4 
 
A COLLECTION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 OF THAT 
 
 TRUE PROPHET, FAITHFUL SERVANT OF GOD, AND SUFFERER FOR 
 THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS, 
 
 WILLIAM BAYLY, 
 
 WHO FINISHED HIS TESTIMONY, AND LAID DOWN HIS HEAD IN FEACE WITH THE 
 LORD, THE FIRST DAY OF THE FOURTH MONTH, IN THE YEAR 1675. 
 
 Being dead, yet spcaketh. Heb. ii. 4. 
 
 The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance. Psalm cxii. C. 
 And they that be wise shall shire as the firmament; and they that turn many to 
 righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. Dan. xii. 3. 
 
 PRINTED [N THE YEAR W76 —RE PRINTED L» <0 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 
 
 MARCUS T. C. GOULD, No. fi, NORTH EIGHTH STIM'I . 7 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 ISA AC T HOTPER, No. 420, PEARL STREET. 
 
 J. llAItniXR, PniNTK.R, 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 On presenting to Friends and the public a new edition of the works 
 of William Bayly, as one of a contemplated series of publications of the 
 writings of the early members of the society, the publishers deem it 
 proper to state, that much care has been observed to have a faithful 
 copy of the original. Hence, with the exception of an occasional intro- 
 duction of a word or two, obviously required to give perspicuity to a 
 sentence, (and these have been mostly included in brackets) no alterations 
 have been made except for the correction of flagrant grammatical errors; 
 and where there was any possibility of such variation at all interfering 
 with the sense of the writer, even these have been left uncorrected. It 
 has been thought expedient, also, to preserve, throughout, the author's 
 style, although now somewhat antiquated. Thus the relative pronoun 
 which, used instead of the personal who, has mostly been retained. On 
 the whole, the publishers feel confident that the style of execution, as 
 well as the intrinsic excellence of the work, cannot fail to give general 
 satisfaction. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 FAG E. 
 
 To the Reader, by John Crook, - - - - 1 
 
 A short testimony occasioned by the sudden removal of the ser- 
 vant of the Lord, William Bayly, - - - -4 
 
 Jewell Guy's testimony concerning William Bayly, - 5 
 
 A short testimony concerning William Bayly, - - 6 
 
 A short relation or testimony of the working of the light of Christ 
 in me from my childhood, - - - - 7 
 
 A warning from the spirit of truth unto all persecutors and enemies 
 of the dear children of God, who follow the Lamb, and arc the 
 meek of the earth, - - - - - - 2 1 
 
 Against Egypt, who love the land of darkness, .* 
 A word to the sandy builders of Babel in England, - - 30 
 
 A voice against Balaam, Cain, and Core; and a word to the simple 
 hearted, who desire to know the truth, - - - - 31 
 
 A lamentable voice to the careless, licentious ones, - - 34 
 
 A word of information to the ignorant, who are not wholly hardened, 35 
 A discovery of the way to everlasting peace with God, and a direc- 
 tion and exhortation to walk therein, - - - - 36 
 
 A tender visitation to the inhabitants of the town of Pool, - 41 
 
 A call and warning of love to the people called Ana-baptists, - 44 
 Some queries given forth from the spirit of truth, to be answered 
 by the witness of God in their consciences, who profess the scrip- 
 tures only, but know not the life that gave them forth, - - 48 
 A word to all such who live in lustful, riotous practices, - - 51 
 A true voice and revelation of God unto all the sons and daughters 
 of the fallen Adam, - - - - - -53 
 
 Some queries for any of the priests and rulers of the nations, who 
 profess the scriptures, to consider and answer in the fear of the 
 Lord God, - - - - - - -60 
 
 A letter to John Bulkley called a justice, concerning my imprison- 
 ment in the House of Correction at Winchester, - - 63 
 The blood of righteous Abel crying from the ground: Being a 
 lamentation for, and a warning to all that have a hand against the 
 innocent people of God; especially intended for the rulers and 
 priests in Hampshire, who have hardened their hearts against the 
 day of slaughter, wherein they shall feel Cain's punishment, which 
 he was not able to bear; who have been often warned by the ser- 
 vants of the Lord, yet have they not done that which is just in his 
 sight; but have imprisoned several of his servants these many 
 months, without just cause, and do increase their bondage upon 
 us, where nine of us are kept close prisoners in an unwholesome 
 stinking hole, not fit for beasts, whose cry is not only gone through 
 the nation, but is also entered into the ears of the Lord God of 
 rest, who will plead our cause in righteousness. Also, the decree 
 of the Lord sealed and made manifest to his servant, that all the 
 plottings, snares and persecutions, which the powers of the earth 
 and darkness, and the gates of hell, can invent, and rise up with, 
 shall never prevail against his power that is now broke forth and 
 made manifest in his dear children, who in scorn are called 
 
iv 
 
 A voice and visitation of God to the inhabitants of the Isle of 
 Wight, 76 
 
 A short discovery of the state of man ; before the fall, in the fall, 
 and out of the fall again : Wherein is also laid open the ignorance 
 and error of Robert Hall, preacher at Colebrooke, in Bucking- 
 hamshire, and Edmund Board of the same town, a professor, who 
 are contentious, obeying not the truth (which they be erred from,) 
 but do oppose themselves against it, as may be seen with the sin- 
 gle eye, - - - - - - - -81 
 
 A warning from the Lord to the inhabitants of the city of London; 
 Given forth on the day after their fast and humiliation, the first 
 day of the Seventh-month, 1659, - - - - - 92 
 
 For them that do nourish up their hearts as in a day of slaughter, 
 who for the joy of an earthly king, have grieved, dishonoured and 
 blasphemed the Lord, who is king of heaven and the whole earth, 
 before whom all nations must bow and tremble, - - 96 
 
 The life of Enoch again revived; in which Abel's offering is accept- 
 ed, and Cain's mark known, and he rejected : through the open- 
 ing of the inward mystery of creation, by the first mover and 
 former thereof, who is the only wise, invisible God, - - 101 
 
 The travail of the bowels of Sion, and the cry of the sins of Sodom 
 is very great this day before the Lord, - - - - 108 
 
 A common objection answered about the name of Jesus, - - 114 
 
 A brief declaration to all the world, from the innocent people of 
 God, called Quakers, of our principle and belief concerning plot- 
 tings and fightings with carnal weapons against any people, men 
 or nations upon the earth; to take away the reproach of any jea- 
 lousy out of the minds of all people, concerning us in this parti- 
 cular; and to answer that common objection, whether we would 
 not fight if the spirit moved us? - - - - - 119 
 
 Jacob is become a flame, and the house of Esau stubble: or the bat- 
 tle betwixt Michael and the dragon, in which the seed of the wo- 
 man is bruising the serpent's head ; and Cain the first birth (the 
 persecutor) is found the vagabond; and Abel and Abraham (that 
 wandered) the friends of God: being a true discovery of the two 
 seeds or births, between which the enmity is put; the time and 
 day being come, in which the elders must serve the younger, 126 
 
 A few words to the priests, bishops, episcopal men, and professors 
 of this last age, - - - - - - -138 
 
 Some occasional queries concerning a vagabond, - - - 139 
 
 A short warning to the rulers and inhabitants of the earth, - 142 
 
 The vision of William Bayly, - - - - - 145 
 
 A general epistle to all friends, who are called and gathered of God, 
 called Quakers, - - - - - - -148 
 
 Some words given forth by the spirit of truth to all people, in the 
 year, 1662, - - - - - - 151 
 
 A message sent forth from the risen seed of God : Being a faithful 
 expostulation and testimony concerning the unjust and hard deal- 
 ings of the rulers and people in England; who have a hand in the 
 cruel oppressions and sufferings of the people of God called 
 Quakers, - - - - - - - - 155 
 
 Deep calleth unto deep : Or, a visitation from on high unto the 
 breathing seed of Jacob, which is not satisfied among all the pro- 
 
V 
 
 fessions in the earth, or with the husks cannot fill its belly, 
 but is pinched with hunger, and feels a secret cry for the true 
 bread, that comes down from heaven, which giveth eternal life; 
 wherein is opened some of the mysteries of God's kingdom, to 
 the clear understanding of the poor in spirit, to whom it belongs, 164 
 Concerning the knowledge of God ; his worships and of the First- 
 
 day and the Seventh-day, or Sabbath day, Sec. - - - 167 
 
 The character of true worship, and of false worship and worship- 
 pers, - - - - - - - • ib. 
 
 Of the fall and restoration of man, - 
 
 Concerning God, what he is, and where he is, &c. - - 169 
 
 Of the Sabbath day, - - - - - -171 
 
 Concerning Christ Jesus, and his names, &x. - - - 176 
 
 Concerning the word and the scriptures, - — - - 180 
 
 Concerning the gospel, - - - - - - 181 
 
 Concerning the body of Christ, - - - - - 182 
 
 ' Concerning Christ's second coming, and kingdom, and reign; and 
 of the kingdoms of this world, becoming his kingdoms, - 186 
 
 A grievous lamentation over thee, O England, or the greatest part 
 of thy inhabitants, who have withstood the day of their visitation: 
 With the word of the Lord to thy rulers and teachers, who con- 
 tinue persecuting and oppressing the dear children and people of 
 the Most High, whom he hath raised in thee, and sent to warn 
 thee that thou mightest have repented, and been saved from the 
 wrath to come, which now shall speedily overtake thee, - 190 
 
 To the camp of Israel, (whom he hath brought up out of the land 
 of Egypt, by a mighty hand and out-stretched arm,) called Qua- 
 kers in England, (or elsewhere upon the face of the earth,) a visi- 
 tation and dear salutation from the breathings of the life of a true 
 Jew, in the tender love of the God of Jacob, - - - 195 
 
 The Lamb's government to be exalted over all in Israel ; who is the 
 captain of their salvation, whose right alone it is (in whose mouth 
 is found no guile,) and not any other birth, spirit, man or image 
 whatsoever: Or, the glory of the Lord risen like devouring fire, 
 to search out every false birth and false spirit, and to consume 
 Anti-christ with the spirit of his mouth, and destroy him by the 
 brightness of his coming, ----- 204- 
 
 Concerning government in families, See. - - - - 211 
 
 Israel is commanded, not to meddle with physic or physicians, 
 Sec. for any disease or distemper, without the leadings and coun- 
 sel of the Lord their God, 8cc. - - - - - 218 
 
 No babe in Israel to study for the attaining the laws of men, to make 
 their defence, &c. ------ 224 
 
 To the blessed seed, and children of the everlasting holy covenant, 
 in the life of the Lamb of God, in whose mouth is found no guile, 
 throughout the whole creation; a most dear and tender salutation, 225 
 A few seasonable words to pass through Israel as a warning; that 
 all may take heed they do not betray their testimony in this day 
 of trial and hour of temptation, which is come upon all to try 
 them; and if any be guilty hereof, to repent with speed, and do so 
 no.more, -------- jjo 
 
 An answer to a query, published in the News Book, concerning 
 help against the Turk, ----- *- 232 
 
Vi 
 
 An arrow shot against Babylon, out of Joseph's bow, which grew 
 up from the stem of Jesse, the root and offspring of David, (and 
 was bent by the archer of Israel,) which hath struck at Cain's 
 mark, from Paradise into the land of Nod, and hath lighted in the 
 skirts of the great whore, to the discovering the mother, or 
 original, of harlots, and all abominations of the earth; tracing 
 her in her footsteps, with all her companions and merchants, 
 the beast, dragon and false prophet, by the blood of the prophets 
 and saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. And also, 
 pursuing her from her birth, or the serpent's hole, out of which 
 she came, to her latter end, which is the bottomless pit, or lake 
 of fire, into which she must return, - - - - 234 
 
 Also, some questions, to be answered by the persecutors about re- 
 ligion and worship, who are usurping authority over men's con- 
 sciences, in such things which only belong to God, and are 
 neglecting their own duty and place, in not relieving the oppress- 
 ed, and doing justice, and executing true and righteous judgment 
 between man and man, but are making it their work to ensnare 
 the righteous, and oppress the innocent, and to strengthen the 
 hands of the wicked, and encourage the evil doers; for which 
 thing's sake God will rebuke them, - - - - 251 
 
 A vindication of the commands and doctrine of Christ Jesus, and 
 of his people; in their faithful obedience to him, against all swear- 
 ers, and swearing whatsoever, according to the scriptures of 
 truth, - - - - - - - - 255 
 
 A few words more to the rulers, priests, teachers and people, of 
 what sort soever, in this nation of England, from the highest to 
 the lowest, who have any hand in persecuting the innocent, 8cc. 266 
 
 Pure encouragements from the spirit of the Lord, as a joyful salu- 
 tation, with full assurance of victory unto the noble army of the 
 lamb, against whom the gates of hell and death shall never pre- 
 vail, - - - - - - - - 269 
 
 The great and dreadful day of the Lord God Almighty (which is 
 hastening as a flood upon the whole world of the ungodly) once 
 more proclaimed ; that all people may again be warned to re- 
 pent with speed, and so be left without excuse, - 275 
 
 An epistle general: containing wholesome exhortations and good 
 counsel from the spirit of truth, unto all such as are or may be 
 under the judgment or sentence of banishment for the testimony 
 of Jesus Christ (which is held in a tender conscience) through- 
 out the nation of England, ----- 279 
 
 To all them that are yet at liberty, (to be faithful to the Lord, and 
 meet often together in the fear of his name, and not to fear man, 
 that shall be made as grass;) and to all in bonds, prisons and 
 holes every where throughout the world, who are bearing and 
 suffering for the same testimony of truth and righteousness, which 
 the Lord hath decreed shall prosper and spread over all the world 
 till the kingdoms thereof are become his kingdoms, and he shall 
 reign forever and ever, - - - - - 285 
 
 A few words of advice to all who have or may have, any message 
 or business upon the account of truth to such as are in authority 
 in the nations, - - - - - - - 290 
 
vii 
 
 Some words of warning and exhortation unto ail young people and 
 children throughout the whole world, - 292 
 
 For the king and parliament, and his council and teachers, and to 
 every individual person, superior and inferior, throughout the 
 English nation, that have a hand against the innocent people 
 of God, called quakers; one visitation and warning more from 
 the Lord unto you, - 298 
 
 The dreadful and terrible day of the Lord God to overtake this 
 generation suddenly, once more proclaimed, - 306 
 
 A testimony of truth against all the sowers of dissention, strife and 
 discord amongst the people of God, by what practice or under 
 what pretence soever, ------ 309 
 
 The true Christ owned; in a few plain words of truth, by way of 
 reply to all such professors or profane, who lay to the charge 
 of the elect people of God, called Quakers, that they deny the 
 blood of Christ, and his body and resurrection, and that they deny 
 the Lord that bought them, and trample the blood of the covenant 
 
 under their feet, - - - - - - -314 
 
 The first query and charge, - - - - - 315 
 
 The second query and charge, - - - - -317 
 
 The third query and charge, ----- 322 
 
 A letter to the mayor of London, ----- 329 
 
 A faithful testimony and warning, concerning the certainty of the 
 great and notable day of the Lord, broken forth in this age, after 
 the long night of apbstacy ; wherein he will accomplish his great 
 and glorious work determined of redemption and restoration, - 331 
 
 Something concerning the sufficiency of the grace of God, which 
 hath appeared unto all men, &c. - 336 
 
 A few words more to all such as slight and make a mock at the light 
 within, as a foolish, erroneous and contemptible thing, - - 339 
 
 A few words in true breathings of love unto such as are turned 
 in this day of his power from darkness to the light, and do be- 
 lieve in it, and have tasted that the Lord is gracious, - - 342 
 
 An answer to those cries among some ignorant people, viz. where 
 did you ever hear or read, in all the scriptures, of a people called 
 Quakers; and that preached of a light within people, as you Qua- 
 kers do? And is not your religion anew religion, of about twenty- 
 years standing, not heard of before? And whether you, called 
 Quakers, do not deny the scriptures to be the word of God? 
 And whether you do not hold that dangerous tenet of perfection 
 in this life, - - - - - - - ib, 
 
 A call and visitation from the Lord God of heaven and earth unto 
 Christendom, so called, who profess they know God, but in works 
 deny him : being also an examination of them, how they came 
 by the name christian ; and it is a warning to them all to repent 
 with speed, before the dreadful judgments of Almighty God 
 (which hang over their heads) be poured forth upon them; with 
 an exhortation and direction, how they may come into the way 
 of everlasting peace with God, and escape the wrath to come, 351 
 
 A true discovery of the ground of that cry among the priests and 
 teachers in Christendom (viz.) that visions and revelations are 
 ceased : and a charge and warning to them from the Lord, that 
 ' all such cease preaching to the people, Sec. - - 365 
 
viii 
 
 RebeiEon rebuked : in an answer to a scandalous pamphlet, entitled, 
 the Quaker converted to Christianity, &c. written by one William 
 Haworth, an Independent preacher in Hartfordshire, and William 
 Dimsdale, a young man in the town of Hartford, a professor 
 and a hearer of the said W. H. - - - - 375 
 
 To a people much given to drunkenness and swearing, &c. being 
 the copy of a paper written and given forth at Polch-ground, 
 within the Haven of Long-sound, in Norway, the 22d of the Fifth 
 month, 1674, in the king of Denmark's dominions, - - 397 
 
 Postscript, - - - - - " - 398 
 
 The last words spoken by William Bayly, a little before his depar- 
 ture of the body, being the First-day of the Fourth-month, 1675,- 399 
 
 Mary Bayly's testimony concerning her husband, &c. - - 400 
 
TO THE READER. 
 
 The author of these works was one amongst the many valiants in 
 our Israel, whom God raised up to bear witness to his great name, and 
 to be as one of those servants, who unstopped the wells that were 
 open in Abraham's time, but afterwards through rage and envy were 
 filled again. 
 
 Yet not fainting in that undertaking, he went on, like one of David's 
 worthies, until he had gained water for the thirsty to drink, notwith- 
 standing all opposition from the uncircumcised. 
 
 His zeal for God and his blessed truth was known to many witnesses; 
 for as he was a true Boanerges, or son of thunder, to beat down deceit 
 and falsehood, so was he also a son of consolation, to comfort the weak 
 and tender. 
 
 He had a way to thresh the swelling mountains, till they became as 
 dust before him; and yet at the same time, with his arms to take up 
 the meek and lowly, and bear them as in his bosom. 
 
 When his countenance was set against the wicked, his face was filled 
 with majesty; and the terror of his words pierced their inward parts. 
 
 His gift in ministering, both as to matter and utterance, was both plain 
 and prevalent. He divided the word aright; for he fed the fat with 
 judgment, and yet he had milk for babes, and stronger meat for those 
 of riper age. 
 
 He was a man mighty in the scripture, being well acquainted both 
 with the history and mystery thereof, through the assistance of that 
 spirit which gave him a true understanding in both; making them^ 
 sometimes in his hand as a battle-axe in the hand of a warrior, to cut 
 down the opposers of his testimony; and sometimes as balm, which he 
 had ready to apply to the sores of those that were truly pricked to the 
 heart by the word of life. 
 
 He measured not his time by the glass, nor spared his pains for fear 
 of spending himself; but what he undertook for God, he did it with all 
 his might. 
 
 He was not a man of shadows, but for the substantial part of religion, 
 having formerly been a teacher amongst the Baptists, but could not be 
 satisfied, (with those washings,) till he had found that living fountain 
 which cleanseth from sin and from uncleanness, and to remove all 
 
 1 
 
2 
 
 idolatry and superstition, with the evil spirit, the cause of it, to be 
 quite taken away, according to the promise of the Lord by the mouth 
 of the prophet Zechary, chap. xiii. 1, 2. 
 
 And as he was bold and zealous in his preaching, being willing to 
 improve his time, as if he had known it was not to be long amongst 
 us; so was he as valiant in suffering for his innocent testimony, when 
 called thereunto; being so well assured of the proof of his armour, that 
 he knew no opposition could enter it, nor any stroke of envy prevail 
 against him in it. 
 
 Methinks I see, how once I saw him stand at the bar, to plead his 
 innocent cause, like holy Stephen in the senate house, when the 
 threats of his persecutors resembled the showers of stones falling upon 
 that blessed martyr, crying out with a hideous noise, " Take him away 
 jailer," "Receive him dungeon," "Stop his mouth executioner," &c. 
 
 Yet all this while he changed not his countenance, except by the 
 additional ornaments of some innocent smiles; but followed the example 
 of our Lord, who set his face as a flint against all opposition to the 
 blessed testimony his father had given him to jpear. 
 
 If it were lawful for that great apostle, and that without boasting, 
 to give account of his own sufferings and perils by sea and by land, 
 from both open enemies and professed friends, as false brethren, &c. 
 and sometimes to number the stripes which he received, saying, "Forty 
 stripes save one I received," &c. ; surely without offence I may relate 
 something of the great sufferings of this good man, that it may appear 
 it was not only given to him to believe, and to preach the word of faith, 
 but also to suffer for the same. 
 
 Sometimes by cruel persecutors being thrown down and dragged 
 upon the ground by the hair of his head, and his mouth and jaws being 
 endeavoured to be rent and broke asunder, that the ground whereon 
 he lay was smeared with blood; yet, as if this butchering of him had 
 not been enough to make him a fit sacrifice for the shambles of their 
 cruelty, a heavy gross bodied persecutor stamped upon his breast with 
 his feet, endeavouring to beat the breath out of his body. And when 
 this persecutor had done his pleasure, he commanded the jailer to 
 take him away, and put him in some nasty hole for his entertainment 
 and cure. And had not the God of Israel been his physician there, he 
 had been taken from us long ere this. 
 
 This christian soldier was not only strong to draw the bow, but too 
 valiant also to turn his back in the day of battle. 
 
 Gentle reader, the boly hosts with whom he marched in company, 
 and engaged in many spiritual combats, for the defence of God's blessed 
 truth, against a hypocritical and gain saying generation, can give an 
 
s 
 
 account of his faithfulness, and say with Solomon, "As is the fining pot 
 to silver, so is a man to his praise." 
 
 And if thou wilt hear those Christian children, whom he, as an instru- 
 ment, hath begotten in the faith, they can tell thee what a father in 
 Israel is taken from them. 
 
 If thou wilt, ask his tender widow and fatherless children, and hear 
 patiently their bemoanings, and they can tell thee, that the deceased 
 husband and tender father esteemed not his life too dear to adventure 
 it upon the mighty waters, at several times, to discharge his duty to 
 his family, in providing what he could for their necessity. 
 
 And lastly, call forth the tender people, both here and beyond the 
 seas, that have been made partakers of his labours, and comforted by 
 his ministry, and they can declare what an able instructor in righte- 
 ousness is removed from them. 
 
 Well, let us now all at parting conclude of this, viz. to cry mightily 
 to the great Lord of the harvest, to pour out a double portion of his 
 spirit upon some worthy instrument, as he did upon Elisha, to succeed 
 him in that work and service. 
 
 I have little more to say, than with the apostle, not to cease to give 
 thanks to God for all his mercies to the faithful, making mention of 
 them in my prayers, "that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ 
 of glory, might give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, through 
 the acknowledgment of Christ, that the eyes of your understandings 
 may be enlightened, that ye may know what the hope is of his calling, 
 and what the riches of his glorious inheritance is in the saints." 
 
 These things being enjoyed, all our hardships, sufferings, and losses 
 are recompensed, and we the greatest gainers thereby, being thus pre- 
 pared to follow our deceased brother, who now, like Isaac, is gotten 
 past Eseck, and Sitnah too, and dwelleth as at Rehoboth,* wheFe there 
 is not only room enough, but the wicked cease from troubling; and there 
 the wearied be at rest; there the prisoners rest together, they hear 
 not the voice of the oppressor; the. small and great are there, and the 
 servant is free from his master.f 
 
 For these papers he hath left behind him, I need say nothing, 
 because to the plain and simple hearted, whose eye is to the meat, and 
 heed not so much the dish it comes in, to such they will speak forth 
 their own worth; but to others, that regard more him that speaketh 
 than what is said, and the fineness of the words more than the sound- 
 ness of matter, such may dislike it only for its homely dress. 
 
 I doubt not but his writings \*ill find the entertainment of faeir 
 master, which was not often amongst the great and wise of this world, 
 
 • Gen. xxy\. 22. 
 
 f Job, iii. 17, 18, 19. 
 
4 
 
 but amongst the meek and lowly minded, from whom he never wanted 
 a prophet's reward, though sometimes like a cup of cold water, yet to 
 be sure it had the blessing with it. 
 
 So I commend the impartial reader to the light of Christ Jesus in his 
 own conscience, that in and with the same he may read and understand, 
 both to his present edification, and future consolation forever. 
 
 Thy loving friend, 
 
 John Crook. 
 
 London, the 9th of the 9th Month, 1675. 
 
 Jl short testimony occasioned by the sudden removal of the servant 
 of the Lord, William Bayly. 
 
 Honourable indeed is he whom the Lord honours, and such a one 
 was this, that yet lives though not beheld with visible eyes; yet who 
 are come to the spirits of just men made perfect, have fellowship with 
 him in the spirit that has quickened to God; and because Christ lives 
 he lives also; not in that which corrupts, but in the incorruptible life 
 of the son of God. A gain indeed, (wherever, and at what time 
 soever,) is death, to all whose life is Christ; and in this life he was 
 witnessed to be by many, furnished therein to make known the way 
 thereto, and by the power thereof has held forth the glory and good- 
 ness of that immortal life in which he lives for evermore. So it is not 
 to that which is come to an end that I bear my ' testimony, but to 
 the endless life of Jesus, which who lives in can never die. Though 
 the tabernacle of clay is gone to its centre, the spirit is ascended above 
 the reach of the enemy, and the rest is known and witnessed, into which 
 the sanctified enter, and reign over all that ever did or can disturb; 
 and having converted souls unto God, does and must shine as the stars 
 in the firmament of God. 
 
 I would not speak man's praise, or give a glory 
 To that which corrupts, and is but transitory: 
 But being come to that eternal spirit, 
 Wherein the righteous do and shall inherit, 
 Sound forth the glory of that "living name, 
 That by judgment and mercy doth exalt his fame: 
 ( His ways are equal, and hi* judgments just; 
 So bless'd are all that in his power do trust. 
 
 Rebecca Traverse. 
 
5 
 
 Jewell Guy's Testimony concerning William Bayly. 
 
 As concerning this, my forever dear friend, William Bayly, this tes- 
 timony arises in my heart, that he was a man endued with a heavenly 
 gift, and was inspired with the holy spirit of the Lord, and the Lord's 
 heavenly presence was with him, and the arm of God's power did ac- 
 company him. And instrumental in the hand of the Lord was he in 
 convincing many, and bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, 
 as I am a witness of the same, for as an epistle of his am I; and by the 
 testimony which he bore, and by the power of the Lord which ruled 
 in him, was I convinced of the truth of our God, by which truth I have 
 through the mercy of the Lord known freedom and a day of liberty. 
 And this I also say concerning him, that he was a man ready to lend a 
 helping hand unto the weak, and was as strength to them that were 
 of no might; for he did direct to that wherein strength and sufficiency 
 was, even the truth and spirit of the Lord God. Yea, and this also 
 have I to say concerning him, that he was a man of a meek and ten- 
 der spirit unto all that had tenderness to God-ward, but terrible was 
 his testimony to all them that were given to work wickedness; yea, 
 the word of the Lord that did abide in him was as a sharp sword to 
 that nature. And for his ministry, I say, it was very excellent, even 
 to the reaching to all conditions; for he could speak a word in due sea- 
 son to all that had desires unto the Lord, and breathings after the 
 knowledge of his way, and many are the children that have been 
 gathered by him: for as an instrument in the hand of the Lord was 
 he, and often was his heart well tuned by the power of the Lord, that 
 by it he did proclaim the acceptable day of the Lord, and sound forth 
 his high praises in the demonstration, and spirit, and power of the Lord, 
 whose living presence was with him, and whose glorious power did ac- 
 company him. And surely this I can say, that terrible was his testi- 
 mony to hireling priests, that had led the people in the by-ways of sin; 
 yea, he prophesied of their consumption, and also of the laying waste 
 of the heritage of the wicked, which I have in some part seen accom- 
 plished, and do believe shall live to see more; for my belief is, that all 
 wickedness shall go down, and righteousness shall be established, and 
 the Lord alone shall reign, whose right it is to reign in the hearts of 
 the children of men. 
 
 Written by a friend to the truth, 
 
 Jewell Guy. 
 
6 
 
 Jl short Testimony concerning William Bayly. 
 
 I having known him for about seven years before he departed this 
 life, which was ever since he came first to the Barbadoes, this I do say 
 concerning him, that he was a very innocent man, and a man full of 
 the wisdom and power of God; and the Lord had given him a very 
 large measure of knowledge and understanding in the mysteries of his 
 kingdom of life and power. For indeed he was acquainted with the 
 very deep things of God; and the mysteries of life itself frequently 
 opened in him, the which he, as an able minister of the gospel, and 
 word of life and reconciliation, spoke forth in much power and wisdom, 
 to the piercing of many hearts, and many strong men fell down wound- 
 ed by him, and the hearts of the stoutest and greatest opposers of 
 truth many times failed because of the power that was with him: for 
 the Lord had taught his hands to war and his fingers to fight; and he 
 was very expert in handling his sharp sword, which the Lord had put 
 into his hand, with which he gave the enemy of man's peace many a 
 deadly wound, and cut deep into the very inmost parts of many of his 
 soldiers, so that they were not able to stand before him, nor to resist 
 the great power and authority that was with him. And indeed this I 
 can certainly say and affirm concerning him, that he had great power 
 and favour both with God and man; yea, he was as I may say, a very 
 glorious instrument in the hand of the Lord, and many were convinced 
 by him, and turned from darkness to light, and from the power of satan 
 to God. Further I have to say concerning him, he was a hidden man, 
 whom many knew not, neither were acquainted with his habitation, 
 nor yet knew his life; yea, he was beyond many in understanding and 
 knowledge of the very depth and ground of the things of God. He is 
 assuredly gone into rest and peace with his Father and our Father; and 
 although his outward man is dead, yet in spirit he lives with us and 
 amongst us unto all eternity, and is with the spirits of all the just men 
 in all ages, and hath peace in their peace, and rest in their rest; and 
 is in that wherein the morning stars sing together, and the sons of God 
 even shout for joy; in which and with whom our souls had unity and 
 peace, in that life which was before the world was, or that the foun- 
 dation of the earth was laid. 
 
 Further I have to say concerning this man of God: as he had been 
 at the Barbadoes four or five times, he always used my house more 
 than any other, and can testify concerning him, that he was of an in- 
 nocent and blameless life and conversation; I can truly say and affirm, 
 that his conversation did adorn the gospel, and that his words adminis- 
 tered grace to the hearers; yea, hi his very common communication 
 
7 
 
 his words were seasoned, and had virtue in them. And though much 
 more might be said of this our dear brother, yet this may suffice, that 
 he was a faithful servant of the living God, and an able minister of the 
 gospel, and is much missed in the church of Christ; for his labours were 
 profitable to many. 
 
 And I could not be satisfied until I gave this short testimony concern- 
 ing him; so that now I am eased, and my spirit is satisfied in giving 
 this relation concerning him, who am but one of the least of his breth- 
 ren, the flock of Christ. 
 
 John Taylor. 
 
 Jl short relation, or testimony, of the working of the light of Christ 
 in me from my childhood: by one who is now a witness of the 
 spirit of truth, (who?n the world cannot receive,) which doth con- 
 vince of sin. of righteousness, and of judgment, and brings all 
 things to remembrance, and showeth me things to come. Glory 
 to the Lord forever. 
 
 Come see a man which told me all things that ever I did;" is not this the Christ? — 
 John iv. 29. 
 
 In the eternal light and life of God, wherewith I and all mankind 
 are lighted, do I now stand and rejoice over the world, and all its glory 
 and enmity, over the beast and false prophet within and without, 
 having received power from the Father of life, (in the way of his 
 judgments,) after which my soul had long breathed and thirsted, even 
 from a child, though then I knew not what my soul panted for; but 
 now know, the mysteries of God's everlasting kingdom are revealed to 
 the babes that fear him, but to others they are in parables. 
 
 When I was about ten years old, I do remember, that sometimes I 
 desired to go and sit alone quiet in some desert place, where I might 
 bemoan myself and weep in secret, even until my heart was broken, 
 not knowing wherefore; and did begin to pray in fear to God with tears, 
 though I knew not who or where he was, but had little to speak, only 
 something cried in me, and breathed, confidently believing that God 
 heard me wherever he was, and would pity me and save me, at which 
 thanks did arise unto him; not knowing it was a seed in me, which was 
 and is beloved of God, (contrary to the course of this world,) to which 
 the blessing and promises are, that did arise in the quiet of my mind, 
 
8 
 
 to break down that which the serpent and my own will had wrought 
 in my heart contrary to God, that thereby I might enjoy peace in the 
 everlasting covenant of light. For at any time when I had done or 
 spoken that which was contrary to God, I was soon checked for it, 
 judged and condemned, and put in fear by his witness in my conscience, 
 which beheld all my ways and words, though never so secret, and is 
 the same that Job speaks of, which set a print upon his heels, and 
 marked his steps,* in which light I can see all that ever I have done, 
 and do remember the first oath that ever I swore, (being provoked by 
 another lad,) and that I was smote with trembling, scarce able to stand 
 on my feet, by the witness of God in my conscience, which I knew not 
 then what it was, but could not have fled away from it, being put in 
 such horrible fear, and condemned by it when I had done any evil. 
 So there is no place at last where the worker of iniquity may hide 
 himself from the dreadful presence of God, as David saith. 
 
 So, [when] about fifteen years old I went among the soldiers, (being 
 the time of war,) not heeding the true guide, the light and spirit of 
 God, which strived often with me, to lead me in meekness and fear, 
 out of all strife, which comes from the lust that wars against the soul. 
 I then was entered and became one among them, both in garrison 
 and army, where for a season I was kept and preserved out of much 
 wickedness, by the fear of God in me, though I knew not then where 
 he was, nor long after; yet by his secret hand of power, unexpected 
 and undeserved, was I preserved when many were slain on my right 
 hand and on my left hand. Glory and praises to his power forever and 
 ever. 
 
 But about seventeen years old I was under the command of him 
 called major-general Massey, where I found many wicked and ungodly 
 men, and some that had turned from Goring's army among them; 
 through which company the honest principle in me was betrayed and 
 even murdered, and I began to be hardened from the fear of God; for 
 I was but a youth, and of a bashful countenance naturally, and was 
 soon checked for any evil, and felt the condemnation for it quickly. 
 But now 1 could swear and vapour among them, and drink till I was 
 sometimes drunk; and grew in it until I even took delight in swearing 
 and drunkenness. Yet oft times when I was gone from my company 
 alone and quiet, fear and dread from the witness of God in me would 
 seize upon me in great and horrible terror; and in the night in dreams 
 was I often fearfully scared, and tormented with fearful sights and vi- 
 sions of hell and devils, death and damnation, which indeed, in that 
 state, was my just portion. And so in the cool of the day I heard the 
 
 ♦ Job, xiii. 27. 
 
voice of God, and was afraid, like Adam in the transgression; and though 
 I would have hid my sin like him, yet the Lord did search it out. 
 
 And now I know, "God speaketh unto man once, yea twice, yet man 
 perceiveth it not, in a dream, in a vision of the night, w hen deep sleep 
 faUeth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed, that he may withdraw 
 man from his purpose, and hide pride from him."* 
 
 And in this company I continued near two years, until all was dis- 
 banded; about which time I was so smitten by God's witness, the light 
 in my conscience, that I began to leave off my swearing and lewdness, 
 and my profane company became even loathsome and burdensome unto 
 me; and I never swore an oath from that time to this day, which is 
 about ten years ago. So, at length I became a little zealous to hear 
 the priests, and began to look into the scriptures to get them to talk 
 of, as many profane ones do now, to make a covering; and then thought 
 I must be guided by the priests, who had the learning and the tongues, 
 which they call the original, not knowing then that their original began at 
 Babel, where God confounded the languages: and the people before were 
 of one language in the beginning, (which is the original.) So their origi- 
 nal is from Babel, which is confusion, where they still are, and all their 
 followers, who will partake of their plagues, if they come not forth to the 
 light, which is the original, before Babel, or the priests, or Latin, Greek 
 and Hebrew were, which Pilate set over him that is the original, Christ, 
 the true prophet, which all are to hear; his name is called the Word of 
 God,f which was in the beginning. So poor, ignorant, blind people, that 
 be from the light which they be lighted withal, they cry up Greek and 
 Hebrew, with the priests, to be the original, and that the scriptures 
 cannot be understood without it, not considering that they who had 
 Latin, Greek, and Hebrew crucified the son of God, who was in the 
 beginning, glorified with the Father before the world began, the origi- 
 nal, by whom the world was made, the power and wisdom of God; whose 
 cross to the Greeks is foolishness, and to the Jews a stumbling-block. 
 And the Greeks have Greek, and the Jews have Hebrew 7 , as well as 
 the priests and Pilate, which knew not the son of God, the original; 
 hut set Latin, Greek, and Hebrew atop of him, when they had cruci- 
 fied him.J 
 
 So for a season, these merchants of Babylon I traded with, receiving 
 and buying their wares, hoping it had been good durable stuff I had 
 got of them, being it was prized so high; and people cried, they had 
 the original, and could give the meaning of the scriptures, and 
 none else; and the beast upheld or carried the whore, and all the w orld 
 wondered after them, as I did then. At length something in me be- 
 
 * Job xxxiii. 14, f John i. 1. \ John xix. 19, 20. 
 
 2 
 
lb 
 
 gan to be more and more awakened, and hungered after true bread, 
 yet thought I should be still fed at their table, and did, until I was near 
 starved with the husks that the swine did eat; for a stirring word in 
 me was, give me food, or else I perish; and went to hear them even 
 with tears for hunger many times, until I perceived they spake not out 
 of the mouth of the Lord the word of life, the true bread that came 
 down from heaven; but had studied and patched up something from 
 the scriptures without them, mixing their meanings and Babylonish 
 whorish wisdom and serpent's subtilty with it, and bid us, hear the 
 word of God. And so we looked for light, but behold darkness and 
 dust we were fed with; and that was made sad in me by them which 
 the Lord God proclaimed joy and liberty to, as the deceivers and false 
 prophets in ages past did, whom God was against. 
 
 And upon these craftsmen and merchants of the great whore, will 
 the perpetual plagues and vengeance of the Lord God be poured down 
 without mixture. And as they have done so shall it be done to them, 
 and God will fill double to her, and she shall know that he is the Lord 
 that searcheth the heart, and shows unto man his thoughts; and that 
 God is light, and in him is no darkness (or mixture) at all. And the 
 day is hastening, in which they shall "howl and lament," for "no man 
 buyeth her ware any more" that is taught of the Lord. And the earth 
 shall be filled with the knowledge of his power as the waters cover the 
 sea. And in that day the thief shall be ashamed, that hath stole the 
 word from his neighbour; and the false prophet, which deceived the 
 nations, shall be ashamed of his vision; and diviners will be mad; and 
 the beast will hate the whore, and burn her flesh with fire, and there 
 will be desolation, widowhood and loss of children come upon her in 
 one day. He that readeth let him understand. 
 
 And this I can truly say, and do testify in the Lord; that when a true 
 hunger and thirst in me did arise after the living God, it was often hurt, 
 darkened, and spoiled by the earthly wisdom, philosophy, and vain de- 
 ceit which came out of the priests' mouth, which beguiled me of my 
 reward, drawing out my mind from the pure measure of God within, 
 insomuch that the simple, honest, and meek principle which stirred in 
 me was weary to hear them any longer. And from no other ground 
 did I at first deny them, but as that of God in me discovered, and wit- 
 nessed against them, as such as should never profit the people at all, 
 being out of his counsel, not able to turn any from their evil ways, 
 but strengthening the hands of the wicked, and making the righteous 
 sad. This is their work, as by their fruits is made manifest, whose re- 
 ward shall be accordingly. 
 
 So, in those days my soul was awakened by the witness of God, feel- 
 ing the burden of sin, and was often afraid of death and misery with- 
 
11 
 
 out end, but knew not how to get out from under the power of sin and 
 death, nor to escape the wrath to come, being ignorant of him that 
 saveth from it, which is Christ, the power of God, that lighteth every 
 man which cometh into the world, which condemns sin in the flesh. 
 But now I see, that people perish for lack of knowledge, and that the 
 leaders of the people cause them to err, and they that are led of them 
 are destroyed.* For nothing will help or satisfy the longing soul im- 
 mortal, but the eternal true bread of life, the power of God, which 
 he giveth to as many as receive him, that condemns for sin, and destroys 
 the works of the devil, who hath the power of death; "for the sting of 
 death is sin." So he delivers them from that which is the ground of 
 bondage and fear of death, who believe in Him that is the resurrec- 
 tion and the life, over whom the second death hath no power. Glory 
 to the Lord forever and ever. 
 
 So now, having in measure begun to leave the priests, I kept at home, 
 not desiring for a season to hear any, but to be private and quiet alone, 
 which was a great cross to my parents, wife, and relations, and also to 
 something in me, and to my companions and acquaintance, who loved 
 me with that love which quickly turned to hatred. So I found it hard to 
 break the customs that I had lived in, and to become contrary to all my 
 neighbours and acquaintance, and to lose the love of them all, as I saw 
 I should, if I followed that which let me see the priests, and the vanity 
 of the world. And the scripture speaks not in vain, "Can the Ethiop- 
 ian change his skin?"f No more can they do good that are accus- 
 tomed to do evil. Hear this ye careless ones, that live in the vanity of 
 your minds, pleading for your customs, vanities, traditions, and fashions 
 of the world that lies in wickedness, and for the fleshly lusts which 
 war against your own souls; the Lord God will plague you with it, and 
 in the day of your visitation, that will become the greatest torment to 
 you in which you have most delighted. Then you shall know you were 
 warned in your life time. 
 
 But in the midst of these my trials and temptations within and with- 
 out, a word was very nigh me, even in my heart, though I then knew 
 not what it was, saying, "Seek first the kingdom of God, and mind 
 eternal life;" yet not knowing where to seek or find it. But the 
 deep consideration of it did much strengthen me towards God, and 
 sometimes even breathings and cries would ascend up from the prisoner 
 of hope in me, and my heart was even broken and melted by the 
 power of the word of life, which I felt therein hammering down 
 the hardness thereof, and rending the veil that separated me from 
 peace with God; but not knowing "Christ within the hope of glory," 
 
 • Isa. ix. 16. 
 
 f Jer. xiii. 23. 
 
IS 
 
 which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, whose name is 
 called "the word of God,*' "the male in the flock which openeth the 
 womb, holy to the Lord,'* "the lamb slain from the foundation of the 
 world," (which lies in wickedness.) "the first and the last," "the holy one 
 in the midst;" whom my soul loveth, which hath been pierced, wound- 
 ed, and as it were, slain by that which wars against the young, and was a 
 sufferer in Sodom and Egypt, but now is Lord of lords, and King of kings. 
 Glory to Him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever- 
 more. Amen. 
 
 So I began to heed and love that in me which discovered sin and 
 vanity, and the course of the whole world, and to take it to be my 
 companion, (or kinswoman, as Solomon speaks of wisdom,) not knowing 
 it to be the light of Christ (the wisdom and power of God) in my con- 
 science, in those days of ignorance. But I saw often by it my own folly, 
 and that the whole world was out of course, (or the way of peace,) in 
 confusion and abomination, without the fear of God before their eyes, 
 in pride, and envying one another, in covetousness and wantonness, dis- 
 simulation and falsehood, every one for his own ends and gain, even 
 from the judge to the priest, and likewise their followers, not a wise 
 man found among them, that feared the Lord, and departed from evil. 
 This I saw, and was sometimes even grieved at the consideration of it, 
 wishing in my heart I had power to have helped it all, being much 
 affected with unity and peace, meekness and quietness, love and just- 
 ness amongst men, that they might have lived as children of one father; 
 saying in my mind, "Did not all we come of Adam? and had we not 
 all one father and mother in the beginning? why then should one envy 
 another, and be high, proud, and stubborn against another, and murder 
 each other about a little earth or vain glory, that w ill wither, and hate, 
 and strive, and be angry about religion, and judgment, arid opinion, and 
 even fight one against another about these things?" When I considered 
 these things in my mind, I desired God (in my heart) would remedy all 
 this, and once put an end to it; for I even felt the whole creation groan- 
 ing in bondage under these oppressions at that time; yet not knowing 
 that it was the light of Christ in me, which sometimes checked me for 
 sin and evil, that discovered these things unto me, and did open my 
 understanding, that I might have known and understood the things that 
 belonged to my everlasting peace. So that T can boldly say, people 
 are destroyed for lack of knowledge; and that "straight is the gate, 
 and narrow is the way, that leads to the life, and few there be that 
 have found it;" and that the mysteries of the kingdom are "hid from 
 the wise and prudent of the world, but revealed to babes," and to such 
 as can become fools for Christ's sake, who is the light of the w r orld, the 
 wisdom and power of Clod. Glory to him forever in the highest, who 
 
IS 
 
 hath brought mc out of darkness into his marvellous light, where I be- 
 hold his likeness. 
 
 Now, in these days, when 1 had even resolved never to hear the 
 priests, as to be a follower of them any more, yet being out of my 
 outward employment, and for fear of losing all, I, through persuasions 
 of the serpent within and of others without, did hear them again, lest 
 I should have angered them who had intent to employ me and prefer 
 me; but I was terribly judged and condemned by God's witness in me, 
 which before had let me see the deceit of the priests, and the vanity 
 and error of their worship and ways, contrary to Christ and his apos- 
 tles, and their doctrine. So in process of time I went into France 
 two small voyages, where, having time, the serpent led out my mind 
 wholly to delight in the art of arithmetic, and the study and practice 
 of navigation, which I saw I might in short time attain, being acquaint- 
 ed with numbering, which is the ground of many arts; which things 
 took me up into an exceeding high mountain, showing glorious promises 
 of the preferment, riches, and love of the world, and respect among 
 men, which tickled the nature in me which went out from God's wit- 
 ness, even the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but the world, 
 which is the glory of the ri«h men, great men, and chief captains, 
 whose flesh is to be given to the fowls of heaven in this the supper of 
 the great God. So, through the strong temptations and allurements 
 of this flattering harlot, (the w T horish spirits, gone from the light, of 
 whose cup all nations and kings of the earth have drunk,) the honest, 
 tender principle of equity, love, and meekness was even covered, lost, 
 f and dead in me, and the spirit of the world I let in again like a flood, 
 (whose foundation had in some measure been shaken, and the earth 
 that lay upon the precious seed removed by the power of God,) and 
 gross darkness again covered my soul, and veiled its life and peace from 
 it, which formerly it had felt and breathed after. So I can seal to the 
 scriptures, "They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and 
 into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in perdition and 
 destruction;" but the snare is broken, and I am escaped. Glory to the 
 living God forever more. Yet in that time I was in France I was so 
 much in the fear of God kept, by his pure witness the light in my con- 
 science, which showed me sin and evil, that I dared not to be lewd or 
 drunk, or act such wickedness as the tempter would have led me to, 
 not knowing that it was the light of Christ, which I obeyed then, which 
 saved me from that which the devil would have drawn me into : so I 
 can say with Jacob, "God was in this place, and I knew it not." There- 
 fore, all people, come to him that tells you all that ever you did; for 
 if you knew the gift of God, and loved him, you would ask of him 
 water of life; but "the rebellious dwell in a dry land." 
 
14 
 
 But though I was preserved out of these gross evils outwardly, yet 
 the love of the world, and the things of the world, had a strong hold in 
 my heart, whereby the true love to equity, righteousness and mercy was 
 vanished away, and the place of wisdom I knew not where to find, though 
 I sought it carefully when I felt the loss of it. But in a cross to the 
 will of man and of flesh, is that born which inherits God's kingdom of 
 peace. For after awhile, when I was in the midst of my vain thoughts 
 and imaginations, how to build great things in the earth, to become 
 rich, knowing, and honourable therein, to obtain the friendship of the 
 world, and praise of men, a sudden stop like a cloud came upon it all, 
 and I was struck with a still silence in my mind, (like Adam's cool of 
 the day,) wherein I saw that I strived and wearied myself for very 
 vanity, that would perish with the using, and that I, like a fool, might 
 leave them in the midst of my days. So, as I gave heed to that which 
 let me see these things to be but as a shadow, and that it was folly so 
 eagerly to pursue that which made itself wings, and thereby to be 
 beguiled of an eternal crown of rest to my immortal soul, my former 
 condition came fresh into my remembrance, and I began to feel some- 
 thing stir in me for life, which lay in death and bondage, under Pharaoh 
 in spiritual Egypt, and as it were a cr.y ascended from the prisoner, 
 groaning afar off for deliverance. And then I began to be troubled and 
 condemned in myself, and my peace in the earth was broken, and the 
 flaming sword turned every way upon it. Then being afraid of shame, 
 I strived with God's spirit in me, (not knowing what it was all this while, 
 nor some time after,) and would pass away the trouble as much as I 
 could sometimes, and even wish I could be meek like others; for I often 
 witnessed Solomon's words, "In the midst of laughter the heart is made* 
 sad," and was nearer weeping than mirth many times in such company. 
 So I had no rest to my soul in those days, being ignorant of my teacher, 
 the true shepherd of Israel, which gives his sheep (that follow him) 
 eternal life, meek and low in the heart. 
 
 But now my soul being like one awakened from sleep, and hungry 
 after that which satisfieth, I began again to seek for food and rest, and 
 to enjoy life and peace which changeth not. Then I thought in my mind 
 what shall I do? remembering the priests, (which were discovered by 
 the same witness of God again,) to be miserable comforters, and such 
 as daub with untempered mortar, (as all the world shall witness in the 
 day at hand, when the wall is no more, nor they that daubed it,) and 
 physicians of no value, but rather robbers and murderers of the inno- 
 cent and just principle in poor ignorant people, that cries for deliver- 
 ance. 
 
 Then not knowing what to do for life, (being gone forth, hunting 
 abroad, like Esau and all his stock of priests and professors in the world, 
 
15 
 
 for food,) I went among the people called Baptists, to see if I could 
 obtain rest and peace there among them, thinking, if they be the peo- 
 ple of God, I had right to have fellowship with them, and to partake 
 of their promises and privileges; for I often felt something in me which 
 was beloved of God, so concluded that I was one of the elect, not then 
 knowing and discerning things that differ, that it was a seed in man, 
 (which may be by him oppressed and trod under foot,) to which the 
 promises and the blessing are, and the elect is before the foundation 
 of the world, and the whole world lies in tvickedness. Read this if 
 thou canst, that cryest, the election [is] of a particular people, and the 
 rest are left to themselves; and beware of the doctrine of devils; and 
 remember that "God is no respecter of persons," and Christ, the true 
 light, "lighteth every man that cometh into the world," in whom is the 
 election and redemption; and he that knows not Christ in him. is a repro- 
 bate, as saith the scripture.* So then I became a constant follower of 
 them, and at length was in that fellowship with them and brotherhood 
 which the natural, carnal, visible water was the ground of; for before 
 I was dipped in water they called me not brother, but suddenly after 
 they did; yet I was the same every way as before, no more bettered 
 nor satisfied by the water after I came to God's witness in me, in the 
 cool of the day, which let me see my soul lay in death, though the com- 
 prehending mind had got a life and food in a profession, in which I had 
 no true peace when all was performed and done by which I thought 
 to obtain. But it still fled from me. as I turned to that in my heart 
 which let me see my state and condition, even the light of Christ, though 
 I knew not then what it was. So now I know M there is no peace to the 
 wicked." and that the wo is to them that are covered with a covering 
 and not with the pure spirit of God, which reproves the world of sin; 
 neither should I ever have attained it in that way. if I had walked 
 therein an hundred years. For we came not to Christ, (but denied him.) 
 whose flesh is meat indeed, and is the true bread, which gives life to 
 the world. Neither were we joined together in the unity of the faith 
 of the Lord of glory, which is without respect, of persons, and is a mys- 
 tery held in a pure conscience, giving victory over the world, being all 
 from the light which we were lighted withal, that is to give people the 
 knowledge of God, in which the saints' inheritance and fellowship are. 
 
 But we were building a tower (hoping the top would have reached 
 to heaven) in our imaginations, like the confounded builders of old, like 
 Nimrod's stock, the beginning of whose kingdom was Babel, that hunt- 
 ed before the Lord, who is that spirit which will confound all your wis- 
 dom, who build without his light, the corner stone, the sure foundation. 
 
 • 2 Cor. xiii. 5. 
 
16 
 
 Though you may say " Lord, Lord," this avails not; while ye are work- 
 ers of iniquity you are shut out. So we were professing and talking 
 of the truth, (which makes free,) Christ, the light, the way to the 
 Father ; but we were in bondage, darkness, and falsehood, in the broad 
 way, wherein many hypocrites, deceitful workers, envious, proud, and 
 covetous may walk, keeping their covering of their profession, and 
 talking of him that leads to life, out of death, darkness, and all un- 
 righteousness, in which you hold the truth of God, his witness, the light 
 that you be lighted withal, which lets you see you have not the true 
 bread of life, that gives peace, rest, and satisfaction to the soul, but feed 
 on the husk. Notwithstanding your great noise of him that is the sub- 
 stance of all, which ends the shadows, ye expect his kingdom, and glory, 
 and reign without you. O ye fools and blind! is not the kingdom of 
 God within you? and is not the king's daughter all glorious within? and 
 did not the king say; "Go not forth; when they shall say, Lo here, 
 and lo there, believe them not?" 
 
 But in this state I was once with you, until the son of God opened 
 his eyes that was born blind, whom the Pharisees cast out, as they have 
 many in this age, that tremble at the word of the Lord; but the Lord 
 God of power hath appeared to their joy, and you shall be ashamed, 
 though you may say, the Lord be glorified; in whose eternal light I then 
 saw, that in this profession without life I was never like to have peace 
 to that which was awakened in me, breathing for the pure, righteous 
 power of the living God, which all men had been erred and estranged 
 from by transgression, the middle wall that separates, which by the 
 higher power is broken down, where the salvation is wrought out with 
 fear and trembling; which the professor denies, casting out such as 
 tremble at the word, which is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of 
 the heart. And the time is come, that they cannot endure sound doc- 
 trine. This is to you all, priests, baptists, and people, that be from the 
 light which you be lighted withal, that lets you see your ungodly deeds 
 and hard speeches. What shall I say more of you? Why, you pass 
 over judgment, and so the love of God you know not. This is from the 
 Lord God to you, as ye shall witness on your death-bed. 
 
 So after a season, in this my breathing and longing condition, in which 
 I desired, that God would make an alteration and change among us, 
 (being in all we performed dead to the pure, simple life of God, for 
 which my soul thirsted,) it happened that I heard a book read of the 
 sufferings of some of the people of God, who were called Quakers, in 
 a dungeon at Suesham, whose name and sufferings were strange to me 
 at that time; yet, at the hearing of it, something in me did arise, with 
 much tenderness and pity toward the innocent sulFering people, which 
 drew tears from mine eyes, believing they did suffer for conscience sake; 
 
17 
 
 and the same thing in me even said, that God would avenge them on 
 the bloody persecutors — which hath been performed by his mighty hand 
 of power on some of them, even to the cutting them off the earth as 
 briars and thorns for the fire — but did not know all this time what it 
 was that let me see these things, and knew not light from darkness, as 
 is the state of thousands, who profess Christ, as I did, in words; who 
 lighteth every man that cometh into the world, and leads his sheep out 
 of darkness into the fold of eternal life and peace, from which the wise 
 and prudent, with all their knowledge, comprehension, and imagina- 
 tions, are shut out forever. 
 
 Then I heard Jacob Behmen's books, and began to read much in 
 them, and to gather something of that into my comprehension and ima- 
 ginations in the brain; but this and all the other gave not peace and 
 rest to the immortal soul, which still lay in death and bondage by rea- 
 son of transgression and sin. 
 
 But not long after came one, a minister of the word of life, (whose 
 name few know,) and preached to the spirit in prison, which rejoiced 
 much at the sound of his words, to which I gave diligent heed, and was 
 eternally convinced that it was the very truth he declared, and that 
 there is no other way to know God, or to be saved, but as I walked in 
 the light which I was lighted withal, which did let me see all my un- 
 godly deeds and hard speeches, that ever I had committed ; which light 
 comes from Christ, the saviour, and leads all that follow it out of the 
 evil that is in the world, unto him that was before the world was, by 
 whom it was made, glorified with the Father, the substance of all the 
 types, figures, shadows, ordinances, of wnich might be spoken many 
 things; but he is the sum, that redeems man by his blood, (the life,) 
 out of the earth, into which man was driven in transgression, up unto 
 God again, before transgression was, to the beginning and the end. 
 
 So, as to the true light in my heart my mind was turned, many scrip- 
 tures came fresh unto me, confirming the truth of which he spoke; and 
 the power of the word, in my heart, of God, which the light comes from, 
 began to stir and work, and condemnation was administered upon all 
 my former profession; and a sword was coming upon the earth, which 
 had sat still in peace; and open war was proclaimed against the beast, 
 whore, and false prophet, by the lamb that was slain, whose sword 
 came out of his mouth; and the prisoner of hope rejoiced at the begin- 
 ning of this day of vengeance, believing the year of redemption was 
 come. So that there was a change begun, and that which seemed 
 strange to me was happened, which was quickly perceived by the Bap- 
 tists, who were then my companions in profession, but not in tribula- 
 tion; for I was made to weep and lament, seeing all the religion in the 
 world to be but as a fading leaf, without the pure life and power of 
 
 3 
 
18 
 
 God, which saveth from sin, and brings into unity with him; so that I 
 could no longer be satisfied, nor live in a talk of God and Christ, and not 
 enjoy the eternal rest, even the sincere milk of the immortal word of 
 life, which my soul breathed after, even from a child, though I knew 
 not what it was, nor where to find it. But in this my troubled condi- 
 tion many Baptists followed day and night to persuade me out of it, 
 looking upon me to be deluded, and some with prayers, and some with 
 flatteries, and others of them with envious words strived to get me back 
 to them, telling me, that I was fallen from grace, and was become un- 
 der the law, and making the blood of Christ of none effect. But I not 
 knowing then the blood to be the life, and that the life is the light of 
 men, though I was convinced in my conscience of the eternal truth, 
 yet my understanding God was confounding, and the day of the Lord 
 was darkness and not light to that part which had held the truth in 
 unrighteousness, as they shall all one day witness, where their covering 
 is rent off them, and their inside made more manifest, who, by their 
 many tattling words, drew out my mind from God's witness in me, and 
 from the law written in the heart, to which I should have kept and 
 been faithful, even the sure word of prophecy, which let me see all 
 that ever I did; for Moses was faithful as a servant in all his house. 
 But this mystery I knew not then ; and so to get ease, turned out my 
 mind from the truth, which is required in the inward parts, and gave 
 heed to seducing spirits, and words which darkened counsel, insomuch 
 that I joined again with them in more zeal than before, and encouraged 
 others to follow their strong imaginations from the letter of scripture, 
 looking for a saviour without us, though the scripture saith, "Christ 
 within, the hope of Glory;" and "Know ye not that Christ is in you, 
 except ye be reprobates?" &c. and for his coming without us, though 
 he said "When they shall say, lo here, and lo there, believe them not," 
 and "Go not forth;" and for his kingdom and glory without us, though 
 the king's daughter is ail glorious within, and the king said, "The king- 
 dom of God is within you;" and for his resurrection and life and reign 
 without us, whereas the king said, "I am the resurrection and the life," 
 and "am come a light into the world," (who lighteth every man that 
 cometh into the world.) These things we imagined and builded one 
 another up in, contrary to the scripture, and to the saints, which build- 
 ed up in that which is a mystery held in a pure conscience. So we passed 
 over judgment, (like the Pharisees and hypocrites of old, which did 
 profess and say, but did not,) climbing up an easier way than by the 
 door, Christ, who "condemns sin in the flesh," like the thief that had 
 stolen a covering, even words from the neighbour. But after a season, 
 these things came heavy upon me, and were harder to be judged out 
 and destroyed than all the other wickedness and iniquity that ever I 
 
19 
 
 committed; for when I, being unsatisfied, came from the Baptists again, 
 (having suffered persecution for the name of Christ,) resolved with pur- 
 pose of heart to wait on the Lord, whatever became of all the world, 
 their glory, profession, or enmity; for a word was powerful in me, 
 " Seek first the kingdom of God," to which I gave heed, and turned my 
 mind again to the light, which had checked me for sin from my child- 
 hood, which Christ had enlightened me withal; and the power of God 
 was manifested, and his dreadful judgments fell on the whore, which 
 went out from the life into a profession; and plagues, and famine, and 
 earthquakes, and thunders, war and tremblings, sighing, mourning, 
 weeping, and fasting, and great astonishments came upon that ground 
 in me which before professed the scriptures. And all that ever I had 
 acted or spoken out of the light, was judged, cursed, and condemned, 
 whether eating or forbearing, or drinking or forbearing, lying down or 
 rising up, sleeping or waking, going out or coming in, all was judged 
 and condemned, until the meek came to ride king upon the foal of an 
 ass, and Sion redeemed with judgment, which came to pass as obe- 
 dience was yielded to the higher power, who, with his mighty and 
 piercing sword, wounded leviathan, and slew the dragon that was in 
 the sea, and the great whore was plagued, (the beast and false prophet 
 together,) of whose cup of fornication all nations and kings of the 
 earth have drunk, who must drink freely, as I have done, of the cup 
 of the wine of the fierceness of the wrath of the Lord God Almighty, 
 or else shall never know rest and peace in the land of the living. 
 
 For Cain, the first birth, the envious one, the murderer, is vagabond 
 from God; and Ishmael, the wild man, the mocker, is cast out; and 
 Esau, the cunning hunter, is rejected; the profane person, and all proud 
 Haman's stock, and Nabal's race; these must have their part in the 
 lake of torment. For dreadful plagues and vengeance is coming upon 
 all the world's ways, from the terrible God of power, who is now come 
 to reign in righteousness. Therefore, wo to the inhabitants of the 
 earth, all ye proud, wanton, envious, covetous, and deceitful ones, and 
 all hypocrites and ungodly ones, torment, howling, wrath, and per- 
 petual misery, with lamentation forever is your portion, except you 
 speedily repent. 
 
 Therefore, all people upon earth, turn your minds to the light, 
 wherewith you are enlightened by Christ Jesus, the saviour, which 
 lets you see sin and evil, lest you be by him turned into everlasting 
 misery and utter darkness, where will be no end of your sorrow and 
 pain. And repent, and prize your time, and stop not the ear, nor close 
 the eye against that in you which rises for deliverance, and is sad in 
 the midst of your vain mirth, which cannot be satisfied with any thing 
 of this world. But heed that which showeth you the evil of the world; 
 
20 
 
 • 
 
 for that leadeth out of it, and all its ways, worships, fashions, and tra- 
 ditions, which are vain and fading, up to Christ, who is not of the world, 
 by whom it was made, who lighteth every man that cometh into the 
 world, the salvation of all that obey him. And this is he who hath 
 led me out of the world, through great tribulations, unto the good land 
 of rest. Glory to him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb 
 forever and ever, whose power once killed, but now makes alive, and 
 having slain the enmity by the blood of his cross, whose own arm hath 
 brought salvation. Glory and everlasting praises unto the Lord God 
 omnipotent, who hath given power and strength, wisdom, dominion, and 
 eternal blessing to the Lamb slain, w r ho was once in Sodom and Egypt 
 crucified spiritually, but now his life the grave cannot hold, but hath 
 risen, triumphing over the principalities and powers of the world, by 
 whose power the horse and his rider are cast into the sea, and now 
 reigns in righteousness, and in it doth judge and make war, being Lord 
 of lords and King of kings, whose name is called " The Word of God," 
 from whence the true light comes, which lighteth every man that 
 cometh into the world. Everlasting praises and glory to his powerful 
 name in the highest. Amen. 
 
 This is given forth in true love to the yet scattered of the flock, 
 whom my soul desires may come to know the rest at noon in the life 
 of the Son of righteousness, by 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
A WARNING 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 UNTO ALL PERSECUTORS AND ENEMIES OF THE DEAR CHILDREN OF GOD, 
 
 WHO FOLLOW THE LAMB, A.VD ARE THE MEEK OF THE EARTH. 
 
 And a plain information and direction for the ignorant, who know not 
 the way of God, nor the voice of his true prophet, who is the light and 
 life of men. With a Tender Visitation of God's Truth to the Inhabit- 
 ants and County of Pool. And a call and Warning of Love unto the 
 People called Anabaptists. With some Queries, to be answered with 
 God's Witness in the Professors of the Scriptures, who have denied the 
 Light and Life that gave them forth. Also, a Terrible Word to such 
 as live in Rioting and Drunkenness, and Unclean Practices. With a 
 True Voice and Revelation of God unto all the Sons and Daughters of 
 the Fallen Adam. 
 
 — y 
 
 BY WILLIAM BAYLY. 
 
 Blessed are ye when men men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against 
 you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad ; for great is your reward in heaven ; for so persecuted 
 they the prophets, that were before you.— Matt. v. 1J, 12. 
 
 For the time is come, that judgment must begin at the house pf God ; and if the righteous scarcely be saved, 
 where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?—! Pet. iv. 18. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 MARCUS T. CX GOULD, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH STREET. 
 
 NEW YORK. 
 
 ISAAC T. HOPPER, No. 420, PEARL STREET 
 
 1830 
 
preface; 
 
 The Lord at several times hath moved me, in his mighty power 
 and bowels of compassion unto their souls, to warn and exhort the in- 
 habitants of the town of Pool, when assembled together, both in their 
 steeple-house and private meetings; seeing in the eternal light their 
 miserable estate and blindness, (which is the condition also of the whole 
 world, that lieth in wickedness,) whose message they resisted, and much 
 endeavoured to hinder, both by haling me out before I had spoken what 
 thei.ord moved me to declare unto them, both in their public and pri- 
 vate meetings; and also by setting a watch to keep the steeple-house 
 doors against me, which some were bound unto in a sum of money, for 
 a certain time, to keep me out of their meetings, as the Sheriff who 
 was one of them, told me with his own mouth; to whom I answered, 
 let thy money perish with thee, who thinkest to stop or limit the spirit 
 of the living God; and let all such forever take heed of withstanding 
 his powerful work, (by bringing heavy burdens upon his servants,) who 
 will work to your eternal condemnation, except you repent, who are 
 settled on your lees, and are willing to go in that way, and keep that 
 peace, whose end will be everlasting war and destruction. 
 
 And I also was kept out some time from their meeting, who were 
 also afraid of the light that manifests the hidden things of darkness, 
 and made that their refuse to hide themselves from the truth, even 
 those people who are called Baptists, with whom, for a season, I had 
 my conversation; who also by John King, one of their teachers, bemg- 
 filled with envy, in the sight of many witnesses, on the day of their 
 humiliation, was, with his violent hands, thrown down on the ground 
 twice, after he had haled me out of their meeting, who had in deceit 
 combined together, with their long prayers, to hinder truth from being 
 declared amongst them; at which time I was moved of the Lord to 
 declare against their feigned humility, deceit, and hypocrisy. 
 
 And another time, when I was in my chamber, and waiting in the 
 eternal power of God, in which the soul's salvation is wrought out with 
 fear and trembling, the same John King, in my presence and many 
 more, said I was a slave and vassal of satan. And at the same time, 
 Thomas Collier, a chief preacher amongst them, said that I was going 
 about to ruinate myself and others, by giving myself up to the power 
 
24 
 
 of the devil; who said also, it was just with God with all such; and re- 
 proved me for being sad and sorrowful, in that light spirit of joy which 
 must lie down in sorrow. So this showeth their ignorance of, and ex- 
 altation above, the man of sorrows, who know not the house of mourn- 
 ing, wherein is the heart of the wise; nor the sadness of the countenance, 
 where the heart is made better; nor the presence of God and his voice 
 that shaketh the earth, and maketh the mountains to tremble, whose 
 eyes are blinded, and foolish heart darkened, not knowing the light, 
 life, and power of Christ, for whose sake self is to be denied, abhorred, 
 and ruinated. The which words and actions of theirs, and also their 
 resistings and rebellings against the message of eternal truth and sal- 
 vation, were enough to leave them without excuse, and to justify God 
 in the day of visitation, if he should have destroyed them forever. Yet 
 notwithstanding all this their rebellion, hath the Lord in mercy laid it 
 upon me, whether they will hear or forbear, to write a few words, even 
 in tender compassion, with bowels and tears of love, to their capthjated 
 souls, if happily they might return unto him that often smiteth them, 
 before the things of the eternal peace be hid from their eyes; wherein 
 I have cleared my conscience in this thing, and the righteous God, of 
 their blood, which will come only upon the heads of the rebellious. 
 
 W. B. 
 
A WARNING 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 SPIRIT OF TRUTH 
 
 TO 
 
 ALL PERSECUTORS. 
 
 Go to now, ye high and lofty, rich and proud men and women, 
 weep and howl for the miseries that shall come upon you; your gar- 
 ments are moth-eaten, and your gold and silver are cankered, and 
 the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh 
 as it were fire. O ye whose feet are swift to shed innocent blood! do 
 ye not heap up to yourselves wrath against the day of wrath, and revela- 
 tion of the righteous judgments of God? O Cain! thou hast risen up 
 against thy brother and slain him; but his blood crieth from the ground, 
 and the cry of it is entered into the ears of the Lord God of sabbaths. 
 O thou envious and wrathful one! thy punishment will be greater than 
 thou canst bear. O thou beast and false prophet! you are both to be 
 cast alive into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, and to be 
 tormented, day and night, forever and ever. O ye mountains of prey ! 
 you shall be laid low, even to the dust of the ground; for the mouth of 
 the Lord God hath spoken it. 
 
 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, sound an alarm in my holy mountain, 
 let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, saith the Lord God. O 
 eternal Father of light and glory! rebuke the sea and the company of 
 spear men, with the bulls and calves of the people; and let them know 
 they are but men! 
 
 O Cain! thou art still a vagabond from God, with all thy sacrifices; 
 thy rage is the rage of the heathen that know not God. Consider this, 
 all ye rash and wrathful people ! and be you warned ye envious ones, 
 who are of proud Haman's stock, and repent ye stiff necked and adul- 
 terous generation! for the judgments of the eternal, righteous God, and 
 plagues, are coming upon Pharaoh, and all the host of the Egyptians ; 
 and none of your liars nor enchanters, who have bewitched you for 
 money, shall be able to deliver you nor themselves from the power 
 
 4 
 
20 
 
 thereof. Therefore, knowing the terrors of the Lord God against all 
 ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, am I moved to warn and ex- 
 hort you all, in the fear and dread of the Lord God of hosts, to break 
 off your high and grievous sins and iniquities, by turning and taking 
 heed to the light of Christ Jesus, the son of the living God, which, in 
 your consciences, manifesteth your ungodly deeds and hard speeches, 
 that from the cursed ground in you proceedeth, whose root and branch 
 is to be overturned and cut down, and fruit to be burned, in whom the 
 hard stony heart, and rash, high and proud spirit beareth rule, which 
 never yet knew the sacrifice of God in the broken heart, but in that 
 ground which lusteth to envy, pride and all unrighteousness, have you 
 been long sacrificing. But it is no more accepted with God than Cain's 
 was, which cometh from the envious, hypocritical ground in you, which 
 is cursed and abominable unto God; for that is the first birth and child 
 of darkness, conceived in the transgression, and brought forth in the 
 deceived nature by the subtle serpent, which is both earthly, proud, 
 and envious, and is driven and separated from the presence of God, of 
 whom the sacrifice and offering of the second birth, (Abel,) born after 
 the spirit out of the transgression and sin, (his sacrifice only) is accept- 
 ed, who is born out of the transgression; against whose appearance he 
 that is born after the flesh, at whose door sin lieth, is envious and wroth, 
 and stirreth up the powers of its darkness to persecution. 
 
 Therefore, all you proud, high, and lofty ones, who are in the wild 
 and subtle nature of the crooked serpent, who is cursed above every 
 beast of the field, whose enmity is against the seed of the promise, who 
 are like wolves to bite and devour, and like fed horses, trampling under 
 foot the innocent and simple lambs, whom God's dear love is with, and 
 he will plead their cause in righteousness, and will vex you all in his 
 sore displeasure, with his fierce and terrible judgments. Therefore, 
 cease from envy and anger, and forsake wrath, and be you not like 
 the dragon ready to devour the man-child as soon as it is born, and 
 cast out your floods of reproach, slander, and persecution against the 
 woman that brings it forth, lest the wrath and fury of the Almighty 
 God suddenly break forth against you like fire. For a fire shall be kindled 
 in the bowels of all the enemies of the Lord God, and the man-child 
 shall be brought forth to reign over the world, and shall rule the nations 
 with a rod of iron. And he will dash his enemies in pieces, like a potter's 
 vessel, and his dread and torment shall follow them, and his righteous 
 judgments on you all will take hold, who hate the light which he hath 
 lighted you withal, which is God's faithful witness, who is now risen in 
 many, and making war in righteousness against the whore, the beast, 
 and the false prophet. And he will give them blood to drink; yea, a 
 cup of trembling and astonishment of heart is the Lord God pouring 
 
27 
 
 forth unto all his enemies, and is breaking down their high and fenced 
 cities of hope and refuge. Therefore in vain do all the potsherds of 
 the earth strive against their Maker, who is light and life eternal; for 
 let briars, and thorns, and thistles, be set in battle against him, he will 
 burn and consume them altogther: for our God is a consuming fire, and 
 his presence is exceeding dreadful unto all the ungodly, in the day 
 when he doth visit them in his hot indignation; yea, heavy plagues and 
 judgments will the Lord God pour down upon the rebellious, to whom 
 also he hath given gifts, that he might have dwelt in and among them: 
 but they refuse and despise his reproofs and instruction, who is the 
 condemner of all unrighteousness; therefore will he laugh at your 
 calamity, and mock whe 1 your fear cometh. For there is a time of 
 
 fear, and dreadfulness, .id astonishment, and miserable torments to 
 
 come upon all you who will not receive the reproof of life, nor counsel 
 of God. Though for a small season you may sit as a queen in the glory, 
 honour, and friendship of this present evil world, and think in your 
 hearts, you shall never see any sorrow; but this I testify in the name 
 of the Lord God of truth, that desolation, widowhood, and loss of children 
 with bitter lamentation shall come upon you in one day, and none shall 
 be able to comfort you; and all your glory and honour, fame, and friend- 
 ship shall rot, and leave you as in the midst of the sea, in confusion, 
 torment, and utter darkness for ever. 
 
 Therefore all you lofty, proud, and scornful men, and blood-thirsty 
 rulers, and persecutors, fear and tremble before the Lord God Almighty, 
 who is risen in his great and mighty power, to judge the whore, the 
 beast, and the false prophet, and to confound and overturn them for- 
 ever ! And think not to hide yourselves under a covering of deceit, 
 and in a refuge of falsehood; for the wrath and vengeance of the Al- 
 mighty God is overflowing your hiding places, and by the stroke of his 
 mighty power is he beating down the refuge of lies, and all the liars 
 and envious ones he is turning into the lake of torment forever. And 
 though you join hand in hand in your enterprises, unrighteous decrees, 
 plottings, traps, and subtle snares, yet you shall never prosper, nor pre- 
 vail against the lamb and his followers, who are clothed with righteous- 
 ness as a garment, and with zeal as a cloak, and in innocency their 
 life is hid from all the ungodly and cruel oppressors: for they are in the 
 covenant of God, which is light and life immortal, who by you a re- 
 bellious people, are trodden and trampled under foot as the dung of 
 the streets: and the precious sons and daughters of Zion, comparable to 
 fine gold, are by you esteemed as earthen pitchers, and the off-scouring 
 ol all things, and are counted as the vilest of men and creatures upon 
 the earth. O Lord God! how are thy dear children hid from the proud, 
 wise, and prudent of the world! but thou wilt manifest them to be thy 
 
28 
 
 precious lambs, in this thy day of power and great glory, which thou 
 wilt arm and adorn thy children with, in the sight of all the heathen. 
 
 O ye children and servants of the most high God of truth! be valiant 
 for the Lord of Glory, from whose presence Cain is banished, and whom 
 the heathen, that rage, know not; and without are dogs and all liars. 
 Be joyful in glory, all ye that follow after righteousness and seek meek- 
 ness! you shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger, and triumph over 
 the beast, (though decked with scarlet,) and the false prophet that 
 teacheth lies ; for the Lord God of life is exalting his son who is meek 
 and lowly in the heart, and throwing them down among the swine, that 
 perish in the deep. 
 
 Therefore rejoice ye saints, children, and holy servants of the most 
 high God ! praise his name forever, ye that are the temple of the God 
 of heaven, whose bright glory and splendour of light makes the moun- 
 tains to tremble — at whose scorching heat and burning fire the hills 
 melt, and the whole earth is moved at his presence, whose voice is like 
 storms of hail, and shouts of terrible thunder to the ungodly. 
 
 Therefore be ye horribly afraid, ye heathen, and be ye wonderfully 
 astonished, ye high and mighty of the earth! for, at his presence, your 
 foundations will be shaken as a leaf, and your strongest hold as a roll- 
 ing thing upon the mountains, driven with a fierce and mighty wind ! 
 
 Therefore fear God, and give glory unto him that made heaven and 
 earth; and seek not glory and honour to yourselves, for you are but as 
 grass-hoppers in his sight, and with his hand he can touch your life, 
 and you are gone forevermore ! Think on this, and tremble for fear 
 of his judgments, in whose hand is your life every moment; and he be- 
 holdeth all your thoughts and out-goings; for the eyes of the Lord are 
 in every place, beholding the evil and the good. The light is the eye, 
 to which you are to be turned, which shineth in your consciences, and 
 letteth you see all that ever you have acted, and proudly spoken, against 
 him and his anointed ones. 
 
 To which light if you take heed, and love and obey it, and own your 
 condemnation because of transgression, it will lead you to Christ Jesus, 
 from whence it comes, who is the salvation of Israel. But if you slight 
 this the day of your visitation, and hate the light, and love darkness, 
 which is sin and wickedness, it will be your eternal condemnation, and 
 stand a witness for the Lord God upon your heads, against you forever. 
 
29 
 
 Against Egypt, [or those] who love the Land of Darkness. 
 
 Now a word, and a dreadful sound to all you, who cry out of the 
 people of God, who wait for him in the way of his judgments, saying, 
 "Ye are idle, ye are idle." Was not this the language of Pharaoh's 
 Egyptians, whom God destroyed in the midst of the sea? And you are 
 as much mistaken and deceived as Pharaoh was. 0 ye Egyptians, and 
 inhabiters of the land of thick darkness! you shall one day know, that 
 they are idle who are out of the vineyard of God, and you shall know, 
 that you are worse than the dogs of Egypt; for they did not move their 
 tongues, when the seed and Israel of God went out to sacrifice unto 
 him in the wilderness. Heavy plagues and dreadful judgments are 
 coming upon you all, which will utterly consume you, except you speed- 
 ily repent ! for the Lord our God is a swift witness against all the 
 earthly-minded tyrants, and oppressing children of wrath and darkness. 
 O ye moles, who dig in the earth ! you cannot consider the fowls of the 
 air, nor see how the lilies grow; ye are blind in the earth and dark- 
 ness; but they that wait on the Lord, mount up like eagles: and we 
 have cast away our idols of gold, and of silver, to the moles and to the 
 bats, for the fear of the Lord, and for the glory of his majesty, who is 
 now risen to shake terribly the earth. And you are of that generation 
 which are eating and drinking, and marrying, and giving in marriage, 
 and smiting your fellow servants: now the master of the house is risen, 
 and thou wilt be found that wicked, idle, and slothful servant, when 
 the Lord cometh, and shall find thee so doing. Wherefore, ye moles ! 
 arise out of the earth, for he is not there, he is risen; for we meet the 
 Lord in the air. But this is a mystery to the moles and the bats, and 
 hid from all the children of darkness; and the children of light weep 
 over you, though their outward flesh is trodden under foot by you, and 
 pray for such as persecute them. O, thou that sleepest ! awake, and 
 rise from the dead, and Christ will give thee light ! Stand in awe, and 
 sin not ; commune with thy own heart quietly, and be still, and see 
 where thy treasure is — for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart 
 be also: if it be in the earth, and earthly things, thou art a mole, though 
 decked with gold and scarlet, it is all but of the earth; but he is risen 
 whom we follow; and where the carcass is, the eagles are gathered 
 together. O come out to the light, that thou mayest see, and stand 
 naked before that pure eye that cannot behold iniquity without pun- 
 ishing! Did not Christ Jesus, the light of the world, commend Mary, 
 who sat at his feet to hear his word, and said, she had chosen that 
 which should never be taken from her? And did not the son of God 
 reprove Martha, for being cumbered about the many things? O ye 
 
30 
 
 fools! when will ye be wise, and of an understanding heart? And thou 
 that art afraid, that we and our little ones shall be burdensome unto 
 thee, doubting that we should feed upon thy earthly treasure, at which 
 thou art troubled — why, thou inhabitant of the land of darkness, and 
 thou Pharaoh, king of Egypt, we go out from thee with our little ones, 
 and with our flocks, and our herds, and not a hoof shall be left behind. 
 Therefore, fear not that, but fear the Lord God, who is not far from 
 thee, and heareth the groanings of his pure seed of life, which in thee 
 thou hatest; and he will plague thee, if thou let it not go to sacrifice 
 unto him in the wilderness; for cursed is the deceiver that hath in his. 
 flock a male, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing. 
 
 Jl Word to the Sandy Builders of Babel in England. 
 
 Now a word to you, priests, rulers, and people, and all professors, who> 
 when the messengers and servants of the Lord God are sent among you,, 
 to reprove you, and to cry against your idolatry, hypocrisy, and false 
 worship, in your idols-temple, steeple-house, or elsewhere, you presently 
 cry out, your peace is disturbed, and that they are disturbers of the 
 peace of the commonwealth; and you are even troubled at the very 
 sight of their persons. O people! consider your estate, and the founda- 
 tion you are built upon ; and what peace it is that is so quickly bro- 
 ken, and shaken in you, and taken from you ; and whether that be the 
 commonwealth's peace, that is broken at the sight or savoury words 
 of a man or woman that feareth God, by whose word of power he 
 upholdeth all things, and by which his creation is preserved, whose 
 peace can never be broken. But this showeth plainly unto many, that 
 you are built upon the sands, and not upon the rock, the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, who is the light of the world, and lighteth every man that 
 cometh into the world. And he is the chief corner stone, but is re- 
 fused by you builders, who build up Babel, a confused building, that 
 is to be confounded by the powerful spirit of the living God. There- 
 fore, by the just line of true judgment, try your building, and weigh your 
 profession of God, Christ, and the scriptures, in the just balance, the 
 light of Jesus, and prove your own selves ; for if Christ be not in you, 
 you are then reprobates; and if he be in you, the body is dead, because 
 of sin, and the spirit is life, because of righteousness ; and then your 
 peace could no man take from you: but there is no peace to the wick- 
 ed, saith my God. For they are like the troubled sea, that cannot rest, 
 whose waves cast up mire and dirt — pride, envy, rage, reviling, 
 scoffing and scorning; deriding and despitefully using, and perse- 
 
31 
 
 cuting those that fear the living God. But we witness his power in 
 us that saith to the sea, hither shalt thou come, and no further, and here 
 shall thy proud waves be stayed! Glory and praises unto the Lord God 
 Almighty forever, who alone art to be feared and praised. And who 
 would not fear thee, thou King of saints ! O, all people! consider, the 
 hope and joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment ! and you that cry 
 peace to yourselves in that nature, your sudden destruction is coming. 
 
 Therefore, haste to meet the Lord God of life, and cast off the works 
 of darkness, and all wickedness, and unrighteousness; for while thou 
 livest in pride, and art serving divers lusts and pleasures, the light of 
 Christ in thy conscience is a swift witness against thee ; and for these 
 things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience, 
 and all his enemies shall be as the fat of lambs. For the day of the 
 Lord's anger burnetii like an oven, and all the proud, and all that do 
 wickedly, shall be as stubble, and the day that cometh shall burn them 
 up, and leave them neither root nor branch. Oh! fear and tremble, ye 
 sturdy oaks of Bashan, and all ye high and lofty cedars! dreadful is the 
 pure righteous God to all that live in wickedness, and run in the ways 
 of unrighteousness. Therefore, while thou hast time consider it; for 
 the name and memorial of the ungodly shall rot; and "there is no 
 peace to the wicked," saith the Lord God of truth. 
 
 voice against Balaam, Cain and Core; and a word to the simple 
 hearted, who desire to know the truth. 
 
 Now if any honest simple heart would know the reason, why we are 
 haled out of the synagogues, and persecuted, and reviled, and de- 
 spitefully used, and cast into prisons, and dungeons, and noisome and 
 stinking holes, and suffer many reproaches, and false accusations, and 
 stripes, and cruel mockings, both by priests, rulers, and people, who 
 are of them in scorn called Quakers; but quaking and trembling we own, 
 (which also the holy men of God of old did witness,) but deny the un- 
 godly, and their worship forever. And in truth and faithfulness the 
 reason I declare unto thee, to take occasion of stumbling out of the 
 way: it is for the same things for which the lamb was slain since the 
 foundation of the world, even for witnessing to the truth, and testifying 
 against the works of the world, that are evil. And wherefore slew Cain 
 his brother, but because his own works were evil, and his brother's 
 righteous? For this is the cause why all the children and servants of 
 the Lord who have received the spirit of truth, which the world know- 
 eth not, suffered in all generations ; and it is manifest to us, that those 
 
32 
 
 by whom we now suffer bonds, and afflictions, and cruel unjust imprison- 
 ments, are children of the power of darkness, and are in Cain's way 
 and Balaam's way, as by their fruits they are discovered. Therefore, 
 wo unto them, for they have gone in the way of Cain, to envy and 
 murder the just; yea, the life of God they fight against: but they are 
 blind as their fathers were, who preached for hire, gifts, and rewards, 
 tithes and great benefices, and spoil many poor people's goods, who 
 are greedy of filthy lucre, and full of extortion and excess. Oh, the un- 
 righteousness, and cruel oppression, both of the rulers of darkness and 
 ministers of antichrist, in this nation of England! Balaam loved the 
 wages of unrighteousness, but received it not; yet he was so blind that 
 he could not see the angel with a flaming sword against him in his way. 
 But the sword of the Lord God is drawn against the hirelings, and such 
 as divine for money, who cry peace to the wicked, and are in enmity 
 against the just; and he will never put it up, until he hath accomplished 
 his work, which in his heart he hath purposed to do, which is, to con- 
 found, root up, and overturn the very foundation on which they, their 
 building, and their ungodly and idolatrous worship stand: for they are 
 in Cain's way, and Balaam's way, and have the love of money, which 
 is the root of all evil, in and among them; and "a gift blinds the eye:" 
 mark, and consider, what eye a gift blindeth. O ye foolish ! when will 
 ye be wise, and of an understanding heart? And they who are blind, 
 stumble at the precious corner stone. And so he is a rock of offence, 
 and a stone of stumbling to all the disobedient and gain-saying, who 
 gain-say the light, which is the truth, which truth is required in the in- 
 ward parts. Therefore, wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! 
 whose inward parts are full of wickedness; though to the blind, foolish, 
 and besotted people, you may appear beautiful — who are kept by you 
 in hard bondage, and slavish fear of the wrathful power of darkness, 
 that rules in proud and lustful flesh, which brings a snare to their souls. 
 Yet to the children of light you are plainly discovered, and thorough- 
 ly discerned, and known as you are ; and all your snares, witchcrafts, 
 and sophistries, with which you lie in wait to raven for the prey, like 
 devouring wolves, are seen and escaped, and testified against by them. 
 Blessed be the Lord God and father of mercies, forever. So, in vain is 
 the snare laid in the sight of any bird. 
 
 O, ye children of light, and servants of the Father of light and life! 
 be still, and wait patiently, that you may mount up like eagles, and 
 see the sea under your feet, whose waves and billows have gone over 
 your head. For the Lord, with his mighty power, is exalting him that 
 rideth meekly upon the foal of an ass. Glory and praises unto the 
 Lord God x\lmighty forever, who is setting the solitary in families, and 
 leading Joseph like a flock, with his arm of eternal power, with which 
 
33 
 
 he is scattering the proud in their imaginations, and is bringing the 
 mighty from their unrighteous seats, for which my soul doth magnify 
 him. Oh ! let none be ashamed that wait on the Lord; let them be 
 ashamed that transgress. Though you see the heavens and earth 
 without form, and darkness upon the face of the deep, yet wait in the 
 mount; for the Lord God is creating new heavens and a new earth, 
 wherein dwelleth righteousness, and the former is to pass away with a 
 great noise. O! ye dear children, that in pure hunger ask bread, do 
 you think you shall have a stone 1 or if you ask a fish, do you think 
 you shall have a scorpion 1 John, your dear brother and companion in 
 tribulation and patience, who kept the commandments of God and the 
 testimony of Jesus, he declared of thunders, and lightnings, and voices, 
 and plagues of hail, and vials of wrath, and torments, and dreadful 
 sights and visions; yet after that he saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, 
 come down from God out of heaven, whose light was like a jasper, 
 clear as crystal, whose streets are pure gold, as it were transparent 
 glass. Oh! ye sons of Jacob, you must serve for Leah first, though 
 the covenant was for Rachel : also, her father said, it was the manner 
 of that country; for Rachel was the younger daughter, and the most 
 beautiful, and beloved of Jacob — she, notwithstanding, must be kept 
 from him, and she whom he loved not was given to him, until he had 
 served the full time appointed of her father: then he enjoyed his dearly 
 beloved one, whom first he saw, and for whom he served. But Was 
 not Jacob troubled, when he said to his father-in-law, what is this thou 
 hast done unto me % Here was a strange thing happened, but let him 
 that readeth understand. But he had such love to Rachel, that his 
 serving for her seemed but a few days. O, my dear friends, arid chil- 
 dren of the stock of Abraham ! this is the manner of our country, whose 
 tribulation worketh patience, and the hope that maketh not ashamed; 
 who, in the righteous judgments of God our Father, can rejoice forever- 
 more. 
 
 O, my dear friends! wait patiently on the Lord; for the time is 
 coming, when there shall be no more a pricking briar to the house of 
 Israel; but the lambs shall feed after their manner, and lie down in 
 quiet resting places, and none shall make them afraid. My dear lambs, 
 Jerusalem shall be inhabited like towns without walls — but I will be 
 a wall of fire round about you, saith the Lord God. And thou, O Gog, 
 whose weapons are carnal, when my people dwell safely, thou shalt not 
 know it. And thou Cain, who art envious and wrathful, thou art still 
 a vagabond, and driven from the God of love and peace. And thou, 
 Balaam, who preachest for gifts, and rewards, and dishonest gain of 
 oppression, the angel of the Lord God will thee meet with a flaming 
 sword in thy way of unrighteousness, and cut thee down forever, ex- 
 
34 
 
 cept thou speedily repent ; and the dumb ass, on which thou ridest, 
 will one day cry out against thy madness and folly. And thou, Core, 
 that gainsayest the truth, (which is the light of life, which is given 
 to be a leader and commander of the people,) the earth swalloweth 
 thee up. So consider this, all foolish, blind, and sottish people. You 
 are like the ass that Balaam rideth on, which doth not use to reprove 
 him; but the time is coming, that when you feel the strokes come upon 
 you, through his deceivableness of unrighteousness who hath led you 
 long in ignorance, through covetous flatteries, who then will curse him 
 in the bitterness of your souls. And in that day you shall know, that 
 Cain's sacrifice was never accepted, and that Esau, by hunting abroad, 
 lost his birth-right and blessing. O, all people, that you understood 
 this! then should my heart rejoice, even mine: but to babes are the 
 mysteries of the kingdom revealed, and to others they are in parables 
 — therefore, in the will of my God I desire to rest. 
 
 A Lamentable Voice to the Careless, Licentious Ones. 
 
 O, all people! who are in pride, and voluptuousness, and in deli- 
 ciousness, and wantonness, serving divers lusts and pleasures, who are 
 in rioting, and drunkenness, and sporting in the day time, you are ene- 
 mies to the righteous God of heaven and earth, and to your own souls. 
 And you who are wrathful and envious, you are in Cain's way; wo will 
 be unto you, and all liars, and profane and unclean persons, and covetous, 
 and malicious, and all hypocrites, and light, wild people, who live in 
 vanity and carelessness, not regarding the day of your visitation, ye are 
 the slayers of the lamb from the foundation of the world. For you all 
 am I made to take up a lamentation, (with grief of heart and tears of 
 sorrow,) saying, oh, that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of way- 
 faring men, that I might go from this people, and leave them ! O 
 poor Lot ! I see how thy righteous soul was vexed from day to day, 
 with the filthy conversation of the wicked, until thou wert delivered 
 from them, and they destroyed forever. O Abraham ! I see how thou, 
 in tender pity, didst intreat thy God for Sodom; but there was not 
 any righteous in it, but he who with their deeds was vexed. O dear 
 Noah ! I see how thou wast warned of the living God, to provide an 
 ark to the salvation of thy soul, who preached the coming of the flood 
 upon the world of the ungodly. O Elias ! I see how thou heardst 
 the sound of much rain, (being on the mount where the wonders of 
 ( Jod are seen,) and warned Ahab to prepare his chariot, that it might 
 
35 
 
 not stop him. 0 John Baptist ! I see thee crying in the wilderness, 
 like a reed shaken with the wind, declaring a mightier one coming 
 after, which before was not a greater born among women; and those 
 were men of like passions with us, whom the children of darkness call 
 Quakers. O, all people ! hear, hear ! A sound is coming that will 
 make your ears to tingle, and it will be a vexation even to hear the 
 report; for I declare unto you the coming of a mighty one, to judge 
 the world in righteousness, with power and great glory; unto whom 
 every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in the earth, and 
 in the sea ; at whose coming the whole earth is moved, and reels like 
 a cottage at his presence, at which the strong men are bowed, and the 
 keepers of the house tremble. O, ye rich men and gluttonous ones, 
 who live at ease in pleasure and vanities ! you would have one rise from 
 the dead, to preach to your brethren ; but his voice is heard who is risen 
 from the dead, yet will not they, whose hearts are hardened with pride 
 and pleasure, hear his powerful voice ! Therefore behold ye despisers, 
 wonder and perish, saith the Lord God ; for I work a work in your days, 
 which you will in no wise believe nor understand. 
 
 ia Word of Information to the Ignorant, who are not wholly har- 
 dened. 
 
 Now a word to all you that are simple, ignorant people, who frequent 
 the steeple house, or Samaria worship, who sometimes find some small 
 springs of tenderness to arise in your hearts, and begin a little to see 
 the envy, and covetousness, and lightness of the priests, that preach 
 for hire, who are in Cain's way, and Balaam's way — which tenderness 
 in you is sometimes burthened, to think of the cruelty and grievous op- 
 pression both of priests, rulers, and people, who are moved with envy 
 against a harmless people, whom God hath chosen out of the world, 
 and all the ways, worships, and customs thereof, which will fade as a 
 leaf, to bear testimony unto his righteous name and truth; to you, I say, 
 God is light, and a spiritual being, who formed man in the womb, and 
 is the creator and former of every living thing, who is worshipped in 
 spirit, in the inward parts, and in truth; whose light shineth in thy 
 heart, which is a power of meekness, placed in man, though trod under 
 foot, from the foundation of the world. And from thence doth thy 
 tenderness arise, even from the lamb which lieth under slain; whose 
 light it is that letteth thee see that to be evil which in thy conscience 
 i? contrary to equity and righteousness. Therefore take bred thou 
 
36 
 
 dost not forsake the fountain of mercies and living waters, and follow 
 a covetous hireling priest, whose ways the Lord God of heaven abhor- 
 reth, and hew out a cistern, which, in the day when God shall judge 
 and try thee, will hold no water. For thee, even for thee, doth my soul 
 mourn, and I am grieved at my heart. Therefore hear what the spirit 
 saith; "God is a spirit," the spirit is a life, the life is moving or stirring, 
 and also striving with man, against whatsoever is evil, unequal, or un- 
 righteous; whose striving is his word, which word is nigh thee, even in 
 thy heart and in thy mouth, that thou mayest hear it and obey it. 
 But in silence and in quietness must thou wait, and be still, and secretly 
 commune with thy own heart, where thou wilt then come to stand 
 guilty before the throne of God, who is light; and thy mouth will be 
 stopped for a season, and to judgment must thou come for every idle 
 word, and the tongue come to be bridled, and that ground in thee 
 chained from whence the corrupt communication proceeds, and ac- 
 count must be given of the deeds done in the body; in whose presence 
 thou wilt hear that voice, if thou waitest quietly, which shaketh the 
 earth, and maketh the mountains to tremble; at which thy hands will 
 wax feeble, and thy countenance be changed, and the joints of thy 
 loins be loosed ; on whom pangs will take hold, as a woman in travail. 
 And this thou canst not escape: for if thou flee, thy flight is in the 
 winter ; then will there follow wo, and such great tribulations and de- 
 solations, the like thou never heardest or sawest before. But if thou 
 standest still in quietness, though darkness cover the earth, and thick 
 darkness the people, yet the Lord God will be the hope of his precious, 
 tender seed, which is prisoner and captive in the land of darkness. 
 So if thou keep the word of patience, and the fear of God, thou wilt 
 find him that shaketh the earth is also able to divide the sea, that his 
 redeemed captive may come to enjoy the good land of rest, where the 
 ransomed of the Lord doth walk and rejoice in love, in life, and peace 
 forever and ever. Glory and praises unto the Lord God of Abraham, 
 who hath wrought all our works in us and for us, whose own works 
 praise him, to whom be eternal glory and blessing. Amen. 
 
 A Discovery of the Way to Everlasting Peace with God, and a 
 direction and exhortation to walk therein. 
 
 There is no other way or name given whereby men shall be saved, 
 but by the power and life of the holy child Jesus, who is the heir of 
 all things, by whom the world was made, whom God hath given into 
 the world, that all men through him might believe; who, when he sent 
 
37 
 
 him into the world, said, "This is my beloved son, hear ye him;" which 
 son saith, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth 
 on me, should not abide in darkness, but have the light of life." This is 
 he who said, "I am from above, I am not of this world;" but said, "I am 
 the light of the world;" for "God so loved the world, that he gave his only 
 begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but 
 have everlasting life" of whom John bore witness, that he was " the true 
 light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in 
 the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 
 He came unto his own, and his own received him not ; but as many as 
 received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even 
 to them that believe on his name : which were born, not of blood, nor 
 of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God : and of 
 his fulness have all we received;" and "the manifestation of the spirit is 
 given to every man, to profit withal." 
 
 Therefore, all people upon the face of the earth, consider this ! A 
 measure of the true light of life, the Lord God of infinite mercy hath 
 given unto you, that you should not perish, but that by it you should 
 be led into eternal life and peace: yea, a manifestation of the spirit 
 of God is given to every one of you, with it to profit. Therefore, as 
 you must give an account, and as you will answer it in the great and 
 dreadful day of God, take heed you turn not from his grace, and live 
 in wantonness, vanity, and wickedness ; and there will be always com- 
 plaining for want of grace, and for want of power, and so charge God 
 foolishly. For none are murmurers nor complainers, but such as are 
 walking after their own ungodly lusts, and these are they which speak 
 great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration, because of 
 advantage, who separate themselves, sensual, having not the spirit. 
 But the grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all 
 men, and it teacheth us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to 
 live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world: even us, who 
 believe in the name of the only begotten son of God, who saith, I am 
 the light of the world: and "all things that are reproved, are made 
 manifest by the light, for whatsoever doth make manifest is light." 
 
 Now this is the true light of the son of God, Christ Jesus, who light- 
 eth every man that cometh into the world, which manifesteth or show- 
 eth secretly unto you your evil deeds, and unholy conversation, your 
 lightness and vanity of mind, and letteth you see the secret stirrings 
 of the pride and envy of your hearts, and checketh and reproveth you 
 many times secretly for your unsavoury words, and hard speeches, and 
 vain and wicked thoughts, whereby a secret fire in you is kindled, caus- 
 ing you sometimes at it to blush. So that there is an eye which you 
 will one day know, that seeth in secret, by whose light every man 
 
38 
 
 shall be rewarded openly ; and God will judge the secrets of all man- 
 kind by Christ Jesus, the light of the world, who lighteth every man 
 that cometh into the world, so that he shall have no cloak for his sin. 
 Therefore, let none think within themselves, that they shall be covered 
 or hid by talking of his words or professing his name, which is terrible 
 and dreadful to all the ungodly, and that vain hopes of forgiveness of 
 sins, without departing from iniquity, will save them, and that he will 
 not bring all your hidden things to the light, and every secret thing into 
 judgment, but cry out, he will be merciful unto you and your infirmi- 
 ties, who live in ungodliness, hypocrisy, and wickedness. I say, wo from 
 the Lord God of life and power unto all them that make any thing 
 their hope, covering, or hiding place, but the light, life, and the pure 
 spirit of the living God, whose glory lighteth the world, and his 
 brightness maketh hidden things manifest, and from him nothing can 
 be hid; for he is pure light itself. Therefore doth the hope of the hypo- 
 crite perish, and the wicked cannot stand in his judgments, and all un- 
 righteous coverings will be too narrow in his dreadful presence, who is 
 come to judge the world in righteousness, and the people with his truth, 
 even by the man Christ Jesus, the light of the world, who lighteth every 
 man that cometh into the world; who saith, "I am the way, the 
 truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Mark 
 here! no man cometh to the Father, but by him, who is the true light, 
 that lighteth every man that cometh into the world ; whose light is in 
 the conscience and hearts of men, bearing witness against all unrighte- 
 ousness by them committed, and reproves and condemns the unrighte- 
 ous grounds from whence it ariseth, and striveth with them to lead 
 and guide them, in the way of holiness, unto Christ, the Saviour, from 
 whence it comes, without which no man shall see the Lord. And he is 
 meek and lowly in the heart, who is the help and Saviour of the soul; and 
 he is the true guide and teacher, whom all are to hear, who saith, I am 
 the light ; to whom, in my measure, I bear testimony, that he is the 
 true and everlasting high priest and prophet of God, and that all who 
 refuse him that speaketh from heaven, who lighteth every man, shall 
 be cut off from the land of the living and heritage of God, forever. 
 And he it is that manifesteth, leadeth away from, and beareth witness 
 against, all the false prophets, and hireling priests, who are all broken 
 cisterns, and hold not the water of life, but are strangers and enemies 
 to it, against whom the hand of the Lord is stretched out ; and his 
 sword is drawn, and made bright for the slaughter among them and 
 all the ungodly ; and he will never put it up till they be utterly con- 
 founded, who have destroyed the heritage, and works of his hands, and 
 sheep of his pasture, and caused many to perish for lack of knowledge; 
 who themselves are erred from the right way, and gone astray in the 
 
39 
 
 way of Balaam, the son of Bozor, who loved the wages of unrighteous- 
 ness, whom the Lord God will cut down and destroy from off the face 
 of the earth. For the Lord is jealous for Sion, and will plead with her 
 enemies ; and a dreadful day will it be to them that make war with 
 the lamb, who is the light of the holy city, New Jerusalem, which is 
 come down from God out of heaven. 
 
 But all who love the light, which they be lighted withal, cast off the 
 works of darkness, which by it are made manifest and reproved. And 
 the works of darkness and of the flesh are manifest, which are these: 
 pride, envy, wrath, malice, anger, frowardness, covetousness, wanton- 
 ness, drunkenness, lying, swearing, adultery, fornication, murder, theft, 
 defrauding, extortion, back-biting, false-accusing, slandering, false-wit- 
 ness-bearing, and evil-speaking, blasphemy, heresy, witchcraft, false 
 doctrine, doctrines of devils, divining for money, seeking gain from their 
 quarter, making merchandise both of the souls and bodies of people 
 for filthy lucre, oppression, injustice, wrong judgment, partiality, judg- 
 ing for rewards of unrighteousness, hypocrisy, and deceit : these are 
 the works of darkness, which whoso followeth the light, are to cast off, 
 and shall not abide in; and these are the fruits of the flesh, which 
 whosoever bring forth, and live in, cannot please God, who is immortal, 
 dwelling in the light, from whose presence the light of life proceedeth. 
 These are the works of the devil, which the son of God is manifested 
 to destroy: these sins are the merchandise of Babel, with which all 
 her merchants trafhc, whereby the cursed ground is enriched with that 
 which is to be destroyed forever; whose beginning or entrance brought 
 confusion among the sons of men, upon whose root and branches (of 
 this great tree of wickedness,) all the plagues and vials of the everlasting 
 wrath of God Almighty, are to be poured down forever and ever. And 
 all that are not separated from these cursed confused works of dark- 
 ness, shall be partakers of the plagues due unto them; and vengeance, 
 in flames of everlasting burnings, will God render upon all them who 
 hate the light, which they be lighted withal. For all judgment is com- 
 mitted unto him'who lighteth every man, who is the author of eternal 
 salvation to all them that obey him, who casteth off the works of dark- 
 ness and wickedness, which are reproved and condemned with the light. 
 
 Therefore take heed, and be you warned, all you disobedient ones, 
 in whose hearts the prince of darkness ruleth, who striveth to make 
 void the purpose of God, (who sent his son to condemn sin in the flesh, 
 and to destroy the works of the devil,) by your continual wickedness, 
 and transgressing against him, who is coming near to judgment, and 
 will be a swift witness against all the ungodliness and unrighteousness 
 of men, without respect of persons; and will convince all that are un- 
 godly of their ungodly deeds and hard speeches, which they have spoken 
 
40 
 
 and acted against the son of God, who is now come to reign and rule 
 the nations in righteousness, to whose sceptre every knee shall bow; 
 for he is given for a leader and commander of the people, and a light 
 to the Gentiles, and kings are coming to the brightness of his glory. 
 Blessed be the name of the Lord God forever and ever, who raiseth up 
 the beggar from the dunghill, and setteth him among princes, even the 
 princes of his people; and he is the judge and lawgiver, whose judgments, 
 and statutes, and law, and ways, are according to his own in every man 
 that cometh into the world; and he is the just condemnation of all that 
 hate and despise his light in the conscience, which is God's witness, 
 pure and spotless, who can have no peace or unity with him, that live 
 in the spots and pollutions of the world. Therefore, blessed are they 
 forever that love his light which they be lighted withal, and come to 
 be taught by the true prophet of God, who leadeth out of the trans- 
 gression and sins ; who was before it was in the world, whose voice thou 
 mayest hear secretly, wherever thou art, and in what company soever 
 thou art, as thou liest on thy bed, or walkestin the way; who showeth 
 the thought of the heart every moment, and checketh, and reproveth, 
 and condemneth all secret and open unrighteousness and ungodliness 
 whatsoever, and maketh afraid, when wickedness is spoken and acted, 
 though no mortal eye seeth thee or ear heareth it. But this is God's 
 faithful witness in every man, which will, in the day of visitation, 
 bring hidden things to light, and every secret work into judgment, and 
 will reward every man according to his words and works, whether they 
 be good or evil. 
 
 Therefore, all people, consider! there is no other name or saviour 
 given among the sons of men, whereby they shall be saved, and come 
 to peace eternally, but the son of the living God, who lighteth every 
 man that cometh into the world; for there is no peace to the wicked, 
 saith my God, but snares of fire, and an horrible tempest, and storms 
 will be thundered from heaven upon them. Therefore, all people, fear 
 God and give glory to him who is light and life, and look back, and see 
 how you have spent your time past, and prize your time to come, and 
 repent, and cast off the works of darkness, and love and embrace the 
 eternal light of life, that with it you may come to be armed, and with 
 the spirit of God covered, that so you may be able to stand in the evil 
 day, that is coming to try them that dwell on the earth. 
 
 This is the day of your visitation and salvation, if you be obedient 
 to the light, else it will stand a witness for God against you all, and be 
 your condemnation, who put the day of the Lord God afar off 
 
41 
 
 A tender visitation to the inhabitants of the town of Pool. 
 
 And now, O you inhabitants of the town and county of Pool, and 
 my kindred according to the flesh! how often would the Lord God of 
 mercies and long sufferings have gathered you into his arms of ever- 
 lasting love: but you would not regard it! Yea. in the dread of his infi- 
 nite power, and bowels of unspeakable love unto your souls, (seeing 
 and knowing your estate of ignorance and blindness, and the miserable 
 end thereof,) hath the Lord God moved me to warn you, and to direct 
 you in the way to eternal peace; but I was suddenly haled out of your 
 assemblies, in the steeple-house and elsewhere, and not suffered to 
 declare the message that God had unto you; which was, to warn you 
 of the wrath to come, and to depart from every evil way of wickedness 
 and unrighteousness, that is manifest by the light, and to forsake your 
 false deceivable ways of worship and hypocritical practices, which you 
 live and act in, and to make your hireling, false teachers manifest, by 
 the light, to the people, that by them they may no longer be deceived and 
 destroyed, whom the indignation of God is kindled against. But I was 
 thought as a man deluded and distracted among you, and was become 
 a wonder to many of you, because of the righteous and just judgments 
 of God, that on the head and ground of transgression in me had taken 
 hold; which dreadful judgments were so fierce within my heart, that 
 I cried out and roared because of the disquietness thereof; who also eat 
 my bread with trembling, and drank my water with astonishment, and 
 fearfulness pursued me, for a season, in whatsoever I took in hand; in 
 whose judgments I now rejoice. Glory to the Lord God forever ; who 
 thought before, I was safe from fear, and in a far better condition than 
 many of you; and I also know, I lived nearer the witness of God in my 
 conscience, than many of mine equals; who could not commit evil, but 
 was suddenly reproved, and often repented and wept, when I had been 
 rash or any untowardness proceeded from me. And I also feared an oath; 
 and in the midst of my vain and light thoughts and foolish gestures, my 
 heart was often struck sad by the witness of God in my conscience, 
 (though then I knew not what it was,) which some of you can witness 
 who did take notice of my behaviour, at which the wrong ground in some 
 was troubled. And also, I have your testimony of me under your hand 
 and seal of magistracy in that town, (but in this I glory not,) that I lived 
 as a religious, circumspect man, when I was a prisoner at Exon, who like 
 an innocent lamb was taken up in the highway as a vagabond and wan- 
 derer, going to visit the dear servants of God who were in prison at Lans- 
 ton in Cornwall, by an unrighteous decree, made by the ravening spirits in 
 earthly rulers, who kept me prisoner also about ten weeks for wearing 
 
 6 
 
42 
 
 my hat when brought before them: which subtile foxes, like envious 
 dragons, thought to have devoured, by their snares of cruelty, the 
 man-child, that God is bringing forth to be the ruler and governor over 
 the nations of the earth; whose right it is, and he shall reign over the 
 world, notwithstanding all the decrees, traps, snares, and laws, made 
 by the will of man, and haughty powers of darkness, or the envy and 
 rage of ungodly men, who rise up with open mouth like a flood, to 
 swallow up the simple hearted; of whom I received hatred for my love. 
 As also from many of you have I borne reproach, false accusations, 
 revilings, and persecutions; but I was enabled, with patience in the 
 mercy of God, to bear it in long suffering and meekness, and, for the 
 sake of his precious truth, and your souls, could I have laid down my 
 life amongst you, whom I freely forgive in the bowels of mercy of all 
 that ever you have acted and spoken against me; if it had been much 
 more, the Lord God knoweth I lie not; for I know you did it ignorantly 
 in unbelief, and rashly, being moved with the power of darkness; not 
 knowing nor considering what you did therein. Therefore do I look 
 beyond all your ignorance, pride, and wrathfulness, praying unto God, 
 and desiring that these things may not be laid to your charge. And my 
 soul reacheth forth unto your souls, and my bowels are pained for you; 
 yea, with pangs of contrition of heart do I travail for the sake of the 
 seed of God in you all. Oh! that my life might reach to your very souls, 
 that they might arise from the dead, and stand up in the righteous 
 power of the light and life of God! Then should I see the desire and 
 travail of my soul brought forth among you, who in the bowels of dear 
 love have wept bitterly with tears in secret for you, the Lord is witness; 
 of which many of you are not sensible, neither prize the love and mercy 
 of God herein. Oh! consider, before the day of your visitation be 
 utterly passed away, and before the mourners go about the streets, and 
 the clouds return after the rain, and the day come unawares wherein the 
 strong man will be bound down to the dust, and the keepers of the house 
 tremble, and the virgins lament and weep bitterly because there is 
 no comforter; and before the golden bowl is broken, and the silver cord 
 loosed; when all your strength and understanding will be as weak as 
 water; when sorrow of heart, and perplexity of mind, with unspeakable 
 pangs of death, will seize upon you: I say, before this day cometh, 
 deeply consider and think of God's dear love in calling unto you to 
 repent from the evil of your ways, and to awake out of the deep sleep 
 which many of you are covered with. Oh! slight not this your day, 
 wherein God is tendering his everlasting mercies and loving kindness 
 to a people that seek not after him, nor ask for him. But he is yet 
 seeking you, even your souls' eternal peace, that you should live for- 
 ever, and not die in your sins. Then wo would be your portion, and 
 
43 
 
 misery, and unspeakable restlessness and unquietness will be the lot of 
 your inheritance forever; for the righteous witness of God in your con- 
 sciences, manifesteth plainly unto you, when you are still and quiet, 
 that there is no peace to the wicked. Neither in that state shall you 
 ever be reconciled unto God, because all unrighteousness is sin, and sin 
 is of the power of darkness, which is at enmity with the light, and 
 is the work and fruit of the devil, whom God will destroy with them 
 that love it forever and ever. And, wo to the wicked; it shall go ill 
 with them; for the fruit of their own hands shall be recompensed unto 
 them: and wo, from the Lord God, unto them that through deceit and 
 covetousness keep you in blindness and ignorance, and in that state 
 cry peace unto you, while you put in their mouths! 0 dear people, 
 they are your destroyers, and the murderers of your souls forever, 
 except you turn to the pure light of Christ, which in your consciences 
 shineth, which reproveth for iniquity, and be obedient thereunto, to be 
 led out oT all sin and uncleanness, (wherein you can never be reconciled 
 unto God,) and that you might come to know, and walk in the pure 
 religion, and to keep yourselves unspotted from the world. For this 
 I eternally witness, and am moved of the Lord of heaven to declare it unto 
 you, that " without holiness no man shall see the Lord;" and that your 
 teachers, the hirelings, are the deceivers and destroyers of the rest 
 of your souls, and will be so long as you follow them, .who are out of 
 the right way of God themselves, and are erred from, and enemies to 
 the eternal spirit of truth, by which all the sons and daughters of God 
 are led and guided into the everlasting life of peace, to rest with him 
 forevermore. 
 
 O ye, my neighbours, and friends! the day of God's everlasting love is 
 come, wherein he is revealing himself to the meek of the earth, in 
 power and great glory; and he is risen to subdue all the kingdoms of 
 the powers of darkness, and many are turned, and come to the bright- 
 ness of his rising. Glory, and honour, and praise to his eternal name 
 forever and ever. 0 all people ! consider your latter end, and do not 
 deceive your own souls by foolish flatteries, and vain deceitful hopes, 
 without the light and life of God; but ponder deeply, and consider these 
 things: if you are lovers of the light in your consciences, that reproveth 
 sin, then you love God, even that which lets you see the whole world 
 lie in wickedness, and also showeth man his thoughts every moment. 
 I say if thou art obedient, and subject thereunto, then art thou in the 
 way of God, which is the way of holiness, without which no man shall 
 ever know peace with God, who is a pure spiritual being of light and 
 life in man, in whose way of peace only they walk, who are redeemed 
 from the earth and earthliness. For the life of the son of God shaketh 
 terribly the earthly part; and he came not to give peace to that, but 
 
44 
 
 brings a sword upon the carnal: for "to be carnally-minded is death." 
 So he slayeth only that which is for the slaughter, in all that love and 
 embrace his light of life, who, in his dear love to your souls, hath given 
 you a measure of it into your consciences, to let you see when you do 
 act or speak any evil, and that also to depart, and be led by it out 
 of all that which it showeth to be evil, that so iniquity may not be 
 your souls' ruin. Oh! weigh and consider deeply this great love of God, 
 before you go down into silence forevermore, and leave your name for 
 a curse of your rebellion against him, and the day of your visitation! 
 For if thou hatest that in thee, which lets thee see thy sins, which breaks 
 thy peace, and sometimes makes thee afraid, and troubles thee for it, 
 which is God's witness, thou then hatest God, and Christ, and the spirit, 
 and ways of God, and the people of God; and to all such Jerusalem is 
 become a burdensome stone, as it is to many at this day, who are lovers 
 of pleasure more than God, and love darkness rather than light, because 
 their deeds are evil. But this I testify in the name of the Lord God 
 of hosts, the light is the way, and there is no other, to eternal life 
 and peace; and all that hate it, wherewith they are enlightened, shall 
 be condemned with it, as enemies to God and their own souls, whe- 
 ther priests or people, professors or profane, all that burden them- 
 selves with that which condemneth sin in the flesh, shall be cut off 
 forever. 
 
 And now, what could the Lord God have done unto you, that he hath 
 not done, who hath given his only begotten son wholighteth every man, 
 unto whom a manifestation is given, whether male or female, high or 
 low, poor or rich, bond or free, old or young! God is rich unto all, in 
 giving his unspeakable gift unto the sons and daughters of men, with- 
 out respect of persons, that whosoever believeth in him, should not 
 perish, but have everlasting life and peace. 
 
 A ?vord to them who are called Anabaptists. 
 
 Now a word unto you, who among men are called by the name 
 Anabaptists, with whom formerly, for a season, I had my conversation. 
 For many of you have I prayed with tears unto God, and have endea- 
 voured, as the Lord of life hath moved me, to turn you from darkness 
 to the light, and from your dead form of ignorant worship to the true 
 knowledge of the living God, who is immortal, dwelling in the light; in 
 which worship for a time, as many of you are, was zealous to what I 
 knew from the scripture of truth, who have sometimes prayed and cried 
 unto the unknown God with tears, (yea, night and day,) strongly ima- 
 
45 
 
 gining and believing that he heard me, without at a distance from me; 
 and many times from his meek life in me, rising up through the dark- 
 ness, did I both preach and pray, and knew not the ground from whence 
 it came, but after thought it was because I professed his name in 
 obeying that which we thought had been commanded us in the scripture 
 of truth: not thinking the kingdom of God to be even at the doors, and 
 that the light of Christ in the conscience, (which I knew not then, 
 being small,) was the seed of the kingdom, by which it should be re- 
 vealed, within in the inward parts, in spirit, and life, and power. But 
 our eyes were without, and not in our head, looking for a saviour to 
 come from beyond the skies, or at the ends of the earth without us, 
 whose coming now I know is not with observation, or outwardly; but 
 in the spirit within is he revealed to them that patiently wait for him, 
 who works our good works for us and in us: praises to his powerful 
 name forever. 
 
 And now, friends, let my words be received in love to the precious 
 seed of God, which within you in bondage lieth, who seeketh not any 
 thing of any of you, but the eternal peace of your souls, to which that 
 of God in all you for me will witness, in the terrible day of trial, of 
 which I now warn you, that you might escape the fierceness of it, which 
 will come with his mighty, strong, and piercing sword, to cut down and 
 destroy all groves, green trees, and graven images, and none shall be 
 able to withstand his fury, who is now risen as a burning fire, to try 
 every man's work, of what sort it is. Therefore fear before him, for in 
 that day will your forms and fellowships be broken in pieces like an 
 earthen pitcher against a stone; for the stone which you have left out 
 in your building, (which is cut out without hands,) will dash in pieces 
 your image, whose feet are clay and iron, (which cannot be joined nor 
 fitly framed together,) by whom the height and glory of it shall be 
 confounded forever. This may seem a hard saying to many of you, 
 which some will not be able to bear. But this I declare, in faithfulness 
 to God, and love to your souls, and to clear my conscience in his sight, 
 (which will be known to be an everlasting truth of God,) that you, with 
 the rest of the blind and deceived ones, call darkness light, and put 
 light for darkness, and bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter, and call 
 that a temptation, which is the true light of the son of the living God, 
 which shines in your consciences, and striveth many times in secret 
 with you, against your lusts and wills, and dead and barren forms of 
 worship, and conformity to the heathenish customs and traditions, and 
 would draw you with the cords of his love, to wait on him in silence, from 
 all vain babblings and lip sacrifices, to receive power from the Lord 
 God of infinite power and life, to overcome the sin which oppresseth 
 the precious seed. And he would have gathered you, as a hen gather- 
 
46 
 
 eth her young under her wings, but you refuse when he calleth, because 
 you know not his voice; but call him the enemy who is the saviour; 
 and his strivings in you against the ground of iniquity, you call a 
 combat with satan. O friends! consider, is it not the light of the son 
 of God, that letteth you see your nakedness, who taste of that which 
 is forbidden? And doth not the voice of God make afraid after trans- 
 gression, who never did nor ever will speak peace to the wicked? 
 And how can you, who live in that which is contrary to his light in 
 your consciences, have peace with him, or be reconciled to him? But 
 he that joineth with God's enemy, let him answer it: and he that 
 hateth the light, that showeth every evil thought, will be by it con- 
 demned. And I know you have no true peace, nor ever shall, so long 
 as the root of iniquity lieth hid in your hearts; therefore search and 
 see, and let the witness of God in you arise and answer, and deal faith- 
 fully, as in the presence of God, with your own souls, and deceive not 
 yourselves, whether or no you can say, you are joined and become one 
 spirit with the Lord of life; or whether your fellowship, as you call it, 
 be not after the flesh, in things that the carnal man may receive, and 
 the visible eye behold, and the natural man perceive, who cannot 
 discern, understand, nor perceive the things of the spirit of God. And 
 your worship, at the best, is but will-worship, or voluntary humility, 
 worshipping in your own wili and time, by course and custom, both in 
 your praying and preaching, and such like things, much like the hire- 
 ling priests, who are both separated from the life of God, and strangers 
 to him, in the sensual, having not the spirit. 
 
