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 14th. 1676/7.

In this juncture of time, upon these weighty Prophecies frequently opening upon me, they indeed took up my whole Mind in Spiritual Debate for my self, and that Nazarite whom the Prophecy did still eye, for whom I was made to be concerned: Because he was to be a joint Pillar to bear up, and to declare this new Virgin Ministration; which I did see would be mightily envied, contradicted and warred against, so soon as it should be brought to Light. Nay while but u••to us revealing, the Serpent doth work, in many Wiles here against us: of which still we have Warnings by Vision and In∣speakings. As after Break of Day, this by Presentation was shewn to me, as up∣on the twink of an Eye, I did espy a young Dragon out of a Hole of the

Earth, with Head, Wings and Tail, so speckled with black Venomous Spots, as I could not bear to look upon it, and while I was considering what should be done to destroy this Venomous Beast; immediately from on high, a young sprightly Eagle down did fly upon the Back hereof, with such undauntedness, as it had no power to resist the Eagles arrest. Who did mightily tear with her Bill the Dragon's back and tail. What further Victory she had, I did not see, the Vision hereof shutting up. But this Word of Comfort was present with me, saying, See see after this manner ye will be relieved by your own Eagle-Spirit; for nothing is like to the courage and strength of an Eagle. Therefore when at any time this polluted Beast shall face to daunt and affright you, gather up your Eagle-Might, and be revenged in the first place upon that Tail, wherein doth lie to you the greatest danger, for there is both Sting, Venom, and Poyson, and also subtle attracting Insinuation••. These are very hurtful, because not discerned; therefore not feared or mis∣trusted. As if his Head was set for∣ward against you, then ye could not but

see his Mouth standing always wide open, to swallow up what, and whoever doth but look within the Circle of his King∣dom. Of which ye have been aware, and therefore have been kept by virtue of an unknown Angelical Guard, from his Mouths foaming Rage. Which this subtle Serpent knoweth well, and there∣fore hath turned his Tail against you through a young one. Who if possible might overcome your Virgin Spirits, and cause you to turn down, and fall in with the Dragon and Beast again, after all chast separating Nazarite Vows, and ascending Mights, by which like Eagles, ye fly to the Munition of Rocks. Who with his Scorpion Tail will then surely circum∣vent you, whose sting and power lieth there to hurt by Commission from the King of the Bottomless Pit. Therefore your onset make, like a right brood Eagle from your Tree of Life, (your Eagle-Eye will soon espy all Scorpion Spirits, with their twisting Tails) and then rend and tear with the Golden Bill of that •• strong Eagle-Spirit, as as Sampson did the Lyon, which he met with in the Way. So Courage take to ••end away the very S••ing in the Tail,

then ye shall proceed further unto the Head-Power, till bruised under your Feet. Of which this will be the assured Sign.