There was presented the Formation of a visible Body, as out of fine mixed Matter, thin and clear, and every Member formed as the Potter pleased. So the Figure of a Man was thus modellized before my Eye, in all Comeliness; no one part defective: But there was no Life. And I was call'd upon to take notice of this Image, that was so fair and comely, but there wanted a moving Life to act it. And it was said to me, dost thou see this fair Portraid Image. Which shews, what the new Created Being is, as in a Figure transfer'd: but what can this do, till Breath of Life doth enter in? Then discoursed the Spirit further this Matter with me; declaring this was to shew me, that the most Beautiful Form, and shew of a Heavenly compact before was but as a Picture, that only did attract Speculation, but for want of an actual Life, it could no way be serviceable, either upon God's or Man's account. The sense of this entered very deep into me, that so fine a piece should want a vigorous Life. But I was exhorted to be quiet, and sit a while, and I should see Life would move. Which accordingly came into every part, the Eye first moved, then motion throughout-stretched the Arms, and Feet, walking to and fro in all activity.
[The next Day some things were shewn, relating to the outward State of the Political Body, in this Nation, that was designated to be set in a Flame. Which Flame was in part, but not totally, to be extinguished: that both the Justice and Mercy of the supream Majesty might the better appear. Which it cannot but do to as many as have Eyes to see what GOD is now doing, and about to do, in the Kingdoms of the Earth, (and in this of England especially) for the advancement of the Righteous, and Peaceable Kingdom of his Son.]October 11. 1678.
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