Vision of New Jerusalem

THE VISION OF THE NEW JERUSALEM

PART IV

The Vision of the Heavenly Tabernacle

I was carried in spirit, where I saw a light, flaming glory unfolding and opening itself larger and more conspicuous, and in the midst of it an abyssical deep from whence there was a working, flowing source in a restless motion flashing up transparent matter so sparklingly glorious for colors as if all manner of precious stones had been co-mixed in the matter. Then did appear numerous persons gathered from the virtue and power that rose out of the deep to the glory of this flowing source, which was as the resurrection of pure heavenly bodies, bright and clear, that stood there to receive and drink in from this abyssical deep.

Then was it asked by that translated spirit that saw all this, what was to be understood by all this? And it was answered, "It is the flowing of the Deity that is ever generating forth for begetting and renewing what is like to its own Being, and the sparkling matter that so continually flashed out was to consecrate the heavenly order of kingly priests which would be the very tabernacle-glory upon them, for this priestly kingdom is to be under the highest degree of anointing. Whoever can, pure and abstractedly, come up and lie near the flowing of this abyssical deep are under the ordination for kingly priest and so near God⁽¹⁴⁾ as nothing shall be denied them for which they shall intercede, for great power they will have within their own command, for they are spirited very high by daily drinking in this deified matter."

In this vision there was no formal temple, tabernacle or altar to be seen. God in His virtual power, light and purity filled the numerous company that made up the priestly body which was termed, the Godhead Fraternity. No particular Christ did I here see, but He was said to be the Head and the Power that made them shine as so many burning lamps before the throne of the Father's all piercing eye of glory. There were degrees amongst this holy priestly fellowship. Some were in a higher, others in a lower order, but the testimony of truth, love and purity did open through all as one entire ark of the heavenly body compacted together, sounding forth new and wonderful laud and praises different from all others who in the heavenly places did worship the Lord God Almighty.

This was a lively and express manifestation of the everlasting and unchangeable priesthood which the Holy Ghost will build up and appear all in it. Therefore, He is come beforehand to open the scene of it and to give rules to direct in the way which leads thereunto, according to this substantial ground which opens from the central eternity from whence all perfect things must spring out again in this faded and corrupted region. For this a most holy and royal priesthood is ordained that is to be the salt of the earth to send forth their seasoning for life where putrefaction unto death hath reigned. Now we shall proceed and give forth what hath run in as a fountain sending forth its springs.

It is then assured to us, by an irreversible covenant, that a kingly priesthood shall in this latter day stand upon the earth. An election and call from the Holy Ghost is going out to effect the same. Only He knows where the true born Nazarites are and where the sanctified ones in the water of life do lie who will be brought out as baptized ones into this holy priestly order. This, so that it may be evident to all to know who they are and to acknowledge their priestly royalty, each one in their various order and degree for power and eminence. For which there are several rules, characters and holy missions that will make out where all these pure, clear, lively stones are compacted together for a ruling and governing priesthood in this visible earth.

These are of the election hereunto that may yet be hid amongst the stuff of Babylon's confusion. A David may be keeping of sheep, an Elisha plowing with a yoke of oxen, till a special ordination come forth for anointing to a more high, worthy and honorable employ, in which the business will be only to have to do with God and therefore is set apart and sanctified only for that use, ceasing from all thronging cares and secular services and a withdrawing from all defiling things of this kind.

Whoever feels the touch of the life coal that sets the only matter of the soul's eternal essence a-burning, will soon find what separation is made, and can henceforth no more savor the low, vulgar, gross and earthly concerns, from all of which this priestly function doth set free as called and anointed by the most Holy that is Head of this separated congregation. Therefore, it is but meet that the body should answer hereunto, that as our great high priest is passed into the heavens, being found perfect, separate from sin and sinners--so likewise all appertaining to this heavenly order will be known in their pure consecration. For the spring of the spirit will rise from within to cleanse every instrument that must be used about the Tabernacle service, because God will have nothing to come near Him but what hath holiness engraved upon it.

This doth imply a coming out of what is common and defiling that nothing of this corrupting nature may be found amongst the priestly tribe. For these are designed and appointed to deal with God in all weighty spiritual matters belonging to the restoration and that may erect the new Jerusalem state in this very world. Therefore, there is to be an extraordinary call of the Holy Ghost for the empowering and fitting out hereunto, for else it will be impossible to carry this evangelical ministration in such an evil region where the cry and plea of mortal necessities are continually heard as making it a lawful imposition upon the very illuminated saints to puddle about earthly things, by which indeed the way into the Most Holy hath been blocked.⁽¹⁵⁾

No open face of God could through this muddy glass be seen, as being the dark side of the cloud which keeps from God by many removes and distances. Therefore, the great and merciful high priest hath sent down a healing balsam for a continually bleeding wound, even the victorious reconciling crown of priestly anointing, which is in very truth His essential deity, which riseth as a fountain of purity, overspreading the whole humanity and consecrates it for both tabernacle, ark and altar in which the Holy Ghost officiates and accomplishes the whole divine service.

Now, whatever soul and spirit shall be thus taken up and arrested upon God's account to serve and minister about the heavenly and most excellent things which belong to the everlasting priesthood, here is an absolute command to have no touch nor intermeddling withal so as to ensnare or come into hazard of breaking the consecrated vows.⁽¹⁶⁾ For it is not to be thought that the Most Holy will allow or permit such to profane what He hath sanctified, or the living to be entombed with the dead or the high scented oil which springs from the Holy Ghost to let in the noisome putrefications from the loathed Kedar, where all unclean spirits do dwell. For it is a true saying of that great saint, that we in this consideration do cease to be our own.⁽¹⁷⁾

We cannot, according to the law of the spirit, dispose of ourselves from our Lord and Master's employ and business further than we, as good and faithful stewards, can give a satisfying account unto Him according to those spiritual circumstances we are bound in. No, not for an hour or a day. The great and mighty king loveth to see all his priestly train and attendants still about Him in such an holy order and heavenly posture as being ready to be sent forth upon the most eminent services.⁽¹⁸⁾

He can find employment enough for His subjects and ministering spirits and takes it as a great dishonor to have this holy order in their high profession to be brought into contempt by running into the cloud and thicket of vain rudimental things. Nay, more than this -- the restitution extends to the ordained and called ones upon whom the anointing hath been poured forth. For, because of the most holy incense offering, they cannot be at liberty to fall in with those lawful concerns which pertain to the feeding and clothing of the body.⁽¹⁹⁾ If here at any time engaged, the spiritual part suffers hurt because it acts out of its own sphere and divine property which should stand in faith's essentiality, where all our motions should be accompanied with the principle of faith in the priestly ministration for the supplying what is needful to the true temple worshippers.

Whereunto, keeping and walking with God in a perfect way, fulfilling all His sanctuary institutions, such are as lilies to spring and grow without toil or care. The blessings of the deep shall ever more abound and flow in while there is an abiding in the faith hereof, giving God full credit and running all fully upon His account in this cause. The truth is, the Lord stands engaged to provide all sufficiency for His servants whom He hath called from all other low inferior services and employs, being Himself in covenant with the priesthood of his own ordination.

Holy Paul makes use of it from the unchangeable law that runs from shadows and figurative services till it comes to the life and substance. "Do you not know," saith he, "that they which minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple, and they which wait at the altar, are partakers with it?" They have a right hereunto according to a law of divine institution. But the proprietors of these worldly goods do not hold themselves obliged hereunto but do engross and take up all, and if they let go anything it is rather by constraint than a free and voluntary offering. But we are not to search too deep into this matter, for faultiness may be found among our own tribe that lie within the circle of the priestly covenant,⁽²⁰⁾ in whom much remissness and shortness hath been found as to the ministering to the necessities of the true dedicated Nazarites.⁽²¹⁾

But we hope to see another power and spirit that shall bear rule, which shall make the fast clasped proprietors to become all free and openhanded according to the foregoing prophecy, that the churl shall be made liberal, yea, so as to reckon nothing to be his own.

