outward relation but she was incouraged by an Angel who told her that that holy thing in her was of the holy Ghost and also Joseph was incouraged by the Lord in a dream concerning his virgin that was with child by the holy Ghost and the child was born in Bethlehem a City of Judea and his name was called Jesus according to the direction of the Angel unto Joseph and the Virgin and Immanuel that is to say a Saviour of the people from their sins and God with us and this was according to the prophesie of the Prophet Isay who said therefore the Lord shall give you a sign behold a Virgin shall conceive bear a Son and shall call his name Immanuel Isa 7 14. And the Prophet Micah prophesied saying but thou Bethlehem Ephratah though thou be little among the thousands of Juda yet out of thee shall come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel whose going forth have been from of old from everlasting Mica 5.2 and that there was such a child born in Bethlehem as declared we have the evidences of several true witnesses Mat 1.18 and Chap. 2.5 6. Luke 1 27. to the 35. ver Now by the Law of Moses at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word is to be established And we have the Testimonies of many witnesses touching this same Jesus whose out-goings have been of old for this was the word which was made flesh and which grew in the spirit and power of his heavenly Father though he took part of flesh and blood and according to the flesh he was the seed of Abraham and David as the Scriptures do testifie this I speak to them that are without for we are satisfied by the spirit of truth touching this man 2. Touching the life of Jesus In him was life and the life was the light of men who walked in innocency and blamlesness and was without fault before his heavenly Father from the womb and he was tempted of the Devil yet he entred not into temptation but was kept clear and innocent for God gave his Angels charge over him as the Scripture declares Psa 91.11 and to this we have several testimonies as in the book of Mathew the 4. chap. and of Mark the first cha and of Luke the 4. cha And several others did bear witnesse of his innocency and humility and he having come of a woman made under the Law he was circumcised at 8. daies old according to the law And when the daies of his mothers purification were accomplished he was presented unto the Lord and a paire of turtle Doves and two young pigions was then offered as a Sacrifice unto the Lord according to the comand Gen. 17.12 Exod. 13.2 Numb 18.16 Levit. 12.2.6 and Luke 2.21 22 23. Moreover this Jesus was baptized in the river of Jordan by one Iohn Baptist who was a prophet And so he came to fulfill the righteousnesse passing through the shadowes Mat. 3.13 Mark 1.9 Luke 3.21 Also this Jesus found buyers and sellers in the Temple which God commanded under the first covenant who bought and sold in the Temple and Jesus reproved them and drove them out and the sheep and the Oxen which they had there and poured out the changers money and overthrew the tables and said unto them that sold doves Take these thing hence make not my house an house of merchandize Iohn 2.15 And he said unto them it is written my house shall be called the house of prayer but ye have made it a Den of theeves Isa 56.7 Jer. 7.11 Mat. 21.12 Mark 11.17 Luke 19.46 These things were thus confirmed at the mouth of several witnesses and thus Christ did reprove many who professed the law and outward Ordinances for prophaning the holy things and thus he set the figures or shadowes in their order and place according to the Law and passed thus under the shadowes which were but in force until he suffered and nayled them to the crosse so fulfilled the law righteousnesse in many things before he was glorified that others might come out of the shadowes into his glory and righteousnesse and have the righteousnesse of the law fulfilled in them yet he that hath defiled their bodies which are the temples of the holy Ghost or house of God may be driven forth and destroyed and the house of God may be made pure and clean for holinesse becomes his house for ever Thirdly touching Christs Ministry ANd at the was Law given by Moses so grace and truth came by Jesus Christ whom Moses prophesied of Iohn 1.17 Acts 3.22 and chap. 7.37 Deut. 18.15 and upon this Christ did rest the spirit of grace and of wisdome and might and the fear of the Lord as was foretold of him for he was full of grace and truth Isa 11.2 Iohn 1.14 And from this Jesus did proceed the words of grace and wisdome who often preached the truth in his everlasting Fathers name in so much that many people were astonished and thousands convinced and many converted with the truth of his doctrine and he disputed with the Doctors or learned men in the Temple at Jerusalem when he was but about twelve years old Luke 2.46 and chap. 4.22 32. Also he often with his wisdome and power stopped the mouthes of gainsayers and put the Jews Priests Pharisees and learned men to silence when they sought to intrap him in his words to get accusations against him so they could not justly accuse him thus he dealt prudently as was prophesied of him Isa 52.13 Mat. 19.3 to the 10. ver and chap 21.23 to the 27. ver Mar. 11.27 Luke 20.1 Mat. 22 46. Moreover he spoke many parables and uttered things that had been kept secret from the foundation of the world Psa 78.2 Mat. 13.35 Fourthly Touching the workes of Christ HE opened the blind eyes he caused the Lame to walk he cleansed the Leapers caused the deaf to hear and raised the dead and cast out Devils and unclean spirits and cured many that were infected with grievous maladies and sicknesses and restored them into perfect health and strength and so he wrought such wonders in Israel and shewed such miracles that his fame went forth throughout all the countries he having done such works as none before him ever did In so much that many believed on him that were heathens and many of the Rulers in Israel and the poor received the Gospel yet for all these his mighty works which was more then was done in the time of the Prophets Ellezeus when there was none cleansed from their lâ—â—â—osie but Naaman the Syrian 2 Ki. 5.14 There wâ—â—e many of the Pharisees chief Priests Rulers which did not believe in Christ but were filled with wrath against him and sought to bring him within the compasse of their Law that they might take away his life though by his wisdome and power he often overcame them and stopped their mouthes and his power and truth spread dayly and overcame the
to keep it in remember Judas his end how he hanged himself how he thus fell into disparation and remember that the Angel of the Lord smote them that watched to keep Jesus in the grave or tomb that these watchmen were made to shake for fear and became as dead men and these watchmen who thus watch against the light of Christ which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world the Lord God will smite them that they will be made to shake and quake for all their filthy crimes one day though now they despise Quaking and despises him that God regardeth who trembleth at his word And remember that Christ he called them graves that appeared not and painted Sepulchres who had gotten the true Prophets words but were out of the Prophets life in the pride and hypocrifie and may we not call these teachers graves now who profefesse the Scriptures to be their rule but are in the pride coverousness and hypocrisie And let people that follow them and seek for help among them note that they are but seeking the living among the dead and are but seeking life among the graves and whited Sepulchres who have gotten the words of the Scripture but the life lies buryed in them and know that that man that kept among the dead mens tombes or graves was not led by the spirit of truth but was possessed with an unclean spirit and is it not an unclean spirit of error that makes so many people keep among these filthy graves and tombes whose out-side is whited with an empty profeshion but their inside is full of rottennesse and