Three general epistles for the whole body of Friends 1 from William Caton, 2 from R. Greenway, 3 from Christopher Bacon.
         Caton, William, 1636-1665.
      
       
         
           1662
        
      
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             Three general epistles for the whole body of Friends 1 from William Caton, 2 from R. Greenway, 3 from Christopher Bacon.
             Caton, William, 1636-1665.
             Bacon, Christopher.
             Greenway, R. (Richard)
          
           14 p.
           
             s.n.],
             [S.l. :
             1662.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Society of Friends -- Pastoral letters and charges.
        
      
    
     
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           Three
           General
           EPISTLES
           FOR
           THE
           WHOLE
           BODY
           O●
           FRIENDS
           .
           
             
               1
               From
               
                 William
                 Caton
              
               ▪
            
             
               2
               From
               
                 R.
                 Greenway
              
               :
            
             
               3
               From
               
                 Christopher
                 Bacon
              
               ▪
            
          
        
         
           Printed
           in
           the
           Yeer
           1662.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         Three
         General
         Epistles
         ,
         &c.
         
      
       
         
           Amsterdam
           the
           15
           th
           .
           of
           the
           11th
           .
           Month
           1662.
           
        
         
           MY
           dear
           Brethren
           and
           Beloved
           Sisters
           in
           the
           pure
           ,
           holy
           and
           heavenly
           Relation
           ,
           who
           are
           sons
           and
           daughters
           of
           one
           Father
           ,
           and
           heirs
           of
           one
           Kingdom
           ,
           begotten
           through
           the
           one
           Eternal
           Word
           of
           Life
           ,
           which
           lives
           and
           abides
           for
           ever
           ;
           With
           the
           salutation
           of
           my
           dearest
           love
           do
           I
           greet
           you
           all
           ,
           and
           with
           strong
           and
           vehement
           desires
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           do
           I
           wish
           ,
           that
           love
           and
           life
           ,
           joy
           and
           peace
           ,
           grace
           and
           mercy
           may
           be
           multiplied
           among
           you
           all
           ,
           to
           the
           filling
           of
           every
           of
           your
           earthen
           Vessels
           ,
           to
           the
           refreshing
           of
           every
           weary
           soul
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           making
           glad
           of
           every
           sorrowful
           heart
           among
           you
           .
        
         
           I
           hope
           (
           my
           dearly
           beloved
           )
           you
           are
           not
           forgetful
           of
           the
           wonderful
           kind
           Love
           of
           our
           God
           ,
           which
           he
           manifested
           to
           us
           in
           the
           day
           of
           our
           visitation
           ,
           how
           he
           sought
           us
           out
           that
           were
           as
           lost
           sheep
           going
           astray
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           bring
           us
           unto
           himself
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           chief
           Shepherd
           and
           Bishop
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           how
           he
           took
           us
           as
           perforce
           from
           our
           Lovers
           ,
           that
           our
           hearts
           and
           affections
           might
           be
           set
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           our
           souls
           might
           love
           him
           above
           all
           ;
           how
           he
           broke
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           bind
           us
           up
           ;
           how
           he
           blinded
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           make
           us
           see
           ;
           how
           he
           wounded
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           heal
           us
           ;
           how
           he
           impoverished
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           make
           us
           rich
           ;
           how
           he
           weakned
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           make
           us
           strong
           :
           and
           how
           he
           proved
           and
           cryed
           us
           as
           gold
           that
           is
           seven
           times
           tryed
           in
           the
           fire
           ;
           that
           we
           might
           finally
           become
           his
           Jewels
           ;
           though
           then
           we
           knew
           not
           whether
           that
           we
           should
           become
           Vessels
           of
           honor
           or
           dishonor
           :
           And
           since
           that
           day
           of
           blessed
           Visitation
           ,
           how
           hath
           his
           endlesse
           love
           abounded
           towards
           us
           !
           how
           plentifully
           hath
           his
           Wisdom
           and
           Power
           been
           manifested
           amongst
           us
           !
           And
           what
           
           wonderful
           things
           have
           we
           seen
           him
           since
           bring
           to
           passe
           by
           the
           Arm
           of
           his
           Power
           ,
           not
           onely
           to
           our
           admiration
           ,
           but
           also
           to
           the
           astonishment
           of
           his
           Enemies
           :
           And
           oh
           !
           how
           hath
           he
           brought
           down
           Principalities
           ,
           and
           shaken
           powers
           inwardly
           and
           outwardly
           !
           how
           hath
           he
           overturned
           ,
           overturned
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           exalted
           inwardly
           and
           outwardly
           that
           that
           which
           hath
           been
           abased
           ,
           might
           be
           exalted
           !
           how
           hath
           he
           confounded
           the
           wisdom
           of
           the
           wise
           ,
           and
           brought
           the
           understanding
           of
           the
           Prudent
           to
           nothing
           !
           how
           hath
           he
           scattered
           them
           that
           were
           gathered
           ,
           and
           not
           by
           him
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           gather
           that
           which
           was
           scattered
           from
           him
           !
           Oh
           the
           Wonders
           that
           he
           hath
           wrought
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           they
           are
           innumerable
           !
           And
           the
           noble
           acts
           that
           he
           hath
           done
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           who
           can
           declare
           them
           to
           the
           utmost
           ?
           Neverthelesse
           ,
           we
           will
           be
           speaking
           of
           them
           (
           when
           thereunto
           moved
           by
           his
           spirit
           )
           that
           we
           thereby
           may
           shew
           forth
           his
           praise
           ,
           who
           through
           his
           making
           us
           Witnesses
           of
           them
           ,
           hath
           made
           truly
           glad
           our
           hearts
           and
           souls
           ,
           which
           have
           cause
           to
           rejoice
           in
           him
           ,
           notwithstanding
           his
           trying
           of
           us
           with
           many
           tryals
           ,
           and
           his
           proving
           of
           us
           through
           many
           temptations
           and
           tribulations
           ,
           vvhich
           many
           have
           been
           exercised
           in
           ;
           and
           that
           divers
           manner
           of
           vvays
           .
           Yet
           let
           us
           not
           faint
           ,
           nor
           let
           slip
           the
           confidence
           that
           vve
           have
           in
           him
           ;
           for
           as
           certain
           as
           vve
           have
           seen
           his
           Wonders
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           so
           certainly
           hath
           he
           vvrought
           several
           of
           them
           for
           good
           towards
           us
           ;
           and
           as
           certainly
           as
           he
           hath
           dealt
           gently
           and
           favourably
           vvith
           us
           ,
           so
           assuredly
           hath
           he
           loved
           us
           :
           And
           as
           certainly
           as
           his
           glorious
           Work
           is
           begun
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           so
           assuredly
           will
           he
           make
           known
           his
           Name
           and
           Povver
           even
           unto
           the
           ends
           of
           the
           Earth
           :
           And
           as
           certainly
           as
           his
           adversaries
           oppose
           him
           and
           his
           Truth
           ,
           so
           assuredly
           shall
           they
           be
           broken
           as
           the
           potsherds
           of
           the
           Earth
           ;
           and
           as
           certainly
           as
           his
           lambs
           and
           babes
           novv
           mourn
           and
           are
           aff●cted
           ,
           so
           assuredly
           shall
           they
           rejoice
           and
           be
           comforted
           :
           And
           as
           certainly
           as
           the
           Wicked
           are
           novv
           set
           up
           ,
           so
           assuredly
           shall
           they
           fall
           :
           And
           as
           certainly
           as
           iniquity
           abounds
           ,
           so
           assuredly
           shall
           it
           have
           an
           end
           :
           And
           as
           certainly
           as
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           is
           blasphemed
           and
           dishonored
           ,
           so
           assuredly
           shall
           it
           be
           glorified
           and
           exalted
           in
           the
           earth
           :
           And
           as
           certainly
           as
           Gods
           Truth
           is
           now
           trampled
           upon
           ,
           and
           rejected
           by
           thousands
           ,
           so
           assuredly
           shall
           it
           be
           advanced
           and
           received
           by
           ten
           thousands
           ;
           and
           though
           my
           eye
           should
           not
           see
           the
           fulfilling
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           yet
           
