TheHighandDeepSearchingOut of

TheThreefoldLifeofMan
throughoraccordingto

TheThreePrinciples

JacobBoehmeTeutonicusPhilosophus TranslatedbyJohnSparrow1909

ASHORTCONTENTSOFTHISBOOK BytheAuthor Being a high and deep searching out of the Threefold Life of Man, through the Three Principles. Wherein is clearly shewn that which is eternal; and also that which is mortal. And wherefore God, who is the highest Good, hath brought all things to light. Also wherefore one thing is contrary to another, and destroyeth it: and then what is right or true, and what is evil or false, and how the one severeth (distinguishes) itself from the other. Wherein especially the Three Principles are founded, which are the only original or fountain whence all things flow and are generated. Whereby the multitude of meanings and opinions about faith and religion may be known: and what is the cause of the multitudes of opinions among men concerning the essence and will of God; also what is best for man to do, that he may attain the highest and eternal good. And then concerning the end and issue of all things; wherefore all things have appeared in such a property and essence as they have had; for the comfort of the poor wounded sick soul of man, and for the rebuilding or edification of the true Christian

religion; wherein the Antichrist standeth quite naked and revealed. Set down for a remembrance to ourself, and for a stay to uphold us in these distracted miserable times.

Introductiontotheelectronictextedition(2009) ItiswithgreatpleasurethatIofferthiselectroniceditionofJacob Boehme'sworkontheThreefoldLifeofMan. Itwashisthirdbook,after"Aurora"and"TheThreePrinciplesofthe DivineEssence",anditisarguablyoneofhismostimportantbooks, containingthebulkofhisideas. Themainpurposeofthiseditionistoprovideasearchabletextforthe researcherandstudentofBoehmeandenablesearchenginestoindex Boehme'swritings,inordertomakehistextseasilyretrievable. Itisacompletetext,includingthevaluableintrobytheRev.G.W.Allen, allfootnotesandnontrivialmarginalnotes.Anextensivealphabeticallist oftermswithchapterverseindicationfollowsattheendofthebook.This willbeconsultedfrequentlybytheseriousstudentandresearcheralike. TheappendixcontainsalistofBoehme'spublications.Thiswascopiedby mefromtheelectronictextofFourTablesofDivineRevelation.The appendixcontaininginformationaboutFreher'smanuscriptswasdeemed nonrelevanttothiselectroniceditionandhasbeendropped. Boehme'sworkdeservestobeavailablefreely,afteraboutfourhundred years.Itisstillrelevanttoday,becauseitisprocessorientedandprocess philosophy(Whitehead,Peirce,etc.)isgettingmoreattentionnow, promisingsomesolutionstophilosophicalproblems,likeontologicalones, thathaveplaguedscienceforalongtimesincequantummechanics. Lastly,Iwishyouaninspirativestudyofthisgreatwork.

MartinEuser Manymorevaluabledocuments(Boehmeandothertheosophical kabbalisticsources,myfreeebook)canbefoundatmymainsite: meuser.awardspace.com Anoldersite,butwithanicesearchfacilityandblog: members.tripod.com/m_euser Mywriterscornercanbefoundatscribd:www.scribd.com/meuser Myebookonintegrativespiritualityandholisticsciencecanbefound theretoo.

ThreefoldLifeofMan JacobBoehme

CONTENTS IntroductionbyGeorgeW.Allen CHAP. 1..OftheOriginalMatrix,orGenetrix 2..FurtheroftheGenetrix 3..ConcerningtheBirthofLove 4..OftheWellspringofLight 5..OftheWisdomofGod,andoftheAngelicalWorld 6..OftheWorld,andalsoofParadise 7..OftheTrueCornerStone 8..OftheTransitory,andoftheEternalLife 9..OftheThreefoldLife 10.HowManmayfindhimself 11.OftheTrueKnowledge,whatmanis 12.OftheTrueChristianLifeandConversation 13.OfChrist'smostpreciousTestaments 14.OftheBroadWay,andoftheNarrowWay 15.OftheMixedWorldanditsWickedness 16.OfPrayingandFasting 17.OfGod'sblessinginthisWorld
18.OfDeath,andofDying

Alphabeticalindexofterms(veryelaborate;ChapterVerseindicated) Appendix:listofauthor'sworks

PUBLISHER'SNOTE WEventuretohopethattheincreasinginterest inthestudyofChristianMysticismwillenable ustoreprinttheEnglishtranslationofthewhole ofJacobBoehme'sWorks*(seeAppendixA)in acompleteedition,uniformwiththisfirstvolume, subscriberstowhichwillreceive,bypost,indue course,intimationofthenextandallsubsequent issues.Inanycase,asmanyofBoehme'swritings willbepublishedasthedemandwarrants.Every issuewillbecompleteinitself,andindependent ofthosethatprecedeorfollowit.Thosewho maywishtobeadvisedofthereducedsubscription priceoffuturevolumesareinvitedtowriteto theundersignedforaprospectus. Shouldthedemandfortheworksofthisgreat Christianmysticproveasuccess,wehopealso topublishselectionsfromthecommentariesof DionysiusAndreasFreher(Boehme'sgreatest, thoughbutlittleknown,expositor),theMSS. ofwhichare,fortunately,preservedintheBritish Museum,andinDrWilliams'sLibrary. *ForageneralsurveyofJ.B.'sworkswestronglyrecommend tothereaderDrAlexanderWhyte'sbooklet,Jacob Behmen:AnAppreciation(OliphantAnderson&Ferrier). ForanexampleofFreher'sgenius,seethe figures"leftbytheRev.WilliamLaw,"appended

totheincompleteeditionofBoehme'sWorks,infour volumes,largequarto,publishedbyRichardson,and byRobinson,17631781.Lawwasaclosestudent ofFreheraswellasofBoehme,andwith,hisown handmadeextensivecopiesofsomeofthese MSS.Healsopossessedreproductionsofsome ofFreher'ssymbolicalfiguresandtables,which afterLaw'sdeath(1761)werefoundamongsthis papersbyMrGeorgeWard,theeditorofthe eighteenthcenturyreprintofBoehme,andby himinsertedinthesaidvolumes. AnaccountoftheseMSS.isgiveninWalton's NotesandMaterialsforanAdequateBiography ofWilliamLaw,pp.141142and679688(see AppendixB).TheMSS.thereinreferredtoas inWalton'spossessionweredepositedbyhimin 1875withthetrusteesofDrWilliams'sLibrary, togetherwithhisvaluablecollectionofmystical works,forthefreeuseofstudents. ExamplesofFreher'swritingswillalsobe foundinMemorialofWilliamLaw,pp.258491 and581587. Areprintofasmallprivatelyprintedvolumeof collectedessaysonBoehmebythatilluminative writerthelateMrsA.J.Penny,isalso contemplated. C.J.BARKER HILLCROFT,RUSSELLHILL, PURLEY,SURREY, March31,1909.

IntroductiontoBoehme'sThreefoldLifeofMan. ByGeorgeW.Allen

THEREwasatimewhenthecryamongphilosophers was,"BacktoKant!"Thiscry,"Back!"always meansthatmenareconsciousthatsomethingis wrongsomewhere,andsuspectthatthemistake maybeastofirstprinciples,ratherthanasto methods.Forphilosophyexistsnotforitsown sake,butforthesakeofproducingalifeoforder andharmony;andwhen,afterlongapplication, menfindthatthisresultisnotreached,theyknow thatsomethingiswrongsomewhere.Theerror, then,maybeastofirstprinciplesorastomethods. Inthelattercasethepurpose,theaim,isright, butthemeanstakentoachieveitmaybewrong. Intheformercasetheaimiswrong:therehas beenevidentlysomemisapprehensionastowhat humannatureis,whatitsrealwantsandcapacities are;andwheretheaimiswrong,nomeans howeverwiseandwellcalculatedtoattainthe aimwillproducesatisfactoryresults.Thetask ofdevisingmeansbelongstothedepartmentof practicalpolitics,thoughphilosophymayrender valuableassistance;butthetaskofenquiring intoandformulatingfirstprinciplesbelongsto philosophyalone.

Philosophymayconcernitselfonlywiththe seen,thesurfaceofthings,andrefusetoenquire whethermanhasanydeepernaturethanthe externalofwhichheisimmediatelyconscious. Butproperlytheenquirycannotlimititself.It mustseektopenetratetothewholeofthedata, andifanyFactisleftoutofaccounttheconclusion arrivedatwillnotstand:soonerorlaterevidence thatsomethinghasbeenoverlookedwillbeforthcoming. Whenphilosophyadmitsthatthedatamayhave tobesoughtbeyondthelimitsoftheseen,itis sometimesthentermed"Theosophy."Unfortunately thetermneedstoberescuedfrommuch misapprehensionbothonthepartofsomewhouse itillicitly,andofthosewhoare(inconsequence) frightenedbyit.Brieflytoindicatethismisapprehension, letussay,first,thatthedistinction betweentheseenandtheunseenisapurely artificialone.Thetwoarenottwodifferent Orders,buttheoneandonlyOrdercognisedby beingswhosefacultiesvary:somemoreperfect, andsomesolimitedthattheyseebutapartof whatistheretobeseen.The(socalled)unseen isasmuchapartoftheorderofnature,astruly subjecttoorderlysequences,asistheseen,the natureweknow.AsEmersonrightlysaid,"The wholeFactishere";butweofthefallennature seeandknowbutinpart.TheHinduphilosophy seemsgroundedontheideathattheouterisall andonly"Maya,"andthatitstandsinnorelation totheinner;sothatsuchaswouldlearnanything oftheinnermustturntheireyesawayfromthe

outeraltogether.TheChristianphilosophybelieves thattheouterisonlytheveilovertheinner, placedtherebyman'slimitedfaculty;andthata wiseandprofoundstudyoftheouterwillyield hintsandsuggestionsofinnertruth.Forevenif theouterwerethedirectcontraryoftheinner(as inScriptureseemstobeclearlyhinted),thisis nonethelessanexactrelationship;andfromthe studyofthecontrarysomenotionofthatofwhich itisthecontrarycanbeformed. "Theosophy"maymeaneither"Awisdom whichisGod's"or"Awisdomwhichmancan attainaboutGod."Forallpracticalpurposesthe latteristobepreferred;forwhateverviewwe takeoftheosophicaltruth,wenevercanbecertain thatitistheviewofGod.IfBoehmehasbeen calledthe"TeutonicTheosopher,"thisisonly becauseheendeavourstopenetrateintothedepth ofman'snature,andseeksforfactswhicharenot tobefounduponthesurfacethereof.Manyview suchanattemptwithfeelingsakintothoseofthe henwhoseestheducklingsshehashatchedout embarkboldlyuponthepond.Theyaresure thereisnofoothold,andthatdisastermustensue. Therehasbeen,withoutdoubt,inallagesofthe worldmuchenquirycallingitself"theosophical" whichhasbeenillicitanddisastrous.Ducklings thatcansafelycrossarivermightbelostin attemptingtocrosstheAtlantic.Everything dependsonthespiritinwhichtheenquiryis undertaken.Ifinaselfsufficientprideandconfidence

inourownpowers,oroutofmerecuriosity andloveofthewonderfulandobscure,theenquiry isillicitandlikelytoendinspiritualandmoral disaster.Onesortofspiritalonecanundertake theenquirywithsafety.Itmustbeenteredon fortheoneandonlypurposeoflearningwhatwe actuallyare,sothatbythisknowledgewemaybe enabledtoshapeourlifeandformourpersonal characterinaccordancewiththeeternalFact.

Neithermustweundertaketopursuetheenquiry byourownnaturalandunaidedreasonand intellect.Wemustseekandexpectguidance; thatguidancewhichiseveraffordedtothosewho seekitfromatruemotive,whichisneveramere desiretoexploreandtalkaboutthereconditeand profound.Sonarrowisthegatethatleadstothe realdivinetruththatnoselfsufficiencycanever enterin.Onlythemeekandlowlyofheart,who desiretobeablebettertoserve,ratherthantopose asprofoundthinkers,canpassitandwalkinthe straitenedwaythatwillbefoundwithin.Such areknownatoncebythis:thattheirwholeinterest iscentredonwhatcanbeturnedtopractical accountinlifeandconductandcharacter;andif, astheystudy,theydonotfindthemselves becomingnearertothedivinecharacterinlove andsympathyandservice,theyfeelthatsomething iswrong.Theyareneversofilledwith wondersdiscoveredastorestcontentwiththis success;fortheyseeknottruthforitsownsake,

butonlyforthesakeofitsgood.Theywatch themselvesclosely,andturnasidefromanyknowledge thatdoesnotbearfruitinagreaterearnestness inservice,andinacharactergrowingever morepureandsympatheticandsetonthings above.AllthisBoehmeiscarefultosayagain andagain. Understoodinthissense,andfencedaboutby thesesafeguards,theosophylosesallitsdangers, andthemanwholovesGod,andisdissatisfied withthemerenotionalapprehensionofHimwith whichmostarecontent;whofeelsthathehimself ismorethanheasyetknows,andwouldunderstand forwhathewascreated,andtowhatendhe ismeanttoarrive;whoregardsthislifeasneeding tobeinterpretedratherthannomorethanit seems;whowishessotoliveherethat,after death,hemaynotfindhimselfinanewand "other"worldwitheveryfibreofhabit,every longingandliking,ofanaturewhich,inthat world,isimpossibleandmustproveatorment suchanoneneednotdespair.Thereisaway,a wisdom,anoperationwhich,taken,searchedout andattempted,willleadhim,teachhimandform himsothathewillnotonlyreachtheeternal (whichallmustdo),butreachittofindhimselfin rightfulrelationtoit,athomeinit,conformedto it.Harmonywithenvironmentisheaven:the contraryishell.

If,ofhumanwriters,Kantisthemanofphilosophical firstprinciples,Boehmeisequallycertainly themanoftheosophicalfirstprinciples.Andif thereappearsigns(assurelyisthecase)thatour Christianreligionisnotproducingthatnational righteousnesswhichitsaimistoproduce,andwe suspectthatwehavenotgotourfirstprinciples right,thereisnoauthor(outsideHolyScripture) towhomitwillbemoreprofitabletogoback. Itwillbeimpossibleinabriefintroductionto enteronafullexplicationofBoehme'smarvellous system,forthiswouldrequireavolumetoitself. Allthatcanbeattemptedistoindicatethegeneral linesofthatsystem,andtogivesomecluetothe reader,wherebyfirstdifficultiesmaybesurmounted, andthesecretofBoehmeindicated. TheDivineOne;TheHumanTwo. Humanapprehensionisadmittedlylimited.The natureofthislimitationmaybethusexpressed: WhatinGod'scomprehensionisoneis,tohuman apprehension,two."Thedarknessandthelight toTheearebothalike."Buttomanitissaid, "Woetothosewhoputdarknessforlight,and lightfordarkness."Asdarknessandlightare contraries,soitfollowsthatthetwointowhich (forman)thedivineoneorwholeisbrokenup arealwayscontraries,andthereforethelifeof man'sapprehensionisthecontraryofGod'slife. Henceitissaid:"Thewisdomofthisworldis foolishnesswithGod."Whattousiswise,to

Himisfolly;whattousisstrong,toHimis weak;whattousislife,toHimisdeath. Thisisthemystictruthinitssimplestexpression: thereisreallyagreatdealmoretobe grasped.Thereasonwhyman'sthoughtisthe contraryofGod'sisthatGod'sconceptissovast thatbeforethehumanmindcanapprehenditit mustbebrokenupintotwo.Thustheactual onethingbecomes,forman,twothings,asdarkness andlight,weaknessandstrength,wisdomand folly.ThetruthisnotthatofthesetwoGod holdsoneandmantheother,butthatGod apprehendsbothasone;andman,unabletodo this,hastoholdGod'soneasatwo,oneofwhich heclingstoandrejectstheother.Onehecalls right,theotherwrong;onetruth,theother falsehood;andsoon.Thusinwhatmanholds asright,ortrue,thereisanelement,presentin God'scomprehensionofit,whichmanfailsto integrate.Bothman's"right"andhis"wrong" areimperfecttoGod,forGod's"right"isman's "right"and"wrong"synthesised,oratoned. TheHegeliantriadof"thesis,antithesisand synthesis,"isbasedonthisphilosophy.OfEnglish writers,noonehasmoreclearlyexplicatedit thanthelateProf.G.Boole,inhisLawsof Thoughtaworknowunhappilyveryrare. Boolewasamathematician,andexpressedhis philosophyintermsofmathematicalnotation. Take(hesaysineffect)anyonegenusofthings, andyoucandivideitbydichotomyintotwo

classes."Men"canbedividedinto"whitemen" and"notwhitemen,"or"clevermen"and"not clevermen."Qualitiesalsocanbethusdichotomised. Whatevergenusyoutakeanddivide thushecalls"universeofthought";andhis formulais:"Universeofthoughtequalsunity." Andas(ashasbeenshown)thisuniversecanbe dividedintocontraries,hesuggestedthefollowing formulaasagraphicpicturingofthephilosophy: x+notx=1.Thiswillbeplainerwhenwe showthepracticalapplicationofit.Asthus: JohnSmith(wewillsay)isanorthodoxChurchman, andbelievesthatwhatheholdsisrightand whatWilliamBrown(whoisaNonconformist) holdsiswrong.Hedivideshis"universeof thought"(men)into"churchmenandnotchurchmen"; assumingthattheformerhaveallthe truthandthelatteralltheerror.Thisheassumes tooeasily;unawarethatGod'sTruthistoovast tobeallincludedintheideasofanysingleschool orparty.ThereissomethingintheNonconformist's apprehensionwhichislackinginhis,and somethinginhiswhichislackingintheNoncon formist's.Thismeansthatineachapprehension thereissometruthandsomeerror.Deductthe errorofeach,andyougettwotruths,theChurchman's andtheNonconformist's.But,accordingto Boole'sformula,thesetwoequalone;ifthesetwo canbeunited,harmonised,atoned,thenwehave thedivineTruth.Andwhatbecomesofthetwo errors?Really,thatwhichJohnSmithregards asWilliamBrown'serroristhatcomplementary

truthtohisowntruthwhichhe,notseeingas truth,hastoregardaserror:fortruthnotrightly understood,notseeninitsrightrelation,isregarded aserror.Istherethereforenosuchthing aserror?Certainly.IfWilliamBrownasserts thatnoChurchmancanberight,thatisanerror. IfJohnSmithassertsthatnoNonconformist canberight,thatisanerror.Andwemay safelygeneralisethatinallournegationsthere iserror,andinouraffirmationstruth.Therefore itisplainthatx+notx=1,means, "ThetruthIseeandhold,andthetruthIyet donotseenorhold,equalsthewhole,single divineTruth."Thefullfollowingupofthisidea (whichhereIhavenotspacetogive)wouldlead tothisunexpectedconclusion:thatifIwantto findthatcomplementarytruthwhichIrequireto makemyapprehensionapproximateascloselyas maybetothedivine,Imustseekitintheopinions ofthosewhomIbelievetobemostmistakenand wrong.ThisdoesnotmeanthatImustabandon myownviewsandadopttheirs;forthatwould betoexchangethethesisfortheantithesisboth equallyshortofthefullTruth.ItmeansthatI musttrytodetecttheideaatthebottomoftheir tenets,findoutwhatitistheyaretryinginthose tenetstoexpress;andthiswillbethecomplementary thatIrequiretointegratewiththeidea that,inmytenets,Iamtryingtoexpress.Thus Ishallreachthesynthesis,whichaloneisperfect andcomplete.

TheHiddenBaseandtheManifestedQuality. Ifmanasheishereislimited,itfollowsthat hecannotseethewholeofGod'sOne,andifhe cannotseethewholeofGod'sOne,itfollowsthat apartofitishiddenfromhim.Thismeansthat whenhetriestoseeGod'sOnetherewillbea moietythathewillseeandamoietythathewill notsee. Inallcreaturelyseeingthesightisofthesurface alone.Andhereinitmaybesaidthatmanis doublylimited,forhedoesnotseeallevenofwhat isonthesurface.Agazerontheshoreofthe Atlanticcannotseeallofeventhesurfaceofthat mightyocean.Sowemustsaythatheseesonly thatpartofthesurfacethatfallswithinthelimit ofhisvision.Butheismuchmoredisastrously limitedastosightofthedepthsoftheocean,into whichhecanonlylooktosomeveryslightextent. Translatingthisintoitsspiritualanalogue,wesay thatmancanseephenomenabutnotthepower thatcausesphenomena.Itistruethathecan sometimesseesomethingofthewaythepower works,andmayevenbeablehimselftosetitto work,andtherebyproducecertaineffects;butthe knowledgewherebyhedoesthisispurelyempirical. Hehasfirsttowatchnature'sworking,andthen trytoimitateit:hisworkisamaking,nota creating.

Itmightbethoughtapresumptuousattemptto seektopenetratetothemysteryofGod'screating; butBoehmeundertakestodefendthereasonableness oftheattempt.Manis,hesays,inhis spiritualnaturethechildofGod;and,asour Lordsaid,"TheFatherloveththeSon,andshoweth himallthingsthatHimselfdoeth."Therefore thewholequestionofourjustificationinattempting thisdeepsearchingiswhetherweapproachitas childrenofGod,relyingonourFather'sillumination andguidance,orwhetherweundertakeitin ourownfanciedselfability.Ifinthelatter,the presumption,thefolly,thesinoftheattempt cannotbeexaggerated.Ifintheformer,then theattempt,isrightandnodisasterwillresult. GodgivestheHolySpirittoallwhoearnestly desireit,and"thespiritsearchethallthings,yea, thedeepthingsofGod."Boehmeassertsthathe soughtinthisspirit;thattheknowledgehethus meeklysoughtcametohim;andthisisthe accounthegivesofit. Beforeanycreated"thing"was,God(whois "nothing"because"everything"inone,immanent inall,andyetalsotranscendent)existedinastate whichBoehmecallsthe"StillRest."IntheOne Allconsciousnessevery"thing"which,aftermanifestation, becamean"eachconsciousness"was, butunputforth.OneWillruledalone,aWillto abidestillinthesamestate;andhadnotacontrary willarisen,allwouldhaveremainedasOne. GodwouldhaveknownHisowninfinitecontent,

buttherehadbeennocreatures,selfconscious, andcapableofknowingandrejoicingintheir Creator. Sinceitisclearthatmanifestationhastaken place,wemustsaythatthenecessary,secondand contrarywilldidarise:how,wemustnotseekto enquire.Itisnotrevealed,becausenotnecessary forustoknow.Wemaybesurethatitdoesnot indicateanychangeincontentintheInfinite,to whichnothingcanbeadded;butonlyachange inarrangement.Theeffectofthiscontrarywill wastoproduceconditionsthecontraryofwhat hadbeenbefore.Before,allhadbeenlightand peaceandjoy;now,darkness,strifeandwrath arose.Atoncewemustask,Howcantheseevil thingsariseinGod?Thereplyis,first,these thingsveryobviouslyarenow;andiftheyhave nottheirorigininGod,inwhomhavetheytheir origin?Thereisnootheroriginatingpowerbut God,whosaysofHimself,"Iformthelightand Icreatedarkness,Imakepeaceandcreateevil,Iam theLordthatdoethallthesethings."* *Isa.xlv.7.NotethatthesewordsareaddressedtoCyrus,who asafolloweroftheMagianreligionbelievedintwoGodsonewho madeallthingsgood,andtheotherallthingsevil.Thisfactadds greatlytothesignificanceofthewords. But,secondly,wecanreplythatwhatreally thusarosewasnotdarkness,strifeandwrath,but aspiritualprinciplewhich,ifallowedtotakeon

form,orquality,wouldthenbutthenonly appearastheseevilthings.Ifthisideaisclearly grasped,mostoftheobscurityofBoehme'ssystem willdisappear,andallwillbelucid. For,accordingtohim,anyqualityisthesurface appearanceofanunseen,hiddenpowerorspirit which,solongasitremainsasinvisiblespirit,is unknown,hasnoname,noconsciouslycognised quality.Butitispossibletobringitupoutof thehiddenness,andthenitappearsasadefinite quality;andthen,forthefirsttime,itgetsa name;andiseitherloveorhate,darknessor light,falsehoodortruth,accordingtothenature ofthespiritofwhichitisthemanifestation. ButwhyshouldGodpermitanyspirittobe which,whenmanifested,mustappearasthese evilqualities?Boehme'sreplyisthatcontrariety istheveryconditionandbasisofmanifestation; andthat,apartfromtheexistenceofacontrary, manifestationcouldnotbe.Forasinglewilldoes nothingnew;andhadthewilloftheStillRest notbeenmetandcrossedbyacontrarywill,the StillResthadbeentheceaselesscondition,and manifestationwouldnothavetakenplace.And thereisverymuchtobesaidforthispresentation ofthecase.Contrariesdoexistforus;andwe musteithersupposethattheyexistagainstthe willofGod(whichishardtobelieve,for"Who hathresistedHiswill?"),orthattheyexistby Hiswill,andsubservesomenecessarypurpose,as Boehmeasserts.Weknow,too,thatitisthrough

oppositionthatconsciousnessiseffected.Where thereisnoopposition,noworkcanbeconsciously done.Ifthingshadnoweighttoresistour strength,weshouldneverknowwepossessed strength.Ifwecouldneverdowrong,weshould neverknowthatwecoulddoright.Abstract termsarenothingtous,apartforsomeconcrete embodiment.Strengthisunknowntousapart fromthestrongthing,showingitsstrengthin whatitdoes.Colourswouldbeunknownwere thereno"bodies"thatwereredorblueorgreen. So"strong,""powerful,""good,""thick," "heavy,""light,""dark,""hard,""soft,""sweet," "bitter,"etc.,etc.arealladjectivesthatis,they arequalitiesofthingswhichweonlyknowthrough thethingsofwhichtheyarethequalities.We knowthatwecannotconceiveofpure,abstract spiritapartfromsomevisibleorcognisablething inandthroughwhichitmanifests;butthisis partofthepredication,forifwecouldknowit, itwouldbemanifestedandnothidden.We knowthatGodisSpirit,andthatGodisunknowable andincognisableapartfromHisselfrevelation ofHimselfinHisSon,whoisHismanifestation. Thereforetherecanbenoinherentimpossibility intheideaheresuggestedthateveryknownquality musthavesomeunknown,hiddenbasis.Norin thefurtherideathatthehiddenandthemanifested willnecessarilybe(tous)contraries.Consider suchaqualityas"love."Itappearssoweakthat itcannotthreatenoruseforcetocompelresponse;

itpreferstoseemtoyield,togiveway;yetalways, intheend,itwins.Itistheoneinvincibleforce. Whyisthis?IfBoehmeisright,itisbecausein everythingthereisaqualityonthesurface,anda powerinthehiddenness;andifthequalityappears weak,thepowerisstrong;andifthequalityappears strong,thepowerisweak.Themanwhoscoffsat love,andpreferstocompelanddominateinhis ownpower,intheendalwaysfailstoaccomplish hisend.Strange,therefore,astheideamayseem tousatfirstsight,andthereverseofallthatwe shouldnaturallybeinclinedtoexpect,yetdeep reflectionwillshowthatthereisverymuchtobe saidforit,andthatitiswellworthyofconsideration; especiallyasitaffordssuchasplendidand effectiveexplanationofthingsaswefindthem. Hadthetrue,divineOrdernotbeentransgressed, thefactofthesecondwillarisinghadneverproduced manifestedevil.Itstandsinthevery natureofthecasethatbeing,exhypothesi,a contrarywillifitshouldbemanifested,itmust manifestasthecontrarytothemanifestationsof thefirstwill.ButthedivineOrderisthatit nevershouldbemanifested,butremainalwaysin thehiddenness,andsobethebasalmightand secretpowerofwhatdoesmanifest.Andthereis adoublesenseinwhichthisprinciplecanbeunderstood. Inheaven,wheregoodalonemanifests,all thatifmanifestedwouldmanifestasevilis alwayskeptinthehiddenness.Onearth,where theconditionsofheavenarereversed,thelawis

thatwhatwewouldberecognisedaspossessingin heavenwemustbecontenttoseemnottopossess whileonearth,andintherecognitionofearthlyminded people.Iftherewewouldwearthecrown, herewemustbecontenttobearthecross.If therewewouldpossessthetrueriches,herewe mustbepoorinspirit:thatis,ifGodgivesus wealthhere,wemustnotboastofitandgloryin it,anduseitasifitwereourown,butholditas onlyastewardship,andbeintheeyesofthe worldnonethericherforit;notuseitto commandluxuriesanddisplay,andallthatthe worldesteemsmoneyasabletoprocure.Ifin heavenwewouldbewise,herewemustbewilling tobethoughtfools.Forwhatismanifestedon earthishiddeninheaven,andwhatismanifested inheavenishiddenonearth.Whichiswhy allGod'ssaintshavetogothecoveredway,and enterintothekingdomthroughmuchtribulation. Knowingthistheycanwell"gloryininfirmities"; fortheyknowthatthehighcourtof heavenwillreversetheverdictofearth,given accordingtotheearthlyspirit,andfromthe earthlypointofview;andthatthedecisionof heavenwillstandforever,andthedecisionof earthbutfora"littlewhile." IhavedealtatthislengthwithBoehme's doctrineoftheHiddenandtheManifestedbecause Iregarditasthemainandpreponderatingelement inhisteaching,andinanespecialwayhis"secret."

Graspthis,andalltherestwillfolloweasily.For alltherest,thesevenformsofNature,thethree Principles,etc.,whichgotocompletehisphilosophy oforigins,arebutthedetailsofthismainprinciple; aswillbeseenfromwhatfollows.

TheSevenFormsofNature. These,presentfromthefirstinrealbutuncognised fact,appearandbecomerecognisableand definablewiththearisingofthesecond,orcontrary, will.Thefirstwill,beingaonewill,wastoremain unchanged,togoonstillasever.Hencefromit arisesthefirstform,whichBoehmecalls"Harshness," bywhichIthinkhemeansthathardand strongresistancetochange,whichisthegreat primalconservativeforce,tendingtogivepermanence tothings,toresistnewcombinations,and maintainthestatusquo. Thesecondarisesfromthecontrarywill,andis necessarilythecontrarytothefirst.Boehmecalls it"Attraction,"meaningthatrestlessflux,ever seekingnewcombinations,whichistheprincipleof allvariety,andthecauseofdifferencesandof evolution. Thesetwobeingnowfacetofacewitheach other,atoncethecontrarietybetweenthemproduces thethirdform,whichBoehmecalls"Bitterness"; meaningtherebythestrifeofthetwofirst, theonetoresistchange,theothertoproduceit.

Thesefirstthreewillperhapsbebetterunderstood ifwecallthem(inmodernterminology)homogeneity, heterogeneity,andstrain.Thesethree, hesays,arethebasesofallmanifestedthings. Apartfromdifferencetherehadbeennopossibility ofdifferentthingscomingintobeing;anddifference involvesopposition,aconflictofforces,and outoftheconflictarisesfirstthedifferencein essence,thenthedifferenceintheparticular manifestation.Fortheessenceisspiritual,and spiritalwaysatonceputsonaformwhichisits manifestation,andthesmallestdifferencein.the essenceresultisacorrespondingdifferenceinthe form. Thusintheattainmentofthethirdformof Nature,theprocessreachesthepointatwhichthe particularmanifestationispracticallydetermined astoitsfirstandearliestdegreeandquality. Thisisthefourthform,whichBoehmecalls Fire,andthetermmaystand;forallBeingis afire;fromGod,thefireoflove,downtothe mostbrutalanddegradedcreatures,afireofhate andmalice. Here,then,inthefourthform,arisesthefirst personality.Herebeginstheideaof"self,"and IamconsciousthatIamI.Butinthisstageof theprocesswhichis,exhypothesi,incomplete thepersonalitystandsinthis"fire,"initsunmodified aspectofaraging,consumingelement. Forthebasisofitisasyetthecontrarietyofthe

twofirstforms,representedinthethirdand personifiedinthefourth."Wecaneasilyseethe fireincharactersyetunregenerated;wherethe wholespiritistoget;andlust,avariceandpride ruleunmodifiedbyanylightoftrueknowledge ofwhatrealgoodis.Probably,noactualman standsinthefirealone;insomethelightisso minuteastobepracticallydarkness;butitis therarestthingtofindanycharacterwithabso lutelynosmallest,faintesttraceofsomegenerous emotionatoddtimesandinparticulardirections. ButBoehmeusesLuciferasanexampleofwhat acharacterwouldbeifitstoodallandonlyin themightofthefire.Itdoesnotconcernus practicallytoknowwhetherthereisactuallysuch acharacter.Boehmeseemstoassertthatthere is,andthathewillabideforeverinthefire, asthisishissoleandentireelement,inwhich onlyhecanlive.Thatisasitmaybe.Perceptions havedawnedonmensinceBoehme'stime whichsuggesttoadifferentconclusion;and greatandwonderfulasisBoehme'sillumination weneednotsupposethathekneweverything. Hisknowledgewaspurelyintuitive.Hehimself oftenlamentsthathehadnotmorelearning.If hehadhadthis,hemighthavebeenableto distinguishbetween"noevidencethatitisnot so"and"evidencethatitisso."Itoughttobe easyforusnowtodistinguishbetweenhispositive affirmationsandwhatinhisteachingispositively assertedinform,butis(tologic)practicallynegative, andbasedonwhathadnotbeenrevealed

ratherthanonwhathad. Buttoproceed.Thatwhichcanqualifythe fireandpracticallyputitinitsimmediateaspect ofraging,consumingintothehiddenness,isLight. ThisisBoehme'sfifthform,andthetermneeds noamendment."Whatsoeverdothmakemanifest islight"(literally,"maketoappear").Ifmanis anevolution,graduallybeingperfected,thenclearly hisfirstideasandimpressionsarenotinaccordance withactualfact,ornoevolutionwouldbeneeded. Whathetakeshimselfasseeingisnotwhatis there,butwhatisthereseeninadimnessof greaterorlessextent.Boehmesaysveryrightly thatinperfectlightalldarknessisinthe hiddenness.Correspondingly,insemilightsome ofthedarknessishiddenandsomemanifested. OurLordspokeofthelightthatisinusbeing darkness;andhewhoisindarkness,andyet Ithinkshesees,issuretoseewronglyand imperfectly. Butasthelightincreases,manythingsbefore unseencomeintoview.Itisasif,asthelight increases,thefirstthreeformsforthefirsttime seetheirtrueplaceandfunction,whichisnotto emphasiseandexpressthemselvesasthemselves, buttobebasalpowerstothatwhichcancometo manifestationwhentheyarehidden. InreadingBoehme,onehasconstantlytobeon thewatchforwhatheisseekingtoconvey.He

hadtheroughidea,butnotthetrainingin literaryexpressionwhichwouldhaveenabledhim toconveyitclearlyandwithnoliabilityof misapprehension. ForItakeitthatwhathereallymeansisthis. Hesaysthatthefirstthreeforms,theharshness, theattraction,andthebitterness,shouldalways remaininthehiddenness,andneverbemanifested. Butwhatisinthehiddennessisutterlyunknown andcanhavenonameatall,forwecannotname (define)whatwedonotknow.Hencethenames harshness,attraction,bitterness,onlybelongto thesewhentheyaremanifested.Notmanifested, theyarebasalforcesofnoknownquality,andnot rightlyregardedashiddenevil,butashidden baseswhich,ifmanifested,mustmanifestasevil, butarenotevilsolongastheyarenotmanifested. Thecorollaryofthisismostinteresting.If Lucifercanbeputintothehiddenness,hewould ceasetobeevil;forevilisonlyevilwhenbrought outofthehiddennessintomanifestation.But thisisjustwhatBoehmesayswillhappeninthe end.Thefirstprincipleandallcontainedinit willbesoshutupthatnoknowledgeofitcan everobtaininthesecondprinciple.Ifthisisnot theequivalentofbeingputintothehiddenness, Iknownottowhatitisequivalent.Luciferis clearly(inBoehme'ssystem)theexternalandopen manifestationofcertainbasalforceswhichshould neverbeexplored,orknown,orcometomanifestation. Solongastheydonot,theyarenecessary

andright,andaretheveryfountainpowersto manifestationwhich,apartfromthem,couldnot beeffected.Ifindherethemostprofoundand suggestivehintatthesolutionoftheproblemof evilthathaseverbeengiventotheworld.Here itisimpossibletodomorethanmerelyindicate itroughly.Evilisnotapositive"thing,"but anegativeappearance:itiswhatseemstoarise whentherightthingisinthewrongplace;on thesurfacewhenitshouldbeunderneath.To causeittoappearneedsnostrong,positive"let therebe."Mightyandpowerfulforharmasit appears,itspowerliesonlyinthepowerofa falseimagination.Inastatewherenofalse imaginationcouldarise,noevilcouldarise; thereforethereisasenseinwhichitcannotexist forGod:andyetthereisasenseinwhichitcan, forGodmustdealwithallthatappearstobeto man.ButHeseesitonly,sotospeak,through fallenhumaneyes;andnotasarealthing,but asadelusionofHiscreatures.Weknowitisnot inheaven;andunlesswecanconceivethatin theinfinitetherecanbeanythingreallacking wemustallowthatwhateverisnotinheavenis notrealintheabsolutesense. Boehme,itistrue,doesnothimselfdevelop thisphilosophy.Thathesawit,Iampersuaded; orhenevercouldhavespokenascomplacentlyas hedoesabouttheresultsofevilonLuciferand unrepentantmen.Buthefearedtospeaktoo plainly,lestanyshouldsosadlymisunderstand

himastosupposehimtomeanthatevildidnot matter.Itmatterswithaninfinitenessoffatality tothefalseimagination;thatis,toyou,myevilloving friend,whowishtofeelfreetoindulgeyour evildesiresunrestrainedly.Ifyoucoulddistinguish betweenyourselfandyourfalseimagination, youwouldneverwishtodoanyevil.Butthe wholepointisthatyoucannot,donot.Andto thefalseimagination,evilisreal,anditsconsequences endonlywiththeendingofthefalse imagination.Theideathatyouareineternal tormentmaybe,willcertainlybe,onlyafalse imagination;butthiswillbenocomforttoyou whoarenotonlyunawarethattheimaginationis false,butareabsolutelycertainthatitisnot,but realandactual. TheremainingformsofNaturearethesixth, Sound,andtheseventh,Figure.BySound Boehmemeansanyparticularexpressiontosense ofthosequalitieswhichariseafterthecreaturehas determinedwhetherthefireshallremainfire,or passintolight;thatis,whetheritwillstandin thefalseimagination,orallowthelighttoenter andchangethisintothetrueimaginationbyshowing thingsastheyactuallyareinsteadofasthey arefalselyimagined."Whatevernatureitelects tostandin,thisitsoundsforth,byvoiceand speech,bycries(inanimals),bycolour,scent, taste,properties,andwhatsoeverconveysanidea ofitsquality.

TheseventhformistheFigure,thecreature definitelyconstitutedandembodiedinformand materialaccordingto,answeringto,thequalityof itsspirit.Theseventhisthecrownandcompletion ofallthesix:good,ifthelighthas modifiedthefire;evil,ifithasnot.Ifgood, thesoundispleasingandtheembodimentbeautiful. Ifevil,thesoundisdispleasingandthe embodimenthideous.

TheThreePrinciples. BythefirstPrincipleBoehmemeansastatein whichthecreaturesstandinthefalseimagination, inthemightofthefire,andrefusetoallowthe lighttoshineandshowthingsastheyreallyare. Insuchastate,hesays,thefirstthreeformsare manifestedintheirownselfqualityasHarshness, Attraction,andBitterness.Theloveofthatstate is"selflove,"whichishate;thelightis"selflight," whichisdarkness.Every"self"isa personified"love";butthelovemaybeparticular oruniversal,theloveofone(myself),orofall (God).AndloveisaFire;thereforeevery"self" isafire,butitmaybeafirethatseekstoconsume allelseintoitself,orafirethatlikelightgives itselffreelytoall. SohecallsthefirstPrinciplethePrincipleof Fire,andthesecondPrinciplethePrincipleof Light.Andthesetwo,hesays,areeternallydistinct. Whicheverismanifested,theotherremains

absolutelyhidden;andneithercanknowtheother. Thereisabsolutelynothingmanifestedasgoodin thefirstPrinciple:thereisabsolutelynothing manifestedasevilinthesecond. ButthethirdPrinciplestandsinbothgoodand evil;andbyithemeansourpresentstatehereon earth.Heresomewhatofgoodismanifested,and somewhatofevil.Betweenthesetwo,manhas heretomakewhatistohimaneternalchoice. Ineverymanifestedcreaturethebasal"real"is hidden,andheknowsonlybyandthroughimagination, persuasion,senseofcertitude.Heonly directlycontactstherealwhoisinfullyrealised andconscioustouchwiththewhole.Wealltherefore "knowinpart,"andsuchknowledgeisbutan imagination,comparedwiththeabsoluteknowledge ofGod,whoisthewhole,yettranscendsthewhole. Therearetimeswhenonecannotbutsuspect Boehmeofbeingpurposelyobscure.Heseemsto metobethuswhenhespeaksofthefirstPrinciple beingthePrincipleoftheFather,andthe secondoftheSon:thoughhehastenstoaddthat, intheactualFact,theFathercanneverbesomuch asthoughtofasapartfromtheSon.Whathe meansItaketobesomewhatasfollows. HeregardstheFatherasbeingthehidden, basalspirit,force,potencyofthequalitieswhich, intheSon,cometomanifestation.TheSonis theFatherinmanifestation:theFatheristhat whichtheSonmanifests.Morethanthiswe cannotsay,fortheunmanifesthasnonamenor

qualitiesinitselfandasapartfromitsmanifestation. Soitissaid,"God,whomnoonehath seen,orcansee";buttheSonsays,"Hethat hathseenmehathseentheFather."Butthe distinctionisverbalandnotionalonly;andisan instanceofthattruthexpressedabove,thatGod's Onemustbecomedistinguishedasanapparent twobeforehumanapprehensioncangraspit. Boehmealsosaysthatitisonly"accordingto thefirstPrinciplethatGodiscalledaconsuming fireandajealousGod."Ifhehadsaidthatit isonlyaccordingtoafalseimaginationthatGod couldsomuchasappearthus,hewouldhavebeen moreeasilyunderstood.For"Godaccordingto thefirstPrinciple"isGodasHeneveris,for"the Fathercannotevenbesomuchasthoughtofas apartfromtheSon":thatis,inatrueimagination. Thewholepointis,thatbyafalseimagination Hecanbethusfalselythoughtof,butonly inimagination,neverinreality.Ourverysurest knowledgeisbutanimageofthetrue:howtrue orfalseanimagewenevercanknowtillweknow allthings.Thusweare(tillthen)shutupto imagination;andwhenwesay,"Thusitis,"we mean,"Thusitseemstome."Wehaveabsolutely norighttosay"Iknowitisso,"saveoftruths thatstandinanagreementindefinition,orof thingswhosecontentweknowexhaustively.Thus wemaysayweknowthatallradiiofacircleare equal,forthispertainstothedefiuitionofacircle; or,"Iknowthatmyfriendwasintowntoday," forthisisamatterthatwecanknowallabout.

WhenBoehmesays,"Godiscalledaconsuming fireandajealousGodaccordingtothefirst Principle,"heveryevidentlymeans,accordingto. thefirstPrincipleasmanifested,andbythose whostandinitandareofitsnature:thatis,are ofthefalseimagination.Hesaysmuchthat meritsdeepreflectionastothedangerofawaking thefireintheTurba,thatis,inthewrath.Instances ofthiswefindintheimprecatoryPsalms,inthe commandtoslaughtertheheatheninhabitantsof Canaan;inElishacursingthechildrenwhomocked him,etc.Thetrulydivinecommandis,"Overcome evilwithgood."Butsometimesthespiritofpatience giveswayundergreatstrain,andthewrathis appealedtotovindicatetheright.Butthiscould neverbedonebythetrueimagination,suchas wastheLord's.Hesaysofthosewhowould awakethewrath,"Yeknownotwhatmannerof spirityeareof";andHepredicted,"Theythat taketheswordshallperishwiththesword."In thefalseimaginationtheswordispermitted;but thereisalwaysa"moreexcellentway"forsuch ashavegracetofindandtakeit.Allthatwecan knowaboutGodweknowofHimasmanifested inHisSon,asloveandlightandlife.Ifwethink weknowHimastothefirstPrinciple(thatis,as apartfromtheSon)asmanifestedmightand compellingforceshowingitselfostensiblysuch, thisweonlyknowinafalseimagination.Yetin thatimaginationitisreal,andcanonlyseemnot so,onlybeputintothehiddenness,afterthetrue

imaginationhasarisen.

Regeneration. Thereismuchmorethatoughttobesaid,but spaceforbids.Imustconcludethisveryimperfect IntroductionbyafewwordsofBoehme'steaching astoRegeneration. Putbriefly,thatprocessofregenerationconsists infindingouthowtopassfromthefiretothe light,fromthefalseimaginationtothetrue. Thereisonlyoneway,thewayofdeath.We mustceasetothinkandactaccordingtothefalse imagination.Bydoingthiswedoactuallyputit intodeath,thatis,intothehiddenness.The difficultyofdoingthisincreaseswitheveryday livedinthefalseimagination,foreverydayconfirms andstrengthensthehabitofthefalse.There isadifficulty,ofcourse,inawakingtothefact thatthatwhichseemstoussoreal,souniversally admittedandpractised,isafalseimagination;but theideaonceseenisinstantlygrasped.Asto knowledge,wemaypassfromdeathtolifeina moment;butknowledgeisnotatonceand immediatelypower.Wehavenowtofacethe muchlongerandhardertaskoferadicatingold habit,andwiththebestwillintheworldthis isneverdonewithoutlongandveryearnesteffort; anditmightbesaidthatthedifficultyincreases asthesquareofthetimewehaveremainedinthe habit.

Wehavesaidthattheprocessis"death." Scripturecallsit"birth":anewbirth.But deathandbirtharethetwosidesofasingleact: one,theleavingoftheold;theother,entering thenew.Theproductofregenerationisa"new creation."Totheold,falseimaginationsinis proper;thatis,isitspropriety,andsolongas westandinthefalseimagination,noamountof tinkeringofitup,orattemptstoputonthefruits ofthetrueuponthefalse,willbeofanyavail. Forahopeofheaven,oreventowinareputation forrespectabilityonearth,menwill"do"many things;notfromarealloveofthethings,but fromadesireforwhatisbelievedwillbetheir reward.Sothecupofcoldwatermustbegiven "becauseyebelongtoChrist,"whichcanonlybe donebythosewholoveChrist,andnotbecause Christwillrewardtheact.Everygoodacthas itsreward;buttherewardisalwaysaccordingto thespiritwhichpromptedtheact,andnotaccording tothemereactitself. Thusthoughmenconstantlytrytosimulate regeneration,theycanneversucceed;because Godseestheheart,themotiveattherootofthe act;andarightactmayhaveawrongmotive. Regenerationistherefore,asBoehmesoconstantly says,amatterofverygreatandreal earnestness;fargreaterthanisrequiredtoput ontheexternalappearanceofthefruitsof regeneration.Wemusttakeourfalseimagination,

whichwillseemtoustobeourverylife, totheCrossofChrist,andnailitthereon;which meansthatwemustwithcourageandendurance doeverythingthatismostdistastefultothefalse imagination.Then,throughlackofthenourishment whichcomesofindulgence,itwillgradually weakenandatlengthdie.Thenthenewbirth willtakeplaceandthenewcreationcometo consciousbeing.

Conclusion. SomeofBoehme'slearnedfriendshadputin hishandstheworksofParacelsus;anditwas Ifromthisauthorthathetookmuchofhis alchemicalterminology.Thereaderwillatfirst beperplexedbytheseterms.Thethreeprincipal oneswhichheusesmostfrequentlyareSulphur, Mercury,andSalt.Ithinkthatifthereadertakes theseasindicatingSpirit,Soul,andBody,hewill notbefarwrong.Eachhas,saysBoehme,agood andabadquality;forthereisanevilspiritas wellasaholy;ablindaswellasanenlightened soul;andagrossfourelementalmatteraswellas the"OnePureElement." The"Virgin,"the"Pearl,"the"Grainof MustardSeed,"meanourheavenly,divinenature whichattheFallwentintothehiddennessand arenowlosttous.Yetonly"lost,"anditshould betheworkofourlivestorecoverthem.The

"Virgin"expressesthatthislostsomethingisno abstractquality,butofhumanform,onlyfarmore gloriousthanthebodywenowbear,made"like thebeaststhatperish."Somewhatofthisisin menow;anditisbecauseofthisthatIam humanandnotanimal.Butthegreaterpartis inthehiddenness,andisofthecontrarysexto thatmanifestedinmehere.Intheunionofthe two,thetwo(assexdistinctions)disappear;just asintheunionofoxygenandhydrogenthe separateelementsdisappearandanentirely different"body"comesoutofthehiddenness,in whichtheyare,butnotmanifested. Bythe"Pearl"andtheideaofitinourLord's parable,Boehmeseekstoexpressthetranscending preciousnessandvalueofthe"Virgin":worthall ourexternallifeanditspossessions.Bythe "MustardSeed"hewouldexpressthatthough totheearthlyminditmayseemsmallandof novalue,itwill,ifcultivated,manifestanunexpected fulnessofcontent;andprove,infact,the basisandpotencyofeveryjoyanddelight. Lastly,mayIsaythis?You,myfriend,who areabouttostudyanaspectoftruthhiddenfrom theworld,rememberyoucannotopenthismystery andyetremaininthesamerelationtotheworld asyouwerebefore.Theinexorableconditionof itsopeningtoyouisthat,whenopened,youshall beresolvedtoliveinthelightofit.Itisthelack oftheseperceptions,graspedandactedon,that

makesthisworldafallenworld;thatsetshuman lifeinthepoweroftheFire,andmakescivilisation arealwarofconflictinginterests.Themoment youseethetruth,youbecomeboundtobea witnesstoit,eitherinwordorindeed(andthe latteristhemoreefficacious).Forthesearenot mattersofintellectualinterestmerely;buteternal veritiesthattouchandcoloureverydepartmentof life,andareendowedwiththedivinecreative force.Sothattheymustandwill,andcannot but,bedynamic.Thatis,theymustworksomething; ifnotgood,thenharm.Youcannotsee thesetruths,andyetbenodifferentfortheseeing. "Thewholecreation,"saysStPaul,"iswaiting IforthemanifestingofthesonsofGod."Boehme's philosophygivesussomeroughbutpracticalidea howtobegintooperatetowardsthisendinour owncase.Heneverthoughtofhimselfasagreat teacher;butonlyasahumbleguidetotheone greatTeacher,theHolySpirit,byindicatinghow, andinwhatattitudeofheartandmind,Hemust beapproached:ameeknesswhichistoostrongto befrightenedorashamed;alovewhichistoo mightytosay,"ThatIcannotdo."Theworld isnotallandonlyevil:thegoodisinit,only inahiddenness,andneedsnotcreatingbutonly developing.Insomearoundyouitmaybeso nearthesurfacethatbutaword,afaithful example,maybeallthatisneededtobringitto manifestation.ThereforeifGodopensinyou theknowledge,donotdisappointthe"earnest expectationofthecreation.""Letyourlight

shine,"anddoubtnotthatsomewillcatchthe glimpseofit.ThenatoncethefuryoftheFire inwhichtheyhavebeenlivingwillbequenched andputintothehiddenness,andthelightof everlastinglifespringup:afeeblesparkperhaps atfirst,but"shiningmoreandmoreuntothe perfectday." GEORGEW.ALLEN. BRETBYVICARAGE,BURTONONTRENT.

THEFIRSTCHAPTER 1.WHENweconsiderthebeginningofour life,andcomparethesamewiththe eternallife,whichwehaveinthepromise,wecannot saynorfindthatweareathomeinthislife.For weseethebeginningandtheendoftheoutwardlife, asalsothetotaldecayandfinalcorruptionofour bodies;andbesides,weseeorknowofnoreturning intothis[outward]life,neitherhaveweany promiseofitfromthehighandeternalGood. 2.Seeingthenthereisalifeinuswhichis eternalandincorruptible,wherewithwestrive afterthehighestgood;andalife(fromthisworld) whichisfiniteandcorruptible,andalsoalifein whichthesourceandoriginalcauseoflifestandeth,

whereinthehighestdangerofeternalperdition, misery,andcalamitydothconsist;thereforeitis ofnecessitythatweconsiderthebeginningoflife, fromwhenceallthesethingsproceedandhave theiroriginal. 3.Sonowwhenweconsiderthelife,whatitis, thenwefindthatitisaburningfire,whichconsumeth, andwhenithathnomore[fuel]tofeed upon,itgoethout;asmaybeseeninallfires. Forthelifehathitsnourishmentfromthebody, andthebodyfromthefood;forwhenthebody hathnomorefood,thenitisconsumedbythefire ofthelife,sothatitfadethandperisheth,asafair flower,whenithathnowater,withereth. 4.Butseeingthereisinmanalifewhichis eternalandincorruptible,whichisthesoul,which isalsoafire,andhathneedofnutrimentaswellas theelementarylifehath,thereforeweoughtto considerthepropertyandfoodofthatlife,what thatiswhichcontinuallyfeedethit,sothatit nevergoethoutineternity. 5.Andthirdlywefindinthelifeofoursouls, thatthereisinitagreaterhungerafteranother higherandbetterlife,viz.afterthehighestgood, whichiscalledthedivinelife;insomuchthatthe soulisnotcontentedwithitsownfood,butit desireth,withgreatlongingandpanting,the highestandbestgood,notonlyforapleasant habitation,butinahungerforafood.

6.Andsonowweperceive,inourverygreat andtrueknowledge,thateverylifedesirethits [own]mother,(outofwhichthelifeisgenerated) forafood;asthewood,whichisthemotherof thefire,thatthefiredesirethtohave,andifitbe severedfromitsmotheritgoethout.Inlike manner,theearthisthemotherofalltreesand herbs,andtheydesireit;andthewater(withthe otherelements)isthemotheroftheearth,orelse itwouldbedead[orbarren],andtherewould growneithermetals,trees,herbs,norgrassoutof it. 7.Weseeespecially,thattheelementarylife consistethinaboiling,andisa[kindof]seething, andwhenitleavethboilingitgoethout:alsowe knowthattheconstellationskindletheelements, andthestarsarethefireoftheelements,andthe sunkindleththestars,sothatthereisaboiling andseethingamongstthem:buttheelementary lifeisfiniteandcorruptible,andthelifeofthe souliseternal. 8.Nowseeingitiseternal,thereforeitmust alsobefromtheeternal;asthedearMoseshath writtenveryrightlyofit,thatGodbreathedinto manthelivingbreath,andsomanisbecomea livingsoul. 9.Yetwecannotsay,thoughindeedman standethinaThreefoldLife,thateachlifeis

apartinaseveralform;butwefindthattheyare inoneanother,andyeteachlifehathitsown workinginitsdominion,viz.initsmother:foras GodtheFatherisall,becauseallcomethfromhim, andheispresenteverywhere,andisthefullness ofeverything,andthethingdothnotcomprehend him;alsothethingisnotGod,norhisspirit,nor thetruedivineessence;sothatitcannotbesaid ofanycomprehensiblething,thatitisGod,orthat Godisherepresentmorethaninotherplaces,and yetheisreallypresent,hecontaineththething, andthethingcontainethnothim;hecomprehendeth thething,andthethingcomprehendeth nothim;forhedwellethnotinthething,butin himself,inanotherPrinciple. 10.Soalsoisthesoulofmanbreathedinfrom God;itdwellethinthebody,andisenvironed withthespiritofthestarsandelements,notonly asagarmentcovereththebody,butitisinfected withthespiritofthestarsandelements,asthe pestilenceorother[infectious]diseaseinfecteththe elementaryspirit,sothatitpoisonethitsbody,and soitdecayethanddieth,andthenthesource[or property]ofthestarsalsobreakethitselfofffrom thesoul,andconsumethitself:wherebytheelementary motherbreakethoff,andsothespiritof thestarshathnomorefood,andthereforeconsumeth itself,butthesoulremainethnaked[feeble,empty], becauseitlivethbyanotherfood.

11.Understandushereinthismanner;though thesoulbethuscaptivatedwiththespiritofthe starsandelements,sothatthesource[orproperty] thereofdwellethinthesoul,yetthesoulhath anotherfood,andlivethinanotherPrinciple,and isanother[thingor]being[substance]. 12.Foritsessences[orthefacultiesorpowersof itssubstance]arenotfromtheconstellation,but havetheirbeginningandcorporealunionoutof theEternalBand,outoftheeternalnature,which isGod's,theFather's,beforethelightofhislove, whereinheenterethintohimself,andmakethto himselfthesecondPrincipleinhislove,outof whichhecontinuallygeneratethhiseternalWord andHeart,frometernitytoeternity;wherethe holynameofGodcontinuallyariseth[ordiscovered itself]andholdethitsdivinenature,asa spiritinthesecondPrinciple,initself,anddwelleth innothingelse,butmerelyinitself 13.Foralthoughthebandoftheeternalnature isinit,yetthedivinespiritisnotsubjectedunder thatband;forthespiritkindleththatband,so thatitbecomethenlightenedandspringing[sprouting]with thevirtueofthelightinthelove,inthelifeofthe WordandHeartofGod,sothatitisaholyhabitation andparadiseofthatspirit,whichiscalledGod. 14.Soalsothesoulofmanisoutofthebandof theeternaloriginal,eternallystandingtherein,and desirethinitself,inthesecondPrinciple,topress

intoGod,andtosatiateitselfinthepowerof God;butbecauseitcannotwithitswholebeing (withitsownessences)enterintothelightand powerofGod;aslittleastheeternalnaturecan pressintothelightofGod,sothatitmayhavethe lightforitsowninitsownpower,butthelight shinethoutoftheloveinitsownPrincipleinthe eternalnature,sothatthelightremainethLordin theeternalnature,becausetheeternalnaturedoth notcomprehendit,butrejoicethinthelight,and bringethforthitswondersinthepowerandunderstanding ofthelight,wherethentheyarerevealed. Thusalsothesoulcannotinitsessencespressinto thelightofGod,andovermasterit,butmustin itself,inanotherPrinciple,pressintoGod,into hislove. 15.Foryoumusthereunderstandanothernew birthinthesoul:Foritmustnotonlypressforth outofthelifeofthestarsandelements,butalso outofitsownsource[orproperty]oflife,and inclineitswillintothelifeofGod,endeavouringto betherein:this[inclinedor]createdwillisreceived ofGod,andGoddwellethinthatwill;andso comeththedivinelifeandlightintothesoul,and soitisachildofGod:foritstandethinitssource [orproperty]andlife,asGodtheFatherhimself [doth]inthesource[orproperty]oftheeternal nature. 16.Andhereweunderstand,thatwithout[beyond]the divinelight(whichisthesecondPrinciple)inthe

eternalnaturethereisananguishingsource[or property];forthebandoflifestandsinthefire; butwhenthatfireisinspiredandcaptivatedby thedivinelove,thenthelifeinitselfgoethforwards forthintoanothersource[orproperty];for anotherPrincipleisbrokenopenforit,whereinit liveth;andthatlifeisinGod;evenasGoddwelleth inhimself,andyetisreallyallhimself,alliscome fromhisnature:yetyoumustunderstandnotas fromtheeternalnature,onlythesoulsandthe angelicalspirits[areso];butfromhiscreated[creaturely] will,whichhathabeginning,viz.fromtheexternal; andthereforeeverythingofthis[outward]world istransitory.Andhereinwefindthegreatand terribleFallofoursoulinourfirstparents,thatit isenteredintothespiritofthisworld,intoa strangelodging,andhathforsakenthedivinelight, whereinitwasanangelandchildofGod;therefore itmustgoforthagainoutofthespiritofthe starsandelements,and[pass]inanewbirth,into thelifeofGod. 17.Butbecausethatwasnotpossibleforthe soultodo,thereforethelifeofGodcametous, outofloveandgrace,intotheflesh,andtookour humansoulagaininitintothedivinelifeinthe powerofthelight,'thatwemightherebeableto pressintothesamelifetoGodinanewbirth. For,aswewentwhollywiththesoulofAdamout fromthelifeofGod(forthechildrenofAdam haveinherited[all]fromtheirparents'soul,being sprungwholly[fromthem]asfromatree),soalso

haththelifeofGodinChristregeneratedusagain, sothatwecanenteragain,inthelifeofChrist, intothelifeofGod.Andthusnowoursoul standethinthebandoftheeternaloriginal,infected withthespiritofthisworld,andcaptivatedbythe wrathoftheoriginal,inthelifeoftheeternalfire, viz.intheeternalnature;thereforewemust, everyoneofusbyourselves,presswithoursoulin thelifeofChrist,toGod,intotheNewRegeneration inthelifeandspiritofChrist:andhereno hypocrisy,appearingholiness,oranymeritorious works,willavailanything,forthepoorsoulcan nootherwaybehelped,exceptitenterintoitself (inanewcreatedwill)withsteadfastearnestpurpose andresolution,intothelifeofChrist;and thenitwillbereceived,withverygreatglory[honour]by Godandhischildren,inthesecondPrinciple;and thenobleprecioustreasure(viz.thelightofthe eternallife)willbegiventoit,whichenlighteneth thesource[orproperty]ofthesoulinthefirst Principle,whereinitstandethsubstantiallywith itsessencesforever,andturneththeanguishinto love,andtherisingandburningownpropertyinto anhumblelovelymirthinmeekjoy. 18.Andthusthesoulisajoyfulhabitationin thedivinelife,asifIshouldlikenittoakindled light,whenthewickofthecandleburneth,and castethapleasantlight,[orshinethbright]and hathnopainintheshining,butatlightsome pleasantness,andyetthewickcontinuethburning: yetyoumustunderstand,thatthereisinthe

burningwicknopainorwoe,butthatthereis onlyacauseoftheglanceoflife;fornofireis comparabletothedivine[fire]. 19.Forthedivinenature,outofwhichthe divinefireoflifeburneth,isfilledwiththelove ofGod,sothatthelightofGodmakethanother Principleinitself,whereinnatureisnotfelt[orperceived], foritistheendofnature;thereforethesoulcannot comprehend,initsownessences,thelightofGod topossessit.Forthesoulisafireintheeternal nature,anddothnotreachtheendofnature;for itcontinuethinnatureasacreaturecreatedoutof theeternalnature,whichyethathnocomprehensibility, butisaspiritinasevenfoldform: whereasyetintheoriginalitytherearenotseven, butonlyfourformsknown,whichupholdthe eternalband,andthose[four]arethesource[or property]intheanguish,whereintheeternalcon sisteth;andthereouttheotherformsarewholly generated,whereinGodandtheKingdomof heavenconsist;andinthefourformstheanguish andtormentconsist,iftheyaresinglyalone,and thereinweunderstandhellfire[toconsist],and theeternalwrathofGod:andalthoughwedonot knowtheoriginalityoftheessenceofGod,yetwe knowtheeternalbirth[geniture],whichneverhadany beginning.Andseeingithadnobeginning, thereforeitisthesamethisdaythateveritwas frometernity:andthereforewemaywellcomprehend whatweseeandknowthisdayinthelight ofGod.

20.Noneoughttoaccountusignorant,because Godhathgivenustoknowhisownessence,which wecannotandmustnotdeny,uponpainofthe lossofthedivinelight,andofoureternalsalvation; foritisimpossibleforanymantohaveit,except itbegivenhimoutofgraceintheloveofGod:and whenthatisgiventoaman,thenthatsoulstandeth intheknowledgeinthewondersofGod;which [soul]thenspeakethnotofthingsstrangeand afaroff,butofthethingswhereinitstandeth,and ofitself;foritbecomethseeinginthelightofGod, sothatitcanknowitself. 21.Nowthatthiscanbe,consider,thatthe essencesofthesoulstandintheoriginalinthe firstPrinciple,andthatthedivinelightshineth initself,andmakeththesecondPrinciple,andso therearetwoofthem;andthesoulseethintothe highknowledgeofthelightofthesecondPrinciple, whichshinethinit:whythenshoulditnotspeak ofitsnativecountry,whereinitliveth?Andhow wiltthou,madworld(inthethirdPrincipleinthe spirit[orwisdom]ofthestarsandelements)forbid thattoit,whereasthouartblindastoGod,and liestcaptivatedintheeternalwrath,inthesource [orproperty]oftheoriginal? 22.Nowseeingitisso,wewillthereforesetdown thegroundoftheeternalband,tobealooking glassforhimthatdesirethtosee;thoughitbe trueindeedthathecannotlearnitofus.Unless

hehimselfenterintothenewbirthintothelifeof Christ,thatthedivinelightitselfmayshinein him,wearebutasahistorytohim,andshallnot beunderstoodbyhim. 23.Butwhenwespeakofthesource[or original]ofthefire,andofitskindling(wemean concerningthefireoflife)weknowforcertain, thatinitsoriginal,beforethekindlingofthefire, itconsistsonlyintwoforms,andhathbutone mother,whichisharsh[astringentorattractive], anddrawethtoher;andyetthereisnothinginherself butawillingofthe eternalFatherintheeternalnaturewhichhehath appointedinhimselftoreveal,andtodeclarehis wonders. 24.Nowthatwilliseternal,andisnotstirred upbyanythingbutbyitself;andifthatwerenot, allwerenothing,neitherdarknessnorlight: thereforeseeingthereissomewhat,itmustneeds betheeternalwill,andthatisastringent,and desirousofthewondersofthecreation.Therefore seeingthereisadesire,thedesireattracteth toitself,andthatwhichisattractedinthedesire makeththewillfull,sothatthedesireisfulfilled; forthewillisasthin[orempty]asanothing[vacuum], andthatwhichisattractedintothewillmaketh thewillthick[orgrossandfull]andthatisits darkness:andtheeternaldesirestandethinthe darkness.

25.Nowwhenthewillinthedesiredothattract, thatattractingisasting[punctureorgoad,prickingor spurringtomotion]ofthestirring;forthewillisthinasanothing, andisquietandstill,as[ifitwere]nothing:butthe willbeinganeternaldesiring,thereforeitattracteth toitselfeternally;andhavingnothingtoattract itattractethitself,andimpregnateth[orfilleth] itself,andsothenothingcomethtobeadarkness; andtheattractingmakeththestingofthefirst essences[spurtothebeginningofthebeingofathing], sothatthereisastirringandoriginalofmobility. 26.Nowthewillcannotenduretheattracting andimpregnation,foritwouldbefree,andyet cannot,becauseitisdesirous;andseeingitcannot befree,itenterethwiththeattractingintoitself, andtaketh[orconceiveth]initselfanotherwill, whichis,togooutfromthedarknessintoitself, andthatotherconceivedwillistheeternalmind, andenterethintoitselfasasuddenflash[oflightning] anddissipateththedarkness,andgoethforth intoitself,anddwellethinitself,andmakethto itselfanother[orsecond]Principleofanother quality[sourceorcondition],forthestingofthe stirringremainethinthedarkness. 27.Thereforenowweshouldspeakoftheforms ofthesour[orastringent]darknature.Forwe understandthatthedarknesshathalongingafter thelight,whicheternallystandethbeforeit,but inanotherPrinciple.

28.Forthetwoforms,thesourandthebitter stinging,aretheoriginalofallthings;andthe eternalwillisthemother[ormatrix]whereinthey aregenerated:andwearetoknowthatthe sourness[astringencyorattraction]alwaysattracteth withtheconceptionof thewill,andthatattractingisthestingingofthe stirring,whichthesourness[harshness]cannotwellendure: fortheattractingsournessdesireththesourstrong shuttingupindeath,andthestingingbitterness istheopener,andyetitwereanothinginitself withoutthewill. 29.Nowwhenthesournessattractethsostrongly, itcannotendurethestinging,viz.thesourness's ownattracting,butstirrethmuchmore;andthe sournessmaynotendurethestirringeither,forit desireththestilldeath.AndthusitisaChain andBand,whichevermakethitself,andhathno [other]maker. 30.Nowtheseenteringintooneanotherso swiftly,likeasuddenthought,thestingwouldfain getoutfromthesourness,butcannot,forthesourness generatethandmaintainethit;andnotbeing abletogettheupperhand[orgetloose]itturneth roundlikeawheel,andsobreakethasunderthe attractedsourness,andmakethacontinual [orstirringupanddown]hurlyburly andmixture,inwhichthebreaking[corrupting]orwoe, dothconsist;yetthereisnofeelinghere,but [theyare]onlyformsofnature:foritisno

material[materia],but[itis]theoriginalofthespiritor eternalnatureintheeternalwill.

31.Forthesourdesiringattractethandmaketh penetration,andthebitternessbreakethitasunder intheturningwheel,andsotherearisethmultiplicity ofessences,anditisasitwereafuriousness, orasImaysayinasimilitude,aconfusionofthe eternalmobility,acauseoftheessences:Andthis theeternalwillmustsuffer[tobe]initself,and thereforeitconceivethortakethtoitselfanother will,toflyoutfromthiswheel,andyetcannotdo it,foritisitsownsubstance;andseeingitcannot, andyetcannotleaveitseternaldesireandlonging, itholdethandattractethtoitself;sothatthe essencesarecontinuallygenerated,andyet(without thedesiring)theyarenothing;andthusthe wholeformstandethinthenoise[orsound],andiscalled MAR:andseeingthewillcannotbefree,it fallethintoagreatanguish,tospeakaccording toman'sunderstanding,thattheReadermay comprehendthesenseanddepthofit.

32.Forthewillistheconception,andthat whichisconceivedinthewillisitsdarkness,and thedesiringistheessence,andthecontrarywill isthewheelofthemultiplicityofessences,sothat theyarenumberless;butthemultitudeisaccording

tothemobility.Thesetwoformsarethe eternalessences,andtheeternalband,which makethitself,andcannotdootherwise. 33.Forthevastinfinitespacedesirethnarrowness andinclosure[orcomprehension]whereinit maymanifestitself,forelseinthewidestillness therewouldbenomanifestation;thereforethere mustbeanattractionandinclosing,outofwhich themanifestationappeareth;andthereforealso theremustbeacontrarywill;foratransparent andquietwillisasnothing,andgenerateth nothing:butifawillmustgenerate,thenitmust beinsomewhatwhereinitmayformandmay generateinthatthing;forNothingisnothing butastillnesswithoutanystirring,wherethere isneitherdarknessnorlight,neitherlifenordeath.

34.Nowsinceweclearlyperceivethatthereis bothlightanddarkness,andmoreoveraneternal stirringandforming,whichisnotonlyintheplace ofthisworldasfarasoursensesreach,butwithout endandnumber,wheretheangelicalworld shinethclearly(andyetnotintheinclosureofthe darkness),thereforeweshouldraiseourthoughts[orsenses] towardstheangelicalworld,whichyetisnot withoutthisplace[ofthisworld],butitisin anotherproperty,andintheeternallight;and yettherecouldbenolightexcepttherewerea genetrix[ormatrix]tobringitforth.

35.Nowifitshineoutofthegenetrix[or matrix],thenitmustcomeforthoutofthe genetrix.Forthegenetrixisadarkness,and yetthatwerenothingeitheriftheeteimalword (whichmaketh[attract,frame,orcreate]theeternalwill) werenotthere. Andinthemakingorcreatingisthebirthofthe eternalBeing;ofwhichJohnsaith,Inthebeginning wastheWord,whichwasinthebeginning withGod,allthingsweremadebyit(andwithout itwasnothingmadethatwasmade). 36.Considerhere,mybelovedmind,whence lightanddarknesscome,alsojoyandheaviness, loveandhate;asalsothekingdomofheavenand thekingdomofhell,goodandevil,life,andthe shuttingupindeath. 37.Thousayest,Godhathcreatedit;very well:but?whyartthoublind,anddostnot acknowledgeit,whereasthouartindeedthe similitudeofGod?Whyspeakestthoumoreof Godthanthouknowest,andisrevealedor manifestedtothee?Whereforedostthoumake laws[canonsandordinances]concerningthewillofGod, ofwhichthouknowestnothing,seeingthoudostnotknowHim? Orwhydostthoushutupthylifeindeath, whereasthoumightestwelllive,andknowGod, whodwellethinthee?Forthouhearestitalso fromSt.John,thatallthingsaremadebythe Word,

38.SeeingthenGodistheWordwhichhath madeallthings,hemustthereforebeinallthings: foraspiritisnotamadething,butagenerated thinginitself,whichhaththecentreofitsbirth initself;orelseitwouldbecorruptible:therefore nowthecentremuststandintheeternalmaker, orelseitweretransitory:forthereisnothing frometernitybuttheWord,andtheWordwas God:andthereforeitmustneedsbeitsown eternalmakerofitself;and.itselfmustexpress itselfasaWordoutofitself,asoutofitsown maker. 39.Forwherethereisaword,therealsoisa speakertospeakit.NowsinceitistheFather thatspeakethit,andtheWordwhichisspoken outofthecentreoftheFatheristheSonthereof; andseeingtheFatherinhiscentrecallethhimself aconsumingfire,andyettheSon(theWord)is alightoflove,humility,meekness,purity,and holiness,andthattheFatheroftheWordis soalsocalledandacknowledgedthroughoutthe holyScripture,thereforeweshouldconsiderthe source[qualityorproperty]ofthefireinthecentreoftheFather, seeingtheFatherandtheWordareone,and yetintwo[distinct]forms:andthatalsothe wrathandtheanger,togetherwiththeabyssof hell,standinthecentreoftheFather. 40.ForSt.Johnsaith,Ofandthroughitare allthings,andwithoutitwasnothingmade:for

whentheWorddesiredtomake[orcreate],and theFatherthroughtheWord,thentherewasno matterforhimtomakeitof;forAllwas[asit were]nothing,neithergoodnorevil,neitherlight nordarkness,butthecentrestoodthere:forthe willishisHeart,Son,andWord,whichonlyis theeternalBeing,andtheBandwhichmaketh itself;andyettheDeitymaynotthusbecomprehended, becauseabeingaffordetha[distinct differenceor]divisibility,andappearethintwo Principles.

