Death shall not at all hurt you let not your Souls faint but direct your Prayers to the Holy Temple that so through great fervency from these nether Depths you may there into enter and from Death's Bands ye shall beloosed The Body of mortality as the Fish shall vomit you up when great IEHOVAH shall once the Word give forth These Openings are still for your Support February the 21st 1676 7. I saw a Vision thus presented to me I did see a green Cloath-Covering which was sown over a White Sheet which was let down and I was bid to unrip it which after a metaphorical manner was done I know not how And under it there were Creeping Creatures that were of a devouring Quality then under the Linnen there appeared a Lamb pure and white with sparkling Eyes as Flames of Fire Which thing considering it was thus opened unto me This was the Face of the Covering that the Word of Command came forth to have unripped and taken off By which the very inward ground might be discovered where the fatned Beasts did lurk under who by the Covering were bounded But now the shame of their Nakedness did appear so as they crept away and could no longer abide by reason of the Lamb's sparkling Eye which caused the Remove to be made saying to me Now give place who am come to scatter and destroy all of this evil quality from before my Face I can no longer bear this Covering upon me this partition Vail must be rolled away even that dark Body of Sin which hath been as a weight upon the Lamb of God Whose Eyes do pierce to find out every thing that hath made a breach that so the Heart of God should not be concealed from you into which you could never see so long as this thick dark Covering remained whereby hid hath been the very Original matter that hath brought in all the Woe and Sorrow For which purpose by way of this Similitude you may come hereby to understand the force of that great Love that moveth to lay all naked and bare that so through the medium of that light Eye which did lie under covert for a time ye might see the Image of that Sin-breeding Beast that could multiply into such encrease under the green Covering Whose Seat and breeding-place shall make discovery to the most innermost Ground unto thee that so thou mayst be at rest from the source of Sin 's working property Let us in the first place now make enquiry into the Originality of this Monster how he came to have a Being For in the beginning of the Paradisical Creation all was created by God comely good and perfect how came then this strange Essence to be brought in to dispoil and alter the whole Heavenly Course of things in this Paradisical Creation Now know that before this there was a Creation of Angelical Hosts as an immediate product from the everlasting Being Who delighted to generate Thrones Mights and Powers that so God through distinct Existencies of Celestial Spirits of that high Angelical Order might come to manifest his Attributes which before lay void and hid in an Eternal Stillness So as here was the Angelical World in pre-existency before the Paradisical The Superiour Heavens were furnâ—shed in the first Place with Dignities suited for God's own peculiar Habitation Of which Number there was a Spirit of high Elevation that did awaken in some of them who were Principalities in this Kingdom to exalt themselves equal or above the Lord their Maker For which cause being cast out from the most meek and holy Presence they consulted how to spoil and infect having great Envy against God's new Creation and formation of Man in and after the express Image of himself This blew up their Coals of Jealousie and fiery Indignation which as deadly Arrows were soon sent forth namely so soon as Adam came to have an existency He must be tried by this subtle Serpent And the first onset was whether they could by their Magical Art cast him into a deadly Sleep that so thereby his Impotency might be manifested stupifying his seven high graduated Faculties Who hereby before he was aware did loose his Virgin generating strength and whereas it was said That God cast him into that Sleep the meaning is God suffered it and permitted the probation to come upon him to see whether he could stand this first Insinuation which was by some secret Poyson that he had drunk in from the fallen Spirits who had somewhat already of their evil Seed cast in In that God said Seeing Man is already fallen from that primary force and strength that he cannot bring forth from that Virgin Female property Now it will not be good for him to be alone he shall have a Companion answerable to his present state which is already lower by many degrees then when the pure immortal Breath did enter in But had Adam with his Eve here staid and had not been brought in a further Premunire Mankind had not seen the Sin fatal Death of Mortality But the Serpent seeing his Invisible Sorcery had taken so good â—ffect he now is more bold to adventure upon the second Tryal suiting his Temptation more subtlely telling them they should be as Gods Which was an inducing Argument at which Sugar-Bait they presently nibled and did eat of it and in that very moment were turned into that mortal Beastly shape the Figure whereof you do to this Day wear But well had it been if this had been all the injury but oh the Serpently Seed was cast in there who at once sent in that Poyson that hath had its death operation ever since Thus you see the Originality from whence ye have derived your Earthly Life of Mortality which is so inherent that as a boiling Source it is maintained from this strange introduced Fire so as though you are in continual Labour to scum off the Filth thereof yet it still renews again So while the root of this corrupt Matter remains your toil fear and care will have no end Now what is it think ye must enter in so deep as to suck out the Serpent's deadly Sting that hath made all this disorder in Nature Many Medicines have been applied and some have been safe and undoubted of yet they have not reached the place of Sin 's Conception to destroy both the Serpently Seed with the first Earthly Eve which is the Mother of all Living in the Earthly Property Her Womb is fruitful still to bâ—iâ—g forth Viperous Thoughts and evil Earthly Motion from a flowing Source throughout all Generations Now you will say how and by what means shall this be remedied You cry the Power is not in us how can that come to be nullified that is so essentially in us The Boughs may while but tender Boughs be bent and when strong grown they may be cropt but the stock as a deep grounded Oak our Arm is too short to reach We cannot move it the very Earth will
