fellowship with God the Father and his Christ and with the holy Ghost and all the Saints of God in the everlasting life And therefore seeing that they do know that that same wherewith they have fellowship is the fulness of all vertues and wisdom so do they hold them concordably unto each other b 1 Cor. 12 and 13. under the Love and stand affected only to this good City for there is no where any better thing to be found no not any where the like 11. For there wanteth nothing within this City but she is ful of all maner of c Apo. 1. and 22. riches and pure beauties which also are unspeakable with tongue and not possible to be written CHAP. XXXIII SEeing then that these precious riches are so utterly unknown to the people that are without them and that be not assembled unto them therefore also one a Isa 64. 2 Cor. 2. cannot well expound or declare unto them the unspeakable garnishing and joy of the same City nor the beauty and value of her riches nor yet make it known unto them in their knowledg namely how glorious and great how lovely peaceable and delightful they are 2. But unto those that are in this good City of Peace and to those that go into it thorow the gate of the City it is well known and not else to any others for to them it is given to understand b Matt. 11. and 13. Ephe. 3. the Mystery of the same kingdom but to those that are without it it is not given and therefore likewise all things happen unto them by Similitudes and Parables 3. Therefore all other lands and people are unperfect broken or divided but this good land is a perfect good this peaceable people is also an undivided people and are altogether c Ioh. 17. one in the love of their God and Christ therefore they are likewise no more but one body or one d Isa 2.4 man with each other in the same Love 4. For through the new birth in the Love of God and Christ they are all one e Rom. 12. 1 Cor. 12. it one beeing as many members of one body in one life 5. Whosoever also cometh into this good City of Peace he becometh f 1 Pet. 1. altogether born anew in the Spirit under the obedience of the Love through the said Love and her Service for he is changed in every part as g Rom. 12. Ephe. 4. in sences thoughts and minde 6. And whosoever is not born again thorow the Love and her service nor assembled unto it through the new birth h Ioh. 3. 1 Cor. 2.2 〈◊〉 likewise may not see or behold nor yet obtain these riches of God neither in thâ—â— time nor ever hereafter 7. But he that goeth into it through the Love and her service and as new born in the Spirit to him also it is all i Isa 43. 2 Cor. 5. Apo. 21. new what he seeth heareth and knoweth in the same for he hath neither understood known comprehended nor inherited any of those things before that time 8. How were it then possible that one should be able to describe or express at full all the amiableness of this City and all the good decentness and orders of this land and people with all her k Isa 64. 1 Cor. 2. Riches and Garnishing together with all her Rest and Joy and with her unfained Love pure Life and peaceable Unity all which is to be found therein 9. But it is and becometh rightly known unto all those that come into this City of Rest and that are become united and agreeably minded with this lovely people for as then there is no more l Soph. 3. 1 Ioh. 3. evil nor evil suspition nor yet sight of evil in them for within the same one doth neither see nor think any thing else but all m Isa 51. and 54. Good Joy Rest and Peace in the everlasting life 10. And the comer in who through the counsel of the chief elder in the godly Understanding of God is passed thorow the Passeover of the way that leadeth into the same and so is come into this good City thorow the Nature of God and united with this lovely people in unity of the Peace and of the Love he rejoyceth him likewise with unspeakable n Isa 60. and 61. and 65. joy in the same land as also recreateth o Psa 96. and 112. himself exceedingly in her Garnishing and thanketh and laudeth God for the great grace and mercy that is chanced unto him through the love of God the Father and her Service 11. Even thus becometh his heart joyful in the lovely Beeing of the friendly people where through he feeleth himself to be changed in all points in his Spirit like one that is risen p Rom. 6.8 Col. 3. from the Death into the everlasting Life wherein all rest faithfulness q Zach. 7.8 and Truth all Love Peace and Righteousness is found 12. Yea all the whole peaceable people of the Love do likewise rejoyce them every one when as any one repenteth r Luke 15. for his sins and so cometh into this City under the Obedience of the Love and uniteth him with that same peaceable people which liveth and dwelleth therein CHAP. XXXIV IN this holy City there is also a Light which is an everlasting and very true Light a Isa 60. 4 Esd 2. Apo. 21.22 that alwayes shineth and continueth for evermore in that land Wherefore there is neither night nor darkness there but alwayes day and clearness 2. This same Light is not risen up through any riches of the knowledg of Good and Evil nor come forth through any wisdom of man but it is the very true light of Life b Joh. 1. 1 Joh. 1. that hath been from eternity and that shall remain for ever 3. And the same is named c Joh. 1. The everlasting Life that was with God the Father in the beginning and all whatsoever is made is made through the same but without the same there is nothing made of all whatsoever is made 4. This everlasting life serveth d Joh. 1. for a light unto men to a peaceable walking of their course is this holy City of Peace 5. And the same Light is an upright and undeceiveable Light e Joh. 1. to the illuminating of all people namely of those f Ioh 10. Apo. 22. that do go into the City of Peace thorow the gate and that are adjoyned to the peaceable people 6. Therefore also the true life and the promised rest of the heart is only in this good City of Peace for without the same and without the way or passing-over that leadeth into it and among all those that separate themselves there-from there is nothing but death g Gen. 3. misery and calamity for without the same are the h Apo. 22. Inchanters the Dogs and Wolves and all wilde beasts
Land for they do not see the Majestie of the Lord. 14. Lord they see not that thy hand is exalted but when they shall see it then shall they be ashamed CHAP. XLIV THerefore a Psa 113.133.135 exalt our God and laud his holy Name 2. Because he hath gotten the Kingdome and the Scepter of his Kingdome is made manifest 3. For the Lord is become b Psal 97. King wherefore his people do rejoyce 4. His Word hath shewed power his righteousnesse c Esa 45.51 is become manifest 5. His Spirit hath appeared like a light and confirmeth his salvation for ever 6. The same God hath renewed us in him and given d Esa 29.32 Act. 2. us a new understanding 7. A new creature e 2 Cor. 5. hath he brought forth the Image of God f Eph. 1. the upright righteousnesse 8. Therefore doe the people speake g Mar. 16. Act. 2. with new tongues the new song is in our mouth 9. Lord h Apo. 15. wonderfull are thy works for thou hast done marvellous acts i Psa 71.77 among us 10. The evill that was in us k Psa 10. Jer. 31.50 is now no where to be found amongst us that which we know not in the death is now apparent unto us in the everlasting life 11. With us the sin l Rom. 8. is now condemned in the sin the righteousnesse is declared unto us in righteousnesse 12. Among us the death is now swallowed up m Oze 13 in the death the everlasting life is come unto us in the renewing of our life 13. The hell is judged or condemned into the n Apo. 20. pit of hell the heaven is shewed unto us in the heavenly being Apo. 12.21.22 14. The lie is come to shame in the lie the p Psal 