A
Garden of Fountains, &c.
OR
Divine
Openings and Revelations since the Year MDCLXX.
The First Vision
that appeared to me was in the Month of April, 1670.
Which was on this wise;
BEING my lot at that time to visit a Friend in a
solitary Country-place, where I had great advantage of Retirement, often frequenting
lonely Walks in a Grove or Wood; contemplating the happy State of the Angelical World; and
how desirous I was to have my Conversation there, my thoughts were much exercised upon Solomon’s
Choice, which was to find out the Noble Stone of Divine Wisdom; [Margin
Note: See the Preface to the Laws of Paradise] for by acquainting my self with
her, all desirable good in Spiritual things would meet upon me. The Report and Fame that Solomon
gave of Wisdom, did much excite me to seek her Favour and Friendship; demurring in my self
from whence she was descended, still questioning whether she was a distinct Being from the
Deity or no? Which while in this debate within my Mind, there came upon me an
overshadowing bright Cloud, and in the midst of it the Figure of a Woman, most richly
adorned with transparent Gold, her hair hanging down and her Face as the terrible Crystal
for brightness, but her Countenance was sweet and mild. At which sight I was somewhat
amazed, but immediately this Voice came, saying, Behold I am God’s Eternal
Virgin-Wisdom, whom thou hast been enquiring after; I am to unseal the Treasures of
God’s deep Wisdom unto thee, and will be as Rebecca was unto Jacob, a
true Natural Mother; for out of my Womb thou shalt be brought forth after the manner of a
Spirit, Conceived and Born again: this thou shalt know by a New Motion of Life, stirring
and giving a restlessness, till Wisdom be born within the inward parts of thy Soul. Now
consider of my Saying till I return to thee again.
This Vision took great
Impression on me, yet I kept it for the present hid, but it Operated so much upon me, as
indeed I was incapable to converse with any Mortals; which was taken notice of, that some
extraordinary thing had happened; for the which I begged my Friends excuse, and desired
that she would give me the liberty to be much alone, and to walk in the silent Woods;
where I might contemplate what had so lately happened. Now after three days, sitting under
a Tree, the same Figure in greater Glory did appear, with a Crown upon her Head, full of
Majesty; saying, Behold me as thy Mother, and know thou art to enter into Covenant, to
obey the New Creation-Laws, that shall be revealed unto thee. Then did she hold out a
Golden Book with three Seals upon it, saying, Herein lieth hidden the deep Wonders of Jehovah’s
Wisdom, which hath been sealed up, that none could, or ever shall break up, but such
as of her Virgin-Offspring shall appear to be; who will her Laws receive, and keep, as
they shall spring daily in the New Heart and Mind. This Appearance, and Words, was
wonderfully sweet and refreshing in my Soul; at which I bowed, and prostrated at her Feet;
promising to be obedient to all her Laws. So the Vision shut up for that time.
Pondering this in my Heart,
with great comfort, that this Day-star had visited me from on high; I returned to London
to my own Habitation, retiring my self from all my Acquaintance, saving one Person that
was highly Illuminated, who encouraged me still to wait upon this Vision; for he was
acquainted with somewhat of this kind. So after six days the Vision appear’d again,
with a Train of Virgin-Spirits, and with an Angelical Host; and called to me to come and
see the Virgin Queen, with her first-born Children; asking me, Whether I was willing to be
joyned amongst this Virgin Company? At which I reply’d, All willing to offer up my
self most free: Then immediately I was encompasss’d about with this Heavenly Host,
and made a Spirit of Light. Then these Words from the Virgin proceeded, saying, I shall
now cease to appear in a Visible Figure unto thee, but I will not fail to transfigure my
self in thy mind; and there open the Spring of Wisdom and Understanding, that so thou
mayest come to know the only True God, in and by the formation of Christ, the anointed
Prophet in thee; that shall reveal great and wonderful things unto thee, that are to be
made known, and publick, in its time and day: Therefore be watchful, and to thy Mother
Wisdom’s Counsel give good heed, and thou shalt greatly prosper, and succeed the
Prophets and Apostles to perfect what was left behind, for compleating as to Christ the
Fulness of God’s great Mystery: So go on, and nothing fear, or doubt; for I thy Glass
for Divine Seeing shall evermore stand before thee. Then my Spirit replyed, According to
thy Word let all this be fulfilled. And so this Glory withdrew; but an inward Glory did my
Heart fill, for a burning Love to all of those Heavenly Beings did kindle within my Heart
vehemently.
In the Month of August.
[Margin Note: This having been found without any Date of
the Year,
and the Author having forgotten when it was, cannot find any one that more nearly succeeds
the foregoing one.]
THE Mind of Wisdom thus opened it self in me, as I
waited in my Spirit upon her, she did shew me what Key would open the Great Mystery,
which lay deeply hid in my self. It was wrought and carved out of such pure Gold, as had
passed through many Fires; many Keys I had tryed, but could not turn in this secret
enclosed Lock, but still it shut upon me, though I thought I had that Key which was
compounded of such Metals, as would have made its entrance, as Love, Faith, Patience,
Humility, which with strong Supplication and Prayer, I presented, as the Key of the work.
All which was too short to reach it. Whereupon I was put to a loss altogether to seek how
this Gate should be opened, having compassed the Holy City, and waited and tryed every
way, where I might find passage. Circling from one Path to another, from Prayer to Prayer,
and from Faith to Faith; so that in good earnest I began to consider I had not found this
wonderful Key, for want of which I might run out in waste all my days, and grope as in the
dark, yet never find the Door which opens into my true Shepherd’s Fold. Whereupon
being cast into a deep astonishing silence and stillness, the Word of Wisdom thus
opened it self unto me; Oh thou deep searching Spirit, marvel not thou hast been so long
frustrated, for as to thy present state and dispensation, thou couldst never reach me to
all Eternity, for my Birth in thee lies deeper than thy present Gift of Faith and Prayer
can open; thou hast with many others been in a great mistake. But in as much as thou
ownest and bewailest thy unskillfulness, I will make known to thee what Key will turn this
great Wheel of my Wisdom, so as it may move, and manifest it self in thee, through all thy
Properties, if thou canst bid up to the Price of it. For understand that it is compounded
of all pure Gold, subsisting in a burning Furnace of many Fires: And although this
wonderful Key is of Wisdom’s carving out, and her free gift, yet, O thou seeking
Spirit, she will cost thee very dear, if ever thou obtainest her. Yet she goeth about
seeking such as are worthy of her, and will shew her self within the Walls of the Mind,
and meet them in every thought that waits for her Laws and Counsel, and brings a Kingdom
which will be well worth thy selling all for. But the great thing, saith Wisdom, now is to
discipline and make thy Spirit a cunning Artist, to give it Knowledge of what Matter in
Number, Weight and Measure this pure Key is made up of, which is all pure Deity in the
Number THREE; which is weighty indeed, being one exceeding weighty Glory, sitting in the
Circle of the Heavens within Man’s Heart, measuring with the Line of his Power, the
Temple and inward Court, with the Worshippers therein. This is Wisdom’s Key, which
will make our Hands drop with sweet smelling Myrrh upon the handle of her Lock. Which
while I was opening her Privy-Door, with this Key, my Soul failed within me, and I
retained no strength; my Sun of Reason, and the Moon of my outward Sense were folded up,
and withdrew. I knew nothing by my self, as to those working Properties from Nature, and
Creature, and the Wheel of the Motion standing still, another moved from a Central Fire;
so that I felt my self Transmuted into one pure Flame. Then came that Word to me, This is
no other than the Gate of my Eternal Deep, canst thou subsist in this Fiery Region, which
is Wisdom’s Mansion, where she meets with holy abstracted Spirits, and gives
forth a fiery Law, which if thereunto thou canst give heed, so as to come up to her
Requirings, then no Secret shall be with-held from thee. Thus far am I admitted to come
into the entrance of her House, where I must stop till I hear further from her.
Now as I was attending to
obtain a fresh Visit, being entered into this first Mansion of her House, to hear and
learn further, she said on this wise, That I was greatly beloved, and she would be my
Mother, and so should I own her and call her, who would now be to me as Rebecca was
to Jacob, to contrive and put me in a way how I should obtain the
Birth-right-Blessing. For if I would apply my self to her Doctrine, and draw my
Life’s Food from no other Breast, I should then know the recovery of a lost Kingdom;
At which Salutation I was dissolved and melted, the fervent heat of this Love strongly
impulsing me to a resolve, for to obey her in all things.
Which pure Oil from Wisdom’s
Vessel stopping, it opened again not till October the 20th in the Morning-Watch;
then heard I her Voice thus; Sequester and draw out of thy Animal Sensitive Life, that is
too gross: I cannot appear till that disappear. There must be Spirit with Spirit, Light
with Light. No sooner had I this caution, but I felt Power which suspended the active
busie mind, which for a time was expired into silence: Know then (said the same Voice)
thou shalt supplant thy Brother Esau, who according to the Figure, is a cunning
Hunter in the out-birth and field of Nature. While he with his subtilty seeking it abroad,
in the wild Properties of the External Region; I will now help thee to it near at Hand,
even in thy own enclosed Ground. There the true Scape-Goat feeds, of which I will make
savoury meat, such as God thy Father loves. Hearing this Salutation from my late known
Mother, I was deadly ravished in the Spirit, in the Light of the Lord, and feared to
return to the dark House of my outward Senses again; which opened a spring of Intercession
in me, that as one of the Friends of the Bridegroom, I might hear his Voice still, which
indeed was so pleasant and sweet, as I could well have admitted of a dissolution of my
Elementary Being, rather than this Conference should not still be maintained with this
renowned Pearl of Wisdom. But I have learned to observe her Time and Seasons; I witness
her opening as in the twinkling of an Eye, a pure, bright, subtil, swift Spirit, a working
Motion, a Circling Fire, a penetrating Oil.
November the 10th. 1673.
IN the Morning, about the fifth Hour, my Spirit was
called forth to attend Wisdom’s Oracle again, to know further into that mysterious
thing, she discoursed with me, in order to the obtaining the Birth-right-Blessing. Oh thou
Fiery Soul, know thy self now out of thy own Creaturely Being. Whereupon I was environed
with sweet burning Flame which devoured and consumed all the Bryars, Thorns, and accursed
Emanations that did offer to put forth. So that Scripture was witnessed, feeling
God’s being a Wall of Fire, which separated the Earthly part from the Heavenly. Then
uttered Wisdom her Voice: Oh thou solicitous Spirit, I am now come to shew thee what is
required of thee, as in the beginning of my parling I shunned not to declare, what it
would cost thee to purchase the Key, that unlocks the Gate which gives thee entrance into
that pure and transparent City, where thou art to be an Inhabitant in the Lamb’s
Nature for ever. I tell thee, God requires an Offering from thee, as he did of Abraham,
there is no sparing any part; an whole Burnt-offering through the Eternal Spirit must be
given up. Understand me thus, thou hast an Earthly Principle that hath dilated and
overspread thee, and got into dominion, and covered thee safe from my Heavens within thee;
but these Thrones and Powers must be cast down; their Place must be found no more. Thou
hast made great Complaints, for want of constant near Alliance and Freedom with God thy
Creator: but marvel not the Cause lies here in dying, yet thou art not totally dead. This
is the first Baptism thou art to know, and how many have herein fallen short in not giving
their earthly Self a Thorough-wounding and killing Blow? Therefore to thee, O beloved of
thy mother Rebecca, I commend to thee my flaming Sword, be thou now valiant, and
let it do full Execution in the Camp of Nature; slay utterly Old and Young whatever in
thee bears not my Mark and Name, which is my Image. Few in this Latter Age have come thus
far. Therefore I have had so little pleasure to inhabit with, and to reveal my self to the
children of this Generation; in that a pure Crystalline Mind is so rarely to be found, and
in no other will thy God appear. Therefore hear and learn of me, who well knows what will
qualifie thee for the reception of thy Fountain-light and Joy, which may be an abiding
Friend and Comforter to thee, which was the Heritage of Jacob, thy fore-runner in
the Line and Blessing. Now having made known what thy Offering is to be, which is one
remove that makes way for the return of thy Bridegroom; the second thing required is the
Venison that must be presented to thy Father, that he may eat thereof, that so the Love
from his Heart may flow into thee, wherein the Blessing will be known; but of this thou
shalt have my Counsel, as thou art faithful in answering to this preparative Work.
