Now follows the VISION of the Seven Churches.

§. 5. Fi [...]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 shut [...]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 [Page 8] 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 F [...]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 e [...]ing the foregoing Reign of the Holy Ghost, as that which constitutes the Hea­ve [...]ly Corporation, named the Fi [...]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 [Page 9] 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 Christ [...]

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 [Page 10] Faith [...] 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 [Page 11] 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 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 [Page 12] 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 call [...]d The Lord our Righteousness; Because God himself will tabernacle there, a [...]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 [Page 13] 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 U [...]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 [Page 14] 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 [Page 15] 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; th [...] same I do commend to all those who are waiters for this Kingly Birth of Power; that they would not [Page 16] put far away this Day, nor li­mit it to future Years, neither be found sticking in any Form, tho [...]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, [...]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 [Page 17] Region. Now when the Holy One [...], the Seed of Abraham do groan, travail, and cry, as know­ [...]ng themselves to be in Pharaoh's Land under hard servitude both [...]n Body and Mind; this is a cer­ [...]ain Foreruner and Token, that [...]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 [Page 18] One, a Call out of the gathered Churches, in order to be ga­thered up to the Church o [...] Mount Sion: until which time let every one be fervent, wor­shipping in their own Temple till the Breath of the Power d [...] call them together.

§. 12. For which end the Se­ven Angels from before th [...] Throne, are going forth t [...] all Parts of the Earth, to an [...] fro, to summon into the Tem­ple of Wisdom, all her Chi [...]dren, and all that will come un­der her Discipline. The Eve [...]lasting Priesthood is now to b [...] performed by Mount Sion's In­habitants, which hath been f [...]gured out unto my Intern [...] Sight in a Divine Draugh [...] wherein I was made to see i [...] Spirit the holy Order, Beauty and Glory thereof, according t [...] [Page 19] 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 [Page 20] 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 In­visib [...]e O [...], 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 di [...]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 Conside­ration, nothing can be more [Page 21] 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 [...]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 [Page 22] 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 [Page 23] of the World, according to all the Prophecies that run point­ing still to the Glory of Mou [...]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: [Page 24] 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; Am [...]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 natu [...]e of Faith; unto whom CHRIST will Personally appear the second [Page 25] 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 [Page 26] 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 eve­ [...]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, [Page 27] 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 [Page 28] 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 [Page 29] 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 si [...]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 Dec [...]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.

[Page 30]§. 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 grea [...] 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 [Page 31] 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 deliv [...]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, b [...]t by the Standard of the Spi­rit, that will in a Moses-like Fi­gure, stretch forth the Royal Scepter of an everlasting Throne-Might? [Page 32] 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 [...]ron-Rod over all N [...]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 M [...]ses, Ioshua, and Aaron, were Types, anointed to be Heads [Page 33] 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 offic [...]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, wh [...]ch shall be acted by [Page 34] 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 [Page 35] [...]phere, where God himself will [...]ppear in an everlasting Taber­ [...]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 [Page 36] that high Degree of Spiritu [...] Government: Which will be pu [...] upon some that yet are in a Mor [...]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 w [...] 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 [Page 37] [...]ctuate some by the Ghostly [...]ower in an Extraordinary Man­ [...]er, to Officiate as if he himself [...]ere upon the Earth. This is [...]he Great Design that is Now [...]ertainly on foot to bind the Mi­ [...]istration of the Spirit withal. [...]or what else in this unbelieving Age will be of Force or Preva­ [...]ency, but a Power that may work according to Omnipoten­ [...]y: Which may bear down all [...]hat would still keep up the Formality of Things, that is to [...]e laid desolate.

§. 22. All Oblations and Sa­crifices which are weak and im­ [...]erfect, must have their Cessa­ [...]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 [...]igh and signal Endowments we [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page 38] 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 [Page 39] 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, ter­rible in Crystalline Purity; where­by we may display the Banners of IEHOVAH, as the Seal­ing Character of the Virgin-Church.

