The Revelation

The First Rank of the Priesthood. THe first and lower Rank, which may be considered in Dedication, are those of the Priesthood, who yet be conscious of Sin and Transgression, committed under the first Covenant, according to the similitude of Adam’s Transgression, running from that putrified Line. Now there is a necessity for these is to come to the diverse Washings, Separations, Attonings, Blood-sprinklings; and to present a whole Burnt Offering: The Goat must dye; the Life-putrefying-Blood of Sin expire in, and upon, the Altar Flames. For no cessation is to be of this kind, till the very Body of Sin be consumed: For while any thing of Sin do still rise in its acting Motion, there are required new Renovations, and fresh Attonings and Purifications, and Blood-sprinklings, till the One Offering do come it self to be offered once for all. The Second Rank of the Priesthood The second rank belonging to the Melchezedeck-Order, are those, whose Consciences are purged from all dead and unprofitable Works; in whom Christ is come to offer himself as a Spotless and Immaculate Lamb, shedding out his Life-Blood, for the All-thorough Sanctification, and obliterating of Sins: Hereby reconciling, and making all Scores and Reckonings Even, as in reference to God the most Holy One, the Justifier of those, who are thus made partakers of Christ in his Prophetical and Priestly Purity: For where-ever the Lord comes to offer himself up through the Eternal Spirit, by his own Body, in his Consecrated Priests, they have no more guilt or consciousness of Sin: but through the one Offering, he hath perfected them; and they are always, carrying and bearing the living Testimony of his Risen Spiritual Body, to act forth according to its own Sanctified Nature, and kind, for the Comeliness and Glory of this most high and holy Ministration. All of which makes way for the bringing up to the last Step of the All Priestly Throne, to set with Christ in the Heavenly Places at the Right-hand of the Majesty on high. The Third Rank of the Priesthood. Which leads unto the Third Degree of this most holy and separated Order, who are herein become the Tabernacle, Ark and Altar, and the most inward Holy Place. Where the Anointed Christ hath so poured forth himself, as he is to be known in them, as in no other. But God the Holy Ghost officiating, accomplisheth the most perfect and holy Services, as in the Person of the great High Priest. They who have so perfected Holiness, can appear in the open face of the most separated Place: where none else must appear, but such as are Consecrated into this high Priestly Order, as the Son of God, evermore to be faithful over the whole Priestly Household, that are yet but come up unto an inferior Order. But who is it, that is able to see at first glance, into this high exalted degree of a high Priestly Profession? It is so great, and so wonderful, as it makes the Light of all other fore-going Appearances, and Ministrations to look dim, and dark upon it. For it excelleth all, as much as the Substance doth the Shadow. Now as the Type and Shadow hereof shall vanish, and the true and perfect Lively thing it self, shall come to shew its open face in Power and great Glory; we shall then conclude and say, Christ, the same yesterday, to day, and for ever, according to the Melchizedeck Priestly Order, that is again restored, to that antient Dignity; of the beginning of which no account can be given, neither of its end; for it is Everlasting. The Praise-Offerings hence shall never cease to be given to Him, who shall change the old Scene of things in this vile and wicked Earth; and in it renew a most pretious and royal Priesthood: Whereby all shall come to learn to know the Lord in it, and to manifest his Glory. These now are called up into God, and made Partakers with their Melchizedeck-Head, both in his Prophetical, Kingly, and Priestly Office; being fully Consecrated and Perfected in his own Body in Them; which alone perfecteth all them that are made perfect. For as under the Levitical Ordinances prescribed by God, it was appointed for the Priests only to bear the Ark: so under this New Covenant Ministration, none but the Spiritually Consecrated Priests that are of this supream Order, can bear the Living Testimony of Christ’s Risen and Spiritual * Body: [Margin note: *Which Body is the Ark of the Living Presence.] which goes forth with great Power where-ever it comes, to make Rocks break, and Islands flee away, and Waters to divide. But let us look and view yet more deep into this God-head Function, from the first and lowest degree to the last, and highest. For the First, that Degree is yet but under the daily Renovations, and Offerings in order to the full expiation of Sin: who being here found faithful, and always abounding herein, in order to an higher Ministration; the first shall come to be among the Highest and Last of this Ordination; all being Consecrated unto a Priestly Kingdom. Wherefore they must patiently continue for a Season under the Altar-Purifyings, and diverse Washings, and blood Sprinklings, and Perfuming Oils; with the offering up the Spiritual Incense, and the Heave-Offerings of Dedication, before the LORD the Holy One. By which they in the end are made perfect and clean, and become such as have no more Consciousness