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  MARCH 25. 1678. THE LIVING STATUES. A VISION.
  by Jane Lead
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Summary: The sermon explores the human tendency to resist humility and
the importance of faith in the Resurrection, using the metaphor of
statues coming to life to illustrate the potential for spiritual
revival.

Topics: "Spiritual Revival", "Resurrection Hope"
Scripture References: John 11:25, Romans 8:16, 1 Corinthians 15:52, Ephesians 2:4

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DESCRIPTION
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Jane Lead preaches about the aversion of the mind, born into a high
spiritual nativity, to humble itself under temporary things, yet
encouraged with hope of a future Jubilee where true inheritance will be
restored. She shares a vision of statues coming to life after her
earnest desire for them to awaken, symbolizing the resurrection and the
revival of what was once dead.

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CONTENT
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Oh how great an Aversion is it to a Mind, that great and bigned is
according to an Eternal Birth-Degree, to bow, and stoop, and to be
humbled under things transitory. When once it comes to calculate its
high Spiritual Nativity, thereby to understand what it is born unto, in
reference to that which is the right and true Heir, consisting of Powers
and Coelestial Dignity, though under minority. But a Word did seasonable
come in upon the bemoaning this under-age. Saying, Be of good Hope, the
Dark, the Weak, and Impotent-State is out-wearing, and thou wilt see the
Lord's Jubilee, in which the first-lotted inheritance shall return again
to thee.

Then I had a strange kind of Vision, of a sight of two Statues, that
were in a Room, where I was, and they were very beautiful, having all
perfect accomplishments to outward sight, greatly taking the Eye,
whereupon I made towards them, but they moved not, then concluded they
were formal Figures, that were not capable of Conversation with any, as
being without intellectuals or motion of Life. Whereupon I considering
they were very amiable, and what great pity it was, that they were not
in an active motion; I found in my self some what eagerly earnest, to
provoke the stirring and awakening of a Life in them.

And hereunto I was busying all my internal abilities, and then they
suddenly stirred, and made towards me with great and sweet affableness
of Spirit. Which though at first I so much desired their acquaintance,
yet when they spake, and came, and took me by the Hand, I was somewhat
shy and afraid of them. But they said, Be not surprised, though you see,
that which was dead, and slain to revive, and live again. This is a
Mystery, ye may further see into, as ye do believe in the Resurrection.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jane-lead/march-25-1678-the-living-statues-a-vision/
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