Light for Them that Sit in Darkness, Book · Testimonies
Particular Testimonies, that this Coming of Jesus is his Coming to Save us.
1. SImeon the Just gives Testimony of him. And the Holy Ghost was upon him, and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see Death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the Temple, and when the Parents brought in the Child Jesus to do for him after the Custom of the Law, then took he him up in his Arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace, for mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation, Luk. 2. 25, 26, 27, - 32.
The Testimony of Anna.
2. Anna a Prophetess, one of a great Age, which departed not from the Temple, but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. And she coming in at the same instant, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for Redemption in Jerusalem, Luk. 2. 26, 27, 28.
The Testimony of John Baptist.
3. John Baptist as he fulfilled his Ministry, he cried concerning this Jesus, Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the Sins of the World. And he, saith John, that sent me to baptize with Water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and abiding, or remaining, the same is he which shall baptize with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bear record that this is the Son of God, Joh. 1. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34.
The Testimony of the Star and Wise-Men.
4. The Star that appeared at his Birth in the East, and that coasted through the Heavens, till it came over the Place where the young Child Jesus was, that Star gave Testimony that he was the Saviour. This Star alarmed many, especially the Wise-Men of the East, who were brought by it from afar to worship him. And lo, the Star which they saw in the East, went before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was. And when they saw the Star they rejoiced with exceeding joy. And when they were come into the House, they saw the young Child with Mary his Mother, and fell down and worshipped him; and when they had opened their Treasures, they presented unto him Gifts, Gold, and Frankincense, and Myrrhe.
The Testimony of the Angels.
1. To Mary herself.
And in the sixth Month the Angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a City of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a Man whose Mame was Joseph, and the Virgin's Name was Mary; and the Angel came in unto her, and said, Hail thou that art highly favoured. And the Angels aid unto her, Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy Womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his Name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David, and he shall reign over the House of Jacob for ever, and of his Kingdom there shall be no end, Luk. 2. 26, 35.
2. The Angels Testimony to the Shepherds, as they were feeding their Flocks in the Fields by Night.
And lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the Glory of the Lord shined round about them, and they were sore afraid; and the Angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people; for unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord, Luk. 2. 8, 9, 10.
3. How the Angels Solemnized his Birth among themselves.
And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth Peace, good-will towards Men, Luk. 2. 13, 14.
The Testimony of God the Father.
1. When he was Baptized.
And Jesus when he was Baptized went up straightway out of the Water; and lo, the Heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a Dove, and lighting upon him; and lo, a voice from Heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Mat. 3. 16, 17.
2. The Fathers Testimony of him at his Transfiguration.
And he took Peter, and James, and John, and went up into a Mountain to pray: and as be prayed, the fashion of his Countenance was altered and his Raiment was white and glittering, &c. And there appeared Moses and Liias talking with him, and a Cloud from Heaven overshadowed them, at which the three Disciples began to be afraid. Then there came a voice out of the Cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, hear him, Luk. 9. 28, 29, 30, 35.
This is that Testimony of God which Peter speaks of, saying, We have not followed cunningly devised Fables, when we made known unto you the Power and Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his Majesty; for he received from God the Father Honour and Glory when there came such a voice to him from the Excellent Glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: And this voice which came from Heaven we heard, when we were with him in the Holy Mount, 2 Pet. 1. 26, 27, 28.
3. God gave Testimony of him by Signs and Wonders.
Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of my self, but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doth the Works. God also bearing them witness (that preached Salvation by Jesus) both with Signs and Wonders, and with divers Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own Will, Joh. 14. 10. Heb. 2. 4.