November 14. 1678. the Line of the Spirit.

A Deep fathoming Line was presented unto me, that was as a round bottom wound up, only some part of it was unwound towards me. It was twisted with various Colours, White, Purple and Red. And the Word that given was, Follow this Line as it doth unwind, and it will lead through all Worlds, which are necessary to know and understand. This did Figure out the unfathomed bottom of the Spirit, that doth invite the Spirit of our Souls to travel with him, as its companion to know and see, what are in the Spiritual Worlds; as knowing we have the attractive matter, that may co-mix and gather in of its own, where ever it comes: This pertaining to the making up the Heavenly Coelestiality, in all high Spiritual accomplishments.

But the Query was put to me, Who can follow this unfathomed Line of the Spirit through all Heights, Depths, and Breadths, and not look back to the basest and lowest of all Worlds, as is this, in which Mortals do live?

Answ. High worthy Souls they are, who be able to forget and forsake the place, where the outward Life hath sprung, as a natural Plant from the gross Earth, so to permit and suffer it self to be plucked up, and planted in another Sphear. What can more testifie the Heart towards God to be single and clear, resolving to go forwards as this twisting Line shall lead? Whose colours do make the way both pleasant and light: Which signifies the united Power of the Deity. To whose conduct, we may commit our Spirits without fear or scruple, as not asking where it will fix us. Because we know, and are perswaded, it will bring us into those infinite Love-joys, and freedoms, where a setting down will be in an Eternal rest. But now we must consider, that yet we are many removes from that place, where Pre-existency of Spirits is, who know nothing of a mouldering Body, before this World was. To which Seraphick dignity the Line of the Spirit would again us Center, if any shall agree to adventure to be his Companion and Fellow-Traveller. Whether smooth or rough Seas, whether Hills or Dales he must pass: yet resolving in himself to fall and rise with his Guide through all and every Vicissitude. Because of the confidence the Spirit of the Soul hath in his Guide, that he will search, and bring through all Kingdoms; till he finds the Pre-existency of his own Spiritual immortal Being. And thereby be advantaged by the additional supplies of what was lacking, while confined within the circumference of a Mortal World within, and without himself. Which while shut up in the Prison-House of a Mortal-Nature, no sight of invisible things in the high Sphear can possibly be. Therefore as the Spirit's Line unwinds, we are wound up from the low Valley of this Terrestrial State to Heights, where none can see our Walks, because covered and environed with Heavenly Clouds all about: Which will part us from all those Inhabitants, that dwell in these earthly Cells. None but such high Mounted Spirits can tell the Secrets of the higher Worlds, and they only called up are there to dwell. Though at the breaking off from these low and interiour Constitutions of Beings, it may be grievous at first, yet the Holy Inspirator does faithfully assure us, there are infinite profits and advantages, that will attend us herein. For by this our Spiritual Travels, high improvements will be made in Knowledge and Experiences, as we pass through the Heavenly Countries, as learning the Languages, Fashions, Deportments, Habits, and Mystical Arts. All which may be of high and wonderful use, to honour and bring in such increase to our Lord and Master's use, that henceforth we shall be reckoned no more unprofitable Servants; but faithful and Wise, to be evermore employed in those more high Affairs, that as Seraphicks learned we may be. O dear Spirit stretch our thy Line, that we may see our way to act in those high degrees.