           I
           will
           rejoice
           ,
           and
           do
           rejoice
           in
           the
           Testimony
           that
           J
           have
           ,
           that
           these
           things
           shall
           come
           to
           pass
           .
           And
           my
           soul
           inviteth
           you
           (
           my
           dear
           brethren
           and
           sisters
           )
           to
           come
           and
           rejoice
           with
           me
           in
           the
           assurance
           which
           God
           giveth
           us
           of
           the
           certainty
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           which
           shal
           as
           certainly
           be
           fulfilled
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           certain
           that
           the
           things
           before
           mentioned
           are
           come
           to
           pass
           since
           the
           Lord
           omnipotent
           first
           visited
           us
           .
        
         
           Wherefore
           (
           my
           dearly
           beloved
           )
           look
           not
           out
           at
           the
           present
           blackness
           and
           darkness
           which
           represents
           it self
           upon
           the
           face
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           many
           clouds
           which
           hang
           over
           the
           Earth
           :
           But
           look
           at
           the
           Day-star
           which
           is
           a
           risen
           in
           your
           hearts
           ,
           which
           precedes
           the
           sons
           of
           righteousness
           ,
           which
           though
           he
           yet
           seem
           to
           be
           darkned
           ,
           yet
           as
           certainly
           as
           the
           Lord
           Iehovah
           is
           in
           the
           highest
           Heavens
           ,
           so
           assuredly
           shall
           this
           Sun
           of
           Righteousness
           arise
           ,
           and
           shine
           gloriously
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           sons
           of
           men
           ;
           and
           then
           shall
           just
           Judgement
           be
           set
           up
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           the
           Inhabitants
           thereof
           they
           shall
           learn
           righteousness
           ;
           then
           shal
           Wickedness
           and
           Oppression
           have
           an
           end
           ,
           Cruelty
           and
           Tyranny
           shall
           have
           no
           place
           ,
           and
           Deceit
           and
           Unrighteousness
           shall
           wither
           ,
           and
           the
           Works
           and
           Workers
           of
           iniquity
           shall
           go
           to
           decay
           :
           And
           then
           shall
           the
           joyful
           song
           of
           deliverance
           be
           sung
           by
           the
           ransomed
           ones
           of
           the
           Lord
           ;
           then
           shall
           the
           voice
           of
           joy
           and
           gladness
           be
           heard
           in
           our
           Land
           ;
           then
           shall
           babes
           and
           sucklings
           learn
           the
           song
           of
           Zion
           ,
           and
           the
           sons
           and
           daughters
           of
           the
           Most
           High
           shall
           make
           a
           heavenly
           pleasant
           melody
           ,
           and
           great
           wil
           be
           the
           joy
           and
           delight
           of
           the
           Lords
           chosen
           ,
           even
           such
           ,
           as
           that
           their
           present
           sufferings
           shall
           not
           be
           worthy
           to
           be
           compared
           to
           the
           same
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           O
           ye
           my
           suffering
           Friends
           ,
           be
           ye
           comforted
           ,
           be
           ye
           comforted
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           comfort
           ye
           one
           another
           with
           the
           assurance
           which
           God
           hath
           given
           unto
           some
           of
           his
           servants
           ,
           of
           the
           certainty
           of
           these
           things
           coming
           to
           pass
           ,
           of
           which
           I
           believe
           some
           of
           you
           wil
           be
           eye-witnesses
           ,
           and
           partakers
           with
           the
           Saints
           in
           Light
           ;
           and
           my
           confidence
           is
           ,
           That
           neither
           principalities
           nor
           powers
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           deprive
           you
           thereof
           ,
           though
           they
           should
           be
           permitted
           to
           deprive
           you
           of
           your
           liberty
           ,
           of
           your
           estates
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           society
           of
           Friends
           :
           And
           if
           your
           Heavenly
           Father
           should
           suffer
           such
           things
           to
           come
           to
           pass
           for
           the
           trial
           of
           your
           precious
           Faith
           ,
           be
           not
           ye
           therefore
           dejected
           ,
           as
           if
           you
           were
           altogether
           left
           comfortless
           ,
           and
           should
           so
           perpetually
           remain
           ;
           For
           I
           testifie
           
           unto
           you
           ,
           That
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           hath
           re●erved
           enough
           in
           store
           ,
           not
           onely
           to
           comfort
           you
           withal
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           but
           also
           in
           the
           life
           to
           come
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           therefore
           as
           a
           servant
           of
           the
           Lord
           God
           to
           you
           all
           (
           who
           writes
           these
           things
           with
           tears
           unto
           you
           )
           do
           I
           in
           his
           Name
           beseech
           you
           to
           be
           faithful
           and
           obedient
           ,
           quiet
           and
           peaceable
           children
           ,
           behaving
           your selves
           as
           Lambs
           ,
           or
           as
           new-born
           babes
           in
           his
           sight
           in
           this
           generation
           ,
           lest
           you
           should
           provoke
           him
           through
           your
           disobedience
           ,
           by
           being
           unfaithful
           and
           unquiet
           in
           his
           house
           ;
           and
           they
           that
           are
           ,
           or
           become
           so
           ,
           they
           must
           be
           excluded
           and
           shut
           out
           too
           ,
           among
           them
           that
           are
           without
           ,
           —
           without
           love
           ,
           faith
           ,
           hope
           ,
           peace
           ,
           comfort
           and
           refreshment
           ,
           in
           the
           reprobate
           state
           ,
           where
           the
           rents
           ,
           schisms
           ,
           strivings
           ,
           divisions
           ,
           envyings
           and
           hatings
           are
           ,
           which
           are
           the
           fruits
           which
           they
           produce
           that
           go
           out
           from
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           in
           which
           love
           ,
           joy
           ,
           and
           everlasting
           peace
           is
           .
           Therefore
           I
           exhort
           and
           beseech
           you
           all
           ,
           to
           walk
           together
           in
           this
           one
           Spirit
           ,
           to
           meet
           together
           to
           serve
           the
           Lord
           in
           this
           one
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           like-minded
           ,
           &
           that
           the
           fruits
           of
           it
           may
           abound
           in
           and
           among
           you
           plenteously
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           him
           that
           hath
           visited
           you
           with
           the
           day-spring
           from
           on
           high
           ,
           and
           hath
           opened
           a
           Fountain
           for
           you
           ,
           and
           hath
           prepared
           a
           Feast
           of
           fat
           things
           for
           you
           ,
           and
           withal
           a
           rest
           for
           your
           weary
           souls
           .
        
