A general epistle to the dispersed and persecuted flock of Christ Jesus in the dominion of England and all parts and regions where this shall come who have believed in Christ the Light of the World and now suffers for his names sake / [by] F.H.
         Howgill, Francis, 1618-1669.
      
       
         
           1665
        
      
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             A general epistle to the dispersed and persecuted flock of Christ Jesus in the dominion of England and all parts and regions where this shall come who have believed in Christ the Light of the World and now suffers for his names sake / [by] F.H.
             Howgill, Francis, 1618-1669.
          
           13 p.
           
             [s.n.],
             [London] printed :
             1665.
          
           
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           A
           General
           Epistle
           To
           the
           Dispersed
           and
           PERSECVTED
           FLOCK
           OF
           CHRIST
           JESUS
           In
           the
           DOMINION
           of
           ENGLAND
           AND
           All
           Parts
           and
           Regions
           where
           this
           shall
           come
           who
           have
           believed
           IN
           Christ
           the
           Light
           OF
           THE
           WORLD
           ,
           AND
           Now
           suffers
           for
           his
           Names
           sake
           .
        
         
           F.
           H.
           
        
         
           Printed
           in
           the
           Year
           1665.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           A
           General
           Epistle
           to
           the
           Dispersed
           and
           Persecuted
           Flock
           of
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           DEarly
           beloved
           whom
           God
           hath
           called
           and
           redeemed
           out
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           vanities
           thereof
           ;
           to
           follow
           the
           Lamb
           in
           the
           Regeneration
           through
           the
           Cross
           and
           suffering
           in
           this
           age
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Whore
           ,
           Beast
           and
           false
           Prophet
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           have
           drunk
           of
           her
           Cup
           ,
           and
           have
           received
           the
           mark
           of
           the
           Beast
           ,
           and
           are
           led
           aside
           to
           believe
           lyes
           ,
           that
           proceeds
           out
           of
           the
           mouth
           of
           the
           time
           serving
           ,
           flattering
           ,
           deceitful
           workers
           of
           this
           Generation
           :
           who
           are
           all
           joyned
           together
           in
           their
           strength
           and
           power
           to
           act
           every
           way
           against
           the
           Lamb
           and
           his
           meek
           Appearance
           ,
           (
           who
           takes
           away
           the
           sins
           of
           the
           World
           )
           and
           against
           all
           them
           that
           are
           made
           clean
           through
           his
           blood
           ,
           and
           are
           come
           out
           of
           the
           pollutions
           of
           the
           World
           :
           and
           to
           make
           War
           against
           the
           remnant
           of
           the
           Seed
           of
           God
           who
           are
           begotten
           again
           to
           the
           lively
           hope
           of
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           Inheritance
           that
           fades
           not
           away
           ,
           and
           to
           root
           out
           and
           destroy
           and
           weary
           out
           through
           cruell
           sufferings
           the
           Saints
           of
           the
           most
           High
           ,
           that
           so
           the
           Prince
           of
           darkness
           might
           rule
           in
           his
           full
           Power
           and
           Authority
           in
           his
           Instruments
           and
           Servants
           without
           opposition
           or
           any
           gain-saying
           .
           And
           as
           God
           out
           of
           his
           everlasting
           love
           hath
           redeemed
           and
           translated
           many
           from
           great
           darkness
           wherein
           they
           have
           been
           held
           in
           the
           time
           of
           unbelief
           ,
           into
           his
           marvelous
           light
           ,
           to
           walk
           in
           it
           and
           to
           bring
           forth
           the
           fruites
           of
           the
           day
           ,
           of
           light
           ,
           faith
           and
           righteousness
           to
           the
           praise
           and
           glory
           of
           his
           grace
           ,
           who
           hath
           called
           them
           and
           translated
           them
           for
           that
           very
           end
           ,
           to
           shew
           forth
           his
           power
           and
           glory
           in
           the
           Earth
           ;
           who
           have
           been
           quickned
           and
           raised
           by
           it
           out
           of
           the
           Grave
           that
           they
           might
           bear
           witness
           thereunto
           and
           testifie
           of
           it
           both
           in
           word
           and
           work
           against
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           God
           thereof
           ,
           who
           now
           rules
           in
           the
           Children
           of
           Disobedience
           ;
           therefore
           is
           his
           wrath
           the
           more
           kindled
           and
           his
           fury
           grown
           great
           
           against
           them
           that
           are
           departed
           out
           of
           his
           Kingdome
           and
           will
           not
           yeild
           their
           hearts
           and
           necks
           to
           be
           subject
           any
           more
           unto
           his
           yoak
           ,
           by
           whom
           they
           have
           been
           enslaved
           and
           held
           Captive
           ,
           under
           many
           and
           divers
           lusts
           which
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           is
           revealed
           against
           and
           to
           be
           revealed
           against
           ,
           and
           because
           they
           are
           made
           free
           by
           the
           brightness
           of
           the
           glorious
           rising
           of
           the
           Sun
           of
           righteousness
           in
           his
           power
           and
           quickning
           life
           in
           their
           hearts
           which
           hath
           broken
           his
           yoak
           of
           bondage
           ,
           and
           destroyed
           the
           Law
           of
           sin
           and
           death
           which
           sometimes
           had
           power
           over
           them
           :
           but
           now
           being
           made
           Conquerors
           of
           them
           ,
           through
           the
           power
           of
           Christ
           :
           The
           old
           Dragon
           the
           Deceiver
           of
           the
           Nations
           who
           is
           out
           of
           the
           Truth
           labours
           by
           all
           meanes
           to
           bring
           them
           back
           again
           to
           under
           his
           yoak
           ;
           and
           his
           devices
           are
           not
           a
           few
           which
           are
           set
           on
           foot
           at
           this
           day
           to
           make
           all
           bow
           unto
           him
           ,
           which
           the
           Children
           of
           light
           are
           not
           ignorant
           of
           who
           are
           and
           have
           been
           watchfull
           against
           the
           mysterious
           working
           of
           his
           power
           ,
           within
           and
           also
           without
           in
           his
           Instruments
           ,
           who
           have
           received
           great
           power
           from
           him
           to
           propagate
           his
           Kingdome
           that
           stands
           in
           wrath
           ,
           evil
           doing
           and
           cruelty
           :
           And
           therefore
           all
           had
           need
           to
           watch
           and
           be
           circumspect
           that
           they
           that
           are
           escaped
           be
           not
           insnared
           and
           intangled
           again
           ,
           least
           their
           bondage
           be
           greater
           and
           the
           yoak
           heavyer
           then
           before
           ;
           Therfore
           the
           Lord
           moveth
           often
           in
           my
           heart
           to
           exhort
           all
           unto
           watchfulness
           and
           diligence
           ,
           and
           so
           much
           the
           more
           because
           the
           dayes
           are
           perilous
           and
           the
           times
           dangerous
           ,
           and
           the
           temptations
           many
           on
           every
           hand
           ;
           so
           they
           that
           look
           out
           are
           in
           danger
           to
           be
           insnared
           ,
           and
           let
           in
           the
           Enemy
           ,
           and
           doubts
           and
           fear
           and
           unbelief
           enter
           and
           questioning
           in
           the
           hast
           ;
           
