the Holy Seed shall for ever stand and God will bring it forth as a Rising-Sun upon which shall be no Cloud of the Fall § 8. And it was given me to see how this Church would be gathered which should proceed as Stars in the Right hand of the Head-Shepherd And as it was thus typified out by a Virgin-Woman that brought forth CHRIST after the figure of an Humane Body as the Rock which the Apostolical Church was built upon So likewise according to Iohn's Prophecy a Virgin Woman is designed of a pure Spirit and of a bright Sun-like Body all impregnated with the Holy Ghost that shall travail to bring forth the First-born that will multiply and propagate into such a Body as shall be filled with the Spirit Power and Temple-Glory of the Lamb of God This is the Church that shall be callâ—d The Lord our Righteousness Because God himself will tabernacle there aâ—d Sign them with the Mark of his own Name and adorn them with Miraculous Gifts and Powers beyond what-ever yet hath been Whereby all Nations shall be brought in so that the Increase of his Priestly Kingdom will be very great And then shall all these Churches afore-mentioned give up out of them those precious lively Stones which have been herefrom excluded under the covert of a Form No Bonds or Imposing Powers there will be no partition Walls all these shall fall flat by Sion's everlasting Trumpets For the Holy Uâ—ction must among these new-born Spirits be All in All. And this is the Church that was by the Holy One and True thus defined against which no exception can be § 9. Objection It may be objected that true it is such a Glorious Church will be hereafter but for the present we do see no such thing therefore we may hold in with those Formal Ministrations that are now existent among the highest of those Degrees Answ. As to this receive what the Most Holy One hath made known unto me That though this Real Mount Sion Church made up of Philadelphian Spirits is not known in Visibility yet at present it may lie hid at this present time in the Womb of the Morning Sun The Virgin-Spirit that is overshadowed with the Holy Ghost in order hereunto is in the Wilderness where for a time she must be in Concealment The last Half Time is now upon expiring Then O ye who shall be accounted worthy to be called out of Babylon out of that state which is in Confusion Darkness and Formality upon whom the Vials of the Lamb will be poured forth Arise come ye forth and return to Sion being Redeemed from the Earth and deliver'd from this long Captivity and Bondage under which ye have groaned Even also amongst those that judge themselves nearest come up to the Apostolical Dispensation there will be a shaking and great Frustration Their Sun of Righteousness will be clouded as in a Mist and they will see their Light was too short by many Degrees of what the Virgin Daughter is upon the travel for and which will be brought forth in this present Age. § 10. As therefore I received this Caution from him who saith Behold I come quickly thâ— same I do commend to all those who are waiters for this Kingly Birth of Power that they would not put far away this Day nor limit it to future Years neither be found sticking in any Form thoâ—gh in the most refined Appearance But let such wait every one in their own Place and Station wheresoever scattered under the Spirits Ministration which is able to constitute for a perfect Membership that is suitable to the Head-Shepherd who will take care suddenly to gather in his True Mount Sion Flock § 11. And one thing more I shall add as from the Lord â—or a sign that this Nation 's saving Birth is near to be revealed It may be observed there is a mighty Spirit of Inquiry crying How Long and a mighty sense of Bondage Darkness and Oppression both Internal and External under the Prince of Darkness and his Agents in this Region Now when the Holy Oneâ— the Seed of Abraham do groan travail and cry as knowâ—ng themselves to be in Pharaoh's Land under hard servitude both â—n Body and Mind this is a cerâ—ain Foreruner and Token that â—he Lamb of God will raise up a Prophet like unto himself who shall save and deliver his People As Moses was a Type hereof so this expected Birth shall by the Scepter and Rod of God's power ransome and recover the Captives that are under the Tyranny of the Pharaoh Prince which signifieth the Earthly Life that hath been the Seat of the Man of Sin These are the glad Tydings which the Spirit of IESVS doth bring to you his scattered Flock wheresoever dispersed and howsoever oppressed And this is from the Holy One a Call out of the gathered Churches in order to be gathered up to the Church oâ— Mount Sion until which time let every one be fervent worshipping in their own Temple till the Breath of the Power dâ— call them together § 12. For which end the Seven Angels from before thâ— Throne are going forth tâ— all Parts of the Earth to anâ— fro to summon into the Temple of Wisdom all her Chiâ—â—dren and all that will come under her Discipline The Eveâ—â—lasting Priesthood is now to bâ— performed by Mount Sion's Inhabitants which hath been fâ—â—gured out unto my Internâ—â— Sight in a Divine Draughâ— wherein I was made to see iâ— Spirit the holy Order Beauty and Glory thereof according tâ— the Original Pattern which Moses did view upon the Mount with God as he went Personally up So somewhat that is unknown came down into the secret deep of the Mind and so described first the Holy City then the Magnificent Temple and Altar with all those holy Apartments that are required for Sion's Priests to officiate in § 13. The whole Limit hereof even to the outmost Court and very Borders is to be most Holy according to the Word of the Lord which thus declared it self afresh as my Ear was opened to hear Behold I will do a New thing upon the Earth and when it springs forth it shall condemn the highest Forms and Appearances of all visible Worships which now are reckoned Sacred For God intends to frame a New Church which he will delight himself in and rejoyce over § 14. For a deep Groan with a Voice was heard from the Invisibâ—e Oâ—â— saying Oh Father suffer me to put an end to all Oblations and Sacrifices which are offered by those who are not of the most holy and anointed Priesthood To which Word my enlightned part did well agree for I have been of late much diâ—satisfied at all low and mixed Offerings which are ministred while yet resident in the Body both of Sin and Mortality These not being worthy of a God so holy as is our God could not be presented from any one in such an imperfect state because of their Deficiency as perfect Upon which
