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 27th. 1677.

In the Morning after the Doctor had prayed, I awaked and sunk down into the center of Life. And there appear∣ed unto me a pure azure blue stream•• which was said in me, was that Spirit and Breath of Life, that must put the grosser Element to flight. Then it was further opened to me, that from this perfect thing, would go forth an en∣riching Mist, that should renew the face of all things, in such whose inward ground was measured out by the Golden Reed of the Spirit. Then was further shewed me, the twofold nature and pro∣perty of this Breath: That as it could quicken and be a seed of Life in matter meetly prepared for it: So likewise this Breath would extinguish that Life, which worketh in contrariety against it. Ac∣cording as it is written, Oh Death, I will be thy Death. When all conclusions be tried for the expiation of the earthly birth, there is no other, that can so eternally anatomize it, as the Body of Sin may be said to cease, and not to be,

but by the Spirit of the Lord, blowing upon the fleshly form of it, which seem∣eth to be so goodly. Verily this Life hath been too hard for all other weapons, that have been tried upon it, since the full outward death could not conquer this Life of Sin. As Christ told the Iews, if they did not believe on him, as the resurrection of another Life, they should die in their sins. So as the mortal death cannot quit from that second death which follows that corrupt Birth-seed, which was not in this Life demolished. But then from hence, this doubt will arise, Who is it, that hath left this Testimony behind them, of all past Generations, that before the mortal death did overtake them; they had first cleared themselves of that vile and corruptible birth of sin? Sure saith the objective Spirit, if this be strictly examined, how few, or scarce any will be found, but did mortally die, before the inward body of sin was totally expired. If so, how then could they immediately pass, where nothing, that ever was of the polluted Nature of Sin, could come in. As to this obscure and deep Query, of which I my self with others, have been universally ignorant,

as not finding out the several reserva∣tories, that Spirits did pass into: The letter of the Scripture not opening so positively, what relateth hereunto, as plainly to determine this doubtful mat∣ter; But it hath been kept dark, in the foresight of the most holy wise God. Who hath left himself free, to give the key of the knowledge hereof in what Age, and to such in that Age, as shall be worthy of such secret. My Spirit hath been often solicitous with the Lord for this thing, as in case my Body might•• break from my superior Spirit, and the Mortal part die before the evil essences, which are called Sinn be extinguished, as to their very originality, then into what Orb shall such a Spirit enter? that may be almost but yet not quite got free from every relick of sin. The Key of this un∣known Door was hereupon put into the hand of my Guardian Spirit, the mystery hereof to unlock, that this great secret might be revealed, and that hereby the Elect might be undeceived. Who have no∣thing less believed, but that though they should not come to see, and feel sin fi∣nished, through everlasting Righteousness coming in, as a Conqueror: Yet whe••

got loose from this temporary life, they should strait ascend into that principal City of the great King. Which was once my belief, according to that tradi∣onal manuduction that I was under. But since of meer great and unparalled Love, another deep is discovered, from out of which a sure and pure word of Reveala∣tion hath sprung both as to this and o∣ther Obscure things. And that the opening of this Truth might not go forth only in the authority of a private Re∣velation, when indeed there is need enough, for all Spirits to be tried, that do take this Covering. For this cause a Scripture foundation was given to con∣firm and ratifie, what was so freely in∣spired into the mind. As first that word was given to me, to consider of, as in the 14th of Iohn 2d verse, In my Fathers house are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to pre∣pare a place for you, and when I have done that, I will come and receive you to my self. From which words, it was given me thus to understand, that by House the Spirit doth signifie the Locality of God's invisible Kingdom, that hath va∣rious Regions, for dwelling places, as

