/lit/ - Literature

>They do not see and hear that God had given everything for the purpose that they should keep His Commandments; therefore they should be His people and Church. Just as they boast of their blood and no- bility, but that they should keep His Commandments, on account of which and for which purpose he had chosen them, that they do not see and regard. They boast about their circumcision, but the purpose for which they were circumcised-to keep God's Com- mandment-does not mean anything to them. They
know how to boast of their Law, Temple, Divine Ser- vices, city, country and principality; but disregard the purpose for which they had it. The Devil has possessed these people with all his angels; that they always boast of outward things, their gifts, their ac- complishments and deeds, which is to offer up the empty shells without the kernels. Those He is to look upon and on their account take them (the people who offer them) for His nation, exalt and bless them above all heathen. But that they should keep His Command- ments and keep Him as their God, that they will not accept. The saying of Moses applies to them: I I They do not regard Me as God, therefore I do not regard them as my people," as also says Hosea 1:9.