towards the Unsealing Opening and Discovering of the Seven Seals the Seven Thunders and the New Ierusalem State 4 to 1683. p. 130. The Enochian Walks with God found out by a Spiritual Traveller 4 to 1694. p. 38. The Laws of Paradise Given forth by Wisdom to a Translated Spirit 8 vo 1695. p. 69. The Wonders of Gods Creation manifested in the Variety of Eigâ—t Worlds as they were made known Experimentally to the Author 8 vo 1695. p. 89. The Message to the Philadelphian Society There will shortly be Published by the same Author Thâ— Tree of Faith or the Tree of Life springing up in the Paradise of God A MESSAGE TO THE Philadelphian Society Whithersoever dispersed over the whole Earth Together with A CALL to the SEVERAL Gathered Churches AMONG PROTESTANTS In this Nation of England LONDON Printed and Sold by I. Bradford in Iewen-Street near Crowder's-Well 1696. A Message to the Philadelphian Society c. § 1. A Voice from out of the Throne of the Majesty on High did â—hus cry saying Uâ—seal the living Testimony wherein new and Fresh things will be revealed For in as much as there are holy Seekers and loving Inquiâ—ers so accordingly my Spirit is at hand to open Seal after Seal â—ill the whole Mystery of a Total and Full Redemption shall be understood § 2. Now the same Voice did a second time cry saying Ye that have an Ear hear what the Spirit saith cast up and remove all stumbling-blocks ouâ— of the way For the Lord whom ye have waited for is drawing near to be revealed in and afâ—er a wonderful manner Therefore as my Dove-Flock do ye assemble and wait in the Unity of pure Love praying in the Holy Ghost who may go forth to multiply more Universally So shall my Kingdom upon the Earth spread as Plants of Righteousness in my own Likeness and so beholding my self in them my Joy shall be â—illed I am your Immanuel who am the Tree of Lifeâ— that with variety of Fruits will you feed and as ye are a Fountain of Gardens unto me so will the golden Floods from pure Deity â—low to water you throughout that in a distinct way ye may grow and spring as the Lily and Rosy Sharon In the midst of which I your Kingly Shepherd will walk and familiarly with you talk so as you shall not complain that I am as a Stranger to you and gone away to leave you as if ye were nothing more to hear from me Know it is far from me so to desert my Love-Inquirers who will not leave you to live upon an old and literal stock for I am that Antient present Rock that will still follow you to open and give forth the Poweâ— of All-acting Wonders that will gush out plenteously § 3. Then the Voice the third time cryed Blow the Trumpet and proclaim the beginning of the Lamb's Reign who is come to pitch his Throne in Virgin Minds Into which the Honey-Dews shall fall to keep them from all Famine and Drought for that the Fountainâ— of Life now stands open to refresh and cherish every Plant. § 4. For a farther Confirmation of this and in order to gather up prepared Souls to Mount Sion by the sound of the Trumpet which now blows forth from thence and to knit them in the pure Unity of the Virgin Philadelphian Church thaâ— they may be presented as one holy Bride without the least spot or deformity by the beloved Bridegroom to his Father I had a Representation shewed me of the several Gathered Churches belonging to Protestantism that came every one in their Order before the Head-Shepherd who was sitting upon the Throne of Judgment Which alluded to Iesse's Seveâ— Now â—ons that were called to pass â—efore the Prophet Now follows the VISION of the Seven Churches § 5. Fiâ—st came the Eldest which was the Prelatical Function with their National Church and Disciplin'd Members who would be owned as the Lord 's Anointed but they were refused and shutâ—out The Second were of a more refined Order nominated by the Name of the Presbytery these also were excluded as the former they could not enter nor have their Mission sealed Thirdly came up a sort that assumed the Apostolical Dispensation in a separated way in the Use of Ordinances more Purely called Independants or the Congregational Churches these were also excepted against and dismissed Then in the Fourth place another sort that imitated the former but such a Flock as came up all washed and linked in the Fâ—ith of Water-Baptism known by the name of Anabaptists presented themselves these also passed away Then Fifthly a Congregated Company that were in the outward formal Part wholly looking and gazing after the State of Christ's Reign and Monarchical Government upon the Earth in a visible manner not turning into or eâ—ing the foregoing Reign of the Holy Ghost as that which constitutes the Heaveâ—ly Corporation named the Fiâ—th Monarchy Church but these were also disowned Then did I see a Body greater then any of these come up with great Boldness as deeming themselves to have arrived to Perfection and so visibly distinguishing themselves from all the rest and said Now surely the Anointed of the Lord is before him But a Voice said Neither are these they for the Lord seeth not as Man seeth No Formal Temple shall henceforth be in the everlasting Church of Christâ— But of the Stem of David a Virgin Church which hath known nothing of Man is yet to be born into this Earth as to the Manifestation and Propagation thereof § 6. And it was farther shewn me that as David was one of the Seven yet least of all set by or accounted of so it will be also in the matter of the Anointed Church For the Spirit of David who hath derived from Abraham the Spirit of Faithâ— Love and Meekness as the Type of Heart-Perfection which though it be of no repute but lieth obscure and hid yet the Holy One will find out such to be the Blossoming Root to precede Solomon's Day will bring forth a blessed Offspring whose Train shall be lifted up to the Throne where no more Types or Shadows or Forms shall be For all of this kind shall flee away and dye no corrupt Figure can stand with the Lamb upon Mount Sion For to such a Celestial Degree will the Seventh be Anointed for the Tabernacle-Church that no other Form but God and the Lamb shall be therein seen or understood § 7. And it was evidently Revealed to me that this great Mystery is upon the Agitation now in this very time And it was thus cleared to me That as David in his Minority was Elected and Anointed in a secret hidden way by the Prophet of the Lord yet as to the outward possession of the Kingdom for a considerable time was not admitted Saul keeping up his Reign and David not regarded or the least looked upon in that Capacity but the Counsel of the Lord must not by Man be overthrown For the Election upon
