WHat is made known and manifested in me, concerning the great Apostacy in this day, and what I have seen and heard, I am made willing to communi­cate the same, to testifie unto the truth thereof.

It pleased the Lord, about twenty Years ago, to visit this Nation with his Loving-kindness, in send­ing forth a Spiritual-Ministry, in the mid'st of Wars and Fightings, to turn us from Darkness to Light, and to bring us out of the Strife into the Patience of Jesus, into his Love and Meekness, to do good for evil.

This Seed being sown, prospered in the Hearts of many, and brought forth Victory through Judg­ment, and the Spirit of Burning: And the Lord was wonderfully with them in this Dispensation, [Page 10]that very many came off from the barren Moun­tains, and out of the sandy Deserts, and were here refreshed, without Money, without Price, and the Bread was broken freely to the Hungry, and Water given freely to the Thirsty: And not only so, but likewise our Vessels were filled with the same, whereby our Hearts were made glad, and caused the Springs of Life to break forth out of our Bellies, and the Bread of Life to dwell within us that we needed not to go forth out of our own Houses, having an Holy Anointing within us to supply the wants of our Souls, and lead us into a [...] Truth.

And the Lord did daily add unto the Church, and raised up many to go forth in the Power to Preach the Everlasting Gospel, whereby the Church multiply'd and encreased to the astonishment of the Nations.

How low and humble were they in their Spirit [...] ▪ how few were they in Words! Their yea was yea, and their nay, nay!

Ah! let me take up a Lamentation! How are the Mighty fallen! How have the Stars ceased to give their Light! How are the Poor distressed, and the Young Ones bruised, by the High Mountains and Lofty Cedars, whose Habitations were once in Hea­ven, but now upon the High Places of the Earth, to impose upon the Conscience, and to Establish an Arbitrary Power by a Law; these are the armed Beasts, and the many Antichrists, which break the Unity in Spirit, and the Bond of Peace. This brings in Divisions, causeth Differences, contenti­ons and Emulations: It roots up the good, and eats as doth a Canker, whereby the Unity is di­vided, [Page 11]and the Peace broken. But the Unity that the Lord approves of, is for every one to act ac­ [...]ording to his measure and growth in the Truth. All are not strong, therefore all cannot be in the [...]me Exercise, no more than a Child can be found [...] the Exercise of a Man: So that the disuniting-Spi­ [...]it doth not barely lie in being of another Mind [...]nd Judgment, but in the imposing of its Judg­ [...]ent and Practice; which appears plainly by Paul, [...]o clearly judged that the ground of the Diffe­ [...]nces in the Church, lay very much in the judging [...]e another in Meats and Drinks, &c.

It's the great Promise of the Father in these latter [...]ays, That he will write his Laws in our Hearts, [...]d put his Spirit into our inward Parts, to lead us [...]to all Truth, and out of all appearances, which [...]s Spirit manifests in us to be in the Imitation, [...]nd after the Traditions of Men.

Is it then reasonable for the Spiritual Man to be [...]ound in the practice of doing, before a Law writ­ [...]en, but rather wait at the Feet of Jesus till God [...]eveals. And he that walks according to this Rule, [...] all know his Doctrine, and be led to behold his [...]lory, and Witness an Unity in Spirit with his [...]rother, though in a different Exercise.

How doth this differ from the World's and the [...]xoman-Unity, which is to yield subjection to [...] Order of the Body, (so called) though no [...]anifestation within. And this Unity they glory [...] by this is their Kingdom upheld; from this they [...]e able to boast, Who is able to make War with [...]? Who can stand before us? Do not all fall that [...]ve risen up against us? Are not these the high [...]elling Words of proud Babel, whose towring [Page 12]thoughts must be abased? Whose practice hath been to Crush the Tender Ones, in their Bodies, Souls, and Spirits. This Language hath min [...] Ears heard, this practice hath mine Eyes seen, to the grief and wounding of my Soul.

This combined Unity I have no pleasure in; its Nature is known by its Image, its Birth by the ex­ercise of its Power.

My Friend Observe; What difference is there in these things between George Fox and the Papists. The one saith, No Liberty out of the Church: The other, No Liberty out of the Power. Saith the Papist, What Liberty to the Sectary? No: What Liberty to the Heretick? No. And George Fox saith, What Liberty to the Presbyter? No: What Liberty to the Independant? No: What Liberty to the Baptist? No. Liberty (saith he) is in the Truth. The difference lies only here, The one hath greater Power to compel than the other.

The Papists say, Believe as the Church Believes: So likewise saith G. Fox: But I say Nay, I am not to believe a thing barely because the Church be­lieves it, but because it's manifested in me, else [...] am to wait till God Reveals it. I was told the a­bovesaid by two there present.

The Church of Rome claims a Power of Excom­munication (of them) that will not submit to their decent and comely Order, though in it self the thing be meerly Circumstantial, Ceremonial, or (as they term it) indifferent; and their reason is, It Judgeth the Power, and smites at the Authority, and (say they) it's an Inlet to Division and there­by is Unity violated.

Behold a resemblance thereof, it hath been often [Page 13]said unto me, The Hat is nothing, but it is out of the comely Order, it judgeth Friends, who are in the Power, who testifie against it, and it breaks the Unity; and therefore we cannot suffer such to Marry or Bury, nor to partake of any Priviledge as a Member of the Body; and this is in the sub­stance Excommunication: For Excommunication chiefly lies in a Man's being deprived of the Bene­fits, and put out of the Protection of the Law, as also from being a Member of the Church.

The Severity is the same with us, for where [...]ould I Marry or Bury, if we were an intire Nati­on? Or how can I take a Wife without a Witness? Or how can I have a Witness, if to be one is lyable to the same Misery.

Selected Bodies ought to be found in the Exercise of Moderation, Tenderness, and Mercy, as if they were a Nation. I always find, when once such put forth their Hands to afflict for Conscience sake, as their Power groweth strong, so doth their Oppression.

But perhaps they would say, We do not eject for Conscience sake, but because of an obstinate Will, which opposeth Friends.

The Papists justifie themselves by saying of the same. I remember a Judge likewise made the same reply when a Friend mentioned Conscience. Cer­tainly it cannot be an Evil in one, and Right in the other, no more than it is Cruelty in the Papists Persecutions, and Just in the Protestants.

