July 29. 1678. the Refining House.
Jane Lead's sermon emphasizes the necessity of enduring spiritual trials for purification and protection under God's shelter.
Jane Lead describes a vision of a house that appears ordinary on the outside but is actually a place of refuge from a coming storm and destruction for those under eternal shelter. She sees creatures hungry for prey and a company in red attire, but they have no power over her as they are appointed elsewhere. Inside the house, she witnesses a refining process where only those who can pass through the burning furnace without harm will be purified for the refiner's use.
Text
In the Morning I had the Figure of an House shewn me, that was but Plaistered over in the outside, and it was assigned for me, and such as did seek hiding from a tempest and overflowing Scourge; that would certainly come to devour much Flesh, who were not found under the Eternal shelter. And for the confirmation of this, I did immediately see in a Vision, a Regiment of Creatures rise, that looked Thin, Ravenous, and Hungry to get Prey. And after this arose a strong and fierce Company, cloathed in red Soldiers habit, they were very mute looking upon me, and I on them, but they had no Force or Power to harm me, for they were appointed to make spoil far away from the Place, where I was.
This last Company seemed to be of some other Nation, differing in Looks and Habits from the English.
I found my Spirit rise against them, and I did haste away to the Plaistered House, which within was all inlaid with Gold that shined, and in the Midst there rose a burning Flame. And one did set there in a pure white Garment, to cast in all rough and unpolished Grains of Gold: and all sorts of Mettals were to be tried and separated for the use of him, who was the refiner. And I heard him who was in White say, Here is no hiding, but for those, who can pass through this burning Furnace, as Spirits transparensed from the courser Grain, that can endure this Flame, and sustain no loss.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The Vision of the House - Symbolism of the House as Shelter - The Tempest and Scourge
- II points: - The Creatures of Prey - The Red Soldiers and Their Intent - Spiritual Warfare and Protection
- III points: - The Inlaid Gold and Purification - The Role of the Refiner - Endurance through Trials
- IV points: - The Call to Spiritual Resilience - The Importance of Inner Purity - Embracing the Refining Process
Key Quotes
“Here is no hiding, but for those, who can pass through this burning Furnace.” — Jane Lead
“I found my Spirit rise against them, and I did haste away to the Plaistered House.” — Jane Lead
“All sorts of Mettals were to be tried and separated for the use of him, who was the refiner.” — Jane Lead
Application Points
- Seek refuge in God's presence during times of spiritual turmoil.
- Embrace the refining process as a means of growing in faith and purity.
- Remain vigilant against spiritual threats that seek to undermine your faith.