compleated For such Invincible Powers will go forth as shall draw to them the scattered Flocks and gather them into one Fold out of all Nations and Languages and Kindreds whose Worship shall consist in nothing but in pure Light Life and Spirit without any degree of Mixture whereby all outward Formalities must fly away when God shall thus come to pitch his Tabernacle in Man And the Ark of his Testimony will so open it self that Dagon must fall before it Nothing but the pure Fire and Air from the Holy Ghost shall be the Orâ—ans through which God will speak forâ—h his Mind whereby all shall be taught of God as being only filled wiâ—h God Which Word of his Speaking through them will beget a New and Heavenly Generation that will multiply it self over the Face of the whole Earth and make the old hereby to vanish and sink away This is the Bridal Church that Christ will make ready for his Appearance and until this be accomplish'd and effected he cannot come down in his Visible and Personal Glory for the Solemnizing of this Eternal Marriage which will be the Joy and Praise not only of the Earth but also of the Heavens which shall both be united as into One and the Militant Church and the Triumphant be no longerâ— twain § 47. In order â—o this the Angel-Mâ—ssengers are gone forth to proclaim That this Day is upon the World dawning and that the Virgin Wisdom haâ—h her Representatives upon the Earth that do â—ravail in the greatness of the Godhead strength for the bringing forth these mighty Biâ—ths that shall rule and subdue all Nations under them that so the Kingdoms of this World may become one all-pure and powerful Kingdom in which Christ with his Bride shall rule and reigâ— in the Father's Glory and Might § 48 After this there was heard from Heaven the Sounds of a joyful Acclamation pronouncing Endless Joys Powers Glory and Blessing to such as should be counted worthy to be the First Fruits of this New Ierusalem Bride Now what have we more to say but that the Bride and Spirit in us do acquiesce to this gracious Invitation and Call Even so COME LORD IESVS A Further Manifestation Concerning this Virgin Philadelphian Church Given upon New-Years-Day in this Presâ—nt Year MDCXCVI BEING A Second Message to the Philadelphian Society and a Touchstone to the Gathered Churches Ian. 1. 1696. § 1. UPon the Turn of the Year I was waiting and Praying having such a Prayâ—r given me that was very marvellous whence the Virgin order'd her Angel to write it down as a Memoâ—iâ—l which the Great High-Priest presâ—nted with burning Inceâ—sâ— to thâ— Supream Majesty giving â—ssurance that it should be answer'd according to all that was Pray'd for not only upon my own account but upon that of as many as I had made request for And in particular praying that the same Spring of Supplication and Prayer might open in you and that all the Prophesies and Promises running upon the Melchizedeck Line might have their Accomplishment it was Answer'd so it should be For as the Father had given you to Him that you might be One with Him as He was with the Father so should the same Spirit rest upon you to bring you forth Conquerors â—hrough all Vicissitudes and Changes that should happen in Time and that this present Year should be the Beginning of a New Race of Life wherefore so excited you are to run as to win the Prize that has been waited for § 2. Then Virgin Wisdom said unto her Representative There is a Path that ye have not yet descried nor any Vultures Eye discern'd which I will bring you into So taking me by the Hand she led me into it whereupon I requested that some of my Spiritual Offspring might also be taken to walk with her Representative Then having a Golden Key she open'd with it a two-leaved Gate looking like a transparent Amber Which being unlock'd it appear'd to be a Path all of golden Oil Then said she Put off your Shoes for this is Holy Ground none that tread the common and broad Way of this Worldly Principle can set their Foot here But unto you it shall be given thus to dip your Feet in Oil where Fatness and all flouâ—ishing Life shall in you spring It was â—hen shewed to me that on each side of this Walk were Rows of Olive-Trees and to every Tree was an Angel to guard the Way having all Flaming Swords in their Hands and the Olives continually dropped the same golden Oil. So we weâ—â— led on till we came to a mighty Mountain which was said to be the Top Glory of all Mountains and its consistency or matter appear'd to be of the same glorious Oily Substance Upon this Mountain there did appear the Glorified Person of the Lord and with â—â—m stood a Virgin Woman cloathed with the Sun having the twelve Stars on her Head according to the Description in the Revelations whom he held in his Hand as his Bride And a Voice was heard to be utter'd This is my Spouse Then I beheld to be generated from them a multitude of Stones of Fire which as they came forth were all changed into Angelical Figures like to the Lord himself The Majesty of the Father did at the same timeâ— as in a wonderful Globe of Glory overshadow the Bridegroom and his Bride Then a Voice said Thus shall the Paradisâ—cal Eaâ—th be replenished with Virgin Wisdom's Angâ—lical Offspring which shall be called the Church of the First-born and be named IEHOVAH SHAMMAH The Lord of Righteousness is their Cloathing After this Wisdom said to her Representative and to her Followers Ye must pass into this Mountain and come forth tinctured with the Glance of this Dâ—ified Mountain so shall ye become capable of the same Glorification with these Then Wisdom's Representative with one known by the Name of Cyrus that was highly favoured and given to be as a chief Pillar of Support to this New Modelled Virgin Church that has been so long prophesied of and with the rest passed into the Mount and came out tinged according to the Qâ—ality and Property of it as new Generated Angelical Figures Wisdom then said to her Representative Now hast thou seen the Virgin Church that is not only Glorious within but also without being clear as the Sun fair as the Moon and terrible as an Army with Banners This is the Mountain of the Lord's House which shall be established for Glory and Magnificency over the whole Earth At the Conclusion of which a mighty shout was heard in the Heavens and the Angels sounded their Trumpets rejoycing that the Marriage of the Lamb was come and the Bride was glorified with the self same Glory as Himself § 3. And it was said unto me Seal not up this Vision for the time is approaching nâ—ar for its Fullfiling But stand you and all your Fellow-waiters that are looking for this blessed Hour and Glorious Appearance of this Nuptial Day in