It will be a noble Example in those that stand upon the Advantage-ground to Act in Moderati­on, Tenderness and Mercy. And although it is the Policy of the World's Churches, &c. under a [Page 14]pretence for Unity, not to hear the tender Con­science, yet the Church of Truth will; and where they are found, will account them as Brethren, and not to think it a sufficient ground to refuse them after Admonition, if they persist, but to wait till God perswades them. And this is the Royal Law of Liberty, the other is the Yoke of Bondage, from which we are not to be entangled after the Tradi­tions of Men.

This great Charter of Liberty is violated, and greatly broken in many particulars: If I have a Cause before the Elders, but especially if I am a Dissenter, it's frequently urg'd, give it to Friends; if I do not, a farther Snare is offered, namely; Dost thou believe Ʋs to be in the Power of God? If I say, Yea; then, What wilt thou not leave it to the Power of God in Friends? Thou art in confusion to believe Ʋs to be in the Power, and yet durst not trust to the Judgment of the Power. To my knowledge, this is a capital Crime accounted.

What greater Usurpation can there be than this, to claim my Right from me into their Breasts? For though the Elders may be preserved in the Power this Year or Season, they may apostatize from the Truth, and yet claim the same Prerogative over my Propriety; hereby a Tyranny may be entail'd upon my self, by laying of such a Foundation.

A most incomparable Instance is the Church of Rome, who was in the Power and Glory of God; howbeit through Pride she lost it, yet gain'd, through Subtilty, the Prerogative before mentioned, to give up unto her Judgment, and to believe as she be­lieves, to the Destruction of many thousands: So that it clearly appears, the Spirit that claims such a [Page 15]Power, under pretence of being in the Power, is the Spirit of Exaltation: and I know, that those Persons that have been most confident in the claim, under the same pretence, have committed great mistakes; and thereby Truth hath been depressed, and Error cherished.

I suppose I may affirm that in all Ages, Truth hath not been persecuted as Truth, but as Error; I could instance, that many in the great Assemblies in London, have not only been dissatisfied with the rest of their Brethrens Actings, though they made use of the Name of the Lord. Both these cannot be right, yet both claim the same Power in Judg­ment: Otherwhiles submit (through fear) unto the Judgment of the more eminent, though it doth not at all correspond with their understandings. If one part of the Body be liable to mistakes, why not the other? And if the Spirit, as they are a Body, is to be Judge and Determiner of Things; by what Spirit shall I know which is in the right? How needful is it therefore to be joyned to our own, in the particular, considering how lyable man is to err; [...]a, in petty Matters. And I know, an Oppressive [...]ct done by a Select Body, having Power, is by cry few clearly discerned; but when done by a [...]rivate Person, every weak-sighted Man can then [...]iscover it to be an Oppressive Act: And so the evil [...]ctions of Great Ones are judged less Criminal, and the Persons less Faulty than in Justice they [...]ght to be.

The Churches of Men are still setting up them­ [...]lves one above another; but the Assemblies of the [...]e Church are all equal, having Christ the Light [...]ally present with and in them; and therefore [Page 16]Friends of one place, cannot say they have Power over Friends in another place, seeing all may be [...] able to have Christ the Light alike, in and among them; else Christ his Spirit, in several place should be above, and under themselves: But Chri [...] in each Assembly of the Faithful is their Hea [...] and this Head they do not leave, to set up a flesh Head to themselves, whether it consists of one many of them; seeing Antichrist doth as stron [...] invade Christ's Headship in many, as in one Ma [...] in a Councel, as in a Pope; in George Fox and [...] Body, as either.

This Spirit of Antichrist in G. Fox, &c. would wrest from me what I am not willing to part withal, to wit, my Conscience, under no less Pena [...] than Excommunication; which is as far as them lies, the loss both of Heaven and Eart [...] of Heaven by Excommunication, of Earth [...] Deprivation; and this without Redemptio [...] unless complying with his or their Will a [...] Pleasure; and for no other cause, than for [...] omittance of a very small Ceremony, which [...] hold necessary to Salvation; like the Circumcis [...] of old, who Preached, Ʋnless they were Circume [...] they could not be Saved. But perhaps they will [...] ▪ We do not Excommunicate thee, yet we can [...] own thee in thy Error. I answer, It's one th [...] not to own a Man in a particular, and anot [...] thing so to disown him, as wholly to exclude [...] from Protection: For if I am once accepted of a Member, and after cast off as not being a Membe [...] I shall leave it to the Sober what to call it. Perhap [...] they will say, This casting off was not for the thing (as indeed it hath been said unto me) but for t [...] [Page 17]Contempt. I may rather say, Sure the greater the [...]ruelty, to lay an Injunction upon so small a matter, [...]at draweth after it so deep a Censure, as to cast [...] man out of the Church. Suppose a Magistrate [...]d command a trivial matter, some Ceremony or [...]her, under pain of Treason, and should proceed [...]gainst the Infringers of this Command as Trai­ [...]ors; it were much to be doubted, whether the [...]ommand did not partake more of Cruelty, than [...]e Disobedience of Contempt: For where Au­ [...]ority shall so far lose it self, as to lay so great a [...]eight upon so small a matter, it rendreth it self [...]ontemptible; and then it's no marvel if it be con­ [...]mned, having made it self contemptible. What [...]ill our Lord do unto these that shall be found beat­ [...]g their Fellow-servants, and driving them from [...]eir Dwellings?

Again, whosoever squares his Actions in things [...]gious by the Spirit's requirings; he is a bad [...]rit, &c. Whosoever would be governed by the [...]at Law, To do as he would be done unto, he is [...] of the Truth; He that will not do what others [...]ould have him to do, he is wilful, stubborn, and [...]stinate.

If the Body saith, It is to be so or not so, tho' two thirds of them are otherwise minded, [...] are silent) and if it shall happen for one to [...]ose the thing with much moderation, and the [...] two thirds shall in their spirits unite with him, [...] notwithstanding a few of the combined Elders [...] bring him to the Bar, and unless he will own [...]ondemnation, Judgment shall pass against him, [...]th such an imperious Authority, that the others [...]re not open their mouths, so that their arbitrary [Page 18]Commands they can impose upon their Fellow-Members. They proceed further, saying, He that will not submit to the Body, opposeth God and [...] Truth; And they make the Body the Touch-ston [...] saying, This is according, or not according [...] Truth, as the Body hath Unity or not Unity with it; and so by this practice the Spirit of the Lord is to be tryed, and judged by the Body. This [...] two parts, to deprive us of the Law of the Spir [...] and to bring in a tyrannical Government; it wo [...] lead us from the Rule within, to subject us [...] Rule without.