ravening Consider these things vee people and Priests It is written in the book of Iohn that many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples which are not written in this book but these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God that believing ye might have life through his Name Iohn 20.30 31. Also it is written that there are also many other things which Jesus did the which if they should be written every one I suppose that even the world it self could not containe the books that should be written Amen Iohn 21.25 Indeed the whole world lieth in wickednesse and are reproved by the spirit of truth because they believe not in Christ whom the Scripture doth testifie of So that If all things that Christ did and spoke were written the world it self could not contain them for they truly do not contain these things that are already written of Christ for as much as they are ignorant of Christ and his light and many hypocrites had the Prophets words that prophesied of Christ but knew not Christ but persecuted him when he came many there are now who are both ignorant of the power of God and of the Scriptures Neverthelesse the example of Christ is known in his light and by his power which he hath left to be walked after and his steps to be followed who did not sin neither was there guile found in his mouth 1 Pet. 2.21 22. which example comes to be followed and fulfiled in the power of God by such as receive Christ and walk in him who is the wisdome of God and the power of God to him be glory for ever and ever Amen The difference between the first and the second Covenants and between the first and the second Priesthoods plainly described And the end of the things abolished discovered according to the scriptures of truth for their sakes who desire to have the vail taken from off their hearts and to see to the end of the figures and shadowes that were under the first Covenant and Priesthood into the life of the everlasting Priesthood And here they may see who deny Christ come in the flesh and who are strangers to the Covenant of life both among the Jewes and the professors of of the world as followeth c. AS the Law was added because of transgression which all men by nature are guilty of who are aliens and strangers to the righteousnesse of the Law being in the degeneration falen in the first man Adam who is of the earth earthly and no man in that state can fulfill the righteous Law of God nor come into the Bighteousness of the Law without the drawings and assistance of God by his Son Christ who lighteth every man that cometh into the world which light doth answer the Righteous Law of God in every man So Christ Jesus is come to fulfill the Law and he is the end of the Law for Righteousnesse and not that men should say or conceit that they are no more under the law when daâ—ly they do transgress the law but for righteousness is Christ come that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in as many as walk not after the flesh but after the spirit And so none knowes any sure freedome from under the Law but who witness in themselves a sure freedom from under the transgression which the law takes hold of and hath power over the transgressors and many did and may seek to attain unto the righteousnesse of the Law but cannot so long as they believe not in Christ who is come a light into the World that whosoever believeth in him might not perish but have everlasting life and to this righteousnesse of the Law in Christ many have desirâ—d to come but never could so long as they stumbled at Christ the true light and believed not in his Light and in this stâ—te was Israel after the flesh when they had the vail over their hearts and stumbled at the stumbling stone which was Christ so that they câ—uld not see into Christ the everlasting salvation of God and the end of things abolished which none sees while the vail is over their hearts and the shadow or earthly part is standing in them which many shadowes without had a resemblance of and the types and figures without which were in the shadow did signifie a greater thing to come and to be manifest which was Christ the end of the figure Types and shadowes that were upheld in the first Covenant and Priesthood for in him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead the fulnesse of all things And indeed though the Law had a shadow of heavenly things which are known in Christ yet it had not the very image of the heavenly things much lesse could the heavenly things or the fulnesse of Christ be contained or comprehended in the shadowes for they did but shadow or figure forth the life of the heavenly things which are a misterie for ever sealed and hid from that part which is cloudie and elementarie and earthly by which the Types in the first Covenant were upheld But now is the true light manifest and his Righteousness declared that all men through the light may believe and see Christ the everlasting righteousnesse and the salvation of God by whom all the ends of the earth that do look unto God may
be saved and see that salvation and those things which many prophets and wise men have desired to see and have not seen it So blessed is he that beliveth and waiteth in the light of the Lord Jesus which he is enlightned withall which appeares in the inward parts to wit the heart mind conscience and understanding that he may see the vail rent and taken from off his heart and the end of the thing abolished and feel and see the salvation of God and the Son of his righteousnesse revealed and risen in the inward parts by whose power and brightnesse the darkenesse comes to be expelled which hath covered the people the Earth comes to be shaken and removed and the cloudes comes to be scattered so the shadowy part may be taken from off the seed of promise and the seed raised he that feels this fulfilled in himselfe sees the day dawned and the Sun risen and the shadowes fled away and his mind turned out of all the shadowes and earthly things and is a witnesse of a Mediator of a better covenant then that which had the figures and shadows which the Israelites or Jewes transgressed and brake And blessed is he that hath an eare to hear and a heart that understandeth whose eyes are open that he seeth perceiveth and readeth with understanding who hardneth not his heart nor stoppeth his eare nor shutteth his eye against the truth for God is revealing his secrets and bringing forth his hidden Misteries to light for his Angel is come which sheweth unto his children these things which are noted in the Scriptures of truth that they see through the first Covenant which had the changeable Priesthood the changeable ordinances into the everlasting Covenant and unchangeable priesthood which hath the ordinances that are not shadowy but pertaining unto the life of Righteousnesse which is manifest in the upright conversation of the godly 1 Somthing touching the giving forth of the outward Law and the establiing of the first Covenant and of the state of the people at that time AT the giving forth establishing the first Covenant God was in the pillar of a cloud that the Israelites could not see him and in mount Sinai in the thick darkness that none of the Israelites then might come nigh him nor commune with him save Moses who received the Law at the mouth of God and gave it forth to the people but they stood a far off the mountain where the Law was received and they might not touch nor come nigh the mountain for it was set about with bounds and when the Lord descended upon the mountain there was Thundrings and Lightning and the sound of a Trumpet proceeding from the presence of the Lord and the mountain was all on a smoke and the whole mount quaked greatly Exod. 13 21.22 chap. 14.19.20 chap. 19. chap. 20.18 Deut. 4.11 5.24 Exod. 19.28 In the second Covenant the spirit of the Lord God is put into the inward parts of his people who are Israelites according to the spirit and his Law is written in their hearts his holy mountain is raised wherein he is exalted and the vail or covering of darkness is taken from