that comes to witness the true Light ought to do else there is no true fellowship with God nor with his Sanctified Ones who are gathered into and walk in the Light even as God is in the Light 1 John 1.7 And the Angel that opened the Prophesies and Mysteries of that Book to John said that the Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesie Chap. 19.10 So then he that hath this Spirit of Prophesie he that hath this inward Light hath the Testimony of Jesus but he that hath it not hath not the Testimony it self but only words concerning the Testimony For this is the Distinction between the true Believer and the False The true Believer hath the Spirit of Prophesie the Witness in himself 1 John 5.10 the False Believer hath but the Outward Testimony or Relation of things but not the Inward Substance the Covenant and Law of Life within Quest 2. WHat doth this Light do inwardly in the Hearts of those that receive it believe in it and give up to it Ans It doth all that is requisite to be done from the Souls coming out of Spiritual Egypt into the Land of Rest and all that is needful for its Growth and Preservation there First it Enlighteneth It sheweth what is Evil and also what is Good according to the Measure and Proportion of it and according to Gods causing it to Shine in the Heart It Discovers the Mystery of Darkness the Mystery of Ungodliness the Mystery of Iniquity the Mystery of Deceit in all its Mysterious Workings for nothing is hid from the Light of him with whom we have to do And it also discovers the Mystery of Godliness the Mystery of Holiness the Pure Way and Commandment of Life and gives all the Believers the True Believers in Christ this Experience That his Commandment is Life Everlasting There is nothing the heart needs desire to know of God but this makes it manifest in the due season It opens the very Mystery of the Scriptures gives the right Understanding and application of the Promises and fulfils the Prophesies thereof in the heart 2 dly It doth not only manifest the good and evil but likewise inclines the mind to chuse the good and refuse the evil It draws from the evil and towards the good yea and the soul is made willing in the day of him who is light and who appears in the light and reveals his power there There is a way an high way spoken of Jsa 35.8 called the way of holiness which the unclean can neither discern nor pass over to but the Light of the Lord Jesus Christ the measure of Grace and Truth wherewith he enlightens men so manifests and leads into this way that they that are taught and guided by him shall walk therein and not err 3 dly It scatters the darkness breaks the power of the enemy it makes one with him who is all power and giveth â—o partake thereof so that power is given to become sons in the Light to the Children of the Light power given to become Kings and Priests to God power given to reign in the dominion of his Life in the dominion of his Truth over sin over death over deceit and to offer up the holy living sacrifices to God What shall I say It is one with Christ it is of his heavenly Spirit and Nature it makes way for him it leads to him it fills with him it brings into unity and fellowship both with the Father and the Son where the peace which passeth understanding and the joy unspeakable and full of glory abounds This is the Gospel-message that God is Light and they that are gathered into and abide in this Light they are gathered into and abide in unity and fellowship both with the Father and the Son David had great sense and great experience of this Light of Gods holy Spirit of his Truth sent forth manifested and revealed in his inward parts as is signified Psal 51.6 and again in that vehement Prayer of his Psal 43.3 O send out thy Light and thy Truth let them lead me let them bring me unto thy holy Hill and to thy Tabernacles Then will I go unto the Altar of God unto God the gladness of my joy yea upon the harp will I Praise thee O God my God Indeed when the Light shines and the Truth springs up in the heart it leads to him that is true it leads to the Holy Hill and Mountain of the Lord and to the Inward Altar which they have no Right to who serve and and worship at the outward and the Harp is known whereon the Most High is Praised even that Inward Harp whereof Davids outward Harp was but the Figure Therefore they that come to the Holy Hill of God to the Mountain of the Lord's House and to that Holy building which is reared there they invite and incourage others â—o walk in that Light which led them thither wherein Communion with God and one with another and the Blessings of Life and Peace are Enjoyed Isa 2.5 But what should I speak of the Sufficiency of the Light and Grace of the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ or of what it is able to do and of what he is pleased to work by it I shall only say this