the earth , but be condemned in the g bottomlesse pit and the everlasting darknesse , from whence it also came ; and that the h glory of jesus christ should be revealed on the earth , and raigne over it eternally . 17 yea the same wicked beeing must be abolished in the condemna●ion , at the appearing of jesus christ in his glory , for that same is the i envious man against god and his righteousnesse , and against all that is godly , and * god-service k and wherewith the man practiseth his whoredome and adultery , to the disobeying and resisting his god , so that thereby the man every where l turneth or inclineth to himselfe , and to things which are vaine and unprofitable , whereby also the same ungodly being in the false light ( of the mans disobedient knowledge ) is become predominant . 18 behold into this abysse or depth , the lord let fall his chosen servant h. n , and suffered him to tast and feel the condemnation of all ungodly ones in the hellish fire , the most horrible perdition , and the most ugly abomination of desolation . 19 but , when now h. n. found himself thus captived in misery ; wherein hee was sorely vexed by his enemies , so there came on him a great and mighty sadnesse , and he could find no comfort at all , insomuch that by reason of his great heavinesse of mind , he wringed his hands and exceedingly bewailed his sinnes , and cryed aloud to god , and besought him for his grace , and continued therein day and night ; and in this his misery he composed these psalmes of mourning and lamentation , and did not hide his sinnes , and thus calling on , and praying to the lord he spake forth his mourning psalmes with weeping and lamentation . here follow the psalmes of h. n. and the declaration of his weeping and praying in his chastisement . the rod and punishment giveth wisdome . pro. 29. for whom the lord loveth , he chastiseth and delighteth in him , as a father doth in his sonne . pro. 3. therefore shall the eare which barkeneth to the correction of the lord , dwell among the wise : but he that letteth go the chastising instr●ction , or turneth away from it , he rejecteth his own ●oul . pro. 2. caap. vi . psalme i. 1 o my lord my god , a my heart quaketh before thee , for though thy punishment upon my sinnes , my bones do shake , and great b sadnesse , pain and smart fall on me . 2 thus i fear , o lord , thy punishment , for with the same tho● makest known unto me my sinnes , and thou lettest me see the evil things which have ensnared me . 3 o god , wilt thou not deliver me from these evil things , so must i continue in misery , and must feare thy hand continually . 4 but thou o lord art he , which c woundest , and healest againe , help me as thou usest to doe . 5 let my sighings d out of the bottome of my heart come before thee , and turne not thy mercy from me . 6 for , o lord , i do not e forget thee , but wait dayly for thy goodnesse . 7 look f on my misery , and leave me not in death , nor let me be lost for ever . 8 g take away ( o lord ) the sinne from me , and let thy spirit of life refresh me , otherwayes ( o lord ) o lord of lords , i have no life in me . 9 therefore ( o lord , of life ) when thou art my life , then i live , and my bones must rejoyce . 10 when i find mercy in thine eyes , then is comforted the inward mind of my soul . 11 but , o lord , when thou art h a death to me and art angry with me , then am i like unto the dead , and go i down to hell as the wicked that are damned . 12 out of which k depth now my foul sigheth and calleth , o lord , unto thee , for in the same i remember ( with anguish of mind ) my sinnes past , and must bewaile with tears my evil actions . 13 for thou , o lord , art the strength and l saviour of men from the sinne , he that taketh hold on thee , m falleth not into transgressions . 14 but the man which relyeth on h●s owne strength , he falls soonest , and then must he confess , that thou alone , o lord , art the life of his salvation . 15 when thou takest pity on him , and raisest him again , then he obtaineth mercy , and must praise thy goodnesse continually . 16 for what is man ? ( o lord ) without thy grace ; is he any thing ? ah no , he is nothing of himselfe n 17 therefore let thy mercy o shine about me , and doe not think on my transgressions . 18 therefore my ioy o god is in thee , and with thankfullnesse must i praise the grace of thy love . 19 for thou comfortest the low p minded and those which be forsaken , thon blotest out their sinnes , and takest q away the evil heart of their misdeedes . 20 when thou o lord , givest the blessing , then is thy consolation present , and then with a joyous song of praise is thy holy name praised . 21 but in case thou dost hide thy selfe , then is the sinne active , and when thou doest rise up to punish , ( o lord ) who can then r stand before thee . 22 is not a man like unto s the blossome of the field which thy heat causeth to wither , and like unto t dust and ashes which the wind doth ●catter here and there . 23 therefore have thou mercy on me ( o my god ) and father , and let thy good spirit support me u otherwayes i shall vanish into nothing . chap. vii . psalme ii. 1 o lord let thine a anger be turned about , and punish me not continually in thy displeasure . b 2 o lord c punish me not according to my sinnes , but chastise me unto amendment , and d teach me also thy lawes , and hide not thy mercy from me . 3 reject me not o lord , nor wholly e forsake me ; but bring to my knowledge my transgressions . 4 and chastise me even so o my god , with a f fatherly correction , so shall i turne unto thee . 5 but if thou totally rejectest me , to whom g shall i then goe , o god and king of all righteousness ? for thou alone art my h comfort . 6 for vain is the comfort of i ma● , and all the treasures of the world , are ( o god ) no joy to me . 7 the sinne is an abhomination unto me , the worlds joy with the pleasures thereof , are all dead unto me . 8 if thou lord k hidest the lovely being of thy countenance from me , o lord what is then my life . 9 therefore , o god , remember not l alwayes my sins but guide my m feet in the way of life . 10 then shall i praise thy mercy ( o lord ) among the n living , and spread thy praise among the upright . 11 for i acknowledge my o transgressions , and my sinnes are a p heavy burthen unto me . 12 o how q heavily was i wearied in the wayes of my errors what cumbersome wayes did i go through . 13 now sinne with its death hath r throughly pierced me , the devil with his bands ruled over me , and hell with its power , hath shut me into the stocks , to devoure me . 14 but thou o lord . that canst deliver from death , deliver s me from all mine enemies . 15 helpe me out of my misery , and forsake me not in my sorrow . chap. viii . psalme iii. 1 o lord almighty god , art thou not he that a killest and makest alive againe . 2 art thou not a god who condemnest and b bringest into hell , and from thence bringect again and savest . 3 how long , o lord , shall i go on into perdition ? how long yet shall sinne raigne over me . 4 how long shall the c bonds of death hold bound ? how long shall the power of the devil and of hell captive me ? 5 if thou deliver me ( o lord● then am i freed , but if thou forsakest me , then am i desolate , and must remain comfortless eternally . 6 therefore , o lord , be thou my aid , and from the bottomless d mercy of thy love succour me ; and according to the multiplicity of thy grace , blot out mine iniquity . 7 for i am filled up with sins , and lie in the deep under them , and feel no power of comming out e by my self . 8 seeing i am impotent , therefore have my enemies bound me , and brought guiltiness upon me to condemn me ? 9 and those which were sometimes my f friends , now set their mouthes horribly against me , and make a terrible face at me , and shew all their hatred towards me . 10 i lookt every where up and down for a faithful g friend , but there is not one of all my friends ( as a faithful friend ) adhered to me , but they have all made up themselves in enmity against me , and whetted their h teeth at me , and sharpned their swords to destroy me . 11 o god , seeing thou punishest mee now and art against me , therefore are all become enemies to me , that are round about me , and all fall on me , there stayeth not one with me , to my defence . 12 but they all cry , i there hee lieth , there he lieth , he is faln and shall never rise again . 13 o lord , reward them according as they have k deserved recompence to me , let thy fierce wrath fall upon them , and root out all my enemies totally . 14 destroy and bring them all to shame , which imagine evil against my soul , and which lie in wait for my life . 15 yea , let them be condemned to l hell eternally , which profess themselves friendly to me , and there under mix their poisonous falshoods therewith to destroy me . 16 o lord , ( my god root out all the m wicked ones , for they have spoiled the earth and made it wast , that thy saints may take in the land , and inherit the same in truth and righteousness forever . 17 o my father and my god , thou , n who art my strength and saviour , support me , for i lie faln among the midst of the wicked . 18 they have bound me with their cords or snares , and deal very unmercifully with me . 19 look on my o sorrows , & how miserable my enemies have made me : i loved them all , and have declared my love unto them . 20 but they have in hate rewarded me with wickedness , they have wounded me deadly , and they have pierced through all my inward parts with poison . 21 they fed me with p wormwood or bitterness , when i was in the snares of death , and have poured me forth poison , and bitter drink for wine , when i thirsted after a little refreshment , and sought comfort in my soul . 22 o lord , heal thou my soul lest i perish , and let thy word of life shine about me , then shall my soul recover her health . 23 o father , q forsake me not for ever in thy displeasure , but let thy mercy be a comfort to my soul . 24 when i called thus long and the lord did not hearken unto mee , then i thought in my heart , i am as nothing , and as one that goeth forsaken : [ or as a lost one . ] 25 o lord , shall thy punishment upon me not cease ? can there no grace be found for me in thine eyes ? o thou most high god , thou that art full of all mercy . 26 therefore ( o god ) chastise me yet to amendment , & let me know what thy pleasure is , and r guide me in thy way which thou wouldest have me to walk . 27 strengthen , o lord , my bones , and s create in me an upright heart & mind . 28 then shall i be able to walk uprightly in thy ways , else my undertakings are without strength , as nothing . chap. ix . psalme iv. 1 oh lord , how are my sinnes over-weighty , and a how heavy stand before me , my transgressions . 2 for the anguish of them over-burthen me exceedingly , o lord , if thou doest not ease me , i must consume to nothing . 3 o lord , doest thou delight in the death of sinners ? doest thou not rather desire that we should b turn and live . 4 thou hast no pleasure in our destruction , therefore c arise , o god , and help me that i may praise thee , and may tell among all the congregations of thy mercy , to the honour & praise of thy holy name . 5 o lord , be gracious unto me , and d let the great bounty of thy mercifulness come upon me . 6 forgive me , o lord , mine iniquities , and guide me in thy righteousness , let not ( o lord ) thy wrath devour me . 7 but poure forth thy e anger upon the ungodly , and destroy them before mine eyes , which imagine nothing but mischief against me , and their delight is onely to destruction . 8 and let thy goodness , o lord , assist me , prepare my heart according to thy will , and have compassion upon any ignorance and weakness . 9 my ignorance f and my conversation with the iniquity , remember not ( o lord ) forever , but deliver thy servant out of their hands . 10 for thou ( o lord ) hast made known unto me the wayes of my errours , but to come again into the right way , the knowledge nor the power is not in me . 11 therefore o lord , make them g all blind and feeble that are against me , and give me the sight of thy life , the power of thy righteousness . 12 deliver me h out of the hands of the crafty , for they have no good in their minds . 13 if so be , o lord , that i find mercy before thine eyes , then is my soul rejoyced . 14 then will i ( o lord ) with thy power rule over all mine enemies , and break them to pieces as earthen vessels . 15 but now ( o lord ) heal me of my torment , and take away all ignorance from my thoughts , and i teach thy servant thy statutes . 16 o god by reason of my sius , hast thou ( with chastising ) humbled me , reiect me not now wholly , but draw my soul again unto thee . 17 thereby is made known thy great mercy , that thou shewest mercy again to those , who were k estranged from thee , and have sinned against thee . 18 for i ( o lord ) have transgressed , and turned my back on thee , and feared not thy great power nor glory . 19 but seeing thou now chastisest me ( o god ) for my errours , my soul submitteth before thee , confessing that i am worthy of death and damnation . 20 therefore , o god of life , ( thou who art an errour to the erring , and a death l unto the dead , for to prepare a conquest of death for the living , and to lead the upright ( out of all errour into thy wayes ) take me now by thine hand , and lead me out from among the wicked , who all surround me like so many bears and fierce m wolves . 21 o lord , make hast before they devour my soul , for thy goodness n endureth for ever . caap. x. psalme v. 1 ah why is it thus woful with me ? what aileth me ? how hard do my sinnes presse me ? how am i thus overwhelmed with the wickednesse ? 2 that which i would not , that must i endure : and that which i a desire , flyeth far from me . 3 the evil presseth and tormenteth me , the devils power tyrannizeth over me . 4 o lord , deliver me from these snares , and let thy life be gracious to me , and refresh my minde . 5 grant , o lord , that my soul be refreshed in thee , and be thou my comfort in this desertion . 6 for what am i that i should be able to stand b when thou , o lord , pourest forth thy wrath upon me ? 7 or wilt thou quite destroy me o god of life , and no more reveal salvation to me . 8 what is then my life ? if i may commend them for happy , which never c lived : and that never knew thee nor thy glory . 9 for who , o lord , shall praise thee most , but he whom thou hast delivered out of great misery , and freest him from all vexation of his soul . 10 therefore , o lord , be d merciful unto me : mercy ( o lord ) mercy , & through the great abundance of thy mercies , deliver me from my torments . chap. xi . psalme vi . 1 o lord ( thou which art the god of all the world ) let thy mercy shine upon me , and deliver me out of the pit of death , and out of the hellish fire . 2 for sadness compasseth a me above measure , and the snares of death have environ'd me , my sins stand in my sight , against b me , and the devil c roareth to devour me . 3 hell taketh hold on me , and the d sorrows of my mind oppress me . 4 my heart is cut through with e the sword of anguish , and my thoughts bring forth all perplexities . 5 therefore must my soul now lament f as one that is forsaken without comfort 6 o lord , wilt thou not once look down , and wilt thou quite turn away thy loving countenance from me , what is then my soul which thou hast begotten & g brought forth to life . 7 or , o lord , doest thou try my manhood , or searchest thou the strength of my creature , which is but earth and ashes , h and is able to do nothing , as a thing which is nothing . 8 for it is now become as a spoiled instrument which is unprofitable to thy service . 9 therefore , i must confess , unto thee my weakness and impotency , be thou , o lord , my power , my life , and my ability . 10 for if thou hidest thy self from me , then am i as i the dead in the grave . 11 and i find my self in great misery , k like to those that are in hell . 12 therefore , o lord , consider my misery , and refresh the soul of my m●nd , then o lord , will i praise thee , magnifie thy glory , and will sing praises unto thy name for ever . 13 for who is he among the l dead which remembreth thee ? in hell there are no praises sung unto thee . 14 but when thou ( o lord ) doest afflict , then the sighs of the poor come before thee , and when thou makest glad again , then they sing with joy , a song of praise whereby thy name is magnified as holy . chap. xii . psalme vii . 1 oh lord , how am i thus perplexed ? how long shall my soul endure sadness ? how long shall the wickedness as an over-lorder triumph over me . 2 that thou , o god , would'st guide me in thy wayes , and would'st lead me in thy a paths , and would'st deliver me from my adversaries , and from all b mine enemies which have made up themselves against me : then would i , o god , out of the whole minde of my soul , bring unto thee an offering of joy , and offer up a sacrifice of thanksgiving . 3 o lord , let not my adversaries have their pleasure over me , let not my enemies prosper against me . 4 o that the wicked might give up themselves to flight , and not reign over me for ever : to the end that my c enemies boast not , that they have destroyed me . 5 o lord , assist me , and rise up against mine enemies d that they may all be put to shame that assault me . 6 o lord , let thy goodness imbrace me , clense me from my sins , and deliver me from the murtherous e persecutors of my soul : that my soul may dwell in thee thee ( o my god ) in peace and without care . 7 ah , how long shall i yet endure mine enemies ? how long shall they torment my soul with disquietness ? 8 well : i will be of good chear , in the confidence of my god , that my soul may get some refreshment . 9 oh my soul ( thou oppressed one f be of good chear in thy perplexity , and expect the comfort of the lord in long-suffering . 10 for he will comfort thee in peace g if thou takest patience to thee as a precious treasure . 11 he will bring unto thee meek-mindedness for an ornament , and the burthen of the wicked shall be lightened in thee , and h thy mind shall be refreshed in god . chap. xiii . psalme viii . 1 why art thou so troublesome to me a o thou unbelief and distrust : for my hope is in the living god , that he will yet heal my soul . 2 o lord , b heal me , and take away from me the evil nature , namely , all the opposition of thy goodness . 3 ah , i am doubtless very deeply wounded , there is c no soundness in my soul . 4 o god , i am very miserable by reason of my torments , is there any so d distempered as i am . 5 i am not now like unto any e man but to those which have changed their humane form and shape . 6 wherefore was i born f upon the earth , for i perish in great misery , and am good for no use . 7 o that my father had let fall the seed of which i was begotten ( like onan the sonne g of juda ) that i had never been . 8 or that i for or to my fathers sinne ( like the first born son of david h by bashsheba ) had died . 9 ah , that the earth would open it self , & receive me , that the i hils would fall on me , and cover and smother me in the earth , that i might no longer see this horrible abomination . 10 for i am bereaved of all comfort , riches , honour , and wisdom . 11 all unsoundness , torment , k sinne , death , devil , and hell is faln upon me . 12 ah my l heart is thus afflicted , and my mind is so much disquieted . 13 my ●ones m quake , my feet tremble , and my jaw-bone is shaken . 14 my teeth chatter , my hands are wrung about [ or turned round ] my eyes weep , and my thoughts affright me . 15 all evil spirits domine●● over me , and and my enemies drive me upon doubtings . 16 anguish and n perplexity more heavily oppress me , then if the whole world lay on me . 17 doubt of deliverance , and all despair o assault me , the unbelief bringeth desperation before me , as if i were forsaken eternally . 18 there is no where any refreshment p for my soul that i might revive my self a little . 19 ah how hard doth the punishment of my god laid hold on me , his stripes fall on me ( as q burning coals and flames of fire . 20 i am afraid that the heat of his fire r will consume me to nothing . 21 or that he will hold his fierce countenance continually over me , and hide his lovely face for ever from me . 22 ah , i must bewail my sins continually , for these hard stripes torment me . chap. xiv . psalme ix . 1 while i was thus wounded , stricken & chastised my friends also a made up themselves against me , and became my enemies . 2 and they also cried out against me with great accusation : and said , b o yea , that is his reward : the accursed . 3 kill him , c away , away with this wicked one , condemn him for ever into hell . 4 his sins are manifested to be beyond mercy , for his evil deed is as of the most ungodly wicked one . 5 yea , god thus rejecteth all those which fall off from him , and never more come to his favour again . 6 therefore let all shame , reproach , and the eternal death befal him , & let not god help or succour him for ever . 7 o lord , let that perdition which they have wished to me , and also themselves have framed against me , let it fall on d themselves , and when they are smitten down let them never rise again . 8 they have intended mischief against me e o lord , repay them that they have f deserved on my behalf . 9 for why should the wicked rule over thy sanctuary , and drive out thy beloved ones ? 10 yea , let themselves be cursed g which intend me evil , and let them with thee ( o god ) find no mercy . 11 let them be totally rooted out with root and branch , for they fall on me very heavily , and bring an evil report on me among the people . 12 yea , they are such which appeared as friends , h did eat bread with me daily , and are become secret traytors to me . 13 for those which somtimes praysed me , and were friendly when i was in prosperity , now reproach & hate me most of all . 14 yea , my wife i which lyeth in my arms , ( who is one flesh and bone with me ) where all my heart , delight , comfort and mind was fixed , bringeth also all wicked out-cryes against me , with all accusations for to condemn me . 15 now when i consider all this , and that all things are averse , and fall contrary to me , which formerly i loved , so it afflicteth me much more then the rebuking of god . 16 but seeing all my love is thus requited with malice , therefore all my oppression , misery and anxiety is a heavy burthen above measure . 17 now when i ( out of my heavy burthen ) call on god then mine enemies ( which sometimes were my friends ) k rise up against me . 18 they reproved and l contested with me , why i was so bold and presumptuous , as to call to god for mercy . 19 they all cryed against me with one voice : thou hast neither help nor m comfort with the almighty , for he hath poured forth his wrath on thee everlastingly . 20 there stood my soul before the tribunal , and i was very much perplexed in my heart , and strongly bound with the cords of sinne , and was heavily accused of the enemies of life . 21 i look't up to the highest , and down again to the lowest , and round about me , far and near : whether any one did take to heart my cause for to defend me , n but i found none . 22 but my enemies ( which sought my life , and were against me o stood in great multitudes ( even as grass in the field ) round about me to condemn me . 23 and my wayes , which sometimes they commended for good , they presented before me as evil to a great accusation , and i beheld them all as an p abomination of desolation . 24 this same grieved me exceedingly : and i suffered great great sadness with heavy oppression in my heart . 25 where-ever i did go or stand q there was i surrounded with my enemies : and they speak nothing but evil against me . 26 and i was full of wo in my soul : sadness , and out of great anguish i called on the lord for help , or else i had perished . chap. xv . psalme x. 1 o god , a hearken to my crying and sighing : let my lamentation come into thine eares , and let me not b remain ashamed . 2 i am now faln in the sin , c and am estranged from thy light : and go up and down as one that is condemned and lost . 3 i am as the weakest among the children of men : d for there is no strength of any vertue in me . 4 those that look on me according to the judgement of mine enemies , abhor me , e for my enemies cry all shame and disgrace upon me . 5 but thou , o lord , ( in whom i hope ) let me not perish in the darkness : but f inlighten me with thy light , and take away my shame and reproach . 6 for my sins and transgressions are a loathing to me : and to do any thing which thou hast prohibited , or is against thy will , is no pleasure to my soul . 7 but i remember thee in my anguish : and take a g delight in thy righteousness . 8 therefore , o lord , take not the rod of thy correction from me until that i love thy law , and forget not that which thou hast commanded . 9 o god , my mouth is made dumbe h to speak of thy truth through shamefastness of my sin . 10 for they stand as an abomination in my sight : and have made me dismaid in my mind . 11 the ungodly reigned over me , and would draw me from thy law : that i ( o god ) should no more think on thee and thy law . 12 they have presented lies before me , as a snare , and had honey in their lips , i wherewith they kissed me friendly . 13 but k poison was under their tongue , and they mingled that same in my soul : and they , o god , stirred up thy wrath against me . 14 for those which were friendly in their falshood , and made a shew as if they loved me , have brought me to shame . 15 but they themselves must fall into the pit , l and perish in the destruction which they have prepared for my soul . chap. xvi . psalme xi . 1 o god , a make hast to come unto me , that my enemies ( which wait to destroy my soul ) may be destroyed : that i may highly b praise thy name in the land c of the living . 2 root out the ungodly , make thy salvation break forth : and let thy name be glorious over all thine enemies . 3 o lord , thou eternal and almighty god , forsake me not d for my ignorance : remember not o god ) for ever mine errours in the time of my youth . 4 but teach e in thy truth , that i may praise thy goodness , and may highly esteem of thy correction : and not forget thy righteousness . 5 i rejoyce me in my soul : when as thy hand of correction hūbleth me under thee . 6 and that i endure my punishment for the folly and ignorance of my youth . 7 that i might have my walking among the f elders in israel , and have my habitation among the citizens of jerusalem . 8 therefore , o god , circumcise g the fore-skin of my heart : to me , and take away from me the fore-skin of my evil thoughts . 9 that i may come up to worship with thy people h into thy holy temple or tabernacle , and with i offerings and gifts ( which may be acceptable and well pleasing unto thee ) for an eternal joy upon mount sion . 10 o lord , help : yea , ( o god iesu ) help and draw my spirit to thee , in thy holy heaven , in thy appearing to me in glory . chap. xvii . psalme xii . 1 how long shall i , o god , want thy goodness ? or when shall i be delivered from the sin ? 2 have i hoped in thee in vain ? or hidest a thou thy goodness for a while from me ? 3 let me intreat thee , o god , b strengthen me , and lead me aright . o god , lead me aright otherwayes , must i perish by reason of my sin . 4 o lord , hear thy servant , who is full of sorrow and misery . 5 ah : how long shall i be deaf , before i shall hear ? how long shall i yet be blind before i shall see ? how long shall i be dying , before that i live ? 6 is there then c no remnant unto righteousness left for me ? o god , must i then perish in my sins ? 7 o god , ( thou who art the god of all the world ) turn thee in mercy to me , that the enemy destroy me not : and let not thy d wrath abide upon me for ever . 8 my sins make me fearful : and my transgressions make me timerous to speak of thy righteousness . 9 therefore am i become dumb e as if i had no speech in my mouth . 10 i am become ashamed of my self , because of the multitude of my sins . 11 o god , support me under thy rod , f and chastising instruction , that i forget not thee , nor thy law . 12 clense g me o god , from my sins : from the heathenship , and from all ungodly being . 13 o how presumptuous are the despisers ! & the gain-sayers of thy holy name ? 14 how long must i ( o god ) endure thy reproach and thy adversaries . chap. xviii . psalme xiii . 1 o how long shall i yet suffer thee thou dissembling nature , which hast as it were honey in thy mouth : but there under a shootest thou forth thy poison , according to the nature of the serpent . 2 thou allurest forth my soul as to a life of sweetness : and embracest me b as with a faithful love . 3 thou walkest before me in shew of a lambe : thy wayes are laid forth , as if they led to a peace of good rest . 4 thou risest up , as a light unto life : and among the impenitent , thou art as c a morning star , to the uprising of the day . 5 the sound of thy voice is delightful , d and thy speech seemeth very pleasant . 6 but thou art a false nature , which drawest the souls of men to thy own propriety or interest : and then thou shewest forth thy evil fruits , and rulest over them with thy good-thinking knowledge . 7 thou fallest a roaring as a lion e that would tear in pieces : and spewest out thy fiery flames as a dragon . 8 thou destroyest as a wolfe , and shewest there through thy robbing as a thief f and so indevourest thee as a murderer to destroy my soul . 9 o god , father , thou almighty lord , how long shall i be set with the wicked , and be judged or accused by them ? how long shall i tast of their poison , and endure their false testimonies against me ? 10 in all my ways where i go , they g lay their snares for me : and use all subtilty , to take h my soul , and to bring an accusation against it . 11 for in my presence many of them shew as if they were my friends , and account me for one of their kindred and brethren . 12 o god , make their dissimulation to be an abomination to me , and make me an enemy to them : poure out thy fierce i wrath on them , that they may flie farre from me . 13 that my soul may seek for her comfort onely in thee : and may be delivered from her plagues . chap. xix . psalme xiv . 1 o lord , take away the a inclination of my own will : and purge my heart from the offence . 2 let ( o lord ) no bitter b root grow in me , lest envy take possession in my heart . 3 but , o lord , my god change my being , and refresh my miude . 4 for the taking on of my own c will , plant in me the submission . 5 instead of perversness and bitterness , d plant thy nature of the love , and the vertuous being . 6 that i also , o lord , may walk uprightly before thee , and shew thy mercy to me , that i may tell it forth e continually , and forever . 7 for i am faln down in sins , and there is no comfort in my heart , for there is no power in me of rising . 8 therefore , o lord , let thy grace shine on me , and help those that are weak . for i am smitten down even unto hell . 9 and now is my soul afflicted : and i must f lament my untimely birth . 10 because i am born upon the earth , such a disobedient one to thy truth . 11 therefore , o lord , consider that i am g brought forth in sin , yet will i love thy goodness : but without thee and thy power h i am not able to inherit any thing of thy goodness . 12 all the intentions of my own counsel [ or mind ] are vain : and my own i thoughts meditate nothing but folly . 13 there is no strength k nor understanding in me to do good : how shall i then , o lord , be able rightly to turn unto thee . 14 therefore , o lord , consider me , and appear unto me in my misery . 15 turn me to thee through thy light : l then , o lord ) am i rightly turned unto thee ? 16 and give unto me [ such ] a portion of faith : as i may through thee ( o lord ) conquer the iniquity . 17 for i have kept nothing by me ) neifaith , nor spirit whereby i may live . 18 for all my portion m which i have received of thy goodness , have i spent , wasted and consumed upon strangers . 19 and now seek i here and there , my feeding [ or food : ] but i finde no comfort ●n my soul among strangers to my satisfaction . 20 as i ponder of all this in my heart , then sigheth my soul out of great distress . 21 because i perish for hunger and thirst in misery : and that there is such abundance of goods in the house of the lord my father . 22 when i consider this , that i , ( of my own accord ) have wandred from thence , then suffereth my soul far greater sorrow . 23 forasmuch now ( o my god and father ) as i have consumed all thy good gifts , therefore am i not worthy to be called after thy name . 24 but let me find from thee the favour of a stranger , and that i may stand in thy favour ( as one of the meanest of the servants of thy servants ) and that my sins might be forgiven me . 25 for i ( o father ) have dealt more unjustly with thy goods , then the n unfaithfull servant , which buried his talent in the earth which he received from thee . 26 o god , i have yet done more unfaithfully with thy goods , for i have not done so well as to bury thy goods : but have made them away : and therewith committed unrighteousness . 27 therefore i am ashamed of my self : and desire now ( o god ) nothing else from thee , but onely thy mercy , that thou would'st pardon o mine iniquities , and blot out my transgressions . 28 and that i may p walk in thy house among the meanest of thy servants , and might feed upon a morsel of thy bread . 29 but now ( o lord ) i lie down before thee q as a footstool of thy feet : and submit to thee in the greatest humiliy of my heart : receive mee , o god , into thy mercy . 30 plant in mine inwardness r thy law , and write it in the minde of my thoughts : and hide not thy will from me . 31 but take away from me the perverse minde and thoughts , which are against thee . 32 and guide me , o lord , in thy truth s in the way in which thou wilt have me to walk . 33 and give then ( o my god and father ) such an t heart and mind , in which i may live and praise thee . chap. xx . psalme xv . 1 when i now for a long time confessed my sins ( before the lord and his saints ) sought for mercy , praying for comfort to my soul , and had suffered the chastising instruction in following after christ in a his death of the cross : and thus did manifest that i was humbled , and willing to all obedience : then the goodness of god the father appeared to me aagain : and i spake with great thankfulness in my heart and said . 2 o well and happy is he which hungreth and b thirsteth after the righteousness , and is no mans enemy therein : and so c boweth himself under the rod of his god , and endureth his correction : and waiteth in d patience on the goodness of the lord and his compassion . 3 for , behold , the punishment e lasteth onely for a short time , which cometh to an end : but the mercy of the lord , and his goodness f endureth for ever , and his love hath no end . g 4 hee forgiveth and blotteth out the sins of the people which turn unto him with all their heart : for they meditate upon that which is holy and good , and learne also to practise that which is h right and reasonable . 5 yea , this the lord turneth away his fury and displeasure from his elect , and turns his wrath on his enemies , which must perish through his indignation as i chaffe and dust . 6 therefore , o god , my soul k shall praise thee for ever , for thou seekest the life to the preservation : but the enemies of the life l must be brought to nothing . 7 o lord , how is thy goodnesse and mercy out of thy love so great ! m that thou settest them free , who were taken and bound by others . 8 and thou makest that good againe , which was spoiled and corrupted by another . 9 againe thou n seekest and findest that which was lost by another even unto nothingnesse . 10 thou bringest o to right againe , that which was mis-led by another . 11 thou revivest that p which was put to death by another . 12 thereby is known ( o lord ) thy almightinesse , for this ( o god ) is thy love , power and mercy . chap. xxi . palme xvi . 1 give thanks to the lord with hymns : for a great and wonderfull is his mightinesse . 2 where is there such a god as the god of b israel who maketh the dead alive , and delivereth his elect , out of the c condemnation and judgement of hell . 3 and bringeth them away out of all the straights of their enemies , to his holy inheritance of rest and peace : according as he hath d promised and sworne of old . 4 for be is potent who e killeth thousands and hath killed ten thousand for to deliver his . 5 he riseth early against his enemies , which are oppressors of his , who out of anguish call upon him for the injustice sake . 6 therefore is the lord a f king of all glory : an over ruler of all powers . 7 for with the arme of his strength he taketh in the land , and treads down his enemies , as if they were loame or ●lay . 8 with his breath or wind , he g scattereth them away , as if they were dust and chaff . 9 and he delivereth the h poor and miserable , which call upon him . 10 therefore is the lord great & mighty a i king , and god in eternity allelu-ia , allelu-ia . chap. xxii . psalme xvii . 1 therefore exalt our god and praise his holy name . 2 because he hath taken the kingdome , and the scepter of his kingdom is made manifest . 3 for the lord is a become king , wherefore let his people rejoyce , 4 his word hath shewed power : his righteousness is become manifest . 5 his spirit hath appeared like a light , and confirmeth his salvation forever . 6 the same god hath renewed us in him , and given us a new understanding . 7 a new b creature hath he brought forth , the image of god , the upright righteousness . 8 therefore the people speak with new tongues : the new song is in our mouth . 9 lord , c wonderful are thy works : for thou hast done marvellous acts among us . 10 the evil that was in us , is now no where to be found amongst us ; that which we knew not in the death , is now apparent to us in the everlasting life . 11 the sinne is now , with us condemned in the sinne d : the righteousnesse is declared unto us in righteousness . 12 the death is now among us swallowed up in the death e : the everlasting life is come unto us in the renewing of our lives . 13 the hell is judged or condemned in the f pit of hell : the heaven is shewed unto us in the heavenly being . 14 the lye is come to shame ; the truth is risen up unto us in the truth . 15 the darknesses are gone into the bottomlesse pit to the darknesses g : the light hath illuminated us in the light . 16 the idol is fallen in his idolatry : the living god is become known unto us in the diety , or godhead . 17 therefore we confesse the maiestie of our god ; and the sanctification of his people eternally . chap. xxiii . psalme xviii . 1 o lord , thou almighty god , great and a wonderful are thy works . 2 righteous b and true are thy ways thou prince and king of saints . 3 who should not fear and love thee , o lord , of life , and praise thy name . 4 for there is no holiness but thou : for thou only ( o lord ) c art holy . 5 all people shall worship thee , in d thy thy presence where thou becommest manifest in thy holy temple . 6 for thy righteousness e are known , and thy holiness inherited by thy people . 7 but not a holiness by mens hands : but an holiness which is from eternity , and shall continue forever . 8 therefore do'st thou ( o lord ) remain a god for ever , a king which shall reign eternally . 9 thus are we now joyful in this portion , and sing heja , heja , 10 play to the lord a new f song , and sing allelu-ja , al elu-ja . chap. xxiv . psalme xix . 1 rejoyce ye with joy , ye a daughters of sion : an● refresh you , ye citizens and inhabitants of the city jerusalem . 2 shout now b with triumph , all ye generatious of israel : and rejoyce you in all love the children of peace . 3 behold , your king c appeareth unto you in meeknesse : and he cometh d with majestie . 4 for that he should establish you heire like in his sanctuary for to possesse his kingdome for ever . 5 but to his enemies , ( the resisters of the love ) e hee appeareth in wrath and severity . 6 for to thrust them from him , and to f shut them without his kingdome eternally . 7 for he will put a period g to iniquity , and cast all falshood a●d offencivenesse out of his h kingdome . 8 he will disperse the deceitfull thoughts : his life , disposition and nature he will bring to light . 9 he will establish his kingdome in peace : and the i peace of his kingdome shall have no end . 10 behold , this is the spiritual kingdome of christ the heavenly king for ever . allelu-ja , allelu-ja . chap. xxv . psalme xv . 1 wherefore ( o yee souls ) a shout now in your god for joy , and let your mind rejoyce in his salvation . 2 from whom you were turned away , and are turned to him againe . 3 behold , that is the stone b which saveth you , the eternal god of israel , who the hath made heaven and earth . 4 his anointing is at his right hand : out of his spirit of salvation commeth faithfulnesse and truth unto us . 5 that which he hath smitten and wounded , he hath c healed and made whole againe . 6 he can d kill , and make alive again , he leadeth into hell and bringeth thence again . 7 he thrusteth away and condemneth , as it were in cursing : he calleth to him againe in blessing as his best ●e loved . 8 he bringeth dov● to dust , earth , and ashes : he exalteth e again above all cedar trees . 9 he suffereth to fall into sorrow , as if it were nothing , and as if he esteem●d it not . 10 he maketh it glad again , a●d esteemeth it more precious then gold , silver and and precious stones . 11 where is their such a god , f as the god of israel which moveth [ or overspreadeth ] above all heavens . 12 he hath founded the earth upon his word g the firmament is comprehended in him . 13 sun and moon stand obedient to his commandment : all hearts of the living hath he in his hand . 14 he h doth all what ever he pleaseth : he respecteth i no man , neither wise , nor simple . 15 when he ariseth , all must stoop to him , and fear his mighty hand . 16 he chastiseth or rebuketh for a certain time : k but his goodness l endureth for ever . 17 praise him all ye kings , and m all ye counsellors in the land : fear his majesty all ye people . 18 hee that worketh wonders among the heathens , and taketh a delight in his elect. 19 he hath a pleasure in the house of israel , that he may plant the generation of jacob in righteousness . 20 he will not n for ever be angry with his people : their punishment shall not alwayes indure . 21 he punisheth them for their sins : he saveth and justifieth them for his holy name sake . 22 hee will not forget his covenant , that o he hath made with abraham isaac , and jacob . 23 he will not forsake his mercy , which he hath promised by his servants and prophets . 24 yet once again will hee move the earth , p and gather his people together , q from all ends of the earth , and be r gracious unto them . 25 a new s covenant he will establish with them , he will give them a new name : t the everlasting free ones , the redeemed of the lord . 26 to whom the law of the lord , his statutes and rites , shall no more stand written in tables of stone . 27 but god will write them in their hearts , in the innermost u of their minds , in the ground of faith after the manner of father abraham . 28 rejoyce yee then that have been rejected among all heathen . 29 x clap then with your hands , and dance then with your feet . 30 make then your songs of joy at sion : sing then allelu-ja , y in all the streets and lanes of jerusalem . 31 then cast from you the mourning garment : for that is the end of your shame and contempt . 32 then put on z the ornaments of joy : sing , play , and a praise the lord in triumphing . 33 play upon harpes , upon lutes , upon cymballs , flutes , tabors , uialls , and upon all manner of instruments with strings . 34 for then will god be your king , your head and onely shepherd . 35 no b sinne shall any more destroy you : no prophets shall any more seduce you . 36 then shall you all c know the lord your god , as also his statutes and ordinances . 37 hope now thereon o israel : the same shall come unto you all yee children of jacob . allelu-ja , allelu-ja , amen . 38 give perpetual thanks to the great god of israel , for besides him there is d no other god . chap. xxvi . thus hath the lord who forsaketh not a elect , likewise , not forsaken , his chosen servant h. n. in his misery , lamentation a●d prayers . for like as he bringeth his own even into the death , and b maketh alive againe , carrieth into hell , and bringeth from thence againe , permits the c enemy to carry away into captivity , and againe delivereth them out of the hands and captivity of their enemies : and exalteth or honoureth them among his living ones : so likewise the lord delivered h. n. out of his misery , and out of the bonds of his enemies : and brought him also with gladnesse ( with his children of the kingdome ) againe to his most holy being , which is full of all pure beauty and heavenly riches : and revealed unto him the whole tabernacle of his sanctuary , and the requiring of the service thereof . 2 and h. n. praised and thanked the most highest , for the abundance of his mercy , because that he replenished him with all fulnesse of his godly understanding , and h. n. diligently endeavoured himselfe againe to the obedience of his service : and the lord revealed all things to him in the understanding , that was needful for the children of men to know for their salvation . 3 and so in all these things that were revealed and given him to understand from the lord , hee was very zealous and diligent ( out of the revelation of god ) to set down in writing the godly understanding , and the right knowledge thereof . also for to describe the godly testimonies ( as far as the lord revealed unto him , and might be profitable to the children of men ) and to declare to the lovers of the truth , and before all understadding ( according to the true being of jesus christ and his holy spirit of love ) to publish the same in writing : and he hath done the same and ( through the help of god ) in some measure accomplished it . 4 but after that this ministration of the same godly testimonies had had their forth-going thus for some years through h. n. ( in writing and printed letters . ) so were there some writings of the same godly testimonies come into the hands of whoremongers , into the hands of traitors , and into the hands of self-conceited wise ones , also into the hands of the generation of cain , and of the false hearts of the letter-learned , whose d fore-fathers persecuted christ , and his witnesses , accused him falsly , and killed him . 5 which wicked generation of false hearts , have dealt most shamefully with the writings of h. n. and the same testimonies of god : and have also out of their evil deeds manifested e the wickedness of their hearts : and that the good nature of christ dwelleth not in them f but the false nature of cain , who murthered his brother abel : also the evil spirit of g saul , who persecuted the holy prophet david : and the envious heart of the letter-learned , who h betrayed and killed christ and his witnesses . 6 these wicked generations of the said wicked fathers have not rested to i accomplish the most horrid wickedness of their fathers : but with their envious hearts have they ( with great diligence ) endevoured to resist the godly testimonies of god , and his commiserating mercy , together with the love of the holy spirit of jesus christ , and gods elect servant , with all false testimonies , lyes and reproach : so that they are most fearfully faln , against gods commiserating grace [ which he on the earth to the commiseration of all men ( through his elect minister h. n. ) hath testified , and published ] and gainst the love of the holy spirit of jesus christ , into all blasphemie of god , and into contempt of his truth . 7 these said false hearts likewise with the children of the devil or the false christians of the devils school , have also with all manner of wickedness defamed h. n. ( who yet was no mans enemy , nor contemned any man ( in particular ) for his religion : but heartily wished to all religion urgers ( that they might have the true light of life in the lanthorn of their service ) hath loved all people ( to the godliness in jesus christ ) and behaved himself courteously to all men in all upright conversation ) & have also secretly exclaimed against him to the magistrate ( when hee was not there present ) for a seducer and malefaor , when he was not heard , or not at all speaking with him ( although he yet walked openly ) very falsly accused him : and have also contrived a matter , [ or charge ] very cunningly with all subtilty , against law and all christian ordinances , to the end that h. n. ( through their accusation , and clamour ) might by the magistrate be prosecuted or rooted out : and thereunto t●● magistrate condescended . chap. xxvii . 1 but at the same time in the nine and fiftieth year of the age of h. n. ( in the time of maximillian the first , being made roman emperour , by vertue [ or power ] of the electoral princes of the roman empire and the german nation ) then sought the magistrate where h. n. dwelled in the east ( through the false relations of the enemies of h. n. ( and through the false slanders which they had spoken against him among the people ) to lye in wait for h. n. for to lay him fast in prison : and so with the consent of the same aforesaid magistrate ) was h. n. ( in the same land where he dwelled ) very vehemently persecuted . and many ambushes were laid for him , for to bring him into prison . but the lord smote them all with a great blindness , who were his enemies and persecuted him : insomuch that they could by no means apprehend h. n. 2 now when the officers of the said magistrate , had used all their diligence , to bring h. n into their hands : then the lord manifested his mercy and assistance to him , carried him ( by the hand of his b angels ) openly before the eyes of his persecutors away from that land without hurt : and no man knew him , or could finde out which way he travelled . 3 now when h. n. ( for the upright a righteousness of god , and the godliness of jesus christ , and because that he attested and published the same under the obedience of the love ) was thus ( through persecution ) driven away through the hand of the lord ) he travelled away before the eyes of his persecutors : notwithstanding they writ very earnestly after him to several places , and his enemies made very diligent search after him , to find him out , nevertheless he kept on in his journey ( in the way of patience ) towards another land , which the lord shewed him , and wherein it should be more quiet and peaceable for him to inhabit . 4 he was sometime also in his journey ( through his persecutors and through all false aspersions , and undecent contumelies , which were cast after him ) much perplexed and bnrthened : and that for the most part , because those which were letter-learned , and did seem to be so wise : and to whom he had shewed all love and friendship , were yet so ignorant , blind , and misunderstanding , that they envied him , and unadvisedly resisted the d truth of god : and shamefully despised the fulfilling of the godliness in jesus christ ; and undecently reproched the e holy spirit of the love of jesus christ : and also persecuted him with wicked hearts of f lying slanderous lips , whom they had most cause to love , for as much as hee shewed all love and all ministrations to the godliness in full explanation to them . ) 5 and so in his travelling and sadness , h. n. took unto him to read the psalms of david : especially that psalm , which the holy prophet david ( the anointed of the lord ) had formerly spoken , when g saul ( after the good spirit of the lord was departed , and was much disquieted with an evil spirit from the lord ) persecuted him : and sought to take away his life : and when he was betrayed by h doeg the edomire : and first he made his preface to the lord , and said . 6 o lord god ( heavenly father ) how perverse and wicked of heart , have the i wise of the world alwayes been , who do not fear thee , o god , with an humble heart , nor walk uprightly before thee . 7 and how imbittered k and hardned of heart , and how bloud-thirsty in their spirits and minds , have alwayes been the letter-learned , and also the urgers of ceremonial services , who have not ( o god ) believed thee in the word of thy holy prophets , nor been obedient thereunto : and also all those who forsake the doctrine of thy dear son jesus christ , and l his humility and meekness , and have not learned the upright righteousness to the cleansing of their hearts , but framed and chose to themselves ( out of the letter , counterfeit ceremonial services , and invented holinesses , and have neither known , nor received m the holy anointing of thy holy spirit of the love of jesus christ . 8 for like as saul n ( with his evil and restless spirit ) envyed and persecuted thine anointed david ( who walked uprightly , and without deceit before thee : and like as the false hearts , of the letter-learned have despised , belyed , reproached , and with falshood defamed , and persecuted as evil doers and seducers , thy o holy prophets , and thy p deare sonne ( thine anointed jesus ) and his q witnesses , and had an intention to root them out : even so ( o god ) this wicked generation of the same wicked seed , and nature of the aforesaid false-hearts , have persecuted , reproached , and belyed me h. n. thy chosen servant because ( o god ) i love all people to the godlinesse in jesus christ , and attest and set forth before them , thy commiserating grace and love , and the upright righteousnesse r and holinesse of thy beloved sonne jesus christ , ( out of thy holy and gracious word and spirit of love ) and call and invite them all thereunto : and they have resisted and s reproached also thy holy spirit , whom thou now in these last times , hast sent to declare the truth of thy christ . 9 therefore must i now also with thy prophet david take up a speech against mi●e enemies , and persecutors , and utter forth the same against their wicked deeds : and will ( o god ) abase my selfe before thee : t glory in thee and thy goodnesse : supplicate and pray unto thee , and give thanks and praise to thee o god , for all the goodnesse , which thou o heavenly father hast bestowed on me h. n. thy chosen servant . 10 and thereupon when h. n. had spoken these words before the eares of the most high , then he began this speech against his enemies out of the psalme of david and said . chap. xxviii . 1 oye a tyrants : why do ye boast because ye can do mischief ? whereas the goodness of god endureth yet daily . 2 your tongues follow mischief , and with lyes ye cut , as a sharp razor . 3 ye rathhr speak evil then good : and rather falshood then truth . 4 ye willingly speak , all that tendeth to destruction with false tongues . 5 therefore will god also confound and totally consume you , remove you out of his tent , [ or tabernacle ] and root you out of the land of the living . 6 and the righteous shall see it , and fear : and laugh at you , and say . 7 behold , b these are the men , that held not god for their comfort ▪ but trusted onely in their c great riches : and were mighty to do mischief . 8 but i shall continue as a green olive tree , in the house of god : for i trust in the goodness of god constantly and for ever . 9 i thank thee ( o god ) for ever : for thou art able to do it : i will relie on thy name , for therein have thy saints joy . 10 help d me ( o god ) through thy name : and let me have justice through thy power . 11 hear ( o god ) my prayers : hearken to the voice of my mouth . 12 proud men set themselves against me , and tyrants lay wait for my soul , and have not god before their eyes . 13 behold , god standeth by me : the lord supporteth my soul . 14 he will reward the wickedness of mine enemies : e cast them out through thy faithfulness . 15 then will i ( o lord ) bring unto to thee an offering of joy , and thank thy name , because it is so comfortable . 16 for thou delivere●● me out of all my misery , so that mine eyes see their desire on my enemies . 17 deliver me f my god from mine enemies : and protect mee from them that set themselves against me . 18 deliver me from the evil doers , and help me from the bloud-thirsty . 19 for behold ( lord ) they lie in wait for my soul : the strong ones gathered themselves against me , without any crime or m●●deed of mine . 20 their g doctrine is meer sin , & they persevere in their pride : they preach meere curses , gain-sayings , and detractions . 21 they think to extinguish him that is simple h and are diligent to lye : give fair words , but they curse in their hearts . 22 but my soul waiteth upon god alone : for he is my hope . 23 for they have opened their i wicked and false mouthes against me , and speak against me with false tongues . 24 they speak every where poisonously against me , and fight without a cause . 25 because i love them , therefore are they against me : but i do pray . 26 they requite me evil for good , and hatred for love . 27 lord ( o god ) k heare my voice , in my complaint : preserve my life from my cruel enemies . 28 hide me from the gatherings of the wicked : from the multitude of evil doers . 29 which whet their tongues as a sword : they aime with their poisonous words as with arrows , 30 secretly l to shoot at the upright : h●shly they shoot at them without fear . 31 they are bold in their evil attempts , and say , how that they will lay snares , and say , who can see it . 32 they invent deceit , and keep it secretly : they are destroyers and exercise falshood subtily . 33 but god will suddenly shoot them , that woe shall come upon them : their own tongues shall overthrow them , and he that beholds them shall deride them . 34 and all men that see it , shall say : god hath done this : and shall perceive that it is his work . 35 but the righteous shall rejoyce in the lord , and trust in him : and all upright hearts shall glory thereat . chap. xxix . 1 i thank thee , o lord , and king , and praise thee , o god , my saviour . 2 i praise thy name , that thou art my helper and protector . 3 for thou hast preserved my body from destruction , and from the snares of false treacherous tongues and lying lips : and thou ha●● helped me against mine enemies . 4 and according to thine abundant mercy , thou hast delivered me from the roaring of them which would devoure me : and out of the hands of such , as sought after my life : out of many sorrows which had surrounded me , and out of the middest of the fire , that i should not be therein consumed . 5 also out of the depth of hell , and from the false praters and lyers : and also hast delivered me from the king or magistrate , and from the unrighteous judgement of false tongues . 6 i was neer to death , and my life was almost going down to hell : for i was compassed about on every side , and there was no man to help me . 7 i hoped indeed for the help of man : and behold there was none . 8 then i remembred ( o lord thy mercy , and how thou hast helped constantly : thou deliverest all those which wait upon thee , and releasest them out of the hands of the heathen or uncircumcised . 9 against their fierceness i prayed unto god , and intreated for deliverance from death : and called to the lord my father and ruler , that he would not forsake me in my trouble , for the proud have lifted up themselves , and when i had no hope . 10 i will praise thy name continually , and i honour and give thanks unto thee : for my prayer is heard , and thou hast delivered me from the destruction , and from all evil . 12 therefore will i ( o lord ) thank and praise thee , and extol or magnifie thy name . 12 when i was yet but young , and before any errors took hold to seduce me , i very earnestly sought for wisdom in my prayer . 13 i went therefore into the temple , and here , even until the last : and she was unto me an early ripe grape . 14 my heart rejoyced in the wisdome , and i went presently in her way : and thus from my youth i sought after her . 15 i hearkned , and inclined my ears after her , and took her to me , or united me with her . 16 then found i much wisdome , and through her i increase greatly , and praised him who gave me wisdome . 17 i was resolved to do accordingly , and to endeavour carefully after the good : and i was not there at ashamed . 18 i wrested there after with all my heart , and was diligent to do accordingly . 19 i lifted up my hands to heaven , and my soul was enlightned through the wisdome ? that i knew my follishness . 20 i ordered my heart to wisdome , and found her pure in all things : and i joyned in all things : and i joyned my heart with her , even from the beginning . 21 therefore shall i not be forsaken , for my heart exceedingly longeth after her : and therefore also have i obtained a good treasure . 22 for the lord hath given me through her , a new tongue , that i , with her , should praise him . 23 come hither to me , ye that are unlearned , and assemble you to me , in the house of instructio● : and what you want that may ye learn , if your souls be very thirsty after it . 24 behold , i have opened my mouth , & teach : therefore come now and buy wisdome for your selves : forasmuch as ye can have her without money : and bow your necks under her yoke : and be instructed : for she is now found neer at hand . 25 look on me : how i have had for a little time labour and trouble : and have found a great comfort . 26 therefore embrace the doctrine of wisdom as a great treasure : and keep her as a great heap of gold . 27 rejoyce in the great mercy of god , and be not ashamed to praise him . 28 do what is commanded you , whilst ye have time , and he will well recompence you , in his time . chap. xxx . 1 in the 65 year of the age of h ▪ n. in the 12th moneth of the yeer , ( in time of maximilian the second was made roman emperor , by the power of the electoral princes of the roman empire , and the g●rman nation ) the word of lord came to h. n. and said . 2 h. n. arise , and be diligent to perform thy journey towards the land which will be convenient & peaceable for thee to dwell in , and conceal thy self very carefully from thy despisers : and keep thy self apart for a time from thine acquaintance and friends , according to the ●lesh : especially from those with whom thou hast ( outwardly ) most friendship . 3 but from thy despisers , and from the lascivious whoremongers & from all slanderous traitors , accusers , and false censurers of the testimonies of the holy spirit of my love , together also from all impenitent ones , which have heard the same testimonies , and do not obediently take to heart ( to the reforming of their lives ) the requiring of my holy and gracious word : but have their conversation with the light-minded and mockers , and with the enemies of my house of love , and from all perjured and unfaithful ones which will not repent , thou shalt ( as much as possible thou mayest ) wholy and altogether separate : and shalt keep thy self altogether separated from such so long as they do not obediently humble themselves under my gracious word , and ministration of love , and bear not sorrow for their sins , neither confess , nor repent . and so proceed in thy journey till [ thou commest ] to another land that i will shew thee , which is full of blessing : which i have prepared from the beginning , for my a chosen ones , with abundance of all my riches , to b a land of rest and peace . 4 in which land it will be very convenient and peaceable for thee to dwell in , & all those which love my gracious word and service of love ( unto obedience ) and bring forth sincere fruits of repentance , likewise all those which desire to assemble with thee , to the gracious throne of my majesty , & have faithful hearts , and do mind righteousness and love ; will indeed willingly follow thee , and be joyned to the requiring of my testimonies and obedience , for to become c one in their heart and minde , in me . 5 they shall likewise , ( for to come into the same land , and there to have their walking in thy fellowship ) willingly heare and believe , the out-flowing words of thy mouth or of the elders in the houshold of love , and will obediently perform the requiring thereof . 6 therefore thy journey also and the way of thy passeover to the same land , ( as a preparation to the d new birth in jesus christ ) shall continually be kept in remembrance , and plainly declared , shewed and proposed to the lovers of the truth , and the upright righteousness , and he thus passed through by the on-comming elders , to the end that all those ( who are inclined to the new birth in jesus christ , and desire to have their fellowship with thee , and with the elders of the houshold of love ) pass through the same way of preparation , to the entrance of the e same good land , and to the new birth in jesus christ , uprightly , and obediently , with an upright understanding of the truth , and that they might be assembled to thee , and thy heart and mind , in my hereditary land of rest , and of peace ) and should not erre through their good thinking opinion ) nor yet suppose themto be therein before they be gone through the same way of the passeover , and in any wise not deceive themselves . 7 and when thou thus separatest thy self ( for an example or glass to all good willing hearts unto the righteousne●s ) from thy kindred after the flesh , ( for a time ) and be takest thee to the journey , then shalt thou not ●eparate thy self , nor by no means esteem thy self severed [ or disjoyned ] from the ancients thy fellow elders in the family of love : nor from the faithfull ones : but take advise , keep friendship and all loveliness with them even to eternity : for of them shall travel with thee 24 , and they shall be called unto me * nazaraeans f 8 further there shall travel with thee four of the chiefest . seraphims in the houshold of love , who shall alwayes be about and with you to the preservation of you all . 9 behold , with these four and twenty elders , and the four chiefest seraphims , which i have ordained or joyned to thee , shalt thou travel forwards till that thou commest into mine holy land of the living , g where there are no buildings of men . 10 thou shalt also out of all the testimonies of thy writings which thou hast published , take of each one with thee , and bring it with thee into the holy land of the living : for there shalt thou with the said elders , ( through the light of my wisdome ) renew all the said testimonies of thy writings , to make them more plain to the understanding : and also testifie the same in fuller explanation , and write them again more distinctly . 11 for the whoremongers , and the adulterous generation , as also the earthly and fleshly minded , and the enemies of my houshold of love have out of the testimonies of thy former writings judged many sentences very unjustly , to their own seducing , therefore shalt thou now renew them all , in a more plain declaration , and bring forth and publish the same to the wel-willers of my love . 12 there shall also be renewed to all those ( with the same declared testimonies to the upright knowledge of the requiring of my word & service of love and of the entrance to the upright life ) namely , unto such who ( out of a good intention ) apply them to the testimonies of thy writings , and have not rightly understood nor observed the requiring thereof , and therefore have not shewed the upright obedience to their requirings , nor performed the first school-rule of the christian doctrine of the service of my love , yet notwithstanding are well inclined , to bring forth upright fruits of repentance ) to the intent that to every one , who will permit himself to be renewed , and repenteth , the truth of my word may be known : and the whoremongers and impenitent ones , or any of the enemies to the house of love , should understand the h of the godly sayings . 13 i will yet also reveal unto thee in the land of the living , many of my wonderful works , and will give thee to understand yet truth many mysteries . 14 i will also declare and shew unto thee the appearing of my glorie , the i glorious comming of my christ , and the resurrection of my saints , among the right believers , and obeyers of my word or christ : and also how the right beleevers and obeyers , shall be renewed in their k spirit and mind , in this same day of l my righteous iudgement , and how the same renewing in the inward man , is the true accomplishing of the priestly office of my christ under the obedience of the beliefe : and how also in accomplishing the same , the said priestly office reacheth into the obedience of my love , & to the inheriting of the spiritual & heavenly riches of the holy spirit of my christ . 15 and thereupon h. n. praysed and thanked the god of heaven for his great mercy and compassion , and for his righteous judgement at the last time : and called to the lord and said . 16 o my lord and god , now reveal unto me also which way i shall travel on , with thy chosen saints & chiefest elders in thy family of love , and with thy holy testimo●ies of our writings , to performe thy holy will , and to come to thy holy land , of which thou hast told me , and also that i might doe as thou hast commanded me . 17 then said the lord to h. n. the same way of the * suffering of my christ , and of all my saints , ( wherei● thou now also walkest ) thou shalt goe on to travel through it ; and from the same way shalt thou not turne thee m neither to the right hand nor to the left , for the same way is the true way n to my holy land of the living ; where no o manner of building of men are found , 18 therefore travel on in the same , even as i have told thee : and in the passing over the same , take good heed to the doctrine of my truth , the true preparation to the entrance of my land of the living . for so in the fulfilling of the same way , thou shalt find thy selfe in the holy place ; wherein i the lord dwell , live and raigne eternally . 19 be of good courage in the same way of thy forth-going , for in the same way shall , nor can any selfishnesse nor humane conceited wisdome or subtiltie follow thee , nor by no meanes endamage thee . 20 and although they would seemingly travel thorow with thee the same way , yet shall they not be able , but shall fail therein , and become unbelieving , and so ( through their stumbling or dislike ) turn aside therefrom either to the right hand or the left . 21 but whosoever proceedeth in the same p ( till to the end ) constantly , and faithfully , and q forsaketh all for my sake , and simply and faithfully in the requiring of the obedience of my service of love ) followeth thee , will i , ( through my holy and gracious word and service of love ) lead them rightly , into my holy land of the living , and not r remember their sins , nor their slumbling and falling any more . 22 therefore , endevour thee deligently with these my holy-ones ( which i have set before thee and with the godly testimonies of thy writings to accomplish more and more the foresaid way of patience . 23 likewise consult thou not with the flesh or bloud of men , nor with any mans craft or subtilty , but travel upon the belief or trust of my word , till thou with the four and twenty elders , and four chiefest seraphims , be come to the holy place , where i shall reveal and shew unto thee my heavenly workings , where no t works of man can remain standing . 24 for there in my inheritance of the living will i give thee an heritage for ever . and confirm thee also in the testaments of the holy fathers ( abraham , isaac and jacob ) to the end that thou mayest administer the same testaments u to the death of the sin , and till to the life of the righteousness among the believers of my gracious word , and that then , all they also may be confirmed in the same testaments and be made heirs with thee in my hereditary land of the living , and so know and understand , that my testaments of the holy fathers , are not administred forth of the knowledge of men , according to their conceiving : but x out of my true being , according to the requiring of my gracious word and service of love . 25 that also my inheritance of the living , is not like unto the earthly inheritance of the dead , nor my life and joy to the the earthly life , nor to the joy of the earthly man , nor my mind : and y meaning , to the thoughts and meanings and plausible conceiving of men . 