December 1. 1678. Letter and Spirit. the Vision of a Roll.
Jane Lead's sermon explores the contrast between the fading nature of written revelations and the lasting impact of the Spirit's guidance in spiritual understanding.
Jane Lead preaches about a divine revelation received during a resting trance, where a message from the Prince of Love and Peace was presented on a paper-roll, emphasizing the reconciliation of outward and inward birth through life-union with God in nature. Despite the disappearance of the written inscription, it symbolizes the transient nature of earthly things, while highlighting the eternal imprint of spiritual truths by the Spirit. Believers are encouraged to seek the fresh revelation of God's truth in the Book of Life within them, waiting for divine insight to discern and understand it.
Text
IN the Night-Watch, as I was in a resting Trance, there was held out to my view a Paper-roll, and I could read the Inscription of the first part, which was in these Words: Greeting from the Prince of Love and Peace to thee, and the same in Life-Union with God in Nature. Behold and read the Articles, that will the outward and inward Birth reconcile. Then did the Roll fold up and pass away. Then I said, Lord how shall I read, what is taken away? But it was answered me, So it must be.
To signifie the Letter-Inscription may vanish and be snatched away: but the Spirit is at hand to imprint it fresh and new in such a Book, as the Lord's own Seal shall witness to it.
In that thou wilt review, what was specified in the Roll, and what the Springing Book of Life in thy hidden Ground doth put forth, as thy Eye may be quick for to spy it, and waiting for the Eye-Salve to discover it.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the Vision - The significance of the Paper-roll - Greeting from the Prince of Love and Peace
- II points: - Understanding the Articles of Reconciliation - The concept of outward and inward Birth - The role of the Spirit in this process
- III points: - The transient nature of the Letter-Inscription - The permanence of the Spirit's imprint - The importance of the Lord's Seal
- IV points: - The hidden Ground and the Springing Book of Life - The necessity of spiritual discernment - The role of Eye-Salve in revelation
Key Quotes
“Greeting from the Prince of Love and Peace to thee, and the same in Life-Union with God in Nature.” — Jane Lead
“To signifie the Letter-Inscription may vanish and be snatched away: but the Spirit is at hand to imprint it fresh and new.” — Jane Lead
“As thy Eye may be quick for to spy it, and waiting for the Eye-Salve to discover it.” — Jane Lead
Application Points
- Seek to understand the deeper spiritual truths beyond mere written words.
- Cultivate a sensitivity to the Spirit's leading in your life.
- Be prepared to receive new revelations as you engage with God.