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 Isaac Pennington.
         Penington, Isaac, 1616-1679.
      
       
         
           1672
        
      
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             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 Isaac Pennington.
             Penington, Isaac, 1616-1679.
          
           96 p.
           
             s.n.],
             [London? :
             1672.
          
           
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           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
           s●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
           ●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
             inw●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
             be
             done
             ,
             as
             
               Deut.
            
             30.
             
             And
             this
             was
             the
             reason
             ,
             why
             God
             so
             often
             commanded
             the
             
               Jews
            
             to
             circumcise
             their
             hearts
             ,
             and
             to
             wash
             them
             and
             make
             them
             clean
             ,
             from
             their
             wicked
             wayes
             and
             vain
             thoughts
             ,
             because
             
               Moses
            
             had
             directed
             their
             minds
             to
             that
             ,
             and
             that
             was
             near
             to
             them
             ,
             wherein
             and
             whereby
             it
             might
             be
             done
             .
             In
             another
             place
             ,
             he
             bids
             them
             make
             them
             a
             new
             heart
             ,
             
               Ezek.
            
             18.31
             .
             how
             could
             that
             be
             done
             ?
             Why
             ,
             by
             turning
             to
             Gods
             Spirit
             which
             strove
             with
             them
             ,
             his
             Power
             would
             effect
             it
             in
             them
             :
             and
             men
             are
             said
             to
             purifie
             their
             hearts
             ,
             through
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             in
             loving
             and
             obeying
             the
             Truth
             which
             doth
             it
             ,
             1
             
               Pet.
            
             1.22
             .
             
               Joh.
            
             17.17
             .
          
           
             2
             
               dly
               ,
            
             by
             
               Job
               ,
            
             who
             speaks
             of
             Gods
             Candle
             shining
             upon
             his
             Head
             ,
             and
             of
             walking
             through
             Darkness
             by
             his
             Light
             ,
             
               Chap.
            
             29.30
             .
             He
             speaks
             likewise
             
             of
             those
             that
             rebel
             against
             the
             Light
             ,
             that
             know
             not
             the
             wayes
             thereof
             ,
             nor
             abide
             in
             the
             paths
             thereof
             ,
             
               Chap.
            
             24.13
             .
          
           
             3
             
               dly
               ,
            
             By
             
               David
               ,
            
             who
             by
             it
             saw
             through
             the
             tipes
             and
             shadows
             to
             the
             substance
             ,
             and
             grew
             wiser
             then
             his
             Teachers
             ,
             he
             knowing
             the
             Word
             within
             ,
             and
             having
             his
             Candle
             lighted
             by
             it
             ,
             so
             that
             he
             knew
             the
             inward
             Law
             which
             converts
             the
             soul
             ,
             and
             was
             led
             by
             Gods
             Light
             and
             Truth
             shining
             in
             his
             inward
             parts
             ,
             
               Psal
               .
            
             43.3
             .
          
           
             4
             
               thly
               ,
            
             By
             
               Solomon
               ,
               The
               Commandment
               is
               a
               Lamp
               ,
               and
               the
               Law
               Light
               ,
               and
               the
               reproofs
               of
               instruction
               the
               way
               of
               Life
               ,
            
             Prov.
             6.23
             .
             Every
             one
             that
             experienceth
             the
             Light
             ,
             the
             Law
             ,
             the
             Commandment
             within
             ,
             knoweth
             it
             to
             be
             thus
             .
             Again
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             
               The
               Path
               of
               the
               just
               is
               as
               the
               shining
               Light
               ,
               that
               shineth
               
               more
               and
               more
               unto
               the
               perfect
               day
               ,
            
             Chap.
             4.18
             .
             Just
             as
             a
             Light
             ,
             which
             shines
             outwardly
             ,
             is
             to
             the
             outward
             man
             :
             such
             is
             the
             inward
             Light
             to
             the
             inward
             man
             ;
             ye
             more
             :
             for
             inwardly
             ,
             the
             Light
             and
             the
             Way
             is
             all
             one
             .
             Christ
             is
             the
             way
             ,
             the
             Truth
             and
             the
             Life
             ,
             which
             are
             three
             names
             of
             one
             and
             the
             same
             thing
             .
             And
             he
             that
             walks
             in
             the
             Light
             ,
             walks
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Life
             and
             Holiness
             ;
             which
             he
             that
             walks
             in
             the
             darkness
             ,
             walks
             out
             of
             .
             I
             shall
             mention
             but
             one
             place
             more
             ,
             which
             is
             very
             differently
             rendred
             ,
             it
             is
             
               Chap.
            
             20.27
             .
             The
             new
             Translation
             renders
             it
             thus
             ,
             
               The
               Spirit
               of
               man
               is
               the
               Candle
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               searching
               all
               the
               inward
               parts
               of
               the
               belly
               .
            
             The
             Old
             thus
             ,
             
               The
               Light
               of
               the
               Lord
               is
               the
               breath
               of
               man
               ,
               and
               searcheth
               all
               the
               bowels
               of
               the
               belly
               .
            
             The
             heart
             of
             man
             ,
             (
             the
             unregenerate
             mind
             ,
             the
             unregenerate
             spirit
             )
             is
             deceitfull
             above
             all
             things
             and
             desperately
             wicked
             :
             
             that
             whereby
             God
             searcheth
             it
             ,
             is
             his
             Light
             ,
             his
             Candle
             ,
             his
             own
             Holy
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             5
             
               thly
               ,
            
             By
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             as
             
               Jsaiah
               ,
               Jeremy
               ,
               Ezekiel
               ,
               Micah
               ,
               &c.
            
             who
             said
             ,
             
               He
               hath
               shewed
               thee
               ,
               O
               man
               ,
               what
               is
               good
               ;
               and
               what
               doth
               the
               Lord
               require
               of
               thee
               ,
               but
               to
               do
               justly
               ,
               and
               to
               Love
               mercy
               ,
               and
               to
               humble
               thy self
               to
               walk
               with
               thy
               God
               ?
            
             Chap.
             6.8
             .
             How
             doth
             God
             shew
             this
             to
             mankind
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             inward
             Light
             of
             his
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             6
             
               thly
               ,
            
             By
             
               John
               Baptist
               ,
            
             who
             was
             the
             fore-runner
             ,
             and
             testified
             of
             Christ
             as
             of
             the
             inward
             and
             spiritual
             Baptizer
             who
             had
             his
             Fan
             in
             his
             hand
             :
             what
             is
             that
             ?
             What
             doth
             Christ
             Fan
             with
             ?
             What
             doth
             he
             fan
             ,
             and
             with
             what
             ?
             The
             Light
             within
             is
             a
             Fan
             ,
             the
             Spirit
             within
             ,
             is
             a
             Spirit
             of
             Judgment
             and
             burning
             :
             it
             scatters
             the
             darkness
             ,
             ye●
             
             it
             consumes
             and
             burns
             up
             the
             Dross
             and
             Stubble
             there
             .
          
           
             7
             
               thly
               ,
            
             By
             Christ
             himself
             ,
             who
             said
             ,
             
               This
               is
               the
               condemnation
               ,
               that
               Light
               is
               come
               into
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               men
               loved
               darkness
               rather
               then
               Light
               ,
               because
               their
               deeds
               were
               evil
               ,
            
             John
             3.19
             .
             Mark
             how
             Christ
             preached
             the
             Light
             (
             the
             Seed
             ,
             the
             Kingdom
             ,
             the
             Leaven
             )
             and
             bid
             men
             bring
             their
             deeds
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             blamed
             them
             that
             did
             not
             ,
             
               ver
               .
            
             20.21
             .
             How
             can
             there
             be
             an
             inward
             
               Jew
               ,
            
             an
             inward
             Circumcision
             ,
             without
             an
             inward
             Law
             ,
             inward
             Light
             ,
             an
             inward
             Testimony
             ?
             and
             to
             this
             inward
             Law
             and
             Testimony
             ,
             must
             the
             inward
             
               Jew
            
             daily
             have
             recourse
             ,
             and
             bring
             his
             deeds
             thither
             ,
             to
             be
             judged
             and
             scanned
             there
             .
             Again
             ,
             Christ
             saith
             ,
             
               I
               am
               the
               Light
               of
               the
               World
               :
               he
               that
               followeth
               me
               ,
               shall
               not
               walk
               in
               darkness
               ,
               but
               shall
               have
               the
               Light
               of
               Life
               ,
            
             Chap.
             8.12
             .
             How
             is
             Christ
             the
             Light
             
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             or
             how
             was
             Christ
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             World
             ?
             Was
             he
             only
             so
             ,
             as
             he
             appeared
             in
             that
             body
             of
             flesh
             ?
             Is
             he
             not
             so
             in
             his
             inward
             and
             spiritual
             appearance
             ?
             Is
             he
             not
             the
             Universal
             Light
             ,
             the
             Son
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             which
             enlighteneth
             the
             whole
             dark
             World
             ?
             Yet
             again
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               Yet
               a
               little
               while
               is
               the
               light
               with
               you
               ;
               walk
               while
               ye
               have
               the
               light
               ,
               lest
               darkness
               come
               upon
               you
               :
               for
               he
               that
               walketh
               in
               darkness
               ,
               knoweth
               not
               whither
               he
               goeth
               .
               While
               ye
               have
               the
               light
               ,
               believe
               in
               the
               light
               ,
               that
               ye
               may
               be
               the
               Children
               of
               light
               ,
            
             Chap.
             12.35.36
             .
             This
             is
             Christs
             direction
             to
             men
             how
             they
             may
             become
             true
             Believers
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             by
             believing
             in
             the
             Light.
             The
             Light
             shines
             in
             the
             darkness
             (
             
               ye
               were
               darkness
            
             )
             and
             by
             believing
             in
             it
             ,
             men
             become
             Children
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             8
             
               thly
               ,
            
             By
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             
               Evangelists
               .
            