41.Thereforewewilllaybeforeyoutheground, aswecertainlyknowit:andourpurposein writingistotheendthatyoumightseehow blindyouare;andhowwithoutknowledgeyou meddle,whenyoumakesuchlargeexpositions ofthewritingsoftheSaints,abouttheessence andwillofGod,andyetknowhimnot 42.Youpersecute,despise,anddisgraceone another;youraisewars,uproars,andtumults, andmakedesolatecountriesandnations,about [whatis]thetrueknowledgeofGodandhis will,andyetyouareasblindasastoneconcerning God:youdonotknowyourownselves, andyetyouaresofuriouslymad,thatyoucon tendabout[yourknowingof]God,whoisthe maker,preserver,andupholderofallthings; whoisthecentreinallthings:soalsoyou

striveabouthislight,whichyetdidnever appearinwrathandmaliceorwickedness, butinfriendlymeekhumilityandinlovehis centrespringethup:andyouaresofurious andmad,andyetsupposethatyouhaveit uponyourtongueinyourmaliciouscontention: youhaveitnot;butyouhavemerelythe historyoftheSaints,whohavehadthelight shiningforthoutoftheircentre;andtherefore theyhavespokenfromtheHolyGhost,which proceedethoutofthelight.Butyoutaketheir words,andthecentreofyourheartisfast shut,yourungallopinginthefourformsof wickednessormalice,[viz.inpride,covetousness, envy,andanger]. 43.ThereforeIwillshewyouthegroundof thetwoeternalPrinciples[thatspring]outof onecentre,thatyoumightyetseehowyourun oninthekingdomofthedevil,totrywhether youwillyetturnandleaveoffyourpride,and enterintoyourself,andsoyoumightattainthe highesteternalGood. 44.ThereforeIwillshewyouwhatweareinsoul andbody,alsowhatGod,heaven,andhellare; donottakeittobeafiction[opinionorconceit], foritdemonstratesitselfinallthings,thereis nothingsosmallbutitstandsmanifesttherein, anddonotblindfoldyourselvesinyourbase pride,inyourconceitedness,butsearchthe groundofnature,andthenyoushallunderstand

[learn,orfindallthingsexperimentally] allthings;anddonotrunonsofuriouslyupon thebareletterofthehistory,donotmakelaws accordingtoyourownconceitsandopinionsso blindly,bywhichyoupersecute[vexandprosecute] oneanother;inthisyouareblinderthan theheathen. 45.Searchaftertheheart,andafterthe spiritoftheScriptures,thatitmightbebornin you,andthatyoumightopenthecentreofthe loveofGod;andsoyoumightknowGod,and rightlyspeakofhim.Forfromthehistorynone shouldtakeuponhimtobeamaster,orcall himselfaknoweroftheessenceofGod,butfrom theHolyGhost,whichappearethinanother Principle(inthecentreofman'slife)untothose thatseekitintrueearnestness,aswearecommanded byChristtoknockandseekforitof hisFather(viz.inthecentreofthelife)with trueearnestdesiroushumility,andweshall findit. 46.Fornonecanknoworrightlyseekor findGodhisLordwithouttheHolyGhost, whichspringethforthfromtheheartofthe humbleseeker,andenlighteneththemind,so thatthesenses[inwardsensesorthoughts]areenlightened, andthedesireisturnedtoGod;thatpersononlyfindeththe dearVirgin,theWisdomofGod,whichleadeth intherightway,andbringethtothefresh watersofeternallife,andquickeneththesoul,

andsotheNewBodygrowethonthesoulin Christ;ofwhichwewill,hereafterfollowing, writeaccordingtoitshighandpreciousworth. 47.WeadvisetheseekingEeader,thatloveth God,toconsiderconcerningGod;andthathe donotcollectinhismindandthoughts,and seekforthepureDeityonlyaloftabovethe stars,dwellingthereonlyinheaven,thinking thathedothruleandgovernonlybyhisspirit andpowerinthisworld,asthesunstandeth aloftinthedeep,andworkethbyhisbeamsall overthewholeworld:no. 48.ThepureDeityisinallplacesandall corners,andpresenteverywhereallover:the birthoftheholyTrinityinoneessenceisevery where:andtheangelicalworldreachethtoevery part,whereveryoucanthink,eveninthemidst oftheearth,stones,androcks:asalsohelland thekingdomofGod'swrathiseverywhere allover. 49.Fortheseverekingdomintheangerof thedarknessisinthecentre,andkeepethits sourceanddominioninthedarkness;andthe Deitygoethforth(inthecentre)initself,and makethahabitation[ofjoy]initself,butunsearchably orincomprehensiblytothedarkness, becauseitopenethanotherPrinciple:forthe eternalWordistheeternalwill,andacause oftheeternalnature;andtheeternalnatureis

theeternalFather,whereinallthingsarecreated bytheWord,youmustunderstand,intheeternal nature.Andiftheeternalwilldidnotcreatein itself[anotheror]asecondmill,togoforth,(as ashininglightflamethforthfromacandleand departethnotawayfromthecandle)theFather wouldbealone,andbeonlyanausteredarkness: alsothisworld(viz.theThirdPrinciple)could nothavebeencreated. 50.ButtheFathercontainethinhimthe eternalnatureinhisownessence,andisthe eternalwillitself,andgeneratethoutofhimself [anotheror]asecondwill,which,inthefirst eternalwill(whichistheFather)openeththe Principleofthelight,inwhichtheFather(with theeternalessences,inhiseternaloriginalwill) becomethamiable,friendly,mild,pure,andgentle; andsotheFatherisnotinthesource[orquality] ofdarkness:fortherecomprehendedwill(which goethforthoutofthecentre,anddispelleththe darkness)ishisHeart,anddwellethinitself, andenlighteneththeFather[oristheglanceand lightorlustreoftheFather],andthatwillis theWordoftheeternalFather,whichisgenerated outoftheeternalessences,andisrightlyanother Person;forhedwellethintheFather'sessences [oressentialpowers]inhimself,andisthelight oftheFather;andthisWord(orwill)hath createdallthings,(understand,outoftheessences oftheFather)forit[theWord]istheeternal omnipotency,becauseitcannotbecomprehended

bytheeternalessences;foritbreakethasunder theeternalessences,anddwellethinitself,and shinethoutoftheessences,andyetitcannot departfromtheessences,aslittleastheglance orlightdepartethfromthefire.

THESECONDCHAPTER 1.SEEINGwehavementionedsuchagroundto you,wewillshewyoufarthertheground ofthegenetrix[ormatrix],begettress,pregnantmotherorwomb], forweseeitclearlyinthisworld,inthedominionoftheelements: (andyetmuchmoreinourselves,inourminds, whencethesenses[orthoughts]arise,whereby theywalk,converse,anddirectalltheiractions) thatthereisagenetrix,whichdothaffordso much;andiftherebeagenetrix,thenthere mustbeacentreorcircleoflifewhereinthe genetrixhathitsdominion:forthenothingdoth motmovenorstir;butiftherebeastirring, thatmovetheverylife,thatmustnotbeastrange [orheterogeneous]thing,becauseitisinevery thingthatthing'sownspiritandlife,aswellin thevegetativeandinsensitiveasinthesensitive living[things]. 2.Andletnotthedissemblersandhypocrites misleadyou,whoaremerebooklearnedinthe history,andboastandvapourwithstrange languages,andwouldberespectedforit,whereas theyunderstandthemnotintheleast:they understandnottheirmothertongue;ifthey understoodthatrightly(togetherwiththespirits oftheletters)thentheywouldknownature therein.

3.Itismerepridethatforbiddethyouto searchorseek,thatyoushouldnotfind,and that(thepride)withhercrowned[orcornered] capmaydomineer(likeaproudwoman)overthe wondersofGod;forsothedevilwouldhaveit, thathemightnotbeknown:theyaremore blindthanthesimplelaity. 4.Ifyoudesiretoseek,thenknock,thatthe rightdoormaybeopenedforyou,andseekinthe fearandtheloveofGod,andyoushallfindwell enough;letnotthecalumniesoftheprouddivert you:foriftherightdoorbeopenedtoyou,then youshallseehowveryblindthey[theclergy]are:theirpride hathblindedthewholeworld,sothateveryone lookethmerelyattheireloquence[finelanguage, orgoodexpressions],andupontheir[several] strangelanguages,andthinktheyunderstandvery well.Thustheydomineerovermen'ssouls. Whereastheirknowingisaltogetherdoubtful,as maybeseenbytheirdisputationsandcontentions. 5.ThereforeIsaystill,noneshouldtrusttheir soulwithsuchhypocritesanddissemblingmen: forthesoulstandethnotinthisworld,butinthe originaloftheessenceofallessences,anditisin thecentreoftheeternalband,whereinGod,and thekingdomofheavenandhellstandeth;andif it[thesoul]attaineththeloveofGodinthelight, (whichdwellethinthegroundofthesoul),itmay wellseetheeternalnature,asalsoGod,andthe kingdomofheaven,andofhell:ifitdonotsuffer

itselftobeblinded:itisnothardordifficult:it isbuttogoaboutthenewbirth,orRegeneration outofthedarknessintothelight,withoutwhich youcannotreachthedepthinthecentre. 6.Andnowifwewillspeakofthecentre,or thecircleofthelife,wemustconsiderthegenetrix [ormatrix]whichisthecentre,andtheessenceof allessences.Allthingsaregeneratedoutofthe centre,andoutofthatwhichisgeneratedall thingsarecreatedwhichareinbeing.Andwe haveclearedtoyoutheground,howtheeternal Wordwasinthebeginning(asinthecentre)and theWordisGod's,andtheeternalwillisthat Word.FortheeternalGodhaththatwillinhim, andthatishisHeart;andinthatrecomprehended will(intheeternalFatherofallthings)theeternal DeityhathitsnameGOD. 7.ForwecannotsaythatGodhathamaker,as alsothewillhathnomaker;forhemakethhimself frometernitytoeternitycontinually;whereasitis notamakingbutaneternalgeneration.The WordintheFather,andthespiritwhichgoeth forthfromthepower,isthelifeoftheDeity. 8.Butnowweseethatthemarkstandethin thecentre:forGodisalsoanangryzealousor jealousGod,andaconsumingfire;andinthat source[orquality]standeththeabyssofhell,the angerandmaliceofallthedevils,asalsothe poison[corruption]ofallcreatures:anditisfoundthatwithout poisonandeagerness[fiercenessorstingingsharpness]

thereisnolife:andfrom thencearisethallcontrarietyandstrife:andit isfoundthatthestrongestandmosteageris themostusefulandprofitable:foritmakethall tilings,andistheonlycauseofallmobility andlife. 9.For,asismentionedbefore,theeternalWord (viz.theeternalwilloftheFather)istheCreator ofallthings;andtheeternalFatheristhebeing ofthewill,outofwhichtheWordhathcreatedall things.Nowtheessencesarethebeingwhich causeththewill:forhereyoumustunderstand thattherearetwowillsinonebeing,andthey causetwoPrinciples:Oneistheloveandthe otheristheangerorthesource[orproperty]of wrath.ThefirstwillisnotcalledGod,but nature:thesecondwilliscalledAandO,the beginningandtheend,frometernitytoeternity: andinthefirstwillnaturecouldnotbemanifest; thesecondwill[itisthat]makethnature manifest;forthesecondwillisthevirtueinthe strength;andtheonewouldbenothingwithout theother. 10.SeeingthenthatthewilloftheFatherin theeternityisthefirst,thereforealsoheisthefirst personintheternary[trinity],viz.thecentreitself.So nowthewillorthecentreistodesiretogenerate theWordorHeart:foritisnothingelse,andit canbecallednothingelse,butthedesiringinthe will.

11.Thuswesearchinadeepsenseinthemind; andfindthatthedesiringiseagerandattractive; foritisthestrongmight:notinonepointonly, buteverywhereallover,contractingthewideness intonarrowness,tomanifestitself[therein].For elsetherewouldbenothinginthewholedeep,and therewouldappearnothing,butallwouldbestill andquiet. 12.Butnowthedesiringattracteth,andyetit hathnothingtherebutitself:andthatwhichis attractedistheimpregnationofthedesiring,and makeththedesirefull,andyetisnothingbuta darkness,forthatwhichisattractedisthickerthan thewill,andthereforeitisthedarknessofthe thinwill. 13.Forthewillisasthin[orempty]as[ifit were]nothing,andverystillandquiet:butthe desiringmakethitfull,andthegoingforthinthe desiringistheessences,viz.astingofsensibility, (whichisagainstthesensibility),whichthedesiring alsocannotendure,butattracteththemore vehementlytoit;andsothestingorpunctureis thegreater,andragethagainsttheattracting,and yetcannotgetoutofit,forthedesiringgenerateth it,andyetcannotendureit,foritissuchan enmityas[isbetween]heatandcold. 14.Andsothedesiring,whichinitselfisan earnestlonging,byitslongingdothawakensuch

araging(whichdothsostinginthatwill)thatthe longingbecomethverysourandstronglyattracting, thatitmightholdthestingfast,wherebythe sting,asastirringlife,affordethmobility,inwhich thelongingattaineththefirstcrack[orshriek]of trembling,fromwhencearisethacontraryanguish: forintheanguishofthelonging(inthehard attracting)iscausedasharpcoldness:andthe attractioniseager,bitterandstinging,sothatit affordethaterriblestrongpower,whichthesting cannotendure,butwouldfainbreakaway,andyet itcannot:Foritsownmotherthatgeneratethit, holdethit,andso,seeingitcannotgetawayup wards,itrunnethroundlikeawheel,andbreaketh asunderthecontraction,fromwhencetheessences ofmultiplicityarise. 15.Andthisistherightcentre:forinthe wheelexisteththenatureofmobilityandofthe essences:anditisabandofthespirit,though withoutfeeling[perception]orunderstanding:butinthis formonly,isitcalledthecentre:foritisthecircle oflife,whichthedesiringhathshutup,outofthe stillwideness,intonarrowness:althoughitisnot comprehensible,buteverywheremerelyspiritand formofnature. 16.SeeingthenthattheRavermakethsucha stingingbitterwheel(inthesharpcold)therefore thecentreissoterrible,likeagreatanguish,where thelifeiscontinuallybroken[ordestroyed],and bytheessencesisalsobuilt[again]insucha

manner,andisliketolifeanddeath.

17.Thephilosophersandhighknowers[naturalists]of. nature,write,thatnatureconsistethinthree2 things,viz.inSulphur,Mercury,andSalt,which isveryright:butthesimplewillunderstand nothingtherein:andalthoughtheapprehensionof itwasopentothewise[sothattheyunderstoodit] yetatthispresenttimeveryfewunderstandthe centre,buttheyhaveitinthehistory,asalso [theyhave]thedivinityortheologyfromthe mouthoftheApostles,whichatpresentisalsono otherthanahistory,withoutthepowerandthe livingspirit(whichwasamongtheApostles),asis clearlytestifiedbytheircontentiousdisputations, liplabouranddeadletter[intheirteachings]. 18.Nowseeingwehavethroughthedivine graceattainedthelight,andareabletoknowthe centre,whichisthebirthofourlife,wehavepower todemonstrateit,andshewwhatiscomprisedand understoodinthethreewords,Sulphur,Mercury, andSalt:notthatwetherebydespisetheignorant blindness:butasaChristianwewouldwillingly affordandshewthemthelight.Andalthoughour speechseemethsimple,yetourknowledge,meaning, andapprehensionisverydeep:noneshouldbe offendedatthesimplespeech:asifwehadnot thedeepapprehension.Lethimbutreaditwith atrueearnestness,andconsiderseriouslyofit,in thefearofGod,andheshallfindwellenough

whatspirit'schildweareinthiswriting;butwe wouldhavehimfaithfullywarned,concerningthe scornersandhypocrites. 19.AsismentionedconcerningtheSulphur, thecentreisandmayverywellbecalledPHUR: butifthelightbegenerated,thelightthatshineth outofthePHURiscalledSUL,foritisthesoul thereof.AndasIsayofthedarkcentre,wherein thedivinelightisgenerated,thesameIsayalsoof nature:thoughindeedtheyareone:butwemust sospeak,thatwemightbringitintothethoughts oftheReader,thathemightinclinehismindto thelight,andsoattainit. 20.Forthetwoforms,viz.sharpcold,andbitter stinging,whicharegeneratedbythelongingin eternalwill,theyholdthecentre,andmakethe wheeloftheessences,whencethesenses[Orthoughts],asalso perceptionandmobilitycontinuallyariseeternally. 21.Nowthesetwoformsareinverygreatand terribleanguish,inthemselves,withouttheother formsthataregeneratedoutofthem.Forthe attractingsharpsournessisliketohardstones, andthestingoftheattractingisthebreakerof theastringency:andsoitislikeawheel,andmay wellbecalledPHUR:asthelanguageofnature inthatsyllabledothdeclare. 22.Thereforethoughthetwoformsenterso terriblyinthemselvesintothewill,andholdthe

willinthedarkness,yetthewillcannotbecaptivated, foritsownproprietyistobemeekandquiet, andthatproprietyitcannotloseinthetwoforms, foritisincomprehensible;andyetitmustbein thetwoforms,anddwellethinthesting,andis theflashthereof;forthetwoformsaredarkin themselves,butthewillisnot[so],foritisfreein itself;butthetwoformstakeitintotheirproperty, foritistheirfather,anditsharpenethitselfin theirproperties,sothatitshinethasaflash[of lightning]. 23.Forthesourastringencymakethdark;and thebittersting(inthewheel)dissipateththe darkness:andsothelibertyofthestillwillshineth inthewheelinthewhirringasaflash[oflightning]: forthewillsosharpenethitselffromthesour astringency,thatitbecomethverystrong;forit isaswhensteelandastoneareknockedone againstanothertostrikefire. 24.Forthereisunderstoodtobeinthefire, twothings;viz.thelibertywithoutnature,and thesourstrongnessofnature;asyouhavean' exampleinastone,outofwhichyoustrikefire. Forwhenyoustrikeuponthesharpofthestone, thebitterstingofnaturesharpenethitself,and isstirred[vexedorangered]inthehighestdegree. Fornatureisdissipatedorbrokenasunderinthesharpness,so thatthelibertyshinethasaflash[oflightning]: andthatyoumayhereseetobetrue:forassoon asthelibertyshineth,itconsumeththedarkness,

andthenceitcomeththatthesharpnessofGod theFatherisaconsumingfire.Forassoonas theflashinthesharpnessseizethonanythingthat isessential,itconsumeihitinstantly,sothatthere isnonaturemoreleft. 25.Andthecauseoftheflashgoingoutso suddenlyisthatthesharpnesscannotretainit: fortheflashisfreefromnatureandisonlyseen inthebreaking. 26.Andwegiveyoutounderstandthatthis libertywithoutthenatureisGodtheFather:and thenatureisthusgeneratedinhim,sothatheis omnipotentovernature,evenasthemindofman isabovethesenses;forithathalloneoriginal, aswewillshewyouhereafterfollowing. 27.Furtherconcerningthebirthofnature,we giveyoutounderstandthisbywayofsimilitude: Whentheflashshineththusinthesouranguish, thenthereisaverygreatcrack,whichthesourness captivateth,andterrifiethmuchmore,foritsdark proprietyinthesourdeathiskilledinamoment, sothatitlosethitssourproprietyandsinketh back,andcannomoreattractsostrongly;and thentheflashgoethdirectlythroughthestingof theragingofthewhirringwheel:wherethesting mustspreadforthoneachside,andtheflashgoeth throughthemidst;andsothewheelcomethtobe across,andcannomorewhirlabout,butstandeth shiveringinthesharpmightofthewillofthe

eternalliberty,whichisGodtheFather. 28.Andnowwhenthestrongsournesshath captivatedtheflashoftheliberty,thatitloseth itspropriety,thenthefourthform(viz.thesalt spirit)isgenerated:forthesternharshnessbecometh pliantfromthefireandthecrack;and yetretaineththesharpness:andsothisformis likeasharpwaterspirit:andtheflash(viz.the crack)isthethirdform,andmakethinitselfin thesourkilledanguishabrimstonespirit. 29.Forifthesternsournesslosethitsfirstdry propriety,itmustbesoft,andyetitcannot,for itisterriblysharp:andhereisthemark[goal,limit,butt] ofeternaldeath:forthedesireoutofthefreewill cannotattractsoanymore:foritstandethin theanguishofthecrack,andyetretainethits proprietyintheattracting. 30.Foreveryanguishhathadesiretogoforth fromthesource[orpain]:anditisthenatural rightoftheanguishtoexpelfromitself,andyet itcannot,butthepainistherebymorestirredand greater:asmaybeunderstoodinaragingswelling sore,wherethememberintheessences[humours]laboureth toberidofthepain,andbythelabouringofthe essencesthesorebecomethbigger,andthesource (inthebrimstonespirit)isswelledup:andthe moretheessencesstrivethegreateristhewheel oftheanguish.

31.ThusIproposenaturetoyou,tobeconsidered of,whichifyouconsideritwell,cannot bespokenagainst:foritappearethinallthings, andithathitsbirthjustso.Andnaturestandeth thusinfourforms. 32.First,inasourandstrongattracting,which iscalledharshness[sourness,tartness,astringency], andmakethinitselfsharpcoldness. 33.Andthen,secondly,theattractingisits sting[spur],whichragethinthesourness,andbreaketh thehardness,andmakeththewheeloftheinnumerable essences,whereinthewondersaregenerated. 34.Buttheflashofthelibertyoftheeternal will,whichsharpenethitselfinthesourness,and turnethtoconsumingfire,breakethitswheel, whereinasaflashitpenetrateththroughina moment,andterrifiethitsmother,thesourness, whichlosethherhardpropriety,andischanged intoasharpnaturelikeSalt;andinthissharpness, thestingalsolosethitsownrightand becomethbitter:forithathinittwoforms,viz. theraging,andalsotheflashofthefire,which arelikebrimstone,anditisthemightofthe kindlingofthefire,forthesource[orproperty] ofthefirestandeththerein. 35.Understandusrightlythus:theflashof fireoutofthesharpnessmakeththethirdform innature:foritmakethinthesourness,andout

oftheEager(thebitterstinginthetartanguish) abrimstonespirit,whereintheflashstandeth,and isthesoul(ortheeternallife)ofthefourforms. Fortheanguishmakethinitselfagainadesire toflyoutfromtheanguish,andyetthereis nothingthatcanflyaway,butsoitisinthe centre,andiscalledthecentrenomore. 36.Thefourthformisthechangingofthehard sourness,viz.thecrackoftheflash,thedarkhardness perceivingthatitisfeeble,and[asitwere] deadandovercome;anditisthenturnedinto* SAL,andyetretaineththeproprietyofthesour attracting. 37.Thusthefourformsofnaturearenomore calledthecentre,thoughindeedtheyhavethe centreinthem,andintheiroriginal,but[are called]Sulphur,Mercurius,andSal.Forthe brimstonespiritisthesoulofthefourforms:for ithaththefireinit,andtheanguishinitmaketh anotherwill,sothatthefourformshaveaneternal willinthem,whichistheirown:forthatwillis toflyaloftoutofthefourforms,abovenature,and tokindlenatureinthefire,andsotobeina horriblemight,asmaybe[discernedand]con sideredinthedevils,wholiveinsuchawillas this,asweshallshewafterward.

38.Thusunderstandusrightlywhatthewise ofoldhaveunderstoodbythethreewords,

Sulphur,Mercurius,andSal:thoughtheyall couldnotapprehendthehighlight,yetthey understooditwellenoughinthelightofthis world,viz.inthethirdPrinciple;allwhichhath oneandthesameunderstandingandmeaning; onlytheyunderstoodnotthethreePrinciples;or elsetheyhadknownGod;andsotheyremained inthelightofthisworldasheathenwiththeir understanding.Fortheyhadfoundthesoulof thefourformsinthelightofthevirtueofthe sun[only],andthesecondPrinciplewasnofurther revealedtothem. 39.Therethesoulstandethintheeternalband, andthere,inthecrossofnature,outofthe originaleternalwill,istheeternalWordgenerated, whichisthemakerandcreatorinnature, andthishathbeenhiddentothem,eventothis veryday:butthetimediscoverethit,whereit Tobeseen,standethasabanner[tobeseen]:ofwhich [shallbespoken]initsplace. 40.Anddeepconsideratereasonhathitvery clearlyinourdescriptionwhatSulphur,Mercurius, andSalare:forSUListhesoul,andisabrimstone spirit,whichhaththeflashoffirewithall formsinit:butifthepowerandlightofthesun operatetherein(seeingthesoulstandethinflesh andblood)thesunwithitsfriendlybeamsmaketh outofthesoursaltspirit,anoil,andkindleththe fire:andsothebrimstonespiritburneth,andisa lightintheessences:andoutoftheanxiouswill

comeththemind:andoutofthewheelofthe essencescomethethoughts:forthevirtueofthe sunhathalsothemind,sothatitdothnotstand intheanguish,butrejoicethinthevirtueofthe light. 41.ThusSUListhesoul,inanherbitisthe oil,andinmanalsoaccordingtothespiritofthis worldinthethirdPrinciple,whichiscontinually generatedoutoftheanguishofthewillinthe mind,andthebrimstonewormisthespirit,which haththefireandburneth:PHURisthesour wheelinitselfwhichcauseththat. 42.Mercuriuscomprehendethallthefourforms, evenasthelifespringethup,andyethathnotits beginninginthecentreasthePHURhath;but aftertheflashoffire,whenthesourdarkform isterrified,wherethehardnessisturnedinto pliantsharpness,andwherethesecondwill(viz. thewillofnature,whichiscalledtheanguish) ariseth,thereMercuriushathitsoriginal.For MERistheshiveringwheel,veryhorrible,sharp, venomous,andhostile;whichassimilatethit thusinthesournessintheflashoffire,where thesourwrathfullifeariseth.ThesyllableCU isthepressingout,oftheanxiouswillofthe mind,fromnature;whichisclimbingup,and willethtobeoutaloft.RIisthecomprehension oftheflashoffire,whichinMERgivetha clearsoundandtune.Fortheflashmakeththe tune,anditisthesaltspiritwhichsoundeth,and

itsform[orquality]isgrittylikesand,andherein arisenoises,sounds,andvoices,andthusCU comprehendeththeflash,andsothepressureisasa windthatthrustethupwards,andgivethaspirit totheflash,sothatitlivethandburneth.Thus thesyllableUSiscalledtheburningfire,which withthespiritcontinuallydrivethitselfforth: andthesyllableCUpressethcontinuallyupon theflash. 43.AndthethirdwordSAListhesaltspirit; becausetheancientwisemensawhownatureis thusdividedintomanyparts,andthatevery formofnaturehathaparticularmatterinthis world,asmaybeseenintheearth:andthatthe saltspiritespeciallyisthegreatestincorporeal things(foritpreserveththebodythatitdothnot decay),thereforetheyhaverightlysetdownthis gateonly;whichisthemotherofnature.For outofthisform,inthecreation,earth,stones, water,andallsortsofmineralsweremade,yet withthemixtureoftheotherforms;asyoushall seehereafter:MybelovedReader,understandus thusaccordingtoourownsense,meaning,and apprehension. 44.Thefourformsinthemselvesaretheanger andthewrathofGodintheeternalnature:and theyareinthemselvesnothingelsebutsucha source[orproperty]asstandethinthedarkness, andisnotmaterial,butanoriginalityofthespirit, withoutwhichtherewouldbenothing.

45.Forthefourformsarethecauseofall things,asyoumayperceivethateverylifehath poison,yeathepoisonitselfisthelife:andtherefore manycreaturesaresovenomous,becausethey proceedfromapoisonousoriginal.Andyoumust know,(thoughthesebethechiefcausesofnature), thatnatureconsistethinverymanymoreother forms:forthismakeththewheeloftheessences, whichmakethinnumerableessences:whereevery essenceisagainacentre:sothatawholebirthof quiteanotherformmayappear. 46.ThereforethepowerofGodisunsearchable: andourwritingisnottothatendthatweshould searchoutthegroundoftheDeityintheeternal nature[andlayitbeforeany]:no,thatcannotbe: butwewilldirecttheblindthewaythathimself mustgo:wecannotgowithhisfeet,but(asa Christian)wewouldfainleadhim,andimpartto himwhatwehave;notoutofboastinginourselves, butthatwemighthelptoplantthegreat body[consisting]ofthemembersinChrist;of whichwewillmakementionhereafter:towhich endtheseveryhighthingsarementioned,thatwe mightshewyoutherightmarkintheoriginal: thatyourselfmightsee,andlearntounderstand thecourseoftheworld,andhowblindallare concerningGod,andwhatthecauseandendof itis.

47.Wetellyouthisthatyoumightrightly considerit;forthesefourformsareinallthings: yetinthisworld(asinthethirdPrinciple)they arenotunderstood[tobe]intheirveryeager[Ortheir utmosteffect]essences.Forthevirtueofthesun,intheelements, temperethallthings,sothattheessencesstand notinsuchawrathfulsource[orproperty],but areasapleasantfriendlylife:asthelightoutof thesecondPrinciple(whichisthelightoutofthe WordandHeartofGodtheFather)dothenlighten thefourformsinthecentreoftheangelicalspirits, sothattheyareintheirowncentrefriendly,lovely, andverypleasant. 48.AndyoushouldwellconsidertheFallof thedevils,whohavelostthelightoftheHeartof God,andmustnowstandinthefourformsofthe original,insuchananxioussource[orcondition] aswasabovementioned. 49.Thusisthesoulofmanalsotogetheroutof thiseternalbandbreathedintoman,andenlightened fromthelightofGod:butinthefallofAdamit isgoneoutfromtheeternallightoftheHeartof God,intothelightofthisworld:andithathnow toexpect(ifithavenotenteredagainintothe lightofGod,whenthelightofthisworlddoth breakofffromit)thatitmustthenremaininthe fourforms(withoutthelight)inthefirstbirthof thelife,withthedevils. 50.Forthefourforms(withouttheeternallight)

aretheabyss,theangerofGod,thehell,andthe horribleflashoffireinthewheelofcorruption [Orbreaking]intheflyingupofMercury [ortheterriblecrackingnoise]. Theirlightisinthebrimstonespirit, whichtheymustawakeninthemselves:orelsetheir spiritstandethineternaldarkness,anditsliving formoftheabyssisadominionofasevere[eager propertyor]source,whichclimbethupintheflash offire[willingtobe]aboveGodandthekingdom ofheaven,andyetcannotreach,norfeel,nor seethem:forit[Theeternaldarkness].isaPrinciple, whichcomprehendethneitherthisworldnortheangelicalworld: andyetisnotsevered,[butis]in[oneandthesame]place.

51.Forweoffertoyourconsideration:thatas wemenwithour[earthly]eyeswhichwehave fromthisworldcannotseeGodandtheangels, whichyetareeverymomentpresenttous;and theDeityitselfisinus,andyetwearenotableto comprehendit,exceptweputourimaginationand earnestwillintoGod, [SetallourthoughtsandresolutionsuponGodandgoodness] andthenGodappearethtousinthewill,andfilleththemind; wherewefeelaGodandseehimwithoureyes [viz.theeyesofourmind]. 52.Soalsoifweputourimaginationandwill intoevil[andwickedness],thenwereceivethe sourceofhellinthewrath:andthedevillayeth fastholdonourveryheartintheangerofGod, yetweseehimnotwiththeseeyes,onlythemind

andpoorsoulintheeternalsourceoftheoriginal understandit,andtrembleatthewrath:sothat manyasouldespaireth,andcastethitselfintothe sourceoftheoriginal,anddriveththebodytodeath, bysword,therope,orthewater,thatitmay therebysuddenlyberidofthetorment,orsource, inthislife,whichisfromtheThirdPrinciple. Forthatsoulstandethbetweenthekingdomof heavenandthekingdomofthisworld,inscorn, andthereforemakethhastetotheabyss. 53.Alsowegiveyouveryearnestlyto consider:thatGoddidnotcreateapeculiarhell andplaceoftorment,onpurposetoplaguethe creatures,viz.angelsandmen;becauseheisa Godthatwillethnotevil,anddothhimselfforbid it:andhaththereforesufferedhishearttobecome man,thathemightredeemmanoutoftheeternal anguishingsource[ortorment]oftheabyss,which endurethforever. 54.Andthereforeassoonasthedevilswent awayfromthelightofGod,andwoulddomineer inthemightofthefire,overthemeeknessofthe HeartofGod,theywereimmediately,inthesame hourandmoment,intheabyssofhell,andwere heldbyit:fortherewasnopeculiarsource[or placeoftorment]madeforthem:butthey remainedwithoutGod,inthefourformsofthe eternalnature.

55.Soalsoitiswiththesoulsofmenifthey donotattainthelightofGod;whichyetwith greatlongingstandethbeforethesoul,anditis hiddenintheverygroundofthesoul.Andthe soulistodonomorebutputitswill(asasprout outofthefourforms)againintothelightofGod, wherethenitisregeneratedanewinthewill, andinthelifeofGod. 56.WegivethecourteousReadertounderstand: thatthe[hellish]creatures,whicharethedevils andthedamnedsouls,havenotonlyfourformsin thebandoftheirlife;buttheirformsareinfinite, likethethoughtsofmen:andtheycanturn themselvesintotheformsofallcreatures:but thereareonlyfourformsmanifesttothem,as alsointheabyssofhell:theymaybringforth everyformoutofthematrix,exceptthelight, thefireistheirrightlife,andthesourastringency ofthedarknessistheirrightfood. 57.Foroneessencenourishethanother,so thatitisaneternalband:andsothedevilsand damnedsoulsareonlylivingspiritsintheessences [Oressentialpowers]oftheeternaloriginal:outofwhich theyarealsocreated:forthematrixistheoriginalgenetrix, whichcontinuallygeneratethitselfoutoftheeternalwill. 58.Andinthatrespect[oraccordingtothis formorproperty]Godcallethhimselfazealous [orjealous]angryGod,andaconsumingfire;

forthefireofthisoriginalisconsuming,foritis thecentreoftheeternalband.Thereforeifit bekindledinthesoursharpness,itconsumethall whatsoeverappearethessentiallyinthefourforms (youmustunderstand,allthatwhichisnot generatedoutoftheirsource[orproperty],for thedevilsarefromthesamesourceorproperty, itcannotconsumethem,fortheyarecrude[that is]withoutabody),asmaybeseenbythesacrifices ofMosesandtheChildrenofIsrael,which thefiredevoured;asalsobyEliasandthetwo captainsoverfifties,inthatthefireofGodtwice devouredfifty,whenIsraelwasledinthesource oftheFatherbytheWord:[thatis,whenIsrael wasdisobedienttothelightandWord,andthereby weregivenuptothewrathofGod]. 59.AndnowIwillfarthershewyoutheform oftheDeity,thatyoumaysearchthroughthe groundoftheeternallife,andlearntounderstand whattheeternalgood,andwhattheeternalevil is;asalsothatwhichismortalinthisworld: andthatyoumaylearntosearchandknowthe Willofthehighestgood:asalsowhatGod, heaven,hell,thedevil,andthisworldare,and whatistobedonetherein. 60.JohntheEvangelistwritethverywell,also deeplyandclearly,thatinthebeginningwas theWord,andtheWordwasGod,andallthings weremadebyit:fortheWordrevealeththeDeity, andgenerateththeangelicalworld[whichis]a

Principleinitself:whichistobeunderstoodas followeth: 61.ThefirsteternalwillisGodtheFather,and itis,togeneratehisSon,viz.hisWord;notout ofanythingelsebutoutofhimself:andwehave alreadyinformedyouabouttheessences,which aregeneratedinthewill,andalsohowthewill intheessencesissetindarkness,andhowthe darkness(inthewheeloftheanxiety)isbroken asunderbytheflashoffire,andhowthewill comethtobeinfourforms,whereasintheoriginal allfourarebutone,butintheflashoffireappear infourforms:asalsohowtheflashoffiredoth exist,inthatthefirstwilldothsharpenitselfin theeagerhardness,sothatthelibertyofthewill shinethintheflash.Wherebywehavegivenyou tounderstand,thatthefirstwillshinethinthe flashofthefire,andisconsumingbyreasonof theanxioussharpness,wherethewillcontinueth inthesharpness,andcomprehendeththeother willinitself(understandinthecentreofthe sharpness),which[otherwill]is,togooutfromthesharpness andtodwellinitselfintheeternallibertywithout painorsource. 62.Thereforewenowalsogiveyoutounderstand; thattheotherrecomprehendedwill,togo outfromthesharpness,isfreefromnature,viz. fromitswrathfulness:foritstandsinthecentre, initself,andretainethallthevirtueandformof the[first]centre,outofallessences,initself:for

itisthevirtueandpowerofthefirstwill,andis generatedinthefirstwill,andmaketh(inthe libertyofthefirstwill)acentreofanoutbirth [orprocreation],incomprehensiblebythefour formsinthefirstwillAndthisothergenerated willinthefirstwillistheheartofthefirstwill, andisinthefirstwillasaword,whichmoveth initself,andremainetheternallyinthebirthof thefirstwill;foritishisSonorHeart:andis severed[ordistinct]fromthefirstwillinthatit hathaseveralcentreinitself 63.NowtheFather,viz.thefirstwill,expresseth allthingsbythisWord(asoutofthecentreof theliberty);andthatwhichproceedethfromthe Fatherbythe'Word(viz.thespiritandpowerof theFatherintheWord)formeththatwhichis expressed,afteraspiritualmanner,sothatit appearethasaspirit.

64.Forinthesourmatrix(viz.intheFiat) alliscomprehended,andthespiritoftheWord formethitinthecentreofthatessencewherein theFathermovethandexpressethbytheWord, sothatitis,andremainethtobe,anessence. Forwhatsoeverisformedoutoftheeternalis spirit,andiseternal;astheangelsandsoulsof menare. 65.Butbecauseitmayhappenthatweshould

beasonethatisdumbtoyou,andhardtobe understood,inthisdescription(fortheunderstanding andapprehensionofitisnotinthe subtlespiritofthisoutwardworld),wewilltherefore shewhowtheotherthreeheavenlyformsare generated[beingtogetherwiththefourfore mentionedforms,thesevenformsorspiritsof nature]inwhich[threeforms]especially,God, thekingdomofheaven,paradise,andtheangelical worldareunderstood;totrywhetheritmightbe broughtintothemindofthereader. 66.YoumustnotunderstanditasiftheDeity hadabeginning,orweresubjecttoanyalteration, no;butIwriteinwhatmanneritmaybelearnt andunderstoodwhatthedivineessenceis:for wecanbringnoangelicalwords:andthoughwe couldusethem,yettheywouldappearinthis worldnootherthancreaturely,andearthlyto theearthlymind.Forwearebutapartofthe wholeandcannotspeakthetotal,butinpart, whichtheReaderoughttoconsider. 67.ForthedivinemindintheHeartofGod, thataloneistotal[orperfect],butelsethereis nothingtotal,forwithoutthat,allstandinthe essences,andGodonlyisfree,andnothingelse; andthereforewespeakbutinpart,andcomprehend thetotalinthemind:forwehaveno tonguetoexpressit,weonlybringtheReaderto aladder(toheaven)[hemustgouphimself].

68.IfwewillrightlyspeakorwriteofGod, wemustspeakofthelight,andoftheflameof love;forthereinisGodrightlyunderstood. 69.Wecannotsaythatthesourceofthefire islight,weseeitonlyshineoutofthefire.Thus nowwehaveinformedyouconcerningtheoriginal ofthefire,howitisgeneratedinthewheelofthe essences,inthehardanxioussharpness,andreceiveth itsshiningoutoftheeternalliberty,where thelibertyisdrivenoninnature,sothatthe libertybecomethasource[orproperty],whichis fire. 70.Soalsowehavementionedhowtheflash instantlypresseththroughthewheeloftheessences, andmakethacross;andthenthewheelofthe essencesturnethroundnomore,butstandeth waveringinthesound[ofthecrack];andall essencesreceivetheirvirtueandstrengthinthe flashofthecross:fortheflashpressethright through,anddivideththeessencesofthewheel: andtheessencespressthroughflatly[squarely]uponthe flash:fortheflashistheirspirit,whichinthesour astringencymakethabrimstonyform. 71.Thusthebirthstandethsquarelikeacross, andhathbeneaththecentreofthebirth,which drivethuptheflashaloft,andsothewholebirthis asasprout,wherethefiredrivethup,andthe essenceshastenafterthefirespirit,astheirown spirit,whichattractethanddesireththem,forthey

areitsfoodandnourishment,anditistheirlife, andoneisnotwithouttheother. 72.Nowunderstandusconcerningthecrackof thefire,foritishorribleandconsuming,andovercometh alltheformsofalltheessences:forassoon asthetwinklingbeginneth,alltheformsofthedarkness areconsumed,andthedarksourastringency (viz.thesterndeath)tremblethatthelife,and fallethbackasdeadandovercome,andofhard becomethfeebleandweak;andsobecomethheavy, asbeingimpotentandnotfixed[notabletosubsist]initself;and thencecomethweightinnature.Forthesour astringentmatrixbecomeththinandlight,anda waterspirit,fromwhencethewaterisgenerated.

73.Andnowthiscrackofthesourastringency inthedarkdeathisacrackofgreatjoy,forof darkitbecomethlight:andnowwhentheflash twinklethinthesourastringencyofthesting,the stingisterrifiedmuchmorethanitsmother,the sourastringency;andyetitisnohostilecrackor terrifying,butaveryjoyfulcrackorterrorof exultingthatitsmotherissothin,pliant,and soft,wherebythestinglosethitsfierypropriety, andinthelibertyoftheeternalwill(inthecentre) becomethwhite,clear,light,amiable,andjoyful; andherewithspringethupthefifthformofnature, viz.thefriendlylove. 74.Fortheretheflashdesirethwithgreat

longingtohaveitsmotherforitsfood,andhereis thetrueoriginaloflife;foritisthekindlingof thelightinthesourastringentmatrix,wherethe severetartnessisturnedintomeekness:andyou shouldrightlyunderstandithere,thatitisnotso, whollyinthecentreofitsbeing;but(asImay sayinasimilitude)itisasifoilweregeneratedin themeekness,outofwhichthelightshinethconstantly, andremainethforever,inwhichtheflash losethitspropriety,andsooutofitsformashining andlightisproduced,whereinthereisa distinctcentre,outofwhichthegreatjoyspringeth up;andyetthefirstfourformskeeptheirown centretothemselves:forthedarknessremaineth asanenclosedthing,andthelightshinethinthe darkness,andthedarknesscomprehendethitnot. 75.ThustherearetwoPrinciples;whichare thereforetwo,becausethemeeknessexistethout ofthefirsteternalwill,which[will]isfreefrom thematrix[ornature]andisasthinasifitwere nothing,andisstillandquiet.Nowthatwhichis stillandwithoutabeinginitself,thathathno darknessinit,butismerelyastillclearlightjoy, withoutessence;andthatistheeternitywhichis withoutanything,andiscalledGod,aboveall otherthings,forthereisnothingevilinit,andit iswithoutabeing.

76.Understandusthus;GodtheFatherisso inhimself,butwithoutaname,forheisinhimself

thelightclearbrighteternitywithoutabeing,if wespeakmerelyofthelightofGod. 77.Butsincehewillnotbewithoutabeing, thereforeweconsiderhiswill,whichheconceiveth inhimself,outofnothing,butmerelyoutofand inhimself;andweunderstandthedesire[is]inhis will,and[that]inthedesire[thereis]thecentre ofthegenetrix,whereinthebeingisgenerated. 78.Nowtheeternalgenetrixdesirethnothing buttheWord,whichdothcreateinthegenetrix: fortheeternalstillandlightjoycreatethnothing, butismerelystillandlight;forwherethereisno darkness,thereismerelightwithoutalteration; butthegenetrixinthedesiremakeththeattraction, sothatthereisadarkness,whichiseternal, whereinnatureisgenerated;asismentioned before. 79.Andnowtheeternalgenetrix,inthefirst longing,desireththeliberty(viz.God),andnotthe darkness,initself:forhewillethnother,butthe Wordwhichcreatethinthelongingofthegenetrix :andyettherecanbenogenetrixwithout theattracting,whichimpregnatethitselfinthe will;inwhichimpregnationthecentreofthe naturedothconsist:andtherewouldbenoWord, iftherewerenonature. 80.FortheWordtakethitsoriginalinnature: andweheregiveyouhighlyanddearlytounderstand

thattwowordsaregeneratedinnature:one isthefirstcentreofthegenetrix,inthestern wrath,toexpressthestrongmightofthemother ofthefirstsourwrathfulnessinthefire:whichis herecalledthenatureofGodtheFather,whichhe thusgeneratethinhisstilljoy,intheconception ofhiswill,withouttouchingthelibertyofthe light. 81.AndtheotherWord,[isthat]whichhe[GodtheFather] generatedoutofnature,outofthemeekness; understand[that]whereintheeternallibertyof thefightis,whichiscalledGod,whichis[arises]out ofnature,andsothedarknaturedisappeareth, [whichis]stillinthefireofthesharpness,asis mentionedbefore,andyetthesourastringency(in itsowndarkpropriety)isterrified,andlosethits eagerpropriety. 82.Fortheflashmakeththedarksternmight thinagain,andsoasproutspringethuptherein outoftheinnumerableessences,andthisisthe virtueorpowerofthesecondcentre:forinthis springingupthereisalovedesire,andtheeternal lightcatchethholdofthelibertywithoutnature; sothatthelibertywithoutnaturekindlethinthis love,andbecomethaburninglight,whereinthe glanceorbrightnessariseth. 83.Forthereisnoglancewithoutnature, thoughindeedthereisalightpleasanthabitation: buttheglancearisethfirstfromthesharpness:

andyetinthespringingupoflovethereisno sharpnessthatisperceptible,thoughindeeditis really;andsoitisabirthofjoy,andaright fulfillingofthefirstwill,whichisGod's,whichhe puttethintodesiring,andsogeneratethnature,and outofnature[hegenerateth]thesprout[orword] oflove. 84.Thusthesecondsprout(orWord)oflove dwellethinthefirstwill,andisitsrightfulfilling whichitdesireth:forit[thelove]ismeek,pleasantand friendly,andisthevirtueandheartofthefirst will,fromwhencetheeternaldesirecontinually4is sproutingandsubsisting. 85.Andthusthelightbreakethopenthegates ofdarkness,andthelovingsprout[orsecondWord, whichistheHeartofGod]springethupoutofthe darknature,anddwellethintheeternalstillnessof theFather,andiscalledhisSon:fortheFather generatethhimoutofhiseternalwill;andherein istheglance[lustre,glory,ormajesty]ofthe Fathermanifested,whichotherwise(inthefirst willinthedarknature)appearethonlyinFire; butinthesecondcentre,[itappeareth]inthe loveinthelight;andhereloveandenmity oughttobeconsidered,andhowtheyoppose oneanother. 86.Forloveisdeathtowrathfulness,andby itsshiningtakethawaythepowerofthewrathfulness. AndherethepowerofGodinloveand

angerisrightlytobeconsidered. 87.Butthatthelovemaythusbegeneratedis causedbythefirstwillfromthestillhabitation; forthestillandclearhabitation,whichiswithout asource,desirethnofierceness,andyetcauseth fierceness:andifthefiercenesswerenot,there wouldbenosharpness;andsothesecondcentre (oflove)wouldnotbegenerated,outofwhichthe supernaturallightshineth,wherethenthename ofGodtheFatherandofGodtheSonexisteth. 88.Foriftheeternallibertydidnotgenerate thebeingofnature,therewouldbenoFather,but amerenothing:butsinceitdothgeneratethe beingofnature,thereforethegenerator,whenceit isgenerated,iscalledFather. 89.Thusthelightshinethinthedarkness,and thedarknesscomprehendethitnot,asJohnsaith; andthuslightanddarknessareoppositeonetothe other,andsothelightislordoverthedarkness: anditisaneternalband,whereonewouldnotbe withouttheother:andherewearerightlyto considertheenmityagainstthevirtueofthelight ofGod,howeachofthemtakethitsoriginal.

90.Forthedarknessholdethinitscentresour fierceness;stinginganguishinthebrimstone spirit;woeintheflashoffire;greatfireinthe breakingwheel;ascendingoftheessencesinthe

flashofthemightofthefire:andyetthereisno flyingout,butitcausethsuchawill[offlyingout, orflyingaway],andthatisaspirit,anditisthe bandofnature,whichGodtheFathergenerateth inhiswill,wherewithhemanifestethhimselfin theeternalstillness:whereasotherwisethere wouldbenothing:andhereinisGodtheFather (withhismightandfierysharpness)anangry zealousjealousGod,andaconsumingfire. 91.Letthisbeshewnyou,Oyephilosophers, which(fromthecounselofGod)isopenedtoyou intheseventhseal,inTernarioSancto.[HolyTernary] 92.Thusthefountainofloveisaclaspingand keepinginofthefiercewrathfulness,yea,anovercoming ofthefiercemight:forthemeekness takethawaythepropertyofthefiercesourhard mightofthefire;andthelightofthemeekness holdeththedarknesscaptive,anddwellethinthe darkness[withoutbeingcomprehendedbythe darkness]. 93.Andthusthefiercemightwillethnothing elsebutthefierceness,andtheshuttinginof death;forthefiercesournessistheshutterupin death:andthemeeknesspressethforthasa sprout,andgrowethoutofdeath,andovercometh it:andmakeththeeternallife,andturneth enmityintolove.

94.Letthisbealightuntoyou,Oyetheologists [ordivines]:andconsiderbetter,thewritingsof thesaints,andbeholdthewondersofGodwith othereyes.ConsiderwhatGodis,inloveand anger:andobservehowtwoPrinciplesstand open,whereeachisdesiring;desistfromthe naturalwisdomofthisworld,andconsiderthe eternalnature,andsoyoushallfindGodandthe kingdomofheaven.Yourlawswillnotdoit:if youwouldknowGod,anothermannerofearnestness [orzeal]mustbeused[thantomakeconclusions incounselsandsynods];youmustgoout fromBabeldisputations],thatyoumayattainthecentreofthe SonofGod:andsoyoushallbebom[orgenerated] inmeeknessandinlove;andthenyoumay feedthesheepofChrist:otherwiseyouarethieves andmurderers,andstepintothecentreofthe fiercewrath,whereyoudonothingelsebutdevour thesheepofChrist,withyourblowingupof hellishfire.Ohowfalselydoyoudealagainst love:howwillyouappear,whenthesunriseth, andwhenyoushallstandinthelight;itshall hereafterbesetbeforeyoureyes.

THETHIRDCHAPTER 1.ANDnowifwewilldiveintotheblessedbirth oflove,andsearchhowitisgenerated,and whereithathitsoriginal,wemustsearchthecentre inwardly,andsetthesixthformofnaturebefore us,viz.Mercury,whereinthesound[soundor noise]isgenerated:andsoweshallfind(inthe generatingofthelove),thetune,soundandsong, asalsothefivesenses,seeing,hearing,smelling, tastingandfeeling;whereinthelifeisunderstood; asalsopainandtorment,joyandlove;desireto good,anddesiretoevil;thoughinitselfinnature nothingistoberejected[orisinvain],bothmust be,elseGodwouldnotbemanifested,andall wouldbeasastillnothing:andthewholeBeingis togetherintheeternalGod;nonehathmadeor generatedanythingforhim:healone,inhiseternal will(whichishimself)makeththegenetrix[wombofnature]; heonlyistheeternalbeginning,andcomprised thecentretothegenetrix,whichmakeththe eternalmotherofthegenetrixoftheessenceof allessences. 2.ForGodhathnobeginning,andthereis nothingsoonerthanhe[orbeforehim],buthis Wordhathanunsearchable[groundless]beginninginhim, andaneternalunsearchableend:whichyetis notcalledendrightly,butPerson,viz.theHeart oftheFather:foritisgeneratedintheeternal centre,notasaformofthecentre(whichbelongeth

tothecentre)butasasproutofanothercentreout ofthefirsteternal[centre]. 3.ThereforeheistheSonoftheFirst;andis rightlytheflameoflove,andtheglanceofthe Fatherintheeternalwill,andthesecondmother [ormatrix]ofthegenetrix,viz.theangelical worldoutofhimself,isaPrinciple,whichis calledtheMercyofGod:outofwhichcentre goethforththevirginoftheeternalwisdomof God,bywhichGodhathcreatedthisworld,viz. thethirdPrinciple(withallcreaturesandthings) outofthefirst[Principle]. 4.AndwewouldhavetheReaderfaithfully warned,thatheshouldnotseekourmeaningin thewisdomofthisworld;butinthelightofthe eternalnature,whitherwewouldhavehimdirected also,(viz.intothenewRegenerationinthelifeof Christ)elsewearebutdumbtohim,andnottobe understood:andwithoutthat[NewBirth]he shouldleavethesewritingsuncensured;orelsehe eateththefoodofthefirstcentre;andhisscorn willgnawhiminthecentreofhisownlife. 5.Wewillreadilyvouchsafehimthelight; andforthatendthishandhathsetdownthedeep Mysteries,notforanyadvantagethatcanbe expected,butforthelillies[childrenofwisdom]sake, andforthesakeoftheangelicalworld.

6.Heremarkexactly:youwillseethatwhich youhavenotseensincetheheavyfallofAdam: andtherebyconsiderwhatitsignifieth,andwhat appearethwithit;andtreadnotinthefootsteps oftheproudPharisees,whocrucifiedChrist,and remainedblindinthedaylight,orelsethesame willhappenuntoyou. 7.Andlooknotuponthehandofthispen,it candonothing;butuponthecentre[groundorfoundation], outofwhichthelightshineth;itshinethnotonlyoutof thishand,butinthewholeworld,asanopened sealintheeternalcentre:everyonemayapprehend it,itisnotonlywithouthim,butinhim: andthereisnomoretobesaid,buttoflyopen, andspringwithJesusChrist,andputfortha floweroutofthisworldintotheangelicalworld: ofwhichwewillherespeak,andshewyouthe eternalBeing. 3.Wehaveshewedyouabove,thebirthofthe fourformsoftheeternalnature,andtherebyhave signifiedhowtheyaregeneratedoutoftheeternal unchangeablewillofthelibertyofGod:wherewe havedeclaredtoyoualsohowtheeternalliberty withoutnatureisastilllighthabitation,yetwithout glance[orlustre];alsohowtheeternallight oflibertyissharpenedinthesourhardfierceness, sothatitappearethasaflashoffire,wherethenit dissipateththedarkness,andtakethawaythe powerofthefierceness,andsogettethaconsuming glance,orfierysplendour,byreasonoftheterrible

sharpness;wherethenthesourmatrixbecometh ananxiousgenetrix:andbeingfeeble(bythe flashtakingawayitspower),itbecomethessential: andtheflashcatchethholdofitsessentialformin theanguish(thatis,thebrimstonespirit)whichis thebodyoftheflash,outofwhichitburneth andshineth. 9.Andthen[wehaveshewnalso]howthe wheeloftheessences,withtheflashofthesour overcoming,isupheld:andhowthecentreis likethatofacrosswheel[wheelwithfourspokesacross], andhowallstandethinthefoundingoftheessences, likeasprout:wherethenthewheeldrivethonlyupwards: andthereforeitisthatthesourceofthefirefliethupwards, foralltheformsofnatureflyafterthefire; andthefirefliethfromthem;foritwillethtobe free,beingitisoriginallyproceededoutofthe eternalliberty,butyetitcannot[befree],because naturewithholdethitbythesharpnesswhich subsistethinnature. 10.Andthenalsowehaveshewnyou,howthe crackofthefirekilleththefiercepropertyofthe sourmatrix,wherebyitisovercome,andfalleth back;fromwhencecomethweightinnature,and matterofeverything.Andthen,howthe flashintheovercomingtwinhleth[orlosethits strength]wherethen(inthemeekness)itisso terrified,thatitlosethitsfieryproperty,and becomethclearorbright,whichistheshiningof itslight,wheretheglancetakethitsoriginal.And

howtheeternalstilllibertytakeththeglanceas itsown;andhowthefirstwillishereinsatisfied (accordingtoitsdesire)withthatwhichitwould haveintheoriginalinitsdesire. 11.Andsowhenthefirstdesire(togetherwith thegeneratedessences)isfilledwiththeglanceof thelight,thenalltheessences(whichhavelaid holdonthelight)standinthefirstdesiringwill, andthewilltherebybecomethtriumphant,and fullofjoy,thatthechildoflightisgeneratedin it:Andherethesecondcentrefliethopeninthe joy,wheretheloveisthefireofthecentre;and thelovedesireofthefirstwillattracteththejoy, andthelightshinethoutofthejoy:Andsothis preciousholybirthremainethuponthecross wheel,wherethewheeloftheessencesmovethin thecross;andthejoy(viz.thesourceofthefire) fliethupward,andthecentreretainethit. 12.Andsotherethenewbornwillgoethforth withpowerandwonders;andestablisheththefirst willofthelibertyoftheFather,withthecentreof thelovebirthoftheSon:forthisbirthistheWord oftheHeartoftheFather,whichhespeakethoutof hisessences[flowingessentialpowersorfaculties]: andthatwhichgoethforthoutof thelove,istheHolySpiritoftheWord,which formeththeessences;andthisistogetherthe Ternaryinoneessence[orTrinityinUnity]. 13.Andsonow,whenthecentreintheWord

fliethopeninthevirtueofthelightoutofthe love,thenoneformembraceththeotherwithvery friendlydesire:forthefirstwillisdesiring,and makeththecentre;asisdeclaredbeforeconcerning thewrath,soalsoitisherewiththelove;and insteadofthestrivingcontrarywill,thereis nothinghereinbutanembracingandacceptable relish:Forwhenthewheeloftheessencesis sounding,thesixthformisgenerated. 14.Forthesournessretainethitsfiercemight wellenoughinthesharpnessofthelove;but indeeditisverysoft;andinthesixthform makethvoices,tunesandsounds,sothatinthe sounding,theessenceshearoneanother:andwith theessencesofthewheelintheassimilation [infectionormixture]theytasteoneanother:and inthedesirouslovetheysmelloneanother:and withthebreakingthroughofthesource,theyfeel oneanother:andinthelight,theyseeone another:andsothereisalivingformofthespirit, whichgoethforthasalife,inallforms,andit[the spirit]isthestirringofthevoicesintheessences, whichmakethesenses[thoughtsorconstellations], orstars. 15.Thusthetrueinsuperablelovedesire springethupinthefirstwill,whichiscalled Father;forinthecentreoftheSon,outofthe Fatherssharpness,theglanceisgenerated,which isaveryfriendlydesire,toturnthewrathofthe Fatherintolove:Forwhentheessencesofthe

Fathertastethemeeknessinthelight[orlove],thenthey areallstirred,anditisamerelovelydesire, pleasingrelish,andfriendlywelldoing;andthe formMercuriusisindeedtheWord:whichinthe darkcentreisapoisonouswoeandanguish;butin thevirtueofthelightitisthesourceofjoy:and affordethvoices,tunes,andsounds,butnotlike thesoundinthefireinthefirstcentre. 16.Thus,mydearMindthatreadestthis, understand,andtakeourmeaningrightly;and considerwhatwemeaninthisdescription.We mean,nottwoGods,thatareoneagainsttheother, butoneonlyGodinTernary,orTrinityofsubsistence, inhiseternalbirth,orgeniture. 17.InthewordTernariusisrightlytobe understoodinthelanguageofnaturethedivine birthinthesixformsinnature,whichartthesix sealsofGod. 18.ButwhenIsayTernariusSanctus,thenI havethereinthenumberThreeinsevenforms, whereintheangelicalworldiscomprehended,which standethintheseventhbirth.Notaccordingtothe [pronunciationof]theLatintongue,butaccording tothe[pronunciationof]thelanguageofnature fromwhenceallthingshavetakentheirnames whichourphilosophers,intheschoolsoftheThird Principleofthisworld,donotunderstand;[but thetheosophersoftheschoolofPentecostunder standitwell].

19.ForwhenIspeakofthewrathandofthe angerofGod,Imeannotanythingthatiswithout God;neitherdoImeantherebythepureDeity whichisunchangeable,andineternityisnothing elsebutgood;andisnotnature:buttheWord isgeneratedoutofthenatureoftheFather,as anotherorsecondsprout,whichisnotcomprehended innature;andthereforeitisevenanother Person,andyetisgeneratedoutofthefirst. 20.Understand,thatthefirstwill,whichis withoutnature,isfreefromnature,butnatureis generatedinitsdesire:andnowthereforethe secondwill(whichgoethforthoutofthefirst,out ofnatureasapropercentreofitsown)isalsofree fromnature:foritdwellethinthefirstwill,which iscalledFather,inthelighteternity,anditisthe glance[orbrightness],power,strength,andbeing ofthelighteternity;orelsetherewouldbetherein nobeing,butalightstillhabitation,withoutbeing oroperation. 21.Butsinceitwouldbemanifested,itmust needscreateawillwhichisdesirous,andyetthere wasnothingtobedesiredbutthepowerfulWord: andyetthatwasnotinthestilleternityeither: andthereforethesevenformsoftheeternalnature mustbegenerated;whicharethesevensealsof theSonofGod,astheApocalypsewitnesseth,and thencefrometernitythepowerfulWordisgenerated; whichisthepowerandvirtue,theheart,

thelife,andbeingofthestilleternity. 22.Andsinceitisgeneratedoutofthesevenseals orformsofnature,thereforeitistheMakerand Creatorofallthingsoutofthebeingofnature:for thereisnothingelsethatcanoverpowerthenature, butonlytheeffectualpowerfulWordinthelight; thatonlycanovercomethewrath.(Heonlyhath thekeythatcanopenandbreakthesevensealsof thewrathfulnatureoftheFather,andopenthe Bookoflifeofhimthatsittethupontheeternal throne.ReadApocalypse1,itisjustso.)For assoonasthewrathtwinkleth,thatisadissipating ofthedarkness,andtakethawaythepowerofthe fiercewrathfulanguish,andisrightlycalledthe mercy[theBarmhertzigkeit]ofGod. 23.ForBarmisthelighttwinklinginthe centre,outofthelighteternity;wheretheglimpse captivateththesternhardsourorharshbitter anguish,andterrifiethitwiththeglimpse,and takethawaythepowerofthefierceness,and tumethitintomeekness:Hertzistheflash,that hathcaptivatedthefourforms,wheretheglimpse oftheeternityissharpened,andthenceforward haththefourformsinit,which[glimpse]moveth uponthecrossinthecentre,andmakethanother centreinitself:igistheconvertingoftheflash intothelightoftheglanceorbrightness,wherein thefifthandsixthformsaregenerated,viz.the love,andthejoy,whereinthepotencyofthewhole naturedothconsist:andwithoutthesetwoforms,

naturewouldbeawrathful,harsh,andcrueldeath: butthelightmakeththelove,andalsothedesire ofthesixthform;whereinconsisteththelife,with theunderstanding:Keitistheeternalentrance, andtheascendingoverthenatureofthefour forms;andaneternalinhabitingofthestill eternity;andasatiatingorfulfillingofthefirst will,whichiscalledFather. 24.ThusthesecondbirthiscalledtheSonof God,thewordofGod,thepowerofGod,the loveofGod,thelifeofGod,thewonderofGod: andisitselftheessencethatmanifestethevery essence[orthing]. 25.MybelovedseekingMind,Iwouldwillingly writeitinthyheartifIcould.Behold!allisbut oneonlyGod.Butyouaskthen,whencecometh evil?Thereforeyouhaveaninformationconcerning that,inthishighdescription:foryouseeinall creatures,evil,poison,andbitterness;asalsolove, anddesire[ordelight]:thereforeconsidernowhownatureis suchanearnest[oreager]thing. 26.ButastheHeartofGodallayeththefierceness oftheFatherinhisnature,andmakethit kindandfriendly;soalsodoththelightofthe suntoallthingsinthisworld,whichallhave theiroriginaloutoftheeternalnature. 27.Forifthefiercenesswerenotgeneratedin theeternalwill,therewouldbenonature,also therewouldnot,intheeternity,begenerated

anyHeartandpowerofGod,butitwouldbe aneternalstillness:Butsincetheeternitydoth desirethelife,itcannotbegeneratedanyother way:andbeingitisthusgenerated,itistherefore mostbelovedeternally:andthereforetheearnest strongbirthmaynot,andcannot,ceaseinall eternity,inrespectofthelife,whichisthespirit ofGod. 28.Thereforebeholdthyselfandallcreatures, andconsiderthyself,consideralsoheavenandhell intheangerandwrathofGod:andthoushaltfind itthus,andnootherwise.Thoughindeedherewe needanangelicaltongue,andthouanangelicallight inthemind,andthenweshouldwellunderstand oneanother;thisworldapprehendethitnot. ConcerningtheseventhFormoftheEternal Nature. TheRevealedGateoftheEssenceofallEssences. 29.MybelovedReader,ifyouwouldunderstand thehighMysteries,youneednotfirstputan academyuponyournose,noruseany[such] spectacles,norreadthebooksofmanyartistsand scholars:forthehighMysteriesarenottobe soughtafter,searchedout,andfound,onlyinthe highschoolsoruniversities:whatsoeverreason seekethintheartofthisworld,withoutthedivine understanding,isvainandfictitious;itfindeth

nothingbutthisworld,andnothalfofthateither; italwaysgoethroundaboutinseeking,andfindeth intheendonlyprideandhypocrisy,infindingthe wisdomoftheworld. 30.SeekyounothingelsebuttheWordand HeartofGod,(whichisIncarnate,orbecome man)inthecribamongtheoxeninthestable,in thedarknight:ifyoufindit,youfindChrist(viz. theWord,intheFather)togetherwiththeFather, Son,andHolyGhost:moreover,theeternalnature, alsotheangelicalworldandparadise:andthen youwillfindyourreason(whichhathsolongled youreeling,asadrunkenman)tobeveryblind. Youneednotbreakyourmindwithhighthoughts, forwithsuchhighfanciesandconceitsyouwillnot findtheground:dobutonlyinclineyourmind andthoughts,withyourwholereason,intothe loveandmercy[theBarmhertzigkeit]ofGod,so thatyoubebornoutoftheWordandHeartof Godinthecentreofyourlife,sothathislight shineinthelightofyourlife,thatyoubeone withhim. 31.ForJesusChrist,theSonofGod,the eternalWordintheFather(whoistheglance,or brightness,andthepowerofthelighteternity) mustbecomeman,andbeborninyou,ifyouwill knowGod:otherwiseyouareinthedarkstable, andgoaboutgropingandfeeling,andlookalways forChrist,attherighthandofGod,supposingthat heisagreatwayoff;youcastyourmindaloft

abovethestarsandseekGod,asthesophisters teachyou,whorepresentGodasoneafaroff,in heaven. 32.Butasthedevilwould(inhisfierysource [orproperty])flyupabovetheHeartofGod,and yetremainethstillinthefourformsintheeternal natureinthedarkness,soitisalsowithblind reason,whichsittethinthedark,andseekethGod inthedarkness. 33.Ifyouwouldfindhim,seekhiminhis sourceorproperty,whichiseverywhere;allisfull ofGod,andheshinethinthedarkness;Godisin yourdarkheart,thoughinanotherPrinciple; knock,anditshallbeopeneduntoyou;theHoly SpiritofGodisthekeyinthecentre:gooutfrom thedesireoftheflesh,inatrueearnestrepentance, andputallyourwill,reason,andthoughtsinto themercy[theBarmhertzigkeit]ofGod;andso theWordofGod(viz.hisbelovedHeart)willget aforminyou:andthenyoustandbeforethe cribwhereJesusisborn:andtheninclineyour selftowardstheChild,andofferhimyourheart, andChristwillbeborninyou. 34.AndthenyoumustfirstintoJordan:and theHolyGhostwillbaptizeyou:andtherethe heavenstandethopentoyou,andtheHolyGhost hoverethoveryou:butyoumustintothewilderness, andbetemptedofthedevil(understandit rightly:thedevilwillmakeattemptsuponyou,

andwilloftenleadyouintothewildernessofthe world,andpassbeforethysoulintothyfleshly heart,andbaritup).Andthengreatearnestness isrequired,tobreakasunderthecentreofthe devil:youshallmanytimesnotseeChrist,the devilwilldenyhimtoyou,[insinuating]thatheis notbecomemaninyou:foryoustandthus,asa lightinthecentre,begirtwithdarkness,andyou areasproutinthelightofGod,[sprung]outof thedarksternnature. 35.Thereforeconsider;looktoit;andstand fast;asChristdid:DonotasAdamdid,who sufferedhimselftobebroughtintolust,bythe spiritofthisworld,andbroughtusintothefleshly darkness. 36.Youmust,withChrist,bepersecuted, scorned,andcontemned,ifyouwillmoveinthe wondersofGod:andifyoucontinueinhim,he continuethinyou:andthenyoumayseekwhat youwill,youwillfindwhatsoeveryoudesire:else youseekintheDeityinvain;andwhenyouhave broughtthingstothehighest,youfindonlythat whichisinthisworld.Takethis,thatisset down,forawarning;andsoyouwillseek,find andknow,thatwhichishereafterwritten,concerning thesevensealsofGodandoftheLamb. 37.Butbecausewemayhardlybeunderstood bytheReader(thoughveryeasilyunderstoodby thosethatarebornofGod)andourintention

beingnootherthantoshewthewaytotheblind: thereforewewillshewyoutheRevelationofJohn (whichistheRevelationofJesusChrist)withthe sevenspirits,andsevensealsofGod:whereinthe wholeDeity(inthehumanity)hathrevealeditself; andtogetherwiththepersonofthewisdom, hathshewntheessenceoftheNumberThreein TernarioSancto:wherebytheDeityisseennot onlyinTernario,butalsointheangelicalworld. 38.AndthosethatbebornofGod,willhere havetheireyesrightlyopened:thereforeletnone bewilfullyblind:forthetimecometh,andis already,whereinthesevensealsarebrokenopen, andtheBookofhimthatsittethuponthethroneis opened,whichtheLambofthehouseofIsraelhath brokenopen,wrhichwasslain,andlivetheternally. 39.Andalthough,hitherto,theRevelationhath continuedsealed,andhathnotbeenunderstoodin theground,byanyman;yetnoneshouldconceive andthinkthatsuchathinghathbeeninthe powerofman;foritistheRevelationofGod,and ithathsevenseals,whichweresealedup,tillthe angerofGodwasaccomplished:andtheyarethe sevenspiritsofGodtheFather,asismentioned before,concerningtheformsofthebirthofthe eternalnature,whichisGod's. 40.Andnowthisworld,withallthatbelongsto it,aswellasman,iscreatedasanoutbirth,outof theeternalnature;understand,outoftheseven

sealsoftheeternalnature:andGodhathcreated thisworldfornoothercause,butthathewould, inhiseternalwisdom,manifestthewonders,which areintheeternalnature;fortheymustcometo essence,andappearinthelight,tohisjoy,honour, andglory,notonlyinthistimeofsecrecy[or hiddenmysteriousness],butafterthistimealso. 41.Forthistime[fromthebeginningofthe worldtotheend]isasthesoil[orground],andis theseventhsealoftheeternalnature,whereinthe sixseals,withtheirpowersandwonders,disclose themselves,andpourforththeirwrath:from whenceweregeneratedandfoundout,inthis world,thenaturalwisdom,voices,thunders,and strife:whereinmenhavealwayssoughttheHeart ofGod,andyetfoundthewonders,outofwhich havearisenstrifeandcompulsion[ofconscience], whereonesealhathbeenopenedafteranother: buthumanreasonhathnotunderstoodthepowers oftheseals. 42.Forwhen,afterthetimesoftheApostles, mendepartedfromthetrueloveandhumility towardsGod,andsoughtafterwisdomfortheir ownends,andmadeofthekingdomofChrista kingdomofpomp,might,andthegloryofthis world;thenthecandlestickswithdrewfromthese men,thatis,went(intheFather'snature)intothe sevensealsofGod,andforsookthesevengolden candlesticks,thesevensealsoftheHeartofGod, whicharethesevensealsoftheLamb,whichshine

brightoutoftheFather'snature;forthey[thesevenseals] wereinthehandoftheSonofGod,whowasbecome man:asmaybediscernedbytheImageinthe Revelation,thatthemanJesusChristhathseven starsinhishand,andstandethbetweentheseven goldencandlesticks. 43.ThesevenstarsarethesevenspiritsofGod theFather,whicharehiddenseals;asIhave shewnyoubefore,howoneformiscontinually generatedfromanother;andthatoneformwould notbewithouttheother;andyetonesealopeneth itselfafteranother,andtheyhavetheseven thunders,whosespeechissealedup,fortheyare inthecentreofthespirit,butthesevensealsare intheessence[orinthecentreofthecorporeity]: fortheyaremanifestedthroughthehumanityof Christ,thereforethespiritofGoddemonstrated themintheformofsevengoldencandlesticks,and theygivelightintheFatheroutofthecentreo theSon. 44.Foryousee,thatthereisaGlassySeabefore thethroneoftheAncient[ofDays],whoisGod theFather,andtheseaistheseventhseal,but openedandnotsealed;forthereinstandeththe angelicalworld:butthesixsealsarethebirthof theeternalnature,whicharegeneratedinthe firstwilloftheFather,outofwhichtheHeart orWordofGodisfrometernitycontinually generated,asapeculiarcentreofitsown,in thecentreofthesevenspiritsofGod;and

althoughtheseventhsealalsoisintheFather, andbelongethtothecentre,yetitisbrought toessence[beingorsubstance]bytheWord, forthereinconsisteththeangelicalworld. 45.Therefore,mybelovedReader,thouartto know,thatwhatsoeveriswrittenorspokenofGod, isspirit;forGodisSpirit,butinhimselfwould notbemanifest,exceptthesevenformsmakehim manifest:andthereinthecreationoftheangelical worldisbroughttopass,andiscalledTernarius Sanctus:forthenumberThree[orTrinity]is incomprehensible;buttheWordmakeththeglassy sea,whereinthecomprehensibilityisunderstood: anditisclearlyrepresentedtoyou,inthefigure oftheImage,intheRevelations. 46.Foryousee,thattheImagestandethinthe midstofthesevencandlesticks,whicharetheseven spiritsoftheDeity;andithathsevenstarsinits righthand,whicharealsothesevenspiritsofthe Deity,inthecentreoftheFather,andtheWord haththeminhispower,inthatitchangeththe fiercenessandconsumingnatureintoameek habitationintheglassysea,whereinGod'slight oftheWordshinethoutoftheWord:andthen thesevenspiritsofGodstandinthecentreofthe Word,informlikeuntosevenburningtorches: andherebytheDeityispourtrayeduntoyou,in theImageintheRevelations. 47.Andwegiveyoualsotounderstandfurther

(asismentionedabove)thattheWord(orHeartof theFather)initssevenshiningspirits,isinthe Father(inthecentreoftheFather)ashisHeart; andhaththesevenstars(viz.thesevenformsof theeternalnature)underitspower,andtherefore theimagehaththeminitshand. 48.Butsinceallthings(thatshouldcometo haveanessence)mustcomeforthoutofthe Father'snature,andweknowalsothatMoses witnessethasmuch,thatGodtheFathermadeall thingsbytheWordFiat,asbytheWordspoken, andthespeakingstoodintheFiat;andtheFiat isthesourmatrixinthefirstwilloftheFather, whichcomprehendethandholdeththenature, whichthespirit(thatisgeneratedexMercurio) formeth,whichisthespiritofGod:Andsinceall creaturesstandintheFather,andthatheistherefore calledFather,beingafatherofeverything;as alsowemenarehischildren;andyetwewith Adam,beingdepartedfromthevirtueofthe seventhspiritoftheWord,andwithourima ginationaregoneintotheoutbirthoftheFather, viz.intothespiritofthisworld,whichclothesus withcorruptiblefleshandblood,andholdethus captive;thereforewearenowinthevirtueor powerofthesevenstars,orsevenspirits,ofthe Father'snature,whichbringtheirwondersinus tothelight. 49.Forwearetherepresentation[image,similitude] oftheDeity,inwhichthespiritofGodopenethhiswonders:

andbeyourightlyinformed,GodtheFatherhath begottenusagaininChrist,thatweshouldwith ourimaginationsenteragainintotheWord,viz. intothecentreofthelightflamingHeart,thatthe HolyGhostmightproceedfromusagainwith miracles,powerandworksofwonder,asmaybeseenby theApostlesofChrist. 50.Butsincewehavesufferedourselvestobe held,bythesevenfiercespiritsoftheFather's nature,outofhiscentre;andarenotwithour Immanuel,goneforthfromourownreasonand knowledge,andpressedintothelifeofChrist,that theWordinusmightbecomeman;therefore alsoallthesixspiritsofthewrathfulnature,have shewntheirmightandwondersinus,andhave letusgoastrayinBabel,sothatwehavenot walkedintheloveoftheWord,inthelifeof Christ,butafterourowninventionsinaforged hypocriticalseemingholyconceitabouttheWillof God;andhavenotwalkedinthespiritofChrist, butinpride. 51.Andbecausetheseekers(intheFather's nature)havefoundout[black]arts,thereforetheyhave troddensimplehumilityunderfoot:andbecause, intheirowninventions,theyhavedepartedfrom theHeartofGod,andsohaveerectedanearthly kingdomfortheirvoluptuousness,thereforeallthe sixspiritsofwrathhavejustlyproducedtheir effectuponthem.