26 but all these words which the lord did speak to h. n. he laid up in his heart for to do accordingly , and he took himself to his journey ( according to the requiring of the word of the lord ) with the 24 elders and the four seraphims , and with the godly testimonies of his writings . 27 and in this our travelling forward into the hereditary land of the living , we were seven times seven dayes , that is nine and forty dayes . 28 and in this our iourney in ( all these nine and forty dayes ) we eat z no kind of food or creature , which had any breath of life in it self , or had received any . 29 neither did we drink in all this same time of our travel any * wine or strong drink for to rejoyce our hearts , nor to refresh our minds , that we might not forget diligently to apply our selves to our journey . chap. xxxi . in this chapter is plainly figured forth and declared the true preparation of the believers of the word , to the passeover of the new birth in iesus christ and to become profitable and meer elders and ministers of the word in the houshold of the love of iesus christ . 1 now the beginning of our journey to the accomplishment over of the way of our passage to the heritable land of the living came thus to passe . 2 first of all ( before we gave up our selves to travel forward * to the service-ablenesse ) we earnestly endeavoured us willingly and obediently , out of intire love , to fulfill the lords will and all a righteousnesse : and remembring the law of moses the b servant of the lord , which the lord commanded him on the mount * horeb , we gave our selves and all that was in our power , wholly over ( as a free willing offering ) to the lord and his gracious word : and committed our heart and mind ( to obedience ) unto the same gracious word and his requiring : and preparing our c soules for assaulting , we prayed the lord which dwelleth in the heavens . 3 and this ( with willing hearts ) we undertook our journey forward ( like as the lord had said to us . and travelled the the first six dayes upon the assurance or promises of the lord ) with cheerfull minds , and we had in all these six dayes of our travel no kind of griefe nor assaulting , and we came on the first sixth day to the view of the upright righteousnesse as to the glasse of the same righteousnesse . in which glass is represented unto us d the upright righteousnesse , before god and man : unto which the man was created e from the beginning , and is , in his estranging from god , called and invited thereto through jesus christ . 4 in the same glasse , was also represented to us the unrighteousnesse or sinne , f whereby the children of men estrange themselves and turn away from god and his truth deal deceitfully one with another . 5 there was also figured forth , unto us , the right confession of sinnes , and g the upright fruits of repentance , which all sinfull men ought to bring forth , and also earnestly to endeavour themselves ( in reforming their liues ) unto the upright righteousnesse . 6 now when all this was thus represented unto us , we were very earnestly carefull to have a right regard on the upright righteousness , & also of the upright fruits of repentance , and amendment of life , that we might keep all that in our hearts , unto a fruitfull life in the same upright righteousnesse . 7 and therefore , that we might alwayes uprightly endeavour our selves to all this , so gave we our selves continually thereto , into a good watchfulness namely , into the h true beliefe and hope to the righteousnesse , and into the i bewailing and confessing of sinnes unto an amendment of life . 8 and being in all friendship received by the belief and hope to the righteousnesse , and by the contrition for , and confession of sinnes to the amendment of life , and endevoring , and wholly submitting our selves to their will and requiring , we rested with them the first seventh day . 9 the first day thereafter ( next to the first seventh day ) we travelled forward on our way , and rested us not in all the other six dayes of our journey , to do our work and diligence , and to inable us uprightly ( in the beliefe and hope to the righteousnesse , and in the bewailing and confessing of the sinnes to the amendment of life ) to excercise our selves in the understanding , and to be instructed and taught in all these uprightly and according to the truth . and so we came on the second sixth day to the teaching of the righteousnesse , in which teaching we were fundamentally taught and rightly instructed in the upright righteousnes and in the belief and hope to the same , and in the upright bewailing and confessing of sins to the amēdment of life . 10 and that we might rightly and obediently endevour us to the same doctrine and instruction , so thereupon gave we our selves continually to a good * observation , namely , into k the delight to do the will of god , and in the freewilling obedience . 11 being most friendly received of the delight to do gods will and of the free-willing obedience , and endeavouring and wholly giving over our selves to their will and requiring , we rested with them the second seaventh day . 12 on the first day followinng , next to the second seventh day we went on in our journey , and we rested us not in all the third six dayes to do our worke or endeavour , and with diligence to excercise our selves , in the delight to do the will of god , and in the free willing obedience , and to performe or to accomplish , l all righteousnesse , even as we were instructed and taught by the elders in the doctrine of righteousnesse . 13 in which exercising in the delight to do the will of god , and in the free willing obedience to accomplish all righteousnesse , we were ( in all the three six dayes of our travel ) strongly m assailed with divers manner of false humane * desires ( for to doe the will of the flesh ) and with all selfe willed obedience , * ( for to performe mens opiniated or good conceited righteousnesse ) and so wholly to withdraw us from the delight to doe the will of god , and from the willing obedience , to accomplish all righteousnesse , and from the doctrine and instruction of the elders in the godly understanding unto the upright righteousnesse . 14 for we did in all these third six dayes of our journey all our best indeavour and earnestnesse to overcome the assailing of the averse desires , against the desire to do the will of god , and the disobedience against gods requiring , together with the false selfe will'd obedience , and ( with the free-willing obedience unto gods requiring ) to be preserved there from n and humbly praying to the lord for it , we came on the third sixth day , to the right fasting and praying , in which fasting o and praying , we observed , how that men through the right o fasting and praying , and through the constant [ or earnest ] willingnesse to the good life ) delivered from all false lusts or desires , and from all selfe-willed inclinations to p serve the lord alone in his upright righteousnesse and holinesse . 15 and that we might uprightly endeavour thereunto , and overcome all that , which is against the will of the lord and his righteousnesse , and ( with the will of the lord and his righteousnesse ) obtaine the upper hand there against , we gave our selves continually into a good observation : namely , unto the q fasting and forbearance , of all that the flesh lusted after , and that which the man selfishly conceived , and into the hunger r and thirst after the righteo●snesse . 16 and being in all friendship admitted by the fasting and abstaining from all that the flesh desired and the man selfishly conceived , and the hunger and thirst after righteousnesse , and earnestly endeavouring , and wholly submitting us to their will and requiring , we rested with them on the third seventh day . 17 the first day to it ( next the third seventh day ) we travelled on our way : and rested us not , in all the fourth six dayes of our journey , to performe our labour , or industry , and ( with all our diligence to fall and abstaine from all that the flesh , and the mans good conceiving lusted after , and became also very hungry and thirsty after the righteousness : for to obtaine the same , and that it might everlastingly remaine stedfast upon the s earth . 18 in which fasting and absteining , hungring and thirsting , wee were ( in all the fourth six dayes of our travelling ) most vehemently assailed [ or tempted● with all manner of things which the flesh lusted after , and which the man conceived to be good and wherein hee loved his own life : and withall manner of undecent food ( for to esteem the same free for the believers ) to eat or feed upon , so in all the fourth six dayes of our journey , wee most humbly besought the lord ( in fasting and absteining , and in hungring , and in thirsting ) that he would keepe us , from all deceitfull , or sweet tasting-lusts of the ●lesh , and the mans good-thinking , that wee yet might alwayes t ( in the fasting and absteining from the lusts of the flesh , and wherein the man loveth his owne life , and in our hungring and thirsting t after the righteousness ) remain stedfast unto the end , and at no time to live after the lusts of the flesh , nor the mans selfe will , nor take on or choose any false righteo●snesse , according to the good-thinking of men : and thus we came on the fourth sixth day into a straightness , in which straightnesse we perceived that the way to the upright life ( which men goe thorough or passe over in fasting and abstaining from all selfe lusts , and selfe minded life of men , and in hunger and thirst after righteousness ) is u very narrow and straight : especially for those which are turned to themselves , and have placed their love and pleasure upon their own life . 19 notwithstanding that we full well perceiving that to pass through the straightness is an narrow gate , and small path , yet wee feared not its passage : but instantly betook our selves to a good observation , namely , x heaviness of heart and in sorrowfulness of the mind to accomplish the way unto the life uprightly . 20 of this heaviness of heart , and perplexednesse of mind , for to pass through the way unto the life uprightly , we were ( in our sighing and praying to the lord ) very willingly received : and obteined of them a good promise to our comfort . for through the elder ne●emias , we were told ( to our comfort ) that we should in no wise fear : but remember in all our heaviness and sadnesse . that all those which desire to draw nigh to the living godhead , and will be united with him in the heritable land of the living , must enter through many y tribulations , straightnesses , and sadness into the heritable land of the living , and into the kingdome of the god of heavens . and comforting us in this saying , and earnestly endeavoring , and wholy submitting our selves to the will and requiring of heavi-mindedness , and perplexedness of thoughts to pass through uprightly the way unto the life , we rested together with them on the fourth seventh day . 21 the first day to it ( next to the fourth seventh day , ) we travelled forward on our way , and rested us not at all in the fifth six dayes of our journey , to performe our labour or watchfulness , and in all our heaviness of heart , and encumbrance of mind , we ( in sighing and praying unto god ) remained constant till to the end z . 22 in which heaviness of heart and encumbrance of mind , to passe over the way to the life uprightly , we were a exceedingly assaulted , with all * light-mindednesse [ or inconstancy ] and carefulness about worldly and corruptible things , * and with the love of the flesh to joyn our hearts thereto , * and that we in all light-heartednes , and with confidence in worldly and corruptible matters rest our selves pacified , forgetting heavy-mindedness , and the carefulness of the godly life , and ( in respect of the love of our own lives ) should accept of all wordly wisdom , light-heartedness , and foolish joys , or good thinkings , to our releasing from the same perplexitie [ or heavinesse . ] 23 which * assaulting , we all the fifth sixth days of our journey ( in sighing and praying unto god ) patiently indured , and always readily inclining us for to pass through the small b or narrow way to the entrance of the godly life : ( in all obedience of the requiring of the gracious word , and his service of love ) and c till the end to remain stedfast therein . and so we came on the fifth sixt day into the perseverance in the same * heaviness , in which perseverance we observed the upright * constancy in the obedience of the gracious word of the lord & his * divine worship , uprightly to pass the narrow way to the vertuous life : without hurt and hinderance , and enter into the good and godly life . 24 and for to endeavour us more perfectly to the same constancie , we betook our selves continually in a good watchfulness , namely , d to a forgetfulness of all what is forsaken , and to a remembrance of the good life , which is to be travelled after . 25 of the forgetting of all that which is forsaken , and of the remembring of the good life which is to be travelled after , we were in all friendly manner received : and uprightly endevoring us , in the forgetting it all that was to be forsaken , and in the remembring of the good life which ought to be wholy after , and wholy submitting to their will and requiring , we rested together with them on the fifth seventh day . 26 on the first day to it , next to the fifth seventh day we travelled on in our journey , and ceased not in all the sixt six dayes of our travelling to perform our labour and diligence , totally to forget it all , that which men are to forsake in respect of the good ( or vertuous ) life . and thus were we carefully mindful of the good life , that we travelled after , that we might ( with upright renewed hearts and minds ) enter into the same good [ or vertuons ] life . 27 in which forgetting of all that is to be forsaken , and in remembring of the good life that ought to be travelled after , we with all unprofitable and unedifying things ( which men ought to forsake , and to let in to the silence of oblivion ) and withall those things , which we for the good life's cause had forsaken , and departed from , we were very vehemently tempted , to remember and to take on the same again : and to set all our comfort of life and welfare thereupon according to the flesh . 28 for the corruptible things , and the taking on of all these things , whereto the natural minds & thoughts , & the destructionable lusts of errors , of the unrepentant & unregenerate men do incline , were * represented ( or figured forth ) in all our labour or travel ( in all the sixth six dayes of our iourney ) as upright things ( which rightly belong to the good & upright ones , in propriety to possess , & in freedome to enjoy before our good-willing minds & thoughts to the good life of the upright righteousness , that we should call to mind , and take hold of the corruptible & destructionable things to our pleasure of life , to moil or cumber our selves therewith , and so forget the everlasting uncorruptible good , & the doctrine and administration to the same , and no more to think or set our minds thereafter . 29 which temptation we ( in all the sixth six dayes of our travelling ) e in the patience passed by , and daily forsaking all corruptible things f and wholy forgetting them , we came on the sixth six day to the supper of the lord jesus christ wherein we perceived in what manner the supper of our lord jesus christ is g uprightly kept : and how that all those who rightly keep that same supper with the lord jesus christ enter with christ h ( out of the death ) into the good life , and totally delivered or freed from all the enemies of the life , and from all their temptations . 30 now when we observed all this , & obteined an intire desire of heart to the same supper , we then ( for * to keep uprightly the same supper : according to his requiring ) submitted our selves to a good * safeguard , namely , to the body and to the bloud of jesus christ : and having assembled us to the same body and bloud of jesus christ , we committed our selves wholy to the body of jesus christ , and his requiring , and to the bloud of jesus christ , and his requiring . 31 and thus were kindly * received of the body and of the bloud of jesus christ : and were also on the same day , earnestly invited to the supper of the lord jesus christ , that in us , with us , and through us also ( with the lord jesus christ ) i all righteousness should be accomplished and established , whereto god the father hath chosen and loved mankind . 32 now for to * keep [ or celebrate ] rightly that same supper of the lord jesus christ to which we were invited by the grace of the lord , and his commiserating love , we endevored us earnestly for the same , and joyned our selves humbly , ( as * invited ones , to the table of the lord , where at first were uttered forth great praise and thanks to the lord . * 33 now when all this was done , then the k good food of the same supper was administred to us : and then to it , the most precious cup with the costly pure drink of the same supper . 34 and so we did eat of the most worthy good food , and did drink : out of the excellent cup of the precious pure drink , of the same supper of the lord . 35 and moreover also , when we had fed upon this good food and pure drink of the same supper , there was made known unto us ( in the understanding ) that all must so be l accomplished and fulfilled ( in jesus christ with the manhood ) which was fore-appointed and written of christ , and of the salvation of the * manly generation . 36 but this good food which was administred unto us in the same supper , was m the body of jesus christ , and the good drink was the bloud of jesus christ . and that same body and bloud of jesus christ , was the good meat and pure drink of which we did joyntly eat and drink and the cup out of which wee drunk the precious pure drink was the n suffering [ or passion ] of jesus christ . 37 now when we ( in the supper of the lord ) had fed upon the body and bloud of jesus and had received [ or drawn ] it in to our body and bloud . and we having submitted us wholy to it & to the will , and requiring of the same body and bloud of jesus christ ( as unto a good * conserver . and thus being come with our body and bloud ) one o body and bloud with the body , and bloud of jesus christ , so rested we with the same body and bloud of the lord jesus christ on the sixth seventh day . 38 the first day to it , ( next the sixth seventh ) day we travelled ( as of one being with the body and bloud of jesus christ ) forward on our way : & rested us not in all the seven six dayes of our journey , to do our labour & diligence , for to live and walk with the body and bloud of our lord jesus christ ( with which we were one body and bloud ) in p all upright righteousness and holiness of our lord jesus christ : and to conquer with him and his armour of righteousness all enemies of the godly being of jesus christ , and to q reign and to triumph with him eternally in the everlasting life and kingdom of his heavenly father . 39 for at that time , when we had fed on the body and bloud of jesus christ , and were ( with our body and bloud ) become o●e body and bloud with the body and bloud of jesus christ , and with him ( as a wife with a husband ) become one flesh and r bone , of his flesh and bone , and endevored us with all diligence to go forth with him , in all upright righteousness and holiness , to his true being according to the spirit : then we observed how that all enemies of the godly life , and all those who were turned away from the obedience of the requiring of our service of love rose up very resistingly . 40 for all those who were turned to themselves , and their opinion and imagination of the knowledge became our enemies together with the enemies of the godly life , and upright being of jesus christ , all did resist [ or strive ] ( every one with his particular power and malice ) against the body & bloud of jesus christ , and against us . namely , the worldly hearts , with their worldly pride , or lusts s of the flesh , lust of the eyes , and haughtiness of life : the false hearts of the letter-learned with their scribling knowledge . * the hypocrites with t their self made holiness , and counterfeit ceremonial god-service : the self seekers , with their profit-seeking and * greediness : the self-conceited together with the apostates from the obedience of the doctrine of the service of love , with their opinion of the humane self-conceitedness , and with the fals freedom of impenitent unregenerate men : the lascivious sinners and sinneresses with their ungodly and unchast life : the envious and slanderers , with their persecuting , and speaking lyes : and all spiteful and wicked doers , with their malice and falshood , &c. 41 all these and such like , with their consorts , adherents , or companions , used all their subtilty totally to destroy , and from the sight of their eyes to put away , or root out from the earth , the holy body & pure bloud , or life of jesus christ and his good or upright being , and so then to live free by themselves in the separateness from the obedience of the doctrine of h. n. and the service of the love of jesus christ . 22 for the eyes of the wicked hearts can by no means endure u the goodness , nor the true doctrine of the love of jesus christ , nor also the obedience to the entrance of his upright being , as * to cast a good lookon it , or to think well on it , but to make the worst construction of it , and to despise , and to destroy his body and bloud . 43 yea , they say one to another , he boasteth himself too highly , and giveth himself out , that he is of one being with god , and u is the son of god , and the heir of gods spirituall and heavenly treasures , and that there belongeth not to us ( though we yet know how to talk of it ) to have any * share in the inheritance of the lord : let us accuse him , x that is his body and bloud , or his fellowship of love ) with all manner of malignity or unjust actions : and let us charge him with most wicked things , let us destroy or kill him with the most shamefullest sufferings , or let him be delivered up to the iudge ( to his * slaughter , or destruction ) : so , remain y we in the inheritance , & in the estimation among men that we are pure & upright ; and have right in our cause or demands against him & his communialty of love . 44 thus we observed ( in the union with the body and bloud of jesus christ that the wicked & hardened ) hearts against us , & the body & bloud of jesus christ , likewise the apostates from the obedience of the truth did all their endeavour [ or diligence ] to have the estimation amongst z men , as if they against that body and bloud of jesus christ , and against us , were * upright , and did well therein , although they earnestly endevoured wholy to dishonour jesus christ and us : and to make us detestable before men : and likewise that precious pure bloud of jesus christ ( that was ( to the forgiveness of sinnes ) d shead for many , & wherewith we with our bloud are become one bloud ) to defame as impure before all men , so that the same is * despised for unclean among many . and , as unclean , might be poured forth and trampled upon . 45 now when we thus observed the rising up of the wicked , and all hypocrites , and enemies of the godly life , against the body and bloud of jesus christ : and beheld that the body & bloud of jesus christ ( wherewith we were become one body and bloud ) was suffering all that with lowly and meek hearts ( without resisting : so we saw and observed , that the same body and bloud of jesus christ ( in all his suffering and reproach ( opened a not his mouth , even as a lambe that is led to the slaughter-house , and as a sheep that is dumbe before his shearer . where through we also in all our sufferings ( wherewith we were one body and bloud with him ) were wholy moved with his sufferings : so that we also in our whole body and bloud obteined an inclination to suffer with them , & we found our selves wholy prepared , rather to suffer & to die with him ( forasmuch as we knew him righteous , & then to live in sin with the falshood of the false hearts : & with the sin of sinners , and enemies of the godly life . 46 and thus travelling forth ( in this-good-willingness ) with jesus christ , b we came on the seventh sixth day , to the * accomplishing of the sufferings of jesus christ : wherein we observed the whole summe of the finishing and fulfilling , or satisfaction of jesus christ , and his believers , unto the true godliness . 47 for in this fulfilling , or [ or accomplishing ] we perceived in the understanding , that all men who will live and reign with the lord jesus christ , ( in his glory ) must also c suffer with christ : and then likewise with christ , enter into the glory of christ , and inherit the same . 48 furthermore , wee observed also in this accomplishment , to what end this gospel of the kingdom is d published in all the world , and from thence cometh the accomplishment and fulfilling of e all that is written of christ , and the salvation of man . 49 there was also in the same * accomplishment fully revealed , and in clearness made manifest * unto us . the whole scripture , which testifieth of christ and of his sufferings or passeover , and of the upright righteousness of men in jesus christ and f how that christ ( like as we have heard and seen of him ( in his sufferings ) and passed through with him ) must suffer all these things , and so to enter into his glory , and thus g go before all sinful men in to the entrance of the eternal life , and the kingdom of heavens , that they also should follow after him therein , and inherit with him the eternal life . 50 for christ h must thus * suffer , and accomplish his love to us : and so go before us ( as an * innocent ) and that he also by his guiltless sufferings should be an example [ or patern ] to all sinful men , and thereby to shew unto them , that they ( by reason of their sins ) are debtors to the same sufferings , and ( as debtors ) to i follow him therein , and to draw unto him all men who are loaden with sins : and also to acquit them ( though his body and bloud , and through his like sufferings ) from their sins , to deliver k them from the bonds of death and to save them : and restore , or bring them again with him ( in all upright righteousness and holiness ) to their god ( his heavenly father ) and to his glory in the kingdom of god , and in the everlasting life . 51 and that wee might uprightly endeavour us to this aforesaid accomplishment ( with the lord jesus christ , and the * humanity ) and rightly enter into , and inherit the same with the lord jesus christ according to the truth of jesus christ , and according to the requiring of the obedience of his belief ▪ so gave wee up our selves there ( on the same seventh sixth day of our travelling ) into a good * custody , with the body and bloud of jesus christ , which standeth upon the mount nebo l on the uppermost height , top , or firmness , from whence we obtein'd the sight of the holy inheritance , of god , & of his living ones . 52 and on the same mount * nebo , there was revealed and made known unto us also m the secret place where the prophet jeremian , had hid the true tabernacle and ark , and the true altar of the offerings of incense : and the time also was come or accomplished , in which the lord should be merciful unto his people , and bring them to his rest . 53 and the same good * watchfunless to which we betook our selves ( on the mount nebo ) was the true n implanting with christ in his like death : and the right implanting with christ in his like burial . 54 of this implanting with christ in his like death , and of the implanting with christ in his like burial wee were very firmly embraced . 55 at the same instant in the embracing of the implanting with christ in his like death and burial , we offered to the god of heaven ( on his altar of incense in the holy of the true tabernacle ) our free willing offering in the offering * of the high priest , jesus christ : and o the offering of the high priest jesus christ , kindled or fired our offering : and thus our offering was a hollowed burnt offering before the lord . and the lord jesus christ made this our offering , ( through his offering ) acceptable before god his father : and the holy of his tabernacle was full of sweet perfumes , and the p veile opened asunder , and the most holiest in his pure and perfect beauty was revealed , and christ also according to the spirit , as high priest in the same most holy , as a minister of the spiritual and heavenly goods . 56 thus had the lord ( our heavenly father ) through the offering of our high priest jesus christ , to the accomplishing of the dayly god-service ( in the holy of the true tabernacle ) a great delight in the accomplishing of our offering and god-service in the holy of the true tabernacle of jesus christ under the obedience of the beliefe . 57 which freedom to the entrance into the said holy ( for to perform to the living god of heaven such acceptable offering and pleasing service of god ) we have obtained and purchased through the bloud of jesus christ yea , verily , to the accomplishing of the same , hath jesus christ prepared for us the entrance into the holy by a new and living way the q veil ▪ that is , through his flesh . 58 and thus when we had finished or fulfilled our offering and god-service ( under the obedience of the belief ) in the offering and god-service of our lord r jesus christ , wee rested us with christ in his like death and burial , on the nine and fortieth day of our journey . 59 and thus on the nine and fortieth day resting us in our lord jesus christ , from our work and labour we have perfected or * fulfilled our journey , and our offering and god-service , with jesus christ in the holy , under the obedience of the belief : and thus through christ according to the spirit wee have gotten and obteined the ministration of the spiritual and heavenly goods , and the everlasting life . chap. xxxii . 1 but on the fiftieth day of our journey , on the fifteenth day of the first moneth [ on the day of phase or pasche ] came into us a still , soft , silent voice , wind or spirit : and we were enlightned in christ , with the a clearness [ or brightness ] of christ : and thus in our illuminating * on the same fiftieth day , there appeared to us in a cloud the living god-head of our lord jesus christ , and became altogether of one being with us , and gathered us to the mercy-seat of his divine majesty , and also to the holy mount sion , b where the law or ordinance of the lord is promised to go forth at the last time : and to the true jerusalem , where the word of the lord at the last time is likewise promised to go forth . 2 and the lord gave his mighty great sound out of sion , and caused his voice to be heard out of jerusalem . and so c flowed the law or ordinance of the lord out of sion . and his word forth of jerusalem . and the scripture of the godly testimonies , were accomplished in us , and with us in jesus christ : and the former kingdom full of all pure beauty , and heavenly riches , and full of all vertues a●d upright righteousness , ( which god from the beginning d hath prepared for the man ) was shewed unto us in his perfect adorning , and we were inherited therein eternally : and it was all e restored again to us , in us and with us , what god had spoken , wrought , and appointed , and promised through the mouthes of his holy prophets from the beginning of the world . 3 and that same is the new day , and the manifestation of the kingdom of heavens and his righteousness , wherein all believers of jesus christ , ( who follow after jesus christ f to the second birth ) do inherit : and the same new day with the fulnesse of his beauties , riches , and vertues , is the day of which the kingly prophet david hath of old evangelized : like as there standeth written , this is the g day the lord hath made , let us rejoyce and be glad therein . 4 and thus in these wonderfull works of god , the word of the lord came to h n , and said : this holy land ; which thou here at this present beholdest , and wherein thou art now everlastingly inherited , is the holy inheritance of my living-ones : h and is my rest , and the holy place of my dwelling ; it is also the true rest , which i have promised my people israel , and all the holy-ones of my christ , and have given it for an eternall inheritance . 5 it is my true building i that i my selfe have prepared , ( for all those who love mee ) and whereinto i gather all my lovers to mee , and to my people : and it is my holy and godly understanding , wherein i live eternally , and in which i illuminate and endue all the believers of my christ , ( in their second birth ) with such an abounding godly understanding , that they far excel all humane and letter-learned knowledges , and in the life of my godly clearness , far surmount the same . 6 it is my durable kingdom k wherein i will for ever plant , and firmly settle , all mine elect ( to an eternal rest , and perfectly joy ) now in the last times . 7 and i have from everlasting ordained them thereunto , to manifest therein for ever and ever , my heavenly wonders , and also to declare the same from thence upon the earth , for a witness . that i the lord ( who am an eternal and living god ) live from everlasting to everlasting : l and that i now at the last time , m bring upon the earth the judgment and the righteousness , and the majesty of my divine glory . 8 therefore shalt thou h. n together with the four and twenty elders , and the four seraphims dwell with me , and all my holy ones , in this my holy place eternally . 9 and the declaration of my upright godliness , which thou here hast received from my n uncovered face , shalt thou also make known upon the earth : and ( with the testimonies of my righteousness , and with the publication of the joyful message of my kingdome ) enlighten the whole world : and so declare , that now my true kingdom of heavens , ( with the fulness of it's pure beauty and heavenly riches ) is appeared , manifested , and comne upon the earth , according to the promises : to the salvation and blessing of all men , who with their whole hearts seek the same , and the righteousness thereof . 10 i also will yet shew unto thee , in this holy place of my living-ones , more of my heavenly workings : and give thee also to understand , many mysteries , which hitherto hath not bin known to the o world . also what my last will or testament is , of the ministration of my most holy priestly office under the obedience of my love . 11 for from hence-forth in this day , will i look upon the estranging of men , from my truth , with the eyes of compassion , to give unto them out of my priestly office of love , p the true repentance for their sins , and shew forth the true entrance of the goodlife . 12 and because that all men in their estranging , or before they out of the doctrine of my grarlous word , and out of the holy spirit of my love are renewed , or born again , beare q a veile or covering before their hearts ( betwixt them and my face ) so will i also now in this last time , be gracious unto all those ( who believe my gracious word in its doctrine , and obediently enter into its requiring ) and they shall all ( through the good exercising in my * ordinances ) be nourished up unto my upright righteousness , and unto my love , and be brought in , unto the peace of my christ . 17 and like as i have in former times through my servant moses r upon the mount horeb , given to my people good ordinances and * exercises , which extend and bring in to my christ , and to his belief of the salvation from their sins , so will i now at the last time , through thee h. n. from the moūt s sion , give to the welaffected ones to my righteousnes , good ordinances , and godly exercises , which * extend & bring into me , & to my love , & upright righteousness , to the peace of my christ , to the renewing of their lives & minds , and into this my kingdom of heaven : unto the inheriting of all these my spiritual and heavenly treasures , and my upright lovely being , in the same kingdom , and everlasting life : as also that i may raign ( now at this last time , ) everlastingly with my people ( in the righteousness ) t over the whole world , unto all unity and peace on earth , and to a blessing of all the generations of the earth , according to my promises . 4 seeing then i now declare on earth though my love , and through the service and the good exercise thereof , the upright righteousness of my lawes , the true faith of my christ , and the upright being of my holy spirit : therefore it is my will and command , that all people on earth , shall obey the requiring of my love and her services , likewise the good ordinances and exercises thereof , and live therein . 15 for all those who live and walk obediently in the service and ordinance of my love , the same are truly the right disciples u of my gracious word and service of love , also my first-born in my covenant or testament of the holy fathers . 16 for thus in their obedience , the doctrines and services of the priestly office of my love , shall be unto them , a foregoing testament , which bringeth them to my new y & true testament [ that is to the new life of the mind of god which is full of love , and full of all spiritual & heavenly riches ] ☜ and all they who are led therein shall be to me , my second born in the new covenant of the holy spirit of my love in the heavenly being : as i have in former times ( in the accomplishing of my fore-going testaments and priestly offices ) brought to my people the same new covenant , to the end that all now in this last or newest day , z be restored or established ( under the obedience of my love ) which i from the beginning of the world have spoken , wrought , and required : and my word , work , and will continueth on the earth unchangeably for ever and ever a even as it is in the heaven : and also that for ever and ever , ( through the ministers and priests of my famlly of love ) . the disciples of my gracious word ( with the testimonies of my holy spirit of love ) may be b preserved and susteined to the godly life c taught to the kingdome of heavens , and brought up ( to elders ) in all godly wisdom and holy understanding . 17 and therefore will i here through thee h. n. set * up my most holy priestly office of love : & will also declare the same over the world ( through its ministery under the obedience of my love ) to an everlasting d priestly office of the holy spirit of my christ : for renewing of life in my love in them all through my love to them , who are implanted into my christ with his e like death and burial , or are fal● asleep in him , 18 in the same priestly office , will i also ( under the obedience of my love ) be merciful to all penitent sinners , also to those who submit themselves to the family of my love , that they may all now rejoyce themselves ( in this day of my divine glory : appear with my christ in glory : and shew forth my praise , and wonderful great works . 19 furthermore i will declare , and make known unto thee , and to all them who * humble themselves under my love , and priestly office , that the same priestly office of my love , ( which i will here presently set up with thee ) is the eternal fast-standing kingly priesthood f of my holy spirit , and the everlasting peaceable g kingdom of my christ , which shall never be destroyed [ or moved ] neither shall it fall to any other : but shall of it self and by it self remain in my truth everlastinly . 20 whoever resisteth the same priesthood of my holy spirit of love in his office and requiring , the same , ( if he do not repent ) shall procure the judgement of h the curse , & the eternal i separation from the beholding of my face : but my grace and mercy k shall be alwayes and for ever upon all men , who ( through the same priestood and its office , under the obedience of my love ) turn themselves to me , and repent them of their sins . 21 again the word of the lord came to h. n. and to us the elders and said , seeing i my self , with all that which concerneth my * godhead , and the judgament of my righteousness have fully united with thee h. n. and with the elders : thereshall ye also , and all they who are born of you and your doctrine shall judg uprightly , out of my righteous judgment , according to the truth . 22 and all what ye out of the same my judgment curse , separate , and condemne l shall be accursed , separated , and into the hell condemned : and all what ye bless or give a benediction unto , shall be also blessed in the heavens . 23 therefore all whatever shall continue in your doctrine , shall be m one heart and mind with you in my godhead : but what separateth it self from you and your doctrine shall likewise be separated from me and my grace : find no way to the eternal life , but shall die in hisn sin : and also be estranged from me everlastingly . 24 but all those who through you and your doctrine and turned to me , and also are o taught to the kingdom of my heavenly being shall inherit the spiritual and heavenly riches of my kingdom , and p thereunto the eternal life . 25 at the same time when we thus heard the word of the lord , and had well understood all his sayings : and were assembled with christ our saviour to the majesty of god , and were entered into his glory , and also ( in the presence of the lord ) beheld and and inherited the peace , q beauties and riches of god , all our hearts were fully delighted and made glad : and so with joyful hearts we lauded & praised the most high in his holy land of the living : and the four seraphins gave r all honour , laud , and praise , unto him who liveth therein from everlasting unto everlasting . 26 after this our thanksgiving and praising the lord , the word of the lord came to h. n. and said : 27 hast thou h. n , well observed in thy journey into this my holy inheritable land of the living , that the most part of the people , despise thy ministration of my holy & gracious word , and blaspheme my holy spirit of love : and also that they despising [ or contemning ] the offerings of my grace bring upon themselves my t wrath and displeasure and the judgement of their eternal condemnation . 28 besides hast thou also well observed that the many godly testimonies of thy writings ( which thou with great diligence and care out of my holy word and spirit of love , hast written & brought to light ( are come among many whoremongers , forsworn , or unfaithful ones , & among many enemies reprochers of my house of love , & how falsly they do judge the same : and how disorderly & shamefully that they * handle and deal with the same : for with the same they commit their whoredoms : prophane my holy name : and break the mariage , of fidelity of the covenant of my * wedlock : and so after the nature of harlots , and of impudent adulterous ones ) . they manifest against me and my holy word , and spirit of love all unfaithfulness : so that they wholy contemn my upright righteousness and love , and make a mock at it , and so continually procure upon themselves , the horrible vengeance of the hellish fire . chap. xxxiii . 1 again the lord spake to h. n. forasmuch as thy writings of my holy and godly testimonies ( which thou hitherto with great care and diligence hast written and published ) are now come into so many hands of the enemies of my house [ or family ] of love , and into so many hands of whoremongers unfaithful-ones : and also that some impure hearts which for a time have * medled therewith , have mingled therewith , their impure sense and good-thinking knowledge , also many ( to the covering of their selfishness , and to their own destruction ) have therewith defended and covered the unclean minds of their wicked justs and desires : and have not believed the a upright righteousness of my love ( according to the requiring of the godly testimonies of thy writings : so shalt thou now the godly testimonies of thy writings ( which thou broughtest of each one with thee ) with the twenty four ancient * elders carefully peruse : & have a sharp regard upon all sayings with careful consideration . 2 i the lord will enlighten thy heart , and the heart of the four and twenty elders ( who are with thee , and who are to perform the laborious service with thee ) with my godly wisdom , and with the true light of my godly cleerness , more & more with my abounding b illumination . 3 and after the same perfect illumination of my godly cleerness , ye shall then also renew , all the same testimonies of thy writings , to a more plain * declaration : and witness all the same in a more perfect * cleerness , and write them more plainly then they have been : and likewise that the whoremongers remain c without the mystery thereof : and also without the marriage of my unity or conjunction . 4 for now is the time nigh at hand , that all whoremongers and all unfaithful ones in the covenant of my we dlock or matrimony , and all such who delight in whoredome and adultery , and are enemies of my family of love , and who ( with their prudence out of the flesh ) conceive themselves d to be wise , shall in their whorishness , unfaithfulness and envious nature ( before all the believes and obeyers of my gracious word and service of love ) be made manifest , and made known : in their whoredome and enmity and in all the●● good-thinking shal be wholy blinded , e scattered , laid waste , or hardned in their hearts : and also ( if they repent not ) shall be excluded from my unity and heavenly f tiches . 5 and on the other side all believers and faithful obedient disciples of my gracious word , and all penitent sinners , together with all those who preserve in [ or defend ] the service of my love , and wish all good and prosperity , shall be illuminated in the godly life of my love , and be made heirs g in my spiritual and heavenly riches . 6 and further , on the same fifteenth day of the first moneth ( when the lord had spoken all these words with us ) we took to us the same testimonies of our writings , which we had brought with us , and so we began the same ( with all devoutness to god , and to his truth and upright righteousness ) very seriously to peruse , and the same ( according to gods most perfect cleerness and wisdome , and the knowledge of his upright righteousness , and so much necessary or profitable for the children of men to know ) to declare and write in the plainest manner , and to set it in the best order , so that the same and the requiring thereof may the better or easier , in the plainest or simplest manner be understood , according to the mind and will of god , and according to the true ministration of his h testaments which tend into the upright being of jesus christ . 7 and for to observe out of it what god ( through the ministration of his gracious word and testament ) requireth , and to what end that god himself i hath created and chosen the man , and to what an upright and lovely or single-minded godliness , that he ( in his k fall and estranging from god ) hath l called and invited him again through jesus christ : and whereunto be now in these last dayes is loved through the holy spirit of the love of jesus christ , and through h. n. gods elect minister . 8 ( the lord grant to all men ( who hear or read the godly testimouies of our writings ) his grace and mercy that they may understand rightly the requiring of the saving testimonies of god , and of his christ , and of the holy spirit of his love , and that they may endeavour themselves rightly thereafter . 9 for all what god doth to the man , ( to reduce him to his upright righteousness , and to save him ) cometh all out of the grace of the mercifull love of god , for to bring the fallen and straying man againe into the m right way of life , to the love of his god , and to the love of his neighbour : and then to deliver him also from all his sinnes : and to set him aright , and make him faithful in all unity and peace with god and his neighbour : and to inherit him in all his spiritual and heavenly goods , and also n thereunto his kingdom of heaven and eternal life . ) 10 now when we together with each other ( according to the word and comand of our lord and god ) had begun , persued and transcribed all the godly testimonies of our writings , so neglected we no time , to endevour with great diligence , the same godly testimonies of our writings which we had brought with us , to read and to transcribe , and according to the requiring of the lord , out of his true light to declare it in the plainest manner , and desisted not to proceed in the same work of the lord till all was accomplished , &c. take it to heart . charitas extorsit per tobias . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a13796e-310 a esay 61. a. b esay 58. a. 4 ●sd . 1. a. c mat. 9. a. d mat. 24. b. act. 7. g. heb. 10. c. e 2 thes. 〈◊〉 g deut 10. 30. mat. 22. d. rom. 13 b. 1 cor. 13. b. 1 〈◊〉 1. a. h mat. 16. c. 1 pet. 2. c. i iohn 17. c. k 1 cor. 1. a. ● . cor. 13. b. l math. 1● . m 1 cor. 3. b. 15. a. n 1 cor. 13. b. 2 cor. 3. b. o acts 17. c. p rom. ● . a. 2 ●hes . 1. 2 b. q 1 cor. 4. r mat. 25. d. jude 1. b. * perfectly , that is , withall that concerns the diety of iesus christ , or is of one being therewith . esay 61. a. t mat. 13. b. u heb. 3. b. notes for div a13796e-1240 a iob. 4. a. b rom 5. b. ●ph . 2. a. c ●●sa . 5● . b. wisd. 2. c. mat. 27. phil. 2. a. d rom. 5. b. col. 2. b. e tim. 1. b. f ezek. 34. c. g mat. 27. rom. 5. a. 1 pet. 2. c. h gen. 1. e. 2. b. i mat. 1 , c. eph. 5. c. k 1 pet 2. c. l mat. 16. c. 1 pet. 2. c. m john 14. a. n john 3. b. o heb. 5. b. 12. a 1 pet. 1. 5. p ephes. 1. ● . q gen. 1. c. wisd. 2. c. ecclus 17. a. r gen. 3. b. s ephes. 4. b. t ezech. 34. c. u gen. 1. c. * or instructers a s●p . 9. e. rom. 11. b rom 6. 8. a. c rom. 6. a. phil 2. a. heb. 5. 9. b. 12. a. d luke 1. 8. eph. 1. a. col. 1. b. e gen. 2. a. sap. 1. b. f gen. 1. c. 2. a g gen. 1. 2. h psal. 32. b. 140. a. john 1. a. * or forthgoing i gen. 1. a. sap. 1. b. 2. c. k 1 joh. 3. b. rom. 8. d. l act 1. a. 3 c. m luke 24. c. n heb. 9. b. o m●t 19. d. john 3 b. 1 cor. 15. 4. p cor. 6. a. gal. 6. a. q mat. 16. c. 1 pet. 2. c. r rom. 6. a. phil. 2. ● . col. 2. b. s rom. 6. b. t 1 cor. 15. 2 tim. 1. b. heb. 2. b. u gen. 2. b. x mat. 16. a. 19. a. 1 pet. 2. c. 4. a. heb. b. 12. a. a wisd. 9. c. mat. 11. c. 1 co● . ● . b. a mat. 17. a. acts 9. a. b john 17. c. c 4 esd. 7. d. d mat. 4. a. e gen. 1. c. 2. a. sap. 1. b. 2. c. ecclus 17. a. f jude . g psal. 1. a. 37. a. b. c. isaiah 29. a. h psal. 9. b. i sap. 2. c. * or reign . * r●ign . a jer. 33. c. b joel 2. c. acts 2. a. c 4 esd. 7. a. mat. 7. 16. c. 1 pet. 2. c. 4. a. * to write or describe . d acts 2. c. 3. c. 17. d. e mat. 3. b. ephes. 3. a. col. 1. c. f sap. 1. b. g apoc. 17. b. 19. c. 20. c. h numl. 14. c. jsaia 340. a. i mat. 13. c. 2 thes. 2. c. * religious . k apoc. 18. b. c. l sap. 14. b. rom. 1. c. a psal. 6. a. b esay 13. a. c psal. 146. a. hosea 6. a. d psal. 130. a. e psal. 119. a. f psal. 25. b. 129. a. g psal. 51. a. h hosea 13. c. 1 cor. 15. f i psal. 88. a. k psal. 13 c. ● . l psal. 18. a. m psal. 125. a. n john 15. a. 2 cor. 4. a. o psal. 79. a. isaiah 64. c. p psal. 46. a. esay 66. a. q ezech 36. c. r psal. 76. a. 130 mal 3. a. nahum 1. a. s job 14. a. psal. 90. 103. b. esay 40. a. 1 pet. 1. c. t psal. 1. b. esay 29. a. ecclus 17. d. u psal. 51. b. a psal. 89. a. b psal. 6. 3● . a. jeremy 10. c. c psal. 18. c. d psal. 119. d. e psal. 5● . br f prov. 3. a. heb. 12. g psal. 139. b h psal. 61. a. 91. 142. b. i p●al. 68. 61. b. 10● . b. k psal. 69. b. l psal. 79. a. esay 64. c. m psal. 119. c. n psal. 114. d. o psal. 32. a. p psal. 38. a. q psal. 38. a. sap. 5. a. r psal. 18. 116. a s psal. 59. a. 143. b. a deut. 32. d. 1 kings 2. a. wisd. 1. 16. b. toby 13. a. b 1 kings 2. a. toby 13. a. c psal. 18. a. 116. a. d psal. 51. a. e deut. 32 c. f psal. 88. a. job 19. b. g psal. 69 c. esay 63. a. h psal. 57. a. ●4 . a. ecc●us 12. b. i psal. 35. 40. b k job 14. b. psal. 28. a. 62. b. jeremy 17. b. ●ren . 3. g. rom. 2. a. apoc. 2. c. l psal. 9 b. m psal. 37. c. d. n psal. 46. a. 61. a. 71. a. o psal. 9. b. p psal. 69 c. q psal. 27. b. 71. a. r psal. 25. b. 27. a. 86. b. s psal. 5● . b. a psal. 38. a. b ezek. 18. c psal. 22. 35. c. d psal. 51. a. e ●sal . 79. b. f psal. 25. 79. a. g 4 kings 6. d. h psal. 140. a. i psal. 119. a. k ier. 5. a. l ●●osea 13. 1 cor. 15. c. m psal. 7. 17. b. n psal. 136. a rom. 7. c. b psal. 56. a. 130. a. mal. 3. a. nahum 3. a. c job 10. b. jer 20. b. d psal. 51. a. a psal. 18. a. 88. a. b. b psal. 51. a. c 1 pet. 5. b. d psal. 88. a. e luke 2. b. f esay 59 b. g gen. 1. 2. wisdom 2. c. ec●lus 17. d. h psal. 1. 103. c. ecclus 17. d. i psal. 88. a. b. k ps. 18. ●16 . a. l ps. 6. a. 130. d. 88. b. 115. b. esay 38 b. a psal. ●99 . c. b psal 7. 142. a. c psal. 35. c. d psal. 35. c. 70 8. 71. b. e psal 7. 69. a. 115. a. 142. b. f psal. 2. b. 42. 43. 1. a. g tren . 3. c. james 5. a. h isa. 61. d. luke 1. 8. a psal. 43. a. b psal. 6. a. c psal. 38. a. esay 1. a. d ●say 53 a. e psal. 22. 49. d. f job 3. b. 10. b. jer. 20. b. g genes . 38. h 2 kings 12. i isaiah 2. b. hosea 10. a. luke 23. c. apoc. 6. b. 9 a. k psal. 18. a. 88. a. 116. a. l ps. 31. b. 55. a. ●1 . b. m psal. 6. a. n isaiah 13. a. wisdom 5. a. o luke 21. c. p luke 16. c. q psal. 83. b. r deut. 4. c. heb. 12. c. a job 19. b. psal. 38. b. 55. b. 88. a. b. b job 20. 27. b. c psal. 41. a. d psal. 59 71. b. e psal. 55. 64. a. f psal. 28. 6● . b. g gen. 27. c. h psal. 41. b. i micha 7. a. k job 19. b. psal. 38. 53. b. 88. a b. l job 8. m psal. 3. 41. a. 42. b. n psal. 69. c. isaiah 63. a. o psal. 22. p matth. 24. b. mark 13. b. luke 21. b. q psal. 22. 86. 68. b , 109. b. c. a psal. 39. b. b psal. 7. 25. a. 71. a. c psal. 38. b. d psal. 31. b. e psal. 22. a. f psal. 13. a. g psal. 119. c. h psal. 39. b. i psal. 55. c. k psal. 140. a. rom. 3. b. l psal. 7. 9. b. 35. a. 141. b. prov. 26. b. c. ecclm 28. a. eccles. 10. a. a psal. 40. b. 70 , 71. a. b psal. 140. a. c psal. 27. d. d psal. 25. a. e psal. 88. a. b. f psal. 113. a. zach. s. a. g jer. 4. a. h psal. 43. a. isa. 12. 56. a. i micah 4. a. a isaiah 57. b. b psal. 5. 8. b. 139. b. c kings 19. b. isaiah 1. a. rom. 11 a. d psal. 69. b. e psal. 39. a. f p●ov. 3. a. 5. c. heb. 12. b. 13. g psal. 51. a. a psal. 140. a. pro. 5. a. rom. 3. b. b prov. 5. 7 , a. c is●iah 14. b. d prov. 2. b. 5. a. 7. a. e 1 pet. 5. b. f john 10. a. g psal. 35. a● ▪ 140. a. h psal. 38. b. i psal. 69. 79. a. a rom. 7. c. b heb. 12. b. c isaiah 58. a. d 1 cor. 1. 13. a. e psal. 26. b. f job 7. a. 10. b. jer. 15. 20 b. g psal. 51. a. h john 15. a. 2. cor. 3. a. i isa. 55. 59. a. k rom. 7. c. 2 cor. 4. a. l jer. 31. d. ☜ m luke 15. b. n mat 25. b. e. o psal. 51. a. mat. 6. b. p luke 15. b. q psal. 110. a. esay 66. a. r psal. 40. a. jer. 31. d. heb. 9. 10. s psal. 25. a. 27. 86. 114. b. t psal. 51. b. a rom. 6. a. phil. 2. a. b matth. 5. a. c prov. 3. b. d james 5. a. e psal. 30. a. mich. 7. b. f psal. 103. b. g psal. 32. 85. a. 103. a. ezech. 18. d. joel 2. b. h gen. 18. b. i psal. 1. a. k psal. 103. a. 104. a. d. l psal. 21. a. b. m ezec. 34. b. n matth. 15. c. 28. b. luke 19. b. john 10. a. o ezek. 34. c. p deut. 22 d. 1 kings 2. a. job 31. a. a psal. 105. a. 106. b deut. 32. d. ● kings 2. a. wisdom 2. a. c psal. 30. a. 86. 116. 4. d jer. 30. 51. e 1 king. 18. 21 29. a. ecclus 47. a. f psal. 47. a. g psal. 104. d. h psal. 72. a. i psal. 47. 39. a. 96. b. a psal. 47. 93. a 96. 97. a. b ephes. 4. c. col. 5. b. c jude 13. b. psal. 72. b. 77. b. 136. a. d rom. 8. a. e hosea 13. b. 1 cor. 15. f. f apoc. 17. 20. b. g psal. 30. a. a psal. 139. b. apoc 17. a. b psal. 24. b. 119. c. c 1 kings a. d psal. 72. b. 87. a. e psal. 98. a. f psal 33. 96. a. 98. 104. a. d. a psal. 48. b. 97 esay 62. b. 66. zeph. 3 , b. zach. 2. b. 8. a. 12. b. c. b esay 44. c. 49. b 65. d. c zach. 9. a. mat. 21. a. john 12. b , d mat. 25. d. e jer. 23. b. 25. d. 30. c. mat. 4. a. rom 2. a. f mat. 25. d. g zeph. 1. b. h apoc. 21. 22. i esay 9. a. dan. 2. c. 7. b. a psal. 95. a. b psal. 118. c. esay 28. b. mat. 21. c. 1 pet. 2. a. c ezech. 34. c. d deut. 32. d. 1 kings ● . a. wisd 16. b. e psal. 67. a. luke 1. ● . f ●er 10. a. mich. 7. b. g g. u. 1. a. prov. 3. c. h psal. 114. b. i mat. 22. b. k psal. 30. a. mich 7. b. l psal 136. m psal 148. b. n esay 57. b. jer 3. ● . o psal. 105. a. luke 1. ● . g. p agge 2. a heb. 12. d. q mat. 24. d. r 2 m●ch . 2. b. s je● . 31. d. t esay 56. 62. b u psal. 40. a. esay 31. a. jer. 31. d. x psal. 47. a. y zach. 8. a. tobir 13. a. z esay 61 b. a psal. 81. 98. a. 149 , 150. a. b jer. 38. c. zeph. 3. b. c jer. 31. d. d deut. 4. a. esay 42. 44. a ecclus 2. a. b ceut . 12. d. tobit 13. a. wisd. 16. b. c baruch 5. a. d mat. 23. c. 26 acts 7. s. e luke ● . f gen. ● . ● . g 1 kings 18 , 19 h mat. 26 , 27. acts 2. 7 &c. i mat. 23. a kings 6 b. b acts 12. a. b. a mat. 5 ● . 〈◊〉 ●scaped . d rom. 2. a. ● th●ss . 2 b. e mat 12. b. h●b. 18. c. f psal. 5 a. je● . 9. a. rom. 3. a. g 1 kings 16. b. 1s . b. 19. a. h 1 ki●gs 12. b. i exod. 1. 3 kings 22. c. mat. 21. 23. k acts 7. s l mat. ●1 . c. m john 14 c , n 1 kings 16. 18 , 19. o 3 kings 22 c. jer. 28. a. 26. p mat 23. 26. q act. 4. 7 , 9 , 12 14 , 16 , 21. r luke 1. f. ephes. 1. a. b. col. 1. ● . 3. b. s mat. 12. c. heb. 10. c. t job 12. a. a psal. 52. b psal. 49 a. c ecclus 5. a. d psal. 84. e deut. 32. d. f psal 59. a. g psal. 59. ● h ps●l . 62. 8. i psal. 1●9 a. k psal 64. l psal. 11. c. the policy of all opposers of 〈◊〉 truth of god . ecclus 52. a mat. 25. d. b heb. 3. b. 4. a ▪ c john 17. c. acts ● . c. d john 3. b e 4 esd. 4. a. mat. ● . b. * separated , crowned , sanctified . burning , or fiery . f numb. 6. g 4 esdras 10. f h mat. 11. c 13. b. ● cor. 2. b. i mat. 24. 25. acts 1. b. 2 thess. 1. a. titus 2. b. k rom. 12. a. ephes. 4. l acts 17. d. m n●mb . 10 b. n 4 esd. 7 b. mat. 7. b. o 4 esd. 10. f. p mat. 10. c. ●4 . b. heb. ● . a. q mat. 16. 19 c. luke 9 14. c. r jer. 31. c. heb. 8. 10. b. gal. 1. c. heb. 11. a. t 4 esd. 10 f. u rom. 6. b. x isaiah 1. ● mich. 4. a. y isaiah 55. a. z 4 esd. 9 c. 12 f. * numb. 6. a. * or gods ministry . a mat. 3. c. b mat. 4. b. * the mount horeb is the requiring of the obedience in the laws & ordinances of the lord . c ecclus 2 a. 〈…〉 d luke ● . f. ephes. ● . a. 4. c. e gen. 1. c. 2. a. 〈…〉 . c. f isaiah 59. a. g mat. 3. a. luke 3. a h heb. 11. 1 pet. 1. b. c. i mat. 3. a. luke 3. 13. a. * watchfulnes● . k psal. 40. a. heb ▪ 8. 〈◊〉 . l mat. 3 ▪ c. m ephes. ● . c. james 1. a. b. * or tempted * or lust . n ecclus 2. a. gal. 6 mat 22. o mat. 17. c. o mat. 17. c. p deut. 6. 10. a. mat. 4. b. or watchfulness . q gal. 5. b. 1 pet. 2. b. r mat. 5. a. s 2 pet. 3. b. t mat. 16. gal. 5. b. 1 pet. 2. b. t mat. 5. a. u 2 esd. 7. a. mat. 7. b. x mat. 26. luke 12 d. y acts 14. c. z m●t. 10. c. 24. b. a wisd. 2. b. * or tempted . * or inconstancy . * o● cumbers●mnes● . * or temptation . b mat. 7. b. luke 13. c. c mat. 10. 24. b. * or perplexity . * or stedfastness . * or god-service . d psal. 45. b. deut. 33. a. * or figured forth . e luke 12 c. f mat. 16. 10 c luke 19. 4. c. g john 6. f. h john 5. a. * or celebrate * or de●ence , * or entertained . i mat. 3. c. * or celebrate * or guests . * or said . k mat. 26. c. mark 14. c. luke 22. b. 1 cor. 11. c. l luke 24. 2. acts 3 c. * or mankind . m mat. 26. a. john 6. c. 1 cor. 10 11. 5. n mat. 20. c. 26. d. luke 22. c. * or safeguard o john 6. ● . 1 cor. 10. b. p luke 1. f. ●ppes . 1. a. 4. b col. 1. c. q apoc 5. 22. a. r gen 2. b. s 1 john ● . ● . * or letter . t col. 2. c. 2 pet. 2. b. jude ● . b. * or cove●●●sness . u 2 tim. 4. a. * or to esteem it for good . u john 10. f. * or po●tion . x wisd. 2. c. * or destinction . y ma● . 21. d. z mat. 6. 23. a. luke 16. c. iohn . 3. 6. * or just and inno●●●t . d mat. 29. c. luke 22. ● . * or 〈◊〉 . a isaiah 43. b. 〈◊〉 pet. 2. c. b mat. 27. * or performing ▪ c act. 14. d. apoc. 7. b. d mat. 24. b. apoc. 14. ● . e 〈…〉 * or 〈◊〉 . * or 〈◊〉 . f luke 24 ● . act. 2. 〈…〉 13. d. g john 14. ● . acts 1. b. h acts 3. c. * or fulfil , or perform . * unguilty one . i 1 pet 2. c. 4. a. or dischardg k hos. 13. b. ● co● . 15. f. heb 2. c. * or manhood . * or watchfulness . l deut. 32. c. * the mount nebo is the appearing or declaring of the inheritance of the righteous in their rising from the death . m 2 mach. 2. a. * or safeguard n iohn 11. a. rom. 6. a. col. 2. b. * or confor●●● here to . o 〈◊〉 9. b. c. p 〈◊〉 . 27. s. 〈◊〉 5. d. q h●b. 10. c. r rom. 6. col. 2. b. * or finished . a mat. 17 a. mark 9. a. luke 9. d. * illuminated . b isaiah 2 , a. micah 4 a. mount sion is the pe●●ection . c isa 2. a 59. a. jer. 25. d. amos 1. a. amos 1. a. mich. 4. a. rom. 11. 1. d. d 4 esd. 6. f. mat. 25. d. e acts 3. c. f mat. 29. d. john 3. a rom. 6. a. g psal. 118. d. h psal. 15. 24. a 132. b. heb. 3. b. 4. a. i 2 cor. 5. a. ephes. 2. c. k daniel 2. c. luke 1. c. heb. 12. d. l mat. 22. d. luke 20. g. m jer. 9 , c. n 1 cor. 13. b. 2. cor. 3. b. o mat. 13. b. rom. 16. c. ephes. 3. a. col. 1. c. p mat. 3. a. luke 3. 13. a. acts 2. 3. c. q deut. 10. b. ler. 4. a. * administration r exod. 20. deut. 5. a. * statutes . s isaiah 2. a. mich. 4. a. * or ●each . t 2 pet 3. b. apoc. 5. 21. a. u iohn 8. b. iames 1. c. x 4 esd. 6. f. heb. 12. c. y jer. 8. 10. b. heb. 8. 10. b. z acts 31 c. a mat. 6. b. b rom. 10. a. gal. 3. 4. a. c mat. 13. f. * institute or erect . d jer. 35. b. c. e rom. 6. a. col. 2. b. * or submit . f 1 pet. 2. a. apoc. 1. a. g isaiah 9. ●er . 31. c. daniel 2 ▪ c. apoc. 12. b. h dout . 27. ● . i 2 thes. ● . a k psal. 30 c. isaiah 54. a. * or godhead l mat. 18. b. john 20. c. m john 17. b. acts 4. d. o mat. 13. f. p mat. 25. rom. 6. c. q apoc. 21. a. r apoc. 4. 45. t rom. 2. a. 2. ●hess . 1. a. * or mention . * conjunction . * or deaft . a mat. 22. d. ephel . 1. a. b. * supra 30. c. or most ancients . b apoc 21. d. 22. ● . * or explanation . * o● plainness c mat. 13. b. luke 8. b. apoc. 21. 22. c. d isaiah 5 c. e 1 cor. 4. a. f mat. 25. b. apoc. 21. d. 2● . c. g mat. 25. ephes. 1. a. h gal 2. 4. he. 7. 8 , 9. b. i 〈…〉 . k 〈…〉 l mat. 23. 25. d. acts 2. 3. c. &c. m mat. 3. c. 7. b. 19. b. n. d. n mat. 25. c. evangelium regni = a joyful message of the kingdom : published by the holy spirit of the love of jesus christ, and sent forth unto all nations of people which love the truth in jesus christ / set forth by h.n. ... ; translated out of base-almayn. niclaes, hendrik, 1502?-1580? 1652 approx. 349 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 112 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2004-03 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a52314 wing n1124 estc r615 11779291 ocm 11779291 48967 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the 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(eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a52314) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 48967) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 544:4) evangelium regni = a joyful message of the kingdom : published by the holy spirit of the love of jesus christ, and sent forth unto all nations of people which love the truth in jesus christ / set forth by h.n. ... ; translated out of base-almayn. niclaes, hendrik, 1502?-1580? vitell, christopher, fl. 1555-1579. [4], 216 p. [s.n.], london : 1652. attributed to hendrik niclaes. cf. nuc pre-1956. translated by christopher vitell. cf. bm reproduction of original in cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the 25,363 texts created during phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 january 2015. anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng familists. 2003-08 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2003-10 spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images 2003-11 john latta sampled and proofread 2003-11 john latta text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-12 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion evangelium regni . a joyful message of the kingdom . published by the holy spirit of the love of jesus christ , and sent forth unto all nations of people , which love the truth in jesus christ. set forth by h. n. and by him perused anew , and more distinctly declared . translated out of base-almayn . o , how lovely are the feet of the messengers which publish the peace , preach good tidings , and evangelize the salvation ! isa. 52. b. nah. 2. a. rom. 10. c. the evangely of the kingdom shall be preached unto the world , for a witness unto all people : and then shall the end come . matth. 24. b. i saw an angel flie thorow the midst of heaven , having an everlasting evangely , to publish unto them which sit and dwell upon the earth , namely , unto all heathen , generations , languages , and people . apoc. 14. a. imprinted at london . 1652. the preface . consider on the a time o all yee people , which love the truth of iesus christ. 2 presently in b this day of the love , and of the appearing c of the coming of our lord iesus christ , in the resurrection d of the dead ( wherein the law , the prophets , and all that is written of christ , becometh fulfilled ) is this ioyfull message of the kingdom ; e out of the hearty mercifulness and love of god the father ; evangelized unto us all , and sent especialy , by the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ ; unto all lovers of the truth : as also f published in all the world ▪ for a testimony unto all peopl● , a●●ording to the scripture : to the stirring up of all ●nderstandings ▪ unto the true knowledge of the godlines in iesus christ , and to an everlasting , concordable , and g stedfast peace upon the earth , according to the promises 3 let every one respect well this h profered grace : for even now in the last time , the lord sendeth his angel or messenger before him , for i to prepare his way , and k to publish an everlasting evangelie unto all generations , languages and people , according to his promises , to the intent that they all should now withdraw them from the l iniquity , turn them to the family of the love of iesus christ , god his mercy seat , and even so to their preservation in the godlines ; shew fortst upright m ●epentance for their sins : the n end shall come . 4 and albeit that we have set forth these present testimonies ; o yee lovers of the truth of iesus christ ; to an evangelie of the kingdome ▪ and publish to a joyful message , that the god of heaven hat● shewed mercy on all people , for that they should repent them , and stand go●d-willing unto his requiring , declared his great o day-light of the upright righteousnes ; through us , his elected ones , in the world , out of heav●n from his right-hand , and brought it ov●r the whole earth , for to p judge the ●ame with righteousnes , yet are not therefore these present testimonies , alone the evangelie of the kingdome , which was promised to be published in the world , and unto all people : but also all the testimonies which the god of heaven hath brought forth through his holy ones , and through his elected minister h. n. 5 for all those same , are also evangelical testimonies of the kingdom , & of his declaring . all which testimonies are also new in the last time ; held forth to a true ●lass of righteousnes , before the children of men , to an everlasting q peace upon earth , unto men which are good of will , according to the promises . 6 for that cause ; o ye lovers of the truth ; if yee now this day hear his voice , and that this grace and loue of god the father , & christ , become to your preservation in the godlines ; proffered unto you , so hard●n r not then your hearts , that ye bide not without the rest of the lord , which is prepared from the beginning , for the people of god , and for all repentant sinners , and is appeared now in the last time , according to the scripture . take it to heart . a joyfull message of the kingdom of god and christ . the first chapter . hn through the grace a and mercy of god , and through the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ ; b rais●d up by the highest god , from the death , according ●o the providence of god and his promises : anointed with the holy ghost , in the d old-age of the holy understanding of iesus christ ; e god●d with god in the spirit of his love : made heire with christ ▪ in the heav●nly goods of the riches of god ● illuminated in the spirit with the heavenly truth , the true f light of the perfect being : ●lected ●o a minister of the gracious word ( which is now in the last time rais●d up by god , g according to his promises ) in the most holy service of god , under the obedience of h his love , for i to publish in the last time ; out of the same grace and hearty mercifulnes of god , and through the same holy spirit of the love of iesus christ ; good tydings or a joyfull message of the kingdom of god , unto all people which k ●it in darknes , and have a desire or longing after the true light , and to bring unto the beleevers , a great light of the true being of iesus christ , and the glorious day of his godly clee●nes : as also to expre●●● , that god hath pitied the generations of mankind , and that iesus christ hath not left us l as orphanes : but as our faithfull father ; for to beget us m anew , out of the safe-making water or doctrine of his service , and out of his holy spirit of love , also n to judge us with his righteousness , and to bring us into his rest ; is come againe unto us , according to his promises , to the end th●t they all ; which love god and his righteousnes , and christ and his upright being ▪ might presently enter into the true o rest , which god hath prepared from the beginning , for his elect ; and p inherit the everlasting life . 2 for that cause , all lovers of the truth , and all souls which q hunger and thirst after the righteousnes , & become assembled obediently unto the service of the love of iesus christ , shal presently , according to the word of the lord ; eat of the r bread of life , and drinke out of the fountain of living water , and become satisfied . 3 unto the same god which hath prepared all this for us , and bringeth it to us , out of the bosom of his love , be laud , s honor , praise & thanks-giving for ever and ever . amen . 4. unto the lovers of the truth , here and there , wheresoever or in what quarter of the world they dwell or have their abode : of what nation and religion soever they be , christians , jews , mahomites or turks and heathen , with all divided people : of what condition or dignity soever they be : pastors of the religious , or fourders of religion : understanding ones , or expert in the godly wisdom : well learned , exercised & eloquent in the holy scripture . high magistrates , and renowned potentates , noble of linage , rich or mighty of estate , rulers of commonalties , together with all people . let every nation then have among them , so many manner of grounds , beliefs , religions , ceremonies , and services , as they will , wherein they love god his truth , and the righteousnes . 5 the grace and peace , from god our father : the refreshing or u renewing of the minde , from the naked or x uncovered face of our lord iesus christ : & the y communalty of holy ones & their uniformity of being with the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ , becommeth presently published , proffered , and brought unto you : and to all the same , yee are also this day called and bidden : namely , yee all , which love the truth unto godlines , and have a desire to do the will of the lord , and to humble your selves obediently , to the service of the love of iesus christ and his requiring . 6. happy are they , which have now in this day , intended or minded the love and the peace . for in this selfe same day , shall now the good , with all the repentant ones , which stand good willing towards the good ; become known and made manifest from the wicked , and from all unrepentant ones , which have a desire to the iniquity , and to the wicked and corrupted world , and they shall z separate them the one from the other . 7 for it shall now in this day , be seen and evidently perceived , that all good willing ones to to the good , shall assemble them unto the good , ( namely to the communalty of the love , wherein the lord hath manifested and set his light , and where his a sun of righteousnes , the true heavenly day-light , shineth ) enter into b the rest of the lord , and obtaine the everlasting godliness , and that they all which are evill of will , and hardned in the iniquity , shall make them up with their good thinking wisdom , ther-against : and b●ing the eternall c damnation over themselves , like as there is written thereof . therfore cometh there presently great grace , unto all good willing ones : d but unto them that refuse the grace , also are evill of will , and love the darkness e more then the light , great severity or indignation . 