             They
             were
             sent
             to
             turn
             men
             from
             Darkness
             to
             Light
             ,
             
               Acts.
            
             26.18
             .
             and
             
             they
             testified
             of
             the
             Light
             they
             were
             to
             turn
             men
             to
             :
             delivered
             their
             message
             that
             God
             was
             Light
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             him
             was
             no
             darkness
             at
             all
             .
             They
             preached
             Christ
             the
             Light
             ,
             the
             Life
             ,
             the
             Way
             ,
             the
             Truth
             .
             They
             turned
             men
             from
             Satans
             spirit
             which
             is
             darkness
             ,
             to
             Gods
             Spirit
             which
             is
             Light.
             
          
           
             
               John
            
             the
             Evangelist
             testified
             of
             
               the
               Word
               which
               was
               in
               the
               beginning
               ,
            
             and
             said
             ,
             
               In
               him
               was
               life
               ,
               and
               the
               Life
               was
               the
               Light
               of
               men
               .
               And
               the
               light
               shineth
               in
               darkness
               ,
               and
               the
               darkness
               comprehended
               it
               not
               ,
            
             Chap.
             1.4
             ,
             5.
             
             And
             again
             saith
             ,
             speaking
             of
             him
             ,
             
               That
               was
               the
               true
               light
               ,
               which
               lighteth
               every
               man
               that
               cometh
               into
               the
               world
               ,
            
             vers
             .
             9.
             
          
           
             
               Paul
            
             saith
             ,
             
               whatsoever
               doth
               make
               manifest
               is
               Light
               ,
            
             Ehes
             .
             5.3
             .
             Wherefore
             
               Awake
               thou
               that
               sleepest
               ,
               and
               arise
               from
               the
               dead
            
             (
             vers
             .
             14.
             )
             for
             God
             hath
             sent
             forth
             the
             Light
             of
             his
             Son
             to
             rouse
             
             thee
             .
             Again
             ,
             he
             professedly
             averreth
             ,
             that
             the
             word
             nigh
             in
             the
             mouth
             and
             heart
             ,
             was
             that
             Word
             of
             Faith
             which
             he
             preached
             ,
             
               Rom.
            
             10.8
             .
             If
             so
             ,
             then
             that
             is
             the
             Word
             of
             faith
             which
             is
             to
             be
             believed
             in
             ,
             if
             men
             would
             believe
             in
             Christ
             and
             be
             saved
             by
             him
             .
          
           
             
               James
            
             speaketh
             of
             God
             as
             the
             father
             of
             Lights
             ,
             from
             whom
             every
             good
             and
             perfect
             Gift
             proceedeth
             ,
             
               Chap.
            
             1.17
             .
             Then
             surely
             from
             him
             is
             the
             Grace
             ,
             and
             the
             Gift
             (
             the
             free
             Gift
             )
             by
             Grace
             ,
             which
             is
             upon
             all
             to
             Justification
             of
             life
             ,
             that
             receive
             it
             and
             follow
             the
             teachings
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             
               Peter
            
             speaks
             of
             the
             more
             sure
             word
             of
             prophesie
             ,
             to
             which
             men
             should
             take
             heed
             ;
             and
             wait
             ,
             in
             taking
             heed
             to
             that
             ,
             for
             the
             dawning
             of
             the
             day
             ,
             and
             the
             arising
             of
             the
             Day-Star
             in
             the
             heart
             ,
             2
             
               Pet.
            
             1.19
             .
             Indeed
             ,
             all
             men
             ought
             to
             wait
             for
             ,
             and
             give
             heed
             to
             the
             Light
             of
             
             God's
             holy
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             holy
             Prophesies
             ,
             Warnings
             and
             Directions
             thereof
             in
             their
             hearts
             .
          
           
             And
             
               John
               ,
            
             at
             last
             as
             I
             may
             say
             ,
             in
             that
             Book
             of
             the
             Revelation
             (
             closing
             up
             the
             Testimony
             of
             that
             Age
             and
             Generation
             )
             speaks
             of
             walking
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             Lamb
             ,
             
               Chap.
            
             21.23
             ,
             24.
             (
             which
             every
             one
             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
             ●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
             ●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
             Lord
             reacheth
             to
             the
             pure
             Principle
             of
             Life
             and
             Light
             in
             the
             heart
             ,
             in
             the
             seasons
             of
             his
             good
             Pleasure
             .
             This
             being
             reached
             to
             and
             touched
             by
             the
             Lord
             ,
             answers
             his
             touch
             ,
             his
             visit
             ,
             his
             call
             :
             and
             the
             mind
             being
             turned
             to
             it
             ,
             sensible
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             willing
             to
             let
             it
             into
             its
             nature
             and
             spirit
             ,
             and
             to
             become
             one
             with
             it
             ,
             (
             suffering
             with
             it
             and
             bearing
             its
             Cross
             ;
             )
             the
             Seed
             cometh
             to
             grow
             there
             ,
             the
             Light
             which
             was
             hid
             and
             
             overwhelmed
             under
             the
             Earth
             (
             under
             the
             earthly
             Wisdom
             ,
             the
             earthly
             Will
             ,
             the
             earthly
             Knowledge
             ,
             the
             earthly
             Desires
             ,
             the
             Earthly
             Delights
             ,
             &c.
             )
             cometh
             to
             be
             lighted
             up
             there
             ,
             yea
             the
             life
             cometh
             to
             be
             quickened
             more
             and
             more
             ,
             and
             the
             holy
             Leaven
             to
             spread
             more
             and
             more
             there
             .
             And
             this
             sensible
             Plant
             of
             God's
             Renown
             being
             thus
             entertained
             ,
             and
             being
             not
             afterwards
             grieved
             ,
             dispised
             ,
             quenched
             or
             hurt
             ,
             by
             the
             giving
             way
             to
             and
             letting
             in
             of
             that
             which
             is
             contrary
             to
             it
             ,
             it
             shooteth
             up
             into
             a
             Kingdom
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             into
             a
             Tree
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             within
             the
             compass
             whereof
             and
             under
             the
             shadow
             whereof
             the
             Soul
             sitteth
             down
             in
             Peace
             and
             Rest
             ,
             and
             is
             defended
             and
             nourished
             with
             that
             which
             is
             pure
             and
             living
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             the
             pure
             Sap
             and
             Vertue
             ;
             and
             so
             becomes
             strong
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Power
             of
             his
             Might
             ,
             against
             the
             power
             and
             strength
             
             of
             darkness
             .
             Now
             this
             all
             men
             may
             experience
             ,
             (
             at
             first
             in
             some
             low
             measure
             and
             degree
             ,
             and
             afterwards
             more
             and
             more
             )
             as
             they
             come
             to
             feel
             after
             ,
             and
             have
             a
             sense
             of
             that
             which
             is
             of
             God
             and
             good
             in
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             come
             to
             joyn
             and
             give
             up
             to
             it
             .
             For
             then
             it
             will
             be
             working
             against
             and
             purging
             out
             that
             which
             is
             of
             a
             contrary
             nature
             ,
             and
             overspreading
             the
             heart
             with
             its
             own
             Nature
             :
             insomuch
             as
             ,
             that
             which
             was
             the
             least
             ,
             will
             become
             the
             greatest
             ;
             and
             that
             which
             was
             the
             lowest
             of
             all
             (
             and
             indeed
             trampled
             under
             foot
             )
             will
             rise
             up
             into
             Dominion
             and
             Power
             over
             all
             ,
             and
             bring
             all
             under
             .
             So
             that
             the
             lofty
             City
             ,
             the
             lofty
             building
             of
             fleshly
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             of
             Sin
             and
             Iniquity
             in
             the
             heart
             ,
             will
             be
             laid
             low
             ;
             and
             the
             feet
             of
             the
             Seed
             shall
             tread
             it
             down
             ,
             even
             the
             feet
             of
             that
             which
             was
             once
             poor
             and
             needy
             ,
             until
             it
             was
             anointed
             ,
             and
             its
             Horn
             exalted
             by
             the
             Lord.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             Quest
             .
             4.
             