of Guilt; for as much as the Fountain-Spring of the Life-Blood stands to them ever open, in order to the expelling of every Defiled Thing. Now great is the Advantage that this very lower Rank hath; and great is their Dignity: in as much as All that are made Partakers of CHRIST, in Him are become Mediators in the New Covenant. And as These have obtained to a Degree of Participation of his Nature, by the Purification of their Spirits, and Souls, in this Order: so are they made meet hereby to officiate about the Holy Things, and to Minister in his Tabernacle; according to their present Lot and Rank. Since great Force and Strength hath been found here, by so much as He is made a Surety in us of this Faultless Covenant, or Testament. Which gives them great Boldness to plead for the Remission of Sins, in the Behalf of Others; though they themselves may yet remain in the Sinful Imperfect State, but are sincerely pressing after the utmost Degree of Purity, through Christ in his Bubling Spirit in them, endeavouring to keep all the Laws and charge of the Sanctuary, and to present only what is Consecrated unto the LORD. Who being ready, and free, thus to intercede from the pure unfeigned Love on their Behalf, may come up to be the Highest also in this Divine Function. Hence we are encouraged to sue out without delay, the obliterating of all Iniquities and Transgressions; so as to stand altogether Clear and Guiltless, through this Covenant, in its Life-Blood sprinkled on us, that may be the Testator in us, and for us; purifying all the Vessels and Instruments, for the Godhead-Service, in the Separated and Dedicated Ones. Who take not this Honour upon themselves; but are Chosen and Anointed by God hereunto: And thus having got over, and finished their Course here; they are called up higher, even to an entrance within the Vail, for all freedom and Inquiry. The Priest’s Lips shall then both utter and preserve Knowledge: and that from the Oracle of the Holy Ghost. Oh! how freely will the burning Oil run into them that are Sanctified, in whom this Covenant-Blood hath been sprinkled and offered up? These are the Godly Ones of the second Order and Degree, that are primarily set apart; (yea only) for great JEHOVAH’s use: They are not to stir out from his presence; none are here to go out, that have the Crown of the Anointing Oil, which is the very Sanctification of the Holy Ghost; but are ever to wait in their perfect God-like Order, setting no defiling thing before their Eye. For this high Order can admit of no divided Service: No necessity here must be pleaded to serve the Mammon-Gods of this World. Whosoever are so come into this second Degree and Order, they are no more to look back into any of the Customs or Trafficks, and pudling Immersements of this World. Which though lawful to others; yet is not so to those, who are of this separated Order. God the most High Purity, will have none come near unto him, that belongs to this World’s Drudgery. The smell of Esau’s Garment, the Hunter of this Earth, sends forth but an ill savour: which the Holy Ghost can have no Communion withal. Wherefore David speak after this manner, Thou hast set the Godly Man apart for thyself. For GOD appropriates all that are of the Priestly Order unto Himself; forbidding them to be Servants to Men: there is here no going back to Bury the Dead, or to be Polluted with them. And it was the Blessing which Moses pronounced upon the Tribe of Levi: Let thy Urim and thy Thummim be with thy Holy One; who said of his Father and Mother, I have not seen them, neither did acknowledge his own Brethren; nor know his own Children; signifying that there was a coming out from, and forgetting of whatsoever was from a Mortal Birth; and all External Bonds and Obligations. It is like Gods taking up of Enoch; a Cessation from all Worldly Being and Conversation: He walked with God, and was not; which manner of Life is to be Revived in this separate Order. For there is no Communion betwixt the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of this World; nor betwixt a Paul and a Demas. The Lord Christ will not make any to officiate under him, in the Holy Priestly Ministration, till they be separated as afore is declared, from these Gross and Servile Things. But here now follows an Objection; How such shall be provided for, that must discharge themselves from all secular Callings, having no Propriety in the common Mammon, stock and store, and yet have Bodies which stand in need of Temporal things? What way do you propose for their outward Subsistance? As to this, we refer you to what the Almighty Provider and Overseer hath setled as a standing Rule, throughout the holy Priestly Generation, that God himself is to be their Portion and Inheritance; and therefore they were to have no Inheritance with their Brethren; For the Sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by Fire, are given them for their Portion. How is that to be understood? Thus, they which wait at the Altar, are to recive of the Gifts of the Altar, which none other hath right to partake of. There is a further meaning in this, than what we have License yet to declare, only thus much we may glance out in this gloomy Day, that there is a Vein which runs under Ground, within the holy Place, that to the Priests Revenue doth