             Can
             God
             deliver
             ,
             or
             will
             he
             deliver
             ,
             or
             hath
             he
             any
             regard
             unto
             our
             afflictions
             ,
          
           and
           because
           the
           time
           seemes
           long
           ,
           and
           they
           cannot
           see
           to
           the
           end
           thereof
           their
           hearts
           failes
           ,
           and
           their
           faith
           is
           in
           danger
           to
           be
           shaken
           and
           they
           loose
           their
           states
           ,
           therefore
           it
           concerns
           every
           one
           
             to
             watch
             and
             pray
             that
             they
             enter
             not
             into
             temptations
             ,
          
           neither
           be
           overcome
           with
           the
           wicked
           one
           ,
           neither
           of
           the
           fadeing
           pleasure
           ,
           profit
           and
           ease
           that
           the
           Children
           of
           this
           World
           do
           enjoy
           ,
           which
           is
           but
           for
           a
           time
           ;
           and
           then
           is
           the
           begining
           of
           endless
           misery
           .
           Therefore
           all
           dearly
           beloved
           look
           over
           all
           the
           sufferings
           ,
           and
           troubles
           ,
           and
           temptations
           ,
           and
           necessities
           ,
           and
           over
           the
           Devil
           and
           all
           his
           works
           ;
           to
           the
           begining
           and
           to
           that
           have
           an
           eye
           which
           was
           before
           they
           had
           a
           being
           ;
           to
           the
           Lord
           God
           everlasting
           
           who
           made
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           have
           an
           eye
           ,
           and
           let
           your
           eye
           be
           fixed
           on
           him
           which
           destroyes
           the
           Devil
           and
           all
           his
           works
           ,
           and
           will
           reward
           the
           workers
           of
           Iniquity
           according
           to
           their
           deeds
           with
           everlasting
           torments
           .
        
         
           Dearly
           beloved
           who
           have
           been
           under
           great
           sufferings
           and
           loosers
           for
           Christs
           sake
           and
           the
           Gospels
           in
           this
           Age
           ;
           like
           as
           many
           faithful
           witnesses
           have
           been
           in
           former
           Ages
           :
           I
           am
           a
           sufferer
           with
           you
           ,
           and
           am
           sensible
           of
           your
           griefes
           ,
           afflictions
           ,
           necessities
           ,
           and
           tribulations
           which
           are
           many
           ,
           and
           do
           bear
           and
           suffer
           with
           you
           all
           in
           my
           heart
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           true
           sence
           and
           feeling
           of
           you
           all
           ,
           dispersed
           every
           where
           ,
           where
           God
           hath
           placed
           you
           in
           the
           Earth
           ;
           my
           heart
           ,
           soul
           ,
           life
           and
           spirit
           breatheth
           forth
           unto
           you
           all
           ;
           and
           your
           burden
           is
           mine
           ,
           your
           afflictions
           are
           mine
           ,
           your
           sufferings
           is
           mine
           ;
           I
           do
           weep
           with
           them
           that
           weep
           ,
           I
           am
           sorrowful
           with
           them
           that
           are
           sorrowful
           ;
           and
           that
           which
           is
           a
           grief
           and
           vexation
           unto
           the
           spirit
           of
           God
           in
           any
           ;
           in
           the
           spirit
           of
           Christ
           which
           is
           but
           one
           in
           all
           I
           am
           burdened
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           do
           bear
           a
           part
           of
           their
           grief
           ,
           I
           speak
           without
           austentation
           or
           glorying
           ,
           for
           what
           have
           I
           to
           glory
           in
           any
           ,
           but
           the
           Lord
           ,
           or
           to
           rejoyce
           in
           ,
           but
           that
           which
           all
           the
           World
           hates
           ,
           because
           it
           testifies
           against
           it
           ;
           and
           therefore
           we
           are
           become
           the
           objects
           of
           scorn
           and
           hatred
           in
           this
           World
           by
           them
           that
           are
           of
           it
           ,
           who
           glory
           in
           sin
           ,
           who
           rejoyce
           in
           Iniquity
           ,
           whose
           end
           is
           destruction
           and
           perpetual
           misery
           ,
           and
           their
           rejoycing
           shall
           be
           turned
           into
           endless
           sorrow
           and
           grief
           .
        
         
           
             Elected
             of
             God
          
           ,
           our
           portion
           in
           this
           World
           is
           to
           be
           sufferers
           in
           it
           and
           by
           it
           ;
           because
           ,
           God
           hath
           chosen
           us
           out
           of
           it
           and
           its
           nature
           ;
           therefore
           ,
           we
           are
           hated
           ,
           despiced
           and
           persecuted
           in
           our
           Generation
           ,
           like
           as
           all
           the
           People
           of
           God
           were
           in
           former
           Generations
           ,
           we
           cannot
           be
           exempted
           from
           drinking
           of
           the
           same
           Cup
           which
           Christ
           the
           Heir
           of
           all
           things
           drank
           ;
           neither
           to
           be
           exempted
           from
           being
           Baptized
           into
           his
           suffering
           :
           And
           therefore
           Christ
           told
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           
             In
             the
             World
             yee
             shall
             have
             trouble
          
           ;
           and
           the
           Apostles
           and
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           Believers
           in
           Christ
           did
           drink
           of
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           were
           Baptized
           into
           the
           same
           Baptisme
           ,
           and
           therefore
           testified
           ,
           
             That
             them
             that
             will
             live
             Godly
             in
             Christ
             must
             suffer
             Persecution
          