85.117 truth is risen up unto us in the truth 15. The darknesses are descended into 〈◊〉 bottomelesse pit to the darknesses the light hath illuminated us q Psa 36.118 in the light 16. The Idoll is fallen in his r Esa 2. Idolatry the living God is become knowne unto us in the God-head 17. Therefore doe we confesse the Majesty of our God and the sanctification of his people perpetually CHAP. XLV O Lord thou Almighty God great a Psa 139. and wonderfull are thy works 2. Righteous and true b Apo. 15. are thy wayes thou Prince and King of Saints 4. Who c Jer. 10. should not feare and love thee O Lord of life and praise thy name 3. Forasmuch doubtlesse as there is no holinesse but thou for thou only O Lord d 1 Reg. 2. art holy 5. All people shall worship thee e Psa 72.87 in thy presence where thou becomest manifest in thy holy Temple 6. For thy righteousnesses are known and thy holinesse is inherited by thy people 7. But not an holinesse made by mens hands but an holinesse that is from eternity and shall continue for ever 8. Therefore dost thou O God remain a God in eternity a King f Esa 9. Dan. 1.7 which shall reigne perpetually 9. Wherefore we are now joyfull in this portion and sing Heia Heia 10. Play to the g Psal 96.98 Lord a new Song and sing Alleluia h Tob. 13. Apo. 15. Alleluia CHAP. XLVI REjoyce now with joy ye a Psal 48. Esa 62. Soph. 3. daughters of Sion and recreate you ye Citizens and Inhabiters of the City Jerusalem 2. Shout now with triumph all ye generations of Israel and Juda and rejoyce you in all love ye children of peace 3. Behold your King appeareth b Zach 9. unto you in meekness and he cometh c Mat. 24.25 with Majesty 4. For that he would establish you heire-like in his d Jer. 31. Eze. 37. Sanctuary e Psal 68. for to possesse his Kingdome for evermore 5. But unto his enemies the resisters of the Love he appeareth in f Psa 5.7 Eccl 5. wrath and in rigour 6. For to thrust them from him g Mat. 7.23.25 and to shut them without this Kingdome for ever 7. For he will make an end of the iniquity and cast all falshood and offensivenesse h Mat. 13. out of his Kingdome 8. Hee will diperse the deceitfull i Psa 33. Pro. 15. thoughts his life disposition and nature k Es 65.66 will he bring to light 9. He will establish his Kingdome in peace l Esa 9. and the peace of his Kingdome shall have no end 10. Loe that is the spirituall Kingdom of Christ the heavenly King in eternity Alleluia Alleluia CHAP. XLVII WHerefore O ye souls shout now in your God for joy and rejoyce a Psa 62. Luk. 1. your mind in his Salvation 2. From whom you were turned away and are turned to him again 3. Behold that is the b Psa 118. Esa 28. 1. Per. 2. stone which saveth you the everlasting God of Israel who hath made heaven and earth 4. His Anoynting is at his right hand out of his spirit of salvation cometh the faithfulnesse and truth unto us 5. That which he hath striken and wounded c Deut. 32 Tob. 13. he hath annointed and healed againe 6. He can kill d 1 Reg. 2. Sap. 16. and make alive again he leadeth into hell and bringeth out againe 7. He thrusteth away and condemneth as it were in cursing e Esa 54.57.60 he calleth to him againe in blessing as his best beloved 8. He bringeth down to dust earth and ashes he f Psa 113. Esa 52. exalteth againe above all Cedar-trees 9. He suffereth to fall into sorrow as if it were nothing and that he esteemed it not 10. He rejoyceth it again and esteemeth it much more precious then gold silver and precious stones 11. Where is there a g Deut. 32 Psal 18.113 God like unto the God of Israel which sitteth above or over-spreadeth all heavens 12. He hath founded h Gen. 1. Psa 102. the earth upon his Word the Firmament is comprehended in him 13. Sun and Moon stand obedient i Psa 104. Esa 38. to his Commandement all the hearts of the living hath he in his hand 14. He doth all what he k Psal 114 will he respecteth l Sap. 6. Act. 10. no man neither wise nor simple 15. When he maketh up himself m Psa 76 Jer. 10. it must all bow to him and feare his mighty hand 16. He chasteneth or rebuketh for a certain time n Job 5 Psa 36. Mich. 7. but his goodnesse indureth for ever 17. Laud him all ye o Psa 138.148 Kings and ye Counsellers in the Land feare his Majesty all ye people 18. He that worketh wonders among the heathen and hath a lust towards his Elect. 19. He hath a pleasure p Deut. 10. in the house of Israel for that he would plant q Esa 49.11 the generation of Jacob in righteousnesse 20. He
b Eccl. 8. old age of the holy Understanding and in the experience of the manly wisdom inherite the c Prov. 7. Ephe. 1. heritage of the peaceable land 14. The other Wise one cometh before him out of the thoughts of mans good-thinking and out of the opinion of the strangers from the Family of Love which wise one cometh often unto him to the intent to draw him away d Prov. 5. from the way that directeth to the land of the living and he standeth on the left side of the way and his form is sweet and friendly according to the mindes of the flesh to behold and his sayings and counsels delightful to be obeyed but if the traveller do regard him and cleave unto him and follow his counsel then becometh he altogether deceived and at the last â—indeth himself in many calamities and miseries and he is named e Rom. 8. The wisdom of the flesh whereunto is taken on the corruptible doctrine and ministration of mans good-thinking with the which many people be seduced and led away from the way of the passing over to the good land of the living 15. These two wise ones on both sides do give unto the traveller several counsel 16. The Law or Ordinance of the Lord requireth the traveller the obedience to her Requiring and so with a simple heart to accomplish f Matt. 3. all righteousness obediently and testifieth unto him that that same is g Pro. 3. and 4. the right wisdom of the upright people of the good land and councelleth him likewise that he in the obeying of the Requiring of the ministration of the gracious Word of the Lord should draw away his senses and thoughts from all unprofitable and corruptible things and so to let it be delightful unto him to love the God of life h with all his heart and to serve him only that he might come to such an upright i 2 Pet. 1. nature and good beeing h Deut. 6. and 10. Matth 22. as the people of the good land have and so then might live with the same peaceable people in k Ephe. 1.4 the upright Righteousness and Holiness 17. But The wisdom of the flesh with the doctrine of her good thinking doth in all things set forth her self there-against much subtiller and more prudent then to live so in the l Wisd 1. singleness of heart obediently and requireth of the traveller to do his diligence or indeavour to know all secrets and so counselleth him not to hear to believe nor to obey m Gen. 3. Rom. 1. the Law and Ordinance of the Lord nor the Elders in the same ministration but to endeavour him of himself to discern the best and the worst through his imagination of the knowledg and to excel all things with the knowledg n Ier. 9.11 and 13. and 18. as also to live according to the best of the good-thinking or judgment of his own heart 18. Besides this The wisdom of the flesh holdeth forth likewise before the traveller divers sorts of knowledg according to the desire and pleasure of the flesh because he should chuse such things to follow after also sundry kindes of o Col 2. 2 Tim. 3. false holiness and false freedom and many kindes of joy in the vanity and in the foolish and earthly p Wisd 2. Rom. 11. 