Jane Lead
Jane Lead (March 1624 – August 19, 1704) was an Christian mystic whose calling from God inspired a visionary ministry that shaped the Philadelphian Society, proclaiming divine wisdom and spiritual renewal across the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born Jane Ward in Letheringsett, Norfolk, England, to Hamond Ward, a prosperous gentleman, and Mary Calthorpe, she was the youngest of twelve children in a well-off family, baptized on March 9, 1624. Her education was informal, shaped by a comfortable upbringing and personal spiritual experiences rather than formal theological training, culminating in a transformative moment at age 15 during a 1639 Christmas dance when a heavenly voice declared, “Cease from this, I have another dance to lead thee in.” Lead’s calling from God unfolded after marrying William Lead, a merchant, in 1644, living happily with him and their four daughters in King’s Lynn until his death in 1671 left her penniless in London. That year, a vision of the Virgin Sophia—divine wisdom personified—called her a “Bride of Christ,” igniting her ministry of recording divine revelations. Ordained informally by her mystical experiences, she preached through writings and leadership, joining John Pordage’s Behmenist group in 1668 and assuming its helm after his 1681 death, renaming it the Philadelphian Society in 1694. Her sermons, preserved in works like A Fountain of Gardens (1696–1701) and The Revelation of Revelations (1683), called for a universal restoration through the Inner Light, influencing Quakers and Pietists despite opposition from Anglican authorities. Widowed, with no further marriages, she passed away at age 80 in London, leaving a legacy of mystical preaching that echoed beyond her time.
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Jane Lead preaches about the importance of being attentive to the divine timing and promptings of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to be still and sensitive to the movements of God's Spirit within them. She emphasizes the need to dive deep into the spiritual realm, like a fish searching for a precious jewel, in order to discover the hidden treasures of God's kingdom. Lead encourages a ministry that is rooted in profound spiritual experiences and revelations, rather than seeking worldly recognition and honor, as these will pale in comparison to the glory of God's kingdom.
February 18. 1678. an Appointed Time for Every Thing.
As soon as I awaked, or rather was awakened by this Word, which thus spake. There is a set time and season for every thing, therefore watch to it, and observe, when ever the hovering Dove does flutter his Wing, so as you may hear the sound thereof: then be in deep stillness, and stir not up the least Essence that belongeth to sensibility, then ye may know, what is working within the Globe of the unknown World. This following Scripture hereupon was brought, alluding hereto, Mat. 17.27 Therefore as the Fish that came up with the piece of Silver in his Mouth, so dive ye into the deep of the still Ocean, without which you will not find the precious Jewel. For ye must sink down as one lost in this Sea of all rich Treasury for a time, but when the Prize is taken, then come into Manifestation, and swim upon the broad Waters, with the pure Gospel-Testimony to give forth out of your Mouths, as a sealing and feeling Ministry. These are the great things that are to be looked after, in derision to all of this Worldly honour and false deceiveable dignities, whereof all will be ashamed in the rising day of this Glory.
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Jane Lead (March 1624 – August 19, 1704) was an Christian mystic whose calling from God inspired a visionary ministry that shaped the Philadelphian Society, proclaiming divine wisdom and spiritual renewal across the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born Jane Ward in Letheringsett, Norfolk, England, to Hamond Ward, a prosperous gentleman, and Mary Calthorpe, she was the youngest of twelve children in a well-off family, baptized on March 9, 1624. Her education was informal, shaped by a comfortable upbringing and personal spiritual experiences rather than formal theological training, culminating in a transformative moment at age 15 during a 1639 Christmas dance when a heavenly voice declared, “Cease from this, I have another dance to lead thee in.” Lead’s calling from God unfolded after marrying William Lead, a merchant, in 1644, living happily with him and their four daughters in King’s Lynn until his death in 1671 left her penniless in London. That year, a vision of the Virgin Sophia—divine wisdom personified—called her a “Bride of Christ,” igniting her ministry of recording divine revelations. Ordained informally by her mystical experiences, she preached through writings and leadership, joining John Pordage’s Behmenist group in 1668 and assuming its helm after his 1681 death, renaming it the Philadelphian Society in 1694. Her sermons, preserved in works like A Fountain of Gardens (1696–1701) and The Revelation of Revelations (1683), called for a universal restoration through the Inner Light, influencing Quakers and Pietists despite opposition from Anglican authorities. Widowed, with no further marriages, she passed away at age 80 in London, leaving a legacy of mystical preaching that echoed beyond her time.