October 8. 1678. Formation and Animation
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.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- The Formation of a Visible Body
- The Importance of Life in the Body
- The Application of this Truth
- The outward state of the political body is in turmoil
- The flame of justice and mercy will be seen in the Kingdoms of the Earth
- The righteous and peaceable kingdom of God's Son will be advanced
Key Quotes
“But I was exhorted to be quiet, and sit a while, and I should see Life would move.” — Jane Lead
“The sense of this entered very deep into me, that so fine a piece should want a vigorous Life.” — Jane Lead
“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.” — Jane Lead
Application Points
- We must recognize that our outward appearance or accomplishments are not enough without the life and power of God.
- We must wait patiently for the Breath of Life to animate us and bring us into action.
- We must look for the flame of justice and mercy to be seen in the world, revealing the righteousness and peace of God's Son.