we live comprehending within it all visible things from the remoâ—est Stars even to the Earths profundity which is therefore called the Woâ—ld of Fabrication because Death and Stupidity so pâ—evails in the most parts of it that all things in this World seem rather to move in a manner Mechanically than from a vital principle which nevertheless is to be understood in comparison to the superiour Worlds where indeed the vital principle is far more predominant than in this inferiour World nor is this inferiour World in any even the most stupid part of it wholly and in every degree deprived of Life 40. Nothing thâ—reâ—ore which belongs to this viâ—ible World is immediately created â—or this viâ—ible World is not properly a created World but made and composed of pre-existent principles which pre-existent principles belong to the World of Formation and the World of Formation owes its original to the Pre-existent principles of the World of Creation the World of Creation only is properly and strictly created and its production is properly called Creation for this doth not exist from any Pre-existent principles or from a Subject or parts making a whole but has only God the Father and Châ—ist his only begotten Son for its Author and Original 41. Therefore Men born into this World to speak properly are not immediately created neither in respect of Soul nor Body the external or oâ—â—ward Body with the Life thereof is that which belongs to this World of Fabricaâ—â—on but the Soul which is called Neshama pertains to the World of Creation Lastly the Spirit pertains to the World of Formation which possesseth the middle place between the Soul and outward Body and this Spirit by the Hebrews is called Ruâ—ch but the Life and Spirits of the external Body are termed by the same Nepâ—esh therâ— are therefore three vital principles in every Man Neshaâ—a Ruach and Nepâ—esh Neshama of the World of Creation Ruach of the World of Formation and Nâ—phesh of the World of Fabrication moreover Nephesh is the Cloathing or Vehicle of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ruach and Ruach is the Vehicle and Garment of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Neshama 42. First of all therefore Men are created in the World of Creation secondly formed in the World of Formation where they assume their Cloathing or Vehicle which is called Ruach and this Ruach is a certain Subtile and Spiritual Body of which sort are the Bodies of Angels and just â—en made perfect thirdly they are made or fabricated in the World of Fabrication and all this is expresly confirmed by Testimony of the Scripture it self Isai. 43.7 Every one that is called in my Name have I created formed and made and consequently according to these words of Scripture the Hebrews call the World of Creation Briah the World of Formation Iezirah and the World of Fabrication Asiah which three Hebrew words are expresly to be met with in the place of Scripture above cited 43. Moreover besides this World Briah higher than which our Original doth not reach if we have respect to the parts composing humane Nature there is understood another World more noble and in the Order of Nature more antient than the rest immediately â—lowing from the Author God himself called in Hebrew Aziluth which signifies the nearest to the most high and supreme God himself and this cannot agree to any other than Christ the Saviour and Mediator bâ—tween God and Men. 44. Therefore those Hebrew Doctors do rightly and truly teach and that altogether according to Scripture Testimony that those four Worlds above-mentioned do exist to wit the Aziluthick which is of Christ the Briatick which is of Souls the Ieziratick which is of Angels not yet consummated and the Asiatick which is of Men cloathed with an external Body But as the Aâ—ziluthick as it is the noblest of all so it is the greatest and but only one altho' the Hebrews distinguish it into ten Emanations the distinction of which Emanation nevertheless is only modal and not essential But the Briatick Ieziriatick and Asiatick Worlds â—s to their number and multitude in respect of us are infinite and innumerable because as I have said before God is continually a Creator for the Attribute of a Creator is essential to him and therefore he doth â—nd will continually create new Worlds to all Eternity And lastly from these new created Worlds other new Ieziratick and Asiatick Worlds arise and therefore 't was truly said of Solomon we cannot search out the beginning nor the end of God's works as true also was that saying in another passage The mighty Works of God are past finding out 45. Now the Ieziratick World from whence as from its root the Asiatick World proceeded penetrates and pervades the whole Asiatick World in every part with its vital and essential Rays also the Briatick World by the difusion of its vital and essential Rays penetrates the whole Ieziratick and Asiatick World and lastly the Azilutick World not only penetrates and pervades the three inferiour Worlds by the transfusion of its essential and vital Rays but also most intrinsecally comprehends and embraces it in its Bosom as a Mother doth her Oâ—f-spring and so indeed all these four Worlds are intrinsically present one with another yet so that the â—hird is more subtile and Spiritual than the â—ourth the second than the third and the â—irst than the second and consequently more penetrative and perâ—usive 46. From what has been said it evidently appears that humane Souls did pre-exist before they came into these gross and Earthly Bodies for nothing which is properly created is of this visible Woâ—ld but the Soul is properly createdâ— therefore the Soul had not its original or first exisâ—ence in this visible World but it first existed in the World of Creation then descended from the World of Creation into the World of Formation and lastly from the World of Formation into this World of Fabrication 47. But as for this Asiatick World this hath its rise and Original from the Ieziratick World by reason of some great falls of the Souls contained therein for transgressing the Law of God And if these Souls had nevâ—r fell this Asiatick VVorld which is the VVorld of Fabrication had never existed 48. Nevertheless the Souls of the Ieziratick VVorld are not changed into the parts of the Asiatick VVorld that is to say into the Dust of the Earth Stones Plants and Trees for such a change of Souls is plainly impossible but the Bodies of those Souls distinct â—rom the Souls themselves and by the Sins of those Souls separated from them as by a certain kind of Death were subjected to such a change or conversion into the parts of the Asiatick VVorld 49. Thereâ—ore this Asiatick VVorld is truly call'd Golgotha or the place of Sculls and â—â—pâ—lchres to wit because it is nothing else in a manner but a certain mass and heap of Carcasses and dead Bodies which those Souls have put off by reason of their Sins in the
