And first as to those things which some calls civill.

ANd indeed it may be wondered at, by any moderate people, that in a nation called Christians, any man should suffer, so much as to be called an offender for some of the things which I must mention upon this account, especially they being layd upon us by the spirit of Christ as matter of conscience, and by a people so highly pretending for li­berty of Conscience.

As it hath been layd upon us by the Spirit of Christ, to use the same single language to all sorts of people, which the Scriptures uses, and all the holy men of God therein have e­ver used, that is to say, thou to any one per­son, and you to more then one; A language, sound, and true, to God, and man, which the Spirit of God first spoke, and gave to man, and of man received it againe without of­fence, and never since gave to man any o­ther forme of speech, as we may read in the Scriptures of truth; And in this we differ from some sorts of people, and for it have [...]uf­fered as great offenders, and have undergone very grievous censures, and long imprison­ments, divers of us, though it hath been layd [Page 16] on our Consciences from the Lord, yea the Scriptures also, 2 Tim. 1.13. commands the forme of sound words, to be holden fast; now why those who professe the Scriptures for their rule, should persecute us for using the language of it, may be thought strange to the hearers thereof; yet for this we suffer for a testimony against them.

Also it hath been layd upon us by the Lord to call men and women by their own names, which their fathers have given to them, to be knowne by amongst men; And though in this we differ from some sorts of people, who can give flattering titles to some people in stead of their names, and reproachfully miscall o­thers in stead of their names, yet herein we are owned by the Scriptures of truth, and the practise of all the holy men therein, who never refused their own names to take a proud title, but owned their names that God had given them, And saith the Scriptures, let me not give flattering titles to man, Job 32.21, 22. for in so doing my maker would soone take me away. And if you respect persons, James 2. you commit sin, and are convin­ced of the law as evill doers; yet for this we have suffered also by this generation, as evill doers, and contemners of authoritie, though we know that to call a man by his name, contemnes not his authoritie, nor doe we it for that end, but in obedience to truth, and for Conscience towards God.

Also that about our hats putting off, which hath been so great an offence to many; This also hath been layd upon our Consciences by the Lord and we dare not disobey him there­in to please men, though sometimes it hath [Page 17] been said to us that if we would but put off our hats, we should not goe to prison; others have said, when we came before them for Judgement and Justice, you shall have no Ju­stice, unlesse you put off your hats; yea some have hazarded their lives hereon, yet durst not disobey God herein, though they have suffe­red long therefore; and lost their rights for want of justice: yet we have not dared to disobey our God herein, but have valued our peace with him and a pure Conscience above all sufferings and profits herein. Now, this is beyond all the persecuters of old, that men should suffer for their hats, yea, even Nebu­chadnezzar in his greatest heate of persecuti­on▪ he made not that an offence, to keepe on their hats, more then their other garments▪ but with their hats on as well as hose and shooes, they was bound and cast into the fire; Dan. 3.21. nor doe we finde in all the Scriptures pre­cept or practise of that thing yet for this we have deeply suffered▪ in divers parts of this nation. Thus would people and powers, drive us from the obedience of our God, in a pure Conscience▪ and instead thereof cause us to worship a vaine Custome, for which we have no warrant, neither in Scripture▪ nor good example, but saith the Lord, Lev. 18.30. Ye shall keepe mine ordinances, but the Customes of the people are vaine, and abominable, you shall not defile your selves therewith. So, we obey God rather then men▪ and by men who professes God, suffer for so doing.

This also hath been commanded us of the Lord, and layd upon our Consciences, not to sweare at [...]ll, upon any occasion whatsoever, Ier. 23.10. [Page 18] and because of this we have forborne to sweare, when men have called us thereto, whether to sweare at any change of govern­ment, or what ever it hath been, we may not sweare at all; And for this we have deeply suffered also, as cōtemners of the law, though we have not despised government, but have consented to what just thing was required of us, in truth of heart, without swearing; And for this we have the expresse command of Christ Jesus who hath said, Mat. 5.34 Iames 5.12. Sweare not at all; And his Apostles said, Above all things my bre­thren, sweare not, least you fall into condemnati­on. And we have also the practise of all the followers of Christ who was never knowne to use an oath since; for to such as receive Christ there is the end of swearing; and di­vers other things which before Christ came to end them, was ordinances of God, but Christ the Covenant everlasting hath ended all swearings of men whatsoever, and for­bidden they are in his name, upon paine of condemnation. Further, in the time of Mo­ses, when swearing was in the Iews Church, it was not to be forced upon them by any pe­nalty, but they might sweare or not sweare, without any carnall punishment, nor was it required of witnesses to sweare at all, betwixt a man and his neighbour, two witnesses was to establish the matter before the Iudge, but I never read of those two required to sweare, that was as to a mans owne particular, onely in this case, when a man had taken a pledge, and it was stolen from him, then an oath was to be taken of that man in his owne behalfe, that he put not his hand to the stealeing of it, [Page 19] and then he was not to repay it againe, but if he would repay it he needed not sweare, so he was not forced. And except in this case onely, I finde not an oath required by any Iudge in Moses law. So, these who make us offenders, [...]or denying to sweare, are out of all the way of God in Moses time. And in Christs time, swearing is expressly forbid­den at all, even this in Moses time; for faith Christ It hath been said by them of old time, Lev. 19.12. Mat. 5.34. thou shalt not forsweare thy selfe, but shalt performe unto the Lord thy oaths. So here was Moses time, and swearing to the Lord, commanded in truth; and this said Moses. But (saith Christ) I say▪ Sweare not at all, and this is greater then Moses, whose time is without end.

Further, as to the administration of the Laws of these nations in these late yeares, there we have seene many things, which in our Conscience we cannot joyne to, being shewed to us to be out of truth, and equity, and not helps, but burthens to the nations; Now as to our selves, so many as walke in Christ Iesus, we have one Judge, and Law­giver appointed to us for that end by the fa­ther; And we may not goe to Law one with another, as men being come to Christ Iesus, the end of lust, pride, and strife, which we have found to be the Cause of fightings, and sutes at Law, and if any thing of that nature would arise in any of us, by our Iudge and Law-giver it is judged, and we are saved; And it is layd upon us by the same Spirit of Christ, not to sue any man at the Law, Mat. 5. nor to seeke to avenge our selves of such as seeke to wrong us, but to love our enemies, and pray [Page 20] for them that dispitefully use us, and hate us; And so from all men to suffer for peace sake, for to peace we are called, towards all men, and under the Prince of peace is our govern­ment, so that we need not men to end Con­troversies amongst us, who are all in unity of spirit, and life, in Christ Iesus.