         
           Wherefore
           faint
           not
           in
           the
           day
           of
           your
           adversity
           ,
           lest
           your
           Enemies
           vaunt
           themselves
           ,
           as
           if
           your
           God
           would
           not
           preserve
           you
           in
           unity
           ,
           love
           ,
           peace
           &
           patience
           ,
           in
           which
           you
           had
           need
           to
           continue
           ,
           lest
           that
           the
           Enemy
           within
           or
           without
           ,
           should
           get
           an
           advantage
           against
           you
           ,
           which
           might
           easily
           be
           ,
           if
           prejudice
           should
           be
           permitted
           to
           have
           place
           in
           any
           of
           you
           one
           against
           another
           ;
           &
           thereby
           might
           the
           Lord
           be
           provoked
           to
           jealousie
           against
           you
           .
           And
           therefore
           above
           all
           things
           ,
           let
           brotherly
           love
           continue
           ,
           that
           through
           your
           love
           to
           the
           Father
           ,
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           &
           to
           all
           men
           ,
           it
           may
           evidently
           appear
           that
           you
           are
           of
           your
           Father
           the
           Lord
           Iehovah
           ,
           who
           is
           love
           ,
           and
           who
           delights
           in
           love
           and
           mercy
           ,
           both
           which
           I
           ●ear
           him
           record
           he
           hath
           richly
           vouchsafed
           unto
           you
           ,
           my
           dearly
           beloved
           ,
           unto
           whom
           in
           his
           love
           I
           have
           writ
           this
           in
           brief
           ,
           which
           to
           that
           end
           I
           received
           from
           him
           ,
           and
           wh●ch
           J
           have
           now
           finally
           communicated
           to
           you
           ,
           or
           rather
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           through
           me
           his
           servant
           ,
           &
           your
           dear
           and
           faithful
           brother
           in
           the
           one
           truth
           ,
        
         
           
             William
             Caton
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           Greetings
           of
           strength
           in
           the
           holy
           life
           ;
           and
           salutations
           of
           endeared
           love
           ,
           to
           the
           rising
           seed
           of
           the
           invisible
           God
           ,
           every
           where
           as
           this
           may
           come
           .
        
         
           A
           Salutation
           of
           Love
           from
           the
           motion
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Life
           and
           Love
           ,
           sent
           to
           all
           that
           are
           of
           the
           Royal
           birth
           ,
           and
           are
           of
           the
           Seed
           immortal
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Flock
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           in
           this
           his
           blessed
           and
           glorious
           day
           ,
           his
           Fold
           of
           Rest
           are
           come
           to
           know
           ;
           and
           are
           waiting
           to
           feel
           the
           same
           more
           and
           more
           ,
           to
           be
           read
           in
           the
           fear
           and
           wisdom
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           All
           you
           tender
           Lambs
           who
           are
           gathered
           out
           of
           the
           World
           and
           its
           evil
           wayes
           and
           customs
           ,
           by
           the
           powerful
           Arm
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           in
           that
           which
           is
           pure
           dwel
           ,
           low
           in
           the
           pure
           holy
           fear
           ,
           and
           your
           good
           Shepherds
           Fold
           you
           wil
           feel
           ;
           and
           therein
           do
           you
           abide
           ,
           and
           you
           wil
           be
           safe
           in
           the
           storms
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           terrors
           and
           affrightments
           of
           the
           wild
           Beasts
           of
           the
           field
           ,
           and
           the
           Wolves
           of
           the
           night
           wil
           not
           be
           able
           to
           come
           near
           your
           dwellings
           ,
           to
           enter
           your
           holy
           habitation
           ,
           nor
           to
           touch
           your
           Life
           ,
           for
           from
           them
           it
           wil
           be
           hid
           in
           God
           ;
           And
           Friends
           ,
           therein
           watch
           and
           wait
           ,
           and
           the
           good
           Shepherds
           voice
           you
           wil
           come
           to
           hear
           ,
           who
           speaks
           peace
           to
           all
           his
           Lambs
           and
           little
           ones
           ,
           that
           are
           of
           an
           upright
           heart
           ,
           who
           wait
           upon
           ,
           fear
           and
           trust
           in
           him
           ;
           and
           in
           so
           doing
           you
           wil
           also
           feel
           his
           Eternal
           Arm
           made
           bare
           for
           your
           salvation
           ,
           deliverance
           and
           defence
           :
           And
           all
           you
           children
           of
           the
           Day
           of
           God
           which
           hath
           sprung
           from
           on
           High
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           hath
           visited
           and
           called
           unto
           you
           even
           by
           the
           good
           Word
           of
           his
           Grace
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           hath
           begotten
           you
           again
           ,
           and
           chosen
           you
           to
           be
           his
           Inheritance
           and
           generation
           ,
           which
           hath
           sprung
           up
           from
           the
           Seed
           of
           Life
           ,
           which
           the
           Father
           and
           Fountain
           of
           Love
           and
           Life
           hath
           shed
           abroad
           in
           this
           the
           day
           of
           his
           large
           kindness
           and
           rich
           mercy
           ,
           