2 Pet. 2. corruptible things to the end he should cleave unto them with a loose heart according to his own opinion and pleasure and to frame his own Righteousness joy and friendship there-out even as though the same also were a good holiness or Paradise of life and a good freedom but q Pro. 5. Wisd 3. Rom. 6. the end is the death and destruction 19. If so be now that the traveller do beleeve and follow the counsel of the wisdom of the flesh then doth he subject his heart unto two false and deceitful props the one is named r Phil. 2. and 3. 2 Pet. 2. Self-seeking the other Å¿ Gen. 3. Negligence toward the Law or Ordinance of the Lord and so he cometh into many kinde of errors through the wisdom of the flesh CHAP. VIII BUt if the traveller have an hearty desire to come into the rest of the good land and that his heart be inclined a Ephe. 4. unto Unity with the peaceable people then must he utterly forsake all the counsel of The wisdom of the flesh how pleasantly and prudently soever the same attempteth him in the Knowledg and all those likewise that are enemies to the Family of Love and that are captived with the fleshes wisdom or good-thinking and with the disobedience to the Requiring of the Word and service of Love for the end of the counsel of the wisdom of the flesh and of her servants or captives is nothing but deceit and extendeth to all b Wisd 5. Eccl. 21. grievous misery bitterness c Rom. 6.8 and sins of death and therefore must the traveller with all his heart follow the d Psa 119. counsel of the Law of the Lord according to the counsel of the said e Pro. 4. and 7. elders in the holy understanding 2. And although it seemeth at the first to be somewhat painful and bitter yet doth the end of the same for all that extend to all joy sweetness and f Rom. 6. and 8. righteousness of life and bringeth the traveller to the good land of rest and peace 3. But the principall counsel of the Law or Ordinance of the Lord is this that the traveller or lover of the good land shall in the beginning of his journey g Eccl. 7. submit himself altogether under the Requiring of the holy and gracious Word of the Lord and his service of Love and enter obediently into the Requiring of the same and prepare h Eccl. 2. his soul to temptation and so shall call and pray unto his i Psal 18. and 19. and 116. God in all his temptation and persevere stedfastly in the Law or Ordinance of the Lord even till into the good land of Peace 4. And this good counsel of the Law of the Lord giveth the traveller also two Instruments with him in the journey or by the way the one serveth him for to continue there through in the right way and it is a compass the which is the right Christian way sure that alwayes pointeth him rightly unto the good land this compass is named k Mat. 16. Mar. 8. Luk. 9.14 The forsakeing of himself for the good lifes sake As long as one goeth on according to the same in the Obedience of the Requiring of the Law of the Lord he cannot err 5. With the other instrument all the enemies and all the temptations that would hinder the traveller from coming into this holy place be overcome 6. This instrument of victory is the Cross of Christ and it is named l Lam. 3. Heb. 10.12 Iam. 5. Patience or
And upon these walls there is a prudent c Psa 121. Isa 21. and 62. Watchman or Espyall which overseeth all what is present or shall come namely Life and Death the Preservation and Destruction 4. His Sight reacheth from the rising of the Sun d Mal. 1. even unto her going down 5. He beholdeth the highest of the mid-day day and the deepest of the darkness of the midnight 6. This Watchman or Espiall is named e Isa 41. and 44 Apo. 1 and 22 The beginning and the end 7. He hath also two eyes a right and a left eye wherewith he overlooketh all things namely Good and Evil Light and Darkness 8. The eyes are named Wise Foresightfulness 9. With the right Eye f Psal 34. he looketh into all things wherein the Life the Rest and the Peace standeth firm for ever but with the left Eye whereout the Death the Unquietness the Confusion or Destruction proceedeth 10. This Watchman serveth to a safe keeping of this City and of those people likewise that dwell therein Therefore he keepeth alwayes a diligent Watch g Psa 121. he never sleepeth nor slumbereth but is stil sounding and playing his Song upon his Trumpet and all those that dwel in the same City do hear the sound of his Song 11. His Trumpet where-thorow he playeth his Song is named h Apo. 10. After this time no time more 12. Seeing then that the same time is the last time the everlasting Rest of all the children of God and the heavenly Kingdom it self therefore soundeth the Watchman also out of the same last time as out of the last i 1 Cor. 15. 1 Thess 4. Trumpet the sound or noise of the everlasting Life after the which there is no life more to be waited for for k 1 Ioh. 1. the same life continueth for evermore 13. The Song which he playeth and soundeth out thorow his Trumpet with the sound of the everlasting Life is named l Ioh. 13. and 15. 17. 1 Pet. 1. Vnity in the Love 14. With which noise of the Song the people do hold themselves in unity in the Love whose Fortresses or Hold is not to be overcome Therefore also soundeth the Song in this maner CHAP. XXVIII WE have a strong a Isa 26. Zach. 2. City run thither apace Which doth advance us in all vertue right Upright in b Psa 122. Mich. 4. Peace is alwayes her race Therein now take your joy and delight 2. Gods Understanding is her noble name Builded with c Zach. 78 Truth and Faithfulness sure There is true d Ioh. 13. 1 Pet. 1. love as beseemeth the same Thence never flyeth e Ioh. 14. Gods Spirit most pure 3. With the true Spirit of Gods f 1 Tim. 3. 1 Pet. 3. free mind She is g Isa 26. wall'd to endure in eternity All h Matt. 16.6 violence with his tempestuous winde Doth there procure his own adversity 4. The power of God hear this now I say That 's the i 2 Cor. 10. Defence Understand the Effect From trouble and grief to k Psa 18.31.41 Isa 25. keep us alway That is our refuge and doth us protect 5. Ye Princes elected l Isa 62. 1 Pet. 2. of God and new born Regard and love well our City of Peace Gods m Isa 27. and 54. wrath is not there nor cause why to morn The n 1 Cor. 15. Apo. 21. death lieth there swallowed up and doth cease 6. Behold such a Song singeth or playeth the Watchman upon the walls and the people of the City do rejoyce them them with o Psa 98. Isa 35. and 52. and 61. and 65. and 66. unspeakable joy and do likewise all of them together sing a danceing song dancing with great joy to a thankful lauding of God for their freedom And they sing in this maner CHAP. XXIX REjoyce you all now a Psal 69. and 103. and 104. pleasantly For joy our ears doth fill Chear up your hearts couragiously Be glad b Psa 48. and 97. Isa 51. and 52. and 61. and 62. Soph. 3. O Sions hill For lo the new time doth appear That hath been writ of long And is in sight to view full clear Wherefore rejoyce with Song Ye Remnant Gods Inheritance Be c Zach. 2. Isa 10. and 11. and 62. joyful in our City Cast Fear out of Rememberance And sing this dancing Ditty 2. For d Isa 41. and 43. Bar. 5. Matth. 8. North and South ye Righteous Come e Psa 81. Isa 27. blow the Horn apace From East and West extoll even thus Your voyce and make solace For here 's f Isa 7. and 8. Emmanuel our King Against that fierce g Ier. 51. Babel Therefore now let your Trumpets ring For he will her expel Their hearts h Iudi 7. Ioel. 2. are all dismaid now quite Sound up your Trumps apace Think now on God both day and night And i 1 〈…〉 Discord from you chase 3. Now is the last k Iâ—r 49. 