             
               HOw
               is
               the
               Light
               or
               Candle
               of
               the
               Lord
               diminished
               ,
               and
               at
               length
               extinguished
               or
               put
               out
               in
               some
               ?
               or
               how
               cometh
               that
               about
               ?
            
          
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
             By
             their
             neglecting
             ,
             despising
             ,
             quenching
             it
             ,
             hearkening
             and
             giving
             way
             to
             the
             contrary
             spirit
             in
             its
             Motions
             and
             Temptations
             .
             For
             as
             the
             Good
             ,
             let
             in
             ,
             stops
             and
             works
             out
             the
             Evil
             :
             so
             the
             Evil
             let
             in
             stops
             and
             works
             out
             the
             Good.
             So
             the
             
             Philistine-nature
             ,
             given
             way
             to
             ,
             stops
             the
             inward
             Well
             ,
             which
             
               Jacob
            
             had
             digged
             and
             opened
             .
             There
             is
             a
             time
             wherein
             Life
             is
             a
             Mystery
             ,
             a
             Fountain
             sealed
             ;
             and
             there
             is
             a
             time
             wherein
             God
             unseals
             the
             Fountain
             and
             opens
             the
             Mystery
             in
             the
             heart
             .
             O
             then
             great
             care
             is
             to
             be
             had
             ,
             and
             the
             Soul
             is
             to
             lie
             very
             low
             in
             the
             pure
             Fear
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             continue
             in
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             walk
             
             worthy
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             that
             the
             Fountain
             may
             be
             kept
             open
             ,
             and
             the
             pure
             Springs
             of
             the
             holy
             Land
             flow
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             sealed
             and
             shut
             up
             again
             .
             For
             there
             are
             some
             that
             rebel
             against
             the
             Light
             ,
             and
             they
             dwell
             in
             a
             dry
             Land.
             There
             were
             some
             that
             did
             alwayes
             resist
             ,
             and
             vex
             God's
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord's
             Spirit
             ceased
             striving
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             gave
             them
             up
             to
             a
             reprobate
             sense
             and
             judgement
             concerning
             the
             things
             of
             God.
             There
             are
             some
             that
             do
             not
             improve
             God's
             good
             Talent
             ,
             and
             from
             them
             that
             which
             was
             once
             given
             ,
             is
             again
             taken
             away
             .
             Yea
             the
             Candle
             of
             the
             Wicked
             shall
             one
             time
             or
             other
             be
             put
             out
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             be
             silent
             in
             darkness
             ,
             and
             their
             Mouth
             stopped
             from
             having
             any
             thing
             to
             say
             against
             God
             ,
             his
             Truth
             and
             People
             for
             evermore
             .
             And
             all
             men
             had
             need
             to
             take
             heed
             ,
             how
             they
             be
             wanton
             with
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             despise
             the
             day
             of
             their
             visitation
             
             by
             the
             holy
             Light
             of
             God's
             Spirit
             :
             for
             if
             God
             take
             away
             the
             Talent
             ,
             if
             God
             put
             out
             the
             inward
             Candle
             ,
             who
             can
             light
             it
             again
             ?
             O
             how
             did
             poor
             
               David
               ,
            
             the
             man
             after
             God's
             own
             Heart
             suffer
             ,
             by
             letting
             the
             Enemy's
             temptations
             in
             upon
             him
             ,
             
               Cast
               me
               not
               away
               from
               thy
               Presence
               ,
               said
               he
               ,
               and
               take
               not
               thy
               holy
               Spirit
               from
               me
               .
            
             Indeed
             he
             did
             lose
             his
             condition
             at
             the
             present
             ,
             and
             he
             speaks
             as
             a
             man
             in
             danger
             of
             being
             quite
             undone
             ;
             though
             afterwards
             he
             came
             to
             Comfort
             and
             Assurance
             ,
             that
             God
             would
             restore
             to
             him
             the
             Joy
             of
             his
             Salvation
             ,
             and
             light
             his
             Candle
             and
             enlighten
             his
             Darkness
             again
             .
          
           
             But
             I
             am
             not
             insensible
             of
             what
             doubts
             and
             disputes
             there
             are
             in
             mens
             minds
             ,
             about
             this
             Testimony
             which
             we
             give
             (
             from
             certain
             knowledge
             and
             true
             experience
             )
             concerning
             the
             Light
             ,
             wherewith
             God
             enlighteneth
             Souls
             .
             At
             first
             ,
             when
             the
             Testimony
             first
             
             came
             forth
             ,
             men
             would
             not
             grant
             such
             a
             thing
             ,
             as
             a
             Light
             from
             God
             in
             men
             ,
             which
             convinced
             of
             and
             reproved
             for
             Sin.
             But
             now
             there
             are
             many
             will
             assent
             to
             that
             ,
             who
             yet
             cannot
             believe
             it
             to
             be
             a
             Measure
             of
             the
             Grace
             and
             Truth
             which
             comes
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             it
             the
             Sufficiency
             and
             Power
             of
             God
             is
             revealed
             against
             the
             strength
             and
             power
             of
             Satan
             .
             But
             let
             such
             seriously
             consider
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             who
             they
             are
             that
             have
             testified
             and
             testifie
             of
             this
             Light
             ?
             They
             are
             Persons
             who
             ,
             generally
             ,
             have
             been
             deeply
             exercised
             in
             Religion
             :
             Persons
             ,
             who
             have
             read
             the
             Scriptures
             very
             diligently
             ,
             with
             much
             praying
             and
             waiting
             upon
             God
             for
             the
             true
             ,
             certain
             and
             clear
             understanding
             of
             them
             :
             Persons
             ,
             who
             (
             several
             of
             them
             )
             have
             had
             experience
             of
             most
             (
             if
             not
             all
             other
             )
             separated
             Wayes
             ;
             but
             could
             never
             meet
             with
             the
             Answer
             
             of
             the
             Cry
             of
             their
             Souls
             ,
             nor
             with
             Satisfaction
             to
             that
             Birth
             ,
             which
             breathed
             in
             them
             after
             the
             Lord
             ,
             night
             and
             day
             .
          
           
             2dly
             ,
             What
             their
             Testimony
             is
             ,
             which
             is
             manifold
             ,
             as
             first
             ,
             That
             they
             were
             by
             the
             Lord
             (
             even
             by
             his
             holy
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             shinings
             and
             springings
             of
             his
             precious
             Seed
             in
             them
             )
             turned
             to
             this
             light
             ,
             and
             shewn
             it
             to
             be
             of
             God.
             2dly
             ,
             That
             in
             turning
             to
             it
             ,
             they
             still
             met
             with
             the
             Presence
             ,
             Appearance
             ,
             and
             Power
             of
             the
             Lord
             working
             in
             their
             hearts
             .
             3dly
             ,
             That
             it
             did
             not
             only
             discover
             Sin
             to
             them
             ,
             but
             also
             powerfully
             resist
             it
             ,
             fight
             against
             it
             and
             bring
             it
             under
             ;
             which
             no
             light
             and
             power
             ,
             besides
             the
             Light
             and
             Power
             of
             God's
             Spirit
             can
             do
             .
             4thly
             ,
             That
             the
             Life
             of
             the
             Son
             is
             manifested
             and
             revealed
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             they
             come
             therein
             truly
             to
             see
             ,
             and
             taste
             and
             handle
             the
             Word
             of
             eternal
             Life
             .
             5thly
             ,
             That
             in
             this
             Light
             they
             come
             to
             witness
             cleansing
             
             by
             the
             Blood
             of
             the
             Lamb
             ,
             and
             the
             everlasting
             Covenant
             made
             with
             them
             (
             even
             the
             sure
             Mercies
             of
             
               David
            
             )
             and
             the
             holy
             and
             precious
             Promises
             fulfilled
             in
             them
             ,
             whereby
             they
             are
             made
             Partakers
             of
             the
             divine
             Nature
             ,
             and
             come
             to
             witness
             an
             enterance
             into
             the
             holy
             City
             ,
             and
             drink
             of
             the
             Streams
             of
             the
             pure
             Chrystal
             River
             ,
             which
             refresh
             and
             make
             glad
             the
             City
             of
             our
             God
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Tabernacles
             wherein
             he
             dwels
             .
             Lastly
             ,
             to
             mention
             no
             more
             ,
             the
             Lord
             hath
             shewn
             them
             ,
             how
             this
             had
             been
             formerly
             with
             them
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             dayes
             of
             their
             former
             Profession
             ;
             and
             how
             God
             had
             wrought
             by
             this
             in
             them
             in
             former
             times
             ,
             though
             they
             then
             knew
             it
             not
             ;
             and
             that
             all
             their
             Ability
             then
             to
             understand
             any
             thing
             of
             God
             aright
             ,
             or
             to
             pray
             unto
             him
             ,
             or
             reap
             any
             true
             benefit
             from
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             was
             through
             the
             stirring
             of
             this
             in
             them
             ,
             whereby
             God
             even
             then
             in
             some
             measure
             
