AN INTRODUCTION, &c.

...her head. 1 Corinthians 11:5. But since Christ is my head-covering, I have both a commission and defensive strength original: "Munition-strength"; referring to the strength of a fortress or military provisions upon which I shall proceed and go forward. I will speak regarding the first part of this work, which is the spring-flower of the mind, rooted in an eternal foundation original: "Essenced in a Never-dying Root". This renders the mind perfectly beautiful, bringing love and delight to him who is the radiant brightness of the Father's Light. In this, you will see (as if in a mirror) the royal stages and spiritual ascents original: "Assents"; likely meaning the rising or "ascents" of the soul toward God, along with joyful celebrations in the Spirit. These are prepared as an inviting example for heaven-born spirits, as well as for those yet unborn, so that all may labor to be found in such a heavenly state of mind.

The next part which I recommend to the reader is based on the title of the book, "The Enochian Life" referring to the biblical figure Enoch, who "walked with God" and was taken to heaven without dying. This life has been so hidden and unknown, yet it has been found by the spiritual pilgrim and traveler. It may still be found by those who stop walking after the flesh and worldly ways and resolve to walk with God in the Spirit. For if you can once clear yourselves and get away from these low, clogging, and heavy, sandy paths, then you may enter into these high and pleasant walks with GOD. Once you have entered them, you will meet with various sweets and delights that will engage you to stay, because you will meet good company here. Though there are but few among mortals, a great number of the Heavenly Society will walk and talk with you from those upper regions toward which your travels tend. I have given an account of this to encourage and motivate holy and set-apart original: "separated" spirits toward this path. They have the liberty and opportunity to know the riches and pleasant things of this heavenly country beforehand and to contemplate them. For this purpose, I have joined and added to this first part what was opened and revealed to me last year, 1693, where you will see a particular knowledge and experience of the communion that the saints still living in this lower world may enjoy with the holy and departed spirits of the higher world, which may be of great advantage.

I have also included a small tract lately revealed regarding the way and manner we may expect the LORD JESUS to appear, about which so many prophecies and rumors have gone out in this present age. According to my gift, I have laid a sure foundation for both his present and future appearance in the world. I am certain that he does and will send his messenger before his face, which is the Spirit of refining fire original: "Spirit of refining Fire"; a purifying spiritual influence to prepare for his more visible and glorious coming in his kingdom, to make kings, priests, and prophets to reign in and with him on the earth. When we see more of this increasing grace original: "multiplying Oyl of the Holy Ghost" poured out upon those who look for this blessed hope and the most glorious reign of Christ, then we may expect that he is drawing near. Therefore, in order for this to happen, all public and private pastors and teachers,