 For it is not your peace and joy above the seed of God, which is 
 meek and low in the heart, that will stand you in stead in the day of 
 trial; for that is the joy of the hypocrite, (above the life of God,) which 
 is but for a moment; but come you all down into the valley of tears, 
 and bear and suffer with the precious groaning seed, which yet in bon- 
 dage lieth in you, that so its joy you may come to know, which no man 
 can take from you — and come to know the Immanuel, God with us, 
 and Christ in us. And he that preacheth any other saviour, gospel, or 
 way to eternal salvation,but the Immanuel the son of God, his life, power, 
 and wisdom in him, to redeem his soul, (which is in him,) from the curse, 
 wrath, and power of darkness, which is in man; — yea, I say, if an angel 
 should preach contrary to this gospel, the light and power of God, which 
 is everlasting, whose foundation in man is already laid; I say, from the 
 presence of the Lord God he is accursed. For this testimony I bear 
 from the eternal life and power of God, that the saviour of man's soul, 
 which is spiritual, is a pure, spiritual power of life and infinite love, 
 wrought in man, through the light, in all them that wait in the upright- 
 ness and quietness of their spirits, in the simplicity of their hearts; and 
 
47 
 
 whosoever preacheth or causeth people to believe their saviour is with- 
 out them, and that the carnal eye may behold his glory, (who is to be 
 revealed,) and that he will come and save people, according to their 
 conceivings and carnal comprehensions, who profess the scriptures, or 
 his commands therein written, though found in sins and pollutions, and 
 cover themselves by calling it failings, infirmities, and weaknesses; — 
 I say, whosoever preacheth to people of a saviour without them, while 
 the light of Christ condemns within them; and of a kingdom without 
 them, while the kingdom of God suffereth violence within them; and of 
 redemption of the soul wrought without them, though their sins remain 
 in them; and that their rest cannot be known, until their outward visible 
 bodies be ready to be laid in the grave; I charge all such in the name of 
 the most high God, to be horrible blasphemers, and ministers and mes- 
 sengers of the devil, and are the deceivers, and instruments of the 
 eternal destruction of the souls of ignorant people, which will be eter- 
 nally witnessed and known unto them who are the deceivers and the 
 deceived. 
 
 Therefore, friends, in the fear of God,, and in bowels of eternal love, 
 do I warn you of, and declare unto you, that which will certainly come 
 to pass; even a bitter cup have you all to drink, though you seem to 
 drink the cup of salvation, and rejoice in what Christ hath done for you, 
 without you, talk much of it, and of his commands and ordinances, 
 and of your own experiences, and seem to have whereof to boast; and 
 you pray, preach, baptize, break the carnal bread: but the weightier 
 matters and the bread of life you are strangers to, and you pass over 
 judgment, and the love of God unto you is not known, who hate his 
 light, which would reform you, and bring you to know mercy, and the 
 faith which is held in a pure conscience, of which many of you, since 
 your eyes were first opened, have made shipwreck, and now are found 
 striving against it in the sea of confusion and darkness. But as sure as 
 the Lord liveth, who made the world, a cup of trembling and astonish- 
 ment, and carefulness shall you drink of, before you shall drink of the 
 new wine in the Father's kingdom of eternal peace; and the judgments 
 of God in the earth must you come to know, before the people will 
 learn righteousness. Therefore, consider and repent, and do your first 
 works, and slight not the day of your visitation, and turn your minds 
 to the light of Christ in your consciences, by which you see sin and 
 evil, and where your thoughts are every moment; by which light you 
 first saw the hireling priests to be out of the way of God, and in igno- 
 rance and will-worship, in covetousness, envy, pride, and pleasures. 
 And there was something stirred in many of you in plain simplicity, 
 which caused you to judge and deny their practices and vain worship; 
 but the savour of that is now lost among you, and its call is become a 
 
48 
 
 strange voice unto you, and you are stuck now fast in the mire of dead 
 forms and carnal things, and in the many tattling words without know- 
 ledge, which darken the counsel of that which would give you life, and 
 the knowledge of God, and a hand of love to help you forth of the miry 
 clay, with which you are laden. And many of you are ready to join 
 with the hireling priests again, and have the persons of persecutors, 
 who persecute the life of God, in admiration because of advantage, and 
 are men pleasers; and many of you do join with them against the truth, 
 (whose light judgeth and condemneth you for it,) and are mustering 
 up all your force of craft and subtilty to make war against the lamb 
 and his plain simplicity. 
 
 O friends! be you warned once more, from the dear love of God, to 
 embrace the light of life, lest you die with the uncircumcised in heart 
 and ears; for from the life of God are you warned, and exhorted in 
 tender love to your souls, which will stand a witness for the Lord, and 
 of my faithfulness herein forever. And did you see the captivity of 
 your own souls, you would then hasten to meet the Lord in the way 
 of his judgments, without which his loving-kindness and tender mercies 
 to you will never be made known. Wherefore cease striving to keep 
 up the dead form or image, and contending and standing against, inas- 
 much as in you lieth, the life and truth, which are required in the inward 
 parts; for the Lord God will search and try you, your foundation and 
 ground, to the uttermost, and know what is in your hearts; even the 
 very secret thoughts thereof shall be brought to the light, and see how 
 you can stand in the consuming fire; for terrible and dreadful do I 
 know the presence of the Lord God to be to that ground wherein sin 
 lodgeth, which cannot stand in his judgments, nor abide the fiery trial 
 
 Some queries given forth from the spirit of truth, to be answered 
 by the witness of God in their consciences, who profess the scrip- 
 tures only, but know not the life that gave them forth. 
 
 I. Whether God be not the creator and former of every thing? and 
 whether he be not a spirit of power, light, love, knowledge, and under- 
 standing, &c? and whether the former of the spirit of man be not 
 within him, seeing that man might feel after him, and find him? 
 
 II. Whether that place be near unto the spirit of man where Christ 
 sitteth, seeing the apostle did exhort people, while they were here 
 upon the earth, to seek the things that are above, where Christ sitteth 
 at the right hand of God? or whether it be such a distance, as above 
 the stars or firmament, where man was neither created or appointed 
 
49 
 
 to go or seek? or whether it be possible for man to seek and find that 
 which saveth the soul, at such a distance from him? Yea or nay. 
 
 III. Whether Christ Jesus be not the only begotten son of God, and 
 the elect, in whom his soul delighteth? and whether there be any elec- 
 tion out of him, who is the elect, precious, and corner-stone? And 
 whether any building can stand forever, which is not built upon this 
 rock and foundation? and whether he, who is the sure foundation, did 
 not sav, "I am come a light into the world?" and whether he lighteth 
 not every man that cometh into the world, who said, "Believe in the 
 light, that you may be the children of the light;" and "yet a little while 
 is the light with you; walk while you have the light, lest darkness come 
 upon you?" 
 
 IV. Whether all such who deny the light do not deny the son of God, 
 and the sure foundation, and the precious corner-stone, and the elect, 
 in whom his soul delighteth? And whether they obey Christ's com- 
 mands, and are believers, who believe not in the light ? and whether they 
 who refuse the light of Christ, refuse not him from whence it comes? 
 and whether he be not the heir who is the light? and whether he be 
 not refused, (who lighteth every man.) by all the wise builders, who 
 are in many opinions, imaginations, and conceivings about him? Yea or 
 nay. 
 
 V. Whether he be not the life and substance of all shadows, types, 
 and figures, outward and carnal ordinances, and commandments? and 
 whether it was not his life, who is the light, that was (in, yet) hid 
 from many ages and generations ? and whether it was not this rock 
 which followed them in the wilderness? and whether it was not the 
 spirit and life of Christ, that moved in them who gave forth the scrip- 
 tures? and whether they did not speak as they were moved by the 
 holy spirit of Christ in them? and whether they do understand the scrip- 
 tures, or have any profit by them, or any thing to do with them, as to 
 claim theirs, who are in darkness, and strangers to the life of God, w r hich 
 gave them forth? Let God's witness in you all arise and judge. 
 
 VI. Whether they who are in the imaginations, conceivings, and 
 many opinions about the body and spirit of Christ, and his kingdom, 
 and reign, and coming, and glory, be not out of the light which giveth 
 the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ? and 
 whether such have received the spirit of truth, that leadeth into all 
 truth, and showeth plainly of the Father, and need not that any man 
 teach them? Yea or nay. 
 
 VII. "W hether they have any eternal life in them, who eat not the 
 flesh, and drink not the blood of the son of God? and whether the blood 
 be not the life? and whether it be not the life of Christ that cleanseth 
 from all sin, and saveth from wrath to come? and whether any are re- 
 
 7 
 
deemed, but by the blood of Christ ? and whether Sion is redeemed with- 
 out judgment? and whether he came to bring peace or a sword to that 
 which is earthly? and what nation that is that riseth against nation, and 
 what kingdom that is that riseth against kingdom, seeing the son of God 
 saith to the Pharisees, "Behold, the kingdom of God is within you?" and 
 where and by whom the kingdom of God did suffer violence? and whether 
 any unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God? Yea or nay. 
 
 VIII. Whether they are not the true ministers who preach the word 
 that is nigh in the heart and in the mouth? and whether the word of 
 God be not like fire, and like a hammer, to break the rocks in pieces? 
 and whether the word which is quick and powerful, be not the discerner 
 of the thoughts and intents of the heart? and whether the word that 
 reconcileth to God, is not to destroy and divide asunder that which is 
 contrary to him, which separates man from him? Yea or nay. 
 
 IX. Whether that be not the true and faithful ministry of God, 
 which bringeth this message, that God is light, and in him is no 
 darkness at all; and which turneth the minds of the people from dark 7 
 ness to the light, and from the power of satan unto God? Yea or nay. 
 
 X. Whether he who said, I am come a light into the world, be not 
 the sure foundation, the rock and corner-stone, the door and way, the 
 lamb, the truth, the life, the word, the power of God, and wisdom, and 
 righteousness of God, the only begotten of the Father, the heir of all 
 things? And whether this was not the mystery hid and veiled from 
 ages and generations, which is Christ in man the hope of glory? and 
 whether he be not King of kings and Lord of lords, who lighteth every 
 man that cometh into the world? and whether it was not Jesus that 
 said, I am the light, believe in the light? and whether every knee shall 
 not bow unto him, and whether every tongue shall not confess him to 
 be Lord, to the glory of God the Father ! 
 
 XI. Whether he who is the saviour be not full of grace and truth? and 
 whether the grace of God, which bringeth salvation, hath not appeared 
 unto all men? and whether the salvation of the soul be not worked out 
 with fear and trembling? and whether it be not God that worketh in 
 such, both to will and to do, of his own good pleasure? Yea or nay. 
 
 XII. Whether the soul of man be not an immortal being in him? 
 and whether God did not breathe the breath of his own life into it? and 
 whether man went not into darkness, when he went forth from the 
 light of life within him? and whether he died not from the life of God 
 in the day he transgressed against him? and where was that breath, 
 and whence came that voice which he heard, who had transgressed, 
 and was afraid thereat? and whether that were light or darkness that 
 showed him his nakedness ? Yea or nay. 
 
 XIII. Where was that garden wherein man was a living soul? and 
 
51 
 
 what was the tree of life, which was in the midst thereof ? and what 
 was that serpent that beguiled and deceived them? and whether the 
 soul of man which is in him must be saved, or helped out of its dark- 
 ness by something at a distance from him, or without him? Or whether 
 it must not be a mighty power of light, life, and love within him, to 
 save and help him, seeing the powers of wrath and darkness are found 
 in him, and man's enemies are those of his own house? 
 
 XIV. Whether all they who do not witness nor know Christ in them, 
 who is the saviour, are not reprobates, and so in the state of reprobation. 
 
 XV. Whether they are in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the 
 Lord of glory, who are in that which respecteth persons? and whether 
 he that breaks the law in one point, is not guilty of all? and whether 
 he that seemeth to be religious, and is not guided by that which bridleth 
 the tongue, be not in the religion and faith which are vain, and so yet 
 in his sins? Yea or nay. 
 
 XVI. Whether they who are yet in their sins, be not in that which 
 teparateth between God and man? and whether they who are separat- 
 ed from God, are reconciled to him ? and whether he or they, who are 
 not reconciled to God, can preach the word of reconciliation to others? 
 and whether Christ Jesus be not the- word of reconciliation, who said, 
 I am the light of the world? Yea or nay. 
 
 A Word unto all such who live in lustful, riotous practices. 
 
 Is not the lake of fire and everlasting torment prepared for the devil 
 and his angels? and is it not also the portion of all the cursed children? 
 and are not they the angels of the devil, and his ministering spirits, 
 who do his pleasure? And do not they do his pleasure, who live in riot- 
 ing, and drunkenness, and chambering, and wantonness, pride and envy, 
 sports and pleasures, and lust of uncleanness, which are his works ? and 
 are not they cursed children, who cannot cease from, but delight in 
 sins, &c? 
 
 And are not they the sons of the sorceress, and the seed of the adult- 
 erer and the whore, that sport themselves in their wickedness, and 
 make a wide mouth, even with drunken songs, against the innocent? 
 Are you not of that generation, who derided and laughed the poor up- 
 right man to scorn? And is not the seed of David now become the song 
 of drunkards, and the sport and music of a sinful and rebellious gene- 
 ration? O thou great red dragon! thou old serpent, who art called 
 the devil and satan ! how hast thou filled <hv children with wickedness, 
 
52 
 
 and armed them with the weapons of ungodliness, to fight against the 
 lamb, who is the light, and to slay the faithful and true witness, which 
 beareth witness against the deeds of darkness, and all unrighteousness ! 
 O ye sons of Babylon! your bodies are not the temple of the Holy Ghost, 
 but a habitation of devils, and a hold of every foul spirit, and a cage 
 of unclean and hateful birds. Your songs are to be turned into howl- 
 ing ; for you shall sink like a mill-stone, into the bottomless pit and sea 
 of confusion, forever. Then will the voice of melody cease, and the 
 noise of your songs will be heard no more at all ; but instead thereof 
 bitter lamentation forever : and instead of taking pleasure in rioting 
 and drunkenness, flames of everlasting burnings will be kindled within 
 you, and your bowels and heart shall be scorched with heat, and a per- 
 petual drought, in the pit wherein is no water. And instead of living 
 at ease, in the lusts of uncleanness, you shall then feel an everlasting 
 sting of plagues and miserable torments. Then shall you remember 
 that you had a day of visitation, and warning in your lifetime ; and 
 then shall you know, that the secrets of all hearts arc and shall be 
 made manifest and judged by him, who by you is now trod under foot, 
 even the light and lamb slain from the foundation of your world, who 
 are the children of this world, that lie in wickedness. With you the 
 spirit of the Lord God is grieved ; for you have laden him with your 
 iniquities, and he is grieved at his heart. Ah ! sinful generation, a seed 
 of evil-doers, begotten by the serpent, the deceiver and destroyer of the 
 nations that know not God. Oh ! how dreadful will the Lord God ap- 
 pear, in the day when he ariseth up to pour forth upon you his fierce 
 indignation ! Oh ! the unspeakable torment, wo, and misery, that the 
 Lord God will fill you with in that day, wherein no help for you will 
 be found, whose laughter then will be rewarded with weeping and 
 gnashing of teeth forever. Then shall you cry for help, and carefully 
 seek a resting place, in the fear and dread of perpetual torment, but 
 none for you will there be found. So, there will you behold the state 
 of your father Esau, who sought the birth-right afterwards, when it 
 was too late. Consider this, all ye that forget God, and who put the 
 day of the Lord afar off, and cause the seat of violence to come near. 
 Oh! the darkness, the fearfulness, and the dreadfulness, that from the 
 presence of the Lord God you shall be turned into : for you have taken 
 pleasure to riot in the day-time, while the true light shiheth, which 
 showeth and convinceth you of your ungodly deeds, and is the condem- 
 nation of all that hate it, who love darkness rather than light, because 
 your deeds are evil. 
 
 Therefore, with the prince of darkness shall you be driven, and to 
 the king of terrors shall you be delivered, the first-born of death shall 
 terrify you, and the plagues and pangs of hell on you then will take 
 
53 
 
 hold, and God shall cast upon you, and not spare, but you would fain 
 flee out of his hand ; and as a mighty man of war, that rejoiceth in 
 the spoil, so will the Lord God triumph over you in the executing of 
 his judgments, and in the spending of the swift arrows of his fierce in- 
 dignation upon you. For that you have hated knowledge, and set at 
 nought all his reproofs, and did not choose the fear of the Lord, which 
 is to depart from evil; so the Lord God will fill you with the fruit of 
 your own ways, and drive you all into utter darkness, (who hate the 
 light,) where you shall not know whither you go. 
 
 This for God a witness shall stand in righteousness, over the head of 
 the serpent and all his seed, that God willeth not the death of a sinner, 
 hut rather that he might repent, and live ; for his ways are equal, and 
 he will reward every man according to his deeds, whether good or 
 evil. 
 
 This is written as a warning, and to clear the righteous God of your 
 blood, whose spirit is grieved, and my soul vexed from day to day with 
 'your filthy conversation, who am known to the children of darkness, 
 by that only which was named in the darkness, 
 
 A true voice and revelation of God unto all the sons and daughters 
 of the fallen Adam. 
 
 The soul of man is made everlastingly durable and living, by the 
 eternal breath of God, either in joy or misery unspeakable to remain 
 forever, whose breath is excellent and wonderfully pure, and is of one 
 nature in itself, and doth not alter nor change its nature or property 
 at any time. Yet it is like precious ointment to the obedient and righte- 
 ous soul, which forsaketh its sins whereby it is captivated, and leav- 
 eth off transgressing against it ; but is also like a stream of fierce and 
 terrible burning fire to the polluted mind and soul in transgressions and 
 sins : for the soul that sinneth dies from its pure, refreshing life, and 
 abideth in the dark, harsh, furious, wrathful, condemned life, which 
 will burn and consume the wicked, like stubble in a fiery oven, in the 
 day of their judgment, which will certainly come to pass. For this is 
 truly known in its ground, and hath been prepared of old for the seed 
 of transgression. And this is your portion, and the lot of your inherit- 
 ance, all ye proud and wrathful, and all covetous, brutish, and unclean 
 spirits, from the hand of the mighty God of power and majesty, which 
 will in his day be fulfilled, and come to pass upon the head of all the 
 
54 
 
 ungodly sinners and unrighteous ones : the eternal Lord God of heaven, 
 with his breath of life hath spoken it. 
 
 Oh! the fierceness of wrath and unutterable torments, and perplexity, 
 and sorrow of heart, that are to come upon his enemies, who hate the 
 lamb-like spirit, and the true light of life, which from him proceedeth, 
 who is meek and low in the heart ! Therefore, take heed and beware 
 of wrath and pride, ye rich and lustful men of the earth, and hearken 
 ye professors, in opinions of all sorts, who talk of him, and profess 
 him in words only, and tattle about his words with that mouth which 
 will be utterly stopped at the presence of him who is the express image 
 of his Father's glory; with which you are biting the lamb and his fol- 
 lowers, and also each other about dry bones, without life and power 
 over your sins and iniquities, which will be as heavy as a mill-stone 
 about your necks, notwithstanding all your will- worship, and feigned 
 humility, and talking of holy men's words; no hypocrite is to be cover- 
 ed with them, but shall be stripped naked and stand guilty before the 
 throne of God, and the lamb, whom now you are tearing with the teeth 
 of enmity against the life and substance of all shadows and types, who 
 hath been always hid from the unholy and adulterous minds, to whom 
 he is never like to be revealed, but in flames of fire, and with break- 
 ing and dreadful shakings from off your foundation, into the endless 
 pit of darkness. And it is but righteous with God, to turn you all into 
 darkness, who hate the precious light of life. And all you teachers, 
 who are from the light," and break the commands of the son of God, 
 (who said, believe in the light,) and teach men so, and all hireling 
 priests, Babel's merchants, builded and building up in the tower of con- 
 fusion, who are hardened from, and feeding yourselves without the fear 
 of God ; you, I say, who are wilfully blind, and strive to keep close 
 your own and the peoples' eyes, lest they should know the truth, and 
 see you and your end, who are erred from the right way of life, and 
 are in the cursed covetous practices, and are in the perfect nature of 
 the wolf and dogs, shut out forever, in that state, from the kingdom of 
 God, which is life and peace, and from his presence who taketh away 
 the sin, and reconcileth to the righteous God of love. Oh! a heavy day 
 of account and judgment is coming upon you, ye destroyers of souls, 
 and murderers, and robbers. A horrible sentence to you will be given 
 at the bar of God's righteous judgments. Oh! my soul hath wept in se- 
 cret, and my heart is broken, and bowels turned within me, when I deep- 
 ly weigh and rightly consider your condition and life, and the fearful 
 plagues, and judgments without mercy, that on you will come in the 
 end of your ways. Oh! that you would be warned to flee from the 
 wrath to come, by embracing the true light that in you shines, though 
 you comprehend it not, which lots von see vou are not in covenant 
 
55 
 
 with God, and reconciled to him, but in that which the witness of God 
 testifieth against, in your own consciences, in which state you shall 
 never have power with him. 
 
 But as the scripture hath said, "He that believeth, out of his belly 
 shall flow rivers of living water;" he that believeth on the son of God, 
 and hath him, hath life, and the witness in himself ; he that hath not 
 the son of God who is meek and low in the heart, hath not life; neither 
 doth he know the heart out of whence cometh the issues of life, 
 (and from death,) nor the springs that run among the little hills, nor 
 the river of the valley, that opens the thick and hard clods of the 
 earth. For in the meekness and humility standeth the water of life, 
 and the wells of salvation, out of which the upright in heart draweth 
 with joy, where the anger of God cometh not, but is extinguished and 
 quenched, as water doth the natural fire. 
 
 But in the hardness of the heart is the unbelief, upon which the wrath 
 of God abideth, and the wall of partition, w hich separateth from the 
 life of God; but in the eternal light, is the meekness and water of life, 
 as a fountain opened, known, and felt in them that purely wait therein, 
 and give up themselves in the will of God unto him, as to a faithful 
 creator; but in that life which is above the meek spirit is the fear, and 
 hath torment naturally in it, being the seed of enmity, coming from the 
 wrathful envious nature, to which is the fire of God's anger forever, 
 [here is a gulf fixed between Abraham and the voluptuous and glutton- 
 ous ones,] which, through transgression, and fear, and condemnation 
 thereon, is exceedingly kindled in the heart and bowels of the ungodly, 
 (which will certainly be known on their death bed,) and burns into a 
 perfect fire in great blackness and darkness, sometimes with vehement 
 scorching heat, and sometimes with extreme harsh and gnawing, with 
 bitter and unspeakable cold, which, as it were, teareth with its harshness 
 and violence both soul and body, and spirit, flesh, and bone asunder with 
 unresistible dreadfulness, striking through with its darts the secret 
 parts of the heart. Then comes all that to be uncovered which hath 
 been hid. And this I have certainly found among the wonders of the great 
 deep, whom God, through his unspeakable mercy, hath brought out 
 of an inexpressible and horrible pit, wherein will no water of life be 
 found for the rebellious children of darkness, who hate the light of life 
 in them; for if the righteous, who seek the Lord with their whole mind 
 and soul, scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear 7 
 Consider this, all you that forget God, lest you be inhabiters of the 
 horrible confused lake of fire, and thick darkness forever, which cer- 
 tainly will devour all the adversaries of the lamb of God, (who taketh 
 away the sin, and saveth his people from it,) who are the enemies of 
 humility, meekness, and pure love, which in the children of light are 
 
5G 
 
 found. For he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God who is light, and 
 God in him, for God is love. 
 
 O ye persecutors and haters of the dear little ones of God! haste and 
 consider what you are doing, and see what way you are passing; for the 
 wrath of God abideth on all you, who are in wrath, pride, and envy. 
 
 0 fear and tremble! for your day of distress, anguish, and astonishment 
 is at hand, which will sweep you all away as in a dream of terrors in 
 the dark and wearisome night of sorrow. O consider, all ye sons and 
 daughters of the fallen Adam, and you who are his first born in envy 
 and wrath, high and lifted up; the day of the Lord God of hosts is 
 hastening upon you, and you shall be brought low. For pure light in 
 power and great glory is broke forth, like the swift lightnings of the 
 thunder, which makes the hills to tremble, and the high mountains to 
 smoke and burn at the brightness of his presence; and all his enemies 
 shall be like chaff, and as ashes under his feet, upon whom he will 
 trample in his fierce indignation, who are in the envious and wrathful 
 nature, exalted above the meekness and simplicity of Christ, the son of 
 the living God, whose wrath receiveth you into itself, being its child born 
 in it, and not come forth of it, and feeds upon it, as it is your food and 
 life whose meat, and drink, and rejoicing is to lord it over others, and to 
 rule in the wrathfulness of the height of pride and revenge; but this 
 cometh from the seed of evil doers, that shall never be renowned, but 
 is accursed and banished from God forevermore. 
 
 Therefore, when the body's outward life of the ungodly parteth from 
 him, the spirit of that man, together w r ith all its transgressions, enter- 
 eth into the deepest, wrathful, bitter, cursed nature of darkness for its 
 habitation forever, in which property, before, he delighted to dwell and 
 act as a ruler; so here will the ungodly be filled with the fruit of their 
 own ways, where the fire of indignation is great, and increaseth its tor- 
 ment and misery, through the exceeding dread and fearfulness of the 
 presence of God, being found in sins, who shall not be able to flee from it, 
 neither shall it ever be quenched, but endureth as long as God endureth— 
 to all eternity: and this is the worm which never dieth, and the fire 
 that never goeth out; and this is also called the damnation of hell* which 
 the ungodly and viperous generation cannot escape, who live in the 
 wrathful nature and seed of enmity, until the body parteth from its 
 outward life, which is but as wind in the hand of God. And these things 
 
 1 certainly know, through the powerful work and revelation of God 
 Almighty, who hath chosen the foolish things to confound the wise, and 
 weak and despised things to bring to nought things that are mighty 
 and highly esteemed among men. Glory, praises, and thanks, eternal 
 and everlasting power and dominion, be ascribed to the Lord God, and 
 to the lamb, forever and ever. 
 
57 
 
 And into this nature of enmity man entered when he sinned, and 
 conceived and imagined in it, and so became its child, and went farther 
 off the meek and simple life of love and peace, because of the fear 
 which followed after the transgression of it ; which fear increased a fire 
 of torment within him; (here the noble vine became a degenerate plant 
 from the life in which it first stood, as a child with God in pure light, 
 life, and joy, out of all fear, and wrathfulness, and rebellion against him:) 
 and so, the farther off he went from that life by which he was created 
 and made a living soul, the other nature entered into his mind and heart, 
 and became its food and life, and he became vailed, clothed, and cover- 
 ed with the hardness of darkness, into which he entered, being afraid 
 of the voice of God, when he saw his transgression and nakedness, who 
 before had hearkened to the voice of the subtle serpent, over whose 
 nature he should have ruled, in the dominion and life of God in himself; 
 but being deceived by the contrary seed of enmity, was separated and 
 driven from the presence of the creator. Take heed and consider this, 
 all ye ungodly transgressors, careless and disobedient ones; here is your 
 state unto all eternity, except you return, and hearken unto the voice 
 of the son of God, whose life is the light of men, and repent and hum- 
 ble yourselves in the presence of the Lord God and of the lamb, by 
 whose brightness all your darkness and nakedness are seen and disco- 
 vered, and all your strivings and hidings will be as fig leaves, too thin 
 and narrow for you in the day of God's visitation with fierce judgments. 
 For the first born of him who hides from the presence of God which con- 
 vinceth of sin and evil, is a murderer and man-slayer; and we know, 
 that no murderer doth enjoy eternal life, but is driven and banished and 
 separated from the presence and glory of God forever. 
 
 Therefore, that which helpeth and saveth the soul, and bringeth it 
 to its rest, and giveth it eternal life, (out of the chains, snares, fear, and 
 torment in the wrathful nature.) is the pure meekness and simplicity 
 in which it was created; and stood as God's child in innocency and love, 
 free from the trouble, anguish, fears or sorrow, in the brightness of joy 
 in the presence of God. And so, the Jiumility and meekness in the 
 heart of God's child, is a mediator to appease or stop the wrathful 
 anger which lies in the enmity seed; and it is the lamb of God, in whom 
 he is well pleased, that taketh away the sin, whom the soul is to hear- 
 ken unto, as a true prophet, and guide, and saviour; whose spirit leadeth 
 into all truth, and preserveth them that follow him, and bringeth up 
 the living soul that heareth his voice, out of the dark dominion, envy, 
 and subtilty of the serpent, who must hearken with that ear which 
 heareth the reproofs of life, which is death to the transgressing seed, 
 and see with that eye which seeth itself naked, and not clothed nor hid 
 from his presence that discovers it, that he may come to live that was 
 
58 
 
 dead, and be found which was lost; for that is it which he is come to save, 
 who is the lamb of God, meek and low in the heart. This is the deliverer 
 that comes out of Zion, who turns away ungodliness from Jacob. This is 
 Sion's king, who rides meekly upon the wild ass's colt, whom no man 
 in pride and rebellion regardeth. But there is no place of darkness 
 that shall not be searched out by his light, and no covering in it shall 
 go unstripped, but shall become naked, ashamed, and confounded at 
 the eternal brightness of the lamb of God's power and life. 
 
 Therefore, wo and misery from the Lord God of infinite glory, of 
 heaven and earth, with great tribulations, anguish, and vexation of 
 spirit, shall be rendered unto all of them that make war with the lamb, 
 and the faithful with him, whose seed is blessed. For they shall have 
 their part in the lake which burneth with fire and unspeakable torment, 
 who are in the enmity against the appearance of the righteous seed of 
 life; and this unto all such is the word of the Lord God of power and 
 endless strength, whose word is like a hammer, and like fire, to break 
 in pieces, burn and consume all the wicked and ungodly off the earth, 
 who are like dross, and dung, and stubble in his presence, who is now 
 risen to smite the earthly minded, unholy, and profane with the rod of 
 his mouth, and with the breath of his lips will he slay the wicked, who 
 cannot stand in his judgments when his anger is wholly kindled, whose 
 day is hastening upon all flesh that hath corrupted his way. And these 
 things I have seen, and of them am a witness, and have learned them 
 from the hand of God, who found me, and plucked me out, as a brand 
 of the fire, in unspeakable distress, anguish, and carefulness of spirit, in 
 a desolate wilderness, who there could have given the whole world for 
 life to my soul, being in the flames of the everlasting burnings, where I 
 saw the sinners in Sion afraid, and fearfulness surprised the heart of the 
 hypocrite, who cannot dwell or endure therein, nor any who join not 
 unto him in spirit, who is meek and low in the heart. And this may 
 serve for a true and certain warning unto all that live ungodly upon 
 the face of the whole earth, and all who are lifted up in the seed of 
 enmity, in pride, wrathfulness, and rebellion against the meek spirit. 
 Those things are the everlasting and true sayings of God, but hid from 
 thousands who are in the unbelief; yet to the light of Christ in them 
 I am manifest, which heareth my voice, and to it have I cleared my 
 conscience, and the Lord God, of their blood who rebel against him: 
 but he that can receive it let him, who shall then know from whence 
 it came, and whither it goeth"; which no man ever shall, that is not born 
 of immortal seed; nor know the mysteries of the kingdom, which to the 
 children of light only are revealed, whose life is hid from all the wise 
 and prudent of the earth, and from all who harden their hearts against 
 
59 
 
 them, whose day is coming, wherein they shall suddenly fall into mis- 
 chief. 
 
 For a woful day is coming upon all you who spend your precious 
 time in the lusts of the flesh, that war against the soul; who are re- 
 joicing and feasting without fear, in sports and pleasures; whose hearts, 
 through the abundance of your lusts and vanities, are lifted up in vain 
 glory above your fellow creatures, and also above Christ Jesus the light 
 of the world, who is a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; whom 
 you sometimes talk of for a cloak of maliciousness and deceit, but his 
 life you know not, but are bitter enemies to him and his followers. For 
 all whose God is their bellies, whose minds are in the earthly things, 
 are enemies to the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose end will be 
 everlasting destruction and misery. For you are the careless ones that 
 are at ease, whose day of wo, breaking down, shaking and trembling 
 must come, though you make a mock at it now, while, like pam- 
 pered horses, you can rejoice in the height of your strength, and pride 
 of heart But the day is coming and stealing on you unawares, like a 
 thief in the night, wherein the grasshopper will be a burden, and your 
 desires shall fail, and all your lusts and pleasures will then be as a 
 bitter cup unto you, and the chains of your darkness, wherein you 
 delight, will then bind you, and press you down into the place of per- 
 dition, in the sight of the dreadful holiness of God, where you shall 
 tremble at every moment, and startle as men distracted and amazed 
 at the shaking of a leaf, who shall be affrighted and chased with terrors 
 as a wild roe upon the mountains before the furious hunter, and as a 
 fearful sinking down into a terrible pit of endless thick darkness, and 
 astonishments, and strange sights and apparitions. With that eye 
 will you then behold, which now you strive to keep close for fear of its 
 condemnation, which shall then clearly be opened, and a dreadful sound 
 will you then hear, with that ear which now you turn away from hear- 
 ing the law of truth, (which is light and life,) and cannot endure sound 
 doctrine, but love smooth things, flatteries, and deceitful coverings, 
 false prophecies and divinations, which will deceive you, and cause you 
 to trust in a lie, with which you cannot stand before the God of truth, 
 but your fall and torment will be without hope of end. And this great 
 and dreadful day of the Lord shall you all know fulfilled upon you, 
 whose portion is in this life, and names are written in the earth, who 
 regard not the day of your visitation, but love the paths of darkness, 
 which lead to the chambers of death and everlasting destruction. 
 
 So this I declare unto you all, in the presence of the Lord, and warn 
 you in your life-time, to repent and tremble at the word of the Lord 
 God, and let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into 
 heaviness; and come down off your thrones of haughtiness, pride and 
 
GO 
 
 pleasures, which are the dark dominions of the cursed serpent, and sit in 
 dust and ashes, and humble yourselves in the sight of God, and let your 
 hearts be broken and rent, and cry mightily unto the Lord God, forsaking 
 your sins and abominable iniquities, lest the king of Nineveh rise up in 
 judgment against you, because of your unbelief, and a day come upon 
 you like a flood, to sweep you all away into endless destruction and 
 sorrow. And this unto you all is a visitation and warning from the 
 eternal word of the Lord God Almighty, whether you will hear or for- 
 bear. 
 
 From a lover of the seed of promise, a witness to the eternal light 
 and power of God, and a friend to the everlasting peace of all mankind, 
 who hath forsaken all to follow the lamb in the paths of righteousness, 
 truth, and peace; for whose eternal testimony I now suffer bonds and 
 afflictions, and am numbered among transgressors at the house of cor- 
 rection, in the common jail at Winchester; who am known to the world 
 by the name of 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 The 6th Month, 1658. 
 
 I thank thee, O father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast 
 hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them 
 unto babes. Matt. ii. 25. 
 
 Some Queries for any of the Priest? and rulers of the nations, who 
 profess the scriptures, to consider and answer in the fear of the 
 Lord God. 
 
 Query L Had ever the ministers of Jesus Christ any outward law or 
 carnal weapon, from any king, queen, or ruler of the world, to uphold 
 and guard them, as the priests of England have? Yea or nay. 
 
 II. Did not the apostle Paul, a minister of Christ, say, the weapons 
 of our warfare are not carnal, but spiritual, and mighty through God 
 to the pulling down of strong holds?* 
 
 III. And did not the prophets of God, who were sent by him, bear 
 witness against them he never sent?f and did not them the Lord never 
 sent bear rule by their means ?J and seek for their gain from their 
 quarter, as the priests of England do?§ Yea or nay. 
 
 IV. And did those prophets the Lord never sent, profit the people at 
 all?|| or by their lies and their lightness cause them to err, like the 
 priests of England? 
 
 • 2 Cor. x. 4. f Isa. lvi. 11. i Jer. xxiii. $ Mich. Hi. 5, 11. 
 
 II Jer. xxiii. 30, 31, 42. 
 
r>3 
 
 V. And is not this an error, to persecute, hale out of your syna- 
 gogues, and imprison the servants of the living God, for testifying 
 against wickedness and all deceitful works and workers? And do not 
 your priests stir up rude people, more like dogs and swine than men, 
 to these evil things, contrary to the spirit of truth and meekness'? 
 
 VI. Did ever Christ, or Paul, or Peter, or any other of the true 
 prophets or apostles that spake forth scriptures, call to officers or rulers 
 to lay hands on them that did oppose their doctrine, that they might 
 be punished, persecuted, or imprisoned, as the priests of England do? 
 
 VII. And did not Paul, a minister of Jesus Christ, exhort Timothy 
 to instruct (then not persecute) those that did oppose themselves, in 
 meekness, if God peradventure might give them repentance?* 
 
 Contrary to the ministers of anti-christ in England, who cause them 
 to be abused, persecuted, and imprisoned, which oppose them that di- 
 vine for money, whom the Lord God is making mad, and turning their 
 wisdom backward, and their high knowledge into foolishness, and mak- 
 ing them base and contemptible before the eyes of the people ;f for 
 their madness and folly shall be made manifest, as theirs was who for- 
 merly withstood the truth.J And did not Paul charge Timothy, in the 
 presence of the Lord, to lay hands suddenly on no man, neither to be 
 partaker in other men's sins?§ And are not your teachers, that the 
 world hears and fights for, partakers in other men's sins, who stir up 
 the rude and wild people, which is their flock, (mark that,) to hale, 
 beat, kick, pluck off the hair, persecute, and imprison the servants and 
 messengers of the living God, for testifying the truth, and against all 
 unrighteousness of men, and afterward laugh them to scorn who are 
 so used, and rejoice that their blood-thirst is somewhat quenched? 
 
 Of which passages I am a witness for God against them that have 
 thus acted, yea, even upon this body I now live in: but blood shall ye 
 persecutors have to drink, saith the Lord God, for ye are worthy.|| And 
 in my sufferings I rejoice,1[ knowing that every man shall receive ac- 
 cording to their works, whether they be good, or whether they be 
 evil. ** 
 
 And you who are called judges and justices : were not such as were 
 set to rule over the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, 
 hating covetousness? And were not they to judge the small matters, and 
 to bear the burden with Moses, a servant of God, that did judge the 
 greater matters, who was in the fear and dread of the Lord God, who 
 is the righteous judge,ff insomuch that the children of Israel could not 
 steadfastly behold his face,JJ who did exceedingly fear and quake ? §§ 
 
 • 2 Tim. ii. 25. f Tsaiah xliv. 25. * 2 Tim. iii. 8. § 1 Tim. v. 22. 
 
 8 Prov. xxix. 10. % Psal. lv. 23. ** Kev. xvi. 6. ff Exod. xviii. 21, 
 
 H Heb. xii. 21. §§2 Cor. iii. 7. 
 
63 
 
 , O ye light and vain, proud and deceitful men, that rule this people 
 in England ! do you not deal treacherously with God and man, to sell 
 the sins of the people for the value of a pair of shoes, and are not in 
 the meek spirit like Moses? Neither do ye hate covetousness, but are 
 greedy of gain, yea, even the gain of oppression, which the Lord God 
 hateth. And do you not make a mock at sin, which is the manner of 
 fools, that die for want of wisdom 1* 
 
 And do not you take five shillings of one for drunkenness, and ten 
 groats for swearing and cursed speaking? for which cause the land 
 mourns. And do you not pass by fighting, and quarrelling, and blas- 
 pheming the holy name of God, for money? Are you not like Judas, 
 who sold the innocent for silver, and eat up the sin of the people like 
 bread? f And do not all the blind, ignorant, and wild people, strive in 
 covetousness to maintain your gain of oppression, (which the Lord ab- 
 horreth,) to buy out their wickedness with money? And do they not 
 thereby escape the punishment due for the transgression ? And others 
 do you not punish and afflict, that have not money to satisfy your lusts ? 
 And are you not in these things transgressors, by respecting of per- 
 sons? And do you not herein break and make void the righteous law 
 of God and man for the love of money, which is the root of all evil ? 
 Let the witness of God in you all be judge. 
 
 O ye rulers and priests, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites, whited 
 sepulchres, graves that have not appeared in many ages, as you are, 
 full of ravening and wickedness! but the day of the Lord God of light 
 hath now discovered you all, and there is nothing covered that shall 
 be hid, though never so secret; the Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 Therefore consider, and repent speedily, and cease joining together 
 in battle against the Lord and his anointed, lest you are consumed in 
 a moment by the terrors of his fierce wrath; and cease making laws, 
 and proclaiming snares against the innocent ones in the nations, to en- 
 snare them whom the Lord God of hosts delighteth in, they being in 
 his son, the light of the world, in whom he is well pleased. O consider, 
 and remember Pharaoh, and his great destruction and overthrow, who 
 was hardened against a harmless and innocent people, as ye are. And 
 ye who are proud and haughty, remember Sodom and Gomorrah, whose 
 wickedness vexed the righteous soul of just Lot from day to day, until 
 they were consumed and destroyed with the fierce indignation of the 
 Lord, J which burns like fire forever against all the wicked ;§ which 
 things are set forth for an example unto you that live ungodly, upon 
 whom the Lord God will rain snares in the day of his wrath. || And 
 
 • Prov. xiv. 9. & x. 21. f Hos. iv. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. * PsaT. vii. 11. 
 
 § 2 Pet. ii. 6. 7. 8. H 2 Thess. vi. 7. 8. 9. 10. 
 
03 
 
 are vounot all ungodly, who live in pride, haughtiness, and fulness, (the 
 sins of Sodom,) and hardness of heart, in persecuting and imprisoning 
 the dear and tender lambs of God, who is love ; and you are in envy 
 and rage, hating and hateful. And so their dear life of love, which 
 they have in God, and one with another, is hid from your eyes ; and the 
 glory thev enjoy is not like yours that fadeth, that they have received 
 from the Lord of glory, with whom is no respect of persons; whom the 
 princes of this world never knew, but only the babes of the Lord; to 
 whom be all glory, honour, and praises eternal: for mighty and pow- 
 erful is the Lord our God, who is the righteous judge of heaven and 
 earth. 
 
 Being moved of the Lord, written for a warning, a little before your 
 measures of wickedness are full, by one of the servants of the Lord, 
 who is in the house of correction and common jail for Hampshire, a 
 prisoner of Jesus Christ, the light of the world, of whom I am called, 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 A Letter to John Bidkley, {called a Justice?) concerning my im- 
 prisonment in the House of Correction at Winchester. 
 
 John Bulkley, 
 
 Thou alone art the cause of my imprisonment almost these nine 
 weeks, in which I have almost suffered to the death of my body, being 
 also sick when I was brought to prison among those, in whose compa- 
 ny wert thou but one night, it would make thy flesh to tremble, and 
 grieve thy soul, if thou fearedst God, to hear and see the filthy con- 
 versation of the wicked from day to day. The like wickedness I do 
 believe was not found in Sodom, nor in the old world, whom God de- 
 stroyed with an utter overthrow. O consider a little, in the fear of 
 the righteous God, who is the righteous judge of all mankind, whether 
 thou hast done unto me as thou wouldst be done unto, who am a suf- 
 ferer under thy hand of oppression, for righteousness' sake, both in body 
 and soul, being grieved and vexed with the abominations that I daily 
 hear and see, and the injustice and unreasonableness of them by whom 
 we suffer, where also we are deprived of all outward liberty without 
 cause, which in the day of visitation the witness of God in thee forme 
 shall witness ; and this action of thine against the innocent, in that 
 day will be as a mill-stone about thy neck, and as a fiery, flaming 
 worm to eat thy flesh. Yea, and if thou proceed in the evil that is 
 
64 
 
 in thy hands, and repent not speedily, when thou wilt think peace to 
 thyself, then will thy sudden destruction come, as in a moment, from 
 the Lord God, who is a swift witness against all iniquity and unrighte- 
 ousness of men, without respect of persons. 
 
 Therefore, once more consider, and weigh thy actions in the just 
 balance, even by the light of Christ in thy conscience, which will let 
 thee see, by what measure thou metest it will be measured to thee 
 again. And this is right, and according as God will judge and reward 
 every man; to which that of God in thy conscience doth witness, though 
 for a time thou mayst strive to hide and vail it, for the honour of the 
 world's sake, and the love of the praise of men. But what will this 
 avail or profit thee in the day wherein thou wilt be justly weighed and 
 tried, then to be found by the judge of all the earth, to be a perse- 
 cutor of his people and anointed ones ; for whose sake he will rebuke 
 kings, and will fight our battles, and plead our cause in righteousness. 
 Therefore do we stand still in quietness, to see his salvation, and a 
 freedom from the oppression of all wickedness and wicked men, under 
 whom for a time the just do suffer. 
 
 I do not write to thee, as to complain to thee, but am contented in 
 my sufferings, for my God hears the sighing of his prisoners; neither 
 do I expect any thing from thee but equity and justice, of which thou 
 bearest the name, but actest not in the life thereof. So in the day of 
 trial wilt thou be found among the hypocrites, bearing the name of 
 that thou neither art nor livest in. I must deal plainly with thee, though 
 under thy power I should suffer death. This I can say, I have no envy 
 to thy person, nor to any man upon the earth, God is my witness ; nei- 
 ther dare I give flattering titles to any man ; for in so doing I should 
 be condemned by the witness of God in my conscience, whose peace is 
 more gain to me than all the riches and glory of this perishing world. 
 But this I lay to thy charge justly, who art out of the state of God's 
 elect, to which that of God in thy conscience eternally shall witness, 
 to wit: my sufferings unjustly by thy means, with the rest of my dear 
 brethren, whose dear life in innocency is hid from the wise of the world, 
 in that thou tookest us, who were about honest and lawful occasions, 
 and sent us to prison, who intend no harm to any, and afterwards sent 
 me word in writing, that to follow my lawful occasions I had a freedom, 
 of which before thou hadst deprived me. But this will not hide thy 
 deceit and envy against God's people. For I was in the town in which 
 I naturally was born, who there was neither found acting nor speaking 
 any thing that was unlawful or dishonest, for such things I hate. But 
 thou actedst towards me that which is dishonest and unlawful, in send- 
 ing me to prison without the breach of any law. And is this a small 
 thing, to send a man from his honest and lawful employment, by which 
 
65 
 
 he hath his subsistence, to a wicked and ungodly place, to be kept pri- 
 soner in the common jail, where we are deprived both of our outward 
 liberty and employment, for the maintenance of our bodies, which by 
 thy means have greatly suffered? Neither do I know of so much liberty 
 as to send for work to work at my trade, where it may be had, and 
 sent to prison, where I being kept, and like to remain, am willing to 
 work with my hands, if room and liberty I might have. Therefore, 
 I would know from thee, if thou wilt send me an order in writing un- 
 der thy hand, for me to have room and liberty here to work at my law- 
 ful calHng, and also, that some friend of mine may have liberty to 
 come in and out with my work, and not be abused? And to this thing 
 I do expect a speedy answer from thee ; for it is unreasonable that I 
 should be kept from my work, and my work from me, who have done 
 no evil, who am of the world called, 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 From the house of correction in the common jail of} 
 Winchester, the 3d day of the 3d month, 1658. 5 
 
 Note. — I also having endeavoured, though with charge and trouble, to have wool 
 bought and made ready, and to have all things needful Cor me, and more of us, to work 
 at my trade, and having hereby obtained an order to the jailer, that I might have room 
 and liberty, and things convenient suffered to be brought in unto me, yet did the jail- 
 er hinder me of having coals, without which I could not work, and thereby, for a time, 
 my work, (being in all things ready,) lay still and suffered loss. And so she that should 
 keep idle persons, committed to the house of correction, in work, doth neither do that, 
 but also hinder me from my lawful labour, contrary to her place, and also contrary to 
 two Justices' orders. And hereby many may be satisfied also concerning things that 
 false accusers have cast upon us, called Quakers, — that we are idle, or refuse to work 
 at our lawful callings; yet to be set at work, on their work, at the wills of those belong- 
 ing to the house of correction, as idle persons and transgressors are, we deny forever. 
 
 0 
 
THE 
 
 BLOOD 
 
 or 
 
 RIGHTEOUS ABEL 
 
 <£rgma from tfie <£rotutt: 
 
 Being a Lamentation for, and a Warning to, all that have a hand 
 against the innocent people of God; especially intended for the rulers 
 and priests in Hampshire, who have hardened their hearts against the day 
 of slaughter, wherein they shall feel Cain's punishment, which he was 
 not able to bear; who have been often warned by the Servants of the 
 Lord, yet have they not done that which is just in his sight; but have 
 imprisoned several of His servants these many months, without just cause, 
 and do increase their bondage upon us, where nine of us are kept close 
 prisoners in an unwholesome, stinking hole, not fit for beasts; whose 
 cry is not only gone through the nation, but is also entered into the 
 ears of the Lord God of Rest, who will plead our cause in righteousness. 
 
 Also the Decree of the Lord, sealed and made manifest to His servant, 
 That all the Plottings, Snares and Persecutions, which the powers of 
 the Earth and Darkness, and the Gates of Hell, can invent and rise up 
 with, shall never prevail against His power, that is now broke forth and 
 made manifest in his dear Children, who, in scorn, are called Quakers. 
 
 With a Voice and Visitation of God to the inhabitants of the Isle of 
 Wight. 
 
 V 
 
 BY WILLIAM BAYLY. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 MARCUS T. C. GOULD, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH STREET. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 ISAAC T. HOPPER, No. 420, PEARL STREET 
 
 1830 
 
THE 
 
 BLOOD OF RIGHTEOUS ABEL 
 
 CRYING FROM THE GROUND. 
 
 " My heart within me is broken, because of the false prophets and 
 persecuting rulers, who are found lighting against the lamb of God and 
 his followers. Alas! alas! wo is me because of the misery that is coming 
 upon you! My heart is tilled with sorrow, and mine eyes with tears, and 
 mv bowels are turned within me, to consider the day of your desolation 
 and destruction, which is coming upon you from the almighty God of 
 heaven and earth. Oh! what shall be done for you, ye hard-hearted 
 and rebellious children! Who shall entreat for you, or take pity on you 
 in the dav of vour calamity, which is coming as a whirlwind of terrors, 
 and you shall not escape! And wo be to him that strives with his 
 Maker! do you think to stop or limit the mighty power of the Creator 
 of heaven and earth, which is now broke forth and made manifest in 
 his dear children, who have waited for him in the day of his judgments, 
 bv vour blood-thirsty persecution, and by your false accusations and 
 wicked consultations, and unrighteous decrees and laws? Nay, you 
 shall never prevail nor prosper in these your intents: your vain hopes 
 will perish, and your contrivances will be swept with you into the bottom- 
 less pit, from whence your counsel is. And no weapon that is formed 
 against us. who love not our lives, for the son of God's sake, unto the 
 death, shall ever prosper; and wo to the rebellious children, that take 
 counsel, but not of me, and that cover with a covering, but not of mv 
 spirit! saith the Lord. 
 
 Are your counsels, plottings, and persecution to hinder the powerful 
 work of the Lord, which he hath begun among the children of men, 
 and hath blessed and will bless, and to frighten people from embracing 
 the precious truth, which is the everlasting foundation of God, without 
 which all men will be found miserable in their latter end? Is this vour 
 end? and to keep up yxnir earthly honour, deceit, and flattering titles, 
 and vain glory, which will wither, and be laid in the dust; and to satisfy 
 the pride of life, which is not of the Father, but of the world? Is this 
 your end; for fear of losing these things, that puff up the fleshly mind 
 
70 
 
 out of God's fear, and that war against your souls, for which you per- 
 secute, imprison, and draw before the judgment seats, and make a prey 
 and a spoil of a harmless and innocent people, whose glory, and kingdom, 
 ■and peace, are not of the world, but who follow the lamb that was slain 
 whithersoever he goeth? If this be your end, (and to keep off the trouble 
 and torment, that is coming upon you, by reason of your wickedness 
 and rebellion against the Lord,) you will miss of it, and your expecta- 
 tion will perish. And do you think to avenge yourselves on his dear 
 children, and get ease by afflicting them, and grieving them, and tor- 
 menting them with your plottings and snares of inhuman cruelty? Is 
 this your way? is the time that was spoken of come to be fulfilled upon 
 you, that whosoever killeth us, who are the followers of Christ, shall 
 think he doth God service? And will not their vain thoughts deceive 
 them, who are found in the envy against the meek spirit, that is come 
 to judge the world? And do not they rise up against the Lord of life, who 
 rise up against him that is meek and lowly? Surely this is a wrong 
 way you have entered into, the way of the ungodly, which will perish, 
 and not the way to peace; for in these things you heap up wrath to 
 yourselves against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous 
 judgments of God. In this way you shall never prosper, nor prevail; 
 the Lord God hath spoken it. 
 
 For this is the way of the wicked, which is as darkness, (where the 
 stumbling is,) and leads into the chambers of death and destruction; 
 this is the sword of the wicked, which you have drawn — it shall enter 
 into your own bowels. And if you thirst for our blood, you may have 
 it to drink; for a body is prepared. And we fear not him that is only 
 able to kill it, but the Lord our God alone, he is our fear, and he is our 
 dread, and our refuge in time of trouble; who is taking vengeance on you 
 unawares, in a way you know not, nor will you believe though a 
 man declare it unto you. For did you believe it, and were the eye 
 open to see these things, you would fear, and dread, and tremble at the 
 presence of the pure, powerful God, whose swift witness is coming upon 
 you as a thief in the night, and will wound your hairy scalp, who pro- 
 ceed in your wickedness, and will smite the head of his enemies, and 
 strike through kings in the day of his wrath, whose fury you can- 
 not escape. And all your high mountains by him will be overturned, 
 who think to rule and reign over the meek of the earth by your height 
 of pride and cruelty. Alas for you, ye tall cedars! a fierce wind from 
 the Lord God shall shake you, the axe is laid to your root, and you 
 will be hewn down for the fire; ye raging waves of the sea! you foam 
 out your own shame, and cast up mire and dirt; our king that rides 
 meekly is on the top of you all, and on your head doth he trample; and 
 
71 
 
 he will calm this storm to his praise and glory, and to your utter con- 
 fusion who rehel against him. 
 
 Christ Jesus, the light of the world, the man of sorrows, who seeks 
 not honour from men, whom you despise, against whom you are risen 
 up, and have turned your sword, he is our king. Hear this ye rebels, 
 ye traitors! the Lord God will stain the pride of your glory, and lay your 
 earthly honour in the dust, and bring you into contempt, who are seeking 
 honour and glory to yourselves in the earth, whose peace is your life, 
 who love the praise of men and pleasures more than God; a sword is 
 coming upon you all, and you are for the slaughter of the great King, 
 who is our lawgiver and saviour, and our peace; who is come a light into 
 the world, and is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into 
 the world, meek and lowly, upon the wild ass's colt. Hear this, ye deaf, 
 and see ye blind, and be still and hearken, ye floods of ungodly men, who 
 compass the saints about, and the beloved city, w T ith lies and plottings of 
 falsehoods, whereby you think to weary out the dear children of the most 
 Tiigh. Fire is coming down from God out of heaven to devour you, and you 
 shall not be able to quench it. Ye are the pricking briars to the house 
 of Israel; ye are the thorns, the dross, and the stubble, the Lord God 
 Almighty of power will you consume; the decree is sealed against you. A 
 witness I am for the eternal God of life against you all, in all your deeds 
 of darkness and hard speeches. My outward life is not dear unto me, 
 ye devouring beasts of the field! I have given it up, and you may take it; 
 for he that departeth from iniquity is become your prey. 
 
 But the Lord God will plead our cause in righteousness, and his eter- 
 nal witness, the light in your consciences, will answer your condemnation 
 to be just, and your destruction to be of yourselves. For you have been 
 warned from time to time, by the servants of the Lord without you, and 
 reproved by the light, his true prophet, within you, that you might 
 escape and flee from the wrath to come; which if you proceed in the 
 hardness of your hearts, in afflicting his dear children, it will overtake 
 you. And because of these things my soul is moved, knowing the terrors 
 of the Lord against you, and a doleful lamentation is on me, and my very 
 bones are pained, and my heart is hot within me. The whole earth is 
 moved with the fierce indignation of the Lord; his vengeance, plagues, and 
 eternal judgments without mercy, do I proclaim against you all from the 
 mouth of the Lord God of hosts, except you speedily repent. For you 
 have grieved his spirit, and you have afflicted his dear children these many 
 months, yet have you been entreated by them with many tears, and often 
 warned; and the Lord have we even entreated for you as Abraham did 
 for Sodom, and Moses for Pharoah, that you might not wholly be con- 
 demned with an utter overthrow, but rather that you might repent and 
 live. But our righteous souls are vexed and grieved with your pride, 
 
72 
 
 rebellion, and filthy conversation from day to day, and no answer from 
 the Lord have we concerning you, but the red sea of his wrath, wherein 
 you will be utterly swallowed and drowned, and not one will be left; 
 and fire from heaven as snares upon you will be rained; for every tree 
 that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be hewn down and cast into the fire ; 
 and every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted 
 up. Consider this, ye that forget God, ye that forget mercy, whose bowels 
 are shut up, whose hearts are hardened from his righteous, dreadful fear, 
 lest he tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver you. For our 
 God is a consuming fire, and is terrible to the heathen that know him 
 not, whose fire is in Sion, and his furnace in Jerusalem, and from thence 
 our deliverer comes, who turns away ungodliness from Jacob. 
 
 But are not envy, persecution, and oppression, ungodliness and wrath, 
 pride and injustice — are not these things ungodliness and unrighteous- 
 ness? Consider, and weigh it in the even balance, the light in your 
 consciences, to which I speak, which will answer the truth without co- 
 vering, and is my witness in you all for the Lord God, and heareth my 
 voice. Therefore, stop not the ear, lest you are shut out forever ; then 
 shall you cry, but he will not hear you. And is not the wrath of God 
 to be revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous- 
 ness of men ? Or is envy, pride, cruelty, oppression, tyranny, and per- 
 secution, and laying snares for the innocent and harmless without 
 cauS e — is this good fruit, or the fruit of the spirit of God? (who among 
 the saints in these things is your example?) or doth the heavenly plant 
 bring forth such fruit? Nay, verily, will God's witness answer me. And 
 are any the sons and children of God, but who are joined to the 
 heavenly plant, or led by his spirit which guides into all truth, out of 
 unrighteousness, into soberness, quietness, love, peace, patience, long- 
 suffering, humility, and gentleness, &c? And are not the children of 
 God in these things manifest? And are not the children of the devil, 
 in the other ground bringing forth other fruit of the curse, also mani- 
 fest? But if you will not hear, nor lay these things to heart, and give ' 
 over afflicting, oppressing, and grieving my dear children, and tender 
 babes, that cry unto me night and day, and give glory to my great and 
 dreadful name, by returning from the evil that is in your hands, I will 
 destroy you and your seed from off the face of the whole earth, and 
 blot out your name from under heaven, and your remembrance shall 
 stink, and be a grief to my chosen; yet shall they rejoice over you, 
 when the .moke of your torment shall ascend up forever and ever,saith 
 the Lord God Almighty. 
 
 For thus saith the Lord God, these people whom you hate, and seek 
 many ways to ensnare, and take counsel together against, and abuse, 
 and persecute, and imprison, whip, stone, revile, and reproach by the 
 
73 
 
 name Quakers, who abide faithful to my son, the light of the world, 
 that lighteth every man that cometh into the world; they are dear unto 
 me, my chosen, my dear children, my beloved ones; and he that touch- 
 eth them, toucheth the apple of mine eye, whose cry is entered into 
 mine ears, and my pity is towards them, and my bowels are moved for 
 them, for whose sake I will reprove kings, and kingdoms shall be over- 
 thrown that rise up against them, and every tongue that rises up in judg- 
 ment against them, will I condemn. For I the Lord search the heart, 
 and try the reins, and will reward every man according to his deeds. 
 
 Therefore, consider these things, ye proud and scornful men, who are 
 of the birth born after the flesh, persecuting the birth of the spirit, being 
 moved with envy and wrath, which are of the devil, against an innocent 
 people, whom the Lord God will preserve, and doth, though out of your 
 sight, whom the God of this world hath blinded, and all you false teach- 
 ers, deceitful workers, who use your tongues both to pray and also to 
 lie, slander, and revile, whose hearts are exercised in covetous practices, 
 and yet sometimes, for a cloak, will speak against it, as if one fountain 
 can yield salt water and fresh. But your skirts are discovered upon 
 your face, and you shall be made manifest to them that yet see you not, 
 and shall be a by- word to nations. Ye proud, profane hirelings! ye 
 treacherous priests of England! from you profaneness is gone forth into 
 all the land, who by your lies and by your lightness have caused many 
 to err; the Lord God will root you out without hand, and the very sa- 
 vour of your root shall become loathsome to the earth, which is weary 
 to bare you, and your foundation shall be utterly swept away, and no 
 place for it shall be found. For you have been founded upon and up- 
 held by the beastly nature and seed of enmity, within and without, of 
 which now the Lord God of endless strength is making an utter end, and 
 none shall be able to deliver out of his hand. Therefore is a cry heard 
 among you to the hills and to the mountains of the earth, to hide and 
 cover you from the wrath of the lamb, against whom you make war, 
 who is the light of the world, and your condemnation whose deeds are 
 evil: but the mountains shall be overturned with the fierce indignation 
 of the Lord, and cast into the sea of confusion and torment with you, 
 who strive to hide you from the day that makes manifest, and from the 
 stroke of his righteous judgments. And the fury of the Lord God Al- 
 mighty will sweep the land of evil-doers, and no place shall be found 
 for the worker of iniquity ; but shame and confusion of faces shall come 
 upon you, and you shall gnaw your tongues for pain, and shall curse 
 your God and your king. For a dreadful and bitter day is hastening 
 upon you all, who are in the enmity against the meek spirit, in Cain's 
 nature, vagabond from God, in the earth, where your names are write 
 ten, and not in the lamb's book of life, that was slain from the founda- 
 
 10 
 
14 
 
 tion of the world, (the foundation of transgression,) when envy, and 
 pride, and vain glory, had a foundation — the lamb, the meek spirit, 
 was slain by it. Hear this, ye that have an ear to hear; for he shall 
 reign and get the victory that was dead and is alive forevermore, and 
 ► hath the key of David, and shall overcome, and have the dominion, and 
 rule, and have authority over all the kingdoms of men. O ye foolish 
 and without understanding! have ye not read, that the lamb that was 
 slain is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory y 
 and blessing; and that he shall prevail though ten kings make war with 
 him? Consider this, ye that strive with your Maker, by whom you will 
 be broken in pieces like a potter's vessel. And was it not the dragon, 
 which is cast out of heaven, that makes war with the lamb? And was 
 it not the devil which had great wrath, when he saw he had but a short 
 time? And was it not the great red dragon, the old serpent, that made 
 war with the woman and the remnant of her seed who kept the com- 
 mandments of God, and had the testimony of Jesus? These are 
 they, the devil, the serpent, and his seed, make war against, them 
 that keep the commands of God, and have the testimony of Jesus,, 
 who saith, "Believe in the light;" and, "How can ye believe which re- 
 ceive honour one of another? " and saith, "Swear not at all ;" and, " They 
 shall hale you out of their synagogues, and bring you before rulers and 
 governors for my name's sake, and this shall turn to you for a testimony." 
 Mark, for his sake that saith, " Swear not at all;' r for his name's sake 
 that respecteth not the person of any man; for his name's sake that saith r 
 "How can ye believe that receive honour one of another?" for his name's 
 sake that testifies against the works of the world that are evil- — haled 
 out of the synagogues, brought before rulers, persecuted and despitefully 
 used for his sake, for keeping his commandments and bearing his testi- 
 mony, against whom the serpent and his seed make war. Here is the 
 testimony. But the woman that brings forth the man-child, against 
 whom the dragon cast out his floods of reproach and persecution, was 
 hid from the face of the serpent. Glory to the Lord forever. 
 
 And is not the lamb the light of the holy city, where the dogs that 
 bite, and the unclean devouring beasts, shall not enter, but are shut out,, 
 and all liars and unbelievers, who believe not in the light of the world,, 
 in the lamb of God, that taketh away the sin, whose kingdom and glory 
 is hid from the wise and prudent of the world, whose face to them is 
 marred, and his form more than the sons of men, who know' not the 
 bride, the lamb's wife. For the glory of the king's daughter is within r 
 and not of the visible world, therefore the world knoweth her not; and 
 the princes of this world never knew the Lord of glory, who lighteth 
 every man that cometh into the world. Hearken ye bitter spirits, ye 
 hasty, rash, and high-minded men, whose wrath and pride blind your 
 
75 
 
 understandings, that you cannot perceive the invisible and eternal thing* 
 of God, but are tossed in the sea. of confusion and darkness, and cannot 
 rest. Consider these things. Are not we, whom you hale and perse- 
 cute, and make a great stir and noise about, as a city set on a hill, which 
 cannot be hid, and unknown to you? Yea, verily, we are. And are 
 cot we, whom you grievously afflict without cause, as the light of the 
 world, and the salt of the earth now? And can you endure the savour 
 of them that fear the living God, and worship him in the spirit and in 
 the truth amongst you? Are you not like the horse that smells the battle 
 afar off, and rageth when he hears the sound of a trumpet? But the 
 trumpet of the Lord God is sounded out of Sion, and you shall tremble, 
 and your whole foundation shall be shaken. The Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 Come, let us try you, ye that cry peace, and cry for peace! Can you en- 
 dure to be tried by the light of the son of God, who seeks not honour from 
 men, but is meek and without guile, and saith, M Swear not at all," and 
 saith, "I came not to send peace on earth, but a sword?" Come, how do 
 cyou feel his life and words, that respecteth not the person of any man, 
 and denies the glory of the world, and testifieth against the evil thereof, 
 without respect of persons, whether in rulers, priests, or people; and saith, 
 "How can you believe, that receive honour one of another, and seek 
 not the honour that cometh from God only?" Are his words peace to 
 your life? and do you savour them well as a joy to you? Or are they as 
 a sword in your bowels, and cut you to the heart as Stephen's did, when 
 he spake to the council, scribes? priests, and elders, and people, 
 who gnashed on him with their teeth, and stoned him for the testimony 
 of Jesus? Come, try your peace, whether it be in the earth, upon which 
 the sword is to come, or whether he is your peace, that brings the sword 
 upon the earth, who seeks not honour from men, who is the condemna- 
 tion of them whose deeds are evil. And see if you can endure the salting 
 with fire, and the day of trial, and the hour of temptation, that will come 
 upon all them that dwell on the earth to try them. And do you not 
 dwell on the earth, who are seeking earthly honour, and imprisoning for 
 it? and will not the sword of God's righteous judgments come upon you 
 for these things? See how you exceed your father, who did but tempt, 
 and not imprison the son of God, when he would not bow down nor wor- 
 ship him. Think on this and tremble, ye seed of evil doers, and consider 
 your ways, and the whole course of your lives, and the end thereof; and 
 see if you can dwell with devouring fire, and with the everlasting burn- 
 ings. For a fire the Lord God of our life is kindling among you, and the 
 thickets of the forest, and the ravenous beasts, and the false prophets 
 shall be consumed by it; and the day is at hand, that a sword shall be 
 upon your right arm, and it shall be dried up, and your right eye shall 
 be utterly darkened. And you shall look for light, but behold darkness, 
 
76 
 
 and dimness, and blindness, and anguish, and vexation of spirit, with bitter 
 lamentation — and for a comforter, but there will be none, because you 
 have despised reproof, and did not choose the fear of the Lord, but have 
 said in your hearts, "There is no God, and what Lord shall control us?" 
 Therefore, God's righteous witness, (the light in your consciences, which 
 makes manifest the hidden things of dishonesty,) will judge and condemn 
 you for all your ungodly deeds and hard speeches, that you ungodly have 
 committed and spoken against him and his dear children; and that is nigh 
 you which will tell the matter. And he that seeth in secret will reward 
 you openly, according to the works of your hands; and will let you see all 
 that ever you have acted; in whose living power and life I now warn you 
 to consider your ways, and repent while you have yet time, and prize 
 this your visitation, lest it stand a dreadful witness for the Lord God 
 against you, and the thing that belongs to your eternal peace be forever 
 hid from your eyes, and your house left unto you desolate. 
 
 This is a warning from the spirit of the living God in his servant, who 
 suffers in the spirit of meekness for his precious truth's sake, who desires 
 not the death of a sinner, but rather that he might turn from his 
 wickedness and live; and am in the house of correction at Winchester, 
 where I have freely given up my life in the will of God, if it be to the 
 finishing my testimony against a sinful and adulterous generation — to 
 w T hich prison I was sent as a wanderer from the town in which I was 
 born, and which is in the same county, and have been kept near twelve 
 months, because I cannot promise to go home — against whom no evil or 
 breach of law hath been charged, though two assizes and four sessions 
 have passed in the time of my imprisonment; who am of the world called, 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 A Voice and visitation of God to the inhabitants of the Isle of 
 
 Wight. 
 
 The Lord God Almighty of heaven and earth, who is the God of Abra- 
 ham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, is risen, with his eternal, dreadful power, to 
 gather, and to scatter, and no people, powers, or nations, shall be able 
 to stop his way. For he, in whose presence all the nations of the earth 
 are but as a drop of a 'bucket, is risen as a giant to the battle; and he, 
 who maketh war in righteousness, is gone forth conquering^ and to conquer, 
 out of whose mouth goeth a sharp two edged sword, with which he will slay 
 the wicked, and cut the heathen that rage asunder. For the Lord God of 
 life and terrible majesty is now risen to judge for the meek of the earth, 
 and to plead the cause of the poor against him that is too strong for him, 
 
77 
 
 and is now making inquisition for blood, And he remembereth the cry 
 of the humble, for the year of his redeemed is come, and the day of 
 vengeance is in his heart. He proclaimeth, "liberty to the captives, 
 and the opening of the prison doors to them that are bound;" who hears 
 the groanings of his precious seed, and for its sake is come down to de- 
 liver. 
 
 Therefore, wo, thick darkness, and dreadful plagues, will come upon 
 Pharaoh and all his host, who oppress the righteous seed, the born 
 of God, in the land of your darkness, and house of bondage ! For the 
 prophet of the Lord God, like unto Moses, (who sctteth before man good 
 and evil, lite and death, the blessing and the curse,) which God hath raised 
 up in the midst of his brethren, which all are to hear, he is now trying 
 Pharaoh, or the sons and daughters of men, who are hardened from his 
 fear, who love the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds 
 are evil, and refuse to let that go which groaneth, and doth sigh and 
 cry for deliverance, and hungers and thirsts after righteousness; which 
 being; desolate and trodden under foot in many, it mourneth unto him, 
 and the cry of it is entered into the ears of the Lord God of rest. And 
 this is the seed which the Lord is gathering into his garner of eternal 
 dominion and peace; and all the chaff which about it oppresseth, though 
 in a profession without the life and power of the seed, will the Lord God 
 consume with the unquenchable fire. 
 
 Therefore, take heed, and be you warned of the Lord God of heaven, 
 all ve rulers, governors, and people of the earth, and all you of this isle, 
 and whom the Lord God Almighty hath moved many of his dear servants, 
 in the dreadful,'pure power of his might, and in the bowels of his love,tp\isit 
 your souls. I say, take heed of striving to hinder this, the great, mighty, 
 and powerful work of God's love amongst the children of men, as you 
 will answer it before the throne of God and of the lamb, who is the 
 light of the world, and lighteth every man that cometh into the world, to 
 whom all judgment and power is committed, who is now come to judge 
 the word in righteousness, and the people with his truth. And he must 
 reign till all his enemies are brought under his feet: "the Lord God 
 of everlasting strength hath spoken it." For he is now coming "in ten 
 thousands of his saints," to convince all that are ungodly amongj you of 
 their ungodly deeds, which they have ungodlily committed, and of all their 
 hard speeches, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him, who is 
 the true light, that lr 6 hteth every man that cometh into the world, who 
 upon them will execute the judgment written. For now is the word of 
 life fulfilling hps promise, which he hath spoken by his former prophets, 
 that in the last days the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established 
 upon the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and 
 many people shall flow unto it, and shall go and say, "Come ye and let 
 
78 
 
 us go up unto the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, 
 
 and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths;" and "let 
 us walk in the light of the Lord." So that the head stone, the mountain 
 of the Lord's house, which the wise master-builders have rejected and 
 refused, (who is the light of the world, the eternal wisdom and power of 
 God,) is he establishing upon the top of all your dark mountains of pride, 
 envy, and ambition, and exalting above your lofty hills of oppression and 
 rage. And "his day," who is the light, "shall be upon every one that 
 is proud, and upon every one that is high and lifted up, and he shall be 
 brought low, and the Lord God alone shall be exalted in that day;" 
 for the decree is gone forth, and the consuming fire is kindled 
 among the thickets of the forest, and his eternal love is stream- 
 ing forth towards the meek in the earth; and against this his mighty 
 and powerful work, the gates of hell, and all the rulers of the dark- 
 ness of this world shall never prevail: the eternal Lord God of heaven 
 and earth hath spoken it. Therefore, in vain do all the potsherds 
 of the earth strive with their maker; and they that resist, resist not 
 man but God, who is the higher power, that lighteth every man that 
 cometh into the world; and such receive to themselves damnation. For 
 to him we are subject, who rides meekly upon the foal of an ass, the 
 wild ass's colt, (he that readeth let him understand,) and he is our peace, 
 in whose mouth is found no guile. Therefore, let none be high minded, 
 but fear; for thou, O man, who art lifted up above the stem of Jesse, and 
 the offspring of David, bearest not the root but the root thee. Therefore 
 thou art to fear and dread the presence of the living God, and depart 
 from evil; and this is the beginning of the eternal wisdom, which is justi- 
 fied of her children, which is from above, pure, peaceable, meek, gentle, 
 sober, and easy to be entreated, whose voice is to you in the power of 
 its love, ye people of this Island, and this will lead you, if you embrace 
 it, into its own paths, which are eternal peace. And this leads out of 
 rashness, crookedness, and perverseness, and out of headiness, and high 
 mindedness, and out of all the lusts and pleasures of sin, which are but for a 
 season. And this brings to be just, merciful, and tender hearted, and to 
 speak truth every man to his neighbour. And this will lead to entertain 
 strangers, when by it you come to see that yourselves have been strangers 
 to the life of God, which is holy, just, and righteous, and full of good faith. 
 And this will let you soldiers see, that you ought not to do violence, or 
 accuse any man falsely; and that you ought to live soberly and righteously 
 in this present world. For all men shall know that the captain of our 
 salvation, (which was made perfect through sufferings, who is the true 
 light that is gone forth conquering and to conquer with his eternal 
 arm of power,) is King of kings and Lord of lords, and must reign over the 
 world, and all its enmity and haughty powers of darkness, which are but 
 
79 
 
 as a vapour. For by him the world was made; and he is the heir, that 
 
 is now come to take peace from the earth, and to call and gather into 
 his vineyard of eternal life. And those that are willing and obedient shall 
 eat the good of the land; but those that refuse and rebel, shall be devoured 
 with his sword. The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 This of the Lord of life was I moved, in this Island to speak forth, as 
 a visitation and warning from him, unto you the inhabitants thereof, both 
 governors, soldiers, priests, and people, on the the 8th of the 11th month, 
 1658; who am a servant of the living God of Abraham, called, 
 
 William Bayly, 
 
A SHORT DISCOVERY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 STATE OF MAN 
 
 BEFORE THE FALL, IN THE FALL, AND OUT OF THE FALL AGAIN. 
 
 Wherein is also laid open the ignorance and error of Robert Hall, preacher 
 at Colebrooke, in Buckinghamshire, and Edmund Board, of the same town, 
 a professor, who are contentious, obeying not the truth which they be erred 
 from, but do oppose themselves against it, as may be seen with the single eye 
 in that which followeth. 
 
 — V 
 
 BY WILLIAM BAYLY. 
 
 "The Lord frusuateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; he turneth 
 wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish." — haiah xliv. 25. 
 M But the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him." — Psalm xxv, 14. 
 
 PHI LAD EL PHI A: 
 
 MARCUS T. C. GOULD, No. 6, NORTH EIGHTH ST RE LIT. 
 
 NEW YORK.- 
 Isaac t. hopper, no. t:o, pearl strelt. 
 
 1830 
 
A SHORT DISCOVERY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 STATE OF MAN, &c. 
 
 In the 4th month, 59, at a meeting in Colebrooke, as I was moved of 
 the Lord, I spake these words: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a 
 man be born again, he can in no wise enter into the kingdom of God." 
 And I also declared, that "God made man in his image, after his likeness, 
 having dominion, and was blessed of God." Gen. i. 26, 28. Also, "that 
 this state was lost from Adam, (in which he was blessed,) by reason of 
 sin and transgression, which brought the curse. Mark, man was made 
 in the image of God, and in that state was blessed. Here was the first word 
 man (in the image of God) that ever I read of in scripture." " Let us make 
 man in our image, after our likeness, and let him have dominion." Gen. 
 i. 26. Man in the image of God, like God, upright, having dominion, 
 blessed of God. Mark, this state was lost and erred from by transgression, 
 transgression lost the dominion, shuts out of the kingdom; therefore, ex- 
 cept a man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom or domi- 
 nion of God, nor be blessed of God, nor be in the likeness or image 
 of God. These things I did and do still affirm and testify, and that as 
 Adam lost the dominion, the peace, and the blessing of God, going from 
 God into transgression, so must all that ever enter the kingdom again — 
 which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy spirit — come to the 
 light, which Christ Jesus hath enlightened them withal, (which shows 
 them sin,) and believe in it, and obey it, to be led out of transgression by 
 it, up to God again. This is the work of the last Adam, to destroy the 
 works of the devil, to quicken up to God again, and to bring again that 
 which was driven away by transgression, [mark that] Ezek. xxxiv. 4. "For 
 it is your iniquities that have separated between you and your God, and 
 your sins have hid his face from you." Isa. lix. 3, 4. "For this purpose was 
 the son of God manifested, to destroy the works of the devil." 1 John, iii. 
 8. Mark, to destroy that which the devil had wrought, disobedience, 
 transgression, all unrighteousness and sin. "This the devil wrought, the 
 old serpent, when he led man out from God, who is light, into darkness, the 
 thick cloud, the separation, (Isa. xliv. 22.) which must be broken down 
 
84 
 
 and destroyed by the power of God, before fallen man can be reconciled 
 to God again. 
 
 Now such were the things which these men, Robert Hall and Edmund 
 Board, opposed, saying, my doctrine tended to no other thing, than to 
 bring people from Christ, to be as the first Adam was, who, said they, 
 was not in Christ, neither had he the holy spirit, said Robert Hall, in his 
 first state, but was earthly; and that the breath of life, which God 
 breathed into man, whereby he became a living soul, was a created 
 thing. These things were by them spoken before many people, bringing 
 the apostle's words in their dark minds, where he said, "The first man is 
 of the earth, earthly," &c. Now the scripture is true; the first Adam 
 was in two states — who will deny it? but I query, whether the first 
 state of the first man was earthly, seeing he was made in the image of 
 God, in his likeness, without sin, upright, and was blessed of God, having 
 dominion and peace with God? I know the first Adam became earthy, 
 when drove from God by transgression into the earth, after he had 
 transgressed, and was afraid of God, when he saw his nakedness, and 
 hid himself. Mark! he had a self now to hide, after transgression; then 
 it was, "I heard thy voice, and was afraid." Here was a division and 
 separation, I and thy, twain, after transgression, but not before, [mark 
 that:] so here is the state of the whole world, in transgression, afraid of 
 God, driven from God into the earth, hiding and covering self, and loving 
 and embracing that which God will destroy. 
 
 Now, these men granted and confessed, that man in his first state had 
 peace with God, and was without sin, in the image, likeness, and dominion 
 of God, and was blessed of God. But, said Robert Hall, he had not then 
 the holy spirit; and said Edmund Board, he was not in Christ in that 
 state. Now this is to be considered with a sober mind in the light. 
 
 Christ Jesus is called the "image of God," (who was without sin;*) and 
 man was made in the image of God, before sin and transgression were, 
 after the likeness of God, and had dominion, and was blessed of God; 
 and saith the scripture, "Adam, which was the son of God."f Then I 
 thus query; could Adam be in the image of God, without sin, in the 
 likeness of God, the son of God, at peace with God, and blessed of God, 
 and yet not have the holy spirit, nor be in Christ? Is not God holy? And 
 can any be in his image, like him, but such as are holy? or be in peace 
 with him, but who are holy, seeing the scripture saith, "There is no peace 
 to the wicked, saith my God;"J and "without holiness, no man shall see 
 the Lord;"§ and "Be ye holy, for I the Lord your God am holy?"|| Can 
 any man be the son of God, or like God, or blessed of God, and not be 
 
 * 2 Cor. iv. 4. f Luke iii. 38. * Jsa. Ivii. 21. § Heb. xii. 14. 
 
 H Levit. xix. 2. 
 
85 
 
 holy?* Let the just answer. Or can any be holy, like God, in the image 
 of God, without the holy spirit? If thou say no, none can be like God 
 (who is holy) but such as are holy, and that none can be holy without 
 the holy spirit, then whether man had not the holy spirit when he was in 
 the image of God, the son of God, in peace, and blessed of God, before sin 
 and transgression were? or can any be the sons of God, at peace, reconciled 
 to God again, without Christ and the holy spirit? Yea or nay. Or doth 
 God speak peace to that which is not like him? or is his blessings to two 
 seeds or but to one? Yea or nay.f 
 
 Now, if any other shall say, that man, in his first state, in the image of 
 God, before sin and transgression were, when he was blessed of God, had 
 not then the holy spirit, neither was he in Christ; then do I query — what 
 and whose spirit was it, which he had, when he was made in the image 
 of God, and blessed ?J Self was not before transgression, and Christ being 
 the image of God, without sin, and man being made in the image of God, 
 before sin and transgression and self, was blessed of God, having domi- 
 nion over the earth, and the creatures; then what or who stood he in, 
 if not in Christ? Or what spirit was he guided and upheld by, before 
 transgression, if not by the holy spirit? Or what was his fall, and what 
 fell he from, when he transgressed? Did he fall from that which was 
 earthly, or from that which was holy, pure, and eternal, of God? Yea or 
 nay ? Consider it. 
 
 But if any should say, that man's first state was earthly, (as these 
 men have said,) then say I, man fell from that which was earthly; for 
 he fell from his first state by transgression. Did he not fall from that 
 which he transgressed? Or do any now fall from that which is earthly, 
 or from that which is heavenly, when they transgress and sin against 
 God? Let God's witness in you answer. 
 
 Objection. — But doth not the scripture say, the first man is of the 
 earth, earthy; and the second is the Lord from heaven; and as we have 
 borne the image of the earthy, so shall we bear the image of the heaven- 
 ly? 1 Cor. xv. 47. 
 
 Jinswer. — Yea, it doth so, and the scripture is true; but he speaks 
 of a mystery, vers. 51. which the blind cannot see; and a light mind in 
 vanity, and lust, and rebellion against God, cannot weigh the weight 
 of holy men's words, being from the light in them, the just balance; 
 neither can men, by the wisdom of this world, comprehend and discern 
 spiritual things. Therefore must all people upon earth be brought to 
 the light, which they be lighted withal, which comes from Christ, the 
 first and the last, the saviour out of transgression, before the/ can see 
 and know that state which was before sin and transgression were; for in 
 
 * 1 Pet. i. 16. 
 
 f Gal. iii. 16. 
 
 \ 2 Cor. iv. 4. 
 
>6 
 
 the dark thou canst not see things that differ; (iniquity is darkness;) but 
 come to the light which condemns sin, and in it wait, and thou wilt see 
 a great difference, between a state before sin and transgression were, 
 and a state in transgression; between a state in peace, and blessed of 
 God, in the image of God, the son of God, and a state under condemna- 
 tion, wrath, and the curse of God, out of his image, out of his son, a 
 transgressor, afraid of God, without peace and the blessing of God; for 
 both these states Adam was in, the first before he transgressed, the 
 other after transgression. So the wages of sin is the curse and death, 
 which came by sin, by transgression, in which state Adam was driven 
 from God into the earth; and this image all transgressors have borne. 
 And the apostle said, "Ye were sometimes darkness, &c. envying one 
 another, living in malice, hating and hateful."* Here was the image 
 which they had borne, but were waiting to bear another image,f to put on 
 Christ, and walk in him, who is the image of God, the first and the last. J 
 
 Now, if any can say, that the apostle, or them to whom he thus spake, 
 had ever borne that image which Adam was in before sin or transgres- 
 sion entered into the world, then let me know when it was they bore 
 it? If thou shalt say, when they were infants, having done neither good 
 nor evil, they were in that state; then let me query, whether all men 
 since transgression, (in the natural state.) were not conceived in sin, and 
 born in iniquity] Yea or nay? And whether the apostle and those he spoke 
 to, had any other birth before regeneration in Christ, the way to God again, 
 the truth, the light, the life, the first and the last, the image of God? 
 
 Objection, — But how could Adam be in Christ before Christ came 
 into the world, or was born of the Virgin, seeing Adam was made in the 
 image of God long before ? Could he be made in Christ, or by Christ, 
 before Christ was? How can these things be? 
 
 •Answer. — The word Christ in letters Christ, was not known, neither 
 was there any occasion of them, before man had transgressed, and lost 
 that life in and by which he was created. But the power which was 
 in that man, or body, which suffered without the gate of Jerusalem, was 
 before the body or creature was made. And it was the power of the 
 most high which overshadowed the virgin; and said he, "A body hast 
 thou prepared me;" mark, this was the life and power in the body 
 which spoke, in whom the fulness of the godhead dwelt! And he spake 
 and prayed to his Father, which was in him.§ So, though he was not 
 known by them letters, or the name Christ, yet he was with the Father 
 glorified before the world began, and was the word in the beginning, || 
 by whom the world was made, who said, "Before Abraham was, I am;"1F 
 but the name or letters Christ, was not until many hundred years after. 
 
 * Gen. iii. 24. f Ilev. iii. 17. * 2 Cor. iv. 4. § John xiv. 11. |j John i. 1. 
 ^ John viii. 8. 
 
So thou mayest see, that the Christ of God, the word, by whom all things 
 were made, was before it was made, glorified with the Father before 
 Abraham, and Adam, and Moses, and the names or letters were, the 
 image of God, the blessed seed. Then why was not man, who was 
 made in the image of God, and blessed of God, in that seed or power, 
 or image, seeing the scripture saith, he was made in God's image, and 
 blessed of God 1* Or whether there be any blessing to more seeds than one? 
 And whether God did not say to Abraham, "In thy seed shall all nations 
 upon earth be blessed."f And they that are Christ's are Abraham's seed, 
 and heirs according to promise,J in Christ, in the seed, in the heir, in the 
 image of God, which was before Abraham was, [to which] are the pro- 
 mises and the blessing§ — yea and amen, and not unto seeds. || 
 
 Again; in those days, before transgression was, there was no need of a 
 saviour, or words, or letters, or names, or preachings, or teachings, to bring 
 man to God, until he had departed from him by transgression, until sin 
 entered into the world, and death by sin, and darkness, ignorance, blind- 
 ness, captivity and bondage were; there was no need to say, believe in 
 the light, and come to the light, and follow and obey it, which shows you 
 sin, until sin was, and darkness was. Sin could not be discovered, where 
 it was not, or before it was. There was no need to say, know the Lord, 
 and fear the Lord, and depart from evil, and to tell of a redeemer, until 
 ignorance, transgression, and bondage were; and to say, obey the Lord, 
 or his word, until disobedience was. So there was not need to mention 
 the name Christ at that time, neither was it, though that seed was a 
 mystery, hid from ages and generations, (the seed of the woman which 
 bruises the serpent's head, which was born of a virgin in due time,) and 
 is yet hid to and in such as walk in darkness, and from all transgressors, 
 who love the evil and darkness rather than the light. 
 
 Now, when Moses and Israel were in the wilderness, and when they 
 sinned in the wilderness, there was a rock which followed them, (mark ! 
 something that's hard to them that sin.) and the apostle said, the rock 
 which followed them was Christ; (consider this well with a single eye;) 
 he that was given for a leader and commander, and goes before his own 
 sheep, followeth them that sinneth, (read within,) and he is the light 
 which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, which is to lead 
 up to God again, out of the world, to the beginning, before the trans- 
 gression or hills were. 
 
 So that this one seed, (which was a rock in Moses's days to them Unit 
 sinned, and called a hard master by the slothful.) hath, in process of time, 
 many names, though one power in nature, as he was called "the word,"' 
 "a child," "a son," "a stone," "the elect," "the foundation," "the door," 
 
 * Gen. i. 26. 28. f Gen. xxii. IS. * Gal. iii. 29. § 2 Cor. i. 20. | Gal. lii. 16. 
 
88 
 
 "the vine," "the lamb of God," and "slain from the foundation of the 
 world," (and all that is in the world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the 
 eye, and the pride of life;*) and he is called "the lion of the tribe of 
 Judah," "the saviour," "the redeemer," "the mediator," "the way," "the 
 truth," "the life," "the seed," "the wonderful counsellor," "the mighty 
 God," "the prince of peace," "the Immanuel, God with us," "the Mes- 
 siah," and "Jesus," which is called Christ — all these names and more 
 are given to the one seed. Now, must people be poring, and ima- 
 gining, and contending about names, letters, and words, which were 
 given since the fall, since transgression? or be brought to the seed, 
 the word, which was in the beginning, the substance, which was before 
 the names, and ends the names, and the letters, and the words, and the 
 imaginations, strivings and contending about words to no profit, and before 
 transgression was, who is the express image of the invisible God, who 
 now is come a light into the world, and preacheth himself the light of 
 the world; and his witness showeth him to be the true light, thatlighteth 
 every man that cometh into the world, full of grace and truth. 
 
 Now reader, if the blessed eye in thee be open, and thou stand sin- 
 gle in it, thou wilt see something in what I have written for the simple's 
 sake, and for the truth's sake; and if thou canst stand still, and but 
 see the truth, then wilt thou see Robert Hall, teacher at Colebrooke, 
 and Edmund Board, in blindness and error, and with a lie in their 
 right hand, who said, "man in his first state, before transgression, (who 
 was the son of God, in the image of God, and blessed of God,) had not 
 the holy spirit, nor was in Christ, but bare the earthly image; and 
 that the breath of life, which God breathed into man, was a created 
 thing." Let the sober-minded, with God's witness, the light in them, 
 judge, whether that which made living be the created thing, or that 
 which was made living by it ? or whether a created thing can create 
 and make living? or whether that life, in which we live, move, and 
 have our being, be the created or the creator? f Let the understanding 
 judge. J 
 
 Now, this was the great error which Robert Hall charged against 
 me, viz. that I went to bring people from Christ, to that state which 
 Adam was in before the fall. Mark and consider, and see what state 
 Adam was in before the fall, before transgression, (that was his fall,) 
 and then see wherein I have erred, if I had brought all people on the 
 earth into that state; or wherein I bring any from Christ, as he hath 
 said, " Adam before the fall was without sin, before the fall was in the 
 image of God, in his state before the fall had dominion over the world, 
 and was the son of God, in the likeness of God, before the fall was 
 blessed of God."§ 
 
 • 1 John ii. 16. f Acts xvii. 28. ' * Deut. xxx. 20. § Gen. i. 
 
89 
 
 Now, if I had, could, or do bring people to this state — to be without 
 sin, to be in the image of God, to be the sons of God, to have dominion 
 over the world, to be blessed of God — wherein is my error? or what 
 have I erred from herein? or what are they erred from who are 
 brought into this state? Let truth judge. 
 
 Now, if any shall say we are erred from Christ, or from God in Christ, 
 or from the spirit, or from the doctrine of Christ, I answer, nay, it is he 
 that transgresseth that abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, and such 
 have not God;* and the Father, son, and spirit are one; and Christ is 
 the first and the last, without sin, before sin and transgression were, the 
 desire of all nations, the image and son of God, glorified with the Father 
 before the foundation of the world ;f to him, and into him is our desire 
 that people should come, in which seed only the blessing is, which all 
 in transgression be erred from.J 
 
 Then it was asked Robert Hall, what he went to bring people unto 
 by his preaching? 
 
 He answered, he went to bring them from that state. [Mark that.] 
 
 Now, if any people were come into that state, to be without sin, in 
 the image of God, the sons of God, having dominion over the world, and 
 blessed of God, as at the first, (read Isa. i. 25, 26.) is it not the work of 
 the devil, of his ministers, and messengers, and angels, to bring them 
 out of this state? Is not this the same work which the devil the old 
 serpent did, when he brought man from that state, in which he was 
 without sin, and blessed of God, at the first, when he transgressed, and 
 was driven out of paradise, (peace, rest, joy,) into the earth, where he 
 became earthly, unsavoury, unrighteous, and unfruitful to God? 
 
 And was it a work of the serpent then, to bring from that state 
 which God blessed, whose blessing and promises, are unchangeably, 
 to the seed and in the seed only, yea and amen;§ and is it not now 
 the work of the devil, the old serpent in Robert Hall, and the rest 
 of his mind, to bring people from that state which of God is blessed? 
 Let them that fear God judge; and then see whose messenger and 
 minister he is, and whose will and work he doth. And if he be found 
 doing the same work which the devil did, when he brought man 
 from his blessed state into transgression, then whether the son of 
 God, the light of the world, will not destroy his work, seeing for this 
 purpose he was manifested, even to destroy the works of the devil ?|| 
 And whether he will not reward the same work with the same wages? 
 And whether the wages of sin be not death? And whether it be not a 
 sin to bring people into sin, from that state which God doth bless? Yea 
 or nay? And whether there be any other state among men, but the 
 
 * 2 John i. 9. f (Jen. xxii. 18, f 1 John iii. 9. $ 2 Cor. i. 20. r] 1 John iii. 8. 
 
 12 
 
00 
 
 blessed and the cursed? If not, then whether he that brings from the 
 blessed state, doth not bring under the curse? And whether he that 
 brings to the state blessed, brings not from under the curse, into peace 
 with God, into the image of God again, into the resurrection and the 
 life, which was before death, the curse, and the fall? So, if it be not an 
 error to bring people from all error, into a blessed state, out of trans- 
 gression, into the image of God, to be the sons of God, to have victory 
 over the world, through him who is the second Adam, the light of the 
 world, the quickening spirit, the first and the last, then I am cleared of 
 that which Robert Hall himself is in. And the blessing of God is to 
 him that brings into the blessed state,* and is in the blessed state, which 
 was before sin and transgression were, the first and the last.f 
 
 Also this Edmund Board said, that he was, through grace, in a more 
 glorious state than Adam was in before the fall, (these are two high 
 words for a liar,) and that he was sat down with Christ in heavenly- 
 places, and had peace with God, and was harmless, and innocent, and 
 without spot, and that the blood of Christ had cleansed him from all sin. 
 
 Something of this I may leave to his neighbours at Colebrook to 
 judge, who know his words, and actions, and conversation, whether 
 he be without spot, or cleansed from all sin — yea or nay? If so, then 
 he hath no sin; but if he commits sin, then he is a liar and of his father, 
 whose works he doth. Now, if it were so, as he hath said he is, cleansed 
 from all sin, so was man without sin before the fall: for sin and transgres- 
 sion were his fall and error. And if he were without sin, and had no sin, 
 and blessed of God before the fall, then how much doth Edmund Board's 
 state exceed this in glory? who saith the blood of Christ hath cleansed 
 him from all sin. Mark! to be cleansed from all sin, and to have no sin, 
 what difference is here? if no sin had been committed, there had been 
 no need of being cleansed from it. He said, he is sat down with Christ 
 in heavenly places. J Now Christ is the image of God, and man before 
 the fall was in the image of God.§ He said, "he was innocent, and with- 
 out spot, and had peace with God;" now, if it were as he hath said, 
 was not man in his first state, before the fall, innocent and without spot? 
 Is not sin the spot? And had he not peace with God before transgres- 
 sion? Or was he afraid and hid himself before transgression, or after? 
 (read within:) or was he blessed, in peace and dominion, before or after 
 he had transgressed?|| Search the scriptures, they testify of the truth, 
 and are a true declaration.1I 
 
 So that if any could believe, that this professor was in a more glorious 
 state than man was in before transgression was, yet I would have them 
 
 • Rev. xxii. 13, 14. f Matt. v. 9. * 2 Cor. iv. 4. $ Gen. i. 26. 
 
 || Gen. i. 28. 1 Luke i. 1. 
 
9] 
 
 believe the truth also, and search the scriptures; for they testify of him 
 which was before sin and transgression were, glorified with the Father 
 before the world began, who is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the 
 last. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear and understand aright.* 
 
 Now, if this man were cleansed from all sin, without spot, innocent, 
 sat down with Christ in heavenly places, and had peace with God as 
 he hath Said, yet in the light search him out further, and see if we can 
 finr 1 him in a more glorious state than man was in before the fall, be- 
 fore transgression was, who was made in the image of God, the son of 
 God, and blessed of God, (then, in peace,) having dominion over all 
 before transgression and sin were; then without sin, the spot, and innocent. 
 So that if he be not in a more glorious state than this, then say I, he is 
 a liar; for he hath said, he was in a more glorious state than Adam was 
 in before the fall, as many others can witness. And if he be a liar, then 
 of him which led from that state, the old serpent, the devil, the deceiv- 
 er; then one with Robert Hall, whose work is, to lead or bring people 
 from that state in which God blessed man before transgression was. 
 Then he is not innocent, nor cleansed from all sin; for lying is sin, and 
 the spot: so not without spot, not in peace, nor blessed of God; then not 
 in so glorious a state as Adam was in before lying and transgression were, 
 but shut out — "without are dogs, and all liars."f 
 
 Now consider, all them that are in transgression, are in the fall, in 
 the adulterated seed, to which the curse is, and not the blessing, driven 
 from God into the earth, vagabonds, cast out, losing the blessing. All that 
 are in lying, swearing, pride, covetousness, wantonness, drunkenness, 
 envy, wrath, frowardness, corrupt communication, lust, whoredom, 
 idolatry, deceit, wildness, profaneness, mocking, these are in the fall, 
 lost, cast out, driven, banished from God by transgression, in the seed 
 of evil doers, which shall never be renowned, but judged, condemned, 
 plagued, and tormented, day and night, forever and ever, if they be 
 not converted, and changed into another seed and stock. Cain, the 
 envious, the vagabond, driven from God; Ishmael, the wild man, the 
 mocker, cast out; Esau, the profane person, the cunning hunter, lost 
 the blessing. Hear this all professors, who are of that stock and seed 
 whose deeds are evil, hating the light with which you be lighted, (and 
 all you ungodly ones every where,) which lets you see all your ungod- 
 ly deeds and hard speeches, and your perverse and crooked ways you 
 have walked in; it is your condemnation in that state, even the light, 
 which would lead you out of transgression,J up to God again, did you 
 love it — out of the world, to the beginning, before the 'world and trans- 
 gression were, to Christ Jesus, by whom the world was made, the word? 
 
 Rev. xxii. 13. 
 
 f Rev. xxii. 13, 14, 15. 
 
 i John iii. 19. 
 
92 
 
 which was before the words and letters, and before the many things, 
 and names, and languages, and before the sects and opinions, heaps and 
 imaginations were. The light leads out of all these, up to him from 
 whence it comes, who hath a name above and before every name under 
 heaven, the saviour of the soul immortal, glorified with the Father, the 
 prince of peace, who brings out of transgression and sin, out of darkness, 
 the curse and fall, again, all them that follow him in the regeneration. 
 And I say again, "Except a man be born again, he cannot inherit the 
 kingdom of God," which is righteousness, peace, and joy, in the holy 
 spirit. So to whom this may seem error, as it hath to some, my advice to 
 such is, come to the light, (which is true,) in thy conscience, and be not 
 hasty to speak evil of things thou knowest not, as many have done, but 
 first cast out the beam and let it search thy heart, and try thy reins, 
 and ways, and words, and in it see if thou be not yet in the fall, trans- 
 gression, and error. For all that be from the light, are erred from the 
 right way, Christ, the light, the way, the truth, and the life, who is the 
 first and the last, the image of God — and so are in darkness, not able 
 to discern things that differ, because darkness hath blinded the eye.* 
 
 These things are not published in envy to any man upon earth, but 
 in true love to the seed and truth of God, and for the sake of the 
 simple, who are tossed up and down with every wind of doctrine, that 
 they may come to the word which was in the beginning, which the 
 true light comes from, and in it be established. 
 
 Kingston upon Thames, the 24th of the \ w t> 
 
 4th month, 1659. ) William iuyly. 
 
 Ji Warning from the Lord, to the Inhabitants of the City of Lon- 
 don, given forth on the day after their fast and humiliation, 
 the 1st day of the 7th month, 1659. By William Bayly. 
 
 Thus saith the Lord God, even the Lord God of life, of heaven and 
 earth, by whom the world was made, I am wearied with your wick- 
 edness, and unspeakable abominations. I am oppressed under it, as a 
 cart is over-pressed with sheaves. My soul is loaded and burdened, 
 and my spirit is daily vexed and grieved with your continual transgres- 
 sions against my pure light of life in you, which lets you see these 
 abominations to be evil. How long will you provoke me to jealousy? 
 How long will you harden your hearts, as in the day of slaughter, nour- 
 
 * 1 John ii. 18. 
 
93 
 
 ishing up yourselves and one another in your abominable rebellion and 
 wickedness? When will you cease to do evil? When will you consi- 
 der your latter end? How long will you delight in that which my 
 endless judgments and fierce indignation are against ?" W T o to the crown 
 of pride, which reigns in this place, and to the drunkards of England, 
 of all sorts. Wo to all you ungodly, whoremongers, wanton whores! 
 plagues are your portion. And all you sporters, rioters, fiddlers, and 
 players ! you are worse unto me than Sodom and Gomorrah, saith the 
 Lord God; and my vengeance, like a besom of fire, shall sweep you into 
 everlasting torment, where you shall be plagued without end. Ye fruit- 
 less trees,"you cumber the ground! Ye thistle and thorny children of 
 wrath and darkness! my dreadful power is against you, which will over- 
 turn, root up, and utterly consume you off the face of the earth. This 
 is your portion from my hand forever, except you speedily repent. 
 
 Also, give ear and hearken unto the word of the Lord, which is to 
 thee, who art in the chief authority in this city, and you who are in 
 the highest places, outwardly, in this nation; thus saith the Lord God 
 of hosts to you: Fear and dread my pure, powerful name, and take 
 heed to your wavs, words, and actions. Is it not for you t6 love the 
 good, and hate the evil ? Love that in you which lets you see sin and 
 evil in your own particulars, in your own consciences, that you by 
 it may be guided and ordered, and have dominion in my righteous pow- 
 er over the fleshly lusts in your own selves, which war against the im- 
 mortal soul. So you will come to rule well in the humility and authority 
 of my pure spirit, in which you will be worthy of double honour, and 
 be kept out of the fearful, abominable, and hypocritical state, which 
 all the wicked are in, not able to trust one another in the earth, There- 
 fore, come forth of evil, to the light, and be obedient to the power that 
 moveth against sin, and live in it, that your own salvation may be 
 wrought out with fear and trembling, that you may be a terror to the 
 evil-doer, without respect of persons, places, or things, and that you 
 maybe a praise to them that do well; and be no longer deceived with 
 dreams, but awake to righteousness while you have yet time, and see 
 how you stand in the dreadful presence of the Almighty God, who is 
 coming to question with you, and to call you to an account of your 
 ways, and places, and governments, how you have fulfilled and answer- 
 ed his will by your obedience, in suppressing, plucking up, and cutting 
 down, by the sword of justice and judgment, all that which offends the 
 pure, meek, righteous, powerful spirit of the lamb of God, which is 
 without guile, to whom pride is abomination; in whose pure, powerful 
 name of life, I warn you all, to consider how, with, in, and for what, 
 and whom you rule, lest you proceed on in the dark paths of them 
 who before you have stumbled, fallen, and been broken to pieces. For 
 
94 
 
 the dreadful, terrible, and mighty power of the Lord God of life is 
 gone forth as a whirlwind of fire, to scatter the proud, and all that 
 live ungodly. And it shall come to pass, that the oppressor shall be 
 oppressed, and the proud shall be abased, and the drunkard shall thirst, 
 and the wanton and careless ones shall wail, lament, and howl ; and 
 the lustful, envious, and wrathful shall burn in the consuming fire of 
 my wrath, saith the Lord God. And if you repent not speedily, Nine- 
 veh, Tyre, and Sidon, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the beasts of the 
 field, will rise up in judgment against you, and will condemn this abo- 
 minable, sinful, and adulterous generation. 
 
 Therefore, great things doth the Lord God require of you, that be in 
 great places and authority in the earth. You should rule in the mea- 
 sure of God, (which moves against sin in the heart of man,) for God, 
 in his stead, in his pure fear, in true zeal, in the life of truth. There- 
 fore, look about you, and see what state this city and nation are in, under 
 your government. And search diligently, by God's witness in you, 
 whether the Lord God of truth and righteousness be not arisen against 
 the abominations thereof in his despised sons and daughters, in these 
 your days. And this testimony I bear for the Lord God, in whose pow- 
 er I stand a witness against all your ungodly deeds and actions, both in 
 your church, state, and all other affairs, which are contrary to truth, 
 equity, and righteousness; you are warned of him at this day, as true 
 as ever Pharaoh, the old world, Nineveh, or Sodom was. Therefore, 
 you that be in authority, come down to the feet of him that seeks not 
 his own honour, but the honour that cometh from God only, that you 
 may be exalted and enthroned by him to whom every knee shall bow. 
 And remember the king of Nineveh, what he did when he was warned 
 by the same unchangeable God as you have been, and see whether this 
 be a time or day to say, let us eat, drink, and be merry, and take our 
 fill of pleasures in the lust of darkness and ignorance, while some of 
 the servants of the living God go in sackcloth, and some have gone 
 naked amongst this generation, as signs and wonders to you. But 
 such as live in darkness cannot discern them, any farther than the face 
 of the earth or sky. 
 
 Therefore, come forth of thick darkness, and consider whether the 
 king of Nineveh would have suffered such cursed abominations to be 
 acted in that city, (who had but one warning,) as you have in yours, 
 (who have had many warnings,) even open revellings, rioting, drunken- 
 ness, shows, plays, and several kinds of profane and ungodly works and 
 ways, which God's soul loaths, who will visit for these things. 
 
 Would not the king of Nineveh bare witness against your fast days 
 and humiliation days, and say, it is all feigned, hypocritical, and abomi- 
 nable, and deceitful? Who can suffer or tolerate cursed revellings, pop- 
 
95 
 
 pet playing, which occasion people's minds to be drawn further from the 
 witness of God in them, even to the murdering of the just, whose blood 
 cries for vengeance upon you rulers and teachers; and to suffer drunken- 
 ness, rioting, and dancing, like the prince of devils formed into many shapes 
 in men and women, in your streets or city. Take heed how you suffer 
 these things to be any more, I warn you from the Lord God. For his soul 
 loathes such doings, and will be avenged on such a nation as this; and the 
 Lord God hath a controversy with you that be the leaders, teachers, and 
 governors of this people, and he will plead with you concerning these 
 things, and you shall know, that he searcheth the heart, and will reward 
 every man according to his deeds, from whose presence you cannot flee. 
 Therefore consider your ways and your doings. Will you fast, pray, 
 hang down the head for a day, and profess and talk of God and Christ 
 with your mouths, and never obey his voice, which calls for truth, righte- 
 ousness, mercy, and judgment; for this is his voice or word in you, which 
 saith, " Cease to do evil," and " do so no more, lest a worse thing come 
 upon thee:" and " put away the evil of your doings from before mine 
 eyes." (The light is the eye, which lets you see the sin.) And will you op- 
 press and wrong the innocent, who reproves the ungodly that he may 
 not die in his sin, and yet call upon God with your lips? who will punish 
 and break in pieces the oppressor and his heritage by his mighty power. 
 
 Therefore, hear and understand that which reproves you for sin, and 
 to it be obedient, lest you perish from the way of life and peace for ever; 
 for, of the Lord God am I moved to warn you all, to clear my conscience 
 of you, and him of your blood, whose witness in you will be answered, 
 whether you hear or forbear. 
 
 Therefore, come to the light, and see what is done in your government, 
 and in the time of your authority and rule in this city; what devilish re- 
 velling, singing, rioting, drunkenness, swearing, wantonness, and all 
 manner of ungodly practices, are committed within your government 
 openly, which grieve the spirit of God, and the soul of the righteous, to 
 hear and see these abominations. What would become of this nation or 
 city, if the Lord God had not a chosen seed in it, to bear witness against 
 the evil thereof? Consider these things; for with you God will plead, who 
 have the power in your hands to subdue and crush under these abomina- 
 tions, if you are not guilty of the same things yourselves, and lovers of, and 
 found in the same or such things your own selves. If you are, you have not 
 the true power and authority to restrain them in others. This is from the 
 Lord God to you all. 
 
 Therefore, come out of pride, pleasures, covetousness, wrath, and wan- 
 tonness, and all ungodliness your own selves, and then you will feel the 
 mighty power of God assisting you, and giving you dominion, enabling you 
 to destroy it in others. Here you may come to rule for God in truth, 
 
9C> 
 
 equity, and judgment, in the principle of God. So being redeemed out 
 of the evil yourselves, you will be a terror and a dread to evil doers in 
 your places of government. But if you walk contrary to the truth of God 
 in your own particulars, and so give liberty to the abominable practices 
 and inventions of the devil, in his children of darkness, and cause the in- 
 nocent to suffer, and grieve the pure spirit of God; if you should not come 
 to feel the burden of these things, but be hardened, and proceed on in 
 tolerating the wicked and oppressing the just, the Lord God, who is no 
 respecter of persons, will destroy you, as he hath many, and your lot and 
 portion will be the same, and he will choose a people to himself, in whom 
 his fear and love are placed, who love righteousness, and hate iniquity, 
 and their throne shall be established for ever. But the name and memo- 
 rial of the ungodly shall utterly perish, saith the Lord God Almighty. 
 
 This is written in obedience to the living God, whose powerful voice 
 cried through me, against the abominations of this city, the next day after 
 your fast and humiliation, saying, write unto the mayor, and to the go- 
 vernors of this place and nation, that they may once more be warned to 
 repent, and restrain these abominations; and that those among them who 
 take warning, may escape my everlasting judgments. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 London, the 1st of 1th month, 1659. 
 
 This is for them that do nourish up their hearts as in a day of 
 slaughter, who for the joy of an earthly king, have grieved, dis- 
 honoured, and blasphemed the Lord, who is King of heaven and 
 the whole earth, before whom all nations must bow and tremble. 
 By William Bayly. 
 
 Do you not believe there is a God? If you do, whether you do believe 
 that he is righteous, and a re warder of every man according to his works? 
 If so, then whether the wages of sin be not death? And whether your re- 
 velling, drunkenness, profaneness, and blasphemy, by swearing and curs- 
 ing, are not sin, unrighteousness, and contrary to the righteous God? And 
 whether you learned any of these things as ensamples from them that gave 
 forth the scriptures, which you call your rule, and say you are chris- 
 tians? Or from them which God overthrew, leaving them for an exam- 
 ple of his vengeance? O people! deceive not your souls. Whatsoever you 
 sow, the fruit thereof you shall assuredly reap. And the Lprd God is just, 
 who has said, " The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment, and the 
 triumphing of the. wicked is short." 
 
 Consider these things! You may have a day, and God may give you 
 
<J7 
 
 a 
 
 leave to see what you will do, to try you, and that it may be made mani- 
 fest whose children you are, and what the* nature is of the root from 
 whence these things arise, that so every thing and plant may grow up to 
 ripeness against the dreadful day of God, which I do believe is not far olF, 
 though many may endeavour to put it from them, whose judgment 
 slumbereth not. 
 
 Therefore, give car while you have a little space to repent, and fear 
 before the Lord, and meet him in the way of his judgments, whom you 
 have deeply offended, grieved, and provoked daily by your madness and 
 folly; for from the priests to them that should do justice and righteous 
 judgment among you, is profaneness and lewdness gone forth; and the 
 righteous God, who is no respecter of persons, will surely plead with you 
 about these things. O people! I am filled with the zeal and power of 
 the righteous, jealous God of truth, against these your abominable prac- 
 tices. And if I should lay down my life for my testimony, I am content; 
 for to do the will of my Father is my meat and drink. And this is my 
 testimony for God among you, that though you do for a season slay his 
 witness in you, and trample the blood of God's everlasting covenant under 
 foot; yet in a day at hand it shall arise again, and set before you all these 
 abominations, and will call heaven and earth, and the things therein, to 
 witness against you. And though you may for a moment make merry 
 over him that reproves you for sin, yet this know assuredly, that the spi- 
 rit of life from God will enter into his faithful witness, and then will great 
 fears and amazements fall on you, such as you have not heard. For ac- 
 cording to your joy in unrighteousness and profaneness, shall be your ter- 
 rors and judgments. For the Lord God is just, and will reward you 
 accordingly. 
 
 Therefore, remember your latter end, when these things will be no 
 more; and give over grieving the righteous spirit of the Lord; for "God 
 will not always strive with man." And let Sodom and Gomorrah be 
 an example of God's vengeance to all that live ungodly. And no more 
 profess yourselves christians, till you come to live like unto Christ, lest 
 your portion be among hypocrites and abominable, where are weeping 
 and gnashing of teeth forever. For as sure as the Lord liveth, this is 
 the portion of them that forget God. Therefore, fear the Lord, and 
 consider these things. The fear of the Lord is wisdom, which keeps 
 out of the evil that is in the world, and preserves the creation, and 
 teacheth to use it in moderation, to God's glory, by whom it was cre- 
 ated, who forbids excess, and all'supcrfluity of naughtiness; the which 
 things are found among you who profess and take his name in your 
 mouths, but you take it in vain, and God will not hold you guiltless in 
 these things. Therefore, fear and tremble, and let your laughter be 
 turned into mourning, and your joy into heaviness, and humble your- 
 
 ' 13 
 
98 
 
 selves under the mighty hand of God, and prize your time to come: 
 you are warned of the Lorti God. 
 
 Now people, if it be so, that God hath given you a king, and that 
 you shall enjoy much peace, quietness, and benefit through him, then 
 why do you not give God the glory, and praise and worship God, that 
 giveth all good, by a sober, righteous life, in his fear, and in humble- 
 ness of mind; and not like wild brute beasts, making a confused noise, 
 (nay, worse,) by revelling, drunkenness, swearing, cursing, and the like 
 abominations, which God's soul abhors, and will plead with you about 
 these things. Therefore, consider your manner of joy and rejoicing; for 
 it is found evil, whether God hath given you a king or not. For if God 
 hath given him to you, you ought to have returned him the thanks for 
 his gift, with an upright heart, and to have rejoiced in the Lord with 
 trembling, giving the glory to God. If you say you shall get gain by 
 him, or the like, yet I say such rejoicing is evil; for you abuse God's 
 creation on your lusts, who is King of kings and Lord of lords, for 
 which things you must give an account. Let me a little reason with 
 you in God's behalf about these things; for verily my soul is grieved, 
 and God's spirit with your doings is daily provoked and burdened. Have 
 you not, in this your joy and rejoicing, abused God's good creatures, and 
 made much waste and spoil of them, where you needed not had you 
 been guided with God's wisdom? For it is even a great shame to hear 
 or see men, that should be grave and solid, and governors of others in 
 wisdom, and be patterns of it to others, to be light, vain, and foolish, 
 even encouraging wild and wicked boys, and rude and drunken men, to 
 act lewdness, to the dishonour of God, and grief of good, sober people. 
 And do not many poor people want such things as you, through excess 
 and extremes of vanity, have abused and wasted, both in meats, drinks, 
 fuel, and the like? Let God's witness answer, which tells you the truth; 
 and close not the eye. 
 
 Now, if this should be your pretence, and the ground of this your 
 joy, that it is because you hope to enjoy peace and commerce with 
 other nations in a way of trading, or the like, and that you hope to 
 gain these things you now waste, and more, by the peace and benefit 
 you are like to enjoy by the king: to this let me answer — Do you 
 make more provision to have peace and commerce with other nations, 
 than you make conscience to offend God by abusing his name and crea- 
 tures on your lusts, and more than to endeavour unity and peace with 
 God by speedy repentance from evil works, without whose favour you 
 are undone forever? O foolish and unwise people! where are your 
 minds and affections, your hopes and hearts 7 My soul pities you. Your 
 trial is now, but your hopes may perish. 
 
 Therefore, consider the ground of all this stir among you, and see 
 
99 
 
 what carrieth you on in these things; and whether God's witness in 
 your own consciences doth not judge and condemn you in secret, not- 
 withstanding your great joy and triumph. O people! let me ask you, 
 where is the place of soberness and the fear of God? Hath it with- 
 drawn itself from among you? If so, surely the just must needs suffer, 
 and the innocent be slain. So remember, while you have yet time, 
 again you are warned, and it is the word of the Lord God to you, whether 
 you hear or forbear, and it will stand a witness against you on your 
 death-bed, if you repent not, and God will be clear of your blood; and 
 my conscience also in this particular, who am his servant, that partaketh 
 of the sufferings of the righteous seed in the whole creation, to whom 
 I remain a friend, and to the other known only by this name, 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 Pool in Dorset, the last day of the 3d Month, 
 by the world called May, 1660. 
 
 This is given forth as a warning from the Lord, and to prevent the 
 like abominations, lest God's heavy judgments break forth against the 
 nation, and sweep many into endless misery. 
 
 Truly the Lord hath laid it upon me, to warn you once more, that 
 I may be clear of your blood when your calamity cometh as a whirl- 
 wind, even all you who make merry over the witness of God in you, 
 which reproves and condemns you for your wildness, lewdness, and wick- 
 edness, and pleads with you in the cool of the day, when you are a little 
 still and quiet. Why will ye die? Why will ye perish forever? Why 
 do you not regard your souls more than your bodies, which are but for 
 a moment? My soul is grieved for you, considering your state, how 
 senseless of God and goodness you are. Do you think your mirth, which 
 is as the crackling of thorns under a pot, will keep off the vengeance 
 that is due to you for all your sins? I tell you nay; it will add to it, 
 even as fuel for the fire. 
 
 Therefore, consider your latter end, which hastens; for God will not 
 always strive with you, though for a little time your singings, and re- 
 vellings, and brutishness may quench, and darken, and trample under 
 the light and motions of God in you, which lets you see, and checks 
 and reproves you for these things; yet it will arise upon you, and bring 
 you down, and condemn, confound, and distract you, and turn your 
 songs into howling, and your mirth into bitter lamentation: then shall 
 you wish that you had never been born, or that the womb had been 
 your grave, that you should so provoke the pure, just God against you, 
 
100 
 
 by these things, which grieve his righteous soul. And he will arise, and 
 that speedily, like a lion out of a thicket, and will tear and go his way, 
 and rend the caul of your heart, and none shall be able to deliver you. 
 Then will you be left in utter darkness, where is weeping and gnashing 
 of teeth forever. 
 
 Therefore, consider your ways, and the end of your doings, and fear 
 and tremble before the dreadful God ; and leave off your swearing, 
 cursing, and revelling, your drunkenness, beastliness, and confusion; it 
 is all madness and folly; it is all vanity and vexation of spirit. And 
 all your quarrelling, revilings, and abusing one another, and your per- 
 verse and corrupt communications, grieve God's spirit, and provoke 
 his jealousy to burn against you. 
 
 So, while you have time, be still and repent: for God's judgments 
 are at hand, which will bring sorrow, anguish, and misery upon you. 
 Therefore, take warning, while breath is in your nostrils, that you may 
 not fall into the bottomless place of everlasting burnings, out of which 
 there is no redemption. 
 
 This is your visitation from God, through his servant, whose soul is 
 grieved with the unlawful deeds and filthy conversation of the wicked, 
 from day to day ; yet not desiring the death of a sinner, but rather that 
 he might repent and live. 
 
 As shall be witnessed in the day of sore calamity, which hastens upon 
 all flesh that hath corrupted its way. 
 
 W. B. 
 
THE LIFE OF ENOCH 
 
 AGAIN REVIVED, 
 
 In which Abel's offering is accepted, and Cain's mark known, and 
 he rejected: through the opening of the inward mystery of crea- 
 tion, by the first mover and former thereof, who is the only wise, 
 invisible God; to whom be the glory and praise in and over all 
 his works, Amen, To which is annexed, the Travail of the 
 bowels of Sion, and the cry of the sins of Sodom is great this 
 day before the Lord. Jllso, Ji Common Objection answered about 
 the name of Jesus. 
 
