communion with that spirit, then they have peace, and not till
then."

In the first chapter Winstanley emphasises the essential difference
between the teachings of men and the teachings of God in the following
words:

"The teachings of men and the teachings of God are much different.
The former being but the light of the moon, which shines not of
itself, but by the means and through the help of the sun. The
latter is the light of the sun, which gives light to all, not by
means and helps from others, but immediately from himself.

"Men's teachings are twofold. First, when men speak to others what
they have heard or read of the Scriptures, or books of other men's
writings, and have seen nothing from God Himself.... Secondly,
others speak from their own experience, of what they have heard and
seen from God, and of what great things God hath done for their
souls.... It is very possible that a man may attain to a literal
knowledge of the Scriptures, of the Prophets and Apostles, and may
speak largely of the history thereof, and yet both they that speak
and they that hear may be not only unacquainted with, but enemies
to that Spirit of truth by which the Prophets and Apostles
writ.[58:1] "For it is not the Apostles' writings, but the spirit
that dwelt in them, that did inspire their hearts, which gives life
and peace to all."

In the second chapter Winstanley consoles those whom he is specially
addressing by expressing his conviction that though their enemies may
think to kill all the Saints, and though God may suffer them to kill