there is such a Medium or middle Being between God and Creatures the very Order of things clearly demonstrates For as it agrees with the highest and supream God to be a Being altogether unchangeable so is it congruous to the nature of every Creature or created Being to be changeable to Good or Evil but between that which is wholly unchangeable and that which is wholly changeable there is a certain Medium partaking of both extreams which in the nature of it is unchangeable to Evil and changeable to Good which Medium is Christ the Heavenly Adam 24. And thereâ—ore in the order of Nature is before all Creatures whatsoever and prâ—-excels the whole Systâ—m of Creatures yea is the Lord and Head of every Creatâ—re 25. Moreover the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily in this most divine Mediâ—m Jesus Christ according to the Testimony of the Apostle Paul which certâ—inly is thus to be undeâ—stood that the divine Humâ—nity of Châ—ist is the House and immediate Dwelling-place of the most High and Glorious God himself and is as it were a certain Body for the Divinity in the which God himself mâ—y be seen and apprehended by his Creatures and by the Mediation of this beloved and blessed Consort of God when duly qâ—aliâ—ied and disposâ—d thereunto they may enjoy him Therefâ—râ— it is that according to the words of Christ himself his Saints and true Believers feed upon his Flesh and Blood to Eternal Life VVhich Flesh and Blood of Christ are of a Divine and Spiritual nature and yet not â—he very Essence of God but of a certain middle nature between God and Creatures for God doth as it were corporally manifest himself to his Creatures by Christ who nevertheless in his own nature is purely a Spirit absolutely void of all corpoâ—eity 26â— Now because the divine Humaniâ—y of Christ is as it were the Body and House of the Divinity for the Greek Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as it were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 impoâ—ts as much therefore Christ doth in some measure paâ—take oâ— the nature of a Body otherwise he could not be the true and proper Medium between God and Creatures 27. For all Creatures even the most noble and excellent are in some degreâ— or other corporeal 28. Therefore Spirit and Body are not contrary Essences as many do vainly and fâ—lsly affirm for every created Spirit is corpâ—real having in it the true essâ—nce and nature of a Body viz. it is an extended Being bounded circumscrib'd with place moveable c. 29. And therefore a humane Soul which is also a Spirit is corporeal and comprehends in it the true Nature and Essence of a Body The most pure and Spiritual Angels also are corporeal and â—s it were spiritual Bodies 30. For as every Spirit or Soul in the whole creatural System is a Body having in it the true Essence and Attributes of a Body so every Body is in some degree or meaâ—ure Animal and Spiritual i. e. hath Life Sense and Knowledge or at leastwise capable of those Attributesâ— 31. Nor is it to be feared that the Souls of Men could ever become mortal or be turned into Dust Vapour or soft Air or dissolved into Earth and Stones if they were admitted to be corporeal for not every thing that is corporeal or Body is dissolvable because it is a Body for there are immortal Bodies and such as are absolutely and indissolvable such are the Glorified Bodies of Saints and Believers in the Resurrection of the Dead when this morâ—al shall put on Immortality and this corruptible Incorruption according to the Apostle's wordâ— 32. Seeing therefore every Spiritual thing is corporeal and every corporeal thing is Spiritual in some degree or measure therefore all Creatures from the highest to the lowest have some relation and natural Afâ—inity one to another the highest to tâ—e lowest and the lowest to the highest yeâ— certainly as to their original essence and condition they are of one and the self same nature nor is there any even the basest Creature but may be changed either into the noblest or at least into some part of the noblest Creature 33. Therefore that false and vain Imagination of sundry Philosophers so called concerning Matter and Body is to be rejected as tho' it were a thing not only wholly inanimate and void of Life but also utterly incapable thereof to all Eternity VVhich most absurd opinion borders too much on Atheism and most grievously strikes at the divine Goodness Wisdom and Power and other Attributes of the most excellent and supream God 34. For from God who is Life himself and the fountain of it nothing that hath not Life or is uncapable thereof can proceed for God created all his Creatures in his most excelling Goodness Wisdom and Power that in him they might at length bâ— blessed Rejoyce in him and â—njoy him and that in him as their end they might most sweetly rest and so praise honour and glorifie him as God their Creator to all Eternity which they could never do if they weâ—e void of Life and uncapable of it 35. In the Primitive State of created things the most excellent and most wise Creator made or produced a kind of intermediate or middle Creatures with a possibility in this their mediate and of its own nature changeable State and condition of being changed into the better by the assisting Grace of God or into the worse by the byass of their own proper Wills and Inclinations 36. Therefore God's first Work about Creatures is to create them then being created to fashion them after this or that manner either into the better if they follow faithfully in all thinâ—â— the conduct of divine Grace or into the worse by the most just Judgment of God if refusing the Guidance of divine Grace they wilfully and voluntarily renounce the Law of God 37. Hence proceeds that diverse and contrary state and condition of most Creatures one from another For whereas sundry Creatures kept their primitive Integrity and Innocence nor did ever transgress the divine Law therefore are they blessed and still enjoy the beatifick Vision and Communion with God they are also pure holy and immaculate full of Light and divine Life and shine in that Glory and Beauty which to us Mortals is certainly incomprehensible But because many others fell from their primitive Purity by Transgression and Disobedience of the divine Law therefore are they miserable polluted with Sin sullied and darkened 38. And hence it is that from this World of creation other Worlds also burst out to wit the World of formation as well the Superiour as Inferiour that of Souls who never fell whose Seat and Region is the caelestial Paradise this of fallen Souls and after a certain manner polluted with Sin whose Seat Region is without that blessed place of Paradise in places and parts of the World invisible to our outward view 39. Lastly from the inferiour World of Formation proceeded this World of Fabrication wherein
Ieziratick World and being thus devested they at length grew into this Grosness Death and Stupidity which they now suffer 50. And therefore our Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ after he came into the Flesh in the likeness of sinful Flesh was to be câ—uâ—ified in Golgotha which is the place of Scuâ—â—â— or Sepulchres by which is typically signifâ—â—â— this Asiatick VVorld or VVorld of Fabricationâ— that so in this place of Death he â—â—gâ—â—â—vercome Death it self who is our Saviour and Prince of Life yea Life it self which that he might do by the Ordination of divine VVisdom he was to die in a Body of Flesh and then to rise again in the same Body in which he died that he might become the first Fruits of the Resurrâ—â—tion of the Dead and his Bâ—dy being Glorified and Immortalized might at length gloriâ—ie and immortalize the Bodies of Saints in which Bodies they shall live and reign with Châ—ist for ever in the Heavens 51. Therefore this Asiatick VVorld is to be again converted and reduced into the Superiour and excellent Ieziratick VVorld that all its parts may be re-united to these antient Souls whereunto in times past they belonged that so at length the Souls and Bodies may be purified in this VVorld from all dreggs of Sin and Death as in a refining Furnace of Affliction and Suffering and lastly eternally glorified in a indissolvable incorruptible