             enlightened
             and
             quickened
             their
             minds
             .
             For
             ,
             there
             being
             such
             a
             Principle
             in
             man
             ,
             it
             works
             variously
             ,
             and
             many
             times
             when
             he
             is
             not
             aware
             of
             it
             :
             and
             he
             hath
             benefit
             thereby
             ,
             if
             he
             resist
             it
             not
             ,
             but
             receive
             its
             influence
             and
             operation
             ,
             though
             he
             hath
             not
             the
             distinct
             knowledge
             and
             discerning
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             3dly
             ,
             Again
             consider
             ,
             Whether
             the
             Light
             of
             Christs
             Spirit
             ,
             or
             the
             Grace
             and
             Truth
             which
             is
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             hath
             not
             this
             property
             of
             discovering
             ,
             convincing
             and
             reproving
             for
             sin
             ?
             Doubtless
             the
             Law
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             life
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             ,
             in
             the
             lowest
             Ministration
             of
             it
             ,
             is
             of
             that
             nature
             that
             it
             discovereth
             ,
             and
             fighteth
             against
             the
             Law
             of
             sin
             and
             death
             ,
             wherever
             it
             finds
             it
             .
             And
             whether
             the
             Comforter
             ,
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             of
             Truth
             ,
             who
             leads
             out
             of
             all
             Error
             and
             Falshood
             and
             into
             all
             Truth
             ,
             is
             not
             as
             well
             to
             be
             known
             by
             this
             ,
             even
             by
             his
             convincing
             
             the
             world
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             inwardly
             reproving
             for
             sin
             ,
             as
             by
             his
             comforting
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             in
             their
             holy
             Travels
             out
             of
             sin
             and
             Battels
             against
             sin
             ?
          
           
             Consider
             4thly
             ,
             Whether
             any
             thing
             can
             convince
             of
             sin
             ,
             but
             the
             Light
             of
             God's
             holy
             Spirit
             shining
             in
             the
             heart
             ?
             There
             may
             be
             an
             outward
             Declaration
             of
             sin
             by
             the
             Law
             outward
             ;
             but
             it
             never
             reacheth
             the
             heart
             and
             Conscience
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             shining
             of
             the
             Light
             inward
             :
             Nay
             ,
             it
             cannot
             so
             much
             as
             reach
             to
             the
             understanding
             ,
             but
             as
             God
             opens
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             brings
             home
             the
             conviction
             by
             his
             Light
             and
             Power
             .
             This
             we
             have
             experience
             of
             in
             the
             
               Jews
               ,
            
             who
             though
             the
             Prophets
             came
             with
             certain
             evidence
             and
             demonstration
             from
             God's
             Spirit
             ,
             yet
             they
             were
             not
             convinced
             thereby
             ,
             but
             stood
             it
             out
             against
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             justified
             themselves
             against
             the
             Voice
             and
             
             Word
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             their
             Eyes
             being
             closed
             ,
             their
             Ears
             shut
             and
             Hearts
             hardened
             against
             that
             of
             God
             in
             them
             ,
             as
             may
             be
             read
             in
             
               Jeremiah
               ,
               Chap.
            
             2.
             and
             in
             divers
             other
             places
             ,
             even
             to
             Admiration
             .
             And
             what
             wickedness
             is
             so
             great
             ,
             which
             the
             hardened
             man
             will
             not
             plead
             for
             ,
             and
             be
             defending
             and
             justifying
             himself
             in
             ?
             Yea
             ,
             if
             God
             do
             open
             mens
             understandings
             in
             some
             measure
             ,
             so
             that
             they
             cannot
             but
             confess
             such
             and
             such
             things
             to
             be
             evil
             in
             general
             (
             as
             Pride
             ,
             covetousness
             ,
             drunkenness
             ,
             riotousness
             ,
             excess
             in
             apparel
             ,
             lying
             ,
             swearing
             ,
             &c.
             )
             yet
             they
             are
             not
             able
             to
             see
             the
             evil
             and
             danger
             of
             these
             things
             in
             and
             to
             themselves
             ,
             but
             have
             covers
             and
             excuses
             to
             hide
             them
             ,
             unless
             the
             inward
             Light
             and
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             search
             their
             hearts
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             manifest
             to
             them
             .
          
           
             5thly
             ,
             Consider
             the
             weight
             and
             proper
             tendency
             of
             these
             two
             Scriptures
             ,
             
             and
             do
             not
             form
             another
             meaning
             ,
             and
             so
             put
             off
             the
             drift
             and
             intent
             of
             God's
             holy
             Spirit
             in
             them
             .
             The
             first
             is
             that
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             Ephes
             .
             5.13.14
             .
             
               But
               all
               things
               that
               are
               reproved
               ,
               are
               made
               manifest
               by
               the
               Light
               :
               For
               whatsoever
               doth
               make
               manifest
               ,
               is
               Light.
               Wherefore
               he
               saith
               ,
               Awake
               thou
               that
               sheepest
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             Every
             man
             is
             bid
             to
             Awake
             ,
             because
             every
             man
             hath
             some
             proportion
             of
             that
             in
             him
             ,
             which
             (
             if
             hearkened
             to
             )
             will
             reprove
             ,
             rouse
             up
             and
             awaken
             him
             ,
             and
             lead
             him
             from
             among
             the
             dead
             ,
             to
             him
             who
             gives
             the
             Light
             and
             causeth
             it
             to
             shine
             in
             him
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             his
             darkness
             and
             corruption
             ,
             that
             it
             might
             awaken
             him
             out
             of
             it
             .
             The
             other
             Scripture
             is
             that
             of
             
               Gal.
            
             5.
             
             ●7
             .
             where
             the
             Apostle
             speaks
             of
             the
             Flesh
             its
             lusting
             against
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             Spirit
             against
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             and
             that
             these
             two
             are
             contrary
             .
             Did
             not
             God's
             Spirit
             strive
             with
             the
             old
             World
             ?
             not
             only
             with
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             
             had
             corrupted
             themselves
             ,
             but
             with
             the
             rest
             also
             ?
             And
             what
             is
             it
             that
             hath
             striven
             with
             wicked
             men
             since
             ,
             and
             that
             doth
             strive
             with
             wicked
             men
             still
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             the
             same
             good
             Spirit
             ?
             What
             is
             it
             also
             that
             inwardly
             resists
             and
             lusts
             against
             the
             Will
             and
             strivings
             of
             God's
             Spirit
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             Flesh
             ?
             So
             here
             are
             the
             two
             Seeds
             ,
             the
             two
             Principles
             (
             which
             are
             contrary
             one
             to
             the
             other
             )
             near
             man.
             For
             there
             is
             the
             Creature
             man
             (
             which
             of
             right
             is
             the
             Lords
             )
             into
             whom
             the
             Destroyer
             hath
             gained
             enterance
             ,
             and
             in
             whom
             he
             rules
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             Sin
             and
             Death
             .
             Now
             ,
             he
             who
             made
             man
             seeketh
             after
             him
             ,
             and
             findeth
             out
             his
             Enemy
             in
             man
             ,
             and
             giveth
             forth
             a
             Law
             against
             him
             inwardly
             in
             the
             heart
             :
             which
             so
             far
             as
             any
             man
             gives
             ear
             to
             ,
             believes
             and
             receives
             ,
             there
             ariseth
             presently
             a
             fight
             and
             striving
             between
             these
             two
             contrary
             Principles
             in
             him
             ,
             so
             that
             this
             man
             cannot
             do
             the
             things
             that
             
             he
             would
             .
             Now
             that
             which
             thus
             strives
             against
             sin
             in
             any
             man
             ,
             and
             troubles
             him
             because
             of
             sin
             ,
             reproving
             and
             condemning
             him
             for
             it
             ;
             that
             is
             of
             another
             nature
             then
             the
             Flesh
             ,
             (
             which
             harbours
             sin
             )
             and
             contrary
             to
             it
             .
          
           
             Lastly
             ,
             consider
             the
             great
             love
             of
             God
             to
             mankind
             ,
             and
             the
             great
             care
             he
             hath
             of
             them
             .
             First
             ,
             as
             touching
             their
             Bodies
             .
             How
             doth
             he
             provide
             for
             the
             Bodies
             of
             all
             mankind
             !
             He
             would
             have
             none
             hurt
             ,
             none
             destroyed
             ,
             but
             feedeth
             all
             ,
             nourisheth
             all
             ,
             making
             plentiful
             provision
             and
             giving
             fruitful
             seasons
             ,
             causing
             his
             Sun
             to
             shine
             and
             his
             Rain
             to
             descend
             on
             all
             .
             Then
             ,
             as
             to
             their
             Souls
             :
             He
             knoweth
             the
             preciousness
             thereof
             ,
             and
             what
             the
             loss
             of
             a
             Soul
             is
             :
             yea
             he
             knoweth
             how
             eager
             the
             Devourer
             is
             to
             destroy
             ,
             and
             setteth
             himself
             against
             him
             .
             He
             is
             the
             Father
             of
             Spirits
             ,
             and
             his
             Son
             the
             Shepherd
             and
             Bishop
             of
             Souls
             ,
             
             whose
             nature
             it
             is
             to
             gather
             and
             save
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             said
             expresly
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             the
             Testimony
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Truth
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             ●ave
             all
             to
             be
             saved
             and
             come
             to
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Truth
             .
             And
             whereas
             it
             was
             said
             to
             the
             
               Jews
               ,
            
             that
             God
             was
             as
             the
             Potter
             ,
             and
             they
             as
             the
             Clay
             ;
             and
             he
             could
             make
             them
             Vessels
             either
             of
             honour
             or
             dishonour
             at
             his
             pleasure
             ,
             
               Jer.
            
