BEAMES OF Eternal Brightness, OR, BRANCHES OF Everlasting Blessings; Springing forth of the Stock of Salvation, to be spread over INDIA, and all Nations of the Earth, To the Uniting all Mankind, as one single and simple Body of Everlasting Love and Peace, in the Original Glory and Creator of all things.
Written by a Member of Truth, JOHN, Who is called a QUAKER.
LONDON, Printed for Robert Wilson, at the sign of the Black-spread-Eagle and Windmil, in Martins Le Grand, 1661.
[Page 3] Beams of Eternal Brightness, or, Branches of Everlasting Blessings, springing forth, &c.
O All ye Kings, Princes, Rulers, and People of INDIA, and the rest upon the face of the whole Earth, I can in no better way and manner salute you, than in this of the Blessing and Counsel of Eternal Life, In which you may come lively and joyfully to know the true Power which hath created all things, and ruleth and governeth all things according to his own Will and Pleasure; who by Name, so as to be distinguished (in every man's understanding) from every other thing, is called The Searcher through all Darkness, or, The glorious Sun of the Soul, or, The Wonderful Power, or, The Incomprehensible Wisdom, or, The Immutable Holiness, or, The from Eternity to all Eternity; because these glorious Qualities are only proper to his infinite wonderful Essence, as unspeakably more are, which I neither do nor can here mention.^
This is the Power, Wisdom, and Glory which I speak of, who in Himself is infinitely more than all things; by whose Word all things were created in the beginning, and is a Being invisible to every fleshly thing, of whom divers Nations do hold divers Opinions, and so do make him in their Imaginations like unto divers things, and accordingly do worship in divers manners and wayes: but he being but one who created all things, and not likened unto any thing that man makes, is only known aright, and worshipped aright in one living, pure, and holy way. For which cause I hereby greet all the Indians, together with all Mankind upon the face of the Earth, in the feeling of that Power, Wisdom and Life of Glory, which is able to reduce them all unto the true knowledge of himself, to the end that they may all become but of one heart, mind and soul for ever, worshipping according to the true knowledge and pure understanding of him through an universal feeling, seeing, and perceiving him arising and appearing in his Power, Wisdom and Glory in all their inward parts: So [Page 4] that when all men in all Nations, Countries and Lands shall attain to the true knowledge of the Life, Power, Wisdom, and Glory of their Maker and Creator in themselves; then they shall have no need of any other instruction (touching the knowledge of their Maker) without them; and so knowing their Creator appearing in themselves, will also know from him, (who so appeareth) the true and living way, of his true, living and pure Worship, which he teacheth all in the Unity and Truth of his own Wisdom and Knowledge, the which must certainly put an end unto all that which is diverse & from the way of his own Life, and pure Nature.
But because the Nature of man is contrary to the Nature of the Glorious Sun of the Soul, I hold it necessary to shew what the Nature of the one and the other is, that as they are in contrariety, the worst may be forsaken, and the best cleaved and adhered unto, and for ever loved and lived in, in the Power, Wisdom and Glory thereof.
One. The Nature of the Glorious Sun of the Soul, which was before the outward Sun was, is pure, holy, clean, undefiled and full of all Light and Vertue, even of all which stands in an Eternal Life; as also in it is the vertue, of reducing all things unto nothing again, as by it all things of nothing were (in the beginning) made and created.
Two. But the Nature of man is evil, corrupt, unclean, bruitish, and full of darkness and ignorance of the true knowledge of the Power of Eternal Life.
Quest. Now if it be demanded, How and where the one and the other is to be rightly understood and known? To it I am free to answer thus; shewing introductionally,
Introd. That the Soul of man is the sensible living part, that hath its being in the body of flesh, or humane tabernacle, whilst the perceivance of breath is left therein, whereby man hath the sense and feeling of joys and pains, pleasures and sorrows, &c. To which inward part in all mankind I speak of the Sun of the Soul, testifying, That the Light thereof in every soul, is of such a purity and cleanness, shining in the inward parts of the Intelect or secret understanding of man, that it hath no unity nor fellowship with his uncleanness and beastliness; shewing him, when no flesh doth speak unto him, that he having a rational soul put into him, should [Page 5] not be like unto the beasts of the field (which have not received that faculty) in his loathsom acts of defilement, and that he should not in other cases be worse than the beasts of the field (which onely eat and drink to their satisfaction, and having so done, when rest is needful, do lie down in quietness, without inventions of mischief; and which in their mute state, have not a mind of the vent of Execrations, Curses, Oathes, Blasphemies, Lying, Cheating, Stealing, Murdering, or the like things and acts of wickedness) I say, the Light sheweth, that he should not be worse than the beasts of the field, in such words and works, or exercises of Drunkenness and Gluttony. Which Light in all Mankind never consented to any act of filthyness, beastliness, or wickedness, but in all doth stand near the Soul, telling the Soul the evil of such things; so these two being joyned together, (to wit) the Light of the glorious Sun of the Soul, and the Soul it self to the Light in true knowledge of any thing, I call Conscience, because Conscience properly and rightly importeth a joynt knowledge, testimony, and witness, by two knowing properties in Mankind of the Good or Evil of all words and works whatsoever are spoken, done, or wrought by them: Seeing then every man hath this Principle of knowledge in himself, given by the eternal Sun of the Soul, as a measure of Light into their immortal Souls, hereby they come to know the nature thereof, according to the measure thereof; and in it discerning the vast multitudes of Mankind (which are not united to the Light) to be in the beastliness and evils which the Light of the Sun of the Soul doth reprove, judge, and condemn; hereby they may know in themselves, that the nature of man is contrary to it, being very sinful and abominable in wickedness and beastliness: So touching the contrariety, as to the place where it is found, briefly this is the sum in answer;
Answ. It's found in the inward parts, known in the Conscience, and discovered by the Light, which sheweth all things in the day of what colour and nature they are.
In order therefore to the true and pure Knowledge of the eternal Sun of the soul, it is absolutely necessary for all people to understand, That nothing corruptible can see that Glory and Brightness which is incorruptible, to discern aright what it is, that they may not be alwayes seeking, and never come to find, [Page 6] and ever learning, but never able to come to the true Knowledge; seeking in the backward way, and learning in a Book of Lyes. And next to know, that man's station is in sin and corruption, in absolute contrariety to the Pure Nature of Incorruption, and consequently hath no unity with the Glory of the Incorruptible One, nor hath the true knowledge of Him, and therefore in worshipping, he worshippeth he knows not what; which if, contrariwise, all were united in the Life, to the Life and Glory of the Eternal Sun and Power, then would they all know that Incorruptible One, and accordingly worship in the true Knowledge of Him, who is the Eternal Brightness, Glory and Power over all things.
Seeing then that no man knowes aright, but he which is redeemed out of Corruption, and consequently not worshippeth aright, being in Corruption, the next thing that is needful to be informed of, is, Quest. How, and by what means all men may come to be redeemed out of the state of Corruption, thereby to have a true knowledge of, and unity in Life with the Incorruptible One, and so to worship aright? By which assuredly all Nations will come to be of One heart, mind and soul, seeing the cause of Variations and Divisions may hereby be perceived to stand in the Life and Nature of Corruption, Sin and Transgression; which if all come to be redeemed out of, and united to the Life, Power and Glory of the Incorruptible One, must infallibly be united to each other, being all in Him, who is but one in Love, Peace, pure Life and Nature.
To which purpose and glorious matter (tending to the everlasting Blessing of all Nations and Peoples upon the face of the Earth) I (as followeth) hold forth and shew that plain and easie path (of which it was prophesied to the Jews that it should be revealed) in which the wayfaring men, though fools, cannot erre; which leadeth out of Transgression into a pure life of Incorruption. Of which perfect happy way I speak to every Conscience of man, to whom this shall come, that it may witness in themselves to this living and pure Path of the glorious Sun of the Soul and Eternal Power of Creation, whereby all shall be for ever left without Excuse in the sight of the Eternal Sun, who hate and refuse the way, and by the Power of the Eternal Sun shall be judged, condemned and cast out for ever from the Eternal Life and Glory thereof.
[Page 7] Introd. Man into whom a rational Soul is infused by the Eternal Power who created him (which is more than the Beasts, or any other creatures have) yet is brutish in his understanding and knowledge, occasioned through the Law, or rather lawlessness of his Lusts, which (as I have hinted) are worse than beast-like, daily put in practice, both by utterance of words, and operation of acts, in his Life and Conversation; so that although his Creator hath provided him a Law, a Way and a Leader, by and in which he may come to be redeemed out of that sad and miserable state and condition of his blindness, darkness, and ignorance of soul and mind, in which he is bound and chained by the power of Evil and Corruption (which I call the Power of Darkness, inasmuch as that spirit is the original and principal cause) yet he giving more way unto the Power of Darkness, than yeelding unto the other Power which is Light, hath lost the true Way, and erred from the true Guide and Conducter (which is able to lead him into an unity with his glorious Creator, who is the Power of Brightness) and entered into the Adulteration, and now lies wallowing like the Swine in the mire of filth and loathsomness of his own excrement, yea, rouling himself in the blood and pollution of his unwashed body, tumbling upon the ground of noisomness and abominable stink, as a helpless wretch, without a shelter and without a shade, naked and miserable without a garment or skirt of covering, without the Bread of Hope, or Water of Faith; beaten of his Foe, without hope of Redemption from his Oppression, and bruised of his Enemy, without belief of his Restoration unto his first innocent Freedom; and thus stands bound unto death in the heavy chaine of captivity: and alas, poor miserable blind man! though this is his lost condition, yet he knows not, nay, nor perceives it not, and so layes not his misery to heart, which is his double fetters of Iron; so though he hath a feigned hope and imagined faith in himself, yet being in the Adulteration from the Life of his Creator; as his life is sinful, so his faith and hope in that corrupt nature is utterly deceivable, which can never unite his soul again to his Creator, but fraudulently perish it everlastingly in the darkness under which he is held through sin and corruption. And though thus hath been the state of man almost from the Creation in the beginning, nevertheless it hath pleased the Eternal Wisdom now in these latter [Page 8] dayes (as it was prophesied of to the Jews) to open a path, wherein man may return again unto Himself in that pure and perfect shape and likeness in which he was created by his Glorious Power: In order to which Return through the living Way, and leading by the true Leader, I hold it in estimation of the Eternal Wisdom and Counsel, first, to shew all the Indians, That Man in the beginning was created holy and pure, and not in sin and corruption; which in this manner they may all plainly understand, viz. That whereas the Eternal Power and glorious Sun of the Soul is in Himself pure and incorruptible in Life and Nature, could not therefore create a thing corrupted simply so, (that is to say) made in Corruption in his hand, without becoming corrupt himself thereby; which is impossible that ever that should be, Because, as his Essence is Eternal from all Eternity, so his Nature is immutably and unchangeably pure. And again, Because He being the Eternal Wisdom, who made the Sun in the Firmament of the Heavens a glorious brightness, and the Moon and Stars glorious Lights in their places, which are visible Creatures to the corruptible eye of Man, it would not stand with his Wisdom, as unto the retaining of his Glory in Himself, to beget an invisible soul in an unclean, filthy and polluted state, which was the greatest of all Glories which were ever created: Wherefore, I say, for these three Causes, of his Purity, Immutability, and Wisdom, ye may perceive that Man was created a pure Soul in the beginning, by His pure Power, in His pure Glory, through His pure Wisdom, of which the Jews have the Record, written from the beginning in the Hebrew Tongue, shewing at large Man's Creation in Innocency, the Law that was given him in that state, and likewise how he erred from the Law, and thereby became a subject of the Power of Darkness, droven from the Eternal Glory into the Curse, whereby the whole Creation became a Curse unto him, which at first also were blessed (of the Pure Eternal Brightness) unto Him; for, saith the Record, When He had made all things (speaking of the Eternal Power) He saw that they were good, and blessed them: whence you may all understand, as Man remains in the state of Corruption, all the Creation (which he accounts his Good, Blessing and Happiness) are assuredly unto him as his Curse, his Evil, and Bond of his Wo and Misery: In knowledge [Page 9] of which, you may all come to savour and relish the blessedness of my Salvation of you all, now forwarding you (in all willingness of the Spirit of Truth) to the Way, and the Conducter (which is able to guide and lead you all in the same true Way, out of Sin, and save and redeem you from Corruption, which was the cause of the Curse) into the Holiness, Purity and Incorruption, that all your Kings, Princes, Rulers, People, Cattle and all created things, may become every-where blessed, they unto you, and you unto them, that the Glory may be with, and in all, as it was in the beginning, even henceforth, and for ever, and for evermore, Amen,
Answ. In which Illustration of the way of Redemption from Sin and Curse that it brought, I discover the first step of Order, and Principle to the True Worship (which is) to bow down; To bow down in Heart, Mind and Soul to that Light of the glorious eternal Sun, which is given into your Souls for a Law, a Guide, and a Leader. Turn all your minds unto the Light in your Consciences, which discovereth in all your secret thoughts the things that are evil, sinful and beastly, and not of the nature of the Holy and Glorious One; and when-ever you find in your secret thoughts the power of Corruption and Darkness, tempting to draw you resignedly and resolvedly into verbal or actual Sin and Transgression, which is contrary to the Law and way of the holy and incorruptible measure of the Light of your Immortal Souls; Take ye that Light for the guide of your minds, and in so doing, you will come to feel a War of the two Powers in you; that as the Power of Corruption and Darkness (which is of the flesh fleshly) doth tempt you, shewing you the Delights, Profits and Pleasures of that Evil unto which it tempteth you; the Power of the Light (which is of the Spirit spiritually) will stand up against it, representing unto you the Evil of the thing, the Cursedness of the thing, and the end of the Evil, which causeth a Separation from the true Life of Glory and Salvation; So here, standing in the Power of the true Guide, it winneth the Soul, and begetteth it into a greater Love and Affection with the Incorruptible Life and Glory, than with the Abomination and Evil, which causeth Everlasting Darkness, Ignorance and Seperation from the Glory which endureth to all Eternity: Thus Man enclining [Page 10] himself, drawing his mind more and more from out of all that which cursed is, into the Light and Power of Salvation within him, comes to be delivered from all Evil: For to this every mans Conscience shall affirmatively answer me, That in the Light of the Soul (that cometh from the Glorious Eternal Sun) never was any Sin or Evil committed; but out of it, and contrary to it, every act of Transgression hath been done and wrought by all men; wherefore, if all men take that for the true Way (which is not of the nature of Darkness) and the same for the true Guide and Conducter (which is not of the nature of Sin, but in its nature contrary to all Sin) giving up their Souls alwayes to be led in it, and guided by it; this must needs lead all from and out of all things which are sinful and corruptible, into its proper Life and Nature, by its vertuous Power operating in the inward parts; for except it could save and deliver from all Sin, then it could not appear to be a Vertue of the Eternal Creator, or else, that the Power of Darkness hath gotten such a Supremacy, that it's become greater than the Power of Light, that created all things; which can never be that it should so come to passe, because the Power of Light is Eternal, even from Eternity to Eternity; but the Power of Darkness came in in time, and therefore of necessity must also have an end in time, and so appears to be infinitly the lesser power: and seeing its end must come, I hereby direct all Souls unto the Way and Power by which it is to be brought to an end, to know the End thereof within themselves, even in every mans particular Soul: And the Power that is to end it, must be a Power that is in nature opposit unto it, else it must alwayes be strengthened, and never come to be ended: Now the Power that is opposit in Nature, Vertue, and Operation unto Darkness, is the Light, which (as aforesaid) convinceth in the inward parts of all Evil; yet a little to illustrate its deliverance of the Soul from all Evil, in this lowly and uncovered manner I shew, That the Light in the Conscience convinceth of the crime of cursing words; the which being loved, owned, and delighted in the Convincement, delivers from the Evil that it convinceth of, through begetting a shamefulness and hatred in the Soul against the Crime, and a pure love unto the vertue of the Thing that is found in nature, quality, and property, in opposition [Page 11] to the Crime from which the Soul is delivered; and here in the sence of this Deliverance, in measure, from Sin, ariseth a little hope of Redemption, which placeth a grain, or seed, of Trust and Confidence in the ground of this Deliverance from one Sin, which though the Faith in that state be but like a grain of Mustard Seed, yet mark the end of that Faith, for in a pure Belief, through the experience that the Soul hath found in the Light, strengtheneth it self in an holy Love and Enclination to follow the pure Motions of it in all things, in which Faith (working by Love) it comes to find the perfect Effect; that as the Light was obeyed in the least appearance, which accordingly delivered from the least Sin, the same being obeyed, loved and followed in every appearance (whereas it is pure, perfect, powerful, and of the nature of the Immutable Creature) cannot alter from its Nature, Property and Vertue of saving and delivering from all Sin; So then this is the End of that grain of Faith, which is sown in the Light, it removes from the Oppressed Soul the Rocks and Mountains of Sin and Corruption, under which it is pressed down, and breaks the Chains of Transgression wherein it is bound in captivity, and sets free in the liberty from Sin, and unites the Soul to the Original Glory from whence it is descended: Wherefore this appears to be the true and undeceivable Hope in which the Soul witnesseth its Purification, and the true Faith which gives Victory over Sin, which is the Blessed State; but all other Faith and Hope in the Life of Corruption, under the Power of Darkness, is that which deceivably perisheth the Soul, and is the Cursed State.
Yet, besides this Declaration of the Power (which unto every Rational Intellect may appear plain, clear, and manifest) doubtless, thousands (who of a truth this day do live in the Light, and are directly led and guided by it) together with this Witness, can experimentally testifie at large, that they in substance, Truth and very deed, have found, and constantly do find it redeeming, delivering, and saving them from all verbal and actual Sin, and from all resignations of mind unto Sin, in which formerly they were held under a woful Captivity by the predominating Power of Darknesse; these therefore are they to whom the true and living Sun of the Soul is truly and rightly known; who answerably to [Page 12] the true and living knowledge do worship in the true and living Way: and these are all of one mind and soul, living joyntly and unanimously in one individual Spirit of Brightness, which created all Souls, and in this Life are at peace together for ever; So here are no Quarrellings nor Wranglings, Stirs, Brauls, Fightings, suing nor persecuting one another for the visible created things, which in the Worlds nature are corruptible and cursed; neither can such a thing be among them, because the free Law that is in them, leads to the nourishing and cherishing each other, as flesh of the same flesh, and bone of the same bone, being all Members but of one incorruptible body; And ye know, that no man hateth his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it: much more (therefore) they, though many, yet being moulded from the corruptible into the incorruptible Spirit of Light and Glory, are become but one, living in the Unity, which is everlasting, as Members meetly composed to shew forth the Glory of the Eternal Sun of the Soul, in the endless Life of Love, Concord, and Peace.