9 for behold , in this present day , the f glorious coming of our lord iesus christ , w th the many thousands of his saints , becometh manifested : which hath set himselfe now upon the seat g of his majesty , for to judge in this same day , which the lord hath ordained or appointed ; h the whole world with equity , and with faithfulnesse i and truth , according to his righteousnes . 10 for that cause ; o all yee which dwell upon the earth ; fear now the lord , the most highest : and giv● him alone , all honour , laud , and praise , k for the day of his judgement is now come , that it might now , in the same day of the true judgement of god and christ ; become l all fulfilled in christ , whatsoever is written of him . 11 oh , that they now all had such an heart , that they respected well this same day : submitted m them , with n humble and o single minded hearts ; under the gracious hand of the lord , and stood obediently and concordably p minded , to the holy and gracious word , so should then assuredly , every one right well perceive by experience , that god had opened now in the last time , a great door of grace , unto all faithfull and good willing hearts , q & declared and brought the salvation of the everlasting life unto them , and that the same grace bideth altogether r closed to , before all s unbelievers of the word and his service of love , before all wavering minded ones and decliners from the same service , and before all such as have neither lust nor will , unto god , nor unto his love , the salvation of the everlasting life t unknowne , and this joyfull message of the kingdome ( which is now in the last time , through the holy and gracious word ; published u in all the world , before the destruction or x perishing of the wicked world ; to an everlasting y rest for all the children of god , and to the preservation of m●n , which hope on god ) covered z or secret . 12 for , verily , if this joyfull message of the kingdom of christ , which in his mistery , is the perfect cleernesse of god , and the true light of christ himself ; be a covered or secret before any man : so is it then secret , before them that perish , and are turned unto themselves and their knowledge , as also are captived with the minds of the unbelieving world . 13 for that cause , o yee good willing hearts ; b awake now all out of the sleep of your sins : and hear and beleeve the out-flowing living voice of the love of iesus christ , which christ in this present day letteth be heard through his holy spirit , and elected minister h.n. upon the earth . 14 happy is he , that can now in this perilous time , indure the voice of the true light : also hearing the gracious word of the lord , which becometh witnessed forth , and administred with the same voice , c beleeveth it : and d har●neth nor d●praveth not his heart , in this same day , but becometh assembled unto christ , and unto the family of his love , amen . the second chapter . seeing now then that out of god's grace ; in this day of the godly love , the a mistery of the heavenly kingdome of god , his righteous b judgement , and the coming of his christ now in the last time ; in the c resurrection of the dead , is declared unto me ( as an elected d vessel , house , e or dwelling of god ) and given me to know or understand the same : and that i , through the service of the love of iesus christ ; declare forth again the same mystery of the riches of god , upon the earth : and minister the gracious and living word of the ●ord ( which i have received out of the true light and f heavenly ierusalem , to a g witnes of the truth , from the mouth of god himself ) in his name and according to his will , to the preservation and blessing of all generations of the earth , which beleeve theron , according to the promises : so were it likewise very meet and right , that they all which will now bide preserved in these h perilous times ; i gave ear unto me , in the gracious word of my heavenly father : turned their hearts , with all good willingnesse to the love and her service ; unto the k obedience of the gracious word : and ran not forth in ignorance , according to their l good-thinking or imagination of the knowledge : and that also they all , which hear to day this voice or witnessing of the holy spirit of love , m hardned not their hearts , nor yet took offence at the ministra●ion of the gracious word : but stood well-minded to the lovely and upright being of our lord iesus christ , and to his love : respected well this same day , to the purging of their heart and minde : and even so en●red with the children of god ; into the o res● of the lord. 2 which rest : even till unto this same day , is p left unto the children of god , or reserved for them , to the end that the same should now in the last time be inherited , of all and in all them , that have minded the peace , and the upright amiable life . 3 for that cause , q awake now in the spirit yee lovers of the truth ; and diligently search or throughly measure this same spirit , which to the r making alive of all the dead that are s deceased in the lord ; is proceeded from god : and marvel not at any of this same , but t search or scanne the scripture , whether that it make not mention of the same . 4 but certes , this new miraculous work of god , whereof we witnes ; hath god now in this his holy day of love , begunne or taken in hand with us , his elected ones , wherein the scripture ▪ becometh fulfilled in this present day like as there standeth written . 5 behold ( saith the lord ) u i will doe a new thing , and it shall now appear ; whereby yee shall well perceive , that i make ways , in the desert , and rivers of water in the wildernesse . 6 again : x a spirit or wind shall blow forth from my face : and i will make wind . 7 presently hath the lord prepared y his way in the desert : and caused z a living river to run there-thorow , that all thirsty , may drinke of the living waters . 8 forasmuch now , as that the river giveth forth her water abundantly ? and that the a winde or spirit of the almighty bloweth : so cannot i refraine nor keep silence : but must needs , through the powers of the same ; make manifest even out of burning love , the secret mistery of god , which is given me b to understand out of the heavenly truth ; in the obedience of the love of iesus christ ; unto the lovers of the truth , and unto the diligent searcher● of the scripture : as also expres or declare to them , the counsel and will of the most highest , with the accomplishing of the service in his sanctuary ( like as the scripture speaketh thereof ) and witnesse the same before their ears . 9 whosoever now ther●fore , seek the lord with whole heart , they shall now easily finde him , if so be that they d beleeve and obey the holy word of grace , e administred now in this present time . 10 unto all them that presently knock , and would gladly be let in , through f the right door , for to g walke in the house of the lord , it shall now h be opened , and they shall be let in . they shall also dwell with the lord , and eat with christ and his holy ones ; the i bread of life which is come unto us from heaven ; in the k kingdom of god the father , the lovely heavenly being . 11 therefore give eare now unto the word of the heavenly verity ; o yee lovers of the truth : and hearken to mee now in this day , l yee great lords or mighty of estate , and yee rulers of communalties ; and let this same enter into your ears , all yee people . for i will make relation of the things that m are hidden before the world , and declare the same , from the beginning till unto this new or n last day , which is presently appeared and come unto us , according to the scripture . the third chapter . o sion , a for thy sake i will not keep silence , and for ierusal●ms sake i will not leave off , untill that her righteousnesse rise up , as a shining light or clernesse , and her salvation burn as a cresset , that the heathen may see thy righteousnesse , and all kings thy glory 2 for this is the day of thy glorifying , and of thy joyfulnesse , o thou holy hill of sion : and the day b wherin ierusalem becometh seen glistering , and where-over the lord with his light and glory , will shine for evermore , according to the promises . 3 now shall the law be taught c out of sion , and the word of the lord witnessed out of ierusalem . 4 for this is the day of promise , d the day which the lord maketh : let us now rejoyce , and be glad therein . 5 this is the day , in the which the lord hath prepared his seat unto judgement , that he might judge the earth with justice , and governe the people uprightly ▪ and accomplish therein , all which he hath spoken in times pa●t , through the mouth of all his holy prophets . 6 therefore take now good heed unto this day , to your sanctification : and f learn therein , wisdom , and holy understanding : and walk even so g in the light of the same , that yee may be able to endure , as children of the light of his cleernes , and the light of his lovelines , and h not stumble in the mid-day . 7 in this day , saith the lord ; i i will not keep silence , but will cause my word to be heard continually therein , that the children of men run not forth any longer with k their good-thinking ; according to the imagination of their knowledge . 8 for out of this light of my holy day , shall my word , saith the lord ; l continually proceed , according to the truth , m that it may be heard , even unto the end of the world . and i will let the children of men see , how that they all [ namely they that n hear nor beleeve not me and the service of my holy word , under the obedience of my love ; neither yet love my true being , nor stand submitted to the same , for to become o planted thereinto ] doe erre , in their wisdom , and scripture learnednesse , and p goe about with lies . 9 behold ; i , saith the lord , will take in hand a wonderfull work ; like as i have heretofore spoken thereof , through my servants the prophets , and promised to perform the same . q through which work of mine , saith the lord ; the man which hungreth and thirsteth after the true righteousness ▪ shall not be able to comfort himself any longer with lies , nor to put his trust therein ; neither yet shall the scripture learned , or such as set forth their own opinions out of their own spirit , drive or teach the people any longer according to their good thinking ; but every one shall not chuse but acknowledge , that my word is r the truth and the life . 10. for lo , i bring forth now my day so clear , as s a light of my glory to the lighting of the whole world t with righteousness ; my living word , u as a true bread of life , to x the satisfying of all hungry souls ; my true being or perfection as a y kingdom of heaven , full of all lovelyness , pure beauty , and undisturbable powers ; and my service of love , as a naked or uncovered truth ▪ all which is my spirit , where through the man is led z into all truth ; to the end , that now in this my holy day ▪ a my righteousness might in the obedience of the requiring of my love , break forth and obtain the victory upon the earth : and that all people may love the upright righteousness , and live peaceably in b all love. 11. awake c now therefore , ye lovers of the truth ; so shall christ then illumina●e you ; anoint your eys d with ey-salve , and ye shall see the pure and glorious cleerness of this last or newest day , which god himself hath appointed or ordained , for to judge in the same e the compass of the earth with righteousness ; that one man iesus christ , in whom he hath decreed it : which holds forth the belief before every one , inasmuch as god hath raised him from death . 12. see , and consider ; this is the day of renewing , the very f newest day ; to the honour and glory of the supreme god : and to a great joy and gladness for us all , which love the righteousness . 13. clap g now your hands together with joy ; yea all which love the righteousness , in the peace of christ : sing and shout now unto god with a joyful noise . 14. for the h lord ( the most highest ) is terrible and a great king on all the earth . 15. for now in this day of his love , he hath prepared his i seat unto judgement , that the earth k and the people should be judged uprightly . 16. from henceforth shall he ( whom god hath foreseen and elected thereto ) sit upon the lord his seat ; l which shall think upon equity , and require righteousness . 17. whose seed , m the lord shall make to endure for ever ; and his seat shall be like the days of heaven . 18. through the same and his service , the righteous n shall now in this day flourish like a palm tree ; he shall increase or grow up like a cedar tree on libanus . 19. and all they that are planted in the house of the lord , o shall wax green in the courts of our god ; and flourish or blossom in the old age of the holy understanding ; as those that are fat and lusty , or well prepared , for to publish that the lord is just . 20. now shall p the righteous see their desire , and rejoyce them ; and all unrighteousness shall be compelled to stop his mouth in this day of the glory of god. 21. for now in this day , the q city of the lord shall be builded in her old place or former estate ; and the temple of the lord , or tabernacle of his dwelling , shall stand like as it ought to stand ; namely , r inwardly in us , in the being of the holy spirit of iesus christ. 22. have now a good regard hereunto , ye wise and understanding ones , which receive the righteousness into your hearts ; ●nd ye all which daily search the scripture : and consider , how that all what the scripture saith , shall in such wise become fulfilled or accomplished . the iv. chapter . behold i declare unto you this day the ground of the scriptures ; and will ( in clee●ness ) reci●e unto you many acts ( or things chanced ) of the secret mysteries of go● ; and partly also of the dealing of man ; beginning from the former kingdom wherein the man was a set , till unto this last day of the perfect glory of god : in the which the former kingdom becometh declared and brought again ( in all loveliness of the upright being ) unto the man , according to the promises . 2. from this former kingdom ( full of all righteousness , love , peace , and amiableness ) the man hath ( from the beginning ) turned away his heart , and b fell away from , or was disobedient unto the word of god ; the upright life of his true light . 3. in which falling away of the man and in the turning unto himself , and unto his taken on darkness ; it is become manifest and known that the man ( which walketh therein and becometh not turned again unto his god ; nor incorporated into the true christ of god ) hath the d most crafty and subtilest heart among all that liveth and dwelleth upon the earth . 4. the which may now evidently be perceived by divers people , which vaunt or give forth themselves for christians , and as i●luminated men , that e are masters of the scripture ▪ namely how crafty , subtil , and f perverse of heart , and how g darkned in their understanding that they yet are . 5. and what a perverse nature they find oftentimes in them ▪ that will i good willingly leave unto themselves to consider of ; to the end that ( if the lord vouchsafed the same ) they might judge themselves therein ; and even so understand or well perceive , that no man ( how wise or understanding soever he be in the knowledge of the scripture ) can by any meanes comprehend or understand h the wisdom of god : nor yet i see , know , find , nor receive the gifts of god , nor the powers of the holy ghost , but onely they that stand good willingly and obediently k submitted under the word of life , which proceedeth and hath his outflowing from the quarter or place where the sun ( the true l day light of the most highest ) shineth . 6 for that cause consider now well on the state of men , and what a nature , love and being there is found by them ; that being without the communalty of the love , are ( out of their own knowledge and scripture learnedness ) judges of the scripture , or that have taken the same upon them ; so shall ye then certainly perceive , that all such are yet m strangers unto the holy spirit of the love of iesus christ : and that they all likewise are mingled with wyliness , subtilty and falshood ; and are without the body n of christ , or without the upright christianity . 7. if then these ( which notwithstanding seem to be wise and understanding , and can prate much of spiritual and heavenly things ) be yet strangers unto the holy spirit , and unto the true love ▪ and utterly without the body of christ , or the true christianity , and held captive with a wicked nature ; so consider then how wide and far estranged that the brutish world , and all that are enemies or resisters of the doctrine of love , must yet needs be from the same christian being ; and with how many manner of falshood and wicked nature they are yet held captive . 8. if ye now ponder this same according to the truth , and throughly measure it all by the being of upright christianity ; so shall ye then verily begin well to perceive , that it is now the dangerous and horrible time of desolation , whereof o the scripture ( in many places ) witnesseth : in which also few shall be saved or preserved ; for that all understanding hath now so utterly p corrupted his way in the knowledge , and cannot well therefore q submit it self single mindedly ( with humbleness of heart ) in all r obedience of the word , and subjection unto the love , with us little ones , and god his elect . 9. whilst we now daily perceive this ▪ same by the children of men , and that we are ( in these dangerous times ) become great with child s with the word of life ; and milch with t the brests of the love , and of the holy understanding , for to give suck therewithal unto the young children which is born out of the seed of the gracious word , and his doctrine or testimonies ; and out of the service of the holy spirit of the love , and to nourish them up unto the v old age of the holy understanding of christ ; so cometh now verily that wo upon us , whereof christ hath heretofore x spoken : wo unto them that are with child , and to them that give suck at that time ; &c. 10. for we are great with child ▪ y and cry aloud like unto a woman with child , when as she at the time of her travel is ready to bring forth . z but who heareth us ? or to whom is the arm of the lord known ? verily unto few : because many of them are a wise in their own conceit , and will judge the godly truth out of their knowledge ; or perswade themselves , that they ( with their prudent understanding ) b see rightly into all things : and for that cause need not to harken unto the word of grace ( which god hath brought unto us out of his true light , neither yet to humble them unto the service of the same . 11. oh , these ignorances of the unwilling unto the gracious word , and his requiring ( which we dayly see and hear by them ) do work us very much wo , anguish , and sorrow , in our hearts . 12. therefore may we now in this perillous time rightly say , with the prophet isaiah , that it goeth also with us ( in the presence of the lord ) like c as with a woman with child , which ( through fear or smart ) cryeth out in her travel : for we are with child , and travel in birth , and we are so full of anguish and wo , that we can scantly draw our breath . 13. howbe●t , although all this come upon us ; and that we daily pass thorow this ●ame , and must be fain to indure or suffer much falshood at our adversaries hands , d yet cannot we therefore help the earth , for that the inhabitors of the world will not fal down or humble themselves ; nor yet forsake or leave the falshood of the unrepentant unregenerated men . 14. for that cause our hope standeth now in this day very little , on many inhabitors of the world : for of them there shall few come which shall mean or adjoyn them unto the love and the requiring of her service , with all their heart ; and yet many fewer , which shall persever therein unto the end . 15. therefore hope we with joy , much more , on the appearing of the dead , f which dy in the lord , or are dead in him ; to wit , g that they in their resurrection from the death , shall livingly come before either meet with us . for all the dead of the lord , or members of christ , shall h now live , and rise with their bodies ; and we shall assemble us with them , and they with us ( to one body in iesus christ ) into one lovely being of the love , and be all together concordable in the love and peace of iesus christ. 16. behold ye dearly beloved ; with those shall our life and joy be , both now and for evermore . for we ( which follow with them , the footsteps of christ ) shal in their appeaing or manifestation , i raign with the lamb ( which hath made us kings and priests ) upon earth . 17. this see and know we now nakedly and truly : therefore have we ( which are now in this day of love , adjoyned and incorporated into the body of christ ) here in our k consolation amoag each other , and set our comfort much more , on the righteous which are dead , then on the living ungodly . 18. for this is now the day of the glorious , pomp and tryumph of christ in his coming , wherein christ ( to our consolation ) meeteth l us livingly and in glory , with his former holy ones : and maketh manifest and bringeth the word of the lord , namely the former kingdom ( full of all m beauty and lovelyness ) which god n hath prepared from the beginning , for his elect , in his perfection , and in his naked cleerness ; and maketh us heirs therein , together with all his holy ones . 19. in which kingdom of everlasting perfection , all minds of pure hearts do dwell and live ( o without fear ) freely , lovely ▪ and peaceably . yea , therethrough becometh it presently seen , how that the lord p glorifieth himself in his holy ones , and becometh wonderful in his believers . 20. now ( this passed over ) we will declare ( from the q falling away or disobedience of the man forth ) the earnest love , which god hath always ( till unto this same day ) shewed towards the man , through his elected ministers , for to bring him again unto the heritable beauty of the former kingdom , from which he hath turned him away ; and how god in process of time is approched neerer unto us in cleerness , with his true light , and hath now at the last ( in the day of his love ) declared r the most holy of his tabernacle , in his absolute beauty and perfection , and brought the same unto us , to the establishing of his promises . 21. what we had here more to say of the former kin●dom and of his lovelyness , beauty , garnishing , and riches ; and of the mans falling away , is nakedly expressed and declared , in the glass of righteousness . the v. chapter . behold and consider ye dearly beloved , how that god ( after the man's falling away ) hath alwayes shewed his love on the man ; and promised him even so ( to the destroying of the sin ) to a set enmity betwixt the serpent ( whose head is the sin ) and the woman ( which consented to the sin ) and betwixt the serpents seed , and the womans seed , to the treading down of the head of the serpent : and how that the same promised enmity against the sin , and the sinfull seed , had her beginning by the single minded abel ; which abel b offered up his willing gift or offering ( out of a good heart ) unto the god of heaven , and was slain by the wicked nature of the sin , through the hands of his brother cain ; and how that seth ( after the death of abel ) was placed by god , c to be another seed in the pla●e of abel , to the establishing of the foresaid promise of god : as also how that seth ( which is the second seed in the place of abel ) and his seed , is the right stock or linage , whereout the believers and children of god ( namely , all they that have been enemies unto the sin ) are born or brought forth , to the establishing of the promises of god ●he father . 2. but all other people or generations which were born upon the earth without the stock of seth , and also they that walked not in the state of abel ( according to the manner or ordinances of seth ) were not of the right stock of seth : but they were forain branches , which turned them away there-from , and were never prudent nor understanding in the godly wisdom ; but very well in their own self knowledge and good-thinking ▪ wherewith they turned unto themselves : and forsook even so the upright childishness and simplicity , and the willing oblation or god service of abel . 3. [ abel signifieth un●o us , a breath , or a young manhood : by whom there is yet no more prudence , then a breath of god , which proceedeth from god , and breatheth to god again . it signifieth also , emptiness , or any what whereto there is not yet any thing added of the ordinance of the lord. cain signifieth unto us , a possession , or one is possessed in bondship by the sin , or is mastered or overwon by the same , and applyeth him not according to the word nor law of the lord. seth signifieth unto us , an ordinance or law , which requireth the upright righteousness , and the entrance into the single minded and upright being of abel ; which is an other seed or birth of god , that is ordained or set for abel ( or in the place of the breath of god ) and this is the true law of the lord , wherethrough it is set or ordained , that the upright being of abel , should remain in memory , till unto the perfection of the upright being of god , which had gotten his beginning in abel , after the mans faling away . ] 4. howbeit , although that many abode not ( according to the example of the simplicity of abel ) in the right stock and ordinance of seth : but followed their own goodthinking ; yet hath there notwithstanding always a seed which was the right stock of seth , and had regard unto the simplicity of abel ; remained over , d which walked upright before god , till unto noah [ which name signifieth unto us , a ceasing or rest . 5. this noah e lived uprightly before god , and walked ( with his whose household ) in the upright ways of his fathers ; but all other people ( which were not of the house of noah , or of the stock of seth ) forsook the f example of the simplicity of abel , and also the right ordinance of the life , which was set or adjoyned thereunto , through the seed of seth. 6. also they would not give any ear nor credit unto the word of truth , through the preacher noah , g for to turn them about to the state or simplicity of the child of abel : by which occasion they could no● enter into the rest , nor yet remaine alive with the righteous noah . 7. therefore hath god h extended his mercy upon noah , and chosen him ( with his houshold ) to a remnant upon earth : and stretched out his indignation over all other people , whose hearts stood not submitted to the turning about , i to become as children , nor to the word of truth . 8. and the lord gathered together through noah , all the k souls which should main alive , and they entred with noah into the ark of the lord. 9. [ ark signifieth unto us a chist or casket , wherein one shuteth up somthing that he will keep close , or in secret . ] 10. and all what remained without the ark , that did the lord cause to perish , through the deluge or universal floud which fell upon them ▪ and took them quite l away : and so there came upon the earth , an end of all flesh . [ deluge signifieth unto us , a pouring over with water . ] 11. now when as noah ( with his houshold ) was remained over , so were there many m generations and people born upon the earth , out of the children of noah ; for to replenish the earth again . but certain of the same generations , remained not ( like unto sem ) in the right stock of noah out of seth : but brake or turned them off from the same , and from the ordinance and doctrine of the same stock , and implanted them into a forrain stock : and practised even so ( out of the subtill industry of their forrain stock ) n wiliness , and craft or guile : like as the decliners always do , which turn them away from the stock or doctrine of their leader , and follow their own spirit . 12. these generations or progenies of noah , multiplyed o them into many heathen or people , upon the earth . but many of them ( which persisted not in the stock of noah and sem ) have not understood the mind , councel , and word of the lord ; nor the mistery of his work , much less then , essentially known the same ; but have followed their own councel , mind , and will , according to the imagination of their good-thinking wisdom . wherethrough also they turned wholy and altogether to themselves , and sought not p to h●nour , to exalt , or magnifie any other thing , but themselves , and their own name . 13. through which addicting of them unto their selfness , they practised their subtilty and i●geniousness , purposing to set up a q memorial of their name ; and would therefore make them a great strength or fortress . 14. now when as they had mingled their understandings together hereunto , so begun they this work , with one manner of speech , mind , and purpose ; and they applyed them boldly thereunto , for to accomplish ( in such wise ) the same : whose r purpose of work and one manner of speech , the lord ( through his word ) intangled ; and scattered abroad the same people in all lands : and the place of their work was named babel [ which signifieth unto us , confusion , or a commixture , that is intangled with each other . ] 15. behold ye dearly beloved ; hereout may we perceive , which was the s seed of seth , that upright stock . for all what desired to honour and exalt god , and to magnifie his name , as also walked uprightly before god , in all respects like unto seth ( which is the second seed in the place of abel ; that was the seed of seth ) according to the example of the simplicity of abel , wherein god had a good pleasure . 16. but who so turned them away from the right ways , and loved themselves , and their own honour , those were fallen away t or broken off , from their upright stock , and became implanted into a forrain one : and brought forth a strange seed , and strange fruits : v which strange seed or fruits , god knew not . 17. but the right stock remained in his upright state : whose seed like unto abel , walked evermore uprightly before god : in such wise , that god hath had there through continually a light in the stock of seth ; and the righteousness a seed upon earth : which light of god , and seed of righteousness , went not out , nor decayed , or failed not , but increased in more cleerness and perfecter righteousness , till unto this perfect light and absolute righteousness , which is x the very like being of god himself . 18. behold , in such sort hath this upright seed ( in the light and righteousness of his god ) had his procreation , to righteousness and life up●n the earth : namely , y from seth ( the second seed , in the place of abel ) z till unto noah and sem. 19. from noah and sem , a until abraham isaac and iacob : which iacob ( whom b god named , israel ) begat the twe●ve c fathers of israel ; out of the which , god d chose him iudah . 20. from iudah un●il e david , the king of israel and iudah . 21. from david the king , until f zorobabel , in the captivity of babylon , 22. from zorobabel , until g ioseph , which had a virgin to wife ( out of the same stock of david ) named , mary ; of whom jesvs christ ( the consummation of all the works of god , and the perfect light of the godly cleerness ) was born or brought forth . of this we will treat more b at large hereafter . 23. what we now had here more to say of abel , cain , se●h , and noah : and of the stock of the upright seed , of the multiplying of the heathen , and of the building of babel ; is declared in the glass of righteousness . the vi. chapter . among all these generations , nations , and people or heathen , which were sprung ●ut of the tribes of noah ; the upright stock of noah and sem hath always walked a upr●ghtly before god. 2. whose children also went forth evermore in all simplicity and righteousness , according to the example of the simplicity of abel , and after the manner of se●h , noah , and s●● , b till unto abram [ which name signifieth unto us , old father , or a glorious f●●her , to wi● , one which hath attained or is grown up to the c old age of the true and h●ly understanding , and therefore is meet to take him a wife ▪ and to beget children , for to nourish them up also , unto such an old age , to the end that there might continually be found upright fathers and elders of the holy understanding ; which multiplyed them into such an upright and holy generations , in all fruifulness to many thou●ands ) on the earth . abram was also by the lord named d abraham ; which signifieth unto us , a father of many people . ] 3. this abram ( which dwelled with his generations among the heathen , and lived and walked uprightly , according to the stock of his fathers ) was indued with understanding above ( or more than ) all other people or heathen ; both in the godly wisdom , and in the heathenish prudence . 4. whilst now his wisdom was born out of the right stock of seth , noah and sem , and far excelled the wisdom of the world , or the understanding of the heathen ; and that he even so had regard unto the upright being of god , and the simplicity of abel ; and walked in the upright righteousness of his fathers : so was it also given him to understand the secretness of the works of god ▪ wherethrough he knew how to distinct or divide the form of the everlasting and unchangeable being of the supream godhead , from the form of the elementish things : and the word which proceedeth , or hath his out flowing out of the living and almighty god , from the word of men , which proceedeth out of the mans ingeniousnes or imagination of the knowledge . 5. in the same time of abraham ( the whilest that he dwelled among the heathen ) god had not upon earth any written services or ceremonies ; nor temple , or tabernacle wrought with mens hands . and all generations of the earth , or heathen , which were not of the right stock of the holy fathers ; walked in the seperation from god , f in the cursing . and g god had compassion on all the generations of the earth , which for their ignorances cause , and estranging from god , must bear the cursing . 6. for that cause god chose him abram , and called h him out of the nations of the heathen ▪ as the principallest among all people , ( which was in the godly understanding , and in the simplicity of abel , according to the manner or ordinance of seth , noah , and sem ) neerest unto god , for to understand the lord his word and will ; through whom god would take in hand , and set forth some singul●r thing , to the blessing of al the generations of the heathen . 7 and the lord spake unto abram : i go out of thy native country , from thy kindred , and from thy fathers horse ; and ●ourney into a land that i will shew thee . and i will make of thee a great people : i will bless thee and make thee a great name ; and thou shalt be a blessing : i will bless them , that bless thee ; and curse them , that curse thee . for in thee shall all generations of the ●arth be blessed . 8. consider here now ( ye beloved ) how that the lord calleth and leadeth th● wisdom of the holy understanding , out of the foolishness of the heathen ; and his elected stock or upright olive tree , out of all wild or unfruitfull olive trees ; for to plant the same , and his seed ; in a good land , that it may continually bring forth convenient fruits unto the lord ; to the intent that the strange sprouts ( grown out of the wilde olive trees ) might even so be cut off , and k graffed into this upright olive tree ; and bring forth good fruits out of the sap or growing of the upright olive tree . for in suchsort would god make abram great , that he might also be named abraham , and a father of many heathen , according to the promises . 9. even thus doth the scripture testifie unto us ▪ that god himself would make abraham great ; and not that abraham ( in the promises which were made unto him ) should make himself great , or multiply him into many people : but that it should all come to pass in such wise as the lord had promised him the same : like as there standeth written : i ( saith the lord ) l will make of thee a great people . i will increase thy seed . this is the lord his own work , and not mans . 10. now when as abraham had heard the word of the lord , and understood the mind or will of god , so beleeved or trusted he the lord in his word : m and that was ●ounted unto him for righteousness . for in all this same , abraham stood wholy given over , and was with all single mindedness , obedient unto the lord in his requiring ; without surmising any evil cogitations there over , or making any suspition of the knowledge touching the same . the vii . chapter . but when as now abraham dwelled in the land , which the lord had shewed him , and promised unto his seed , for an everlasting possession : and that the promises ( to the salvation of the heathen ) were freely given unto him ; so hath god furthermore ( with his godly wisdom ) dealt very prudently with abraham and his seed : that is , god hath at all times revealed unto abraham , and to the right stock of his seed ; in naked cleerness , a how that he is an eternal and living god ; and which are ( according to the truth ) his upright laws , institutions , and rites : and of what maner , or which is the upright b house , or the true seat , temple , or tabernacle , for his holy dwelling . 2. of which true tabernacle , the lord hath prepared or builded the forefront in his true being , to a dwelling for his glory , and to the blessing of all men ; by the fathers , abraham , isaac , and iacob , on the earth : namely in c the circumcision , which god hath ordained or set for an everlasting covenant , between him and abraham , and his seed . 3. this true forefront of the sanctuary of god , which god hath prepared or builded in his covenant of circumcision , is the d true fear of god : through which fear of god , the foreskin of the sinful flesh was cut off , or laid away from the hearts of abraham's houshold : and thus they became seperated from al iniquity , and from al disorder of the heathen or uncircumcised , for to serve even so the living god alone in his sincere righteousness and godliness . 4. for that cause , to the end that all they of abraham's houshold , should always serve the living god alone , in the fear of god ; so was the lord his true covenant of circumcision to an everlasting and stedfast covenant , made thus with abraham , that the foreskin of all e them that be born in the houshold of abraham , and are manly , should be cut away from their flesh . 5. behold , this covenant of circumcision , would god that abraham and his seed after him should bear ( to a covenant of god ) f in their flesh for evermore . 6. and even so god made ( through his covenant of circumcision ) that there should be always a difference had and known betwixt abraham and his seed ▪ and the other heathen or uncircumcised people . which covenant of circumcision god made with abraham when he had g called him out of the heathe●ship , and shewed him the h land of promise , to an everlasting inheritance for his seed , which should bear the same covenant in their flesh . 7. verily , this covenant of god of the circumcision ( which god hath set for an everlasting covenant betwix him and abraham , and his seed in their flesh ) giveth us presently in this day a great cleer●ess of his true being of the upright circumcision i in our hearts ; and teacheth or sheweth us ( the whilst we are captived with the heath●nship , either implanted into the heathenship , and k bear yet the foreskin of the sinful flesh before our hearts ) the departing from all heathenish being , and from all l ungodliness , or uncircumcision of all fleshly minds : as also the entrance into the fear of god , whereout the right wisdom doth spring : and how we shall go forth therein till unto the m mortifying of all fleshly minds , through the n obedience of the requiring of the godly word and his service . 8. this is verily the upright circumcision , which cometh to pass o without the help of mens hands , and which is the everlasting and stedfast covenant , p between god and abraham and his seed . through which true circumcision , the upright seed of abraham ( which is of the faith of abraham ) is easily to be known from the uncircumcised heathen or unbeleevers . 9. for the right stock of the seed of abraham , bear the same upright circumcision , for an everlasting covenant of their god , q in their flesh : to a token and testimony of their upright righteousness ; and also , that the god of abraham is their god , and they his e●ected people . 10. here out may we perceive ( ye beloved ) that the r laying away of the sin in the flesh , is the upright circumcision which god regardeth : and that the same maketh the right difference betwixt the circumcised ▪ and uncircumcised ; or betwixt them that fear god , and them that fear not god. for they that fear not god , and are not of the right stock , or of the faith of abraham ; or else that have turned them away therefrom , and yet nevertheless s boast them to be the seed of abraham , those can well bear the circumcision outwardly on their flesh ; but not ( as abraham ) inwardly in the flesh . 11. therefore there is not ( as concerning the righteousness according to the inward man ) any difference at all betwixt such circumcised ( which bear no more but the circumcision outwardly on their flesh ) and the uncircumcised heathen ; but they are both alike t under the sin . 12. for the laying away of the sin in the flesh v ( which is the upright circumcision ) maketh unto us the right difference betwixt the seed of abraham , and the brutish or uncircumcised heathen , even as there is said . 13. which circumcised of heart , bear god his true covenant of circumcision x in their flesh ; and express even so ( through their upright conversation in the y fear of god ) that god hath z called them out of the heathenship , as also led them into the forefront of his true tabernacle , and planted them in his sanctuary . 14. and this token of the true covenant of god , namely , the circumcision on the foreskin of the heart [ which is the a laying away of the sin in the flesh ] and the walking in the fear of god , is not left by the right seed of abraham ▪ but observed ( b according to the word of the lord ) for evermore . 15. consider then , unto all those that are in such like of the right stock of abraham , or of his seed and faith , and bide stedfast therein , it is given to understand c the mistery of the work of god , which god always taketh in hand and atchieveth with abraham , and with his right seed of the belief . 16 , but unto them that are therewithout , and also unto all that fall away from the stock of abraham or his belief , either turn them therefrom , and cleave unto any strange belief , which abraham hath not known , or that bind themselves without the righteousness of the faith of abraham d on any self-wisdom , mens good thinking , scripture learnedness , or on the imagination of their own knowledge , e all things chance in similitudes , figures , or images , which they also honour , serve , and greatly esteem : but of the mystery of the true being , f they know not any thing at all . 17. therefore it is all unto them , a dark speech or parable , g and a closed book , which no man ( of all their wise seers , nor prophets , or teachers ) can read , much less understand , or comprehend the contents of the same . 18. what we had here more to say of the departing out of the heathenship ▪ of the gelatenheyt or free giving over of the upright circumcision of the forefront of the true tabernacle of god , of the difference betwixt the seed of abraham and the heathen , and of the closed book ( which is a book of life ) is rehearsed , with larger declaration , in the glass of righteousness . the viii . chapter . abraham , which was indued with understanding in the godly wisdom , hath ( to a memorial of the godly works of god , and of the things which are right and reasonable to the serviceableness of his houshold , or of the posterity after him ) brought forth writings or letters , wherein he witnessed or figured forth before them the righteousness of the upright being , for a seal on their hearts ; to his end , that the posterity ( the whilst they were yet young in the holy understanding , and understood not the upright being ) might have the lord his word , institutions , and rites , and the events or things chanched concerning his wonderful works , figured forth in the letter ; and remember those same : and might even so ( with the service of the letter ) be served , nourished up , a and sustained , in all good discipline , nurture and equity , b for to deal with that which is right and reasonable ; until that the c old age of the perfect wisdom and righteousness came unto them : the which is the true light of christ , or the heavenly truth , whereunto moses , the law , and the prophets of god do lead , and which cometh unto al the elect of god ( from on high ) d in their spirit : wherein it is given unto them ( as to the children of god ) to understand e the mystery of the works of god. 2. therefore abraham ( which walked and lived in the light or f day of ●hrist , whereon all scriptures given by inspiration of god , do witness ; and had a lust unto the seed of promise , to the blessing of all generations of the earth ) held g him stedfastly by the belief ; the true testament , whereout he hoped to obtain the seed of promise , to the blessing of all generations of the earth . 3. which true testament , namely , the belief of the upright being of abraham which also was abraham's sister , and h become his wife ) is named sara [ which name signifieth unto us , a lady , or a princess which is free . ] 4. this sara had a servetrice , which wa● her own , or subject unto her [ which is the service , the law , or ordinance and the serviceable writing , or letter of the belief of abraham . ] i which servetrice ( through the belief of the true being ) standeth serviceable , for to bring forth a serviceable seed unto the belief , whilst that she is yet closed or barren . 5. and this servetrice [ namely , the service of the belief of abraham , or his law , either ordinance ] is also a k testament of abraham , which is called , the elders testament , because the same is administred through the belief , out of the light of the true being ; by the eldest in the holy understanding , and hath the foregoing in the procreation out of the letter , and out of the obedience of the requiring of the serviceable doctrine : which also l ceaseth ▪ when as the belief bringeth forth out of the true light , which is the godly being it self : whereunto the service of the word and of the letter doth likewise m reach . nevertheless , albeit that the service of the word and of the letter , re●cheth to the belief and true ligh● ▪ ye● appeareth not the righteousness out of the service of the letter , nor out of his ordinance although notwithstanding the same be required therewithall , but n out of the belief . 6. this servetrice of sara , was o named agar , and she was a servetrice out of egypt ( which signifieth unto us , a woman coming on out of strictness , or which is stricting . ) 7 , but whilst that sara ( the belief of the true being of abraham ) was yet closed , and brought not forth ( but was inclined thereunto ) p so desired she abram ( namely the old father in the holy understanding ) that he would joyn him unto agar , her servetrice : and she gave him agar to wife , for that she might even so ( out of her ) obtain children of the belief . 8. abram therefore joyned him unto agar : and q agar conceived or became with child , and brought forth a seed unto abraham . 9. behold , this was a seed of the service ; namely , of the unfree woman agar : whereof r paul maketh mention to the galathians , how that agar ( in arabia ) is called the mount sina . 10. arabia signifieth unto us , a pledge or sur●ty , which standeth fast for that which is promised , until that the promise be fulfilled . sina signifieth unto us , armour or a shield , wherewith one furnisheth him unto battel , when as he passeth thorow the way unto the rest of the promises ; and wherethrough one is sustained against the enemies , and defended therewith , until that he come unto the place whereas he inheriteth the rest , the peace , and all sweetness of the land like as there is promised . 11. this mount sina , in arabia ( although it stretcheth even unto ierusalem ) is s not free , with his children ; but the belief ( the free hill within ierusalem ) is free with his children : for the believers ( which are born out of the belief of the true being of abraham , and t grown up in christ in the holy and godly understanding ) are the free v children of the free woman , according to the scripture . 12 but when as ●ow the time was ●come about , that the x fruit of the belief could live , so became sara fruitful , and y brought forth unto abraham , the true seed of promise , to the blessing of all generations of the earth . 13. now when this seed of ●he free woman was born , z then was the servetrice with her seed thrust out , or given leave to depart , as one , whose service and seed was there no more needful to a service or help of the beli●f ; because the upright seed was born out of the belief : and for that cause , the servetrice with her seed , could have a no portion or coinheritance with the son of the free woman . 14. this seed ( born of the free woman ) was named b isaac , [ which name signifieth unto us , a laughing : ] for sara c laughed when as she heard thet she should bear a son. 15. consider here now the mistery of the scripture , of these two women , and of either others service and procreation . for behold , i declare unto you this day the truth , with naked speeches , and d not in similitudes or dark words ; inasmuch as that god and christ ( with his holy ones ) is also declared ( in the most holy ) even so unto us . 16. where now then this seed of the true testament ( after the accomplishment of the foregoing serviceable testament ) is born or brought forth , even there is christ , the belssing , e the salvation , and the spirit of the lord come : and where the spirit of the lord is , f there is freedom . he that hath ears to hear let him hear . 17. what we had here more to say of the promises to abraham , of sara ( the free woman ) and of agar ( her servetrice ) and of the seed of both their procreations , is declared in the glass of righteousness . the ix . chapter . now when as isaac ( the upright stock of his father abraham ) was grown up into a good a old age of the holy understanding , b so took he a wife unto him , named rebecca [ which name signifieth unto us , one that setteth contention or debate . ] and rebecca conceived by isaac , c and became with child with two sons , which she bare unto isaac . 2. he which she first brought forth , d was named esau [ which name signifieth unto us , one that is working : he is also named , e edom : which signifieth unto us , one that is earthly or bloudy . ] and this is the first born after the flesh , of the seed of the promise . 3. which first born may not inherit the heritage of the godly promises , nor the covenant which god maketh with his elected people . 4. therefore god erecteth not his covenant with him that is born after the flesh , and is earthly or bloudy : but wi●h him that is born after f the spirit , and is spiritual or heavenly . for that cause god hath a good pleasure in the second birth . ● but the second son ( which was the second born next un●o esau g was named iacob , [ which name signifieth unto us , one that treadeth under foot , and so k●epe●h the victory . he was also named h israel ; and signifieth unto us , one that lordeth or surmounteth with god. ] 6. behold , this same which was born after the spirit , increased , and becam● prudent in the godly wisdom and heavenly truth : and excelled esau , his brother , in prude●ce and holy understanding ; and hath brought the earthly or bloudy being ▪ under him : obtained the i blessing of his father , and is become an heir in the promises of god , and in the testaments of his fathers . 7. verily , these two sorts of people or procreations ( namely esau and iacob ) which k rebecca bare unto isaac , the seed of promise ▪ and how that the greatest l must serve the lesser , make known unto us a great mistery to wit , that the righteousness of the law , with the great know●edge and diligent prudence of the flesh , or of the earthly being ( which becometh born out of the letter ) shall serve the little m single minded simplicity of christ , ( which becometh n born out of the spirit or heavenly being ) and be wholy subject thereunto : namely , when as the spiritual birth hath ( through the coming of christ ) gotten the dominion over the flesh . 8. we can also in the service of the gracious word under the obedience of the love , now openly feel and perceive these two births in our selves . for the first or foregoing birth , which ( in the ministration of the gracious word ) hath the foregoing by us , is the knowledge of god , and of his requiring , and of god his truth , spirit , or being , out of the letter or serviceable word , which stretcheth to the obedience and fulfilling of the requiring of the gracious word and his service of love : and the same knowledge which stretcheth to the said obedience , is the right knowledge of the man out of the flesh or letter ; and that seed of righteousness , and his obedience , is the former seed of the law or service , o which becometh born according to the flesh , and hath no inheritance in the promises of the covenant of god the father , nor in the testament of the holy elders or fathers ; for that same becometh fulfilled therein : and hath even so ( in his service ) the foregoing unto the inheritance of the same testaments in the very true being ▪ 9. the second birth which appeareth thereaf●er ( in the fulfilling or accomplishing of the serviceable word , and of his requiring ) by us in the p renewing of our spirit and mind , is the godhead , the truth , q and spirit of god , or god his true being it self : yea , the same spiritual heavenly being , is the r inheritance of all spiritual and heavenly goods , and the true seed of the belief , that becometh born in us , a●cording to the spirit , and inheriteth the promises of the covenant of god the father . and these two births ( the one s after the flesh , and the other after the spirit ) are both out of the seed of the promise , sown , ingendred , or brought forth ( in the letter , and through the letter of the administration of the holy word and heavenly understanding , or mind of the spiritual promises ) in our memory , minds or thoughts . 10. but the knowledge of the letter , or the mind either t understanding of the flesh out of the letter , and the obedience unto the same , appeareth first , and taketh the foregoing in birth : and diligently applieth it self therein , for to inherit the blessing of the promises . and whenas now this foregoi●g birth ( namely the knowledge of the letter , which stretcheth to the obedience and accomplishment of the requiring of the gracious word and his service of love ) is become moving and forcible ( to such a diligency ) in our minds and understandings , so inspect and understand we then at the first , the testimonies of the spiritual and heavenly truth ( which extend unto v spirit and life ) none otherwise , but according to the fl●sh : and according to the minde of our flesh , do we also seek after the same , or apply us thereunto , for to obtain the same according to the flesh . and we suppose moreover , we shal in such wise inherit the blessing of the promises of christ. and this is in the man , the knowledge of the letter , or x the mind of the flesh , which is named ▪ y adam , esau , or edom , and hath ( out of the administration of the holy word ) the f●regoing of birth in us : and is the z knowledge of christ after the flesh . 11. now whilst or in the mean time , that the ●irst born ( with his earthly and bloudy mind ) is hunting after or labouring for the blessing of the promise g of god and christ , and yet notwithstanding inheriteth not the same , a so doth then the second born hold him in stilness : and ( following the counsel of the wisdom ) he obtaineth ( through the prudence of the holy ghost ) the blessing of the promises of the seed of abraham ▪ as also the prevailing over the first or former born : and becometh even so the lord over the first born and this is in the man , the mind or spirit of christ , which is named , b iacob . or israel ▪ which obtaineth at last the victory and the dominion with god , and also keepeth the same : and to have obtained the same second birth , is the c upright knowledge of christ after the spirit . 12. see , ye dearly beloved , and consider with spiritual understanding , the mystery of these two nativities or births ; namely , the first ( after the flesh ) earthly and bloudy : d the second ( aft●r the spirit ) spiritual and heavenly : and , how that the understanding of the first birth , would ( according to his fleshly mind ) e inherit the promises of christ : and , how that the second birth ( which is not minded according to the flesh , but according to the spirit of the heavenly truth ) obtaineth the victory , beareth rule with god , and bringeth forth the name of f israel , or christ it self . 13 , what we had here more to say of isaac ( the seed of promise ) of the birth of esau and iacob , of the fleshly and spiritual birth , and of the knowledge of christ after the flesh , and of the knowledge of him after the spirit , is ( with larger instruction ) declared in the glas● of righ●eousness . the x. chapter . iacob ( the upright stock of his fathers , isaac and abraham ) walked uprightly before god , in the ways of his fathers : and a god was with him , and was his god , light , life , and cleerness , in all respects , even as god had been with abraham and isaac . 2 ▪ and god made manifest himself unto this same iacob , and shewed him in what manner the house or tabernacle of his dwelling is ; b and gave unto him and his seed ▪ the same promises which he had given and promised unto abraham and isaac . and god erected his covenant with iacob : therefore called iacob the place wherein the lord appeared unto them , c beth-el [ which name signifieth unto us , an house of god. ] 3. behold ( ye dearly beloved ) how cleerly the scripture expresseth unto us who are god's elected people , and the house d of his dwelling ▪ wherein he ( as a living and glorious god ) maketh manifest himself , letteth his word be heard , and establisheth his promises . 4. iacob also won ( with his service ) e two wives , which were sisters germans . the eldest was named , lia [ which name signifieth unto us a labourice . ] this lia had a servetrice , which she gave iacob also to wife ; and she was named zilpha [ which signifieth unto us , contempt . ] 5. the youngest was named , f rachel [ which name signifieth unto us , a sheep . ] this rachel had a servetrice , which was named , lilha ; which name signifieth unto us , a woman which is humble or lowly ; which servetrice she g gave iacob to wife , for that she ( whilst she was closed ) might through her servetrice , bring forth children unto iacob her husband . 6. these four wives brought forth unto iacob , h twelve sons , out of which the twelve tribes of israel are sprung or come forth : and every tribe was named , according to the name and stock of his father . 7. lia bare his first son , and called him i ruben ; and signifieth unto us , a son of the vision . 8 ▪ again lia bare him his second son , and called him simeon ; and signifieth unto us , harkning . 9 , again lia bare him his third son , and called him levi ; and signifieth unto us , adjoyned . 10. again lia bare him his fourth son , and called him iuda ; and signifieth unto us , a confessing , or thanksgiving . 11. but bilha , rachels maid , bare him his fifth son , and called him k dan ; and signifieth unto us , a iudgement . 12 , again bilha bare him his sixth son , and called him , nepthalim ; and signifieth unto us , a making equal . 13. then zilpha , lias maid bare him his seventh l son , and called him gad ; and signifieth unto us , prepared , or girded up . 14. again zilpha bar● him his eight son ▪ and called him aser ; and signifieth unto us , salvation , or blessedness . 15. after that lia bare him his ninth son , and called him issachar ; and signifieth unto us , a reward . 16. again lia bare him his tenth m son , and called him zabulon ; and signifieth unto us , an habitation , or dwelling place . 17. but rachel bare him his eleventh son , and called him ioseph ; and signifieth unto us , perfection : it signifieth also unto us , exalted : as that ●he perfection is worthy n to be a ruler , and to govern countries and people . 18. again rachel bare him his twelfth son ▪ and died , and o called him ben-nom ; and signifieth unto us , a son of sorrow . but iacob his father called him ben-iamin ; and signifieth unto us , a son of the right hand . 19. moreover iacob with his whole house or tribe , p came to dwel in egypt ; which name signifieth unto us , strictness , or heaviness ; in which land the children of iacob multiplied them into many people : and they had not any other ceremonies , but such as had been by their fathers , abraham , isaac , and iacob ; namely , the ministration of the circumcision . which circumcision they bare ( for a covenant of god ) in their flesh ) to a true signe that they were god's elected people , and did bear the laying away of the sin in their flesh . 20. but whenas now these tribes of israel ( in egypt ) multiplyed them exceedingly , and became great and mighty of people ; so reigned the king of egypt over them with in justice ; and this king of egypt was named pharao ; q which name signifieth unto us , one that is making naked or wasting . 21. now whilst that these tribes of iacob were ( by the king pharao ) sore afflicted in the land of egypt , and overlorded with injustice , r so cryed they unto the god of their fathers ; and the iord remembred his covenant which he had made with abraham , to wit , that he would be a judge over the seed of abraham , s in the land wherein they were oppressed . and he had compassion on the misery of the children of iacob ; and chose them out ( from among themselves ) one man of the tribe of levi , t named moses ; which name signifieth unto us , fetched , or taken up out of the waters ; through whom god would lead his people out of egypt , and r●lease them from the violent power of pharao . 22. and the lord called this same moses unto him , and u sent him unto the children of israel ; and caused him to publish unto them the grace of the god of their fathers ; and that the same god would lead them out of the strictness , deliver them from the violence of pharao , and bring them into a good land that floweth with milk and honey . 23. moreover the lord prepared moses an helper , which should witness and manifest the word of moses before the children of israel , and before pharao king of egypt ; which x was also of the tribe of levi , and moses brother , named aaron ; which name signifieth unto us , a doctrine , or an hill whereout doctrine is rec●ived , or that is teaching . 24. and the lord wrought many signes and wonders in the land of egypt , y in the presence of pharao , and of the children of israel ; but before pharao , to the hardning of his heart ; and before the children of israel , that they should believe the god of their fathers , understand and know the power of his wonderful works , and humble them under him and his word ( which was shewed unto them by moses and aaron , out of the living word of the god of heaven ) as also be obedient unto the same . 25. all this wrought the lord among the children of israel , through moses and aaron , to the end that they should witness and set forth the lord's word and will , with his institutions and rites , before the children of israel . 26. but whilst now the children of israel had not any further sight nor knowledge of the house or tabernacle of the lord , then of the z fear of god ; the beginning or forefront of god his true tabernacle ; and did bear the a circumcision for a signe of the true covenant of god ( that they were the lord's people , and feared the living god ) in their flesh , and were not yet entred into the holy of the true tabernacle of god ; so would god declare the holy by them , and bring them therein ; and even so build among them the holy of his sanctuary or true tabernacle ( to a great name of his glory , and to the blessing and salvation of his people ) also upon the earth . b therefore god caused some better and godlyer thing to be published ( through moses ) unto his people , then that wherein they stood comprehended ; to the end that they should set their hope thereon , and even so ( for to obtain the rest ) be obedient unto the word of the lord ; as also ( to their releasing from the violence of ph●raoh ) depart out of egypt . 27. behold , in the same time did the lord with great signes and wonders ) make mani●est his glory among the children of isra●l ; and even so ( to the end that his great n●me , and wonderful power might also be known among all heathen , and he feared as a true god ) c led his people israel , through moses and aaron , with a mighty hand and forcible arm , out of the land of egypt ; and se● forth , and taught them ( through moses ) his in●titutions and laws , for to observe those same in the good land whereinto the lord would bring them . 28. in which time there was no more spoken unto them of the circumcision of the flesh , bu● of that which was neerer unto the consummation or perfection ; and of the inheriting of the good land which god had d promised unto the seed of abraham , isaac , and iacob ▪ 29. but when as now the lord had led his people out of egypt , and through the wilderness , even unto the red sea ( where they were pursued by pharao ) so e opened the lord the red sea before them , dividing it asunder , and brought his people ( through moses and a●ron undamaged therethorow . 30. bu● pharao with all his might and power , which entred also into the red sea for to destroy the children of isr●el ▪ f perished in the same ; so that not one of all his host escaped thereout , nor remained alive . 31. the which signifieth unto us in cleerness , the perishing or going under of the ignorant or unknown sins , which ( in the strictness reigned over israel , and burdned them very sore . 32. the red sea signifieth unto us , the hope ; namely , for the people of the lord , an hope to come unto some better thing ; wherein the children of israel obtained room when they were persecuted ; g and which was opened before them , that they might pass therethrough ; but closed or stopped before their enemies which persecuted them , and went also therein , with an hope to destroy the children of israel , and so they were all drowned therein . 33. thus the children of israel journeyed ( through the protection of the lord ) until they came unto the wilderness sinai , unto h mount sinai ; which signifieth unto us , a thorny thicket , or a thorny desart . 34. what we had here more to say of the multiplying of the children of israel in egypt , and of their departing or leading forth out of the same land , is declared in the glass of righteousness . the xi . chapter . the while now that the children of israel became weary in their journey , they a murmured against moses and aaron , and also against the lord : and became likewise unwilling to enter into the good land : complayning , that they were departed out of egypt ; wherethrough we may perceive and understand , that they have turned away from the doctrine and requiring of moses , as also from the right stock of abraham , and from his belief ; and were turned into their own knowledge and self seeking : and for that cause they b knew , believed or understood not the works of god , his waies , institutions and laws , nor yet his word , in such sort as their fathers ( abraham , isaac , and iacob ) had known , believed , and understood . 2. therefore the lord came down to the children of israel upon mount sinai , and called unto him moses and aaron ; c and caused his word to be heard exceeding loud of all the people ; making manifest unto them , how that he was the lord. d he taught them likewise , which or in what sort his law , commandments , institutions , and rites were , wherein their fathers ( abraham , isaac , and iacob ) had lived uprightly . 3. now when the lord had caused them to hear his word exceeding loud , they were afraid at the sound of the same word , because they loved him not , nor yet knew his voice . and e for that cause they would not the lord but moses should speak unto them . 4. herewithal ( o ye goodwilling hearts consider and look into the matter , how that the lord would f nor declare , nor make known his secrets , nor his councel , mind , or will ( of that which he ( either in the present time ▪ or in the time to come ) would do , accomplish , or atchieve with them ) unto such as had none other will , desire , or love unto him , nor yet shewed thankfuln●ss for all the goodness , love , faithfulness , and mercy wherewith god informed or trained them : neither would he set up or perform the service of his true being ( according to his heavenly truth ) by them , nor yet g bring such unto his rest . for they could not ( in their unbelief and disobedience ) comprehend or understand that which god required at their hands . 5. in like manner will the lord now also ( in these last days ) not make manifest his secret counsel , mind , and will , unto the unbelievers and disobedient ; but unto them h that seek him with all their heart , believe and obey his word in the requiring of his service ▪ and have a desire to do his will. the which cannot come to pass by any man , but by them that have an unlust and unwil to themselves : and that even so ( for the lord's cause ) i forsake , hate , and leave themselves , and all what they have learned and taken on unto them . 6. behold , by such that love the wisdom of the lord , his word and instruction , and his righteousness , will the lord erect the service of his true being k make manifest himself , establish his promises , and l bring them unto his rest ; as also dwell , live and walk in them . 7. therefore hath the lord ( in times past ) not made manifest or erected his true service ( according to the heavenly truth ) or his being of perfect righteousness , by the people which loved themselves , and were unbelieving towards him and his ministers ( wherethrough the wrath of the lord came upon them , and they might not ent●r in his rest ) but hath let them see the same through moses ; m in images , figures , and shadows ; and hath even so set forth before them ( through moses ) the patern , which was figured forth according to the very true , to an example of the very true ; and to a doctrine which reacheth or leadeth to the very true : witnessing there withall ( before al eys of godly understanding ) that the very true and perfect of the same , was with the lord. 8. which absolute or perfect being of the same example , patern , and doctrine , god would ( in the time to come ) bring in , plant , and n set up by the children of men which would believe god , and be good willing unto the obedience of his requiring . 9. therefore chanced not the services of the images and figures only for their sakes which tempted god , and where unbelieving , but for our sakes ; we which are present●y o in the end of the world stirr●d up and goodwilling unto the true being of god , to the end that they all ( which p love the lord with all their heart , and humble them under the obedience of the love ) might now q understand and know the lord's love and godness ( which he hath unto man ) and the true being , or perfection of his lovely righteousness , out of the images and figures ; also r forsake and got out of themselves , and so live therein . 