 God, the original being of all beings, visible and invisible, created 
 man in the purest life of all beings, and brought him forth in his own 
 likeness and image, in which was manifested the upright, innocent, 
 righteous life and properties of his creator; in which he had the pure 
 feeling and discerning of the motions and natures of every thing created, 
 whether good or evil; and was to rule by the will of God, in the up- 
 right life over them all, in the perfect understanding, blessed dominion, 
 and gentle wisdom of his maker, which was to be his guide in all things, 
 in which he was appointed to be exercised, and to order the works of 
 God's hands to his praise and glory. 
 
 But when he had hearkened and inclined to a wrong motion, obeying 
 the will and lust thereof, it began to lead him from his proper habita- 
 tion, and then there entered and grew in him a ground or receptacle for 
 all wrong and contrariety to that life in which he was created; and he 
 became veiled and darkened, losing the true dominion of the most in- 
 ward life of all good. For in man is the virtue, nature, or savouring 
 property of every creature, in heaven and earth, the sea, and all 
 things visible and invisible. But the lamb in him, was to be the lion, 
 king over all the beasts of the field; yet so it was and is, that to which 
 property he yields, or gives up himself so as to bring forth the fruits of 
 its motion, to that he becomes a servant, under its power and dominion, 
 whether it be of God, angels, or beasts, fish, fowls, or creeping things; 
 " his servant he is, whom he obeys," as it is written, and is transformed 
 into its likeness or property. As for instance, if pride be the ruler or 
 
102 
 
 swayer of any person of mankind, then the nature of the innocent, meek 
 lamb of God, which should be its ruler and governor, is become a poor, 
 suffering captive in that creature; oppressed, grieved, and vexed, even 
 as just Lot in Sodom, (which was a true figure in the whole creation,) 
 and so the nature of beasts (by being yielded unto) ruleth over God's life 
 in him and over the creature man. So at length the prancing horse, that 
 paweth over the vallies, and the fierce and proud leviathan, that play- 
 eth in the great waters, are perfectly seen with the children of men; and 
 the nature and properties of the swine, wolf, and subtle fox, the flying 
 serpent, and devouring dragon, are brought forth, ruling over (in its do- 
 minion) both the life, properties, and workmanship of God. 
 
 Now it is written, that before the creation was formed, according to 
 the will of God, that darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the 
 earth was without form and void, and then the spirit of God moved 
 upon the face of the deep, which was covered with darkness; so it en- 
 tered within the darkness, and stirred the darkness and the waters, by 
 which the dark powers upon the face of the deep were stirred, and 
 wrought also, bringing forth forms according to the stirring of the depth 
 of the deeps. Yet God by his moving, is the causer of the forming, 
 creating, and manifesting of all creatures, visible and invisible; as it is 
 well known in the eternal wisdom, in which Solomon knew the natures, 
 properties, and habitations of the beasts of the earth, fowls of the air, 
 fish of the sea, and the creeping things, with all trees, plants, roots, and 
 seeds, from the tall cedar to the hyssop on the wall. 
 
 But here is a mystery of mysteries: when God had moved through 
 all these things, and brought forth several forms into a visible being 
 in several seasons, (all good as they stood in the obedience or subjection 
 to the life that stirred or formed them,) that he again at last, or toward 
 the seventh day, stirred in the deep depth of deeps, to bring forth, 
 (through, beyond and above all things before created,) one in the life 
 of creation, to govern and rule over all things created, being male and 
 female in one, even as a tree planted, having its seed in itself: but 
 these wonderful works of God are known only in the deep, as it is written. 
 
 Now, if man, that was thus fearfully and wonderfully made and form- 
 ed, (who hath been degenerated through disobedience and transgression,) 
 doth not come again to know the life that formed him, and abide with 
 it, in subjection to it, and staid in the unity with it, but is still a stranger 
 from it, through the lusts of the natures of the bestial life ruling in 
 him, he is, in this state, the most miserable in the whole creation; 
 because, ho being formed out of the depth of deeps, (by the most inward 
 spirit, the creator,) will fall deeper than any creature that was formed 
 upon the face of the earth, even into the bottomless place, below 
 the depth of deeps, in an eternal sinking, being fallen from his founda- 
 
103 
 
 tion, the spirit that formed him in the life of the depths of that which 
 was before created. 
 
 Therefore, O man! come to thy centre, like as all other creatures 
 and forms do. Consider the fowls of the air, in which their property 
 was stirred to creation ; and also the fish of the waters, in which their 
 property was stirred or generated; and the beasts of the field or earth, 
 and creeping things, who keep their place in which they were generated, 
 (their proper habitation,) manifesting the former of them all. And stand 
 thou again in thy proper habitation, and who then can declare thy 
 generation, being that spiritual man (in that state) which judgeth all 
 things, and thyself is not judged of any. Let him that reads this 
 understand. But when the mind of man went outward, from the sub- 
 jection to the life that formed him, he went into the property or place 
 of beasts, fowls, and creeping things, and then the true life and former 
 of all things became a troubler, reprover, and condemner of him, he 
 being gone from his right place and habitation in which he was created 
 and placed; and so being troubled in himself, he fretted against the life 
 that troubled and secretly judged him, (which is God,) and so grew into 
 wrath, anger, and frowardness, even ready to lift up his hand against 
 every thing that crossed him, (here was Ishmael born, whose hand is 
 against every man,) having no resting place in the upright life that 
 formed liim, but yielded his heart to go outward into the bestial 
 properties, which should have been always joined to God his creator, 
 and not have departed from him; but being in transgression was afraid 
 of God, drove outward into the earth, like Adam. Mark here, not 
 that God the creator doth willingly or purposely drive men from him, 
 into the outward, earthly, or bestial properties; but man being de- 
 parted from him, by doing that which is contrary to his pure motion 
 and life, he is therefore troubled, and feels the anger of his creator for 
 it, who is grieved and vexed with the disobedience of his creatures. 
 And so to get ease from the trouble, man runs more into those thoughts 
 and things which occasion more anger, torment, and trouble to his own 
 soul; like Saul, who got music to quiet him, when he had departed from 
 the true spirit and life of creation, in which man was brought forth in 
 the beginning in Adam, (before the inventions,) in the upright life, where 
 all was quiet, in subjection to God, who is sufficient rest, peace, and 
 quietness to all that live therein; but going from it into the beastial 
 properties, man is defiled and polluted, it being not his true rest, as 
 saith the scripture. 
 
 Here also was Cain gone out from the true life, and sacrificed from 
 the outward property of beasts, in which he was not accepted, but 
 was troubled and judged by the inward life that formed him, (in which 
 Abel offered.) and so he fretted, and was wroth with his brother, and 
 
104 
 
 slew him, because he offered in the most inward principle or property 
 in which he was formed, which was his proper habitation, and so ac- 
 cepted, and in it was well pleasing to God his creator. But Cain being 
 gone from the inward into the outward, offered but the outward in the 
 earthly and bestial, which reached not the inward, neither could be 
 accepted of God, the most inward life and power of creation; and having 
 the sense of non-acceptation, it reflected upon him, judging and troubling 
 him, so that his countenance fell, and he was wroth with his brother. 
 This is Cain's mark in all ages, viz. the outward birth in the fleshly and 
 outward properties, persecuting the inward spiritual birth, in God's 
 property; which began in Cain and 'Abel, as it is written, "He that 
 was born after the flesh,"or the outward birth,"persecuted him that was 
 born after the spirit," or inward forming life, which is God; even so it 
 is now, as he that is born in Abel's property seeth: therefore let him 
 that readeth, wait to understand it, in the most inward principle. 
 
 O ye sons of Adam ! consider in what property you are born, and live, 
 and offer sacrifice; for God is not mocked; you shall reap what you sow, 
 and not otherwise: if you are in the outward birth, which is of the flesh, 
 then are you not accepted of the most pure invisible God; but are 
 judged, troubled, and condemned by him, because of which you are 
 fretful, froward, and wroth against them who are in the inward, spirit- 
 ual birth, more righteous than you; for you and your knowledge stand 
 in the proud, stubborn, and wilful properties of brute beasts, in which 
 you speak evil of the most inward things, which you know not, as it is 
 written, nor ever shall in that state, till you come to the most inward 
 life that formed you, which is deeper, higher, and more excellent, than 
 the bestial or outward life in which you offer sacrifice to the unknown 
 God, who accepts it not at your hands. And you are them that draw near 
 with your mouth and lips, but your hearts are far off. Mark, you draw 
 near in the outward, but the most inward is at a distance, or that se- 
 parated from you in which the acceptance is. So, be not deceived; for 
 Cain and Abel are rightly understood in the most inward ground, and 
 nothing is hid from the former of all things, with whom we have to do; 
 in which also Jacob and Esau are clearly known and manifested, the 
 one a plain man dwelling in a tent, the other a cunning hunter, a man 
 of the field, as saith the scripture; and saith God, "Jacob have I loved, 
 and Esau have I hated." But how comes this to pass, that he loveth 
 pne and hateth the other, while they are but children? It is from the 
 same ground in which he had respect to Abel and his offering, but not 
 to Cain and his offering. It lieth in the births or inward properties in 
 which they arc generated, ruled, and acted, and not in the outward 
 persons or names. For God is no respecter of persons or outward names. 
 So that Jacob was not loved because his name was Jacob, for it is written, 
 
105 
 
 "Thv name shall no more be called Jacob but Israel; for ttiou hast 
 wrestled like a prince, and hast prevailed with God and with men;' 
 Mark, God changeth his outward name, as he did Abram and Sarai; 
 which is also for some reason (in his own counsel) which the outward 
 sees not. But Jacob was a plain man in the tent, (the most inward 
 life,) his proper habitation, in which the love and acceptance are, and are 
 manifested to that birth through all ages. 
 
 But Esau, which was hated, was a cunning hunter, a man of the 
 field. Mark, this nature or property was the hated, and not the per- 
 son, which by itself is but earth, or a dead, passive creature, a man of 
 the field, the mind wholly contracted or captivated, in the wild, hunting, 
 straying nature, even in the outward properties, where the blessing is 
 not obtained, but is of right unto Jacob in the tent before the cunning 
 hunting was; yea, and he shall be blessed. He that readeth, let him 
 understand; for they are in being at this day. 
 
 And now also is the life of Enoch, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, the pro- 
 phets, Christ, and the apostles known, in the most inward motion, prin- 
 ciple, or life that formed them; which is not known to the children of 
 the fleshly,or out-birth,no more than he that is upon the face of thewaters 
 knoweth what is in the depth or bottom of the ocean: as it is written, they 
 know nothing but what they know naturally as brute beasts, in wliich 
 property they also corrupt themselves, but the spiritual, inward, or 
 plain man knoweth all things, being in the tent, or counsel of the 
 Former thereof. But the natural knows not the spiritual, as I have said. 
 
 And it is written, Enoch the seventh from Adam, walked with God, 
 and was not; for God took him. Mark, he was retired through all the 
 created properties back to the life, the creator and former of all tilings, 
 (in which the prophet was born) even in the most inward invisible life 
 translated, and was not, for God took him out of the sight and knowledge 
 of the out-birth, into the substance of Jacob's tent, whom God loveth; in 
 which he prophesied, that God, the invisible being, would "come in ten 
 thousands of his saints," translated ones, "to convince them that are un- 
 godly of their ungodly deeds, wliich they have committed, and of their 
 hard speeches, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him," and to 
 execute his judgments upon that birth which knoweth him not. For the 
 acceptance is only in that birth and life, which dwelleth inwardly, in 
 the subjection and true knowledge, love, and unity of the eternal, invi- 
 sible life, which is, and is called, the Lord and creator of all things, who 
 shall so be known, in a time at hand, as fully and manifestly as the waters 
 cover the seas. 
 
 But Nimrod, the mighty hunter before the Lord, the beginning of 
 whose kingdom is Babel, (confusion,) yet remains to this day among the 
 mighty and cunning hunters, who have always hunted after the most 
 
 14 
 
106 
 
 inward, precious, substantial life, which to them is still unknown, as was 
 manifested in Cain, Ishmael, Esau, Haman, Judas, Herod, and many 
 more which might be named, of high priests, rulers, and people, who 
 were of the fleshly or out-birth, in the kingdom of pride, subtlety, envy, 
 wrath, and persecution, which is of Babel, hunting, as for the prey, the 
 inward birth which walks with God in the invisible life of acceptance. 
 
 In which Christ came, manifesting his original, or Father, to the world; 
 but the outward, or fleshly birth, neither knew him nor received him, 
 though the world, and all things in it, were made and formed by him, 
 and for him, but sought to persecute his precious life to death as soon as 
 he was born, as in Herod the king, who knew not the life of the son of 
 God, when manifested, being in the outward properties of this world, to 
 which the inward is a mystery; as it is written, "Great is the mystery 
 of God manifest in flesh, whom none of the princes of this world knew." 
 because their knowledge and understanding, their kingdom and glory, are 
 only in the visible, earthly, sensual properties, in which lieth the enmity 
 against the invisible, inward, righteous life of the innocent lamb; who 
 fights not about his kingdom, worship, or sacrifice, like Cain and his 
 generation, but prayeth to his Father, that they might see what spirit, 
 property, or birth they are in, that so they might be turned inward in 
 their minds towards his kingdom, which he tells them is within them 
 and not outward; bidding them seek it in the righteousness thereof, 
 and then the outward should be in subjection, and all good things unto 
 them added. 
 
 This now consider, all you children of the outward or fleshly birth, 
 who live and act in the enmity and corrupt life of the bestial proper- 
 ties, estranged from the most inward, pure, eternal life of the former 
 and creator of heaven and earth, and with speed turn your minds inward 
 and be still, earnestly desiring that you may know God, being drawn 
 back into that which can translate into his kingdom, which lieth hid in 
 you, invisible, and not outward; that you may come to possess the spirit 
 of meekness, and righteousness, and in it be hid in the dreadful hour 
 that draweth near to try all flesh, and its birth and properties, upon the 
 face of the whole earth. And he that is found the smiter of his fellow 
 servant, (like Cain,) must have his portion in the banishment of God, 
 from his most pure and glorious countenance, and be the vagabond and 
 out-cast of his displeasure and indignation forever. 
 
 Therefore, I say, repent; that is, turn your minds to that which you are 
 estranged from, and ravened inwardly from, as Christ said: for by this 
 is the false birth and false prophet known, viz. gone from the inward 
 life of uprightness and truth, and mind the outward visible things only, 
 in which you are cunningly hunting for the satisfaction of the motions, 
 lusts, and desires of the bestial life, which in you is judged and reproved 
 
107 
 
 by the most inward life, which is of God, and is the foundation of 
 Enoch, Abel, Abraham, and the rest of that generation; on which, if you 
 come not to be built, by repentance from the works and nature of un- 
 righteousness, you will fall with Cain and Judas, Esau and Haman, and 
 the rest of that generation, without hope of recovery, into the ever- 
 sinking, bottomless pit of darkness and misery without end. For it is a 
 fearful and dreadful thing to live and die in that nature, birth, or pro- 
 perty, which God is never reconciled unto, but abhors as an abomination 
 forever; in whose hand or power is your breath, times, and seasons, and 
 you cannot repent when you will, or in your own appointed time; but 
 when the inward life of God stirs, with discoveries and reproofs of the 
 evil ways, words, and actions, which by you are brought forth, that is 
 the time, when he calleth, to turn at his reproofs. 
 
 For saith God the creator, "My spirit shall not always strive with 
 man, because he also is flesh," or a fleshly birth of this world is entered 
 the soul of man; therefore, think of Esau, who was of this birth or gene- 
 ration, that could not find a place of repentance or entrance of return- 
 ing, being hardened in profaneness, though he sought it carefully with 
 tears. 
 
 For I tell you from the certain knowledge of the mysterious life of 
 creation, that if you spend your time without the true knowledge of the 
 only wise, invisible God, which is through his judgments upon the veiling 
 out-births, degenerating properties of unrighteousness, and come not, 
 through it, to have unity with him in the most inward hidden life of 
 righteousness, you will be driven into the most utter darkness and black- 
 ness of woes and miseries forever. For, it is not every one that with 
 their mouth can say, Lord, Lord, must enter the kingdom of God, but 
 he that is born again, translated as Enoch, of the birth of the spirit, 
 which was in Abel, by which he offered a more excellent sacrifice than 
 Cain, unto his maker; this only, and not another birth, is accepted, and 
 can walk with God from Abel to this day, and forever, in which Moses 
 is known. And Jude declared of Enoch's prophecy, the seventh from 
 Adam, which is a deep mystery, not known to any but such as walk 
 with God, and are translated. 
 
 Therefore, think not that the kingdom, or mystery of godliness, consists 
 in outward things, or visible observations. For I tell you, nay; it is a 
 deeper thing than the face of the earth, which the hypocrites can dis- 
 cern; it is the seventh from Adam in transgression. Dig now, and find 
 this pearl of great price who can, which is able to translate or create; 
 for the day is dawned, in which all things, visible and invisible, shall be 
 clearly known and manifested unto that birth in which the only accept- 
 ance with God is. Neither doth the kingdom of righteousness consist in 
 the satisfying the flesh, the lusts of the eye or ear outward, or in the 
 
10S 
 
 pride oflife; for these are not of the Father, but of the world or fleshly 
 birth, and of the kingdom of the bestial powers of darkness, in which 
 the righteous holy God and his kingdom, are neither seen, known, or un- 
 derstood, or in any measure enjoyed; because it is impossible, unless God 
 were changeable: for it is not of the Father, (the most inward, pure, 
 forming life,) but of the world or out-birth, which is estranged from the 
 womb of the original and eternal motion and life of righteousness. Be 
 not mistaken — every motion hath a father, whether good or evil. For 
 there are them that are of their father the devil, whose works they do: 
 but we speak of God the heavenly Father, the original of all good and 
 blessedness, who is king of righteousness, in whose sight the proud and 
 stubborn in heart are abomination] but the devil is king over all the 
 children of pride. 
 
 So be still, and learn to know the everlasting gospel, which is now 
 preached in every creature under heaven, saying, "Fear God and give 
 glory to him that made heaven and earth, for the hour of his judgments 
 is come," in which Cain, the vagabond, and his sacrifice are manifested, 
 and the hidden things of Esau, (the cunning hunter, which loseth the 
 blessing,) are brought to light, but Jacob obtains, and Abel's sacrifice is 
 accepted, but the first birth of the flesh is rejected forevermore, Amen. 
 
 Written in the light of the knowledge of the mystery of God, in which 
 the most ignorant may see, of what form, seed, birth, or offspring they 
 are; and being still and quiet, may feel the spirit of the Lord move upon 
 the face of the deep in them, which is the beginning of the creating of 
 the new heavens and the new earth, wherein righteousness dwells. Amen. 
 
 I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid 
 these things from the out-birth of the wisdom of this world, and hast 
 revealed them to the babes of the inward ground in Christ Jesus, the 
 word by whom the world was made; even so it pleased thee. Amen. 
 
 W. B. 
 
 The travail of the bowels of Sion; and the cry of the Sins of Sodom 
 
 is very great this day before the Lord. 
 $-* ; .v {fj^m^^ki : .v;. -V «. -,./ /' : , ' *\. * • 
 
 This is the day of Sion's travail; the pangs of her deliverance are 
 many; her cryings-out are heard in the land; the seed of Jacob wrestles 
 in the womb with his God for the blessing. O Sion! thy deliverer 
 is coming near unto thee, even he that turns away ungodliness from 
 Jacob, and searcheth out the hidden things of Esau, which are as stub- 
 ble before him. O Sion! give up to thy Maker, and be not secure 
 
109 
 
 till thy deliverance is accomplished Be watchful to every pang, and 
 forget not that this is the hour of thy travail; for thy maker, thy hus- 
 band, who hath hcgotten this struggling hirth, (in the eternal womh 
 of compassions,) he will deliver it. Though the day of thy sorrows is 
 come upon thee, yet be patiently resigned, and seek not to run away 
 from it, lest it come unawares, and surprise thee; for thy God will not 
 forsake thee, if thou dost not forsake him. Therefore, be still, be still, 
 and rest in the good will of thy Maker, O Sion! (who tremblest as a bird 
 out of the east,) in the dread of thy God, who is swiftly coming to plead 
 thy cause with all flesh, in this the day of thy sore travail; and wo 
 and judgments will be to them that are at ease in thee, O Sion. 
 
 Therefore, tremble ye careless daughters, and let all flesh be silent 
 before him, who is come to reign in Mount Sion, and in Jerusalem, and 
 before his ancients gloriously. Awake, therefore, ye that make men- 
 tion of his name! Retire, retire into the habitation of his holiness; and 
 let that tongue cleave to the roof of its mouth that makes mention of 
 his name, and not in righteousness, in this the mighty day of his power 
 and wonders; for thy God hath remembered thee, O Sion, and will yet 
 again build thee up, O Jerusalem, in whom shall be the perpetual habi- 
 tation and praise of the mighty God of Israel. 
 
 Therefore, hear, O ye inhabitants of Sion, and borders of Jerusalem ! 
 spend not your time in vain, but be vigilant, careful, and ponderous; for 
 I am a jealous God, respecting not the persons of any, but for travailing 
 Sion's sake. And I will break and confound you whole-hearted ones, as 
 a potter's vessel. Though you are numbered among my people, and 
 my seed among transgressors, yet you are not of them nor are they of 
 you; but you are the fat and strong, which I will feed with judgments 
 in the day of my fierce plagues and vengeance, which hasten upon the 
 whole world; for my fire is in Sion, and my furnace in Jerusalem. Feel 
 this, you -slothful, careless, and rebellious, who give not that up to the 
 slaughter which is for the slaughter, and that to the famine which is 
 for the famine, but keep back the oxen that low in mine ears! There- 
 fore, give up, ye graves, and let the dead, both small and great, come 
 to judgment, that my numberless number may stand upon Mount Sion, 
 with the harps of everlasting joy and melody in their hands, and halle- 
 lujahs in their hearts, and songs of praise and triumph in their mouths 
 forevermore. For the day hastens, yea, the day hastens, even the day 
 of recompenses. The cry of the sins of Sodom is great before God this 
 day, which will draw down vengeance upon the inhabitants thereof; 
 and the noise of the rolling of Sion's bowels are heard in the ears of the 
 compassions of the Almighty Jehovah. The cry is great in the earth, 
 and it reacheth unto heaven. O thou seed of Jacob! how dost thou 
 travail and strive to get through the narrows, over the earth, into the 
 
110 
 
 broad places, that thou mightest stretch forth thy hands, as he that 
 swimmeth stretcheth forth his hands to swim. 
 
 O thou city of the true Israelite, in whom is found no guile! how 
 doth my soul and my bowels sound like the warbling harp for thee. O 
 thou beloved one! arise, arise, and let the earth be moved at thy stir- 
 ring; and bring thou vengeance, judgments, and overthrows upon the 
 inhabitants and foundations thereof, which are out of course. I have 
 seen, I have seen thy travail, O thou most pure and undefiled one ! and 
 thy pangs have taken hold of my soul, which partakes with thee in thy 
 sorrows; therefore, for Sion's sake I cannot hold my peace, and for Je- 
 rusalem's sake I cannot rest, till her judgment go forth as a light, and 
 her righteousness as a lamp that burneth. 
 
 And my cry is unto thee, O righteous Father, Lord of heaven and 
 earth, who art the great Almighty, and dreadful God, before whom all 
 nations are as nothing! Thou astonisher of all flesh, thou art even too 
 wonderful for me, that when I begin to speak to thy Majesty, I am as 
 a man astonished, and my heart melteth as wax before thee, thou ter- 
 rible One! And I could even sit down in sackcloth and ashes forever, 
 silent hefore thy presence, in admiration of thy wonders and goodness. 
 Surely, if thou hadst been a changeable God, the sons of Jacob had 
 been consumed, but thy compassions fail not to thy seed forever. There- 
 fore, thou givest strength and boldness to thy babes to cry unto thee, 
 and even to wrestle and reason with thee, O thou great and terrible 
 One, thou mighty Jehovah! My soul is poured out unto thee, and my 
 bowels are like a boiling pot, in remembrance of thy mercies, and I am 
 even melted with the fire of thy love and jealousy, and my tears trickle 
 down before thee for Sion's sake. O my God! how long shall it be ere the 
 seed be gathered into the garner of salvation? How long shall it be 
 ere wickedness hath an end, and transgression be finished? O Lord 
 God! my heart and soul maketh a noise in me, because of these things. 
 How long shall the wicked bear rule? How long shall the stubborn, 
 envious, boisterous, and rebellious nature have a dwelling-place in the 
 earth over thy life? How long shall thy precious, tender, righteous,, 
 holy seed groan under the weights, oppressions, and heavy burdens of 
 iniquity, injustice, and cruelty? How long shall the enemy prevail? 
 How long wilt thou suffer the abominations that make desolate, to bear 
 sway in the world? When shall the kingdoms thereof become thy king- 
 doms, and of thy Christ's? O Lord God of glory! my heart is even on 
 fire to wrestle with thee about these things; yet if thou sayest, "Be si- 
 lent," I will be silent. But thou, O eternal God! hast moved in my soul, 
 and kindled my inward parts, that it even flameth in the love and zeal 
 of thy name, and is even restless till thou answerest; for thou hast 
 quickened me, and put strength in me, else could I not stand to speak 
 
Ill 
 
 one word in thy presence. O thou great God of truth! art not thou he 
 that cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon, and overthrew Pharaoh's 
 host^ and drowned the old world for their continual wickedness and re- 
 bellion against thee, and the reproofs of thy spirit? Art not thou he 
 that rained down fire and brimstone upon Sodom and Gomorrah, because 
 of their pride and ungodliness, idolatry and lasciviousness? And did 
 any of those whom thou destroyedst in thy fierce anger, exceed these 
 in abominations, even this present generation, which so highly provoke 
 thee to wrath and jealousy? Doth not thy hot displeasure burn against 
 them? Dost not thou even stay and wait to fetch thy full blow of ven- 
 geance, even the fatal and final stroke of indignation against this gene- 
 ration also ? Art not thou he that created all flesh by the word of thy 
 power? And canst not thou destroy all at thy pleasure with the same, 
 as in a moment? O Lord God! my soul is in heaviness, till thou arisest 
 to plead thy cause on earth for Sion's sake. Awake, awake, thou arm 
 of strength! glorify thy name, and let thy mighty wonders be manifest- 
 ed, as in ancient days. And rouse up thyself, thou lion of the tribe 
 of Judah, and let all nations feel thy terrible power! O Lord God! 
 strike dread, terror, and astonishments in the hearts of thine enemies, 
 even all workers of iniquity, who make a mock at sin, and a derision 
 of thy heritage, and take pleasure in the things which thou abhorrest. 
 Plead with them by fire and sword, thou mighty God, even by the word 
 of thy power, which shall make the nations to tremble. And put forth 
 thy mighty hand, and scatter the ungodly inventions of men, which 
 grieve thy pure spirit, and let them see the unrighteousness, injustice, 
 and great abominations that are committed in the land against thee and 
 thy people, as if thou wert departed from the earth, or took no notice 
 of the doings of the children of men. O righteous God of glory ! blow 
 upon that spirit, and blast it forever, that gives liberty and toleration to 
 the ways of ungodliness, sportings, riotings, wantonness, playings, blas- 
 phemous shows, and idolatrous practices, in which are acted even dread- 
 ful and provoking abominations against thee, the jealous God of truth, 
 and that limits, or would limit thy pure, eternal, incomprehensible spirit, 
 and thy heritage to the number of four or five persons, (which shall not 
 be,) and will suffer or allow hundreds to meet and practise such things, 
 which vex thy righteous soul from day to day. 
 
 Surely, surely, O Lord! thou wilt suddenly arise in the greatness of 
 thy strength, and manifest thy great and sore displeasure against these 
 abominations; and all flesh shall know that thou art the Lord and King 
 of kings, who searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins, and wilt reward 
 every one according to his works. And let this generation remember 
 their sister Sodom, upon whom thy vengeance was poured forth, (for 
 an example unto them that should afterward live ungodly,) when their 
 
112 
 
 sins had reached to heaven, and the cry of their wickedness had come 
 up before thee; and let them know also, that their day hastens, and 
 their sins reach to heaven, even against thee and thy dear people, which 
 is thy portion. 
 
 O righteous, holy God! how long shall wickedness burn, and not be 
 consumed? Was there ever a generation exceeding this in un- 
 godliness and variety of abominations? Was thy spirit ever more 
 laden with the iniquities of a people, than thou art with this people? 
 Surely thou art oppressed more than when a cart is overladen with 
 sheaves. O thou pure, eternal God of righteousness ! my soul cries unto 
 thee, a separation, a separation, divide, divide, break, break, confound, 
 confound, scatter, scatter, and pour forth thy vengeance upon the hea- 
 then that know thee not, within and without, and upon the families 
 that call not upon thy name ; that thy pure, precious seed may arise, 
 and shine forth in its beauty and glory over all, for whose sake alone 
 thou hast spared nations, and wouldst have spared Sodom, if thou hadst 
 found it risen in ten persons, and for whose sake thou wilt plead with 
 all flesh living. 
 
 Arise, arise, thou mighty God of valour, like a lion out of his thicket, 
 and tear, and go thy way, thou Ancient of days; and let the earth, and 
 heavens, and the sea, and all that in them is, tremble at thy dreadful 
 presence ! How long wilt thou suffer, thou long-suffering spirit, ere thou 
 be fully avenged on thine adversaries? 
 
 Thus saith the Lord God, the great and mighty Jehovah of Israel! 
 Ye children, in whose hearts is my fear, love, truth, and righteousness, 
 who are poor, and contrite in spirit, and tremble at my word, in 
 this the day of my power! enter you into your secret hiding place, 
 which I have prepared, and shut the door, that the evils, temptations, 
 and snares of the enemy may not enter your dwellings; and stand still 
 in quietness, in the dominion of my life, in the content and peace of my 
 spirit. For the day hastens, in which I will spread my nets of ven- 
 geance upon the ungodly, and I will take the wild boars of the forest, 
 and the subtle foxes of the desert, that spoil my vines, and hurt my 
 tender grapes: and the sinners in Sion shall be afraid, and fearfulness shall 
 surprise the hypocrite. Therefore, all fear and dread my great and 
 glorious name, which shall now be manifested to the dividing in all na- 
 tions. The harvest is near, therefore sleep not; "for behold, I come 
 quickly, and my reward is with me, to render to every man as his 
 works shall be." 
 
 Even I am coming from Bozra, in the greatness of my strength, with 
 my dyed garments, that have been a man of sorrows, and acquainted 
 with griefs, who have trodden the wine-press alone. It is I that am 
 coming in my fury, to trample upon mine oppressors. Yea, I will bathe 
 
113 
 
 my sword in the blood of mine enemies, and I will be fully avenged on 
 mine adversaries; for to me it is given to judge and to condemn, to de- 
 stroy, and to lay waste, and consume, to build and to plant, to save and 
 redeem, to unloose and deliver. Even all power in heaven and earth, 
 and all judgment is given to me, who have been the long-sufferer, the 
 lamb slain from the foundation of the world; who am meek and lowly in 
 heart, in whose mouth is found no guile; even I, the star of Jacob, and 
 foundation of Israel, who am the spirit of judgment and counsel, of wis- 
 dom, and of the fear of the Lord. And because of truth and righteous- 
 ness am I arisen, and have set my face like a flint, to plead with all flesh, 
 and none shall be able to stand before me, but them that have taken 
 hold of my strength, who are in my own, true, holy, faithful, weighty, 
 solid, deep, humble, dreadful, infallible life; all others shall be as chaff 
 before the wind. I the Lord have spoken it. 
 
 Therefore, be watchful, all ye that make mention of my name, and 
 let all flesh keep silence before me. For I will fan and try all people, 
 and shake the foundations of the earth, that that which cannot be 
 shaken may remain only. Blessed is he that is able to stand and wait 
 for me, to receive me at my coming. Amen, hallelujah. 
 
 Written in the breathings of the life of the seed of Jacob, for the de- 
 liverance of Sion, and for the utter destruction and consumption of spi- 
 ritual Sodom, where our Lord also is crucified, throughout the whole 
 world, by 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
A COMMON OBJECTION ANSWERED 
 
 ABOUT THE 
 
 NAME OF JESUS. 
 
 There is a great noise, by way of objection, among many of the pro- 
 fessors in this age, against the people called Quakers; which is on this 
 wise, viz: We do not understand, say they, that you ever pray to God 
 in the name of Jesus, or in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, &c. 
 though we grant you often preach and pray, and many good exhorta- 
 tions there are to be heard among you, but we seldom or never hear 
 you pray or preach in the name of Jesus*, or you seldom use the name 
 of Jesus among you; but of God, and the Father, and the light, and the 
 power, and the spirit, and the wisdom of God, &c. Seeing it is written, 
 that whatsoever you do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus; and to the 
 name of Jesus, let every tongue confess, and every knee bow; and what- 
 soever ye ask in my name, saith Jesus, shall be given to you, &c. 
 
 To which I shall endeavour to answer, as I have received of the 
 Lord, making it manifest unto the meanest, simple, sober understanding, 
 whose heart truly desires after the everlasting satisfaction which is in 
 the fulness of the one only true God, who is one Lord and his name 
 one, unto or in them who are in subjection to the Higher Power, which 
 hath a name above every name under heaven, to which every knee 
 shall bow. 
 
 First. I do affirm, that they who preach and pray in the spirit, and 
 power, and light, and wisdom of God, do pray in the name of Jesus; 
 for Jesus is but a name which was given unto that which was before 
 that name was, which the angel called a holy thing, and also said, "That 
 holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be called the son of God."* 
 And also, it is written, " Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall 
 bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel; which being 
 interpreted is, God with us." So that this One Holy Thing in process of 
 time, according to the knowledge of his works and operations, in and by 
 many, hath several, many, and various names given unto it. 
 
 • Luke i. SI. 
 
115 
 
 Therefore consider the weight of the mystery of God. which is manifest- 
 ed, and hath been manifested, through divers things, names, and operations 
 unto mankind, since his departure from that life in which, in the begin- 
 ning, he was made in uprightness, according to its own likeness and image. 
 As, after man had transgressed, the name of this holy thing was then 
 promised under this denomination, " the seed of the woman," which was 
 to bruise the serpent's head, which had led into transgression. And his 
 name is called, '-the word of God," by whom all things were made and 
 created; and he is called, " the faithful and true witness," the " beginning 
 of the creation of God;" and he is called, a the lamb slain from the founda- 
 tion of the \vorld;" and he is called "the lion of the tribe of Judah;" and 
 he is called, "the wonderful counsellor;" and he is called, " the Lord our 
 righteousness;" and he is called, "the prince of peace," and "the tried 
 stone," and " a rock:" and yet the same is called the " branch," and the 
 " child," and the " mediator," and the " redeemer," and the " king of 
 Sion," and the " star of Jacob," and the " star of Israel," and the " bright 
 and morning star." And he saith of himself, " I am the good shepherd, 
 which lays down his life for the sheep;" and in a certain place it is written, 
 "the life is the light of men." And again saith of himself, "I am the way, 
 the truth, and the life," and "1 am the true vine," and "I am the door;" and 
 yet saith, " I stand at the door and knock:" and " I am the light of the 
 world, no man cometh unto the Father but by me." And Moses wrote of 
 him, saying, " A prophet will the Lord your God raise up in the midst of 
 his brethren, like unto me, and him shall you hear in all things; and it 
 shall come to pass, that he that will not hear that prophet, shall be cut off 
 from among the people." And the apostle saith, " Say not in thy heart, 
 who shall go up into heaven, to bring Christ down, or into the earth, or 
 beyond the seas, to fetch him hither for us? But the word is very nigh 
 thee, even in thy heart and in thy mouth, that thou mayst hear it and 
 do it; and this is the word of faith which we preach," &c: and some- 
 times saith, " we preach Clirist crucified, unto the Jews, (who sought 
 after an outward sign,) a stumbling block, and to the Greeks, (who sought 
 after wisdom of words,) foolishness;" but to them that were saved, Christ 
 was the " power and wisdom of God;" of whom unto them was also made 
 righteousness, sanctitication, and redemption; but is a stone of stumbling 
 and rock of offence unto them that are disobedient to the word of faith-, 
 which is very nigh, in the heart and in the mouth, etc. 
 
 Secondly. Now rightly consider and understand, that all these various 
 names were given to and spoken of one and the self same thing, (as it 
 is written, "the undefiled is but one,") in which is the substance of them 
 all, and all types, shadows, figures, and words, centre and end, even 
 in him who is the alpha and omega; to which they were given, accord- 
 ing to the dispensations, manifestations, and operations unto the under- 
 
116 
 
 standings, and sensible workings in the souls of the sons of men. As 
 thus, when he manifestcth unto man his transgressions, vain life, words, and 
 conversation, and the evil of his ways, and that he hath not peace with 
 God, being in the fall, by this first appearance this holy thing is properly 
 called "light;" and as it checks, reproves, troubles, and smites, it might be 
 called a " manifestation of the power and spirit of God;" and as it judg- 
 eth and condemneth in the same, he is properly called "a law-giver" 
 and "a judge; " and as he destroys and slays the enmity or root of iniquity 
 in man, which separates from God, he is called the "word of recon- 
 ciliation;" and so having reconciled by his power or life to God again, by 
 this operation and effectual work, he is rightly called "a redeemer," "a 
 restorer," and "a maker up of the breaches." And as he guides, draws, 
 and leads out of sin, he is called a "leader or commander of the people;" 
 and as he preserves and defends them whom he hath led out of trans- 
 gression in himself, he is called a " rock," a " refuge," a " shield," a 
 " strong tower," and a " munition of rocks," &c. And as he instructs, 
 teaches, and counsels, he is called the " wonderful counseller," the 
 "prophet," and "high priest," and the "overseer of the soul;" and as 
 he rules, and hath the dominion in man, then may he by that man be 
 properly called "the Lord," and in truth may say, " The Lord is my light, 
 the Lord is my judge, the Lord is my law-giver, the Lord is my king, 
 my shepherd and saviour," which is Christ, the power of God, the 
 anointing; which, when so known and enjoyed, as before mentioned, 
 in a man, there is truly witnessed the knowledge of the only true God, 
 and the government and kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, and not 
 before. He that can receive it, let him. 
 
 Now, it is written, " His name shall be called Jesus ; for he shall save 
 his people from their sins." Mark, his name, signifying it was a thing 
 before the name Jesus was, or any other of those names before men- 
 tioned. For he is that word, or power, by which all things that were 
 made were made and created, of which it is said, " In the beginning he 
 was with God, and was God;" and by the angel called " Immanucl, 
 God with us ;" and by the apostle, the " power of God," and the " wis- 
 dom of God." So that it is not the names which are to be contended or 
 striven about, (which is to no profit,) but rather to wait to know that 
 name which is a " strong tower," to which every knee shall bow, of 
 things in heaven and things in earth, which is the higher power, of 
 God ordained, that to it every soul should be subject, &c. 
 
 So that all these names are given to the power of God, in which is the 
 fulness of the treasures of life, virtue, goodness, mercy, truth, wisdom, 
 and knowledge; which never fadeth away, and in which is enjoyed 
 every good and perfect gift. The power of God, who is light, reproveth 
 for sin; the power of God instructs, teaches, guides, counsels, restores, 
 
117 
 
 reconciles, preserves, defends, and gives victory and dominion, where 
 it is obeyed, over all things which are contrary to the power of God. 
 
 So, all these names arc given to the power of God, which is but one, 
 and is that name which is "as precious ointment poured forth," and is the 
 strong tower in which the righteous are safe, which is called "Christ," 
 " God with us," " the Immanuel," which worketh and fulfilleth the Fa- 
 ther's will, or efTectcth the willings and purposes of the original fountain 
 from whence it springs, which holy thing is called rightly "the son of 
 God," "the heir of all things," by which they were made and created; and 
 he is before all things, and the end of all things, the "alpha" and "ome- 
 ga," the "amen." 
 
 Thirdly. Now, if any pray, or preach, or speak in the power of God, 
 and in the wisdom of God, they do it in the name of Jesus; or if any 
 pray in the truth, and the life, and the way, they pray in the name of 
 Jesus; and if any pray in the true light and spirit of God, "which 
 lighteth every man that cometh into the world," they pray in the 
 name of Jesus ; as it is written " the true worshippers worship the 
 Father in the spirit, and in the truth ;" and not every one that saith, 
 "Lord, Lord," or that can often mention the name "Jesus." It is 
 another thing than the wisdom of this world can either speak or com- 
 prehend : for it is written, " whosoever shall call upon the name of 
 the Lord, shall be saved ;" and " no man can call Jesus Lord, but by 
 the spirit of God ;" and " every one that nameth the name of Jesus, 
 departs from iniquity." He that can hear, let him. 
 
 Therefore stumble not nor dispute not about names, or words, or let- 
 ters, which were given, through the various operations, to the one, holy, 
 undefiled, unchangeable thing, as it was witnessed, understood, and 
 enjoyed, by those men which were made holy through the divine 
 workings, teachings, instructions, counsels, and guidances of it. 
 
 Fourthly. Now mark and consider these words following: "Whatsoever 
 you do, do all in the name of Jesus;" and "to the name of Jesus let every 
 knee bow, and tongue confess ;" and through the name of Jesus the 
 devils were made subject ; and through faith in the name of Jesus peo- 
 ple receive the remission of sins, &c. 
 
 Yet again it is written, by the true christians, " We are the circum- 
 cision that worship God in the spirit, and have no confidence in the 
 flesh ;" and saith, " if ye walk in the spirit, ye shall not fulfil the lusts 
 of the flesh;" and "I will pray with the spirit, and sing with the spirit, 
 and with the understanding ;" "for the son of God is come, and hath given 
 us an understanding," &c. 
 
 And again: "As every one of us have- received Christ Jesus the J^ord, 
 so let us walk in him;" and " if we are in the light, as he is in the light, 
 then have we fellowship with the Father, and with the son Jesus Christ, 
 
118 
 
 and one with another," in him. And the Father, son, and spirit are 
 one, winch was before the names, letters, or words were, or before the 
 bodies of creatures were made and 'created, who is the imisible, only 
 wise God, who to us is one Lord, and his name one. And "as many as 
 are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God." And Adam, 
 before transgression, before the names were given to any creatures or 
 things, or words or letters were, was in the image of God, and blessed 
 of God, in dominion over all creatures, the son of God; and he that leads 
 again out of transgression into the paradise of God, is the "second Adam," 
 the "Lord from heaven," the "quickening spirit," which is given to us, 
 who have believed and received him, to lead us into all truth, and is our 
 comforter, instructer, preserver, king, and saviour, reproving the world 
 for sin, and for righteousness, and for judgment, as it is written. So 
 there is a white stone given, with a new name in it, which no man 
 knoweth but he that receiveth it. 
 
 But as many as receive this white stone, (the light,) to them he gives 
 power to become the sons of God; in which the names end, and that 
 name only remains winch is a strong tower, and a sure dwelling place 
 for all the upright in heart, from the beginning, at this day, and forever. 
 Amen. 
 
 This is written for the sake of the simple-minded, who desire to 
 know the truth, and to walk therein, in which is no occasion of stum- 
 bling, but is the path of the just, which shines more and more to the 
 perfect day, where is but one Lord, and his name one. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
A brief Declaration to all the world, from the innocent people of God, 
 called Quakers, of our principle and belief concerning plotlings, 
 and fightings with carnal weapons, against any people, men, or 
 nations upon the earth. To take away the reproach of any jea- 
 lousy out of the minds of all people, concerning us in this parti- 
 cular, and to answer that common objection, whether we would 
 not fight if the spirit moved us. 
 
 As for us, our kingdom is not of this world, and our warfare is not for 
 earthly crowns, honours, or glory, hut it is spiritual, and for a kingdom 
 without end; and our weapons are not carnal, but spiritual, and mighty 
 through God against spiritual wickedness in high places, and all ungod- 
 liness and unrighteousness of men, and not against their persons or 
 estates outwardly. And we are them of whom Enoch prophesied, the 
 saints "in whom the Lord would come to convince all the ungodly of 
 their ungodly deeds and hard speeches, and to execute his judgments 
 upon them;" not by outward sword, to destroy creatures, but by the 
 sword of the spirit of the living God, who is come to destroy the works 
 of the devil. 
 
 And as for our principle, it is everlasting and universal, without be- 
 ginning or end. It is the foundation of God, and all the holy prophets, 
 apostles, and saints since the world began; on which our faith, hope, and 
 belief are founded, as upon a rock, steadfast and immoveable, against 
 which the gates of hell and death cannot prevail; for it is the same that 
 was in the beginning, before death, hell, strife, and wars, or enmity, 
 the ground of it, were, and before disobedience, transgression, confusion, 
 or the hardness of heart were, even Christ Jesus, the everlasting cove- 
 nant of life and peace, the son of the living God, who is not come to 
 destroy men's lives, but to save them. And he being come to us, and 
 dwelling in us, hath given us an understanding, that we know him that 
 is true, and are in him that is true, and we know what spirit we are of; 
 for being joined unto him, the Lord, we are one spirit with him, even 
 the lamb of God that takes away the sin, and destroys the works of the 
 devil, the author and ground of strife and mischief, of plottings, mur- 
 ders, wars, and confusion; and reconciles men unto God again, and one 
 unto another in true love and peace. Mark, he destroys the devil and 
 his works, he takes away the sin, takes away the nature, destroys the 
 ground of enmity in men, kills the contrary seed, the root from which 
 
120 
 
 the wars and fightings come — breaks the cockatrice in the egg, lest it 
 should become a serpent. This is our saviour, and our everlasting prin- 
 ciple, that doth these things in us and for us, even Christ, the power of 
 God and the wisdom of God, the saviour and not the destroyer of men's 
 lives; who gives his back to the smiters, and his cheeks to them that 
 pluck off the hair in all ages, in whom or what persons soever he is 
 made manifest. So that we perfectly know what spirit we arc of, and 
 are not in doubt, whether this be the saviour, or whether we should 
 look for another. But we know and are assured, that this is the son of 
 God, and we are in him that is true, (as we have said,) who works all 
 our good works in us and for us. This is the true God and eternal life, 
 which was in the beginning, before enmity was, who hath brought us, 
 and is bringing many through the daily cross to the will of man, before 
 strife was, or that spirit that is afraid that every one that findeth him 
 will kill him, which was in Cain, the killer and persecutor about sacri- 
 fice and offerings. But we fear not their fear of killing or of death, (the 
 sting thereof being taken away, which is sin, the enmity, the ground 
 of the fear, of murder, of strife, and plottings of mischief, and violence 
 against creatures,) being redeemed up to God the creator of all, who 
 hath made all nations of men of one blood that dwell upon the face of 
 the whole earth, who will rebuke them, even the spirit of enmity and 
 pride, the ground of strife and wars, that "they shall beat their swords 
 into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning hooks, and not learn 
 war any more."* 
 
 This hath the Lord God, by his eternal power, through his righteous 
 judgments and everlasting mercies, begun among us, who are a poor 
 and afflicted people, whose trust is only in his name and arm of salva- 
 tion, and not in the arm of flesh. For that which trusteth in man, 
 and maketh flesh his arm, is accursed, as it is written. 
 
 And this we do faithfully and impartially, in singleness of heart, de- 
 clare unto the whole world, that God, by his son in us, which is his 
 power, hath taken away the nature and ground of wars, strife, and 
 violence, and subdued it, which stood in times past between him and 
 us, which hindered the good things, and hid his face from us, even peace, 
 joy, and comfort to our immortal souls; and hath created in us a new 
 heart, and renewed a right spirit, in which we are justified in his sight 
 and presence, and in which we bear good will to all people, and seek 
 the peace and well-being of the bodies and souls of all people upon 
 earth, Jew and Gentile, bond and free, barbarians, Turks, Indians, 
 Greeks, Romans, English, or any other; God hath made us all of one 
 blood to dwell upon the face of the earth. Mark, we are all of one 
 
 • Isa. it. 4. 
 
121 
 
 blood, all the workmanship of one Creator, who hath appointed them 
 times and seasons, that they should all seek him, though he be not far 
 from every one of us,* as it is written. And saith the prophet, "He 
 that formed the mountains, arid created the hills, showeth unto man 
 his thoughts."f And they that seek God^seek him that searcheth the 
 heart and trieth the reins, who rcbuketh the people and strong nations; 
 that their swords may be beaten into plough-shares, and their spears 
 into pruning hooks. Mark, he rebukes the strong nations that are in 
 the strife, enmity, and wars, which are of the devil, the author of strife, 
 the murderer and liar from the beginning, the destroyer of souls. 
 
 From whence came wars and fightings? Let God's witness answer. 
 Came they not from the enmity, lusts, pride, and ambition, which war 
 against the immortal soul? And is not he his own soul's enemy, that 
 lives in the spirit of enmity against God, and them of his flesh and blood? 
 And is he not in the disobedience to Christ Jesus, who saith, "Love your 
 enemies; do good to them that despitefully use you and persecute you?" 
 And doth not God's wrath abide upon the disobedient and rebellious, 
 who obey not his commandments? Let all people upon earth consider 
 these things, who profess Christianity, and see if you obey and follow 
 him whom you profess in words, who is not come to destroy men's lives, 
 but the devil and hi? works, the author and ground of strife, wars, and 
 confusion, and to guide the feet of all people in the way of peace. 
 
 So, this is our principle, not as an opinion or judgment which may 
 fail us, or in which may be mistakes or doubts; but it is the infallible 
 ground and unchangeable foundation of our religion; that is to say, 
 Christ Jesus, the Lord, that spirit, divine nature, or way of life which 
 God hath raised and renewed in us, in which we walk, and in whom 
 we delight to dwell, and cannot but worship, and yield obedience unto; 
 even him which destroys all enmity, and reconciles to himself, and in 
 himself, all things in heaven and earth; who by his power bringeth 
 down the high looks, lays low the haughtiness of men, (in which is the 
 ground of strife and wars,) and exalts truth and righteousness in the 
 earth, even his kingdom over all, which is an everlasting kindgom of 
 peace, into which no unclean thing, dogs, sorcerers, unbelievers, or 
 hypocrites can enter, but only them whose minds are redeemed from 
 the earth and the spirit of enmity and wickedness, whose robes are 
 washed white in the blood of the lamb. 
 
 So that if any be yet doubtful concerning us, or our principle, in 
 this particular, whether we have any secret intents, or private reser- 
 vations, that if we had opportunity we would fight, or raise outward 
 force of the arm of flesh for our defence or preservation, and not any 
 
 * Acts xvii. 26. 27. f Amosiv. 13. 
 16 
 
122 
 
 longer suffer such grievous oppressions and cruel provocations, as these 
 many years past we have undergone with patience, &c. 
 
 This we do declare, and that in and by the spirit of the Lord, that 
 we are in our measures redeemed by the precious blood of his son Jesus 
 Christ, (the lamb of God that takes away the sin, and reconciles unto 
 him and to all men,) from that nature and spirit of enmity from whence 
 the wars and fightings come. And we are taught, led, and guided by, 
 and are possessors of, a measure of the same spirit of grace and truth 
 that was in that person, Christ, our elder brother, that suffered patiently 
 the contradictions and false accusations of sinners, as a lamb, without 
 the gates of Jerusalem, of whose resurrection and life we are eye wit- 
 nesses, even of his majesty and glory, and the coming of his kingdom 
 with power, full of grace and truth. So that the tree being now made 
 good, the fruit is the same also; and "a good tree cannot bring forth 
 evil fruit," to wit, wickedness, enmity, mischief, or violence against any 
 of the children of men upon the face of the earth. So we have not 
 only the name or outward profession of Christ, in words, as it is in the 
 world, but we are made partakers of a measure of the same divine nature, 
 and we are now, (being regenerated, raised, and renewed into his own 
 image of truth and love, righteousness and peace,) his offspring, and he 
 is our God and Father, who rebukes the strong nations, and makes wars 
 to cease to the ends of the earth. Glory and honour be to him in the 
 highest, over all forever. 
 
 And now as concerning the objection which sometimes has been 
 asked as a question, some thinking thereby to ensnare us, (viz.) "whether 
 or no we would fight if the spirit should move us," &c. 
 
 To which we answer in the fear of God, in the truth and simplicity 
 of our hearts, as it is in Jesus, that we do really and confidently believe, 
 that the Lord our God, who is that good spirit that guides us in all truth, 
 will never move us to do that or those things again for which he hath 
 rebuked us, and smitten us by his righteous judgments, and for which he 
 will smite and rebuke the strong nations; and not only so, but hath re- 
 deemed us from the very root, nature, spirit, and ground of the enmity 
 and curse from whence the wars and the fightings come. So that to us it 
 seemeth as impossible for us to be found in such things— plottings, fight- 
 ings, and violence — as for a good tree to bring forth evil fruit, or for one 
 fountain to yield salt water and fresh. For we have felt God's rebukes 
 because of that strong nature that dwelt in us, from whence envy, pride, 
 wrath, malice, and heart-burnings one against another sprang, and all 
 manner of evil thoughts, which defile men, proceeded; the which rebukes, 
 reproofs, and just judgments of God, have melted and broken our hearts, 
 and taken out the stone, the hardness, and made them soft and tender 
 towards God and towards all people. And that love is now felt, shed 
 
123 
 
 abroad in our hearts, which thinks no evil, much less can we act evil or 
 
 mischief against any. 
 
 So that our kingdom and glory, delight, joy, and peace, are not of this 
 world, but we are as strangers in it, as all our fathers were; for if it 
 had been so, we would long ere this have plotted and contrived to de- 
 fend and preserve ourselves from these many, great, and cruel sufferings, 
 which we, these many years, with patience have borne and endured, and 
 shall yet bear and endure all things, in the measure of the love and 
 charity which the holy God of all power hath endued us with, and made 
 us partakers of; committing our cause and all things concerning us to 
 him that judgeth righteously; who will plead for his seed with all flesh, 
 in his own due time and season, even in the hearts and consciences of 
 all his enemies that wrong and abuse his children. And what is done 
 to us, is done to him; for we are his, and he careth for us. 
 
 And now, if any subtlety of the serpent should arise in any, and boast 
 itself over us, because we have declared the nakedness of our hearts, in 
 simplicity and truth in God's sight, and in the sight of all people, in this 
 particular, and say, now they have declared that their principle is not, 
 or leads not, to fight or to destroy men's lives, or to resist or strive with 
 flesh and blood with carnal weapons, &c. but to be patient in whatso- 
 ever is laid upon them, without plotting mischief or doing violence 
 against any, though it be done to them; therefore we now may use 
 them as w r e list, without fear of opposition or violence again from them; 
 for they are engaged by their everlasting principle, not to do violence, 
 or plot mischief, or shed any man's blood; but to endure all in patience, 
 whatsoever is said or done against them, &c. 
 
 To which we reply, and that from the spirit of the eternal all-power- 
 ful God of truth: wo be to that man, people, or nation, that shall seek 
 advantage against us hereby, or take occasion to harm us'because of 
 our harmless principle, which is of God, and for his sake, and of our good 
 will to all people. No prosperity from God shall be to that people, man, 
 or nation in that state; and it were better for that man or people, that 
 they had never been born, or that a mill stone were hanged about their 
 necks, and cast into the depth of the sea, that should thus contrive and 
 act against us, to offend his little ones: the Lord hath said it But they 
 shall prosper that favour this Sion's cawse, which God hath redeemed 
 through judgment. For the eternnf God hath sworn by himself, and 
 will perform it, that this people only shall prosper, of all the families of 
 the earth, who fear his name and tremble at his word; and he will gather 
 unto them (in one) thousands of thousands from the four quarters of the 
 earth; and they that bless them, shall be blessed; and they that curse 
 them, shall be cursed. For the Lord of hosts is with us, and the God of 
 Jacob is our refuge, which breaketh the bow, and snappeth the spear 
 
124 
 
 asunder, and burnetii the chariots in the fire; that maketh desolation 
 and will make desolations in the earth for his elect's sake. Therefore, 
 be still all ye sons of men, and know that he is God; for he will be ex- 
 alted in the earth and over all flesh, who maketh the wars to cease 
 unto the ends of the world. This is our God, whom we serve and wor- 
 ship in the spirit and in the truth; before whom all things are open, 
 naked, and bare; who searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins; from 
 whose sight, knowledge, presence, and righteous judgments, the ungodly 
 cannot hide, but shall be fully rewarded for all their doings, in that 
 day, in which the eye-lids of the morning light will be unto them as the 
 shadow of death. 
 
 For our unchangeable principle is the royal law, which God hath 
 written in the heart, and is an everlasting light, (the truth,) "which 
 lighteth every man that cometh into the world;" which reproveth for 
 sin and transgression, and the ground of it, and all that live in it, in their 
 own consciences; which lets them see their thoughts, words, and actions, 
 whether they are good or evil, setting before all people life and death, 
 and the ways of it. And it is their condemnation that despise the re- 
 proofs, and are disobedient unto it; but to them that take heed unto it, 
 love and obey it, it leads them in the ways of righteousness, truth, and 
 uprightness, through the midst of the paths of judgments, to the foun- 
 tain of life and love, in which there is no enmity, but everlasting salva- 
 tion and peace; where the holy mountain of the Lord is felt, known, and 
 witnessed, in which there is no hurting nor destroying; into which God 
 Almighty is gathering his seed, out of every nation, kindred, people, and 
 language upon the earth, that all his people may sit and live under their 
 own vine, where none can make them afraid. This is the "highway of 
 holiness, which God hath prepared before the face of all people, in which 
 all that are saved must walk, (as it is written,) in the light of the Lord:"* 
 "And in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness^ 
 is accepted of him." But to the wicked, that despise his counsel, God 
 saith, " What hast thou to do, to take my words into thy mouth, seeing 
 thou hatest to be reformed?" 
 
 And now, if any that have been at our meetings, or have come at 
 any time, as many do, to see our manner, or that may be by some called 
 a Quaker, should be, (which we have never yet known among us,) found 
 in any plotting against any man 01 people whatsoever, to contrive mis- 
 chief, danger, or hurt, either to body, soul, or estate, any way, under any 
 pretence whatsoever, we do utterly, in the spirit of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord and saviour, deny that part or spirit in all men upon the earth, as 
 that which our principle, (the everlasting foundation of God,) and our 
 
 • Jsaiah ii. 5. 
 
125 
 
 spirit, have no fellowship or unity with ; but is judged of God, and of us hii 
 
 people, to be of the seed of enmity, unreconciled to God and man, or at 
 best a blind zeal, and not according to the true knowledge of the living 
 God, or of their own spirits.* 
 
 So we, being clear in the sight of God concerning these things, (and 
 many other false accusations, and evil surmisings, reproaches, and as- 
 persions,) do freely commit our cause, and all that we are and have, 
 body, soul, and spirit, into the hands of our God, to whom alone vengeance 
 belongs, who will repay it to all his adversaries, and will not at all acquit 
 the wicked, nor condemn the innocent, but will reward every man ac- 
 cording to his words and works ; in whose will and power we rest and 
 remain in patience, which is our sanctification, wherein we are satis- 
 fied, having that joy and peace in the land of the living, where none 
 can make us afraid; hallelujah, Amen. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 Postscript. — Before this general declaration of our principle con- 
 cerning these things, came forth into public view, there hath been 
 several times, and some months ago, mention made by particular per- 
 sons to the same effect, which was seen meet in the light of our God, 
 to prevent the joining of the minds of any that are weak to the temp- 
 tations of the enemy of man's peace, (which goes about seeking whom 
 he may devour,) and to satisfy such as are doubtful in this particular; 
 for our vine hath tender grapes, that though the wild boars of the 
 forest cannot so much hurt them, yet the subtle foxes of the desert may, 
 if not prevented by the wisdom of God, spoil their resting place, which 
 all the faithful have in God, and in the spirit of the lamb, in whom is 
 found no guile, which must get the victory, Amen. 
 
 Given forth from the royal seed of God, in the behalf of the num- 
 berless number, or the whole body of the elect, wheresoever gathered 
 or scattered upon the face of the whole earth, called Quakers. 
 
 By William Bayly. 
 
 London. 
 
 *■ Luke \x. 55, 56. 
 
Jacob is become, a Flame, and the House of Esau Stubble: or, 
 the battle betwixt Michael and the Br agon; in which the seed of 
 the woman is bruising the serpenfs head. Jind Cain, the first 
 birth, {the persecutor,} is found the vagabond; and Abel and 
 Abraham, [that wandered?) the friends of God. Being a true dis- 
 covery of the two seeds or births, between which the enmity is put; 
 the time and day being come, in which the elder must serve the 
 younger. With a few words to the priests, bishops, episcopal- 
 men, and professors of this last age: and a short warning to the 
 rulers and inhabitants of the earth. 
 
 " Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" 
 
 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, the sea, 
 and all living creatures; and the end of their creation was to serve and 
 manifest the glory and wisdom, power and goodness of God, their crea- 
 tor; and for no other end were they created in the beginning; and that 
 all his works of creation should be in subjection unto him, being ruled 
 and governed by his pure, righteous power, counsel, and wisdom. 
 
 And to the end, that his wonders, and power, and goodness, and 
 wisdom, might be the more manifest, he endued man with a proportion of 
 the same that he himself is, even pure wisdom, love, holiness, truth, 
 justice, and goodness, or whatsoever might be named of the properties 
 and qualities of the Creator. Mark, this was the end of God's creation, 
 especially of mankind, to set forth his own glorious virtues, and holy, 
 righteous power, that so his workmanship might be a continual praise 
 unto him, living in subjection to that pure power by which they were 
 created. This was God's end, even to glorify himself in these things. 
 
 Therefore said his dear son, who came to restore man, and the 
 whole creation into its first state, " Herein is my Father glorified, that 
 you manifest or bring forth good fruits." Mark, this glorifies God, and 
 his end of creation by this is answered, even the bringing forth of those 
 virtues in power and life again. But whilst man is in the transgression, 
 separation, and alienation from God, he answers not the end of his crea- 
 tion, but is out of his right and proper habitation, fallen short of his 
 glory; neither can he manifest God's wonders and power, wisdom, and 
 truth, and goodness in that state; but doth manifest and bring forth 
 the power and lying wonders, works, and properties of the wicked one, 
 which is called the old serpent, the devil, and satan, whose workings 
 are contrary to God, and the welfare of his creation. Therefore is he 
 called the adversary, and was known so to be by the true seed in all 
 
t 
 
 ages, who came again to be restored into that state in which they 
 enjoyed the power, and virtues, and wisdom of God; and so, in the end 
 of their creation, even bearing good fruits, glorifying God in body, soul, 
 and spirit. 
 
 Now consider, man in the beginning was made upright, and planted 
 a noble vine; and in that state was blessed of God his creator, in whose 
 power and virtues he should have continued, and in the wisdom, 
 authority, and dominion thereof to have ruled over all the creation, 
 yet as a subject to that power by which he was made and created, and 
 not aspire above it. Mark that, for it was so; and this was the first appear- 
 ance of the adversary, even to draw out the simple mind to be more wise, 
 knowing and seeking something to himself, with a promise — mark that — 
 "Ye shall be as gods, knowing;"' to which hearkening and obeying, the 
 upright and simple mind is deceived and beguiled of that wisdom, power, 
 glory, and blessedness, which endures for ever, and so feeds on that which 
 dies of itself, against the command of God. For knowledge doth vanish 
 away ; but the life, power, and blessings of God endure for ever, and will 
 never die, though heaven and earth may pass away. 
 
 Therefore, consider, O mankind, in what state thou wast at first 
 created, and by what spirit and power thou -wast then upheld and guided, 
 - and to what state or seed the everlasting blessings of God the creator, 
 are due and of right unto: for now are the springs and fountains of the 
 great deep broke open unto the children of men, and the great day of 
 God and the lamb is manifest and come, in which all things, works, and 
 fruits shall be proved and tried, of what seed, root, or ground soever ; 
 and every seed shall have his own body. " He that hath an ear to hear, let 
 him hear/' And now shall the seed and body of the serpent call to the 
 mountains and rocks to fall on them, to hide them from the wrath of 
 the lamb, the woman's seed, and of him that sits upon the throne; to 
 whom be blessings and goodness, all glory and honour, amen for ever. 
 
 Now, this was the serpent's seed, whose head is and must be bruised, 
 that at its beginning sprang up in the mind, with a deceivable promise 
 of being wise and knowing of himself, lifting up above, and without re- 
 spect or subjection to, his creator. So, from this root grew pride, self- 
 ishness, earthly wisdom, and disobedience to every good motion of that 
 holy, righteous power, by which he was created. And here is that 
 proverb true, " After pride comes a fall :" for it is not of God ;' but abo- 
 mination to him : and the seed of evil doers shall never be renowned, 
 but must be bruised by the dread and power of the Lord of heaven and 
 earth, and be chained down as a slave of abominations for ever. And 
 the day is come, in which the Almighty hath laid hold on this dragon, 
 and will seal him down into the pit of perdition, no more to arise and 
 deceive the nations of the earth; and the axe of his displeasure against 
 
128 
 
 unrighteousness, is laid at the root of the great tree of wickedness, and 
 down must it come, as a mill stone that is cast into the depth of the sea, 
 as you have heard of Babylon: for this is the mother, or original, of all 
 harlots and abominations of the earth ; and they that live in wickedness, 
 and take pleasure in ungodliness, are the children of this womb of con- 
 fusion, where all is out of the true order and subjection of the holy, pure 
 God of truth; yet are wise to do evil, but to do good have no knowledge, 
 being lifted up out of the fear of God that made them. Yet there is a 
 government, and kingdom, and fruits, and properties of this seed of 
 wickedness, in the time of its reign and predominancy, as there is of the 
 seed of God in its reign and government ; but contrary in nature, fruits,, 
 and effects. And this wicked, deceivable one, hath got a church, reli- 
 gions, worships, and orders, (as they call them,) and [these] are in the imita- 
 tion of the true seed's things, like Cain, but from the root of confusion and 
 enmity, as by their fruits and effects is manifest through the creation of 
 God. This is that elder which must now serve the younger, having had 
 its day (or rather night) and time to manifest itself fully in the creation, 
 that so the just God might judge and destroy it, root and branch, with 
 a witness; and that every mouth may be stopped, and silent, but what 
 shall justify the righteous judge in his judgments, which are equal, just> 
 and true. 
 
 And this time of the growth, manifestation, reign, and government of 
 this seed, (the man of sin, or son of perdition, which hath been exalted 
 above all that is called God,) and the suffering and oppressions of the 
 righteous seed, hath been in the time of the Creator's forbearance, long- 
 suffering, and patience, (he that can hear, let him hear,) even the long- 
 suffering of the Lord God, gracious and merciful, whose name is, I AM, 
 and besides him there is no saviour. He that can receive it let him. 
 And happy is the man that hath him on his side, that he may not be 
 moved; for the great God is come to move, and to remove, and shake 
 all foundations, roots, seeds, plants, and trees, that are not of the root of 
 Jesse, the plant of his own right hand's planting; and wickedness shall 
 be broken as a tree. Therefore look to it, you ungodly ones, ye seed 
 of evil doers, for your time is short ; you have had your day, or rather 
 your hour and power of darkness, in which you have delighted to live 
 and manifest the root and fruits of the wicked one, even the serpent's 
 seed, which hath been bruising the heel of the woman's seed, even 
 causing them to suffer by reproaches, cruel mockings, and persecutions, 
 as your brethren Ishmael, Cain, and Ilaman, with many more of the 
 same seed and stock, have done to the righteous seed in ages past; but 
 now, you are the last of that generation, even the dragon's tail, which 
 think to draw down the stars of heaven by your power of pride, rage, 
 and madness; and are casting out many floods of venom against the 
 
129 
 
 woman, and the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments 
 and testimony of Jesus. But it is in vain for you to strive against God, 
 the creator of heaven and earth; wo is your portion in so doing, you 
 will be ground to powder in the dreadful day at hand. 
 
 For, as I have received of the mighty God, in his eternal counsel 
 do I declare unto you, that you that now are in the spirit of pride, envy, 
 malice, uncleanness, pleasures of this evil world, scoffing and deriding 
 the poor and harmless, and are in the flattering titles, and respecting 
 persons, and forcing and persecuting about religion and worship, in dis- 
 dainfulness, fulness, and idleness, hypocrisy, and all manner of un- 
 righteousness: I say, you that are in this seed or spirit, which brings 
 forth these fruits and effects, whether you be popes, emperors, bishops, 
 kings, priests, princes, dukes, carls, or councils of ungodly men, or any 
 other of these flattering titles you bear, you are of the same seed, stock, 
 or offspring, as was Cain, Ishmael, Haman, Esau, and the rest of that 
 generation, mentioned in the scriptures of truth, out of whose loins pro- 
 ceeded many princes, as were the princes of Ishmael, and dukes of 
 Edom, which were of Esau's stock, who sold his birth-right for a mess 
 of pottage. Hear this, ye ungodly, and let your ears tingle; for this is 
 your state, who for the satisfying the lusts of the fleshly birth, (which 
 are but for a season.) that war against your souls, have lost the comfort, 
 rest, and eternal peace thereof, in the salvation of the pure, righteous 
 God. And instead of fearing his great and dreadful name, and depart- 
 ing from iniquity, and submitting to the strivings and reproofs of his 
 light and holy spirit, which lets you see the evil of your ways, you are 
 like Goliah of Gath, the uncircumcised Philistine, who defied the armies 
 of the living God, and are vaunting yourselves with your challenges, 
 upbraidings, and deridings against the true Israel; for whose sake he 
 break the strength of nations, as he did in the days past when they 
 were oppressed. 
 
 And be it known to you, who arc in the seed and spirit before men- 
 tioned, by what names or flattering titles soever you are called, oppress- 
 ing the innocent, who have no helper in the earth but the living God 
 alone, and are living in the pleasures of sin, and ways of unrighteous- 
 ness; you are unto God, the pure, eternal Jehovah of Israel, even as 
 Pharaoh, Sodom, and Egypt, who are smitten with blindness, not seeing 
 the heavy plagues and dreadful judgments that are swiftly coming upon 
 you. 
 
 O ye sons of transgression, and children of falsehood, who love the 
 glory and pleasures of this world, which passeth away, and the honour 
 below, and vanity of vanities, which vexeth the pure spirit of the righte- 
 ous God, and opprcsseth your own souls; your day hastens, in which 
 you will be ai stubble in the fiery oven, even all you heathen that are 
 
 17 
 
130 
 
 at ease; for the great and dreadful God of Israel is very sorely displeas- 
 ed with you, and the wo and vengeance of his fury burns against you, 
 even this last generation of persecutors ! Though you may plot, con- 
 sult, and decree against his remnant, whom he hath redeemed from that 
 seed, fruits, works, and ways which you are in, even out of Babylon, 
 and are brought to Sion, where they declare the vengeance of the al- 
 mighty God against Babylon, the great whore, (whored from God, the 
 contrary to God,) which hath ruled and sat over nations; I say, though 
 you may combine and contrive much in the abundance of the wicked 
 counsels of your hearts, and decree unrighteous decrees, yet you shall 
 not prosper nor prevail to accomplish your intents and purposes against 
 my people, I the Lord, have spoken it; no more than Pharaoh, Goliah, 
 Herod, or Haman did, who sought the young child's life, to destroy it, 
 but was prevented. So, you may consider it — did ever any fight against 
 God, his seed and people, and prosper? 
 
 Objection. — But you may object, being of the contrary seed, and 
 say, "Are you the seed of God, or his people, against whom we have 
 made laws and decrees, traps and snares, even you that are called 
 Quakers ? for we look upon you as heretics, disobedient and danger- 
 ous persons, not submitting to governments, not honouring authority, 
 nor respecting persons, nor giving us flattering titles, but are of another 
 generation than we are of; therefore do we consult and contrive how 
 to destroy you from being a people, by imprisoning, spoiling of goods, 
 and banishment, and death also, if we could bring it about, and that 
 even the whole nation would not rise against it; for all sober people, 
 we perceive, are affected with you, and your ways and dealings 
 amongst them, by which we are afraid to proceed so far, as otherwise 
 is in our hearts to do." 
 
 •Answer. — To which I shall answer in the name of the Lord; that 
 we, who by the sinful and adulterous generation are scornfully called 
 Quakers, are the people, servants, and children of the most high God; 
 which might be demonstrated or proved parallel to his chosen seed and 
 people in all ages, by the spirit, ways, worship, and practices, life, and 
 conversation of his servants and children, from the beginning to this 
 day. 
 
 First, consider, there are but two seeds in the whole creation, be- 
 tween which enmity is put, and are absolutely contrary in nature, fruits, 
 and effects ; that is, the seed of the serpent, and the seed of the woman, 
 which is Christ in his people, the same to-day, yesterday, and forever, 
 the Immanuel, who is now coming in ten thousand of thousands of his 
 saints, called Quakers, who tremble at his word; for they are the peo- 
 ple that shall spring up and spread from the root of Jesse over the face 
 of the whole earth, through the virtue and power of this seed, Christ 
 
131 
 
 Jesus; whose fruits and effects are love, meekness, patience, temperance, 
 mercifulness, justness, soberness, righteousness, holiness, peace, and joy 
 in the eternal power and spirit of the pure God; doing to all men as 
 they would they should do to them. These, and such like, are the fruits 
 of the tree of this seed of the woman, Christ, which must bruise the 
 head of the serpent, whose seed brings forth contrary fruits and effects 
 in every particular, though in some things it might imitate the righteous 
 seed, (as Cain did,) in matter of sacrifice, or worship, or the like, but 
 still it is from another root and ground, which is accursed ; for, said God, 
 " Cursed is the ground for thy sake." Mark that — the ground ; not the 
 simple earth, which is good ; but the ground of envy, murder, and wick- 
 edness, that hath opened his mouth (in him,) to swallow up his brother's 
 blood, from which it cries against him, and his generation of murderers 
 about sacrifice and worship at this day, and forever. So, this is the 
 other seed, whose fruits and effects are manifest, as saith the scriptures, 
 (even the seed of the fleshly birth, which persecutes the birth, born of 
 the spirit of the living God,) which are these, envy, pride, wrath, ma- 
 lice, strife, anger, high-mindedness, frowardness, bitterness, uncleanness, 
 lasciviousness, covetousness, drunkenness, wantonness, revellings, rioting, 
 emulations, witchcraft, hatred, heresies, idolatry, injustice, partiality, 
 and hypocrisy; these, and such like, are the fruits and effects of the 
 serpent's seed, which hath spread, as a great tree of wickedness over 
 the whole earth, and is that cursed one that hath so long cumbered the 
 ground. 
 
 And these are also the children of Babylon, the great whore, which 
 hath reigned over the nations and kings of the earth. Happy is the man 
 that dasheth these against the stone, Christ Jesus, the light, that disco- 
 vers them. And these are those wares, and costliness, and precious 
 things of Babylon, even the fruits and pleasures of sin, the glory, riches, 
 worships, and beloved practices of iniquity, which proceed from this 
 seed of falsehood, satisfying a ground that is accursed forever. There- 
 fore, saith God, " Come out of Babylon, my people, partake not of her 
 sins, or fruits, that ye be not partakers of her plagues." 
 
 And now is the day come, in which Babylon shall receive at the hand 
 of the Almighty the cup of the wine of his fury and indignation with- 
 out mixture, and shall drink the dregs thereof, and wring them out ; and 
 all her merchants, that have lived deliriously, and delighted in her 
 wares and costliness, and traded with her, shall howl, wail, and lament, 
 beholding the smoke of her torments, which ascends up forever and 
 ever. 
 
 Hear this, you superstitious and idolatrous priests, bishops, and hire- 
 lings ! for the foolish woman, whose feet are not in her house, but are 
 without, loud, stubborn, and clamorous, is now pulling down her own house 
 
132 
 
 with her hands, (mark that,) by her own ungodly actions, wicked words 
 
 and practices, slanders, persecutions, and grievous abominations; even 
 pulling or drawing down the just judgments, plagues, and eternal ven- 
 geance of the righteous God upon her own head. He that reads, let him 
 understand, for the time is a.t hand. Therefore, consider, all ye that 
 live in enmity against the harmless seed and people this day — are not 
 you in pride, which is abomination to God; and ambition and covetous- 
 ness, which is idolatry; and love pleasures and vanities, lusts of unclean- 
 ness, deceit, and flattery, more than the pure, living God of truth and 
 righteousness? And are not you in the stout-hcartedness, disdainfulness, 
 feignedness, hypocrisy, dissimulation, and all manner of wickedness? 
 And are not you become the hold of every foul spirit, and cage of un- 
 clean and hateful birds? Read your state, and do not strive against that 
 which lets you see it, nor say no, by any pretence or covering; for the 
 dreadful God hath found you out, and his judgments and vengeance are 
 your portion ; and the great day of the lamb is come, in which you are 
 not able to stand. This is the ground of your rage, seeing you have 
 but a short time, as it is written, "The wicked cannot stand in the judg- 
 ment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous." 
 
 Therefore, hearken all ye who are in the Babylonish garments, the 
 night attire of the great whore, the almighty, strong, and powerful 
 God of heaven and earth, is stripping and making her bare and naked, 
 as in the day in which she was born, to the view of all nations, men and 
 angels; for the hour of her judgments is come. Her sins have reached 
 to heaven, and are come into remembrance before God; even her envy 
 and rage, scorning and disdaining, persecuting and cruelty, lusts, and 
 pleasures, and vanities, and all manner of injustice, iniquity, and un- 
 godliness, flattering and deceitful titles, ambition, dissimulation, hypo- 
 crisy, and idolatry, and the like abominations. This is also the tongue 
 of the Egyptian sea, which God Almighty of heaven will shortly dry 
 up, that people may go over dry shod. He that hath an ear let him 
 hear and understand. The day hastens, yea, it cometh swiftly, in 
 which righteous, just, sober, and godly men and people shall walk 
 with boldness, with comfort and courage in the ways of holiness, up- 
 rightness and truth, in all the nations of the earth, or else the Lord 
 God hath never spoken by me, which I know he hath, and will perform it. 
 
 Therefore tremble, ye careless daughters that are at ease, walking 
 haughtily with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes; howl, howl, and 
 weep bitterly, ye light, pufFed up and vain-glorious men and women; 
 the day of your calamity cometh on like an armed man, and you shall 
 not escape; and upon all you that cry out against the children and 
 servants of the most high God, saying, they will not obey magistrates, 
 nor reverence such as are in authority, nor respect and honour supe- 
 
133 
 
 riors, nor be subject to the king's laws ; but are proud and wilful, stub- 
 born and disobedient, and will not worship as we worship, nor admire 
 men's persons, though they might have advantage by it. 
 
 Hear now my answer, ye people whose portion is in this life, who are 
 of the household and stock of Esau, the profane person, whose house is 
 now as stubble. 
 
 The God of heaven, by his dreadful and almighty power and judg- 
 ments, hath broken in upon us, and laid low the haughtiness, and hewed 
 down the tree of wickedness and unrighteousness in us, from whence 
 these evil fruits before mentioned proceeded ; and hath redeemed us 
 from our vain conversation, in which we were, as other Gentiles walking 
 in the vanities of our minds, in the lusts of ignorance; and hath raised up 
 by the same power, a seed of his owto begetting in us, having cast out the 
 heathen in us, that knew not God, and prepared room for his own life, 
 and power, and wisdom, which is foolishness to the world, to take posses- 
 sion of our hearts and consciences for ever, to which our souls are subject; 
 knowing him to be the higher power, who hath put down all rule and 
 all authority in us, which was contrary to him, who is now become our 
 king and our law-giver, teacher and saviour, which no man can remove 
 from us, into a corner. And we are led and guided by his spirit who is 
 the wonderful counsellor, the mighty God, the prince of peace, and are 
 not rebellious, wilful, or stubborn, neither to God nor man, in what is 
 manifest to be his will concerning us. 
 
 And as for magistrates, and such as are in the authority and power of 
 God, as was Moses, and such men, fearing God, and hating covetousness, 
 injustice, and unrighteousness, we dearly own and honour in the Lord, 
 even such as are punishers of evil doers, and favourers and encouragers 
 of them that do well. These are magistrates in God's behalf, bearing the 
 sword of justice and true judgment, and not in vain; being in the power 
 and wisdom of God, a terror to evil doers, and a praise to them that do 
 well. These are worthy of honour ; these rule well ; these answer the wit- 
 ness of God in all people; these judge righteously, justly, and equally, 
 without partiality, in the fear, and dread, and dominion of God, having 
 respect to him, and his honour only, in what they do; not seeking their 
 own honour, which would perish, but in meekness, soberness and sound- 
 ness of mind and judgment, without respect of persons, judging between 
 man and man; being able to discern the ground of all causes and contro- 
 versies in the light and counsel of God, whose servants they are. Mark 
 that. These are magistrates; and not every one that beareth that name, 
 any more than all that profess Christ in words, are christians; who can say, 
 Lord, Lord, and we are christians, and we love God, when they hate the 
 light, his own witness in them, and walk in darkness, being liars and hy- 
 pocrites. For none are christians really and in God's sight, but they that 
 
134 
 
 follow Christ in the regeneration, being born again through the strength, 
 and power, and virtue of his own life and spirit, being guided by it out of 
 all unrighteousness into holiness, righteousness, and truth; for they that 
 say they are christians, and are not, are liars, and of the synagogue of 
 satan, whose will and works they do; even thus it is to bear the name of 
 magistrates, and are not really so. 
 
 Now, magistrates are not [to be] a terror to good works, but to the evil. 
 Mark that. But such as have been, and yet are so called in England, New 
 and Old, have been and yet are a terror to good works, contrary to the end 
 and will of God, and his government on earth, and the very word, magis- 
 trate; so that such are but like them that said, they were Jews, and were 
 not, but of the synagogue and generation of him who hath been a liar from 
 the beginning. For this I testify in the Lord, without respect of persons, 
 that such are not magistrates, ordained by him, that are out of his fear, 
 and those good properties and qualities before mentioned, (though they 
 may be rich and great men in the earth, as Cain, Esau, and Haman were, 
 yet are like the priests, that bear rule by their means, and not by the 
 power, wisdom, and mercy of God,) who will rage, and fume, and storm, 
 like a wild bull in a net, before they have heard the causes and controver- 
 sies of such as are brought before them, because the spirit of pride and 
 ambition which is of the devil, is not bowed unto, and will imprison peo- 
 ple, right or wrong, without breach of any just law of God or man. These 
 are not magistrates, but evil doers; and magistrates are for the punishing 
 of evil doers; neither is that a just law, but an unrighteous decree, which 
 is made to be a terror to good works, and an encouragement to evil doers. 
 This is turning judgment into gall, and righteousness into hemlock, and 
 the sword backwards. Consider these things; for with them God is not 
 pleased, who beholds the prey that is made on them that depart from 
 iniquity in the land. 
 
 For such do well, and are not evil doers, who meet together in the 
 fear of the true God, to wait upon him in the light of his counsel, by it 
 to be guided into all truth through the knowledge of his will concerning 
 them and their salvation, that so they may serve God in his holy way ac- 
 ceptably all the days of their life, with reverence and godly fear: for 
 our God is a consuming fire. And he or she, that beareth witness in the 
 spirit of truth and power of righteousness, against pride, idolatry, popery, 
 or superstition, or any other ungodly lusts, deceit or hypocrisy, as, preach- 
 ing for money, or judging for rewards, and such like injustice, oppression, 
 and cruelty, or any of the fruits of the corrupt tree, which God is hewing 
 down for the fire; I say, that man or woman, boy or girl, of the streets of Je- 
 rusalem, that so doth, as afore-mentioned, in the name of the Lord, doth 
 well; and they that abuse them for so doing, do evil, and God shall require 
 it at their hands. For, he or she, that standeth a witness in the power 
 
135 
 
 and wisdom of God, (which is the higher power,) against the fleshly lusts, 
 which war against the soul, is, in so doing, the soul's friend. He that can 
 hear let him hear. For to the higher power, which was before the lusts and 
 wills of men, or the powers of darkness, death, hell, and transgression, 
 (the lower, condemned power,) was, are we subject; and this seed, or 
 life, which God hath raised in us, who at this day are called Quakers, 
 cannot bow down to the devil, the lower power, nor worship that spirit 
 of pride, envy, ambition, and wickedness, which God hath determined 
 to destroy, root and branch, and them that live in and worship it; for it 
 is the image of the old serpent, the devil, and destroyer of mankind, to 
 which the pure image or son of the living God could never bow, but 
 was always a sufferer for a season, under its enmity and cruelty, as may 
 be seen throughout all ages to this day. For it is no new thing to see him 
 that is born after the flesh oppress and persecute him that is born after 
 the spirit ; for it began at Abel, even about sacrifice, and is the same 
 at this day. For whatsoever you may say and profess in words, (Cain 
 could also talk and contend in the same nature,) that matters not; while 
 you are in the spirit of pride and enmity, which is of the devil, your 
 sacrifice is not accepted of the righteous, holy God ; but is unto him as 
 an odious smoke of brimstone in the nostrils of a man. And your church, 
 so called, is not the body of Christ Jesus, the lamb's wife, but of the 
 great whore, which hath drunk the blood of the saints ; living in plea- 
 sures, wantonness, pride, scornfulness, disdain, flattery, deceit, and vanity, 
 with your tongues at liberty out of God's fear, in wrath and envy, lust 
 and maliciousness, swearing, cursing, and corrupt communication, rioting 
 and sporting, and all manner of ungodliness. These are not the fruits 
 of God's spirit, in which he is only worshipped, nor graces of Christ's 
 church, but the whore's night garments ; for the christians were and are 
 to abstain from all appearance of evil, and to wait upon God, through 
 his power to be sanctified throughout, in body, soul and spirit, hating 
 even the garment spotted with the flesh; against which work the ser- 
 pent and his seed in all ages have set themselves, and took counsel 
 together, and made laws and decrees even to hinder the appearance, 
 growth, and dominion of the righteous seed, and image of God, which 
 is Christ in his people in all generations, the seed of the woman, which 
 is bruising the serpent's head. 
 
 Therefore, all ye rulers, priests, bishops, lip professors and people, 
 who are gainsayers of the light, the truth, the way of God in his peo- 
 ple; and are persecutors, opposers, proud, wanton, disdainful, wild, scorn- 
 ful, and rebellious against God's witness, that lets you see your evil 
 deeds and vain conversation ; and all you swearers and drunkards, liars, 
 envious, unbelieving, whoremongers, hypocrites, whores, sorcerers, fear- 
 
136 
 
 ful and abominable; you are all without — without are dogs, the biters, 
 and every one that loveth and maketh a lie. 
 
 Hear this, you that oppose the power of the pure, dreadful God, and 
 its mighty works amongst the children of men, which he hath begun in 
 his people called Quakers, it is too weighty for you; it shall break you 
 to pieces, and confound you, it is God's work you oppose, and not man's. 
 And if you say in your hearts, you will make us bow, before you have 
 done with us: I tell you, nay; God hath raised a seed in us of his own 
 life and image, (can ye not understand?) which can never bow to un- 
 righteousness, idolatry, hypocrisy, and deceit ; but stands in the royal 
 power, and authority of the living God, bearing testimony against it; 
 and fear, not him that .can but kill the body, and after that hath power 
 to do no more; but it is in the pure fear, dread, and terrible power 
 of the Almighty God, who hath raised it up, compassing it about as a 
 wall of fire; and you can never quench it; for it is that love which is 
 stronger than death, that is shed abroad in our hearts. Blessed is the 
 man that heareth, believeth, and receiveth it. Therefore it is impossible 
 for you to prevail against it, unless you could prevail against God, or 
 were stronger than he; then might you hinder his handy works and 
 mighty wonders, which he hath determined to bring to pass in these 
 last days. 
 
 For let me tell you, ye kings and rulers, priests and bishops, for to 
 you now am I speaking, and that from the eternal God of heaven; that 
 you are at this day verily opposing the great and weighty work of 
 God, which he will accomplish, and none shall be able to hinder; and 
 verily, you shall as easily pluck the sun, moon, and stars out of the fir- 
 mament, in which the living God hath set them by his pow T er, and orders 
 them by his wisdom, as stop, hinder or frustrate the decree or purpose 
 of God concerning his people, and their enemies, in these last days. 
 
 For the day is come of which his former prophets have prophesied 
 and declared, that in the last days he would pour out of his spirit upon 
 his sons and daughters, and they should prophesy. But this is a strange 
 work which you cannot understand, as it is written, "Many shall be tried, 
 purified, and made white; but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none 
 of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand," who are 
 in that wisdom which the fear of the Lord is the beginning of. And in 
 the day when the proud were called happy, and them that tempted 
 God were even delivered, did some fear the Lord, and met often toge- 
 ther, and thought upon his name, for whom a book of remembrance 
 was written before the Lord, "and they shall be mine," saith God, "and I 
 will spare them, as a man spareth his son that serveth him;" though 
 men will not spare them, who are servants of the devil; and is not this 
 the day? Yea, this is the day, even the notable day, the great and 
 
137 
 
 dreadful day, in which the mighty God will cut short his work in righte- 
 ousness. And because of this, nations shall be distressed, and in great per- 
 plexity; the sea shall roar, and men's hearts shall fail them for fear, and 
 for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth; and men 
 shall walk like blind men, because of their rebellion against God; and 
 God shall send his plagues upon the earth like showers of hail, even 
 sword and famine, and pestilence, and earthquakes, and dreadful thun- 
 derings upon the head of the wicked, and all flesh shall fail before him, 
 and the mountains shall quake at his presence: for the terrible God 
 shall roar out of Sion and utter his voice in Jerusalem, and the earth 
 shall tremble, and pain shall take hold of the ungodly as a woman in 
 travail, and they shall not escape. 
 
 Therefore, seek not to get ease and covering by your unrighteous 
 decrees against the saints of the most high God, or by afflicting and 
 abusing them; for we, whom you have thus dealt with, are his chosen 
 generation, his royal priesthood, his peculiar people, zealous of good 
 works, whose cause he will plead with all flesh, and there is not a man 
 upon the face of the whole earth, that God hath respect unto, or his 
 offering, but in this seed of Abraham, which is, Christ in us, which he 
 hath raised to offer up living sacrifices, acceptable in his sight; for the 
 sacrifice of the wicked is abomination to him. And there are but two 
 seeds, roots, or grounds, as I have said, from whence all good and evil 
 springs. The one is the seed of God's own sowing, which is now arising 
 to spread over the whole earth, even the plant of righteousness, truth, 
 and equity; and the other is the seed of enmity against God, his truth, 
 and people; and this is the seed of evil doers, which shall never be re- 
 nowned. And the son of God is come, the seed of renown, and hath given 
 us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and are in him that 
 is true, and we know him that is false, and out of the truth. And we 
 know God only is to be worshipped, and the devil denied; though he 
 might rage, storm, and persecute, or promise all the glory, kingdoms, 
 and pleasures of this world, to be bowed unto or worshipped, yet the 
 royal seed cannot give glory to another ; therefore would the devil, like 
 his son Haman, have him destroyed out of the world, in which he him- 
 self has been worshipped as God, blinding and veiling the mind of man- 
 kind from the true knowlege and understanding of the noble seed, the 
 heir, whose right it is alone to reign, and he must reign now, till all 
 his enemies are trampled under his feet: the Lord hath spoken it; to 
 whom be all honour, worship, glory, dominion, praise, thanksgiving, and 
 eternal songs of deliverance and redemption, over all heaven and earth. 
 Hallelujah, Amen. 
 
 18 
 
1.38 
 
 A few words to the Pinests, Bishops, Episcopal men and professors 
 
 of this last age. 
 
 All you bishops, prelates, priests, episcopal men, or any others, that 
 are professing God, Christ, and Scriptures, and are offering sacrifice in 
 your own wills, and time, and places, out of the fear, and counsel, and 
 wisdom of God. 
 
 This is the word of the Lord God: you and your sacrifices are not ac- 
 cepted in his sight, but are abomination unto him, even iniquity and 
 idolatry; and all your prayers, singings, preachings, fastings, feastings, 
 and roarings, enter not into the ears of the Lord God of sabbaths, but 
 are a smoke in his nostrils all the day long; and all your sacrifices and 
 sacraments, as you call them, are not better in the sight of the pure, 
 living God of heaven, than if you cut off a dog's neck, or offered swine's 
 blood; for it is so, you offer swine's blood, and not the blood of the lamb 
 without spot, the acceptable seed; and the broth of abominable things, 
 which the Lord abhors, is in your vessels. If you have ears to hear, 
 hear. You offer swine's blood, the life of the swine, the greedy de- 
 vourer that lives in your dwellings, in which the devil is entered, and 
 you are running violently down the steep place, and you will perish 
 among the waters, if you repent not, and turn speedily. The Lord hath 
 spoken it. 
 
 Therefore hear, hear, you that are offering sacrifices and prayers 
 called common, and are in your will worships and feigned humility, never 
 commanded of God; and though you make a great noise with your organs, 
 and sacraments, and surplices, and tippits, and girdles, and tables, and 
 singings, and pipings, and ringings, and the like, it is all but as the hideous 
 howling of a dog at midnight, whilst you live in lusts, envy, pride, covet- 
 ousness, and unrighteousness, and no more accepted of the righteous, 
 holy, just God, than Cain's was (the vagabond) who slew his brother, 
 being in the same nature and ground of malice and wickedness. And 
 God hath set a mark upon you, as upon Cain, which shall never be 
 blotted out, unless you turn, and be converted from that root, and sink 
 down in your minds to the righteous suffering seed in you, which never 
 had fellowship in these things in which you are thus exercised; but re- 
 proves you in secret for sin, and lets you see the evil and vanity of your 
 ways. 
 
 For while you do evil, sin lieth at your door, and your prayers and 
 sacrifices do not enter into the acceptance of the holy God. For "God 
 heareth not sinners; but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doth 
 his will, him he heareth:" but none worship God, but them that worship 
 him in spirit and in truth, even in that spirit which you daily grieve and 
 
139 
 
 provoke with your abominations, and sacrifices, and oblations, singing, 
 and superstitions, which he is weary to bear, of which he will shortly 
 ease himself, and of you also, if you proceed in these things, which never 
 came into his mind to command or require at your hands. 
 
 Therefore, hear and consider, and fear and tremble before the just 
 God of power, who is arisen to plead with you about these things, and 
 will reprove you for your words, worships, sacrifices, and feigned imita- 
 tions, which are without the true knowledge, darkening the counsel of 
 God in your own selves and others, whereby his pure way of life and 
 truth is not heeded, but evil spoken of, and his eternal counsel by you 
 is not understood, which is, to stand still in the light of Christ Jesus, the 
 saviour, and not will, nor run, but as led and guided by it, which leads 
 out of all unrighteousness, into soberness, goodness, equity, and all truth. 
 And it will let you see, if you are quiet in your minds, that the jealous 
 God of holiness hath no fellowship nor delight in your ways of superstition 
 and wickedness; but secretly saith, "Return, return, this is not your rest, 
 for it is polluted;" but and if you will not hear, and come into the still 
 waters of Shiloah, which run softly, but will still ride upon horses, even 
 go on in the strength of your wills, in your great noise of false worships, 
 ways, sacrifices, and ungodliness, then they that pursue you, (even the 
 judgments of God,) shall be very swift against you, saith the Lord God 
 of hosts. 
 
 This is your warning and visitation, as shall be witnessed, whether 
 you hear or forbear. 
 
 Some occasional Queries concerning a Vagabond. 
 
 Query I. Whether the ground of being a vagabond, be the want of 
 an outward inheritance, habitation, or earthly riches, or certain dwelling 
 place in the earth, as some have said? Yea or nay? If yea, then how 
 was Cain a vagabond? seeing he was a rich man, and had an inheritance, 
 and certain dwelling place in the earth, who builded a city, and called 
 it after the name of his son?* 
 
 II. And if the want of an outward inheritance, or certain dwelling 
 place in the earth, be the only ground of being a vagabond, then whether 
 Abraham was a vagabond, when he went out of his own country, not 
 knowing whither he went, (having not so much ground as to set his 
 foot on,-f) of whom it is written, he is called, the friend of God?J 
 
 • Gen. iv. j- Acts vii. \ Heb. xi. . 
 
140 
 
 For there hath been a great noise in the world, amongst the rich and 
 great men, and professors thereof, in these latter days, saying, if you 
 cannot give an account of your certain dwelling place, habitation, or 
 place of abode in the earth, we account yoU as vagabonds, and wander- 
 ers, and rogues, and you must be prosecuted against as such by our 
 law, ordinance, or act of parliament, or the like. Which if they have 
 such a law, that doth judge and conclude such to be vagabonds as have 
 no certain dwelling place in the earth, and that this, in their account, is 
 the ground of being a vagabond, then mark how far this law will reach. 
 
 III. Whether it will not reach as far in this case, as did that of the 
 Scribes and Pharisees, the Jews' law, to the son of God, who said, "We 
 have a law, and by our law he ought to die;" for said Christ, "The foxes 
 have holes, (such as Herod,) and the fowls of the air have nests, (of whom 
 the devil is ruler,) but the son of man hath no where to lay his head." 
 
 Now, this law takes hold of him, and of Abraham his friend, and of 
 his apostles and prophets in the days past, who wandered in sheep skins 
 and goat skins, being destitute and afflicted, having no certain dwelling 
 place. But if you say, nay, these are no vagabonds, though Christ had 
 not a place to lay his head on, nor Abraham a foot of ground, and 
 wandered into a strange country, not knowing whither he went; and 
 the apostles and patriarchs wandered, and were in dens and caves of 
 the earth, being destitute, afflicted, and tormented by the wicked men 
 of the world, (who were not worthy of them,) having no certain dwell- 
 ing place; yet these were no vagabonds, but good men, righteous men, 
 sincere and holy men of God. 
 
 IV. Then what is the absolute ground of being a vagabond? Seeing 
 these men are no vagabonds, though they have no certain dwelling place, 
 but wandered up and down in the earth, and that Cain was a vaga- 
 bond, though a rich man, and builded a city? 
 
 V. Whether the word vagabond doth not signify a separation, or 
 wandering from God, who is truth and love, or a being banished from 
 his presence by reason of envy, murder, and rage, which separate from 
 the pure, just God? 
 
 For Cain said, when he had been wroth, and had slain his brother, 
 "Now shall I be a vagabond and a fugitive in the earth, and from thy 
 presence shall I be hid, (mark that,) and behold every one that findeth 
 me, will slay me:" so he fled from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt 
 in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden, where this murderer built a 
 city, a strong hold, being afraid every one that found him would kill 
 him. Mark, here the first builder in the earth was a vagabond, a rich 
 man, a persecutor, and a murderer about sacrifice.* 
 
 * C^al. iv. 5. 
 
141 
 
 VI. Now, whether envy, wrath, persecution, murder, cruelty, op- 
 pression, and imprisoning, about sacrifice and worship, be not the very 
 ground and cause of being a vagabond or separated from God, and not 
 the want of a certain dwelling place in the earth? 
 
 Seeing Cain is a vagabond, though he builded a city; and Abraham, 
 and the apostles, and prophets, and many other holy men of God and 
 Christ are no vagabonds, though they wandered and had no city, house, 
 or dwelling place in the earth, or so much ground as to set their foot 
 or to lay their head on. 
 
 VII. Whether God has not chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, 
 and heirs of his everlasting kingdom? And whether the rich men, that 
 did oppress them, and draw them before the judgment-seats, were not 
 the blasphemers; and such as tormented and afflicted them in envy, 
 ambition, and Wrath, were not the vagabonds, seeing such things sepa- 
 rate from God, and hide his presence from them? 
 
 VIII. Whether Lazarus was a vagabond, who was very poor, and 
 lay begging at the rich man's gate, where the dogs came, (in more love 
 than their owner,) licking his sores? or whether this hard hearted rich 
 man was not the vagabond? seeing he was cast into hell torments, where 
 he was separated (with a great gulf) from the presence and glory of 
 God's love forever; and Lazarus, the beggar, carried into Abraham's 
 bosom, (the friend of God,) by an angel, being comforted; and the other, 
 who lived in pleasures, unrighteousness and deliciousness every day in 
 his life-time, tormented. Luke 16. He that hath an ear to hear, let 
 him hear. 
 
 Now, seeing Cain is a vagabond, being in the wrath, envy, and trans- 
 gression, the ground of it, let us stretch the line of true judgment yet 
 further, and see if we can find more rich men to be vagabonds and 
 blasphemers, though they have cities, like Cain, or habitations in the 
 earth. 
 
 IX. Whether Ishmael, the wild man, the mocker and scoffer, was 
 not cast out of Abraham's house, the friend of God, into whose bosom 
 the poor man Lazarus was carried? And whether he was not separated 
 by his wildness, mocking, and enmity, (whose hand was against every 
 man, and every man's hand against him,) from the presence of God, and 
 was a vagabond, seeing the word vagabond signifieth a separation, or 
 being driven from, or cast out of God's presence? 
 
 X. Whether Esau, the cunning hunter, the profane person, was not 
 a vagabond? seeing he sold his birthright for a mess of pottage, and 
 lost the blessing; and afterwards sought a place of repentance, but could 
 not find it, but was rejected, though he sought it carefully with tears; 
 (consider this ye profane and ungodly ones, whose pleasures and treasures 
 are in this life;) out of whose loins came the dukes of Edom, and twelve 
 
142 
 
 princes from the loins of Ishmael, (the wild man, the mocker, and scoffer, 
 who was cast out of Abraham's house,*) and these had towns and cas- 
 tles, like their brother Cain, and great possessions in the earth.f 
 
 XL Whether such as are in the envious, wrathful, wild, mocking, 
 and scoffing nature now, and are profane persons, cunningly hunting 
 now, and persecuting and afflicting about sacrifice now, and drawing the 
 poor of this w r orld, ("who are chosen, rich in faith, and heirs of God's 
 kingdom,) before the judgment seats now, whether these are not the 
 blasphemers, vagabonds, and separated from God's presence now, in 
 this state, though they may be great and rich in this world, as the 
 princes of Ishmael, Cain, and the dukes of Edom; seeing, "God hath 
 chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of his kingdom" 
 without end, from which Cain was a vagabond, though "he builded a 
 city, and called it after the name of his son?" J 
 
 A short warning to the rulers and inhabitants of the earth. 
 
 Therefore, hearken all you kings, rulers, governors, and people 
 upon earth, and take heed you do not persecute and imprison, or abuse 
 the servants and children of the most high God, (wherever they come 
 in your dominions or countries,) under the name of vagabonds, wander- 
 ers, or idle persons, or the like, (who come in love to your souls.) And 
 he you warned, that you hurt not them, who do no evil, I charge you 
 in the name of the dreadful God that made heaven and earth, lest you 
 bring innocent blood upon your own heads, and as you will answer it in 
 the terrible day at hand. For the Almighty God is no respecter of 
 persons, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords; neither doth poverty 
 or riches in this world make a vagabond, or keep from being a vagabond, 
 for they were no vagabonds, who had here no continuing city, but sought 
 one to come, whose builder and maker is God, though they wandered 
 about in sheep skins, and goat skins, in dens and caves of the earth, 
 yet these were no vagabonds, but had a habitation in God, of whom 
 they obtained a good report, through faith, and were blessed; of whom 
 the world was not worthy. And if any of us, who are of the same seed 
 and generation, and built upon the same foundation, Christ Jesus, the 
 light that lighteth every man, who was hated, scorned, derided, and 
 drawn from prison to judgment; I say, if any of us, who declare his 
 generation now, (by afflictions, persecutions, cruel mockings, imprison- 
 ments, and drawing before judgment seats,) should like Abraham in 
 
 Gen. xxi. 9, 25, 16, 36, 40. 
 
 f Heb. xii. 1G. * Gen. iv. 17. 
 
143 
 
 obedience to the voice of the Lord God of our fathers, go out of our own 
 country, not knowing whither we went, even we who are called Quakers, 
 that tremble at his word, yet we are no vagabonds, but obedient children 
 and servants of the most high God of power, and compassions, before whom 
 all nations shall bow and tremble. Therefore be awakened all ye rulers 
 and inhabitants of the earth, and consider these things, and be not rash, 
 heady, nor high minded, nor hasty to give heed to false reports, or to fulfil 
 the lusts and wills of envious, wrathful, and ambitious men, or to lay 
 hands suddenly, or violently on any, without just cause; but be meek, 
 patient, and sober, and search out the truth of causes and controversies, 
 and consider the scriptures before written, for the people of the living 
 God are at this day strangers and pilgrims in the earth, as all our fathers 
 were: therefore fear God, and be very careful, heeding the light, his 
 witness in you, which lets you see between good and evil, "For some 
 "have entertained angels unawares." Heb. xiii. 22. 
 
 Be wise therefore now, O ye kings and rulers, and be instructed, and 
 learn righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth, and serve God with 
 fear and trembling, lest his anger be wholly kindled against you, and 
 then you perish from the way of everlasting peace and happiness. 
 
 I am a lover of the holy God, and good men of truth, mercy, and 
 righteousness; and am waiting in the spirit of love and patience for the 
 resurrection of the dead, that the righteous and holy seed may arise, 
 and come into rule and dominion in and through the whole creation; 
 called, 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 The decree of God the first birth is to slay, 
 That all its fruits and offsprings might decay; 
 Which hath fill'd the earth with pride and violence, 
 Ev'n like the plague and grievous pestilence: 
 The zeal of God against it now doth burn, 
 Which will consume it in Jacob's blest return, 
 For, the first born of Egypt must be brought 
 To death, who hath the second's mischief sought, 
 Which now must rule the nations with his rod; 
 Though Cain may flee, and build in the land of Nod, 
 Yet there his hand will find him out again, 
 Then endless will be his punishment and pain: 
 And all that came from the first birth, must go 
 Into condemnation and eternal wo, 
 Which caus'd the wrath of God on earth to come, 
 Therefore its great destruction is the sum 
 
144 
 
 Of what the prophets by past, have declar'd, 
 That Babylon no longer should be spar'd; 
 But vengeance on her head should poured be, 
 That all her plagues and nakedness may see, 
 And by her torments learn for to amend, 
 Lest furious plagues again on them he send: 
 For with his sword he'll cut down cedars tall, 
 And with great noise now Babylon must fall; 
 And all her merchants they shall weep and wail, 
 For God will neither leave her head nor tail: 
 And he'll not spare his arrows for to spend, 
 Till of her seed he hath made a final end. 
 All flesh shall fail, all knees shall feeble be; 
 The joints and loins of men now loos'd you'll see; 
 The earth shall reel, the mountains now shall quake, 
 Because God pleads with them for his seed's sake. 
 These things are near, and hasten they do now, 
 The time is come, that nations all must bow 
 To him that's born, who must the sceptre sway, 
 And bring to dust what stands against his way. 
 His name is light, his burden is so too, 
 Easy his yoke to those who life forego 
 For his name's sake, and in his will can rest; 
 These are the souls that are forever blest; 
 But as for them that will not he should reign, 
 The time draws near in which they must be slain. 
 Amen, hallelujah. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and become the habitation of 
 devils. — Rev, xviii. 
 
THE VISION OF WILLIAM BAYLY. 
 
 Since I came into this place, waiting in the counsel of the Lord, my 
 spirit hath had much converse with him concerning the secret counsel 
 and determination of things which shall shortly come to pass in these 
 latter days ; yea, I have been in certain seasons, as it were, upon mount 
 Sinai with him, where the Lord hath even spoken through a pillar of 
 fire, or in a burning bush, concerning his people, and their oppressors, 
 which things at present, many of them, are hard to be uttered. 
 
 But in the evening of the second day of the fifth month, (62,) lying 
 down on my bed, in the counsel of the Lord, and in it taking my rest, 
 until about the middle of the night, at which time I saw, as it were, the 
 appearance of an angel, which talked with me, but being parted, I felt 
 as it were the weight of a great millstone, which lay very heavy 
 upon my soul and spirit; and upon a sudden I heard a loud voice, saying, 
 "They are resolved at present to seek your final destruction:" which 
 words did perfectly awaken me, and a great trembling, and hot burning, 
 (even as it were beyond the ordinary nature of outward fire,) fell upon 
 me, in which state I said unto the Lord, " If I be worthy, let me know 
 how, and when, this shall be, which they have determined against thy 
 people.'* And my bowels yearned within me, and I wept before the 
 Lord, and he answered me on this wise : " Even as Herod sought the 
 young child's life, and as Pharaoh and his magicians, and enchanters, 
 and wise men, took counsel together, against my seed in ages past, so 
 are these men at present resolved, in the counsel of their hearts, to leave 
 you neither root nor branch." 
 
 Then I cried unto the Lord, that he would discover unto me in 
 what way they intend to do it. And the Lord answered me after this 
 manner: "They seek to take away the lives of some of my people, and 
 some that they seek to take, shall be preserved; and others, peradven- 
 ture, which they did not so much seek after, may fall in that lot; for 
 this is the very purpose of some of their hearts at this time, (whatever 
 they may say with their mouth unto you,) to take away the lives of 
 a certain number, and to banish the rest as fast as they appear as wit- 
 nesses for the Lord." And besides, the Lord showed me, '-that it was 
 in the counsel of one of their hearts, to murder us in the prisons;" at 
 which I was in my spirit troubled, which trouble the Lord answered in 
 a figure on this wise. 
 
 As I was sitting quiet (as it were) alone, there came into the room 
 
 19 
 
146 
 
 in which I was, a man very strong, thick, and tall, even filled with the 
 power of darkness, who came violently near me, and spake grievous 
 words against me, in derision of the Lord and of his people; and he smote 
 me with his staff, and trod upon me with his feet, to make me how under 
 the power which ruled in him, and would have had me engaged to have 
 been a subject to that power; but I cried to the Lord in fear and trem- 
 bling, saying, let me never bow to one jot of this great power of enmity 
 and darkness: which that man perceiving, stept forth of the room and 
 fetched a great axe, and said unto me, " If I would not bow, he would cut 
 me to pieces;" which axe being lifted up, there stood by a woman of 
 a glorious countenance, and lovely to behold, even like the face of an 
 angel, and she with her words, and by the lifting up of her right hand, 
 stood between me and the axe, and turned it backward, by laying hold 
 on his right hand, that he could not do that which he then intended. 
 Immediately after, I was carried in my spirit into a large and high way, 
 where I met with several men, one of most nations upon the earth, whose 
 outward languages I understand not, but the seed of God in them I 
 saw and understood clearly, which was raised and travailed, breathing, 
 and crying to the Lord; which men I, with some more of my brethren, 
 dearly saluted in the love and bowels of God, glorifying his name on 
 their behalf, and immediately, they (as it were) vanished out of my 
 sight. Then I again returned in my spirit to inquire of the Lord, the 
 reason, concerning some words which I had formerly written, in calling 
 the name of the Lord so often by the name of Jehovah, seeing it hath 
 not been always frequent with us so to do. And the Lord answered, 
 "In the days past, and in former years, that was my name by which 
 I was known unto my people, which signifieth, a great, and powerful, 
 and wonderful deliverer: and now the beginning hath near found the 
 end, in which my mighty wonders shall be known as in the days of old ; 
 for I have been as a travelling man into a far country, and the course of 
 my way has been like a rainbow, or a ring, and I am like one that is 
 coming in where I first went out, unto the children of men; that is the rea- 
 son why my spirit calls upon me by those names, in which I was manifest 
 in the beginning. Therefore charge my people, whom this concerns, 
 that they take heed of a false birth, and of a false joy, and a false rest, 
 which cannot continue, nor dwell with me, who am everlasting burnings 
 and a consuming fire. And this is also a name in which I will be 
 known throughout all the inhabitants 'of the earth. And charge all whom 
 this concerns, to be very diligent, still, quiet, and watchful, waiting 
 upon me, even with fear and trembling, that they may know my counsel 
 and secrets, and be guided in the wisdom and dominion of my life, that 
 they may be able, in the light of my counsel, to discern and ponder the 
 weight of my glory: for behold I will work wonderfully amongst the 
 
147 
 
 children of men, and I will cast out of my presence and congregations 
 all false births; and not a foolish nor deceitful tongue, shall be found 
 in all Israel, because they shall live in watchfulness towards me, that 
 they offend not; and I will watch over them, to preserve them, in the 
 day of bitterness, distress, and anguish, which is coming as a flood upon 
 all the disobedient, ungodly and rebellious." 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 Newgate prison. 
 
A GENERAL EPISTLE TO ALL FRIENDS, 
 
 Who are called and gathered of God, called Quakers. 
 
 Friends, 
 
 Live in the life, and power, and wisdom of God, every where; then you 
 live in Christ, the saviour, the redeemer, the leader of his people Israel, 
 the son of God, who came not to do his own will. For nothing hut life, 
 and power, and wisdom, shall stand and he a hiding place in the terrible 
 day at hand. Therefore feel it, possess it, enjoy it, all ye who profess 
 yourselves to be followers of Christ ; and remember, that a name to live 
 is not enough, or to be counted a follower of the lamb; but feel and 
 possess the lamb's life, which takes away the sin, that bears the iniquity: 
 for God is raising his own seed into dominion and victory over all, and 
 his kingdom which hath no end, which shall abolish all other kingdoms. 
 Feel him bora whose right it is to reign, upon whose shoulders the go- 
 vernment must be, Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God, 
 the leader and preserver of his people. Know him all people, (who 
 profess his name in words,) and his appearance in you, or else you are 
 reprobates, foolish virgins, cast-aways, without life, without power, 
 without wisdom from above, that is pure and peaceable. So dwell in 
 the dread and power, life and wisdom of God, that you may be found 
 in Christ Jesus, the saviour, in whom the Father is well pleased; that 
 by him you may be led, guided, and preserved to God's glory, and be 
 the wise virgins possessing the oil which makes glad the soul, the sub- 
 stance, the light, life, and power of God, in which alone is salvation^ 
 and not in another : for the day of trial is come, that nothing will 
 stand but life itself. Therefore, every one to his tent, dwelling in the 
 retiredness, in the stillness, in the patience, feeling the life of God, the 
 undaunted spirit, that lifts up a standard when the enemy comes like 
 a flood. And be not deceived with dreams, or a spirit of slumber, but 
 be awakened, and feel the power that raiseth the dead, and quickeneth 
 up to God, and keeps in the awakenedness, your hearts open unto him, 
 your understandings cleared by the thundering power of the Lord God, 
 which clears all, which drives away the clouds, and causes the showers 
 to descend, to the refreshing of the seed immortal, in which alone the 
 blessing is, to whom the mercies are, and with whom the covenant is, 
 and promises are, amen for ever. 
 
149 
 
 So, all feel and possess the pure power of the eternal God; then you 
 feel the covenant, and live in the covenant; then you live with God as 
 Enoch did, in the new and living way, which abides forever to all gene- 
 rations; Christ the seed, which bruiseth the serpent's head, and recon- 
 ciles to God the father of it. So all friends, who feel the power of God, 
 live in it, dwell in it, then you dwell in God's covenant which he made 
 with Abraham and his seed for ever ; then you know the words of God 
 in the mouth of the seed which never goes out, but is in the covenant 
 in the power of Christ for ever, who is come to destroy the works of 
 the devil, to smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and to slay the 
 wicked with the breath of his lips; to whom all judgment is committed 
 in heaven and earth, to whom every knee must bow, of things in heaven 
 and things in earth. This is the higher power: let every soul be subject 
 to it, guided by it, possess it, live in it: then you know Christ as the wife 
 the husband; then you know the church that is in God, the pillar and 
 ground of truth. But they who are from the power of God in themselves, 
 are from Christ, are from the new covenant, are from the wisdom of 
 God, are from the leader, are from the redeemer and saviour, and not 
 members of his body. Such know not the redeemer to live, such know 
 not the bride, the lamb's wife, the king's daughter, which is all glorious 
 within ; such know not the cross of Christ ; for the cross of Christ is the 
 power of God, which crosseth, bindeth, and limiteth the self will and 
 wandering desires of the earthly man; such are the foolish virgins with 
 the lamps, a form without the oil, the power, the anointing, which 
 makes the face to shine, gives boldness, strength, joy, peace, courage, 
 and dominion over all the contrary. 
 
 Now is the day come, which shall manifest all things, who are in the 
 power, and who are out of the power. For they who are in the power are 
 in Christ, the saviour, the covenant of God; and they who are out of the 
 power are out of God's covenant, in which all things are good and blessed, 
 and so are yet in the fall, not raised by the power, but in the curse and 
 the ground of it. So read within, with the light of God's witness; and 
 see the ground in which ye now stand, whether it be in God's covenant, 
 the power, and life, and wisdom from above; or whether out of it, in 
 the alienation, in the lower power, the fall, out of God's covenant and 
 life, which giveth dominion over all the world, death, hell, and the 
 grave, and the darkness and powers of it. 
 
 So all who dwell in God's covenant, you dwell in that which he 
 hath remembered, which was with Abraham his friend, who rejoiced 
 to see his day, and with Isaac and Jacob, in whom the seed was called, 
 for whose sake he will plead with all flesh, and work wonderful things 
 for the deliverance of his chosen remnant. So feel that which makes 
 you valiant for the truth upon earth, (read within,) upon the earth let 
 
150 
 
 the truth be, and you in it valiant and bold, giving up all in the will 
 of the eternal God; for he loveth a cheerful giver, and in so doing you 
 will feel, in the stillness, blessings and«rest with him in the midst of 
 trials and tribulations. For by his outstretched arms is he gathering 
 his seed from the four corners of the earth, and will bring them into 
 the holy land which is prepared a rest for them that love him. So, all 
 friends, dwell in the truth itself, in God's power, and wisdom, and fear, 
 which will keep the mind stayed and stable, in dominion over the fear 
 and threats of men, and out of all the snares and temptations of the 
 devil and the world, in him which was before the fears, the snares, the 
 world, the devil, and the persecuting spirit was, and will be when it 
 shall be no more for ever ; in which your souls will rejoice and praise 
 the Lord who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light, 
 in which is no occasion of stumbling, but keeps in the pure feeling and 
 discerning, moderation and settledness, above the dark mountains, where 
 we feel him daily God's delight, before the hills, the mountains, or the 
 foundations of the earth were laid; in whom are all the treasures of 
 life, wisdom, and knowledge. So, all friends, dwell in him, and lie down 
 in him, where none can make you afraid. 
 
 And keep your meetings every where, and wait in the dread of God, 
 and be zealous for his name and truth ; and live in the retiredness, in 
 which his terrible power ariseth in his lambs and babes, to guide and 
 preserve them in dominion and life over all, to his glory and their com- 
 fort and pure refreshment, in his everlasting covenant, which changeth 
 not. And keep out of all extremes to the right hand or left, but judge 
 them, and rule and reign with Christ, the unchangeable covenant of God, 
 whose kingdom is not of this world, whose throne is heaven, and the 
 earth his foot-stool. Here you dwell in the elect, which cannot be de- 
 ceived nor overcome. 
 
 So all live in the power, the love of God, out of all rents, strife, pre- 
 judice, and contentions, in Christ, the covenant, the holy mountain, 
 where there is no hurting nor destroying, but dominion over all change- 
 ables known in the free life and seed which hath no end, of which God 
 is Father, which changeth not; and out of covetousness, which is idola- 
 try, and slavish fears of trials, and want therein, and out of carelessness 
 and excess, in the moderation and wisdom of God. And fashion not 
 yourselves like unto them that know not God ; but know and follow him 
 that is not of this world, whose garment is without seam or rent, wo- 
 ven from the top to the bottom, whose life, and wisdom, and doctrine 
 the world cannot receive. So here is the cross known to the lusts of the 
 flesh, the lusts of the eye, and the pride of life, which is not of the Fa- 
 ther, but of the world: so all in the cross dwell, which crucifies to the 
 world, and the nature, spirit, and ways of it ; in which the saints' glory 
 
151 
 
 is, and peace, which gives to feel over all the earth and unclean spirits, 
 in God's kingdom forever to reign. 
 
 So in his eternal power and dominion, life, wisdom, and peace, the 
 Lord God Almighty keep and preserve all his upright-hearted and ten- 
 der lambs unto himself, pure and spotless unto the end. Amen. 
 
 This is a faithful testimony and visitation of God's spirit unto all who 
 profess his name in this notable day of trial, in which he will make a 
 final separation between the two seeds; in which none shall abide co- 
 vered, but such as are covered with the spirit of the Lord. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 From the White-Lion Prison, in Southwark, 
 the 9th Month, 1662. 
 
 Some Words given forth by the Spirit of Truth to all People, in 
 
 the year 1662. 
 
 The day is come, of which the prophets told, 
 And prophesied, in the days of old; 
 That Gog and Magog the city compass should 
 The holy one, which shines like purest gold. 
 
 Even New Jerusalem, that's come down from above, 
 Which walks in truth, in peace, in joy, and love; 
 Whose precious life the nations seek to smother, 
 Like unto Cain who slew his righteous brother. 
 
 And the reason why these things are come to pass, 
 Is that all flesh should fade, like to the grass 
 That down is cut, even by the mower's hand, 
 And wickedness no longer in the earth should stand. 
 
 For God's decree is sealed, perfect, sure, 
 That righteousness forever shall endure, 
 And all ungodly men into the pit shall fall, 
 Who in their day refus'd God's holy call. 
 
 But as for us, our eyes the good day see, 
 And by the truth in measure are set free; 
 Our hearts and minds from earth are now redeem'd, 
 And all its fading glory is not by us esteem'd. 
 
 For God is risen, all things for to prove, 
 And what is not his own he will remove; 
 And like a lion roused is he come, 
 To give to wickedness its doom. 
 
 Therefore, let all flesh dread the living God, 
 In this the day of smitings with his rod, 
 
152 
 
 And all ye people that profess his name, 
 Let not your hearts depart e'er from the same, 
 But in the life of God remain you still, 
 That you may further know and do his will. 
 