A MESSAGE TO THE Philadelphian Society Whithersoever dispersed over the whole Earth Together with A CALL to the Several Gathered Churches among Protestants in this Nation of England By I. Lead Isa. 58. 20. Go ye forth of Babylon flee ye from the Chaldeans with a Voice of Singing declare ye tell this utter it even to the End of the Earth LONDON Printed and Sold by I. Bradford in Iewen-Street near Crowder's-Well 1696. THE EDITOR TO THE READER BLessed are the Poor in Spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven is not without the greatest Reason prefix'd in the Front of that Heavenly Doctrine which in the Greatness of the Majesty of Love is deliver'd to us by our Blessed Master from the Mountain of Holiness Wherefore the Opposite hereof is most True and there must certainly be a Wo unto those who are Rich in Spirit because theirs cannot be the Kingdom of Heaven But notwithstanding that a Poor Spirit is at this day so much Ridicul'd and is even Proverbially become a Reproach among those who call themselves Christians and Profess themselves the Disciples of IESVS who was so eminently Poor in his Spirit above all the Sons of Adam yet the Wisdom of God which runs counter to that of Man and Charges his Prudence with Folly will have that to be Honour'd which he has Dishonour'd and will have that to be Dishonour'd which he has most of all Honour'd and Prided himself in For that Poverty of Spirit which is the Scorn the Contempt and Offscouring of the World in the Day when God will bind up his Jewels will be made the Glory the Crown and the Kingdom to as many as shall have followed the Steps of their Master in the Regeneration We find that at this time the many Bodies and Societies of the so nominated Religions do all fall in with the Laodiceans saying We are Rich but the True and Faithful Witness may shortly let them see that they are Poor and will cause their Spiritual Merchants to cry out Alas alas in one hour so great Riches are come to nought And then shall the Poor Spirited Philadelphians that are now a despised Handful compared to the rest who have indeed but a little Strength and confess it be known to be the Children of the Kingdom having stood out the Hour of Temptation and kept the Living Word of God not denying his Name Power and Spirit nor taking or bearing it in Vain The true Poverty of spirit is the primary Qualification for reading as of the most Holy Scriptures so also of this little Treatise now given to the World from the Fountain of Love and Peace and is the very Foundation and Corner-stone of the New Creation upon which the most glorious Temple of God is to be built Whereas if we go to any of the Outward Professions that so much cry out the The Temple of the Lord the Temple of the Lord we shall find them to be of the number of those who esteem themselves increased with spiritual Goods and to â—ave need of nothing This is the Foundation â—nd Corner-stone of Baâ—ylon and of the Conâ—uâ—ion of the Sects â—hich according to the â—entence of the Righteâ—us Iudge must be all â—â—umbled and moulder'd â—â—to pieces that so out â—f this Chaos a beautiâ—â—l Fabrick may arise â—â—ly joined together ceâ—â—ented and compacted â—â—y that which every part supplieth to the Building up or Edifying of it self in the Love And in order to this the Decree is gone forth the Account of which is given in both the Ensuing Messages from the Spirit and Word of Prophecy The Great Angel being now descended with his Measuring Line and having receiv'd a Commission not to leave one Stone â—pon another of any Temple which Man hath â—uilt is measuring out the foundation of the New Temple upon the Gates of which shall be written PHILADELPHIA To the raising up this Temple of the Holy Ghost all the living stones of fire which have been and are seperately prepared are Now called together by the Harmonious Sounds oâ— the seven Spirits of God â— Such as have only a Name to be alive but are dead may not hear these Sounds to call them yet as these shall grow louder it is not despaired but that even the Dead and those that stick most in the lifeless Sardian Constitution shall hear their Voice and be brought into this living glorious structure Yea O God let the Dead hear thy Voice Amen Let the Dead hear thy Voice Amen Hallelujah Let them hear thy sweet Sounds and come with Singing into thy Temple Amen Hallelu-IAH Let thy Voice break the Cedars of Lebanon and the Oaks of Bashan Let it shake the Wilderness and let every one in thy Temple hearing it speak of thy Glory Amen Hallelu-IAH Thou wilt give Strength unto thy People yea unto Philadelphia the Least amongst the Thousands of Iudah wilt thou give Strength Thou wilt Bless thy People with Peace yea even with the Peace of IERVSALEM wilt thou Bless them Hallelu-IAH The Proud wilt thou scatter in the Imaginations of their hearts thou wilt put down the Mighty from their Thrones and wilt exalt the Humble and the Meek yea thou shalt exalt and establish them and they shall be established as Pillars in thy Temple to go no more out Hallelu-JAH Let thy Right Hand do this O God of Glory and let thy Right Arm establish these Pillars in thy House Yea let the very stones of Babylon and even such as have been Pillars in the Temple of Maozim be sanctified and fitted for thy service Let eâ—en those that know not that they are wretched and miserable and poor be brought to Buy of thee the Gold of Ophir which is seven times tried in the Fire that they may be Rich Let those that know not that they are Blind be convinced and made to anoint their Eyes with thy Eye-salve that they may see and obtain the Blessing of the pure in Heart Let those that know not that they are naked having clothed themselves with their own devised Forms be undeceiv'd that they may not take that to be the Covering of thy Spirit which is but a Covering of Fig Leaves that so they may be perswaded to Buy of thee the White Raiment and the Immortal Robe of thy Flesh that the Shame of their Nakedness may not appear Let tyh Priests be clothed with Righteousness and let thy Holy Ones rejoice and sing having put thee on O Lord JESUS Yea let them sing aloud from from the Isles Amen Halleluâ—JAHâ— ADVERTISEMENT WHereas some Things have been Scandalouslyâ— set forth and Printed under the Name of this Authors to the Reproach of Truth and the Dishonour of that which is Holy it is thought fit for the putting a Stop to such Impostures and the Evil which might thence ensue to give a Catalogue of the Books which the Author hath hitherto Published THE Heavenly Cloud or the Ascension Ladder 4 to 1682. p. 40. The Revelation of Revelations an Essay
Consideration nothing can be more grateful to us O my Lord then to have that New and Living Way revealed through which we may come to know after what Manner and Pattern thy Worship now is to be and who also â—he Worshippers are that be required § 15. Now as to this Virgin Church the Lord did shew me how and after what manner it was to be Constituted with the Invalidity of all that which hath been in a Formal Imitation thereof As first in Answer to an Objection which I made How such a Pure Church could possibly be in such a Polluted Region Which was Answered thus While I was plunged into deep Introversion in my Spirit call to remembrance spake the Holy One Abraham the Faithful unto whom I appeared and consider how that he became the first Root of that Visible Church which was Peculiar of all the Earth unto me And farther this observe that the numerous Offspring hereof did proceed from that one Seed for so likewise it will be again God will send out One and Another that shall be after his own Heart who shall be ordained as the principal Pillars of this New Assembly And the mighty Spirit of a CYRVS will be absolutely Required both for the first laying the Foundation thereof and also for supporting it in its progress § 16. Now from hence it was revealed to me that Abraham