But here it may well be asked, "What is it that must come to loosen from this self-bottom so as to unhinge this strong gate that hath kept out from the land of eternal store and blessing whereof Abraham's seed in the faith are heirs?"

This doth in part answer the question, which may produce the great change in narrow spirits-- the gift of the faith of the operation of God which openeth from the springs of love which are spread abroad by the Holy Ghost and kept as a live coal that can multiply itself into a strong and vehement flame of love.⁽²²⁾ This is the cherishing root that makes faith to become all fruitful beyond all exterior sense and sight, resting and confiding in the creating fiat which can call those things that are not, to be and make a something of nothing. This we may call the riches of faith that can make an increase where no visible matter appeareth. This is no common faith. It is nowhere found but where the Holy Ghost hath planted Himself for a blessing and growing revenue.

Whoever shall receive of this gift and taste the power of it will soon cease to grasp and love earthly and perishing things. They will be constrained to offer and consecrate all that may be for the service and use of the holy, royal Melchizedek priesthood. And though at this time, little of this spirit and power doth appear in the world, yet know of a truth, from the witness of Jesus, that the long circling motion of the holy anointing, (which hath hitherto but scattered His sparks of light) is now in very deed upon the outbreaking day of life so that what hath been only in sweet love-movings and transient, passing powers that thus far have in the very altar-waiters, ceased. But we shall say now again, behold, come and see; the burning spiritual body is risen that will turn all uncertain motion into a fixed act of all flowing generating powers.

But the Lord hath showed me this will be first appropriated to the high priestly order that can pass beyond the veil, to whom the holy of holiest stands open. For there are different degrees, states and orders in this last and newly erected priesthood in which the Holy Ghost will appear to be all, which according to our received instruction, I shall give a description of and how it may be known who are the called and chosen of God hereunto. For each one ordained hereunto will have the foundation seal -- the priestly mark which shall be the known character which no one shall obliterate or deny.⁽²³⁾

And as to the outward sex-- there shall be no distinction⁽²⁴⁾ though the typical priesthood admitted none but males in its day. All of that is done away, for signs and figures in this ministration do fly away like a cloud. Male and female are alike here. Therefore the Holy Ghost doth include both in one swallowing up all in the newness, strength, power and glory of His own springing new birth according as it is witnessed-- "Where there is neither male nor female but Christ is all, and in all." Christ is the quickening spirit and the true evidence that will show forth itself according to their grown-up measure and degrees. For persons here signify little. Wisdom's purity and power in the spirit is all that God respecteth in His priestly offerings. We must know that these priests are of three ranks or orders, constituted and ordained by the Great High Priest who yet continues in His mediating kingdom till the whole be brought up and finished for mutual glorification with Him.

The first and lower rank is of those who are not yet got beyond the Son's ministration, who are yet conscious of sins and transgressions committed under the first covenant according to the similitude of Adam's transgression, running from that putrefied line, for whom there is a necessity to come under the divers washings and separations, atonings, blood-sprinklings so that they may be qualified to come within Mount Zion's circle where no sin offering is needed, but in order unto the rising up to the successive degrees of the Melchizedek order, the whole burnt offering is required. The goat must die and the sinful infected life must expire amidst the altar-flames. For a continual offering of this kind must exist till the whole body of sin be consumed. For whilst anything of that nature abides and works in its circling motion, there are required new and fresh atonings, pacifications and blood sprinklings until the one offering comes itself to be offered up once for all. ⁽²⁵⁾

This acquits from all sin and makes meet and prepared vessels to come into the first degree of purity whose consciences and all consciousness of sin, being purged therefrom, may come up with boldness and full assurance of faith in that anointing which is shed forth to cleanse from all sin, reconciling and making all scores and reckonings even, as in reference to God the most holy and justified of those who are made partakers of Christ in His prophetical, kingly and priestly office.

For wherever the Lord comes to offer Himself up through the eternal spirit by His own body, they are fully perfected. For as under the Levitical ordinances prescribed by God, it was appointed for the priests only to bear the ark, so under this covenant-ministration none but the spiritually consecrated priests that are of this order can bear the living testimony of Christ's risen and spiritual body. Such a body goes forth with great power wherever it comes, to make rocks break and islands flee away and waters to divide. All of which makes way for the bringing up to the last step of the all-priestly throne to sit down with Christ in heavenly places at the right hand of the Majesty on High, where we are to consider those who of this holy, high and separated order are here become the tabernacle, ark and altar, and the most inward holy place. From hence, Christ the anointed hath so poured forth Himself that He is to be known in them as no other than God the Holy Ghost, officiating and accomplishing the most holy service as in the person of the great high priest.

Such an high priest, having perfected holiness, comes in the open face of the most inward separated place where God is manifest and where no spirit nor soul can ever come to know or meet God but here. This we have from the mouth of the Lord Himself, who told Moses that here in this holy place He would commune with him and appear in His glory. But alas! Who is able to see at first glance into this high exalted degree of an high priestly calling? It is so great and wonderful that it makes the light of all foregoing ministrations look dark and dim, as far excelling all, as the substance doth the shadow.

But before we proceed to set forth this third and last degree that brings so into God, let us consider further of the two lower orders to which this priesthood doth belong -- what their qualifications are, and from whence called out? The first rank is of those aforementioned who have been under the altar of purifyings and divers washing and blood-sprinklings, and perfuming oils by which they are made perfect and clean and become such as who have no more conscience of sin, for the fountain-spring of the life blood stands ever open-- Christ in His bubbling spirit by which He maintains a sinless purity. Of which sort God chooseth and ordains his tabernacle ministers who are made meet to officiate about the holy things, offering up the holy incense and heave-offerings, keeping all the laws and charge of the sanctuary,⁽²⁶⁾ presenting only what is consecrated unto the Lord in order to the expelling of every defiled thing.

Now great is the dignity of this very lowest degree, forasmuch as they are made partakers of Christ. In Him they are become mediators of the new covenant wherein great strength is found. Inasmuch as Christ in spirit is made the surety of this faultless testament which gives great boldness to plead for remission of sins in the behalf of others who yet remain in the sinful imperfect state, who being ready and free to intercede from the pure unfeigned love on their behalf, may come up to be the highest also in this divine function.

Now to mention the service and office of the second order who are such as take not this honor unto themselves but are chosen, anointed and separated by the heavenly ordination-- these are those who are set apart for God's sanctuary to be pitched in the midst of them. Out of this sanctuary they are not to depart, because the crown of the anointing oil hath been poured forth upon them which is no less than the sanctification in the Holy Ghost. Here they are to wait in their perfect God-like order and can set no defiled thing before their eye, as David speaketh, "Thou has set the godly man apart for thyself." God appropriates all that are of the priestly order to Himself. He forbids them to be servants to men; nothing of a divided service is here to be pleaded for, no going back to bury their dead or to be defiled with them.