52.ForthoughtheHeartofGodhathsounded atrumpetwithaspiritoutofitscentre,andcalled uponpeopletorepent,yettheyhadalwaysrather takedelightintheirtenderflesh,[anddelicatelife], andhadratherfollowthedevil,whohathalways, fromtheangerofGod,soundedatrumpetcontrary toit[viz.contrarytorepentance],andhathstirred upwarsandbloodshedding,ofwhichtheRevelation testifiethinafigure:AndthespiritofGod haththereforedeclaredtheRevelation,asaclear glass. 53.Andmarkwhattheangelsaid;Sealwhat theseventhundershavespoken.Thevoicesofthe seventhundersoutofthesternessenceswouldbe wellenoughhiddenfromus,ifwedidnotputour imagination[thought,purpose,endeavour]intothem, andopentheminus:forinthecentreoftheSon (inthemeeklove)theyarenotmanifestedorrevealed. 54.ButseeingtheWord,orHeartofGod,is becomeman,andthatinhimithathassumeda humansoul,tobringusagainoutofthewrathful natureintotheglassysea,viz.intotheangelical world,tothewondersofthesevengoldencandlesticks; andbecauseweyetlayhiddenintheseven sealsoftheFather,thereforetheWordofGod, withitsassumedhumanity,mustenteragaininto thesternmatrix,intothesharpnessofdeathand oftheanswer:AndtherethemanChristhath brokenthesevensealsinthesoulofman.

55.FortheWordofGod,ortheHeartofGod whichbecameman,andthehumansoul,which outofthesevenspiritsofGodwasbreathedinto man,fromthespiritMercurius,(thatis,thespirit ofthesevenseals,whichintheWordiscalled theHolyGhost,andyetfromthecentreofthe Father[iscalled]thespiritMercurius,viz.out ofthesharpessences,outofthefierywheel, ismentionedbefore;butintheoutbirthofthe Father,throughthemeeknessoftheloveinthe Word,inthisworld,viz.inthethirdcentre,is calledair;)hathbrokenthefiercemightinthe centreofthesoul. 56.For,whenthesoulofAdamwentforth outoftheWord,andenteredintothethirdcentre (viz.intothespiritofthisworld),thenthecentre ofthesoulwaseternallysealedupinthematrix ofthewrath,inthesevenformsofthewrathful natureoftheFather:andtherewasnonein heaven,intheglassysea,norinthisworld,that wasabletobreakopenthesesevenseals:there wasnothingelseinthesoul,buttheeternaldeath inthehorribleanguish,andinthedarkness. 57.Andtherethemercy[orBarmhertzigkeit] brakeforthoutoftheHeartoftheFather,and enteredintothehumansoul,andbraketheseven sealsofthefiercewrath,andkindledthelight (whichovercomeththedeathandtheanger)in thesoul.

58.Notthatthesoulwasrentoutfromthe Father'sessences,asifitwerenomoreinthe sevenspiritsofnature;no,thatcannotbe;all standethinthesevenspiritsoftheFather's nature;yea,eventheHeartofGoditself[standing therein];only,thesealsofdeath,inthefiercewrath, arebrokeopen,bythelightofthe HeartofGod,inthecentreofthehumansoul. 59.Forwhich,wethankGodtheFatherin JesusChrist,whobecameman,andregenerated usinhimtothelight,andredeemedusfromthe fiercewrathfulsource[ortorment]inthezealof theanger,ineternity. 60.Butbecausewemendidnotacknowledge suchgreatgraceandlight,neitherdidesteemit, butwerepleasedwiththefleshofAdamandthe lustofthisworld,(andthoughindeedwesaw,that God,inthemanChrist,asalsoinhisdisciples, andinallthosethatearnestlyclavetohim,in theNewRegeneration,didgreatwondersand miracles;yetweourselvesputawayourcandlestick, andlivedinhypocrisy,andinourown seemingholiness,andintyranny,andpersecuted Christ)thereforeheleftusalsosealedup,sothat weknewhislightnomore;butwesoughtout forourselveswaystoGod,andwouldbyourown contrivedopinionscometoGod.Thekingdomof thisworldwasmoreacceptabletousthanthe kingdomofGod:wepractisedbeforehimnothing

buthypocrisy,andourheartwasfarfromhim: Thereforewemustalso,inthenatureoftheFather, remainundertheseals,tillthespiritMercurius [thatis,thewrathfulspiritintheangerofGod, accordingtowhichGodcallethhimselfaconsuming fire]hathmanifestedallitswondersinus. 61.AndtheRevelationshewethveryclearly howthespiritMercuriushathopenedoneseal afteranother,andhathpouredforthallplagues andabominationsinus,andhathbroughtforth merecontention,warsandmalice,merecunning craftysubtlety,deceit,andfalsehood,withwonders andpowersinus;asindeedheveryfinely portrayethus,asanabominablebeast,likea dragonwithsevenheadsandtenhorns,and uponhishornstencrowns,andourformaldemure spirituality[clergy,ministry]sittethaloftuponthedragon, finelyandstatelytrimmedandadornedwithacrown. 62.Andthereyoumaybeholdyourself,you fairbrideuponthedragon,dobutseewhatyou rideupon:IsthatChrist'sassinlowliness,oris itthedevilfromtheabyss?Yourownauthority, andtheclimbingupofyourtyrannicalpower (whichyouyourselfhaveerected),isyourbeast; inthatyouhavesetupawickedcompulsion, forcingandoppressingofpoorpeople;andhave livedonlyinpomp,stateandpride:yourspiritual heartisthebeautifulglisteringbrideuponthe beast.

63.Behold,Imusttellityou!beholdyourself, youdaintybride,fullofabominationsanddesolations ;sinceyouaccountyourselfsofair:behold, whathaveyoubuilt?Greatglisteringhousesof stone,intowhichyouenter,andtherepractise whoredom,hypocrisy,anddissimulation:yougive Godfinewords,andyourhearthangethtothe dragon:youdevourthefatoftheearth,andyour hypocritesmustfalldownbeforeyourbeastand dragon,viz.yourtyrannicalpower,andworship you,orelseyourdragonwilldevourthem;whatsoever yousetup[ordain,preach,teach]mustbeaccounteddivine. 64.Ohowfinelyareyoudeciphered:dobut beholdyourself,itishightime:doyounotsee howtheangelthrowethyou,togetherwiththe dragon,intotheabyss,intothelakeof[fireand] brimstone?Ordoyounotknowyourselfyet? 65.Doyounotknow,thatwemustbebornof God,inChrist,andliveintheconversationof JesusChrist?DoyounotknowthattheWord isbecomeman?WemustbenewborninChrist, thatsothesoulmaybeamemberofChrist:we mustallbegeneratedoutofonebody,whichis Christ;orelsewecannotbeholdtheseven candlesticks[orlights]ofGodinus. 66.Towhatpurposedoyousomuchplaythe hypocritewithyourseemingholiness?Whydo youusurpdivinepowerinyourseemingholiness?

Youhaveitnot.Youhavenothingelsebutthe powerofthedragon,yourantichristianidol:if youdesiretohavedivinepower,youmustbe (inthelifeofChrist)inGod;andsoyoureceive divinepower,toworkinthosewholiftuptheir hearttoChristinGod;thereyouhavethekeys ofthekingdomofheavenintheangelicalworld. 67.Yourlaws,councils,decrees,canons,and yoursingulararticlesoropinions,arebutmere deceit:thespiritofChristinGodwillnotbe boundtoanylaws.Whatsoeveryouteachcon cerningyourownpowerinheaven,whichyou appropriateandusurptoyourselves(withoutthe NewBirthinChrist),isallfalse,andlies;and thepowerthereofbelongethtothedragon[or yourownpowerconsistethinthetyrannyof rulers].

68.NonehaveanypowerinGod,excepthe bebornofGodinChristJesus;andsuchanone canopenthesevensealstotheinclinedheart, (whichinclinethitselftoGodinChristJesus), byhisvoiceandword(whichsoundethfrom God),andcansoundthetrumpetintothe desiringmind. 69.ThereforebeholdyourselfintheRevelation, inthatrepresentationorimageofyourriding uponthedragon.Howbravelyrideyouonearth, asthedragon,theolddevil,dothintheseven

seals,(whichwouldalwaysrideovertheHeartof Godinthemightofthefire,andyetremaineth sealedupinthesevenseals,inthedarkabyssof theeternityintheoriginalofnature,inthe wrathfulmatrix);andsoyouridealso. 70.Andthoughthesealsinthesoulofman arebrokeninthedeathofChrist,yettheanger ofGod,withthespiritofthisworld,hathsealed youup,anddrivethyouon,thatitmayaccomplish allitswondersinyou. 71.Behold,youproudwhoreuponthebeast! Whathaveyousoughtafter,sincethetimesof theApostles,whowalkedinthelifeofChrist, (andnotaccordingtothelustofthefiercespirit intheoriginalofnature,asyoudo)?Beholdyour bravekingdomthatyouhaveerectedintheworld, inwhichyougoabouttocompelmentoturn awayfromGod,andtoreverenceandworship yourlaws! 72.ChristworshippedhisFather;hissoul pressed,inverbumDomini,intotheWordofthe Lord,inthesevengoldencandlesticks,whichare theburninglovespiritoftheHeartofGod,inthe Father,inthestilleternity;there,inthesource oftheFather,Christwroughtgreatwonders:for heopenedthesealsofthehiddenMystery,and diddrivetheuncleanspiritsoutofthewrathful sourceofthesouls,andsoundedwithhisWordin thecentreofthepoorcaptivesouls,sothatthey

stirredallseals,andinthelifeofChristpressed intoGod:andtherethedevilcouldnotdwell,for heisaspiritofdarkness,aswewillhereaftershew himtobe. 73.Butyoutakeandusurpthekingdomand powerofChrist,withfairhypocrisyanddeceit: Whereareyourwonders,whileyoumakedivine laws,onlyforyourworldlyhonouranddeceit,only thatyoumightruleoversilverandgold,andthe soulsofmen? 74.OyouBabylonishwhore!youaresheof whomtheprophetshavespoken,whohave prophesied(inthehiddenseals)ofthewonders, whichwerehiddenintheeternalnature;inyou thewondersarebroughttolight:Butyouspoil theTreeofLife,thereforeyoumustgointothe lakewhichburnethwithbrimstone:andtherefore thespiritsaithintheRevelation;Gooutofher, mypeople,thatyoubenotpartakersofhersource [plaguesortorment]. 75.Nowsinceyouaregrownforthofyourself, inthefiercemightoftheangerofGod,andarea devourer,andhavesetupthewondersofGod,in pride,forthehonourofyourbeast;thereforethe sealsinyouaresealedup,tillthetimethatthe angerhathshewnitsmightuponyou,andthat youdevouryourself. 76.Foryouhavedespisedtheangel'ssounding

ofthetrumpet,andpersecutedthosethatweresent fromGod:YouesteemyourbellyGod,andglory mostofall,andloveflattery. 77.Thebrideofthebeastsaith:IamyourGod, setmeuponyou,rideonhowyouwill:Iwillcry aloudandsay,Thefatnessoftheearthisyours, andmenshallworshipyouinme;fearandhorror beuponallthosethatdisesteemus;thusIride overthebendedknees,andoverthesoulsofmen. Wherecantherebesuchakingdomaswehave? [Forweareexaltedmorethanprincesandkings, andwearehonouredandreverencedbythem,and placedabovethem.] 78.ButthespiritMercurius,whichgoethforth outoftheburningtorches,(whichisthespiritof God'sbride),declarethintheApocalypse,that whentheseventhsealshallbeopened,thenshall thehiddenMysteryofthekingdomofGodbe accomplished. 79.FortheLambwhichwasslain,did(atthe timeofthesevenseals)taketheBookoutofthe righthandofhimthatsatuponthethrone,and openedthesealsthereof:andthefourandtwenty eldersfelldownbeforetheLamb,andsaid,Thou hastopenedtheBook,andbrokenopentheseals: PraiseandhonourandglorytoGodandthe Lamb,whichwasworthytotaketheBook,and breakopenthesealsthereof;andthewhore, togetherwiththedragon,wascastintothelakeof

fire.Ifyouunderstandnotthis,youareundertheseals. 80.Behold!whentheseventhsealshallbe opened,thentheArchShepherdwillfeedhissheep himself,inhisgreenpasture:heleadeththemto thespringingwaters,andrefresheththeirsouls, andbringeththemintohisrightpath,andisa goodShepherd,andthesheepfollowhim,andhe giveththemeternallife. 81.Atthattime,Babel,thatgreatcityon earth,breakethinthewonders;andallthesouls ofthosethatarewrittenintheBookofLife, intheglassysea[orangelicalworld],allthose thatarebornofGod,gooutfromher:and thatisthetabernacle[habitation]ofGodwithmen;forhe thatseducedthemissealedup,thelightdriveth himaway.

82.Thereforehearken,youthataredrowsy, andawake,thedaybreaketh,itishightime; thatyoumaynotbecaptivatedbytheangerin Babel;thereisgreatearnestness[orseverity]at hand:leaveoffyourcontentionabouttheCupof Christ,elseyouwillbefoundtobebutfoolsin thepresenceofGod:yourdecreesavailnothing, whenyouassembletogether,andmakeresults andconclusions,saying,Thuswewillhaveit, thisistheConfessionofFaith,thuswewill believe,andthentheChurchofGodwillbeup held.Andanotherpartygainsayeth;andthey

calloneanotherheretics,andsoyouleadthe blindlaitycaptiveinyourdevilishcontention,in yourpride. 83.Youbindthetruemeaning[oftheScriptures] toyourart:hethathathnotbeenastudent,orscholar, inthat,canhavenounderstanding inthehiddenmysteriesofGod,yousay. Oyouproudblindmen,howyousufferyourselves tobeseduced,byhumantraditions [yourownconventionsandconceits],withoutthe spiritofGod!HowwillyoustandintheDayof theJudgmentofGod,withyourconfoundedsheep, whichyouhavethusledalonginblindness?You havefilledthemfullofreproach,andblasphemies; andhaveriddenupanddownuponthedragon,in merehypocrisy,covetousness,highmindedness,and falseteaching:outwardlyyouhavemadeafair show,andinwardlyyouhavebeenfullofthedevil. 84.Whereisyourapostolicalheart?Haveyou Christ[inyou]?Whereforethendoyoudispute andcontendabouthim?Andmakethecommon laypeoplecontendalso,whoknownotwhatthey do;theyplayuponyourmusic,[anddanceafter yourpipe],andwouldratherlosetheirlives, thanleaveyourfollies,andenterintothelife ofChrist. 85.Osimpledevotion!Whereforedoyounot takeChrist(yourtrueShepherd)tobeyour Shepherd,andletthewolvesgo?Youneednotbe

contentiousaboutthekingdomofChrist;neither havethewolvesanypowertogiveityou,ortake itawayfromyou:youneednotask,Whereis Christ,isheintheBaptism,orisheinthe Supper?Isheinthehearingofthepreacher, orministry(asissohardpresseduponpeople nowadays)? 86.Dobutmark,andinclineyourheart,mind andthoughtsuntoChrist,thatChristmaybe borninyou;andthenyouhaveChrist,the baptism,sacrament,andtheHolyGhostin allplaces;youhavehiminthehearingofthe divineword. 87.Thecovenantandtestaments[baptismandtheLord'ssupper] ofChristhaveindeedbeenlongused,withoutfaith,andtherefore arebuthiddenseals:butifyoubeoncebornin Christ,thentheybecomeopenedsealsinyour heart,inyoursoul,allisyours;Christisinthe Father;andyouinChristarealsointheFather; andtheHolyGhostgoethforthfromtheFather inChrist,andalsoinyou:thewordoflifeis alwaysinyou.Whatdoyouthenseekafterfor salvation?WhenyouhearteachingofGod,then thespiritalsoteachethfromyourheart,andthere isonelove,oneChrist,onesalvationinallplaces; wheresoeveryouare,thereisthegateofheaven; itisnotonlyinthechurchesofstone,wheremen glisterinpride,butwheretherearepenitent peopletogether,intruesorrow,who,withearnest desire,longafterGod'smercy[Barmhertzigkeit],

whowillinglyspeakoflove,andofthewondersof God[thereisthegateofheaven]. 88.Hear,OthoublindBabel!Shouldthe HolyGhostworkpowerfullyinyourwords, whenyoustandbeforethecongregation,and despiseyourforefathersorpredecessorsfortheir blindnessintheiropenedseal,whereasyouyourself areafalsemaliciousadder,andteachestnothingbutsedition, contention,andscorn? YoudonotpourtheHolyGhostintoyourhearers,as youboast,butyoudriveintothemthespiritof contention:youteachscorn,andnotlove.What doththelaymanknowofthosethatweredeada thousandyearsago?Arenottheyinthepower ofthejudgmentofGod,andnotinyourpower? Youjudgeandcondemnmanythatareinthe angelicalworld;shouldthentheHolyGhost,in yourfalsejudging,bepreachedintotheheartsof men[byyou]?Youpreachnotthespiritof Christ,butthespiritofthedevil,intotheirhearts, insomuchthattheyrelyanddependuponyour fables,andletgothehighlypreciouswordof Christ. 89.LookintotheactsoftheApostles,when theyweretogetherveryunanimously,withgreat desireofthekingdomofGod,andspakeofthe worksandwondersofGod,andofhislovetoward men,howtheearthmovedunderthem,andthe HolyGhostalsomovedtheearthlycentreforgreat joy.Buthadtheysattogethertoderidethe

Pharisees,andscornedandmadeaplaygameof them,theHolyGhostwouldnothavebeenso powerfulamongthem. 90.Thereforeopenyoureyes(yechildrenof God)andgointothetempleofChrist;andhang nomoretothetempleofdissimulation,tothe hypocritesandmurderers.YetIdonothereby prohibitthestonechurches,butIteach[that]the templeofChrist[is]inallplaces:indeed,the greatestpompisexercisedinthechurches. 91.Butifyoudesiretogointothetempleof Christ,youmustbringahumble,contrite,and brokenheartwithyou,whichearnestlylongeth afterthekingdomofGod;itmustnotconsistin hypocrisy,wheretheyshewthemselvesinaholy anddevoutposture,butthepoorsoulisleft withoutthetempleofChrist,inthesevenspirits ofdarkness,whereonlythemouthisaChristian, andtheheartisindoubt,orelseinmere voluptuousnessoftheflesh. 92.Oyoublindsophisters!WhathaveItodo withyou,thatImustthuswriteofyourwonders[doings]? Ihavenotsoughtyourways,but[Ihavesought] theHeartofGod,thatImighthidemyselfin Christ.Idesiredonly,withtheVirgininthe Revelation,(whichstandethuponthemoon),tofly intothewildernessfromthedragon;andyetI myselfmustnowshewthedragon.LORD!thou doestwhatsoeverthouwilt,thywaysaremerewonders.

THEFOURTHCHAPTER OftheWellspringofLight 1.WHENwethusshewyouthewayofthelight,the spiritispleased,nottospeakbarelyasinahistory,but tosetforththelightinitsdeepestdepth,inits wellspringorfountainthatyoumaylookasthroughan openedseal,TernariumSanctum,intotheholyTernary [ortheeternalessentiality]. 2.ForseeingthehiddenMysteryofthekingdomof Godshallberevealedintheseventhseal,theLamb himselfshallbeShepherdoverthesheep,thereforeit mustnotbesealedup:forwehaveknownthevoiceof thetrumpetoftheseventhsealinTernarioSancto,in theholyTernary,thereforewemaywellspeakofour nativecountry,towhichourlabour[orjourney] tendeth. 3.Noneshouldsupposeustobeignorant,inthatwe writesoverydeeply;forifwedidnotseeandknowit, wemustbesilent:itisacommonsaying,Whatthe heartisfullof,thatthemouthspeaketh.This[which wehavewritten]wasnotsoughtbythishand:Butitis written,Iamfoundofthemthatsoughtmenot,neither didtheyenquireafterme. 4.IwasassimpleconcerningthehiddenMysteries,as themeanestofall;butmyvirginofthewondersofGod taughtme,sothatImustwriteofhiswonders:though

indeedmypurposeistowritethisforaMemorandum formyself,andyetIshallspeakasformany,whichis knowntoGod. 5.Andnowbeingtospeakoftheseventhformof nature,weseethatthecorporeityespeciallysubsisteth therein,foraspiritisvoid[orcrude]withoutabody: whereasthereisnounderstandingwithoutabody:and, moreover,thespirititselfdothnotsubsistwithouta body.Foraforminthespiritisahunger,andalonging desire,ofoneformafteranother.

6.Forallthingsstandinthewill,andaredrivenonin thewill;forifIhave[orconceive]nowilltogo,my bodystandethstill;thereforemywillcarriesme;andif Ihavenodesiretowardsaplace,thenthereisalsono willinme;butifIdesireanything,thenthatisthewill oftheessences. 7.Andyettheessencesdesirenothingbutpreservation andsustenanceofthebody,forthebodyis food:andthewholeessenceofallessencesisa continualhungerandsatiating[orfulfilling],anda regeneration,orpropagation,fromitsfulness:asmay beseen,thateachformofthespiritdesireththeotherin itshunger,andwhenthatisattained,another,or secondform,arisethoutofit;andyetthefirstdothnot vanish,buttheother,orsecond,formethitselfinthe first,intoanothersourceorproperty:andyetbothkeep oneintheother,eachinitsownproperty:aswehave writtenconcerningnature,insixforms,howone

proceedethfromtheother,andhowonecauseththe other,thatitbegenerated,andyeteachkeepethits propertyintheother;andtherenowtheystandinsix formsoneinanother. 8.Andsothereisnoplaceofrest,butthereisa constantdesireofallthesixforms,asahungeroutof whichthewilliscontinuallygenerated:andyetthereis nothingwhereinrestcanbe,butthestilleternity:and yetalsothiscannotbeapprehendedorfoundinthe wheelofthefieryessences:andthereforethehungry natureseekethinitsmother(viz.inthedesireofthe sourness),andthesournesscatchethholdofthedesire oftheessences,andholdethitfast:andthusall essencesofthehungerareheldinthesourmotherfor sheistheironlyrest,whichtheyfillagainwiththat whichisinthem,thatis,withthemselves. 9.Andhereinconsisteththedominionofaspirit:for naturedothconsistnotonlyinsevenforms,butthere may(outofeverydesire)againawillbegenerated, whereintheessencessubsistagain,butalterably, accordingtothedesireofthatwill,wherethereisno numberfound,asyoumayseeinthecreationofthe world. 10.Butseeingtheeternalessencedothdesireacertain boundorlimit,furtherandmorethanwhich,ortogo higher,ortobeother,itdesirethnot,thereforetheheart generatethitself,whichistheendofnature;andthe heartisthefulfillingoftheeternal[being,essence,or substance].

11.Andtheheartisnotcomprehensiblebynature,but natureremainethinthedarknessinitself,andtheheart remainethinitselfinthelight:andneitherwouldbe manifestwithouttheother;andyetthereisacontinual hungerinthemboth,forbothhavewroughtfrom eternity,viz.lightanddarkness. 12.Nowthuswesee,intheangelicalworld,asalsoin thisworld,thattheseventhformofnatureisa substantialform,outofwhichisproceededthebeing ofcorporeity,perverbumFiat,bythewordFiat;and wehavesearchedtheground,andfind,thatthesame standethalsointwoforms,oneinthedarkness,the otherinthelight;andyettheybelongnottothebirthof thedarknessandofthelight,buttheyarethebody,or comprehensibility.

ThemostMightyGateintheCentre,highlytobe considered. 13.Thiswedemonstratetoyouinlightanddarkness; forwecannotsaythatthedarknessisthesource[or property],butthedarknessencompasseththesource [orproperty],andcauseththatasourceofanguishof thelonginganddesiring,is[generated]init;forthe darknesshathnodesiring,butthedesiringisgenerated init;andthedarknesscauseththedesiring,viz.that thereisconceivedadesiretobefreefromthedarkness; andthereforethedesiringlabourethsoeagerlyafterthe liberty,tilltheanguish,inthesharpdesiring,

discovereththelibertyinitself;andyetthereitisnot [rightlycalled]theliberty,though]itbetheliberty,but itstandethinthesharpness]oftheanguish,andis calledfire,wherethedesiringthencangonohigher, butmustbestifledinitself,andmustsinkdowninto thesource. 14.Andthesharpnessoftheflashofthefire,inthe libertyofthesharpness,holdethitsright,likeastill source[orproperty]standinginthesharpnessofthe liberty:andthesinkingoftheanguishisasitwerea death,outofwhichthelifeisgenerated,whichdeath affordethweight:foritis(beingcomparedwiththe fireoftheliberty)likesinkingdowninitself,andinits sinking,theanguishbecomethmaterial,sothatinthat deaththewholeformofthesource[orproperty]may found,asImaysay,palpably,orsensibly;anthe sensibilityisthecorporeityofthedarkness)andthefire ofthelibertyinthefierceflash,isitsspiritandlife. 15.Andherebyyouareadvisedtoenterinto yourselves,andyoumaysee,thatthefirecausetthe feeling[orsensibility]inthesharpnessofthedead corporeity:forwithoutfirethereisnobody,thathath anysensibility[orfeeling],asyoumayseebytheearth andstones. 16.Nowthereforeitisherefurtherdeclaredtoyou, thatthebody,orsubstantiality,isnotsodeadathing thatitisaltogetheruseless,andfitfornothing:forthe stiflingdrivethitspropertyorsourcedownwards,and affordethweight;andthefiredrivethupwards,and

givethspirit,life,andmobility.Andnowbetween, thesetwo,inthemidst,isthecentreofthedesiring anguish,whichisacauseofthatwhichisuppermost, thatis,thefire;andalsoofthatwhichisnethermost, thatis,thesubstantiality:andifthecentrecannotget upwardsnordownwards,andyetdrivethwithits desiring,thenitdrivethforthsideways,andthewhole formorfigureofitisasagrowingtree;forit appearethinthecentrelikeacross,outofwhichthe essencesofthedesiringspringforth,likeatreeor sprout(asImaysosay)andyetisnotasprout,butlike adrivingforthinitself,likeakindlinginthedead essentiality. 17.Andherebywegiveyouearnestlytounderstand, thatthesourceorpropertyinthecentre(outofwhich thefiregoethforthupwardsintheessentiality,and wherethedeathsinkethdownwards,andtheessence sideways),generatethanotherwill,whichhathadesire toputthedeath,asalsothefireinthesharpness,with theessencesofthewill,intotheliberty:andthewill attaineththeliberty,inthefire;andmakeththefire shinebright,andmakeththejoy;andthissecondor comprehendedwilliscalledthetincture. 18.Foritisaglanceorsplendourinthedarkness,and haththepoweroflife,andsprouteththroughthedeath oftheessentiality;andquieteththeanguish:yetithath noessencesinitself,itistheornamentandvirtueofthe essences,itthejoyandhabitationofthelife,itcannot departfromtheanxiousorpainfulsharpness,andyet thesharpnessretainethitnot;foritisfreeandblossom

oflife,itisnotsoftnorsweet,butitlikeburning brimstone,wherethefireattainethglance,which otherwise,inthecentreinanguish,isblackanddark. 19.Thuswedistinguishtoyouthesubstancein thedarkness;andthoughweareveryhardtobe understoodbyyou,andthoughalsolittlebelief maybeaffordedtoit,weyethaveaveryconvincing proofofit;notonlyinthecreatedheaven [constellations], butalsointhecentreoftheearth,asalsointhe wholePrincipleofthisworld,whichwouldbetoo longtosetdownhere;butwewilldiscuss,andset downafewthings,toopentheunderstandingof theReader. 20.Considerthecentreoftheearth,whichGod hathcreatedbyhisWord,evenoutofthecentre ofthedeepeternity,outofthedarkness,outof thecentreofthedesirouswill;butnotoutofany separateplace,butoutofthespaceanddepth,so farastheWordhathyieldeditselfuntotheether, therehaththecentrebeeneverywJiere,andisso now,andremainethsoineternity;forithathbeen sofrometernity. 21.Andthisisthebeginning,thattheWord hathcreated[orconceived]awillinthedarkness, tomanifestthedarknesswithallitsforms,ofthe wondersofGodtheFather,inhisnature,which hegeneratethinhiseternalwill:andwedemonstrate ittoyouthus:Beholdtheearth,stones,and

metals,whichareallofthemasitweredeadand affordweight;andalsotheyaredark[opaque],and yethaveinthemthelight,viz.thenobletincture, whichistheirlightandlife;whereintheore[or mineral]stonedothgrow,inwhichthetinctureis strong. 22.Thusyouseealso,howthebrimstonefireis theovercomerofnature,inwhichthetincturedoth exist,andsothroughthedeathofnaturespringeth up,instonesandmetals;andinnaturebringeth forththesubstantialityoftheshiningandglance, orbrightness,whichmaybeseeningold,silver, andallglisteringmetals.Whereinalsowesee thepoisonousanguishofthedarkness,asalsothe sourdeathofthedarkness,andthestrongmatter ofconjunction[mixtureorcopulation];asthey understandwhoworkanddealtherein. 23.Alsoweseehowthetincturecanbringthat whichislowestinthedeathtoitshighestornament orglory,(viz.aninferiormetalintogold); andallthat,inrespectofthegreatpowerofthe eternity.Andthereforealsothetinctureishidden fromthealchemists,becauseitisoriginallyoutof theeternity,andtheyseekonlythatwhichis earthly;iftheydidrightlyseek,theyshouldwell findit,aswehavefoundinthespirit. 24.Butwehaveyetagreaterknowledgeofthis, inthemanymaterialsorkindsofearth,whichwe knowtobecreatedoutoftheeternalessences,as

anoutbirth, andsoareinsubstanceasanimage oftheessences;wherewemayseethealteringof thewillintheessences,andthegreatwondersof theomnipotenceofGod. 25.Forallthings,whicharecometoanessence, proceededoutoftheeternalgenetrix,notat severaltimes,butallatonce;yetstood[orwere manifested]inseveraltimes,intheformingofthe essenceorsubstance(inthewrestlingofthecentre) inthefigure,andwereseenbytheHeartofGod inthelight,whichatlengthcreatedit;wherethe timetookitsbeginning. 26.FortheDeityhathhadalongingtoseethe wondersoftheeternalnature,andoftheinnumerable essences,insubstance,andincorporealthings; andwegiveyoutounderstandthishighlyand exactly:thatGodhathcreatedallforthelight, andnotthedarkness. 27.Forhehathawakenedthetincture,tothe deathinthecentre(viz.tothebodyorcorporeal substanceoftheearth),andthatisitslustreand light,whereinitslifedothconsist.And,tothe deepabovethecentre,hehathgiventhesun, whichisatinctureofthefire,andreachethwithits virtueintotheliberty,beyondnature,whereinalso itretainethitsglanceandlustre;andit[thesun] isthelifeofthewholewheelofthestars,andan openerofdeath,inthechamberofanguish[orin

thewrathfulnature].Forallthestarsareits children,notthattheyhavetheiressencesfrom it,butitistheirlife,andinthebeginning,they proceededfromitscentre:itisthecentreofthe uppermostinthelibertyofthelife,andtheearth isthecentreofthenethermostinthedeath;and yetthereisnodyingineitherofthem,butan alteringofonething[being,essence,substance] intoanother. 28.Forthisworlddiethnot,butitshallbe changedintosuchasubstanceasitwasnotbefore (understanditsessences):buttheshadowofall thingsremainsstandingforeverasafigure,tothe honour,joy,[andmanifestation]ofGod'sworksof wonder. 29.Andfurtherwegiveyoutounderstand, thatthespiritsalsowereallcreateduntothelight; fortheyaretheessences[orproceedingpowers] outofthelife;notoutofthecorporeityofthe death,butoutofthecentreoftheessencesin theoriginalofthetincture,whichreacheththe libertyofGodtheFather,whichislight,joy,or ahabitationofeternity,whereintheWordwith theangelicalworldhathitsdominion.Theyall arecreatedoutofthesharpnessofthetwinkling inthewheeloftheessences;andtheystandin thelibertybeforetheHeartofGod,andtheyare thewondersinthedivinedelight,whichare discoveredbytheHeart,inthewondersofthe power,andthereforeitsetthewillintheFiat,

andcreatedthem. 30.AndweunderstandbythewordSchuff, [whichsignifiethcreated],aseparationofthe essences,inthecentre,inthesourmatrix:and thereforethereisalsosuchgreatdiversityinthe spirits,asthereisgreatdiversityinthewillof theessences;whereofwehaveanexampleand similitudeinthewill[andpurpose]ofourmind, outofwhichspringsomanyvariousthoughts, whereeverythoughthathagainacentretoa will:thatsooutofaconceivedthought[imagination], asubstancemaybe[produced].[Forexample,a womanwithchildcanwithherthoughtsset amarkon,ormakesomemonstrousalteration in,thefruitofherwomb,whichisasubstantial thing.] 31.Insuchamannerareallspiritscreatedout oftheeternalMind,andthereforetheyarealso eternal;forallwhatsoeverisgeneratedoutofthe eternalmind,iseternal. 32.ForbeforeGodhadconceivedtheFiat,the wheeloftheeternalessenceswentforthwithout substance,intothewonders:butwhenGodset thewillintheFiat,thenthewheeloftheeternal essenceswentforthintoasubstance,andthere thetimehaditsbeginning,whichwasnotfrom eternity. 33.Andwegiveyouhighlytounderstandthe

heavyfallofLucifer;which[wasthat]heput hiswillbackagainintothematrixofthefire,in thecentre,andturnedawayfromthewillofthe eternalMind,whichtendethonlytotheHeartof God,andwoulddomineerinthetinctureofthe root(viz.inthematrixofthefire)overtheHeart ofGod:forthefiercepowerofthefiredelighted himmorethanthemeeknessinthestillhabitation; andthereforehewasthrustbackalso,(intothe darkmatrix,intotheanguishingmind),inthe sinkingdownofdeath. 34.Buttosatisfythehighenquiringmind,and tofillitsapprehension,concerningwhatmoved Lucifertothis,weofferthematrixofthegenetrix tobeconsidered;andthereyoufindalltheforms, whichcanbefoundinthewholenature. 35.Foryoufindtherethesour,bitter,dark, tart,stinging,envious[propertiesorforms],which standallinthecentreofthegenetrix,beforethe kindlingofthelight. 36.ButwhenGodsethiswillintheFiat,and desiredtocreatespirits,itwasnootherthanas whenGodsaidtothematrix[orwomb]ofthe ThirdPrinciple,ofthisworld;Bringforthallsorts ofbeasts,fowls,fishes,andworms,everyoneafter itskind:understand,thattheirbodyisaccording tothekindorqualityoftheiressences,andsois thesubstanceoressenceinthebody,whichistheir spirit;andsoalsoitiswiththehighspirits:there

wentforthoutoftheeternalmatrix,spirits,out ofallessences,whichareinnumerable,toour account. 37.Andaswehaveshewnyoualready,concerning thesevenformsofthecentreoftheeternal nature,whereeveryformisaseveralwellspringof nature;inlikemanner,outofeveryform,outof everywellspring,goforthspirits,accordingtothe multiplicityofessencesandproperties,everyone accordingtoitskind.

38.Andtheuppermostprincipaldominion proceedethfromtheheadsource,whichisthe causeofthemultiplicitytherein,asthemindis acauseofthesenses[orvariousthoughts];and weentreatyoutoconsiderthematrixearnestly; whereinyoushallquicklyknowtheconceivedwill ofLucifer,whatitisinitsoriginal,howthe creaturehathimaginedintothematrix,and suffereditselftobewithheldthere;andyetGod createdallspiritsinthelight. 39.Forthetinctureofthefriendlyhabitation shoneoutofthemall,andtheHeartofGodshone tothem,[liketheLambintheNewJerusalem], andtheyshouldputtheirimaginationintoit, andframetheirwillandpowerinverboDomini, intheWordoftheLord. 40.ButastheysawthattheVerbumDomini,

theWordoftheLord,inthecentre,wasasanother [orsecond]birthoutofthecentre;andthatthey weregeneratedoutoftheessencesofthegreat fountain,whichisthenatureofeternity;they despisedthehumility,outofwhichtheloveand lightisgenerated,andwoulddomineer(inthe fiercepower,inthesourceofthefire)overthe humility:forthematrixofthefiredesiredto havethedominion. 41.Forwecannotknowanyotherwise,than thatLuciferwascreatedinthefourthformofthe matrix:fortherestandtheangerandlovein opposition,andthisisthestrifeandovercoming, wherethelightovercomethandholdeththedarkness captive.[Thefourthformisinthemidstof thesevenforms,andmayturnitselftothethree intheanger,ortothethreeintheloveofGod, andisseverallydrawnanddesiredbyeachofthe three.] 42.Alsothewrathandzealoftheeternal natureofGod,desiredtobecreaturely,andto shewforthitswonders;andthereforethey [thespiritsorfallenangels]wereheldinthefountainof theirown[original]nature;andtheyhavekindledthe matrixofthefiercenessoftheangerandenvy,sothat nowitistheireternalhabitation. 43.Thetincture(intheirconceivedwill)is becomefalse,becausetheywoulddomineer(out oftheirpride)overthehumilityoftheHeartof

God:andthereforetheywerecastoutofthe uppermostcentreintothenethermost,viz.into death,whereisnothingbutmeredarkness,and theycannotreachthelightofGod. 44.For,tothelightofGod,therebelongetha comprehensionofhumility,whereinthedesireof loveisgenerated,whichapprehendeththeHeart ofGod;andthisLuciferhathnot,butmere anger,envy,andhighmindedness,andacontinual desiretoflyupabovetheHeartofGod,andto domineerinthesternmight:andthereforehe isthrustoutfromthedivinePrinciple,intothe centreofdarkness;andthatishiseternalkingdom. 45.Andhereisclearlyshewntothetheologists, whoundertaketopreachofthewillof God,thattheirdevices,aboutwaystoGod,are merefables,whentheymakelaws,andsetdown things,asthemeanswherebythelightofGod maybeattained:Foritonlyconsistethinthis, anditliethinourimagination[purposeorresolution], thatweframeourwillintohumility,whereintheloveis generated,whichpenetratethtotheHeartofGod,as intothatwhichisitsown,wherethehumansoulis thenborninGod,sothatitembraceththewill ofGod,todothatwhichisthewillofGod. 46.Forallmen'sdoingswithoutthewillof God,arenothingelsebutgravenimages[foolery, humantradition]ofnaturalskill,whichremaininthe anguishofthecentre:anditisaseeking,where

nothingistobefound;likeonethatmakethacostly pieceofwork,whichhimselftakethpleasurein. 47.SoalsosuchworksstandbeforeGod,asa figure,whichyetremaininthefigureeternally; but,tothetrueregeneration,totheattainingof theHeartofGod,therebelongethonlyanearnest will,andsubmission,wherereasonletsgoallthat ithathinventedandcontrived,anddependeth merelyontheWordoftheLord,viz.ontheHeart ofGod;andsothespiritisconceivedandbornin theloveofGod. 48.Andwehavealreadyclearlyshewnyou, thateverythingisgeneratedoutofthewill,and everythinghathitspropagationagaininthewill; forthewillisthemaster[artificer]ofeverywork: forithathitsfirstoriginaltonaturefromGodthe Father,andpasseththroughnaturetohisHeart, whichistheendofnature,whichdwelleththere inthestilleternallibertywithoutnature,andis innatureasapeculiarPrincipleofitsown,in itself. 49.Thustheoriginalofnaturehaththesecond Principle,outofwhichproceedthosethingsor substancesthatmaybealtered;butthePrinciple oftheHeartofGoddothnot[alterorchange]. 50.ThereforeIstillsay,anditistheverytruth; thatwhatsoeverisbuilt,invented,andtaught, concerningthewaytoGod,(ifitproceednotout

ofthehumilityoflove,andgoethontothe comprehending[orpurpose]ofthewill,totheHeart ofGod)isonlyan1inventedwork,inthewonders ofGod:wherebythewondersofGod,whichstand inthehiddenseals,arebroughttolight:andthe builders[orcontrivers]arebutlabourersinthe wondersofGod,inthegreatbuilding,totheglory ofGod,which[building]shallappearinthe wonders,atthechangeoftime,whenallthings shallenterintotheether[receptacleordevourer]. 51.Yetwedonotjudge,norcondemn,the desirousseeker,whoseekethinblindness,and knowethnotwhathedoth;seeinghelaboureth inthebuildingofthegreatwondersofGod,[with ablindzeal].Forheshallfindhisrewardinthe end,inasmuchashehathhadawilltopressinto God,andyetstickethinthebuilding. 52.Andwhenthebuildingshallappearbefore God,attheendoftime,thentheartificeror workmastershallalsoappearbeforeGod.Butdo wealonesaythis?DothnottheScriptureinthe RevelationofJesusChristsay;Thatourworks shallfollowus;whereeveryoneshallreapwhat hehathsown? 53.Thereforeleaveoffyourcalumniesand blasphemies,andyourfinecontrivedwaystoGod; andforsakethecovetousnessandhighmindedness ofthedevil,andenterintothewayoflove,which consistethinhumility(towardstheHeartofGod)

inChristJesus,whohathopenedagainthehidden seals,wherewithweinAdamweresealedinthe eternaldeath;andthenyouareinChrist,bornin God,andattainthedivinewill. 54.Wegiveyoufurthertounderstand,according toourapprehensionandknowledge,inthe wondersofGod,(becauseeveiythingthatliveth andmovethiscreatedforthehonour[the manifestation]ofGod'sworksofwonder),thatthere aremanyspiritsinshapeandfigurewhichhavenot theiroriginaloutoftheeternalwellspring,butout ofthebeginning[anxious]will;suchasareinthe water,theair,theearth,andthefire;especiallyunder thefirmament,thoseascendants,ofwhichthere aremultitudesingreathosts,andhavealsotheir government;yettheyaremutable,buttheir shadowremaineth;andthereareseveralpure spiritswhichdonotpropagateoutofthemselves, butaregeneratedatseveraltimes,bytheworking ofnature,bythetinctureofheaven;understand, thesuperior[spirits]. 55.Buttheterrestrialhavetheircentrefrom theinferiorglobe;andthewatery,outofthe matrixofthewater;andtheyhaveseveral heavensfortheirgovernment,yettheyallpass awayattheirtime,andstandtothe[manifestation ofthe]wondersofGod. 56.Andwegiveyoutounderstand,thatbefore thetimeoftheangelicalworld,frometernity,there

hathbeensuchagovernment;wheretheknowledge andunderstandingwasonlyinGod;butby theangelicalworldisalsocomeintothecreatures. TheGateinTernariumSanctum.[intotheTrinity] 57.Nowhavingshewnthisconcerningthe corporeityandthespirits;(andindeedthespirits arecreaturelyandsubstantial,thoughincomprehensible tous),thereforewe'willfurthershewyou thekingdomofheaven,withitsspiritsandforms, andafterthat,thehumankingdom:wherebythe greatwondersofGodshallbebroughttolight. Letnonebewilfullyblind,itmaybedemonstrated ineverything,inwhateveryoulookupon;especially inman,forheistheimageandsimilitudeof everything,andthereforeiscalledthesimilitude ofGod. 58.Thereisnocreature,eitherinheaven,orin thisworld,whereinalltheThreePrinciplesstand open,asinman:andifhissoulbeborninGod, heexcelleththeangels,inthewonders,asIwill shewyouhereafter. 59.Butifthistext[ormatter]happentobe difficultfortheReadertounderstand,wewould havehimadmonishedtoreaditpatientlyand diligently:andthoughhebenotabletocomprehend it[presently],yetitwillbeveryusefulto himhereafter,whentheThreefoldLifeofMan shallbewrittenof,andthenfirstrightlycomeinto hisunderstanding,sothathehimselfwillthen

esteemitforagreatjewel. 60.Fortheminddothnotleaveoffsearching, tillitcomestotheinnermostground,whichishere shewn.Butifitreachnottheground,itsinketh downintheground,andcannotapprehendit;and thencomethdoubting,unbelief,andcontempt,into themind,[asifthiswritingwerenotworththe troublingone'sheadaboutit],thereforewewould havetheReaderadmonishednottojestwiththe highhiddenMysteries;fortherebythespiritof Godisblasphemed. 61.Anditiswiththemind,aswithLucifer. WhenhesawthegreatesthiddenMysteriesofthe Deitystandinsuchhumility,hetookoffenceat it,andenteredintothefiercemightofthefire, andwoulddomineerwithhisownself,wit,and reason,over[theHeartof]God;hewouldthat Godshouldbeinsubjectionunderhim,hewould betheframerandcreatorinnature,andtherefore hebecameadevil. 62.Forinthemeeknessandlowlinessconsisteth thekingdomofheaven,withtheangelicalworld, andthevirtueoftheHeartofGod. 63.Forthelightconsistethinmeekness:and thoughithathitsoriginaloutofthecentreofthe fire,viz.outofthesharpnessofGod,yetitplaceth itscentreinverygreatmeekness;fortheliberty withoutnatureistheendofnature:andthelight

dwellethintheliberty,asaglanceorbrightness ofastilljoy[habitation];andtheWord[proceeding] outofthepowersofnatureisthefireofthelight,outof whichtheshininggoethforth,andenlighteneth thewholedeepoftheFather;sothatitisone essencetogether,butwiththreedistinctions,where everydistinctionhathacentre,andmaybecalled aPerson. 64.For,theFathergenerateththenatureout oftheeternalstillliberty,whichishimself,and yetinthestillnessisnotcalledFather;butin thatheisdesiring[orgenerating],andcomprehendeth awillinhimself,to[have]thegenetrixof nature[tobe];thereheisknowntobeaFather, fromwhomallthingsproceed,asoutofhisfirst willthroughallwills. 65.Evenasthemindofmanisbutoneonly will,whichisdesiring,andyetconceivethinit, outoftheeternalwill,innumerablewills,andone alwaysgoethforthoutoftheother.Wherebywe seeandfind,thatthefirstwillismaster,andthe otherrecomprehendedwillsleadtolightand darkness,tojoyandsorrow;accordingasthey conceiveanythinggoodorevilinthem,asreason candiscern.SoitisalsointheFather,innature, butnotintheliberty;forthere,thereisnothing inhimself,butthelighteternity. 66.Seeingthenatwofoldcomprehensionthus proceedethoutofonewill,astojoyandsorrow,

loveandhatred,thereforeeachhathitsbirthto will[ortoacontrarywill,outofoneandthesame point]again,outofoneintomany:Naturehathits willtothesharpnessofitssterngenerating:and thefirstwilloftheFather,(whicharisethoutof thelighteternity),tothestillmeekness:evenasthe stilleternityis,initself,astillsoftjoy,without substance. 67.Thusthereisatwofolddrivinginone onlysubstance,andthereforealsotwocentresare generated;theonetendethtomeekness,andthe othertofierceness,andyetarenotseparated:for thefiercenessinnatureisthefirst,andoutof thefiercenessisthemeeknessgenerated,which istheother;andonewithouttheotherwouldbe onlyastilleternity. 68.Thereforenow,themeeknessistheSon ofGod,whichdwellethinthestilleternity,and mitigateththewrath,andisthereforecalledthe Son,becauseheisgeneratedoutoftheFather's nature;andiscalledtheWordoftheFather, becauseheis,withtheglanceoftheeternalliberty, [proceeding]outoftheeternalliberty(outofthe wheeloftheessences,outoftheformsofnature, asthelifeofnature)expressedinthelibertyofthe Father;andiscalledaPerson,becauseheisa selfsubsistingessence,whichdothnotbelongtothe birthofnature,butisthelifeandunderstanding ofnature;andiscalledtheHeartoftheFather, becauseheisthevirtueandpowerinthecentreof

nature;andheisinnature,astheheartinthe body,whichgivethstrengthandunderstanding toitsmembers;andiscalledthelightofGod, becausethelightiskindledinhim,andtakethits originalinhim;andiscalledtheglance[orbrightness] because,intheeternalstillliberty,hemaketh aglance[orlustre]whichtakethitsoriginaloutof thesharpnessoftheeternalnature,asismentioned before.AndheiscalledtheloveoftheFather, becausethefirstwilloftheFather,tothegenetrix ofnature,desirethonlythishismostbeloved Heart,andthis(inthewilloftheFather)isthe bestbelovedabovenature,andyetishisessence: Andiscalledwonder,becauseheistheCreatorof allthings,bywhomallthings,outofthecentreof theessencesoftheFather,arebroughttolight,and being;sothatthenatureoftheFatherstandeth ingreatwonders. 69.Andthisisthediversity,[andthecause] thattheFatherandtheSonarecalledtwoPersons, andyetarebutoneGodinoneonlyessence;that is,theFatheristhegeneratorofnature,becauseit isgeneratedbyhiswill,outofthedesire;and becausehisHeartseparatethitselffromnature, andisnotcomprehendedbynature,andexerciseth aseveralcentre,viz.thelove;andtheFather exerciseththecentreofwrath.Inthesharpness oftheFatheristhefire,andinthesharpness oftheSonisthelight,andyettheyareinone another,asfireandlight.

70.Butasthefirewillbefree(orelseitis smothered)andyetitburnetiioutofthedark sappywood,soisthedivinenaturealsofreefrom theinwardwrathfuldarkness:andthoughthe fireburnethoutofdiversityofmaterials,yetit affordethbutonekindofsourceorproperty, viz.heatandlight.Andinthesamemanneralso youmustunderstandus,concerningtheDeity. 71.TheSonisinthelighteternityofthe Father,(andinhiscomprehendedwill)inhis nature,butoneonlysource,whichburnethinlove andlight,andistheglanceofthegloryofthe Father,andcannotbeseparatedordisunitedfrom theFather;forthereisbutonewillinhim,which iscalledthedesireofmercy[Barmhertzigkeit], andthatisattractiveofwhatsoeverinclineth towardsit. 72.AndtheHolyGhostistheThirdPerson, whichIformerlycalledthespiritMercurius,in thedivinenature,inrespectofitsproperty:Foryou seethateverywillinitselfisstill,andeverylight isstill,andthenoisemakeththewillmanifest, whichthenstandethbeforethewill,andmaketh anothercentre.Forthenoiseorsoundiscomprehended andcarriedforth,butthewillisnotso; whichyoumayperceivebyaword,howthatis comprehendedandcarriedforthwhichisgenerated inthenoise.Andyouknowalso,howthenoise hathitsbeginningintheheart,andgoethforth outoftheessencesofthewill,andiscomprised

inthemouth,andyetpressethforthoutofthe heart,andsoundethoutfromthewholeperson, anddeclarethwhatisinthewill. 73.Andwefindalso,thatthenoiseisthe awakenerofthelife,alsotheframer[workmaster]of thesenses,reason,andunderstanding;foritisthe hearing,andbringethoneessenceintoanother,from whencethesmellandtastearise:alsoitisthecauseof thefeeling,bybringingoneessenceintoanother, wherethentheyfeeloneanother:alsoitcauseth thesenses:fortheessences[ortheoutflowing faculties]comprehendthenoise,sothatevery essenceisawill,andagaininthewillisthe introducedcentre,toagenetrixofmanywills. 74.Andsecondly,weperceive,thattheair whichpressethforthfromtheheart,comprehendeth thenoise[sound],andinthemouthmakethacentre, wherethewillformeththeword;andthewill, whichthrustethforthfromtheheart,bringeththe noiseofthewill,intheconceivedcentre,which existethinthemouth,outfromthecentreofthe mouth:andthatnoiseissharp,andpenetrateth throughtheheart,mind,andsenses:foritisgone forthoutofthecentre,intoanother[thingor] essence,asintoanothermind,andbringethwithits sharpnessthat[mindoressence]intoitswill:and ifthatwill[ortheothermind]pleasethitnot,it breakeththatwill,anddestroyethit,viz.punisheth thatmind,whichisnotone[oragreeable]withitswill.

75.Thus,mybelovedseekinganddesiring mind,considerthyself,searchthyself,andfind thyself;thouartthesimilitude,image,essence, andproperportionofGod;andasthouart,so istheeternalbirthinGod;forGodisaspirit, andthegovernmentinthybodyisalsoaspirit, andthatisproceededandcreatedoutofGod's government. 76.ForGodhathmanifestedhimselfinthe spiritofman,bothinloveandinanger,boththe centresareinit;andthethird[centre]withthe exitofthespiritistheomnipotence,ifthespiritof thisworld,(viz.theThirdPrinciple)hadnotset itsbarinAdam,whichisbrokenbythebirth ofChrist,andismadeawonder;beingbornas agreatwonder,andshewninthepresenceofGod. 77.Thusinlikemannerweacknowledgeathird PersonintheDeity,whichproceedethfromthe FatherandtheSon.Forheisthespiritofthe mouthofGod,andhathnothisoriginalinnature, butisthespiritofthefirstwilltonature;yethe gettethhissharpnessinnature:andtherefore heistheformerandframerinnature,asmost powerfulandomnipotent. 78.Forhemanageththeswordofomnipotence, [asmaybeseenbytheImageintheRevelation], heisthebringerforth,theconductor,andthe director;alsothedestroyerofmaliceandwickedness, andtheopenerofthehiddenMysteries;he

existethintheFatherfrometernity,without beginning:fortheFather,withouthim,wouldbe onlyaneternalstillness,withoutessence. 79.Heistheessenceofthewill,asismentioned concerningthefire,outofwhichtheairariseth, whichgoethforthfromthefire:andasyousee thatthehumanlife,anditsunderstanding,consisteth intheair,andthattheairgoverneththe life:soyoumustunderstandusconcerningthe spiritofGod;whichistheoutgoing andflowingvirtueoutoftheHeartandWordofGod. 80.FortheHeartistheWord;andthespirit istheformeroftheWord;notthathemakeththe Word,butheistheselfsubsistingessence:when thewheeloftheessencesinthecentreofthe Fathergoethonintriumphasagenetrix,thenhe isinthewheel,intheappearing[orshining]ofthe liberty,andopeneththegenetrixinthedarkness, andcauseththelongingoftheother[orsecond] will,tothecentreoftheWord. 81.Heisthekey,intheshiningofthewill intheessences,andopeneththematrixofthe genetrix.Heisnotcomprehendedbytheessences, norbythecentreoftheWord;buthecloseth withtheWordandHeart,andopeneththeHeart tothepressureorrepresentation],thatsothewillofthe FathermayimpressintheHeart;andthenheisinthat whichisimpressed,andformethinhisowncentre, inthatwhichisimpressed,andgoethforthwith

thevirtueoftheWord,outfromtheHeart,and [expressethor]bringethforththethoughtsof thewill. 82.Forthethoughtsarethehiddensealsin thesevenforms:andtheyopenthespirit,that itmaycometothewill,thatsooutofoneform ofthegenetrix,manywillsmaycome,andgo forth,withoutnumberinfinitely,butyetinthe openinganddrivingofthespirit:andallwonders withoutnumberstandintheopeningofthespirit: heitisthatmanifesteththeDeityinnature:he spreadethforththeglanceofthemajesty,sothat itisseeninthewondersofnature.Hehimself isnottheglauce,butthepoweroftheglance, andleadeththeglanceoftheMajestyofGodin triumph:heisthejoyoftheDeity,andmaketh theholysport,withhisopening,inthehidden sealsoftheessences. 83.Igiveyouasimilitudeofthis,inthespirit andlifeofman:youseethebody,whichisin itself,adark[oropaque]thing,voidofunderstanding: ithathindeedtheessences,butfrom theopeningofthespirit,whichopeneththe essences,andbringeththemtothewill,orelse thebodywouldbedead,still,andsenseless. 84.Soyouseealso,thatthespiritisnotthe body,butithathagovernmentofitsown:and whenitdepartethfromthebody,thebody perisheth,fortheessences[ortheflowingfaculties]

remaininthedarkdeath,andthereisnounderstanding: foritisthespiritwhichopeneththe thoughts,[andbringeththemforth]outofthe essences. 85.Andyouseemoreover,thatthespiritis notthelightitself,forthelighthathitsoriginal inthetincture,whichistheblossomofthefire, butthespiritistheblowerupofthefire,asyou seebytheair,whichblowethupthehumanfire: andwemayunderstanditwellenoughinour selves,ifwedobutopenandknowourselves,by ourspirit,whichshallherefollowingbeshewedus. 86.Understandushererightlyconcerningthe numberThree[orTrinity]oftheDeity:wemean butoneGodinthreePersons,ofoneessenceand will.Butwegiveyoutounderstandconcerning theTernary,thattherearethreecentrestherein, whichareknownintheeternalnature,butare notknownwithout[orbeyond]nature:forwithout thenature,theDeityiscalledMajesty,But innature,itiscalledFather,Son,andHolySpirit; Wonder,Counsel,Power. 87.Forwhatsoeveriswithoutnature,couldnot helpme,Icouldnotineternity,eithersee,feel, orfindit,becauseIaminnature,andgenerated fromit. 88.ButbecausetheMajestyhathgenerated thenature,andsohathmanifesteditselftherein

inthreePersons,thereforeIrejoiceinthat manifestation,asbeingacreatureinhabiting therein,ineternity. 89.AndseeingthenthatIamgeneratedout ofthenatureofGod,thereforeisitmymother, andthefoodofmysoul;andmysoulisthefood ofGod:forIamhispraise[andglory]whichhe receivethfrommyspirit:formysoulopenethhis wonders,throughhisworking,andsoisajoyin TernarioSancto[holyTrinity]. 90.Ispeaknotonlyofmyself,butofallmen andcreatures,whereinhiswondersstandopen, bothinhisloveandanger.Forthedevilsthemselves standinthewondersofGod:fortheyopenthesealsof theanger:andallstandethtothejoyandgloryofGod.

THEFIFTHCHAPTER OfthepreciousandmostNobleVirgin,the WisdomofGod:andoftheAngelicalWorld. TheTwoGatesinTernariumSanctum, highlytobeConsidered. 1.THOUsophister,Iknowthouwiltaccuse meofpride,becauseI(beingamean simplemaninthisworld)soarsohighintothe deep.Butitissaid,thatyoulookonlyuponthe wisdomofthisworld;Idonotesteemorcareforit, foritaffordethmenojoyatall.ButIrejoiceat this,thatmysoulmovethinthewonders,tothe praiseofGod,sothatIknowhiswondrousworks, inwhichmysouldelightethasinitsmother.Now everyspiritspeakethofitsownmother,whosefood iteateth,andinwhosesource[orproperty]itliveth. 2.NowsinceIknowthewonders,shallIbe silent?AmInotborntoit,asalsoallthe creatures,thattheyshouldopenthewondersof God?ThereforenowIlabourinmy[employment], andanotherinhis,andthou,proudsophister, inthine. 3.WestandallinGod'sfield,andwegrowto God'sglory,andtohisworksofwonder,aswell thewickedasthevirtuous;buteveryfruit growethinitsownproperty:whenthemower

shallcutitdown,theneveryfruitshallcome intoitsownbarn,andeverypropertyreceiveth thatwhichisitsown;andthenthefieldinits essences(outofwhichwearegrown)shallbe manifested:fortherearetwocentresinthe eternity,andeachcentreshallbringinitsown crop. 4.Thereforeconsider,Oman,whatyoujudge, thatyoufallnotupontheswordofthespiritof God,andthatyourworkbenotblownup[kindled]in thefireofwrath:forlookupontheImageinthe Revelation,whichbeareththeswordinitsmouth: surelyitsignifieththespiritofGod,concerning whichChristsaid,Whenhecomethheshallreprove theworldofsins,ofrighteousness,andof judgment. 5.Ofsins,becausetheyliveinhypocrisy,and arenotobedienttothespiritofGod,norbelieved inhim,thathemightmanifestheavenlywonder inthem,buttheycontinueunderthewrathinthe firstcentre,andwillnotberegenerated,anddo open[ormanifest]nootherwonders,butsuchas areinthewrathinmerehypocrisy. 6.Andofrighteousness,Christsaith,BecauseI gototheFather.Hehathdestroyeddeath,and openedtheheavenlygateforthesoul,andisgone againtohisFather,andhathcalledustohim; butthedissemblinghypocritewillnotcome,he takethmoredelightinhispride:thereforethe

spiritreprovethhim,andrebukethhimtohisface, andlayethallhisfalsewaysopentothelight, thathemightsee,andbeware. 7.Buthestrikethdownthewondersofthe reprooftotheground,tillthespiritreprovethhim ofjudgment,becausetheprinceofthisworld(who heldmencaptive)isjudged:Andthou,sophister, runnestonwittingly(forthyownprofit,transitory voluptuousness,andhonour'ssake)tothedevil, andcanstnotseetheopengate,whichthespirit sheweththee,thereforehereproveththee,and shewethittothyface. 8.Andifyouwillnot,forallthat,thenitisas wassaid:Wehavepipeduntoyou,butyouhave notdanced;wehavecalledyou,butyouarenot cometous;Ihavebeenhungryafteryou,but youhavenotfedme;youarenotgrowninmy gardenofroses,thereforeyouarenoneofmyfood; yourhearthathnotbeenfoundinmypraise, thereforeyouarenotmyfood.Andthisbridegroom passethby;andthencomeththeother, andgathereth,whathefindeth,intohisbarn;you shouldconsiderthat. [FurtherInformationtouchingtheHolyTrinity.] 9.NowsincewespeakoftheHolyTrinity,asof oneonlyGod,inoneonlyessence;thereforewesay, thattheHolySpiritgoethforthfromtheFather andtheSon.AndseeingGodiseverywhere,and himselffillethallthingsinthewholedeep,therefore

themindasketh,Whitherdoththespiritgo forth,seeingitisinthemouthofGod,andalso remainethonlyinGod,asaspiritinabody? 10.HereseeApocalypsethefourth,there appearethbeforethethroneoftheAncient[of Days]aglassysea,whereinstandeththeseatsof thetwentyfourelders,withtheLamb,whichwas slainandlivetheternally:andtheAncient[of Days]sittinguponthethrone,haththebookwith sevenseals,whichtheLambthatwasslaintook outofhishand,andbrokeopentheseals. 11.Thereyouseetheseventhspiritofthe divinenature,whichisthejoyoftheMajestyof God,whereintheTrinitymanifestethitself;and youseethetrueangelicalworld:Fortheseaisthe waterspirit,whichintheoriginalofnature,isthe fiercesourness,butitgettethashriek[oraspect] fromthelightofGod,wherethisformdeparteth: andthecrackorshriek,inthedarkness,turneth tobeasinkingdownintodeath;whereyetthe captivatedshriekinthelight(whichisnowcalled joy)isalsoasinkingdown,andisturnedinto meekness,whereinthelightshineth:Anditislike untoaglassysea. 12.Butitisthecorporeity[bodyorsubstance]ofthedivine nature;andhereinthesevenspiritsofGod,viz. thesevenburningtorches,arerevealed,whichthe angelintheRevelationbiddethtobewritten;but theseventhundersinthedarkmatrixinthefierce

nature,hebiddethtobesealed,andnotwritten: fortheywouldbeopenedoneafteranother,and pourforththeirwonders,whichnoneshouldknow, tilltheyarepast;tilltheseventhsealinTernario sanctoisopened,andthenshallthehiddenMystery ofthekingdomofGodbefinished,whenthe seventhangelsoundethhistrumpet. 13.Andherewegiveyoutounderstandwhat Mosessaith;Godcreatedtheheavenoutofthe midstofthewaters.Behold,thouseekingmind! thisglassysea(whichisthewaterspiritinthe presenceofGod)isthematrix,outofwhichthe wordFiatcreatedtheelementofwater:forthe elementofwaterinthisworldisanoutbirthout ofthematrixoftheheaven. 14.Fortheyusetosay,Goddwellethinheaven, anditistrue;andthatheavenisthecomprehension ofGod,whereinGodhathmanifestedhimself throughthecreatures,viz.theangelsandthesouls ofmen:forinthisseventhform(viz.intheglassy sea)thenatureoftheFatherstandethrevealedin greatholiness,notinthefire;butthewordisthe fireofthissource[orproperty],andtheHoly SpiritheregoethforththroughtheWord,inthe angelicalworld,andformetheverythingthat growethandliveth;forheisthespiritoflife,in thissource[orproperty]. 15.Behold,thouseekingmind!Ishewitto youyetmoredeeplyandclearly;thusnatureis

generatedoutoftheFather'sfirstwill,whichis initselfonlyaspirit,andadarkness,andyetis drivensofarbythewillasintosevenforms,and outofseveninfinitely:Butthecauseofnature consistethinthefirstfourforms,viz.(I)insouror harshdesiring;(II)inthebittersting;(III)intheflashof fire,wherethelifetakethitsoriginal;andthe fourth(IV)inthecrackorshriekofthematrixbefore thefire;wherethesinkingoftheheavydeath downwards,andthegoingofthefirelifeupwards, isgenerated,wherethecentrethenstandethinthe midst,asaheartinthebody;outofwhichthe tincture(V)(asthefifthformoffire)ariseth,whichis thelovedesire:andthatdesireisapenetrating noise[orsound](VI)inthesixthform;andthelifeof thetincturepenetrateththroughthesinkingdown ofdeath,wherethenweunderstandthemeekness ofthetincture,whichmakeththesinkingdown corporeal(VII),whichistheseventhform:outofwhich corporeity,inthebeginningofthisworld,theearth, stones,metals,andthewholecentreoftheglobe oftheearth,weregenerated;andinthesixforms ofnaturestandeththeglobeoftheearth,withits regimen,andtheseventhformisthecomprehensibility, orpalpability,asisinearthandstones,and itisthebodyofthesixforms,whereinthey performtheirwork,asaspiritinthebody.And theupperglobeinthedeepabovetheearthhath justsucharegimen,insevenforms,wherethen thefourelementskeeptheuppercentre;andthe constellations[keep]thewheeloftheessencesof thewill;andthesunthetinctureoffire,wherein

everylifeinthis[outward]worldconsisteth. 16.Andjustsoalsoistheinwardregimenin Ternariosancto,notseparatedfromthisworld, butthis[world]isseparatedonlybyaPrinciple: forthereisnocornerorplaceinthisworld,where theinwardregimenisnot. 17.Forthisworldisbecomecorporealoutofthe Father'snature,outofthewrath,outoftheseventh form,wherethetinctureofthesunmakethit lovelyandpleasantagain. 18.Andthereforethedeviliscalledaprinceof thisworld,forheistheprinceinthewrathofthe Father'snature:andtheangelicalworldisthe Son'snature,ingreatlove,joy,pleasantness,and humility:fortheWord(ortheHeartofGod)is thecentretherein. 19.Andtheflash(wherelightanddarkness separate)makeththePrinciple,andseverethit intotwokingdoms:whereonecentreburnethin thefire[oranger],andtheotherinlove,outof whichtheclearlightshineth.Andyoumust know,thatthefierceflashisthemarkorlimitof separation:forthatisthecrackorshriektolife andtodeath,wherewrathandlovepart;whichI willexplaintoyouhereafter. 20.Thuswegiveyoutounderstandconcerning theangelicalworld.TheFather'spropertyisno

darkness,butthedarknessisgeneratedinthestern desire;andtheFather'spropertyisthelight,clear, freeeternity,whichhathawilltonature,andthat lightwill,inthenature,istheflashoftheessences, andsharpenethitself,inthesternhardwrath,and drivethitselfon,tothefourthform,wherethe flashofthelibertyinthesharpnessshinethlike fire:andtheretheflashofthelibertydivideth itselfintotwoPrinciples:oneforwardfromit, withthestrongmightofthefire;theotherin itself,inthefreelighteternity,anditgiveththe glance[brightness]tothelightliberty. 21.Andinthisseparationtheflashmaketh thecross[horizontalandverticallinecrossing], whereitpressethsoterriblythrough thedarkwrath.Andsothefierceness,withits centre,fliethupwards,forthefiredrivethupwards: andthematrixofthesournesssinketh(as athingthatiskilled,bytheshriek)downinto death;andtheflashuponthecrossstandethstill essentially:forithathdiscoveredthematrix,and thematrixhathinfectedit,andholdethitcaptive: andthefierceflashinthematrixturnethtomeekness: fortheflashintheterrifiedandovercome matrixgettethaterrororcrackalso,aswhenwater iscastuponfire:whereyetthereisnowater,but spirit[tobeunderstood]. 22.Thusthefiercenessofthefireisquenched uponthecross;andtheblossomofthenoble tincturespringethupuponthecross,asismentioned

before;andtheblossomofthelifeinthe tincture(asapleasingfire)springethuplikea sprout;andthecrackorshrieksinkethdownasa faintnessandweakness,thoughthereisnoparting asunder,buttheformsofthedivinenaturearein suchamanner;andthatsinkingdown,isasajoy, andisnotthespiritinthesixforms,whichare incomprehensible;forthesinkingiscomprehensible bythespirit:andthejoy[orhabitation]hathalltheformsof thespirit,andisthefoodandsatiatingofthe spirit;forithathitsoriginaloutofthesour matrix,andsoeverylifeeatethofitsownmatrix [ormother]. 23.Andalthoughwehavenotonguehere,that can(accordingtoour[outward]language)bring thesehiddenMysteriestotheunderstanding,yet wespeakasachildofitsmother.Forthemother hathtakenupourmind,andoursensesinketh downintoherbosom;wherethenweseeinthe light,andknowourmother,andspeakthusof ourmother'shouse,andofherfood[whichwe liveupon]. 24.Andthoughwecannotwellspeakthe language,yetweknowitinthesense,verywell: andthecausewhywehavenotthatlanguage,is because(accordingtotheoutwardman)weare altogetherastrangerinourmother'shouse,for theoutwardmandothnotbelongtothathouse, andthereforeithathnotthemother'stongue[or language],butspeakethwiththesenseofthe

inwardman,whichreachethtothemother. 25.Thereforehereweshallbeasitweredumb, tothosewhicharenotbornofGod;for(according totheoutwardman)weareinthisworld,and accordingtotheinwardman,weareinGod: thereforethesenseofthemindspeakethofthe kingdomofheaven,andtheoutwardspirit, (whichisgeneratedfromthePrincipleofthis world),speakethof[orfrom]thisworld,andtheinward [Spirit](bornofGod)speakethoftheinward world. 26.Sincethenwearegeneratedoutofboth worlds,thereforewespeakintwolanguages:and sowemustbeunderstoodalsobytwolanguages, onewhereofwilldespisethis[work],andtheother willhighlybelieveandloveit,foreveryspirit takethitsown,[thespiderpoison,thebeehoney; thecorruptAdam(inIsmael)lovethscorning; thetrueman(inChrist)withIsaac,loveth obedience]. 27.Butseeingwearewithoursoul(inthis world)inastrangelodging,andyetwecertainly know,thatwemusttravel,eitherintoheavento God,orintohelltothedevil;andsincewelike notthedevil,weshoulddowelltoseekafterthe kingdomofheaven,andtocastourmindand thoughtsuponit;fortherebywegaintheprecious crownofpearls,insteadofthecrownofthisworld, whichthedevilhathsetuponus,throughsin,

wherewithwegoaboutinthisworld,withbrave shows,inhypocrisy,inhighmindedness,andin ourownauthorityandpower:andthereforewe willletthemgo,andspeakofourmotherscrown inournativecountry. 28.Wehavesufficientunderstandingofit,if weknowourselvesaright:andwefinditinour bodyandsoul,asalsointheformandshapeof thebody;butespeciallyinthemind:butthe spiritofthisworldknowethnotitself,except anotherlightshineinit,whereinthemindcansee andknowitself. 29.ForthespiritbornofGod,(whichgoeth forthfromGodinthedivinesense[orunderstanding]) openethtothemindtheunderstanding andknowledge,sothatmanseethhimselfinthe bandsofthisworld;yetheseethnothisglory, buthelookethinTernariumSanctum,[intothe HolyTernary],intotheangelicalworld,whichhe labourethfor,withgreatlonging,andthereisa continualrestlessnessinhim. 30.Forheisattractedbytwo,viz.bythe spiritofGod,andbythedevil,inwhosebands alsoheistied,accordingtotheoutwardsinfulman: andhiscentrestandethdirectlyuponthecross, andheisinthisworldlikeabalance,whereofone partgoethsuddenlyup,andthensuddenlydown again:andwearehereonlyinavalleyofmisery, anguish,andperplexity.