and Sarah were a Type of that which should be produced and manifested in the last Age of the World according to all the Prophecies that run pointing still to the Glory of Mouâ—t Sion that hath always been expected to be revealed in every Age since Christ. Immediately after Christ's Ascension it was looked for and believed in when the Apostles gathered several Branches relating to such a Church to their Day But this was not fixed for Substance because Corrupted since and so in the Confusion of Babylon as it is at this Day the ruines of which are yet to be raised up and a perfect Temple-Body answerable to the Head-Power Which now the Holy Spirit hath given the true Model of in the Figure of Him who was the Beginning of the Israelitish Church whom God chose and called from out of his own People and from the Land of his Nativity Who in the Spirit of Faith obeyed all and every Requiring of God Upon such a Spirit as this was God will found this Virgin Church who shall be as the First-born out of Wisdom's Womb of which Sarah was a Type who by Faith conceived him of whom came the great Increase as to the making up of a Visible Church Amâ—â—g the Genealogy of which CHRIST was born after the Flesh in which Human Property he was Despised and though he came to his own yet was neither received nor owned by them But now in and from the Spirit of Faith there will be brought forth as from the Dead a New Off-spring and Virgin Generation altogether after the purifying natuâ—e of Faith unto whom CHRIST will Personally appear the second Time a Body being for that purpose thus prepared Him § 15. This I can say I have received from the LORD that this cannot be until such an holy seperated Congregation be found who have absolutely denyed and come out of the Old Birth and all of that Nature's Property into what is of the Spirit of Faith's Property and into Love's Nature Till then it is but a a fruitless expectation to believe the Lord will appear from Heaven before the Church the Bride be found thus ready to receive him Now the approaching Day is near in which He is moving his Fiery Wheels for the finishing of that Mystery the Foundation of which was first laid in Human Property who doth not reveal this great thing by his Spirit that so some one or other may in a sweet sense and Spiritual Emulation hereof be the First-born of Wisdom if possible For a Mother there must be of this Virgin Church that will appear without Evil upon the Mount of Holiness whose Increase will be as great as what did spring out of the Loins of Abraham § 16. That Prophecy is yet to be fulfilled and accomplished which the Beloved Iohn saw Rev. 7. where the Twelve Tribes were first to be sealed before the Angels could hurt or destroy the Earth And as it is written the Number out of eveâ—y Tribe was Twelve Thousand which summed up makes up the Hundred and Forty Four Thousand who with the Lamb shall stand upon the Mount of Sion Now from hence let all be convinced that as yet there is not to be found such a Church as beareth those Characters that are expressed for Sealing Therefore it is time to awake out of this dead sleep and to see where we are in all that fair Appearance in which Church-Forms and Fellowships do yet abide The Lord hath several times both by Vision and Voice shewn me all to be as an empty fruitless Vine much void of the Spirit and Water and Blood of Life And now again hath he set before me such Golden Candlesticks as he himself will walk in the midst of And I have heard this Cry saying Where shall I find Spirits that will go out of the Land of Pollution and walk with God perfectly as did my Faithful Abraham who never stuck at any thing required of him therefore he became Great and Mighty because he believed before he possessed From the same Spirit therefore of Faith Truth and Purity shall the New Covenant be established for an holy Priestly Convocation as the First Covenant was with him according to the Figurative Ceremony of things So where the same Spirit shall spring again they shall substantially bring their Priestly Offerings into the very Holy of Holies because the Mediation is now doing away § 17. O the great Blessing without all controversie that will be doubled upon them who shall put to their Hands to cut the first Stone out of this Mountain-Rock for the Foundation building of this unblemished Church which will be upon a daily Increase till that it come up unto Wisdom's Number Seven who hath built her Temple upon so many Pillars and calleth aloud for every one to come and enter into it And thrice great will be the Blessing of him who is chosen from the Womb to raise up this Temple and to be made such a siâ—gular Instrument in the Hand of his God A mighty Standard will be lifted up to which the Dove Spirits will flock apace and shelter themselves under it The Priestly Trumpets are now going forth to summon in the Children of the Captivity under this glorious Standard of the Great God and Saviour which shall be pitched in the Valley of Decâ—sion Many things further in order hereunto were shewed me and not without great matter of Encouragement unto any such who find their Hearts bent thereunto § 18. Then was it made known unto me that where this united Spirit of Faith and Love did find a fixed Birth in any
Person it should go forth with such an Eminent Breath of Power as daily added to it should be Spirits of like Virgin Purity preparing for those greaâ— Degrees of Sion's Glory Who still look forward after the utmost Redemption out of all that Sorrow and Distress which the Mortal Image is liable to For as the divine Sense shall clear up in them to make them see and feel under what heavy Oppression they are being subjected to the Pharaoh-Spirit of this World which will be throwing heavy weights and imposing servile Works upon them which suffered must be and will be so for a while to provoke and draw out their Cries to the most holy and great High-Priest that so he may be a Saviour of these his seperated Ones after a most miraculous way For therefore he will yet now again as in the days of old shew forth his great Wonders His mighty Hand must be lifted up on high to bring them out of Egypt that figured out this Servile Creation under which each one of Abraham's Seed doth groan A Prophet will the Most High yet raise up who shall delivâ—r his People from all Babylonish Charms by meer force of Spiritual Arms and release them from the Tyranny of that Dark Prince who doth visibly reign all over the World And how must this be bâ—t by the Standard of the Spirit that will in a Moses-like Figure stretch forth the Royal Scepter of an everlasting Throne-Might For the Seed of Abraham must still expect to be under Oppression throughout every Age until the Soveraignty of the Holy Ghost come to be annexed to some holy Souls by which they may be enabled to do the Wonders of IEHOVAH in the sight of their Exactors and Oppressors For by no other way can the Lamb of God set