§. 24. Upon all the foregoing enforcing Arguments of the A­nointing Power, this Word was renewed: Happy art thou, who is like unto thee, before whom a Fiery Law shall go forth, which shall not be after Mount Sinai In­scription, that could never abo­lish Sin: but this contrariwise shall open as a Spirit-flash of Lightning, that shall judge and try, burn and consume every rising Motion, that from the [Page 40] First Birth of the Earthly Man hath been. Therefore observe and cherish this Burning Spring, into which suffer all and every part to be plunged thoroughly. For this will give witness for it self to be the Tri-Une Baptism.

§. 25. Then was it further re­vealed, that this Fiery Law would be the Fixation of the Vrim and Thummim. Which was opened unto me, to be a divine sight, from a Fire-piercing Eye, that could have a deep inward search into the secret things of the Deity, and could Prophecy therefrom in a clear Ground; as knowing wh [...]t is couched in the first Originality, bringing forth therefrom, according to the Counsel and Pleasure of the Most High, Things New and Old, even according to the Love-dri­ving of this Fiery Law, which [Page 41] is the high binding Law, that will most naturally, and essentially, from all Mount-Sion Inhabitants, and from the pure Philadelphian Race of all the Redeemed Holy Ones, that are brought out of Babylon, to stand upon this Vir­gin Mount go forth.

§ 26. For it was expressed, that this Law was before Sin en­tred, and it should thence again enkindle it self, and obliterate in a known Number, what the Law of Sin hath defaced of the pure Image. And it was also shewn, that this Vrim & Thummim were only to be appropriated to the Priests of the Melcbizedeck Order, that is, to such whose Descent is not to be counted, or recorded in the Genealogy of the Creation which is under the Lapse; but from the Restaura­tion, and the Birth which is from [Page 42] the Olive-Root, that is ever more consecrated to put on this Breast-plate, as the Signal Cha­racter of this Holy Function and Heavenly Calling; as it was given me to know from the Lord. The Properties of which extend [...]o all Clearness of Sight and Soundness of Judgment. All which will make for the praise of Him, who shall for us this Transl [...] ­tion effect, bringing us into the Membership of this most holy Virgin Church and Priesthood.

§. 27. As I was further consi­dering the Refining Work, as being the present Business which the Spirit provokes to in order to those greater Things to be revealed and entred upon; the Word again thus opened it self [...] The LORD, whose Hand is lifted up, sweareth in Truth and Righteousness, that from Abra­ham's [Page 43] Line, according to the Spirit, there shall arise a most ho­ly Priesthood indeed, that must assume the high Prerogative of Priestly Soveraignity, which hitherto in this Principle hath never in manifestation bear, since the days of the Apostacy. It will begin with the Wise and Perfect in Heart; from such the Scepter of Dominion shall never depar [...].

§. 28. Much from the Lord did at the same time [...]ill my Tem­ple to utter forth, as Four of us were met together to rehearse by way of Prophecy, what an approaching time is drawing near. When this Word more particu­larly was given to me, That God was coming from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount- Paran, to revive the Work, and to make known where the hiding of his Power hath been. For a Fiery [Page 44] Law shall proceed out of his Mouth, by which he will try all N [...]tions, and divide as under the Everlasting Mountains, and make them bow before him.

§. 29. While my Spirit was Exercised upon these Great Things, there came before me two Pillars of Fire: which at present I only understood to be applicable to our selves, who were met together, as if signi­fying, that such Pillars as were as burning Lights, did become the Temple of God, and ought there to be for fixation. But the Night following, the Lord open­ed it further unto me, and shew­ed me, that they did signifie a more Publick Matter; to wit, some Eminent Spirits these Two Pillars should be, by whom an Entrance or pass would be made into the Secret and Seperated [Page 45] [...]nctuary, where they were to and fixed, to give entrance in­ [...]o such-like seperated Spirits as [...]emselves, who, as Flames of [...]re, might minister in the Holy Courts in their Priestly Power.

