The prophecy of the spirit of love set forth by H.N. and by him perused anew and more distinctly declared ; translated out of Base-Almain into English.

CHAP. XX.

1. The Author hath kept back nothing, that is necessary to Salvation. 5. And therefore eleareth himself of the Mans destruction. 8. Yet if any do know any better thing, he desi∣reth that they will shew it out of love, as he hath done. 10. A Councel to all lovers of the truth, how to behave themselves. 19. Shewing them what God requireth. 26. He willeth, that men desire not to have all at once. 30. Many ignorant beginnings, have brought men into divers misunder∣standings: especially, into security. 39. From which he exhorteth to return with a new courage, unto the seruice of the love. 43. Of divers that are diversly disposed to errour. Some to rest upon themselves, some upon their Liberty, some regard neither sin nor Grace, some straiten themselves to get the promises: and afterward grow inselent upon their own worthines. 57. Whereof he willeth to beware.

BEhold ye beloved, according to all that in my labour I have been able to do, howsoever the same be plain, and not to be compared to the stile of the subtile and

flowred eloquence) I cannot tell that I have (according to the sight which isa 1.1 re∣vealed unto me, out of Gods grace) kept back any thing from the man, that serveth, or is needful for him to know either to his Salvation, or else for a warning unto him, of the present destruction, and of that that is to come.

2. Have regard to the time, and respect an unpartial heart in the Righteousnesb 1.2 Be established in the love, and be still mindful of the same.

3. I have shewed my service out of the inclination of love: howbeit, I have writ∣ten against none in particular, but before all understandings indifferently: I have weigh∣ed the equity,c 1.3 in the ballance, measured the Righteousnes with the Square and Line, and described the Righteousnes in Letters, according to the life, the inward life out of God, [to wit, his good nature] I have ex∣pressed, and the outward righteousnes of man, have I not left out. To the intent, that it might all go rightly forward in the true Beeing, and that no man might be bewitch∣ed, or bound with any opinion or bewitch∣ing of spirit; but that every one might ac∣cording to the truth, and in the love stand free in God.

4. Lo, Godd 1.4 is my witnes, and Heaven and Earth also; that in all my writing, I have neither sought nor desired any other thing, but the salvation of men in the love. The Lord of his mercy vouchsafe us to find grace in his sight,e 1.5 & lead us in his wayes, for to clense our hearts byf 1.6 his righteous spirit and by faith, to the end, we may know him in the truth, and be defended from all the errors and abominations of the wicked world.

5. Behold and awake,g 1.7 in the spirit of your minds lay hold of understanding: look to your selves,h 1.8 and let not the errors of this world delight you. I cleare my self this day before you all, and before all those that willingly desire or be minded to error, or to the wicked world, that my Councel and will is not so.

6. If any man therefore take pleasure, or be addicted to the world or to her vanity and abominations: and do desire to fix his heart thereon. The same erreth through the pleasing of his own mind. But as for me, I cleare my self of his destruction.

7. For lo, I have out of the inclination of love, called and bidden you all out of the abominable World, unto conversion

to God, and unto Repentance, and unto Amendment, and have herein warned you all sufficiently: I have distingtly shewed you (as much as I might do and saw neces∣sary) both deathi 1.9 and life, destruction and preservation: I have witnessed and pointed forth the God of life, which hath made Heaven and Earth, his Statutesk 1.10 and Ordi∣nances which stand fast for ever, (wherein all the upright Fathers have lived, and which all Gods Prophets have born witnes of) I have also distinctly marked out. Therefore shall no man (that heareth or readeth our writings, be able tol 1.11 excuse himself, as though that we have hidden the Councel or Will of God from him in any thing.

8. Nevertheles, if there be any greater God, then the God of Israel, which hath made Heaven and Earth: If there be now any better Law or Ordination, then his Law:m 1.12 Or better Statutes and Ordinances, then Gods Statutes and Ordinances, according to his Ordination: If there be any per∣fecter life then then 1.13 love, as is witnessed by his Christ: (for through the very same waso 1.14 the life aforetimes published, which is e∣verlasting: and on that same, or to that same everlasting life, is even our service and poin∣ting also.)

Or if thre be any thing in any body, or if any man hath any better thing, that excel∣leth the everlasting life and the Love, which we bear witnes unto, let him manifest the same unto us, or let it out of Love be known unto us, to the unity of heart in the Love, even as we to the self same unity, do witnesse, manifest and publish, the everlast∣ing life, and his righteousnesse of the Love and of the upright being.