free his chosen Flock whom he hath purchased with his Blood but by raising all the Powers of a God which may go forth in the Birth of That which shall shake the â—ron-Rod over all Nâ—tions Then will the Reign of CHRIST have its beginning in Spirit For before his own distinct and Personal Appearance his Birth of Power will be first brought forth in some chosen Vessel or Vessels as Mâ—ses Ioshua and Aaron were Types anointed to be Heads and Leaders unto the rest to bring them into the Promised Land So likewise the Lord hath expresly revealed and shewn to me That there shall again be raised up Head-Powers such as are to be of great Eminency and Favour with the Trinity whose Dread and Fear shall fall upon all Nations because of the mighty Acting Power of the Holy Ghost which shall rest upon them whereby they shall make way for the Ransomed Ones to return with Joy unto Mount Sion Where the New and Living Priesthood shall according to the Covenant and Law of the Spirit of Life be officâ—ously and effectually performed after a much different manner then the First All Similitudes being too short to reach the Essential Top and highest Degree whâ—ch shall be acted by holy and perfect Spirits within the Walls of the New Ierusalem when it comes down upon the Earth and by them be offered up as a most perfect Sacrifice in the New Temple § 19. For it was given me to understand and know in very Truth that such an holy Order of Priests should be Anointed that was to be what the great High-Priest was in this World Holy Perfect without Guile wholly Born again of a pure Spiritual Nativity without Sin Even such as our Lord might not be ashamed to own as his Priestly Brotherhood He only having the Preeminence of being Anointed with a double Degree yet the Lower Order is to be without Sin that so there may be no exception but all freedom to ascend up to the holy â—phere where God himself will â—ppear in an everlasting Taberâ—acle to talk and give forth his Mind freely unto such as do draw near to him in a Priestly Spirit and Body For the Spirit which hath opened these Secrets did declare that it was expedient 〈◊〉 thus upon this account it should be § 20. First because our Head Prince could not yet descend for that his Bride the Church was not yet ready neither any Temple-Body as yet prepared that is able to bear the Glory of his Personality As God therefore took of the Spirit of Moses and caused it to rest upon Seventy chosen out to bear the Burthen with Moses So verily and in like manner will the same Spirit of our Lord IESVS be given out to Qualifie and Furnish for that high Degree of Spirituâ— Government Which will be puâ— upon some that yet are in a Morâ—tal Figure until another Body be put on them after a Priestly Order Which will be given when they are called up to enter into the most Holy Place of Purity When Power also wâ—â—â— given to them proportionable to that State into which they are called and to the State of that Virgin and Glorious Church which they are chosen and Redeemed from among Men to bear up and support in the Latter Day upon the Earth § 21. Secondly Now because Christ himself is in the Heavens to remain till such a Perfect Church be brought up as hath all those Characters and Marks that the Hundred Forty and Four Thousand are to have He will â—ctuate some by the Ghostly â—ower in an Extraordinary Manâ—er to Officiate as if he himself â—ere upon the Earth This is â—he Great Design that is Now â—ertainly on foot to bind the Miâ—istration of the Spirit withal â—or what else in this unbelieving Age will be of Force or Prevaâ—ency but a Power that may work according to Omnipotenâ—y Which may bear down all â—hat would still keep up the Formality of Things that is to â—e laid desolate § 22. All Oblations and Sacrifices which are weak and imâ—erfect must have their Cessaâ—ion For Pure Worshippers all composed of Life Power and Spirit must now wait upon the Altar for free Entrance into the most Holy Court. For which â—igh and signal Endowments we are pressed to wait that so no going out may be till we be richly furnished with every Gift to credit our High-Priest withal who hath made himself a Debtor to us for it and as we are his Remembrancers he will stand Charged to make full Payment unto us of these Great Things § 23. This only required is on our part to suffer the Spirit of Burning to do upon us the Refining Work fanning us with his Fiery Breath until all be Pure and Clean. For this Burning and Perfuming Oil of the Holy Ghost searching every part within us is the true Consecration for the Everlasting Priesthood that so we may come near to the Holy Being and be acceptable Worshippers before his Throne to Mediate for all these adorning Powers and Gifts that may demonstrate we are in Election to be the Beginning of that Priestly Church that is coming out of the Wilderness like to Pillars of Smoak and Flames of Fire
the working Properties of the Divine Agent the Holy Ghost that shall not fail to compleat you according to this Prophesy and to effect all that has been foreshewn Ianuary 6. § 4. Upon the Opening of this Vision I found many Debates in my Mind Querying in my self How and When such a perfect virgin-Virgin-Church should be consummated in the Earth And so directing my Prayer to the Father to have some Resolve in this matter upon this I found the Spirit of Wisdom in my inward parts to open her Oracle and reveal her Counsel in this deep and weighty concern bidding me be free to spread before her what were my Doubts concerning the Glories which I had seen upon this Mountain it being of such a strange and wonderful Consistence as I had never before beheld into which Corporeal Figures were to enter in and come forth transmuted and clarified into the same Substance Then was it cast up in my Mind how little Appearance there was of such a State at this Time And Liberty of Speech being granted me I Queried with my Lord how frequently from the beginning of the Creation Sin had reign'd even unto this time and that though the Promise of Redemption was given immediately after the Fall yet Sin had dominion from the First Adam unto the Second albeit there were Holy Men Patriarchs and Prophets who were rais'd up before his time who had a Prospect of all the good things of this Thorough Redemption in Christ. § 5. Then did I plead that when he came and was manifested in Flesh it might be expected that there should have been then a perfect Renovation and Restauration such as had been so long Prophâ—sied of but that it was yet delay'd and fail'd And it troubled me exceeding much as a most marvellous thing that after all these Prophesies and Promises and long Expectations he should be rejected even by that Church and People which God had most peculiarly chosen and set a part for himself and even by those of them who were the strictest and most Religious § 6. All this with much more I did propose to the Father of my Spirit and to the Eternal Virgin