July 9. 1678. the Bloody Path.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of persevering on the difficult journey of following God's call, despite the challenges and sufferings that may come, because of the promise of joy and peace that awaits.
Jane Lead preaches about the unknown path that the Lord calls us to follow, which goes against the ways of the flesh and often leads to tribulations and sufferings. She emphasizes the importance of not being deterred by the challenges and distractions along the way, using a figurative vision of dead carcasses and wounded beings to illustrate the obstacles that may be encountered. Despite the daunting path, there is assurance of a pleasant way ahead, guided by angelic protection and the promise of meeting the Bridegroom's Friend at the end of the journey.
Text
I Was this Day much upon the consideration of the unknown Path, which the Lord hath called me out to follow, which is so cross and averse to the Life of Flesh, that nothing of that Birth is able to walk therein. Though many through the light of Conviction have made an entrance, and so have gone forward, till Tribulations and Sufferings, with all Reproach and Contempt have met them, and then they turned away, as frighted at the appearance of those dismal things. So that now it was set before me, by way of a Figurative Vision, lest by any means, we should be turned aside out of this strait Path, as others have been, who were in holy strife for the Prize.
The Vision was this: There appeared to me many dead Carcasses, that lay in that way, which we were to pass: and also many more, that were wounded and hurt, as having met with some ravenous Beasts. This was the first part of the way, that was so dreadful. But there was one that spake aloud: Fear not, but go forward, the pleasant way is yet behind, you are not without your Angel-Guard. Now charge was given, that we must stride over these dead Bodies, and not touch them; and hold no parly with the wounded: but strait pass away, in assured hope, we should meet with him, who is our Bridegroom's Friend, who will receive us with Joy, after we have gone through this Bloody way.
Then did appear a Troop, who were all of comely Stature, upon whom no wound or flaw were. These were those, who were sent from the Lamb: who all ministering Spirits hath at command, to fetch home his traveling Ones, to their own peaceable Land.
Sermon Outline
- The Bloody Path: A Call to Persevere
- The Dangers of the Path
- The Vision of the Bloody Path
- The Promise of Joy and Peace
- The Angel-Guard
- The Bridegroom's Friend
Key Quotes
“The pleasant way is yet behind, you are not without your Angel-Guard.” — Jane Lead
“Charge was given, that we must stride over these dead Bodies, and not touch them; and hold no parly with the wounded: but strait pass away,” — Jane Lead
Application Points
- Persevere on the journey of following God's call, even when faced with challenges and sufferings.
- Trust in the guidance and protection of the Angel-Guard and the Bridegroom's Friend.
- Keep your eyes fixed on the promise of joy and peace that awaits those who persevere.