Epistle 52

All Friends in Westmoreland, Lancashire, Cumberland, Northumberland, Bishoprick, and about Newcastle, whose minds are turned to the light, meet together, and wait upon the Lord, and keep your several meetings in the light of Christ; that all your hearts may be joined together [Col 2:2], and ye all kept in unity up to God, the Father of lights [James 1:17]. The Lord God Almighty keep you and preserve you, that ye may all see the blessings of God; for the blessings of the Lord are among you. And that ye all with the light may know your minds kept up to God, to receive the wisdom of God, by which all things were made [Wis 7:22]; that with it ye may come to order the creatures [Wis 8:1], and in the wisdom of God ye may be preserved to walk wisely. And that no deceit nor slothful spirits be amongst you, nor hangers-on, getting the form, &c. who speak what they are not; all such I do deny, and with the light all such are to be condemned. Such cumber the ground [Luke 13:7], and stain the earth, that it cannot enjoy her sabbaths [Lev 26:34], nor yield her increase [Lev 26:4-6]. They that are so, and act contrary to the light, are by it to be condemned, and with it I do them deny, which light is one in all your consciences; that with the light your minds may be kept up to God, and all that which is contrary <68> may be condemned to the fire, which is for the fire. And I warn you all, in the presence of the living God, to take heed to the measure of the grace of God [Eph 4:7]; that with it your minds may be kept up to God, and that ye may all come to profit in the spirit. And from you all God doth look for the fruits of that spirit [Gal 5:22], of which a manifestation is given you to profit withal [1 Cor 12:7]. And to you this is the word of the Lord.

O friends! mind the seed of God, and the life of Christ. And take heed of being hurried with many thoughts, but live in that which goes over them all, that in it ye may reign, and live in the seed of God.

G. F.