belong; the Vultr’s Eye hath it not descryed; neither can any Artificer among the Sons of Men this Golden Mine find, the everlasting precious Rock a covering is upon it, and still will be, till the third Rank of this high Priestly Order into Manifestation shall be brought, in the Conquest and sealing Power of the Holy Ghost, and then you will see what force Aaron the High-Priest’s Rod hath to rule and pierce this long hidden Vein, from whence will flow forth an inexhausted Treasury. Gold and Silver in this time will be of little regard, the Ingrossers of which tormented will be, when they shall see their Coyn out of date. For the great Melchizedeck will the absolute Monarch be, and a new Coyn shall stamp, which shall currantly pass through all the Earth. But be this Secret what in Wisdom’s Glass we have seen: it is not yet our time any thing further to disclose. But let us go on to the highest degree in this Tabernacle, in the holiest of Beings to pitch, improving all present advantages herefor, in a pure Nazarite dedication. This only observe, If we feel in our selves such an impulsive Power from the holy Spirit, strongly carrying out hereunto, this will be a sign of a divine Ordination, and Call hereunto. We need nothing of Man’s Approbation or Installation to this holy Melchizedeck-Order, in which Christ is to be known the same yesterday, to day, and forever, carrying on this everlasting Priesthood, from his own eternal Loins, in the spiritual Generation, of which no account can be given, we being chosen of him hereunto before the Foundation of the World. Which is not to vanish away, but that way may be made for the New Creation, which shall consist of these three degrees of Kingly Priests. However, let all be cautioned not to presume to thrust themselves into this sacred Function, before the Melchizedeck-King in his true Eternal spiritual Birth, do spring in the Soul, where true Regeneration, and pure and high Illuminations have passed before, in way of preparation for this Priestly-Star’s rising. Therefore what manner of Abnegation and holy Separation is hereunto required? This One Service and Work is to be followed and minded. Whoever are entered into this most high and holy Profession, must cease from all other rudimental earthly Services. The Temple-Service is to be managed by clean and sanctified Vessels, set apart for that use. Now here it will be convenient to shew the Necessity of having all things ministered to such in their Attendance, by those who endowed are with these worldly Goods. There is an Obligation lies in special manner upon all true Israelites, to bring their Gifts to those who are called out from amongst them, to serve at the Altar, for whom Provision should be made for their necessary supply, that they may have nothing of Care or Incumbrance upon them in their first entering hereupon; all which is a most acceptable Offering, if any shall freely communicate upon this consideration; which may not of this kind be always required. For as this royal Priesthood gets up to their all-powerful Degrees, and princely Dignities, they will have no need of any creaturely Contributions; for to them the Door of all Heavenly Store shall stand open, from whence they shall not only have to answer their own Requirings, also those of the whole oppressed and groaning Creation. Wherefore what more acceptable for the present Distress can there be, than to promote and help forward this Priestly Dedication, which may bring so great a Blessing upon the Earth? But it may be objected, How shall we know infallibly, such who under this Nazarite Vow and holy Anointing are, that we may minister to them of our Substance? there being at this day so many rising Stars, which the Serpent’s Tail hath plucked down to the Earth? Know that it is a principal Gift to have an impartial Spirit of discerning in this matter, before the Holy Ghost comes to give the undeniable Witness; now to know them whilst they are in their Minority and suffering State, going on in the process of Christ, who himself was questioned and doubted of sometimes, by them who were daily conversant with him. And the same Spirit of Incredulity and suspicious Fear may have a great Predominancy now among Christ’s Disciples, as not discerning the Lord returned in Spirit, though yet in weakness of Flesh, for the abolishing of the Sin, and Curse of it. Whereas while this is but a doing, in order to the holy Priesthood entering upon; all aid, support and encouragement ought to be administered by those who are in more enlargement, as to these outward things: and they are to lay aside all Jealoulie, Fear and Suspicion; for it is much better to be found in the excelling Spirit of Charity, which hopeth and believeth the best of things, and thinketh no Evil. And yet doth not this take away right and sound Judgment, but that they may discern, who the Lord’s true Anointed Ones are. There are several Characters by which they may be known, before they reach to the high priestly Mark: We will just mention one or two, as the fore-running ground work. In the first place, They are Crucified to all mortal and temporal Things, that would invite and steal away the Mind, and weaken the strength of Love to God; they are perfectly unhinged and loosened from all of this kind, which is so great a Sorcery and