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  OCTOBER 8. 1678. FORMATION AND ANIMATION
  by Jane Lead
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of life and animation in
the formation of a visible body, highlighting the need for the Breath of
Life to bring purpose and effectiveness to creation.

Topics: "Spiritual Life", "Divine Creation"
Scripture References: Genesis 2:7, Ezekiel 37:5, John 10:10, Romans 8:6, Revelation 22:17

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DESCRIPTION
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Jane Lead preaches about the formation of a visible body, likened to a
fine, clear image of a man created by the Potter, but lacking life until
the breath of life enters. She emphasizes that even the most beautiful
heavenly form is like a mere picture without actual life, unable to
serve God or man. The sermon delves into the deep realization of a fine
creation needing a vigorous life to be truly useful, culminating in the
imagery of life entering every part, starting with the eyes and
spreading throughout the body in full activity. Additionally, there are
revelations about the outward state of the political body in the nation,
symbolizing a flame designated to be partially extinguished to showcase
the justice and mercy of God's supreme Majesty for the advancement of
His righteous and peaceable kingdom.

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CONTENT
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There was presented the Formation of a visible Body, as out of fine
mixed Matter, thin and clear, and every Member formed as the Potter
pleased. So the Figure of a Man was thus modellized before my Eye, in
all Comeliness; no one part defective: But there was no Life. And I was
call'd upon to take notice of this Image, that was so fair and comely,
but there wanted a moving Life to act it. And it was said to me, dost
thou see this fair Portraid Image. Which shews, what the new Created
Being is, as in a Figure transfer'd: but what can this do, till Breath
of Life doth enter in?

Then discoursed the Spirit further this Matter with me; declaring this
was to shew me, that the most Beautiful Form, and shew of a Heavenly
compact before was but as a Picture, that only did attract Speculation,
but for want of an actual Life, it could no way be serviceable, either
upon God's or Man's account. The sense of this entered very deep into
me, that so fine a piece should want a vigorous Life. But I was exhorted
to be quiet, and sit a while, and I should see Life would move. Which
accordingly came into every part, the Eye first moved, then motion
throughout-stretched the Arms, and Feet, walking to and fro in all
activity.

[The next Day some things were shewn, relating to the outward State of
the Political Body, in this Nation, that was designated to be set in a
Flame.

Which Flame was in part, but not totally, to be extinguished: that both
the Justice and Mercy of the supream Majesty might the better appear.
Which it cannot but do to as many as have Eyes to see what GOD is now
doing, and about to do, in the Kingdoms of the Earth, (and in this of
England especially) for the advancement of the Righteous, and Peaceable
Kingdom of his Son.]October 11. 1678.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jane-lead/october-8-1678-formation-and-animation/
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