corruptible Flesh. As first for its Probation it cometh into such Bodies to exercise and to put forth its Superiour Might for Mortifying and to correct and check all the natural Propensity which the mortal Spirit would tempt that which is Eternal to joyn with it in The which not yielding to but maintaining its own Superiority in curbing and suppressing all of the earthly part God is hereby greatly pleased and highly honoured Therefore think not much that for the present there is such incongruousness betwixt that which is Intellectual and that which is Terrestial That which is Eternal may command and subdue all what ever is Temporary Therefore be not ignorant of your own Spirits Soveraignty but call up its true Authority for the Spiritualizing of what would be clouded with Sensuality For if you yield hereunto and are overcome then your Talent lies as dead and buried And what account can any such give to their Lord when he comes who are thus slothful Therefore that Parable consider of it about the Talents improving had a very deep meaning if you should not be faithful in the first stock of Life and Spirit you must not expect that more high and full Trust and latter Crop both Ghostly Spirit Body Celestial will be given Therefore be patient hold out and do the preseâ—t work of the day and know your Reward is not far from you Then was the Vision of the Holy Element to me opened as thus The bright Airy Cloud which gathered it self into a round compass and was mixed with flame Colours so subtle and pure this was said to be the Matter of all Celestial Bodies and those innumerable Stars which were veiled under the bright Cloud were naked Spirits that did ascend out of Bodies terrestial into this pure Element and put on Figurative Bodies bright and Aetheral corresponding to the Nature of the Star-like sparkling Spirits who did appear to be fixed in this pure Element Then further as to that Majestical Eye which did appear so terribly piercing it was shewn me nay the Spirit did plainly in a still Voice eccho in me that from this pure Eye all distinct Sparks of Life did proceed and did fly into mortal Bodies according to the hour of Life and did come piercing into the fleshly Womb there to unite with a corporeal Spirit which is naturally introduced from Adam's lapsed day Then was a Secret whispered into that Ear which open stood to hear what the Spirit dictated so uear saying Hast thou not read that one Star differeth from another in Glory and one Angel is more mighty and powerful and greatly dignified then others yet all of and from that pure Eye extracted Even so further learn and receive this That in the productions of Spirits there is great difference some greater and more deeply comprehensive and intelligent and strong to encounter with the averse matter to which they are united For know this prerogative of Will which with God the Fountain of all Spirits is to be left free is not here to be called to an account by his Creatures Who gives Spirits successively to Bodies according for what he hath for them more eminent and extraordinary work to act and do in the lower Region of this World Therefore God hath left himself this Liberty to give to one five Talents and to another but two or one But if to that one any shall be faithful to improve it while he lives in this Body doubt not but it is of very dear acceptation with their Lord to enter into his Joy though somewhat different according to the Spirits degree Thus Abraham and Lot were both from a pure righteous Seed yet Abraham's Spirit of Truth did much excell And so ye may recollect innumerable Instances throughout all Ages as Enoch Moses Ioshuah Elias who had answerably great Service to do for their God though so unsuitably matched by Bodies yet such was the greatness of their Spirits as they made their very terrestial Man to keep pace with their Spirits Nay such is the power and ability of an Eternal Spirit through piercing into its original center that it may attract and cloath it self with the inward Virgin Body which is the Matter of that pure Element which thou didst see and so for Times and Seasons the gross Nature sublimated and over-powered may be as oft of this kind as was formerly according to the might and potency of the Spirit existing in Bodies As this was shewn in your Lord Jesus both before and after his Resurrection Now what doth this Vision predict but the cloathing of some great Saints with this pure Element Who do often withdraw from the Corporeal Sense Oh who can tell What is here to be enjoyed but such as do slide away from this vile earthly Climate The Seven-Star Planets will be given into their Hands the Influences of which are all of pure Ghostly Inspiration to out-set and overthrow the earthly gross Element which so long hath prevented the Heavenly Community Now then dive into your own Celestiality and see with what manner of Spirits ye are endued for in them the Powers do entirely lie for Transformation From the fore-going Revelation it was fully cleared unto me for what cause pure Spirits which did proceed from the holy Being came to exist in mortal Vehicles It was not for any Sin or Transgression which they acted or did in the times of their pre-existency in any Etheral Region as some do believe being bare abstracted Spirits without any Figurative Bodies Only Adam and Eve may be considered as the whole Universe and all included in them as the representative Heads of all successive Generations who were mortalized after their similitude For which cause Sin and Curse and Death enter'd but none for Adam's Transgressions shall be condemned for shall not the Judge of all the Earth do and pass righteous Judgment Shall any suffer for what they could no way avoid God forbid as in Sin all Men and Women were conceived and born so likewise in a Seed of Truth and Righteousness which is invisibly introduced for to destroy and overpower the Serpently Seed both growing up together which of them doth obtain the mastership doth remain in each ones Principle The most wise God having laid in a sufficiency of Spirit who in the days of Noah said My Spirit in them was tired out striving still with them so God will clear and acquit himself of all that of this Nature can be charged upon him Then further it was opened unto me from that Scripture That as Sin hath abounded Grace shall much more abound This Grace was revealed in the Gift or Infusion of the Spirit of Christ as the promised Seed of restoring Life unto Adam and Eve upon their very degeneration that they might not be as without God in that corporeal Image which they now were changed into If the Eternal Word which was from the beginning had not been their Light and Life and so likewise generative