union of both Body and Soul 52. And then indeed the natural and animal Body will be changed into a Spiritual Body which is far nobler yea all this gross and material VVorld where Death and Stupidity so wonderfully reigns will be rendred full of Life and Spirit 53. And yet this great and truly wonderful change and conversion of all even the vilest things of this Asiatick VVorld may not be suddenly and altogether but by parts and in various Successions of Ages according to the predestination of divine VViâ—dom 54. Therefore the Ages of VVorlds iâ— respect of human Intellect are truly infinite and innumerable and that not only in regard of things to come but in regard of things past 5â— Moreover this Asiatick VVorld hath had its existence â—or many more Ages than we Mortals are able to number 56. Therefore this Asiatick VVorld wherein we live must be distinguished into many and various VVorlds as a Whole is distinguished into its parts beyond the reach of Mortals understanding 57. But those particular Asiatick VVorlds are most commodiously distinguished in respect of the Years whereof they consist 58. Now every particular Asiatick World consists of seven Thousand Years which make up as it were one week consisting of seven days 59. For a thousand Years with the Lord are as one Day and one Day as a thousand Years as it is in the 90th Psalm and confirmed by the Apostle Peter in hls second Epistle ver 3. 60. And the seventh Millenium or seventh Thousandth Year of each VVeek of the World is the Sabbath of this VVorld 61. Therefore this World of ours consists of Seven Thousand Years whose seventh Millenium is the Sabbath or Sabbatism of this our present World as it is in Heb. 4. 62. And indeed that Sabbath of days which God commanded the Iews to observe was a Type or Figure of this Mystery the same also was that of the Sabbath of Years Months and VVeeks which in times past God likewise command the Iews to observe 63. Now whereas every fiftieth Year comprehending seven weeks of years was a year of Iubilee wherein every Captive was to be set at liberty and every one to return to his own Family House and Possesâ—â—on this certainly signifies fifty thousand years which contain seven weeks of Worlds therefore in the fifty thousand year or end of every seventh World many Souls are to be saved and reconciled to God by Christ which as yet could not obtain Salvation in the preceding weeks or VVorlds but suffered for their Impieties by the most just Judgmnet of God the execrable torments of Hell Fire 64. Others there are whosâ— Sins God doth pardon in this World for the sake of Christ such as are Sins of Ignorance and all others of which Men sincerely repent but there are some whose Sins are nâ—iâ—her forgiven in this World nor in that which is to come and yet are forgiven in some third World and lastly there are others which are not remittâ—d till the â—ourth and so on even to a seventh according to the most just Judgment oâ— God nay far beyond a seventh even to the seventy seventh thousand year the Remission of â—ome very notorious and wicked Sins seems to be deferred that â—s not less than eleven weeks and such a kind of a Sinner that wicked Lamech seemed to be who predicted of himself his to Wives that Vengeance should be taken on him seventy seven fold that is as it seems 77000 Years But on Cain who was not so wicked Vengeance was to be taken but seventy fold which is 7000 Years to wit the whole time of this World 64. Then if one day with the Lord be as a thousand years by the same reason one year i.e. 365 days will be as 365000 years which Period of 365000 years â—eems to be some vast Age comprehending about 52142 Worlds within which space of time whatsoever is of humane kind on Earth will doubtless be converted unto God Nevertheless the Asiatick VVorld doth not cease to be upon this account because the parts of the Asiatick World are continually multiplied by reason of the continual Multiplication of other VVorlds to wit the Ieziratick and Briatick whereof we have already made mention 66. Therefore they err extreamly and conceive too unworthily of God yea do not righâ—ly know nor consider the naâ—ure of him who think the punishments oâ— the damned are to be perpetrated to all Eternity without any end or termination For the very nature of God is Love it self according to the express words of the Apostle Iohn and finally because the nature of God is unchangeable therefore he did necessarily love all his Creatures and that constantly and unchangeably too nor could he absolutely hate any thing that ever he created and because love is of the nature of God himself and whatever he operates or doth in relation to his Creatures even when he most severely punishes them for their Sins proceeds all from Love therefore God loves his Creatures in the most miserable and wretched state and condition they can exist in and therefore cannot but benefit them and so at length bring them out of misery Therefore all the punishments which the most just and truly tremenduous Justice of God inflicts on Sinners are tâ—ue effects and real tokens of his divine Love towards them the most certain end and design of all which is the Redemption and Deliverance of those Sinners â—rom all their Sins and Punishments inflicted on them for Sin and their final Glorification and Restoration to Justice and Holinesâ— which is apparently confirmed by St. Iohn
Millenium that shou'd not dye but be changed 9. It appears also that when the Millenium is finished Gog and Magog shall gather themselves together against the Saints to slay them which certainly they cou'd never attempt to do if they did not live in a Body of Flesh. 10. This is more largely conâ—â—â—â—'d iâ— that the Saints even until 260 years after the beginning of the Millenium shall marry and propagate Children for the State of Matrimony and procreation of Children is not beneath the dignity of the future Millenium for Adâ—m in his Paradisical State before the fall had a Wife and tho' he had not sinned wou'd have known his Wife and have begotten Children 11. But that the Saints do for some time in the aforesaid Millenium contract Matrimony and beget Sons and Daughters appears from Isaiah Chap. 65. where the Inhabitants of this of this New Heaven and new Earth are prâ—mised that they shall build Houses and inâ—â—â—ite them plant Vineyards and ear the Fâ—â—â—t of them they shall not labour in vain â—or bring forth in fear for they are thâ— Seed of the Blessed of the Lord and their Off-spring with them yea in the same Chapter 't is affirm'd of the Sinners who shall live in the Millenium that they shall live to an hundred Years nor shall any die in Infancy and the days of the Saints shall bâ— as the days of the Tree of Life for so heretoâ—ore that place was read by the Fathers that is they shall live a thousand Years and then shall not die but ascend into Heaven in a Body changed which Adam would have done if he had not sinned 12. Now that new Heaven which will be câ—eaâ—ed in the future Millenium will be only new in respect of their excellent natures 13. Ioseph's Blâ—ssing by his Faâ—her Iacob which belongs to the said Millenium clearly demonstâ—ates thâ—t they should marry and beget and bring up Children Gen. 49 2â— 26. For among â—â—her Blessings which he had he waâ— also blessed with the Blessings of the Bâ—easts â—nd the Womb which have a respect to Wives and Mothers whose Blessings also ougâ—t to reach to the utmâ—st bounds of the everlasting Hills viz. to the second Resurrection when this Body of Flesh shall be changed into a Spiritual Body and