At these Sayings of my Mother
I well pondered all, tending to the refining me out of my Earthly Life, seeing I must
offer it up, and that time of my departure out of the first Principle, is drawing nigh
upon me, as Wisdom has plainly shewed me; that though I had come with many Offerings, yet
till all was consumed by that one whole Burnt-Offering, I could not be made perfect in the
Virgin-State, where Christ’s Second Birth in pure Spiritual Humanity should appear in
me. Which Wisdom told me, was the true and right Venison, that God my Father would receive
from my Hand, who could savour no other Meat Offering but what should be made up and
dressed by the hand of Virgin Wisdom, who further shewed me that place, where she would
make ready this savoury Meat, which was in the fiery Essence of my Spirit. Which in very
deed I did feel going to work in her own kindled Furnace, where she shewed me her Golden
Pot. No Vessel was to be used but of that pure Metal, wherein was ordered all the several
Ingredients, which I implored her Friendship to let me see; which was granted unto me, who
owned that her Fear was with me, and hitherto I had observed her Charge, and her Secrets
should be with me, and that I should know such things from a deep Ground, as had not been
broken up of late Ages: if I could bear that hot fiery Furnace, which should boil away the
Scum of all that which of the earthly part had yet its remainder with me. Which Counsel
begot this Exploration with my Mother, as fearing I should not come up to these her pure
and high Accomplishments.
Desponding therefore, I said,
Oh my Mother-Wisdom, the terms of thy Requirings are hard, considering I constrained am to
reside in the Out-Birth of a Mortal Shadow, where Millions of Spirits do me tempt to keep
me from this high and noble Ascent. What an overturning must here be made, that so a
Renewing may be on the face of my old Earth? Which Renovation well answers to that
Scripture, We shall not all dye, but suffer a Change, or Translation. Oh how little
did I understand, till Wisdom unsealed and opened her Testimony, lighting my Lamp from her
Seven Pillars of Fire, which now go before me, that my Way may no more be dark: Who hath
made good her Promise, for I felt her strong Impulse, and her Furnace prepared, burning as
an Oven. By which I well know what that Word of Record means, The Day comes that shall
burn as an Oven. She told me, She was now come to make ready the Venison, that I might
have access to God my Father with it. While I was pondering, seeing only the Vessel and
the Fire, with Isaac I was ready to say, Where is the Lamb? Then uttered she this
Word, Thou thy self must be this Paschal Lamb, which must be slain: Then was I taught to
say or pray, strike upon that Life-Vein, which may abundantly return again; thus yielding
my self up to Love’s Flaming Sword, I felt a separation was made. Oh how sweet is it
to feel the Life’s Blood run into the Fountain of that Godhead, from whence it came?
Let none henceforth fear in the Lord to dye, for Life shall spring again as to one that
awaketh out of a Sleep, into another Principle, or begotten into a New World, in which
with other Inhabitants, with whom I now my Conversation have, in the Light of the Deity I
do dwell. O dear Sophia, what am I, that hitherto thou hast me brought, that I
should know of thy Magick-Art, and from thy holy Flames be inspired, which foreruns the
Day of Pentecost, which shall known again be to those who follow hard the Prize to take.
This feeling, the Divine Power had me touched as the Key that unlocked the Gate of the
Eternal Deep; I further emboldened was to ask my Mother Wisdom, how and when she would
compound that savoury Meat, on which the blessing entailed is, for I as one impatient am
till the Birth-right confirmed be to me. Upon which there was presented as in a Charger, a
Kid lying in a Composition Liquor of Milk, Oil, and Blood with several Spices, as
Spikenard, Myrrh and Cinnamon, giving forth strong Odours. Then Wisdom called to
me. O go and see what I have compounded and prepared a Banquet-Feast, whereto thy Father
will come down with his dear Son thy Elder Brother, and I thy Mother, and will hereof take
and feed, so that the Fountain of Jacob may be thy Blessing, which the Eternal
Father accordingly pronounced, saying, From the Upper and Supercelestial Planets let thy
Eternal Nativity again renew, as from its own Originality; by which the lower
Constellations and Elements shall to these subjected be and bow; as a Globe upon which thy
Feet shall stand; and both the upper and nether Springs command. The Dews of Heaven, and
the Fat Things of the Earth shall together upon thee meet: This is the Fulness of all
Blessings, wherewith the Triune Unity do thee greet. Henceforward now observe, and
obedient be, to what shall be further Communicated to thee.
After this my Spirit still
attended, eagerly longing to lay my Mouth to Wisdom’s Breast, from which the
Word of Life so sweetly did flow. Then she with her Flaming Heart did present her self to
me. Out of which Heart sprouted forth a Tree, with Twelve Branches having upon the Root of
it engraven, GOD is the Pith, Life and Virtue, that maketh the Heart thus Fruitful, in
various opening and quickening Powers, giving forth according to each Branch, a different
and peculiar Fruit. Then said she to me, Here doth lie the Mystery: do thou it come and
see, how out of the Flames these Branches put forth green and palpable Fruits, that are
not yet grown, yet thou with Patience must still wait till to perfection of ripeness they
be grown in thee, then of the first Fruits of this Tree thou shalt bring to thy God as an
Offering, who will accept it as a pure Offering, that will draw down the Life’s
Blessing; read and see what engraven is for thee, and let thy Mind be staid a while, till
thou to this ripe Age shall arrive and comforted be, that this shady Heart as a fruitful
Vine shall overspread within the Walls of thy Mind, a River of Oyl shall here outspring,
which will make thy Flames burn still, till so hot the Furnace may come to be which as the
Sun for vehemency shall transmute this Fruit to a Golden Colour. Then thou with savoury
Meat to thy God shall come, who will him self feed upon their pleasant Fruit, which
nourished has been from the Life’s Blood; Come now and into Love’s deep descend
with me, that thou mayst know the various operation of this Tree, and every Branch
thereof, namely as the living sense shall spring in thee according to which thy lot will
be, as relating to the Blessing promised, the which will require perseverance still in the
Faith, till to perfection in Colour this Fruit be brought. No other charge I shall leave
with thee, but to abide within this shady Rock, where Love’s Flames shall be thy Food
continually. Oh how pleasant is it here to be, all encircled with Love’s flaming
Breast?
January the
22d. 1674.
WISDOM’S
Word opened yet again to me saying, Arise, swiftly follow me: I will shew thee Greater
Things than what hath yet been known to thee. Whereupon I felt a mighty attractive Power
drawing up my Spirit for Ascension; but surprized I was with a potent Enemy, which did me
encounter highly, charging me with a breach to Nature’s Laws, and how I stood
obligatory to her, in as much as I had an outward Body, which I ought to take in the Sense
of its Elementary requirings, and accordingly make Provision, as the rest of my fellow
Creatures in the World, which were under the Government of that great Monarch Reason,
to whose Scepter all must bow that live in the Sensitive Animal Life. These and such
Arguments I was assaulted with, and pursued as Jacob was by Laban, when he
took his Flight to return to his Father’s House. So greatly distressed was my Spirit,
seeing itself so oppressed that it could not tell where to make its escape, or how to
discharge my self from being a Subject to his Starry Kingdom: as I stood in the Line of
Nature. I was under the dominion of the Starry Region, in the strife of the four Elements,
which brought in the Curse, where Care and Fear, and the toil and labour of the Body did
consist. Saith the Prince of the earthly Life, How wilt thou acquit thy self from my Laws,
and break thy Brother Esau’s Yoke from off thy Neck?
Thus in obedience having drawn
up my Charge, and having good proof and witness hereof, I presented it to the view of my
Mother, who said, Are these things so indeed? I shall advise with the Deity how to destroy
them out of thy inward Coasts, seeing thou dost not join or take any part with them; but
hast brought in Evidence against them as Traytors to the Crown, Dignity, and Dominion of
the Lamb, whose Power they would depose him of, in his chosen and elect Seed: and though
these evil seducing Spirits think their Mountain so strong, that it is never to be moved,
yet know their Day of Judgment is hastening on apace, and they will be given up to be
tryed by the fiery Law, which issueth forth from the Ancient of Days, who hath appointed a
Day, in which he will avenge his Elect, that cry mightily to him, as oppressed by these
invading Spirits. Be of good Comfort, the Judge is nominated, the Jury is chosen, by whom
the Verdict will be given; therefore be true to the Interest of my Son, who is appointed
to judge the World in thee, and to cast out Hell, Sin and Death, the Beast and his retinue
into that Lake, where there shall be no return out thence, to assault thee more with their
Dregs and Poysonous Floods. This is to be done by joining Issue and Power with me, who am
come to help thee against the great Leviathan, who makes War most, where he sees
his Time of Reigning is almost worn out, and that he must have no more place; who thinks
it very great Injustice to be cast out of Man’s Nature, before the laying down the
Mortal Body. But oh, to thee let me commend this present state, that in my Virgin-Purity
thou mayest still be found; for I delight thee all fair to see: then with my presence
frequently I would visit most satisfiedly, wherein you tell me all your Joy doth lie: Then
droop not, but most pleasant be, as those whose Name and Place is ever with me. Call in
also those who of doubtful Heart are apt to be: Unanimously go forward, remembering what
the true Nazarite is to be, of Holy Courage and Divine Magnanimity: no more must
such hang down the Head, or to feebleness of Mind give way, but the Power display, which
in the Seven Locks concealed are; it is but needful that you all Force do draw out; for
while these Earthly Spirits do border upon your Land, they will be scouting out: therefore
without my proved Armour dare not with them to parley; this is the Charge I shall leave
with thee.
August
the 10th.
OH the Wrestling Wheel that I did feel moving, to grind
the Earthly part down; setting all at Variance in me, that so it might still keep
uppermost, and subdue the numerous Hosts that would my Will have forced; for did that but
yield, then the Field where the Treasure and Substance is concealed, would obnoxious to
the Robber, and Spoiler be, who hath watched the Prize to take from me. Therefore in
variety of Temptations I placed am, to prove whether or no I can stand, and let the Waves
still beat and go over me, and no ill fear while the Ark of Faith about doth inclose me;
the great Swellings of Jordan shall not afright me, while I do see the strength of
Salvation so nigh, that willeth and bringeth to pass according to the out-flowing of the
Omnipotency, which from the new-born-Will most prosperously effecteth all things.