5. Cup fill'd also Over Babels Kingdom high To stagger and strive l Psa 107. Isa 24.28.29 like drunkars lo That 's now her Melody Her Wisdom with her Practises That m 1 Cor. 1 comes now all to shame And is no more of worthiness Then for a laughing game In Gods Preceps most pure and right Rejoyce you n Psa 100. in every Land His e Isa 60. Light doth shine in us full bright And under him we stand 4 Now is the Kingdom p Apo. 18. and 19. of the Beast Made dark be glad therefore The q Ioh. 1. Light of Truth even here doth rest Triumphing evermore His r Apo. 12. Kingdom eke do we possess The Truth Å¿ Ioh. 8. doth make us free And sets our hearts t Ephe. 2. in quietness With God at one are we VVhose Love is unto us we finde That do obey her voyce As is the head u Ephe. 1. and 4. and 5. to 's members kinde Gods Life x 1 Ioh. 1. doth us rejoyce 5. His shut y Gen 3. Paradise wherein we mought Not come is op't a 4 Esdr 8. now fine The tree of Life is sprouted out VVhose fruit is b 4 Esd 7. medecine Drink now the c Ephe. 5. wine of Love most pure With joy and merry cheer Gods Riches that alwayes endure Are never wanting here Fore-sightfully d Matt. 10. Ephe. 5. with wariness See that you leade your life As do the wise And seek no less To flie e 1 Cor. 1. Dissentious strif 6. Now swallowed up f Hos 13. 1 Cor. 15. lie death and sin With their Folly great and vain The Devil g Ioh. 12. Apo. 20. and Hell whose bands we were in The mockery appears now plain The heavenly h Deut. 8. Ioh. 6. Bread or ghostly Food That same our souls doth nourish In Gods
do they e Deut. 5. sanctifie the Lords Sabbath day for they live peaceably in the light or day of his sanctification 4. They do honor their Father f Eph. 6. and their mother as in the Loves Obedience Even so doth the Lord likewise give unto them a long g Eccl. 3. life a life for ever in this same holy Land 5. Also they h Exo. 20. Matt. 5. kill not for they have no nature to destroying but all their desire is that it might all live whatsoever is of the life and can live and whatsoever serveth and laudeth God 6. They also commit not any i Deut. 5. adultery for they are all honest k Tob. 3. and chaste of lift and l Matth. 5. clean or pure of heart Thus they live in the blessing of their God wherein God blesseth them and whereunto he hath appointed or ordained them 7. They do not steal m Exo. 20. Matth. 19. nor rob likewise but they till or dress the lands of God and are labouring towards all things and in all things whatsoever is n Ephe. 4. profitable and expedient and are much more inclined to impart or distribute their spiritual gifts and heavenly goods if any thing thereof were needful unto any one then that they would be inclined to crave any earthly things of any one o 2 Cor. 9.12 or to diminish or scant him in his possession for no man desireth to possess nor to have any thing more under his hand or power then is needfull for him or expedient to a good Government 8. They also bear no p Exo. 20. false witnesse For no man q Eph. 20. Col. 3. lyeth against his neighbor there 9. They likewise desire not anotherbodies r Mat. 5. house nor their neighbors wife but every one there liveth in faithfulnesse with his own Å¿ 1 Cor. 7. Conjunction even as God hath joyned them together t Gen. 1. Matth. 19. from the beginning 10. Thus doe they live in all faithfulnesse among each other and permit not their thoughts to think u Tob. 4. any thing to the satisfying of their owne Appetites without the same 11. Inasmuch now therefore as that they have such an upright disposition and nature as that they do not desire nor lust for any thing that is against the Law or Ordinance of the Lord so are they likewise faithfull therein 12. Seeing then also that their Love is x Eph. 1. pure and undefiled as that they live uncoveredly according to the truth so are there likewise among them no deceitfull y Mat. 18. Mar. 9. eyes nor false thoughts nor yet bitternesse z Eph. 4. Col. 3. contempt nor offensivenesse 13. Also they know not there of any a 1 Cor. 1.15 contention or discord nor yet of sin nor death for there is nothing else but b Gal. 5. love and unity of peace with joy of the everlasting life 14. There is likewise no deriding or mocking c Eph. 4.5 1 Pet. 2. nor any unfit thing used They talk not there also of any foolishnesse nor lightnesse 15. They use not also any unlawfull or disorderly Liberty but all what they use speak and do that same is agreeable to the d Pet. 4. holy Word of Life and is the true Libertie of all the Children of God And therefore is there likewise among them no superfluous vice that exceedeth measure or equity 16. Seeing then that they stand every one concordably inclined to the good so is no man there also compelled to the good life but every one liveth in the upright e Eph. 4. righteousnesse and holinesse that God esteemeth And thus all their nature is no other but to be f Gal. 5. serviceable one to another out of meer love CHAP. XXXVII BEhold in such an upright being is this lovely people which hath his dwelling in this good City named Gods-understanding grounded or established and the a Eph. 4. Col. 3. love is their band wherewith they are united with each other in the light of the true life 2. By which means all their nature and mind is nothing else but love b Gal. 5. Peace and righteousnesse as upright Children c 1 Pet. 1.2 borne of the love like those that are risen againe from the death with the Resurrection d Dan. 12. Joh. 5. 1 Cor. 15. of the righteous ones in in the everlasting life and do live eternally 3. For ever them there is no death nor e Rom. 8. damnation neither doth any f Esa 25. 1 Cor. 15. death reigne in the same Land of the righteous and so the man dieth not there neither yet whatsoever is manly 4. The women likewise do not bring forth their children in paine or grief g Esa 65. 66. but with joy for the whole Land is h Deut. 28 blessed for the righteous lifes sake yeelding forth his fruits as a blessing 5. Thus the man eateth not his bread in the sweat of his face or in the carefull travell of his life i Esa 65. but with joy and receiveth his food in blessing 6. Forasmuch now as God hath made and ordained all things k Gen. 1. well from the beginning therefore do they also live uprightly in Gods Ordinance do neither take from nor adde to any thing 7. And therefore inasmuch as they do neither take from nor adde to touching all that which is the Lords so live they likewise only in the Works and Ordinances of the Lord and do not vow orbind themselves in the Matrimony of men nor yet suffer themselves to be bound therein but are l Mat. 22. Luke 20. like the Angells in heaven or like Messengers that are publishers of the spirituall heavenly goods and are the chosen generation the Kingly m Exo. 19. 1 Pet. 2. Apo. 1.5 Priesthood the holy people the peculiar people of God who are all Kings and Anoynted ones 8. For all there whatsoever is manly those same are every one Lords Kings and Priests and doe bear their Dominion over Sin Death Devill and Hell 9. Also no man reigneth over another and that pleaseth God well namely that the one man of God raigneth not over the other nor that the one is the others n 1 Cor. 7 bond-servant neither yet to the o Rom. 6. sin nor to his owne sensuality or affection but that they doe alwayes submit them concordably p Eph. 4. 1 Pet. 1. under the love and her service and do still stand ready to doe the Lords Will to serve their God q Luk. 1. in righteousnesse and to beare the Dominion with him r Rom. 6. 1 Cor. 6.7 over the evill and over all what hath a liking to the evill whereby to live eternally in the Å¿ 4 Esd 2. immortality with God and his Saints CHAP. XXXVIII EVen thus now these spirituall Saints of God that dwell in this