while on this side of the mortal death Happily some there be who in Purity and Faith having finished their terrestrial Life here after their bodily dissolution may unknown to us Inhabitants of this working restless World enter in there But no President we have of any that could ever pass but through that known universal death of the Corporeal Body For that would be a great and marvellous thing beyond ever what was yet heard of that ever any went in and out amongst us that could give an account of passing out from us into that Paradisical Sphere it being shut up ever since Adam's turning out therefore in this present time we must not look for it For this weighty matter of doubt I besought the Lord earnestly for a resolve in whether or no such a Translation might be hoped for and believed in before death was tasted of My Spirit did very watchfully wait for an Answer hereupon which after some time was thus given to me to understand and from the Word of Knowledge was uttered True it is Oh Soul that none hath entred these Gates in a mortal shape neither can any more than a Camel can pass through the Eye of a Needle unclothed ye must be of sins body the gross bulk thereof cannot pass in And though ye have been Let hitherto by this full fraughted Principle yet possibly ye may grow so wise and subtile as to pass through by the virtue of that pure leavening Name Which like Oyl of Gold will all overflame you and so turn Gross Earthly Matter into an Aetherial Spiritual Body for none but such can come to be so near the Trinity Neither is it the death of the outward Body that can fit it hereunto for if the inward body of sin be not as well put off as the outward it will avail little as to thy entrance into this Supernal City Therefore now if in the throng of all present Temptations ye can but get the conquest then this blessed change will be from a Terrestrial Glory to a Celestial What though this hath not been evidenced neither before or since the Lord 's appearing in flâ—sh let not that sink down your hearts into discouragement For there is such a Fire-stone to burn that now is kindled that will effect greater things than yet ever have been Therefore stretch out the Neck of your Faith right forward hereunto for the fearful doubtful and impure will be shut out of all hope of entring here Therefore said the Just One Faith in God will remove this laded Cart which did appear to stand in your way The fury of the Beast and Dragon also are very great against you animating such as are nearest unto you and of dearest concern to stop your way But be ye both advised by watching all opportunities through Patience Wisdom and Lowliness of Mind to keep on your way For by the creeping through is signified great Humility by which the Serpents subtilty may be supplanted Let this then now stir up all care and watchfulness for ye will be put oft-times while ye are in this process to great distress but keep the blessed issue always in your Eye and that will renew strength continually For all of this high concern must be effected through immutability pressing hard though the Wheel of this oppressive Principle threatens to grind you Yet be constant and persevere unto the end and ye will receive the Crown of Life August the 31th 1677. I saw multitudes of People this Night presented to me of several Habits and Languages all in business and traffick saving a few that were together gathered out of these Who were in a cessation from all matters of entanglement in a waiting interceding posture Of whom it was said That these few should become a strong Nation and rise up to take the Prey from the strong and mighty For if there were not some allotted only for the Sanctuary Attendance in a Consecrated Spirit of anointing to approach the immense Glory nothing of the Mind of the Most High would come to be known in their days Herefrom it was shewn me that by those Multitudes which were of all sorts and kinds in their several employes that run on in the concerns of those are petty things and satisfied with such mean atchievements as this Creation affords it hath been permitted that they should arrive to no greater than visible things and That only by continued exercise both of Minds and Hands But now by that other sort which I did see do nothing but stood waiting in a silent posture as if they had departed from the whole universe of their Fellow-creatures These united ones were to break open a fast enclosed Center where the natural freedom and commanding Power of Paradise lieth These all are by pure severation not only from the mixed Congregation of the wilder sort but from those who were as Cakes baked but of one side who were not throughly leavened with the Altar-fire themselves also to divide For the Word thus spake Such who are all of one refined mould who do seek nothing else but the plucking down of the man of sin from his great Seat which he hath gotten in the World and this must be done by sequestring from the confused noise of all what may promote hereunto For to some it will be given thus closely to set to the work Or else what can be brought to effect of the primary state for to regain the antient Liberty and sinless Innocency with higher degrees of what is now the superadded state Which will ask the whole Age of man's Life for to give attendance hereupon Which will be worth your daily setting to that hereby you may undermine the Strong Tower of him who would keep up his regency in the divided property of part good and part evil For so long as this is allowed him he will have the greatest share of this Worlds Kingdom Now then who would not set close to this more superiour Business to find out what lieth hid in the Magia Storehouse Arts of a wonderful degree present themselves here For as ye can wade through this deep Ocean great mysteries will flow out As ye may see comparatively what the spirit of a man hath attained to by external industry This hath brought forth all that is delightful to the humane sense whereby all are deluded who have looked hereinto Oh the lustrous state that now this Principle is wrought up toâ— it is become such a Golden Bait that rare it is to find any who are not biting and nibling hereupon If therefore the wisdom of that which is but Earthly hath found out and invented such an inviting variety to make this Creation so desirable What may not such reach unto who have the advantage of that Spirit of Wisdom that truly inspireth to know from the originality of all whatever is to be comprehended This Anointing is the light that makes manifest what lieth in the Abyss of Eternity And verily such as