           which
           in
           your
           hearts
           in
           measure
           you
           have
           felt
           :
           Oh
           dear
           friends
           ,
           let
           the
           eye
           of
           your
           minds
           be
           alwayes
           fixed
           and
           fastened
           upon
           the
           same
           ,
           even
           upon
           that
           in
           which
           the
           God
           and
           Father
           of
           Mercies
           hath
           so
           exceeding
           largely
           extended
           himself
           unto
           you
           ,
           and
           in
           which
           he
           hath
           abundantly
           appeared
           in
           the
           manifestation
           of
           his
           loving
           kindness
           towards
           you
           ,
           in
           begetting
           you
           again
           which
           were
           strayed
           ,
           and
           in
           gathering
           you
           that
           were
           scattered
           afar
           off
           ,
           and
           lost
           from
           him
           ,
           and
           in
           raising
           you
           up
           to
           be
           a
           people
           to
           himself
           ,
           that
           were
           not
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           in
           begetting
           you
           to
           be
           his
           children
           ,
           that
           were
           sometimes
           strangers
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           alienation
           ;
           and
           all
           this
           hath
           he
           done
           for
           you
           of
           his
           own
           good
           wil
           ,
           in
           the
           riches
           of
           his
           free
           grace
           ,
           when
           there
           was
           no
           worthiness
           at
           all
           in
           you
           ,
           even
           when
           you
           were
           wallowing
           in
           your
           filth
           ,
           when
           you
           were
           in
           your
           blood
           ,
           &
           no
           eye
           pittied
           you
           ,
           even
           that
           was
           the
           time
           of
           his
           Love.
           Oh
           my
           dear
           Friends
           !
           I
           say
           ,
           prize
           this
           his
           large
           Love
           ,
           and
           forget
           not
           those
           his
           benefits
           ,
           but
           dwel
           in
           the
           sence
           and
           feeling
           thereof
           ;
           so
           that
           from
           the
           virtue
           of
           his
           Love
           felt
           in
           your
           hearts
           ,
           you
           may
           receive
           daily
           strength
           and
           growth
           in
           the
           Heavenly
           Life
           of
           Righteousness
           and
           true
           Holiness
           ,
           that
           so
           the
           Image
           of
           your
           Heavenly
           Father
           you
           may
           come
           to
           bear
           more
           and
           more
           every
           day
           ,
           and
           may
           live
           ,
           walk
           ,
           and
           abide
           therein
           to
           his
           praise
           ,
           a
           chast
           ,
           peculiar
           people
           ,
           a
           chosen
           generation
           ,
           zealous
           of
           good
           works
           ,
           and
           hating
           the
           very
           appearance
           of
           evil
           ,
           that
           so
           you
           may
           be
           manifest
           unto
           all
           men
           ,
           that
           you
           are
           of
           the
           Houshold
           of
           Faith
           ,
           children
           of
           Truth
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Family
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           who
           are
           sitting
           in
           the
           Heavenly
           places
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           know
           and
           feel
           the
           Table
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           are
           feeding
           together
           on
           the
           Bread
           of
           Life
           which
           comes
           down
           from
           above
           ,
           which
           the
           World
           are
           ignorant
           of
           ;
           and
           drinking
           of
           the
           Cup
           of
           Blessing
           ,
           in
           which
           you
           may
           feel
           and
           taste
           of
           the
           salvation
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           the
           comforting
           of
           your
           souls
           ,
           and
           gladding
           of
           your
           hearts
           ,
           by
           which
           you
           may
           be
           strengthened
           and
           enabled
           to
           do
           the
           Wil
           and
           Requirings
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           either
           in
           doing
           or
           in
           suffering
           .
           Oh
           you
           dear
           Babes
           and
           tender
           Plants
           ,
           you
           that
           have
           felt
           of
           the
           sweetness
           of
           the
           Milk
           of
           the
           Breast
           of
           Consolation
           ,
           when
           you
           were
           ready
           to
           pine
           for
           want
           ,
           and
           have
           been
           watered
           with
           that
           which
           came
           from
           the
           everlasting
           Spring
           and
           Well
           of
           salvation
           ,
           in
           a
           time
           of
           great
           drought
           .
           Oh
           dear
           hearts
           !
           I
           say
           again
           ,
           abide
           in
           the
           feeling
           of
           the
           same
           ,
           that
           so
           you
           may
           always
           see
           and
           behold
           the
           
           hand
           of
           God's
           mighty
           power
           ,
           that
           he
           hath
           reached
           out
           unto
           you
           ,
           and
           watch
           thereto
           ,
           and
           wait
           therein
           to
           receive
           more
           and
           more
           of
           the
           Heavenly
           Virtue
           and
           dew
           from
           above
           ,
           that
           so
           you
           may
           grow
           as
           the
           Lillies
           ,
           and
           spread
           forth
           as
           the
           Trees
           that
           are
           planted
           by
           the
           Rivers
           side
           ,
           bringing
           forth
           fruits
           of
           righteousness
           ,
           the
           planting
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           bringing
           forth
           fruit
           in
           due
           season
           ,
           wherein
           you
           wil
           be
           lovely
           to
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           one
           unto
           another
           ;
           and
           so
           in
           the
           Love
           and
           Life
           abiding
           ,
           and
           keeping
           in
           the
           unity
           ,
           you
           wil
           be
           known
           to
           be
           the
           planting
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           most
           holy
           Name
           .
           And
           tender
           Friends
           ,
           and
           little
           ones
           ,
           I
           exhort
           you
           in
           the
           Name
           and
           fear
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           to
           watch
           against
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           aware
           of
           suffering
           any
           root
           of
           bitterness
           to
           spring
           up
           amongst
           you
           ,
           or
           of
           harbouring
           any
           prejudice
           one
           against
           another
           ;
           but
           in
           that
           Spirit
           of
           Love
           dwel
           ,
           which
           thinks
           no
           evil
           ,
           nor
           is
           not
           easily
           provoked
           ;
           for
           that
           which
           gives
           offence
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           takes
           the
           offence
           ,
           is
           one
           ,
           and
           comes
           from
           the
           same
           old
           root
           of
           bitterness
           ,
           and
           proceeds
           from
           him
           that
           watcheth
           to
           divide
           and
           devour
           ,
           and
           to
           break
           the
           unity
           amongst
           the
           Lambs
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           a
           prey
           ,
           a
           rent
           ,
           a
           division
           ,
           and
           a
           spoil
           ;
           and
           if
           any
           are
           overtaken
           in
           these
           things
           for
           want
           of
           a
           diligent
           watch
           to
           their
           thoughts
           ,
           words
           and
           actions
           ,
           in
           it
           the
           Enemy
           will
           have
           a
           great
           advantage
           to
           hurt
           your
           peace
           ,
           and
           to
           weaken
           you
           .
           And
           therefore
           dear
           friends
           ,
           be
           tender
           one
           to
           another
           ;
           let
           the
           strong
           bear
           with
           the
           weak
           ,
           and
           be
           you
           pittiful
           and
           tender-heatted
           towards
           the
           bruised
           Reeds
           ,
           that
           have
           been
           hurt
           by
           the
           subtilty
           of
           the
           Enemy
           ,
           and
           let
           your
           bowels
           earn
           over
           any
           in
           whom
           there
           is
           yet
           remaining
           a
           little
           Love
           or
           Zeal
           ,
           though
           it
           be
           but
           as
           a
           smoaking
           Flax
           ;
           or
           of
           any
           that
           are
           wounded
           by
           reason
           of
           their
           fall
           which
           they
           have
           taken
           in
           the
           Evening-tide
           .
           I
           say
           again
           in
           God's
           fear
           ,
           Be
           very
           tender
           to
           any
           such
           that
           in
           the
           spirit
           of
           love
           and
           meekness
           such
           may
           be
           restored
           ,
           if
           so
           it
           may
           be
           :
           For
           Friends
           ,
           you
           your selves
           may
           be
           tempted
           ,
           snared
           and
           overtaken
           by
           the
           subtil
           Enemies
           bait
           ;
           and
           therefore
           let
           all
           that
           think
           they
           stand
           ,
           fear
           continually
           ,
           and
           take
           heed
           lest
           they
           also
           fall
           .
           And
           Friends
           ,
           beware
           of
           watching
           over
           one
           another
           with
           an
           evil
           eye
           ;
           for
           that
           watcheth
           for
           the
           evil
           ,
           and
           doth
           not
           see
           the
           good
           ;
           and
           by
           that
           the
           good
           manners
           is
           ,
           and
           hath
           been
           corrupted
           ,
           and
           they
           that
           watch
           with
           that
           eye
           ,
           they
           provoke
           to
           evil
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           
           good
           .
           And
           Friends
           ,
           it
           lieth
           upon
           me
           to
           warn
           you
           to
           take
           heed
           of
           looking
           back
           to
           Egypt
           ,
           or
           to
           any
           thing
           that
           you
           have
           left
           behind
           ;
           but
           pass
           on
           ,
           and
           let
           your
           eye
           be
           to
           that
           which
           is
           before
           ,
           and
           abide
           in
           the
           way
           in
           which
           you
           have
           begun
           to
           walk
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           patience
           dwel
           ,
           and
           keep
           to
           the
           good
           Word
           thereof
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           Faith
           you
           may
           be
           found
           ,
           that
           so
           the
           old
           Enemy
           may
           not
           beguile
           you
           ,
           and
           so
           you
           come
           to
           be
           dispossessed
           of
           the
           blessing
           through
           disobedience
           ;
           therefore
           to
           your
           Guide
           keep
           ,
           and
           faithfully
           follow
           him
           ,
           and
           take
           heed
           of
           staying
           behind
           ,
           and
           beware
           of
           being
           too
           forward
           in
           going
           before
           ;
           for
           there
           is
           danger
           in
           both
           ,
           of
           being
           overcome
           with
           the
           Enemy
           :
           In
           staying
           behind
           ,
           you
           wil
           be
           guilty
           of
           disobedience
           ,
           and
           so
           not
           onely
           lose
           your
           reward
           ,
           and
           the
           blessing
           of
           rest
           and
           peace
           ;
           but
           you
           will
           have
           that
           Talent
           taken
           away
           which
           you
           do
           possess
           ,
           and
           you
           wil
           have
           your
           portion
           where
           wil
           be
           weeping
           and
           gnashing
           of
           teeth
           :
           And
           he
           that
           goes
           before
           ,
           wil
           be
           puffed
           up
           above
           his
           measure
           ,
           and
           so
           forget
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           he
           wil
           have
           his
           portion
           also
           with
           the
           wicked
           .
           Therefore
           I
           do
           exhort
           and
           warn
           you
           all
           to
           take
           heed
           of
           an
           evil
           heart
           of
           unbelief
           ,
           and
           of
           departing
           from
           the
           living
           God
           :
           Be
           you
           all
           therefore
           stedfastly
           grounded
           ,
           setled
           and
           staid
           in
           your
           minds
           ,
           unmoveable
           ,
           upon
           the
           everlasting
           Foundation
           of
           God
           that
           standeth
           sure
           ,
           that
           so
           you
           may
           not
           be
           tossed
           ,
           turned
           aside
           ,
           nor
           easily
           shaken
           in
           your
           minds
           ,
           from
           that
           which
           you
           have
           believed
           ,
           nor
           weakned
           in
           your
           confidence
           ,
           but
           that
           you
           may
           hold
           out
           unto
           the
           end
           ,
           and
           then
           you
           wil
           assuredly
           receive
           your
           reward
           ,
           if
           you
           faint
           not
           :
           So
           you
           that
           have
           believed
           in
           the
           Truth
           ,
           take
           heed
           of
           fainting
           ,
           and
           beware
           of
           hunting
           abroad
           ;
           for
           my
           Friends
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           erring
           on
           the
           right
           hand
           ,
           as
           wel
           as
           on
           the
           left
           ;
           therefore
           to
           your
           Leader
           keep
           ,
           and
           dwel
           low
           in
           the
           pure
           fear
           ,
           and
           so
           the
           Cross
           you
           wil
           be
           led
           into
           ,
           and
           then
           you
           wil
           feel
           that
           which
           wil
           slay
           your
           Enemies
           on
           every
           hand
           ;
           for
           of
           a
           truth
           friends
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           safety
           out
           of
           the
           fear
           ,
           nor
           prosperity
           out
           of
           the
           Cross
           ;
           therefore
           let
           your
           resolution
           be
           for
           ever
           therein
           to
           dwel
           ,
           and
           then
           you
           wil
           obtain
           the
           Crown
           ,
           and
           reap
           the
           Blessing
           that
           is
           everlasting
           .
           So
           remember
           ,
           it
           was
           he
           that
           hunted
           abroad
           ,
           that
           fainted
           ,
           and
           sold
           his
           Birth-right
           for
           a
           little
           of
           the
           earthly
           enjoyment
           ,
           to
           satisfie
           his
           earthly
           desire
           ,
           and
           so
           he
           lost
           the
           blessing
           :
           Therefore
           all
           dear
           Lambs
           and
           little
           ones
           keep
           at
           home
           ,
           and
           dwel
           in
           your
           own
           habitation
           ,
           in
           the
           Light
           ,
           the
           House
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           and
           be
           you
           faithful
           unto
           