Witchcraft: by which Millions of Souls have been bound down, so that they could never expect this Resurrection-state for to reach it. A second Character is this, That as they are become dead to all the evil appearance of things, so in some respect to the show and seeming Godliness, and formal state of the first Temple-building, with all its Ceremonial Ministrations, which can never make the Comers thereunto perfect. Till these be removed no place is for the Temple-Body and Tabernacle of God to come down, from whence the everlasting burning-Incense, and Praise-fferings are to ascend. Now from these two Branches numerous Fruits of the Spirit will spring, by which you may know the high Priestly Off-spring, who must needs appear as bright and terrible as an Army with Banners, eschewing and denying all of the changeable state of things, whether considered in the Heavenly Constellation, or in the earthly Retinue, nor staying in any State or Ministration, till got up to dwell in the munition of Rocks, where neither Water nor Bread shall ever fail. This and much more might be enlarged upon, as the first Buddings out of the Priestly Lilies, which are to grow without care and toil, and therefore all-worthy to be cared for; and if there shall be a carelessness or neglect of this Duty, as to the present Season, wherein outward things may be for the promoting of this high Priestly Fraternity, if no open Heart herefor shall be found, God would not fail to bring them in by some other way: and shut out the earthly Proprietors, that may overslip their Day, in that they have omitted to consecrate their principal Substances, to the use and service of this holy Flock, through which their blessing would have been. For the Lord, who is King of the whole Creation, observes well who bring their free-will Offerings of this kind. Let not this seem as a bare tinkling Sound; for the weight of a God is in it. Who will certainly flow in through this rising Priesthood, with such fruitful Powers and Gifts, as they may be able to bless many with the Blessings from the Holy Ghost. And know the Temple-Body is herefor raising, and the golden Nail is fixing, wherein the Soveraignity of a Kingly Priesthood in this approaching time and age, is coming to be established. The Lion out of Zion is roaring, to gather in his Priestly Prey. Blessed are they who are come to know the Thunder of his Power, and do it obey, taking hold of that Horn that is filled with the Priestly Oil. Which may give true separating Mark to the elect Sheep. The time being far spent in the hopeful expectation, for all these great things to be fulfilled; no other thing will now suffice, after all this Light and Revelation, but to be found the living Epistles (which is the sure engraving) of the holy Ghost. As it was said, that the writing of the Law was by the finger of God: even so, yet once more again, God will copy out himself, not in a dead Draught, but in a lively acting Power. For this end, a strong gust of Wind from the third Heaven doth blow, to open this fair Rose and Lily, which is yet in its bud; and although long it hath been hid, and kept under by the Thicket of wild Plants, yet now the devouring Love-Flame is come forth kindle upon them, that this holy thing may come to stand single and alone, from every twisting Briar and Thorn, that hath shaded and over-topped this sprout of Life: which is to run up unto the high Throne of the everlasting Priestly Dominion, where all Boldness and Freedom is to enter the most holy Place; and what is that but the most secret Tabernacle of the most High, wherein all pleasant Joy and Rest in Love-Communion is known? Can we but come to put on this Priestly Robe, Admittance then we may have to speak with God at any time. But who is it that can be priviledg’d for such an immediate Access, but such as wear the pure Ephod, and the most holy Breast-plate, where is that Urim and Thummim, the shut-up Oracle, all open to such doth stand. Through which alone God’s Mind is well understood. Of such Qualifications as these, is that third and top stature of the Melchizedeck-Priesthood, in which the Ark of the Testimony doth open, that all difficult Points will decide, either in reference to God or to Man. This is that last and wonderful Ministration, beyond which nothing is to be looked for; for it brings fallen Man back again, to what he was designed before this visible Creation was brought forth. May it not be permitted us to say, and that not without good Authority, That fallen Man is to be restored to a degree above the Angels? for unto which of the Angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And, Let all the Angels of God worship him. What is here appropriated to Christ, the same appertains to all that are of his Life-Line begotten, from the same incorruptible Word, to the same joynt Pre-eminence. At which the fallen Angels, to this day, great Indignation have, and therefore they are so busie and active in this present proving Time, watching to beguile, tempt and supplant all of this Priestly Crown, as those do well know, who to any good degree of this new-springing Birth are come. They have Thousand Wiles and subtil Baits to tempt withal, from this present World, by which they have great advantage to bind still under their Power; striving to keep the