that as the Fulness was enough for Christ and to fit him for the Work which he had to do so the measure of Grace and Truth which he bestows is enough for every man My Grace is Sufficient for thee said God to Paul and so it is for every man There is no Want of Sufficiency in the Grace of God in the Seed of the Kingdom in the Pearl of Price in the Holy Leaven in the Heavenly Salt but the Vertue and Strength of it is Greater then the Enemy is able to withstand and he that keeps 〈◊〉 and departs not from it shall feel Life and Power springing up in it to quicken him and carry him through all that God requires of him For the Water which Christ gives is a Well springing up in him to whom it is Given unto Life Eternal and this Water is able to Wash able to Nourish able to Fill the Soul with Living Vertue which waiteth for it and partaketh of it And all the Nations of them that are saved are to walk in the Light of God's Spirit To this men are to be turned unto this they are to be gathered into this they are to be Translated even from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Sons Marvellous Light and being changed by it into its Nature become Light in the Lord and ought to walk in the Light as God is in the Light 1 John 1.7 Quest 3. HOw doth the Mind come to be Enlighted and the Candle of the Lord come to be set iup in the Soul Answ By God's causing it to shine there and the minds being turned to it and given up to be exercised by it as it pleaseth the Lord to cause it to shine The Power of
The Ancient PRINCIPLE OF TRUTH Or the Light Within Asserted and Held forth according to true Experience and the Faithful Testimony of the Scriptures Also An Appeal to the Witness of God in all Consciences which is the More Sure Word of Prophesie the Testimony of the Scriptures Without or the Voice and Testimony of the Light and Spirit of God Within in the Heart By one once greatly Distressed but now at length in the Tender Mercy of the Lord effectually Visited and Redeemed by the Light and Power of Truth Isaac Pennington Printed in the Year 1672. THE PREFACE THe true Ministers of the Gospel the Ministers of the new Covenant were ordained and appointed by God to be Ministers of Light Ministers of Righteousness Ministers of the Spirit Mat. 5.14 2 Cor. 11.15 and Chap. 3.6 And this was their work and service even to preach the Light to deliver their Message concerning the Light which they heard of Christ and were sent by him 〈◊〉 preach as is recorded 1 John 1.5 〈◊〉 that they were to tell men what the Light was and where it was to be found and to turn men from darkness to Light from sin and unrighteousness to purity and righteousness from the spirit and power of Satan to the Spirit and Power of the living God Dan. 12.3 Act. 26.18 that so they might come from under Satans authority power and kingdom of darkness into the light wherein Christ reigns as King Priest and Prophet unto and over all his who is faithful in all his House as Son and Lord of all distributing Life Righteousness Mercy and Peace to his whole Family as they abide in him and walk in subjection to his Spirit So that there is no condemnation to them that are gathered unto Christ engrafted into him and who abide in him walking not after the Flesh but after the Spirit who is the Quickener Guide and Rule of all the Children of the new Covenant For Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life in and to them all and is made by God all in all unto them He is their Shepherd their King their Captain their Vine their Olive Tree their Leader their Door their Path their Rule their Righteousness their Holiness their Wisdom their Redemption their Altar their Sacrifice their Priest their Prophet their Sabboth their Light their Day-spring their Bright and Morning Star their Son their Shield their Rock and their High Tower What shall I say God hath gathered together all things into one even in him whose Spirit Life and Light Eternal is the one Substance which answers all the Figures and Shadows of the Law and they are all comprehended and fulfilled and end in him So that he is the end of the Law for Righteousness to all that believe in him And he Ministers Righteousness he Ministers Truth he Ministers Life he Ministers Salvation he Ministers Power he Ministers Pure Heavenly Wisdom and no good thing will he with-hold from them that come unto him in the Drawings of his Father and follow him whithersoever he leads and obey his Gospel which is Everlastingly new and living Now this precious Ministry hath been withdrawn and hid from Ages and Generations in the long Night of the great Apostacy and thick Darkness And how could it be otherwise for men being in the Dark and having Erred from the True Spirit and let in a wrong spirit and built up wrong Churches and having not known the True Wilderness nor being willing to flee into it whither