Thus having shewed the Way or Redemption from Sin, and sanctifying the Soul unto its Creator, which leads unto the true Knowledge in a pure Union with its Creator: I would next shew the true and living Worship, according to the true Knowledge which I have received from him in the true Way.
The first step of which, (as I have before said) is, To bow down, and encline the Mind unto the Light, which inwardly enlighteneth the Soul; and the next step after bowing down the Mind unto it, is, To wait in it, to know the Mind made subject in all Obedience unto it, whereby the perfect work of Sanctification may be thorowly wrought in you, that ye may be all made meet Vessels, Tabernacles and Temples, to receive the Virtue into, which make the Sacrifice, Service and Worship accepted of the Holy Eternal Power, before whom you draw near to offer; for except the Sacrificers and Worshipers be of the nature of the Holy Power to whom they sacrifice, that their Worships may be performed in the same, both the Adorations, and the Adorers, are but a stink in the pure sence of the holy Life of the Eternal Power and Sun of the Soul; and this you may all easily know: for if you put Christal Water into a stinking noysom unprepared Vessel, [Page 13] the Water immediately corrupteth, and partaketh of the stink of the Vessel, and being poured forth, is unfit then to be put into another clean Vessel, lest that Water (that was first sweet in its own simple nature) should defile the other Vessel thereby; and the like is, if Excremental Water should be first put into a clean Vessel, &c. And since it is so, much lesse then can Corrupt Sacrifices or Sacrificers, have any Acceptance with the Holy One; for in such a thing he should be no more Holy, but as one that is joyned in unity with the Defiled and Unclean; which thing can never be, because (as I have shewed) of his Eternity and Immutability: But ye, by waiting in the Light, in all pure and living Obedience, will come (as pre-cited) unto the true purification and Renovation of the whole Mind and Soul, which bears the fleshly Tabernacle, or Temple, about it.
Again, Waiting in the Light, with your Minds turned in all singlness into it in your inward parts, being patient in that state and condition of Waiting, and standing a while in holy Content in that step of the true Worship of the Eternal Power, (who spake to the Hebrews, saying, To obey is better than Sacrifice) you will at length, in His Glorious good Pleasure, come to feel the Rising of His Glorious Power in you; which Appearance I call, The Dawning of the Everlasting Day; for it is to be understood, that all the time of the Darknesse, is the time of the Night, of which Sin and Corruption are the Clouds which bar and bolt men from the Glory of the shining Day; yet in that state of the night there is a secret power set to rule, which dispensation is called the Light of the Moon, that as the visible Moon was created to rule the Night in the visible appearance; even so the Invisible Light, was put into the Invisible Soul, to rule in the time of darkness and ignorance, by which power (though the whole world stands in a Chaos of Confusions, and because of the darkness they know it not, yet) the World is preserved, so as that every man thirsteth not after the blood of his neighbour, which if there were not an invisible and secret Power of the Light ruling in the darkness of the Night, the whole Earth would outwardly become as an Ocean of Violation, and her face be overwhelmed with Blood, yea, what might I say? Murders would reduce all men to the last man; and what would he do? even [Page 14] Murder himself also under despairation of the former works of his hands. But all men now coming to grow in mind and soul out of the Night, into the glorious Light of the Sun of the Soul, which opens the Everlasting Day, through waiting in it will come to feel the rising of the Power unto a greater beauty and splendor, whereby they will come to see the Light of the Moon to become as the Light of the Sun which is arisen in the open day, and finding the operation of it encreasing in the inward parts, breaking them forth either into brokenness and contriteness of heart, or the spiritual praise of the Eternal power, or forcing them to pour forth Supplications and Prayers unto Him, or in his dread to sound the Trumpet of his Voice, declaring his Jubilee and acceptable year, which is at hand; this I still call the rising of the Eternal Sun in his glory and brightness in them, and they in this performing the duty required of them, the which they having fulfilled, quieting themselves as it falls in a sphear or degree lower; here unto them the Promise is fulfilled (which was prophesied of to the Jews, saying) from the rising of the Sun, to the going down of the same, Incence and Sacrifice shall be offered in the Temple of the Eternal Power.
Moreover, As all men abide in the same Power of the Rising of the External Sun, through a careful and constant watch of the mind in it, they will come to see it arise in such a glory, that as first the Light of the Moon that ruled the night, became as the Light of the Sun which ruleth the day; So the Light of the day that is now spring from on high, shall be as the Light of seven dayes, abiding as an Everlasting Glory of Brightness, even for ever and ever; and then will their Maker make his Tabernacle among them, and they shall be his Temple and Habitation, and he will be their Dwelling, Rest, Peace, Joy, Life and Glory eternally, Amen.
Quest. Hereby all men may see the true Worship ond Sacrifice, what it is, and in what Life and Power it is to be performed to find acceptance and answer; concerning which, if any should say, that I have neither told them the matter, nor the manner, nay, nor the times plainly in which man shall worship in Prayers, &c.
Answ, To such I answer. Touching the matter of Prayer, It is to be understood, that Prayer is a Petition or Desire poured forth for [Page 15] something that is needful, either to a mans own particular state and condition, or else, that is necessary for other men. Now seeing the whole Creation stands in the alone disposal of the glorious Wisdom of the Cretor of all things, he therefore knows best what is needful unto every mans estate, which no man of himself doth know, neither can know what is necessary for himself, or any other Soul, but by the pure and immediate openings of the Light in the Soul, which purely doth proceed from the eternal glorious Wisdom; therefore I teach no man words, but labour to lead all men to the understanding of the eternal Wisdom and Power within them, in this Light to wait, that in his Life they may feel the Risings of the Power of his Wisdom, which then may give utterance of words unto a man, that were never known before by a man, even such words as shall be suitable to the state of want either of himself or others, and sometime also for the preservation of all souls in the blessed state: all which (in the good time of the Eternal Wisdom) shall be answered, who cannot deny himself, nor that which is of his own Nature, and performed in his own Life and Power: So then this in brief, no man of himself, knows what to Pray for as he ought, but the Spirit of Light of the Eternal-Wisdom helpeth the sanctified man's infirmities (that is to say) his weakness of knowledge, and giveth unto him either sighs, groans, thoughts, or words, which answereth his Eternal Will in the Power of Wisdom, which is the true matter of Prayer, whereby every man's Formality and Willworships comes to be abolished; wherein also much may be understood, as to the manner and time, seeing it leads out of prefixed words and times, that likwise stand in the adulterated will, wholly into the will and time of the Eternal Wisdom, in which still, as a motion, is inwardly found the matter was given, and so his purpose comes to be revealed and known.
In this order of Worship all People may be thorowly satisfied, That that which a man receives in the Eternal Power, and immediately from the Eternal Wisdom, into a sanctified Vessel, is a Matter and Worship at a real certainty and assurance, and in no wayes dubious, and therefore may well be believingly received, and perfectly owned by a man, whilst all other sort of Worship (if the eyes of men were but a little open to see it) must needs be [Page 16] doubted, because it is of that which a man knows not what, nay nor can say that his method, matter, time, nay, nor yet his own person or soul hath any acceptance of the unknown thing that he doth worship in his vain imaginations.
Yet it is in me to instance another uncovered Case, that in its nakedness every man may discern between the true and the false Worship, and accordingly chuse the better, if their hearts can take an affection to the better.
All People upon the face of the Earth may take one set form of words, manner and time, and in that custom pray all dayes of their lies, and yet live and dye in enmity one to another, as it's this day manifest among many Sects that have set-forms of words, manner and times appointed for Worship, yet are of these minds; some of them flattering others of their Brethren and Fellow-worshippers to their faces, whilst they hate them in their hearts, and revile them behind their backs; And others of them there are, that love one another to day, for the sake of the corruptible things, and the same persons on the morrow seen fighting one against another, to gain the most of the corruptible things, or a seat of presumption one above another, and so rest in envy and malice one towards another, even unto death; this is the spirit of the power of darkness, and all the Prayers and Worships in it stand in the adulteration and separation from the Life and Power of the Eternal, Immutable, Love, and therefore is absolutely manifest to be the Cursed state.
But all People drawing to worship in the Spirit of the Power of Light, which is the Eternal vertue of Love and Vnity, here must certainly be found unanimous prayers with joynt hearts; or rather (as I have formerly shewed) with one heart and soul, because the one Spirit and power of Love, makes all but of one soul; so to every Prayer and Supplication in this Spirit, all souls in the same Spirit say, Amen in Truth; and when they are (according to every mans occasion) separated and departed in body one from another, yet still they are together as one individual body in the individual Spirit of eternal love and unity; and thus they live in the body to the end, and thence for ever in the same Spirit rest everlastingly out of the body without end: These therefore I call the true Worshippers in the true worship, and is the [Page 17] Blessed State: Because, as the first stands in the Adulteration and Degeneration from the true likeness of the holy Creator, and therefore impossible that that state can have acceptance of him; so this latter mentioned, being in the true likeness, and therein finding the true Unity with the Power of Brightness in which the Worship is performed, and therefore must infallibly have acceptance of him. From this Testimony (which stands not only in the Letter or Declaration, but in the power of an Endless Life and Unity) it appears without controversie, that this, and only this latter of the Spirit of Love and Unity, is the Blessed State.
A few things I have still to shew unto the INDIANS, even such of them who have not yet known the eternal glorious Wisdom and Power of Creation, who of himself being without beginning of days, and end of time, made, composed, and created all things in the beginning of time, that as they come to the true knowledge of him, may be turned from trusting in, or worshipping of any created Glory, and only believe and trust in him, and come to worship him who is the Creator of every Soul on Earth, as likewise every visible Glory that is placed in the Firmament of the Heavens. To all therefore that believe that the visible Sun in the Firmament (which ruleth the visible day) is the Supream Power by which all things are ruled and governed, and accordingly do worship it, and the Moon that ruleth the external time of the night: I have to give you to understand, that in the whole Creation of Fishes and Worms, which are in the Waters under the Earth, together with the Worms that are in the Earth, the Plants, Trees and other living things that are upon the face thereof, with every Glory of the Heavens, (viz.) the Sun Moon, Stars, Clouds of Rain, Hail and Snow, Dews, Winds, Rainbow, Lightnings and Thunders, and whatsoever else may be sensed by the external Seeing, Hearing, Feeling, Tasting or Smelling of the body of man; I say, in all these the Eternul, most holy Wisdom, and glorious Sun of the Soul is hid and vailed from man in his state of Sin and Corruption, agreeable to what I have signified touching the contrariety between Corruption and Incorruption, Light and Darkness, Purity and Beastlinesse; the which I passe by for the present, drawing to the discovery [Page 18] of a few things in the Light of the Day, wherein it may be understood, That the visible Sun in the Firmament, is not the Supream Power, but that it is a Created Glory by the glorious Sun of the Soul, which is the Eternal, Invisible, and Supream Power. First, from the nature of the visible Sun, as it is a simple creature, which is hot, fiery, scorching, and burning; so that if there were not a Supream Power above it, ruling and governing it in a most glorious Power of Wisdom, by sending Rain in due season, (which as a distinct and simple creature, is contrary to the nature of the Sun, being cold and moist) the whole Earth would become dried up, and utterly unfruitful, by which means every thing upon the face thereof must of necessity die and perish: Wherefore in the Light of thee Sun of the Soul you will come to know, that the visible Sun in the Firmament was made and created to serve man, and consequently, not for man to how down and worship it: To serve Man thus, In one respect, as a light to the sight of Mans fleshly or bodily Eye, whereby he might travel, work and labour in the time of the day for the sustenance of his outward being, as the Eternal Power in his Wisdom hath appointed: And in another respect, tending also to Mans subsistence, the Eternal Wisdom hath created it to serve Man, yeelding unto the Earth of the strength of its heat after the cold times and rain, drawing up from the Earth visible and bodily shapes of Trees, Herbs, Corn, and all the good Encrease that the Earth in due season doth yeeld.
Again, It is to be understood, that the visible Sun hath its Decree and Appointment from a Power above it, as it is manifest in its Rising and Falling in sundry Degrees, in Winter and Summer, and also by its constant course, in twenty four hours compassing the Earth, as a Circle; and so it is evident, that it is not its own Ruler and Governour, because it is limitted to a course in all Seasons of its Appointment, and therefore cannot be the Creator of any thing; but must of necessity be as the other Creatures, a Created thing; because if one thing visible be created by a Power, certainly all things visible must be created by the same Power, and consequently the visible Sun and Moon also; and that Man, Beasts, Worms and Fowls were created by a Wisdom and Power, is very plain, appearing by their several kinds [Page 19] and services; and also being dead and rotten, their very dust sheweth of what they were made in the beginning; for whilst their End is seen to be dust, their Beginning or Creation must needs be understood to be of Dust also: and the same Power that created the Earth, and all that in it is, also created the Seas, and all that in them is, which is an Element contrary to the nature of the visible Sun, where the visible Sun hath no power of burning, nor yet of making Food in the Deeps to grow at the bottoms thereof, to feed the Fishes that are therein: But the same Eternal Power and Wisdom which filleth all places, provideth a sustenance as well for the Fishes in the Deeps, and all the Worms of his Workmanship, in their Bottoms, as He doth for Man, Beast, Fowls and Creeping-things that live upon the face of the Earth, unto which the visible Sun, Moon and Stars, with the Clouds of Rain, Dews and Winds are servants, ordained and appointed by the Eternal and infinitly wise Creator of all things visible and invisible. So then thus it may be clearly apprehended touching the Work of Creation, That none other can possibly be the Creator of all things, besides a Power and Eternal Essence which hath something of a Being in all things in the Tranquillity, Love, and Peace of His own Life in Himself, by, and in which all things are upheld and preserved in their due and appointed courses; for that which Created all things, must absolutely be the Life and Preservation of all things by his Continual Presence; and undenyably also the death of all things, through the withdrawing of his Essence and Presence; because, as the Creator is but one, and his Life but one, doubtless therefore it is but his Life alone that doth or can give Life, his Presence that gives Being, and preserves Life; and the withdrawing thereof, the fall of all flesh unto Death. Whereby it appeareth that his Glorious Wisdom hath hid and concealed Himself from all the children and seed of Corruption, in the Decree of the Death of Man's Body by Sickness, Poysoning, Drowning, Burning, Strangling, Wounding, Starving, &c. for He having created all things, could make Man to live Under Waters, in Fires, not feeling Wounds, without Food, &c. but his Glorious Power and Wisdom will not be tempted, because He will be reverenced and greatly feared in all things, and in Fear, worshipped and [Page 20] served as the Creator of all things. Now, as for the visible Sun, being naturally contrary to the Element of the Rivers and Seas, cannot possibly dwell with the Fishes that are in their Waters, so as to give them a constanr subsistance of Life, the which the meanest capacity may easily perceive, being a fiery Element; for, if a burning Coal of Fire be cast into Water, it becomes quenched by the Water; or, if a Drop of Water be cast into a great Flame of Fire, it consumes to nought in a moment: therefore it is not the visible Sun that gives the Fishes their being in the Seas, nor yet Man his life upon the Earth, but the visible Sun (as aforesaid, together with the Fishes and all other Creatures) was made a servant unto Man, unto whom all things unto this day are so continued, that he having the service of all things visible, yea, of the Glory of the Winds, which is an invisible Creature, attending him with sustentation, according to the Providence of the Glorious Eternal Wisdom, should with his whole soul seek and feel after his Creator, to attain unto the true knowledge of Him, therein to worship Him with all Thanksgiving, Glory, Honour, Obedience and Praise, who as he made every thing to serve his Body (into which his Glorious Wisdom infused a perfect and upright Soul, which was the greatest of all Glories that in the beginning were created, in how much it had a true resemblance in invisible manner of the Invisible Power and Glory that created it, of which none other creature had the like) could not expect lesse from Man, than that he should worship and serve his Eternal Goodness, with every Faculty of that Soul which He put into him. But yet I draw nearer to the most certain and true Witness in every Conscience of Mankind, to remonstrate (a little) the Glory of the most Glorious Sun of the Soul, shewing how it is a Glory in the most Glorious Part, where the external and visible Sun reacheth not to enlighten nor shine about; That so, in a little measure, discerning the Excellency of the One, in Glory exceeding the Other, you may come to know aright the True, Living, Eternal, Wise and Supream Power, which ruleth and reigneth over all things. In proceed whereof, it is to be apprehended, That the Soul and Mind of Man is the most noble part of Man, in as much as every Member of the Body is acted as a continual Servant in [Page 21] Obedience to the Motions of the Soul and Mind of Man; and also, because the Soul is the Immortal Part, being not formed of a dead substance, as the Body was of the Earth, which returneth to Earth, but of an inspiring Breath of Life, that for ever abides in a quick and feeling state; the which Soul being taken out of the Body, leaves it (as aforesaid) to a Conversion unto its first Mould.
Wherefore, seeing the visible Sun only enlightens the Eye of flesh, which is the servile part, and reacheth no further to shine about a Man, than without a Man, from which a Garment, Shelter, or House, is able to shade, Cannot be the Supream Power and Glory; But the Eternal Sun of the Soul shines into the Soul, and enlightens the Inward Parts, and searcheth the Heart, and tryeth every secret Thought, and is secret unto all things, as having perfect knowledge of all things, from which nothing can be hid: For let a Man ascend to the Skyes, it will reach him, and search his dark heart there; or, if he go down into the Deeps, it will follow him and be with him there; and when the visible Sun is set, and gone down under the Horizon, even at Midnight, the Light of the Soul can rip up every word and work (in the inward secret thoughts) of Sin and Evil, done and committed by a Man, and call the Soul to witness with it, which brings a Judgement and Condemnation in the Conscience, that smites a Man with Fear and Trembling within himself; which the visible Sun in the Firmament cannot do: for a Man may commit Beastliness and Murder whilst the visible Sun shines on him; which he cannot do in Countenance, nay, nor without Condemnation of the Light of the Sun of the Soul; and therefore the visible Sun must needs appear to be infinitly short of the Glory of the Invisible Light that created all things.