It was the blessing which Moses pronounced upon the tribe of Levi-- "Let thy Urim and Thummim be with thy Holy One who said of his father and mother, I have not seen them, neither did he acknowledge his own brethren nor know his own children." Signifying that there was a coming out from and forgetting whatsoever was of a mortal birth and all external bonds and obligations.⁽²⁷⁾ It is like God's taking up of Enoch-- a cessation from a worldly being presently follows this separate order. God will have none come near Him that shall look back to the customs, traffic and immersements of this world; though lawful to others, yet not to these that are under this anointing. For God, who is the most high purity, soon discovers an Esau-hunter⁽²⁸⁾ or a worldly Demas with whom the Holy Ghost can have no communion. Nor will he take any to officiate in the holy priestly ministration till separated from these gross and servile things.

But here now follows an objection -- how such shall be provided for that must discharge themselves from all secular callings, having no property in the common Mammon stock and store and yet have bodies which stand in need of temporal things? What way do you propose for their outward subsistence?⁽²⁹⁾

As to this, we refer you to what the Almighty Provider and Overseer hath settled as a standing rule throughout the holy priestly generation. That God Himself is to be their portion and inheritance, and therefore they were to have no inheritance with their brethren. The sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire are given them for their portion. How is that to be understood? Thus, -- "They which wait at the altar are to receive of the gifts of that altar which none other hath right to partake of." There is a further meaning in this than what we have license yet to declare. Only this much we may glance out in this gloomy day-- that there is a vein which runs under ground within the holy place that to the priests revenue doth belong. The vulture's eye hath it not descried, neither can any artificer among the sons of men this golden mine find.

The everlasting precious Rock is a covering upon it and still will be till the third rank of this high priestly order shall be brought into manifestation in the conquest and sealing power of the Holy Ghost. Then you will see what force Aaron the high priest's rod hath to rule and pierce this long hidden vein from whence will flow forth an inexhaustible treasury. Gold and silver in this time will be of little regard, the engrossers of which shall be tormented when they shall see their coin out of date. For the great Melchizedek will be the absolute monarch, and a new coin shall be stamped which shall currently pass through all the earth.

But be this secret that in Wisdom's glass we have seen-- it is not yet our time anything further to disclose, but let us go on to the highest degree in this tabernacle in the holiest of beings to pitch, improving all present advantages here in a pure Nazarite dedication. This only observe-- if we feel in ourselves such an impulsive power from the Holy Spirit strongly carrying out hereunto, this will be a sign of a divine ordination and call hereunto.

We need nothing of man's approbation or installation to this holy Melchizedek order in which Christ is to be known the same yesterday, today, and forever, carrying on this everlasting priesthood from His own eternal loins in the spiritual generation, of which no account can be given, being chosen of Him hereunto before the foundation of the world. Which world is not to vanish away but that a way may be made for the new creation which shall consist of these three degrees of kingly priests.⁽³⁰⁾ However, let all be cautioned not to presume to thrust themselves into this sacred function before the Melchizedek king in his true eternal spiritual birth does spring in the soul, where true regeneration and pure and high illuminations have passed before in way of preparation for this priestly star's rising.

Therefore, what manner of abnegation and holy separation is hereunto required? This one service and work is to be followed and minded. Whoever are entered into this most high and holy profession must cease from all other rudimental earthly services⁽³¹⁾. The temple service is to be managed by clean and sanctified vessels set apart for that use. Now here it will be convenient to show the necessity of having all things ministered to such in their attendance by those who are endowed with these worldly goods. There is an obligation which in an especial manner lies upon all true Israelites, to bring their gifts to those who are called out from amongst them to serve at the altar, for whom provision should be made for their necessary supply that they may have nothing of care or encumbrance upon them in their first entering hereupon.

All which is a most acceptable offering if any shall freely communicate upon this consideration, that such of this kind may not be always required.⁽³²⁾ For as this royal priesthood gets up to their all powerful degrees and princely dignities, they will have no need of any creaturely contributions, for to them the door of all heavenly store shall stand open, from whence they shall not only have to answer their own requirings but also those of the whole oppressed and groaning creation. Wherefore, what more acceptable for the present distress can there be than to promote and help forward this priestly dedication which may bring so great a blessing upon the earth?

But it may be objected,-- "How shall we know infallibly such as who are under this Nazarite vow and holy anointing, that we may minister to them of our substance? There being at this day so many rising stars which the serpent's tail hath plucked down to the earth?"⁽³³⁾

Know that it is a principal gift to have an impartial spirit of discerning in this matter before the Holy Ghost comes to give the undeniable witness. But now to know them while they are in the minority and suffering state, going on in the process of Christ who Himself was questioned and doubted of sometimes by them who were daily conversant with Him, the same spirit of incredulity and suspicious fear may have a great predominance now among Christ's disciples as not discerning the Lord returned in spirit, though yet in weakness of flesh, for the abolishing of the sin and curse out of it.

Which while this is but a-doing in order for the holy priesthood to enter in, all aid, support and encouragement ought to be ministered by those who are in more enlargement as to these outward things and to lay aside all jealousy, fear, and suspicion.⁽³⁴⁾ For it is much better to be found in the excelling spirit of charity which hopeth and believeth the best of things and thinketh no evil and yet doth not take away right and sound judgment, but that they may discern who the Lord's true anointed ones are.

There are several characters by which they may be known before they reach to the high priestly mark. We will mention one or two as the forerunning ground work. In the first place, they are crucified to all mortal and temporal things that would invite and steal away the mind and weaken the strength of love to God. They are perfectly unhinged and loosened from all of this kind, which is so great a sorcery and witchcraft by which millions of souls have been bound down so that they could never expect this resurrection state to reach.

A second character is this: that as they are become dead to all the evil appearance of things, so in some respect to the show and seeming godliness and formal state⁽³⁵⁾ of the first temple-building with all its ceremonial ministrations, which can never make the comers thereunto perfect. Until these be removed, there is no place for the temple-body and tabernacle of God to come down, from whence the everlasting burning incense and praise offerings are to ascend.

Now, from these two branches, numerous fruit of the spirit will spring by which you may know the high priestly offspring who must needs appear as bright and terrible as an army with banners, eschewing and denying all of the changeable state of things whether considered in the heavenly constellation or in the earthly retinue, nor staying in any state or ministration until got up to dwell in the munition of rocks where neither water nor bread shall ever fail. This and much more might be enlarged upon as the first buddings out of the priestly lilies⁽³⁶⁾ which are to grow without care and toil, and therefore are all worthy to be cared for.

And if there shall be a carelessness or neglect of this duty as to the present season wherein outward things may be for the promotion of this high priestly fraternity, if no open heart here shall be found, God would not fail to bring in by some other way and shut out the earthly proprietors that may overslip their day in that they have omitted to consecrate their principal substance to the use and service of this holy stock through which their blessing would have been.

For the Lord, who is King of the whole creation, observes well who bring their free-will offerings of this kind. Let not this seem as a bare tinkling sound, for the weight of a God is in it, Who will certainly flow in through this rising priesthood with such fruitful powers and gifts as they may then be able to bless many with the blessings from the Holy Ghost, and know the Temple-body is here for a raising, the golden nail affixing, wherein the sovereignty of a kingly priesthood in this approaching time and age is coming to be established.

The Lion out of Zion is roaring to gather in His priestly prey. Blessed are they who are come to know the thunder of His power and do obey it, taking hold of that horn that is filled with the priestly oil which may give a true separating mark to the elect sheep. The time is far spent in the hopeful expectation for all these great things to be fulfilled.⁽³⁷⁾ No other thing will now suffice after all this light and revelation but to be found the living epistles, which is the sure engraving of the Holy Ghost. As it was said that the writing of the law was by the finger of God, even so, yet once again God will copy out Himself, not in a dead draught but in a lively acting power.