It is asserted in Print, that if I believe the Light within me directs me to a thing, and the Body shall not have unity with it, it is safer for me to re [...] upon the judgment of the Body. I remember abo [...] a dozen of the great ones subscribed a Paper to the effect, and sent it to Hartford, but it was the [...] much disliked: There was this also in it, That [...] any person had (as he thought) a command from God, to do a thing, or to put forth a thing in Print, [...] must first come and lay it before the Body, and they judge, he must submit. Is not this an Arb [...] trary Government, bounded by no Law, but what G. F. and a few more please? Herein the ground of our Liberties is taken from us, (to wit) T [...] live, act, and judge according to the Law withi [...] In this is the distribution of Justice, and he that is overawed by a power without, stifles and strangles true Judgment, which ariseth in himself by this is Justice and true Judgment obstructed and violated. It's the highest usurpation of our just Liberties; For when such Principles are established, they are not easily laid down, they have encroached [Page 19]Jurisdiction where none was, taking upon them a Power to judge and domineer over the Innocent, over the Consciencious, over the tender in Spirit, by [...]ew Laws which the Spirit never gave forth, nor hath unity withal, nor many of the Body, which [...]rough fear oppose not these things. They go [...]igher; they say, Their Judgment is God's, and their Acts are as binding as God's, it procceding from the Spirit of the Lord in the Body: Their [...]udgments are so positive from God and for God; [...]nd their Censure so severe, which causeth a [...]aint-heartedness in the weaker, to speak ac­cording to their measure, lest they should dis­please the Body, and be brought to Judgment. [...]t is a dangerous evil for any Man, Men, or Coun­cel, to make him or them Lords, or Lawgivers in the Church: Christ himself being the immediate Lawgiver, and Judge in this the Day of his Power. Men have commonly thought, that to preserve the Church in Peace, is to suppress Error; whereas to preserve them in Faith and Love, with the Father, Word and Spirit, this is rather to preserve the Church.

How many persons, under pretence of healing the Body, wound it still deeper; and under pre­tence of preserving its Peace, hurry it into endless Dissentions; or reduce People to a Formal Faith! Doth not the abovesaid Body practise the same? [...]ea. Ah! How do they build up that which they once pulled down; and do that themselves which they have condemned in others! Ah! That they would suffer the Word only to be the Rule in the Kingdom, and the Light thereof alone to shine [Page 20]there, and not to walk in the light of their own Fire, and in the Sparks which they themselves have kindled, whereby they may lie down in sorrow whilst they neglect the true Light, which lightet [...] every man that comes into the World.

In the true Church, Unity stands in diversities. But in the false, Unity will not stand without Unity formity. And it is greatly to be lamented, how that very many will do nothing without the Autho­rity of the Body, tho' it be never so clear in the [...] and this sets up the Body above Christ.

And because a further dispensation is not relished by the Elders, the which they hide from the In­feriours, lest their glory should be Eclipsed, and draw the rest from a dependence upon them: They content themselves with this limited Mini­stration, and set up Tabernacles here for their Re­sidence; which is above, and beside the Spirit of the Lord's teaching, which leads us on to know and follow the Lord. These are they that stop Israel travel out of all appearances, which his Spirit leads not to; These are they that lay stumbling-blocks in the way in their Journey: These are they that will not have the Lord's People, Prophets; that their Persons may be still had in Admiration for advantage sake: else, what meaneth it, that certain Persons are appointed to spend the whole time in speaking in every Meeting, and all the rest to come as Hearers, neglecting the Gift in themselves, only waiting upon their Lips. When as often times fresh Springs arise in particulars, to make glad and comfort the Hearts of others: But through the long Declarations and Discouragement, withal, [Page 21]the Springs are stopt, and the tender nipt. Ah! God will visit you for these things. And certainly if this Babylonish practice had not been exercised, [...]is precious Truths had been publish'd in the mouths of thousands more, and 10000 more to the know­ledge thereof would have been brought; a greater growth in the Truth witnessed, and the Mind and Will of the Lord more revealed; a greater discove­ry of the Man of Sin within and without us, by the [...]ranscendent brightness of the Everlasting Day, which will again break forth, and recover the [...]round which hath been lost; open the Mysteries which are yet hidden, break the Serpent's head, and [...]ound the Leviathan. Amen, Halelujah.

Moreover, as others before them set up the Scrip­tures above the Spirit, in having that to be the Tryal, Touch-stone, Standard of Doctrine Wor­ship, and of all Spirits; so do they greatly err in set­ting up the Body above the Spirit, in having the Spirit tried by the Body; the one saith, The Scrip­ture is the Rule; but in truth, the Meanings they make the Rule: The other saith, The Spirit (and not the Scripture) is the Rule; but the Dictates of the Body they make the Rule. For if I walk ac­cording to my Measure, and my Measure is my Rule, and it differs from the judgment of the Body; by their Rule I am to deny my Motion, because it answers not the Mind of the Body; for they lay down this as an infallible Rule, That the Body will have a true sense, feeling, and understanding of Mo­tions, Visions, Revelations, Doctrines, &c. and there­fore safest to make Her my Touch-stone in all things relating to God.

Ah! that she would return from whence she is [Page 22]fallen, and repent, that the Crown may again be set upon Her head.

The same Arguments which the Pope, &c. makes use of to support himself, the Body useth, and se­vere judgment is denounced against him that shall speak a word against the Authority of the Body, [...] it is against him that shall speak against the Power and Authority of Rome. And as it was and is a common practice for the Pope to esteem Drunkards Whoremongers, &c. far better than Non-confor­mists, even so it is with the Body at Devonshi [...] House.

If a Non-conformist endeavours to bring to lig [...] the vicionsness of the Priests, they will have way to prevent him, either to raise some Accusations, or some other cunning Evasion. The Body practise [...] the same, as I could instance, and may, when oc­casion offers.

I have heard, from a credible hand, what a so­lemn Meeting there was appointed by G. F. and others of the Elders, to Judge and Condemn seve­ral Men and Women of good report; and shelter cover, and hide the wanton practices of others▪ and the more effectually to discourage persons from discovering these wanton and unclean Ministers, to some they would say, Let it fall, had Spirits will get it, and reflect upon good Friends; to others, Th [...] art an unclean Spirit, raking in Mire and Dirt, [...] lay open the Miscarriages of others; By which means the Adulterer goes free; only perhaps private re­proof passeth upon him.

Consider, O Friends! Is it right to cover the Whoredoms of the wanton Ministry, &c. and un­clean Strumpets? and judge so openly the mistake [Page 23]of a person, when the Actions were true, and in the same House. Is not this apparently to discou­rage persons from discovering these things, and en­couraging of the other in their filthy and defiled [...]onversations? whom God will judge. He that [...]stifieth the wicked, and condemneth the Innocent, is in abomination to the Lord.