transparent form of God having no more Shadow of Mutation to prevent those higher Degrees of Glorification which but by the ascended cannot be known or felt Hereupon I called all in me to account to be judged by the Superiour Will and Spirit of Light which gave me to see what was in Bondage and what was free that would not now be any longer in Bondage to the Condemnation of Sin Having that Word brought to me to search and find out that Salt Stone that would make all perfectly sound and savoury which the Corrupter had most subtlely defiled For I saw for every Sacrifice to be salted with this Stone of Fire was absolutely necessary for in it lay hid all Perfuming Sweets Therefore an express Charge came down to re-assume it to our selves as the choice Altar-Stone where the unknown Superscription should be written Oh then said the Spirit of Truth ye cannot ask any thing fruitlessly as ye have done do but will and it shall be done Oh that the Most High could have such as were so fixed in Body Soul and Spirit to this all-seasoning Stone of Wisdom as to trust them with this Jewel of Superiority so as to leave all Matters whether great or small with them in whom his Heart might rest That all and every Circumstance of things might be managed for those Ends and Services which might agree with the In-written Name that as a Fountain of Oyl doth run into those Vessels which are seasoned by this Salt Stone of Fire For know in Verity the most Holy hath no pleasure to see his own in this World to live and walk up and down in so mean a Capacity unskilful to set a Foot or Hand to what lieth in the Divine Magia Root Which you may lawfully stir up since for you Christ the Lord hath made the Way by ascending on High for to subdue all things under him that so of the same Power he might subordinately pass away from himself unto you Who calleth you to draw out the Purchase of his Death by like dying and by like immortal Living according to the penetrating quality Which by stirring up may effect thereby great and mighty things answerably to the Wisdom and Soveraignty of Holiness which all as in Inclosure doth lie about this holy thing for you You little know what a Principality is nigh to you but your Superiour Will hath yet somewhat that doth clog its Wheel which is designed for to be the running Chariot whereunto the Spirit of Infinite Might must joyn Now then by all means seek the unthralling of your Will for could nothing mingle therewithal but what did fall from the pure Deity how would you find God all-active in and through you But herein lieth the great Nicety to keep the Will-Spirit untouched that nothing from the Bryery Root doth twist about it if this is kept spotless and free what may you not find Power to do with the Most Holy Observe and keep this great Secret it is from great and high Love that I have given an insight to thee that so all Offences may be removed who would you should come to Reign over all of the Earthly Further of this I besought the Lord might be revealed For the great Depravation was in the matter of the Will for it was shewn me it was unequally yoked and had married strange Flesh from which there must be a Separation by Death Had not the Royal Will yielded to the tempting Eve but had kept its Priority how great and mighty a Lord might Man have been in and over the whole Creation of God having absolute Power in himself But hearkening to the Dalilah that is still acted by the Serpent-like Spirit to this day it becometh successively despoiled of this Lock of Strength and Power and so hereby the Shame of our Nakedness doth appear as to what Cloathing we might have been made known in Had not Adam thus lost his Dignity and so hereby brought forth Fruit unto Death running through all his Posterity in and after the Similitude of his Sin Which hath brought Impotency deflowring us of all that Spiritual Might of this we need no other Proof then what we do each one carry about with us But the great Thing is Oh thou who art promised as the mighty Restorer of this Breach What must we do who are so unavoidably overtaken with the same Thral and come bound with the same twisting Cords which hath altogether weakened the force of our Wills To this great Query as I humbly pursued so I had my desire resolved February the 7th 1676 7. This know and well consider that your Original is from high extracted Matter which is so Eternal that it cannot dye but it stands at the pleasure of the Will what way it will drive forth it self into For now it is a distinct Essence and had it not been corrupted from that simplified Being of Purity you could never have fallen into such an dishonourable state wherein the Royalty of your Power is so withdrawn as ye have no defence nor can make against those numerous Circumstances of Evils that do conspire where they may find degenerated ground for to work upon Now then yet for a more clear and perfect Information what further on your behalf is to be done that the choice faculty of the Will may come to regain its Primary Liberty that so it may have all powerful success as before it was enthral'd by the tempting Eve No other way there is but for the Will to be born again that thereby it may recover its Virgins Might and Force then every right Essence will move and open from pure Nature's Center This Birth is not according to the Will of Man but God Who out and from an infinite Pity and Love is come by Water Blood and Spirit to recover and lift up your relasped Wills that so they may stand upon their true native Prerogative being also set free from the flattering Dalilah which includes the whole variety of all attractive Delights from this Principle that as with Cords hath bound the Will down Oh now then as beloved of your God for ever drink in this Word of Counsel and herein joyn and work with the Spirit of your Lord Jesus who is come to perswade and allure you to fuffer joyfully the breaking up of your whole Earthly Family Which only consisteth of what is indged but lawful and expedient by the false Seers who are Babylon's Merchants But to you I have other things revealed and do incite you to be at variance with whatever will not consist with the new-born Will Who is to be matched with her who is the real Bride and Heir to whom a great Retinue doth belong of which Family you are to bear the Name only Therefore let it not seem grievous to rend and divide from what is of this evil World for verily hereby as God is true ye shall sustain no loss For your Superiour Will will hereby be so free chast pure