being thus changed shall ascend into the everlasting Hills that is into the highest Heavens 14. Therefore those Words of Christ that in the Resurrection of the Dead they do not marry nor are given in Marriage but are equal to the Angels are to be understood of the second Resurrection but not of the first because certainly in thâ— first Resurrection they shall not be equal to to the Angels but as Adam was in Paradise before the Fall 15. And hitherto may be referred those woâ—ds of the book of Wisdom 3.43 Blessed is the Barrâ—n and Undâ—filâ—d who hath not known the Sinful Bed for she shall have Fruit in the Visitation of Souls 16. Now all the Sons Daughteâ—s of the Saints in the future Millenium are the Souls of all the Saints that ever have liv'd in a carnal Body since the beginning of the World and finally raised up to Life in a â—ody of Flesh and boâ—n of Fathers and Mothers into the Woâ—ld for none shall enjoy the Reward and Blessedness of the â—uture Millenium but such who have lived an holy Life on Eaâ—th from the begâ—nning of the World Moreover Christ called this Resurrection of the Saints unto Life regeneration 17. And therefore all Saints that enjoy the Millenium shall then be born into the World in a carnal Body and shall have Fathers and Mothers according to the Flesh. 18. Nor will this seem strange or incredible to any one after it is clearly demonstrated from Scripture that we have all lived several times in a Body of Flesh yea for many years and Ages of years 19. This Truth being once demonstrated and granted in a manner all the Mysteries and things difâ—icult to be apprehended of the future Millenium will be most easily understood for the Ignorance of the Souls being born again and returning to Life in a body of Flesh hath mightily obscur'd the Mystery of the future Millenium and in a manner all other Mysteries of the whole Christian Religion which indeed when the said new Birth or carnal Regeneration is demonstrated will display themselves and appear with a wonderful sweetness facility and evidencâ— of Truth 20. First therefore it shall be demonstrated by certain Arguments drawn from Scripture that the same Souls after the death of the carnal Body were again raised to Life and born of Parents in a Body of Flesh. 21. First this is proved from the express Words of Christ himself who called Iohn Baptist Elias yea affirmed him to be Elias himself Matth. 11. Mark 9.12 and declared him also to be the same that was to come But that where Iohn denied that he was Elias is to be understood of the Mystery of 1045 Years couch't under the name of Eliah which also signifies the strong and mighty God for that Dispensation or Ministration of Iohn answers not to to the name of Elias but the name of Iohn which signifies Grace but when he shall be born again into the World that Dispensation will most excellently suit with the name of Eliah 22. Secondly 'T is proved from that passage of St. Paul to the Romans where discoursing of the unbelieving Iews he affirms that they shall after many Ages believe in Christ and finally be reunited to their natural Root but the force of the Argument concludes in behalf of those Souls who were unbelieving in the Aposâ—les days which after certain Ages were to believe in Christ after the fullness of the Gâ—ntiles was converted to the Christian Faith which Conversion of the Iews we yet expect 〈◊〉 Earth even of those who were unbelieving in the Apostles days for all the Iews which are natural Branches shall be saved and their Hearts shall be opened and that too before the beginning of the Millenium 23. Thirdly 'T is proved from Matth. 23.35 compared with the 2 Chron. 24.22 where Christ aâ—â—irms that those very Iews who were contemporary with him in the Flesh had kill'd Zacharias the Son of Baruch c. But this Wickedness was committed in the days of King Ioas more than eighty Years before Christ's Incarnation * See Matth. 21.35 c. compare here-witâ— 2 Chron. 24.22 But if any should affirm that this was not their own but their foâ—e-Father's Crime and imputed to them because they were led by the same Spirit of Iniquity and Impiety I answer This cannot destroy the force of the Argument because according to the Râ—ghteous Ordinance of God the Sins of the Fathers are not imputed to the Children beyond the third or fourth Generation even when the Children are led by the same Spirit and follow the same steps of their Fathers But beâ—cause many Generations have interven'd between that Wickedness and the
time of Christ's Incarnation and many more beâ—ween the Murther of Abel and that time therefore those very Iews had divers times lived in the World before that time yea Cain who killed Abel lived at that time Now That the Fathers of those Iews did kill the Prophets is true for all the Prophets which were killed were either killed by the Fathers of those Iews but in the space of four Generations or by those very Iews themselves 24. Fourthly 'T is proved in that Christ affirms that those very Iews to whom he spoke whilst in the Flesh had killed the Prophets O! Ierusalem Ierusalem said he that killest the Prophets and stonest them that were sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thee but thou would'st not 25. Fifthly it is proved in that St. Paul 1 Thess. 2.15 affirms that the same Iews killed Christ and the Prophets 26. Sixthly In that Christ in his Parable afâ—irms those Husband-men to have ill treatâ—d the Servants of the Lord and at last killed the Son himself 27. Seventhly from Christ's Parable of Laâ—ourers hired and sent into the Field some in the Morning others at the third Hour others at the sixth Hour others at the ninth Hour others were called at the eleventh Hour but they who were called at the eleventh Hoâ—r stood all the Hours of the day idle in the Markeâ— By those Labourers who were called in the eleventh Hour the Gentiles are to be understood who were called into the Church of Christ by the Minstery of the Apostles after Christ's Resurrection By those who were called in the Morning and at other Hours of the day the Iews are understood the Morning is the beginning of the Woâ—ld â—nd therefore certain Iews who lived in the Apostles days liv'd from the beginning of the World and laboured twelve Houâ—s in the Field some laboured nine others six three c. And when the Evening came thâ—y all received a Peny the Gentiles were made equal with the Iews the Iews muâ—murâ—d but without reason for the Genâ—iâ—es â—hâ—t believed in Christ and laboured in the Field had done as much and some of them more in the last hour than the Iews had done in the whole day for they had done but little before Christ's Incarnation and Passion and many of them did not labour without grudging therefore Christ said of them Many are callâ—d but few are chosâ—n 28. â—ighthly 'T is proved from the Words of Pâ—ter 1. Epist. Chap. 3. v. 18.19 For the same Souls or the same Men who lived before and perished in the Flood liv'd also in Bodies of Flesh upon the Earth when Châ—ist â—uâ—fer'd Death in the Flesh who being mortified in the Flesh was quicken'd in the Spirit and poured out upon Men a more abundant Life of Grace after he arose from the Dead and then indeed by the ministery of his Life and Grace he preached to those Souls who from the beginning of the World were detain'd in Prison and in Chains of Darkness under the Power of Satan which Souls notwithstanding werâ— restor'd to Life in a Body of Flesh to hear the Gospel Prâ—ached For the Gospel is not preach'd to Souls that live out of the Flesh but to such as live on Earth in Bodies of Flesh Iohn 1.9 Iohn 3.11.17.59 Luke 2.14 29. 