But when men haile us before Iudgement-Seats, or cause us to appeare at their Courts of Law, then we meet with many things a­mong them there, which for Conscience sake we cannot bow to, nor uphold, finding them, not onely against the rule of Christians, but, out of the way of common honesty as men, yea many things against truth it selfe, and this we cannot serve, as Law, which is against truth.

As when they send a Writ to appeare at their Courts, in a mans owne proper person, and in obedience thereto we have come, (may be) two hundred miles or above, and tendred our appearance accordingly, at the very day appointed, then they have with violence and reproach thrust us out of their Court [...] ▪ because we did appeare in our owne person [...], and not [...]n another mans person, whom we have not known, and for this have we suffered much damage, & long imprison­ment, as contemners of authority and Law Now, this we cannot joyne to in our hearts, nor owne as honesty, and truth, and plain dealing as men, to let goe, all talke of Christian [...], the heathen would not doe this to us

Also, when our adversary puts up a Bill o [...] Charge against us, drawn up in a forme without truth, fill'd with false accusations, a [...] though [Page 21] our offence amounted to hundreds or thousands of pounds wrong, or damage, when with the truth of Christ in our Consci­ence we know, that we have never wronged that man one penny in our lives, but that it is the enemy of truth, and peace, even that Old accuser of the brethren, which now workes in that Creature to spoyle our goods or take our lives, or liberties from us; Then, we are not suffered to returne an answer in the feare of our God, and in plainnesse and truth of expressions, as the Spirit of truth shall move in the simplicity of our hearts; And so, with the Spirit of truth to deny the lyes and false accusations, of the adversary; But we must be forced to give unreasonable sums of money, to another man, whom we know not, nor knows he our state and case in this matter, to answer in our stead, who for ought we know, may in stead of sharply re­proving those abominable lyes, justifie them, at least as a legall thing, or forme at Law, Isa. 59.4. Isa. 28.15. fit to be used. And thus our testimony against falshood is taken from us, which the Spirit of truth requires of us, Jer. 9.3, 4 5 and we pay money to have it justified, as a forme at Law, when we know it to be a forme of lyes; Pro. 12.19.22. And we can­not leave the truth, to serve this deceipt; be­side, were the truth no dearer to us, Pro. 29.12. but that we could thus give it up to be betrayed knowingly, yet it seems to us unreasonable, as men, to give our cause into the hands of him that knows it not, further then we must informe him, nor when we have informed him, have no assurance whether he will speak our words or his owne, or our adversaries, [Page 22] and so bring us under the guilt of the whole body of falshood. This appeares to us very unreasonable, and dangerous, and below the priviledge of a man, as a man, much more as a Christian, Psal. 40.4. so we rather chuse to suffer inno­cently under falshood, keeping our consci­ences cleare, then consent thereto, and so e­stablish mischiefe under pretence of a Law, Psal. 94.20. and deny our testimony for the truth, to which we are called, and for which we suffer in all these things.

Also, if any of us be sued at the Exchequer or Chancery, and appeare and take a Coppie of the Bill, and goe to the Iudges with a true an­swer thereto, they will refuse it, because we cannot sweare, though they will shew us no written law for so doing, but tell us its a Cu­stome, and this custome is preferred above his Law who saith, sweare not at all; and for this have many been imprisoned, it being put up­on us either to deny their Custome, or Christs Command, so we chuse to suffer by men, for a season, rather then defile our Consciences.

If we be summon'd to doe service for the Country, on a Iury, and be willing to do the service faithfully as to God and man, yet be­cause we cannot sweare, many are fined, im­prisoned, and theit goods spoyled, and repu­ted unserviceable in the nation, when we would freely serve the Country, so as we might not therein deny Christ, our Saviour.

If one of us be summon'd to appeare at a Court for a witnesse, that would testifie the truth before God from a good Conscience, and in the feare of God, Deut. 19.16 17, 18, 19, 20 and according to his Law, viz. in all things, that if we should [Page 23] wrong any man whatsoever through our false testimony, that its just the same should be done to us, yet because we cannot sweare, (be the action never so great,) our true testi­mony is refused, and we thrust away without Iudgement, & threaten'd to cause us to pay, what they say the party is damnified for our not swearing, and all this we must suffer for obeying Christs Commands.

If one of us should buy a piece of land, or have some fallen to him by inheritance, and come to the Court Baron to take it up, they will not let him take it, except he sweare, and so breake Christs sayings; or if a man pur­chase, or have an inheritance within a Cu­stomary Court, its the same, and they will turne us without it, if we will not sweare contrary to Christs Commands. And thus is the evill Custome of a Cour [...] preferred before Christs Commands, a good Conscience, and a familyes whole estate and livelihood.

If a man bind an apprentice in this Citie of London, and give a great summe of money with him, and the prentice serves his time honestly and truely, and have his Masters te­stimony thereto, yet is he denyed his free­dome, if he cannot sweare for Conscience sake, and so must lose money and service, if he be faithfull to Christ.

If one of us should dye intestate, they will not suffer our owne wife or Children to ad­minister on our owne goods, unlesse they will sweare against their Conscience, and the Law of Christ; or if we make a will, and make wife or Children Executer, they are denyed to prove the will, whereby they are to enjoy [Page 24] their estates, but by breaking that Command of Christ in swearing.

Likewise, when some of us have been ar­rested to appeare at such a Court such a day, and have simply given bond to appeare; And when the ap [...]earance hath been made at the day expressed by the party so bound, neither the appearance would be taken, nor the bond delivered, but a further snare, because ano­ther man appeares not for us whom we ne­ver knew, nor had ought to doe withall.

Also about marriage, which we know to be an ordinance of God from the beginning, and being ordered in the Counsell of God, and the bed not defiled is honourable, but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. So as any are moved of the Lord into that state, we say the Counsell of the Lord is first and chiesely to be minded, and the thing weigh­ed in his seare, that it be done onely in the Lord, 1 Cor. 7.39. that it be not taken on lightly, rashly, nor by any fleshly motion, nor for any earth­ly ends, but in the moving & ordering of the Almighty Creator of man and woman, who onely knows their spirits. So to joyne them, as they may be one in flesh and spirit, that he may seeke a godly seed to himselfe, and they may lead a godly and peaceable life; & onely thus is it Gods ordinance, M [...]la. 2.15. Ma [...]h. 19.6. as God puts toge­ther, and saith Christ, let not man put such a­sunder; and this we say is the chiefe thing to be observed, viz. that God joyne them; And next that notice be given to the parents, or such as have the oversight of each party, that (as much as may be) all may be done in love and unity in the will of God openly. And [Page 25] this we have from God in Spirit, and this we find in Scripture, to be the ordinance of God to his Saints of old, and their libertie in the Lord; which God never altered, which we keepe for conscience sake, and may not breake. And least any licentious persons should abuse this liberty, to satisfie their lusts, and then not live as man and wise during their lives, and the Magistrates not know of them, and so they escape the sword of ju­stice; we have freedome in our Spirits, to ac­quaint some of the next Majestrates with our intents, and hereby confesse our selves lya­ble to the just censure of the Magistrate, with others, in case of misdemeanour, and all this we have done ere coming together as man and wife, which is as much as the ordinance of God, or any reas [...]n can justly require, yet have some of us suffered in this case, by the changable Laws of men, who some of them have sought to impose one sort of Priests on us as an ordinance, others Justices as an or­dinance, and others another sort of Priests againe: so for denying these uncertain rules of men, and keeping the ordinance of God that was in the beginning, M [...]th. 19.8. we suffer by all of them as evill doers, yet have they not one charge against any of us, who have been joy­ned according to this ordinance of God, as to breach of marriage, or misdemeanour there­in: for we ha [...]e putting away, and come to that which was in the begginning. Mah. 19.4, 5.