Creature still in Enmity, with themselves, to God their Creator, by introducing still of their poysonous Sting, which is become the bitter Root of Sin: which the Holy Ghost can only pluck away, and heal again the infected part. For what but a Spirit can enter into that deadly thing for Cure and Restoration? Against which all the fallen Angels do greatly war and struggle; for they would still keep in their Scorpion Sting. But the Love-Compassion of the everlasting Father hath made such Provision, as to have it drawn out, where Foundation building is laid for an holy royal Priesthood. The Sovereign Ointment is all compounded and made ready for the perfecting this Cure, at which all evil Angels, whether visible or invisible, who in the earthly sinful Principle do remain, may envy and be in pain, but no power have to hurt, or thrust in their Leviathan Hook, to wound again; such a defensive Vertue there is found in this boiling Ointment, which works it self to such an height of Spirit, as no malignity of sin is able to abide with it: So penetrating it is, that it throws out every black Moat, that from this low blustering Region is blown in upon it. And thus the Holy Ghost is become the true working bubling Spring, that maintains a divine clearness with wonder, in which God, the Holy Ghost, will make himself manifest in a more full and perfect manner, than what ever in former Ages hath been witnessed. Where-ever this powerful and piercing Anointing shall first work through, it will do no less than produce those creating Powers, that shall another World renew. God yet once more is to move himself in this Mystery, from which such a Conflagration is expected, that nothing more of the old Earth or Heavens shall remain. For there is a Day that must burn as an Oven: blessed are those in whom it shall have its enkindling, wherein all dead fruitless Works shall be burnt up, which makes room for the seven governing Powers of the Holy Ghost to go forth, whether in the Arch-Angelick-Trumpet-Sounds, or Lightning-Voices, Earthquakes, Bindings, Loosings, Shuttings, Openings, working on this and on that hand, as unperceivable; yet all things effecting through the impregnable motion of this invisible Operator. Of this sort will be the New Heavenly Hosts, that created are again by the Holy Ghost, all lively sparkling Stones, that are in their invisible Nature, as fiery Flames that can go hither and thither, to act according to the Will of the great Elohim. This is now the Thing that we are day by day looking out for, and its all-powerful springing; all other flourishings in the very Courts of Holiness, in the use and exercise of divine Ordinances and solemn Convocations, they are not to be staid in, though they seem to be as the goodly Tents of Jacob. God, the Holy Ghost comes to move higher, from his own essential creating Word, by which he makes New Heavens, that shall for Ever remain, and no more subject be to vanishing. It will be the last and greatest proving to the Saints themselves, to have their Heavens not only shaken, but melted all away. Which may be compared to an out spreading Garden of various Flowers, which look pleasant and delightful, but they are what must fade and dye; so these Garnishings are not to be trusted to, for as Grass they will wither: Something else that is stable and durable I am taught and made to look for, which is nothing less than the Creating Word of the Holy Ghost, that may be as a New Coyning Mint, that will an everlasting Treasure renew, which the Sun and Moon of these visible Heavens must bow unto. All the Glory of Flesh rejected is, when pure Breath and Spirit, in a Body of Air, shall, as out of the Valley of dry Bones appear: and move, as a Coelestial Wheel, both upward and downward, carrying and bearing up as an Anointed Cherub; that may mount and ascend, and face the supream Glory of the Lord Almighty. This is the high Adoption, that the Spirit in the Living Creatures, doth move from the earthly Center up straight forward, being circled about with the unfadeable Body of the immutable Heavens. To whom the Heaven of Heavens will open, and descend to take in such Royal clothed Priests, that have put off their changeable Heavens, and are all clothed with substantial Power. If any one ask, How this shall be, and when? We can only direct you to wait at the High Priest’s Gate. By whom our inlet is into all of this high inconceivable working Powers in the Holy Ghost: which will the separating Description make, and shew by real Evidence, who it is, that from Men and the Earth are in truth all-fully redeemed. Before we can give over this subject, we are to make known, for the Priestly Election sake, that they may be strengthened, supported and encouraged in their process, the knowledge of these special Royalties, which to them do belong: it having been been specified what are the high Qualifications of this high Priesthood. Who must no more look down towards the creeping things of this Earth; for here we must consider the Enochian translation, these Priests being designed for the company of God, the most holy separated Being. For there is a real taking into God to be experienced, and a ceasing from the Life of Sin. Now for the bringing up hereunto, there must be a passing through All, until the Holiest of all be entered into.