           him
           in
           all
           things
           that
           he
           doth
           require
           ,
           that
           so
           none
           might
           deprive
           you
           of
           your
           blessed
           Inheritance
           ,
           nor
           take
           away
           your
           Crown
           of
           glory
           ,
           joy
           ,
           rest
           and
           peace
           .
        
         
           And
           Friends
           ,
           Brethren
           and
           Sisters
           ,
           children
           of
           God
           ,
           think
           it
           not
           strange
           that
           we
           have
           tryal
           upon
           tryal
           ;
           and
           if
           the
           Furnace
           of
           affliction
           cometh
           to
           be
           heat
           more
           hotter
           ,
           yet
           look
           not
           out
           thereat
           ,
           be
           valiant
           for
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           for
           his
           Truth
           upon
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           in
           that
           stand
           which
           is
           immovable
           ;
           for
           this
           I
           have
           seen
           in
           the
           eternal
           Light
           ,
           that
           there
           wil
           be
           a
           day
           of
           dividing
           and
           separating
           between
           the
           precious
           and
           the
           vile
           ,
           the
           good
           metal
           and
           the
           dross
           ,
           between
           the
           weighty
           Wheat
           ,
           and
           the
           light
           airy
           chaff
           ;
           between
           the
           meek
           ,
           gentle
           ,
           patient
           sheep
           ,
           and
           the
           rough
           rugged
           Goats
           ;
           the
           vile
           in
           nature
           shal
           no
           longer
           be
           hid
           under
           a
           false
           ,
           outside
           form
           of
           likeness
           ,
           without
           the
           Power
           and
           Life
           ,
           that
           dross
           shall
           no
           longer
           abide
           among
           the
           good
           Metal
           ,
           to
           darken
           the
           brightness
           thereof
           ;
           for
           the
           day
           is
           come
           that
           burns
           as
           an
           Oven
           ;
           the
           Furnace
           is
           already
           kindled
           ,
           and
           the
           Refiners
           fire
           is
           lighted
           ,
           which
           wil
           try
           each
           matter
           ,
           metal
           and
           work
           ,
           of
           what
           sort
           it
           is
           ,
           neither
           shal
           the
           chaff
           any
           longer
           cover
           the
           good
           Wheat
           ,
           but
           by
           the
           Arm
           of
           Gods
           Eternal
           Power
           wil
           be
           threshed
           off
           ,
           and
           blown
           away
           with
           the
           wind
           of
           his
           wrath
           ;
           for
           he
           is
           come
           whose
           Fan
           is
           in
           his
           hand
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           wil
           scatter
           the
           chaff
           ,
           and
           the
           wheat
           he
           wil
           gather
           into
           his
           Garner
           ,
           therein
           to
           be
           preserved
           ;
           and
           he
           wil
           also
           purge
           his
           Floor
           in
           this
           his
           notable
           day
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           gentle
           ,
           meek
           and
           patient
           sheep
           on
           his
           right
           hand
           he
           wil
           set
           ,
           where
           the
           fulness
           of
           joy
           ,
           mercy
           ,
           peace
           and
           pleasures
           are
           for
           ever
           ,
           and
           for
           evermore
           ;
           when
           as
           the
           rough
           and
           bruitish
           Goat●
           shal
           be
           separated
           on
           the
           left
           hand
           ,
           to
           receive
           the
           curse
           ,
           having
           walked
           out
           of
           the
           way
           of
           righteousness
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           way
           of
           peace
           ;
           in
           that
           therefore
           (
           dear
           Friends
           )
           all
           abide
           ,
           which
           wil
           make
           you
           fruitful
           ,
           and
           to
           abound
           in
           every
           good
           word
           and
           work
           ;
           for
           this
           is
           the
           day
           wherein
           he
           is
           come
           to
           seek
           for
           fruit
           ,
           and
           blessed
           wil
           all
           they
           be
           that
           are
           found
           in
           the
           Faith
           ,
           for
           it
           s
           they
           that
           are
           in
           the
           Vine
           ,
           and
           therein
           abide
           ,
           which
           wil
           yeild
           unto
           the
           Lord
           living
           fruit
           of
           obedience
           ,
           and
           every
           Tree
           wil
           be
           clearly
           known
           of
           what
           sort
           they
           are
           ,
           by
           their
           fruit
           ;
           for
           no
           man
           can
           gather
           grapes
           of
           Thorns
           ,
           or
           figs
           of
           thistles
           :
           Therefore
           all
           to
           the
           Vine
           come
           ,
           that
           the
           nature
           thereof
           you
           may
           feel
           ,
           that
           so
           fruitful
           unto
           the
           Lord
           you
           may
           all
           be
           in
           this
           his
           glorious
           day
           ,
           to
           the
           praise
           and
           glory
           of
           his
           most
           holy
           Name
           ;
           for
           I
           have
           also
           seen
           in
           the
           Spirit
           of
           