9. Or if any man perswade himself, that he knoweth some better thing, which point∣eth nearer or clearer to the Almighty, than the holy Spirit of the Love and of th ever∣lasting Truth doth testifie and point unto us, (by which Testimonies, hep 1.15 bringeth, and leadeth us into all Truth:) Let the same man make himself apparent unto us under the obedience of the Love, with an unpar∣tiall mind; and not withhold from us the most best, for to serve in the unity of heart in the Love, as is said, in upright godlinesse, the living God onely; For even thus stand∣eth our whole heart affected.

10. Hereunto be ye now all armed and well disposed, O ye lovers of the Truth. Be∣ware that ye sleep not,q 1.16 seeing it is now a time to Watch; but awake in the Spi∣rit: and abide in any wise in the Hope,

untill ye see the light to the life your salva∣tion.

11. Make not hardly any light account of it: cast it not with the unregarding ones, in the wind; but have respect alwaies un∣to the good, and this service of the Love shewed on you; which is in Letters descri∣bed and ministred unto you, to a godly life, stretching to the Love, turn not aside from you; but taker 1.17 the same to heart: and grow therein, to an upright being of the Love. And so then shew your unpartiall service towards one another, according to the upright nature and being of the Love; For the Love to the unity of the brother∣ly nature requireth such things, to the in∣tent that the everlasting true God, might in such uprights 1.18 righteousnes and holines as pleaseth him, and in the establishment of his promises onely be observed; and the earth likewiset 1.19 with righteousnesse, faith∣fulnesse and Truth, be inhabited. Towards this let us go forward, in a meek spirit.

If ye hear any thing that soundeth unto you strange orv 1.20 absurd in your eares, yet be not bitterly minded: but follow after long suffering, and blaspheme nothing.

13. Let every one which is not to be spoken to, or to be councelled, runne to an

end, with his understanding; and grow ye up in stilnes, and singlenes of heart,x 1.21 pray∣ing God for Wisdom, and for an upright sight in the Truth; But tie not your hearts unto any thing, save onely, to the good life of the Truth;y 1.22 For that shall make you free.

14 Above all things ye belovedz 1.23 fol∣low still after the Love, For there neither is, nor shall be, any thing that may excell her.a 1.24 The Love is the cheefest good, the Truth a light to the life, and the Righte∣ousnes our joy. Hereunto let our hearts be affected: for herein standeth the praise of the Lord.

15. Thus let us forsake all bewitching of the Spirit: and depart from the evill, and increase or grow up in the good: And that all in stillnes, and in the hidden wisdom of God. For the time peradventure will yet a little while remain troublous, to speak free∣ly before all people, of the Truth and god∣lines; For at this time, she isb 1.25 yet with the World much too base, but love and e∣steem ye her so much the more: and gather ye her to your selves, for a treasure in your hearts.

16. All what the wicked world loveth, all the enormities and abominations, that

the Ministers of the wicked world, do ga∣ther in their hearts, and all the envy, con∣tentiousnes, & strife of the obstinate Teach∣ers against us, and our most holiest service of the Love, cast and hurle them all out of your hearts, and inwardly have nothing to do with them; For their inwardnes is full of vanity, falshood and malieiousnes, and their joy is onely in their foolish know∣ledge, and in the earthly and transitory things.

17. But let your hearts be full of the life and being of the true God-head, and your joy onely in his righteousnes, that therein ye may live, in the Spirit, and according to the Truth.

18. Let it be a pleasure unto you that God becommeth Lord and King over all. Have a desirous heart to the good, to the same reach alsoc 1.26 one another the hand, & retaine no offence of mis-doing one towards ano∣ther; but exhort to amendment,d 1.27 and for∣give in the Love, that so we may grow up with each other, in one band of Love unto the godlines, as a reconciled ore 1.28 acceptable people of the Lord, through Iesus Christ, such as have found grace, and mercy at the hands of God the father, for to inhe••i•• his promises, & to serve him with pure hearts in all love.

19. Behold, to be comprehended herein, is the life which is everlasting: and to reach one another the hand to the same godlines, & to exort to amendment of life, and to re∣taine no man his sins, is thef 1.29 Mercy which God requireth of us, and not Sacrifices.

20. He requireth Righteousnes, and nates the ungodly being; He sheweth his long∣suffering towards them of good will,g 1.30 and beareth their infirmity or weaknes, as one that would not have any man to perish or to turn back.

21. For a willing heart, is a delight unto him: and a broken or troubled Spirit,h 1.31 for his sins cause will he not despise.

22. A good confidence towards his grace of a converting sinner, is a joy unto him:i 1.32 and it causeth also a joy in the hea∣venly Being.