           ;
           for
           the
           World
           loves
           only
           the
           Children
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           alwaies
           hated
           the
           Children
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           them
           that
           were
           redeemed
           out
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           they
           bore
           witness
           ,
           against
           it
           and
           the
           workes
           thereof
           ;
           
           it
           's
           no
           new
           thing
           or
           strange
           thing
           for
           it's
           that
           portion
           which
           all
           the
           Prophets
           and
           Holy
           Men
           of
           God
           were
           partakers
           of
           ,
           Christ
           and
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           all
           true
           Believers
           in
           every
           Age
           ;
           and
           the
           nearer
           any
           came
           to
           be
           unto
           God
           in
           their
           life
           and
           practice
           the
           more
           they
           were
           hated
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           vilefied
           ,
           slandered
           ,
           and
           evil
           spoken
           of
           ;
           sometime
           by
           the
           Jewes
           ,
           sometime
           by
           the
           Heathen
           ,
           and
           now
           by
           the
           Apostatized
           Christians
           ;
           for
           the
           Nature
           is
           one
           through
           all
           Ages
           ,
           and
           diversities
           of
           Names
           in
           Profession
           doth
           not
           at
           all
           alter
           Man
           or
           Men
           at
           the
           heart
           ;
           the
           Jews
           who
           professed
           God
           in
           words
           ,
           and
           cryed
           up
           the
           Temple
           and
           Moses
           ,
           and
           the
           Law
           in
           words
           ,
           flew
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           and
           laid
           false
           things
           to
           their
           charge
           ;
           Jeremiah
           when
           he
           Prophesied
           against
           Jerusalem
           ,
           and
           spake
           to
           the
           Princes
           and
           Rulers
           when
           they
           were
           revolted
           from
           God
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           Zedekiah
           ,
           and
           denounced
           evil
           against
           the
           City
           and
           People
           because
           of
           Transgression
           ,
           (
           they
           put
           him
           in
           the
           Dungeon
           ,
           &
           where
           his
           feet
           sticked
           in
           the
           Mire
           )
           and
           said
           ,
           
             He
             was
             fallen
             away
             to
             the
             Caldeans
             ,
             and
             did
             he
             alienate
             the
             heart
             of
             the
          
           Jewes
           
             from
             them
             ,
             and
             their
             Law
             ,
             and
             despised
             their
             Government
             .
          
           Christ
           was
           accounted
           a
           
             friend
             of
             Publicans
          
           and
           sinners
           ,
           and
           
             had
             a
             devil
          
           ,
           a
           
             Transgressor
             of
          
           Moses
           Law
           ,
           though
           he
           came
           to
           fulfill
           it
           ;
           and
           an
           
             enemy
             to
             Caesar
             ,
             and
             a
             blasphemer
             ,
          
           and
           what
           not
           ;
           Who
           said
           so
           ?
           the
           Elders
           ,
           the
           Doctors
           ,
           the
           Rabies
           and
           Rulers
           of
           the
           People
           ;
           and
           they
           crucified
           him
           as
           an
           evil
           doer
           ,
           though
           none
           could
           convince
           him
           of
           sin
           ;
           the
           Apostles
           of
           Christ
           as
           
             seditious
             men
             ,
             Ringleaders
          
           of
           
             Sects
             ,
             Authors
             of
             Vproars
             ,
             turners
             of
             the
             World
             upside
             down
             ,
          
           as
           
             disobedient
             ,
             enemies
             to
             peace
          
           ,
           as
           
             discontented
             men
             with
             the
             present
             Lawes
             and
             Customs
             then
             established
             ,
             and
             judged
             as
             not
             fit
             to
             live
             .
          
           And
           therefore
           ,
           many
           suffered
           long
           for
           holding
           out
           their
           Testimony
           faithfully
           they
           had
           received
           ,
           and
           last
           of
           all
           suffered
           death
           ,
           not
           as
           Saints
           and
           Prophets
           but
           as
           evil
           doers
           at
           last
           ;
           some
           by
           the
           Jewes
           ,
           some
           by
           the
           Heathen
           :
           The
           Primitive
           Christians
           of
           whom
           the
           World
           was
           not
           worthy
           of
           ,
           were
           falsly
           accused
           by
           the
           
             Romans
             ,
             Heathens
          
           ,
           and
           Pagans
           ,
           in
           the
           great
           Persecutions
           that
           arose
           ,
           were
           evil
           spoken
           of
           ,
           and
           falsly
           represented
           ,
           and
           rendred
           odious
           ,
           and
           as
           objects
           of
           hatred
           through
           the
           envy
           of
           the
           Devil
           ,
           because
           they
           opposed
           his
           Kingdom
           of
           Darkness
           .
           Tertullian
           saith
           ,
           
             the
             Heathen
             commonly
             reputed
             the
             then
             Primitive
             Christians
             incestious
             men
             ,
             killers
             of
             Children
             ,
             enemies
             of
             all
             mankind
             ,
             enemies
             against
             the
             Gods
             ,
             against
             the
             Emperours
             ,
             against
             the
             Laws
          
           ;
           they
           made
           an
           0utcry
           
           upon
           them
           ,
           
             It
             s
             not
             lawful
             they
             should
             live
          
           :
           And
           when
           any
           Judgment
           did
           befall
           them
           ,
           Augustine
           saith
           ,
           it
           was
           become
           a
           Proverb
           ,
           
             Our
             Rain
             failes
             us
             because
             of
             these
             Christians
             .
          
           And
           Eusebius
           saith
           ,
           
             the
             Religion
             of
             Christ
             was
             called
             the
             Heresie
             of
             Godless
             Christians
             .
          
           Likewise
           ,
           after
           the
           name
           of
           Christ
           and
           Christian
           became
           in
           repute
           and
           esteem
           ,
           many
           Hypocrites
           and
           Formalists
           took
           on
           the
           Name
           when
           it
           was
           countenanced
           by
           the
           Kings
           and
           Princes
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           then
           turned
           against
           them
           that
           were
           more
           in
           the
           life
           and
           power
           then
           they
           ;
           as
           the
           Bohemians
           and
           the
           Waldences
           ,
           and
           first
           Protestants
           in
           Germany
           ;
           how
           were
           they
           branded
           with
           
             heresie
             ,
             schisme
          
           ,
           as
           
             seditious
             ,
             factious
             ,
             enemies
             ,
             to
             the
             Lawes
             ,
             Church
             and
             State
             ,
             and
             to
             Princes
          
           ;
           and
           how
           was
           the
           hatred
           of
           the
           Pope
           and
           Emperour
           kindled
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           War
           raised
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           many
           suffered
           death
           ,
           in
           their
           account
           as
           evil
           doers
           who
           persecuted
           them
           :
           Likewise
           come
           nearer
           our
           own
           Age
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           Queen
           Mary
           ,
           how
           were
           the
           best
           of
           Men
           and
           the
           best
           of
           Christians
           in
           that
           Age
           censured
           as
           
             Enemies
             to
             the
             Queens
             Laws
             and
             Government
             ,
             enemies
             to
             the
             Church
             ,
             seditious
             hereticks
             ,
          
           and
           such
           
             as
             was
             not
             fit
             to
             live
          