These with many other things there be, as touching the outward Laws, whereby both our lives, l [...]berties, and estates, become a daily prey to mercilesse men, from which [Page 26] hath been manifest such imprisoning til death, such persecution and spoyle of goods, as ma­ny generations to come may admire to read of, though in this generation its little regard­ed or minded, unless it be by some few, whose hearts God hath tendred, that have not been so cruell in their places as others.

Now let none say, that because we cannot bow to such unrighteous dealings of corrupt men, or their corrupt Customes, or corrupt Lawes, That therefore we are a people that would have no Law, nor Magistracy at all, as some have falsely accused us: for of this we are cleare before the Lord our God, what e­ver men may accuse us [...]erein, for the Law of God we own in our Conscience, even th [...] Law of the Spirit of Life, which is in Christ Je­sus our Lord and Law-giver, by which we are taught, to keepe our Consciences voyde of offence towards God and towards men, by which we are freed from under the power of the Law of sin and death. Rom. 8.2. And by this Law of God in our consciences, are we also taught to be subject to every power our God shall set up over us, by which teaching we know that the powers that be, are ordained of God. And by the same Law of God in our hearts and Consciences, by which we are made to suffer, rather then to obey that which is un­just, by the same Law, and upon the same pe­nalty are we made to be subject and obey e­very just and wh [...]lesome Law of man, for Conscience sake; Therefore, as the ordinance of God, we obey, and owne authoritie in the Nation; And the Ruler of the people as the Minister of God, Nom. 13. for good to such as doe well, [Page 27] but a terror to every evill doer without re­spect of persons; so we being guided by the pure Law of God in our consciences, are sub­ject not for wrath, but for Conscience sake; for he is not a terror to them that do well, and obey God in their Consciences: But if any doe e­vill, let such feare, for he is the Minister of God, and beares not the sword in vaine. And for this cause we pay tribute, to whom it belongs, and feare to whom feare, honour to whom honour; And from this we exempt not our selves, more then other people in the same Nation, but desire rather to be examples to others, with all diligence, not speakinq evill of governments as many doe, which will flatter to their faces, but seeking to our God for what authoritie he shall ordaine, that un­der them we may be godly and quietly go­verned, without respect of persons.

Therefore we might say, as to all the s [...]ve­rall Rulers that hath arisen in these yeares since we were a people in Gods light, which of them have we reviled or sought to sup­plant, or what just law, old or new? (which hath been just, and according to Scriptures, or a good Conscience) have we denyed or transgressed? though from the evill and abuse of all, God hath by his eternall light, and the power of his Spirit, preserved us to this day, glory to our God for evermore; So our Con­sciences are cleare towards them that are fallen as to that thing, by whom we so much suffered in their day.

And now in Gods dread and feare we are, and in his pure Counsell alone, we desire to be found towards you that are now come up [Page 28] into the seat of government, That if by any meanes, we might not be any occasion of of­fence, or hardening of your hearts, by our disobedience or denying any of your Laws, which are just, wholesome and good, and ac­cording to Gods truth in Scriptures; Nor, that on the contrary we might provoke our pure eyed, and zealous God and Father, to displeasure against us, by yeelding to any thing whatsoever, or obeying what is any way against his Spirit in our hearts, or the light of Christ in our Consciences. And this at present is our straite way, set before us to walke in towards God, and towards man, and therefore the desire and travaile of our soules is great at this day, that you might be one with God in your Laws and Commands, That so, under you we might be godly and quietly governed, within and without. But if yet, it must be so, that your distance be so great, that with one heart we cannot obey you both, then whether it is better to obey God or men, (with the light of God in your own consciences) judge you, Acts 4.19. therefore if we can but keepe peace with the one of you, we chuse to keepe our everlasting peace with God, 2 C [...]r. 1.12. 1 Tim. 3.9. and that saving saith thats held in a pure Conscience; And our prayers to the father of lights is, for our whole body of Christs Church, and every member thereof, that our hearts may be kept single to him alone, what ever we suffer from men for so doing.

Now to those things which some call religious.

THough in our selves we make no such distinction, it being that our Conscien­ces are to be exercised in the light and Spirit of Christ, in all we doe towards God, and to­wards man, and every particular action to­wards men, God requires that it be done as to him, and to his glory, and not in our own wills, nor in mens wills, nor after their wills, manners, and customes, and commands, but in the will of God alone, revealed in Christ Jesus in Spirit, and in his motion and lead­ings, which if we misse in, and serve eyther men or our selves therein, and not God, we are accountable to him, as though we had er­red in that which the world calls Religion; therefore, what ever we do to God in Christ, to us is his service and pure religion, and un­defiled before God, if we keepe but our con­science unspotted from the world; though it be but in visiting a fatherless childe, or a wid­dow, in their affliction, James 1.27. or any other thing which the Spirit of truth, justice and mercy leads us to, and requires of us.

But, as the worship of God it selfe, hath re­lation to him alone, who is a Spirit, and will be worshipped in spirit, and in truth, John 4.23, 24. betwixt him and every particular creature onely known, in matter, measure and manner, time and place. And knowing that the onely wise God, Dan. 4.17. who gives the kingdoms of the earth to whom he will, yea, and may set over them the basest of men, as well as the most vertu­ous, [Page 30] without controule, if he please so to deale in judgement towards any Nation, yet this hath he reserved as an eternall Scepter in the hand of Jesus our Lord, and by an e­verlasting Covenant hath he sworne once for all, Heb. 1.8, 9. concerning him, Thou art a King for e­ver, over the holy people, and his throne is e­stablished in their consciences by a perpetu­all decree, to all generations, therefore was it never known, that ever he trusted or titled any earthly Prince, with Lord over the faith and consciences of his owne people; This was e­ver the S [...]ns prerogative above the Kings of the earth, and he alone is to be Judge and Law-giver, Isa. 11.1, 2. and correcter, and leader, in that invisible spirituall work of worship, towards God, for he onely knowes the way, and none comes to the Father but by him.