the True Church fled and was Nourished by God with the true Food even with the true living vertue and Nourishment all this Dark Night of the Apostacy I say how could they come at the true Light the true Spirit the true Power from which the true Ministry is which did not visibly now appear but was with the true Church in the Wilderness So that there hath been a true Church all this while which the Gates of Hell have not been able to prevail against as to her inward Temple and Altar nor over the Worshippers which have worship'd therein although they have gained the outward Court God having severed it from his inward building and given it to the Gentiles in spirit who are not true Jews who are not Worshippers in the Spirit and in the Truth Rev. 21.1 2. But now at length blessed be the Lord the long Night of Darkness araws towards an end yea is come to an end in many Spirits and the true Light is broken forth again and shineth again inwardly in many and the true Mninstry is revived again and the everlasting Gospel the Everlasting Covenant of Life Mercy and Salvation in and through Christ Jesus the Light and Life of men preached again For now it is not only outwardly read that God is Light But the Message hath been received and persons chosen and sent forth by God to publish it and to turn men from Darkness to Light and from Satans power to God And blessed be the Lord the publishing of this precious Testimony in the power and authority of the Most High hath not been in vain but the Captivity of many hath been broken by the Power of Light and the power and strength of Darkness inwardly overturned by it O how hath the strong man which kept the House before the stronger then he appeared in the name and authority of his Father I sâ—y how hath he Trembled at the inward and Spiritual Appearance of him that was stronger than he and how have the pillars of the old building been shaken How hath the witness of God been reached to in mens spirits how have the dead been raised the blind eye opened the deaf ear unstopped the dumb tongue loosed the Lame caused to leap as an Hart and the tongue of the dumb to sing the inward Spiritual Leprosie cleansed and done away forever the wounded healed the broken-hearted bound up and what hath not the Lord done inwardly and spiritually for his people who have been sensible of his appearance and gathered by his Spirit and Power to the true Shiloh who is the true Shepherd the Land of the living the holy City and Temple the Light of the City the Life of the City the Gates and Wall of the City the King and Kingdom both for his Life his nature his Spirit is all and in all Ah what do we desire to have but Christ the Seed and this Seed sown in our Hearts and abiding in us and his Life righteousness and glory his holy Power Dominion and Kingdom springing up in it And as in the Apostles days there was the Seal to their Testimony in peoples hearts where their Ministry was ordered by the Lord and was received even so it is now O how doth the witness answer in mens hearts and Consciences and they that keep to the witness and its Testimony not hearkening after words to the wisdom of the flesh how do they become living Epistles to be seen and read of all men as the
Lord pleaseth to open that eye in any which can see and read Now to be often Testifying of this Light which the Lord hath visited us with and wherein we experience the knowledg of his Son and Redemption by him to us it is not grievous and it is good and safe for others Therefore it arising in my heart in the springings of Life and lying upon me as in the Sight of the Lord to give forth this further short Testimony for the sakes of such as have any desire to know and experience the Truth as it is in Jesus I am given up in Spirit to serve my God therein and do give it forth in humility in fear in tenderness of spirit in true love with breathings to my God that he would please to open the hearts of those that shall be inclin'd to read it that they may feel somewhat of that in themselves from which the Testimony came so there-from may hear in true sense and understanding the true and good report of the sound of Life and Salvation in this our Age and may learn so to turn inwardly from the darkness to the Light from the power of Satan to Gods Spirit and appearance inwardly that the â—rm of the Lord may be revealed in them and powerfully stretched out for them And this is the precious knowledge of Christ indeed even to know Christ the Power of God Christ the Wisdom of God inwardly revealed and working in the heart destroying sin there and building up the holy building wherein he himself will dwell and reign O that all that truly breath after him might not be with-held from him and his living Testimony inward appearance by the power of darkness deceit which works subtilly in the heart against the appearance power