For this end, a strong gust of wind from the third Heavens doth blow to open this fair rose and lily which is yet in its bud (in her day). And although long it hath been hid and kept under the thicket of wild plants, yet now the love devouring flame is come forth to kindle upon them, that this holy thing may come to stand single and alone from every twisting briar and thorn that hath shaded and overtopped this sprout of life, which is to run up unto the high throne of the everlasting priestly dominion where there is all boldness and freedom to enter the most holy place. What is that but the most secret tabernacle of the Most High wherein all pleasant joy and rest in love-communion is known?

Can we but come to put on this priestly robe, admittance then we may have to speak with God at any time. But who is it that can be privileged for such an immediate access but such as wear the pure ephod and the most holy breast-plate, where is the Urim and Thummim, the shut-up oracle, all open to such doth stand? Through which oracle God's mind is well understood.

Of such qualifications as these is that third and top stature of the Melchizedek priesthood in which the ark of the testimony doth open so that all difficult points will be decided, either in reference to God or man. This is the last and wonderful ministration beyond which nothing is to be looked for, for it brings fallen man back again to what he was designed for before this visible creation was brought forth.

May it not be permitted us to say, and that not without good authority, that fallen man is to be restored to a degree above the angels? "For unto which of the angels said He at any time, thou art my son; this day have I begotten thee? and, Let all the angels of God worship Him." What is here appropriated to Christ, the same appertains to all that are of His life-line begotten⁽³⁸⁾, from the same incorruptible word to the same joint pre-eminence at which the fallen angels to this day have great indignation. Therefore, they are so busy and active in this present proving time, watching to beguile, tempt and supplant all of this priestly crown.

Those do well know who are come to any good degree of this new springing birth. These spirits have a thousand wiles and subtle baits to tempt withal from this present world by which they have great advantage to bind still under their power, striving to keep the creature still in enmity to God their Creator as they themselves are. We find them introducing still of their poisonous sting, which is become the bitter root of sin which only the Holy Ghost can pluck away and heal again the infected part.

For what but a spirit can enter into that deadly thing for cure and restoration against which all the fallen angels do greatly war and struggle? For they would still keep in their scorpion sting. But the love compassion of the everlasting Father hath made such provision as to have it drawn out where foundation building is laid for an holy royal priesthood. The sovereign ointment is all compounded and made ready for the perfecting of this cure at which all evil angels, whether visible or invisible, who are in the earthly sinful principle, do remain, may envy and be in pain, but no power have they to hurt or thrust in their leviathan hook to wound again.

Such a defensive virtue there is found in this boiling ointment which works itself to such an height of spirit as no malignity of sin is able to abide with it. So penetrating it is that it throws out every black moat that from this low blustering region is blown in upon it. And thus the Holy Ghost is become the true working, bubbling spring that maintains a divine clearness with wonder, in which God the Holy Ghost will make Himself manifest in a more full and perfect manner than whatever in former ages hath been witnessed. Wherever this powerful and piercing anointing shall first work through, it will do no less than produce those creating powers that shall another world renew. God yet once more is to move Himself in this mystery from which such a conflagration is expected that nothing more of the old earth or heaven shall remain. For there is a day that must burn as an oven.

Blessed are those in whom it shall have its enkindling wherein all dead fruitless works shall be burnt up which makes room for the seven governing powers of the Holy Ghost to go forth, whether in the arch-angel trumpet sounds or lightning voices, earthquakes, bindings, loosenings, shuttings, openings, working on this and on that hand as imperceivable, yet all things effecting through the impregnable motion of this Invisible Operator. Of this sort it will be the new heavenly hosts that are created again by the Holy Ghost, all lively sparking stones that are in their invisible nature as fiery flames that can go hither and thither to act according to the will of the great Elohim.

This is now the thing that we are day by day looking out for its all-powerful springing. All other flourishings, in the very courts of holiness, in the use and exercise of divine ordinances and solemn convocations, are not to be stayed in though they seem to be as the goodly tents of Jacob.⁽³⁹⁾ God the Holy Ghost comes to move higher from His own essential creating Word by which He makes new heavens that shall forever remain and no more be subject to vanishing. It will be the last and greatest proving to the saints themselves to have their heavens not only shaken but melted all away, which may be compared to an outspreading garden of various flowers which look pleasant and delightful, but they are what must fade and die.

These garnishings are not to be trusted to, for as grass they will wither. Something else that is stable and durable I am taught and made to look for which is nothing less than the creating Word of the Holy Ghost that may be as a new coined mint that will renew an everlasting treasure, which the sun and moon of these visible heavens must bow unto. All the glory of flesh is rejected when pure breath and spirit, in a body of air, shall as out of the valley of dry bones appear and move as a celestial wheel both upward and downward, carrying and bearing up as an anointed cherub that may mount and ascend and face the supreme glory of the Lord Almighty.

This is the high adoption, that the spirit in the living creatures does move from the earthly center up straight forward, being circled about with the unfadeable body of the immutable heavens, to whom the heaven of heavens will open and descend to take in such royally clothed priests that have put off their changeable heavens and are all clothed with substantial power. If anyone asks how this shall be and when, we can only direct you to wait at the High Priest's gate, by whom is our entrance into all of these high inconceivable working powers in the Holy Ghost. These powers will make the separating description and show by real evidence who it is that from men and the earth are in truth fully redeemed.⁽⁴⁰⁾

Before we can give over this subject, we are to make known, for the priestly election's sake, that they may be strengthened, supported and encouraged in their process from the knowledge of these special royalties which do belong to them. It has been specified what are the high qualifications of this high priesthood who must no more look down towards the creeping things of the earth, for here you must consider the Enochian translation, these priests being designed for the company of God, the most holy separated Being. For there is a real taking into God to be experienced and a ceasing from the life of sin. Now for the bringing up hereunto, there must be a passing through until the holiest of all be entered into.

But now we come to describe what this holy function stands chargeable with and also the dignity, power and pre-eminence which doth attend it. Every high priest taken from men is ordained in things pertaining to God that he might offer gifts and sacrifices for sin. This is a charge which to this new covenant priesthood doth still belong, for whosoever is qualified to deal with God and to make intercession as the pure and merciful, who have themselves been encompassed with infirmity and passed through divers temptations -- who but these can know how to have compassion of the ignorant and taught alike?

Those that have turned aside from the sanctuary of God's presence and walk and thereby have lost their peace and joy, God hath as well provided in this case priests and mediators on the earth as He that provided that great High Priest who is entered into the heavens. For the self-same prevalence and power will be found in and amongst this holy and undefiled priesthood, because wherever Christ in His spiritual body is present with the breathing power of the Holy Ghost, it implies great efficacy in every oblation and prayer which shall be put up in their behalf.

Thus a spirit of atoning is appropriated unto the Melchizedek priesthood from whom more fruitful powers must branch forth for further service in their place and office. There is also an absolving commission given so that whosoever's sins they remit, they are from all guilt discharged as pronouncing it in the person and power of Him to whom the Holy Ghost was given without measure and as who, after His resurrection breathed forth this power upon His disciples that whatever they bound on earth shall be bound in heaven.

In this manner He communicates His priestly power and authority that as He, the Son of man, had power to forgive sins, so might they also have on earth after His departure to carry on their apostolical dispensation. This dispensation only lasted for a while and being lost, a feigned form was set up instead of it, without any sealing effects of a spirit or power.

Thus the shadow hath been held up in Babel without any living presence or boast of a key, which never yet could open nor give enlargement to those who were bound in the cords of iniquity. For how should they who are not purified themselves help or succor their brethren? And though this true thing hath been abused by the arrogant and self-exalting spirit that with this priestly robe covers all manner of filth and uncleanness, all which will come to bear its shame and have its overthrow as this true and royal priesthood shall rise in power in the true tabernacle where the Holy Ghost will present the priestly offerings. And this is that which upon sure grounds we know is now reviving again. The Most Holy will bring forth His priestly unction which will take the chair so that this ordination may take place in great sovereignty.