upright moral Conversation the Law of God written in their Hearts according to the Letter As it is said their Conscience accusiâ—g or excusing according to Truth or Falshood acted by them for by Nature things contained in the Law may be done so that you may take in this higher degree of things into the knowledge of the Spirit of a Man as an earthly Man and yet not able to receive or comprehend the more high wonderful and deep things of God It is only possible to that which is the meer Birth of the Spirit distinct from the Earthly Now then said the most holy Anointing that ye may know that this Spiritual Man is born shall appear by what shall be revealed unto it March the 2d 1676 7. Now as to the things of God which are given only to the Spirit of a Spiritual Man to find out verily they are so great various and numerous as in times Volumâ— they can never be unfolded Only the Spirit for the use of this new Born Creature or Spiritual Born Man doth bring down a Breviate of those invisible Things that are in heavenly Places or rather that are in God who is the Original from whence all glorious things that are in Existency are brought forth which may be named as the Back-parts of God framed and stretched forth into a Light Seraphick Globe which God furnisheth with his own Majestick Forms which no one ever saw or therfore can take upon them to describe The Spirit only hereof can make report to the Spiritual Man while yet imprisoned in a corporal Shrine and Shape But you will say what more of the things of God are discoverable when you are wholly in the Spirit you need not thus Quere but in the mean time there is a Spirit which will take it's range for you to view the Fathers Goods Possâ—ssions and Eternal Lands because as Heirs ye are concerned thereunto To proceed then to the heights depths and bredths of what are yours in Reversion within the Circle of Mount Sion state Consider then what of God's is there they are all yours as ye stand engrafted into the Tree of Life Now what hath the Spirit found out in all the heights above this earthly Sphere First into Paradise it doth take its Flight where all things are in good Order and flourishing state as before Adam had lost his Virgin Mate Paradise is now stock'd again with such as have waded through the floating Sea of Sin and Mortality in order to the putting on that image of Purity where the least Guile or Fault may not be found in any there The Spirit doth see all in wonderful Harmony for this Voice was heard to say from the high and lofty One with Men risen from the Dead I will also dwell though it be alotted for a time to be a separated Mansion till all be gathered into â—that one superior Kingdom Thus you hear good News that is all rich and flourishing within the Paradysical Kingdom no decay since Adam's day but much encrease and augmentation is daily through the Resurrection of a Spiritual Man March the 3d. 1676 7. These things whereof an account has been given you may be defined as the local Place of Paradice whereinto Spirits separated in a natural Death putting off there mortal Bodies do enter into it and there put on their Virgin Body which doth prepare them to meet their Bridegroom who from thence fetcheth them up to mount Sion These are such who in this very time have fought the good Fight of Faith and had very near overcome this World What is lacking to make them fully perfect in this Paradisical Place they are appointed to stay here till all their Bridal Trimming be finished and they find that they can pass the way to the Tree of Life through the flaming Cherub who still is a Guard upon that figurative Tree In that place holy Angels do there also wait by their course to minister to those who do come here as designed Heirs of that more glorious State which in Sion is revealed This is some part of those good things which belong to your Eternal Father But to open to thee a further Mystery which is what may be entred upon in this very Life time know there is a mystical Paradise as well as a local which springs metaphorically opening from a pure magical Center this is a wonderful state to know and wittness it chiefly stands in divine Visions Revelations Ideas Presentations Manifestations in Sounds Trumpets Voices in Speakings in Powers Raptures Joys and sensible-Feelings I say all these Golden Springs do flow from out of the Bowels of the new Paradisical Earth This will amount to your present Peace and Joy Wait I say to feel that Now that your Spirits may give a Seal with me that ye have received the anointing and that you do walk with your Spiritual Man in this Paradise where you do often hear the Eccho of the Bridegroom's Voice calling to you still to hast the getting on all that which will make you look sweet and amiable and the fragrant Sweets that may you perfume and scent that so all your Garments may smell of these Beds of Spices upon which you may stretch your selves Here a while confined be to dwell after the manner of Spirits in Spiritual Bodies till you shall all of this visible Orb over-come and much excell all Creatures in it having the Tree of Life to live upon Which is that which will rarify and put upon you a more transparent Body for they who here do daily feed upon it shall be in good deed metaphorized Behold to you this Paradise Gate doth open stand and what of the things of God is there not only to know but them as your own to enjoy But this Word of caution to you who resolved are to tast more deep of these flowing Sweets take heed of the Laws of Paradise which once in particular were given to you remind and observe them For you must not be in the Quality halting between two Principles but here keep company each with other and your Jesus will most frequently talk with you and shew himself according to the Love's betrothment that is made a fresh with you in this Paradise March the 4th 1676 7. The GLASSY-SEA Now from hence the Spiritual Man must make another remove to see what doth lie for him beyond this among the pretious things that out-flow from that rich Ocean-Sea which is betwixt Paradise and Mount-Sion This is that Glassy-Sea spoken of which doth encompass the Beloved City where is the residence of God your King and the Throne of the Lamb and the Seaven Sealing Powers that do go forth from the most Holy One. Now this Burning Sea is for Probation who is able to pass through here but they who have got a thorough Victory over the Beast and his Image that nothing more of his Mark do bear They and they only can stand here because they are signatur'd from this