 And all ye waiters on the Lord, 
 Live in his power with one accord; 
 For no respecter of persons is our God, 
 But smites down kings with his outstretched rod. 
 Therefore, learn meekness and humility, 
 That you in peace may live and never die. 
 
 For at God's house is judgment now begun, 
 And tried must nations all, before that it be done; 
 Therefore, walk you examples in this day, 
 Leading in steps of God's most holy way. 
 
 For nations' eyes are on your ways now bent, 
 Therefore, walk as patterns, in trials be content, 
 And in all fear of God see that you dwell; 
 For it keeps out the snares of the tormenting hell. 
 
 And let your words and actions seasoned be, 
 That nations may behold your chastity; 
 For God hath seal'd it in my heart this day, 
 That he will be aveng'd on all that wrong his way, 
 And are not watchful in this great, trying hour, 
 But neglecting their salvation, in his almighty power; 
 For now he is arisen for to cut short the day, 
 In righteousness and truth to raise his holy way, 
 That nations which are saved may in it plainly walk, 
 And of his mighty acts his chosen ones may talk. 
 
 For our God is pleading with all flesh as grass, 
 And mighty wonders for his seed will he now bring to pass. 
 
 Nations shall quake and tremble, and kingdoms roar and rattle, 
 For he the mighty God, is risen unto battle: 
 Therefore, ye babes, be faithful, valiant, just and true; 
 For God is giving all their final due. 
 
 And be you very watchful in this his mighty day, 
 That nations may behold you are in the right way, 
 Which hath been hid in many ages past, 
 But unto you he hath reveal'd at last. 
 
 In which do you rejoice, with fear and trembling still, 
 That always you be found to do his holy will. 
 For to this end ye're call'd, in his eternal love, 
 That he by you all nations now may prove; 
 
 And that each seed in sight, clearly distinct may be, 
 The one condemn'd forever, the other in liberty; 
 This is the work which God amongst us hath begun, 
 And great shall it appear before that it be done. 
 
153 
 
 For God is come, to reign in light and majesty, 
 And they that will not bow to him, eternally must die. 
 
 Whether kings or princes, no person he respects, 
 But all the seed of wickedness, forever he rejects; 
 Neither outward names or titles doth he regard, 
 For which a generation should be spared ; 
 
 But for his seed alone, which cries and groans, 
 Will he dismount the mighty from their thrones, 
 Who live in carelessness, regarding not his call; 
 Like potters' vessels dash'd against a wall, 
 
 Such shall be seen, who strive against his way; 
 For very swiftly hasteneth the day, 
 In which false worship's persecuting train 
 Shall fall into the pit, and never rise again. 
 
 Glory unto God, and the lamb forevermore 
 Who down the beast will throw, the dragon and the whore. 
 Which nations drunk hath made, and over rulers reign'd, 
 And by deceit and flattery the hearts of people gain'd: 
 
 Whose gain shall now be loss, and crown their cross you'll see, 
 Their cup of pleasures and delights a bitter dram shall be. 
 
 Therefore ye rulers, who have upheld 
 The whore, with wicked hands, 
 The day draws nigh in which you shall 
 Be bound with cords and bands. 
 
 Then shall you know the lot of them 
 Who their fellow servants smite, 
 On whom the son of God will come 
 As a thief in the night; 
 
 And cut you all asunder, and in the lake you throw, 
 Who have refused and abhorr'd, the living God to know, 
 Therefore in flames of fire on you will he descend, 
 And all your strength and policy, shall not yourselves defend. 
 
 For God hath sworn, and will perform, 
 To avenge his seed elect, 
 And all your plottings against the just 
 He'll make of none effect. 
 
 For he hath raised up a branch, which to deceit can't bend, 
 Therefore leave off oppressing it, for of it there's no end. 
 
 Their kingdom shall increase, and multiply and grow, 
 Though you should them oppress, even like the king Pharaoh 
 Who did in Egypt's land, lay tasks upon them sore, 
 Till that the plagues on Pharaoh came, and destroyed them evermore. 
 
 Take warning now, ye mighty men, 
 And look back what is past, 
 Lest you yourselves, in the like case, 
 Be all destroyed at last. 
 
 20 
 
154 
 
 For of a truth we are his sons, who tremble at his word, 
 Whose cause he is resolv'd to plead, by fire and with sword, 
 
 Against all those that do oppress, his tender heritage, 
 And grind the faces of the poor, in malice and in rage. 
 Though you in prison shut us up, God's presence we enjoy, 
 That all your threats and cruelties, cannot our souls annoy. 
 
 For we, as lambs, lay down our heads in quietness and peace, 
 Whilst you, like beasts of prey, do fear and torment still increase. 
 
 Therefore on this consider now, 
 And tremble before our God; 
 For he will dash you, in his wrath, 
 With his perpetual rod. 
 
 And kiss the son while you have time, 
 Before his anger burn, 
 And you in Tophet cast alive, 
 Whence never you'll return. 
 
 For I have seen in secret place, 
 God's counsel true and just, 
 That all who will not bow to truth 
 He'll trample down to dust. 
 
 So in his will my soul's resign'd, 
 And body is prepar'd, 
 To do or suffer for his seed's sake — 
 I nothing else regard. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
A MESSAGE SENT FORTH 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 RISEN SEED OF GOD. 
 
 Being a faithful expostulation and testimony concerning the unjust 
 and hard dealings of the rulers and people in England; who have 
 a hand in the cruel oppressions and sufferings of the people of 
 God called Quakers. 
 
 Hearken and give ear, ye sons of men, and consider what ye are doing 
 in making snares, traps, and gins for an innocent people! What have we 
 done against the righteous, holy God, or against any of his laws, or against 
 any righteous, just laws of men, since we were a people, called and chosen 
 of God out of the ways and vanities of this world, that you should thus 
 oppress, abuse, and persecute us, as if we were not worthy to live upon 
 the face of the earth ? Why do ye thus hunt us, as a partridge upon the 
 mountains, and as sheep for the slaughter? What evil have we done, or 
 what is our offence, that you, like Saul, pursue us? If you pretend and 
 say, we are breakers of the king's laws, or queen's laws, or acts of par- 
 liaments, or the like; if this be the only cause, then let me query or 
 reason with you in God's behalf. What are those laws or acts of par- 
 liament, and the ground of them, by which a harmless and innocent 
 people are thus caused to suffer, who break not the law of Christ and 
 of God, but worship him in the spirit and truth, with our heart and 
 understanding, mind and strength, and love our neighbour as ourselves, 
 as God is witness; and even pray, that God would open the eyes of 
 them that hate us, and despitefully use us. Had not they in Daniel's 
 time, and in the Jew's time, and in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's 
 time, laws and decrees, sealed with king's seals, which were against God 
 and his dear children, (which worshipped him in spirit and truth, as we 
 do now,) who suffered such things for the trial of their faith and patience 
 for a season: yea, he suffered Cain to kill his brother Abel about sacri- 
 fice and worship; he suffered Judas to betray Christ, our elder brother, 
 and the rulers and priests to crucify and murder him by a law. But 
 what law was it by which the son of God was put to death? Judge ye: 
 was it not made in man's will, by that spirit that professed the good 
 words, and had the sheep's clothing, that did say, and not do? And were 
 
156 
 
 not the Scribes, and Pharisees, and rulers, and chief priests hypocrites, 
 that did so? and had not they their portion in the lake that burns? and 
 did not he say to them, "If you have done these things to the green .tree 
 what will they do to the dry?" And was not he had from prison to judg- 
 ment, and numbered amongst transgressors? And is it not so now, between 
 you and us, as it was then, the enmity between the two seeds and births? 
 Read, and let God's witness, which reproves you in secret, answer. And 
 did not he suffer the prophets to be stoned by the great professing city 
 and people? and priest Pashur to smite Jeremiah on the mouth? and to 
 be put in the stocks and dungeon, for speaking the truth ? And suffered 
 Zechariah to be slain between the porch and the altar, and Stephen to 
 be stoned for witnessing against temples made with hands; and many 
 such things God did suffer that evil and adulterous generation to inflict 
 upon his servants and tender children, who say to their oppressors in this 
 age as he did then, " Fill ye up the measures of your fathers, that upon 
 you may come the vengeance, for all the righteous blood shed from 
 Zechariah to this day." 
 
 Are not you in the way of Cain? Are not you in the way of the Jews? 
 Are not you in the way of the heathen that did rage, and the people 
 that did imagine vain things, who took counsel together against the Lord 
 and] his anointed ones, saying, let us break their bands asunder, and 
 cast away their cords from us? And are you not now saying within 
 yourselves, and among yourselves, let us break their meetings, and cast 
 away or banish their strength from us, that their name may be blotted 
 out, and their remembrance from amongst us? But he that sits in heaven 
 hath you in derision, who will laugh at your calamity, and mock when 
 your fear and destruction come as a whirlwind. 
 
 Are you not like Herod, thafsubtle fox, who sought the young child's 
 life as soon as it was born? And was not he prevented, though he slew 
 all the males in that region about two years old, or under ? And are 
 you not like Pharaoh, and those dark Egyptians, enchanters, magicians, 
 and wise men, who said, " let us deal wisely with them, lest they multi- 
 ply, and become great in number;" and so enjoined the midwives to kill 
 all the males of the Hebrews? But was not Moses then born, and hid 
 from them in an ark of bulrushes, whom God had appointed to be the 
 leader and deliverer of his people out of Egypt? Even thus are you de- 
 ceived; and God will prevent you and your intents, as he did them and 
 theirs, whose decrees were frustrated, and laws and counsels of none 
 effect. For God hath sworn by himself, and he will perform it, " that 
 no weapon formed against Jacob or his seed shall prosper, nor any en- 
 chantment or divination against his Israel shall prevail." For he hath 
 determined to exalt truth and righteousness in the earth, and throw 
 down wickedness, oppression, idolatry and ungodliness; and he will take 
 
157 
 
 the wise in their own craftiness, and lay low, even to the dust, all the 
 powers of the earth, who exalt themselves against him and his heritage. 
 He respects not the persons of men, but will trample the ungodly as in 
 a wine press, in his fury, for his seed's sake ; who hath said to us his 
 babes and children, concerning our oppressors, fear ye not the face of 
 man, nor the revilings and threatenings of the sons of men, whose breath 
 is in their nostrils, that shall be made as grass, the moth shall eat them 
 up like wool; and I will plead my cause with them, in their consciences, 
 by my own witness, which seeth in secret, and beholds all their ungod- 
 ly deeds and hard speeches, which they have proudly spoken against 
 me and my people; for " vengeance is mine, and I will repay it," saith 
 the Lord. 
 
 Therefore hear now, ye rulers, priests, soldiers, and people, this day in 
 England, who are brewing your hands in the blood of the innocent, and 
 let me reason with you concerning these things. What was Cain and 
 his way, to which the wo belongs to this day? Was he not of the wicked 
 one, who slew his brother about worship and sacrifice? And are not 
 they of the wicked one, the murderer from the beginning, that do so 
 now? Let God's witness in you answer. And what was Balaam and his 
 way, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, whose madness and folly 
 the dumb ass with man's voice reproved ? If you have ears to hear, hear; 
 for many that have been as dumb, rode upon by you and your prede- 
 cessors, begin now to speak with man's voice. And are not you and 
 your teachers found in Cain's way, and Balaam's way ? Will not you 
 murder, and rob, and banish, and imprison, and persecute about sacrifice 
 and worship? Is not this Cain's way and Balaam's way? Do not flat- 
 ter yourselves, nor daub with untempered mortar; but let the witness 
 of the just God arise and answer, which will speak the truth; which will 
 be as a worm and moth in the heart and bowels of the ungodly and 
 hypocrites for ever, if you repent not with speed. If your common prayers, 
 and homilies, and organs be the fruit of your ground, can you not offer 
 it to your God, and be content? Or will not your God accept it at your 
 hands, without you murder, rob, and persecute us, who offer unto our 
 God male and firstling of our flock, which opens the womb, holy to the 
 Lord? "If you do well, shall you not be accepted? but if not, sin lieth 
 at your door;" like Cain, whose countenance fell, who was wroth, and 
 slew his brother. Consider these things; for you have either a wicked 
 god, the devil, the god of this world, or your sacrifices are wicked and 
 abominable, or you offer them with wicked hands. For God said unto Cain, 
 "Why art thou wroth? and why has thy countenance fallen? if thou dost 
 well, shalt thou not be accepted? but if not, sin lieth at the door." And con- 
 sider your state now, you that can sing, and pray, and murder about it, 
 and make laws against the true worshippers of the living God in spirit and 
 
158 
 
 truth, and see what you are doing, and how far you are out of Cain's 
 way, and the Pharisees' way, who could pay tythe, and fast twice a week, 
 and make long prayers, or common prayers, as well as you, (and kill 
 Christ Jesus and his disciples,) who had the Latin, Greek and Hebrew 
 as well as you; and see what you differ from them, and whether you are 
 not of the same seed of evil doers; and let the witness of the dreadful 
 God judge in this matter, who will not be mocked with your sacrifices, 
 and prayers, and will worships, and feigned humiliations — it is all abomi- 
 nation to him. Therefore repent, lest while you rejoice in the sound of 
 your organs, he sweep you down to hell. And be awakened to judgment, 
 and arise, and behold the great controversy which is at this day between 
 Cain and Abel, Christ and antichrist, light and darkness, righteousness 
 and unrighteousness, truth, and deceit and wickedness — what shall I 
 say of it? but in plainness — between God and the devil, the lamb and 
 the dragon, Michael the archangel and the devil and his angels. And 
 consider and see, of whose side ye now are, and whether you are not they 
 of whom Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, and Jude declared, 
 "ungodly men, raging waves of the sea, foaming out your own shame, 
 speaking evil of things you know not; filthy dreamers, walking after your 
 own ungodly lusts; the mockers and scoffers in these last days, speaking 
 evil of dignities, and despising dominion," (even the sons and children of 
 the most high God, and their kingdom and dominion, which hath no end, 
 of which Abel and Enoch were, whose life and kingdom you know not,) 
 "who of old were ordained to this condemnation; heady, high minded, 
 self-willed, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God." And whether 
 you are not those "wells without water, and clouds without rain, car- 
 ried about with a tempest; having a form of religion, but denying the 
 power of God," and persecute them that live in it? 
 
 And whether you are not the heathen that live at ease, with whom 
 God is very sore displeased, which help forward the affliction of his 
 people. Read your state and your portion, Zech. i. 15. Zeph. i. 15, 16, 
 17, 18, &c. And whether you are not them " that chant at the sound 
 of the viol, and drink wine in bowls, and eat the lambs out of the flocks, 
 and anoint yourselves with the chief ointments, inventing to yourselves 
 instruments of music like David, and are not grieved for the afflictions 
 of Joseph, putting far away the evil day, and causing the seat of vio- 
 lence and oppression to come near, which rejoice in a thing of nought." 
 Read Amos vi., and within with God's witness in your consciences, and 
 then behold us in your jails, holes, and stinking places of cruelty, who 
 are a poor and an afflicted people, whose trust is in the name of the 
 Lord. For thus saith the Lord God concerning us, who tremble at his 
 word : " I will appear to your joy, and they that hate you shall be 
 ashamed; and I will lead Joseph like a flock, and set the solitary in 
 
150 
 
 families, and they shall rejoice in my highness, and sing for the glory 
 of my majesty; and I will joy over them, and rejoice to do them good. 
 But as for you, your wresting of judgment, and your turning of things 
 upside-down, and your sword backward, shall be rewarded upon your 
 own heads; for as you have oppressed and led into captivity my people, 
 and break your words and covenants, and your promises and engage- 
 ments, conforming them and their worship of me the living God, which 
 is in the spirit and truth, (which shall not be limited,) even so shall you 
 be oppressed, and go into captivity, and be dealt treacherously with. 
 For, with the same measure you mete to them, shall others mete to you 
 again." And who do you think will keep their oaths, covenants, pro- 
 mises, and engagements, to them that are false in their own to others? 
 Consider these things; for because of swearing and forswearing, promising 
 and treacherous dealings, covenanting and breaking of the same, the 
 land mourns, and will mourn, until the spirit of lies, deceit, and false- 
 hood, is banished from amongst you. But the proverb is true, " The 
 tongue of the just is as choice silver: but the heart of the wicked is little 
 worth," — much less their words. 
 
 What are you? Or what is your power? Or whence came you, that 
 you, in your generation, should deal thus treacherously with God and 
 man, to grind the faces of the poor, and eat up my people like bread, 
 and slay them, and chop their flesh as for the chaldron? Will not blood 
 be required at the hand of him that sheds it? Have not many of my 
 children suffered to death by your cruel imprisonments, and knockings 
 down in their meetings to wait upon me, who had no other end but to 
 worship me, as I am witness between you and them forever? Was not 
 the death of Uriah laid to David's charge, though he slew him not with 
 his own hands, but consented to it, and restrained it not, who had the 
 power in his hand? And shall not my witness in you be the Nathan in 
 your particular consciences, and say, "thou art the man, for thou con- 
 sentedst to it, and restrained it not, when the power was in thy hands." 
 Consider these things before it be too late, and your day pass as the chaff 
 before the wind; for I the Lord God am jealous for Sion, with great 
 jealousy, and I will plead her cause with all her enemies. 
 
 Or, will your saying, "we have a law or an act of parliament, and by 
 our law or act they ought not to meet above four or five; and by our 
 law they ought to be imprisoned, or banished, or they ought to die, or 
 abjure the land," save you in the day of my fury, saith the Lord? Will 
 your king's laws, or queen's laws, or parliament's laws or decrees, stand 
 you instead, help, hide or save you, when I shall descend upon you in 
 flames of fire, rendering vengeance on all them that obey not my law 
 and gospel, written and preached in the heart of every man and woman 
 under heaven ? Or will your lying indictments and warrants plead for 
 
160 
 
 you, in which you say, my people meet in force of arms, in contempt of 
 the king, his crown and dignity? Or will your writing them dangerous, 
 seditious, and wicked sectaries, and disloyal persons, cover you? Will not 
 all England's sober people give you the lie in these things, who know 
 our manner and conversation among them? Yea, and will not the 
 witness of God in your own consciences testify the same with them? 
 Or will Elizabeth's 35th statute, or she herself rise from the dead, to 
 keep off my vengeance, that is hastening upon you for your lies, injustice, 
 and cruelty? Will your writing the assemblies of my people, unlawful, 
 make them so in my sight? Was not Daniel's prayer unlawful, and the 
 apostles preaching forbidden by the rulers? but was it so in my sight? 
 Judge ye. Might not they have said, as well as you, "they break the 
 peace of kings and people?" Were there not great stirs and tumults in 
 all ages about my people, against them in whom my spirit of truth was 
 manifest? Could the whole land bear my servant Amos' words? Consider, 
 what peace is broken, or against what peace are my people, whose 
 weapons are not carnal? And what people are terrified by them or their 
 meetings in my name and fear, in truth and righteousness, as you have 
 written, (to the great terror of the people,) by your lies, to render them 
 odious? and let my witness in you answer; for 1 am not come to send 
 peace on earth, but a sword, and a fire, which is already kindled, and 
 you shall never be able to quench it. For I have raised my seed in my 
 children, and have placed them as a brazen wall in the midst of nations 
 against the flood of ungodliness, idolatry and wickedness, else you had 
 ere this been destroyed as Sodom ; in whom I will manifest my terrible 
 power and kingdom, which hath no end, against the devil's power and 
 kingdom, which must end; against oppression and oppressors, murder and 
 murderers, injustice, cruelty, idolatry, and hypocrisy, and all manner 
 of ungodliness and unrighteousness of men: which power shall grind the 
 grinders and bruise the bruisers and oppressors of my people, and shall 
 tread upon princes as upon mortar. For I am arisen, and come and coming 
 in thousands and ten thousands of my saints and children, who tremble 
 at my word, to convince all that are ungodly of their ungodly deeds and 
 hard speeches, and to execute my judgments upon the rebellious and 
 gainsaying generation. And I will gather my lambs into my bosom, 
 and the seed of Jacob into their own land, and the meek shall inherit the 
 earth, and the poor in spirit shall possess my everlasting kingdom ; against 
 which work, now begun, neither you nor all the rulers of the darkness 
 of this world, your kings, queens, and parliaments, with their laws and 
 decrees, Gog nor Magog, Sodom nor Gomorrah, Egypt, death nor hell, 
 with the strength and gates of it, shall be able to prevail or overcome. 
 I the Lord God of heaven and earth, that made the worlds in mine 
 eternal word and unchangeable decree, have spoken it. 
 
161 
 
 Therefore, these things in the fear of God, (if you have any,) and in 
 soberness consider; for it shall stand a living testimony, which shall not 
 be made void, but is dropped upon you as an hour of God's visitation, the 
 which if you slight, and repent not of your deeds and unrighteous pro- 
 ceedings against his people, you shall be left without excuse in the ter- 
 rible day at hand, which hastens upon you as a woman in travail, that 
 is ready to be delivered, and you shall not escape. Therefore prize your 
 time, and be not proud nor rebellious, for the Lord hath spoken; neither 
 be ye mockers, lest your bands are made strong, but believe and tremble. 
 And remember the king of Nineveh, who shall rise up in judgment 
 against this generation, and condemn it; for a greater than Jonah and 
 a greater than Solomon is risen among us, who respecteth not the persons 
 of men, but will plead with all flesh, which hath corrupted its way, by 
 fire and sword ; and the slain of the Lord shall be many, even all the 
 workers of iniquity, which hate reproof, despise good counsel, and do 
 not choose the fear of the Lord. 
 
 So this is unto you a visitation and warning from him that lives for 
 ever, of whose blood I his servant am clear, having obeyed his voice, 
 whether you hear or forbear. 
 
 I am a travailer for Sion's sake, and a trembler at the word of the 
 great, dreadful God, the righteous judge of quick and dead, and a fol- 
 lower of the lamb through the great tribulations, loving not my life to 
 the death for his sake. Hallelujah, amen. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 And friends, — Tell me how you came to be christians, and by what law 
 you were led to Christ? Was it queen Mary's law without you, or queen 
 Elizabeth's which you now act by, or was it the new covenant, which God 
 made unto his people? If these laws before mentioned, as queen Eliza- 
 beth's or Mary's, be now the school master, when came they in force? And 
 when was Moses, the just man, the leader of the people out of Egypt, 
 and the law which God gave to him, disannulled? And when was the 
 covenant broken between Moses and God? Did not he stay their wrath 
 and stand in the gap between God and his people, and prayed to God 
 for them, and God heard his prayer, and his wrath was turned away 
 from Israel, whom Moses led out of Egypt, to be tried in the wilderness, 
 as many are at this day (blessed be God) and Moses, the instrument, 
 which brought them thither; and cursed be they who disobey the com- 
 mand of God, given to Moses, which is fulfilled in Christ the elder 
 brother, and them that follow him, who breaketh not the commands of 
 
 21 
 
W2 
 
 God given to Moses; but fulfilleth them in his sufferings, which is now 
 making up at this day. 
 
 Have a care what you do in fighting against God in his members, you 
 who profess yourselves to be christians — magistrates, persecutors of 
 others who are members of Christ's body, who was persecuted by chief 
 priests and rulers, who professed they had more knowledge of God 
 than them they persecuted; but their condemnation was the greater, 
 for that they were sayers, and not doers, as many of you are at this day, 
 professing Christ in words, but serving an hypocritical generation. 
 
 "Wo to the Pharisees," saith Christ; and wo to the christians now, 
 who profess Christ in words and in their works and practices deny him; 
 who make long prayers, and their hands full of cruelty and blood, and 
 make their seat a place of violence, that justice and truth cannot be 
 heard; but the simple and upright in heart will learn judgment. And 
 the prudent in queen Elizabeth's and Mary's laws, who refuse the law of 
 God to be their rule, will God cut off, though calledjustic.es, chief priests, 
 or rulers. Look ye to it, for the hand of justice and true judgment is 
 lifted up, that the heritage of God shall be known, not by the law of 
 queen Elizabeth or Mary, which is now in hand, but by Jesus, the king 
 of the Jews, the son of the living God, the highest amongst men, the 
 greatest in the consciences of all his people. "Swear not at all," saith 
 he who is come to be Lord in the conscience, and none else shall rule 
 over his heritage, though now it seems to be trampled upon by injustice 
 and unrighteousness, which is acted by unrighteous men, who are but 
 as the drop of a bucket, and dust before him. Therefore, dread the 
 Lord, ye kings and rulers, for the judgment is now setting up, which 
 respecteth not the ways of kings; because the hearts of kings are in the 
 hand of the Lord, who can turn them, as a river of water, which way he 
 pleaseth, and their life is in his hand as a span. Therefore, I say, dread 
 the Lord all flesh; for the day of the Lord hastens, and is even at the 
 door. 
 
 To the truth of which I subscribe. 
 
 M, B. 
 
 Seek not by laws made in man's will, 
 
 The blood of innocents to spill; 
 
 For if you do, the law of God 
 
 Within your heart, shall be the rod, 
 
 Which shall you smite with strokes full sore, 
 
 And you condemn forcvermore. 
 
163 
 
 For your decrees, which are unjust, 
 They shall not stand, God's counsel must. 
 Professions, words, and prayers long;, 
 
 He hath no pleasure in; 
 Without the life of righteousness 
 
 All sacrifice is sin. 
 The day is broke, and God's just stroke 
 
 On hypocrites must come; 
 Their many words and carnal swords, 
 
 Can't save them from their doom* Amen. 
 
DEEP CALLETH UNTO DEEP; 
 
 Or, a visitation from on high unto the breathing seed of Jacob; which is not satis- 
 fed among all the professions in the earth, or with the husks cannot f 11 its belly, 
 but is pinched with hunger, and feels a secret cry for the true bread, that comes 
 down from heaven, which giveth eternal life. Wherein is opened, some of the myste- 
 ries of God^s kingdom to the clear understanding of the poor in spirit, to whom 
 it belongs; but to others they are parables. Concerning God, what he is, and 
 where he is, and of his worship, and of the first day, and the seventh, or sabbath 
 day; also, showing plainly in what day God is rightly and truly worshipped; 
 and the difference and character of the true worshippers and false clearly de- 
 scribed. And concerning Christ, what he was before the law, and in the time 
 of the law, to this present time; and what, and where he is now. Also, some- 
 thing concerning the word, and the gospel, and the scriptures, and of the body of 
 Christ, and resurrection, and ascension, and of his coming and reign, and of 
 the kingdoms of this world becoming his kingdoms, fyc. Which may give much 
 satisfaction to the upright inquiring mind, being given forth in the true love 
 and compassions of my breathing soul, that so the simple might be turned to 
 hear the voice of wisdom, (which crieth in their streets,) and forsake the foolish, 
 arid live. 
 
 The day spring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in dark' 
 ness, &c. — Luke i. 78, 79. 
 
 Or THE FALL AND RESTORATION, &C. 
 
 If man, who was made upright, after God's own image, had never 
 sinned or transgressed againsMiim. there had been no need of sacrifice and 
 offerings for sin, or of a saviour from it. If man had never fallen from the 
 knowledge of God, and lost unity and peace with him, through disobe- 
 dience against his word of command, and so become degenerate, there 
 had been no need of a restoration, reconciliation, or of salvation. If man 
 had never gone into darkness, out of the right way of blessedness and 
 everlasting happiness, there had been no need of preaching or declaring 
 the way, which is the light, to lead him out of darkness into the way 
 of peace and unity with God again. If there had not been a departure 
 from the invisible God, who is a spirit of truth and righteousness, there 
 had been no need to say to the sons of men, "Return, why will ye die?" 
 if death were not the end of that path which leads from God, the invi- 
 
165 
 
 sible fountain of life. If man had never been in bondage and captivity 
 to sin, and satan the author of it, there had not been need to have men- 
 tioned or declared of redemption and freedom from it, &c. 
 
 But seeing, as the scripture saith, all have sinned and fallen short from 
 the glory of God; and death hath passed upon all men; and darkness hath 
 covered the earth, and gross darkness the people; and a vail hath been 
 over the face of all nations; and blindness hath happened to Israel, so 
 that the ox and the ass have more knowledge of their owner, than they 
 of the Lord their maker; and all have gone out of the way of peace, 
 (which was the good old way before transgression was,) and the fear of 
 God was not before their eyes, as it is written, and the true voice of 
 God the shepherd hath scarcely been understood by dream, vision, or 
 prophet. Man hath been so degenerate by the deep sleep of ignorance, 
 wilfulness, and perverseness, from the pure God and his ways, that it is 
 hard to be uttered by the tongue of men or angels. The invisible eye, 
 that only sees God, hath been so blinded, and the wrong eye hath been 
 opened, in the imaginations and in the visibles, that it hath been frequent 
 among the children of men to call good evil, and evil good, to put light 
 for darkness, and darkness for light, because the God of this world hath 
 blinded the eye ; and then by the blind, both leaders and followers, he 
 himself is worshipped as God, even that wicked one which leads out 
 from God ; and then exalted himself in man the temple of God, govern- 
 ing and ruling the hearts of the children of disobedience. And this great 
 whore hath sat and reigned over nations, kindreds, and tongues, and the 
 kings of the earth; and this is that antichrist whom the Lord will con- 
 sume with the spirit of his mouth, and destroy by the brightness of his 
 coming, which day is at hand. 
 
 But now, seeing, as I said, it is and hath been thus, as before men- 
 tioned, all have been concluded under sin, and in the bondage of cor- 
 ruption, darkness, and ignorance, where the mysteries of God and 
 godliness have been hid, and the way of peace not known, being de- 
 parted from by transgression, which is the only ground of separation 
 between God and man, who thereby is captivated, and become as sold 
 under it; so that without being awakened by the voice of the son of 
 God, and made alive, and redeemed from transgression, and reconciled 
 to God again, man will utterly perish from God's comfortable, refresh- 
 ing presence, and be forever driven into darkness, where they shall never 
 see light, but to their perpetual torment and anguish. This will be the 
 portion of them who know not God, nor desire the knowledge of his 
 ways. Therefore, there is a necessity of a restorer, a redeemer, and 
 saviour, for them who are sensible of this their fallen, captivated, and 
 miserable state; for while man is in this state, he neither knows God, 
 nor his worship, but this inscription is written upon all their altars, their 
 
106 
 
 prayers, sacrifices, and worships, "To the unknown God." "For no man 
 knows the things of God, hut by the spirit of God," though they may 
 imagine and talk about them, in their darkened minds; and none have 
 received the spirit of God, so as to know his doctrine and worship, but 
 they who turn and have turned at its reproof, which is in the inward 
 parts; which reproofs are because of transgression, that it may be turned 
 from, which is the only ground and cause of the separation from God, 
 and of the ignorance of his will, ways, and worship which is in the 
 spirit and in the truth; which no man can know, or comprehend, or 
 walk in acceptably, but by the guidance and direction of God's good 
 spirit, which is the leader of his children and people into all truth and 
 righteousness. 
 
 So now, seeing there is a necessity of a saviour, to help and restore, 
 redeem, and reconcile man unto God again, and of a way to enjoy that 
 happiness, and blessedness again which was once lost by disobedience 
 and transgression ; and that unity and peace with God must again be 
 witnessed, or else all the talk of hope, faith, worships, or religions, are 
 but in vain; except the soul, which is in man invisible and immortal, 
 comes to enjoy the invisible, eternal God again, in a full, free, true, sa- 
 tisfactory, endless life. Therefore, it remains that this saviour, or the 
 way of this salvation, be plainly made known, described, or characterized 
 to the understanding of the simple, that the hungerers and thirsters 
 after righteousness, who are weary and heavy laden, may come unto 
 him and be refreshed; which by the help of God's good spirit of grace, 
 (by which it is put in my heart, and brought to my remembrance,) I 
 shall endeavour to do to that end, and that God may be glorified, being 
 rightly known and worshipped. In which I have my reward from him 
 and in him, who worketh in me both to will and to do according to his 
 good pleasure. 
 
 Now, this may seem to the wisdom in some, needless to treat of, or 
 speak of those things by way of information, direction, or doctrine, 
 which have been so common, and frequently declared and published in 
 these days, in which most are ready to say in these countries, "We are 
 christians, and believe all these already, and these things have been 
 daily taught in our streets," or the like; "and these are no new things 
 to our ears, but that which we have heard of old, or from the begin- 
 ning," &c. 
 
 Now, mark my words, and give good heed unto that which followeth; 
 for they shall stand fast, answering the witness of God in all, as a nail 
 in a sure place, and they shall speak as the oracle of God. 
 
107 
 
 Concerning the knowledge, of God; his worship; and of the First 
 Day and the Seventh Day, or Sabbath Day, $c. 
 
 First, as to the matter in hand, at which 1 at present aim, it is to speak 
 somewhat to your understandings concerning what God is, and where 
 he is, and what his worship is, and where and how he is to be worship- 
 ped, and by whom he is only, truly, and acceptably worshipped. For 
 this was the occasion of what follows, or rather, the spirit of God in my 
 heart took occasion to give forth these things unto public view, by hear- 
 ing a dispute or controversy between two teachers amongst the people 
 called Baptists, near Amersham in Buckinghamshire, whose names, ac- 
 cording to information by inquiry, were Thomas Tillham and Joseph 
 Ciech, concerning the day or time in which God was to be worshipped; 
 one seemins; to hold for the first day of the week, and Tillham for the 
 seventh day. At which time, I, being there by chance, had spoken 
 something among them of these things, if I had not been prevented by 
 being thrown down by some of the ruder sort amongst them, which 
 was through the occasion of that Thomas Tillham, who said he would 
 not stay in the house if I was suffered to speak amongst them; and also 
 said that my words came from the spirit of the devil, when I began to 
 speak in the spirit of God. So they could do no less in obedience to 
 the intent of his words, but to pull me down, or hale me out of the 
 house; for he was much in fury, and the mark of Cain I beheld in his 
 face. But I have the witness in myself, that the bowels of God's love 
 in me was even yearning towards the simple-hearted amongst them, 
 whom I saw were led in ignorance, darkness, and blindness, by their 
 blind leaders, which cause them to err more and more from the way of 
 the Lord, by darkening his secret counsel in them, with their many 
 \yords without knowledge; and for their sakes did the Lord begin to 
 open my mouth in his fear, power, and wisdom, to speak concerning the 
 things that belong to their everlasting peace, of which now the Lord 
 hath given me an opportunity to write, that he may forever be clear 
 of all their blood, and be justified by them. And this they shall acknow- 
 ledge was his love and mercies unto their souls, in the day of visitation 
 which is at hand, whether they hear or forbear. 
 
 The character of true worship, and of false worship and 
 worshippers. 
 
 And now take notice of this one thing following, by the way, and con- 
 sider it, and the effects of it which have been very frequently amongst 
 
168 
 
 the sons of men, in the cloudy and dark days of apostacy from Christ 
 and the apostle's life; which is, of worshipping a God they know not, 
 or without the true knowledge of him whom they worship, «&c. For 
 in this state and spirit hath lodged the very root and ground of all 
 errors and discord, strife and confusion, persecution and cruelty about 
 religion and worship, where they have killed and destroyed one another 
 about it. 
 
 In this state were the Athenians, and the shrine-makers of Diana, 
 who persecuted the true worshippers, who knew the God whom they 
 worshipped, and declared him unto them who arose up against them. 
 Therefore, beware of their altar and inscription, "To the unknown 
 God," whom they did ignorantly worship, as many do now, who are in 
 enmity against the true worshippers, who can say, to the praise of God, 
 as our elder brother did, "We know what we worship, for salvation is 
 of the Jews," and he is a Jew that is one inwardly. So the character 
 of a true worshipper is to know God first, then to worship him in the 
 spirit of truth, which only gives that knowledge. And the character of 
 a false worshipper is contrary, worshipping first, not knowing what, 
 nor whom he worships, which is not accepted now, nor never can be; 
 seeing the hour is come, that they only are the true and acceptable 
 worshippers, who worship the Father in the spirit, and in the truth; for 
 such only he seeketh to worship him. John iv. 21, 22, 23, 24. 
 
 To know the true and living God, is the great and needful thing, without 
 which all worship, sacrifice, and religion, are vain, though a man or peo- 
 ple had all the words of scriptures from the beginning to the end, and 
 were in the highest profession of Christianity in the world, yet if he do 
 not truly know God, he is but in darkness even until now; and he that 
 saith "he knows God, or loves God, and yet hates his brother, is a liar." 
 Therefore, to be contented to worship an unknown God, or to worship 
 they know not what, is very blind, ignorant, false, and erroneous. But 
 if thou comest first to know God, then thou art in the right way of a 
 true worshipper, as may be mentioned more hereafter; and seeing the 
 right way to worship God, or to be a true worshipper, is first to know 
 him whom they worship, therefore it is necessary to speak next what 
 God is, as I said before, and then where he is, and how he may be 
 known, and then what, and wherein his only worship is, and who are 
 the only true, acceptable worshippers; seeing there are many false and 
 vain worships, and worshippers, that know not God, nor his day in 
 which he is only worshipped. 
 
16!) 
 
 Concerning God, what he is, and where he is, fyc. 
 
 ''God is light" — this is our message, which was from the beginning — 
 •'and in him is no darkness at all." This is his name, he that can hear 
 and receive it let him; with whom is no variableness nor shadow of 
 changing. He is that I am, that sent Moses to deliver Israel, to whom 
 he spake in a bush, that burned, and was not consumed; but Moses saw 
 no similitude, only he heard a voice, and so forbade them (by God's 
 command) to make to themselves any like less or image of any thing 
 in heaven or earth, to worship. Read in the life of God, which is invi- 
 sible, whose voice may be heard, sayii'g, "To what will ye liken me? 
 does not my presence fill heaven and earth? or what house will ye 
 build for me? and where is the place of my worship or rest? or the 
 day which I have sanctified throughout all generations?" And this 
 same God, which spake unto Moses, was the God of his fathers, (which 
 were before Moses was born, or the law written in tables of stone, or 
 the outward days or ceremonies were,) even of Abraham, of Isaac, and 
 of Jacob, not the God of the dead, but of the living ; (mark that !) and 
 the living it is, that can only praise and worship him. He that hath 
 an car to hear, let him hear. 
 
 And this same invisible God, of which no similitude must be made, 
 is a spirit of light, life, truth, and righteousness in himself, holy and in- 
 corruptible, &c, and so is his worship in the spirit, and in the truth, 
 which is witnessed in the hearts of such as are quickened and made 
 alive by his power and spirit in their inward parts ; who can now say 
 to the professors of this age, as our elder brother did unto the woman 
 of Samaria, though they think themselves in a better state, for she was 
 then saying in her simplicity, "Our fathers worshipped in this moun- 
 tain, and ye say that Jerusalem is the place where men ought to wor- 
 ship, "&c. But he answered and said, " Woman, believe me, the hour 
 cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem 
 worship the Father; ye worship ye know not what," &c. (This is a hard 
 saying, can the Jews and Samaritans of our age bear it ?) "God is a 
 spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in the spirit and 
 in the truth." 
 
 But some wise professors might say unto me, who knows not this? 
 
 But I say, be not hasty or wilful, but stand still, and make diligent 
 search in thy own closet, and see whether thou art yet come to the 
 spirit, and to the truth, (which is but one,) and in it dost worship God, 
 in which only is the true worship. For he that talked with this wo- 
 man, that was able to distinguish by her knowledge, between the way 
 of the Jews and Samaritans, telling her all that ever she did, was the 
 very Christ, (read in the book of thy conscience.) Which made her leave 
 
 22 
 
170 
 
 her water pot, as he hath many of us, who were as high in knowledge 
 as she, when we perceived, he was the prophet of which Moses wrote, 
 whom all are to hear; that ends the types and temples made with 
 hands at Jerusalem, and Samaria's mountain, where their fathers wor- 
 shipped, &c. But he is to he obeyed now, who said, "The kingdom of 
 heaven is within you," who drives all his in this path, to within ; in 
 the spirit, and in the truth; for they only know what they worship: 
 "for salvation is of the Jews ;" and he is the Jew that is one inwardly, 
 whose heart is circumcised to worship God in the spirit; whose praise 
 is of God, though unknown, despised, or persecuted of men. 
 
 So now I say to you, who are contending and disputing about the 
 seventh and first day outwardly, in which of those God is to be wor- 
 shipped, being divided about days and times, and outward worship: 
 one party for one day, and the other part for another day, &c. not 
 knowing what or which day to worship in, like the Jews and Samari- 
 tans; for that was the parallel which came into my heart from God, 
 concerning you both; of which I had spoken something, (as I said before,) 
 had you been peaceable, like christians, at the church of God, where 
 the first is to hold his peace, when any thing is revealed from God to 
 him that standeth by, &c; which was truly in me, but some of you 
 were so rude with noises, (more like bear-baiters than christians,) that 
 my words should not be heard amongst you, like them that stopped their 
 ears and gnashed their teeth against Stephen, which especially was 
 through that Thomas Tillham, of whom I was even ashamed, and of 
 your profession. And indeed, my heart could even have been broken 
 for you, to behold the blindness and ignorance, enmity and wilfulness 
 that were amongst you, which I even marvelled to hear and see, in such 
 a day as this of God's revelation and manifestation of truth and love 
 amongst the children of men. But I have considered, and said in my 
 heart, how can it be otherwise with you, than it was with Babel's 
 builders of old, in confusion; one building up in this meaning, another 
 throwing down in the other meaning and imagination, bringing mortar 
 for brick, and brick for mortar, not understanding one another's mean- 
 ing and language? And this is just with God, seeing many of you 
 have denied the one pure language, which is before Babel, in which 
 God is worshipped in one consent ; for it is his hand that always breaks 
 and confounds the city and tower which the children of men would 
 build in their imaginations, whose top they thought would have reached 
 to heaven. This is your state, and the Lord God will scatter you and 
 your building, till there is not one stone left upon another in all the 
 earth; and also, destroy you from being a people, except you repent 
 with speed, and turn to him that smites you secretly in your consciences, 
 for your iniquity and hypocrisy. And this in a word of prophecy from 
 
171 
 
 the spirit of truth, which shall be fulfilled in a season that is approach- 
 ing. 
 
 And now, as concerning your controversy about the time or day in 
 which God is to be worshipped, I have somewhat more to say, desiring 
 that you would weigh it in the balance of equity; though it might seem 
 a cross to something in you, yet the words of my mouth shall be right; 
 and the mysteries of God are in my heart, as a great deep in this mat- 
 ter, which would be very large to express in full concerning these 
 things, to the clear understanding of them among you, which indeed 
 cannot be rightly known but by the key of David, which only opens 
 the door of this treasury. And though it may be esteemed a low thing 
 in the eyes of the prudent of this world, and be despised as a day of 
 small things ; yet in this mountain the Lord hath made unto us, his 
 children, a feast of fat things. Praise, glory, and everlasting thanks- 
 giving be unto him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever 
 and ever. 
 
 Therefore, now, that you may understand these things, and be rightly 
 informed, mind first the fear and dread of the Lord, and be very still 
 and serious, with your hearts upright before him, that you may in very 
 deed and truth, perfectly come to know and enjoy the thing that be- 
 longs to your souls' everlasting peace; and read these things without 
 prejudice, or consuming envy, which boils in the breast of that birth 
 which shall never inherit God's kingdom of rest. 
 
 Of the Sabbath day. 
 
 First, take notice, that the day in which God rested was sanctified, 
 who commanded, that in it should no manner of works be done, and that 
 they were not to speak a vain word, nor think their own thoughts, neither 
 kindle a fire, nor bear a burthen in that day which was commanded to 
 be kept holy. For indeed it is an holy day in which God rests, and in the 
 same in which he rested he dwells for evermore ; for he called the light 
 day, and the darkness he called night: and saith the scripture, "God 
 dwelleth in the light, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of chang- 
 ing." And this is the first day in which he began his works ; and this 
 is the last, in which he finishes, which is sanctified, in which he rests ; 
 and this is that holy day, in which a man, by God's command, is forbid 
 to " speak a vain word, or think his own thoughts." But this is a mys- 
 tery hid from them, in whose hearts the world is so set, that they know 
 neither the beginning nor end of the work of God, for saith Christ Jesus, 
 by whom the world was made, the beginning of the creation of God, the 
 end and substance of the types, days, figures, and shadows, who fulfils 
 
172 
 
 them and the law that gave them for their times and seasons: " I am 
 the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the ending, the first and 
 the last ;" who was before all things, by whom all things were made, 
 whose throne and kingdom must endure for ever; who said "I am the 
 light of the world." " Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and 
 youshall find rest unto your souls." And this is thesubstance of the outward 
 days or sabbaths ; for the word sabbath is rest : so that if you will be 
 exact in the observation of the outward day, as the Pharisees were, 
 which was but a figure of the inward rest, you must only rest from all 
 manner of labour, or work outwardly ; and yet when that is done, it 
 makes nothing perfect as pertaining to the inward conscience. For the 
 Pharisees judged Christ not sent of God, " because," said they, " he keep- 
 eth not the sabbath," and so in their blind zeal judged him to be a 
 transgressor, who was the very substance of all those outward things, 
 and is the only rest prepared for God's people ; and they who have en- 
 tered into it have ceased from their own works, as God did from his ; 
 and such only know the sabbath day which is kept holy unto the Lord, 
 in which the vain words must not be spoken, nor the vain thoughts 
 lodge : "for the tongue of the just" in this day "is as choice silver; but the 
 heart of the wicked," which knows neither the beginning nor the end 
 of the works of God, "is little worth." But we who have known it, and 
 his wonders in the deep, (upon the face of which the spirit of the Lord 
 did once move,) do know right well, that the same day in which God 
 began his works, is the same in which he completes it, and" in which he 
 rested, when he had made all things good and blessed. But this is a 
 mystery to the natural man, or that outward birth that sticks in the 
 outward natural things, which cannot perceive the things of the most 
 inward spiritual God, and his kingdom, which is within, in the invisible 
 hidden man, which is spiritual. 
 
 So it is only the pure in heart that sec God, and know his sabbath, 
 and throne, which endureth for ever; where the vain thoughts are 
 judged and cast out, and not suffered to lodge within; for that defiles a 
 man, who is God's temple, if the spirit of God dwelleth in him; whose 
 fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem. Blessed is the eye that 
 sees. 
 
 Therefore, if you would rightly know the mysteries of God and god- 
 liness, and of his everlasting kingdom of righteousness and peace, to your 
 soul's satisfaction, yon must enter in by the door, and not climb up an- 
 other way, as many have done in their imaginations ; which door is 
 Christ, the light, the first day, that Jighteth every man that comethinto 
 the world, that all men through him might believe. And this is the 
 beginning of the work of God, where it is not only given you to believe, 
 but also to sutler for his sake in whom you have believed; in which 
 
173 
 
 state you will know the six days' labour before the true sabbath be 
 witnessed, wherein God resteth from his work. For, " there is no rest 
 or peace unto the wicked," saith my God. Therefore he that condemns 
 sin in the ilesh, and destroys the works of the devil, in whose hand is 
 the law, which is the school-master, to bring unto him who is the end 
 of it for righteousness, to every one that believeth, must needs be the 
 rest or sabbath to the soul. So, his yoke being known upon you, and 
 the daily cross taken up to the will and ways of man, in which he hath 
 walked in his own thoughts and vain words, and the bridle to the 
 tongue witnessed, without which all religion is vain; here you will 
 know some work, standing still in awe, in which you will learn in the 
 lowliness of heart, and in soberness of mind, to put on the ornament of 
 a meek and quiet spirit, which, in . God's sight, is of great price. And 
 here you may know the sabbath day, and also the first, in which he 
 moved at the beginning upon the face of the deep, which is but one, 
 the alpha and the omega, the true and faithful witness, the beginning 
 of the creation of God, who is the end of all things at hand, who saith, 
 "I am the light," "believe in the light;" and "before Abraham was, 
 I am." lie that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith. 
 
 So, come ye all down to the door, and enter in thereat, if you would 
 know the sheep-fold, where he makes his flock to rest at noon, which 
 is the light of Christ Jesus in all your consciences; and despise not the 
 day of small things, though it be but a spark, and shines in a dark place, 
 it is the sure word of prophecy, to which, if you take heed, you will do 
 well. It is the testimony of Jesus, which will let you see all that ever 
 you do, if you be still, standing in awe and God's fear, in your closets, 
 out of all reasonings and imaginations; and this must you come unto, to 
 know the beginning of the work of God, even the light and spirit of 
 God, in which the saints of old began, and in which they walked. And 
 said the apostle to the Galatians, " Ye did run well ; who did hinder you, 
 &c? Ye began in the spirit, and would you now be made perfect by 
 the flesh?" and the spirit is within, and the flesh is without. Mark, 
 they began in the spirit, and afterwards ran into observations of days and 
 months, and times, and parties, who were saying, "I am of Paul, and I 
 am of Apollo," &c. " Arc ye not now carnal, and walk as men? I am 
 afraid of you," saith he, "lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." 
 Yet he travails again in birth with some of them, that Christ may be 
 formed in them; who is the end of the outward days, months, and years, 
 the wisdom and power of God, whose years never fail, but is the same 
 yesterday, to-day, and for ever; the beginning and the ending of the 
 works of God : which is but one, whom the heart in which this world is, 
 and the love of it, knows him not, though he came into it, and is come into 
 it, and the world was made by him and for him ; and he is before all 
 
174 
 
 things. Blessed is the man that doth witness this in his own particular; 
 
 for such only have the comfort of the scriptures, which declare of these 
 things. Therefore, come to the spirit of God, which reproves the world 
 for sin, and walk in the spirit, that it may lead you into all truth, and 
 show you things to come; in which is no occasion of stumbling, or dis- 
 puting about days or times, meats or drinks, or the like ; but you will 
 see plainly of the Father; and it will take of Christ's, what he did and 
 suffered, and show it unto you, that you shall not need to say, what is 
 this meaning? and what means the other scripture? and the like; but 
 you will, being faithful, be made partakers of his sufferings within and 
 without, and know his death, when you are made conformable unto it, 
 bearing in your body his dyings, that his life may be manifest in your 
 mortal flesh, &c. 
 
 This the apostles and saints did and do witness, who began in the 
 spirit, and walk in the spirit, and worship God in the spirit and in the 
 truth, who have no confidence in the flesh ; but are Jews inwardly, 
 whose circumcision is not outwardly, of the flesh, but inwardly, of the 
 heart and of the spirit, which the other was but a type of, or a shadow, 
 as was also the seventh or sabbath day, of the rest prepared for the seed 
 and heritage of God. 
 
 So, if you would rightly know and observe the day in which God is 
 only acceptably worshipped, come to the light, which is the first day, 
 and in which God dwells for ever, and is the last; as it is written, " In 
 thy light, shall we see light; for with thee is the fountain of life;" and 
 " the secrets of the Lord are with them that fear him, and he will show 
 them his covenant." Now, what canst thou desire more, O man, than 
 the fountain of life? and to know the secrets and everlasting covenant 
 of his mercies and loving kindness, in which are the treasures of wisdom 
 and knowledge, which are made manifest unto them who wait at that 
 wisdom's gate which was before the hills were, whose voice cried in 
 the streets to the simple, saying, "Turn in hither, eat of my bread, and 
 drink of the wine which I have mingled; forsake the foolish, and live?" 
 Therefore, take my advice in God's counsel, and come now to the fear 
 of the Lord, and wait in his light, which makes all things manifest; for 
 that is the beginning of wisdom's path, which leads unto the perfect 
 day in which the most holy, unchangeable, everlasting God is worship- 
 ped. And out of this there is no true knowledge of him, or his worship, 
 or acceptance with him, or any assurance, stability, or satisfaction, 
 which will endure for ever. And this is the word of the Lord unto 
 you all: for the hour is come, that the true worshippers who know what 
 and whom they worship, do worship God in the spirit and in the truth; 
 these are the true worshippers, who worship the Father; this is the 
 children's worship that honour their father and their mother, whose 
 
 I 
 
175 
 
 days are long in the land of the living, even the everlasting day which 
 ■prang from on high. 
 
 So. all the worship and sacrifice, without the guidance of God's good 
 spirit of truth, are false. And they that run, strive, and act without it, 
 are false worshippers, let them profess, in words and show, what they 
 will; for the spirit is the guide of its children, the true worshippers, into 
 all truth, in which they worship their Father, who seeketh such to wor- 
 ship him. And all such as are not guided by it, do run before it, and 
 talk of the things of God in their dark understanding and sensuality, 
 out of God's covenant of light, and out of his fear, in the contentions and 
 debates, strivings, disputings, and vain janglings about them, and those 
 things that shall for ever, in that state, be hid from their eyes. So that 
 all people upon earth, in all their professions of religion, without the 
 leadings of God's spirit, are at best but will-worshippers, like Nimrdd the 
 miehtv hunter before the Lord, (and the Lord is that spirit,) the begin- 
 ning of whose kingdom is'Babel, confusion. Read your state with God's 
 witness, the light in all your consciences, which will answer the truth. 
 And do not dissemble, nor strive to make coverings, which will be too 
 narrow. For it is even so. The very beginning of that kingdom, 
 worship, or building, where the spirit of God is not the guide and leader, 
 is Babel, and there the mighty hunter, who is a mighty one in the 
 earthly comprehension, goes before the Lord, that spirit which should 
 guide and go before them. But the day is at hand, that Nimrod and 
 his kingdom, both city and tower, which was built in the high imagina- 
 tions, must fall; and all the untempered mortar daubers shall fall with 
 it, and the wall shall be no more at all, nor them that daub it. The 
 life of God hath spoken it, which is come down to confound the language 
 of all the earth, and to restrain them from what they have imagined 
 to do. 
 
 Therefore, hear all ye people, in whose hearts are any honest desires, 
 or true breathings after the true and living God, and the knowledge of 
 his ways and worship: come ye all to the light of Christ Jesus, with which 
 you are lighted, in which, as you abide, you will come to know the one 
 pure language in which the righteous pure God of truth is only wor- 
 shipped with one consent, which was before Babel, the many languages, 
 and before the hunters, confusion, and contention about these things 
 were. In which you will come to feel the path of peace, and way of 
 holiness, in which a fool shall not err; where your immortal souls may 
 be satisfied as with marrow and fatness in God's house; where the bread 
 is sure, and the water fails not; who makes "rivers in the desert, and 
 the dryland springs of water," and makes "the wilderness a fruitful field," 
 and the barren womb to bring forth many children, which are "as olive 
 
170 
 
 branches round about his table." Glory unto him that liveth and reign- 
 
 eth for evermore, in the highest, amen. 
 
 Therefore come out of Babylon, come out of Babylon, (confusion,) 
 saith the Lord, come away and stay not, but come into Zion, the holy 
 hill, and declare in it the vengeance of the Lord against her. For the 
 arrows are ready, and the bow is bent by the arms of the Almighty, that 
 shall sink Babylon: therefore haste, run, and deliver every man his soul 
 out of her; for God hath set her on fire at both ends, (he that can read let 
 him,) and thou shaft be burnt, O city of confusion ! the smoke of whose 
 torment begins to ascend up, which shall ascend for ever and ever. 
 For strong art thou, O Lord God Almighty, who wilt judge and avenge 
 thy own cause, and of thy righteous seed, and the blood of the martyrs 
 of Jesus upon her; and thou hast said, the time is at hand, that she shall 
 sink like a mill stone in the depth of the sea, and rise no more at all; 
 therefore unto thee be the glory and praises, songs and hallelujahs in 
 the highest, for evermore, for thou art worthy. 
 
 Postscript. — Abel worshipped God in the spirit, and in the truth; but 
 Cain was a false worshipper, and knew not God, who arose up against 
 Abel, his brother, and killed him about worship. Enoch walked with 
 God, and was translated; he worshipped God in the spirit and in the 
 truth, and God took him; and he had a witness in h:m that he pleased 
 God. Abraham obeyed God;, who rejoiced to see Christ's day, the light, 
 and was led out of his own country thereby. He was a true worshipper 
 of God in the spirit and in the truth. These, and many more, obeyed 
 God, and worshipped God, and knew God, and his day, in which he is 
 worshipped, before the Bible was written which declares of these things. 
 
 Esau, the first birth, the cunning hunter abroad, lost the birth-right 
 and blessing; he was a profane person. But Jacob, the plain man, the 
 second birth, which tarried at home, was blessed. 
 
 And saith the Scripture, "Blessed is the man whose mind is staid on 
 thee, thou wilt keep him in perfect peace." But the foolish woman, her 
 feet abide not in her house, but she pulls it down with her own hands ; be- 
 ing without, loud, stubborn, and clamorous. These things were written for 
 your learning, and may be read near; they are allegory. But let him 
 that readeth understand; for the time hastens in which they shall clearly 
 be understood to the ends of the earth. 
 
 The Second Pari, fyc Concerning Christ Jesus and his names, <$*c 
 
 As concerning Christ Jesus, what he is, and what he was, and whore 
 he is, none know, or can rightly or truly know, but such as have received 
 
177 
 
 the spirit of truth, which leads into all truth, and shows the things that 
 are and are to come ; which reproves the world for sin, for righteousness, 
 and for judgment; which is the comforter of all them who forsake their 
 sins, their own righteousness, and all false judgment, and put on his 
 righteousness and righteous judgment, which exceeds that of the Scribes 
 and Pharisees, who in all ages, did, and do, shut the kingdom of heaven 
 against men, not entering themselves, nor suffering, but persecuting them 
 that would: and the kingdom of heaven is within, &c. 
 
 1. Christ is a name given to some thing which was before that name 
 was; and Jesus is a name given to the same thing; and Immanuel, and 
 many other names are given to the one self-same thing, according to the 
 discoveries, operations, and manifestations unto them and in them, in 
 several seasons, who declared of him according as they witnessed and 
 knew his appearances and effectual workings in their inward parts; even 
 the holy men of God, who spake as they were moved by the holy spirit; 
 which spirit revealed the mysteries of godliness unto them, according to 
 his will, and their several measures and abilities of his gift. 
 
 2. This Christ, of whom they speak, was in the world before the law, 
 and in the time of the law was that mystery hid under all the vails and 
 types, figures and shadows, carnal ordinances and ceremonies ; in which 
 time he was as a seed, or that good part or substance of truth and righte- 
 ousness, hid in the consciences of the children of Israel, which answered 
 the outward law written in tables of stone. This Moses saw in his day, 
 who received the laws, ordinances, statutes, judgments, and ceremonies; 
 which were to keep them in a sense and in a fear towards God, against 
 whom they had transgressed; and to keep them near the feeling of his 
 tender seed and witness in them, that they might not be wholly hardened 
 against his appearance, when the time came that he should be mani- 
 fest to Israel, which was the end and substance of all these outward 
 things; which once being rightly known and obeyed in the inward parts, 
 keeps the heart and conscience tender and upright, pure and undefiled, 
 in God ? s sight and fear, without the precepts of men, shadows or cere- 
 monies. For, I have seen that wisdom of God that gives the interpretation 
 of things, and to understand the dark sayings of old, and what was hid 
 in all those ceremonies in the time of Moses' laws. And he that makes 
 known the parable, I am sure is the end and substance of them all; in 
 whose light let me speak of two or three, which in simplicity have been 
 hid from the wisdom of man, who cannot answer them, but as that 
 understanding is brought to nought; but let that answer in which thev 
 are given forth, and you shall understand them with satisfaction. And 
 my questions are these: — 
 
 h Why did the Lord command, that when any one found a bird's 
 nest, the dam was not to be taken with the voung ? 
 
 23 
 
178 
 
 2. And thou shalt not seeth a kid in his mother's milk? 
 
 3. Nor sow thy field with divers sorts of seeds'? 
 
 4. Nor wear a garment of linen and Woollen together? 
 
 5. And thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out 
 the corn, &c. 
 
 Now, if thou canst see with that eye which Paul saw, (who was a fool for 
 Christ,) when he said, " Doth God take care for oxen? or, speaks he not 
 this for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt," &c. then thou wilt answer, 
 doth God take care for birds' nests? or the sowing of fields? or garments 
 of linen and woollen? or kids? or their mothers' milk? or, was there not 
 something in all this for our sakes? Well, but however, these things served 
 to keep them in a sense of the unknown seed, which suffered because of 
 the hardness of heart, and corrupt will of man which had lost the know- 
 ledge and guidance of God's good spirit; and these things served for a time, 
 even till the fulness of time came, in which the seed came to be manifest, 
 which was Christ, who had been .hid from ages and generations; and 
 [serve] till the same spirit that raised up Jesus from the dead, comes to 
 dwell in people, and quicken their mortal bodies, the power of God wit- 
 nessed, and the spirit of truth to be the guide and leader into all truth, and 
 to be their comforter, &c. But when this is fulfilled and witnessed, there 
 is no more need of any shadow, figure, or ceremony, to put us in remem- 
 brance; but the spirit of truth being received- brings all things to our 
 remembrance, and shows us things past, present, and to come; which 
 declares plainly of the father, and no more to us in parables, figures, or 
 shadows. 
 
 So now, this Christ was before the world, that now is, began, and was 
 a seed before any name was given to it; which in process of time, being 
 begotten of God, was born of a virgin, had a body prepared to do the 
 will of his Father, (as it is at this day;) but none knows him, (or ever 
 shall,) born, but of a virgin, (he that hath ears, let him hear,) whose 
 eye is single, mind stayed on God, forsakes all, takes up the daily cross, 
 denies self, follows the lamb wheresoever he goeth, loves him that had 
 been slain more than all, more than father, mother, wife, husband, 
 children, house, or lands, yea, or his own life; these only know him born, 
 though once, like Mary, said, "How can this be, seeing I know not a 
 man?" seeing I have no strength, wisdom, parts, or abilities of my own. 
 But the answer is, as it was, (be thou but the virgin,) " The power 
 of the Most High shall overshadow thee, and that holy thing which shall 
 be born of thee, shall be called the son of God." This was Christ's name 
 in the womb, a holy thing; (read within;) and then had other names, as, 
 Jesus, and Emanuel, and many more before these, and many more since, 
 and yet he is but one, and was before them all: This is the I AM, which 
 was before Abraham, whose name in the beginning was " the word;" all 
 
179 
 
 things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that 
 was made; in him was life, and the life was the light of men, &c* 
 
 Awake therefore, now, ye shepherds, who have been keeping your 
 flocks by night; and look upwards, ye earthly minded, and behold his 
 star in the east; the wise men whose eyes are in their head have seen 
 it, and been led by it, till the babe was found lying in a manger; for in 
 the inn there was no room for him. He that hath an ear to hear, let 
 him hear; and he that hath an eye, let him see; for the day is come, that 
 what we have seen in secret must be preached upon the house tops. 
 Behold a wonder! a woman doth compass a man, and yet she is clothed 
 with the sun! Was there ever such a thing heard? But this is in heaven; 
 and none knows it, or ever shall (as I said) but the virgin, who is over- 
 shadowed with the power of the Most High : and this is the word of the 
 Lord God unto all people upon earth. Therefore, if thine eye be single 
 thy whole body shall be full of light; and God is light; but the double 
 minded man is unstable in all his ways, and the carnal mind is enmity 
 against God, and* is not subject to him; but the virgin is subject to the 
 power of the Most High, where Christ is known to be first a "holy thing," 
 then a 44 child given," and a " son born," which is " Emanuel," " God 
 with us," a " saviour," a " wonderful counsellor," " the mighty God," 
 " the prince of peace ;" with many other names, which, as I said before, 
 are given to this " One incomprehensible Being," which the whole world 
 cannot contain. But that which may be known of God or Christ, which 
 is one, is manifest in people. There he is, and is only to be found; and he 
 that hath seen him, who is the son, hath seen the Father also. But it is 
 only the pure, single, invisible eye that can see him; for he is a spirit, 
 and is known and worshipped only in the spirit and in the truth, &c. 
 
 This is that God which Paul preached to the Athenians, that made 
 the world, and all men of one blood that dwell upon the face of the earth, 
 and hath appointed them bounds of their habitations, times, and seasons, 
 that they all should seek the Lord, if happily they might feel after him, 
 and find him, who is come near to judgment, and is the swift witness against 
 all unrighteousness and ungodliness of men; for he searcheth the heart, 
 and trieth the reins, and showeth unto man what is his thought. This is 
 he that formed the mountains, and created the winds, whom the heaven 
 of heavens cannot contain; and yet dwells with him that is of an humble 
 and contrite spirit, and trembleth at his word ; and he walks in his people, 
 whose God he only is, who know him dwell in them : and saith David to 
 the people, " Let God arise, and his enemies will be scattered as smoke 
 before the wind :" and this is he by whom all things were made, as it is 
 written.f 
 
 * John i. 1, 2,3, 4, &c. f John i. 1. 
 
180 
 
 Concerning the Word and the Scriptures. 
 
 "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the 
 word was God;" " all things were made by him, and without him was 
 not any thing made that was made; in him was life, and the life is the 
 light of men ; and the light shineth in the darkness, but the darkness 
 comprehendeth it not," &c. Read this now with understanding, and 
 thou wilt see that Christ's name is called the word of God, as it is written.* 
 And then if thou comest to see him, the seed of the woman, which bruiseth 
 the serpent's head, thou mightst know the parable of the sower, which 
 sowed good seed in the field, in all the sorts of ground there mentioned; 
 but the enemy sowed the tares in the field, and the field is the world, 
 when the parable is opened, and the seed is the word of God. And 
 saith David, "I have hid thy word in my heart, that I might not sin 
 against thee ;" which was a light to his feet, and as a lamp to his path. 
 And said the apostle, " We have a more sure word of prophecy, (than 
 the outward voice, though it came from the excellent glory,") which 
 ye do well to take heed unto, as unto a light in a dark place, &c/f 
 
 Now, this was not the scriptures, but of this the scriptures declare, 
 even of the "word which was in the beginning," before the scriptures 
 were written, which cannot be properly in any sense called the word, 
 or word of God, because they are many words, and declare of what God 
 did and said, of his creating the world by the word, which was not 
 created by the scriptures, but holy men of God spake and wrote them, 
 as they were moved by the holy spirit,J which is the word. And said 
 Moses, "God spake all these words," which God was the word in the be- 
 ginning, that spake the words. And the word of the Lord came to the 
 prophets at several times, and upon several occasions, saying, "Thus 
 saith the Lord," &c. So then, they spake and wrote what they were 
 commanded by the " word of the Lord;" so that it is plain to them that 
 have a right understanding, that the words were given forth from the 
 word, which word was "hid in their hearts," as David saith, which was 
 there before the words were given forth; and holy men of God were 
 moved first, by that which is holy to speak and write, before they did 
 speak or write forth the scriptures, which are a true declaration of 
 those things which were done and spoken by the word which was in 
 the beginning. And let none say, that the report is the arm of the Lord, 
 seeing Isaiah, a true prophet of God, did make a true distinction be- 
 tween the report and the thing reported of; for saith Christ, "The 
 scriptures arc they that testify of me," &c. But in him was the life and 
 salvation, and not in the scriptures, though they are an outward lesti 
 
 Hev. xix. 13. 
 
 f Luke xviii. 11. 
 
 t Exodus xx. 1 . 
 
181 
 
 mony, and true declaration. And yet how ignorant have people been, 
 since the apostles' days, (in the apostacy,) of these things, calling the 
 scripture the word of God, when the scriptures themselves say "Christ is 
 the word, and in the beginning was the word, and the world was made 
 by the word." But the scriptures were not in the beginning, neither 
 was the world made by them; for they are many words spoken at sun- 
 dry times since the beginning, and so are many words which declare of 
 the word, and of those things which are certainly believed among us.* 
 
 Concerning the Gospel. 
 
 And so in the time of ignorance and darkness, which hath been for 
 ages, both teachers and people, who have been and yet are in the 
 "apostacy from the apostles' .life and spirit, have frequently called the 
 writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the gospel, and so have 
 called the scriptures the gospel; whereas the scriptures, the true decla- 
 ration, say, "the gospel is the power of God," and the "gospel is ever- 
 lasting," and the "gospel was preached to Abraham," long before Mat- 
 thew, Mark, Luke, and John were born; which gospel is the power of God, 
 and Christ is called " the power of God," and "the wisdom of God," who 
 said, " Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it, and was glad." 
 So Abraham knew the glad tidings, who was before Moses; for God saith 
 to Moses, "I am the God of thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." 
 This was before the scriptures; this was the "power of God, and the 
 wisdom of God," by which the soul immortal comes to be redeemed, the 
 captive delivered, the chains of darkness, death, and hell broken, and 
 all its enemies scattered. This is glad tidings indeed, and this is rightly 
 called the gospel of salvation, of which neither Paul nor we are ashamed; 
 for it is the " power of God." And many have the scriptures, and yet 
 have not salvation or redemption by them, but are in the error, ignorance, 
 and darkness, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God, of 
 which the scriptures declare. 
 
 And in this state people have been in great contentions and debates, 
 striving in their dark imaginations about these things, and can never be 
 satisfied, nor ever shall, till they come to the light in themselves, 
 which only can give them the knowledge thereof; for that is the key 
 of David, that opens to them who do not exercise themselves in things 
 too high for them, but are become as weaned children. For, saith So- 
 lomon, " Wisdom is too high for a fool, and she dwelleth not with con- 
 suming envy, neither will she enter into a froward heart ;" for, " wis- 
 
 • Luke i. 1. 
 
182 
 
 dom is a loving spirit, she is the beginning of all the works of God ;" and 
 " the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom ;" unto which if a man 
 comes not, he shall never know God's secrets, nor the mysteries of his 
 kingdom, which are hid to that part, nature, or spirit in man, that 
 would always be knowing and climbing up into the tree of knowledge, 
 and would know the mysteries, but not obey his call, and come down 
 as Zaccheus did ; but the cross is to obey, according to what is already 
 known, though it be never so little of stature ; and without this daily 
 cross, which crosseth the hasty mind, the will and wisdom of man, 
 there can be no true knowledge of the mysteries and will of God; and 
 without it, thou canst never know true peace and satisfaction, though 
 thou compassest sea and land, in thy comprehension : the Lord hath 
 spoken it. 
 
 Concerning the body of Christ. 
 
 And now, having mentioned something concerning Christ, and con- 
 cerning the word, and the scriptures, and the gospel, &c. there is some- 
 what in my heart remaining concerning the body of Christ, about 
 which great contentions, opinions, and debates have been amongst them 
 whose eyes are not in their head, but at the ends of the earth. First, 
 I believe (and we believe) that Christ had a body, and, came, and 
 preached, and suffered, and died, and rose, and ascended, and sitteth at 
 God's right hand, &c. according to the scriptures. But yet, some are 
 saying to us with a lying spirit, "You deny the resurrection, and the 
 body of Christ," &c. To which, for the simple's sake, according to the 
 scriptures of truth, I shall answer. 
 
 As for Christ, I do believe in my heart infallibly, that he had a body 
 prepared him to do the will of God; and that he suffered the contra- 
 diction of sinners in the days of his flesh; and was crucified by wicked 
 men, great professors, chief priests, rulers, soldiers, and ciders; and was 
 laid in the grave, and rose again, according to the scriptures, and did 
 ascend over all the principalities and powers of the darkness of this 
 world, and now sitteth at the right hand of God, &c. And I do also 
 believe, that he hath yet a body, which was prepared, and is yet pre- 
 paring to do God's will in earth, as it is in heaven, &c. 
 
 But methinks I hear some say, in their reasonings and imaginations, 
 what body hath he, and where is it, seeing it is said, he is at the right 
 hand of God? 
 
 This I shall answer with his own words, which he spake here on 
 earth, viz. "No man ascended up into heaven, but he that came down 
 from heaven, the son of man, which is in heaven." He that hath an ear 
 
183 
 
 to hear, let him hear, and take notice, what body that was which came 
 down from heaven, when Mary said unto the angel, '-How can this be, 
 seeing I know not a man?" when he told her, " the Saviour should be 
 born, and that holy thing that should be born of her should be called 
 the son of God," &c. Now mark the answer, "The power of the most 
 high shall overshadow thee ;" by which power the body was prepared 
 here on earth. And saith Christ, the saviour, the wisdom of God, and the 
 power of God, "A body hast thou prepared me;" mark the distinction, 
 "thou," "me," and "a body." This "me," that spake in the "body," was 
 the "Christ," which had a "body" prepared to do "his" will that pre- 
 pared it. Now, was it the " body," or an invisible power, spirit, or soul, 
 that said, " A body hast thou prepared me ?" He that hath an ear and 
 understanding, let him hear and judge. 
 
 But yet, here this question may arise concerning the body of Christ; 
 is it not written, "the heavens must contain him until the restitution 
 of all things V And was he not taken up into heaven, when the cloud 
 received him out of the sight of the Galileans, that gazed outwardly 
 after him ? 
 
 To this also I may answer unto thee, who lookest daily for his per- 
 sonal appearance and coming: if the heavens must contain him until the 
 restitution of all things, why dost thou so much expect his coming before 
 that time of the restitution of all things? or canst thou say that that 
 time is come? if not, let it come first, before thou so earnestly expectest 
 his coming. But indeed, it is but a cloud that hath received him out of 
 the sight of the gazers: but saith the Lord to his children, "I have blot- 
 ted out your iniquities like a thick cloud;" and to the people, "Your sins 
 have separated between me and you, and have withheld good things 
 from you." And indeed, this hath hid both his body and face from you; 
 for the kingdom of heaven, and the Lord from heaven, come not with 
 outward observation; but the kingdom is within, and the Lord from hea- 
 ven is that quickening spirit, which quickens them which have been 
 dead in sins and trespasses, (the clouds of separation.) that they might 
 live unto God, and behold the beauty of the Lord in his temple; which 
 temple they are in whom he dwells, and in whom he walks, and he is 
 their God, and they are his people ; and the day being come, and the 
 sun risen, the clouds and the shadows are fled away. But they who 
 live in iniquity, are dead unto God, whose God he is not, the cloud is still 
 between, that they can neither see darkly, as in a glass, nor face to face, 
 but are in darkness, clouds, and blindness, even until now. 
 
 But if the inquisitive mind be not yet answered, but art still saving, 
 as they did in the apostles' days, concerning the resurrection, "How doth 
 the dead rise? and with what body do they come?" I must answer unto 
 thee as he did, "Thou fool ! that which thou sowest is not that body that 
 
184 
 
 shall be," &c. "but the Lord giveth every seed its own body, as it pleas- 
 eth him: it is sown a natural body, but it is raised a spiritual body; it 
 is sown in weakness, but it is raised in power" — -a spiritual body, raised 
 in power. Now, canst thou tell me what body this is? But if thou un- 
 derstand it not, thou hast little or no knowledge of the mysteries of God. 
 I speak to the shame of that inquisitive mind that would know these 
 things, which are hid in God's treasury, and yet will not come to the 
 door, nor the keys that give the understanding of them, without which 
 no man can enter this kingdom, which is prepared for that birth to which 
 only it belongs. "For no man knoweth the things of God, but by the 
 spirit of God, which searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of 
 God, which are spiritually discerned." So that unless you come to the 
 light and spirit of God, the door, that reproves the world for sin, and 
 lets you see the evil of your ways, and obey it, endure the cross and 
 bear the condemnation and indignation, because you have sinned 
 against the Lord, and turn at his reproofs, that he might pour forth his 
 spirit upon you, and make his words and secrets known unto you; I say, 
 unless you enter in this way, at God's light and spirit, that shin< > Ik 
 your hearts, you shall never rightly know, understand, or enjoy any of 
 these things of God's kingdom, before mentioned; it is an infallible word 
 of truth from God unto you all. For they are hid perpetually from 
 the out-birth of the wisdom of this world, and revealed only to the 
 babes, in the inward, spiritual ground in Christ Jesus, who is still a mys- 
 tery hid to the professors, Scribes, and Pharisees, rulers, elders, and hy~ 
 pocrites, as well in this age as in the ages past, who then were saying 
 among themselves, (notwithstanding his mighty works, which were done 
 among them,) "Is not this the carpenter's son, whose father and mother 
 we know, and are not his brethren and sisters among us?" &c. Under- 
 valuing and contemning his low and mean appearance, who was in the 
 form of a servant. And these did love to be called of men master, and 
 greetings in the Market, and uppermost rooms at feasts, and to go in 
 long robes, and stand praying in the chief or highest places in the syna- 
 gogues, and were the blind Pharisees to whom the wo belonged, as at 
 this day it doth to them who in the same spirit are contemning the low 
 appearance and manifestation of the son of God, saying, is not this you 
 preach or declare of, which people must believe in, natural light, even 
 this which checks and reproves us for sin? Have we not had this always ' 
 with us from our childhood? and do not we know its father and mother? 
 Is it not some of the remainders that were left in Adam after he fell, to 
 restrain him and his children from gross evil? &c. And is it at best any 
 other than restraining grace, and not saving? or but natural conscience ? 
 and the like. This hath been the reasoning amongst many, though 
 mighty works have been done, and are yet doing, and must yet be done 
 
185 
 
 by him who is the light, the power, the grace, the truth, and the wisdom 
 of God, in these last days, throughout the earth. 
 
 But, O ye children of men, and high in the tree of knowledge, which 
 is forbidden as to feed upon, let me answer these your reasonings with a 
 few questions in God's wisdom, which is hid from the eyes of the pru- 
 dent of this world, &c. 
 
 L What was that seed, and where was it, after man fell, (which was 
 promised,) that it should bruise the serpent's head? and what is that 
 serpent, and where is he, whose head must be bruised? 
 
 II. What was that which let Adam see his nakedness, when he had 
 transgressed? 
 
 III. What are the eyes of the Lord that are in every place, behold- 
 ing the evil and good? and where are they, if not in every conscience, 
 seeing the Lord saith to his faithful, "I will guide thee with mine eye?" 
 
 IV. And what is the true light, that lighteth every man that cometh 
 into the world? and what is that light of men that shineth in the dark- 
 ness, which the darkness comprehendeth not, and where is it, if not in 
 the conscience of every man? 
 
 V. What grace is that, and where is it, which hath appeared unto 
 all men, which bringeth salvation, which is the saints' teacher? is it only 
 restraining, and not saving, seeing the scripture saith, it "bringeth sal- 
 vation?" 
 
 VI. What light is that of which the body shall be full, if the eye be 
 single? and what is that single eye, or the one eye, with which it is 
 better to go to heaven, than with two into hell fire? and what is that 
 eye which is the light of the body, seeing the eye of the Lord is the 
 guide? 
 
 VII. And what makes the difference between the wise virgins and 
 the foolish? and whether the lamp without oil, and the light burning, 
 be not the form or profession without the power and life which saves 
 from sin, and gives an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God? 
 
 VIII. What wise man is that which Solomon speaks of, whose "eyes 
 are in his head?" and what is that fool, whose "eyes are at the end of 
 the earth?" 
 
 IX. And what is that "prudent man," who "foresees the evil, and hides 
 himself?" and what did he hide from ? and in what is the " sure hiding 
 place?" and what gives the foresight of evil? What is that fool which 
 "passeth on, and is punished?" and what is the head of every man? 
 
 X. Whether "the fear of the Lord" be not the " beginning of wis- 
 dom," and to depart from evil be not "understanding?" and whether 
 they who are not yet come unto the fear of the Lord, which is to de- 
 part from evil, be yet come to the beginning of true wisdom? And if 
 not yet come to the beginning, it is possible they may be the fools which 
 
 24 
 
18G 
 
 may die for want of wisdom, if they do not speedily repent, and turn 
 to him that smites them for their folly, &c. So take this for an answer 
 till thou knowest further, of which much might be said, and of this 
 kind, but a few words to the wise may be enough. 
 
 Concerning Christ's second coining, and kingdom, and reign; and 
 of the kingdoms of this world becoming his kingdoms. 
 
 I never read in all the scriptures, as I can remember, of a third 
 coming of Christ personally, in his own single person, or of a personal 
 reign, besides what shall be in his saints. But I have read of his 
 "coming the second time without sin unto salvation," &c. which the 
 apostles in their days did witness; yea, even his coming and kingdom, 
 as may be mentioned hereafter. I believe most people, in that called 
 Christendom, who have read the scriptures, will confess Christ is come 
 once already, even when he had the body prepared which he laid down 
 and took up without the gates of Jerusalem; this I grant was a per- 
 sonal coming, or the Godhead dwelt in that person bodily: this we con- 
 clude was his first coming to be manifest in these days ; and we believe 
 all the things that are written of him to be really true, and that what- 
 soever he did or said must be fulfilled, &c. 
 
 But now this being his first coming, he tells his disciples, while he was 
 yet with them, that he "must go away," and that " it was expedient 
 that he should go away, or else" said he, " the comforter will not come, 
 the which if I go away I shall send unto you, even the spirit of truth, 
 which shall abide with you for ever," &c. Yet notwithstanding, sorrow 
 had filled their hearts, though he tells them, he would "come again unto 
 them, and their hearts should rejoice, and their joy no man should take 
 from them." This was his promise to his disciples, while he was yet per- 
 sonally with them; and to comfort and strengthen them yet more, he 
 told them, " that he that was with them should be in them," &c. 
 
 For they loved his person for the sake of the frame and quality of the 
 spirit that dwelt in him; or else what was his person, being mean and 
 contemptible, to them, more than another person? but for that which 
 dwelt in him they loved him. Let none mistake, I do not slight it, nor 
 the person of any of his brethren, or children, as they are prepared to 
 do the will of their Father; but I do know in Cod's counsel, that it was 
 even so, as it hath been also in these days, among whom God the Father 
 of mercies hath, as it were, deprived some of his disciples of the personal 
 presence of some of his dear sons and servants; which may be to this 
 end, that the same spirit and life might be felt, possessed, lived to and 
 
is? 
 
 enjoyed in themselves, in their own particulars; in which only their 
 eternal well being consisteth. 
 
 And so he taught them to pray, "Our Father," &c. Not to look at his 
 person, and pray to him as a person without them ; but bid them " pray 
 to their Father, which seeth in secret, who would reward them openly." 
 And he that seeth in secret searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins. 
 And he bid them pray, " thy kingdom come ;" and the kingdom of heaven 
 is within, and the heart and reins and searcher of them are within. And 
 he bid them, wait at Jerusalem " till they were endued with power from 
 on high ;" and the kingdom of God consisteth in power, &c. So they 
 waited for his coming and kingdom in their days after his bodily de- 
 parture from them, and also came to enjoy what they waited for, and 
 to receive the promise of the Father, which was fulfilled unto them, and 
 in them ; for, saith the apostle, " we wait for his son from heaven." This 
 was after he had suffered, and was departed from them: and at length 
 said, " The son of God is come and hath given us an understanding, that 
 we know him that is true, and are in him that is true ; this is the true 
 God and eternal life : and this life is in his son." And then again spake 
 on this wise, " We have received a kingdom which cannot be moved ; let 
 U8 have grace in our hearts, whereby we may serve God acceptably, 
 with reverence and godly fear; for our God is a consuming fire," &c. 
 So here they received the kingdom, and the son of God was come, and 
 they were in him, who came unto them in his kingdom. Here was 
 Christ's prayer fulfilled, who said, " that they might be one, as we are 
 one ; thou in me, and I in them, and they in me, that we all might be 
 perfect in one;" and here is their prayer also fulfilled, or answered, 
 who said, " thy kingdom come," &c. when they received the kingdom 
 which could not be moved; which kingdom Christ tells them was within. 
 So this they received and witnessed, which was the second time, unto 
 salvation from sin, who never mentioned, as I have read, of a personal 
 coming and reign the third time, or of a third coming in a single per- 
 sonal appearance, as hath been imagined by many, who know not the 
 waiting to be endued with power from on high, but are running in their 
 own wills and times, and will- worships, and feigned humilities, which is 
 not at all accepted with God, while that birth is not born, nor that body 
 prepared, which only can do his will acceptably. 
 
 But this we have read, of the pourings forth of the spirit in the last 
 daysupon all flesh; (then none is excepted,) and sons and daughters should 
 prophecy, which is come to pass. And that the Lord will come in ten 
 thousands of his saints, to convince all the ungodly of their ungodly deeds 
 and hard speeches, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him, and 
 to execute his judgments; (this is coming to pass;) and that he will con- 
 sume antichrist by the spirit of his mouth, and destroy him with the 
 
IS8 
 
 brightness of his coming. Then not with carnal weapons, but with spi- 
 ritual he will destroy antichrist. And when this is done, then must the 
 kingdoms of this world needs become his, and he shall reign for ever 
 and ever. Blessed is the eye that sees, and the heart that feels and 
 understands these things; for the time is born, and the day is dawned 
 in which they shall be fulfilled. And this is the word of the Lord of 
 heaven and earth, who is come to reign, and reigneth, and will reign, 
 till all his enemies are become his footstool, and the kingdoms of this 
 world become his kingdoms and dominions, even for ever and for ever- 
 more. Therefore let the earth tremble, and them that fear and obey 
 him rejoice. Amen, hallelujah, amen. 
 
 O thou professor who art yet a transgressor! 
 
 Would'st thou know the mysteries of God? thou must first feel his rod: 
 
 Which will thy back smite, till thou leave works of night, 
 
 And walk in the light. 
 
 This is the way to know the first day, 
 
 And also the rest which is holy and blest, 
 
 For Zaccheus climbing was too high the saviour to embrace. 
 
 But down below he was received, in whom salvation was. 
 
 The voice that from the tree did call (though below him) he obeyed; 
 
 The little stature is not despised, therefore be not afraid: 
 
 But come thou down into the house, with joy the light receive; 
 
 For he's the saviour of all men that in his name believe. 
 
 The tree of knowledge hath beguil'd, and fed the birth must die: 
 
 The tree of life hath not been known, while in the wisdom high 
 
 Men have aspired, and not desired with poverty and thirst, 
 
 To walk in the light, with hearts upright, the plain path of the just. 
 
 Therefore the pearl from them is hid, who dig not in the deep; 
 
 But with the sluggard and the fool, in rags and folly sleep. 
 
 But now the awakening day is come, the trump aloud doth sound; 
 
 The life's revealed, as in days past, man's wisdom to confound: 
 
 Therefore all people stand up, and see the state in which you are; 
 
 For either heaven or hell's your lot, the hour is not afar: 
 
 For I have heard from throne of God a dreadful voice and cry, 
 
 O England! England! thou art visited, and now thy end draws nigh. 
 
 Even so hasten thy work, O Lord God Almighty, as thou hast showed 
 thy servant; and cut it short in righteousness for thine elect's sake, that 
 cries unto thee night and day throughout the whole earth: even so, 
 come Lord Jesus, come quickly, saith my soul. Amen. 
 
189 
 
 Written by a servant of the living God, who is a trembler with joy 
 at the word of his power; for whose sake I am in outward bonds at 
 Hartford; but my peace can no man take from me, blessed be the Lord, 
 the God of Jacob, whose compassion fails not, but his mercies endure 
 for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 The Second month, 1663. 
 
 William Bayly 
 
Jl grievous lamentation over thee, 0 England/ or the greatest part 
 of thy inhabitants, who have withstood the day of their visitation. 
 With the word of the Lord to thy rulers and teachers, who con- 
 tinue persecuting and oppressing the dear children and people of 
 the Most High, whom he hath raised in thee, and sent to warn 
 thee, that thou mightest have repented, and been saved from the 
 wrath to come; which now shall speedily overtake thee. 
 
 And he spread it before me and it was written within and without; and there was writ- 
 ten therein, lamentations, and mourning, and wo: Read EzeJciel chap. 2, throughout. 
 
 O Jerusalem, [Jerusalem,] thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are 
 sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen 
 gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold your house is left 
 unto you desolate. Verily I say unto you, all these things shall come upon this gene- 
 ration. Matt, xxiii. 36, 37, 38. 
 
 O England, England! it is thy lot to be the hissing and the astonish- 
 ment of nations. Hath seven days passed over thee, and thou yet re- 
 mainest, as the beasts of the field, without understanding? Must it needs 
 be, that many of my children must shake off the dust of their feet 
 against thy rulers and teachers, and turn to other nations, who shall 
 rise up in judgment against thee, because in thee mighty works have 
 been done, which if the same had been done in Tyre and Sidon, Sodom 
 and Gomorrah, they would have repented? Nineveh shall rise up in 
 judgment against thee, who repented at the preaching of Jonas; for 
 behold a greater than Jonas hath preached in thy streets. But, what 
 shall I say? must the day of thy visitation pass over thy head, and the 
 summer be ended, and thou not saved? Must thou be made an example, 
 O England, to the whole earth? Must the noise of thy fall and ruin 
 make the nations afar off tremble, and to be awakened, and fear before 
 the Lord, and seek after his salvation? Must me report come from thee 
 that must strike the earth with amazement, and cause the ears of 
 them that hear it to tingle? O England, England! what shall 1 do for 
 thee? My bowels! my bowels! my heart is pained within me, and I am 
 in sorrow and distress for thee, as a woman in travail ! How often hath 
 the Lord of hosts of late sounded in mine ears, that thy visitation is nigh 
 over, thy visitation is nigh over! or else I must say as Jeremiah did, the 
 Lord hath deceived me. 
 
 Oh England! how oft have the pleasant showers of the visitation from 
 on high descended upon thee; but where, and amongst whom do the 
 
191 
 
 fruits appear to the praise and glory of the dresser? Is not thy heaven 
 brass, and thy earth become iron? Are not the clouds returning after 
 the rain in thee? Are not the sun, and the moon, and the light darkened 
 in thee? And is not thy golden bowl broken, and the wheel at the cis- 
 tern? And art not thou going to thy long home, and the mourners about 
 the streets? Must thou die without knowledge, and be buried in the sea 
 of misery? Must thy name become a proverb, and thy remembrance an 
 astonishment? What nation was like to thee, in the days that are gone? 
 What opportunities hast thou had of being made the praise of the whole 
 earth; but now thou art become hardened, as if thou wert raised up, 
 that God's power and wonders might be made known upon thee! Must 
 thou indeed be destroyed, as God overthrew Egypt? Is Sodom thy sister? 
 Must the plagues and the judgments that are written, come upon thee? 
 Must thou fall as the handful after the harvest man ; and be cut as the 
 grass before the mower ? Must not just Lot, whose soul is vexed with 
 thy unlawful deeds, be first delivered ? Must not Noah be in the ark 
 before the flood comes ? Then shall the destroyer pass through thee as a 
 giant to run his race, and thou shalt be destroyed with a sore destruction. 
 What lamentation shall I take up for thee, O England? How have my 
 bones been as shattered, and my sinews as torn, in the remembrance of 
 thy day ? How doth my belly tremble, and my lips quiver at the feeling 
 of the sense of the burden that is coming upon thee ! " Oh that I 
 had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men, that I might 
 go from tins people and leave them ! Oh that my head were waters, 
 and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night!" 
 then should I be eased. How deep is the sense of thy calamity entered 
 into my soul, which makes me stagger like a drunken man, and as a 
 reed shaken with the wind ? 0 my soul ! why art thou so disquieted for 
 this people ? why dost thou not cast off their burden, and be still ? why 
 dost thou meditate their terror in the night seasons ? why art thou as a 
 bird ready to hasten into nations afar off? why doth thy life draw as 
 with a cart rope into the uttermost parts of the earth? Is thy native 
 country become a strange land ; or dost thou love strangers more than 
 these ? Oh that I might know why thou w r eepest thus in secret, and art 
 become as a sorrowful woman ! Hast thou lost a son, or dost thou desire 
 a son, like Hannah ? What aileth thee, O my soul ! that thou thus travail- 
 est night and day in sorrow, as a mother to bring forth, or as a child 
 that crieth for its mother ? Do none of thy brethren partake of thy bur- 
 dens, and do not their bowels feel thy distresses ? Yes surely ; is it not 
 because I did once love thee, O England ! and because I now pity thee, 
 seeing thy dreadful doom, that I thus weep over thee ! How art thou 
 fallen, O land, by thine iniquity ! even thy kings and thy rulers, thy 
 teachers and thy leaders, thy judges and thy captains, thy mighty men 
 
192 
 
 and thy mean men, the master and the scholar, the mistress and her 
 maid, the buyer and the seller. Oh the darkness, such as was in Egypt, 
 which may be felt ! Oh the hardness of heart, like an adamant, harder 
 than flint ! Oh the blindness, the born blindness, that is in thee, and 
 covering thee as a garment ! Oh the pride and fulness, lifted-upness, im- 
 pudency, and height of ambition that is in thee ! can it be higher ? or 
 can it be uttered by the tongue of man ? O thou Lucifer, that thus 
 dwellest, actest, and reignest in thy children ! God's eternal judgments 
 shall be upon thee, and his vengeance shall consume thee, and the day 
 is at hand. Oh the wantonness, stubbornness, profaneness, lewdness, 
 crookedness, cruelty, hypocrisy, deceit, and oppression that is in thee, 
 O thou England ! thou hast killed the prophets of the Lord, and stoned 
 and persecuted them that he hath sent unto thee. Oh ! that thou wert 
 no blinder than the Sodomites, and darker than Egypt, and deafer than 
 the adders, and more brutish than the beasts of the field; thenmightest 
 thou hear or see something of thy visitations. What ! are persecution 
 and cruelty about religion and worship yet found in thee? are thy 
 teachers yet like briars, and thy rulers like thorns in the sides of the 
 tender lambs of the Most High? Be advised, O land, what thou dost against 
 his people. For God hath yet a small remnant to be gathered out of 
 thy bowels, whose cries and groans he hath heard, and will plead their 
 cause against all their oppressors by the fire of his jealousy, which shall 
 consume the briars and thorns in one day. 
 
 O thou England, my native country! Art thou become a wilderness? 
 Is the remnant of the Lord in thee like the apple-tree in the midst of 
 the trees of the forest, and as a lily among thorns? Are the tearers, 
 devourers, scratchers, and prickers yet found in thee? Is not the land 
 cursed that bringeth forth these, after so much rain and fruitful sea- 
 sons? And is not their end burning ? yea, everlasting burning. What! 
 is preaching the gospel of Christ Jesus freely and publicly in villages, 
 towns, and cities, become a transgression? What! must the meetings 
 of the dear children and servants of God be called unlawful, and be 
 broken up by the lewd drunkards, swearers, and profane persons, scoff- 
 ers, and scorners in thee, as mine eyes have seen, and trickled down 
 with tears to behold it, with an heart-breaking lamentation over thee? 
 O England! England! that I could plead with thee, as with one man, 
 face to face! Didst thou ever persecute me and my brethren before we 
 turned our faces towards the paradise of God, from whence we were 
 driven in Adam by transgression? Didst thou ever abuse, beat, or im- 
 prison me — didst thou ever reproach or revile me, when I walked in 
 vanity, wantonness, and pride, and in the foolish fashions and gestures 
 of this world? Nay, didst thou not say well of me, when God's witnes? 
 in my own conscience did reprove and condemn me? Didst thou ever 
 cast me into prison for breaking God's laws, for lying, or for swearing, 
 
103 
 
 or any other kind of profaneness* But how soon didst thou lay hold 
 on my innocent throat, when I began to turn my face toward Sion, and 
 to speak the language of Canaan? How often hast thou dragged me 
 upon the stones of thy streets, and smitten me on the cheek-bone, and 
 plucked off mine hair, which God hath numbered? How often have 
 thy priests, teachers, and chiefest professors, abused me? How often 
 have thy soldiers mocked and beaten me, with the rude people shouting 
 and rending my garments? How often have I been imprisoned since 
 my heart was turned, with brokenness and desires to seek the living 
 God in truth and righteousness? Surely above these ten times, as un- 
 justly as a child from its mother's breast. Yet for all this I never sought 
 revenge against thee, but often wept in secret to my God for thee, who 
 did still quiet my heart in the contcntedness of his own life and will, 
 seeing his counsel and end through all these things. And I am yet so 
 far from seeking revenge, though now again in bonds, through the un- 
 just dealing of some of thy priests and rulers, that I have said in my 
 heart with tears unto God, Oh that I might lay down my life for Eng- 
 land, that I might die for England, (which, the Lord knoweth, I could 
 freely do.) that she might yet repent and be saved! In whose presence 
 1 have freely forgiven all mine enemies that have thus dealt with me, 
 and can say to Richard Brown, the greatest amongst many called al- 
 dermen of London, as my dearly beloved brother, Edward Burroughs, 
 did on his death bed, " the Lord forgive thee, if it be yet possible;" whose 
 prisoner he died, and yet lives in my bosom, and the rest of my bre- 
 thren, as he is a martyr of Jesus. O thou England! have not we the 
 witness of heaven and earth, that we are the children of the Most High, 
 whom thou hast thus abused and persecuted, robbed and spoiled? and 
 dost thou think to prosper, by persevering in these things against them? 
 Nay, let me once more tell thee from the everlasting God, that it shall 
 he thy ruin. "What canst thou do with us, who fear not man. who can 
 but kill the body, and after that hath power to do no more ? We have 
 giveih up our lives freely to live and to die unto our God, and to hold 
 fast his name, which is truth and righteousness, and to confess him be- 
 fore men while we have a being ; and thou shalt never overcome us, 
 though thou shouldst kill or imprison to death all our persons or bodies, 
 if it were po->ible. Thy fathers have not overcome the prophets, apos- 
 tles, and martyrs of Christ Jesus in the days past; neither hast thou 
 overcome them, whom thou hast beaten and imprisoned to death among 
 us in these days, but they have overcome thee, and their life is risen 
 again, 'of which we are witnesses, and it is with us, and remains with us 
 for ever; whose blood cries loud in the ears of the Lord Almighty, who 
 will avenge and plead their innocent cause. O England ! are thy rulers 
 yet again saving, that the Quakers will spread and overrun the land ? 
 
 25 
 
194 
 
 Have not I heard them say, we must prevent them, lest they become- 
 very numerous, or more than we ? And have not thy teachers run and 
 complained to them, that they might be suppressed ? Yes, surely, in my 
 sight and hearing. And was not this the language of Egypt, their ma- 
 gicians, wise men, and rulers, " Let us deal wisely with them, lest they 
 multiply and become great in number ?" &c. And were not the plagues 
 poured forth upon that land till Pharaoh and his host were destroyed 1 
 and is not God the same, and his seed and children the same for ever ? 
 
 Hear, O England ! and all thy rulers and teachers, and all the inha- 
 bitants of spiritual Egypt and Sodom ! thus saith the Lord God, your 
 counsel shall come to nought, your purposes shall be abolished, and made 
 void, your rage is in vain, your subtlety and wisdom shall be confound- 
 ed ; my dread shall fall upon you, ye light and vain rulers, who have 
 taken upon you to sit in judgment against my people, Behold you shall 
 sit in the dust, and you shall gnaw your tongues for pain and vexation ; 
 the clay of your howling is at hand, in which you shall cry to the rocks 
 and mountains to hide you from my presence Ye hypocrites ! ye wanton 
 ones ! will ye not tremble at my presence ? Have not I set bounds to the 
 sea, that though it toss and mount up, roar and swell, it cannot pass 
 my decree 1 Will you strive with your Maker, ye potsherds ? will ye 
 fight against God ? Are you stronger than he that made heaven and 
 earth, the sea, and all things therein, by his power? Am not I he that 
 overthrew Sodom, and cutRahab, and wounded the dragon, and drown- 
 ed the Egyptians in the sea? Behold, I will put my hook in your nose, 
 and my bridle in your jaws, and turn you backwards, ye devourers, ye 
 beasts of the field, and my people shall spread, and my seed shall in- 
 crease, and be as the sand, and as the stars of heaven; and the earth 
 shall be filled with the knowledge of my glory, as the waters cover the 
 sea. And you shall not prevail against them. Nay, though the whole 
 earth should be gathered together against my people, they shall not 
 prosper, but be confounded and broken to pieces, and become as the 
 chaff before the wind, and as stubble before a consuming fire ; I the 
 Lord have spoken it. 
 
 " When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel 
 to slay them. Then stood there up one in the counsel, a Pharisee, 
 named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, &c. and said unto them, Ye men of 
 Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye intend to do, as touching these 
 men, &c. and now I say unto you, refrain from these men, and let 
 them alone; for, if this work be of men, it will come to nought; but if 
 it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest happily ye be found even to 
 fight against God." Read Acts v. 27. to the end, and consider it. 
 
 From my Prison-Chamber in Hartford, William Bayly. 
 
 the 3d month, 1663. 
 
TO THE CAMP OF ISRAEL, 
 
 Whom he hath brought up out of the land of Egypt, by a mighty hand and out' 
 stretched arm, called Quakers, in England, or elsewhere upon the face of the 
 earth; a visitation and dear salutation from the breathings of the life of a true 
 Jetc, in the tender love of the God of Jacob. Given forth in the remembrance 
 of his mercies of old, which continually endure for ever. 
 
 My dearly beloved friends, brethren and sisters, who are of the stock 
 cf Abraham, and seed of Israel, who are brought and bringing forth out of 
 the land of darkness and house of bondage, by the outstretched arm of 
 the Almighty Jehovah, to follow him who is an everlasting light, into 
 the heavenly land of rest and peace, which endureth for ever; who 
 are of Caleb's and Joshua's spirit, wholly resigned to do or suffer the will 
 of God in all things in your generation; who are the true Israelites in- 
 deed, without guile, partiality, or hypocrisy, the chosen generation, the 
 royal priesthood, zealous for God and good works, and valiant for the 
 truth upon earth; who can forsake all to follow the Lamb in his foot- 
 steps of patience, long-suffering, love and meekness, wisdom and fear, 
 bearing all things, enduring all things, hoping always in God, and re- 
 joicing in tribulations, glorying in nothing save in the cross of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, resolving in his strength, with purpose of heart, to 
 cleave fast unto the Lord, though your outward man perish, or be of- 
 fered up as a living sacrifice for his holy name and truth. I say; that 
 you truly are my brethren and sisters; I have no greater joy than to 
 sit down with you, and feed with you at your table, which indeed is no 
 less than the table of the Lord, which he hath spread for us. Yea, 
 even when we- were in the wilderness, did he give us manna from hea- 
 ven, angels' food, and water out of the rock which then followed us. 
 Blessed for ever be the Lord, and the remembrance of his name. And 
 when I call to mind these things, and the multitude of his mercies and 
 endless compassions, which he showed towards us in the days of our in- 
 fancy, when he took us by the hand, and taught us to go, my bowels 
 are turned within me, and I am melted before the Lord. 
 
 O Israel, what hath thy God done for thee ! Stand still a little, and 
 consider how he hath dealt with thee in the days past, whether he 
 hath dealt so with any nation; how he hath made rivers in the desert, 
 and the dry land to become springs of water: how hath he filled the 
 hungry with good things, and sent the rich empty away ! He hath 
 
19G 
 
 brought down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low- 
 degree. He hath made thy wilderness a fruitful field, and turned the 
 fruitful land into barrenness, because of the iniquity of them that dwelt 
 therein. He hath divided the sea, and made it stand on heaps while 
 his chosen remnant passed over. He hath overthrown the horse and 
 his rider. He hath pierced Leviathan, and bruised the head of the 
 crooked serpent, and broken the great teeth and jaws of the wicked. 
 He hath* delivered from the mouth of the lion, and from the paw of 
 the bear, and from the uncircumcised Philistines. He hath made the 
 lame to leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb to sing. He 
 hath set the solitary in families ; and is leading Joseph like a flock, 
 and making him ruler over Egypt, the land of darkness. Oh! magnify 
 the name of the Lord, all ye children of Israel, and let the inhabitants 
 of the rock sing for joy; for great and marvellous things hath the Lord 
 done for his people. He hath raised the dead, and brought Lazarus 
 from the grave. He hath opened the eyes of the born-blind. He hath 
 cleansed the lepers, and cast out devils, and they are gone into the herd 
 of swine. He hath fed a great multitude with a little portion, and yet 
 much remains. He hath cured the daughter of Abraham, which was 
 bowed down many years. He hath stopped the running issue, which 
 all the physicians of no value could never do. He hath made a hedge 
 about Job ; and delivered just Lot out of Sodom, and brought him to 
 Zoar. 
 
 These things hath the Lord of life done among us, of which we are 
 eye-witnesses; and his own arm hath brought salvation, and hath 
 wrought all our works in us and for us, which none other man could 
 do. Oh ! praise the Lord for ever, all ye that have breath in the land of 
 the living ; and let the sons of Jacob have him and his works in ever- 
 lasting remembrance. If we forget his mercies showed unto Sion, and 
 his wonders in the deep, "let our right hand forget her cunning." If I 
 forget thee, O Jerusalem, and what thy God hath done for thee, "let 
 my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth." But how has my soul be- 
 come as a watered garden, in brokenness and humility before the Lord 
 God of our salvation, when I call to mind his tender mercies and deal- 
 ings of old, and when I remember the wormwood and the gall, and how 
 there were none found worthy in heaven nor earth to open the book, 
 and to loose the seals, neither to look thereon, but the lamb wbirh 
 had been slain. Then was the time of weeping and of great mourning, 
 as in the valley of Haddadrimmon, yea, even apart in the wilderness 
 and solitary places. O Lord God, shall thy people ever forget tjie&e 
 things, and thy wonders upon the land of Egypt, which thou wrought- 
 est for thy seed's sake, and the great salvation which thou hast showed 
 to Israel! Shall there ever be' an image made, or the likeness of any 
 
197 
 
 thing in heaven or in earth, to be bowed down to, but thy name alone, 
 which is and shall be exalted above every name, in which thy babes 
 and children have found comfort, strength, and safety to this day'? or, 
 shall any thing sit in thy judgment seat with thee, but that which over- 
 cometh, and is thy son? Is not all power in heaven and earth, and all 
 judgment committed to him, in whose mouth is found no guile, who is 
 meek and lowly in heart, who loosed the seals, and opened the book, 
 and did prevail, and hath prevailed over the dragon and his angels; 
 who maketh war in righteousness, and in it goes on conquering and to 
 conquer ; who hath the keys of death and of hell ? Therefore let your 
 eyes be alone unto him, O ye followers of the lamb ! and fear not man, 
 neither look unto man, whose breath is in his nostrils ; but be valiant 
 for the truth upon earth, which endureth for ever. Follow your cap- 
 tain, even of your salvation, ye white horse-men, who are of the ar- 
 mies that are in heaven, whose clothing is white and clean, and your 
 armour the whole armour of light, having on the ornament of a meek, 
 quiet, and patient spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God, 
 though in it you appear as fools in the sight of men. You are of that 
 troop which shall overcome at the last, though you seem, as to the out- 
 ward appearance, to be overcome, and trampled under foot for a sea- 
 son, for the exercise and trial of your faith and patience, through which 
 God is bringing his lambs nearer to his bosom, though their face is mar- 
 red more than any man's, and their form more than the sons of men. 
 But the Lord of hosts is with you, and the shout of a king is among you, 
 which shall make nations to tremble, and the beasts of the field to flee 
 before him. The lion of the tribe of Judah hath roared out of Sion, 
 and hath uttered his voice from his holy temple, new Jerusalem. And 
 he it is that must get the victory, and have the dominion, and reign, 
 till all his enemies are become his footstool. This is the Lord's doing, 
 and this work he will accomplish by his own arm. Therefore, lift up 
 your heads, ye babes and suckling children of the Most High, and be 
 bold in the strength of the Almighty, and in it be very courageous in 
 this the day of his power. Feel Caleb's and Joshua's spirit stirred up, 
 which saith, "We will go on, the Lord will go before us, and he will 
 right our battles, and we shall prevail." For the battle is the Lord's, 
 the work is the Lord's, and he will accomplish it; the day is his, the 
 set time is come, and the victory is and must be his. Here you dwell 
 in the pure sense and feeling of the noble plant of renown, the right 
 seed, which will wholly follow the Lord; this his soul takes pleasure in, 
 and he will never forsake it, though a woman may forsake her child. 
 This will never draw back because of persecutions, thrcatenings, or fiery 
 trials, furnace, or den of lions ; but puts on the whole armour of God, 
 and is clad with zeal as with a cloak, and sets its face like a flint, be- 
 
198 
 
 cause of truth, and because of righteousness. This is the royal birth, 
 which God hath raised, and will raise, to whom the kingdom and domi- 
 nion belong for evermore. It is against this the enmity is; the devil and the 
 dragon's malice is against this child ; after its blood the whore, beast, 
 dragon, and false prophet have thirsted, from Cain to this day. This is 
 the lamb that hath been slain from the foundation of the world. This 
 is the holy child, against whom Herod and Pilate, and all the rulers 
 took counsel in all ages. Not so much against profession is their aim, 
 but at the life and holy birth itself, which is born and manifest in 
 flesh, which hath been the mystery hidden from ages and generations, 
 but now is and shall be manifest more and more, through all these trials 
 and shakings, to the ends of the earth. This is he, whose vesture is 
 dipped in blood, whom the armies in heaven follow. In heaven, not in 
 earth, or of the earth are his armies, but in heaven, making war in 
 righteousness and holiness, patience and long suffering. This is his 
 heavenly army, that shall overcome with him, and get the victory over 
 the beast, the dragon, the whore, and the false prophet; the Lord God, 
 that lives for ever, hath spoken it. The lamb must overcome ; and 
 the kingdom, and the greatness of it, shall be given to the saints of the 
 Most High ; and they shall possess it even to the end. 
 
 Therefore fear not, ye little flock, whose breathing hearts are up- 
 right before God, angels, and men; who have the witness in you, that 
 you seek nothing but truth, righteousness, and peace with God and man, 
 and have no end but the glory of God, and the exaltation of his name, 
 by the raising of his seed, and the salvation of the souls of the children 
 of men ; whose feeding is in the green pastures, which lie in the low 
 valleys by the still waters of Shiioah, which run softly. The Lord is 
 with you, though you are as worms in your own eyes, and are ready to 
 say with Maiy, "How can this be, seeing I know not a man?" I have 
 no might, power, wisdom, strength, or ability of my own. Be but the 
 virgin, whollv resigned into the will of God, with thine eye single, fixed 
 in thy head, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. 
 And the kingdom of God consisteth in power, righteousness, and joy in 
 the holy ghost, into which the wise virgins enter, who are the followers 
 of the lamb (in whose mouth is found no guile) through the great tribu- 
 lations. These are the true Israelites indeed, not only in word, but in 
 deed and in truth; these follow him in the regeneration, and have the 
 white robes and the palms given unto them; these sing the new song, 
 which no man could learn but they that are redeemed from the earth; 
 these sit in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus, upon twelve thrones, 
 judging the twelve tribes of Israel; these are they that are beheaded, 
 and suffer for the word of God, and the testimony which they hold. 
 Mark, they hold it, and do not let it go; but let go the earth, with the 
 
199 
 
 glorv, treasures, delights, and pleasures of it; but hold the testimony of 
 Jesus, and have chosen the good part with Mary, which endures for 
 ever; and let go the cumberings with the many things, for the one only 
 needful thing, the word of God, which is the word of power, of life, of 
 patience, of reconciliation, and of wisdom, which saves the immortal 
 soul; which is but one word, which was in the beginning, with whom 
 Enoch walked, and was translated; which is God the judge of all, unto 
 which we are come, and to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the 
 living God, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, where is no 
 occasion of stumbling, but God is the judge of all, who brings the hidden 
 things to light. But before this is witnessed, there may be stumbling, 
 and occasions of stumbling, and a judgment may be given (before the 
 Lord come) in the unjust man's spirit, which is for judgment. But take 
 heed of this thing, I charge and also beseech thee, O Israel, in the 
 word of the Lord, that liveth and abideth for ever, as thou lovest his 
 holy name, the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem, and the welfare of 
 thine own soul; but live in the word of wisdom, and true authority, and 
 patience of the lamb, and dwell with God the judge of all, in whose 
 righteous judgment and before whose throne judge thyself; and let the 
 beam be plucked out of every eye that would presume to judge before 
 the time; and let the dread of the Lord be before it; for it is a fearful 
 thing to usurp authority over Christ Jesus,. which is the man that must 
 judge the world in righteousness, and the people with truth, who saith 
 to his disciples, "be ye merciful, as your heavenly Father is merciful." 
 And they who are children of their heavenly Father, are not apt to 
 judge rashly, before the time, out of his counsel, truth, power, wisdom 
 and fear; but rather wait in patience, until the time comes, even the 
 Lord, who brings the hidden things to light, having an eye to the glory 
 of God, and the good part in all people, as well as salute the people. 
 These have no respect of persons, neither admire men's persons for ad- 
 vantage sake; these are not in prejudice, or evil surmisings against any, 
 knowing God's hand is going over all these things, who is the judge of 
 all ; for, where any prejudice, respect of persons, with the beam in the 
 eye, lodgeth in the heart of any man, in that state that man's judgment 
 is unjust and unrighteous, whoever he be: (I speak from God, without 
 partiality.) he hath not the mercy that God hath to the unjust, and the 
 very sun in the firmament will teach that man wisdom. 
 
 Therefore, my dearly beloved friends, brethren and sisters, with whom 
 I am bound up in the bundle of life, to live and to die in and for the 
 righteous cause and work of God, which is his truth that endureth for- 
 ever; this is my exhortation unto you all, from the least to the greatest, 
 without respect of persons or things outward, in the bowels of unfeigned 
 love; look all at the good part, which is of God in yourselves, and dwell 
 
t 
 
 200 
 
 in the good part in the remembrance of his mercies and loving kindness, 
 which he hath showed unto you ; and shut your eyes from seeing of evil, 
 and look only at the good part in all; then will you answer the good 
 part in Jew and Gentile, and the church of God. Here you shall he able 
 to dwell with everlasting burnings, and in the munition of rocks: here 
 ye dwell with God, the judge of all, and the spirits of just men; here is 
 every high imagination and thought, that would exalt self, brought 
 down through the judgment of God, into the obedience of Christ. Here 
 is that unjust spirit judged, which would take the neighbour or brother 
 by the throat, or lay hands suddenly on any, which Paul charged Timo- 
 thy not to do. 
 
 Therefore, all ye dear children of God, keep out of that spirit, and 
 let it not have place in you, no, not for a moment; but dwell in the life 
 and wisdom of God, the judge of all, where you will feel the just man's 
 spirit, which can judge and try all things, and be established in it. For 
 I have considered, that this is a day of great trials and temptations on 
 every hand, and of the making manifest them that are approved in God's 
 sight. It is a day which requires retiredness, fear, watchfulness, and 
 diligence, which will keep out of being easily moved or provoked; but 
 your hearts will come to be established in power, love, and a sound mind, 
 in which your compassions will flow forth towards your brethren, and 
 towards all men; and yc will feel mercy arise, and pity towards enemies; 
 dwelling yourselves always in the sense and feeling of God's mercies, 
 compassions, and long sufferings towards you. I speak what I know, 
 through the exercise of my faith and patience concerning these things, 
 and I have found, that the thought of prejudice, and evil surmising 
 against any man or creature whatsoever, is judged with the life of the 
 true seed (which lives in the bosom of God, the judge of all, which can 
 stand upon the sea of glass mingled with tire) to be of the enmity, which 
 came of the old crooked serpent, the bcguiler and separator from the 
 tree of life. Here you see the tale-bearers, which separate very friends* 
 of which wisdom spake, to be very near. 
 
 The Lord open your understandings, my dear friends, for my bowels- 
 and very heart is open towards you, with desires and prayers to God for 
 all Israel, that they might be saved from the wrath which is to corneas 
 a flood upon the ungodly and rebellious generation. 
 
 And the Lord God of mercies and blessings keep us all in meekness 
 and fear, in his spirit of lowliness, love, and forbearance, in tenderness, 
 forgiving and forbearing one another, as God for Christ (his seed's) sake 
 hath forgiven us; shutting that eye that looks after the moat, for that 
 is the evil eye, the hypocrite, gone out from and exalted above the heir, 
 the life of God, to which the power and the judgment is committed. 
 This shall never inherit true peace with God or man in that state. For 
 
 \ 
 
201 
 
 evil thoughts lodging, and being joined unto, defile a man, and shut that 
 kingdom against him into which no unclean thing can enter. 
 
 So, my dear friends, and all you whose faces are turned towards the 
 paradise of God, from the earth into which ye were driven by trans- 
 gression, mind these things, and let this remembrance be always fresh 
 in you, " that you bear not the root, but the root bears you." And this 
 will keep you, that vou shall not be high-minded, but fear: and to be 
 little in your own eyes, as the little children unto whom the kingdom 
 of God belongs. 
 
 And this spirit, before mentioned, of forgiveness, mercies, and long- 
 suffering, love unfeigned, gentleness, and patience, dwelling in the 
 watchfulness, for good (in the wisdom of God) and not for evil, is the 
 spirit of the lamb, whom the Lord hath said, and fully determined, 
 that it shall prosper and spread through nations, and it shall have- 
 dominion over them, and they shall bow to it, and it shall be a blessing 
 unto many people and nations afar off; and the everlasting presence 
 and blessings of the Almighty shall accompany it forever; and the 
 gates of hell shall not prevail against it. But that which is rash, high, 
 heady, proud, wilful, foolish, and stubborn, in which the leven of the 
 Pharisees lodgeth, God will lay low, and abase before him; and all judg- 
 ment, which is not his son's in whom he is well pleased, to whom all 
 judgment is committed and belongs, he will judge and condemn. And 
 him that judgeth before he is come, who is Lord and judge of all, and 
 without him, God will judge. 
 
 So, in the spirit of the lamb, dear babes and children of light, go on 
 and prosper, and be faithful and valiant for the truth upon the earth; 
 keeping low in your own measure, every one marching in his own path, 
 then your ranks will not be broken. For thus is it written of the camp 
 of the Lord, which must get the victory ; for the enemy is very busy, 
 striving every way to draw forth your simple minds from the strong 
 hold of the prison of hope. Therefore blessed is he that watcheth and 
 waiteth always at wisdom's gate : for there is the simple preserved 
 in meekness and fear, love and patience, godliness and brotherly kind- 
 ness, which is the most excellent way. This is the path where the lion 
 cannot corne, nor any ravenous beast can touch this mountain, but he 
 will be struck through with the sling-stone of David, or a dart of God's 
 righteous judgments. Here is no destroying nor hurting in all this holy 
 mountain ; but bearing all things, enduring all things, without murmur- 
 ing, complaining, or envying, dwelling in that love which thinks no 
 evil. This is that spirit of the lamb of God which saveth souls, and 
 overcometh or taketh away a multitude of sins, wherein is no delight 
 to lay open the brother's nakedness, (for that is of Ham's stock, which 
 God hath cursed for ever,) but rather a secret crvins to the Lord cor> 
 
 26 
 
202 
 
 cerning such things: Oh that thy name might not suffer, nor be reproach- 
 ed through any who profess thy everlasting name and truth! and can 
 say, as Moses did, " Blot out my name rather than thy name should 
 suffer, or be justly reproached or dishonoured amongst thy people." 
 This is that which is raised in many, which they love more than father, 
 mother, wife, children, house, or lands, yea, or their own life, as God is 
 witness. Here is a passage through the daily cross, the strait gate, into 
 the place of broad rivers, where goes no galley with oars, but a 
 stretching forth and swimming in the eternal will and obedience of God. 
 
 So, lift up your heads, all ye tender plants of my heavenly Father's 
 own planting, from the virtue which you receive at the root of David, 
 from which the branch of righteousness springs; and dwell in the stillness 
 and patience, in which ye will feel the bowels of God's love and mercies 
 opened in you like a fountain, at which ye may drink and be satisfied, 
 and rejoice in God your saviour in the midst of all trials and tribulations, 
 wherein ye will have strength and boldness to confess his name before 
 men, even to the death, in the day when many shall hide themselves 
 for fear, and for looking at the things which are swiftly coming upon the 
 earth. So dear babes of God, and children of the stock of Israel, put 
 on the whole armour of light, and make war in righteousness, in the 
 spirit of the lamb, in whose mouth guile is not found. This is the captain 
 of our salvation, who hath left us an example, that we should follow 
 his steps, whom looking to and obeying, the Lord God that made heaven 
 and earth will be with you, and preserve you all, his dear children, in 
 and through all your trials and tribulations, which may be suffered to 
 come upon you for the trial of your faith and patience, and for the pu- 
 rifying and cleansing his sanctuary. And this man will be your hiding 
 place from the storm and from the rain, even the same which was found 
 the rock in a weary land. And this is he that will stand the last upon 
 the earth, and get the victory and dominion over and through all, of 
 whose dominion and kingdom shall be no end. 
 
 So, in this the Lord God of life, of heaven and earth, keep you all by 
 his eternal power, and establish you on the immoveable rock of salvation, 
 that so with one heart, mind, and soul we may glorify the holy name of 
 our God in this our day and generation, in right walking before him, 
 that so we may give up our account with joy, and not with grief, and 
 have the witness in us and for us, that we are well pleasing in his sight; 
 in which, whether we live or die, we shall have peace and joy unspeak- 
 able, and full of glory. 
 
 The Lord God of life, love, and peace, wisdom, and righteousness, be 
 with you all, my dear brethren and friends, and preserve you all in his 
 eternal power unto his heavenly kingdom, there to remain, and in it to 
 rest, when this world shall be no more. 
 
203 
 
 This is given forth in the movings of the bowels of God's love unto his 
 people Israel, and in the remembrance of his mercies of old, and of his 
 daily compassions towards them; which is as an entreaty thereby, that ye 
 may all remember and love his mercies, walking humbly before him all 
 the days of your life, and to be read in your meetings, as in wisdom and 
 conveniency of time ye have meet opportunity. 
 
 By a companion of them that follow the lamb through the great tri- 
 bulations, for whose sake he can say, he loves not his life to the death, 
 enjoying that love which is stronger than death. Blessed be the name of 
 the Lord for ever. Amen. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 From my prison at Hartford, the Third month, 1663. 
 