           ;
           and
           therefore
           ,
           many
           suffered
           in
           the
           cruel
           flames
           of
           fire
           ,
           and
           did
           undergo
           many
           great
           torments
           and
           sufferings
           ,
           and
           last
           of
           all
           cruel
           deaths
           many
           suffered
           ,
           and
           by
           them
           called
           Christians
           ,
           and
           yet
           slew
           him
           and
           persecuted
           him
           in
           his
           Members
           .
           Last
           of
           all
           God
           hath
           brought
           us
           forth
           in
           our
           Age
           to
           bear
           witness
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           unto
           that
           life
           ,
           power
           and
           light
           by
           which
           we
           are
           quickned
           and
           raised
           out
           of
           the
           grave
           of
           sin
           and
           death
           to
           live
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           serving
           him
           in
           newness
           of
           life
           and
           to
           confess
           unto
           his
           holy
           name
           and
           power
           ,
           by
           which
           we
           are
           saved
           ,
           illuminated
           and
           directed
           ,
           and
           to
           worship
           him
           in
           spirit
           and
           truth
           according
           to
           the
           manifestation
           of
           his
           spirit
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           in
           us
           ,
           &
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           Truth
           ;
           for
           the
           Lord
           God
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ,
           Judge
           and
           all
           his
           holy
           Angels
           ,
           and
           all
           just
           men
           who
           are
           anointed
           with
           the
           holy
           Unction
           ,
           that
           knowes
           truth
           from
           error
           ,
           whether
           we
           hold
           any
           other
           thing
           either
           in
           Doctrine
           or
           practice
           ,
           but
           that
           which
           the
           Primitive
           Christians
           bare
           witness
           of
           ,
           and
           also
           the
           Scriptures
           bare
           witness
           unto
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           we
           are
           perswaded
           in
           our
           Consciences
           by
           the
           unerring
           spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           which
           doth
           give
           us
           assurance
           of
           his
           acceptation
           and
           peace
           in
           our
           hearts
           .
        
         
           And
           how
           often
           have
           we
           declared
           our selves
           both
           by
           word
           and
           
           writing
           ,
           which
           is
           sufficiently
           manifest
           unto
           all
           ,
           who
           have
           not
           wilfully
           closed
           their
           eyes
           ,
           and
           stopped
           their
           eares
           against
           us
           ;
           that
           we
           are
           of
           no
           other
           faith
           ,
           hope
           or
           Religion
           ,
           but
           that
           which
           Christ
           and
           his
           Apostles
           and
           Primitive
           Christians
           were
           of
           ,
           which
           they
           did
           hold
           forth
           ,
           both
           in
           Doctrine
           and
           practice
           as
           in
           respect
           of
           Worship
           :
           And
           how
           peaceably
           and
           humbly
           we
           have
           walked
           towards
           all
           men
           without
           seeking
           the
           hurt
           or
           detriment
           of
           any
           ;
           thou
           Righteous
           Judge
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           knows
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           the
           innocency
           of
           our
           hearts
           do
           thou
           judge
           us
           ,
           and
           plead
           our
           Cause
           :
           And
           further
           ,
           we
           have
           laboured
           that
           sin
           might
           be
           beat
           down
           ,
           and
           that
           all
           every
           where
           might
           have
           been
           turned
           from
           it
           unto
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           Righteousness
           might
           have
           been
           advanced
           ,
           and
           truth
           have
           taken
           place
           in
           all
           Mens
           hearts
           both
           in
           word
           and
           deed
           ;
           that
           Christ
           who
           is
           professed
           in
           words
           ,
           might
           have
           ruled
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           all
           men
           that
           make
           mention
           of
           him
           ;
           that
           so
           Gods
           blessing
           might
           have
           been
           felt
           and
           known
           by
           all
           ,
           and
           the
           Souls
           of
           all
           saved
           from
           the
           snares
           of
           Sathan
           ,
           and
           out
           of
           that
           which
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           and
           his
           Judgments
           comes
           upon
           ;
           and
           Lord
           God
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           thou
           knows
           how
           our
           Adversaries
           have
           sought
           occasion
           against
           us
           ,
           for
           no
           other
           cause
           but
           for
           the
           matter
           of
           worship
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           and
           unto
           Gods
           righteous
           Judgment
           seat
           we
           dare
           appeal
           ,
           and
           do
           thou
           judge
           us
           and
           reward
           us
           according
           to
           our
           deserts
           if
           ever
           we
           have
           contrived
           the
           hurt
           of
           any
           man
           or
           men
           ,
           or
           have
           sought
           to
           violate
           any
           righteous
           Law
           of
           Man
           which
           stands
           to
           the
           well
           governing
           of
           a
           Nation
           or
           Country
           ,
           in
           the
           things
           that
           pertain
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           yet
           how
           have
           we
           been
           
             fasly
             represented
             ,
             slandered
             ,
             belyed
             ,
             misreported
             ,
             hated
             ,
             backbited
             ,
             persecuted
             and
             killed
             ,
             as
             all
             the
             day
             long
          
           ;
           and
           
             reputed
             we
             are
             as
             not
             fit
             to
             live
             in
             our
             Native
             Land
             ,
             neither
             to
             enjoy
             our
             own
             Wives
             and
             Children
             ,
          
           a
           thing
           common
           to
           all
           men
           ,
           Christian
           and
           Heathen
           ;
           
             neither
             to
             breath
             in
             the
             common
             air
             .
          
           And
           how
           many
           grievous
           things
           hath
           been
           heaped
           ,
           and
           are
           daily
           upon
           our
           backs
           that
           we
           are
           
             factious
             ,
             seditious
             ,
             enemies
             to
             Magistrates
             ,
             to
             the
             Ministers
             of
             Christ
             ,
             Plotters
             ,
             Conspirators
             against
             humane
             Government
             ;
             enemies
             to
             the
             King
             ,
             disobedient
             to
             the
             Lawes
             ,
             broachers
             of
             heresie
             ,
             authors
             of
             sedition
             ,
             enemies
             to
             the
             Church
             and
             State.
          