toiling Day into which all are fallen but can bear the Burthen as if it were indeed a Paradisical Sphere so lightly hath the whole Creation yet cared for its relasped state How choice and few are those that do seek herefrom to be released being of that Perswasion that the Earthly with the Heavenly must unseparably grow together as Twins Which is not so determined by the great God and Creator but he doth still expect that through the many depressions both in Spirit and Body some one or other are this long-run out time would be so weary of the Body of toil sorrow and Sin as to violate upon the Love Pity and Power of God the Father who cannot resist to send forth saving Succour to ransom such as still do fill his Ears with Cries and Groans for Redemption out of that which is the external Original matter of all and every kind of thraldom Hearken now and hear the Glad-tydings which is sent from your Father to you who hath taken notice of your travelling Sorrows while yoked with that Man upon whom Sentence is past that he might live by care and labour yet to you I say he shall not always and for ever be your clog There is a Birth of Strength upon the rising that will easily throw off this depressing Weight Yet a little while and the Iron-rod shall rule the Man of Sin so as to divide him from thee Many ways have been tryed to make him dye but all have been too short for he hath been a Warriour from his Original Sin-Conception and will keep the Field of this out-birth as he hath done from Adam's Day What hopes then say you that out of us he shall be thrown out for here I did object in Love Fear and Faith that many worthy Ones had striven hard to conquer by Death some of whom did go very far but scarce in any did this Death-Arrow so hit as to obliterate Sin altogether in its Root Then was it replyedâ— It is sufficient that one was perfect and just without Sin in a humane Figure then was that Scripture spoken in me Rom. 5. 19. As by one mans disobedience so by the obedience of one many shall be made righteous The Words were thus opened by the Spirit who said God revealed to Paul in his Day that nothing less was designed than a full and clear Acquitment from that first Man which did so naturally work in toyl and labour bringing only forth Fruit unto Death And who but that Man called the Branch shall answer to that defectiveness in abolishing the very Sperm of Sin that as nothing thereof could be found in himself so likewise in those who are elected for to be in joynt Heir-ship in the Kingdom of Mount Sion with him Whereunto he translates none till the old Adamical Life is laid in an everlasting Sleep of Death no more to awake for Contempt and Shame As often now it doth which hath stopped the New Ierusalem from descending down because once hath been perfect ready to meet this heavenly City Therefore saith the most Holy and True another manner of Church must be gathered from among Men who out of the Womb of that first Morning Star that is now upon breaking out a Star-like Off-spring is to proceed that shall go forth with the iron Rod of Power and dash in pieces every one of the Dragons Heads till this Church be born upon the Earth Who all are of Angelical Natures till then expect no Power over the Dragons and Beasts to reign To you who Numbred are to bear the Lambs Trophies stand to your Virgin Call fly not from her innocent White Colours whatever shall be here said against her If ye shall be the first born Star who shall shine upon Wisdoms Crown the Loves eternal Testimony for this end hath opened the clear Body of the Heavens that ye might understand what may be looked for in this Age. Therefore do you stand as mighty and immoveable Pillars for the Lamb and the Brides Church and great Indignation have against those that would it down decry Fear not those pushing Horns that war here against her she will make the glittering Sword of Power to be your defence against all your Enemies Be not troubled at the fewness of your Number for out of one or two that shall be perfect in their Generation a strange Generation may proceed who all mighty Warriours shall be for God and the Lamb to follow him in trampling down all earthly Powers Keep but up to your Leaders and ye need to fear no ill for invisible Seraphims shall still pitch a mighty Pavilion round about you March the 20th 1666 7. Thus ended this Revelation from the Vision I had seen which left a sweet perfumed Sence of Love Peace and Joy to feed upon Another Idea was presented to me from the History of Ahashuerus and Vashti his first espoused Queen Who by her act of Disobedience to her Royal Consort was banished his Throne This Word with great Power did through me sound A Virgin Queen among the Captives shall be found that shall be crown'd in the room of Vashti Then saw I one in the similitude of a Woman cloathed with Scarlet which was said This is one of Wisdom's Houshold who but she for the King of the New Ierusalem whose Garment is of an unstainable Dye From hence the Spirit made use of the whole literal Discourse Ahashuerus Vashti and Esther The most high Majesty hereby Figuring out himself having created and made for the Excellency and Glory of his Kingdom according to the state of so wise and infinite a Being That so he might take Pleasure in all the Glory and Riches of his Kingdom or Creation being all made perfect and good and high Princely Angels and Powers for Attendance As also Creating one more Noble Image as Male and Female who was in Election to be advanced to very high Dignity no ways inferiour to any Princely Spirit in the Angelical Figure But now the Sovereignty of the most High resolved to try this his new formed Creature with a Law of Restriction as from the Lord their Maker and Husband who might well expect a ready and punctual Obedience Who Vashti like was disobedient to the great King's Command and so thereby was turned into an earthly Eve and immediately banished out from the high Throne Presence For else it would have been an ill President if God should not thus have done the heavenly Hierarchy might have questioned God's immutability and thereby have taken advantage to deviate from those known Angelical Laws which the great Creatour had to them perfixed Thus much was opened of this Original Eve from whence the contradicting and slighting Vashti Spirit doth proceed The true Virgins Life which the first formed Man was once in is now as to him and all of his Posterity carried away as a Captive and sold for nought For this Virgin Nature was wholly taken away upon this act of Disobedience Who