Its true, the Pope hath taken upon himselfe, such authority under pretence of the Apo­stles, even over the faith and consciences of people, and with it hath shed much innocent bloud, which lyes upon his seat, and his line, till God come to enquire for it, and for that end hath set up inquisitions &c. And others after and from that, have erected Courts, and Synods with their fines, and prisons, and tortures, to force the faith and Consciences of people, and they pretend the Apostles also, for this worke. But, this we know that the Apostles was no such men, nor used any such weapons, but deny them therein both the Pope, and they that are risen since; And ex­pressely deny to be Lords over Gods heri­tage or over their faith, neither did they preach themselves Lords, and Masters, but [Page 31] Christ Jesus alone the Lord, 2 Cor. 4.5. and themselves servants for Iesus sake, as both their owne words & practise doth testifie; for saith Paul, Not for that we have dominion over your faith; 2 Cor. 1.24. 1 Pet. 5.3. And saith Peter, Not for filthy lucre, neither as being Lords over Gods heritage, but as examples to the flock.

So we know that from Peter they had it not, nor from Paul, nor from any of the true Mini­sters of Christ, 2 Cor. 10.4. Eph. 6.12. for their weapons was not car­nall but spirituall, nor did they wrestle with flesh, but with spirit; so all they can get from the Apostles, either in word or practise, is this, That if they be troubled with errors, or profanenesse in their Churches; Then, if they have the Spirit and power of the Lord Iesus, then to deliver such a one up to Satan, 1 Cor. 4.5. for the destruction of the flesh, that the soule may be saved, and body also in the day of the Lord. And this is not to goales, or gallowes, or inquisitions, or tortures, or fires; now, had they this spirit and power, they would know that which would convert in deed and truth, and not make hypocrites, or else kill them, but the false Church having not these wea­pons, nor this spirit and power, is builded with oppression, and upholden with bloud. Mic. 3.10. And in her are found the bloud of all the ho­ly Martyrs of Jesus, as saith the Scriptures, yea, even now is she drunke with bloud, Revel. 18.24. & 17.6.

So now, this is the thing we say as to the worship of our God, and to the order of it; In all things it belongs to Christ Iesus our Lord, Col. 1.18. and to him as sole King & Lord there­of, we cōmit our selves, even the whole man, [Page 32] soule and body, as to all things of that nature. And though there may ari [...]e power after power, and seeke t [...] stop us of this liberty and freedome, by acting force and violence upon our outward man, yet are we free, by birth in Christ Iesus, and our inw [...]rd man they can­not bind, nor can we ever while we abide in that see [...]e, give up the right of Christ unto any of them; but this we testifie in all we doe or suffer, that the right is Christs, over our Con­sciences, Phil. 2.10. and over our worships, and to him alone we confesse before men; and he hath the name in us; And though for a time, or times, we yet suffer, yet we know the end must come; And the Lambe must take the kingdome, Rev. 17.14. and we know him that is true and faithfull, whom the Father hath sealed, John 6.27. Col. 1.18. and anoynted to be head of the [...]hurch which is his body, and to him must the Nations account; And therefore we say to all the severall powers that comes upon us, we may not deny the Lord in our Con­sciences, to bow to, or worship in what men shall set up or command; Mat. 1.21. but he that saves us dayly from our sins. he shall leade us in our worship, and to him we must give the obedi­ence of faith, who gives us faith and power by his Spirit to obey, and who hath wrought all our workes in us and for us, Phil. 2.13. and by whose vertue it is we live, and bring forth to rhe praise of God, and we are not our owne, nor servants of men but we are bought with a price, 1 Cor. 6.10. that we may serve him for ever▪ by whom we are redeemed and by whom all men without respect of persons, must eter­nally be judged, or justified.

[Page 33]Therefore we say, this is a priviledge, that no man should be hindered of, (to wit) the liberty of his Conscien [...]e towards his God, but that an universall lib [...]ty for all sorts of people, to worship God, according as Christ shall open mens eyes to see the truth▪ and as he shall perswade their hearts, by his Spirit, seeing no man without Christ can doe any thing in this case acceptable to God, neither can one man worship in the measure of ano­ther, but in his owne measure, as he re­ceives of God in Christ Jesus faith and strength, and Spirit, for it must be in Spirit, and of faith, else it is sin, in Gods sight, what ever men thinke thereof. Rom. 14.23

And this is just and equall in the sight of God, and all reasonable men, and that which I know no understanding man or woman would be limitted in, seeing all have immor­tall soules from God, and to him alone must account for them▪ and not to men; That so every soule may stand and fall, Rom. 14.4. to his owne Master in this case▪ seeing none can save his brother, when he hath misled him, nor ac­count to God for him; therefore he is no wise man (in our eyes) who will leave the light of Christ that once knows it, to follow another mans opinion; And seeing every man would have this libertie for himselfe, why should he goe about to deny it to his brother, how is that just or equall, amongst men? And how doth it answer the Law of Christ as Christians, who hath commanded, That all things whatsoever you would that men should doe unto you, doe ye even so to them, Mat. 7.12. for this is the Law and the Prophets; Now if you [Page 34] be not come so far in equitie, as to answer the Law and the Prophets, how will you answer Christ, you that professe him in words.

And were it not that Nations, and men were drunke, and bewitched with the forni­cation of that Scarlet coloured whore, they would foresee the danger of taking that up­on them which belongs to Christ alone, it being so many have been broken on the same Rock, and reason it selfe might shew them how safe it is, not to be too forward in things of that nature, which God hath not called them to; And also it being so much contra­ry to that just principle in man which would lead every man to do to another as he would be done unto; And would teach every man that he ought to give up himselfe to his God, in all spirituall matters; And that so he should suffer every other creature also; And seeing that there is no infallibilitie amongst [...]en, without the immediate manifestation of Christ Jesus his light and Spirit in them, 1 Cor. 2.10, 11. but that since men tooke that upon them, even to sit as Lords and Judges over faith and con­science; The Lord hath scattered them in this thing, and confounded them into so ma­ny minds and judgements, that he that is subject to follow every change in these lat­ter dayes, shall scarcely abide in one opini­on a yeare to an end; which things duely weighed, might stay the hast of every reaso­nable man from forceing that upon the Con­science of another, which himselfe is not infallible in, and for which he must account to God for all soules that erre through him, and so perish, in gainsaying Gods witnesse.