and work of the Lord there but might thus come to know him Amen The Ancient Principle of Truth or the Light Within asserted and held forth according to true Experience and the faithful Testimony of the Scriptures in the Answers to four Questions 1. What this Light is which we Testifie of and what is the nature of it 2. What it doth inwâ—rdly in the heart 3. How it cometh to be lighted set up and and increased there 4. How it cometh to be diminished or exstinguished in any Quest 1. WHat is this Light which we so earnestly testifie of and whereof we affirm that all men are or have been in some measure enlightened by it and what is the nature of it Answ It is that which shineth from God in the heart wherein God is neer to men and wherein and whereby men may seek after God and find him God is a Spirit and his Spirit and Presence is neer to all men Whither shall I go from thy Spirit or whither shall I flee from thy Presence Psal 139.7 c. It is impossible for any so to do For God who is a Spirit and the Father of Spirits is nigh to every Spirit Every Spirit depends upon him the Fountain of Spirits and hath its being Life and motion from him and in him after a sence though not after such a sence as they who are quickened by him experience Now God who is Light being so neer every man doth he never shine upon them They are Darkness but doth he never appear in the darkness He who is Light loveth Mankind doth he never visit them with his love He knoweth what and how great inward and spiritual Enemies Man-kind hath doth he never make any discoveries of their Enemies to them Yes The Light is neer all Man-kind to discover to them and help them against the darkness and the love is neer to help them against the enmity which destroyeth and so to save them For whosoever joyneth to the Light of Gods Spirit cannot but witness Salvation thereby for it is of a saving nature and bringeth Salvation with it to all that receive it Christ is in it and is known by it inwardly spiritually livingly known and he is not nor can be known without it He that knoweth the Light of Gods Spirit knoweth Christ and he that believeth in it believeth in him and he that knoweth not nor believeth therein neither knoweth nor believeth in Christ So that as the Jews circumcision outward and their knowledge and thinking to be justified by the righteousness and works of the Law which most of them brake and were Transgressors of though Paul said he was touching the righteousness which is in the Law blameless I say as this was disowned and denyed by Christ and his Apostles and the circumcision and work of God on the hearts of the Gentiles set over it and exalted above it as Rom. 2. So is it now also The knowledge of those and belief of those who own the Light and believe in the Light is owned by God's Spirit in this our day for the true believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and for that knowledge which is life eternal and the knowing and believing on him as men account it according to their apprehensions of the Letter without this is reckoned with God for ignorance and unbelief So that in this is God known in this is Christ believed in Here God draws nigh to every man and is a God not afar off but nigh at hand and his Salvation is nigh and his Righteousness ready to be revealed here and here every man may seek after and obtain the knowledge of him the saving knowledge the knowledge of the Grace of the Gift of Grace which brings Salvation In this is the Son kissed in this is he drawn nigh to and come to by the Soul and not out of it Here are the drawings of the Father felt Let any man feel this he feels that which begets to God he feels that which comes from the Son is of the nature of the Son wherein the Father draws the heart of the Child whom he begets to the Son And in this the Soul comes it comes out of the darkness wherein Christ is not nor dwels into the Light wherein Christ is with the Father and so in this the Soul is ever neer and out of it still afar off In this is the holy root witnessed and the ingrafting thereinto out of this the holy Root is not known nor can men understand what it is to be ingrafted into him and how he is an Olive Tree a Vine a Door a Shepherd a Leader a Captain a Redeemer Nor can men possibly know the voice of the true Shepherd from the voice of a Stranger till they come hither nor how the true Shepherd walks before his Sheep and what it is to follow him out of that which destroys into that which regenerates makes new and living till they come hither Now this inward Light is abundantly testified of in the Scriptures As first by Moses who speaking of the other Covenant the new Covenant the Covenant of Circumcising the Heart turneth or directeth the mind to this Word or Commandment nigh whereby alone it can
