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.

Iuly the 17th. 1677.

The Seven Ascending Steps.

This Morning the Living Word spake in me, Thou dost not yet sound the meaning, and depth of that, which is further to be understood of the Residue of the Spirit; but I am come to search, and give thee further knowledge herein. As thus, the Golden Cask of this Rich Oyl hath been in part let forth: seven Pipes for the venting hereof, are as an Emblem to present the seven Spirits, that here∣out do proceed. Now well observe, how many of these Spirits have been drawn out of the Golden Vessel, which represents the Body of the Deity, either in the fore∣going or present Age; and you will see, what is come, and what is yet more to come, till the seventh Number be finish∣ed. First consider the Prophecies, and Promises, how they run in the Scripture Roll. The Spirit is distinguished with seven Properties, or Operations, and Working-powers; each of these Spirits hath their Office and Ministration, as

dividing to each one in the Body of the Spirit, according to the measure of the Gift of Christ.

As First, The Promise of Grace and Supplication is to empty out it self.

Then a Spirit of Love, Joy, and Peace is the second.

Thirdly, a Spirit of Consolation, of Prophesie, and Revelation.

Fourthly, A Spirit of Councel and Sound Mindedness.

Fifthly, A Spirit of Truth, Wisdom, and Knowledge.

Sixthly, The Spirit of Faith, for Heat∣ing Internally, and Externally, and doing thereby Miracles of all kinds.

The Seventh, This is a Creating Spi∣rit, that goeth forth to give Being and Existency to what seemeth not to be; it works on this hand, and on that, and yet nothing, which is inferiour unto it self, can it see. It works all in a silent still way: what it speaks, it effects; and what it effects, speaks forth what it is. It needs no Orator to go before it, to declare from whence this Holy Breath of Almighty Power doth move; it resteth where it will, yet unseen; yet felt, known, tasted to good purpose, where∣ever

it abides; it being the head prin∣ciple Spirit that governeth and sendeth out the foregoing Spirits, and uniteth them into one entire Spiritual Body. Now, said the Most Holy Inspirator, I have here shewn to you the seven Ascending Steps, by which you must come up to your Mansion Glory, to your Throne Dominion; to be what you were designed for to be from before all Worlds. Come now, and see what process you have made hereunto, and how many De∣grees ye have taken. Comforted ye may be, who do ascend up here together in Faith; though many attempts, and that strong ones, have been to pull you down, and to prevent your further ascent. But be strong and resolute this day, from that power already received; that you may go up, and stand upon that last p••ved stone of Wisdoms strength, and might. Which will bring Majesty and Honour to you; but Horror, Confusion, and Shame to what ever hath sought hence to draw, and plunge you in with them, into the dark center of this dismal Sphere. The which evermore fear, and avoid as the Dragon's Cell, where he loves to dwell.