Then will it be seen what the
Conjoyning of the Eternal Constellations bringeth forth upon the hidden Man through their
Fiery Drivings which now thrust forward for Consummation, that I might see the issue of
what I have been made to hope and believe, and pray for: Though Prophecies and Revelations
do for a time most delightfully entertain the Internal Senses, yet short they are of the
Body which consisteth of the Heavenly Things themselves: as it is well said, Prophecies,
Tongues, and Faith, and Hope shall have their Cessation, but the Kingdom of the Love, all
Concord, the bright Bodified Spirit that hath received Dominion as a super-addition, is
beyond the Priestly and Prophetical Office. But while I was reaching after, and inquiring
when I might expect the coming down of the Seven-Throne-Powers which are the Pillars of
this Kingdom, by whom it will be established for ever in the Perfection of Righteousness,
the Word said to me, Rest a while, these two are the foregoing Ministrations that will
make much for the third, the Holy Order of a Priest to give attendance in the Tabernacle,
is no light thing to be near to the Majesty of Purity, which requires a perfect
Consecration. For the Holy Being will have none about him to minister to him, but anointed
Ones, from whom may be smelt the Spicy Perfume, that so nothing of the dead unsavory part
may be felt; this will qualifie for the Ordination of the Power. Here wait till made
perfect, then thy own Hands shall be sufficient for thee, whereby thou wilt find ability
to fetch in out of the secret Tower, where is kept for every full grown one, this
presented great Jewel of Power: which I dare not to any commit, till they perfectly become
wise, of a sound and unchangeable mind to keep secret what the will-pleasure of the Deity
is to have from the unworthy to be concealed; no unfaithful Dalilah ever more shall
herewith be intrusted, which of a double mind be, which goeth after any Lover besides me;
therefore make proof of Truth, Love and Loyalty in a fixed Virginity, before this
discovery be made forth in Verity: but this know, the true Nazarite is with Him who
will not be deceived in his choice, as the figurative Sampson was. This mighty Man
of strength will take none into his Bosom, but such as may be confided in. Therefore if
thou wouldst his Dalilah be, of perfect Beauty with spotless Chastity, which will
well please this mighty Prince of Peace, who will not thence refuse thee, when well
assured that thou hast declined and forsaken thy Father’s House and Kindred, never to
turn back to them more, but constantly to him cleave: then his Head on thy Lap he will
repose, and his hidden Strength to thee reveal, and nothing from thee conceal, being in
Joint-Union, no more twain, but one Spirit: The Seven Locks of his Power he will suffer
thee to unloose, and draw out therefrom such Might, as may slay and overcome the
Philistines Host, which such prickling Bryars have been to invade thy inward Coasts, and
most holy Place, which is appointed for the Ark of the Covenant, there to rest. But behold
now is risen a Judge and Law-giver, one that is mighty to save and deliver out of the
Hands of all thy Enemies, who thy true Covering in the Day of Battle will be: Therefore
henceforth fear not those Warriours that come forth with the Goliath’s Spear
and Shield; the Champion which keeps within, shall make them all to stagger, kill and
fall, for the true Sampson will maintain Victory over all; it is well worth the
sheltering under his mighty Wing, here with safety thou mayst set, and upon his Love do
thou incroach still, who will not offended be, though thou intrude thy self, his Dalilah,
to draw out his Heart more to thee, till he shall make known his great Secrets unto thee.
I well know this is the only precious thing, no one can ever privy here unto be made, till
Wisdom be the Bride-Garment upon their Eternal Man, then ravished with thy Beauty, and
with a pleasant Aspect will Emmanuel look towards thee, and give thee to read within the
seven sealed Book: There is the interpretation of all in the History, as from whence I
give thee to understand the Mystery of the Nazarite’s seven Locks, they answer
to the seven Seals of this Book of Life, which only is to be opened by the Virgin,
completed in the seven number of Spirits, which are the seven All-seeing Eyes that only
can read in this Book, which is the true Ground-work of all those wrestling working
Properties, which moved are by me, as thou dost in thy self feel, a new Frame and Model
for great and precious substance to be taken into: therefore take heed now, and for no
common use let thy inward part any more be; for these Throne-Powers which have visited
thee, will admit no mixture of company: all of one sort in pure Harmony will meet in this
Love-paved Sanctuary, where thy all desirable fellowship will there in the free Liberty
dwell, and where opportunity thou wilt have in Love’s Sanctuary, to dive and search,
till thou findest out what lieth hid within the Breast of thy worthy Nazarite, who
now hath received his full Dowry: the Father hath invested him with all Power, to a full
and perfect state of Glory he is now instated; then doubt not but he hath wherewith
abundantly to gratifie thee: a higher and greater Match I could not contrive for my self
in thee; consider hereof well, and carry it according to my Counsel, then shalt thou his
Heart still draw down, the Tabernacle of witness in thy Heaven, the Rainbow in the Cloud,
which thou hast seen, as the Mark or Seal of the Covenant betwixt God and thee, according
as it is written in the Prophets, He shall be given for a Covenant: What to do? Not
to read over as a dead Letter; no, thou shalt witness him thy Prophetical Spring, a Book
written within thee, to which now with all those seven Eyes do thou turn in, that this
Rainbow in thy New Heavens, as a Throne-Circle may inclose thee with him as a secret
Pavilion, where no adulterated thing can break through to disturb, while thou art looking
into this New Testament, which shall never be trusted out of this pure Circle of the
Life’s Covenant, into which by my Virgin Purity thou only canst pass in, if I were
not at hand all over in an Oily Pool, to bathe and drench thee throughout, that so the
glorified Eye may think thee all fair, & send forth a Spicy Breath of Air, which only
agreeable is for thee, with thy fellow Branch, as not only worthy yet may be, but also
bold and free to take and read this Book of Life, which now upon the opening is, as I this
Day have shewn to thee with that other Book, which wide open in common and outward place
always is to be found, to which thou art by the earthly dark part invited thereinto to
look: and it would there retain thee, but out of this Book of Death, thou mayst not look,
which is a flowing Source of strong reasoning, that as a Wall, would inclose and captivate
thy Mind, that it should need only the Death’s Lines, that hath the putrefying been,
that have kept the whole Universe Prisoners in the Black Dungeon of Sin: Now to this end I
have presented thee with these two Books, that henceforth thou mayst avoid consulting with
that which always is at hand, and so readily doth offer it self unto the view. But I am
come absolutely to forewarn not only thee, but such as are growing up with thee, upon pain
of my displeasure, you would not turn your Eyes out any more, for great is your danger, if
under the Law of this first Covenant, wherein Eternal dying is, that you still in parly
therewith should be found; but come now, draw in, my wise and obedient Children, I have
provided this other Book, to be unloosened: The Seven Seals no longer shall before it
stand, because I in favour am with the Lamb, who from his Virgin-Spouse will nothing hide:
Therefore in my Light you may in this Book see where you may come to your lost dignity. It
may well be Wisdom’s Book of Revelation entitled; for without me you here
could nothing understand, though it stood all open to you, the Interpreter I my self must
be, to tell you Letter by Letter, for you know not yet what number it is that makes up
your New Name, which till you do see, what challenge can be made to the rest of the whole
inrolled Mystery, but as in a Metaphorical Look through my Glass, in the first Leaf
unfolded thou wilt see the engraving of that Name with Letters of Gold.
November the
3rd.
The Divine A N G L E R.
THERE was presented to me a Person, Angling upon the
Brink of a River, to catch Fish; but his Labour was fruitless. So that he gave off, being
hopeless. Then came another Person and said, Be not Discouraged, but follow me: Behold,
and see, I have got an Angle that hath such a Bait, as all the Fish in the River will fall
upon it. And accordingly I beheld multitudes in a cluster brought up by it. Then cryed out
that first Person, Surely the Lord, who is the great Fish-taker, in verity is come here,
and hath wrought this Miracle indeed. Whereupon the Person went into the Deep, and having
vanished down into it, drew up the Fish: and cryed, If ye will here follow me, ye shall
the Principal Fish take; but under Water ye must learn to Dive, and again know how to
Rise. Consider, and find out this Parable: for here is Meat for the Strong.
November the
4th.
The Opening of this
Parabolical Vision.
IT was now given me to understand, what this did drive
at. The first Angler that went, representeth the Forward and Willing Mind, that a Fishing
would go to draw up out of the Broad River; wherein the Everlasting God is to be
understood, who is said to be the Place of Broad Rivers; in which holy Spirits, as
in their proper Element do live, and swim. Flesh cannot live in Water, but Fish is of
another kind: which nature the Holy Ghost doth present, as a Similitude for the New
Creation, that will live and move much in the Watery Element, which is a Degree much
beyond the Earth, though under Purgations by Fire. Neither is Fish so gross or
corruptible: but they are still under a Washing Stream, and therefore not used for
Sacrifices in the Old Law. Whereas all that is of Flesh is by that ordained for
Burnt-Offerings, that it may pass through the Purgation in the Flames of the Altar. Now
what the Sea and Rivers of this kind do feed and generate, must signifie a Generation of
Creatures, that is nothing so course and brutish as are the Earthly Beasts.
But from this it was shewn me,
that this River figureth out God himself, and the pure Angelical Spirits, that move in God
as in the Glassy Sea: wherein contained are the vast Riches that none in Flesh can see,
nor fathom; till they changed be into such a Body as in God their Watery Element to live,
and there to swim, and dive for the unutterable precious Stones, to bring them up,
according as need doth require. It is not the Angling upon the Outside of the River, but
the Adventuring into it will obtain the desired Prize. And consider what Bait is to be the
attracting Matter, to draw both Spirits and Substances of this unto us. Now then it may
needfully be inquired into, what this Bait compounded of is, for drawing Angelical
Spirits, that will also soon draw us after them?
It was thus hereupon delivered
to me, that it must be the Composition which consisteth of all those excellent Virtues and
Properties, that were and are in the Spirit and Nature of JESUS. For no other can attract
and take in God, but what is so much like to God; who must be Signatured upon us. For else
it will be as fruitless as when the Disciples went a Fishing: till the Lord the true
Angler come, no Draught could be fetched up. Even so this is to Instruct us, that we
examine, whether or no we upon this High and Worthy Undertaking, do carry our full and
compleat Bait with us, which is the precious smelling Spikenard of an humble, meek, and
clarified Mind, that expressly answereth to the very Mind of JESUS. Then doubt we not,
that we shall fail of drawing to us Spirits sublime, that live in that pure Climate, where
we shall with them most willingly back plunge in, and in a pure Body swim always under the
Stream of these Waterings. Jesus the Lord our Bait and Angle will be: Then in what Riches
shall we excell? Oh this all-worthy is of our Consideration, in the Element of this Water
of Life how to live, and appear for a while as Drowned and Dead; till that we shall arise
and swim, with the rich Pearl in our Mouths. Then will it be cryed, This is the Christ
indeed, that hath the great Draught brought up, through sinking down into Faith’s
Obedience. Who now venture will to walk upon these Living Waters, wherein the Healing
Medicine is, but such Hero’s in the Faith, as will not afraid be, to dive into the
Bottom of this River deep? For otherwise the Rich Prize, which is in the Fishes Mouth, can
never be caught up. The Wise in Heart, who by the pure Spirit have been taught, will what
is by the Parable meant well understand.
November the
7th.
The Magical Journey
§ 1. IN
my Spiritual Journey on, to the Land of all Blessed Stores, a figure hereof was acted
Magically before me, I being carried to a Gate, which was so narrow and strait, that there
was no getting through, but by creeping upon the Knees, and that with great Difficulty
too. And so led on was I still, till at length I came to another Gate, which was somewhat
more easily to get through than the First; but strait enough. So passing on yet further,
there was a two Leaved Gate: but the One Leaf opening was fitted exactly to my Stature in
Heighth and Breadth, which gave entrance into a Place, where neither Beginning nor End was
to be found. And I said, what make I here alone? and the Invisible Guide that led me
through these three Gates, answered, that There would be some others that would come after
me, when they did hear where such a vast Plantation was, which was to be replenished with
all sorts and kinds of good things: and yet no Toil, Labour, or Care required is. But know
that it is appointed only for Wisdom’s high Magicians to Act here their Powers, that
had passed through all her strait Gates.
§ 2. This Presentation, and
the Advice attending it, was very powerful; which still I called over, and searching
deeper, to have the Exposition of the Gates given unto me, by and from the dropping
Unction. For though my Spirit saw nothing but an Infinite Space; yet such a Perfuming Gale
I felt, as if all manner of Flowers were growing. But this Word came also to me, saying,
Here is the Place for Love’s Kingdom to grow, with its natural Inhabitants, that have
left behind the gross selfish Love. That must not come here; for that it is that makes the
Passage so strait.
§ 3. For as much as none can
come in, till they be stripped and uncloathed of the low sensual Nature. For in this Place
all that counted worthy shall be, to come in here with thee, must put on Transfiguration,
and act in the Supercelestial Philosophy, as holy Magus’s that skillful are to work
in the Furnace, that maintained is from the One Burning Element; which giveth the High
Superelementary Matter, the Composition whereof maketh up the Store of all Acting Wonders.