Again, If the visible Sun had created the invisible Soul of Man, then must it also search and save it, and so be the greater Power, and of a Nature doing all things, which all may know that it is not so; for, in its proper nature, as a single Creature, it doth but serve in the things (afore-mentioned) not blowing any Wind, nor raining any Water, nor can it so much as drive back one Cloud of all that the Wind bloweth over it, and so [Page 22] shaketh not the Trees, nor troubleth the Seas, which the storms of Wind do; all which are created, ruled and governed by the Eternal Power and Sun of the Soul, of whom I speak but as a Child and Suckling, He being in his Power, Wisdom and Glory Infinite and Incomprehensible; Yet in His Light I shew, that although the Soul of Man is so inferiour to Him, that the Souls of all Men in the Earth are comprehended of Him, as a drop of Water in the Sea, and as a Sand in the bottom thereof, (which every Man may feel within himself, in his own particular Soul) yet the low and poor Soul of Man reacheth to the heighth, yea, and far above the height of the prefixed Course and Circle of the visible Sun's appointed daily Race; So then the visible Sun (as I have said) reaching not within a man to search his Soul; nay, nor (as it's placed in the Firmament) neither by Ray nor light of Ray thereof can enter so much as into divers Artificial places, Caves or holes of Darkness made in the Earth, through the Invention of the Soul of Man, where the more servile part (to wit) the fleshly body of Man can enter; being therefore in its glory so far (yea, and far more than I stand to mention) below the poor Soul that it is infused by a Power into the body of Man; Surely infinitly much more must it needs appear to be below the Glory of the Eternal Sun of the Soul and Power of the Creation, by which the Soul was first made in His own likeness of Holiness and Innocency, and comes again to be renewed into the same Image and Similitude, to live in the invisible Glory of his most Glorious Life, in the perfect Inheritance, Fruition and Possession of his unspeakable Joyes and Pleasures for ever and evermore.
Now (to the Purpose of the Universal and Everlasting Unity) I am opened to speak of Three Properties of the Eternal Brightness, That as all Men come to the Renovation into the first Similitude of Innocency and Union with their Maker in that Glory, (as the way is plainly and easily held forth unto all, wherein they may so come to unite in their Maker as one sanctified Body for ever) may see, and sit down in the Joy of their happy Benefit therein
One. One Property of the Nature of the Holy One, is, Peace, perfect Peace, without ever having disquiet in himself. All [Page 23] Souls therefore uniting to the principle of his Brightness in them, and dwelling in it as He abideth and resteth in Himself, will come to see themselves swallowed up (as in a bottomless and endless Ocean) in the same property of his Nature, (viz.) in Everlasting Peace of the Soul, felt and enjoyed inwardly, which will wrap up all Souls in such a height above disquiet, or any thing of that Nature that is adulterated from the Holy Similitude, that all will chuse that their Earthly Members may dye, (that their Souls may for ever possesse the Peace) rather than to live in the body of flesh, to break the Peace of their particular Souls, or the Peace of any of the Souls of the Spiritual Body of Peace, to whom (in the Eternal Peace) they are united, which is the immeasurable state of Blessing, passing all Understanding.
Two. Another Property of the Nature of the Holy One is Love, perfect Love without Hypocrisie or Envy in Himself. All therefore uniting unto the Power of Restoration unto the Glorious Likeness, will come to see the Eternal Love feeding, and saving his Enemies; and the Restored being of the same Similitude of their Maker, must in that respect do as their Creator doth, love and feed Enemies; for they cannot do otherwise, being of the Bowels of their Maker: And whilst this Spirit loveth Enemies, much more must love the united in the Love unto it: if it cannot hate not envy Enemies, much less the united Friends: But all in this Spirit are full partakers of the unspeakable Bowels of Eternal Love to each other, which is the immeasurable state of Blessing, passing all Understanding.
Three. Another Property of the Nature of the Holy One, is Mercy, perfect Mercy without passion of Cruelty in Himself. All therefore joyning to the Power of the New Creation, will come to see the Power of Mercy, which is able to rent all Hearts perceiving it; for whilst Man hath turned in Cruelty (even unto murder of the sighing and groaning measure of the Light in himself) against his Creator, (who first gave the measure in the bounty of his Everlasting Love, that Man by it should be led to be like Him [the Giver of it] in holy merciful bowels) Yet, as in Mercy upon Mercy, hath now lastly provided Him a Voice to call unto it, as a crying Bloodshed upon the Earth, [Page 24] and also to awaken his Bloody Soul that shed it, drawing his Soul near unto it, to reconcile himself with the Soul in and by it, though the Soul hath treacherously dealt with him and murtherously fought in Rebellion against him. This shews Mercy to Enemies, Pitty to Rebels, Compassion to Bloody Traytors; wherefore, as all come to Unite unto the Power of Mercy, to be led into the true Image, and accordingly in Union with the Eternal Fountain of Mercy, not one will be able in it to do a thing contrary to the nature of it. But the whole World comes to be as one intire glorious Body of Mercy, Pitty and Compassion, whereby no Distress, Languishing, Want or Misery will be found upon the face of the Earth, which is the immeasurable state of Blessing, passing all Understanding.
Haply some may say, Quest. That it is evident, that Peace, Love and Mercy is the immeasurable state of Blessing, passing all understanding; and therefore Discord, Envy and Cruelty, being the three quallities in contrariety, must be the woful estate of the Curse; yet may desire more largely to know, How the Curse came, through an opening of the Original Cause and Universal Chain of Discord, Envy and Cruelty, which is the Cursed State?
Introd. There is but One Original Good (as I have plainly manifested) who created all things, and put into his creature, Man, that living part that sensibly thinketh, which is called the Soul and Mind, the which he created in an infinite degree below his immutable holy Essence (who can never change from his pure Nature to think in Himself a thought of Evil, yet he knoweth the thoughts of Evil in every Man's Heart) For though He made it in his likeness, pure, clean, holy, innocent and wise, yet made it in none other state, than that he ought to know, that it had a Creator and Maker, and, by whose Power, that made it, could only be kept and preserved in the similitude of Him that created it; for being put into a body of flesh, he gave it a sense of Feeling there, as likewise in it a sence of the rest of the Creation, as Beasts, Fishes, Fowls, &c. to whom this was the substance of the first Comandment given him in his state of Innocency, That he should not go in his Mind (out from the Power that created him a living Soul) into the flesh for knowledge or pleasure, for thereby he should adulterate his Soul with the flesh, [Page 25] and so both the Soul and the flesh become a Corruption and Curse of Death; and in so doing he should go from the Likeness of his Creator, who cannot go out of Himself into any creature for knowledge or pleasure; But Man's Soul entring into consultation with an aspiring Concupiscence in the feeling of his own flesh, yeelded to know, and gave himself thereinto, and so became as a wedded spouse unto Corruption; in that day was his first Evil, and the Birth of the first Devil; whereby it may be understood that the Eternal Wisdom never derogated from his Glory of Holiness in the Creation, so as that any man may say, he created a Devil immediately in his hand, which could never be (as I have formerly shewed more largely) by his Eternal Holiness, Immutablity and Wisdom, but creating all things in themselves mutable, even Man's innocent Soul also in it self mutable as well as any other of the Creatures, and reserving Immutability onely in himself, that Man might know Him as his Maker, and so live only in Him, as the Immutable One, in his Holiness, Wisdom, Life, Glory and Joy; but he letting forth his Mind out of the Immutable Power of Wisdom and Preservation, became (as aforesaid) an Evil-doer, and then his Thoughts were not like unto the Thoughts of his Maker, nor his Knowledge, nor Nature, like unto that in which he was created, but all his Faculties alienated, degenerated and separated in the Adulteration, from the Likeness, Life and immutable Power and Wisdom of his Creator; so that being the first actual Evil, must needs be the birth of the first Devil, seeing the Devil is that Mind that doth evil in every man; and therefore nothing could be called an Evil-doer, until an Evil was first done and committed; which I speak, to the end of stopping and putting an end to all blasphemous suppositions and imaginations, and of sanctifying the Name of the Holy One (in the eyes of all Nations) whilst I speak of Him in the Glorious Power of His Wisdom in the Work of his Creation. Thus then as followeth in Answer.
Man's Adulteration from the vertue of the Life of his Maker, alienated the Faculties of his Soul, and brought upon it horrid Darkness and Confusion, which spread over him, as an extream and mighty Power, until which there was no Enmity, Envy, [Page 26] Discord nor Cruelty known in the Earth, but man was at Peace and Unity in his Innocency with the Holy One; Therefore the Original Cause of Discord, Envy and Cruelty, was Transgression, and the Chain thereof to this day among Men is the Power of Darkness.
For the sake therefore of your Redemption, I am again pressed in Spirit, to remind all with the Power that breaks the cursed Chain of Darkness, which is the Light, that is able to do it, (as all draw their minds into it, and dwell in it in their inward parts) and restore again into that state which was before Transgression was, in the perfect Freedom and Liberty from Envy, Enmity, Discord and Cruelty, in the Glory and Brightness of Innocency, where the Wisdom comes to be received which keeps and preserves the Peace, Love and Mercy in the Everlasting Power and Vertue of Life: and here the Earth that once was the Kingdom, becomes the Footstool, and Heaven becomes the inherited Kingdom for ever, which cloatheth the Soul with a Garment ten thousand times ten thousand fold brighter than is the Glory of the visible Sun; for the Rayment is the perfect Glory of the Eternal Splendor, which wraps it up as with the swadling of the Rainbow of Joys, which is the Eternal Fruit and Benefit of the Blessedness of its Change, from the nature of Discord, Enmity and Cruelty to the Spirit of Peace, Love, Vnity and Mercy; from Corruption to Incorruption; from Folly to Wisdom; from Darknesse to Light; from Condemnation to Iustification; from Death to Life.
Yet furthermore, for the opening of the Counsel of the Mystery of Salvation; O all ye Kings, Princes, Rulers, and People every-where throughout the Earth, know ye in your selves the Light of the Eternal Sun of Glory to be the bathing and washing Fountain that is able to make the Soul in every Thought even as white as Snow; and feel it in your selves as the Refiners Fire, which is able to purge you until you be made as pure as the Gold that is seven times tryed; and therefore wait in the Operation thereof, that you may see its blessed Effect, in which Righteousness will run down as Streams, and the Knowledge of the Glory of the Eternal Wisdom will cover the Earth, as Waters cover the Seas; and here you will come to see your selves [Page 27] as the Christal Chanels through which the living Waters of the Fountain of Heaven will be a continual Current, the sweet Streams thereof overflowing the blessed Vallies within you, and watering every Plant therein, making all things fruitful in you, and among you; fruitful in Truth, fruitful in Hope, Faith, Love, Mercy, Peace, Fear, Humility, Meekness, Patience, Content, Prayer, Praises, Thanksgiving, Knowledge, Wisdom, and all Vertue; this will be a Beauty in your Faces, and a Diadem of Glory upon your Heads, in which the Wonderful Counsellor will take pleasure to speak unto you in His Mysterious and Oraculous Language, which shall be but one throughout all the Earth, and will open an Incorruptible Eye in you, even to see the Glory of his Eternal Face, which will overcome you with Joyes, and ravish you with Eternal Pleasures, as a Generation that is carried up out of the Earthly Places: Verily I cannot express the Sweetness, as my Soul possesseth it, within in the Spirit, what besides my own state saved in the Eternal Sun of the Soul; Oh! my Ravished Mind, in the consideration of the Day wherein Nations shall imbrace the Heavens of all Love, and plentifully suck the Milk of her Breasts, which gives the nourishment of Eternal Life. Oh! the Everlasting Consolation which the Children of Brightness shall possess and inherit in the Bosom of the Eternal Glory, even for ever and evermore! Amen.
And now, Are not the thoughts of this Glorious Salvation, Vnity, Peace, Love, Ioy and Pleasure of Life (which may in this way be found, possessed and enjoyed to the End, among all People and Nations upon the face of the Earth; and in, and with the Glorious Brightness in the Heavens above) enough to perswade, woo and compel all Souls (even with one draught of the Cord of Love) to receive and imbrace it? as they may sink down into the Deeps, and consider in what a good time their dayes are fallen into, wherein so glorious a Way is now come to be opened in such plainness, clearness, nakedness and easiness, wherein they may all attain to every tittle of the Benefits, yea, and a thousand fold more than the tongue of man can mention, exceeding all that is before said, inserted and written? Surely methinks, he that would miss a Portion of the pre-cited Blessings, [Page 28] and eternal joyous Inheritance for want of looking for it in the True Way, being so faithfully spoken unto him, as to within him, and therefore so easie to be found, as not to look without himself to seek and find it, must not only confess himself to be a Fool in his own heart, but also as a Devil in his continual words and works, and seven-fold worthy of Condemnation under the power of Darkness and Death, unto its Pit of the burnings of Wo and Torment for ever and ever. What therefore might I more say, that the Dead might hear and live? or that Rocks might rent and become hearts of flesh to perceive and understand? for, the Word is quick, the Voice is piercing, and the Life is powerful, in and under which I rest in the pure, perfect and blessed Peace; hereby shewing forth, in measure, my Spirit and Soul (created anew in the Holy Love) unto all Nations and Peoples, without respect of persons, upon the face of the whole Earth; wherein I stand clear, whether they will hear or forbear.
By that all Kings, Princes and Rulers are (in the Light) come thus far; some may haply make forth their Convincement of the Truth, saying, It is certainly true and evident, that an Universal Peace and Unity, Love and Amity cannot be perfectly and purely had, held and enjoyed among all Nations besides, in the one Principle that unites to the Eternal Power in his own Life and Nature; for He only being the Glorious Wisdom that created all things, must necessarily be the alone Preserver and Upholder of all things; and whatsoever stands united unto Him in the Life, abides in the Perfection of the Peace, Love, and Mercy of the Immutable Spirit of Wisdom and Glory: And none other way can there be unto Blessing besides the Light in the Conscience, which is given of the Eternal Wisdom for a Way and Leader unto all Souls.
Quest. But what doth this Light end and abolish?
Answ. It endeth all the Wisdom, with its effects and fruits, which stands in the Adulteration and Separation from the Eternal and unlimited Wisdom of Holiness and Brightness: It endeth all Customs, Traditions, Wayes and Worships, and whatsoever may be thought, that stand in the degenerate and cursed nature; and breaketh all Bryars and Bulwarks of limitation that stand in the Curse, as a fence against its full, powerful and unlimited Propagation, [Page 29] that through its free and unlimited Operation it may lead all unto the Blessed state of Everlasting Union with the Holy Unlimitted One, where there is no more Transgression nor Curse.
Now if any particular King, Prince or Ruler, should further adde to his perswasion, saying; This is the Truth, and the true and living Way in which only the Holy One can be known and worshipid aright; and therefore I am henceforth resolved and resigned in my whole Soul, to live, walk and worship in the same: But whereas I have a Kingdom, Province, or Territory under my Authority, Quest. What shall I do to these People to make them be all of this mind?
Answ. Thou having found the true and living way, blessed art thou having found it, if thou walkest and abidest in it; therein to be led from degree, to degree day by day, more and more into the likeness of Him, who anew createth thy Soul within thee; for herein thou shalt reap a plentiful harvest of his Wisdom in thy Inward parts, which will give thee in the Day of Brightness to see, that He draweth all into Himself with the Cords of the Power of Love in his Glorious Wisdom, whose Counsel will accordingly instruct thee to retain the perfect similitude of his Glory, and therefore shall draw all by the same love of Wisdom, into the same Light and Virtue of Love and Wisdom, and in none other Power shalt thou work with any man besides that by which thy Maker worketh in thee; for else thou wilt degenerate and go utterly from the likeness of thy Creator, as the wicked and rebellious Rulers of the Earth do, to Envy, Imprisoning, Persecuting, Killing, Murdering, and spilling of Blood; all which stand in the adulteration and separation from, and in the cursed enmity to the Life of thy Creator, which is Peace, Love and Mercy; and thus, instead of seeking to draw others to Him, thou thy self wilt run like a Fugative and Vagabond from Him, and bring guilt upon thy own head, by shortning the dayes of such as thou dost imprison and persecute, to whose Life thou art not able to adde a day; and for killing that which thou canst not make alive again: And there also the weighty price of Souls will be charged grievously upon thee, for which thou canst never make satisfaction; and if through thy Cruelty thou shouldst turn any to thy self, it is but unto that life which is wholly cursed; and [Page 30] therefore keep thee towards all men, as thy Creator keeps towards thee, loving all men, as He loveth enemies, and hath greatly loved thee; and wait upon thy Creator, praying to Him for all men, like as a long while He waited upon thee, for thus thou growest into His true Similitude; and (mark the end) in His Time, he who formed and renewed thy Soul in Himself, will do the like to many more of thy Region and Dominion; and then as the Soul of thy Maker was rejoyced in thy Return unto Himself; so wilt thou have an exceeding Joy in their Return unto Him also, for whom thy Soul travelleth and thirsteth in secret fervent desires: And as in this Particular, so in every Particular Case, walk thee as one that is moulded into a new frame, like unto the Holy One thy Maker; and in so doing, thy Fruits will be abundant to His Praise, and He will take pleasure to enrich thy Soul with His Everlasting Vertue and Treasure of Wisdom, and his Spirit of Power and Glory will rest upon thee.
Yet, in respect of the Universal Publick Service of the Holy One, Quest. How may it be ordered in relation to Assemblies and Congregations?
Answ. Whereas the Eternal Wisdom of all Power is but one infinit Spirit of Love, all that draw into Unity with Him, must certainly draw into an infinit Love and Vnity one with another; in which state (that the Unity may be held in the Joy of Eternal Love) the Power of Wisdom sets in this Order, first, appointing convenient Places for Publick Assemblies; and next, determining convenient Times, wherein the Congregations may be kept, not by constraint or violence; for as the Love of the Eternal Virtue and Power of Love is free in Himself towards every Soul; so requireth He that all Souls should be like Him, ready in heart, and free in mind to assemble together, and not in any other way or manner; because neither the Constrainer, nor the Constrained retains the perfect similitude of his Love and Freedom, but are in the degenerated Will, wherein every Sacrifice is abominable. And when both Place and Time is appointed for Publick Congregations, all that are united in the Eternal Vertue, as one Soul and Mind, and Members of one Spiritual Body, must needs congregate and flow together, to the end of nourishing and cherishing their own flesh; for waiting together in the one Spirit of Holiness and [Page 31] Eternal Power, the Power will arise in and among you, and the Word of Life will go forth of the mouths of many, on which the whole Body will feed, and by it be cherished and nourished unto a Life af Immortal Purity, Joy and Glory; So that when all have found the experience of this sweetness in the Order of Assemblies, as we have found, will make them flow, even as we fly (in the Spirit of Unity) unto the Holy Congregations, distinated and appointed by the Spirit of Wisdom.
Again, in respect of Government, Seeing the Creator of all things is an Infinit Wisdom, must absolutely therefore be the Author of Order and not of Confusion; Quest. By what Laws then shall all Nations be ruled and governed, for the preserving all things in meet and pure Order?