             18.6
             .
             yet
             it
             was
             said
             to
             this
             end
             ,
             even
             to
             invite
             and
             incourage
             them
             to
             be
             subject
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             be
             made
             Vessels
             of
             honour
             by
             him
             ,
             as
             appears
             
               ver
               .
            
             11.
             
          
           
             Now
             consider
             ;
             If
             God
             be
             as
             tender
             of
             souls
             ,
             as
             of
             the
             bodies
             of
             men
             ;
             doth
             he
             not
             make
             provision
             for
             the
             soul
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             for
             the
             body
             ?
             Would
             he
             not
             have
             the
             soul
             live
             ,
             and
             would
             he
             not
             have
             the
             soul
             fed
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             body
             ?
             If
             so
             :
             then
             needs
             must
             the
             light
             of
             his
             holy
             Spirit
             shine
             inwardly
             throughout
             all
             Nations
             ,
             and
             
             the
             saving
             Grace
             and
             Power
             be
             manifest
             everywhere
             ,
             even
             in
             every
             heart
             ,
             in
             some
             measure
             ,
             and
             the
             Flesh
             and
             Blood
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             (
             which
             is
             the
             souls
             food
             )
             be
             distributed
             to
             all
             .
             And
             truly
             ,
             the
             Lord
             is
             not
             an
             hard
             Master
             to
             any
             ,
             (
             as
             the
             unprofitable
             Servant
             ,
             in
             every
             Dispensation
             ,
             is
             ready
             to
             account
             of
             him
             :
             )
             for
             the
             times
             of
             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
           ●he
           Prophesies
           of
           the
           Prophets
           that
           Christ
           should
           be
           born
           in
           
             Bethlehem
             ,
          
           and
           ●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
             Apostle
          
           Peter
           
             in
             this
             place
             ,
             can
             prefer
             the
             Testimonies
             of
             the
             Prophets
             (
             for
             that
             which
             is
             called
             the
             new
             Testament
             ,
             was
             not
             yet
             written
             and
             added
             to
             the
             old
             )
             before
             this
             glorious
             immediate
             Testimony
             from
             God
             Almighty
             ,
             which
             Christ
             was
             honoured
             with
             ,
             and
             they
             were
             greatly
             honoured
             in
             being
             admitted
             to
             be
             Beholders
             and
             Witnesses
             of
             .
             Yet
             somewhat
             sticks
             with
             me
             ,
             namely
             those
             words
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
          
           ver
           .
           20.21
           .
           
             wherein
             he
             plainly
             seems
             to
             me
             to
             speak
             of
             the
             Scriptures
             or
             Writings
             of
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             as
             if
             that
             had
             been
             the
             more
             sure
             Word
             of
             Prophesie
             ,
             which
             in
             this
             place
             he
             had
             directed
             to
             .
             For
             why
             should
             he
             say
             thus
             ,
          
           Knowing
           this
           first
           ,
           &c.
           
             unless
             he
             had
             intended
             the
             same
             Word
             of
             Prophesie
             ,
             which
             he
             had
             been
             speaking
             of
             before
             ,
             and
             directing
             their
             minds
             how
             they
             might
             make
             use
             of
             that
             Word
             of
             Prophesie
             ?
          
        
         
           
             Answ
             .
             Peter
          
           was
           the
           Minister
           of
           the
           Circumcision
           ,
           and
           he
           was
           to
           deal
           with
           people
           who
           were
           great
           Admirers
           and
           Studiers
           of
           the
           Letter
           .
           Therefore
           
           though
           he
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           
             Paul
          
           and
           
             John
          
           and
           the
           other
           Apostles
           (
           
             Rom.
          
           10.
           and
           
             Acts
          
           26.18
           .
           and
           1
           
             John
          
           1.
           )
           was
           to
           direct
           men
           to
           the
           Word
           within
           and
           Light
           within
           :
           yet
           he
           knew
           it
           was
           of
           great
           concernment
           to
           them
           ,
           rightly
           to
           read
           and
           be
           able
           to
           understand
           the
           Letter
           without
           .
           Therefore
           having
           first
           directed
           them
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           prophesie
           ,
           to
           the
           Path
           of
           the
           Just
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           inward
           shining
           Light
           ,
           to
           the
           Light
           which
           shines
           more
           and
           more
           in
           the
           dark
           place
           ,
           to
           them
           that
           give
           heed
           to
           it
           :
           in
           the
           next
           place
           it
           was
           very
           proper
           ,
           useful
           and
           necessary
           ,
           to
           direct
           them
           how
           to
           read
           the
           Scriptures
           aright
           .
           For
           indeed
           ,
           the
           Oracles
           of
           God
           were
           given
           to
           them
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           3.2
           .
           and
           they
           ought
           to
           be
           diligent
           in
           the
           reading
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           understand
           the
           holy
           Prophesies
           and
           precious
           Promises
           ,
           &c.
           and
           reap
           the
           hope
           and
           comfort
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           be
           made
           Partakers
           of
           the
           divine
           Nature
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           
           thing
           promised
           .
           And
           not
           only
           to
           the
           
             Jews
             ,
          
           but
           to
           the
           Christians
           gathered
           from
           among
           the
           
             Gentiles
          
           in
           that
           Age
           ,
           were
           the
           Scriptures
           greatly
           useful
           :
           and
           so
           they
           are
           also
           to
           such
           as
           are
           gathered
           by
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           and
           Power
           of
           God
           in
           this
           Age.
           The
           Prophesies
           ,
           the
           Judgments
           ,
           the
           Promises
           ,
           the
           Mercies
           ,
           the
           Experience
           ,
           &c.
           are
           all
           useful
           and
           profitable
           ,
           to
           those
           that
           read
           and
           understand
           them
           in
           the
           Light
           of
           Gods
           holy
           Spirit
           .
           But
           the
           first
           thing
           needful
           is
           to
           turn
           a
           mans
           mind
           to
           the
           Light
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           have
           somewhat
           to
           guide
           him
           ,
           somwhat
           to
           stay
           his
           mind
           upon
           in
           reading
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           somwhat
           to
           open
           and
           unseal
           the
           holy
           and
           divine
           Words
           and
           Mysteries
           to
           him
           .
           For
           no
           man
           can
           truly
           and
           rightly
           understand
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           but
           as
           his
           mind
           is
           opened
           by
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           the
           understanding
           of
           words
           and
           things
           given
           him
           .
           So
           that
           this
           is
           exceeding
           necessary
           to
           be
           known
           (
           after
           a
           man
           is
           turned
           to
           the
           Light
           and
           Word
           of
           Prophesie
           within
           ,
           and
           comes
           to
           read
           the
           
           outward
           Oracles
           and
           Testmonies
           of
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           )
           that
           all
           holy
           men
           spake
           not
           in
           their
           own
           wills
           ;
           not
           in
           the
           will
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           not
           in
           the
           will
           of
           man
           ;
           but
           as
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           gave
           them
           words
           and
           moved
           them
           to
           speak
           .
           And
           those
           words
           ,
           spoken
           by
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           knoweth
           none
           but
           that
           Spirit
           which
           spake
           them
           .
           So
           that
           no
           man
           ought
           to
           venture
           by
           his
           private
           Spirit
           ,
           to
           undertake
           to
           open
           and
           interpret
           those
           words
           ;
           but
           he
           must
           first
           receive
           the
           same
           Word
           of
           Life
           ,
           the
           same
           Spirit
           of
           Prophesie
           within
           ,
           and
           wait
           upon
           him
           and
           learn
           to
           know
           his
           Voice
           ,
           who
           openeth
           what
           and
           when
           he
           pleaseth
           to
           the
           sons
           of
           men
           ,
           either
           of
           what
           he
           spake
           formerly
           ,
           or
           of
           what
           he
           pleaseth
           to
           speak
           now
           .
           And
           so
           ,
           when
           the
           same
           Word
           of
           Life
           speaks
           in
           a
           mans
           heart
           now
           ,
           shewing
           things
           to
           come
           ,
           either
           concerning
           a
           mans
           self
           or
           others
           ,
           that
           man
           must
           be
           careful
           to
           retire
           and
           lie
           very
           low
           before
           the
           Lord
           ,
           waiting
           
           upon
           him
           for
           the
           true
           understanding
           and
           right
           interpreting
           of
           his
           own
           words
           ,
           else
           a
           man
           may
           easily
           mis-understand
           and
           mis-apply
           what
           was
           truly
           and
           rightly
           spoken
           .
           So
           that
           this
           is
           the
           right
           way
           of
           understanding
           the
           Words
           of
           Prophesie
           from
           the
           holy
           men
           of
           God
           in
           former
           Ages
           ,
           and
           the
           Instructions
           of
           the
           Word
           of
           Life
           in
           the
           heart
           .
           
