March 25. 1678. the Living Statues. a Vision.
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.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- The Aversion to Humility
- The Word of Hope
- The Vision of the Statues
- The Statues Come to Life
- The statues stir and move towards the speaker
- They speak and take the speaker's hand, bringing a sense of wonder and fear
Key Quotes
“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.” — Jane Lead
“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.” — Jane Lead
“Be not surprised, though you see, that which was dead, and slain to revive, and live again.” — Jane Lead
Application Points
- Recognize the tendency to resist humility and the importance of surrendering to God's will.
- Have faith in the Resurrection and the promise of spiritual revival.
- Embrace the mystery of spiritual life and the potential for transformation.