led to the cleerness of the h Psal 38. John 9. true Light nor to the truth of the upright Life whereby to behold the same true Light in his upright Righteousness and to inherit the upright Life in his peaceable Being 6. And although now one should speak much of the light to any of the blinde people in the Land called Ignorance and should in most evident maner expound or open the same unto them in their knowledg and that they then should have no lust nor will to depart out of the darknesses of Ignorance neither yet to be taught nor led to the true light of the upright life So could it not doubtless profit them to the entrance into the rest of life but it should be unto them much more to a disquietness to an offence and to a death because they remain inhabiting in the Land and in the City of Ignorance For the whole City of the same Land is full of Ignorance For that cause also she hath her name according to that she is her self 7. Wherefore it is much better for the people of the same Land the whiles they dwell therein and have no desire to depart out of it through the fear of God that men give them in their blindness and ignorant error to understand of the i Ezek. 18. Mic. 6. Matth. 18. obedience which they ow to God and his Word and to require the same of them then that men should open the eyes of the k Gen. 3. disobedient knowledg unto them in their disobedience and so then if they endevor them not to obedience to let them go on still with their blinde guides till such time as they understand that they are blinde and be led by the blinde ones and that they then likewise grow desirous after some better thing and would very gladly or good willingly be taught to the Land of Peace and to his peaceable people and be led into the same 8. Verily that the same councel is the best councel to be used among the blinde people that know not their error I have sufficiently proved by experience among those that are ignorant of their error and among the decliners from us and our godly doctrine Let every one therefore take diligent heed that he tye or binde not himself too fast unto his error with his knowing wisdom nor yet boast him of his knowledg but let him study or endevor himself to enter into the upright Christian life and to the true understanding of God through the right l John 10. door of the Humility and Obedience of Jesus Christ and to become assembled to the family of Love as also taught and exercised obediently in the requiring of his Doctrine so shall it then assuredly not miss or fail to bring him to the true Light and to the Life of the upright Righteousness CHAP. III. THis forementioned City named Ignorance hath two Gates the one standeth in the North or Midnight through the which men do go into the City of Darkness or of Ignorance 2. This Gate now that standeth in the North is very large and great and hath also a great door because there is much a Zech. 9 Matth. 7. passage of people thorow the same and it hath likewise his name according to the nature of the same City 3. Forasmuch then as that men do come into Ignorance through the same Gate therefore is it named b Mic. 7. Luke 21. Men know not how to do And the great door where-through the multitudes of people do run is named Vnknown error and there is else no coming in to the same City named Ignorance 4. The other Gate standeth on the one side of the City towards the East or Spring of the Day and the same is the c Matth 7. Luke 13. narrow Gate through the which men travel out of the City of Ignorance and do enter into the straight way which leadeth to the Life of the Righteous 5. Now when one travelleth out through the same Gate then doth he immediately after espie some Light and that same reacheth to the rising of the Sun 6. The name of this Gate wherethrough men travel out of the Land of Ignorance we will rehearse d Infra 7. hereafter For we will now write forward of the maner of the ignorant Land and People CHAP. IV. THis Land of Ignorance is in it self so utterly wildernessed and incompassed and be-set with so many a Eccles 1. 2. 4. 5. Isa 41.59 vexations troubles and unprofitable labors that by means thereof there is no convenient place to be found there to sowe any Corn in b Lam. 2.4 Amos 8. for the food of men therefore there groweth neither c Jere. 14. Corn nor Grass in the same Land 2. The people of this Land do all likewise live in confusion or disorder and are very diligent d Eccles 5. Isa 44. in their unprofitable work and labor And although all their work be vain or unprofitable yet hath every one notwithstanding a delightful liking to the same For according to the nature of the Land they are all ignorant and inclined to unprofitable works 3. Forasmuch then as that they all have such a delight to such unprofitable work e Isa 24. so forget they to prepare the Ground for Corn and Seed to live thereby according to the good manly Ordinance and so they live not by the manly food but by their own f Ezek. 4. Hos 4. 9. Mic. 6. dung for they have there no other food to live by 4. There is oftentimes hunger but no man hath any lust or yet desire to any other food g Jere 36. 44. then to his own dung for their stomack and nature is accustomed and naturally inclined thereunto 5. Wherefore seeing they are not fed with any bread b Job 33. Eccles 14. but with their own filthiness or dung so is there likewise no satisfying among them 6. Seeing then that they understand not what kinde of Food serveth them to the good Life but through their Ignorance do sustain themselves by their own dung therefore they do not understand also how to prepare themselves the good things i Deut. 32. Luke 19. that serve them unto peace and to a peaceable life but do vex and trouble themselves out of measure for to make those things diligently and that k Psal 4. with a delight which are unprofitable and which do afflict themselves or bring them to much incumbrance 7. The vain or unprofitable works and the preparations or endevors of the foolish people where-through the whole Land every where is exceedingly burthened with great molestation and labor are these CHAP. V. THey make there divers sorts of Puppet works or Babies for to bring up the children in vanity there are made likewise many kinde of Balls Tut-staves or Kricket-staves Râ—ckets and Dice for that the foolish people should waste or spend their time therewith
sufferance and it is the true Altar in thee Holy upon the which the true Meat-offering is that is given to the faithful believing travellers to eate and also the true Drink-offering that is given them to drink Which Meate-offering is named m Ioh. 2. The Flesh or Body of Jesus Christ and the Drink-offering is named The Blood of Jesus Christ and the same body and blood of Jesus Christ is unto the constant and faithful traveller in the proceeding on in his Pilgrimage n Ephe. 2. Col. 1.2 a true Mediator to lay away the sin in the flesh and to establish the o Rom. 15. Promises with him that are made to the Fathers and so through the same and with the same Meate-offering and Drink-offering the traveller is able to bide p Heb. 12. constant to the Compass and on the Cross till unto the accomplishing of his Passover and debt offering that is unto the death and burying of all the lusts and desires of the sinful flesh and of all the fleshes wisdom or good-thinking and so can overcome all false ends and all the enemies of the good Life of the upright Love and enter into the good Land of Peace without harm and be assembled to all the holy ones of God in the everlasting life 7. Whosoever then hath even thus as is said these two forementioned Instruments with him and giveth himself captive thereunder q 2 Cor. 10. obediently according to the doctrine and requiring of the Law of the Lord he r Sap. 3. cometh through the same captivity to the upright freedom of all the children of God 8. Howbeit it Å¿ Sap. 3. 5. Matth. 27. seemeth as that he dieth on the Cross through the compass with the said meat offering and drink-offering but he cometh through t Rom. 6.8 the same death of the Cross to the upright life 9. Now when the traveller giveth himself to the journey with this said Armor of the upright warlike souldiers of Jesus Christ and so prepareth his u Eccle. 