Answ. Order and Government is of the Life of Eternal Wisdom; Therefore, in relation to the Love, which keeps in the true Order (whereby the true Government comes to be known) this may you all understand; He that created all Things and Kings, I call the KING of Kings and of Glory; is the One Almighty Ruler over all his Creation and Workmanship, and requireth that all should be subject to his Government, whose Law is but one, which (as I have shewed) is written in the inward parts, which is the Light of the Sun of the Soul, that was before Transgression was, and leads into that state where Transgression is not: This only is the true Law that is to rule in all inward parts, to rule all Minds which rules all Members; and the Minds being ruled by it, all the Members become subject unto it, whereby the whole World of Mankind comes to be drawn into the Likeness of the Life and Power that created them, in which state Transgression is not; so here the Law is a Saviour, and not a Judge: which Law thus teacheth, (to wit) Do unto all men, as ye would that men should do unto you. And again, it alwayes teacheth, That all Kings, Princes, Rulers, and Iudges, should keep to the true similitude, like unto their Creator, in matter of Judgement, by a Law; and consequently, not to judge any man in any other way and manner, or by any other Precept or Law, than in and by that Law which judgeth and saveth themselves in the Inward Parts, which still draws to the Similitude, and preserves the Soul in the likeness of the Eternal Power and Wisdom that created it; So [Page 32] then, in case of Rebellious Subjects in a Land, that would live in a lawless life, of destruction of the King of Glorie's Creation, wilfully and presumptuously, in Lewdness, Beastliness, Violations, or what other wickedness so ever; Kings, Princes, Rulers and Judges shall have no need to turn out their Minds from the Law within, to search Books or Records (of their Lands or Peoples) without them, to find a Law to judge such Transgressors by; for that alienates and adulterates from the pure Similitude, seeing the Creator cannot go out of Himself into Books without Him for a Law, but keeping to the Inward Law of the Creator (that preserves in the Glorious likeness) and judging all in it, and according to it, answereth the same in all, and leaves them without Excuse in the sight of the Eternal Searchers of all hearts; in which Judgment they hold the Unity with their Creator, and stand justified before Him, and by that of Him in all Consciences, which answereth the Judgement of it: Seeing therefore it is evident, that the eternal Judge is but one, and his Law but one, the Judgement that is of Him in it, is the Blessed State; but that which is contrary to it, is the Cursed State.
Moreover, it may be plainly understood, That he who made all Men in his own Eternal Wisdom, certainly was, and is, the Wisest to make a Law for all Men that he created, which in His Wisdom (is evident) He accordingly did decree, and hath placed it in the Inwards, near unto the most noble part of Man, which ruleth all his Members, (to wit) the Soul, wherein all Transgression comes first to be conceived, before any is ever brought to the birth. So then, he that altereth from his Law, and maketh another Law to judge Men by, contrary to that Law which his Creator hath placed near unto the most noble part of all Mankind, and even in his own Conscience, as well as in the Conscience of an another Creature; that very Ruler stands in the Presumption adulterated and separated from his Creator, shewing himself as if he had a Wisdom above his Creator, to make a Law to judge his creatures by, which is a most horrid Rebellion against his Creator, and his holy and just Law. Awake, awake therefore. O all ye Kings, Princes, Rulers and Judges upon the face of the whole Earth, and answer your Creator in this true point of Judgement.
[Page 33] Now if the poor men should make forth their Convincement of the Truth, saying, We are perswaded of the Glory of the Truth of the Sun of the Soul, for we experience it in the inward parts, and can set our Seal to the Testimony thereof, to be altogether Holy and Pure within us; in which sence of the Love of our Creator towards us, we are truly willing and desirous to live and walk, so as that our Souls may be, made worthy of such a glorious Infusion and Inspiration of the Eternal Love and Mercy: Quest. But what shall we do, seeing the Rulers of our Land stand in opposition, and we cannot so walk without an absolute peril of severe Imprisonment, sharp Tortures, loss of earthly Estate, or Life it self?
Answ. He that created you, is the Eternal Power and Almighty King of Kings, who reigneth over all in the Kingdoms of Men; and giveth them to whomsoever he pleaseth: Stand ye therefore in the Life of his Pleasure, which is in that (whereunto you are inwardly directed) which begetteth and formeth you in the pure and perfect similitude of your Creator; and there you will come to see Him to be the everlasting Patience and Eternal Content; which is a greater Felicity and Glory for you to know in your selves as being moulded into the same Resemblance, and so united to Him in the Power and Life thereof, than the enjoyment of outward Liberty, possession of Ease in the Flesh, Earthly Treasure, or Life it self in the body; yea, a Heavenly Happiness it is, infinitly surpassing all that ever can be thought of below the visible Sun; the living sence and feeling of which in the Eternal Power, makes the Imprisonment of the body a sweet freedom of the Soul; the Tortures of the Body, the joyful pleasures of the Soul; the loss of Earthly Goods, the purchase of an Heavenly Treasure; and the Death of the Body of Flesh, the Everlasting Glorious Life of the Soul; Thus for every finite Loss, is reaped an infinite Treasure of Gain. So then as ye grow into this Life, committing all things, House, Goods, Silver, Gold, Wife and Children, Liberty and Life, into the good pleasure of the Everlasting Patience and Eternal Content, you come to reign as Kings in the glorious Life of the KING of Kings, over all Earthly Kings, and they see it not, nor know it not; who persecute you, being themselves in the act of Persecution adulterated and alienated from the Life of the Eternal Patience [Page 34] and Content, and in enmity to his power of Love and Mercy, which is the Cursed State of Darkness; So you knowing your Advantage of Treasure, and Prerogative of Dominion in the power of Patience and vertue of Content, ye may well say in your selves, As we live and abide in the fear of our Creator (which preserves in the continual possession of his Immortal Rewards and Treasures of all Joys) we need not fear Earthly Kings nor Princes, nay, nor loss of Lives, nor any other Creature: for here we perceive temporal losse, can be no losse unto us, but as an Earnest-peny offered and given by us for the price of an Eternal Gain; And therefore we will run our Race in the fear of our Maker with joyfulness, holding the similitude of his own Holyness; that if we are persecuted, we will love and pray for our Enemies, even as our Creator loved us whilst we were his Enemies; and we will bear with them, as he bore with us; and forgive them, as he hath forgiven us: Thus will we live, and thus will we dye: and the Name of our Maker be evermore sanctified, hallowed, honoured and praised by and in us to the end, Amen. And ye being entered into this everlasting blessed State, you stand (as I have said) in his good pleasure, who reigneth in in the Kingdoms of Men, and giveth them to whomsoever he pleaseth; and then whosoever turneth against you, to persecute you, turneth against the pleasure of his Creator: And mark the battle, the Pot fighteth against the Potter, who will therefore break it to pieces in his sore displeasure: the Dust fights against its Maker, who therefore will blow it away, even with the fierce Whirlwind of his utter displeasure, and gain himself a Renowned Glory over every rebellious Creature; for even now is He arisen in his Jealousie, and it is his Day to work, and none shall let; and he which rules against Him, he will remove from the Throne; for He will set up an Everlasting Dominion and Government, and of his own Scepter of Righteousness, even from end unto end of the four Winds of the Heavens. Seven-fold happy therefore is that Soul that beleives in Him, and suffereth for his Righteousness sake.
And is it not an unspeakable shame, to a Ruler to persecute innocent Souls, new created Souls in the Glory of the similitude of their Maker? Is it not a woful shame to Rulers, to persecute them, that watch to recompence good for evil, and to shew [Page 35] the deeps of the bowels of Love and Mercy to such as heaped upon them extream weights of Oppression and Cruelty? Can Rulers answer the bonds of humanity in such acts? Nay. How then can they answer the power of Sanctity in them?
For the sake of Edification of all Souls, to Three Questions more I am drawn forth (in the Light) to answer.
Quest. 1 What are the first powerful Operations of the Light in the Soul, after Convincement of Sin?
Answ. JUDGMENT, CONDEMNATION, and DEATH of the Mind of Transgression; which must of necessity be, for the cause of the Righteousness of the King of Glory, unto whom no life in Sin and Corruption can unite; for the Soul going into it, went out from Him into the Enmity against Him and His Law of Righteousness, and no part of that can ever enter into Him, because it was never of Him; and because He hath infused a righteous Law into the Inward parts, of necessity therefore there must be a power of Judgement to execute the Righteousness of the Law (in the place that it is put) upon that which brake it, which Power in Righteousness must absolutely bring Condemnation upon that mind which is the Transgressor in man; and the Condemnation must as surely bring Death by the power of the Executor, that no part of that Mind may evermore live, but the Mind in which no Transgression is, which was before Transgression was, which must be perfectly wrought before Man can enter again into the first Similitude, to unite with the King of Glory. So here all may see the Judgement truly set up, and executed in the inward parts, bringing Death upon the Transgressor, produced the benefit of a most Blessed Fruit, (viz.) of Life, Peace and Joy, and openeth the door of the Fountain of Mercy, giving the perfect knowledge thereof, which then rejoyceth over Judgment; for which cause of Mercy the Eternal Wisdom first instituted the Law and Power of Judgment to come, fulfilling Righteousness in the Inward parts, which thus appears, bringing a Righteous Death upon an Unrighteous Life, that by its Death a Righteous may for ever live, wherein the Joy and Glory is partaked and inherited: So then in the Judgment and Condemnation of that Life unto Death, the Power and Glory of Mercy appeareth in the wonderful Wisdom, that it [Page 36] might be for ever loved and lived in, and the work of Wisdom admired and prized, and the Worker of Salvation (in the Power and most Excellent Glory of Mercy, manifest in Judgement) magnified over all everlastingly without end, in all that love the Operation, and accordingly are partakers of the sweet and happy Fruit of its Salvation, in which the Unity with the King of Glory is witnessed.
Quest. 2 Of every frame of Soul, or fashion of Mind in Man, which is the most certain of holding the Vnion and Fellowship with the King of Glory in Spirit?
Answ. Watchfulness in Fear and Crosse: Watch to fear the risings of the Concupisence which the Soul feeleth in the flesh, towards the flesh and the World, and also now lastly towards the Devil, and there enter into that Internal Power, which stands in the Crosse to the other Nature, which will daily slay every carnal Affection in the first suggestion and appearance, and break the Cockatrices Egg before the Serpent is hatched; and thus all will come to see that the inward and visible Cross, to the inward Mind of the World and the Flesh, keeps the Soul clean out of the mind of the World and the Flesh, in the mind of the Eternal Spirit.
Again, Watch to fear in every Joy and Enjoyment of every Glorious and Heavenly Gift, lest the Joy should slip out of the true measure, and a sence of the Glory of the Gift exalt the Heart above the measure of the Light, through which it comes, and in which the Unity with the King of Glory stands; and here all which come to see that Fear keeps every Joy and Enjoyment of Heavenly Gifts, perfect to the measure, wherein all Perfection is witnessed according to the proportion of all Gifts as they are given, and come down from the perfect Giver: So then the invisible Cross which keeps clean, and Fear that keeps the Soul low and humble to the measure within in the Conscience, will alwayes be found the safest frame and fashion of every man's mind to hold the most certain Union and Fellowship with the King of Glory, as long as they are cloathed with the body of flesh, untill it turns to the dust from whence it came, and the Soul be from thenceforth cloathed and arrayed with the Glory of the Life of the King of Glory, even for ever and evermore.
[Page 37] Quest. Whether Man (after being restored unto the Brightness of the first Similitude, and entred into Unity with the Incorruptible Glory, through death of the degenerated part) may not fail from the Glory, and enter again into the Degeneration and Curse?
Answ. In the work of Creation it is to be known (as formerly mentioned) that the Soul of Man simply was not created immutable, though clean, pure and holy, in a state of Innocency, for the Eternal Wisdom reserved that Virtue, Power, and most glorious Property of Immutability in Himself only, that He above all things might be known as the Supream Power over all the created things, and accordingly feared, loved, obeyed, and lived in: which state I have shewed Man went out of, and degenerated from, and also have opened the direction unto the way and power of Redemption, from the fall and losse, and Restoration unto the first Similitude of the Holy One, which unites with the Incorruptible Glory; unto which state it is possible (in the Light) for all Mankinde to attain; yet, if they abide not in the immutable Power of Perservation that created their Souls, but go from the unchangeable Life into the variable consultation with Flesh and its reason and sensual Wisdom, they may return backwards, as the Sea, Locust and Canker, and become as the Swine that was once washed, but lo, wallows again in the mire; and the house may be clean swept, yet except there be a Watch still kept seven unclean Spirits may enter, that are worse than the former which were driven forth; and a Virgin state may be attained unto, but unless the Oyl of Wisdom in Watchfulness, Diligence, and Fear, be retained in the Lamp, alwayes burning and giving light to the whole Soul, it may turn into the darkness of folly and filthiness, and again may become adulterate and degenerate from the Life of Incorruption, and Immortal Unchangeable Glory, which is the Cursed State. Wisdom therefore smites the stroakes of Death upon the head of Presumption, and keeps the Watch upon the Watch-Tower of the Light, which discovereth the Approach of the Enemy, and retains the Fear, as a strength for Courage, and cloathes the Soul with the humbleness and contritedness of heart; for with such the Immortal Power dwelleth, in whose immutable strength the Salvation and Preservation is witnessed; so in [Page 38] Him the Redeemed have the continual enjoyment of a surpassing Sweet and consolating Repose and Rest: First, in the knowledge that the Gracious Power (that hath united them unto Himself in the Life of Incorruption and Innocency) can never vary, change, nor altar from his Grace, Love, and Faithfulness; and next, though a change may be, which cannot be by the unchangeable King of Glory, unless it be first by the degeneration of Man's weak and mutable mind from his Power of Holiness, yet the Soul in the fear and watchfulness (out of the Presumption and Arrogancy) in the ground of Meekness and Lowliness comes to grow in such a strength of the power of Hope, Faith and Trust in the Immutable Preserver of the Low and Humble, that in the living and sensible perswasion it comes to utter (through its assurance of the immediate Unity) that neither Afflictions, Tryals, Tribulations, Temptations, Reproaches, Buffets, Wounds, Tortures, Prisons, Life nor Death, Principalities, Powers, Heights, Depths, Things present, nor Things to come, shall be ever able to separate the Soul from its Life and Unity, in, and with the Immutable Preserver and King of Glory in the Joy of his Everlasting Virtue.
Ah! who therefore would not run as a Greyhound in the course, and flow as the Floods of the Spring-Tyde; yea, and fly, as the Dove to her Nest, unto that which unites with the Original Fountain of all Excellency, Wisdom, Sweetness and Joy, to be swallowed up in its Ocean for ever? Oh! the Felicity of Consolation in the state of Redemption! how can my weakness declare its Ravishing Power? forasmuch as in the state of the Souls Restoration unto the first Beauty, Glory and Unity with the King of Glory, there is found a Tower of joyous Safety, far exceeding the Safety that the first Man had in his state of Innocency; knowing, that though he was innocent and pure, yet wanted the knowledge of the mutability and changeableness of his Soul, from the Power that only could preserve it in the Immutable Life; and therefore the Concupisence said, Ye shall not surely dye; which was a Lye, by which the Innocency was beguiled and overcome, to taste of the fruit of knowledge in his own flesh, and then in the Losse he saw not the Recovery, but clouded himself more under it, by covering the defiled parts; but whereas the [Page 39] Soul now sees its unity with the Immutable Glory, and knows the changeableness of the Souls of all Men out of the Unchangeable Power, and comprehends the Power of Darkness, with its Works and Perdition; and also knows the Power of Redemption from Curse, Restoration to Blisse, and Vnion with the Immutable Glory; I say in the knowledge of all this (which Man in his first state of Innocency knew not) stands more glorious armed, and securely fortified on the Watch-Tower of the Light, in the pure fear, than the first Man in his state of Innocency did: And by how much also the Mercies, Pitties, Compassions, Love and glorious Wisdom of the Creator is now revealed in his work of Redemption, Restoration, and uniting the Soul of man again unto Himself in the power of his quickened Spirit, these Walls of the Eternal Love (which the united Souls now enter to within) is a Glory, Fort and Fortress, infinitly exceeding that of the first Man's state of Blisse in Innocency; Yea, I might even speak as a tongue without end, of this matter, and yet never speak enough (of the revelation of the Power appearing in Glory to the Redeemed, Restored, and United Souls) how far it surpasseth that of the knowledge of the first Man in Blisse, who in his state of Innocency, before Transgression was, could not know what Pitty, Compassion, Mercy and Reconciliation was, being not then in a condition of the service of such properties and qualities, that were hid in the Eternal Wisdom of Glory; who though He was dishonoured at first by Transgression, yet such is his infinite Wisdom, that He gains Himself the greater Honour through the Power of his Redeeming Man out of Transgression. Wherefore the discovery of the face of Glory being now the more excellent and greater, the Walls and Bulwarks of Love must needs be the stronger, and the Unity infinitely nearer and dearer, than the tongues of ten thousand multitudes can ever utter or express; which may be joyfully received, as the Everlasting Consolation of all Consolations, by all the Innocent Lambs, who through the Glorious Redemption do know their Unity in the Immutable Power that created them. Who therefore (thus in brief) can witness to every Opposer and Gain-sayer, that questioneth their state and condition, We are in the Immutable Life and Power.
[Page 40] Finally, The knowledge of Unchanableness only consisting in the Eternal Power, cuts off the strength of all Insults of Reproach (by the seed of enmity) cast upon the Truth, and the Redeemed People that do abide walking in it, because one or two, or a few have turned (from it) like the Dog to the vomit, and the washed Swine again to the wallowing in the mire; which cannot stand upon the Immutable Power or Principle of Holiness; because, if all Souls should turn from it, as it is a manifest Light in every Conscience, yet the Light and Truth changeth not, but is still the same in it self, in Nature, Power, Vertue and Glory, (which no man can justly deny) though vailed, clouded, and in greater measure hid from the mutable Soul that is turned from it; Nor can Reproach or Infamy justly stand upon them that abide in the Unity with the Immutable Glory; because by the Power thereof they are preserved out of evil walking before all men innocently, not giving any occasion but of good reports, to fill the mouths of all men: Therefore, if any man should reproach me and my Brethren, whilst we continue and persevere in the Life of Restoration, united to the Unchangeable Holiness, because others, one or two, or a few, are gone out into the Defilement and Curse; this sheweth, that he which so reproacheth us, stands disunited unto, and adulterated from the Life of his Creator, (who is the Power of Equity) and entred into the power of the blackness of Iniquity; giving false weight and false measure in the Ballance and Bushel of Enmity, which is the Cursed State; Because his Creator cannot do the like in the Ballance of his Sanctuary, but is righteous to every mans cause. So then the Reproacher (by his own unrighteous reproach) writes the mark of Guilt in his own Forehead, and draws the sentence of Righteous Judgement upon his own head, as a rebellious son of Enmity, and Despiser of the life of Integrity. And thus the Eternal Sun of the Soul, Power, Wisdom, Holiness, and King of Glory (in Himself, and in all his Redeemed People) stands magnified, honoured glorified, praised, and renowned eternally, Amen.
THE END.