The holy and just One hath reserved His last and most wonderful sealing testimony to go forth from the unity of an holy, priestly spirit which is so far perfected as to stand no more in need of offerings for sin, because He who sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are made all one in this ministration. For if they come not to a sinless state, they cannot be of this high-priestly order, because to it a key is given which must open all the twelve gates before mentioned.

Without controversy, great is that power that shall be here concentrated, for our exalted Christ, who is passed higher than the heavens, hath recovered power to transfer Himself in His divine purity and excellent might unto this elected priesthood which shall be visible here on earth. This is the true Mount Zion from whence decrees, laws, judgments and holy statutes shall go forth from the Urim and Thummim. Sound knowledge and understanding and the certainty of the words of truth from hence shall proceed so that it will be a most sure and safe oracle in all difficult soul-cases and to determine all doubts and difficulties.

For of old, the Israel of God would not venture upon any concern nor attempt any design without first having inquired at the priest's mouth, who was the only one to give forth the mind of God, which will now be again renewed for those who are now admitted to this high calling of the holy priesthood. For such honor shall these saints have above the lower ranks, as not being ordained by man, nor after the law of a carnal commandment but by the impressed seal of the mighty God. Here need no epistles of commendation. The powers of this priestly dignity will be sufficient orators to recommend them. For great signs and wonders will be acted forth when the temple body of the Holy Ghost shall come down and open itself in the priestly ministration, every branch of which will have its multiplying fruits for the praise offerings of the sanctuary.

I shall now declare what the Testimony of Truth hath spoken in me, which is this-- that whatever God is or can do, the same will appear in and amongst this priestly order. Visions, proverbs and similitudes must cease, which as leading stars have been under the Son's ministration; this being the fullness of time in which the Father will show Himself plainly without any figures or shadows in the substantial body of power, incessantly flowing, from which the new creation must bud out in a fresh glory and all of the old, fade and die away.

But here it may be objected,-- "Where are there any to be found of this royal priesthood who may give forth a sealing evidence in this present time? They have indeed been long predicted of but we would fain see some really instated in this high order."

For answer to this, I say that there may possibly be some who are advanced to a good degree of this high state and who have passed through the first and second order. All which is an inward, secret, purifying work from sin, and holy ground made ready for the Righteous Branch and its lily beauty to spring, which may be done without any great noise. For where Christ is come to offer Himself once for all, then the next thing that follows is the coming of the Holy Ghost to reign All in all.

Wherefore we will believe and hope there may be some under this peculiar ordination, though dispersed and unknown, who are all ready to enter upon the third degree, which is the spiritual rule and authority. For it is no less than a perfect regeneration that bringeth to this gate, because whoever enters here must first have shaken hands (said goodbye) with a worldly conversation, no more touching any dead thing. Wherefore this state is not common nor easily attained⁽⁴¹⁾ but by such who are touched by love and anointed for this holy Melchizedek order, who, of their calling, none shall ever have cause to repent. For great are the royalties that will follow according as hath been declared.

The spirit of prophecy spake thus to me expressly as the close of this subject saying, --

"I will choose a disciplehood yet upon the earth again who shall know Me in my inward spiritual figure. As in former time I was known in a visible humanity by voice and shape, but now I am come to appear and walk upon invisible earth in which none but the spiritual man understands My speech or sees My transformed shape-- to such who are My chosen disciples, I will familiarly appear. For behold, I am upon a new election who the Alpha and Omega is to call together such whose names as are found in the crown number roll, one by one until come to the 144,000 for the increase and manifestation of this most holy priesthood. Blessed are they that shall be the first foundation pillars hereof-- so saith the Yea and Amen. For this will be the Virgin Church upon whom no spot nor wrinkle shall be found. For if found faulty, I cannot be their priestly head, for the case is now altered of what it was in the day of My visible corporiety, which was the first dawning of My day in which the mixed and imperfect things among My disciplehood could not so suddenly fly away. Therefore a suffering state was to succeed after Me so that sin by its daily dyings might expire, which among My old disciplehood in that age, did take great effect but yet deceasing before reaching to the full and perfect date of what was to be the church's primitive state. Now something greater and more perfect is to be revealed after so long and cloudy a night of apostasy where there has been a going back instead of going forward. But there is a star that shall arise out of the same light orb, whereof it shall be said, 'Behold Wisdom's day through dark clouds doth appear, out of whose virgin womb bright stars of glory are generated innumerable to make up that temple church all fair and crystalline, terrible as an army with banners that shall display my strength and power.'"

This is the trumpet sound of Christ the Lord's spirit to such who of this high and holy order are that they may break away from their iron yokes and be unbound from all terrestrial things in order to be received into this new disciplehood and with the Lord⁽⁴²⁾ to have all freedom of speech. Oh! Where shall we find any that shall for this high and spiritual degree resign all they have and are,⁽⁴³⁾ that as fixed pillars for this first born church they may so come to be. Lord Jesus, I see it is thy golden crook that must take hold for such a priestly ministry.

Before I conclude, I shall answer some queries that may arise in the minds of some who may require some further satisfaction concerning the truth of these things as they read these prophetical Revelations.

The first objection that meets me asks, "How and after what manner are these great and deep mysteries revealed and made known? For we are in doubt whether any since the Apostle's days can have so pure and clear a discovery of the mind of God by way of vision or Revelation."⁽⁴⁴⁾

As to this I answer,-- The thing is weighty and may be allowed, to search and follow this query closely, for there are too many that are pretenders to the gift of prophecy and revelation, whereby they put a cheat upon themselves and others and bring themselves under that woe of taking up the Lord's spirit for their covering, which is the greatest of all evils -- to be under a spiritual fraud. Therefore I say, let everyone search, try and examine from what ground and spirit they come forth as the oracles of God to give His mind out. For assuredly they will be called to a severe account by the Spirit of Truth.

Now as to this I will assure thee, (O Inquirer) whoever thou art, it was my great fear and jealousy, even upon my first entrance into this ministration, and I was made well aware of the wiles and subtleties of Satan that was ready enough to mingle his deceits with truth, but divine Wisdom was my Counsellor and Cautioner and her spirit became the conductor and separator unto truth. She was continually throwing out what would not bear the touch of the burning stone which Wisdom had placed in the center of my heart, by which a wonderful light of manifestation did spring for the knowledge of the truth in the deep essentiality of it.

The way, method, measure and rules of it as experienced by me, I shall demonstrate for the service and benefit of such as are true seekers and fervent lovers of truth, how they may come to know the true revelation of the spirit of Christ from those mixed spirits that are apt to inject their motions and so muddy the pure springs of revelation. For know it is a nice and difficult matter to know the Spirit's speech and voice in His day, since Christ the Lord's ascending, than what it was before, when as the word of the Lord came expressly to the Patriarchs and Prophets articulately by immediate voice.

God was very familiar in way of speech with Abraham, Moses, and to the prophets until Christ's time, but now in these last days He speaks to us by the Spirit of His Son, which is the Spirit of Truth and Comfort. That is the spirit we are to try and to be proved by whether or not He is come into us as a spirit of prophecy and revelation which you shall know first by way of preparation of the inward mind.

For the speaking word of oracle of God must have a most holy separated place, distinct and apart from the outward man. For there is to be prepared an inward temple body, else no expectation of the Holy Ghost without a suitable body be prepared for Him as the living Ark in which the oracle of truth may open and show the records of the heavens.

