The Revelation

BUT now we come we to describe what this Holy Function stands chargeable withal; as also the Dignity, Power and Pre-eminences which doth attend it. Every High-Priest, taken from Men, is ordained in things pertaining to God, that he may offer Gifts and Sacrifices for SIN. This is a Charge, which to this New Covenant Priesthood doth still belong. For who are so meet to deal with God, and to make Intercession, as the Pure and Merciful; who have themselves been encompassed with Infirmity, and passed through divers Temptations? Who but These can know how to have Compassion of the Ignorant, and Knowing also, such that have turned aside from the Sanctuary of God’s Presence, and from His Walks, and thereby have lost their peace and joy? Now therefore God hath as well provided in this case, Priests and Mediators on the Earth: as he hath provided that great High-Priest, who is entered into the Heavens. For the self-same Prevailency and Power will be found in, and amongst this holy and undefiled Priesthood; because where-ever Christ in his spiritual Body is present, with the all-breathing Power of the Holy Ghost, it implies great Efficacy in every Oblation and Prayer, which in their behalf shall be put up. [Margin note: Mat. 18.18, John. 20.23] Thus a Spirit of Attoning is appropriated unto the Melchizedeck-Priesthood: from whom more fruitful Powers must likewise branch forth; for further service in their Place and Office. There is also an Absolving Commission given, That whosoever’s Sins they remit, they are from all Guilt discharged: as pronouncing it in the Person and Power of him, to whom the Holy Ghost was given without Measure; and who after his Resurrection breathed forth this Power upon his Disciples, That whatever they bound on Earth should be bound in Heaven: Hereby communicating his Priestly Power and Authority, that as he, the Son of Man, had power to forgive Sins, so might they also have on Earth after his Departure, to carry on their Apostolical Dispensation. Which only lasted for a while: and being lost, a feigned Form was set up in stead of it; without any Sealing Effects of Spirit or Power. Thus the Shadow hath held up, without any living presence in Babel. Which boasts of a Key; which never yet could open, nor give Enlargement to those who were bound in the Cords of Iniquity. For how should they, who are not purifed themselves, help or succour their Brethren? And though this true thing hath been abused by the Arrogant and Self-exalting Spirit, that with this Priestly Robe covers all manner of Filth and Uncleanness, all of which will come to bear its shame, and have its Overthrow, as this True and Royal Priesthood shall rise in Power in the true Tabernacle, where the Holy Ghost will present the Priestly Offerings. And this is That, which upon sure grounds, we know is now reviving again; the most Holy will bring forth his Priestly Unction, which will take the Chair, that so this holy Ordination may take place in great Soveraignity. The holy and just One hath reserved his last and most wonderful sealing Testimony, for to go forth from the Unity of an holy Priestly Spirit, which is so far perfected, as to stand no more in need of Offerings for Sin, because he who sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are made * All one in this Ministration. For if they come not to this State, they cannot be of this High Priestly Order; because to it a KEY is given, which must open all the twelve Gates before-mentioned. [*Margin note: That is, by Incorporation with CHRIST, their Sinless Life, all purely acting in them.] And without all Controversie, great is that Power that shall be here concentred: for our Exalted Christ, who is passed higher than the Heavens, hath recovered Power to Transfer himself in his divine Purity and excellent Might, unto this elected Priesthood, which shall be visible on Earth. This is the true Mount-Zion: from whence Decrees, Laws, Judgments and holy Statutes shall go forth from the Urim and Thummim; sound Knowledge and Understanding, and the Certainty of the words of Truth hence shall proceed. So that it will be a most sure and safe Oracle in all difficult Soul-cases, and to determine all Doubts and Difficulties; for of Old the Israel of God would not venture upon any Concern, nor attempt any Design, without having first enquired at the Priest’s Mouth. Who only was to give forth the Mind of God, (which will now be again renewed,) for those who are not admitted to this high Calling of the holy Priesthood; for such Honour these Saints shall have above the Lower Ranks: as being not ordained by Man, nor after the Law of a carnal Commandment; but by the impressed Seal of the mighty God. Here need no Epistles of Commendation, the Powers of this Priestly Dignity will be sufficient Orators to recommend them. For great Signs and Wonders will be acted forth, when the Temple-Body of the Holy Ghost shall come down, and open it self in the Priestly Ministration. Every Branch from this will have its multiplying Fruits, for the Praise-Offering of the Sanctuary. I shall now declare what the Testimony of Truth hath spoken in me, which is this, That whatever God IS, or CAN, Work, Act, or Do; the Same will appear in, and amongst this Holy Priestly Order. Visions, Proverbs and Similitudes must cease; which as leading Stars have been under the Son’s Ministration, to this last Ministration of the Holy Ghost. This being the Fulness of Time, in which the Father will shew himself plainly; without any Figures or Shadows; in the substantial Body of Power, uncessantly flowing: from which the New Creation must bud out in a fresh Glory; and all of the Old must fade and dye away. But here it may be Objected, Where are there any to be found of this Royal Priesthood, who may give forth a Sealing Evidence in this present time? They have indeed been long predicted of, but we would fain see some really instated in this High Order. For Answer to this, I say, there may possibly be some, who are advanced to a good degree of this High State; and who have passed through the first and second Order. All which is an Inward, Secret, purifying Work from Sin; and holy Ground made ready for the Righteous Branch in its Lily beauty to spring. This may be, and no great noise hereof made. For where CHRIST is come to offer himself once for all, the next thing that follows, is the coming of the HOLY GHOST to reign all in all. And therefore we will believe, and hope, there may at present be Some under this peculiar Ordination; though dispersed, and unknown: who all-ready to enter upon the third Degree; which is that of the Spiritual Rule and Authority: But it is no less than a perfect Regeneration that bringeth to This Gate: whoever enters Here, must first have shaken hands with a worldly Conversation; no more touching any Dead thing. Wherefore this state is not easily attained: it cannot be arrived to by any, but by such who are more eminently touched by Love, and Anointed for this Holy Melchizedeck-Order. Of their calling to which none shall ever have cause to Repent; for great are the Royalties and Immunities that will follow, according as hath been declared.