             The
             secrets
             of
             the
             Lord
             are
             with
             them
             that
             fear
             him
             .
          
           In
           the
           true
           fear
           the
           Ear
           is
           opened
           and
           the
           right
           Understanding
           given
           :
           but
           in
           the
           wisdom
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           confidence
           thereof
           ,
           it
           is
           easie
           erring
           at
           any
           time
           from
           the
           true
           sense
           and
           right
           use
           of
           that
           ,
           which
           was
           opened
           and
           given
           by
           God
           ,
           either
           for
           the
           souls
           own
           good
           ,
           or
           for
           the
           good
           of
           others
           .
        
         
           To
           Conclude
           this
           appeal
           :
           There
           is
           one
           consideration
           on
           my
           heart
           to
           propose
           to
           the
           serious
           and
           sober
           minded
           ;
           and
           Oh
           that
           they
           might
           rightly
           consider
           and
           understand
           it
           .
           David
           
           was
           a
           man
           after
           Gods
           own
           heart
           ,
           a
           wise
           man
           ,
           an
           inwardly
           exercised
           man
           ,
           an
           experienced
           man
           ,
           an
           holy
           ,
           spiritual
           ,
           heavenly
           man
           ;
           a
           man
           who
           knew
           the
           inward
           ,
           everlasting
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           had
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           witnessed
           his
           Truth
           in
           the
           inward
           parts
           .
           Can
           ye
           think
           that
           
             David
          
           did
           not
           know
           the
           Word
           and
           Commandment
           of
           Life
           within
           ?
           Did
           not
           God
           write
           his
           Law
           in
           his
           heart
           ?
           how
           else
           could
           he
           become
           a
           man
           after
           Gods
           own
           heart
           ?
           Did
           not
           he
           witness
           the
           everlasting
           Covenant
           and
           the
           Law
           thereof
           ,
           the
           new
           Law
           ,
           the
           living
           Law
           ,
           even
           the
           Law
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Life
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ?
           Now
           when
           
             David
          
           said
           ,
           
             The
             Law
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             perfect
             ,
             converting
             the
             soul
             :
          
           What
           Law
           did
           he
           mean
           ?
           What
           is
           the
           Law
           ,
           which
           converts
           the
           soul
           to
           God
           ?
           Can
           any
           thing
           less
           then
           an
           inward
           Power
           ,
           an
           inward
           Light
           ,
           an
           inward
           Law
           ,
           an
           inward
           Life
           ,
           then
           the
           inward
           drawings
           and
           teachings
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           convert
           the
           soul
           
           to
           God
           ?
           And
           what
           testimony
           is
           that
           ,
           which
           makes
           wise
           the
           simple
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           the
           inward
           testimony
           ?
           What
           made
           him
           wiser
           then
           the
           Ancients
           ,
           and
           then
           his
           Teachers
           ,
           who
           knew
           and
           could
           teach
           the
           Law
           outward
           ?
           were
           they
           not
           the
           inward
           teachings
           and
           inward
           precepts
           of
           Gods
           holy
           Spirit
           from
           the
           Word
           of
           Life
           within
           ,
           which
           doubtless
           was
           very
           nigh
           him
           ,
           he
           being
           a
           man
           so
           exercised
           by
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           so
           formed
           after
           his
           heart
           ?
           And
           what
           are
           those
           right
           Statutes
           ,
           which
           rejoyce
           the
           heart
           ?
           and
           the
           pure
           Commandment
           ,
           which
           enlightens
           the
           eyes
           ?
           and
           the
           clean
           fear
           ,
           and
           the
           righteous
           Judgments
           ?
           Are
           not
           these
           all
           things
           known
           within
           ,
           and
           received
           within
           ?
           Doth
           not
           God
           put
           his
           fear
           within
           ,
           in
           the
           heart
           ?
           Doth
           not
           God
           reveal
           his
           righteous
           Judgements
           within
           ,
           against
           sin
           and
           iniquity
           ?
           O
           how
           did
           
             David
          
           cry
           out
           ,
           because
           of
           Gods
           dreadful
           judgements
           upon
           him
           for
           sin
           ,
           and
           said
           ,
           
           his
           Sore
           ran
           in
           the
           night
           ,
           and
           he
           watered
           his
           Couch
           with
           his
           Tears
           ?
           and
           in
           another
           place
           ,
           
             My
             Flesh
             trembleth
             for
             fear
             of
             thee
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             afraid
             of
             thy
             Judgements
             .
          
           And
           when
           he
           speaketh
           so
           much
           (
           as
           in
           
             Psal
             .
          
           119.
           of
           Gods
           Word
           ,
           Gods
           Law
           ,
           his
           Testimonies
           ,
           Precepts
           ,
           Statutes
           ,
           Judgements
           ,
           &c.
           what
           doth
           he
           speak
           of
           ?
           Doth
           he
           speak
           of
           the
           outward
           ,
           or
           inward
           ministration
           of
           the
           word
           in
           the
           heart
           ?
           Doth
           he
           not
           speak
           of
           the
           inward
           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
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           it
           is
           very
           clear
           that
           God
           would
           have
           none
           to
           Perish
           .
           
             All
             Souls
             are
             mine
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Lord
           ,
           Ezek.
           18.4
           .
           
             I
             have
             no
             Pleasure
             in
             the
             Death
             of
             him
             that
             dyeth
             ,
          
           ver
           .
           32.
           and
           again
           ,
           
             As
             I
             live
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             God
             ,
             I
             have
             no
             Pleasure
             in
             the
             Death
             of
             the
             Wicked
             ,
          
           Chap.
           33.11
           .
           I
           have
           sent
           my
           Light
           to
           enlighten
           all
           men
           ,
           and
           turn
           all
           men
           ;
           and
           I
           would
           have
           all
           men
           receive
           it
           and
           be
           turned
           by
           it
           .
           I
           have
           shewed
           every
           man
           what
           is
           Good
           ,
           and
           what
           I
           the
           Lord
           require
           of
           him
           :
           and
           I
           would
           have
           every
           man
           answer
           the
           Manifestation
           of
           my
           Light
           
           and
           Spirit
           in
           him
           .
           Do
           ye
           not
           read
           Gods
           charge
           against
           the
           whole
           Earth
           ,
           
             Isa
             .
          
           24.5
           .
           That
           they
           had
           transgressed
           the
           Law
           ,
           changed
           the
           Ordinance
           ,
           broken
           the
           everlasting
           Covenant
           ?
           Why
           then
           they
           all
           had
           the
           Law
           ,
           had
           the
           Ordinance
           ,
           had
           the
           everlasting
           Covenant
           :
           and
           for
           this
           cause
           it
           is
           that
           the
           Curse
           and
           Judgement
           comes
           upon
           them
           ,
           
             ver
             .
          
           6.
           
           So
           that
           this
           was
           the
           Condemnation
           from
           the
           begining
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           the
           Condemnation
           still
           ,
           that
           Light
           is
           come
           into
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           men
           love
           darkness
           rather
           then
           Light
           ,
           because
           their
           Deeds
           are
           Evil.
           Men
           are
           not
           condemned
           for
           want
           of
           Light
           from
           Christ
           Jesus
           ;
           but
           because
           they
           do
           not
           believe
           in
           and
           obey
           that
           Light
           which
           they
           have
           from
           him
           :
           because
           they
           believe
           in
           the
           Darkness
           ,
           believe
           in
           the
           dark
           spirit
           ,
           believe
           in
           the
           dark
           power
           which
           riseth
           up
           against
           the
           Ministration
           of
           Light
           in
           the
           heart
           ;
           and
           do
           not
           believe
           in
           that
           which
           is
           
           given
           of
           God
           to
           discover
           and
           work
           it
           out
           .
           What
           should
           I
           multiply
           Scriptures
           for
           ?
           That
           common
           Scripture
           is
           absolutely
           undeniable
           (
           as
           the
           Lord
           opens
           the
           heart
           unto
           the
           Simplicity
           of
           Truth
           ,
           and
           keeps
           it
           out
           of
           the
           subtle
           ,
           enchanting
           wisdom
           )
           
             John
          
           3.16
           ,
           17.
           
           
             For
             God
             so
             Loved
             the
             World
             ,
             that
             he
             gave
             his
             onely
             begotten
             Son
             :
             that
             whosoever
             believeth
             in
             Him
             ,
             should
             not
             Perish
             ,
             but
             have
             Everlasting
             Life
             .
             For
             God
             sent
             not
             his
             Son
             into
             the
             World
             to
             condemn
             the
             World
             :
             But
             that
             the
             World
             through
             him
             might
             be
             saved
             .
          