31.NowseeingGodissonearus,yeainour selves,thereforeletusseekhim:andifwewould findhim,wemustturnawayfromthisworld,and becomelikealittleinfant,thatiswithoutunder standing,whichonlyhangethtothebreastsof itsmother:andwemustbenewborninGod, withourmindandthoughts,orelsewecannot seehim:andChristhimselfteachethusthesame, [saying]thathislightshinethinus. 32.Wemustwhollyrejectourownreason,and notregardthedissemblingflatteringartofthis world,itisnotavailabletohelpustothatlight; butitisamereleadingastray,andkeepingof usback. 33.ThisweintimatetotheReader,thathe mayknow[whatitiswhich]hereadeth:[itis] notthewritingofamanofunderstanding,butof achild;asachild[newlyborn]fromthemother isastrangertothisworld,[andhathnounderstanding ofit]. 34.Thereforewespeakofourchildlikebirth inGod,forourbeginningisuponthecross:we arecreateduponthecrossastooursoul,therefore thebodyalsoisacross:andthecentre(viz. theheart)isinthemidstofthecross:andwe arewithAdam,goneforthfromtheimageofthe cross,intotheimageoftheserpent:ButtheSon ofthevirginhathregeneratedusagainonthe

crosstoaheavenlyimage. 35.Thereforewewillspeak,whatweseeand knowintheground,andnotbesilent;fora crossbirthkeepethitscentreinTernariosancto [intheHolyTernary],understanditrightly,in theholynumberThree,butnotintheMajesty, whichiswithoutessence,butinthedistinctionof theTrinity,wheretheDeityiscalledFather,Son, andHolySpirit,wherethetwoPrinciplespart, theholyandthewrathful;andthereitisthat theflashmakethacross,anduponthecross,the HeartofGodisgenerated[frometernitytoeternity], andstandethasaheartinthebody,orasGod theFather'sWordinhiscentre,andsomaketh anothercentreinitself,[asthelightmakethanother centrethanthefire,andyettheyarenotparted asunder].Foritenterethintoitself,intothe lightofthelibertyoftheFather. 36.ThereforeitistheHeartofGod,foritis thepoweroftheMajesty,andaffordeththelustre, power,andgloryoftheMajesty. 37.OutofthisWordtheFatherspeakethforth hisspirit,[asthefiresendethforththeairthrough thelight],whichspiritgoethforthfromtheWord, intothemeeknessoftheWord,andbringethwith himtheglanceoftheMajesty;forthemeekness takethitsbeginningwiththeflash[oflightning] whichistheseparatingmarkofthetwoPrinciples: wherethewrathgoethupwards,andthemeekness

downwards:andareboththesubstanceofthe corporeity. 38.Foralthoughthewrathintheflashinclineth upwards,andalsosideways[crosswiseorsquare], yetthesinking downofdeathisinitalso:fortheflashkilleth thehardstrongmight,asisseenhowitdissipateth thedarkness,andyetthestingofthewrathfulness remainethinit,wherenodeathisperceived,but substantiality,withoutunderstanding:asalsoin thesinkingofthecaptivatedmeeknessinthe light,thereisnounderstandingeither,butsubstantiality, andyetithaththetincture,which springethinthesubstantiality,andislikea growing:andtheunderstandingremainethmerely inthecentreonthecrossintheNumberThree[Trinity]. 39.ThuswesaytheHolyGhostgoethforth fromtheFatherandtheSon[astheairfromthe fireandthelight]:Butwhitherdothhego?Into thesubstantiality,withtheglanceoftheMajesty, whereintheDeitystandethrevealed.Thisgate iscalledbymeinallmywritings,Ternarius Sanctus[theholyTernaryorTrinity]: forImeantheNumberThree[orTrinity] inthesubstantiality,(viz.intheangelical world)wheretheThreePersonshaverevealed themselves. 40.Nowthereforewesayveryrightly,thatthe SonistheWordoftheFather,whichtheFather

speaketh.Butnowthedeepmindasketh, Whitherdothhespeakit?[Or,intowhatdoth hespeakitforth?]Behold!theWordisthe Heart,andsoundethintheessences[orworking powers]oftheFather;andtheHeartspeakethit inthemouthoftheFather,andinthemouththe HolySpiritoftheFathercomprehendethit,in hiscentre,andsogoethwithitforth,fromthe FatherandtheSon,intotheSubstantiality,where itstandethwiththeglanceoftheMajesty,asa virginofthewisdomofGod,inTernarioSancto [intheHolyTernary]. 41.Thiswhichisspokenforthisanimageof theholyNumberThree,andavirgin,butwithout substance,yetasimilitudeofGod.Inthisvirgin, theHolyGhostopeneththegreatwondersofGod theFather,whichareinhishiddenseals. 42.MoreovertheHolyGhostmanifesteththe openedsealsoftheHeartofGodintheglanceof theMajesty,whichstandinthelight,andare calledthesevenspiritsofGod. 43.ThustheimageofthewisdomofGod standethinsubstanceamongthesevenburning spirits,whichburninthelightofGod,(forthey arethedivinenature):andithaththesevenstars (ofthehiddenseals,whichstandintheangerof theFatherinhiscentre)initshand:fortheHeart ofGodisthemightoftheNumberThree,asthe Apocalypseshewethyouinthefirstchapter.

ThehighlypreciousGateforManto Considerof. 44.ThiswisdomofGodisaneternalvirgin,not awoman,butthechastityandpuritywithout blemish,andisanimageofGod:Sheisarepresentation oftheNumberThree,whichgenerateth nothing;butinherstandthegreatwonders, whichtheHolyGhostdiscovereth,andtheWord oftheFathercreateth,throughthesourmatrix, viz.theFiat;andsheisthewonderfulwisdom withoutnumber;inherhaththeHolyGhost discoveredtheimageofangels,asalsotheimage ofman,whichtheVerbumFiat[theWordwhichgivesbeing] hathcreated. 45.Sheisthegreatsecretmysteryinthe counselofGod,andgoethintothefirstPrinciple, viz.intotheangeroftheFather,andopeneththe wondersinthehiddensealsorformsofnaturein thewrath,andiscomprehendedbynothing;for sheisanimagewithoutsubstanceofgenerating: theHolyGhosthath,throughher,discoveredthe ThirdPrinciple,whichthewordFiathathmade corporeal,outofboththematrixes,(outofboth themothers),ofthesubstantiality:andhehath discoveredalimittothatsubstanceinthecentre ofthesevenforms,wheretheyshallgointotheir etherwiththecorporealsubstance:andyetboth themothers[ormatrixes]shallstandinthe

substantiality,(beforethevirginofthewisdom, beforetheNumberThree[orholyTrinity])in theeternalfigure,toGod'sglory,andhisworks ofwonder. 46.Thereforeconsider,Oyephilosophers,how GodcreatedthisworldinSixDays:foreach day'sworkisacreation[orcreature]ofaspiritin Ternariosancto:andtheSeventhDayistherest oftheSabbathofGod,intheseventhspiritof God,whereinthevirginofthewisdomofGod standeth;andthereinisnomoreanyworkingof anxiety,buttheeternalperfectionofrest. 47.Forthesixspiritsmustshedforththeir operationsofwhatisintheirseals;andarenot knownbefore,tilltheyhavepouredforththevirtue [orpower]oftheirvialsinthePrincipleofthis world,whichmenand[theother]creaturesbring tosubstanceandact[work],[oreffect,]asabuildingto [themanifestationof]God'sworksofwonder. 48.Andwhenthisshallbeaccomplished,thenthe hiddenspiritsofGod(undertheseals)enteragaininto theether,viz.intotheircentre:andthenthetime oftheseventhsealbeginneth,inthesubstantiality, inthepresenceofGod,andthehiddenMysteryof thekingdomofGodisaccomplished,asismentioned intheRevelationofJesusChrist,andaswehave knowninTernariosancto,[intheHolyTernary]. 49.ThiswisdomofGod(whichisthevirginof

gloryandbeauteousornament,andanimageofthe NumberThree)is(inherfigure)animage,like angelsandmen,andshetakethheroriginalinthe centreonthecross,likeablossomofabranch, outofthespiritofGod. 50.Forsheisthesubstantialityofthespirit, whichthespiritofGodputtethonasagarment, wherebyhemanifestethhimself,orelsehisform wouldnotbeknown:forsheisthespirit's corporeity,andthoughsheisnotacorporeal palpablesubstance,likeusmen,yetsheis substantialandvisible;butthespiritisnot substantial. 51.Forwemencan,ineternity,seenomore ofthespiritofGod,butonlytheglanceofthe Majesty:andhisgloriouspowerwefeelinus,for itisourlife,andconductethus. 52.Butweknowthevirgininallherheavenly similitudesorimages;whereasshegivethabody toallfruits,sheisnotthecorporeityofthefruit, buttheornamentandlustre. 53.Thecorporeitygoethforthoutofthesubstantiality, whichisnotthespirit,butanimpotency, incomparisonwiththespirit,inwhichtheNumber Threedwelleth;andthatsubstantialityisthe elementofGod,forthereisalifetherein,(but withoutunderstanding),inwhichtheparadiseof Godconsisteth;forthesevenspiritsofGodwork

therein,anditisasagrowing[orvegetation];andhereinconsist thegreatwondersofGod,accordingtoallessences infinitely. 54.Foreveryformoftheessencesbringeth forthitsfruit,whichbythewrestlingofthewheel attainethitshighestornamentandpower,andyet passethawayasbeingovercome,forallisherein asawrestling,whereoneisnowuppermostand mighty,andthenisovercomeagain,andanother risethupwhichhathotheressences:andsoitisa holysport,ajoyorfruitofangels,afulfillingof thewillofeverylife. 55.Hereagainweneedanangel'stongue;for themindeverasketh;Howandwhere?Forwhen thedeepisspokenof,whichiswithoutcomprehension andnumber,[ormeasure],themindalways understandethsomecorporealthing. 56.ButwhenIspeakofthevirginofthewisdom ofGod,Imeannotathing,thatis[confined,or circumscribed]inaplace;asalsowhenIspeakof theNumberThree;butImeanthewholedeepof theDeitywithoutendandnumber[ormeasure]. 57.Buteverydivinecreature(asaretheangels andsoulsofmen)haththevirginofthewisdomof God,asanimageinthelightoflife;understand, inthesubstantialityofthespirit,whereinisthe NumberThree,dwellinginitself.

58.Forwecomprehend(beforeus)theNumber Threeintheimage,viz.inthevirginofthewisdom ofGod;understand,withoutourperson[externally],wesee onlytheMajestyoftheDeity,forthecreature comprehendethnottheNumberThree,inthe appearancetotheeye;butthespiritofthesoul (whichstandethinthedivinecentre)seethit,but notperfectly. 59.Forthespiritofasoulisoutofoneformof nature,andyetcanbringforthinitselfallformsof nature.Seeingthenthereisnothingwhole[total]and perfect,butonlytheNumberThree[ortheTrinity], thereforeother[things]areseveral[various,distinct,different], [ordivided],astherearevarioussortsofangels [ofdifferentqualitiesandproperties]. 60.AndsotheessencesofthecentreinGod,[as to,or]withtheangelicalspirits,standallinthe wonder,andGodismanifestedinacreaturelyform, bytheangelicalworld;fortheyarealloutofthe BeingofGod. 61.Wespeakthusonlyconcerningthedistinc tionofthegreatwondersinGod.Thespiritsof angelsarenotgeneratedoutofthesubstantiality whichiswithoutunderstanding;butoutofthe centreofthesevenforms(orspirits)oftheeternal nature;outofeachformathrone[angel]:andout ofthethrone[angel]hisangels(orministers):and thereforeawholedominion[hierarchy]isfallenwithLucifer.

62.Andthekinglyandprincelydominions[or governments]ofthisworldhavetheiroriginalhere; forseeingit[wordlydominion]hathaprincipleofitsown, thereforeithathallformsoftheheavenly[government]: andthoughtheflatteringhypocrites,thehigh spirituality(astheycallthemselves,wholiftup themselvesabovekingsandprinces)willnot believeit,yetitistrue. 63.Forthefiercemightoftheprinciple[ofthis world]drivethitsorder[ordinanceofgovernment] accordingtotheheavenlyform.Andalthoughthefiercespirits (ofthehiddenseals)dopourforththeirvialsofanger herein,[inthedominionsandgovernmentsofthe Principleofthisworld],andthatthedevilgetteth greatpreyinit,whatisthattothe[heavenly] ordinance[ofgovernment]?Havewenotlife anddeathbeforeus,andmaychoose,andtake whichwewill?WhocanblameGodthen? Everyonemaygowhitherhewill,Towhomhe givethhimselfaservantinobedience,hisservant heis:andinthatkingdomheshalleverbe, whetherhebeprinceorservant. 64.Andthoughonebeasuperiorleaderand rulerinthis[worldly]Principle,yethehathnot [therefore]divineauthority[Jusdivinum],butinthatcondition heisastewardofthePrinciple,andisunderthe seals,whichunderhisgovernmentbringtheir wonderstolight. 65.Aprinceisasoftenaservantinobedienceto

thedevil,asamiserableherdsmanis,andthereisno differencebetweenthem,butintheofficetheybear, whichhebearethforGod,andnotforhimself. 66.Forinthecourtsofkingsandprinces,the vialsofwrath,ofthehiddenseals(orspirits)are pouredforth;fromwhencecomeththethundering, lightning,andwars,contentionandstrifeupon earth:whichtheflatteringhypocritesofthegreat whoreinBabel(whichride,asagod,uponthe beast,themightofprinces)docontinuallyblow up,bytheirsoundingoftheirtrumpets:which princesshouldtakeheedof,iftheywillprevent theirgoingwiththewhoreintothelakeofbrimstone, ofthewrathofGod;asmaybeseeninthe Apocalypse.

TheGateoftheDistinctionbetweentheSubstantiality andthe[onepure]Element.Alsobetween Paradiseand[theeternal]Heaven. Everysubstancehathitsform,whichtheEeader shouldunderstandtobeoneofthesefour,andwe willshewhimthedistinction. 67.Theheavenstandethinthematrixofthe sourness,whichinthemeeknessiscalledthe waterspirit;andistheoutwardenclosure[or firmament]whichparteththePrinciples. 68.Thesubstantialityisintheheaven,andis

thevirtueorcorporeityofthesevenspiritsofGod, andiscalledthebodyofGod,whichourhands arenotabletocomprehendorfeel,andyetitisin substance,andcomprehensiblebythespirit,forit isthebodyofthespirit;alsothebodyofoursoul ifwebenewborninGod:foritisChrist'sbody, whichhegivethusinthefaith,toeat,asistobe seeninhisTestaments:Andthe[one]element leadeththePrinciplethereinasamoveablelife, whichindeedisnotthespiritofGoditself,butthe spiritofGodhaththislifeandsubstantialityin him,asabody,andheisthefirstspiritofunderstanding andofomnipotence. 69.Forparadiseisthespringingupoutofthe essencesinthedivinecentre:which[paradise] goeththroughallforms,itgoeththroughthe[one] element,andthroughthesubstantiality,andalso throughtheheaven,asaspringingofapleasant garden;thereforeAdam,eveninthisworld,was inparadise. 70.Odearchildren,ifyeunderstoodthis,how wouldyoutreadunderfootthecontentionsofthe sophisters!Muchconsistethherein,whichshall hereafterbeshewnyou,sofarasweought:let nonebewilfullyblinded,norbeoffendedwiththe simplicityofthishand. 71.Forifwewillenterintothekingdomof heaven,wemustbechildren,andnotcunning,and wise,intheunderstandingofthisworld;wemust

departfromourownreason,andenterinto obediencetoour[eternal]firstmother,andsowe shallreceivethespiritandlifeofourmother,and thenalsoweshallknowherhabitation. 72.Nowitofourownattaineththecrownof theMysteryofGod,itisindeedrevealedinthe ScripturesoftheSaints,butthespiritofthis worldapprehendethitnot.Hereinnodoctors (thoughtheyhavestudiedneversomuch)have anyabilityintheirownwit,toattainthecrownof God'ssecretMysteries. 73.Thereisnonecaninhisownpowerapprehend anythingofthedepthsofGod,andteachit toanother;buttheyareallchildren,andscholars intheirA.B.C.Andthoughwewriteand speakhighlythereof,yettheunderstandingis notourown,butisofthemother'sspirit,which speakethoutofitschildren,whatitwill;it revealethitselfinmanyforms,inoneotherwise thaninanother,foritswondrouswisdomisadeep withoutnumber,andyououghtnottomarvel thatthechildrenofGodhavenotonemannerof speechandword,foreveryonespeakethoutofthe wisdomofthemother,whosenumberiswithout groundandinfinite. 74.ButthelimitistheHeartofGod,theyall runthither,andthatisthetrial[ortouchstone] wherebyyoushallknow,whetherthespirit speakethfromGod,orfromthedevil:forthe

devilhathalsohismatrix,andhischildrentherein, whoalsospeakoutofthespiritoftheirmother. 75.Herebeholdtheflatteringhypocrites,the proudvaingloriousboasters,whoaccountthemselves masters,andsufficientableexpoundersofthe ScripturesoftheSaints,whosay,Wehavestudiedin themysteriesoftheScripturesoftheSaints,and weunderstandthemsufficiently;andmoreover[we havestudiedandtakenourdegreesintheuniversity and]canmakeconclusions,anddetermine,Thuswe willbelieve,thuswewillhavetheScripturetobe understood.Andtheydecreestrictlaws,and severepunishment,againstthosethatwillnot sticktotheirlaws,whichtheyexecuteunderthe shelterandprotectionofaworldlypower. 76.Isnotthisliftingupofhimself,inhisown lustandglory,aboveGod,astheprophetDaniel speakethconcerningthehypocriticalAntichrist? Takeheedofthose,yechildrenofGod;theyspeak fromthemselves,andnotfromthespiritofGod; theyhavenotthechildren'sfilialspiritofhumility (inobedienceandlove)towardstheirmother,much lesstowardsherchildren:Theydevourthechildren's bread,andgettheirlivingwithdeceit. 77.Theyarethetruemurderersandwolves, whointheirconceivedopinions,andproudconceits, stirupwarsandbloodshed,andsetupall mannerofwickednessandabominations:theyare thegreatproudwhoreofBabel,whorideinthe

heartsofprinces;throughthemispouredoutthe vialsofthewrathofGod;andyettheycallthemselves thelambsandsheepofChrist. 78.0yewolves!whereisyourchild's garment?Ifyouhavesufficientlylearntthe hiddenMysteriesofGod,youarenochildrenand scholars[thatgotoschool]:but[ifyouhave]then liveinthewondersofthemother,inherhumility andpurityinGod'sworksofwonder,andwewill believeyou:Putoffyourproudrobeandgown, andreceiveuspoorA.B.C.scholarsintothe bosomofourmother,andteachusourmother tongue,andthenweshalllivetogetherinunityas brethren.Butwhatshalltheysayofyou?The Spiritofthemotherdeclarethconcerningyou,that youaretheproudwhoreofBabel,ridingupon thedragon,intheRevelationofJesusChrist;there inyourlookingglass. TheGatesofthisWorld; [AlsoconcerningtheLanguageofNature.] 79.Reasonalwaysasketh,Outofwhatisthe earthandstones,alsotheelementsandstars[constellations], generated?Wecannotknowthisinthereason andartofthisworld,neithercanthebooksof thedoctorsteachit,weknowitonlyinourdear mother,weseeitinthelightofthemother:but inthisworldweareblindconcerningit,neither canwelearnitofanybody.

80.ThewritingsoftheSaintsandthechildren ofGodtellus,thatGodcreatedtheworldbyhis wisdom,andbythespiritofhismouth;anditis so.Neitherhaveweanyotherknowledge,than thatGodhathrevealedhimselfinhiswisdom. 81.Butthisworldisnothiswisdom:butitis afigure[come]outofhiswisdom:ithathnotthe wisdomofGodpalpably,butthewonders[works]ofthe wisdom:andthisworldisonlyasimilitudeof theDeity,accordingtoloveandanger,innature andwithoutnature[extranaturam]. 82.Forbeholdthewheelofthestars[starrysphere],andthe sevenplanets;andalsothefourelements:(4)fire, (5)air,(6)water,and(7)earth;andthenyoushallfind theground,thatitisallreallyanoutbirthoutof theeternalnature,wheretheDeityhathrevealed itselfcomprehensibly[orpalpably].

83.ForthespiritofGodhathdiscoveredthe imageofGodinthevirginofhiswisdom,and theVerbumFiathathcreatedit:Theformof thisworldwasfrometernityinthenatureofGod, butinvisibleandimmaterial. 84.Thensaithreason:WhatwasGod'screating? ThewordSchuff[whichsignifiethcreated] hathitinitsownmeaning,accordingtothe languageofnature:andifyouwouldunderstand thatlanguage,observeinyourmind,howeach

wordfromtheheartisframedinthemouth,and whatthemouthandthetonguedowithit,before thespiritsendethitforth. 85.Ifyoudidapprehendthis,youshould understandeverythinginitsname,whyeach thingiscalledasitis:itwouldbethusunderstood inthelanguageofeverynation,everyone intheirownmothertongue.Andinthisplace lieththeheavyfallofAdam,inwhichwelost whatwehadinthe[stateof]innocence;butin theregenerationofJesusChrist(accordingtothe inwardman)wehaveattaineditagain. 86.Youmusthavetheunderstandingofthe ThreePrinciples,for[theattainingof]the languageofnature:forthereareThreeofthem, thatformtheword[orframetheword,asinanimage], viz.soul,spirit,andbody. Behold!andobservewhetheritbesoorno,as Itellyou,concerningthelanguageofnature;Try andconsiderofit;notonlyinthewordSchuff, [whichsignifiethcreated,]butinallwordsand namesthatareineverylanguageofeverynation, everyoneaccordingtoitsownunderstanding[and meaning]. 87.(Indeeditisnotgoodthatmanshouldhave knownit,butsinceheisgoneoutoftheinward intotheoutward,andstandethnowintheseeking, thereforehemustenteragainintotheinward, where,inthishiddenMystery,hebeholdeththe

mysteryofthecreation.) 88.WhenyousaySchuff,[whichsignifieth created],thespirit[orbreath]formethitselfinthemouth, andshutteththeteethtogether,andhisseth throughtheteeth,asakindledfirethatburneth, butopeneththelips,andkeepeththemopen,and thengoeththepressurefromtheheart,andthe upperteethleanupontheunderlip,andthe tonguedrawethback,andleanethuponthenether gums,andthespirit[orbreath]thrusteththe syllableSchuffforththroughtheteeth,andthe wordofdistinction,whichthesyllableSchuff thrustethforth,remainethinitsseatintheheart, anddothnotawakenthesourmotherinthestrong might,sothatitkindlethnofire.[TheRisthe characterofthefiresource,foreveryletterisa spirit,andisaformofthecentre,althoughby thetransposingandturningofthewordtheyalter, yeteveryletterhathameaningorunderstanding inthecentre,butitiswonderful,andyetis apprehendedinthesensewhenthelightisshining inthecentre]. 89.Behold!ManisthesimilitudeofGod:for hissoulisoutof[from]thecentreuponthecross,where theeternalWordisgenerated,comprehendedby thespiritofGod;therethespirithathcomprehended alltheThreePrinciples;andbroughttheminto abody;aswesee,thatthespiritlivethfromthe inwardandfromtheoutward,viz.fromthespirit ofthecentre,asalsofromthespiritofthisworld,

viz.fromtheair. 90.Nowasthespiritofeternityhathformed andframedallthings,soalsothespiritofman formeththeminhisword,forallarisethfromhis centre:forthehumanspiritisaform,figure,and similitudeoftheNumberThreeoftheDeity; whatsoeverGodisinhisnature,thatthespiritof manisinitself:andthereforehegivethevery thingitsname,accordingtothespiritandform ofeverything,fortheinwardspeakethforththe outward. 91.Andasthisworldwasfrometernityhidden inthenatureofGod,andstoodinthewisdom, and,asmaybesaid,hathabeginningandend fromtheWordofthecentre,spokenforthfrom theoutgoingspiritofthecentre;(understand, outofthesubstantialityofnature,intoacomprehensible substance,wherethisworldappearethasa Principle,havingitsownsourceandgovernment); soalsothenameandsimilitudeofGod,viz.this world,isinthespiritofman;anditspeakeththem forthwithitswordinthesamemannerasthey werespokeninthenatureofGod,fromthespirit ofGodinthewisdom,wherethentheywereseen inthelightofGod. 92.Observeitrightly,accurately,anddeeply: thehumanspiritinitsthreefoldformhathallthe ThreePrinciplesinit,viz.thekingdomofGod, thekingdomofhell,andthekingdomofthis

world;anditspeakethforthfromitself,fromthe source,andform,ofeverybeing,whetheritbe heavenly,earthly,orhellish,asithathbeenspoken forth[orexpressed]bythespiritofGodfrom eternity,intheinvisiblesubstanceoftheeternal nature,asafigureorspiritoftheWordofGod; andwaswithoutsubstance,tilltheAandO,and intheAandO,inthebeginningandend:soalso thespiritofmanspeakethitforthinbeginning andendwithoutsubstance,forthesubstancewas oncecreatedinthecreature. 93.Andobserveusthusfurther,concerningthe languageofnature,whenwesay:ImAnfang SchuffGottHimmelundErden[inthebeginning Godcreatedheavenandearth]:thenwename[or express]allthat,outofwhichheavenandearth wascreated,andthisthemind[enlightenedbyGod] inthelightofGodunderstandeth. 94.Forastheformofthisworldwasseenin thelightofGod,beforethesubstance[was],so alsothemindinthelightofGodseethitinthe creation,asitisbroughtintoessenceorsubstance; fornatureinthespiritofman,andnatureinthe spiritofGod,accordingtotheThreePrinciples, areofone[andthesame]essenceorsubstance;the humanspiritisaperfectsparklefromit. 95.Butyoumustknow;thatastheeternal naturehathnottheglanceandmightofthe Majestyinitsownpower,sothatitcancomprehend

theNumberThreeinTernarioSancto, (althoughindeedtheNumberThreedwellethin nature,andyetthereisadifferencebetweenthe sevenformsofnatureandtheNumberThree),so thereisalsoadistinctionbetweenthesoul'sspirit ofnature,andtheNumberThreeofGod;sothat thespiritofthesoul,whenitimaginethbackinto nature,intothecentreofthewrath,loseththe Majesty,andinthewrathfliethoutabovethe Majesty;andthenmaybecalledareprobatedevil [orcastaway]. 96.Themindmayunderstandtheword,and theformingoftheword,thus:Observe,Whenthe threefoldspiritofmansaithSchuff,[which signifiethcreated,]thenthemindmayobserve theformofthegenerationoftheword;first,the spirit[orbreath]frameththewordinthemouth, andnotintheheart,andcloseththeteethtogether, andhisseththroughtheteeth,likeakindledfire, whichdenoteththecomprehension:forthelips open,andthehissingisthefirefromwhencegoeth theair:understanditthus. 97.Beforetime[was],theworldwasinGod, butwithoutsubstance:NowLucifer,thegreat princeoutofthecentreofnature,awakenedand kindledthewrathandfire,whichwasnotknown intheeternity;forhewoulddomineerinthe mightofthefire,aboveGod,andthereforethe sourceoffirebecamehishabitation.

98.AndwemeanherethesternFiat,(viz.the motherofnature),thesournessandhardness,which waskindledinitssternmight,andhathinthe centreofnature,attractedtogetherthesubstantiality ofthesternmatrixoutofthenumberless essences,whenceearth,stones,andmetals,have cometobe. 99.ForthecentrewasSulphur,Mercurius,andSal [SeeBoehme'sworkClavisonthissite,vs.82formoreexplanation], andit[thecentre]wasbutaspirit,butinthe sternFiat(inthesternfierceattraction)itcame tobesuchhardstones,metals,andearth;all accordingtotheformsoftheessences:Itisall becomematerial:thatwhich[beforethetime]in thenatureofthedarkwrathfulsubstantiality,was onlyasaraiseddust,becameintheattraction whollygross,dry,andhard;andGodwouldnot haveitsoparticularlybeforetheMajesty(tospeak inacreaturelymanner);andthereforeitwas suddenly,inthatinstant,togethercreated[concreted]toa propercentreofitsown. 100.Andhereariseththedistinctionofthe ThreePrinciples,whichbeforewasnotknown:for theywereinoneonlybeing,andwereonlyknown inthewisdom[orthelight],beforetheMajesty,withtheir distinction. 101.Observethemeaningrightly:asthe mouthformeththewordSchuff,[whichsignifieth created],justsowasthecreationformed:forthe

lipsopen,andtheuppergumswiththeteethtouch thenetherlip,andthespirit[orbreath]hisseth throughtheteeth:Anditisthus,Asthelips (viz.theoutwardinclosure)open,sohaththe matrixofthegenetrixopeneditself,viz.inthe kindling:Thehissingisthefire,andoutofthe fire[goeth]theair,asaspiritofthematrix,which wasnowawakened,andwasnotbeforeinthe centre,butonlyinthewisdomoftheNumber Three. 102.Theair[windorbreath]isnotthespirit oftheNumberThree,buttheawakenedspiritout ofthematrix,viz.outofthecentreofnature: forthespiritoftheNumberThreeisacauseof nature,andhathinitthewisdom;butthis [spiritoftheair]iswithoutunderstanding,as thesubstantialityis. 103.Andasthefirehathitsoriginalfromthe eternalliberty,whereinitattaineththesharpness ofthewrathfulness,soalsotheairspiritfromthe HolySpirit,whichgivethlifeandmobilityto nature;sonatureagainsendethforththespirit, viz.theair,outofitsvirtue,viz.outofthe inanimate[senseless]substantiality,andhathitsoriginal inthefire. 104.Andobservefurther,howintheword Schuff,[whichsignifiethcreated],thespirit[or breath]thrusteththeimpressionorpressurefrom theheart,whichovertakeththekindledfire,and

holdethitcaptive:andsothewatersourceovertaketh thefire,andholdethitcaptive. 105.Forthewaterarisethfromthesubstantiality, andfromthebeingovercome;andthefire, air,water,andearth,areallgoneforthoutofthe centreofnature,andbeforethekindling,wereall inonebeing,butwiththekindlingwereknownin fourforms,whicharecalledfourelements,and yetareinoneanotherasone,andthereisnomore butone;therearenotfourelementsinheaven, butone:yetallthefourformsliehiddentherein, andwiththekindlingtheybecomeactive,andnow theystandintheoutwardsubstance,comprehensible tothecreatures. 106.Observealsofurther,thatasthenetherlip toucheththeupperteeth,andthespiritstayethin themouth,andthrusteththewordSchuffthrough theteeth,wherethetonguedrawethbacktowards thenethergums,andwillnotframetheword Schuff,butletteththespiritthrustitthroughthe teeth:So,observe,thespiritofGodhathdriven forththefourelements,whicharethefourforms, whichappearedinthesubstance,exTernario sancto,outoftheHolyTernary,intotheoutward, andmadeanenclosuretherein,[orafirmament], whichiscalledheaven:andtheHolySpiritstayeth inheaven,andleaveththefourformstotheirown dominion,andthentheyappearasaPrinciple, havingpoweroftheirown.

107.Forthetonguesignifieththespiritof God,andthefourelements[signify]thespirit ofthecentre,togetherwiththecentreitself. 108.Thusweunderstandhereintheword, threePrinciples;whereasintheoriginalthereis butone:forweunderstandbythekindling,the centreofnature,inthecentreoftheglobeofthe earth,andthatinthematrixofthegenetrix,there isaveryearneststerndominion,outofwhich earthandstonesareproceeded,andthereinone Principleconsisteth. 109.Andthen,secondly,weunderstand,that thereisadominionofmeekness,whichover comeththewrath,andholdethitcaptive,aswe seeinthesource[orproperty]ofwater,thatit captivateththefire,andyetthepropertyofthe fireremaineththerein,withitswholedominionof allformsofthedryhunger,whereinconsisteththe abyssofhell,intheangerofGod.Alsoweunderstand, thatthereisthefirmament[orclosure](betweenthese twoPrinciples)whichiscalledheaven,bythe shutmouth,bothinthewordandintheoutward substance[essence,being,thing]. Forthespirit,theair,givethlifeto theoutwardmeekwater,asitgoethforthwiththe pressurefromtheheartthroughtheteethinthe word,andsothereisadominionandlifeexternally, whichyetarisethfromtheinternal,andyetthe outwardcaptivateththeinward.

110.Andthusthespiritsofthedarknessliein theabyss,captivatedinthe[property,or]source oftheanger,andhavenopoweroftheirownin thisworld;andherethesubtletyofthedevilin themightofthefireiscastdowntotheground,in thesinking. 111.Opentheeyesofyourminds,yeseekers, andseekheretheabyss,whereinthedevils dwellintheelements,andnotafaroff,asif theywerefarabsent,asyehavedonehitherto. Markthis. 112.Andweunderstand,thatthereisthethird Principleintheword,andalsointhepowerof creating:forthetongueinclinethtothenether gums,andletteththetwodominionsgoaway throughtheteeth,andholdethitsdominion withoutanyawakeningoftheheart. 113.Thusobservetheground[scopeormeaning];thesecond Principle(viz.thekingdomofGod),isinthe midstinboththePrinciples,thatis,isnot awakenedorenkindledwiththekindling:forit remainethasitwasfrometernity,andisnot alteredtherein,neitherincreasednordiminished; inthecreationthereisnothingaddednortaken awayfromit:andthis[second]Principlehaththeright spiritofwisdomandofunderstanding;whichhath severedthefiercewrathfulandthemeek[Principles asunder],andeachofthemhathitslifeawakened init.

114.Andwegiveyoutounderstand,thatitis neithercaptivatednorshutupbytheinwardor theoutward:itsproutethinboth,foritisthe mightofboth:Intheinwarditsproutethin angryzeal[Orjealousy],withgreatwondersandpowers,where allformsareworking,andthereforeinthose creaturesstickallwitandcunning,craftand subtlety,asinthedevils,whobringtopassall wondersinthewrathfulmatrix:asthehistories intheworld,concerningthechildrenofwrath,do testify. 115.Andintheoutwarditsprouteththrough themeekness,withthepower[andvirtue]oflife, whichgoethforthfromtheHeartofGod,through thespiritofGod;andthatsprouting[orvegetation] iscalledparadise,andisasproutinthe childrenofGod,togetherwithwhichthesoulalso sprouteth:forinthissproutingthenewbodyof thesoulgrowethinthe[one]element,inthe substantiality,beforetheNumberThreeinTernario sancto. 116.Andherewegiveyoutounderstandin atrueground,aswecertainlyknowit,thatthe paradiseisinthisworld,andalsowithoutthis world;andthatGoddwellethinthisworld,and yetiseverywhere;andthesource[orproperty] onlymaketh[oris]thedifference. 117.Fortheangelicalworldismanifestedin

theparadise,butitisapprehendedonlyinthe paradisicalsource[orproperty]viz.inthe[one] element,andnotinthegoingforth,inthe dominionofthefourelements. 118.ForthefourelementsareinaPrincipleof anotherproperty[orsource],alsohaveanother light,viz.thesun.Butinthepureelementthe thingsofthisworldareonlyasafigure,whichis notpalpable;andtherethefourdistinctionsarein one,andthatmakethnodarkness.Andtherethe libertyofGodwithoutnatureshinethintheglance oftheMajesty;butinthefouroutbirthsthereis adarkness,forthethings[thereof]aregrossand palpable. 119.Fortheheaven,whichisadistinction betweenthekingdomofGod,andthekingdomof thisworld,isafirmamentwithallformsofcorporeity, andistheveilonoureyes,forwehavefirmamentaleyes, andthereforewecannotseethekingdomofGod. 120.AndthatistheheavyFallofAdam,that hiseyesandspiritenteredintotheoutward,into thefourelements,intothepalpability,viz.into death,andtheretheywereblindastothekingdom ofGod. 121.Fortheoutward,inthefouroutbirthsout ofthe[pure]element(viz.thesubstanceofthe fourelements),hathabeginningandend,andis corruptible:andthereforeallthingsthatlivein

itmustcorrupt. 122.ForthePrincipleoftheoutwardworld passethawayagain;forithathalimit,sothatit goethintoitsetheragain,andthefourelements intooneagain,andthenGodismanifested,and thevirtueandpowerofGodspringethup,asa paradiseagaininthe[one,eternal]onlyelement;and therethemultiplicityorvarietyofthingscome intooneagain;butthefigureofeverything remainethstandinginthe[one]onlyelement. 123.Forallthingsarecometoacorporeal substance,(to[themanifestationof]God'sworksof wonder),thattheymightbeseeneternallybythe creatures,viz.angelsandmen:which,beforethe timeoftheworld,weremanifestedonlyinthe wisdomofGod,andnowshallstandinsubstantiality inthepresenceofGod. 124.YedearchildrenofGod(inChristJesus) opentheeyesofyourmind:raiseyourmindup outofthisworldintotheelementbeforeGod,[that is,intotheglassysea,orangelicalworld]:andthe creationshallberightlyshewntoyouhere;and letnotthesophistersandjugglersbefoolyou,and leadyouastray. 125.Fortheparadise,whichthesoulsofthe holychildrenofGodgointo,(whenthebody deceaseth),isintheveryplacewherethebody deceaseth:itisalsointheearth,itisinallthefour

elements;notdivided,butentirelyeverywhere. 126.Forinthepureelement(outofwhichthe fourelementsproceed)istheparadise:itisa sproutingoutfromthesubstantialitybeforeGod: itslifeandunderstandingistheHolySpiritof theNumberThreeofGod;itslightistheglance oftheMajestyoftheNumberThree;thematter onlyisabouttheoutward.Whenthefourelements inmanbreak,thenisthesoulalreadyin theparadise,orintheabyssofthecentreinthe darkmatrix,allaccordingtothatwhereinthesoul wasgrowninthis[life]timeuponearth. 127.Ifithavesetitsimagination[resolutionandpurpose] uponGod,thenitisgrowninparadise,andthestuffeddark bodyhathbutcoveredit,duringthis[life]time. 128.Butifitbegrowninthesternwrath,in falsehoodandinpride,toflyoutaboveparadise, thenitfliethinhighmindednessinthestern matrixaloftoverparadiseout,andcannotget inwardsintothemeekness;andthereitisinhell, withtheprouddevil. 129.Forafterthislife,thereisnoregeneration more;forthefourelementsandtheoutward principle(whereinthegenetrixstoodintheworking andcreating)aregone;ithathnomoretoexpect afterthistime,butonly(whenattheendofthis time,thisprincipleshallgointotheether,that thesubstantialitywhichhathbeenfrometernity,

shallbefreeagain)thatitshallgetabodyagain outoftheproperty[andsource]ofitsownmother, wherethenallitsworksinitsmothershallappear beforeit. 130.FortheLastDayisonlytoawakenagain thatwhichslept,andtobreakthedeathwhichis inthefourelements:Fortheveilmustbedone away,andallthatwhichisgeneratedoutofthe eternalmustspringupagainandlive. 131.Butthatwhichisgeneratedoutofthe death,viz.outofthefourelements,asthebeasts, andeverylivingthingofthefourelements,attain nobodyanymore;andifthespiritofitbe generatedonlyinthefourelements,itbreaketh withthefourelementsalso,andthefigureonly remainethoftheelementarysubstance,viz.ofthe fouroutbirths. 132.Butthatwhichisoutoftheeternal(outof thecentreoftheeternallife)isandremainethfor ever:evenallwordsandworkswhicharegenerated outoftheeternal,remaininthesubstanceofthe figure:buttheycannotremainforeverinthe spiritandpower,forawordofaspirit[breath]doth notproceedfromtheeternity,buthathits beginningintheoutwardPrinciple. 133.Andthereforeeveryspiritwillhavejoy andsorrowinitsworksandwordsineternity,all accordingasitisinitsplaceandsource,orproperty.

For,whenthespiritshallconsiderwithitselfits source[orcondition],andwhyitisintheplace whereitis,thenthesourceorpropertyofits wordsandworksascendinit;andgivethitjoyor sorrow,accordingtotheconditionorsourceand placethatitisin,everyonein[thatwhichis]its ownduly. 134.Butyoumustknow,thatthesins,evil worksandwordsofthenewRegenerateinChrist, sproutoutfromthedeathofChrist(intowhichthe childrenofChristareagainenteredfromtheirsins), andshallreceiveanothersource[orproperty]:and inthebeholdingandconsideringofthem,thespirit shallmakeahymnofthankstothepraiseofGod's worksofwonder;asIsaiahsaith,Thoughyour sinswereredasblood(ifyouturn),theyshallbe aswool,whiteassnow.Andyetyoumustknow, thatinthelifetocometheyshallappearinthe figure,butinanothersource[orproperty].Mark this,yechildrenofGod,formuchisherein contained. 135.Fromthisgroundweknow,thatAdamin hisinnocencybeforehissleep,(whichsignifieth death,whenhehadimaginedintothespiritofthe fourelements),wasinthisworldinparadise;and yetitmightwellbesaid,notinthisworld;he wasindeedinthisworlduponthefaceoftheearth, butinaparadisicalsource[orproperty]inthe dominionofthe[onepure]element,andnotinthe fourelements.

136.Butwhenheenteredintothefourelements, heenteredintodeath,andhisbodybecamelikea beast;andtheearthwascursedfromtheLord,so thatitbarenomoreparadisicalfruit:ForAdam wasdrivenout,intotheoutwardPrinciple:and therehemusteatearthlyfruit,andopen[or manifest]thewondersoftheoutwardPrinciple, andsoheinstantlybecameearthly. 137.Forhisbodywasfromtheearth,and createdoutoftheearth,butitwasnotearth,[any morethangoldisearth,thoughitgrowethinthe earth,andproceedethfromtheearth],foritwas ExMatrix,exMassa;[fromthematrix,outof amass];understand,outofthesubstantialityout ofwhichtheearthwasoriginallygeneratedand created.Thepureelementisalsointheearth, asalsoparadise:anditisonlythesource[or property]thatmakeththealteration,whereinthe lightofGodisdetained. 138.AdamwouldbeasGodinallthethree principles;andtheserpentalsopersuadedEveto it,thatifshewouldeatofthefruitoftheearth, sheshouldknowgoodandevil:indeedevilenough; care,misery,andsorrows;inthedeathofthe fourelements. 139.Andtherefore,seeingthefourelements mustbreak,thenceitisthatcorruption [perishableness,transitoriness]isin

man'sbody;andthesoul(whichistakenoutof theeternal)remainethintheeternal:therefore theremustcomeaheavenlybodyoutofthepure elementagain,outofthesubstantiality[whichis] beforeGod,outofthematrixoftheearth,likethe firstbodywhichwasinAdam,andmustreceive[orassume] ourhumansoulintoit,andenterintodeath[sufferdeath], andbringusoutofdeathonthecrossinto theelementagain,intothesubstantialityinthe presenceofGod,inTernariumsanctum[intothe HolyTernary]:ForAdam'ssoulwastakenon thecrossintheeternalcentre,wheretheHeartof Godarisethfrometernity,andwasbreathedinto thecreatedbodyofAdamfromthespiritofGod: andthereforetheHeartofGodmustbecomeman[beincarnate]. 140.AndasAdamwasenteredintotheearthly cross,intothedeathofthefourelements;somust theNewAdam(Christ)sufferhimselftobe hangedontheearthlycross,andenterintothe earthlyelementarydeath;fordeathstickethnot onlyintheearth,butalsointheair,andAdam desiredalsowithhisimagination,not[toenter] intotheearth,butintotheair:helustedafter thespiritofthePrincipleofthisworld;and itlaidholdonhim:Andsohefellalsointo theearth. 141.Forthefourelementsarealtogetherinone another,andtheground[orfoundation]uponwhich theystand,isthefireofthefierceangerofGod, whereinthedevilsdwell,asisabovementioned.

142.AndsotheNewAdam(Christ)must enterintotheabyssofthefourelements,viz.into thehellishfireofthewrath,andpressthrough[orpass] thehellofthewrath,throughdeath,andbring thehumansoulagainintotheparadiseofGod. 143.AndthereforetheNewAdam(Christ) was[temptedor]triedfortydaysinthewilderness, whetherhecouldstandintheparadisicalsource [orproperty],andsoeatonlyparadisicalfruit, whichgrowethinthesource[orproperty]from theessencesofthespiritofGod;andtherehedid eat,exverboDomini[oftheWordoftheLord], andnotatallofthefourelements. 144.Forhedidbearalsotheearthlyimage,and therethenewheavenlymustovercometheearthly, andthesoulmustenteragainintothenew heavenlybody,thattheearthlymaybutonlyhang toit:AndthusalsowasAdamcreatedinthe beginning. 145.Hewastoeatofparadise,whoseproperty shouldruleovertheearthly;andthoughhewas inthefourelements,yethewastoliveinthe pureelement;andthenhemighthavecontinued soeternally;thoughtheoutwardPrincipleshould bebroken,yethewouldhaveremained. 146.Forhewasinparadise,andnotinthefour elements;butwhenheenteredintothem,he

enteredintodeath;andtheangerofGod,inthe abyssofhell,didcaptivatethesoul,whichChrist broughtforthfromthenceagain. 147.Oyechildrenofmen!Markwhatis revealedtoyou,donotaccountitafictionanda history.ItisknowninTernarioSancto,inthe openedsealoftheseventhform,inthecentre, thereforeconsiderwhatitis. 148.Herebyissignifiedtoyouthefinal breakingoftheoutwardPrinciple:Trimyour lamps,thebridegroomisready,histrumpet soundeth,theseventhangelfromthethroneof heavensoundeth:TheMysteriesofthekingdom ofGodshallbeaccomplishedatthetimeofhis sounding;andthenthereisnotimemoreinthe fourelements;butthentheeternaltimeinthe elementinthelifeofGod,andthetimeinthe abyss,goethon. 149.GooutfromthelanguagesinBabel:for weallspeakbutoneonlylanguageinJerusalem. Babelburnethinthefire[orconfoundedChristendom iskindledinwars,contention,andstrife,in famine,andpestilence,intheangerofGod]. Amen.

THESIXTHCHAPTER TheTwoGates:OftheWorld,andalsoof Paradise:mosthighlytobeconsidered. 1.WEhaveshewnyoubefore,thegroundof thelanguageofnature,howAdam gavenamestoeverything,andoutofwhatGod spaketoAdam,viz.outofthelifeofthebirth;as wespeakatthisveryday:andifweconsiderourselves therein,wefindthewholegroundinheaven andinthisworld:andweseeitwellenoughwith earthlybodilyeyes,thatitistrue:weneedno othertestimonythantheGreatBook,heavenand earth,thestarsandelements,togetherwiththesun, whereinwewellknowthesimilitudeoftheDeity. 2.Andyetathousandtimesbetter,inourselves, ifweknowandconsiderourselves;forthespirit givetheverythingitsname,asitstandethin thebirthinitself;andasitformedtheminthe beginning,inthecreation,soitalsoformethour mouth;andastheyaregeneratedoutofthe eternalBeing,andarecometoasubstance,so thehumanwordgoethalsoforthoutfromthe centreofthespirit,inshape,property,andform; anditisnoother,thanthatthespiritmaketh suchasubstance,asthecreationitselfis,whenit expresseththeformofthecreation. 3.Foritformeththewordofthenameofa

thing,inthemouth;asthethingwasinthe creation:AndherebyweknowthatweareGod's children,andgeneratedofGod:forasGodfrom eternityhathhadthesubstanceofthisworldin hisWord,whichhehathalwaysspokeninhis wisdom,sowehaveitinourwordalso;andwe speakitforthinthewondersofhiswisdom. 4.ForGodishimselftheBeingofallBeings, andweareasgodsinhim,throughwhomhe revealethhimself.Weseethatabeastcannot express,[viz.itcannotgiveanythingitsname accordingtoitsproperty],whichisbecauseit comethnotoutfromtheeternity,asmandoth; itbleatethandbarketh,astheformoftheoutbirth ofthefourelementsis,andhathnohigher spiritthantheelementsare,thoughtheirflitting senses[orperceptions]arefromtheconstellations, whichyetaredumb[orinarticulate],andwithout comprehension[orexpression]ofanysubstance. 5.Now,therefore,wewillsetbeforeyouthe groundoftheheavens,thestarsandelements, fundamentally;thatyoumayyetseewhatis heavenly,andwhatisearthly;whatistransitory andmortal,andwhatiseternalandpermanent. Towhichendonlywehavepurposedtoourselves towritethisbook;nottoboastofourhighknow ledge,whichisinGod,andisnoworldlyprofitto us,butoutoflove,inChrist,asaservant,and ministerofChrist;toseekthelostsheepofthe houseoftheIsraelofGod.

6.FortheLordhathboththewillingandthe doinginhishands;weareabletodonothing; alsoourearthlyreasonunderstandethnothing: weareyieldedintoourmother'sbosom,anddo asthemothershewethus.Weknownotofany bodyelse,wearenotbornwithit,fromthewisdom ofthisworld;neitherdoweunderstandit;but whatisbestoweduponus,thatwebestowagain; andwehavenootherpurposeherein,neitherdo weknowtowhatend[wemustwritethesehigh things],butmerelywhatthespiritshewethus, thatwesetdown. 7.Andthuswelabourinourvineyard,into whichtheMaster[OrFather]ofthehousehathputus; hopingalsotoeatofthepleasantsweetgrapes, whichindeedwehaveveryoftenreceivedoutof theparadiseofGod.Wewillsospeakasfor[the useof]many,andyetwethinkwewriteitbut forourselves;allwhichishiddeninGod:forthe fierydrivingwillhaveitso,asifwedidspeakof andformany;andyetIknownothingofit. 8.Thereforeifitshouldhappentoberead,let noneaccountitforaworkofoutwardreason; forithathproceededfromtheinwardhiddenman, accordingtowhichthishandhathwrittenwithout respectofanyperson. 9.AndthereforeweexhorttheReader,thathe willenterintohimself,andbeholdhimselfinthe

inwardman;andthenweshallbeverysweetand acceptabletohim;thiswespeakseriouslyand faithfully. 10.Whenweconsiderourselvesrightly,inthis knowledge,weseeclearly,thathithertowehave beenlockedup,andledasitwereblindfold;and itiseventhewiseofthisworld,whohaveshut andbarredusupintheirartandreason,sothat wemust[betiedto]seewiththeireyes,bothin philosophyandtheology. 11.Andthisspirit,whichhathsolongledus captive,maywellbecalledtheAntichrist.Ifind noothername,inthelightofnature,bywhichIcan callit,buttheAntichristinBabel. 12.Observeitwell,andyoushallseeitriding; itshallrightlybeshewntoyou,youneedno spectacles,oracademy[toseeitwithall]:It ridethoverthewholeworld,inallcorners,cities, townsandvillages,overbodyandsoul:andtherefore theangelintheRevelationbiddethus,Go outfromit. 13.Itissoproud,thatitridethaloftover heavenandearth;yea,overtheDeity:itis[like] aking[orqueen]ridingoverthePrincipleofthisworld, andoverhell.Butwhitherwiltthouride,thou proudwoman?WhenthisPrinciplebreaketh,thou artthenwithoutGod,withalldevils.Whydost thounotstayhereamongthechildren?

14.OAdam!ifthouhadstnotmountedupon theproudbeast,thouhadstremainedwiththe childrenofGodinparadise:"Whatdothitavail thee,thouthatridestinastrangePrinciple,over God?WereitnotbetterforyoutobeinGod? Whatavailethyourastralwit,thatyourideas yourowngodinpride?Youridemerelyindeath: Whowillbringyououtfromthence,ifyoulight notofffromyourbeast?Thereisnone,neither inheavennorinthisworld,thatcanbringyou outfromthence,butonlyalowlysimpleslain lamb,whohathnotthewisdomofthisworld. Howwillyougetout,whenyourideupona dragon?Thelambfleethbeforethybeast,itwill notbringtheeintoitspasture. 15.Ifyoulightoff,andpulloffyourdressing, andgointheformofachildtothelamb,then youmaycatchit,itgoethwillinglywithyou,if youplaylikeachildwithitinsimplicity;you mustnotrideuponit:Butifyou[offerto]ride uponit,itfleethfromyou,andyoufindnotits pasture.Neithercanyoulightoffyourbeast,it willnotletyou,itholdethyoufast,unlessyou hearthebleating[orvoice]ofthelamb;atwhich thebeasttrembleth,andfallethtotheground; andthenyoumayflee[orgooutfromBabel]. Ifyouunderstandnotthis,youareheldfastby thebeast,andyourideinBabelintheconfusion. 16.Mydearseekingandhungrymind,ifyou

wouldfainbereleasedfromthebeast,consider whatwehereshallshewyou;wewillnotpush withhorns,andcastyouwiththedragonintothe abyss.Dobutlightoff,andinclineyourearto thevoiceofthelamb;goforthfromyouroutward man,intotheinwardman,andsoyoushallcome toyourtruenativecountry,intoParadise. 17.Thedesirousseekershavefoundoutmany difficultthings,andbroughtthemtolight,and alwaysthoughttofindthepearlofthecreation ofthisworld;andithadbeenmuchnearerfound, butthatthetimeoftheseventhsealorangelwas notyetcome;thesixangelsmustfirstsoundtheir trumpets,andpourforththeirvials:therefore noneshouldcontemnanother,forheknoweth notunderwhatvoiceeveryonehathbeen:only thatiscometopass,whichshouldcometopass. 18.Yeteveryonehathbeenfree[oratliberty] togooutfromtheseal:fortheSunofRighteousness hathshone,fromtheeasttothewest:If anyhaveimmersedhimselfinthedarkness,God isnottobeblamedforit. 19.ThelawofGod,andalsothewaytolife, iswritteninourhearts:Itliethinnoman's suppositionandknowing,norinanyhistorical opinion,butinagoodwillandwelldoing.The willleadethustoGod,ortothedevil;itavaileth notwhetherthouhastthenameofaChristian, salvationdothnotconsisttherein.

20.AHeathenandaTurkisasneartoGod, asthou,whoartunderthenameofChrist:if thoubringestforthafalseungodlywillinthy deeds[leadawickedlife],thouartasmuchwithoutGod, asaHeathenthathathnodesirenorwilltoGod. 21.AndifaTurkseekGodwithearnestness, thoughhewalkinblindness,yetheisofthe numberofthosethatarechildrenwithoutunder standing;andhereachethtoGodwiththechildren whichdonotyetknowwhattheyspeak:forit liethnotintheknowing,butinthewill[purposeandresolution]. 22.WeareallblindconcerningGod;butif weputourearnestwillintoGod[andgoodness],anddesirehim, thenwereceivehimintoourwill;sothatwe areborninhiminourwill.Forbythewillthis worldwasmade,alsoourlifeandallourdoing standinthewill. 23.Ordoyousupposewespeakwithoutknowledge, andalone[byourselves]?No;theBook oftheRevelationofJesusChristshewethusthat theinnermostcourt[choir]ofthetempleshallbecast out,andgiventotheHeathen,whoknownotthe nameofChrist,butpresswithearnestnessinto God,andsotheycometohimignorantly. 24.AndthisisthatwhichIsaiahsaith;Iam foundofthemthatsoughtmenot,neitherdid theyenquireafterme.FormyName,the

LORD[Jehovah],wasnotrevealeduntothem:andthus theyarechildrennotinname,butinwill:But whenthedrivergoethawaytohisownplace,then welivetogetheraschildren,withourFatherAdam (inChrist),outofwhoseloins,life,andspirit,we areallpropagated,andbegottentolifethrough Christ. 25.Ordostthouboastofthycalling,thatthou artaChristian,oraJew?Indeed,letthyconversation beaccordingly,orelsethouartbuta Heatheninthewillandinthedeed.Hethat knowethhisMaster'sWillanddothitnot,must receivemanystripes. 26.OrdostthounotknowwhatChristsaid concerningthetwosons;whenthefathersaidto oneofthem,goanddosuchathing,andhesaid hewould;andtheothersaidno.Andthefirst wentawayanddiditnot;buttheotherthatsaid no,wentawayanddidit,andsoperformedthe willofhisfather;andtheotherthatwasunder thenameofobedience,[orwhoinwordwas obedient,orhadthenametobeso],diditnot. 27.Andweareallsuch,oneandother,webear thenameofChrist,andarecalledChristians, andarewithinhiscovenant:wehavesaidyes, wewilldoit;buttheythatdoitnot,are unprofitableservants,andlivewithoutthewill oftheFather.

28.ButiftheTurks(asalsotheJews)dothe Father'swill,whosaytoChristNo,andknowhim not,WhoisnowtheirJudge,tothrustthemout fromthewilloftheFather?IsnottheSonthe HeartoftheFather?Andthen,iftheyhonour theFather,theylayholdalsoonhisHeart:for without,orbeyondhisHeart,thereisnoGod. 29.Ordostthousuppose,thatIconfirm[encourage]them intheirblindness,thattheyshouldgoonasthey do?No:Ishewtheethyblindness,Othouthat bearestthe.nameofChrist!Andthoujudgest others,andyetdostthesamethingwhichthou judgestinothers,andsothouwilfullybringest thejudgmentofGoduponthyself. 30.HEthatsaith,Loveyourenemies,dowell tothemthatpersecuteyou,dothnotteachyouto judgeanddespise;butheteachethyoutheway ofmeekness:youshouldbealighttotheworld, thatHeathensmightseebyyourworksthatyou arethechildrenofGod. 31.Ifweconsiderourselvesaccordingtothe trueman,whoisatruesimilitudeandimageof God,thenwefindGodinus,andourselveswithout God.Andtheonlyremedyconsistethherein, Thatweenteragainintoourselves,andenterinto God,inourhiddenman.Ifweinclineourwills intrueearnestsinglenesstoGod,thenwegowith Christoutofthisworld,outfromthestarsand elements,andenterintoGod;forinthewillof

reasonwearechildrenofthestarsandelements, andthespiritofthisworldrulethoverus. 32.Butifwegooutfromthewillofthisworld, andenterintoGod,thenthespiritofGodruleth inus,andestablishethusforhischildren;and thenalsothegarlandofparadiseissetuponthe soul;andthenitbecomethachildwithoutunderstanding astothisworld,foritloseththemaster [orruler]ofthisworld,whoformerlyruleditand leditinreason. 33.OMan!Considerwholeadethanddriveth thee;foreternallywithoutendisverylong: temporalhonourandgoodsarebutdrossand dunginthesightofGod:itallfallethintothe gravewiththee,andcomethtonothing:Butto beinthewillofGodiseternalrichesandhonour: there,thereisnomorecare;butourmother carethforus,inwhosebosomweliveaschildren. 34.Thytemporalhonouristhysnare[pitfall],and thymiseryindivinehope[andconfidence]isthy gardenofroses:Patienceisapreciousherb;0 howgloriouslywiltthoubecrowned!Whatis brighterthanthesun?Andyetthoushaltbefar brighter;thouwiltobtainagarlandinTernario Sancto,[viz.intheangelicalworld,intheeternal essentiality,beforetheHolyTrinity]. 35.Ordostthousupposeagain,thatwespeak historically?No,wespeaktheverylife,inour

ownknowledge[orexperience];notinanopinion fromthemouthofanother,butfromourown mouth:weseewithourowneyes;whichwe boastnotof,forthepoweristhemother's;but weexhortthee,toenterintothebosomofthe mother,andlearnalsotoseewiththyowneyes: solongasyousufferyourselvestoberockedina cradle,anddesiretheeyesofothers,[whichare strangeeyesinrespectofyourown],youareblind. Butifyouriseupfromthecradle,andgotothe mother,thenyoushallseethemotherandher children. 36.Ohowgooditistoseewithone'sowneyes. Onethatisblind,andseethnotthelightofthis world,isaccountedasonethatisasleepand dreameth:forhehearethofthepompofthe world,butheknowethitnot:heapprehendethit byhearsay,andmanytimesthinkethitisbetter, orworse,thanitis,becauseheseethitnot,andso imaginethitbythatwhichissaid;buthethat seeththelight,hespeakethaccordingtothetruth, forheapprehendeththethingasitis. 37.SoalsoIsay,weareallasleepintheoutward man;welieinthecradle,andsufferourselves toberockedasleepbyreason;weseewith theeyesofthedissimulationofourhypocrites, whohangbellsandbaublesaboutourearsand cradles,thatwemaybelulledasleep,oratleast playwiththeirbaubles;thattheymaybelords andmastersinthehouse.

38.Oblindreason!Riseupfromthycradle: artthounotachildofthemother,andanheirto thegoods;and,moreover,achildandlordofthe house:whysufferestthouthyservantsthustouse thee?Christsaith,IamtheLightoftheWorld, hethatfollowethme,shallhavethelightofthe eternallife.Hedothnotdirectustotheflattering hypocrites,murderers,andcontenders;but onlytohimself:weshouldsee(withtheinward eyes)inhislight,andsoweshouldseehim,forhe isthelight:whenweseehim,thenwewalkinth light:HeistheMorningStar,andisgeneratedin us,andrisethinus,andshinethinourBodily Darkness. 39.Ohowgreatatriumphisthereinthesoul, whenheariseth!thenamanseethwithhisown eyes,andknoweththatheisinastrangelodging. Concerningwhichwewillherewrite,whatwesee andknowinthelight. 40.Wearechildrenoftheeternity:Butthis worldisanoutbirthoutoftheeternal;andits palpabilitytakethitsoriginalintheanger,the eternalnatureisitsroot.Butthatwhichisan outbirthiscorruptible,becauseithathnotbeen frometernity:anditmustallreturnintothe eternalessences,[outofwhichitwasborn]. 41.Thestarsareoutofthecentreofnature, theyaretheessencesofthesevenformsofnature,

andfromeachformtheregoethanother[form], allfrom[causedby]thewrestlingwheelofnature; andthereforetheyaresovariousandnumberless,inour account:Thoughindeedthereisacertainnumber ofthem,wherebyweknowthattheymustenter againintotheether. 42.Forintheeternalcentrethereisnonumber [ormeasure],butitistheomnipotenceinthe springingupwithoutnumber;forthatwhichcan benumberedorcomprehended,isnoteternal;it hathabeginningandend:Butweknowthatthe spiritandsoulofmanhathnobeginningandend, norcanitbenumbered[ormeasured]:whichwe understandbytheconstellationsofthemind,from whencesomanythoughtsarise,whicharenumberless; foroutofonethought,inawhile,theremay goforthmanymore,asmanyasthestarsinthe firmament,whereinwehighlyknowoureternity, anddomosthighlyrejoicethatweknowit. 43.Understandusrightly,howthisworldis, inthegroundandfoundationofit.Theeternal centre,andthebirthoflife,andthesubstantiality, areeverywhere.Ifyoumakeasmallcircle,as smallasalittlegrain,[orkernelofseed],there isthewholebirthoftheeternalnature,andalso theNumberThreeinTernariosancto[contained] therein:butyouincludenot,norcomprise,the eternalnature,muchlesstheNumberThree;but youcomprehendtheoutbirthofthecentre:the eternalnatureisincomprehensible,asGodalsois.

44.WhenItakeupanythingandcarryitaway, Idonotcarryawaytheeternity,muchlessGod: andyettheeternityisinthatverything,butthe thingisoutborn,andstirrethnottheeternity; andthatwhichisoutborncomprehendethnot theeternity,buttheeternitycomprehendeththat whichisoutborn,thoroughly,withoutstirring;for theeternity,asalsotheDeity,isinoneplaceas wellasinanother,[everywhere]:forthereisno place[intheeternity],buttheoutbirthmaketha placeandroom.ThereforeGodsaith,IamAand O,theBeginningandtheEnd. 45.Thiswordmakethabeginning,andGodin theNumberThree[notwithoutit]isthebeginning, anditalsomakethanend,andthatistheeternity, andalsoGod:Forbefore[thetimeof]thisworld therewasnothingbutGod,frometernity;and afterthisworld,therewillbenothingbutGod,in eternity:butthecausewhywecomprehendnot this,isbecausethereisnocomprehensibilityin God.Forwherethereisacomprehensibility[as thereisintheTrinity]thereisbeginningandend. Andthereforeweareshutupindarkness,that wemightlabourandmanifestGod;aswehave mentionedtoyouconcerningthesevenformsof nature,whataneternallabourthereistherein,so thatoneformgeneratethanother,tilltheyareall broughttolight,andsotheeternalismanifestin athreefoldform,whichotherwisewouldnotbe known.

46.Andwedeclareuntoyou,thattheeternal Being,andalsothisworld,islikeman:The eternitygeneratethnothingbutthatwhichislike itself;forthereisnothinginitbutislikeit,and itisunchangeable,orelseitwouldpassaway,or itwouldcometobesomeotherthing,andthat cannotbe. 47.Andasyoufindmantobe,justsois theeternity:considermaninbodyandsoul,in goodandevil,injoyandsorrow,inlightand darkness,inpowerandweakness,inlifeanddeath: Allisinman,bothheavenandearth,stars,and elements;andalsotheNumberThreeofthe Deity;neithercantherebeanythingnamed thatisnotinman;allcreatures(bothinthis world,andintheangelicalworld)areinman. Allofus,togetherwiththewholeessenceofall essences,arebutonebody,havingmanymembers, eachmemberwhereofisatotal:andeachmember hathbutoneseveral[peculiar,singular,individual facultyoroffice]work. 48.OMan!seekthyself,andthoushaltfind thyself.Behold!thywholeman[consistethof] ThreePrinciples,onewhereofisnotwithoutthe other,oneofthemisnotbesideorabovetheother, buttheyareinoneanotherasone,andtheyare butonething;butaccordingtothecreationthey arethree.

49.Youwillsay,howcanthatbe?Adam's soulwasoutoftheeternalwill,outofthecentre ofnature,uponthecrossoftheNumberThree, wherelightanddarknessdopart;understand,he wasnotadividedsparkle,asapieceofthewhole, forheisnopiece,buttotallyall,asthereisatotal ineverypunctum[pointoratom]. 50.Nowtheeternalcentremakeththeeternal substantiality,(viz.thesinkingdownandspringing up,whencethestirringoftheelementsdotharise, asalsopenetrationandmultiplication,whereas thereisonlysuchakindofspirit),andthesubstantiality isthebody,andaweakness,foritisa sinkingdown,andthespiritisthespringingup. 51.Nowthespiritcreatedthesubstantiality intoanimage,likethecrossoftheNumberThree, andbreathedinthespiritoftheNumberThree, viz.himself,andsotheimageexisted:andthen instantly,outofthesubstantialityoftheimage, spranguptheblossomoftheessences,whichis calledparadise:andthusstoodtheimageinthe angelicalworld. 52.Andsothereisnothinglessintheimage, thaninthecentreofnature,viz.theoriginalof sourness,wrathfulness,andoffire,alsoallthe formsofnature;whatsoeverwasseenfrometernity inthewisdom,thatwasallinthisimage;alsothe powertolightanddarkness;andthewisdom stoodinthelightoftheimage,whereinstandall

theeternalwonders,eventheimageofevery creature,inthesinkingdownofdeath,andinthe source[orproperty]oftheparadisicallife. 53.Thisweunderstandtobethematrixofthe genetrixinthedarkness;viz.thatoutofwhich angelsanddevilscometobe;asisabovementioned. Thissource[orproperty]waswhollyintheimage, foritwasawholesimilitudeoftheeternalBeing; asMoseswritethconcerningit,thatGodmade man[tobe]hisimage:sothatitmaybesaid,(ifone didseemanstandinginparadise),hereisthe wholeeternitymanifestedinanimage,tospeak inacreaturelymannerofit;andyetitissotruly andrightlyintheunderstanding. 54.Now,asLucifer,byhisflyingout,inthe sourceofthefire,imaginedbeyondthestillmeek NumberThreeabovethecrossintheMajesty,and soawakenedtohimselfthematrixofthefirein himself,andkindledthematrixofnature;which kindlingbecamecorporeal,andwasinstantly togethercreatedbytheVerbumFiat,wherealso thesecondformofthematrix,viz.themeekness ofthesubstantiality,waskindledtogetherwith it,outofwhichwatercametobe,whichwas madeanheaven,(bywhichthefirewascaptivated), outofwhichthestarsweregenerated;so youmustunderstandalso,that[man,]theimageofGod thusimagined[orlusted]aftertheawakenedlife,viz.after theawakenedspiritoftheair;indeedtheairwas togetherbreathedintohim,butthespirit[man's]ofthe

centreshouldoverruleit,astheHolySpiritover [ruleth]thisworld:forheshouldliveinthe power[orvirtue]ofGod,andbealordoverthefour elements,butinthefalltheybecamehislord. AndnowifhewouldliveinGod,hemustenter intohimselfagain,andlikewiseleavetheoldbody tothefourelements,andmust,inhimself,be borninGod.Andsohewasinstantlyalso captivatedbytheairoftheoutbirth,andthen thestars,elements,heaven,hell,death,andlife, wroughttogetherinhim. 55.Butseeingthereisafirmamentcreated, betweenGodandthedominionofthisworld,by thespiritofGod,thereforemaniscomposedof threeparts,(viz.ThreePrinciples,)Oneisthe hiddenDeity,whichstandethinthefirmamentof heaven,initself,asaPrincipleofitsown;the Secondisthedominionofthisworld,viz.the starsandelements;andtheThirdistheabyssof theimage,andalsotheabyssofthisworld,viz. thewrath,orthematrixofnature,outofwhich allthingsareproceeded. 56.Andnowtheimage,viz.man,isinthe midst,viz.betweenthekingdomofGod,andthe kingdomofhell;betweenloveandanger:andto whichofthesetwospiritsheyieldeth,its[servant] heis.