           And
           this
           the
           Devil
           who
           was
           a
           lyar
           ,
           and
           a
           murderer
           ,
           and
           a
           slanderer
           from
           the
           Beginning
           ,
           he
           hath
           put
           a
           Lying
           spirit
           in
           the
           mouthes
           of
           some
           ,
           and
           it
           s
           entred
           into
           the
           hearts
           of
           others
           :
           And
           
           thus
           by
           them
           are
           the
           Powers
           of
           the
           Earth
           stirred
           up
           ,
           and
           the
           Rulers
           to
           persecute
           us
           without
           any
           just
           cause
           ;
           
             but
             this
             must
             not
             be
             counted
             persecution
             ,
          
           for
           all
           the
           aforesaid
           things
           and
           many
           more
           he
           hath
           perswaded
           them
           we
           are
           guilty
           of
           ,
           and
           therefore
           all
           that
           comes
           upon
           us
           
             It
             must
             be
             reckoned
             as
             just
             ,
          
           and
           is
           an
           equal
           reward
           for
           our
           offences
           ,
           and
           as
           just
           punishment
           for
           our
           transgression
           and
           disobedience
           ;
           and
           so
           is
           no
           persecution
           at
           all
           ,
           and
           he
           hath
           winesses
           enough
           to
           testifie
           against
           us
           ,
           as
           he
           had
           against
           Christ
           ,
           all
           the
           
             Scribes
             and
             Pharisees
          
           and
           
             the
             Leaders
             and
             Rulers
             of
             the
             People
          
           with
           the
           
             high
             Priests
             ,
             Judas
          
           and
           all
           to
           testifie
           against
           him
           
             that
             he
             was
             not
             fit
             to
             live
             ,
          
           but
           all
           cry
           
             away
             with
             him
          
           ;
           Even
           so
           now
           he
           hath
           all
           the
           Rabbyes
           ,
           and
           Elders
           ,
           and
           all
           
             the
             time-serving
             Hirelings
          
           ,
           who
           serve
           not
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           but
           their
           own
           bellyes
           ,
           and
           all
           
             formal
             professors
          
           who
           profess
           him
           in
           words
           ,
           but
           denyes
           him
           in
           works
           ,
           and
           despises
           his
           cross
           ;
           with
           all
           
             Drunkards
             ,
             Lyars
             ,
             and
             Swear●rs
             ,
             all
             proud
             and
             covetous
             ,
             all
             wanton
             and
             riotous
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             loves
             the
             pleasures
             of
             sin
             for
             a
             season
             ,
          
           all
           these
           will
           give
           their
           verdict
           against
           us
           .
        
         
           There
           was
           and
           is
           a
           Generation
           
             that
             called
             darkness
             light
             ,
             and
             light
             darkness
             ,
             and
             good
             evil
             ,
             and
             evil
             good
          
           ;
           the
           judgment
           of
           all
           such
           is
           false
           ,
           and
           must
           be
           judged
           ,
           and
           God
           who
           hath
           Immortality
           and
           dwells
           in
           the
           Light
           ,
           with
           whom
           is
           no
           darkness
           at
           all
           ,
           judgeth
           not
           as
           these
           men
           ,
           &
           therefore
           let
           us
           never
           heed
           the
           censures
           and
           judgment
           of
           fallen
           men
           ,
           who
           erre
           in
           their
           judgment
           ,
           who
           cannot
           judge
           for
           God
           or
           his
           people
           but
           against
           them
           ,
           let
           us
           count
           it
           a
           light
           thing
           to
           be
           judged
           or
           condemned
           by
           man
           ,
           seeing
           the
           Lord
           justifies
           us
           in
           his
           work
           and
           service
           ,
           whereunto
           we
           are
           called
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           aforesaid
           crimes
           falsly
           laid
           to
           our
           charge
           he
           cleares
           us
           off
           ,
           and
           we
           can
           with
           a
           good
           conscience
           and
           pure
           heart
           bid
           defiance
           to
           all
           the
           powers
           of
           darkness
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           enemies
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           will
           clear
           us
           more
           and
           more
           as
           his
           power
           ,
           glory
           and
           light
           appears
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           brings
           forth
           our
           Righteousness
           as
           the
           Noon-day
           before
           our
           enemies
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           false
           aspersions
           ,
           and
           reproaches
           cast
           upon
           us
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           ;
           If
           we
           be
           crowned
           with
           reproaches
           as
           Christ
           was
           with
           thorns
           ,
           and
           evilly
           intreated
           for
           his
           names
           sake
           ,
           
             let
             us
             bear
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             endure
             all
             things
             with
             patience
             and
             hope
             to
             the
             end
             .
          
           And
           though
           they
           cover
           us
           with
           bare
           skins
           ,
           and
           with
           draff
           as
           the
           Heathen
           did
           the
           Primitive
           
           Christians
           ,
           and
           so
           let
           all
           the
           wild
           beasts
           upon
           us
           ,
           let
           us
           give
           up
           our
           bodies
           as
           a
           sacrifice
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           witness
           unto
           his
           name
           and
           truth
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           all
           may
           witness
           eternal
           rest
           unto
           our
           Souls
           ,
           and
           Everlasting
           joy
           in
           his
           Heavenly
           habitation
           where
           all
           Persecutors
           and
           evil
           doers
           are
           shut
           out
           .
        
         
           Dearly
           Beloved
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           I
           write
           not
           these
           things
           unto
           you
           because
           you
           ,
           many
           of
           you
           do
           not
           know
           them
           ,
           but
           because
           you
           know
           them
           to
           put
           you
           all
           in
           mind
           ,
           and
           to
           stir
           up
           your
           he●rts
           to
           the
           holy
           consideration
           of
           these
           things
           in
           these
           perilous
           and
           trying
           times
           ,
           and
           in
           very
           truth
           whatsoever
           doth
           lye
           within
           my
           view
           ,
           that
           might
           conduce
           to
           any
           or
           all
           your
           good
           ,
           I
           cannot
           withhold
           it
           from
           you
           ,
           because
           I
           know
           it
           is
           not
           only
           my
           duty
           ,
           but
           I
           can
           truly
           say
           ,
           
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             constrains
             me
          
           ;
           for
           my
           soul
           ,
           heart
           and
           life
           is
           knit
           unto
           you
           in
           the
           everlasting
           Covenant
           of
           life
           above
           all
           the
           Families
           of
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           you
           are
           hated
           the
           more
           I
           love
           you
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           you
           are
           despised
           and
           set
           at
           naught
           ,
           the
           more
           I
           prize
           you
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           you
           are
           compassed
           about
           on
           every
           side
           with
           tryals
           and
           afflictions
           ,
           the
           more
           my
           soul
           is
           poured
           forth
           unto
           the
           Lord
           for
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           kept
           stedfast
           in
           the
           faith
           and
           hope
           in
           the
           Lord
           unto
           the
           end
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           receive
           his
           rewa●d
           the
           Crown
           of
           Glory
           which
           is
           laid
           up
           for
           all
           them
           that
           love
           the
           Appearance
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           Faith
           do
           overcome
           .
        
