The Wars of David and the Peaceable Reign of Solomon

The Introduction. I HAVE given some Account in this Tract of the Jeopardy, that my outward and natural Life did appear to be in, which after the manner of Hezekiah has received a Reprieve as from the Sentence of Death: which I judged expedient to give some Account of , not only for my own particular Memorial, but for the Information and Benefit of others, that may be brought into a like condition, as to their Elementary Part. Wherein I have had the experience, that where God has any further use and service for the Organical Man to do or perform; his Power is at Hand, to strengthen and renew those weak and feeble Stakes of the Mortal Life, according to the purpose of his own Will; as knowing further what was to be brought forth, by so weak and inconsiderable an Instrument, to be imploy’d herein, as a Trumpet to Sound the Alarm for the Holy Warriours, to be gathered together from all Parts, and out of all Nations and Tribes, where-ever they lie scatter’d and hidden. For as it is a Spiritual War, so none but those that are Lovers and Waiters, and Zealous for the Appearance and Coming of the Lord’s Kingdom, can be engag’d in it; here will be no requiring of the Persons outwardly to appear, but to meet together in one Spirit, holding in their Hands the Bow of Faith, and from the Centre of the Heart, sending forth Fervent and All-powerful Prayers, that may prevail to overcome that great usurper and monopolizer, that has hitherto ingrossed what of right belongs to the LAMB and his Adherents. But now there is a Heavenly Call and Summons, in such an extraordinary Day and Time, as now approaching is, for these Valiant and worthy Batteliers to appear, each one in their own Precinct and Station; for they must well know that the Kingdom must be taken, all by Spiritual Force, from out of the Hands of the King and Prince of this World. So go on ye high Spirited Souls, nothing fearing nor fainting, because you have the great commanding Champion, that will be your General and Leader; till the Mighty Towers shall be subdued under you. For know there is now moving and stirring up the Spirit of DAVID; that will not fear to meet the Great Goliath, that has put on the Armour of daring Defiance, and disdaining the Spirit of Faith, because there is nothing of a visible Strength that does appear: but out of the unseen Bag will fly that Sling-stone of Power, that shall cause this great Champion to reel and fall. This is the only way to gain the Kingdom as David did, through true and undaunted Valiantness, as a Precedent to encourage such as shall be moved hereunto in this present Age; which is not to cease nor stop till it has made way for the great Solomon’s Reign, which may renew again in greater Splendour and Glory, in more abundant Peace and Plenty; when the Eternal Virgin shall open her Bank and Store to give Rewards first to these Holy Warriours. For this nothing more is required, but to wait and watch at her several Gates, till the Key of David shall given be to the Patient holders out, that will not think much or grudge, though there may be at present some delay; in the which proving Time many will be in hazard to fall away. But a thousand Degrees of Blessing will surely come upon those who have received the Mark of the true Philadelphian Fold; that in Love’s Golden Chain inviolably united are, together to abide and bear up, until the Hour of Temptation be overpast: that so they may enter into the Possession of Love’s Reign, which will first open and begin from the first gathering, which may be so small as to appear contemptible. But know it will be as that Stone cut out of the Mountain without Hands, that shall make all other Mountains to melt and bow before it, and worship at the Feet of him, who is the Great Shepherd of this little Flock: whose Pleasure it will be to make them joint Heirs, to possess with him the same Kingdom and Glory, which the Father hath given to him. Some Special Observations and Openings, in Reference to the Distempers I past through in the Elementary Body, from the Tenth of October, 1699