57.Andthoughmancasthimselfintothe

anger,yettheDeitylosethnothing;forthefirst breathingin,viz.thespiritofGoditself,hathits Principletoitself,andisnottouchedbytheanger; justastheNumberThreedwellethinthemidstof theanger,andyettheangerstirrethitnot,nor knowethit,thereinisneitherfeelingnorseeing. 58.Fortheimagestirreththesourceofthe anger:andthefirstinbreathedspiritspringeth upintheimage,inthefiercenessofpride;according asithathbuiltupitselfinthis[life]time; andyetthefirstinbreathedformlosethnothing. Forthatsource[orproperty]isnotintheimage; butitgoethbackagainintoitsPrinciple,withthe beauteousVirginofwisdom:andtheimageof mancomethtobetheimageoftheserpent. 59.Forasthespiritis,soisthebody,andin whatwillthespiritflieth,insuchaformandsource [orproperty]itfigureththebodyalso. 60.Soweknownow,thatallcomethoutofone onlyfountain,andthatthepalpablesubstanceof thisworldhathhadabeginning,andthereforeit isalsomortal;forwhatsoeverisnotfrometernity ismortal. 61.Butthattheimageofmanmightsubsist, (whichalsohathabeginningastothebody),therefore Godisbecomeman,anddwellethagaininthe soul,andthesoulattainethagainthefirstimage withoutthisworld;yetthoseonly,whowiththe

spiritofthesoulinclinethemselvestoGod:and hereitmaybesaid,Wemustbebornanew,orbe losteternallyinhell,and[thrustout]fromGod. 62.Thuswesaywith[good]ground,thatthe starryheaven,viz.theThirdPrincipleofthis world,wascreatedalsoasatotalbody,havinga circumscription,andstandethjustlikethecentre ofnature;whatsoeverthouseestinthisgreatcircumference, thesameisalsointhesmallestcircle[orpoint]: andthewholePrincipleofthisworldoutwardly,is onlyamanifestationanddiscoveryoftheeternity inGod.Ithathitsrising,station[formorsubsistence], andgenerating,liketheeternalnature;andastheeternal naturedothalwaysgenerateitself,andhathitsoriginal frometernitytoeternity,justsoisthisvisible dominionofthisworldgeneratedandcreated. 63.Forithathahighroundcircumference,like acircle,andtherestandtheconstellations:and afterthat,thegreatdeep,whichresembleththe eternallibertyofGod:nowthesevenplanetsare inthedeep,whichresemblethesevenspiritsof nature,andthestars[resembletheeffectsor]essences proceedingoutofthespiritsofnature:andthe sunisthemiddlemostoftheplanets,whichmaketh thefourquartersoftheworld,anditstandethin thepoint,asinacross, andresembleththeHeart ofGod:Itslustreinthedeepresembleththe MajestyofGod,whereGoddwellethinhimself, andiscomprehendedbynothing:andthereis nothingofhimseenbuttheMajesty,wherethe

centreofnatureisknowninallheavenlyimages outoftheeternal. 64.Theearthresembleththesinkingdownof theeternaldeathinthedarkmatrix:andyet thereisnodeaththerein,butaspringingforthof thefierceessences:andthusitresemblethaformin thecentre,andapeculiarselfdominion,andisa figure[ortype]ofhell:asahiddendominionin thedarkness. 65.Andastheearth,incomparisonofthe upperdominion,iscountedasadeath,sothefierce matrixoftheanger,isasadeathincomparison ofGod:andyetthereisnodeathineither,but aneternallifeinatwofoldsource,[orproperty; viz.thelifeineternaljoy,andthelifeineternal torment]. 66.Andnowweseethatthesunmakeththe greatdeepabovetheearthlovely,friendly,pleasant, anddelightful;orelsetherewouldbenoother [rule,influence,or]dominioninthedeep,thanis intheearth:forifthesunshouldgoout,there wouldbeaneternaldarkness,andthefiercesour astringencywouldmakeallhard,rough,andharsh, andtherewouldbeaneternalcoldness.And althougheverythingdidmovetogetherlikea wheel,yettherewouldbenothingseenbutaflash offire. 67.Thuswegiveyoutounderstandconcerning

theabyssofhell,thatitisinthisworld:and thesunonlyisthecauseofthewaters,which aretheheaveninthedeep.Moreover,bythe sun,theHeartofGodmaybeunderstood,outof whichthelightoftheMajestyshineth:forthe wholecentreoftheeternitywouldbedark,ifthe lightfromtheHeartofGoddidnotshinetherein. 68.ButitisnotsowiththeHeartofGod,as withthesun,thatitshouldbeaglobe,standingin oneplaceonly:No,ithathnocircumscription, [circumference],orplace;alsoithathnobeginning, andyetislikearoundglobe,yetnotaround circle,butitisasitwereparted[divided]or open;foritisasaroundcrosswheel,likea wholerainbow,whichyetappearethasitwere parted. 69.Forthewholecrossisitsparting,andyetit iswhole;butthecentreofnature,(viz.theWord oftheLord,VerbumDomini,theWordofthe Father),istherethecentreofthecross.Thecross everywheresignifieththeNumberThree:where thenbeneathblueappeareth,whichsignifieththe substantiality;inthemiddleappearethred,which signifieththeFatherintheglanceoffire;next[under] whichappearethyellow,whichsignifieththelight andlustreoftheMajestyofGodtheSon;andthe duskybrown[orpurple],withthemixtureofallforms, signifieththeotherkingdomofdarknessinthe fire,inwhichLuciferdidsoaraloft[flyout]aboveGod, anddidnotlayholdontheMajestyandHeartof

God. 70.AnduponsuchabowwillChrist,theSon ofMan,appearatthelastjudgment;forsohe sittethintheMajestyoftheNumberThree,in TernarioSancto:understand,theangelicalworld [intheeternalsubstantiality]andparadise. 71.Thusknow,thatallthisisnotdivided,nor isitthusinoneplacealone;butthisform[or manner]appearethinitsPrincipleeverywhere.If thouconceivestasmall,minutecircle,assmallas agrainofmustardseed,yettheHeartofGodis whollyandperfectlytherein:andifthouartborn inGod,thenthereis,inthyself,(inthecircleof thylife),thewholeHeartofGodundivided:and theSonofMan(Christ)sitteththus(inthecircle ofthylife,upontherainbow,inTernarioSancto) attherighthandofGod:andthusthouarthis child,whomhehathregeneratedinhim[inChrist]; asalsoChrist'smemberandbody,whereinhe dwelleth;hisbrother,hisflesh,andspirit;anda childofGodtheFatherinhim,Godinthee,and thouinGod;power,might,majesty,heaven, paradise,element,stars,andearth,allisthine. Thouartin(Christ)over[orabove]hellanddevils. 72.Butinthisworld,withthyearthlylife, thouartunderheaven,stars,andelements,also underhellanddevils;allrulethinthee,and overthee.

73.Thereforeconsiderthyself,andgoforth [fromthyself]:itisofhighconcernment;we speakwhatweknow,andwhatwemustspeak,for weoughtnottospeakotherwiseoftheeternity, unlessweshouldspeakasifithadabeginning, whereasthereisnoneintheeternity. 74.Anddonotthinkthatmankindhathsucha beginning,aswemustsayofourselves,accordingto thecreation:no,theimagehathappearedinGod frometernityinthevirginofwisdom;butnotin substance[ordistinction];itwasnowoman,nor man,butitwasboth;asAdamwasboth,before Evewas,which[divideddistinction]signifieththe earthly,andalsothebestialman;fornothing subsistethineternity,unlessithathbeenfrom eternity. 75.OyechildrenofGod,opentheeyesofyour inwardman,andseerightly:Ifyoubenewborn inGod,thenyouputonthatveryeternalimage, andthemanChristisbecomemaninthatvery image,viz.intheeternalvirgin;fornomortal virginispure;andhewasconceivedbytheHoly Spiritinapurevirgin,andinrespectofoursoul whichheshouldassume,heisalso[becomeman] inthemortalvirgin:forMaryhadalltheThree Principlesinher:andtheimageoftheeternal virginconsistedinthedivineandeternalsubstantiality; itwasindeedwithoutsubstance,butinthe manChrist,itcametobeasubstance.

76.Wedonotsayconcerningtheoutward VirginMary,thatshewasnotthedaughterof JoachimandAnna;astheancientshaveerred,to whomthelightofGodhathnotsoshone,because theysoughttheirownprofittherein. 77.ForMarywasbegottenoftheseedof JoachimandAnna,likeotherpersons;butshe wastheblessedamongwomen:inhertheeternal virgin,inTernarioSancto,whichwasfrom eternity,discovereditself:notthatitenteredinto herfromwithout;no,itisquiteotherwise.Here Godandmanbecameoneagain:WhatAdamlost, washererevivedagain;understanditrightly: TheWordoftheLord,VerbumDomini,theWord oftheFatheronthecross,cameintoMary,understand, intotheearthlyMary. 78.Now,wheretheWordis,thereis[also]the virgin[orwisdomofGod];fortheWordisinthe wisdom:andtheoneisnotwithouttheother,or elsetheeternitywouldbedivided. 79.AndnowwhentheWordinMary,inher fleshandblood,enteredintohermatrix,thenthe Fiatwasinthematrix,butitdidnotinone momentcreateacompleteearthlyman,nora heavenlyeither;butitbegantheIncarnation[or becomingman];forthedivinenatureisneither augmentednordiminished,butisalwayscomplete. 80.Butnowthis,thattheeternalvirgin,

thatwaswithoutsubstance,gaveinitselftogether withthebecomingman[orIncarnation],andthe truesoulofChristwasoutofMary'sessences, conceivedintheeternalvirgin:andintheeternal virgin,Godbecameman,andsotheeternalvirgin cameintosubstantiality,foritgatthehumansoul intoit.ThusthehumansoulofChriststoodin theearthlyessences,asalsointhevirginofthe eternalwisdominTernarioSancto,intheTrinity ofGod:fortheWordoftheLordwasinit[orher,thevirgin], andGodandmanbecameoneperson. 81.Inthisperson[whichwasGodandman] werealltheThreePrinciplesopen,undivided;the virgin,inTernarioSancto,giveththeheavenly body,andMarytheearthly[body]:andtheWord wasinthecentreuponthecross,intheNumber Three;whereaswesaythattheWordisbecome flesh,anditisso. 82.Behold!thevirginofeternityhathnoflesh, norhathhadanyfrometernity,(exceptinAdam beforetheFall,whichafterwardscametobe earthly),butittookhumanfleshuponit:understand [itthus],theWord,togetherwiththe wholeDeity,wasinthevirgin:Forwithout theWordtherewerenounderstandinginthe eternalvirgin. 83.ForthespiritofGodwasintheWord,and hewastheunderstanding,buttheWordwasasa heavenlyfigure,afigureoftheNumberThree;but

notintheworking;asindeedthefleshworketh not,butthespiritintheflesh[worketh]. 84.AndthelivingWord,whichdwellethinthe eternalvirgin,attractedtoitthefleshofMary; understanditthus,theWordattractedtheflesh, (viz.theessences[orfaculties]outofthebodyof Mary)intotheeternalvirgin:andsoinnine monthstherewasacompleteman,withsoul,spirit, andflesh. 85.AndthustheperishedsoulofAdam,in thebodyofMary,wasagainsetintheeternal humanity,fortheWorddweltinChrist'sflesh, andassumedthesoulinhim. 86.NotthatthesoulandtheWordisoneand thesamesubstance:No,thesoulisoutofthe centreofnature,generatedoutoftheessences,and itbelongethtothebody:foritgoethforthfromthe essencesofthebody,anditattractethcorporeity toit:ButtheWordisoutofthecentreofthe Majesty,andattractethMajestytoit. 87.TheWordiswithoutsubstance,andthe soulisoutofthesubstance,itisthespiritof thesubstance,outofthecentreoftheFather; orelseitcouldnotinAdamhavegoneforth fromtheWord;notthatthewordandthesoul standonebyanotherliketwopersons;No,the Wordpenetrateththroughthesoul:andoutof theWord,theMajestyshineth,viz.thelight

oflife:Andthesoulisfreeofitself,foritis acreature. 88.Igiveyouanearthlysimilitudeofthis. Beholdabrightflamingpieceofiron,whichof itselfisdarkandblack,andthefiresopenetrateth andshineththroughtheiron,thatitgivethlight. Now,theirondothnotceasetobe;itisironstill: andthesource[orproperty]ofthefireretaineth itsownpropriety:itdothnottaketheironintoit, butitpenetrateth[andshineth]throughtheiron; anditisironthenaswellasbefore,freeinitself: andsoalsoisthesource[orproperty]ofthefire: insuchamanneristhesoulsetintheDeity:the Deitypenetrateththroughthesoul,anddwelleth inthesoul,yetthesouldothnotcomprehendthe Deity,buttheDeitycomprehendeththesoul,but dothnotalterit[frombeingasoul],butonly givethitthedivinesource[orproperty]ofthe Majesty. 89.Andsoifthesoulinclinethitselftothe divinesource[orproperty,]thenitstayethinthe MajestyofGod,forthesource[orproperty] betokeneththeWord,andtheglance[betokeneth] theMajesty:andthatwhichproceedethfromthe source[orproperty],asheatoutofthefire,that betokeneththeHolySpirit. 90.Butnow,iftheflamingironbecast,orfall, intothewater,thenthepropertyofthefire,the. glanceandtheheatwhichproceedethfromit,are

allquenchedtogether;thusitisalsowithAdam: hecasthimselfoutfromtheMajestyofGod(with hiswill)intothespiritofthisworld,andsohe wentfromGod. 91.NotthatGodwentout[wasextinguished]inhim, liketheflamingoftheiron:No,thatcannotbe; it[theglanceorMajesty]shinetheternally: GodcontinuethinhisPrinciple, andAdamwentoutfromit:IfAdam'swillhad continuedinGod,hewouldhavecontinuedthe childofGod,andGodwouldhavecontinuedinhis will,andsothemajestywouldhaveshonethrough thewill. 92.ButhewentoutfromthewillofGod,into thisworld,andsowascaptivatedbytheworld, death,devils,andhell,andtheydweltinAdam. 93.Adamwasinthisworld,dwellinginthe elements,andGodbreathedtheairalsointohis nostrils:butheshouldnothaveputhiswillinto it,toeatofearthlyfruit,whichmakethearthly flesh.ThatwashisFall,thathedideatearthly fruit;andthereforehisessencesalsobecame earthly;andthesoulbecamecaptivatedbythe earthlydominion. 94.AndtheretheWordoftheLordsaidtothe soul,Adam,whereartthou?Andhisbodydid hideitself;soverymuchashamedwasthepoor soul:andAdamsaid,Iamnaked;theprecious

heavenlyvirgin(whichhewasclothedwithal)was lost,asalso,thelightoftheMajesty;andAdam waswithouttheWord. 95.Ohowterribleisittothosethatunderstand it,thesoultremblethatit,anditmaywellbe afraidofthiscaptivity,whenthepoorsoulmust becaptivatedbythedevil,andmustswimin[the lakeof]God'sanger.Andthisisthecausewhy Godbecameman,thathemightbringusagain,in TernariumSanctum,intotheangelicalworld. 96.AndasweareallwithAdam,goneout fromGod,forwehaveallAdam'ssoulandflesh, soGodhathregeneratedusallinChrist;andin Christthedivinekingdomstandethopen,every onethatwillmayenterin,whosoeverputtethhis willawayfromhimself,andputtethitintoChrist, andlettethallworldlyreasongo,thoughithave neversofairalustre,shallberegeneratedinChrist: andhissoulattaineththeeternalfleshagain,in whichGodbecameman,anincomprehensibleflesh, ofeternalsubstantiality. 97.TheoldAdamical[ormortal]fleshofdeathcometh nottobeheavenlyflesh:No,itbelongethtothe earth,todeath;buttheeternalfleshishiddenin theoldearthlyman,anditisintheoldman,as thefireintheiron,orasthegoldinthe[dark] stone. 98.Thisisthenoblepreciousstone,(Lapis

Philosophorum),thePhilosopher'sStone,which theMagi[orwisemen]find,whichtinctureth nature,andgeneratethanewsonintheold.He whofindeththat,esteemethmorehighlyofit thanofthis[outward]world.FortheSonis manythousandtimesgreaterthantheFather. 99.OthoubrightCrownofPearl,artthounot brighterthanthesun?Thereisnothinglikethee; thouartsoverymanifest,andyetsoverysecret, thatamongmanythousandinthisworld,thouart scarcelyrightlyknownofanyone;andyetthou artcarried[about]inmanythatknowtheenot. 100.Christsaith,Seek,andthoushaltfind. It[thenoblestone]mustbesoughtfor,alazyperson findethitnot,andthoughhecarriethitaboutwithhim,yet heknowethitnot.Towhomsoeveritrevealeth itself,hehathalljoytherein;forthereisnoend ofitsvirtue[orglory]:Hethathathitdothnot giveitaway:andifhedothimpartittoany,yet itisnotprofitabletohimthatislazy,forhediveth notintoitsvirtue,tolearnthat. 101.ButtheseekerfindeththeStone,andits virtueandbenefittogether,andwhenhefindeth it,andknoweththatheiscertainofit,thereis greaterjoyinhimthantheworldisableto apprehend,whichnopencandescribe,norany tongueexpress,inanAdamicalmanner. 102.Itisaccountedthemeanestofallstonesin

theAdamicaleyes,andistroddenunderfoot,for itaffordethnolustretothesight;ifamanlights uponit,hecastethitawayasanunprofitable thing;noneenquireafterit,thoughitbesovery muchsoughtforinthisworld.Thereisnoneon earthbutdesirethit.Allthegreatonesandthe wiseseekit:Indeedtheyfindone,andthinkitis theright:buttheymissofit:theyascribepower andvirtuetoit:andthinktheyhaveit,andwill keepit:butitisnotthat:Itneedethnovirtueto beascribedtoit.Allvirtueliethhiddeninit. 103.Hewhohathit,andknowethit,ifhe seeketh,hemayfindallthingswhatsoeverarein heavenandinearth.ItistheStonewhichis rejectedofthebuilders,andisthechiefcorner stone;uponwhatsoeveritfalleth,itgrindethto powder,andkindlethafiretherein.Alluniversities seekit,butfinditnotbytheirseeking; sometimesitisfoundbyonethatseekethitrightly. Butothers[thatseekitinself,andfortheirown gain]despiseit,andcastitaway,andsoit remainethhiddenstill.

THESEVENTHCHAPTER OFTHETRUECORNERSTONE 1.ITdothmostofallconcernusmen,inthis world,toseekthatwhichislost.Andtherefore ifwewouldseek,wemustnotseekwithout ourselves,weneednoflatteringhypocrites,norsuch astickleourearstocomfortus,andpromiseus manygoldenmountainsifwewillbutrunafter them,andmakemuchofthem,andreverencethem. 2.IfIshouldsitandhearsermonspreachedall mylifelong,anddidhearthemalwayspreachof thekingdomofheavenandtheNewBirth,with theirsingingandrepetitions,andstaythere,and gonofurther,Ishouldbeneverthenearer.Ifa stonebecastintothewaterandthentakenout again,itisahardstoneasitwasbefore,and retainethitsquality[form,condition,ornature]: Butifitbecastintothe fire,thenitgettethanotherqualityinitself;so alsothou,0man,thoughthourunnesttochurch, andwouldstseemtobeaministerofChrist,thatis notenough;ifyourestthere,youareneverthe better. 3.Also,itisnotenoughthatyoulearnallbooks, torehearsethemwithoutbook,anddidyearlyand dailyreadallwritings,andcouldsaythewhole Biblewithoutbook,yetyouarenotahair's

breadththebetterinthesightofGod,thana keeperofswine,whoallthatwhiledidnothing butfeedtheswine;orthanapoorprisonerina darkdungeon,whoallthatwhilehathnotseenthe daylight. 4.Talkingavailethnothing,northatyouknow howtospeakmuchofGod,anddespisethe simple,astheflatteringhypocritesuponthe Antichristianbeastdo,whoforbidthelighttothem thatsee,ashathbeendonetothishand.Butit isasChristsaith,Exceptyouturn,andbecomeas oneofthesechildren;youshallnotseethekingdom ofheavenineternity:youmustbebomanew,if youwouldseethekingdomofGod:thatisthe rightmeans. 5.Thereneedsnoartoreloquenceaboutit,you needneitherbooksnorcunning:ashepherdisas fitforitasalearneddoctor,andverymuchfitter: forhegoethforthfromhisownreasonintothe mercyofGod,hehathnogreat,wise[ordeep] reason,thereforehedothnotgotothatforcounsel, buthegoethsimplywiththepoorpublican,into thetempleofChrist:whereas,onthecontrary, thehighandlearnedfirstsettheuniversitybefore theireyes,andstudyfirstwithwhatopinionthey willenterintothetempleofChrist.Theyfirst setmen'sopinionsbeforethem,andwillseekGod inthisorthatopinion,oneinthePope'sopinion, anotherinLuther's,athirdinCalvin's,afourth inSchwenckfeld's,&c.Thereisnoendofopinions.

6.Andthusthepoorsoulstayethwithoutthe templeofChrist,standingindoubt:itknocketh andseeketh,andcontinuallydoubteththatitis notintherightway. 7.OthoupoorconfoundedsoulinBabel,what dostthoudo?Leaveoffallopinions,bywhat namesoevertheyarecalledinthisworld,theyare allnootherthanthecontentionofreason:the NewBirthandtheNobleStoneistobefoundin nocontention,neitherinanywisdomofreason: youmustforsakeallinthisworld(letitbeas glisteringasitwill)andenterintoyourself,and onlygatherallyoursins(whichhavecaptivated you)togetheronaheap,andcastthemintothe mercyofGod,andflytoGod,andpraytohimfor forgiveness,andtheilluminationofhisspirit: thereneedsnolongdisputing,butearnestness,and thenheavenmustbreakasunder,andhelltremble; itcomethjustsotopass;youmustsetasideall yoursins,andreason,andwhatsoevercomethinthe way,andresolve,thatyouwillnotlethimgo, exceptheblessyou;asJacobwrestledwithGod thewholenight. 8.Thoughthyconscienceshouldsay,No,God willhavenoneofthee;yetdothousay,Iwill havehim,Iwillnotleavehim,tillIamcarried tomygrave:Letmywillbeasthywill,OLord Iwillasthouwilt:andthoughallthedevils encompassedtheeroundabout,andshouldsay,

Hold,itisenoughatonce;thoumustsay,No; mymind[thoughtandpurpose]andwillshallnotdepart fromGod,theyshallbeeternallyinGod: hisloveisgreaterthanallmysins:althoughthoudevil, andthouworld,havethemortalbodyinyourprison,yetIhave mySaviourandRegeneratorinmysoul:Hewill givemeaheavenlybody,whichwillremain eternally. 9.Trythis,andthoushaltfindwonders,thou shaltsoongetoneinthee,whowillhelptheeto wrestle,fightandpray:Andthoughthoucanst notusemanywords,itisnomatter,thoughyou cansaynomorethanthepublican:OGod,be mercifultome,asinner.Whenthywillandall thyreasonisonceplaceduponGod,witharesolution nottoleavehim,thoughbodyandsoulshould bebrokenasunder,thenthouholdestGod[fast], andbreakestthroughdeath,hell,andheaven,and goestintothetempleofJESUSCHRIST,inspite ofalltheoppositionofthedevil:TheangerofGod cannotwithholdthee,howgreatandpowerfulsoever itisinthee;andthoughbodyandsouldid burnintheanger,andstoodinthemidstofhell withallthedevils;yetthouwouldstbreakforth, andcomeintothetempleofChrist;andthere thouwouldstgettheGarlandofPearl,adorned withthenobleandhighlyPreciousStone,that LapisPhiloAngularis,TheChiefCornerStone. 10.Butyoumustknow,thatthekingdomof heavenisthussowninthee,andissmallasa

grainofmustardseed,yetthouhastgreatjoy withthisangelicalgarland;butlooktoit,and setitnotupontheoldAdam,elseitwillgowith theeasitdidwithAdam;keepwhatthouhast; necessityorwantisanevilguest. 11.Atlengthayoungplantgrowethtobea tree,ifitstandethingoodground;butmanya roughandcoldwindblowethuponayoungplant beforeitcomethtobeatree;itisunsteady: Thoumustbebroughtbeforethetreeoftemptation, andalsointothewildernessofcontemptand scorninthisworld;ifthoudostnotholdout, thouhastnothing:Ifthourootestupthyplant, thoudostasAdamdid,thouwiltmorehardly setitagainthanatfirst,andyetitgrowethin thevalleyofroses[paradisicalessence],hidden totheoldAdam. 12.ForitwasalongtimefromAdamtillthe humanityofChrist,inwhich[time]thetreeof pearlgrewhiddenundertheveilofMoses,andyet initstimeitcameforthasatreewithfairfruits. 13.Therefore,ifthouhastfallen,andhastlost thefairgarland;donotdespair,seek,knock,and comeagain,doasthoudidstatfirst,andthen thouwiltfindbyexperience,fromwhatspiritthis penandhandhathwritten:thouwiltafterwards getatreeinsteadofthyplant:Andthenthou wiltsay,Ismyplant,duringmysleep,becomea tree?ThenyouwillbegintoknowthePhilosopher's

Stone;observeit.

TheGatesoftheFirmamentalHeaven,withthe StarsandElements.AlsooftheThreefold LifeofMan.TheNobleStonerightly broughtforthintotheLight,Spiritually,for theMagi[orthosethatarewise]. 14.IfwewillspeakoftheNobleStone,and bringitforthintothelighttobeknown,wemust firstshewthedarknessanddeformityofthestone, whichhinderthatitisnotknown.For,sincewe knowthatthenoblestoneliethhiddeninthis world,andmaybehadeverywhere,andyetis notknown,weshouldthereforeseektoknowthe causewhyitissohidden. 15.Reasonsaith,Ifthis[outward]worldbeso dangerousforman,whyhathGodsethimtherein? Or,Whyhathhecreatedit?Andthushejudgeth alsoconcerningthedevil;[saying],Whyhathnot Godturnedthedevilintonothingagainsince hisfall? 16.Yes,belovedreason,thouhastfoundthe stone,andwithitthoubuildestahouseofstone todwellin.Thenoblestoneliethintheeternity: thatwhichiseternalbreakethnot,butthatwhich hathabeginningbreaketh.Thedevilsareeternal, andthereforetheybreaknot;theywerenotin theform[orcondition]ofaspiritfrometernity,

buttheiressencesareeternal. 17.Andtheyhaveputtheirwillintotheir essences,andtheirwilliseternal:asthecentreof nature[viz.]ofthesternmatrix,iseternal,into whichtheirwillisentered,sonowtheyareeternal spiritstherein,[viz.inthesternmatrix]:Alsothey areasalookingglassfortheotherangels,andfor thesoulsofmen. 18.ButthatGodshouldcastawaytheThird Principle,[thatis,thecreatedworld],forman's sake,andputitintoitsether,beforetheaccomplishment ofitstime,thatcannotbe;forthewondersthatwereforeseen frometernityinthewisdom,withoutsubstance, theymustcometohaveasubstance,andsointime musttheformsofnaturealso. 19.ForGodisThreefoldinPersons,andwould alsomovehimselfthreetimes,accordingtothe propertyofeachPerson,andnomoreatallin eternity. 20.First,ThecentreoftheFather'snature moveditselftothecreationofangels,andfurther, ofthisworld. 21.Secondly,TheSon'snaturemoveditself; wheretheHeartofGodbecameman,whichshall neverbemoredoneineternity:andwhereitis nowdone,[viz.wheremenbecomeunitedwiththe HeartofGod,asbranchesontheirvine],itisdone

bythatonly(man)whoisGod,throughmany, andinmany. 22.And,Thirdly,TheHolyGhost'snaturewill moveitselfattheendoftheworld,whentheworld shallenterintoitsetheragain,andthedeadshall riseagain:wheretheHolyGhostwillbethe mover,andwillsetthegreatwonders(whichshall havebeendoneinthisworld)allintheeternal substantiality,tothegloryandmanifestationof God'sdeedsofwonder,andtothejoyofthe creatures,[viz.angelsandmen].Hewillbethe eternalmoverofthecreatures,(viz.angelsand men),forthroughhimparadisespringethupagain, whichweherehavelost.Thusyoumustknow, thatthegreatwondersofthisworld,whichmust havebeendone,andmustpassaway,lieinour way. 23.Thisworldisagreatwonder;butitwould nothavebeenknowninthewisdomofGodby theangels:andthereforetheFather'snature moveditselftothecreationofabeing,thatthe greatwondersmightbemanifested;andthen, [whentheyshallalloncebemanifestedandbecome substantial],itwillbeknownineternity,by angelsandmen,whatpowerandvirtueevery thinghathhad. 24.AlsotheimageoftheNumberThree,[or Trinity],(viz.theeternalvirgin,whichstoodin Ternariosancto,intheeternalwisdom,inthe

substantiality,asafigure),wouldnothavebeen knownineternitybytheangels,iftheHeartof Godhadnotbecomeman;theretheangelssaw thegloryoftheMajestyinalivingimage, whereinthewholetrinitywasincluded. 25.Soalsothecentreofnaturewouldnotin eternityhavebeenmanifestedtotheangels,much lessthegovernmentoftheHolyGhost,ifthis world,withthestarsandelements,hadnotbeen created;butso[bythismeans]theangelsand wemen(also)knowtheeternalbeing,andall forms,bythis[created]world;andthereforeGod hathplacedtheimageoftheNumberThree(viz. man)inthisworld,thatheshouldopenall wonders,andknowtheeternalGod. 26.Buttheimagedotedonit,andputits imaginationintoit,asLuciferdidintothewrathful matrixofnature,andsoitwasalsocaptivated: forAdamwastobealordoverthestarsand elements,nothingshouldtouchhim,hehad poweroverthemall,hecouldhaveremoved mountainswithaword,hewaslordoverfire,air, waterandearth. 27.Fortherewasnodeathinhim,thelight shoneinhim,hewasinparadise,paradisicalfruit grewforhim,hewasone[single]man,andnot two,hewastheman,andalsothewoman,andhe shouldhavepropagatedanangelicalkingdomout ofhimself,andthatwaspossible.Forhehadno

suchfleshandbloodasaftertheFall,whereofhe wasashamedbeforetheMajestyofGod:hehad fleshandbloodthatwasheavenly,hisessences [orfaculties]wereholy:hecouldbringforthout ofhimself(withoutrendingofhisbody)animage likehimself. 28.Forhewasavirgin,withoutthefeminine form,aftertheformoftheeternal[Sophia],with apuremodestmind,andchaste,withouttheleast desireoflust:hisdesirewasonlytohavehislike outofhimself;heplacedhiswilluponhimself, andinhimwasGod:sohiswillwasinGod,and Godinhim,andheinparadise. 29.Buthesawinhimselftwoforms [natures,conditions,orqualities]ofthe divineBeing:onewithouthimselfbelongingto thisworld,andtheotherwithinhimbelongingto theparadisicalworld,whichhealsohadwithfull satisfactiontohimself[ashisown],andtherefore camethecommandmentandsaid;Eatnotofthe mixedfruit,(GoodandEvil),elseyeshalldie. Butheimaginedsolong,tillhewascaptivated: hestillthoughthewouldeatofboth,[viz.ofthe paradisicalandoftheforbiddenfruit],andsolive forever;andsohecontinuedfortydays,asthe secondAdaminthewildernesswas[solong] tempted:andMoseswas[solong]uponthe mount,whereIsraelwastempted,totryifitwere possibletoliveintheobedienceandwillofthe Father:andsolonghewentontillhesankdown

intoasleep. 30.ForMosessaith,Godsufferedadeepsleep tofallonhim;andthenGodsawthatitwasnot possibleforhim[tocontinueinperfectobedience], (forthelusthadcaptivatedhim),andsohe sufferedhimtofallintoasleep,(whichsignifieth death),wherethewomanwasmadeoutofhim; andthespiritofthisworldformedAdamintoa man,(suchanoneasweareatthisday),andEve intoawoman:which,whentheyawoke,theysaw not:fortheywereyetinparadise,tilltheyhad eatentheearthlyfruit;andthenthespiritofthis worldtookthesoulcaptive,anditsessencesbecame instantlyearthly,anditsfleshandbloodbestial, atwhichtheywereashamed,andtooknoticeof theirbestialformintheirmasculineandfeminine members. 31.Andsotheyweredrivenoutofparadise; andtheWordoftheLord,VerbumDomini,(with apromiseofaTreaderupontheserpent),set itselfinthelightoftheirlife,(whichbeforedwelt andruledinhim[viz.inAdam]),thatremained nowinitsownprinciple,andtheimageremained intheoutwardPrinciple,andwascaptivatedby thespiritofthestarsandelements:theregimen [orruleanddominion]ofthisworlddweltnowin thesepersons,andtheybecameearthly. 32.WhereuponGodcursedtheearthalsofor man'ssake,sothatnoparadisicalfruitgrewany

more.Allwasgone,saveonlythegraceand mercyofGod,whichwasstillleft;fortheynow stood(astothegroundoftheworld)intheabyss ofhell,withalldevils;andtheylivedinweakness, aswedonowatthisday. 33.Theybegattheirchildrenintwokingdoms, [viz.inthekingdomofwrath,andinthekingdom oflove],fortheangerofGodhadtakenholdof them,anddesiredtoshewitswondersinthem:so alsotheTreaderupontheserpenthadtakenhold oftheminthelightoflife,anddesiredalsoto shewitswondersinthem. 34.Sotherewasstrifeanddisquietness,asmay bediscernedbytheirchildren:thefirstthatwas bornofwoman,becameawickedmurderer,and strovetosuppressthekingdomofGod;andthe second,wasaholyvirtuousman:Inbrief,you seethisthroughouttheHolyScripture,especially byCainandAbel,byIsaacandIsmael,alsoby EsauandJacob,who,whiletheywereyetin theirmother'swomb,strovefor[orabout]thekingdomof God,andforthekingdomofhell:andtherefore saidGod,JacobhaveIloved,andEsauhave Ihated. 35.AndfromhencearosethePredestinationor Electionofthechildrenthatcleavetohim;the othersmakebutamockeryandscornofthatwhich isspokenconcerningthekingdomofGodandthe kingdomofheaven,andtheyfindnotthePrecious

Stoneofthephilosophers;fortheyseekitnot rightly.Theyaremerehypocrites,[suchasmake ashowofholiness],likethedevilintheformof anangel. 36.ButAbel,Isaac,andJacob,founditindeed. Jacobwrestledforitawholenight;andIsaac carriedthefuelofthefire,[toburn]himself[with], andreadilyyieldedthatthedarknessanddross ofhisStoneshouldbeburntaway:forhehad attainedthe[noble]Stoneinhismother'swomb. LookuponthekingandprophetDavid,whathe didwiththatStone,howdearlyhelovedit.For hesaid,Thoughbodyandsoulshouldbebroken asunder,yetthouartthedesireofmyheart,and myportion[orsalvation]. 37.LookuponSolomon,inhisgreatandwonderful wisdom,whoknewthe[natureand]property ofalllivingcreaturesandplants,whichhelearnt innoacademy;heunderstooditonlybythe PreciousStonewhichhehadinhisheart. 38.LookuponMoses,whatmiracleshedidby thisStone:LookupontheprophetElijah,who shutheavenforthreeyearsandsixmonths:He broughtforthfireintheangerofGod,sothatit devouredanhundredmen. 39.Lookuponallprophets,whatmiraclesthey wroughtwithit;theyknewthingstocome,inthe virtueofthisstone;theyhealedthesick,andraised

thedead. 40.AndthisstoneisCHRISTtheSonofthe livingGod,whichdiscoverethitselfinallthose thatseekandfindit:Whatanadmirableexample haveweintheApostles,(whowerebutsimple unlearnedlaymen),howtheywentaboutwiththis Stone,inpower,anddoingmiracles;andsodid alltheirsuccessors. 41.Ohoweagerlyhavetherationalwisemenof theschoolsofthisworldpersecuteditatalltimes, andatthisveryday:theyhaveaglisteringstone, withapleasantoutside[orshell],orsound,andtheythink itistheright[stone]:theyspreadthemselves abroaduponit,andboastthemselvesofit,and wouldbehonouredforitasgods. 42.Buttheirstoneisonlyastonebelonging tothewallofthegreatbuildingofthisworld,in which[building]thesevenseals,accomplishtheir wonders,andunderwhichthesevenspiritsofthe angerofGodpourforththeirvialsofwrathand abominations. 43.ForwearewithAdamshutupinthe anger,whichholdethuscaptive:andyetthe gracealsoispresentedtous,andthatdesirethto haveusalso,andsothereisahardstrifeinus. ThisyoumayseeinthewritingsofMoses,inthat Godcommanded,thatallthefirstbornofthe malesshouldbeofferedtohim.

44.Butyouseethevehementoppositionofhis anger;howithathpenetrated[andprevailed], andmanytimestakenawaythefirstbirth;as maybeseenbyCainandAbel,byEsauand Jacob,alsobythechildrenofJacob,andthroughout thewholeScripture,thattheStonewouldrest, notuponthefirstAdam,butuponthesecond. 45.Wehaveagreatexampleinthechildrenof Jesse;whentheprophet[Samuel]thoughttheeldest shouldbeking,yettheelectionfelluponthe youngest,becausehehadthatStone. 46.Thiselectionwasnotthusfrometernityin God:forAdamwasgoodandperfect,alsopure; butheyieldedhimselftobeovercome.Forthe angerstoodintheabyss,andwascoveredwiththe Principleofthisworld. 47.Andknow,thatthetreeofAdam'stempting inparadise,(whichyetstoodonlyintheabyss), grewoutofthesourceoftheanger:andAdam wastempted,totrywhetherhewouldwithhiswill cleavetoGod. 48.NothingcompelledEvetoeatofit,buther lust,whichthedevilintheangerbrought[awakened]into her:Ifshehadturnedawayhereyesfromthe devilandtheserpent,shehadcontinuedin paradise:Hadshenotacommand[nottoeat]? Butwhenshefollowedthedevil,andwouldbe

skilful,shebecamefoolish. 49.Andsoitbefallethusatthisday,weare captivatedbytheabyssoftheanger;andsothe devilsetsbeforeustheflatteringhypocrisyand braveryofthisworld,viz.stateliness,arts,and riches,atwhichwebite,[asafishatthebaitwhich theangleiscoveredwith,andsoiscaught,and pulledoutfromitslivelihood];andsowealsoare drivenoutofparadise,andlosetheNobleStone. 50.ChristhathinstitutedBaptismasabath, towashawaytheanger,andhathputintous theNobleStone,viz.thewaterofeternallife,for anearnestpenny,sothatinstantlyinourchildhood wemightbeabletoescapethewrath. 51.Buttheserpentpresentsitselftous,[ashe didtoEve],sothatweimagineafter[orsetour mindupon]thetreeoftemptation;asweseeby experience,thatassoonasyoungchildrengrowup alittle,theycreepupinpride,andflattering hypocriticalarrogance,andsettheparadisical garland[viz.theblossomoftheiryouth]uponthe headoftheserpent;andthustheserpentplayeth withthem,andteacheththemallmannerof wantonness,andleadeththemoutofparadiseinto thisworld,intofineryandpride,whichrequire covetousnessanddeceittomaintainthem. 52.AndthentheNobleStonecomethtobecontemned:

iftheyseeamanwhocarrieththatStone inhim,hemustbeafoolwiththem;whichis, becausetheyhavethewit,andsubtletyofthe serpent;andtheythathavetheStonearesimple, withoutwitandcunning,likeachild;theirplay[orpart] inthisworldtheyactincare,sorrow,want,contempt andmisery:butitiswritten;Theypass away,weepingandsorrowful,buttheycarrynoble seedwiththem,[ortheiremploymentissowingin tears,buttheyshallreapinjoy].Eternaljoyisfar betterthanamomentarypleasureoftheeye,and afterthat,eternallamentation. 53.Seeingthenweknowandfundamentally understand,thatweliethuscaptivatedinaclose prison,thereforewewillrevealthatgroundand theprisonalso,totrywhetheranywilltake noticewhatconditiontheyarein. 54.Wewillnotrelateahistory,butspeakwhat weknowinourselves,insoulandbody,alsowhat weseeinthegroundorfoundationoftheworld, fromourown[eternal]lightwhichwehavefromgrace: wewillspeakfromthat,andnotfromasupposition, asdoubtingwhetheritbetrueorno. 55.Theysay,thatwhichtheeyessee,theheart believeth.Itisgoodtoseewithourowneyes: buthethatseethwiththeeyesofanother,[orhe thatdependsuponanother'swords],isalwaysin doubtwhetherthespiritbetrueorfalse.

56.ThereforeitisgoodtohavetheNobleStone, [whichAbraham,Moses,theprophetsandapostles had],thatgivethassurance,andpointethatthe falseMagi,suchasareMagiinthehistoryonly, whichtheystrutaboutwithal,instatelikeawhore thatwouldbeaccountedamaid,andyetisbig withchild. 57.Andsotheyarebigwithdarknessand wrath,andyettheyalwayscryout,Hereisthe [true]Church,hereisChrist,flockallhither! Yesindeed,runafterthewhoreofBabel,whois bigwithstatelypride;givesomethingtowards herchildbed,thatshemayfattenherwhorish stomach,andsatisfyherhypocriticalstinking pride. 58.Theyarelikewhores,who(whentheyare saidtobewhores)willnotendureit,butcurseand rail:andsoalsowhenthespiritoftruthlayeth themopen,thentheycry,Oheretic,Oheretic, fireandfaggot!Orunaway,begoneallofyou, thedevilisinhim.Thustheymiscallthespirit ofGod,becausetheydonotknowit. 59.Wedonotwritethisoutofadesireto contemnthem,forweknowthegreatmiseryof ourcaptivity;butwewriteit,totheendthatthe simple(whocleavesoveryfasttotheirwords,and believeallthatthedevilpourethforthinwrath) mighteveryoneofthementerintothemselves, andtrywhetheritbetruthorno;andthatmen

mightnotbesozealousinblindness,withanger andenvy,withoutknowledgewhetherithathany groundoftruth. 60.Wehavetoomuchexperienceofthis,that manytimestheHolyGhostiscalledadevil,and thedevilcalledagoodspirit;whichhappeneth outofignorance:fortheflatteringhypocritesdo sofilltheearsofthelaitywiththeireloquencein theirsermons,anddrawingtheScripturestotheir desire[andmeaning]. 61.0whathorribleblasphemyitis,thatthe spiritofGodmustbethusslanderedbytheimage ofGod;thoughwedonotsaythattheimage itselfdothit,buttheserpentintheimage:so soonasthemindisturnedawayfromGod,the serpenttakethholdofit,andthenrulethit,and pourethforthblasphemiesagainstGod,andhis children.Thereforeobservethisfollowingtext. [HeretheAuthoragainsheweththe EternalBeing.] 62.AsGodtheFatherhimselfisAll;heisthe NumberThreeoftheDeity;heistheMajesty; heisthestilleternity;heisthenature,andinit heistheloveandtheanger:theangerisacause ofhisstrengthandmight;asalsoacauseoflife, andofallmobility,asthepoison[orgall]inman is:andtheloveisacauseoftheHeartofhis Majesty,andacauseoftheNumberThree,andof theThreePrinciples.

63.Andasweknowandhavementionedbefore, thatthefireisacauseofthelight,forwithoutfire therewouldbenolight,sotherewouldbenolove withoutlight;thelightislove[orpleasantness], foritiskindandamiable,andweseethatthe lightandthefirehavetwoseveral[propertiesor] sources;thefireisbiting,wrathful,devouringand consuming;andthelightispleasant,sweet,and desirousofabody;thelovedesirethabody;and thefirealsodesirethabodyforitsnourishment,but devourethitquite;andthelightraisethitup[viviviesit], anddesirethtofillit;ittakethnothingawayfrom thebody,butquickenethit,andmakethitfriendly. 64.Soyoumustunderstandusconcerningthe eternalBeing.TheeternalBeingisso,andifit werenotso,allwouldbeasnothing,butaneternal stillnesswithoutbeing;andthatwefindtobeso ineverything. 65.Thuswemayconsiderwithourselves, whenceitariseththatthereisawrathfulanda goodwill:Foryouseethefirehathtwospirits, oneisthatwhichproceedethfromtheheat,and theotherthatwhichproceedethfromthelight: Nowtheheatisnature,andthelightistheeternal libertywithout[orbeyond]nature:fornature comprehendethnotthelight. 66.Andsoyoumustunderstandusconcerning thetwosortsofwillsinGod,theoneisnature,

andisnotcalledGod,andyetisGod's,forheis angry,severe,sharpasasting,consuming,attracting allthingstohimself,anddevouringthem, alwaysstriving,toflyupabovethelight,[which istheotherwill],andyetcannot;asthefiredoth, whichthehigheritflieth,thehighergoeththe light,andsotheymaywellbecalledtwo Principles. 67.Forthelightdesirethsubstantiality,and preserveththesubstantiality,anddothnotconsume it:butthefiredesirethtodevourallthings, andturnthemtonothing;andwhenithathturned alltonothing,itbecomethadarkness. 68.AndthereforeGodhathmovedhimselfin thelightofmeekness,andattractedthemeekness, sothatthelighthathasubstantiality,and thatiswater,orinTernariosanctothewater spirit,whichholdeththefirecaptive;sothatthe fireisadarkness,andisnotknown,exceptitbe kindled,anditstandethinitselfinthehunger,in theeternaldarkness,andsoisacontinualdesire. 69.Outofsuchanoriginalcamethedevils,for itisthefiercewrathofGod,andwhatsoeveris falseandevil,hathitsoriginalthusoutofthis matrix[Orwomb],asalsoallthecreaturesofthisworld,let itbeheaven,thestars,theearth,orwhatitwill; theyhaveallatwofoldsource,viz.thefireandthe water:inthosetwoconsistallbodies,heavenly andearthly;theheavenlyconsistinthematrixof

thewater,andtheyhavethefirehiddeninthem. 70.Forthewaterymatrix(whichisonlya spiritofasoftproperty)holdeththefirecaptive, andsotheMajestyshinethinthemeekness, transparently. 71.Andtheearthly[bodies]consistinthepalpable substance;forthewaterbecomethmaterialin thekindling;whichmatterisdrawntogetherby thewrathintheFiat,parttostones,andpartto earth,allaccordingasnatureisinitssevenforms: andthewaterhathquenchedthefire,sothatthe wrathisinthedarkness,likeahiddenfire. 72.Andwherethematrixcontinued,andwas notsoquenchedbythecomprehensiblewater,there itiscreatedintostars;forastarisonlyfireand water[concretetogether]:butseeingthefire[in them]burnethnot,andthatthewater[inthem] dothnotquenchthefire,therebyweunderstand thatthatwaterisnotmaterial,butisasanoil,in whichthelightburneth,whichisnot[such]water asputtethoutthelight,butpreservethacontinual burninglightwithoutanygreatsource,[orfierce consumingproperty]. 73.ThusthestarsareaQuintaEssentia,a fifthform[distinct]fromtheelements,asthefat inacreatureisacausethatthefountainoflife burneth:SotheQuintaEssentiaisacausethat thestarsburn:yetthestarshaveinthemalsoall

thecausesofeverythingthatisinthisworld;all thatliveandmove,arestirredupfromtheir properties,andbroughttolife. 74.Fortheyarenotonlyfireandwater, (thoughthefireandthewaterbethechiefin them),butalsotheyhaveinthemhardness,softness, darkness,bitterness,sourness,sweetness,and allthepowers[orvirtues]ofnature;theyhavewhatsoever theearthhathcontainedinit.Foreverystar hathaseveralproperty,allaccordingtothe essences[effects,operations]oftheeternalcentreofnature. 75.Alliscomprehendedinthecreation,and cometoabeing,sofarastheirpropertiesatthe sametimestoodopeninthewheelofnature,when theeternitymoveditselftothecreation. 76.Andtheairisthespiritwhichismixedwith allsortsofforms,andastheheatgoethforthfrom thefire,soalsotheairgoethforthwithallpowers continuallyfromthefire,andthereforeitisinconstant; suddenlytheairawakenethoneform inthecentreofnature,suddenlyanother;andso thereiscontinuallyawrestlingandovercoming, suddenlyabeingabove,andthenabeingunder again. 77.Thewholedeepbetweentheearthandthe stars,islikethemindofaman,wheretheeyes suddenlybeholdathing,andconceiveorframea will[ordesire]therein,andbringittosubstance[tobeortopass];

somethingstheybeholdonlywithcursorythoughts, andsomethingsinaperfecttbeing[resolutionorpurpose], sothatthemouthandhandsgoaboutit[tobringittopass]: Thusthedeepalsoislikethemind,suddenlyitis intentupononestar,suddenlyuponanother,and thesunistheking,andtheheartofthedeep, whichshinethandworkethinthedeep;andthe othersixplanetsmakethesensesandunderstanding inthedeep;sothatalltogetherisasaliving spirit. 78.Whichyoumayunderstandbyabeast, whichformethitsspiritherein,alsointhefowls, andalsoinusmen,accordingtotheAdamical man:butthisgovernment[ordominion]andspirit hathnotdivinewitandunderstanding:forithath beginningandend;andthatwhichhathbeginning andendisnotspiritual(ordivine),butitis naturalandtransitory;asyoumayseebythe wind,howsuddenlyitisraisedinoneplace,and suddenlylaidagain,andthensuddenlyraisedin anotherplace,andsoon. 79.Soalsotheconstellationisacauseofall sorts[ofoutwardworldly]wisdom[orwit],arts,and policy;alsoacauseoftheorderingofevery government[ordominion]ofthisworldamongst menaftertheFall;alsoamongthebeastsand fowls;alsoitisthecauseandbringerforthofall herbs,plants,andmetals,andoftrees,thatthey grow.

80.Forthatwhichtheconstellationcontaineth init,liethallintheearth;andtheconstellation kindleththeearth:anditisallonespiritandone dominion,whichIcallthethirdPrinciple.For itisthethirdlifeinGod,theawakenedlife,and notaneternallife;forinthisthirdlifeonlyshall thegreatwonders(whichlieinthecentreofthe eternalnature)bebroughtintoavisiblesubstance, whosefiguresremainforever,butnotinthe essences,theyallreturnagainintotheether;as itwasbeforethecreation,sowillitbeagainat theend. 81.Butallofthisworldremainethstandingin theeternalnature,withitscoloursandfigures, likeapicture,elsethecreatures,asangelsand men,whichareeternal,wouldhavenojoy.Thus theyshallenjoyall;andyettherewillbea springing,blossoming,andgrowing,butwithout feelingofanyfierceness,orofthefire:forthe essencesarenomoreasubstance,andtherefore affordnofire;thefireisaneternaldarknessand gnawinginitself,andthatiscalledtheeternal death,concerningwhichtheScripturewitnesseth throughout.Donotaccountthisafiction:forit istrue,wespeakfaithfullywhatweknow[and understand]inthebosomofourmother,[viz.in themercyandeternalwisdomofGod].

THEEIGHTHCHAPTER OFTHETRANSITORY,ANDETERNAL,LIFE 1.NOWasthereisalife,andspiritualgovernment, inthedeepoftheworldinallplaces,sothatall creaturesareincludedasitwereinonebody, whichaffordeththemlife,nourishment, wit,wisdomandart,inallkindsofthem, inmen,beasts,fowls,fishes,worms,trees,and herbs,everyoneaccordingtothekindoftheir essences;sothereisalsoalifeintheeternity withinthisworld,whichthespiritofthisworld comprehendethnot,whichhathalltheproperties ofthisworldinit,butinnosuchkindledessences. 2.Forithathnofire,thoughindeedithatha mightyfire,butitburnethinanothersource[or property]viz.inthedesiring:Itissoft,delicate orpleasant,withoutpain;alsoitconsumeth nothing;butitsspiritisloveandjoy:itsfire makethmajestyandbrightness;andthathath alwaysbeenfrometernity;ithathnoground,it hathitsspringingupandblossoming,butnotout ofsuchearthaswewalkupon;andyetitisearth, whichinmywholebookIcallSubstantiality,for itistheeternalbody,withoutanydefect:There isnowantinit,norsorrow,normisery;nosuch thingisknownthereatall;thereisnodeath, devil,norangerknowninit;butsuchthings standaltogetherinthedarkness[orineternal

oblivion]hiddeninthefirstprinciple. 3.Andthisangelicalworld[oreternalsubstantiality] wecallTernariusSanctus;andthatveryrightly, thoughtheLatintongueunderstandethonlythe NumberThree[TheTrinity]thereby;yet thelanguageofnaturecomprehendethittogether asoneonlybody. 4.ForasthisPrincipleofthis[outward]world, istogetherasonebody;soGod,thekingdomof heaven,angels,men,paradise,withallheavenly anddivinethings[beings]andproperties,areallbutone body;andtogetherarecalledGod,Majesty,and eternity. 5.FortheMajestyisthelightofthatbody,and theHolyGhostisitsairandspiritoflife;butthe Creatures[viz.angelsandmen]havetheirown spiritoflifefromthemselves. 6.Foreveryangelandmanislikethetotal God,hehathinhimtheNumberThree,andthe HolyGhostproceedethforthinhimalso;ofwhich youhaveasimilitudeinaflamingpieceofiron[aredhotiron]: Theironresembleththecreature,thefireresembleth theDeity,theheatoftheironresembleth thecreature'sownspirit,theairwhichgoethforth fromtheheat,whichhathnosource[orpainful quality],resembleththeHolyGhost. 7.Inthismannerwegiveyou,insimplicity,

sufficientlytounderstandthesehighthings.If anywillnowbeblind,Godhelpthem!Andwe canthuswithgoodgroundsetyoudown,what manwasbeforetheFall,andwhathecametobe intheFall:whatheisintheNewBirthagain, andwhatheshallbeafterthislife.Forweknow whatheisindeath,andwhatheisinlife;we knowalsowhatheisinhell;andthat,notfrom, ourownwisdom,(asifthatweregreaterthanany man'sliving),but[weunderstandit]inthebosom ofthemother,inthemother'sspirit. 8.Iamdeadandasnothing[astomyownself] whenIspeakandwritethus,alsoIwritenotfrom myself,butfromthemother,outofherknowing andseeing:andyetIliveinanguish,cares,and labour,infearandtrembling,andinaffliction,like allothermen;forIamalsoclothedwithAdam's skin,andyetlivealsointhehopeofIsrael. 9.Knowtherefore,uponthisdescription,that ourfatherAdaminparadisewasinthedivine body,andisgoneoutfromitintothebodyof thisworld,intothedominionofthestarsand elements,whichhavenowcaptivatedthe[Adamical] bodyandspirit,sofarastothepoorsoul, whichisintherootofthisworldbetweenheaven, andhell:andhellandtheangerhaveboundit fasttothedarkness,andtothesource[orproperty] oftheanger,withastrongchain,whichis calledCentrumNaturae,[thecentreofnature].

10.AndGodiscometohelpitagain,andis becomeman,andhathreceivedthehumansoul againintohisheavenlybody,andhathboundit fasttohim(in[orto]Christ)again.Thusthesoul standethinthemidst,[being]beneath,inthe hellishfire,andabove,inGodinheaven:andso whithersoeveritcastethitswill,andintowhatit yieldethit3elf,thereitis,andisaservanttothat; thereisnorecallingoutofhell. 11.ThougreatwhoreofBabel,ifthouhast divinepower[JusDivinum],helpusandthyself:Beholdthyself herewiththydreams;ifthoucanst,thenbreak thischain,viz.thecentreofnature,asunder:But wearetold,wemustbebornanew:thedivine firemustbekindledinyou,likeaflamingiron; for,astheworkmanwillnottouchitwithhis barehand,nomorecanthedeviltouchthesoul; foritburnethhim,heisindarkness,andifhe shouldcometothelight,hisevilenvioustricks wouldbediscerned,whichheisashamedof,and slidethbackintothedarkness,asAdamandEve creptbehindthetrees;hedothnotrelishthisbit [oftheNewBirth,]hedothnotlovetosmellsuch [divine]fire:foritispoisontohim:ifheknew butofonesuchsparkoffireinhishabitation,he wouldnotendureitthere,butwouldrunaway fromit;asindeedhemustflyawayfromman, whenthedivinefire,withtheNewBirth,cometh intohim. 12.Ohowcowardlyandfaintishewhenthe

soulbeginnethtostormhisfort!Howmany hundredthousandtricksdothhestudytokeep thesoulofffromstorming!Ohowhefawneth, andstrewethsugarbeforethesoul,andascribeth greatholinesstoit,asifithaddivinepower,that itisnosinneranymore;thathemightbyany meansbringittothetopofthepinnacleofthe temple,thatitmightelevateitself:Ohowbusy ishe!whatgoodcompanionsdothhebringtoit! tillthegoodcompanions[orhypocrites]beginto playwiththeirownholinessandability,asthe Antichristianchurchhathdoneforalongwhile. 13.Allthewhile,[thatthesoulgoethoninits ownsecurity],thedevilisatquiet,nonestorm hishell:andhegetsgoodfatvenison,whichhe sendethtoStPeterwithgoodpassports[or absolutions];andifPeterbeintheabyss,hewill readthemwellenough;butifhebenotthere, thenthegreatprinceLuciferwillreadthem,they willpleasehimverywell. 14.Odearchildren,seebutinwhatmiserywe liecaptivated,inwhatlodgingweare;forweare captivatedbythespiritofthis[outward]world; itisourlife,foritnourishethandbringethusup, itrulethinourmarrowandbones,inourflesh andblood;ithathmadeourfleshearthly,so thatweliecaptivatedindeath. 15.Weswiminwateruptoourverylips,(as theprophetandking,David,saith:Thewater

reachethuptomysoul:greatbullshavecom passedmeroundabout;Idwellamongserpents anddragons:Othoulamentable,miserable,and toilsomelife;howdeadartthou!thouswimmest inthewaterinahandfulofblood,andyetartso proudandlofty. 16.Whatisthybeauty,thystate,honour,and riches?Dobutconsiderthyself,seekandfind thyself;goforthfromthisdangerouslifeofadders andserpents,intotheeternal:youhaveitfully inyourpower. 17.Whosoeverteachethotherwise,teacheth fromthedevil,whowillnotallowthatitliethin man'spower[orpossibility]toturntobeachildofGod,though theScripturesaith:ThatGodhathgivenman power(inChrist)tobecomethechildrenofGod: And,Godwilleththatallmenshouldbesaved: Also,ThouartnotaGodthatwillethevil,or dothdelightinwickedness.AndinEzekielitis written;AsIlive,Idesirenotthedeathofa sinner,butthatheturnandlive. 18.ForGodhathnootherwillbuttosavethat whichislost:thereforemustnonedespair:forif thespiritofthesoulliftupitselfearnestly,itis strongerthanGod,andovercomethGod,(forthe angerbelongethuntoGod,andisGod'sgreatest might,whichitovercometh):Itisstrongerthan theabyssofhell:Itcanremovemountainswithout anystir[astorm],onlywithitswill.Forbythewill

Godcreatedheavenandearth;andsuchamighty willishiddenalsointhesoul. 19.Butnowitswimmethinmiseryandmuch weakness,inthesinkingdownofdeath:itistied anddrawnupanddown,asapoorcaptivecreature, fromonefilthypuddleintoanother;andthe devilrollethitpresentlyinthismire,andpresently inthatmireagain,andsoitislikeafilthyrag, allmireanddirt:Allstarsdarttheirpoisoninto thebody,anddefilethepoorsoul:Itmust enduretobedefiledbythebeasts,forthebody feedethupontheJleshofbeasts,wherewiththe poorsoulisclad.DostthouknowwhyGoddid forbidtheJewstoeatofsomesortofflesh? Kindletheirfat,andconsidertheirproperty,and thoushaltdiscernit. 20.Thepoorsoulisakindledfire,andsowhen suchapropertycomethintothesoul,dostthou supposethatGodwilldwelltherein?Andtherefore Christtaughtus,saying,Besoberandtemperate ineatinganddrinking;watchandpray; foryouradversarythedevilgoethaboutlikea roaringlion,andseekethwhomhemaydevour. 21.ThusyouseehowwestandinaThreefold Life:thesoulstandethupontheabyss,between twoPrinciples,andistiedtothemboth;andthe bodymerelyinthespiritofthisworld;andtherefore thatseekethonlyaftereatinganddrinking, powerandhonour,foritbelongethtotheearth,

andcarethlittleforthepoorsoulwhichcometh outoftheeternity,[andbelongethtotheeternity]. 22.Thereforeweoughttotamethebody,and notgivewaytoit,buttodamp[orkill]itsdesire, andnotsatisfyitwhenitpleaseth,butfor necessityonly;thatitmaynotgrowwanton, andinvitethedeviltolodgeinit. 23.Thepoorsoulmustwatchandpray,and continuallyputitswillintoGod'swill;itmust notgivewaytothebodyinanything,exceptit hathyieldeditselftoGodfirst:thesoulmustnot pleaseitselfatallinitsownpower;butcast itselfmerelyuponGod,asbeingitselfweakand abletodonothing,(thoughitbestrong),andso continuallygooutfromitself,fromitsnatural will,andsofallintothewillofGod,andthen thedevilcannotmeddlewithit. 24.Indeed,itisirksomeandtroublesometothe bodytobebrokenofitswill;butthatisnomatter, eternityisverylong:thebodyhathbutashort timeofcontinuance,andthenitreturnethtoits mother[theearth]:andyouknownotinwhat momentdeathwillcome,whenthebodymustbe goneintoitsmother;andthenitletsthepoor soulgowhitheritcan:itisaveryinconstant[untrusty] neighbourtothesoul. ATrueOpenGate.[Shewing]HowaManmay seekandfindhimself[Fromwhencehe

hathhisbeginning:andwhatheshallbein theend.] 25.Behold,Oman!andconsiderthyself,what thouartfromthybeginning,andwhatthoushalt beagainintheend:andthenthouwiltcertainly findwhathomethouartin,inwhatlodgingthou liestcaptive,andthouwiltfindthatthouartboth aman,andalsoabeast;thouwiltwellseethe heavyFall,iftherebebutasparkofGod'slight inthee. 26.Fornobeastisabletoapprehendit,because abeasthathitsoriginalonlyfromthelifeofthis world;andthereforeweknowthatthereis anothermanneroflifeinus,inthatweknowthe groundofthisworld. 27.Forifwewereonlyfromtheclayandearth ofthisworld,weshouldbebutclayandearthlike abeastwhichhathnounderstanding,weshould notbeabletoknowthegroundofthisworld.For apotknowethnotthepotter;nordothapieceof workknowitsworkmaster:andsoabeastknoweth notitsmaster,ithathnodesireafterhim,forit knowethnothingofhim. 28.Thedesireofabeastisonlytofillitsbelly, tonourishandmultiplyitself,(asthecentreof natureinitselfis[suchadesire]),andhathno understandingofanyhigherthing:forithathits ownspirit,wherebyitlivethandgroweth,and

thenagainconsumethitself,anddothitaswell atonetimeasatanother:forsuchathingisthe bandofeternity,whichiscallednature. 29.Butwethataremenhaveahigherapprehension andknowledge,forwecanseeintothe heartofeverything,andseewhatmannerofthing itis,andwhatpropertyithath.Soalsowehave quiteanotherlonginganddesire,afteranother thingandlife,whichisnotbestial[oranimal],nortransitory, nordesirethanyelementaryearthlyfood. 30.Therebyweknow,thateverylifedesireth itsownmother,whenceithathitsoriginal,and whereinitsubsisteth;asalsowemustunderstand, thateverylifedesireththebest[thing]thatisin itscentre;viz.theheartoroilwhereinthefire burneth,andwhereinthelifeisopenedthatitis living. 31.Foreverylivinglifeisafire:andyetthe propersourceofthefireisnottherightlife,but thetincturewhichproceedethfromthefire,isa pleasantjoy,anditisthelibertyofnature,[which istherightlife].Fornaturestandethingreat anguish,andreachethwithastrongdesireafter thelibertytillitattainethit:andsonatureisa sharpnessintheliberty,anddesirethcontinually toswallowitupintoitself,thatitmightcome totallytobetheliberty,andcannot;butthemore eageritis,andraisedupaftertheliberty,the greateristhetinctureoftheliberty.

32.Thusnaturecontinuethtobeafire,andthe libertycontinuethtobealight;whatthetincture buildethup,thefiredevoureth;forthetincture makethsubstantiality,itscentreismeek,andisa sinkingdown[ofhumility],asthefireisarising up[ofpride]. 33.Butasthelight(viz.thetincture)maketh substantialityinitssinkingdown,sothatthereis inthelightasubstancelikewater,andyetisno water,butsuchaspiritandproperty;sothefire swallowethupthesamesubstantialityintoitself, andtherewithquenchethitswrath,andascendeth inthesubstantiality,andburnethlikekindledoil, andthisistherightnaturallifeofallcreatures, andiscalledthetincture. 34.Butthislifeisfragile[transitory,corruptible], andconsistethonly infourforms;viz.infire,air,water,andinsubstantiality [orearth]whichisitsbody.Andwe shewyouthisonethingmoreinthistincturelife, (asyouseenaturally)thatoutofeveryfirethere goethforthasource[orvirtue]viz.air,whichis afterthismanner:whenthefirestronglyattracteth andswalloweththesubstantialityintoitself,then thesubstantialityfliethstronglyagainoutofthe sourceofthefire. 35.Foritissosubtle,thatthefirecannothold it,andsoisanattractingandrecoilingagain.

Forthefirewilletheagerlytohavethatagain whichisflyingforth,andsothereisperpetual strife. 36.Thusyouseeitveryplainlyandopenly, thatthelifeofthefirelettethgotheair:forit willnotstayinthesource[orproperty]ofthefire: foritflietheagerly,andthesource[orproperty] ofthefirecontinuallyattracteththesameback againintoit:Andsothefireisblownup,orelseit wouldbesmothered,andbecomedark:andforthat causeitreacheththusafterthesubstantiality,viz. aftertheair. 37.FornoSource[virtueorlife]desireththeshuttingup indeath;andthatisalsocalleddeath,when thelifeisshutup;besidesthat,thereisno death. 38.Forintheeternitytherewasneverany deathatall,norshallbeever;butthatwhichis calledtheeternaldeath,isashuttingupofthe tincture,wherethetincturegoethawaylikea shadow[Orfigure],andsothecentre(viz.thesource [or,fountain]ofthefire)remainethinthedarkness, andflowethinmerewrathinitself;andwould veryfainreachthetinctureagain,andyetithath nopowertodoso,forthetinctureonlyisthe power,whichblowethupthefire. 39.Considerherewhathellandtheeternal deathis,foritisjustso;andknow,thatthedevils

havelostthetinctureofmeekness,whonowarea wrathfulfiresourcewithoutsubstantiality,forthey havenobody. 40.Secondly,consideralsotheelementofwater, andasyouknowthatithathitsoriginalinthe spiritofthecreature;soalsoithathitsoriginalin thedeepoftheworld,whichisalsoaspirit,and hathsuchalifeasothercreatureshave. 41.And,thirdly,consider,thattherearetwo sortsoffire,ahotandacold:For,asthe heatcontracteth[orconcreteth]together,sodoththecold, whichturnethwaterintoice,andmaketha strange[heterogeeous]bodyoutofthesubstantiality[orwater] whichisnotitsown. 42.Bythiswegiveyouclearlytounderstand theFallofLucifer,whothusreachedintothe centreofnature,intotheharshmatrix,and awakenedit,sothatitconcretedthesubstantiality, andsoearthandstonescametobe. 43.Youwillsay,WhydidGodsufferit?[The answeris]:Luciferwasaprinceandthroneangel, andwascreatedwiththefirstcreation:andtherefore sincehewasacauseoftheThirdPrinciple, (understand,oftheoutbirth),thereforeChristcalled himalsoaprinceofthisworld;forhehadalsoa freewill,likeusmen.Weoftentimesdoworks whicharecontrarytoGod,onlyforourstateand honour,asisseeninforts,castles,andsumptuous

greathouses. 44.SoLuciferalsowouldbeasagodand creator,allwhichmighthavebeenwellenough,for thatwasnothisfall,[nomorethanitwasAdam's fall,thatheimagined,whereuponGodsufferedthe treeoftemptationtogrow],butitwashisfallthat heawakenedthematrixofthefire,andwould domineeroverthemeeknessoftheHeartofGod. 45.That[awakenedmatrixofthefire]isnow hishell:andGodhathcaptivatedthathell,withthe heaven,viz.thematrixofthewater.For[Lucifer wouldfainthat]theplaceofthisworldshould burninthefireforhim[todomineerin];and thereforeGodmovedhimselftothecreation, anddidcreate;andsotherewaswater,which captivatedhiswrathfulhell,[asthepleasantsun shuttethuptheastringentcold,andturnethice intowater,wherebyfishesandothercreaturesgrow andlive]. 46.Andthecauseoftheseaandofthegreat deepwaters,whosebottomcannotbefathomed,is, thatthematrixofnaturewasinthoseplacesso farenkindledinthefire. 47.Andherewegiveyouanexampleofthis. ConsiderSodomandGomorrah,whentheirsins becamegreat,andthatthedevildweltthere,and wouldhaveakingdomthereforhimself;God permittedthattheprinceofthisworldshouldburn

thosefivekingdoms(whereinthedevilintendedto dwell)withfireandbrimstone.Butwhenthe devilthoughttobelord,andtohavehishabitation there,thenGodbrakehisprideandstoutness, andcausedwatertocomeuponthatplace,and allayedhispride. 48.Andinthiswehaveanexcellentexample ofGod'scareforhischildrenwhichdependonhim: forwhenhesawthewrath[thekindledanger], hebroughtforthLotoutofSodom. Andfurther,youhavehereina fullexample,thatwhenthewrathofGodbeginneth tobekindled,hemakethitknowntohis childrenbeforehand,thattheymightfleefromit; ashetoldittoAbrahamandLot,andcommanded himtofleefromit;andsohehathdonefromthe beginningoftheworld.Fortheprophetswerefor nootherendbuttodeclaretheangerofGod,and tocommandthechildrenofGodtofleefromit; asmaybeseenbywhatwasdonetoJerusalem andtheJewishnation,andhathbeenalwaysdone toallpeople,fromthebeginningoftheworldto thistime.[Forwhennopunishmentsorjudgments morecanbeexpected,thenprophesying shallcease.] 49.Thereforeletnoneblindfoldthemselves,but considerwhatsuchawarningandrevelation signifieth,whichatpresentispropoundedtothe world.Thisisthetimeoftheoverthrowofthe dragon,withthewhoreofBabel,whichshallgo

downintotheabyss.Now,hethatwillnotflee, yetlethimhavewarningofit.Hethatwill bringthewhore'smarksforthintothelight,will havegreatignominyandreproachbyit;wespeak whatweought:Thedaydawneth,thesunwill suddenlyarise,accountitnotforafiction,itis concludedandknowninTernarioSancto:Look intotheScriptureintheRevelation,whichthe sophistershadratheritwerecastoutoftheBible; buttheunderstandingofitwillsoonbudforth: andthenthepedlarsofthebeastandofthe whorewillstandingreatshame,andnonewillbuy theirwaresanymore.Nosworddestroyeththe whore,butherownmouthchokethher,forthere arenothingbutliesandblasphemiesinit;and yetsheseemethasifshewereGod.Therefore saywe,leteveryonelooktohisowndoing:Lift upyourheads,asChristsaith,forthetimeofyour redemptiondrawethnear;youarebaptizedwith water,buthethatwillbaptizewiththeHoly Ghost,andwiththefireofhiswrath,isalready onhisway;benotwilfullyblind. 50.Thusunderstandusrightlyconcerningthe lifeofman,aswehavenowmentioned:Thislast forementionedlife,issingly[solely,oralone]inthebeasts, forithathitsoriginalonlyinthePrincipleofthisworld, inthematrixofnature,whichiseverywheresuch aspirit,andsuchalife,initself. 51.Andinmanthelifeistwofold:forman hathalsothelifeofthis[outward]Principlein

him:buthedesirethalsoanotherlife,whichis higherandbetterthanthis. 52.Andnow,wherethereisadesire,thereisa mother,whichisthedesireitself;fornodesirecan makeitself,itmustariseoutofawill;andthe willmustcomeoutofthetincture,whichisthe lifeofthewill. 53.Thusweknow,andhavesearchedout,that inthetinctureofthePrincipleofthisworld,viz. inthelifeofthisworld,thereisalsoanother tincture,whichwehaveanapprehensionofin ourselves.Iftherewerenotanothertincture,the lifewoulddesirenothingmore. 54.Yetwecannotsay,thattheoutwardlife desirethanythingmore:Itdesirethnothingelse butitsownmother,viz.thePrincipleofthis world,foritisonlyaspirittherein;forno Principledesirethanother;aPrincipleisa peculiarlife,andhathitscentretonature; andthereforewecallitaPrinciple,because thereisatotaldominioninit,asthereisin theeternity;whichdominiondesirethnothing morenorhigher,butonlythatwhichmaybe generatedinitsowncentre;asyoumayeasily perceiveitbythekingdomofheaven,andthe kingdomofhell;forthekingdomofheaven desirethnothingbutthedivineBeing:buthell [desireth]thatwhichiswrathful,murderous,fiery, sour,soaring,astringent;andwhatsoeverisinthe

propertyofangerinthefire. 55.Now,therebeinginusadesireafterthe highestgood,andaftertheeternity,thatdesire mustneedsproceedoutoftheeternalandhighest will,outofthehighestBeing;anditslifeisalso outofthehighesttincture:forwherethereisa desire,thereisfire;forthefiredesirethsubstantiality, thatitmayhavewhereontofeed, andyetitselfcanmakenosubstantiality,butit makeththetincture,andthetincturemakeththe substantiality,asisabovementioned. 56.Now,thetinctureisacreature,forithath abody[asmaybeseeninthetincture(orcolour) ofgold];thoughitbenotpalpable,yetitis substantial[essential];andtheunderstandingisinthe tincture,foritisawrestlingwiththefire,and fliethbeforethefire;andyetitcannotflyaway, becausethefiregenerateth[desireth]it,andcontinually attractethitagainintoitself;anditstillstriveth togetoutfromthefirewiththesubstantiality, andisafterthemanner,asamanfetchethbreath. 57.Thereforewegiveyounowrightlytounderstand itthus:youseethatthetinctureshineth, andintheshiningthereisnostirring,buta constantlustre;andyetinthelustrethereis allpower,asinthetincture:anditisaneternal stillness,andthetinctureisthestirring,andalso thelife.Understandusrightlyanddeeply,forit isthedeepestground,andfoundationinheaven.