           What
           can
           be
           more
           naked
           and
           plain
           then
           these
           Words
           of
           Christ
           ,
           who
           knew
           the
           very
           Heart
           of
           God
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           and
           plainly
           declares
           what
           it
           is
           :
           even
           not
           to
           condemn
           ,
           not
           to
           destroy
           ;
           but
           to
           save
           men
           from
           Condemnation
           and
           Destruction
           ?
           And
           would
           Christ
           have
           so
           affectionately
           Wept
           over
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
          
           had
           he
           known
           it
           to
           have
           been
           his
           
           Fathers
           will
           and
           Determinate
           Counsel
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           have
           perished
           ,
           and
           not
           have
           been
           gathered
           and
           saved
           by
           him
           ?
           I
           shall
           add
           but
           one
           Place
           more
           ,
           where
           the
           Apostle
           (
           who
           knew
           God's
           Counsel
           ,
           and
           understood
           the
           Mystery
           of
           Election
           and
           Reprobation
           ,
           and
           had
           the
           Mind
           of
           Christ
           )
           saith
           expresly
           ,
           that
           
             God
             will
             have
             all
             men
             to
             be
             saved
             ,
             and
             to
             come
             unto
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             the
             Truth
             ,
          
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           2.4
           .
           What
           words
           can
           be
           spoken
           more
           plain
           and
           full
           ?
           And
           let
           People
           mind
           ,
           that
           these
           words
           are
           far
           plainer
           and
           easier
           to
           be
           understood
           ,
           then
           those
           Scriptures
           which
           treat
           of
           Election
           and
           Reprobation
           which
           is
           a
           deep
           Mystery
           ;
           and
           men
           must
           come
           to
           a
           growth
           in
           the
           Truth
           ,
           before
           they
           can
           receive
           that
           capacity
           ,
           which
           is
           necessary
           towards
           the
           understanding
           of
           them
           .
           But
           to
           open
           the
           thing
           a
           little
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           now
           in
           my
           heart
           .
        
         
         
           There
           hath
           been
           a
           threefold
           Dispensation
           of
           God
           to
           Mankind
           .
           A
           Dispensation
           of
           the
           Law
           to
           the
           
             Jews
             .
          
           A
           Dispensation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           (
           or
           promise
           ,
           which
           was
           as
           well
           before
           the
           Law
           ,
           as
           after
           it
           )
           to
           the
           called
           
             Jews
          
           and
           
             Gentiles
             .
          
           And
           a
           secret
           ,
           hidden
           Dispensation
           of
           the
           Mystery
           of
           Grace
           ,
           of
           the
           Mystery
           of
           Life
           and
           Salvation
           ,
           which
           the
           Apostle
           calls
           the
           Mystery
           hid
           in
           the
           
             Gentiles
             ,
             Coloss
             .
          
           1.27
           .
           For
           somewhat
           of
           God
           ,
           somewhat
           of
           the
           Nature
           and
           Spirit
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           Souls
           of
           all
           Mankind
           have
           had
           neer
           them
           to
           enlighten
           them
           ,
           and
           to
           turn
           them
           from
           Satan's
           power
           to
           God
           ;
           though
           it
           hath
           not
           been
           a
           thing
           known
           to
           them
           ,
           but
           a
           Mystery
           hid
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           ,
           that
           God
           did
           cast
           off
           any
           
             Jew
          
           under
           the
           Law
           ,
           or
           any
           whom
           he
           visits
           with
           the
           Grace
           and
           Power
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           from
           a
           meer
           ,
           absolute
           
           will
           in
           himself
           ,
           because
           he
           would
           destroy
           them
           and
           have
           them
           perish
           ,
           to
           shew
           forth
           the
           Praise
           of
           his
           Justice
           ,
           and
           his
           absolute
           Soveraignity
           :
           this
           the
           true
           sense
           of
           Life
           in
           me
           denies
           .
           But
           all
           have
           a
           visit
           ,
           of
           that
           which
           saves
           ,
           heartily
           and
           in
           true
           Good-will
           from
           God
           :
           and
           he
           that
           is
           turned
           to
           that
           which
           God
           hath
           sent
           to
           turn
           him
           ,
           shall
           be
           owned
           and
           saved
           thereby
           .
           He
           that
           believeth
           in
           the
           Truth
           ,
           in
           the
           Light
           ,
           in
           the
           Word
           nigh
           ;
           even
           in
           the
           very
           lowest
           appearance
           of
           it
           (
           for
           the
           lowest
           appearance
           is
           the
           same
           thing
           in
           nature
           with
           the
           highest
           ;
           and
           the
           Grace
           is
           saving
           in
           its
           very
           lowest
           appearance
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           in
           its
           highest
           )
           shall
           be
           saved
           thereby
           .
        
         
           Now
           mark
           :
           God's
           Grace
           ,
           God's
           Mercy
           ,
           God's
           Love
           ,
           Gods
           Light
           ,
           God's
           Spirit
           ,
           God's
           Power
           ,
           &c.
           is
           his
           own
           :
           And
           he
           may
           do
           with
           his
           own
           what
           he
           pleaseth
           .
           Now
           ,
           
           it
           being
           by
           this
           that
           he
           strives
           ,
           converts
           and
           saves
           :
           And
           it
           being
           in
           his
           own
           will
           and
           good
           pleasure
           ,
           how
           long
           he
           will
           strive
           and
           contend
           to
           save
           ;
           it
           lieth
           therefore
           absolutely
           in
           him
           ,
           even
           in
           his
           own
           will
           ,
           what
           he
           will
           do
           in
           this
           kind
           .
           He
           may
           take
           advantage
           against
           Rebellious
           Man
           ,
           and
           cut
           him
           off
           when
           he
           will
           :
           And
           again
           ,
           he
           may
           strive
           and
           raise
           true
           sense
           in
           a
           mans
           heart
           ,
           and
           give
           Repentance
           and
           Pardon
           his
           Transgressions
           as
           long
           as
           he
           pleaseth
           ;
           Yea
           ,
           he
           may
           so
           change
           a
           man's
           heart
           ,
           and
           so
           Create
           him
           a
           new
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           so
           bring
           him
           into
           Unity
           with
           the
           pure
           Seed
           ,
           and
           to
           that
           estate
           in
           the
           Seed
           ,
           as
           that
           he
           may
           have
           assurance
           he
           shall
           never
           be
           utterly
           cast
           off
           :
           But
           that
           though
           he
           should
           Sin
           ,
           and
           Transgress
           the
           Holy
           Law
           of
           God's
           Spirit
           ,
           his
           Iniquity
           shall
           be
           chastised
           with
           Stripes
           ,
           and
           his
           Soul
           recovered
           
           and
           brought
           back
           thereby
           ,
           but
           not
           utterly
           rejected
           by
           the
           Lord.
           Now
           ,
           it
           being
           thus
           ,
           hath
           not
           God
           Mercy
           on
           whom
           he
           will
           ?
           And
           doth
           not
           he
           Harden
           as
           he
           pleaseth
           ?
           Did
           not
           God
           give
           up
           the
           
             Jews
          
           to
           hardness
           ,
           after
           much
           striving
           with
           them
           ?
           Did
           not
           God
           give
           up
           the
           
             Gentiles
          
           to
           hardness
           ,
           and
           to
           vain
           imaginations
           concerning
           the
           true
           God
           ,
           after
           they
           had
           rejected
           a
           measure
           of
           the
           True
           Knowledge
           ?
           (
           
             Rom.
          
           1.21
           .
           )
           Have
           not
           the
           Vessels
           of
           Wrath
           ,
           who
           are
           fitted
           to
           destruction
           ,
           a
           day
           of
           much
           long-suffering
           first
           ?
           
             Rom.
          
           9.22
           .
           Had
           not
           the
           Old
           World
           ,
           who
           were
           fitted
           for
           that
           Destruction
           of
           the
           Floud
           ,
           a
           long
           day
           of
           Patience
           and
           Forbearance
           from
           God
           ,
           his
           Spirit
           reproving
           of
           them
           and
           striving
           with
           them
           ?
           To
           what
           end
           did
           God
           forbear
           them
           ,
           and
           cause
           his
           Spirit
           to
           strive
           with
           them
           ?
           Was
           it
           not
           to
           lead
           them
           to
           Repentance
           ,
           
           that
           thereby
           they
           might
           have
           Avoided
           that
           Destruction
           ,
           which
           by
           their
           Rebellion
           and
           Stiffness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           against
           God's
           good
           and
           Tender
           Spirit
           ,
           they
           were
           fitted
           for
           and
           exposed
           to
           ?
           See
           
             Rom.
          
           2.4
           .
           So
           for
           
             Cain
             .
          