ignorance and darkness God winketh at or passeth over being very tender towards men in that estate yea a little that is of him turned to and heeded according to the Measure of Understanding that God gives will be owned and accepted even in the midst of a great deal of Darkness and evil-working against it There was a time before the Law for the Law was given by Moses what saved then Was it any thing but the saving Grace the saving Light the saving Spirit the holy Anointing Could any be saved but thereby What saved under the Law Did the Shadows then save or the Substance of Life vailed under them Did not the Spirit then work inwardly redeem inwardly save inwardly Did not the Word or Commandments nigh in the mouth and heart to which Moses by Gods direction had turned their minds enlighten and save inwardly And any of the Gentiles as this Word or Spirit of Life did work in them did it not circumcise inwardly and save them also So that though they had not the Law or Ministration of Moses outward yet they had the inward Writing from God on their hearts and shewed the work and efficacy of it there and shall at last be justified by and according to the everlasting Gospel which justifieth all whatsoever so far as in any measure they receive and are subject to the Light and Law of Gods pure Spirit which the carnal mind cannot receive nor be subject to O that men could dye to themselves even to their own wisdom and prudency and not lean to their own understandings nor idolize their own apprehensions and conceivings but wait to receive understanding from God who giveth liberally of the true Wisdom to those that ask and wait a right And how doth God give true Wisdom and Understanding Is it not by the shining of his Light in the heart O that men were turned inwardly thither and inwardly dead to that wisdom and prudency from which God ever hid things and ever will He that will be truly wise must first become a Fool that he may be wise that is He must not strive to learn in the comprehensive way of mans wisdom and prudency the things of Gods Kingdom but feel the begettings of life in his heart and in that receive somewhat of the new heavenly Understanding and so dye to the other know no more the things of God after the flesh that is as a wise man as a learned Scribe as a great Disputant for where is the Wise where is the Scribe where is the Disputer of this World Can they find out the mystery of life the Mystery of Gods Kingdom in this Age any more then they could in former Ages but become a Babe a Fool and so receive and bow to that which his own wisdom will call foolishness and account weakness but the other Birth which is begotten and born of God will know and daily experience to be the Wisdom and Power of God unto Salvation An APPEAL to the Witness of God in all Consciences which is the More Sure Word of Prophesie the Testimony of the Scriptures Without or the Voice and Testimony of the Light and Spirit of God Within in the Heart THe Apostle Peter speaks of a more sure word of Prophesie or of a more sure prophetical word as the Greek hath it then that voice which came from Heaven which they heard when they were with Christ in the holy Mount 2 Pet. 1.18 19. Now what this more sure word is which ought to be given heed to in the most especial manner more then to such an eminent Voice and Testimony from Heaven even from the excellent Glory it is a very great and weighty Question Now some affirm that it is the word and testimony of the Scriptures without others affirm that its the voice sound and testimony of the Word of Life within I do not know a Scripture that my heart hath been more tenderly sollicitous about desiring to give due honour both to the Spirit of God and to the holy Scriptures and also to understand what the Lord would have me in the most especial manner give heed to until the season came from him in which he should cause the Day to dawn and the Day-Star to arise in my heart And now that others might come to the same understanding and satisfaction also are these following Considerations proposed in the weight of my Spirit to them First consider how sure the Word of Prophesie was how sure the Voice and Testimony from Heaven was then which the Apostle directs them to somewhat as more sure This I may clearly say of it It was undoubtedly from God and that in a very extraordinary manner even in Christs presence when Moses and Elias were with him and God bestowing upon him honour and glory transfiguring him before his Disciples causing his face to shine as the Sun and making his Raiment white as the Light Mat. 17.2 And the intent of it was to give the Disciples full evidence and satisfaction for the Voice was not for his sake but for theirs or rather that they might have a full ground after his death and resurrection to testifie for the satisfaction and confirmation of others for till then they were to keep it secret ver 9. Now that which was thus