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           that
           there
           wil
           be
           a
           mighty
           fierce
           storm
           ,
           a
           very
           great
           tempest
           ,
           and
           a
           shaking
           time
           ,
           such
           as
           hath
           not
           yet
           been
           upon
           the
           Earth
           ,
           by
           which
           those
           trees
           that
           are
           fruitless
           ,
           dead
           and
           dry
           ,
           which
           hath
           stood
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           and
           made
           a
           shew
           ,
           yet
           do
           but
           cumber
           the
           ground
           ,
           and
           are
           rotten
           at
           the
           root
           ,
           are
           not
           wel
           setled
           and
           fastned
           upon
           the
           true
           Foundation
           ,
           in
           the
           good
           ground
           ,
           they
           wil
           be
           turned
           up
           ,
           and
           laid
           low
           ,
           as
           without
           it
           hath
           been
           seen
           ,
           in
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           shewn
           his
           mighty
           Power
           ,
           though
           the
           blind
           do
           not
           see
           nor
           regard
           the
           operation
           of
           his
           hand
           .
           And
           after
           that
           great
           and
           notable
           day
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           which
           many
           of
           the
           lofty
           Hills
           and
           high
           Mountains
           wil
           be
           overturned
           and
           levelled
           thereby
           ,
           and
           the
           tall
           Cedars
           and
           the
           sturdy
           Oaks
           wil
           be
           made
           to
           bend
           and
           bow
           ,
           and
           many
           great
           old
           buildings
           wil
           be
           thrown
           off
           its
           rotten
           Foundation
           ;
           then
           I
           say
           ,
           in
           that
           day
           those
           that
           do
           stand
           and
           abide
           firm
           and
           wel
           fastned
           ,
           they
           wil
           be
           exceeding
           faithful
           ,
           to
           the
           praise
           and
           glory
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           such
           his
           good
           Trees
           that
           are
           bringing
           forth
           fruit
           unto
           him
           in
           this
           his
           day
           ,
           them
           he
           wil
           purge
           ,
           prune
           ,
           dress
           ,
           prop
           and
           preserve
           ;
           and
           the
           wild
           Bores
           of
           the
           Forrest
           ,
           (
           whose
           nature
           is
           to
           root
           ,
           rend
           and
           tear
           )
           shall
           never
           be
           able
           to
           root
           them
           up
           ,
           neither
           shall
           the
           subtil
           Foxes
           of
           the
           Wood
           have
           power
           to
           crop
           and
           spoile
           their
           tender
           branches
           ,
           that
           abide
           in
           the
           living
           Vine
           ;
           neither
           shall
           they
           ever
           be
           able
           to
           hinder
           them
           from
           clustering
           ,
           for
           the
           Lord
           God
           wil
           guard
           them
           by
           his
           Power
           ,
           and
           uphold
           them
           by
           his
           Eternal
           Arm
           ,
           as
           hitherto
           he
           hath
           done
           ;
           neither
           wil
           he
           suffer
           the
           Swine
           to
           destroy
           his
           young
           Plants
           that
           are
           newly
           coming
           up
           ;
           but
           by
           his
           power
           they
           shall
           be
           fenced
           ,
           nourished
           and
           kept
           .
           And
           so
           all
           my
           dear
           Friends
           ,
           be
           not
           at
           all
           discouraged
           ,
           although
           the
           Furnace
           may
           yet
           be
           hot
           ;
           for
           the
           Lord
           wil
           not
           suffer
           his
           Gold
           to
           come
           to
           loss
           therein
           ,
           but
           he
           wil
           save
           and
           bring
           it
           forth
           ,
           all
           that
           the
           good
           Metal
           shall
           lose
           therein
           ,
           shall
           be
           but
           its
           dross
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           shine
           the
           better
           in
           lustre
           ,
           to
           the
           honor
           of
           the
           Lord
           ;
           and
           also
           his
           good
           sheep
           he
           wil
           not
           suffer
           to
           be
           devoured
           by
           those
           old
           black
           Blood-hounds
           that
           thirst
           for
           blood
           :
           Oh!
           no
           ,
           no
           ,
           my
           Friends
           ,
           he
           wil
           preserve
           them
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           his
           own
           gathered
           by
           his
           own
           hand
           ,
           and
           are
           profitable
           unto
           him
           :
           Therefore
           I
           say
           ,
           he
           wil
           take
           care
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           though
           he
           do
           suffer
           the
           dogs
           (
           which
           are
           without
           the
           fear
           )
           loose
           a
           little
           to
           course
           them
           ,
           and
           drive
           them
           up
           in
           holes
           and
           pines
           for
           a
           season
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           that
           they
           may
           be
           driven
           from
           those
           rotten
           bogs
           of
           this
           Worlds
           enjoyments
           and
           delights
           ,
           