[Page 35]And this would be wisdome, with God, first to search in themselves whether they have tha [...] Call from God himselfe, to force any, or they doe it to answer the desires of others, or to hold up a tradition, and so might they come to see, what they serves, and whether it will beare persecution or bloud-shedding at t [...]e day of Judgement; And prove whether you have that which is infallible to force them to, or it be but thought, and opinion of your selves, or o­thers, seeing its so common a thing for Ru­lers and Teachers to joyne in forceing peo­ple that are under them to erre, and for which so many have been confounded and cast out, and so that all might come to prove their worke, and bring it to the light, John 3.20, 21. to see whether it be wrought in God, and if he will owne it with his light, which is pure in their Conscience, which is an equall rule, and try what power and Spirit it is that God hath made Lord & King, and Law-giver and Lea­der in all his worship; and if they have not this, then it is the old persecuter, and mur­therer, which uses to set people on fire that know not God in Spirit; And if you have that Spirit which God hath given the power to in his Church, then its gentle, drawing and powerfull, without forceable imposing, or killing, nor doth he ever compell against faith and Conscience.

Now there be many particular things as to Gods worship and things thereto pertain­ing, which the men of this age would im­pose upon us, yea, and force them upon great penalties, which the Spirit of Christ doth not [Page 36] lay upon us as matters of faith or practise, nor ever did o [...]daine them in any age, nor command them to b [...] observed in his Church, as men now impos [...] [...]hem, but [...]he contrary we find from the Spirit of Christ, both in the oldness of letter, Rom. 7.6. and i [...] newness of life; So these things we canno [...] bow [...]o, nor worship in, for conscience sake, [...]onscience towards God conscience towards the holy men of God in the holy life, and conscience towards the Scripture of truth; for of all these we make conscience, in their time and place, in which God the Father of all hath brought them forth to serve him.

As men would impose upon our Consci­ences to come once a weeke, to such a great house in their Parish, which they call a parish Church, and there we must observe what one man shall reade, preach or pray, for two or three houres that day, by an usuall forme, and this man will have a Clarke, and he shall say Amen at the end of such a sentence, or part of his prayer or speech, and to this Church, and to this worship must we be bound while we dwell in that parish; And either the tythes of all we have, or so much a yeare set main­tenance, must be payd to the man calling himselfe a Minister of Christ; And so much a yeare to his Clarke for saying Amen after him, in money and egges, and the like; And if this we doe constantly, we may live peace­ably by them, and goe under the name of a good Christian, and a religious man, but if we faile in any of this, but especially in that of tythes or wages; then they call us here­tickes, and complaine of us to the Magi­strate, [Page 37] or sue us at Law, till they have cast our bodyes into prisons, and taken the spoyle of our goods. Now God having revealed his true worship to u [...] i [...] the light of Christ, which is is in spi [...]it and truth, and called us out of carnall things [...]or which there is no Scripture, we [...]nn [...] for Conscience sake, worship any more therein.

Now, neyther by the Spirit of Christ in us, nor by letter of Scriptures without us, nor by the example of all the holy men of God that hav [...] walked before us, can we for Conscience sake owne, nor uphold that for the true and spirituall worship of God in spi­rit and truth, neither to repaire their house, maintaine their Priest, nor his Clarke, as they would impose upon us.

Now some have said, What would you have no Church, Minister, preaching, praying, nor none of this worship, nor maintenance, &c. What would you have?

We say yes, we own a Church, ministring, preaching, praying, and the maintenance that thereto belongs, but we would have them to be of God, and after his will in Christ Jesus, and not after the will and tra­ditions of men, contrary both to God, good men and the Scriptures of truth; For we reade of a Church of Christ in Scriptures, but it was in God the Father, and our Lord Je­sus Christ. 1 Thes. 1.1. And we read of a ministry of Christ in Scripture, made not of man, neither by man, but by the revelation of the Son of God in them; And the Gospel or Ministry that they prea­ched, was not after man, nor received of man, Gala. 1.16. Gal. 1.11.12. neither was they taught it, but by revelation of [Page 38] Jesus Chist. And we read of a Maintenance they had, which was to live of the Gospel; And the spiritualls which they sowed freely without money or money-worth, brought them forth fruits freely, both in spirituall things, and worship towards God, and in carnall things towards their outward wants, and as they planted, so they eate; And where the plant grew, and the soule prospered, till it could bring forth fruit freely, there they need not to sue them and to take it by spoyle, 1 Cor. 9.14. but of the world they looked for nought but persecution, nor ever coveted or compel­led any such thing from any creature, no not where they had sowne and planted, unlesse it grew in spirit and life to God, they looked not to reape any thing but losse, if that which they had sowne withered in the way, there­fore did they watch for the soule, and not for tythes, piggs, and eggs and geese, and sheaves, &c. but that the soule prospered to­wards God, that was their prize; And to make the Gospel without charge, that was their reward, if they did it freely and wil­lingly, but if not willingly, then a necessi­tie was layd upon them, 1 Cor. [...].17, 18. and woe was their por­tion.

And these went on and prospered, ga­thering Churches out of the world into God, from place to place, even where they was not sent for; they went freely as they was moved of the holy Spirit: And if any where they came was found worthy to receive them, with them they might eate freely what was set before them, where the Spirit was free, but they did not seat themselves in a [Page 39] Towne, or say, this is my Parish, and this is my hire, so much a yeare, but wandred to and fro having no certaine dwelling place, nor was their bellyes any part of the bar­gain, as to coming, preaching, staying▪ or go­ing, as to any place.

And when they had gathered a Church into the Spirit and life of Christ Iesus, which brought them to meete together, then they did not Lord it over them in faith or consci­ence, neither was they called their Masters, but still servants for Christ sake; 2 Cor. 4.5. nor did they get a glasse and set up, and if any spoke in their time, while they was speaking, say they broke their peace, and send them to pri­son, but said, all might prophesie, that all might be edified; and it was joy to them to heare any to speake by the Spirit, either son or daughter. and some might speake, and some might judge, of what was spoken; And if any thing was revealed to him that stood by, 1 Cor. 14 29 30, 31. the first was to hold his peace; and the Spi­rit of the Prophets is subject to the Prophets. Now this Church and its order we owne, where ever we find it to be after God, and in him; but when we meete with a company of people that denyes all this; And if any be moved in the Spirit▪ eyther to speake while they are speaking, or judge what they have spoken; Then the teacher cryes away to prison with him, and the people runs upon us all a heapes, ready to pull us to pieces; this we owne not, nor doth Christ, nor the Scriptures owne it to be his Church, t [...]is is not the Spirit of the Prophets, nor subject to the Prophets, but the rude Spirit which tu­mul [...]ed [Page 40] upon the Apostles and Prophets of old.