off their hearts as he hath promised that God who is invisible is known and his presence injoyed among his people and by faith they see him who is invisible being brought into the knowledge of his glory and to see it with open face as in a glasse and this knowledge hath God given them by his light which he caused to shine in their hearts before they were brought out of darknesse And we are not come to mount Sinai that might be touched and that burned with fire nor unto blacknesse and darknesse and tempests but unto Mount Sion out of which the Lord hath uttered forth his voice and sounded his trumpet which we have heard and given his Law forth of Sion which we have received and the Lord hath chosen the Tribe of Judah the mount Sion which he loveth out of which the deliverer is come and he that believes in his light and trusteth in him shall be as mount Sion which cannot be removed Isa 54.13 Jer. 31.33 Joel 2.28 John 6.45 Isa 7.14 Isa 25 7. Heb. 11.27 â— Cor. 3.18 and 4.6 Heb. 12.18 22. Joel 2.1 Isai â— 3 Mica 4.2 Psa 78.68 Isa 59.20 Rom. 11.26 2 Of Moses his making intercession for the people when they had transgressed WHen the first Covenant was in force the people often brake it and transgressed the Law which cause the anger of the Lord to be hot against them and then Moses stood in the gap between Gods wrath and them and made intercession for the people to the Lord and then his wrath was sometime appeased and he repented of the evil that was in his heart against them but they often transgressed and made the ordinances and commands of none effect through their Rebellions whereby they caused the anger of the Lord to arise against them Exod. 32.9 10 11 12.13 chap. 33.3 Deut. 9.8 13 Numb 14.13 Psal 106.25 In the second Covenant the seed is revealed in the children of light which is Christ and he is their Intercessor who is a quickening spirit who maketh intercession according to the will of God in them who believe in his light by whom the anger of God is appeased through his righteous judgement which he doth execute upon the oflendets that the transgressors thereby comes to be redeemed from iniquity wch hath caused the wrath of God to arise So that in the righteous seed is God well pleased this Covenant is not according to the covenant of God made with the children of Israel when he led them out of Egypt which they break for in this is the sin taken away and he in whom the Father is well pleased abideth with the Saints for ever but Moses did not alwaies abide with the Israelites Rom 8.26 27. 1 Cor. 15.45 Jo. 3.36 Rom. 1.18 1 Thes 1.10 Jer. 33.8 Mat 17.5 Io. 14 17. 3 Of the outward Circumcision THe first covenant had a command for circumcision to Circumcise the males of every man child at eight daies old which was a token of Gods Covenant to them and every soul that had not the flesh of his fore-skin cut off was to be cut off for that soul was uncircumcised and no uncircumcised person might dwell in Abrahams house nor with the seed that God delivered out of Egypt and that command was in force untill Christ was crucified for he came under it Lev. 12.3 Gen. 17.10 11 12 13 14. cha 12.4 Luke 2.21 Ioh. 7.22 Acts. 7.8 They who are in the second Covenant do witness the circumcision with the spirit in the heart which is made without hands and such are circumcised to the Lord being circumcised with the spirit by the puting off the body of the sins of the flesh which circumcision the outward was a figure of So that is not now circumcision which is of the flesh but
first Priesthood were of and their appointment ANd this we note that in the first Covenant Aaron and his sons who were in the Priests office were of Levi. And there were Priests under the first Covenant made or appointed by the law of a carnal or changeable Commandment without to do their office Exod. 4.14 Num. 18.12 But Christ Jesus sprang up of the tribe of Judah and having finished his testimony through suffering and offered himself freely unto God an offeringwithout blemish for the sins of the people that his life or blood may be made known in them he is become an high Priest over his people by the power of an endless life and not by the law of a carnal Commandment so that such as are made Priests now by the carnal Commandments of men and do uphold or take tythes which was a thing pertaining to the changeable Priesthood of Levi they deny Christ the true Minister of the heavenly Sanctuary and such are not of Christ Heb. 19 14. Rev. 5 5. 16. Of the reading of the Law and of the pulpit of wood IN the time of the first Covenant and the law of Commandments contained in carnal Ordinances the Israelites and Jewes had the law read among them every Sabbath day to put them in mind of it and Ezra the Priest or scribe stood up upon a Pulpit of wood as it is recorded in the English Translation but according to the Hebrew it is a Tower of wood And there he read in the Book of the law in the street that was before the water gate which was in the sight and audience of the people from morning till mid-day and the Priests gave the sence of the law and caused the people to understand the Reading But here is not a telling that a Minister of the Gospel is to stand up in a Pulpit in a Steeple-house and preach half a day from a Text of Scripture as many now do who professe themselves to be Ministers of the Gospel and say they are not under the Law and yet are pleading for pulpits and giving their sences to the Scriptures Nehe. 8 3 4.5 6 7 8 Ezra 3 1 7 6. Deut. 17 19 31 11. And moreover the reading of the Law was continued among the Jewes every Sabbath day in their Synagogues when they were in Rebellion and envy against Christ in the dayes of his flesh nevertheless their reading of the law being before Christ was crucified people were to do these things they commanded according to the law but not after their wicked works for they were enemies to Christ though they had the law and sate in Moses seat Acts 13 27 15 21. Mat. 23 1 2 3. Now in the second Covenant and Priesthood he is not a Jew that 's one outward but he is a Jew that 's one inward whose praise is not of men but of God neither are they all Israel which are of Israel according to the flesh but they are true Israelites who have received the Covenant of God within and his law within who are come to know the Ministration of the spirit which in glory exceedeth the ministration of death written or the law without which was read to the people though in its time it was glorious but the Ministration of the spirit which the true Ministers are Ministers of exceedeth the other in glory And we are not Ministers of the letter but of the spirit and of the New Testament which Christ is the Mediator of that people may come to see and hear the righteous law of God and and his light within them and they may not be forgetfull thereof any more but know Christ the Mediator in whose hand the law is held and by whose power it is executed upon the ground of the offences within and it must come in Judgement upon the head of all them that are wresting the Scriptures and pleading now for their own sences upon the Scriptures and prophesies of the Scriptures who also are pleading for the chiefest places in the Assemblies as the pulpits and high places such did Christ cry often wo against But we have learned the example of Christ Jesus who was meek and lowly in heart and taught meekness and lowliness and he that would be the greatest among his was to be servant to all Therefore away with the Idolatrous high places wherein proud men are exalted And away with their imagined meanings sences and private interpretations which they give to the prophecies of the Scriptures for they came not by mans will neither are they of any private interpretations Rom. 2 28 29. 2 Cor. 3.6 7.8.9.10 11. Gal. 3 19. Mat. 23. Mat. 11 29. 20 27. 2 Pet. 1 21. 