provided for this end doubtless it was very sure testified by them who were chosen to be faithful Witnesses in this respect 2dly Consider Whether the Testimonies of the Prophets concerning Christ were surer then this immediate Voice from God himself Were they surer to those that lived in those dayes or to those that should come after then this Testimony was to the Apostles and to those they did communicate it in the Will and Counsel of the Lord The Prophets did testifie from Gods holy unerring Spirit but they that lived in those dayes did not alwayes believe and receive their Prophesies but sometimes doubted of them and questioned them yea their Prophesies were not alwayes evident and clearly understood by those who desired to understand but their Visions were many times a Book sealed both to the learned and unlearned But this Testimony this Word of Prophesie this Voice from the excellent Glory This is my beloved Son hear him is a very plain evident full Testimony easie to be understood by any in that present or in after Ages and I must confess as to my self the reading of it did alwayes deeply affect and satisfie my heart 3dly Consider the manner of Gods appearing to the Prophets and compare it with the manner of this Appearance God appeared to them sometimes in Visions sometimes in Dreams Moses saw a Bush burning and heard a Voice The Vision of Isaiah the son of Amos Isa 1.1 and Ezekiel saw Visions Chap. 1.1 and Daniel had a Dream and Visions on his Bed Dan. 7.1 And Jeremiah had that sweet Prophesie of Gods satiating the weary soul and replenishing every sorrowful soul in his sleep Jer. 31.26 Now here to these
blessed Apostles was a Vision given of the glory of Christ and of Moses and Elias with him not in the mind or head as Daniels Visions were Dan. 7.1 but the excellent glory did appear and Christ Moses and Elias were really there together on the mount which is more then a prophetick Vision of a thing and Christ was cloathed with and swallowed up in the glory For God the Father did set himself to honour and glorifie him so as never man was glorified before and the Voice came the certain Voice What Voice could be more certain from the excellent Glory This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased 2 Pet. 1.17 And this pure Vision of Glory even of Gods thus appearing and Christs thus transfiguring they saw and heard the Voice which came from Heaven when they were with him in the holy Mount Now were â—he Prophesies of the Prophets that Christ should be born in Bethlehem and â—hat he should be thus and thus c. equal to this in evidence and demonstration Why was John greater then the rest of the Prophets Was it not in that he was chosen to be the immediate Fore-runner and Preparer of the Way and could point with his finger to the Messiah And yet is not this immediate testimony from the excellent Glory greater then the testimony of John 4thly Consider Whether Christs own Words in the Flesh to his Disciples were surer then this Voice from the excellent Glory If I should extol the Words of Christ in the Flesh above the words of the Prophets which testified of him should I therein do the words and testimonies of the Prophets any wrong He was the Son he had the fulness of Life the fulness of the Spirit the great authority and vertue of God his Father God saith the Apostle who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son Hebr. 1.1 2. seeming to exalt and magnifie Gods speaking by his Son and the Way of this Ministration above the Ministraon of the Prophets which Ministration was first by him in flesh afterwards in Spirit which is properly called the Ministration of the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.8 Now consider whether this sure word of Prophesie from the excellent Glory so immediately from the Majesty on High was not intended by him as a seal to the Faith of the Disciples as a seal to Christ's appearance in Flesh and to what he had taught them which was sometimes in Parables and not so fully understood by them and whether this was not more bright more ravishing more certain more establishing then his common Presence and Appearance among them and then the words which he from the Father not the Father so immediately himself spake to them For that which is given to confirm a thing is in order of nature and for evidence sake more certain and clear then that which it is given to confirm 5thly Consider Whether the Voice of Gods Spirit and Light within in the heart be not more clear and certain to him that hears it then any Word or Testimony from without Is it not a surer Word of Prophesie then this Relation or Testimony of the Apostles of what they heard from the excellent Glory yea is it not surer then any Testimony of the Scriptures or then all outward Testimonies put together 6thly Consider Whether they who are turned from Darkness to