2. soul against all temptations then can he likewise in the days of his temptations keep the victory against all the enemies of the good life and of the upright love For so in that Armor none of the enemies of the life nor the ungodly ones with their temptations bide x Heb. 12. standing before the forsaking of himself for the good lifes sake and before the parience nor the v Matt. 16. Gates of Hell the danger of death the bands of the Devâ—l not yet the world nor flesh have not any power against those same but they be all overcome therethrough and all that whatsoever is not any life neither yet of God must give back before them 10. Therefore all ye lovers of the good Land and z Ioh. 1. Iam. 1. disciples of the holy Word have a diligent regard unto the compass and continue on the Cross a Matt. 10. and 24. even unto the end For there-through do we obtain the victory against all the enemies and we may likewise through those same enter without harm into this good Land which lieth right in the East and where the Sun always shineth b Isa 60 Apo. 22. and never goeth down and so may inherit the same for evermore CHAP. IX â—F so be now that the traveller do give eare to the councel of the Law of the Lord and giveth himself to the journey with the said Instruments then doth he in his travelling forward come into a great unpathed Land where many maner of temptations and deceits do meet with him and coming into the same there appeareth unto him immediately a Matth. 2. a star out of the East which guideth him till into the good Land to the end that he should always in all the temptations of deceit have a good confidence to pass by all the temptations and deceiveable things that do meet with him and to come to the good Land 2. This Star is named b Abac 2. Rom. 1. Heb. 11. Belief and hope by the which he doth behold afar off to what good rest the Star will bring him 3. This great unpathed Land that he travelleth through is named Many maner of walkings because the Travellers do travel and pass from all quarters through the same Land c Deut 1. to that one good Land of rest but in all the same Land named Many maner of walkings there is not one plain pathed way 4. But although the Travellers do in this Many maner of walkings travel to the good and peaceable Land yet do they all at the last assemble into one way for they all have their guiding by that one d Matt. â— 2. Star which Star according to the pointing of their compass bringeth them all to that one Land of Peace 5. Moreover this Land into the which one cometh through the Fear of God and the Beginning of Wisdom is of it self a e Eccles 2. sorrowful minded Land and the people of that Land neither yet the Travellers in the same f Psa 126. 137. are never merry wherefore there do happen there unto the Travellers many temptations to choose g Matth. 4. Luke 4. something whereby to be released from the sorrow or grief But with the forsaking of himself they overcome it all through the patience 6. The names of the people are these Stricken in heart h Exod. 16.17 Cumbered in minde Wofulness Sorrowfulness Anguish Fear Dismaidness Perplexitie Vncomfortableness Vndelightfulness Heavy-mindedness Many maner of Thoughts Dead courage 7. Behold such names and natures of people there are and do dwell in this Land Many maner of walkings CHAP. X. THis Land is an open weak or unwalled Land and is like unto a a Exo. 26. Num. 21. barren wilderness wherein there 〈…〉 joy to be found but it is full or perils of deceit because of the sundry sorts of temptations that do come to the Traveller through Perplexities 2. For if they according to the doctrine of the Law of the Lord have not a sharp watch unto the compass nor hold them fast on the Cross and also do not still mark the b Matth. 2. leading star then may they soon be led away into a by-way and that because of the Heavy mindedness of the Inhabitants of the Land For the wisdom of the flesh doth also come forth there oftentimes very subtilly c Rom 1. 2 Pet. 2. with her self seeking for to point the Traveller aside But all what is self-seeking that is seducing but whereunto the forsaking of himself pointeth or leadeth that is the right path 3. Verily in this Land of mortifying and abstaining d Mat. 16. Matth. 8. from all things there is not much joy to be gotten but the Traveller that with the forsaking of himself passeth through the same in the patience and seeketh not his own selfness but under the obedience of the love hath a much more desire to do
to thâ— good Land and so the love with hâ—â— lovely meekness to become planted 〈◊〉 him g Ephes 3. and that he himself may be madâ— free h John 8. by the same 4. For the same lovely Beeing of thâ— love is the life i Rom. 14. peace and joy and the Land of promise k Exod. 3. 13. Deut. 8. wherein Honey anâ— Milk floweth 5. If therefore the traveller or the love of the good Land will enter into the good Land then must he at the end of hâ—â— journey finde himself to be altogetheâ— l Mat. 18. 19. Luke 19. turned about and good-willing to the will of the highest God like unto an obedient childe standing in m 1 Cor. 14. 1 Pet. 2. all singleness and simplicity under the love to the obeying of her requiring not knowing or being wise as touching this or that bâ—â— that he hath onely intended or sought after n Phil. 3. the love for that he might live unto the same in her requiring 9. Behold to the same State doth the compass the Forsaking of himself and the Cross the Patience bring him and so he cometh before o Psa 118. the City gate of the holy Land 7. For whenas he now hath overcome or is passed through all these things with the forsaking of himself and in the patience then findeth he himself to be altogether p Matth. 5. poor of Spirit and to stand in the submission like unto a q Psal 40. Acts 9. good-willing one to the Lords will 8. Which submission is called r Rom. 6. Col. 2. The burying of the affections and desires for in the submission the traveller findeth himself to be quite emptied of the affections and desires through the obedience of the Cross therefore also he hath not loved his Å¿ Matth. 10. 16. Luk. 9.14 own life the which are his affections and desires but hath in the obedience of the Cross forsaken the same even unto the death t Col. 2. 3. and to the burying of the same own life namely of the affections and desires 9. Seeing then that the affections and desires are mortified and dead through the compass and the Cross and are buried by the Traveller in the submission as dead things so findeth he in the same submission the Key for to enter therewithal through the gate into the City u Apoc. 21.22 where the everlasting life peace and rest is 10. This Key is named Equity and with the same the traveller goeth through the gate named x 2 Pet. 1. The nature of God and so cometh into the holy y Isai 60. City of peace named Gods understanding for to possess in heir-like maner the everlasting good the heavenly Jerusalem where there is nothing but everlasting life z Isai 25. 35. 60 65. Apo. 7.21 and joy and where all sorrow and tears are done away CHAP. XXVI NOw when as one is come into this City of peace then is he received very lovingly and friendly by a Isa 9 32 33. the King of the same Land for he is not lordly b Isai 42. nor cruel or biting but c Joel 2. Matth 11. sweet-hearted and gentle 2. Even thus one becometh as then d Ephes 5. incorporated e Rom. 12. Col. 1. to the body of the same true King with the people of the same good Land even as a fellow-member of the King and of those same holy people and so they live together in one judgment and mind of the living God and that is the unity in the love and the onely judgment of the communalty of the holy people or of the heavenly company who are altogether one body with the Family of Love and are no more with each other but f Ioh. 17. Rom. 12. Col. 1. as one man in whom all the members of one minde Spirit or Life have their moving and do hold them together unto one head and so those same members are altogether one body with g Infra 38. their head 3. The head of their body is their King or Prince and is named h Col. 1. 