17. Of Jewels of silver and gold and costly ornaments IN the time of the first Covenant some did wear Jewels of silver and gold Bracelets and costly ornaments and attire and the Israelites borrowed of the Egyptians Jewels of silver and Jewels of gold and raiment but this was in Egypt but after they were come out of Egypt when the Lord was angry with them for their transgression by the mount Horeb they mourned and stript themselves of their ornaments according to the command of God Exod. 3.2 11.2 12 35. 33. chap. But now in the second Covenant God hath a plain people whose moderation may be known unto all men both in apparrel and other things for they are come to deny the strange apparrel and the gaudy attire and the bravery the bracelets and the Jewels the superstitious ornaments wch they had whom the true Prophets bare witnes against Isa 3. cha and the Harlot which John saw was arraied in purple and Scarlet Colour and decked with gold and precious stone and pearls read Rev. 17.4 And see now how that many professors are attaied in costly superstitious and gaudy attire like the Harlot And let the women be adorned in modest apparrel and their adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair and of wearing of gold or putting on of apparrel but let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the fight of God of great price mark this ye proud professors and people And know that the day is coming wherein God will punish them that are clothed in strange apparrel And in the day of their visitation they shall monrn and be stripped of all their deceitful covers 1 Tim. 2.9 1 Pet. 3 3 4. Zeph. 1.8 18. Of Solomons Temple MOreover after the Tabernacle of the first Covenant was forsaken of the Lord in Shilo when Israel had violated the Covenant of God and after they were made a prey upon by the heathen King Solomon builded a glorious Temple for the Lords service according to the Law to be done in which there was neither hammer nor Ax nor any Iron tool heard while it was a building and this temple was furnished
THE SEED OF ISRAELS Redemption Fully prophesied of And the Scriptures opened Which now is about to be fulfilled by its Saviour and â—edeemer whom God hath now raised up for an Ensigne to the Nations and the salvation of his people who is here evidently demonstrated and fully born witness of as he is the Remover of bondages the worker of perfect freedom and the end of things abolished to both Jews and Gentiles who through faith receive him And here all they who are weary with being captives under the bondage of corruption and would know the way to the Kingdom of God may receive a word of Consolation From a Witnesse of Gods Saâ—vation who waits for the Consolation of his Seed and thirsts for Sions welfare George Whitehead Amos 3.8 The Lion hath reared who will not fear The Lord God hath â—poken who can but prophesie Dan 10 21 I will shew thee that which is noted in the Scripture of truth and there is none that holdeth with me in these things but Michael your Prince LONDON Printed for Thomas Simmons at the Bull and Mouth near Aldersgate 1659. AS this following Testimony was given forth in the faith of the Righteous seed even as the things therein were revealed by the spirit of promise so they are not given forth to feed vain-minds nor to satisfie the seed of the wicked who continue in their sin unbelief and hardnesse of heart against God and his Eternal Truth for many of them do get the saints words and apply promises to themselves in that nature which is in enmity against the seed of God and so with an empty profession covers and paints themselves over so are covered but not with the spirit of God taking counsel but not of God and there are many in that nature gotten into a false ease who pretend a dependency upon the mercies and promises of God but when â—hey come to be tried they are found in â—he unbelief hating the Light of the Lord which bringeth them that believe in it to â—ee the promises of God fulfilled so then â—hey who believe not according to Gods â—romises in his gift but continue in the â—nbelief against the gift of God in them â—hey come short of the promise of God â—nd of his righteousnesse because of their unbelief and the deceit of their own hearts so that wo and misery is upon all such and wo is unto all selfe-conceited empty Professors who hate to be reformed and persist in their pride and rebellion against God yet this I testifie that God is not slack concerning his promises as dispisers unbelievers mockers and scorners count slacknes but is near to fulfil them to the seed where ever it is scattered which is willing to wait in the patience to see his coming and the establishing of his everlasting Covenant according to his promises to that Seed I prostitute these things which neither the swine nor the devourer hath any right unto And to the gift of God in people which witnesseth for him against all unrighteousnesse do I appeal to which I am manifest in the sight of God whatever such as resist the truth may think or speak of me my diligent labour in giving forth these things is known to the Lord God as one who there in have sincerely obeyed him And let such as read this following Testimony minde their own state and see if they believe according to these things as these who come to feel of the same things fulfilled and revealed by the gift of God in themselves For I have not written these things for people to feed their airy minds with reports of them and so to live upon reports of things they feel not but to be read singly believed seriously fulfilled effectually and witnessed eternally as they may be known and made manifest by the power of the Lord God which they receive who receive the Son of God and believe in his everlasting Name which is his Word which lighteth every man that cometh into the world The particular Contents or subjects treated upon in this following Treatise are as followeth c. FIrst the Seed of Israels Redemption and its Redeemer fully prophesied and declared of Afterward here are certain reasons according to the Scriptures of truth produced from a sure ground Whereby is proved that the Messias or Saviour of Israel did come in the flesh and things are come to passe touching him and his outward sufferings according as the true Prophets have foretold Whereby is proved First The Conception and birth of Jesus according to his outward Nativity who is called Christ or the Messias 2 Concerning the life of Jesus 3 Touching his Ministery 4 Touching his works 5 Touching his sufferings death 6 Touching his Resurrection and Ascention With several things of concernment both to the professors of the world and others touching Christ and his way And these things are born witness of according to the evidences of faithful witnesses that both Jewes and others who are in the state of unbelief and have been gazing abroad and are yet looking to see the Messias come in person or who do not believe that he is already come may take warning to turn their mindes within and wait for the life and power of Christ Jesus to be revealed in them that thereby their souls may live and be satisfied least they die in their sins and their souls remain in misery with the hard-hearted and unbelievers Also here is the difference between the first and second Covenants and between the first second Priesthoods and the end of the things abolished and how far they reached truly described Wherein is discovered 1 SOmthing touching the giving forth of the outward Law and the establiing of the first Covenant and of the state of the people at that time 2 Of Moses his making intercession for the people when they had transgressed 3 Of the outward Circumcision 4 Of the outward Passover 5 Of the outward Sabboths 6 Of the brazen serpent that Moses made 7 Of oathes and swearing 8 Of the outward anointing of the Priests 9 Of the Tithes the Priests received 10 Of the outward Tabernacle under the Law and the instruments thereof and the Lords forsaking thereof 11 Of the outward sacrifices and burnt offerings 12 Of the Ephod and consecrated garments which Aaron and the Priests had 13 Of the outward washing of thepriests 14 Of meats and drinks and days in the first priesthood 15 Of the tribe that the first priesthood were of and their appointment 16 Of the reading of the Law and of the pulpit of wood 17 Of Jewels of silver and gold and costly ornaments 18 Of Solomons Temple 19 Of the singing and praising upon outward Instruments which was used in the outward Temple 20 Of the overthrow and destruction of Solomons Temple and the building it again and its destruction the 2d time And the end of the things particularly in like manner described A â—rue account of these things are given that