9 ly 'T is proved from the Words of Peter where he affirms in his 1 Epistle Chap. 4. vers 6. that the Gospel was preached to the Dead That they might be judged as Men in the Flesh and therefore they who in time past were dead lived again in the Flesh that they might live to God in the Spirit 30. 10 ly 'T is prov'd in that Christ preached that the Hour should come and was already come in which the Dead should hear the voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live Whereby the Dead he means not only the Spiritually Dead but such as are naturally Dead also who were to live again in the days of Christ that they might hear the Gospel and in hearing might believe and in believing might have eternal Life 31. Proof 11. St. Paul in his Epistle to Romans â— 25 affirms that Redemption is made in Christ Jesus to the remission of Sins past in the patience and long suffering of God Now the aforementâ—oned Sins are all the Sins committed by all Men from the beginning of the World 32. Proof 12. Christ is said to have reconciled us to God by his Death even when we were enemies to him and to have born our Sins in his Body on the Cross which he could not have done if we had not lived some time before the Death of Christ. 33. Prof 13. Christ dyed for all Men as well for those that had been dead from the beginning of the World as for those who were then alive and therefore the Efficacy of his Sacrifice extends unto all that have ever lived from the beginning of the World that they might repent and obtain forgiveness of their Sins If they would but believe in Christ and obey his Commandments for the time to come And how absurd is that opinion that Christ should suffer Death for all that dyed since the beginning of the World and yet that the greatest part of them should be wholly ignorant of so great Grace and Favour neither should ever taste of the Fruits of the said Grace after the Death of Christ 34. Proof 14. Christ hath affirmed that all Sins should be forgiven excâ—pt the Sin against the Holy Ghost but there were no Sins committed against the Holy Ghost before the Death of Christ. 35. Proof 15. Paul said God winked at Men in the times of ignorance but then he called all to Repentance Therefore he called those also to repent whom he hath formerly winked at ever since the beginning of the World 36. Because otherwise the Patience and long Suffering of God cou'd not be explained for God forbore with much long Suffering the vessels of Wrath c. And the great long Suffering of God allowed much time for Repentance because in the sight of the Lord a thousand years are but as one day 37. Proof 17. Peter in his second Epistle Chap. 3 said God did not come on purpose to execute his tremenduous judgments in the conflagration of the World because he is long suffering and wills all to come to Repentance and therefore the long Suffering of God bears with Men almost two thousand years after the death of Christ before the beginning of the Millenium anâ— three thousand years before the last Judgment and Conflagration of the Woâ—ld which three thousand years are with the Lord but as three days Now to what purpose did God grant Men so long a time But that such as had not lived a thouâ—and years from the beginning of the World might have the same time to live in a Body of Flesh before the end of the World that they might at last repent and in case they did not repent should be justly punished
born oâ— Flesh and Blood And tho' it may be granted that the Hypothesis of the Revolutions may some way illustrate the Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead as Minutius Felix improved it to that purpose to convince the Heathen Philosophers of the verity of the Resurrection yet the Resurrection of the Dead tho' it be call'd a Revolution is not like those other Revolutions wherein Men's Souls are supposed after Death to revolve into other Bodies by humane Generation Page 71. ad fin Emend That none had finished their Revolutions according to that Hypothesis before the Death of Christ must be granted but that all Souls had begun their Revolutions before Solomon's time unless it be restrained to the Souls of the Iews is not so apparent but rather according to the Mystick Writers of the Iews many Souls do still begin their Revolutions until 6â—00 Years be â—xpired from the beginning of this World Page 81. ad med Emend That it is more probable those 144000 mentioned Reâ—el ch 7. and câ— 14. are to be understood of the first Fruits of the raised Saints sometime before the beginning of the 1000 Years viz. about the time of tâ—e opening of the sixth Seal Page 88. l. 22. Emend and Explic. This is only to be understood of all such Souls to whom the Period of 4000 Yearâ— is given because of the dark times preceding but in the Ages of more Light under Christ less time is given the shortness of time being supplied sufficiently wiâ—h the greater Light Page 93. l. 20. Emend and Explic. This present time is the last to any that have had sufficient time formerly givâ—n them but not to others that have not had their â—ull day and time given them Page 95. l. 5. Emend and Explic. That Souls revolve but thrice in the space of 1000 Years and consequently but once in the space of 333 Yearsâ— is to be understood of such Souls as have committed such hainous Crimes as for which they deserved to be ejected or cast out for so long a time which Ejection is called by Mystick Writers Excision that is either for such a long time as 333 Years or if they do not amend may prove at last a final Excision But such Souls 〈◊〉 do amend the Mystick Writers say do quickly revolve in order to their perfect Restitution so that the Soul of the deceased Faâ—her may revolve in his Grand-child which is only but Historically related but not Dogmatically aâ—serted yet not so that the Father is the Grand-Child for that would be great Confusion but that as they say the Soul of the Deceased Grand-father doth revolve to cohabit and live together wiâ—h the Soul of the Grand-Child in the same Body even as the Soul of the Grand-Child did live together and cohabit with the Soul of the Grand-father in the Grand-father's Body out of whose Loins he did at last proceed according to which Hypothesis it may be understood how the Souls â—f Er and Onan who died in the Land of Canaan yet went with their Brethren into Egypt making in all together with Er and Onan but 70 Souls as plâ—inly appeâ—reth from Gen. 46.12 27. it being granted that they revolved in Pâ—aâ—ez and Zerah their younger Brethren who had also their own proper distinct Souls all whiâ—h were great distinct Roots of their râ—speâ—tive Families Page 105. lin 1. Correct The Years from Chrisâ—'s Resurrection to the beginning of the first Trumpet are 180 to which adding the Yâ—ars â—rom Christ's Birâ—h â—o his Death and Resurrection viz. 34 Years current make 214 and therefore correct the Intervals of the Trumpets thus 214 474.734.9â—4.1254.1514.1774 â—034 The occasion oâ— the difference of four Years is above-noted and corrected at Page â—6 Page 1â—8 109. Emendat and Explic. If the seven Thunders and seven Vials have some Analogy as is â—robable thâ—se Intervals of Numbers Page 108. may â—ather be referred to the seven Thunders than to the â—even Vialsâ— And it is rather more probable that the 〈◊〉 of the seven Vials begins not to be poured out until 〈◊〉 year from Christ's â—â—rth 1â—0â— and if we allow ten Years to each Vial the last shall be poured out 〈◊〉 the year 1770 after which allowing three Years and to the personal Antichrist