the Light even to the inward Manifestation of Gods holy Spirit ought not to give diligent heed unto it until the day dawn and the Day-Star arise in their hearts Lastly Consider What is the difference between this Light shining as a Word of Prophesie in the dark place and the day dawning and the Day-Star arising in the heart Is it not the same Light only further revealed and shining in it's glory in the holy and pure place The Apostle Paul excellently openeth the thing Coloss 1.25.20 27. First he speaketh of the Word in general which he was to fulfil or fully to preach Then he sheweth how this Word is a Mystery hid in the Gentiles for so the Greek vers 27. is even in them that believe not the Word is nigh there the Instruction and Commandment of Life nigh there But in those that receive the Grace and believe in the Light and so become children of the Light and walk in the Light as God is in the Light in them Christ is risen and they are risen together with him and he is in them the hope of glory So that the day hath dawned there the Day-Star hath arisen and they know not only a Measure of Grace from Christ but Christ himself arisen dwelling living acting walking in them and they in him Let these things be duly considered of and equally weighed in the holy Ballance and then I dare appeal to every serious and sober heart and mind Whether the inward Light the inward Word the word nigh in the mouth and heart and the holy living testimony thereof the voice of the Witness within of the Prophesie within be not surer to that man that hath it and hears and knows the voice of it then any outward voice or testimony whatsoever Object But some may object thus or after this manner I am satisfied that there is a Word nigh in the mouth and heart to which Moses did direct the Jews and the Apostles the Christians and that this Word doth enlighten the mind and doth separate in the mouth between words and words and is a swift Witness against the bad words and a Justifier of the good words which come from the truth and uprightness of the heart and are seasoned with grace I also believe that this Word is quick and powerful in the heart separating and dividing between the thoughts and intents there and that the testimony thereof is surer and clearer as to the hearts in which it shines and to them whose spiritual ears are opened to hear its voice then any words and testimonies from without And I am satisfied also that they who are the Sheep of Christ do thus hear the Shepherds Voice and do know both the Voice behind them when it comes after them to reprove their wandrings and direct their minds into the true Way and also the voice before them when the Shepherd who is the Leader putteth forth his Sheep and goeth before them and they follow him for they knew his Voice John 10.4 Yea I have had the experience hereof in my own heart for I have felt that work within and that living sweet testimony of Gods Spirit in my own heart which hath been more to me then all that ever I heard or read from without so that I can truly say with the Samaritans John 4.42 Now I believe not because of the testimonies or words I have heard from without but from the evidence and demonstration of Life and of Gods holy Spirit in my own heart Nor can I see how the
writing of the Law in the heart of the Commandment in the heart of the testimony of Life there For he had the Testimony within the Spirit within the Law within the Light within the inward and spiritual Kingdom wherein the holy dominion of God is revealed he knew within and so believing could speak of the power and glory thereof and of Gods wonderous works Psal 145. And when he said Thy Word is a Lamp unto my Feet and a Light unto my Path What Word did he mean Did he mean the Letter or Law outward or the Word nigh in the mouth and heart which Moses had testified of and directed the Jews to and he himself had been very well acquainted with When again he saith Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way and immediately giveth the answer By taking heed according to thy word Doth he mean the Letter without or the Word within What is it that cleanseth the heart that cleanseth the way Is it any less then the Water of Life then the Blood of the everlasting Covenant then the Word and Life of Truth within Sanctifie them by thy Truth thy Word is Truth In the sense of that inwardly and obedience to it is the renewing and Sanctification felt And so this brings to be undefiled in the way and to keep the testimonies of Life and preserves from doing iniquity Blessed are the undefiled in the way saith he who walk in the Law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his Testimonies that seek him with the whole heart They also do no iniquity c. Had he no experience of these things himself Yea surely He knew the holy heart the pure heart the new and heavenly Image