         
           And
           blessed
           and
           happy
           are
           all
           they
           that
           keep
           their
           Garments
           clean
           in
           this
           polluted
           time
           wherein
           wickedness
           walkes
           with
           open
           face
           ,
           and
           ungodliness
           with
           an
           outstretched
           neck
           ,
           and
           is
           exalted
           in
           great
           heigth
           ,
           and
           doth
           corrupt
           many
           ,
           and
           the
           Earth
           is
           growing
           ripe
           with
           wickedness
           for
           destruction
           ,
           
             for
             the
             proud
             are
             counted
             happy
             ,
             and
             they
             that
             work
             wickedness
             is
             admired
             and
             gloryed
             in
             as
             the
             only
             brave
             men
             of
             these
             times
          
           ;
           which
           they
           make
           evil
           through
           yeilding
           themselves
           servants
           unto
           sin
           and
           their
           lusts
           ,
           ease
           ,
           and
           worldly
           enjoyments
           ,
           and
           immediately
           drop
           down
           into
           eternal
           perdition
           :
           
             And
             its
             time
             for
             the
             Lord
             to
             arise
             and
             plead
             with
             all
             Flesh
             ,
             for
             Men
             make
             void
             his
             Law
             ,
          
           and
           goes
           about
           to
           establish
           their
           own
           in
           opposition
           thereunto
           ,
           
             for
             violence
             ,
             cruelty
             ,
             and
             hardness
             of
             heart
             ,
             and
             persecution
             are
             the
             forerunners
             of
             desolation
             and
             destruction
             :
          
           rhese
           things
           do
           generally
           abound
           all
           is
           secure
           and
           at
           ease
           ,
           hardness
           of
           heart
           is
           generally
           over
           people
           ,
           and
           clearly
           to
           me
           it
           doth
           
           
             presage
             Judgment
          
           ;
           tenderness
           of
           heart
           and
           spirit
           is
           generally
           lost
           among
           people
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           have
           made
           shipwrack
           of
           all
           their
           Hope
           ,
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Professi●n
           to
           please
           the
           time
           and
           men
           of
           this
           Generation
           ,
           who
           is
           perverse
           and
           froward
           ,
           they
           have
           been
           treacherous
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           their
           own
           Souls
           ,
           and
           cannot
           do
           good
           to
           his
           people
           ;
           Keep
           as
           much
           as
           in
           you
           lies
           out
           of
           their
           spirit
           and
           manners
           ,
           for
           they
           corrupt
           .
           And
           though
           Gods
           Judgments
           be
           abroad
           in
           the
           Land
           ,
           and
           his
           Anger
           kindled
           and
           broken
           forth
           ,
           yet
           few
           enquires
           the
           cause
           ,
           or
           saith
           ,
           
             what
             have
             I
             done
          
           ?
           but
           if
           any
           do
           enquire
           ,
           it
           is
           generally
           in
           that
           dark
           spirit
           that
           leads
           them
           to
           evil
           ,
           which
           God
           hides
           his
           councel
           from
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           be
           found
           of
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           make
           conclusions
           ,
           and
           gives
           judgment
           as
           the
           Heathen
           of
           old
           ,
           if
           any
           
             Pestilence
             ,
             Famine
          
           ,
           or
           drought
           ,
           or
           Judgment
           came
           upon
           them
           ,
           they
           said
           ,
           
             the
             Christians
             was
             the
             cause
          
           ,
           and
           so
           stirred
           up
           Persecution
           against
           them
           ;
           the
           like
           the
           Dreamers
           of
           this
           age
           in
           their
           mock-fasts
           and
           humiliations
           ,
           they
           say
           ,
           
             heresie
             is
             the
             cause
          
           ,
           and
           because
           all
           does
           not
           conform
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           willing
           to
           submit
           to
           the
           changable
           institutions
           of
           Men
           ,
           though
           never
           so
           repugnant
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ;
           they
           tell
           the
           Magistrates
           ,
           
             the
             Phanaticks
             and
             Quakers
             is
             the
             cause
             ,
          
           and
           so
           they
           fast
           for
           strife
           ,
           and
           to
           kindle
           debate
           ,
           and
           to
           stir
           up
           Persecution
           ;
           and
           they
           seem
           to
           cleave
           so
           close
           to
           the
           Magistrates
           that
           will
           force
           and
           exact
           gain
           for
           them
           ,
           and
           give
           them
           large
           pay
           ,
           they
           will
           cry
           them
           up
           as
           the
           higher
           power
           ,
           that
           all
           is
           to
           submit
           unto
           ,
           in
           all
           things
           under
           pain
           of
           condemnation
           ,
           and
           they
           will
           cry
           them
           up
           ,
           and
           dance
           ,
           and
           clap
           their
           hands
           ,
           and
           rejoyce
           as
           Israel
           did
           about
           the
           Calfe
           ,
           when
           they
           had
           forgotten
           God
           ;
           so
           the
           Lord
           is
           provoked
           more
           and
           more
           ,
           and
           they
           think
           by
           rooting
           out
           his
           people
           is
           possible
           ,
           will
           stay
           his
           Judgments
           ;
           it
           's
           lamentable
           to
           see
           what
           blindness
           is
           over
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           Seers
           of
           this
           Generation
           ,
           w●o
           c●y
           
             peace
             ,
             peace
          
           ,
           and
           how
           People
           are
           given
           up
           to
           believe
           their
           lyes
           ,
           and
           to
           hardness
           of
           heart
           ,
           and
           never
           consider
           their
           own
           estate
           ,
           neither
           the
           afflictions
           of
           Joseph
           is
           remembred
           .
        
         
           Another
           thing
           also
           hath
           been
           in
           my
           heart
           many
           weeks
           ,
           and
           a
           query
           hath
           been
           in
           my self
           ,
           and
           I
           know
           hath
           been
           on
           many
           spirits
           why
           in
           this
           common
           Calamity
           and
           in
           Gods
           Visitation
           of
           the
           City
           of
           London
           ,
           and
           many
           other
           places
           of
           this
           Nation
           ,
           that
           they
           that
           
           have
           suffered
           so
           greatly
           ,
           so
           long
           and
           so
           faithfully
           ,
           and
           have
           borne
           such
           a
           Testimony
           for
           the
           Lord
           ,
           why
           also
           they
           should
           be
           taken
           away
           among
           the
           Rest
           ?
           seeing
           the
           Lord
           was
           able
           to
           deliver
           ,
           and
           also
           command
           his
           Destroying
           Angel
           to
           pass
           over
           as
           it
           pleased
           him
           ,
           and
           spare
           and
           take
           away
           as
           he
           pleased
           ,
           and
           why
           it
           should
           not
           be
           wholly
           upon
           his
           enemies
           ,
           and
           upon
           them
           that
           called
           not
           upon
           his
           name
           in
           truth
           and
           righteousness
           ?
           I
           have
           had
           many
           sad
           thoughts
           of
           heart
           ,
           and
           have
           waited
           upon
           the
           Lord
           concerning
           these
           things
           ,
           with
           supplications
           and
           tea●s
           concerning
           his
           afflicted
           People
           ,
           and
           concerning
           his
           Name
           and
           Truth
           ,
           and
           this
           satisfaction
           I
           have
           received
           in
           my self
           ,
           and
           do
           communicate
           unto
           you
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Of
           all
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             that
             Paul
             stayed
             and
             preached
             the
             Gospel
             at
             Ephesus
             two
             yeares
             ,
             so
             that
             not
             only
             them
             of
             Ephesus
             but
             all
          
           Asia
           
             heard
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             both
             Jewes
             and
             Greeks
             ,
             and
             many
             were
             gathered
             unto
             God
             ,
             and
             believed
             ,
             and
             the
             rest
             were
             hardened
             .
          