23. Thereforek 1.33 let no man be dismayed, nor faint-hearted: but let every one from the heart, upon hope in the Beleef; apply himselfe to the good: andl 1.34 possesse his soule with patience, unto the godly pro∣mises.

24. Let no man take any yoak upon him, out of his own choice, least by some means of his unablenes, he fall into a loathing to∣wards the good, but grow up by little and

little, and profit ye still from time to time.

25. Keep alwaies what ye have: go notm 1.35 back in any case, that you loose not the Crown of Salvation. Go still forward in∣creasing in the good, and in the knowledge of the holy understanding:n 1.36 and so passe on towards the perfection.

26. Neverthelesse, desire not to have e∣very thing at once; but grow up in the good, from theo 1.37 beginning of the Christi∣an life (That is, from the repentance for sin,p 1.38 to go on in amendment of life, and to a∣bide stedfast therein, even to theq 1.39 end) un∣till the true life of perfection: That is,r 1.40 un∣till the old age of the Man Christ. The which is inwardly to obtaine the Love es∣sentially.

27. And that is the perfection of our godlines, wherein we are to grow up, from the begining of our turning to God, and to the entrance of the first School-rule of the Christian Doctrine of the gracious Word, and his Service of Love; untill we be esta∣blished in God and his true Love, according to the Promises.

28. If therefore any man love the good, and his soul desire to inherit the same, let him go thereunto with an humble heart: and follow after it out of undetstanding,

that ignorance grieve not his soule.

29. For there have been many in times past, that would by force, have all the righ∣teousnes all at once, and would feine, accor∣ding to their fancy, consume and destroy the sin altogether by heaps; but they have fal∣len into greater and grievouser sins.

30. But in asmuch now as many begin∣nings, are with lack of understanding taken in hand; therefore divers men, are become vnlustfull to thes 1.41 Righteousnes, and have turned themselves back again: and do cleave to the world, and to her misunderstanding, more than ever they did before.

31. Divers others perceive no difference between the illuminated and vnilluminated Men; and so whiles they are not yet illumi∣nated themselves, they give regard both to their own Imagination of the Knowledge, & also to the Precepts of unilluminated men because they trust upon such things: & sup∣pose, that in such sort all is well with them.

32. They discerne not also the life from the death in their inwardnes, nor yet the hearingt 1.42 of Councel & Doctrine, whereby to draw near to the living Commandement of God, and to live therein.

33. Many others holdv 1.43 at a stay, and have no righteousnes: neither do they aske,

hunger, nor thirst after it: and do neither go backwards nor forwards, which is indeed a great shame.

34. It were better for one, to suffer now and then some Inconvenience for lack of ex∣perience t so that he abide in the Hope; than to hold himself still, or idle to the righteousnes before he be come to the sal∣vation.

35. For albeit one do sometimes by stumbling and falling, suffer some incon∣venience, yet he riseth again for all that, & bewaileth his Ignorance: and so then he taketh a new courage again, with a more circumspect understanding in the Spirit,x 1.44 against the craftines of the sin; and thereby profiteth and increaseth in the righteous∣nesse.

36. Now when a man perceiveth, or is aware of the gaine, to wit, that he increas∣eth in the good; then is he of good cheere, and much stronger in the beleef, and firmer in the hope. Thus, in processe of time, he groweth up in the Spirit of the good life, untill he come to the perfection: that is to the Love.

37. Wherefore the losse teacheth Pru∣dence and Wit, for to attend unto the word with understanding; but the gaine bringeth

weetnes, it maketh firme, in the hope, and begetteth a gladnes in our hearts. When as, to abide in undesire to the righteousnesse, and to bey 1.45 neither hot nor cold, but luke∣warme, is by all meanes to be utterly dis∣commended.

38. I esteem in this behalf, much better of that man,z 1.46 who like the lost Sonne, hath spent and consumed all his Treasure and Riches, and out of great poverty turneth him again, and seeketh at his Fathers hands the roome of a servant (out of which hum∣bling a man commeth again to his riches: and through such losse getteth understand∣ing, how to govern to a multiplying the riches of God) then of such a lazy, sloth∣full, and ane loitering man, as for fear of lossea 1.47 burieth his Talent: and will neither make gaine nor losse therewith.

39. Hereof beware ye dearly beloved, that ye bury not that little which you have received of God, nor yet with-hold or with∣draw your selves for any manner of cause, from this our undeceivable and most holiest service of the Love.