it is said, there are many Mansions, in which are degrees of Glory. Solomon in the mirror of Wisdom had an account thereof, when he had built that Magni∣ficent House and Temple for the Most High. Which made him as in a Spiri∣tual Extasy cry out, The Heavens of Hea∣vens cannot contain thee. So it is said of our Lord Jesus, that he ascended up a∣bove ALL Heavens. By all which we may conclude, that there are degrees of Heavens, and yet all within the Celesti∣al Sphere. For Adam, before he had awakened the sinful essence, was an in∣habitant in one of the Heavens, which had the Title of A Paradise, because of its serene and fruitful soyl. But yet God's local Habitation was not here, but he sent forth his influencing mist; and here did with Adam and Eve frequently commune, while they were undefiled: but they being once found, in the de∣pravation of this purity, this Heaven could not bear their corruptible Image, for the worm of mortality could not here live. Upon which God said, Let them out of those Mansions, that are near to me: let them be driven out for the present. Therefore let this suffice

from the Scriptures themselves: not to mention those particular Idea's and Ma∣nifestations, that to some it hath been given to see these several Heavens; which upon others cannot be imposed for to believe, who yet have not those anointed Eyes given to see withal. But surely there are some standing in the fi∣gure of the Body, Whose Spirits have roved to and fro, to see these several Mansions, with Spirits of all sizes and degress, who are herefor designed; Only hereout excluding those, who are for the Dragon's Kingdom. Who do pass away in a reprobate sense out of the Body. Those left-hand Goats have no portion within these Eternal Gates: a deep Gulf is fixed. It is only of the Sheep and Lambs that I am to treat, who have found out this new, and only Life path-way. Who though they are not come to the top-stone of perfection, before they see the dissolution of the body; Yet having attained to a good degree, they may come unto the very next Throne Region: and there a∣while stay, till they have drawn, and assumed a heavenly clarity, that is such an Essential Body, against which no ex∣ceptions,

by the highest Courts of Dig∣nities can be objected. These now are the highest degrees of those, who be∣fore Perfection be wrought, do cease out of the Mortal Body. Then again there are of a lower degree of growth; Now what reservatory is there for them, who may be but young in the New Birth? As to this, it was clearly imparted unto my Intellect, that such did enter into a more inferiour Mansion than Paradice, for that was too pure and serene for such. Therefore a lower degree is pre∣pared for them, till they do attain to an Increase of the Divine Nature. They want not here their true Pastoral Teach∣ers: for the Spirit of Christ is every where with his own. Therefore it was said, that he went and preached to the Spirits in Prison, that were disobedient in Noah's days. For should all the old world have been cut off at once, and sealed under a final condemnation, the Attributes of God's Love, Mercy, Good∣ness, Truth, and Long-suffering would have been obliterated: wherefore he must have yet had respect unto such after the dissolution of their bodies; as had a sense in them awakened, for compuncti∣on

and sorrow for what Evils they had committed in their Bodies. To confirm this, that we might not be altogether out of hope for such as may die in the first be∣ginnings of Regeneration it is given me to declare that if these pass out of the Body, such cannot go indeed immedi∣ately to God. For such will find it other∣wise: they must wait till they have got somewhat more, then what they went out withall in this world; and then shall they be admitted to see God. Surely there is a Provision made, for a perfect Salvation in another Principle, besides this. For which we have that word in Peter, 1 Pet. 3. 19. by which also he went and Preached unto the Spirits in Prison. Also these words seem to speak fully to this 1 Pet. 4. 6. For this cause was the Gospel preached to them which were dead: which generally is applied to such as are living, and yet dead in sins. But by the foregoing verse, it concerns the first Po∣sition, verse 5. who saith, the Apostle speaking of Christ, is ready to judge the quick and the dead; so that it im∣plieth, there is a Ministry belonging to the dead, that are not here made perfect. Much more might be enlarged upon some

particular sights and manifestations, that have hereof been given to some in the Spirit. From hence ariseth this Objecti∣on, If this be a Truth, why was it not po∣sitively declared, and clearly revealed, as a foundational Doctrine? To which it may be answered, That the Infinite Wis∣dom did judge it meet to conceal this mystery, because none might take advan∣tage to turn the Grace of God into wan∣to••ness: and thereby to neglect the pre∣sent opportunity, for working out their own Salvation in this present time; which would make for a far and more exceed∣ing weight of Glory. Therefore left it was for the Worthy to have this Secret made known to them by the Spirit of Revelation, who God foreknew would not take Liberty to continue in sin; that this Grace after Death might be made manifest towards such, as did stand in need hereof. But now to great, holy, and aspiring Spirits, these lower Mansi∣ons in their Fathers house are too mean: who cannot be satisfied, to be so many degrees remote any time after death, from their God, and Lord Jesus, since Liberty is proclaimed to work through all, while we are in this terrestrial Body.