of those Mansions that are near to me let them be driven out for the present Therefore let this suffice from the Scriptures themselves not to mention those particular Idea's and Manifestations that to some it hath been given to see these several Heavens which upon others cannot be imposed for to believe who yet have not those anointed Eyes given to see withal But surely there are some standing in the figure of the Body Whose Spirits have roved to and fro to see these several Mansions with Spirits of all sizes and degress who are herefor designed Only hereout excluding those who are for the Dragon's Kingdom Who do pass away in a reprobate sense out of the Body Those left-hand Goats have no portion within these Eternal Gates a deep Gulf is fixed It is only of the Sheep and Lambs that I am to treat who have found out this new and only Life path-way Who though they are not come to the top-stone of perfection before they see the dissolution of the body Yet having attained to a good degree they may come unto the very next Throne Region and there awhile stay till they have drawn and assumed a heavenly clarity that is such an Essential Body against which no exceptions by the highest Courts of Dignities can be objected These now are the highest degrees of those who before Perfection be wrought do cease out of the Mortal Body Then again there are of a lower degree of growth Now what reservatory is there for them who may be but young in the New Birth As to this it was clearly imparted unto my Intellect that such did enter into a more inferiour Mansion than Paradice for that was too pure and serene for such Therefore a lower degree is prepared for them till they do attain to an Increase of the Divine Nature They want not here their true Pastoral Teachers for the Spirit of Christ is every where with his own Therefore it was said that he went and preached to the Spirits in Prison that were disobedient in Noah's days For should all the old world have been cut off at once and sealed under a final condemnation the Attributes of God's Love Mercy Goodness Truth and Long-suffering would have been obliterated wherefore he must have yet had respect unto such after the dissolution of their bodies as had a sense in them awakened for compunction and sorrow for what Evils they had committed in their Bodies To confirm this that we might not be altogether out of hope for such as may die in the first beginnings of Regeneration it is given me to declare that if these pass out of the Body such cannot go indeed immediately to God For such will find it otherwise they must wait till they have got somewhat more then what they went out withall in this world and then shall they be admitted to see God Surely there is a Provision made for a perfect Salvation in another Principle besides this For which we have that word in Peter 1 Pet. 3. 19. by which also he went and Preached unto the Spirits in Prison Also these words seem to speak fully to this 1 Pet. 4. 6. For this cause was the Gospel preached to them which were dead which generally is applied to such as are living and yet dead in sins But by the foregoing verse it concerns the first Position verse 5. who saith the Apostle speaking of Christ is ready to judge the quick and the dead so that it implieth there is a Ministry belonging to the dead that are not here made perfect Much more might be enlarged upon some particular sights and manifestations that have hereof been given to some in the Spirit From hence ariseth this Objection If this be a Truth why was it not positively declared and clearly revealed as a foundational Doctrine To which it may be answered That the Infinite Wisdom did judge it meet to conceal this mystery because none might take advantage to turn the Grace of God into wantoâ—ness and thereby to neglect the present opportunity for working out their own Salvation in this present time which would make for a far and more exceeding weight of Glory Therefore left it was for the Worthy to have this Secret made known to them by the Spirit of Revelation who God foreknew would not take Liberty to continue in sin that this Grace after Death might be made manifest towards such as did stand in need hereof But now to great holy and aspiring Spirits these lower Mansions in their Fathers house are too mean who cannot be satisfied to be so many degrees remote any time after death from their God and Lord Jesus since Liberty is proclaimed to work through all while we are in this terrestrial Body For there will be more joy and acclamations in Heaven for one such as shall finish their work here so as to make a full conquest then for milions of Souls that in the invisible Regions must perfect what was lacking to compleat them here Oh said the Spirit it will be well worth your Labour and great Travel to break open this deep Gate and so to put on Christ your Lord as in his all-powerful body that ye may make hereof but one ascending flight This was the Mark that was after Christs ascending so eagerly aimed at and by some in that Age reached to For Christ could not lose the effect of his prayer in that he did make his request that those whom the Father had given him might be with him where he was that so they might see and possess the same glory which could not be till they had gotten the victory For to none else is the admission given into his Kingdom according to that in the Revelations to him that overcometh will I grant saith Jesus to sit with me in my Throne But this may be objected further Those who had the Holy Ghost poured down in such an eminent manner had their way made very easie who was as their fiery Chariot that cut their work short And if any now in this Age had such a high endued Power it might soon give them a translation out of all mortal impediments As to answer this The Holy Ghost in that day was given after a visible manner as a sealing Character displaying and acting forth himself in Gifts and Power and miracles but now the same Spirit works in its beginning after another manner where it falleth it doth all its mighty works Within before it will shew forth his power Without For if the Apostles had not been purified by the Holy Ghost and inwardly sprinkled with the Water of Life for Soul cleansing they could not have rejoyced in that assured hope of entring into the joy of their Lord and Master Then was it plainly opened to me by the Spirit that the Holy Ghost would not now in this latter Age act out his Mighty Deeds by any one till their Hearts were perfectly purified by Faith That Scripture being repeated to me who after believing were