Again, those that forbore the custom of their Hats in Prayer, could not partake of their Rights is a Member, until a Renunciation thereof, and for [...] other cause; when Zealots for that form (tho' guilty of uncleanness, and other vile abominations, and the persons accused for the same, yet) allow'd to minister as a Teacher, and employed in the Ser­vice for the Body.

Such was the rigidness, That persons only su­spected to favour the forbearers of the Hat, must [...]ar a publick Testimony against them and their [...]irit, or else be liable to be disown'd. If they were not drunk with an Arbitrary Power, they might sure find out a medium (for the omittance of [...]o small a Ceremony) between an Ejection and an [...]pprobation, between owning a person, and not gi­ving him a liberty to exercise his Conscience.

If this kind of Judicature had been set up in the [...]postles days, what Confusions, what Disorders, that Divisions, what Rents, and Breaches had [...]here been in the Church? there being some that [...]eld a necessity of keeping the Ceremonial Law, others not; some for keeping of Days, others eve­ry Day alike, some for eating of Meats, others of [...]erbs; some for Circumcision, others not. And [...]ul, to preserve the Unity, notwithstanding these [...]fferences, writ, not to judge one another in [Page 24]Meats, &c. but to wait till God reveals it to him. And if G. F. and the Body had but this moderation what a Harmony, what a Unity would there have been amongst us!

The Papists had a way to try all suspected Persons by, namely, that they call the Sacrament of the Al­tar; the Protestants the Oath of Allegiance and [...] ­premacy, as also the Renunciation of the Covenant the Presbyter the Covenant it self: And this Body tries suspected Persons by this, namely, Haft t [...] given Testimony against the Spirit of the Hat [...] could never get any of them to define what [...] Hat-Spirit is. And as the Papists (to render [...] Protestants odious) styled them Hereticks; the Pro­testants, Phanaticks, Puritans; and all Sects call as in scorn Quakers; and the same Spirit of reproach hath entered this Body, in stiling the forbearance of the Hat, Hatters, Hat-men. If any may ha [...] that Appellation, it's rather due unto you, w [...] keep it off upon a Religious Account, than upon those who keep it neither off nor on upon a Religi­ous Account. They of the Circumcision were [...] called, not because they forbore the practice of th [...] Act, but because they still continued in it; and it preposterous to give Nick-names unto persons for not doing of a Thing by the name of the Thing. We were called Quakers, because we trembled [...] his Word, not because we did it not.

We displeased Man, because we do not uncover our Heads before him; we say, and say true, true Respect doth not lie in the uncovering of our Heads a pitiful low thing to lay honour and respect in [...] Hat; we say, it's the honour below which perish­eth: We say, it's an honour that may be trampl [...] [Page 25]upon, and laid in the Dust, (as William Baley and others well said, and many of these men that have [...]orn this faithful Testimony, are so far backslidden, that they say there is a Respect and Reverence due [...]nto God in it); Let the Judicious judge, whether [...]e Honour and Reverence which they give God in [...]is thing, according to their own words, be not [...] honour below, which perisheth.

They do not deny the giving of this Cap-honour [...]to Men, because there is honour in it, but because there is no solidity in it, for just and true honour [...]ey acknowledge is due unto Superiours; and al­ [...]o' G. F. and others have trampled upon this Hat-honour as the most vile Excrement, yet he and they [...] say unto us, You give no more reverence unto God, [...]an unto a Horse.

Is it not strange that these men shall lay so much [...]ess upon a Hat, as a Duty due unto God, when [...]hey have look't upon it as a poor low thing when [...]an hath required it; and to make us more odious, [...] are called Ranting-Spirits, when we do abhor [...]d abominate that monstrous Principle. It's pro­ [...]ble many do forbear that practice, what then? [...]iust I therefore be a Ranter? Nay surely, no more [...]han they are Papists that are in the same Exercise [...]ith them in this outward Observation. The Ran­ [...] gives no honour at all unto God, neither inward [...]or outward, but makes a derision at the Name of the Lord.

We do not forbear the Hat in this disdain, or for [...]ant of reverence to the Holy, Pure God, (for if [...]e required it, I believe we could not only offer [...]at, but our lives also) in the Service of the Lord, [...]d for his Truth: but because he doth not require [Page 26]this of us, but rather a more Spiritual Reveren [...] It is therefore an abuse to be stiled Ranting-Spir [...] It is a true Saying, and worthy our Observation That they conspire together to destroy the Ch [...] Jesus in us.

These ill Ministers conjoyn together to suby [...] our Laws and Liberties, given by the Great, [...] ­vah, by obstructing or denying of Justice, (if apprehend it sutes not to their Interest) which [...] the Life and Blood to the Body, and doth g [...] warmth and motion to every Member, whi [...] nourished and enlivened by it, but being once [...] ­ped and seared up, as the particular must of neces­sity faint and languish, so must the whole fram [...] dissolved; and assuredly, tho' they are lifted as it were, unto Heaven, in their proud imagina [...] ­ons, the Righteons God will blast all their exal [...] expectations, and they shall die and perish in [...] general dissolution; because they have not rega [...] the Fatherless, nor pitied the poor in Spirit, [...] compassionated the tender Conscience, which fe [...] ­ed to sin against the Lord, but crushed, spo [...] and oppressed (without bowels of mercy) the that had little strengh to help themselves: invade [...] their Rights, violated their Liberties, endeavonre to take the Meat from the Children and give it [...] Dogs.

Heretofore, before they were high and mighty they were the Balm of Gilead, which healed on Wounds, restored our Spirits, and shewed us the way of Salvation; but of late years, like the Fig [...] tree mentioned in Luke, without efficacy, without Fruit, only destructive to the particular Members who discharge their Duties and Consciences [Page 27]whereas they should be like the good Old-man, who [...]ieth in a full age, after he hath fought a good [...]ight, and overcome the Evil one; they should be [...]ke the Shock of Wheat which cometh in, in due [...]ason, to uphold our lives with the staff of Bread; [...]nd not unjust Judges to overthrow our Liberties) or proud Elders, to overthrow the Gospel. One [...]ing more to add, and perhaps thou hast not alto­ [...]ther forgotten it; it is this.