Mother Where upon it was answered me That it was of great acceptation that I had made search into this Matter which few or none had deeply consider'd of and which was needful to be understood for that in it lay a great Mystery which was to be open'd in its season and time Then was it further said That God did well know that so many Ages and Generations were thus to pass away before the Perfect Redemption should be finish'd as to the Universality Yet it was given me to understand that Christ in all Ages was still gathering to himself some who were perfected as the Foundation and Beginning of this Blessed Church whom he took care of both before and after Death for their Compleatment to be joined to him Then was I bid not to sorrow as without hope but that there would be even in this present Time a New Springing Generation that should be as the First-Born from the Dead and carry the Marks of Christ's Resurrection being redeem'd from the Earth and from Mortality into the Number of the Hundred and Forty Four Thousand For so it was presaged in me by the Prophetical Spirit of JESUS § 7. Still I Queried Lord how shall this be since I see all with my self lie in weak and impotent Mortality Then was it answer'd me Dost thou not yet understand what the Omnipotent Creating Power can do to bring forth a New World as in one Day And this One Day was reveal'd to allude to the Dâ—y of Christ's Resurrection bâ—ing the Third or Last Day or Day of the Spirit according to that I will raise them up in the Last Dâ—y that is in this Day of the Holy Ghost in which greater Deeds and Acts and Wonders must be done than ever have been since the Fouundation of the World Christ's Person in the Flesh being not able to effâ—ct that which it is now able to do in the Spirit by the joint Power of Wisdom and the Eternal Father that must move a New Mystery § 8. Then did Wisdom shew me numerous Molds of a golden Earth whereout came forth some of all degrees and sizes who stood up as a mighty Army And then pointing to me she said Dost thou not see what a sudden Resurrection of a New-Born Church here will be Whereupon the Kingly Shepherd did suddenly appear in the midst of this New Flock spreading out himself as a mighty Sun of Glory upon them making them all to shine in his Brightness pronouncing These are the Flocks that I will make my Companions for that I have glorified them with the Glory which the Father has glorified me And so he cast a Circle as of Fire round about them for their Defence by which they became as a City compacted within themselves Christ the Head walking in the midst of them and were all made Kings Priests and Prophets therein to râ—ign wiâ—h him who had now endued them with all the Miraculous and Apostolical Gifts Then he told them that having thus Established and Installed them it was expedient that he should for a time withdraw up into the Upper Fold but that he would have his Deputies and Representatives that should be more Principally Spirited and Empower'd for the Increase and Propagation of this Church and the bringing them from the four Corners of the Earth as the principal Witnesses to proclaim this New Modellized and Immortal Church And so he blâ—ssed them â—hat they might go forth to increase and multiply upon the Face of the whole Earth and fly as Lightning and a Divine Leaven to tinge spice and transform others after the same Likeness § 9. Hereupon seven Principal Pastors or Witnesses were chosen out by him to whom he gave this Authority and command to sound forth their Trumpets over all the Earth and publish the Everlasting Gospel proclaiming the Acceptable Time and Year for all to be brought in being that which was to reach not only to the Living but also to the Dead that were to be Born again Their Message was Peace Love and Good Will unto all that will into this New Born Church come in After which was shewn me that tho' many did attempt yet none could pass the Fiery Circle and enter in but such for whom it was broken by these chief Shepherds and these were to be all moulder'd and crumbled into pieces that they might be cast into and come forth from those Golden Molds in the Resurrection State At the same time as I was viewing these Seven Angel Messengers sent forth many did furiously resist and make War against this City but were repell'd by the Strength of the said Circle But these Trumpeting Angels did gather in many and bring them into the Circle whom I did accordingly see cast into these Molds and come forth figured in to the express Life and
Nature of Christ that as he was so they might be in this present Principle This was said to be the First Resurrection which breaketh the Bonds of Sorrow Hell and Death § 10. Then it was moved in me to make a Query to the Virgin Wisdom that had open'd in me all this great Mystery of the Church Whether it were necessary for this Body to be gather'd Personally into one Place for cohabitation together And it was Answer'd me That for as many as could with conveniency be so embodied together this would be greatly advantageous as to freedom of Fellowship and Personal Conversation while remaining as the present Case stood until that Corporeity had fully put on Incorporeity and this Church now in its Infancy had grown up to an higher Structure For then Faith will be so strong and omnipotent as to translate from the low Elementary Life into the Supercelestial Element and that as Christ put on his Body of Transfiguration so there should be Ability to do the sameâ— as occasion should require that admittance may be had into the Familiarity of the Supream Head and his Upper Fold when a bright shining Raiment must be put on which may be call'd the Immortal Robe For till such a time as this Earth shall be chang'd into a Paradisical Nature and Property the course of things mustrun after the manner of Corporeity both as to Feeding and Cloathing Then was it further given me to understand that though we cannot be at the beginning in one Family or Place yet we are to be of one Principle one Light one Love and one Faith and one in all the excellent Qualifications of Wisdom Humility Meekness Fortitude Righteousness Temperance and other Fruits of the Spirit which are the Golden Chain by which we are link'd together there being nothing to be out of the Unity and Harmony of this blessed Church § 11. Furâ—hermore it was noted to me what was requir'd of this Congregated Society as to their Calling and Employ wherein they were chiefly to be Exercised all Spiritually though as the present necessity of things requires an Allowance may be made for External and Outward Callings which followed may be until such time that the Heir of Faith in each one may be grown up to whom the Inheritance from a Supernatural Store doth belong Therefore this Câ—ution by Wisdom is given that none do rest and stick in the low rational way of making provision for the Outward Man as if nothing more were to be â—xpâ—cted â—hen what the Rational Spirit can provide for And the resting herein as if there were not an higher way of Living has not only among the Worldlings but even among the Illuminated themselves been the main stop and hindrance and prevented the Blessing from the Everlasting Mountains which would otherwise have come down upon â—hem For the further Confirmation of this there were some Scriptures brought to my mind as that Prophetical Passâ—ge in the 45th Psâ—â—m The Daughter of Tyre shall be there with a Giâ—t even the Rich among the People shall entreat thy Favour That also in the Prophet Isaiah Surely the Ships of Tarshish shall wait to bring thy Sons from far their Silver and their Gold with themâ— unto the Name of the Lord thy God Chap. 9. 