           which
           might
           otherwise
           be
           hurtful
           for
           them
           to
           feed
           upon
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           be
           driven
           nearer
           to
           himself
           ,
           and
           one
           unto
           another
           ,
           to
           wait
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           to
           feed
           together
           upon
           the
           Life
           that
           is
           Immortal
           ,
           and
           to
           lye
           down
           in
           his
           Fold
           of
           rest
           ,
           peace
           and
           joy
           ,
           which
           wil
           last
           for
           ever
           .
           And
           so
           my
           dear
           Friends
           ▪
           Brethren
           and
           Sisters
           ,
           Lambs
           and
           Babes
           ,
           what
           ever
           the
           Lord
           our
           good
           Shepherd
           suffers
           to
           come
           to
           pass
           ,
           or
           to
           be
           acted
           against
           us
           in
           the
           Heathens
           wrath
           and
           Enemies
           rage
           ,
           he
           wil
           turn
           it
           to
           his
           own
           praise
           ,
           and
           for
           our
           good
           ,
           and
           the
           remainder
           of
           the
           wrath
           &
           rage
           of
           the
           wicked
           he
           wil
           restrain
           .
           Therefore
           blessed
           are
           all
           you
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           can
           say
           of
           a
           truth
           ,
           he
           is
           your
           good
           Shepherd
           .
           So
           dear
           Lambs
           and
           Babes
           ,
           Plants
           and
           Children
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           in
           the
           Light
           live
           ,
           walk
           ,
           and
           for
           ever
           abide
           ,
           and
           you
           wil
           have
           unity
           and
           fellowship
           with
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           one
           with
           another
           ;
           and
           so
           in
           the
           holy
           awe
           ,
           and
           pure
           dread
           of
           the
           Lord
           God
           Almighty
           ,
           stand
           continually
           ,
           and
           the
           peace
           and
           blessing
           of
           the
           Lord
           wil
           be
           felt
           by
           you
           ,
           and
           multiplied
           in
           and
           amongst
           you
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           most
           holy
           Name
           ,
           to
           whom
           be
           all
           glory
           given
           ,
           honor
           and
           praise
           rendered
           ,
           with
           living
           obedience
           and
           thanksgiving
           for
           ever
           and
           for
           evermore
           ,
           Amen
           saith
           my
           soul.
           
        
         
           So
           dear
           Friends
           ,
           take
           this
           as
           a
           testimony
           of
           my
           love
           to
           you
           all
           who
           are
           of
           my
           Fathers
           Flock
           ,
           from
           one
           that
           is
           of
           the
           same
           Fold
           with
           you
           ,
           and
           your
           Friend
           and
           Brother
           in
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           suffering
           and
           patience
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           who
           am
           called
           and
           known
           to
           many
           by
        
         
           
             Richard
             Greenway
             .
          
           
             Written
             the
             
               
                 sixth
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 ninth
                 Month
                 ,
              
               1662.
               
            
             in
             the
             County-Gaol
             ,
             called
             the
             High
             Gaol
             at
             Exon
             ,
             where
             I
             suffer
             outward
             Bonds
             (
             for
             my
             obedience
             to
             the
             Command
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             for
             abiding
             in
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Lord
             Iesus
             ●hrist
             )
             by
             the
             wills
             of
             unreasonable
             men
             ;
             and
             I
             in
             patience
             wait
             therein
             ,
             until
             the
             Lord
             God
             arise
             in
             his
             Power
             ,
             and
             plead
             my
             innocent
             cause
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
             my
             persecutors
             ,
             or
             in
             his
             own
             way
             and
             time
             work
             my
             deliverance
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           A
           Second
           Salutation
           to
           the
           flock
           of
           God
           every
           where
           in
           outward
           Bonds
           and
           at
           liberty
           ,
           who
           are
           born
           of
           the
           immortal
           Seed
           ,
           and
           redeemed
           from
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           separated
           from
           the
           evil
           that
           is
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           and
           called
           to
           be
           Saints
           ,
           and
           quickned
           by
           the
           power
           and
           operation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Life
           ,
           and
           sanctified
           by
           the
           Word
           of
           Truth
           ,
           and
           are
           (
           in
           this
           day
           of
           tryal
           )
           found
           faithful
           to
           the
           Lord
           in
           doing
           or
           suffering
           for
           that
           precious
           Truth
           which
           makes
           free
           from
           sin
           and
           death
           ,
           and
           keeps
           us
           above
           all
           the
           fears
           ,
           threatnings
           ,
           and
           terrors
           of
           man
           ,
           whose
           power
           is
           from
           beneath
           ,
           and
           soon
           passeth
           away
           .
           Oh!
           unto
           you
           my
           heart
           is
           opened
           ,
           and
           streams
           of
           unfeigned
           Love
           from
           the
           incomings
           of
           the
           Fountain
           of
           Life
           ,
           runs
           forth
           unto
           you
           all
           abundantly
           ,
           who
           am
           the
           least
           among
           many
           Brethren
           ,
           but
           not
           the
           least
           in
           love
           to
           you
           :
           Oh
           my
           dearly
           beloved
           Brethren
           and
           Sisters
           ,
           as
           you
           suffer
           for
           God's
           living
           Truth
           upon
           the
           Earth
           in
           any
           measure
           ,
           I
           suffer
           with
           you
           ,
           and
           am
           one
           with
           you
           ,
           and
           am
           afflicted
           with
           you
           :
           Oh
           my
           dear
           Friends
           ,
           apply
           your
           hearts
           ,
           and
           give
           up
           your selves
           to
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           service
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           and
           diligently
           wait
           upon
           him
           in
           whom
           all
           our
           strength
           is
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           strengthened
           and
           encouraged
           ,
           enabled
           and
           furnished
           with
           power
           and
           might
           in
           the
           Lord
           of
           Hosts
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           not
           faint
           ,
           nor
           be
           weary
           in
           your
           minds
           ,
           but
           stay
           your
           minds
           upon
           the
           God
           of
           Truth
           ,
           that
           his
           blessing
           of
           peace
           may
           for
           ever
           encrease
           in
           all
           your
           habitations
           .
           And
           you
           dear
           Friends
           ,
           you
           upon
           whom
           the
           ends
           of
           the
           Earth
           is
           come
           ,
           and
           in
           your
           hearts
           the
           day-star
           is
           arisen
           ,
           walk
           in
           the
           Light
           thereof
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           wise
           ,
           bold
           ,
           strong
           and
           valiant
           ,
           to
           follow
           the
           Captain
           of
           our
           salvation
           ,
           who
           is
           born
           King
           of
           the
           Iews
           ;
           for
           it
           s
           given
           to
           him
           to
           rule
           all
           Nations
           ,
           and
           to
           subdue
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           but
           not
           by
           carnal
           Weapons
           ,
           but
           by
           his
           invisible
           Arm
           of
           Power
           ,
           and
           Sword
           which
           proceeds
           out
           of
           his
           mouth
           ,
           whereby
           he
           wil
           utterly
           confound
           ,
           destroy
           and
           lay
           wast
           all
           that
           rebel
           and
           stand
           up
           against
           him
           .
           Therefore
           my
           dear
           Friends
           ,
           let
           your
           Faith
           stand
           in
           the
           invisible
           Arm
           and
           Power
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           be
           you
           all
           of
           a
           sound
           mind
           ;
           be
           ye
           stedfast
           ,
           unmoveable
           ,
           rooted
           ,
           grounded
           and
           established
           in
           the
           living
           Truth
           and
           Righteousness
           of
           the
           God
           of
           all
           the
           Families
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           not
           be
           moved
           ,
           shaken
           ,
           
