Narrative Passages.
Self-Revelation.
Then the Lord gently led me along, and let me see His love, which was endless and eternal, surpassing all the knowledge men have in the natural state or can obtain from history or books, and that love let me see myself as I was without him. I was afraid of all company, for I saw them perfectly where they were, through the love of God which let me see myself. I had not fellowship with any people, priests or professors or any sort of separated people, but with Christ, who hath the key, and opened the door of Light and Life unto me. I was afraid of all carnal talk and talkers, for I could see nothing but corruptions and the life lay under the burthen of corruptions. When I myself was in the deep, shut up under all, I could not believe that I should ever overcome, my troubles, my sorrows, and my temptations were so great, that I thought many times I should have despaired I was so tempted.
(Journal, 8th ed., Vol. I, p. 12.)
The Inner Light.
Now the Lord opened to me by His invisible power that every man was enlightened by the divine light of Christ; and I saw it shine through all; and that they that believed in it came out of condemnation to the light of life and became the children of it; but they that hated it and did not believe in it were condemned by it, though they made a profession of Christ. This I saw in the pure openings of the light without the help of any man; neither did I then know where to find it in the Scriptures, though afterwards searching the Scriptures I found it. For I saw in that light and spirit which was before the Scriptures were given forth and which led the holy men of God to give them forth, that all must come to that Spirit, if they would know God or Christ or the Scripture aright which they that gave him forth were led and taught by.
(Journal, 8th ed., Vol. I., p. 35.)
A New Creation.
Now I was come up in spirit through the flaming sword into the paradise of God. All things were new and all the creation gave another smell unto me beyond what words can utter. I knew nothing but pureness and innocency and righteousness.
(Journal, 8th ed., Vol. I, p. 28.)