           How
           tenderly
           did
           God
           deal
           with
           him
           !
           how
           uprightly
           did
           God
           seek
           his
           good
           !
           Would
           not
           God
           have
           had
           him
           come
           to
           a
           true
           sense
           and
           repentance
           ?
           Would
           not
           God
           have
           had
           him
           believed
           and
           offered
           in
           the
           Faith
           ,
           and
           been
           accepted
           as
           his
           brother
           was
           ?
           And
           for
           
             Pharaoh
          
           :
           God
           ,
           indeed
           ,
           was
           against
           that
           nature
           and
           Spirit
           in
           him
           ,
           which
           oppressed
           
             Israel
          
           :
           but
           would
           not
           the
           Lord
           have
           had
           him
           denied
           and
           turned
           from
           that
           nature
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           let
           
             Israel
          
           go
           ?
           God
           would
           have
           no
           man
           do
           evil
           and
           bring
           upon
           themselves
           Destruction
           ,
           though
           in
           his
           just
           Judgement
           ,
           he
           is
           many
           times
           provoked
           to
           give
           men
           up
           to
           that
           ,
           which
           leadeth
           
           into
           and
           hardeneth
           in
           Evil.
           So
           not
           onely
           
             Pharaoh
             ,
          
           but
           
             Israel
          
           also
           was
           given
           up
           to
           their
           own
           hearts
           Lusts
           ,
           when
           they
           would
           none
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           nor
           hearken
           to
           his
           counsel
           ,
           
             Psal
             .
          
           81.12
           .
           But
           ,
           saith
           the
           Lord
           ,
           O
           that
           it
           had
           been
           otherwise
           !
           
             O
             that
             my
             People
             had
             hearkened
             unto
             me
             ,
          
           &c.
           it
           should
           then
           have
           been
           otherwise
           with
           them
           ,
           
             ver
             .
          
           13.
           &c.
           
        
         
           So
           that
           God
           ,
           of
           himself
           ,
           doth
           not
           desire
           the
           Destruction
           of
           his
           Creature
           ;
           nor
           doth
           he
           desire
           to
           harden
           them
           ,
           or
           to
           give
           them
           up
           to
           a
           deluding
           spirit
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           be
           damned
           :
           but
           men
           first
           refuse
           the
           Truth
           and
           turn
           from
           it
           ,
           or
           let
           it
           go
           ,
           not
           receiving
           it
           in
           the
           love
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           not
           liking
           to
           retain
           the
           knowledge
           of
           it
           (
           which
           is
           Death
           to
           the
           man's
           corrupt
           nature
           ,
           spirit
           ,
           will
           and
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           Cross
           and
           Yoke
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           in
           no
           wise
           willing
           to
           bear
           :
           )
           and
           then
           the
           Lord
           ,
           in
           his
           just
           
           Judgement
           ,
           gives
           them
           up
           to
           the
           Deceitfulness
           of
           Sin
           ,
           to
           be
           hardened
           by
           it
           .
           Now
           this
           liveth
           in
           God's
           own
           Breast
           when
           and
           to
           whom
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           according
           to
           his
           own
           Will
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           his
           own
           Wisdom
           and
           Counsel
           ;
           so
           that
           it
           may
           be
           truly
           and
           properly
           said
           ,
           
             He
             hath
             mercy
             and
             Compassion
             on
             whom
             he
             will
             ,
             and
             whom
             he
             will
             he
             hardeneth
             .
          
           But
           that
           God
           hath
           determined
           to
           harden
           any
           ,
           without
           giving
           them
           a
           Day
           of
           Mercy
           ;
           or
           that
           it
           is
           Gods
           Will
           and
           determinate
           Counsel
           ,
           that
           men
           should
           reject
           the
           Day
           of
           his
           Mercy
           and
           precious
           Invitation
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           be
           hardened
           by
           him
           and
           perish
           :
           This
           is
           not
           God's
           Truth
           ,
           but
           mens
           Mis-Apprehensions
           upon
           true
           words
           ,
           gathering
           Meanings
           therefrom
           in
           their
           own
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           not
           waiting
           upon
           God
           till
           he
           cause
           the
           true
           Light
           to
           shine
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           thereby
           give
           them
           the
           True
           
           Knowledge
           and
           Understanding
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           ,
           since
           there
           is
           such
           Mercy
           in
           God
           towards
           all
           ,
           and
           he
           hath
           given
           all
           men
           a
           Day
           of
           Visitation
           ,
           greater
           or
           lesser
           ;
           yea
           ,
           since
           of
           late
           he
           hath
           caused
           his
           Light
           to
           shine
           forth
           ,
           and
           given
           this
           Age
           such
           a
           Visitation
           ,
           as
           many
           Ages
           have
           not
           had
           :
           O
           let
           men
           take
           heed
           how
           they
           close
           their
           Eyes
           ,
           stop
           their
           Ears
           and
           harden
           their
           Hearts
           against
           it
           ;
           lest
           they
           provoke
           God
           to
           give
           them
           up
           to
           their
           own
           imaginary
           ,
           conceited
           ,
           fleshly
           comprehensive
           knowledge
           of
           the
           Letter
           ,
           and
           so
           seal
           them
           up
           in
           that
           hardness
           of
           heart
           and
           deafness
           of
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           they
           first
           gave
           themselves
           up
           to
           .
           For
           the
           Letter
           without
           the
           Spirit
           killeth
           :
           And
           so
           doth
           all
           litteral
           knowledge
           :
           and
           there
           needs
           no
           greater
           Curse
           from
           God
           (
           it
           will
           sufficiently
           avenge
           the
           Cause
           of
           his
           Reproached
           Light
           and
           holy
           Covenant
           of
           Life
           in
           
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           now
           abundantly
           revealed
           and
           made
           manifest
           )
           then
           to
           close
           mens
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           stop
           their
           Ears
           ,
           and
           harden
           their
           Hearts
           (
           in
           their
           Litteral
           Knowledges
           and
           Practises
           )
           from
           beholding
           and
           partaking
           of
           the
           precious
           Life
           and
           Vertue
           of
           this
           holy
           and
           Living
           Ministration
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           the
           Lord
           ,
           wherewith
           God
           visiteth
           and
           redeemeth
           his
           people
           .
        
         
           Indeed
           the
           Physitian
           is
           come
           inwardly
           and
           spiritually
           ,
           and
           he
           inwardly
           heals
           and
           restoreth
           his
           People
           ;
           faithfully
           ,
           seeking
           after
           the
           Sick
           ,
           the
           Distressed
           ,
           the
           Broken
           ,
           the
           Wounded
           ;
           pouring
           Oyl
           into
           their
           Wounds
           ,
           and
           healing
           them
           .
           But
           there
           are
           some
           ,
           who
           are
           so
           sound
           and
           whole
           in
           their
           notional
           Apprehensions
           and
           Practises
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           no
           need
           of
           the
           Physitian
           :
           and
           then
           the
           Physitian
           passeth
           by
           ,
           as
           unworthy
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           whom
           he
           intendeth
           shall
           have
           no
           share
           with
           him
           .
           
             Ephraim
             is
             joyned
             to
             Idols
          
           (
           he
           is
           well
           ,
           he
           hath
           
           enough
           ,
           he
           hath
           no
           need
           of
           me
           )
           
             let
             him
             alone
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Lord.
           I
           will
           pour
           out
           the
           choice
           Vertue
           of
           my
           Spiritual
           Life
           ,
           and
           redeeming
           Power
           ,
           among
           my
           gathered
           Sheep
           and
           Lambs
           ,
           who
           have
           need
           thereof
           and
           will
           rejoyce
           therein
           .
           These
           will
           know
           my
           Voice
           ,
           these
           will
           justifie
           the
           appearance
           of
           my
           spirit
           and
           power
           ,
           these
           love
           the
           savour
           of
           my
           Anointing
           and
           precious
           Oyntment
           which
           runs
           down
           from
           the
           Head
           upon
           all
           the
           Living
           Body
           :
           and
           these
           shall
           have
           it
           .
           These
           understand
           how
           I
           have
           Mercy
           on
           whom
           I
           will
           ,
           and
           whom
           I
           will
           I
           Hearden
           :
           and
           it
           is
           my
           will
           to
           have
           Mercy
           on
           these
           ,
           my
           once
           greatly
           Distressed
           Ones
           ,
           and
           to
           destroy
           (
           inwardly
           to
           destroy
           ,
           O
           who
           knows
           what
           that
           means
           )
           the
           fat
           and
           the
           strong
           ,
           and
           to
           feed
           them
           with
           judgement
           .
           O
           that
           men
           did
           know
           to
           whom
           the
           Mercy
           ,
           and
           to
           whom
           the
           Judgement
           belongs
           .
           To
           the
           wisdom
           of
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           to
           the
           wise
           Comprehenders
           of
           the
           
           things
           of
           God
           after
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           is
           the
           judgement
           :
           to
           the
           Poor
           ,
           to
           the
           Distressed
           ,
           to
           the
           Broken
           in
           Spirit
           (
           not
           to
           them
           that
           are
           at
           ease
           in
           their
           Litteral
           Knowledge
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           Mourners
           in
           
             Sion
          
           after
           the
           holy
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           living
           Power
           and
           Righteousness
           )
           is
           the
           Everlasting
           Gospel
           ,
           the
           Mercy
           ,
           the
           Love
           ,
           the
           Peace
           ,
           the
           binding-up
           ,
           the
           Redemption
           which
           is
           by
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           the
           living
           Minister
           in
           the
           holy
           Sanctuary
           of
           our
           God.
           
        
         
           THE
           END