           When
           I
           considered
           this
           ,
           that
           not
           only
           two
           years
           but
           twelve
           years
           that
           Citty
           of
           London
           hath
           heard
           the
           Word
           of
           the
           Living
           God
           declared
           and
           published
           plentifully
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           the
           everlasting
           Gospel
           of
           Christ
           in
           the
           demonstration
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           with
           power
           ,
           in
           so
           much
           that
           the
           sound
           went
           through
           and
           through
           ,
           and
           many
           believed
           ,
           and
           the
           rest
           were
           hardened
           ,
           having
           lost
           the
           day
           of
           their
           visitation
           ,
           but
           alass
           it
           was
           but
           a
           few
           ,
           considering
           the
           labour
           and
           travel
           ,
           and
           considering
           so
           many
           thousands
           who
           counted
           the
           things
           of
           God
           a
           sleight
           matter
           :
           and
           for
           them
           that
           were
           worthy
           ,
           and
           did
           believe
           ,
           they
           were
           hated
           and
           despised
           ,
           and
           evilly
           entreated
           with
           the
           most
           ,
           and
           shut
           up
           in
           holes
           ,
           and
           miserable
           bonds
           and
           prisons
           ,
           and
           lingering
           torments
           ,
           which
           often
           time
           was
           the
           cause
           of
           their
           death
           ,
           whose
           lives
           God
           is
           requiring
           at
           the
           hands
           of
           that
           place
           ;
           and
           the
           Messengers
           of
           God
           was
           mocked
           ,
           abused
           ,
           and
           evilly
           entreated
           ,
           and
           shut
           up
           in
           bonds
           till
           death
           and
           wickedness
           did
           abound
           ,
           and
           peoples
           hearts
           grew
           hard
           in
           ease
           ,
           riches
           pride
           ,
           and
           vain
           glory
           ,
           till
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           broke
           forth
           and
           cut
           down
           thousands
           in
           his
           displeasure
           ,
           and
           this
           was
           seen
           and
           foreseen
           full
           three
           whole
           years
           and
           upwards
           by
           some
           of
           the
           faithful
           servants
           of
           God
           who
           laid
           down
           their
           lives
           in
           bonds
           
           in
           that
           City
           ,
           and
           are
           gathered
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           also
           some
           who
           remain
           in
           the
           body
           unto
           this
           day
           ,
           and
           it
           was
           prophesied
           of
           ,
           and
           the
           City
           was
           warned
           thereof
           ,
           Rulers
           and
           People
           ,
           but
           the
           most
           made
           a
           mock
           of
           it
           ,
           till
           the
           just
           judgment
           of
           God
           seized
           upon
           it
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           Lord
           took
           away
           these
           faithfull
           men
           of
           God
           ,
           
             Edward
             Burrough
             ,
             Richard
             Hubberthorne
          
           ,
           and
           
             George
             Foxe
             Junior
          
           ,
           who
           had
           been
           much
           conversant
           there
           ,
           who
           were
           faithfull
           Watchmen
           ,
           and
           prevailed
           often
           with
           the
           Lord
           till
           they
           were
           shut
           up
           in
           Bonds
           for
           all
           their
           sore
           travel
           and
           labour
           amongst
           the
           Inhabitants
           thereof
           ;
           and
           that
           place
           being
           unworthy
           of
           them
           any
           more
           ,
           he
           delivered
           them
           and
           took
           them
           away
           to
           himself
           ,
           from
           the
           evil
           to
           come
           ,
           that
           they
           had
           seen
           and
           prophesied
           of
           ;
           that
           they
           might
           see
           none
           of
           that
           misery
           that
           is
           now
           come
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           They
           were
           gathered
           unto
           the
           Lord
           as
           a
           token
           and
           signe
           unto
           them
           that
           believed
           ;
           of
           many
           following
           after
           and
           of
           their
           dissolution
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           The
           Lord
           did
           fore-know
           and
           fore-see
           ,
           and
           also
           had
           determined
           evil
           against
           that
           City
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           is
           now
           come
           to
           pass
           ,
           and
           that
           this
           Generation
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           
             entreaties
             ,
             woeings
             ,
             warnings
          
           ,
           and
           exhortations
           which
           they
           had
           and
           slighted
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           would
           proceed
           on
           to
           more
           mischief
           and
           persecution
           in
           presumption
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           People
           ;
           and
           are
           yet
           determined
           ,
           and
           have
           said
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           
             though
             the
             bricks
             be
             fallen
             down
             ,
             we
             will
             build
             with
             hewn
             stone
          
           ;
           to
           fortifie
           themselves
           that
           their
           end
           might
           not
           faile
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           God
           will
           blast
           and
           confound
           ;
           and
           though
           Friends
           have
           borne
           their
           iniquity
           they
           shall
           at
           last
           bear
           it
           themselves
           ,
           and
           know
           the
           reward
           thereof
           ,
           and
           have
           none
           to
           help
           ;
           so
           the
           Lord
           hath
           taken
           away
           many
           in
           his
           love
           and
           mercy
           from
           the
           evil
           to
           come
           ,
           and
           hath
           freed
           them
           from
           further
           misery
           ,
           and
           hath
           Translated
           them
           out
           of
           the
           reach
           of
           all
           their
           Enemies
           .
        
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           Seeing
           they
           have
           suffered
           long
           and
           faithfully
           in
           
           that
           place
           and
           elsewhere
           ,
           and
           hath
           borne
           a
           living
           Testimony
           many
           to
           the
           loss
           of
           their
           lives
           ,
           and
           to
           their
           ruinating
           in
           this
           World
           against
           the
           Abominations
           that
           did
           abound
           ,
           and
           their
           righteous
           souls
           was
           vexed
           as
           Lots
           was
           with
           the
           Sodomites
           ,
           the
           Lord
           hath
           considered
           and
           hath
           said
           ,
           
             it
             is
             enough
             ,
             your
             afflictions
             I
             will
             end
             ,
             and
             take
             you
             into
             my
             rest
             and
             peace
             ,
             out
             of
             the
             reach
             of
             the
             Oppress●r
             .
          