BEAMES OF Eternal Brightness, OR, BRANCHES OF Everlasting Blessings; Springing forth of the Stock of Salvation, to be spread over INDIA, and all Nations of the Earth, To the Uniting all Mankind, as one single and simple Body of Everlasting Love and Peace, in the Original Glory and Creator of all things.
Written by a Member of Truth, JOHN, Who is called a QUAKER.
LONDON, Printed for Robert Wilson, at the sign of the Black-spread-Eagle and Windmil, in Martins Le Grand, 1661.
[Page 3] Beams of Eternal Brightness, or, Branches of Everlasting Blessings, springing forth, &c.
O All ye Kings, Princes, Rulers, and People of INDIA, and the rest upon the face of the whole Earth, I can in no better way and manner salute you, than in this of the Blessing and Counsel of Eternal Life, In which you may come lively and joyfully to know the true Power which hath created all things, and ruleth and governeth all things according to his own Will and Pleasure; who by Name, so as to be distinguished (in every man's understanding) from every other thing, is called The Searcher through all Darkness, or, The glorious Sun of the Soul, or, The Wonderful Power, or, The Incomprehensible Wisdom, or, The Immutable Holiness, or, The from Eternity to all Eternity; because these glorious Qualities are only proper to his infinite wonderful Essence, as unspeakably more are, which I neither do nor can here mention.^
This is the Power, Wisdom, and Glory which I speak of, who in Himself is infinitely more than all things; by whose Word all things were created in the beginning, and is a Being invisible to every fleshly thing, of whom divers Nations do hold divers Opinions, and so do make him in their Imaginations like unto divers things, and accordingly do worship in divers manners and wayes: but he being but one who created all things, and not likened unto any thing that man makes, is only known aright, and worshipped aright in one living, pure, and holy way. For which cause I hereby greet all the Indians, together with all Mankind upon the face of the Earth, in the feeling of that Power, Wisdom and Life of Glory, which is able to reduce them all unto the true knowledge of himself, to the end that they may all become but of one heart, mind and soul for ever, worshipping according to the true knowledge and pure understanding of him through an universal feeling, seeing, and perceiving him arising and appearing in his Power, Wisdom and Glory in all their inward parts: So [Page 4] that when all men in all Nations, Countries and Lands shall attain to the true knowledge of the Life, Power, Wisdom, and Glory of their Maker and Creator in themselves; then they shall have no need of any other instruction (touching the knowledge of their Maker) without them; and so knowing their Creator appearing in themselves, will also know from him, (who so appeareth) the true and living way, of his true, living and pure Worship, which he teacheth all in the Unity and Truth of his own Wisdom and Knowledge, the which must certainly put an end unto all that which is diverse & from the way of his own Life, and pure Nature.
But because the Nature of man is contrary to the Nature of the Glorious Sun of the Soul, I hold it necessary to shew what the Nature of the one and the other is, that as they are in contrariety, the worst may be forsaken, and the best cleaved and adhered unto, and for ever loved and lived in, in the Power, Wisdom and Glory thereof.
One. The Nature of the Glorious Sun of the Soul, which was before the outward Sun was, is pure, holy, clean, undefiled and full of all Light and Vertue, even of all which stands in an Eternal Life; as also in it is the vertue, of reducing all things unto nothing again, as by it all things of nothing were (in the beginning) made and created.
Two. But the Nature of man is evil, corrupt, unclean, bruitish, and full of darkness and ignorance of the true knowledge of the Power of Eternal Life.
Quest. Now if it be demanded, How and where the one and the other is to be rightly understood and known? To it I am free to answer thus; shewing introductionally,
Introd. That the Soul of man is the sensible living part, that hath its being in the body of flesh, or humane tabernacle, whilst the perceivance of breath is left therein, whereby man hath the sense and feeling of joys and pains, pleasures and sorrows, &c. To which inward part in all mankind I speak of the Sun of the Soul, testifying, That the Light thereof in every soul, is of such a purity and cleanness, shining in the inward parts of the Intelect or secret understanding of man, that it hath no unity nor fellowship with his uncleanness and beastliness; shewing him, when no flesh doth speak unto him, that he having a rational soul put into him, should [Page 5] not be like unto the beasts of the field (which have not received that faculty) in his loathsom acts of defilement, and that he should not in other cases be worse than the beasts of the field (which onely eat and drink to their satisfaction, and having so done, when rest is needful, do lie down in quietness, without inventions of mischief; and which in their mute state, have not a mind of the vent of Execrations, Curses, Oathes, Blasphemies, Lying, Cheating, Stealing, Murdering, or the like things and acts of wickedness) I say, the Light sheweth, that he should not be worse than the beasts of the field, in such words and works, or exercises of Drunkenness and Gluttony. Which Light in all Mankind never consented to any act of filthyness, beastliness, or wickedness, but in all doth stand near the Soul, telling the Soul the evil of such things; so these two being joyned together, (to wit) the Light of the glorious Sun of the Soul, and the Soul it self to the Light in true knowledge of any thing, I call Conscience, because Conscience properly and rightly importeth a joynt knowledge, testimony, and witness, by two knowing properties in Mankind of the Good or Evil of all words and works whatsoever are spoken, done, or wrought by them: Seeing then every man hath this Principle of knowledge in himself, given by the eternal Sun of the Soul, as a measure of Light into their immortal Souls, hereby they come to know the nature thereof, according to the measure thereof; and in it discerning the vast multitudes of Mankind (which are not united to the Light) to be in the beastliness and evils which the Light of the Sun of the Soul doth reprove, judge, and condemn; hereby they may know in themselves, that the nature of man is contrary to it, being very sinful and abominable in wickedness and beastliness: So touching the contrariety, as to the place where it is found, briefly this is the sum in answer;
Answ. It's found in the inward parts, known in the Conscience, and discovered by the Light, which sheweth all things in the day of what colour and nature they are.
In order therefore to the true and pure Knowledge of the eternal Sun of the soul, it is absolutely necessary for all people to understand, That nothing corruptible can see that Glory and Brightness which is incorruptible, to discern aright what it is, that they may not be alwayes seeking, and never come to find, [Page 6] and ever learning, but never able to come to the true Knowledge; seeking in the backward way, and learning in a Book of Lyes. And next to know, that man's station is in sin and corruption, in absolute contrariety to the Pure Nature of Incorruption, and consequently hath no unity with the Glory of the Incorruptible One, nor hath the true knowledge of Him, and therefore in worshipping, he worshippeth he knows not what; which if, contrariwise, all were united in the Life, to the Life and Glory of the Eternal Sun and Power, then would they all know that Incorruptible One, and accordingly worship in the true Knowledge of Him, who is the Eternal Brightness, Glory and Power over all things.
Seeing then that no man knowes aright, but he which is redeemed out of Corruption, and consequently not worshippeth aright, being in Corruption, the next thing that is needful to be informed of, is, Quest. How, and by what means all men may come to be redeemed out of the state of Corruption, thereby to have a true knowledge of, and unity in Life with the Incorruptible One, and so to worship aright? By which assuredly all Nations will come to be of One heart, mind and soul, seeing the cause of Variations and Divisions may hereby be perceived to stand in the Life and Nature of Corruption, Sin and Transgression; which if all come to be redeemed out of, and united to the Life, Power and Glory of the Incorruptible One, must infallibly be united to each other, being all in Him, who is but one in Love, Peace, pure Life and Nature.
To which purpose and glorious matter (tending to the everlasting Blessing of all Nations and Peoples upon the face of the Earth) I (as followeth) hold forth and shew that plain and easie path (of which it was prophesied to the Jews that it should be revealed) in which the wayfaring men, though fools, cannot erre; which leadeth out of Transgression into a pure life of Incorruption. Of which perfect happy way I speak to every Conscience of man, to whom this shall come, that it may witness in themselves to this living and pure Path of the glorious Sun of the Soul and Eternal Power of Creation, whereby all shall be for ever left without Excuse in the sight of the Eternal Sun, who hate and refuse the way, and by the Power of the Eternal Sun shall be judged, condemned and cast out for ever from the Eternal Life and Glory thereof.
[Page 7] Introd. Man into whom a rational Soul is infused by the Eternal Power who created him (which is more than the Beasts, or any other creatures have) yet is brutish in his understanding and knowledge, occasioned through the Law, or rather lawlessness of his Lusts, which (as I have hinted) are worse than beast-like, daily put in practice, both by utterance of words, and operation of acts, in his Life and Conversation; so that although his Creator hath provided him a Law, a Way and a Leader, by and in which he may come to be redeemed out of that sad and miserable state and condition of his blindness, darkness, and ignorance of soul and mind, in which he is bound and chained by the power of Evil and Corruption (which I call the Power of Darkness, inasmuch as that spirit is the original and principal cause) yet he giving more way unto the Power of Darkness, than yeelding unto the other Power which is Light, hath lost the true Way, and erred from the true Guide and Conducter (which is able to lead him into an unity with his glorious Creator, who is the Power of Brightness) and entered into the Adulteration, and now lies wallowing like the Swine in the mire of filth and loathsomness of his own excrement, yea, rouling himself in the blood and pollution of his unwashed body, tumbling upon the ground of noisomness and abominable stink, as a helpless wretch, without a shelter and without a shade, naked and miserable without a garment or skirt of covering, without the Bread of Hope, or Water of Faith; beaten of his Foe, without hope of Redemption from his Oppression, and bruised of his Enemy, without belief of his Restoration unto his first innocent Freedom; and thus stands bound unto death in the heavy chaine of captivity: and alas, poor miserable blind man! though this is his lost condition, yet he knows not, nay, nor perceives it not, and so layes not his misery to heart, which is his double fetters of Iron; so though he hath a feigned hope and imagined faith in himself, yet being in the Adulteration from the Life of his Creator; as his life is sinful, so his faith and hope in that corrupt nature is utterly deceivable, which can never unite his soul again to his Creator, but fraudulently perish it everlastingly in the darkness under which he is held through sin and corruption. And though thus hath been the state of man almost from the Creation in the beginning, nevertheless it hath pleased the Eternal Wisdom now in these latter [Page 8] dayes (as it was prophesied of to the Jews) to open a path, wherein man may return again unto Himself in that pure and perfect shape and likeness in which he was created by his Glorious Power: In order to which Return through the living Way, and leading by the true Leader, I hold it in estimation of the Eternal Wisdom and Counsel, first, to shew all the Indians, That Man in the beginning was created holy and pure, and not in sin and corruption; which in this manner they may all plainly understand, viz. That whereas the Eternal Power and glorious Sun of the Soul is in Himself pure and incorruptible in Life and Nature, could not therefore create a thing corrupted simply so, (that is to say) made in Corruption in his hand, without becoming corrupt himself thereby; which is impossible that ever that should be, Because, as his Essence is Eternal from all Eternity, so his Nature is immutably and unchangeably pure. And again, Because He being the Eternal Wisdom, who made the Sun in the Firmament of the Heavens a glorious brightness, and the Moon and Stars glorious Lights in their places, which are visible Creatures to the corruptible eye of Man, it would not stand with his Wisdom, as unto the retaining of his Glory in Himself, to beget an invisible soul in an unclean, filthy and polluted state, which was the greatest of all Glories which were ever created: Wherefore, I say, for these three Causes, of his Purity, Immutability, and Wisdom, ye may perceive that Man was created a pure Soul in the beginning, by His pure Power, in His pure Glory, through His pure Wisdom, of which the Jews have the Record, written from the beginning in the Hebrew Tongue, shewing at large Man's Creation in Innocency, the Law that was given him in that state, and likewise how he erred from the Law, and thereby became a subject of the Power of Darkness, droven from the Eternal Glory into the Curse, whereby the whole Creation became a Curse unto him, which at first also were blessed (of the Pure Eternal Brightness) unto Him; for, saith the Record, When He had made all things (speaking of the Eternal Power) He saw that they were good, and blessed them: whence you may all understand, as Man remains in the state of Corruption, all the Creation (which he accounts his Good, Blessing and Happiness) are assuredly unto him as his Curse, his Evil, and Bond of his Wo and Misery: In knowledge [Page 9] of which, you may all come to savour and relish the blessedness of my Salvation of you all, now forwarding you (in all willingness of the Spirit of Truth) to the Way, and the Conducter (which is able to guide and lead you all in the same true Way, out of Sin, and save and redeem you from Corruption, which was the cause of the Curse) into the Holiness, Purity and Incorruption, that all your Kings, Princes, Rulers, People, Cattle and all created things, may become every-where blessed, they unto you, and you unto them, that the Glory may be with, and in all, as it was in the beginning, even henceforth, and for ever, and for evermore, Amen,
Answ. In which Illustration of the way of Redemption from Sin and Curse that it brought, I discover the first step of Order, and Principle to the True Worship (which is) to bow down; To bow down in Heart, Mind and Soul to that Light of the glorious eternal Sun, which is given into your Souls for a Law, a Guide, and a Leader. Turn all your minds unto the Light in your Consciences, which discovereth in all your secret thoughts the things that are evil, sinful and beastly, and not of the nature of the Holy and Glorious One; and when-ever you find in your secret thoughts the power of Corruption and Darkness, tempting to draw you resignedly and resolvedly into verbal or actual Sin and Transgression, which is contrary to the Law and way of the holy and incorruptible measure of the Light of your Immortal Souls; Take ye that Light for the guide of your minds, and in so doing, you will come to feel a War of the two Powers in you; that as the Power of Corruption and Darkness (which is of the flesh fleshly) doth tempt you, shewing you the Delights, Profits and Pleasures of that Evil unto which it tempteth you; the Power of the Light (which is of the Spirit spiritually) will stand up against it, representing unto you the Evil of the thing, the Cursedness of the thing, and the end of the Evil, which causeth a Separation from the true Life of Glory and Salvation; So here, standing in the Power of the true Guide, it winneth the Soul, and begetteth it into a greater Love and Affection with the Incorruptible Life and Glory, than with the Abomination and Evil, which causeth Everlasting Darkness, Ignorance and Seperation from the Glory which endureth to all Eternity: Thus Man enclining [Page 10] himself, drawing his mind more and more from out of all that which cursed is, into the Light and Power of Salvation within him, comes to be delivered from all Evil: For to this every mans Conscience shall affirmatively answer me, That in the Light of the Soul (that cometh from the Glorious Eternal Sun) never was any Sin or Evil committed; but out of it, and contrary to it, every act of Transgression hath been done and wrought by all men; wherefore, if all men take that for the true Way (which is not of the nature of Darkness) and the same for the true Guide and Conducter (which is not of the nature of Sin, but in its nature contrary to all Sin) giving up their Souls alwayes to be led in it, and guided by it; this must needs lead all from and out of all things which are sinful and corruptible, into its proper Life and Nature, by its vertuous Power operating in the inward parts; for except it could save and deliver from all Sin, then it could not appear to be a Vertue of the Eternal Creator, or else, that the Power of Darkness hath gotten such a Supremacy, that it's become greater than the Power of Light, that created all things; which can never be that it should so come to passe, because the Power of Light is Eternal, even from Eternity to Eternity; but the Power of Darkness came in in time, and therefore of necessity must also have an end in time, and so appears to be infinitly the lesser power: and seeing its end must come, I hereby direct all Souls unto the Way and Power by which it is to be brought to an end, to know the End thereof within themselves, even in every mans particular Soul: And the Power that is to end it, must be a Power that is in nature opposit unto it, else it must alwayes be strengthened, and never come to be ended: Now the Power that is opposit in Nature, Vertue, and Operation unto Darkness, is the Light, which (as aforesaid) convinceth in the inward parts of all Evil; yet a little to illustrate its deliverance of the Soul from all Evil, in this lowly and uncovered manner I shew, That the Light in the Conscience convinceth of the crime of cursing words; the which being loved, owned, and delighted in the Convincement, delivers from the Evil that it convinceth of, through begetting a shamefulness and hatred in the Soul against the Crime, and a pure love unto the vertue of the Thing that is found in nature, quality, and property, in opposition [Page 11] to the Crime from which the Soul is delivered; and here in the sence of this Deliverance, in measure, from Sin, ariseth a little hope of Redemption, which placeth a grain, or seed, of Trust and Confidence in the ground of this Deliverance from one Sin, which though the Faith in that state be but like a grain of Mustard Seed, yet mark the end of that Faith, for in a pure Belief, through the experience that the Soul hath found in the Light, strengtheneth it self in an holy Love and Enclination to follow the pure Motions of it in all things, in which Faith (working by Love) it comes to find the perfect Effect; that as the Light was obeyed in the least appearance, which accordingly delivered from the least Sin, the same being obeyed, loved and followed in every appearance (whereas it is pure, perfect, powerful, and of the nature of the Immutable Creature) cannot alter from its Nature, Property and Vertue of saving and delivering from all Sin; So then this is the End of that grain of Faith, which is sown in the Light, it removes from the Oppressed Soul the Rocks and Mountains of Sin and Corruption, under which it is pressed down, and breaks the Chains of Transgression wherein it is bound in captivity, and sets free in the liberty from Sin, and unites the Soul to the Original Glory from whence it is descended: Wherefore this appears to be the true and undeceivable Hope in which the Soul witnesseth its Purification, and the true Faith which gives Victory over Sin, which is the Blessed State; but all other Faith and Hope in the Life of Corruption, under the Power of Darkness, is that which deceivably perisheth the Soul, and is the Cursed State.
Yet, besides this Declaration of the Power (which unto every Rational Intellect may appear plain, clear, and manifest) doubtless, thousands (who of a truth this day do live in the Light, and are directly led and guided by it) together with this Witness, can experimentally testifie at large, that they in substance, Truth and very deed, have found, and constantly do find it redeeming, delivering, and saving them from all verbal and actual Sin, and from all resignations of mind unto Sin, in which formerly they were held under a woful Captivity by the predominating Power of Darknesse; these therefore are they to whom the true and living Sun of the Soul is truly and rightly known; who answerably to [Page 12] the true and living knowledge do worship in the true and living Way: and these are all of one mind and soul, living joyntly and unanimously in one individual Spirit of Brightness, which created all Souls, and in this Life are at peace together for ever; So here are no Quarrellings nor Wranglings, Stirs, Brauls, Fightings, suing nor persecuting one another for the visible created things, which in the Worlds nature are corruptible and cursed; neither can such a thing be among them, because the free Law that is in them, leads to the nourishing and cherishing each other, as flesh of the same flesh, and bone of the same bone, being all Members but of one incorruptible body; And ye know, that no man hateth his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it: much more (therefore) they, though many, yet being moulded from the corruptible into the incorruptible Spirit of Light and Glory, are become but one, living in the Unity, which is everlasting, as Members meetly composed to shew forth the Glory of the Eternal Sun of the Soul, in the endless Life of Love, Concord, and Peace.