9. It is there also promised That the Sons of Strangers would build up the Walls of Sion bringing their Forces and Riches to her and that their Kings should minister unto her That Promise was likewise brought to my remembrance Strangers shall stand and feed your Flocks the Sons of the Alien shall be your Plow-men and your Vine-dressers But ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord Men shall call you the Ministeâ—s of our God ye shall eat the Riâ—hes of the Gentiles and in this Glory shall ye â—oast your selves Now it was shewn to me that these Prophesies do appertain to the New Modelled Church and will have their Fulfilling according as it shall grow up from the State of Childhood to that of perfect Manhood And iâ— this wise will be the beginning of it the Father should depute his Representative and the Eternal Virgin also hers to stand in the latter Day upon the Eâ—rth for the bringing forth a Virgin Offspring in Corporeal Figures that should multiply and increase to a numberless number And that the Propagation of such shall be conceiv'd after another and more holy manner then what the Ordinary way of Generation hath been which is in Sinful Lust who may be as Ieremiah and Iohn Baptist sanctified from the very Womb who as they grow up may be capable of an Enochs Translation § 12. Then secondly there is another way of Begetting no less real then the former which is in Spirit and of such as are to be converted to the Faith thus are there to be Spiritual Fathers and Spiritual Mothers which will be true Fathers and Mothers indeed in this Church of the First born that shall generate and bring forth Births in the Spirit and after the Will of God Thus the New Creation will go on from which Root Christ's Reign upon the Earth will spring up and begin to be established and the Love-Kingdom from hence will open in the Spirit of Faith by which mighty Works shall be done to make the Kingdoms of this World submit themselves and bow down to this Rising-Sun of the Virgin Church § 13. Moreover it was shewn me that several Eminent Saviours and Supporters of this Church would stand upon the Mountain of Holiness from whom such a Power and Spirit shall go forth as all Nations People and Languages shall fly to the Body of this Resurrection Church as Eagles to the Carcass to be fed and nourished thereby and joyfully bring their Offerings of all precious things that may be necessary to set this Infant Church free from all care toil and labour paying their Tribuâ—e to this Royal Priestly House that is of the Tribe and Family of the Great Melchizedeck King § 14. Now then Hearken and Hear all ye Islands and give ear all ye Lands even from the utmost parts of the Earth from all the four Winds and from the Ends of the Sea ye are summon'd all by the Great Herauld the Archangel to come to the Brightness of Wisdom's Star that first ariseth in a Northern Islâ—nd This Word of Commission is gone forth by Wisdom's Representative to excite invite and stir up from all the wonderful Motives that have been mentioned that none to whom this Mâ—ssage shall come should make any Staggering or Delay for that this is the Lord Christ's Acceptable Day and a thousand times blessed will those be that do this Message Obey who shall be cloathed with the Rays of the Everlasting Sun For the Encouragement of which there is already a good Beginning from several Persons in Germany Switzerland and Holland as also at Home that have expressed their Living Testimony and have felt powerful Drawings to this Lifted up Standard of CHRIST in his Espoused Bride and Church Which will be the Crown and Glory of all Nations § 15. Before this Subject be concluded it will be necessary to answer an Obvious Question that may be made Whether this Representative of the Church as also of the Father's Power ought to be consider'd as in One Person or as in Plurality of Perâ—ons To which it is Answer'd that it may be both but in the Beginning it will fix in Two after the manner that iâ— did in the First Adam and Eve and so the travailing for the Birth of this Church will be by Virgin Spâ—rits that are joined in perfect Uâ—ity that will laboâ—â— together in the greatness of Iehovah's strength to bring forth the Man child from whom shall proceed an Innumerable Host. § 16. It may be here further Queried Whether these have a present Being and Existence I must hereupon say to you as Christ did to Iohn's Disciple Come and see For is there not a Star Risen which those that are of a wise Heart may see and understand the Time and Season when this expected Kingly Birth is to be brought forth Therefore come ye as Wise Men from the East fly ye as Clouds flock ye as Doves to the Windows to the Brightness of this Arising of the Day-Star from on high § 17. Thus have you had the Description of the True Perfect â—nd Catholick Church wherein Christ is risen as the First-born â—rom the Dead in his Members â—hat is the Quickâ—ning Spirit that will gather Persons out of all Forâ—alities into Power Life and Suâ—stance which as the little Stone cut out of the Mountain will dash to pieces the Image which is of a mixt and inconsistent Matter and then become it self a great Mountain yea the Top of all Mountains and the Fulness of the Earth which it shall fill with its Glory This is the Philadelphian Church which I must proclaim and which is already in some measure begâ—n and though at first it has but A little Strength and be comparatively as a Grain of Mustard Seed it shall spring up as a mighty Tree where the Lebanoâ— Glory under the Shadow of it will come to open in Power and Majesty This Lebanon Door is now opened by him that hath the Key of David and none shall be ever able to shut it there shall be continual going in and out through it to find the rich and undefiled Pasture such as none elsewhere is to be found Let none be offended at what the Trumpet of the pure Spirit hath sounded but fall in and submit themselves to the Ruling Scepter and Government of CHRIST in this Day of his Appearance as having alreadyâ— begun his Mighty Reign in Spirit The Bride and the Spirit can never cease to cry Come even so come Blessed Lord according to all that thou hast here Revealed and Declared Amen Amen FINIS