that is then to come whose timeâ— according to the general Sence of Antiquity is limited to that short space of three Years and ½ anâ— who at the end of that short space is to be destroyed by Christ's coming it brings us to the beginning 〈◊〉 the 1000 Years about the year 1774â— which yet 〈◊〉 not Dogmatically aâ—â—â—râ—ed but by way of a probablâ— Hyâ—othesiâ— and modest conjecture But that the Papal Hiâ—rarchâ— will not expire aâ—out the year 1700 〈◊〉 apparent â—rom Mâ—â—â—chiâ—â—'s Prophec An Irish Aâ—â—â—â— who lived aboâ—t 〈◊〉 Yâ—ars ago and had a Vision of 〈◊〉 the Popes that should be frâ—m hiâ— time to the 〈◊〉 See Flâ—re's 〈◊〉 according to wâ—ich Fifteen 〈◊〉 Sixteen Popes are yet to come but they may all happen to come and pâ—â—s before the year 1â—5â— be 〈◊〉 expired But aâ—ouâ— the year 1â—â—â— which is thâ—â—gâ—â— by strict account to 〈…〉 or 16â—â— some greâ—â— change may be probably expected in 〈◊〉 to a 〈◊〉 Reformation in the World thaâ— very 〈◊〉 being 〈◊〉 beginning of the sixth Seal according to this Châ—â—â—â—â—logical Hâ—poâ—hesis The seventh Seal may either 〈◊〉 suppos'd to comprehend in a â—â—nerâ—â— wayâ— all the 〈◊〉 Seals and Intervals of â—he â—rumpets and Vâ—â—â—s â—r wiâ—â—out any change of the Chronological Perâ—ods 〈◊〉 numbers of Years the seventh Seal may â—e suppâ—â—â— to be Synchronous or Contemporal with the 〈◊〉 Seal and consequently the half hour's silence may 〈◊〉 reâ—erred to that time to great Peace and Quiet 〈◊〉 the Church of Christ shall enjoy â—rom the year 1â—â—â— to the year 17â—0 â—ithin which space of â—0 Yeaâ—â— the seven Viaâ—s called the seven last Plaguesâ— are to poured out upon the false Church the Whore â—â—â—bylon and chieâ—ly the Râ—mâ—â— â—ierarchâ— aâ—d Papâ—â—â— Page 110. aâ—â—ed 〈◊〉 It is a great mistaâ—â— that needs Câ—rrecâ—iâ—n 〈◊〉 â—hich the Author 〈…〉 had correâ—ted in â—is Manusâ—â—pâ—s aâ— if the Propheâ—s 〈◊〉 Apostles or â—ny other of 〈◊〉 dâ—â—eâ—sed Saintâ— shaâ—l born agaiâ— into the World of Women Virgins or any others But all the deceased Saints shall â—e raised upâ— and â—eceive their Resurrection Bodies by â—he immediate Power of God and Christ. And tâ—o ' it is called in Scripture Reâ—eneration yet it is properly and truly a real Resurrection as well as Reâ—eneraâ—â—on wâ—erebâ— according to the Body thâ—â— shall be the Children of God as well as according to the Soul and â—â—â—rit Morâ—over as â—oncerning the order of tâ—â— Râ—suâ—â—eâ—â—ion the Scripâ—ure is plain Fiâ—st 〈◊〉 the first Frâ—its afâ—er they tâ—at are Chriâ—â— a◠〈◊〉 Coâ—iâ—g But iâ— is worthy â—o be consideâ—â—d wâ—ether â—here â—â—y noâ— be a first Fruits of tâ—e Râ—sâ—râ—â—â—â—â—on before the general Reâ—â—rrection oâ— the 〈…〉 to the Râ—vâ—latiâ—ns Chap. 7. anâ— Chap. 14. Page 11â— anâ—
excepted which is more illustrated by this Hypothesis there are sundry other places of Scripture which seem to be very much illustrated by the said Hypothesis noâ—withstanding that where Christ is said to have once appeared in the end of the World to purge away Sin by the Sacrifice of himself because indeed that Soul bore the name of Christ and Lord only in his twelfth Revolution For neither Abel nor Isaac or any other of those 12 Revolutions was called Christ nor ought any of them to bear the dignity or Character of Christ till they had performed their 12 Revolutions whereby that Soul ought to be fitted and prepared to Assume this excellent Title and Dignity Wherefore it is true that Christ was but once born in the Flesh and but once suffered for the Sins of all Mankind even according to the aforesaid Hypothesis because Christ did not assume that Soul in a personal unity as the seed of Abraham till the 12 Revolution 12. Lastly because Moses foretold that God would raise up a Prophet to the Israelitish People from amongst their Brethren like unto him The Word raise up seems to intimate that the Soul of the same Prophet had lived before in the Flesh yea was at time living in the Flesh. Moreover the aforsaid Hypothesis if it shouâ—d gain admittance would arm us with the most effectual Argument to convince the Iews that that was the very Messiah who was Born of the Virgin Mary and suffered under Pontius Pilate For he ought not to have come sooner nor later into the World than he did because if he had come sooner he could not have perform'd his Revolution oâ— 3996 years 〈◊〉 ought not to come later because 〈◊〉 some Souls would have finâ—shed all their Revolutions before the Messias was come and so would have been frustrated and disappointed of the Fruit of his coming which could not be 107. But laying aside the aforesaid Hypothesis still the Argument remains as strong as before to convince the Iews that the Messias ought not to have come later into the World then he actually did The Iews themselves deny his coming sooner because indeed if he had come later then certain Souls would have compleated their 12 Revolutions before he came and so would have reaped no benefit by the Messias coming into the World 108. This Argment will be more forcible to convince the Iews because the Iews themselves do acknowledge the Revolution of Souls to live divers times in the Flesh altho' they are ignorant of the number of those Revolutions yet they expect that all shall at last be rais'd up and restor'd to â—ife in the days of the Messias that they may enjoy the Benefits of his coming when he shall come Now if it can be made appear to them from the Old Testament which they acknowledge and believe that there are 12 Revolutions of humane Souls living in a Body of Flesh and neither more nor less even till they are at length perfected in a good or evil I think we need not doubt but may positively conclude that the Iews at leastwise all who are ingenious and covet in any Measure or Degree the knowledge of the truth will be convinced that the Messias is come and in the next place believe his coming in the Flesh that he suffered Death and rose again from the Dead and in believing be converted and become true Christians which God of his Mercy hastâ—n and accomplish Amen 109. Paul in 1 Cor. 15.51 saith We shall not all sleepâ— but we shall be all changed in which Words he plainly hints that some of the Saints shall sleep after they shall be borâ— aâ—ain in the Flesh and be again rais'd from 〈◊〉 â—â—ead this indeed is affirm'd of 〈…〉 Elâ—as â—ho are to come into the 〈…〉 Yeaâ—s before the Millenium and 〈…〉 in the Flesh who shall prophâ—â—â— three Years and an half in the Worâ—d and chiefly to the Iews and People 〈◊〉 Israel which three Years and an half being expir'd they are to be kill'd by the Beast and in three days and an half rais'd up to Life again in the same Bodies wherein they were slain and being thus rais'd up to Life they shall not remain on Earth but ascend into the Heavens and there remain with Christ till the end of the World and then indeed they shall come with him in the Clouds of Heaven 110. And that those two Witnesses Rev. 11. are those two Prophets who in a proper and litteral Sense were to be kill'd seems to me most evident which will be between the sixth and seventh Trumpet viz. in the end of the Interval of the sixth Trumpet as it is to be seen from the words of the Revelations Also the days of their Prophesie are 1260 Days not signifying so many Years but only so many common Days because there are not 1260 Years between the sixth and seventh Trumpet but only 260 and yet this admirable event will happenâ— between those Trumpets yea in the end of the sixth Trumpet for they shall be born and slain in the space of 45 Years before the beginning of the Millenium 