a memorable fancy, plate 14

the ancient tradition that the world will be consumed in fire at the end of six thousand years is true

as i have heard from hell

for the cherub with his flaming sword is hereby commanded to leave his guard at tree of life

and when he does

the whole creation will be consumed

and appear infinite

and holy whereas it now appears finite & corrupt

this will come to pass by an improvement of sensual enjoyment

but first the notion that man has a body distinct from his soul

is to be expunged: this i shall do

by printing in the infernal method

by corrosives

which in hell are salutary and medicinal

melting apparent surfaces away

and displaying the infinite which was hid

if the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is

infinite

for man has closed himself up

till he sees all things thro' narrow chinks of his cavern