58.Theotherdesireinman,afterthehighest good,isthesoul,whichstandethintheeternal mother:foreverydesirehathitsoriginaloutof itsownmother:thereforethisisadesireofthe eternity;andnottheeternity[itself],butthe tinctureoftheeternity,andtheMajesty,viz.the glanceinthestillhabitation,asisnowmentioned. 59.Now,ifaspiritbeinitsownmother,it desirethnottogooutfromheragain;[astheairspirit dothnotdesiretogoawayfromthebody]; neitherdothitdesireanythingmorethanwhatis initsmother,andinitscentre. 60.Butyetwefindandunderstanditinour mind,thatthesoulwillethtobeoutofthis [earthly]mother,inwhichitstandethatpresent: andnotonlyso,[but]itdesireththehouseofits ownmother,viz.itsowntincture,andthemajesty; alsotheeternalrestoutofthetincture. 61.Andsowesearchandfind,andhaveitin trueknowledge,thatthepoorsoulinthespirit andinthetincture[orlife]ofthis[outward]world, liethcaptiveinastrangelodging,andhathnotits lightoftheMajesty,forifithadthat,itwouldbe atrest,anddesirenothingmore. 62.Alsowefind,thatitliethcaptiveindeath inmuchweakness:forifithadits[right]tincture, thenshouldtheMajesty,whereinitisachildof

God,shineinit. 63.Thereforewesay,thatthepoorsoulof AdamwascaptivatedbythespiritandPrinciple ofthisworld,andreceivedthetinctureofthis worldintoit;andtheninstantlytheMajestyand brightnessofGodremainedstandinginits[own] Principle:forthesoulputitswillanddesireinto thespiritofthisworld,anditselfenteredintoit. 64.ThusGodshutuptheheaveninthesoul, sothatitknewitsMajestynomore;andthere wasperplexityandgreatmisery,thataneternal creatureshouldcometobeinanotherPrinciple inanothercentre.Herethesevensealstothe Bookoftheeternallifewereshuttothesoul,for thecentreofitslifewasshutupandcaptivated intheeternaldeath,itcouldnomorestirany forminthecentreofitslife,itlayinhell,like deadbones,thedragonhaditinhisjaws. 65.Foritwasinthehouseofmisery,there wasnonethatcouldhelpit;noangel,nothroneprince, nocreature,neithercouldthecentreofthe soulhelpit:foritsfirewasextinguished,the spiritofthisworldhadswalloweditup[asthe waterdevoureththebrightnessoftheflaming iron]:Forthewillofthesoulwasenteredinto thespirit[ofthisworld],andhadmarried[or joined]itselfthereto,it[Thewill]wasinanothermother, asitisnowatthisday.

66.Andsonow,ifthemotherofthisworldhad beenbroken(asitdothbreak[indeed])thenthe soulwouldhavestoodintheeternaldeathinthe darkness.Herecounsel[Orremedy]wasatanend,thefair creaturewascaptivatedbythekingdomofhell, whichtriumphedoverit. ThehighlyPreciousGate. 67.HerewasnocounselinthewholeDeity, unlesstheeternalWordandHeartofGoddid becomeman,anddidenterintotheThirdPrinciple intohumanfleshandblood,andassumeahuman soul,andgointodeathtothepoorsoul,anddid takeawaythepowerofdeath(whichheldthe soulcaptive)andthewrathfulstingofhell,which ithadstuckintothesoul,anddidleadthepoor souloutofdeath,andoutofhell,in[byorthrough]himself. 68.Andherewesee,thataftertheWord becameman,thatmansufferedhimselftobe hangedonthecross,andenteredintodeathon thecross:Understandhere,thenewlivingMan bornofGodwentintotheabyss,andbrakedeath inthesoul,andopenedthecentreofthesoul: Hebrakeallthesevensealsofthecentreofnature, sothatthesoulcametohaveitsownpowersagain; forhekindledthedivinefireinthesoulagain,so thatthesoulagainreachedtheeternaltinctureout ofitsownfire. 69.Andthusitcameagainintoitsfirstmother,

inpowerandMajesty:andtheOldAdamhung tothecrossasacurse,tothescornofalldevils; theretheymightdoasfarastheycouldwithit, asindeedtheywerebusywiththesophistersand Antichrists,thePharisees. 70.Therethedevilsranwithothersubtlety andtricksintoholes[cornersandsecretplaces] andhid[coveredandconcealed]theResurrection, throughtheministers ofthedragon,thePharisees,whichyetpretended tobetheministersofGod;buttheyservedthe devilinhislies,asisdonenowadays,wherethe deathandpowerofChristisclosedupanddenied. 71.Thishangingonthecrossisnothingelse, butthatasthesoulhathitsoriginaluponthe crossinthecentreofnature,(outoftheWordof theLord,exverboDomini),wherethenameof theNumberThreestandeth,therehaththeWord. oftheFathermoveditself,andisenteredintothe humanity,asisheretoforementionedconcerning thevirgin,andisbecomemanonthecross,inthe eternalandintheearthlyvirgin;andhathbeen madeaspectacleonthecross,totheoldAdamical manandalldevils,andtheirloftypride;andhath slaindeathonthecross,andtherebybrokethrough it,andsobroughttheAdamicalman(withflesh andblood)asaspectacleintodeath;andhath castawayfromhimallearthliness,andbrought himpowerfullythroughdeathintolife.

72.ThusheisnewborninGod,andsitteth upontherainbow,onthesubstantialityandcolours oftheeternity,inthepoweroftheMajesty;and isaLordofheavenandofthisworld,andajudge ofhell,andaconquest[Orpower]overdeath. 73.Ofthisyouhaveatrueground,yethatare regeneratedinChrist,thatasChristbroughthis body,boththeheavenlyandtheearthly,(which hereceivedinhismotherMary),outfromdeath again,andcastawayfromhimnothingelsebut theearthlysource[orproperty,]viz.thespiritof this[outward]world. 74.Soalsomustourbodiesinthepowerofthe soulsthatareinhim,(thatis,inhisWordand Heart,whichiseverywhere),comeforthagainat theLast[Judgment]Day,andcastawaynomore fromthem,butthissourceandspirit[oftheoutward world];fornoneriseagainintheentire corruptbody,butinthefleshandbloodofChrist. 75.Butthecorruptedspirit(whichremaineth intheearthlymatrixinitstincture)mustappear beforetheJudgmentofGodattheendofdays; andthereshallthesentenceandjudgmentofthe JudgeChristbepronounced;andthen,afterthe pronouncing,allgoethintotheether[receptacleordevourer]: andthenthespiritofGod,whichcreatedtheworld,will executethatsentence. 76.ButthatImaynotmeetwithfalseinterpreters,

thatmaymistakethistext,asthespirit shewethme,thereforeyoumustknow,thatwhen thesoulisbornanew,intheWordandinthe spiritofChrist(inthis[life]time),thenalsothe firstsubstantiality(viz.theinwardbodyofthe soul,whichAdamhadinParadise)outofthe eternalvirgin(whereinhewascreatedman) becomethnewborn,andgetteththefleshofChrist. 77.Thisnewbody,inwhichthenewregenerate soulsticketh,stickethintheoldcorruptflesh,and isincomprehensibleandimmortal:ButtheOld Man[whichis]conceivedfromthespiritofthis world,mustperishintheearth:Itgoethinto itsmother,whomustbringitforth,andpresentit attheLast[Judgment]Day:butafterthesentence ofChrist,itgoethintotheether,andisonlyasa figureto[fororbefore]theeternalNewMan; forinthatfigureallaman'sworksfollowhim. 78.Soalsotheythatbealiveatthehourofthe lastJudgment,theOldManwillfallawayfrom them,withtheperishingoftheworld,andpass intotheether:Forallthebodiesofthewicked shallbepresentedthereinthemother,viz.inthe spiritofthisworld;andthesoulsshallhearthe sentence:andthentheirbodiesalsopassaway withthemother,andstandasafigure:andtheir worksfollowthemintotheAbyss.

THENINTHCHAPTER ConcerningtheThreefoldLife.AlsooftheInclination[Drivingor impulsion]andwholeGovernmentofManinthisWorld. HighlytobeConsidered. 1.ITisshewntome,whatthedevil'sintention is,howhewillendeavourtosmotherthese highandpreciouswritings:thereforebewatchful, yechildrenofGod,believenotthesophisterstoo much,whocryout,heretic!heretic!Tothefire withthem.ThatisnotthevoiceoftheHolyGhost, butthevoiceoftheAntichrist,andofthedragon: forthesewritingswillexceedinglydiscoverthe devil'ssmokingpit;andnotonlyso,butthey shewalsothewhoreofBabelveryplainly,likea whoreputtoopenshame. 2.But(becausethemenofthespiritofthis worldtakecareonlyfortheirbelly,andareloth tolosetheirhonour,credit,reputationandgoods, buthadratherpartwithGodandthekingdom ofheaven)weshallbepersecutedbythewhore throughtheinstigationofthedevil:thereforebe watchful,yechildrenofGod,andlooknotupon thatwhichishigh,andhathgreatauthority;but regardthewellfareofyoursouls.Thisweleave youforthelast[farewell]. 3.Christsaith,Noonekindlethalight,and

settethitunderacover,orunderabushel,but settethituponatable,thatallthatareinthe housemayseebythelightthereof.Thusmustwe alsodo,andmustnotburyourtalent(whichisso dearlybestoweduponus)intheearth;forwe mustgiveanaccountthereofattheDayofthe JudgmentofGod,asthespiritofthemother intimatethtous. 4.Ifthisknowledge[orunderstanding]ofthis spiritshallhappentofalluponany,theywillbe thencertainwhatitis.Weneednolettersof commendation;Christisourletterofcommendation, whichissufficientforus.Noneoughtto callthemselvesaftermyname:Allofusthat knowChrist,putonhim,andaremembersofhis body:wecallourselvesChristiansandchildrenof God,andbrethrenandsistersoneofanother. 5.Thereforenow,whenweconsiderthe dominion[orcourse]ofourlife,wefindapowerful strifetherein,whichthedevilhathwiththesoul, andalsowhichthespiritofthisworldhathwith thesoul.Forthereisaknowledgeinthespirit ofthisworld;indeedthereisnodivineunderstanding init,butthereisanapprehension plantedinthematrix,viz.inthecentreofnature. 6.Forthisworld,beforethecreation,stood frometernityintheeternalwisdom,asaninvisible figure,andisnowcreatedasaproperPrinciple ofitsown,totheendthatitmightbringall

itswondersandworksintoessence,thatthey mayappearintheirfigureafterthetime[of thisworld]. 7.Andsothereisanaturalstrifewithman therein,fornocreaturebutmancanbringthe wondersoftheworldtolight;andthereforealso thespiritofthisworldhathsoverymuchlonged afterman,andhathdrawnhimtoit,thatit mightshewforthitswondersinhim,thatman shouldproduceallartsandlanguagesinit; moreover,thespiritandheartoutofearthsand metals,viz.thatPreciousStone,thePhilosophers Stone,whichindeed,sinceSolomon'stime,hath beenfoundbyfew,butnowattheendshallbe foundmoreclearly,asweknowandunderstand. 8.Forhethatrightlyunderstandethourwritings concerningthecentreofnature,andits progresstotheNumberThreeuponthecross,and totheglanceoftheMajesty,maywellfinditin metals,itisnotdifficult;ifhelearnbuttheright entrance,hehaththeendathand,ofwhichwe shallnotheremakemention;foritbelongethto theMagi,whicharebornmagically:wespeak onlyofthegroundofnature,andofthespiritof thisworld. 9.Andwedeclareuntoyou,thatthespiritof thisworldiscreatedwithsuchaninclination,and thatithathanaturalwilltorevealitselfandall itsmysteries,asweseebeforeoureyesbywhatit

hathbuiltorbroughtforth,howithatherecteda dominionandkingdomuponearth. 10.Dobutlookuponthedoingsofman,from thehighesttothelowest:thespiritofthisworld haththusbuiltthewholeorderofthem,andGod hathpermittedit.ForGodisnotadestroyer, butapreserverofthatwhichhispowerbuildeth up,andaccountethitforhisordinance:forthere isnothingbroughtforthwhichhathnotstoodin theeternity. 11.Butyoumustunderstanditrightly;hell andtheangeraretheabysswhichminglethits wondersalsotherein,asweseewherethereisgood ground,andthatthesoweralsosowethgood seed,yetthistlesandthornsgrowupamongstit; accordingasChristhathgivenusasimilitudeof thesower:andasitisinthemindofman,so itisalsointhespiritofthisworld. 12.Youaretoknow,thatallweeds,asthistles andthorns,alsoserpents,toads,evilbeastsand worms,havetheiroriginalfromthewrathful matrix:Forinthetimeofthecreation,all,both goodandevil,cameforth,everythingaccordingto itskindandproperty:thereisgoodandevilin everything,andthekingdomofangerhathalso whollyimprinteditselftherein[Orformeditsimage];andtherefore thefruitisgoodandevil,andAdamshouldnot haveeatenthereof.

13.Igiveyoutounderstand,bythefruitsof theearth,howgoodandevilareinoneanother, andhaveeachofthemtheirusefulness,theevil aswellasthegood:AllservetomanifestGod's deedsofwonder;andeachisserviceabletothe spiritofthisworld;whattheonehurteth,the otherhealeth,andthatalsoisawonder. 14.Furthermore,weseetheMysteriumMagnum, theGreatMystery,inthetrees;though indeedtheyaredifferentandmixed,yetwediscern theparadisicalform[orconditioninthem];for theybeartheirfruitupontwigs,andthefruitisa thingdifferentfromthetree:Thetreeisbitter, andthefruitissweet:Andwegiveyoutounderstand, thatthetreesandfruitwehavenowadays wereparadisical,ifthecursedidnotstickin them:theparadiseisflownfromthem,andnow allfruitisbutsuchastheapplewasfromwhich Evedideatdeath.Andyouaretoknow,that thekingdomofangerdidalsopressintothe GardenofEden,whichbroughtforthatreethat didbearsuchfruit,asallthetreesnowadays whichwefeedupon. 15.Onlywearetoconsider,thatthefruitsfor mandonotgrowofthemselves,hemustplantand dressthem,asyouseeinalltrees,bothinthe woodandstalksofthem:andmandesirethnot willingly[toeatof]the[first]essencesofthe earth;exceptitbeaverypleasantherb,buthe desireththesecondbirthoutoftheearth,viz.the

kernel[seedorfruit];whichisindeedthesecond birthoutoftheearth,wherebyweunderstandour highdescent;butbeforetheFall,paradisesprang upthroughalltrees,andthroughallthefruits whichGodcreatedforman. 16.Butwhentheearthwascursed,thecurse enteredintoallfruits,andthenallwaseviland good;deathandcorruptionwasinthemall, whichbeforewasbutinthatonetreeonly,which wasnamed[theTreeof]GoodandEvil;and thereforeitisthatweeatdeathinallthefruits, andthespirit[of]evilandgoodrulethinus. Thespiritofthisworldrulethinus,andsodoth thedevilwiththespiritofanger;andeachof themshewforththeirwondersinandbyman. [OftheGreatStrifeabouttheImageofMan.] 17.Thereisagreatstrifeaboutman'simage, eachkingdomwouldhaveit:hell,intheanger saith,Itisminebytherightofnature,itis generatedoutofmyroot.Alsothespiritofthe worldsaith,Ihaveitinmybody,andIgiveit lifeandnourishment,Ibringitup,andgiveitall mypowersandwonders;itismine.Andthe kingdomofGodsaithalso,Ihavesetmyheart uponit,andhaveregeneratedit,itisproceeded outofmykingdom,Ihavesoughtandfoundit again,itismine,itmustrevealmywonders. 18.Thusthereisavehementstrifeinandabout

man:Lookuponhisconversationanddoings;his desirestandethespeciallyinThreeThings,and theyareThreeKingdomswhichrulehim:and intowhichofthemhefalleth,therehelieth. 19.First,Hedesirethpower,honour,andglory, thatallmightfearandhonourhim.Thisiseven thepoisonofthedevil,whohathalsosuchan intention,whichhesatisfiethbydoingasmuch ashecan. 20.Secondly,Hedesirethriches,goods,and money,mucheatinganddrinking,andcarethnot bywhatmeanshecomethbyit;itisthespirit ofthisworldwhichdesirethonlyshelterand fullnessasabeastdoth. 21.And,Thirdly,hedesireththekingdomof heavenalso,hedesirethandpantethafterthat, butinmuchweakness,andisalwaysindoubt [thinking]heisasinner,[andthat]Goddesireth nottohavehim:yethesighethandpantethafter it,andwouldfainbesaved:heprayethandyet doubteth,hehopethandyetfeareth,hehopethfor amendmentanddeliverancefromonedayto another,andalwayssupposethitwillbewell tomorrow,tomorrowthouwilthavepowerto gofromthis[courseof]lifeandenterintoanother: thusitisalwayswithhim. 22.Thiswedonotspeakconcerningtheswinelike men,wholiewallowinginthemire,who

neverseekforanyamendment:butwespeak concerningthepoorsinnersthatarebetweenheaven andhell,whohaveincitementstobothofthem, andyetareheldback. 23.Yetobservewhatmandoth:Hefolloweth allthesethree[desires];hecontinuallyseeketh powerandhonourtillhisend;hecontinually huntsaftercovetousness,money,andgoods,toeat anddrink;andthoughhehavesuperfluity,yet inhiscovetousnesshehathnotenough;hedoth asifheweretolivehereforever;andthen, thirdly,hehathalsopanted[afterthekingdom ofheaven],forthepoorsoulisverymuchperplexed, andiseverafraidofthedevil,andthe angerofGod,andwouldfainbereleased;butthe firsttwokingdomsdopressitdown,andbarit upintheirprison,insomuchthatmanyapoor soulcastethitselfawayintotheabyss,and despairethofthekingdomofGod. [OftheDevil,whochangethhimselfintoan AngelofLight.] 24.Theysay,Thedevilcomethtomaninthe formofanangel,anditistrue:Observewhat hedoth,thatheisaccountedanangel,andis accountedgood;whenthepoorsoulisthus disquieted,andmanytimespresentethtothe body,deathandtheangerofGod,hehindereth notthat;heoftenletsthepoorsoulrunwith thebodytothehousesofstone[tothechurches],

orwhitheritwill:Heputsitonmostwillingly ofalltogotothestonechurches,andtheresaith tothesoul,Nowthouartgodlyanddevout,thou goestdiligentlytochurch. 25.Butwhatdothhethen?Whenanyteach ofthetempleofChrist,andoftheNewBirth, thenhesowethotherthoughtsintothespiritof thisworldinman:Sometimescovetousness;sometimes hesetstheeyesuponpride,state,and beauty;sometimeshecatcheththespiritwith thelustandimaginationtowardsmenorwomen, accordingtotheirsex,andtickleththeheartwith wantonlust;sometimestheyarelulledfastasleep. 26.Butwhenthepreacherisasophister,and amaliciousslandererorrailer;orperhapsmany timesinperformanceofhisoffice,andfroma goodmeaning,herebukethmenaccordingtotheir deserts;therethedevilsetsopeneverydoorand gate,andtickleththehearts[ofthehearers]therewith; andtheheartwishethstillmoreandmore ofthat,thatisveryfine[tokeepthemfrom fallingasleep]. 27.Andwhensuchpeoplegofromchurch,they canrepeateverywordveryreadily,andthatbest ofallwhichtendstothedisgraceofothers:With thattheyfeastthemselvesthewholeweeklong; itismoreacceptabletothemthantheWord ofGod.

28.Behold,thisisadevilinanangelicalform; whentheysuppose,thatiftheydobutrunto churchtogether,thensuchareverygoodChristians. Butiftheyhavelearntnomorebuttoscorn,mock, andderideothers,andbringithometotheir families,ithadbeenbettertheyhadallthattime beenwallowinginthemire,orthattheyhadbeen fastasleep,andthenthedevilwouldnothave defiledtheirsoulsinthechurchofstonewith wantonnessandscorn:Ohowhappyasleepit isinthechurch,whenthepreacherinviteththe devilintotheheartforaguest!Itisbetterto sleepthantoimaginewantonness,ortofillthe heartwithrevilingsandscorn. 29.Oyousophisters!thatfillyoursermonswith revilingofyourforefathersthataredeadlongago; youthatoutofenvyoftenrevilehonesthearts accordingtoyourownpleasure;howwillyoube abletostandwithyourlambs?Whereasyou shouldhaveledthemintofreshgreenpastures, intothewaysofChrist,viz.intolove,chastity, andhumility,butyouhavefilledthemwith revilings;itwerebetteryouwereinastableor hog'sstywithyourrevilings,thaninapulpit, andthereyouwouldseducenobody. 30.Ispeaknotthisoutofadesire[toreproach anybody],butIdoonlywhatIoughttodo,I despisenone,Ionlydiscoverthesmokypitofthe devil,thatitmaybeseenwhatisinman,aswell inoneasinanother,unlessheberegenerated

anew,andthenheresisteththespiritofthedevil, andthrustethitawayfromhim. 31.Theotherdevilismorecraftyandcunning thanthis,butisalsoaglisteringangelwithcloven feet;whenheseeththatthepoorsoulisafraid, anddesirethtorepentandamend,thenhesaith, Pray,andbedevout;Repentforonceandaway; butwhenthesoulgoethabouttopray,heslippeth intoitsheart,andtakethawaytheunderstanding oftheheart,andputteththeheartintomere doubting,asifGoddidnothearit:herepresents sinbeforetheheart,andsaith,Tomorrowitwill bebetter,leaveoff,youwillnotnowbeheard. 32.Thustheheartstandethandrepeatethover thewordsofaprayer,asifitwerelearningsomewhat withoutbook;andthedeviltakethaway thevirtueandefficacyofthemoutoftheheart, sothatthesoulcannotreachthecentreofnature: asChristsaith,Thedeviltakeththewordoutof yourhearts,thatyoumaynotbelieveandbesaved. 33.Thenagainthesoulstandethandsaith,it hathprayed.Butithathnotprayed.Ithath onlyrehearsedwords,notinthespiritofthesoul inthecentrewherethefireistobestruck[or kindled],butinthemouth,inthespiritofthis world;andtheyvanishintheair,orelseaswords wherewithGod'snameistakeninvain:Buthere thisshouldbeobserved,Thoushaltnotusethe nameofGodinvain,andunprofitablyinthy

mouth,forGodwillnotleavehimunpunished thatusethhisNameinvain. 34.Therebelongethgreatearnestnesstoprayer: forprayingiscallinguponGod:toentreathim,to speakwithhim,andtogooutofthehouseofsin, andenterintothehouseofGod:andifthedevil offerstohinderit,thenstormhishell:Setthyself againsthim,ashesettethhimselfagainstthee,and thenthoushaltfindwhatitiswhichisheretold thee:ifheopposesstrongly,thenopposethouthe morestrongly;thouhast,inChrist,fargreater powerthanhe. 35.AndifyoudoubtthegraceofGod,yousin greatly,forheisalwaysmerciful,andthereisno otherwillinhimatallbuttobemerciful:He cannotdootherwise,hisarmsarespreadabroad dayandnighttowardsapoorsinner.Andwhen anycometh[withthelostsontotheFather],and sostormethhell,thenthereisamongsttheangels ofGod,greaterjoyforsuchanone,thanfor ninetyninerighteousthatneednotthat;asChrist himselfteachethus. 36.Withsuchadevilascovereththeheartof man,thereisnobettercoursetobetakenwith him,thannottodisputewithhimatallaboutthe multitudeofsins;buttowrapupallsinsona heap(thoughtheywereasmanyasthesandon theseashore),andthrowthemonthedevil's shoulders,andtosayinhisheart,Behold,thou

devil,thouartthecauseofallthisevil,Ileavemy sinstothee,butItakethemercyofGodandthe deathofChristtomyself,thereinwillIrollmyself, devourmeifthoucanst. 37.Dobutfixthytrustandconfidenceupon thepromiseofChrist:andletyourstormingbealways groundedinthedeathofChrist,inhis sufferingsandwounds,andintheloveofChrist: Disputenofartheraboutyoursins,forthedevil involveshimselftherein,andupbraideththeefor thysins,thatthoumightestdespair. 38.Maketrialinthismanner,andyouwill quicklyseeandfeelanotherman,withanother senseandwill[inyou]:Wespeakasweknow, andhavefoundbyexperience:Wespeaknotby wayofopinion,orasanhistoricalrelation,but thatwhichwehaveagroundfor,forasoldier knowethhowitisinthewars:buthethathath nottriedandbeenpresent,alwaysthinkethotherwise thanitis.Thiswementionoutoflove,for yourlearningandinstruction,asaspiritwhich speakethhowithathgonewithit,foranexample toothers,totryifanywouldfollowus,andthen theywouldfindhowtrueitis.

TheGatesoftheDeepGroundconcerningMan. 39.Sincethebeginningoftheworldtherehath beenacontroversyaboutthis:becausethesegates

wereshutwithAdam,andwehavebeenheld captiveindarkness:butseeingGodhathfavoured us,andopenedthemtous,andalsohathgivenus anearnestwilltowriteitdown,weshalltherefore doit,andgivethanksforittoGodtheFatherin ChristJesusineternity,whohathredeemedusout ofthedarknessofdeath. 40.Thereforewhenwewouldknowwhatman is,andwhythereissogreatdifferenceandvariety amongstmen,sothatonedothnotasanotherdoth andthatonedifferethinformandfeaturefrom another;wemustsetbeforeusthemostinward groundofhis[incarnationor]becomingman,and considerit,andthenweshallfindall. 41.ForwhenamanthatisregeneratedinGod, sothatheseeththelight,beginnethtosearchout hisoriginal,thenthespiritofthesoulsearcheth inalltheThreePrinciples,whatheisineachof them;forweknowit,andcannotsayotherwise, thanthatwe,intheimageofthespirit,andalso ofthebody,inalltheThreePrinciples,havebut oneonlyrule[ordominion]inus;butthat dominionisinthreesources[orqualities]:the spiritandthebodyaredrivenaccordingtoeach Principle,andwhatPrincipleitiswhichgetteth theupperhandinman,sothatmanwithhiswill inclinethtoit,accordingtothatheperformethhis work,andtheother[Principles]dobutcleaveto it,nothavingsufficientpower.

42.Butwhenwewillspeakoftheimage,we mustseewhatitisinthegroundthereof.Forwe aresownasaseedinafield,intothematrix[womb]: Now,considerwhatprecedeththat:Nothingbut alongingwillanddesireofmanandwomanto copulate,andyetthefruitisnotalwaysdesired, ofwhichwehaveanexampleinwhoresandwhoremongers, alsoindeedinthestateofmarriage. 43.Nowthequestionis,Whatisthatwhich provoketh[tocopulation]inthemaleandfemale, ofallkinds,asalsoinman?Behold,inthe eternityallhathbeeninonebeing,viz.the tincture,whichisthecentreandcauseoflife,as hathbeenmentionedatlargebefore;andalsothe substantiality,whichisgeneratedoutofthe tincture,whichhathalsoalltheformsofthe centre,yetwithoutfire,forit[substantiality]isasinkingdown, andcannotkindlethelifeinit,itiscorporeal,and affordethbody,butnotlife;forthefireaffordeth life. 44.Andwegiveyoutounderstand,inthe copulation,thatthemanhaththetincture,andthe womanthesubstantiality,viz.thematrix,whichis generatedoutofthetincture:Nowobserve,inthe eternitytheywereinoneanother,andthisworld stoodthereinasafigure;forthewisdomhad overshadowedthetincture,andreceiveditinto itselfasthebodydoththespirit;andthiscould notbebroughttoasubstancevisibletotheangels, unlessGoddidmovetheeternity,fortheangels

areinasubstance. 45.NowwhenGod,viz.theNumberThree, movedhimself,therewasmovedtherewithalso thecentreofnatureintheeternity,wherebyall becameessential,substantial:Thetincturebecame substantial,andprevailed;andthesubstantiality becamematerial,andyetwasnotdivided,forthat cannotbe,itisoneonlysubstance. 46.AndnowwhenGodplacedtheFiatinthe materialsubstantiality,or,asImaybettersay,did awaken[theFiattherein],sothatthewordinthe substantialitysaid,Lettherecomeforthallsorts ofbeasts,accordingtotheirhind;thentherewent forthoutofthematerialsubstantialitytwokinds[maleandfemale], andthatcorporeally;forthroughtheWordofthe Lord,thetincturetookonitsubstantiality,and thespiritofthesubstantialitytookalsotoita body,andsothereweretwosexesorkinds.The bodyofthetincturehadinitthecentreofthelife; andthebodyofthesubstantialityhadnotthe centretothestrikingupofthefire;indeedithad thelife,butanimpotentlife. 47.Thiswedemonstratethus,thatyoumay rightlyunderstandit:Lookuponaflaming[redhot]iron, whichsendethtwospiritsforthfromitself,one hotone,whichhaththecentre,andcankindleand awakenanotherfire;andoneairyone,fromwhich waterproceedeth,whichhathalsoallpowersofthe fire;yetthetincturethereinisnotfire,butitis

aneternalbarthatnofirecanbetherein,andyet isthespiritofthefire,whichhathitssourceoutof thefire,anditslifeliketothefire,forinthe eternitythereisnodeath.Therefore,inthefemale kindnolifecanproceedoutoftheirtinctures,but thematrixmustgetthetincturefromtheseedof themale. 48.Thuswedeclareuntoyoualsotheground ofthedifferencebetweenthemaleandthefemale kind:forwhenGodcreatedthematerialsubstance, therewentforththekindsofallessencesinthe centreofnature,accordingtoalltheproperties: forasyouseethestars,thatonehathaproperty differentfromanother,whichallarecreatedoutof thecentreofnature,accordingtothematerialsubstantiality; andsoallessencesstoodinthematerial substantiality,andtheFiatattractedalltowards thecreatedearth. 49.Andtherehatheveryformofthetincture, andofthespiritoftheseveralkinds,figured everyoneitsownbody,accordingtoitsproperties, astobebeasts,fowls,worms,fishes,treesand herbs,alsotobemetalsandearth,allaccording asthelifewasinthem.Andthisyoumaywell perceivebythedifferenceofeachday'swork[of thecreation]. 50.Foronthefirstday,Godcreatedthematerial water,(whichhathanimpotentlife,andisabar uponthefireoftheanger,anduponthedevil's

smokypit,wherehethoughtintheburningfireto domineeroverGod).Also[hethencreated]the earthandthestones,andsothegrosspart[dross]was separated,whichconsistedinmortalandfierce essences,wherebyLucifersupposedtobeking andcreator(therein). 51.Whenthiswasdone,Godsaid,Lettherebe light,(letthelightofthetinctureopenitself),and therewaslight:thenGodseparatedthelight fromthedarkness.Understandthisrightly.He [God]shutupthefiercefirewhichLuciferhad kindled(whichtakethitssourceoutofthedarkness), andletthetinctureinthequintessenceburn,asin thefatofthewaterspirit,asinabeast[thefireof itslifeburneth]. 52.Thusthelifedidburninthetincture,and turnedthefat,viz.theoil,intoaquintessence,viz. blood,andsothatlifedidburnintheblood;for thereinstandeththenobletincture:andGodhath reservedinhisownpowerthecentreofthefire:for hehathshutitupinthedarkness,asithathstood frometernityinthedarkness:andsoeverylife standethinhishand:forifheletthefirecome intothetincture,thenthespiritisinthehellish fire. 53.Nowwhenthelightdidshineoutofthe tincture,hedividedthetinctureintotwoparts, evenasitdividethitself,viz.intothefirelife,and intothelightlife,ashathbeenmentionedbefore;

andcreatedthetwolives,thefirelifetobea heavenandafirmamentbetweentheholymeekness, viz.theHeartofGod,andtheimpotentairspirit :andyettheairgoethforthfromitsmother, thetinctureofthefirespirit,andGoddwelleth betweenthemboth. 54.Thefirespiritofthetincturehaththe eternityin[orfor]itsroot,andtheairspirithaththe materiallife,whichsourcedforthwiththeawakened substantiality,andruleththeoutwardbestiallife: foritisthebestiallifeofeverycreature,also[itis thelife]oftrees,herbsandgrass;ithathalsoa tincture,butnotstrongenough. 55.Thusyouseehowthelifestandethinthe water,andhathtwodominions,viz.fireandair; andyouseewhencethebloodhathitsoriginal, whichmakethacreature[thathathblood]more noblethanonethathathnotbloodinit;forthat creaturehathafalsetincture,andisproceeded fromthewillofthedevil,asyouseeinvipers andvenomousworms,theyhavenotthenoble tincture[orthenoblelife]. 56.Butwhenthedevilintendedtobelordin thetincture,andwouldcreate,heawakenedsuch alifeinhiswill,whichyetisnotallhis[life]:he isindeedofthesameessences,andthedevils' bodiesarefiguredalsoinhellintosuchserpents, venomousworms,anduglybeasts:forthey cannotintheirownformbeotherwise;although

indeedtheyhavenotabodyfromthedivided tincturefromitssubstantiality,but[theyhavea body]outofthecentreofnature,outofthefierce matrix,outoftheeternalsubstantiality,outofthe darkness,whichisaspiritualbody. 57.NowwhenGodhadcreatedtheearth,the waterwasoverthewholeearth,whichGod separated,thattheearthbecamedry,andcalled thewatersea,Meer,whichinthelanguageofnature signifiethacoveringandholdingfastthefierceness ofthedevil,atruereproachtothedevil,thathis powerwasdrowned:Toexpoundthis,veryacute writingsarerequisite,andmanwouldhardlybe abletoapprehendit. 58.Thustheearthspranginitsownessences andtincture,whichwerealsocomprehendedin thefirstcreation. 59.Itshallalsoberightlyexpoundedtoyou whatMosessaith,Godseparatedthewaterabove thefirmamentfromthewaterunderthefirmament; thatis,intothewaterandbloodofthe[living] creatures;forthewaterabovethefirmamentis blood,andthereinstandeththetincture[orlife],which separateththeheavenfromthewaterbeneaththe firmament,viz.fromtheelementarywater;aswe seethateachofthemhathitsownhabitationand dominion:ofwhichmaybespokenmoreatlarge inanotherplace.

60.Onlyweunderstandthereintwokingdoms, viz.thesouldwellethinthebloodinthetincture, andinthewaterdwelleththeairspirit,whichis corruptible,forithadabeginning,butthesoul hadnone;forthetinctureisfrometernity,and thereforethefiguresofallkindsmustremainin eternity;accountitnotforanopinion,itis reallyso. 61.Now,whenheaven,earth,andtheelements werethusformed,thenthefierytincturewasas shininglight,andwasafirmament,calledheaven: forthisworldhadnootherlight:AndthenGod sufferedthecentreofnaturetoopenitselfinthe createdsubstantiality,(forthiswholePrinciple becamebutonebody),andtherebrakeforthit heart,[viz.theheartofthisPrinciple]withitsown properwillandfacultiesoutoftheessences;that is,thesunandthestarsareitsessences,andthe sixplanetsarethespiritsatthecentreoftheheart, andthesunistheirheart:alljustastheDeity hathbeenfrometernity. 62.Thustherecameatruelifeandunderstanding, withreasonandperception,yetabestialone,into theoutwardtinctureandtheairspirit,andsothe greatwondersstoodtheremanifest;forGodhad manifestedhimselfinafigurativeform:Andyou seethatitistrue;dobutconsiderwhatwehave writtenbeforeconcerningthecentreofnature,and soon,tothelightoftheMajesty,andconcerning theNumberThree,andyouwillfindhereinthis

worldafigurativesimilitude[ofHim].

ConsiderofthePlanets. 63.Saturn,thefirstandhighest,isastringent, cold,dusky,andmakeththedesiringandattracting: foritisthesharpness.Ifyouwillhavearight understandingofthis,youmusttransposethe planets.(Seefigureonnextpage) 64.First,taketheuppermost[planet]anduntoitthenethermost,forinthe wheeleverywhereisuppermostandundermost,understandintheWheelof Life,anditwheeleththeupperpartundermostwhenitturnethround;which isonlytobeunderstoodconcerningfondconceitedmen,andbeasts,with whomthewheelofnaturefallethaturning;fortheCrossstayethit. Thereforeobservewell:SaturnattracteththeMoon,whichisbeneath,and causethinthematrixofthecreaturethecorporising,viz.thattherebe flesh;forSaturnandtheMoonmakesulphur[orcorporeity].

65.NowSaturndesirethonlytoshutup,it seizethuponandholdethfast;as[inturning] liquorintoasulphur.ButSaturnhathnotsul; forsulisfromtheliberty,butSaturnhatha willing,andthewillhathsul,foritoriginally proceedethoutoftheMajesty. 66.Considernow,beneathSaturnstandeth Jupiter,whichisproceededoutofthevirtueof Sol[orthesun]astheheartofSaturn,(elsethere wouldbenodesiring,noSaturn);fornature desirethonlytheheartandSol[orthesun];yet JupiterisnotSol,butisthebrain. 67.Andobserveit,thewheelofnaturewindeth itselffromwithoutinwardsintoitself;forthe Deitydwellethinnermostinitself,andhathsuch afigure[asishereshown].Notthatitcanbe delineated;itisonlyanaturalsimilitude;Even asGodpourtrayeth[representedorrevealeth] himselfinthefigureofthisworld.ForGodiseverywhere totalandperfect,anddwelleththusinhimself.

68.Observe;TheoutwardwheelistheZodiac, withtheconstellations,andthenthesevenplanets followtoSol,afterSolstandethFire,afterFire Tincture,afterTinctureMajesty,afterMajesty theNumberThree,withtheCross. 69.Andobserveit,thedesiringgoethinwards

intoitselftowardstheHeart,whichisGod,asyou mayconceivebysuchafigure:fortheRegeneration goethalsointoitselftotheHeartofGod. 70.Observeitalsowell,foritisthecentre[or theground]oftheoutwardbirth.Intheeighth circumference[next]afterthezodiacistheglobe oftheearth;afterthat,rightagainstit,abouton thewheelisSaturn,andgoingaboutthewheel, thereistheMoon,andagainaboutonthewheel isJupiter,andagainaboutonthewheelis Mercury,andaboutagainisMars,andthen Venus,andSolinthemidst,andafterSol,the FirewhichSolaffordeth,andafterthefirethe otherworld,viz.theHeavenlyTincture,andafter theHeavenlyTincturetheNumberThree,viz. theeternalHeart,andthatistheeternalcentre ofnature,andintheeternalcentreisthewhole poweroftheMajestyofGodthroughout,heldor shutupbynothing,andisofnosubstanceor nature[imaginable],evenastheshiningofthe sun. 71.Youmaywellperceivewhatwesetbefore you,thus:Thezodiac,withtheconstellations, belongtothemind,aswellinthedeepofthe world,asalsointhecreature,thetwelvesignsare thetwelvepartswhichthecrossinthecentre maketh;fromwhichtheupperdominionisdivided intotwelveparts,asalsothemindis:Forthe sixformsinthecentre,besidesSol,eachofthem dividethemselvesintotwoparts,[Soldividethnot

itselfbutonlyintotheNumberThree,orintothe splendourfireandTincture],oneaccordingtothe tincturethathathlife[init],theotheraccording tothetinctureoftheair,whichhathspirit[init], andyetmakethnolife. 72.Thusthesignsaretwelve,whichdivide themselvesintotwogovernments,viz.intoa heavenly,accordingtotheTincture,andintoan earthlyaccordingtothespiritofthisworld,viz. theair;andthetwokingdomsarealsotwofold, viz.inthetinctureofthefirethereisanangelical kingdom,andbackwards[retrograde]ahellish;andthe kingdominthespiritoftheairisalsotwofold: fortheinward[kingdom]isthespiritofGod,and theoutwardisthespiritofthecreatures;as Davidsaith,TheLORDridethuponthewingsof thewind;thatis,thespiritofGodwhichcometh tosuccourandrelievehiswork. 73.SoalsothetincturekingdominGodmaketh alsosixforms;andthatofthespirit,outofthe tincture,whichistheHeartandlife,andisthe spiritofGod,makethalsosixinnumber,andthey aretogethertwelveinnumber:Thesethewoman intheRevelation,whichthedragonwoulddevour, wearethuponherhead,beingtwelvestars;for onenumbersixshereceivedfromthespiritofthis world,whereintheHolyGhostkeepeththe eternallife;andtheothernumbersixshehath fromtheeternaltincture,outoftheeternalcentre, outoftheWord:forsheweareththeangelical

zodiac,andalsothehuman. 74.Andeachcentrehathsixinnumber,which maketogetherthenumbertwelve:theseventh numberofthecentreissubstantiality,andthe [dominionor]kingdom;forGodbecameman,and broughtthetwokingdomsintoone:formenand angelsareinonekingdominGod. 75.AndsotheImage[ofthewoman]intheRevelationhath twelvestarsuponthecrown:fortheImage representethGod;itisthesimilitudeofGod,in whichherevealethhimself,andwhereinhedwelleth. ThecrownsignifieththepoweroftheMajestyof God,asakingwearethacrown,whichsignifieth dominionandmajesty. 76.ButthattheImagewearethacrown,with twelvestarsuponthecrown,itsignifieththatthe Deityisabovethehumanity,andthatMaryis notGodhimself;butthecrownsignifiethGod, andthestars[signify]thespiritsofGod:sixin theDeity,andsixinthehumanity:forGodand manarebecomeoneperson;ThereforeMaryalso wearethall[thetwelvestars],forweareGod's children. 77.Seeingthen,thatthenumbertwelvecontaineth twokingdomsinthedoublednumber[of six],viz.anangelicalandahuman,eachinthe numberofsix,whichtogethermaketwelve,so alsothetwokingdomshaveothertwonumbersof

sixinthem,(viz.thefire,thekingdomofthe abyss;andtheair,thekingdomoflivingcreatures andallearthlythings);andthesehaveeachof theminthecentrethenumbersix,accordingto thesixplanetsearthy,andaccordingtothe sixplanetsfiery,whichnowtogethermakethe numberoffourandtwenty,whicharethefourand twentylettersinlanguages,whencetheyare sprung;andweperceivethatthetonguespeaketh thatwhichisgood,andthatwhichisevil,that whichisheavenly,andthatwhichisdevilish, accordingtothetwosources[orproperties]oftheletters;as propernamesintimate,accordingtothe languageofnature. 78.Now,whenthisnumber,accordingtothe NumberThree[orTrinity],isnumberedtothricefourand twenty,(asindeedtheNumberThreedothmanifest itselfinthreekingdomsandpersons,andaccording totheNumberThreeallisthreefold,butaccording tothecreaturesallistwofold),thenthesumis seventytwoinnumber,whichsignify,andare,the seventytwolanguages,whichsignifyBabel,aconfusion andwonder. 79.Ifweshouldgoonhere,weshouldshew youthewhoreandthebeast,whichtheRevelation speakethof,andmoreoverallthewonderswhich havebeensincetheworldbegan:Thegreatest secretliethherein,andiscalledMysteriumMagnum, theGreatMystery,andallthecontroversies inmattersofreligionandfaitharisefromhence,

andallwilling,evilandgood. 80.TheSevenSpirits,whereintheSonofMan consisteth,intheRevelation,arethesevenspirits ofnature;oneofthemisthekingdom,andthe sixarethecentreofnature,[viz.the]heavenly:if thisbesetdownaccordingtothehumannumber, itmakeththenumbertwelve,andaccordingtothe twokingdoms,viz.thekingdomofGod,andthe kingdomofthisworld,outofwhichthefaithful aregenerated,thentherearefourandtwenty spirits,whicharetheEldersbeforethethroneof God,whoworshipGod,andtheslainLamb: consideritwell. 81.Wefurtherintimate,concerningthisworld's centreofnature,thus:Thebirthoflifewindeth itselflikeawheelinwardsintoitself,andwhenit comethtotheinnermostpoint,thenitattaineth theLiberty,yetnot[theLiberty]ofGod,butonly thetinctureoutofwhichthelifeburneth. 82.ForthatwhichwillcatchholdofGodmust passthroughthefire;fornosubstantialityreacheth God,unlessitsubsistinthefire:understandin apeculiarfire:Ifthatshouldkindle,theworld wouldmeltaway.Wemeannotthefireofthe outbirth,whichisnofire,butonlyasharpfierceness, whichconsumeththeoutwardsubstantiality whichspringethfromthewater,viz.woodand flesh,butdothnotstirtheinwardfireinstone.

83.Thereforeobserveit;theLiberty,without thenatureofthisworld,isonlytheeternitywithout substance.Now,astheeternalcentregenerateth itselfoutofthedesiringoftheeternalwilling,as ismentionedbefore;sohathalsotheothercentre oftheThirdPrinciple,(throughtheWordFiat intheoutbirth,outoftheeternal,)generated itself[inlikemanner]. 84.Forfromthefirstcreationofthefirstday, theoutwardcentreofnaturehadwounditself thriceabout,(understandbeforethesunandstars werecorporeallycreated),andhadattainedsix forms,threesuperior,andthreeinferior;andthere arealwaystwelveofthemthatbelongtooneform ofthecentre,wherethereisalwaysasign;understand, thesigns[ofthezodiac]intheeighthsphere(inthe crown). 85.Saturn,withhisharsh,strong,attracting andcold,isoneformandspiritinthecentre, whichshuttethuptheabyss,andmakethdarkness inthedeep,andattracteththesubstantialityof theoutwardpowerofthisprinciple,andthecentre windethaboutlikeawheel;andthatwhichis concretestandethoveragainstSaturn,asina wheel,andiscalledMond[theMoon]inrespect ofitsproperty,whichwouldbetoolargetoset downinwriting. 86.Thenthewheelwindethfurtherinwards intoitself,andmakethJupiter:ForSaturn,with

itsattracting,desireththeLibertyofthedivine substance,buthemakethHirn[thebrain];forit catchethwithitsdesirethepoweroftheLiberty, andnottheLibertyofthedivineMajestyitself whichiswithoutsubstance. 87.Butbecausethereisunderstandinginthe power,andyetthepowercannotinitsownmight awakentheunderstanding,thereforeJupiterdesireth alifeinthepower,andthatisaboutonthewheel Mercury:forthewheelisalwayswindingabout, andMercuryisastirrer,amakerofasound andanoise,andyethathnotthelife,forthat existethinthefire;andthereforeitdesireth thefiercestormyturbulency,whichstrikethup thefire;andthataboutonthewheelisMars, whichisarager,stormer,andstrikerupof thefire. 88.Butnowthefourformscannotsubsistin thefire:fortheyhavesubstantiality,andthefire desirethsubstantiality(forthefireitselfsubsisteth not,ifithavenotfueltofeedupon),whichsubstantiality desirethmeekness,andthataboutonthe wheelisVenus:foritisthemeeknessofthe outwardnature,andmakethlove;foritisthat whichtheotherfiveformsdesire:foreveryform windethitselfinwardsanddesireththeLibertyof God,whichismeekstillness,andasnothing,and yetisAll:andiftheyhavethemeekness,which alsomakethwater[tobe],thenthewateristhick, andislikeaduskinesswhichdesirethlight,and

becomethpregnantwithit,sothatthemeekness, viz.Venus,hathalustreofitsownaboveallthe starsinthefirmament;forthedesiringcatcheth thelight. 89.Nowthelightiswithoutsubstance,and onlystillandmeek,whichdesirethlifeandspirit, andyetcanproducenolifenorspiritoutofthe waterandmeekness;thereforeVenusdesirethwith itsmeeknessandlighttheheart;thatis,thepower andvirtueofallforms,andsoitcatcheththeheart, whichaboutonthewheel,inthepoint,isthe Sun,whichistheheartofallthesixforms,and theyaretheformsoftheirheart,whichtogetheris alife.Now,ifthatwereunsteadfast,itwould passaway[ormoveabout],sooftenasthewheelwindethonce about;andthoughitwouldbelong,itwould endurebutaseculumage,ortermoftwentynine years. 90.Nowthesevenformsdesirefire,[beingthe eighthnumber,andtheeighthnumberdesiretha life,]whichmaycontinue,fortheheartisnotalive withoutfire,and[therefore]theheartcatcheth holdofthefire:andthatfireisfierceandconsuming, andconsumethallthesevenformsofthe centre,withtheirsubstantiality.

[TheHeartstandethbetweentwoWorlds.] 91.Thustheheartisinanguish,vexedwithin

andwithout,forithathnothingmoreinthe substantiallifeoutwardly;thoughitseeketh,yet itfindethnothing,andyetseekethwithanxious longing,andpenetrateththroughallforms,and seekethmitigationofthefire,andyetcannotso finditeither. 92.Thusallthesixformsoftheheartreceive thevirtueofthesun:foritpenetratethmightily intoallthesixforms,andseekethrestandease, andifitfindnotthat,thenitpressethinitself forthfromitselfthroughthefire,anddesireth theeternalliberty,andattaineththeliberty throughdesiring,andyetcannotbefree,forthe sharpnessofthefireisinitsdesiring.But thelibertyattractethitselfinthedesiringin thefire;forthedesiringpressethintoit[viz. theliberty]. 93.Thusthelibertysharpenethitselfinthe fire,andappeareththroughthefireasaflash[of lightning],thatis,theglanceandshiningofthe sun,andthatsharpenedlibertydesirethitseternal delight,viz.itsmeekstillvirtue,andpresseth inwardlyintoitselfintothevirtue:andthateternal virtueinthelibertyistheeternalWord,andthat WordisgeneratedoutoftheeternalHeart,andin theHeartistheCrossoftheNumberThree,and istheendofnature;andintheendisthevirtue andglanceoftheliberty,whichisgeneratedout oftheeternalcentre,outoftheHeartuponthe Cross,andiscalledthedivineMajestyofthe

eternalsubstance[oressence]. 94.Nowconsider,astheoutwarddesiringofthe outwardnaturegoethinwardsintoitselftowards theeternalHeart,whichisGod,(fortheoutward naturelongethagainafterthesubstanceofthe liberty,tobeasitwasbeforethecreation,that itmightbedeliveredfromthevanity,viz.the fiercewrath),soalsotheinwardheartlongeth aftertheoutwardnature,andwouldfainmanifest itselfoutwardlyinfigurativesimilitudes[resemblances], thustheinwarddesireththeoutwardfora figure,andtheinwardcatcheththeoutwardin itsdesiring. 95.Forthesimilitudeoftheeternalcentrewas indeedalreadybeforethecreationofthesunand starsintheoutwardsubstantiality:butitwas notfiguredandkindled.[Asalimner,beforehe drawethapicture,hathanimageinhismind,but notframedexactly.] 96.ThusGod'sHeartoftheNumberThreeput itswillintotheastringentFiat,intothematrixof nature,intotheheartoftheoutbirth,intothe firmamentalheart,viz.intotheplaceofthesun, andcreatedwiththespiritofhismouth[thespirit ofthesoul]throughtheFiatroundaboutonthe wheel,thesevenformsofthecentreofnature; forasthewheelturnethandwindeth,sowentthe Fiatalso,magically,inthemidst,inthewilling ofthewheeling.

97.Andseeingtheoutbirthoftheearthwas asinkingdownofdeath,thereforethelifeturned awayfromthatdeathupwards.Andyouseethat thethreeplanets,viz.theformsofthecentreof nature,(whichmakethespiritofthecentreand thehouseofthespirit),standupwardsabovethe sun,asthelifeinitsbeginningtakethitsoriginal: andthethreewhichbelongtothebodyandto mobility,beneaththesun,oneunderanother,even asthecorporisingtakethitsoriginal;andthe heart,viz.thesuninthemidst;andtheform standethrightupwardstowardthefirmament,as aman. 98.Whichyouaretounderstandthus:Observe; abovetheheart,thesun,standethMars,whichis thestrikerupofthefire,andakindlerofthe heart,andabreakerinpiecesoftheessences, thatthethicksubstantialitymaynotremain coveredandstifled;itbreakeththat,sothatthe spiritcanawakenthefaculties[orsenses],foritmakeththe tinctureinthesun.Marsispoisonandanger, anddenoteththefiercenessofthefire,asismentioned beforeconcerningthecentre;itisthe bitterragingforminthewheel,andcauseththe essencesintheflashofthefire:Itisacauseof thelife.TheSunandMarshavetogetherthe tincturelife;andVenuswithMercuryandthe Sunhavethespiritlife,viz.theair;thatis,the femininelife;understand,thematrix,viz.afemale lifeofallkinds.

99.AndaboveMarsstandethJupiter,whichis thepowerandvirtueoftheheart,(towhichMars givethitsfirelife,whichitreceivethoutofthe heartofthesun);thatmakeththebrain,wherein Marscandwell. 100.Andabovethat,standethSaturn,which attracteththevirtue,andmakethforthespirit ahouse,viz.thebrainpan[skull],andmakeththesubstantiality, astheskinuponthebody;thusthe outwardlifeupwardsfromthesun[orheart]is thehead,ahouseforthespirit,whichtakethits originalintheheartinthefire,anddwellethin theheadinthefivesensesintheairlife. 101.Andunderthesun,downwards,isVenus, whichtakethitsoriginalfromthepressingforth outofthefire,outofthetincture,andtherefore hathitspeculiarlustre;itmakethwaterandlove, andisasinkingdown,foritisacauseofthe sun'ssubstantiality,andabeginneroftheinferior body;alsoithaththetincture,andisacause andbeginneroftheseedtoanothercentreto propagation;foritstrengtheneditselfwiththe superiorpowerandvirtue,andreceiveththerewith theformofthespirit,bothfromtheheart,and fromthebrain:forallformsdesiretohaveit,and dominglewithit:foritisloveandmeekness. Thusithaththepowerandvirtueofallforms,and isapleasantlutist:foritsingethasongthatthey alllovetohearandrelish[feel],whichoughttobewell

considered. 102.AndbelowVenus,isMercury,towhom Venusgivethitsvirtue,togetherwithitssinking, andthereforeMercuryissopleasant,andloveth totalkofalltheingenuitiesofnature,itisa nimblesuddenawakeneroftheseedwhichVenus givethtoit:foritwill[needs]awakenthebody [orbringthebodyintobeing]:andbecauseit hathmuchskill,thereforeitwillwanderinto everything,andgivethspeechtothebody,and awakeneththebody,andgivethitsenses, especiallyinthebrain,andinthematrixofthe seed. 103.UnderMercurystandeththemoon,and therethesinkingstandethstill,andisasubstance mixedofall:itaffordeththecarcass,andallthat belongeththereto:ittakethalltoit,andmaketh thewholeimageasabeast;itisthecorporeity: Venuscongealethinit;itretainethall;forit lettethnothingsinkdown,anditstandethalways infearoffalling,inrespectoftheearth,which standethunderit;foritfeeleththeangerinthe earth,andthereforeisafraid,anddothnotsink down,butrunnethandmakethhasteabout,asif itwerefugitive:Itisafalsething,foritdesireth boththatwhichissuperiorandthatwhichis inferior,andflatterethwiththecentreofthe earth,andwiththecentreofthesun. 104.Andasthisdominionorgovernmentis

initself,soisthedominionineverycreature,also theirlifestandeththus:andyouseehowthe wheelturnethround,as[in]thecentre,andthe bodywiththeessencesstandethstill. 105.Thesixplanetsrunroundaboutthesun, asabouttheirheart,andaffordvirtuetoit,and drawvirtuefromthesun:soalsothelifewindeth itselfthusabouttheheart,andpenetratethinto theheart;forthespiritlifepenetratethtothe soul,whichburnethasalightoutoftheheart, outofthetinctureoftheheart,andwindethitself inwardsthereinto,andtheyalwaysdriveforthone another:andsothisformisasaturningwheel: forthelifeofthespiritisthus,initsoriginal. 106.Theywhosay,thatthesungoethforth, speakastheblinddoofcolours,andhavenever knownthecentre[ofnature];yettheyarenot tobeblamedforthat:foritwasreserved[or sealed]tillthesealofthesunopeneditselfatthe seventhsoundingofthetrumpet.Observethis, itisnofictionorboasting:Itdothconcernyou all,orelseyouwilldieinblindness,forwhichGod isnottobeblamed. 107.Theworld,aftertheFall,hathbutoneeye, forithathlivedunderthesixseals;understand, underthesixplanets,withitsknowledge:but youshallseetheseventhsealwiththeeyeofSol; weherespeakwhatweknow.

108.Understandusaright,thuswewillgive lighttothosethathardlyapprehendit:Behold, andobserve:Thewholegovernmentofthisworld, ineverylife,comethfromtheconstellations,good andevil;andtheyarealsothecausethatthefour elements,fire,air,water,andearth,werestirred up:elseallinthisworldwouldbestill. 109.Andsonowyouseetheuppergovernment, especiallyinthesevenplanets:fortheyare thegovernmentordominionofthespirit,andthat istwofold:Theyhavethetincturegovernment, viz.thefirelife,andalsotheairgovernment,viz. thewaterlife:Thethreeplanetsabovethesun, togetherwiththesun,managethefirelifeand government:andthethreebeneaththesun,are thegoingforthofthefire'stincture,andarea sinkingdown,andtogetherwiththesunmanage theairgovernment,andhavethefemalekind,for theyhavethesubstantialityofthematrix,andthe tinctureoftheuppermatrix;thetinctureretaineth thesoul,andthenethermatrixofVenus[retaineth] thespirit. 110.Thustheupperdesireththelower,andthe lowerdesireththeupper,andisindeedbutone body:forSolistheheart,andhaththelustreof theMajestyofthis[outwardthird]Principle. 111.Thusyouunderstandthetwokinds,the maleandthefemale:The[maleor]manisthe head,andhathinhimtheuppergovernment,with

thefireofthetincture,andhehathinhistincture thesoul,whichisdesirousofVenus,whichisthe corporealmatrix:forthesoulwillhavespirit,and alsobody,andthathaththematrixofthe[female or]woman. 112.Andthelowergovernmentisthe[female or]woman,andhergovernmentconsistethinthe Moon:forSolaffordethitheart,andVenus [affordethit]tincture,andyethathnofiery,but awatery[tincture]:andthereforeit[TheMoon]affordeththe airspirit,andhertincturedothnotstandinthe wisdom,andthereforethemanmustruleher: forthetinctureofthefireisthesharptrialof everysubstance. 113.Mercuryisthestirrerupoftheir[women's]tincture: andthereforetheyaresotalkative;andthemoon haththeirmatrix,whichisoutofalltheplanets, andisafraidoftheearth,andthereforemaketh suchhaste,andtakethvirtueandpowerinthe wheel,fromalltheplanetsandstars,whereverit can:ItdesirethSolvehemently,andtherefore drawethalsohislustretoitself;and,asthemoon longethafterthesun,(foritselfisofanearthly quality,anddesireththeheavenlyheart),soalso thefemininematrixlongethaftertheheartofthe man,andafterhistincture,viz.afterthesoul;for thesoulistheeternalgood. 114.Thusnaturelongethaftertheeternal,and wouldfainbedeliveredfromthevanity.And

thusthevehementdesireinthefeminineand masculinegenderofallcreaturesdotharise,so thatonelongethaftertheotherforcopulation. Forthebodyunderstandethitnot,northespirit oftheair,onlythetwotinctures,themasculine andthefeminineunderstandit,forabeastknoweth notwhatitdoth,onlythetincturesknowit,which driveitthus. 115.FortheFiatstickethinthem[thetwotinctures],theymustmanifest thegreatwondersofGod:Forthespirit ofGodmovethuponthewaterofthematrixin Venus,andinthematrixofJupiter,(viz.inthe matrixofthebrain),andleadeththeFiat. 116.ForthehearthaththematrixofVenus, andthebrainhaththematrixofJupiter.Thus thespiritofGodridethuponthewingsofthe windinhisownPrinciple,andyetgoethforth fromtheFatherandtheSoninthe[continual] creation,andopeneththewonderswhichwere seenfrometernityinthewisdom:andtherefore heistheWorkmasterofeverybeing,andissent ofGodtothatpurpose.