For there will be more joy and accla∣mations in Heaven, for one such as shall finish their work here, so as to make a full conquest, then for milions of Souls, that in the invisible Regions must perfect what was lacking to compleat them here. Oh said the Spirit, it will be well worth your Labour and great Travel, to break open this deep Gate, and so to put on Christ your Lord, as in his all-powerful body, that ye may make hereof, but one as∣cending flight. This was the Mark, that was after Christs ascending so eagerly aimed at, and by some in that Age reach∣ed to. For Christ could not lose the effect of his prayer, in that he did make his request, that those whom the Father had given him, might be with him where he was, that so they might see, and pos∣sess the same glory, which could not be, till they had gotten the victory. For to none else is the admission given in∣to his Kingdom, according to that in the Revelations, to him that overcometh, will I grant, saith Jesus, to sit with me in my Throne. But this may be objected fur∣ther, Those, who had the Holy Ghost poured down in such an eminent manner, had their way made very easie, who was

as their fiery Chariot, that cut their work short. And if any now in this Age, had such a high endued Power, it might soon give them a translation out of all mortal impediments. As to an∣swer this: The Holy Ghost in that day was given, after a visible manner, as a sealing Character, displaying, and acting forth himself in Gifts, and Power, and miracles: but now the same Spirit works in its beginning after another manner; where it falleth, it doth all its mighty works Within, before it will shew forth his power Without. For if the Apostles had not been purified by the Holy Ghost, and inwardly sprinkled with the Water of Life for Soul cleansing, they could not have rejoyced in that assured hope of entring into the joy of their Lord and Master. Then was it plainly open∣ed to me by the Spirit, that the Holy Ghost would not now in this latter Age act out his Mighty Deeds by any one, till their Hearts were perfectly puri∣fied by Faith. That Scripture be∣ing repeated to me: who after believing, were s••aled with Holy Spi∣rit of Promise. Though in that day, soon upon Christs ascending, the Spirit

of working power was suddainly show∣red down upon some, as in the Acts men∣tion is made, who had no foregoing work of sanctification upon them. Upon which it made the Apostles themselves astonish∣ed, that the Holy Ghost should be sent down upon the Gentiles also, who did not believe in the Lord Jesus. But that is now ceased. The giving forth of the Holy Ghost in this day, will first produce inward effects, and be a Spirit of burn∣ing, seasoning the Vessels within, and in∣flaming it with the pure fire of Love and Joy. And then being all divinely lea∣vened, there will be found all sufficiency to do the most wonderful things; easily flowing forth from the substantial body: which by degrees may work it self fixed∣ly, through the humane form, in great splendor and glory. So from hence we are taught, how the Holy Ghost hath his first inspiring work upon us: To make all clean, pure and perfect within our Minds and Wills. For we shall be Wit∣nesses, what he doth first in, and for us, before he will shew forth by us the Seal of his great Power to what lies without us: Who by signal Working Powers, and Gifts are to be convinced and brought

over to the Faith, which will work by that Love, that will be shed abroad by the Holy Ghost. Whose first enkind∣lings and stirrings, ye are, saith the Holy and True, to cherish and wait up∣on; till ye are leavened throughout with Righteousness, Light, Love and Joy: Which will make way, for the go∣ing out of Wisdoms Power, and God's all sufficiency in a more marvelous man∣ner then ever. Blessed highly are they, whose lot it shall be to come up to the Mount of God's Habitation, through all these degrees. This word take along with you; for certainty, that it is pos∣sible, for the close, wise, persevering, diligent Spirits to see this great and mighty salvation in the Lord Christ's Kingdom, in and through the ghostly power working mightily.