as a root out of a dry ground Isa 53. and the Isles must listen to him and the people must hearken unto him from far for the Lord hath chosen him and made his mouth like a sharp sword in the shadow of his hand hath he hid his chosen one and made him a polished shaft in his quiver Mark how God gives his Elect power to execute Judgement who surely will shoot at the wicked and slay the unrighteous who will not listen nor hearken unto him Therefore yâ— scattered people dread and fear the holy One for it is he that must Reigne though long he hath been dispised and his glory and dominion must reach unto the ends of the Earth over both Jewes and Gentiles for his light is broken forth already among many and the scepter of his Kingdom is held forth and his righteousness must be declared even unto the ends of the earth that he may be known to be the foundation of many generations whom God is raising up among thousands and whom thousands in the Northen Islands of England do already witnesse raised up and take heed how you do resist his government least that the Lord God shoot forth his arrowes and empty his quiver or vials of wrath against you and kill you in his wrath for he hath a bundance of Arrowes reserved to shoot forth against them that do resist his chosen One and would not that he should rule over them nor walk in his light nor suffer it to lead them and they who are so far from knowing his government as they say that his light doth not enlighten the heathens or the Gentiles they are far out of his faith and righteousnesse and there are many such that profess his name in words but are ignorant of his righteousnesse and judgements who will not own that Gods Annointed is a light to the heathen or that the heathen are inlightned by him and such there are many but if it were so how should he inherit the wast and desolate places And how should the Gentiles seek or come unto him from far For the Gentiles shal come unto the Lord from far yea from the ends of the earth and they shall say surely our fathers have inherited lyes vanities and things wherein there is no profit Jer. 16. Now they that seek after the Lord they must first have a feeling after him and that which bringeth any to feel after him is a measure of his life and light who enlightens every man and who worketh in every man to will and giveth him strength to obey him even by his free gift which he hath freely bestowed upon man So that all who come to seek and find him who is the holy one of Israel They must not follow the vanities nor Traditions which their sore-fathers have inherited contrary to the wil and commands of the Lord but every one come to hear obey him marke they are to hear what the Lord speaketh and walke in his light for God himself must reigne and his holy one shall lead and they shall not be as the false prophets in Israel who said thus the Lord said and the burthen of the word of the Lord when the Lord had not spoken unto them for said the true prophet thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour and every one to his brother what hath the Lord answered and what hath he said Jer. 23. Chap. and now the Lord is manifesting his everlasting covenant for behold the daies come saith the Lord that I will make a new Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the dayâ— that I â—ook them by the hand to bring them out of the Land of Egypt which my covenant they brake although I was a husband unto them saith the Lord But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those daies saith the Lord I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people and they shal teach no more every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying know the Lord for they shall all know me from the least of them even unto the greatest of them saith the Lord for I will forgive their iniquitie and I will remember their sin no more Read Isa 54. and Jere. 31. And I will cleanse them from all their iniquities whereby they have sinned against me and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they have transgressed against me saith the Lord God Read chap 33. and again I will take you from among the heathen and gather you out of all countries and bring you into your own land then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and ye shall be clean from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will I cleanse you a new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you an heart of flesh and I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes Read Ezek. the 11 Chap. and Chap. 36. and again saith the Lord I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people and they shall trust in the Name of the Lord the remnant of Israel shall do no iniquity norâ—speak lyes neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth for they shall feed and lie down and none shall make them afraid Zephaniah the 3d chap. Now these things is the Lord God of Israel bringing to passe in these our daies since he hath this second time stretched forth his hand and made bare his holy arme to recover his seed in the Islands of the Sea and in all countries where it hath been scattered and many do already know and feel him who taketh away all iniquity and doth even thorowly refine his heritage who is the teacher of his people himself therefore all they who do not believe that they shall be so taught of God But that they must have need of men to teach them so long as they live in the body they are in darknesse deny the promise of God which his seed that believes in him is a witnesse of And all they that do not believe that any may be washed and thorowly cleansed from all sin and iniquity whilst they live their faith is out of Gods light and they deny his Covenant and so cometh short of adoption because of their unbeliefe and the deceit of their hearts for this is the Covenant which God will gather his people into even the covenant that he made with David who walked wisely before the Lord and with a perfect heart and became wiser then his Teachers when he knew the deliverance and salvation of God towards him and all that believe in the light of the everlasting
shuts their eyes in their unbeliefe against the light of his countenance and against his promises Surely the Lord will cut them down in his vengeance and fury and they shall be cast out of his sight and become an abhorring unto all flesh and their worme shall never dye their plague shall never cease and the fire that shall scorch and burne them shall never be quenched Consider this ye stif necked ones who make mention of the name of God in words but not in righteousnesse whether you be Jewes or Gentiles you are as degenerate plants of a strange vine that bringeth not forth fruite unto the Lord God Consider the vine tree that groweth up wild in the forrest what is it more then any other tree or then a branch which is among the trees of the forest shall wood be taken thereof to do any work or will men take a pin off it to hang any vessell thereon Behold it is cast into the fire for fuel Eze. 15. Even so wil all they be counted as fuel for the fire who bringeth not forth fruit unto God in righteousnesse how many leaves and blossoms so ever they bring forth or what ever they professe in words they l wither and their glory will fall And the fire of the Lords jealousie and anger will take hold upon them and devour them So feâ—r the Lord God of glory and power and let all flesh dread his name and power and worship him that made heaven and Earth and the Sea and all things that therein is whose worship is in the spirit and in the truth and humble thy selfe before him thou that hast been a stranger and a