G. F. being very sick and weak for a long time, tender Love rose in the heart of W. Gosnal, to give [...]m a friendly Visit, and when he came into his [...]amber, G. was transported into such an high [...]assion, and uttered such vehement and violent words against him, that many there present in the [...]oom, were almost astonished thereat; It was for is cause W. G. long before signified unto Samuel [...]ewton his apprehensions, that G. F. would have [...]ukcen him, (of this more hereafter) and he being [...]ted up in his Spirit, like Lucifer, he uttered words this effect; Friends, Although I have not yet [...] it you, I do now declare it, I have power to bind and to loose whom I please. How hath Solomon [...]celes fed this exalted spirit, who puts forth these [...]ords, Stand up Muggleton the Sorcerer, whose [...]outh is full of Cursing, Lies, and Blasphemy, who [...]llest thy last Book a Looking-Glass for G. Fox, whose name thou art not worthy to take into thy [...]outh, who is a Prophet indeed, and hath been faith­ful in the Lord 's Business in the beginning. It [...]as said of Christ, that he was in the world, [...]nd the World was made by him, and the [...]orld knew him not: So it may be said of this true [...]rophet, whom John said, He was not; but thou wilt [Page 28]feel this Prophet one day as heavy as a milstone upon thee; and although the World knows him not, yet [...] is known.

Certainly such Expressions are not fit to be given unto man; and to lift up one in this nature above his Brethren, is of dangerous Consequence. Sure [...] this mortal hath been greatly puft up by such fa [...] ­ing, flattering Parasites; Or else he would ne [...] suffer persons to kneel before him: It is done up [...] two occasions, tho' in a very private manner, a [...] but by a few. The one is when he sends you fo [...] to Administer; the other is upon some misdemea­nour committed by a Minister, and upon the ac­knowledging of his fault upon his bended Knee then G. absolves him. Such is the absolute power which he takes to himself, That he will break one [...] Letters, and alter the Contents. One of the m [...] ­eminent Ministers amongst them, being of a mod [...] ­rate spirit, writ as in the name of the Lord, judg­ing both those that kept the Hat off or on, in a wi [...] ­ful, opposite, contentious spirit; But as for tho [...] that kept it off, or on, as to the Lord, those he [...] the Spirit of the Lord did not judge, or words to this purpose: he blotted out a line or more, and writ over it clearly another sense, to wit, That be did judge those that kept it on, and not those that kep [...] it off, and John Whitehead, who writ the Letter knew not of it.

My heart is often-times grieved within me, and my spirit oppressed with Sorrow, when I call to mind their Lowliness, and their Plainness in Ap­parel! Ah, how did their Countenances and Gar­ments suit with their Preaching of the Cross of Jesus, and very many were brought by their Mi­nistry, [Page 29]out of Rich-clothings: But behold a Won­der! These Ministers, in a short space, got into the Rich-Habits, to wit, Beaver Hats, Camlet Cloaks, the finest of the Cloath, not inferiour to the Merchants of the City, setting aside their Lace and Ribbands. It hath been their lot to be haled with violence) out of the Assemblies of Professors, bearing of faithful Testimonies and thrust into [...]ison. Did I think to see the same violence offered our Assemblies! Nay, but with Sorrow, mine [...]s have seen pulling down, haling out, and [...]usting forth of our Meetings, and they went to [...]e utmost, as far as their power; And doubtless they wanted not Will, but Power to Punish. These waning Wolves, which worry and prey upon [...]e Flock, boast themselves to be Peers in this Se­ [...]ted Body? and affirm, That if any of them ommit a fault their Peers, or their equals, are only to be their Judges, and not the Laity, or Commo­ [...]ty; so that in their Selected Assemblies, these [...]p the Inferiours at so great a distance, and their [...]its are so over-awed, that they dare not (but [...]dom) contradict the sayings of the most emi­ [...]t Elders.

It fell out that poor James Claypoole contradicted, [...]d that with much moderation, the imperious [...]lder, John Bolton, for saying unto a maid, That [...] was first to see the evil in her self, before she judged, and not (saith he) because we say it. This poor [...]an, for this presumption, was first to acknowledge is Error: Yet he in private confest it to be no Error; But being a man of peace, would rather [...]ar his burthen, then to stand against, or contend [Page 30]with so great an Elder. How is it possible the Young ones can speak their minds freely, when they are thus curbed and overawed? By this means a few will sway a Meeting which way they please, un­less the Peers are in Competition, then they meet, as two great waters, ready to overwhelm one ano­ther with their asserting both in the Name of the Lord. To prove this, I shall give thee a few preg­nant instances.

The First is concerning the Marriage of John Osgood, who is well known to be a man of Mode­ration, Sobriety, and of a deep Judgment, own­ing and holding forth, as occasion offered, the Principles delivered; and he was held in such re­putation, that I know no mans Counsel had a greater influence upon, and acceptance with the Meeting than his; But after he came to forbear the Exercise of the Hat in Prayer: The Zealots for that practice, did use their utmost endeavour to screw him out of that power and authority which he had in the Meeting, as the Paper signed by Eleven Ministers doth clearly demonstrate. It came to pass, that it was his purpose to take Re­becca Travers, the Younger, to be his Wife: first lie went to the Womans-Meeting, according to Cu­stom, to acquaint them with his Intentions, and there they past it with so great an Acceptation, that a very considerable part of them went along with him to the Mens-Meeting, to justifie and stand to their procedure towards him, if occasion offered, whereas others have seldom above two. He liked wise acquainted the Men with it, and after a short space, one there charged him for opposing a Serval [Page 31]of the Lord, that had declared a thing in the Name of the Lord.

He presently cleared himself from this aspersion, by proving the person to be in a notorious falsity, which he asserted in the Name of the Lord; this Blasphemer, that is thus stiled the Servant of the Lord, under the pretence of a Physician or Chyrur­geon, made it his common practice to commit Un­cleanness, and wantonness towards Women; and yet he was employed and sent by G. F. to judge Persons and Meetings; he made him also as his Companion in his Travels, and covered him in his wickedness, insomuch that it was a crime sufficient to take notice thereof.

And although John Osgood cleared himself as is above expressed, John Bolton with two or three more had another snare for him; namely, Wilt thou give a testimony against the Hat-spirit? His Reply was to this purpose, When he saw it to be an evil, he should; but at the present he did not, and therefore could not give a Testimony against a thing, before it was manifested in him to be an Evil. This would not satisfie them, altho' he again came into their practice, in the keeping of it off. This Marriage was declared by Rebecca Travers the Elder, and J. O. to be of the Lord: and John Bolton, with not a­ [...]ve two or three more, did so oppose the passing thereof, in the name of the Lord, that it could not be obtained, unless he would give a testimony as [...]ove, and yet almost the whole Meeting was for [...]assing of it. This will seem prodigious to persons [...]norant in these affairs.