So here is somewhat declared of the mini­stry we owne, and his maintenance, but of such a thing as a Clarke we read not in Scrip­tures, neither name nor office. And now let none thinke it strang [...] or an error in us, to compare & weigh and [...]ry and prove things, for we are christians, & have received the spi­rit that is of God, that we may know the things that are given to us of God, 1 Cor. 2.12. from things that are of the world; And we may not receive every one for a Minister of Christ, who tells us he is, nor that for a Church that every one calls a Church, nor that for worship which every one would impose upon us; for things had need of trying, and Spirits also, and we hold fast that which is good Its true in the world there be many Churches, 1 John 4.1. 1 Thes. 5.21. 1 Cor. 8.5, 6. and many heads, Gods many, and Lords many, many faiths▪ and many opinions, but in Christ Iesus [...] called to unity in all these things, so [...] we say with the Churches of Christ in [...]cripture, to us there is on [...] body, one Spirit, one [...], one faith, one baptisme, one God and fa­the [...] of all, [...] 4, 5, 6. who is above all, and through all, and in us all. And this one God in us is a Spirit, and will be worshipped in spirit, & in truth, so of us he requires truth, and that we wor­ship no other things, nor bow to them; though all men have not this faith but can follow a­ny thing in their worship, which is the fa­shion of the Nation where they live, but this we are called out of; And into that one wor­ship we are come which is in spirit and truth, for in that is the father worshipped, and God [Page 41] hath sought us out of the many worships that are in the world, in Spirit to worship him; and Christ saith, these are the true worship­pers that so worship, and [...]nto this hath Christ led us, and in it he ownes us in his Spirit, and the Father ownes us, and testifies to us in eve­ry enlightned conscience, and in this we are come to the Spirits of just men, and they owne us; And [...]he letter of Scriptures it ownes us also, and in this we have peace, though persecuted.

But in all these, we read not in all the Go­spel worship, of any Temple made with hands, to bind men to, nor Parish Churches, nor preaching by the houre, nor for so much a yeare, nor that ever Minister of Christ tooke tyths, nor their hearers gave them, but con­fessed Christ come, and a free Gospel, and said [...]oth the Priesthood that tooke tyths, and the Law by which they received them was disa­nulled by the sufferings of Christ; Heb. 7. nor doe we read of sprinkling Infants, and calling that bap­tizing them into the Church, nor doe we read of their singing Davids words in a meeter, nor praying in a forme, nor a Clarke to lead the Psalme, and say Amen; And much more we might mention, which was never used so in the true Church but is come to a forme since Popery came up, & the Scripture beares no testimony thereto, as now these things are used, and all that can be truely said for them is long custom, but from plain Scriptures they cannot prove them.

Indeed we read in the Scriptures of truth, of the Gospel preaching, but it was not li­mitted to one house, nor by a glasse, but from [Page 42] house to house, and Citie to Citie, and that by the Spirit, and their worship was in Spirit, they prayed with the Spirit, and they sung with the Spirit, and h [...] that had a Psalme sung it with the Spirit, and with understanding also; And they worshipped, and preached in fields and mountains, and streets, & schooles, and markets, and they prayed by Sea-shores, or in any place where God moved and led them by the Spirit of Iesus; And all this we owne which the Scriptures testifies to, in our measure; And this is that we would have all brought to tryall, and that worship owned, which Christ and the Scriptures ownes, and none forced against it, by any meanes what­soever, which is come up since the Scriptures was written, and the Apostles times.

And this motion, is not unreasonable, hurt­full or dangerous to any, especially (we may say) in this Nation, how can it be denyed, wherein all other formes in words professe the Scriptures to be a rule for all to walk by? And to you all [...]his is our motion, that the Scriptures may be heard what it saith with­out wresting, and what sort of worship it te­stifies of, let that have the name to be of God, and then let none be forced from it; and if you deny to be tryed in your faith and pro­fession, by that you have so long called your rule and touchstone, and then reproach and persecute them that walke in it, will not your own words judge you, before men, and shall not you walke under condemnation from God in your owne Consciences. And thus in short have we shewed our desires, and what we would have in this thing, which might [Page 43] free every tender Conscience from oppressi­on, and the Magistrates of the Nations from the guilt thereof before God.

Will you call your selves Christian Magi­strates, and Christian Ministers, and set your selves against what Christ hath wrought by the power of his Spirit▪ and is now work­ing, and thinke you [...]re doing him service, when you are grieving his Spirit, and perse­cuting him in his members, for doing that to which he immediately leads them now, as in the dayes of old; Is not this in effect to say, depart from our Nations, we will have none of thy wayes, nor shall any under our go­vernment, or that will follow our teachings obey thy Spirit if we can stop them by our power, is not this to withstand his appear­ance, and resist the power that you professe to rule for.

Doe you not read in the Acts of the Apo­stles, what labour and suffering they under­went to bring people out of carnall rudi­ments and ordinances of men, and to bring them to the worship in spirit and truth alone, both as to time, place, and order; how did they run in hazard of their lives, into Tem­ples, Synagogues, and set places of worship, to bring them out of Temples made with hands, to worship where the Spirit should lead them, without respect of places; that so the words of the Lord Iesus might be fulfil­led, who had said, Not in the Temple, nor in the mountaine, John 4.21, 24. Acts 7.48. Acts 17.24. but in spirit and in truth should the Fa­ther be worshipped; and did not Stephen lose his life for telling them that God that made the world dwelt not in Temples made with hands; [Page 44] and Paul suffered fo [...] the same testimony, and they told them the most high God, could not be worshipped with mens hands, nor carnall things, but in s [...]irit. [...]nd in [...]ruth; And how of­ten was they tumul [...]ed and beaten, and their bloud shed for this test [...]mony, against the beg­gerly rudiments, & [...] ordinances of men, both of Iewes, who had their ordinances from the letter▪ and [...]so the Gentiles who followed their customers, That out of all car­nall things they might bring them, to follow God in spirit, and therein alone to serve him.

And while you professe all this in words, will you be the men that will deny the very same in workes, and shall you be guiltlesse, shall not both Iewes and Gentiles rise in Iudgement against you, and condemne you, who acts against knowledge, Scriptures, and your owne profession? And is it not so with you Rulers and Teachers of this generation? what force and cruelty hath been used to bring people back to your Idol temples made with hands, there to worship and no where else, and to repaire them, and to bow to the customes of men there set up, for which there is neither Scriptures nor example; even too many to mention, what imprisoning and [...]ormenting of the spirituall worshippers of the living God, hath there been in these last dayes for these things? what sufferings have some gone through, but for testifying against these traditious carnal, & saying the Church must be in God, and that every one must come to be led by the spirit alone in all their whole worships, and so give the kingdome & lead­ing [Page 45] of his people to the leading of Christ that spirit againe, in all things pertaining to wor­ship, life and godlinesse▪ hath not this been a dangerous thing in thi [...] age to beare this re­cord of God in Christ, [...] to become his witnesse? how ma [...]y [...] lost their liberties, their estates, and [...] lives for this te­stimony in word [...] [...]c [...]ise, which recon­ciles to God in all [...] whole worship? and yet the same is read and preached, every first day among them that doe this to such as live the life thereof for Iesus sake; these are not the workes of Christians indeed, in the Apo­stles sence, but of such as know not God, nor the word of reconciliation, have not.