           nor
           troubled
           in
           your
           minds
           at
           all
           these
           rumors
           of
           Wars
           ,
           and
           distress
           of
           Nations
           ,
           and
           perplexity
           and
           wrath
           which
           must
           come
           to
           pass
           upon
           this
           generation
           ;
           but
           lift
           up
           your
           heads
           and
           rejoice
           ,
           and
           let
           your
           eye
           be
           single
           ,
           alwaies
           looking
           to
           ,
           and
           following
           the
           Prince
           of
           Peace
           ;
           and
           be
           not
           of
           a
           doubtful
           mind
           ,
           for
           the
           Lord
           of
           Hosts
           is
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           shout
           of
           a
           King
           is
           amongst
           us
           ;
           and
           although
           we
           have
           no
           helper
           in
           the
           earth
           ,
           neither
           can
           make
           use
           of
           any
           carnal
           weapons
           to
           defend
           or
           deliver
           our selves
           ,
           yet
           in
           the
           faith
           and
           patient
           suffering
           in
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           Lamb
           of
           God
           that
           was
           slain
           ,
           but
           now
           is
           alive
           ,
           and
           liveth
           for
           evermore
           ;
           in
           him
           we
           shall
           reign
           in
           victory
           ,
           life
           and
           dominion
           ,
           over
           all
           our
           Enemies
           within
           and
           without
           .
           And
           my
           dear
           Friends
           ,
           you
           are
           called
           to
           a
           glorious
           freedom
           and
           liberty
           in
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Truth
           ,
           stand
           fast
           in
           it
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           keep
           your
           consciences
           void
           of
           offence
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           in
           all
           things
           ;
           and
           if
           God
           requires
           one
           thing
           ,
           and
           man
           another
           ,
           obey
           God
           ,
           and
           fear
           not
           man
           ,
           who
           can
           but
           kil
           the
           body
           ,
           that
           your
           souls
           may
           live
           in
           the
           dominion
           of
           Gods
           truth
           ,
           and
           in
           it
           meet
           and
           wait
           ,
           and
           worship
           him
           ,
           and
           go
           not
           with
           the
           uncircumcised
           in
           hearts
           and
           ears
           ;
           for
           the
           uncurable
           stroke
           of
           the
           Lord
           is
           near
           to
           be
           executed
           upon
           them
           ;
           neither
           return
           back
           again
           into
           Egypt
           ,
           for
           the
           plagues
           ,
           pestilence
           and
           famine
           wil
           be
           multiplied
           amongst
           them
           ,
           til
           the
           Egyptians
           be
           confounded
           .
           Therefore
           dear
           Friends
           ,
           keep
           your
           constant
           watch
           in
           the
           true
           Light
           of
           the
           Son
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           receive
           counsel
           ,
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           discerning
           in
           every
           motion
           and
           command
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           of
           flesh
           or
           spirit
           ;
           for
           that
           which
           moveth
           in
           the
           fleshly
           part
           in
           your
           own
           particulars
           ,
           you
           must
           take
           up
           the
           Cross
           of
           Christ
           to
           ,
           in
           its
           fi●st
           motion
           and
           appearance
           ,
           and
           let
           true
           judgement
           pass
           upon
           it
           ;
           for
           if
           it
           proceed
           forth
           either
           in
           act
           or
           word
           ,
           it
           wil
           wound
           your
           Consciences
           ,
           and
           abuse
           the
           power
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           lead
           you
           into
           bondage
           again
           ;
           and
           that
           which
           commandeth
           to
           observe
           and
           do
           the
           thing
           conceived
           in
           the
           lust
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           from
           the
           fleshly
           birth
           either
           within
           or
           without
           ,
           you
           are
           not
           to
           obey
           ,
           for
           that
           wil
           lead
           to
           the
           second
           death
           ;
           but
           the
           motion
           &
           command
           in
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Life
           you
           must
           in
           all
           things
           do
           and
           follow
           ,
           and
           in
           it
           you
           wil
           live
           ,
           &
           have
           perfect
           peace
           ;
           and
           therefore
           because
           we
           are
           born
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           led
           by
           it
           ,
           the
           world
           wil
           persecute
           us
           ;
           therefore
           let
           every
           Souldier
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           be
           contented
           with
           his
           portion
           ,
           
           which
           is
           tribulation
           in
           this
           World
           ;
           but
           be
           of
           good
           chear
           ,
           the
           Captain
           of
           our
           salvation
           hath
           overcome
           the
           World
           :
           Therefore
           I
           say
           again
           in
           the
           Name
           ,
           fear
           and
           power
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           be
           you
           faithful
           unto
           death
           ,
           for
           he
           that
           shall
           come
           ,
           wil
           come
           ,
           &
           crown
           you
           with
           everlasting
           Life
           .
           And
           my
           dear
           Friends
           ,
           if
           it
           seemeth
           good
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           our
           God
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           dayes
           of
           our
           appointed
           ●ime
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           may
           be
           dayes
           of
           trouble
           ,
           persecution
           and
           affliction
           ,
           yet
           be
           of
           good
           comfort
           ,
           this
           wil
           be
           but
           for
           a
           moment
           ,
           and
           wil
           soon
           come
           to
           an
           end
           ;
           but
           the
           joy
           ,
           rest
           ,
           peace
           and
           glory
           which
           our
           God
           hath
           prepared
           for
           us
           (
           as
           we
           love
           him
           ,
           and
           are
           faithful
           to
           him
           )
           shall
           never
           have
           an
           end
           .
           And
           so
           my
           dear
           Friends
           ,
           in
           the
           ●ear
           ,
           love
           ,
           obedience
           ,
           worship
           and
           service
           of
           the
           God
           and
           Father
           of
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           for
           ever
           dwel
           and
           abide
           ;
           in
           it
           I
           am
           firmly
           united
           to
           you
           ;
           and
           in
           that
           Love
           ,
           Life
           and
           Truth
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           I
           dearly
           salute
           and
           embrace
           you
           all
           and
           am
           as
           ful
           of
           love
           with
           you
           ,
           as
           I
           was
           when
           I
           began
           to
           write
           ;
           and
           whatsoever
           you
           suffer
           for
           your
           obedience
           to
           our
           God
           ;
           and
           keeping
           the
           commands
           of
           Christ
           ,
           whether
           spoiling
           of
           Goods
           ,
           imprisonment
           ,
           banishment
           ,
           or
           death
           it self
           ,
           I
           am
           resolved
           in
           the
           strength
           and
           power
           of
           God
           to
           partake
           with
           you
           .
        
         
           
             From
             your
             faithful
             Friend
             in
             the
             patient
             suffering
             for
             the
             Testimony
             of
             a
             good
             Conscience
             ,
             in
             the
             high
             Gaol
             at
             Exon
             ,
             
               the
               24
               th
               .
               of
               the
               tenth
               Month
               1662.
               
            
          
           
             Christopher
             Bacon
             .
          
        
      
       
         THE
         END
         .