Thus having shewed the Way or Redemption from Sin, and sanctifying the Soul unto its Creator, which leads unto the true Knowledge in a pure Union with its Creator: I would next shew the true and living Worship, according to the true Knowledge which I have received from him in the true Way.
The first step of which, (as I have before said) is, To bow down, and encline the Mind unto the Light, which inwardly enlighteneth the Soul; and the next step after bowing down the Mind unto it, is, To wait in it, to know the Mind made subject in all Obedience unto it, whereby the perfect work of Sanctification may be thorowly wrought in you, that ye may be all made meet Vessels, Tabernacles and Temples, to receive the Virtue into, which make the Sacrifice, Service and Worship accepted of the Holy Eternal Power, before whom you draw near to offer; for except the Sacrificers and Worshipers be of the nature of the Holy Power to whom they sacrifice, that their Worships may be performed in the same, both the Adorations, and the Adorers, are but a stink in the pure sence of the holy Life of the Eternal Power and Sun of the Soul; and this you may all easily know: for if you put Christal Water into a stinking noysom unprepared Vessel, [Page 13] the Water immediately corrupteth, and partaketh of the stink of the Vessel, and being poured forth, is unfit then to be put into another clean Vessel, lest that Water (that was first sweet in its own simple nature) should defile the other Vessel thereby; and the like is, if Excremental Water should be first put into a clean Vessel, &c. And since it is so, much lesse then can Corrupt Sacrifices or Sacrificers, have any Acceptance with the Holy One; for in such a thing he should be no more Holy, but as one that is joyned in unity with the Defiled and Unclean; which thing can never be, because (as I have shewed) of his Eternity and Immutability: But ye, by waiting in the Light, in all pure and living Obedience, will come (as pre-cited) unto the true purification and Renovation of the whole Mind and Soul, which bears the fleshly Tabernacle, or Temple, about it.
Again, Waiting in the Light, with your Minds turned in all singlness into it in your inward parts, being patient in that state and condition of Waiting, and standing a while in holy Content in that step of the true Worship of the Eternal Power, (who spake to the Hebrews, saying, To obey is better than Sacrifice) you will at length, in His Glorious good Pleasure, come to feel the Rising of His Glorious Power in you; which Appearance I call, The Dawning of the Everlasting Day; for it is to be understood, that all the time of the Darknesse, is the time of the Night, of which Sin and Corruption are the Clouds which bar and bolt men from the Glory of the shining Day; yet in that state of the night there is a secret power set to rule, which dispensation is called the Light of the Moon, that as the visible Moon was created to rule the Night in the visible appearance; even so the Invisible Light, was put into the Invisible Soul, to rule in the time of darkness and ignorance, by which power (though the whole world stands in a Chaos of Confusions, and because of the darkness they know it not, yet) the World is preserved, so as that every man thirsteth not after the blood of his neighbour, which if there were not an invisible and secret Power of the Light ruling in the darkness of the Night, the whole Earth would outwardly become as an Ocean of Violation, and her face be overwhelmed with Blood, yea, what might I say? Murders would reduce all men to the last man; and what would he do? even [Page 14] Murder himself also under despairation of the former works of his hands. But all men now coming to grow in mind and soul out of the Night, into the glorious Light of the Sun of the Soul, which opens the Everlasting Day, through waiting in it will come to feel the rising of the Power unto a greater beauty and splendor, whereby they will come to see the Light of the Moon to become as the Light of the Sun which is arisen in the open day, and finding the operation of it encreasing in the inward parts, breaking them forth either into brokenness and contriteness of heart, or the spiritual praise of the Eternal power, or forcing them to pour forth Supplications and Prayers unto Him, or in his dread to sound the Trumpet of his Voice, declaring his Jubilee and acceptable year, which is at hand; this I still call the rising of the Eternal Sun in his glory and brightness in them, and they in this performing the duty required of them, the which they having fulfilled, quieting themselves as it falls in a sphear or degree lower; here unto them the Promise is fulfilled (which was prophesied of to the Jews, saying) from the rising of the Sun, to the going down of the same, Incence and Sacrifice shall be offered in the Temple of the Eternal Power.
Moreover, As all men abide in the same Power of the Rising of the External Sun, through a careful and constant watch of the mind in it, they will come to see it arise in such a glory, that as first the Light of the Moon that ruled the night, became as the Light of the Sun which ruleth the day; So the Light of the day that is now spring from on high, shall be as the Light of seven dayes, abiding as an Everlasting Glory of Brightness, even for ever and ever; and then will their Maker make his Tabernacle among them, and they shall be his Temple and Habitation, and he will be their Dwelling, Rest, Peace, Joy, Life and Glory eternally, Amen.
Quest. Hereby all men may see the true Worship ond Sacrifice, what it is, and in what Life and Power it is to be performed to find acceptance and answer; concerning which, if any should say, that I have neither told them the matter, nor the manner, nay, nor the times plainly in which man shall worship in Prayers, &c.
Answ, To such I answer. Touching the matter of Prayer, It is to be understood, that Prayer is a Petition or Desire poured forth for [Page 15] something that is needful, either to a mans own particular state and condition, or else, that is necessary for other men. Now seeing the whole Creation stands in the alone disposal of the glorious Wisdom of the Cretor of all things, he therefore knows best what is needful unto every mans estate, which no man of himself doth know, neither can know what is necessary for himself, or any other Soul, but by the pure and immediate openings of the Light in the Soul, which purely doth proceed from the eternal glorious Wisdom; therefore I teach no man words, but labour to lead all men to the understanding of the eternal Wisdom and Power within them, in this Light to wait, that in his Life they may feel the Risings of the Power of his Wisdom, which then may give utterance of words unto a man, that were never known before by a man, even such words as shall be suitable to the state of want either of himself or others, and sometime also for the preservation of all souls in the blessed state: all which (in the good time of the Eternal Wisdom) shall be answered, who cannot deny himself, nor that which is of his own Nature, and performed in his own Life and Power: So then this in brief, no man of himself, knows what to Pray for as he ought, but the Spirit of Light of the Eternal-Wisdom helpeth the sanctified man's infirmities (that is to say) his weakness of knowledge, and giveth unto him either sighs, groans, thoughts, or words, which answereth his Eternal Will in the Power of Wisdom, which is the true matter of Prayer, whereby every man's Formality and Willworships comes to be abolished; wherein also much may be understood, as to the manner and time, seeing it leads out of prefixed words and times, that likwise stand in the adulterated will, wholly into the will and time of the Eternal Wisdom, in which still, as a motion, is inwardly found the matter was given, and so his purpose comes to be revealed and known.
In this order of Worship all People may be thorowly satisfied, That that which a man receives in the Eternal Power, and immediately from the Eternal Wisdom, into a sanctified Vessel, is a Matter and Worship at a real certainty and assurance, and in no wayes dubious, and therefore may well be believingly received, and perfectly owned by a man, whilst all other sort of Worship (if the eyes of men were but a little open to see it) must needs be [Page 16] doubted, because it is of that which a man knows not what, nay nor can say that his method, matter, time, nay, nor yet his own person or soul hath any acceptance of the unknown thing that he doth worship in his vain imaginations.
Yet it is in me to instance another uncovered Case, that in its nakedness every man may discern between the true and the false Worship, and accordingly chuse the better, if their hearts can take an affection to the better.
All People upon the face of the Earth may take one set form of words, manner and time, and in that custom pray all dayes of their lies, and yet live and dye in enmity one to another, as it's this day manifest among many Sects that have set-forms of words, manner and times appointed for Worship, yet are of these minds; some of them flattering others of their Brethren and Fellow-worshippers to their faces, whilst they hate them in their hearts, and revile them behind their backs; And others of them there are, that love one another to day, for the sake of the corruptible things, and the same persons on the morrow seen fighting one against another, to gain the most of the corruptible things, or a seat of presumption one above another, and so rest in envy and malice one towards another, even unto death; this is the spirit of the power of darkness, and all the Prayers and Worships in it stand in the adulteration and separation from the Life and Power of the Eternal, Immutable, Love, and therefore is absolutely manifest to be the Cursed state.
But all People drawing to worship in the Spirit of the Power of Light, which is the Eternal vertue of Love and Vnity, here must certainly be found unanimous prayers with joynt hearts; or rather (as I have formerly shewed) with one heart and soul, because the one Spirit and power of Love, makes all but of one soul; so to every Prayer and Supplication in this Spirit, all souls in the same Spirit say, Amen in Truth; and when they are (according to every mans occasion) separated and departed in body one from another, yet still they are together as one individual body in the individual Spirit of eternal love and unity; and thus they live in the body to the end, and thence for ever in the same Spirit rest everlastingly out of the body without end: These therefore I call the true Worshippers in the true worship, and is the [Page 17] Blessed State: Because, as the first stands in the Adulteration and Degeneration from the true likeness of the holy Creator, and therefore impossible that that state can have acceptance of him; so this latter mentioned, being in the true likeness, and therein finding the true Unity with the Power of Brightness in which the Worship is performed, and therefore must infallibly have acceptance of him. From this Testimony (which stands not only in the Letter or Declaration, but in the power of an Endless Life and Unity) it appears without controversie, that this, and only this latter of the Spirit of Love and Unity, is the Blessed State.
A few things I have still to shew unto the INDIANS, even such of them who have not yet known the eternal glorious Wisdom and Power of Creation, who of himself being without beginning of days, and end of time, made, composed, and created all things in the beginning of time, that as they come to the true knowledge of him, may be turned from trusting in, or worshipping of any created Glory, and only believe and trust in him, and come to worship him who is the Creator of every Soul on Earth, as likewise every visible Glory that is placed in the Firmament of the Heavens. To all therefore that believe that the visible Sun in the Firmament (which ruleth the visible day) is the Supream Power by which all things are ruled and governed, and accordingly do worship it, and the Moon that ruleth the external time of the night: I have to give you to understand, that in the whole Creation of Fishes and Worms, which are in the Waters under the Earth, together with the Worms that are in the Earth, the Plants, Trees and other living things that are upon the face thereof, with every Glory of the Heavens, (viz.) the Sun Moon, Stars, Clouds of Rain, Hail and Snow, Dews, Winds, Rainbow, Lightnings and Thunders, and whatsoever else may be sensed by the external Seeing, Hearing, Feeling, Tasting or Smelling of the body of man; I say, in all these the Eternul, most holy Wisdom, and glorious Sun of the Soul is hid and vailed from man in his state of Sin and Corruption, agreeable to what I have signified touching the contrariety between Corruption and Incorruption, Light and Darkness, Purity and Beastlinesse; the which I passe by for the present, drawing to the discovery [Page 18] of a few things in the Light of the Day, wherein it may be understood, That the visible Sun in the Firmament, is not the Supream Power, but that it is a Created Glory by the glorious Sun of the Soul, which is the Eternal, Invisible, and Supream Power. First, from the nature of the visible Sun, as it is a simple creature, which is hot, fiery, scorching, and burning; so that if there were not a Supream Power above it, ruling and governing it in a most glorious Power of Wisdom, by sending Rain in due season, (which as a distinct and simple creature, is contrary to the nature of the Sun, being cold and moist) the whole Earth would become dried up, and utterly unfruitful, by which means every thing upon the face thereof must of necessity die and perish: Wherefore in the Light of thee Sun of the Soul you will come to know, that the visible Sun in the Firmament was made and created to serve man, and consequently, not for man to how down and worship it: To serve Man thus, In one respect, as a light to the sight of Mans fleshly or bodily Eye, whereby he might travel, work and labour in the time of the day for the sustenance of his outward being, as the Eternal Power in his Wisdom hath appointed: And in another respect, tending also to Mans subsistence, the Eternal Wisdom hath created it to serve Man, yeelding unto the Earth of the strength of its heat after the cold times and rain, drawing up from the Earth visible and bodily shapes of Trees, Herbs, Corn, and all the good Encrease that the Earth in due season doth yeeld.
Again, It is to be understood, that the visible Sun hath its Decree and Appointment from a Power above it, as it is manifest in its Rising and Falling in sundry Degrees, in Winter and Summer, and also by its constant course, in twenty four hours compassing the Earth, as a Circle; and so it is evident, that it is not its own Ruler and Governour, because it is limitted to a course in all Seasons of its Appointment, and therefore cannot be the Creator of any thing; but must of necessity be as the other Creatures, a Created thing; because if one thing visible be created by a Power, certainly all things visible must be created by the same Power, and consequently the visible Sun and Moon also; and that Man, Beasts, Worms and Fowls were created by a Wisdom and Power, is very plain, appearing by their several kinds [Page 19] and services; and also being dead and rotten, their very dust sheweth of what they were made in the beginning; for whilst their End is seen to be dust, their Beginning or Creation must needs be understood to be of Dust also: and the same Power that created the Earth, and all that in it is, also created the Seas, and all that in them is, which is an Element contrary to the nature of the visible Sun, where the visible Sun hath no power of burning, nor yet of making Food in the Deeps to grow at the bottoms thereof, to feed the Fishes that are therein: But the same Eternal Power and Wisdom which filleth all places, provideth a sustenance as well for the Fishes in the Deeps, and all the Worms of his Workmanship, in their Bottoms, as He doth for Man, Beast, Fowls and Creeping-things that live upon the face of the Earth, unto which the visible Sun, Moon and Stars, with the Clouds of Rain, Dews and Winds are servants, ordained and appointed by the Eternal and infinitly wise Creator of all things visible and invisible. So then thus it may be clearly apprehended touching the Work of Creation, That none other can possibly be the Creator of all things, besides a Power and Eternal Essence which hath something of a Being in all things in the Tranquillity, Love, and Peace of His own Life in Himself, by, and in which all things are upheld and preserved in their due and appointed courses; for that which Created all things, must absolutely be the Life and Preservation of all things by his Continual Presence; and undenyably also the death of all things, through the withdrawing of his Essence and Presence; because, as the Creator is but one, and his Life but one, doubtless therefore it is but his Life alone that doth or can give Life, his Presence that gives Being, and preserves Life; and the withdrawing thereof, the fall of all flesh unto Death. Whereby it appeareth that his Glorious Wisdom hath hid and concealed Himself from all the children and seed of Corruption, in the Decree of the Death of Man's Body by Sickness, Poysoning, Drowning, Burning, Strangling, Wounding, Starving, &c. for He having created all things, could make Man to live Under Waters, in Fires, not feeling Wounds, without Food, &c. but his Glorious Power and Wisdom will not be tempted, because He will be reverenced and greatly feared in all things, and in Fear, worshipped and [Page 20] served as the Creator of all things. Now, as for the visible Sun, being naturally contrary to the Element of the Rivers and Seas, cannot possibly dwell with the Fishes that are in their Waters, so as to give them a constanr subsistance of Life, the which the meanest capacity may easily perceive, being a fiery Element; for, if a burning Coal of Fire be cast into Water, it becomes quenched by the Water; or, if a Drop of Water be cast into a great Flame of Fire, it consumes to nought in a moment: therefore it is not the visible Sun that gives the Fishes their being in the Seas, nor yet Man his life upon the Earth, but the visible Sun (as aforesaid, together with the Fishes and all other Creatures) was made a servant unto Man, unto whom all things unto this day are so continued, that he having the service of all things visible, yea, of the Glory of the Winds, which is an invisible Creature, attending him with sustentation, according to the Providence of the Glorious Eternal Wisdom, should with his whole soul seek and feel after his Creator, to attain unto the true knowledge of Him, therein to worship Him with all Thanksgiving, Glory, Honour, Obedience and Praise, who as he made every thing to serve his Body (into which his Glorious Wisdom infused a perfect and upright Soul, which was the greatest of all Glories that in the beginning were created, in how much it had a true resemblance in invisible manner of the Invisible Power and Glory that created it, of which none other creature had the like) could not expect lesse from Man, than that he should worship and serve his Eternal Goodness, with every Faculty of that Soul which He put into him. But yet I draw nearer to the most certain and true Witness in every Conscience of Mankind, to remonstrate (a little) the Glory of the most Glorious Sun of the Soul, shewing how it is a Glory in the most Glorious Part, where the external and visible Sun reacheth not to enlighten nor shine about; That so, in a little measure, discerning the Excellency of the One, in Glory exceeding the Other, you may come to know aright the True, Living, Eternal, Wise and Supream Power, which ruleth and reigneth over all things. In proceed whereof, it is to be apprehended, That the Soul and Mind of Man is the most noble part of Man, in as much as every Member of the Body is acted as a continual Servant in [Page 21] Obedience to the Motions of the Soul and Mind of Man; and also, because the Soul is the Immortal Part, being not formed of a dead substance, as the Body was of the Earth, which returneth to Earth, but of an inspiring Breath of Life, that for ever abides in a quick and feeling state; the which Soul being taken out of the Body, leaves it (as aforesaid) to a Conversion unto its first Mould.
Wherefore, seeing the visible Sun only enlightens the Eye of flesh, which is the servile part, and reacheth no further to shine about a Man, than without a Man, from which a Garment, Shelter, or House, is able to shade, Cannot be the Supream Power and Glory; But the Eternal Sun of the Soul shines into the Soul, and enlightens the Inward Parts, and searcheth the Heart, and tryeth every secret Thought, and is secret unto all things, as having perfect knowledge of all things, from which nothing can be hid: For let a Man ascend to the Skyes, it will reach him, and search his dark heart there; or, if he go down into the Deeps, it will follow him and be with him there; and when the visible Sun is set, and gone down under the Horizon, even at Midnight, the Light of the Soul can rip up every word and work (in the inward secret thoughts) of Sin and Evil, done and committed by a Man, and call the Soul to witness with it, which brings a Judgement and Condemnation in the Conscience, that smites a Man with Fear and Trembling within himself; which the visible Sun in the Firmament cannot do: for a Man may commit Beastliness and Murder whilst the visible Sun shines on him; which he cannot do in Countenance, nay, nor without Condemnation of the Light of the Sun of the Soul; and therefore the visible Sun must needs appear to be infinitly short of the Glory of the Invisible Light that created all things.
