September 1. 1678. the Shooting of the Gulf.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of guarding the principal ground and seeking spiritual defense to avoid the dangers that threaten our spiritual well-being.
Jane Lead preaches about the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against earthly distractions and anxieties that hinder our spiritual growth. She emphasizes the need for a protective barrier around our innermost being, where the power of God resides, to prevent external influences from draining our spiritual vitality. Through a vision of being guided through turbulent waters by skilled rowers, she illustrates how God, as the true Pilot of our lives, sees ahead and ensures our safe passage through unseen dangers, providing comfort and assurance in times of distress.
Text
I did see the crawling Worms at the Root of the Vine-Tree, still very busie to prevent its springing to its perfect Degree. Which brought great anxiety into me, taking thought how to free it, from what would suck the springing Sap, as it did rise to feed every Life-property withal. For such are the creeping earthly Essences, which do arise from a Ground, that is not Walled with Saphir-Stones round about. For so it was spoke in me, That such a Guard must be about our principal Ground, where the Stone of Power and Might does lie, from the one Eternal Element contacted.
The wise and understanding Heart, must seek it out for the defence thereof. After this great concern in my Mind, for its clearing from all Earthly Cogitations, though lawful as to the outward Life, yet now too heavy, for a Spirit that would be always moving in its own AEthereal Nature: From an inspired Light, that provoketh to a lofty flight. In this Contemplation I reposed in the Night, and I was carried with some other in a Boat, and there were skilful Rowers: but we were tossed of one side, but not much frighted, because we knew the guides were sufficient, that had the Oars in their hands: and they could not row us to the Port, for which we were designed without the shooting of a Gulf, which they spake nothing of, when we first entered upon the Boat.
But I unexpectedly felt it descend with a mighty force, and rise again. Upon which I perceived, we had shot the Gulf, and had escaped the danger, before I knew I was upon it. Thus the Lord and true Pilot, who by his Eye does foresee our way, and by this Vision does give assurance, that from the Gulf of sinking Care, we shall certainly be deliver'd. For after the Vision the Word spake, and did comfort hereupon, minister all refreshingly against carking Cares, that at present did oppress the Heavenly Mind.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Guarding the Principal Ground
- The Role of the Wise and Understanding Heart
- The Lord as the True Pilot
- Foreseeing our way and giving assurance
- Delivering us from the Gulf of sinking Care
Key Quotes
“For such are the creeping earthly Essences, which do arise from a Ground, that is not Walled with Saphir-Stones round about.” — Jane Lead
“Upon which I perceived, we had shot the Gulf, and had escaped the danger, before I knew I was upon it.” — Jane Lead
“Thus the Lord and true Pilot, who by his Eye does foresee our way, and by this Vision does give assurance, that from the Gulf of sinking Care, we shall certainly be deliver'd.” — Jane Lead
Application Points
- We must seek out the defense of the principal ground with the wise and understanding heart.
- We can be delivered from the Gulf of sinking Care by the Lord, who is our true Pilot and gives us assurance of our safety.
- Spiritual contemplation is essential for avoiding the dangers that threaten our spiritual well-being.