§. 30. O hereby all this do I [...]ee, that the Lord is putting all [...]hings in order; that he may [...]ave a true Temple-Body, all of light, paved with Fire-S [...]ones of Love. For the support of which House, or Body, he will send forth, until he himself shall appear in Person, such Pillars [...]hat shall be tried as Gold, and powerful as the Fire, as being so made meet for the Master's use. I do see in Wisdom's Glass, that the Divine Powers in the Heavens are at Work hereunto very swift­ly.

§. 31. As I was still further at­tentive [Page 46] to hear and see, wh [...] what would be presented beyon [...] the Veil, in relation to the Re [...]fi [...]ing Work, which is to pre [...]pare and make way for the Ma [...]nifestation of this Holy Church I did see a round Glass like a Globe, and at fi [...]st sight it wa [...] all full of Matter, that was lik [...] putrified Blood, black and i [...] coloured. Then saw I the Glob [...] turned with the Vent downward and it was all discharged of tha [...] corrupt matter. Then arose a Spring that filled it again, as with Water, wh [...]ch emptied it self out again. And I beheld the Figure of a Heart with an Engraving thereupon within the Globe [...] And I marvelled how it came there, and no sight of any Per­son to put it in; and all this was acted, as without any visible Hand. Further, there arose a Golden Liquor in the Globe, and [Page 47] [...]e Heart [...]luttered up and down [...] it, and shined as Gold. This [...]as a wonderful Presentation; [...]to which my Spirit enquired, [...]d I heard a Voice sound, This [...]ews what the Oracle will be, [...]at is filled only with the clear [...]nd true U [...]ction; there will be rising Spring with all floating [...]oy. Consider, oh my Soul, [...]hat Wisdom may open, for a [...]urther Instruction herefrom: [...]or deep is the Globe of Won­ders.

A Revelation upon the Vision of the Glassy Globe: Which was [...]hewn me to be the signification of the Oracle, in which the New Heart shall be conceived; upon which God doth engrave his own Name, which from the Foundation of Wisdom, and Spring of all Knowledge and deep Understanding do flow.

[Page 48]§. 32. Now it was testified, and thus opened unto me, that some were Elected for to be fix­ed Oracles, who are to be cla­rified for this purpose with pure Water from the Glasfy Sea. Whose Operation should be all forceable to work out the impure Matter of the Bloody Issue, which is the Spring of Sin, that only can be fully cleansed with this Water-Baptism, from the rising Scum of putrified Nature. Which once was as a clear Glass in the first Formation, as it came out of the Hand of the Great Creator, but now so mudded with strange Mixtures, that all Crystalline Beauty of the Globe of Nature is turned into such a swarthy Blackness and Dimness, that nothing is left clear for Spi­ritual Seeing. Therefore what hath infinite Grace sought out [Page 49] [...]or help and redress, for such as [...]re known by Name, to bear [...]hat high and living Fame, as the Oracles of which, the ever spring­ [...]ng Testimony, shall daily renew. Therefore they are to be guarded [...]nd secured, with the outspread­ [...]ng Wings of the anointed Che­ [...]ubims, that may henceforrh [...]eep off the mortal Dust: which [...] stirred, and raised by the arm­ [...]d Enemies, that do ride pran­ [...]ng on, to cast up Earthly Soil af­ [...]er those Washings, which will [...]reatly endanger that, which [...]e holy separating Water of [...]ife enters in for clarifying of; [...]at so Nature may come to be [...]fined, and made all Crystalline, [...]r God's own Heart to move in.

