" And he contends that, in truth, he and his fellows are
"those men that do advance God, Christ, Scriptures, and Ordinances in
the spirituality of them."
In the opening chapter of the book itself, Winstanley, with more than
his usual directness, plunges into the heart of his subject in the
following suggestive words:
"I have said that whosoever worships God by hearsay, as others tell
him, and knows not what God is from light within himself; or that
thinks God is in the heavens above the skies, and so prays to that
God which he imagines to be there and everywhere, but from any
testimony within, he knows not how nor where: this man worships his
own imagination, which is the Devil. But he who is a true
worshipper must know who God is and how He is to be worshipped,
from the Power of Light shining within him, if ever he have true
peace."
"Hence," he continues, "a report is raised, and is frequent in the
mouth of the teachers, that I deny God. Therefore, first, I shall
give account of what I see and know Him to be; and let the
understanding in heart judge me."
Winstanley then endeavours to formulate his theistic views and beliefs
in a series of questions and answers, from which we feel compelled to
quote the following:
"_Q._ What is God?
"_A._ I answer, He is the incomprehensible Spirit Reason;[63:1]
who as He willed the Creation should flow out of Him, so He
governs the whole Creation in righteousness, peace, and moderation.
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