111. That Elias shall come before the beginning of the Millenium appears from the words of Christ Elias truly shall come and restore all things 112. And lastly That Moses and Elias were to come and be slain and raised again from the Dead and then ascend into Heaven and remain with Christ the whole Millenium appears from Christ's Transfiguration in the Mount where were seen with him Moses and Elias and these are they whom God the Father hath ordain'd to sit the one at the Right Hand and the other at the Left Hand of Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven 113. Wherefore they are of an higher Order and Rank than all the Prophets and Apostles 114. Therefore diligently weigh and consider whether Abraham Isaac and Iacob that sit in the Kingdom of Heaven be not Moses Christ and Elias of whom Christ has for the greatest Dignity Consider also whether the same Moses was not Enoch and whether or no what is written oâ— Enoch and Elias that they should be translated into Heaven doth not answer truly to this Translation of Mâ—ses and Elias for in the first Translation they did not obtain the Resurrection of a glorified Body but it â—aâ—her happen'd to them in a figure for Châ—â—â—â— only was the first of all that attaiâ—â—â— the Râ—surrection of a glorified Body 〈…〉 is callâ—d in Scripture the first 〈…〉 among the Deâ—d and the first 〈…〉 the Resurrection from the Dead 〈…〉 ouâ— Loâ—d and Saviour Jesus 〈◊〉 arose â—irâ—t of all from the Dead 〈◊〉 â—ore to suffer Death then the first oâ— allâ— who sâ—â—ll arise after him is Moses and Elias and then the other Prophets and Apostles with all the Saints every one in his Orâ—er 115. And that those two Prophets and Wâ—â—nâ—â—ses in the Revelation were indeed Moses and Elias is tacitely signify'd in these Woâ—â—â— they shall have power to withhold the Rain
to be the Author and Creaâ—or â—f alâ— things Page 17. ad med Expl. Lâ—â— none inferr from thâ—se words as if when God mâ—dâ—â—an Gen. 1. He did not at once endue him with 〈…〉 three degrees making up one enâ—irâ— Soul of Man and aâ—â—o what the highâ—st and most noble to wit the principle of the divine Life out of the Aziâ—utick System Page 19. ad fin Expl. Adam's Body as originally made by God was not gross and thick as it became afterwarâ—s by Sin It was originally Or Heb. i.e. Light but after his Fall it became Yâ— r i. e. a Skin but within the thick gross Body called Skin Gen. 3.21 the true lucid Parâ—disiacal Body liâ—th hid and will not appear until the Resurrection of the Dead Page 24. Expl. The Author only delivers this Hypothetically thâ—reâ—ore l 6. dele câ—rtainly and read may signifie The Fiâ—tieth year hath a respect to another great Mâ—stâ—ry which is the opening the 50 Divine Gates of Binah i. e. The Divine Intelligence which shall be fully done at the Resurrection of the Dead and beginning of the Thousand Years Page 25. at the beginning Explic. and Emend Cain was but to be avenged 7 Fold and Lamech 77 Fold all which Punishments might have been performed on them both according to the Hypothesis of the Revolutions within the Ages of this World in order to the Melloration and Restitution of them and all elect Souls belonging to them Page 25. Line 16. Expl. and Emend Dâ—le on Earth Where note that these so many Worlds viz. 5214â— do not respect humane Souls that have lived or shall live on Earth within the compasâ— of the Ages of this World but other Souls belonging to following Worlds Page 29. l. 22. for by but read but by Page 30. ad mâ—d Explic. and Emend The 42 Sojournings oâ— the People of Israel seem to have a nearer respect unto the Spiritual Travel oâ— the Souls of Men out of Satan's Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of the dear Son of God as â—or that other it seemeth more remote and â—â—reign but if it be true what Iewish Mystick Writeâ—◠〈◊〉 that the â—aw was given in 70 Languages and in 7â— Sâ—nces it iâ— possible that may be one of them Page 36. ad med Emend Where the number of Years from Adam to Christ's Resurrection is frequently in this Treatise computâ—d to be 〈◊〉 proceâ—deth â—rom the taking the words in Daâ—â— 9.27 the midst of the Week in a strict litâ—ral Sence but the Hebrew word in Daniâ—l signifieth the dividing the Weâ—k which may be understood of the last Year of the last Week not compleaâ— buâ— current therefore it is most probable that the Years from Adam to Christ's Resurrection are 4000 â—urrent and â—rom that to the end of the World 3000 Years Page 39. l. 2. Correct 333â…“ is 1 â—â—2 of 4000 Years thereâ—â—re 333â…“ multiplyed by 12 prâ—duceth 4000 Years Page 42. l. 17. Correct as above in p. 36. Page 50. l. 12. at the Margin for 356 read 556 and for 400 read 409. Page 52 53. Correct the number 1777 it should rather be 1774½ because the middle of the last Week of Daniel as is said needs not be strictly taken but for the last Year of the Week currant according to which Chronogical Account the first Period of Anâ—ichrist's Reign will expire about the Year from Christ's Birth 1700. Page 54. l. 18. For 652 read 1650 and for 1702 read 1700. Note whether the first Fruits mention'd Revel ch 14. have not a relation to 144000 Saints that shall be raised from the Dead as a first Fruits and appear with Christ before the general Resurrection of the Saints is worthy of further enquiry Page 55. l. 15. Emend and Explic. That the Saints shall be raised up to Life in a Carnal and Terrestrial Body must not be understood such as we now have as is well said lin 16. but such as Adam had in Paradise which being compared with such Bodies as we now have may be said to be Spiritual and yet may well he allowed to be capable of a far greater degree of Spiritualityâ— after the 1000 Years are expir'd when they shall ascend together with Christ into the Heavens But it is not to be supposed that the Saints raised up in their Bodiâ—s such as Adam had shall eithâ—r need or use the Meats and Driâ—ks of this World or the Light and Iâ—fluence of the Sun Moon and Starsâ— for it is most probable that Adam neâ—ded none of these things in Paradise for that supply'd him all that he needed Page 57. l. 5. Correct That place of Scripture 1 Cor. 15.51 seemeth not proper to be understood of Paul or any of the deceased Saints but of the Saints thâ—â— shall be found living in Mortal Bodies at Christ's coming without us in his glorified Body the word we being put for they by an ordinary figure called Enallage Personae The Saints the Gog and Magog's Army shall attempt to slay shall not be the raised Saints but the other Saints that shall live in the 1000 Years and have not as yet attain'd the Resurrection and such Saints shall marry and have Children But it is improper to think that the raised Saints shall marry to wit as Men now do and have Children by Women but the manner how Adam would have propagated his Kind is best to leave to a further opening for many think it is apparent â—rom Scripture that Adam before the Fall was Male and Female in one Body and so would have encreased without Distinction of Sex Page 58 59 60. Correct That Marrying Building Planting c. shall belong to the Saints not raised within the Thousand Years ought to be granted but is no wise proper to grant it to the raised Saints whether their Resurrection be called first or second for it seemeth to contradict the words of Christ and the Divine Order of things But all the time of the Thousand Years new Converâ—s and Saints will be added to the Church daily by the preaching of the Gospel who without dying or sleeping will be changed and the mortal and corruptible Body shall put on Immortality and Incorruption Moreover that the deceased Saints shall obtain the Resurrection of the Body by being born of Women as Men are now born into the World must not be granted for not Earthly and Mortal Women whether married or Virgins but our Heavenly and Immortal Mother Ierusalem from above shall bring us all forth and the deceased Saints generally as her Children with respect to the Resurrection or Regeneration of our Bodies at the time appointed as she hath now brought us forth and all the Saints with respect to the inward Resurrection and inward Regeneration of our Souls And only Christ shall be our Heavenly Father and Ierusalem from above our Heavenly Mother with respect to the Resurrection of the Dead and therefore the Children of the Resurrection in Scripture are called the Children of God but shall not be the Children of Men