§. 33, But caution the Holy [...]host hath given to u [...], that as [...]e would be partakers of this [...]gh Ministry, as not [...]n [...]y to [Page 50] speak, but to be in truth th [...] very Oracles of God. The [...] from hence we are given to u [...] ­derstand, that no unclean an [...] polluted Essences must rest wi [...] us. For the Spirit doth let [...] know, that no mixed Matter ca [...] here agree; for Christ in Spir [...] is demonstrated for this ver [...] end, so to infuse himself as th [...] true Anointing, that he mig [...] inwardly cleanse from these gro [...] pollutions of Sin, through th [...] sending in pure Waters from th [...] dropping Element, which is th [...] true foregoing Baptism that Io [...] the Baptist did figure out. [...] that Water was Visible and E [...]teriour, so this is Invisible, a [...] Internally effectual for Salvatio [...] Here the Name IESVS do become all-saving, because Water is poured into a Ves [...] to rinse and cleanse it, so the S [...] ­rit of Christ is poured in, as p [...]ming [Page 51] Water for Life renew­ [...]g, that nothing of the old [...]ent might be felt, for to send [...]rth an evil savour. This is [...] to be done, as not to be li­ [...]le to D [...]filement, after that [...]e are baptized with this Water [...] Life: then no more dead and [...]trified Flesh is to remain. [...]his is the Wonder of all Won­ [...]ers, whereby God will yet [...]agnifie his anointed One, by [...]hom all things are to be re­ [...]red.

§. 34. B [...]t an Objection [...]mes to be answered, This is [...]ch a Washing as is only Figura­ [...]e, but not yet in any Actually [...]complished, for such a durable [...]arity, as to know nothing [...]re of the Rising Scum, that [...]th make the Spirit of the Soul [...]m and dark; which the Glassy [...]obe do's present the 1st Created [Page 52] Being in, but now all thickne [...] with gross earthly Matter; An [...] how this can be clearly dischar [...]ged, and washed out, so as n [...] more to be infected again there withal, this altogether is incre [...]dible. For no such Person yet but the Lord Christ, hath bee [...] ever known, or recorded o [...] therefore even the Spirit woul [...] never put any upon such Impo [...]sibilities to strive and labour fo [...] that which in this Life-time ca [...] never be reached unto.

The Holy Word of Trut [...] does now reply and cry, Sto [...] oh, stop thou, whose Voice I d [...] well know to be from a Birth that is of a low Sin rooted being, and so willing still to b [...] Only thou art thus far convi [...]ced, that thy Branches that be [...] evil Fruit, are to be croppe off; but the Ro [...] of the Matt [...] may be still allow'd. But [...] gainst [Page 53] this Doctrine, the Pure [...]nd Just One doth declare: who will wink no longer at imperfect Spirits, who do rest in the midst of druggy Senses, as in an easie Bed, out of which they would not be disturbed, but would be contented with what is too short and narrow a Covert: For no­ [...]hing of naked Adam may more [...]ppear to God's pure Eye. For now, as in the clear Day, the Spirit doth me shew, that this [...]ndulgence to the Imperfect [...]hing, hath in all these latter Ages done great wrong, and hath been a Let to the coming down of the Lordly Dominion. The Old Earth e're this would have been renewed, had not this D [...]s­ [...]ensation gained upon the whole Creation. But this false Co­vering is rowling away, and it [...]s given some to believe, that Sin shall be found no more, when [Page 54] the First and Second Baptis [...] shall meet together in the Gla [...] Globe, which will renew old N [...]ture, and will clarifie it to b [...] the Glass of Wonder.

§. 35. But it may be said, tru [...] it is, that such Prophecies ther [...] are, that relate to a New Cre [...]tion, and the passing away o [...] the Old: But the time, whe [...] this Mystery will begin to work we cannot foresee.

For this, it is answered, Tha [...] this is the very acceptable Day and the true Sign is already gi [...]ven, the immediate forerunne is already come to baptize with the Water of Life, that hence forth we may expect the Baptizing Fire of the Holy Ghost; no more Transient, as in the Aposto [...]lical time, but as a Fixed Pow [...]er, that may no more depart till [Page 55] it hath swallowed up Sin and Death in Victory.