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           For
           the
           frustrating
           of
           the
           purpose
           of
           them
           who
           
             decreed
             that
             unrighteous
             decree
             for
             banishment
             ,
          
           that
           it
           may
           not
           profit
           them
           ,
           neither
           answer
           their
           end
           and
           unrighteousness
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           ,
           the
           Lord
           hath
           cut
           them
           short
           of
           their
           purpose
           ,
           and
           will
           cut
           them
           short
           of
           their
           hope
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           end
           bring
           their
           councel
           to
           nought
           ,
           for
           that
           which
           is
           formed
           against
           the
           Lord
           shall
           not
           prosper
           .
        
         
           Seventhly
           ,
           For
           the
           hardening
           the
           hearts
           of
           this
           Generation
           who
           have
           devised
           mischief
           from
           the
           Womb
           ,
           and
           have
           gone
           astray
           as
           soon
           as
           they
           were
           born
           ,
           after
           so
           many
           warnings
           and
           evident
           tokens
           of
           his
           hand
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           displeasure
           which
           hath
           been
           set
           at
           nought
           ,
           and
           yet
           are
           resolved
           to
           go
           on
           to
           root
           out
           the
           heritage
           of
           God
           ;
           I
           say
           that
           their
           hearts
           might
           be
           hardened
           ,
           and
           their
           eyes
           closed
           that
           they
           may
           not
           discern
           betwixt
           the
           end
           of
           the
           Righteous
           and
           the
           wicked
           ,
           nor
           see
           a
           difference
           in
           their
           states
           ,
           but
           as
           one
           dies
           ,
           so
           dies
           the
           other
           as
           to
           the
           outward
           appearance
           ;
           though
           you
           beloved
           know
           a
           difference
           both
           in
           life
           and
           death
           ;
           and
           I
           do
           believe
           many
           who
           have
           laid
           down
           the
           body
           ,
           and
           put
           off
           this
           Earthly
           Tabernacle
           have
           given
           great
           Testimony
           of
           Gods
           love
           unto
           them
           of
           his
           favour
           ,
           peace
           ;
           and
           acceptation
           in
           the
           in
           the
           latter
           end
           ;
           in
           this
           which
           I
           have
           said
           ,
           I
           am
           satisfied
           ,
           and
           therefore
           could
           not
           but
           signifie
           the
           same
           un●o
           you
           ,
           that
           we
           might
           not
           sorrow
           concerning
           them
           that
           die
           in
           the
           faith
           and
           sleep
           in
           Christ
           ,
           as
           them
           who
           are
           without
           hope
           ,
           for
           these
           rest
           from
           their
           labours
           ,
           and
           their
           faith
           ,
           works
           and
           life
           shall
           live
           ,
           and
           we
           have
           and
           enjoy
           their
           spirit
           and
           life
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           only
           personal
           absence
           of
           this
           Earthly
           Tabernacle
           that
           we
           want
           ,
           so
           in
           that
           all
           be
           comforted
           .
        
         
           Last
           of
           all
           ,
           The
           wayes
           of
           the
           Lord
           are
           unsearchable
           ,
           but
           as
           
           he
           reveals
           them
           to
           them
           that
           fear
           him
           ,
           and
           whatever
           may
           be
           manifest
           to
           any
           other
           ,
           this
           I
           am
           certainly
           perswaded
           of
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           have
           honour
           and
           glory
           through
           all
           these
           things
           as
           it
           shall
           be
           in
           the
           end
           for
           the
           prosperity
           of
           the
           Gospel
           of
           truth
           ,
           and
           I
           am
           perswaded
           of
           this
           ,
           though
           the
           Lord
           should
           permit
           many
           to
           be
           destroyed
           outwardly
           of
           all
           they
           enjoy
           ,
           yet
           they
           are
           resolved
           to
           trust
           in
           him
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           And
           though
           the
           day
           be
           dark
           and
           gloomy
           ,
           and
           the
           Devil
           be
           let
           loose
           to
           try
           the
           faith
           of
           them
           that
           dwell
           upon
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           the
           wrath
           of
           the
           wicked
           be
           great
           ,
           yet
           the
           bond
           is
           set
           that
           they
           cannot
           pass
           ,
           and
           though
           we
           that
           yet
           remain
           alive
           to
           this
           day
           were
           all
           dissolved
           and
           rowled
           in
           the
           dust
           together
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           end
           of
           all
           flesh
           ,
           yet
           that
           life
           and
           power
           which
           we
           have
           believed
           in
           ,
           and
           that
           everl●sting
           truth
           which
           we
           have
           testified
           of
           ,
           and
           suffered
           for
           shall
           never
           be
           extinguished
           or
           rooted
           out
           ,
           but
           shall
           take
           up
           other
           persons
           and
           bodies
           from
           Generation
           to
           Generation
           ,
           while
           Sun
           and
           Moon
           endureth
           ,
           in
           this
           be
           all
           assured
           and
           comforted
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           chearful
           in
           your
           sufferings
           ,
           and
           comfort
           and
           strengthen
           one
           another
           :
           in
           the
           royal
           seed
           of
           God
           all
           live
           and
           dwell
           ,
           (
           which
           cannot
           bow
           to
           the
           seed
           of
           the
           Bond-woman
           )
           which
           hath
           the
           promise
           of
           life
           and
           Immortality
           ,
           and
           everlasting
           blessedness
           ;
           and
           all
           look
           unto
           the
           Lord
           over
           all
           and
           above
           all
           the
           rage
           and
           wrath
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           the
           afflictions
           of
           this
           present
           life
           ,
           and
           feel
           that
           which
           is
           without
           end
           .
        
         
           The
           God
           of
           power
           be
           with
           you
           ,
           and
           comfort
           you
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           all
           your
           trials
           ,
           and
           preserve
           you
           that
           your
           faith
           fail
           not
           ,
           is
           the
           earnest
           desire
           of
           him
           whose
           heart
           is
           knit
           unto
           the
           Lord
           and
           all
           his
           suffering
           People
           ,
           in
           the
           Everlasting
           Covenant
           of
           life
           and
           peace
           :
           Pray
           all
           unto
           the
           Lord
           without
           ceasing
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           be
           able
           to
           follow
           the
           Lord
           though
           through
           the
           valley
           of
           the
           shadow
           of
           death
           ;
           the
           peace
           of
           God
           fill
           all
           your
           hearts
           that
           you
           may
           rejoyce
           in
           the
           Lord
           and
           trust
           in
           him
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           
             Yours
             in
             Life
             or
             Death
             ,
             
               F.
               H.
            
             
          
           
             
               16
               
                 th
                 of
                 the
              
               8
               
                 th
                 .
                 Moneth
              
               ,
               1665.
               
            
          
        
         
           THE
           END
           .