crazy Building you may take the Word of your Lord Jesus who by his Spirit is now come to tell you the material Matter of this House which you are to enter upon the Matter and Form of which is God himself Who hath had the Denomination of Old to be the Dwelling-place of his People and the Saints Pavilion throughout all Generations This Building is all of Saphire Stone having perfect measures of Length Breadth and Heights according to the Figure de-declared by Ezekiel who obscurely pourtraied out this high and wonderful Palace for the most holy Priests to enter in and to perform their daily Worship God is not a naked unfurnished House you will find it already provided to your Hand without any care or toil in first second and third Story with suitable Furniture to every place So that you will cry Oh how amiable are the Courts of Holiness Here you will desire to dwell for ever in him who doth so splendorously dilate himself to your Internal Senses that all may have a satisfying Content Now the next thing to be considered is to know what is here included in the Promise Ans. Here is included the whole Number of Divine and Celestial Relations promised upon a new Score of which Iob was a true Similitude who lost all in this very same kind and had all again restored as a Figure of this new replenished state All the Comfort that may be expected further from hence is Marriage-Union From whence Encrease may come without this the other will not altogether perfect the Joy Therefore be assured that Care is taken for this also there is a numerous Off-spring out of this Holy Habitation to be Born Your Father hath already made the Match before Hand before you do come thither All things while you are in this Principle are determined upon Oh! here you will know the unutterable Pleasure of a Bridegroom who will be so intimately tender over you that you shall say Never was such kind of Love known or fathomed when you shall know no more any Interposing Lover but can appropriate each other in all Purity A blessed exchange here will then be understood But yet there are higher Degrees of Joy when you shall bring forth after your own Heavenly perfect Likeness The great Blessing that is promised upon this Conjunction with the Virgin-Bride is Fruitfulness Ye shall also see of the travel of your Spiritual Bodies and therewith be satisfied Wisdom as a fruitful Vine upon the sides of this Eternal House and Building will spread forth her self Consider that of Isaiah which Prophecy is yet to be fulfilled Isa. 49. 20 21. In this time the Children which thou shalt have after thou hast lost the other shall say the Place is too strait meaning this earthly Principle they cannot thereto be confined they may look into it and pass through it as Strangers to shew themselves as Jesus did after his Resurrection but no continued Habitation for them is here v. 22. But thou shalt say in thy Heart who hath begotten these seeing I had lost my Children and was left alone This represents your dead and deplorable state once and the suddain and unexpected Restoration In that clause Where have they been So that a Nation and Kingdom of Priests seems to be born in one Day This is marvellous indeed when ye shall see your Spiritual Offspring as Olive-Plants about your Table set This must needs heighten your Peace and Joy in him who is your Tabernacle framer who hath such durable and pleasant Comforts provided in this Mountain of Holiness Besides there are also Brethren and Sâ—sters which are born with you from one and the same Eternal Spirit whose Loves are pure and immutable as God's Love is rejoycing Not envying at each others Degrees of Glory No grudgings there is though a Benjamin's Portion be doubled Among these nothing known is but an high sweet refreshing Harmony A blessed Family thus compact It may well make you groan to put off this Earthly House that so this Royal Society may be made known to you And as ye have been long herefrom kept as Exiles so let this true and faithful account which now is given by that Spirit who doth bear a true Witness hereof provoke you this Translation to seek and that withal your Might For the Emphasis lieth in that Word of your Jesus his Promise if you well observe which runs Now in this Time or in this very time signifying all Here to be made good Which will awaken great Persecutions as it is said strange Uproars within and without you Which the Prince of this World will raise when he seeth that any one shall in great earnest resolve to put off all that he can challenge right unto It is the earthly Sinful Body that he disputes for leave it him for after this manner he contended for Moses Body which God had hid Be ye henceforth Exiles here but real Inhabitants with God your appointed dwelling Place Leave this Principle and all what is its own care not but render up what you had from it For when you have quitted all doubt not but the hundredfold will come upon you according as hath been revealed Be you the first Adventurers here for it and ye shall be undoubtedly highly blessed The same Day I had this Word spake in me thy Soul is among tearing Lyons but a Daniel guard is about thee They shall make no Prey whilst thou dost fly to thy Rock for shelter thou shalt see their Mouthes sealed up forcibly February the 18th 1676 7. Arguments to plead with the Lord were given to me this Night Which I found was from the Spirit of Prayer that urged strongly and potently in me for our remove out of this Tent of vile Humanity into what I did in Spirit see Upon which I had this Word spoke to me Be patient in Hope stedfast in Faith ardent in Love and ye will move the Trinity to send forth Decrees for your enlargement Then again was given into me an Idea as the Dr. and I did mutually joyn in Prayer in and for the same thing that our Condition was like to Ionah swallowed up in the Belly of the Whale shut up in the House of Death enclosed in the Body of Sin round which the Seas and Floods did beat upon and the Deeps did roar and boil as a Pot of Ointment All which presented this World with the mutinous Spirits that are as the restless Waves that would as the Belly of Hell devour us if not bounded It was thus shewed to me that the true Prophetical Ionah was in us who was cast into this boisterous Sea which would drown the Prophetical Life but that the wise preventing Love of God hath provided for Ionah's safety in the very Belly of Death Out of this Grave the Lord our God doth hear our Voice though the Earth with her Bars are about us yet said the Living Word out from Corruption your Lives shall be brought Thus