§. 36. Thus will the Globe of Nature be cleansed with th [...] Fountain-streams from the Eter­nal Element, and then it will be purged with Everlasting Burn­ings, that the Face of all things may be renewed in Nature's Globe, as was seen in the Vision. A pure Heart floating up and down in its own Golden Oyl, that doth issue forth continually from it self, as the procession of the Holy Ghost. If this was not the very Time for the accom­plishment, what meaneth the Cry of Elias in Spirit, to come to his Baptism in way of preparation for it? Of a truth I must bear witness, it hath been an un­c [...]ssant Cry in the Wilderness of Nature of late Years, and here­by I am so convinced of the [Page 56] necessity, that now I would gladly suffer my self to be plun­ged, and buried with my Lord in this Baptism, which is the true [...]inking into Death, by which the way of the Kingdom is prepa­red: wherein God in Nature, an absolute King, Priest, and Pro­phet will come down, and ap­pear manifestly, to govern and rule thus arbi [...]rarily by his Saints in great Power and Majesty. Ha­ving no other Rule o [...] Law, but the Engraving of God in the cleansed Globe of Eternal Na­ture, so quickned and raised to its ancient degree and matter.

§. 37. Thus it is given me, in the Spiri [...]'s Eve to see, that all Nations, Kingdoms, and Lan­guages, that shall remain in the old Nature, and broken state, of what is found in Mortality, shall be converted and brought in. [Page 57] So many as are numbred in God's Book, shall bow to this New Creation-Government, and shall come to [...] the Pool of the holy Baptizing of the Water of Life, and so agree to wash; and be thereby prepared for the All-plea­sant Burning Spirit.

§. 38. It was further verifyed, That those only, who to this per­fect degree are come, shall receive the opening Key, for an abso­lute Dominion over those parts of the World, that in the might and greatness of an Astral Spirit, have ruled as potent and strong. But the divine Magus, that God will ra [...]se, shall far out-do all ra­tional C [...]aft and Subtilty; so that all must be Tributaries and Ser­vants to the anointed of the Most High. This is the Crown that will; be [...]he certain Reward to [Page 58] them, who to these Baptisms do fully arrive.

§. 39. An additional Opening came upon an Objection in my self, that was raised upon the clear Oracle Dispensation, which was this: How we should possibly come to distinguish the true Sound of the Holy Ghost passing through us, without being adulterated by contrary Spirits, that do dash in before the Globe of Nature come to be all fully refined, and the mud­dy Issue stopped?