How many have suffered in this age, but for reproving sin in the gate, cursing, pride, lying, and swearing; how have some been beaten, puld and hailed, and dragg'd through streets and channells, and before Iudgement seats, and to prisons, for no other things; how many have wofully suffered, but for preaching repētance through streets, towns, and markets, in the name of the Lord, and by the Call of his holy Spirit; How many hun­dreds have been imprisoned for preaching the everlasting Gospel of Jesus freely, in Townes, Temples, streets, and markets, and from house to house, which was the manner of Gods messengers in the name of his Son ever to doe, and for which they suffered; How many have had their cloaths rent off their backs, and been shamefully beaten till they have been left for dead, and afterward carried to prison, for but asking a question, or speaking a word in a Steplehouse, while a [Page 46] man hath been speaking things doubtfull, or not true, though this was the way of old, in which the servants of Christ walked, and by which he gathered the Churches into God in Spirit, and out of false worships; And it was the manner of the Apostles to enter into Synagogues and places of worships both of Jewes and Gentiles on their Sabbath dayes, and openly dispute there with them before their hearers, and then whose hearts God touched, lest their carnall worships and clave to Christ in spirit, which is now become a greater offence to this generation, then ever it was eyther to Jewes or Gentiles; for I ne­ver read that simply for so disputing, they either beat them or haled them to prison, though they went sometimes three Sabbath dayes together into one Synagogue, yea, the fiery Jews, who was set on mischiefe against that way, yet this they could suffer in their Synagogue, as is testified Acts 17.2. and saith the Scrip [...]ures, this was his manner. And in Acts [...]8.4. it is said, he reasoned in the Synagogue every Sabbath day at Corinth, where he conti­nued a yeare and six months teaching the word of God among them, vers. 11.

Now hath not this been the great offence of these dayes, yea, I may say the chiefest crime which the servants of Jesus Christ hath suffered for, in this age, and none scarce ey­ther ruler or teacher is able to beare it once, which they could beare a yeare and above, among Iewes and heathens; so that this way of Christ by which the Churches was gathe­red & called in the Apostles time, is become more abominable in the sight of those that cals [Page 47] themselves Christians, then it was eyther to Iewes or heathens; And when neither laws of Iewes, Gentiles, nor heathens, that was made in times of popery, would answer their wills against this, then ha [...]e they made new Lawes of their owne against this practise, which themselves read, believe and preach; and this we cannot owne, that men should withstand that in workes which they pro­fesse in words, and seeke to impose it upon others who serve God therein by the Spirit of Iesus, and then call themselves Christians, and say [...]he Scriptures is their rule, who can­not beare it in them that practise it in obedi­ence to Christ Iesus.

And this is that we contend for in all our sufferings and actings, in the simplicity of our hearts, that our Lord and Master Iesus Christ, may have his Prerogative Royall restored to him, over his body, the Church, and every par­ticular member thereof, his Lordship, and Ma­stership, given to him alone of all his chil­dren, from least to the greatest, and that none else force it, or require it from him, but that his headship alone over his Church, his leadings, and the seate of his Iudgements, in every re­deemed soule and conscience, ma [...] be resto­red to him, and that he m [...]y have [...] name and authority therein, and that none may presume to take his authority to themselves, while they give him faire words, & call him, Lord, Lord, but neither doe his will in their own consciences, nor suffer them that would; This I say, is that we seeke now at the hands of men that are called Christians, which by his own bloud, and by the precious suff [...]rings [Page 48] in many of his obedient servants of old, he once purchased out of the hands of the old persecuters▪ and gave it as inheritance to his seed after him to all generations, to call him head and Lor [...] in the [...] and over them, in all things pertaining to worship and conscience, as the Scripture of truth is evident.

And this we say in his behalfe, and in the power of his name, where ever he sends us, that though his adversary of old, hath ta­ken this his purchased possession from him, and now sits where he ought not, command­ding in conscience, Jer. 10.2, 3. over his subjects and creatures, compelling and forceing, to obey his traditions and law from a carnall precept, or tradition of men, yet we say the right is Christs alone, and the whole kingdome of God in every conscience he hath purchased with his bloud and great sufferings of old; therefore we say to all sorts of people, looke to him and walke in his light, all that looke to be saved; for we say he is a great and mighty one, who though he have been as one gone a far jorney for a time, yet he is returned, and hath seene how his deare servants have been entreated, and his little children spoyled of their birth-right, and cast out of their pur­chased possession, and heavenly kingdome, and now strangers rule over their tender consciences, and s [...]ke to defile them, with adultery and Idolatry, which is against their spirituall birth, and breathing, and himselfe robbed of his authoritie, and Scepter of his everlasting Dominion, for which he will [Page 49] tread nations in his wrath, and people in his hot displeasure, even for Z [...]on [...] sake the Citie of his glory, and he will spoyle the spoyler, and lead Captivity captive, and so will he make way for his inheritance, to come into their habitation of [...]est▪

And this we say to [...]ll people, GIVE VP, feare God, and gi [...]e glory to his Name, for the houre of hi [...] Judgements is come, and he will have dominion as of old, and his purchased possession as in anc [...]ent dayes; But especially to you who are called Christians, and menti­on his name, and call him Lord, and profess the Scriptures, in words, which testifies of him, his sufferings, and his purchase through bloud, and the eternall anoynting of the Fa­ther, sworne unto him, by an everlasting Co­venant, that he alone shall sit on the spirituall throne, over the house of David for ever▪ that he may with his spirituall leadings gather the out-casts of Israel, and present to God all the precious among the people; have you not read you professing Priests and Rulers, that it is he alone that is the light of the world, Isa. 55.4. and that God hath given him for a witnesse to the people, a leader and commander; that its he thats appointed for a light to them that sit in dakness, and in the shadow of death, Luke 1.79. to guide their feete in the way of peace; did God e­ver set any at the right hand of power but he alone, that he might make his foes his foot­stoole; of whom he saith when he brings him into the world, Let all the Angels of God wor­ship him; Heb. 1.6. have you not read that its he a­lone that purgeth the Conscience from dead [Page 50] works, And will you not suffer him to reigne and governe therein; hath not he quickned every living soule, and created anew, every free Spirit, and would you take and keepe the kingdome therein, out of his hand, and rule there for another, or your selves, with force and cruelty; Is not this he for whom the Sabbath was made, and all the ordinan­ces under heaven speakes his dominion▪ And will you now read this and professe, and withstand him in the Consciences of his tender people, and deny him to rule in his Church alone? have you not read what God hath said of him, and his enemies in the se­cond Psalme; nay, are not all the Scriptures his, and testifie to him alone, as head over all, and ruler in all his Saints? And as you have heard▪ read, and professed, his dominion more then heathens, and yet goe on to keepe it from him; so to you is his first appear [...]nce, to seeke his owne of you; And if you persist to deny him, its you must drinke the Cup first, that the heathens may heare and feare his name fr [...]m farre, and his rising appeare to all the ends of the world, that its he alone who is from everlasting▪ at whose name eve­ry knee must bow, and tongue confesse, to the right of his inheritance.