THETENTHCHAPTER FurtheroftheCreationofeveryBeing:And howaManmayseekandfindhimself:Also howhemayfindallMysteries,eventothe NinthNumber,andnoHigher. 1.YOURseekinginthestarsandelements, supposingtofindthemysteriesofnature, isbutlabourinvain;youfindnomorebutone eye,andseewithbutoneeye;andwhenyou supposeyouhavefoundSol,youhavescarcefound Luna,butonlyaglanceofSol,andarefarfrom theheart,anddobutrunwiththemoonaboutthe centre. 2.Thereisbutonewaywhichyoumustgo,if youwillfindtheGreatMystery,Mysterium Magnum;forifyoushouldseekinLunaallyour lifelong,itwouldbewhollyinvain;yourdesire wouldremaintobebutLuna:Ifyoushould takegreatandhardlabourandpainsinMercury, andsupposetheStonelieththerein,youralchemy wouldprovebutdunganddross. 3.WhenyoucomeintoVenus,yousupposeyou haveSol,andthatitisgold,butisthewoman[or female],andhathonlyawaterytincture;herlife isair,andsoyouvainlylabourin[orupon]thebody: Butifyoutakethespiritofthetincture,then indeedyougoinawayinwhichmanyhavefound

Sol;buttheyhavefollowedonthewaytothe heartofSol,wherethespiritoftheheavenly tincturehathlaidholdonthem,andbroughtthem intotheliberty,intotheMajesty,wheretheyhave knowntheNobleStone,LapisPhilosophorum, thePhilosopher'sStone,andhavestoodamazedat man'sblindness,andseenhislabouringinvain. 4.WouldyoufainfindtheNobleStone? Beholdwewillshewityouplainenough,ifyou beaMagus,andworthy,elseyoushallremain blindstill:thereforefalltoworkthus;forithath nomorebutthreenumbers.First,tellfromone tillyoucometotheCross,whichisten,andisa crossnumber,(fromonetotenisonenumber): butyouhavepoweronlyoverthenumbernine, youmuststayatthetenth,foritistheendof nature,whichthecreatureoughtnottosearch into:Ifthecreaturestayunderthecross,it remainethintheconceivedwillofGod,andthen ithathtentimesten,thatisahundred,andten timesahundredisathousand:andtherelieth theStonewithoutanygreatpainstaking,foritis pure,andisnotdefiledwithanyearthlynature: Makeitthus,asIhavewrittenabove[intheninth Chapter]concerningthecentre:Transposethe planetsthatareaboutthewheel;andtakealways onemasculine,andthenonefeminine,oneforthe spiritofthesoul,andtheotherfortheairspirit; youneednottakecareforthebody,foreach planetmakethabodytoitselfwellenough,according asitsdesireis:BeginwithSaturn,(forhe

isthefirsttothefirelifetothenobletincture); andthengoaboutthewheeltoLuna;foryou mustalwaystakeoneplanetforthelifeofthe tincture,andthenoneforthespiritoftheair,for theonesubsistethnotwithouttheother,orelse yougetaspiritwithoutabody,afirespirit,which burnethinalanternlikeakindledfire,butit yieldethnothing,itisonlyamerepride,willingto bewithoutabody. 5.GothusaboutinthewheeltoSol,whichis theseventhnumberinthefirstnumber[or account]:andwhenyougetintothat,yousuppose youhavetheStone:butitdothnotprove fixed,Marsdestroyethit:goonfurtherthrough thesun'sfire,whichistheeighthnumber,andwhen youcomethroughit,layholdthroughthetincture, ontheeternity[which]istheninthnumber,and; bringthatuponthecrossuponthetenthnumber, whichistheendofnature;herehandletheStone, andtakeasmuchofitasyouwill,nofirewill destroyit:Itisfreefromthewrathandoutbirth: Itssplendourandlightstandinthepowerofthe Majesty:Itsbodyisoutoftheeternalsubstantiality, itsnumberuponthecrossisahundred,and intheMajestyathousand. 6.Wegivethistotheseeker:fornonefindeth theStoneinLuna,unlesshecomeuponthecross intothetenthnumber:andthen,ifhelongs furthertoseekthisworld,andwouldfainhavethe splendourofthisworld,anddesireththeStoneof

thisworld,viz.inmetals,lethimgothusfromthe inwardintotheoutward;lethimgointoLuna, anddivideorbreakitintoathousandparts,and giveitalittleofSol;butifitscovetousness[hungerandthirst]be great,thengiveitaseventhpartofSol,andthen itiscomplete. 7.Foralltheplanetsandstarsrunafterthe heart,everyoneofthemtakethstrengthandvirtue fromtheheart,andmakethtoitselfitsownbody; forLunaisoutofallthesixplanets,andhatheven Sol,butnottheheart;forithathSolonlyin desire:asyouseethatitshinethwithSol,and notwithasplendourofitsown:andthereforethe spiritoftheheartmustbeaddedtoit,whichwas purebefore,andthenalltheplanetsresorttoit, eachofthemdesireththepurechild,andeach buildethitshousetherein:Butlooktoit,have acareofVenus,thatitmaynotbytattlingbring itsfemininetinctureintoit:foritappeareth brightandfair:butitisawoman,andmaketh adarkbody,andquicklydevourethSol:Keep blackSaturninMars'sheat,andsoatlength bounteousJupiterwillappear,whoiscourteous andkind,andhaththesuperiorhouse,thehouse ofthespiritofthetincture;whenitiscomeout fromblackSaturn,thenthatistheMetalline Stone. 8.Troublenotyourselfsoverymuchandlong withfire,itaffordethnomorethanitisable;or elseyounumberbackagainintoloss;indeednot

intoperdition,butyetinSolemHungariae,into theSolofHungaria:Venusexulteththemore, butyourcovetoushopeandexpectationisdisappointed andtakenaway;Althoughindeed yououghtjustlytorestsatisfiedinthetenth number:fortherichesofthisworldarebut dung[anddross];andifyouattaintothe tenthnumberwithyourformerpreparation,you neednottakesogreatcareaboutthenumber thousand:Itstandethuponthecrownofthe virgin,inwhicharesettwelvestars:six[of them]divine,andsixhuman:Thecrownhath thenumberthousand,andthevirginthe[number] hundred. 9.Christsaith,SeekfirstthekingdomofGod, andallotherthingswillbeaddedtoyou.All liethinthewilling,forthewillingmakeththe desiring,andthedesiringreceivethwherenothing is,thoughindeedthereissomethingthere;yetit ishiddentousmen,unlessamanhathattained theStoneuponthecross,andthenhefindeth, wherereasonsaiththereisnothing;forthatwhich hathnotbeenfrometernityisnotatall,and thereofweknownothing,weknowonlyofthat whichis,andhatheverbeen,thoughindeednot manifestedtousmen,butyetisofGodinhis wisdom,frometernitytoeternity. 10.Therefore,althoughwespeakoftwokingdoms, viz.ofthekingdomofGod,andofthe kingdomofthisworld,inthatmannerasifwe

sawthemwithbodilyeyes,letitnotseema wonder;ifGodrevealshimselfinman,thenhe isintwokingdoms,andseethwithtwofoldeyes, andyetthiswayisnotsohardanddifficult,as reason'sseekinginoutwardthings:Itliethallin thewilling;theoutwardwillingmustenterinto theinward,itmustdenyitself,asifitweredead totheoutward,andhadnolifeintheoutward,and yetliveth:AsGodliveth,andisintheoutward, andtheoutwardisdeadtohim,sothatit cannotapprehendhim;soalsothou,Oman,thou artwiththysoulintheinward;butthysoul's willhathturneditselfaboutwithAdamintothe outward;therefore,ifthouwiltbeholdGodand theeternity,turnthyselfaboutwiththywillinto theinward,andthenthouartasGodhimself;for thouwertthuscreatedinthebeginning;andthus thoulivestaccordingtotheinwardwilluntoGod, andinGod,andaccordingtotheoutward[will thoulivest]inthisworld,andhastbothkingdoms thyown,andartindeedrightlyanimageand similitudeofGod;thousearchestoutallthings, andfindestthatwhichlayhiddeninsecret;for thoufindestthatintheeternity,andbeholdestit standingbackwardintheoutbirth,inthefigure. 11.Thegroundofthecreationofthisworldis mucheasiertobeknownintheinwardman,in theWillofGod,thanvisiblethingstotheoutward [man]:Theoutwardknowethless,that whichheseethwithhiseyes,andtakethholdof withhishands,hearethwithhisears,smelleth

withhisnose,andtastethwithhismouth,than theinwarddoththegroundandtheexistencyof theoutward:Theinwardseethindeedthecreature inthegroundofit;butisasitweredead totheoutward,andyetliveththerein;andin thathelivethtotheoutwardhelivethtoGod,in regardofhisworksofwonder,inthathemanifesteth, andbringethintobeing,thatwhichstandethhiddeninthefigure. 12.Andyetwesaystill,thattheeternal standethinthewilling,andthewillmaketh desiring,andinthedesiringstandeththefigure ofthewilling.Thusitwasbeforethetimeof thisworld:ButwhenGodmovedhimselfinhis willing,hesocreatedthedesiring,thatitstood inabeing.Andotherthanthisverythingwe knownothing. 13.Therefore,now,thedesiringisanother thingthanthewilling,forthewillingiswithout being[orsubstance],andthedesiringmaketh being;andsooutoftheeternalnothingiscome whatsoeveris:andbeforetherewasnothing,but onlyawilling,whichwasavirgin,withoutimage, andyetwasafigureofanimageinthewilling; andthisfigurehathdiscoveredthespirit,and createditintoabeing[orsubstance],asweperceive intheformofthisworld:Thefigurehath causedthespirit,thatithathexpressedthe wondersinfigure,andthatisthematrixofthe genetrix,andthatisthespiritofthisworld:for thespiritcouldexpressnothingbutasimilitude

ofitself;fortherewasnothingelse. 14.Thereforewedemonstratethecreationto youthus;fortocreatesignifiethtocomprehend inthewillingwhatsoeverstandethinthefigure inthewilling:forwhenacarpenterwillbuild ahouse,hemustfirstframeamodelofitinhis willing,howhewillbuildit,andthenhebuildeth itaccordingtothemodelofhiswilling. 15.ThusalsohaththespiritofGodframedin hiswillamodelafterhislikeness,andsocreated thatmodel;foryouseeinthisworld,thatwhen thespiritthroughthewordFiat(upontheFirst Day)createdtheoutbirthinthewrath,viz. waterandearth,hecomprehendedthefigurein thewill;andthatwastheheavenwhichhe createdontheSecondDay,andtriedthework ontheThirdDay,andsufferedtoproceedoutof theearthformsandimagesoutoftheessences, viz.trees,herbs,andgrass,whichwereimagesof theessencesofthedesiring;buttheimageofthe spiritremainedstillhidden,andyetwasinbeing evenuntotheFourthDay.(Hereunderstand) aDaywithoutthesun,isoneturningaboutofthe wheelofnatureinthedesiringofthewilling. Theinwardwillhaththenumbersix,accordingto thesixspirits,andtheoutward[will]inthedesiring ofthefigurehathalsothenumbersix,according tothesimilitudeofthespirit;andthetwokingdoms [viz.theinwardandtheoutward]make,with theirnumbersixes,fourandtwenty,whichdivide

themselvesintofourparts,viz.sixbeforenoon,and sixafternoon,sixbeforemidnight,andsixafter midnight,tillthebeginningormorningagain. 16.Andaccordingtothis,thespiritinthe desiringdidsetasign,andareckoning,whence timesandyearsproceed,whichwerenotbefore; foreverynumber[ofthe]twelve,whichisheavenly, divine,andearthly,humanorbestial,hathasign inthefirmament,whichthespiritcreatedintoa visiblebeing,togetherwiththecrownofthe centre,whichisthecircumference[orsphere]oftheconstellations.And wegiveyounotice,thatthe creatingofthespirit,isagoingforthoutofitself intotheoutward.ForinLocoSolis,intheplace ofthesun,isthepointwherethespiritcreated thesimilitude;forthewordFiatstoodthere, andwentforthfromtheinwardnumbertenasa body,andthatisLuna,andinsuchacomprehension wasthemannerandformofthedeep apprehended:andthespiritwentforth,and dravetheessencesofthecentreeventothecrown, andtherecomprehendedthemwiththesigns [orframedthemintothesigns],andallformsoftheimage, whichstoodinthevirgininthefigureinthewilling, andtheyarethestars, andcreatedthemasacircumference[orsphere] ofthespirit,andtheyarealltogetherabody ofthatspirit,whichiscalledSol:fortherethe eternalspirithathcomprehendedorconceivedthe similitudeofthespirit[ofthisworld]:andit goeththusforthoutofthenaturalbodyofthis

world,asaspirit;evenastheeternalspirit[goeth forth]outoftheeternalcentreofnature,outof thenumberten.Andastheyhaveorderedthemselves withtheirrevolutioninthethreedays, understand,beforethesun[was],sotheyalso remainedstandingintheFiatinthatorder,and arenotmaterialorpalpable,thoughastothe eternityitisamaterialbeing,butnotastous; buttheyarepowers;anoutbirthoutofthe eternalhiddenandsecretcentre,andasimilitude oftheeternal,andhavepowerandstrengthto shapeandfigurebodiesandimages,accordingto allthepropertiesofeverystar. 17.Understandusthus:Outoftheplaceof thesun,Exlocosolis,goethforththemanifestation ofallthestarsandelements,andallthe starsarethesun'schildren,evenuntoSaturn, whichisthehouseofthesixfoldspirit:forthe planetsarethespirit,andthecrown,whichisthe uppermost,[is]thebody;andisinthatmanner aswehavementionedbeforeconcerningthecentre ofnature,andconcerningthethronesoftheangels. Verygreatthingsarehereincontained,whichwe justlyconceal,becauseofthewickednessofthe world,whichiftheyknewthem,theywouldmisuse thepowersofnaturetotheircovetousnessand falsehood. 18.Thereforewetellyou,thatthosetowhom thenumbertenisopened,haveitalsogiven themintotheirwilltospeaknomorethan

whatisrequisiteandnecessaryfortheworld,and thatatalltimesasneedrequires,andisknown inGod. 19.Thuswegiveyoutounderstand,howGod ontheFourthDaycreatedthesun,andwith thatleadingspiritthestarsalso;andwhatthey are,beingtogethernothingelsebutalifeaccording tothesimilitudeofGod,whereintheeternityhath manifesteditselfinabeing. 20.OntheFifthDayGodmovedthisbeing andlife,andsettheFiattherein,andcreatedout ofthematrixallkindsofsimilitudes,accordingto everyforminthespirit;andinthiscreationnow haththethirdkingdom,viz.thekingdomof anger,pressedhardinwithit,andtherewent forthallmannerofbeasts,fowls,fishes,worms, andwhatsoevermovethandliveth;allwentforth outoftheoutwardmatrix,andstooduponthe earth:andinthedeepwentforthallsortsof spiritsoffire,(suchasaretheAscendentsand Phoenix);andintheairalsoallsortsofspirits, accordingtothesubstantialityoftheair;andin thewater,andintheearth,allsortsofspirits, everyoneaccordingtothepropertyofitsmother[genetrix]; andthewholedeepbetweentheconstellations,so farastheWordgaveitselfinuntothecreation,is nothingbutalifeandstirringofspirits. 21.Nowreasonasketh,Seeingthedevildwelleth inthisworld,andhathhisprincelydominionthere,

whereaboutsdothhethendwell?Behold,O man!Considerthiswell.Thereareinthewhole deepnomorethansevenrevolutions[ororbs],whichroll andturnaboutlikeawheel,orasthelifewindeth itselfaboutthesoul;andtheheart,asthecentre, standethstill,inthemidst,thatis,theSun;and therevolutionsabouttheSun,arethesixplanets, asspiritsofthecentre,andtheseventhrevolution istheearth,whichturnethitselfonceaboutin fourandtwentyhours,andrunnethalonginthe courseoftheplanetsonceayear,andbesides, carrieththeMoonwithitabouttheSun,asthe othersdoalso,butsomeinshorterandsomein muchlongertime:asfirstSaturnintwentynine years,inrespectofhislargecourse.Butthe Moon,whichrunnethback,dothiteverymonth, twelvetimesinayear,andpassethsomewhaton yetfurther[inathirteenthrevolution]. 22.Nowthistogethermakeththewheelofthe birth;whereinstandeththeVerbumFiat,which hathdriventhedeviloutfromthiscircle,andso hedwellethwithoutthiscircle,andthereisagreat darknessaboutthecrownofstarsinthefirmament, sothatmanystarsinthefirmamentarenot seenbecauseofthedarkness;andthatotherwise hathagreatsignificationastomen,whichwe wouldindeedmakementionof,iftheworldwere notsomad,andsufferedthedeviltodriveit,who deridethallmannerofrevelations,thatthereby hemayblindfoldmen:ItshallintheLastTime standmanifesttothechildren,whichseewith

botheyes,[viz.withtheeyethatseethintothe eternity,andtheeyethatseethintothatwhichis temporary]. 23.Thusthedevildwellethnearus,andyet hathaprincelydominionmuchdeeper,nearer towardstheconstellations,inthemidst[amongst them],whereitisdarkest:forhemaynotcome [daresnot,likesnot]neartheshininglustreofthestars: andsoisaprisoner,anddarenottouchthesevengovernments ofthewordFiat,andhathnopowertherein,and soisthepoorestcreatureinthecrown. 24.Thiscannotbedescribedbyacircle,forthe sunstandethinnermostinthemostinwardcircle, andtheother[planets]alwaysfurtheroutwards, eventothecrownwhichincludeththeoutwardmost heaven:anditcannotbeunderstood[by outwardreason],butthespiritunderstandethit initself;for,asitis,soisthiscirclealso: neithercanitbesetdowninwriting,forthelife windethitselfinwardstothesun:andsoalso thespiritoflifeinmanwindethitselfinwards intothesoul,asyoumayconsiderconcerningthe ThreePrinciples,wheretheoutermostisalsothe innermost,whichtheoutwardspiritofourreason cannotconceive,foritisbutoneandnotthreein number.Butthespiritofthesoul,ifitbeturned about,sothatitlookethwithitsowneyesintothe innermost,andwiththeeyesofthisworldintothe outermost,understandethit:forthisisthevision inEzekiel,ofthespiritwithinwardandoutward

eyes,wherethespiritgoethrightforwardwheresoever itgoeth. 25.AlthoughthewiseMagiandmathematicians havemadeasphere,anddescribedthewheel,yet thatisnotenough:Itisindeedahelptothe unskilfultoconsideroftheMysteriumMagnum, theGreatMystery:butthewheelhathamuch moresubtleunderstanding,andcannotbemade inanycircleafterthismanner:foritgoethinto itselftowardstheheartofthesun,andoutfrom itselftowardsthefigureofthesubstantiality;it drivethupwardsanddownwards;forthespiritof thetincture,viz.therightfirelife,drivethupwards inwardstowardsthelibertyofGod,and yetdesireththespiritofthesubstantiality,which drivethdownwards,forwithoutthatthefirelife dothnotsubsist:Thusthefirespiritturnethitself about,asitweresideways,andalwaysreacheth afterthespiritofthesubstantiality,andthe spiritofthesubstantialityfliethfromthefire; butsinceitisgeneratedoutofthefirelife,and cannotbeseveredfromit,thereforeitiswheeled aboutwiththefirespirit:Forwhenthefirespirit wheelethtotherightside,andreachethafter thespiritofthesubstantiality,thenthespiritof thesubstantialitywheelethalsoontheleftside upwards,andthatmakethawheelinground,and onemakethhasteaftertheother;forthesubstantiality fliethfromthefire,andyetitcometh outofthefire,asyouseethatoutofthefire goethair,andoutoftheairwater,whichisthe

substantiality. 26.Thusthefire,whichisananguish,desireth meekness,andtheliberty,whichiswithoutsource [orpain],andreachethafterthewatersource:and themeekness,viz.thewatersource,desiretha body,andthatitmaybefreefromthefireand covered,andthefirerunnethalwaysafterthe water,andthewaterfliethfromthefire;forif thefireshouldgoawayupwards,andthewatergo awaydownwards,therewouldthenbeagreat separationbetweenthem,andeach[boththefire andthewater]woulddieandcometonothing. Butseeingthefireinclinethtowardsthewater, andrefreshethitselftherein,itsopreservethitself, andcansendforththespiritoftheairagainfrom itself,sothatthelifesubsisteth. 27.ThusweshewyoutheGreatMystery, MysteriumMagnum,thatyoumightlearnto understandhowfaryoushouldgo,andwhereyour numberandendis;forthefire,(aftertheseven spiritsofnature),istheeighthnumber[orform],andis acauseofthesevenspirits.Nownocreature subsistethinthefire,forthefireconsumeththe substantialitywhereinthenaturallifestandeth; butyetthefiremakethtincture;andthattwofold: Onereachinginwardintoitselfafterthe eternalliberty,afterthestillmeekness[thatis] withoutbeing;andtheotherreachingforthout fromitself,aftertheoutwardsubstantiality,viz. aftertheoil,whichcomethoutfromthewater,

whichisfromVenus,andwhereinitsoutward splendourandshiningspringup:andinthe inwardtincture,inthedesiringoftheeternal liberty,theMajestyofthelibertyspringethup. 28.Understandusrightlythus:Thefirehath theeighthnumber,andtheinwardtincturehath theninthnumber;andsofar[only]weoughtto go;forthetenthnumberistheeternalfireof God,andholdethinthemidstof,itsbirththe cross,whichsevereththecentreoftheeternal natureintotwokingdoms,ofwhichwehavemade mentionformerly:andwhatcreaturesoeverwill gobackthroughit,thatcreaturecomeththrough thekingdomofGodbackagainintotheoutermost outfromGod,andoutfromthisworldbackinto thecentreofthefire,asintoaneternaldarkness, wherethefireisblack,andaperpetualhunger: Thekindlingofthelightofthefirestandeth onlyunderthecross,inthemeekness,intheninth number,whichisasinglenumber;thetenth numberisatwofoldnumber,andbelongethto angelsandmenbuttheyoughtnottoreach furtherintothecentreofthecross,butmuststand therebeforethecrossoftheNumberThree,and casttheirmindsdownintothetinctureofhumility backwardsintotheninthnumber,andlookforward intothetenthnumber,butwithatimorousmind, notdesiringtocreateandhave[anything]inthe tenthnumber,viz.togobackintothecentreof thefireofGod;buthighlyrejoicebeforethe tenthnumbereternally,andwiththeirsongsof

praiseandHallelujahs,sing,Holy!Holy!Holy! isourGodtheLordofHosts;andthatsongis afoodtothedivinefire,fromwhencegoethforth, inthedivineessences,thewonder,paradise,the elementandheavenlysubstantiality,andit standethbeforetheNumberThreeasavirgin oftheeternalknowledgeofGod;andthatisthe WisdomofGod;forinthewisdomappeareththe substantialityofalldivineessences,whichtowrite ofherewehavenomorepennortongue. 29.Only,weshewyouhowfaryoushould searchintosucharevelation:forintheninth numberyouseeallthings,foritisthetincture oftheheavenlylife;yousee[intheninth number]thehundredthnumberofthevirginof wisdom,andalsothethousandthnumberofthe, crownoftheMajesty. 30.Butyoumustnotsearchfurtherintothe tenthnumber,theretosearchanddiveintothe abyss,elseyougooutfromGodasLuciferdid, whowouldfainbeacreatorinthetenthnumber, andsought[tohave]thefireoftheeternal original,andthereinhemustremainasinthe death,inthedarkness,eternally. 31.ThereforelettheReaderbewarned,notto divefurtherintotheseverydeepwritings,nor plungehiswilldeeper,than[sofar]asheapprehendeth: heshouldalwaysrestsatisfiedwithhis apprehension:forintheapprehensionhestandeth

yetinthesubstantiality,andthereheerreth not,howdeepsoeverthespiritleadethhim:forto onemorewillbegiventhantoanother:Andthis onlyisthemark[tobeaimedat],thateveryone continuesteadfastinhumilitytowardsGod,and submithimselftoGod,thathemaymakethewill andthedeedashepleaseth.Whenyoudothat, youareinyourselfasdead:foryoudesirenothing butGod'swill;andthewillofGodisyourlife, whichgoethinwardeventothethousandth number,andsearchethintothedeepoftheDeity withallwonders:Heleadethyourwill,submitted tohim,intothevirginofhiswisdom,sothatyou maybeholdallwonders:Butyoumustnotleave him,andimagineintothewonders;sosoonasyou doso,yougoquiteoutfromGod'swill,whichis theeternalliberty,andarecaptivatedinyour imagination:Markthis;foreveryimagination makethsubstantiality,andthereinyoustand,and mustgooutfromthatagain,orelseyoushallnot seeGod. 32.ThereforeChristteachethushumility,love, purenessofheart,andtobemerciful;andcalleth uponustoseekafterthewillofGod,andtosubmit ourselvestoit:ForinGod'swillweareable todoALL;ourownnaturemustnotdoit;but Godhimselfiszealousinus,andheisourdoing ifweworkanywonder:Fornohumansoul shouldsayorthink,Iwilldowonders:No,that cannotbe:forthewondersabovetheoutward naturegoforthonlyfromthecentreoftheeternal

nature,outofthetenthnumber,whichthecreature cannot[do]:butifitbeyieldedupintothewill ofGod,thenGodinthecreaturedoththewonder: foritishisdelighttomanifesthimselfinthe weak;forthestrongisstiffinhisownwill,and willnotsubmitituntoGod:Hereliethuponhis ownwitandreason.Thushiswillisoutfrom God,andisabletodonothing;andthen,ifhe speakethfromhimselfconcerningGod'sbeingand will,heisanignorantliar,hespeakethnotfrom God'sspiritandwill,butfromhimself,fromhis ownopinion,inwhichthereismeredoubt;and fromthenceariseththecontentionabout[matters of]faith[andreligion],aboutdivineknowledge,so thatmenseekGodintheirownwillingandknowing: MenwillthinktofindGodintheirown willing,andheisnottherein;forhedwelleth merelyandbarelyinthatwillingwhichyieldeth itselfwithallitsreasonandknowingwhollyto him,andtothathegivethknowledgeandpower tounderstandhisbeing. 33.Thereforeliftupyourheadsandobserve this:thewillofGodisnotinanystrifeandcontention, butman'swillandthedevil's;itisthe willofthewrathofGod;letnottheflattering hypocritesseduceyou,whoenterin,boastingofthe history,andsay,WehavethewillofGodbyus, wearehisministers,lookuponus,weareGod's officers,andthoughwebewicked,yetwerightly beartheoffice,and[dispensethe]will[ofGod]. OcursedgenerationofCainandJudas,youare

neitherbornnorknowninGod:Whythenboast youofthewillofGod?Howcanyousaythat youbeartheGreatMysteryofGod,whereasyou arewithoutGod,inastrangewill,andinyourself youcarrynottheMysteriumMagnum?Buta poorsinner,whoconverteth,butiscaptivatedby thedevil,andisinstrifeagainstthedevil,hethat panteth,sigheth,andcriethafterGod,herunneth insorrowandabstinencetotheofficeoftheGreat Mystery,whichChristhathgiventohisdisciples andchildren,whoareinthewillofGod,andthey havethetruekeytoheavenandhell. 34.Butyou,sophister,bearnottheofficewhile youarewithoutthewillofGod;butthepoor repentantmanbringeththeMysteriumMagnum, theGreatMystery,withhimtoyou,andrendereth himselfuptotheapostolicalpower,whichyou havenot;butthechurchorcongregationofChrist, whichisinthewillofGod,[hathit]:andsoone faithreceiveththeother,andthechurch,orcongregation ofChrist,absolveththerepentantsinner, andnotyou,sophister,whohaveneithervirtuenor power,norknowledgeofthekingdomofGod,but areyourselfthedevil'scaptive;andyousitinthe angerofGod,andareonlytheproudwhoreof Babel,andswimaloftupontheofficeoftheGreat Mystery,andareincapableofit,unlessyoubein thewillofGod,andthenyouareChrist'sapostle, andwearthegarmentofAaron,andGodopeneth andshuttethbyyourmouth;butyournatural willdothitnot,thatshouldalwaysbedead,or

elseyouarenotcapableoftheoffice;alsoinyour ownwill,yousitnotintheofficeofChrist,upon Peter'schair,butuponthestoolofpestilence,and aretheAntichrist,aswehaveknownyouinthe numberseventytwo,whichyoubear:foryouare incontentionaboutthecupofChrist,andyou haveitnotinyourpower,butthechurchor congregationofChrist,whichissubmittedtothe willofGod,hathit:TheArkoftheCovenantis withthematShilo,andnotinyour[contentious] schismaticalsectarianJerusalem,whichyouhave madefullofabominableblasphemies. 35.Butwhatshallthespiritjudgemoreconcerning you,seeingyouareanadulterouswoman, andhavelostyourfaithandfidelity?Hehath givenyoutimetorepent,andyoudonotrepent, butlieinwhoredomdayandnight,andtherefore hewillspewyououtinthewinepress,andBabel shallburnupitself.ThusChristsaith, OJerusalem,Jerusalem,howoftenwouldIhavegathered thychildrentogether,evenasahengatherethher chickensunderherwings,andyewouldnot! Behold,yourhouseisleftuntoyoudesolate.And sohesaithalsotoyounow,youdesolateJerusalem inBabel.Thetimecomeththatthechildrenof Christwillgooutfromyou,anditisalready,and youshallperishinyourwhoredom.Behold,your merchantswillstandafaroff,andsay,Behold! Babel,inwhichwebecamerichandfat,isbecome desolate.

THEELEVENTHCHAPTER OftheTrueKnowledgeconcerningMan 1.Wehaveshewnyou,whattheessenceof allessencesis,andwhatitslifeand spiritis,andwhatthematrixofthegenetrixis, viz.thatitstandethintheeternalwilling,andin thateternalwillingisthecentreofnature,and thereinistheNumberThree,whichistheheart, whichmanifesteththeeternityincreatures,figures, andsimilitudes;especiallyinthreekingdoms;viz. theheavenlyangelical;andthenthehellishfiery diabolical;andthirdly,thesubstantialkingdomof theoutbirth,viz.thisworld. 2.Nowyouknowverywellthatthedearman Mosessaithinhisfirstbook,[calledGenesis],That ontheFifthDay,Godcreatedalltheliving creaturesatonce:whichyouaretounderstand thus;thatinonerevolutionoftheearth,God created(outoftheearthlygreatmystery,outof thematrixofthespiritoftheearthlyproperty,as anoutbirthoutoftheeternalproperty),allliving creatures,thattheyshouldbeimagesandsimilitudesoftheeternalbeing [essenceorsubstance]. 3.Nowtheyareindeedcreatedoutoftheearthly MysteriumMagnum,butyetthespiritthereisnot sowhollyearthly;foritisyetLuna,aswesee thattheearthstandethnextthemoon,and[inthe

circleabout]fromthemoon,andaseverycircleis, soalsoisthespiritinitsowninclination,andthe propertyofthewheelinthatcircumference[orb]. 4.Thusthecirclebetweenthemoonandthe earth,isbothearthlyandlunar;forthemoonhath thepropertiesofallthestars,andisasasackor containerofallthepropertiesofthestars,whichit continuallypourethforthinitscircle:fortheearth longethvehementlyafterthemoon,andtherefore attracteththeshiningandglanceofthemoon,as alsotheshiningandsplendourofthesun:forall thingslongaftertheheart,anddesiretheliberty, thatsotheymaybefreedfromthevanity. 5.Thustheearth,initslongingdesire,hath attractedthespiritofthesevenfoldwheel,and holdeththatinitasitspeculiarmatrixofnature, andwouldalwaysfainawakeninitselfthewheel oflife;andthereforeitwheeleth[turneth]itselfabout,for ithathbothfires,thehotandthecold;andthe nethermostalwaysstrivethupwardtowardsthe sun,foritreceivethvirtueandspiritfromthesun: andthereforeitissorolledabout[turned];forthefire wheelethitabout:itwouldfainbekindled,thatit mighthavealifeofitsown,butthoughitmust remainindeath,yetithathalongingafterthe upperlife,andattracteththeupperlifetoit,and continuallyopenethwideitscentre,afterthesun's tinctureandfire. 6.Thusfromthelongingafterthesun,springeth

forththebuddingandgrowingoutoftheearthly matrix:fortheessencesoftheearthclimbforth (withthecaptivatedlifeoftheuppercentre) always,upwardoutoftheearth,andspreadforth themselvesintoagreattreeandstalk:andyou seeverywell,thatuponthetreeandstalkthere growethamixedfruit,halfearthly,andhalfaccording totheuppercentre:andthefruitnever comethintoajoy[ortoperfection],unlessitbe satiatedwiththeupper[part],andthenitisripe, forithathattainedVenus'sbody.ButasVenus's bodyisunfixed,andwouldsoonfade,ifthesun didnotstayitwiththevirtueofSaturn,soalso [itiswiththeripefruit],itisnotdurable,but soonturnstorottenness:Itcannotbepreserved [long],becausetheparadiseisoutofit. 7.Andthuswegiveyoutounderstand,thatall creatureshavebeencreatedoutofthenethermost anduppermostlife:Thematrixoftheearth affordedbody,andtheconstellations[afforded] spirit,andtheirlifereachethnotupintothesun; fortheearthhathattractedthesun'svirtueinto itsmatrix,andsoallthecreaturesthatdwellupon theearthhaveattainedthevirtueofthesunand ofthestars:butthebodyofthefowlsisoutof thedeepabovetheearth,andthereforethey delightmosttoflyintheirownmatrix;andyou seealsohowallbeastsputtheirfaceandhead forwardsanddownwards,andlookaftertheir matrix,anddesireonlythefoodthereof:forevery lifedesirethitsownmother,asyoumaysoon

perceiveinthefowls,whicharenearofqualityto theearth,thattheyeatfleshandarebirdsofprey; fortheyproceededfromtwomothersinthecreation, viz.outoftheupper[mother],andoutofthe earth. 8.Theearthisapeculiarcentre,andtherefore wascreatedseverally[apartbyitself]ontheFirstDay,andisan outbirthoutoftheeternalsubstantiality,acorrupted matrix,[corruptedbytheFallofLucifer]: intheeternitywasthereinknownthevirginof God'swisdom,whereinallthewondersofGod areseen:Andinthecreation,andafterwards, eventillAdam'sfall,paradisesprangupthrough theearth,andsotheuppercentreofnature,viz. thesun'sheart,drewforthparadisicalfruitoutof theearth,whichindeedwasnoteatenafteran angelicalmannerbyanycreature,butonlyman, thoughindeedhehadnoteatenthereofeither;for thelongingofthetwofoldlifecaughtholdofhim suddenly,andtherehestoodtillhissleepintrial, whetherhiswillwouldcontinueinGod,and [whether]he[would]eatafteranangelicalmanner: Butthebeginningshewethhowhestood,whichwe mustchewupon,andmustthereforeeatearth,and atlastmustbecomefoodfortheearth. 9.Thus,ifyouconsiderit,youmayseethe creationofGod,andhowGodcreatedtheother creaturesbeforeman,andyouseehowthelifeof allcreaturesstandethonlyinthematrix,outof whichtheywerecreated.

10.NowyouknowwhatMosessaith,ThatGod consultedinhimselftocreateasimilitudeofhis essence,animageofhimself,thatshouldruleover allthecreaturesofthisworld,overbeasts,fishes, andfowls,andoverallthatlivethandmoveth, andsaith,Godsaid,Letusmakemanaccording toourimage:andhecreatedmantobehis image,yeatotheimageofGodcreatedhe him:Butreasonasketh,outofwhat?And Mosessaith,Godmademan'sbodyofapiece ofclay. 11.Belovedreason,behold!openbothyour eyes,andlooknotwithoneeyeonlyintothe hiddenMysteryofthehumanity,ashathbeenused foralongwhilehitherto.Doyouhearwhat Mosessaith?GodplacedmanintheGardenof Eden,whichhehadmade,thatheshouldtilland keepit,andtheparadisewastherein.Doyou nowunderstandthehiddenmysteryofman?He wasinparadiseinthecreation,andwascreatedin [andfor]paradise;forparadisegrewupthrough theearth;andofthatparadisicalearth,wherein theheavenlyproperty[sourceorquality]was,thebodyofAdam wascreated;forsoitmustbe,seeinghewas tobealordovertheearth,andallthatwas earthly,andwastoopenthewondersoftheearth, elseGodhadinstantlygivenhimanangelical body:Butthenthepalpablesubstance,withits wonders,wouldnothavebeenmanifested,therefore hethusgavehimapalpablebody,butnot

sodarkaruggedandbestialoneasoursare,but aparadisicalone. 12.Youmustunderstanditthus:Theeternal VirginofWisdom,stoodinparadiseasafigure, inwhichallthewondersofGodwereknown,and wasinitsfigureanimageinitself,butwithout substanceliketoman:andinthatvirginGod createdthematrixoftheearth,sothatitwasa visiblepalpableimageinsubstance,whereinheaven, earth,stars,andelements,stoodinsubstance,and allwhatsoeverlivethandmovethwasinthisone image.Thematrixoftheearthcouldnotoverpower it,[viz.theimageman],muchlesscouldthe outwardelementsdoit;becauseitwashigherin degreethanthemall:Ithadreceivedtheneverfading substantialitywiththevirgin:Thevirgin wasnotbroughtintotheimage;butthematrix oftheearthwasbroughtintothevirginlike image;forthevirginiseternallyuncreatedand ungenerated:ItisthewisdomofGodanda [reflection,antitype,and]imageoftheDeityin TernarioSancto,intheHolyTernary,according totheNumberThree,andalltheeternalwonders oftheeternalcentreofnature,andisknownin theMajestyinthewondersofGod;foritisthat whichbringethforthtolightthehiddenthingsof thedeepoftheDeity:Thus,belovedman[mankind],you seewhatyouare. 13.Now,saithMoses,AndGodbreathedinto himthelivingbreathintohisnostrils,andthen

manbecamealivingsoul.Thisistheground, Oyeuniversities,andhighschools!danceabout thisasmuchasyoucan,shewyourselveshere Doctors,Masters,orBatchelors[inArts]:Ifyebe whatyoupleasetoconceityourselvestobe,why thenareyoublindinthis?Whywillyoube calleddoctors,wheninthegroundyouareyet scarceschoolboys?Whatdoyouunderstandby that[inspirationor]breathingin?Dothnot Mosestellyou,thatGodbreathedintomanthe breathoflife?Whatdoyouunderstandhere? Doyouunderstandittobeonlyair?Thatisnot solelythebreathofGod:forhebreathedtheair intohisnostrils:butthebreathofGodcannotbe breathedinfromwithout,forGodhimselfisthe fullnessofallthings,andispresenttherealready beforehand,whereanyoutwardthingcometh [topass]. 14.Nowtherefore,thatyoumayrightlyand fundamentally,andalsocertainlycometounder standit,lookuponwhatwehavebeforementioned; viz.HowGodlongedafterthevisiblesubstanceof hissimilitudeandimage;andtheimageofthe virgin,whereinhiswondersstood,haththuscaused it,sothattheoneimaginationembracedandconceived theother;thoughindeedGodiswithout substanceandlonging[lusting];[forhislongingisonly Majestyandliberty]:Butthecentreofnature, uponthecrossofthewonders,longed[lusted]afterthe imagewhichwasbeheldinthevirgin,wherethe spiritofGodgoethforthintothewisdom,sothat

thewisdomcausethsubstantiality. 15.Behold!God'sbreathinginwasthus:The spiritofGodmovethonthewaters,andridethon thewingsofthewind,astheScripturespeaketh: that[spirit]hadthencomprehendedthedominion ofthisworldwiththewordFiat,andbreathedit intoAdam'snostrils:Now,thespiritbreathedin theairfromwithout,anditselfforthfromwithin intothecentreoftheheart;foritdwellethnot outwardly,Toutinthecentreofnature,andgoeth forthfromwithinoutoftheDeityintotheout ward,andopeneth[ordiscloseth]animage[manifestedinabeing] accordingtoitself;understand,accordingtothecentre ofnature. 16.Wehavetoldyoubefore,howthewheelof theoutwardnaturewindethitselfinwards,even tothesun,andfurtherthroughthefireintothe libertyofGod,wherethenitkeepethitsstation: andtheinwardlongingoftheeternalcentre pressethwiththespiritofGodforthintothe heartofthesun,whichisthegreatlifeandfire, whichmeltethawaystoneandearth,whereinthe eternaltinctureisknownwithin,intheninth number. 17.Youmustalsounderstandthebreathingin thus:Theoutwarddominionofthespiritofthis world,whichreachethevenintothesun,was breathedintohimfromwithout,asanoutward life;andtheinwarddominionoutoftheinward

fireintheeighthnumberwasfromwithinbreathed intotheheart;forthatwasoutoftheeternal fire,whichreachethintotheninthnumber,towards thecross,afteritsowntincturewhichgoeth towardstheNumberThree,viz.intotheeternal liberty;andtheremanbecamealivingsoul,with spiritandsoul;forthesoulhathitsoriginala degreedeeperthanthesun,outoftheeternal firewhichburnethintheeternalwilling,which willingis,togeneratetheHeartofGod,andto exalttheMajestyinthewonders. 18.Understandusrightly,thus:God'sHoly Spirithathawakenedthelivingsoul,outofthe centreoftheeternalnatureuponthecross,asa peculiarcentreofitsown;notoutoftheNumber Three,butoutoftheeternalnature,outofthe fireofthecentreofnature,inthefifthformof thecentre,wherethetwo'kingdoms,viz.God's loveandanger,part:TherehaththespiritofGod awakenedthesoul,andbroughtitforthfrom within,outwardsintothetinctureoftheoutward spirit,intothebloodoftheheart,throughhimself, andthisisthesoul:Masterdoctor,understandit aright,anddonotvauntsoproudly,stately,and insultingly;forthesoulisthechildofGod:Its willshouldalwaysbeinclinedintothewillofGod inthetenthnumber,andthenitisanangel,and livethinGod,andeatethofthewordofGod,of thevirtueandlifeofGod:Itshouldnotturnback intothespiritofthisworld,intothefireofthe outbirth,butintothefireoftheNumberThree,

inTernariumSanctum,intotheHolyTernary. 19.Andthusthoumayestunderstandwhatthou art,andwhatthouwastbeforetheFall,forthou couldstruleoverthesunandthestars,allwasin thypower;thefire,theair,andthewater,together withtheearth,couldnotcompelthee:no outwardfirecouldburnthee,nowatercoulddrown thee,noaircouldsuffocateorstiflethee,every livingthingfearedbeforethee,thouhadstthy ownfoodoftheparadisicalfruittogivetothe outwardlife,andtheVerbumDominitothe inwardlifeofthesoul:thouhadstlivedeternally withoutwoe,orfeelingofanysicknessordisease, inmerejoyanddelight,andbesides,withoutcare andtoil:Thymindwasasthemindofachild thatplayethwithhisfather'swonders[orworkmanship], noknowledgeofanyevilwillwasin thee:Nocovetousness,nopride,noenvy,no anger,butallasportoflove. 20.Nowbehold,thatyoumayonceapprehend this:Godtooktohimselfaparticularday'swork aboutman;ifhewouldhavehadhimtohave beenearthly,bestial,andmortal,hewouldhave createdhimontheFifthDaywiththeother beasts:Andthatyetyoumaywellapprehend this,hecreatedbutoneman,withthewholecross inthebrainpan,whichsignifieththeNumber Three:Hewasbothmanandwoman,yetyouare nottounderstandanywoman,butavirginwholly pureandchaste:hehadinhimthespiritofthe

tinctureofthefire,andalsothespiritofthe tinctureofthewater,viz.ofVenus:Heloved himself,andthroughhimself[heloved]God:he couldgeneratevirginlike(outofhiswill),outof hisessences,withoutpain,withouttearingor dividing[hisbody]suchamanashimselfwas; forhehadallthreecentresinhim:andasthe centreoftheeternalnaturewasnottornnor divided,whenthespiritofGodconceivedhissoul uponthecross,andbroughtitintothewisdom; alsoasthespiritofthisworldwasnottornnor divided,whenthespiritofGodbreathedintohim thespiritofthisworld,asanoutwardlife,sohe alsowasnottornordivided:forhehadabody thatcouldgothroughtreesandstones:Ifhehad instantlygoneoninthewillofGod,thenhadhe broughtHIM[viz.God],withhimintothegreat wonders. 21.ThenoblePhilosopher'sStonewasaseasy tobefoundbyhimasanyotherstone,andthen hemighthaveadornedtheoutwardlifewithgold, silver,andpreciousstones,jewelsandpearls,allto hisownjoy,andto[themanifestationof]God's deedsofwonder:Hehadnotneededbestial clothing;forhewentnaked,yetclothedwiththe heavenlytincture:Hehadnosuchmembersashe mightbeashamedof,ashisFalldemonstrateth. ThiswashisFall:Hissoulimaginedafterthe outwardfireoftheoutbirth,afterthespiritof thisworld,andturnedhimselfawayfromGod,and desiredtoliveinhisownproperty[orself],and

tobelord;hiswillturneditselfoutfromGod's will,andwasdisobedienttoGod,anddesiredthe earthlyfruit,outoftheearthlyessences,and causedGodtosufferthetreeoftemptationtogrow, thathemighttrywhathisimagewoulddo;and heforbadhimthattree. 22.Buthislustwasinstantlygoneafterthe earthlyessences,goodandevil,whichthedevil dideagerlyhelpforward,(ashedoethstill),till Adamwasovercome,andwentforthfromthewill ofGod,andsufferedhimselftobewhollycaptivated bythespiritofthisworld;andthenallwasdone withhim:Theheavenlyimagebecameearthly: ThesoulbecamecaptivatedinthefireofGod's anger:Ithadtheheavenlytincturenomore,and couldnoteatoftheVerbumDominianymore;it hadturneditselfawayintothespiritofthisworld, andwasgoneoutfromGod'swillintothelustof thisworld;andsoalso,attheinstantoftheFall, thespiritofthisworldmadethebodywholly earthly:Theparadise,withallheavenlyknowledge, retiredintoitself[andsodepartedfrom Adam],andthedearvirginofwisdomremained standingingrief,tilltheWordoftheLordcame again,andlookeduponher[thenobleSophia] againwiththepromise oftheseedofthewoman,andthenshepassed intothelightoflife,andnowwarnethmenof theirungodlyways;concerningwhichwehave mentionedatlargeinourformerwriting,andalso concerninghiswife;thereforewehereforbearto

writeanyfurtherofit,andonlyfurthershewyou ourpropagationastobodyandsoul. 23.Wehaveformerlymentioned,howthe provocationbetweenbothkinds,masculineand feminine,tocopulate,existeth;viz.outoftwo governments[ordominions]ofone[only]substance [beingoressence]:forwhenAdamcouldnotsubsist,then Godletasleepfalluponhim,andtooktheone dominion,viz.thetinctureofthespirit,fromhim, andlefthim[theother,viz.]thetinctureofthe soul,andframedawomanoutofhim:Butthat shemighthaveasoulalso,Godtookaribfromhis body,withhisfleshandblood,andcomprisedthe soultherein,butwithoutpoweroffurtherpropagation, [ofitself],forhersoulremainedinVenus, beingdesirousoftheman'ssoul,evenasthelower dominionofthethreeplanetsunderthesun,which makespiritandflesh,desirethethreeuppermost fortheirlife,asisbeforementioned:soalsoisthe dominioninthemanandthewoman:forthe manhaththetinctureofthefirewhereinthesoul consisteth,inhisseed;andthewomanhathinher thetinctureofthespiritofthisworld,viz.ofVenus, naturallysocalled,inherseedandmatrix.Ifit werenotforthescoffers,Icouldexactlydemonstrate itinthemembersoftheircopulation:You wouldindeedwonderrightlywhyeachisasitis: Itshallbesetdowninapaperbyitself,forthere isnothingwithoutcause.Naturehathitsown mouth,ifitdesirethtohaveanything,itmaketh itselfamouthfitforit,andgivethaformtothat

thingwhichitdesireth,thatitmayfitthemouth, accordingasnaturelikethbest.Observethis. 24.Now,whentheseedissown,thennotonly thesowersoweth,butthegroundalsoaffordethits essences[orvirtue]toit:Themansowethsoul, andthewomansowethspirit,andbothofthem affordbody,andnottheonewithouttheother: Thetinctureofthefirehathindeedabody,butit becameverysmallinthiscorruption:andtherefore thenatureofthewater(inVenus)mustgive asoftspirittoit;forthemanandthewomanare onebody,andStPaulsaith,Ifthemanhavean unbelievingwoman[tohiswife],andthewoman haveanunbelievingman[toherhusband],letnot theoneforsaketheother:forthemanknoweth notwhetherheshallsavethewoman,orthe womantheman.EvenasAdamsavedhis[wife] Eve,whofirstatethebit[oftheforbiddenfruit], forshewasapartofthelife,outofhisfleshand blood:andthesamespiritandthesamesoul whichAdamhad,andwhichEvegotfromAdam, isnowalsoinus,inbothkinds[orsexes]. 25.Thereforegroundyourjudgmentthus:When themansowethhisseed,hesowethfleshandblood, andthenobletinctureofthesoul;andthewoman receiveththatintohermatrix,andinstantly affordethtotheman'sseedhertinctureofVenus, whereinstandeththeelementaryspirit,andthat assumethSaturn,andbringethitroundonthe wheelabouttoSol,andtherethenaturallife,with

thelifeofthesoul,isdisclosed;forSaturngiveth ittotheMoon,whichbreedethit,andinacircuit ofallthestars,makethessencestherein:andthen theessencesexist,andwindthemselvesaboutto Mars,whichstrikethupthefire;andtherecount thesignsintheheavens,howmanyhourseach ofthemhath,anddoublethatwithtwokingdoms, andthenyouhavethegroundoftheincarnation[or becomingman],andwhatisdoneeveryhourwith thesulphur,[viz.withthesubstancewhichcometh tobeman],formanhathyieldedhimselfoverto thespiritofthisworld,andisfallenhometoit: andsonowthatspiritmakethanearthlyelementary child,accordingtothestarsandtheirdominion. 26.IfGodhadnotbecomeman[orbeen incarnate],wehadremainedbeasts,accordingto thebody,andaccordingtothesoul,devils:andif wegonotforthoutofthehouseofoursins,we aresuch. 27.AndthereforeGodhathmadehiscovenant withusinChrist,thatweshouldbenewborn againinChrist:forhehathgivenuphislifeinto deathforus,andhathbroughtoursoulagainquite throughtheeternalfire,andturneditabout,that sowemayseeintothetenthnumberagain. 28.Christsaith[throughtheApostlePaul],All shallbetriedbytheJire:leteveryonehavea carethathisworksburnnot,forsoheshallsuffer loss.Andknowthis,thatattheend,(whenthis

worldshallpassagainintotheether),Godwill awakenthefireinthecentre,whichistheeternal [fire],andwillpurgethisfloor:Understand,itis thesoul'sfire:andsothenifthesoulhavebeen turnedintothewillofGod,thentheHolyGhost, withthedivinetincture,shallburnforthfromthe soul,andthetinctureofthesoulshallbetaken intotheMajestyofGod;whichthesoulattracteth againintoitself,andthatwillbeitsrefreshingand quenching,andsoitwillbeabletosubsistinthe fire:Butthatsoulwhichisturnedbackintothis world,andthatthesubstanceofthisworldcometh tobeinthefire,thenthesoulwillbewithoutGod, forintheabyssofthisworldisthehellishfire, andintothatitmustgo,andthereeatwhatithad cookedhere:foreveryone'sworksfollowhim. 29.Andthentheywillsaytothewisevirgins; Ogiveussomeofyouroil:butthewisevirgins willsay;Ono,lestweshouldwantaswellasyou, andperishwithyou:Gotothemerchantsofthis world,tothesophisters,andbuyoilforyourselves. Butbeforetheyshallbethinkthemselveshowthe oilistobebought,andwhereitistobehad,the gatesofheavenandhellshallbeshut:andupon thatfolloweththeeternity,andthisbeing[ofthis createdworld]passethaway.Considerthis,for thereisnodallyingwiththespiritofthisrevelation: Itconcernethbodyandsoul:hethatwill see,lethimsee,buthethatwillnot,yetheis warned.

TheGatesoftheGreatMiseryandLamentation, [shewing]HowtheImageintheMother's Womb,whileitisyetaSulphur,[viz.an inanimateLumporMass],isdestroyed:[infectedorpoisoned] sothatmanyanImage,accordingtothespirit, isaBeast,alsoaToad,andaSerpent;which afterwardsappearethplainenoughbyits Condition,Will,andConversation;andifit shouldnotbehelpedagainbyGodinChrist, sothatitisnewbornagain,itmustremain soEternallyinitsFigure. 30.DearchildreninChrist,ourpurposein revealingthis,isnottherebytoreproachmankind: Itistheverytruth,wehavehighlyknownit: Moreover,Christ,themouthoftruthitself,saith so,whocallethHerodafox,andthePhariseesa generationofvipersandserpents:andtheScripture hereandtherecalleththetyrants,lions,bears, wolves,andcruelbeasts;andtheRevelationof John,alsoDaniel,andtheotherProphets,have decipheredthepotentrulersofthisworld,byevil, fierce,andcruelbeasts;trulytheyhavenotmeant therebytheimageofGod;forthatwerenotright, thatGodshouldcomparehisimage,whichis angelical,tosuchabominablebeasts:andyetheis thetruthitself,andoutofhismouthproceedeth nodeceitorfalsehood,noranyuntruth:andseeing hehathcalledtherulersofthisworldso,therefore itis[spoken]concerningtheirgovernments;for theyraisewars,murders,andallmischiefintheir

dominions:andarethosedevouringwolves,lions, bears,foxes,vipers,andserpents;fortheyappear sointhepresenceofGod:thoughoutwardlythey havetheimageofman,yetthespiritoftheirsoul issuchabeast:anduponthatfollowethGod's Predestination[Election]:althoughGodwilleththatall menshouldbehelped[orsaved],yetheknowethverywell whoaredesirousandcapableofanyhelp. 31.WedonothereshutupthegraceofGod fromthosethatturnandbecomeNewbornout ofthisbestialcondition:forChrististherefore becomemanonpurposetohelpus,thatwemay comeagainintothesimilitudeofGod:andHE haththereforebroughtourhumansoulintothe fireoftheangerofGod,asintotheabyssofthe centre,intohell,andintodeath,whereoursouls layshutup,andoutofdeathandhellagain,into thetenthnumber,intotheeternaltinctureofGod, uponthecross,fromwhencethesoulexistedfrom eternity,whichappearedbeforethetimeofthis world,inhiswisdom. 32.Andyouaretoknow,thateverysoul,while itisyetintheseed,isno[living]creature,butisinthe fire,orafireofthetincture,andisawillofthe creature;anditstandethyetinthepowerofthe parents,eithertoquicken[enliven]ordestroythecreature, which[todestroy]runsoppositeagainsttheorder ofthecreation,andisanabominationinthesight ofGod:andherebyisshewedyou,thatsuchas thetreeis,suchisthefruitthatgrowethoutfrom

it:yetthecompulsionisnotwhollyperfect, forthetwokingdoms,viz.loveandanger,stand presentlyinthewrestling,oneagainstanother: ForGodhathbroughthisloveinChristagaininto thehumanity:andsoitstandethinstrifeagainst theanger. 33.Butyoumustknow,thatafalsewicked seedmaywellbeforsaken:andifthatcometobe so,thenthenatureofthefireoftenfigureththe spiritofthesoulinahorribleform,whichisnot knownintheoutwardimage,butonlyintheevil[orfalse] conversationandwill;asisseenthateveryone's conversationisfromhisabyss,andthespiritofhis soulissoinfigure:fortheinwardgoethoutward: whatsoeverthewillintheabyssis,thatthebody doth;andthoughhedarenotdoitopenly, becauseofdisgracefulpunishment,yethedothit secretly,andhathcontinuallyawilltoit,neither dothheaccountitanyvice:forheknowethnot himself,buthehimselfdoththatwhichhejudgeth [tobeevilinanother]. 34.Andthen,secondly,wegiveyoutounderstand, thattheoutwarddominion(viz.thespiritof thisworld)isalsointheseed,whileitisyeta sulphur,[thatis,matterwithoutformorlife],and inthat[spirit]haththeconstellationitsdominion, anditdrawethalsowithitinwardstheconstellation ofthestars,astheyhaveinfluence[aspects],andinfect orpoisonathing,andalsomakeitlovely,according astheimaginationisatalltimes:forevery

starisaseeking;adesiring(viz.ofthewonders), accordingtoitsproperty:Eachofthemdesireth alife,andtheelementarysulphur,whichisalso desirous,longethafterthedesiringofthestars, andattracteth,orletteththatintoit,andbecometh pregnanttherewith. 35.Now,inthestars,therearealltheproperties ofthisworld,whatsoeverallthecreaturesare,that thestarsare,everyoneofthemhelpethtowards life,andtotherevelationofthewondersofGod: forthereforetheyarebroughtintobeing,because Godwouldopenallformsofnature:andmanyof themmakeapropertyofadogintheoutward spiritofthisworld;manyofawolf,abear,alion,a fox,ahare,abull,apeacock,acock,alsoofatoad, aserpent,andsoforth,aftertheconditionofall sortsofcreatures;andso,ifsuchastarbefixed, sothatithathreceivedthevirtueofthesun throughtheintroducingofthespirit;thenitis powerful,anditsimaginationpressethalonginthe seed,wherebyacreaturegettethsuchaproperty intheelementarylifeandspirit,aswellinmen asinbeasts. 36.Andsuchanevilpropertymanytimes covereththesoul,andenticethitfromthewill ofGod,sothatitgoethoutfromGod'swill;forit oftencomethtopass,thattheimageofGodisin thesoul(whichdesireth[orlongethafter]God), andiscaptivatedwithsuchanoutwardspirit, whichplaguethandtormentethit;thisyousee

andmayknowbysuchasmanytimesfallinto foulandheinoussinsandwickedness,(fortheoutward spiritcasteththemheadlongthereinto),and thensuddenlytheyfallintosuchgreatsorrowand repentanceuponit,thattheysighandturnandgo ontowardsabstinence[oramendment];andthat isastrongcombatofthesoulagainstthespiritof thisworld:foritoftendothathingthatitnever hadinitsmindorthought,muchlessinthe purposetodoit,andyetissosuddenlyentangled [andovercome]. 37.Forwhenamanissecure,anddothnot alwaysstandinfearandtremblingbeforethe angerofGod,thenthedevilslippethintothe spirit,andlookethnarrowlywhenthereisina mananyevilconstellationofhispropertyand stars,andsocastethamanheadlongintoan unexpectedfall,intowrath,murder,whoredom, theft,poisoning,anddeath:Thisishisart,which heismostdiligentin. 38.Fortheoutwardlifeisfallenquiteunder thepowerofthestars,andifthouwiltwithstand them,thoumustenterintoGod'swill,andthen theyarebutasashadow,andcannotbringthatto effectwhichtheyhaveintheirpower:neither dotheydesireit,butthedevilonlydesirethit: Forthewholenaturebowethitselfbeforethewill ofGod:FortheimageofGodinmanisso powerfulandmighty,thatwhenitwhollycasteth itselfintothewillofGod,itoverpowerethnature,

sothatthestarsareobedienttoit,anddorejoice themselvesintheimage:fortheirwillisthat theymaybefreedfromthevanity,andthusare kindledinmeeknessintheimage,atwhich theheavenrejoiceth,andsotheangerofGod inthegovernmentofthisworldisquenched; forwhenthatisburning,man'swickednessis guiltyofit,inthatmenkindleitinthespirit ofthisworld. 39.Forafalsewickedmaliciousmankindleth theelements,forhecastethhisevilpowerand falsehoodintothem,whichthewrathoftheabyss devoureth,andtherebygrowethstirringandworking; whichotherwisethelove,inthemeeklife, wouldkeepback:ButifthewrathofGodbe strong,thenitoverpowereththisworld,andthen saiththeprophetfromthespiritofGod,Iwill letmywrathcomeuponyou,whichwilldevour anddestroyyou. 40.ForGodisnothingbutgoodness,and willethnottheevil:Hewarnethmanbeforehand, thatheshouldstillthewrath,byturningand goingoutfromtheanger;butwhenthisisnot done,thenhesuffereththattocomewhichman hathawakened,viz.wars,famine,pestilence:Now Goddothnotthis,butmanhimself,whichmaketh wars;andtheheavenwithdrawethitsfruitfulness, andthespiritofthisworldkindlethitselfinthe hellishpoisonandwrath,andsodiseasesand thepestilencecomeforth,whichGodisnotguilty

of,butmanhathawakenedthem,andtheydevour him:fortherebytheangerissharpened,and gettethalongingtodevour:formenawakenitin theirwickednessandmalice,andkindleit,whereas otherwiseitwouldbeatrest. 41.Youmustunderstanditthus;Adamhath leftitusforaninheritance:Ifhehadcontinued inthewillofGod,theangerhadnottouchedhim toeternity;andthenthedevilhadbeenshutup inthewrath;andthereforehehathwrestledwith man,andthrownhimintosin,sothathehath awakenedtheangerinthespiritofthisworld,in whichthedevilistheGreatPrince,andincreaseth hiskingdomwiththesoulsofmen:andthusthe devilisaprinceofthisworld,orelsehecouldnot touchafly,ormovealeaf,ifmanhadnotkindled theproperty[andworking]oftheanger;evenas heisaltogethervoidofstrengthinatimewhen menarevirtuousandhonest;andthereforehe drivethmensoeagerlytounchastity,forhe knowethwellwhathegettethbythat,andwhat abilityithathintheincarnation,[orman'scoming tobe],andwhatfinespiritisbegottenoutofa falsewill[andunchastity],towhich[spirit]he hathagreataccessandpower. 42.Andthen,thirdly,wegiveyoutounderstand, fromatrueground,whatthegreatsecret mysteryoftheanger,andofthedevilis;forwe demonstrateittoyouthus:Therearetwosortsof dominionsinman,evenwhileheliethintheseed,

enclosedinthemother'swomb,asintwotinctures; oneoutoftheeternalmatrix,asthetinctureof thesoul;andtheotheroutofthecentreofthis world,asfromthespiritandlifeofthisworld;so thatoftenawholefalsesoulisfigured(according tothedevil'swill),andsoiscaptivatedbythe anger;andthenalsothespiritofthisworld,(if itbeinagoodconstellationatthetimeofthe spirit'sawakening),oftentimesfigurethavery friendly,lovely,outwardspirit,whichcangive goodwordscheapenough,andyetitssoulisa devil:Hegivethsweetwordswithhismouth,and thespiritofhisheartispoison,andhethinketh onlyhowtodoevilormischief,andthatwitha pretenceoffaircarriagetohideit;andsuchan onedwellethintwokingdoms,viz.inthisworld, andwiththedevil:Hedothnotbelieveinany Godatall,forheaccountshimselfagod;and althoughhelivethinthehistoryasanhypocrite, asifhewerethechildofGod,thathedothfora show;andsothedevilticklethhisheart,sothat hesupposeththekingdomofGodconsistethinan historicalknowledge;ifhecantellthatthereisone GodinthreePersons,andthatGodbecameman, andhathturnedhisgraceandfavourtowardsus, thenheisChristian,andthechildofGod [enough]. 43.Someascribetothesophisterpowerand authoritytoforgivesins:buthethatisa sophister,andattributethsuchapowerand authoritytohimselfwithoutthewillofGod,

withoutenteringwithhiswillintoGod,heisthe devil'sandAntichrist'spriest,aswellasthe hypocritewhichhangethonthehistory,and accounteththeknowledge[ofthat]forfaith:No, righteousnessandtruthmustfollowfaith;and althoughthedevil,intheoutwardspirit,(being evilinrespectofitsconstellation),assaultethman, andoftenoverthrowethhim,yettheheartsuddenly desirethrighteousnessandtruthagain,and isatvariancewiththedevilconcerningthesin committed. 44.Butafalsewickedsoulcarethnotfor righteousness:Ifitcanbutcoveritssin,thenitis wellenough:Itseekethmerelytodeceiveunder anoutwardappearance,whichitcarriethaboutin thehypocriticalspiritofthisworld:Itsholinessis amereoutwardshow,anditknowethnotthewill ofGodatall;butitsupposeththewillofGod consistethinceremonies;buttheceremoniesare ofthisworld,andarebutsigns,thatthesimple laity[orcommonpeople]mightconsiderwhatGod hathtodowithman. 45.Thecovenantsofthemostprecioustestament, whichthehypocriteusethforashow,areno benefittohim:HedothbutprovokeGodto anger,inthathewillgoabouttomakeGoda dissembler,tocoverhisownwickedness. 46.OthouAntichristianworld,whatmischief hastthoudonewiththyceremonies,inthatthou

hastsetthemintheplaceofGod?Ifthouhadst declaredtosinnersGod'sangerandpunishment, andthedevil'sfalselust,andhowasinnermust goforthfromhissinsintothewillofGod,and withtruesorrowandrepentance,inarighttrust andconfidence,bebornagaininGod,andthat Godonlyseekethandwouldhavetheabyssofthe heart,viz.thesoul,andthatallfalseandwicked lustsanddesiresmustberemovedoutofthe heart,Ohowwellhadstthoutaught! 47.ButtheCouncils[Nice,Trent,etc.]havebeenbroughtin, onlythatthoumightestbelordoversilverand gold,andoverthesouls,minds,andconsciences ofmen;andsothouartindeedtheAntichristin thyhypocrisyandappearingholiness:Thouhast institutedceremonies,andglisterestinimitationof Aaron;butwhydoyounotliveintheobedience ofAarontowardsGod?Everyonelookethupon thefinehypocriticalperformanceofthework,and hisheartiscarriedawaytowardsthehypocrisy, andsupposeth,thatwhenitkeepethorcelebrateth theceremonies,thatitisanatonementofthe angerofGod;butitisidolatry,andthatwhich entangleththeheart,andleadethitcaptiveinthe hypocrisy:Itwerebettertousenoceremonies, butbarelytoperformtheexpresscommandof God,whichhehathleftusinhiscovenantand testament:ThecongregationofChristcanwell soundforth,andsingofGod'sdeedsofwonder, butbestofallinthemothertongue,whichevery oneunderstandeth,andcanliftuphisheartand

soultherein,andsothewholechurchorcongregation ofChrist,asonebody,exultethinGod,and singethofthewondersofGod,whichdothstirup attentionandconsideration,whichinastrange, orforeignlanguage,isbuthypocrisyandostentation, wherebypridewillvauntitself,forit alwaysappearethverywillinglyinaseemingdivine postureinhypocrisy:forthedevilissuchanidol, forhemockethGod,hisCreator,therewith,and sopaintethforththeAntichristbeforethefaceof God,thatGodshouldseewhatapotentlordand princeheis,whocanshineastheMajestyofGod shineth,andsohemakethsuchaglisteringin mockerytoGod,andbringeththesoulsofmen intotheglistering[hypocriticalshowofholiness]. 48.OthouproudandcovetousAntichrist,what hastthoudonethatthouhastthusbroughtthyself andmanythousandsoulsawayfromGodto thyownglisteringpomp?Howwiltthoubeable tosubsist,whenthebrightcountenanceofGod appeareth?Wherewillthypoorsoulturnaway, inthyglisteringhypocrisy,whenthedayofJudgment shallcome?Seeingallmustpassthrough thefire,wherewillyourownappearingholiness remain?Willitnotremaininthefire?Forno soulcanreachGod,unlessitbeturnedintothe willofGod,andberegeneratedinGod,elsethere isnosubsistinginthefire. 49.Forthesoulmustbetriedthroughthefire, andmustnotbeturnedinanywhither,butinto

greathumility,untotheloveandmercyofGod, inthehumilityofJesusChrist;itmustbring Christ'sbody,andstandinthewisdomofGod, thatmustbeitsbody,elseitwillnotbeacknowledged forGod'schild:foritmustbeaspureas itwaswhenitwascreateduponthecross:Itmust beregenerateduponthecrossofChrist,andenter withChristinthefleshandbloodofChrist, throughthedeathofChrist,throughtheangerof God,intotheninthnumber,asintothetincture oftheeternaldivinefire;andthereitstandethas acreaturebeforethetenthnumber,asbeforethe holyNumberThree,andhumblethitselfbeforethe NumberThree,andtheMajestyoftheNumber Threeembracethitasadearchild:Sothehumility isthefoodandstrengthoftheMajesty,outof whichthebrightnessgoethforthfrometernityto eternity. 50.Wherewiltthou,hypocrite,remainwith thyglisteringlustre,whichisgeneratedoutof covetousnessandpride?OyechildrenofGod, Gooutfromthiswhore!Shestandethonthe devil'sstage,andiscarriedinashowoftriumph, toGod'sdisgraceandcontempt.

TheGreatOpenGateoftheAntichrist 51Hearkenandsee,thoupoorsoul,wewill shewtheetheveryAntichristwhodomineereth overthewholeworld,whomGodhathmadeknown

tousthatthoumightestseehim:forthouhast hithertoaccountedhimagod;butnowhisshame mustcometolight:forheissosecretthatnone knowhim,unlesstheybebornofGod,sothat theyapprehendGod'sessenceandwill,otherwise heremainethhiddenineveryman;forthereis nonebuthathhim,andcarriethhiminhisheart; yea,ifonebeachildofGod,andyethathnotthe deepknowledgeofGod,hehangethstilltohim[dependsonhim]: forthedevilhathinsinuatedhimselfintheform ofanangelintohim:Thereforemarkwhathere followeth,foritisthenumberoftheSeventhSeal, anddeclareththeeternalday. 52.Observeit,yechildrenofGod,forImyself formerly,beforethetimeofmyhighknowledge, didthusreverenceandhonourhim,andsupposed itwas[accordingto]God'swill:forIwastaught nootherwise;andthewholeworldisinthesame conceit;thoughthatdothnothurttheignorant, butthathemaybesavedinhissimplicitywell enough,yetGodwillrevealhiminthislasttime. Forherethedevilwilllosehisstinginthechildren ofGod,intowhoseheartsthisknowledge shallspringup:foritistherightsteelwherewith God'slovefireisstruck,andwherebythesoul receivethChrist'sbody,andisborninGod:for thesoulneedethnootherbirth,butareturning andenteringintoGod. 53.Behold!thoupoorwoundedsoul,thou standestandprayestthus,OGod,forgivememy

sins,letthyangercease,andreceivemeintothy grace;anditisverywelldone;butthouunderstandest nothowGodreceivethapoorsinner: Thousupposestitisaswhenthoucomestbefore theprinceorjudgeoftheland,andhastforfeited thylife,andprayesthim,andheofgraceforgiveth theethymisdeed,andsothouartquitand freed:Butthysinsflyinthyface,andthyheart accuseththee,thatthouartyetguiltyofthe punishment:Andjustthusyoucomealsobefore God:andsomanyhypocritesaretherebygenerated: YousupposeGod,inhisessenceandspirit, takethyoursinsawayfromyou:Doyounot knowwhattheScripturesaith,thatallourworks shallfollowus?Andifitshallhappen,asaforesaid, thenGodmustmovehimselfuponeveryone's willandpurposetocalluponhim,andcastaway hissinsfromhim,andyetfrometernityGodhath movedhimselfnomorebuttwice;oncewiththe creationoftheworldandallcreatures;anda secondtimeinChrist'sbecomingman,andthere theHeartofGodmoveditself.[Note,Thethird timeGodwillmovehimselfinthepowerofthe HolyGhostthroughthemouthofChristatthe LastJudgmentDay,whenallshallreturnagain intotheether:Thefirstmovingisaccordingto theFather;thesecondaccordingtotheSon;and thethirdaccordingtotheHolyGhost;otherwise hemovethhimselfnomoreineternity.] 54.Behold!whenGodforgiveththeethysins, whenthoucallestuponhim,hetakethnothing

awayfromthee,neitherdothheflydownfrom heavenintothee,forheisfrometernityinthy soul,butinhisownPrinciple;thysoul,asto him,isonlygoneoutfromhisPrinciple;understand, outfromtheholywillintheMajesty,into theanger.Now,intheanger,thouwertinthe eternaldeath,andthemanChrist,whoisGod andman,hathmadeapassagethroughthedeath andangertotheMajestyofGod;youneedonly toturn,andgothroughthatpassage,through thedeathofChrist,throughtheangerintothe Majesty,andsoyouwillbeembracedasthemost belovedangel,thatnevercommittedanysin:also nosinwillbeknowninthee,butGod'sdeedsof wonderonly,whichmustbeopenedintheanger: forthelovehathnothingtodowiththatfire,[viz. thelovecannotopenthewondersoftheanger], neitherdothitmixitselfwiththefire[ofwrath],butflieth fromit. 55.Now,therefore,whenyoupraythus,O God!forgiveme;youalwaysdoubt,becauseof yoursins,whetherGodwillhearyou,andcome intoyourheart.Behold!donotdoubt;forby yourdoubtingyoudespiseandcontemnthe Majesty:Itisalsoasin;butcastallyoursins ingeneraluponaheap,andcomeconfidently[orearnestly] withyourdesiringsoul,inhumility,toGod,and enterintohim:Dobutturnyoursouloutfrom thewillofthisworldintothewillofGod:cast yourself,withyourwholereason,andallyour thoughts,intothewillofGod;andalthough

yourheartandthedevilsayutterly,No,yet makeyouroutwardreasondead,andenterin withforce,andcontinuesteadfast:Looknotback, asLot'swifedid,whowasturnedagaininto sulphur,andintoapillarofsalt,butstandfast: Letthedevil,andthespiritofthisworld,and alsothyheart,withfleshandblood,struggle [whattheywill],yetgivenoplacetoreason; whenitsaith,thouartwithoutGod,thensay, No,IaminGod,Iaminheaveninhim,Iwill notineternitydepartfromhim:Thedevilmay keepmysins,andtheworldthisbody,yetIlive inthewillofGod;hislifeshallbealsomylife, andhiswillshallbemywill:Iwillbedeadas tomyreason,thatHEmayliveinme:Allmy doingshallbehisdoing:Givethyselfuptohim, inallthypurposes:Whatsoeverthoutakestin hand,commitittohispleasureandgovernment, thatallmaybedonein[oraccordingto]hiswill: Behold!ifthoudostthus,allevillustswilldepartfromthee;for thoustandestfastinthepresenceofGod,andthe Virginofhiswisdomleadeththee,andopeneth totheethewaytoeternallife,shewarneththee oftheevilorfalseways,shealwaysdriveththee ontoabstinenceoramendment,andsubmission orresignation. 56.But,thatyouhavesogreatobstaclesand hindrancesofdoubtinginthisway,is[causedby] thestrifeofthesoulagainstthedevil,wholayeth himselfinthewayasafilthyswine;therefore castthysinsuponhisneck,anddonotdoubt;

andifthoucanstnotleavethat[doubting],then reachwiththysoulintoGod,forGodisinthee: ChristhathopenedthegatesintohisFather;do butenterin,letnothingkeeptheeback;and thoughheavenandearth,andallthecreatures, shouldsaythoucanstnot,believethemnot,go forward,andthouwiltsuddenlygetin;andas soonasthoucomestin,thougettestanewbody ontothesoul,thatis,thebodyofChrist,which isGodandman;andthouwiltafterwardshave easeandrefreshmentinthyheart;thouwiltget onethatwilldrawthee,andsetthefalsehoodof theworldbeforethyeyes,andwarntheeofit. 57.Therefore,observe,therearemanythat thinkwiththemselves,saying,Iwillprayto Godtotakeawaymysinsfromme,thatImay bereleasedofmyoldsins:andwhenitcometh topassthattheyattaintheloveofGod,they thinktheoldsinsarepassedawayandforgiven; [saying],Imaynowsinanew,Iwillafterwards repentonceagain,andcasttheabominationaway fromme:Indeedthatwereagoodway,ifthe purposewereathand:Buthear,whenthougoest outfromtheloveofGod,thenthouhastallthy sins,whichthouhastcommittedallthylifelong, uponthyneckagain:forthouturnestbackagain intothehouseofsin,andforsakestGod;thou goestoutfromGodintothekingdomofthedevil, andthyworksfollowtheewhithersoeverthou goest:Thepurposecannothelpyou,unlessyou gooninyourpurpose.

58.Ordowealonesaythis?DothnotChrist say,Whentheuncleanspiritgoethoutfroma man,hewalkeththroughdryplaces,seekingrest andfindingnone;andthenhereturnethagain intohishouse,andwhenhecomeththere,he findethitsweptandtrimmed;andthenhegoeth andtakethwithhimsevenotherspirits,whichare worsethanhimself,andenterethin,anddwelleth there,andsothelast[condition]ofthatmanis worsethanthefirst?Doyouunderstandthis [similitude]?YouhavedrivenoutSatan,and havecleansedyourheart,andhavewellswept yourhouseofsin,andtrimmedit;andnow, whenyouaresecureandcareless,thencometh thedevilwithallthesevenformsofnature,and slippethin,andthrusteththeoldworldlylusts intothyheartagain,outofwhichallwickedness andblasphemiesaregenerated;forhedwelleth inthosesevenspirits,andtickleththyheart therewith,anddeceiveththeeseventimesmore, andsothouyieldesttohim,andfallestfromone sinintoanother;andthenhebindeththepoor soulfasttothesin,andlettethitnotrunafter abstinenceoramendment,butbringethitinto fleshlylusts;andwhenthesoulbeginnethtostir [orstruggle],hesaith,Tomorrow,tomorrow:so longtillhegetthevenison. 59.Thereforeitissaid,Wemuststandstill andwatch;forthedevilgoethaboutasaroaring lion,seekingwhomhemaydevour:He

comethatallhoursbeforethedoorofthyheart, toseewhetherhecangetinorno:foritishis belovedlodging:Hehathnorestinhell,butin thesoulofmanhehathjoyandpleasure:hecan thereinopenhismaliciouswonders,wherewith hemaysporthimselfafterthistimealso,wherein hetakethhispleasure;forhellandtheangerof Goddesireththat. 60.Again,youseehowthegreatwhoreof Babelhathsetherselfupinthisherplayof forgiving[sins]:Sheboastethofthekeysof Absolution,thatshecanforgivesins,andboasteth oftheApostolicalKeys,andmakethsaleofsins formoney,andusurpeththatfromChrist'swords, Whosesinsyeremit,&c. 61.NowIwouldfainknow,howthesinsofthe repentantsinner,whocastethhimselfintoGod's will,andwhogoethforthfromthisworld'sreason intoGod'smercy,canhavehissinsretained? AndmuchmorewouldIfainknow,howonesinful mancanfetchanotheroutofhellintothekingdom ofheaven,whenhecannotgetinhimself,and goethaboutonlytomakethedevilproudwithhis covetousness,inthatheselleththeforgivenessof sinsformoney?Whereasallsinsaredrownedonly inChrist'sNewBody,inChrist'sfleshandblood: AndIsaiahsaith,inthepersonofChrist,Itread thewinepressalone:andIaloneblotoutyour sins,andnonebesidesme.Butifitweretrue, whichAntichristboastethof,thenonedevilmust

driveawayanother;andthen,whatwouldbecome oftheNewRegenerationinChrist'sfleshandblood, wherebyoursoulsarebroughtintoGod? 62.IfitcouldpossiblyhavebeenthatGod mighthavetakenawayAdam'ssininsucha manner,Godhadnot[neededto]becomeman,and sohavebroughtusintoGodagain:Hemight ratherhaveforgivenAdamhissin,asaprince pardonethamurderer,andgrantethhimhislife: No,youyourselfmustgooutfromsin,andenter intothewillofGod;forGoddothnotstandby asaking,andforgivesinswithwords:Itmust bepower:Youmustgooutfromthefireintothe light;forGodisnoimageforustostandbefore, andgivegoodwordsto,butheisaspirit,and penetrateththroughtheheartandreins,thatis, soulandspirit:Heisthefireoflove,andhiscentre ofnatureisthefireofanger;andifyouwere inhellamongallthedevils,yetthenyouarein God,fortheangerisalsohis,itishisabyss;and thereforewhenyougooutfromthat,yougointo theloveofGod,intothelibertythatiswithout source[orpain]. 63.Thereisnootherforgiveness[tobe]understood, butthatthougoestoutfrom[thewill of]thisworld,andofthyfleshalso,fromthe devil'swill,intoGod'swill;andthenGod'swill receiveththee,andsothouartfreedfromallsins, fortheyremaininthefire,andthywill[remaineth] inthetinctureofGod,whichtheMajestyenlighteneth:

Allisnearthee;thysinsarenear thee,buttheytouchtheenot;for,aswehave mentionedtotheebefore,thestilleternityisa liberty;butyetdonotthinkthatitwilltake awaythysinsfromtheeintoitself,asalsothy abominationsandwickedness;buttheybelongto theangerofGod,theretheymustswim,andbe bestowedonthedevil;buttheystandbeneath theeinthecentre,andthouartasafairsprout [andfruit]whichspringethupforththroughthe anger,tothelove[fire],andtoGod'sdeedsof wonder;andyettheangerisnotinGod,butin theabyss;andwhenthedevilliftedhimselfabove God,thenhewentintotheabyss,andbecame God'sfootstool. 64.ThetextinMatthew,Chap.16.ver.18,19, hathanotherunderstandinginit:TheTempleof Christ(viz.Christ'schildren)isChrist'sBride,he hathadornedherwithhisfairestornament;and, ashehathlovedus,andbroughtusthrough himselfintoGod,hisFather,soweshouldloveone another:Andwhenasorrowfulrepentantman cometh,whichwillyieldhimselfintothecongregation ofChrist,anddesirethChrist,himthecongregation shouldreceive,forChristhathreceivedhim; andsoweareallonebodyinChrist:Andasone memberpreservethandlovethanother,sowe shouldreceivethepoorconvertedsinnerintoour congregation,andintheplaceofGodmakeknown tohimtheforgivenessofhissin,andlayour handsuponhim,andmakehimpartakerofour

bodyandcongregation;andsoourspirit,and virtueorpower,willrestuponhim,asistobe seenbytheApostlesofChrist. 65.Andwhenwereceivehimintothecongregation ofChrist,thenheis[become]ourbrother: Whenwesay,thysinsareforgiventhee,thenthey aredrownedinthebloodanddeathofChrist,and heisamemberofus:Wetakenotawayhissins fromhim,butChrist,inus,drowneththeminhis blood,throughour,andhis,faith[earnestdesire]:Whenwelay ourhandsuponhim,andprayoverhim,thenwe, withourwill,whichis[givenup]intoGod, penetrateintohiswill;andbringhimintoour will,asintoone[andthesame]bodyinChrist, totheFather:Hiswillbecomethourwill;forhe givethuphimselfthroughChristintothebride, asintoourwill,whichisalsoGodswill;andwe receivehimwithgoodcauseintoourlove,intoour will,andsinkourselvesdowninhimthrough ChristintoGod:Thusweforgivehimhissins; forwearethecongregationandbrideofChrist, whomheloveth,andwhatwedo,thatdothChrist inus,andGodinChrist:Itisallone,Christis ours,andGodisChrist's;andtheconvertedsinner isoursandChrist's,andalsoGod's:Welivein onebody,andhaveonespirit,andareoneflesh; andasweenterintothewillofGod,sowealso takeourbrotheralongwithus:Wecastthesins awaybehindusintothefireofanger,butwelive andflourishinGod:Wehavethekeyofheaven andofhell:Whenwemakeknowntoasinnerhis

sins,andhewillnotbeconverted,thenwebind himupintheabyss;forwepassthroughandshut itup,andthenhemustswelterinhissins;and thenthedevilbuffetethhim:Whenwedrawhim nolongerwithourword,whichhathpower,then thedevildrawethhim,butifheturnatlength, thenwehavepowertotakehimawayfromthe devilagain,(andthroughourspirit)inChristto bringhimintoGod. 66.Behold!suchapowerChrist'sbrideonly hath,andnoneelse;andifitwereso,thataman wereinawildernesswherehenevercouldmeet orseeanyman,andturnedhimselfawayfrom sinintoChrist,anddesiredandlongedafterour society,whenhecouldnotpossiblycometous, andthoughwedidneverknowofhim,yetnevertheless, sincehecastethhimselfintooursociety [byhisdesire],wetakehimalongwithusthrough ChristtotheFather,andthrusthissinsquite awaybehindhim,andspringupwithhimoutof oneandthesameground,forChrist'sbodyisthe groundofoursouls,whereinhegrowethand bearethfairfruitinTernariumSanctum.