This hath been the ground that hath made such deviation and erring from Truth. For the method and manner of God's revealing his Mind is not Now so much by those Local Voices, as before the Anointing of the Holy Spi [...]it was given. For the Patriarchs and Prophets [Page 59] before Christ's sending down the Holy Ghost, had God's Mind de­livered unto them by an Express Voice, and plainness of Speech, which was well understood, and known by them to be the ex­press Word of the Lord. And though in those Ages there were false and mixed things, that did enter into some, who did also reveal true Prophe [...]ies from God, yet the Event of things did it shew, and there God's witness was against them. But the very Holy Men of God, who were truly inspired from his Mouth, were ever more attended with a Signal Power, whereby they knew it to be of the Lord: As much might be called up from what is recorded in Scrip [...]ure [...]or to justifie this Truth. But to Answer this grand Objection, how it may be cleared? What i [...] of the Spirit's true dictate, from [Page 60] that which is otherwise? for it must be granted, that it is rare to fi [...]d, that any one hath arri­ved to that Clarity, that nothing of Soil is cast up in the Mind, to discolour the Golden Spring of Divine Revelation, that does distinctly run. Which is dis­cernible by the Spirit of Sound Judgment [...] that decides and de­termins all Matters according to the Laws of Christ's Invisible Kingdom, which differs and thwarts all of this visible and ex­teriour, judging that Kingdom down. For such a superiour wise understanding Spirit doth still sur­vive in some Elected hereunto, as in Moses, Samuel, and Solo­mon, and so all along according to the gift of God, th [...]t doth run from Age to Age, rising yet more high and eminent, as the Most High takes pleasure to dig­nifie those, who are of the right [Page 61] Line of Abraham's Seed, to whom the Promise doth belong, that there shall never cease to be a Prince upon th [...] Throne, to judge in Truth and in Righteousness, as God's impartial witness in the Soul. Of this Moses and the se­venty Elders were a Type, upon whom God's spirit of Wisdom did rest, for determining of Cau­ses, that the People from day to day brought before them. So verily it is now applied more Internally, to those innumerable generating Essences, that within the circumference of the Mind do still rise as matter of Controver­sie, to be decided by the true Judge and Law-giver. Who in no wise will be corrupted or by­assed, but make all to bow, ac­cording to the Light and Eternal Word of Truth. Oh the strange Insurrections of Thoughts, as so many Princes, that would put in [Page 62] to bear part of the Priesthood and Prophetical Function, rush­ing in as Korah, [...]athan, and A­biram, that rose [...]p with all their Trains, saying, Are we not meet to judge? equal with the Spirit? Why take ye so much upon you? are not we Spiritual? Why may not our Verdict be heard in the Court of the Lord's Tabernacle? This is the Language that may be understood in, and among the confused Thoughts, that would ex [...]lt themselves against the One only Anointed of the Lord in us. Who hath the preeminence to draw nigh to hear, and to re­ceive from the most Holy in a distinct separated way from all the common thoughts that rise from the sensitive ground, that are under all mixed Con­fusion: Which are the intruding Spirits, that are to be brought to tryal, and hereby it will be made [Page 63] to appear, as in the case betwixt Moses and those murmuring Prin­ces, the Decision was given. God owned and took part with his own meek Spirit in Moses, and gave power to send them down alive into the Deep. And thus it will be carried on Internally; the Lord will raise and magnifie his own true Prophet within us, that shall have a peculiar ac­cess unto him in the holy Priest­hood, and go apart from the whole Congregation of thoughts, which are denominated for the mixed Multitude. Upon which bounds are to be set, that they break not in, where God calleth his holy anointed One up to com­mune about [...]he Secret Things, that are yet fur [...]er to be reveal­ed, in order to the [...]tling of the Priestly Kingdom, in [...] [...]eace­able Reign of Christ.

[Page 64]§. 40. For indeed all need there is, for this Wise Solomon to sit upon the Throne to judge the many Causes that will arise, and still come before him for de­termination: Till such time that all Strife and Commotion from the Astral Spirit shall cease, and no more any such evil occur­rent shall be. To which effect, the Spirit's Reign will bring all unto, and every thought that contrarily does stir, and yields not up to these Princely Spirits, that in Love and Meekness, with Truth and Righteousness, doe govern all things in the reign of the Soul, that is to be reduced to this pure and spiritual stilne [...], for a quiet Habitation, in which the Tri­nity may a [...]ee to dwell, meet­ing wi [...] [...] in most excellent Har­m [...]y, that answers to the Eter­nal [Page 65] Unity of their own Divine Being.

§. 41. This is that Leb [...]non Glory in all its high d [...]grees. Which the Spirit of Iesus is dri­ving into, from the cursed mur­muring Spirits, that still would be mi [...]ng with the Lo [...]d's a­nointed Prophet within us. Therefore Authority is to be taken in Iehovah's Name, to ex­clude and throw out, what will not suit to the Priestly Govern­ment. For with that Mosaical Spirit, God will only be free with all to tell his Mind, and commit his Secrets to. All other springing Essences that do fly up­ward from the imaginary part, must be searched, tried, and judged in the superiour Court, by that Unction of God, that is abstracted from all stirring strange Essences, that would [Page 66] readily give in their Votes to corrupt the pure rising Spring of God's Counsel. Which had need to be strongly guarded, for Attempts to thrust in may easily be discerned. But the cry, that I do hear pass through me, is to keep the Oracle clear, that the Heart of God may always live and move there. And for this cause, Ioshuah after Moses doth arise to bring us forward, and on, till we come to possess the choice and rich things, that are reserved to this Day in the New Ierusalem Land, where our Lot does stand, and will be divided to each one, according to their Spiritual Nativity.