Here then on a sudden did I in my Spirit view, several Persons so Divinely modified in
their Bodies, that in this Mystery highly Learned were, that would sound forth such a
Spirit from themselves, that might give an Existency and Being to whatever they pleased to
will; sometimes raising up Golden Tents to go in and out, and at other times making some
places which seemed all empty and bare, to spring up with wonderful Plants, that perfectly
did yield their Fruit, appearing in a Golden lustre of Brightness; that was said to be
magical Food for the Inhabitants hereof to live upon. In other Places they without digging
or moiling did bring up Mines of all precious Stones and Golden Ore; which was at the
command and service of these Princely Spirits, that did walk up and down here. And whereas
I thought at my first entrance here, that I saw nothing, after a few Moments of time had
passed, thus replenished I did see this place with Spirits of such an high Degree, that
did attract me immediately to them. Then did they put several Philosophical Questions to
me, which I did not comprehend. Upon which one among the rest most Courteously did offer
himself to instruct and teach me: moreover saying to me, He would open to me the Mystery
of their Art. For he said he found there was that Signature in me, that would take
Impression, from the Supercelestial Planets. So he placed me in a goodly Tent, bidding me
wait to go forth in the Pure Acts of Faith, for therein I might come an Adeptist to be in
this High Philosophy.
Here being a Considerable
Defect in the Original, the Author waited in her Spirit to recall the same and upon the
22nd of March, in this Year 1696, she received this further Opening, as
also in the following Days, here confirmed.
§ 4. Wisdom appearing to me,
I inquired of her who these were; who told me, they were the Ancient and Late Worthies
taught by Her, in her Divine Magical Stone, both in the Inward and in the Outward: and
that the Time was now approaching, wherein she was to make New Artists in this
Theosophical Wisdom, that should put a New Face upon what hath been Disfigured, and under
a Cloud of Contempt, Ignorance, and Ignominy. For no other way than this could be found,
but as this Deep Mine, wherein this Treasure hath so long lain hidden, should be broken
up. Then the Apostle John to whom this Mystery was well known, and who was the
Person that had before spoken to me, spake thus to me, saying, As there is a Natural
Stone, so there is a Spiritual Stone, which is the Root and Ground of what is brought
forth visibly by the Sons of Art. And as the Outward is Bodily, and consists in a manual
Operation, and takes up a considerable Time for its perfecting; so is the inward gradually
wrought out, and may require as many Years as the other doth Months, before it reach to
its Consummation. Then I enquired of the Angel, John, How I should go about Working
it? He answered me, There must be a Cessation of all Working, as to the Powers of Nature:
And I will describe to thee the Method that is to be taken, by the Similitude of the
Outward. As there is a Furnace to be Built in that, so the Corporeal Man answers to that,
wherein the Fire-seed of the pure Deity doth enkindle it self from the Essence of the
Soul, finding a sanctified Vessel meetly prepared herefor. Now as to the Matter which is
to be wrought upon, it is the Divine Salt, put into a pure clear Crystalline Glass, that
is pure Spirit. Furthermore, know thou that this Salt is hidden in all Men, but it hath
lost its savour, and is the Light Principle that contains all Principles, Man being an
Epitome of all Worlds, though unknown to himself. Whence he may find in himself whatever
he searcheth for: but this cannot be done, until the Salt-Stone, which hath lain as Dead,
cometh to be Quickened by Christ the Fire-Stone, that calcines the Blackness into a jasper
Brightness and Whiteness. This is the true Theosophical Medicine that doth gradually work
from it self, of it self, and to it self, as a grain of Wheat is sown, and by the
Concurrence of the Sun and outward Planets, forms itself into a Body. It is only to be
watched that no Ravenous Birds do come to pick it up, before it arrive to its Maturity.
For thus it is with the Golden Stone, which lies hid in the Ground of Nature, which is
nourished by the warm fiery influences of the Divine Sun, and watered by the moist Sperm
of the Spiritual Luna, which causeth it to vegetate, by the Coagulation of the
Planetary Powers of the higher Order, drinking and swallowing up the weaker and lower, by
which Dominion is obtained over all what is Astral and Elementary. Thus the Beloved John
did open the Nature of this Royal Stone, as it opened in him in the isle of Patmos,
when he was said to be in the Spirit. And he told me further, That where the
Universal Love was born in any one, it was the true signature, that this Seraphick Stone
would have its Formation.
§ 5. With Great freedom I was
made to enquire, well knowing this Celestial Stone had already its Birth and Vegetation in
me, whether my Outward Furnace might not break before it was finished? Then replied this
dear Saint, Be not solicitous, or concerned about that; but be patient in hope, for the
True Philosophers Tree is sprung, and is in a fair way ripe Fruit to produce: Thou hast no
other Burthen put upon thee, but to set under it and to watch until the Golden Apples do
of themselves drop. Then mayest thou know the Multiplying Vertue, and as Eve did
give of the Forbidden Tree to Adam, so possibly mayst thou, by a new created
Virginity of Spirit, give forth to Wisdom’s Offspring plenteously hereof, by which
Multiplication from this Virtual Tree shall in thee both Spirit, Soul and Body renew. It
will be a Dispensable Gift, so that such as have arrived to an high Progress in it, may
awaken and multiply the same in another.
§ 6. Then was it further
directed as to the Matter of this Stone, that the Composition thereof was the
Four-Elementary Matter, which is to be sublimed and calcined by the Superiour Element, in
the Tenth Number of Perfection; and separated and sealed up in the Glass of the sanctified
Mind; that so the Supernatural Motions according to Eternal Nature may work out Purity,
and Leaven that which is gross. So that there is no need of any thing more to be done but
to watch the Fire, that it may never go out, until it be finished, and be kept in a gentle
nourishing Heat, till it come to its Perfection.
§ 7. After this was described
to me, it was said to me by Wisdom, and by the Apostle John, Thou shalt now be
brought to the Ancient Worthies that have made Projection upon this Stone, as well
understanding it both as to the Spiritual and Natural Part of it. And when I was brought
there, I saw the Patriarchs and all the great Philosophers divinely taught, both of former
and latter Ages. Then was I led into a Darkness, which by a Magical Power, these changed
into a bright Silver Light. Afterward I was brought into a barren dry Ground, and these by
the speaking forth only of a Word, as, Let this Soil be changed into a Fruitful Lebanon,
brought up all the variety of pleasant Flowers and Plants, that sent out a mighty hot
Perfume. Then I was led on still to a Mineral Ground, where were all the baser Metals. And
the Apostle John, who was the chief Magician, said, Come and see, what is here to
be done also. And he had in his Hand a little Vial, containing a Liquor like to Gold, and
he dropped some Drops of this upon each Metal; and they were all immediately transmuted
into Lustrous Gold. Then I was led to another Place, where there was nothing but a Reddish
Mould cast up: and then by the Word of the Power, which he spake forth, this Earth was
changed into Forms after our Human shape, but clarified and bright, standing up as a great
Army. And he said, These are the Fire-Stones, that are to walk in this New Paradisiacal
Region, as Glorified Figures, like unto such as were here before them. Then I Queried how
could it possibly be, that such Effects could be produced by any that in a Mortal Image
did now upon the Earth appear. Upon which the Beloved John answered me, All this
that thou hast seen, is possible again to be done, by Wisdom’s White Tincturing Stone
formed within; by which the Great Wonders in the last concluding Age of the World, shall
the grand Revolution make; changing what is gross and vile first within, and then going
further on to Transfigure even that which is without; that so according to that saying, The
vile Body shall be changed, and reduced, and brought into the Glorious Liberty, whereby
it may possess the Kingdom and Dominion, with Christ the Glorified Head. Then was it said,
This is the true and faithful Mystery, that understood and unveiled hath been to thee; for
a Foundation of Faith and Hope to Wisdom’s Children to look into: and to wait for the
Formation in themselves of this White Virgin Stone. Then may they most freely and easily
eat and work; and nothing shall them control, as to those worthy Enterprizes, and
Exploits, that are to be wrought, which shall distinguish them to be the Sealed of the
Living God signed with Power from on High.
A
further Opening of the foregoing Vision,
given in the same Month of November, 1674.
THE Word came to me, saying, The Love-Chain is not to be
unlinked betwixt God and thee, while the Spirit is the only Eternal Matter and Quality,
whereon thou art to work. Therefore fast hold it will take on thee, so strongly, as to
draw, and fix thee in the Circumference of the very Immense Love, from which the Enmity is
separated, and the Curse of the Elements divided, and totally taken away. O enter, enter,
I say into it: This is the Infinite Space that thou hast seen, which is beyond the Third
Gate. This invisible Love-Chain will work thee through the First Gate, which so strait and
narrow is, and so through the other two; if thou give it all Length and Breadth within
thee, to wind thee up swiftly. For what is so strong as God’s Love, for restoring
into the desired Fruition of all Plenty and Goodness? Therefore be strong, and courageous
in the Love, in the passing through these several Gates: and fear not all the Attacks of
the Enemy, till thou enter in this Blessed Land, and be there married to thy Beloved.
An
Expostulation of Wisdom’s Pilgrim.
WHILE I was in my deep Agony, a Spirit of Prayer came
down, which sent up mighty Cries and unutterable Groanings. Which, as I did most sensibly
feel, pierced and broke through the Gate of the Eternal Deep. So that my Spirit had
admittance into the Secret of the pure Deity, where I had Audience, and free liberty to
pour out my Grievances, shew my Wounds, and who they were that had pierced me. Every ones
Hand was against me, shooting their Bitter Arrows, adding weight and pressures to her,
that was bleeding upon the Cross already, crying, Crucifie, Crucifie in Dying, let her
Dye. Now I seeing that I was to tread the Wine-press alone and to encounter the Potent
Spirits, the Throne-Princes of Darkness, I cried and was in strong Travel. Yet every Pang
and Throw did open the Birth of Life and gave me entrance into the Holy Place. Where I
heard first the Eternal Sounds: and then after that, obtaining the Power to be in a
stillness, where neither Motion or Thought did stir, I was in a smooth calm Water, wherein
no Dirt or Mire did cast up, neither was there the lifting up of any Tool, or making any
noise to drown the Voice, that spake to me in this wise.
The Voice of the Bridegroom.
O thou afflicted, tossed and
forsaken One, I will marry thee unto my self. Thou art mine: be not dismayed. Fear none of
those things thou art to suffer; for the Power and Presence of my Omnipotency shall be
with thee. Thou must be my tried Stone, at which many shall fall and stumble; thou hast
been refused, and set at naught, but I will magnifie my Name in thee, and yet make it
Honourable. Only this I require, that thou separate thy self, and touch no more unclean
Spirits of this World, for I can endure no Polluted thing to come before me. Therefore
holy, harmless, separated from Sin and Sinners thou must be: then in the holy Priesthood
thou shalt wait on me.
The Answer of the Spirit of the Soul.
At which I said; Lord, how can
this be? For though I have greatly desired this Office to minister about the holy Things,
that so I might be nigh to thee; yet the Worldly Spirit maketh a Challenge to this outward
Husk or Body, and saith, that I am not got out of the reach of its Dominion. Hunger and
Thirst, Heat and Cold do attend the outward Man, which do engage its outward Senses, for
things which are External; so that none can live in that pure Abstraction, till redeemed
out of all Care for the present Body. This was that which I bewailed, and did plainly ask
God if it were not possible for the Eternal Mind and Spirit, to supply all Wants to that
which were Corporeal, without the help of the Spirit of Reason, which is King in that
Region where the Curse is.
The Reply of the Bridegroom.
After a little while of
suspending my outward Senses, this Answer I obtained. That this could not be, till there
were a Total Death of the Body of Sin; referring to that in the seventh of the Romans, ver.6.
That being Dead wherein we were held fast, we should serve in the Newness of Spirit; as
being discharged from the Law of the first Husband, to which we were married, after the
Law of a Carnal Command: Whence we are now free to be Married unto him that is raised from
the Dead, and so shall become the Lamb’s Wife, jointured into all the Lands and
Possessions that he hath. The Eternal Revenues are belonging to her, whether Invisible or
Visible: all Power in Heaven and Earth is committed to her, and all things are given to
those that are his: whether it be Gifts of Prophecy, or of Revelation, or of
Manifestation, or of Discerning of Spirits: or that high Tongue of the Learned, which only
speaks from Wisdom’s Breath.
The Preparation of the Second Marriage.