But it may be further queried,-- "How can this temple body be raised up and kept so spiritually as to be distinct and separate from the mortal body with its senses and earthly motions?"

I answer,-- Herein indeed lieth the great mystery of all mysteries. How to keep the spirit of the outward birth with all its infecting multiplicities from rushing into the inward court where the soul and God are to be in private council together. For if there be a breaking in of the troubled sea of thoughts, this is that which adulterates the pure revealed things and brings a false color upon them. Therefore, I shall give these following rules as they were given me by the holy anointing.

When I first sought this privilege of divine inspiration, I was counselled as to the outward state of things, to avoid as much as I could, the choking, entangling cares of this life and also to sequester myself from all worldly conversation and give up spirit, soul and body in pure dedication. The which I can say, in my measure I have been obedient to and have found good things as to the spiritual part have accrued thereby which I shall never have cause to repent of, let my losses be what they may be as to the worldly lot of things.

Now the next rule, which is more interior and evangelical as to the inward and holy place of the mind. For this, take more special care and keep the outward birth at a distance from the superior and inward birth. Call in your heavenly guard upon it. Enter into no parley with the outward man of reason concerning spiritual matters, for you will find him a false prophet and in no way sympathetic to this ministration the soul is waiting upon. Therefore watch and be in a defensive posture against all invasions of this kind.

Then again take a further caution concerning a finer, subtle sort of imagination which comes in the appearance of spirituality. Here lieth the greatest danger for mistake, when seeming good motions do rise and spring and yet but from the astral kingdom.⁽⁴⁵⁾ But they are sometimes so divine (seemingly) as you can hardly discern them from the true teaching of the holy anointing. There are spirits that will put on such a priestly dress like those that rose up against Moses, the Lord's infallible prophet, saying, "Are not we spiritual and therefore may be admitted into the secret of God with you and there give our verdict as from the oracle of God?"

Thus we are in danger to be encompassed with spirits so finely clothed as they would think much to be refused but where the Urim and Thummim of sound judgment in such is come, which alone can discern and taste spirits of all sorts of qualities, natures and degrees. For I well know a mind may be replenished with knowledge and understanding of divine mysteries from the outward tongues received and taken in and yet have been kept strangers to the flowing springs of Wisdom and Revelation within, from whence the certainty of the true prophet is to be known. Therefore, let everyone look to what they speak, teach or write. For it will pass through the inward ground for trial where the fiery region will prove it.

But now I shall come to describe the true and more certain way of divine openings and revelations. Know then, where holy consecrations and special separations to the foregoing preparation of this high ministration,-- where these are, such may come to feel in themselves one essential birth of life to spring which is not to be received by the verbal comprehension, knowledge, understanding or any such thing. But the Spirit of Truth and Revelation openeth itself in the fiery essence of the soul in a sweet silent stillness where all thoughts are excluded.

Then doth the light ray of the Deity rise and overshadow and fill the temple of the mind with light and glory. Then will the soul sink away deeper and deeper into the abyss, being where the greatest of Wisdom's secrets are to be known.

    How blind to time must that eye be,
    Who would see the glories of eternity?
    Sure those who Heaven most desire,
    They from all of earth do most retire.

When the spirit of the soul can after this manner steal and slide away from time and mortal day, then open stands that gate which gives entrance to behold the glorified beings and to hear the languages of that light world which none else can hear but them that are got out of the noise of other hearings into that still and silent deep where most pleasant joyful voices and sounds are heard. This enters through the several organs as a fiery breath and nothing of vocal words is either required or needed there. Now then by this you may judge that pure and unadulterated revelation and vision of a true sight is not so quickly rushed into nor easily attained. It is a great and peculiar gift and also requires great watchfulness and attendance upon it if any would enjoy and hold it in incorruption.

That there may be no deceit in this matter when you come to try your own and other spirits, take this observation further with you- If any one brings out a prophecy or a revelation, take notice what a defensive power and guard it hath upon it. The beloved John, when he had all those visions and revelations, he gives an account how they were seen and heard by him, for saith he, "I was in the spirit on the Lord's day" (and a good proof there was of it). As much as if he had said that it was neither man nor mortal's day that did rise and enclose upon him but the one everlasting day or Ancient of Days in whose light he had the glorious prospect of heavenly things themselves. Thus he was in the spirit, which was his defensive power and guard to keep out all other trifling spirits.

Observe this further-- it is a much different thing for the mind and spirit of the soul to be caught and taken up into the spirit pure, and abstractedly, for then it is secured from mixtures. But when the Holy Spirit is come only into the property of our souls, giving forth lustrous light and revelation, and in speaking fluently, yet it is not hazardous to be twisted about from the self-promoting essence that is ready and apt to dash in upon the divine inspiring as soon as it arise from its own center deep.

This I speak knowingly, having traced through the deep meanders before I arrived to know the true and certain way of revelation by which now I am put out of doubt concerning the true oracle speaking in the soul as to my own particular, watching thereunto with heedfulness for the keeping out all fluttering spirits that have their birth and nourishment from the astral and elementary region, that can go in and out for proving until we are got beyond their kingdom. Now indeed when the spirit of the soul meets with such an ascent into the spirit, as the beloved disciple, then it is out of all fears. But his is very rare.

They are high favorites that do frequently meet with such transportations, but the other is more common and frequent to Saints that are lovers and enjoyers of that ministration for whose sakes I have been urged to open these secret things, that they may put on their impregnable strength of defense for the preserving this great immunity as the choicest of all of God's favors. And that incorruptibly, as from the pure spring of the spirit, you will find every faculty tinged with the fiery glance of the Holy Ghost, as you see by the dark and hard body of iron being enclosed with fire it is so penetrated therewith, that it becomes as one and the same fire-flame.

But you must keep and feed it there as the salamander which always liveth in the fire; after this manner doth the Holy Ghost with His invisible flaming body penetrate through the spirit of the soul, that it is encompassed with light, as the angel which is said (Rev. 19:17.) standing in the sun, all appearing as the very sun of glory. Therefore, it is highly valuable for any saint to get such a clothing of the spirit upon them, for nothing of Adam's weak or impotent nakedness can here be seen, but all glory, strength and power will be your habitation.

Therefore these are store gifts to be much set by and desired and not slighted or despised. Now having given a plain and experimental account of this nice and difficult point, which I hope may have reached to the satisfaction of the doubtful, I shall now by virtue of a heavenly commission given me from the Lord, give counsel and caution to three sorts and degrees of persons.

The first is to them that do question whether there be any spirit of prophecy or revelation given forth since the apostles' decease, as believing all died with them? This would be a sad and deplorable thing if God should since that age cut off the spring of revelation from its original so that the sheep and lambs of Christ's flock should no more expect to be fed from the fresh springing pastures where no footing hath been, or to drink of those flowing rivers of life that renew daily from the fount of the Godhead.

Let such but call to mind and consider those many scripture prophecies and promises concerning the continuation of this gift unto the very endtime, both in the old and new testament. I shall mention only some of the latter-- John 14:16-18, 2 Cor. 4:8, 1 Cor. 2:10-14, and Heb. 8:9-11. Many more than these scriptures could I call up for confirmation of the continued run of the Spirit throughout all ages. Christ by His spirit comforting us saying, "Lo, He would be with His to the end of the World."

Now, as from the Lord, I beseech you not to eclipse the light of the day-star (2 Pet. 1:19) in your own souls, nor quench the spirit nor despise prophesying. Then may the witness of Jesus rise in you to confirm this most glorious ministration as a burning lamp of revelation.