§. 42. But it may be further opposed, that this doth not take away all matter of objection, for in doubt we still are, whether there may be found any now, [Page 67] since the Apostles Days, through whom God doth speak expresly; and doth declare without adding or diminishing?

I Answer, according to what is given me to know in the deep Abyss, whereinto my Spirit hath been plunged, by a strong dri­ving power that hath brought me to an Experience of renewed Revelations, and that they are from the true and original ground of Truth And though I cannot father Belief upon others, that the unm [...]xed Oyl of the Spirit is infused into a still mind: yet where this U [...]ction doth abide, it may well be known and di­stinguished by the poss [...]ssors of it, though not so clearly to others, but to themselves, who live in the light, sight, feeling, hearing, and tasting the pleasant Powers that the holy Spirit of Iesus doth bring in. And I must [Page 68] in a Spirit of Sobriety and hum­ble Ownment of this Gift of the Word of Life, opening and renewing its Witness again, as in the Apostolical times: which bubling Spring, as from a clear and unmixed Fountain, I have of­ten experienced the flowing forth, and by several Effects have known that it doth come from the true royal Priest and Prophet, that is risen up in me, who hath set up his Seat of Judg­ment, and beareth now a pre­ [...]ence of Majesty and Power to silence all Flesh, and to vanquish from his Throne all those false and treacherous Spirits, that would have thrust in for the Priesthood, to have prophaned it, through those mixed thoughts that do so aptly throng in. But now through the long continued Exercises of the spiritual Senses, they do know perfectly what [Page 69] is from the true ingrafted Word. Which Word speaks distinctly from those common puttings forth of the Rational Root that do so generally spring, and rea­dily would mix with the sharp, quick, and powerful Word of Wisdom. But this being grown up as an engrafted Word, knows its own true Root, and there abiding as the Lord hath said, we may expect the fruitfulness thereof; as Branches of Righteousness, springing from the Tree of Life, that is in the midst of the Para­dise of God; whereby we shall be distinguish'd from all those that grow from any other Root.

§. 43. Thus will the Unction of the true anointed Church, which was shewn me in David, be discerned from that which is false, low, and counterfeit; which shall in his Spirit go forth [Page 70] generating and multiplying it self continually, till all the An­tient Prophesies relating to it be fulfilled, and the Covenant established with David, and with his Spiritual Seed be fully performed. For from the Root and Line of Iesse shall the Virgin-Branch spring up, and spread forth it self to an innumerable Increase; whereupon the Holy Ointment shall most plentifully flow.

§. 44. Now at another time a Cry from the Heavens sounded in my Ears, to this effect: O thou that art travelling to bring forth the Omnipotent Birth, which hath for so long a time staid in the place of Breaking [...]orth; yet re­joyce in this that thou shalt see the King of Nations that shall be born in the Almightiness of a Godhead Supremacy. For true [Page 71] [...] is, what thou hast said, and [...]ften complained, that no Dis­ [...]atch can be made of the Great [...]ork. Which only accomplish'd [...]an be, as Wisdom's First-Born shall [...]ome forth upon the Earth, ap­ [...]earing no more as an Infant, [...]ut now coming forth in full [...]rown Stature; that both a King [...]nd a Nation, may be born as in [...]ne Day. Now then lift up thy Head.