foreigner who yet art not come to know the Redeemer of Israel but hast been as a sheep without a shepheard seeking rest but couldest find none who hast been wandring upon the mountaines and in the desert places where thou couldest find no satisfaction nor resting place for thy soul Look towards the Sun of Righteousness who doth arise with healing in his wings upon him that feareth the Lord and who putteth forth his beames and giveth light unto such as sit in darknesse and in the land of the shadow of death that they may come forth and receive life walk in his light that his everlasting Salvation may be their reward and this is the everlasting foundation and Rock of refuge to all that truly look unto him for help and Salvation whom I do freely publish both to Jew and Gentiâ—e that whosoever be a thirst may come freely and receive of the water of life which cometh from the rock and is to be drunk of freely and bought without mony and without price and this is the living water which issueth forth from the rock unto the waters to heal them and the waters are the peoples kindreds and Nations which the living water floweth forth unto to heal them glory to our King and keeper who is the Rock of ages whose righteousnesse hath appeared in this our age and time and whose faithfulnesse endures throughout all ages and generations and who is making known his glory and eternal Salvation as in the daies of old his righteousnesse as in former daies to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever Let Sion awake and put on strength and let Jerusalem shine forth in her beautiful garments and lie no longer in the dust but be renowned and dignified in beauty and glory instead of sorrowing in dust and ashes Let her that was desolate be glad and let her that was barren bring forth and her seed multiply and the Gentiles shall bring children unto her the Lord shall nourish her little ones and lead gently her that is with young and carry his babes and lambs in his armes Let the barren wildernesse become a fruitful field and the desolate and waste places rejoyce for behold the Lord omnipotent reigneth whose voice soundeth thorow the Earth who is at work in his vine-yard and sendeth forth labourers into his vine-yard fit for his own purpose and reapers to cut downe the tares and fruitlesse plants and to gather his seed from the ends of the earth Let the heathen and all Nations fear dread and tremble at the presence of the God of Jacob for his standard is lifted up and his banner is spread forth and his trumpet he is causing to be heard in the land the day of his appearance is dawned wherein he is gone forth before his army to make war with his enemies to get himselfe a name among them that have not been called by his name and to conquer where his dominion hath not been known that his Kingdom may reach over all the Earth the heavens shall tremble and the earth shall quake and the hills shall melt at the presence of the Lord God of Israel who hath a way in the cloudes and rideth upon the wings of the winde and hath his footsteps in the deep and whose works and wonders are seen in the deep where his trumpet is heard tremble tremble and quake O ye inhabitance of the Earth for the Lord is come to reigne and his anointed shall have the preheminence and Rule the Nations with a Rod of iron the Lord God of power and glory who is the onely wise and infinite God whose presence filleth heaven and earth Heaven is his Throne and earth is his footstool for all these things hath he made and he inhabiteth eternity yet he dwelleth with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones and to this man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at my word saith the Lord read Psa 34. Isa 57. ch 66. Certain reasons according to the Scriptures of truth proving that Christ the Messias is come and made manifest and the word that made all things became flesh according as it was prophecied of him by the true Prophets of God formerly that the stumbling-block that lyes in the way of the Jewes or others they may see come out of the stumbling touching Christs coming who do not believe that he is come but looks for his coming as the Jews did when they persecuted him put him to death nigh Jerusalem but did not believe that was he because he came not according to their carnal expectations and now his coming and knowledge is to be felt and in the spirit and glory of his Father as he was known among the Saints who after they had known Christ after the flesh knew him so no more but after the spirit c. 1 Of the conception and birth of Jesus who is called Christ. THere was in the City of Galilee named Nazareth a certain virgin named Mary who was espoused to a just man named Joseph of the house of David this Virgin was found with child of the Holy Ghost or spirit before that Joseph knew her by the
Disciples into heaven which while some men of Galilee stood gazing they saw Jesus taken out of their sight and that this Christ who was and is the word which made all things which became flesh as is declared who descended from the Father of spirits and life is now ascended and is on the right hand of power and of God who is the All power we have the testimonies both of faithful men and Angels and the life of Jesus in us which is the light of men which beareth witness to these things And all these things concerning Jesus came to passe according to the determinate Councel of God that the Scriptures might be fulfilled though wicked Priests and professors who had the Prophets words and were shut up in the unbelief were fitted in their iniquity as instruments of cruelty to fulfill their iniquity in these hard proceedings against Christ And that these things were true that Christ is ascended and is on the right hand of power Read Ps 68.18 and Psal 110.1 Mar. 16.19 Luke 24.51 Acts 1.9 Eph 4. And whereas after the watchers that were set to watch the Sepulchre where the body of Jesus lay were smitten by the Angel of the Lord and Jesus raised from the dead some of the watch went afterward and told the chief Priests what was done concerning Jesus the chief Priests with the Elders took councel gave large money unto the souldiers that were of the watch saying unto them say ye his Disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept and if this come to the governours ears we will perswade him and secure you so they took the money and did as they were taught and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day Mat 28.11 12 13 14 15. And 't is very likely that through that report are the Jews now perverted who do not believe that Christ is come as the Scriptures have foretold concerning him and for their sakes and the truths I chiefly write these things whether they believe them or not Let that lie upon their own heads but to prove these truths that all aspersions that have been cast upon us touching the denying Christ by the Priests and others have been cast upon us falsely and without a cause I say that all power in heaven and in earth is given unto Christ in whom dwelleth the fulness of the God-head who is ascended up on high yea far above all heavens that he might fill all things and he is God over all God blessed for ever the Judge of quick and dead and moreover his Resurrection was confirmed unto his disciples in this manner when he was risen he gave Commission unto his Disciples to go into all the world and Preach the Gospel in every creature and he said unto them he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved but he that believeth not shall be damned and these signes shall follow them that believe in my name they shall cast out devils they shall speak with new tongues they shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover Mar 16.15 and this his promise was fulfilled and confirmed to several that believed who had power given them by Christ to work these things Acts 16.18 Acts 2.4 Acts 28.5.8 these things do testifie that Jesus was risen and that his promise was made manifest who promised to come again and to manifest himself unto them that believed