At which Opening, my Spirit
even failed within me, as desponding ever to get rid of my First Husband; without which no
Marriage with the Lord from Heaven can be. For knowest thou not, (was it said to me) that
the Law of Sin hath Dominion, so long as he liveth? So from hence the Spirit did testifie
that nothing less than a Thorough Death would put me into a Capacity of this Marriage with
the Lamb. For he will match himself only to a Virgin Spirit, incorporating, and thereby
changing into his own pure Humanity: and this is a Begetting into a Living Substance,
which springeth through the Death of the Old. Which as the Grain that dissolveth in the
Earth, and generateth a new Body: so in like manner doth the New Creature, spring forth;
which indeed is Christ, our Life, whose appearance will put an end to Sin in us. Now what
brought in the Curse, the Care, the Toil, and the Impotencies which distress poor Man in
this his fallen estate, but a Deviation from his God? And while in this state, he stands
as a Debtor to Sin, being under the Dominion of it, this maketh him obnoxious to all the
Calamities which do attend those that live in Bodies Elementary. But now to hear of a
Possibility of a Putting off of this Body of Sin, this is good Tidings indeed: and verily
the Prophet which is risen in me, hath prophesied that such a Day is at hand. And that I
shall be a Witness of Jacob’s Star arising, and shall see for my self, and not
for another. Then shall that saying be fulfilled, Death is swallowed up in Victory;
even the Death of that First Husband, who so long hindered my Marriage with the Lamb. Who
by a New Law from Mount Sion hath set me free, from the Law of Sin and Death. Be
astonished, O ye who are Wounders and Despisers of this Grace; which I now see is near to
be Revealed. For the Garments of the Bride are making ready: and it is granted to me to
see, in whose hand they be.
O Wisdom, to thee is committed
only the Ordering of this Wedding Garment, which of divers Colours shall be, that known
from all others may be the King’s Daughter, who under thy Teaching and Discipline is
committed.
April the
20th. 1675.
The Shulamites Debate,
& Expostulation with Wisdom.
OH my Mother, how is it that thou hast shewed me of the
Glory of thy House, and of the Honour, Riches and Dominion of thy Kingdom, and hereby hath
allured and drawn the Spirit of my Mind, that I cannot turn my Eye from thee, my Senses
being refined, and with thy Life close touched, that I altogether incapable am to join to Baal,
or to immerse my self with the druggy polluted Life of this outward Principle, which hath
no consistency with that transparent state where unto thou hast called me, with thee to
have my Conversation, as one that hath obtained Grace, to be sirnamed by thee, and
admitted into the secret of thy Counsel, in order to some peculiar Service for thee. If
so, why is it I am yet straitened in force and power? What signal mark do I bear to
demonstrate my holy and consecrated Calling to wait in thy Pavilion? What Commission have
I from thee to shew, whereby all unbelieving and gain-saying Spirits may be convinced and
put to silence? True it is I have had free Communications through Transportation of my
Spirit; but what is this without fixation, and Seal of the Power which may bear Record of
its own Omnipotency, working forth to redress all Maladies and Grievances? Seeing I have
taken upon me to plead, suffer me yet a little to empty and unload my self to thee, whom I
well know to have the tender working Bowels of a Mother, and numberest all my Complaints;
the first Argument is from thy free choice of me, calling me out of all Nations, Tongues
and Peoples, no more to know my Father’s House or the Land of my Earthly Nativity,
but to renounce and separate from all, attending thy Appointments only, at whose Knee I
have been for some time brought up; to hear and learn the manner of the worship of my God,
which is expected in a different Living, All-Powerful Ministration, which to know is
indeed Life; but to act forth from that Life, brings the Joy, Peace and Glory, which will
be the Renown of Wisdom’s Nursery, among whom I have thus far found favour, as to
have her Friendly Salutations, with Word upon Word, sealing Instructions to me: but this
is not enough. Oh the Spirit and Breath that goeth forth with all Influencing Powers, to
create new Forms of things: this I know will give the express signature of a Godlikeness
putting forth through Nature’s contemptible Appearance: Here is surely a matchless
Glory to break forth, the highest Mystery, which was ever unveiled, the best and choicest
of all Wisdom’s Treasury, yet to be brought out for such as pursue, and make it their
only one Interest, minding and regarding nothing else. Oh my Mother, while herein have I
busied my self in putting and throwing off all Weights, that I might come a naked Spirit
unto thee: How have the pernicious Necessities cryed for the out-part to have Right done
it, to act, and work, and plot in Reasons Counsel-House, as the manner is of all which
live in the gross Animal Body; is known to thy all-viewing Eye, which runneth to and fro:
and what my Conflicts have been, and still are, while I have studied to evade and make my
escape through the Throng of Worldly-Wise Reasons Guard, who have by order of their great
Prince, watched me in every going out and in: when with my only Friend I would my Time
secretly in all sweetness spend, contrivance hath not been wanting to draw me down, to
wear again the dark Linsywolsey-Gown. I being well aware through divine caution: These are
the Pirates that have lain in wait for me, to take what Substance is with me embarked. So
that Perils on all kinds do beset, but this my Ark above all Waters doth deep floating, (a
man of War is within) which will keep this Vessel from being a Prize to the subtil Man of
Sin, pitched within and without by Wisdom’s Skill: no fear of leaking while I thy
bottom am, so saith the Amen. Thus encountering fresh with Temptations and strong
Gusts from the cold North, which I feel many times blow so sharp, as if they would put
back the Spring from coming on; upon which only my Hope is entertained, which keeps up my
Spirit from fainting. Thus while I was pleading and pressing hard for the finishing Power
to come down, that might put an end to all Strife, which is from the Root of Sin. [Here
is a Break, by the loss of the Original.]
Therefore, O Shulamite, do
not thou judge thy Furnace to be too hot: it well becomes thee the same with thy Lord in
all things to be, who in thee beareth, and endureth, and suffereth. Were it not that hadst
high Conjunction with the Deity, thou wouldst not stand in that Enmity universally, to
what from the Root of Iniquity doth spring. How much better is it to be numbered with thy
Jesus amongst the Transgressors, and to bear the Sins of others, rather than thy own, that
the Evil One may challenge no part in thee. How will the Bridegroom rejoyce to see his
Bride as a spotless Lily, growing under the sturdy Tree of Life, who therefrom will pluck
and present herewith the most lovely Fruits that this new revived Eden-Garden do
afford; here are private Walks, sweet pleasant Groves, where the Lamb with his Virgin
Bride may fully solace, and none do them espy; Spirit with Spirit can walk and talk very
hiddenly, linked and wrapped up in the Mystery of the Trinity in Unity, from out of whose
Arms none shall ever more pluck out. Oh thou deep Well of Love which thus freely flows, no
need of drawing when thy Springs unlock: while thou art communing, what Perfumes doth thy
Breath send forth? as a Cluster of all rich Compounds is thy breaking up: Turn away thine
Eye, for thou hast overcome me with the Sparkling Flames thereof. How shall I be able to
hold a Conference with thee, except by renewing strength and transfiguring Glory, I be
admitted into thy fiery Chariot all paved with Loves, there with thee my Bride to set, and
evermore to fix: for greater Bliss than this I cannot desire to possess, who my dear Sophia
art.
April the
30th. 1675.
The weightiness of Wisdom’s
Workmanship being viewed by the Eye of the Father, which only seeth into her deep magical
ground, where she is an absolute Princess to create and generate Spirits in her own
express Likeness, knowing well what her Offspring have right unto; and therefore their
Education is to be answerable to their high Birth. Having such near Alliance to the Glory
of the Trinity, all must in Wisdom’s Children answerably correspond, that she may not
be ashamed to present and make challenge for them what by heirship is due. Now finding the
whole scope and tenor of my Mother’s Laws and Counsels are, to put me upon cloathing
my self with the highest Purity, that in nothing I might be inferior to the Glorified and
Angelical Spirits, who have not such a gross Animal Nature to deal withal as I have; and
yet required to be as Immaculate as the Lamb of God, I cannot but thus break out.
Ah, my Mother, I do not say
how can, but how and when must the Accomplishment of this be, for which I am now in such
dying Agonies, that this New Glorified Life might only appear? While thus in secret Debate
I was contesting, because my Hopes were delayed, as to the present Age, which gives right
to an Estate of Glory at Hand: which is the Manifestation who are Jewels belonging to the
Crown-Royal; O what Raptures of Love’s Divine did I feel, ardently desiring a
Dissolution from my own Creaturely Being, and from all others who in corrupt Nature’s
Genealogy do live, as one wearied and tired out of all, seeking only Fellowship and
Bosom-Rest with my Mother in the free New Jerusalem, as it is known in its descent
into the habitable Parts of a renewed Earth, inclosed for the precious noble Seed to put
forth in their manifold Virtues, Powers, Colours and Operations. All which be kept in
their vigorous fragrant sweetness, as a ready Entertainment for the High Throne-Powers to
welcome themselves here in Mystical Paradise, in which Wisdom hath recreated and
formed another Adam, being Male and Female, a Production of her own Virgin-Nature,
as upon my Expostulation was opened to me, who bad me not despond, but be of good cheer,
for she was come to renew the beautious and fresh Glory of the now declined withered
Garden, formerly called Eden, but now so over-grown with prickling carking caring
Bryars, unsavoury Plants, all concurring to make desolate and ravenous. For such as the
fallen Man is, so is his place among Dragons, and unclean devouring Beasts and Birds of
Prey; out from which I have separated and called thee to dwell on the Face of that pure
Ground, as an anointed Cherub, to keep all in order in this Holy Place, suffer thou no
strange Plant here to put forth; neither lust thou any more to taste of that one Tree
which so pleasant appeareth to the dark Eye. Though a new generated Spirit thou art, yet
not excluded from the Serpent’s tempting dart, no more than he who was the first
Begotten, who thy Pattern still is to be. Consider him in his forty Days temptation,
before whom this Tree was set, presenting all Kinds and Sorts of tempting Fruits, but of
none he would either taste or touch: who thereby gave proof he was an impregnable Rock,
fitly qualified the Father’s high Trustee of all his Treasures to be made: the same
Yesterday, and to Day, he is, alive for evermore, in the weak and frail Form of a Human
Body, to perfect the same Conquest for thee, that so compleat through Sufferings thou in
him mayst shine Celestially; therefore fear not to go through the dark Valley, or Golgotha,
where nothing but dead and unsavoury Carcasses in thy way do lie. True it is, the world
without thee is a loathed place, but suffer and bear the Evil Manners of it for a little
space, till thy Restoration perfectly be wrought out, then power thou shalt have to
subject all under Foot. Observe for thy encouragement, that Jesus though from the Womb
inspired, yet gradually in his work did proceed in set and appointed times, whereby all
Prophecies by him were fulfilled. My Mother in this my Agony, did present before my
anointed Eye, an earthen Pot set upon a soft Fire, in which was a Liquor of melted Gold,
boiling with a scum on it, which was an idea of my present State, which saith, Shew now
thy self, see how expedient it is to abide still on this gentle Fire, that will not crack
the Vessel, but Refine the Golden Matter in it, which is to be cast into several Moulds to
furnish my House withal: no Vessel can be fixed there, but what hath been tryed in this
Furnace, therefore know it is to be no unkindness to thee, that thou art still proved
hereby: every several Fruit, that puts forth from the vital Spirit Tree of Love must be
dipped in this Pot of Gold, then will the offering of these Fruits be pleasant, because
weighty and solid. Think not much that Gifts and Powers do not yet come to their Birth,
there is somewhat more to be done in preparation thereto; it is no pleasure to either
Father or Mother to see their Children go naked, and be poor and impotent, obnoxious to
the Spirit of Reason’s scorn and derision, who provides for their Children
deliciously; at which sometimes thou art ready to stagger and tempted hereby to turn back
again, fearing to pass through this Fiery Baptism, without which no New Name will be
given; upon which is entailed that Dominion thou so much desirest: Therefore go forward,
slack not thy Pace, the greater part is run of thy Race, though a craggy and rough way
hithertowards it hath been, yet know before the end it shall all be strowed with fragrant
Flowers, which are Glorifying Powers, Love-Tokens sent down from him, who will thee sign
with a Spirit so divine, as shall out-do all the Children of Time. Now watchful be, call
over all my Charge, observe my Word: start not herefrom, and lo, I will abide still thy
Friend and Bride.