10. this same can we in the former figured example , comprehend and understand ; like as we may also behold in the images , that none other inhabiteth , inheriteth or cometh unto the kingdom full of the glory and maiesty of god , but he that hath an unwil or s unlust to himself : and so cleaveth ( with whole heart ) unto christ , as is abovesaid . the xii . chapter . moreover , the lord hath written his law , institutions , and rites , a in two tables of stone and given them unto moses , b he shewed moses also all the sanctuary of his tabernacle ; and gave him likewise therewith , divers convenient laws or ordinances , which he should set forth before the children o israel , which were ignorant of god's law , institutions , and rites , or of the convenient ordinances of the lord ; to the end that the ordinances and services of the lord , might be even so all prepared , according c to the same pattern which the lord gave unto moses upon mount sinai ; and so the same prefiguration be observed with diligent service ( for a stedfast memorial of the same true being ) in the priests office of aaron , until that the glory d of god , and his love towards israel should be brought through christ ; the promises of god the father ( to the blessing of all generations of the earth ) declared , known , and established ; and the true being of the services of the images and figures ( in the spirit , and in all truth ) erected , in the obedience of the belief . 2. and this forementioned service of the images , figures , and shadows , ( wherein the perfection of the true tabernacle of god , with his true services of the spiritual and heavenly goods , was well to be perceived ) had the foregoing in his service ; and became fruitful with the children of israel , and brought forth a serviceable seed of righteousness ( after the manner as is e said of agar ) the which is the elders testament . 3. for the belief ( whereout the true and free seed of the upright righteousness ( to the establishing of the promises of god ) becometh brought forth ) was yet closed , after the manner as is said of sara . which belief is the true testament that bringeth forth f the free children of god according to the spirit . 4. thus the lord joyneth him unto the service , for that the service might be fruitful ( to obtain yet ( at the last ) the seed of promise out of the belief ; ) and the children of the service multiplyed into many , and became a great people . howbeit the lord's promises were not established , nor his covenant erected therewith . 5. for the same service was not the very true ; but it was unto the people which were yet captived with darkness , a foregoing light ( g in images and figures ) before the face or perfect light of the lord. 6. which foregoing service had also h cleerness in his service ; and for that cause it is also a testament of the holy fathers ( added unto the promises ) i to a sustaining of the lord's people in their youngness or ignorance , until that the barren became fruitful , k and that the fruit could live . 7. according to this same manner , had this testament ( administred by the elders of the holy understanding ) the foregoing , and his fruitfulness with the unillumi●ated until that the belief ( out of the power of god ) became with childe through the holy ghost and bare or brought forth a new man , or l a new creature ( according to the m bei●g of the h●av●nly g●dhead ) by the beleevers : and illuminated them even so in their spirit and mind , with the upright n righteousness and h●liness . for this is the right pr●creatio● ▪ to the o renewing of the spirit a●d mind of the believers ; and is also the true new testament , which god hath promised to erect with his people . 8. which new testament is the very true ▪ that god himself witnesseth in his people , which are obedient unto him out of faith in the service of his word ; p and bringeth even so unto them in the spirit of their mind , the true god-service of the spiritual and heavenly goods : and writeth ( according to his god●y and heavenly truth ) his law , institutions and rites , q in the being of their inward mind . 9. in such sort worketh the lord , the holy one in israel ; and bringeth forth even so his children , sons , and daughters , servants , and handmaids ; upon which he ( in these last days poureth forth r his spirit , and remembreth no more th●ir sins : for they are a reconciled people u●to him , which do ( in all ) his wi●l . 10. behold and consider , such is the new testament with his children : for that same new testament is ( in his children ) the heaven ( the seat of the most highest ) also spirit and life . s and for that cause it is with his childre● , heavenly , spiritually , and livingly minded . which children of the new testament love not the world , nor that which is in the world , inasmuch as that the new testament is wholy and altogether of god : also the love , the life , and the upright being of the holy ghost it self . 11. but the elders testament , is the serviceable word which is administred out of the spirit and life of god , with unspeakable words , writings , t or letters : and which also figureth forth and expresseth unto us ( to wit ▪ serviceably in parables , and in images or figures , the new and very true testament ; ( which is heavenly , spiritual , and living , and endureth for ever ) and bringeth the believers unto the same . 12. what we had here more to say of the old and new testament , and what either others being in it self is ; and of the bringing in and use of the imagelike and figurative services ; is declared in the glass of righteousness . the xiii . chapter . in all that which the lord shewed moses , so elected he aaron ( which was of the tribe of levi ) and his sons , a to priests or elders , for to minister the figurative tabernacle in his service , with all that which was figuratively prepared thereunto . 2. which priesthood , with his service ( in such wise as aaron ministred the same ) pleased god well , that it should have the foregoing unto the entrance of the godliness , by the unilluminated people , which knew nor understood not the verity of the true light ; and even so alwaies bide stable , & be ministred among them , b till unto the new birth in the true light ; to the end that the priests or elders of the holy understanding , should daylie set forth in their service or priests office unto which god had joyned or added his promises ) the law of the lord , and the testament of his covenant , before the unilluminated people , to a memorial of the promises of god , & to a sustentation of them , c whereout one yet hopeth for some better thing ; until that the true ( of that which was ministred ) came unto them in the belief , to the d establishing of the promises : and that the same should then likewise ( in true cleerness ) e be seen and heard by them ; as also ( out of the power of the supreme godhead ) spoken f witnessed , or confessed of them : namely , the true light come out of heaven , in blessing , and with blessing , g according to the manner of melchisedech , and this same true light , is the anointed with the holy ghost . 3. which anointed is named in hebrew , messias ; and in greek , h christus . he was also ( in times past ) called of certain rabbins among the jews , the lord's sabbath , and they said that the same anointed , is the seventh day in the paradise of god , i wherein god rested from all his works : and is the perfection , the which is also very true . 4. for this same messias or anointed , is the sabbath day , k which the lord hath commanded to be always had in remembrance , that we ( when the same cometh ) might rest therein , and hallow or sanctifie the same : wherein the law , the service of the preisthood of aaron , l out of levi , and the elders testament doth cease , & hath accomplished his service . 5. for the same anointed which cometh at that time m out of heaven ( with his anointing of the holy ghost ; in the spirit , and is the n very like being of the godhead it self , o he is a priest of the most highest , higher and greater of dignity then aaron ; because he bideth everlastingly , and is a minister of the spiritual and heavenly goods , in the very true being . 6. vvhere now then the law and the services do in such wise change by the believers of the anointed ; to wit , out of the figures , into the true being ; and out of the letter or serviceable word , into the revealing of the holy spirit of christ ; there is also then ( by those same ) the priests office changed : p for christ the honorable priest , cometh unto them from the right hand of god the father , out of the heavenly being , which hath or useth not his servce after the manner or ordinance of aaron ; which is yet a teaching or requiring to observe the will or the righteousness of the law of the lord ; but q after the manner or ordinance of melchisedech , which bringeth with him the blessing , the accomplishing of the law , or of the lord's will , the salvation of life ; and the anointing of the holy ghost , ( r to a pledge of the godly inheritance , and to an everlasting s treasure or riches of god ) and reigneth in the righteousness of the same . 7. melchisedech signifieth unto us , one that ruleth in the perfection ; which is called a t king of righteousness . and in him is the fulfilling of the law , and of the service of the prophets . therefore the●e shall not one letter , nor the very least 〈◊〉 fall from the law , v until all come to pass . 8. oh alas ! how grosly then have certain wise of the world , and scripture learned , over-reached them herein ? which have ( without diversity ) forsaken the law , and the service of the elders testament , and of the priests office after the ordinance of aaron , and set back the same as a thing unneedful ; not once distinguishing unto whom the service after the ordinance of aaron is yet necessary ; nor yet with whom the same ( at u the appointed time ) ceaseth or leaveth of● . 9. but have all ( for the most part ) x cryed christ , christ , and we are christians ; and attributed to themselves much freedom , ere ever the time of the appearing of christ , or the y anointing of the holy ghost was come to pass , or fulfilled with them , in the accomplishing of the old testament . 10. oh that they yet now awaked , z and took heed ( in the word of the service of love ) unto this gracious time ; and gave ear unto the same , that they might understand their safe making ; and so then be rightly , and according to the truth , brought to the true being ; that is , unto christ. 11. what we had here more to say of the foregoing service after the ordinance of aaron ▪ or of the foregoing before the true light , of the elders of the holy uunderstanding , of the levitical priesthood , of the sabbath day of the lord ; and of the treasures of the riches of god , is declared in the glass of righteousness . the xiv . chapter . now when as all these forementioned holy things were prepared , according to the commandment of the lord , so were there a men sent forth into the land of promise , for to spy out the same . 2. but when as now these were returned out of the same land , b certain reported unto the children of israel , that the battel ( wherewith the land was to be won ) was very tedious ; and that the land was invincible ; or that it was impossible to destroy the inhabitants : wherethrough the people became unbelieving of the promses of the lord , and dismayed in heart unto battel , and were afraid of their enemies , which they ( through the mighty hand of their god ) should have destroyed and rooted out : and they murmured against moses and his ministration . 3. howbeit iosue and caleb ( which had also spyed out the same land ) c brought good tydings ; namely , that they could well win the same good land , and destroy their enemies which dwelled therein . 4. but they were not harkned to or believed , because the people waxed d unbeliev●ng of the word of the lord , and his promises ; and unlustful to the battel : and e complained sore , that they remained not in egypt , to the end they might have died there . 5. and even so out of fear , and through unbelief and despair ( to win the battel against their enemies ) they wished f that they might dy in the wilderness : and that came to pass even so . 6. for all they that had murmured continually against the lord , and bin unbelieving and disobedient unto him , and the ministration and requiring of his word , came not into the good land : but g iosue and caleb , which cleaved with all their heart unto the lord , and believed , and were obedient unto his word , inherited the same . iosue signifieth unto us , a saviour : caleb , the inward heart or minde . 7. hereout we may perceive ( ye dearly beloved ) that the circumcision of the resisters or disobedient unto the word of the elders ( moses and aaron ) was ( through their unbelief and murmuring against the lord , and the ministers of his word , h become an uncircumcision ; and that there was also no i love of god ; but ( in all ) the love of themselves found among them . 8. whilst then they bowed not , nor inclined the ears of their heart unto the doctrine of the word , which was administred unto them by moses and aron : but after ( their own k good thinking ) were chusing this or that , or somthing else , even thus or even so ; so have they not known the truth , nor yet l understood the mysterie of the works of god ; for that cause also they were not made free of the truth● they entred not likewise into the holy of the true tabernacle of god : nor have inherited the inheritance which god had promised unto the seed of abraham . 9. the which giveth us to understand , that they are not abraham's seed m which bear only the circumcision on their flesh ; but they that are of his belief : for the believers n inherited the good land . 10. notwithstanding , the glory of god was not at that time erected in his fulness , nor the promises fulfilled which the lord had promised , to the salvation and o blessing of the heathen . 11. for ( in his time ) the lord would also visit the heathen , declare p his righteousness among them , and even so ( according to his promises ) make abraham a father of many heathen , which should not be of the circumcision of the flesh , but of q his faith . 12. but the murmurers and complainers ( which bare alwaies a care how it should go with themselves ; but thought very little on the glory of the lord , or on the magnifying of his holy name ) r fell all into the indignation of the lord ; and god shewed no compassion on them for their infidelity sake : and therefore they must then remain without the rest , s and dy in the wilderness . 13. but iosue ( a leader or guide of israel ) brought t the remnant of the people of israel unto iordan : which iordan opened or divided it self asunder before them , and so they went thorow the same , even unto the borders of the good land . iordan signifieth unto us , a river of iudgement : and it is the same river wherein iohn the baptist u afterward baptised . the xv. chapter . now when israel was come into the borders of the good land , then did iosue a circumcise again all the males . and the children of israel took in ( with forcible hand ) all the whole land . 2. and thus in process of time they b brought the people in sujection , and had many battels against their enemies ; until david the king , c of the tribe of iudah , which vanquished and subdued ( in battel ) the enemies of israel , and of the lord , with all his own enemies ; d wherethrough his son salomon inherited the kingdom of israel in peace , sate upon the seat of david his father : and ruled the whole land , and the people of israel ( through the godly wisdom ) peaceably , and judged them uprightly . 3. this david was exceedingly beloved of the lord ; in such wise , that the lord said e that he had found a man , according to his own heart . and the lord nameth him also ( in certain places of the scripture ) my f servant david : the which signifieth unto us , my service which is lovely , 4. behold , this righteous plant of david , hath the god of heaven raised up by us , now in the last time , g like as the lord promised the same , according to the scriptures : and hath ordained him ( in this day of his love ) to be a ruler , which shall govern wisely . he shall set up judgement and righteousness again upon earth , that iuda may now in this time be hopen ; and israel dwel undismayed , or without fear . for his h seed shall stand ( from henceforth ) before the lord ; and sit upon the seat of david for evermore ; like as there is written thereof . 5. behold , this covenant hath the lord made thus ( in times past ) with his servant david : i and sworn to keep the same with him for evermore . 6. but now when as salomon ( which is the right seed of his father david ) hath inheri●ed in peace , k the kingdom of israel , and the seat of david his father , so builded he at the same time , an house or temple ( within ierusalem ) unto the name of the lord l and also an house for himself , which was the house of salomon : and all lands and people humbled them under salomon , and his godly wisdom . 7. salomon signifieth unto us , peaceable , or one which is rich of peace : ierusalem signifieth unto us , a vision of peace , or of perf●ction . 8. o ye dearly beloved ; consider here the mysterie of the works of god , and the providence m of his unsearchable wisdom : and behold in the jmages and figures what they shew forth unto us . 9. verily , they will now ( in this day of love ) express some singular thing unto us ; and declare in this last time ( a great mysterie . for ( in this day ) they make known unto us , that it all ( which they signifie , or whereof they give their cleerness ) shall now in this n last time be erected , according to the true being ; and fulfilled o or accomplished , according to the heavenly truth . 10. but in all this former beauty , and in the garnishing of the images and figures ( wherewith the lord trained or informed he children of israel , that they might thereout know or understand the very true ; so served they ( at that time ) not the very true , which god required out of the imagelike or figurative services ; but they served the images and figures , and were subject to the service of the levitical priesthood , after the order of aaron . which service increased alwaies ( in glory ) to the multiplying and greater p respecting of the righteousness . 11. now after that salomon was fallen asleep , and buried with his fathers , so rented then the kingdom of the children of israel into two parts : q and ten tribes of israel fell away from the house of david , and chose unto themselves another king , named ieroboam ; which name signifieth unto us , an assaulting , or a tempting of the people . 12. through this king which reigned over the ten tribes of israel , they departed away from ierusalem , from the temple of salomon , and from the services of the priests , after the order of aaron and set up for themselves services and images r at beth-el and dan ; and so brought the holy places into desolation . they instituted priests also which were not of the tribe of levi ▪ out of aaron ; wherewith they observed the services falsly , and did that which displeased the lord ; and were for that cause ( at the last ) vanquished by the king salmanaser , s which came from assyria ; and by him led away out of the land , and are yet estranged from the same , even unto this same day ; in which the lord will presently bring them again to their heritage , t and to the house of david . 13. beth-el signifieth unto us the house of god ; and dan , the judgement . 〈◊〉 coming from assyria , signifieth unto u● , a peace bound or knit together , proceeding from the snares or sins which one ●ayeth to such a purpose , or wherewith 〈…〉 assaulted or tempted ; like as their first king u ieroboam had brought in the same . 14. what we had here more to say , of the children of israel ; of their disobedience against the lord , wherethrough they in times past remained without the rest ; of their uncircumcision , or which is the uncircumcision of heart ; of israel's casting out , and how long they shall abide cast out from the lord , as also when they shall be restored or set up again : is declared in the glas● of righteousness . the xvi . chapter . but the stock of david , and all what was of the tribe of iuda and benjamin , a kept themselves together , and held them unto the services of the priesthood out of levi , according to the ordinance of aaron like as the lord had commanded the same : which they observed at ierusalem in the house of the lord , prepared by salomon . 2. howbeit , the tribes of iuda and benjamin sinned against the lord , and estranged them even so through a confusion or commixture unto intanglement from his law , and from the requiring of the same , wherethrough the lord gave them over also ( at the last ) into the hands of the king nabuchodonosor , b coming from babel ; the which signifieth unto us , a sighing or heaviness through strictness ; proceeding from a confusion , or from a commixture , which hath intangled or snared it self in it self . 3. this nabuchodonosor of babel , c utterly destroyed the temple of the lord which salomon had builded , d and burned the same , and salomon's house also ; he brake down the wals of ierusalem , and carryed away all the vessels of silver and gold ( which were in the house of the lord ) and the most part of the citizens of ierusalem e into babylon . wherethrough the government of their king of iuda , with their psalms , songs , and mirth , was utterly laid down ; the house of the lord brought in desolation ▪ and the city of ierusalem ( as a ruinated city ) made to heaps of stones . whereover ieremy ( in his lamentations ) greatly sighed , f wayled , and wept . 4. now when the tribes of iuda were led away into babylon , so must they then ( for their sins or confusions cause , wherein they had mingled and bewrapped themselves together ) g serve there the king , nabuchodonosor . 5. but after that ( or after the end of the raign of king nabuchodonosor ) there raigned a king over them , which was not of babylon , named h darius , coming from media and persia. 6. darius signifieth unto us , seeking : or searching . media , one which hath abundance , persia , one which is parting , sep●rating one from another , or unsnaring . 7. under the might of this king darius , of media and persia , it was licenced the jews to build again the city of ierusalem , and the temple of the lord : whereof aggeus i and zacharias prophesied , and moved or exhorted the people thereunto . which building of the city of ierusalem , and of the temple of the lord. ezechiel doth also cleerly k describe or figure forth . 8. aggeus signifieth unto us , beautiful , or glorious : zacharias , the remembrance of the lord : ezechiel , one whch seaeth god , and also , a taking hold of god. 9. in this time of darius king of media and persia ( according to the prophesie of aggeus , zacharias , and ezechiel ) was l the city of ierusalem ( in all respects as she was before ) and the house of the lord , with the vessels of silver and gold , and all its ornaments ( like as salomon had builded and garnished the same ) set again each thing in its old place . all which was m builded and accomplished by zorababel , ( a prince in iuda of the house of david ) and by iosua , an high priest , of the tribe of aaron . 10. zorobabel signifieth unto us , one that hath not b●wrapped himself in the commixture , or that is without tangling . iosua signifieth unto us , a saviour . 11. from this time forth that ierusalem was inhabited again of the jews & the temple of the lord consecrated by the priests , n so was also ( like as moses had ordained the same and as there was witnessed and figured forth in the letter ) the law , and services of the priests and levites , very diligently observed . but all this came to pass under the might and dominion of the heathenish kings . 12. and the jews ( with their god-service ) obtained ( in process of time ) so wide room among the heathen , that certain of the o heathenish kings and people , esteemed the god-service of the jews to be a true god-service ; and they came unto ierusalem p to worship , and offer unto the highest god. and certain of the heathen did let themselves also be circumcised , and became proselytes , or fellow companions in religion , unto the jews . 13. in such sort was the law of moses , with the ordinance of the priests and prophets ( so much as the scripture mentioned thereof ) read daylie more and more with diligence and ferventness , for to observe ( according to the scripture ) in most perfect manner , all what moses had commanded . 14. through this same zeal or diligence , which was used hereunto ( wherethrough the figurative services were ( in most gorgeous manner ) furthered or required ; and ( for to be observed ) set forth before the people ) many people were therein captived , so that they q supposed that the figurative services were were the very self true god-services ; and that god was to be reconciled therewith ; and marked not god's counsel or will , because they respected not the cleerness of the very true being , whereof the images and figures gave r their shadows : wherethrough also they understood s not the mysterie of those same . for that cause they were yet bondmen , and servants of the lord , which were yet bound unto the same services ; and not ( as children of god ) t made free through the truth . 15. whilst now that they were yet servants , and not made free ( through the light of the truth ) so knew they not likewise the truth , nor the mind or will of their lord ; neither what the lord did , or would accomplish : for a servant knoweth not v what his lord hath in mind , neither what he will do or leave undone . 16. but unto his son ( z which sitteth with him upon his seat , and raigneth with him , in wisdom and righteousness ) y he openeth all the secret counsel of his heart . 17. these forementioned imagelike or figurative services , remained and stood a long time in their garnishing and great estimation : by which the lord had always a seed out of aaron , which went daily ( in the same services ) before the people , for to minister in the holy : and entered once in the year ( when the service had ended his course ) into the most holy : z and even so ( out of the most holy ) sanctified it all with the bloud of the testament , to the forgiving of their sins . 18. which services , witnessed and shewed unto them ( in figures , and in secret words or parables ) the very true and spiritual services , which should in the times to come be administred through the spiritual and heavenly goods , a in the face of the lord ; name●● 〈◊〉 the ●aked or uncovered clearness of christ in the spirit ; that is , in the inwardness of the believing men : and that the same spiritual and heavenly services , should then also in like manner be seen and known in all their cleerness ; and the promises of god the father ( in all blessing ) accomplished and fulfilled , according to the scripture . 19. hereout we have easily to perceive , who are the ministers of the services and scriptures ; who stand yet captived under the letter : and which are the right believers and disciples of christ , that as faithful servants of the lord , pass or wade through the servitude of the service and letter , and b obediently fulfil the same , and so become c born again to children of god. 20. what we had here more to say , of the right stock of iuda , or of the jews , or of their servitude under the law , of their freedom , of their to coming dominion , and whereto to the figurative services do serve , and when or wherein they cease , or with whom they have ended their service , as also with whom they are yet needful and necessary , is declared in the glass of righteousness . the xvii . chapter . this figurative service had in his state and ministration according to the ordinance of aaron ( as moses had commanded the same ) in all garnishing ( according as the scripture maketh mention ) the foregoing in frui●fulness , a until iohn the baptist. 2. for the genealogie of aaron the priest ( out of the seed of levi ) had his description ( from the procreating of the priesthood ) until zacharias and elisabeth his wife , of whom b iohn the baptist ( the true fore-goer ) was born : which declareth himself , not in figures , but in the c spirit and power of god and goeth before the face of god , for to bring ( in his service ) all things again into their right state or form . 3. according to the same manner , after the genealogie of the kingly seed , hath the kingly seed of david ( out of the tribe of iuda ) his procreation , till unto ioseph , and the virgin mary his wife ; d of whom iesus christ ( which is e the true king of the jews , the true seed of david after the flesh ; and after the spirit the true son of god and god's everlasting f light , li●e , and cleerness ▪ the true g spirit of the godly glory , and the lovely being of the uncovered face of god ) was born or brought forth : whereunto all foregoing services , with the images ▪ figures , and shadows , do induce and lead , and cease therein ; and h wherethrough the true god-service of the spiritual and heavenly goods , is nakedly seen known , ministred , and inherited in full cleerness . it is very true . 4. now when as these forementioned figurative services had had their foregoing till unto zacharias ( at which i time herod ( out of the power of rome ) was king over the lands of iuda ) so ministred zacharias the priest's office at the same time , according to the ordinance of k abia ; that is , in such wise as the father of the lord would have it , or as it pleased him . and zacharias had a wife of the daughters of aaron named elisabeth . 5. herod signifieth unto us , a mountain of glory . rome signifieth unto us , puissance or strength . ( these romans ( not being out of iuda , but out of the heathen ) were in the time of zacharias , lords over the land of iuda . ) zacharias signifieth unto us , the memory , or remembrance of the lord. abia , the will of the lord. elizabeth , the oath or covenant of god. 6. and when as now zacharias ministred the priest's office before god , according to the ordinance of abia , and that he burned incense in the temple of the lord ; so remembred the lord the oath or covenant of his promises ; and sent ( at the same time ) l his angel gabri●l 〈◊〉 zacharias , & evangelized unto him , that elisabeth his wife should bear him a son , and his name should be called iohn ; which name signifieth unto us ▪ the grace mercy of the lord. angel signifieth unto us , a messenger or publisher gabriel ( which published the same ) signifieth unto us the power or strength of god. 7. gabriel witnessed yet further to zacharias : unto thee , and unto many people , there shall be joy in the birth of iohn . m for he shall be great before the lord , &c. he shall go before the face of the lord , n in the spirit and power of elias ; which signifieth unto us , in the spirit and power of god the lord. 8. with these sayings , there is made known unto us by the angel gabriel , that the foregoing of iohn before the face of the lord , should not chance in figures ; but ( according to the true being ) in the spirit and power of god the lord : in like manner as zachariis also witnessed of iohn when he was born , read the first of luke . the xviii . chapter . now when the lord had out of the imagelike foregoing ( after the manner of aaron ) brought forth a true foregoer , in the spirit and power of god the lord ; or obtained him out of zacharias , and eilzabeth his wife : through whom he would begin his work or office , according to the true being ; so remembred he also his servant david [ or his beloved service ] and the oath , which he had sworn unto him : a to wit , that his seed should sit upon his seat , 2. whilest then the procreation of the seed of david ( according to the genealogie ) stretched even unto b ioseph ( which was the right stock of the kingly seed of david ) and that he had ( out of the same house of david ) a virgin to wife , named mary , which was betrothed unto him , so hath the lord ( according to his promises ) also visited the house of david , and c sent forth from him his angel gabriel ( into a city of galilee named nazareth ) unto the same virgin mary , which was espoused unto the man ioseph , of the house of david , as is abovesaid . 3. galilee signifieth unto us , a turning or winding about : nazareth signifieth , hallowed : mary , a doctress ; ioseph , one that is perfect , or an exalting or great esteeming of the perfection . 4. and gabriel went in unto mary : and when he had saluted her , he said unto her : thou hast found mercy with god d behold , thou shalt conceive in the womb ; and bear a son : and shall call his name , jesvs ; which name signifieth unto us , saviour . 5. this same ( saith gabriel ) shall be great , e & be called a son of the most highest : and god the lord shall give unto him the seat of his father david ; f and he shall be a king over the house of iacob for evermore , and of his kingdom there shall be none end . 6. when mary had heard these sayings of gabriel , g she askt him how the same should come to pass , forasmuch as she knew no man. 7. gabriel answered her , and said ; h the holy ghost shall come down from above , out of the height upon thee ; and the power of the most high shall shine about thee . therefore shall also that holy one which shall be born of thee , i be called the son of god. 8. and mary believ'd the word of the lord and became with childe by the holy ghost . and k rejoyced her in god , her salvation . 9. consider ( ye beloved ) how that there is shewed unto us and given us to understand , through the speeches of the angel gabriel which he used with mary , that at the same time ( when the holy ghost came ( through the power of the most high ) l upon the virgin mary , and procreated the true seed of promise ) the time ( of the procreating of the seed of abraham according to the flesh ) turned it self about ; to wit that the holy and true seed of abraham should not from thenceforth be conceived of the flesh , but of the holy ghost ( through the power of the most highest ) in the belief : and that the same should even so be born out of the true faith of abraham ; for the seed out of the faith of abraham , and out of the pure virgin mary , is the true m seed of promise , to the blessing of all generations of the earth . 10. and thus ( from that time forth ) the genealogie of the seed of abraham according to the flesh , cea●ed with the believers . for the upright children of the belief ( which had their descent out of the seed of the faith of abraham , and of the pure virgin mary , as also from the holy ghost ) were known n to be the true seed of abraham , because the same seed was the seed of the promise of god the father ; and was likewise in his mind according to the spirit , the likeness of god his father ; also spirit and spiritual , of the godly nature and being , and ( according to the will of god ) wholy minded with god. 11. at the same time when augustus the emperor of rome reigned and had made a stedfast peace in all lands whereover he ruled ; o so caused he a commandment to go forth from him , that all the world should be ●axed , every one in his own city , 12. in which time , ioseph and mary journeyed also unto the city of david , named beth-lehem ▪ that they might be taxed there , seing that they were of the same city of david : and even there in beth-lehem , p mary brought forth her first son. 13. augustus signifieth unto us , a great estimation or respecting of the thing that is glorious , holy , and increasing . beth-lehem , an house of bread. 14. at the same time when mary had brought forth her first son in beth-lehem , an angel q appeared unto the shepherds in the field , which published unto them , all that was chanced at beth-lehem , to a great joy that should come unto all people . and he said , this day is born unto you the preserver , which is christ the lord , in the city of david . 15. christus is a greek word , and is called in hebrew messias , and signifieth unto us , anointed , or the oyl of the holy ghost , wherein the perfect godhead dwelleth and resteth . r and he was circumcised the eight day , and named iesus ; that is , saviour ; like as the angel gabriel had said it before . 16. and this child jesus , born of the seed of david after the flesh , grew or increased , & became s strong in the spirit , and full of all wisdom ; for the mercy of god was in him 17. oh alas , how great contention and unprofitable disputations hath there been , concerning the conception of iesus in the womb of mary , and touching his birth ! but if they all which contended hereabout had known the power of god ; and that also the mysterie of the mind and works of god , had t bin given them to understand , so should they then verily not have contended thereabout ; neither yet many of them so grosly over-reached them in their judgment , which they have witnessed and judged of the conception and birth of iesus , or of his incarnation . 18. for which cause , to the end that all understandings might be satisfied , and much contention ended , we have ( out of the light of the heavenly truth ) nakedly declared ( according to the truth ) the conception of iesus , with his birth , as also many secret works of god. he that hath ears to hear , v let him hear : and to whom wisdom is given , let him comprehend understanding . 19. what we had here more to say , of the conception of iesus of the name iesus christ , of his birth , and of the eight day , is declared in the glass of righteousness , and in more other testimonies of our writings . the xix . chapter . now when the time was fulfilled , that god would ( according to his promises ) accomplish his work , to a good ending or fulfilling of all the services of the images , figures , and prophets ( which services have all their ministrations a till unto iohn the baptist , which is the true minister and foregoer , b before the true light or face of god , that cometh after iohn or his service , with the holy ghost ) so hath iohn ( c through the commandment of god ) had the foregoing in his service or office , to the true god-service in the spirit , and ( in all the coasts of iordan ) preached and taught the baptism of repentance , to d the forgiveness of sins ; to the end , that he might even so , in his service ( according to the word of the lord , spoken before by the prophets ) bring all things again into their right state or ordinance . e 2. at that time the people ( which feared god ) were informed and taught with other services , that were of greater force then the services of the images and figures . 3. thus hath iohn begun his office ; published the kingdom of the god of heavens f to be at hand : and baptised the people in iordan . with the water of repentance , 4 , iesus came also unto iordan , for to be baptised of iohn , g that all righteousness might be fulfilled through iohn and iesus , which also is called christ. 5. consider and respect well now in understanding ( ye dearly beloved ) how iohn ministred the office of his baptism : not that men should run forth with an handful of water , and perswade themselves , when they have the elementish water , that it is there with enough to be a christian. 6. o no the baptism of iohn is not in such sort : but he baptised them that confessed their sins , and where the water of repentance flowed ( inwardly ) in the heart . 7. behold , even thus [ namely ▪ in the confessing of the sins ] hath iohn h baptised the people ( with the water of repentance ) in iordan which signifieth unto us , a river of iudgement . 8. for unto such ( where the water of repentance flowed inwardly in the heart ) came the mercy or grace of the lord : and they were baptised or washed with the same water of repentance , in the river of judgment , to the knowledge of the salvation , and to the forgiving and purging of their sins . 9. and even so after that , came messias or christus [ that is , anoin●ed ] unto them to the sa●e-making of their souls : wherethrough they were i baptised with the living waters of the holy ghost , to the reedifying of the tabernacle of the living god [ namely , the generation of mankind ] wherein god himself ( with his glory ) would ( to a light of men ) k dwell , live , and walk , as an holy and true god , and everlasting life . 10. wherethrough the man becometh l rightly released from the hand of all his enemies ; and the comsummation or perfection erected by him : whereof god hath ( from the begining spoken ▪ through the mouth of all his holy prophets , till unto the day or light of iohn , 11. behold , were the man once baptised in suchwise , might then verilyboast him to be a christian , but not otherwise : for whosoever is not ( in his mind and spirit ) one spirit with christ , he m belongeth not unto him . 12. oh alas , how great contention and disputation hath therebin among many touching the baptism . the one would have the baptism thus , the other so : but whilst that it was yet n night with them , so hath no man been able , before this day of love ( which is the true light and the glory of god himself ) to understand nor distinct the baptism of iohn , nor the baptism of christ. 13. what we had here more to say , of iohn ; of his baptism ; and of the baptism of christ , is declared in the glass of righteousness . the xx chapter ▪ now when iohn had ( in baptising ) made himself manifest , so hath christ ( after the baptism of iohn made himself also manifest ; a & preached & taught , the kingdom of the god of heavens . but he taught , as b one that ( in his doctrine ) was mightier then the scripture learned after the law of moses . 2. for the people were taught ( through christ ) with other tongues , and through an other spirit ; for there was preached and taught c peace , and peace abundantly . 3. wherethrough the mysterie of the truth of god ( whereon moses in the law , the scripture , and the prophets did wittness ) was uncovered or made manifest ; d and it was with many great offence , to a fall ; and with many great joy , to restoring in israel . 4. but whilst now that the word of iesus had more efficacy and clearness then the services of the levites and priests according to the ordinance of aaron , e so have many people and devout men given ear unto the same iesus , and beleeved in him , and even so obtained iesus christ many disciples , which followed him in his word and doctrine . yet were there many of those same disciples which f fell away , and turned them from him and his doctrine , 5. in which time , there were also many that hoped the g kingdom of israel should have been restored , according to the promses of the prophets . 6. likewise there were many that were offended at his word and doctrine ; but chiefly h the scripture learned , which were th● expertest or learnendst in the scripture ; and seemed to be the holiestq. many of these could not away with him . 7 and although they were daylie converversant with him , and heard his word , which was the word of god his father it self , as also saw his wonderful signes which he did ; i yet believed they not , but were so much the more displeased with him . 8. hereout we may evidently understand ye dearly beloved , that the wisdom , the holy understanding , nor the holiness which god k regardeth , cometh not unto the disciples in the scripture learnedness , nor in the knowledge ; but unto the disciples in the obedience of the requi●ing of the word , as also of the light of life , and of the godly truth , whereunto our upright service of love , together with the scripture and the ceremonies which are administred out of the true light of our most holy service of love ) do point and lead . 9. whilst now that iesus christ himself is the very true holiness , and the l upright substance of god his father ( whereon we witness ) so gave he also in times past , like as presently , in his service such a cleerness from him , wherewith he sufficiently witnessed and manifested who m he was . 10. but forasmuch as the children of men were utterly n estranged from the substance of the being of god ( like as in this present day there are many estranged therefrom ) so have they not known him , according to his godly being ( like as he is a christ of god ) much le●s understood his word , which is the o spirit and life of his father . 11. although he spake or witnessed ( before the ears of men ) of the new birth p or renewing in the spirit , of the turning about q and to become as children of the kingdom of the god of heavens , of the bread s that cometh from heaven , of the t light of the world , of the u way , the truth , and of the x resurrection and the life ( all which he himself is ) yet was it all covered before their eys ( with the flesh of christ , whereat many scripture learned took offence ) and secret before the ears of their understanding ; yea , and it remained also all y covered or secret before his disciples ( although they were not offended at his flesh and word ) until that christ had fulfilled z or accomplished with them ( through his death of the cross his pass-over , and the true oblation & godservice , in the holy of the true tabernacle , and they had imitated him therein , a & that christ after the spirit , replenisht them out of his heavenly being with his holy ghost and so declared himself unto them according to the spiritual form of his heavenly being . b 12. behold , until that time remained c the vail ( which is d the flesh of christ ) before the most holy , so that they could not behold with the eyes of their inwardness , the most pure beauty of the heavenly being , [ namely , the naked cleerness of the most holy of the true tabernacle of god ) nor the perfect lovelyness of the everlasting life of jesus christ , nor yet understand the same according to the heavenly truth . 13. for although christ after the flesh witnessed much unto them of e spirit and life , yet was notwithstanding their heart ( so long as christ after the spirit was not declared unto them ) captived with the love of christ after the flesh , and they understood all things for the most part , according to an outward form or observation . 14. if now the right disciples of christ understood not the spiritual and heavenly truth of christ , before their passover with christ into the second birth ; how much less then understood they the truth of christ which were offended at his flesh , and at his word and doctrine , which also turned them away from him , and would not be his disciples . for verily , all they that were offended at his flesh , and at his doctrine and works ▪ and humbled not themselves obediently under his doctrine , nor yet assembled them unto him , understood nothing at all of the spiritual and heavenly testimonies of jesu christ , nor of the kingdom of the god of heavens ; and yet much less of the salvation of men : even like as also yet in this present time all unregenerated men ( which shew forth no upright fruits of repentance , nor become incorporated into christ after the flesh , with his like death , nor yet baptised in his death , for to become renewed in the second birth from the death of christ , through the holy spirit of jesu christ , in their spirit and mind ) understand not any thing at all thereof , neither yet of the spiritual and heavenly testimonies of the holy spirit of the love of jesu christ ; nor yet likewise of all that which the scripture speaketh of christ , of the coming of his glory , and of his judgement over the living and dead . and for that cause there are also now in the last time , so many which take offence at the appearing of the coming of jesu christ , or of the son of maa , and at the ministration of the word and doctrine of jesu christ after the flesh , as also contemn the requiring of the obedience of his service of love , and turn them away therefrom . the xxi . chapter . forasmuch now as that in times past , the cleerness of christ through the holy ghost , was yet unknown unto the upright and faithful disciples of iesus christ , whilst that they knew him not otherwise but after the flesh [ namely , how or in what godly and heavenly cleerness , that iesus christ is the a only begotten son of the most highest ; the b very like being or substance of god his father ; the c way , the truth , and the life ; the d light of the world , the e dore of the sheep ; the f right vine , the g living bread of heaven , the h resurrection from the death , and the i new heavenly man. ] so was it therefore needful that christ should keep the pascha or pass-over with them ; which is called in hebrew k phase ; the which signifieth , the true pass-over , which the right disciples and believers of iesu christ do pass or go through in the following of christ after the flesh : and it is the true oblation or godservice in the holy , to the remission and purging of sins . which phase ( as in a figure of the very true ) had been observed by the jews in his figurative service , even until the same time . 2. for that cause the lord iesus caused the same to be prepared him , for to keep the pass-over or pascha ( with his disciples ) in the true being ; and l told them before of his suffering and pass-over ; and that they must also do the like , if they would come to his cleerness ( in the heavenly being ) with his father . 3. therefore he gave them to understand , in what manner his pass-over should be , to wit , that he ( namely , christ after the flesh ) m should be slain , and even so fulfil , perform , or accomplish ( according to the true being ) the true godservice ( with the gift or offering of his flesh ) in the holy [ namely , on the true altar of the holy offering ; which is his cross , whereon he died in the belief ] whereof the services ( after the manner of the levitical priests office out of aaron ) in the holy , were figures , and became even so fulfilled in the pass-over of iesu christ. 4. herewith christ shewed unto his disciples , how or in what manner his flesh must be offered and given over to a life of men ; and n that they all even so , which ( in the belief of the safe-making from their sins ) ate his flesh , and followed after him even into the second o birth , should have the p life in fulness , in all godly cleerness , according to the spirit . 5. now when he had set forth all this before them [ namely , that the father would glorifie his son christ , q with the same cleerness which he had with the father , ere ever the foundation of the world was laid : and that they should also r drink the cup of his passover with him ] so began he then his passover with them , & gave them s the bread ( the which came from heaven , and was his true flesh out of the seed of d●vid ) to eat : and gave them likewise after that to drink ; out of the cup , which is his passion ; his true blood ▪ which is his holy life of the new testament . 6. thus have they eaten his flesh , & drunk his blood ( which was given over for many ) to a t memorial , in what sort the death and suffering , or the passover of the lord jesu christ is , till unto his renewing of the life ; to the intent that they all which believed in him , should follow him therein , and have the life of his godly being , in fulness , and that their joy might be perfect . 7. behold , this is the true pascha , or supper of the lord jesu christ , which he wil that we all ( like as his disciples have kept the same with jesus christ after the flesh ) shall also keep in such wise with him after the flesh , eat his flesh , drink of his blood , and and go thorow his passover with him . 8. for even so kept the disciples of christ the pascha with him , or the supper of his passover ; namely , that christ after the flesh although he had given them his body to eat , and his blood to drink ) suffered among them the death of the cross , and was buried : and they knew not of his declaring after the spirit , until that he was made alive again by his father , and appeared unto them in godly cleerness . 9. even thus is christ ( in his passover ) gone before his disciples and believers , to the end that they all should also in such sort ( with his body and blood which they had eaten , or taken into them ; x follow after him in the same passover , remember y and confess his passion , ●uf●ering or death ; and become even so implanted with like death into him , or z baptised in his death ; until that they with the body and blood of christ ( which they had taken ●nto them ) were passed or gone thorow the same passover , till unto the second a birth of the making alive with christ , in godly cleerness according to the spirit . 10. behold , this is the right passover with christ , or the rigth supper which the upright believers and disciples of christ keep with christ : to wit , that they depart ●ven so with christ , b out of the flesh , into ●he spirit ; and out of the death or mortality , c ● into the eternal life of everlasting immorta●ity ; wherethrough the sin and all destruction becometh vanquished . d 11. what we had here more to say of t●e doctrine of christ , of his disciples , and of what sort they are ; is declared in the glass ●f righteousness . the xxii . chapter . now when iesus christ was found faithful in the death of his cross , till ●nto his burial ( to a true passover out of ●he flesh , into the making alive , according ●o the spirit ) and was also through the power of god his father , raised up from the death , and made alive again ; and that he hath a shewed himself ( in his making alive ) unto his disciples , for that they should stedfastly believe : so was he then wholy b taken up from the eys of their flesh , and he set himself according to the spirit , at the right hand of god his father , in the heavenly being : and entred even so , as the true high priest ( when as the service had perfectly ended his course ( according to the true being ) in the holy ) into the most holy . c 2. his disciples therefore were mindful of all this , and what he had said unto them ; and remained d within ierusalem , waiting concordably ( with supplication and prayer ) for the promises of the father , until that christ after the spirit e appeared unto them out of the heavenly being ( the most holy ) in the holy , in spiritual and heavenly powers , like as he ( after the spirit , and according to the truth of the heavenly godhead ) is an everlasting and true christ of god. 3. but when as now the time was come about that christ declared his glory , and the office of his high priesthood ( according to the spirit ) unto his disciples , so f sprinkled he by them , the holy of the true tabernacle of god his father , with his blood ( which is the true testament ) to an everlasting remissiom of the sins of his people ( even like as the former described pattern doth also ( in the figurative services ) shew forth the same unto us . ) and this is his holy spirit that he g poured forth upon his disciples , to an everlasting stedfast jerusalem ( h descending from heaven ) which is not prepared of men , but of god himself . 4. behold , these disciples of christ , in as much as that they had followed christ i in the death of his cross , and were ( in the s●cond birth or in the renewing of their mind ) filled with the holy ghost , have thus understood k the truth of christ , and rightly known christ ( like as he is a true christ of god ) in the spirit , and according to the spirit . 5. but when as now christ ( with his holy spirit , and with full cleerness of god his father ) had gotten a living shape in his disciples , then published they the same wonderful works of god ( which they had seen and heard , and which were become known unto them through the power of the holy ghost ) in ierusalem , l and witnessed that the same should also so come to pass in the last days . 7. consider , ye dearly beloved , how that the disciples of christ ( which were daily conversant with christ after the flesh , which also heard his word , and with whom christ spake much of the mysterie of the kingdom of god , and of his cleerness which he had with his father ) could not understand the naked cleerness of god , nor christ in his true being ( like as he is a true m light , and the n very true substance of god his father ) nor yet ( by any manner means of their knowledge ) o comprehend , behold , nor inherit any beauty of the heavenly goods ; and how ●hat it all remained covered before them until they had kept the passover with christ ( namely , in his death , burial , and resurrection , until that he ascended from them into heaven , and that christ had made manifest himself ( in glory ) unto them ( in a spiritual cleerness ) out of heaven , ( from the right hand of god his father ) with the p pouring forth of his holy ghost abundantly . the xxiii chapter . behold , in the same day of the pouring forth of the holy spirit of christ ( which was shed forth into them , as a flood of living waters , out a of the heavenly powers ) they rightly knew christ in the spirit , even as he after the spirit , is a true christ of god : and understood his services and ceremonies according to the truth ; and they had even so ( through the same spirit ) their b fellowship with god the father , and the lord jesus christ , in the heavenly being : whereout they brought forth and published the counsel , mind , and will of god , and the treasures of the spiritual and heavenly goods , to the salvation and joy of all men , and to the inheriting of those same , unto them which c believed in christ , and held the passover or supper rightly with him . for otherwise it could not come to pass . 2. therefore no man knoweth christ , nor d the father , nor yet the upright services or ceremonies of christ , for to minister those same according to the truth , but such as are even so e renewed or born again through christ ( as we have declared ) in their spirit and mind ; neither yet doth it become any other to set forth any services or ceremonies of christ , nor to ordain any unto priests or ministers of the word nor to preach or publish the evangelie , but such , or they that are f sent of christ himself ; for otherwise it is all false . 3. ceremonies signifie unto us , services , which have mysteries or secrets in them . evangelie signifieth unto us , a joyful message , which is published ( through g the power of god , and operation of the holy ghost ) out of the heavenly truth . 4. hereout have we a great mysterie to consider of , and also to note , how that many false christians ( or such as falsly make their boast of christ ) are risen up before this h day of christ , or to have set them against the same : and how that many ( through the knowledge which they have taken on unto them out of the letter of the scripture ) busie them to set forth the knowledge of christ and his ceremonies , which are not sent of christ , but are yet utterly estranged from him ; much less then have kept the pascha or passover of his supper , like as the disciples of christ held the same with christ. 5. for i say unto you truly , whilst that the disciples of christ which had their conversation in times past with christ after the flesh , and spake mouth to mouth with him ; have not in their knowledge understood or inherited the cleerness of christ ( although the i mysterie of the kingdom of god , was brought and given unto them to understand , neither yet could understand or inherit the same , before that the fiftieth day ( after the passover of christ ) was fulfilled , that the heaven was opened before them , and that the holy ghost was k shed forth upon them ; so shall not likewise presently ( which thing i testfiie unto you for certain ) the scripture learned , nor yet any conceited disciples of christ ( which have not kept or passed thorow with christ after the flesh , the passover from l death into life , and from flesh into spirit ; nor in the following of christ , attained ( through the powers of the holy ghost ) unto the m cleerness of christ ) understand the n cleerness of the word of christ , out of the knowledge of the letter of the scripture ; nor out of the imagination of their knowledge touching the spiritual and heavenly things , much less receive or inherit his godly being of love ; neither yet also set forth , teach or minister his ceremonies and services , according to the truth , nor publish the true evangelie of christ out of the light of life . 6. forasmuch then as that the scripture-learned , and wise of the world ( which in times past believed not the word of christ ) neither yet they all which turned them away from the doctrine of christ , and from his ministers , and made up themselves thereagainst , have never known the very true of the heavenly o truth of christ , nor attained unto , or gotten ( without the passover with christ ) the p cleerness of his holy spirit ; so give i you then ( ye good willing hearts ) to consider and judge what testimonies of the truth that the scripture learned , and the wise of the world can presently give forth , which believe not the love of christ , but resist the same with their disobedient knowledge : and what counsel they can hold and decree , and after what righteousness they can go forth , which concordably agreeth with the counsel of god , with the true righ●eousness and single minded doctrine of jesu christ , with his true services and ceremonies , and with the godly wisdom and the requiring of the love of jesu christ ; seeing that the same is all unpossible for them to do . 7. for if they turn them not about to the childish single mindedness ; nor come even so with humble hearts unto q this stool of grace , whereof we witness , nor to the obedience of the requiring of the same ( to wit , that they be not assembled obediently according to the requiring of the service of love , unto r the communalty of the love of jesu christ , but turn them away from the same , and harden their hearts thereagainst ) so shall they not understand the truth of jesu christ , nor his right service of love , nor the counsel or will of god , nor yet obtain or inherit , neither presently nor for ever , the true spiritual and heavenly goods , but perish in much contention , and in their hardness of heart , and unclean consciences , be estranged from the s face of christ , dy t in their sins , and be u condemned with the ungodly , which will not believe nor obey god's truth , nor yet the love of christ , in the fire of hell , and be constrained to bear the curse of the ungodly ; also bide separated from the cleerness of the upright and vertuous being of god and christ : and not behold the amiable face of god in righteousness . 8. let every one take it effectually to heart , for it shall all in his time come to pass , and be found even so ; whether it be now believed or no. 9. for i say unto you verily , the sun of this same day ( shall not go down , or leave off to shin , before all this come to pass , and that the world be judged ( through the judgment of christ ) x with righteousness , according to the scripture . the xxiiii . chapter . now when the holy of the true tabernacle , with his services ( according to the true being ) was heretofore ( as is abovesaid ) builded among the disciples of christ ; and erected in his declaring and righteousness : and that the services of the same holy [ namely , the trespass offering , sin offering , and death offering ] were all likewise fulfilled with them ; so became then also with the disciples of christ , the va●le ( that was before the most holy ) a removed from the most holy , and the b middle wall ( which was betwixt them and god ) taken away : and even so , in the true righteousness , became the clearness and friendliness of the uncovered face of god and christ made manifest among them ; and the fulness of the spiritual and heavenly goods brought unto them . 2. for even out of the heavenly cleerness , there was ( in the upright being of christ ) uncovered among them the mercy seat of the true tabernacle of god c in the most holy ; namely , in the heavenly being : wherein god would ( through his christ ) gather together his holy ones ( so many as followed after christ in the holy , and held the passover or pascha with him , like as his disciples had ( in the eating of his flesh , and drinking of his blood ) holden or gone thorow the same with him ) for to make manifest now likewise at the very last [ namely , in this last time ] with us little ones and god's elect , that same most holy of the true tabernacle of god , with the glory of christ & his holy ones ( as the most perfect ) to an d everlasting rest and peace for his holy ones upon the earth , and to bring unto us in ful cleerness ) the communion of his love ; * to the end that now even so at the very last [ namely , how in this day of the love of god the father , wherein god declareth and bringeth unto us his holy goods e and spiritual riches ] his true tabernacle should ( in all perfection ) be everlasting upon earth , f to a dwelling , honour , and glory for him ( the supream god ) and to an everlasting blessing , joy , g and salvation , for all men which assemble them thereunto ) according to the promises . for so it hath pleased god , to the end that his will and the judgment of his righteousness , might be h done and executed on earth , as in heaven . 3. behold , in suchwise is god glorified in his holy ones ; and christ wonderful in his believers . let every one have a good regard thereon . i 4. in all these wonderful works of god , and also in the images and figures , which are figured forth unto us in the scripture , we can well make and understand ( ye dearly beloved ) how that the tabernacle of god and his service , k was prepared ( by moses and aaron ) in images , figures , and shadows , and how that the unilluminated people have bin served therewithall , till unto christ , the true light of life . and also how that god's elect and illuminated holy ones ( which are obediently gone thorow the passover of christ , with christ after the flesh ) and even so being departed out of the imagelike , and out of the fulfilling of his requiring are entred into the true being of christ , are served with the spiritual and heavenly goods , and with the living word of truth , in the upright being of the love of jesus christ 5. for that cause , consider now in this day on the wonderful works of god , how that god ( after the departure l out of the heathenship ) prepared the forefront of his true tabernacle ( which is the fear of god ) with the fathers of israel ( through the promses ) m in his covenant of circumcision . 6. but the holy ( which is the belief of iesu christ ) hath he prepared n in the death or ●uffering of christ , and in the baptism or washing in the same death ; namely , with the disciples of christ , which were of the belief of abraham , and the upright believers of christ , and passed over with christ o out of the flesh into the spirit through faith ; the which is the true pascha that we ought to keep with christ , to a testimony that we believe uprightly in him . 7. for the belief is the true holy , wherein christ ( to the vanquishing of sin ) is p gon before us in the pass over of his suffering and death ; q and hath prepared us the boldness , for to follow after him therein , to a new and living way , through the vail that is through his flesh ; to the end that we should in the true holy ( wherein christ ( if we enter into the same with him ) r beareth our sins , and taketh them clean a way from us ) become s implanted into christ , with the like death of christ. for even so ( through the t oblation of christ , and his death of the cross , and to follow after him therein , in the holy ) we obtain the everlasting remission and purging of the sins , and the making alive or v resurrection from the death in iesus christ ; as also the eternal life , with all holiness and righteous : and inherit even so the true spiritual and heavenly goods , with christ in the heavenly being , the xxv chapter . behold , this way to the everlasting life and heavenly being in the pass over of christ ( wherein christ with his disciples hath gone before us in a the holy ) is now likewise in this day of the coming of christ , declared unto us ( like as unto the people in time past ) for that we should now also with christ , [ namely ▪ when we have received b into us the body and blood of iesus christ ] enter into the same way , keep his supper or pass over with him ( like as he hath kept the same with his disciples ) and even so accomplish the true oblation or god-service in the holy ; namely , to lay of● , to mortifie , and to bury the flesh , and all what is fleshly and wicked of nature , either perverse , or hath an earthly and fleshly or wicked and perverse mind , c in the death of christ , or to pass thorow the same in such sort , and to rise again from the death , and be d made alive with christ ( in the e renewing of our mind ) in the upright spiritual being of christ ; to the intent that it might even so now all be accomplished in us ( through christ ) whatsoever is f written of christ , and of all them that love him . 2. if we now follow after christ in such wise ( according to the word of his doctrine ) in the holy , so shall we then certainely in his doctrine , know g the truth of christ , also evidently understand , that the same imitation of christ in the holy , will lead or bring us to the accomplishing of the holy h offering of christ and his disciples , to the perfect light or glorious day of the love , and to the service of perfection , which is administred with the spiritual and heavenly goods , out of the most holy of the true tabernacle of god. 3. in which day of perfect light , we behold ( with naked cleerness ) the most holy ( which god hath brought now i in the last time ( with all his glorious garnishing ) unto us little ones and god his elect , erected the same with us , and herited us wonderfully therein ) in his perfect k beauty and loveliness ; and live even so therein , as true holy ones of god , and believers of christ. 4. for behold , this same most holy of the true tabernacle of god , doth god now bring unto us , with himself , with his christ , l and with all the thousands of his saints , in godly triumph , to a righteous judgement upon earth , like as there is written thereof , according to the promises . 5. consider now ( ye dearly beloved ) how or in what manner that god now in the last time bringeth and setteth up the m perfection of his kingdom , with us little ones and god's elect : how that our testimony and publishing of the joyful message , is of the same kingdom : and in what manner all the services and prophecies ( which are gone out from god , and added unto his promises ) do lead hereunto , and rest or cease therein ; namely , in n the renewing of the spirit and mind , in iesu christ , through the holy spirit of his love . 9. the which we likewise ( through the arm of our saviour ) do even so set forth and express in cleerness before every one which heareth us , or whom god stirreth into our way ; namely , that the perfection is no earthly or fleshly thing , nor any fleshly dealing or liberty , but the perfect power of god , and the glory of christ in his coming . 7. which coming of christ , is now declared unto us , that we might through the same , be seperated ( in our spirit ) from the death of sin ; implanted into christ with his like , death and so o raised up out of the death of christ , and made alive according to the very likeness of god ( in the power of his holy ghost ) p in upright righteousness and holiness , to q coheires with christ , in the treasures of the spiritual and heavenly goods ; to the intent that we should even so ( not according to the flesh , or in the uncircumcision , but according to the spirit , or in the laying away of the foreskin of the sinful flesh ) live and tryumph in the heavenly being with christ and all his saints ( which presently meet us , in all perfection of the works of god , in this day of love , with christian r tryumph ) everlastingly in all love ▪ according to the promises . 8. behold , such is the perfect kingdom of god , and his most holy service , come unto us from god's grace : and that same is the very true whereof we witness ; and which we publish ( to an evangelie of the glorious kingdom of christ ) s in all the world , under the obedience of the love of jesu christ. for that same very true with his perfect beauty , love , and righteousness , hath the god of heaven ( out of the fulness of his grace ) declared and brought unto us ; and erected the same with us , now t at the last time ( in the time of the last divided kingdom of babel ) to an u everlasting peaceable kingdom for his holy ones , according to his promises . 10. and the upright righteousness of the same , and the true x holy ghost , which is poured out therein with perfect love , and floweth abundantly therein , is the true most holy of the everlasting ▪ being of god , whereout our upright service of the love is administred , and whereunto all services and prophesies ( which are gone out from god and his truth ) do lead , as to the right and very true perfection : and that same perfect good , and his most holy service of love , shall bide for ever ( with full declaration of the y very true perfection ) in his service ; to the end that the same most holy perfect good , might ( from henceforth for evermore ) be declared upon the earth ; and all peaceable ones , with all they that love the peace in jesu christ , z a●sembled thereunto , according to the promises . 