and to send the spirit which was the Comforter and to indue them that waited upon him with power who said he that is with you shall be in you and so the sheep of Christ were scattered to their own to wit his gift which was in them they came to receive and feel his power and spirit to lead them into all truth and this many thousands do and shall witness that the spirit of truth is their leader into all truth and thus though Christ be exalted far above the heavens yet he doth so far condescend unto them that believe in his name that he becomes their leader a light to them that have sat in darkness to lead them out of darkness and a seed to such as have been barren that they may bring forth fruit in him to the praise of his everlasting Name in whom is the life which life is the light of men that doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world and Christ said unto his Disciples verily verily I say unto you he that believeth on me the works that I do shall he do also and greater works then these shall he do because I go unto my Father Joh. 14.12 and Christ said unto his Father concerning them that he sent forth as thou hast sent me into world so I send them into the world and thus he made manifest his power and gifts in his people as he doth in this day in these that believe in him for the same power that he gave unto his Disciples the same he giveth unto his servants now according to the several gifts and manifestations committed unto them that they may come to the measure of the stature of his fulness and to a perfect man in him and that they may feel handle taste of and injoy Christ who is glorified in that glory which he had with the Father before the world was and now by his power many do withess that the power of the Serpent the prince of the world is overcome and the sick are healed and the blinde are brought to see and the deaf to hear and the lame to walk and even such as have been dead in trespasses and sins are quickened and raised up and brought to live with Christ in newness of life and such have an interest in the death of Christ being made conformable thereto in that they are crucified with Christ and dead with him to the world and to the evil wayes fashions customs rudiments and conformities of the world so as the the vail of the Temple was rent and the dead was raised when Christ suffered they that feel his power made manifest and with it are brought to suffer with Christ they feel the vail that hath seperated them from his glory rent and in his light are come to see light and in his blood which is his life they are brought to feel life and his witnesss is raised and his seed is come to live as he hath promised the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voyce of the Son of God and they that hear shall live John 5.25 and this is truely witnessed among many that have believed in the light of the Lord Jesus praises praises to his holy name for ever and ever But they that deny the light of Christ within people to be sufficient to lead them to Christ and will not own Christ within them according to his promise to his but are looking and gazing abroad in their
imaginations imagining a Christ like themselves and for salvation afar off and Justification afar off and yet they are in their sins and believe not that they shal be otherwise so long as they live upon earth they are strangers to the true Christ and to his righteousness and their minds are from that which Justifieth and comes not to see these things which Christ did in his own person fulfilled in his Kingdom as the Saints did who were translated into the Kingdom of Christ which stood in his power who knew Christ in them and his Kingdom in them and so they whose minds are out from the light who are gazing from it and will not own the coming of Christ within nor a justifying by his righteousness within the cloud of darkness is over them that they cannot see Christ in his power as they who were gazing when Jesus was taken from them they could see no further then the cloud which received him out of their sight but Stephen who was full of the holy Ghost he saw the heaven open and the glory of God and the Son of man on the right hand of God and John who witnessed the light within him and the spirit of God and Christ who is the light the quickening spirit revealed in him he saw the heaven open and they that walked in the light of Christ in them they witnessed his righteousness revealed in them and thereby are Justified from their sins and not in their sins for no further are any sanctified nor justified then they feel themselves made holy and just by Christ in his righteousness in them and no further are they justified by Christ then they are made partakers of the life of Christ in them for Justification is a real work of God in that creature that feels a sanctifying or cleansing from sin so ve that say ye are justified by Christs suffering without you above 1600. years since and yet you continue in sin and would lay all your iniquities upon Christs back you are of them that cause Christ to suffer by your sins and are condemned by his light in you for your sins and know that while you are condemned for your sins you are neither sanctified nor justified for as Christ the just suffered for the unjust and was grieved and burthened by their sins it cometh to passe that the unjust must come under his judgements and wrath for their iniquities they must bear their own burthens and he that denies the light or gift of Christ within to be his leader he hath no share in the death and refurrection of Christ for no further are any justified by Christ then they are brought to live with him in his life which is the light of men and no further are any justified and made free and restored by Christ then they are brought to have a share in the death and resurrection of Christ knowing his spirit in them which raised up Jesus from the dead to quicken their mortal bodies which have been dead in trespasses and sins for Christ rose again for our justification mark he doth not say that though men live in their sins all their life time that they are justified by what Christ suffered so long since without but he rose again for our justification as much as to say he rose again and gave gifts unto us of his spirit and grace which we have in us and so we are justified by his grace for since Christ is risen we have received the Comforter and Christ is in us and he shall abide with us for ever according to his promise Consider these things you blinde guides and professors that say there are two righteousnesses one that sanctifieth another that Justifieth when as the righteousness of Christ is but one who is the righteousness of God and who is made wisdom righteousness Sanctification and Redemption to the Saints who also are justified by Christ which is but one as they are brought to live unto him who gave his life a ransom for many which life is his light the light of men and he dyed for all that as many as live should not live unto them-themselves but unto him who dyed and rose again and they who are dead unto sin are healed by his stripes But they who live to sin are enemies to the Crosse of Christ which is the power of God unto salvation to the true believers and these that are enemies to the Crosse are they by whom Christ suffers and these who diswade people from heeding or following the light within which Christ hath enlightened them withall they are even such as keeps Christ in prison and such watchmen as are blind and ignorant such as they were that watched the Tomb where the body of Jesus laid that he might not rise yea these Priests now are worse then they were then whom the chief Priests hired to lie touching Jesus that people might not believe that he was risen for these were not such hypocrites as these Priests are now for people blindly hires them to Preach Christ now they professe to do it but directs them from the light within so that they are still in death having no part in his life or Resurrection whilst their minds are kept from his life which is the light