May the
29th. 1675.
Wisdom’s Pilgrim being
echoed up, setting her self as a Clock-Work upon its going motion; still witnessing
something strongly winding up the Eternal Springs thereof; that Times number might not
slack or stop, urging still to one Gate after another, the Hand of Power to unlock, being
raised up to a higher approach and nearness to the All-influencing Deity, with whom in the
Night Repose, when deep Sleep had overtaken my animal Part, my Spirit was wrapped up in
high Conjunction and Fellowship with the Triune Majesty, the Joy and Pleasure of which was
so great, that when I awaked, a Hymn of Praise was given me to laud and magnifie the Love
which had after this manner visited me, drawing up out of the Body so wonderfully sweetly;
who lay here powerfully in Love’s Arms arrested, kept for some Hours in this warm
Bosom-Harbour, where the Spirit inquired further about these weighty and Heavenly Matters,
which, with great pressing Urgency, received this resolve as relating to those things
manifold, which by the Mouth of Wisdom have been foretold. Who again encouraged me to hope
and wait, for the Day was not far off, in which I might see the All-filling Body of the
Glory, which would be the end of former and latter Prophecy, whereunto I yet did well to
take heed, because it was the Life’s Food, which for the present time might not only
afford Support to me, but others who with me shall wing up their Lord to meet, all
Crystalline, having no Spot nor Stain: to such he will appear and number them among the
Holy Train, to bear the Father’s Name, inspiring and shewing to me there was various
Passages, which yet I was further to venture and believe the entrance into, which should
yet be more amazing to the intellectual Mind, which shall into its own Deep descend, to
bring up still what will Water the Garden, that it may be always Summer and Spring. Where
I earnestly invocated this might also be the Portion of my selected Friends, who in this
Holy Ministry were choosing to wait with me, that they might clear, single, and of a
perfect Spirit appear before the bright All-piercing Eye of the Virgin Wisdom, who to our
God maketh nigh. Further I did see into the Mystery of ascending Spirits what
Qualifications thereto was required, who are to be Spiritual Flames blown upon by a
constant soft breath of Air from the Holy Power, which letteth in nothing which putrifies
or is gross and heavy, none could mount up that had the least Weight hanging upon them:
The Word did express there must be a due Proportion, Light and Purity answering to each
other; the Mind that would associate with God, must carry a distance to drossy carnal
Spirits, and all of that Nature, according to the high Birth of a Spirit: you shall know
it by the Holy Greatness which it will have, not knowing how to be familiar with what is
not of the same high extraction with it self. Wisdom is very Jealous lest any of her
Family should walk out of her Order; therefore that in her Love-Favour you may all abide,
to whom this Word of Counsel shall come, that to the Virgin of the Lamb be you Loyal, that
in your ascending Prayers, you may meet with no denyal.
July the
16th. 1675.
The Light Orb opened and all
overspread me, thereby dispelling every Foggy Mist, so that it brought to my remembrance the
Lord’s Day, which John saw, and had all his Revelations in; who was said
to be in the Spirit. And truly after such a manner must every one be seized, that
is drawn up into the Mount of divine Vision, to hear what God the Lord hath of his Mind to
give forth. Which will only be entrusted with such whose Spirits are fled, and departed
out of all Animal Sense, which is gross, heavy and ponderous. But for a Spirit that would
be All-seeing, and intelligent in matters Supernatural, to be uncloathed of all Earthly
Materials it is certainly required; as, through great and free Love, I have been a Witness
of, in all Conferences, and mutual Society with the Fountain Source of all Spirits. For
never could I hear, feel, see, or taste the Powers and Joys of the Light Kingdom, till I
was passed out of the Cloudy Pillar of mine own benighted Reason: which many times set so
hard upon me, as I often feared that I should be violated out of all that which Divine
Wisdom had presented to me; for an Encouragement to those who shall by Faith overcome not
in part, but in whole, triumphing over all Worlds. Which is to be effected, as hath lately
been shewn to me, upon some debate with the Word of Wisdom, my dear Counsellour, who
taking notice of some fresh Exercise that my Spirit was in, animated me thus: Be strong,
be resolute, acquit thy Doubting Mind; for therein lieth the danger: for as much as no
mighty Work can be effected either in, by, or through thee, until there be a full, close,
and joint consent of all the internal Faculties, and Powers. Therefore are there all
choice Ingredients requisite, for the making up of this Almighty precious Faith: and such
as are not to be found in every Ground. For thou art to know that there are different
Soils in the Inward Heart of Man’s Earth, as well as in the outward: some being for
one Grain, some for another; and all making together for the Increase of that Treasury,
which is to be brought into the Eternal Granary. Wherein every ones Work shall be proved,
and all Metals tryed, of what sort they are.
Now as to this which is the
most weighty of all Seeds. and in Truth the Root of all, there being no Fruit but what
putteth forth from this Tree of Faith, from which the Holy One can taste any
Sweetness, (as it is written, Without Faith there is no possibility of pleasing God)
thou must therefore dive and search deeply: for in the Essence of the Deity this Grain of
Gold is only to be found. And if it should not drive forth it self in all its united Force
and Powers, it would never be reached to. But in that Ground where this Plant is deeply
rooted, it will put forth as from a flowing bubbling Fountain: which Water of Life
mingleth with the Golden Mould, and so maketh the Composition of this high extracted
Mineral; which hath done, and will yet do, all the Miraculous Things, in and through
Nature: but it will suffer no check, nor contradiction from Nature. Such is the absolute
and uncontrollable Soveraignty hereof, that it will not admit of any Questioning Spirit to
set footing within its Gates. Here must be no Asking, How can This, or That come to be? If
Abraham had made any of these kind of Objections, he had frustrated all his
Friendship with God, who put him surely upon as hard things to prove him, as any in this
Age shall ever be called to, or need fear to be tryed withal. Many worthy Instances more
there are upon Record of such, who by this Faith have subdued and conquered whatever
withstood them; so as nothing was too hard for them, who skilled were in the use of this
bright flaming Shield, which hath for a long time been out of Exercise. For of late Age it
hath scarcely been known, after this manner of working, to have been ever used: which is
in the way of giving Being and Existency to that which is Not. This is the Quintessence
and Spirit of Faith, the immediate Begotten of the Father, that acteth according to the
Will and Power of the Omnipotency. There is no Sufficiency in any but from this
All-sufficiency putting forth. Which I advise thee to look up to, and wait upon, in the
serene Stillness: and when the Birth is strong enough grown, it will shew it self whose
Child it is. In the mean time hide and conceal it, and wrap it up in the Mantle of Love
and Patience. The Nourishment hereof shall be from that Breast of Wisdom’s Word, by
which it shall still be sustained, till it cometh to be a full grown Power, and of a
perfect Age: and then shall the Government upon this Shoulder be laid, and both the Inmost
and Utmost Bounds of all that which the Heavens and Earth contain, shall to this Spirit of
Faith bow most voluntarily; as rejoycing to see Immanuel’s Kingdom arising, as
the Morning Star out of the East.
I have now no other Word to
give, but that thou hold fast, and keep the Word of God’s Patience; enduring all
Contradictions, rather than denying or shrinking back from this which will crown thee, and
become thy Glorified Body. Be strong then, O my Spirit, flag not: for my Lawgiver out of Sion
I do see, who upon my Earth doth stand, with his Love-Fan in his Hand, to divide from
what can have no consistency with the Trinity in Nature. [Margin Note: The
Laws of Paradise were hereupon given down.]
November
the 22nd. 1675.
Wisdom’s Call
and Direction for the Tabernacle Building.
UPON the New Covenant which was opened and
established in me, this Word came unto me further; Where is the Place for my Testimony to
be put, except in the Ark and Tabernacle where I only give the witness of my Presence?
This is the great, high, and most considerable Work of all, therefore thou art noted as
also them that are moved and stirred up to join with thee as known by name to go forward
in the framing and fashioning of this goodly Tent for the Presence of the Most Holy to
take up in. Then cryed the Voice unto me, Put your Hands to this curious Work, according
to the Pattern which Wisdom hath given you. At this I said in my Spirit, Ah Lord, where is
the Stuff and Matter to work upon? Then replyed the Word of Wisdom, Ye shall find all with
and in your own Treasure-House, into which the Free-will-Offerings are brought; therefore
be not careful as to that: your business is to order and manage the Materials provided to
your Hands. This put me upon great Importunity for Skill and Understanding: for it was a
New Work to us, and we must obtain a special Gift, or we should be non-plus’d in it.
Then this Word spake to me, Am not I with thee who devised the first Tabernacle in the
Figure and Shadow, and made those two choice Ones wise-hearted, for the effecting of that
which was but a Worldly Sanctuary? Am not I come to give you a wise and understanding
Heart? Why lean you not upon me for this Ability and Sufficiency? Nothing would suffice
but Cohabitation with your God, and it could no other way be effected, but by this New and
Living Sanctuary by me framed. Therefore as a tender faithful Mother I have not concealed
any thing that might throughout accomplish thee for free and mutual Society with thy God,
and beloved Jesus: Now take good notice of what I shall instruct, and give Rules for, in
order to this pure and perfect Tabernacle erecting. Which must be a transcript from what
is in the Superior Heavens, which the Majesty of Glory fills; that the one may come
expressly to answer the other: and that so the same which bears Record in Heaven, may also
in thy restored and New Earth bear it; where the Everlasting JEHOVAH loveth to be, if he
may but find a Receptacle suitable for so great, so wonderful, and so infinite a Purity.
Now then consider to what a choice, eminent, and worthy Service thou and thy fellow
Workmen are called; labour that my Stone may spring in you, which only can make wise
Artists to comprehend the Nature and Manner of this Work; first then know here is no less
than a Creating Power, with which ye must be endued withal, before you can make any thing
of this Work: according to that ancient Prophecy which saith, The Lord will CREATE upon
every dwelling Place a Tabernacle for a Shadow by Day, and it shall be a Flaming Fire by
Night. Here is the New-Covenant Prediction come to be fulfilled in thy Day, that ye
may rejoice in that which I create, and bring forth in the Birth-Power of All-Wisdom which
so readily can take out the Pattern, in which the High and Lofty One doth inhabit. This is
not after the manner of a Terrestrial Formation by visible Gold, Silver, Purple, Scarlet,
or Linen, which Metaphorically Imaged out the true and real Sanctuary of God’s Being,
which is to be created in thy Internal Part. There the Holy Ark thou must make by me, who
can extract it Magically, casting the Mould from out of that superior and undiscovered
Golden Ground, which at my Command, casteth up all precious Matter for thee to work upon.
Which unconceivable and unknown must be, for no common Eye shall ever this espy: it is the
peculiar Gift which only doth appertain to those which are called by Name this Holy Thing
to ingrave Wonder-workingly.