2 Pet. 1. Gods true Beeing 4. This same is an upright i Isa 9. peaceable Prince and the members of his body are likewise very lovely and peaceable With whom the kingdom of Christ and of his Love is peaceably k Isa 60. inhabited for evermore 5. The names of the members of the body or the Saints of the true Beeing of God that are of one substance with the Family of Love are these 6. Meckness l Gal. 5. Ephe. 4. Col. 3. Courtesie Friendliness Longsufferance Mercifulness Naturalness Decentness Quietness Faithfulness Modesty Constancie Eyes of Simpleness m Psa 24. and 73. Marth 5. Pureness of heart Measureableness in works Helpfulness n 2 Pet. 1. Discreetness o Ephe 4. Concord Obedience to the true beeing of God Sweetheartedness Serviceableness out of love p Cor. 10 3. Laud Praise and thanks unto God c. 7. Such are the names of the lovely people that dwel in the holy City of Peace named Gods Vnderstanding 8. And according as every ones name is so is likewise his disposition and nature for all their disposition beeing and nature is according to the good Disposition or Nature of the Land and of their King 9. And no man can come into this good City nor become one body with these peaceable people except he do forsake q Isa 52. 2 Cor. 6. all the other forementioned confused lands and the detestable people for God hath not chosen any one of all them to his Kingdom neither can also the traveller enter into the holy Land or City of Peace with any of all them 10. But whosoever now hath forsaken all the confused Lands and people and in an humble heart with upright thoughts to the obeying of the Requiring of the Service of Love is come to the submission he goeth with the equity thorow the nature of God as is before said into Gods understanding r Supra 25 The which is the City of Rest that God hath reserved and left behinde for the children of God for an everlasting Å¿ Heb. 4. Rest because they should inherit the same in the last time according to the Promises t Isa 9. and 60. and 66. Luke 1. which Kingdom of Peace shall endure or continue still for evermore under the Obedience of the Love CHAP. XXVII THis City named Gods Vnderstanding hath very strong and invincible a Isa 26. and 52. Zach. 2. Walls Fortresses or Bulworks wherewith she is walled and fortified against all her enemies Therefore can no man climbe over into this city nor get the same by violence with any gain-fighting neither yet deceive her with subtilty 2. The Walls or Bulworks of this City are named b 1 Tim. 3. 1 Pet. 3. A free minde of the true Beeing 3.
will not ever be r Esa 54 angry with his people their chastisement shall not alwaies indure 21. He punisheth them for their sins Å¿ Jer. 30 he saveth and justifieth them for his holy Names sake 22. He will not forget his Covenant that he hath made with Abraham Isaac and Jacob. 23. He will not leave his u Psal 32. Jer. 31. Mich. 7. mercy which he hath promised by his Servants and Prophets 24. Yet once againe will he move x Agg. 2. Heb. 12. the earth and gather his people together out of all quarters of the earth y 2 Mac. 2 and be gracious unto them 25. Also he will erect a new z Jer. 31. Heb. 8. Covenant with them and give them a new Name the everlasting free-ones a Esa 62. the released by the Lord. 26. To whom the Law of the Lord his Statutes and Rites shall no more b Exo. 34. stand written in tables of stone 27. But God will write them in their hearts in the c Jer. 31. Heb. 8. innermost part of their minds in the ground of Faith according to the manner of the Father Abraham 28. Rejoyce you then that have been d Esa 54.60 rejected among all Heathen 29. Clap then with your e Psal 47. hands and stamp then with your feet 30. Make then your songs of joy at Sion sing then Alleluia f Tob 1. in all the streets and lanes of Jerusalem 31. Then cast from you the mourning-garment for that is the end g Esa 61. of your shame and contempt 32. Then put on h Esa 49.54 the apparell or ornaments of joy sing play and laud the Lord in triumphing 33. Play i Psa 33.8 1.98.146.148.150 upon Harps upon Lutes upon Cymballs Flutes Tabors Gitterns and upon all manner of Instruments with strings 34. For then will God k Esa 33. Eze. 34. be your King your Head and onely Pastor or Shepherd 35. No sinne l Jer. 50. shall ruinate or spoile you any more no Prophets shall seduce you any more 36. You shall every one m Jer. 31. Heb 8.10 know the Lord your God as also his Law Statutes and Rites 37. Thereon hope now O Israel the same shall come unto n Esa 35.5.60.51 you all ye Children of Jacob Alleluia Alleluia 38. Give perpetuall thanks unto the great God of Israel for besides him o Esa 34. there is no God more CHAP. XLVII In these Chapters following there are recited certain benefits shewed on the man through the Service of the Love of Jesus Christ with also a lamentable complaint over the blindnesse of the people and over certain good thinking wise and Scripture-learned ones and likewise how grossely they have over-reached themselves or failed in their giving of judgment over the spirituall and heavenly things with more other notable Declarations and good Instructions ALL this O ye good willing hearts and lovers of the truth which we have here set forth in Letters have we through love written for the service and furtherance of you all because that every one of you likewise should understand the upright life of Peace whereof we doe witnesse also wherein our health and preservation consisteth and likewise whereunto thâ— promises of God the Father a Gen. 22. made to the blessing of all generations of the earth doe extend and nought become agreeably minded with us and we with you for to enter into the same good life under the obedience of the Love through the love and her service to a b Eph. 1. 2 Pet. 3. renewing of the world and of all whatsoever is waxen old as also to become one onely Communaltie of Peace whereby to prepare in that manner through the service of Love the c Esa 54. 60. 66. Agg. 2. Peace upon earth according to the Promises 2. To that end also tendeth our whole service of writing whereunto likewise we are moved out of an inclination of love for that the d Rom. 10 righteousnesse which God esteemeth might come to light and be manifested thorough the love and her service to an everlasting e Esa 9.26 1.54 Peace for Israel according to the Promises 3. Moreover because there should be nothing with-holden from any one of all what serveth or is profitable for the man to the knowledge of the life we have also to a more abundance of the godly understanding witnessed of this same life in the Spirit which we do here point unto in these present testifications of the Land of Peace with many distinct sayings in the foure Bookes of the Glasse of Righteousnesse and likewise in all our Writings that are published or set forth by us 4. In which writings we have also as much as we were able and saw into it to serve to edication evidently and apparently distincted the f Deut. 30 Jer. 21. Eccles 15. wayes of life from the wayes of death 5. Seeing then that the glorious g 2 Cor. 4 light as a day or cleernesse of Christ is by Gods grace given us to behold therefore have we out of the same sight or heavenly Revelation rehersed likewise in those same foresaid books and writings many of the secret heavenly h Rom. 16 Eph. 3. Col. 1. treasures or riches of God which in times past