Again, If the visible Sun had created the invisible Soul of Man, then must it also search and save it, and so be the greater Power, and of a Nature doing all things, which all may know that it is not so; for, in its proper nature, as a single Creature, it doth but serve in the things (afore-mentioned) not blowing any Wind, nor raining any Water, nor can it so much as drive back one Cloud of all that the Wind bloweth over it, and so [Page 22] shaketh not the Trees, nor troubleth the Seas, which the storms of Wind do; all which are created, ruled and governed by the Eternal Power and Sun of the Soul, of whom I speak but as a Child and Suckling, He being in his Power, Wisdom and Glory Infinite and Incomprehensible; Yet in His Light I shew, that although the Soul of Man is so inferiour to Him, that the Souls of all Men in the Earth are comprehended of Him, as a drop of Water in the Sea, and as a Sand in the bottom thereof, (which every Man may feel within himself, in his own particular Soul) yet the low and poor Soul of Man reacheth to the heighth, yea, and far above the height of the prefixed Course and Circle of the visible Sun's appointed daily Race; So then the visible Sun (as I have said) reaching not within a man to search his Soul; nay, nor (as it's placed in the Firmament) neither by Ray nor light of Ray thereof can enter so much as into divers Artificial places, Caves or holes of Darkness made in the Earth, through the Invention of the Soul of Man, where the more servile part (to wit) the fleshly body of Man can enter; being therefore in its glory so far (yea, and far more than I stand to mention) below the poor Soul that it is infused by a Power into the body of Man; Surely infinitly much more must it needs appear to be below the Glory of the Eternal Sun of the Soul and Power of the Creation, by which the Soul was first made in His own likeness of Holiness and Innocency, and comes again to be renewed into the same Image and Similitude, to live in the invisible Glory of his most Glorious Life, in the perfect Inheritance, Fruition and Possession of his unspeakable Joyes and Pleasures for ever and evermore.
Now (to the Purpose of the Universal and Everlasting Unity) I am opened to speak of Three Properties of the Eternal Brightness, That as all Men come to the Renovation into the first Similitude of Innocency and Union with their Maker in that Glory, (as the way is plainly and easily held forth unto all, wherein they may so come to unite in their Maker as one sanctified Body for ever) may see, and sit down in the Joy of their happy Benefit therein
One. One Property of the Nature of the Holy One, is, Peace, perfect Peace, without ever having disquiet in himself. All [Page 23] Souls therefore uniting to the principle of his Brightness in them, and dwelling in it as He abideth and resteth in Himself, will come to see themselves swallowed up (as in a bottomless and endless Ocean) in the same property of his Nature, (viz.) in Everlasting Peace of the Soul, felt and enjoyed inwardly, which will wrap up all Souls in such a height above disquiet, or any thing of that Nature that is adulterated from the Holy Similitude, that all will chuse that their Earthly Members may dye, (that their Souls may for ever possesse the Peace) rather than to live in the body of flesh, to break the Peace of their particular Souls, or the Peace of any of the Souls of the Spiritual Body of Peace, to whom (in the Eternal Peace) they are united, which is the immeasurable state of Blessing, passing all Understanding.
Two. Another Property of the Nature of the Holy One is Love, perfect Love without Hypocrisie or Envy in Himself. All therefore uniting unto the Power of Restoration unto the Glorious Likeness, will come to see the Eternal Love feeding, and saving his Enemies; and the Restored being of the same Similitude of their Maker, must in that respect do as their Creator doth, love and feed Enemies; for they cannot do otherwise, being of the Bowels of their Maker: And whilst this Spirit loveth Enemies, much more must love the united in the Love unto it: if it cannot hate not envy Enemies, much less the united Friends: But all in this Spirit are full partakers of the unspeakable Bowels of Eternal Love to each other, which is the immeasurable state of Blessing, passing all Understanding.
Three. Another Property of the Nature of the Holy One, is Mercy, perfect Mercy without passion of Cruelty in Himself. All therefore joyning to the Power of the New Creation, will come to see the Power of Mercy, which is able to rent all Hearts perceiving it; for whilst Man hath turned in Cruelty (even unto murder of the sighing and groaning measure of the Light in himself) against his Creator, (who first gave the measure in the bounty of his Everlasting Love, that Man by it should be led to be like Him [the Giver of it] in holy merciful bowels) Yet, as in Mercy upon Mercy, hath now lastly provided Him a Voice to call unto it, as a crying Bloodshed upon the Earth, [Page 24] and also to awaken his Bloody Soul that shed it, drawing his Soul near unto it, to reconcile himself with the Soul in and by it, though the Soul hath treacherously dealt with him and murtherously fought in Rebellion against him. This shews Mercy to Enemies, Pitty to Rebels, Compassion to Bloody Traytors; wherefore, as all come to Unite unto the Power of Mercy, to be led into the true Image, and accordingly in Union with the Eternal Fountain of Mercy, not one will be able in it to do a thing contrary to the nature of it. But the whole World comes to be as one intire glorious Body of Mercy, Pitty and Compassion, whereby no Distress, Languishing, Want or Misery will be found upon the face of the Earth, which is the immeasurable state of Blessing, passing all Understanding.
Haply some may say, Quest. That it is evident, that Peace, Love and Mercy is the immeasurable state of Blessing, passing all understanding; and therefore Discord, Envy and Cruelty, being the three quallities in contrariety, must be the woful estate of the Curse; yet may desire more largely to know, How the Curse came, through an opening of the Original Cause and Universal Chain of Discord, Envy and Cruelty, which is the Cursed State?
Introd. There is but One Original Good (as I have plainly manifested) who created all things, and put into his creature, Man, that living part that sensibly thinketh, which is called the Soul and Mind, the which he created in an infinite degree below his immutable holy Essence (who can never change from his pure Nature to think in Himself a thought of Evil, yet he knoweth the thoughts of Evil in every Man's Heart) For though He made it in his likeness, pure, clean, holy, innocent and wise, yet made it in none other state, than that he ought to know, that it had a Creator and Maker, and, by whose Power, that made it, could only be kept and preserved in the similitude of Him that created it; for being put into a body of flesh, he gave it a sense of Feeling there, as likewise in it a sence of the rest of the Creation, as Beasts, Fishes, Fowls, &c. to whom this was the substance of the first Comandment given him in his state of Innocency, That he should not go in his Mind (out from the Power that created him a living Soul) into the flesh for knowledge or pleasure, for thereby he should adulterate his Soul with the flesh, [Page 25] and so both the Soul and the flesh become a Corruption and Curse of Death; and in so doing he should go from the Likeness of his Creator, who cannot go out of Himself into any creature for knowledge or pleasure; But Man's Soul entring into consultation with an aspiring Concupiscence in the feeling of his own flesh, yeelded to know, and gave himself thereinto, and so became as a wedded spouse unto Corruption; in that day was his first Evil, and the Birth of the first Devil; whereby it may be understood that the Eternal Wisdom never derogated from his Glory of Holiness in the Creation, so as that any man may say, he created a Devil immediately in his hand, which could never be (as I have formerly shewed more largely) by his Eternal Holiness, Immutablity and Wisdom, but creating all things in themselves mutable, even Man's innocent Soul also in it self mutable as well as any other of the Creatures, and reserving Immutability onely in himself, that Man might know Him as his Maker, and so live only in Him, as the Immutable One, in his Holiness, Wisdom, Life, Glory and Joy; but he letting forth his Mind out of the Immutable Power of Wisdom and Preservation, became (as aforesaid) an Evil-doer, and then his Thoughts were not like unto the Thoughts of his Maker, nor his Knowledge, nor Nature, like unto that in which he was created, but all his Faculties alienated, degenerated and separated in the Adulteration, from the Likeness, Life and immutable Power and Wisdom of his Creator; so that being the first actual Evil, must needs be the birth of the first Devil, seeing the Devil is that Mind that doth evil in every man; and therefore nothing could be called an Evil-doer, until an Evil was first done and committed; which I speak, to the end of stopping and putting an end to all blasphemous suppositions and imaginations, and of sanctifying the Name of the Holy One (in the eyes of all Nations) whilst I speak of Him in the Glorious Power of His Wisdom in the Work of his Creation. Thus then as followeth in Answer.
Man's Adulteration from the vertue of the Life of his Maker, alienated the Faculties of his Soul, and brought upon it horrid Darkness and Confusion, which spread over him, as an extream and mighty Power, until which there was no Enmity, Envy, [Page 26] Discord nor Cruelty known in the Earth, but man was at Peace and Unity in his Innocency with the Holy One; Therefore the Original Cause of Discord, Envy and Cruelty, was Transgression, and the Chain thereof to this day among Men is the Power of Darkness.
For the sake therefore of your Redemption, I am again pressed in Spirit, to remind all with the Power that breaks the cursed Chain of Darkness, which is the Light, that is able to do it, (as all draw their minds into it, and dwell in it in their inward parts) and restore again into that state which was before Transgression was, in the perfect Freedom and Liberty from Envy, Enmity, Discord and Cruelty, in the Glory and Brightness of Innocency, where the Wisdom comes to be received which keeps and preserves the Peace, Love and Mercy in the Everlasting Power and Vertue of Life: and here the Earth that once was the Kingdom, becomes the Footstool, and Heaven becomes the inherited Kingdom for ever, which cloatheth the Soul with a Garment ten thousand times ten thousand fold brighter than is the Glory of the visible Sun; for the Rayment is the perfect Glory of the Eternal Splendor, which wraps it up as with the swadling of the Rainbow of Joys, which is the Eternal Fruit and Benefit of the Blessedness of its Change, from the nature of Discord, Enmity and Cruelty to the Spirit of Peace, Love, Vnity and Mercy; from Corruption to Incorruption; from Folly to Wisdom; from Darknesse to Light; from Condemnation to Iustification; from Death to Life.
Yet furthermore, for the opening of the Counsel of the Mystery of Salvation; O all ye Kings, Princes, Rulers, and People every-where throughout the Earth, know ye in your selves the Light of the Eternal Sun of Glory to be the bathing and washing Fountain that is able to make the Soul in every Thought even as white as Snow; and feel it in your selves as the Refiners Fire, which is able to purge you until you be made as pure as the Gold that is seven times tryed; and therefore wait in the Operation thereof, that you may see its blessed Effect, in which Righteousness will run down as Streams, and the Knowledge of the Glory of the Eternal Wisdom will cover the Earth, as Waters cover the Seas; and here you will come to see your selves [Page 27] as the Christal Chanels through which the living Waters of the Fountain of Heaven will be a continual Current, the sweet Streams thereof overflowing the blessed Vallies within you, and watering every Plant therein, making all things fruitful in you, and among you; fruitful in Truth, fruitful in Hope, Faith, Love, Mercy, Peace, Fear, Humility, Meekness, Patience, Content, Prayer, Praises, Thanksgiving, Knowledge, Wisdom, and all Vertue; this will be a Beauty in your Faces, and a Diadem of Glory upon your Heads, in which the Wonderful Counsellor will take pleasure to speak unto you in His Mysterious and Oraculous Language, which shall be but one throughout all the Earth, and will open an Incorruptible Eye in you, even to see the Glory of his Eternal Face, which will overcome you with Joyes, and ravish you with Eternal Pleasures, as a Generation that is carried up out of the Earthly Places: Verily I cannot express the Sweetness, as my Soul possesseth it, within in the Spirit, what besides my own state saved in the Eternal Sun of the Soul; Oh! my Ravished Mind, in the consideration of the Day wherein Nations shall imbrace the Heavens of all Love, and plentifully suck the Milk of her Breasts, which gives the nourishment of Eternal Life. Oh! the Everlasting Consolation which the Children of Brightness shall possess and inherit in the Bosom of the Eternal Glory, even for ever and evermore! Amen.
And now, Are not the thoughts of this Glorious Salvation, Vnity, Peace, Love, Ioy and Pleasure of Life (which may in this way be found, possessed and enjoyed to the End, among all People and Nations upon the face of the Earth; and in, and with the Glorious Brightness in the Heavens above) enough to perswade, woo and compel all Souls (even with one draught of the Cord of Love) to receive and imbrace it? as they may sink down into the Deeps, and consider in what a good time their dayes are fallen into, wherein so glorious a Way is now come to be opened in such plainness, clearness, nakedness and easiness, wherein they may all attain to every tittle of the Benefits, yea, and a thousand fold more than the tongue of man can mention, exceeding all that is before said, inserted and written? Surely methinks, he that would miss a Portion of the pre-cited Blessings, [Page 28] and eternal joyous Inheritance for want of looking for it in the True Way, being so faithfully spoken unto him, as to within him, and therefore so easie to be found, as not to look without himself to seek and find it, must not only confess himself to be a Fool in his own heart, but also as a Devil in his continual words and works, and seven-fold worthy of Condemnation under the power of Darkness and Death, unto its Pit of the burnings of Wo and Torment for ever and ever. What therefore might I more say, that the Dead might hear and live? or that Rocks might rent and become hearts of flesh to perceive and understand? for, the Word is quick, the Voice is piercing, and the Life is powerful, in and under which I rest in the pure, perfect and blessed Peace; hereby shewing forth, in measure, my Spirit and Soul (created anew in the Holy Love) unto all Nations and Peoples, without respect of persons, upon the face of the whole Earth; wherein I stand clear, whether they will hear or forbear.
By that all Kings, Princes and Rulers are (in the Light) come thus far; some may haply make forth their Convincement of the Truth, saying, It is certainly true and evident, that an Universal Peace and Unity, Love and Amity cannot be perfectly and purely had, held and enjoyed among all Nations besides, in the one Principle that unites to the Eternal Power in his own Life and Nature; for He only being the Glorious Wisdom that created all things, must necessarily be the alone Preserver and Upholder of all things; and whatsoever stands united unto Him in the Life, abides in the Perfection of the Peace, Love, and Mercy of the Immutable Spirit of Wisdom and Glory: And none other way can there be unto Blessing besides the Light in the Conscience, which is given of the Eternal Wisdom for a Way and Leader unto all Souls.
Quest. But what doth this Light end and abolish?
Answ. It endeth all the Wisdom, with its effects and fruits, which stands in the Adulteration and Separation from the Eternal and unlimited Wisdom of Holiness and Brightness: It endeth all Customs, Traditions, Wayes and Worships, and whatsoever may be thought, that stand in the degenerate and cursed nature; and breaketh all Bryars and Bulwarks of limitation that stand in the Curse, as a fence against its full, powerful and unlimited Propagation, [Page 29] that through its free and unlimited Operation it may lead all unto the Blessed state of Everlasting Union with the Holy Unlimitted One, where there is no more Transgression nor Curse.
Now if any particular King, Prince or Ruler, should further adde to his perswasion, saying; This is the Truth, and the true and living Way in which only the Holy One can be known and worshipid aright; and therefore I am henceforth resolved and resigned in my whole Soul, to live, walk and worship in the same: But whereas I have a Kingdom, Province, or Territory under my Authority, Quest. What shall I do to these People to make them be all of this mind?
Answ. Thou having found the true and living way, blessed art thou having found it, if thou walkest and abidest in it; therein to be led from degree, to degree day by day, more and more into the likeness of Him, who anew createth thy Soul within thee; for herein thou shalt reap a plentiful harvest of his Wisdom in thy Inward parts, which will give thee in the Day of Brightness to see, that He draweth all into Himself with the Cords of the Power of Love in his Glorious Wisdom, whose Counsel will accordingly instruct thee to retain the perfect similitude of his Glory, and therefore shall draw all by the same love of Wisdom, into the same Light and Virtue of Love and Wisdom, and in none other Power shalt thou work with any man besides that by which thy Maker worketh in thee; for else thou wilt degenerate and go utterly from the likeness of thy Creator, as the wicked and rebellious Rulers of the Earth do, to Envy, Imprisoning, Persecuting, Killing, Murdering, and spilling of Blood; all which stand in the adulteration and separation from, and in the cursed enmity to the Life of thy Creator, which is Peace, Love and Mercy; and thus, instead of seeking to draw others to Him, thou thy self wilt run like a Fugative and Vagabond from Him, and bring guilt upon thy own head, by shortning the dayes of such as thou dost imprison and persecute, to whose Life thou art not able to adde a day; and for killing that which thou canst not make alive again: And there also the weighty price of Souls will be charged grievously upon thee, for which thou canst never make satisfaction; and if through thy Cruelty thou shouldst turn any to thy self, it is but unto that life which is wholly cursed; and [Page 30] therefore keep thee towards all men, as thy Creator keeps towards thee, loving all men, as He loveth enemies, and hath greatly loved thee; and wait upon thy Creator, praying to Him for all men, like as a long while He waited upon thee, for thus thou growest into His true Similitude; and (mark the end) in His Time, he who formed and renewed thy Soul in Himself, will do the like to many more of thy Region and Dominion; and then as the Soul of thy Maker was rejoyced in thy Return unto Himself; so wilt thou have an exceeding Joy in their Return unto Him also, for whom thy Soul travelleth and thirsteth in secret fervent desires: And as in this Particular, so in every Particular Case, walk thee as one that is moulded into a new frame, like unto the Holy One thy Maker; and in so doing, thy Fruits will be abundant to His Praise, and He will take pleasure to enrich thy Soul with His Everlasting Vertue and Treasure of Wisdom, and his Spirit of Power and Glory will rest upon thee.
Yet, in respect of the Universal Publick Service of the Holy One, Quest. How may it be ordered in relation to Assemblies and Congregations?
Answ. Whereas the Eternal Wisdom of all Power is but one infinit Spirit of Love, all that draw into Unity with Him, must certainly draw into an infinit Love and Vnity one with another; in which state (that the Unity may be held in the Joy of Eternal Love) the Power of Wisdom sets in this Order, first, appointing convenient Places for Publick Assemblies; and next, determining convenient Times, wherein the Congregations may be kept, not by constraint or violence; for as the Love of the Eternal Virtue and Power of Love is free in Himself towards every Soul; so requireth He that all Souls should be like Him, ready in heart, and free in mind to assemble together, and not in any other way or manner; because neither the Constrainer, nor the Constrained retains the perfect similitude of his Love and Freedom, but are in the degenerated Will, wherein every Sacrifice is abominable. And when both Place and Time is appointed for Publick Congregations, all that are united in the Eternal Vertue, as one Soul and Mind, and Members of one Spiritual Body, must needs congregate and flow together, to the end of nourishing and cherishing their own flesh; for waiting together in the one Spirit of Holiness and [Page 31] Eternal Power, the Power will arise in and among you, and the Word of Life will go forth of the mouths of many, on which the whole Body will feed, and by it be cherished and nourished unto a Life af Immortal Purity, Joy and Glory; So that when all have found the experience of this sweetness in the Order of Assemblies, as we have found, will make them flow, even as we fly (in the Spirit of Unity) unto the Holy Congregations, distinated and appointed by the Spirit of Wisdom.
Again, in respect of Government, Seeing the Creator of all things is an Infinit Wisdom, must absolutely therefore be the Author of Order and not of Confusion; Quest. By what Laws then shall all Nations be ruled and governed, for the preserving all things in meet and pure Order?
