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.

Iune the 24th. 1677.

Now after this manner the Spirit did parly or commune with me. Know, that ye have had a call to pass out, from a∣mong the throng of the worldly Spirits; whereof Abraham was a type, whom God called to sojourn as a Stranger, removing from place to place, till he did come to live alone by himself, and to be planted as a Root for a mighty Off-spring. Wherefore the Most High had designed him, and so Abraham with his Sarah went through the Philistines Country, and was in danger to have had Sarah violently taken from him, who was to bring ••orth the blessed Seed. Even so it was opened after a high mystical manner, that this Abraham did represent the Spirit of Faith: whom God would bless and make fruit∣ful through Marriage-union with the Vir∣gin Wisdom. And it was further shew•• me, that there should be a Male, and a Female, that would be made choice of, to bring forth an eternal spiritual Off-spring

for a true Church. Which should be known from all others by terrible things wrought in righteousness through the Ghostly Power breaking forth. And therefore note and observe, said the Word of Life, whether or no, God in the Spirits voice hath not spoken to you, to come out of the Chaldeans Country; considered both as to the vain, evil con∣versations of Persons without, and to in∣ternal Spirits within the Region of the Mind: from both which there is to be a real departure out. And as there are two Persons, that are thus to be depu∣ted visibly, who are to wi••hdraw, and and plant themselves, as out of all other gathered Fellowships of the World: So are they to be extraordinarily endowed in giving proof of Love, Faith, and Obedi∣ence to him, that hath power thus to dignifie and make blessed. God knows Abraham was such as one, as would ap∣prove himself in all perfect walking be∣fore him; and answer whatever Trust was committed to him, by the Most Holy and just one: to keep every Charge, and Command given, as did appear, when he came out of his own Land, to go where he knew not. Now it was from

hence revealed, that those who shall be counted worthy, to bring forth a pure spiritual Generation must come out in∣ternally, as well as externally from that Native Country, where numerous Spirits that have no Visible Bodies do dwell, and have their concourse in the Mind after a magical manner. Now here will be the trial, for to go through their Eartbly Regions, and not be hurt. For no sooner did Abraham falter in his Faith through fear, but his Spouse was taken away, which if he had kept up in the majesty and authority of Faith, and had owned her, then the dread of that Power and Spirit of Faith, and the Vir∣gins Beauty and Innocency would have been upon Abimelech, so as there would not have been any attempt of that kind. From whence this was a warning coun∣cel in particular unto us: given in our present journying on, through strange People and Nations, which lie in our way, before we can come to Hebron, the City of David our King. And these are mystically opened from within us, as occasions offer from without. For the Prince of this World knowes, herein he hath great advantage, while but passing

through his Dominions, he will have one device or other against those, who are designed to pitch their Tents remote from his Territories. Therefore he doth be∣stir himself to raise all Forces to stop their Progress, that if possible he might keep them under his Arbitrary Power: Seeking always of subtilty to weaken the hand of Faith, by alluring away the Virgin Love, and so he would make a separation. For in the pure conjuncti∣on of Faith and Love, they are knit together as the Bridegroom and the Bride, to travel together, till they obtain the promised Seed. To whom all excel∣lency of strength doth belong, and Wis∣dom to govern those Nations, that would usurp an evil Power over the blessed Seed. Oh, saith the living Ora∣cle, take heed of denying your pure hea∣venly Mate: that is found in the comely dress of Love, Purity, Meekness, simpli∣city and holiness. For this is that ver∣tuous Woman, who is a Crown to her Lord and Husband. She will never de∣part from him; without she be diso••ned through fear, and incredulity. None shall imbrace her, but the Arms of Faith. If she at any time be violated from her

true Abraham, she will be as the Ark, that will bring plagues and and death upon those, that would engross her to themselves from him, whose true Spouse she is. Therefore consider this, O ye, to whom this word and councel is given•• Keep up Faith in its own true Royalty; Fear not Earthly Powers. While ye must pass through their Land, Trust in Ieho∣vah, your sheild: Forfeit not that Dow∣ry which the Virgin Spirit of Love will bring to you: Be watchful to strengthen what is in you already wrought; that ye may not lose what ye have thus far ••un, and suffered for: even so you will find the Sealing Power from the Amen.