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.

April the 18th. 1677.

The True Shunamite

As soon as I awaked in the Morning this Word spake in me, What is to be done for thee? Wouldst thou be spoken for to the King? This Word I ponder∣ed often upon, what should be the mean∣ing hereof, and for what intent it did so speak. Which after some days was thus resolved, that such who signatur'd are with Spiritual Generosity and Largeness of Love, answerably to that Shunamite, who was so careful of Elisha, as to provide for his Entertainment; even so grateful would Christ the true Spirit of Prophecy be unto them who have such a Proof of Love and Esteem for him, as to furnish out a most holy separate Place, for this Prophet still to turn in into. First then it was given me herefrom to observe, that this Shunamite, as she did understand him to be a Man of God, gave him great Reverence, and would not lodge him in

her own mixed Family; as judging none there worthy of his Conversation: and therefore did on purpose build a place of Apartment for vacancy, that this holy Seer might have opportunity for enquiry with the Deity: Therefore she took care he should not be disturbed. Then further this Word came unto me, as not only for Council, but for Information: that Know∣ledge was taken of such a true Shunamite, who was in Council with her Eternal Mate, that had prepared according to this similitude, for this Spirit of Prophe∣cy, a most holy inward place; with a true Spiritual furnishment, of what was necessary to tempt this true searching Seer to take up here his abode. Then was it shewn me, what I did not know to be in my self so clearly, thus figured out dstinctly by way of Allegory. First a new Edifice on purpose was framed by the wise Master Builder in us. Then a Table-Heart, in which the Law of Love was written. Then a Bed for to give ease and rest to our Beloved, that he might not be as a wayfaring Man. Know this in each of us, so furnished out as his own home, where we might retire to him in the Light and Spring of Under∣standing.

Which is the Candlestick and Candle fixed in us before-hand, without which no comfortable abode for this Prophet would be in us. Then again, the Stool signifies a quiet fixation with us without weariness, a blessed conten∣tation. In that there is but one Seat, it shews that here is an excluding of all other out of this Place. The Elisha Spirit admitteth none to sit with him in his Lodging: for this sitting or waiting posture is proper for the Spiritual Di∣viner, that night and day may minister hereupon. Upon this I did receive an approbation or Sealing Word for good Hope and rich Consolation to us, who could witness that large generosity of Spirit in Love to this Prophet, before whom we are called to stand. Who did put indeed and verify this Question a second time unto me, saying, What shall be done for you, who have cared all this Care for me, in giving me a place of Apartment, where nothing might mingle with me? Tell me now, what I shall speak on your behalf, whether to the King, or Captain of his Host? The King here represents God the Father, the Captain your Lord Jesus, the Elisha

Spirit, the Holy Ghost. Either of them both can be heard at all times. Therefore, see that ye be free in Humility with your Prophet. Now having such a Grant made to me, I consulted how to act the part of a wise Shunamite; though I could, and might take herefrom great Liberty, yet I am taught to weigh all my Request, that nothing rash or unadvised may proceed from me. Oh my Lord and great Prophet, I cannot compare with the Shunamite in all things, who said, That she was in her own Land and People. But we may be said to be on some account, as exile Captives, while living in Elementary Bodies, also in a Land under Babylonish tribute, which is very grievous to the Supernal part. Who knows its own true Nativity, as seeing through the Glass of Eternity, what we once were in pre-existency. But now as existing in Forms of Mortality, it can∣not be said, that we need nothing fur∣ther, in the highest degree of this Ter∣restial state. Therefore in blushing Fear and holy Modesty, I did declare the Sense hereof to my Prophet, If now my Lord will speak for this unto the great and mighty King, and Captain of the

Lord's Host, that we may have release out of all Babylonish thrall, and be brought back again, to our own People, to dwell in the Heavenly City. What greater express of kindness can be com∣passed for us by the Prophet? But the Spirit of Elisha replyed to me, There is yet a greater thing then this, of which thou hast made no mention, that must go before it. Which is the one pure Ele∣mentary Birth; for that which is born from beneath of fleshly Corporeity, can never be gathered among those Celestial Denisons, till immortaliz'd with pure and Aethereal Bodies. Ah my Lord, if so, what hopes can there he for us, who are so united unto this out-Birth. Then said the Prophet, Be quiet and still, and af∣ter a while this pure Birth, that is all of Spirit, may freely Spring, in which you will pass, where you so much long, and desire for to dwell. But then this was further revealed, that many would be the cross workings of this Worldly Ele∣ment, therefore very wary we must be to avoid all Minglings with it. For we stood here upon a very nice point, there∣fore know, and be only conversant with this God-Man, from whom is diffused,

that which is of pure Birth Impregnancy, that will excell in Perfection all of for∣mer Births. Yet said the Prophet, consider further this, If you do attain to this Birth, know while ye are in this Principle, it is not out of all danger. Hazards do attend it, as in the case of the Shuna∣mite, while but in the Childish state. The Four Elements may specially be in strife against the Life hereof, when the Elisha-Power may be with-drawn away. Therefore keep up all Love, and sweet Correspondency with this Spiritual Pro∣phet, that ye may a Refuge have, in what∣ever may happen for present or future time, or may fall out upon you; making use of this his great Friendship at all times, when need doth require: who hath a re∣viving Breath for Life still to inspire. So then according to what hath been re∣vealed herefrom, do you make use here∣of in a wise and understanding Spirit.