from 〈…〉 Explic. It â—â—s well th 〈…〉 tionâ—d of â—aâ—c c. is sâ—â—d â—xpreâ—l◠〈…〉 not to be 〈…〉 time the Aâ—tâ—â—r as â—â—pâ—â—r 〈◊〉 ouâ— oâ— his own Mâ—nuâ—cripâ—s â—â—d Paper◠〈…〉 stion neâ—â—â—ivâ—ly 〈◊〉 a posâ—â—ive an 〈…〉 That Isaâ—c was 〈…〉 the Woman whiâ—h Christ 〈◊〉 wâ—en â—e câ—use iâ— thâ— Flâ—sh and tâ—at â—or 〈…〉 To 〈◊〉 Iâ—aaâ— â—â—s the promisâ—d 〈…〉 Châ—ist 〈◊〉 into that mos◠〈…〉 Unâ—â—â— wiâ—h himself is â—o â—ay 〈◊〉 Iâ—â—ac â—â—comâ— Chriâ—t and so wa◠〈◊〉 own Sâ—viâ—ur bâ—t that is aâ—â—uâ—â—d foâ— Isâ—ac â—o â—ll â—â—â—â—r Men needâ—d anâ—ther to â—ave them from theiâ—â—iâ—â— and tâ—aâ—â—tâ—â—r was Chrisâ— 2. It is the Tesâ—imâ—nâ— of 〈…〉 tâ—at all Mâ—n dâ—sâ—â—nded oâ— Aâ—am â—â—râ—st 〈◊〉 have sinâ—ed and tâ—â—râ—fâ—re Iâ—aac as weâ—â— as Aâ—raham and Iaâ—â—â— â—â—â—ve sinned soâ—e â—ime â—r â—theâ— but if Isaac â—â—d â—â—en Chrâ—st to wit the Man Christ thâ—n Châ—ist hâ—d dâ—â—d â—â—r his own Sinâ— but Christ died not for his 〈◊〉 that â—ver aâ— any time â—e hâ—d for he neâ—â—â—â—aâ—â—â—ny Sin Dâ—n â— 2â— compared with Isaiaâ— 53.5 1 Cor. 15.2 2 Cor. 15.21 3. Isaac was to be saved justified and pardoned by Faith in the Man Christ but Isaac was not to believe or have Faith in himself 4. That promised Seed of the Woman that descended out of the Loins of all the Fathers in a straight Line of Succession from Adam to Christ and from Eve to Mary was no part of the defiled Nature of Man tho' it was conveyed or transmitted thro' them that had been defiled with Sin as David and Solomon were great Sinners and yet their Seed was conveyed and transmiâ—tâ—d through them And this is easie to understand how an holy and undefiled Seed or Principle can pass through them that have been defiled and be no more defiled therewith than how the Sun-Beams can shine on an unclean place and not be defiled therâ—with Now that the Seed of the Woman so conveyed and transmitted from Adam to Christ was never defiled with Sin and so was no part of the fallen Nature of Man is clear because to signifie his Primitive Purity and Holiness he was conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of a Virgin and not after the ordinaâ—y manner of Humane Generation And it is written of him Thou hast loved Righteousness and hated Iniquity c. Psal. 45.7 5. That of our Nature which Christ assumed if it had been defiled at any time with Sin how could it have been cleansed oâ— how could it â—leanse other parts of Man's Nature that had been defiled by Sin For it is the clean that cleanseth the unclean and the cleansing must begin in that which is clean that is the Root and Original to cureâ— and cleanse that which is unclean and by â—aith in the promised Seed of the Woman all they who were saved from the beginning of the World were cleansed and sanctified But if it be enquiâ—ed was this Seed of the Woman convâ—yed from Adam to the Man Christ the Seed of Christ or only a Bodily Seed or Principle To this it is answeredâ— That the higâ—er degree of the Soul of Christ was not that Seed that was conveyed through the Loins oâ— Abraham and David to wit that degree of his Soul called the Spirt and Mind in Hebrew Ruach and Neshamah for that was in Heaven and came down from Heaven when the Child Jesus was conceived in the Womb of the Virgin as Christ himself said Ioh. 6.38 For I came down from Heaven not to do my own Will but the Will of him that sent me This was not the Godhead of Christ but that Superiour or Higher degree of his Soul called Ruâ—ch and Neshamah but the inferiour degree or Animal part called Nâ—â—hâ—sh in Heb. may be well allowed to have been in that Seed of the Woman which Christ assumed together with the Bodily Seed and Principle of Christ's Body and tho' it was conveyed and transmitted through all these Generations from Adam to Christ mentioned in Luke ch 3. yet that is not in the common sense of the word Revolutiâ—n because Râ—â—olution in the common sense of the word used by Mâ—â—tick Writâ—râ— is used to signifie the returning of the Souls of deceasâ—d Men to live again in other Bodies of their Posterity or Kindred But when a Man begets a Son and the Soul of his Son comes out of â—is Loins as it is said the Souls of Iacob's Children came â—ut of his Loins that is not called Revâ—lution in the common sense of the Mysâ—ick Writers Beside that Souls revolved are saâ—d to suffâ—r tâ—e Bodily Pains and Afflictionâ— that the Body suffers into which it revolveth and Death also and therefore the Sâ—â—l of Christ did not after this manner revolve for then he would have often died whereas Christ died but once and having once died he dieth no more Deathâ— hath no more Dominion over him Rom. 6.9 Nor is there any cause to suppose that Isaac's Soul needed any Revolution more than the Soul of any â—f the holiâ—st Men for these holy Men being perfected in Faith Love and Holiness according to the Hâ—pothesis of the Revolutions after Death need no Revolution but rest in perfect Peace and Joy until the Resurrection of the Dead But what is the mystery of these 76 or 77 Generations from Adam to Christ described by Luke Chap. 3. iâ— best to leave to God's further opening and noâ— tâ— intrude inâ—o things not sâ—en Pâ—gâ—â— 119 120 121 122. Emend That the two Witnâ—sâ—es shall be Mâ—ses and Elias that shall be slain and risâ— again from â—he Deâ—d I find to be the opinion of some of the Aâ—cieâ—ts particularly of H. Coziâ—s â—â—t they who did not hâ—ld tâ—at Opiâ—ion did not think they sâ—â—uld be born again of Women but that they shâ—â—â—d câ—mâ— and sâ—ffer in these very Bodies wherein they â—ormerâ—y â—â—vâ—d and should rise again But these two Wiâ—nesses shâ—ll nâ—t 〈◊〉 Mâ—sâ—â— and Eliâ—s as some sâ—y or 〈◊〉 and Eâ—â—â—s as oâ—hers saâ— it is certain that they shâ—ll be â—wo excellent and eminent Servâ—ntâ— of Gâ—d enduâ—d wiâ—h such a Prophetick and wâ—ndâ—r wâ—â—â—iâ—g â—pirit as Mâ—ses and Elias had No◠〈…〉 appear that any of the deceased Saiâ—ts â—hâ—ll by 〈◊〉 be bâ—rn agâ—in of Women â—ut they shâ—â—l â—e immediately raised up by the power of God aâ—d Christ. Pagâ— 122. ad â—iâ—em â—â—â—nd aâ—◠〈◊〉 That the Sâ—inâ—s shall be raâ—sed up tâ— live and reign with Christ on â—r over the â—â—rthâ— is noâ—â—o be understood as iâ— thâ—y should nâ—ed or 〈…〉 the Meats or Drinks oâ— the Eaâ—â—h or any 〈◊〉 Eâ—râ—hly Convenienceâ— bâ—t tâ—aâ— theâ—â—hall appear â—o â—hâ— Sâ—ints not yet 〈…〉 liviâ—g 〈…〉 Animal 〈◊〉 to their great 〈◊〉 and hâ—vâ— that Rule and Government over â—â—l tâ—e Eâ—rth that the Angels now have iâ— clear from Heb. â— 5 1 Cor. 6.2 Page 125. ad â—inâ—m Emend That the Church of 〈◊〉 shall â—ollow tâ—e latter part of the Thousand Yeaâ—s is nâ—â—â—â—oâ—able but rather that it shall be contempâ—rary 〈◊〉 thâ— Church of Philadelphia for some