He therefore, without their Consents, appoin [...] a Day to take his Wife, and a very considera [...] number of the Meeting were Witnesses the [...] [...] Such was the Severity and Lordliness of J. B. [...] he in publick disowned Tho. Salthouse, for his bei [...] there a Witness, and for his Moderation. Th [...] Transactions did so seize upon the Spirits of othe [...] [...] that it was exceeding difficult for any to ob [...] Witnesses in such an affair, if the Meeting ref [...] to pass [...] never so unjustly.

By what hath been said, it may be clearly dis [...] ­ed, That the greatest part of the Meeting signi [...] more than Cyphers, that a few Rule by Will [...] Pleasure, a certain ready way it is to make Hy [...] crites; for what greater temptation can a Man [...] withal to reduce him to a conformity against [...] Conscience, than to deprive him of a Person wh [...] he most dearly loves? And what greater rigid [...] can there be to deny the accomplishment of [...] weighty a Concern, for the omittance of so [...] a Ceremony as the Hat?

Let this be had in perpetual memory, That so [...] of you were Judged, Condemned, and Execu [...] for no other Cause than the Hat, and now th [...] Judge, Condemn, and Excommunicate for▪ [...] same, (Oh greatly to be admired!) Not tha [...] am against this practice when required of the Lo [...] but against the customary use thereof; for th [...] have known, and frequently seen, that when a [...] ­nister hath ended his Declaration, and a gene [...] apprehension that he will make a close with Pra [...] off goes their Hats, according to the custo [...] other Societies; and immediately up stands a [...] [Page 33] [...]er and begins a new Declaration, then, as Men [...]amed, on goes their Hats again. Moreover, it [...] happen sometimes for a Man to be overtaken [...]ith sleep when the Prayer is begun, by some acci­ [...]nt or other he is disturbed; but before he is well [...]akned, he snatches off his Hat as a Man afright­ [...] Can I judge that those things are any other [...] a formal Custom? Nay, assuredly, others do [...] pretend that spirituality of Worship, and there­ [...] it is no marvel in them.

[...] never could yet understand why the Head may [...] covered by an Assembly, when a Minister shall [...]rn high Praises unto the Lord, in an elevated, [...]esh, and lively Spirit, and to be so erroneous as [...] be Excommunicated for the same in time of [...]yer.

[...] have been the larger upon this Instance, be­ [...]se it proves the greatest part that is here writ­ [...]

The next is this M. Boreman and Elizabeth [...]aily came before the Men's Meeting, to express [...] intentions touching their Marriage; the one [...] declared positively, as from the Lord, that it [...]s to pass; John Nelson, Gerrard Roberts, and [...]as Briggs were three of them, besides many [...]o [...]e. Tho. Briggs was transported into such an [...] Zeal, that he told them, That it was of the [...], and that they opposed the mind of the Lord: [...] when the other Party came close to the busi­ [...] he did not know whom the Persons were that [...]ended their Marriage, to his great shame. John [...]ton, and Sam. Newton, were the great Oppo­ [...], under the same pretence, but indeed with [Page 34]more moderation. Several went home with gri [...] ­ved and sorrowful hearts, whereof John Osgood w [...] one, and William Phillips another; I could name more, but let this suffice.

The next is concerning John Swinton, who did write a large Paper by way of Lamentation, as [...] ­ing commanded and required of the Lord to pu [...] ­lish the same, wherein was exprest, That the L [...] ­ers (the Leaders) were greatly guilty of the f [...] ­ness of Dyet, fineness in Apparel, and of speak [...] words out of the Life, which was a burthen to [...] Life: He justified this for several years, tho [...] strongly urged to deny it; but at last they pur­sued him so closely, that the Meeting at Devon­shire-House sent for him out of Scotland, in th [...] Winter-time, for Him and his Paper to be try [...], But before he came, there was a meeting at the said place concerning him, and there John Bolton▪ Gilbert Layty, John Nelson, and Charles Har [...] with many others, past Judgment against Him a [...]d his Paper: A Reply was made by Gawen Law [...]e [...] That it was not regular to deal so by a Person an [...] his Writings, that was not there to answer for hi [...] ­self; to Condemn Him, and then to Try him. Thi [...] I bring as a further proof of their unreasonable Ty­ranny; For what Justice and true Judgment could be expected, when these Grandees, who were [...] Judges, did give Judgment against him before-hand?

In a short space after John came to London, and a Meeting was again appointed; He saw [...] Breach would be great, and likewise his Exercise telling divers before-hand, The Child must not b [...] [Page 35]divided, nor the Seamless garment rent: and so when the day came, he denied the Paper, and the Spirit that gave it forth, yea, fit for the fire; and moreover, That it was writ in an hour of tempta­tion and weakness.

Let the impartial judge, whether this Recanta­tion was not done rather in such an hour? and whe­ther the things are not true that he declared?

It's time to conclude, having dwelt long enough upon this Subject, with this Counsel and Admo­ [...]tion to the High and Mighty, and to the lofty Mountains, and aspiring Cedars of this Assembly, before spoken of: Despise not to take counsel of a Fool, nor disdain the advice of the young and weak Ones, for 'tis possible, deep knowledge and [...]et little esteem may be found together: This I have to inform you, that though you have reduced many to a sober life, the way to keep them, and to bring in more into the same Fold, is by mildness, not setting up a Lordly Judicature over the Conscience, for by this all Professions have been split before us; and it is observed, that when the Spirit of Lord­ship enters a People over their Fellows, the Lord doth disappoint the Undertakers thereof, by the withdrawing of his pure Spirit.

My Soul's desire is, That the Spirit of Lordship and Exaltedness, which hath entred the Body, may be crusht for ever, that the little Ones may serve the Lord without fear, and be found in the Exer­cise of nothing in the Worship of God, but what his pure Spirit leads unto, and out of that, Truth may spring up in the hearts of thousands, by en­joying [Page 36]of this holy Liberty, and that God may [...] exalted in the Farth, that the Horn of all O [...] ­pressions may be broken, and dasht to pieces, [...] the praise of the Name of the Lord, that the Lig [...] of his Glory may shine in our Temples in [...] strength and lustre, not wanting a proud Lord [...] Body to rule over us, nor a proud, wanton, [...] Ministry to monopolize his' precious Truth fro [...] us, but that every one may sit under his own Vi [...] without fear, and eat his Bread at his own Tab [...] And God bears me this Testimony, That his T [...] as it hath been declared, is dear unto me, and [...] Principles delivered, my Soul doth own; and the [...] ­fore, according to my Measure, ought to have [...] place in the Body; but from the Body of Chris [...] and the Unity of his Spirit they cannot exclu [...] me, and therefore my Soul is abundantly satis [...] and refreshed, in my solitary Retirements, and [...] not to join hands to oppress any, nor yet to give up my neck unto the Yoke of Bondage, nor [...] Back to the Oppression, nor my Judgment and Ey [...] to the Body: Though I can give my Back to th [...] Smiter, and my Cheeks to the pulling off of th [...] Hair, yet it is through a patient suffering, and no [...] a sordid slavish subjection.