11. oh alas , how grosly have certain over-reached them , which have ( out of the imagination of their knowledge , or out of the riches of their spirit ) taken on , set forth , and taught the perfection according to the flesh , and applied the freedom of the children of god , on the elementish man , looked into the same according to a fleshly mind , and bound or knit fast themselves thereon , with a certain use a of fleshly dealing ? 12. but verily , whilst that they were risen up before b this day of the coming of jesu christ ( or ever the sun of righteousness arose unto them in their stedfast obedience unto the requiring of jesu christ ) and inclined out of their knowledge after the flesh , unto the freedom according to the flesh ; so have they likewise taken the same freedom unto them , according to the supposel or goodthinking of their elementish manhood ; and missed the true c light of righteousness ; as also not known the d truth of god , which maketh free , much less then understood the same . no● there shall not any one know or understand the same ( neither presently , nor for e ever ) which is turned unto himself or his elementish manhood ; and so taketh on any thing out of his knowledge or mind of the flesh , be it then what it is , wherewithal he turneth him away from the obedience of the requiring of the service of the love of jesu christ. 13. for i say unto you verily , that no man cometh through his knowledge unto the truth of god , nor unto the true light of life , but only he which through the belief in jesu christ , forsaketh himself in the obedience of the requiring of the gracious word of the lord , and his service of love ; and so bideth stedfast therein , till unto the g appointed time of the father . that is , until that christ after the spirit ( which is the living truth of god , and the true light of life it self ) be come unto him , and have his h shape ( as an upright being full of all love ) in him . 14. therefore ought every one to look wel unto it , that he run not fo●th according to his mind or knowledge , nor according to the goodthinking of his own spirit , before the time ( wherein the very true is appointed to be inherited ) neither respect , give ear unto , nor believe any manner of knowledge which riseth up in his own heart , much less which is held forth before him by others , against us , and our ministration of the most holy service of love or wherewith he is assaulted or tempted . but that he alwaies in his assaulting or temptation , i humble him ( with k singleness of heart ) unto the l obedience of the requiring of the gracious word and his service of love : and even so hear and believe the same sure prophetical word , in his service , and m take heed thereunto [ seeing that now in the last time , the true love and the upright being of christ , is administred and taught thereout ] until that the true light of the same word and service , and the perfect being of god the father and christ , come unto him , and arise in h●s heart , in the perfect n glory and power of god and of the holy ghost , that he may live everlastingly with god and his christ , in all love . o yea , that come to pass even so . 20. what we had here more to say of the supper and following of christ , of the holy and of his true service or oblation , and of the altar in the holy , and of the vayl before the most holy , is declared in the glass of righteousness . the xxvi chapter . now when this true being of the holy of the true tabernacle of god , whereof we witness , was declared , come and prepared ( in his true service ) with the disciples of christ and ministred in the belief , so were then the foregoing services ( which were the images , figures , and a shadows of that same ) no longer fruitful with them : they ceased also among them , with their services : and the true being of the promises ( whereon ( as on the seed of the blessing ) the foregoing services pointed , b and led threunto ) was at the same time ( to the c blessing of all generations of the earth ) d published by the same illuminated disciples of christ ( as the true seed of abraham ) in all the lands of iuda , according to the promises . 2. there was also testified by them , that the righteousness of life was to be obtained in e the death of iesus christ , through f faith , and not through the works of the law . and that the law of moses , and the services of the priest hood of aaron , g ceased , and had ended their service with them , in the same service of christ of the very true testament . 3. hereon we ought advisedly to consider ( ye dearly beloved ) for to understand according to the truth , in what manner the law of moses , and the foregoing services of the priesthood ( after the ordinance of aaron ) ceased with the disciples of christ. 4. not verily , through the bringing in or setting up of any other services or ceremonies : nor yet through the knowing of a greater and truer righteousness ; and that one should even so pass forth therewith , unregenerated or unrenewed in the spirit and minde , and so forsake the foregoing ministration and ordinance , wherewith the righteousness is required . o no , that is far wide ; and whosoever supposeth that , he misseth the truth very fa● . 5. for the law of moses , the images , figures , and shadows , with the priests office , after the manner of aaron ( which are all fulfilled and cease in christ ) minister unto us out of the true light , an higher and perfecter cleerness ; namely , h the perfect being , and the renewing of i the heart and spirit : to wit , to be purged for a tabernacle or house of the living god , k wherein god with his christ , dwelleth , liveth , and resteth : wherein it becometh then all fulfilled ; and the costly treasure of the heavenly and spiritual goods , brought unto men , and from thence doth it flow forth again , l as waters of life . 9. behold , even thus , or to this end , had the old testament ended his service with the disciples of christ. and in such a state ( as being m replenished with the fulness of the holy spirit of christ ) have the former services ceased with them , inasmuch as they had accomplished the requiring of those same in jesu christ. 7. and verily , not through other services , nor through the knowing of any thing better , truer , or perfecter , like as many conceited christians suppose , and n say out of the blindness of their hearts , that the services of the old testament ( after the law of moses , and ordinance of aaron ) are all ended : and that they therefore have now the services of the new testament , and know the new or the best and the true : and run forth even so therewithal , not once distincting , that the fulfilling of the foregoing services which require the very true , doth not come to pass in the knowledge of the very true : nor yet that the services of the new testament , which follow or depend on the accomplishing of the foregoing are services of spiritual and heavenly goods , and bring a o power of god , in the spirit , to the declaring of the seat of god and christ , in the heavenly being . 8. therefore let us have a regard , how and wherein the changing and renewing of the services came to pass : and how that the changing and renewing of the same services , shall not now also in the last time come otherwise to pass ( then as is abovesaid , and as we have witnessed ) p according to the scripture . therefore consider well . 9. when now the law of moses ( which is literal , and ( for the sins cause ) wrought q the death ) had ministred her office , till unto the death of the sin , r in the death of jesu christ , then had the law ( which in her service , required the righteousness , with writings and ordinances , and with correction and doctrine , and was likewise in her service , deadly over the sin ) served out her office , with the disciples of christ : and even so at the end or fulfilling of the requiring of the same law [ namely , in the death or end of the sin ] the true spiritual law , or heavenly ordinance ( s which made them alive in jesu christ ) came unto them : wherethrough the foregoing service of the law , was fulfilled and ceased with them . 10. behold , when as now the law of moses was in such wise ( as is said ) fulfilled or accomplished , and had no longer service with the death of the sin , and with the believers of christ , which through the law were dead unto the law ; but the spirit of christ , which made the deceased believers of christ alive again in righteousness , out s of the death of christ ; so had then also the priesthood in his images , figures , and shadows , after the manner of aaron , no more ministration with the living in iesu christ , neither yet gave it any cleerness more with them , because the heavenly cleerness of christ , and his upright being of love ( wherein the disciples of christ were comprehended ) excelled far away all t cleerness of the figurative services . 11. for that cause the priesthood of aaron changed also with the disciples of christ , and ceased by them ; v for with them there was a spiritual heavenly priesthood appeared , in upright righteousness : and even so was the same with his service , established on christ after the spirit ( the true light ) x which is an high priest that bideth for ever , at the right hand of god in the heavenly being : whose service of the spiritual and heavenly ministration , cometh not to pass in the letter ; nor in the figures : but in the very true being . 12. behold , even so was christ after the spirit ( in his office or service ) y a minister of the very true and heavenly goods , among his disciples and believers : and hath ( z when he had taken in the heaven ) multiplied himself ( through his seed of the holy ghost ) out of the heavenly being , to the increasing of his generation ( the upright seed of abraham ) according to the promises . and even so became christ fruitful upon earth , a in many thousands of his saints , all which he ( through his death ) made free b or justified from the sin , and made them alive through his holy ghost , taking them up from the earth , and assembling them unto him at the right hand of god his father , c in the heavenly being . 13. lo , in such wise ceased the law of moses , and the services of the priesthood after the manner of aaron , with the disciples of christ : and have in such sort changed them , and verily not otherwise . 14. but this grace which appeared through christ , and this everlasting life ( to the joy and triumph of christ ) d was spread abroad in all the lands & generations of the heathen . and all those that believed on jesu christ , kept the pascha with him ; ate his body , and drank his blood ; they e became one body and blood with christ ; which were also all , children of the promises with christ , f and coheirs in the secret treasures of the heavenly goods , and in the g resurrection of the righteous : and were even so all , the right children of the new testament . the xxvii chapter . in all this same ( even as we have before said ) the scripture giveth us to understand , who , or which they be , that inherit with christ the heaven , a and the eternal life , and have a portion with b him in the resurrection ; namely , they , which belong unto him , or are c incorporated into him . 2. for the firstling which riseth ( of them that sleep ) d is christ , after that , they which belong unto christ : which make them manifest , in the time of the e coming of christ in his majesty . for otherwise it cannot come to pass . 3. but they which belong not unto christ [ namely , which are not incorporated into him , nor f baptised in his death ; neither yet buryed with him , nor kept the g supper ( in his pass over ) with him ] have no portion with christ , in the resurrection , nor in the eternal life , according to the scripture . for they which are in him , and in whom he is glorified , those are one h body with him , and are like as he is : for that cause i they belong also unto him , and are always and for ever where k he is , in the secretness of the kingdom of the god of heavens . 4 , for this is the will of christ , that all his members should inherit l the kingdom of the god of heavens ( the most pure beauty ) with him ; and so live with him everlastingly , according to the scripture . 5. behold over those which in times past followed christ with perfect hearts , and have ●ven so a part or portion with christ , in m the first resurrection , hath the second death which is come ▪ and beareth dominion over the world , & all unbelievers ) no power ; for they are entred n through the death of christ , into the everlasting life . and therefore they shal both now and for evermore ( as upright christians and priests of god ) o reigne with christ according to the scripture . 6. consider , at the same time when christ ( the everlasting life ) was p fruitful upon the earth ( to a q light of men ) through the belief , then was it known that the belief is the free woman , and the true testament , whereout the free children & heirs r of the riches , & of the secret heavenly wisdoms of god , are born . 7. for that cause , o ye dearly beloved ( ye all which love the truth , and s hear this day my voice ) let my sayings enter into the ears of your hearts ; and become understanding in the mysterie of the heavenly and spiritual works of god , according to the spirit : as also in his outward works , according to the flesh . 8. for behold , in the time when the living souls of christ ( where through the holy ghost ) brought forth t upon earth , so was then the belief with the service of the word of the holy ones of christ , the fruitful wife , of whom the living souls of christ were born : but christ ( the light of life ) was the husband the lord , or the head of the same wif● ; which out of the power of god , v poured his x holy spirit ( which is the seed of the increase of christ , to the procreating of his spiritual children ) into her . and even so were all those which were born thereof , the upright children of god , according to the promises . 9. what we had here more to say , of the law , and of her service , of the office of christ through his holy ones , or of the procreation of the light and life through the service of the word , of the procreation of the children of god ( and who they are , as also who are not the same ) of the establishing of the true testament , through the blood of iesus christ , of the true resurrection , and of the second death , is declared in the glass of righteousness . the xxviii chapter . whilst now the children of men cleaved unto the upright faith of abraham ( which was of one being with the true light of life ) or grounded themselves therein ; and even so obediently respected the service of the belief ( administred out of the true light , which is christ himself ) in his requiring : exercised them therein , & only gave ear & had regard unto the a ministers of the holy word , which had kept the passover with christ , out of flesh , into spirit , and out of death into life : and b were even implanted into christ ; and c codeified with god : and also ( being obedient unto the word in his requiring ) bid stedfast therein , until that they had also kept the pass over with christ , & obtained d the renewing of their spirit & mind , in iesu christ ( the which is the upright supper or pascha , e wherein men rightly eat the body of christ , drink his blood ; are partakers of his sufferings , and f baptised in his death , unto his burying : and even so remember the suffering of christ , and g witness or publish his death , till unto his coming ; that is , until the true light arise h in the heart ) so were they made safe , i justified from their sins , renewed k in the spirit of their mind , & sanctified in christ , l to fellow members of his body , and to m coheirs in the riches of god his father , in the everlasting life . 2. so long now as that all this did flourish or bear sway ( in his upright state ) with the children of men , so was christ ( in his belief , and through his belief ) also daylie fruitful n to many multitudes of his holy ones , which assembled them all ( through the service of the holy word ) unto christ , and became o one body with him , like as we have also before said . 3. behold , with this same christ , and all his holy ones ( which are the true members of his body ) will god now in this day ( which he himself hath appointed or ordained ) p judge the earth with righteousness , according to the scripture . 4. but when as now many of the children of men q fell away from the belief of the true light and life , or turned them therefrom , clave unto , or followed their r good thinking ( according to the imagination of their knowledge ) and the earthly ingenious wisdom of the flesh : and that they s boasted them to be christians , and many gave forth themselves t for preachers of christ , ere ever they were baptised in the death of christ and anointed by christ with his holy spirit : and that likewise the unilluminated inclined their hearts , with the ears of their hearing and understanding , unto the testimonies of the unregenerated and unrenewed or ungoded men , or unsent preachers , which meaned not christ , ( or had him not in consideration ) aright , nor had kept ( according to the truth ) the pascha with christ , and were not entred ( through the death of christ ) into the everlasting life ; but out of their u own goodthinking , or out of their literal knowledge , came into the sheep or communalty of the believers , or besides the church of christ ( which were also called of christ , thieves , x wolves and murderers ; and of the true prophets , y false pastors ) so ceased then likewise with them , the true z daylie offering or god-service in the holy ; the incorporating into christ with his like death , and the renewing of the life and mind in jesu christ , or the procreation of christ through his light and spirit : and it became over them and over the whole face of the earth , utterly night and dark ; and through the same darkness , the foregoing service which leadeth to the life of jesus christ , became unknown , and there entred in much renting and division among the children of men , a to wit , that many of them became estranged from the truth , from the church of christ , and from the right sense of her services ; and even so got the abomination of desolation , contrary to christ ▪ and the requiring of his doctrine , his breaking in over such as were declined or estranged from the true doctrine of jesus christ , which leadeth to the new birth of the upr●ght mind and being of christ. 5. for with all them that turned off and went astray from the church of christ ▪ and from the right use of her services , the belief of salvation was forsaken , and the scripture was become to them all as a b closed book , or dark word that was without light . for that cause also the service which was administred ( out of the letter of the scripture ) of the unilluminated , was as a dead body without soul ▪ or as a dead wife which is deceased from her husband , and can bring forth no children of life . 6. now when this true light ( for the self wisdoms cause of the earthly man , which is the darkness against the true light ) gave no more cleerness upon earth , with the off-fallers and estranged from the true belief ; and that likewise the night or darkness had c captived the unbelievers , and the estranged from the church of christ ; so obtained then the nature of sin , or the childe of the divel and condemnation , that contrary nature , or adversary of christ ( which is called d antichrist ) his shape , in the inward temple of the unbelieving and unregenerated men , and multiplyed it self even so among many on the earth , in the bringing forth of his wicked frui●s . 7. antichrist signifieth unto us , a contrary anointing : and is an anointing or a e freedom either an appeasing of the heart , which cometh unto the man ( when he is separated or estranged from the true belief of jesu christ , and from his church ) in his inwardness ( before the coming of the true christ , or anointing of the holy ghost ) from the seed of the old serpent , or of the divel . which false anointing that the man taketh on to himself out of the flesh , and out of the fleshly wisdom of his goodthinking knowledge ; as also cut of the seed of the divel , and wisdom of the flesh , worketh in him a secret res●sting and disobedience against the lord jesus christ and his requiring . and the same resisting and disobeence , is the f secret iniquity of antichrist , which the man ( in his estranging from christ , and his church ) cannot well perceive , because that he , in the separation from jesu christ , is well contented ( in his heart ) with the g wisdom of the flesh : and even so , contrary to the right doctrine of iesu christ ( h which hath her ministration to the holy spirit of christ and his love , & on the good life of god ) liveth boldly ( against all god's truth ) in his self wisdom , knowledge or scripture learnedness : the which is a false freedom , and the i abomination of desolation , against all that which is god ▪ god service , and christ , or the truth of god. 8. behold , this antichrist hath exalted himself , with his deadly service and fals light of disobedient knowledge ( against all that which is of god , or of the upright being of jesus christ ; k above god , and above the true god service ; and set himself ( as though he himself were god ) in the temple of the lord ( namely in the inward part of the man , wherein the living god with his christ , ought l to dwell , to live , and to walk ; and hath ●ven so quite and clean abolished or destroyed the law of the lord , and the true faith in jesu christ ; also driven out and taken away the same from the hearts , mindes , and thoughts of men , and darkned it in them : brought the holy of the house of god m into desolation : caused the daylie offering in the holy [ which is the n mortifying of the sin , through the death of christ ] to cease : and even so set the abomination o of desolation in the holy place , where it ought not to stand . 9. out of which abomination of desolation ( which in the secret of the man's inwardness , hath increased in all manner of iniquity and abominations , till unto this day ; and obtained the preheminence with many ) there are risen up many manner p spirits of error , and sundry sorts of false hearts of the scripture learned : which have ( out of the goodthinking of their own spirit ▪ and out of their scripture learnedness , as also through their ingeniousness or imagination of the knowledge ) brought forth manifold false doctrines , wherethrough they seduced the people , and estranged them more and more from christ and his church , and from the new birth in jesu christ. the xxix . chapter . now when the apostates or off-fallers from the safe making faith , had set aside the true doctrine of jesu christ , which taught the believers of christ , unto all a humility and meekness of heart ; and to the upright being of the love of christ : and gave them to the ingeniousness of their knowledges : and even so with their knowledge , set up themselves to be judges over the testimonies of christ and his apostles ; so clave they ●hen unto the b spirits of error ▪ and brought in therethrough , absurd c arguments of christ , and of all that the scripture speaketh of him , or of the spiritual heavenly goods : stirred up the hearts of men unto many manner of foolish desire● , d vain or fond knowledges , and to manifold false righteousness and chosen holyness : and administred even so their own e leaven , for the bread of life ▪ 2. wherethrough likewise the daily f offering in the holy of the true tabernacle , was no more observed ( according to the true being ) with them and their adherents : and for that cause also there chansed with them no purging of sins , nor pouring forth of the holy ghost . 3. for the imagination of the knowledge ●ncreased in much richness of the knowledge , ●nd obtained the preheminence with them , wherethrough many of the children of men , grounded their hearts thereupon , and not on christ , nor on the obedience of his requiring . by which occasion also , the true services of the holy spirit of christ , with the treasures of the spiritual and heavenly goods , ceased with them , and the abominations of desolation became the more manifold in the holy place of the lord [ namely , h in the inwardness of men . ] 4. for that cause the true i belief , and the upright service of the holy ones , is now also come into reproach or contempt ; the sun ( that heavenly day light of christ ) become utterly covered with k the darkness of the wisdom of men ; and the scripture ( before the understandings of men ) as a dark word , l or a closed book , and as a lanthorn without light : whereout many singular matters are presupposed , but not at all perceived or understood . 5. behold , from that time forth that the children of men estranged them from the true faith , m and from the true service of christ in the holy : and that the darkness and desolation , and the many manner divisions of religion came fast upon the world ; so was the world covered with such abominations and darkness , and the hearts of the peopl● with such desolation of confusion . 6. in which time of this same night and error , many goodwilling hearts to the righteousness , have sighed with anguish of mind ; also diligently sought the light and truth ; groped thereafter n as the blind ( here and there ) on the painted walls ; and so ( with great diligence , zeal , and earnestness ) inquired after the righteousness ; also searched for the same ( with fervency ) in the scripture , and had a regard or consideration on many , whether same were any where to be found , or to be gotten , by any man , or might break forth by any one . 7. but whereto soever they turned them or went , without christ & his church , and without his true belief , so was it everywhere , nothing else but knowledg , wisdom of the flesh , good thinking of man o darkness , lyes , and sin , or error , which met with & took hold of them . 8. and whilst that the p sun of righteousness shined not unto them ▪ so have they not been able ( how much diligence soever they bestowed thereabout ) to find the righteousness which god esteemed . 9. even thus have truly ( in process of time ) the foresaid darknesses , lyes , and iniquities , with all erring spirits , obtained the preeminence with the estranged from christ and from his safe-making belief , and with all the enemies of christ and his love , and even so born rule upon the earth ; namely , from the ti●e forth of the defection or estranging from christ and his true belief , till unto this day of love , and of the appearing of the coming of christ. 10. in which day , god will now ( q with the spirit of his mouth ) slay the antichrist or mischievous nature , and make an end thereof ; sanctifie again the fore-front and the holy of the true tabernacle ( which are utterly fallen into desolation and ruine , through the earthly wisdome of the slesh ) according to the service of her true being ; and set up again , the daily offering : and judge the people , with his light and righteousnes , r according to the scripture . 11. yea , assuredly , the lord will now accomplish this same ; and ( with his light , truth , and righteousness ) take the s preheminence , according to the promises . 12. what we had here more to say , of the defection or estranging from the true light ; of the true faith ; of the child of the devil , or antichrist ; of the abomination of desolation ; of the false pastors ; and of the many manner conceited opinions or good thinkings of me● , is declared in the glass of righteousness . the xxx chapter . but whenas now these foresaid many manner of abominations , divisions , and errours , were entred in besides the church of christ ; and that the apostles of christ , with the principall elders of the holy understanding ▪ or the codeified men a through the incorporating into christ ( which were the upright ministers of the holy wrd of christ ) with all the holy ones of god and christ , were fallen asleep : that the light of life was become unknown , the law of lord forsaken ; b the true faith , taken away from the earth ; as also the darkness , with much fals doctrine ( through the unregenerated or ungodded men ) come in aboundantly ; and great discord , c and division risen up ( among the children of men ) upon the earth : so were there then many of the remnant of the christianity , who ( in the same time ) greatly bewailed the discord and erring blindness of men , and did mourn in their hearts ve●y sore : and have even so ( out of a good intent , and goodwilling heart to the righteousness ) loved the peace and concord , among the children of men ; and also with diligence , sought after the same . 2 these have ( in their good-willingness to the righteousness ) searched the scripture ; also bestowed all their diligence and care to understand the same ; and even so thereout ( according to the utterest or best that they knew ) figured out and set forth the services and ceremonies , and the ordinances of the christianity ( in most like manner or conformabl●st unto the scriptures , and requiring of the apostolical doctrine of jesus christ ) in the distinctest manner that they were able , before the children of men , that they mought live therethrough , in righteousness and peace . they have likewise used the same services and ceremonies , to the requiring of the righteousness , and to a good discipline and orderliness for the people , which humbled them under thos● same . 3. howbeit , whilst that the light of the true being of jesus christ , d shined not ( in his perfect clearness ) with many of them , so could they not use nor minister the right use of those services or ceremonies , which bring the spiritual and heavenly goods with them ; reveale or declare e the face of jesus christ uncoveredly ; and teach the beleevers , to the kingdome of heaven : but they have , so far forth and so neer as they ( to the utterest of their power ) could by any means get or attain to the same ( according to the testimonies of the scripture ) with their understanding and knowledg , administred unto the people ( to a memorial of christ and his acts ) the signification and the image-like and figurative services , of that which is required through christ : and even so taught them ( through the same services and ceremonies ) the civil or nurturable righteousness : but not the very true , spiritual , or heavenly : for they could not attain unto the same . 4. now when these services and ceremonies ( to a testimony and signification of the inward righteousness ) were thus figured forth and ministered ; so were they then set forth before the children of men , to holy signes , or such as signified holy things . and the priests and ministers of those same , have allured and drawn the hearts of the people therewithall : also nurtured many thereby to humility ; and taught them thereout , that they ( through the same services and ceremonies , ) should always remember the f passion or suffering of christ , the g offering for the sin , the death of christ , his burial , the pascha or his passe-over , and his resurrection and ascension . 5. they held also a remembrance of the saints , which had faithfully followed after christ ; likewise of the confessing of sins , and of the forgiveness of the same , as also of the cleansing ( which is called , purgatory ; ) also they named certain observations or usages of the same services , sacraments , which they held forth before the believers , to holy signes , and kept them therewith , in orderliness of life . 6. [ the cleansing , which is called purgatory , signifieth unto us , the making pure of the beleevers of christ , which they , in distress , affliction , sorrow , and anguish ( for the sins cause ) do pass thorow ; wherein they ( as in a fire i of humiliation ) are purged k or justified from all their sins , through the belief , for to enter even so ( l with pure hearts ) into the kingdome of the god of heavens . in which fire of cleansing or purgatory , the upright beleevers of christ m shew forth patience , in prayer unto god. and even so ( in the n beleef , and in the manner of suffering ) they follow after christ in his o death of the cross , to the purging of their sins . sacrament , signifieth unto us , an holy signe of a secret or hidden thing , to whom one giveth the name of some holy or godly thing , that the same sacrament hath hidden in it ; or it signifieth the same holiness or godliness , that hath been tofore or shall come after-ward . ] 7. in conclusion : they held of all the holy ●●●ngs ( whereof the scripture maketh mention ) a memorial or remembrance . and all this same was daily set forth , and preached or published ( in figures ) unto the people , to a good memorial , or for to have the same continually in remembrance , that it was come to pass , or had the foregoing ( according to t●e truth ) in the true being . 8 but verily , where now these figurative services are far away preferred , above the upright righteousness , and above the very true which they signifie ; so are they ( in themselves or out of themselves ) without the true light ; void of force , for men to come ( therethrough ) to p the perfection in jesus christ : neither yet can the people likewise through those same , obtaine or inherit the purging from their sins , nor the putting away of spottedness from their conscience , nor yet the true being of the mystery of the sacraments and figurative services , like as the same is now ( through the holy spirit of jesus christ and his service of love ) declared and brought unto us . 9. therefore have not these foresaid figurative services , been any more furtherance unto them nor yet brought the people neerer unto the true being , then unto nurturable sustentation , and to a figurative remembrance of christ , and of the things which the holy ones of christ were passed thorow , and which all beleevers of jesus christ ought to pass thorow . 10. behold , in the mean time ( the while it was yet night with many , and that the figurative services , and sacraments , were with diligence set forth ; and earnestly observed ▪ to an humbling of the people ) so have the people ( which humbled them obediently thereunder ) been kept under those figurative services , so that the great and horrible q destruction hath not fallen upon them , which shall now ( in this last time ) fall upon all ungodly and resisters of the truth ; and upon all them ( obediently ) under the service of the love of jesus christ. 11. for that cause , the said figurative services and ceremonies , shall not now ( in this day of the love of jesus christ ) be imputed unto the people which have intended & sought the righteousness therein , for sin ; but much rather for righteousness ▪ because they have shewed therein , their good will unto the righteousness . 12. for now in this day of the love of jesus christ , must ( no doubt ) the figurative services be all renewed unto their right use , through the true light , and through his upright service of love , a●d declaring of the requiring of his upright righteousness ; also set or o●dained in their right ordinance ; and used ( to the requiring of the upright righteousness ) in their right observation : & they shall even so in their right use ( at the appointed time of the father ) have the fulfilling of their requiring , with the obedient beleevers in jesus christ. 13. and all good willing ones to the upright righteousness in jesus christ , with all such as assemble them unto us and our communiality , and humble them to our most holy services of the love and his requiring ▪ shall then likewise ( to an entrance into the same upright righteousness ) become renewed in their understanding , to the en● that they all might rightly ( according to the truth , and according to the r●quiring of our most holy service of love ) pass forth , from their beginning or entrance of the r christian life , after the very true perfection . but whoso refuse this same , and they that turne them away therefrom , those shall not obtaine the upright righteousness of god , nether presently , nor for ever . 14. what shall we now say hereof ? shall we then witness , that we which are comprehended & established in the ●rue love and upright being of christ , and are elders and ministers of the word of the lord , do let pass to minister the right use of the ●mage-like and figurative services , and the ●●gnes of the secret godly things , among the unilluminated and unregenerated ( seeing that their images , figures , and shadows , have ( through the s perfect righteousness ) the fulfilling of the requiring with the perfect ones ) and that also the unregenerated should forsake those same ? no in no wise : but we require ( under the obedience of the love ) with the right use of the image-like and figurative services , the obedience unto the requiring of those same , at their hands : and so daily instruct them with those same and through those same , that they are debtours to accomplish and obediently to ●stablish the requiring of th●se same , and even so obediently to observe them till unto the appointed time of the fullfilling o● their requiring . 15. for this we say out of the living trut● of god , which is declared unto us out 〈◊〉 gods grace , that he , which without the lo●● and h●r service ( or without the very true bei●● of the love of jesus christ and his service ) fo●●saketh the image-like or figurative servic●● and the signes of the secret godly things through his t good thinking or knowledge and even so separateth him from the minist●●tion of those same , and accomplisheth 〈◊〉 their requiring , nor hath been obedient 〈◊〉 the service of love , till unto the v rising up t●e true light in his heart ; nor yet remain● stedfast in the doctrine of the same services , unto the upright being of the love ; of jesus christ , ●e forsaketh verily ( although he have never so much knowledge of spiritual and heavenly things ) the images or figures , and the signes of the secret godly things , unrightly and with ignorance , and taketh unto him the freedome for to be unbound from the services , not ●o the edifying of the congregation , but to ●nedifying and contention : and is seduced and deceived by his owne spirit or imagination of ●he knowledge , wherewith he also s●duceth ●nd deceiveth other moe , which hear and fol●ow him therein : in such wise , that they not ●●ely utterly forsake the services , and the ●mages figures ▪ and signes ; but also the x obe●ience of the requiring of the gratious word y raised up presently with us , out of the grace ●f god , according to his promises ) and the te●●imonies of his holy spirit and service of love , ●nd make up themselves there against : and ●ill needs even so ( according to the imagina●●on of their knowledge ) live free or in free●ome : and cause nothing else but breach and ●ivision among the congregations , and resist●●g against the priests or elders . 16. now when they have thus ( in every ●art ) forsaken and resisted or derided the ●●age-like or figurative services , counting them as unneedful , so forsake and resisted they then those same , contrary to gods truth and his requiring , and contrary to all godly and christian ordinances : and understand nothing at all of the mystery of those same , nor of the right salvation of men in jesu christ : and run even so forth with the far inspection of their knowledge , thinking all too little on the obedience which they are debtours to shew in the foregoing services : and so they remain in the taking on of their owne freedom , without the right and true freedom of the children of god. let every one take it to heart . 17. but of these our fore-mentioned sayings of the figurative services and ceremonies , consider ( ye dearly beloved ) how that the christians ( for a certain season ) have had and ministred figurative services ; and been sustained therewithall , till unto the day of the love of jesus christ. which figurative services and ceremonies , have been the images , figures , and shadowes , of the true and spiritual things , which were tofore ( through jesus christ ) come to pass , seen , heard , ali●● spoken and published , in the true being , fo● that we should therethrough remember th● same true and spiritual things : and that altogether in such wise , as the jews also had and ministered their figurative services and ceremonies , wherewithal they were sustained unto the day , wherein christ was borne unto them of the seed of david . which figurative services and ceremonies , were the images , figures , and shadowes , to a memorial of the true spiritual things , which should ( in the time to come ) come to pass , and be seen , heard , also spoken and published in the true being of the z uncovered face of christ. the xxxi chapter . furthermore ( ye dearly beloved ) behold and consider , how that he catholick church of rome , hath obediently grounded it self on the aforesaid services and ceremonies , which are the figures or the prefiguration of the true christianity and her services ; and ( with diligence and ferventy ) observed those same , to a good discipline or ordinance of the congregations ; and even so ( in figures ) borne the name of christians . 2. christians , signifie unto us , those that are anointed . for the holy ones of christ were in times past so named , a which were anointed with the holy spirit of christ , to priests or elders of the holy understanding . 3. through which anointing with the holy spirit of christ , they were the upright fathers of the houshold of christ , and foregoers in the christian congregation , which dayly set forth b the word of life ( which is christ himself , and had his c shape in them ) before the disciples of the word or christ : wherewith the novices or disciples of christ , were nourished and brought up in all wisdome and righteousness of god ( with holy understanding ) unto the d old age of the man christ , or anointing of the holy ghost . the which shall now also in this day ( under the obedience of the love ) ●lourish even so in the true being , according to the promises . 4. this same foregoing of the elders of the holy understanding , and their anointing of the holy ghost ( to priests , elders , and fathers ) hath the catholick church of rome ( till unto this day ) ministred and observed in figures , as is abovesaid . for , to a token of r●membrance of the holy anointing of christ , with the holy spirit , they have used the anointing with oile : and it is a sacrament of the holy church of christ , which signifieth unto us , the anointing of the priests or elders with the holy ghost . 5. of which anointed elders , or foregoers of the communality of the catholick church of rome , the chiefest anointed is named , papa , and signifieth unto us , an old father in the holy understanding ; also the chief bishop or high-priest , which hath his being or conversation , in the most holy of the true and perfect sanctuary , and ministereth his office of the holy word thereout : and for that cause is also named , the most holy father . 6. for in times past , the eldest in the holy understanding ( among them which were anointed with the holy spirit ) was so named , because that he ( before all other ) was the eldest in the holy wisdom of god : also a father of his spiritual children , and of all spiritual persons . 7. for through his service of the holy word , the true clearness of christ was spread abroad in all lands : and the living souls ( through the seed of the holy spirit of christ ) were brought forth , e to a communality of christ , and tabernacle of the living god , f wherein god lived and dwelt . which true being , is the upright service of christ , that flourished in force by the anointed with the holy spirit of christ. and hath ( to a memorial of the same service ) been figuratively observed in the catholick church of rome . 8. those now that are next unto the fore-mentioned papa , are named , cardinals ; which signifie unto us , the principallest , which are nearest ( in the most holy understanding of the godliness ) unto the eldest or holiest father , & have their cōmunion with him , in the most holy of the true and perfect being . 9. for the principallest ( which were neerest to the eldest or holiest father , in the g old age of the holy understanding , and in the righteousness and godliness ) were ( in times past ) so named , in the true being . 10. the next unto the cardinals , are named bishops . which signifie unto us ▪ the pastours of the sheep and lambs of christ , and the chief priests or elders , which in the service and testimony of the spiritual and heavenly truth ( administred by the chief bishop or oldest father ) are understanding ; and grown up so old and manly , to the manly stock of the oldest father , that they have received the key of the spiritual and heavenly understanding , for to unlock the same holy intelligence , unto them that are a-growing up to elders , and to ordaine them to priests or elders . wherethrough they distinctly divide the ordinance and laws of the spiritual and heavenly goods , and the understanding of the same , from the earthly , natural , and wordly ordinances ; namely , to a good keeping and pastouring of the congregation or flock of christ. 11. for that cause they are also fore-goers unto them that are growing up to elders , h in the mortifying & burying of the sin , and the ministers of the holy word , in the holy of the true offering : that is , in the keeping of the pascha or passeover with christ , in his supper : wherein the death of the sin , & ( at the end of the same ) the making alive of the man cometh to pass . 12. with which service , they inform and are serviceable to the priests or elders which are a-coming on ( namely , unto the weaned lambes , which are weaned or withdrawn from the milk of their youngness ; and l growing up to the old-age of a sheep of christ , or which increase them in the godly , wisdom of christ ( till unto k the old age of the holy understanding of christ , and of the godly wisdome of the oldest father , or chief bishop . 13. for because of this same service in the holy , and because of their manly old age of the holy understanding , such ministers of the holy word were in time past ( in the true being ) named bishops or superiours of the elders , either l pastours of the sheep of christ. 14. the next unto the bishops are named parish-priests or curates : which signifie unto us , levitical priests , or adjoyned pastors , and elders of the holy understanding , as those that are joyned and ordained to the ministration of the holy priests office , and to the service of the communalty , for to minister even so ( in the service of the holy word ) the fore-front of the holy tabernacle , or the m entrance of the church of christ , either n beginning of the christian life , in his service and requiring . which elders are chosen and joyned to the service of the holy word , because they leave or let pass the childhood or youngness of the holy understanding , and grow up ( according to the requiring of the service of love ) unto the manly agedness o of christ [ that is , unto the true being of the oldest and holiest father ] or pass forth after the perfection ; and even so go before the communalty of the believers ( in the p circumcision of the heart , or in the q laying away of the sin in the flesh ) in all fear of god. 15. for that cause ▪ they have also their service , in the congregation or church of christ ; namely in the fore-front ; that is , where the sanctification or godliness , or the r new birth in christ , hath his beginning , to a s laying away of the sin in the ●lesh . 16. hereunto serve the parish-priests , as to ●●ch procuratours or helpers forward of ●he communi●lities , for to bear t a good care over them : and to witness ●nd teach them daily , the holy understanding of christ ( the oldest father , ) according to the ordinance of their bishop , to a leading of them into the holy of the true god-service in the spirit , where the v purging and forgiveness of sins cometh to pass , to the end that the communiality should even so ( with the service of the holy word ) be peaceably sustained and nourished , and live godly x in all love and concord . 17. the next unto the parish-priests , are named deacons . which signifie unto us , ministers y or helpers of the parish-priests , in the holy god-services , to the end that it all ( whatsoever concerneth the service of the holy word , and the godly doctrine ) might be orderly and godly ministred , among the communialities . 18. the next unto the deacons , are named sextons . which signifie unto us , conservers or keepers of the holy things : or to whom the charge of holy things ( to be used in their ordinance ) is committed , that they might be occupied in due or convenient time . 19. among all those , there are also risen up many manner of orders , wherethrough many anointed ones , and zealous people , have sought the righteousness and holy ones , which are named monks . which signifie unto us , such as dwell alone , and are ( through the love of the righteousness ) sanctified ; and for that cause also , separated from the world , and from all what is worldly and fleshly , for to live even so ( as sanctified ones of god ) in the solitariness of their life , wholly in god , and in his holy being . 20. for such as were mortified touching the world and the flesh , a with all self-lusts and desires , and busied them not with any thing , save only with the things which concerned god and his righteousness , were in time past , so named . 21. next unto all these forenamed anointed ones , are the common people , which believe and cleave unto the services , religions , & ceremonies of the anointed and which also humble them to the requiring of those same . the which are named christians ; and are yet unanointed : and signifie unto us , the christian church or the congregation of christians or anointed ones , which are assembled ( through the service of the holy word ) by the elders b of the holy understanding , unto the sanctification in jesu christ , and before whom the costly treasures of the holy things , or of the spiritual and heavenly goods are set forth , unto salvation in christ ; and which also submit them obediently under the doctrine of the anointed ones or spiritual persons : which daily hold forth the law or ordinance of the lord before them , and teach them , how they should live ; also come to the spiritual understanding or new c birth in christ ; and what they ought to do , and leave undone . 22. and they that remaine , live , and walk without the same christianity , or her congregation , with al them that are not incorporated ( as fellow-members of the church of christ ) into the same , are named heathen , which have their forth-going ( without christ and his church ) in the heathenship or uncircumcision ; also are captived or blinded with darkness ; and cannot obtaine nor inherit any salvation nor everlasting life , with christ. 23. behold , all this hath been even so in times past in his true being , whenas the light of life had his clearness ; and the belief of iesu christ , her service , in the holy ones of god ( the renewed or godded men ) upon the earth . but all this same ( as touching the knowledg thereof according to his upright being ) is become darkned or secret before many ; and the truth and right ordinance of the same , also utterly unknown . all which shall now ( in this day of love ) be d restored or brought againe ( through the revealing of the coming of christ and of his holy spirit ) into his upright state and true being , or christian ordinance , and flourish or become forcible , according to the promises . the xxxii chapter . now when these services of the images or figures ( to a memorial of the holy things , which were tofore chanced , concerning christ and his holy ones ) had stood a long season , in their service ; so have many people been drawn therewithall , which respected and believed those same , for the very true and perfect god-services , and works of righteousness , which god required : and they were likewise so set forth and taught by many ; namely , after the manner as it also chanced in times past , a with the jews , which stood in such-like wise captived in their image-like and figurative services and ceremonies . 2. for unto all them that walk without the true being of the godliness & heavenly truth , or without the family of the love of jesu christ , and so ( according to their good thinking ) set up , minister , teach forth , and observe services and ceremonies , all things chance ( or they have them ) in similitudes , b parables , or closed books ; and in images , figures , and shadows , because they should not ( without the very true and his upright prefiguration ) see , with the eyes of their earthly mindes ; hear , with the ears of their fleshly thoughts ; nor comprehend in their dark hearts , the secret works of the holy spirit of christ : which also the world nor her wise , c understand , know , nor receive . 3. but whenas now many manner abuses and ignorance of the right difference of the said figurative services ( which witnessed , according to the scripture ( figuratively ) of the very true which was come to pass ) were entered in ; and that the services and ceremonies , were taught , believed , and observed with ignorance , by many : so is there at the last , great contention , debate , and division of minds and understandings , risen up ( among them that were comprehended thereunder ) for the services and ceremonies cause . 4. wherethrough many , unorderly rejected and blasphemed the services and ceremonies of the catholike church of rome ; rented the concord and nurturable sustentation of the same ; and turned them away therefrom ; and even so , out of their knowledge ( which they took out of the scripture ) brought in certain services and ceremonies , in another wise or order ; and set forth and taught those same ( for the upright christian ceremonies ) unto the people . howbeit , they have procured or obtained little love and righteousness ; but rather much contention & controversie , therewithal . for many of them understood not , what they taught , nor what the services and ceremonies ( which they rejected and blasphemed ) signified in themselves . 5. they spake likewise much of gods word , which yet they themselves ( like as it is a living and mighty word d that cutteth and pierceth ( as a sharp sword ) into the inmost part of the soul ) had never heard ; nor seen his clearness ( like as it is shining and flowing forth out of the living god. ) much less understood the mind or will of the same . 6. for that cause they have also not distincted nor declared unto the people , the figurative services ▪ nor the mind of their right form and use ( whereunto they were used by the old fathers ) from the perverse opinion , wherein they were set forth or taught by many ; and the people captived therewith . 7. behold , in this contention and controversie , which sprang up among the unilluminated people ( after that the defection or estranging from christ and from e the holy belief , was once chanced with many ( through the works of darkness ) so became then manifest and known ( like as there is written thereof ) the nature of sin , or the child of the devil , and of the * condemnation , which in the scripture , is named antichrist : whose iniquity ( wherethrough the law or ordinance of the lord was abolished ; and the true holy and the requiring of his services , g laid wast in the hearts of the men ) remained secret and unknown unto many , till unto the same time . 8. in which time of the manifesting and knowledge of this same mischievous one , one might certainly ( if he had had a right regard unto the scripture ) have easily perceived thereout , that the h great day of the lord and the i coming of christ , was coming on or at hand , and h●rd by according to the scripture . 9. but seeing now that there was much contention , and many divided minds and understandings ( which very much reprehended , slandered , and judged each other for evil ) risen up or come in place , and that certain services and ceremonies we●e brought in , in varible sort ; so have there been also among them all , many zealous and god-fearing hearts , which have loved the righteousness with all their hearts ; and for that cause , searched the scripture ( that they might understand the same ) with great diligence and earnestness ; and so sought after the most perfect understanding of the scriptures . 10. but for the most part , they were all divided one against another . for every one rested perswaded to have right in his cause ; and like wise ( in his service ) the upright christian ceremonies , or the name thereof . 11. among all these there have also been certain , which were counted of many , for sectaries , hereticks , and seducers of the people ; and for that cause , persecuted and banished ; and many ( for the conscience and faiths cause ) were slain and put to death , 12. oh ! what a lamentable thing , is the slaying or k shedding of blood , for the consciences cause , to wit , of those that are zealous towards the righteousness ▪ and ( according to the outward dealing ) do no man harm . 13. for this i say verily , that many single-minded hearts ( for the consciences cause ) which they had to god and his righteousness ) have been guiltlesly put to death . 14. oh , what is there more lamentable before god and his holy ones , l then the shedding of innocent blood ! the xxxiii chapter . among these divided people , there have many likewise mingled themselves , whose hearts sought not the righteousness : which also at the last became manifest , to be false hearts ; namely , through their covetousness and a ease in the flesh , and through manifold self-seeking , whereafter they sought , as also through much more other falshood , which they practised and used . 2. certain of those false hearts have turned them to slandering and traitory : in such wise , that they have ( with slander and wicked back-biting ) b betrayed the other , with whom they ( in hypocrisie ) had falsly their conversation : yea , and also delivered over certain into the hands of the magistrates , for to be slain or rooted out . 3. certain have killed , murdered , and ( in many manner of wise ) destroyed one another of them . certain c have applied them ( with subtilty ) unto uproar and warlike dealings , and to stealing or the every : and certain also to false d and inordinate liberties , and are even so fallen into manifold unjust dealings and blaspheming of god. 4. for that cause ▪ through these many manner of abuses and ignorances ( taken on and maintained out of the knowledge of the scripture ) and by reason of the false hearts , which set forth and enforced religions , ceremonies , or god-services ( wherethrough they ( with many manner of false testimonies ) accused each other for sectaries and seducers : and also brayed forth much wickedness ( to slander and cursing ) one over another ) the magistrates of the world were occasioned ( against many ) to persecution and putting to death . 5. at that time there came great strictness and calamity , upon many people ; also much doubting and bethinking , which might be the truth , the righteousness , and the upright services or ceremonies which god regardeth . 6. but whilst that they knew not the truth the righteousness , nor the upright services and c●remonies , nor loved the upright righteousness with all their heart , so is also the love unto the righteousness , e waxen cold with many : and they are therethrough become slothfull towards the same ; but very diligent in their own in●orcements or enterprises . 7. in like manner , many ( seeing that they loved not the righteousness with whole heart ) became altogether vainely minded ; and like unto the world , in her abominations ; and have even so let pass all fruitfull doctrine . 8. for that cause ( o all ye which now in this day , love the truth and righteousness ) have now a good regard hereon , f and follow not the seducing of the destroyers nor the multitude of the ignorant , in their error : nor inforce you not g to be of one mind with the contentious world , nor with the discordable or divided wise and scripture-learned : but apply you unto concord , h in all love : and lock into it with undestandinging , what the scripture saith , what it requireth of us , and how it becometh fulfilled : as also how that we are not called ( through the scripture ) unto i strife , contention , nor to variance or discord ; but unto peace , and to the love . 9. for i say unto you verily , that there are before this day of love ( which is the true light of god , and the coming of his christ it self ) many scripture-learned ( that were very richly learned with the k speeches of literal scripture , in the subtilty and knowledg ; but not in the l renewing of the spirit and mind , unto m the kingdom of god ) risen up , which have not inseen , understood , nor known the truth of god , in the light of the heavenly and spiritual wisdome of christ ; much less witnessed or taught the same ; and yet much less brought in or ministred the upright or true christian ceremonies , which lead unto the godliness in jesus christ ; or to his love and peace . 10. for they have not out of their literal knowledge understood the n secret mind of god , nor the clear ground of the services and cer●monies of the christians ; therefore also they have consulted or held councels thereof : and are even so become disputing and at variance betwixt themselves , about the scripture , and about each others opinion and institution of his ceremonies and services , and have not inherited the true love and peace of christ. 11. whereout each one may by himself , well perceive and mark , o that it is meer lyes or untrue , what such scripture-learned ( through the knowledge which they get out of the scripture ) bring in , institute , preach , and teach . 12. therefore consider now , that no man ( out of his knowledge of the scripture ) can rightly erect , teach , nor set forth the christian ceremonies . but they shall ( in their right form and use ) be set forth , administred ▪ and taught , by them that are chosen or raised up thereunto by god ; which follow after christ , p in his death ; become renewed with him , in a new life : and in whom the living god with his christ , hath even so then obtained q his dwelling and shape . from whose bodies likewise , the words of god and christ , do then slow forth r as living waters ; which also concordably agree with the testimonies of the holy ghost ; and with our writings and their requiring ; as also with the requiring of the law , of the prophets , and of the apostles of christ. 13. behold , out of the declaring of these upright followers of jesu christ in the requiring of his doctrine , till unto his love , it shall now all ( whatsoever concerneth god and his services ) be uprightly and according to the truth , used and ministred in his right ordinance , according to the scripture . let every one now therefore have a good regard hereunto , and take it effectually to heart . 14. what we had here more to say , of the dissention , of the contending , about the ceremonies ; and of the pernicious sectaries and hereticks ( and who they are ) is declared in the glass of righteousness . the xxxiiii chapter . but the whilst now that the figurative services and ceremonies of the christians , yet flourished in vigour ; and that the discordable mindes , out of the knowledge of the scripture , did daily increase ( to a more intangling ) with much contending and disputation of christ and of his services and ceremonies : and that many good-willing hearts ( which had great a hunger and thirst after the righteousness ) searched the scripture ( for to understand the truth and the will of god , and to live therein ) with great diligence and zeal , and sighed ▪ and prayed unto god : so hath god at the last , remembred the desolate , b heard the ●ighing and prayer of the poor , and for his chosens sake ( to the end that his truth , and what his will is , mought ( before all lovers of the truth ) be made manifest or declared , and the scripture fulfilled ) c shortened the days , according to his promises , and ( through the hearty mercifulness of his love ) wrought a great d and wonderful work upon earth , out of his holy heaven ; and e raised up me hn , the least among the holy ones of god ( which lay altogether dead , and ( without breath and life ) f among the dead ) from the death , and made me alive , through christ , as also anointed me with his godly being ; manned himself with me , and godded g me with him , to a living tabernacle or h house for his dwelling , and to a i seat of his christ , the seed of david , to the end that this wonderful works mought now k in the last time , be known ; the light of his glory ( with full clearness and instruction ) reavealed ; and the coming of his kingdome ( to an evangely of the same kingdome , and to the l blessing of all generations of the earth ) m published in all the world , according to the scripture . 2. behold and consider ( my beloved ) how wonderfully n god worketh in his holy ones : and how that now in this day or light of the love , the o judgement-seat of christ is revealed and declared unto us out of heaven ( to a righteous judgement upon earth ) from the right hand of god : and how that on the same judgement-seat of christ ( that the scripture mought be fulfilled ) there sitteth p one now ( in truth ) in the habitation of david : which judgeth uprightly , thinketh upon equity , and requireth righteousness . 3. through him , god will now in this day ( which he himself hath appointed ; or ordained thereunto ) judge the q compass of the earth with righteousness . 4. in which this same day or last time [ namely , in the perfection of the works of god , and in his righteous judgement ] the god of heaven hath now declared himself and his christ , together with r all his saints , unto us ( his elect ; ) also made a dwelling with us ; and brought even so unto us ( out of his holy being ) the most holy of his true tabernacle , s with the fulness of his garnishing , and spiritual heavenly riches , to an everlasting fast standing ierusalem , t and house for gods dwelling , according to the scripture . the which is the very true v undisturbable kingdome ( full of all godly power , joy , and of all heavenly beautifulness ) wherein x the laud of the lord ( with fulness of the eternal life and lovely sweetness ) is sung , from everlasting to everlasting : and wherein all minds y of pure hearts , z do dwell , live , and walk ( with freedome , and christian triumph ) in all love . 5. this great day-light of the most high god , hath presently ( in his righteous judgement ) shined about us . which * great grace and mercy is chanced unto us , for that we should a publish the true evangelie of the kingdom of the same light , in all the world , for a witness unto all people , and to peace and joy , as also to an eternal b mercifulness or pitying of the servants of the lord , or of all them that seek the lord , that the scriptures mought become fulfilled ; and all such as remember the lord , be c assembled ( in the body of christ ) unto this his seat of the righteous judgement , and to his most holy of the true tabernacle or house of his dwelling ; and not for our sake , nor for any mans righteousness cause . 6. for even so ( in all such sort as god hath now made manifest his wonderful work , upon the earth ) must the scripture be fulfilled ; his most holy declared ; to an everlasting , true , and perfect light ; and evangelized or published in all the world to an everlasting d rest and peace of his holy ones . 7. for i say unto you verily , that the lord hath wrought this wonderful work of his love ( extended on us out of his grace ) for his own sake , for to make his holy name , now in the last time ( according to his promises ) e great and glorious in all lands : and so to declare his truth and righteousness , upon the earth : to shew his true god-service : to consecrate or hallow again the holy of his true tabernacle ( which hath a long time , utterly lain waste with f many abominations ) through his gracious word and service of love , out of the light of the most holy : and to set up again g the daily offering , which hath also ceased a long time , for the abomination of desolations cause , to the end that the same mought be ministred in his upright service ( like as in times past ) to the purging and forgiveness of sins . 8. even thus would t●e lord let his word of life be heard ( now h in the last time ) upon earth , that his promises mought be ●stablished ; the hungry souls , satisfied i with righteousness ; the scripture k fulfilled , in all what god hath spoken through the spirit of his prophets and of his christ ; and the man ( which hath utterly corrupted his understanding , with the knowledge ) l made safe and blessed , out of his grace , according to the promises . the xxxv chapter . behold ( ye dearly beloved ) how that now in this present day , the scripture becometh fulfilled , in all what it mentioneth of christ , a of his seed , and of the coming of his glory . 2. which coming of christ in his glory ( like as the same was in times past published b unto the heathen , and also believed of them ) god hath now in the last time , declared among the heathen ; and shewed mercy on the heathen , before all other , that the whole earth mought be c filled with his glory , like as there is written thereof : d as truly as i live ( saith the lord ) the whole world shall be filled with the glory of god. 3. further , saith the lord through esdras , they e that have not heard me shall notwithstanding believe me , or put their trust in me : and they to whom i have shewed no tokens , shall do the thing that i command them . they have seen no prophets : yet shall they call their unrighteousness to remembrance . therefore witness i mercy ( saith the lord ) unto the people which are to come : whose babes or little children , rejoyce them with gladness . and although they see me not with bodily eys , yet believe they in the spirit , the thing that i say . i will give unto them the dukedom of abraham , isaac , and iacob , and of the prophets . 4. further , through isaiah : f the lord will display or set up a banner , far-abroad among the heathen ; and allure them from the ends of the earth . 5. againe , through ezekiel : g i will bring my glory among the heathen , that all heathen may see my judgement that i have kept ; and my hand which i have stretched out over them , to the end that the hous of israel may thereby know that i ( the lord ) am their god , even from this day forth , for evermore . 6. again , over israel : h o thou daughter of israel , i will build thee again , that thou shalt be firm and sure . 7. againe : l the habitations of israel are very goodly : for they are like broad valleys , as the well-watered gardens , by the rivers , and as the tabernacles which the lord stablisheth , even like the cedars planted by the water side . there shall water flow forth out of his bucket : and his seed shall be a great water . 8. behold , in this present day , is this scripture fulfilled : and ( according to the testimony of the scripture ) the raising up and k resurrection of the lords dead , cometh also to pass presently in this same day , through the apearing l of the coming of christ in his majesty . which resurrection of the dead ( seeing that the same is come unto us from gods grace ) we do likewise in this present day ) to an evangely or joyful message of the kingdom of god and christ ) m publish in all the world , under the obedience of the love . 9. in which resurrection of the dead , god sheweth unto us , that the time is now fulfilled , that his dead ( or n the dead which are fallen asleep in the lord ) rise up in this day of his judgement , and appear unto us , in godly glory : which shall also ( from hencefo●th ) live in us everlastingly , with christ , and o reign upon the earth : wherein the scripture becometh fulfilled in this present day , like as there standeth written thereof : 10. the p lord shall judge his people : and he will have mercy on his servants or ministers . for he shall behold that their power faileth them . 11. again : the lord slayeth , q and maketh alive : he leadeth into hell , and bringeth thereout again . 12. the lord maketh poor and rich : r he humbleth and exalteth . 13. he lifteth up s the needy out of the dust ; and exalteth the poor , out of the mire , that he mought set him among the princes , and let him inherit the seat of honour . 