A word of love-caution is to another sort of persons who are entered into this ministration in its first degree and are under the spirit's discipline and teaching. The word of counsel from the Father of spirits is this,-- that they keep precisely to the rules and laws of the spirit. For there will be expected from such, more shining and singular conversation shown forth in a self-denying life, dying to all those mortal things and sensual enjoyments that strangle and choke the fiery breath of the Holy Spirit, to stop it from kindling further and deeper in the soulish essence so that there may be a coming up to a mighty increase and fruitfulness in the love and unity of the spirit, having all tenderness to support, love and cherish each olive plant that springeth out of this Eden garden, which is watered by the holy mists and dropping dews of the Spirit.

Now to the third sort, this word of wisdom and counsel doth greet them whom we discern to be a high and lofty stature, having shot forth their branches in great lustre and glory as having got beyond all declarative revelations and teachings, as not receiving or needing any but what their own center of light will supply them withal. Herefrom inclining to slight what lies in bank and store with their fellow laborers for this same treasure. To such this word is sent that they carry it in great humility and lowliness of mind, preferring each ones gift before or as their own, maintaining all sweet and lovely fellowship with those of lower or higher degrees in mutual concord and harmony for the maintaining a holy fraternity and spiritual neighborhood.

Although each saint may have a full provision and plentiful portion of spirit in themselves so as they have no dependence on another, yet love is freely communicative and disperseth itself in great variety so as what one saint is gifted and furnished with, the other may want of that sort and kind and so a heavenly traffic and correspondence may be maintained, feeding and feasting with each other on the various fruits as all springing from one stock and tree of life.

For it is experienced that much increase of the holy anointing hath flowed forth by the conversation and declaration of divine inspirations from one saint to another. This hath begotten a new and spiritual generation as in former ages, so in this-- sending forth divine sparks of light and love for the gathering in of the holy priestly train that are to make up the temple glory. Until it shall come to be completed, there will be all need of this holy inspiring breath to be breathed from one to another, whether by outward or inward voice, as the Holy Spirit shall go forth in its various operations for the edifying of the body of love for a holy convocation to the Lord.

In the hopeful expectation of which I have been driven to disclose these great and deep secrets, being assured that this generation shall not pass away before there shall be a fulfilling of what hath been revealed and prophesied of in this little Tract. Blessed are they that shall have their lot and portion herein. There is a rich bank yet behind from whence the oily springs do fill that may be emptied forth when vessels are made more fine and ready thereof to take in.

For the which we shall wait and seek to find some such to partake of that rich and weighty prize that yet lieth in the secret and eternal mine, for there is a deep valley, which under the water of life doth lie, that will bring forth the fruitful olive plants that shall there be fed and nourished hiddenly until of a strong and full grown stature in spirit and power they may come to be.

Then will they show themselves to the true Israel of God universally, that the priestly kingdom may come forth to spread and flourish everywhere in power and great glory, sealed with a mission of the Holy Ghost, acting and going forth in signal miraculous working powers for confirmation of the truth of this dispensation in such a way as none shall resist nor any dark magician shall be able to counterfeit.

For so strong and impregnable is the foundation of this temple body of glory that neither dragon, beast, nor false prophet shall be able to undermine it. It being built and compacted together of previous sapphire stones, transparent for beauty and glory. The jasper stone is both foundation and covering thereon. Then will the shout of a king be heard in the land of salvation.

Oh! Ye holy and elect of God, wherever you have been hid-- appear if you have put on your anointed shield! Promote and help forward this royal priesthood wherein the lively express of the Holy Ghost is to be manifested.

Oh! That some such might be known that hereto do give themselves and mind no other thing as the Lord's approved workmen that may come to build up the inward priestly temple, whose furniture and glory shall be the gifts and power of the Holy Ghost. And now, what have I more to do but to wait in hope that the pure flaming spirit may henceforth go forth to gather in this priestly host, who, as in a wreathed chain of love, may be inseparably united so that we may come to take our degrees of prophets, priests and kings for the making good what hath been in this Treatise revealed.

Which, though in the form of a dead letter, yet O God, as the author hereof did in the writing meet with a mighty flow of the anointing presence, so let the same outflowing spring accompany such whom thou hast ordained to be taken into this holy priestly order, to which give thy amen. Oh great High Priest, to whom the glory hereof doth belong. Even so let that kingdom come into this world that shall consist of kings, priests, and prophets. With all such righteous plants, let the whole earth be planted for joy and praise to Him who is the Ancient of Days. Hallelujah to Him who is King of Kings.

END OF MESSAGE

14. This calls to mind that portion of Scripture which states, "But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok (a reference to the Melchi--zedek priesthood), that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near to Me, to minister unto Me, and they shall stand before Me to offer unto Me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord God: they shall enter into My sanctuary (Most Holy Place), and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto Me, and they shall keep my charge" --Ezekiel 44:15,16.

15. Jane Leade here makes it very clear that the way into the Most Holy, or into the full manifestation of a son, is blocked by being engrossed in the temporal cares of this life. This has been a mighty stronghold in the lives of many. Indeed, one must be ready for vilification to even mention leaving the cares, riches and pleasures of this life for the one offered us. The main and great impediment to this entrance? The reasoning mind! Reason refuses to give way to this requirement, raising more than a reasonable doubt and making a very ironclad case against its necessity.

16. The wording used here is quite striking. Absolute command! This is the unequivocal standard for those who shall be involved in the ministration of the most holy things. No intermeddling with or "puddling" about earth's cares or things. Please keep in mind that this is not just Jane Leade's opinion; if she is to be believed at all, it is a direct and absolute command from the Lord for qualification to this realm.

17. This is the great revelation which must come to us if we are to enter into these things. It must become more to us than just another scripture we know to be true theologically. It must be our case before the Lord.

18. I have heard the objection raised, "I don't have enough to do along ministerial lines to keep me busy all week long and therefore cannot justify coming away from secular employment." We are nowhere told that we are to be kept continually busy, or at some occupation in spiritual matters in order to justify being wholly in the Lord's employ. We are not our own! We are the Lord's and if it satisfies Him that we simply be idle while waiting upon Him, as killing as that may be to the outer, natural man, then so be it. We are the Lord's to dispose of as He desires. Apparently, according to Jane Leade, He loves to have us in attendance at all times. He does not desire to hear from us, "Lord, wait until my vacation comes around and I will go and do what you have asked." He desires to hear, "Yes, Lord. Immediately!"

19. I recently wrote an article for TSL on "The Faithfulness of God, Part I & Part II," in which I sought to do at least two things -- 1. Declare that God is now calling for certain of His elect who have heard the cry of His heart, to come apart from even that which is lawful to others in order to wait upon Him alone. 2. Declare the utter faithfulness of God to meet all who will do so in any and every circumstance. It has become radical to believe that God is calling us out of even that which is seemingly innocent and harmless to simply wait on Him. Yet, it is indeed what He is doing in the lives of some. He is causing them to leave, after having left all else, even the legitimate but distracting life of multiplicity and of those cares which act as "a twisting briar about the Lily-life" of Christ that is rising within them. But read on to find out why as Jane Leade explains in her own inimitable, God-coached, inspired way.

20. One cannot but admire Jane Leade's sense of fairness and right. She, like many who have lived by faith, had probably suffered many things because of the unfaithfulness of those to whom much (in a material way) had been given, and yet she is quick to admit what we are all forced to admit -- that there has been just as much injustice on the side of an in-part priesthood in taking, by "sleight of hand and cunning craftiness," that which had not been freely given to them. The spirit of repentance is very much needed in us all, I'm afraid.