And altho' they daily exercise the Oppressions before-mentioned, yet by their deceitful flatteries they make people believe, That they are a harm­less, innocent, and peaceable People, suffering an [...] bearing wrong, but not doing any; or if any per­sons Write, or Speak their Grief, that the Public [...] take notice of, they will represent them under such terms as may render them odious; and the more [Page 37] [...]ffectually to weaken their Testimonies, they will [...] upon them scurrilous and contemptible Appella­ [...]on, as Scotch-men, Welch-men, Tinker, Taylor, &c. [...]me of them utterly untrue; and to prevent an in­ [...]isition into the truth of the matter, they would [...]ake people believe that they are envious, malici­ [...], and discomposed Spirits, bad, dirty, factious, [...] ranting Spirits, who are gone from Truth, and [...] out of Truth.

Such is the portion of those that appear in the least [...]inst their imperious, tyrannical, and lascivious [...]tions; and what-ever Man detected the fallacies [...] destructive Cheats of imperious disdainful men, [...] was thus reproached? Must it be justice in [...]m to complain of their Oppressions, and Envy; [...]d Malice, &c. in us to complain of ours? their [...]rs are but few, yet verily they have been exceed­ [...] expert in learning of the Papists subtilties.

If I have any interest in a Burial-place, and dis­ [...]ase the Body by discharging of a good Consci­ [...]e, I shall be deprived thereof, and be necessita­ [...] to seek a place for my dead else-where: albeit, [...] Truth, as it hath been declared, is dear unto, [...] precious with me; for say they, Thou opposest [...]iends who are in the Truth. Let the Spiritual [...]an judge whether this is not a setting up them­ [...]lves? yea, let the reasonable Man judge, whether [...] is not to dispose of my Right and Propriety Will and Pleasure? they are like the Pharisees old, who were more zealous to keep up their [...]y are more zealous to keep up their power as body, than the Truth it self.

It appears plainly unto the Just and Righte [...] [...] Man, that G. F. and the rest of his Councel ha [...] endeavoured to subvert the Royal Law of Liberty and to introduce an Arbitrary and Tyrannical [...] vernment over the Conscience, over the Flock [...] God.

These are the ravening Wolves which prey [...] the little Ones in a Lordly Spirit; This is that [...] venomed spirit which hath tainted their Judgm [...] poysoned their Hearts, and blinded their [...] how hainous it is in the Nature, how mischie [...] in the Effects of it? which will best appear, [...] be examined by that infallible Law, To do [...] would be done unto; This is the Foundation of [...] Laws, out of which they are derived; this [...] Supream Law, and the Health of the People [...] end of all Laws to which they are designed [...] how far this Spirit in them stands in opposition this Law, I shall further manifest.

They pretend and claim an Infallibility in [...] ment, &c. (not that I am against Infallibility [...] that it is in a special manner peculiar to the [...] they are a Body, this I am against) yet who [...] fallible in Judgment than they? who more pa [...] in Justice? And what can be more dangerous [...] destructive to the well-being of a People, than [...] a claim without it? If they were in it, assu [...] they would boast less, be more humble and [...] more self-denying and mortified in their Con [...] tions.

I shall be liable to transgress, by breaking a [...] hidden in their Breasts; that must be a Crime [...] they are pleased to say is so; all must be error [...] [Page 39] [...]ey, please to call so. What (say they) dost thou [...] dost thou feel that which the Body doth not? [...] art in an exalted Spirit, the Body hath not unity [...]th it; if it had been a true motion, the Body would [...] a sence thereof, (behold the Touch-stone); and [...]tainly in their degenerated Natures, as many [...]at enormities have been, so greater will be pro­ [...]d: Lust will become a Law, Envy will be­ [...]ne a Law; Ambition and Covetousness will be­ [...]ne Laws: What Dictates, what Divisions such [...]ws will produce, may easily be discerned by the [...] Vicissitudes, to dispose of all to the mainte­ [...]ce of it self? The bounds of the Royal Law they [...] removed and broken, (and this mischief must [...]ds ensue in the stead thereof, Tyranny establish­ [...] and yet they will tell us, It's for the honour of [...]uth, and its service from the Spirit of Truth.

What greater dishonour can there be to the [...] God of Heaven and Earth, than to pretend [...] Holy, Pure Spirit in the practice of Injustice [...] Oppression, and to make use of his great [...]me and Power to patronize their pride and ex­ [...]ted Spirits?

Such arbitrary courses have an ill Operation upon [...] Spirits of Men, it weakens their Hearts, and [...]ls their Courage, and begets in them a slavish [...]mper and Disposition; and where this arbitra­ [...] [...]nd unlimited Power is set up, a way is open not [...]ly for the security, but for the Advancement and [...] couragement of Evil, and a means to Increase [...]terers. Such Men are aptest to cry up the body in all respects, and are the only good Friends: [...]t others (though exemplary in their Conversa­tions) [Page 40]who cannot yield and comply against [...] light in their Consciences, to some of their pro [...] ings, are subject to their Jealousie, Censure, [...] an Ejection.

In days past the Lord raised up a Moses to [...] Ruler and Leader to his People Israel, who [...] then under Types, Figures and Shadows; and [...] Lord spake to his People by his Servant Moses But another Administration more glorious is e [...] ­blished; to wit, The Dispensation of the So [...] God, whom Moses prophesied of, who speak [...] from Heaven, who is the end of all Figure Types and Shadows, he who is the substance of [...] Types, &c. is now the Great Captain, and Lea [...] of his People, makes use of, and lays by what [...] struments he pleaseth, reveals his Mind sometime to one, sometimes to another, without respect [...] Persons or Bodies, as he pleaseth, That there may [...] no glorying but in the Lord: He abaseth the pro [...] and exalteth the humble; hides his mind from [...] High and Mighty, from the Wise and Prudent, [...] reveals himself unto Babes; and therefore he ne [...] eth not a Fox, nor a Body to conveigh his [...] unto his People, he being himself their Teach [...] and hath planted his Laws in their Hearts, and [...] ven them an holy Anointing, to know the Spirit of Truth from the Spirit of Error.