14. further , the lord saith touching his dead , i t will not contend for ever , nor be always angry : but there shall a spirit or winde blowe from my face , u and i will make breath . 15. again , christ speaketh touching him which believeth in him : x i will raise him again in the last day . 16. again , y the lord hath appointed a day , in which he will judge the compass or circuit of the earth , with righteousness , through one man , in whom he hath decreed it : which holdeth forth the belief before every one , inasmuch as god hath raised him from the death . 17. again , z there shall be no more death , sorrow , wailing , nor pain : for the first , is passed by . and he which sate upon the seat , spake , behold , i make it altogether new . the xxxvi chapter . with this resurrection of the lords dead , god the father doth now declare , how that he hath chosen us to an house a for his dwelling , and liveth and walketh in us with his holy ones ; wherein the scripture becometh fulfilled in this present day [ namely , in all ] like as there is witnessed and written , of the resurrection of the dead ; and of the restoring of his house or tabernacle . wherewith god sheweth now unto us , that in this present day , the time of the restoring of his house is fulfilled : whereout the salvation of the people is evermore manifested ; and gods true light , word , spirit , and life ; b published or preached , and whereout also the same shall always and for ever , be published and declared , to the end that t●ey all ( which have a desire unto the house of the lord , and turne them thereunto ) mought now , according to the word of the lord , be assembled unto the lords house ; and c walk in his light : wherein the scripture becometh fulfilled in this present day , like as there standeth written thereof : 2. it shall come to pass in the last time ( saith the lord ) that the d hill whereon the house of the lord is ▪ shall be erected ; and exalted above all hills : and all the gentiles shall run thereunto ; and much people shall go thither , and say , come , e let us go up to the hill of the lord , to the house of the god of iacob : that he may teach us his ways ; and that we may walk in his paths . 3. behold , where now the lords house is , there is also the holy city of ierusalem , and the hill of sion . therefore shall now likewise [ namely , where the house or dwelling of the lord is ] the f law of the lord proceed out of sion ; and his word , out of ierusalem : like as there is written thereof . 4. further ▪ christ saith also touching the house of the lord : g whoso loveth me , he will keep my word : and my father will love him . we will come unto him , and make a dwelling with him . 5. againe : h behold , the tabernacle of god is with men : and he will dwel with them : and they shall be his people : and he ( god himself with them ) will be their god. and god will wash away all teares from their eyes . 6. ve●ily , with all these , and in all these wonderful works of god ( in this holy day of love ) there is revealed unto us ( according to the testimony of the scripture ) the promised i kingdome of the seed of david , and the seat of the true majesty ; and the same is also established with us ( for the righteousness cause ) even for ever and ever , to the end that the same kingdome of the seed of david , and the seat of his majesty , mought indure for ever and ever , like as the scripture witnesseth thereof . wherewith the lord sheweth and maketh known unto us , that the time is now fulfilled , and the day come , wherein he establisheth his promises , and accomplisheth it all , which he hath assured k or promised ( in times past ) unto his servant david [ that is , unto his beloved service : ] wherein the scripture becometh fulfilled in this present day , like as there standeth written : 7. i will raise up thy seed ( saith the lord to his servant david ) l that shall proceed out of thy body after thee . i will make his kingdom to prosper . he shall build an house for my name : and i will make the seat of his kingdom prosperous for ever . i will be his father , and he shall be my son , saith the lord. 8. again , m i will keep my goodness towards him for ever : and my covenant shall stand firm unto him ; i will give him seed perpetually ; and uphold his seat , so long as the heaven endureth . 9. again , n there shall be a seat prepared , through grace or benignity , that one may sit thereon ( in truth ) in the habitation of david . 10. for that cause , the true seed of christ ( the seed of david ) shall now in this day make manifest it self , and come forth in righteousness : and shall likewise through us ( out of this our true ministration of the love ) spread abroad and publish the lords righteousness : wherein the scripture becometh fulfilled in this present day , like as there standeth written thereof : 11. a o seed shall serve the lord : the lord shall be published or declared unto childes childe : that is , from generation to generation for evermore . 12. again , p such as are planted in the house of the lord , shall flourish in the courts of our god : and when also they are old , yet shall they blossom ; and be fresh or in good liking , for to declare that the lord is righteous . 13. behold ( ye dearly beloved ) how that the scripture becometh now made clear unto us ; the q sealed-to prophecies opened ; and al●o accomplished , in this present day . and consider likewise , how that the god of heaven ▪ hath shewed his great love , grace , and m●rcy , on us little ones , r and gods elect ; brought the most holy of his true tabernacle ( in his perfect building and gorgeous garnishing ) to us or in us , out of his holy heaven ; and declared the same ( to an everlasting manifestation of the perfection of all his works ) through us , upon the earth ; to the end that his gracious word ( which he hath spoken in times past and s raised up with us , according to his promises ) mought rem●in and stand fast with us from henceforth for evermore , and the scripture and all what it witnesse●h and requireth , perfectly accomplished ; and this day of love and of salvation of the godly and heavenly clearness ( which is revealed and come unto us little ones , with whom the living god of heaven hath begun his work , to bring it to perfection ) published in all the world : and that likewise ( in the passing thorow with his light ) the true t judgement-seat of christ ( before the which every one is debtour to humble himself , with naked heart ) mought ( in the same day ) be seen among the people ; and the true most holy of the true tabernacle , ministred ●verlastingly ( in his true being ) in the same day . and that even so the mercy-seat of the godly glory ( with his treasures of the spiritual and heavenly goods ) may bide and raign ( to an eternal rest and peace of his holy ones ) u everlastingly on earth , like as in heaven , according to the promises . 14. what we had here more to say , of the wonderful works of god ; of his love extended ( out of grace ) unto us ; and of the fulfilling of the word of the lord and of the scripture , is declared in the glass of righteousness , and in more other testimonies of our writings . the xxxvii chapter . seeing then that this most holy and perfectest of the true tabernacle of god , is now come unto us ( from gods grace ) upon the earth , and that the living god is declared unto us in his glory ; so shall now also ( in this day ) the most holy be ministred in his true being ( to an everlasting perfection or consummation of all the works of ●od ) under the obedience of the love . for all fore-going services ( which are proceeded from god ; and administred out of his light a direct and lead unto the most holy and his service . 2. for that cause , they all cease , and are fulfilled ( or have accomplished their services ) in the same perfect being ; namely , after this manner : to wit , to shew faithfull obedience , from the beginning of the christian life , till unto the perfect b old age of the most holy being of christ ; namely , from the c departure out of the heathenship ( through the d obedience of the word ) unto god his covenant of the e circumcision of the holy fathers , abraham , isaac , and iacob : that is , unto the fear of god ( the fore-front of gods true tabernacle ) whereout the beginning of the godly wisdome proceedeth or springeth . 3. for with the said holy fathers , god hath ( to an erecting or building of his true tabernacle ) begun his service of the word , f in his covenant of circumcision : and even so ( in the same service ) builded or set up the fore-front of his true tabernacle , with the fathers of his covenant . 4. from the service of the fathers , ●n gods covenant of the circumcision , and of the accomplishings of the same service , in the fear of god ( the true fore-front ) g unto moses , which hath ( in his service ) figured forth the true being of the true sanctuary or tabernacle of god in the spirit ; and the accomplishing of the true god-service ( as a to-coming righteousness and perfection of all the works of god ) h in images ▪ figures , and shadows , according to the very like manner or ordinance , as it was ministred by the priesthood of aaron ▪ under the obedience of the law. 5. from the service of moses , and his prefiguration of the upright righteousness and holiness unto i king david and the prophets of god : to whom the true being was shewed , in the spirit of their sight : which likewise bear witness and proph●sie ( in their service ) out of the light , and through the word of the lord , on the true being , like as the same in this pres●nt day ▪ is come unto us . 6. from the service of king david and the prophets , k till unto iohn the baptizer with the water of repentance , the true l foregoer or the foregoing light , that goeth before christ ( the true true being ) for to prepare the m hearts of men ( in his service ) to the true being , in the confessing of their sins , and in n repentance for those same ▪ for to make them even so meet , to enter into the holy of the true tabernacle of god , to the knowledge of the true salvation in the forgiveness of their sins . 7. from the service of iohn the baptizer with the water of repentance , and the accomplishing of the same service , o unto christ and his service in the belief , to justification in the spirit ; and this is the true service and p offering of christ , in the holy of the true tabernacle of god. in whose accomplishing , the images , figures , and shadows do cease , for that with the man , in the accomplishment of the requiring of the word of christ ( through christ , and through his service in the belief ) the true being and the perfect rig●teousness , with the ministration of the heavenly goods , becometh made known in the q spirit of the inward man ; and all what god requireth of the man , fulfilled or accomplished . 8. for through christ , and through his service in the belief , god hath builded his holy of the true tabernacle , according to the true being ( whereof the figurative services gave their shadows , and whereon all the prophets of god have prophesied ) with the disciples of ch●ist ; as also manifested and accomplished the true r offering ( to the forgiveness of sins , and to an everlasting atonement of the generation of mankinde ) in the holy. 9. even thus hath christ wrought or erected all this ( that concerneth the holy and his service , in his true being ) with his disciples : s ordained them to elders of the holy understanding , and to ministers of the same service in the belief or faith : and is even so ascended t into heaven to the right hand of god his father , and entred into the most holy . 10. and from thence he hath , out of the same most holy , v poured forth his holy ghost , upon his disciples : sanctified his holy , and ministred the same ( in his full service ) according to the true being ; as also established the true testament with them , to the x forgiveness and purginig of sins : and hath even so declared ( in the heaven ) the most holy unto them , and given them to understand , how that he would bring the same again ( in his coming ) upon the earth ( with power and glory ) in the last time ; and set up again his true fore-front and holy , each one in his ministration ; together with the daily offering , y to an everlasting glory and majesty of god upon the earth , like as there is written and witnessed thereof . 11. behold , in such wise ( as is said ) have the fore-going services ( which the god of heaven hath brought againe , and erected with us , through his christ ) their ministration , to the most holy a being of jesu christ , which is the true light of life ; and the most holy of the true tabernacle it self . wherein it becometh all fulfilled , that is promised by the god of light : and written of christ. 12. and this most holy whereon we witness , and which is ( from god his grace ) appeared and come unto us , is the same most holy , wherein and wherewith christ ( the true high priest and king of righteousness ) cometh unto us , in the triumph and majesty : and ministreth even so unto us in the same and out of the same most holy , his high priests office with the spiritual and heavenly goods , to the erecting of the perfection . 13. therefore also is this day or light of the love , with his service in the most holy , the last day , and the perfection or conclusion of all the works of god. in the which god himself , with his christ , b and with all the thousands of his saints ( as in the most holy of his true tabernacle ) appeareth and cometh unto the believers and obedient ones to the requiring of his word , to an eternal c rest of his holy ones and to a godly consolation for all afflicted hearts , which hope on god and on his righteousness , and bear the love of god and christ , in their hearts , to the end that they all which love god and his christ , mought now live d lovely and peaceably in the same rest ( with all the holy ones of god and christ ) in all love . 14. which most holy ( the most pure perfect beauty ) and his upright and gracious service of love , we have received or attained unto , now in this last time : wherein we inherit the e fulness of the life ( to an everlasting joy ) with god and his christ. and that same most holy and his service of love , reacheth also no further : but it is the perfection it self . f for that cause , the services of love ( which the lord hath erected with us little ones and elect ones ) shall stand fast everlastingly in his ministration , and remaine for ever , according to the scripture . 15. happy is he , which giveth eare unto the same service of the most holy ( which is ministred out of the testimonies of the holy spirit of love , ) and believeth it , as also obeyeth the requiring of those same : and waxeth not g bitter-hearted , either offended thereat , neither hardeneth his heart thereagainst : but h respecteth the same gratious time , to the end that he may enter into the rest of the lord , and that the severe judgement ( which cometh ( in this last day ) upon all ungodly and resisters of the service of love , and upon all rich knowledge full wise , which have corrupted the i way of their understanding , in the knowledge ) fall not upon him , to his condemnation . 16. yea happy is he , which now respecteth well the true light : and assembleth him in this day , unto the k mercy-seat of the majesty of god and christ , to his salvation . 17. for after this day , there shall no day of grace more , l come upon the earth , because all the works of god , and his prophecies , become fulfilled ( according to the scripture ) in the same : and for that the m righteous judgement of god ( to an everlasting death and damnation of all ungodly , and to an eternal life and salvation of all the holy ones and elect of god ) becometh also executed therein . the xxxviii chapter . consider and mark ( ye dearly beloved ) in what sort , that the foregoing services of god are in many manner of wise ; & how that they all ( out of one god ) as linked together , do reach unto this day and service of the love of the most holy being of christ ; and how that the god of heaven ( out of his mercifull love ) hath through the ministers of his gratious word , informed , trained up , and served the generation of mankind ( that the same mought be set up again in the godly nature and forme ( wherefrom it is a fallen away or estranged ) and so become saved ) with the foregoing services , till unto this service and day of love of the perfection . in which day , the god of heaven hath also brought againe and erected with us , the right ministration of his foregoing services : and will likewise ( in this day ) with all that same which he hath spoken and w●ought from the beginning of the world ; and restored againe with us , execute his righteous judgment , to death and to life , like as there is written thereof . 2. wherefore awake now all : lift up your heads : hear and see the wonderful acts of god : and have regard unto the d sound of the last trumpet , and consider : 3. the fore-front of the true tabernacle of god , wherein the beginning of the true god service and of the upright christian life becometh erected ; the holy of the true tabernacle of god , wherein the true god-service and his requiring , and the obedience of the belief even unto the upright christian life , is accomplished , and the veil removed from the most holy ; the most holy of the true tabernacle of god , wherein the perfection of the true christian life , and all that which god hath spoken from the beginning , and promised through his prophets , is set up ; the kingdom of the god of heavens , e full of all pure beauty and heavenly powers , wherein all minds of pure hearts do live ( with christian triumph ) f free without fear ; the day of the g righteous judgment of god , in which the compass of the earth becometh judged with righteousness ; the h judgement-seat of christ , before which all things must needs be manifest ; the perfect being of god and christ , in his abundant clearness of the godly light ; the true i rest of all the children of god , in their perfect loveliness and upright being ; the k mystery of the heavenly truth , wherein the right service of love hath his ministration . and the declaring of the spiritual treasures , or riches of the heavenly goods , which are administred and brought through the service of love ( to an everlasting perfection ) unto the upright of heart , and wherein al unperfect or childish things , images , figures , and shadows do cease , becometh now in this present day ( o ye lovers of the truth ) l evangelized and declared unto you all : and thereto also ye all ( so well as we ) were m created , for to live therein : and are called and bidden unto the same ( out of the grace and mercy of god ) by me hn , in whom god hath sealed the dwelling of his glory , and his holy name . 4. not onely they , with whom i particularly do speak and write unto : but also all those , that love the truth in jesu christ , and to whose hands the godly testimonies of our writings ( out of our most holy service of love ) do come , to an assistance and leading into our communiality of love , and which read or hear the same : this day is the door of the heavenly truth , the n gate of the kingdom of the god of heavens , the entrance into the paradise of god or pleasant garden of the lord , and the way to the tree of life , opened ; and great joy published , unto you all : and that the god of heaven o restoreth againe with us ( in this day of his love ) all what he hath spoken from the beginning of the world , through the mouth of his holy prophets . 5. whoso now therefore , are the people of the lord , and all such as have a desire to do his will , they shall now be well able to understand , that this our testimony and doctrine , is of god , and come ( with p humbled hearts ) unto the house and work of the lord ; submit them before the lords feet ; and be assembled with us ( under the obedience of the love ( unto the communiality of the holy ones of god ; and q incorporated ( to all unity of heart , of the one man of god ) into the true body of jesu christ. 6. but whosoever appertaineth not to the lord ; hath not minded the love , truth , nor unity of heart ; nor believed me hn , in the service of love : but supposeth to be wise , out of his own spirit and understanding ; excuseth or justifieth himself ; and so hath no desire unto the will of god my father , he shall not desire to come unto us , nor to make manifest himself , in this day : before the r judgment-seat of christ. 7. but i say unto you verily , whoso assembleth him not unto us , nor manifesteth himself ( either confesseth not his sins ) good-willingly ( out of an inclination unto the love ) before the lord and his seat of judgement , he shall notwithstanding ( in this day ) not chuse but be manifested before the judgement of god , and before s this seat which god hath prepared to judgement ( let him then cover himself , so subtilly as he will ) in his sins , and in his perverse and corrupt nature , t as also in his averted or off-turned meanings from us and from the requiring of the service of the love of jesu christ ; hear the judgement or sentence of his condemnation , v out of the righteous judgement of god ; and bear the burden of his damnation . the xxxix chapter . therefore , let every one now take warning : and let each one ( which is presently called and bidden to this true light ) and to this lovely marriage , or a supper of the lamb ) look now diligently unto it , that he make not his excuse nor seek to clear himself , either with this or that : and so disdaine this voyce or cal●ing . like as ( in times past ) they that were bidden to the supper of the lord , b sought delays , and excused themselves : and for that cause , tasted not the supper of the lord for evermore . 2. therefore let no man bind his heart now , on wife , child , oxen , lands , nor on any manner riches of this world . but let him turn his heart unto these infinite riches of the heavenly goods . 3. and if any man now be ( without the house of the lord ) c in the field , or on the top of his own house , let him not go in againe ( to his house ) for to fetch any thing thereout : but let d him leave and forsake all that , and turn him hither-ward , and e come to this holy mountain , whereon the house of the lord standeth , and his day-light shineth and let him f walk in the same light , that the abominations of the wicked world , and her condemnation ▪ g catch or take not hold of him as a snare . 4. for this is the condemnation , which goeth ( now in the last time ) over the man ; namely , that h the light is come into the world , and that the man loveth the darkness , more then the light : despiseth i the proffered grace : and taketh not heed unto this gratious time , to his renewing and salvation in the spirit . 5. in which time ( the whilst that the grace of the lord standeth open , and that there is k yet space , to obtain grace with the lord ) the hearts of the believing men are changed or renewed ; l as also grounded ( with minds of pure hearts ) in the living god ; and assembled to one heart , and to one man in jesu christ. 6. for the lord hath now set his help , m on one that is mighty ; and exalted him , whom he hath chosen out of the people . the lords hand shall advance him ; and his arm shall strengthen him . 7. for that cause , n the righteous shall now see their desire , and rejoyce them . for all iniquity shall be compelled to stop his mouth , because the lord with his saints , is now o become judge himself , and this his day of love ( which the p lord hath made for us ( which walk in his light ) to mirth and joy ) shineth so clear and bright . 8. therefore shall now also the eyes of all men be q humbled ; and the people which have exalted themselves , shall be fain to bow them : and r there shall be peace upon earth . 9. for behold , the lord maketh now the lips s of peace , which publish peace abundantly : wherein the scripture ( like as the lord hath spoken thereof in times past ) becometh fulfilled in this present day ; like as there standeth written thereof : 10. i ( saith the lord ) t inlarge the peace among you like a water-stream ; and the might or dominion of the heathen , like a river which floweth over with water . at that time ( saith the lord ) ye u shall suck ; and be born upon the sides or in the arms . they shall dandle you on their knees . and i ( saith the lord ) will comfort you like as a mother comforteth her children , when any evil happeneth unto them . 11. again : x i ( saith the lord ) will give you a concordable heart , and plant a new spirit within you . 12. behold ( ye dearly beloved ) all this same doth the lord now accomplish in this his holy day , with us little ones , humble hearts , and elected ones of god. 13. therefore our y mouth shall now in this day , be full of laughter ; and our tongue , full of boasting . for great and mighty is the glory of the lord , here among us , in this house or temple of his dwelling . for that cause let every one come hither now , unto this house of the lord , whereout z the glory of lord is declared , and his righteousness taught . 14. come now all , ye thirsty souls after the righteousness : a and assemble you into the house of instruction . wherefore should ye now tarry any longer , or defer the time , seeing that your souls are exceeding thirsty ? 15. for even for your sakes , i open my mouth , and cry , b come , i pray you , and buy you wisdome without silver or money : and c bow down your necks under the yoke or ordinance , so shall your soul receive wisdome . for even thereto have d i ( wisdome ) poured out the streams . i am as a course or chanel of the unmeasurable waters , out of the rivers . i am as the river dorix [ that is , which is swift ] and like a water-conduit , am i gone into the garden of pleasure . i said , i will water my garden of plants ; and fill or make drunken the fruits of my birth . for an overflowing passage is made for me : and my river reacheth even to the sea. for my doctrine giveth light like the fair morning : and i will declare forth the same , wide and far abroad . i will pierce thorow all the lowest parts of the earth : and i will look upon all such as be asleep : and will also lighten all them , that hope in the lord. i will pour out doctrine , like a prophecie ; and leave it unto such as seek for wisdome . i will not make an end in their generation , till unto the holy eternity . 16. behold , e how that i have not laboured for my self onely ; but also for all them that desire the truth and instruction . therefore apply you now all thereunto , for to obtain wisdome . f for she is now near by , and letteth her self be found : and bringeth much rest unto them that labour in her . g her children are a congregation of righteous ones : whose exercise is obedience and love : and they bring forth that which is the wisdome it self . which wisdome , h is the brightness of the everlasting and true light , and undefiled mirrour of the godly powers , the majesty of god , and the image of his goodness . 17. what we had here more to say and to evangelize , of the perfection ; of the rest of the children of god ; or the kingdom of heaven ; of the most holy of the true tabernacle of god , and of his service of love ; of the true high priest , and of his office ; of the ceasing of the foregoing services ; of the publishing of the evangely in the last time ; of the wisdom ; of the truth ; of god ; of christ ; of the holy ghost ; of the upright christian communiality , and of what being or nature each one is in it self ; and of all what is spoken of in this evangely of the kingdome , is declared in the glass of righteousness . if ye therefore ( o ye lovers of the truth ) have a regard unto the sayings of the same , ye shall then find the full instruction , of all what is needfull for the man to know ( to his salvation ) witnessed and declared therein . the xl chapter . o all ye lovers of the truth ( to whom i wish much grace and salvation , in the lord , ) here have i endeavoured me , to express and signifie unto you all ( out of our most holy service of love ) the a counsel mind and will of god ( whereunto every one is debtour to humble and to b submit himself obediently : ) also gods wonderfull work with his holy ones ( which the wicked world hath never known nor understood , and which also c bideth alwayes and for ever hidden or secret before the same . ) and the declaration of the foregoing services of god ; and how that they all lead and have their ministration , unto the service of love , which is ministred out of the most holy of the true tabernacle of god thus largely and in the most simple manner ; and each ones service , briefly and with few words , to an assistance and introduction unto those heavenly things , which shall yet ( in their manifestation of clearness in the spirit ) be seen and spoken of , in the most perfect manner . 2. for thereunto do we ( under the obedience of the love ) shew forth our service ( namely ) towards all them that god stirreth into our way , and that assemble them unto us : which also love the truth of the declaration of the true god-services and christian ceremonies , and desire to accomplish the requiring of those same , to the end that they all which seek after the truth of jesu christ , and read or hear these godly testimonies of our writings , mought be somewhat furthered ( with this assistance or hand-teaching ) to the knowledge of the truth of jesu christ : and that the true god-services and ceremonies which lead unto the godliness , mought be ( in their upright use , and whereto each ones god-service reacheth ) seen into and understood of them , according to the truth , and that likewise the unilluminated and unregenerated men , mought then even so understand and know , that they ought not ( through any taking out of the knowledge of the scripture , nor through any knowledge which ariseth in their hearts ) to set forth , to preach , nor to teach any services nor ceremonies , wherewith ( doubtless ) they seduce themselves and other moe : but that they ought first humbly d to turn them unto the word of grace , to submit them obediently under the service of love ( wherein the true light cometh with full clearness , ) to give eare and credit to the same , and to accomplish his requiring . for in the same service , every one shall receive good resolution and instruction , how for to come to e the new birth in jesus christ , and to what manner of accomplishment , the services and ceremonies ought to be used and obeyed , in their right use . 3. and thereto , and to the unity of heart f in the love , is likewise all my service ( chieffest ) unto all lovers of the truth . that they all which love the truth , mought now come-somewhat nearer unto us , in the holy understading ; and be g concordably minded with us ( under the obedience of the love ) to the unity of the heart in jesu christ , and become assembled unto us : and that they should then even so , so much the better understand , the holy mind of our god , the true service of love ( wherein god ( the most highest ) hath comprehended us . ) and the heavenly truth , witnessed in the glass of righteousness , and administred ( out of love ) in this declaration . 4. for that cause my desire is unto you all ( which read and hear these our writings ) that ye will diligently revolve in minde and throughly measure , our upright and undeceiveable service , shewed on you , and the ground of this same ; and have an inspection and consideration ( with pure devotion unto god , upon the understanding of every particular sentence , and whereunto the same serveth , to the h lightning of our understanding : and take even so good heed , unto the hearty mercifulness of god shewed on you , through the service of love . 5. for out of grace ( i undeserved ) is this mystery of the works of god , k uncovered unto you all , which love the truth , and presently in this day of love , is the l evangely of the kingdome ( which is breathed on and brought unto us now in the last time ( out of of the word of grace , and out of the spirit of the living god ( to the m procreating of the living souls of sion ) published or evangelized ( in these n perilous times ) to the salvation and preservation of you all , to the end that you mought now in the last time , be o led out from the wicked world ▪ and from her perverse generations ; be released from all conceited opinions , which the man taketh to him out of the knowledge of the scripture ; and have your communion or society with us . 6. for our communion in this true light of the love , is the uniformity with god ( the father , ) with p his son ( our lord jesus christ , ) with the holy ghost ( q the pledge of the promises of our inheritance , ) and with all the holy ones of god , in the heavenly being . it is very true . the xli chapter . unto this same grace , which is this day ( o ye lovers of the truth , with all ye which love the upright and lovely life of the love ) proffered unto you ; and to the same majesty of god , and communiality of his holy ones , which is this day declared unto you , ye are all presently a called and invited . 2. for seeing that this great grace and hearty love , is chanced unto us ( through the appearing b of the glorious coming of our lord jesus christ ) from god the father : and that the lord hath stirred us up , in the end of the world ; and sent us in the right time , for to gather together his chosen holy ones , unto the mercy-seat of the of the majesty of god , to unity of heart c in the love of jesu christ , so pass we with the presenting of the same grace and intire love of god ) thorow the nations of people : from the chiefest in the understanding and knowledge of the scripture , even unto the smallest and simplest . for the sound of the last trumpet [ namely , the voice or testimony of the grace of the holy spirit of love ] d shall be heard in all the world . 3. happy is he which to day heareth this voice , and e hardeneth not his heart : but believing the word , becometh assembled unto the body of jesu christ ( the mercy-seat of the majesty of god ) and entreth into the rest of the lord. 4. behold , thereto is our service among all nations of the people , if happily we mought find any lovers of the truth ( which seek f god and his righteousness , with all their heart ) and assemble them with us , to our communiality of love ( g the onely body of christ : ) and that they mought even so enter , with us and all the children of god , into the rest of the lord , to their preservation , in this day of the righteous judgment of god. 5. for that cause , let every one take now good heed unto this day , and have regard what the holy spirit of love requireth . 6. for whosoever assembleth not himself ( in this day ) unto the body of jesu christ , under the obedience of his love : but turneth his heart therefrom , he shall become utterly confused in his heart , and wax ( more and more ) estranged from christ : and have no part with him in this holy day of his coming , nor enter into his rest , for evermore ; but obtaine the h condemnation ( which also belongeth rightly unto him ) with all ungodly : whose part shall be with the devil and all wicked spirits ( with the chains i or bands of darkness ) in the fire of hell . 7. they now shall likewise all perish , which remaine without jesus christ , or without the communiality of his love ; as also such as turn them therefrom . 8. for it shall now ( this say i unto you verily ) be found in the truth , that jesus christ is onely the saviour k of his body ; and not of them that remaine without him , nor which turne them away from him : much less to them which despise him , and do all their diligence , l to tread his word of grace ( which is proffered unto us all ( out of the service of love ) to righteousness , for to be made living in him ) under foot , deriding the same , and blaspheamor dishonouring the spirit of grace . 9. consider on the testimonies of the scripture ( ye dearly beloved , ) how that jesus christ , is ( in this day ) onely the saviour of his body . for thus there standeth written of him : m he shall save his people from their sins . but not the strangers which remaine without him . 10. again : n he shall gather the wheat into his barn , and burn the chaffe , with everlasting fre . 11. again , the lord jesus christ himself saith : o every vine-branch * of mine , which bringeth forth no fruit , shall be cut off . 12. again : p the world shall see me no more : but ye ( saith the lord jesus christ to his members ) shall see me . for i live , and ye shall live . 13. again : q the firstling which is risen from the death , is christ : after that , they that belong unto christ ; or that are of his members [ namely , of his flesh and spirit : ] which make manifest * themselves , in the time of the coming of christ , in his majesty ; r and after that cometh the end . 14. thereof speaketh isaiah also , saying to the lord ( whenas he saw into the hardness or obstinancy of the people , which should be upon earth , in the last time : ) thy dead [ that is , those which are deceased in the lord ] shall live , and arise with the body . take it to heart . the xlii chapter . herewith ( ye dearly beloved ) will we conclude for this time . i suppose that this groundly instruction and inconfutable declaration , is sufficient for to satisfie throughly all understandings , which love the truth : and to make known unto every one , in his understanding , that this same ( which is declared unto us , and becometh administred and published unto you all ) is the lords work ; and that the a scripture must even so become fulfilled , in all what is written of christ. 2. whosoever now therefore , hath any good willingness towards god , b for to do his will , he shall well consider and understand , that these testimonies , are no c manly knowledges , but are proceeded from god ; and that they have their service hereunto , for to pluck all good-willing hearts ( in d the unity of the love of christ ) with us little ones and god his elect , under the grace of life and hand of god , which is appeared unto us now in the last time , to an everlasting and stedfast e peace upon the earth , according to the promises . 3. for that cause ( to the end that it may now all be fulfilled in christ , what is written ; and evangelized in times past of him ) all hearts which love the truth , and also all men , are now called ( on the f behalf of the lord our god ) with this or through the service of love , unto the love ( the most soveraigne majesty of god our father , ) to the end that they all mought now assemble them ( to their preservation in this g perilous time ) with us ( under the obedience of the love ) unto the true body of jesu christ ; and so we to become incorporated with each other ( in all love ) h into christ , to one man of god. 4. consider now rightly ( ye dearly be●oved ) whereto and wherefore the man is summoned or required to come unto the majesty of god ; and obediently admitted into the service of love ; and wherefore the man is also debtour , ☞ wholly to give over himself unto the lord , in the service of his love ; namely , even herefore , that the lord mought have his i dwelling and work in the man ; and the man to live k upright and peaceably ( in all love ) with god and his neighbour : and so inherit ( under the obedience of the love ) the spiritual and heavenly goods , and the everlasting life . 5. but if now the man will not do so : and that if he refuse the lord , and to give over himself under his gratious word , and the testimonies of the holy spirit of love ▪ so l robbeth he god of his , and keepeth back from him , that which belongeth unto him : and cannot therefore m behold the lovely countenance of the lord in his naked clearness , for evermore . 6. but happy is he , which is n humble of heart , and hath bent o his desire , to the lord , and to the holy word of the heavenly truth : and standeth even so p obediently submitted , to the holy and gratious word of the heavenly truth , and to the requiring of his service of love , and assembleth him to the people of the lord. for he shall behold with a pure heart , the glo-of god , and live everlastinlgy . 7. behold , hereto ( whereunto also all people are now ( in repentance for their sins ) called and bidden ) was the man q created , the r blessing of all generations of the earth promised , the law given through moses , the evangely preached ( in times past ) through christ , and is now also in s the last time ( in the glorious power of god ) to an introduction into the same , published t and spread abroad ( through the holy spirit of the love of christ ) in all the world . 8. whosoever now then u forsaketh himself , and giveth over himself obediently in jesu christ ( the gracious word of the lord ) he becometh now admitted or received in jesu christ , and in the obedience of his requiring . 9. the lord grant us all , mercy , x and hearts of understanding , for to understand the clearness of this holy evangelie ; and a y willing spirit , for to give over our selves humbly and obediently , unto the gracious word of the lord , and unto the service of his holy spirit of love , to all unity of heart , z in the love. amen . so be it . 10. finally , yee dearly beloved ( ye all , unto whom these our writings ( out of love ) come to hand , and are brought in writing , to an assistance and leading into our unity of heart in the love ) my desire is to every one in several , that he ( after he hath perused and diligently read , the testimonies of these writings ( this publishing of the grace of life ) and these groundly instructions , and advisedly considered the requiring of those s●me ) write over his minde , understanding , will , and meaning thereof , freely and even from the heart , unto the principallest of the family of love , or unto any of ours , which minister with us , the out-flowing of the holy and gracious word ; and these testimonies of the holy spirit of love , or else that he come and present himself before ●im , and so give testimony , whether that he agreeth or consenteth herein with us little ones , and elected holy ones of god , which stand submitted under the obedience of the love , and is willing to give over himself , and his whole heart and minde , to the unity of heart with us , in the love of jesu christ , whereunto he is summoned & required to come , on the behalf of the lord , the supream god : and whether that he also desireth to be partaker of the out-flown grace ; and of the godly doctrine of the service of the love of jesu christ , which we have received from the uncovered face of god and christ , and to maintaine or further the same service : like as there is also required or desired , in the distinct declaration of the requiring of the lord , set forth * by fidelitas , our beloved co-elder in the family of love . 11. whosoever now wholly agreeth herein with us : and standeth minded with us , to the unity of heart in the love of jesu christ ; and to the godly doctrine of the service of the same love , let him then make the same apparent unto us : and apply himself to be united ( to one concordable communiality of the love of jesu christ ) with us , like as we endeavour us towards him : and let us even so ( to all concord , under the obedience of the love of jesu christ , and to his true peace and upright godliness ) be gathered together , so shall then the true love and peace of jesu christ , well obtaine the victory in us . 12. and we elders in the family of love , do proffer us freewillingly ( with all submission to the love of jesu christ ) to give every one ( which mindeth or addicteth him to the truth and love of jesu christ , and desireth to be informed of us ) good instruction and resolution , through the arm of our saviour , so much as we in see , that it is necessary for every one to his salvation . 13. further , so is also our desire and exhortation ( out of the submission in the love of our lord jesu christ ) unto you all , that every one ( to whom this groundly instruction ( setting forth by the holy spirit of love ) is administred out of love , and which hath assembled him to our communiality of love , & to the service of the same ) remember this * superscription [ namely , vnto the lovers of the truth &c. to whom ( in the beginning of these writings ) we do write ] and make another ( which he knoweth to love the truth with whole heart , and to stand submitted unpa●●ially to the love ) partake with him of the same grace and love , whereunto he is loved and assisted , and ( out of love ) to reach forth the hand or stand helpful , unto such a one : and that he then likewise , write over his minde , will , or meaning , or else present himself persoally , as is abovesaid : and so assemble him to the service of love and to our communiality , that the love in her service , may be fruitful with many unto righteousness , and bring forth such ▪ abundantly , to the laud and praise of the supream god , and to the peace and joy of all generations of the earth , according to the promises . the grace of lord jesu christ , be with you all , amen . 14. herewith yee are all ( o yee lovers of the truth , which read and hear these godly testimonies of our writings , or to whom they are administred out of love ) heartily saluted in all love , by the whole communiality of holiness , which are comprehended in the love of god and christ. 15. we all hope ( in our prayer unto god ) of all your goodwillingness , to the concordableness with us , in the obedience of the requiring of the love . 15. the grace of the supream god , and the upright righteousness and godly being of the communiality of the holy spirit of the love of jesus christ ( whereunto ye are now out of grace , undeserved ; called , and lovingly bidden ) obtaine the victory in all your hearts . amen . sent from the spirit of love ( through love to concord , and through love to life ) into all lands , over the universal world . charitas extorsit per h. n. finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a52314-e200 a eccle. 3. a. mat 16 a. b psa 118 c c mat. 24. c d luk 17. c. acts 2. a. d esa. 26. c. 1 cor. 15 f ▪ e luk 24. e f mat. 24. b g esa. 32. b 54. b. 57. b. 66. b. 2 pet 3. b. h 2 cor. 6. 2 heb. 12. b. i mal. 3.2 . mat 11. b. k mat 24 b apoc. 14. ● . l esa. 1. c. 55 a. ezek. 10. c. 33. b. m mat. 3.2 . act. 2. d 3. c ▪ n ezek. 7. a 1 pet 4. a. o mal. 4. a. p act. 17. d. q e●a . 5● c. luk 2 ● . ephe. 2. c. r ●●a . 9● . b. ●eb . 3 b. 4. b notes for div a52314-e480 a 1 cor. 3 15 b io● . 6. f. act 17. d. ephe. 2. a. r● . 8. c. d. d e●h . 4 b. e i●h 14.17 apo. 21. a. f iohn 1. a. 1 iohn 1. a. g i●r . 33. b. h 1 cor. 13. b. i apoc. 14 a k esa. 42.61 . a. l ioh 14. b. m ioh. 3.2 . n esa 11.32 . a. ier. 23. a. 33. b. o heb. 3.4 . a p mat. 25. d q mat 5 a. r ioh. 6.7 . d apo 2 b. 7. b 21. a. 22. b. s rom 11. apo. 4. b. 5. b. 7. b. superscription . eccl. 33. b apo. 14. a. u rom. a. ephe. 4 c. x 2 cor. 3. b. y eph. 4.5 . c. z mat. 25. d a mal. 4. a. b sap. 3. a. 5 a. heb. 3. b 4. b apo. 21. a. c 2 pet. 2 ▪ 3 , ● d rom. 2. a. e ioh. 3. b. f esa. 3. b. mat. 24. d. 25. d. iude 1. b. g esa. 16. b. h act. 17. d. i zach. 8. a. k apoc. 14 b l luke . 22. c m 1 pet. 5 a. n mat. 11. a. o act. 4. c. p 1 cor. 1. a. 2 cor. 13. b. phil 3. b. q apoc. 12. b r pro. 1. ● . mat. 7.29 . b esa. 59. b. s rom. 2.2 . t 1 cor. 2. a. u mat. 24. b. apo. 14. a. x 2 pet. 2 , 3 a. y ap. 7.21 . a z esa. 29. b. mat. 11.13 . a 2 cor. 4. ● . b rom. 13. b ephe. 5. b. c iob. 3.6 . ● . d psal. 95. ● . heb. 3. b. a mat. 1. b. b mat. 25. d act. 16.17 d. iude 1. b. c eze. 37 ▪ b io● . 5. c. rom 8. b. phil. 3. b. d act. 9. b. rom. 9. c. e io● . 14. c. apo. 21. a. f esa. 2. a. mat. 4. a. g ioh. 15. c. act. 1. a. h amos 5. b. mich. 2. a. mat. 24 b. 2 tim. 3. a. i mat. 10 c. luk 10. b. k 1 pet. 1. b. l deut. 12. a. ier. 7.9.18 . b. m psa 95. b. heb. 3. b. eze. 36. c 2 cor. 7. a. o heb. 3 ▪ 4 b p heb. 4. b. q ephe. 5. b. r rom. 8. b. 1 cor. 15. c. 1 thes. 4. b. s apo. 14. b. t ioh. 5. ● . act. 17. b. u esa. 43. b. c x esa. 57. b. y esa. 40. a. 57. b. 62. b. z esa. 35.41 b 43. c. 44 a a ioh 3 a. b mat. 13. b. ier 29 b. eccle. 2 b. d ioh. 3. b. c e mat. 24. c. f ioh. 10. a. g psal 5.138 . a. h mat. 7. a. luk. 11. a. i io● . 6. f. apo. 2. b. k lu. 14.22 l psal. 46. a. pro 8. a. eccl 33. b. m mat. 13. b rom. 16. c. eph. 3.2 . col. 1. c. n ps. 118. a. ier. 31. d. i●●l . 2. c. act. 2. a. b. a esa. 62. a. b esa. 60. a. c esa. 2. a. mich. 4. a. d ps. 118. c. psal. 9. a. 96. b 98. b. esa. 2. a. ● . ● 11 , 12. a. 16 b. 32.42 . a. ier. 23.33 . b dan. 2 c. 7. mal. 4. a. mat. 25. d. act. 17. d. f pro. 2.4 . a g eph. 5. a. psal. 91. a. h ioh. 11. b. i psa. 50. a. esa. 55. a. k ier. 7. c. 11 a. 13. b. 15. b l esa. 2. a. m psa. 19. a. n ioh. 3. b 8. a 12 c. o ioh. 15. a rom. 11. b. eph. 3. b. p ier. 8. a. q esa. 13.32 . a. 43 c. 60 a ier. 23.33 . c. eze. 11. b. 36.37 . b. c. r ioh. 6. f. 142 , 17. b. s isa. 60.61 . a. t 2 p●t . 9. b. u ioh. 6. c. x matth. 5. a. y apo. 12.51 . a z ioh. 16. b a isa. 4. a. 11. b. 12.2 . b eph. 4. ● c eph. 5 , b. d apo. 3. b. e act. 17. d. f ps. 118. c. g psal. 47. h psa. 47.96 ecc. 43. a. i ps. 9.45 . a 93 a. esa. 16. b. k psal. 96.98 . isa. 32.42 . a. ier. 23. a. 33. b. l ier. 23. a. 33. c. m ps. 89. d. n ps. 92 b o ps 92. b. p ps. 106. c. q ier. 30. d. r lu. 17. c. iohn 14.17 . apo. 21. a a gen. 2. a b gen. 3. sap. 1. b. ioh. 15. a 17 c. eph. 3. b. 2 pet. 1. a. d ier. 17. b. e 1. tim. 1. a , f isa. 1. a. 59. b ier. 9. a. g rom. 1.11 b eph. 2. a. 4. b h 1 cor. 1.2 . b i ioh. 14. b. k 1. reg. 15. b 1 pet. 1. b l isa. 2 a. 60. a. m rom. 1 c. eph. 2. a. 4. b. n 1. cor. 12. a eph. 4. b. 5. c o dam. 8.9 c. oze . 4. a. b. mich. 7. a 4 esdr. 9.12.15 , 14 15.16 . mat. 24. b 2 tess. 2. ● . b 1 tim. 4. n. 2 tim. 3.4 . 2 pet. 2.3 . a. p gen. 6. b q zep. 1. a r 1 pet. 1. b. s 1 iohn 1. a. t isa. 66. b. v eph. 4. b. x mat. 24. y isa. 26. b z isa. 53. a. rom 10. b. a isa. 5. c. b ier ▪ 7. b c. 8. a. 18. b. c isa. 26 , b. d isa. 26. b. matth. 14. b. f apo. 14. b. g 1. cor. 15 c. 1 thess 4. b. h isa 26. c. ezek. 37. b. i ap● . 4. b. 5. a. b. k 1 thess. 4. b. l 1 thess. 4. b. 2 thess. 1. b. iud. 1. b. m gen. 2. a. apo. 21. a b. n matth. 25. d. ● o isa. 60. b. ier. 23. a. 33. b. mich. 4. a. p 2 thess. 1. b. q gen 3. a r exod. 25. heb. 9. b. c a gen. 3. b. b gen. 4. a. c gen 4 ● d gen. 5. ● e gen. 6. a f gen. 6 a. b. g matth. 18. a mark ●● h gen. 6.7 . a. i mat. 18. k gen. 6.7 . a. l gen. 7. b m gen. 9. a. b. 10. a. b. n gen. 9. c o gen. 10. a. b p gen 11. ● . q gen. 11. ● r gen. 11. c. s gen. 4. c. t rom. 11. c ▪ v mat. 7. c. x i●h 1. a col. 1. b h●b . 1. a. y gen 4 a. z gen 5.9 c a gen. 11. b , c , 21 , a , 25. c b gen. 32. c , 35. b c gen. 29. c , d , d gen. 49. a e 1 reg. 15. f 1 esd. 3. a 2 esd 5. a 3 esd. 4.5 . e. g mat. 1. b , c luk. 1. c , 2 b b infra . 18. a gen 5.9 . ● b 〈…〉 c eph. 4. b d gen. 17. a gen. ●8 b f le. 26. b deut. 27.28 . c g gen. 8. c h gen. 1● . a i gen. 12. k r●m . 11. c l gen. 12.13 . b , 15. b , 17.22 . b. m gen. 15. a , 22. b. rom. 4. a gal 3. a iam. 2. c a gen. 18. b b gen. 28. b , c , c gen. 17. b d ec. 9.2 . b , 19. b e gen. 17. b f gen. 17. b g gen. 12. a h gen. 17. a i deut. 10 ier. 4. a. rom. 2. c , col. 2. b , phil. ● , a. k 2 cor. 3. b l 2 cor. 6.7 . a apo. 18. a m rom. 6. a col. 3. a n 1 pet. 1. b o col. 2. b p gen 17. b q gen. 17. b r deut. 10. b ier. 4. a col. 2. b s mat. 3. b iohn 8. d t rom. 3. b v rom. 2.6 . a phil. 3. a. col. 2. b ▪ 3. a x gen. 17. b y ecc. 1.2 . b z gen. 12. a a col. 2. ● b gen. 17. b. 18. b c m●t. 11. c , 13. b luke 8. a d esa. 5. c , 6. b ier ▪ 7. c ▪ 11. a , 13. b 18 b 1 cor. 1. b e mat. 13. b act. 28. c f 1 cor. 2. b g isa. 28.29 . b mat. 13. b apo. 5. a a gal. 3. c , 4. a b gen. 18. b c ecc 6. b eph. 4. b. d rom 8. b e mat. 13. b iohn 14. b 1 cor. 2. b f iohn . 8. c g gen. 15 ▪ a h gen. 12. b , 16. a. 20 a i gen. 16. a , ● , gal. 4. c k gal. 4. c l gal 3. c , 4. a , m heb. 7. b n rom. 3.4 . b gal. 2. b , 3. c , o gen. 16. a gal. 4.6 . p gen. 16. a q gen. 16. a r gen. 16. a gal. 4. c s gen. 4. c d t eph. ● . b v rom 8 c gal. 4. c x gen. 18. b y gen. 21. a gal. 4. c z gen. 21. ● a gen. 21. b. gal , 4. d b gen. 21 a c gen. 18. b. d ioh. 16. c. e mat. 1. c 1 cor. 1. c f 2 cor. 3 ▪ b a eph. 4. b. b gen. 24. g , 25. a c gen. 25. c d gen. 25. c e gen. 25. c f ioh. 3 a rom. 8. b g gen. 25. c , 27. d h gen. 32. c , 35. b i gen 27. c 29. d , 30. k gen. 25. c l gen. 25. c m 1 cor. 11. a n ioh. 3. a rom. 6.8 . b o ioh. 3. a 1 cor. 15. c p rom. 12. a eph. 4. c q ioh. 3. a , 〈…〉 16 r rom. 8 b. 2 cor. 3. b rom. 8. b eph. 1. b col. 1 ▪ b ▪ s rom. 8. a t rom. 8. a 1 cor 2. b v iohn . 6. g x rom. 8. a. b● y gen. ● . 25 . c. 1 cor. 15. c z 2 cor. 5. b a gen 27. ● , d b gen. 25 ▪ 27.32 . c , 35. b. c 2 cor. 5. b d gen. 25. c e gen. 27. b , c f gen. 3● . 35 . b a g●n ▪ 28 b , b gen. 28.35 . c gen. 28. c d lev. 26. b. 2 cor. 6. b apo. 21. a e gen. 29. c , d f gen 29. d g gen. 30. a h gen. 29. d , 30. a , b c i gen. 29. d k gen. ●0 . a l gen. 30. b m gen. 30. c , n gen. 41. c. o gen. 35. c. p gen. 46 ▪ 47. q exod. 1. a , b , r exod. ● . c , s gen. 15. b , exod ▪ 3. a , acts 7. d , t exod. 3. a. u exod. 3 a , b ▪ x exod. 4 b. c , d. 5. a , y exod. 7 8 , 9 , 10. z ecc. 1. c , 2. b , 19. b. a gen 17 , b , b exo. 3.12.13 . num. 13.14 . c exo● . 15.16 , 20 , &c. d●ut . 4 , 5 , 6. d gen. ●5 17. a , e exod. 14. b , f exod. 14. c , 1 cor. 10. a , g exod. 15. a , b , h exod. 15 , 16 , 19 a , a exod. 17. a num. 13 , 14. a , 16.20 , 21. deut. 1. c , d , 1 cor. 1● a , b psal. 78. c , d , 106. b , c , c exod. 20 21. &c. d deut. 5. a. b , 6.8 10. &c. e exo. 10. b , c. deut. 5. c , f num. ●● c , d●●t . 1.2 . b , g ps. 95. b heb. 3 ▪ b , 4. b , h deut. 4. d ier. 29. b , sap. 1. a , i mat. 16. c mark 8. d lu. 9.14 . c k ioh. 14. c act. 1. a , 2. a , l heb. 4. b apo. ●2 a m exod. 25. ad finem vsque sic leuit. a principio ad finem . num. 3 4 ▪ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 15 , 17 , 18. n psal. 69. d isa. 11.92 . a , ier. 30. b , amos. 9. act. 15. b apo. 21. a o 1 cor. 10 b , p deut. 6. a , 10 b , ●0 a , q sap. 1. a , mat. 11 , c , 13. b ioh 14. b , 16. c , r mat. 16. c s esa. 66. a psal. 51. b a exo. 2● . b , 31.32 . b , ●4 . a , b exo. 25. a , 26. &c. c exod. 25. a , 26. &c. lev. 1 , 2 , 3 , &c. numb . 3 , 4 , 5. d numb . 14 ▪ c , e gen. 16. a , gal. 4. c , supra a , f gal. 4. c g heb. ● . a , b. h 2 cor. 3. a. i gal. 3. ● , 4. a , k gen. ●8 l luke 1. c , 2. ● . m col. 1. ● , h●b . 1. a , n eph. ● . c , o ioh. ● . ● , ro. 1● . a , e●h . 4 ● , p luke 24. ● , act ▪ 1. b , 2. a , q ier. 31. d , heb. 8.10 . b , r ioel a. b act. 2. a , b s isa. 66. a acts 7. c , t 2 cor. 3. b , a exod. 4.39 , 40. lev. 1 , 2 , 3. numb . 3 , ● , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 17 , &c. b iohn 3. a , rom. 6. a , c heb. 7.9 . c , d rom. 15. a , e iohn 1. c , 1 ioh. 1. a , f luk. 24. f , ioh. 15. c , act. 1. a , 2. a , g gen. 14. b heb. 7. a , h mat , 1. b i gen. 2. a , heb. 4. b k exo. 20. b deut. 5 b , l heb. 7.8 . b m act. 1. b phil. 3. c , n col. 1. b heb. 1. 2 , o psa. 110. a heb 5.6.7 b , 9.10 . b , p heb. 7 , 8 a , q heb. 6 , 7 , b , r eph. 1. b s col. 2. a apoc. 21. a , b , t heb. 7. a v matth. 5. b , u gal. 4. a x mat●h . 24. c. ma● . 13 c luk. 17. c y 1 iohn 2 c , z 2 cor. 6. a , gal. 6. b , heb 12 b a numb . 13. a , b numb . 13. c , d , 14. a , c numb . 13. d , 14. a , d heb. 3 , 4. b , e numb . 14. a , f numb . 14. ● , g numb . 14. c , ios. 14. a , b , h ier. 9. c , i ioh. 5. c , k deut 29. b l mat. 13. b m rom. 9. a gal. 3. a , n n●m 14. c o gen. 17. a psal. 86. a p isa. 42. b , 53. b , 60. c , eze. 39. 4 esd. 1.2 . q rom. 9.11 . a , r numb . 14. b , s psal. 95. b , heb. 3. b , 4. a , t ios. 3. a , b , 4. a , b , u matth. 3. a , luk. 3. a , a ios. 5. a , b ios. 8.10 . iudic. 1.8 10 &c. c 1 reg. 16. b , 2 reg. 2.5 , 8 , &c. d 3 reg. 1.2 . b , e 1 reg. 13. b , act. 13. c. f psal , 89. c g ier. 23. a , 33. b , eze. 37. c , h 2 reg. 7. b , psa. 89. d , 132. b , isa. 9. a , i ps. 110. a , 132. b , isa. 16. b , k 3 r●g . 1. d , 2. b , 9.10 . 1 par. 20. 2 par. 1.9 . l 3 reg. 6.7 . 2 par. 3.4 . act. 7. c , m rom. 11. d , n isa. 2. a , ier. 23. a. 33. b , eze. 37. c , ioel. 2. c , mic. 4. a , o act. 2. b 3. c , p heb. 7. b , 8. a , 9. b , 10 a , b , q 3 reg. 12. b , 2 par. 10. r 3 reg. 12. d , s 4 reg 1● . t 〈…〉 u 3 reg. 12. a 3 reg. 12. b , b 4 reg. 24. b , c 4 reg. 24. b , d 4 reg. 15 a , ier. 39.52 . a , b , e 2 par. 36. eze. 24. a , b f lam. 1.2 , 3 , 4 , 5. g ier. 39. h dan. 6 ▪ 9. a , i 1 esd. 5.6 b , 3 esd. 6. a k eze. 40.41 ▪ &c. l 〈…〉 a●g . 1 , 2 a , b , z●ch . 1 , ● , 4 , ● , ● . a , b , &c m 1 esd. 3. b , n 1 esd. 6.9 , 1● . 2 esd. 8.9 , 1● , 13. 3 esd. 6. o dan. 4.6 . p hest. 8. q isa. 1.43 c , ier. 5. c , oze . 5. a , r col. 2. b , heb. 8.10 . a , s isa. 6. mat 13 b t ioh. 8. d , v ioh. 15. b z isa. 9.16 . b y mat. 11. c z exo. 30. b heb. 9. a , c , 10. a , b , a 1 cor. 13. b , 〈…〉 b iohn 8.15 . b , c rom. 8 ▪ b , a luke 1. a , b , c. b luke 1. a , c , c mal 4. b , mat. 11 b luk. 1. b , d mat. 1. b , c , luk. 2 a , e i●● . 23.33 . b , f iohn 1. a , 8. b , 14 . 1● . a , b , g sap 7. c iohn 14.16 h heb. 9. b , c. 10. a , b. i mat. 2. a , luk 3. a , k luke 1 a , l luke 1. a , m luk. 1. b n mal. 4. b a 2 reg. 7. b , psal. 89.110 . a , 132. b. isa. 16. b , ier. 23. a , 33. b , eze. 37. c b mat. 1. b luk. 1. c , c luk. 3. c d luk. 1 c e luk. 1. c f 2 reg. 7 psal , 89. d psal. 9. a , dan. 2.7 . c. g luke 1 d , h luk. 1. d , i isa. 8. a , mat. 1. c , k luk 1. c , l luk. 1. d , m ger. 21. b , 22. b , rom. 9. a , gal. 3. b , n rom. 9. a , o luke 2. a , p mic. 5. a , luke 2. a , q luke 2. b , r luke 2. c. s luke 2. c , t mat 13. b ioh. 10. d , v luk. 8. a , apo. 2. b , 3. c , a mat. 11. b , luk. 16 , b b mal. 5. b , luk. 1. b. c luk. 5. a d mat. 3. a mark. 1. a luk. 3. a , iohn 1. c , e isa. 40. a mal. 3. a , 4. b , f mat. 3. a g mat. 3. b luk. 3. c , h mat. ●3 . a ▪ luk. 3 ▪ a , i mat. 3. b luk. 3. b , iohn 1. c , act. 2. d. k leui. 26. b , ioh. 14. c , 2 cor. 6. b , apo. 21. a l luk. 1 ▪ g , m rom. 8. a , n ioh. 9 , 11. b. a mat. 4. c mark 1. b b mat. 7. c , luk. 4. d , c isa. 32. a , c , 42. a , 57.60 . d luk. 2. d , e mat. 4. c , mark 3. a luk 4.6 ▪ iohn 1. c , 6. f , f ioh. 6. g , g luk. 2. d act. 1. a , h matth. 12. a , 15. a 21.22.23 . a , b , c , ioh. 6. d , 7.8 , 9 , 10 , 11. i mat. 11 c , iohn 8. c , 10. d , 15. c , k 1 cor. 1.2 . b , l heb. 1. a mat. 17. a m iohn 1. a , 6. c , 8. b , 14. c , n eph. 2.4 . b , o iohn 6. g , p iohn 3. a , rom. 12. a , eph. 4. c q mat. 18 a , mat. 13 b , s ioh. 6. ● , t iohn 1. a , 8. b. 9. a , 12. d , u ioh. 14. a , x ioh. 11. c , y luke 9 18. d , z heb. 9. b , c , a rom. 6. a , phil. 2. a , 1 pet. 2.4 . a , b act. 2. a c 2 cor. 3. b , d heb. 10 ● , e iohn 6 ▪ g , a mat. 1. c , luk. 1. c , b col. 1. b , heb. 1. a , c ioh. 14. a , d iohn 8 12. e ioh. 10. a , f ioh. 15. a , g ioh. 6. d , e , h iohn 11. c , i ioh. 3. b , k ezek. 45. c , l matth. 26. c , mark 14. c , luke 22. b , iohn 13.16 . b. m matth. 16. c , 17. c , 20. b , mark 8. d. 9. d , 10. d , n ioh 6. ● , f , o ma● . 19. d , ioh. 3. a , rom. 6. a , p ioh. 10. b , q ioh. 13. d , 14. ● , 17. a , r mat. 20. c , s mat. 2● . c , mark 14. c , luk. 22. b t luke 22. b , matth. 27. f , mar. 15. e luk , 23. e ioh. 19. d , x 1 pet. 2 , 4. a , y luke 22. b , z rom. 6 a , gal. 3. c , a iohn 3. a , rom. 6. ● . b , b ioh. 16. a , c esd. 2. c d , 7. b , c d oze . 13. b , 1 cor. 15. f , a mat. 28. a , mark 16. a , luke 24. d ▪ e , ioh. 20. b , e ▪ 21. a , b , c. b act. 1. b c heb 9. b , 10. a , b , d act. 1 b e act. 2 a , f heb 9. b g act. 2. a h apo. 21 a , i rom. 6. a , phil. 3. b. 1 pet. 2.4 . a , k ioh. 8. d , 17. a , l act. 2.3.4 . &c. m ioh. 1. a , 8. b , 12 , d , e , n col. 1. b heb. 1. a , o isa. 64. b , p act. 2. a a act. 2 a b 1 iohn 1. a. c ioh. 17. ● , acts 4. b , d matth , 11. c , e ioh. 3. a , rom. 8.12 . a , eph. 4. c. f rom. 10. b , g luke 1. b. rom. 1. b h iohn 10. a , i matth. 13. b , k act. 2. a l rom. 6. a , 8. a , b. m iohn 5. e , n matth. 11. c , 1 cor. 1.2 . b. o 1 cor. 1. b , p iohn 5. c , q heb. 5. a , r iohn 10. b , s 2 thes. 1. b , t ioh. 8. c , u matth. 25. d , x psal. 96. b , 98. b , act. 17. d , a 2 cor. 3. b , 4. a , b isa. 59. a , eph. 2 , b ▪ col. 2 , b , c act. 2. heb. 9.10 . b , d isa. 33 c sap. 3. a. * supra . 1. b , 5. e mat. 13. b 2 cor. 4. a col. 2. a , f ioh. 14. ● , apo. 21 , a g isa. 35. c 51 ▪ b , 60. b h isa. 42. a ie● . 9. c , 23. a , 33. b , mat. 6. b , i 2 thess. 1. b , k exod. 30. b , levi. 10. d heb. 7 ▪ 9. b l gen. 12. a , m gen. 17. a , b , 28. b , n mat. 20. b. luk. 22. b 23.24 . c , o rom. 8. a , b , p 1 pe● . 2. c , q eph. 3. b heb. 5.10 . c , r isa. 59. a 1 pet. 2. c , s rom. 6. a , t heb. 9. b v rom. 6. a , 8. b , 2 cor. 4. b phil. 3. b , a heb. 9.10 . b , b mat. 2● . c , luk. 2● . b ioh. 6. c , c rom. 6. a , col. 2 ▪ b , d eze 17. b rom. 8. b , e rom. 12 a , eph. 4 c f luk. 22 . ● c , 24. c. g ioh. 8. d h heb 9. b i ioel. 2. c , act. 2. b , k apo. 12. a , 21. a. b. l mat. 24 , d , 25. c , iud. 2. b , m 1 cor. 13. b , n rom. 12. a , eph. 4. c , o rom. 6.8 . b 1 cor. 6. b 2 cor. 4. b p eph. 4. c q rom. 8. b col. 2. ● , r 1 thes. 4. b , 2 thes. 1. b , s matth. 24. b , apo. 14. a t isa. 2. a , mic. 4. a. u dan. 2. x ioel 2. c acts 2. c. y 1 cor. 13. b , z isa. 13. a ier. 3. b , 50. ● , ezek. 3.7 . e , zac. 8. b , a rom. 1. c , 2 pet. 2. b , b ioh. 10. a , c sap. 5. ● , d ioh. 8. d e sap. 1. a , mat. 11. c 1 cor. 2. b ioh. 8. d , g gal. 4. a h 2 cor. 4. b , gal. 4. b , i ecc. 7. b 1 pet. 5. a , k sap. 1. a l 1 pet. 1. b , m 2 pet. 1. b , n mat●● 24. d , 25. d , luke 17.21.24 . acts 1. a , 2. b , a col. 2. b heb. 8.10 . a , b gal. 3. c 4. a , heb. 7. b , c gen. 12. a , 17. b , 21.22 . b. d act. 2. c 3. b , 4. b. &c. e rom. 6. f act. 13.15 . b , rom. 3.4 . b , 5. a , 9. a , 10. a , gal. 2. b , 3. a , g heb. 7. b , 8. a , 10. a , h 1 cor. 12. d , 13. d , i rom. 12. a , eph. 4. ● , k 2 cor. 6 b , apo. 21. l iohn 17 d , m acts 2. a , n rom. ● . c , eph. 4. b , o rom. 1. b , 1 cor. 1. b , p ioel 2. c , acts 2. b , q rom 7. b , r rom. 6. a , s rom. 8. a , b , s rom. 8. b , t 2 cor. 3. a , b , v heb. 7. b , c , 8. a , 9. b , 10. a , x ps. 110. a , acts 1. ● , heb. 5. b , 6. c , 7. b , y heb. 8. a , 9. b , 10. b , z act. 1. b a act. 2. e. b rom. 8. a , c act. 7. f. eph 2. a , phil. 3. c d act. 10. d. 13. e , f , 14. b , c , &c. e 1 cor. 10. c , 11. c , f rom. 8. b , g 1 cor. 15. c , 2 cor. 4. b , phil ▪ 3. b , a mat , 25. d rom. 2. a , 6. c , 8 a , b , b apo. 20. a , c ioh. 15. a , 17. c , rom. 8. a , b eph. 3. b , d 1 cor. 15. b , e 1 thess. 4. b , infra . 41. d f rom. 6. a , g ioh. 6. c 1 cor. 11. d h ioh. 14. c , 17. c , i rom. 8. a , k ioh. 12. c , 14. a , 17. c , l mat. 25. d. apo. 21. a , m apo. 20. a n ioh. 5. c rom. 6. a o a●o . 5.20 b , 22. a , p act. 2 c 10 ▪ c , 13. c , q ioh. 1. a r rom. 8. b , s psal. 95. b , heb. 3.4 , b t act. 2. b rom. 8. b v act. 10. x act , 2. a a mat. 13 , f , 24. 1 cor. 4. a 2 cor. 5. c heb. 13. b b rom. 8. b , c ioh. 17. c , 2 pet. 1. a , d rom. 12 a , eph. 4. c , e ioh. 6. c 1 cor. 11. c , f rom. 6. a , gal. 3. c , g luk. 22. b , h 2 pet. 1. b , i heb. 9. b k eph. 4. c col. 3. b , l rom. 12. a , 1 cor. 12. b eph. 4. b , 5. c , m rom. 8. b , apo. 21. a n act. 2. c 3 c , o rom. 12. a , eph. 4. b , 5. c , p isa. 3. b , sap 3. a , act. 17. d iud. 1. b , q ioh. 6. h r ier. 7. c , 9. b , rom 1. c s mat. 24. a , t act. 20. c , 2 tim. 3.4 . a , 2 pet 2. a u deut. 12. a , 29. b. ier. 7. c , 9. b , x ioh. 10. a , y ier. 23. c , 27.29 . b , eze. 34. a b , z dan. 9. c a 1 tim. 4. a , 2 pet ▪ 2. a b isa. 29. b apo. 5 , a , c ioh. 9. a d 2 thes. 2. a , i●fra . 32. ● , e io● . 20. a , f 2 thes. 2. a g iob. 20. a , h ioh. 13. d , 14. b. 16. b , i iob. 20 ▪ a , dan. 9. ● , 11. d. 12. a , mat. 24. b 2 thes. 2. a , k dan. 12. a , 2 thes. 2. a , l lev. 26. b , ioh. 14. c , 2 cor. 6. b. aqo 21. a m ps. 74. a , 79. a , dan. 8 , b , 9. c , 11. d , n rom. 6. a , o dan. 9.11 . d , mat , 24. b ma● . 13. b p matth. 24. c , 1 tim. 4. a , 2 tim. 3. a , 2 pet. 2. a , a matth. 11. c , b 1 tim. 4. a , c 2 tim. 2. b. d 2 tim. 3. a , 2 ●et . 2. a , b , iude 1. b , e matth. 16. a , f dan. 8. b , 9. c , 11 , d , an . 9.11 . d , mat. 2● . b , h luk. 17.21 . c i ier. 5. a , k isa. 13. b , eze. 32. a. ioel. 2. b 3. b. l isa. 29. b apo. 5. a , m 1 tim. 4. a. n isa. 59. b 2 pet . 1. a o isa. 59. b p sap. 5. a q isa. 11. a 2 thes . 2. a r isa. 9. a. 11. a. 32. a. 42. a. jer. 23. a 33. b. s isa. 9. a. 11. a. a joh. 15 17. b jer. 5. a. hos. 4. a. mica . 7. a c matth. 24. a. d sap. 5. a e 1 cor. 13. b. 2 cor . 3.4 . a. f mat. 26.27 . g heb. 9. b joel 2. b 2 cor . 7. b i isa. 48. b sap . 3. a. k act. 13.15 . b. l mat. 5. a. m eccl. 2. a. luk . 21. b. n hab. 2. a heb . 10. d. o mat. 16. c. rom . 6. a. 1 pet . 2. c. 4. a p phil. b. q is● . 4● . b 2 pet . 2.3 . a. b. r heb. 6. a s 1 cor. 13. b. heb . 7. b. 8. a. t deut. 12. a. v is● . ●8 . a 2 〈◊〉 . 1. b. x 1. reg. 15. c. y ●er . 33. b z 1 cor. 13. b. 2 cor . 3. b a act. 2. a b joh. 6. h. 1 joh. 1. a. c gal. 4. b d eph. 4. b e eph. 4 , 5. c. f 2 cor. 6. b. apoc . 21. a. g eph. 4. b h rom. 6. a. col . 2. b. 3. a. l col. i. b. 2 pet . 3. b. k eph. 4. b l 1 tim. 3. a. tit. 1. a. m mat. 3 a luk . 3 ▪ ● . n heb. 5. 6. a. o 1 cor. 13. b. eph . 4. b. p deut. 10. b. je● . 4. a. q rom 6. a col . 3. a. 1 pet . 2. a. heb. 12 a r joh. 3. a. s rom. 6. ● 1 pet . 2. a. t heb. 13. b. v heb. 9 b x eph. 4. ● y 1 tim. 3 ▪ a. tit . 1. a. a gal. 5. a. b mat. 13. f. heb . 13. b c ioh. 3. a. rom . b. a. d act. 3. c. a isa. 1. b. 43 c. 66. a jo● . 7. b. c. hos . 5.6 . a mica . 6. a. b isa. 6.29 b. mat . 13. b act . 28. d. apoc . 5. a. c sap. 1. a. mat . 11. c 1 cor . 2. b. d jer. 23. c. heb . 4. b. e 1 tim. 4. ● . 2. 〈◊〉 . 3. a. 2 pet . 2. a. job . 18.20 . ● . 2 thes . 2. a * supra . 28. d. g dan. 9.11 . d. mat . 24. b. 2 thes . 2. a. h joel . 2. b. d. i mat. 24. d. 24. d. tit . 2. b. k isa. 59. a jer . 22. b. eze . 22. a. l psal. 56.58.59 . a b isa . 59. a. jer . 22. b. a act. 20. c rom . 16 b ph●l . 3. c. 2 tim . 3. a. 2 pet . 2. a. b mat. 24. a. c mat. 24. a. d sap. 14 c rom . 1. c. 2 pet . 2. b e mat. 24. b. f pro. 1. a g rom. 12. a. h eph. 4. i 1 cor. 7. b. eph . 4. a. k mat. 23. a. b. 24. a. l rom. 13. a. eph . 4. c. m mat. 15. f. n 1 tim. 1. a. 2 tim . 3. a. o jer. 8.23 c. d. p rom. 6.12 . a. q joh. 14. c gal . 4. b. r joh. 7. d. a mat. 5. a b exo. 3. a psal . 9. b. c mat. 24. c. d hab. 1. a. act . 13. e. e joh. 6. e. act . 17. d. rom. 8. b. 1 cor . 6. b. 2 cor . 4. b. eph . 2. a. f ezek. 37. b. g joh. 17. c. 2 pet . a h joh. 14 c 2 cor . 6. b. apo . 21. a. i psa. 45.89 . c. ●sa . 16. b. k isa. 2. a. joel 2. c. acts 2. b. l gen. 22. b. m mat. 24. b. apo . 14. a. n psal. 4.68 , d. o rom. ●4 . b. ● cor. 5. p 2 reg. 7. b. psal . 98. c. d. isa . 16. b. 32. a. 42. a. jer . 23. a. 33. b. q act. 17 d r isa. 3. b. mat . 24.25 . d. jude 1. b. s psa. 66. a apo . 21. a. b. t joel 3. c. apo . 21. a. v dan. 2. x psa. 67.96 . joel . 2. c. apo . 15. a. y ma● . 5. a. z lev. 26 b 2. cor . 6. b apo . 21. b. * 1 tim. 1. b. a mat. 24. b. apo . 14. a. b deut. 4.32 . c isa. 2. a. 13. c. 60. a. jer . 3. b. 50. a. eze . 13. c. d isa. 32. c. mica . 4. a. e psal. 113. a. isa . 59. c. mal . 1. b. f dan. 8. b. 9. c. 11 ▪ d. 12. a. mat . 24. b g dan. 8. b 9. c. 11. d. h isa. 2. a. mic . 4. a. acts 2. b. i mat. 5. a. k luk. 24. c. l mat. 24. c. a gen. 21.22 . isa . 2. a. 60. a. mal . 3. a. 4. a. mat . 24.25 . b isa. 40.49 . mal . 1. b. act . 13. ● . rom . 9. b. 21. a. b. c. c isa. 11. ● . hab . 3. b. d num. 14. c. e 4 esd. 1. ● . f isa. 5. ● . 11. b. g eze. 39. c. h soph. 3. b. zec . 2. b. l num. 24. a. k isa. 26. b dan. 12. b 4 esd. 7. d john 5. c. 1 thes . 4. b l mat. 24. d. 25. d. luke 17. c act . 1. b. m mat. 24. b. ●po . 14. a. n isa. 26. d 1 cor. 15. ● . 1 thes . 4. b o apo. 5.22 . a. p deut. 32. d. q deut. 32. d. ●●b . 13. a. sap . 16. b. r 1 reg. 2. a. s 1 reg. 1. a. psal. 113. a. t isa. 57. b u ezek. 37. b. x joh. 6. ● y act. 17. ● . z apo. 21. a. a joh. 14. c. apo . 21. a ▪ b isa. 2. a. mica . 4. a. c isa. 60. a d isa. 2. a. mica . 4. a. e isa. 13. c jer . 50. a. zec . 8. b. f isa. 2. a. mica . 4. a. g joh. 14. c h apo. 21. a. i 2 reg. 7. b. ● isa . 9. a. 11.16 . jer . 23. a. 33. b. dan. 7. ● . 7. ● . k psa. 89. c. d. 110. a a 132. b. l 2 reg. 7. b. 1 per. 18. b. m 2 reg. 7. b. 1 par . 18. b. psa . 89. d. n isa. 16. b. o psa. 22. d. p psa. 92. b. q isa. 29. b. c. dan. 12. b. 4 esd. 6. c. r isa. 57.66 . a. mat . 11. c. s jer. 13. b t psa. 96. b 4 esd. 7. d. isa . 16. b. u isa. 9. a. 11. a. 32. a. 42. a. jer . 23. a. 33. b. apo . 5. b. 21. a. 22. a. a mat. 24. d. mar . 12. c luk . 10. c. 1 cor . 13. b. b 1 cor. 13. b. eph . 4. b. c 2 co. 6. b. apo . 18. a. d 1 pet. 1. b. e gen. 17. b. f gen. 17 b. 26. a. 28. b. g exo. 2.3 . h exo. 25.26 . &c lev . 1.2 . &c. num . 3. &c. i 2 reg. 7. b. isa . 16. b. jer . 23. a. 33. b. k mat. 11. b. luk . 16. b. l mal . 3. a. mat . 3. a. m mal . 4. a. luk . 1. b. n mat 3. a ma● . 1. a. luk 3. a. o mat. 3. b mar . 1. a. luke 3. b. joh . 1. c. p heb. 9. b q act. 1. b 2. a. r isa. 53. b mat . 26.27 . mar . 14.15 . heb . 9.10 . b. s mat. 28. b. mar . 16. b luke 24. ● . f. t mar. 16. b. act . 1. b v act. 2. a. x jer. 31. d luk . 22. b. heb . 8.10 . b. y num. 14. c. isa . 11.59 c. hab . 3. b. mic . 4. a. mal . 1. b a mat. 22. d. mar . 12. e 1 cor . 13. b. b mat. 24. d. 25. d. jude 1. b. c heb. 3.4 . a. d zech. 8. a. eph . 4. a. e john 10. b. f 1 cor. 13. b. g psa. 95. b. heb . 3. b. h 2 co. 6. a. gal . 6. b. h●b . ●● . ● . i gen. 6 b. k heb. 5. a l apo. 10. a. m mat. 13. c. 25. d rom . 2. a. 2 thes . 1. a a gen. 3. a. s●p . 1. b. 2. ● . rom . 6. b. ●sa . 96. 〈…〉 . d. 〈…〉 . ma● . ●4 . ● . lu●●●●● . d. d 1 cor. 15. ● . 1 t●es . 4. b e rom. 14. b. apo . 21.21 . a. f jer. 23.33 . b. g mat. 25. d. act . 17. d. h rom. 14. b. 2 cor . 5. b i heb. 3. b 4. a. k mat. 13. b. l apo. 14. a. m gen. 1. c. sap . 1. b. n 4 esd. 8. f isa . 60. b. apo . 21.22 . a. o act. 3. p psa. 59. a. isa . 2. a. 13. c. jer . 3. b. 50. a. eza . 37. ● . zac . 8. b. q joh. 17. c. r rom. 14. b. s isa. 16. b rom . 14. b t 1 cor. 4. a. v matth ▪ 25. d. a apo. 19. a. b mat. 22. a. luk . 14. b. c mat. 24. luke 21. b d mat. 16. c. luk . 9.14 . c. e isa. 2. a. mat . 24. b luk . 21. b. f isa. 60. a g luk. 21. d. h joh. 1.3 . b. i pro. 1. c. k isa. 55. 3 l 4 esd. 2. c. d. 6. c. m psa. 89. c. n psal. 107. c. o psa. 7. b. 9. a. p psal. 118. c. q isa. 2. b. 5. b. r mic. 4. a. soph . 3. b. hag . 2. b. s isa. 57.60 . b. zech . 9. b. t isa. 66. b. u isa. 66. b x eze. i1 . d. 18. d. 36. c. y psa. 71. c z isa. 2. a. mica . 4. a. a isa. 55. a eccl . 51. d. b isa. 55. a c eccle. 6.51 . d. d eccl. 24. d. e eccle. 24. d. 33. c. f eccle. 51. d. g eccle. 3. a. h sap. 7. c ▪ a act. 20. c. b deut. 4. a. 30. a. 1 reg . 15. c c mat. 11. c. 13. b. 1 cor . 2. b. d jer. 33. b psa . 59. a. heb . 3. b. e joh. 3. a. rom . 6. a. f eph. 4. a g 1 cor. 1. a. h eph. 1. b i 1 tim. b. k eph. 3. a l mat. 24. b. apo . 14. a. m isa. 59. c. 54. a. 66. b. n amos 5. b. mic . 2. a. mat . 24. c o mat. 16. c. act . 2. c. p joh. 17. c 1 joh . 1. a. q eph. 1.4 . d. a eph. 4. ● 1 thes . 2. b 2 pet . 1. a. b mat. 24. d. luk . 17. c. 2 tim . 1. b. tit . 2. b. c eph 4. d psa. 19. a. jer . 25. d. mat . 24. b rom . 10. b e psa. 95. b heb . 3. b. 4. a. f deut. 4. d. jer . 29. b. g rom. 12. 1 cor . 12. b eph. 4. b. h mat. 25. d. i 2 pet. 2. a. k mat. ● . ● eph . 5. c. l heb. 10. c. m mat. ● . c n mat. 3. b 13. d. luk. 3. b. o joh. 15. a. * an my. p joh. 14. b. q 1 cor. 15. c. * supr . 27 a. r 1 cor. 15. c. 1 pet . 4. b. 1 isa. 26. c a luk. 21.24 . b psa. 34. b. 1 pet . 3. b. c joh. 7. b d joh. 17. c eph . 4. a. e hag. 2. b f 2 cor. 5. c. g mat. 24. a. 1 tim . 4. a. 2 tim . 3. a 2 pet . ● . a. h joh. 15.17 . 1 cor . 12. b. eph . 4. b. c i lev. 26. b. joh . 14. c. 2 cor . 6. b. apo . 21. a. k zech. 8. d. mat . 22. d l esa. 42. a. ●8 . b. 66. a. ● m 1 thes . 1. b. n mat. 11. c. o psa. 40. a p 1 reg. 15. c. eccle . 6.7 . b. 1 pet . 1.5 . a. q gen. ● . ● sap . 1. b. r gen. 22. b. s jer. 33 b joel 2. c. act . 2. b. t mat. 24. b. apo . 14. a. u mat. 16. c. x baruc. 2. d. y psal. 51. b. z eph. 4. a. * fide. 5. d. ● . f. rev. 29. d. ● . * supra . 1. b. the family of love middleton, thomas this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a07495 of text s112570 in the english short title catalog (stc 17879). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. martin mueller incompletely or incorrectly transcribed words were reviewed and in many cases fixed by melina yeh kate needham this text has not been fully proofread earlyprint project evanston il, notre dame in, st.louis, washington mo 2017 distributed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial 3.0 unported license a07495.xml the famelie of loue. acted by the children of his maiesties reuells. middleton, thomas, d. 1627. 35 600dpi tiff g4 page images university of michigan, digital library production service ann arbor, michigan 2007 january (tcp phase 1) 99847818 stc (2nd ed.) 17879. greg, i, 263. 12879 a07495

