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 reflects on the seventh year of her widowhood, dedicating it to God as her everlasting Husband. She acknowledges the deep trials and vicissitudes she has faced, yet finds comfort in the never-fading love of God sustaining her through outward distress and difficulties. Her main concern is the balance between her corporeal and spiritual life, but she trusts in God's provision and guidance. Through a divine message, she is assured that her widowhood will be transformed into a state of solace and joy, as she has remained faithful to God during her probationary period.
February 5. 1678. a Commemoration of My Widdowhood.
This Day being the seventh Year of my Widdowhood, since the decease of my Husband; Which day I commemorate by keeping it Holy to God, my everlasting Husband, from whom no Death can me separate. Considering in my mind I was, that now the seventh Year was expired, wherein I had waded through many deep Tryals, and passing through many Vicissitudes in this time, wherein great proof I have still had of the never fading Love of my God, as to outward distress and difficulties: Provision still hath been made for me, As disappointments happen for my outward support; my great fear and concern being lest the necessity for my Corporeal Life, should distress and prevent the rising of my Spiritual Life, which hath been my only care to keep up. For which my God hath now sent in a suitable shelter, that so we might proceed forward in what is yet behind, that the whole Scene relating to the utmost of a redeemed State, may be known by us, whose Spirits are in true Conjunction here for. After this consultation the Spirit ministered this Word to me, Thou shalt no more be termed desolate or forsaken, for thy Widdowhood shall be turned into a Virgin Solacement, because the Lord thy Maker hath pleasure in thee. For as much as thou hast cleaved with all thy Heart unto him, in this seven Years Probation-Day. Oh my Lord shall I now come to inherit such Grace and mighty Love, and espousal Joy, in the Life of Spiritual Virginity. Oh Jesus so let it be.
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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.