21. It may well be asked, "If this holy priesthood shall act and perform its ministration from another ground than that of the in-part, namely, that ground which moves from the creative store and power of God, what need have they of the petty and common necessities after which all the Gentiles do seek?" They will only have need of such necessities so long as they are still in the minority and not yet come to fullness. Such a life that is free from all care and multiplicity is necessary in order to come into fullness. And herein is to be found the wonderful wisdom of God -- that there shall be some who bestow succor upon those who are first entering into such a humanity as will then turn and bestow upon, not only those who aided them in their time of need, but on all of mankind. Thus God enables Himself to spread the blessing to more than would otherwise be possible if no others participated in this process. That is, those who are not yet ready to enter in at the first, may share in the blessing by helping to initiate the inauguration of a new humanity and the installation of a holy priesthood whose blessing shall reach wherever the curse has reached.

22. I have said many times that we who are loathe to speak on giving have now reached the point where we must speak on it. Why? Because there is no such things as coming to fullness, to maturity, without the final operation of the Spirit in us, and that is Love! And how is love expressed? "God so loved that He gave ..." This Love, which shall reside in every son, cannot withhold anything from anyone! We simply cannot come to the maturity of sons without that kind of love and there can be no fruit of love without first sowing the seed concerning it.

23. In other words, they will not be greedy of filthy lucre, they will be of that character which is known as Christ. Their proof is not gifts but fruit.

24. This priesthood is completely enchristed so that Christ is all, and "in Christ there is no male or female."

25. She is in no way saying or even intimating that Jesus Christ did not die once for all as the sacrifice which taketh away the sins of the world. She is simply showing that we must come into it in our own experience. It must become more than doctrine to us.

26. She is not speaking of the keeping of carnal laws or of do's and don'ts. She is speaking of having that mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus-- the law of God written upon the tables of the heart so that it is according to our nature to desire to walk in them.

27. This is verily a dividing word. Not everyone can hear it, nor is there condemnation for those who cannot. It is a word prepared for those who are prepared to hear it. But it is a genuine Word of God to some.

28. An Esau-hunter speaks of one who loves flesh and will sell out for it. A worldly Demas, of course, speaks of those who love the world in the same manner.

29. As I sought to make clear in the two articles on this subject, I do not believe that this is a general word to all. I believe that it is a word to individuals who know that God has been dealing with them along such lines. I might add, the question here posed is a good one and one I asked myself at the outset of my experience in these things. Withdrawing from employment is one of the hardest things a man can be called upon to do. Losing control of one's financial life is indeed a mighty mountain to move, but as Jane Leade says, "Faith can move it."

30. Is this not glorious beyond all words? That God in His Virgin Wisdom has chosen that this fadeable earth and vile humanity which has stretched itself far and wide in sin, violence and a perverted rebellion to Him, should not be destroyed by another deluge of water but renewed and flowered with such springing Lily-plantings of God in whom nothing but His nature and life exist, stretching themselves and propagating themselves wherever fallen Adam at one time found his abode. No wonder Paul had to say, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" --Romans 11:33.

31. If we may assume that repetition is meant to stress or emphasize a matter, then we must also assume that Jane Leade, being led by the Holy Ghost, has gone out of her way to emphasize the absolute necessity of leaving all mortal pursuits for installation into this holy priesthood by God. No other conclusion can possibly be arrived at.

32. As I made reference before, this ministering to the needs of this priesthood shall only be required so long as they are still in the minority and not yet come to fullness. Then they shall begin to move and minister from the creative store of God during that time when a new currency shall be stamped and can then be as Joseph was in supplying the needs of his brethren and all of Egypt (the world) during a time when they would have perished otherwise. It would appear to me that those who give of their worldly goods in order to support and aid some to enter into such an exalted realm shall no doubt be contributing to their own deliverance and blessing in time to come. The unwillingness of some to give of their carnal things will not hinder nor deter God's ability to bring into fullness those elected thereunto, for if they steadfastly refuse to help, God will raise up deliverance from another place, but it shall not redound to their credit.

33. A legitimate inquiry and one that ought to be made.

34. Actually, what Jane Leade is here saying, I believe, is that if you miss or err in giving-- better for us it be done on the side of liberality than on the side of suspicion or doubt. For this there is a return.

35. In other words, they pay no mind the dress and costumes of the clergy or of the day. They wear simple clothes and not the formal attire which some feel speak of godliness and spiritual rank. This is not only true of their manner of dress, but of their speech, demeanor and way of life. There is no put-on for the sake of incurring in others a respect for themselves as being godly or humble or spiritual. They will have no degrees, collars, or ministerial robes nor any of the pride which attends such things. They are engrossed in walking before God only and desire only His approbation and approval. Man's approval is of little matter to them.

36. Any place you see this word, lily-- it is referring to that life which the lily knows, which is without toil or care. It is the kind of life our Lord led while on earth and which He begets in us.

37. Even though I intended to say something of this nature in the foreword, I must say here also that there is such an urgency and seriousness which has taken hold of me, this past year especially, that I cannot doubt that we are indeed very, very close to a mighty breakthrough into this realm of a holy priesthood. Let none doubt that God will shortly do what He hath had long patience in bringing forth. There is an immediacy about the next move of God that is a widespread and prevailing one coming from all over the country at this time (10/3/95).

38. This would in some circles be accounted as pure heresy and indeed, without the revelation of the Spirit, it is heresy. But what can be Christ's that isn't also theirs who are joined to Him and one with Him? What is meant by, "... heirs and joint heirs with Him."? It is that they who are one with Him are the recipients of all that is His!

39. Beloved, this is a call to all of us who have come through Pentecost and have known something of its glory and ministration. We are to press on toward Tabernacles and to perfection, not looking back on a bygone glory of an inferior sort. Let us but see the glory of Tabernacles and we shall be able to endure to the end, paying the price just to be in that number signified by the 144,000 firstfruits.

40. Some of the things Jane Leade speaks of are so fresh that it is not commonly known what is meant by some of the terms. A "fully redeemed" person is an ascended angel. Refer to Revelation 19:10 and 22:9 and hear what one of the seven angels said about receiving worship.

41. "No more I, but Christ" is the only ground upon which this state may be attained. For some time I have taken issue with those who have said they are already arrived at all Christ would do in them. This was because I did not see what I now see in Galatians 2:20. If their statements are made upon this ground, they have every right to make them. Faith in the finished work of Christ as revealed in this Scripture will support any who will dare to stand upon it.

42. Yet once again she alludes to leaving all mortal endeavors for the pursuit of this holy calling. It must indeed be important to the gaining of it.

43. Preachers, teachers, ministers of Christ; this word is to you! Are you willing to lose your recognition, your place and stations in the religious sphere, your reputation in the eyes of your peers, your security derived from man's system of religion and cast off the shoreline in order to launch out into the deeps? Such things are found only among the reeds which grow in the mire and marshes of the shoreline and must be left in order to come into the deep things of God. Look not back at some limited blessing of God on that which the mixture of good and evil has produced in your ministry. Look not to what you had hoped would be. Look unto that which is as a rising star within you and which shall continue to rise until the Day Star is fully come to its zenith in you. Only then shall there be in you "no darkness nor shadow of turning."

44. This particular line of questioning and answer I find to be of peculiar interest. Jane Leade makes no bones about it. She claims to have received these things by direct and visional revelation from the Lord. In bringing up such a line of questioning, she places the reader in the position of viewing her either as an outright imposter and liar, one who has succeeded in completely deluding herself or as she very forthrightly claims-- a humble vessel of no repute to whom such things are indeed made known. When taken as a whole, along with her demeanor and reverence and life for God, the latter must be the conclusion one arrives at.

45. This has reference to that mind which is of an earthly birth and origin.