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the famelie of loue. acted by the children of his maiesties reuells. familie of love famelie of love. family of loue. family of love. middleton, thomas, d. 1627. [72] p. printed [by richard bradock] for iohn helmes, and are to be sold in saint dunstans churchyard in fleetstreet, at london : 1608. 1608

anonymous. by thomas middleton.

printer's name from stc.

signatures: a-i4.

running title reads: the family of loue.

the last leaf is blank.

a variant of the edition with "familie" in the title.

reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery.

familists -england -drama -early works to 1800. a07495 shc the family of love middleton, thomas melina yeh kate needham 1603 play comedy shc no a07495 s112570 (stc 17879). 25359 0 0 0 101118.7f the rate of 118.7 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the f category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. incorporated ~ 10,000 textual changes made to the shc corpus by hannah bredar, kate needham, and lydia zoells between april and july 2015 during visits, separately or together, to the bodleian, folger and houghton libraries as well as the rare book libraries at northwestern university and the university of chicago
the famelie of love .

acted by the children of his maiesties reuells .

lectori . sydera iungamus , facito mihi iuppiter adsit , et tibi mercurius noster dabit omnia saxo .

at london printed for iohn helmes , and are to be sold in saint dunstans churchyard in fleetstreet . 1608 .

to the reader .

too soone and too late , this work is published : too soone , in that it was in the presse , before j had notice of it , by which meanes some faults may escape in the printing . too late , for that it was not published when the general voice of the people had seald it for good , and the newnesse of it made it much more desired , then at this time : for plaies in this citie are like wenches new falne to the trade , onelie desired of your neatest gallants , whiles the' are fresh : when they grow stale they must be vented by termers and cuntrie chapmen . i know not how this labor will please , sure j am it past the censure of the stage with a generall applause , now ( whether vox populi be vox dei or no ) that i leaue to be tried by the accute iudgement of the famous six wits of the citie : farewell .

actorum nomina . glister � a doctor of physicke . purge � a iealous pothecarie . dryfat � a marchant , a brother of the family . gerardine � a louer . lypsalue � two gallants that only pursue citty lechery . guggin � two gallants that only pursue citty lechery . club � a prentice . viall � seruant to glister . smelt and periwincle . pages to the gallants . weomen . mystrisse glister . mistrisse purge � an elder in the family . maria � neece to glister .
prologvs . if for opinion hath not blazd his fame , nor expectation filld the generall round , you deeme his labors slight , you both confound your grauer iudgement and his merits . impartiall hearing fits iudicious spirits , nor let the fruit of many an hower fall , by enuies tooth , or base detractions gall . both which are tokens of such abiect spirits , which wanting worth , themselues hate other merits : or els of such , which once made greate by fame , repine at those which seeke t' attaine the same . from both we know all truer iudgements free to them our muse with blushing modestie patiently to her intreats their fauour , which done , with iudgement praise , or els dislike the labour .
actvs primvs .
actus primus , scena prima . enter doctor glister , his wife , and maria . glister .

trickes and showes ; protestations with men are like teares with weomen , forgot ere the cheeke be drie : gerardine is a gentleman , his lands be in statutes : a is not for thee nor thou for him , a is a gallant , and yong thoughts be most vnconstant .

ma.

yet yong vines yeeld most wine .

mist. glist.

but old veynes the best , beleeue not these great breecht gallants , they loue for profit , not for affection , if a brings thee to a fooles paradice , a will forsake thee .

glist.

vvhich fortune , god send my enemy : loue is a colde heate , a bitter sweete , a pleasure full of paine , a huge losse , and no gaine , why shouldst thou loue him onely ?

ma. vvords cannot force what destiny hath seald , vvho can resist the influence of his stars , or giue a reason why a loues , or hates since our affections are not ruld by will , but will by our affections . t is blasphemy gainst loues most sacred deity , to axe vvhy we do loue , since t is his onely power that swayes all our affections , all things which be beasts , birds , men , gods , pay him their fealty glister .

tut , loue is an idle phantasie , bred by desire , nurst by delight , an humour that begins his dominion in leo the lyon , the signe of the hart , and ends in aries the ram , the signe of the head , his power is to stir the bloud , prickes vp the flesh , fills all the body with a libidinous humour , and is indeed the ouerture of all ladies : which to preuent , j haue banisht gerardine ( your dearly beloued ) my house , and as for you , since i

lyp.

in her smile deceitfull .

gug.

jn her hate reuengeable .

lip.

and in nothing but her death acceptable , i le tell thee : ther 's no creature more desirous of an honest name and worse keepes it , then a woman , dost heere , follow this song & if euer thou forsake thy country for a wagtayle , let me be whipt to death with ladies hearelaces .

gera.

let ts heere that worthy song gentill master lipsalue .

lips. obserue ? now if i list will i loue no more nor longer waite vpon a gill . since euery place now yeeldes a wench if one will not another will ; and if what i haue heard be true then young and old , and all will doe : how dost thou like this ? man . gerar. no more no more , this is the chamber which confines my loue , this is the abstract of the spacious world , vvithin it holds a iemm , so ritch so rare that arte or nature neuer yet could set a valued prise to her in valued worth . lip. vnvalued worth , ha ha ha ! vvhy ? shee s but a woman , and they are windy turning veins , loue light as chaffe which when our nourishing graynes are winnow'd from them , vnconstantly they flye at the least wind of passion a womans eye , can turne it selfe with quick dexterity and in each wanton glasse can comprehend theyr sundry fancy suted to each fend tut their loues are all compact of leuitie euen like themselues , nil muliere lenius . gug.

tut man euery one knowes their woorth , when they are at a rack rent ; in the tearm time , they beare as great a prise as wheat when transportations are . �

gera.

peace le ts draw nere the window and listen if we may heare her .

enter maria at the window ,
ma. debard of liberty ! oh that this flesh could like swift mouing thoughts transfer it selfe , from place to place , vnseen and vndisolued : then should no yron ribbes , or churlish flinte diuide my loue and mee , deer gerardin despight of chaunce or gardians tyranny , jde mooue within thy orbe and thou in myne . lip.

she 'd mooue within thy orbe , and thou in hers , blud she talk bawdy to her selfe : guggin stand close ;

ma. but in vaine do i proclaime my greefe , when ayre and walls can yeeld me no reliefe . gug.

the walls are the more stony harted then ,

lip.

peace good gudgin gape not so loude .

ma. come thou my best companion , thou art sensible and canst my wrongs reitterate ; thou and i . will make some myrth in spight of tyranny : the black brow'd night drawn in her pithie wayne in starry spangled pride rides now ore heaune now is the time when stealing minutes tell the stole delight ioyd by all faythfull louers now louing souls contriue both place & meanes , for wished pastimes onely i am pent within the closure of this fatall wall depriued of all my ioyes . ger. my deare maria be comforted in this ? the frame of heauen shall sooner sease to moue , bright phaebus steeds leaue their diurnall race and all that is forsake their naturall beeing ere i forget thy loue . ma.

who 'es that protestes so fast ?

ger.

thy euer vowed seruant gerardine .

ma.

o by your vows it seemes you 'd faine get vp

lip.

i and ryde to .

ger.

i would most lou'd maria .

ma. i knew it : he that to get vp to a fair woman will stick to vow and swear , may be accounted no man , but tell me why hast thou chose this hower to visite me ? which nor the day nor night can clayme but both or neyther , why in this twylight camst thou ? ger. t' auoyd suspitious eies , i come deare loue to take my last farewell , fitting this hower which nor bright day will clame nor pitchy night an hower sit to part conioyned soules , since that my natiue soyle will not affoord my wisht and best content , i will forsake it and proue more strange to it then it to me . in times swift course all things shall find euent bee it good or ill , & destenies do graunt that most preposterous courses often gaine , what labor and direct proceedings misse . mar.

vvo't thou forsake me then ?

ger. let first blest life forsake me , be constant my absence may procure thy more enlarge and then â�� ma. desires conceit is quick , i apprehend thee be thou as loyal , as i constant proue , and time shall knit our mutuall knot of loue , vvear this my loues true pledge : i need not wish i know thou wo't returne , or will i say thou mayst conceale thy selfe being return'd till i may make escape and visite thee . i prethe loue attempt not to ascend my chamber window by a lathered rope ? th' entrance is to narrow : except this post vvhich may with ease , yet that is dangerous : i pre thee do it not i heere some call : farwell my constant loue let after actions tel ; exit maria . ger. o perfection of women ! a plague of such perfectioì� , how she woes , by negatiues shows gug.

thee ? what to do ? vnder colour of disswation

ger.

shee s truely vertuous .

lip.

tut man outward apparance is no authentick instance of the inward desires , women haue sharp faulcons eyes , and can soare aloft , but keepe them like faulcons from flesh and they soone stoope to a gawdy lure .

gera.

why then hugonot women are admirable angells .

gugg.

but angels make them admirable diuels .

gera.

my loues chast smile to all the world doth speake hir spotles innocence .

lipsalue .

womens smiles are more of custome then of curtesy , women are creatures , their hearts and they are full of holes , apte to receiue but not retaine affection ; thou wilt to morrow thou saist be gone , if thou wilt know the worst of a cuntries marrie before thou goest , for if thou canst indure a curst wife , neuer care what company thou comest in .

gerar.

come merry gallants , will you associate me to my cousin purges the potticaries , and take part of my parting feasts to night .

gug.

o his wife is of the family of loue , i le thither , perhaps i may proue of the fraternity in time , wee le thither that 's flat .

exeunt omnes .
act. 1. sena . 3. enter mistrisse purge sola .

what club , club , is club within there .

enter club. club.

mistrisse .

mist. purge .

j pray what said master doctor glister , will a come .

club.

a sent word a would , for a was but to carry a diet to one of his pacients ; what call you hir , she that paints a day times , and lookes faire and freshe , on the outside , but in the night time is filthier then the inside of bocardo , and is indeed far more vnsauory that know her forsooth .

mist. pur.

went a to hir .

club.

a had a receipt for the grincomes in his hand , and a said a would take that in his way .

mist. pur.

t is well , and what guest besides him & his wife will be here at supper .

club.

the first in my account is master gerarine your cousin : master doctor glister and his wife : master drifat the marchant , master lipsalue the courtier , master guggin the gallant , and their pages . these j take will be your full number .

mi. pur.

then belike my roome shall be stuft with courtiers and gallants to night : of all men i loue not these gallants , they 'le prate much but do little , they are people most vncertaine : they vse great words , but little sence : great beards , but little wit : great breeches but no mony .

club.

that was the last thing they swore away .

mi. pur.

belike they cannot fetch it againe with swearing , for if they could , ther 's not a page of theirs , but wod be as rich as a monarch .

club.

ther 's nothing mistrisse that is sworne out of date , that returnes ; their first oath in times past was by the masse : and that they haue sworne quite away : then came they to their fayth , as by my faith t' is so : that in a short tyme was sworn away too ; for no man beleeues now more then a sees . then they swore by their honesties , and that mistrisse you know is sworne quite away : after their honestyes was gone , then came they to their gentilitie , and swore , as they were gentlemen : and their gentilitie they swore awaye so fast , that they had almost sworne away all the auncient gentrie out of the land , which indeede are scarce mist : for that yeomen and farmars sonnes , with the helpe of a few welchmen , haue vndertooke to supplie their places . that at the last they came to siluer ; and their oath was , by the crosse of this siluer , and swore so fast vppon that , that now they haue scarce left them a crosse for to sweare by .

mist. purge .

and what do they sweare by now their mony is gone .

club.

vvhy by ( ) and god refuse them .

mist. pur.

and can they not as well say men refuse them , as god refuse them .

club.

no mistrisse , for men , especially cittizens and riche men , haue refused them their bonds and protestations allready .

enter master purge . mistrisse pur.

t is well , see how supper goes forward , and that my shooes be very well blackt , against j goe to the familye .

exit club.

now sweet chick , where hast thou beene , in troth law i am not well , j had thought to haue spent the morning at the family , but now i am resolued to take pills , and therefore i prey thee desire doctor glister that a wud minister to me , in the morning .

mast. pur. thy will is known , and this for answer say , t is fit that wisemen should their wiues obay .

and now sweete duck know , i haue beene for my cousin gerardines will and haue it , a has giuen thee a legacy , but the totall is marias .

enter master glister , master dryfatt , and mistrisse glister .

master doctour , your wife and master dryfat are most welcome , now were my cousin gerardine & master lipsalue here , our number were complete .

do. glist.

is this franticke will done , will master gerardine to sea , let me tell you i am no whit sorry , let such as will be headstrong bite on the bridle .

ma. purge .

t is here master doctor , all his worth is marias and lockt in a trunke , which by to morrow sun , shall be deliuered to your custody .

dry.

me thinks t' were a reasonable match to bestow your neece on master gerardine : a is a most hopefull gentleman , and his reuenue such , that hauing your neeces portion to clere it of all incombraunces , t' will maintaine them both in a very worthy degree .

doctor glist.

tut , you are master dryfatt the marchant , your skill is greater in connyskins and wollpacks , then in gentlemen , his lands be in statutes , you marchants were wont to bee marchaunt staplers , but nowe gentlemen haue gotten vppe the trade , for there is not one gentleman amongst twenty but his land be ingagd in twenty statutes staple .

enter lipsalue , gerardine and guggin . lipsalue . let euery man his humour haue , i do at none repine , j neuer regard whose wenche j kisse , nor who doth the like by mine : th' indifferent minds i hold still best , what euer does befall , for she that will doe with me and thee , will be a wenche for all ; and how goes the squares . ma. pur.

your stay gentleman does wrong to a great many of good stomacks , your suppers expect you .

guggin.

and we our suppers .

doct.

and from what good exercise come you three .

gera.

from a play , where we saw most excellent sampson excell the whole world in gate carrying .

dry. .

was it performed by the youths .

lypsal.

by youths : why i tell thee we sawe sampson , and j hope t' is not for youths to play sampson : beleeue it we sawe sampson beare the towne gates on his necke , from the lower to the vpper stage , with that life and admirable accord , that it shall neuer be equalled ( vnlesse the whole new liuery of porters set their shoulders )

mist. pur.

fie fie , t is pitty young gentlemen can bestow their time no better , this playing is not lawfull , for i cannot finde that either playes or players were allowed in the prime church of ephesus by the elders .

dry.

aha , i thinke she ticklde you there .

ma. purge .

cousen gerardine , shall the will be read before supper ?

gera.

before supper i beseech you .

lyp.

j , i , before supper , for when these womens bellies be ful their bones will be soone at rest .

dry.

well master doctor pittie the state of a poore gentleman it is in you to stay his iourney , and make him & your self happy in his choice .

glist.

hold you content shall this will be read ?

ma. purge .

it shall , reade you good master lipsalue .

lyp.

command silence then .

gug.

silence .

lyp.

in the name of god amen . know all men by these presence , that i gerardine being strong of body , and perfect in sence .

dry.

that 's false , ther 's no louer in his perfect sence .

gug.

peace dryfat .

lypsal.

doe giue and graunt to maria glister : daughter of iohn glister , and neece to docter glister physition , all my leases , lands , chattels , goods and moueables whatsoeuer : this is starke naught , you cannot giue away your moueables , for mistris doctor and mistris purge , claime both shares in your moueables by reason of their legacies .

dry.

that 's true , for their legacies must goe out of your moueables .

lyp.

j put it in all my moueables , these following legacies being paide .

gerar.

doe so good master lypsalue .

lyp.

t is done .

mist. purge .

i pray reade onely the legacies , for supper staies .

lyp.

well , the legacies , first i giue to my cousin mistrisse purge a fayre large standing , what 's this , o cup ; a fayre large standing cup , with a close stoole .

dry.

t is not so , t is not so .

lyp.

i cry you mercy , a close couer t is , to mistris doctor i giue a fayre bodkin of gold , with two orient pearles attending the same : all which are in my trunke to be deliuered to the keeping of maria , in witnesse , &c. is this your vvill ?

gerar.

t is .

lip.

to it with your hand and seale .

mist. purge .

how is it chicke , i must haue the standing cup , and mistris glister the bodkin .

mast. purge .

right sweet duck .

gerar.

i pray gentlemen put to your hands .

dry.

come , your fists gentlemen your fists .

gerar.

mistrisse glister , i haue found you alwaies more flexible to vnderstand the estate of a poore gentleman , then your husband was willing , therefore i haue thought it a poynt of charity to reueale the wrongs you sustained by your husbands loosenes . let me tell you in priuate , that the doctor cuckolds purgo oftener then he visits one of his pacients : what a spares from you , a spends lauishly on hir : these pothicaries are a kind of panders , looke to it , if a keepe maria long close , it is for some lasciuious end of his owne .

mi. gli.

she is his neece .

ger.

tut , these doctours haue tricks , your nicenes is such , that you can endure no polluted showes in your house , take heede least a make you a bawde before your tyme , looke to it .

lipsalue .

come , our hands are testimonies to thy follyes , shall 's now to supper , wee 'l haue a health goe round to thy voyage .

gud.

i and to all that forsweare mariage , and can be content with other mens wiues .

ger. of which consort you two are grounds , one touches the base , and the other tickles the minikin . but to our cheare , come gentles let 's away , the roastmeat 's in consumption by our stay . exeunt .
finis act. primi .
actvs secvndvs .
actus secundus , scena prima . enter maister purge .

the gray ey'd morning braues me to my face , and calls me sluggard , t is tyme for tradesmen to be in their shoppes , for he that tends well his shop , and hath an alluring wife , with a gracefull what de lacke , shall be sure to haue good dooings , and good doings is that , that crownes so many cittizens , with the hornes of aboundance . my wife ( by ordinary course ) should this morning haue been at the family , but now her soft pillow hath giuen her counsell to keepe her bed , master doctor should ( indeed ) minister to her : to whose pills she is so much accustomed , that now her body looks for them as duely , as the moone shakes off the ould , and borrowes new hornes . j smile to my selfe to heare our knights and gallants say , howe they gull vs cittizens , when indeede wee gull them , or rather , they gull themselues : here they come ( in terme tyme , ) hyer chambers , and perhaps kisse our wyues : well : what loose i by that : gods blessing on 's heart i say still , that makes much of my wife , for they were very hard fauoured , that none could find in 's heart to loue but our selues : drugs would be dog cheape but for my priuate well practizd doctor , and such customers . tut , iealousie is a hell , and they that will thriue , must vtter their wares as they can , and winke at small faults .

enter doctor glister . glist.

the tedious night is past , and the iocond morne lookes more liuely and fresh , then an oulde gentlewomans glazd face in a new perriwigge ; by this time my humorous louer is at grauesend , and j goe with more ioye to fetche his truncke , than euer the valiaunt troianes did to drawe in the grecian iade , his goods shall into the walls of my troy , and be offer'd to a face more liuely , then euer was that thrice rauisht helen , yet with such caution , that no daunger shall happen to me .

lypsalue and gudgin at seuerall dores , with their pages , shrimpe and periwinde . gud.

master lipsalue , welcome within ken , we two are so nearly linkt , that if thou beest absent but one two houres , thy acquaintance growes almost mouldy in my memory .

lip.

and then fly blowne in mine how dost thou doe .

shrim.

fellow page , i thinke our acquaintance runs low to , but if it run not o' the lees , le ts set it a tylt , and giue 'hem some dregs to their mouldy flye blowne complements .

peri.

no rather le ts pierce the rundlets of our running heads and giue 'hem a neate cuppe of wagshippe , to put downe their courtship .

shr.

courtship , cartship : for the tongues of complementers runne on wheeles : but marke 'hem they ha' not done yet .

gud.

and yfaith how y st : me thinkes thou hast been a long vagrant .

lip.

the rogation hath been long indeed : therefore we may salute as ceremoniously as lawyers when they meete after a long vacation , who to renew the discontinud state tale , they strech it out with such length , that whilst they greete before , their clyents kisse them behind .

shr.

if his nose were put i' the remainder of that state tale , he would say t were an vnsauory one .

peri.

j wonder why many men gird so at the law .

shr.

i le tell thee , because they themselues haue neither law nor conscience .

gud.

but what newes now ? how stands the state of things at brussels .

lip.

faith weake and limber , weake and lymber : nothing but pride and double dealing , vertue is vices lacky ; beggars suck like horsse leaches at the hart of bounty , and loues theame so tyerd and spurgald , that he can be no longer ridden with honesty .

gud.

vvell fare the city yet : there vertue rides a cockhorsse cherisht and kept warme in good sables , and fox furre , and with the breath of his nostrills , driues pride and couetousnes before him , like 's owne shaddow : beggers haue whipping cheare , bounty obliges men too 't , giues mony for scrips and scrolls , & liberality seald with strong armes and herauldry , to out liue mortality : loue there wil see the last man borne , neuer giue ouer while ther 's an arrow i' th quiuer .

lip.

now we talke of loue , i do know not far hence so good a subiect for that humor , that if she would weare but the standing collor , and her things in fashion , our ladies in the court were but browne sugarcandy , as grosse as grocery to her .

gud.

she is not so sweet as a potticaries shop is she ?

lip.

a plague on you , ha you so good a sent ? for my life hee 's my riuall .

gudgin .

her name begins with mistrisse purge dus it not ?

lip.

true , the only commet of the city .

gud.

i , if she would let her ruffes streame out a little wider ; but j am sure she is ominous to me , she makes ciuill wars and insurrections in the state of my stomach : j had thought to haue bound my self from loue , but hir purging comfets makes me loose body'd still .

lip.

what has she ministerd to thee then ?

gud.

faith some lectuary or so .

lipsalue .

j , i feare she takes too much of that lectuary to stoope to loue , it keeps her body soluble from sinne , she is not troubled with carnall crudities , nor the binding of the flesh .

gud.

thou hast sounded her then belike .

lypsalue .

not i : i am too shallow to sound her , shee 's out of my element , if i shew passion , and discourse of loue to hir , shee tells me i am wide from the right scope , she sayes she has an other obiect , and aymes at a better loue then myne .

gud.

o that 's her husband .

lip.

no , no , she speakes pure deuotion , shee s impenitrable , no gold , or oratory , no vertue in hearbs , nor no physick will make her loue .

gudgin .

more is the pitty i saye , that fayre weomen should prooue saintes , before age had made them crooked : t is my lucke to be crost still , but i must not giue ouer the chase .

lip.

come hither boy while i thinke on 't .

lipsalue and shrimpe conferre . gud.

faith friend lipsalue i perceiue you would faine play with my loue , a pure creature t is , for whom i haue sought euery angle of my braine : but either she scornes courtiers ( as most of them doe , because , they are giuen to boast of their doings ) or els shee 's exceeding straight lac't : therefore to preuent this smell smock , i le to my friend doctor glister , ( a man exquisite in th' arte magicke ) who hath toulde me of many rare experimentes auaylable in this case : farewell friend lypsalue .

exit gud. and periwind . lip.

adieu honest gregorio , frequent my lodging , j haue a violl de gambo and good tobacco : thou wilt doe this feate boy ?

shr.

else knocke my head and my pate together ,

exit shrimpe . lip.

away then bid him bring his measure with him : gerardine is trauel'd , and i must needs be cast into his mould : my flesh growes proude ; and marias a sweet wench , &c. but yet i must not let fall my suite with mistrisse purge , least ( cede vacanti ) my friend gudgin ioyne issue : i le rather to my learned doctor for a spell , for j haue a fire in my liuer , burnes like hell .

exit .
enter mistrisse glister and maria . mist. glist.

j pray le ts haue no polluted feete nor rumatick chaps enter the house , i shall haue my flowre looke more gresie shortly , then one of your inne of court dyning tables : and now to you good neece i bend my speeche , let me tell you plainly , you are a foole to be loue-sicke for any man , longer then he is in your company , are you so ignorant in the rules of courtship , to thinke any one man to beare all the pricke and praise ? i tell thee , be he neuer so proper , there is an other to second him .

ma. . let rules of courtship be authentick still , to such as doe pursue variety , but vnto those whose modest thoughts do tend . to honord nuptialls , and a regular life as farre from shew of nicenesse , as from that of impure thoughts , all other obiects seeme respectlesse , of no proportion ballanst with esteeme of what their soules affect . mist. glist.

no maruell sure you should regard these men with such reuerend opinion , ther 's few good faces , and fewer graces in any of them , if one among a multitude haue a good paire of legs , he neuer leaues riding the ring , till he has quite mar'd the proportion : nay some ( as i haue heard ) wanting lyniaments to their liking , and calfe to support themselues , are fayne to vse arte , and supply themselues with quilted calues , which oftentimes in reuelling fall about their ancles , and for their behauiour , wit and discourse ( except some few that are trauelled ) it is as imperfectious and silly , as your schollers new come from the vniuersity , by this light i thinke we loose part of our happinesse when we make these weathercocks our equalls .

ma. disgrace not that for which our sect was made , society in nuptiall beds aboue these ioyes which louers tast , when their conioyned lips suck forth each others soules , the earth the ayre , yea gods themselues know none : elisiums sweet j all that blisse which poets pens describe are only known , when soft and amorous foulds , entwine the corps of two vnited louers , vvhere what they wish , they haue yet still desire , and sweets are known without society . enter wall . nun.

heer 's club forsooth and his fellowe prentise haue brought master gerardines trunke .

mist. glist.

let them come in if their feete be cleane .

ex.

so then your best beloued is gone , fayre weather after him ; all thy passions goe with him , recomfort thy selfe wench in a better choice , his loue to thee would haue bin of no longer continuaì�ce then the vntrussing of his hose , then why sholdst thou pine for such a one .

maria . shee 's foolish sure , with what imperfect phrase , and shallow wit she answers me . enter club and another with the trunke . mist. gli.

honest club welcome , is this master gerardines trunke ? he is gone then ?

club.

i indeed mistris glister , he is departed this transitory citty , but his whole substaì�ce is here inclosed , which ( by command ) we here deliuer to your custody , to the vse of mistrisse maria according to the tenure of the premisses .

mi. gli.

place it here my honest club , well done : and how does thy mistrisse . was she at the family to day , � spit not good club , j can not abide it .

club.

not to day forsooth , she hath ouercharged her selfe and her memory , she meanes to vse a moderation , and take no more then she can make vse of .

mi. gli.

and i pre thee club what kind of creatures are these familists , thou art conuersant with them .

club.

what are they ? with reuerence be it spoken , they are the most accomplisht creatures vnder heauen , in them is all perfection .

mi. gli.

as how good club ?

club.

omitting their outward graces , i le show you only one instaì�ce which includes all other : they loue their neighbors better then themselues .

mi. gli.

not then themselues club .

club.

yes better then themselues , for they loue them beter then their husbands , and husband and wife are all one ; therefore better then themselues .

mi. glist.

this is logick . but tell me doth she not endeauor to bring my doctor of her side and fraternity .

club.

let him resolue that himselfe for here he comes .

enter doctor glister . do. gli.

o : hast thou brought the trunk honest club , i commend thy honest care , heer 's for thy paines .

club.

j thank you master doctor , you are free and liberall still , you 'l command me nothing back ?

exit .
doct. glist.

nothing but commendations , farewell : your sweet hart gerardine is by this time cold of his hope to enioy thee : he 'es gone , and a more equall and able husband shall my care ere long prouide thee : what clyents haue bin here in my absence wife ?

mi. glist.

faith mouse none that i know , more then an old woman that had lost her cat , and came to you for a spell in the recouery .

doctor glist.

i thinke egregious ignorance will goe neere to saue this age , their blindnes takes me for a coniurer : yesterday a iustice of peace salutes me , with profer of a brace of angells to helpe him to his footcloth , some 3. dayes before stoln , and was faine to vse his mans cloake in stead on 't .

enter viall . nun.

heer 's a gentleman craues speech with you sir .

exeunt mistris glister and maria . do. gli.

go in sweet wife , and giue my neece good counsel : his name .

nun.

he will not tell it me .

do. glist.

his countenance .

nun.

i can see nothing but his eies ; the rest of him is so rapt in cloake , that it suffers no view .

enter lipsalue .
do. glist.

admit him , what should he be for a man : what master lipsalue is 't you ? why thus obscur'd , what discontent ouershadowes you .

lip.

a discontent indeed master doctor , which to shake off , j must haue you extend your art to the vtmost bounds : you physitiaì�s are as good as false dores behind hangings to ladies necessary vses : you know the very hower in which they haue neither will to deny , nor wit to mistrust : faith now by the way , when are women most apt .

do. gli.

shall i vnbutton my selfe vnto you ; after the receipt of a purgation . for then are their pores most open : but what creature of a courtier is it , hath drawne your head into the woodcocks noose .

lyp.

a courtier ? nay by this flesh , j am cleane faln out with them , they haue nothing proportionable .

do. glist.

o i perceiue then t is some citty star that atracts your aspect .

lip.

he knows by his art � in plaine termes a certain pothicaries wife .

do. glist.

vpon my life master purge , i smell you sir .

lyp.

you may smell a man after a purgation indeed : sir , t is she : now for that same hath bruted you to be a man expert in negromancy , i would endeauour my selfe to you for euer , would you vouchsafe to let one of your spirits bring mistrisse purge into some conuenient place , where i might enioy her : i haue heard of the like , can you performe this .

do. gli.

with much facility i assure you : but you must vnderstand , that the apparition of a spirit is dreadfull , and with all couetous , and with no small summe of gold hyred to such feates .

nun.

sir heer 's another gentleman muffeld too , that desires present conference with you .

doct. glist.

walke you into that roome , i will bethinke my selfe for your good , and instantly resolue you ; let the gentleman come in : lipsalue in loue with my vessell of ease ? come to me to helpe him to a morsell most affected by mine owne pallat ? no more but so , i haue shapt it , the conceit tickles me .

enter gudgin .

sir , as a stranger j welcome you , what master gudgin haue j caught you : j thought it was a gallant that walkt muffled , come , let me behoulde you at full , heere are no sergeants man .

gud.

master doctor , this my obscure comming requires an action more obscure : and in briefe this t is ; sir , you are held a man far seene in natures secrets , i know you can effect many things almost impossible ; know then i loue mistrisse purge , and oportunity fauours me not , nor indeed is she so tractable as i expected , if either by medicine , or your art magikall , you can worke her to my will , j haue a poore gallants rewarde sir .

doct, glist.

that 's iust nothing . but how sir would you haue me to procure you accesse to mistrisse purge , you neuer knew a physition a bawde .

gud.

why by coniuration ( i tell you ) wherin you are said to be as well practiz'd , as in phisick ; heer 's the best part of my present store to effect it .

do. glist.

not a penny for my selfe , but my spirits indeede they must be fed ; walke you by here , while i thinke vpon a spell . what mystery should this be , lipsalue and gudgin both in loue with mistrisse purge , and come to me to helpe 'hem by art magicke ? t is some gullery sure ; yet if my inuention hold , i le fit them : enter one . whos 's within there , fetch me in all hast two good whips , i thinke you may haue them not far hence ; jt shall be so , now tell me master gudgin does no man know of your loue to mistrisse purge :

gud.

not a man by my gentry .

do. glist.

then sir know i le effect it ; but vnderstand withal , the apparition will be most horrid , if it appeare in his proper forme , and will so amaze and dull your sences , that your appetite will be lost and weake , though mistrisse purge should attend it naked now sir , could you name a friend with whome you are most conuersant , in his likenesse should the spirit appeare .

gud.

of all men liuing , my conuersation is most frequent with lipsalue the courtier .

doct. gli.

t is ynough : i le to my spirit � are these whips come there ?

enter one with whips . man.

ready here sir .

doct. glist.

so lie thou there ; my noble gallants i le so firke you : sir my spirit agrees in lipsalues shape ; to morrow twixt the howres of foure and fiue , shall mistrisse purge be rapt with a whirlwind into lypsalues chamber , that 's the fittest place : for by the breake of day lipsalue shall be mounted , and forsake the city for three dayes , so my spirit resolues me : now sir , by my art , at that very houre shall his chamber doore fly open , into which boldly enter in this sort accoutered : put me on a pure cleane shirt , leaue off your doublet , ( for spirits indure nothing polluted ) take me this whip in your hand , and being entred you shall see the spirit in lipsalues shape , in the selfe same forme that you appeare ; speake these words here ready written , take three bold steps forward , then whippe him soundly , who straight vanisheth and leaues mistris purge to your will .

gud.

i but shall your spirit come arm'd with a whippe too ?

do. glist.

he shall , but haue no power to strike .

gud.

is this infallible , haue you seen the proofe ?

do. glist.

probatum vpon my word , i haue seene the experience , if it fayle , say i am a foole , and no magician .

gud.

master doctor i would you had some suite at court , by the faith of a courtier , j would beg it for you : fare you well sir , i shall reporte of you , as i find your charme .

exit . doct. glist.

and no otherwise sir ; let me vnderstand how you thriue : ha , ha , ha , now to my friend lipsalue , i must possesse him with the same circumstance , wherein j am assured to get perpetuall laughter in their follies , and my reuenge .

exit .
enter maria ouer the trunke . ma. o which way shall j turne , or shift , or goe , to loose one thought of care , no soothing hope giues entermission , or beguiles one howre of tedious time , which neuer will haue end , whilst loue pursues , in vayne my absent friend , thou continent of wealth , whose want of stoare for that it could not peiz th vnequall scale of auarice giu'st matter to my moane , o drosse the leauell of insatiate eyes the diuells engine , and the soules corrupter , thou plaist th' atturney gainst the lawfull force of true affection , dost enterpose a barr , twixt harts conioyn'd : curst be thy seede of strife , vvhose progresse choakes the naturall course of life . gerardine rising out of the trunke , she seemes fearefull , and flyes . ma.

o helpe , helpe , helpe .

ger. stay sweet maria , i bring thee ample ioy to check that sudden feare , let thy sweet heart that constant seate of thy affection , repay that bloud exhausted from thy vaines ; feare not sweet wench ? i am no apparition , but the firme substance of thy truest friend , knowst thou me now ? ma. gerardine my loue ? what vnheard of accident presents thy vnexpected selfe , and giues my heart matter of ioy , mixt with astonishment . i thought thou hadst bin cabyn'd in thy ship . not trunkt within my cruell gardyans house . ger. that cruelty giues fuell to desire , for loue supprest fares like a raging fire which burnes all obstacles that stop his course , and mounts aloft ; the ocean in his source may easier hide himselfe , and be confynd , then loue can be obscurd ; for in the mind , she holds her seate , and through that heau'nly essence , is neare , when farre remote ; her virtuall presence , fills ( like the ayr ) all places , giues delight , hope in despaire and hart , gainst fell despite . that worst of men thy cruell gardyan may keepe downe a while , but cannot dissipate what heau'n hath ioynd , for fate and prouidence , gaue me this stratagem , to let him know , that loue will creepe , where t is restraynd to go . ma. i apprehend the rest : o rare conceit , i see thy trauell happily was faynd to win accesse , which with small ease thou hast gaynd : this trunk , which he so greedily supposes , contaynes thy substance ( as it doth indeed ) vpon thy fayre pretence , in liew of loue bequeath'd to me , if death should stop the course , this trunk ( j say ) he hugs ; sink thou or swim , so he may feed his wolfe , that roote of sin ; his auarice but heauen ( that mocks mans might giues this close meanes t' incist vpon our right . ger. ingenious spirit , true oracle of loue , thou hast preuented me , this was my plot , whose end and scope i long to imitate , with accents free , and vncontrolld with feare , do's oportunity stand fayre ? ma. not now , daunger stands centinell . ger. then i le retyre , we must be cautilous . ma. so so , and tyme shall not oft turne his howr glasse ere i le find , peace and occasion fitting to thy mind . exeunt , finis actus secundi .
actvs tertivs .
actus tertius scena prima . enter gerardine and maria . ger. the coast is cleare , and argus wakefull eies securely sleep : time turnes to vs his front ; come sweet maria of th' auspicious howres le ts take aduantage . ma. with all my hart , j do imbrace the motion with thy selfe : welcome sweet friend to liberty of ayer , which now me thinks doth promp our breaths to moue sweet accents of delight , the ioyes of loue : how dost thou brooke thy little ease , thy trunk ? ger. that trunke confines this chest , this chest contaynes th' vnbounded speculacion of our loue incomprehensible : griefe , ioy , hope , and feares ( thaffections of my mind ) are like the spheares , vvhich in their iarring motions do agree , through th' influence of loues sweet harmony . ma. are not inferiour bodies here on earth , produc'd and gouern'd by those heauenly ones ? ger.

they are .

ma. they iar ( you say ) yet in that strife maintaine perpetuall league : why should their influence in rationall soules be checkt by erring sence ? or why should mutuall loue ( confirmd by heau'n ) b' infringd by men , me thinks t is most vneuen . ger. thou argu'st well maria : and this withall that bruites , nor animalls do proue a thrall to such seruility : soules that are wards to gold opinion , or th' undue regards of broking men , wolues that in sheep-skin bands , pray on the harts to ioyne th' vnwilling hands , ruine fayre stocks , when generous houses die , or propagate their name with bastardy . ma. sterility and barennes ensue , such forced loue : nor shall erronious men peruert my setled thoughts , or turne mine eye from thy fayre obiect , which i will pursue , rich in thy loue , prowde of this interuiew . ger. i le suck these accents , let our breaths ingender a generation of such pleasing sounds , to enterchange delights : o my bloud 's on fire , sweet let me giue more scope to true desire . ma.

what wouldst thou more then our minds firm contract ?

ger. tut words are wind : thought vnreduct to art , is but an embrion in the truest sence . ma. i am beleagued i had need of sence , you make me blush : play faire yet aboue boord : ger. here me exemplify loues latine word together with thy selfe as thus : harts ioynd amore : take a from thence , then more is the perfect morall sence , plurall in manners , which in thee doe shine saintlike , immortall , spotles and diuine . take m away , ore in beauties name , craues an eternall trophee to thy fame , lastly take o , in re stands all my rest , which i in chaucer stile do tearm a iest . ma.

you breake all modest bounds , away , away ?

ger.

so when men come behind , do women say .

ma.

come come , i say

ger. i that 's the word indeed , men that come bold before , are like to speed . enter lipsalue and shrimp his page .

but who comes here ? monstrum horrendum , my nostrills haue the ranke sent of knauery , maria le ts remoue our selues to the window , and obserue this piece of mans flesh .

exeunt . lip.

now mistris maria ward your selfe , if my strong hope fayle not , i shall be with you to bring .

shr.

to bring what sir ? some more o' your kind .

lip.

faith boy that 's mine ayme .

shr.

i le be sworne sir , you haue a good loose , you let fly at chem a pace .

lip.

i haue shot fayre and far off , but now i hope to hit the mark indeed .

shrim.

god saue it .

lip.

but wher 's the signe ?

shr.

vvhy there .

lip.

that 's a speciall thing to be obseru'd .

shr.

i haue heard talke of the gemini , me thinks that should be a star fauourable to your proceeding .

lip.

the gemini , o i apprehend thee : that 's because j am so like gerardine , ha is 't not so boy ?

shr.

as if you were spit out on s mouth sir , you must needs be like him , for you are both cut out of a peece : but lord sir , how you hunt this chase of loue , are you not weary ?

lipsalue .

jndefatigable boy , indefatigable .

shr.

fattigable ( quoth you ) you may call it leaneable well ynough , for j am sure it is able to make a man leane .

lip.

t is my vocation boy , we must neuer be weary of well doing , loue 's as proper to a courtier , as precisenesse to a puritane .

enter gerardine and maria aboue . shr.

loue ( subbandy lust ) a punke in this place subintelligitur .

lypsalue .

boy i haue spyd my saint .

shr.

then downe on your knees .

lip.

fly of , least she take thee for my familiar : saue thee sweet maria , nay wonder not ( for thou thy selfe art wonder , ) to see this vnexpected gratulaion .

maria . vvhom do i see ? o how my sences wander ? am not i hero : art not thou leander ? gerar.

thar' t in the right sweet wench more of that vayne ;

lip. her passion ouercomes her , t is the kindest soule : o excellent deuise ; it works , it works boy . shr.

jt dos in deed sir , like the suds of an alefat , or a washing bole .

lip.

ioy not too much , extreames are perillous .

ma. o weather beaten loue : cisley go make a fire ? go fetch my ladder of ropes , leander's come . lip.

marke how pretily in her rapture she harpes vpon gerardines trauell , let th extasie haue end for i am gerardine .

gerar.

the diuell you are .

ma.

ha ? let me see , my loue so soone returnd .

lyp. i neuer trauelld farther then thine eyes , my bruted iourney was a happy proiect , to cast a myst before thy iealouse gardyan , who now suspectles , giues some hope t' attaine my wisht delight , before pursu'd in vaine . ger.

aske if he straynd not hard for that same proiect .

ma. has not that proiect ouerrackt thy braine . and spent more wit then thou hast left behind . shrimp .

by this light she flowts him .

lip. no , wit is infinite i spent some brayne ; thy loue did stretch my wit vpon the tenters ger.

then is 't like to shrinke in the wetting .

mar. it cottens well , it cannot choose but beare a prety napp ; i tender thy capacity , a comfortable caudle cherish it : but wher 's my fauour that i bid thee weare as pledge of loue . ger. now dost thou put him too t , more tenters for his wit , hee 's nonplus quite lip. i weare it sweet maria but on hy dayes , preserue it from the taynting of the ayre , what should j say : t is in my tother hose . ma. how in your tother hose ? he that j loue shall weare my fauor in those hose he has on . lip.

fiends and furies : block that i am .

shrim.

in your tother hose ? she talkt of a ladder of ropes ; if she would let it downe ; for my life he would hang himselfe in 't : jn your tother hose ? why those hose are in lauender , besides , they haue neuer a codpeece : but indeed there needs no iuy where the wine is good . in your tother hose ?

ma.

i said you were too prodigall of wit .

lyp. expostulate no more , grant me accesse , or else i le trauell to the wildernesse . maria . your onely way , go trauell till you tyer , be rid , and let a gull discharge the hyer . shr.

master , the doctor the doctor .

lip.

where ? which way .

shrim.

this way , that way , some way i heard him comming .

lip.

o boy j am abusd , gulld , disgrac't , my credit 's crackt .

shr.

you know that 's nothing for a new courtier .

lip.

o i shall run beside my selfe .

shr.

no sir , that 's my office , i le run by your side .

lip.

my braine is out of temper , what shall j do ?

shr.

take her councell sir , get a cullis to your capacity , a restoratiue to your reason , and a warming pan to your wit : he comes he comes .

lip.

follow close boy , let him not see vs .

exeunt . enter doctor glister . doct. glist.

vvhat more flatterers about my carrion ? more battery to my walls ? shall i neuer be rid of these petronell flashes ? as for my friend gerardine , the wind of my rage has blown him to discouer countries , and let the sea purge his loue away and him together , i care not : yong wenches now are all o' the hoigh : we that are gardyans must respect more besides titles , gold lace , person , or parts , we must haue lordships and mannors , elsewhere as well as in the man : wealth commands all , and wealth i le haue , or else my mynion shall leade apes in hell . j must after this gallant too , i le know his randiuous , and what company he keeps .

exit .
ma: now must we be abrupt ; retyre sweet friend to thy small ease ; what more remaines to do , vvee 'l consumate at our next enteruiew . ger. so shall j beare my prisonment with pleasure , looke thou but big or cruell , foe will yeeld , and giue to hymen the honor of the field . exeunt . enter mistrisse purge , and club before her with a linke . mist. purge .

fy fy club , goe a tother side the way , thou collowst me & my ruffe , thou wilt make me an vnclean member i' the congregation ,

club.

jf you be vncleane mistris , you may pure your selfe , you haue my masters ware at your commaundement , but what am i then , that does all the drudgerye in your house .

mi. pur.

th art born to 't , why boy i can show thy indentures thou giu'st no other milke : wee know how to vse all i'theyr kinde .

club.

y are my better in barke and rhyne , but in pith and substance i may compare with you : y' are aboue fish or flesh mistrisse , and ther 's your boast , but in my tother part , we are all one before god .

enter dryfat . mi. pur.

all one with me ! dost thou sweare too ? why then vp and ride .

dry.

vvhither away mistrisse purge ?

mi. pur,

to the family master dryfat to our exercise .

dry.

vvhat by night ?

mi. pur.

o lord , i sir , with the candles out too , we fructifie best i' th darke , the glance of the eie is a great matter , it leads vs to other obiects besides the right .

dry.

indeede i thinke we performe those functions best , when we are not thrall to the fetters of the body .

mi. pur.

the fetters of the body , what call you them ?

dry.

the organes of the body , as some terme them .

mi. pur.

organes : fy , fy , they haue a most abominable squeking sound in mine eares , they edifie not a whit i detest hem : i hope my body has no organes .

dry.

to speake more familiarly mistris purge , they are the senses : the sight , hearing , smelling , tast , and feeling .

mist. pur.

i mary : ( mary said j lord what a words that in my mouth ) you speake now master dryfat : but yet let me tell you where you erre too : this feeling i will proue to be neither organe nor fetter , it is a thing ( a sence did you call it ?

dry.

i , a sence .

mist. pur.

vvhy then a sense let it be ( i say it is that we cannot be without : for ( as i take it ) it is a part belonging to vnderstanding ; vnderstanding ( you know ) lifteth vp the mind from earth ; if the mind be lift vp , you know the body goes with it : also it descends into the conscience , and there tickles vs with our workes and doings : so that we make singular vse of feeling .

dry.

and not of the rest ?

mi. pur.

not at that time ; therefore we hold it not amisse to put out the candles , for the soule sees best it 'h darke .

dry.

you come to me now mistris purge .

m. pu.

nay j will come to you else mayster dryfat : those senses ( as you terme them ) are of much efficacy in carnal mixtures , that is , when we crowde and thrust a man and a woman together .

enter purge and ouer heares them . pur.

what so close at it : i thought this was one end of your exercise . byrlady i think there is smal profite in this , i le winck no more for i am now tickled with a conceit that it is a scuruy thing to be a cuckold .

dry.

i commend this zeal in you mistris purge , j desire much to be of your society .

m. pu.

do you indeede , blessing on your heart : are you vpright in your dealings ?

dry.

yes , j do loue to stand to any thing i do , though j lose by it , in truth j deale but too truely for this worlde : you shall heare how farre i am enter'd in the right way already : firste i liue in charity and giue small almes to such as bee not of the right sect . j take vnder twenty i' th hunderd , nor no forfeiture of bonds vnlesse the law tell my conscience i may doo 't , i set no pot on a sundaies , but feede on cold meate drest a satterdayes , i keepe no holy daies , nor fasts , but eate most flesh o'frydayes of all dayes i' the week : j do vse to say inspir'd graces able to starue a wicked man with length , i haue aminadabs and abrams to my god sonnes , and i chide them when they aske me blessing : and i doe hate the red letter , more then j follow the written verity .

purge .

heer 's clergy .

mi. pu.

these are the rudiments indeed master dryfat .

dry.

nay i can tell you i am or will be of the right stampe .

pur.

a pox o' your stampe .

mi. pu.

then learne the word for your admittaunce , and you will be much made on by the congregation .

dry.

i the worde good mistresse purge .

mi. pu.

a brother in the family .

dry.

ynough j haue my lesson .

pu.

so haue i myne , a brother in the family , i must be a familist to day . i le follow this geare while t is on foote yfayth .

mi. pu.

then shoare vp your eyes , and lead the way to the goodliest people that euer turnd vp the white o' th eye , giue me my booke club , put out thy linke , and come behind vs .

they knocke . answer within .

who 's there ?

dry.

two brothers and a sister in the family � let in .

purge knocks . � within

who 's there ?

purge .

a familiar brother .

within .

heer 's no roome for you nor your familiarity .

pur.