And albeit the Kings of the Earth exercise Lordship and Authority over their People, yet it ough [...] not to be so among the Disciples of Christ, being [...] Brethren: But for the greatest to be well contented to serve in the meanest employment, if the Lo [...] requires it, as to be served, to hearken, and su [...] [...] [Page 41]to the Voice of his Spirit, in the least Babe [...] in the greatest, or, as in the Body.

And I affirm, the Lord did not raise them up to [...]ring us off from the barren Mountains, to feed [...]pon them who are now become a De [...]art; nor [...]om under our Oppressors, to turn Oppressors themselves: Let them remember the Army, it is [...]eir Figure; and if the Lord's anger waxed hot against them for their Unfaithfulness, what will be [...]e Portion of these, who have so deeply Aposta­ [...]zed fram clearer Manifestations?

Many of the most Eminent have had potent Im­ [...]ses, to give forth solid, and sound Arguments or Liberty of Conscience, and have pleaded [...]ongly for the same, yet George Fox was heard to [...] in a selected great Assembly thus, Though many friends have writ for Liberty of Conscience, I never [...]d the Word, it is not a good Word, no Liberty to the Presbyterians, no Liberty to the Papists, no Li­berty to the Independants, no Liberty to the Baptists, [...]. Liberty is t [...]e only in the Truth, and saith [...] no Liberty out of the Power. In Answer un­ [...] this, Truth gives Liberty unto the weak, yet [...] weakness in the Truth.

Since the Spirit is withdrawn, they do greatly [...]oast the Power is as much, and as fresh as ever, it so, they would be more refreshed with it, and [...] with Sleep in their Assemblies) and their Unity, as entire as ever. Yet verily, sharper Contentions [...] seldom found amongst any People. To prove his, I will set down two notable Examples, it is between four famous and eminent Elders.

First, Tho. Salthouse and John Balton: T. S. b [...] ­ [...]g a man of some Moderation and Tenderness, used [Page 42]his endeavours to beget a Reconcilement between the Practicers and Forbearers of the Hat in Prayer, and to receive each other as Brethren, though they differ in that particular thing; but that high and hot-spirited Elder J. B. called him false Prophet, reputed him worse than the Forbearers, and op­posed his Ministry, untill with much ado a Re­concilement was made by a condescention on both parts.

The other is between G. Fox and Sam. Newton, who being a man of some Honesty and Cleanness in his Spirit, was against having of a Person to Act in their behalf, as in relation to Sufferings, whose Conversation Preached not Righteousness, but G. F. opposed him with so much wrath and vio­lence, that some there present thought he would have strucken him, he being a person so right [...] qualified and accomplished for George's Interest.

Such is the swelling Pride of this Luciferian. that he gave forth a Paper, That his Marrirge with Margaret Fell, was a Figure of the Marriage between Christ and the Church. I may more justly believe it to be a Figure of the great Apostacy from the Truth, and barrenness in the Truth.

He likewise declared, That his Marriage was a­bove the state of. Adam in his Innocency, in the state of the second Adam, who never fell. This Paper was so ill Resented, and so much dislik'd, that it was called in again; and a rare thing it was to get a sight there of, albeit through an accident, I had a View of it.

The abovesaid Samuel Newton and John Bolton, to give them their due, have not taken a little Pains, Labour and Travel, to bring to Light and [Page 43]to Judgement such unheard of Practises of beastly wantonness, and filthy uncleanness, that it is hard to believe the excess thereof: But John Bolton hath, or had a Confession in Writing from one or two of the Female Persons concern'd, of the Debauched Actions, to declare the truth thereof; yet notwithstanding they met with such great Obstructions and Opposition, that they cannot accomplish a thorow Examination of it, because it toucheth many Eminent Ones in the Ministry; who from day to day resorted unto them, and giving them these Appellations, Innocent Lasses, and Daughters of Sion.

Sometimes it comes to pass, that two approved of in the Ministry, will oppose and Judge each other in publick Assemblies, in the Name of the Lord: but to prevent the evil effects therof, the next day Persons shall be appointed to declare the Greatness of their Unity, and the Oneness in their Spirits.

But least there should be a misapplication of what I have Written; when I express the Body, I do declare, my meaning is, The Second Days Meeting at Devonshire-house, with some other Principals in other Countries, who are their Abet­tors, and not the whole Body of the People called Quakers; for I am assured, and well know, that very many have not bowed to this Golden Image, with whom my Soul hath Unity, and with whom I am Refreshed.

And moreover, I meet with many who will free­ly open their Hearts to me, with grieved and sor­rowful Spirits, to behold what Domineering, and what partial Judgment is practised, what Severi­ty [Page 44]and Tyrany is Exercised at this Meeting, but especially against Dissenters.

But, say they, it is out of our Power to Redress it, until God doth Change their Hearts, or give [...] more Power; reckoning themselves at present to [...] weak to grapple with these Goliah's, unless th [...] little Stone be given them to smite them on their Foreheads, or Words to this purpose.

Let us trust in the Lord, and wait upon him with patience in Faith which overcomes the World; that he will thresh the Mountains, and rebuke the High and Mighty, who are Exalted above their Measures; and exalt his Truth over all, that Justice and Righteousness may flow as a River, to the re­joycing of his Oppressed People, and to the Praise and Glory of his Name for ever. From a deep Mourner in Israel, to behold how the Earth is fil­led with Violence, and the Righteous Seed Op­pressed.

Dear Friend, It hath pleased the Lord to raise thee up to bear a Testimony against an Adulterous, Tyrannical, and an Hypocritical Generation; let the Word of the Lord therefore have a free passage in and through thee, and Consult not with Flesh and Blood; Watch against the Enemy, lest he dar­ken thy Understanding, that thou canst not distin­guish between the Precious and the Vile. Mix not thy own Thoughts with the Motions of the Spirit; keep in the Fear, and in the Humility, that an ex­alted Spirit may be kept out: Build thy House up­on the Rock of Ages, and stand in the unchangea­ble without wavering, that thy Conversation may be without Blemish, thy Judgment withot Error, and thy Love unto the Truth without Dissimulation. [Page 45]Be Faithful unto the Lord's Requirings, that Diso­bedience may not enter. Rember the Root bears the Tree, and the Tree the Branches; if the na­tural Branches were cut off through unbelief, and thou with thousands grafted in, be not high min­ded, but fear.