40. For though that many people, have partly through the sundry partiall instiga∣tions of men, (risen up before our said ser∣vice) been intangled, and darkned in that

understanding; and that therefore they could not rightly know the truth in her de∣gree; but did oftentimes stumble, fall, and and suffer harme; yet, all ye that love the Truth with us, and have likewise fallen in the same, learne Prudence now thereby: and turn againb 1.48 into the way of righteous∣ness. Refresh your selves in the beleef with a new cheere; and so through the service of the holy Word, be ye renewed in your vnderstanding under the obedience of the Love.

41. Under the same service give eare to the Elders of the holy understanding,c 1.49 and follow not the Will or Councell of your own mind; butd 1.50 with the Elders, under the service of the Love, follow the minde ande 1.51 Councell of the Wisdom, and alwaies keep your selves with the Elders in the fa∣mily of Love,f 1.52 to the concord, and to the multiplying in the good, and of the peacea∣ble Kingdom in all Love.

42. Become not wavering in any wise; But in case ye stumble, or fall, yet rise again; and think, that it is sometimes better, that a child do in his good willingnes commit an error, or that a thing be done of him yet unperfectly, than that he should remaine brutish or untaught. Be not afraid,g 1.53 like

the unfaithfull Servant, that buried his Masters Talent: which was not very well taken at his hands.

43. Men may finde divers that will take very great heed to themselves, least they should be deceived or beguiled, and so will stay onely upon themselves; But because they so staying upon themselves, give no heed to the grace under the obedience of the Love, therefore remain they such as they are: and come not at any time to the light of life or day of Love: but abide still in the Captivity of the blindnesse, because they know not her blindnesse, or bands of her darknesses, wherewith they are bound.

44. Some others will in their unregene∣rate estate and deprivation, account them∣selves free, and will not be subject unto a∣ny thing, neither to the Scripture, nor to any Teaching, nor yet to the Service of Love; and therefore in that sort do ne∣ver come to theh 1.54 Freedom of the children of God.

45. For in asmuch as they have not per∣ceived, nor observed in the sight of their understanding, the bondage ofi 1.55 sin, nor her dominion; thereforr remain they unprov∣ed and unexperienced: neither do they sigh nork 1.56 complaine for the yoak of sin, which

hath taken them Captive; and do know no∣thing at all, either of the Bondage, or of the Freedom, nor yet that they are so utterly deprived, or estranged from God and his Christ as they are.

46. Now men may also finde divers, that are altogether light-hearted, and clearly∣minded: and so, in the range of their mis∣understanding, have taken unto them,l 1.57 a false light or conceited knowledge. These according to their naturall understanding, are well at quiet: their hearts are not once grieved for their mis-doings any more. They have also no regard, either of sin, or of Grace: they fear no Condemnation, nor hope for Salvation, or for any Redemp∣tion.

47. When it goeth well with them but in their creature, and in their Occupation or Trade, then are they content, and say, God be praised, we are in very goodcase: we are rid of all intanglement of heart: we now get our living godly and credibly, and toyle not our selves with any thing.

48. But alas, howsoever the godly nature, or the Image of Godm 1.58 be troden down in them, and constrained dayly to suffer the death of the Crosse for their sins, that passe they not once for.

49. Because they will not suffer with the godly nature,n 1.59 or Christ, against the sinne, they desire even nothing else, but accord∣ing to theo 1.60 flesh to sit still in ease, and look what in this behalfe crosseth them, that reckon they to be utterly evill and unright: and and so wax wanton, or lustfull in the flesh, and licencious, or light-minded in their Spirit, following stillp 1.61 that which liketh them, after the property of ignorant fooles: and despise the godly Councell of the Elders; as also the wisdom, and unity under the obedience of the Love.

50. These are surely in very bad case, al∣though they think not so; Forq 1.62 they have no consideration on the work of the Lord, nor on the work of the Devill; nor any re∣gard unto that that shall perish, nor desire to that which shall continue; This verily is a lamentable misery, the Lord keep us from such a Plague.

51. Again, some may be found which do endure much straightnes in dying from sin, for to receive the Promises which are made thereunto, according to the Scriptures; and that they might so become honourable Saints, and be also respected therefore. Yea they regard no affliction, so as they may re∣ceive or get that; and thus they fall into a

choosing, applying to themselves the ho∣nour of the Promises.

52. And therefore, when according to their desire, they have gotten all that ho∣nour, then perswade they themselves, yea, it is already certaine, that they have greatly merited, because they have suffered so much, strived and vanquished so valiantly, and have so much knowledge, & do assume unto them, that they are then holy; and that God on the other side is indebted un∣to them, of all the Promises, and of the Blessing mentioned in the Scripture, being well assured hereof, that it doth of right and equity appertaine unto them.

