A fountain of gardens Vol. II. Being a continuation of the process of a life according to faith, of the divinely magical knowledge, and of the new creation. In mutual entertainments betwixt the essential wisdom, and the soul in her progress through paradise, to Mount Sion, and to the new Jerusalem. By J. Lead.

March the 10th. 1676.

This Day we were set upon, by that strong Warriour, that had assumed a poor corporeal Shape, to shoot forth his venemous Arrows in great bitterness for to disturb us. Which Grievance I did present in Prayer to my God, that these raging Spirits might be bounded. My Spirit crying and bewailing this wrath∣ful, boyling Cauldron, that the Infernal dark Powers had kindled the Fire here∣unto, that so unsavoury Fumes do Daily, as Scurn herefrom rise. I besought then the Lord, that if by any means both she, and we might be delivered from these Buffet∣ings, and serpently Stingings. My Spi∣rit crying, Oh Lord, what have we done that this foaming tempestuous Sea must still roar about our Ears; Is it needful it should be so? Then reveal thy Mind herein still further to us. Upon which, I quietly reposed, committing the whole of this Concern to that mighty One, from whom both the Help and Power must only come, to allay all of this boi∣sterous Nature. About break of Day

this Word came to me, saying, Behold and see, it is but a Worm, that is of no moment, who thus troubleth you, only the subtilty of the Serpent hath entred to work through it; but if you knew your own Spirit of Might and Forti∣tude, ye might easily it suppress, and bring all of this under, and ••o nought. Then again this Word came, saying, To what end is that Nest prepared upon the Tree of Life, Is it not that you might fly away from all these hurtful Beasts? Why do ye walk upon their Ground, cor∣rupting your pure & spiritual Minds, while ye do talk with serpently Worms? Con∣sider that to you both is given an Eagle∣wing, that whenever you will its Ray•• out-spread, it will soon release you from all prickling Thistles. Therefore give charge to your fellow Eagle, from him, who is the holy Watcher, that henceforth ye wander not out from that munition Rock•• where ye have that, which is more weighty to re∣gard, than all of this low O••b. Then this Word run like Lightn••ng through me; Oh, faint not, but as mighty Ea∣gles renew your Strength, and then ye will have rest from out all Tribulation. Then this Word immediately also fol∣lowed;

Though the evil One moves in the form of a Worm, yet fear not, for ye shall bruise him as a Worm.