The Lamb's government to be exalted over all in Israel: who is the captain of 
 their salvation, whose right alone it is (in whose mouth is found no guile) 
 and not any other birth, spirit, man, or image whatsoever. Or, the glory 
 of the Lord risen like devouring fire, to search out every false birth and 
 false spirit, and to consume antichrist with the spirit of his mouth, and 
 destroy him by the brightness of his coming. Given forth in the movings 
 (at the commandment) of the captain of Israel, by one that followeth him. 
 
 Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and 
 strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Rev. v. 12. 
 
 For by him were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and in- 
 visible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers, all things 
 were created by him, and for him; and he is before all things; and by him all things con- 
 sist; and he is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the first born 
 from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. Col. i. 16. 
 
 I. A certain sound (in season) to awaken the mixed multitude through- 
 out the whole host ; and that all may come to the trial, and search and 
 see what spirit and birth they are of, and in what spirit and dominion 
 you rule and govern, who are masters, parents, and governors of families 
 throughout all the tribes of Israel, &c. 
 
 II. An exhortation from God, that none within the camp seek to 
 physicians, (or things of that kind outward,) for any distemper, weakness, 
 sickness, or disease whatsoever, without his leadings and counsel who 
 leadeth into all truth, &c. 
 
 III. That no babe among them should strive or study for the com- 
 prehending or attaining the knowledge of the laws of men or nations, to 
 make their defence, &c. 
 
 IV. A dear and tender salutation to the blessed seed, and children of 
 the everlasting holy covenant of promise, throughout the whole creation. 
 
 Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God, the holy seed, the lamb 
 slain from the foundation of the world, (that lies in wickedness,) in whose 
 mouth guile is not found, whose name is called the word of God, whom 
 all are to hear, whose kingdom is not of this world, whom God the Father 
 hath raised from the dead, and appointed heir of all things, and head 
 over all to his church, and given him a name above every name, that 
 at his name every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in 
 the earth, and every tongue confess him to be Lord, to the glory of 
 God the Father ; whom he hath given for a leader and commander of 
 the people, in whom alone is redemption and salvation, and not in any 
 other; this is the captain of thy host, O Israel; this is thy king and law- 
 
205 
 
 giver, thy judge and saviour; and every spirit, seed, motion, or thought, 
 which is contrary, opposeth, or riseth against the life of this pure, righte- 
 ous, precious seed, (wheresoever, or in whomsoever it is, or appeareth,) 
 is of antichrist, which the Lord God will consume hy the spirit of his 
 mouth, and destroy by the brightness of his coming, without respect of 
 persons. And this hath been the testimony of the servants of the Lord in 
 ages past, and this hath been and is our testimony (who are his servants) 
 unto the world in this age ; which work he is now cutting short in 
 righteousness for his elect seed's sake, in whom alone he is well pleased, 
 which has long been pierced, wounded, grieved, and oppressed by the 
 contrary seed of evil doers, which has always opposed and .exalted itself 
 above all that is called God, and would not that he should reign, who 
 is the truth, the resurrection and the life, whose right alone it is; and 
 for whose sake the Lord God Almighty will overturn, overturn, overturn, 
 till he possesses it unto the ends of the earth. 
 
 And well said the scripture, that "there are many antichrists in the 
 world, and many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many; and 
 many shall come and say, I am Christ, whereby many may be deceived," 
 fcc. Now, this I do not only read without in the world, but in the 
 world which is set in man's heart, which hath been deceitful above all 
 things,, and desperately wicked; who hath searched it out to the full? 
 or, who knoweth it perfectly? or, who hath sought out all its secret cham- 
 bers of imagery? — Truly, I find but one right seed, right spirit, image, or 
 birth, which rightly seeth, and rightly judgeth all things, and searcheth 
 out the most deep and hidden things, ways, forms, shapes, turnings, or 
 spirits: it is a noble plant, a noble birth; and there is not a deeper 
 speech than it can understand, nor a form that it cannot see to the foun- 
 dation, or through the vail to the root thereof. It is the elect which 
 cannot be deceived, neither will it deceive any who join to it, believe 
 and trust in it; but it is not of this world, neither is its kingdom and 
 glory of this world, but from above, (over it,) in the majesty on high, 
 (from whence it is born,) far above the principalities and powers of the 
 rulers of the darkness of this world, the dominions and glory of which 
 are but its temptations, to draw from the more noble into the visible 
 fading glory; heaven is its throne, and the earth its footstool. 
 
 Therefore, his followers must be redeemed from the earth, from the 
 world, the glory, the spirit and nature of it within, in which lieth the 
 ground of temptations, and the deceivableness of unrighteousness, and 
 the lying wonders, and the many antichrists, which do arise in the se- 
 cret chambers against the appearance of this noble seed, to stand in 
 the room of it, to satisfy the mind, saying, I am Christ, to wit: I'll give 
 thee satisfaction, I'll be thy food, thy guide or leader, &c. feeding the 
 
206 
 
 mind with falsehood and vanity, till at last it proves a false prophet, 
 which hath deceived and cast down many strong men wounded. 
 
 Therefore, hearken, O Israel ! to the voice of the captain of thy sal- 
 vation, and give not heed to, nor believe any lying vanity within or 
 without. Neither be thou satisfied with a false conception, or false 
 birth, a false rest or peace, short of the election, short of the noble 
 plant of renown, the wholly right seed, whose kingdom is not of this 
 world; this is the heir, against which many false prophets and spirits 
 (antichrists,) have risen up, to dispossess him of the inheritance. But 
 all that go, or climb up before him, are thieves and robbers: therefore, 
 be watchful and diligent, for your adversary goes about, seeking whom 
 to devour ; and fear always before the Lord thy God, O Israel! and be- 
 lieve not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God, for 
 there are many false spirits and false births, which are not of God, but 
 of the world; and the day of trial is now come, in which things that 
 have been hid shall be manifest. 
 
 There is a spirit that can satisfy itself with the profession, likeness, 
 or image of the truth; but its cross and burden is the very truth itself, 
 which doth discover it, judge it, and cast it out. Therefore, take heed, 
 and beware of that spirit ; believe it not, but judge it in every appear- 
 ance ; it is the leven of the Pharisees, which can never enter, but shuts 
 up the kingdom of God, with all its righteousness, comprehension, and 
 profession. This spirit is without the vail, and cannot see the end of 
 those things which God will abolish, being shut out of the holiest of 
 all, in which the secrets and wonderful works of God are manifest to 
 them that fear him. So this spirit judgeth according to the outward 
 appearance, and not with righteous judgment This is that bastard, or 
 son of the bond-woman, which shall not inherit with the heir, the son 
 of the free woman. This is a knower of men after the flesh, (the flesh 
 is the vail,) and a respecter of persons, and loveth the praise of men, 
 and esteemeth the rich in this world more than the poor, whom God 
 hath chosen, rich in faith and heirs of his everlasting kingdom. There- 
 fore, beware of it, let it have no place in thy bosom, or within thy bor- 
 ders, 0 Israel! for it is abomination unto the Lord thy* God, and a great 
 oppressor and griever of his seed, and a contemner and secret despiser 
 of his mean appearances in his babes and little ones, in and by whom 
 he will confound the wisdom and glory of all flesh. 
 
 Again: there is a spirit that thinks or conceits better of itself than 
 of others, because of outward things, which it seems to possess, or be- 
 cause of the knowledge, experiences, or trials, which it hath had in 
 days past, through the dealings of God in his love to the seed; and with 
 these things decks itself, and through which the heart is lifted up, out 
 of God's fear, feeding itself with the manna which corrupteth. This 
 
207 
 
 is a disobedient spirit, an imprisoner of the seed and life of God in the 
 particular, and an oppressor and wounder of it in the general; and it is 
 a lover of this world secretly in its heart; though it seems to have a 
 beautiful outside or covering, the sower of discord lodgeth, as a couched 
 beast in its bosom : and the backbiter lies within its breast, which, as 
 arrows, it will send forth against the upright and simple-hearted, which 
 doth discover, see, and fathom the ground and foundation thereof. 
 Therefore, beware of it, judge it, and cast it off forever, for it is of the 
 old leven of malice and wickedness. It hath a life in giving heed to 
 reports, yea, false reports against others, entertaining them, and report- 
 ing them, thereby to cover itself as with a garment, that so it might be 
 esteemed and have the pre-eminence, and that others whom it pleaseth, 
 may be disesteemed, slighted, or undervalued. This spirit the Lord 
 God will cast down, and abase unto the nethermost pit: it is a robber 
 of God, and a despiser of his neighbour ; it is very near unto the chains 
 of darkness, in them to be reserved unto the day of great judgment. 
 
 Therefore, 0 Israel! follow thou the Lord thy God alone, who dis- 
 covered the very secrets of all hearts, and is the searcher, tryer, and 
 finder-out of every false spirit ; before whose presence, and in whose 
 sight, all things that have been hidden shall be sought out, evidently 
 seen, and made manifest unto the ends of the earth : for the day is 
 come, in which no shadow of death, or dark covering, shall hide the 
 worker of iniquity and wickedness, though never so secret. Therefore, 
 remember with whom thou hast to do, for all things are naked, open, 
 and bare before his pure eyes. And see thou walkest in the light of 
 the Lord, which is the light of his true Israel, and remains their stand- 
 ing dwelling-place, which shall be for a flame, and an everlasting fire 
 in the hearts of all them who wilfully and contemptuouslv transgress 
 against him, and come not to be humbled because thereof before him. 
 This is thy God and Lord, which brought thee up at first out of Egypt, 
 the dark land, and hath led thee by a way thou knewe^t not: who gave 
 thee water in the desert, and manna in the wilderness ; who was as a 
 cloud by day, and as a pillar of fire by night, and who, by little and 
 little, did drive out the many strange nations, that thou mightest inherit 
 the promised land, which remains forever a rest for the people and seed 
 of God. 
 
 Now he called thee not out of Egypt, in the day of thine afflictions, 
 and grievous burthens, si^hs, groans, and tears, when thou criedst to go 
 forth to sacrifice unto him, that thou shouldst return, or make thee a 
 captain to go back again to the house of bondage; but that thou 
 shouldst be a redeemed, holy, peculiar people unto himself, zealous for 
 truth, righteousness, and every good work. And thou mavest remember 
 that thou wast charged, in that day of thy entrance into the good land, 
 
208 
 
 "that thou shouldst not worship, nor bow down to any of the gods of 
 the strange nations, whom he drove out before thee, neither give your 
 sons to their daughters, nor your daughters to their sons in marriage, 
 lest it become a snare unto thee, and steal away thine heart from wholly 
 following the Lord thy God, which brought thee up from the land of 
 darkness, or out of the north country, where thou wast driven and scat- 
 tered upon the cold, cloudy, and barren mountains, as sheep without a 
 shepherd." Was not this thy state, O Israel! in which thy God sought 
 thee, and found thee? and was not this the acceptable year, and the ap- 
 pointed time, or day of salvation? Didst not thou rejoice as a poor cap- 
 tive bound in chains, to be delivered? What wouldst thou have 
 promised, or what couldst thou have done, or left undone in those days, 
 for his sake who then appeared for thy deliverancje? Didst thou not 
 say in thine heart, that this God should be thy God, if he would but 
 give thee bread to eat, and raiment to put on, when he 'called thee as 
 a woman forsaken and aggrieved in spirit ; when thou couldst have put 
 thy mouth in the dust, if there might have been but hope? When 
 thou satest trembling upon the ground, and lookedst every way without 
 for a comforter, and when thou wast as at thy wit's-end in thy weari- 
 some toils, troubles, and anguish of spirit; then did not the Lord hear 
 thy cries, and remember his covenant, which was made to Abraham 
 and to his seed forever, and see thine afflictions, and come down to de- 
 liver? And didst not thou rejoice, like them in harvest, at the appear- 
 ance or breaking forth of this morning? Wast not thou ready to call 
 in thy neighbours to rejoice with thee, when the Lord's money, on which 
 his image is, was found in thine own house; and the sheep that was lost 
 brought home upon the shoulders of the good shepherd, who laid down 
 his life for their sakes? And when the Lord withdrew his presence for 
 a little moment, was not thine heart troubled? and couldst thou be 
 satisfied, till thou hadst found him again, whom thy soul loved? And 
 when thou hadst found him, didst thou not say, in thine heart, "This is 
 my beloved, this is my friend, I will hold him fast and not let him go, 
 until he hath brought me into the house of her that bare him," or into 
 the land of rest, in which is peace, joy, comfort, and satisfaction forever- 
 more? Didst not thou rejoice when Moses came to Pharaoh, king of 
 Egypt, the land of bondage and darkness, and charged him to let thee 
 go, though it were but three days' journey into the wilderness, because 
 of the heavy burthens and sore afflictions which thou enduredst, under 
 the oppressing task-masters of the uncircumcised ? But didst thou think 
 what would befall thee in the wilderness, the many holes, and pits, 
 and turnings, among the wild beasts, in drought, hunger, and sdi* tra- 
 vel? Yet how did the Lord allure thee, and then many times speak 
 comfortably unto thee; and led thee by a right way, though it seemed 
 
209 
 
 hard and strange unto the murmurer, and to that spirit which would 
 have made a captain, to return back into Egypt, that land of darkness 
 and bondage, on which the plagues were poured forth, because of the 
 oppression of his seed. 
 
 Therefore hear, O Israel, and consider; who is a God like unto thy God? 
 or what man was able to do these things, which the Lord hath done for 
 thee by his own arm, which he stretched forth and revealed in the midst 
 of thee; who gave thee precepts, commandments, statutes, and judg- 
 ments, to direct, guide, counsel, instruct, and strengthen thee in the way 
 thou shouldst walk, which is none other than that which first appear- 
 ed for thy deliverance, though its name was then known no greater 
 than I am, or the light of Israel, which did after become a flame, and 
 the Holy One as a fire, to consume and destroy his and thine enemies 
 round about. This is he who said, " I am God, I change not ; therefore 
 the sons of Jacob are not consumed." This is thy God, who command- 
 ed thee, saying, " Thou shalt have no other Gods but me, nor make, form, 
 or grave any likeness or image, to bow down unto ; for I the Lord thy 
 God, am a jealous God, and will visit the iniquity and sins of all them 
 that transgress against my commandments." Therefore take heed, that 
 thou bow not, nor give thine heart, mind, and affections unto any thing, 
 visible or invisible, but to the Lord thy God alone, whose name is but 
 one, and changeth not, even the light, which makes manifest all things, 
 and divides the darkness from it, and hath no fellowship with the un- 
 fruitful works and workers therein; but doth reprove them, though 
 never so secret ; and will not hold him guiltless who taketh his name 
 in vain. And all they who depart not from iniquity, and whose tongues 
 are not bridled, ruled, or subjected by the power of the Lord, and who 
 are not thereby guided in wisdom, meekness, and fear ; such take the 
 name of the Lord in vain ; such are guilty, and shall so appear before 
 God, angels, and men. For, as I said, the day hastens in which no shadow 
 of death or secret dark place, though as deep as hell or as high as the 
 stars of heaven, shall be able to hide the worker of wickedness under 
 the fairest covering. The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 Therefore again, hear O Israel, and repair with speed every man to 
 his tent, and none look out; but all feel and see the glory of the Lord 
 God, which is like devouring fire at thy tent door, (burning up all that 
 which is contrary to him,) that thou may est be preserved in this day of 
 the Lord's passover; who is not only passing over, but also through the 
 very hearts, reins, and consciences of the children of men, with his 
 grounded staff; yea, even searching and trying to the ground and bottom 
 of all foundations and buildings: and he will fight with the contrary, (the 
 dark mountains, the false foundations, and deceitful coverings,) with 
 battles of shakings, of totterings, ofstrippings, and rendings. Yea, the vail 
 
 27 
 
210 
 
 shall be rent from the top to the bottom, though it be in the very tem- 
 ple itself, that they that have lain in their graves may arise, and come 
 forth, and that he might appear before the eyes of all to be the son of 
 God, in whom is no guile, who humbled himself to the death of the cross, 
 and through it came to triumph over principalities, and powers, and 
 spiritual wickedness in high places. This is thy captain, O Israel ! there- 
 fore think not of another, nor make another, nor form any likeness of 
 him, or of any thing in heaven or earth ; for there is not another whom 
 thou art to worship, follow, or be subject unto, but him alone, at whose 
 presence the vails rend, and the dead arise, and at whose birth and 
 coming the heavenly host sing for joy, but the tribes of the earth mourn, 
 (he that hath an ear to hear, let him hear,) who is now come with power 
 and great glory in the clouds of heaven, (not of the earth,) to reward 
 every man equally according to his works and words, without respect 
 of persons. For he is a righteous and just God ; he is not as a man, that 
 he should change, alter, or vary, from what he was in the beginning ; 
 who by his power is able to raise up children unto Abraham, at this 
 day, of them that have lain among the pots : therefore, let your eyes 
 look towards his holy place, whence he ariseth to silence all flesh before 
 him, and cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils, and is as a 
 worm and dust before him. 
 
 And know this, that thy God, who raised thee to be a people above 
 all the families of the earth, and hath given thee great dominion, that 
 if thou shalt exalt thyself, and say, this thou hast done, and the other 
 thou hast done, and secretly takest the honour and glory to thyself, and 
 liftest thine heart up, out of the uprightness and integrity before him, 
 and shalt slight his mercies, and not walk humbly in his sight, but forget 
 his wonderful works, and to ascribe the glory due unto his name ; that 
 he then is able to rend the kingdom from thee, and give thee a beast's 
 heart, and drive thee out to feed with oxen, even among the beasts of 
 the field. And this God will manifest on such, as he hath divers times 
 amongst the sons of men, that all flesh may fear and tremble before him, 
 and bow at his name, which must and shall be exalted above every 
 name, and ascribe acknowledgments of mercy, righteousness, power, 
 and glory unto him forevermore. 
 
 For this is the same God, that set a print upon Job's heels, and 
 marked all his steps, whose candle had shined upon his tabernacle, and 
 unto whom the rock had poured forth rivers of oil, who, when he 
 came to see how great, and how powerful, how excellent, marvellous, 
 and wonderful the Lord was in his unsearchable ways, ascribed all 
 the righteousness to his maker, and abhorred self in dust and ashes, 
 though he knew his redeemer lived, and that he should stand upon the 
 earth at the latter day. Therefore take heed, that thou never depart 
 
211 
 
 from him, (from his leadings, counsels, commandments, wisdom, and feaf,) 
 who hath set a print upon thine heels, and who marketh all thy steps, 
 though never so many, or in the most secret hidden places: whether thou 
 steppest in butter, or upon a rock, the Lord seeth all thy goings, and 
 unto him thou must give an account for all thy ways, by whom actions 
 are weighed. Therefore, O Israel, look not unto man, look not unto 
 man, but alone unto him who is thy salvation, and the salvation of all 
 his people to the ends of the earth : for if thou do but a little stand still, 
 and consider thvself, in what state the Lord found thee, and how help- 
 less thou wast of thyself, or of any man, but by the power of God ; and 
 then again, how the Lord alone heard thy cries, and remembered thee 
 in the dust, and with his own arm brought salvation unto thy desolated 
 soul ; I sav, when thou considerest these things, in the depths of God's 
 counsel, with what eye canst thou look unto man? Then with an eye 
 that God hath opened thou will see all llesh to be grass, and the glory 
 of it as the flower of the srrass : when the spirit of the Lord bloweth 
 upon it, it soon fadeth away. 
 
 So, unto him who commanded light to shine out of darkness, and gave 
 light into thy dwellings, let every soul within thy camp, O Israel, be 
 subject, and ascribe all glory: for he is the first, and he is the last ; and 
 besides him there is no God, that is able to deliver thy soul from death, 
 and thy feet from falling. Amen. 
 
 Concerning Government in Families , fyc. 
 
 And now hear, 0 ye tribes of Israel, even all you who are masters, 
 parents, and governors of families, or teachers of children and youn r 
 people. This is the word of the Lord unto you all: take heed to your 
 own spirit, and see in and with what spirit you rule and £overn : for all 
 who are not in the spirit of the Lord, cannot serve him, nor be service* 
 able to him in their several places, and amongst their several families, 
 tribes, and congregations ; unto whom every particular must give ac- 
 count of his stewardship. Therefore see that ye walk, and live, and 
 rule in the spirit, power, and wisdom, of God, in the still, quiet, and cool 
 spirit, in which every thought is weighed and judged. And in it watch 
 for the seed, and its appearance, when it ariseth in them all, amongst 
 whom ye are placed; and reprove, exhort, and correct in the dominion 
 of God, and in the wisdom and patience of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in 
 due time and season, even in the feeling of the leadings of the seed of 
 God in yourselves. And for the seed's sake, and the Lord's sake, who 
 searcheth your hearts, wait for the raising of it up in all your families, 
 
212 
 
 that it may be head and ruler in and among you all; that the blessings 
 of the Lord God may be upon you, and his presence may bless your fa- 
 milies, that ye may be a blessing and a refreshment one to another, and 
 be refreshed one in another, even in the love and life of God, which is 
 but one in all. And rule not with rigour; for that savours of the land 
 of darkness. Nor in a wrong dominion, in conceitedness, self-willedness, 
 or in an impatient, brittle spirit, but in the wisdom of God, which is first 
 pure, then gentle and peaceable; in his fear and dread, and in love and 
 meekness, and in uprightness of heart and mind, as in God's sight, doing 
 all things as unto him, who seeth in secret, and will reward openly. 
 For the seed is soon oppressed, and the evil is soon strengthened, by a 
 wrong government, out of the true wisdom, in the wrong authority; 
 and it will cry to God in servants and children, when it is grieved and 
 oppressed, and God will hear it. And it will witness against such parents, 
 masters, rulers, or governors, as do not answer it in the wisdom and love 
 of God, in their ruling and governing, reproving or correcting. For it is 
 the even balance, that will let them see and feel, as well you, when 
 the weight is short, or when it exceeds, in all your words, actions, and 
 carriages; and then the evil being present, it will take advantage there- 
 by, and an hardness and stubbornness will increase in and among them, 
 and a liberty and strength in all manner of evil, when the witness of God 
 is not answered, and the seed raised, which would scatter all such things. 
 
 Therefore, great is your charge, who are masters, parents, and go- 
 vernors of families, atid great should be your care and diligence for the 
 suppressing and keeping under the rebellious and wild nature, and the 
 cherishing and strengthening the good part, in all your families, from 
 the least to the greatest; for that is God's, who will call you to account, 
 how you have answered it, and been careful that you have not hurt the 
 least appearance of it, and whether you have been as tender of it as 
 the apple of your eye ; for so is it unto the Lord, who will plead its 
 cause with all its oppressors and grievers within and without, without 
 respect of persons. 
 
 And when you exhort, admonish, or correct them, or find a cause so 
 to do, then wait you upon God, to feel his presence and seed to lead, 
 govern, and go before you; that Christ Jesus may be your head, and 
 have the pre-eminence, and the government upon his shoulders, whose 
 right it is in all things. And let your words be few, seasoned in the 
 savour of the power and pure gentle wisdom of God, cool, quiet, and 
 low; and not loud and clamorous, heady, or wilful; for that savours of 
 the foolish woman, whose feet are without, which buildeth not her 
 house, but pulls it down with her hands ; but the wise buildeth it up, 
 to the praise and glory of God. So let Christ, whom you profess, be 
 known and exalted head in, and among, and over you all, even the 
 
213 
 
 power and wisdom of God. Then will the Lord be honoured, and the 
 seed answered, and the evil be kept under, by him whose right only it is 
 to reign and govern among the children of men. And take heed, that 
 for want of watchfulness, circumspection, and wisdom, ye do not dis- 
 courage the tender appearance of truth and sobriety in your children 
 or servants, or any under your government, by reproving before others, 
 or out of due time; for that may and will hurt and grieve the seed, and 
 beget evil thoughts, stubbornness, and an answering again, which will 
 arise in the corrupt part, which cannot straightway be justly reproved, 
 because there was want of the right authority, wisdom, and discretion in 
 the reprover; though something was reprovable, yet the want of a due 
 and right management thereof, will strengthen the bad (with a witness) 
 against the error in the reprover. And so here the work is not rightly 
 done for God in your places, neither can it without Christ's leadings and 
 guidance therein, who is the wisdom and power of God; out of which 
 there is nothing done right, serviceable, and acceptable unto the Lord; 
 but in it the heart is made wise, to discern both time and judgment. 
 
 And take heed ye do not secretly seek to bear rule over others by 
 your means, or because you have more of this world's goods, which are 
 all of the earth, and return to the earth from whence they came; for 
 that is the leven of the false prophets, and false spirit, against which 
 the woes are pronounced, because it is an oppressor and secret perse- 
 cutor of the seed. And God will abase that spirit wherever it is, even 
 in the sight of men, and bring it into shame and contempt; for it secretly 
 accepteth persons, despising the poor, and admiring or extolling the 
 rich in this world. And thou, who dost so, whosoever thou art, shalt 
 come into poverty and want, and be contemned and disesteemed, and 
 cast out from amongst the children of him who had not whereon to lay 
 his head, except thou repent, and be humbled before his throne. 
 For, what hast thou, or what art thou more than another, either in- 
 ward or outward, which thou hast not received, or hast by permission, 
 to try thee, from the righteous God? to whom thou must give account; 
 who will change times, seasons, and the state of things, people, or na- 
 tions, as he pleaseth. Therefore, be low, and fear before him ; for he 
 will smite all the proud, covetous, and hypocrites with an irresistible 
 stroke, whose ways are an abomination unto him. 
 
 Neither be thou self conceited, or lifted up in thy thoughts, because 
 thou hast known more, or been convinced longer than others, or hast 
 done more, or endured or suffered more than others have, lest the evil 
 eye spoken of thou comest to see with, and thy light be turned into 
 darkness; for God can and will do what he pleaseth with his own; and 
 "many that are first, shall be last, and the last shall be first," as it is 
 written. Therefore, blessed is the man or woman that dwells in the 
 
214 
 
 sense of God's mercies, and their own nothingness, inability, and weak - 
 ness ; for this shuts out the Pharisee, that would shut up the kingdom, 
 which will not enter itself, nor suffer that which would. So, my friends, 
 remember he enjoyed the kingdom who was little in his own eyes; but 
 when disobedience prevailed, the dominion was lost, and condemnation 
 and trouble came over that which had disobeyed. And this is just and 
 right with God, who doth and will render unto every one according to 
 their words and works. Therefore dwell low, dwell little in your own 
 eyes, as the little child; for of such is the kingdom of God; and such 
 only have the right, authority, dominion, and throne given them of God; 
 for so it pleaseth him. And in this ye will answer and reach to the seed 
 of the kingdom in all your families, and in all people. Here ye will not 
 hurt the tender, nor break the bruised reed, neither strengthen nor 
 countenance the wild, stubborn, and froward in their ways ; but your 
 very life will reprove them, though not a word be spoken. Here you 
 rule, in the true dominion of the Lamb, over the beasts of the field, 
 the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea, as it was in the beginning, 
 in the image of God, in the blessed state ; in which dwelling, and being 
 good examples, ye will teach more in one hour, than a thousand words 
 every day in a whole year without it; and the witness of God will arise 
 in them, to justify you in the one. and to judge and condemn you in the 
 other. 
 
 Therefore take heed with what spirit you rule in your families ; for 
 if Christ be not head, then is that which is contrary, which he will con- 
 sume, and destroy by the spirit of his mouth, and by the brightness of 
 his coming. And if he be not your head, Lord, and king (who rides 
 meekly upon the wild ass' colt) in the particular, who are governors or 
 masters of families; how then are your families his families ? and how are 
 you of his household, if Christ Jesus be not the householder or governor 
 in and among you? And how are you then of his church, if he be not 
 the head and ruler, instructer and leader of you in all things, who is 
 the leader of his people Israel? Consider these things, my friends; for 
 of the Lord am I constrained to write them, for his holy seed and name's 
 sake, and for his truth and the souls of people's sake, which are greatly 
 oppressed, grieved, and vexed by a wrong government among children, 
 servants, people, and nations. And let none be secure or careless, 
 without the feeling of the pure presence of God, leading and guiding 
 them in wisdom, love, and peace, which keeps the heart and affections 
 alive, unto the Lord God of truth, (whose throne is heaven,) and dead 
 to the earth, dead to the world, and the things of it : for who come to 
 be careless, and at ease in the flesh, little regarding those things before- 
 mentioned, (even God's name and seed in themselves and others,) are 
 bad examples to such who are young, simple, and tender, and stum- 
 
215 
 
 bling-blocks to such as are to be gathered, in this day of God's mighty 
 power, in which he will plead with all flesh, without respect of per- 
 sons; who will remove the candlestick of them that have forsaken their 
 first love, except they speedily repent, and do their first works; and 
 will spew the hike-warm out of his mouth, as loathsome and burthen- 
 some unto him. And this is the word of the Lord unto such ; whose 
 zeal will perform it, and the day is at hand, in which he will come 
 quickly, and fight against them with the sword of his mouth. 
 
 Therefore let all be awakened, and see where ye are, and what spi- 
 rit ye are of, and how the work of God goes on in the particular, and 
 amongst you: and whether your affections be on things above, and not 
 on things of the earth; and whether your life is in Christ, the seed, the 
 truth of the most high God, and whether you follow the lamb, in whom 
 is found no guile, w<hithersoever he leadeth. If you do, then are the wise 
 virgins, with the oil in your lamps, seeing with the single eye, as "God 
 gees, who is no respecter of persons, who hath chosen the poor of this 
 world, rich in faith, (mark, rich in that which purifieth the heart, and 
 gives victory over the world, which justifieth in God's sight,) and heirs 
 of his everlasting kingdom. Then you love in the love of God, which 
 is unfeigned; then you judge all things as God judgeth,in his infallible, 
 righteous judgment, and not before or without him, who is Lord and 
 head over all, to his church. 
 
 Friends, I preach the cross unto the world, and to the nature, spirit, 
 and ways of it, without respect of persons, in the sense of what God is 
 doing, and will shortly bring to pass, that no flesh may glory in his pre- 
 sence. And this I say to you all within the camp of Israel, who are 
 of the mixed multitude that came out of Egypt, and yet love the gar- 
 lic, and the flesh-pots thereof — that love the earth, and stick in the 
 earth, and save self alive, and hide from sufferings, for fear of losing 
 the earth, or your reputation among men: you follow not the Lamb of 
 God, in whom is no guile, who humbled himself to the death of the 
 cross, for the joy that was set before him ; who made himself of no re- 
 putation, and had not whereon to lay his head; who set his face like a 
 flint, because of truth and righteousness, against all unrighteousness, hy- 
 pocrisy, and wickedness whatsoever, without respect to the persons of 
 any, possessions, or places of any. For which end he was born, and for 
 which end his followers are born, (who feel him born within them,) even 
 to witness for the truth, and to stand up upon the earth, and plead for 
 it, and suffer patiently for the testimony which they hold, till the spirit 
 of life from God arises in the consciences of ungodly and wicked men, 
 lo plead his own cause with them. You, I say, who are of that spirit, 
 of self-saving, you have, and shall have your reward, as the Pharisees 
 had, as the mixed multitude had, and as the murmuring Israelites had; 
 
216 
 
 God gave them their hearts' lusts, seeing they desired it; but sent leanness 
 into their souk This is your state; therefore take heed, and be awak- 
 ened, and retire back to the foundation of God, out of the earth; for 
 the Lord will cross you and vex you, by rolling the earth out of its 
 place, and will abase your reputation, and bring you into shame and 
 contempt, till you know that the Most High ruleth amongst men, and 
 governeth in the kingdoms and authorities amongst men and people ; 
 who is higher than they, whose the earth is, and the fulness of it, and 
 not yours. You must give an account to him, how you have ordered it, 
 and used and improved it, to the praise and exaltation of his name, and 
 the help of the true woman; for the earth and heavens are hers, and 
 the child's, which she brings forth to govern the nations; and you are 
 but as worms and grasshoppers in God's sight, who can crush you, and 
 tread down the high places of the earth in a moment, and rebuke and 
 break in pieces the strong nations in a moment. And this is the Lord 
 God of heaven doing, that all people may fear and obey him. And 
 these things are coming to pass, and will be accomplished by him that 
 respects not the persons of men, but will reward every one according to 
 his ways. 
 
 And, my friends, judgment hath begun at the house of God, but 
 greater things than many have yet seen are approaching; for a short 
 work will the Lord make on the earth, for his oppressed seed's sake, 
 and for his great name's sake, amongst you, and in the world. There- 
 fore expect you not great and final destruction to come upon the wicked 
 without, until the temple is nearer built. For I tell you, nay; you 
 must first be faithful followers of the lamb; if you would see your con- 
 quest over the beast, dragon, whore, and false prophet (the antichrists) 
 without, you must first see it, and your victory over the world, and the 
 spirit of it, though faith and patience within; for this way it cometh to 
 pass, that no flesh should glory, but be abased, even to the dust, from 
 whence it came. And this have I seen in God's secret counsel, even 
 how he will accomplish his great work among his people, and how he 
 will destroy his and their enemies with a final destruction, even like a 
 whirlwind, when once it ariseth. 
 
 Therefore, my friends, gird up the loins of your minds, watch, and be 
 sober, and wait always upon God, and feel your hope to the end, and 
 be not hasty, but remember the days of Noah, how the Lord was long- 
 suffering, till the ark was finished, then came the flood upon the world 
 of the ungodly. And thus is the son of man come, and his long-suffering 
 to us-ward, ( who obey his voice,) is salvation. Let him that readeth un- 
 derstand; for as it was in the days of Noah, even so is it now, at the 
 coming of the son of man; blessed is the eye that seeth, and the heart 
 that understandeth, and keeps out of that eating and drinking, marry- 
 ing and giving in marriage, building and planting there spoken of. For 
 
217 
 
 much that is joined together, must be separated, and scattered; and 
 much that is builded and planted, must be thrown down, and plucked 
 up by the roots ; and the earth must be burnt up, and the elements 
 melt with fervent heat : for hot will be the day, in which all the un- 
 godly shall become as ashes under the soles of the feet of the saints of 
 the Most High, and in which the sons of Levi shall be purged and puri- 
 fied as fine gold ; which day is but as it were begun amongst many, but 
 it draweth near, and hasteneth greatly. Therefore blessed is that wise 
 servant, that is always ready, waiting for his Lord, and who is giving 
 his fellow-servants meat in due season, and does not eat and drink with 
 the drunken, nor smite his fellow-servants ; for, on such the day will 
 come unawares, and in an hour they think not of. And this hath the 
 Lord God Almighty proclaimed, which shall sound a certain sound 
 throughout all the tribes of Israel, and to the ends of the earth. Amen. 
 
 So, this I have written in obedience to the Lord, that I might be clear 
 of their blood whom it chiefly concerns, and concerning whom it came 
 into my heart from God, to lay these things before you; for I have de- 
 sired of the Lord, to direct me aright in all things according to his will; 
 and I labour to keep my conscience void of offence towards him and all 
 men; and I travail and pray to God, that I may finish my course with 
 joy, and give up my account daily, and at the last with joy and not with 
 grief. And this, God knoweth, is the hearty desire of my breathing soul 
 unto his throne for you all, that with one mind and heart we may all 
 press forward in the same way, which is the steps and path of the just 
 one, that leads more and more unto perfection, out of the imperfection, 
 out of the earth, out of the darkness, and the old levens, into paradise; 
 where man was made a living soul, in the image and likeness of his 
 Maker ; where the dominion is known, and the blessings enjoyed, which 
 make rich, and the pleasures at his right hand which last for ever: 
 unto whom my soul ascribeth all glory, praise, honour, and thanks, who 
 is worthy of all, to whom be it for ever given by all that feel breath in 
 the land of the living. 
 
 And now, all ye dear and tender breathing babes and children of the 
 most high God, whose hearts and understandings the Lord hath opened, 
 who have cast down all your crowns at the feet of the lamb, who have 
 forsaken, and can forsake all, for his sake in whom is no guile, who have 
 obeyed his voice, and faithfully followed him in the regeneration, who 
 love not your lives unto death, for his sake that was slain from the foun- 
 dation of the world, because of the sweet savour of his precious oint- 
 ment, which you daily feel poured forth into your vessels ; ye only are 
 the wise virgins, ye are the redeemed from the earth, and are not de- 
 filed with women, the weak and beggarly things. And this is the word 
 of the Lord God Almighty, that lives for ever, unto you all. The day 
 
 28 
 
of your redemption, the day of your sitting upon thrones, the day of 
 shouting and of singing hallelujahs for joy, is at hand, in the triumphant 
 dominion of the Lord God omnipotent, over all flesh and unclean spirits, 
 over the raging waves of the sea, in the midst of the greatest storms; 
 yea, over death and hell, and the gates of it, which shall never prevail 
 against you, as you abide on the rock, as you inhabit the rock. You 
 shall sing praises, yea, high praises unto him that sits upon the throne, 
 and to the lamb for ever and ever, who is worthy to receive power, 
 wisdom, riches, honour, glory, and blessings, for ever and ever, over all 
 in the highest — amen, hallelujah; who giveth you the victory. Therefore 
 faint not; for unto you this is the word of the Lord God, wholiveth and 
 reigneth for evermore, amen. 
 
 Israel is commanded not to meddle with physic, or physicians, fyc. for any 
 disease or distemper, without the leadings and counsel of the Lord their 
 God, #c. 
 
 Dear friends, — I am commanded of the Lord, and it lies upon me, 
 in the fear of his name, and in the bowels of his love, to warn and charge 
 you whom it concerns, that I may be clear in his sight, of these parti- 
 culars following, viz. 1. All you who, in this great day of judgments 
 and trials, within and without, feel any distemper, weakness, sickness, 
 pains, or any disease whatsoever — seek not to physicians, without God's 
 eternal motion, or in the clear freedom of his life; nor let out your minds, 
 in an eager seeking a remedy, to any man, people, or things outward, 
 but as the living God alone guides you, who is a present help in time of 
 trouble to all his children that wait upon him. And know ye this for a 
 surety, that the Lord our God hath made known the tree of life again, 
 (unto his babes that fear him,) which is in the midst of the paradise of 
 God, whose virtue healeth within and without; blessed and praised be his 
 holy name for evermore. Therefore, all ye who profess the knowledge 
 of God, and faith in Jesus Christ, now try yourselves and your faith 
 concerning these things; for if you truly know God and Christ, (whom 
 he hath sent to be a prince and a saviour,) and your faith stands in the 
 power of God, and not in a sound only, then you know the tree of life, 
 and him that gives us life, and breath, and all things. Mark ! And if he 
 gives us all things, then he gives wisdom, understanding, and counsel to 
 his people, in all things needful, how to walk, act, or speak, in all occa- 
 sions and at all times and places; who guides the meek in his way, and 
 teaches the humble in judgment. Therefore, I say, wait you upon God 
 alone, in the pure fear of his name, for counsel and instruction in this 
 particular, if you love the peace of your own souls; and seek not any 
 
219 
 
 thing for a remedy, but in his leading, counsel, and wisdom, and in the 
 faith of God's elect; for if you do, it will add to your trouble, and sorrow, 
 and distemper: it is the word of the Lord unto you, which you will 
 know fulfilled in the end. 
 
 Therefore, my dear friends, dwell in the light, which makes all things, 
 states, and conditions, manifest; and wait upon the Lord in the still, cool, 
 and quiet spirit, for the right understanding of your own particular 
 state, and the ground and cause of all distempers, diseases, or judgments 
 in your own particulars. Else, how are you as the spiritual man, that 
 judgeth all things, if you know not the things of God, and what is in 
 man, and the ground of all distempers, diseases, and judgments'? Where 
 is your dwelling with him that is greater than Solomon, if you know not 
 that wisdom which gives the understanding of all things, from the hyssop 
 on the wall to the cedar in Lebanon? How can you be wiser than ser- 
 pents; or how will you know the furies of wild beasts, and that which 
 bounds and limits them, if you know not the ground of all things in your 
 own particulars? 
 
 Therefore, I say again, wait upon the Lord of life, and think not your 
 time misspent in so doing; neither give yourselves rest till you in very 
 deed know Jesus Christ, who is the tree of life in the midst of the garden 
 of God. For I must say, in the word of the Lord, many may be deceived 
 with the apprehension, or a name to live, and may profess and talk of 
 him, and yet be dead, and ignorant of the true and right knowledge of 
 him and his ways; to whom he will profess, he never knew them. Oh! 
 that this fearful day and sentence may never surprise any of you, who 
 have tasted that the Lord is gracious: for many people have been destroy- 
 ed for lack of knowledge, and of a right understanding in these things be- 
 fore-mentioned, not knowing the intent of the motions of God's spirit 
 within them, neither discerning the Lord's body. For, since transgression, 
 disobedience, and ignorance of God,'the cloud of error and darkness, have 
 overspread the world, the ground of these things hath been hid to the 
 children of men; so that when the displeasure of God hath been kindled 
 against them, they have not perceived it in the ground, in the particular; 
 but were apt to talk of it in a general way, that sin is the cause, when 
 great plagues and judgments come upon a people, or the like; but 
 scarce one man in a nation, did turn his mind, and wait upon God, to 
 see his will and counsel in such things, in the particular; but such as 
 did, and obeyed the Lord, were prophets, who cried against such things 
 in the general, as they had suffered the indignation of the Lord for, 
 (who had subdued them,) in the particular. And so the Lord God hath 
 often sent his visitations amongst the children of men, and his servants 
 to warn them, that they might be awakened, and repent, and be hum- 
 bled before him, that so he might show them his way, and guide them 
 
220 
 
 in it, which is a way of holiness, mercy, and truth; and that they 
 might always fear and dread his great name, and terrible majesty, who is 
 able to do whatsoever he will in the heavens and in the earth, and that 
 they might, through his judgments, come to be redeemed, and reconciled 
 unto him in Christ, the everlasting covenant of life and peace. 
 
 Therefore, my dear friends, wait you upon God, and let him be your 
 fear and your dread; then will you not dread man, or rather the furies 
 of wild beasts, or serpents, which are manifest in the sons of men; neither 
 let in the fear of death, or any trial whatsoever, which tends to the 
 veiling or weakening your tender life which you have felt and enjoyed 
 in God: but let the presence of the mighty God of worm Jacob fill 
 your hearts, who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell, and also 
 to save to the uttermost all them that fear and obey him, that you may 
 feelingly and perfectly know and understand, in the light of the Lord, 
 all things that come to pass in your particulars; then shall you be of a 
 right and sound judgment, concerning all men, spirits, and things in the 
 general. For none can truly know the cause, ground, or root of a matter 
 originally, but who dwells in God, the root that bears him and all men, 
 the original of life ; and he that doth not know aright, may easily or 
 soon judge wrong. Therefore, it is " the saints" only, amongst all the 
 children of men, that are able, and can, and must judge the world — 
 mark ! — " who are sanctified by Christ Jesus." Yea, such shall judge an- 
 gels, who dwell in him to whom they all bow; for he is judge of quick and 
 dead, and from him is no secret hid, that shall not be manifest. For 
 he is come near to judgment, and is a swift witness against all unrighte- 
 ousness, and also his tender mercies and blessings are near the upright 
 hearted, which is to them as the former and latter rain: but the rebel- 
 lious dwell in a dry land. 
 
 So, be you all very still in your minds, and not will, or run, but diligently 
 heed the will and counsel of the motions of God's good spirit in you, which 
 is the only teacher of his people; for he hath said, " My spirit shall not 
 always strive with man." And he is the "true physician," "shepherd," 
 and "overseer of the soul," and will he not oversee and take care for 
 the body, (the lesser,) by giving wisdom and discretion how to order all 
 his creatures to his praise? Yea, and this is witnessed among his babes; 
 blessed and praised forever be his name, which is their strong tower 
 and safety, rock and defence; and they need not another, who are 
 come to dwell in the holy city, New Jerusalem, that came down from 
 God, the quiet habitation, whose walls are peace, and gates praise and 
 salvation : here is no need of candle, sun, or moon to give light, but 
 the glory of God doth lighten it, and the lamb is the light thereof. And 
 hither is the J-^ord God of endless wisdom and compassions bringing his 
 little ones, that believe and trust alone in him, who is becoming all in 
 
221 
 
 all, in his faithful children. This is the sum, my friends; this is that we 
 have waited for, to which end the Lord hath long waited to be more 
 and more manifesting his grace and wisdom unto us, that we might 
 come up hither, by descending lower in ourselves, into him who is the 
 root and offspring. What shall I say of him? If it can be borne, I could 
 say much in the infallible counsel of God, that he is becoming the fa- 
 ther and mother, feeder, and clother, healer, guider, and governor, 
 yea, all, as I have said, unto his dear lambs, who have long breathed 
 and panted after him, and cannot be fully satisfied till this is accom- 
 plished. No borrowed light, no moon or candle, will suffice the noble 
 birth, but the very glory of God, and the marriage of the lamb, to 
 whom it ascribes all, having received all out of the bosom of the eter- 
 nal treasury of the wisdom and compassions of the Almighty. And so 
 here is a cry heard, with a loud voice, from the throne of God and the 
 lamb: " Cease from man, cease from man in all things, and come up hith- 
 er, ye travelling children, and you shall be refreshed and satisfied. It 
 is I have heard your cries; and if man at any time have had compas- 
 sion on you, it was through my bowels, which I put upon him to that 
 end; therefore, look unto me, and come ; I am the fountain of all good- 
 ness, mercy, and truth, saith the Lord God, and not any man; for they 
 are but as cisterns which may break, and then where wilt thou be for 
 thy daily nourishment and refreshment?' These were the two great 
 evils committed in the days past, viz: "They have forsaken me, the 
 fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, 
 that could hold no water ;" for which the heavens were astonished, and 
 very desolate, and afraid. "Is Israel a home-born slave?" (Read Jer. 
 ii. 11, 12, 13, 14, and consider it perfectly, for the latter days of consi- 
 derations are come.) As much as if God had said, "Is Israel, who once 
 wrestled like a prince, and prevailed, and had power with God, and 
 with man, &c. become so ignoble, as to forsake me, the fountain, and be 
 satisfied now with cisterns that will hold no water?" Oh this was a horrible 
 thing! these were great evils! the very heavens were astonished at this! 
 
 Therefore, my dear friends, let this saying sink deep into your hearts; 
 see that you always in all things mind the motions and leadings of the 
 spirit of truth ; for it is the true and perfect guide, sent of the Father 
 to guide us into all truth, and to show us things to come. And he that 
 follows any man by word or example, and goes from this in himself, 
 hath committed a great evil, even idolatry, and is gone from the 
 hearkening and obeying.* This is the witchcraft spoken of; this is not 
 to be suffered to live, or to be lived in, in all Israel :f the Lord hath 
 spoken it. For worm Jacob, who is now arising in the strength and pure 
 
 • 1 Sam. xv. 22, 23. and Gal. iii. 1. f Exod. xxii. 18. 
 
222 
 
 wisdom of his God, is no more a home-born slave, to feed at cisterns, or 
 live upon husks, or to be deceived with any likeness whatsoever, but is 
 filling himself at the living fountain of the riches and nobility at the 
 right hand of the majesty on high; and so, in vain are the snares laid 
 in the sight of him that hath wings, that sees them, and is able to escape 
 them. For there is a remnant that stand upon Mount Sion with the 
 lamb, in the innocent life, who are, and can freely come to God, the 
 judge of all, and be ripped open, and stand naked in the particular; and 
 such is the Lord God clothing with white robes of his everlasting righte- 
 ousness, which shall never wax old. Glory unto him in the highest, who 
 has wrought all our works in us and for us. Amen. 
 
 So remember, the spirit of truth is thy proper leader, O Israel ! in 
 all things concerning soul and body, at all times, places, and occasions, 
 and not any other; nay, though an angel, see thou do it not; for they 
 are but ministering spirits, sent forth for them that are heirs of salva- 
 tion, and are fellow servants with them who are led by the spirit of 
 truth, and are not to be worshipped or followed any further than is 
 agreeable to the leadings of God's spirit in thy own heart; for unto him 
 thou must give an account, and not unto angels or men. 
 
 Now, I do not hereby limit the Lord, nor his people, from exercising 
 their pure faith in any thing concerning their state, either inward or 
 outward. And as for the things before mentioned, concerning the 
 health or weakness of the outward man, I do know that there are natu- 
 ral and accidental causes of weakness, sickness, or distempers, which 
 are incident even to God's dear children, while in these earthen taber- 
 nacles, for which natural things may be applied in the leadings of the 
 life and wisdom of God, by which they were created. I say, my intent 
 is not, neither am I joined to such a spirit as to impose or limit the mo- 
 tion of God's spirit in any thing whatsoever, but only to limit the contra- 
 ry, even the hasty mind and spirit, and that all may come to be guided 
 by the counsel of God, out of ignorance and doubtfulness, into clear- 
 ness and a perfect knowledge of their own state, as it is in God's sight, 
 and of the virtuousness of the power of the resurrection of the holy 
 seed in themselves, and not be led in blindness and insensibleness ; in 
 which state are the errors and mistakes, and wherein people are de- 
 stroyed for lack of true and sound knowledge. And here they have 
 applied many things, and are apt so to do, even natural and visible 
 things, for spiritual and invisible causes. I do not mean an invisible dis- 
 temper, merely of the outward man, which may proceed from a visible 
 or natural cause. But when God, by his spirit, strives with man, in 
 him, and smites on his conscience, by reason of sin, or some disobedience 
 or other, through which the Lord beholds guilt, and cannot but punish, 
 which causeth even the countenance to change, and brings judgment 
 
223 
 
 upon the very creature, because thereof; I say, this shall never be re- 
 moved, in the ground, by any outward or visible thing: the Lord hath 
 spoken it. For it is striving against the Creator, and the good end of 
 his gentle chastisements with the creatures which he hath created for 
 his praise, and to be used in his counsel and wisdom, by which they 
 were all created, and have their being. . So, this ignorant, wilful, im- 
 patient spirit, which cannot trust God, this is to be limited, and bound 
 down, by the dread and power of the Lord, that the innocent seed 
 which can trust in him, which hath long suffered under oppression, may 
 arise; in whose resurrection and life is the healing and blessing of the 
 nations that are saved, which are forever to walk in the light of the 
 lamb. 
 
 So, let all be subject to him, that gives life, and breath, and all things. 
 And be not hasty when any trouble or distemper comes, to be delivered 
 or to get ease from under it, till thou in patience hast seen the mind of 
 God therein, and be delivered by him that comes out of Sion, to turn 
 away ungodliness from Jacob. Blessed is the eye that sees, and the heart 
 that understands, and contrives not any thing in the will, but as led and 
 guided by the shepherd of Israel, who will not suffer his lambs to lack 
 any good thing for their body nor soul, which in his wisdom he sees meet 
 for them. And that which is not subject, is the carnal mind, in which 
 the enmity lodgeth, the death, trouble, and condemnation. Here the 
 lions lack, and suffer hunger ; but the meek shall increase their joy in 
 the Lord, and they that wait upon him shall run and not be weary, and 
 walk and not be faint. 
 
 s And know this for infallible truth, that whosoever useth or applyeth 
 the creatures of God, even natural things which are good in themselves 
 and places, to a condition not suitable, even when God smites upon the 
 conscience for any disobedience and wickedness, by which as I said, the 
 outward man comes also to suffer, being partaker with the spirit that 
 transgressed, that this state is parallel to that mentioned in Isaiah xxxiL 
 12, 13, 14. When God called for fasting, weeping, and mourning, behold 
 slaying of oxen, and killing of sheep, &c. which was iniquity that should 
 not be purged till they died. 
 
 Therefore, dear friends, think on these things, (which are but a touch 
 of what might be spoken, but a word to the wise is sufficient,) and wait 
 upon the Lord alone to be guided in all things ; and do nothing hastily, 
 out of his fear and counsel, which only is known, understood, and stood 
 in, in the still and quiet waiting, in the retiredness of mind and spirit, 
 stayed upon him, out of all your own willings and contrivings or runnings, 
 in the sinking down and subjectedness to his holy will alone; that he 
 might be all in you all, and you as nothing before him, but vessels of 
 his honour, praise, and glory; to whom be it given over all, Amen. 
 
224 
 
 No babe in Israel to study for the attaining the laws of men, to 
 make their defence, fyc. 
 
 And my dear friends, who have no knowledge in the laws of men or 
 nations which are in the fall, and are in such things ignorant as children, 
 this is my advice unto you from my God and your God ; do not now 
 study or strive to attain the knowledge thereof, in any case, to make 
 your defence, when you are brought before rulers and governors, or 
 their judgment seats, for the name's sake of Christ Jesus ; for if you do, 
 it will prove like Saul's armour which David, the seed, could not go out 
 to war with, unless you have the knowledge of such things already as a 
 servant to use in the dominion and pure wisdom of God. For this I have 
 found, (who am also ignorant of such things as a babe,) that the innocent 
 seed of Jacob need none to plead their cause, but God alone, who giveth 
 strength and wisdom in the same hour. 
 
 Therefore, my dear and tender friends, look not out from your own 
 measurses received of the grace of God, which is sufficient ; neither con- 
 sult with flesh and blood, by reasonings, disputings, or premeditations ; 
 but stand single and innocent, eyeing the honour and glory of God in his 
 pure fear and true humility ; for in this alone are the victory, wisdom, 
 and blessings obtained, and God will not give them to another ; for the 
 battle is the Lord's, and we are to stand still (in the seed,) to see his 
 salvation ; and then keeping low, this will glorify its Father alone, as the 
 Father hath glorified it with dominion and peace. And consider what 
 law or learning David had, when he came from feeding the sheep, being 
 but a youth ? And what weapon had he when he slew the uncircum- 
 cised Philistine, more than the smooth stone in the shepherd's bag, (he 
 that can read, let him,) without staff or spear, in the name of the Lord? , 
 
 And they marvelled to see the boldness of Peter and John, who were 
 ignorant and unlearned men in their laws and letters; and the Pharisees 
 said, "The disciples of Jesus know not the law;" and also of him, "Whence 
 hath this man learning, seeing he knoweth not letters ?" Thus did God 
 confound the wisdom of the wise and prudent in ages past as in this age, 
 who hath always chosen the foolish things of this world, that no flesh or 
 fleshly part should glory in his presence. 
 
 Therefore, dear friends, let no babe or simple one among you be dis- 
 couraged, who are ignorant in the outward laws and letters ; but keep 
 to the royal law in the heart, written by the finger of the living God, 
 in which you will feel the springings up of the royal seed and birth, 
 which fulfils the righteous law and letters, and was before the letters 
 and laws of men were, whose heart trusteth only in the living God, and 
 makes not flesh his arm. This is the true seed, the heir; but that which 
 
225 
 
 makes flesh his arm, is the seed of evil doers, which shall never be re- 
 nowned. 
 
 And so, my dear friends, in all things mind the leadings and coun- 
 sel of God ; for he leads his people, and guides their feet, in the way 
 of peace ; and he alone is the saving health of all nations ; and without 
 him they can do nothing that is good and acceptable in his sight. And 
 let your eyes be towards him, who is invisible, dwelling in the light; 
 and neither act nor speak out of his fear and counsel; then will you be 
 preserved, to his praise, and to your eternal comfort and peace. And 
 whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, let all be done in the 
 faith, to the glory of God, for what is not of faith is sin ; so shall you be 
 kept steadfast on the immoveable rock, through and over all things 
 which may come to pass as your trials ; and be upheld in the meek and 
 quiet spirit, which in God's sight is of great price. And in this is the 
 kingdom and patience of Jesus, and the victory of the lamb known, who 
 must rule and reign, till all his enemies are put under his feet. Amen. 
 
 To the blessed seed, and children of the everlasting, holy covenant in 
 the life of the lamb of God, in whose month is found no guile, 
 throughout the whole creation; a most dear and tender salutation. 
 
 O thou blessed seed of the promise, who hast long lain as in the clefts of 
 the rocks, and hast been as a stranger throughout the whole w r orld, and 
 yet liest as a lamb slain in the streets of Sodom and Egypt, spiritually, 
 my soul breathes, cries, and groans unto the living God for thy sake,' and 
 I am in sorrow and pain, as a woman in travail, because of thy great 
 oppressions. Who knoweth thy sorrows, thy griefs, and thy secret com- 
 plaints? Who knoweth thy sighs, thy groans, and thy tears, amongst 
 the children of men, who art as a worm in the lowest parts of the earth, 
 bearing the weights and heavy pressures of the iniquity thereof? To 
 whom canst thou turn, to the right hand or left, to unbosom thyself in 
 the depth of thy inward travails but only to the living fountain from 
 whence thou sprangest? O thou lamb of God, which takes away the 
 sin and removes the foundation of the earth, when wilt thou yet arise 
 more in thy beauty and glory among the sons of men, to bear the 
 government on thy shoulders, whose right it is, that thou may est lead them 
 forth "in the green pastures, by the fountain of still waters;" that thy 
 innocency, tenderness and love unfeigned, might be known as the waters 
 cover the sea ? For thou art without guile, the alone pure and undefiled 
 one ; thou art harmless as a dove ; thou art the chiefest of ten thousands; 
 thou art altogether lovely ; the world knoweth thee not ; thou art as a 
 lily among thorns, and as an apple tree amongst the trees of the forest; 
 
 29 
 
22(> 
 
 thy smell is as Lebanon, and thy taste exceeds the pomegranates. O 
 thou fairest among the sons, and thou most beautiful among the daughters! 
 What shall I say of thee, O thou beloved of my soul, I am even sick of 
 love, my soul is even melted in the breathings of thy precious life, and I 
 am even ravished with love in thy presence ; for thy countenance is ex- 
 ceeding the angels of God. Thou art terrible as an army with banner 
 to the ungodly ; but thou delightest in the upright, humble, and contrite 
 ones ; thou art my saviour, in whom my soul rejoiceth, and my spirit 
 doth magnify thee, O thou everlasting sun of righteousness. 
 
 Arise, arise! shine forth in thy strength and glory, and drive back 
 all the clouds of darkness which have covered the earth, and the gross 
 darkness which hath covered the people; that the glory of thy light 
 may enlighten the world, and thy brightness may shame and confound 
 the glory of all flesh ; that thy dominion might be known throughout 
 the whole earth, which is an everlasting dominion, and thy kingdom of 
 righteousness which hath no end; that the nations may come to the 
 glory of thy light, and kings to the brightness thereof, to rule in thine 
 eternal counsel, wisdom, dominion, and victory over all; that songs of 
 praises, deliverance, and triumph, forever and ever, may be sounded 
 unto thee, who wast dead, and art alive, and livest for evermore, casting 
 down all their crowns at thy feet. For thou alone art worthy to rule 
 and reign, and to have all honour, glory, strength, wisdom, riches, and 
 blessing. For thou wert slain because of our sins, and art now arising 
 to redeem thy people out of kindreds, tongues, and nations, by thy blood, 
 and art becoming King of kings and Lord of lords in us thy babes and 
 children. Thou art the tree of life in the midst of the garden of God; 
 by thy virtue must the nations be healed. Thou art the pearl of great 
 price; thy worth is not to be valued with fine gold. Thou art far above 
 rubies; thou hast been as a treasure hid in the field, dwelling in the 
 lower parts of the earth, and yet above the highest heavens; both which 
 thou hast upheld to this day by thy power. Thou art the salt of the 
 earth, and the light of the world, though they have not known thee, 
 but trampled thee under foot as a despicable thing. Thy face hath been 
 marred more than any man's, and thy form more than the sons of men. 
 Thou art that just one, and holy child, which hath long been as a ser- 
 vant, though by right, art Lord of all. On thy back hath the ploughers 
 ploughed long furrows. Oh how have the smiters smitten at the appear- 
 ance of the lifting up of thy tender countenance! When this I have 
 considered, my soul hath mourned in secret, and mine eyes have trickled 
 down tears, in the sense of thy deep sufferings; and yet, had it not been 
 for thy sake, the whole world had been as Sodom, and been consumed 
 like unto Gomorrah. Oh who will not now come down and suffer with 
 thee, that they may also reign with thee as kings and priests on the 
 
227 
 
 earth ! For now thou art arising in the greatness of thy strength, to be 
 avenged on all thine oppressors. "Thou hast trodden the wine-press 
 alone, and of the people there was none with thee; therefore wilt thou 
 trample them in thy fury, and stain all thy raiment; for the day of ven- 
 geance is in thine heart, and the year of thy redemptions is come." 
 Thou art the King of Sion, thou hast the key of David, and the keys 
 of death and of hell, who ridest meekly upon the wild ass-colt, as in the 
 days of old. Come forth now, 0 ye daughters of Jerusalem, and behold 
 your King, even the lamb of God, which hath been slain, in whose mouth 
 guile is not found, that taketh away your sins; and follow him forever, 
 ye daughters of Abraham, and sons of Jacob; "for it is of the Lord's 
 mercy you are not consumed," because his compassions fail not toward 
 his seed, but remain sure in his covenant for evermore. Amen. 
 
 Therefore now, all ye followers of the lamb, be ye very still, low, and 
 watchful, dwelling in the pure dread and humility of him that sits upon 
 the throne, and of the lamb for evermore; and let none be careless or 
 wilful, lest ye be found in the degeneration, from the spirit of the sub- 
 jection of the lamb of God, who is come to rule; but in his life stand 
 you upon Mount Sion with him, with the harps of his high praises in 
 your hands, for they only are the chosen and blessed, who are faithful 
 followers of him in the regeneration. So, let your eyes be single and 
 your minds retired, dwelling in the good shepherd's tent of Israel, hid 
 in him, whom the world knows not, where you will feel quietness to your 
 immortal souls, and peace and patience to undergo all trials; for this is 
 a day of great and manifold temptations and trials, in which the enmity 
 works every way in its full strength, among the children of men; but 
 its violent force is chiefly bent, as a mighty flood, or full current, to sink 
 and destroy the ark of the testimony of God. Feel me in your life, 
 within and without, ye dear children, ye simple-hearted, breathing 
 babes, who know the winnowings on every hand, and how the tempter 
 works, to draw out the mind and affections one way or other, that he 
 might get advantage, to spoil your resting place, which you have in the 
 stayedness on God and simplicity of Christ, and to keep the soul and un- 
 derstanding clouded, in darkness and insensibleness, hardness and blind- 
 ness, to be lukewarm, careless, or secure, without the feeling and present 
 enjoyment of the pure, refreshing presence of God's countenance. Then 
 he hath his purpose, who seeks to devour; for in the darkness is the root 
 of disobedience, and every evil word, and work. Then the root of bit- 
 terness will spring up, through which many may be defiled; then the 
 self-will, which is crooked and perverse, ariseth again; then the pure 
 savour and discerner is decreased, and love waxen cold; then the ten- 
 der, innocent seed suffers; the lamb is pierced and wounded, which 
 should have the pre-eminence: then strife in the high mind, out of God's 
 
223 
 
 awe and dread, gets up; then the strong man begins to keep the house 
 again, who was once bound, and his goods spoiled; then the meek, that 
 should ride upon the wild ass-colt, is thrown down and trampled upon 
 by the wild; then Ishmael, and Esau, the rough man, reigns over worm 
 Jacob. 
 
 God Almighty keep all his babes, who have tasted of his heavenly 
 gift and of the precious virtue of the endless life, out of this state. My 
 soul is even bowed down, and the travail of a burthen is upon me, be- 
 cause of the deep sufferings of the holy seed, and the oppressions of 
 the poor by him that is too strong for him. O Lord, arise, arise! and 
 plead its innocent cause with all flesh. O all ye breathing babes of 
 God! abide forever in the pure subjection to his good and perfect will, 
 in his fear, and in tenderness of heart. Then how can you but partake 
 of the afflictions of your brethren, the seed of Abraham? 
 
 It came into Moses' heart, (and that from God,) to visit his poor af- 
 flicted brethren, which cried and groaned under the cruel and heavy 
 oppressions, and God rewarded him according to his works. And now, 
 can the seed and children thereof mourn and languish, or be sorrowful, 
 and I not feel it? Can they be tempted and tried in the wilderness, 
 and I not sensible thereof? How can this be, if I be in Christ Jesus, 
 who is afflicted in all their afflictions? My friends, it is a day of mourn- 
 ing, of weeping and fasting, (let the wise understand,) though in God 
 I rejoice, that my name is written in heaven ; and this is more to know 
 and feel, than if all the devils without were subject. 
 
 Therefore, ye followers of the lamb, dwell in the sense and feeling 
 of the life of the precious, tender, su tiering seed, that you may know 
 the marriage of the lamb come, and rejoice greatly, because of the 
 bridegroom's voice. For this makes glad the upright, and the weak to 
 be as David. And here you will eat your own bread from your Father's 
 hand, which he gives freely to the hungry soul, and be kept out of all 
 strife and debate, disputings and murmurings, in the gentle, contented 
 spirit of the lamb, who is the saving health of all his people. Here 
 you will know the place of broad rivers, where goes no galley with 
 oars, no toil or labour, or striving, but to stand still. Here is the begin- 
 ning known, and the glory that was before the world was, or the hills, 
 or the foundation of the earth were laid. Blessed is he that readeth in 
 the life of these things. Here is the place of defence, as the munition 
 of rocks, where the bread is sure, and the water never faileth, but 
 issueth forth from the fountain of the paradise of God for evermore. 
 Here is the lying down under the vine, where none can make afraid. 
 Blessings and thanks to him that lives forever. Here is the returning 
 naked; as we came into the world, even so we go out, carrying nothing, 
 and yet possessing all things. Here is the little child, that enters the 
 
229 
 
 kingdom, even that kingdom of heaven, where the least is the greatest, 
 the lowest is the highest, the poorest is the richest, the weakest is the 
 strongest, the simplest is the wisest. 
 
 Where is the disputer now ? Where is the glorier in the strength, 
 wisdom, arts, and parts in the spirit of this world, now ? Where are 
 the wise, and the scribes, and the counter of towers now? Where is 
 the high professor, and great talker in the strong towers of compre- 
 hension and imaginations now ? Wliere are the climbers up above the 
 door now? Behold a little child is governor. The poor man which was 
 disregarded, delivered the city by his wisdom. He that can read let 
 him; for God hath made foolish the wisdom of this world ; and the seers 
 are blind; the sounding brass is empty; the strong are become weak; 
 and the weak saith, "I am strong." They that were dead are alive; 
 and they that were lively, are now as dead men on the sea shore. God 
 is turning the world upside down ; the lamb shall rule, and all the 
 beasts of the forest shall fear and bow before him. The lily shall 
 grow higher than the cedar ; the beggar shall sit upon the throne ; and 
 the counsellor, as in the beginning, shall be known, and judges as at the 
 first. Blessed is he that readeth, understandeth, and enjoyeth these 
 things. God's salvation and covenant of eternal life and peace are then 
 witnessed, who is the good shepherd, and true physician of his people. 
 And this is thy captain, O Israel, who is made perfect through suffer- 
 ings. Therefore obey thou him in all things, follow him in his footsteps, 
 who leads in the way of righteousness, that so thou mayest be partaker 
 of the power of his resurrection, and possess thy soul in his patience, 
 and lie down in his eternal will, in the rest prepared, that so the second 
 death over thee may have no power. 
 
 So, my dear friends, the Lord God of life preserve you all faithful, 
 bearing your single and pure testimony for his holy name, in this your 
 day and generation, that you may be the chaste virgins, and entire fol- 
 lowers of the lamb, in whose mouth guile is not found, that so you may 
 give up your account with cheerfulness unto him, who alone is worthy 
 of all obedience, praises, honour, and glory, over all, heaven and earth, 
 world without end. Amen. 
 
 I remain a traveller in spirit for the restoration of the oppressed seed 
 of Jacob, and am your brother, who, in your measures, are in the same 
 tribulations and patience of the lamb. And unto you this is the dear 
 salutation of my breathing life, in the bowels of God's love and mercies. 
 And if in this my testimony is finished, I am content, and made willing, 
 for the joy and rest that is set before me, to lay down the earthen ves- 
 sel, which is called 
 
 William Bayly. 
 Prisoner at liar (ford the 2nd day of the 8th month, 10(53. 
 
A few seasonable words to pass through Israel as a warning; that all may take 
 heed they do not betray their testimony, in this day of trial, and hour of temp- 
 tation, which is come upon all to try them; and if any be guilty hereof to re- 
 pent with speed, and do so no more : for a short work will the Lord God make 
 in the earth. 
 
 He that went out from the son of God, did betray him into the hands 
 of sinners, for thirty pieces of silver, though he had eaten and drunk 
 with him, into whom, after the sop, the devil entered; so now, that 
 which goes out from him, the reasoner in the carnal part, the visible 
 part, the consulter with flesh and blood, (into which the devil enters,) 
 that betrays him now for money. Mark, for something visible, perish- 
 ing, for earthly things, the things of this life or world. Therefore let 
 all watch over that part, and keep it in subjection; for in it lieth 
 the ground of all temptations. This was profane Esau's state, who sold 
 his birthright for a mess of pottage, for the visible fading things, to satisfy 
 his belly, the earthly part ; then sought a place of repentance, too late. 
 And this is the foolish virgins, the double-minded, the mixed multitude's 
 state, the false spies, and the murmurers' state, which look at the visi- 
 ble things, at the visible opposition, and the visible help, and not alone 
 to the invisible God. These go down to Egypt for help, the land of 
 darkness and bondage, and trust in horses. But the Egyptians are men, 
 and not God ; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. Mark that ! and 
 these God will pursue swiftly, and smite between the joints and their 
 harness. He that reads, let him understand. And this is the word of 
 the Lord God to you all, whose state this is: your profession of the 
 truth, and your love in word and tongue, the Lord loathes. Ye are a 
 burden to him, and he will shortly ease himself of you, except ye speedily 
 repent. For you are the unstable, the slothful, the fearful, the mixed 
 people, the waters. The whore sits upon you, you bow, you fall under 
 her, and the beast which carrieth her, having received their mark or 
 image, let in their spirit or nature, by which ye are overcome, and so 
 give them ease and not torment, crying secretly in your hearts, "Who 
 is able to make war with the beast," &c? These are the bad spies, 
 by whom the good land is evil spoken of, and not of Caleb's spirit, that 
 wholly followed the Lord. Ye are faint-hearted: such were thrust 
 back, and such now are shut out from among the army of the Iamb, 
 
231 
 
 as not fit for the kingdom of God. Ye are they that will make excusei 
 to save self alive, who mind earthly things; enemies to the cross, whose 
 end will be destruction, except speedy repentance. For you are the 
 discouragers, the traitors, into whom the devil, the God of the world, 
 hath entered, and through his subtlety and the fleshly reasonings, are 
 you deceived, and overcome with the glory, riches, honour, ease, and the 
 reputation of this present world, (the " exceeding high mountain" temp- 
 tation,) and so Christ Jesus, who overcame the devil in these things, is 
 not your way, whatever you profess; but Esau, that sold his birthright, 
 and Judas, which betrayed him, through whom came the great suffer- 
 ings upon the noble seed, which could never bow, as it is this day. And 
 Caleb rent his garment at the report of the bad spies, and of them that 
 said one to another, " Let us make a captain, and let us return into 
 Egypt."* These were the provokers, whom God would smite and dis- 
 inherit, that they should not see the good land; but Caleb's seed shall 
 possess it. 
 
 Therefore, in God's fear and dread, let all consider these things. For 
 he that bows but one inch to the devil in any thing, in this day of trial 
 and hour of temptation, hath so far betrayed the Lord of life and 
 their testimony, and hath given their power to the beast, which maketh 
 war with the lamb and the saints; and so are not with, but against 
 Christ, the royal seed and birth, which can never bow to the devil, but 
 sees through all his secret twinings, and withstands him, till he bows 
 under and leaves him. This is the heir of eternal life; but that which 
 goes forth, bows and betrays, is the heir of eternal condemnation: there- 
 fore, if any among you in Israel, be in any measure guilty hereof, or 
 have provoked the Lord hereby, let them lay these things to heart, and 
 with speed repent, before it be too late, lest the midnight cry overtake 
 you, and then you strive to enter when the door is shut. 
 
 And this is a warning from God, in season, through an earthern vessel. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 Prisoner at Hartford, the Eighth month, 16G3. 
 
 The son of man goeth, as it is written of him, but wo unto that man 
 by whom the son of man is betrayed; it had been good for that man if 
 he had not been bom. Matt. xxvi. 24. 
 
 • Numb. xiii. xiv. 
 
An answer to a Query, published in the News book, concerning help against the 
 
 Turk. 
 
 Friend, — I have viewed the News, published Thursday, November 
 12, 1663, in which, towards the latter end, I found this query, viz. "But 
 where are the men, that in this mortal extremity, not only of the em- 
 pire, but of Christendom, must put a stop to the barbarous rage of these 
 blood thirsty infidels?" 
 
 To which God hath given me a seasonable answer, for you all who 
 are thus afraid, in these words following. Repent and turn every one 
 from his evil ways, and from the wickedness that is in your hands, and 
 do that which is lawful, just, and right in the sight of the Lord; and let 
 his oppressed, innocent people go free, out of your jails, and stinking 
 holes of cruelty; and withhold not liberty of conscience in matters of 
 worship and religion from any; but put a stop to the flood of ungodliness 
 in this nation. Or else, (this I proclaim in the name and authority of the 
 eternal God of heaven,) ye shall be broken to pieces, and no man or men 
 shall help or bind you up, and that which you fear shall come upon you. 
 F or, it is the Lord's controversy, and not man's, that is now in hand with 
 you and all nations upon the earth, because of your sins, and grievous, 
 provoking abominations, which are come up before him. Therefore, 
 look not for help from Egypt, the land of darkness, nor from men, the 
 arm of flesh; but fear God, and tremble at his presence, and repent, and 
 sit in dust and ashes. And remember how Nineveh was delivered from 
 that which the Lord had once threatened against them, as he hath at 
 this day denounced against you. 
 
 And if the Lord hath raised them up, whom you false Christians call 
 blood-thirsty infidels, to be a rod and a scourge to all idolators and hy- 
 pocrites throughout the whole world, it is in vain for you to strive 
 against them, while the cause of his wrath remains among you. For 
 his will must be done in earth in this case by them, as it is done in 
 heaven by his poor, despised, suffering, harmless people, who wait in 
 patience and long suffering upon God, until his work is fully accomplish- 
 ed throughout the whole earth. 
 
 Therefore, in the name of my God, I say again, dread the Lord, all 
 ye workers of iniquity, and repent ; and cease to do evil, and learn to 
 do well. And this is the way to stop the wrath that is kindled against 
 you. For the Lord God is calling both heaven and earth, and raising 
 them up against this evil generation, because of their rebellious, abomi- 
 nable, and unspeakable transgressions against him, which he daily be- 
 
233 
 
 holds amongst you, who profess the name of Christianity, but are as far 
 out of the nature thereof as the Turks, or they you call infidels. And 
 so this is an answer to the query aforesaid, as from the mouth of the 
 Lord, by 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 Let this be printed with privilege; for it is from the authority of the 
 most high God, and let it be spread throughout all Europe. For the 
 dread of the Lord shall be upon all his enemies, and his life, peace, and 
 dominion in the hearts of them that fear and obey him, to the ends of 
 the earth. 
 
 This is the copy of what was delivered, soon after the date above- 
 written, to the hand of Roger L'Estrange, who is the publisher of the 
 Weekly News, and did put in the query. 
 
 W. B. 
 
 30 
 
Jin arrow shot against Babylon out of Joseph's bow, which greiv up from 
 the stem of Jesse, the root and offspring of David, and was bent by the 
 archer of Israel, which hath struck at Cain's mark, from Paradise into 
 the Land of Nod, and hath lighted in the skirts of the great whore to 
 the discovering the mother or original of harlots, and all abominations of 
 the earth; tracing her in her footsteps, [with all her companions and mer- 
 chants, the beast, dragon, and false prophet,) by the blood of the prophets 
 and saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. 
 
 And also, pursuing her from her birth, or the serpent's hole out of which 
 she came, to her latter end, ivhich is the bottomless pit, or lake of fire, 
 into which she must return. 
 
 Put yourselves in array against Babylon round about, all ye that bend the bow; shoot 
 at her, spare no arrows; for she hath sinned against the Lord. Jer. 1. 14. 
 
 For thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all 
 nations deceived: and in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all 
 that were slain upon the earth. Rev. xviii. 23, 24. 
 
 This is a visitation and warning once more from God, unto all such 
 rulers, teachers, and people in England, who are or may be persecutors 
 about religion and worship, that they may yet flee out of Babylon (mys- 
 tery Babylon,) the great whore, which hath sat upon nations, and 
 reigned over the kings of the earth, that they may partake no longer of 
 her sins, lest they partake of her perpetual plagues, which come swiftly 
 upon her in one day. 
 
 With a few questions concerning the devil, and Cain, and the whore, 
 and the dragon, and the beast, and false prophet; whence they came, 
 and where they are, and how they may be known, and whither they 
 must all go together in the end. 
 
 And this may serve as a glass for all false Christendom to behold 
 themselves, and try their ways, and see what spirit and church they are 
 of, and whose children they are. If ye were Abraham's children, ye 
 would do the works of Abraham. 
 
 In the beginning, before transgression, man was in paradise, the gar- 
 den of God, made in his own image and likeness, and was in unity and 
 peace with him, in the innocent, meek, tender, holy, upright life in 
 which he was formed, in which state he stood with God, as a child with 
 a father, or as a wife with a husband, without variance, distance or 
 enmity between them. And God's blessings were upon them in this 
 
235 
 
 their innocent, lowly, obedient state ; till at length another spirit got 
 an entrance, by desiring (or letting the desire go out after the eye) to 
 be more knowing and wise in the mysteries of the outward creation and 
 visible things, etc. which soon captivated the tender, simple, upright 
 mind, and beguiled it from its own proper life and being, in which it 
 was made a living soul. For they did not only taste but eat, and that 
 brought the death over them, as it is written ;* for they entered into a 
 secret false joy of what they had attained to, and a satisfaction they got 
 in the sensual wisdom and knowledge of things, and so grew conceited, 
 that ''they were as gods, knowing good and evil," &c. And so through 
 this aspiring spirit, or motion, which began to spring up in their minds, 
 a secret strife or enmity began to arise between the innocent life and 
 it, for there was a contrariety between them. But they eat of the 
 tree of knowledge, which beguiled them from the tree of life in the 
 midst of the paradise of God. This was Adam's fall, going outward 
 with his mind from the guidance, rule, and dominion of the innocent 
 upright life, by which he was made aliving soul; feeding in the aspectings 
 and viewings of the visible things', the mystery and secrets of which 
 were hid from him in that life from which he was departed, and he 
 only could retain but strong imaginations of them, which puffed him up. 
 So now he became a griever and an oppressor of God's good spirit; and 
 it became a reprover and troubler of him by reason of his disobedience 
 against it, and departure from it, and he was now afraid of God's voice, 
 having done that which was contrary to him; and then to get peace, 
 he sowed fig-leaves to make themselves coverings, but all would not do 
 while the tree of knowledge was fed upon, which was good in its place, 
 but forbidden to feed upon, because it beguiled from the tree of life, 
 "being pleasant to the eye, and desirable to make one wise," &c. and 
 the world by wisdom knows not God. So by it they lost the knowledge, 
 and unity, and peace of God, and were driven into the earth, and shut 
 out of the paradise of God, and became veiled in the enmity, pride, and 
 pleasures of the earthly or sensual part, which followed that aspiring 
 motion of the subtle serpent or adulterer that led out from God, like 
 the harlot Solomon speaks of, that was subtle of heart, whom the 
 young man followed, as an ox to the slaughter, and as a fool to the cor- 
 rection of the stocks, and knew not that it was for his life, and that her 
 paths led to the chambers of death, and her steps take hold of hell. 
 This is the thing : Adam was very young, and the harlot subtle, so was 
 he deceived. For the one enticed, and the other consented and follow- 
 ed, not knowing it was for his life, though God had said, he should surely 
 die. But this tempter led out the mind from the sense of the good man 
 
 * Gen. ii. 17. 
 
236 
 
 of the house ; with her bed of pleasures and delights, and with enticing 
 words she forced him, but the end was bitter as wormwood, as hath 
 been known by woful experience. For here was the first carrying away 
 captive into Babylon, the mystery of which the outward was but a 
 figure, and the first draught of the whore's cup of fornication was now 
 drunk, by which the just, innocent life suffered, as one might sav, even 
 in the womb. And in Cain and Abel, the two seeds or spirits were 
 clearly manifest, the one in pride, fury, enmity, murder, drinking his 
 brother's blood, and the other the sufferer by him, (in the patience,) 
 whose blood had a voice that cried unto God from the ground. And 
 yet it is said of Babylon, that in her is found the blood of the martyrs, 
 and prophets, and of all the saints that have been slain upon the earth, 
 (then Cain was in Babylon,) which is now called the great whore. And 
 the controversy between Cain and Abel was about sacrifice and wor- 
 ship. This hath spread, (even the spirit of whoredoms, enmity, and 
 wickedness,) over the world ; and Cain's mark hath been apparent among 
 multitudes, peoples, tongues, and languages, killing and persecuting about 
 religion and worship. This is the great whore, which hath sat upon 
 many waters, and reigned over the kings of the earth, over multitudes, 
 tongues, peoples, and languages.* They are the waters, on which the 
 whore sits, the unstable people, in the unstable state, tossing up and 
 down in confusion, restless, full of stirs, a tumultuous city. These are 
 the waters, the swelling, the roaring, the foaming, the tossing. " The 
 wicked are like the troubled sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast 
 up mire and dirt." And " there is no peace to the wicked, saith my 
 God." These are the waters on which the whore sits. This was Cain's 
 state, w£io had drunk the whore's cup, and killed the just about sacri- 
 fice, driven from God, a vagabond, no peace, but great punishment, 
 greater than he could bear. And the wicked foam out their own shame, 
 like the raging sea, drunk with the cup of the mother of harlots and all 
 abominations of the earth; then mad upon their idols, (as the prophet 
 gaid,) persecuting and killing about worship and sacrifice. This hath 
 been the state of the drunkards of Ephraim in all ages. This is Cain's 
 way, and the whore's way, which is become great, and has reigned 
 over nations, tongues, multitudes, and people, and kings of the earth. 
 Babylon, mystery Babylon, the original of all abominations and mother 
 of harlots, riding upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blas- 
 phemy, decked with gold and purple, pearls and precious stones, having 
 a golden cup in her hand, but it is full of abominations and filthiness ; 
 and she is drunken by the blood of the saints and martyrs of Jesus; and 
 the beast is scarlet coloured which carrieth her, having horns; mark 
 
 • Rev. xvii. 15. 
 
237 
 
 that. The powers ot the earth, kings, and rulers, have been made 
 drunk with her cup, and have committed fornication with her, and she 
 hath sat and reigned over them. And the beast hath carried the whore, 
 and they have made war with the lamb and the saints, and killed 
 them. This is Cain's way, vagabond from God, in wrath and envy, 
 whored from God, killing about worship and sacrifice, killing just Abel, 
 killing the prophets, saints, and martyrs of Jesus. This whore hath sat 
 and reigned upon tongues, multitudes, peoples, and kings of the earth. 
 This is the great whore, that hath glorified herself in her abominations, 
 sitting as a queen, saying in her heart, she shall never see sorrow, &c. 
 
 But this is the vine of Sodom; her grapes are grapes of abominations. 
 Through the spreading of her boughs the whole earth had been corrupted, 
 and by her dominion the lamb hath been slain; blood hath cried against 
 her from the foundation of the world, even from Abel to this day. The 
 land of uprightness hath mourned, while the wicked have borne rule, 
 and lamentation hath dwelt upon the tabernacle of the righteous. Dark- 
 ness hath covered the earth, and gross darkness the people ; death and 
 destruction have reigned. The devil, the murderer from the beginning, 
 hath been the God of the world for ages and generations, and the true 
 God hath been unknown, and his appearances a mystery hid from them, 
 and a covenant hath been made with death, and an agreement with hell. 
 And man hath been separated and driven from God as far as the east is 
 from the west ; and the abomination which maketh desolate, hath stood 
 where it ought not. Iniquity hath abounded, and love hath waxed cold; 
 the whole world hath been like a wilderness; wickedness hath sat in the 
 ephah and unrighteousness in the judgment seat. The adulterated spirit 
 from God, the great whore, hath sat and reigned over all nations and 
 kings of the earth, which hath oppressed the creation, and grieved the 
 good spirit of God, and made war against every appearance of the righte- 
 ous seed; and the lamb hath been slain from the foundation of the world. 
 The dragon hath cast out his floods of persecution after the true woman 
 in all ages, which brings forth the man child, the heir; whose right alone 
 it is to rule the nations. But the nations of the earth have been angry, 
 and the great men and chief captains, at the birth of this child, and have 
 always sought its life, even when it was young, as in the days of Herod; 
 and the beast, whore, and false prophet have made war with the saints, 
 and persecuted, imprisoned, and killed them. And the scriptures are ful- 
 filled, "The devil shall cast some of you into prison; and you shall have tri- 
 bulation ten days;" "The kings of the earth have set themselves, and the 
 rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against his anointed, 
 saying, let us break their bonds, (or meetings,) and cast away their cords 
 from us." If you have ears, hear, O ye sons of Adam, and his first born in 
 transgression, killers about worship and sacrifice, "The Lord hath you 
 
238 
 
 in derision, and he will vex you in his sore displeasure, and break you as 
 with an iron rod, and dash you like a potter's vessel." Be wise, there- 
 fore, now, and fear and tremble before the Lord God. 
 
 These things have been, and have overspread the earth, and dark- 
 ened the air. The whore hath sat as queen, and the true woman hath 
 fled and been hid in the wilderness, and been in great sorrow, and hath 
 brought forth in sorrow and great tribulations in all ages; for the dragon 
 was always ready to devour her child as soon as it was born. Yea, 
 every appearance of God, and of his truth and way of righteousness, 
 has been opposed, as you may read, from Cain to this day ; but still 
 the child was caught up to God, and they missed their end, when they 
 said, " This is the heir, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours." 
 And in the days of Pharaoh's persecution of Israel, (which was, " lest 
 they should multiply, and become great in number,") the midwives 
 feared God, and Moses was born, and hid from them, who was appointed 
 to lead Israel out of Egypt. And in the days of Herod, when so many 
 young children were killed, he was hid from them, till he was dead 
 that sought the young child's life. How great was the whore and the 
 devil's rage in those rulers, to destroy so many innocent babes ! the 
 thoughts of which will make our bowels to move, that fear the Lord. 
 And in the days of the other Herod, chief priests, and rulers, Scribes, 
 Pharisees, and elders, Herod and his men of war set him at nought, and 
 mocked him, because he answered him not a word to his many questions. 
 And are we not mocked so now, when we are become fools for his sake, 
 whom the princes of this world never knew ? Consider these things ; for 
 God will not be long mocked by Cain nor Herod either, but will give 
 every one a reward according to his doings. And when they had cru- 
 cified him and put him to death, he rose again, and is yet hid from 
 them. But to his disciples he is manifest, and is come the second time 
 to salvation; and the grave cannot hold him, nor ever could, nor ever 
 shall ; for he was before the grave, death, or persecution was, and shall 
 reign over it all, forever and ever. And the whore, beast, and false 
 prophet shall be cast into the lake, and be tormented day and night, 
 forever and ever, and the lamb and the saints shall rejoice over her 
 with songs of triumph, and hallelujahs forevermore.* Amen. 
 
 So, now you may read and see, that the seed of evil doers, the birth 
 of the flesh, or spirit of whoredoms, did always persecute the birth that 
 was born of the spirit, after God's image, in all ages. And here is now 
 no new thing happened under the sun, but the same controversy as was 
 between Cain and Abel, though greater shall the work be than ever in 
 these last days. But this is Cain and the whore's mark in all ages, and 
 
 * Rev. xix. 2, 3. 
 
239 
 
 the beast's, that God and man takes notice of, or knows them by perse- 
 cution about religion, worship, and sacrifice, &c.; as Christ said of the 
 false prophets, " By their fruits ye shall know them ; do men gather 
 grapes of thorns, (prickers,) or figs of thistles 1 Read these things in the 
 fear of the Lord God ; for they will add to the weight of the millstone 
 when Babylon sinks, which day hastens as a woman in travail. And 
 the wo must come upon all you who are found in Cain's way, and 
 Balaam's way, and the whore's way, as you may read, Jude, verse 11. 
 
 But what will ye now do, O ye sons and first born of Adam in trans- 
 gression 1 God is raising a thousand Abels, and Enoch is born again, and 
 Moses and Elias are come, and the hearts of the children are turned 
 towards their Father, and the hearts of the Father towards the children: 
 and many are leaving the world, and the earth, and travelling towards 
 paradise, the garden of God, again, where mount Sion is known, and 
 the king sitting upon his holy hill. Therefore, let not the heathen rage 
 nor the people imagine a vain thing, for it is so. God is gathering his 
 seed from the four corners and quarters of the earth, and his sheep 
 from offall the barren mountains, where they have been scattered in the 
 dark and cloudy day without a shepherd, and he will feed them himself; 
 and the false shepherds -shall no more make a prey upon them, who 
 have fed themselves, and clothed with the wool and eat the fat, and 
 pushed with shoulder and horns till they have scattered, and not 
 strengthened the diseased.* And who shall disannul his decree, or make 
 void his promise and purpose ? The dry bones must be raised, and be- 
 come an exceeding great army, and Babylon must fall.f And this is 
 now doing, with great noise and shaking, and by the lighting the earth 
 with the glory and power of God.J Which day is come, and more and 
 more approaching, though you see it not, who are in the night. It 
 comes like a thief upon you, and will overtake you as a snare: for so 
 is the day of the Lord come upon all them that dwell in the earth.§ 
 
 Therefore, in vain do you strive against God, O ye rulers and teach- 
 ers of the earth, who are in Cain's way and in Balaam's way. For his 
 marvellous work and wonder must be brought to pass, prosper, and be 
 perfected through the whole earth in these last days. It is not your 
 prisons, courts, killings, banishments, or inquisitions, shall hinder or make 
 void God's eternal decree, which is established in the very heavens. 
 Don't you remember how the grave could not hold him under, whom 
 your fathers crucified, and had from prison to judgment, in the days past; 
 who is now again risen among us, and is in the midst of us, who gather 
 together in his name? And this is the word of the Lord unto you: he is 
 
 * Read Ez. xxxiv. f Read Ez. xxxvii. 7 y 8, 9, 10. \ Rev. i. 8, 1, 2. 
 
 § 1 Thess. v. 2, 3, 4. 
 
240 
 
 risen among us called Quakers, and is come and coming in ten thousands 
 of his saints, to convince the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds and hard 
 speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him, and to execute 
 his judgments upon them. Read Jude throughout. And this the whole 
 earth shall know in the day at hand: for our God is risen to deliver his 
 people, and to lay low the haughtiness of the terrible ones, and to scat- 
 ter the proud in their imaginations, and to make the whore naked and 
 desolate, as a widow without children, and to exalt truth and righteous- 
 ness, justice and true judgment in the earth, that judgment and mercy 
 may meet together, and righteousness and peace may kiss each other. 
 This is God doing; this hath been wanting. Mercy and justice have not 
 been found in the judgment seats, but false judgment, respect of persons, 
 injustice, and oppression have met together there. Pride, rage, cruelty, 
 vanity, wantonness, and hypocrisy have kissed each other there ; the 
 poor hath been oppressed of his neighbour, and the rich hath had many 
 friends. These evils under the sun have prospered and spread like a 
 bay tree. And equity hath been the low tree, and unrighteousness the 
 high tree, exalted over all. The great whore hath reigned, with the 
 beast and the false prophet — the true woman hath been in sorrow, the 
 lamb and the saints in great tribulations, in all ages; but now she is com- 
 ing up out of the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved, and not her own 
 understanding. And the lamb and the saints must get the victory, and 
 all coverings and vails will God rend off from the face of all people, and 
 there shall be no place of darkness nor shadow of death wherein the 
 worker of iniquity shall hide himself; but death and hell must be naked, 
 and give up the slain that are in them; the dragon must be chained, and 
 the beast, whore, and false prophet must be taken, and cast alive into 
 the pit or lake that burns for ever and ever. 
 
 This will be a woful day for you, persecutors, false worshippers, 
 idolaters, whoremongers, hypocrites, unbelievers, fearful and abomina- 
 ble, merchants of Babylon, and all you seamen of Babylon, who have 
 strengthened her mast, and spread her sail, and traded with her, when 
 she shall lie as a wreck in the midst of the sea, and sink like a millstone, 
 and be found no more at all. You that have gone so often on board of her 
 in the boat of deceit, and drunk the wine of her fornications in the mys- 
 terious sealed cabins of her whoredoms, which she hath fetched from 
 the land of witchcrafts, and gathered from the vine of Sodom, and 
 pressed in the fat of confusion, and held forth in the cup of hypocrisy, 
 howling and lamentation will come upon you, fears and amazements 
 will possess you, when you behold the smoke of her torment. "Alas! 
 alas !" (standing aloof for fear) will be your song, when you shall see 
 this great city in one hour brought to nought. 
 
 No fig leaves will hide in this day, no sheep's clothing will cover the 
 
241 
 
 false prophet, but you must all appear in your own likeness and image, 
 before him that seeth in secret, and be ripped up, and seen as you are 
 before God, angels and men. No vizard of profession shall excuse you 
 from receiving a just recompense of reward according to your deeds 
 done in your bodies. 
 
 And this dreadful day is hastening upon all flesh, which hath cor- 
 rupted its way before the Lord. For his own name's sake, and for his 
 elect seed's sake, will he cut it short in righteousness, which hath long 
 groaiu-d and cried unto him under the heavy burdens and cruel oppres- 
 sions of the ungodly, to be delivered from the bondage of corruption, 
 which hath long overspread the whole earth, and to be set free in the pa- 
 radise of God, in the glorious liberty which is at his right hand, where are 
 joy and pleasures for evermore, yea durable riches, and righteousness ; 
 from whence Adam was driven into the earth by disobedience, and so 
 into darkness, ignorance, and confusion, having eaten that which was 
 forbidden, and drunk of the flattering harlot's cup, which hath since be- 
 come a great whore, and made all nations drunk, and sat upon them, and 
 reigned over them, even kings of the earth, multitudes, tongues, and 
 languages. And the garden of the sluggard, or slothful, wicked, drunk- 
 en servant, hath been all grown over with thorns and thistles, and 
 nettles have covered the face thereof, and the best have been as a briar, 
 and the most upright as a thorn hedge, pricking, stinging, tearing, kill- 
 ing, and warring against the lily and the apple tree, as they sprung up in 
 all ages; as it is written, "They all have lain in wait for blood, they 
 hunt every man his brother with a net." Thus it was in Micah's days,* 
 which caused sorrow to come upon him in the consideration and sense 
 thereof; and in Jeremiah's days, Jer. v. 26, &c. And thus it hath been 
 from Cain unto this day, persecuting about religion, worship and sacri- 
 fice ; but for the elect's sake, as I said before, these days shall be short- 
 ened. Matt. xxiv. 22. And this is the word of the Lord unto you all. 
 
 Therefore, hearken diligently, and hear, all ye rulers, governors, and 
 people of the earth, who are the sons of Adam in transgression, the fall, 
 and consider well in what state you now are, and what knowledge of 
 God your creator you have, and see whether you arc not shut out of 
 the paradise of God, in which man was made a living soul, and whether 
 you are not driven into the earth, even as Adam in transgression, 
 afraid of God, and hiding yourselves from his presence; in which state 
 you have no true rest, but are separated from the enjoyment of the life 
 and unity with the eternal God, in whose presence no worker of iniquity 
 
 * Read Mic. vii. 1, 2, 4, and the sacrament of the altar in the martyrs' days, and 
 the oath of allegiance in these days, and see if the net be not found, and the mischiev- 
 ous desire wrapt up now among 1 the briars and thorns, whose end is burning. 
 
 3] 
 
242 
 
 can endure; therefore doth God in his eternal love call unto you to come 
 out of Babylon. And he hath appointed a day of visitation unto the 
 children of men in all ages, that in it they should seek and meet him, by 
 returning every one from his evil ways, and look unto him from whom 
 they have gone a whoring, who is the alone salvation and saviour of all 
 them that repent, and turn to him with their whole heart. And that is 
 the sacrifice which he requireth of all that make mention of his name; 
 for it is not a talk or profession of Christianity and godliness, that will 
 stand in stead in the day of death, or in this day, in which the great 
 deeps of the mystery, root and ground of all things which have been 
 since the foundation of the world, are manifest, even unto babes in Christ 
 Jesus, who is the wisdom of God, and the power of God, which none of 
 the princes of this world knew. I say, "the secrets of the Most High are 
 with them that fear him," whose dwelling is in him that hath given 
 them a measure of that pure discerning life in which Adam gave names 
 unto creatures and things, according to their natures, while he Was in 
 paradise, before transgression was, even in this life, and through this life 
 is the living God bringing many sons and daughters to that glory which 
 was with him before the world began, and is drawing with the cords of 
 his love, which are stronger than death, many followers after him, who 
 cannot be satisfied in the earth, into which they were driven by trans- 
 gression and pollution, which is not their true resting place, as it is 
 written, Mich. ii. 10. Therefore, we, being awakened, are returning 
 towards our native country, in which we were created in Adam, before 
 transgression or separation was. And we have given up our hearts, 
 minds and spirits, bodies and souls, to wait upon our God to receive 
 from him strength and power to be translated into his own image and 
 likeness, wherein our salvation is wrought out with fear and trembling." 
 
 Therefore, ye rulers and people of the earth, do you ponderously 
 weigh and deeply consider what you are doing, by endeavouring to hin- 
 der us in the narrow way of our passage to the heavenly, holy land, 
 or paradise of God's rest, which he hath prepared for the poor in spirit, 
 and tremblers at his word, who are not satisfied with an outward pro- 
 fession, or name to live, whilst not enjoying the eternal inheritance, and 
 possession of the life and substance which is at the right hand of God 
 for evermore. In which passage we resist no man, or fight with carnal 
 weapons, for our warfare is spiritual, but are calling to those who are 
 our brethren in Adam, to turn their minds and affections with us to 
 seek after our native country, where our Father is again found and 
 known, and his voice heard, that so the spirit of enmity, which came 
 of the serpent and the whore, might no longer remain in God's creation, 
 from whence the strife and contentions, wars and fightings come, but 
 be cast into the lake forever. 
 
2 L3 
 
 Why should you thus abuse your brethren? or what reason can you 
 show, to hinder us in the way of our passage to our own native rest of our 
 wearv souls; seeing we have no other end or aim in our eye, but the 
 price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, who is gone before us 
 into paradise, f rom whence we were driven by transgression, the cloud 
 of separation 1 Read Isaiah lix. throughout. 
 
 And though you should yet more grievously oppress us, or smite us, 
 and even put heavier yokes upon our tender necks, or cause us to make 
 bricks without straw, as your brethren did, yet we cannot but sigh and 
 groan, and cry to our God, (whom we delight to worship, though it be 
 in the wilderness,) under the grievous burdens of our oppressors. For 
 we, being awakened and quickened from the deep sleep of sin and 
 death which hath covered mankind, cannot but look to the rock from 
 whence we were hewn, press forward, in the patient sufferings and 
 through the strait gate and daily cross, into the heavenly kingdom 
 and dominion of the holy God, into which no worker of iniquity or un- 
 clean thing can enter. So, whatever you judge of us, we have no other 
 end in all our meetings together, but to wait upon our God that we 
 might know his will, and be guided and directed into all truth by his 
 spirit, which he hath sent into our hearts, and in it to worship and serve 
 him all the days of our life. And here we find the narrow way and 
 strait gate, which lead into the paradise of God, even to eternal 
 iik\ But "broad is the way, and wide is the gate, that lead to de- 
 struction," according to the words of our dear elder brother, Christ Je- 
 sus. For we having but turned our faces from the earth towards the 
 garden of God, our true resting-place, immediately our brethren, 
 (the first-born of Adam in transgression,) like Cain, do rise up in wrath 
 to smite us; by whom we are greatly abused, imprisoned, and oppressed; 
 who will not go in this narrow passage themselves, nor suffer them that 
 would; and in as much as in them lieth strive to hide the key of true 
 knowledge from their brethren, and would not have them seek that 
 "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God/' in 
 which only is the eternal salvation, peace, and quietness of the souls of 
 the children of men.* 
 
 Surely this must needs be of the old serpent, the beguiler, oppressor 
 and destroyer of mankind, and of the great whore, the mother of har- 
 lots, even the same which beguiled and deceived, tempted and led them 
 out of the paradise of God's counsel and presence, in which is joy and 
 peace for evermore, even the murderer from the beginning, which killed 
 the just, and led the mind into the earth, and its delights, pleasures, 
 and \ anities, which come to an end. Therefore, the cross must be taken 
 
 • Heb. xi. 10. 
 
244 
 
 up, (which the second Adam taught us,) daily to the earthly affections 
 and tilings of this world, in which the prince of darkness ruleth. For 
 it is a cross, not of wood, stone, gold, or silver, but the pure power 
 of God, by which the world, and the things thereof are become dead 
 and crucified unto us, and we unto them : even such a cross, that the 
 earthly minded are enemies to, who can set up and wear the cross of 
 wood, silver, and gold, which is of the earth, like them that make them 
 and wear them. But this crucifieth the world ; and all that is in the 
 world, is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, 
 and the whole world lies in wickedness. So this crucifies the wicked- 
 ness, and slays the enmity, which your crosses of wood and stone never 
 did. But you have been in enmity about them and such things, and yet 
 are in the lust and pride, enmity and wickedness, stumbling at the cross 
 in which the saints' glory is. For by this are the kings bound in chains 
 and the nobles in fetters of iron, even lord Esau, and all the princes 
 of Ishmael, and dukes of Edom, Esau's stock; and the devil is king over 
 all the children of pride. Read this, and tremble all you whose state 
 this is. For it is not your talk of God, and Christ, and of his cross, that 
 will at all avail you, while you stick fast in the driven-out state, in which 
 you are separated from the enjoyment of his life and presence, and not 
 returning to the rock from whence we were hewn, the tried everlasting 
 foundation, which is laid in Siou, by which every man's works, words, 
 professions, and religions must be tried and made manifest, of what sort 
 they are. For by this line of true judgment, he that says he worships God, 
 or loves God, and yet hates his brother, is found a liar. And we know 
 that all liars are shut out of his heavenly kingdom, and must have their 
 portion in the lake that burnetii with the heavy displeasure of God. * 
 
 Therefore I pray you, brethren, be you now well advised in what 
 you do, act, or speak, and consider the end of these things, and your 
 own state as to God-ward. For, as for us, we are but strangers in the 
 earth, as our fathers were, now we are awake, and the glory of it is but 
 like a dream, without substance or satisfaction to the immortal soul. 
 And we now perceive what the captivity of Babylon is. and the w hore 
 which hath sat and reigned over all nations and kings of the earth; and 
 what that night and sleep was, in which the enemy came and sowed 
 tares among the good seed in the field. For we being returned towards the 
 land of the living, following the light of Israel, the promises of our 
 heavenly Father are fulfilling unto us, where he said, "They shall re- 
 turn, and discern between the precious and the vile: between him th.it 
 serveth God, and him that serveth him not; between him that swear- 
 eth, and him that feareth an oath, &c. and I will return unto them a 
 
 • Rev. xxf. 8. 
 
245 
 
 pure language, and they shall worship me with one consent." This the 
 Lord is fulfilling among us, whom he hath gathered out of the many un- 
 clean languages, and false worships, and vain religions, the whore's do- 
 minions, to worship him in the spirit and in the truth, for such only he 
 seeketh, and they are the true worshippers * 
 
 Now, I question not hut you have heard how Cain offered sacrifice, 
 and vet smote and slew his hrother Ahel, whose hlood cried from the 
 ground against him for vengeance. (May you not read this somewhat 
 near I consider it.) And God had no respect to his offering, who slew his 
 brother; but unto his offering, who was the sufferer, God had respect, 
 as he hath at this day, who saith, "To this man will I look, who is poor 
 and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." These things and 
 the ground of them, you might perceive, if you were but truly awaken- 
 ed from the deep sleep of sin and death, and the pleasures thereof, 
 which are but for a season. However, the trump of God is sounding, 
 which shall ere long awaken you to judgment. Then shall you see 
 how you have striven against the love and mercies of God, and slighted 
 the day of your visitation from on high, and have fought against God's 
 witness and witnesses, to keep them in the perpetual Babylonish cap- 
 tivity, and Egyptian bondage and darkness. 
 
 Be not deceived any longer, neither flatter with yourselves; for we 
 are not blind, nor mad, nor in ignorance and error, as you have supposed, 
 believed, and reported — through which you have reproached and great- 
 ly abused us, and strengthened the hand of evil-doers in cruelty against 
 us, without cause. But we are truly awakened by the voice of the son 
 of God, who hath opened our ears and understandings, and that eye 
 which the serpent, the god of the world, had blinded. And now we 
 see and know, that if any man love the world, or the things of the world, 
 the love of the Father is not in him, let him profess what he will. The 
 Scribes and Pharisees could say much, and could say, "We have one 
 Father, even God," and "We are Abraham's seed, and never were in 
 bondage," &c. and kept strict the Sabbath, and fasted, and made long 
 prayers, and paid tithe, and gave alms, and read Moses and the pro- 
 phets' words very exactly, &c. and yet the love of God was not in them, 
 as you may read, John viii. 33, 37, 3S, 39, 44. But they were of their 
 father, the devil, because his works they did, notwithstanding their fair 
 covering. And what was that? They persecuted and killed about re- 
 ligion and worship, as may be read at large in the scriptures of truth, 
 of the proceedings in that age, of the rulers, chief priests, elders, and 
 great professors, &c. 0 
 
 Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to your own standing, and 
 
 * John iv. 23, 21. 
 
246 
 
 do not so hastily judge amiss of us, nor thus speak evil of us, nor abuse 
 
 and persecute us, nor so grievously and cruelly afflict and oppress us 
 any more about these things, or because we are not altogether like, or 
 conformable unto you, in your ways and traditions ; for God will plead 
 with you about it. But rather judge yourselves, that you are not 
 hastening with us, as Lot out of Sodom, because of the wrath and ven- 
 geance which are swiftly coming upon the world of the ungodly, which 
 they shall not escape. For I tell you, and that from the mouth of the 
 living God, that a terrible storm, and dreadful hour are at hand, and ex- 
 cept you run our race towards Zoar, you will be taken and destroyed, 
 being found in spiritual Sodom and Egypt, and in the Babylonish mar- 
 ket-place of confusion, ungodliness, ignorance, and unrighteousness, out 
 of which the Lord, of the harvest hath called and gathered us into his 
 vineyard, where, after our faithful labour therein, we receive, enjoy, 
 and rest in the joy of our Lord. And if you are found smiting your 
 fellow-servants or brethren, like Cain, about these things, and eat and 
 drink with the drunken, who are drunk with the whore's cup, and say 
 in your hearts, " the Lord delayeth his coming, 1 ' he will come unawares 
 upon you, and in an hour when you look not for him, and will cut you 
 asunder, and give you your portion with unbelievers, abominable, un- 
 godly, and hypocrites, where shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth for 
 evermore. 
 
 Therefore, remember to do as you would be done unto ; for that is 
 the law and the prophets. And as for Christ and his followers, they are 
 not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And let us alone in our 
 journey or passage towards the city or paradise of the living God, who 
 hath called and awakened us, and raised up our affections and desires, 
 which cannot be satisfied with dreams, husks, and painted things, like- 
 nesses, or vain shows. For the spirit of a man we are now come to know, 
 which goeth upward, and are leaving the bestial spirit that descends 
 downward into the earth. And now we also know, that none can learn 
 our song, but they whose minds, through the patient sufferings, are re- 
 deemed from the earth ; for it is the song of the lamb and of Moses, 
 who chose rather to suffer affliction, than to embrace the treasures 
 of Egypt, or the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season; against 
 whose brethren, generation, seed and offspring, the beast, whore and 
 the dragon, the false prophet, death and hell, the powers of darkness 
 and ungodliness make war, who shall be cast into the lake that burns 
 with fire and brimstone, even under the sense and feeling of the eter- 
 nal vengeance of the Almighty God, there 4.0 he tormented day and 
 night for ever and ever. 
 
 But blessed are they who follow the lamb, in whose mouth is found 
 no guile, whithersoever he goeth or leadeth, through the patient suf- 
 
2A1 
 
 ferings, in the Jove unfeigned; they shall rest in the land of the paradise, 
 of the fountain of pleasures at the right hand of God for evermore. 
 Amen, hallelujah. 
 
 And now hear, O ye rulers and teachers, by what flattering title so- 
 ever you are called, in this land of England! your nakedness is seen, as in 
 the day in which you were born, and your hypocrisy and deceit God hath 
 found out and discovered. Therefore be ashamed and blush, and stand 
 guilty before him, and repent, if there be yet a minute or place left you, 
 and do not strive any longer against God, and to cover yourselves any 
 more with the name of Christianity, while you are in the nature of hea- 
 thens, and in the way of Cain, persecuting and imprisoning about reli- 
 gion and worship. For it is Cain's mark in all ages, and the heathen 
 that know not God; as it is written, and you may read it, "Why do the 
 heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" And it is in vain 
 for you to strive against the decree and work of God, which he is bring- 
 ing to pass. Mark, the ragers are the heathen, that know not God, 
 and these are the persecutors in all ages. These are in Cain's way, as 
 it is written, " Wo unto them, for they have gone in the way of Cain, 
 and run greedily after the error of Balaam, (mark,) wo is their portion.*' 
 And is not this your state, ye rulers and teachers of England? Consider 
 it in the cool of the day, and let God's witness in your consciences an- 
 swer. 
 
 For I tell you from God, and proclaim it this day amongst you, that 
 wo and misery will be your end, (if ye proceed in these things,) which 
 is already stealing upon you, and will overtake you as an armed man, 
 and as a woman in travail, and you shall not escape. For, do you think 
 to prosper, or set up yourselves, by striving against God and his mar- 
 vellous work and will, which is to be done in earth as it is done in hea- 
 ven? Do you imagine that your laws or decrees shall hinder or frus- 
 trate God's eternal and unchangeable decree and purpose, which is, to 
 finish transgression, destroy the works of the devil, and make an end of 
 sin, and exalt truth and righteousness, the mountain of his own house 
 and holiness, and to esabtlish it atop of all hills, and over all mountains, 
 which was before the mountains and hills were brought forth, over 
 which it must be established; and to fulfil his promise made to Abraham 
 and to his seed, which must be as the stars of heaven, and as the sands 
 by the sea shore for multitude ? And will you yet strive to hinder the in- 
 crease of God's decreed number? Or will you limit his seed, that it 
 might not spread and replenish the earth, whose right it is to inherit 
 the uttermost part thereof, and a multitude of the sea shall be converted 
 unto him? Must not this be done, which was spoken of by holy men 
 of God as they were moved by the holy ghost ? Shall the wicked, 
 which are like the chaff, and make a mock at the movings of the holy 
 
248 
 
 ghost, or spirit, disannul God's determinate counsel ? Can you hinder 
 the course of the stars, or cause them to withdraw their shining? Or 
 number the sands by the sea-shore, or stop the ebbings or flowihgs of 
 the ocean? Or can you stop the rain, or cause it to rain by your 
 power ? Will the ice and the snow melt at your command ? Will the 
 tierce wind obey your voice when it issueth forth out of its treasury, 
 and whirleth up and down the earth? Or do you know whence it 
 Cometh, or whither it goeth ? Will the thunder and lightnings be staid, 
 and the noise and brightness thereof cease at your command? If these 
 things, and the like, you can do, then will I confess unto you, that you 
 may go on, and prosper, and prevail against the heritage of the Most 
 High, whom he hath blessed with everlasting blessings. But if you are 
 not able to do these things, then in vain do you strive to set briars and 
 thorns in battle against a consuming fire. 
 
 For I tell you again, in the name and authority of the Almighty God, 
 the Jehovah of Israel, that if you still proceed in persecuting his peo- 
 ple and dear children, as you have done, he will dash you in pieces like 
 a potters vessel, and confound and scatter you with destruction upon 
 destruction, till you are become as the chatfof the summer threshing- 
 floor, and as the ashes of the dung-hill, which the wind driveth away, 
 and your place shall be no more found, and your remembrance shall be 
 a hissing and abhorring to nations. This is God's word of life and truth 
 unto you. 
 
 Remember Cain, the Pharisees, Egyptians, and Sodomites, whose 
 works you are doing. Your name of Christianity stinks before God and 
 men, and is even a proverb of reproach among nations afar off. The 
 Pharisees, who were persecutors, said, they were Abraham's seed, and 
 had one Father, even God, &,c. and yet were doing the works of the 
 devil, who was their father. Ye hypocrites, whose state this is, shall 
 not God's dread fall upon you ! Will ye not tremble before his pure 
 eye of jealousy, which beholds all your doing, thoughts, and words, 
 though never so secret ? Will you still say, " Is not the Lord among 
 us, no evil can come upon us ?" Will your untempered mortar-daub- 
 ers promise, the wall shall stand and the daubers thereof be establish- 
 ed, when God hath said, "The wall shall be no more, nor them that 
 daub it?" Is there not a lying spirit, and deceitful tongue in the mouth 
 of all these prophets, whom the Lord never sent ? And are they not 
 crying peace to the wicked, to whom is no peace from God, and pre- 
 paring war against the just that cannot put into their mouths? And are 
 not these the greedy dumb dogs, that never have enough, and cannot 
 bark to awaken the witness of God in people's consciences, that they 
 may arise from the dead, and stand up, that Christ may give then) 
 
240 
 
 light and life, in which they may see the thief, and be able to with- 
 stand the robber. 
 
 Did ever Christ Jesus, or his ministers, apostles, or disciples, persecute 
 about religion or worship, or run to the powers of the earth, to uphold 
 their ministry? Or cast men into prisons for their bellies? Or go to 
 law for tithes, or take treble damages, as you call them, and rob people 
 that did refuse to hear them, as you have done ? Mention one example 
 in all the scripture, or else be confounded for ever, and your tongues 
 cleave to the roof of your mouths for ever. Or were not the prophets, 
 apostles, and disciples of Christ always sufferers, and persecuted and 
 imprisoned for their testimony, and for righteousness' sake, by the powers 
 of the earth, chief priests, and rulers in all ages? Were they not haled 
 out of the synagogues, and brought before rulers, and governors, and 
 sometimes beaten and stoned, whipped, and charged to speak no more in 
 the name of Jesus? Was not this their portion from the great men, and 
 chief priests, and counsels? And yet did not they learn in every state to 
 be content? But are not you discontented, who cast such into prisons 
 for fear of losing your belly god? And were not they unlearned and 
 ignorant men in the laws and languages of the rulers, chief priests, and 
 doctors? &c. And had not they Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, that perse- 
 cuted and crucified the just ? And did not Christ say to his apostles or 
 disciples, when he sent them forth to minister, " Behold I send you forth as 
 sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and 
 harmless as doves; and take no thought what ye shall eat, &c. and what 
 is set before you eat, asking no question," &c. (Then not to go to law 
 about their bellies, if not to ask a question about such things.) And did 
 not the apostle say, such were enemies to the cross, who minded earthly 
 things, whose God was their belly: which caused him even to tell of it 
 weeping among the people, and said, their end was destruction, &c. 
 and that "grievous wolves would enter in, not sparing the people," after 
 his decease. And hath it not been so these sixteen hundred years? Have 
 not the people been grieved, robbed, and spoiled, by those wolves that 
 soon got the sheep's clothing, (the apostle's and disciple's words,) and 
 turned against the life and the sheep, and grieved them? And these 
 Christ prophesied of before his departure, saying, " False prophets shall 
 rise, and deceive many," and " love would wax cold, and iniquity 
 abound," &c. "By their fruits ye shall know them;" they have the 
 "sheep's clothing, but inwardly ravening wolves." Here is the true cha- 
 racter of the false prophets, and false apostles, and by this ye shall 
 know them. "Do men gather grapes of thorns and figs of thistles?" 
 Can you expect a harmless life in a grievous wolf? Though he have 
 the sheep's clothing, is not his nature greedy and ravening, and devour- 
 ing among the sheep and lambs? Dotli his covering change his nature? 
 
 32 
 
250 
 
 Hear this, O ye priests and prelates, bishops, and the rest of your brood, 
 and consider, and see who are the thorns, and the wolves, and the greedy 
 dogs, that have never enough, the biters and devourers, tearers and 
 renders of the sheep ; and look about you and behold yourselves, and see 
 if you live in the life of what you speak, whether your inside agrees with 
 the sheep's covering, the saints' words, of which you make merchandise. 
 For God is rending off all deceitful coverings, and you shall appear as 
 you are to the view of nations, and no hiding place shall be found for 
 the worker of iniquity. Though he profess and say, Lord, Lord, yet he 
 is cursed. 
 
 Now, if you say you are of Christ's sending, let it appear by abiding 
 in his commands and doctrine. Let us see you are sheep indeed, by 
 your harmless life, and your contentedness in all estates, not seeking the 
 people's goods and money, but the good of their souls, and the glory of 
 God, by bringing forth good fruits in the sight of men, by which, your 
 light so shining, they may glorify the Lord of heaven ; and leave grieving 
 the people by minding your bellies, what you shall eat and drink, and 
 wherewith you shall be clothed, &c. I say, eat of that bread which 
 comes down from heaven, and don't so much mind the earth, but be 
 clothed with humility, and walk in love ; for he that loveth not, know- 
 eth not God. For the apostles of Christ's sending were harmless. " We 
 seek not yours but you:" " I have coveted no man's gold, or silver, or ap- 
 parel;" and " we have the spirit of love, and of a sound mind;" then not 
 an earthly, but redeemed from it unto God, as kings and priests, to reign 
 over it. So, if you be not found in this inwardly, as well as talk of 
 these good things with the mouth and tongue outwardly, we- shall judge 
 you in the infallible judgment of Christ, that you are not sent of him, 
 but are the contrary, against him, of antichrist, the grievers, the thorns, 
 the raveners, of the stock of Cain and lineage of the great whore, 
 mystery Babylon, the false prophets. By your fruits you are and shall 
 be manifested. 
 
 So, consider these things, ye rulers and teachers of England, and 
 tremble and quake before the Lord God, and put your mouths in the 
 dust, and be silent. For your coverings are too narrow, and your bed 
 too short — and God is stretching the line of true judgment over you, 
 which shall dash you as with an iron rod, if you will not be humbled, and 
 confess you have sinned in all these things, and repent speedily, and do 
 so no more. And this is the word of the Lord unto you, which will shortly 
 be fulfilled. 
 
251 
 
 Here follow some questions, to be answered by the persecutors about religion 
 and worship, who are usurping authority over men's consciences in such 
 things which only belong to God, and are neglecting their own duty and 
 place, in not relieving the oppressed, and doing justice, and executing true 
 and righteous judgment between man and nfun; but are making it their 
 work to ensnare the righteous, and oppress the innocent, and to strengthen 
 the hands of the wicked, and encourage the evil-doers; for which thing's 
 sake God will rebuke them.* 
 
 Question I. Persecutor 1 what is the devil, of whom the scripture 
 speaks, that he is a murderer from the beginning ?f and where is he 
 now ? and how was he a murderer from the beginning ? and about what 
 did he murder from the beginning? and how doth he work in the heart* 
 of the children of disobedience? and what are his works and where are 
 they, which are manifest, which the son of God was manifested to de- 
 stroy? J 
 
 II. What was Cain, of which the scripture speaks, that he was of 
 the wicked one ? And what was the wicked one of which Cain 
 was. if it be not the devil And how was Cain of the wicked one, or 
 the devil, if it were not because he persecuted and slew his brother 
 about sacrifice and worship ?|| 
 
 Q. III. What is the great whore which is called mystery Babylon, 
 of which the scripture declares, that she hath reigned over nations, 
 kindreds, peoples, tongues, and languages, and kings of the earth; seeing 
 she is called, the mother, or original of all abominations of the earth, 
 and that in her is found the blood of the prophets and saints, and of all 
 that were slain on the earth . ,- T What is the mother of all abominations, 
 if not that spirit that led out from God, and persecuted, killed, and 
 murdered about religion and worship ? Whether all abominations did 
 not proceed from this spirit And whether the legions be not in that 
 vessel, where this murderer dwells, who is king over all the children of 
 pride ?ft 
 
 Q- IV. Whether the devil was not Cain's father and the great whore 
 his mother, seeing the scripture saith, he was of the wicked one; and 
 the Pharisees, who persecuted to death about worship and sacrifice, 
 were of their father the devil.Jj And in the whore, mystery Babylon, 
 was found the blood of all the prophet- and saint-. A: c. and if all the blood 
 of the saints was found in her. then whether any can be found out of 
 her. when diligent inquisition is made bv the spirit of the righteous God? 
 
 • PsaJ. 82, 83. f John viii. 44. | Ephes. ii. 2. 1 John iii. 8. 
 
 $ John iii. 12. 3 Gen. iv.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. J Read Kev. xvii. and xviii. 
 
 *• Job xli. 34. jf Isa. xxvii. 1. John viii. 44. 
 