even hitherto have not been made known unto the world like as God doth now presently through his love reveale and make them knowne unto his Saints 6. Which testimonies of the heavenly treasures or riches of God we have out of inclined love witnessed as a Glasse of upright righteousnesse and to a beholding in the Spirit of all Righteousnesse Light and Life to the serving and furtherance of all Lovers of the true being whereby to draw all those to the love of the true being that are good i Luk. 2. of will to the same true being and that they might even so adjoyn them to our Communalty and Service of the love of God and Christ and likewise submit them with us under the obedience of the Love 7. Which God-service of ours under the obedience of the love of God and Christ is the most holy God-service k Mat. 22. Mar. 12. Jam. 1. before God the Father For the same Service in his Declaration is neerest unto the godly heavenly truth above all God-services and understandings of this world CHAP. XLIX FOr what God-services soever do not submit them with us under the obedience of the Service of the a 1 Cor. 13 love of God and Christ shall all be found false b Jer. 10. and as no God-services and what understanding soever doth not yeeld it selfe captive thereunder shall all be knowne to be lying and as ignorance and likewise what Preachers or Teachers soever do not submit them nor stand subject there-under shall all become manifest that they preach or minister not the holy Word of the Lord and that they are not
c Jer. 14. 23. 27. Rom. 10. sent by God nor yet by Christ for to preach as also that they desire not to minister their Office of Preaching according to the requiring of the Service of the love of Jesus Christ 2. Yea all Majesties Rulers Governors and Magistrates d Rom. 13. that are of God shall every one submit e Esa 2. them with us thereunder for the peaces Cause which God hath even so fore-seen through his love and likewise for to prepare the same peace upon the earth under the obedience of the Love of JESUS CHRIST 3. And what Majesty Rulers Governors and Magistrates soever will not bow themselves in that manner under the love of Jesus Christ nor stand submitted thereunder those same shall declare thereby that they have no desire nor will to Minister their Office f Sap. 6. of Government according to Gods Ordinance and according to the love of Jesus Christ. 4. Seeing then that the Government is Gods Ordinance and that also those g Sap. 6. Rom. 13. 1 Pet. 2. Governors which undertake the protection of the good and simple people and of all those that sin unadvisedly or ignorantly are Gods Ministers therefore shall likewise every Governor that ministreth his Office out of Gods Ordinance or is well inclined thereto with all his heart submit himselfe good willingly to to the love of God and Christ and to her Service for a testimony that they are Gods Ministers and have a desire to the peace upon earth and to be serviceable unto the children of men to that effect 5. And all common people that have minded the good life and the peace shall in like manner bow h Mich. 4. them under the Service of Love for to live such a life of peace under the obedience of the Love according to the godly testimonies of the Glasse of Righteousnesse 6. But whosoever shall refuse thus to do and so will not live peaceable under the love with us as likewise all those that turn them away from us and from our godly Doctrine of the same Service of Love those same shall be accounted for no people but for a i Job 21. Jer. 9. destroyed and lost heap who are neither profitable in the World nor yet before God For there is nothing upright nor true that excelleth k 1 Cor. 13 the love and her service 7. Therefore it is also every ones duty both before God and men to bow him under the love of his God and l Deut. 6. Mat. 22. to the love of his neighbour whereby to learne through the Love and her service to observe what is right and m Tob. 4. Phil. 4. equall to the end that the love might by that means be seen and knowne that she is the band of n Col. 3. perfection and the upright o Eph. 4. being it self whereon the Law p Mat. 22. and the Prophets do witnesse and whereunto the Services and Ceremonies have their Ministration 8. Which love is likewise published by the Apostles of Christ to be a q 1 Tim. 1 principall sum of the Commandement and of Faith and to be a stedfast God-service r 1 Cor. 13 which continueth for ever according to the Promises 9. Out of which our most holy Service of Love that is come unto us Å¿ 1 Cor. 3. by Gods grace we have according to the sight of the true life shewed forth the upright t Deut. 30. Eccl. 15. difference of the life and death in the glasse of righteousnesse in most large and ample manner 10. In the which one may sind and reap all fulnesse of Declarations or Instructions tending to the furtherance of the profitable knowledge both of all godly heavenly things and also of all manly and naturall things CHAP. L. FOrasmuch then as God hath out of his bountifull grace shined or given a 2 Cor. 4. into our hearts such a cleer light of the lovely being under the obedience of his love therefore do we likewise restifie of God and of the true light of his love and not of any creatures for that we might make manifest now in the last time unto all those that are good of will to the obedience of the love the heavenly b 1 Cor. 2. Eph. 3. Col. 1. mystery of the Christ of God to the end that the love in her service might be spread abroad and have her going forward to a serviceablenesse unto the life and that they might all inherit the life and the rest in the love namely those which love the good life and the rest c Esa 32. Heb. 4. that God hath promised unto his people and that labour diligently thereafter 2. And inasmuch now as our Service under the obedience of the Love whereby we do testifie of the spiritual heavenly goods in Jesus Christ to an unity d Joh. 17. Eph. 4. in the love tendeth thereunto therefore doth not the Love also permit us to cease in that matter but the inclination of her lovely being e 2 Cor. 5. driveth us continually forward to the same 3. Yea the heart and mind of our conscience cannot indure to keep f 1 Cor. 9. Col. 4. silence thereof lâ—st that we our selves inasmuch as such a grace is happened unto us might by our silence-keeping in this perillous time be any let or hinderance therein 4. Wherefore because now that the Love to the life might be furthered so do we shew forth our Service with curtesie g 2 Cor. 4. towards all consciences of men to the end to witnesse unto all people and with reasons and sentences to declare unto them according to the truth in what manner of life that they all ought to deal and to walk with each other and are likewise bound in duty to live faithfully in the same 5. Let them then believe it or let them not believe it let them do it or let them not do it we quiet our consciences before God and are h Act. 20. blamelesse of the destruction of all those that believe not nor yet will enter into the i Heb 3. 4. rest of life but do refuse k Pro. 1. the profered grace of the Love CHAP. LI. WHerefore because that the same now which is to come might appeare so do we not speak coveredly as in secret manner in privy places or corners a Mat. 10. but naked and apparent in the day 2. But if now our testimonies be covered unto any one or be witnessed or spoken in hidden or secret manner before any one then are they covered secret or b 2 Cor. 4. hidden before those that perish namely the decliners from those same and the unbelieving minds of the wicked world c Jam. 4. who are Gods enemies as also enemies of the love and of Christ which will not that d Luk. 19. God nor Christ not yet the Love should reign over them but are