of men and such Priests were alwaies enemies to Christ and Judas that turned to the Priests betrayed and sold the innocent into the hands of the Priests and murtherers for thirty pieces of silver and with it they bought but one field but these Priests now who teach for hire do make a trade of these Scriptures and sells the Letter of the Scriptures with much money they have thus unjustly gotten many of them have bought many fields or Lands so their wickedness doth in this exceed the wickedness of Judas and them who purchased but one field to bury strangers in and this ground they thus bought was not to live upon but to bury strangers in but these Priests now many of them do live of the earth or fields they purchase with the money they get for their preaching Christ as they pretend and they that crucified Christ they took his garments and parted them and so these coveteous Priests they get Christs words and make a Trade upon them but him they crucifie a fresh through these their horrible crimes and wickedness and so betrayes the just and watches to keep his life in the prison and in the grave for as much as they labour to keep people from following his light within them for they are afraid that it should discover their deceits for the light maketh manifest things that are reproved and the Apostle called the proud and the covetous teachers Traytors 2 Tim. 3.2 3.4 So let these Traytors and all that turn from the life of Christ within to the deceitful Priests without who makes a trade on Christs words and keeps the seed of God in bondage and his life which is the light they watch the graves
that is the circumcision which is inward known by the spirit and we are the circumcision in Christ who worship God in the spirit and have no confidence in the flesh and who are circumcised outwardly they are bound to keep the whole Law which none of the Jewes could do who had circumcision outwardly but who are of faith are of Abrabraham unto whom the promise was when he was in the uncircumcision or before he was circumcised so that neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision but a new Creature Jer 4.3 Colos 2.11 Rom. 2.25.28 29. Phil. 3.3 1 Cor. 7.19 Gal. 5.2 Ioh. 7.19 Rom. 4.10 4 Of the outward Passover THe Lord God commanded the Passover to be observed in the first Covenant which was a Lambe without blemish a male of the first yeare which was to be roasted with fire and they were not to carry the flesh of it abroad but to eat it with their loines girded and their shoos on their feet and they did strike the blood of this lamb on the posts of the door of the house where they did eat it which was for a token unto them that the Lord seeing it he would not smite them when he smote the Egyptians but his plague did passe over them and did not hurt them that eat the passeover and they kept the feast of it seven daies with unleavened bread But no uncircumcised person might eate of the pasover now the ordinance of the passover was in force untill Christ fulfilled it that night he was betrayed he eate the passover with his disciples Exo. 12. Lev. 23.5 Num. 9.12 and 28.16 Mat. 26. Mark 14.12 Luke 22. In the second Covenant is Christ received and his life made manifest in the Saints and he is our passover who hath offered himselfe a lamb without spot to God having laid down his life for the ransome of many and he is the bread of life and his flesh is meat indeed and his blood is drink indeed which except a man eat and drink he hath no life in him and with him is the Saints feast and solemnity kept of unleavened bread of sincerity and truth having their hearts circumcised and purified unto God by his spirit and the old leaven of iniquity and corruption purged our and the loines of their minds girded up in the spirit and life of Christ which brings to see him the bread of life which came down from God and in this feast must none be partakers but who come to have their minds joyned unto God and their hearts circumcised from unrighteousnesse by his spirit and they who are come to Christ the Saints passover they are kept in remembrance of him and do witnesse him come that they need not observe the taking of outward bread and wine and elementary things to keep them in remembrance of him or to signifie the crucifying of his body and shedding of his blood as many in the world do 6. Io. 3.36 and 5 24. Mat. 20.28 1 Pet. 1.19 Iohn 6.53 1 Cor. 5.7 8. 1 Pet. 1.13 5 Of the outward Sabbaths THe first Covenant priesthood had a command to keep the Sabbath which was the seven daies of the weeks and in the Sabbath to rest from all their labours and works For the Lord rested from his work on the seventh day and was refreshed so that none of the Israelites was to travel nor bear any burthen on the Sabbath day seeing God had sanctified it neither might they gather sticks nor kindle a fire within all their families on the Sabbath daies Moreover they had a command to keep every seventh year for a Sabbath of rest unto the Lord which was called the year of Jubelee wherein every debter was to be freed from his servitude or bondage wherein he had served towards the satisfaction of his Creditors And every creditor was to release the debts owing them and they that had their lands or estates morgaged for debt were to have them released that every man might possesse his own in the year of the Sabbath but the everlasting Sabbath they were not then come to For they had often fightings and war with their enemies who sought to oppresse them Gen. 2.2 Exo. 16.23 and 20.8.11 and 31.15 and 35.2 Levit. 23.3 and 35.3 Num. 15 Deut 5.14 Neh 10.31 Jer. 17.21 Exo. 21.2 and 23.10 11. Levit. 25. Deut. 15.2.12 Jer. 34.14 They who are come into the second Covenant have received Christ who is the Lord of the Sabboth the end of the Sabbaths without for meats and drinks and new Moons holy dayes and Sabbaths were but a shadow of things to come which they who do observe the shadow they neglect the substance even the body of Christ And the Jewes who observed the Sabboths without they accused Christ because he healed the sick on the Sabboth-day and because his disciples had pluckt the eares of Corn on the Sabboth day but these knew not him who was Lord of the Sabboth And the Jews said unto one that had been an Impotent man that Christ had cured on the Sabboth day it is the Sabboth day it is not Lawful for thee to carry thy bed he Answerred them he that made me whole the same said unto me take up thy bed and walk and the Jews sought the more to kill Jesus not onely because he had broken the Sabboth but said also that God was his Father and in Acts 1.12 it is written then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet which is from Jerusalem a Sabboth dayes Journey And according to one Greek translation in the 6 Chap. of Luke next after the 5 vers it is written Jesus seeing a certaine man working on the Sabbath-day said unto him O man if thou didst know indeed what thou dost thou wert happy but if thou knowest not thou art accursed and a transgressor of the Law And the saints who were come to Christ the end of the outward Sabboths they met on the first dayes of the weeks not in observation to the dayes but in obedience to Christ in whom is the everlasting Sabboth of rest remaining where the burthens must not be for the people of God who continue in his Faith and love whereby the rest comes to be obtained And the year or time of release or restauration comes to be witnessed and the Bedemption from under the bondages and the burthens known and the Iniquity which hath caused burthens is there taken away by the Lord of the Sabboth who is the foundation of many Generations who is raised up to him that maketh the Sabboth his delight and doth not his own pleasure nor speaketh his own words on the holy day he shall delight himself in the Lord but unto this Sabbath are all strangers who are following their own pleasures and lusts from whence the Wars and the strifes do arise speaking their own words And none comes to the true rest but they who receive the true light wch brings man to deny his own will