252 
 
 But if none of the righteous blood be found out of her, but all found in 
 her, then, whether Cain and the devil were not of and in this mystery 
 Babylon, the great whore, who were murderers from the beginning 
 about sacrifice and worship, by whom righteous Abel was killed from 
 the beginning.* 
 
 Q. V. What is Cain's mark, and Cain's way, of which it is written in 
 the scripture, " God set a mark upon Cain," or takes notice of him by 
 something by which he may be known, and "Wo unto them, for they have 
 gone in the way of Cain," &c? Now, what is Cain's mark and his way, 
 canst thou answer me? if it be not persecution and murdering about 
 religion and sacrifice in the wrath and envy, seeing the scripture saith, 
 his countenance fell, and he was wroth, and slew his brother? u And 
 wherefore slew he him 1 Because his own works were evil, and his 
 brother's righteous :"f mark the occasion of persecution, and who are the 
 persecuted, and of whom are the persecutors, seeing Cain was of that 
 wicked one, who slew his brother about sacrifice, a matter of con- 
 science towards God ? 
 
 Q. VI. What is the beast, and his mark or image, which carrieth the 
 great whore, which all the world hath wondered after, and worshipped, 
 or bowed down to ; seeing the scripture saith, " The whore sat upon 
 many waters, and the waters were nations, tongues, peoples, multitudes, 
 and languages; and she reigneth over the kings of the earth, who were 
 made drunk with the cup of her fornications, and her merchants were 
 the great men of the earth,"J &c. 
 
 Q. VII. And whether this beast be not the great red dragon, which 
 carrieth the great whore, which stands ready to devour the man-child 
 of the true woman, which was fled into the wilderness for a time, times 
 and a half, into a place appointed ? And whether this child which the 
 dragon would devour, be not that seed of the woman, which was pro- 
 mised, should bruise the serpent's head ? And whether this dragon be 
 not the old serpent, the devil, and satan, which rules in the hearts of the 
 children of disobedience, whose head must be bruised by the woman's 
 seed? And whether the devil doth not know, he hath but a short time, 
 when this seed comes forth to reign, whose right it is ?§ 
 
 Q,. VIII. Whether this seed, or child of the woman, which must bruise 
 the serpent's head, be not Christ, or the appearance of God manifest in 
 flesh among and in his despised and afflicted people in all ages ? And 
 
 # Gen. iv. 
 
 -f- Mark, ye that swear, and compel to swear, and imprison the harmless for not swear- 
 ing; your works are evil; for ye transgress the commands of Christ Jesus, whom all 
 are to hear and obey, who saith, swear not at all; and they that obey him, their works 
 are righteous; and God doth and will put a difference between them and you about 
 these things, as it is written, even as between Cain and Abel. 
 
 * Rev. xviii. § Kev. sii. 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17. 
 
253 
 
 whether the dragon, that would devour it, be not the devil, that rules 
 in the hearts of the children of disobedience, the false christians, stirring 
 them up to persecute and murder about religion and worship ; seeing 
 Cain, that did so, was of the wicked one, the murderer from the begin- 
 ning, and the blood of all the prophets and saints is found in the mother 
 of all abominations, which is carried or upheld by a scarlet coloured 
 beast, mark that.* 
 
 Q. IX. And whether the spirit of this beast, which carrieth this great 
 whore, doth not go downward to the earth, and feed upon the earth, 
 and the things of the earth, and mind the earth, its pleasures, pride, 
 covetousness, and ambition, and is pushing with its horns like the false 
 prophets, Ezek. xxxiv. ruling with oppression and cruelty, and perse- 
 cuting and afflicting about religion and worship, minding honour below, 
 storming and raging, for fear of loosing the devil's kingdom and his works, 
 which the son of God, the true woman's seed, is come to destroy, in 
 whom is known the spirit of a man which goes upward ? But dust is the 
 serpent's meat, and upon his belly he goes ail the days of his life, and no 
 higher. There he feeds, and out of his dark holes he creepeth, spitting 
 forth his poison and venom against that which is always caught up to God 
 out of his reach, though he casts out his fiery-like floods after the woman 
 and her child, and makes war with the remnant of her seed, (which 
 are this day in being,) which keep the commandments and have the 
 testimony of Jesus. Mark, the child, whose life the dragon, beast, whore, 
 and false prophet seek to destroy, is caught up to God out of their reach, 
 and ever was, and ever will be. And this is the word of the Lord God 
 unto all persecutors upon earth, both teachers and rulers, about religion, 
 sacrifice, and worship, you tread the outward court. The serpent bruised 
 the heel, mark that ; and not the head. The head is in the holy city, 
 where the dogs, (the biters,) whoremongers, and murderers cannot come. 
 But beware how you sport with the vessels of the Lord, for they are holy 
 that bear them, lest the hand- writing on the wall appear against you, 
 and you be smitten with a final destruction/)- And fear before the God 
 of Daniel, who is persecuted for worshipping his God at this day among 
 his brethren : for he was a trembler at God's word.J 
 
 So, remember you are once more warned, as God's witness shall 
 answer on your death bed. If you go on in Cain's way, you shall have 
 Cain's portion, banished from God's peace and rest, with greater punish- 
 ments than you will be able to bear. And if you are in the whore's 
 way, in which the Pharisees were, professing of religion, and making 
 long prayers, and yet persecuting about it, you must partake of their 
 woes and judgments. And if you are in the beast, dragon, and false 
 prophets way, and Balaam's way, minding earthly things, greedy of 
 filthy lucre, casting into prisons, (for your bellies, pride, covetousness, 
 * Rev. xvii. 3. \ Dan. v. throughout. + Dan. x. 11. 
 
254 
 
 and earthly honour's sake,) the innocent followers of the lamb, the 
 true woman's seed, that keeps Christ's commands, you must be cast into 
 the lake of fire, in God's wrath and vengeance, to be tormented forever 
 and ever, as it is written * 
 
 Therefore try yourselves, of what birth you are, whether you are of 
 Cam or Abel, of God or the devil, of the true woman or church of Christ, 
 in deed and in truth, walking in his steps, in the self denial, bearing 
 witness for the truth, led from prison to judgment for the testimony 
 which you hold, and for the word of patience; for this declares his gene- 
 ration^ 
 
 Or whether you are the seed of the adulterers and the whore, which 
 Isaiah speaks of, Chap. lvii. 3. and John in the revelations ; which drunk 
 the blood of the saints. Read your state, and see who is your father 
 and mother; for there is no daubing in God's sight with untempered 
 mortar. You must be of the one, or the other; of Jerusalem, the holy 
 city, or of Babylon, the great whore. The false church or the true you 
 are of: therefore let no man deceive you with flatteries and smooth things; 
 for this testimony will stand before God, angels and men. And I am 
 thus far clear of all your blood; and you will be left without excuse, 
 whether you hear or forbear. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer; behold, the devil 
 shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall 
 have tribulation ten days. But be thou faithful unto death, and I will 
 give thee a crown of life4 
 
 Have respect unto the covenant; for the dark places of the earth are 
 full of the habitations of cruelty.§ 
 
 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but 
 inwardly they are ravening wolves; ye shall know them by their fruits.ff 
 
 Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the iudgment- 
 seat, fcc.^f & 
 
 He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is none 
 occasion of stumbling in him; but he that hateth his brother, is in dark- 
 ness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, be- 
 cause that darkness hath blinded his eyes.** 
 
 For, this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we 
 should love one another; not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and 
 slew his brother; and wherefore slew he him? because his own works 
 were evil, and his brother's righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the 
 world hate you; we know, that we have passed from death to life, be- 
 cause we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brothr, abideth in 
 death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer ; and ye know, that 
 no murderer hath eternal life, &c.ft W. B. 
 
 • Rev. xix. 19, 20. and xx. 10. and xiv. 19, 20. Sec. f Tsa. liii. 8. + Rev. ii. 20. 
 §Psal. lx X ,v r 2C . || Matt. vii. 15, 16. 1 James ii. 6, 7. ** 1 John ii. 11. ft 1 John 
 in. ii, J 4y Jii, 14. 15. 
 
A vindication of the commands and doctrine of Christ Jesus, and 
 of his people, in their faithful obedience to him, against all 
 swearers and swearing whatsoever, according to the scriptures of 
 truth: with a few words unto all such rulers, teachers, and people, 
 of what degree or sort soever, that have a hand in afflicting, per- 
 secuting, and casting such into prisons, who for conscience* sake 
 dare not break the commands of Christ, nor go out of his doctrine. 
 And it is one visitation and warning more from the Lord unto 
 them, before he sweeps the land of evil doers with the besom of 
 their final destruction. 
 
 For the land is full of adulterers: for because of swearing the land mourneth, &c. 
 for both prophet and priest are profane. Wherefore their way shall be unto them as 
 slippery ways in darkness; tliey shall be driven on, and fall therein; for I will bring 
 evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the Lord. Jer. xxiii. 10, 11, 12. 
 
 Now, seeing the great controversy at this day, between the false * 
 christians and the true, namely, the persecuting powers of this genera- 
 tion, and the royal seed and people of God called Quakers, is about 
 swearing and oaths, and the like matters appertaining to religion, and 
 worship of God, which are matters of conscience, the answer of which 
 before God in the day of death, is a man's eternal condemnation, or 
 justification and salvation. It therefore lies upon me at this time, to 
 vindicate the only right and propriety of Christ Jesus in the consciences 
 of his people; and also of his people, in their faithfulness and obedience 
 unto him, (who is the head of his church, and whose right alone it is 
 to reign,) against that doctrine and soul-destroying principle <of imposing 
 oaths, or any other thing whatsoever, which concerns the exercise of 
 the soul and conscience, which is immortal, towards God or any part of 
 his worship, &c. 
 
 1. It is written in the second epistle of John, at the ninth, tenth, and 
 eleventh verses, on this wise, viz. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abid- 
 eth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the 
 doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the son. And if there 
 come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, deceive him not into 
 your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God 
 speed, is partaker of his evil deeds." 
 
 2. Now, if any to whom this may come, should be ignorant of what 
 he meaneth, or what this doctrine of Christ is, or what this word doc- 
 trine doth signify, let them take notice of what folio weth. 
 
256 
 
 As for the word doctrine, it signifies teaching, or that which is taught; 
 so that the doctrine of Christ is that which he taught, or doth teach; 
 and it may be truly read thus : "Whosoever abideth not in the teach- 
 ing of Christ, or in what he taught, or teacheth, hath not God," &c. 
 Now mark, such a one that abideth not in that which Christ taught, 
 hath not God ; but he that doth abide in what Christ hath taught and 
 teacheth, hath both the Father and the son. 
 
 3. Now, the controversy being very great at this day, between two 
 sorts of people in this nation of England, about religious matters, for 
 which the one doth persecute, abuse, imprison, rob, spoil, and greatly 
 oppress and afflict the other, viz: for conscience sake, for abiding in the 
 doctrine, and obeying the commands of Christ ; let us, therefore, mark 
 and try the difference of these people according to the scriptures of 
 truth, which those persecutors themselves profess in their rule : so by 
 their own rule let them be tried. 
 
 4. Now, the people who are thus persecuted and abused, &c. are 
 such as abide in the doctrine of Christ, in that which he taught and 
 teacheth, (for which they are persecuted,) and have both the Father 
 and the son.* And their persecutors and oppressors are such as break 
 •the commands, and abide not in the doctrine of Christ, and so have not 
 God; as will be proved and made manifest: neither are they to be bid 
 God speed; for such as bid them God speed, or side with them, are par- 
 takers of their evil deeds. So they that have not God, but are without 
 God, are the persecutors and afflicters of them, that have both the Fa- 
 ther and the son. Let all people take notice of this. And now is the 
 scripture fulfilled, "These things will they do unto you for my name's 
 sake, because they know not him that sent me."f 
 
 5. Now what the doctrine of Christ is, or what he hath taught, or 
 doth teach his friends and disciples to do, and to leave undone, may be 
 mentioned in many particulars, but at present I may omit, but what 
 is in my aim, as to the thing in hand, which is about swearing and 
 oaths. 
 
 6. And now that Christ Jesus did forbid his disciples to swear, and 
 that it was his doctrine which he taught them, not to swear at all, may 
 be easily proved; yea, though they were such oaths and swearing as 
 were lawful, and commanded in old time, and to be performed to the 
 Lord,J as may be read in the record of Matthew. "Again: ye have 
 heard that it hath been said by them in old time, thou shalt not for- 
 swear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths. But I say 
 unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 
 neither by the earth, for it is his foot-stool; neither by Jerusalem, for if 
 
 2 John 9. 
 
 f John xv. 21. 
 
 X Matt. v. 33, 34, &c. 
 
257 
 
 is the city of the great king; neither shalt thou swear by thy head, be- 
 cause thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your com- 
 munication be yea, yea; nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these, 
 cometh of evil." 
 
 And said James, a servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to 
 his brethren, who wrote to the twelve tribes scattered abroad, *"Above 
 all things, my brethren, swear not ; neither by heaven, neither by the 
 earth, neither by any other oath; but let your yea be yea, and your 
 nay, nay, lest ye fall into condemnation:" bringing with him the very 
 same doctrine which Christ taught them, in which whosoever abideth 
 not, hath not God, let him profess what he will. For saith John, in his 
 first epistle, "We are of God; he that knoweth God, heareth us; he 
 that is not of God, heareth not us; hereby know we the spirit of truth, 
 and the spirit of error:" clearly manifesting that such as bring not "the 
 same doctrine with them, are in the spirit of error, and that abide not 
 therein, are not of God, but of the world, "and the whole world lieth 
 in wickedness."f So he that saith, I know him, (or profess him,) and 
 keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and out of the truth, and so a 
 deceiver and an anti-christ, denying both the Father and the son. For 
 whosoever denieth Christ's words and doctrine, hath denied him also; 
 and he that denieth him, denieth the Father. But he that acknowledg- 
 ed the son, hath the Father also, (not only with the lips,) for the Fa- 
 ther hath committed all power and judgment to the son, that all men 
 should honour the son, even as they honour the Father, who said, "This 
 is my beloved son, hear ye him."J But they that break his commands, 
 and abide not in his doctrine, do dishonour him, and are contrary to 
 him, of anti-christ, without God, in the w r orld, &c. 
 
 7. Objection.— Now some may object, and say, that these com- 
 mands or doctrines of Christ Jesus, and his servant James, about oaths 
 and swearing, were not to disannul, make void, or prohibit all swearing 
 and oaths, as religious oaths, (as some call them,) or oaths of allegiance 
 or obedience to superiors, before a magistrate lawfully tendered, or the 
 like; but vain and frivolous oaths and swearing in their common talk, 
 or such superstitious and idolatrous swearing and oaths as the Pharisees 
 used, w 7 ho said it was nothing to swear by the temple, but whosoever 
 shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor,§ &c. Against 
 whom Christ denounced many woes, and called them fools and blind. 
 
 8. Answer. — Now, first consider to whom Christ and his servant 
 James did speak, and read their words, and weigh them in the fear of 
 God, (Matt. v. vL ch.) and thou mayest see that Christ spake to his own 
 
 * James v. 12. f 1 John iv. 5, 6.— chap. v. 19.—-chap. ii. 22, 23. ' r >UU. 
 
 x?ii. 5. § Matt, xxiii. 
 
 33 
 
258 
 
 disciples, expounding the things concerning the law, wherein was writ- 
 ten, "Thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt not kill,"* &c. And 
 "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth," &c. And "Whosoever 
 shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement"! 
 Calling the time of the law, the old time, in which these things were 
 given forth as commandments by the Lord; as also swearing in that time 
 was commanded, and lawful, and the oaths to be performed to the Lord, 
 as may be read, "If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath 
 to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word, he shall do 
 according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth,"J &c. And " Thou 
 shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name."§ 
 And "Every one that sweareth by him shall glory; but the mouth of 
 them that speak lies shall be stopped." And the angel swore, and Abra- 
 ham and Isaac swore; and in Isaiah lxv. 16 : "And he that sweareth in 
 the earth, shall swear by the God of truth, but the mouth of the liar 
 shall be stopped." And Joseph and David swore, and many more, that 
 might be mentioned. So that swearing by the God of truth in the earth, 
 was lawful in the old time of which Christ spake, as is sufficiently proved, 
 Gen. xxi. 24. and xxvi. 31. and xlii. 15. But these things were but for 
 their time and season; for the law served, (and the old time swearing 
 and ceremonies,) till the seed came,|| which is Christ, the new and living 
 way, who saith, "Swear not at all."^ So, these were no such frivolous 
 oaths, neither was it only such profane or superstitious swearing, of 
 which Christ was here speaking and forbidding his disciples, or such 
 oaths as the Pharisees used among them; but such as were to be per- 
 formed in the old time to the Lord, even in the time of the law and the 
 prophets, of whom Christ, the substance, is the end, to every one that 
 believeth, who saith, "Swear not at all." 
 
 9. And again: do ye conceit or believe, that the disciples of Jesus 
 Christ, whom he sometimes called brethren and children, were such 
 common or profane swearers, or did swear in their common talk, as you 
 false christians do, who profess him and his doctrine, and practice only 
 in words and show? Or do ye think or imagine it was only the Phari- 
 sees' blind superstitious swearing, or the like, that he forbade them? If 
 so, then why did he mention the old time, and those other things of the 
 law, and say, " Ye have heard, that it hath been said by them of old 
 time, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shall perform unto the Lord 
 thine oaths," &c. This could not be the Pharisees' oaths and swearing 
 then present, neither any such profane or superstitious oaths, because 
 they were such oaths as were to be performed to the Lord, and not at that 
 
 « Exod. xx. and xiv. 14. f Deut. xxiv. 1, he. * Numb. xxx. 2. § Deut. vi. 13. 
 || Gal. iii. 1 Matt. v. 34. 
 
259 
 
 present time of the Pharisees,* but in the old time of which they had 
 heard. Or canst thou say, that ever the Pharisees' blind swearing, or 
 foolish, confused oaths,f were ever commanded by the Lord, or to be 
 performed to him? which I judge no man can prove. 
 
 10. But however, or what oaths or swearing soever it was, of which 
 there and then he w T as speaking, and forbidding his disciples, it was suf- 
 ficient for them then, and for the disciples of Christ, the true christians 
 now, that he hath positively commanded, (which is not to be disputed 
 by them that follow him,) saying, "But 1 say unto you, swear not at all;" 
 seeing all power in heaven and earth, and all judgment and authority, 
 is given and committed to him, of whom God hath said, "This is my be- 
 loved son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." 
 
 11. And again, "God, who, at sundry times, and in divers manners, 
 spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last 
 days spoken unto us by his son, whom he hath appointed heir of all 
 things, by whom also he made the worlds," &c. Now, if Abraham, Isaac 
 and Jacob, David and Solomon, Moses, Isaiah, or Joseph did swear, these 
 were all but servants in the old time. But the son, who is the heir of 
 all things, by whom the worlds were made, who is above the servants, 
 by whom God speaks in these last days, the new and living way, to 
 whom all power is given in heaven and earth, whom all are to heari 
 saith, " Swear not at all." And though the angel swore, yet he is but a 
 servant, as he himself said to John, " See thou do it not, for I am thy 
 fellow servanfc"| But Christ, the son, is the heir of all things, and hath 
 obtained a more excellent name than the angels, by inheritance.^ And 
 again, "When he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, 
 And let all the angels of God worship him."|| 
 
 12. And said Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, " If an angel from 
 heaven should preach another gospel, (or doctrine) unto you, than that 
 which we have preached, let him be accursed." So that we are not 
 to look at any that swore in old time, or in days past, for our example 
 and rule, though it be an angel from heaven, contrary to Christ's doc- 
 trine and command, who saith, " Swear not at all." 
 
 13. For the scripture, 2 John ix. doth not say, whosoever abideth not 
 in the doctrine of angels, or of Isaiah, David or Solomon, &c. hath not 
 God, but " whosoever abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God," 
 and he that doth abide in it, "hath both the Father and the son;" for he 
 that obeyeth the son, obeyeth the Father also; for the Father hath 
 committed all things unto the son, whom he hath given for a leader and 
 commander to the people, and to be his salvation to the ends of the 
 
 * Matt. v. f Matt, xxiii. * Hebr. i. 1. $ Rev. iud. 9. || Hebr. i. 4. 
 
 f Vers. 5, 6, &c. 
 
260 
 
 earth. And there is no other name given under heaven whereby men 
 shall be saved: neither of men or angels: for he was before Abraham 
 was, and is greater than Solomon, and David's Lord, and higher than 
 the angels, who commands, not to swear at all* 
 
 14. Object. Now if any should yet object and say, did not God himself 
 swear by himself?t and the apostle Paul say, an oath for confirmation 
 among men was the end of strife, &c? Doth not this allow of swearing; 
 and make room for oaths now among men, in these days, &c? 
 
 15. Answ. That which God did in days past concerning swearing, 
 mentioned Heb. chap. vi. it was to confirm his promise made to Abraham 
 and to his seed, and they that are Christ's are Abraham's seed, and heirs 
 according to promise ; and such are Christ's that abide in his doctrine, 
 and do his commands, they only are his friends. And by way of similitude 
 did the apostle Paul there speak of it, and not by command or doctrine; 
 (he that reads, let him understand,) that men by an oath did end the 
 controversy or strife among them, and confirm the thing about which 
 they swore, who did swear by the greater, as I have before mentioned, 
 by them in the old time, Num. xxx. 2. Deut. vi. 13, &c. So that the 
 apostle said, "Because God could not find a greater, he did swear by 
 himself to Abraham, saying, Surely in blessing I will bless thee, and in 
 .multiplying I will multiply thee," &c. This was a promise made to 
 Abraham with an oath, putting him out of all doubt that he would fulfil 
 it; and so he staggered not at it, but patiently waited till it came to pass. J 
 
 16. So that this is only a parable, showing that if among men an oath 
 did confirm a thing, and end the strife, and that men did perform their 
 oaths, who did swear by the greater, which was once commanded by 
 him, how much more would the Lord be faithful to perform his oath, 
 which he sware by himself, who is the greatest, to Abraham and to his 
 seed, seeing " he cannot lie, nor is he a man that he should repent,'' 
 but is the righteous judge of all the earth, that doth right.§ 
 
 17. So that this is neither precept, example, or command for the chris- 
 tians, the disciples of Christ, now in these last days, for swearing and 
 oaths, but a repetition of what was done in times past, the old time,|| to 
 the fathers, as he speaks, which was in divers manners and at sundry 
 times; but now he hath spoken unto us in his son and heir, who is before 
 Abraham and the end of the old time, the law and the prophets, who saith 
 "Swear not at all." 
 
 18. Object. But did not God swear by himself, and will not repent? 
 But this seems as if God did repent, seeing now bf his son, to whom he 
 hath! given all power in heaven and earth, he commands not to swear 
 
 * Matt. v. f Hebr. ix. 13. * Hebr. vi. 15. § Gen. xviii. 25. 
 
 (| Hebr. L I, D Cbap. v'i'i. 21. 
 
261 
 
 at all in these last day9? is not this repenting of what was done formerly 
 in the old time? &c. 
 
 10. Answ. No; it cannot he said truly here, he did repent, seeing he 
 hath willingly and faithfully performed and fulfilled that which he had 
 then sworn and promised ; as in the record of Luke i. 72, 73, where it is 
 mentioned, not for a precept of swearing, hut in thanksgiving and 
 praises to the Lord, that he had performed the oath which he had 
 sworn to Abraham, by giving them light who sat in darkness and in 
 the shadow of death, and the knowledge of salvation by the remission 
 of their sins, &c. 
 
 20. But where he spake of swearing, and will not repent, it was con- 
 cerning the disannulling of all those priests which were made by a carnal 
 commandment, and of establishing Christ Jesus, his son, with an oath, 
 to be a priest for evermore, after the order of Melchisedeck, an un- 
 changeable, unalterable order, and not after the order of Aaron, which 
 priesthood was changed, and so there was of necessity a change also of 
 the law, by which swearing and oaths were commanded and tolerated. 
 "For such an high priest, (saith the scripture,) became us, who is holy, 
 harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the 
 heavens," &c. " For the law maketh men high priests which have in- 
 firmity, but the word of the oath which was since the law, maketh the 
 son who is consecrated for evermore." Mark, the word of the oath which 
 was since the law, which God sware and will not repent, maketh the 
 son a high priest for evermore,* at whose mouth the law must now be 
 sought, as it was of the priests in the old time, whose lips were to pre- 
 serve the people's knowledge. But now in the son Christ, dwelleth all 
 the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, by whom God speaks in these 
 last days, saying, " This is my beloved son, hear ye him," &c. 
 
 21. So that you who contend and plead for swearing, and oaths, and 
 persecute about it, aref yet in the old time, and under the law, and the 
 old, disannulled, changeable priesthood, and fall into condemnation ; and 
 not undergrace,no disciples of Christ Jesus, the everlasting unchangeable 
 high priest, who saith, swear not at all; and so no christians. 
 
 22. And so now, ye have no covering but what is too narrow for your 
 swearing and oaths, no shadow of death, nor dark place to hide your- 
 selves under, from the light of the sun, which is now risen, and coming up 
 to the noon day, " whom God hath highly exalted and given him a name 
 above every name, that at his name every knee should bow, of things 
 in heaven, and things in the earth, and things under the earth," &c.J 
 
 23. And so if every knee should bow to him, then must Abraham, 
 David, and Solomon, Joseph, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the angels bow 
 
 * Mai. ii. 7. 
 
 f James v. 12. 
 
 t Phil. ii. 9, 10. 
 
262 
 
 their knees, (understand what name, and what knees,) of things in heaven 
 and earth, &c. and all who did swear in the old time, to him who now 
 saith, " swear not at all," which is since the law * 
 
 24. And if ye shall yet again say, or do believe, that it was only pro- 
 fane swearing and oaths that Christ there forbade his disciples, even such 
 as drunkards and quarrelers use in their common talk, or such as the 
 Pharisees used, as aforesaid, and not lawful or religious oaths. 
 
 25. To this I answer: if such profane oaths and swearing, and such 
 superstitious and idolatrous swearing, as the Pharisees and hypocrites 
 then used, Matt, xxiii. were ever commanded of God, and to be per- 
 formed to him in the old time, then it were such oaths and swearing : 
 but I do not read nor believe, nor any other true christian, that 
 God did ever in any age, or to any people whatsoever, command or 
 allow of such a kind of swearing and oaths, as the ungodly, drunkards 
 and profane people use in their common talk, or such as the hypocrites 
 did then or do now use, who persecute them that witness the oath and 
 everlasting covenant of God fulfilled, which now saith to his disciples, 
 " swear not at all." 
 
 26. But if it could be so proved and made manifest, yet the word or 
 commandment, " I say unto you, swear not at all," doth include, to the 
 understanding of the upright and reasonable, all swearing whatsoever to 
 be forbidden by Christ Jesus, whom all are to hear, and to whom every 
 knee must bow. 
 
 27. Object. But here may yet another question arise, in the unsa- 
 lable reasoning part, among people in the world, viz. If all swearing 
 and oaths are now forbidden, and that we must not swear at all, by 
 the command of Christ Jesus, what then will become of all the world? 
 One man might kill another, and steal from another, and abuse, rob, 
 and spoil their neighbours, without restraint, or punishment, seeing 
 men's words will not be taken, as sufficient to prove any crime against 
 any according to law, without an oath, which among men doth end the 
 strife, and is a confirmation, &c? 
 
 28. To which I answer: I grant the whole world lieth in wickedness, 
 as the apostle John said; and they themselves confess the same, that 
 they break the commands of God every day in thought, word, and 
 deed, which is also very apparent to all whose eyes are open, and many 
 times complain, " there is no health (or truth) in them," and that 
 they are "miserable sinners." This is generally confessed throughout 
 Europe, and it may be throughout the whole world among the swear- 
 ers, who are still in strife and debate, and smiting with the fist of 
 
 * Matt. v. 
 
263 
 
 wickedness ; notwithstanding all their oaths and swearing, it ends not 
 the strife among them. 
 
 29. But now mark, these are all of the world, and their teachers, 
 who plead for swearing and oaths, are of the world, and the world 
 heareth them.* These are miserable sinners, without truth and health, 
 no soundness from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, from 
 the high and mighty to the beggar on the dunghill : but all gone out 
 of the way, erred and strayed from the right way, as they themselves 
 confess. 
 
 30. Now, when these do steal one from another, or kill, murder, or 
 rob one another, we do not bid them refrain from swearing one against 
 another, in that case, because they are no christians.! " And what 
 have we to do with them that are without V* as Paul said, " for such 
 God judgeth."J But we direct and inform people's minds, and exhort 
 them that are thus in strife and swearing, killing and stealing, for which 
 the land mourneth,§ to come to the light of Christ Jesus in their con- 
 sciences, and learn of him, who showeth them that these things are 
 evil, and reproves the whole world for their sins, that so they might be 
 taught, as his disciples are, to deny all such ungodliness and these 
 worldly lusts, from whence the strife and swearing, wars and fightings 
 come, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present evil 
 world, and to do unto all men as they would have others do to them; 
 and yet this is but the law and the prophets. 
 
 31. Therefore ye should consider, that this strife, swearing, and oaths 
 are not among christians, who obey Christ's commands, and abide in 
 his doctrine, but in the world, which lieth in wickedness. And as saith 
 the prophet, " The wicked will do wickedly while many are tried, pu- 
 rified, and made white, and none of the wicked shall understand;" and 
 such as " abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, but transgresseth, hath 
 not God."|| 
 
 32. So that all these things are among them that are out of the doc- 
 trine of Christ, who saith, '"'swear not at all," and so are without God 
 in the world, having their minds blinded/and their hearts alienated and 
 estranged from the covenant of promise, which Godsware to Abraham, 
 and strangers to the commonwealth of Israel ; so are none of his disci- 
 ples, whom he hath taught to be merciful, and to do to all men as they 
 would be done unto. And when this is done among people, where 
 would be the killing or stealing, imprisoning, or persecuting, if ye were 
 but come to this ? For thou wouldst not have another kill thee, nor 
 steal from thee, nor perseute thee for thy religion and conscience ; then 
 take heed that thou do likewise, else thou art no christian, let thy pro- 
 
 1 John 18. f 1 Cor. v. 12, 13. * Hoi. iv. 2, 3. § Dan. xii. II 2 John ix. 
 
264 
 
 fession be what it will, or thy religion and worship, and outside gar- 
 ments, of what colour or form soever. So that we do justly conclude, 
 and God's witness in all your consciences shall one day witness the same, 
 that we who are out of the swearing and strife, abiding in Christ's doc- 
 trine and commands, are of God, "and have both the Father and the 
 son,"* as it is written ; how blindly soever you now judge of us ; and that 
 you who are in the strife and swearing, out of the doctrine of Christ, 
 have not God, but are without God, in the world that lieth in wicked- 
 ness, and have not his fear before your eyes, which is to depart from 
 evil. Prov. viii. 13. and xix. 9. 
 
 Therefore consider these things, all ye rulers, teachers, and people, 
 who contend for swearing and oaths, and casts the servants of God into 
 your noisome holes and prison-houses, making long furrows upon their 
 backs with your instruments of cruelty, for abiding in the doctrine of 
 Christ Jesus, and because they cannot break his commands by swear- 
 ing; and yet you yourselves profess his name in words, and say you are 
 christians, and that he is your Lord and saviour, and the like. Away 
 with this hypocrisy, God's soul loathes it, and ye are a burthen to him, 
 which he is even weary to bear, and he will shortly ease himself of all 
 you hypocrites, who cry Lord, Lord, and do not the things which he 
 commands. This was the Pharisees' state, the persecutors, to whom the 
 woes from the son of God were denounced, as they are against you at 
 this day. 
 
 Therefore, if ye will now own swearing and oaths to be lawful, use- 
 ful, and tolerable, and plead for them, and persecute about them, and 
 such things, when Christ Jesus hath expressly and positively forbidden , 
 all swearing to whom God hath committed all power and judgment in 
 heaven and earth, to whom every knee must bow, who is made a high 
 priest with an oath, which God sware and will not repent, since the 
 law and the old time, who is the end of the law and the prophets, by 
 whom God speaks in these last days, &c. 
 
 Then confess openly before all people, that ye are Jews, living in the 
 old time, under the law, and not in the new and living way, Christ, the 
 end of the law ; or that ye are infidels or heathens ; and no longer profess 
 yourselves christians for shame, or take the name of Christ into your 
 mouths for a cloak of maliciousness, but as flatly deny him to become 
 in the flesh with your mouths and tongues, as ye do with your works.f 
 And that such, or any other of his commands, are of no effect or force 
 to you, and so deny him to be Lord who is the head over all to his 
 church, to whom every tongue shall confess, to the glory of God the 
 Father. 
 
 2 John ix. 
 
 f Tit. i. 16. 
 
265 
 
 For if ye do still profess him, or his name in words, and that ye are 
 his servants, and call yourselves christians, or the like, and yet not obey 
 his commands, nor do the things which he hath said, nor abide in his 
 doctrine, but persecute them that do; we must and shall judge you in 
 righteous judgment, to be abominable hypocrites, and rebellious, and 
 disobedient both to the Father and the son. For God hath said, "This is 
 my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased ; hear ye him." And the 
 son said, " Swear not at all;" and John said, " Whosoever transgresseth, 
 and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God." And this is 
 Christ's doctrine before mentioned, which he taught, "in which whoso 
 abideth, hath both the Father and the son." 
 
 Therefore, take heed to yourselves, what ye do, or what ye intend 
 to do against such; for the Lord God of heaven is pleading their cause, 
 and will plead with you all, who break his commands, and teach men 
 so, or compel men so to do. For ye are all out of the doctrine of Christ, 
 in the transgression, though ye can talk of him, and profess him with 
 your mouths and lips, and have not God, but are without God in the 
 world, which lies in wickedness, where ye are contending and pleading 
 for swearing and oaths in the old time, which ends not your strife, 
 which the one oath, the new and living way, ends, who saith, "swear 
 not at all."* 
 
 So ye, being without God in the world, breaking his commands, ye 
 are not under Christ's government ; and so being out of his government, 
 ye are without his protection. For he prays not for the world, but for 
 them whom he hath chosen out of it ; for the whole world lies in wick- 
 edness. So, ye being in the wickedness, in the transgression, out of 
 Christ's protection, who hath all power in heaven and earth, ye are in 
 darkness, and under the shadow of death, and in the gall of bitterness, 
 and in the bond of iniquity, captivated in the snares and chains of the 
 old fowler, at his pleasure whom ye obey, and so ye are in such a pre- 
 munire, (body, soul, and spirit,) that ye will never more get out, except 
 ye repent with speed, and turn your minds to the light of Christ Jesus 
 in your consciences, and obey his commands, and abide in his doctrine, 
 who saith, " swear not at all." 
 
 And this is the word of the Lord God of heaven unto all you rulers, 
 priests, and people whatsoever, who swear, and plead for swearing and 
 oaths, and persecute the harmless about it, ye are none of Christ's sheep, 
 servants, friends, or children ; but of the lineage of Cain and the old 
 hypocrites, in their way, to whom the wo belongs, who denied Christ, 
 and chose a murderer, and so ye are no christians. 
 
 But Christ Jesus is come, and is setting up his government, kingdom, 
 
 • Matt. v. 
 
 34 
 
266 
 
 and dominion over all your kingdoms, and establishing his throne upon 
 
 the top of all your thrones, whose sceptre is a sceptre of righteousness, 
 which must rule over all unrighteous sceptres. And to his name, which 
 is above every name, shall all your knees bow. 
 
 " If ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, tlioushalt love 
 thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well," &c. 
 
 "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet ofTend in one pointy 
 he is guilty of all." James ii. 8, &c. 
 
 YV.B. 
 
 *ft few words more to the rulers, priests, teachers, and people, of what 
 sort soever, in this nation of England, from the highest to the 
 lowest, who have any hand in persecuting the innocent, §c. 
 
 Hear and understand, all ye rulers, priests, and teachers of England, 
 with all your officers and servants, or whomsoever else, superior or in- 
 ferior, from the judge to the jailer, or from the highest to the lowest, 
 who have any hand, or are in any measure partakers against the inno- 
 cent people and servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, who cannot break 
 his commands by swearing. 
 
 This we would give you to understand, that as for us, who fear and 
 obey the Lord, your prisons and cruel, unjust dealings, and your long 
 furrows ye plough upon our backs therein, is very little to us, except to 
 the more raising and strengthening of that life in us which will never 
 bow to your wills, or any will of man, by transgressing the commands 
 of Christ Jesus. For our eyes are not at what ye can, or will, or have 
 power permitted you to do, or at the length of time in which we suffer 
 bonds under your ambitious wills, or at any other temporal thing what- 
 soever; but to the Lord our God alone, who is pleading and will plead 
 our innocent cause for us in all your consciences Yea, if ye should shut 
 us up in dungeons never so close from you, out of your sight or hearing, 
 yet God's witness, (as a drawn sword in your bowels,) which seeth in 
 secret, shall pierce through your heart and life, and smite you in your 
 very vital parts for all your wickedness against him, his way of truth, 
 and harmless people; and set in order before you all your ungodly deeds 
 and blasphemous, hard speeches, which ye have committed and spoken: 
 for the eye of the pure God beholds, and his ear of jealousy hears you 
 in your most secret chambers, from whose presence ye cannot always 
 flee, nor hide your counsels, though you should dig as deep as hell, or 
 flee to the uttermost parts of the earth. And though you should keep 
 
201 
 
 us till death in your prisons, we cannot break the commands of our Lord 
 and saviour, which hath saved us, and will yet save and deliver us. 
 
 But as for you, who profess yourselves christians, consider these things, 
 whether he, whom you profess in words, will not call you to an account 
 for breaking his commands, and for casting his servants and children 
 into prisons, and keeping them there for no other cause but for keeping 
 the commands, and abiding in the doctrine of Christ, whom yourselves 
 profess in words and show, as the Pharisees did Moses and the prophets, 
 but opposed their life, and crucified Christ Jesus, the end and sub- 
 stance of Moses and the prophets' words. Ye hypocrites! what covering 
 or excuse can ye have, to hide or shelter yourselves under, in the day 
 of the Lord, which hastens upon you? 
 
 It is not your acts and decrees made in the will of man, that shall 
 stand you in stead, or save you, when the sentence is given against you, 
 "Co, ye workers of iniquity, into everlasting torment." Nay, they shall 
 not be able to save themselves from the just judgment of our God, but 
 shall receive a just recompense for all their doings. 
 
 And as for us, we choose rather to die, than transgress against the 
 Lord Jesus Christ, or wrong our conscience in any measure, by bowing 
 to the corrupt wills of proud and ambitious men, who are alienated from 
 God, and would alienate us from him also, did we obey your requiring! 
 or impositions in these unjust and unrighteous things. But we desire to 
 live always in obedience and humility before him; though our outward 
 man perish through your unjust and cruel dealings, our souls you cannot 
 touch to defile them, neither can you break our peace with our God, by 
 all ye can do. For we know the utmost of your power and ability. The 
 last enemy is death: and through the tender mercies of our God, we do 
 enjoy that life and peace in which we daily triumph over death and 
 hell, and the gates of it; praises and thanks to his holy name for ever 
 and ever. Being founded on the immoveable rock of our salvation, Christ 
 Jesus, in whose will, life, and strength, we are resolved in patience, for 
 his truth and name's sake, to undergo the greatest punishments, afflic- 
 tions or death, that you, from the highest to the lowest, can or shall be 
 able or suffered to inflict upon us. So we have fully weighed and con- 
 sidered the cost to the utmost mite. 
 
 But as for you, this I tell you all, from the highest to the lowest, who 
 have the least hand in our sufferings, either in particular or in 
 general, who in scorn are called Quakers, you are splitting and dashing, 
 breaking and scattering, confounding and destroying your own selves in 
 these things; and if no other hand be lifted up against you, by this shall 
 ye fall. And this is God's word of truth unto you, which shall stand, and 
 be fulfilled. So, his blessed will be done, and in it we are well satisfied, 
 knowing and believing, that the Lord whom \ e serve and obey, knoweth 
 
268 
 
 how to deliver them that trust only in him, and to reserve the ungodly 
 to the day of judgment, to be punished. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 From my prison at Hartford, the 10th month, 1663, 
 where J remain a close prisoner because I cannot 
 swear, and break the command of Christ Jesus. 
 
 " Thus saith the Lord, I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone to 
 all people, and they that burden themselves with her shall be dashed 
 in pieces." 
 
Pure encouragements from the spirit of the Lord, as a joyful salu- 
 tation, with full assurance of victory, unto the nolle army of the 
 Lamb, against ivhom the gates of hell and death shall never pre- 
 vail. Through a vessel prepared to do his will, whithersoever it 
 leadeth it, William Bayly. 
 
 My dear friends, brethren, and sisters, who are the called and chosen 
 of God, out of the world, out of the nature, spirit, vanities, and ways of 
 it, to follow the lamb in the regeneration, through the daily cross, the 
 strait gate and narrow way, which leads to life : ye whose hearts breathe 
 and pant for the full enjoyment of the glorious liberty which was with 
 the Father before the world began, and are travelling with your faces 
 towards the holy hill of Sion, and can't be satisfied with all the treasures 
 and glory of this present evil world, nor in any thing or creature, but 
 only in the pure, eternal, refreshing presence of your God, in which are 
 rivers of pleasure, and jHy forevermore. You who have cried to the 
 Lord in the land of Egypt, " to go forth to sacrifice unto him in the 
 wilderness," sensibly feeling, that while the precious seed of his cove- 
 nant lay in death and the grave, it could not praise him; who have per- 
 fectly known, that except the dead rise, all hearing, faith, and preaching 
 to you were in vain ; who were still in your sins, and weighed down with 
 corruptions, and overcome with divers temptations in that state. But 
 now hath the Lord your God heard your cries and your groanings, and 
 revealed his arm of salvation, and brought you forth to the light, and 
 hath said to the prisoner of hope, show thyself, and hath raised the 
 beggar from the dunghill, and answered the tender cries of his innocent 
 babe, which could not live nor be satisfied without the sincere milk of 
 the eternal word of life. And ye have grown up from strength to strength, 
 and have great experience of the loving-kindness of your God, (and of his 
 many deliverances in the times of need, and of his wonders upon the 
 land of Egypt,) which you have known to be as a cloud by day, and as 
 a pillar of fire by night, and hath led you in a way you knew not, and 
 in paths which you had not gone, and hath made himself known amongst 
 you by his name Jehovah, in which is everlasting strength. 
 
 And now, O ye children of the true Israel of the God of Jacob! is it 
 your lot again to be driven by Pharaoh and his huge host, to the borders 
 of the red sea ? Are the mountains on each side, and the Egyptians 
 behind you, pursuing with horsemen and chariots, to destroy you from 
 being a people, and to root out the remembrance of your name, and 
 
270 
 
 the name of your God, from under heaven? Why, this I proclaim unto 
 you all, in the name of my God and your God, " Stand still, stand still, 
 and you shall see his mighty salvation ; for, with a mighty hand and 
 out-stretched arm will he deliver his chosen." Wherefore, take no 
 thought for your life, but freely give up all into his hand, and cast all 
 your care upon him; for not one hair of your head shall perish, beyond 
 the permission of your heavenly Father; for ye are of more value unto 
 him than many birds of the air, which cannot light on the earth with- 
 out his providence. And be not afraid of any amazement, O ye dear, 
 travailing children! the Lord of hosts is your helper, who is in the midst 
 of you, and his servant David a prince among you. Therefore, fear not 
 the armies of the aliens, Gog nor Magog, with Gomer and his bands. The 
 eternal God shall break and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 
 He shall make them hear a noise in the midst of their camp, and their 
 hearts shall tremble, the wind of a shaken leaf shall chase them. For 
 the Lord is on our side, and he will plead the cause of his seed with all 
 flesh. Only obey you his voice, and he will soon subdue your enemies, 
 and your peace shall be as a river, and your rest shall be glorious. Oh ! 
 sink down, sink down, out of all thoughts, contrivings, or premeditations; 
 and feel it, feel it, ye crying, travailing childnti, who have no helper in 
 the earth, but the Lord your God alone, in whom is your everlasting 
 strength. O ye babes of uprightness, ye sons and daughters of Sion, 
 comparable to fine gold, my soul is poured forth like water before my 
 God for you, that ye might be preserved, and give up all to him as 
 freely as he doth require it, in this day of trial and hour of temptation ; 
 that not an ox or sheep may be left behind, to hinder you from enjoving 
 the kingdom, with any pretence whatsoever, remembering that obedi- 
 ence is more than sacrifice ; for the Lord loveth a cheerful giver, whose 
 love ye will feel to be stronger than death, which the many waters can- 
 not quench, neither can the floods drown it. Have not many of you 
 this experience, as ye have faithfully followed the lamb through your 
 greatest tribulations 1 And have ye not felt a washing your robes white 
 in his precious blood, the life ? And have ye not learned a new song, 
 which he hath put in your mouths, after manifold deliverances and 
 victories, which he hath wrought for you, even in the sight of the hea- 
 then? 
 
 Wherefore I say unto you, Lift up, lift up your heads, ye valiants of 
 i Israel! The Lord of hosts is with you, whose arm is not shortened. 
 The lamb is upon Mount Sion, with his hundred, forty and four thou- 
 sands, gathering his numberless number from the four winds. Cast off 
 all mortal thoughts, and the cares of this world. Let not the earth 
 weigh you down. Stand, stand upon the watch tower; put on the 
 whole armour of God; give no place to the devil; quench all the fiery 
 
271 
 
 darts of the wicked within ; then will ye not fear what man, or the sons 
 of men, can do unto you. The God of Jacob is your refuge, who will 
 break the bow of the ungodly, and snap their spears asunder, and burn 
 their chariots in the fire, and make desolations in the earth.' He is ful- 
 filling his promises of old, made to his chosen, who will give nations for 
 them, and people for their life. I say, ye worthies of the Lord, stand 
 faithful, and be valiant for the truth upon the earth. For it is against 
 it they are fighting within and without, that it might fall in the streets, 
 and be extinguished from the earth, and that equity and righteousness 
 may not enter the nations, who have said in their hearts, "Come, let us 
 kill the heir, and the inheritance will be ours/' But in vain do the 
 heathen rage, and the people imagine such foolish things. For their 
 hope shall perish, and their purposes be made void ; they shall never 
 bring to pass the thoughts of their hearts, the Lord hath spoken it ; for 
 the seed of evil-doers shall never be renowned. Wherefore, if ye 
 hear of wars, or rumours, or commotions, or pestilences, or famines, or 
 the rushing of the ungodly, like the noise of the raging sea whiph can- 
 not rest, let not your heart be troubled. The Lord of heaven and earth, 
 who is above all, will. rebuke the devourer for your sakes; for your re- 
 demption draweth nigh, when ye see these things come to pass. 
 
 And this is the word of the eternal God unto all people upon the 
 earth: the redemption of his seed draweth nigh, and hasteneth to be 
 delivered, as a woman in travail. 
 
 Therefore, ye babes of God, ye soldiers of the lamb, put on zeal as 
 a garment, and righteousness as a breast-plate, and be clothed with hu- 
 mility, and dwell in the dread and majesty of the Almighty, and let 
 your hearts be fixed, without wavering ; look not back, remember Lot's 
 wife ; for these are the days of vengeance, of tribulations, and distress 
 of nations, with great perplexity, men's hearts failing them for fear, 
 looking at the things that are coming upon the earth. Now shall they 
 see the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and 
 great glory. Now shall the earthly tribes mourn and wail because of 
 him whom they have pierced. But rejoice, yea, sing and rejoice, ye 
 children of the bride-chamber, who are redeemed from the earth, and 
 yet watch and pray continually ; for the Lord will make your terror 
 (which is already begun) to fall upon all flesh, as ye faithful to him 
 abide; and the fear of you, and the dread of you, O ye retired, meek, 
 circumspect babes, shall be upon every beast of the field; and men in 
 honour, not understanding the decree and counsel of our God, are like 
 the beasts that perish. And perishing and withering shall be upon every 
 hand that is stretched forth against his way and work in the earth. 
 Thou-h they arise as the locusts, to compass the breadth thereof, the 
 
-zrz 
 
 Lord of heaven shall blast them, and they shall become as dung upon 
 the open field. b v 
 
 Wherefore be ye not at all discouraged, neither be afraid of their 
 faces, but gird on strength, and go on in the name of the Lord. Is the 
 I hilistines' champion come forth to defy the armies of the living God? 
 Doth he present himself forty days, vaunting against his true Israel? 
 Doth he threaten to give your flesh to the fowls of the air, and to the 
 beasts of the field-to sell you for bond-men and bond-women? Do the 
 hearts of any among your tribes begin to faint at the hearing of his 
 voice ? Doth the height of his stature make you afraid? Why let no 
 man's heart fail because of him; for behold, I see little David your 
 prince with the sling in his hand, and the smooth stone in the shep- 
 herd s bag , in the midst of you, running to meet him in the name and 
 power of the Lord God of the armies of Israel, whom he hath defied ■ 
 who will smite the uncircumcised in heart and ears, by the dread of his 
 presence, which shall arise in the hearts of his chosen, in the day of 
 battle;.for he hath already delivered from the mouth of the lion, and 
 from the paw of the bear; and he will also deliver ns from this uncir- 
 cumcised Philistine, who shall be made like one. of them. Therefore 
 foar not, ye sons of Jacob, but be very courageous ; be not at all dismayed 
 at his lngh looks, nor daunted at his challenge ; but let us go on in the 
 name of the Lord our God ; let us keep open Daniel's element toward, 
 Jerusalem, as at other times; let us not regard any thing or decree 
 contrary to the worship of our God. 
 
 Come, ye babes lift up your heads in the pure strength of the Most 
 High; for [ feci Moses, Joshua, Daniel, and David amongst you, and 
 the spirits of all just men, from Abel to this day, are stirring up to help 
 you; (blessed is the eye that perfectly seeth these tilings ;) yea, the Lord 
 of Iiosts himself shall fight for you, and give you the victory; for the 
 battle is the Lord's. It is against him and his truth, which must be spread 
 over all the earth as the waters cover the sea, that the potsherds have 
 set themselves; who can dash and consume them in a moment, and will 
 when then- work is done and their time expired. Wherefo*re I say again 
 m the name and dreadful authority of my God, Fear them not, the day 
 is yours. I see them all scattered as dust before the wind, that rise up 
 against you who have no helper in the earth but from the Lord alone 
 *e called, chosen, and faithful ones, ye dear lambs of my Father, gird 
 on strength and valour. My soul rejoiceth in God, and my spirit doth 
 magnify him who is the saviour of Israel, and my heart doth leap for 
 joy, to see and feel your faithfulness unto death, and what this day will 
 » ing forth to his eternal glory, and renown of his name, and the ever- 
 lading comfort of you his people. The Lord will determine the con- 
 nover^y, and make a shojrt work in the earth. Wow shall yc be as a 
 
273 
 
 city set on a hill, that shall shine throughout the world. Now shall the 
 arm of the Lord your God be revealed to the ends of the earth, in be- 
 half of his precious seed, which hath long suffered in hard bondage, 
 and sore captivity. 
 
 And now, many are the eyes that arc fixed upon you, to see what 
 will become of you in this day of trial, who will have cause to glorify 
 and bless the name of your God, through your faithfulness, courage, 
 and boldness in the truth, whereby many shall be drawn towards you, 
 who will take hold of your skirts, and acknowledge, that the Lord of 
 heaven is with you. And a multitude shall be converted to him, and 
 the desert shall be glad for him, and the wilderness shall rejoice because 
 of him, who is come to reign in Mount Sion, before his ancients, glori- 
 ously. Wherefore, ye dear children, let this be your care and diligence, 
 to walk circumspectly towards them that are yet without, by keeping 
 clear, walking with God in the pure, still, retired life, in the inward 
 parts, in which ye may sec and judge every motion, and feel power to 
 subdue and reign over all that is contrary. 
 
 So, dear babes of God, dwell very still, cool, and calm in your minds, 
 that ye may be preserved out of the forward, hasty spirit, which hath 
 always betrayed the innocent, and be kept back to the everlasting 
 foundation, and rock of the generation of the righteous, whose dwelling- 
 place and refuge is the name of the Lord in all ages, who hid them in 
 the hollow of his hand, and under the shadow of his wings, in the day 
 of storms and raging tempests of the wicked. So, cast all your care 
 upon him; for he careth for you, and his eye beholds you, which seeth 
 in secret, who is bringing his seed through the fire and through the 
 water, that all his people might be as fine gold seven times tried. And 
 as for the wicked, your enemies and oppressors, look not at all at them, 
 or their power. Their strength is a reed of Egypt, their time and 
 power are limited. But still look to the Lord, in whom is your help; in 
 whose name, and pure dominion, and everlasting authority, I give forth 
 this testimony unto you his geople and children, that the day is at hand 
 which shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, and all that do wick- 
 edly, shall be as stubble, and the day that Cometh shall burn them up, 
 and shall leave them neither root nor branch. Yea, the very root of 
 the wicked, as well as the branch, will the Lord our God consuHae .and 
 destroy by i Ik- brightness of his arising. Oh! happy day, blessed for ever! 
 Sing and rejoice, ye holy prophets and saints of I he Most High; for the 
 day of our redemption approacheth, when our burdens, oppressions, 
 labour, and travails shall cease. Leap for joy, ye babes in the womb 
 of the morning of this blessed day, at the sound of this salvation ; for it is 
 from your Father, the everlasting God, that liveih fo) ever, who hath 
 
274 
 
 said it, and will accomplish it ; yea, the zeal of the Lord of hosts will 
 perform this. 
 
 O ye dear children, I say again, lift up your heads, watch and ho 
 sober; behold, the bridegroom cometh; be ready, ye wise virgins, with 
 your lamps always trimmed, and your vessels full of oil, that ye may 
 behold his glorious arisings, and see his wonders in the deep. For verily 
 the day of our God is come as a thief in the night upon all the world 
 of ungodly, who will not believe if one should rise from the dead and 
 declare it unto them; whose eyes the God of the world hath blinded, 
 that they cannot perceive the signs of the times, of which many are 
 past already, and the last sign is approaching, viz: "And the gospel of 
 the kingdom shall be preached for a witness unto all nations, and then 
 shall the end come." And this am I to proclaim unto you, his people ; 
 and to the world let it be a warning. And this is the Lord bringing to 
 pass in a way unknown to the ungodly, and unexpected to the wicked, 
 who are and will be doing wickedly, till it overtakes them as a flood. 
 And none of the wicked shall understand ; but the wise shall under- 
 stand, and the righteous shall be glad, and rejoice in the God of their 
 salvation. 
 
 So, these things arose in my heart by the spirit of the Lord, to give 
 forth unto you his chosen, that it might be as an instrument of encour- 
 agement to your precious faith and patience, against all opposition with- 
 in and without, in this day of trial and hour of temptation. For my 
 soul is greatly refreshed, as with new wine, in the sense of what our 
 God is hastening to bring forth, and of the portion of my cup I have 
 freely let forth unto you his children, dearly saluting you with tender 
 bowels, and pure breathings and desires unto my God for you all, that 
 we might all be kept staid, chaste, single, innocent, and valiant, in the 
 strength of the enjoyment of his love, to serve and honour him in this 
 our day and generation, even while we have a being. To whom my 
 soul ascribeth all glory and thanks, in the living sense of his unspeakable 
 mercies. Amen. The God of love and peace be with your spirit. 
 Amen. 
 
 From my prison at Hartford, the 20th of the 4th month, 1664. 
 
 T am your brother and companion in the tribulations, kingdom, and 
 patience of the lamb. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
The great and dreadful day of the Lord God Almighty, which is 
 hastening as a flood upon the whole world of the ungodly, once 
 more proclaimed; that all people may again be warned to repent 
 with speed, and so be left without excuse. 
 
 O the great, terrible, and dreadful day of the Lord God Almighty, 
 that is at hand ! a day of anguish, distress, and great perplexity, a day 
 of sore trouble and vexation unto the wicked, a day of darkness and 
 gloeminess, a day of terrors and alarm of war, destruction upon destruc- 
 tion, even such a day as was never before it, nor shall ever be like it 
 for. evermore. A day of fears and amazements, howlings and dreadful 
 astonishments. Wo is me, wo is me for you the inhabitants of the earth. 
 Alas, alas! the day is great, and very terrible, which is approaching! 
 Who shall be able to abide it? O my soul, be thou quiet, and exceed- 
 ing still and low in the dread and power of the Almighty, and very 
 watchful in the inward retired place of the Most High forever, that 
 thou mayst be preserved: for the day is exceeding great, and very 
 terrible, that hastens as a woman in travail. A day of shaking of all 
 things that are since the foundation of the world, and of quaking and 
 trembling through the whole earth ; a day of vengeance and indigna- 
 tion, of fierce wrath and dreadful judgments upon the ungodly. Wo, 
 wo, wo to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea, the devil is come 
 down among you in great rage and fury, knowing he hath but a short 
 time. Repent, repent, repent, and fear, dread, and tremble before the 
 Lord God Almighty, and turn ye every one from his evil ways, for l he 
 will dash the ungodly in pieces like a potter's vessel against the rocks. 
 Howl, howl, howl, all you that live in pleasures, vanities, and fading de- 
 lights of this world ! the day of your fears, distress, and anguish shall 
 overtake you. All you profane Esaus, who have sold your birth-right 
 for a mess of pottage, your day of crying with tears, to seek a place to 
 repent with carefulness, is at hand ; but }^ou who have lost the blessing 
 will be rejected. And all you wild Ishmaelites, mockers, and scoffers, 
 ye will be cast out into utter darkness, where are wailing and gnashing 
 of teeth for evermore. And all you oppressors and persecutors about 
 religion, Cain's generation, your punishments will be greater than you 
 can bear. Ye are the vagabonds from God, and fugitives in the earth. 
 And all you Nimrods, mighty hunters before the Lord, your kingdom is 
 of Babel, the great whore; ye must partake of her plagues. Howl, 
 howl, and lament bitterly all ye idle shepherds, greedy, devouring 
 
276 
 
 wolves, and all you dumb dogs, who have made a prey upon the sheep, 
 tearing their fleece and flesh from off their bones; your day is at hand, 
 of such judgments, plagues, and vengeance, as have not been known in 
 ages. For the terrible and dreadful God is come to reign in Mount 
 Sion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously; and he will 
 tread and trample you in his fury, as one that treadeth upon mortar. 
 Your vine is the vine of Sodom, your grapes are grapes of abominations. 
 You must be cast into the wine-press of the wrath of the Almighty God, 
 there to be tormented day and night forever and ever, except ye speedily 
 repent. The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 Howl and be astonished, and tremble all ye councils and confederacies 
 of ungodly men, who lie upon your beds of mischief, and sit in the nest 
 of wickedness. You hatch cockatrice eggs; and he that eatethof your 
 eggs dieth ; and that which is crushed, breaks forth into a viper. Wo 
 to the crown of pride, and to the drunkards of Ephraim, who feed upon 
 the head of the fat valley ! And wo to you who decree unrighteous 
 decrees, and write grievous things, which you have prescribed ; for you 
 have cast the fear, law, and counsel, wisdom, mercy, and true judgment 
 of the righteous God behind your backs. Therefore, fear, bow, and 
 tremble, all ye who are as fed horses, and fatted beasts for the slaughter 
 of his fierce indignation : for his terrible stroke will come upon you, 
 and consume you off the earth, and ye shall not escape it. 
 
 And all you proud, scornful, deceitful, wanton ones, and abominable 
 men and women, who are exalted above God's witness in you, making 
 merry over it, weep and howl, for your miseries are coming upon you; 
 your riches shall not save you, your deceit and policy, with all your out- 
 side profession, shall not hide or cover you from the fierce wrath of the 
 Almighty. 
 
 Awake, awake, O all ye hypocrites, double minded, and time servers, 
 who have the changeable suits of apparel, and wear the round tires like 
 the moon, and use the crisping pins; if you have ears, hear. You 
 have changeable suits, and round tires like the moon; this is your state, 
 who know not the woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under 
 her feet. Your well set hair is become baldness, and instead of a girdle 
 there is a rent, and burning instead of beauty. Therefore, dread and 
 tremble before the Lord God, and repent speedily, while you have yet 
 a day to breathe ; for ye are the unstable people, double minded, ye 
 will be driven and shaken as with an east wind by the breath of the 
 Almighty. Ye are the waters on which the whore and beast, at this 
 day sit. Ye bow down, ye worship the beast and his image, ye receive 
 his mark in the hand and in the forehead. Ye are of those bond slaves 
 of Babylon, the fear of man hath ensnared you. Ye are the fearful and 
 unbelieving, who will be shut out among the dogs, persecutors, and whore- 
 
277 
 
 mongers, idolaters, abominable, and liars, forever, except you speedily 
 repent. 
 
 Awake, howl, howl and tremble, all ye drunkards, sporters, players, fid- 
 dlers, and ye that tolerate them, the zeal of the pure righteous God burns 
 like fire against you all, which will consume you, ye corrupters of the 
 earth, ye ministers of the devil, who beget and raise up lightness, wanton- 
 ness, and vanity in the minds of people, whereby the Lord and his fear is 
 forgotten, and his holy spirit grieved, and his name dishonoured, and the 
 righteous souls of sober people vexed from day to day, which cry 
 mightily against you, and the Lord will hear them, and answer the cries 
 of his chosen seed for his own name's sake. 
 
 And all you cheaters, whores, and whoremongers, idolaters, unclean 
 and ungodly ones, you shall be judged, condemned, plagued, and tor- 
 mented by that you daily strive against and make merry over. Come 
 down, all ye exalted, stiff-necked and rebellious ones, who are out of 
 God's fear ; his vengeance, as a besom of destruction, will sweep you all 
 down into endless misery ; your songs shall be turned into howlings, and 
 your vain false joy into heaviness, the days of your pleasures shall be 
 short. You who are adding sin to sin, and drinking down iniquity like 
 water, you are drawing down fury upon your own heads as with a cart 
 rope, you are filling up your measures of abominations, you are hast- 
 ening as a bird to the snare, and as an ox to the slaughter, and a fool 
 to the correction of the stocks,, and know not that it is for your life, and 
 that your paths lead to the dark chambers of death and eternal destruc- 
 tion, and your steps take hold of hell. Behold God's indignation is against 
 you, and he will be avenged on you for his righteous seed's sake, which 
 in you is daily grieved and vexed, even as Lot in Sodom. 
 
 Therefore awake, all ye drunkards of all sorts, rioters, cursers, swearers, 
 blasphemers, hypocrites, persecutors, scoffers, mockers, ragers, and all 
 ye ungodly ones every where, and dread the living God; for he will fill 
 your bowels with perpetual sorrow, vexation, wo, and everlasting burn- 
 ings, if ye proceed in these abominations, which the soul of the righteous 
 God abhors. Stand still, stand still, be still all ye heathens, and mind 
 God's witness in your consciences, which sometimes like a bridle in your 
 jaws checks you: ye who are like mad horses, raging, rushing, ranting, 
 and vaunting in all manner of ungodliness, wallowing in the height and 
 depth of wickedness, as if you had not room enough to vent the strength 
 and substance of the devil's power in you; remember that hell hath 
 enlarged her mouth, and Tophet is prepared of old, and ye will descend 
 into it, with the devil and his angels, except you speedily repent. The 
 mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 So consider your latter end, and the last day of your visitation; for 
 the righteous God beholds you, and sees all your doings though never so 
 
278 
 
 secret, and hears all your blasphemies, oaths, and cursed speeches ; ye 
 wilful, headstrong, and stiff-necked ones, who have despised reproof, and 
 abhorred good counsel: but now behold the Lord is coming a swift wit- 
 ness against you all, and he will plead with you for all these things; and 
 you shall know, that our God is a consuming fire, when you feel the 
 vengeance and the righteous judgments come upon you for all your 
 wickedness, which will be executed speedily. Therefore, I say again, 
 repent, O all ye workers of iniquity, and fear the living God, and with 
 speed leave olf all your evil ways and doings, and learn righteousness 
 and truth ; for the great and terrible day of the Lord God hastens upon 
 you as a woman in travail, and none in transgression shall escape it. 
 
 So this is your warning once more to repent with speed, and ye are 
 all left without excuse; so while you have an inch of time, prize it. 
 
 Written in the year 1664, by 
 
 "William Bayly. 
 
 The Lord trieth the righteous; but the wicked, and him that loveth 
 violence, his soul hateth: upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and 
 brimstone, and a horrible tempest; this shall be the portion of their 
 cup, Psal. xi. 5. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the 
 wine is red; it is full of mixture, and he poureth out of the same: but 
 the dregs thereof all the wicked of the earth shall ring them out, and 
 drink them. Psal. lxxv. 8. 
 
 Let this be spread to the ends of the earth. 
 
An Epistle general: containing wholesome exhortations and good 
 counsel from the spirit of truth, unto all such as are, or may be, 
 under the judgment or sentence of banishment, for the testi- 
 mony of Jesus Christ, {which is held in a tender conscience,} 
 throughout the nation of England. As also, unto all them thai 
 are yet at liberty, to be faithful to the Lord, and meet often to- 
 gether in the fear of his name, and not to fear man, that shall 
 be made as grass; and to all in bonds, prisons, and holes, every 
 where throughout the world, who are bearing and suffering for 
 the same testimony of truth and righteousness, which the Lord 
 hath decreed shall prosper and spread over all the world till the 
 kingdoms thereof are become his kingdoms, and he shall reign 
 forever and ever. Amen. 
 
 With a few words of advice to all who have, or may have, any mes- 
 sage or business upon the account of truth, to such as are in 
 authority in the nations. By a servant of the churches of Christ 
 Jesus, William Bayly. 
 
 My dear friends and brethren, who for your testimony of truth, and 
 obedience to the God of Abraham, are, or may be, caused to wander, as 
 some of our fathers have done, from our native countries, and to be ex- 
 posed to the want of a certain dwelling place in the earth, and to for- 
 sake all, for the name of Christ, that is near and dear in the world r and 
 be liable to great jeopardies and perils by sea and land, among strangers, 
 and in strange countries; why, take ye no thought for your life, what 
 ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewith ye shall be clothed, 
 or for your relations and families, what they shall do in your absence i 
 for the Lord for whose sake ye suffer will provide both for you and 
 them, as ye faithful to him abide, whose tender bowels of compassions 
 are open towards them that fear him, and pitieth them, even as a father 
 pitieth his children. But consider how great and weighty a work a net 
 service the Lord at this time hath called you unto, and how greatly the 
 honour and glory of his holy name is concerned therein. The Lord my 
 God give you a clear understanding thereof, and direct you in his coun- 
 sel in all ye take in hand, that in it ye may stand faithful, and be pre- 
 served in his pure fear, in meekness and wisdom, to his praise. For it is 
 the faithfulness of his people, in their patient sufferings, and circumspect, 
 humble, sober, just, wise, upright, harmless conversation, that will answer 
 the principle of God in all nations, and preach his kingdom come nigh 
 
280 
 
 unto people, among whomsoever they may come, or be scattered, for bis 
 name's sake. And by this gospel, which is everlasting, shall thousands 
 be converted unto God, and multitudes be gathered into his name, and 
 many through his knowledge shall be justified, which must cover the 
 earth as the waters cover the sea, as was prophesied in days past. 
 
 Therefore, my dear friends, be ye not at all discouraged in your suffer- 
 ings, but look at the end for which the Lord hath called you thereunto, 
 which is, the exaltation of his name, and the gathering of his precious 
 seed out of captivity, where they have been scattered in all quarters, 
 in the cloudy and dark day, that they might come to inherit rest in 
 their own land, and partake of the glory which was before the world 
 was. And consult not with flesh and blood in any thing; for ye have 
 need of great watchfulness this day, that no reasoner may enter you, to 
 the betraying the innocent into the sinner's hands; for that spirit will sell 
 the Lord that bought them, to save self and the things of this life. But 
 flesh and blood must not inherit the kingdom of God ; for it is prepared 
 for that blessed, innocent seed only, which hath no kingdom in this world, 
 but is a stranger in the earth. So let your pure breathings be manifest 
 unto the Lord, that ye may receive power from him, to be preserved in 
 his truth, out of all the snares of this world, and commit your cause and 
 all ye have, freely and wholly unto him, and be purely resigned and 
 subject to his heavenly will, eyeing his glory, in all things, at all times, 
 and in all places. For the work is his, and the cause ye are engaged 
 in is the Lord's, and not your own. Ye are but as servants, or instru- 
 ments in this great work, which the Lord hath begun, and is causing to 
 spread and prosper throughout the earth, that he may get himself a 
 great, and glorious, and dreadful name, to the ends of the world, who 
 shall be made to bow down and worship at his foot-stool, and confess 
 that we are his people, and that the everlasting God is with us, is on 
 our side, and fights for us, who cannot strive nor fight for ourselves, nor 
 avenge our own cause, but leave it to him who judgeth righteously. 
 And this shall be an evident token that our kingdom is not of this world, 
 unto all people. 
 
 Therefore, my dear friends and brethren, faint not in your minds, 
 neither be ye discouraged as concerning the greatness of the trials ye 
 h;ive to undergo, but cast your burthen (in this matter) upon the Lord; 
 lor the weight of your sufferings herein he hath pondered, and it is come 
 near unto him, and to the hearts of his dear children, whose secret cries 
 and tender breathings are incessantly poured forth into his bosom in 
 your behalf, in the tender yearning bowels of his everlasting compassions; 
 that ye may stand faithful in his counsel, and so walk, that his glorious 
 name may be exalted, and his truth glorified in you, and by you, and 
 by all that make, mention thereof. Lite, to what end is all our suf- 
 
281 
 
 ferings and profession of his name in the world? Surely, surely the Lord 
 is choosing a remnant to himself to walk with him in faithfulness, that 
 shall greatly honour him, and magnify, and reverence his holy name, 
 and bring praise unto him in this his day ; and such only will the Lord 
 my God honour with everlasting dominion, and beautify with his eter- 
 nal salvation and peace. Oh ! happy is the man, and happy will be that 
 soul, whose lot falls in this ground. And verily, it is but a little while, 
 and he will wipe away the reproach of this his chosen remnant, and plead 
 their cause with all their oppressors, when the measures of the iniqui- 
 ties of his adversaries are filled up, and our faith and patience suffi- 
 ciently tried, and proved, and made manifest to the world. For of this 
 great controversy, now in hand, the tender seed of God is very sensible 
 through nations, which gives many people to see and discern an absolute 
 difference of spirit, and a great gulf fixed between us and our adversa- 
 ries. And this shall arise and break the hearts of thousands, who are 
 yet afar off, when they shall hear of your patient, innocent sufferings, 
 only for your tender conscience and the worship of your God ; to whose 
 name and power many shall confess, (as the king in Daniel's day,) that 
 he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which 
 shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even to the end. He 
 delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven 
 and in earth. And thus is our God, who is the same, doing at this very 
 day, though the ungodly see it not, as shall hereafter be confessed and 
 published, as this was after the beloved Daniel was tried and proved, 
 and not before; mark that! and then wo will be to your persecutors, as 
 it was to his, when the seed shall arise in the nations and witness for 
 you, and against them, who shall curse the hour in which they were 
 born, and the moment in which they breathed in the world, and the 
 womb that bare them, that ever they should be so blind as to bring swift 
 destruction upon their own heads, for the lucre of a moment of plea- 
 sures. 
 
 Therefore, my dear friends, let your mmds be stayed, and your hearts 
 fixed on the Lord, that ye may be always kept and preserved in the 
 pure sense of the weight and ponderousness of this his great and ho- 
 nourable work, which he hath called you into,so that ye maybe patterns, 
 and pure examples of righteousness, gravity, truth, and holiness to na- 
 tions, even as lights in a dark place, and as a city set on the everlasting 
 hill of God, above all the fury and rage of your enemies, or their most 
 subtle temptations or provocations, which ye may meet withal in your 
 travails and daily exercises; from which may God deliver you, and keep 
 you steadfast in watchfulness, wisdom, and fear to the end; that ye may 
 be preserved out of all the snares of the enemy, to the honour of hit, 
 
 36 
 
282 
 
 great name, and the comfort and peace of your own souls; for it is the 
 endurer to the end, that shall be saved. 
 
 And, dear friends, take heed and beware of letting in the spirit of this 
 -world into your hearts, which naturally draws from God, into its own 
 centre, to look after the riches, ease, and glory thereof. For it was not in 
 vain that the same spirit that now dwells in his children, exhorted his 
 disciples, in ages past, to "take heed and beware of covetousness ;" for 
 a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things of this world, 
 which he may possess. For whosoever shall let forth his mind after 
 these things, and embrace and entertain those subtle contrivances which 
 may arise in the mind as temptations, and shall follow the whisperings 
 thereof, and so let that be his guide, which leads to seek self, his own 
 honour, riches, and glory, and not the things of Jesus Christ, the truth, 
 and its glory only, such a one will be destroyed, and not preserved. 
 And this I have received from my God, to warn you of it, in tender love 
 to your souls, and to the honour of his everlasting name, which must 
 and will be exalted over all the earth. And though a thousand should 
 fall on the right hand, and ten thousands on the left hand, yet the Lord 
 shall be glorified, and all people be left without just excuse. 
 
 So the Lord God of heaven direct you, and preserve you chaste and 
 single unto himself, for his name's sake, and for his tender seed's sake, 
 which is very dear and precious to him in every nation. And this is the 
 breathing of my heart and soul for you all, in the true and living sense 
 of the marvellous work and wonderful things he is bringing to pass in 
 these latter days; for it is the life that must confound Babel, as in the days 
 of old, and build up Zion, whose walls are salvation and gates praises 
 for evermore. Therefore, in the retired, watchful, pure light and* 
 life of God itself, all dwell, always eyeing his eternal power and pre- 
 sence to go before you. This was Moses' mind, "Carry us not hence 
 except thy presence go with us." For that is it by which the Lord 
 wrought wonderful things, and preserved his people in all ages, who 
 were obedient thereunto. And this hath preserved us, who have been 
 led and guided thereby, to this day, and will preserve us to the end, as 
 we are faithful to obey its requirings, and no otherwise can any be 
 preserved, or saved out of temptations, and/rom the wrath to come. And 
 this I do affirm from certain experience; for transgression against God's 
 requirings was, and is the ground and cause of the separation and alien- 
 ation from him, and from his covenant of promise, and is the breach of 
 the peace and unity between God and man. So that there is no peace 
 to the wicked, neither can there be, so long as the whoredoms and witch- 
 crafts of Jezebel remain; and disobedience is as the sin of witchcraft; and 
 stubbornness is iniquity and idolatry: so that none can enjoy perfect peace 
 with the holy God, but them whose feet are guided by his light and holy 
 
283 
 
 spirit, in the way of peace, which all the world that lie in wickedness, 
 in transgression, are ignorant of: the way of peace they know not, but 
 "the children of the Lord shall be all taught of him, and great shall be 
 the peace of his children." 
 
 So my dear friends, mind the light of the Lord, and let it be your guide 
 and teacher, and your dwelling place; for they of the nations that are 
 saved, must walk in the light. Mark, though they are saved, yet they must 
 still walk in the light of the holy city; and to it shall the gathering 
 of the people be, who shall llock thereunto as the doves to the windows, 
 as was prophesied and is now fulfilling in this our day. Blessed forever be 
 the name of the Lord. And take good heed to your ways, words, and car- 
 riages, amongst all people wherever you come, as ye love the honour of 
 God, and the peace of your own souls ; in whose name, in the bowels of 
 love, I lay it upon you all. For many will be the eyes that will be sharply 
 fixed upon you, both for good and for evil, even to mark all your steps 
 in every path which you shall tread with your feet. Therefore, keep 
 your feet in the way of peace, and walk with God, as Enoch, that ye 
 may be more and more translated, and taken up out of the sight of all 
 . that watch for your halting. So that ye have the witness in yourselves, 
 that your ways please the Lord, as he had, and as many of his dear 
 children have at this day, with whom ye will have precious unity, as ye 
 walk in the same steps, and mind the same things, that are eternal. And 
 walk in lowliness, in the fear of God, and in love and tenderness one 
 towards another, that men seeing your good works, and blameless con- 
 versation, may glorify the name of our God, in whose sight the orna- 
 ment of a meek and quiet spirit is of great price: so shall your good and 
 sweet savour of all virtues abound and spread through nations, and by 
 these things, as leaves and fruits of the tree of life, must the nations be 
 healed and replanted. And this is God's decree and determination, and 
 the work he hath begun amongst us, and is about at this very day, even 
 to make new heavens, and a new earth, wherein righteousness shall 
 dwell for ever; and the old shall pass and is passing away with this 
 great noise. For the Lord is finishing transgression, and making an end 
 of sin, and bringing in everlasting righteousness. Blessed is the eye that 
 seeth, and the heart that believeth and understandeth, and waiteth 
 patiently and faithfully for the accomplishment thereof. For such only 
 shall be kept under the shadow of the Almighty, who abide in the 
 secret of the Most High, where they enjoy the sure mercies of David, 
 and the kingdom and dominion which never end. Into which the God 
 of life bring you by his eternal power, and keep and preserve you in his 
 pure, peaceable wisdom, at all times and in all places, wherever you 
 come, by sea and land. The eternal God of my life, of heaven and 
 earth, be with you, and cause you to grow daily, as living plants to his 
 renown and glory, and give you favour among all people, that genera- 
 
284 
 
 tions to come, may call you the blessed of the Lord. And as in this ye 
 walk and abide, your enemies shall be made to confess, that you are his 
 chosen people, and many shall take hold of your skirts, because of those 
 virtues of which your garments will send forth a sweet savour among 
 them. But wo to that man, by whom the Lord shall be dishonoured 
 among you, it had been good for him, that he had not been born. 
 
 So, my dear friends and brethren, dwell in your particular measures 
 of the grace of God, the light and power of his eternal spirit of truth, 
 for whose name's sake ye suffer; and resign up your own will, in the 
 cross daily, to his heavenly will and providence, and cast all your care 
 upon him ; for he carcth for his children. Only let this be your care, 
 that his name and truth be kept clear, and be not reproached or blas- 
 phemed, or suffer justly any way through any of you; for that would 
 bring weakness, and even a consumption upon you; condemnation and 
 anguish upon every soul that doth evil. So the eternal God keep your 
 minds and hearts in the deep consideration of the substance of these 
 things : for truly, friends, great is the Lord, and greatly to be feared 
 and honoured by all that make mention of his name ; the weight of 
 which my soul doth daily ponder, and yet there remains a depth be- 
 yond what the mind of man can fathom. 
 
 So, unto the Lord and his faithful witness I leave you, being clear 
 of what lay on me to write unto you in this matter at present, yet my 
 soul doth daily travail and breathe to my God for you all; for the ho- 
 nour of his name is settled in my heart daily more and more, in the 
 sense whereof I cannot forget his dear suffering people, who sutler 
 for his name's sake. 
 
 So, the God of heaven be with you, and his pure lively presence fill 
 your hearts with everlasting joy and peace, and in this we shall daily 
 meet together, and embrace each other, where nothing can separate, 
 as in it we faithful abide, though we may be separated as to the out- 
 ward vessels, through the wills of men, never to see each other's faces 
 more. The will of the Lord be done, saith my soul, 
 
 Who am your dear brother in the bond of love and peace, which 
 never changeth, 
 
 W. B. 
 
285 
 
 7b all them that are yet at liberty to be faithf ul to the Lord, 
 and meet often together in the fear of his name; and not to fear 
 man, that shall be made as grass: and to all in bonds, prisons, and 
 holes, every where throughout the world, who are bearing and 
 suffering for the same testimony of truth and righteousness, 
 which the Lord hath decreed shall prosper and spread over all the 
 world, till the kingdoms thereof are become his kingdoms, and he 
 shall reign for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 A\d all friends,every where, who are yet at liberty, keep your meet- 
 ings together, in the name and fear of the Lord, and be not daunted or 
 terrified in any thing, as from your adversaries; for the Lord hath per- 
 mitted or suffered them in some measure, according to their hearts de- 
 sire, to try you, and to sift and winnow you for a season ; and ye shall have 
 tribulation ten days. For the devil, who hath already cast many of 
 you into prisons, hath desired to winnow you as wheat, and not only so, 
 but to destroy you utterly, root and branch, from off the earth. But 
 blessed be the Lord, who hath sent down the angel of his presence, with 
 . the great chain in his hand, and hath laid hold on the dragon, so that 
 he is limited, as in the days of Job, though he cast out his floods of rage 
 and fury against the man-child, persecuting the woman that brings him 
 forth, and make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the 
 commandments, and hold fast the testimony of Jesus. But his time is 
 but short, of which he is sensible, that his ruin and downfall approacheth; 
 and dreadfulness hath taken hold of his heart, because the two w itnesses 
 are risen which torment the earth, the spirit of life from God is entered 
 into them, and they stand upon their feet, and great fear is fallen upon 
 their enemies; and this is the smoke of their torment, of the fire which 
 is kindled in their bowels, which will never be quenched till the ungod- 
 ly are consumed, whose swift destruction is hastening upon them, and 
 this way it cometh to pass, even by those very actions and contrivances 
 by which your adversary thinks to stand, and uphold his power and 
 kingdom, so blind are he and his followers. And when they shall cry 
 peace and safety, then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as 
 pangs on a woman in travail, and they shall not escape. 
 
 Therefore, my dear friends, be of good courage, and stand valiant for 
 the truth upon earth, and dwell in the will of God, and be faithful to 
 him in whatsoever he makes manifest to you, that ye may witness per- 
 fect peace with him in all ye do or suffer for his name's sake. And fear 
 not him that can but kill the body, and hath power to do no more; but 
 fear and reverence the living God of heaven and earth, and let him be 
 your dread, and not man, and commit yourselves, and all ye have, and 
 the cause ye arc engaged in. freely unto the Lord, who takes care for 
 
286 
 
 his children, that not one hair of their head shall perish beyond his per- 
 mission. And keep your meetings diligently, and let in no reasoner or 
 consulter with flesh and blood, to hinder you therefrom. And meet 
 together as exactly as ye can possibly at the time appointed; for your 
 faithful testimony herein is honourable in the sight of the Lord and of 
 his children, who suffer bonds, or may suffer exilements or banishment 
 for the same testimony. And in so doing ye will be a strength and en- 
 couragement one to another, and a good savour in the hearts of many 
 that are even ready to join with you in the light of the Lord, and a 
 dread to your enemies. For by a foolish nation will he anger the mighty 
 and wise men of the earth, and provoke many people to jealousy; and 
 the time is come, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord 
 in truth shall be saved. 
 
 Therefore, resist every appearance or thought to the contrary, in the 
 light and strength of God, as a temptation of the enemy. And remem- 
 ber the serpent tempted in Paradise to break the command of the Lord, 
 and is yet near to betray the innocent into the sinner's hands, whose 
 mercy will be found cruelty. For he is not wanting at this day to 
 strive every way to make you fall from your steadfastness, neither is his 
 subtlety abated, to beguile the simple, to draw them into his own state 
 of condemnation, of which all have been, are, and ever will be par- 
 takers, who hearken to his voice, and obey his temptations. And this 
 lies on me to warn you of: for if he gets you to bow a little, he will 
 get more strength against you, and more hold and ground in you, by 
 his fair flourished baits, and cunning crafty allurements, whereby your 
 faith would be weakened, and even fail, till he cause you to make 
 shipwreck thereof, and of a good conscience, through the tossing of your 
 minds to and fro in the sea of temptations; and this would be an horrible 
 day of tempests unto you. The Lord my God, by his eternal power, 
 keep open your understandings, that ye may perfectly see and discern 
 him in all his wiles and cunning craftiness, by which he lies in wait to 
 deceive both within and from without; that so ye may be able to resist 
 him in every appearance, and quench all his fiery darts in the living 
 faith, that not a place be given to him ; for if ye give him place, he 
 will get more room and matter to work on, till he becomes a strong 
 man armed to keep the house against every motion and appearance of 
 God in you, thereby endeavouring to dwell at peace. But all his strong 
 holds must be stormed, and his peace overturned, and the league and 
 covenant with death and hell shall be broken, by the pure life and 
 seed of God, (his head bruiser, ) let him do what he can, and then ye will 
 perceive he was a false prophet, and hath deceived you. 
 
 Therefore, my dear friends, watch and pray continually, that ye 
 enter not into temptation; but that ye may see every appearance of 
 
287 
 
 evil, and abstain from it. So shall the God of truth and peace sanctify 
 you wholly, in body, soul, and spirit, whereby ye shall become fit habi- 
 tations for the Lord to dwell and walk in, and have his testimony in 
 yourselves, that you are his children, being taught of him, and preserv- 
 ed by him to his praise, and your everlasting comfort and peace. So 
 keep your eye open in the eternal light, in which ye will see over time, 
 and all things comprehended in it, and through the end of all temptations, 
 and over all the storms and tempests of the wicked, who at this day 
 are like the troubled sea, and cannot rest; for there is no peace to the 
 wicked, saith my God. But he is your peace and resting place, who 
 rebukes the winds, and walks upon the sea, and calms the storms at his 
 pleasure. Though in the world ye have tribulation and persecution 
 for his name's sake, it is but for a moment in respect of the eternal life, 
 if it should, be so all the days of your pilgrimage on the earth, and but 
 light allliction in comparison of the exceeding weight of the glory ye 
 shall be partakers of, as ye abide faithful to the end. 
 
 So the eternal God of life and peace be with you, and preserve you 
 by his power, and keep you all valiant for his living truth, in the pure 
 sense and enjoyment thereof in all your hearts, to the end. 
 
 And my dear friends, who are in bonds, prisons, and holes, for the 
 same testimony of Jesus Christ, where ye are oppressed and thronged 
 as sheep appointed for the slaughter, without mercy from your adver- 
 saries. Be ye not discouraged, but lift up your heads in the pure life 
 of your testimony ; for this is a day in which the Lord will glorify him- 
 self in the eyes of all nations, and get himself a name above every 
 name, that every knee may bow to him, and that all flesh may dread 
 and tremble before him, and become as the grass and as the flower that 
 fadeth away at the majesty and glory of his presence, who hath touched . 
 the mountains, and they smoke, and the smoke of their torment ascends 
 night and day, because of the everlasting burnings, with which he is 
 melting the hills like wax, and consuming the ungodly like the fat of 
 lambs, and folding them up as thorns and stubble for the fire. Great is 
 the work which the Lord is doing, and cutting short in righteousness. 
 Yea, such a day is approaching as many will not believe, though it be 
 and hath been declared unto them, in which the Lord will plead with 
 all flesh by fire and sword, and with plague and pestilence, famine and 
 earthquakes in divers places, and dreadful storms and fearful sights 
 within and without, so that all flesh shall be pained, and wax feeble 
 before him. For the terrors of God within and without shall set them- 
 selves in array against the ungodly, and compass the wicked as with 
 snares of fire, till they are consumed: and the very stars in their courses 
 shall fight against them. Yea, he will make his wonders known upon 
 them, as in the days of Egypt, And this 1 am bold to proclaim, in the 
 
ilame and authority of the everlasting God; for I have seen the coft- 
 sumption determined, and how it will come to pass, which is coming 
 upon them as swift as on eagle's wings, and it shall not tarry, nor be 
 prolonged. And he that will come to reward every man according as 
 his work shall be, will come quickly. Blessed are they that wait for 
 him. 
 
 Therefore, my dear friends, seeing our God is no respecter of persons, 
 but is risen as a giant to the battle, to plead the cause of his elect seed, 
 and to exalt his name over all the earth; and seeing we look for such 
 things, which will certainly come to pass, and be fulfilled in their sea- 
 son, which hastens, what manner of persons ought we to be, in all holy 
 conversation and godliness! And what need have we of diligence, 
 watchfulness, and readiness, that we may be found of him in peace, 
 without spot, and blameless! The God of all mercies, whose long suf- 
 fering and kindness hath been exceedingly manifested to usward, keep 
 you exceeding still, quiet, and low in your minds and spirits, fearing to 
 offend him in thought, word, and deed, at all times and seasons. And 
 take heed of discourses among yourselves which are unnecessary; for 
 the enemy hath a secret end to effect among such things, to draw out 
 your minds from the living sense of the precious, tender seed of God in 
 you, which preserves the mind joined to it, in the humbleness and watch- 
 fulness against every appearance of evil. For he will not let slip any 
 opportunity which tends to his advantage, that he may thereby pre- 
 serve, continue, and uphold his own kingdom and interest. Now he 
 perceives his ruin approaching, and his perpetual downfall at hand, who 
 will dwell as long as he can in the two men once possessed, but being 
 wholly cast out from thence, his last habitation is the herd of swine, 
 whom he hath caused and will cause, to run down with violence and 
 perish. 
 
 So my dear friends, be very careful, and let your words be few, and 
 your moderation known unto all men, and in all things, for the Lord is 
 at hand, who weigheth the thoughts, words, and actions, intents, and 
 purposes of all people, with a just balance, who will not acquit the 
 guilty, without punishment, wheresoever it is found. And keep within 
 the bonds of the feeling of the seed of God in all your ways : for that is the 
 ancient land-mark, which he that goes beyond transgresseth. And take 
 heed of loudness, forwardness, or hastiness of speech in all your dis- 
 courses about the things of this world; and this I lay upon you from the 
 Lord, to whom you must give an account; but be dead and slow to such 
 things, and be lively in Christ Jesus, the truth, and yet moderate, 
 patient, and cool. For God requireth stillness, yea, great stillness and 
 watchfulness amongst you at this day, that you may hear his voice, and 
 do his will, and stand in his pure counsel, which the many words with- 
 
289 
 
 out knowledge and meekness of wisdom darkeneth, for which the re- 
 proofs must come. So the Lord guide you in his fear, and gentle, 
 peaceable wisdom, that no folly, superfluity, or unsoundness may be 
 found among you, but that ye may all learn of him daily, who is meek 
 and lowly, and be kept in his weighty and savoury life, to the honour 
 of his name, and the comfort and edification of one another. And mark 
 them that are unruly, and walk disorderly among you, and cause divi- 
 sions, through their unsubjected wills and exalted spirits, above the seed 
 of God, which is but one in you all ; and have no fellowship with them, 
 that they may see their shame ; and yet have no prejudice or enmity 
 rise in your hearts against any; but let your upright life and conversa- 
 tion daily judge and condemn them, that if possible they may be 
 awakened, and be sensible of their state, and repent, and be saved. So 
 let there be no strife or contentions amongst you, no needless disputa- 
 tions, whereby the weak may stumble, no foolish jesting, nor vain jang- 
 ling, but quietness and soberness, with gravity and godliness, in all 
 reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire, and "if the 
 righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and transgressor 
 appear?" 
 
 So, dear friends, study to be quiet, and eat your own bread, and wait 
 for it daily, and be content therewith, and let all your striving be to 
 standstill; for herein is your strength increased. And be good examples 
 one unto another, and to all people that may come among you, to visit 
 you. or to behold your order; for the holy name of our God is greatly 
 concerned in this matter. And we are now the very people by whom 
 he will be honoured and greatly exalted, or else reproached and dis- 
 honoured, in this our day and generation. So, grieve not the spirit of 
 God in yourselves or others, neither provoke him to jealousy against 
 you, but dwell retired and watchful against every motion that would 
 exalt itself above the precious, tender seed, to hurt it. So shall ye have 
 peace, as ye dwell in the holy mountain, and be justified in the sight of 
 the Lord, and be a good savour in the hearts of all sober people, whose 
 eyes are towards you for good. So, mind the honour of God, and bear 
 in remembrance the end for which he hath called you out of the world 
 at this day, to bear your testimony in sufferings for his name's sake. 
 And be circumspect, humble, and wise in all your ways, that the Lord 
 may be honoured by you, and his witness answered in all people. So 
 shall his seed be raised, and the weak be strengthened, and your own 
 souls comforted in him that guides his children, that learn of him, in 
 the way of peace. And for this is the daily travail of my soul, who am 
 one in sufferings with you for the same pure testimony, which shall 
 stand forever. 
 
 37 
 
•290 
 
 *d few words of advice to all who have, or may have, any message 
 or business upon the account of truth, to such as are in authority 
 in the nations. 
 
 And all Friends every where, who have, or may have any occasion 
 or business to any in authority in the nations; or who, having done any 
 thing in obedience to the Lord, as your faithful testimony to his name, 
 for which ye are or may be brought before any of them, or, have any 
 motion lie upon you, to go and warn them, or any particular of them, 
 concerning the work they are about, or of the day of the Lord, that is 
 coming as a thief upon them; or, as concerning them that suffer bonds, 
 or the spoiling of their goods, or sentence of banishment for the truth's 
 sake, or the like, this I lay upon you from the Lord, which hath often 
 risen in my heart: go not in your own will, nor time; but wait upon 
 him in stillness, and eye his pure presence and power to go with you, 
 before you, to lead and carry you on in obedience to his own pure mo- 
 tion, in which ye will feel strength sufficient, and receive the pure wis- 
 dom from above, as in his light, dread, and counsel ye abide, so to speak 
 that God's witness in all may be answered ; and here ye will be a good 
 savour to him, whether they hear or forbear. So, premeditate not afore- 
 hand, what to speak or answer; but singly give up, and dwell low and 
 subject to the Lord, and keep within the feeling of his eternal power, 
 and sink into it, and then ye will be preserved innocent, and cool, and 
 patient, and bold, in dominion over all fear and weakness, which would 
 be ready to enter; and so the truth being kept clear in you and by you 
 in all things, the Lord will be honoured, and his name exalted over 
 all the contrary, to whom all honour and fear belong. And let none 
 suit or frame themselves to please men; but all seek to please the Lord, 
 and seek his face and his glory. And let his truth be very dear and 
 precious to you and amongst you all, yea, more than your own lives, 
 and then by it ye will be preserved to his praise, and your own eternal 
 comfort and peace. For great have been the sufferings for its sake, and 
 many have sealed their testimony of it with their blood, who have not 
 loved their lives unto death for the joy that was set before them, whose 
 faithfulness lives in an everlasting record, and can never be blotted out 
 of the hearts of the righteous, but is had in eternal remembrance; the 
 consideration whereof shall break the hearts of children that are yet 
 unborn, and the life thereof shall raise up thousands from the dead, 
 who shall give glory to God in their behalf. So, in his truth, the Lord 
 God of all mercies and everlasting blessings keep you all. Amen. 
 In whose blessed will I lie down, with all the faithful and upright in 
 
291 
 
 heart, daily waiting in his pure light, which makes all things manifest, 
 to know more of his counsel, and to be obedient thereunto, in whatsoever 
 he requires of me; in which I exhort some, that they suffer not amotion 
 of that spirit of Core or Eliab to rise in their hearts, lest thereby they 
 endanger themselves: for what was Moses? And what was Aaron? And 
 what are all that bear a pure testimony this day, for the name of the 
 most holy, dreadful God, but such as hazard their lives, and are your 
 servants for Christ's sake? Therefore, let such be very careful and tender 
 in this matter : for cannot we say to them, as little David to his brethren, 
 " Is there not a cause?" Do not the care and zeal for the honour of 
 the great and holy name of our God daily increase in our hearts? I can 
 truly say, " The zeal of thine house hath even eaten me up." That his 
 living truth and people may be kept blameless and spotless in this great 
 and notable day of trial, is the travail of my breathing soul day and night. 
 And I seek not mine own honour, but the honour of him that hath had 
 mercy upon me, who hath opened mine eyes,and givenme of his free spirit 
 and eternal power, and all I have I have received from him, and I have 
 nothing to boast of but in the Lord and his mercies, which endure for- 
 ever; in whose salvation I rejoice, and in his fear I delight. And Lord, 
 ' let me never forget thy name, nor the multitude of thy mercies towards 
 me, and towards all thy people ; but let me ever give thanks to thee, 
 in the lively remembrance of them, who is setting a remnant as watch- 
 men upon the walls of Jerusalem, who cannot hold their peace, for her 
 sake, day nor night, till she is made the praise of the whole earth, and 
 so much the more as they see the day approaching, though their life is 
 in great stillness. And I could be content to be silent, but I must obey 
 his requirings, or I cannot be clear in his sight. And I know, to this 
 end hath he preserved me to this day and hour, in the secret of his 
 pavilion: blessed be his name forever. 
 
 Into whose hand I freely commit my soul and body, and all that he 
 hath given me, and all his dear people every where, to be disposed at 
 his good will and pleasure ; in which I feel my reward w 7 ith me, and my 
 witness is in heaven, and the true joy of the Lord is in my heart as an 
 open fountain, which none knows but the redeemed from the earth; 
 and yet I am daily a man of sorrows, and well acquainted with griefs, 
 for the redemption of his seed in captivity, and for the whole creation, 
 that groaneth under the bondage of corruption; but in all estates I have 
 learned to be content, knowing the Lord is with me, and hears, and in 
 due time will answer the breathings of his own; to whom be the glory, 
 dominion and praises, now and forevermore. Amen. 
 
 I am your dear brother and companion, who suffer with patience for 
 the everlasting truth of God, which must spread over all the earth) 
 
292 
 
 and be established on the top of all mountains, in which I bid you fare- 
 well. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 From Hartford, where I remain a prisoner for the 
 testimony of Jesus Christ, the 26th of the 6th Month, 
 1664. 
 
 Some words of warning and exhortation unto all young people and 
 children, throughout the whole ivorld. Given forth in tender love 
 to their immortal souls, by William Bayly. 
 
 Hearken, ye children, and give heed with diligence unto the words of 
 truth, and incline your ear to instruction, and learn the fear of the Lord, 
 which is the entrance of the path of wisdom, which leads to a holy 
 and harmless life, without which, no man shall enjoy peace with God. 
 For, vanity shall perish; and all flesh is as grass; and wickedness will 
 destroy the workers thereof; and sinners shall be shaken out of the world, 
 and chased as chaff before the whirlwind, into the pit that is bottomless. 
 For God is angry with them every day, and he hath determined to de- 
 stroy them from off the face of the earth. Though for a moment they 
 may flourish in pride and pleasures like a bay tree, yet their end ap- 
 proacheth, which will be bitter as wormwood, and the reward of their 
 works shall then be given them, because they did not choose the fear of 
 the Lord, neither turned at his secret reproofs, but rejected his holy 
 counsels, and set at nought all his visitations and warnings, and despised 
 his servants and messengers, and persecuted his harmless people, and 
 despitefully used his tender children, and spoiled the upright in heart, 
 and repented not of their evil deeds. Therefore will the Lord have 
 them in derision, and vex them in his sore displeasure, and laugh at 
 their calamity when their fears and terrors come upon them like an 
 armed man; then, if they shall cry Lord, Lord, unto him, his answer will 
 be, depart from me, ye workers of iniquity, into everlasting torment, 
 prepared for the devil and his angels. This is the lot of the wicked, 
 and the portion of such as forget God. And these words, ye tender 
 children, are infallibly true, and speak as the oracle of God unto you. 
 Therefore, happy are ye that believe and understand, and take warning 
 betimes, and obey the witness of God in you, which sets to the seal, that 
 these sayings are true and faithful. And remember your creator in the 
 days of your youth, before these evil days come and overtake you, in 
 which many shall say, "I have no pleasure in them." Whose pleasure 
 
293 
 
 will then be taken away, and their vain delights will be bitter unto 
 them, and their lying down will be in sorrow and utter darkness, where 
 will be wailing and gnashing of teeth forevermore. O ye children and 
 young people! both male and female, bond and free, rich and poor, that 
 ye would consider these things, and truly lay them to heart, and think 
 of your latter end, and how that God will bring you to judgment for all 
 your ways, and you must give account to him for all your words and 
 actions. And that foolish heart, or spirit of vanity, which persuades 
 you the contrary, is not of God, but of the wicked one, the enemy of 
 your immortal souls, even of the old serpent, which beguiled man at the 
 first with flattery and deceit, and caused the curse, death, and sorrow 
 to come upon him, which the Lord will consume and destroy with all 
 his works, and them that obey and follow him. 
 
 Therefore beware, and turn your minds to the grace of God, which 
 hath appeared unto you and to all people, which shows you the evil of 
 your ways, and secretly reproves you for the same. And this is suffi- 
 cient to save you, and keep you from the evil, and to give you an en- 
 trance into his everlasting kingdom, where no unclean thing or worker 
 of iniquity can enter. For it will lead you and preserve you out of all 
 * iniquity and vanity, pride and enmity, (the ground of the curse and 
 condemnation,) as you give diligent heed unto it, and obey it ; and it 
 will teach you to live soberly, tenderly, righteously, and godly in this 
 present evil world. And none are the disciples of Christ Jesus, but 
 such as thus follow him in the regeneration, being changed from the 
 old root and leven of malice and wickedness, into love, meekness, 
 truth, and righteousness. Though wicked and ungodly men and people 
 may profess his name in words, yet that avails not ; except they come 
 to be converted, they shall never see life, but the wrath of God abideth 
 on them. For it is neither circumcision nor uncircumcision, nor any out- 
 side profession in words and show only, that avails any, but a new crea- 
 ture, and that faith which worketh by love, through which the enmity 
 comes to be slain, and the old man put off with his deeds, and the world 
 overcome, and all the devil's temptations therein vanquished. For Christ 
 Jesus is the truth, which condemns and destroys the devil and his works, 
 who was a liar from the beginning. And when he speaks a lie, he 
 speaks of himself, for he is the father of it. But that which reproves 
 and condemns the lie and the liar, is Christ, the light of the world, which 
 lighteth every one that cometh into the world; and whatsoever maketh 
 these things manifest, is the true light that comes from Christ Jesus, the 
 saviour. Therefore, ye tender children, take heed to which of these ye 
 hearken, for all unrighteousness, vanity, and wickedness, as, lying, pride, 
 wantonness, frowardness, and corrupt communication, and the like, are of 
 the devil ; but that which discovers it, and reproves it, and begets a se- 
 
294 
 
 cret fear and blushing in your hearts, though no mortal eye seeth you, 
 because hereof, and leads the mind away from it, into all truth, is the 
 truth itself, which makes his children free from unrighteousness, and 
 saves them from sin, and keeps them out of the world's evils, and pre- 
 serves them in himself, in whom is found no guile, who said, "My sheep 
 hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them 
 eternal life ; but a stranger they will not follow." So, they are only 
 the sheep of Christ, who follow him who is the truth, and will not fol- 
 low the stranger, the liar; and to such only he gives the eternal life. But 
 wicked, rebellious, and ungodly people, who profess themselves chris- 
 tians, and yet live in enmity, pride, vanity, and oppression, are none of his 
 sheep, neither have they the sheep's life, which is eternal ; but are of a 
 contrary spirit, life, and nature, and by the spirit of God, which seeth 
 through the root of all things, and nameth them according to their na- 
 tures, they are rightly called, dogs, swine, goats, ravening wolves, vipers, 
 foxes, and serpents, which is agreeable to the nature and life they live 
 and act in, and the fruits they bring forth: and accordingly will God judge 
 all people, and not according to their lip-profession of his name, but ac- 
 cording to the nature, root, ground, and works they are found in. So, 
 that saying, Lord, Lord, will not avail, or save any worker of iniquity 
 from receiving a just recompense of reward for all his doings. For he 
 that lives in pride and wrathfulness, is as a beast before him, yea, an evil 
 beast. And he that lives and acts in subtlety, craft, and fraud, is in a 
 fox's nature; and such as persecute and oppress the innocent and harm- 
 less people in the land, without cause, are like the biting dogs among 
 the sheep and lambs, and no true christians, not like Christ, who came 
 to save life, and not to destroy it. But such destroy without mercy, 
 being filled with envy and rage against them and the way of truth ; 
 under whose tongues is the poison of asps, and the venom of vipers and 
 serpents is in their hearts; and such as live and wallow in profaneness, 
 drunkenness, swearing, whoredom, and lasciviousness, abusing and de- 
 vouring God's creatures upon their ungodly lusts, are worse than swine, 
 or the beasts of the field, who keep in the course of nature's bounds. 
 But these break all bounds and limits of God and sober men and peo- 
 ple, and of nature itself: these are evil beasts, ungodly men, turning the 
 grace and mercies of God into wantonness, who of old were ordained 
 unto condemnation, and whose judgment doth not slumber, nor their 
 damnation linger, though they perceive it not. And such as are covet- 
 ous, and greedy of gain, are in the excess and idolatry; and such as op- 
 press people for filthy lucre, and to spend it on their lusts and plea- 
 sures, let them be teachers, rulers, or any others, they are in the na- 
 ture of wolves, that rave, or like the unclean birds of prey, that devour 
 
295 
 
 the weaker and inferior sort to satisfy their cruel and greedy appetite. 
 But all these will God bring into righteous judgment, and judge and re- 
 ward them according to their deeds, and not according to their out- 
 ward profession of him or his name, in words, which will be dreadful 
 to them when they shall give up their accounts in horror, blackness, 
 trembling, and astonishment, at his righteous judgment-seat, where their 
 conscience will accuse them to their face, and condemn them for ever ; 
 though here they have been as judges and lords over his heritage, ex- 
 ercising their cruelty with teeth and claws for a season. But then shall 
 they know, that our God, (who are despisedly called Quakers,) will 
 make all flesh to tremble and all mockers, scoffers, persecutors, and 
 rebellious, shall quake at his presence, which will be very terrible and 
 dreadful to all the ungodly, who must be banished from his glory into 
 everlasting misery, and endless torment and perplexity, out of which 
 there will be no redemption. Then shall they look back, and remem- 
 ber how they sat plotting in counsel against his innocent and harmless 
 people, to make their unrighteous laws and decrees, to vex the upright 
 in heart, and to oppress and suppress the righteous seed, whom the 
 Lord hath blessed with everlasting blessings. And the day will come 
 * that many shall see afar off* Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the 
 faithful, in the kingdom of God, and they themselves shut out; for 
 " without are dogs, whoremongers, abominable, and liars, and every one 
 that loveth and maketh a lie." Then shall be read the parable of the 
 rich glutton, and poor afflicted Lazarus, who was carried into Abra- 
 ham's bosom, while the other lay in hell torments, in great flames, 
 where their worm never dies, nor the fire ever goeth out. 
 
 So, consider these things, O ye children and all people, while ye have 
 a little time, and fear the Lord, and depart from evil, and wait upon 
 God in his counsel, the light which makes all things manifest, and is the 
 truth, thereby to be taught and guided. And let not any thing of vanity 
 or vain words, or vain and foolish company draw forth your tender 
 minds from the stayedness in that which shows you, that you should be 
 sober and meek, and fear God, and do no evil, nor speak a lie or cor- 
 rupt words; and then you will be kept in the sense and remembrance 
 of your Creator, and mindful of your latter end, and of his just judgments, 
 who will reward every one as his works shall be. And as ye obey his 
 voice, by forsaking your evil ways, you will partake of his tender mer- 
 cies and loving kindness ; but he that hardeneth himself against his gen- 
 tle reproofs of instruction, which is the way of life, shall suddenly fall 
 into mischief. And this I give forth and testify, as an ambassador from 
 God unto you all, in true love to your souls; and it is from one who hath 
 known the terrors of the Lord against all unrighteousness, and vanity, 
 both in word and deed, of what kind soever; but have obtained mercy, 
 
296 
 
 through forsaking the same, by true and unfeigned repentance, whkb 
 by me is never to be repented of; but I am made willing and obedient 
 to do his will, or suffer all kind of trials and tribulations whatsoever for 
 his sake in whom I have believed ; who since the days of my infancy, 
 till I became a man, and after that, till I believed and embraced his 
 precious truth, did follow me with secret reproofs and righteous judg- 
 ments for those things, which no mortal eye might see or did accuse me 
 of, but from this secret pursuer I could never flee. For when I had 
 been proud, or wild, or had told a lie, being persuaded by the wicked 
 one within, like the serpent of old, that it would be believed and 
 pass for truth, yet at the same instant was I secretly smitten with fear 
 and trembling by something also within me, which showed me plainly, 
 that 1 had done wickedly. And I was judged and condemned by it in 
 my own conscience, not then knowing that it was God's own faithful 
 witness, the light, which knoweth all things, and searcheth the heart 
 and trieth the reins of every one, till at length, it not leaving me in quiet, 
 by the power of its judgments and secret smitings it broke my hard 
 heart, out of which rock did living water spring forth to the refreshing 
 of my troubled soul, which had long suffered, and been oppressed, 
 through my often rebellions against God, my maker. So that I can set 
 to my seal, that the proverb is true, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; 
 for out of it are the issues of life;" for hereby my thirsty soul was begot- 
 ten into some breathings and tenderness towards God and good people, 
 though few there were in those days that truly knew and obeyed the 
 Lord. And as I was faithful at any time, in what I knew to be his 
 will, either to do or leave undone, accordingly did the Lord give me 
 dominion, peace, and joy in himself, whereby my heart became more 
 and more engaged to obey and follow his counsel, till the strength of 
 his love was so increased therein, that many a time 1 could truly say, I 
 loved not my life unto death for his sake ; whose tender love remaineth 
 the same to this day to me, and to all that fear and obey him in truth. 
 
 So, ye tender children, in soberness these things consider; for they 
 appertain unto your eternal happiness. And do not think slightly of them; 
 for they will stand true for ever, when all vanity shall have an end. But 
 be ye seriously minded, and ponder them in your hearts, when ye are 
 alone by yourselves; and remember, that all vain pleasure will shortly 
 have an end, and the glory of this world will vanish away, but righteous- 
 ness will abide for ever; and righteous men shall not always suffer, but the 
 Lord will reward them with everlasting peace and comfort, when their 
 days of mourning are ended. And remember, that the fear of the Lord is 
 the beginning of true wisdom, which is justified of her own children, 
 though not of the children of this world, who are wise in their genera- 
 tion to do evil, being generated by the seed of evil doers, which the 
 
297 
 
 enemy hath sown in the hearts of the children of disobedience, whereby 
 they go astray from the womb. But let it be not so with you ; but 
 remember your latter end, and that the day of the Lord is near, in 
 which ye must give up your accounts. And so, fear before him, and 
 depart from evil ; and this is the way of life, and the path of everlasting 
 peace; but the wages of sin and vanity is death, condemnation and de- 
 struction eternally. 
 
 So, I have set before your eyes life and death, good and evil, the way 
 of the blessing and the way and cause of the curse and everlasting 
 misery: and do now leave you all to God's faithful witness in your own 
 consciences, which seeth in secret, and rips open your inward parts, 
 which are naked and bare before him, from whose pure presence no 
 secret thought or work can be hid. And I am now thus far clear of all 
 your blood, having sufficiently warned and exhorted you, in pure love 
 to all your souls, that you might flee from the wrath which is coming 
 as a -flood upon all the world of the ungodly. 
 
 And I remain a true lover of the eternal welfare of the souls of all 
 mankind, (and have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth in his 
 iniquity, but rather desiring, that he might repent, and turn from his 
 * evil ways and live,) and am well known to the Lord, and to such as 
 walk in his everlasting light. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 From my prison at Hartford, the Fifth month, 16(54. 
 
 Hear me*ri*ow, therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the 
 words of my mouth. Prov. v. 7. 
 
 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell 
 beneath. Prov. xv. 24. 
 
 3S 
 
For the King and Parliament, and his council an d teachers, and to 
 every individual person, superior and inferior, throughout the 
 English nation, that have a hand against the innocent people of 
 God, called Quakers; one visitation and warning more from the 
 Lord unto you. 
 
 Friends, — The God of heaven hath put it into my heart to write a 
 few words unto you, in the fear and dread of his name, and in the coun- 
 sel of his own will, concerning the work which ye have taken in hand 
 against him and his people. This is not the end and work for which the 
 Lord God hath permitted you into the places of government and rule, in 
 these nations, nor the way for you to prosper, nor to prolong your days 
 in the earth, thus to persecute and afflict an innocent and harmless 
 people, who are peaceable, and walk uprightly towards God and man 
 therein, endeavouring in all things to keep their consciences void of 
 offence, and who have no helper in the earth but the Lord alone, neither 
 is their kingdom of this world, but they are verily the children and ser- 
 vants of the most high God, whom he hath gathered from amongst men, 
 and from the kindreds of the earth, to be the first fruits unto him, and 
 to the lamb, in this age. And we are his, and not our own ; he hath 
 bought us, and redeemed us unto himself, and to him jjone have we 
 committed our innocent cause, ami he hath undertaken to plead it for 
 us, with all our adversaries; and no Weapon formed against us shatf 
 ever prosper, but be broken to pieces. * 
 
 Therefore, friends, be awakened and open your eyes, and see what 
 a stir and ado here is in this nation, to hale and drag up and down a 
 company of tender, innocent, harmless people, men, and women, and 
 children, from their peaceable meetings; who meet together in the fear 
 and tender love of God, without any evil or bad intent toward any, but 
 have good will and compassion toward all men, even to the worst of our 
 enemies, as the Lord bears us witness ; and these are they that are 
 driven as sheep to the slaughter, and thrown into your noisome jails, 
 and prisons, and houses of correction, by rude and brutish people, (your 
 servants,) whom ye have set on work by your authority, till many of 
 them have patiently suffered till death, whose innocent blood will as 
 suredly be required at your hands, though they shall not go frefeof the 
 guilt who have had the least hand in it, without speedy repentance. 
 And thus ye may see and read, how the disciples of Christ lesAis are a* 
 
2m 
 
 sheep ;md lambs in the midst of wolves in this age, and as a lily among 
 thorns, and all this is only for obeying his commands, and for worship- 
 ping the everlasting, invisible God in the spirit and in the truth, accord- 
 ing to the scriptures, the which if ye knew and understood, you would 
 tremble to think what you have done against them, to cause so many 
 of the little ones, which believe in Christ, so grievously to suffer, who 
 said, " it were better a mill stone were hanged about his neck, and he 
 drowned in the depth of the sea, that should offend one of these little 
 ones, that believe in me." And as true as Christ Jesus suffered, and rose 
 again, and as God liveth, who raised him from the dead, we are some 
 of those his little ones that believe in him, who, in derision and scorn in 
 this age, are called Quakers, as ye might call Moses, the prophets, and 
 apostles, in days past, who did quake and tremble at the presence of the 
 Lord, who is the same now as ever he was, though the ungodly know 
 him not, nor his power. And we are of that poor and afflicted people 
 mentioned,* " whose trust is only in the name of the Lord, who will undo 
 all their oppressors at this the return of their captivity."! 
 
 But what shall I say unto you? If ye will not or cannot believe our 
 faithful testimony, or the testimony of God through us, and the inno- 
 cency of our cause and sufferings, neither will ye believe, if one should 
 rise from the dead and declare it unto you. For many tender visitations, 
 and timely warnings, and gentle reprehensions have you had from the 
 pure spirit of the Lord God, both from his witness in your own con- 
 sciences, and from his faithful servants and messengers, who have written 
 and declared unto you in his name and power in this your day. And as 
 for my part who am one of the least of the thousands of Israel, 1 could 
 willingly have been silent as toward you at this time, but the Lord whom 
 I serve in my spirit, hath laid it upon me to warn you once more, (for 
 whose sakes I have borne a burthen,) in the true sight and sense of your 
 sad estate, and of the day of thick darkness, wrath, and distress, which 
 is hastening upon you from the Almighty. 
 
 Wherefore, be not proud nor rebellious, but hear and obey the word 
 of the Lord. For thus saith the Lord God that made heaven and earth, 
 let my innocent people alone, and touch them not any more, as ye have 
 done; for they are mine, and I have called them, and chosen them, and 
 redeemed them. They are my jewels, which I am making up, they 
 shall show forth my glory before men to the whole world. I have 
 anointed them, and I will preserve them and deliver them, and crown 
 them witli an everlasting salvation. I will rebuke kings and rulers for 
 their sakes, and distress nations, and dethrone the mighty from their 
 seats that rise up against them, as I have done. And let my everlasting 
 
 Zeph. iii. 12. 
 
 f Efcr. 6, 20. 
 
300 
 
 gospel have a free passage in these nations, and do not reproach and 
 afflict my servants and messengers so any more, whom I have chosen 
 and sent to preach and declare the way of life and salvation to the ends 
 of the earth ; but bow your ear and your heart unto them and their 
 testimony, that it may be well with you, and prolong your days. For 
 he that blesseth them shall be blessed, and he that curseth them shall 
 be cursed, and every hand shall wither that opposeth them, as hath 
 been, and shall be, henceforth for ever. I the Lord have spoken it. 
 
 But and if you will not hear, but will still persist, and go on, as ye 
 have done, to oppress my heritage and harmless people, and make war 
 and opposition against my power and truth, and thus set yourselves and 
 your power against me, the living God, I will bring you down suddenly, 
 to the astonishment of nations, and I will cut your day short, and turn 
 your pleasures into howling and lamentation, and shame and contempt 
 shall cover your memorial as a garment. Thus will I work for the de- 
 liverance of my seed, and none shall let it. For the year of my redeem- 
 ed is come, and the day of vengeance is in my heart, to plead its cause 
 with all flesh. 
 
 Therefore consider your ways, and see what ye are doing, and what 
 the effect of this your work will be. Ye are but men, and the children 
 of men, who were but as yesterday. Your breath also is in your nostrils, 
 and your life is but a vapour, which will soon vanish away. You la- 
 bour in the very fire, and bring forth wind, which blows up the flame 
 of that which will consume you, and deprive you of all happiness for ever. 
 Oh that ye had but hearts to consider it ! For the more you strive with 
 the Lord, and oppress his people, the more will they multiply, and grow 
 stronger and stronger, and you shall wax weaker and weaker, and your 
 works shall be your heavy burden. For life and immortality are risen, and 
 the power of God is stirring in the hearts of thousands, and light and un- 
 derstanding, (the excellent spirit which was in Daniel,) are breaking forth 
 like the lightning which shines out of the east into the west, in the sight 
 of many people, whereby they know it js the day of the coming of the 
 son of man, with power and great glory, that every eye may see him, 
 and they that have pierced him shall mourn bitterly. So, your labour 
 is in vain, and your works for the fire, and your striving with your 
 Maker to no purpose, as to effect your end and aim. And of these things 
 you have been often fore- warned, and the Lord hath been very long- 
 suffering towards you, in sparing you thus long, and suffering you thus far 
 to act against him and his dear people. And his mercy and forbearanc e 
 have been evidently showed in a large measure unto you, in deferring 
 his heavy judgments thus long, which must have been confessed to be just 
 upon you. And will you thus requite the Lord, by increasing your tasks 
 of oppression upon his tender, innocent people ? O unwise and ungrate- 
 
301 
 
 ful generation! hath not God yet showed you, that you should do justly, 
 and love mercy, and walk humbly?* But are these your fruits and 
 practices, fruits of mercy or justice? Or if there be any tincture or 
 spark of love or humility in them, let God's witness, the light, in all 
 your consciences, and in people, answer. I tell you plainly, that such 
 fruits and doings among you, that profess yourselves christians, have 
 made the very name of Christ and Christianity a proverb of reproach 
 through nations, and have caused the God of heaven to be blasphemed. 
 And how could it be otherwise, seeing you who profess the most know- 
 ledge of God, and have talked of converting the heathen, as some of 
 your leaders have done, are found the least in the life and fruits thereof? 
 But to what would they convert them? To pride, and swearing, and 
 drunkenness, and oppression, and all manner of excess, and to persecute 
 people for their good consciences. They have no need of that, for some 
 of them have said, they did not use to swear, and be drunk, &c. till 
 they came among the christians, and learned of them ; they did not do 
 so in their own country. So ye are far from converting them, being 
 out of the life of what ye profess and talk of yourselves, that the very 
 heathen or infidels, as ye call them, do judge and condemn you ; who 
 • are making inquiry concerning these your proceedings against this 
 harmless people, among whom some of them have been kindly entreated, 
 who visited them at the Lord's requiring, though contrary in opinion 
 and religion. And this doth rise up in judgment against you. 
 
 But friends, have not you yourselves been under sufferings, and some 
 of you been driven into strange countries or lands, for your cause, as it 
 was called? Nay, did not the king himself once flee for refuge to a tree, 
 to save himself from his enemies' hands? If not, why are there such 
 representations made of it, in so many places in the nation? And was 
 not this a great mercy and deliverance from God, so to obscure and pre- 
 serve him from them who pursued him, and many of you also? And 
 are these things forgotten? Can mercy be loved except it be remem- 
 bered? And do you remember and love his mercies by doing justly, 
 and walking humbly with him, as he doth require? Or do you boast in 
 a vain glory, as if your own arm had done it, or^rour own strength or , 
 deserts had delivered you? If so, then God must needs be forgotten, 
 and his mercies trod under foot, and his visitations and counsels cast be- 
 hind your back. And so, "All that forget God shall be torn in pieces, 
 and there shall be none to deliver them,"f as it is written. 
 
 And were these your sufferings, which you sustained by them ye op- 
 posed, unjust and unequal? And if you should say they were, then I 
 say it is much more unjust and very unequal in the sight of God, and all 
 
 * Mich. vi. S. | Psal. v. 
 
^02 
 
 sober people that fear him, for you thus to inllict mch cruel sufferings, 
 as imprisoning and stilling to death in your noisome jails and holes, 
 among thieves and murderers, and to pronounce sentence of banishment 
 upon an innocent, harmless, peaceable people, that do not oppose you 
 in the least with any outward force, neither do so much as the 
 thoughts of it lodge within our breasts, as the Lord God knoweth, who 
 hath, called us to peace, but on the contrary, have sought and do seek 
 your welfare and happiness, both in this world and in the world to come, 
 which in time shall he manifest to the whole earth. 
 