how ? no roome for me nor my familiarity ? why what 's the difference between a familiar brother , and a brother in the family ? o i know : j made eclipses of in , in this place where it should haue bin exprest , so that the want of in , put me cleane out ; or let me see : may it not be some mysterie drawne from arithmetick ? for my life these familists loue no substraction , take nothing away , but put in and ad as much as you will , and after addition followes multiplication of a most pharasithipocriticall crue . vvell for my part i like not this family , nor indeed some kind of priuate lecturing that weomen vse : looke too t , you that haue such gadders to your wiues : self willd they are as children , and yfaith capable of not much more then they peeuish by custome , naturally fooles . j remember a prety wodden sentence in a preamble to an exercise , where the reader prayed : that men of his coate might grow vp like cedars to make good waynscot in the house of sincerity , would not this waynscot phrase be writ in brasse , to publish him that spake it for an animall : why , such wodden pellets out of earthen trunks , doe strike these females into admiration , hits 'hem home , sometimes ( perhaps ) in at one eare , and out at tother , and then they depart in opinion , wiser then their neighbours , fraught with matter , able to take down and mortifie their husbands . vvell i le home now , and bring the true word next time : i shall expect my wife anon red hot with zeale , and big with melting teares ; and this night do i expect , ( as her manner is ) she will weepe me a whole chamberpot full , loquor lapides ? do j cast pills abroad ? t is no matter what i say , j talke like a pothicary ( as i am ) i haue onely purgd my selfe of a little choller and passion , and am now armd with a patient resolucion , but how ? to put my hornes in my pocket ? no :

vvhat wise men beare is not for me to scorne , t is a hornorable thing to weare the horne .
exit . enter lipsalue with his whip . lip.

fortune , deuills turd i' thy teeth , i le turne no more o' thy wheele , art is aboue thy might : what though my proiect with mistrisse maria fayld , more waies to the wood then one , ther 's variety in loue . it is beleeud i am out of towne , my dore is open , the houre is at hand , all things squard by the doctors rule , and now i looke for the spirit to bring me warme comfort , to cloath my nakednesse , and that is mistris purge , the cordiall of a familist , and come quickly good spirit , or else my teeth will chatter for thee .

enter gudgin with his whips . gud.

o the naked pastymes of loue , the scourge of dulnesse , the purifier of vncleannesse , and the hot house of humanity : i haue taken phisick of master purge , any time this twelue months to purge my humor vpon 's wife , & j haue euer found her so fugitiue , from exercise to exercise , and from family to familie , that i could neuer yet open the close stoole of my mind to her : so that i may well say with ouid : hei mihi quod nullus amor est medicabilis herbis : now am j driuen to proue the violent vertue coniuration , if it hit , and that i yearke my familist out of the spirit , i le hang vp my scourge-sticke for a trophee , and emparadize my thoughts , though the doctor goe to the diuell , t is no matter : ha let me see ; lipsalues doore open ! and himselfe out of towne ? excelleì�t doctor , soothsaying doctor , oraculous doctor .

enter doctor glister aboue . doct.

i haue taken vp this standing to see my gallants play at barriers with scourge-sticks for the honour of my punke : and in good time i see my braue spirits shining in bright armour nakedly burning in the hell fire of lechery , and ready for the hot encounter : sound trumpets , the combatants are mounted .

gud.

the apparition : mistris purge peeres through him , i see her .

lip.

the spirit appeares : but he might haue come sooner : i am num'd with colde , a shiuering ague hath taken away my courage .

do.

they are afrayde one of another , looke how they tremble , the flesh and the diuell strengthen 'hem : ha , ha , ha .

gud.

has a no clouen feete , what a laxatiue feuer shakes me .

lip.

will a not carry me with him to hell ? well i must venter : clogmathos

gud.

my cue : clogmathathos .

lip.

my cue garrazin .

gud.

garragas .

lip.

garrazinos .

gud.

ton tetuphon .

lip.

tes tetuphes .

ambo.

with a whirley twinos � they lash one another .

ambo.

hold , hold , hold , gogs nownes , gogs blude , a pox , a plague , the diuell take you , truce , truce , j smart , j smart .

doctor .

ha , ha , ha . o for one of the hoopes of my cornelius tub : i must needs be gone , i shall burst my selfe with laughing else :

magicke hath no such rule , men can not find , lust euer better handled in his kind . exit doctor .
gud.

what art thou ? with the name of ioue i coniure thee ?

lip.

with any name sauing the whip , i le no more of that coniuration a plague on 't .

gudg.

speake art not a spirit , in the likenesse of my friend lipsalue , that should transforme thy selfe to mistris purge .

lip.

how ? a spirit ? i hope spirits haue no flesh and bloud , & i am sure thou hast drawn bloud out of my flesh with the spirit of thy whip .

then shall we proue to be honest gulls , and the doctour an errant knaue .

lip.

a plague vpon him for a glister . he has giuen our loues a suppositar with a recombentibus � i le tell thee sirra .

gud.

tell not me , let me preuent thee , the winde shall not take the breath of our grosse abuse , we feele the gullery : therfore let vs sweare by our naked truths , & by the hilts of these our blades , our flesh-tamers , to be reueng'd vpon that paraperopandenticall doctor , that pocky doctor .

lip.

agreed , wee 'l cuckold him , that hee shall not be able to put his head in at 's dores , and make his precise puritanicall , & peculiar punke his pothicaries drug there , a knowne cockatrice to the world .

gud. jf report catch this knauery , we haue lost our reputations for euer , wherefore le ts be secret ; ill tax we weomen of credulity , vvhen men are gulld with such grosse foppery . lip. come let vs in , and couer both our shames ? this coniuration to the world 's a nouelty , gallants turnd spirits and whipt for lechery . exeunt .
act. 3. scen. 4. enter maria and gerardine out of the trunke . maria . gerardine come forth maria calls ? those ribs shall not infoulde thy buxom limbs one minute longer the cincture of myne armes shall more securely keepe thy soule from harmes . ger. vvhat heauenly breath of phitonessaes powre ( that raysd the dead corpes of her friend to life ) preuayles no lesse on me , for euen this vrne ( the figure of my sadder requiem ) giues vp my bones , my loue , my life , and all to her , that giues me freedome in my thrall . ma. be briefe sweet friend , salute and part in one , for niggard time now threats with imminent danger our late ioyd scope : thy earnest then of loue ere sol haue compast halfe the signes i feare vvill shew a blushing fault , but t' was thy plot , thyne ayme , t' inforce consent in him that bars thy claime . ger. loue salues that fault , let time our guilt reueale , i le neare deny my deed , my hand , and seale . the elements shall loose their auncient force ; vvater and earth suppresse the fire and ayre , nature in all vse , a preposterous course , each kind forget his likenes to repaire , before i le falsifie my faith to thee . ma. the humorous bodies elementall kind , shall sooner lose th' innated heate of loue , the soule in natures bounds shal be confind , heauens course shall retragrade , & leaue to moue ere i surcease to cherish mutuall fire , with thoughts refind in flames of true desire . ger. these words are odours in the sacred shrine of loues best deity : the mariage god longs to performe these ceremonious rites , which terminate our hopes ; till mine grow full i le vse that entercourse amongst my friends , that earst i did : then in the hight of ioy , i le come to challenge interest in my boy . till then farewell . ma.

you le come vpon your cue

ger.

doubt not of that ;

ma.

then twenty times adieu .

exeunt .
finis actus tertij .
actvs qvartvs .
actus quartus , scena prima . enter lypsalue and guggin , shrimp and periwincle . gud.

come boyes , our clothes boyes , and what is the most currant newes periwincle .

peri.

faith sir , fortune hath fauoured vs with no newes , but what the pedlar brought from norfolke .

lyp.

is there nothing stirring at court shrimpe ?

shrim.

faith there is sir , but nothing new .

lip.

good wag fayth , thou smellst somwhat of a courtier , though thy mother was a citizens wife , off with that filthy great band , nay quick , on with your robe of sanctity ; nay suddenly man .

gug.

and why must we shift our selues into this demure habite , if impossible to be of the family , and keepe our owne fashion .

lip.

tut man the name of a gallant is more hatefull to them , then the sight of a corner cap , hadst thou heard the protestations the wife of a bellowsmender made but yesternight , against gallants , thou hadst for euer abiured crimson breeches . she swore that all gallants , were persons inferiour to bellowsmenders , for the trade of bellowsmaking was very aeriall & high , and what were men and women but bellowes , for they take wind in at one place , and doe euaporate at another ; euaporate was her very phrase .

guggin.

me thinks her phrase flew with somwhat too strong a vapor .

lip.

nay she proues farther , that all men receiue their being chiefly from bellowes , without which the fire burnes not , without fire the pot seeths not , the pot not seething , powdred beefe is not to be eaten , of which she then auerr'd our nation was a great deuourer , and without which they could neyther fight for their country abroad , nor get children at home : for sayd she , powdred beefe is a greate ioyner of nerues together .

gug.

what answer madest thou ?

lip.

mary , that i thought a bawde was a greater ioyner of nerues together , then powdred beefe , with that she protested , that a bawde was an instrument of the diuell , and as she had proued that bellowsmakers were of gods trade , fo bawdes were of the diuells trade : for ( and thereupon she blew her nose ) the diuell and bawdes did both liue by the sins of the people .

enter club and mistrisse purge . gug.

no more , mistris purge is at hand .

lyp.

vanish boyes , away , make hast , before ioue shee l be with vs ere we can be prouided for her .

mi. pur.

aduaunce your lynke club ? at what time wert thou bound club ? at guttyde : hollantyde , or candletide ?

club.

i was bound indeed about mydsommer .

mist. pur.

and when hath thy prentiship end , at mychaeltyde next ?

club.

so i take it .

mi. pu.

they say club you fall very heauy on such you loue not , you neuer learnt that of me .

club.

indeede mistris i must confesse , my falling is rusticke grosse , and butcherlike , marrie yours is a pretty foolish light court take falling : yet beleeue mee my master smelles somewhat too grosse of the purgation , he wants tutering .

mi. pu.

and why i pray ?

club.

my maister being set last night in his shoppe , comes maister doctor glister ( as his maner is ) squerting in suddenlye , and after some conference , tells my mayster that by his owne knowledge you were young with childe , to which my maister replied , why maister doctor , will yoe put me to more charges yet ?

mi. pur.

thou art a foole , in that my husband spake as wisely as if the maister of his company had spoke , hee knowes doctors haue receites for women , which makes them moste apt to conceyue , and hee promising a had ministred the same lately to me , thereupon spake it , lead on with your link ?

lipsa.

art ready ?

gug.

readie .

lips.

then speak pittifully , looke scuruily , and dissemble cunningly , and we shall quickly prooue two of the fraternity benediction and sanctitie ; loue and charity : fall on mistresse purge , syster of the family .

mi. pur.

and what i pray be you two ?

sa.

two newly coì�uerted from the rags of christianity ; to become good members in the house of the family .

mi. pur.

vvho i pray conuerted you ?

ma.

dryfat the merchant .

mist. pur.

and from what sinnes hath he conuerted you ? from two very notorious crimes , the first was from eating fishe on frydaies , and the second from speaking reuerently of the clergy : but a resolu'd vs , your talent in edifying yong men went far beyond his .

enter mayster purge . ma. pur.

a tallent i haue therein , i must confesse , nor am i very nice at fit times to show it ; for your better instructions therefore , you must neuer hereafter frequent tauernes nor taphouses , no maskes nor mummeries , no pastimes nor play-houses .

gud.

must we haue no recreation ?

mi. pur.

yes , on the dayes which prophane lips call hollidayes , you may take your spaniell and spend some howres at the duckingpond .

lip.

what are we bound vnto , during the time we remaine in the family .

mi. pu.

during the light of the candle , you are to be very attentiue , which being extinguished , how to behaue your selues , i will deliuer in priuate whisper .

ma. pur.

t is now come to a whisper , what yong familists be these ? yfaith i le make one , i le trip you wife , i sent your footing wife .

for gallus writes , paraselsus can tell , pothicaries haue braines , and noses eke to smell ,
lip.

we shall with much diligence obserue it .

ma. pur.

j feare i shall haue small cause to thanke that diligence , but doe your worst , he that hath red fine hear-balls in one yeare , can finde a tricke which shall preuent this geare , they are going , follow purge , close , close and softly , like a horsekeeper in a ladies matted chamber at midnight .

exeunt gudgin , lipsalue , and mistrisse purge . within .

vvho knockes ?

mi. pur.

brethren and a sister in the family .

within .

enter in peace .

ma. purge .

brethren and a sister , that 's the word , how beastly was i mistaken last day , j should haue sayd a brother in the family � and i said a familiar brother , for which j and my family were thrust out of dores : but as titus silus of holborn bridge most learnedly was wont to say , qd �

he knockes . within .

vvhos 's there ?

ma. pu.

a brother in the family .

within .

enter , and welcome .

act. 4. scena . 2. enter gerardine . thou sacred dyety , loue : thou power predominate , more to be admyr'd , then able to be exprest , whose orbe includes all terrene ioyes which are , all states which be , pay to thy sacred throne , as tribute fee their thoughts & liues like ioues so must thy acts indure no question , why , thy hidden facts , the gods themselues obay , heauen synod holds , no gods , but what thy awfull power controwls , the delphian archer proud with pythons spoile at cupids hand was forst to take the foyle : not mars his warlike adamantine targe , could free his warlike brest at cupids charge ; and ioue whose frowne all mortall liues bereaues this marble throne and iuory scepter leaues : and in the likenes of a bull was seene , as forc't by him to beare the tyrian queen : through neptunes watry kingdome , if these submit my metamorphos is not held vnfit : enter drifat .

and see in most wisht occasion drifat the marchant presents himselfe : sir , in the best of houres met , my thoughts had markt you out for a man most apt , to do them the fayrest of offices .

dri.

vvhat ? art thou a welch carrier , or a northern landlord , th art so saucy .

gera.

i st possible sir , my disguise should so much foole your knowledge ? how , a northern landlord ? can you thinke j get my liuing by a bell and a clackdish ?

dri.

by a bell and a clackdish , how 's that ?

ger.

vvhy by begging sir , know you me now ?

dri.

ma. gerardine , disguisd & a shore , nay then j smel a rat .

ger.

master dryfat , shall i repose some trust in you , will you lay by a while your cities precise humour , will you not deceiue me ?

dry.

jf i deceiue your trust , the generall plague seaze me , that is , may i die a cuckold .

ger.

and i say thou shall die a true citizen , if thou conceale it : and thus in briefe , it stands with thy knowledge how seriously i haue ( and doe still affect maria : now sir , i haue so wrought it , that if thou couldst procure me a fellow , that could serue in steade of a cryer , i my selfe would play placket the parritor , and summon doctor glister and maria to appeare at thy house , and as he plaies the parritor , so wouldst thou but assume the shape of a proctor , i should haue the wench , thou the credit , and the whole city occasion of discourse this nyne dayes .

dri.

how 's this , how 's this ! i should procure a fellow to play the parritor , and i my selfe should play the proctor : but vpon what occasion should they be summoned ?

ger.

vpon an accusation , that doctor glister should get maria his neece with child , and haue bastards in the cuntery which i haue a trick to make probable .

dri.

and now i recall it to memory , i heard somwhat to that effect last night , in master beardbush the barbers shop , but how will this sort , who shall accuse him ?

ger.

refer that to me , i say , be that my care , all shall end in merriment , and no disgrace touch either of their reputations .

dri.

then take both word and hand , t is done , club ( mistrisse purges prentice ) shall be the sumner .

ger.

o my most pretious dryfat , may none of thy daughters proue vessells with foule bungholes , or none of thy sons hogsheads , but all true and honorable drifats like thy selfe .

dri.

vvell master gerardine , i hope to see you a familist before i dy .

ger.

that 's most likely , for j hold most of their principles already : i neuer rayle nor calumniate any man , but in loue and charity ; i neuer cousen any man for any ill will i beare him , but in loue and charity to my selfe : i neuer make my neighbor a cuckold for any hate or malice i beare him , but in loue and charity to his wife .

dri.

and may those principles fructify in your weake members : i le be gone , and with most quick dexterity prouide you a cryer : to morrow at my house ( said you ) they should appeare .

ger.

be that the time , most honored dryfat , but be this known to none , most loued sir , saue club , or to some other whom your iudgement shall select , as a fit person for our proiect .

dri.

thus ynough time out of sight .

exit .
ger.

maria , thou art mine : earths affecton and natures glory , woman of what an excellency , if her thoughts and acts were squard and leueld with the first celsitude of her creation :

t' inioy a creature , whose disheueld locks , like gems against the repercussiue sun , giues light and splendor . whose starlike eyes attract more gazar loues to see them moue then the tartarians god , when first egeons hill amounts in triumph , a skin more pure and soft , then is the silke-worme bed , to the more white then newfalne snow , or shining iuorie , is happinesse sought by the gods themselues , celestiall venus borne without a mother , be thou probitious , thee and i implore not vulgar venus , heauens scorne and mars his whoore . exit .
enter mistrisse glister and maria . ma.

good aunt quiet your selfe , ground not vpon dreames , you know they are euer contrary .

mi gli.

mynion , mynion , coyne no execuses ; i graunt dreames are deceitfull , but a true iudgement grounded vpon knowledge neuer failes : what ? haue not i obseru'd the rising and falling of the bloud , the comming and going of the countenance , your qualmes , your vnlacings , your longings , most euident tokens , besides a more certaine signe then all these too , you know 't , i need not speake it ; nay i am as skilfull in that point as my husband : i can tell you aristotle speakes english enough to tell me these secrets : body of me , so narrowly lookt too , and yet fly out ? well , i see maydes will ha'te , in spite of lawes or lockes that restrayne 'hem , they will open , doe men what they can .

ma. i see my fault appeares , simplicity hath no euasion : t is bootlesse to deny , where guilty bloud , cited by touch of shame , runs through my veines , and leaues my conscience staine , euen in my face for beare i doe beseech you , to publish my defame , what i haue done , you shall not answer , i must beare mine owne . mi. gli.

beare your owne ? i mary there it goes , what must you beare ?

ma.

my sins forsooth .

mi. gli.

your sins forsooth : confesse to me , and goe not about the bush , you haue bin doing that 's flat , you haue caught a clap , that 's round , and answer me roundly to the point , or els i le square . come whose act i st ? i can not deuise vnlesse it be my husbands , for none else had accesse to thee ; j am sure time has turnd his bald side to thee , and i doe but wonder how thou tookst oportunity : speake , tell me .

ma. now good aunt presse me not , let time reueale what you suspect , for neuer shall my tongue confesse an act that tends vnto my wrong . enter gerardine like a porter . mi. gli.

vvill you not boult , i must ha 't out on you , and will .

ger.

by your leaue mistrisse .

mi. gli.

passion of my heart , what art thou ?

ger

no ghost forsooth , tho' i appeare in white .

mi. gli.

no , but a saucy knaue j perceiue by your manners .

ger.

none of that liuery neither : i am of the bearing trade forsooth , you may see by my smock � frock i wold say : i am ( if it please you ) of the spick & span new set vp company of porters , heer 's my brest plate , and besides our own armes we haue the armes of the citty to help vs in our burthens , ecce signum : heer 's the crosse , and the sword of iustice in good pewter , j can tell you which goes as currant with vs as better mettall .

mi. gli.

what 's your name sir ?

ger.

nicholas nebulo ther 's but a strawes bredth between that and the armes , t is in the back side of the crosse heere , & well knowne in the citty for an auncient name , and an honest an 't like your worship .

mar.

you are none of the 12 are you ?

ger.

no forsooth but one of the 24.

mi. gli.

orders of knaues , i thought so , sirra y' are a rascall to come thus bluntly into my house with your durty startups , get you without doores like a filthy fellow as you are , a place more fit for you .

ger.

o good words mistresse ; i may be warden of my company for ought you know and for my bluntnesse we haue a clause in our charter to warrant that for as we beare , so likewise we may be borne with , and haue free egresse and regresse where our busines lyes .

mi. gli.

and what 's your busines heere ?

ger.

i haue a letter an 't please you to maister doctor .

mi. gli.

from whence ?

ger.

that i cannot shew your vvorship , but i had it of curtal the carrier whose lawfull deputy i am .

mi. gli.

leaue your scraping sirra : fye how ranck the knaue smells of grease and tapsdroppings .

ger.

coughes and spitts .

mi. gli.

vvhat are you rheumatick too with a vengeance ?

ger.

yes indeed mistresse , though i bee but a poore man , i haue a spice of the gentleman in mee , maister doctor could smell it quickly , by cause hee 's a gentleman himselfe ; i must to the diet and that is tobacco at the alehouse , j vse n'other phisick for it .

mi. gli.

did euer such a peasant defile my floare , or breathe so near me : yfayth sirra you would be bumd for your roguery if you were well seru'd .

ger.

i am burn'd well ynough allready mistresse , look here else ; surreuerence in your worship , maister doctors lips are not made of better stuffe .

mi. gli.

what an impudent rogue is this : sirra be gone i say , i would be rid o' you ?

ger.

be rid o' me ? i shal gallop then : you mistake me forsooth i am a footpost , i do not vse to ride .

mi. gl.

i think the rascal be humorus or drunk : wel i wil read the letter and send him packing , or else hee will spew or do worse before me : fy on him , i think hee will infect me with some filthy disease .

ger.

or else i loose mine ayme .

mi. gli.

vvhat 's heere your poore nurse thomasine sweedlesse for my life now shall i find out my husbands knauery , i haue so long suspected .

ger. she begins to nibble , t will take yfaith � mistresse i see some discontentment in your looks , care ill befittes so delicate a spirit . be frolick wench for hee that is so neere thee has been much neerer ? mar. that accent sounds sweet musick , t is my loue . that tong breaths life into my liueles spirits gerardine ! 㴠rapture , why thus disguiz'd ! ger. no more , be mute ; thus must i vary formes to bring our cares to end her iealousy , ensues this dryft , which if it take true scope , loues ioy comes next be fearelesse in that hope : mi. gli.

t is so : ratsbane : i hate , it rack's on it torments me heere t is , � woe worth the time that euer i gaue sucke to a child that came in at the window god knows how villanous leacher ; yet if you did but see , how like the little red headed knaue is to his father damnable doctor : a bastard in the countrey , and an other towardes here j am out of doubt , this is his worke . you are an arrant strumpet , incest , fornication , abomination in my owne house ; intollerable ; o for long nailes to scratch out his eyes .

ger,

or the breeches to fight with him .

mi. gli.

out of my sight queane , thou shalt to bridewell � o , i shall be mad with rage .

ger.

then you shall goe to bedlam .

mi. gli.

hence you slaue .

ger.

i must haue a penny , you must pay me for my paines .

mi. gli.

the diuell pay thee .

ger.

o that 's the doctor , but he wants his hornes .

mi. gli.

but i le furnish him ere long if i liue .

ger. it works as i would wish , farewell maria , this storme once past , faire weather euer after . exeunt . mi. gli.

vvas euer woman so mou'd ? but you shall be talkt withall , and for mine oulde fornicator , he shall ha 't as hot as coales yfaith : heer 's stuffe indeed ! come mynkes come , ther 's law for you both , haue i found your knauery : if i winke at this , let me be stone blind , or ston'd to death , beare this and beare all .

exeunt .
enter lypsalue and gudgin . lip. our hopes are crost , sure ther 's some prouidence vvhich countermaunds libidinous appetites , for what we most intend , is countercheckt by strange and vnexpected accidents : for by disguise procuring full accesse , nay ready to haue feard th expected prize the candle out , steps twixt my hopes and me some pleasant groine , possest and full inioyd that sweet , for which our vigilaì�t eies haue watcht and in one moment frustrates all our hopes . gudgin .

vppon my life we are bewitcht , the greasie rascall , that first seazed mistrisse purge ( by the last reflection of the light ) appeared to my sight not much vnlike her husband .

lipsalue .

the courtes gall , the citties plague , and europaes sea forme be his perpetuall crest , what ere a was . to loose mistrisse purge for lacke of dexterity , is a disgrace insalueable . the like oportunity will neuer present it selfe .

gudg.

t was an egregious greefe , i must confesse to see a knaue slip betwixt vs both , and take occasion by the foretop , but since these proiects haue had so star crosse euents , le ts lay some plot how to reuenge our late disgrace on the doctor , by making him cuckold .

enter purge . lipsalue .

agreed , but what melancholie sir with acrostick armes now comes from the family ?

gug.

purge the potecarie , j prethee le ts step aside and heare the issue of this discontent .

purge .

o the miserie of married mens estate !

lip.

a begins very pittifully .

pur.

o women what are many of you ?

lipsalue .

vvhy disease to batchelers , and plagues to maried men .

pur.

o marriage , the rage of all our miseries , my wife is a desembling strumpet .

gudgin .

so is manie a mans besides yours , and what of that ?

purge .

i would haue a law that all such which pray little should instantly be married , for then would they pray continually if it were but to be rid of their wiues .

lip.

this is a charitable request and surely would passe the lower house .

purge .

surely if affliction can bring a man to heauen i cannot see how any married man can bee damn'd , j haue made my selfe a plaine cuckold .

a pile on yee , want you ? had you not been soe manable , here are some would haue saued you that labor .

purge .

vvhat shall i doe in this extremity , had i but witnesse of the fact , i woulde make her answere it before authority , this is my wedding ringe ; t is hit i knowe it by the posy this i tooke from her finger in the dark , and she was therewith very well pleased , were not this tro , a sufficient testimony ? she knowes not that it was my selfe got so neare her , j will take councell ; well , litle know batchelers the miseries they vndergo , when they prostrate themselues to women .

lip.

o most true master purge , little knows a man what elements a is to passe , when a puts his head vnder a womans girdle : your passion master purge is ouer heard , and ( plaine tale to tell ) we were eye witnesses of your wiues trechery , and if need be will be ready to depose as much .

purge .

what master lipsalue and master guggin are you disguised testimonies , nay then reuenge looke big ?

elphe and phayrie helpe to reuenge the wronged poticary ?
gud.

why now a speakes like himselfe , get me a parritor for her straite ?

lip.

conceale the ring , my little purge , let not thy wife know thou hast it , vntill she comes to her triall .

enter drifat and gerardine . pur.

your aduices are very pithy , therefore in priuate let me disclose my intent .

gud.

off boyes , shrimpe what dost thou thinke of thy master , is a not a rare gull ?

per.

j thinke a will swallow , and pocket more disgraces then large consenst lawyer fees in a michaelmasse terme . thy master my honest periwincle comes not much shorte of a foole to , but that a is a courtier .

shrim.

draw somewhat neere , and ouer-heare their conference ?

ger.

this shape of the crier , must club to morrow assume : are you fitted for popin the proctor ?

dri.

excellent ! and haue spent some study in the mysticall cases of venery : j can describe how often a man may lye with another mans wife , before a come to the white sheete .

ger.

how long is that ?

dry.

why till a be taken tardy .

how long all women kind may by the statute professe and sweare they are maides .

ger.

and how long is that ?

dryfa.

why till their bellies bee so bigge that it cannot bee no longer conceal'd , but come forward towardes glisters .

lip.

it must be so : let the sumner tickle her , you shall bring in these allegations and let vs alone to sweare them ; who 's this mayster dryfat ? oportunely met sir , and whyther so fast ? the newes , the newes ?

dry.

faith gentlemen , i think to relate for newes what i heere of doctor glister woulde come stale to your hearings .

lip.

o the getting of his neece with child , tut that 's apparantly known to all the companie , but in the name of jupiter what art thou ? or from whence camst thou ?

ger.

vvhy sir ? i come from compassing the corners of the land .

gug.

of what trade in the name of pluto ?

ger.

of the deuils trade , for j liue as hee does , by the sinnes of the people , jn breefe sir , i am placket the paritor .

lip.

as the diuell would , we haue ( my noble partor ) instant , imployment for thee ; a grey groat is to be purchased without sneaking my little suì�ner , wher 's thy quorum nomina my honest placket ?

gerard.

sir , according to the old ballad ; my quorum nomina ready haue i , with my pen and inkehorne hanging by : her name sir , her name ?

gug.

j st no more but so ?

purg.

i haue most right to her name , her name maister placket is my wife , mistresse purge sir : to what place dost thou belong ?

ger.

to the commissioners , which sit to morrow at maister dryfats vpon the crymes of doctor glister and others .

lipsalue .

sits there a commission dryfat ? now for the loue of lechery , le ts haue mistresse purge summon'd , thether ?

ger.

shee makes my quorum nomina reasonable full my graunt sir and shee shall appeare there vpon a crime of concupiscence , js not that your meaning ?

pu.

yes my honest paritor , heer 's thy fee .

enter club and mistris purge . gug.

and see howe happily it succeeds , mistresse purge is new come from the familie , let vs step aside whilst placket the paratour , giues her a summons ?

lipsalue .

content â· too her placket but see for the briberie of twelue pence you strike her not out of your quorum nomina .

ger.

feare not sir .

mi. pur.

forward apace club .

ger.

your name i take to bee mistresse purge fayre gentlewoman .

m. pu.

i am mistresse purge , purges wife the poticarie : what of that ?

dry.

now you shal see him tickle her with a quorum nomina

ger.

i cite you by vertue of my quorum nomina to make your personall appearance by eight of the clock in the morrowe morning , before certaine commissioners at master dryfats howse to answer to an accusation of a crime of concupisence ?

m. pur.

to answere a crime of concupiscence , what 's that i pray ?

gera.

why t is to answere a veneriall crime , for hauing carnall copulation with others besides your husband .

mi. pu.

vvhat are you i pray ?

gera.

by name placket , by trade a parator ?

mis. pu.

and must i answere say you , to a veneriall crime ? i tell thee placket the paritor , i am able to answere thee , or any man else in any veneriall crime they le put mee to : and so tell your commissioners :

gera.

if you fayle your appearance , the penaltie must fall heauy .

mi. pu.

if it fall neuer so heauy , i am able to beare it and so set forward club .

exeunt club and mistris purge . lips.

excellent yfaith after your wife purge : reade placket thy quorum nomina my noble groat monger .

ger.

silence , the first that marcheth in this fayre rancke is , thum the feltmaker , for getting his mayd with child and sending his prentice to bridewell for the fact , whyp the bedel , for letting a punck escape for a nightes lodging , and bribe of ten groates , batt the belman , for lying with a wench in a taylers stall at midnight when a shoulde bee performing his office .

gud.

and tipple the tapster for deflouring a virgin in his seller . doctor glister , his wife , maria : mistresse purge these bee the compleate nomber .

lipsa.

now dissolue and each to his occasion , till to morrow morning .

actvs qvintvs .
actus quintus seena prima . doctor glister and mistres glister . mi. gl.

this was your colour to keepe her close , but what cloake ha' you for hers and your owne shame ? vvhat your owne neece , your brothers daughter besides your bastard in the countrie ?

doct.

wife range not too farre i would aduise you ? come home in time ? vex me not beyond sufferance : the two edg'd sword of thy tong , hath drawne bloud o' my ? patience , i say thou art all this while in an error .

mi. gli.

no , thou hast been all this while in an vrinall , thou hast gone out of thy compasse in womens waters , y' are a coniurer ( forsooth ) and can rouse your spirits into circles , a you old fornicator that euer i saw that read beard of thine ; nowe could i raile against thy complexion . i think in my conscience the trases & caparison of venus coach , are made o'red hayres which may be a true embleme , that no flaxen stuff , or tan'd white-leather drawes loue like 'hem ; j thinke thou manurd'st thy chin with the droppings of egs and muskadine , before it brisled : a shame take thee and thy loadstone : but t is no matter , master placket the parritor has cyted you , and you shall answer it .

doct.

o the raging iealousie of a woman ! do you heare wife i will shew my selfe a man of sense , and answer you with silence , or like a man of wisedome , speake in briefe : i say you are a scowld , and beware the cucking stoole ?

mist. glist.

i say you are a nynnyhammer , and beware the cuckoe ; for as sure as j haue ware , i le traffique with the next marchant venturer , and in good time here comes gallants of the right trade .

enter lipsalue and gudgin . lip.

all alone mistrisse glister ? meditating who shal be your next childs father .

gud.

indeed me thinks that should be one end of her thought an 't be but to crie quittance with her husband , or whose abuse the towne rings .

doct.

flax and fire , flax and fire , here are fellowes come in the nick , to light their matches at my tynder .

lipsalue .

he tells you true mistrisse glister , the doctor hath made you ordinary in our ordinaries , satyres whet their tooths , and steep rods in pisse , epigrams lye in poetries pickle and we shall haue ryme out of all reason against you .

gudgin .

ere long hee will take vp his station at a stationers , where wee shall see him doe pennaunce in a sheete at least .

mi. gli.

o i am netled , my patience is so prouoak't , that i must doffe my modesty : what shall i do ? if yee be honest gentlemen , counsell me in my reuenge , teach me what to do , make my case your own .

lip.

vvhy you are in the common roade of reuenge , take which hand you will , you cannot goe out o' your waye ; t is as soone taken , as tyme by his forepart .

gud.

faith since he has strooke with the sword , strike you with the scabbard : in plaine termes cuckold him : you may as easilie do 't , as lye downe o' your bed .

doct.

this geare cottens yfaith .

mi � gli

i apprehend you gentlemen : lord how much better are two heads then one , to make one large head ?

lip.

you say true mistrisse glister , ther 's help requird in grafting , and how happily we come to tender our seruice : let our pretence be to take physicke of the doctor : and that he may with as much ease minister to vs , as we to you , wee 'l take a lodging in his house .

gud.

how say you to this , is the colour good ? do'st like you ?

mist. glist.

passing well : the colour is so good , that you shall weare my fauour out o' the same peece .

lip.

excellent , excellent , now shall we be reuengd for the whipping ; mistrisse glister let me be your first man ?

gud

nay soft sir : i ply'd her as soone as you .

doct.

i shold haue an oare in her boate too by right ? spoke by .

lip.

how ill aduisd were you to marry one with a red beard ?

mi. gli.

o master lipsalue , i am not the first that has falne vnder that ensigne : ther 's no complexion more atractiue in this time for weomen , then gold and red beards : such men are all liuer .

gud.

j , but small hart , and lesse honesty .

lip.

yes , they are honest too ( in some kind ) for they le beg before they 'l steale .

gud.

that 's true , for , for one that holds vp his hand at the sessions , you shall haue ten come into the baudy court .

doct.

vvas euer beard so backbitten : this were ynough to make red beards turne medley : and dash 'hem cleane out of countenance : but i hope like mine they feare no colours : and you were ten courtiers i le front you : i must giue you physick with a pox : well , if i pepper ye not , call me doctor doddipoll : master lipsalue and master gudgin you are hartily welcome , i am very glad to see you well .

lip.

o master doctor , your salutation is very suspitious ?

doct.

why master lipsalue ?

lip.

it can scarce be harty , for physitians are rather glad to see men ill , then well .

doct.

not so sir , you must distinguish of men : though this j know , vertue is not the end of all science , which commonly keeps the professor poore , some study questuary and gainfull arts , and euery one would thriue in 's calling , but yfaith gentlemen , what wind driues you hither ?

gud.

the wind collect master doctor , or some such disease

doct.

but not the stone collect ?

lip.

o no sir , we haue no obstructions in those parts , we are loose ynough there .

doct.

if you were troubled with that , my wife can tell you of an excellent remedy .

gud.

we need it not , we need it not : but indeed master doctor , for some priuate infirmities ( which our waters shal make knowne to you ) we desire to take some physick of you for a few daies , and to that end we would take a lodging in your house during the time ?

lip.

shall we intreate your fauour ?

doct.

no entreaty gentlemen , you shall commaund me to search the very profundity of my skill for you . haue them in wife , and show them their lodging ? i will thinke vpon an other receipt , and follow you immediatly .

gud.

and yfaith we shall requite your paines to the full .

exeunt lipsalue , gudgin , mistrisse glister . doct.

to the foole you meane : i know you ha the horne of plenty for me , which you would deriue vnto me , from the liberality of your bawdies , not your minds ; here are lordes , that hauing learnd the o.p.q. of courtship , trauell vp and down among cittizens wiues to shew their learning , and bringing vppe : as if the city were not already a good proficient in the court hornebooke : yes i warrant they haue heads as capable as other men ; i and some of them can wisely say with the philosopher , that in knowing all they know nothing . vvell , because i am of the liuery , and pay scot and lot amongst you , doe but obserue how i le fetch ouer my gallants for your sakes ; they say i am of the right hayre , and indeed they may stand too 't , and hould the position good ; sauing with my wife : soft , are they not at pro and contra already ? i knowe they are hote spurres , and i must haue an eye to the maine . they haue bin whipt already for lechery , and yet the pride of the flesh pricks 'hem ; well i must in , i haue giuen them such a pill shall take 'hem downe , for lust must haue his fill .

exit . enter maria aboue . ma now natures pensill , and the hand of time , giues life and lym , to generations act ; my shame and guilt in wordles notes appeare the argument of scorne , o now j stand the theame and coment to each liberall tongue , whilst hope breeds comfort , and feare threats my wrong . o gerardine how oft thy liuely figure ( deadly impressed in my yeelding temper ) assures me thou art mine : how fancy paynts thy true proportion in my troubled sleepe , because sole subiect of my dayly thoughts ; o if thy vowes proue fayn'd , and thou vniust , i say and sweare , in men there is no trust . enter gerardine . ger. thus haue j past the round and court of guard , without the word : either conceipt is strong , or else the body where true lou 's confin'd , vvalkes as a spirit , and doth force his way through greatest dangers frightfull to those eies , that wayt to entercept him : maria ? how like to cynthia in her siluer orbe she seems to me , attended by loues lampe vvhose mutuall jnfluence , and soules sympathy doth shew , heauens modell in mortality . ma. gerardine ? aurora now the blushing sons aproache , d'art not more comfort to this vniuerse then thou to me : most acceptably come , the art of number cannot count the howres thou hast bin absent . ger. infinity of loue holds no proportion with arithmetick . thinke not maria but my hart retaynes a deepe impression of such thoughts as these : i haue bin forging of a myrthfull plot , to celebrate our wisht coniunction ; which now digested , come to summon thee to be an actresse in the comedy . ma. how , where , wheì� , speake ? myne eares are quick to heare , i stand on thornes already to be there . ger. at dryfats house the marchant , ther 's our scene , whose sequell ( if i fail not in intent , )

shall answer our desires , and each content : but when saw'st thou lipsalue and gudgin our two gallants ?

ma.

they are heere in the house : so handled by myne vncle , that they are the pittifullest patients that euer you beheld .

ger.

no matter , he serues them in their kind , they were infamous in the court & now are grown as notorious in the city : they may happily proue particles in our sport , & fit subiects for laughter : tyme calls me hence , adieu , prepare to meet .

ma.

i shall outstrip the nimblest in my feet .

exeunt .
act. 5. scaena vltima . enter dryfat and club. dry.

come club come , ther 's a merry fray towards , we shall see the death of melancholy , wherein thou and i must call a grand jury of iests together , and passe vpon them with the club law .

club.

now as i am o , the crier , & yet but a yong club , j haue not yet practizd that law , you haue a whole dryfat on 't , i pray you instruct me ?

dri.

why t is a law inacted ( by the common counsell of statute caps ) to qualify the rage of the time , to follow , to call back , and sometimes to encounter gentlemen when they run in arrerages , i tell thee ther 's no auerment against our booke cases : t is the law call'd make peace , it makes them euen , when they are at ods , it shews 'hem a flat case , as plaine as a pack staffe , that is , knocks 'hem downe without circumstance

club.

i marry i like that law well , t is studyed with the turning of a hand : ther 's no quiddits , nor pedlers french in 't , there needs no book for th' exposition o' th tearmes ; t is as easily learned as the felling of wood , and getting of children , all is but laying on loade the downe right blow .

dry.

i and by the way of exhortation it prints this morall sentence on their costards , in capitall letters agree ? for the law is costly .

club.

good good ; but al this while ther 's no doctor thought on , we must haue one to arbitrate ;

dry.

vvhy ( maister gerardine ) man , has his name for the purpose , he shall be call'd doctor stickler , lupus est in fabula , heere hee comes .

enter gerardine . ger.

how now lads do's our conceit cotten , ha you summond your wits from wool gathering ? are you frought with matter for this merryment ?

dry.

full full , wee are in labor man , and we shall die without midwiferie .

club.

we are rauisht with delight like the wench that was got with child against her stomach � o but if we could wrest this smock law ( now in hand ) to our club law , it were excellent .

dry.

easily , easily , all shall be called the club law .

ger.

as how ?

dry.

vvhy thus : club is the crier , i am poppin the proctor and you stickler the doctor , he calls them to appeare , i must be of their counsel , & you must attone them put 'hem together we may know their cases , and be in their elements ( mark you me ) but they cannot be in ours , tut , none knowes our secrets , we can speak fustian aboue their vnderstaì�ding , & make asses eares attentiue , i le play ambodexter tell 'hem t is a playn case and put 'hem downe with the club law ; so that ( as club saide well ee' now ) our knauery is as neere allied , as felling of wood and getting of children .

gera.

excellent excellent , by this they are at hand ; le ts bear these things like our selues ; i le withdraw and put on my habiliments and then enter for the doctor .

exit .
enter doctor glister and purge . dry.

do so , they come , they come ? welcome master doctor glister and maister purge , ther 's a commission to be sat vpon this day , to open a passage for imprisoned trueth , concerning acts yet in tenebris .

do. gl.

true ; i am brought hither by the malice of my wife

pur.

and i haue a iust appeal against my wife .

d. gli.

maister exigent ( so i think you are call'd ) i vnderstand you haue the law at your fingers ends .

dri.

i can box cases , and scould & scratch it out amoì�gst them

do. glist.

indeed fame reports you to be a good trumpeter of causes , i must retaine you sir to sound mine ?

dryfat .

my sagbut shall do it most pathetically ; tell me in briefe the nature of your case ?

doc.

faith sir , a scandalous letter deuisd to wrong my reputation , about a bastard in the country which should be mine .

dri.

about a bastard in the country which should be yours ? hum ; t is very like you then , it should seeme .

doct.

o no sir , vnderstand me , only father'd vpon me .

dri.

only father'd vpon you , cum nemini obtrudi potest ; i vnderstand you and like you wel to , you do not flatter your selfe in your own case , no : t is not good , wel what more :

do.

and about my neece got with child , in my own house .

dri.

byrlady burthens of some weight , which you make light of � you deny ?

doct.

what else sir , i haue reason .

dry.

i know it well , i take you for no beast : beleue me ( master doctor ) denyall and reason are two maine grounds , stand vpon them and you cannot erre . your case master purge ?

purg

first take your fee master exigent , that you may haue the more feeling , and vrge it home when you come too t , mine is a discouery of my wyues iniquity at the family of loue .

dri.

otherwise call'd the house of venery , where they hunger and thurst for 't .

pur.

true sir , you haue heard of the hole in the wall , where they assemble together in the day time , like so many bees vnder a hyue .

dry.

come home crura thimo plena , and lodge among hornets , is 't not so ?

pur.

j cannot tell sir , but for my part , i am much noted as i go

dry.

no doubt of that sir , your wife can furnish you with notes out of her cotations .

club.

i and giue him a two tag'd point to tie 'hem together .

dry.

but how came you to detect her ?

pu.

why thus sir : getting the word , i dogd her to the family where closing with her i whispered so pleasing a tale in her ear , that j got from her her wedding ring , & heer t is .

dri.

well , out of that ring we wil wring matter that shal carry meat i th mouth . but what witnesse or proofe can you produce to make good your wiues iniquity , and your own cuccoldry

pur.

master lipsalue , and maister gudgin , who were her coì�panions at that same time .

dry.

very good are they cited in the quorum nomina ?

club.

they will be heere sir .

d. gli.

if they be they will beray all .

dry.

so much the better t will sauor well for master purge .

pu.

you vnderstand my case now ? d. gl and mine too sir ?

dri,

i do j do , they are as different as a doctor & a dunce , a man and a beast , heer 's the compeì�dium ; yours master doctor stands vpon the negatiue , & yours master purge vpon the affirmatiue pauca sapienti , j ha 't , j ha 't .

pur.

myne is very currant sir , j can shew you good gilt .

dry.

i marry , there spoke an angell , guilt's currant indeed , let me feel 't let me fee lt .

pur.

i meane my wiues guilt .

doct.

master poppin , you shall haue innocence to speak for me ?

dry.

tut , innocence is a foole , i care not for 's company , i can speake ynough without him .

doct.

then j hope you will be as good to vs , as the fiue-finger at maw .

dry.

no rather as hercules , to lip labor 'hem with the club law , tut let me alone .

enter mistrisse glister , mistrisse purge , and maria . mi. glist.

o are you here sir , i haue brought you a full barne to glut your greedy appetite if you haue any maw , feede here till you choak againe : now shall j see the whole carkas of your knauery ript vp , if thou hast any grace , now will thy red beard turne white vpon 't .

mi. pur. o how haue i been tost from post to piller , jn this libidinous world : the yoake i beare is so vneu'n , as if an innocent lamb and a mad hare-braind oxe should draw together : but i must haue patience ther 's no remedy . dri.

ther 's some difference between these two tempers .

doct.

j would giue a hundred pounds my wife had so gentle a spirit .

pur.

my wife must needs be gentle , for she can beare double .

enter gerardine . dri.

here comes master doctour , now rig vp your vessells , euery one to his tackling .

ger.

good day to all at once , and peace amongst you : fy how i sweate , j think vulcan nere toyld so at his anuill , as j haue done , and all to make maydes water to slake cupids fire , and to turn his shafts from the fetherbed to the bed post , from the hart to the heele : come master poppin shall we to this geare ?

dri.

reuerend doctor we haue staid your comming : cryer cry silence ?

he cries .

master doctor : i haue heard in generall termes , the tales of master doctor glister , and master purge , which haue in mutuall manner iumped into the quagmyre of my minde , out of which quagmyre ( by your enforcement , and mine own duty ) i plucke them vp by the eares , and thus in naked apparance i present them .

ger.

ad rem , ad rem master poppin : leaue your alegories , your metaphors , and circumlocutions , and to the point ?

dry.

then briefly thus : i haue compared their tales , how short they will come of their wiues i know not : and first for mistrisse purge , cryer call mistrisse purge ?

club.

rebecca purge , wife to peter purge pothicary , apeare vpon thy purgation , vpon paine of excommunication .

mi. pu. here i am : o times impiety ! hither i come from out the harmlesse fold , to haue my good name eaten vp by wolues : see how they grin ? well , the weake must to the wall , i must beare wrong , but shame shall them befall . ger.

vvho is her accuser ?

dry.

her own husband vpon the late discouery of a crewe of narrow ruste straite lac't , yet loose body'd dames , with a route of omnium gatherums , assembled by the title of the family of loue ; which master doctor if they be not punisht and supprest by our club law , each mans coppy hold , will become free hold , specialties will turne to generalities and so from vnity to parity , from parity to plurality , & from plurality to vniuersalitie , their wiues , the onely ornaments of their houses and of all their wares , goods and chattell , the chiefe moueables wil be made common .

pur.

most voluble and eloquent proctor .

ger.

byrladie these enormities must and shall bee redrest , otherwise i see their charter will bee infringd , and their auncient staffe of gouernment the club ( from whence wee deriue our law of castigation ) this club i say ( they seeming nothing lesse then men by their forepart ) will be turnd vpon their owne heads . speake rebecca purge art thou one of this family ? hast thou euer knowne the body of any man there , or elsewhere concupiscentically ?

mi. p.

no m. doctor , those are but deuises of the wicked to trap the innoceì�t , but i thank my spirit i haue feare before my eyes , which my husband sees not , because somthing hangs in 's light .

pur.

that 's my hornes : she flowts me to my face , and i will not endure it : i shall carry her mark to my graue : master doctor she has giuen me that , that esculapius ( were he now extaì�t ) could not heale , nor edax rerum take away ?

ge.

produce your witnesse m. purge , and blow not your owne horne ?

purge .

master lipsalue and master gudgin , let them be call'd .

cl.

laurence lipsalue & gregory gudgen late of hic & vbique in the county of nusquam gentlemen , come into the court , and giue your euidence , vppon payne of that which shall ensue .

enter lipsalue and gudgin . doctor .

heere they come , in payne i warrant them : how workes your physicke gallantes ? doe you goe well to the ground ? now cuckold the doctor ? wife who 's your first man now , now strike with the scabbard : ha , ha , ha .

gud.

a villanous doctor .

lip.

mountybank y' are a rascall , and wee will cast about to be reueng'd .

dri.

cast about this way , and beray what you can concerning mistrisse purge , who stands heere vpon her purgation , either to prooue mundified or contaminated , according to the tenor peece of your principall euidence , first giue 'hem the booke ?

club.

come , lay your hands vpon the booke : you shall speake and auerre no more , nor wade no farther into the creame pots of this womans cryme , then the naked trueth , and the cart-rope of your conscience shall conduct you , so helpe you the contents : kisse the booke .

lips.

alasse , we are not in case to answer largely , but if you will haue our euidence in briefe , i thinke i kist her at the family some three times ; once at comming , once at going , and once in the middest , otherwise neuer knewe her dishonestlie .

pur.

i , marke that middle kisse master doctor ?

gud.

and for my part i haue bin more mortified by her , then euer i was prouokt .

ger.

how say you to this master purge , your witnesse is weake , and surreuerence on , without sounder proofe , they may depart to the close stoole whence they came , and you to your pothicaries shop .

pur.

no master doctor , i haue an other boult to shoot , that shall strike her dead , she shall not haue a word to say .

dry.

answer me to this mistrisse purge , wher 's your wedding ring ?

mi. pur.

my wedding ring ? why what should j doe with vnnecessary things about me , when the poore begs at my gate readie to starue ; is it not better ( as i learned last lecture ) to send my substance before me , where i may find it , then to leaue it behind me , where i must forgoe it ? yes verily ; wherefore ( to put you out of doubt ) i haue giuen that ring to charitable vses ?

dry.

nay now she falters : my clyent can shew that ring , got from her at the family , when these two courtling had at the same time beleaguerd her fort .

ger.

this alters the case cleane , what starting hole ha you now mistrisse purge ?

mi. purge .

eene the sanctuarie of a safe conscience : now truelie , truelie , ( how euer he came by that ring ) by my sisterhood i gaue it to the reliefe of the distressed geneua .

purge .

how ! to the reliefe of the distressed geneua ? justice master doctor : i may now decline victus victa victum , one word more shall ouerthrow her : i my selfe was a familist that day , who more iealous then zealous in deuotion , thrust in amongst the rest ( as i had most right ) on purpose to sound her , to finde out the knauerie : short tale to make , i gotte her ring , and heere it is ? let her denye it if she can ; and what more i discouer'd , non est nunc narrandi locus .

mi. pur.

husband , i see you are hudwynck't in the right vse of feeling and knowledge , as if j knew you not then , as wel as the child knowes his owne father , looke in the posye of my ringe : does it not tell you that we two are one flesh ? and hath not fellow feeling taught vs to know one another as wel by night as by day ? husband husband , will you do as the blind iade , breake your neck downe a hill because you see it not ? ha you no light of nature in that flesh of yours ? now ( as true as i liue maister doctor i had a secret operation , and j knew him then to be my husband eene by very instinct .

purge .

impudence dost not blush ? art not asham'd to lie so abhominable .

mi. pur.

no husband , rather be you ashamed of your owne weaknesse , for , for my part j neither feare nor shame what man can doe vnto me .

ger.

master purge j see you haue spent your pith ; therefore best make a full point at the ring , and attend our pleasure , maister exigent proceed to the rest ?

dri.

crier , call doctor glister ?

club.

doctor glister , alias suppositar doctor of physicke , appeare vpon thy purgation , vpon the bellie paine that may ensue therein .

doct.

here master doctor .

ger.

vvho is his accuser ?

dry.

his clamorous wife , who seems to enforce a separation about a bastard in the countrie , which should be his , only father'd vpon him .

ger.

vvhat proofe of that ?

mist. gli.

proofe vnaunswerable master doctor , the nurses letter : let it be red , but first obserue his countenance ? it may be his blushing will bewray his guilt .

ger.

now by this light , i thought it had indeed , but i see t is but the reflexion of his beard , reade the letter master exigent ?

club.

after my harty commendations remembred vnto your worshipfull doctorship , trusting in god that you are aswell as i was at the making heereof thanks be to him therefore , the cause of my writing vnto you at this time is , to let you vnderstand that your litle sonne is turned a ragged colt , a verie stripling , for beeing now stript of all his cloathing , his backside wants a tayle-peece commendes it selfe to your fatherly consideratioì� . wo worth the time that euer i gaue suck to a child that came in at the window , god knowes how . yet if you did but see how like the peart little read headed knaue is , to his father : and how like a cock sparrow he mouses and touses my little besse already , you would take him for your owne , and pay me my hier , i write not of the want of one thing for i want all things , wherfore take some speedy order or else as naked as he came from the mother will i send him to the father . from pis . the xxii of â��

your poore nurse thomasiue tweed es .

doctor :

maister doctor : truth needes not the foyle of rhetorick , i will onely in monosillaba aunswere for my selfe , ( as sometimes a wise man did ) such and such things are laide to my charge , which j deny , you may thinke of mee what you please , but i am as innocent in this , as the child new borne .

ger.

vvhy ther 's partly a confession : the child wee know is innocent and not new borne neyther : for it should seeme by the letter he is able to call his dad , knaue .

doct.

you take me wrong master proctor ?

dry.

vnder correction thus much can i say for my clients justification ; indeed hee hath trauel'd well in the beating of pulses , and hath been much conuersant in womens iordanes , but he had euer a care to raise his patient , beeing before cast downe : his charitable disposition hath beene such to poore folke , that he neuer tooke aboue foure pence for the casting of a water , which good custome was so well knowne among all his patients , that if sixpence were at any time offered him they might be bold to aske and haue two pence againe . hee hath been so skilfull and painfull withall , in the cure of the greene sicknes , that of my knowledge ) hee hath risen at all houres in the night to pleasure maides that haue had it . and for that foule mouth'd disease tearm'd by a fine phrase â�� a pox on 't what d ee cal 't ? ã´ ! the grincomes , at that he hath plaid his doctors prize , and writes nil vltra to all bountibaì�ckes . so that the wise woman in pissing alley , nor she in do-little lane are more famous for good deeds theì� he . then maister doctor , out of these presumptions , besides his flatte denyall ( a more infallible ground ) you may gather his innocence , and let him haue his purgation .

gerardine .

no maister exigent it is not so to be foysted off .

mi. gl.

nay mayster doctor what saye you to his own neece that looks big vpon him , an arrow that sticks for the vpshot against al commers , which by his restraint of her , from master gerardine an honest gentleman that lou'd her , and vpon that colour from the sight and enter-course of other men , must by all presumptions be his owne act .

gerar.

o monstrous ! this is a foule blot in your tables indeede .

doct.

vvife thou hast no shame nor womanhood in thee , thy conscience knowes mee .

mi. gli.

true of thy flesh who knowes not that ? thy bearde speakes for thee : i , j , thou liest by me like a stone , but abroade th' art like a stone horse you old timelifter .

dri.

cease your clamour , and attend my speach ; most worshipfull , reuerend and iudiciall doctor , for the quickning of your memory i will giue you a breuiat of all that hath beene spoken : master doctor glister hath a cradlefull and a bellie full ( you see ) thrust vpon him , and master purge a head foole . your wife is an angry honilesse waspe , whose sting i hope you need not feare ? and yours carries honny in her mouth , but her sting makes your forehead swell : your wife makes you deafe with the shrill treble of her tong , and yours makes you horne mad with the tenor of her taile . in fine , mayster doctors refuge is his conscience , and master purge runnes at his wiues ring .

ger.

summa totalis , a good audit , ha you made master exigent : now attend my arbitterment : for you gallants though you haue incurd the daunger of the law , by vsing counterfet keyes , and putting your hands into the wrong pocket ; yet because i see you punisht and purgd already , my aduise is , that you learne the a.b.c. of better manners , goe backe and tell how you haue beene vs'd in the citty , and beeing thus scour'd keepe your selues cleane , and the bedd vndefiled . for you master purge , because i see your euidence insufficient , and indeed too weake to foyle your wiues vprightnesse , and seeing iealousy and vnkindnesse , hath onely made her a stranger in your land of ham ; my counsell is that you readuance your standard , giue her new presse mony ?

purge .

you may enioyne me sir but �

ger.

but not at mee man , i will inioyne you , and conioyne you , and briefly thus , you haue your ring that has made this combustion and vproare , that keepe still , weare it , and here by my edict bee it proclaymed , to all that are iealous , to weare theyr wiues ring still on their fingers , as best for their securitie , and the only charme against cuckoldry .

purge .

then wife at master doctors enioyntment ( so thou wilt promise me to come no more at the familie ) i receiue thee into the lists of my fauor .

mistr. purge .

truelie husband my loue must be free still to gods creatures , yea neuerthelesse preseruing you still as the head of my bodie , i will doe as the spirite shall inable me .

ger.

go too : thou hast a good wife , and there an end : vpon you master doctor ( beeing solicited by so apparant proofe ) j can doe no lesse then pronounce a seuere sentence : and yet yfaith the reuerence of your calling and profession doth somewhat checke my austeritie , what if master gerardine ( by my perswasion would yet be induced to take your neece and father the child , would you launch with a thousand pound , besides her fathers portion ?

doct.

master doctor i would , were it but to redeeme her lost good name .

ger.

then foreknowing what would happen , i thought good in master gerardines name , to haue this bond ready , which if you seale to , he shall take her with all faults .

doct.

that will i instantly � so , this is done , which together with my neece doe i deliuer by these presents to the vse of master gerardine .

ger. he thanks you hartily , and lets you know ( they discouer themselues that indian mines and tagus glistering oare to this bequest were vnto me but poore . doct. gli.

what! gerardine , dryfat and club ?

dry.

the very same : your are welcome to our club lawe ?

club.

the very same : your are welcome to our club lawe ?

ger. cease admiration here ! what doubt remaynes i le satisfie at full , now ioyne with me , for approbation of our famylie .
epilogvs . gentles whose fauor haue or'spread this place , and shed the reall influence of grace on harmlesse myrth . we thanke you , for our hope atracts such vigor and vnmeasur'd scope from the reflecting splendor of your eyes , that grace presumd , feare in obliuion dies . your iudgement as it is the touch and tryer of good from bad , so from your harts comes fier , that giues both ardor to the wit refin'd , and sweetnesse th' incense of each willing mind : o may that fier nere dye , nor let your sauors depart from vs : giue countnance to their labors propos'd a sacrifice , which may no lesse their strong desires , then our true zeales expresse .
finis .
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textual notes

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� impartiall hearing fits iudicious spirits , nor let the fruit of many an hower fall �arted the walls are the more stony harted then , who'es who 'es that protestes so fast ? � exit maria . saift retaine affection ; thou wilt to morrow thou saist be gone , if thou wilt know the worst of dry dry. . � dry . � mast. purge . ma ma. . � ma . �iding haue a good paire of legs , he neuer leaues riding the ring , till he has quite mar'd the proportion calu�s arte , and supply themselues with quilted calues , which oftentimes in reuelling fall about � , well done : and how does thy mistrisse . was she at the family to day , � spit not � vnto you ; after the receipt of a purgation . for then are their pores most open : but � for three dayes , so my spirit resolues me : now sir , by my art , at that very houre � tut words are wind : thought vnreduct to art , is but an embrion ��ke take her councell sir , get a cullis to your ��� substance i may compare with you : y'are aboue fish or flesh mistrisse , and thers your boast ��� i may compare with you : y'are aboue fish or flesh mistrisse , and thers your boast , � a plague vpon him for a glister . he has giuen our loues a suppositar with wifelie art a foole , in that my husband spake as wisely as if the maister of his company had spoke � as if the maister of his company had spoke , hee knowes doctors haue receites for women fi�st and acts were squard and leueld with the first celsitude of her creation : � repercussiue sun , giues light and splendor . whose starlike eyes attract more gazar loues obseru � d knowledge neuer failes : what ? haue not i obseru'd the rising and falling of the bloud , the wo�ke towardes here j am out of doubt , this is his worke . you are an arrant strumpet , incest , a crostick agreed , but what melancholie sir with acrostick armes now comes from the family � glister , thers help requird in grafting , and how happily we come to tender our seruice salne master lipsalue , i am not the first that has falne vnder that ensigne : thers no complexion � sympathy doth shew , heauens modell in mortality . ee'now the club law ; so that ( as club saide well ee' now ) our knauery is as neere allied , as a, re very good are they cited in the quorum nomina ? nothlng castigation ) this club i say ( they seeming nothing lesse then men by their forepart ) will or ' spread gentles whose fauor haue or'spread this place , and shed the reall influence � reall influence of grace on harmlesse myrth . we thanke you , for our hope atracts such