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 20th. 1677.

I did see a Vision, which was thus presented, as the form of a Hand, which seemed to be grasped very close: out of which sprung a living Creature, peeping through the Fingers, and so by degrees did quite break through the Fingers. First appeared the Head, as in the Likeness of a young Dove; but the Body was of the colour of a Ruby, having Wings and Fire-sparkling Eyes: which as soon as it got through the Hand, it mounted a∣way as into the Air, where I saw it no more. This thing seemed very strange to me, and for some days the meaning was concealed, having other Ideas in∣tervening, wherein my Intellectuals were exercised. But this being brought to remembrance, there was something con∣siderable to be understood from it, as by the Spirit of Wisdom and Light was made out very significantly.

The Interpresation of this Vision.

As first, by the Hand, which repre∣sents Strength, Power, and Activity, as when God is said to do any marvellous or unusual thing, it still goeth under the denomination of his Hand. As it was upon Ezekiel, when he was in the Visions of God, his Hand was said to be upon him. And again, The Hand of the Lord is nor shortned, but said to be stretched out as a strong over-spreading Hand. Therefore after the similitude of a Hand the Creating Power doth go forth, as in Vision it was shewn thee, what in time might be effected. Then this Question was put to me, What now dost thou believe that living Creature to be, which was so wonderfully formed in the Hand? Ah my Lord, I do make no conclusion hereof, I wait singly to participate of thy Mind, whose sweet Voice and Sound I through thy Grace am learned in, and do hereunto attend. Therefore speak my Lord yet again. Then did this Word pass through me, after the man∣ner of a Spirit's Speech, saying, The Living Creature, which did break away

through the Hand, doth figure out that which is of great import, as namely a Cherub Birth. Whereof the Elisha Spirit hath Prophesied should be brought to pass, where the least expectation might be. As in the case of the Shuna∣mite, who was strangely surprized, when the Prophet did her greet herewith: Even so unexpectedly will the Earth be blessed with such a Birth, that shall be hatched under the mighty Hand of Power: which will ascend straitway to this Mountain high. And it was further hinted to me, that as I could not see nor understand any matter contributed, to be the substance of this Living Creature; so it must be here. Which as I was consi∣dering of in my self, that Scripture was struck upon me, It is the Stone, that is cut out, without Artificial work∣ing, or known matter. Therefore said the Spirit, so consider of it: this is that holy Breath, that none indeed can tell from whence it comes, nor whither it goes; it resteth upon whom it self wil∣leth, and there contracts incorporeal matter; that so a Body Cherub-like may go forth from under the overshadowing Hand. Know of such like the New Hea∣vens

and Earth are henceforth only to be furnished withal. Therefore for certainty that Word will be made good, Behold the Face of all things will renew. But how? No otherwise, but by the Powers, that shall go forth from this Che∣rub-Birth. That when once got through will numerate, as those mighty Angels of the Resurrection; who will be of great force to pour out the Vials of Wrath upon the Dragon and Beast, Who hath had his Root and Seat in man's inward part, and there hath made all the defilement. Therefore Vengeance upon the Beast will be ere long taken, because he hath been so mingled, not only with gross Sensuality, but also with the Serpently Property. That all now, who are herein found, who are designed for the Kingdom of Heaven, must suffer under the Violation of this blest Birth, whose rising will be the fall of what is Fleshly. For saith he that maketh all things, Yet once more an End is come of all Flesh before me. A New Creation is to succeed out of, and from under the hiding Power of the Al∣mighty Hand, in such who now cloathed are with this present Creation, in such

rough Beast-like Garments, whereof they are ashamed. Therefore it is that such mean perishing Coverings, which are not so much as Moth-proof, they do seek to make comely to each Mortal Eye: but here is a Birth of another Nature and Consistency, that neither needs, nor will accept of any of this vile matter from the grosser Elements; knowing well, that course Linnen, which is spun out from thence, will no way become such, as must pass into that City: Which is so bright and clear; where nothing is worn, but what is Aethereal and trausparent. The Light there is such, as soon makes a dis∣covery of what is contrary. Then said my Spirit, Ah my Lord, thou hast spo∣ken of great things to come, happy is that Age, who shall see such a Birth-day as this. But this question, my dear Lord, resolve to me, which is this. What hath made this Spiritual Birth thus long to stick in the World? Ans. Because this out Birth by way of Natural Generation, hath now had such a long circling Life, in the deep impression of the Stats; that it is rooted as a strong Oak, that would give way to no other, but to the fla∣ming Ax of this Birth of the Spirit••

Which by reason of long custom, and habit is grown too stubborn and strong, for the young plant seed to deal with it. It meeting with many disadvantages, both as to place, and Persons, and consti∣tution of things in and from this Princi∣ple. That so it need to be no wonder, that this Birth find such difficulty in any for to get through: But this old oaky Birth shall not be only lopped by degrees, and the root of the matter left still to spring from generation to generation, in those who are allotted for Redemption. No, know you, Jesus will not have it run by natural Course to the end of Time. Thus his Trumpet hath already sounded to awaken some, that did as others sleep in the dust; who are risen to a better hope, seeking to be cloathed with im∣mortal Robes. To such, as first do look, and do keep close under this hand of power; this Cherub-Birth will appear, and then let not such fear, that their old terrestrial Birth shall their more superior and heavenly Image outwear. The wise in heart are given to understand these things, who are diligent to enquire, when this Birth will be perfected.