 And if you say your sufferings were unjust and unequal, though you 
 did oppose them, and make war against them so long as you could, be- 
 cause they deprived you of your rights and privileges, and just liberties, 
 and natural birth-rights, &c. which were your due to enjoy, as being 
 free-born of the nation, then how much more is it unjust, and unequal, 
 and unrighteous, thus to indict sufferings upon your friends, and oppress 
 your peaceable neighbours, who are free-born people of the same na- 
 tion, and do not oppose you, but arc tender towards you, as aforesaid, 
 and subject to all wholesome, just laws, and tributary to you ; for which 
 causes we ought to have our just liberty, and enjoy the privilege of our 
 birth-right, which is our due, so long as we live peaceably and harm- 
 lessly. But if it be not a privilege to be pleaded for, then are all your 
 own grounds, and reasons, and cause, without a foundation, and you and 
 the whole nation may he swept away by any that are able to do it, 
 without being charged with injustice or oppression, which is contrary 
 to the just balance, the light of Christ, in all people's consciences. And 
 as we are the dearly beloved people of the most high God, who doth 
 bless us with his presence, and manifest his everlasting love and good 
 will towards us daily, and overshadow us with his power and tender 
 mercies, whom he hath gathered out of the evil ways and spirit of this 
 world, and all the vanities thereof, unto himself, to walk with him who 
 is invisible in the upright, blameless, undefiled life, in the midst of a 
 crooked and perverse generation; I say, considering these things, how 
 greatly and unrighteously do our sufferings appear to all sober people, 
 whose eyes are open* and will be more open to discern and savour the 
 bitterness of that proud, envious, wrathful spirit, which thus hath aeted 
 and deceived you. And its end is numbered by them that have wisdom 
 from above. 
 
 For, friends, set aside the reproachful name of Quakers, and the other 
 titles of derision and scorn which the envious and blood-thirsty spirit 
 hath invented to render the people of God odious in all ages, and tell 
 me what ye have justly to charge against this people, whom you so fu- 
 riously pursue to the dens and eaves of (he earth, to the loss of fin 
 lives of so many of them; by which children are made fatherless, and 
 
tender hearted women, mournful widows? And let it rome forth to 
 open view, and declare it abroad, as your articles against them, to the 
 whole world, and speak the truth, and nothing but the truth, as you 
 used to tell one another, that all people may rightly know and under- 
 stand the very ground and most secret cause, (who do inquire,) of these 
 your present proceedings against them. For notice is taken by many, 
 and ere long it must be manifest to all men, as the folly and madness of 
 Jannes and Jambres were, that withstood Moses. For you withstand no 
 less than him of whom Moses wrote, who said, "I am the light of the 
 world ;" against whom Saul was once exceedingly mad, and had thoughts 
 to do very much against that way, which was then as well as now called 
 heresy, till the light of Jesus, whom he persecuted, met with him, with 
 his letters or Warrants to hale men and women to prison, as your ser- 
 vants do. and smote him to the ground, and made him tremble, who 
 from that time became such a quaker as you now persecute and impri- 
 son till death. But the light of Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, 
 will meet with all persecutors and oppressors about religion, let them 
 be never so mad, or think they ought to do much against that way they 
 call heresy, as some of you have said, who have made a mock at the 
 liiiht, even publicly, which many took notice of, and even marvelled at 
 such blasphemy, in an open court, against the saviour of the world. 
 And there is no other name under heaven by which men shall be saved 
 but him who said, "I am the light of the world," a who lighteth every 
 man that Cometh into the world.'' * 
 
 And this is he in whom we have believed, and of whom we have de- 
 clared, and must declare and bear testimony, as long as we have a being, 
 And the world shall know that our testimony is true. And for his name 
 and truth only, do we thus patiently sutler the contradictions of sinners, 
 as our brethren did by the zealous Jews, in ages past. But you are not 
 so zealous for Christ'- law and commandments^ as they were of Moses 
 and the prophets^ which Christ ends and fulfils, who thought it was not 
 lawful to do good on the Sabbath day, as to heal the sick; for then 
 would you "do to all men, as ye would they should do to you;"")" for his 
 law runs thus: and "Be you merciful." &c. and "Love you your ene- 
 mies," and "Swear not at all,"J &c. as ye may read. 
 
 But behold, how both Jews and (/entiles take notice, and are asham- 
 ed and grieved, to hear and see what a deal of bad works you do, even 
 on your Sabbath day, as some of you call it, and how you profane the 
 day of your worship, with your cattle and servants, which are within 
 your gates, What riding, and running, and toiling, in rage and fury, like 
 mad men. sweating, and swearing, and Cursing, and drugging, and haling 
 
 ; "* John viii. 12, and 10 r Luke ix t Matt v 34, &c 
 
304 
 
 the innocent members of Christ's body, out of their peaceable meeting*, 
 into your jails and holes, on your day of worship; but are your sacrifices 
 ye offer at that time accepted? Have ye peace, while these things 
 are acting in your name, and by your authority? If ye have peace 
 and pleasure herein, let me tell you from the righteous God, vou are 
 hardened in your sins against him, and he will break your peace speed- 
 ily, and turn your pleasure into bitterness and lamentation. And his 
 innocent people's meetings shall stand, and be increased ; and their way 
 shall prosper, and the truth shall spread and prevail, and have dominion 
 over all nations; and their enemies shall fall and be confounded, let 
 them strive what they can against them. For they are of God, and 
 not of man, or the will of man, and they seek his glory, and not their 
 own. And such as abide faithful to him, shall triumph over all the 
 principalities and powers of the rulers of the darkness of this world, 
 and make a show openly of the victory over all that do or ¥ may oppose 
 them. For their life is immortal, and the Lord of heaven and earth is 
 their strength, who is with them as a mighty terrible one : therefore 
 shall their persecutors fall before them. 
 
 And let me tell you again, that by these your unreasonable and un- 
 just dealings, the understandings of thousands are the more opened, and 
 the tender, sober part, or principle in them, doth feel the weight and 
 burthen of this grievousness, which you have prescribed, and do so 
 eagerly pursue, to the imprisoning to death so many innocent persons 
 and free-born people of this nation; besides hundreds are liable to the 
 same, which yet remain in your prisons. And your unnatural, cruel 
 sentence of banishment, to separate dear and tender husbands from 
 their dear and tender wives, and tender children and little innocent 
 babes! Oh how do ye rend the bowels of the meek of the earth, whom 
 God hath blessed! What is become of all your promises of liberty for 
 tender consciences? God's curse and vengeance will come upon you, 
 and his plagues will pursue you to destruction, if ye proceed in this 
 work; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. 
 The Lord hath spoken it. If you had the hearts of men, or of flesh, 
 ye would be afraid, and blush at the very thoughts hereof. My heart 
 and soul melt within me, and I am even bowed down with cries to 
 God in my spirit, to think of the hardness of your hearts. 
 
 God Almighty ! cut short thy work in righteousness, and shorten the 
 days of oppression and cruelty for thine elect's sake, which cry night 
 and day unto thee ; and make known thy name and power to the ends 
 of the earth; and let the heathen hear, and fear, and bow to thy righte- 
 ous sceptre! And let the kings of the earth lay down their crowns at 
 the feet of the lamb, that through thy righteous judgments they may 
 partake of thy tender mercies, which endure for ever, that their eye& 
 
305 
 
 may be no longer withholden, nor blinded by the god of this world, the 
 power and prince of darkness, but that they might come to see thee, 
 who art invisible, and enjoy the same precious life of pure, unfeigned 
 love which abounds in the hearts of thy hidden ones, and receive thy 
 peaceable wisdom, to be governed, and to govern therein. Then would 
 they surely know, that we are thine, and confess to thy glorious truth, 
 and speak good of thy name, and magnify thy power, and no longer count 
 the blood of thy everlasting covenant, wherewith we are sanctified, as 
 an unholy thing. 
 
 But, O thou righteous, holy, pure, eternal God, thou art unknown unto 
 all them, that sit in darkness, and dwell in the spirit of enmity against thee 
 and thy people, though thou art come near to judgment, according to 
 thy promise, Mai. iii. 5. And thy way of life and salvation is hid from 
 them, therefore they hate us without a cause, and thus evilly entreat us 
 in the darkness of their minds, and in the ignorance and hardness of 
 their hearts, for which my soul doth pity them, and even entreat thee 
 for them, that if possible their eyes may be yet opened, and their hearts 
 softened, and their spirits humbled, that they may see what they are 
 doing in the dark, and consider the effect of their work, which will as- 
 suredly follow. And if thy warnings and gentle visitations will not hum- 
 ble them, then let thy judgments awaken them, and bring them down, 
 and humble them, that they may perceive something of what thou art 
 doing in these latter days, and art resolved to do to the ends of the earth, 
 though the whole world should gather and band together to oppose thy 
 work and people. For thou hast begun, and thou wilt go through and 
 perfect thy work. Thou wilt raise thy seed, and gather thine elect 
 from the four winds, and bring them from the ends of the earth, and 
 scatter the proud in the vain imaginations of their hearts; and thou wilt 
 break thy way through all that oppose thee in this the day of thy mighty 
 power, in which thou art arisen, as a giant to run his race, to finish trans- 
 gression, and make an end of sin, and bring in and establish everlasting 
 righteousness, that the kingdoms of this world may become thy kingdoms, 
 and of thy Christ, as thou hast promised, and art fulfilling. Glory, and 
 honour, and thanks, and everlasting praises be to thy glorious name, 
 world without end. Amen. 
 
 So friends, ye are and have been warned, again and again, by the 
 faithful messengers and servants of the Lord, in love to your souls. And 
 you are left without excuse, if never words more should be mentioned 
 unto you; by which ye might perceive, how the Lord doth strive with 
 you, that ye might repent, and be saved from the wrath to come, 
 though some of you feel little of it in your own consciences ; but his 
 spirit will not always strive with you. For if you will not believe 
 them, but slight and reject them, and neither make conscience of what 
 
 39 
 
G06 
 
 hath proceeded out of your own mouth, nor regard to perform your 
 own words and public engagements, in that which is just, which the 
 Lord requireth of you, nor remember his by-past and present mercies 
 and long suffering towards you, but trample all under foot: I say, if it 
 be thus with you, and you are resolved to go on, you frill wholly be 
 given up, and be exceedingly hardened, and grow desperate in cruelty 
 and oppression, against God and his truth and people, till your whole 
 earth is filled with violence. And then as true as God liveth will the 
 flood come upon you, and ye shall fall after the manner of Egypt, and 
 the weight of the dreadful judgments, due for all your abominations and 
 cruelties, shall sink you down into the pit that is bottomless, and that 
 suddenly, as the Lord hath spoken. 
 
 By his servant, who is a lover of the welfare of all your souls, and I am 
 thus far clear of all your blood, 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 Written in the Wth Month, 1G64, at Hartford. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 The sun is risen up, 
 
 Swiftly to run his race; 
 Therefore ye vapouring clouds divide, 
 
 And unto him give place: 
 For, it is his right to reign, 
 
 Who rules in righteousness, 
 Who now is come in this his day, 
 
 His kingdom to possess. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 The dreadful and terrible day o^ the Lord God, to overtake this 
 generation suddenly, once more proclaimed. 
 
 Friends and people every where, that mention the name of the Lord 
 in this the day of his mighty power, in which he will work wonders; thus 
 saith the Lord God, keep to the measure of my spirit manifested in your 
 hearts, everyone to your own, and be still, be still and retired, keeping low 
 in the dread and true humility of mine eternal, single spirit of judgment 
 and truth alone. Feel me, the living God, your habitation, your strength, 
 your peace, your rock, your justifier in all things; for behold, I will 
 sweep, I will sweep, I will fan, I will sift the nations to the bottom, to 
 the ground. 1 will crush, I will break, I will scatter, I will demolish, I 
 
307 
 
 xvill dissolve all flesh that hath corrupted its way, all mountains, all 
 cedars, all strong holds. I will break through, as he that breaketh 
 through gates of brass and bars of iron. I will toss and whirl the moun- 
 tains and hills in my fury, as he that tosseth a ball. I will overturn 
 towers and fenced places, as he that turneth up the mown grass. I will 
 dry up rivers and deeps, and I will bring up deeps to light, which have 
 not been known. Behold I will work wonders, and miracles, and signs 
 in heaven, and earth, and the sea, to the astonishment of all flesh, which 
 shall fail before me; for I am a jealous God, a mighty, terrible, and 
 dreadful God, rewarding every one according to his doings. 
 
 Tremble, ye inhabitants of the earth, for I will shake all nations. 
 Dread, and quake, and tremble before me, ye kings and princes, and 
 all ye great men and rulers of the earth; your strength is as stubble 
 before me. I am come in my fury and zeal, to render a recompense 
 for all your doings. 
 
 Tremble, ye careless daughters, weep and howl ye women that are 
 at ease : for behold, the day of your mourning is at hand, in which you 
 shall be as widows; and all you daughters of music, you shall wail and 
 sigh bitterly. 
 
 Cry out and roar, like bears, all ye deceivers, all ye profane hirelings, 
 changeable priests, bishops, friars, deans, monks, popes, cardinals, and 
 all ye unclean birds of prey, which have caused the people to err for 
 lack of knowledge. My terrible, notable, and dreadful day of vengeance 
 is coming upon you. I will shake, I will astonish, I will confound you, 
 ye diviners, ye enchanters, ye dreamers, ye sorcerers, ye liars, ye mur- 
 derers, ye whoremongers, ye bewitchers. I will make you mad, I will 
 amaze you, I will distract you, I will strike you with blindness, and 
 madness, and astonishment, and you shall curse your gods and your 
 kings, and you shall fret yourselves, and gnaw your tongues for pain and 
 vexation. 
 
 Cry, roar, howl, tremble, and be ye horribly confounded, all ye idola- 
 ters, superstitious, deceitful workers, and all ye hypocrites! The day 
 of vengeance is in my heart against you, my indignation burns, it is 
 kindled, it flames, it shall consume you, and leave you neither root nor 
 branch. 
 
 Behold, the end of all things is come up before me. Rejoice, ye 
 upright in heart, ye undehled, ye humble and contrite ones ! rejoice 
 with fear and trembling. Rejoice thou heaven; rejoice thou seed of Jacob, 
 and of Abraham, my friend; rejoice thou true Israelite, in whom is no 
 guile; rejoice, ye holy apostles and prophets, and saints. Sing aloud upon 
 your beds of eternal rest, all ye martyrs, who love not your lives unto 
 death. Ye followers of the Lamb, ye redeemed by his blood, ye chosen, 
 ye faithful and true witnesses, sing praises forever, and hallelujahs for- 
 
308 
 
 ever; for I, the mighty God of Israel, the everlasting Jehovah, the I am, 
 and there is none can deliver out of my hand, will work, and none shall 
 hinder. Fear not, ye babes of uprightness, ye single hearted, ye noble 
 plants of my renown and glory, who dwell in the retiredness, in my se- 
 cret, dreadful, infallible life, and counsel, and wisdom, fearing to offend 
 me, the mighty just God;, fear not the rage, wrath, and fury of your 
 adversaries, though an host encamp about you to destroy you; for behold, 
 my bridle is in the jaws of the red dragon, and my hook is in the nose of 
 the fierce leviathan ; though no man can tame them, yet I the Lord God 
 of all might and power who formed the crooked serpent, will make my 
 sword to pierce through his liver. Fear not, I can break up his scales, 
 though like scales of brass, and draw his tongue out of his mouth, and the 
 sting of venom, when I please. Fear ye not the wrath of man, neither 
 be afraid of their revilings and threatenings, but feel my pure, innocent, 
 harmless, upright life and power in your vessels; for behold, I will trample 
 and tread them under my feet and your feet, as one that treadeth upon 
 mortar, and no idolater, hypocrite, or wicked person shall escape my 
 mighty hand. 
 
 Therefore be silent, O all flesh ; for I am arisen in my holy habita- 
 tion, to plead with all nations. Come to judgment, O all ye ungodly, 
 and receive your sentence; behold it draweth near. Prepare to the 
 battle of my everlasting vengeance and recompense, O all ye workers 
 of iniquity, for my soul is filled with jealousy, and everlasting vengeance 
 is in my heart against you. Have you not been often warned of my 
 righteous judgments to come ? Have not my servants proclaimed them 
 in your streets and dwelling places? Have I not cried through them 
 my mighty day, which comes like a thief in the night upon the wicked? 
 Can you say, you never heard the report thereof? Can you say you 
 were not warned, within* you and without you ? then will I stay my 
 fury. 
 
 But, behold, I have sent my messengers early and late unto you, to 
 warn, reprove, and exhort you. But you have hardened your hearts 
 and stiffened your necks, and closed your eyes, and stopped your ears 
 against them and their message. And not only so, but you have reviled 
 them, and mocked them, and stoned them, and buffeted them, and 
 abused them, and persecuted them, and imprisoned them, and some of 
 them you have caused thereby to suffer death, &c. And what will 
 you now do? Will you say, when saw we thee sick, and in prison, and 
 did not visit thee ? or when saw we thee an hungered, or suffer affliction, 
 and did not minister unto thee ? I tell you, inasmuch as ye have done 
 violence to these my servants and messengers, whom I sent unto you, 
 you have done it unto me ; and inasmuch as you have showed them no 
 mercy, you have showed no mercy unto me. For they came not unto 
 
309 
 
 vou in their own wills and name, but in the will of him that sent them ; 
 therefore are you left without excuse. Or can any of you say to my 
 lace, you knew not that you were reproved for sin, or did not know 
 what was iniquity or transgression against me, the pure, holy God ? Can 
 you say, that we knew not that pride was sin, or that lying was sin, or 
 swearing was sin, or you knew not that whoredom was sin, or drunken- 
 ness, or cheating, or scoffing, or envy, malice, and corrupt communica- 
 tion, or wantonness, or unjust dealing was sin ? Or can you say, you knew 
 not that doing wrong to your neighbour, as you would not be done unto 
 was sin, or murder or adultery was sin? If you can say in truth, that you 
 knew not these things, whether they were good or evil, then will I yet 
 stay my vengeance from descending upon you. 
 
 But, behold, my witness is in your own consciences, the light of my 
 spirit hath often striven with you, and manifested these things unto 
 you, and checked you, and reproved you, which shall now eternally 
 condemn you. And to it I have set my seal, that neither heaven nor 
 earth shall deliver you. Amen. 
 
 Given forth in the eternal motion of the word of God, by 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 A testimony of truth against all the sowers of dissention, strife, 
 and discord, amongst the people of God, by what practice, or un- 
 der what pretence soever. Being intended principally for Wales, 
 but elsewhere to be disposed by Friends, as in the counsel of the 
 Lord they shall be directed; that wheresoever any have made use 
 of my name upon such an account, it may be ordered to do its 
 service, %/ilso, it is desired, that all they whom it chiefly con- 
 cerns, into whose hands it may come, that they would read it 
 through with patience and moderation, and judge of it in the 
 righteous judgment of truth. 
 
 My dear Friends, — Whereas I understand, by a letter from Wales, 
 which came to my hand, that some bad people in those parts, who are 
 led by a contrary spirit of prejudice and enmity, into marks and dis- 
 tinctions of separation, from the faithful Friends and people of God, in 
 pursuance of J. P.'s law and curse, by keeping on the hat in prayer, 
 and the like, in opposition to the pure truth and them that live and 
 walk in it, have lately made use of my name, as if they had some en- 
 couragement or strength through me, to carry on a design of division, 
 
310 
 
 separation, and opposition, against the faithful people and servants of 
 the Lord. The which being mentioned, or, as it were, laid to my charge 
 more than once, I could do no less in the behalf of the truth, and my 
 own innocence herein, but bear a faithful and public testimony against 
 all such things, expressions, or practices whatsoever, tending to division 
 amongst the Lord's people, and also against that unruly spirit from 
 whence any such fruits and effects proceed, as having no unity with it. 
 For the Lord knoweth, and I doubt not but many hundreds can testify, 
 that I am not a man of strife, or one causing division or discord among 
 the people of God; but on the contrary, greatly delighting in peace and 
 unity. And for this cause do I labour and travel in soul and body, that 
 true love, mercy, and peace, may daily increase and abound in and 
 among them ; that the dominion of the righteous seed all may witness, 
 that have any true breathings begotten in them after the living God, 
 and the knowledge of his salvation whose garment is without seam or 
 rent from the top to the bottom. For I can truly say in the upright- 
 ness of my heart, that I have no greater joy, than to see and feel my 
 unity, in the pure truth and unfeigned love of God, with them that walk 
 therein, and that strife and discord are an abomination to me. 
 
 Therefore, far be it from me for ever to join hands with such, or any 
 way encourage them that delight to sow discord among brethren, by 
 any such practice, as before mentioned, or under any pretence what- 
 soever ; but I do deny, and testify against all whomsoever, or whereso- 
 ever, that shall at any time mention me, or make use of my name upon 
 such an account. For the Lord knows, who searcheth my heart, that 
 it is the innocent seed, in whom guile was never found, which hath long 
 suffered, and been oppressed under the bondage of corruption, that my 
 soul daily travails for, that it might be raised up into dominion, over all 
 the contrary, to reign, whose right alone it is, and for the refreshing and 
 strengthening thereof in the least babe ; and not at all to encourage or 
 strengthen that in any which doth it oppress. For I know right well, 
 the Lord hath determined, and already begun, to break the oppressor 
 of his seed in pieces, in the particular and in the general. And he that 
 gathereth not with Christ, the seed, and to him who is the life and the 
 truth, scattereth abroad from the truth and from the life, and so from 
 the unity of it, which is kept in the bond of peace. 
 
 And therefore I further testify, that if at any time, either from my 
 words, declaration, or writing, any have so wrested or taken them, as to 
 strengthen the wrong part, in which lodgeth prejudice, as to oppose or 
 make a party against the truth, and them that walk in it, as I perceive 
 some have done, that such a thing was not at all the intent of them, 
 nor in the thoughts of my heart, as the Lord knoweth. Though I do 
 acknowledge, that about five years ago, in the prison at Newgate, I did 
 
311 
 
 speak some words unseasonable, as in the behalf of J. P. and unadvised, 
 not so clearly understanding the difference between Friends and him, 
 (who kept many things from our knowledge, in tenderness to truth, and 
 in hope to have recovered him out of the snares of the enemy.) which 
 words I spake in reply, and indeed, at that instant, in opposition to some 
 words of J. B.'s: but I soon after saw I had not done well in so doing, 
 and I consented to the judgment of the Lord in my heart against them, 
 and that hasty, inconsiderate part from whence they did proceed, though 
 it was in a kind of tenderness to him, upon the account of his sufferings, 
 which I, and many more, did judge, had been very great. But J. B.'s 
 words are fulfilled, that he had made a division amongst the Lord's 
 people, or to that effect; and time, and the effects, have made it manifest: 
 which hath been so great and wide, through him, among them that pro- 
 fess the same truth, and the burden thereof felt so heavy, through the 
 stumbling of so many people, that I have said in my heart, in the true 
 and. living sense of the presence of the Lord, that it had been good for 
 him (and many more) that he had never been born. And this I write 
 not in the least tincture of prejudice, or enmity against any person 
 whatsoever, but in the true love and life of God, who is blessed for ever. 
 Though I am sensible, that some may say, as I once thought, that this 
 is a hard saying concerning one that suffered so much, and bore such 
 a testimony upon the account of truth, and especially from thee, who 
 hast been tender towards him, and never appeared in such a sharp 
 manner as this against him, and his practices before, to speak so of him. 
 now he is dead and gone, and cannot answer for himself, as Christ did 
 of Judas, which betrayed him, and went and hanged himself. 
 
 As in answer to this: I never delight to upbraid any man, or to lay 
 open the nakedness of any, if with safety, in a clear conscience. I could 
 possibly cover it; but rather, if I may so speak, have been too favour- 
 able in that respect: but the Lord knoweth my end and aim in all tilings, 
 to whom I do appeal. And as for that which is dead, I have little to- 
 say, one way or other. I look not at the person of any, either dead or 
 living, in that respect: though I know there are vessels of honour, and 
 of dishonour, which are different; but it is that which lives in them 
 makes the difference. And Judas, people may say, is dead, and Cain, 
 and Nimrod, and Esau; though he was gone from it. And I testify, in 
 the fear, holy power, name and authority of the Lord, that Judas or 
 Cain, never did so much hurt and mischief amongst the Lord's people, 
 as he hath done, as to the diverting of the minds of many from the truth, 
 and laying stumbling blocks in the way of others, which would have 
 been easily gathered into the love of the truth, and fellowship of his 
 children. And Judas had part of the mini-try. and eat in the same dob 
 with the diseipk?. who were the true ministers of Christ, and yet he 
 
312 
 
 lifted up his heel against them; as he hath done in a greater measure^ 
 And as for his sufferings, I leave them, as not worth mentioning, in com- 
 parison of the unrighteousness which hath proceeded from him, and the 
 wickedness which was in his heart. For I can produce a letter of his, 
 which I lately found by accident, which I never saw before, which I do 
 believe, that Judas nor his brethren, before mentioned, did ever write 
 the like, which is abominable, and a shame to mention. Yea, the very 
 heathen, that know not God, would blush to hear it; against which, (at 
 the reading and consideration of the ground and effects it would pro- 
 duce, if such a thing should be received as a principle among people,) 
 the dreadful power and holy zeal of the Lord, did arise in my heart, 
 beyond expression, even against the root that bore it, as an unclean 
 depth of atheism, and ranterism, as ever I heard of in all my days; the 
 which, had 1 formerly known that such a thing would have proceeded 
 from him, I could have done no less than have borne a public testimony 
 against him long ago. But, however, it is not too late to obey the mo- 
 tion of the pure God, when he doth require it for the truth's sake, and 
 the sakes of some who have ignorantly followed him in that character 
 of division, before mentioned, who may happily loathe and detest it, and 
 testify against him and it, in their heart and practice, when they shall 
 hear, consider, and believe these things concerning the author.of it; who 
 gave it forth as a law, under the penalty of a curse. Though some 
 there are, so far given to the spirit of enmity, that it will be very hard 
 (if ever) for them to come into the one, holy, peaceable spirit of truth, 
 and love unfeigned, in which the saints' fellowship is, and ever was, 
 who, if they repent not in time, will perish for ever in their gain-saying. 
 
 And therefore, I exhort all, who have any tenderness in them towards 
 God and his truth, to beware of letting in prejudice or enmity against 
 any, or to slight such as God hath blessed with his everlasting spiritual 
 blessings ; but rather look well to their own goings, and keep clean 
 hands, and shut their eyes from seeing of evil, that they may dwell 
 with the everlasting burnings. For there is a generation, that would 
 be plucking out, or at least espying, a mote in their brother's eye, even 
 while there remains a beam in their own; and such the son of God calls 
 hypocrites, whose hearts assuredly fearfulness will surprise in a day of 
 trial. And therefore I say again, in the love and fear of the Lord, take 
 heed of entertaining the least thought of that root of bitterness, which 
 will defile, and hath defiled many, but judge it out in its first appear- 
 ance. For it tends first to separate from the feeling and enjoyment of 
 the blessed presence of the Lord, by which the soul is refreshed, and 
 nourished, and has dominion over its enemies, and so from that life 
 in which the saint's unity stands, and so from having fellowship with 
 them; and so, professing the same truth; without the enjoyment of it, 
 
313 
 
 and acceptance with it, makes such like Cain, who envied his brother. 
 And therefore, said John, "let us love one another, not as Cain who 
 slew his brother." Here he mentions Cain in that day, upon such an 
 occasion, as an example, knowing that a little prejudice would eat like 
 a canker. And said James, "what a great matter a little fire kindleth;" 
 and will yet kindle, if it be not quenched by the water of the life of 
 the lamb, which was slain from the foundation of the world that lies in 
 wickedness, in which life is our fellowship, which gives us dominion over 
 all the beasts of the field, and raging waves of the sea, which cast up 
 mire and dirt, and cannot rest. But in Christ, the everlasting seed, all 
 the upright in heart have peace, which God by his mighty hand and 
 arm is exalting over all, that truth and righteousness may have the do- 
 minion and kingdom in the hearts of people; that he may reign whose 
 right it is, and all the contrary be subdued, and trodden under foot for 
 ever, and every imagination that would rise in opposition against him, 
 be confounded; and that every weapon that is formed, and every tongue 
 that riseth up against him, may be destroyed for ever ; that his govern- 
 ment may be from sea to sea, and the knowledge of his glory cover the 
 earth. This is the work which the Lord hath begun, and he will accom- 
 plish it, and bring it to pass, that everlasting praises, and honour, and 
 glory may be given to his great and glorious name over all, for ever and 
 ever, for he is worthy. 
 
 So, this short testimony in the truth, and for its sake, was on me to 
 give forth, and to clear my own innocency, that the truth may appear, 
 to the satisfaction of all faithful friends and tender people, w r here any 
 such report shall come, concerning me, in this particular? and also, to 
 discourage that part or spirit in any, that lusteth to envy and prejudice 
 against the truth, and them that walk in it. 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 This 1th month, 1667. 
 
 Didst thou not sow good seed in thy field ? from whence then hath it 
 tares? He saith unto them, an enemy hath done this. Matt. xiii. 27, 28. 
 
 And the Lord God said unto the serpent, because thou hast done this, 
 thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field. 
 Gen. hi. 14. 
 
 Here you may see who is the xather of all the sowers of evil seeds. 
 
 40 
 
THE TRUE CHRIST OWNED, 
 
 In a few plain words of truth, by way of reply to all such profes- 
 sors or profane, who lay to the charge of the elect people of God, 
 called Quakers, that they deny the blood of Christ, and his body 
 and resurrection, and that they deny the Lord that bought them, 
 and trample the blood of the covenant under their feet. 
 
 This is the great outcry in the mouths of such as know not what 
 they say, nor whereof they affirm, lifting up their voices (like the 
 unbelieving Jews) of heresy and blasphemy against us: and all 
 this is because we answer not their wills, and the imaginations 
 of their dark mind, but according to the manifestation of God 
 in every ma?i's conscience, as the true apostles and ministers of 
 Christ did, and according to the scriptures of truth, which holy, 
 men of God spake forth as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; 
 as will plainly appear to all ivhose eye the Lord hath opened. 
 Which may give much satisfaction to such as sincerely desire to 
 know the truth as it is in Jesus, and walk in it, for whose sake, 
 and the vindication of the truth and people of God, is this written, 
 by William Bayly. 
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 Reader, whoever thou art, consider seriously that the things of God 
 and the true knowledge of them, are of deep and weighty concernment, 
 and there are but few, in comparison, that have attained to the true and 
 right knowledge of the mysteries of his everlasting kingdom. Not- 
 withstanding their great noise and talk of profession, the things that 
 truly belong to their peace are hid from their eyes, and their house is 
 desolate, and so will remain, till they are turned from the darkness, to 
 the light of Christ which shh* s in their hearts, as it is written; " God, 
 who commanded light to shine o«4t of darkness, hath also shined in our 
 hearts, to give us the light of the Vnowledge of the glory of God in the 
 face of Jesus Christ." Mark here, w>at gives the true knowledge of 
 the things of God, (which the natural \ m m understands not, because 
 they are spiritually discerned,) it is the lightN^hich shineth in the hearts 
 of people, which is the ^manifestation of the unit of God, given to 
 every man to profit withal; and except people be turned to this, and 
 learn of it, they can never be profited in the way, and worship, and true 
 knowledge of God. Therefore, while people arc from the gift of God 
 
315 
 
 in them, they put light for darkness, and darkness for light. And so, 
 if thou wouldst have a clear and right understanding of these things, 
 and be fully satisfied in thy own mind concerning them, thou must wait 
 in the light of the Lord Jesus Christ for counsel and instruction; for no 
 man can know the things of God but by the spirit of God, who giveth 
 his holy spirit to them that rightly ask it of him; to which I shall leave 
 thee, to be led into the right understanding hereof, that the things belong- 
 ing to thy soul's peace may not be hid from thee. 
 
 W. B. 
 
 The first query and charge. 
 
 Do you Quakers own that blood of Christ which was shed without 
 the gates of Jerusalem upon the cross, which when the soldier thrust in 
 his spear, forthwith there came water and blood; and they that saw it, 
 bore record that this was visible blood, which came out of the side of 
 the visible man Christ? Do you own justification by this blood which 
 was visible, which we do believe you do not? For we could never hear 
 you directly answer us to this matter, but evade it by other terms, and 
 shuffle it off, not daring to sho"' your faith and principle in this particu- 
 lar; so that we conclude and publish, that you are them that deny jus- 
 tification alone by the visible blood of the visible man Christ, that was 
 born of the Virgin Mary. 
 
 Thus said Katthew Caffen. 
 
 Answe^-^-As for the words visible blood, and visible man, which thou 
 so much talkest of in this kind, they are terms quite beside the language 
 of the scriptures of truth, or else I am very ignorant of such transla- 
 tions. But we do as really own our justification by the blood of Jesus 
 Christ, the only begotten son of God, as the apostles and saints of old 
 did, without any evasion or shuffling, according to their very meaning, 
 and plain declaration; who said, " If we are in the light, as he is in the 
 light, then have we fellowship one with another, (mark in what their 
 fellowship was — is yours in the light?) and the blood of Jesus Christ, his 
 son, cleanseth us from all sin*?'* You may see, here is nothing mentioned 
 of the word visible. And again : " Then Jesus said unto them, verily, 
 verily, I say unto you, except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and 
 dvink his blood, ye have no life in you: whoso eateth my flesh, and 
 drink eth my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last 
 day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed : he 
 
 * 1 John i. 7. 
 
316 
 
 that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in 
 him," &c* These Words of truth we own and witness; but your words 
 visible flesh, and visible blood, which you would strain us up to express, 
 to answer your wills and dark imaginations, we do not read from Christ 
 nor his apostles in all the scriptures. So we desire all people to take 
 notice of the ground these people have to say, we deny the blood of 
 Christ; for, because I did not answer Matthew CafFen, (in a late dis- 
 course about these things,) in the express term visible, it being not ac- 
 cording to the form of sound words, he therefrom concluded that we 
 deny the blood of Christ, that we do not own justification by it; who 
 might as well conclude the same of Paul, and the rest of the apostles 
 and ministers of Christ, as of us, for not using the word visible when 
 they express the flesh and blood of Christ; yea, of Christ himself, who 
 leaves out that expression which they so much contend about, and on 
 the contrary, saith> the flesh profits nothing, it is the spirit gives life.f 
 Then tell me, O ye professors of Christ's and his apostles' words, who 
 say they are your rule, what is that flesh that is meat indeed, and what 
 is that flesh that profits nothing, seeing both are the words of truth? 
 
 And again: take the words of Peter minister of the word which 
 endureth for ever) to the elect that were scattered throughout several 
 places: " Forasmuch as ye know that y<?. are not redeemed with* corrupti- 
 ble things, (as silver and gold,) from your vain conversation, received by 
 tradition from your fathers: but with the precious blood of Christ, as of 
 a lamb without blemish and without spot."J Why do you not here find 
 fault with Peter, for not using the word visible instead of precious ? 
 which was my term several times to thee and thy companions in that 
 discourse, which ye would not receive as satisfactory to you ; So ye may 
 as well be unsatisfied, and contend with Peter, and Christ, and Paul, 
 and the scriptures of truth throughout, as with us about the word visi- 
 ble, and call them sophisters and blasphemers, as thou M. C. calledst 
 me, when I spake their words, without adding or diminishing, as may 
 appear hereafter. 
 
 And again : see the testimony of John, a servant of God, who " bare 
 record of the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all 
 things that he saw : and he said unto me, these are they that came out 
 of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them 
 white in the blood of the lamb."§ He doth not say, in the visible 
 blood of the lamb they have washed their robes. So though you thus 
 exclaim against us in these things, and brand us with heresy, &c. yet 
 we have, and do see, whose eyes the Lord hath opened, more for us, 
 
 • John vi. 53. f John vi. 62. 63. * 1 Pet. i. 18. § Rev. i. I, 2, and in 
 chap. iii. 14. 
 
317 
 
 than are, or ever shall he against us ; for we have the witness of God, 
 and of all his faithful servants and ministers, and the testimony of his 
 own son on our side ; and if ye had understood their words and writings, 
 which ye so much talk of, ye would easily understand our faith and 
 principles concerning these matters. But as Christ said in those days 
 concerning the zealous outside professors, so say I now, " I thank thee, O 
 Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from 
 the wise and prudent of the world, and hast revealed them to babes," 
 &c. And much more might he spoken as to this particular of the blood 
 of Christ, but in the mouths of two or three witnesses let these things be 
 established; which when people come to understand aright with a spi- 
 ritual discerning, they will not cry out against us, that we deny the 
 blood of Christ, and trample the blood of the covenant under our feet, 
 as these men have done through their ignorance. The Lord give them 
 repentance, and forgive them, for they know not what they do : for the 
 blood of the covenant is that which sanctifieth ; and without holiness 
 or sanctification, no man shall see the Lord. And this we do not tram- 
 ple on, or count an unholy thing; but do praise the Lord that bought 
 us, that we are made witnesses of it; and do acknowledge our salvation, 
 as the apostle Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus did, (to the church of 
 the Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ,) to be 
 through the salification of the spirit and belief of the truth.* Thus 
 were they chosen from the beginning to salvation, as ye may read. 
 And these things we do not count unholy, but do prize and esteem them 
 more than all the visible, perishing things in the whole world, though 
 you have thus belied and reproached us. 
 
 The second query and charge. 
 
 But do you own salvation by the man Christ, that was born of the 
 virgin Mary, and that was baptized of John in Jordan, and that preach- 
 ed in the world, and was crucified, dead, and buried, and rose again the 
 third day, and ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right 
 hand of God, and shall come again to judge the world? (Now mark, if 
 we speak the truth in the uprightness of our hearts, and say yea to all 
 this, it doth not at all satisfy them, but they further proceed with terms 
 beyond what is written :) but do you believe in the visible man Christ, 
 with flesh and bones, which the people fastened their eyes on when he 
 read in the book of Isaiah? So that Christ Jesus was a visible man, 
 with flesh and bones, as he himself said to Thomas, a spirit hath not 
 flesh and bones, as ye see me have; so they did see him after he was 
 
 * 2 Thess. ii. 13. 
 
318 
 
 risen from the dead, and this was visible. Do you Quakers own sal- 
 vation alone by this visible person Christ Jesus? for we believe you 
 do not, because you preach up a light within, and not the visible man 
 Christ, for salvation ; and so we publish you to be them that deny the 
 Lord that bought them, and so are of antichrist, and false prophets. 
 
 This was the sum of Matthew Caffen's question and charge, in that 
 late discourse against us, who makes it his work to revile the truth, 
 and them that do witness it revealed in the inward parts, where God 
 doth require it. 
 
 Answer. 
 
 The former part is here answered already, with a word of truth ; 
 yea, and as to the latter part thereof, I have this to say, that we do 
 not deny, but own and believe, that he was the son of God, and the true 
 Christ, and the saviour of the world, that did appear to his disciples* 
 and did eat and drink with them, and talk with them, after he was 
 risen from the dead, who said, a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye 
 see me have; and all that is or was spoken and written by the pro- 
 phets and apostles of Christ concerning him, what he was, or what he 
 did or said, we do really believe, without any equivocating, as some of 
 you usually charge us with, and with reservations ; to which we may 
 say, as the apostle, " If our gospel be hid (or reserved,) it is hid to them 
 that are lost, whose minds the god of this world hath blinded, that do 
 not believe, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, (who is the 
 image of God,) should shine unto them." Read 2 Cor. chap. iv. through- 
 out, you that talk against the light within, and understand what ye 
 read, and what ye are crying out against; it is no less than the son of 
 God, if you will believe Paul, who witnessed the son of God revealed in 
 him ; and Christ, the son of God, said, " I am the light of the world." 
 
 But as to your charge, I say further, that we own salvation by no 
 other Christ than him the true apostles preached, nor any other gospel 
 or name under heaven, by which men shall be saved, but by Christ 
 Jesus, who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. And for the 
 word visible, it is yours and not Christ's, nor his apostles, nor mine; 
 and so I leave it out, and keep to the form of sound words, as the apostle 
 exhorts, and not meddle with it, lest I add to his words, and he reprove 
 me. But he that took upon him the likeness of sinful flesh, and the form 
 of a servant, and was found in fashion as a man, and made in the like- 
 ness of men, being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to be equal, 
 with God, this Christ Jesus we own, and witness salvation by, and by 
 no other.* And though Christ Jesus spoke at that time, and upon that 
 
 • Phil. ii. 6, 7, 8. 
 
319 
 
 occasion, of his flesh and bones, that they might believe, that it was he 
 that was risen from the dead, whom the chief priests, scribes, pharisees, 
 and elders had caused to be crucified, which before he had declared to 
 them, arid so upbraided them with their unbelief in that particular; yet 
 we need not be upbraided with unbelief by any, as you have done, say- 
 ing, we deny the resurrection of the body ; but we do really believe, 
 that Christ is risen from the dead, and entered into his glory, according 
 to the scriptures, who said to his disciples at the supper, "I will not drink 
 henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new 
 with you in my Father's kingdom," and that after he was risen from the 
 dead, he would go before them into Galilee. So these things they did 
 witness fulfilled, according as he had said, whose cup of blessing, which 
 they blessed, was it not the communion of the blood of Christ, &c.? # 
 And did not his blood cleanse them from all sin, as they walked in the 
 light, in which their fellowship and communion was ?f Read with un- 
 derstanding in the fear of the Lord. And so mark your great argument, 
 upon what occasion he thus appeared and spoke; "a spirit hath not 
 flesh and bones, as ye see me have." Did he thus speak that his dis- 
 ciples should always look after flesh and bones to appear amongst them, 
 and to be with them, and comfort them for ever ? Or did he not appear 
 to them in another form? And, last of all, did he not appear to Paul, 
 (who was called Saul,) as to one born out of due time ? And how did 
 he appear to him ? Mark, " when it pleased God to reveal his son in 
 me," &c. 
 
 Object. But here may an objection rise; did not Paul see that very 
 person, or body, or visible Christ that the rest saw, even the visible 
 flesh and bones that Thomas felt the print of the nails, and the hole of 
 the spear, after he was risen from the dead, &c? 
 
 A nsw. Suppose he did, (for he showed himself so to witnesses, and 
 not unto all,) yet Paul, and the rest of the apostles, and Christ, after 
 that, did not talk so much of flesh and bones, and not at all with the 
 word visible, as you do; but on the contrary, as Paul himself said after 
 God had revealed his son in him, " Henceforth know we no man after 
 the flesh; yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now 
 henceforth know we him so no more."}; Mark, he speaks as well in 
 behalf of all them that so knew him, as of himself, though they had been 
 witnesses of his so appearing. Now, if Christ should so come and appear 
 as you say, with visible flesh and bones, or after the flesh, as you look 
 for him, Paul would not know him, nor the rest of the apostles of Christ, 
 who were eye witnesses of his majesty and glory. Would they do well 
 then? Would not they deny the Lord that bought them then? For he 
 
 • 1 Cor, xvi. [| 1 John iif. ' \ 2 Cor. v. 6. 
 
320 
 
 said, " we know him no more henceforth, (though we have known him,) 
 after the flesh;" and speaks not so far outward as your word visible. Is 
 Paul and the rest of the apostles of Christ of your judgment, or of the 
 Quakers? Let God's witness in you all answer. Would ye receive such 
 into fellowship with you that do say, as Christ did, " the flesh profits 
 nothing, it is the spirit gives life," when they looked so much at his out- 
 ward person, or fleshly appearance in that body? And if the apostles and 
 Christ do well to speak after this manner, why do ye then brand the 
 harmless Quakers, (so called,) with heresy, who speak and own the same 
 things that they did, and not contrary? As you may read at large in the 
 scripture of truth, how they all preached the kingdom of God within, and 
 the word nigh in the heart and in the mouth; and that none should 
 say in their hearts, " who shall ascend up into heaven, to bring Christ 
 down," &c? And " God who commanded the light to shine out of dark- 
 ness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the 
 glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ:"* " but we have this treasure 
 in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and 
 not of us."f And said David, " The king's daughter is all glorious with- 
 in." And who is this king's daughter, but they whom God is their father? 
 who said, " I will dwell in them, and walk in them; I will be their God, 
 and they shall be my people."J And this is our message, " that God is 
 light, and in him is no darkness at all;" and the light within giveth the 
 knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ; and this glorious trea- 
 sure is in earthen vessels: and " know ye not that Jesus Christ is in you, 
 except you be reprobates."^ And "I have hid thy word in my heart; and 
 thy word is a light to my feet, and a lantern to my paths," said David. 
 He did not say the scripture, nor the visible flesh and bones, was a light 
 to his feet, but the word in his heart. And " in the beginning was the 
 word, and the word was with God, and God was the word; in him was 
 life, and the life was the light of men," &c. And David said, " The Lord 
 is my light and my salvation."|| And Isaiah said, "The Lord shall be unto 
 thee an everlasting light."Tl And said the apostle, " Now the Lord is that 
 spirit; and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty," that is, where 
 he dwells and walks, as he said: and " there is one Lord, and his name 
 one;" and Jesus is Lord, who said, " I am the light of the world; he that 
 followeth me shall not abide in darkness, but shall have the light of life:" 
 and if they have it, it must be within them, or in them. 
 
 And again, said Christ, who is the true light, " Neither pray I for these 
 alone, but for them also which shall believe on me, through the truth, 
 that they may all be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that 
 they also may be one in us; (see how this comes to pass;) I in them. 
 
 • 2 Cor. iv. vers. 6 and 7. f Psal. xlv. 13. * 2 Cor. vi. 16. § 2 Cor. atiii. 5. 
 ti Psal. xxvii. 1. 1 Isa. Ix. 19. 
 
321 
 
 and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one," &c. Here is 
 the Father and his son in his people, as God said, he would dwell in them; 
 and as Christ said. *• My Father and I will come, and make our abode with 
 him"' that keeps his sayings: and this is the language of the scriptures. 
 And he that is with you shall be in you, &c. u And the same spirit that 
 rai-ed up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies." 
 Here they all preached the light within, and Christ within, if ye can un- 
 derstand, and God in his people. And manifold more might be instanced 
 to prove their principles and doctrine, whom you call blasphemers; 
 but the world shall know, that our testimony is true in the day at hand ; 
 as I told some of you, when ye so fiercely contended against, and spake 
 evil of the things ye understood not. 
 
 And when I spoke of Christ, who said, " Before Abraham was I am," 
 and that all things were made by him and for him, &c. said one Wil- 
 liam Burnet, a baptist teacher, there was nothing made by Christ; then 
 said I, by whom were all things made in the beginning? Said he, by the 
 word. Now let all people see the darkness of these men, whom their 
 envv hath blinded, that they cannot see the plain scripture, how that 
 Christ is called the word of God;* and in divers places he is called the 
 word: and said the Apostle Paul, " By him were all things created, that 
 are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible," &c.f So it 
 is no marvel they oppose us, and revile us about these things, when they 
 belie the apostle, and contradict his plain words, who are like the un- 
 believing Jews, that looked at the outward age of the person of Christ, 
 when he said to them, " Before Abraham was I am." Is not this the 
 true Christ that was before Abraham? Was not he with the Father glo- 
 rified before the world began? W^ill ye deny these tilings, so plainly re- 
 corded in the scriptures of truth? And is not Christ Jesus the same yes- 
 terday, to day, and forever? And did not John Baptist say, he that 
 cometh after me, is preferred before me, for he was before me? 
 
 See here; did not this baptist teacher see farther than you baptist 
 teachers do now, who cry out, the visible flesh and bones is the Sa- 
 viour? And farther than the unbelieving Jews, who said, " Thou art not 
 fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?" Whose answer serves for 
 you all, Before Abraham was I am."J Then took they up stones to cast 
 at him. Can you read your spirit ? For ye throw the hardest things that 
 ye cau scrabble up against us about these things, except ye had the out- 
 ward power and sword in your hands; then I am sure, some of you would 
 punish the blasphemers, (as ye call them,) with a prison, or death, like 
 as your brethren have done; for "We have a law, and by our law he 
 ought to die," said the unbelieving Jews. And the Pope hath a law to 
 
 * Rev. xix. f Col. i. 16. J Johnviii. 5. 
 
 11 
 
322 
 
 burn heretics, that do not believe the natural, visible, corruptible bread 
 and wine to be the real, natural, substantial body and blood of Christ, 
 and so the saviour and redeemer. And in New England, the zealous 
 professors of the letter, (the man slayers and murderers,) have laws 
 against the Quakers, and call them a cursed sect; and you call them 
 blasphemers; so that Christ's words are fulfilled, "Ye shall be hated of 
 all nations (or opinions) for my name's sake;" who said, "I am the light of 
 the world," and " before Abraham was, I am." And Lodowick Muggleton 
 he curseth them and cries, they deny the son to be a person in the form 
 of a man, which suffered death, and is risen, &c. and calls them the 
 cursed sect of Quakers. But all your curses and revilings, scandals, 
 lies, and reproaches, will turn back into your own bosoms, and shall not 
 come nigh the dwelling of them whom the Lord hath blessed; for we 
 do not deny the person of Christ, nor the blood of Christ, nor the resur- 
 rection of the body, as we are falsely charged, but do own them all iq 
 their place and office, according to the scriptures of truth: and we are 
 one with the saints and apostles in the primitive time, in all these things, 
 and so are not a sect, but members of his body, of his flesh, and of his 
 bones, as they were- Ephes. v. 30. But his sayings are fulfilled, " If they 
 have called the master of the house Beelzebub, much more them of his 
 household:" "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but 
 because I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth 
 you." 
 
 The third query and charge. 
 
 But do you Quakers own and believe the resurrection of this body? 
 that this very body that is visible; of flesh and bones, which we now 
 see, and feel, and handle — do you believe that this same body shall rise 
 again? (said Matthew Caif'en, and his companion Burnet, while they 
 were handling one hand with the other.) Eor we believe you do not, 
 but deny the resurrection of this same visible body of flesh and bones, 
 as we have good ground to believe by your books, in which we cannot 
 find that you own the visible man Christ, that is risen and ascended up 
 into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God; nor the resurrection 
 of this same visible body; if you do, or do not, say aye or no (said M. C.) 
 directly to the question? 
 
 Answer. — As I told thee then, in that discourse upon the heath, sol 
 tell thee again, that the man Christ, and his resurrection from the dead 
 I own, according to the scriptures, which thou saidst was general, and 
 nothing to the question. Then said I, I own the resurrection of the body 
 as Paul did, and mentioned his words, " it is sown a natural body, it is 
 
323 
 
 raised a spiritual body: it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power: 
 and there is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body," &c. And 
 whereas you cry, the self-same visible body of flesh and bones, you believe 
 shall be raised, and this isyouf faith and principle; 1 do not so read it. in 
 your terms, in all the scripture of truth, though ye allege that saying 
 in Lzekiel, (chap, xxxvii.) about the dry bones, " I will lay sinews upon 
 you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put 
 breath in you, and ye shall live, and ye shall know, that I am the Lord.'' 
 Now look in the 11th verse, and see the mystery thereof, (if it be not 
 above your reach; for you are very near the earth, though ye talk so 
 much of heaven.) whether it was not spoken only of the restoration of 
 the Jews out of their captivated and dead state ; as the apostle said, 
 ■ what shall the reviving (or returning) of them be, but life from the 
 dead?'** Consider well what ye say, and whereof ye affirm; for the light 
 will make all filings manifest, and the fire must try your works. 
 
 And we have read that fifteenth chapter of the first epistle to the 
 Corinthians through, and find not your won! viStBLE in it, from the one 
 end to the other, which speaks as much (or more) of the resurrection, 
 as any place that I know of. But I find Paul, an apostle of our Lord 
 Jesus, saying', "Thou fool." to such as queried, "How are the dead raised 
 up ! and with what body do they come 7 " But he doth not tell people, 
 as you do, that the same visible body of flesh and bones shall be raised 
 up: bur says, "Thou sowest not that body that shall be:" and in the 
 fiftieth verse speaks very plainly, which might be a full answer to your 
 visible flesh and same flesh, and to your shame. " Now this I say, breth- 
 ren, (said he,) that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, 
 neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.*' And in the 24th verse 
 saitb, "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the 
 knowledge of God; I speak this to your shame which were such as 
 he called fool, that questioned and imagined about the resurrection of 
 the body, and what manner of body it should be, before they were 
 awakened to righteousness, and left off sinning; in which state they 
 rould not discern the Lord's body, nor the resurrection: for sin is dark- 
 ness, and the wages of it are death. And what can you see in the dark, 
 and when ye are dead ? What knowledge of God have them that are 
 in the grave? Therefore, I say, awake, and let your eyes be opened, 
 and contend no longer against the light within ; for it is that which giveth 
 the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. And 
 such as know the power of his resurrection, being made conformable 
 to his death, have seen his glory; to whom be praise, and eternal glory, 
 
 * Horn. x\. 5. 
 
324 
 
 and thanksgiving, who is the immortal, invisible, the only wise God, 
 blessed forever. Amen. 
 
 And much more might be written, as to manifest your darkness and 
 ignorance in the things of God, and of the very letter of the scriptures ; 
 and so denying the light, which should give you a good understanding, 
 ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. See 
 Matt. xxii. 29. which was spoken concerning the resurrection. 
 
 Postscript. — The key that opens the mysteries of the kingdom of 
 God, is the spirit of God, and without it no man can rightly understand 
 or judge of them, or have any true sight thereof; for the natural man 
 is blind, and so speaks by imagination, not at all perceiving them, because 
 they are spiritually discerned,* as it is written. And so it often hap-., 
 peneth with such to "speak evil of those things they know not; but in 
 what they know naturally, in those things they corrupt themselves." 
 Mark, naturally. It is an easy thing for any vain man or hypocrite 
 to talk or dispute about a natural thing, as you may see how these na- 
 tural professors use the word visible about the body and blood ©f Christ, 
 which I do not find written in all the scriptures of truth, as to those par- 
 ticulars. And so, because we do not speak to answer their wills, con- 
 trary to the scriptures, they are highly offended with us, as Matthew 
 CafTen was with me, because I said God dwell eth in his people, and that 
 Christ sitteth at the right hand of God; but M. C. said, with a loud 
 voice, " My Saviour, that I own salvation by, is that visible man Christ, 
 that is ascended up into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of 
 God — that visible man, with the same flesh and bones which he took of 
 the Virgin Mary." Which heaven dost thou mean? said I to him. " I 
 mean (said he) that visible heaven up there," pointing over his head to- 
 wards the sky. What, up there, where the sun, moon, and stars are? said 
 I. "Yea, (said M. C.) this is my faith and my principle, I care not who 
 knoweth it, though you Quakers hide yours, and will not deal plainly, 
 but are ashamed of what ye hold," &c. (This is false.) Then said I, 
 did Paul speak truth and honestly to the people, or did he mock them, 
 and deal deceitfully with them, when he bid them seek the things that 
 are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God? &c. Or did 
 he speak of impossibilities to them? For, if he meant up there, where 
 the visible sun, moon, and stars are, the visible heaven, how was it pos- 
 sible, or wherein was it any way profitable for them to seek things up 
 there? Or what things were they there to seek ? Or did ever any of 
 
 * 1 Cor. li. 
 
325 
 
 l:hem obey his exhortation, to whom lie thus spake? Did any of them 
 elimb up thither, and find Christ sitting there in a visible, single person, 
 as M. C. said he was there so? And what things are there to be sought, 
 as pertaining to salvation ? Let the witness of the living God in all 
 people, that have but the least understanding, judge and answer. And 
 whether these men in their imaginations have not made to themselves 
 the likeness of things in heaven, or things in earth, contrary to the com- 
 mand of God ? For Christ doth not always sit where he is, though he 
 mentioned sitting, signifying a place of abode. But Stephen saw heaven 
 opened, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, when he was be- 
 fore the council, bearing a testimony, that the Most High dwelleth not 
 in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet : " Heaven is my 
 throne, and earth is my foot-stool ; what house will ye build me? saith 
 the Lord, or what is the place of my rest ? Have not my hands made 
 all-these things?"* But Stephen was full of the holy ghost, looking up 
 steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing 
 on the right hand of God, which they that gnashed with their teeth on 
 him did not see ; for they did always resist the holy ghost as their fathers 
 did, and they stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, as 
 all the professors in Christendom, so called, have done against the harm- 
 less people of God in this age. Such as resist that which is holy in them- 
 selves, must needs resist, and reproach, and persecute them that are 
 filled with it, and born of it; and so the scripture is fulfilled, " They 
 hated me before they hated you."f 
 
 And so, though men may be wise, and zealous, and learned, and pru- 
 dent, and great, and rich, and mighty, and be rulers, and teachers, &c. 
 yet if they resist the holy ghost, (or spirit of truth,) the mysteries o£ 
 God and of his kingdom are still hid from them; though they profess and 
 talk of them with their mouth and lips, yet their foolish heart is still 
 darkened, because they like not to retain God in their knowledge, but 
 like to retain only a kind of outside knowledge of those things that his 
 children do witness the life and power of within; and so they are in- 
 wardly ravened from that which only can give the true and saving know- 
 ledge of God, and of his glory .J 
 
 And so, from the wise and prudent of the world, in that which is 
 natural and visible, God hath hid and doth hide the mysteries of his 
 heavenly kingdom and dominion, but doth reveal and show them plainly 
 to babes, whom he "forbids to cast their pearls before swine, (such as feed 
 upon the husk,) lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again 
 and rend them;" yet are we rent with divers and manifold reproaches 
 and persecutions, by such as pretend themselves the sheep of Christ and 
 
 * Acts vii. 48. 
 
 | John xv. 18. 
 
 t 2 Cor. iv. 6. 
 
326 
 
 people of God; "but by thoir fruits ye shall know them." And especially 
 from the teachers of the letter of all sorts do we meet with much oppo- 
 sition; but, blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 their strength is but a reed of Egypt, where death and darkness are, 
 which may be felt; and the Lord is drying up the tongue of the Egyp- 
 tian sea, and he will make the rivers islands, and dry up all their pools; 
 and this shall be the plague of Egypt, and of all the heathen that will 
 not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of Hosts, even 
 upon them shall be no rain.* And the true worshippers are such as 
 worship the Father in the spirit and in the truth. He that hath an 
 jear to hear, let him hear. And the Lord is making ways in the wilder- 
 ness, and rivers in the desert; and the wilderness shall sing for joy, and 
 the desert shall blossom as a rose, and grow as the lily; and this is the 
 Lord's doing by his own arm, that no flesh should glory in his presence; 
 who is confounding the wisdom of the wise, and bringing the under- 
 standing of the prudent to nothing; so that babes and sucklings shall 
 say, " Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer? 
 where is he that can count the towers?" Hath not God made foolish the 
 wisdom of this world ? The world by all their wisdom know not God. 
 
 "I thank thee,0 Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast 
 hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them 
 unto babes; even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight."f 
 
 These things I have written for the vindication of the truth, and for 
 the manifesting the darkness of them that reproach and oppose it and 
 them that live in it; and for their soul's sake that have any true breath- 
 ings or sincere desires after the true knowledge of the true and living 
 God; for to know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou 
 hast sent, is life eternal. 
 
 Query I. Whether there be any more saviours of the immortal soul 
 but one, that is able to save it, or to bring salvation to it? yea or nay. 
 If you say, nay, there is but one able to save, and able to destroy, as the 
 Lord said, " Beside me there is no saviour," and " there is no other 
 name under heaven, by which men can be saved, but Jesus Christ." 
 
 II. Then, whether the visible person of flesh and bones be the only 
 saviour, seeing the apostle saith, the ingrafted word is able to save the 
 soul; and the grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to 
 all men? And who was Enoch's saviour, and the prophet's, who were 
 before that visible flesh and bones was? 
 
 III. Whether the visible person of flesh and bones be the ingrafted 
 word? Or whether that person hath appeared to all men, seeing that 
 
 * Zcch. xiv. 
 
 f Milt. xi. 25. 
 
3#J 
 
 which bringetli salvation hath! Heave it to thewitiiessof God in you all 
 to consider and judge. For if you say, the visible man, with visible flesh 
 and bone?, is the alone saviour, (as you have said,) then whether this 
 visible man be in the hearts of people? For. the apostle preached Christ, 
 M the word, nigh in the heart and in the mouth," and "the ingrafted 
 word is able to save the soul;" so he did not preach a visible Christ with 
 flesh and bones, as you do, (which W. B. said was not Christ,) hut the 
 word. And Paul preached God that made the world, &c. that was " not 
 far from every one of us," the invisible God; hut you preach a visible 
 man, with flesh and bones, at a great distance from all people, above, 
 where the sun, moon, and stars are, as M. C. said his saviour was, which 
 he owned for salvation. So let all people read with moderation, and 
 sec how contrary these zealous professors are to the apostles of Christ, 
 who desired to know Christ no more after the flesh : and Christ said to 
 such, " Ye worship ye know not what; God is a spirit, and they that 
 worship him must worship him in the spirit and in the truth ;" and 
 God dwells and walks in his people, according to his promise. 
 
 IV. Whether the flesh, which you call visible, be not the vail spoken 
 of Hebr. x. 20 I And whether the pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that 
 budded, and the holiest of all were not within the vail? And whether 
 that vail in the old time was not a type of this vail, through which this 
 new and living way is consecrated for us? Read Hebrews x., and under- 
 stand what ye read. 
 
 V. And whether such as were made to sit together in heavenly places 
 in Christ Jesus, who would know him no more after the flesh, were not 
 come within the vail, where the true bread was, which nourished their 
 souls up unto eternal life, which the manna was a type of? 
 
 VI. And whether the bodies of the saints did not become the temples 
 of the living God? and did not he dwell in them, and walk in them? 
 And lie that knew not Christ in him, was not he a stranger to the new 
 and living way, and a reprobate ? Or were the heavenly places in 
 Christ, where they sat, above the skies? 
 
 VII. And when Matthew Catfen said, his saviour was up in the 
 heaven, where the sun, moon, and stars are, which are visible without 
 him; did he not then ask me, where my God was that I worshipped and 
 served? And did I not plainly tell him, before many people, that he dwelt 
 in me, according to l>is promise, and that he was my saviour? And didst 
 nut thou, M. C, cry out with a loud voice, O blasphemy ! just like the 
 J* \\s ;tLi;iin>t ( lirist, and them that stopped their ears against Stephen : 
 but did not I reply to thee, then call the scripture blasphemy? Nay, 
 thou mayst as well call the Lord blasphemer, for speaking so; for they 
 are Ins words and promises to his people, "1 will dwell in them, and walk 
 in them : 1 will be their God, and they shall be my people." Here all 
 
may see the darkness and blindness that are happened to these men, who 
 do withstand the truth of God, and his precious promises, as Jannes and 
 Jambres withstood Moses, but their folly will be made manifest to all 
 men, as theirs was, who call such blasphemers who witness the promise 
 of the Father, which Christ bid his disciples wait for, fulfilled. 
 
 But some may say, if God and Christ, and justification, and salvation, 
 and all must be known within ; then what benefit have you by the death 
 and sufferings of Christ 1 And for what end came he into the world ? And 
 what advantage have any people by these things 1 
 
 Answer. Much every way; for, first, he in his birth and coming in 
 the flesh, was the opening of a door, (though under a vail to the carnal 
 eye,) to see into the mysteries of his kingdom, which was at hand, as he 
 told them;* as, his being born of a virgin, and then being carried into 
 Egypt, and then being brought back again, as also his being kept out 
 of the inn, which was full of guests in the days of taxing ; and his being 
 wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger, showed his enter- 
 tainment in the world, and among the professors of all sorts, that saw not 
 the invisible life, but looked at the visible appearance; and so, " his face 
 was more marred than any man's, and his form more than tfce sons of 
 men." 
 
 And then in his preaching, he told for what end he was born, and 
 came into the world, to " bear witness to the truth;" and so he fulfilled 
 all the types, and shadows, and sacrifices under the law, by his offering 
 once for all, and ended them for ever. And so a body was prepared to 
 do his Father's will, who would not have any more such sacrifices and 
 offerings, but a new and living way must be consecrated, for the people- 
 through the vail, that is to say, his flesh, which was offered up once for 
 all. So here all the outward offerings, which were many and often, 
 ended ; and now the offering is in righteousness in that which exceeds 
 the Scribes and Pharisees, and the true worship is now, as he said, in 
 the spirit and in the truth. And so, as they offered the blood of bulls 
 and goats, and such like things, in their sacrifices for sin and transgres- 
 sion, so Christ, at his death and sufferings, offered a body of flesh and* 
 blood, which was prepared, (as I said,) to that end, of his Father. So 
 he did his Father's will, with which he was well pleased, saying, "This is 
 my beloved son, hear ye him." So that God is in Christ reconciled : and 
 out of him there is no reconciliation, nor acceptable sacrifice. And now 
 all must heap him, who said, " I am the way, the truth, and the life," 
 and, " I am the light of the world" — "Believe in the light," whose name 
 is called, "The word of God," which his ministers, in his stead, preached 
 "nigh in the heart and in the mouth," and forbade saying, "who shall 
 ascend up into heaven, to bring him down, or descend to fetch him up," 
 
329 
 
 <5lc. 7 But the word of reconciliation they had, and this they preached, 
 ♦hat people might come to Christ, and be reconciled to God ; and their 
 fellowship was with the Father, and with his son Jesus Christ, and the 
 blood of Christ did cleanse them, and yet they desire to know him no 
 more after the flesh. But these things are parables to the wise men of 
 the world. Therefore I may conclude, as the apostle did, " without 
 controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the 
 flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, 
 believed on in the world, received up into glory.'* And so he is out of 
 your sight, who deny the light within ; for that gives the knowledge of 
 his glory in the face of Jesus Christ, as ye may read 2 Cor. iv. and vi. 
 
 *1 letter to the mayor of London. 
 
 Svmuel Starling, — It hath often been in my heart, to lay the weight 
 of mv present saflerhlg before thee, that thou mayst consider, that 
 thou art Hie chief instrument of the original cause and ground thereof, 
 bv committing me contrary to law and equity, when it was in thy power 
 to have done justice, by breaking the laws of the wicked, and deliver- 
 ing the innocent from the false accuser and blood thirsty. And also in 
 love to thy soul, to warn thee to repent with speed whilst thou hast a 
 day to breathe, lest the just hand of the Lord cut thee off. in thine ini- 
 quitv, because thou hast stretched forth thy hand against him and his 
 people, bv persecuting them even unto bonds; for which cause the Lord 
 will plead with ihee, before whom no exeuse will stand thee in -tead: 
 and then shalt thou know that we are his faithful servants, whom he 
 hath chosen to bear testimony to his holy name and truth agaidst all 
 unrighteousness of men.even in the midst of a crooked and sinful genera- 
 tion. For the Lord is risen to exalt truth and righteousness, and to 
 throw down wickedness and unrighteousness'; and this work he hath 
 begun even in your day. which many of you will not believe, who gain- 
 say and withstand the truth, as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, 
 whose madness and folly the Lord is making manifest, even to all men, 
 as theirs was. Therefore I say again unto thee, repent with speed, 
 before the place of repentance he hid from thine eyes: and do justice, 
 by releasing those who su tier by thee for conscience sake. And inasmuch 
 as I was committed by thee, contrary to equity*, law, and reason, I could 
 not be clear till I had laid the>e things before thee, considering the 
 shortness of thy time in this world, and also, how un justly thou hast de- 
 prived me. my wife, and tender cbildren, of the lawful means and ho 
 nest emplovmenl which 1 was about and intending to have persevered in, 
 
 42 
 
330 
 
 for their subsistence, whose cries will be a witness against thee in the 
 ears of the just God. And if after this warning thou shalt yet remain 
 hardened, then be sure the Lord will smite thee, and deprive thee both 
 of time and power, so that when thou wouldst do good, thou wilt not be 
 able. And all thy unfaithfulness to his secret witness in thy heart, which 
 hath often pleaded with thee, will add to thy condemnation; and then, 
 what covering wilt thou have to hide under, who hast cast the servants 
 and brethren of Jesus Christ into prison? who will say unto many of you 
 in the day of your account, " Depart ye workers of iniquity into ever- 
 lasting torment;" where crying "Lord, Lord," will not avail the hypo- 
 crite- And this shalt thou witness at thy latter end to be thy state, 
 except thou speedily repent, and humble thyself, and amend thy ways 
 and thy doings, by doing justly, and relieving the oppressed. And until 
 thou hast done this, thou shalt never have true peace with God; but 
 misery and destruction, disappointments and trouble, will be thy portion 
 from his hand, and his judgments, which are righteous, will follow thee, 
 even to thy bed chamber, from whose presence and all-seeing eye thou 
 canst not be able to hide. Rocks and mountains shall not cover the 
 worker of iniquity : for every work, with every secret thing, the righte- 
 ous God is bringing to light, and he will certainly reward every. one ac- 
 cording to his works. 
 
 And now I am clear of thy blood, and eased in my spirit, having w r arned 
 thee in faithfulness, and in love to thy soul, to flee from the wrath 
 to come. And if it be my lot to finish my testimony in this imprisonment, 
 under thy hand, I am content in the will of my God to live or die, but 
 be sure my blood will the Lord require at thy hand. Therefore re- 
 member, that thou art warned by a friend to thy soul, though so un- 
 known to thee but only by the name of 
 
 William Bayly. 
 Newgate Prison, the 4th day of the Eighth month, 1670. 
 
A FAITHFUL TESTIMONY AND WARNING, 
 
 Concerning the certainty of the great and notable day of the Lord, 
 broken forth in this age, after the long night of apostacy, wherein 
 he will accomplish his great and glorious work, [determined,) of 
 redemption and restoration. 
 
 With something concerning the sufficiency of the grace of God, which 
 hath appeared to all men, fyc. Tit. ii. 11. And of the true light, 
 which lighteth every man that comet h into the world, John 1. 
 With a brief exhortation to them that believe in the light, and 
 are turned from the darkness, salon's power, to God. 
 
 And a few words, in reply to such as query, or ash, whether did you 
 ever hear or read of a people, in all the scriptures, that lucre qualc- 
 crs; .and that preached of a light ivilhin, as you called quakers 
 do? And ivhether you own the scriptures to be the word of God? 
 And ivhether you do not hold that dangerous tenet of perfection? 
 
 All briefly answered, and given forth for the sake of the simple, to 
 silence the foolish ignorant, and to reprove the scorner ; that all 
 such may awake, repent, and turn to the Lord, before it be too 
 late; for it is the day of their visitation. In true love to all your 
 souls, by William Bayly. 
 
 The great and notable day of the Lord is now dawned and broken 
 forth, which hath been prophesied of since the beginning, since Adam 
 transgressed, "that the seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's 
 head and by the mouths of his holy prophets, from Enoch to the 
 days of Christ and his apostles, who also prophesied of this day, and the 
 work which therein should be accomplished; which was then begun, 
 though hindered by the apostacy, for a time foreseen, and for an end 
 determined. But now will the Lord God work, and none shall hinder; 
 for the set time is come. 
 
 Isaiah prophesied of this day, chap ii. 2, 3. And Jeremiah prophe- 
 sied, cbap. 1. And Ezekiel, xxxix. And Daniel, xii. And Hosea, chap, 
 vi. 2, 3. And Joel, chap. ii. And Amos, chap. viii. Obadiah, vcr. 21. Mic. 
 iv. Nahum, i. Habak. i. 5. and ii. 20. Zeph, i. 12, 13, 14, 15, &c. 
 Hag. ii. 23. Zech. vi. and chap. ix. 8, 9, to the end. And Malachi, iii. 
 1, and iv. 1, &c. And John the Baptist, Matt. iii. 12. And Christ 
 Jesus, Matt. xxiv. 30. And the apostle Paul, 2 Thess. ii. These all 
 prophesied of this mighty and glorious day, wherein God would "fifiisb 
 
332 
 
 transgression, and make an end of sin, and bring in everlasting righteous 
 ness," and make "a new heaven and a new earth," which John saw ; antf 
 " exalt the mountain of his own house above all the hills, and establish 
 it atop of all the mountains, and many people should flow unto it, and 
 flock as doves to the windows." And that this " day of the Lord should 
 burn as an oven, and all the proud and all that do wickedly should be 
 as stubble ; and the day that comes shall burn them up, and leave nei- 
 ther root nor branch of the wicked." " And the day of the Lord shall 
 be upon every one that is high and lifted up, and he shall be brought 
 low, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day." And the " lit- 
 tle stone" which Daniel saw "cut out of the mountain without hands," 
 that broke the great divided image to pieces, and "filled the whole 
 earth." And the time wherein many should be tried, and purified, and 
 made white, but the wicked doing wickedly ; and " the knowledge of 
 the glory of God should cover the earth, as the water covers the sea." 
 This is the work which the eternal God is now doing in this day of his 
 power, which is come as a thief in the night upon many, who will not 
 believe, though it be declared unto them. 
 
 The son of man is come, and coming in the clouds of heaven, with 
 power and great glory. The tribes, or kindreds of the earth, mourning 
 and wailing because of him, who is come in thousands of his saints, or 
 holy ones, to judge the world, and convince the ungodly of their ungodly 
 deeds and hard speeches ; antichrist and son of perdition revealed, and 
 consuming by the spirit of his mouth, and shall be destroyed by the 
 brightness of his glory. And -the son of God is come, and these are 
 signs of his coming, and of his glory, whom the princes of this world 
 never knew. The fig-tree hath blossomed, and put forth her tender 
 bud ; we know the summer is nigh ; the body is known to which the 
 eagles are gathered; the two in the field, the two at the mill, and in 
 the bed are separated ; and the unclean spirits are tormented, and the 
 devils cast out, and entered into the herds of swine, making them run 
 with violence till they are choked, who have trampled the pearls un- 
 der their feet, and turned again and rended, as Christ Jesus, our elder 
 brother, said they would do. And the dead are raised, the blind, yea, 
 the born blind, receive their sight; the deaf hear; the dumb speak, with 
 new tongues, the wonderful things of God ; the lame walk; the lepers are 
 cleansed ; and the poor in spirit receive the gospel, which is the power 
 of God to salvation. These things are now again witnessed and ful- 
 filled. 
 
 The great day of the lamb's appearance the second time to salvation, 
 is come ; the battle of the great God is begun ; his dividing two-edged 
 sword is drawn; the axe is laid to the very root of the tree; the plough 
 of the Almighty is entered into the earth, and many have set their 
 
333 
 
 hands to it, (blessed be the Lord God for ever,) and dare not look back 
 again to Sodom ; and the world is turning upside down ; and the un- 
 quenchable fire is kindled among the briars, and thorns, and stubble, 
 and it will consume them. 
 
 Wickedness hath made the whole world like a wilderness, and like a 
 garden all grown over with thistles and nettles, wherein the Lord God 
 cannot take delight, but hath been and is grieved therewith, and great- 
 ly dishonoured and provoked. Great hath been the time of his long- 
 suffering; long hath his lily lain among the thorns, his tender, innocent, 
 holy seed under the clods of the earth and rocks of the mountains; 
 grievous and long have been the oppressions and sufferings of the lamb 
 of God, since the foundation, of the world. But now he is coming up in 
 his died garments, who hath trodden the wine-press alone, and the day 
 of vengeance is in his heart, and he will trample the oppressor in his 
 fury; for the year of his redeemed is come. 
 
 And as it was in the days of Lot, and in the days of Noah, so shall it 
 be at the coming of the son of man, with power and great glory ; and 
 this is witnessed. And the clouds of heaven have received him out of 
 the sight of all the gazers, and despisers, and wonderers, that perish, and 
 the blind Sodomites, that cannot find Lot's door. For our door is Christ 
 Jesus, and he is the truth, and the way to the Father, and kingdom of 
 God, which none can see, except a man be born again ; and whoever 
 climbs another way, is a thief and robber, and will be condemned by 
 him, to whom all judgment is committed, which stands at the door. 
 Read within, for it is the foolish woman that is without. And a wit- 
 ness hath God placed in every man's conscience, according to whose 
 righteous judgment he will judge the secrets of all people. And this is 
 not another than the universal light of the sun of righteousness, Christ 
 Jesus, who is come with his fan in his hand, and will thoroughly purge 
 his floor ; and is now setting up his true worship again, after the night 
 of apostacy, as he spoke, " the hour is coming, &c." This hour is now 
 come, and the Father is seeking true worshippers to worship him in the 
 spirit and in the truth, which was begun sixteen hundred years ago; 
 and these only are the true worshippers.* 
 
 Though in the times of ignorance, God is said to wink, the light closed 
 in, or not so manifested, but now he calls all men every where, who are 
 in darkness, ignorance, and wickedness, to repent and turn at his re- 
 proofs, lest they die in their sins, and so never come to enjoy the soul's 
 rest, which is prepared for the obedient, of which the outward sabbath 
 was a figure; as all the other of the temple -worship, and sacrifices, and 
 ceremonies were but types, figures, and shadows, and not the heavenly 
 
 ' John iv. 23, 24. 
 
334 
 
 tilings themselves, no more than the shadow of a man, or an image 
 drawn of him, is the very man himself. The substance, or body,. is 
 Christ, as it is written, by whom the world was made, though the world 
 knew him not. He was in the world before Abraham was, or Adam 
 either; the word of Cod, the truth, the true bread, the true high-priest, 
 I (Tuple, and tabernacle, the true prophet, the true way, and true rest 
 to the immortal soul; of which living immortal substance the Lord God 
 expected and waited to see if the people would perceive something 
 beyond all these shadows and figures, which made nothing perfect, 
 as pertaining to the conscience. But they remaining hardened, and 
 in the blindness of their minds, understood not Moses and the pro- 
 phets, though they had their writings read every sabbath day. And so, 
 not answering the mind and will of God, but persevering in sin and 
 wickedness, and depending on those outside things commanded, and set- 
 tled on their lees and name of profession, the Lord raised up, and sent 
 his servants the prophets, to cry against them, both priests, rulers, and 
 people, as being weary of the multitude of their sacrifices and services. 
 ' And their holy things became abominable to him, " the sacrificing a 
 lamb, as if they had cut offa dog's neck; and oblations and incense, as 
 if they blessed an idol, and offered swine's blood," the life of a swine. 
 This was their state, by reason of their gross hearts and deaf cars, 
 which were hardened and stopped through the deceitfulness of sin, in 
 which they continued, so that none truly sought after God, but were 
 all out of the way of peace and true atonement. Gross darkness co- 
 vered the people. The ox and ass knew their owner and master's crib, 
 better than these knew their Maker, whose love and tender care were 
 towards them, in visiting them, that their souls might live. For thai 
 was the cry of his servants, beyond p.11 their profession and worship, 
 "Turn ye, turn ye; why will you die and perish in your iniquities V 
 For iniquity and sin was their ruin, as God forewarned them of it ; for 
 that was the cause of his anger that was kindled against them, and of 
 hiding his face, and withholding good things from them.* 
 
 And this is the same partition wall at this day, among all blind, hard- 
 hearted, polluted Christendom, who are rending and tearing about 
 shadows, and devouring one another about fading, perishing things, not 
 minding the mighty day of God, that is now come and coming, wherein 
 your heavens shall be on fire, and elements melt with fervent heat, 
 for it burns like an oven, and the old earth and its works must be burnt 
 up, root and branch. This work is begun amongst ye, though the blind 
 cannot see, who have eyes and see not, and ears and hear not, like the 
 old Jews. And now thousands of rams, and ten thousand of rivers of 
 
 *ls. lix. 1. 
 
335 
 
 oil, will do no good, as pertaining to the conscience. Nay, if I should 
 " give the first born of my body for the sin of my soul," it would not be 
 accepted. For it is only the blood of the son of God, the life, as of a 
 lamb without spot and blemish, that can redeem it out of transgression, 
 and reconcile it unto God, who had a body prepared in the fulness of 
 time, to end all the outward sacrifices under the law, through which the 
 new and living way was consecrated through the vail, that is to say, his 
 flesh; which vail all blind professors and profane in Christendom, cannot 
 yet sec through to this day, no more than the blind Jews, and blind 
 guides could see the end of Moses and the prophet's words, to the ever- 
 lasting priesthood, andworship inthespirit andin the truth, within the vail, 
 though they had the scriptures; who cannot see to the beginning, beyond 
 the visibles, to the "only wise, invisible God," before bread, and water, 
 and wine, and books, and priests' lips, that preach for money, and hire, 
 and "gain from their quarter;" which the prophets saw beyond, and 
 cried against, and them that " bear rule by their means," which was a 
 filthy and horrible thing. And Abraham saw Christ's day before Moses 
 was born. And John the Baptist saw beyond the water, to the fire and 
 holy ghost's plunging, to the Christ that was before him, and to the fan 
 in his hand, and preferred before him; saying, " He must increase, but 1 
 must decrease." Yet John was born (outwardly) before him, and his 
 ministry a forerunner, and signifier of the day at hand of thorough 
 purging, and fanning the chaff from the wheat, by the unquenchable fire. 
 
 Hear this, ye professors of Christ Jesus, who feed upon husks! Can 
 ye believe this work is now again begun ; and that fire can swallow up 
 water, as in the days of old ? and that the elements shall melt with 
 fervent heat, as was prophesied of ; and John Baptist decreasing by de- 
 grees, till there is no water left to comfort the soul, but of that sort the- 
 man in hell torment wanted, which the true believer, and Abraham, 
 and Lazarus had enough of; as Christ said, " He that believeth in me, 
 as the scripture hath said, out of his belly, (or inmost parts.) shall flow a 
 river of living water, which shall be, in him a well of water springing 
 up unto eternal life." And " He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my 
 blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him." And " Except ye eat my flesh, 
 and drink my blood, ye have no life in you." 
 
 Was not this a hard saying? And many more he had to say to them, 
 which they could not bear then,~nor can many bear them now : though 
 they profess the same in words, the life they are ignorant of, that ga\c 
 them forth, which God hath manifested to them that have waited for 
 his pure spiritual appearance. And the day is come, wherein the true 
 worship is set up again, as I have said, after the apostacv, fche falling 
 away from the true life, the power and the spirit of God, and from the 
 true worship in the spirit and in the truth, as was lore told by Paul to 
 
336 
 
 the Thessalonians, and seen by John.* And the fall of Babylon and 
 antichrist, whom the Lord would " consume and destroy by the bright- 
 ness of his coming:" and Babylon should never rise more at all, the great 
 city of confusion ; and the holy city, new Jerusalem, should " come down 
 like a bride adorned for her husband," which should have no need of 
 the elementary lights, but " the glory of God and the lamb is the light 
 thereof." If ye have ears to hear, hear. 
 
 And now is Babylon fired at both ends, and " the archers are come 
 up against her out of the north country ,"f as Jeremiah saw, that should 
 "make her desolate;" whose bow is bent by the strength of God, and 
 she must fall ; for strong is the Lord that judgeth her. Rocks nor moun- 
 tains cannot hide her from the wrath of the lamb, flee whither she can 
 from the stroke of the Almighty's holy life, that is come forth, conquer- 
 ing and to conquer, like a man of war, to plead with all flesh by lire 
 and sword; who is King of kings and Lord of lords ; whom the armies in 
 heaven follow, whose " name is called, the word of God" him by whom 
 the world was made; who hath taught their hands to war, and fingers 
 to fight, in this battle of the great God, "against principalities and 
 powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places ;" whose " weapons are 
 not carnal, but spiritual, and mighty through God, to the pulling down 
 of the strong holds of satan," the old serpent, who is king of Babylon. 
 
 Therefore, flee out of her for your lives, as Lot out of Sodom ; for fire 
 is come down from God, that will consume her. And he will bring 
 forth his glorious work, his new creation, which hath been long deter- 
 mined, and none shall hinder it; the gates of hell shall not prevail against 
 his work, now begun in the earth. The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it, 
 
 And now a few words to you in particular, that cry out against the 
 grace of God, which hath appeared to all men, as insufficient for salva- 
 tion; and yet profess the scriptures to be your rule, that testify of the 
 sufficiency of it. As the J^ord God said to his servant Paul, in his trouble 
 and affliction, " my grace is sufficient for thee."J And "by grace are we 
 saved, not of ourselves, it is the gift of God."§ And God called it, his 
 strength ; " my strength is made perfect in weakness." Now, where did 
 Paul, or any other of the saints in light, leave a testimony behind I hem 
 of its insufficiency, inability, or weakness, whose words you, that have 
 thus cried, profess to be your rule? 
 
 Show mejrour rule for this, except from the liar from the beginning, 
 which is your exact parallel. For God said to Adam and his wife, *'Jf 
 ye eat of the tree of knowledge, ye shall surely die," the serpent said, 
 
 2 Thess. ii. \ Jer. I. \ 2 Cor. xii. 9. § Ephea. ii. 8. 
 
337 
 
 in contradiction, " Ye shall not surely die." Cod said to Paul, " my 
 grace is sufficient ;" but you have said, " it is not sufficient," like your 
 father, whose work you do, notwithstanding your profession. God calls it 
 his strength ; you say, it is weakness and unable. The apostle that 
 proved it, and knew its effectual work, said, " it brings salvation ;" and 
 " the ingrafted word was able to save their souls ;" and they were com- 
 mitted "to the word of his grace, which was able to build them up (mark!) 
 and to give them an inheritance among all them which are sanctified."* 
 Here ye may read of his ability. And the spirit of grace and supplica- 
 tion was prophesied of, to be poured forth ; and " it is the spirit that giveth 
 life (as Christ Jesus said) the flesh profits nothing." So, consider these 
 things, and see if ye be not in the opposing and gainsaying God, Christ 
 Jesus, and his apostles, like Jannes and Jambres resisting the truth.f 
 And let God's witness in you answer, and let all people judge. 
 
 And was not the fulness which was in Jesus Christ, and the glory John 
 beheld in him, grace and truth? And are not grace and truth one? Were 
 not they saved by grace? And did not the truth make them free, who 
 received it with meekness, in the love of it? Doth not the scripture testify 
 these things, which you call your rule? Or are they false witnesses 
 that gave them forth ? Consider it well in the fear of God, and in 
 coolness, for that is the beginning of true wisdom. And leave off lying, 
 and learn to speak every one truth to his neighbour. And do not smite 
 your fellow servants, for we profess one God and Christ for salvation, 
 nor eat and drink with the drunken, as ye have, any more. But be 
 sober and watch, lest the Lord come upon you unawares, and cut you 
 asunder, and give you your portion with liars, hypocrites, and persecu- 
 tors ; for God is not mocked, what you sow shall you reap. And this i* 
 in true love to your souls. 
 
 Are not the grace, the light, and the truth one? And are not the power 
 and spirit of God one? And is not God light ? Are not the word, the Fa- 
 ther, and son one? And is not Christ the light, and the truth, and the 
 life? And is not he the door, and the way to everlasting rest ? Is there 
 any inheritance among the sanctified ones, but by him, whose name is 
 called « The word of God," " the alpha and the omega?" And if there 
 be a thousand names, were they not all of one? Was not the holy thing in 
 Mary called "the son of God," and "Immanuel," "God with us," and 
 " Jesus?" For he shall save his people from their sins. Are there not 
 many names given to one saviour? Or are there any more saviours of 
 the immortal soul in this case, beside this one, that can save his people 
 from their sins, seeing God, who is light, has said, " Beside me there is 
 no saviour ; I know not any."J Now, if you can find out another, be- 
 
 * Acts xx. 32. f 2 Tim, iii. 8. * is. xliii. 11, and xliv. S. 
 
 43 
 
33S 
 
 ■ide him who is the word in the beginning, you are wiser than the old 
 serpent made Adam, when he beguiled them, or else you are fools, and 
 blind in your imaginations. 
 
 Therefore, come to the true trial*. The light will make you and your 
 airy minds, dark hearts, and vain thoughts manifest, if ye will but bring 
 all to it; and teach you to speak and do truth, and to stand in awe, and 
 be still, that he may go before you and lead you, in whom there is no 
 occasion of stumbling. This was the saints' walking place, and this 
 grace of God was their teacher, wherein they witnessed the blood of 
 cleansing, as ye may read. 
 
 And this grace of God hath appeared to all men, and it is the gift 
 and talent which he hath given, according to measure, to every one to 
 profit withal, of which he will require an account, how it hath been 
 improved to his glory, your neighbours' benefit, and your own souls' com- 
 fort. 
 
 " For this is the condemnation of the world, that light is come into 
 the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds 
 were evil." The condemnation is not because ye had not a talent, but 
 because it is not improved, but hid, or buried in the earth. For the 
 free gift is come upon all, Jew and Gentile, through one. " Grace and 
 truth came by Jesus Christ," who "lighteth every man that cometh into 
 the world." This is glad tidings, the gospel preached to every creature. 
 Therefore, deceive not yourselves with lying vanities, neither feed on 
 husks, and that which dies of itself; but remember the strait gate 
 and narrow way, that lead in the regeneration, in the daily cross, to 
 life eternal. For your great notions and talk of religion, church, and 
 worship, will not save you, nor give you an inheritance with the saints 
 in light, while you love darkness, and live in it, if ye had all the words 
 of holy men from the beginning to this day, and of what Christ did and 
 suffered. This is all but crying "Lord, Lord," while the heart is far off, 
 and the true God and his worship, in spirit and in truth, is not known by 
 you. For such the Father is now seeking to worship him, who wor- 
 ship him in the spirit, and have no confidence in the flesh. As a shep- 
 herd seeketh out his sheep in the day when they are scattered abroad, 
 he is gathering from the mouths of the idol shepherds, and from off all 
 the barren mountains, into the fresh pastures of life and peace, unto the 
 fold of everlasting rest, where no ravenous beast can come. Glory to 
 the Lord God for evermore. And against this his work, now begun, gog 
 and magog shall never prevail. 
 
 The great day of the feast is come, wherein he is inviting the poor in 
 spirit, the hungry and thirsty souls. The year of his redeemed is come, 
 and the day of vengeance is in his heart ; which day the apostle saw, 
 and wrote of, that should come after the apostacy or frilling away, where 
 
339 
 
 the man of sin should be consumed and destroyed; and the great and 
 glorious work of restoration determined, should be accomplished. 
 
 And this is from the Lord God Almighty, to all the inhabitants of the 
 earth, whether they will hear or forbear. 
 
 # . ' * - ••• ' •<-• ■ '. :*^"">V. ■ 
 
 I have a few words more to all you that slight and make a mock 
 at the light within, as a foolish, erroneous, and ^contempt ihh 
 thing. 
 
 O ye brutish among men ! and fools that hate knowledge, and igno- 
 rant of the scriptures of truth, of the prophets, Christ, and the apostles, 
 which testify of the true light, "that lighteth every man that cometh 
 into the world," of which Moses wrote, and John bore witness, (John i. 
 9.) though you profess their words ! And Abraham saw Christ's day, 
 the true light. Did he see it within or without 1 Answer me. And 
 Enoch walked with God before the scriptures were given forth. And 
 John's message was, that " God is light." And God said of his people, 
 "I will dwell in them, and walk in them." Is not this the light within? 
 or is God changed? Did not Isaiah say the Lord was "an everlasting 
 light," and in the Lord Jehovah was everlasting strength; and bid peo- 
 ple trust in* him; and that he had wrought all their works in them? 
 And did not the apostle say, " It is God that worketh in you, both to 
 will and to do of his own good pleasure." And do you not make a mock 
 at God and Christ, (that dwelleth in his peop'e,) and at the scriptures, 
 you that mock at the light within ? Did not the light that shined in 
 the saints, give them the true knowledge of the only true God, and his 
 glory in the face of Jesus Christ ? Or did ever any know the true God, 
 and Jesus Christ, (which is life eternal,) by a light without? seeing the 
 scripture saith, " The things of God knoweth no man, but the spirit of 
 God,"* by which they are revealed. And " no man knows the Father 
 but the son, and he to whom the son will reveal him."f And " the in- 
 spiration of the Almighty giveth man understanding."! Whether this 
 spirit, inspiration, and revelation be within or without ? And by what 
 did Abel, Enoch, and Noah, and many others, know God, before the 
 scriptures were given forth ? Or whether the invisible God, which is 
 a spirit, was ever seen by any carnal or visible eye, seeing Israel saw 
 no similitude, but only heard a voice? 
 
 May I not say to such, "Go to the beasts, and they shall teach thee; 
 and to the fowls, and they shall instruct thee."§ Hath not God in his 
 universal love and tender care, ordained a universal light and sun to 
 
 • 2 Cor. ii. 9, 10, 11. f Matt - xi - 27 - * Job xxxii - 8 - § Deut - iv - 12 « 15 > 16> 
 
340 
 
 shine without, for the well heing, comfort, and refreshment of all crea- 
 tures, man and beast, even of the mortal bodies, throughout the habita- 
 ble parts of the earth? Who causeth his sun to shine, and rain to fall on 
 the just and unjust. 
 
 And hath he not afforded or ordained a universal light and «un of 
 righteousness for the immortal soul, the inner man, for its help, comfort, 
 and refreshment; which is of far greater value in his sight than the 
 mortal creatures'? If he be thus straitened, and his arm and hand of 
 love thus shortened, when came this to pass ? Seeing his people and 
 children have found him, in all ages, unchangeable, the same yesterday, 
 to-d-ay, and forever; who taught his followers, to be "merciful, as their 
 heavenly Father is merciful;" who "would have all men come to the 
 knowledge of the truth, and be saved,"* 
 
 Oh ! the blindness that is happened to people professing' Christianity, 
 to despise and deride so glorious a comfort! It is no less than the mani- 
 festation of the spirit of truth, which guides and leads its children into 
 all truth, and shows them things to come. My soul pities you, and I 
 could even mourn in secret for you, knowing how miserable your feet 
 will stumble at the dark mountains,! who hate the light, and the mock- 
 ers' bands be made strong.J 
 
 I will ask you this question, and let the whole world answer me, if 
 they can: what will become of the immortal part, or inner man, which 
 must have a being forever, when the body or outward man is perished? 
 What will be its state, when deprived of all visible or outward light to 
 all eternity, and the light within wholly rejected ?§ And whether that 
 state be not the utter darkness spoken of, where neither any glory nor 
 benefit can be seen, but torment, from the light within ? Consider it 
 well in the fear of God, and what will be thy portion, when the desire, 
 beauty, and comforts of thine outward eyes are gone, and thou gone to 
 thy long home, if thou hast no benefit of the light within to comfort thee? 
 Blessed are the eyes that see, and the heart that understands and be- 
 lieves in the light; for such become the children of light, as Christ said, 
 and they are the children of God: for "God is light, and in him is no 
 darkness at all."J| 
 
 Objection. But some may object and say, how can any be in utter 
 darkness, seeing thou affirmest, every one in the world is lighted with 
 the true light of Christ Jesus; and that it is the talent or gift, given to 
 every man to profit withal; and that all must give an account of the 
 improvement of it? And how is it said to be taken from a man, and he 
 cast into utter darkness? 
 
 * 1 Tim. ii. 4. f Jer. xiii. 16. * Isa. xxviii. 22. § Mat. xxr. 
 
 || 1 John i. 5. 
 
341 
 
 Answ. It is thus taken away; through disobedience to it, (the not im- 
 proving of it,) the benefit and comfort of it is lost; and if a man live and 
 die in the state of rebellion, it only remaineth in him as a tormenting 
 worm, that never dies. And thus you may read of the wicked and 
 slothful servant, who had a talent, and did not improve it, as required, 
 but hid it in the earth, (read within.) this was his condemnation, and 
 this is the fire that never goes out. And the rich man in hell torment, 
 who had lived in the fulness of pleasures, had enough to see himself in 
 darkness, and tormented in the flame, and Abraham and Lazarus in joy 
 and comfort; which added to his misery, and not to his refreshment; for 
 he desired but a little of their water, and could not get it, as ye may 
 see.* 
 
 And it was said of them that separated themselves from the saints in 
 light, that they were "sensual, having not the spirit:" that is, they, not 
 being guided, led, and taught by it, but disobedient to it, had not the 
 benefit and comfort of it, nor a right understanding by it of the way of 
 God, nor true knowledge of the work and mysteries of God, which were 
 the things that belong to their everlasting peace; but it reproved and 
 condemned them for their rebellion, as it is written, "The rebellious 
 dwell in a dry land."f 
 
 But the apostles and servants of God, who were led by it, had the 
 comfort of it, and it abode with them so forever; and they handled, 
 tasted, and felt the word of life, which was in the beginning, and they 
 fed upon it, and it nourished and strengthened them with all might in 
 the inner man; and it was a sword and armour to them, a defence 
 against evil and darkness. And others, they cast it behind their backs, 
 and so must needs go in darkness; for the word is a light to their feet 
 that take heed to it; and it is powerful. So people leave that which is 
 powerful behind them, and then complain, they have no power. This 
 is the state of the disobedient: "But to as many as received him, to them 
 he gave power, (even to as many as believe in his name,J to become 
 the sons of God;" and "He is the author of eternal salvation to as many 
 as obey him."J 
 
 And so, disobedience is the ground of man's ruin and destruction, and 
 not the insufficiency of God's gifts, or any straitness in him towards man- 
 kind. 
 
 So, remember you are warned, and it is the day of your visitation 
 from the Lord God, in love to your immortal souls; and prize your inch 
 of precious time, and fear God, and give glory to him, and worship him 
 that made heaven and earth, and the fountains of water ; for the hour 
 of his judgments is come, in which Babylon must fall, and his invisible 
 
 Luke xvi. 23, 24, 25, 26. 
 
 t Psal. Ixviii. <3. 
 
 * Heb. v. 9. 
 
342 
 
 glory be revealed more and more, to the ends of the earth, till the king- 
 doms of this world become the Lord's ; and he shaft reign for ever and 
 ever, world without end. Amen. 
 
 I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid 
 these things from the wise and prudent of this world, and revealed them 
 to babes ; for so it pleaseth thee. 
 
 A few words, in true breathings of love, unto you that are turned, 
 in this day of his power, from darkness to the light, and do be- 
 lieve in it, and have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 
 
 Dear friends, dwell in it; dwell low, and cool, and still, in the dread 
 of the Lord, (wisdom's gate and door,) and there keep your watch, and 
 be sober ; for your enemy seeks to devour you ; all opportunities he 
 waits for his prey, to catch and destroy your poor, tender souls, who 
 are escaping from him, whose desires are after God and things above. 
 Remember, it is the old serpent; and he wants neither age nor cunning; 
 he is still more subtle than any beast, and is cursed forever. Ybu have 
 no armour against him like the armour of light ; therefore keep it on, 
 and watch and pray continually, and wrestle against this principality 
 and power of darkness, the enemy of mankind, which lies near to many; 
 and then he cannot enter, he cannot spoil you, nor sow his tares of cor- 
 ruption and wickedness ; but while men sleep he sows them. That was 
 his first opportunity, while men slept, and hath always been, and is the 
 same now, and no other. So, dear friends, keep your watch, it is the 
 word of the Lord to you; then you keep out the enemy, and over 
 him, in true dominion and peace ; and your soul is comforted, and God 
 glorified, and his work prospers in the earth, which praiseth him, who 
 hath wonderfully and graciously appeared, in this his day, for the deli- 
 verance of his chosen; and he will appear more and more, till Jerusalem 
 is made the praise of the whole earth, and none shall hinder. 
 
 W. B. 
 
 An answer to those cries among some ignorant people, viz. 
 
 Where did you ever hear or read, in all the scriptures, of a people 
 called Quakers; and that preached of a light within people, as you 
 Quakers do? 
 
 Jind is not your religion a new religion, of about twenty years' 
 standing, not heard of before? 
 
343 
 
 Jind whether you, called Quakers, do not deny the scriptures to 
 be the word of God? 
 
 And whether you do not hold that dangerous tenet of perfection 
 in this life? 
 
 Given forth for the sake of the simple inquirer, and to silence the 
 ignorance of foolish men, and to reprove the scorners, who err, not 
 knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 
 
 As for our religion, it is no new religion, neither is it only of a late 
 standing, as you suppose; and yet as new to many now, as Christ was 
 unto the Jews, who did not believe his doctrine. 
 
 For the light is a new and a strange thing to such as were born olind, 
 and have always lived in darkness, though it hath been the standing 
 rule and path of the just from the beginning, as you may read and see, 
 if you are not still blind, in what followeth. 
 
 Though the name Quaker has been given us in reproach and scorn, 
 by scoffers and mockers, (which the apostle said would be in the last 
 days.) yet we know, that the holy men and servants of God of old, did 
 witness quaking and trembling, who would have been mocked by you, 
 had they been in your days ; who were quakers and tremblers, and 
 preached the light above twenty hundred years ago, as ye may read in 
 the scriptures of truth, from the mouths of more than two or three 
 witnesses, herein mentioned, which is but in short of what may be de- 
 clared. 
 
 1. Moses, a servant of God, by whose hand the Lord wrought mighty 
 wonders, and delivered his people out of Egypt,* the land of darkness; 
 he was a quaker and a trembler ; and all the people of the camp trem- 
 bled.f 
 
 2. Those that trembled at the words and commandment of God, were 
 the choice men, and chief in counsel with Ezra, and in the work of the 
 Lord, in building the temple.J See whom the Lord chooseth to do his 
 work. 
 
 3. Ezekiel, a prophet and servant of God, who did and wrought great 
 things in his day, was a quaker and trembler.§ 
 
 4. And Isaac trembled very exceedingly. Would not you, like Ish- 
 mael, have mocked such an exceeding trembler, and called him Quaker, 
 had he been in your days? Consider it.|| 
 
 5. Job, a servant of God, who saw God, and knew his redeemer lived 
 in his day, an upright man, trembled.1I 
 
 6. And Daniel, a 'man greatly beloved of God, in whom was an ex- 
 
 * Exod. xix. 16. f Heb. xii. 21. * Exra xi. 4. and x. 
 
 i. 18. | Gen. xxvii. 33. • f Job xxi. 6. and xix. 25. 
 
 Ezek 
 
344 
 
 cellent spirit of light and understanding,* he was a trembler, and the 
 men with him quaked ; and we do not read the heathens mocked them, 
 nor called them Quakers. And king Darius made a decree, " that all 
 men fear and tremble before the God of Daniel."f 
 
 7. And David, a man after God's own heart, was a trembler, who 
 did great things for God and his people; but he was the song of the 
 drunkards, and despised of Saul's daughter, his wife^J 
 
 8. Habakkuk,§ 
 
 9. Jeremiah,|| 
 10. Joel, and! 
 |1. Amos,** 
 
 12. Nahum, a prophet of God, witnessed the mountains to quake at 
 his presence.ff 
 
 And Isaiah, who spoke in the name of God, said, " Hear the word of 
 the Lord, all ye that tremble at his word ; your brethren that hated 
 you, and that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the Lord be 
 glorified ; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." 
 Hear this, ye outside lip-professors and scoffers ! And saith God, " to 
 this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, 
 and trembleth at my word."JJ 
 
 And Paul, an apostle and minister of Jesus Christ, trembled ; and the 
 converted jailer trembled ; and Felix trembled, reasoning with Paul 
 about righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come. Would not you 
 unrighteous and intemperate ones have scoffed at them, and called 
 them Quakers? Consider it, and repent, and dread the Lord God, who> 
 will not be mocked. §§ 
 
 And Paul preached in much trembling, and in the power and demon- 
 stration of the spirit o f God ; 1 1 1 1 and his work was, "to turn people from dark- 
 ness to the light ;"1HI and said, God, who is light, " hath shined into their 
 hearts." And the true believers, were to work out their salvation with 
 fear and trembling,*** and it was God that worked in them, &c. as you 
 may read.fff And many more quakers and tremblers preached the light, 
 the same true light which John bore testimony of, that " lighteth every 
 man that cometh into the world." 
 
 And Abraham saw the day of Christ, the true light, before Moses was 
 born, who wrote of Christ, and the law of God ; and Enoch walked with 
 God before Abraham was born, who was the seventh from Adam, and 
 had the witness in himself, " that he pleased God." 
 
 • Dan. x. f Chap. vi. 26. * Psal. lv. 5 and cxix. 120. § Hab. iii. 16. (| Jer. 
 
 v. 22. and xxiii. 9. % Joel ii. 1. Amos viii. 8. ff Nahum i. 5. Is. Ixvi. 1. 
 
 §§ Acts ix. 6, 24, °25, and xvi. 29. 1 Cor. ii. 2, 3, 4. U 2 Cor. vii. 15. ••• PhiU 
 ii. 12. ftt 2 ^or. iv. 6. 
 
 Trembled. <J These P ro P hets of the Lord 
 all owned trembling. 
 
315 
 
 And Isaiah preached and prophesied of the light ; and the house of 
 Jacob, when idolatrous, was called to u walk in the light of the Lord.*' 
 And Christ was further promised to be for a covenant of light and sal- 
 vation.* 
 
 Ezekiel speaks of the voice and glory of God, when he had seen the 
 tire and lightning. But this is hid from your eyes, who are in the dark.f 
 
 And Daniel declared of the light, and the queen of that country said, 
 it was in him ; and that it was '"an excellent spirit ;'' and did not mock 
 him, nor at the light within, as many do who profess Christianity, but 
 are worse than the heathens. J 
 
 And David preached the light within, and word within.§ 
 
 And Job owned and preached the light. And he saw God with his 
 eye, which is light. || 
 
 And Paul preached the light within.1i 
 
 And Christ Jesus preached the light, and bid people believe in it 
 (and so do we) "that they might become the children of the light."** 
 And John's message was, "that God is light."ff 
 
 And God said, he would * dwell in his people. v And the saints' in- 
 heritance is in the light : and immortality dwelleth in the light, which 
 is the saints' inheritance : though the unsanctiried, dark, and unclean 
 have no part in it, in that state, or knowledge of the ways of it, while 
 they rebel against it, as you may read.JJ 
 
 Much more might be written, as to this particular ; but this is only 
 mentioned in short, for the sake of such as may simply inquire ; and to 
 ^top the mouth of the liar and scorler, who speak evil of those things 
 they understand not. 
 
 And also, I do affirm, that the quakers and tremblers, which were 
 servants of God of old, as I have here showed, did bear a testimony 
 against all the unrighteousness of men, in then- day, without respect of 
 persons, in plain language to the people, and did preach the light, as we 
 have done, and yet do, in our age. And this gospel of this kingdom of 
 God within, must be preached for a witness unto all nations, and then 
 shall the end come. 
 
 They testified against idolatry; against the proud, mockers, and scof- 
 fers: against the rebellious, who rebelled against the light: and pro- 
 nounced many woes against the hypocrites, and false shepherds and 
 hirelings, such as sought their gain from their quarter, that fed them- 
 selves, and bore rule by their means, and prophesied for money, and 
 
 * Is. xlix. 6, and lx. and ii. 9, and x. 17, and li. 4. f Ezek. i. t Dan. ii. 22, 
 and v. 11, 12. § Psal. xxvii. 1, and xxxvi. 9, and xcvii. 11, and xxxvii. 6, and 
 
 cxix. 11, and cv. fl Job xxiv. 16, and xxv. 3, and xxxiii. 21, and xlii. 5. 12 Cor. iv. 
 6. •• John xii. 35, 36. ff 1 John i. 5. H 2 Cor. vi. 16. Col. i. 12. 
 
 j| 1 Tim. ii. 16. H Job xxiv. 13. 
 
 It 
 
346 
 
 barley, and pieces of bread; that ruled with force and cruelty, pushing 
 with their horns, like as some brute beasts have done in this age; against 
 whom the Lord God did move many of his servants to testify, as may 
 be yet remembered. And there was a time when Christ Jesus was 
 daily striving with such in their temple, to have gathered them in their 
 day, but they refused; and then after said, "They are blind leaders of 
 the blind, let them alone;'' which was an expression of a sad sin and 
 consequence; for they would " both fall into the ditch." Which may 
 serve for an answer to some that have inquired, why we do not visit 
 them as formerly? if they had eyes to discern the times and seasons, 
 which are in the Father's hand. Much might be said to this. 
 
 They testified against the bloody, against robbers and liars, and 
 against the covetous, violent, and oppressors of the people.* And Zepha- 
 niah cried, " Wo to the filthy and polluted oppressing city, whose princes 
 are roaring lions; and judges, evening wolves; and prophets, light and 
 treacherous: and against such as were in Cain's way, and Balaam's way. 
 And Isaiah pronounced, " Wo to the crown of pride, to the drunkards 
 of Ephraim ! they shall be trodden under feet;" and " wo unto them that 
 decree unrighteous decrees," &c. and to the rebellious children, that 
 took " counsel, but not of the Lord, and that cover with a covering, and 
 not of my spirit," that they might add sin to sin. 
 
 Hear this, all ye outside professors of Christianity, who rebel against 
 the light and counsel of the Lord, and his spirit within, which reproves 
 you for your sin and hypocrisy; your covering is too narrow, and your 
 bed too short, to hide you from the wrath of the lamb. 
 
 The sheep's clothing will not serve you, while you are inwardly ra- 
 vened from the truth required in the inward parts, no more than Cain's 
 sacrifice did, while sin lay at his door. The day of the Lord is come 
 that discovers you and your works, and the fire shall try them. 
 
 And Christ Jesus cried many woes against the scribes, and Pharisees, 
 and lawyers, and blind guides; and called them hypocrites, and serpents, 
 and vipers. And John cried, " Wo to the inhabitants of the earth;" and 
 said, " The devil is come down unto you."f 
 
 And the serpents, and vipers, and Cain, and blind guides, (like moles,) 
 are the earth's inhabiters; and the roaring lions, and evening wolves, 
 and them that push with their horns, and the swine, dogs, and foxes, and 
 thorns and thistles, Christ spoke of, are all of the earth's inhabitants, 
 and all the ravenous and unclean beasts. And the devil went into the 
 swine; and Cain, the wicked one, sacrificed, and slew his brother 
 about it, a vagabond and fugitive in the earth, an inhabitant there; 
 and so the wo remains upon all in his way, and in Balaam's way, (blind 
 
 • Read Zeph. 3. Amos 6. Jude 11. Isa. 28. and x. 1. Mich. 3. £zek. 34. Jer. 4. 
 f Rev. 12. 
 
347 
 
 guides' way,) who could not see the angel. And such cannot see the 
 way of the Lord, nor his people, nor their states and conditions, nor their 
 worship, till they are turned to the light, and the eye become opened, 
 which the God of this world hath blinded. 
 
 And so, I have no pearls to cast to swine; but to this man hath God 
 regard, " that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at his word." 
 
 Wherefore, fear God, and consider these things, and be wise; and do 
 not mock at the light, nor at the quakers; but remember your latter 
 end, and repent, lest the Lord's anger be kindled against you, and you 
 perish in your folly. For the holy men of God preached the light, and 
 witnessed quaking and trembling, as I have showed you. So take warn- 
 ing while you have time, and prize it. 
 
 And as for the scriptures, we own them in their place,* as Christ Je- 
 sus said of them, and as the servants of God in ages past acknowledged 
 and testified, to be a true declaration ;f and leave it to the witness of God 
 in you all, to consider and judge,J whether they are all the word or words 
 of God, yea or nay, as by what followeth. 
 
 First. In the Bible, or scriptures, are many words relating to divers 
 matters ; which we do not question the truth of the relation thereof. 
 
 There are the words of God ; and of Adam and Eve in the fall ; and 
 of the serpent that beguiled them. I hope you will not say, these are 
 all the word or words of God; but very much to be distinguished by 
 them that have a right understanding, as contradictory. 
 
 And there are the words of Cain, to God, who slew his brother about 
 sacrifice. 
 
 And the words of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of Moses, and the 
 prophets, Noah, Daniel, and Job ; holy men. And there are also the 
 words of Esau, the profane person ; and the Egyptians and Sodomites ; 
 and of them that caused Daniel to be cast into the lions' den, for pray- 
 ing to his God. 
 
 And the words of David, Mordecai, and Esther ; and of the Philistines 
 that fought against Israel; and of proud, wicked Haman, who sought the 
 Jews' destruction, because Mordecai would not do him reverence. 
 
 And the words of Ahab and Jezebel, that murdered Naboth for his 
 vineyard ; and the words of Elisha to him, whom he called his enemy, 
 though a holy man. 
 
 And there are the words of Saul, who sought David to slay him, and of 
 the witch he went to ; and of the priest's son, Pashur, chief governor, 
 &c. who smote Jeremiah. Are all these the words of God? 
 
 And there are the words of the devil concerning Job, who would have 
 destroyed him, but confessed, God had " made a hedge about him." 
 
 • John v. 39. 
 
 f Luke i. 1. 
 
 * 2 Tim. 16. 
 
348 
 
 And a relation of the reign of good kings, and also of many bad ones; 
 and of the false prophets and hirelings, that sought for their gain from 
 their quarter, and spoke lies to the people, whom God never sent, and 
 so did not profit them at all who heard and believed them. 
 
 Secondly, and in the scriptures are recorded the words and sayings, 
 works and sufferings of Christ Jesus, the true prophet, of whom Moses 
 wrote, and the words of the devil, that tempted him; and of Judas that 
 betrayed him ; and of the priests, that gave large money to the soldiers, 
 to tell lies, " how his disciples had stole him away, while they were 
 asleep." Is that likely, they could tell what was become of him, being 
 all asleep? What a shift and poor refuge of lies the devil putteth his 
 servants to, when his kingdom is going down? And there are the words 
 of Pilate, that delivered him into their hands, and washed his own, (but 
 that would not do,) and of them that blind-folded and mocked him. 
 
 And there are the words of the holy apostles, and their several letters 
 and epistles to the several congregations of the Lord's people. And also, 
 of the vagabond Jews, who bound themselves under a curse, neither to 
 eat nor drink, till they had killed Paul : and of the captain that rescued 
 him out of their hands : and the words of the orator, that called him a 
 pestilent fellow : and of them that said, Christ had a devil, and cast out 
 devils by Beelzebub. Are these all the words of God? Much less the 
 word that was in the beginning, that liveth and abideth for ever. 
 
 And in the scriptures may be read the words of the persecutors, who 
 strictly charged the apostles, to leave preaching in the name of Jesus, 
 (the true light and power of God.) But Paul and Silas sung in the 
 prison; and they could not but speak that which they had seen and 
 heard of Christ Jesus ; and could not flee, like the hirelings, that leave 
 the sheep when the wolf comes among them: for a work of necessity 
 was required of them, " to turn the people from darkness to the light, 
 from satan's power to the power of God :" and they had the word of 
 reconciliation ; and this word was in the beginning, by whom all things 
 were made, before the scriptures were ;* of which the scriptures tes- 
 tify ; and they are a true declaration :f and this is our belief concerning 
 them. 
 
 And so we make a true distinction between the report, and the thing 
 or things reported of, as Isaiah did, who said, "Who hath believed our 
 report ? and to whom was the arm of the Lord revealed ?" 
 
 And the record which God gave of his son, is not the son himself ; but 
 to be believed concerning him. 
 
 And so, the scriptures are not the word ; for that is Christ's name ;} 
 nor can they all truly and properly be called, the words of God,§ as I 
 
 • John i. f Luke i. I. \ Rev. xix. 13. § John i. 1. 
 
349 
 
 have here demonstrated in short, to the view of all who are not wil- 
 fully blind. 
 
 So, come to the light of Christ Jesus, which shines in your dark 
 hearts ; in which you may see yourselves, and your ignorance, and vain 
 thoughts, and hard speeches, and learn to put a difference between the 
 precious and the vile in your own particulars, and then you will divide 
 aright between good men and wicked men, and their words and actions, 
 as between light and darkness. 
 
 And as for our holding that dangerous tenet, (as you call it,) of perfec- 
 tion in this life ; I answer, 
 
 We hold no other perfection or tenet than what the holy men of God 
 of old did, who did hold the head, Christ Jesus, and laid hold of eternal 
 life ; in which is no danger or imperfection, but safety and peace ; who 
 is come to destroy the devil and his works, which hath made people 
 imperfect, and brought them into dangers, and the pit of darkness and 
 ignorance by transgression, in which lies the danger of everlasting de- 
 struction, in this broad way: but in Christ, the truth, the life, the way 
 to the Father, is no imperfection or danger, as I have said, but eternal 
 life and salvation; in which life we have perfect peace, as our minds 
 are stayed on him, and not in any other. And he bids his people be 
 perfect as their heavenly Father is perfect. And this is no dangerous 
 tenet, to obey God and Christ Jesus, which you yourselves have pro- 
 mised and do not perform, but are disobedient. And here lies your 
 danger, in professing God and Christ in words, but in works deny him, 
 and are ignorant of him. 
 
 For, no other perfection or dangerous tenet do we hold at this day, 
 than what we were bound to believe and walk in when we were chil- 
 dren, and to witness performed by the spirit and grace of God within 
 us ; and in the same covenant are you engaged, and have promised to 
 fulfil it on your part, who profess yourselves christians. Therefore, look 
 you to the danger of breaking your promise made to God, as ye may 
 read in the public baptism, in the Common Prayer book, and consider 
 it well ; in which we were taught by our then teachers, as people 
 are now, 
 
 First, to renounce the devil, and all his works ; the pomps and vanities- 
 of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh. 
 
 Secondly. And to believe all the articles of the christian faith. 
 
 Thirdly. To keep God's holy will and commandments, and to walk in 
 the same all the days of our lives. 
 
 Thus did we and you engage and promise unto God ; which is a state 
 of as great perfection as can be witnessed, and is to be performed and 
 fulfilled in all true christians. 
 
 Therefore, weigh the matter well, and see where licth the danger; 
 
350 
 
 on them that wait upon God, to receive his holy spirit and grace, to 
 perform what hath been promised, or on them that promise, and do not 
 regard to perform their vows to God, as you and your teachers have 
 done; who have reproached us for the same things which you yourselves 
 profess to God in words, like the Pharisees and hypocrites of old, who 
 said, God was their Father, and yet put Christ Jesus to death, because 
 he acknowledged himself to be the son of God. 
 
 So, the Lord judge between us and you, and open your eyes, that you 
 may see a difference between him that sweareth, and him that feareth 
 an oath; between him that doth in deed and truth serve God, and him 
 that serveth him not, but only with the lips, and the heart far off, which 
 the Lord requireth ; who is only worshipped in the spirit and in the 
 truth, ( which is perfect.) And then you will perceive, that our religion 
 and worship, and what we hold, is neither new, strange, or dangerous, 
 as ye have imagined ; but the good old way of holiness, the pure religion 
 and true spiritual worship, which God alone, who is perfect, hath set 
 up, and is well pleased with, who is the author of it. And this was before 
 the devil's works were, which have made people blind, and miserable, 
 and imperfect by transgression. The holy, pure, and perfect life, and its 
 works, were the first, and will be the last upon the earth, the alpha and 
 omega. 
 
 It was the enemy of mankind that sowed the tares ; the Lord sowed 
 good seed in the field, the wicked one sowed the bad, whose work the 
 son of God is manifested to destroy; and he will overturn again and again, 
 till he comes to reign whose right it is. And against this his work now 
 begun, the gates of hell and death shall not prevail. The mouth of the 
 Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 Much more might be declared, as to this matter ; but thus much, in 
 short, I have given in answer to these things, that your eyes might be 
 opened, who err in vision, and stumble in judgment; that the things be- 
 longing to your everlasting peace might not be hid from you in this your 
 day. 
 
 So, fear God, and prize your precious time. This is in true love to all 
 your souls, by a friend to all people, 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
A call and visitation from the Lord God of heaven and earth, unto 
 Christendom, (so called,) who pro/ess to know God, but in works 
 deny him. Being also an examination of them, how they came 
 by the name christian. And it is a warning to them all to repent 
 ivith speed, before the dreadful judgments of Almighty God, 
 (which hang over their heads,) be poured forth upon them. With 
 an exhortation and direction, how they may come into the ivay of 
 everlasting peace with God, and escape the wrath to come. With 
 a true discovery of the ground of that cry among the priests and 
 teachers in Christendom, (viz.*) that visions and revelations are 
 ceased. And a charge and warning to them from the Lord, that 
 all such cease preaching to the people, fyc. Through a labourer in 
 the Lord^s harvest, and a true lover of all your souls, William 
 Bayly. 
 
 Hearken and give ear, all you people, who profess yourselves chris- 
 tians, and yet live contrary to Christ and his servants, in the abomi- 
 nations of the heathens ; many of you exceeding Sodom and Egypt in 
 your wickedness, blindness, and darkness, which is felt by many that 
 fear God. Your profession of Christianity is loathsome before the Lord, 
 and it is even a shame and a grief to true christians, that you should 
 take his name into your mouths, who are so full of deceit, uncleanness, 
 oaths, cursing, and bitterness. Who can number your abominations? 
 How doth iniquity abound and multiply? What is become of the love 
 and fear of God? How is sobriety and truth wanting amongst you, and 
 madness and folly exalted, as if the kingdom of darkness were to be esta- 
 blished for ever, and your only happiness to bring forth the works of the 
 devil ? 
 
 Have you yet never read, that every one that doth name the name 
 of Christ, should depart from iniquity; and that the fear of God, which 
 is to depart from evil, is the beginning of true wisdom? Are you not 
 yet come to this first step of Christianity? Examine yourselves a little, 
 you who have got the sheep's clothing, the name christian for your 
 covering: for in the dreadful name and authority of the everlasting God 
 of heaven and earth, am I moved to examine you and warn you in the 
 behalf of truth and righteousness, which he is now exalting. 
 
 How came you by the name christian? Or who gave it you? And 
 what is the ground, cause, or reason that you are so called ? How came 
 you first by it, you that live like wild and savage beasts, worse than the 
 
352 
 
 sea motisters, devouring and destroying one another in your pride, envy, 
 and ambition, which is as far from the spirit and way of Christ Jesus, 
 whom you profess, as the east is from the west, and differs from it as dark- 
 ness doth from light? Did not Christ Jesus teach his disciples, (the true 
 christians,) to be merciful, and to love one another, and to forgive one 
 another, and to do unto all men as they would be done unto, and to be 
 meek and lowly in heart? Who were called christians first at Antioch ; 
 as you may read.* 
 
 But how got you the name? Give account if you can. For the Lord 
 God is risen, to awaken you and to call you to an account, both profes- 
 sor and profane, and to make you manifest as you are, even to the hea- 
 then afar off; and no vizard, nor covering of profession shall be able to 
 hide or shelter you, who say you are christians, and are not, but you 
 will be found liars and blasphemers, and of the synagogue of satan, as 
 they were found to be, who said they were Jews, and were not. 
 