Answ. Order and Government is of the Life of Eternal Wisdom; Therefore, in relation to the Love, which keeps in the true Order (whereby the true Government comes to be known) this may you all understand; He that created all Things and Kings, I call the KING of Kings and of Glory; is the One Almighty Ruler over all his Creation and Workmanship, and requireth that all should be subject to his Government, whose Law is but one, which (as I have shewed) is written in the inward parts, which is the Light of the Sun of the Soul, that was before Transgression was, and leads into that state where Transgression is not: This only is the true Law that is to rule in all inward parts, to rule all Minds which rules all Members; and the Minds being ruled by it, all the Members become subject unto it, whereby the whole World of Mankind comes to be drawn into the Likeness of the Life and Power that created them, in which state Transgression is not; so here the Law is a Saviour, and not a Judge: which Law thus teacheth, (to wit) Do unto all men, as ye would that men should do unto you. And again, it alwayes teacheth, That all Kings, Princes, Rulers, and Iudges, should keep to the true similitude, like unto their Creator, in matter of Judgement, by a Law; and consequently, not to judge any man in any other way and manner, or by any other Precept or Law, than in and by that Law which judgeth and saveth themselves in the Inward Parts, which still draws to the Similitude, and preserves the Soul in the likeness of the Eternal Power and Wisdom that created it; So [Page 32] then, in case of Rebellious Subjects in a Land, that would live in a lawless life, of destruction of the King of Glorie's Creation, wilfully and presumptuously, in Lewdness, Beastliness, Violations, or what other wickedness so ever; Kings, Princes, Rulers and Judges shall have no need to turn out their Minds from the Law within, to search Books or Records (of their Lands or Peoples) without them, to find a Law to judge such Transgressors by; for that alienates and adulterates from the pure Similitude, seeing the Creator cannot go out of Himself into Books without Him for a Law, but keeping to the Inward Law of the Creator (that preserves in the Glorious likeness) and judging all in it, and according to it, answereth the same in all, and leaves them without Excuse in the sight of the Eternal Searchers of all hearts; in which Judgment they hold the Unity with their Creator, and stand justified before Him, and by that of Him in all Consciences, which answereth the Judgement of it: Seeing therefore it is evident, that the eternal Judge is but one, and his Law but one, the Judgement that is of Him in it, is the Blessed State; but that which is contrary to it, is the Cursed State.
Moreover, it may be plainly understood, That he who made all Men in his own Eternal Wisdom, certainly was, and is, the Wisest to make a Law for all Men that he created, which in His Wisdom (is evident) He accordingly did decree, and hath placed it in the Inwards, near unto the most noble part of Man, which ruleth all his Members, (to wit) the Soul, wherein all Transgression comes first to be conceived, before any is ever brought to the birth. So then, he that altereth from his Law, and maketh another Law to judge Men by, contrary to that Law which his Creator hath placed near unto the most noble part of all Mankind, and even in his own Conscience, as well as in the Conscience of an another Creature; that very Ruler stands in the Presumption adulterated and separated from his Creator, shewing himself as if he had a Wisdom above his Creator, to make a Law to judge his creatures by, which is a most horrid Rebellion against his Creator, and his holy and just Law. Awake, awake therefore. O all ye Kings, Princes, Rulers and Judges upon the face of the whole Earth, and answer your Creator in this true point of Judgement.
[Page 33] Now if the poor men should make forth their Convincement of the Truth, saying, We are perswaded of the Glory of the Truth of the Sun of the Soul, for we experience it in the inward parts, and can set our Seal to the Testimony thereof, to be altogether Holy and Pure within us; in which sence of the Love of our Creator towards us, we are truly willing and desirous to live and walk, so as that our Souls may be, made worthy of such a glorious Infusion and Inspiration of the Eternal Love and Mercy: Quest. But what shall we do, seeing the Rulers of our Land stand in opposition, and we cannot so walk without an absolute peril of severe Imprisonment, sharp Tortures, loss of earthly Estate, or Life it self?
Answ. He that created you, is the Eternal Power and Almighty King of Kings, who reigneth over all in the Kingdoms of Men; and giveth them to whomsoever he pleaseth: Stand ye therefore in the Life of his Pleasure, which is in that (whereunto you are inwardly directed) which begetteth and formeth you in the pure and perfect similitude of your Creator; and there you will come to see Him to be the everlasting Patience and Eternal Content; which is a greater Felicity and Glory for you to know in your selves as being moulded into the same Resemblance, and so united to Him in the Power and Life thereof, than the enjoyment of outward Liberty, possession of Ease in the Flesh, Earthly Treasure, or Life it self in the body; yea, a Heavenly Happiness it is, infinitly surpassing all that ever can be thought of below the visible Sun; the living sence and feeling of which in the Eternal Power, makes the Imprisonment of the body a sweet freedom of the Soul; the Tortures of the Body, the joyful pleasures of the Soul; the loss of Earthly Goods, the purchase of an Heavenly Treasure; and the Death of the Body of Flesh, the Everlasting Glorious Life of the Soul; Thus for every finite Loss, is reaped an infinite Treasure of Gain. So then as ye grow into this Life, committing all things, House, Goods, Silver, Gold, Wife and Children, Liberty and Life, into the good pleasure of the Everlasting Patience and Eternal Content, you come to reign as Kings in the glorious Life of the KING of Kings, over all Earthly Kings, and they see it not, nor know it not; who persecute you, being themselves in the act of Persecution adulterated and alienated from the Life of the Eternal Patience [Page 34] and Content, and in enmity to his power of Love and Mercy, which is the Cursed State of Darkness; So you knowing your Advantage of Treasure, and Prerogative of Dominion in the power of Patience and vertue of Content, ye may well say in your selves, As we live and abide in the fear of our Creator (which preserves in the continual possession of his Immortal Rewards and Treasures of all Joys) we need not fear Earthly Kings nor Princes, nay, nor loss of Lives, nor any other Creature: for here we perceive temporal losse, can be no losse unto us, but as an Earnest-peny offered and given by us for the price of an Eternal Gain; And therefore we will run our Race in the fear of our Maker with joyfulness, holding the similitude of his own Holyness; that if we are persecuted, we will love and pray for our Enemies, even as our Creator loved us whilst we were his Enemies; and we will bear with them, as he bore with us; and forgive them, as he hath forgiven us: Thus will we live, and thus will we dye: and the Name of our Maker be evermore sanctified, hallowed, honoured and praised by and in us to the end, Amen. And ye being entered into this everlasting blessed State, you stand (as I have said) in his good pleasure, who reigneth in in the Kingdoms of Men, and giveth them to whomsoever he pleaseth; and then whosoever turneth against you, to persecute you, turneth against the pleasure of his Creator: And mark the battle, the Pot fighteth against the Potter, who will therefore break it to pieces in his sore displeasure: the Dust fights against its Maker, who therefore will blow it away, even with the fierce Whirlwind of his utter displeasure, and gain himself a Renowned Glory over every rebellious Creature; for even now is He arisen in his Jealousie, and it is his Day to work, and none shall let; and he which rules against Him, he will remove from the Throne; for He will set up an Everlasting Dominion and Government, and of his own Scepter of Righteousness, even from end unto end of the four Winds of the Heavens. Seven-fold happy therefore is that Soul that beleives in Him, and suffereth for his Righteousness sake.
And is it not an unspeakable shame, to a Ruler to persecute innocent Souls, new created Souls in the Glory of the similitude of their Maker? Is it not a woful shame to Rulers, to persecute them, that watch to recompence good for evil, and to shew [Page 35] the deeps of the bowels of Love and Mercy to such as heaped upon them extream weights of Oppression and Cruelty? Can Rulers answer the bonds of humanity in such acts? Nay. How then can they answer the power of Sanctity in them?
For the sake of Edification of all Souls, to Three Questions more I am drawn forth (in the Light) to answer.
Quest. 1 What are the first powerful Operations of the Light in the Soul, after Convincement of Sin?
Answ. JUDGMENT, CONDEMNATION, and DEATH of the Mind of Transgression; which must of necessity be, for the cause of the Righteousness of the King of Glory, unto whom no life in Sin and Corruption can unite; for the Soul going into it, went out from Him into the Enmity against Him and His Law of Righteousness, and no part of that can ever enter into Him, because it was never of Him; and because He hath infused a righteous Law into the Inward parts, of necessity therefore there must be a power of Judgement to execute the Righteousness of the Law (in the place that it is put) upon that which brake it, which Power in Righteousness must absolutely bring Condemnation upon that mind which is the Transgressor in man; and the Condemnation must as surely bring Death by the power of the Executor, that no part of that Mind may evermore live, but the Mind in which no Transgression is, which was before Transgression was, which must be perfectly wrought before Man can enter again into the first Similitude, to unite with the King of Glory. So here all may see the Judgement truly set up, and executed in the inward parts, bringing Death upon the Transgressor, produced the benefit of a most Blessed Fruit, (viz.) of Life, Peace and Joy, and openeth the door of the Fountain of Mercy, giving the perfect knowledge thereof, which then rejoyceth over Judgment; for which cause of Mercy the Eternal Wisdom first instituted the Law and Power of Judgment to come, fulfilling Righteousness in the Inward parts, which thus appears, bringing a Righteous Death upon an Unrighteous Life, that by its Death a Righteous may for ever live, wherein the Joy and Glory is partaked and inherited: So then in the Judgment and Condemnation of that Life unto Death, the Power and Glory of Mercy appeareth in the wonderful Wisdom, that it [Page 36] might be for ever loved and lived in, and the work of Wisdom admired and prized, and the Worker of Salvation (in the Power and most Excellent Glory of Mercy, manifest in Judgement) magnified over all everlastingly without end, in all that love the Operation, and accordingly are partakers of the sweet and happy Fruit of its Salvation, in which the Unity with the King of Glory is witnessed.
Quest. 2 Of every frame of Soul, or fashion of Mind in Man, which is the most certain of holding the Vnion and Fellowship with the King of Glory in Spirit?
Answ. Watchfulness in Fear and Crosse: Watch to fear the risings of the Concupisence which the Soul feeleth in the flesh, towards the flesh and the World, and also now lastly towards the Devil, and there enter into that Internal Power, which stands in the Crosse to the other Nature, which will daily slay every carnal Affection in the first suggestion and appearance, and break the Cockatrices Egg before the Serpent is hatched; and thus all will come to see that the inward and visible Cross, to the inward Mind of the World and the Flesh, keeps the Soul clean out of the mind of the World and the Flesh, in the mind of the Eternal Spirit.
Again, Watch to fear in every Joy and Enjoyment of every Glorious and Heavenly Gift, lest the Joy should slip out of the true measure, and a sence of the Glory of the Gift exalt the Heart above the measure of the Light, through which it comes, and in which the Unity with the King of Glory stands; and here all which come to see that Fear keeps every Joy and Enjoyment of Heavenly Gifts, perfect to the measure, wherein all Perfection is witnessed according to the proportion of all Gifts as they are given, and come down from the perfect Giver: So then the invisible Cross which keeps clean, and Fear that keeps the Soul low and humble to the measure within in the Conscience, will alwayes be found the safest frame and fashion of every man's mind to hold the most certain Union and Fellowship with the King of Glory, as long as they are cloathed with the body of flesh, untill it turns to the dust from whence it came, and the Soul be from thenceforth cloathed and arrayed with the Glory of the Life of the King of Glory, even for ever and evermore.
[Page 37] Quest. Whether Man (after being restored unto the Brightness of the first Similitude, and entred into Unity with the Incorruptible Glory, through death of the degenerated part) may not fail from the Glory, and enter again into the Degeneration and Curse?
Answ. In the work of Creation it is to be known (as formerly mentioned) that the Soul of Man simply was not created immutable, though clean, pure and holy, in a state of Innocency, for the Eternal Wisdom reserved that Virtue, Power, and most glorious Property of Immutability in Himself only, that He above all things might be known as the Supream Power over all the created things, and accordingly feared, loved, obeyed, and lived in: which state I have shewed Man went out of, and degenerated from, and also have opened the direction unto the way and power of Redemption, from the fall and losse, and Restoration unto the first Similitude of the Holy One, which unites with the Incorruptible Glory; unto which state it is possible (in the Light) for all Mankinde to attain; yet, if they abide not in the immutable Power of Perservation that created their Souls, but go from the unchangeable Life into the variable consultation with Flesh and its reason and sensual Wisdom, they may return backwards, as the Sea, Locust and Canker, and become as the Swine that was once washed, but lo, wallows again in the mire; and the house may be clean swept, yet except there be a Watch still kept seven unclean Spirits may enter, that are worse than the former which were driven forth; and a Virgin state may be attained unto, but unless the Oyl of Wisdom in Watchfulness, Diligence, and Fear, be retained in the Lamp, alwayes burning and giving light to the whole Soul, it may turn into the darkness of folly and filthiness, and again may become adulterate and degenerate from the Life of Incorruption, and Immortal Unchangeable Glory, which is the Cursed State. Wisdom therefore smites the stroakes of Death upon the head of Presumption, and keeps the Watch upon the Watch-Tower of the Light, which discovereth the Approach of the Enemy, and retains the Fear, as a strength for Courage, and cloathes the Soul with the humbleness and contritedness of heart; for with such the Immortal Power dwelleth, in whose immutable strength the Salvation and Preservation is witnessed; so in [Page 38] Him the Redeemed have the continual enjoyment of a surpassing Sweet and consolating Repose and Rest: First, in the knowledge that the Gracious Power (that hath united them unto Himself in the Life of Incorruption and Innocency) can never vary, change, nor altar from his Grace, Love, and Faithfulness; and next, though a change may be, which cannot be by the unchangeable King of Glory, unless it be first by the degeneration of Man's weak and mutable mind from his Power of Holiness, yet the Soul in the fear and watchfulness (out of the Presumption and Arrogancy) in the ground of Meekness and Lowliness comes to grow in such a strength of the power of Hope, Faith and Trust in the Immutable Preserver of the Low and Humble, that in the living and sensible perswasion it comes to utter (through its assurance of the immediate Unity) that neither Afflictions, Tryals, Tribulations, Temptations, Reproaches, Buffets, Wounds, Tortures, Prisons, Life nor Death, Principalities, Powers, Heights, Depths, Things present, nor Things to come, shall be ever able to separate the Soul from its Life and Unity, in, and with the Immutable Preserver and King of Glory in the Joy of his Everlasting Virtue.
Ah! who therefore would not run as a Greyhound in the course, and flow as the Floods of the Spring-Tyde; yea, and fly, as the Dove to her Nest, unto that which unites with the Original Fountain of all Excellency, Wisdom, Sweetness and Joy, to be swallowed up in its Ocean for ever? Oh! the Felicity of Consolation in the state of Redemption! how can my weakness declare its Ravishing Power? forasmuch as in the state of the Souls Restoration unto the first Beauty, Glory and Unity with the King of Glory, there is found a Tower of joyous Safety, far exceeding the Safety that the first Man had in his state of Innocency; knowing, that though he was innocent and pure, yet wanted the knowledge of the mutability and changeableness of his Soul, from the Power that only could preserve it in the Immutable Life; and therefore the Concupisence said, Ye shall not surely dye; which was a Lye, by which the Innocency was beguiled and overcome, to taste of the fruit of knowledge in his own flesh, and then in the Losse he saw not the Recovery, but clouded himself more under it, by covering the defiled parts; but whereas the [Page 39] Soul now sees its unity with the Immutable Glory, and knows the changeableness of the Souls of all Men out of the Unchangeable Power, and comprehends the Power of Darkness, with its Works and Perdition; and also knows the Power of Redemption from Curse, Restoration to Blisse, and Vnion with the Immutable Glory; I say in the knowledge of all this (which Man in his first state of Innocency knew not) stands more glorious armed, and securely fortified on the Watch-Tower of the Light, in the pure fear, than the first Man in his state of Innocency did: And by how much also the Mercies, Pitties, Compassions, Love and glorious Wisdom of the Creator is now revealed in his work of Redemption, Restoration, and uniting the Soul of man again unto Himself in the power of his quickened Spirit, these Walls of the Eternal Love (which the united Souls now enter to within) is a Glory, Fort and Fortress, infinitly exceeding that of the first Man's state of Blisse in Innocency; Yea, I might even speak as a tongue without end, of this matter, and yet never speak enough (of the revelation of the Power appearing in Glory to the Redeemed, Restored, and United Souls) how far it surpasseth that of the knowledge of the first Man in Blisse, who in his state of Innocency, before Transgression was, could not know what Pitty, Compassion, Mercy and Reconciliation was, being not then in a condition of the service of such properties and qualities, that were hid in the Eternal Wisdom of Glory; who though He was dishonoured at first by Transgression, yet such is his infinite Wisdom, that He gains Himself the greater Honour through the Power of his Redeeming Man out of Transgression. Wherefore the discovery of the face of Glory being now the more excellent and greater, the Walls and Bulwarks of Love must needs be the stronger, and the Unity infinitely nearer and dearer, than the tongues of ten thousand multitudes can ever utter or express; which may be joyfully received, as the Everlasting Consolation of all Consolations, by all the Innocent Lambs, who through the Glorious Redemption do know their Unity in the Immutable Power that created them. Who therefore (thus in brief) can witness to every Opposer and Gain-sayer, that questioneth their state and condition, We are in the Immutable Life and Power.
[Page 40] Finally, The knowledge of Unchanableness only consisting in the Eternal Power, cuts off the strength of all Insults of Reproach (by the seed of enmity) cast upon the Truth, and the Redeemed People that do abide walking in it, because one or two, or a few have turned (from it) like the Dog to the vomit, and the washed Swine again to the wallowing in the mire; which cannot stand upon the Immutable Power or Principle of Holiness; because, if all Souls should turn from it, as it is a manifest Light in every Conscience, yet the Light and Truth changeth not, but is still the same in it self, in Nature, Power, Vertue and Glory, (which no man can justly deny) though vailed, clouded, and in greater measure hid from the mutable Soul that is turned from it; Nor can Reproach or Infamy justly stand upon them that abide in the Unity with the Immutable Glory; because by the Power thereof they are preserved out of evil walking before all men innocently, not giving any occasion but of good reports, to fill the mouths of all men: Therefore, if any man should reproach me and my Brethren, whilst we continue and persevere in the Life of Restoration, united to the Unchangeable Holiness, because others, one or two, or a few, are gone out into the Defilement and Curse; this sheweth, that he which so reproacheth us, stands disunited unto, and adulterated from the Life of his Creator, (who is the Power of Equity) and entred into the power of the blackness of Iniquity; giving false weight and false measure in the Ballance and Bushel of Enmity, which is the Cursed State; Because his Creator cannot do the like in the Ballance of his Sanctuary, but is righteous to every mans cause. So then the Reproacher (by his own unrighteous reproach) writes the mark of Guilt in his own Forehead, and draws the sentence of Righteous Judgement upon his own head, as a rebellious son of Enmity, and Despiser of the life of Integrity. And thus the Eternal Sun of the Soul, Power, Wisdom, Holiness, and King of Glory (in Himself, and in all his Redeemed People) stands magnified, honoured glorified, praised, and renowned eternally, Amen.
THE END.
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