Hereupon my Spirit was as one
over turned, being appointed to such a Service, wherein no Earthly Material, Tool, or
Instrument was to be used. For all Wisdom and Understanding from the Rational Terrestrial
Man was prohibited, and to be wholly laid aside, and only the Wisdom which is from above,
that indeed is Pure, was to take place and give Instruction in this great Affair; which
tended to the settling of the Heavenly Province through the erecting of this Holy
Tabernacle. Thus being in a deep plunge and concern in my self, how, and when to set upon
the Work, as being pressed out of measure, to proceed upon it, praying with all Prayer for
my self, and that other Person nominated in this Work, I received this Divine Charge, to
persist unweariedly without Interruption. For that if there were a falling back, or but a
slacking in either, it might stop the Wheel. Therefore I was forewarned to be well
satisfied in the Spirits, that I concurred and united withal, lest that should be mutable
and not hold out to the finishing Work: for we should be tryed, and if we were not perfect
in One Accord, it could not prosper in our Hand, and then it were better to engage singly;
if not clear, and cordial as one. Then was brought before me something of a staggering,
which would be very hurtful, if at any time it should in either of us prevail, before we
obtain the fixation in the Body of the Power; for it was shewed me there would not want
strong beleagerings to weaken our Hands in the Work; for the whole stress lay upon
following and cleaving close to our Guide, and keeping to the Paradisiacal Laws
which in the Ministration of the Spirit can only be fulfilled. Now these things sinking
deep upon my Spirit, drew forth many Inquiries and Heart-searchings, and Suspicions, lest
the Work should in any wise be impeded, for I saw the Dragon upon his violence to snatch
at the Birth, which made me cry, O save it out of his Hands, and carry us out of his
reach. Then Wisdom spake this Word, No place out of danger, but the Ark and Tabernacle,
where your Strong hold is, is the Sanctuary, which is provided for your Refuge. Then did I
apply my self to ask how long it should be before we might herewith be invironed, that so
we might no longer be in Fear and Jeopardy. It was replyed, That it is much in our Power
both to hasten or to prolong it: there was a possibility of a quick Work to be made of it,
if we would follow it fully, entirely, with all Might; for it was of that nice, difficult,
curious Nature, that every Interruption detarded it; God could make a Tabernacle to
descend ready finished upon thee, but it is his pleasure to give thee the Honour of the
Workmanship and Building hereof, that thou mayst hear and learn of Wisdom how to form and
bring forth this inclosed Tent for the God of Jacob to dwell in. Then this Query
did rise up further in me. But seeing the manner of this curious Work, O Wisdom, is to be
effected by a Spiritual Magician, who by a vertual Power must do all in it, how can we be
capable hereof, till we come to be made such? For who can make themselves so sublime and
perfect, as to reach to so high a degree of Wisdom as is required in this Work? Truth it
is, O impotent Spirit, without me thou hast no sufficiency: therefore this understand, I
do not insist, or require thee to set upon this Matter of so great Consequence nakedly, in
thy own strength; for then soon an abortive thou wouldst make: This doth require as great
a Skill and Power as the first Heavens and Earth, with all the Hosts that did belong unto
them, which were generated through the deep Spirit of Wisdom’s Understanding. So know
I do call upon this Original Breath infused from my Essential Power and Life, which
resteth in the Cell of thy Eternal Mind, till it be awakend by my Voice sounding as a
Trumpet; saying Come forth, and gird on thy spiritual Powers, and follow me, where thou
shalt see in what Holy Affairs, and Spiritual Work, I will employ thee, knowing the Gift
of Ability, which already is given unto thee; which now is required to be stirred up, to
the utmost sufficiency thereof, to join the Chariot of thine Internal Spirit with mine,
and so be the Wheel within mine, doing only what you see me do; who am risen out of thy
deep Central Earth, all things anew to create. Seven Pillars hewn out in the first place
here must be, for this Perfect Sanctuary all Crystalline, out from that Rock which is the
Eternal Jasper-Stone. Next is that fine-twined Linen, which for Curtains about this Tent
is ordered to be embroidered by the Golden Thread and wrought by the Needle of my Eternal
Spirit. In the third place, it is to be paved all with Molten Gold from that Everlasting
Mountain which thou didst see; the Covering also of the same Oriental Gold must be. All
which though Metaphorically I do them thus present to thee, yet all shall be accomplished
in a perfect Mystery, as the Deity shall all over-shadow thee, who long hath waited this
Tabernacle to see perfected in thee, that so the Covenant within the Ark might find a
place of Security. Here thy God will choose to put his Name only: Where nothing must come
near that is defiling. And therefore appointed are over the Thronely Mercy-Seat, flaming
Cherubims, this Holy Place to guard: Whose cry is only Holiness to the Lord Most High,
who within this Tent desires with thee to dwell, and with Power, Majesty and Glory it to
fill: but know, that here God will admit none into this separated Court to come, but the
High-Priest which hath the Crown of the Anointing Oil: therefore consider the wonderful
Purity, that is required when thou comest near to thy God to inquire, who will from
between the Flaming Seraphims, commune with thee in all Matters and Things in which thou
art to receive Commands. For now the real sum of all that which is required in this thy
approach, is purity in the highest degree, that can be extracted from that Original
Source, out from which floweth the Golden Streams of All-Holiness which will be found
within thy self, and in their rising, so cleanse and sanctifie them all over, as therefrom
this Holy Tabernacle will it self form, and grow upon thee, till it shall have swallowed
up all foregoing Tabernacles, as Aaron’s Rod did devour the rest of the
Magicians Powers. So know that God will be and live entirely to himself within thee, as
his perfect Tent; enduring no Vessel, or Instrument, or Spirit, to come here, but what
hath the Inscription of Perfect Holiness upon it. For who may here ascend but what can
dwell in a Flaming Pillar of Fire, and not be consumed: and be able to say, Evermore let
me in this sweet, amiable pleasant Fire, O God, with thee abide, till I know nothing
within me stirring, but the Ark of thy Strength and the Power of thy Omnipotency, which
will be, and is, the finishing Glory of thy Sanctuary. Where unutterably and perpetually
my Spirit may be folded up as in an unknown Reservatory within this Holy Place of Purity.
In order to the attainment of
which Perfect State, this Word I heard, Abstain thou from all Meats which are offered unto
Idols, and feed upon nothing which is Common or Unclean, which is not purged by the Fire
that burneth upon my Altar: a true Fast ye are to keep in your Spirits from the gross
creeping Things, and flying Fowls of Imaginations that are apt to flutter in the Air of
your Minds, and would feed upon that which is hurtful; making ye Infirm and Weak, for this
Tabernacle-Work. For as ye are called and chosen to the Order of the Holy Priesthood,
there to attend instantly Day and Night, maintaining the Fire upon the Altar from the pure
Spikenard, which is to be made up of all Spices, into a perfuming Oil, this is thy Service
to cast herein Fuel, or Food for this Holy Fire, to Feed upon: then all Offerings passing
through this Fire are made acceptable because of the Perfume, and Confectionary Art of the
Most High and True Chymist {Chemist}, that maketh this
Eternal Composition, giving it into thy Hand to maintain the Celestial Fire with: Out from
which expect the Cloven Tongue must issue forth, for it is the Spicy Flame, which
inspireth with the Holy Ghost; nothing goeth beyond or is like to this Oyl of Composition,
for it contains all the Soveraign Vertue of the Holy Godhead; it is of the highest most
subtil Tincturing Property, that it can pass and penetrate through all things; the
Extraction being from the Arabian Spices of all sorts, mingled with the Spirit of
Gold, which makes it of a wonderful sublime and vertual Power: With this Oil the
Tabernacle, with all that doth appertain to it, must be herewith anointed, as the
Testimony, Altar and Ark. As in the Type, so in the Anti-type look thou for it, it being
of that infinite value, that a greater Gift cannot be given, and as I have directed and
given Wisdom to model out the Sanctuary, and Ark of my Presence; so likewise Skill and
Understanding in this high and most wonderful secret, to make thee a Confectioner, which
is the highest Art attainable: whereby thou wilt become a Physician to thy self and
others. But this requires great Heedfulness, Purity and Watchfulness, with Love and
Faithfulness, to enter upon it with all Earnestness, making it thy absolute Profession and
Calling, not regarding nor minding any one thing else; but keeping close within the Rounds
of my Sanctuary, where the Basket of Blessing and Store is for thee to live upon. Oh that
there were such a Heart in thee as would believe, rest and trust herein, and not look out
besides me, then shouldst thou know the length and strength of Jehovah’s Arm,
what it should work, act, and do, in defiance to all Reason’s false Prophets, which
would not have thee break off from that rusty Canker-eating Chain, which hath linked the
whole Earthly Inhabitants together, living upon one common Store, not being able to trust
to me beyond what their Eye of Sense doth see; which is no less than a fine spun piece of
Idolatry, even among the Reformed Party. My All-piercing Eye this doth see, & doth
hereof still give Warning to thee, and him that solemnly with thee in an Holy Convocation
and Priestly Separation hath engaged, that in keeping of my Charge ye may my anointed
Cherubs be, on which my Tabernacle may rest in its All-flaming Glory: and make your way up
to Sion, and the Free Jerusalem, the City and Mansion-House of God your
Law-giver and King. All which may be witnessed from within, as the diving still deeper
within the Circumference of your own Heavens, the pleasant Sea of Fire, and Glass over to
pass, that ye may know the swift Sail, through the forcible Power of the mighty Ark of my
Strength within thee, to cut off the flowing Tides of Sense, with which in your Journey on
ye may meet. Therefore venture ye not one Step to set, or one remove to make, till you
feel Power your Ark to raise, which commandeth all whatever it be to obey. For it is the
Anointed of the Lord that is to go before, his Way to prepare, all Mountains in its way to
level, and to bring down, and all Seas to dry up, and all Worlds of Enmity to subdue. O
great is the Force, Strength and Majesty hereof, with whom it is as a Risen Body, moving
in its Oily Vertue. It is thy impregnable Fort and Tower: out from it do not thou go, but
as an Apprentice here Bind thy self, for to abide; and then in the High, Spiritual Craft
of the All-eternal Mystery thou shalt be taught: and this unparallel’d composition of
the Physical Elixir, and of the Ointment of Life, how to make shalt be instructed.
But in the First place a
Covenant of Secrecy thou art to enter into, not to Reveal it to any, except to thy Fellow
Apprentices; who called are with thee to work in the same Art.
Then Secondly, Thou art to
fulfil the Term and Time hereof, in Truth and Patience unweariedly; till thou comest to be
as Exact and Perfect as thy Teacher is; this Oil both to make, and then to keep in the
Alabaster-Box of perfect Nature.
Now I shall direct thee next
how this is to be done; and that by way of Similitude. Know then that there is a secret
hidden Garden, within that Land called Beulah, in which grow all Physical Plants,
which the River Pison doth Water. It is a temperate Climate, neither too Hot, nor
too Cold: and the Sun never goeth down there. For there is no Night, but one perpetual Day
in the borders of this Blessed and Beautiful Land. And here do grow all sorts of Herbs,
that have such a vigourous Seed of Leaf in them, that their Life never doth fade. Here
also groweth every kind of Spicy Trees, which through the Exhaling Sun, through the rest
of the Divine Planets, do produce a mighty strong Fragrancy; insomuch that none into this
Place can come, but Seraphical Ones; who are used to this pure Climate. Here are hid
within the Bowels of this Holy Ground, the Veins of pure Gold, with all Oriental Precious
Stones. Behold I have now described to thee the Place, out of which the Confection, and
Matter, of this Magistery, Oil, or Ointment is to be made.
But thou wilt say, This is
a Sealed up Place; none here can come; it is a Garden so richly furnished, that who is it
amongst Mortals, who with the Key may herewith be entrusted? Although into Paradise
my Spirit is admitted, yet into this All lustrous Privy-Garden I could have no entrance.
True it is, that hitherto it hath been concealed; because it was not proper for thee
herein to come, until entered thou hadst to be Wisdom’s Royal and Professed
Physician; withal taking the Degree of her High Philospher, to know the Nature of her
Stone. The Matter whereof within this Garden hath it self hid. Come gird up thy Spirit,
put on the Sandals upon thy Feet, cast over thee the pure Garment of the Cherubim-work;
and follow me into this Secret Place. The Door-keeper here doth well know my Voice: to the
Call of Wisdom he will open, thou shalt see.
Which indeed to me accordingly
was made good: for my Intellectual Spirit was upon the fiery Wheel hither presently moved,
and made to pass; where in Reality, though after a Spiritual manner, I did come, with my
guide, into this unknown Plantation. Where Magically I did espy Beds of Herbs and of
Flowers, in great order they did grow in a rarified Beauty, and their Lustre they did cast
to attract mine Inward Eye. Then in great and holy Awe I did to my Mistress of the
Physical Art my self apply. Who then said to me, Take good heed, and gather thou there
where I shall express to thee; for thou art come, where the real and choice Simples do
grow out of the All-Essential Good. Upon which no Corruption ever came, or could come: or
with any of these Springing Essences was ever mingled. Hereupon by the Serpent no
Poysonable Rays were ever here at all scattered: it is a Place which ever from his Eye was
hid, by the Divine Constellations. All which Plants here thou dost see, from one Seed do
after their kind thus multiply in this Variety.