 Did not Christ Jesus, whose name you profess, say, "Follow me;" "I am 
 the light of the world; he that followeth me, shall not walk in darkness, 
 but shall have the light of life,"f as you may read? Now, if you are 
 his true followers, you walk not in darkness, as he hath said, but you 
 have the light of life. Therefore, prove your profession, and the way 
 you walk in; for if you walk in darkness, wickedness, sin, and trans- 
 gression, you are no true followers of Christ, nor his disciples, and so no 
 true Christians. Wherefore, see what ground you have to claim to 
 yourselves this name; for Christ puts forth his own sheep, and leads 
 them out of darkness, and they are turned from it, and have no fellow- 
 ship with the unfruitful works of it; but did and do reprove them, as 
 may be read plentifully in the scriptures of truth. "You were some- 
 times darkness, but now are you light in the Lord; walk as children of 
 the light."J And again, " Ye are not in darkness, ye are all the chil- 
 dren of the light; we are not of the night, neither of darkness."§ And 
 said Peter, "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy na- 
 tion, a people set at liberty, that ye should show forth the virtues of 
 him that hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light." 
 And said John, "The darkness is past, and the true light now shineth."|| 
 These were called out of darkness, and were come past it, and delivered 
 from the power of darkness, and were translated into the kingdom of 
 the dear son of God ; which kingdom stands in righteousness, and peace, 
 and joy in the holy ghost.^l 
 
 And they were taught by the grace of God, to "deny ungodliness and 
 worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present 
 
 * Acts Xh 26. f John viii. 12. $ Ephcs. v. 5. § 1 Thess. v. 4. H 1 Pet. 9, 
 1 1 John ii. 8. 
 
353 
 
 evil world,"* as you may read. Now sec if you, who profess their 
 words, do walk in their steps, and are come to be taught by their teach- 
 er. Is their way yours? for the path of the just throughout all ages was 
 and is Ihe shining light. Or is not your way the way of the wicked, 
 which is as darkness, who know not at what they stumble'? Read 
 Prov. iv. 19, and let the witness of God in you, which is true, answer. 
 And deal truly with your own souls; for God will not be mocked, who 
 is come to try you, and from whose presence nothing can be hid. Did 
 not the true Christians follow God as dear children, and walk in love? 
 Was not this the true mark of Christ's sheep, to love one another, by 
 which all men were to know them to be his followers ? And is this 
 mark found upon you, that pretend to be his sheep? Or is not the con- 
 trary, the mark of Cain, who slew his brother? Are you not all 
 brethren by your profession of Christ's name ? Should you not then 
 love as brethren, and be kind and tender-hearted one to another? Do 
 you not all in Christendom call God your Father, and with one mouth 
 say you have one Father, even God ? And did not the hypocrites of 
 old say the same? Consider it in the fear of God. 
 
 Did not the apostle John say, 44 He that loveth not, knoweth not God, 
 for God is love?"f Then what good will all your profession, and religion, 
 and name do you, if you know not God, which is life eternal ? Are you 
 better than sounding brass, or tinkling cymbals, if you have not the love 
 of God, and true knowledge of God in you ? Was not this Paul's doc- 
 trine, whose sepulchre some of you garnish, like your forefathers, the 
 outside and lip professors, whose brass and cymbals sounded as loud as 
 yours, and had as long prayers as you ; and yet Christ told them that 
 they had not the love of God in them, who neglected judgment, mercy, 
 and faith, the weightiest matters, and were paying tithe of anise, mint, 
 and cummin. Therefore, come you to the line of true judgment, and 
 measure your path, your race, and pedigree. 
 
 Did not Christ Jesus bid his disciples be merciful, as their heavenly 
 Father is merciful ? And said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall 
 obtain mercy." And " Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be 
 called the children of God."| Now, if you had learned of him, as he 
 hath commanded, where would then be room for envy and cruelty, pride 
 and oppression, which this day abounds among you 2 Did he not bid his 
 disciples love their enemies; and if they hungered, to give them meat; 
 and if they thirsted, to give them drink; and to do good to them (bat 
 hated them and despitcfully used them ? How much more ought you 
 to love your brethren, and your neighbours as yourselves? Surely, had 
 you all been found in this second lesson, M thou shalt love thy neighbour 
 as thyself," the Turks and Jews would have taken hold of your skirts 
 
 ♦ Tit. ii. f 1 ' To,in iv * Watt. v. 
 
 45 
 
354 
 
 before this day, and acknowledged you to be true christians- But through 
 your blasphemy, hypocrisy, falseness, idolatry, and superstition, which 
 abounds among you, you have been a stumbling-block, and a cause of 
 reproach to the name of Christ Jesus unto many thousands, and you 
 have grieved the Lord, even beyond the old world. 
 
 O Christendom ! of whom have you learned all this wickedness, mad- 
 ness, and folly, that is so plentifully brought forth among you, for 
 which the very Turks do justly condemn you ? Did you ever learn 
 these things of Christ, whom you profess? Is he your way, pat- 
 tern, or example in these abominations? What account can you 
 give of these things ? Will not the blood of souls be charged upon 
 you? Oh ! that you would consider it in this your day, before it be too 
 late ! Are you like the sheep of Christ Jesus, which he hath put forth? 
 Do you bear his image, the holy, innocent life? Out of what are you 
 put forth, you who live like wild beasts, and fed horses without bridle ? 
 Did you ever know what the yoke of Christ was, you that are restless, 
 like the troubled sea, foaming out your own shame one against another 
 to the view of nations ? Let the truth, God's witness in you, answer. 
 And do not daub any longer with untempered mortar ; for, as I said, the 
 Lord God is arisen to try you and your profession of his holy name, and 
 to search you, as with candles, and to manifest your root and branch, 
 that the shame of your nakedness may more appear, who have hid your- 
 selves under falsehood in a pretence of religion and holiness. 
 
 Did not Christ Jesus, whom you profess, rebuke those that did but 
 desire destruction to come upon their enemies, to destroy their lives, 
 who knew not what spirit they were of? Then how ignorant are you, 
 and greatly to be reproved, who are so greedily destroying your bre- 
 thren, (striving who shall be greatest,) about the earth, and honour be- 
 low, that shall perish ? What spirit do you think you are of, who spend 
 your precious time and days in pride and vain-glory, serving divers lusts 
 and pleasures ; envying, hating, oppressing, robbing and devouring one 
 another, as if it were the work of your day and generation, and the end 
 for which you were born, to provoke the righteous God to his face in 
 these things against you, who gives you life and breath, and being, that 
 you should fear, and dread, and serve, and worship him. Are ye not 
 them that are without natural affection, heady, and high minded? 
 Judge ye. 
 
 Are these things the marks of Christ's innocent sheep, or of the ra- 
 venous beasts of prey ? whether these are not the unfruitful works of 
 darkness? or whom do these things resemble? and from what root do 
 these bitter fruits proceed, which grieve and dishonour God and Christ 
 Jesus, whom you profess ? Judge ye, whether these fruits you bring 
 forth to open view, will ever be a means to convert the Turks, Jews, 
 
355 
 
 and heathens to your faith and religion, and acknowledge you to be in 
 the right way of everlasting peace and happiness; who, under the name 
 of Christianity, make the world to ring of your ravenous impieties be- 
 yond Sodom and Gomorrah; as if by your name of profession you had 
 a privilege to commit such abominations, w r hich are abhorred and con- 
 demned by the very heathens. And yet, how distasteful would it be 
 unto you, to deny you the name of christians? You in Italy, Spain, 
 France, England, Holland, Germany, with many other kingdoms and 
 provinces, w T ho have long been professing Christianity, and have made 
 a large noise of religion, and yet striving in your wills to exalt your- 
 selves over one another, contrary to Christ's doctrine and example, who 
 said, '*He that will be the greatest among you, let him be a servant (or 
 a helper) to all." But instead of this, your cruelty one toward another 
 hath exceeded the measure of Pagans ; for which you may swiftly and 
 justly expect the dreadful judgments and fiery indignation of the righte- 
 ous God to consume you, who are thus biting and devouring one an- 
 other; which will be your portion, except speedy repentance and amend- 
 ment of life. Should you not all be as- a family, who profess one Christ 
 your head, and you his servants? Should you not then help and love 
 as brethren ? And is not he worse than an infidel, that doth not help 
 and provide for them of his family ? 
 
 O Christendom ! be not deceived ; what thou sowest, thou shalt as- 
 suredly reap : for Christ is not divided, nor his garment rent, who is the 
 leader of his people out of those things which you are found wallowing 
 in, who is the captain of their salvation, of whom they have learned to 
 be merciful, and to love enemies, and to lay aside all malice, and 
 guile, and hypocrisy, and evil speaking; as new born babes, feeding on 
 the sincere milk of the ingrafted word which liveth and abideth for 
 ever, that is able to save the soul; by which they are kept in the love 
 of God, and in unity and peace one with another. And as Christ Jesus 
 said, so I say in the name of the Lord unto thee, O Christendom, "Verily, 
 verily, except a man be born again, and become as a little child, he can 
 in no case enter the kingdom of God and except a man take up his 
 cross daily, and follow me, saith Christ Jesus, he cannot be my disciple. 
 Therefore, consider whether you yet know what this new birth mean- 
 eth, and the cross of Christ, which Paul preached, which was a stum- 
 bling block to the Jews, and to the Greeks foolishness, by which he was 
 crucified unto the world, and the world was crucified unto him ? Was 
 this a cross of wood, stone, brass, gold, or silver, or an ivory cross, which 
 some of you carry about you daily ! Is this the daily cross, think you, 
 there spoken of? 
 
 O people, papists and protestants ! be no longer deceived, but come 
 forth, and answer, if you can; who are so full of your made, invented 
 
356 
 
 ignorant, dumb, beggarly idols and crosses, without life and virtue, and 
 even mad on the works of moo's hands, in your blind zeal on those lying 
 vanities, by which you grieve and provoke the spirit of the Lord daily: 
 but what world do all your crosses crucify unto you 1 Or, is not the 
 world alive in you, and you in it, without God in the world ? For God 
 is love; and by the abounding of iniquity love is not only waxed cold, 
 but even lost among you. And is not all that is in the world the lust 
 of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life? this is not of the 
 Father, but of the world. And is there any people under heaven ex- 
 ceeding you in these things, who are called christians 1 
 
 Oh ! how have you lost the very remembrance of the true cross, not- 
 withstanding all your invented crosses to put you in remembrance! 
 You are such as have forgotten the Lord days without number, and 
 therefore are you thus torn in pieces, and divided, and no deliverance 
 will be found for you, if you repent not speedily. And if the 
 cross of Christ you did bear, which is the power of God, which crosseth 
 the self-will of man ; and if the love of God dwelt in .your hearts, you 
 would then feel a daily and hourly remembrance of him. Were ye but 
 true disciples indeed, as you profess in words to be, and not mockers, you 
 would soon throw down all these dumb idols, which arose in the dark 
 imaginations from the bottomless pit of ignorance, in the alienation from 
 God, when iniquity abounded ; and this state hath overspread Christen- 
 dom, who are ignorant of the strait gate and narrow way of regene- 
 ration, that leads to life and peace with God for ever. 
 
 Oh ! how have your leaders caused you to err, and even destroyed 
 you, like the false prophets of old, who were blind leaders of the blind ! 
 How do they still rule with force and cruelty over the consciences, souls 
 and bodies of people ! still striving to keep them in the chains of igno- 
 rance, darkness, and blindness, as blind as Sodom, making merchandise 
 of them at their pleasure, for their filthy lucre, vain-glory, pomp, and 
 ambition sake. How do they dig in darkness, and as deep as hell, to hide 
 their designs and their counsel from the Lord, and to mask and amuse 
 poor ignorant souls, to make havoc of them, and to captivate them at 
 their wills ! How are they, like moles, bats and vultures, loving the 
 paths of darkness, and hating the true light, the path of the just, which 
 shines more and more unto the perfect day ; stumbling at, and enemies 
 to, the cross of Christ Jesus; whose God is their belly, who mind earthly 
 things, whose glory is in that which will be their perpetual shame, and 
 whose end will be everlasting destruction, without speedy repentance. 
 
 Wo be to you, ye blind guides, ye hypocrites, who love the praise of 
 men, and go in your long and distinct robes, to be seen and honoured 
 of men! ye love greetings in the markets and streets, and to be called 
 of men Rabbi, the exact leaven of your forefathers, the hypocrites of 
 
357 
 
 old, which is pride and hypocrisy, which the true disciples of CI irist were 
 to beware of. This is your state, ye idol shepherds and drones ; by 
 your fruits ye are known and manifest to thousands. Your foundation 
 and root is rottenness, and your building will fall in the day of the 
 storms that are coming upon you. How can you think that the rabble 
 of your lip confessions, and out-side services, and blind inventions, will 
 stand you in any stead in the day of your account? How can you expect 
 that God should hear your prayers, while you thus regard iniquity in your 
 hearts? Is it any thing better than the vain babbling of the heathen? Who 
 pray to be forgiven of God as you forgive them that trespass against 
 you, who do not forgive one another ; but are implacable and unmerci- 
 ful one unto another, seeking revenge and the ruin one of another; 
 not at all like unto Christ, who laid down his life for enemies, to 
 hring them to God, out of transgression; and bid them be merciful, (that 
 is, full of mercy,) and to do unto all as they would be done unto. 
 
 And how can you blame the infidels, as you call them, if they judge 
 and condemn you for your abominations, who make such a large profes- 
 sion of Christianity? How can they believe you are good people, when 
 your works and fruits declare you otherwise, both root and branch? 
 So that your name Christian you have justly made a reproach ; and 
 the fame of your infamous cruelty, pride, lewdness, and hypocrisy, hath 
 sounded forth to the amazement of heathens, to whom you have been 
 a stumbling block for ages, the guilt of whose blood will never be wiped 
 away in this world, nor in the world to come from ofF you, but by a speedy, 
 true, and unfeigned repentance. The Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 Do not you call Christ Jesus, who is the innocent, holy, harmless lamb 
 of God, the just one, your lord and saviour frequently; and say in your 
 creed, " I believe in Jesus Christ his only son, our lord," &c? But how 
 came you hither ? What ground have you to call him your lord, in 
 whom guile was never found ? And do you indeed believe in him ? or 
 do you only believe the report, that there was such a one in ages past, 
 of whom the scripture of truth declares, which thousands believe, and 
 the devils believe, which do not believe in him ? Is he your governor, 
 and ruler, and orderer ? Are you commanded and guided by him, and 
 led by his spirit of truth into all truth ? Do you take counsel and direc- 
 tion from him, as your captain, law-giver, and counsellor ? Do you obey 
 his commands, and follow him in the regeneration ? If so, then he is your 
 lord, and also your saviour, and no otherwise; for he saveth none but 
 whom he guides and governs: he is the author of eternal salvation to as 
 many as obey him : lliey that are led by the spirit of God, they are the 
 sons of God ;* and not as many as can talk of him, and cry lord, lord, 
 
 * Kom. viii. 
 
358 
 
 and call him their saviour. It is not sufficient to call him so with your 
 mouth and lips, and to imagine he will he so to you while ye remain 
 in open and secret rebellion against him; ye take but his name in vain.; 
 it will avail you nothing in the day of your account ; but add to your 
 misery, so to be deceived, and to deceive one another, by promising 
 yourselves an imaginary liberty and freedom, while really and indeed 
 ye are servants to corruption: "for he that committeth sin, is the ser- 
 vant of sin,"* as you may read. And it is written of Christ Jesus, " he 
 shall save his people from their sins," not in their sins. And that " no 
 man can call Jesus Lord, but by the holy ghost:" and "let every one that 
 names the name of Christ, depart from iniquity."f "Are you come 
 hither ! You who so often name the name of Christ, do you depart from 
 iniquity, or do you rather mock at the holy ghost, and the movings of 
 it? Let God ? s witness answer. And if you dream of a purgatory, (as I 
 know many of you do,) to purge and cleanse you between the grave and 
 heaven, from all filthiness, though you live and wallow in it for term of 
 life ; be it known unto you, and I declare it, in the name of the Lord, 
 that this will deceive you ; for it proceeded, in its foundation, from the 
 filthy dreamer, which hath defiled both flesh and spirit. And when you 
 awake at the sound of the last trumpet, ye shall remember this voice, 
 " He that is filthy, let him be filthy still, and he that is holy, let him be 
 holy still :" for time shall be no longer, but the great gulf of eternity 
 is fixed between Abraham, the true believer and follower of God, 
 and the rich man, that lived in his fulness of fading pleasures. J If you 
 have ears to hear, hear. And the Lord God open your eyes, that you 
 may see, and come to know and witness, in this your day, the tree to be 
 made good, and then the fruit will be good also: for as the tree falls, so 
 it lies : and men do not gather grapes of thorns, nor figs of thistles, as 
 Christ said. But how hath Christendom, in this dark night of apostacy, 
 wherein men could not work, been like a garden all grown over with 
 briars and thorns, weeds, thistles, and nettles, bearing no good fruit 
 unto God, but fruits of unrighteousness, even like the vine of Sodom ! 
 And this is yet the lamentable state of many thousands, who are in a 
 large profession of God and Christ in words, but in works deny him, and 
 are reprobates concerning the true and living faith, that works by love 
 and purifies the heart, in which the true Christians pleased God, and 
 were (and are) accepted of him, in which Abel offered a more excellent 
 sacrifice than Cain, that slew his brother. And without this faith, which 
 is holy, it is impossible to please God. Therefore, O ye people of Chris- 
 tendom, whom these things concern, who are out of the true faith by 
 which the just lives, in the strife and envy, which kills the just ; repent 
 
 John viii. 34. 
 
 f 2 Tim. ii. 19. 
 
 * Luke xri. 
 
359 
 
 and turn at the reproof of the Lord, and fear before him, and be hum- 
 hie, and learn tenderness and love, and to be merciful, that so ye might 
 obtain mercy from God in time of your need. And leave off your cruelty 
 one towards another, and your envying, warring, and fighting one against 
 another, which comes from your lusts, which war against your immortal 
 souls, lest ye be, like Cain, vagabonds from the blessed presence of 
 the Lord God for ever, and consumed and destroyed with an utter de- 
 struction, without remedy. And this from God is a warning unto you 
 in true love to all your souls. 
 
 " Blessed are the merciful," saith Christ Jesus, " they shall obtain 
 mercy; and blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the 
 children of God." 
 
 But whose children shall they be called, who are peace-breakers, and 
 unmercifully destroying and devouring one another 1 Judge ye. 
 
 Is not the devil called a destroyer and a murderer from the begin- 
 ning ? And were not the Scribes and Pharisees, (who were hypocrites, 
 envious and ambitious,) of their father the devil, though they covered 
 themselves with saying, " We have one Father, even God, and we are 
 Abraham's children V 9 Could there have been a higher profession in words 
 than this 1 And what was the proof and ground of Christ's saying so of 
 them, who were such zealous and strict professors, and so exact in observ- 
 ing the sabbath, and performing their duties and services to the Lord, 
 as they judged? Why this was the infallible proof, "because his works 
 ye do :" they did the devil's works, and yet called God their Father. I 
 could wish with my soul, we had no such evident proofs in Christendom 
 at this day ; and my soul even travels for the end of them : for what 
 peace can be expected to people or nations, so long as " the whoredoms 
 and. witchcrafts of Jezebel are so many," the abominations that have 
 made, and will yet make desolate 1 For God is not changed, but remains 
 the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. It is not your many Pater- 
 nosters, or saying, " our Father which art in heaven," that will make you 
 the children of God; nor your saying, " I believe in Jesus Christ his only 
 son, our Lord," will make you true Christians, or disciples of Christ Jesus, 
 no more than their sayings of old made them so, who had as large a 
 name and covering of profession, in their day, as you, and yet they had 
 not the love of God in them. Therefore read whose steps you tread in, 
 and see who indeed is your father, and whose works ye do and bring 
 forth; and let the light, the true witness of God, whose property is to 
 make manifest, arise in your consciences, and answer. Or do you be- 
 lieve, that the sheep's clothing will cover the inwardly ravener better 
 now under the name Christian, than it would formerly among the Jews, 
 Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites? Or are light and darkness changed 
 from what they were ? 
 
3G0 
 
 How dare you call God father; or say that prayer without blushing 
 and confusion of face, wherein you ask God "to forgive you, as you for- 
 give them that trespass against you V Do you understand what you say, 
 and what you desire of him 1 Surely if you did, terror might even affright 
 you while you are thus speaking ; for you call for vengeance upon your 
 own selves from God herein ; and it will he even so ; and out of your 
 own mouths shall you be judged, according to your works. For as 
 you do forgive others the wrong they have done to you, even so will 
 the Lord forgive you the wrong you have done to him, and no otherwise, 
 according to your daily requests. 
 
 And this I declare and testify, in the name and heavenly authority 
 of the unchangeable God, who lives for ever ; that no people under hea- 
 ven, upon the face of the whole earth, hath done him the like wrong, 
 as you have done unto him, who have made such a large profession of 
 the name of Christ Jesus, and live and act so contrary, which hath 
 caused the very Turks and Indians to despise and blaspheme that wor- 
 thy name ; to whom you have been a stumbling block, and an offence, 
 for ages, even against the way of truth, out of which no man can be 
 saved, whose blood cries for vengeance against you. And therefore, 
 great is the Lord's controversy with you this day, who profess Christianity, 
 and in your works and practices are found worse than the infidels; and 
 he will scourge you above all the families of the earth for these things. 
 And thus am I commanded of the Lord to declare unto you, that you 
 might be warned and repent: for I have seen a dreadful day, that is 
 hastening upon you, who have forgotten the Lord and are walking like 
 blind men at noon day, because of your rebellion, spoiling, and destroy- 
 ing one another in your madness, folly, and blind ness,|who should heark- 
 en to the voice of God, the trumpet that is now sounding, and be 
 awakened, that you may see your enemies to be those in your own 
 house, the universal enemy of the souls of mankind, against whom 
 should all your strength and weapons be turned, and not against men's 
 lives, which Christ Jesus is very tender of, who is come to destroy the 
 works of the devil. Therefore fear God, and be wise, and leave off these 
 things, which grieve and vex his righteous spirit : and give glory to him 
 alone, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters; 
 in whose sight all nations are but as the drop of a bucket. What are 
 you then, ye sons of men, who are seeking glory and honour one of 
 another, whose breath is in your nostrils, as a little vapour, that soon 
 vanishes away, and then you arc gone to your long home for ever? 
 Therefore I say again, in the counsel and love of the Almighty God, be 
 you awakened, and dread before him; for the hour of his j udgments is 
 come, and swiftly coming upon thousands, that the inhabitants of the 
 earth might depart from iniquity, and learn righteousness; and no more 
 
361 
 
 deceive themselves and one another with a talk of worship and religion, 
 or an outside show of feigned humility and righteousness, which will not 
 serve, nor stand } r ou instead, in this day of God's pure and glorious ap- 
 pearance. All is nothing without the possession of life, even the life of 
 him whom ye profess, must be manifest in you; it must be brought forth 
 to light, to open view in you and through you, or else you confess not 
 Christ come in the flesh;* but you are of antichrist, and not of God: for 
 hereby shall you know the spirit of God, every spirit that confesseth 
 that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God; and every spirit that 
 confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God: but 
 this is the spirit of antichrist, of whom ye have heard, how that he 
 should come, and now already he is in this world. Mark, little children 
 ye are of God, and have overcome them : for greater is he that is in you 
 than he that is in this world, [mark] They were the little children 
 who were born again, that were of God, who confessed Christ come 
 in the flesh : read you this chapter throughout, and let it serve as a glass 
 for all false Christendom, to see whose image you bear. For if this be 
 now the true meaning of this place, that every spirit that confesseth 
 Jesus Christ come in that flesh only born of the virgin Mary, and cruci- 
 fied without the gates of Jerusalem, sixteen hundred years ago, to be of 
 God ; if so, then is all Christendom, both papists and protestants of God 
 For they all confess the same, both in England, Holland, France, Spain, 
 Italy, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Denmark, Sweedland, with 
 many others in Europe; and so are all of God, notwithstanding all their 
 divisions and separations in matters of religion and worship, and all their 
 oppression and cruelty, fighting and warring, killing and robbing one 
 another for perishing things; and all the whoremongers, liars, adulte- 
 rers, swearers, fornicators, drunkards, cheaters, thieves, stage players, 
 revilers, slanderers, hypocrites, proud, envious, covetous, ambitious; and 
 all the idolaters and ungodly throughout all Europe, professing Christi- 
 anity, are all of God, who have their creed (or belief, the confession of 
 their faith,) made ready to their hands, concerning Jesus Christ's being 
 conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under 
 Pontius Pilate, crucified, dead and buried, and rose again, &c. So that 
 if this bare confession of him come in that flesh be the true meaning of 
 the holy apostle John, then are all those before mentioned of God, 
 though they may outstrip the heathens and infidels in unrighteousness, 
 and exceed Sodom and Gomorrah, and the old world in their wicked- 
 ness, whom the just God destroyed for an example to all that should 
 hereafter live ungodly, the which I might hope, that none are so hardy 
 and wilfully blind as to believe or imagine. For then might I query with 
 
 1 John 4. 
 46 
 
362 
 
 such, who are then of their father the devil in this age ? And where \* 
 the world that lieth in wickedness !* And where are they to be found 
 who profess they know God, but by works deny him, and are abomina- 
 ble and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate ?f See if this 
 come not near your dwelling, who profess you know God and Christ 
 Jesus, and believe in him (as in your creed) but in works deny him, and 
 crucify him afresh, and put him to open shame, and cause his holy name 
 to be reproached, and the truth and way of life and peace to be slighted. 
 For these things will the Lord plead with you, whose anger is kindled 
 against you, whose rod you must feel above all people; and for this shall 
 your hearts melt, and tremble at the presence of God, and your faces 
 shall gather paleness ; for the Lord is risen in his dreadful power to 
 plead with all flesh, and the day of your account hastens. The stroke of 
 his righteous judgments must come upon you for these things ; rocks nor 
 mountains will not hide you from the wrath of the Lamb ; your wealths, 
 honours and strength, will not deliver you, who have exalted yourselves 
 above all that is called God, above truth, above righteousness, above love, 
 mercy and meekness, above the fear of God, and every appearance of his 
 witness in you, as if ye were to be established for ever in unrighteousness, 
 forgetting that God will bring you to judgment for all the deeds done in 
 your bodies, casting his word behind you, and feeding on that which 
 dies of itself, like the beasts that perish. This is your state in the sight 
 of God, and of those whose eyes he hath opened by his grace, the true 
 light, which hath given them an understanding, and taught them to 
 deny ungodliness, and to live soberly. Therefore, I say again unto you, 
 dread the Lord God Almighty, and fear and tremble before him; and 
 come down and repent, all you high, lofty and exalted ones, who are 
 but as chaff in his sight, for God will make you bow, and tremble, and 
 quake at his presence, in this day of his power, which is broken forth. 
 
 And all you false shepherds, hirelings, and blind guides among the 
 people, who have undertaken to be teachers of them, whom the Lord 
 never sent, but run for your filthy lucre, who have not profited the peo- 
 ple at all, but have caused them to err more and more from the right 
 way, and led them into the ditch of darkness and destruction, for your 
 belly and earthly honour's sake ; tremble ye corrupters of the earth, 
 eye hypocrites, ye graves and whited sepulchres, full of deceit and rot- 
 tenness ; the day of your trembling and astonishment is at hand, ye that 
 love pleasures more than God. You are enemies to the cross of Christ 
 Jesus; you mind earthly things, though ye can talk of heaven with your 
 tongues, but your God is your belly, on which you go and creep among 
 the powers of the earth ; dust is your meat, and with the serpent you 
 
 1 John v. 19. 
 
 f Tit. i. 16. 
 
V 
 
 363 
 
 are cursed above all the people upon the earth : for ye have been and 
 are, the destroyers of the souls and bodies of millions of poor, ignorant 
 people; and your glory is in your shame, and your end will be ever- 
 lasting destruction, without speedy repentance: dreadful is the cup 
 you have to drink, if ever any of you return to the Lord ; but the wine 
 of his wrath, without mixture, for ever will be your portion, if ye re- 
 pent not; the Lord God hath spoken it. 
 
 Therefore consider it, all you pastors, that are brutish, and have 
 not sought the Lord, nor the everlasting well-being of the souls of the 
 people, but have sought your gain from your quarter, and ruled with 
 force and cruelty, like your brethren of old, the false prophets ; was 
 not the end of Christ's coming, his sufferings, ministry, life, death, re- 
 surrection, &c. to bring people home to God, to lead them out of un- 
 righteousness, and to reconcile them to God ? And can any be recon- 
 ciled to him, while they live in sin and unrighteousness, in disobedience 
 to him ? "jFor without holiness no man can see the Lord," or have fel- 
 lowship with him. Will assuming the name or title of holiness make you 
 holy, either pope or prelate, or any other? Will a name to live be 
 sufficient, while ye are dead, as to God, in your sins and trespasses? 
 Was it not the travel of Christ's soul (which he hath seen) to bring and 
 gather people out of sin and transgression, the evil that is in this world; 
 and that they may come to behold his glory, which was before the world 
 was ? 
 
 And can any behold his glory, who shut their eyes against, and hate 
 the true light, his pure appearance, which shines in the heart? For it 
 was that which shined in the hearts of the true christians, that gave 
 them the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. 
 And what was that glory that was in him, which none of the princes 
 of this world knew, who possessed the glory of this world ? Was it not 
 grace and truth which he was filled withal ? And hath not the grace 
 of God that came by Jesus Christ which bringeth salvation, appeared 
 unto all men? and do not many turn away, and shut their eyes, and 
 stop their ears from it now, as in days past, lest by it their evil deeds 
 should be discovered and reproved ? But the true disciples were (and 
 are taught by this grace, " to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to 
 live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world ;" and who said, 
 " by grace are we saved, through faith, not of ourselves ; for it is the 
 gift of God." And they beheld the glory of the Lord as in a glass, by 
 which they were changed into the same image or likeness, even by 
 the spirit of the Lord, whose labour also, and the work of their minis- 
 try, was, to turn people from darkness to the light, from satan's power 
 unto God; and to open their blind eyes, that they may come "to see their 
 salvation, and to present them perfect in Christ Jesus. And if any man 
 
364 
 
 be in Christ, he is a new creature he is changed and the old thing* 
 are past away. Is not this the true and lasting rule among all true 
 christians, which only avails with God (the new creature avails) when 
 neither circumcision nor uncircumcision availeth any thing ? Is not 
 this the one thing then that is needful for all mankind to consider ? Did 
 not Abel and Enoch walk by this rule, and many others, before the 
 scripture was given forth? And did they not please God in their day? 
 Were they not then in the true faith, which worketh by love, without 
 which it is impossible to please God,* ats it is written? And did they not 
 walk with God in this faith ? And were they not translated or changed? 
 And did not Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesy, that in the lat- 
 ter days the Lord would come in many thousands of his saints, or holy 
 people, to give judgment against the ungodly, and to convince them of 
 their ungodly deeds and hard speeches? (Mark) the saints, translated 
 and redeemed ones, whom the Lord hath sanctified, and sent into the 
 world, the army that is in heaven, that follow him upon the white horse, 
 who is come forth conquering and to conquer, whose name is called the 
 word of God (if you have ears to hear, hear) against whose appearance 
 Gog and Magog have set themselves, and are gathered to battle, but 
 shall never prevail; for death and hell, beast and false prophet, dragon 
 and whore, must be cast into the lake by him that makes war in righte- 
 ousness, whose sword proceedeth out of his mouth. And out of the mouths 
 of babes and sucklings will he perfect his praise, even those who are 
 weaned from the breasts of this perishing vain world, and who suck at 
 the breasts of the heavenly consolations of God. These are them, through 
 and by whom the Lord will accomplish his mighty work in the earth, 
 and confound the wisdom of the wise ; for the Lord is with them as a 
 mighty king in battle, and their enemies shall fall before them; for the 
 work is the Lord's. Therefore dread before him all you unclean beasts 
 of prey, and all you pale and black horsemen of death and destruc- 
 tion, who can only talk of the fame of wisdom which is justified of her 
 children whilst you are wallowing in the ditch and mire of pollution, 
 and yet pretending to help out others, and to cure them of their sores, 
 when you yourselves are full of them, from the crown of the head to 
 the sole of the foot, by your own confession. Consider these things, ye 
 blind guides : for how can you declare against, and reprove another for 
 the same things which you live in, and bring forth? How can you 
 condemn one for falling into the same pit, into which you are as deeply 
 plunged yourselves? Is not this like him (or worse) that said, let me 
 pull the mote out of thine eye, when behold a beam was in his own ? 
 This is the state of you blind leaders in Christendom, who have caused 
 
 Heb. xi. 2. 
 
365 
 
 the people to err, at whose hand the Lord will require their blood, 
 though they perish in their iniquities. But blessed be the Lord for ever, 
 who hath opened and is opening the eyes of thousands, who see these 
 deceitful workers, who can no longer be led nor deceived by them, 
 whom he hath plucked as brands out of the fire, and the knowledge of 
 God is increasing, and truth exalting, and deceit and ignorance shall 
 vanish away, and the mouth of iniquity shall be stopped; and he will 
 bring forth his glorious work (already begun) in these last days. He is 
 gathering a seed and people unto himself (from among the heathen, 
 which know him not, though they profess his name) which shall live to 
 his praise, and show forth the virtues of his grace and love, who shall 
 confess Christ to be come in the flesh even before men, and follow the 
 lamb wherever he leads them. 
 
 But this is written as a warning unto all you who profess Christ in 
 words, but in works deny him, with whom the Lord is striving, as with 
 the old world before the flood; but his spirit will not always strive with 
 you, who so greatly dishonour him, and so dreadfully provoke him daily 
 to anger against you. 
 
 Therefore, fear the Lord, all ye people, who are in transgression 
 against him, high and low, old and young, male and female, and repent, 
 and turn with speed from your evil ways : for the dreadful day of the 
 Lord is come, wherein he is cutting short his work in righteousness: for 
 a short work will the Lord make in the earth. And remember, that 
 without holiness no man shall see the Lord in peace — no man, let him 
 profess what he will — the flaming sword will keep him out, while in 
 transgression. And this is the word of the Lord God to all Christendom, 
 whether you will hear or forbear. 
 
 And so, having sounded the trumpet of the Lord unto you, in the 
 true sight of your sad and miserable state, I am clear of your blood, if 
 ye perish in your iniquities. 
 
 W. B. 
 
 Hear the word of the Lord, all you priests and people, who cry out 
 and say, " Visions and revelations are ceased in these days. 99 
 
 Where there is no vision the people perish.* And without revela- 
 tion there is no true knowledge of the only true God, and Jesus Christ, 
 whom he hath sent.f And it is for want of knowledge that the people 
 
 • Ttov. xxix. 18. 
 
 f Matt. ». 27. 
 
366 
 
 perish.* So that, if visions and revelations are ceased among you, as 
 you say, then you are all in a perishing state, and without the know- 
 ledge of the true God, your Creator, and Jesus Christ, the saviour, whom 
 you profess, and talk of, whom to know is life eternal : so, ye are igno- 
 rant of eternal life. And this is the word of the Lord God unto you 
 all, priests and people, "In this state you will all perish." And of him 
 am I commanded thus to declare unto you. that you might yet at last 
 be warned and awakened, before the day of your visitation be wholly 
 over, and you left in utter darkness to perish for ever. 
 
 O people, awake! Why should you thus sleep the sleep of death? 
 For how can it be otherwise with you. than to cry visions and revela- 
 tions are ceased, who deny and gainsay the true light of the son of God, 
 which doth make manifest, or reveal? How can you see, who close 
 your eye? and how can you hear, who stop your ear at the voice of 
 wisdom I 
 
 If visions and revelations be indeed ceased among you, as you cry, 
 who are the leaders and teachers of the people, and I believe it is true, 
 then is this prophecy fulfilled upon you, "Thus saith the Lord concern- 
 ing the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, 
 and cry peace, and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even 
 prepare war against him. Therefore, night shall be unto you, that ye 
 shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not 
 divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and their cUrfshall 
 be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners 
 confounded; yea, they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer 
 of God,"f &c. 
 
 So, read your state, and the cause and ground of your darkness, 
 which is as just a judgment from God upon you now, for your rebellion 
 and pride, covetousness and hypocrisy, as upon them ; and this is as 
 really your state and condition, who have caused thousands to err in 
 your days. Visions are ceased as to you, and darkness is over you, and 
 blindness is happened to you, and therefore shame and confusion must 
 cover you, as it did them in whose steps you are, as you might see, as 
 in a glass, whose image ye bear, and whose path of darkness ye walk 
 in, where you have no vision, nor answer of God, but darkness is over 
 you, which is a woful, miserable, perishing state. For, vision is sight, 
 and without sight ye are all blind, both leaders and followers, and as 
 Christ said, will surely fall into the ditch. J 
 
 Therefore, he bid the people believe in the light, that they might be- 
 come the children of the light :§ and bid them all watch and pray, lest 
 
 • Hosea iv. 6. f Mich. iii. 5, 6. 7. * Matt. xv. 14. § John xii. 36. 
 
367 
 
 they enter into the enemy's temptations,* as his true ministers exhort 
 people now. 
 
 And how could they watch without light, and without eye-sight 1 
 How could they see the enemy? And how can you see and have sight 
 who shut your eyes, and deny, hate, and oppose the light, which ye 
 should believe in, and watch in, which would give you a true sight of 
 your own states and conditions, and the knowledge of God, did you be- 
 lieve in it, as Christ commanded, as they had, who believed a in the son 
 of God in days past, and as they have who do believe in him now 1 
 
 And were not the prophets of God in old time called seers ? And how 
 could they see without light 1 And did they not see the states and con- 
 ditions of the people, and warn them with their rulers and teachers, 
 in the name of the Lord, as they were moved, who through them de- 
 clared the stretching forth of his hand all the day long unto a gainsay- 
 ing and a rebellious people, who were set as watchmen, to awaken 
 them; who declared freely what they had seen and received of the Lord, 
 that the blood of souls might not be required at their hands ? 
 
 O people 1 harden not your hearts, nor shut your eyes any longer ; 
 for the Lord God hath caused his day to dawn, and his trumpet to 
 sound a certain sound unto you in this your day, through his servants, as 
 certain as ever he did since the world began. 
 
 And this am I moved of the Lord to write unto you, that I may be 
 clear of your blood; and you will one day know, it was God's visitation 
 of love to your souls, that ye might not perish for ever, and you will be 
 left without excuse. 
 
 How could the hard hearted, rebellious, blind Egyptians but cry out, 
 visions are ceased, and revelations are ceased; yea, and also, that light 
 is ceased, and that the day was dark over them,f when darkness that 
 might be felt was three days over all their land, as a plague upon 
 them, because of their rebellion against God, in which they saw not one 
 another. 
 
 Therefore fear and dread the Lord, all you blind people, and awake, 
 and consider your miserable state, and the ground of your outcry 
 against visions and revelations in your days, and repent speedily; for 
 there is light in Goshen, and the pillar of tire goeth before the Israel of 
 God (the inward true Jews) while darkness remains over all your 
 Egyptian land of bondage, rebellion and wickedness : for it is the wicked 
 that walk in darkness, and the rebellious that dwell in a dry land.J 
 
 And might not the Sodomites have cried out, vision or sight is ceased, 
 as well as you, when they were smitten with blindness, and could not 
 
 * Matt. xxvi. 41. f Exod. x. 4 Prov. iv. 19. Psal. lxviii. 6. 
 
368 
 
 find Lot's door? And was not that a plague upon them from the Lord, 
 
 for their rebellion and wickedness? 
 
 And might not Elimas the sorcerer have cried out, visions and revela- 
 tions are ceased, and the day is become dark over me, when he went 
 about seeking some to lead him by the hand, being smitten in judgment 
 for his iniquity, who withstood, and sought to pervert the right way of 
 the Lord, as many of you have done, who have cried, visions and re- 
 velations are ceased, who should cry, and tell the people, your sight is 
 ceased, and that you are smitten with blindness, for vision is sight, and 
 so then, what difference between you and the blind guides of old, the 
 Egyptians, Elimas the sorcerer, and the Sodomites ? 
 
 And were not they foolish and false prophets, who followed their own 
 spirit, and had seen nothing in days past ? And was not the wo pro- 
 nounced against them from the Lord through a true prophet, Ezekiel ? 
 And what prophets or teachers must you be called, that see nothing, 
 and that cry, seeing is ceased ? for if visions and revelations are ceased, 
 then sight and knowledge is ceased, and blindness, darkness and igno- 
 rance is over you and night is upon you, as was upon your brethren 
 and forefathers, the false prophets ; and this is a plague and just judg- 
 ment from God upon all you who hate the light, and love darkness, 
 striving to stop and shut out every appearance of it ? How then should 
 it be otherwise with you, who are thus wilfully blind, opposing that 
 which makes manifest and reproves your evil deeds ; to whom "the eye- 
 lids of the morning are as the shadow of death?"* 
 
 O you priests and leaders of the people ! who have filled their ears 
 with outcries against the light, and that visions and revelations are 
 ceased ; thus saith the Lord God, your lips shall be covered, and your 
 mouths stopped; and I will bring my judgments upon you, and make you 
 an abhorrence to the people ; it had been good for you that you had 
 never been born, and that the womb had been your grave : and this 
 shall you know in the day of your account, in which your reward shall 
 be according to your works. 
 
 What darkness and blindness must you needs feed the people withal, 
 and lead them into, who see nothing, but follow your own dark spirit ? 
 Whither can you lead them, who follow you, that walk in darkness, 
 and know not whither you go, whose sight is ceased and gone, as you 
 blind guides confess and publish, that visions and revelations are ceased: 
 so you will all perish, both leaders and followers, if you come not out 
 of this state of darkness, according to that true saying, where there is 
 no vision, the people perish.f 
 
 How dare you blind guides thus presume to lead the blind people, 
 
 • Job xxiv. f Frov. xxvi. 8. 
 
making merchandise of them for fdthy lucre sake? For ye do in effect 
 <av, that ye are all blind and have no true sight at all, nor any answer of 
 God. for it is the same thing. For vision is sight, and revelation or re- 
 vealing is opening, manifesting, or showing, as Christ Jesus said to his 
 disciples, who were led by the spirit of truth, that it should show them 
 things to come, and that he would show them plainly of the Father, who 
 opens, and no man can shut. And a minister of Christ said, God shall 
 reveal even this unto you.~ 
 
 And " God is light, and in him is no darkness at all/' who hath in these 
 last davs poured forth of his spirit, and his sons and daughters do pro- 
 phesy, and the young men do see visions as in days past. And the mys- 
 teries of his kingdom are hid from the wise and prudent of this world, 
 and revealed to babes, who believe in the light, and are led by the 
 spirit of truth as in ages past. Did not God reveal his son in Paul, who 
 before was a persecutor of his people, and had the scripture and the 
 law without, yet knew not God till he revealed his son in him ! 
 
 And did he not call the appearance of Christ to him. a heavenly 
 vision ?y And did not he come to visions and revelations of the Lord, 
 and witness them? 
 
 And did not Peter know more of the mind and counsel of God by a 
 vision, who said, "now I perceive. thatGod is no respecter of persons/' &c.i 
 
 But what do you perceive or discern who are opposing the light, 
 and are wholly blind, denying revelations and visions, the sight which God 
 would give you. were you obedient to that which checks and reproves 
 you for your evil deeds, words and thoughts ? 
 
 Is not that the natural man. and carnal mind (that is in enmity 
 against God. and not subject to him) which perceives not the things of 
 the spirit of God, that are spiritually discerned I judge ve. And how- 
 can any perceive who are from the light which they be lighted withal, 
 and hate it; for every one that doth evil, hates the light, and loves 
 darkness ! 
 
 This is the ground of your rage and outcry against the light which 
 discovers you. and that visions and revelations are ceased : you love 
 darkness rather than light, because your deeds are evil, and so the light 
 i- your condemnation. 
 
 And in this dark state vou have caused manv to err, and strength- 
 ened the hands of the wicked, that they turn not from their evil Ways, 
 whose blood the Lord will require of vou. 
 
 For, whither can you lead people who are thus blind, but into 
 darkness blindness, dangers, condemnation and destruction? As the 
 foolish false prophets and brutish pastor- did. who followed their own 
 
 *PhiI. iii. 15. f Gat i. 16. Acts xxvi. 19. 2 Cor. xii. 1. Gal. i. 12, and ii. 2. 
 Ephes. iii. 3, Acts x. 
 
 11 
 
970 
 
 spirit* and had seen nothing,' who destroyed the flock that follow, 
 them, as you have done, by seducing the people from the anointing' 
 within them, for filthy lucre. Ye ;ire the evil men and seducers spoken 
 of, that wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, resisting 
 the truth, as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses; but your fully, blind- 
 ness and madness is making manifest, as theirs was; and ye shall pro- 
 ceed no further, but to fill up the measure of your fathers, as they did 
 who opposed and cried against the light of the world, as you do in your 
 day. 
 
 Therefore I warn and charge all you blind guides, in the name and 
 authority of the Lord God, cease deceiving the people ; cease preaching 
 to them till ye have seen something, as the true prophets and apostles 
 of Christ did and do, (who have stood in his counsel, and caused the 
 people to hear his word, and turned them from their evil ways) as ye 
 will answer it before him, and as ye would have the guilt of the blood 
 of souls wiped off you, which otherwise will sink you for ever; and this is 
 the word of the Lord unto you, whether you will hear or forbear. 
 
 Let your pride, ambition, and filthy lucre deceive you no longer, for 
 which you have deceived and beguiled ignorant people these many 
 years, both body and soul, as thieves and robbers, who have climbed up 
 another way than by the door, Christ Jesus, the true light, that lightctlt 
 every man that cometh into the world, stealing the words from you» 
 neighbours to make a trade and gain of, as your former brethren did.f 
 
 And this shall as surely be laid to your charge in the day of your 
 account /as it was to theirs, against whom the woes were denounced in 
 their day, as ye may read.J 
 
 And how can you declare and preach and talk to others of Cod, 
 whom ye know not ? For all who deny revelation and vision, know not 
 God, as it is written, " No man knoweth the son, but the Father ; neither 
 knoweth any man the Father, save the son, and he to whomsoever the son 
 will reveal him.§" So that without revelation ye can have no knowledge 
 of God. So you that deny revelation, speak only by hearsay of your 
 neighbours- words, which ye steal as aforesaid for your bellies' sake ;- 
 and arc as blind and ignorant of the true God as your brethren, de- 
 clared against by Isaiah, || "his watchmen are blind, they arc all ignorant, 
 they arc all dumb dogs, they cannot bark (to awaken the people) sleep- 
 ing, lying down, loving to slumber; yea, they are greedy dogs," that can 
 never have enough ; and they are shepherds that cannot understand ; 
 they all look to their own way, every one for his gain from his quar- 
 ter, &c. 
 
 ♦ Ezek. IS. f Jer. xxiii. 50. * Jcr. xxiii. 1, 30. Ezek;. xiii. 3. Zed., x 
 
 17. Matt. 23. ? Mutt. x't. 27. \ Isa. hi. 10, 11, 12. 
 
371 
 
 See now if tlu- be not your state, and exact parallel: do not you look 
 to vour own way. and for your gain from your partieular quarter, or 
 parish, as they did, and are not you as void of true understanding, and 
 the knowledge of the Lord, as these shepherds were ! Examine your- 
 selves a little, every particular of you, and see if thou be not the man. 
 thou that ha<t thy gain from thy quarter, and yet deniest revelation-, 
 and -o thou denies* to know God, and so art an heathen, and no chris- 
 tian ; for the christians own revelations and visions, as may be read 
 plentifully in the scriptures of truth, and they knew God. and had fel- 
 low -hip with him, and walked in the light, and saw his glory in the face 
 of Christ Jesus."* 
 
 But you have seen nothing but darkness, who shut your eyes and deny 
 the light, in which the saints' fellowship is : and God i^ light, so you deny 
 God. and Christ, and his people, and their fellowship, and the saints 1 in- 
 heritance, which i- in the light.f 
 
 So ye are without God in the world, and you speak in the spirit of 
 the world, and that spirit it is that hears you, as John said.j And it is 
 that spirit that upholds you. to whom ye can speak peace, while they 
 put into your mouths; hut them that are redeemed from that spirit by 
 (he precioKS blood of Christ (as of a lamb without spot) and cannot put into 
 vour mouths, you prepare war against them and reproach them for your 
 bcllie-' sake, which i- your God. who mind earthly things, enemies to the 
 cross of Christ, whose end will lie destruction, murmurcrs and complain- 
 <Ts. walking after your own ungodly lusts; as your brethren did. who 
 cried, where is the promise of his coming: "for since the fathers fell 
 asleep, all things continue as they were'" Clouds without rain. carri* d 
 about with a tempest, for whom the blackness of darkness, (w hich yon 
 love.) is reserved for ever, if ye repent not speedily; 
 
 For you cry, since theapostles 5 days, visions and revelations are ceased, 
 and no freedom to be expected here in thi- life: so then this follows, no 
 knowledge of God here, nor no sight of hhn here: but his hand i< short- 
 ened that he cannot save: and his ear is heavy, that he cannot hear: 
 nothing but blindness, darkne-s and bondage* a prison, a dark dungeon, 
 ran be expected here: this i< the consequence md effect of your belief, 
 principle and doctrine. 
 
 () miserable state ! "Miserable comforter- are ye all :"' surely the Lord 
 never sent you with this message to poor captives; lei In- messengers 
 brought glad tiding-, they proclaimed liberty and freedom, and turned 
 people from darkness to the light, from the power of -atan. thai capti 
 > iied them, to the power of God thai ledemed them, and they did aid 
 
 do witness plenteous redemption.^ 
 
 • 3 Cor 
 
 ■f Col. i. 1J. Ac 
 
So you are false messengers, your message is false, and not from God, 
 and you are false ministers and false teachers, and false prophets, keep- 
 ing people in captivity and bondage, ever learning, and so ever paying 
 you, and never are able by you to come to the knowledge of the truth 
 which makes free.* 
 
 But the children of light have found you to be liars, who witness the 
 Lord's hand is not shortened, &c. but life and immortality is brought to 
 light through the gospel, which is the power of God to salvation to every 
 one that believe and obey him ; and this is glad tidings to them now, as 
 it was to Abraham, who saw Christ's day and rcjoiccd.f 
 
 So you are not of Abraham's seed nor belief, but of that generation, 
 from whom light or sight is withholden, as ye may read ;J for it is the 
 candle of the wicked that is put out, who rebel against the light : and 
 it is your iniquities and sins have hid his face, and withhold good things 
 from you; and it is the rebellious that dwell in a dry or dark land, where 
 ye are separated from the sight and presence of the glory of God, and 
 so no marvel ye cry, sight, or vision and revelations are ceased, who 
 speak what you see with your father, the prince of darkness, whose 
 messengers ye are, and who do his work. 
 
 But the pure in heart see God, who walk in the path of the just, 
 which is as a shining light, which shines more and more to the perfect day. 
 So it is the corrupt heart that cannot see God, and the corrupt mind, 
 where visions and revelations are ceased : This is your state, men of 
 corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith which purifieth the heart, 
 in which holy faith the children of light are builded, and building upon 
 the rock of ages, which the gates of hell and darkness cannot prevail 
 against, blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. 
 
 But night is upon you, that ye cannot divine, and ye have no answer 
 of God; the day is dark over you, the sun is gone down from you, 
 but is risen to them that fear his name, with healing under his wings; 
 a mystery to all you blind physicians of no value, to whom visions and 
 revelations are ceased, to whom the knowledge of God is ceased, and 
 eternal life is ceased, and salvation and hope of deliverance is ceased ; 
 so ye may justly murmur and complain, as ye do, and cry, where is the 
 promise of his coming? who is come in the clouds witnesses of heaven 
 out of your sight, whose eye the God of this world hath blinded, lest the 
 light of the glorious gospel of Christ, which is the image of the invisible 
 God should shine unto you.§ 
 
 But blessed be the Lord for ever, who hath caused his day to dawn, 
 and his day-star to arise in the hearts of many, and his sun to shine as 
 
 * John viii. 32, f John viii. 56. * Job xxxviii. 15, and xxi. 17, and xxiv. SO. 
 $ 2 Cor. iv. 4. 
 
373 
 
 in a morning withoul clouds, which gives us to see his salvation : and in 
 the same light do we see and witness against all you false shepherds 
 and hirelings, filthy dreamers and blind guides, who have caused the 
 people to err, and destroyed them for lack of knowledge, who are igno- 
 rant of God and his way of truth, and speak evil of it, whose knowledge 
 is only natural, in which like brute beasts you are corrupting and sport- 
 ing yourselves with your own deceivings, whose mouths God will stop 
 and put to silence, and the time is at hand ; for it is only your bellies, 
 your filthy lucre and your ambition that hath opened them ; and your 
 nakedness and shame shall appear to the people, that yet see you 
 not as you are : the rocks and mountains shall not be able to hide you 
 from the wrath of the lamb which is kindled against you, for the Lord 
 is against you. 
 
 And the Lord will open the eyes and mouths of babes and sucklings 
 more and more, to the manifesting and confounding of you, and all that 
 uphold you and follow you. 
 
 And this was I moved and commanded of the Lord to write ; and 1 am 
 thus far clear of all your blood, whether you hear or forbear. 
 
 Who am a lover of and a travailer for the welfare of the immortal 
 souls of people, 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 This is our message, and this we declare, as moved of the Lord 
 that " God is light, and in him no darkness at all : and he that saith he 
 hath fellowship with him, and walks in darkness, is a liar."* 
 
 And this God hath given his son Christ Jesus a light, to lighten the 
 Gentiles as well as the Jews who " is no respecter of persons, but in 
 every nation he that feareth God, and worketh righteousness, is ac- 
 cepted of him :" and "he that believeth in him, shall be saved ;" but he 
 that believeth not in the son of God, shall be damned.f 
 
 And Christ Jesus, the eternal son of God, is the true light, that light- 
 eth every man that cometh into the world. This was John's message, 
 and this is ours, that all men through him might believe. And this was 
 Paul's work, to turn people's minds from darkness to the light. And 
 Christ's exhortation, to believe and walk in the light, that people might 
 hecome the children of light.J 
 
 And a talent, the manifestation of the spirit of God, is given to every 
 man to prolit withal, (which is light.) And all are left without excuse 
 before him in the day of account ; where none will be condemned be- 
 
 * 1 John i. 0. f John iii. IS. | John xii. 33, 36. 
 
mi 
 
 cause they had not a talent, but because Ihey were unprofitable ser- 
 vants, and did not improve that which was given them of God. For the 
 condemnation is not because light is wanting amongst the sons and 
 daughters of men; but this is the condemnation, that "light is come 
 into the world, and men love darkness (that which is not of God) rather 
 than light, because their deeds be evil. For every one that doth evil, 
 hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be 
 discovered and reproved; but he that doth truth, comes to the light, 
 &c." This is the testimony of the scriptures of truth. John iii. 11). 
 
 And this true light, which is universal, is that grace of God which 
 hath appeared to all men, which bringeth salvation to them that be- 
 lieve and obey, of which the apostle Paul declared to Titus, chap. ii. 
 which was their teacher, that taught them to deny "ungodliness (that 
 which is contrary to the light) and worldly lust, and to live soberly, 
 righteously, and godly in this present world." And by grace Ihey were 
 saved through faith (mark that;) and this grace is not of ourselves, if i- 
 God's gift, as ye may read, Ephcs. ii. v. and viii. 
 
 And it is ungodliness and worldly lusts that separate people from God, 
 their creator, who hath no fellowship with them that walk in darkness; 
 neither can any be reconciled to him, but as they depart from iniquity , 
 which is the partition wall and ground of separation between God fejjid 
 man. For there is no peace to the wicked ; and he that believeth not, 
 the wrath of God abides on him, as it is written, John iii. 36, And all 
 people who believe not in the true light which they be lighted withal, 
 are still in the unbelief, and the light is their condemnation, according 
 to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the beloved son of God, whom all are 
 to hear, obey and follow. 
 
 So all people who desire life and peace, and to escape the wrath to 
 come, believe in the light, and bring your deeds, words and thoughts to 
 it. that they maybe proved; and learn of the grace of God, which hath 
 appeared to you, which is truth, and is no lie, which grace and truth 
 came by Jesus Christ, who lighteth every man that cometh into the 
 world; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and is the salvation to the ends 
 of the earth; and there is no other name under heaven whereby men 
 shall be saved. 
 
 So this is the day of your visitation; and happy will you be that obey 
 the Lord, and turn at his reproofs. But the rebellious dwell in a dry 
 land, and the pit wherein is no water of refreshment will be (heir 
 portion for ever; and this shall ye all know in the end, and thai you 
 were warned hereof in true love to your immortal souls, by 
 
 William Bayli 
 
REBELLION REBUKED. 
 
 tn an answer to a scandalous pamphlet, entitled the Quaker Con- 
 verted to Christianity] cS-c, Written by one William Haworth. an 
 Independent preacher in Hart fords hire, and William Dimsdale* 
 a young man in the. town of Hartford, a professor and a hearer 
 of the said W. H. By a friend of truth, who wishes its pros- 
 perity in true love to the souls of all people, William Bayly . 
 
 They are of those that rebel against the light, they know not the ways thereof, nor 
 ab'ule in the path thereof. Job xxiv. 13. 
 
 concerning this young man, whom William Haworth calls, "The 
 Quaker converted," and giveth his book that title; we would have all 
 moderate people to judge by what follows, whether he was such a one 
 as he hath styled him: for he hath affirmed in his epistle to that little 
 pamphlet, that "lie was fully of their way. faith, spirit and principle:" 
 and that "He went further than most of them towards that they call 
 perfection:" and that "He is now able to engage any Quaker in England 
 in discourse :" making a very great boast, with much joy. as if he had 
 taken some great prize, or obtained a great victory, as may be seen in 
 his aforesaid epistle. 
 
 Now, here follow the young man's own words, by which he may per- 
 ceive how far he was a Quaker, and see if W; H. doth yet understand 
 what they and their perfection are; and when did he hear them call 
 that perfection, which this young man had attained to? viz. "And 
 when I thought of going to the Quakers, these things winch I did not 
 like among them kept me back, having not ground in myself for to do 
 them, of which silent meetings was the chief, putting oiF my hat was 
 another, for when I met with one friend or other, if I saluted him with 
 my hat, I knew not that I did offend God any more than if I did not. JVow 
 there were some things which the Quakers did, that I was not convinced 
 of."' And concluded. "He could not agree with them in all things." 
 And I went several times, as other boys did : only this, I was taken off 
 from having delight in sports and pastimes quickly after my going, 
 (mark that !) And at that time 1 was of that frame of spirit, that 1 was 
 ready to a>senf to every thing the Quakers did. whether I had ground 
 for it or not."- 
 
 Here ye may read and understand this young man's perfection in the 
 Quakers' way, and compare it with William Hawoith's affirmation, as 
 
376 
 
 aforesaid, and then let all sober and rational people judge, if this young 
 man was " Fully of their way, spirit, faith, and principle, and went 
 farther towards that they call perfection than most of them," as he hath 
 affirmed, page 1. 
 
 First. Whether it be the Quakers' way, faith, spirit, and principle, to 
 dislike silent meetings, as this young man did, which " kept him backt? 
 Mark that. 
 
 2ndly. Whether it be the Quakers' way, faith, spirit, and principle, to 
 salute their friends, or any others, with putting off their hats, as this 
 young man did, "not knowing he offended God." &c? 
 
 odly. Whether it be the Quakers' way, faith, spirit, and principle to 
 "Assent to things without ground," or are they of that frame of spirit 
 to be ready to assent to every thing another of them doth, whether 
 they have ground for it or not, as this young man was? 
 
 4thly. And whether it be the Quakers' way, faith, spirit, and princi- 
 ple to say " You''' to a single person, and to call men " Master," as this 
 young man did ; who confesseth, " He could not agree with them in all 
 things." 
 
 So take notice, what the things are he did dislike, and could not agree 
 with them in, which kept him back, as he hath said. 
 
 And now see if he were fully of the Quakers' " Way, faith, spirit, 
 and principle, and w T ent farther than most of them towards that they 
 call perfection," as W. H. hath affirmed and publishd to his own shame, 
 who is so blind, through his envy, that he did not see the same young 
 man giving him the lie, in several places in the aforesaid pamphlet to 
 which he wrote the epistle ! 
 
 And how may the whole nation of England, and many in other coun- 
 tries, and such as have been their persecutors, give this envious man 
 the lie, and rebuke him for his folly and wickedness. w T ho hath made 
 such notorious lies and slanders against an innocent, suffering people ; 
 as will more appear in what followeth. 
 
 It is well known to many yet living, what a stir and a stumbling 
 there was about their meeting in silence, their keeping on their hats, 
 and speaking plain language, without respect of persons, according to 
 the scriptures of truth;* denying their former needless words and vain 
 compliments; being come to know a bridle to their tongues, and their 
 salvation wrought out with fear and trembling, which was a strange 
 work and wonder to professor and profane, though plentifully testified 
 of in the scriptures, which thy call their rule, but know them not, as is 
 manifest. 
 
 And what great and cruel sufferings did many of them sustain, bo- 
 
 * James i. 26. 
 
377 
 
 cause of their faithfulness to God in these things, which were contempt- 
 ible in the eyes of the wise and prudent men of this world, who scornfully 
 reproached them by the name Quaker, because they were such as 
 trembled at the word of the Lord! 
 
 Now these are the things that kept this young man back, which he 
 did not like, nor find ground in himself to do, as he hath said. But the 
 Quakers do still find ground in the truth to do what the Lord requireth ; 
 and their way, faith, spirit, and principle are the same, and not changed. 
 
 Now, wherein this young man was "fully of their way, faith, spirit 
 and principle," who knows? And wherein his "perfection" did consist, 
 nobody knows, except in perfectly denying the truth and power of God, 
 and fleeing the cross, with W. H., who also did stumble at the same 
 stumbling stone, which became as a rock of offence unto him ; as the 
 witness of God in him shall shortly bring to his remembrance, though 
 at present his pride and envy have blinded him, and he hath made lies 
 his refuge to oppose and vilify the people of the Lord. 
 
 For this young man hath sufficiently confessed his ignorance concern- 
 ing the work and way of the Lord, who did dislike and stumble at silent 
 meetings, which the Quakers do not dislike, but do prize, as a means 
 through which they came to know the Lord, and his salvation, as their 
 brethren did in ages past, who waited for him in the way of his judg- 
 ments,* as may be plentifully seen in the scriptures of truth, where the 
 Lord commanded silence and stillness, &c. Of which I may mention 
 something at present, for the sake of the ignorant, as "Keep silence be- 
 fore me, O islands, and let the people renew their strength; let them 
 come near, then let them speak."f But this is hid from the vulture's 
 eye, and from all who disobey the light, which they be lighted withal. 
 "Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord,"J &c. "But the Lord is in 
 his holy temple, let all the earth keep silence before him."§ Hear this, 
 ye earthly minded, who use your tongues, and the Lord never sent you. 
 And "there was silence in heaven."|| But this is out of your reach, 
 who cry, "Revelations are ceased." " Be still, and know that I am God," 
 &c.H "Tremble, and sin not."** "Examine your own hearts, and be 
 still."fj- "Therefore will I wait upon the Lord." "But they that wait 
 upon the Lord shall renew their strength." And Christ Jesus the Lord 
 bid his disciples wait till they were endued with power or strength from 
 on high. Much more might be mentioned, but this may serve to let 
 you see your ignorance of the work and way of the Lord among his 
 people, who did not dislike nor stumble at such things, as you do. For, 
 
 * Isa. xxvi. f Isa. xli. * Ezek. ii. 13. § Hab. ii. 20. || Rev. 8. 
 1 Psal. xlvi. ** Psal. iv. ff Isa. viii. and xl. 31. 
 
 48 
 
378 
 
 "He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is no occa- 
 sion of stumbling in him."* 
 
 So here ye may read and see the cause and ground of your disliking 
 and stumbling at these things, which the holy men of God were 
 acquainted with in all ages. And what was the cause, why the name 
 Quaker was first given to this people in reproach, at that day] but only 
 for witnessing the states and conditions of the holy men of God, record- 
 ed in the scriptures of truth, whose salvation was wrought out with fear 
 and trembling; who would have been called Quakers, had they been in 
 your days, of which much might be spoken. 
 
 So this young man W. H. cries up for such a perfect Quaker, is so 
 far from being such a one, that he is ignorant of those things, and dis- 
 likes them, for which that name was given them, as he confessed to me, 
 and could not own that refuge of lies W. H. hath made concerning him. 
 And I do not understand from his master, or any in Hartford, that he 
 was ever ten times at the Quakers' meetings; but went sometimes as 
 other boys did, as he hath said, and may be further seen in an account 
 from Hartford. 
 
 So, let the reader observe and take notice, what a thing of nought, 
 or rather scandalous lies, which W. H. hath heaped up, he rejoices in, 
 and makes his vain oration and boast of, as in his epistle. And see some 
 of this poor, bewildered lad's contradictions and confusions, in speaking 
 about the light, wherein he hath showed his weakness and blindness, 
 and not his perfection, nor ability to engage any Quaker in England, as 
 W. H. hath foolishly boasted, like a foolish child of a feather, or like a 
 distracted man that fights with the air. 
 
 Now, here are some of the young man's own words, as he hath set 
 them down in the aforesaid pamphlet, by way of question and answer. 
 
 " Quest. — Was that light by which I was convinced of sin, and by 
 obedience thereunto thought I should be brought into the image of 
 Christ — was it the light of the spirit of Christ ? Yea or nay. 
 
 Answ. — Nay, if I may judge of the tree by the fruit. 
 
 Quest. — What light is it then ? 
 
 Answ. — The same with that which the heathens had by nature, six- 
 teen hundred years since. Rom. ii. 14." 
 
 Reply. — Now let the reader give judgment concerning this tree, ac- 
 cording to the fruits thereof, which he himself hath tasted, as by his 
 own confession. 
 
 "As I went on, I met with a passage, Ephes. v. 'Foolish talking and 
 jesting,' and Matt. xii. 36. * Ye shall give an account for every idle 
 word,' and the light in me assented to it, that I ought not to do so; and 
 
 * Johnii. 10. 
 
379 
 
 when I was reproved for it, I was obedient, and by obedience was de- 
 livered from such sins, from whence I became of few words." Page 7. 
 
 "Quest.-— Was there not a power, when 1 obeyed the light, reproving 
 me for sin, which did deliver me from sinning, and gave me strength to 
 do that which was good, and right, and just before God and man ? 
 
 Answ, — Yes, there was a power which did deliver me from sinning 
 outwardly, or doing any wrong to my neighbour, or telling lies, but chose 
 rather to suffer anger than to do it. It bore me up when I was hissed 
 at for what I did," &c. Page 18. 
 
 And in page 3 and 4, " I will insert one remarkable passage which I 
 did when I was about nineteen or twenty years of age, which is this, 
 viz : I being sent to the shop for herrings, and had them delivered unto 
 me, I did dislike some of them, and being sent to the barrel alone to 
 change some of them, I being a great lover of them, it rose in me, 
 what a brave opportunity I had to slip one into my pocket, for myself. 
 This was the temptation. On the other hand came the light, reproving 
 of me in this manner : I must not do this thing. Why? If it should 
 be known, it would be a dishonour to my name, and I should be ashamed 
 to look any body in the face. And if it were not known to men, yet 
 God would know it, and he would punish me, if I sinned against him. 
 Through which means I did obey that which did reprove, and 
 touched none but what was my due. And I went home rejoicing with 
 myself in this manner. How happy was my condition now, beyond 
 what it had been if I had disobeyed the reproof! And how good was 
 the Lord to me in calling to me, when I was tempted to do that evil! 
 So was I convinced of one evil one day, and was delivered from it; 
 and another day another evil, and had power over it; and I had 
 joy and peace in it." 
 
 Rep. — And yet he compares this blessed light, which hath done all this 
 good for him, to the Egyptians, (which grievously and wickedly oppress- 
 ed and afflicted the children of Israel, On whom the Lord sent his plagues, 
 because of their cruelty, which they exercised upon his people,) as may 
 be seen in page 18; and yet confesseth, he had joy and peace, and comfort, 
 and quietness of spirit under these task masters, which the poor Israelites 
 had not, but cried to the Lord, as may be read ;* and so no fit, but a 
 wicked and unrighteous comparison, which the Lord will one day judge 
 him for, when his blind eye is opened. 
 
 And again, in page 19. " Quest. — Do I despise that light, knowledge 
 or conscience, which reproveth man for sin in him, and judge it not to 
 be obeyed? 
 
 Answ. — No; I believe it is the duty of every one to walk in the com- 
 
 * Exod. iii. 
 
380 
 
 mandments of the law of God, and to keep a conscience void of offence, 
 according as it is written, " holding faith in a pure conscience ;" hoping 
 to he found in the same myself. 
 
 Quest. — For what end do I desire to be found in obedience to this 
 light? 
 
 Answ. — Because it is my duty to God ; not for life, but from a princi- 
 ple of life," &c. 
 
 And William Haworth calls the same light the deity, in his epistle to 
 the aforesaid pamphlet, and saith, " it is the spirit maketh known sin 
 when it cometh, which is not seen before, as the shining of the sun 
 through a crack, into a dark room." — page 6. And in the epistle saith 
 again, " it is the light of nature." — Rom. i. 
 
 So let all people, who have any understanding or skill, to judge of a 
 tree by the fruit, take good notice of the fruits and effects of this tree, 
 the light which con vine eth man of sin, in him ; and also to consider the 
 confusions and contradictions of these blind men, who one while call it 
 the spirit, and the deity, (that is, the godhead,) and saith, it maketh 
 known sin, which is not seen before ; and saith, " it is my duty to God 
 to obey it," and desires to obey it from a principle of life ; and " how 
 good was the Lord in calling to me." So it is the call of the Lord, 
 (when tempted,) to forsake evil, and delivers from it, and gives power 
 and strength to do that which is good, just, and right in the sight of God 
 and men; and gives peace, and joy, and comfort, as aforesaid. 
 
 And then again saith, of the very same thing; " nay, it is not the light 
 of the spirit of Christ, if I may judge of the tree by the fruit. But it is 
 the light of nature", and the same the heathens had by nature, and the 
 Egyptian task masters, and bondage of Egypt." — page 18. 
 
 So now, put all their jumble together, and you will read their blind 
 mad work thus, viz: 
 
 " It is not the light of the spirit of Christ that convinceth of sin. It 
 is the spirit that maketh known sin which is not seen before. No, it is 
 the light of nature ; the heathens had it by nature ; and it is the Egyp- 
 tian task, and the bondage of cruel Pharaoh. No, but it is the godhead, 
 that the barbarous people saw by, when they apprehended Paul to be 
 a murderer, when the viper fastened on his hand.* Do I despise this 
 light of nature, this cruel Pharaoh, this light which is not of the spirit of 
 Christ? No. For what end do I desire to obey this Egyptian task master, 
 this light of nature, this spirit which is not of Christ? Because it is my 
 duty to God, not for life, but from a principle of life. Had not I a power 
 over sin, and deliverance out of it, and strength to do that which was 
 good, and just, and right in the sight of God and man, and joy, and peace, 
 
 * Acts xxviii. 
 
381 
 
 and comfort, and quietness of spirit, when I obeyed this Pharaoh, this 
 light of nature, which is not the light of the spirit of Christ? Yes ; I 
 had a joy and peace in it; and it was the call of the Lord to me." 
 
 So compare this heap of confusion with the state of Israel in Egypt, 
 and see what joy, and peace, and comfort, and quietness of spirit they 
 had there., which this lad compares the pure light of the son of God unto, 
 who knows not what he saith, nor whereof he affirms ; of which more 
 is written in an account from Hartford, (where he dwells,) concerning 
 him, which I would have the reader take good notice of. 
 
 And in that he saith, " the light by which the heathens did the things 
 contained in the law,* (which showed the works of the law written in 
 their hearts,) is not the light of the spirit of Christ ;" he is found a de- 
 nier of the scriptures :f For if every man that cometh into the world be 
 lighted with the light of Christ, then the heathens, and all other men, 
 were lighted. And if the grace of God, which brings salvation, hath 
 appeared to all men, then it appeared to the heathens; for they were 
 men, and came into the world. And herein, W. D., thou contradictest 
 thy companion, and great adorer of thee, W. H., who calls it the deity, 
 (godhead,J as aforesaid,) and the godhead is the same spirit, or life and 
 light, which was in Christ Jesus, as it is written, which is grace and 
 truth. 
 
 So then, it was the light, spirit, grace and truth, which was in Christ 
 Jesus, that appeared to the barbarous, or heathen people, by his con- 
 fession. 
 
 And so now, let this tree be judged of by its fruits, according to the 
 young man's own saying, and let us see what kind of fruits it bears, for 
 I have read, that " men do not gather grapes of thorns, nor figs of this- 
 tles;" and that " a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can 
 a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."§ So, by this true rule, let all who 
 read and taste of these fruits, judge of this tree, the light. 
 
 First, It assented to the words of Christ and his apostles. — page 7. 
 
 Secondly, It convinced him of sin, and reproved him, and called to him 
 when he was going or thinking to steal; and it kept him from obeying 
 that temptation about the herrings, though he loved them, and had 
 brave opportunity to steal or slip one into his pocket. 
 
 Thirdly, It caused him to be of few words, and kept him from lying, 
 or telling of lies. 
 
 Fourthly, It delivered him from sinning outwardly, and from doing 
 any wrong to his neighbour. 
 
 Fifthly, It gave him strength or power, to do that which was good, 
 just, and right in the sight of God and man. 
 
 * Rom. ii. f John i. 9. and Tit. ii. * Col. ii. 2. John i. 16, 17. $ Matt, 
 vii. Luke vi. 4.3, 44. 
 
382 
 
 Sixthly, It convinced him of one sin or evil one day, and delivered 
 him from it; and another day another evil, and he had power over it. 
 
 Seventhly, He had joy, peace, quietness of spirit, comfort and obe- 
 dience to it. 
 
 Reply. — Now whence, or from what kind of tree come these blessed 
 fruits and effects, if not from the tree of life ? Or who is the author of, or 
 from what spirit comes this light, if it be not the light of Christ Jesus ? 
 
 Is it not the spirit of truth thaf convinceth of sin, and keeps from 
 lying, and stealing, and wronging of neighbours, and leads into all truth, 
 to do that which is good and just and right in the sight of God and man? 
 
 And was not that their comforter, who were led and guided by it? 
 Did it not give them joy, and peace, and comfort, when they were obe- 
 dient to it ? Read and understand. Or who gives peace to his people 
 besides him?* 
 
 And is it not the same grace of God, which Paul declared of, which 
 taught them to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live so- 
 berly and righteously? Then did it not teach them to deny lying, and 
 stealing, and wronging their neighbours, and to do as they would be 
 done by, according to Christ's doctrine? Or is there any other spirit or 
 light, which can deliver from sin, and give power over it, but what is 
 of Christ Jesus ? Is it not written of him, that there is no other name 
 under heaven, by which men can be saved or delivered? And is he not 
 called the deliverer and counsellor, who is the true light, that " lighteth 
 every man that cometh into the world ?" Read the scriptures and con- 
 sider these things.-)* 
 
 Is it not the light of Christ, that makes sin manifest? And doth not 
 the apostle say, in that same place, " the fruit of the spirit is in all good- 
 ness, righteousness, and truth?" So judge of this tree by its fruits, if it 
 be not all goodness, righteousness, and truth, which it brings forth. 
 
 And doth not W. H. say, " it is the spirit which maketh known sin, 
 which is not seen before?" Mark! Then whensoever any one seeth sin, 
 it is the spirit that makes it known; for it is not seen before. And that 
 it was the godhead, in which the barbarous people saw, &c. Acts xxviii. 
 And yet how enviously he clamours against the Quakers, in his confused, 
 dark mind, callipg their spirit delusion, and their doctrine antic hristian; 
 like the foolish clamorous tongued woman Solomon speaks of, whose 
 " feet are without, pulling down her own house." 
 
 How do you think your Babel will now stand, when ye thus throw 
 up and pull down your own work, and revile us for the same truth you 
 acknowledge in words; like the hypocrites of old, who said, they had 
 one father, even God; and yet called Christ Jesus deceiver and blas- 
 
 * Tit. ii. f Acts iv. Isa. lix. John i. 9. Ephes. v. 8, 9. 
 
383 
 
 phemer, and judged him worthy of death, because he acknowledged 
 himself to be " the son of God," who was truly so?* 
 
 So, read your spirit and way, which is not like Christ within nor 
 without, though thou say est you have both; but the contrary appears 
 in thee.f And ye are more like the mad men, who cast fire-brands, 
 arrows and death at you know not what ; comparing the light of Christ 
 to Pharaoh or Egypt, and light of nature; contemning and under- 
 valuing it, as if it were not of God, but what ye know not; like the 
 Jews, one while "a good man," and then, "nay, but he deceiveth the 
 people." So you, one while, it is the deity; and then, nay it is not the 
 light of the spirit of Christ, but the light of nature. 
 
 Thus are you confounded about that which delivers from sin and 
 temptations, from lying, stealing, and doing wrong, and keeps out of evil, 
 and gives power over it, and convinceth of sin, and reproveth for sin, 
 and which gives strength to do that which is good, just, and right in the 
 sight of God and man, and joy and peace in it. 
 
 Take heed of the sin against the holy ghost; for it is near when that 
 Which casts out devils is called beelzebub. Your reproaching of us, is 
 little to us ; but beware, how you sport yourselves with a consuming 
 fire; and be you warned in time for your own souls' sake. 
 
 And consider your confusion and darkness, whether the Lord re- 
 quireth obedience, service, or worship of christians, to any other light 
 or spirit but his own ; or what tree or plant would the heavenly Father 
 have to grow, but what is of his own planting, as it is written, " every 
 plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, must be plucked up." 
 
 Doth God require duty to him in that which he will pluck up? Is it 
 safe to desire to be obedient to that? How blind are you, not to know 
 what this tree is by its good fruits? May I not say to you, as the man 
 whose eyes Jesus Christ had opened, did to the hypocrites of old, 
 " Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he 
 is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes !" and yet you say as to the light, 
 " the spirit maketh known sin, when it cometh, which is not seen be- 
 fore." So then, that which gives the sight of sin at any time, is the spirit, 
 according to your own doctrine. 
 
 Now, how happy would it be in all Christendom, yea, in all the world, 
 if this good tree did grow and prosper in and among them all, which 
 delivers and keeps from sinning outwardly, and from temptations, from 
 lying and stealing, and wronging their neighbours ; and which gives 
 strength and power to do that which is good, and just, and right in the 
 sight of God and man ; and gives peace, and joy, and quietness of spirit, 
 
 John xix. 7. f Prov. xxvi. 
 
3S4 
 
 and comfort, in obedience thereunto. Consider it well, and see if it be 
 at all like the cruel bondage of Egypt, whither this young man went 
 down for help against the true light and spirit of Christ, which makes 
 known sin, and reproves it, and delivers from it; but it hath proved a 
 broken reed to him: "wo be to them," saith the Lord, "that go down 
 to Egypt for help."* 
 
 Would not the fruit of this blessed tree heal the nations, and still the 
 raging sea of folly and wickedness, which swells and abounds among 
 them? What a blessed, peaceable, quiet, just, righteous life would 
 they all live in, were they but come to this state, not to wrong one an- 
 other, nor steal one from another, nor lie one to another. Would they 
 not then speak truth every man to his neighbour, as the Lord requireth? 
 
 Surely that which keeps from sin and temptations, lying and stealing, 
 and wronging another, would keep t\\em from killing and robbing one 
 another, and from doing any violence to one another, or persecuting 
 one another about religion; for here they would be of one heart, mind, 
 and spirit, sitting down in joy, and peace, and comfort, and none would 
 make them afraid. What a blessed condition would this be. Let all 
 people that have any sense judge. And how amiable and desirable is 
 this state in the eyes of many people. 
 
 Would not these blessed promises of the Lord be fulfilled? "They 
 shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning 
 hooks; and nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall 
 they learn war any more." " And they shall sit every one under his 
 own vine, and under his fig-tree, and none shall make them afraid?" 
 Would not this come to pass, and be accomplished this way? Let the 
 wise in heart judge. 
 
 Would not nations rejoice, and be glad at the prosperity of this bless- 
 ed tree ? And who would not be able among them to judge whence 
 this tree is, by those blessed fruits it bringeth forth? 
 
 For surely, that which will keep a young man, or an old man, from 
 stealing the value of a herring, will keep such, whose hearts have been 
 long exercised with covetous practices, from stealing a cow, or a horse, 
 or any such things, or from wronging their honest neighbours any more, 
 as they have done ; and it will teach them, if they obey it, to do what 
 is good, right, and just in the sight of God and man. 
 
 How would the very root of wickedness decay and wither inwardly, 
 if all were ceased from outwardly. Would it not speak barrenness, if 
 no fruits appeared ? Would not the devil, and his works, and his king- 
 dom, and authority soon be destroyed, and come to an end by this 
 
 * Is. xxxi. 1, 2. | Is. ii. } Mic. iv. 
 
365 
 
 means and way ? Judge, you that have wisdom to count the number of 
 the beast. 
 
 And who now is appointed to do this great work, or who (or what) is 
 able to accomplish it, but Christ Jesus, the true light, which lighteth 
 every man that cometh into the world, as it is written of him.* " For 
 this purpose was the son of God manifest, that he might destroy the 
 works of the devil."f Mark that. And all power is given to him ; and 
 there is no other name under heaven, by which men can be saved or 
 delivered from sin.J For he is the deliverer, which comes out of Sion, 
 to turn away ungodliness from Jacob.§ If ye have ears, hear, and read 
 with understanding. 
 
 And why now should ye thus blame, reproach, and grievously slan- 
 der and envy the Quakers, so called, for vindicating and endeavour- 
 ing the prosperity of this blessed tree, and plant of righteousness, whose 
 fruit would heal the nations, did they but sit under it? Were they 
 but obedient to this light, how would it keep their consciences void of 
 offence towards God and man, as this young man speaks of it, hoping to 
 be found in the same himself, as his duty to God. — page 19. 
 
 And yet he said, in page 12, "the devil had two cards to play, which 
 were objections against the doctrine of Christ's making satisfaction for 
 all my sins, both past, present, and to come." 
 
 And in page 17 — "the Lord opened mine eyes, and showed me salva- 
 tion by a person wholly without me." 
 
 And page 18, " But I found a greater joy and peace when I saw sal- 
 vation by the righteousness of Christ without me, being a more complete 
 and sure righteousness than that wrought in me ; being hereby deli- 
 vered from fear of miscarriages, to the loss of my salvation." 
 
 And W. H. saith, "that the righteousness of faith, by which we are 
 justified, is wholly without us; and that the Father hath poured forth 
 all his wrath upon his son Jesus Christ." 
 
 Now, if this doctrine were true and sound doctrine, there is no need 
 to fear of miscarriages: for there is no wrath left to punish sinners, if 
 all be poured forth upon Jesus Christ ; and that satisfaction was made 
 sixteen hundred years ago, for all sins, past, present, and to come. 
 The devil might play what cards he will now, if this be true, there is 
 no need to fear the loss of salvation through miscarriages ; and that was 
 a needless doctrine of Christ, to bid his disciples, " watch and pray lest 
 they enter into temptation ;"|| and of the apostle Peter, who bade*, them 
 " give all diligence to make their calling and their election sure."1f 
 If these men's doctrine be true and sound, when will that time come, 
 
 • John i. 9. f 1 John iii. 8. * Acts iv. 12. § Is. lxix. 20. Rom. xi. 26. 
 | Matt. xxvi. 41. f i Pet. i. 10. 
 
 49 
 
386 
 
 that wicked men " will not endure sound doctrine,"* which the apostle 
 said they would not, hut would " heap up teachers after their own lusts, 
 and turn their ears from the truth ?" 
 
 Who among all the ungodly in Christendom, so called, would turn their 
 ears from this kind of doctrine ? O ye daubers with untempered mortar, 
 and sowers of pillows under all arm-holes ! The Lord is against you, and 
 he will break down your wall, and rend your pillows from you, as in 
 days past ;f who have turned away your ears from the truth, Christ Je- 
 sus, the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the 
 world, and cause the people to err by your lies, and by your lightness, 
 like your brethren, the false prophets of old. 
 
 Was there ever such a doctrine preached by any of the holy men of 
 God, as this, since the beginning of the world? Search the scriptures 
 and see, which you call your rule, wherever they preached, that the 
 faith that justified them, and their salvation, was wrought out by a 
 righteousness or person wholly without them, as you do. 
 
 Did they not say, their faith worked by love, and purified their 
 hearts ; and that the righteousness of the law was fulfilled in them,J 
 who walked not after the flesh, but after the spirit ; and that the anoint- 
 ing was in them, and was their teacher;^ and that it was truth and no 
 lie I And is not Christ the truth, who lighteth every man X And was not 
 he their righteousness, sanctification, and redemption? And much more 
 might be declared of their testimony, how their salvation was wrought 
 out with fear and trembling ; and that it was God that worked in them 
 to will and to do of his own good pleasure. 
 
 And yet again thou W. H. sayest in thy aforesaid epistle, viz: " Jesus 
 Christ is amongst us ; we eat his flesh, and drink his blood ; he dwelleth in 
 us, and we in him ; we have both Christ within and without ; we have both 
 word and spirit ; and so we have the better of them that divide these/' 
 
 Now, if Jesus Christ dwelleth in you, as you say, doth not the saviour 
 dwell in you ? And if you eat and drink his flesh and blood, is it not then 
 in you ? 
 
 O William Ha worth ! dost thou not yet see thy darkness, thy confu- 
 sion, contradictions, and false doctrine 1 Hath thy envy so far blinded 
 thee to cry one while, " wholly without you ;" and then again, " he dwell- 
 eth in you V 9 How will this hold together in the day of thy account, 
 which hasteneth ? 
 
 And then thou sayest, in thy epistle, viz : " Our own righteousness is 
 within us, inhering in our souls ; it consisteth in those virtues and gifts 
 that the spirit of God works in our minds :" and callest it, " the righte- 
 ousness of mere man." » 
 
 * 2 Tim. iv. 3, 4. f Ezek. xiii. * Rom. via. 4. $ Acts xv. 9. 
 
387 
 
 So then the gifts and virtues the spirit of God works in our minds, is 
 but of mere man, by thy account, and as filthy rags ; for so said the 
 prophet concerning their own righteousness.* Would not this be blas- 
 phemy, to call the gifts and virtues, that the spirit of God works in our 
 minds, filthy rags ? Consider it. 
 
 And would not this be madness and folly for Paul to say ; " I count 
 all loss and dung, that I may win Christ, and that I may be found in 
 him ; not having those gifts and virtues which the spirit of God works 
 in my mind V O heap of confusion ! How hath thy envy and pride 
 blinded and befooled thee. 
 
 And then thou sayest, viz : " the Quaker goes about to make his own 
 righteousness — to stand." — page 11. 
 
 Yes, and blame him not, if it consists in those gifts and virtues that 
 the spirit of God works in his mind, as thou sayest it doth. How is any 
 one a true christian without these? 
 
 0 William Haworth ! how is the wise, foolish man taken in his own 
 envy and craftiness against the poor, honest Quaker. The Lord hath 
 found thee out, and rebuked thy madness, thou backsliding, treache- 
 rous man : and thou art even proclaiming thy folly, like Jannes and 
 Jambres, who withstood Moses, which is now made manifest. 
 
 And be it known to thee and all the world, that the Quaker owns no 
 other righteousness to be justified by, but the righteousness of Jesus 
 Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith in him, according to 
 the scriptures of truth ; nor any other name under heaven, by which 
 men can be saved, whatever any of you dream of them ; and yet they 
 desire those gifts and virtues the spirit of God works in their minds may 
 stand and be increased, according to that good exhortation, " add to 
 your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temper- 
 ance," &c.f for he that lacketh these things is blind, &c. 
 
 Had not Gamaliel more wisdom, patience, and understanding than 
 thee and thy companion in this work, who said, if the work were of 
 God, it would stand, and they could not overthrow it ? 
 
 And you call the work of God, " the righteousness of mere man ;" 
 and say, " it is rotten, and must fall," as in the last page of your book. 
 
 WTio is anti-christ now, W. H., the Quaker or thee 1 Read 1 John iv. 
 2, 3, 4. and consider your Babel, where God is confounding your lan- 
 guage, and the language of all the earth ; whose weapons shall not pros- 
 per against his truth and people, but he will condemn every tongue 
 that riseth up against them, as he hath thine. 
 
 And Why dost thou rail the Quakers' spirit, a spirit of delusion; and 
 say, their doctrine is anti-chrisiian, in diametrical opposition to the doc- 
 
 * Isa. lilt. t>. +2 Pet. i. 5. 
 
ass 
 
 trine delivered by the apostles of Jesus Christ ( Which way wilt thou 
 go about to prove this false, envious charge against us ? Thou canst 
 never prove it whilst thou livest, but it shall turn upon thy own slan- 
 dering head ; for we can prove our doctrine to be parallel with the doc- 
 trine of the apostles, and of Christ himself, by the scriptures of truth. 
 And we are made manifest in men's consciences, as the true ministers 
 of the gospel were ; and we witness that in truth, which thou hast stole 
 the words of : for we do eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his 
 blood, &c. which didst thou really witness, thou wouldst have fellow- 
 ship with us, and not revile and belie us, as thou dost. 
 
 But whose doctrine is yours like, think you; who cry, " wholly with- 
 out," and " the devil had cards to play against satisfaction (from wholly 
 without) for all your sins past, present and to come, and that the Father 
 hath poured forth all his wrath upon his son Jesus Christ V 9 O ye blas- 
 phemers I who blaspheme God and his tabernacle, and them that dwell 
 in heaven: for I testify for God, ye call his true and faithful witness in 
 you, the devil: and the hour is coming in which you shall feel his heavy 
 strokes for these things, and he will play you such cards, (as you call them,) 
 as all your skill, wit, and strength will not be able to prevail against; 
 and then your false hope, joy, and peace will perish. It is the word of 
 the Lord God unto you all, who deny his pure light wherewith he hath 
 lighted you, and call his gifts and virtues but of mere man. 
 
 And then you shall know there is wrath left enough to punish the 
 hypocrite, liar, and slanderer; and that "God is angry with the wicked 
 every day."* 
 
 And thou W. H. sayest, " The Quakers catch many simple hearts, 
 and keep them in perfect popish slavery and bondage," and callest them 
 " foxes and seducers," &c. 
 
 Now, consider with thyself, and see how thou, in thy blind envy, 
 dost rush into lying and slandering, as a horse into the battle, not fear- 
 ing God nor regarding man. Art thou fit to be a teacher of others, who 
 canst not bridle thy own tongue ? Who will give thee any credit in 
 these false charges, but such as love and make lies, like thyself? 
 
 Dost thou know certainly, what perfect popish slavery and bondage 
 are 1 Consider the depth of thy words and their consequence, if thy 
 charge were true against us. O W. Ha worth ; what hast thou done 
 against the innocent people of the Lord ! My soul pities thee, and I can 
 truly say, my bowels are turned for thee, that a place of repentance 
 thou mightest find, before it be too late. 
 
 For thou hast quite marred thy cause in hand, and thy end the Lord 
 hath frustrated, and will (of all his opposers) more and more ; and by 
 the strength of envy no man shall prevail. 
 
 * Psalin vii. 
 
389 
 
 Will not millions of people give thee the lie, if they should read or 
 hear these words of thine, and abhor thy secret slaying the innocent? 
 How darest thou so confidently assert such palpable lies and slanders in 
 the face of Christendom I The papists would condemn and judge thee 
 to be an envious hypocrite, should these lines come to their hands, who 
 are as opposite to us, in their religious ways of worship, as darkness is to 
 light, and are wholly without, (with thee) in their dark imaginations. 
 And tins shalt thou one day know, though at present thy envy and pride 
 have blinded thee. 
 
 And again, sayest thou, "If ever Satan was transformed into an angel 
 of light, it is in this people;" and sayest, "They swarm like locusts, and 
 that you have an impudent enemy to deal withal," &c. 
 
 O William ! how came the Quakers to be thus contemptible and vile 
 in thine eyes, that thou canst hardly find words bad enough to reproach 
 them with? What evil have they ever done thee? How came they 
 to be thy enemies, (let God's witness answer,) except for telling thee 
 the truth ? If they have any way wronged thee, let us understand it 
 that thou mayest be righted, and never foam out thy own shame thus 
 any more, like the restless, troubled sea, to the view of the nation. 
 
 And as for Satan's being transformed into an angel of light in the 
 Quakers ; thou art as much mistaken as thy brethren were that called 
 Christ Jesus Beelzebub; for it is "Christ in them the hope of glory," 
 which thou hast blasphemed against, who is the " true light, that light- 
 eth every man that cometh into the world," to whom all the angels 
 must bow. 
 
 And as for their swarming, which thou envyest, it is not like locusts, 
 (that is thy mistake also,) but as the stars of heaven and the sand by 
 the sea shore shall the seed of Abraham be, who rejoiced to see Christ's 
 day, the true light, whom thou wouldst have reproached, as thou hast 
 us, had he been in thy days. 
 
 Therefore, repent of this thy wickedness, and cease to pervert the 
 right way of the Lord, and pray God the thoughts of thy heart and the 
 words of thy mouth may be forgiven thee ; for the burden thereof will 
 be thy own; and not touch us, as to hurt us; for we feel sufficient ar- 
 mour, in the light, against all the fiery, raging darts of the wicked- 
 Blessed be the Lord forever. 
 
 Now to return again to some more of the young man's words, where 
 he speaks of " another light, which every man hath not, by which he 
 saw salvation by a person wholly without him, whose righteousness being 
 imputed to him." 
 
 Is this like scripture language, which you call your rule 7 See more 
 of your confusion and blindness. Did the apoetles of Chris! preach of 
 i light that every man had not. by winch they saw their salvation ! 0 
 
390 
 
 strange, erroneous doctrine ! quite contrary to the general testimony of 
 all the holy men of God in all ages. 
 
 Did not John, the greatest of all the prophets, testify that it was the 
 true light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, that all 
 men through him might believe?* And do you not yet believe his tes- 
 timony? If you say you do, then tell us what that other light is, beside 
 the true light, that it may be known distinctly, according to plain scrip- 
 ture; for I never read of such a light, by which salvation is seen, though 
 I have known the holy scriptures from a child, yet of this kind of light 
 I am ignorant; but I have read of the grace of God, that brings salva- 
 tion, that teacheth the saints ; and Paul said, "It hath appeared to all 
 men ;"f and he is as large as John in his testimony. And of this I have 
 some true knowledge, with many more. Blessed be the Lord forever 
 and ever. 
 
 Now, if ye are not able to give us an account of this light, according 
 to plain scripture, which every man hath not a measure of, by whicli 
 salvation is seen by a person wholly without you, we shall justly judge 
 it to be a mere dark and vain imagination of your own brains, seeing 
 the scripture saith, "This is the condemnation, that light is come into 
 the world," &c. And the wicked, slothful servant was not condemned 
 because he had not a talent, but for not improving it, according to his 
 master's requiring. But if all men are not lighted with the true light, 
 then some men have no true light. Then why should such be condemn- 
 ed, whb are so miserably deceived? Is this equal? But if all men are 
 lighted with the true light, as I believe, then by your doctrine some 
 have two lights, another light beside the true light ; for thou sayest, "It 
 is by a light which every man hath not." So that thou maj^est mean, 
 it is a greater measure of the true light than every man hath ; or else 
 it is another sort or kind of light; but if it be a greater measure of the 
 true light thou meanest, then it alters not the property, kind, and na- 
 ture ; and so it is the same in kind which every man hath a measure of. 
 But if it be of another kind and nature than the true light, then is it 
 properly another light. And so, what shall we call this thy light, but 
 a false light, or a divination of thy dark brain, which thou mayest see 
 by the true light in thee, thy own and W. H.'s confusion and blindness, 
 which is just from the Lord upon you all that oppose his blessed truth 
 and people. 
 
 And after thy confused prayer to Christ in thee, and to Christ in the 
 heavens, and by and in the spirit, as thou thoughtcst, thou sayest, " Se- 
 veral weeks was 1 in this trouble, making my condition known to no 
 
 John i. 9. 
 
 f Tit. it. 
 
391 
 
 one, because I would not be persuaded to any thing, but did wholly rely 
 upon the inward instructions of the Lord. Thus did my hope perish." 
 
 How didst thou "wholly rely upon the inward instructions of the 
 Lord," when thou prayedst in that confused manner, as aforesaid? Con- 
 sider it. 
 
 And did ever any wholly rely upon the inward instructions of the 
 Lord, and their hope perish? Bring one example for this, or else con- 
 clude, thou hast blasphemed against the Lord, and belied him and his 
 people in all ages, as thou hast. 
 
 And thou sayest, thou hadst " peace of conscience by the powerful 
 work of God without thee." — page 19, 
 
 Is this like scripture language? Surely thou hast got a peace, and 
 out of thy trouble, the wrong way, if it be so; and into much more trou- 
 ble must thou come than ever, before thou canst have true peace with 
 God. The Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 . For thy flight was in the winter, as I told thee, and thou hast fled 
 the cross, and slipped thy neck from under the yoke of Christ Jesus, which 
 W. H. calls " the burdensome yoke," which is so indeed to all the re- 
 bellious, whose tongues are at liberty to lie and slander, as he hath done. 
 
 But did not the saints and people of God in all ages, witness their 
 salvation and peace of conscience, by the powerful work of God within 
 them ? Did not God work in them, when their salvation was wrought 
 out with fear and trembling ? And did they not say, " God, who com- 
 manded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to 
 give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of 
 Jesus Christ. And we have this treasure in earthen vessels f * Of which 
 much more might be spoken. 
 
 We deny not the work of God and Christ without, as some have ima- 
 gined, but do also know as our brethren did, that no man knows the 
 things and works of God, which are spiritually discerned, but by the 
 spirit of God; and it is the same spirit that raised up Jesus from the 
 dead, that dwells in his people, which quickens their mortal bodies. 
 
 And they never cried up "wholly without," as you do, but preached 
 u Christ in them,"f after they had testified of his appearance and work 
 without, as you may read. 
 
 And Christ Jesus preached the kingdom of heaven within people :J 
 and the true worship of the Father is in the spirit and in the truth.§ 
 And said, " what if ye shall see the son of man ascend up where he was 
 before? It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh that profits nothing;" 
 when they cried, " How can this man give us his flesh to eat 'V Whose 
 
 • 2 Cor. iv. 6, 7. | Rom. viii. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. \ Luke xvii 
 
 20. § John iv. 
 
392 
 
 minds were wholly without, like many of you.* And said Peter, " We 
 have also a more sure word of prophecy, to which ye do well to take 
 heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, 
 and the day star arise in your hearts."! And Jesus is " the bright and 
 morning star," as ye may read.J And Jesus Christ bid people " believe 
 in the light, that they might become the children of the light," and so do 
 we.§ And he said, " He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit 
 saith unto the churches." And the same Jesus said, " He that eateth 
 my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life."|| And said the 
 apostle, " But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, then have we 
 fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son 
 cleanseth us from all sin." 
 
 So they were to drink his blood ; and that was it by which they were 
 cleansed from sin, and had eternal life ; and if they drank it, was it not 
 then within them ?T[ Read, and understand ; for people have drunk ini- 
 quity as an ox drinks water, which hath defiled them as Christ Jesus 
 sa id.** " For, from within, out of the heart of man proceed evil thoughts, 
 adulteries, fornications, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasci- 
 viousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness; all these evil things 
 come from within, and defile the man." 
 
 Now, must not these evil things be purged out, according .to that 
 saying of Paul Iff " If a man purge himself from these, he shall be a 
 vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for the master's use, and pre- 
 pared unto every good work V 9 Is any one fit for the master's use, but 
 who is purged and sanctified, as aforesaid, or prepared to every good 
 work, till the evil works are laid aside, purged out, and forsaken ?{J 
 Or, can people serve both these masters I For, " He that commits sin, 
 is the servant of sin," as it is written.§§ 
 
 Now, how or by what must these evil things, which defile people, be 
 purged out, seeing they are within them 1 Must not the antidote be 
 taken inwardly, to expel the poison, that works, within to the corrupting 
 and endangering the ruin of the body 1 What is it then must cleanse 
 the inward man of corruption and defilement, but the precious blood of 
 Jesus Christ, as of a lamb without spot and blemish ?|||| Did not that re- 
 deem people formerly from their vain conversations ?1fTF And did they 
 not drink it, and bless the Lord, and called it, " The cup of blessing?" 
 But this is a mystery hid from the fleshly birth, (all that are in the dark 
 imaginations of their own brains,) as the spiritual birth was hid from 
 Nicodemus, who came by night.*** 
 
 • John vi. f 2 Pet. i. 19. * Rev. xxii. 16. § John vi. 62. \ 1 John i. 7. 
 1 Matt. xv. 18, 19. *• Mark vii. 21, 22, 23. f| 2 Tim. ii. 21. H John viii. 34. 
 1 John iii. 8. |R 1 Pet. i. 18, 19. M Rev. V. 9, 10. 2 Cor. vi. 
 
393 
 
 And did not God say, u I will dwell in them and walk in them," &c? 
 And does not the scripture say, M By mercy and truth, iniquity is purg- 
 ed?" And did not the son of God, (the truth and the light of the world.) 
 walk in the midst of the golden candlesticks ; and did he not say, " He 
 that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith to the churches V* 
 And is not God a spirit, and his worship in the spirit and in the truth ? 
 And is not the spirit within? And the truth required in the inward parts ? 
 And is not God light ? 
 
 Read and understand, you that cry, " wholly without \ ou f you that 
 clamour against the light and work of God within: for we confess Jesus 
 Christ to be come i?i thcjlesh. as it is written, 1 John 4, &.c. And so we 
 are not of anti-christ. as William Haworth doth falsely charge us in his 
 epistle to that pamphlet aforesaid, entitled " The Quaker converted 
 which is a lie, uttered in the very opening of his mouth against us; for 
 which the Lord will plead with him. For the young man, whom he hath 
 thus vainly boasted of, was no Quaker, as I have before showed to any 
 unprejudiced eye, and by his own confession, but a poor tossed, unstable, 
 bewildered lad, as may be seen, who went to prove religions with he 
 knew not what, as in the 3d page of his book may be read ; and so was 
 not such a perfect Quaker as W. H. hath said ; but stumbled at the 
 very door and way by which the Quakers came to know God, and Jesus 
 Christ, whom he hath sent, (which is life eternal,) as I have before 
 showed.f 
 
 And so William Haworth's great joy, refreshment and boast of the 
 ■? Quaker converted," is founded upon a lie, winch is of the devil, the 
 father of lies, which he hath made hi- refuge and bulwark against the 
 truth, and them that walk in it ; and that he might privily shoot his 
 arrows at the upright in heart, the children of light, whom he calls 
 " seducers," " anti-christian," and in whom f satan is transformed into an 
 angel of light," with many other envious, railing speeches, for which 
 the Lord will judge him. 
 
 But the children of light are out of his reach, and of all such who r 
 in their dark envy and vain imaginations, seek to devDur them ; and as 
 thev abide in the truth, they are in that the devil is out of, and he hath 
 no power over them ; and they are armed with the whole armour of 
 light, against all the fiery darts of the wicked. Everlasting praises be 
 to him that sits upon the throne, and to the lamb for ever, who is get- 
 ting the victory over the beast and his ima i . the dragon and his floods, 
 the whore and faUe prophet. 
 
 And great Babylon is sinking like a mill stone, whose harper's voice 
 -hall be heard no more at all: and the \oice of her (grinding) mill Mall 
 be heard no more at all. Glory in the highest; 
 
 • Prov. xvi. f J °h n xv "- «• 
 
391 
 
 The day is come, in which no man will buy her ware any more; her 
 merchants are howling, and gnawing their tongues for pain; for strong 
 is the Lord that judgeth her. 
 
 And God is confounding this great city, and setting up his holy city 
 upon a hill, which cannot be hid ; whose light is like a jasper, clear as 
 crystal. And without are dogs, and all liars, and whatsoever worketh 
 abomination and maketh a lie. And her true light is shining, and the 
 glory of God is arising more and more, which shall shake terribly the 
 earth, and the inhabitants thereof, amongst whom the devil is come 
 down in great rage, knowing he hath but a short time. 
 
 Rejoice yc children of the Lord, and lift up your heads all ye upright 
 in heart. Rejoice ye heavens, and ye that dwell in the heavenly places 
 in Christ Jesus, and praise your God for ever, whose power is com*e, 
 whose glory shines, whose dominion is witnessed over death and hell, and 
 the gates of it; whose dreadful presence is now again known, which the 
 worker of iniquity cannot endure. The eye-lids of the morning are 
 unto them as the shadow of death: "every one that doeth evil, hates 
 the light, neither cometh to it, lest their deeds should be reproved." 
 
 This is the ground of their vexation and rage against the pure ap- 
 pearance of the Lord. But arise, O God! more and more, and let the 
 sea roar, and the waters be troubled : bring forth thy glorious work 
 already begun in the earth ; and rend thou the vail of thick darkness 
 from top to bottom, which is yet spread over people and nations that 
 the graves may be opened, and the dead may hear thy voice, and arise, 
 and come forth to judgment. Let thy dread fall upon the heathen round 
 about, to awaken them ; and exalt thy everlasting truth and name over 
 alLthe powers of darkness, that many may be gathered into thy hea- 
 venly kingdom of righteousness and peace, that the poor among men 
 may rejoice, and the meek increase their joy in thee, who art the 
 strength of thy people in all ages, who never failed them that put their 
 whole trust in thee. To whom be everlasting praises, glory and thanks- 
 giving, from all that know thy name, God over all heaven and earth, 
 blessed for ever a,nd ever, hallelujah. 
 
 And now William Ha worth, I would put thee in remembrance once 
 more, to consider tin's thy work, and the ground of thy rage against the 
 Lord and his innocent people ; and what the effects and end thereof 
 will be ; and recollect in thy mind, and ponder thy false charges, and 
 the things which thou hast written against them in that pamphlet, and 
 see if thou canst stand by them, when examined to thy face, which 
 thou hast published to the view of many people. And let the witness 
 of God arise in thee, and answer; for it is of the deity by which thou 
 sayest the barbarous people saw that vengeance was due on murderers: 
 and see if it will not be Ihy own portion, who art found a hater of thy 
 
brother, (as Cain did Abel,) without just cause: "For he that hateth 
 his brother, is a murderer; and we know, that no murderer hath eter- 
 nal life abiding in him."* 
 
 Therefore, consider it, and see if thy fruits do agree with thy profes- 
 sion, (for the tree is known and judged by the fruits it brings forth,) who 
 sayest, you " eat Christ's flesh, and drink his blood, and that he dwelleth 
 in you, and you in him ;" too high words for a liar, and slanderer, and 
 murderer ; for such as eat his flesh and drink his blood, have eternal 
 life ;f which the hater of his brother hath not, nor the liar and railer 
 hath not any inheritance in the kingdom of God and of Christ, both which 
 thou art manifested to be, as by thy fruits hath appeared. 
 
 And so, thy saying Christ dwells in you, and you in him, will not save 
 thee from the liar's portion, which is the lake of torment, which is al- 
 ready begun in thee, and the smoke thereof ascends in this thy foaming 
 out thy own shame against an innocent people, for which the Lord doth 
 judge thee; and it will ascend forever, if thou repent not speedily, who 
 art so hardened as to say, thou "testhiest in the Lord, that the Quakers' 
 spirit is a spirit of delusion, and that their doctrine is anti-christian;" 
 and callest them "seducers," and other reproachful names; and that 
 "thou hast many ten thousands that are ready to testify the same with 
 thee." But ihij Lord thou hast manifested, (whose name thou art in,) 
 to be the liar and murderer from the beginning, which ruleth in thee, 
 as by thy fruits is evident. And we do judge of a tree by its fruits, as 
 the young man also said, whom thou sayest is a "Quaker converted to 
 Christianity:" as if the Quakers are no christians; showing thy envy 
 against them, and thy ignorance, or wilful blindness concerning the 
 scriptures of truth, in which may be seen plentifully, that God's people 
 whom he hath had regard unto above all people, in all ages, were such 
 as trembled at his word, as in Isa. lxvi. And Moses was a leading 
 Quaker :J and Ezekiel was a Quaker; and Daniel,§ a man greatly be- 
 loved, was a trembler :|| and Paul preached in«much trembling,"!! and in 
 the demonstration of the spirit and of power; and the same apostle 
 bid the true, obedient christians, to " work out their salvation with fear 
 and trembling ;** and exhorted servants to obey their masters with fear 
 and trembling, ff And the true christians received Titus with fear and 
 trembling ;JJ and much more might be mentioned of them. 
 
 Therefore, let not thy envy blind thee any longer, nor go about to 
 shut up the way to th£ kingdom of heaven against people, as thou hast 
 done, though the entrance thereof thou knowest not, who art found 
 without, among the biters at the heels of the true woman, the king's 
 daughter, whose glory is within.§§ 
 
 * 1 John Hi. 15. and chap. ii. vers. 11. f John vi. 54. 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10. 
 
 * Hebr. 12. § Ezek.xii. 18. || Dan. chap. 10,11, 12. 1 1 Cor. ii. 3. 
 
 Phil. ii. 12. ff Ephes. vi. 5. \\ 2 Cor. vii. 15. %% Psal, xlv. IS, 
 
39C 
 
 And as for thy many ten thousands thou boastest of, we know them; 
 for, "every one that doth evil, hates the light," &c. which are very 
 many. And so, every evil-doer is on thy side, and is one with thee, as 
 thou hast said. And so, the unclean spirits may now cry, as formerly, 
 "Our name is legion, for we are many." 
 
 But remember thou that true saying of old, viz: that "Though the 
 wicked join hand in hand, yet shall they not go unpunished; but the 
 seed of the righteous shall be delivered." 
 
 And now try thy own spirit and thy fruits by the scriptures, which 
 many of you call the touch-stone, who saith, " Christ dwells in you, and 
 you in him ; and that you eat his flesh, and drink his blood." 
 
 For it is written, "If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of 
 sin."* And " If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old things 
 are passed away, all things are become new."f 
 
 Is thy body dead? Are not lying, and slandering, and envy, and false 
 accusing, sin 1 Arc not these sins alive in thee, in thy body ? Let all 
 that know thee judge. Art thou a new creature ? Let them judge if 
 all old things be passed away in thee? And did not the blood of Christ 
 cleanse them, that drank it, from all sin? J Dost thou witness the same 
 effect thereof, as they did who walked in the light ?§ Dost thou witness 
 it to cleanse thee from all sin; who art in thy dark confusion, blasphemy 
 and false doctrine, belying and reviling God and his people, saying, "he 
 hath poured forth all his wrath upon his son Jesus Christ?" 
 
 What kind of Christianity is it, that thou art endeavouring to convert 
 people to? Where is one scripture that will bear thee out in this say- 
 ing of thine 1 Though thou hast quoted Is. L that will not do it, nor 
 will all the coverings thou canst make hide thee from the wrath to come, 
 which will overtake thee speedily; and then thou shalt know, that there 
 is some left for thee and all liars and evil speakers; and that the 
 Quakers are no seducers, as thou hast belied them. But such are 
 seducers, as draw people /rom the anointing in them, which is the truth, 
 as may be read ;|| and not they that turn people from darkness to light,1[ 
 the anointing in them, whom thou hast wickedly reproached, as the 
 righteous God is witness for us, (and against thee, whose innocent cause 
 he will assuredly plead with thee, and all that oppose them; and no 
 weapon formed against his blessed truth and people, shall ever pros- 
 per: the Lord of heaven and earth hath spoken it. 
 
 This is written by a labourer in the Lord's harvest, in true love to 
 his blessed truth and people; and to the souls of all people I am a friend, 
 bearing testimony against the works of the world, that are evil. And 
 I have learned to forgive enemies ; and yet can truly say, in this con- 
 
 * Prov. xi. 21. f Rom. viii. * 2 Cor. v. 17. § 1 John 17. HI John ii. 26, 27. 
 U Acts xxvi. 18. 
 
397 
 
 cern, in the behalf of the Lord and his holy name, " the reproaches of 
 ihem that reproached thee, fell on me." 
 
 William Bayly. 
 
 Southward the \lth of the \\th month, 1673. 
 
 ■ ■ ut tQQflf m — 
 
 To a people much given to drunkenness and swearing, fyc. Being 
 the copy of a paper written and given forth at Polch Ground, 
 within the haven of Long Sound, in Norway, in the king of Den- 
 mark's dominion, t he 20 1 h of the Fifth month, 167 4. By William 
 Bayly. 
 
 A visitation and warning from the Lord God of heaven and earth, 
 unto all you drunkards, who are strong to drink strong drink, and who 
 <lrink till ye are inflamed therewith, and your tongues utter folly and 
 perverscness ; glutting yourselves with the good creatures of God, and 
 abusing them which are given to be received in his fear with thankful- 
 ness, and to be used in his wisdom ; and in moderation, to his glory; for 
 which end all things were made and created ; and not to be consumed 
 and wasted upon your excessive lusts, to the dishonour of God and the 
 name of Christianity, and to the grieving his pure spirit, his witness 
 in you, which you make merry over, and trample under foot the pearl 
 of great price, worse than the swine and beasts that perish, whilst many 
 of your poor fellow creatures are ready to starve and perish for want 
 Do ye think or believe there is no just God, who will reward every one 
 according to his deeds done in his body, or that ye shall not be called to 
 an account for these things? How dare you take his holy name in your 
 mouths, and profess yourselves to be christians, who are so rilled with 
 wickedness, &c. as oaths, lying, drunkenness, sottishness, pride, and 
 vanity ; exceeding the Turks, infidels, and heathens in your abomina- 
 tions, who will rise up in judgment against you in the day of your account? 
 
 Wo unto the drunkards of England, Holland, Norway, Sweedland 
 and Denmark, saith the Lord God, who beholds your sottishness, bru- 
 tishness, deceit, and abominations ; who have greatly abused his tender 
 mercies, and make a wrong use of his long-suffering and kindness towards 
 you by these your doings. And ye have no cloak for your sins; but con- 
 demnation is your portion, and wo and misery will be your end for ever, 
 without speedy repentance. 
 
 What lamentation shall I take up for you, O ye rebellious and stiff 
 necked people, who live in fulness, pride, and abundance of idleness! 
 The sins of Sodom, (whom God destroyed,) do even cry against you, as 
 Isaiah did against the drunkards of Ephraim, <; wo to the crown of 
 
398 
 
 pride,* to the drunkards of Ephraim ; they shall be trodden under foot, 
 even the crown and pride of the drunkards of Ephraim. Ye have erred 
 because of wine, and are out of the way because of strong drink. The 
 priest and the prophet have erred because of strong drink; they are 
 swallowed up with wine; they have gone astray through strong drink; 
 they fail in vision; they slumber in judgment; for all their tables are 
 full of filthy vomitings; no place is clean." Thus did that holy man of 
 God declare against their sottishness, drunkenness, pride, excess, and un- 
 cleanness, as moved of the Lord, by his holy spirit, in his day ; and thus 
 am I moved of the God of heaven at this time to declare against you, 
 and to warn you all, both priests, rulers and people, in whom the same 
 beastial life and ungodly practices are found. Ye are an evil example 
 in your generation, and you grieve God's spirit, and cumber his ground 
 worse than the fruitless fig-tree ; and a stink you will be to posterity, 
 and your memorial will be an abhorrence through ages to the upright 
 in heart, and your end will be everlasting destruction and misery, if ye 
 repent not speedily. The Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 And now unto all you that have any tenderness of heart or conscience,* 
 either male or female, or any fear of God in you, and are grieved at the 
 abominations that you daily hear and see amongst your families or neigh- 
 bours, in what country or nation soever you are; this is the counsel of 
 the Lord unto you, stand still, be still and low in your minds, and in- 
 cline your heart and ear to that which you feel grieved in you ; for it is 
 the seed that God loveth, that is oppressed and burdened with the filthy 
 conversation of the wicked ; it is pure, and clean, and holy ; defilement 
 grieves and burdens it, as Lot in Sodom. 
 
 Therefore, in patience wait, in pure hunger and thirst after righte- 
 ousness, in the fear of God, low and tender, and in due time deliverance 
 will come to his chosen. Therefore, faint not, thou worm Jacob, thy 
 helper is near thee. Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the heaven- 
 ly kingdom of everlasting rest, peace, and comfort. 
 
 So, believe in the true light, which manifesteth and reproveth sin 
 and evil, and obey it, that thou mayest become a child of light, as 
 Christ said, an heir of light and life, of the promises which are all in 
 Christ Jesus, the true "light of the world, which lighteth every one 
 that cometh into the world ;" and so will the darkness vanish away, 
 and thy bondage, and thy soul be freed from the thraldom of the power 
 of satan, and then thou wilt praise the God of thy salvation, in the 
 land of the living. Therefore, consult not, reason not, with flesh and 
 
 * Isa. 20. 
 
.300 
 
 blood, which must never enter God's kingdom; neither be discouraged 
 at hardships and trials — look not out at any visible things, but to the 
 invisible God, alone, for help — the everlasting hill from whence salva- 
 tion cometh. Feel it near thee, thou tender one, for unto thee this is 
 the counsel and words of the Lord, who "is no respecter of persons, but 
 in every nation, whosoever feareth God and worketh righteousness, is 
 accepted of him," and none else. " For without holiness, no man shall 
 see the Lord" in peace. 
 
 W.B. 
 
 The last words spoken by William Bayly, a Utile before his depar- 
 ture put of the body; being the first day of the fourth month, 
 1675, on hoard the Samuel, of London, in the latitude of ASS de- 
 grees and thirty-six minutes, written by me, John Clark, master 
 of the said vessel. 
 
 After some words spoken to me concerning his outward business, he 
 desired to be remembered unto his dear .wife and little ones, and said, 
 1 have left them no portions, but my endeavour hath been, to make 
 God their Father. Well, shall I lay down my head in peace upon the 
 waters? God is the God of the whole universe, and though my body 
 sink I shall swim atop of the waters. And after he had lain a little 
 while still, he called to me and desired me to remember his dear love 
 to George Fox, Alexander Parker, George Whitehead, and to Friends in 
 general, and immediately sung, being filled with the power of God, say- 
 ing, the creating word of the Lord endureth for ever, and spoke several 
 precious words to them that sat by him, and took several by the hand, 
 and exhorted to the fear of the Lord, and not to fear death; for death 
 was nothing in itself, for the sting of death is sin; and said, dear Friends 
 at London that would have been glad to have seen my face, tell them, 
 "I go to my father and their father, to my God and their God." 
 Remember, said he, my dear love to my dear wife, she will be a sor- 
 rowful widow, but let her not mourn in sorrow for it is well with me, 
 and took his leave of Friends, saying, I see not one of you, but I wish 
 you all well. Samuel Burden, a New r England Friend, asked him how 
 it was with him, he said I am perfectly well, and desired him to mind 
 his love to friends in Rhode Island and New England. He also said, 
 "any of you remember my love to Friends in Barbadoes," and said, ** I 
 went freely, in tender love to them." He uttered many more sensible 
 words, and at about half an hour past four in the morning he departed as 
 
100 
 
 if he had gone to sleep, and is at rest with the Lord, who hath given 
 him an everlasting crown of glory. 
 
 John Clarke. 
 
 Mary Bayly's testimony concerning her, deceased husband^ fyc. 
 
 It is appointed of God for all men once to die, and no man can re- 
 deem his brother, nor pay a ransom for him. Though David once said 
 of Absalom, "Oh Absalom ! O my son Absalom, would God I had died 
 for thee," which was the greatest ransom that could be given; methinks 
 I might say I had tenfold more cause than David, if it could have been 
 desired without offence; but I had rather say, "The Lord giveth, and the 
 Lord hath taken away" — cause me to bless thy name also, and submit 
 my will to thine, that I may not sin against thee. But when I have 
 considered of eternity, and the satisfaction which my dear husband is 
 entered into, I conclude within myself, it is his joy, though it be my 
 sorrow — his gain, though my loss, and that I shall go to him, and he not 
 return to me. Herein am I stayed, and desire not to murmur against 
 the Lord. I am fully assured it is the Lord's doing, and that he hath 
 taken him to rest, out of all his troubles; for many were his exercises 
 and burdens; but God, who knew the innocency of his heart, kept and 
 sustained him, and I am fully assured, he departed this life, a clean, in- 
 nocent man, and one who desired the good of all mankind, and sought 
 not himself, but the honour of God, which is my full satisfaction in this 
 case. He coveted no man's gold or silver, but did spend and was spent 
 for the honour of God. His memorial shall live, though his body is re- 
 moved. 
 
 Mary Bayly. 
 
 THE END. 
 
1 1012 01147 3404 
 
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