the heart after Gods own heart and he knew what it was to walk in innocency and to be kept out of Sin Hear what he himself saith Psal 18.21 c. For I have kept the Wayes of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God For all his Judgements were before me and I did not put away his Statutes from me I was also upright before him and I kept my self from mine iniquity What was that Was not that it which had most power over him and was most apt to entangle and ensnare him Now he that arrives here he that doth this that keeps himself from his iniquity doubtless witnesseth great power and victory over lesser and smaller Sins Was not David strong in the Lord and in the Power of his might did not the Word of God abide in him did not he overcome the wicked one by the Power thereof How else could he walk thus in the Wayes of the Lord as he expresseth and keep himself from his iniquity Now this Word of Life these living Testimonies and Precepts yea the everlasting Ordinances and Statutes of the new Covenant with the sure mercies of David which Word Moses had testified of and directed to and David had experienced it being the Pearl he had treasured up and hid in his heart and which was the Word of Faith which Paul and the other Apostles preached and testified of turning men from darkness to this inward Light I say this Word this living Word and the inward Ministration thereof God hath revealed and made manifest in this our day and hath turned the minds of many to it and is daily inviting men to Shiloh's Streams to the living Waters to the Light and Habitation of the Living Blessed are they that hear the joyful sound and come to the holy Mount and City of our God where Life lives and reigns and is fed on by all the living who are Gods elect Gods Heritage Gods Vineyard of Red Wine Gods enclosed Garden whom he watcheth over night and day and watereth every moment and in whom he dwelleth and walketh and is to them a God and Father and maketh them daily sensible that they are his Servants Children and Spouse in whom is his great delight and on whose hearts and fore-heads is written Holiness to the Lord. Yea and the Lord will bless thee forever O Habitation of Justice and Mountain of Holiness and every tongue that riseth up in judgement against thee will the Lord God condemn for evermore This is the Heritage of the Servants of the Lord whom the Lord hath gathered by the Arm of his mighty Power inwardly revealed and stretched forth in them and for them and their righteousness is of me saith the Lord. Postscript There is a Scripture now openeth in me as it hath often done and it hath been very sweet to my Taste but I have not had freedom to give it forth to others as at this time it is with me to do It is that Scripture Rom. 9.18 Therefore hath he Mercy on whom he will have Mercy and whom he will he Hardeneth NOw many apprehend from this Scripture as I also formerly did That God hath Chosen out a certain Number of Persons on whom he will have Mercy and Save by Christ Jesus the Lord and that he hath passed over the rest so that they were never intended to have any Benefit by Christ's death as to their Eternal Salvation This the wisdom of man from the Letter of this Scripture and many other places may easily apprehend and strongly reason for But as the Lord openeth the mind and men come to a sense of his Nature and Spirit and his Intent in sending his Son and receive the Key which opens the Truth as it is in Jesus they will easily see that this is contrary to Gods Nature and his Intent in sending his Son and the universall Covenant of Light and Life and the manifest Testimony of the Scriptures First As touching the Nature of God His Nature is Love Love to all his Creatures He would not have it go ill with any of them He needeth not their Misery to make himself Happy His Nature is to love to Bless to Save not to Destroy or Cut off not to Afflict or Grieve the Children of men not to Hurt either the Body or Soul of any He preserveth man and Beast Psal 36.6 Secondly As touching his sending his Son He sent him in his Love to Mankind to save Mankind His Love was not to a few only but he loved all his Creatures he loved all lost Souls and he sent his Son to save them all He gave him Light to enlighten them all and he gave him Life to quicken them all only he dispenceth this in various wayes according to the Infinite Wisdom and Good Pleasure of his Father So that Thirdly the Covenant of Light and Life is universal and nigh all Mankind by which the darkest parts and corners of the Earth are at sometimes enlightened and feel somewhat of the Quickning Life For the life is the light of men and the light comes from the life and is a quick piercing quickning Light conveying Warmth and Life yea living Vertue into the darkest hearts as it moves and finds entertainment in them Lastly As for the Testimony