Now for the Holy Ointment,
which I would give thee skill to make, Go first to that Bed where the precious Thyme
is included, and take there seven handfuls thereof: then take the like quantity of the Baulm
of Hope: and of the Sweet Marjoram of Patience, according to the same
perfect number, as the two former. To these let there be also added the Spirit of Mints
Power, the Eye-bright of All-seeing, the Rue of Fortitude, and the Hyssop
of Purity. These do thou gather when the Sun-Beams are in their greatest heighth and
Influence: and extract the Juice out of them, and so dissolve it with the Kidney-Fat of a
choice Deer, that must be slain on purpose for this use. This thou wilt know is to be
obeyed and yielded to, though it be even thy dear Sensitive Life, which for this
Composition must be dissolved: the Death of which is only Serviceable for so Secret an
Use. Hereupon a soft gentle Fire from the Altar is to be taken; and then diffuse in the
Golden Vessel of the pure Humanity, and thou shalt see what a fragrant Restorative
Ointment this will come to be; whereby all Cures shall be wrought Practitionally, the
Knowledge of this Art being engrafted in thee, as a Natural Scyon co-inherent within thy
inward parts, to transmute and make all that which was of a divided Property, to be of one
pure and rarified Sort and Constitution; as relating to the healing part, which through
the whole Manhood is to disperse it self to settle all again in its first Primitive Order.
Then again here is another
secret greatly requisite to be learnt, as the Spicy Oil, which is the Spirit of Spirits,
extracted, and drawn out from the Seven Spirits mentioned: the Ingredients to this are
deep, and worthy of Inquiry: which cannot be illustrated but by way of Metaphorical
Description; which the wise and apt under Wisdom’s Manuduction {guidance
by the hand} will soon understand, for that all the materials are lying or
growing so close about thee within this Physical Garden; which may be called the Efflux of
the Deity, which evaporateth through every Plant and Tree which groweth here: from and by
which ye may understand the high and precious Quality of whatever you shall a Composition
make out.
Hereupon did arise a Query,
Whether it might not be as effectual to take of these Plants and Trees as they naturally
grow in themselves, for an healing Balsom and Liquor, for the restoring of Life, without
mingling them in a Confectionary way? To this I was answered thus by the holy and profound
Artist, that said, Through the uniting of many Spirits, Powers, and Vertures into one
sublime Substance, there is produced an Almighty Force and Strength, which would not be
while they continued in their separated Essences; but through the Coagulation or mixing by
the Hand of Wisdom, into one Quintessence, it would have its vigorous penetration, as in
the accomplishment hereof ye may witness, if ye wax not faint, but persevere with all
diligence, and not be turned aside, though you do meet sometime with the Waters of Strife;
but hold out, or all is lost which already is wrought. For I would not that either of you
who so voluntarily your selves to me have bound, should grow weary, till I your Work have
crowned, having chosen you out of my Olive-Ground to sprout, that so ye may to each other
empty forth, what I your Fountain have blessed you with, as a fruitful Womb to bring forth
even that mighty Lordly Sprout, which will make your Heavens and Earth to shout; and all
the Hosts of them to praise and celebrate the Rising Star from the East, therefore
with all fear and care go on, and persevere, till that all things shall be put under him
who is born in you the King of Salem, against whom great Conspiracies will be, but
as he in you shall grow up, he shall them all defeat, through the Crown of this anointing
Oil, which I am to shew thee how to make. First then come with me into my secret Lebanon,
where the Beds of Spices are, and take thee seven Ounces of the Mace of Grace, of
like quantity of the Spikenard of Love; the Camphore of Peace; the
Heart-cheering Cloves, of the Saffron of Joy; the Noble Frankincence of
all Faith; the Myrrh of Triumphant Victory; the Cassi of a Sound Mind and
Perfect Heart. Take all these and put them under the grinding Wheel which maintaineth its
uncessant working Motion within thee, till they come to be an Oily Substance, mixed into
one perfect Lump, then diffuse all in the Juice of the Pomegranate for a certain
time, adding hereunto the Powder of Gold of Pervilium, which is to be mixed with
the Magistery of Pearl, and the Ruby-Spirit; all which close in a pure
Crystalline Bottle, into which nothing ever before was put, and set it constantly under
the Sun-shine of thy Heavens for the perfect Clarification thereof: Which at the tenth
number will attain to the full height of a Life-quickening Spirit.
Having taken good notice of
this Mysterious Receit, I lay’d it up in me as a Precious Jewel, resolving to follow
the Rules of this Intrinsick one, and to make an experiment hereof if by any means it
might be brought to a Triune Body of such sublimity. All which must be wrought in the Tent
of the Virgin-Wisdom, where no soiling thing must interfere, while this composition is in
doing: And only Sanctuary Instruments I did see must be used here. Having then order to
discharge all out of this Celestial Place, no Servant which appertained to the old and
first Tabernacle, I durst to admit, for my aid, or help, or in any service therein to
imploy. Now all that are to rest within this Place, where the Glory of the Majesty does it
self unfold, with the first Balsam must be anointed; thus to me it was declared. Oh the
great Purity that I did see was required in ministering about these Holy Things! it
cutteth off quite from all Intermedlings in a putrified Earthly State; the Eye so single
and clear is through this Ointment, purifying it, that it cannot bear any more to behold
in it self either Spot, Blemish, or Wrinkle, knowing well none else in the Tabernacle of
God’s Holiness with him can live. Therefore in the Oil of Consecration I am appointed
for to abide, and to drink of this Liquor of Life, which suddenly may ready be through the
diligent Hand that prepareth it, as I do both feel and see: which maketh my Spirit so
intent hereupon, that while the great Artist is at work, I know not how my Eye to take
off, that so I may be able and skilful after the same manner this to congeal, and mix in
its number, weight and measure. For indeed ambitious I am this choice Drink always to have
by me, that hereof I may take at pleasure, and also give thereof to the Thirsty, which in
Wisdom’s choice are thereof worthy.
And as I was thus spreading my
Requests, before the Holy Mercy-Seat within the new raised Tabernacle, I heard a Voice
from thence speak; Anoint every Vessel within my Sanctuary, that all may be sublimed and
scented with that Ointment, which Wisdom hath within thy Tent made. Then in this interim I
did feel somewhat break and fly, as if a bundle had been untied: Myrrh and Spikenard more
pleasant to the Nostrils could not be than this. Somewhat did diffuse it self so richly,
as if it would dissolve me into its own Balsamick Nature. Oh how affected was my Spirit
with that Oily Burning upon the Altar, upon which the Seven Lamp-Spirits do draw forth
Matter to feed upon! the Tabernacle needed no other Light than what from hence did shine.
Thus surrounded in Love’s Pavilion, I did sit, refreshed from what here did flow in,
all throughout me warming. This was a good requital for my earnest and all attentive
waiting within the Sanctuary, not out-departing, therein meeting with all satisfying
Provision, which doth invite our Spirits here to abide; till the Spicy Liquor be fully
ripe, which upon the preparing is, against the Great Day of the Feast. This made up is of
such choice Rarities as may well provoke our spiritual Appetites, having Intelligence
beforehand at what a high rate our Table is to be furnished.
After the finishing of the
Tabernacle-work, an order from the Heavenly Court did come forth for a Convocation of a
Seven Days separation to be held by us, who are called lawfully for to strive to be
Masters of the Divine Art, according to Wisdom’s high Philosophical Rules. Therefore
in order to the perfecting of this Balsamical Medicine and Restorative Elixer, this
Counsel further she did to me give forth; saying, Watch, Pray, and Wait, within the
Sanctuary, gathering together as in one, all the spicy Powers to make a Perfumed Incense,
to offer upon the Altar; from which Celestial Fire will arise, which will make you Pray in
the Holy Ghost with flaming Fervour, which only will effect the Blessing upon this your so
great Undertaking, for which uncessant Invocations are breathed forth from the Cloven
Tongue rising from the Altar-Fire, which is the efficacious Spirit of Prayer, that as a
Flame inspired through the Ghostly Breath, doth mount and pass through all things: no
Principle can bind or detain it, but swiftly it pierceth and prevaileth, when the Oily
Incense after this manner is mingled with it; therefore as ye would Prevailers, strong,
potent and mighty be with your God, for to ask and receive; let the Flaming Incense still
your Advocate be, and then your Intercessions of like force will be as those of Moses and
Elias in their Day, as ye will see; now then a set and an appointed time let there
be for these Holy Offerings to be brought unto the Altar. Draw near ye Holy and Separated
Ones, and dedicate it with What is unblemished, multiply seven times seven your pure Meat
and Drink-Offerings, till that you no more conscious are of Sins defilement within this
Sanctuary-dwelling; where forbidden is all Servile-working, during the time that this
solemn Convocation is celebrating.
December the
28th. 1675.
An Understanding was now given
to me, to know and discern the Root and Seed of that growing Mystical Body, into which the
Kingdom of God was to descend, which would finish and put an end to all imperfect things,
because it consisted of all Faith, Power, Purity, Wisdom, Strength and All-sufficiency; to
make compleat the comers hereunto, that so their might be an absolute Dominion within our
selves, and a gathering into one Body all Spiritual Ghostly Operations, which are of
impregnable Force and Might; till the Kingdom after this manner shews it self, all lieth
under the vail of Obscurity, and is little perceived or owned in one, more than another,
be they never so entirely Holy, till the Deity springs and shoots forth it self into a
Body, that can naturally act like to its Omnipotent Being without limitation. Oh who are
hereunto yet come, and what are all Attainments till hereunto we have reached? our
Measuring Line can it dive and search into the deep Abyss of the great Wonders of the
Immense Being? the whirling Wheel of my Spirit finding no stay for it self in all it had
seen, known, possessed and enjoyed still stretched forth its expatiated Mind after that
which was still in reserve, and kept by the strong Rock of the Almightiness, to whom with
a fresh on-set I resolve to make my Application, as not to be put off with anything less
than the Kingdom and Reigning-Power of the Holy Ghost, for which I had run thus hard, and
could not stop the Chariot-Wheel of the high graduated Will, which would all Attempts make
to grasp in with Love-violence, this my fair, wise, rich and noble Bride, well knowing her
Dowry was so great as it would do more than ransom me from all Sins and Earthly-Tributes,
perfectly to set me free, and also Ensue of me into that Estate to which pertaineth such
Lordships and Dominions as are not subject to Times Chance, or Fate; all which are Motives
sufficient indeed to make us press hard this Prize to take. We need not murmur or complain
that this matchless Dove and Oriental Pearl so hardly is obtained, when well considered,
no less we can conclude her highly worthy the Lamb’s Bride and Spouse to be only
peculiarly reserved for; being the Royal Princess and Queen upon whom the Crown is to be
fixed, including all Celestial Dignity and Throne-Powers thereby conferred to make this
Bride all desirable, from which lustrous Presentation of her perfect Comeliness and Beauty
two into one Spirit was all inflamed, making complaint, bemoaning our selves, how we might
possibly compass the obtaining this matchless Virgin-Dove for our Spouse and Bride, who
with her piercing fiery Arrow of Love, had us wounded so deep, as no Cure throughout the
Circumference of this lower Sphere could be found, though attempts and proffers numerous
was not wanting, to beguile and take off our Eye, charging & highly blaming us for
aspiring to love so high, far beyond what Reason could judge to be equivalent with our
mean Estate. But all this nothing availed, or could Wisdom’s Lovers pacifie, whose
Quivers did daily upon us let fly, thereby still to attract us more nigh. Knot upon Knot
through familiar communion was here tied as an assured Pledge, that to her kind Intimacies
we might arrive, as we hard upon this worthy Princess did ply.
[From the Authentic Version of
Jane Lead’s Journal of her Spiritual Encounters ...
— Entries from the Beginning of the Journal through the year 1675,
from Volume ONE of A Fountain of Gardens: this
was File 1 of 4 ]
Continue to next File:
