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But as he would run before God (through ignorance) his character was 'the devil,' but when he submitted to the office designed him, and becomes obedient, then the character is 'Venus'-the Son of God's love. And as the day is always preceded by this planet, it shows that the 'true light' of the Word could not come before the character appeared, to stand first in the evil, ie., to run on furiously in self-will (thinking that he was doing right), for which he is cast down to hell, as it is written (Isa. xiv. 12), 'How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning'! And just as the planet 'Venus' or 'Lucifer' takes its transit, going down under the globe, and then as the 'evening star' following the Sun, so this represents the same person brought to obedience; thus the same that was the 'evil one' is now become the good one, and here is 'the Devil' destroyed, and the Son of God lives for evermore.

And herein lies the whole of the 'Scripture' mystery, and the mystery of the 'heathen mythology,' and of all the mysteries of the Egyptians, and of astrology, soothsayings, and of all the mystic prophecies that ever were written; and a notable passage on this point appears in Joanna Southcott's Prophetic Book, called 'Strange Effects of Faith,' p. 221

'Because My sword you will find is My Word,

And the two stars upon the glittering sword;

All is clear now by the turning of 'Satan into Christ'—the 'problem' ever insoluble by man's conception; for there is but one simple (yet great) answer to all the riddles of the Spirit, in all nations, times, and forms; and thus there is no cause for 'mystics' now, with their vague perplexings of the brain, and vexings of spirit in vain speculations on the Infinite and unattainable; for this Revelation of Christ' is the 'Daylight' that lightens everyone who comes into this New world.

It is the Morning-star that doth appear,

And in the Evening-star doth now shine clear.

Now, as 'Laban' and 'Jacob' are figures to represent the one man under the operation of the two spirits, so the 'goats' and the 'sheep' show the same thing; first, he is the goat ('Capricornus '), the one designed to 'bear the iniquities' of the people, 'ring-streaked,' 'speckled,' and 'spotted' (with the flesh); he had on him the Marks of the everlasting Covenant (ringed by love and streaked with light), though doomed to endure the curse, and to be made a curse'; he had the earnest of the incorruptible inheritance' in him, and 'walked with God' in a degree according to the disposition of the mind, for in all that he did, his aim and object was to do that which was right in God's sight; he 'believed in God, and it was 'imputed unto him for righteousness' (Rom. iv. 22), while he was yet . . . [dark or 'brown' ?].

...

Thus the printing ends with the 17th Part, and those who have loved the Light displayed throughout, will experience a kind of regretful shock at the sudden breaking off; it is quite obvious that the MS. extended further, and probably each of the subjects under review came out in the sequel; however, we know that all his writings were one continuation of the Manifestation of God in human nature. It will be observed that-so far as printed-some points remain uncleared; for instance, the 'man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day,' but this may be found subsequently in Epistle on Job, Vol. II.; and then the five months only of winter (with 'August')

and their Zodiacal signs, are brought forward, and in connection therewith the five angels of Rev. viii. and ix.; but in the Epistle on 'All Things,' etc., Year 8 (Vol. II. likewise), the whole of the twelve months are shown in their diverse operations.

Then, as to the matter coming up in this last number, the 'brown sheep' may be left to the 'brown study' of those whom it may concern, and pretenders to 'Divinity' can give evidence of their qualification by continuing and developing the subject. The 'dark dragon over Sudsbrown' (of 'Nixon's' prophecy) has been shown to be the 'Spirit of error' which became incorporate in an Irishman, who was corrupted by the false tales of God begotten thereby, but his understanding was to be enlightened at last,—the head was in Stafford Town, signifying that by crossing the ford 'Jabbok' (which word means 'evacuation' or 'dissipation') he gets emptied of all his old notions, and gains the 'Staff' of God-the 'sure dwelling-wherewith he ever walks, and is upheld and supported.

The little symbol of the 'match' (apparently insignificant) conveys a correct idea of the changes that have followed during the Victorian Era, from the coming of the 'True Light'-'Christ'-the Victor over, and Destroyer of darkness and death! and as the period prior to the introduction of the 'match' may be called comparatively the 'dark ages'-from the difficulty in getting a light,—now we may shout 'Victory' over the errors of the past, because we see him who was invisible,' and live in that spiritual life.

Zion has shown that the New principles introduced

by God into His human nature in this latter day' or 'last times,' are living Spirits from the Great Source (The Supreme Eternal Reason) inbreathed, which so appeal to the reason of man (when free from prejudice and untarnished by self-wisdom) that the logic is irresistible and indisputable, and those who yield to its influence will confidently pass the 'Judgment Seat of Christ,' with joy unutterable and full of glory!-C. B. HOLINSWORTH. March 4, Year 72 (1897).

'THE LIVING ORACLE, OR THE STAR OF

BETHLEHEM.'

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(Written in answer to a letter of Rev. T. P. Foley's (one of Joanna Southcott's 'Judges'), dated July 23, 1829.)

Published at Nottingham. January, Year 5 (1830).

THIS was actually the fourth printed work, being preceded (Year 4) by the 'Vision of Judgment' in February, and do. (Continued') in May, and then (June) the 'Christian Corrector Corrected' (Vol. IX. pp. 224-245).

Mr Foley's letter is printed in the original publication, and Zion appends to his answer a 'Preface to the Reader' of invaluable general help, and also explanatory of the circumstances that led up to the 'Answer' that follows; the strictly personal matter (and Mr F.'s letter) is not given in the following Copy, being immaterial in this and succeeding ages, to the copious explanations of the body of the work, which only concern the reader; and parts of the freely-quoted passages and extracts from J. Southcott's Prophecies are likewise omitted (the bulk, however, given at the close) as not of immediate importance in the perusal, but where possible all necessary references are produced, and all the Messiah's vital words thereupon in their strict entirety.

Thus shall the name of Joanna Southcott-the 'most honoured Prophetess of the Most High'-be received

VOL. X

257

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