§. 45. Nay, further the Great [...]LOHIM doth say, The E­ [...]erlasting Womb shall open, that herefrom may issue forth Powers [...]ndeed, that may be expressed [...]y Acts and Deeds, which all of [...]thers though in Regeneration [...]orn, must far exceed; In that [...] is a Codeified Matter, that will [...]uffer no mingling with Earthly [...]lements. O how strange and [...]mazing will this Lordly Birth [Page 72] be! who will it live to see? This provoked the Virgin Spirit in me to send forth Groans and Cries yet more ardently. For that must be the way, as it is shewn to me, that must unlock this long shut-up Womb; that so the meer and pure Acting Ghost may appear [...] and go forth to do greater Works than in the Day of Pentecost. For I do tell thee, who am thus in pure Virgin. Nature to be born again, that hereby will be produced a pre­sent Redemp [...]ion; which will dilate it self so generously to Myriads of Angelical Births, which shall in the Earth be mani­fested; that so of this sort Sa­viours upon the Earth may stand, and as Priestly Kings rule and govern over the Babylonish Land, and also turn the long Captivity of the Tribe of Iudah. This may you do, as you may and can [Page 73] abide in Me: From whence all your Powers must proceed. Up therefore, and quicken your pace: see you not the Morning of this Day begins to clear? Therefore blow the Trumpet, and charge all true Sion Spirits, that do love, and long for my Appearance; that they with One Heart, in pure Unity and Accord, do watch, and in Ierusalem the City with­ [...]n wait for the Birth of this Mighty King.

Ian. 1. 1696.

§. 1. UPon the Turn of the Year I was waiting and Praying, having such a Pray [...]r given me that was very marvellous, whence the Virgin order'd her Angel to write it down as a Memo [...]i [...]l; which the Great High-Priest pres [...]nted with burning Ince [...]s [...] to th [...] Supream Majesty, giving [...]ssu­rance [Page 81] 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, [...]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 [Page 82] 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 [Page 83] thus to dip your Feet in Oil; where Fatness and all flou [...]ishing Life shall in you spring. It was [...]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 we [...] 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 [...]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 [Page 84] 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 time [...] as in a wonder­ful Globe of Glory, overshadow the Bridegroom and his Bride. Then a Voice said, Thus shall the Paradis [...]cal Ea [...]th be replenished with Virgin Wisdom's Ang [...]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 D [...]ified Mountain; so shall ye [Page 85] 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 Q [...]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 [Page 64] 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 n [...]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 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-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, [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page 88] 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 [Page 89] that there should have been then a perfect Renovation and Restauration, such as had been so long Proph [...]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 [Page 86] 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 [Page 87] 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 D [...]y of Christ's Resurrection, b [...]ing the Third, or Last Day, or Day of the Spirit, according to that, I will raise them up in the Last D [...]y, that is, in this Day of the Holy [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page 92] 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 eff [...]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 [Page 93] 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 r [...]ign wi [...]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 [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page 90] 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 bl [...]ssed them, [...]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 [Page 91] 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 [Page 96] 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 [Page 97] 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 same [...] 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, [Page 98] 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. Fur [...]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 [Page 99] grown up; to whom the Inheri­tance from a Supernatural Store doth belong. Therefore this C [...]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 [...]xp [...]cted [...]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 [...]hem. For the further Confirmation of this, there were some Scriptures brought to my mind; as that Prophetical Pass [...]ge in the 45th Ps [...]m, The Daughter of Tyre shall be there with a Gi [...]t, even [Page 100] 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 them [...] 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 Ministe [...]s of our God: ye shall eat the Ri [...]hes of the Gentiles, and in this Glory shall ye [...]oast your selves. Now it was shewn [Page 101] 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 i [...] 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 E [...]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.

[Page 102]§. 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.

[Page 103]§. 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 Tribu [...]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 [Page 104] 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 Isl [...]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 M [...]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 [Page 105] 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 Per [...]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 i [...] did in the First Adam and Eve; and so the travailing for the Birth of this Church will be by Virgin Sp [...]rits that are joined in perfect U [...]ity, that will labo [...] [Page 106] 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 [Page 107] [...]nd Catholick Church, wherein Christ is risen, as the First-born [...]rom the Dead, in his Members; [...]hat is the Quick [...]ning Spirit, that will gather Persons out of all For [...]alities into Power, Life and Su [...]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 beg [...]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 Lebano [...] Glory under the Shadow of it will come to open, in Power [Page 108] 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 already [...] 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.