53, Now because they have chosen to them∣selves such an opinion, they suppose that the Scripture witnesseth of them, as the people of God, and that likewise in regard of their holiness, the honour of Gods Promises belongeth unto them. They hold also so greatly of themselves, that they know themselves to be worthy of all the high stile of the holy Titles that men do give them: also all the services that men shew unto them, they boldly arrogate unto themselves and a great deale more.

54. For in their own eyes, they are the most understandingest, and the most best or

holiest: yea, they are so exceeding proud upon their own knowledge and righteous∣nesse, as if there were no God any where else, save onely with them, according to the knowledge of their cogitations; and as though that the true God, had utterly ex∣cluded all others his creatures.

55. Oh! What an abominable thing is it to assume and feine to ones self such a spiri∣tuall conceit? For thereout is able to spring great abomination and wickednesse, such as is much worse then any fact of open sinners.

56. For there is no greater sin, then a spititual pride;r 1.63 in which, the man ascribeth holynesse to himself by his works, and ex∣alteth himself therewith;s 1.64 which last error is much worse than the first.

57. O ye dearly beloved, beware of such a nature of bold arrogancy, that you be∣come not back-sliders thereby, from the sin∣gle humility and meeknes of the upright being of Jesus Christ; and that you fall not into the abominations and dreadful punish∣ments of ungodly Men.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Rom. 16 Eph. 3. Col. 1. 2 Tim. 1.
• b 1.2

  Eph. 3.
• c 1.3

  Esa. 28 Eccli. 21.
• d 1.4

  Deut. 30. Act. 20.
• e 1.5

  Psal. 86
• f 1.6

  Psal. 51. Act. 15.
• g 1.7

  Eph. 5.
• h 1.8

  1 Joh. 2.
• i 1.9

  Deut. 11 Jer. 21. Eccl. 15.
• k 1.10

  Deut. 4
• l 1.11

  John 15
• m 1.12

  Deut. 4
• n 1.13

  1 Cor. 13 Col. 3. 1 John 4.
• o 1.14

  John 1.
• p 1.15

  Ioh. 14.
• q 1.16

  Rom. 13. Eph. 5.
• r 1.17

  Deut. 6. Prov. 4.
• s 1.18

  Eph. 4.
• t 1.19

  Esa. 60.61. 2 Pet. 3.
• v 1.20

  Hos. 8.
• x 1.21

  Sap. 9. Jam. 1.
• y 1.22

  Ioh. 8.
• z 1.23

  1 Cor. 14. Col. 3.
• a 1.24

  Deut. 6. Mat. 22 1 Cor. 13 1 Tim. 1
• b 1.25

  Esa. 59. 3 Esd. 14.
• c 1.26

  Eph. 4.
• d 1.27

  Eccle. 28. Mat. 6. Col. 3.
• e 1.28

  Tit. 2.
• f 1.29

  Hos. 6. Matt. 9.
• g 1.30

  Esa. 53. Heb. 2.
• h 1.31

  Psal. 51.
• i 1.32

  Luk. 15.
• k 1.33

  Deut. 20. Esa. 55.
• l 1.34

  Luk. 21.
• m 1.35

  Apo. 2.
• n 1.36

  Heb. 6.
• o 1.37

  Heb. 5.
• p 1.38

  Matt. 3.
• q 1.39

  Matt. 24.
• r 1.40

  Eph. 4.
• s 1.41

  Matt. 24.
• t 1.42

  Pro. 4.
• v 1.43

  Apo. 3.
• x 1.44

  Eph. 6.
• y 1.45

  Apo. 3.
• z 1.46

  Lu. 15.
• a 1.47

  Matt. 25. Luk. 19.
• b 1.48

  Esa. 55 Jer. 3. Ezek. 18.
• c 1.49

  Deut. 11.
• d 1.50

  Eccl. 6.
• e 1.51

  Pro. 1. Eccl. 16.
• f 1.52

  1 Thes. 5. Heb. 13.
• g 1.53

  Matt. 25. Luk. 19.
• h 1.54

  Ioh. 8. Rom. 6.
• i 1.55

  Ioh. 8. Rom. 6. 2 Pet. 2.
• k 1.56

  Jer. 8.
• l 1.57

  Esa. 59.
• m 1.58

  Heb. 6.
• n 1.59

  1 Pet. 4.
• o 1.60

  Phil. 3.
• p 1.61

  Sap. 2. Rom. 1. Eph. 4.
• q 1.62

  Esa. 5.
• r 1.63

  Act. 12.
• s 1.64

  Mat. 12 Luk. 11.