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I was glad that I was commanded to turn people to that inward light, spirit, and grace, by which all might know their salvation, and their way to God; even that divine Spirit which would lead them into all Truth, and which I infallibly knew would never deceive any.
*George Fox 1624-1691. "Inner Light." Wikepedia.
When you remain still from the Thinking of SELF, and the Willing of SELF, when both your Intellect and Will are quiet and passive to the Impressions of the Eternal Word and Spirit, when your Soul is winged up and above that which is temporal, with the outward Senses and the Imagination being locked up by Holy Abstraction; then, the Eternal Hearing, Seeing, and Speaking will be revealed IN YOU. Then, God hears and sees through you, [your] being now the Organ of His Spirit; and, so, God speaks in you and whispers to your Spirit, and your Spirit hears his Voice. Blessed are you, therefore, if you can be still from SELF-Thinking and SELF-Willing and can stop the Wheel of your Imagination and Senses, for, by such, you may arrive at Length to see the great Salvation of God, with your being made capable of all Manner of Divine Sensations and Heavenly Communications. Since it is nothing indeed but your OWN Hearing and Willing that hinders you, so that you do not see and hear God.
.*Jacob Behmen (Jakob Boehme) 1575-1624. The SuperSensual Life. 1622, 1894. Adapted to modern English.
I longed for the Ocean until
You splashed Water in my face
I admired clothing until
Your Wind blew it all away
I aspired for the Wine until
You emptied the bottle over me
I talked of love until, one Night,
You kissed me
My longing was a cloud passing before the Sun, until
Only the Light remained in the Sky
Why speak
When your arms draw me to your breasts?
Why talk of religion
With this Breath moving over me?
Why theorize about Jesus
When He is holding my hand?
Why wait for Heaven
When I am already immersed in such Bliss?
*Brian K. Wilcox, Feb 6, 2006
the wise disciple crosses the ocean of ignorance
by direct illumination, through the grace of God.
Shankara (born ca. 886)
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*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in continuing his ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers or the Cokesbury on-line store, cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist Pastor, lives in Southwest Florida. He is a vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and seeks to inspire others to enjoy a more intimate relationship with Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the Church through addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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