And this further I lay before you people of this Nation, who have long been crying for peace and settlement in the Nations, and in your Religion, and you cry out of so ma­ny divisions, and so many religions; I say to you all, how should you be otherwise, when you will not come to the one religion that is [Page 51] of God, and was in the beginning with God, and brought forth in time by Iesus Christ, for the bringing all into God againe, and re­conciling all sorts of scattered people, who are scattered in the imaginations and cu­stomes of carnall spirited men, from God the one good thing, into many things, rudiments, and traditions, wherein you can neither be reconciled to God, nor one to another; for how is it like that ever that religion can re­concile to God, which sets you a killing one another to uphold it? are you like to obtaine peace in that Spirit which in your hearts is the cause of enmity and warre or obtaine unitie from that roote, which hath thus scat­tered you in its fruits and off spring; This is like the false Prophets of old, who would bite with their teeth, and cry peace ▪ Mica. 3.

Nay this is not the way of settlement or lasting peace, THAT, you must have in re­turning; and making peace with the Spirit of Jesus, you must kisse the Son and so make peace, for this hath been seene concerning you of these Nations, that if you owne not the light of Christ in spirit and truth, that he may lead you out of these many things which are not of [...]od, and reconcile you to God in spirit and truth, there to worship him alone who is a Spirit, you will ere long be in bloud, eyther amongst your selves, one a­gainst another, or else i [...] the bloud of the innocent Lambs of Chri [...]t, which will not be for your peace with God, for he that hath letted your peace and settlement, is not yet taken away, nor his power, who is that old [Page 52] bloud-sucker, and divider of Nations, peo­ple, and tongues, abou [...] faith and religions, and with which a fire hath often been kind­led; nor can his power be stopped, but by the Spirit of the Lambe of God, which takes away sin, Col. 2.14, 15 16, 17, 20, 21, 22. Heb. 10.11. and breakes downe the wall of separation, which is made about ordinances, litterall, ceremoniall, and traditionall, which can never cease, but as men turne to the Spi­rit of the Lord Iesus, That with the light of peace and truth you may be led into peace, truth, and unity, that wrath may be done a­way, and the ground thereof, and you and your religion may be setled on the founda­tion of truth, Christ Jesus the chiefe corner stone, and not upon, dayes, times, meats, drinks, and apparell, and other things which will perish with the using, and so will they that worship and not in the leadings of Christ alone▪ and God will shake the Idolls of peo­ples minds, and all the glory of flesh, that he alone may be exalted in the earth, as he is in heaven.

So if you will have peace you must come to the Son of peace▪ and if you will have e­stablishment, you must come to the foundati­on of the Prophets and Apostles of God; for I say, many have been about to build a house for God to dwell in, with carnall things, and rudiments, and this they would bind him to, (& his people,) who is a Spirit, and his house must be built of spirituall men and women, who like living stones must grow up in his owne light and vertue into a holy temple in the Lord; In which you must be builded to­gether [Page 53] for an habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph. 2.20, 21, 22. And this is Gods house built by Christ alone, with that which is elect and precious, not with gold and gar­ments, or observations of perishing things, but with redeemed soules by the bloud of Iesus out of their vaine conversation, and gathered into the Spirit of truth and life, and power, to worship God who is a Spi­rit, in spirit & truth; and this is Gods house at this day, which was his house in the A­postles dayes, who dwells not in Temples made with hands, as saith the Apostles, nor with mens hands is worshipped, but with him thats poore in spirit, and of a broken and con­trite heart, to him will I looke ▪ saith the Lord, Isa. 66.2. and there will I dwell; And the bodyes of his holy people are the Temples of the living God, as he hath said, I will dwell in them, and walke in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people, 2 Cor. 6.16. And un­till you come to this building of God in your selves, God will not dwell with you in peace, but all your buildings will he cōfound, and not accept your sacrifice, and then the Devill will enrage you against Gods house and spirituall building, even his poore de­spised people them to destroy; like Cain when his sacrifice was not accepted in his owne will.

But if you turne to the Lord who is that Spirit, then will he cause his light to shine in your hearts, to give you an heavenly understanding, and he will put his Spirit in your inward parts, and fill you with hea­venly [Page 54] power, and will let you see the live­ly Image of truth and peace; and he will take away the vaile of the Covering that is spead over all Nations, Isa. 25.7, 8. from which ari­ses all their carnall comprehensions, 2 Cor. 3.16, 17, 18. and car­nall worships of the invisible spirituall God, and he will also swallow up death in victo­ry, which now worketh in the Nations, to kill one another about religion and wor­ship, without spirit and life, so will you come to be taught his true worship, who is a Spirit, and become true worshippers in Spirit, and so grow up in his know­ledge, and he will owne your worship, whom as yet you have neither heard hi [...] voyce at any time, John 5 37. nor seene his shape. And Christ saith of such worshippers, You wor­ship you know not what; but the true wor­shippers worship in faith, and know what they worship, and such the Father [...] now seek­ing to worship him, saith Christ Iesus, John 4.22, 23, 24.

And this is the thing oh England, tha [...] concernes thy peace with thy God in thi [...] thy day, Luke 19.42· Luke 10.41, 42. who art Combred with many things, about Christ and worship, but neg­lects the one thing needfull, for thy ever­lasting peace and establishment, and to bring thee into that worship of Spirit, withou [...] which God cannot accept thee, and that re­ligion which is pure, James 1.27. and undefiled in th [...] sight of God, which will keepe thee un­spotted in the world, which till thou turn [...] to, thou wilt be working against the Spi­rit of God, through the darknesse of en­mity, [Page 55] that is in thee, and he will certain­ly worke against thee, except thou re­pent.