TheHighlyPreciousGate. 67.Now,saithreason,HowcanChrist'sbody beourbody?Isheacreature?Howcanwe dwellinthebodyofChrist?

68.Behold,Oman!Adamwasourfather,and alsoourmother:Now,wehaveallofusAdam's flesh,soul,andspirit;forweareallbegottenout ofoneandthesameflesh,soul,andspirit,andare allofusmembersofhim,(asthebranchesare membersofthetree),andhebroughtusinto death. 69.HehadthefairvirginofthewisdomofGod inhim,whichiseverywhere,andisthefullnessof allthings,asGodhimselfis,whichhelost:He shouldhaveleftitusasaninheritance,yethe wentoutfromit:ButthesecondAdam,Christ, cameforthfromGod,andwastheheartofGod, andhadthefairvirgininhim:Hetookourflesh andsoulintohisvirgin,andthatbecameflesh, soul,andspirit;fleshofourflesh,andsoulofour soul;andyetremainedGod:Ourfleshstoodin Christ,inTernarioSancto,hereceivedfromus, inthevirginofGod,theeternal,andalsothe earthlyflesh;thoughindeeditwasonlythe earthlysource[andproperty],fornothingthatis corruptibleenterethintoGod. 70.WhentheWordcameinto[became]theflesh,it thenbecameheavenly;asinAdamitwasbecome earthly;forthefleshofChristwasintheeternal willbroughtintotheWord,sothatthefleshand theWordwasoneundividedPerson:Now,the businessisdoneintheeternalwill,outofwhich Adamwasgoneaway,andGodbroughtus,inthe soulofChrist,intothatwillagain.

71.NowChrist'ssoulisoursoul,foritis Adam'ssoul;andChrist'sfleshisourflesh,forhe tookitonhimfromourhumanity;andthefair virginofGodinChristisourvirgin,forChrist hathputthesameintooursouls;andsonow,if wegiveupourselveswhollyintoChrist,thenChrist livethinus,andweinhim:thoughtheoutward mortalbodyhangethtous,yetChristlivethinus, andwillattheendoftheworldpresentuswholly pure,withoutblemish,inhisflesh. 72.Thusweareonebodyinhim,forheisour bodyinGod;andAdamisourbodyinthisworld: ThereisnosuchgrossuntowardbodyinGod,but abodyinpower,withheavenlyfleshandblood; whereourwillis,thereisourheartalso:Godis inus,andwhenweenterintohiswill,thenwe puthiswisdomontous,andinthewisdomChrist isaman.Thusweenterintohishumanity,and areaNewManinthelifeofChrist,inthesoul ofChrist,inChrist'sflesh,inthetinctureofChrist, intheMajestyofChrist;andChristisinhis Father,andhisFatheristheeternity,andtheend ofnature. 73.Andwhitherwiltthougofurther,thoupoor man?LetnotthedevilandAntichristbefool thee:NomanhathanypowerinGod,unlesshe beinthewillofGod,inGod'sloveinChrist,and thenhehaththesoulandfleshofChrist;butif hehavethat,thenheisnotacovetouswretch,

noraflatteringhypocrite,andonethatselleththe kingdomofheavenformoney;asSimonMagus offeredtogivemoneytoSt.Peter,thathewould givehimthepower,thatonwhomsoeverhelaid hands,theyshouldreceivetheHolyGhost:Then, saithPeter,Bethouaccursedwiththymoney: DostthousupposethatthegiftsofGodwillbe soldformoney? 74.Andwherethenhaveyouyourpowerand authority,yesophisters,tosellthekingdomof heaven,andusurpitintoyourpower?Yearenot Christ'sdisciples,butthedisciplesofAntichrist, thewhoreofBabel:Nopriestiscapableofthe office,unlesshebeinthewillofGod,hisabsolution isnoabsolution;but?thecongregationofChrist, towhomhegivethuphimself,absolvethhim: Thesophisterisasusefultothechurch,asafifth wheelistoawaggon. 75.Thousophister,howwiltthouimpartthe MysteriumMagnum,whichthouhastnot?The congregationorchurchhathit;andtherepentant sinnerthatcomethtotheehathit,andthouart asophister,andartfittertobeinastallofoxen, thaninthechurch:Howcanthedevilabsolvea sorrowfulsinner?Andthouonlyservestthyidol, thebelly. 76.Othoublindworld,howartthoublinded? Thousupposestthououghtestnottodareto meddlewiththeMysteriumMagnum,andthat

thouartnotcapableofit,andthatthepriest onlyiscapableofit;butifthouartinChrist, thouhastallfree[untothee],thouhasthis covenant,[together]withtheBaptismandSacrament, andthebodyandbloodofChristtherein; butthecovenantbelongethtothebelievers,and nottothesophisters;Christ'sdisciples,andagain theirdisciples,andsuccessors,havebaptized;and thebelievingchurchorcongregationhavebroken breadinhouses,andwheretheycould,andhave feduponthebodyandbloodofChrist:The TempleofGodwaseverywhere,wheresoever Christiansweremettogether. 77.Wedonotmentionthisforthepulling downofchurches,inwhichChrist'sofficeis exercised;butweshewyouthehypocrites, whobindyouwhollytothem,thatyoumay gooutfromthem,andgotothecongregation ofChrist,intothetempleofChrist,andthat youmaynotrestsatisfiedmerelywiththe churchesofstonewalls,fortheyareonlyaheap ofstones,whichisadeadthing;butChrist's Templeisliving. 78.Youareallagreedaboutthechurch,and godiligentlythither,butnonewillenterintothe templeofChrist:Butpraygointothetempleof Christ,andthenofdeadyouwillbecomeliving: Thereisnootherremedy,neitherinheaven,nor inthisworld:Itmustbeso,orelseyouremain indarkness.

79.Notthatwejudgesorigorously,forthewill ofGodstandethopenforallmen,bywhatname soevertheyarecalled:AHeathenmaybesaved, ifheturntothelivingGod,andwithtruereliance yieldhimselfuptothewillofGod,forthenhe comethintothewillofGod,thoughheknoweth notwhatthekingdomofChristis;andinthe willofGod,thereistheHeartofGod,andChrist haththeHeartofGodinhim,forsuchanonedoth trulybelieve:Yea,onethatisdumbanddeafis saved,thatneverheardofGodatall,ifheincline hisimaginationuntoobedience,intothewilland righteousnessofGod. 80.Whowilljudgesuchanone?Wiltthou, sophister,doit?Thouwhomakest[Articlesof] Faithoutofopinions?Whatneedopinions? OpinionsarenotthespiritofChrist,whichisa quickeningspirit;butChrist'sspirittestifiethto ourspirits,thatwearethechildrenofGod:Itis inus;whatneedwethenseeksolongafter opinions?Wesay,thatinall[sortsof]opinions thereisheresy,asalsoAntichrist.Butifyou havethewordsofChrist,cleavetothemsincerely, notonlytotheletter,buttotheliving Word,whichisGodandman.ThatistheScripture whichyoushouldreadandpreachoutof Christ'sspirit,andnotoutofconjecture:butif youcannotapprehendthat,whythendoyouteach somuch,andcontriveopinions?Doyousuppose Godtobealiar,asyouare,thatheshouldhold

yourinventedopinionstobehisWord,whereas youarebutdeadtoGod?Hethathathan opinionwhetherathingbeorno,heisindoubt: Nowdoubtingisnotbelieving,butisadangerous waytogo. 81.Butnowthetroubledsoul,whichisthus tossedtoandfro,fromoneconceitandopinionto another,whenitperceivetheveryonetocryout, HereisChrist,HereisChrist;followme:the otherpartyareheretics,andspeakfromafalse spirit:Thesoulthenasketh,Towhatpartyshall Iturnandapplymyself?WhithershallIgo, thatImayheartherightgospelpreached? WhereshallIfindChrist?Theyallcurseand judgeoneanother,andyetIhearthemallspeak fromtheBible,andconfirmtheirdoctrinefrom thence,andteachthewayofGod:WhatshallI do?ForIfindthemtobesospitefulandbitter oneagainstanother,andtheyrideupanddownin theheartsofprinces,andstirupwarsandpersecutions forthecauseoffaithandreligion,and deliveroneanotheruptothedevil,andsayone ofanother,thatthedevilspeaksoutofthisand thatman,heisaheretic,flyawayfromhim.

TheGateofIMMANUEL. 82.Behold,dearsoul,howfaithfullyChrist warnethusconcerningthesetimes,concerning whichwehavebeenhithertoblind:Forthesefalse

selferectedpriestswillcryoutandsay,Christis inthewilderness:Anotherofthemwillsay,He isnotinthewilderness,heisinthechamber, orheisinthefield;andanotheragainwillsay, No,heishereorthere,orheisintheSupper,or intheBaptism;andanotherwillsayheisnot inthem,theyareonlysignsandsymbols:But Christsaith,Believethemnot,andgonotforth; forasthelightningshinethfromtheeasttothe west,soalsoshallthecomingoftheSonofMan be;forwherethecarcaseis,thithertheeagles gathertogether. 83.Christsaith,lamtheWay,theTruth,and theLife,nonecomethtotheFather,butbyme: IamtheDoortotheSheepfold,andama GoodShepherd;butallthatcamebeforeme,in theirownname,ofthemselves,arethievesand murderers,andseekonlytorobandsteal;for theyseektheirownhonour,butIseeknotmyown honour,butmyFatherhonourethme,andthey dishonourme:IamtheLightoftheWorld, whosoeverfollowethme,shallhavethelightofthe eternallife;myFatherwillgivetheHolyGhost tothemthatprayuntohimforit;whenheshall come,heshallleadyouintoalltruth,forheshall receiveofmine,andmakeitknownuntoyou: Takenocareofyourlife,formyFathercareth foryou:forwhereyourheartis,thereisyour treasurealso.[Thereforeletyourheartandmind beinthewillofGod,andthenyourtreasureis therealso.]

84.Whichisasmuchastosay:Runnotafter theselferectedteachers,whoteachfromthe history,withoutthespiritofGod:Iftheycan speakalittleinastrangelanguage,thentheywill beteachers,andteachoutofartandvainglory, toexercisetheireloquence,whereinoneflattering hypocritehelpethforwardtheother,especially wheremuchmoneyandhonourmaybegottenin theoffice.Christsaid,Iseeknotmyownhonour; mykingdomisnotofthisworld:Buttheyteach thatChrist'skingdomisinthehistory,[viz.inart, ineloquence,intheuniversities,insynodsand councils].ButChristsaidtohisdisciples,The HolyGhostwillreceiveofmine,andmakeit knownuntoyou,andbringintoyourmindall whatsoeverIhavespoken. 85.Thus,dearchildrenofChrist,letnonerun aftercontentions,controversies,anddisputations, theyallsaythetruthoneofanother;fortheyare allgrownoutofoneandthesametree,andthey. areatvarianceaboutthebootyandpreyof Antichrist,whoseendisathand:Turnaway yourheartandmindfromallcontention,andgo inverysimplyandhumblyatthedoorofChrist, intoChrist'ssheepfold;seekthatinyourheart; youneednotmuchdisputation:PraytoGodthe Father,inthenameofJesusChrist,uponhis promise,thathewouldopenyourheartthrough hisholyspirit,turnwithalldiligenceintohim,let allgowhatsoevermakethafineglisteringholy

showintheheapsofstone,andenterintothe templeofChrist,andtheretheHolyGhostwill meetyou:Yieldyourselfentirelyupuntohim,and hewillopenyourheart,andbringintoyourmind allthemeritsandbenefitsofChrist;hewillopen yourunderstanding,andbringintoyourmind whatsoeverChristhathspoken,forheshallreceive fromChrist,andmakeitknownuntoyou. 86.Neithertroubleyourselfwithtakingcare wherethebestplaceisforhimtoopenitin, [whetherinacloister,acollege,awilderness;in thisorthatoffice,ministry,oropinion]for,asthe sunrisethintheeast,andshinethtothewest,so Christshinethineverycornerandchinkofhis Incarnation,orbeingman,eventoeternity:seek notafteroneplacemorethanafteranother,heis everywhere;forwherethecarcaseis,thitherthe eaglesgathertogether:Christiseverywhere,and hischildrencancometohimeverywhere,and whenweenterintoChrist,thenwearewithour carcase,andsatiateourselveswithhisflesh,and drinkofhisblood;forhesaid,Myfleshisthetrue food,andmybloodisthetruedrink,theythateat ofmyfleshanddrinkofmybloodcontinueinMe, andIinthem.Also,[hesaith],Father,Iwill thatthosewhomthouhastgivenme,maybewhere Iam;theywerethine,andthouhastgiventhem untome,andIgivethemtheeternallife;andI willraisethemupattheLastDay:ifyoucontinue inme,thenmywordscontinueinyou.

87.Nowtherefore,whenyouseethattheworld contendethaboutthekingdomofChrist,then knowthattheyhavelostthekeys,theMysterium Magnum,andarenotinChrist,forthereisno contentioninChrist,butloveandhumility,anda desiretowalkbeforehisneighbourinrighteousness; wheresoeverweare,thereweareinChrist: Whensoeverwemeettogether,weshouldallbring hiswillwithusintothecongregation,viz.the desireofChrist;andwhenwedesirehim,we receivehim,andbecomeonebodyinhim:He feedethuswithhisbodyandblood:Whenwe usehistestaments,withtheLastSupper,thenhe feedethuswithhisflesh,andgivethushisblood todrink,hebaptizethuswiththebaptism,tobe onebodyinhim:Whythenarewesolong asearching?forasthesunshinefilleththewhole world,sodoththebodyandbloodofChristalso: Hissubstanceistheeternity,wherethereisno spacenorplace:Heisshutupinnothing,forhe isintheFather,andtheFatherisinhim,andthe HolyGhostgoethforthfromtheFatherandthe Son:Now,everybeing[orallwhatsoeveris broughtintoabeing]iscreatedoutoftheFather, andtheFatherisinall[things],andupholdeth andpreservethall[things],hegivethtoallthings lifeandbeing:AndtheSonisintheFather,and givethtoallthingsvirtueandlight:Heisour light;withouthimweknownotGod:Howcan wethenspeakrightlyofhim?Ifwewillspeak rightlyofhim,wemustspeakfromhisspirit,for thattestifiethofGod;butifwespeakfromart

andhistory,wespeakfromourselves,andnotfrom God,andsowearethievesandmurderers,and notshepherdsofChrist:Athiefcomethbutto robandsteal,andsothedisputerscomebutin theirownnameonly,inthattheydesiretohave greatrespect,andmanyrichfriends;andsuchcry out,HereisChrist!andthereareheretics! 88.DearchildrenofChrist,stopyourearsfrom theseblasphemingwolves,fortheyscandalizenot onlyoneanother,butthecongregationofChrist, whichiseverywhere,inallcountrieswherethere arerepentingmen,whoturnfromtheirsinsunto God:TheyareinChrist,thoughtheybeTurks: Thereisnorespectofpersonsorofnamesand opinionswithGod:heseekeththeabyss[orbottom]ofthe heart. 89.AntichrististhecauseoftheTurksfalling intopeculiaropinionsoftheirown;fortherewas noendincontroversiesanddisputations,which wasastumblingblockofofFencetotheAsians, Assyrians,Egyptians,Moors,Grecians,and Africans:TheIndiansleadamoredivinelife, intheirplainsimplicity,thanAntichrist;though indeednotallofthem;yetneverthelessthereare manycustomsamongthemthataremorepious thantheprideofthewhore. 90.ThewhorehindereththekingdomofChrist, sothatallpeoplearescandalizedandstumbleatit, andsay,HowcanthosebeGod'speople,whoare

onlytyrants,proud,covetous,obstinate,stubborn, bloodthirstypeople,whichpractiseonlyhowto getawaythatwhichisanother's,andseekafter powerandhonour?TheveryHeathenarenotso malicious:Wewillnotmakeourselvespartakers withthem:Goddwelletheverywhere,heisas wellwithusaswiththem:Wewillleadan honest,virtuous,andpiouslife,andcalluponthe onlytrueGod,whohathcreatedallthings,and gooutfromtheircontentiousdisputations:We willcontinueinonesortofopinion,andthenour countrywillcontinueinpeace;whenweallbelieve inoneGod,thenthereisnostrife,butthenwe havealloneandthesamewill,andmaylivein loveoneamonganother. 91.Seehere,belovedChristian,thisisthat whichhathsoadvancedtheTurk,andbrought himtothatgreatstrength,sothattheirmightis climbedupintothenumberthousand:Theyrule inoneopinionandlovetowards[orover]thewholeworld; fortheyareatreeofnature,whichstandethalso inthepresenceofGod;butitgrowethnohigher thantothenumberthousand,forthenitswild heartgettefchacountenance,havingeyes,[orhe willthencometosee]. 92.ThouAntichristshaltnotdevourhimwith thydragon'smouth,asmaybeseenintheRevelation: Hepossessethhiskingdomtotheend:but whenthoushaltbegonedownintothepit,and thatChristhimselfshallfeedhislambs,thenwill

hecometobe[ofthefold]ofthelambs,whenthy murderingswordisbroken;thoushaltnotbe brokenwithspears,orweaponsofwar,thou hypocrite,butthyliesshallstiflethee. 93.HethatgoethabouttoslayAntichrist,is Antichrist'sbeast,uponwhichherideth:hewill bebutthemorepotentincontention;forthe heartsofpeopleturnawayfromthetruth,andgo outfromGodintocontention:andthereeveryone lookethafterthewondersofthecontention,and runnethaftertheeloquentsermons,andsocometh outfromChristintoopinions,andseekethwaysin thedarkness,whereinthereisnolight:thusthe devilrulethintheAntichrist,andleadeththe childrenastrayintobywaysofhumaninvention, sothattheyseenomoreinthelightofChrist. 94.Thusithappenedalsotothemightycountries overwhichtheAlcoranruleth,wheretheydeparted fromChrist,andfellintoopinions,andthenthere grewtothematreeoutofnatureintheirheart, andtheyfellupononeopinion,andsolivedin thatwildtree. 95.ButtheAntichristiankingdomlivethin manytrees;theyrunfromonetoanother,and knownotwhichisthebest;fortheyaregone forthfromtheparadiseofChrist,theyboastofthe doctrineofChrist,anddenythepowerthereof,and therebytheytestifythatChristisnotinthem: nay,theydesirenottohavehiminthem:they

thrusthim,withhisbodyandblood,withhis humanity,outofthecongregation,theywillhave asignfromhim,wherebytheymayintheir pridepossesshisplace,andsokeepuptheirrich fatbellies:Christ,inthisoutwardlifeuponearth, waspoor,andhadnotwhereontolayhishead: ButtheyinChrist'splacewillberichandfat: theysay,Heisinheaven,wewillthereforeerecta statelygloriouspompouskingdomtohishonour, thatwemayenjoygoodtimes,andhonourinhis office.Wearethehighestinthisworld,forwe areGod'sstewards,wemanagetheofficeofChrist, andhavetheMysteriumMagnum:Howdare anyspeakagainstus?Wewillquicklymake themholdtheirpeace. 96.ObelovedchildrenofChrist,openyour eyes,andsee;donotrunsoafterthedevil;do younotsee?Praylearntosee!Doyounotsee howallisdoneformoney?Ifonegivethemstore ofmoney,theypraisehimforagraciousChristian, whoisbeneficialandbountifultotheChurch:If onedie,thoughallhislifelonghewasanunjust falseusurer,whoremonger,thief,andmurderer, andtheyknewitverywell,ifheorhisbestow muchupontheChurch[collegesorlearnedmen], Ohowisheapplaudedforablessedandglorious man!Whatgreatsermonsdotheymakeforhim, thatotherunrighteousmenmayhearandconsider, andfollowtheirexampletodothelike?Butstay, doththekingdomofChristconsistinsuch[giving of]money,andinthemouthofthepriest?No,it

shallnotprosper;herethewinepressyieldeth muchblood,astheRevelationofJohnspeaketh. 97.Andthustheinnocentareseduced,[orthe poorsoulsherebyfallintodespair],forhethat givethnottothemmuch,orhathitnottogive, isnohonestmanwiththem:Heisnotbeneficial towardstheministry:butiftheleastmoteis foundamissinhislife,Ohowtheydivulgeit, andmakeagreatmatterofit,howishetrodden underfoot!However,atlength,theydevoutlysend agoodwishafterhim,andsay,Godforgivehim. Openyoureyes,yechildrenofChrist,thisisthe Antichrist,gonotawhoringafterhim:Many suchhavebeensinners,andhaveturnedfromtheir sins,andhaveenteredintoChrist,andtheirsoul isinChristanangelofGod;andthereforehow dareyou,proudAntichrist,accordingtoyourown pleasure,despiseonethatistheangelofGod?O thoublindman,dostthounotseethis?Artthou theshepherdandministerofChrist,andsteward ofGod?HastthoutheMysteriumMagnum aboutthee?IsthyofficetheofficeofChrist,as thouboastest?Whythenartthoualiar,in applaudingthewickedformoney?HaveChrist andhisApostlesdoneso? 98.Hearken,thouopposerofChrist,lookinto theActsoftheApostles;Whereonesoldhis possessions,andlaidapartofthepriceofthe moneyattheApostle'sfeet:AndPeteraskedhim, saying,Haveyousoldthe.fieldforsomuch?

Andhesaidyea;andhadafalse,doubtful[and deceitful]mind:thensaidPeter,thouhastlied untotheHolyGhost;beholdthefeetofthemthat standatthedoor,theyshallcarryyouawayout ofthecongregationoftruth.Whatthinkyou nowofyourself?Seeingthishashappenedtothe hearersofPeter,whatwouldhavebeendoneto Peterhimselfifhehadthusliedforgreedinessof money,andsoblasphemedtheHolyGhost?But thouarthethatdostso:thouapplaudestthe unrighteous,thatthoumayestbutgetmoney;but thouregardestnothissoul,neitherdostthou regardhowthoubroachestforththyliesinthe congregation.Howmanytimesdosomestand andbewailthewickednessanddeceitofthosethou praisest,wherewiththeyunjustlyoppressedand wrongedtheneedy,andalsobewailthyflattering hypocrisyandlies? 99.Hearken!IsnotthenameofChrist blasphemedthereby,andthecongregationof Christscandalized?Whentheysay,Thepriest tellsliesinthepulpitformoney,ifitwereasin, hewouldnotdoit:andsoinlikemanner,when anylieanddeceivepeopletogetmoney,goods, andhonour,iftheycanbutcoveritwithafine pretence,whatmatterisit?For[theythink]if itweresogreatasin,thepriestwouldnotdoit; theythinktheywilloncerepentofit,andthe priesthathgraceenoughinstoreforthem. 100.Behold,thoufalseandwickedAntichrist,

thusthouliesttotheHolyGhost(inChrist'soffice) whotrieththeheart;andthouliesttothecongregation ofChrist,anddostscandalizeittherewith: itwereagreatdealbettertheyhadneverheard thylies,andthentheirheartswouldnothavebeen sofilledwithlies. 101.Howcanstthousay,thatthouexecutest theofficeofChrist,seeingthouartaliarand mockerofChrist?ThouartnotbornofChrist, butoflies;andwhenthouspeakestlies,thou speakestfromthybeast,onwhichthouridest,in theRevelation;thouspeakestofthyown,from thespiritwhichisinthee,andyetwilt[takeupon thee]tofeedthesheepofChrist;thoushouldst feedtheminagreenmeadow,inthefatpasture ofJesusChrist,andtellthemthetruth;but thoufeedestthemuponthedevil'srocks,andthe mountainsoftheabyss,inhislustfulgrass. 102.IfyoubetheministerofChrist,then servehiminspiritandtruth;reprovesinswithout anyrespectofpersons;sparenot;liftupyour voicelikeatrumpet;reproveallwickednessofall persons,bothsuperiorandinferior;teachtheway ofChristrightly;praise[orsooth]noneforhis moneyandhonour'ssake:forChristpraisednone ofthepotentatesforgain'ssake;neitherdidhe reproveanyofthemoutofenvyoftheirgreatness andhonour;forhecommendethorderandsaith, GivetoCaesarthethingswhichareCaesar's,and toGodthethingsthatareGod's:buthereproveth

thehypocrites,thePharisees,inthatthey madelongprayers,andstoodinthestreets, makingadevoutshow,andwouldbeseenof people,andsoughtonlyafterpraise;andsuchan oneistheAntichristalso:andthereforethespirit intheRevelationofChristsaith,Gooutfromher mypeople,thatyoubenotmadepartakersofher sins;forhethatallowethofsinisonespiritwith thesin;hethatforfavourconfirmeth[orconsentsto]thelieof liar,heisguiltyofthatlie,andofthewickedness thereof. 103.GodtheFatherhathregeneratedusin Christ,outofthetruth,thereforeweshouldnot betheservantsoflies;forwhenweenterinto lies,wegooutfromChrist,andarewiththedevil, whoisthefatheroflies;andsoistheAntichrist also,andallthatdependonhim,andservehim; itwerebettertobefarabsent,andtohaveChrist formedintheheart,thantohearliesinthe Antichristianoffice[oftheministry]. 104.Iknow,thouevilbeastwiltcryoutupon meforanenviousperson,asifIdidgrudgewhat goodpeoplegivethee;no,thatisnotmyground [ormeaning];forChristsaith,Whosoeverministereth theGospel,shouldliveoftheGospel;you mustnotmuzzlethemouthoftheoxthattreadeth outthecorn,itmustfeed:theycleavenotallto theAntichrist;wehaveonlysetforththewicked Antichrist,whoridethintheheartsofmen;we despisenonefortheirgoodconscience:Only,the

Antichristshallstandnakedforawitnesstoall people:Heridethoverthefaceoftheearthin allcountriesandnations.[Note:wheresoever pride,covetousness,envy,andwrath,arepredominant infalsehood,deceit,selfseeking,andan hypocriticalshowofholiness,thereisthegreatest Antichristofall.] 105.Peoplenowsupposetheyhaverootedhim out,andarenowinstrifeandcontentionabout him;everyonewillslayhim:Othoublind simplicity,thouslayesthimnot;dobutgoout fromhim,andenterintothetempleofChrist, andletAntichrist'shousesstand[empty],and thenhewillfallofhimself,andatlengthbe ashamedofhisownabominationsandwhoredom: onlydonotworshiphim;donotbowtheknee beforehim;butworshipGod. 106.Dobutopenyoureyes,thewholeworld isfullofGod,thewholematter[ofconversion] isabouttheoutwardlife;intheinwardGod dwellethinhimself;andtheoutwardlifeisalso God's;buttheabyssisinit,viz.thecentreof nature,inwhichthesevere,sternlifeis,whichis thecauseofthiswarning. 107.ThereareThreePrinciples,(threekingdoms), twoareeternal,andonehathabeginning, andistransitory:Eachofthemisdesirousof man:formanisanimageofallthree:andthe BeingofallBeingsisalonging,seeking,and

desiring,whichexistethoutoftheeternalwill, andthewillistheeternity. 108.InGodthereisnodominion,butinthe ThreePrinciples,intheircreatures:Thereisin Godnomorebutoneonlyspirit,whichcometh tosuccourhiswholeBeinginthewaterandin thefire,outofwhicheverythingexisteth;heis nodestroyer,butpreserverofathing;andifany thingperisheth,thefaultliethinthedominion[government] ofnature;butthatwhichisoutoftheeternal cannotperish,butonlychangethintoanother property;forwhich[cause]wegiveyouwarning: andalltheteachingandseekinginthisworld isonlythatyoumaybewarnedofthesevere sourceorpropertyofthefire;thereisindeed alifeinit,andnocreaturecansubsistwithout ithavethatlife:butwethataremenarenot createdforthatlife,andthereforeGodwould haveeverycreatureinthatpropertywhereinhe createdit,thathiseternalwillmaystandstedfast, andnotbebroken. 109.Everythinghathfreewill,andtherein itsinclinationtoitsproperty;thewholebeing ofthisworld,andoftheangelicalworld,alsoof thehellishworld,ismerelyawonderinthe presenceofGod:Hehathsetlightanddarkness beforeeveryone,thoumayestembracewhichthou wilt;thouwiltnottherebymoveGodinhis Being;hisspiritgoethforthfromhim,and meetethallthosethatseekhim;itisGod's

seeking,inwhichGoddesireththehumanity, forit[thehumanity]ishisimage,whichhehathcreatedaccording tohiswholeBeing,whereinhewillseeand knowhimself:yeahedwellethinman.Why thenarewesolongaseeking?Letusbutseek toknowourselves;andwhenwefindourselves, wefindall;weneedrunnowhithertoseekGod, forwecantherebydohimnoservice;ifweourselves didbutseekandloveoneanother,thenwe loveGod;whatweourselvesdotooneanother, thatwedotoGod;whosoeverseekethandfindeth hisbrotherandsister,hathsoughtandfoundGod: Inhimweareallonebody,ofmanymembers, everyonehavingitsownoffice,governmentand work;andthatisthewonderofGod. 110.Beforethetimeofthisworldwewere knowninhiswisdom,andhecreatedusintoa beingthattheremightbeasportinhim. Childrenareourschoolmasters,(inallourwit andcunningwearebutfoolstothem);when theyareborn,theirfirstlessonistolearntoplay bythemselves,andwhentheygrowbigger,they playonewithanother:thushathGodfrom eternity(inhiswisdom,inourhiddenchildhood) playedwithus:butwhenhecreatedusin knowledgeandskill,weshouldthenhaveplayed onewithanother,butthedevilgrudgedusthat, andmadeusfalloutatoursport;andthereforeit isthatwearestillatvariance,incontention;but wehavenothingtocontendaboutbutoursport; whenthatisatanend,weliedowntoourrest,

andgotoourownplace;andthencomeothersto play,andstriveandcontendalso,tilltheevening, tilltheygotosleepintotheirowncountry,out ofwhichtheyarecome:forwewereintheland ofpeace,butthedevilpersuadedustogointo hisunpeaceablecountry. 111.Dearchildren,whatdowemean,thatwe aresoobedienttothedevil?Whydoweso contendaboutatabernaclewhichwehavenot made?Nay,thiscountryisnotours;northis governmentours;itisourmother's,andthe devilhathdefiledit;letuspullitoffandgoto ourmother,thatshemayputonusafair,pure garmentagain,andthenweneednotcontend aboutthedefiledgarment:herewecontendabout agarment,becauseonebrotherhathafairer garmentthananother;andyetthemother puttetheveryone'sowngarmentuponhim; Andwhythereforedowecontendwithourmother, whohathbroughtusforth?Arewenotallher children?Letusbeobedientchildren,andthen shewillpurchaseanewgarmentforeveryone ofus,andthenweshallrejoice,weshallall forgetthedefiledone. 112.Wegointothegardenofroses,andthere areliliesandflowersenough;wewillmakea garlandforoursister,andthenshewillrejoice withus;wehavearoundtodance,andwewill allholdhandstogether;letusbeveryjoyful; thereisnomoremighttohurtus,ourmother

takethcareforus:wewillgounderthefigtree; howabundantisitsfruit!Howfairarethe pinetreesinLebanon!Letusbegladand rejoice,thatourmothermayhavejoyofus. 113.Wewillsingasongofthedriver[or oppressor]whohathsetusatvariance.Howis hecaptivated!Whereishispower!Heisnot heretobefound;neitherhathhegottenthe defiledgarment,whichwecontendedabout,the motherhathitinherkeeping.Howpoorheis! Hedomineeredoverus,butnowheisbound! Ogreatpower,howartthouthusbroughtto scorn!thouthatdidstflyaloftabovethecedars, artnowlaidunderfoot,andsoartvoidofpower: Rejoice,yeheavens,andyechildrenofGod;for hethatwasourdriver[oppressor,andpersecutor], whoplaguedus.dayandnight,iscaptivated: Rejoice,yeangelsofGod,formenaredelivered, andmaliceandwickednesstakencaptive.

THETWELFTHCHAPTER Ofthe[true]ChristianLifeandConversation. WhatManistodointhisValleyofMisery, thathemayworktheworksofGod,andso attaintheEternalhighestGood. 1.THEREisnothingmorenecessaryandprofit abletomaninthevalleyofmiseryupon earth,thanforhimtolearntoknowwhatheis, fromwhenceheis,andwhitherhetendeth,what coursehetaketh,andwhitherhegoethwhenhe dieth:Thereisnothingmoreprofitablethanto knowthesethings;fortheoutwardconversation remainethinthisworld,butwhattheheartconceiveth, thatamantakethwithhim:Thewill ofthespiritofthesouliseternal,thatwhich iscomprehendedinthewillofthespiritofthe soul,thatthesoulcarriethwithitwhenthesoul andbodypart.Thereforeitisnecessaryforus tolabourforsomethingthatisgood,whereinthe soulmayaccomplishitseternalsport,andhave itsjoytherein;fortheworksofoursoulfollow afterus;andtheworksofourhands,andofthe outerspirit,remaininthisworld:forthesoul isintheeternity,whatsoeveritmakethand imaginethhere,thatstandethalwaysbeforeit; unlessitbreakeththatagain,andthenitisasa brokenwork,whichithathnomoretodowithall, foritisgoneoutfromthat;fortheeternalcutteth aneternalmodel,andthecorruptibleandinceptive cuttethacorruptiblemodel;forafterthis timeeverythingwillstandinitsownmodel;for

thatwhichtheeternalwillconceiveth,thatgetteth anincorruptibleform,ifitselfdothnotbreakit. 2.Thereforeitisgoodformantochooseinthis lifethatwhichisbest,inwhichhemayhavejoy eternally;forwhenthouchoosestbeauty,bravery, andhonourorriches,thenthouarttherebymade unbeneficial[useless]tothybrotherandsister,whoarein miseryinthisworld;forthebraveryofthisworld despiseththemeanandsimple;andricheswring awaythesweatfromthepoor,[orgrindthefaces ofthepoor];andgreatpowerandauthoritypress andoppressthelowandmiserable;greathonour despiseththesimple,andwillnotcondescendtothe needy.Seeingthereforeintheotherlife,thesouls ofmanythathavebeensimple,miserable,andin thisworldcontemned;poor,oppressed,anddejected, willappear;andseeingitiscertain,that intheirformwillnotbecomprehendedmuch highness,bravery,desireofmightandhonour; fortheirsoulshave,inthisvalleyofmisery,only shutupthemselvesintothemeekloveofGod,and yieldedthemselvesintosimplicityandlowliness, andhavenotdaredtohavecommunionwith might,pomp,andgreathonour,forsuchthings havehadnoaffinitywiththem. 3.Andseeingitisso,thatthesoulsintheother lifeshallhavejoyonewithanother,andenjoythe giftsandvirtuesoneofanother;andseeingthen thesoulswillhavetheirsubstancewhichtheyhave heretakeninandconceived,andappearintheir

eternalwillasafigure,thereforeweoughtvery highlyandheartilytoconsiderit,thatwedonot inthisworldconceive,andletintoourhearts, prideandstoutness,alsocovetousnessandoppression ofthemiserable;forwiththesewecannot enterintothecongregationofChrist,theyreceive usnotintotheirsociety,foritisacontrariety tothem. 4.Forinthekingdomofheaventhereisnothing butloveandconcord:everyoneinclinethhislove andfavourtotheother,andeveryonerejoicethin thegifts,power,andbeauty[lustre]oftheother,which theyhaveobtainedfromtheMajestyofGod: andtheyallgivethankstoGodtheFatherin ChristJesus,thathehathchosenandreceived themtobechildren:forthemightypowerofthe strong[whohavebeenmightyinfaith,andin thewondersofGod]rejoicethfortheweak,that thespiritofGodisinthem,andthattheyalsoare inthewondersintheeternalwill. 5.Therefore,dearchildrenandbrethrenin Christ,letus,inthisworld,encloseourhearts, mindsandwills,inhumilityintoonelove,thatwe maybeoneinChrist:Ifthouarthighlyadvanced topower,authority,andhonour,thenbehumble, despisenotthesimpleandmiserable,butconsider thatintheotherlifetheyshallbeinonehighness withthee;squeezenottheoppressed;afflictnot theafflicted;thattheymaynottakeittoheart, andbarupthegatesofheavenagainstthee:ifthou

artfair,beautifulandcomelyofbody,benot proud;nordothoudespisethosethatarenotlike thee,thatthysimplebrother'sandsister'ssoulmay notloathethee,andrejecttheeoutoftheirmind: Behumble,thatthybrotherandsistermayrejoice inthee,andpresentthybeautytothepraiseof God,whohathcreatedsobeautifulachasteand humblecreature;bemodestandfriendlyinwords andworks. 6.Thouthatartrich,letthystreamsflowinto thehousesofthemiserable,thattheirsoulmay blessthee:Thouthatartinauthority,bownot theright[bendnotthelaw]topleasethemighty, thattheoppressedmayblesstheeinthyrighteousness; andthenthoualsoartinthecongregationofChrist: Ifthouartexaltedtohighdignity,givenotplacetothymind tofly[aloft];humblethyselfinthecongregation ofChrist,andthenthecongregationwillbless thee,andwillreceivetheeintotheirlove. 7.Ohowwellisitwiththerichandpotent, whenthemeanandsimplecongregationofChrist loveandblessthem:Ohowwellisitwith ateacherandpreacher,whoisarightministerof Christ,whogiveththemeatanddrinkofChristto thelambsthatarecommittedtohistrust,and refresheththemtherewith,sothattheyyieldtheir soulsintohisobedience,andheartilylovehim, anddesireallwelfaretohim!Ohowhappyand shiningisheinChristIHowgloriousashepherd ishe!Forhislambsfollowhim,andhebringeth

themtothechiefshepherd. 8.Ohowillaconditionisheinwhomthey curseaccordingtohistruedeserts!Thebright garmentwillbetakenawayfromhim,andhe puttethonthevizorofwickedness:Buthethatis cursedforrighteousnesssake,hepressethforthas thegoldoutoftheore,andputtethonChrist's crownofmartyrdom,whereinalltheholysoulsat theLastDaywillhighlyrejoice,inthathehath continuedthestedfastdiscipleofChrist,whohath notlookeduponhonour,power,moneyorgoods, buthathrightlyfedthesheepofChrist. 9.Dearbrethrenandsistersinthecongregation ofChrist,bearwithus:Letusalittlerejoiceone withanother:Webearaheartylovetowardsyou, andspeakfromthespiritofourmother,outofthe spiritoftheeternalwisdomofGod,[viz.fromthe spiritofhumility]. 10.Wewillspeakfriendlywithyouconcerning ourmother,andconcerningournativecountry. Wewillspeakofgreatwonders,howthingsgo withusall:andsowewillcomfortourselves,for weareinastrangecountry:Wewillpersuadeone another,andagree,andwillgohomeintoourown country,toourmother:Ohowwillsherejoice whensheseethherchildren[cometoherintothe eternity]:Wewilltellherofthegreatafflictions whichweunderwentinJericho,wewillspeakof thegreatdangerwewerein,amongmanyevil

beasts:Wewillspeakofthedriveroroppressor, whoheldussolongcaptive;andwewillspeak howwewerefreedfromhim:Letusbeunanimous, thatourmotherbenotgrievedandoffended withus. 11.Rejoiceyeheavenswithus,andlettheearth beglad,forthepraiseoftheLORDgoethoverall mountainsandhills:Heopeneththedoorsforus, thatwemaygotoourmother:Letusrejoiceand beglad,forwewerebornblind,andnowweare cometosee:OpenthegatesoftheLORD,ye servantsofGod,thatthevirginswiththeirmusic maygoin;forthatisthedancewhereinweshall rejoiceandbegladwiththevirgin,saiththe spiritoftheLORDofLORDS. 12.Obelovedchildrenofmen,evenallthat haveproceededandbeengeneratedfromAdam, ineveryislandandcountry,wheresoeveryedwell, bywhatnamesoeveryearecalled:Mark,The Godofheavenandearth,whohathcreatedusall andbegottenusoutofonebody,whogivethus lifeandbreath,whopreservethourbodyandsoul: Hecallsusallintoonelove:Yehavegoneastray alongwhile,foryehavefollowedhumaninventions andopinions,andthedevilhathdeceivedyou,so thatyehate,persecute,andmurderoneanother, andareutterenemiesoneagainstanother.Open youreyes,andsee:Havewenotalloneandthe samebreath,andaregeneratedfromoneandthe samesoul?WehaveallofusoneGod,whomwe

honourandworship;thatveryoneGodhath createdusall:Moreover,wehaveoneandthe sameheaven,whichisGod's,andGoddwelleth therein:WeshallallmeettogetherattheLast DaywhohavetrustedinGod,whythereforedo wesolongdisputeaboutGodandhiswill? 13.Ifweliftupourheartsintohim,andyield ourselvestohiminobedience,thenweareallinhis will:Nonecanthrustusoutofit.Weallstand inthislife,inafield,andaregrowing:Thestars andtheelementsarethefieldwhereinwegrow: Godhathsownustherein:Adamisthefirst grainthatGodhimselfdidsow,andoutofthat grainweallgrow,weareallfromoneseed,weare areallbrothersandsisters.[ofonebody] 14.Butthedevilhathsownweedsamongstus; hehathsownnoman,(forthathecannotdoin eternity),buthehathblindedus,andhathsown pride,envy,anger,covetousness,andevilwill[or malice']intoourmind,therewithtodestroyus,for hegrudgedustheprerogativetobechildrenofGod intheplacehewasin:Heisfallenawayfrom God,throughanger,pride,andenvy,andhath turnedhimselfawayfromGod,andthereforehe willdeceiveus,thathisownkingdommaybe great. 15.Odearchildren,trusthimnot;forwhere Godsowethhisgoodseed,thedevilfollowethand sowethweedsamongstit.Thisyouseeinthe

doctrineofMoses,andtheProphets,alsoin Christ'sdoctrine:Theyallpreachedthewayof Godinoneandthesamelove,anddirectedusunto thelivingGod,andthatweshouldgooutfromour evilfleshlylusts,(fromlyingandfalsehood,from unclcanliness,fromcovetousness,frommurderand theft),andenterintoapurechastehumblelife inthefearofGod,andwhollyputourtrustin himashischildren,andacknowledgehimforour Father,andthenhewillgiveusrainandblessing toourbodyandsoul,andwillafterthislifetake ustohimselfintohiskingdom,whereweshall allbeeternallyfreedfromourafflictions.This, andnoother,isthedoctrineofMoses,ofthe Prophets,andofChrist,thatweshouldloveone another,asone[andthesame]life,andGod inus. 16.ButobservewhattheAntichristiandevil hathsownintoit:Hehathsownprideandselfhonour, withstateandpompintoit:Hehathset himselfinthechairofMoses,andoftheProphets, asalsoupontheauthorityofChrist,andhathled usastray,sothatwehavemadearentand division[orsect]amongstus:Hehatherected aPredestination,andofthespiritofGod,whichhathoften shewnitselfforthinmanwithwondersandmighty works,hathgoneabouttomakeanenviousmalice, asifhelovedonepeople,andhatedanother,asif hechoseonegeneration,andnotanother;whereby he(whoiscalledthedevil'sChristandSatan) sittethonlyinhonourandvoluptuousness.He

hathraisedwarsamongthepeople,sothatpeople areatvariance,andsetupopinions,andhave stirreduptheangerofGod,fortheyaregone awayfromGodwiththeiropinions,andsothe angerofGodhathruledoverthem,andoftentimes destroyedthem;forthatwhichhathnogoodinit, Godwillneverendureitinhiscountry,butgiveth ituptotheanger,thoughindeeditselfrunneth headlongintoit,andwhetteththesword,sothat onepeopledevourethanother:Fromthebeginning oftheworldtothistime,allcontentions,disputations andwars,asalsoenvyandmalice,haverisen fromAntichrist,whowillbehonouredasagod intheformofanangel,andthedevildwelleth inhim. 17.WhichAntichristisplainlytobediscerned byCainandAbel,inthatCainslewhisbrother forfaith[andreligion's]sake,forAbelhadset hisheartuponGod,andhadcommittedhimself toGod,which[whom]Godloved,andacceptedhis sacrifice;andCainhadsethisheartuponthis world,andwouldbealorduponearth,andhis mouthgaveGodgoodwords,buthisheartstuck fastinanearthlyconceit[andopinion]:He lovedthespiritoftheMammonofthisworld, andthedevilsliptintoit,andsohissacrifice wasnotacceptabletoGod,butthesmokefell downtotheearth,andthedevilacceptedhis sacrifice,andsoheslewhisbrotherbythe devil'sinstigation,andinhisfalseconceitand opinion:Hedesiredtheglory,honour,andpower

ofthisworld,andAbeldesiredtheloveand graceofGod. 18.Thus,dearpeople,allovertheearth,yesee thatyeareallofoneflesh,butthatyouhave dividedyourselvesonefromanother,whichthe devilintheAntichristhathbroughttopass: YourfearofGodhathmanytimesbeengreat,and yehavedonegreathonourandreverencetomen, evenfromagoodmeaningoutofyourlove,as thankfulpeopletowardsthegovernmentofthe HolyGhost:Butbecauseyehavegivensuch honourtomenasbelongethtoGod,(thoughGod wascontented,solongastheycontinuedinthe loveofGodinhumility),thereforetheyarefallen offfromwhattheywere,intolustaftertemporal honour,andhavefallenintoalusttodomineer withcunninganddeceit,overyourgoodsand souls,andarebecomeasnareuntoyou;forthe Antichristiandevilissliptintothem,andthe spiritofGodisdepartedfromthem,andthey havenomorespokenfromthespiritofGod,but fromtheirprideandart:Strangelanguagesmust dothework,andmustbethebringersforthofthe MysteriumMagnum. 19.Butbehold,dearbrethren,howvery thievishlytheyhavedealtwithyou,theyhave setthemselvesupovertheearth,andhavedrawn tothemselvesallpower,might,andhonour,and ascribeallauthoritytothemselves,andhave blindedyouwithflatteringhypocrisy,andhave

ledyoufromGodintoopinions,andthereyougo astray;theyhavestirredyouuptocontention andwars,sothatyouhavemurderedoneanother, andwastedyournativecountries:Theyhave bereavedyouofbodyandsoul,alsoofyourgoods andwits,andmadeyoubelieveyoudidGodgood serviceinit,whenyoubecameenemiestothose thatarenotofyouropinion;andyetyouareall thusblind[evenonbothsides]. 20.Behold!thesearethecuratesoveryour souls,yourspirituality,theclergy:Lookupon Popery,whencehaththatsprung?Fromthedevil atRome:HehathcausedAsia,Africa,Assyria, Persia,andGreece,todepartfromhisdeceit;for theAntichristianpriestdevilhathblindedthe wholeworld,andbroughtthemintovaintraditions andopinions,andturnedthemawayfromthat unanimouslove:Hehathplacedmoreholiness inoneorderandopinionthaninanother,andhath soldthehighestdegreeof[sacerdotal]ordersformoney: Thatorderwhichhadmuch,andrichlivingsand revenues,mustgivemuchtotheChiefDevil,that hemightbefat,andalorduponearth:The simplelaypeoplewerepersuadedtheseorders wereholiness,andsoworshippedbeforethe dragonintheRevelation,andsoughtforpardon, absolution,andforgivenessofsinsfromthence: Ohowthecommonpeopleweretiedtothem! Whomsoeverspokeagainstit,wasaccounteda heretic,andthepeopleburntthemwithfire:Thus didthesimplepeopledo,andwerepersuadedthey

didGodgoodserviceinit. 21.Othousimpleholiness[devotion]!Thouartnot guiltyinsodoing;neithershallitbeimputedor accountedtoyouattheLastDay,(foryouwent onblindlyinit);andthoughonthatdaytheholy Martyrsshallbesetbeforeyoureyes,yetyouhave beenzealousforGodinblindness:TheBlessed Martyrs(whohaveseenthelightofGod)willnot thereforecastyououtoftheircongregation, seeingyouknewnot[whatyoudid],butwere blindlyledontodoit. 22.Yet,beholdandobservewhatazealouswill, orearnestdesirecando,ifoneentersintothewill ofGodwithhiswholedesire;andalthoughhe knowethnotwhathedoth,andiszealousina strangeopinion,andyethisheartisdirectedinto God,andbelievethinignorance,verystedfastly, thatitispleasingtoGod,insuchanopinionmany greatwondersandworkshavebeendoneinthe midstoftheAntichristiankingdom,forthereis notanythingimpossibletoastrongfaith. 23.IntothesewondershathAntichristinsinuated himself,andhathmadealmostasmany opinions[tenetsandsects]astherearedaysintheyear,among which,inthebelievers,whohavesoinblindness believedintheiropinion,evenwondersand miracleshavebeendone,andtheAntichristhath ascribedittotheopinion:whereastheopinion couldnotmakeaflytostir,butthefirmandstrong

faithwhichwentoutoftheopinionintoGod, thathathawakenedthewonders;forthespirit: ofGodisinthefaith,andnotintheopinion;and thefaithisfromGod;forthesoulinclinethitself intheopinionintoGod,andlayethholdonthe spiritofGod:Theopinionisthefire,butthesoul stayethnotinthefire,butpressethoutfrom thenceintoGod;itblossomethoutofthefire,as afairflower[outoftheearth]. 24.Theopinionshavebeentolerableenough,in God,andGodrejectedthemnot,solongasthe soulsoughtGodthroughtheopinion;andsolong alsothechurchofChriststoodinagovernment; butwhenthedevilcreptintoit,andmadea statelyglisteringkingdomofit,whenthepriests soughtonlyhonour,covetousness,andvoluptuousness init,anddidleadmenawayfromGodmerely intotheirworks[ceremonies],andsotheopinionsbecame altogetherblind;fortheythemselveswentoutfrom Godintotheworksoftheirhands,inforgedand inventedways,thereforeGodletthemgo,seeing theywouldnotbedirectedbyhisspirit. 25.AndAsia,Africa,andGreece,aretobe accountedhappy,inthattheyaregoneoutfrom theworksofmenintotheoneonlyGodagain: Althoughindeedtheyhavebeenblindconcerning thekingdomofChrist,yettheirmindcontinued intheoneonlyGod,andinconcordoneamong another;andhavenotsovehementlyscandalised andreproachedoneanotheraboutthedearname

ofChrist,asthesehavedonewhohavebeenled blindfoldinthedarknessoftheirworks;forthese havenotonlyhatedthosethatdepartedfromthem, buttheythemselveshavereproachedandsnarled atoneanotherintheiropinions,asdogsabouta bone,andhaveledthelaityastray,whogo gropinginthedark,andknownotwhichopinion isthebest. 26.Thusyouhangtoopinions,andareperfidious toGod,sothatwhenasimplemancometh todie,heknowethnotwhitherhissoulshallenter: Hehangethtohisworksandopinion,andforsaketh thewillofGod,andsoremainethwithout God:Andwherenowdoyousupposethepoor soulremaineth,whenitiswithoutGod'swill? Behold,wewilltellyou,forweknowcertainly, forthespiritofourmotheropenethittous,so thatweseewithbotheyes. 27.Behold,Christsaith,Whereyourtreasure is,thereisyourheartalso.Behold,thesoulis involvedintheopinion,andsorunnethwithit tothepatron[orauthorofit]whohathsotaught it,andseekethhim,andifitfindethhimnot, thenitbecomethsorrowful,andhathnorest,and sohoverethbetweenheavenandhell,andwould fainescapethedevil;thereforeithappeneththat manytimesthepoorsoulshaveappearedagain inthecongregation,orelseinhouses,fields,and churches,andhavecriedtothecongregationfor helpwiththeirprayers,andhavesubmitted

themselvestotheorders,andsupposedtofind ease;fromwhencePurgatorywasframed;for thatsoulhaththepurgatoryindeed,ifitcannot attainthewillofGod;andinsuchfervent castingitselfdownintheopinion,itissunkdown throughtheopinion,andatlengthcomeintothe stilleternity.Butweunderstandherethosesouls whichintheiropinionshaveimagined[orsought] afterthekingdomofGod;andnotthesoulsof thedeceivers,whohavesoughttheirprofitand pleasuretherein;thosearequitegoneawhoring withAntichrist,fortheyareboundtohimwith anoath;andthoughtheysitinhellfireawhoring withhim,yettheyflatterhimwiththeirhypocrisy, andreproachGodasifhehaddealtunjustlywith them;forwhatthesouldothhereinthis[life] time,intowhichitinvolvethitself,andtaketh itintoitswill,thatittakethwithitinitswill, andaftertheendingofthebodycannotbefreed fromit;forafterwardsithathnothingelsebut that,andwhenitgoethintothatandkindleth it,andseekethwithdiligence,thatisbutan unfoldingofthesamething[substanceofthework ithaswroughtinthislife],andthepoorsoul mustcontentitselfwiththat:Onlyinthetime ofthebodycanitbreakoffthatthingwhichit hathwrappedupinitswill,andthatstandeth afterwardsasabrokenwheel,whichisbrokenand useless,andnosoulenterethintoitanymore, neitherdothitseekanymoretherein. 28.Thuswesayuntoyou,thattheAntichristian

souls,afterthebreakingofthebody, seeknomoreforthedoorofChrist,fortheyknow nothingofit;theyknowonlyofwhattheyhere conceivedortookin,andthesoulssinkdownin thatopinionintothedeepestground,muchdeeper thantheyhereconceived;forthatwhichwas knowninmanyofthemofthesameopinion,what anyorallofthemknowinthesameopinion,that onesoulaloneknoweth,foritisonebodywith allthosethatareofthesameopinion,andthey haveoneheartinmanymembers,whereinevery onemanageththeirbusiness,whichstandethso tillthejudgmentofGod,whichafterwardsshall makeseparation,wherethenallkindredsupon earthshallhowlandlament,whentheyshallknow thatJudgewhomtheyheresodespised. 29.Hearken,youaccursedAntichrist,What answerwillyougive,inthatyouhaveledastray thepeoplefromfaithinGod,andfromthejustification ofthepassionanddyingofJesusChrist, intothydeceitfulhypocrisyinopinions,onlyfor thypride,honour,andcovetousnesssake?You havepersuadedthemso,thatmanyofthemin theiryouthandignorancehaveswornandvowed toyou:Whathaveyoudone?Eventhesame thatChristsaidtothePharisees,Woeuntoyou Pharisees,whocompassseaandland,tillyou havemadeaJewandProselyte,andwhenyou havemadehimso,thenyoumakehimtwofold morethechildofhellthanyourselves;andthis alsotheAntichristdoth.

30.InGermanytheysupposetheyarenow goneoutfromAntichristwiththeircontentions, butitisnotsoyet:fortheywhichnowcurse Antichrist,andlayhisshameopen,areeven grownoutfromthetreeofAntichrist,andare thewolvesandbearsofAntichrist,whichsuck fromhim,anddevourhim;forthespiritofthis principlehathcommandedthemso,theymustdo it;fortheyareonetrumpetamongtheseven angelsintheRevelation;buttheyallwindone horn,andsoundsothattheearthshakethwith it:Butwhenthethunderofitshallfollow,then willthemysteryoftheKingdomofGodberevealed again,andourdoorofgraceinChristbeopened again,whichAntichristhathsealedup,forheshall bethrowndownintotheabyss:Observethis. 31.Theopinionsaboutthecupandpersonof Christ,whicharefrequentnowinGermany,are alsosprungfromtheAntichristiantree,andthey arethechildrenofAntichrist,whichheintroduceth veryfinelyandsubtly:Owhatacunningartist isthedevil!Ifyouwillnotopenyoureyes,it willcontinuesototheend:Itistoldtothe simple,andtheyaredirectedtoopentheireyes, andnottoregardopinions:Therestickmere heresiesinopinions:Andthoughtheybezealous intheiropinion,andintheopinionpressintoGod, andsoattainGodandthekingdomofheaven, yettheyhavethetailofAntichristhangingon them,fortheyarezealousagainstothers,and

reproachandpersecutethem,whoarenotoftheir opinion. 32.Markthis,yeprinces,rulers,andmagistrates, suffernotyourselvestobeseduced;drive theteachersintothechurches,andcommand themtoteachthewillofGodinhislove,give themnotlordlypower;anddonotputany authorityintotheirhandstomakecanonsand constitutions,elsetheywillhangtocovetousness, andAntichriststickethinallcovetousness,andso dowhatyoucan,youwillhavehimonyourneck. 33.Looktoityeprinces,andregardtohear thosementhatarebornofGod,andnotofart only;forwherethereisgreatart[orlearning],andnotan humbleheartinclinedtoGod,thatseekethnot itsownhonourandcovetousness,thereisAntichrist mostassuredly;forinart[orlearning]stickethpride andselfhonour,whichwouldfainruletheworld, anddesiretogetmuchgaintothemselves;trust notthese,theyarenotChrist'sshepherds:If youwillnotfollowwhatisrevealedtoyou,then thelastAntichristwillbeworsethanthefirst, anditwillcometothatpass,thattheworldwill beconstrainedtocastthemheadlongtogetheron aheapintotheabyss,whichDanielandthe Revelationsheweththemplainenough,andas wehaveknownitthatitwillsobefallthem;for theyarenowabesomandrodupontheold Antichristtheirgrandfather;butthereisone comingwhowillgirdthemalso,andsetthe

truthbeforetheirface. 34.Observeit,yechildrenofGod,thisisa signofthelastAntichrist:Inhiskingdomand opinions,theydenythe[spiritual]bodyand blood[spirit]ofChrist,[seebreadandwinesymbolism] inwhichweareborninGod:Liftupyourheads, andbehold,foryourredemptiondrawethnear: Benotsoledastray,andlulledasleep,looknot withstrangeeyes,butopenyourowneyes,and flyfromAntichristintothespiritofChrist:There arenomorewaysbutonetoenterintothe kingdomofChrist,whichissetdownthus,[as followeth]. AGate,[shewing]whichWaywemustwalk throughthisworld,intotheKingdomofGod. 35.Youmustgooutfromyourreasonoutof thefleshlyspirit,andbringyourheart,mind,and thoughts,whollyintotheobedienceofGod,and yieldyourwillintoGod'swill;anddonotfeign waysofyourownreason,orask,WhereisChrist? DirectyourwayintoChrist,andknowforcertain thatChristisinyourheart:Submityourselfto himingreathumility,castallyourpurposesand doingsintohiswillandpleasure,andconsiderthat youalwaysstandbeforetheclearcountenanceof God,andthatChristsittethontherainbowatthe righthandofGodinyou,andconsiderthatyou standeverymomentbeforetheholyNumber Three,andthatGod,theholyNumberThree,

alwaysexamineth,andseeththeabyssofyour heart;andtakeheedthatyouenterintonodeep thoughtorsearching,butmerelyintohisloveand mercy,andresolvenevertogooutfromitany more,butevertocontinuetherein. 36.Andthen,secondly,considerthatyoudo whatispleasinginthesightofGodthemosthigh, whenyouseekwithyourloveyourbrethrenand sistersinthisworld,whosoevertheyare,andby whatnamesoevertheyarecalled,andwhatopinion soevertheyareof.Embracetheminyourheart, helptoprayforthem,andhelpthemtowrestle againstthedevil,andasfarasispossibleinstruct themwithallhumility;butiftheywillnot receiveit,thenputonthegarmentofChrist,and beagoodexampleuntothem;beserviceableand helpfultothem,forgivethemwhentheyhurtand wrongyou:Whentheycurseyou,doyoubless them;whentheydoyouinjury,ifyoucannot turnitintogoodandavoid,them,letitpass,and consideryouarebutapilgrimhere:Withdraw yourlovefromnone,foryourGod,inwhomyou live,withdrawethhimselffromnonethatdobut seekhim;bereadilyyieldingtoyouradversary, ifheonceoffertoturnhismind:Inallyour affairsandconversationloverighteousness,and alwayshaveacarethatyoudoyourworkforGod: Wemustinthisworld,inthistroublesomevalley ofmisery,compassouraffairswithlabourand pains:Weshouldnotgointoholes,cloisters,cells andcorners;forChristsaith,Letyourlightshine

beforemen,thatyourFathermayhavepraisein yourworks:Doallthingsfromasincereheart, inapuremind,andconsideryoudoittoChrist, andthatthespiritofChristdothitinyou: Bealwaysready,expectingtheBridegroom:Let yourhearthavenoleavetomeditateandsearch intoanyotheropinion:Itisnotprofitablefor youtoknowmuch:Leteveryonelearntodo hisownwork,wherewithhemayhavesustenance forhisbody,whetherhebemagistrate,or layperson. 37.Letthemagistratelearnrighteousness,and todistinguishthefalsefromthepure,forheisthe officerofGod:Whathedothandjudgeth,that hejudgethforGod,andGodthroughhim.Let thelaitybehumbleandmannerlybeforethe ordinanceofGod:Ifanywrongbedonehimwith ahighhand,andthatitcannotbeotherwise,let himconsiderthathesufferethwrongforthetruth's sake,andthatitisagreathonourforhiminChrist, inthepresenceofGod. 38.Inallyourmatters,conversation,dealing, andactions,alwayssetthejudgmentofGodbefore youreyes,andhaveacarethatyouliveblameless here,forthis[life]timeisshort;andwestand hereinafieldagrowing:Thereforeseethatyou begoodfruitforGod,atwhichalltheangelsand hostsofheavenmaybepleased,andrejoice:Bear malicetonone,forthatinviteththedeviltoa lodging:Besoberandtemperate:Letnotthe

desireofthisworldpersuadeyou,andthoughit happensometimes,donotgooninit:Goevery houroutofdeathintolife:Crucifyyourselvesin truerepentanceandconversionfromevil. 39.Whenyouarereproachedforyourfearing God,andevilspokenof,anditisfalseanduntrue, thenrejoicemostofall,thatyouarebecome worthytosufferreproachforthedoctrineand honourofChrist:Whenyouareinaffliction,be notdismayed,consideryouareinthewillofGod, hewillsuffernomoretobelaiduponyouthan youshallbeabletobear. 40.Turnawayyoureyesfromcovetousness, fromhighmindednessandstate,anddonot readilylookaftersuchthings,thatyoubenot captivated;forthedevilcatchethhisbirdswith stateandhighmindedness,butgonotintohisnet: Bealwayswatchful,neverbesecure;forthat fowlergoethconstantlyabouttoseewherehecan catchanyone:Wherehonestpeoplearemocked andscorned,gonotthither,makenotyourselves partakersofsuchwickedness,letitnotenterinto yourears;thatthedevilmaynottickleyourheart withthatfoolishlaughter,andsoyoubecome infectedwithit. 41.Summarily,commityourselvestoGodin Christ,andpraytoGodtheFatherintheName anduponthepromiseofChrist,forhisholyspirit; desireituponthepromiseofChrist,andsoyou

willreceiveit;forheisfaithfulwhohathpromised it:Hewillnotdenyyouofit:Youwill receiveitmostcertainly;onlygiveyourself whollyuptohim,thatisthegreatestandchiefest [thing]:Commitalltohiswill,andwhenyou haveit,thatwillteachyousufficientlywhatyou aretodo:Heteachethyoutospeak:Hegiveth youamindandknowledgeandunderstandinghow tobehaveyourselves:Benotcarefulafterwhat manneryoushoulddoathing,whenyouareto dealwithmen;butcommitallyourdoingstohim, hewilldothatinyouwellenoughwhichiswell pleasingtoGod;andthoughyoushouldbeina burningzeal,andshouldbringfirefromheaven fromtheLordofLordsuponthewicked,yetitis acceptabletohim,forthewickedhaveawakened andkindledit. 42.ButgooninthepowerofGod,andthen allyourdoingiswellpleasingtoGod;for,that anydefendethhimselfagainsthisenemy,upon necessity,withoutanyotherintentordesire,that isnotagainstGod;forhewhohathhishouseon firemayquench,it;yea,Godhathgivenleaveto Israeltodefendthemselves. 43.Buthethatcausethandbeginnethawar,he isthedevil'sofficer;forallwarsaredrivenonby theangerofGod,whereinthedevildwelleth:God hathnotbeentheauthorofwars,forhecreated usinlove,thatweshoulddwelltogetherinparadise infriendlylove,aslovingchildren,butthe

devilgrudgedusthat,andledusintothespirit ofthisworld,whichhathawakenedallwarsand mischiefintheangerofGod,sothatwehateand murderourselves. 44.Seeingthenwearethusbegirtwithenemies inthisvalleyofmisery,sothatwegrowamong thornsandthistles,thereforeweoughttowatch; forwemustwatchalsoovertheenemywhichwe carryinoutbosom,viz.ourmindandthoughts, forthatistheworstenemy;alsothedevilhath hisdenofthieverytherein,andthereisrequired greatlabourandtoiltocastoutthatdevil:He slipsmanytimesintoourmind,andleadethuson insmoothdelightfulhypocriticalways,sothatwe supposeweareinGod,andthatourwaysare right:Thereweshouldconstantlyhaveourtouchstone withus,whichistheblessedlovetowards Godandman:Weshouldnottakepleasurein ourselves,butweshouldbeofsuchaconversation, thatGodandmanmaytakepleasureinusfor ourvirtue;[selfseekingmustbequenched,andtrue resignationandselfdenialmustgrowandflourish]. 45.Andwhenwethusconverseintheloveand therighteousnessofGod,andintheobedienceof faith,thenweputonChrist,whosetteththefair orientcrownofpearlsuponus,viz.thecrown, theMysteriumMagnum:Hecrownethuswithhis wisdom,sothatweknowhiswonders,whichwe wereblindinbefore,asithathhappenedtothis hand,whichbeforethetimeofthetenthnumber,

whenitwasyetintheunit,wasassimpleinthe Mysteryasthemeanestofall;but,asthegold mustbetriedinthefire,soalsoithappenedto thishand:corruptionandputrefactionwerenot wanting:Everyonewouldneedstreadthesimple childunderfoot;wherewasthefirsttimethat agarlandwassetuponit:Owhatgreatlabour andtoildidthedeviltakethathemightsullyit! Ohowbusywashe,which,whenIthinkupon, IverymuchwonderandthankGodwhohathpreserved me!Ohowhebestirredhimself,thathe mighttearthegarlandinpieces!Ohoweager washewithAntichrist,inputtinghimonto persecutethishand,thateveryonemightabominate it!Butithappenedtothedevil,asabout Christ,whenhesosetonthepharisaicalAntichrist thattheycrucifiedChrist;thenthoughtthedevil, heisgonenow,Ishallbequietenough,andnot betroubledwithhisdoctrine,whichdestroyeth mykingdom;soalsohere:buthetherebyawaked thefirststorm:Christstormedhishell,andtook himcaptiveintheanger,andsohisdenofrobbery wasfirstopenedbythishand,whichheshall neverbeabletoshutupagain,butitshallstand opentillhisjudgment:Thiswewriteforan exampletotheReader,thathemayknowwhat hemustexpectinthisway,evennothingelsebut scornandreproach. 46.Butbeofgoodcourage,youdearchildren ofGod,dobuthelptowrestlefaithfullyand valourously,forweallwrestleinthislifeforan

angelicalcrown,whichlordLuciferhaduponhis head.Andhowcanhebebutangry,whohath losthiscountryandkingdom,whenanothercometh andtakethhiscrown,andthrowethhimtothe ground,andholdethhimcaptive? 47.Butwrestlecourageously,youdearchildren ofGod,itisbutforalittlewhile,andthenwe shallgetthesceptreandcrown:Itisbetterto bealordthanacaptiveslaveandservant:The sufferingsofthisworld,iftheycannotbeavoided, arenotworthytobecalledsufferingsinrespectof thegreatglory,whichshallbemanifestedonus. 48.Westandherebetweenheavenandhell,in afield,andtheregrowetheitheranangel,ora deviloutofus:Now,therefore,ifanyonehave alovetothekingdomofheaven,andwouldfain beanangel,heoughttolookwelltohimself:It issoondonewithaman:Thouhastfreewill, whithersoeverthouinclinest,therethouart: Whatthousowest,thatthoushaltalsoreap: Letthisbetoldthee[forawarning].

THETHIRTEENTHCHAPTER OfChrist'smostpreciousTestaments*,thatFair GarlandofPearlsoftheNobleHighly PreciousStone**ofTheGreatMystery,and Philosopher'sStone,whichtheAntichristian Churchdancethabout,andiseverseekingit, butnotintheRightGroundandPlace. *BaptismandtheLord'sSupper **MysteriiMagniandLapidisPhilosophorum[philosopher'sstone] 1.INthisStonethereliethhidden,whatsoever Godandtheeternity,alsoheaven,thestars, andelementscontain,andareabletodo:There neverwasfrometernityanythingbetterormore preciousthanthis,anditisofferedbyGod,and bestoweduponman;everyonemayhaveitthat dothdesireit;itisinasimpleform,andhath thepowerofthewholeDeityinit. 2.Christsaith,Ihavethewaterofeternallife, whosoeverthirsteth,lethimcometomeanddrink ofitfornothing,itshallflowinhimintoa fountainofeternallife,andwhosoeverdrinketh thereofshallneverthirstanymore:Christgiveth ushisfleshforfood,andhisbloodfordrink: Weshouldeathisfleshanddrinkhisblood,andthen hewillcontinueinus,andweshallcontinuein him;whereheis,thereshallwebealso,bothhere andthere[intheotherLife];forhewillbewith

usalways,untotheendoftheworld:Hewillnot letushischildrenwant;asafathercarethforhis children,sohecarethforus;andthoughafather perhapsmightforsakehischildren,yethewill neverforsakeus:forhehathimprintedusinhis handsstruckthroughwithnails,andreceivedus intothewound[orhole]ofhisside,outofwhichdidrun waterandblood;weshouldbelieveandtrusthim, ashispreciousWordhathtoldus,heisthemouth oftruth,andcannotlie. 3.Hear,thoudearChristianity,openthymind, andletnotreason,whichiswithoutGod,lead theeastray:Considerthiswell:Wewillshewyou therightgroundandscope,withoutconceitsand opinions:Wewillsetitbeforeyouwhollypure, withoutspotorblemish,andonlyshewyouwhat Christis:Wewillbringnoconceitofhuman inventiontopleaseanyman'sopinion;neither willwetakeitfromthatwhichtheworldsets forth,asintheirglosses;butwewillspeakthat whichisrevealedtousoutofthemouthofChrist, andwhathisTestamentsareinreality[orsubstance]. 4.Forthisisthejewel,thenoblestone,which theChurchofBabeldancethabout,andabout whichsheraisethwarsandpersecutions:How verymanyscandalousandscurrilousbooksand pamphletshavebeenwrittenaboutit! 5.Thisisthetruejewelofthecongregationof Christ;whentheChurchofRomelostit,thenit

becameaBabel,andthespiritofGoddeparted fromher,andthemostpotentcountriestowards theeast,south,andwest,turnedawayfromher: FortheRevelationtoldthem,saying,Ifthou continuenotinmylove,Iwillcomeuntothee, andtakeawaythycandlestickfromthee;which cometopassthus: 6.Europekeptthenameofthejewel,andAsia thecolourofit;butthevirtueofitremained sealedtothemboth,fortheywerebothdeparted fromit:theywentgropinginthedark:they grewfat,proud,andstately,andwouldbelord overthejewel:theyonlysoughtgood[orfrolic]days,great honourandglorybyit;theybuiltthemuponit abraveglisteringearthlykingdom,asistobeseen bytheRomishBabel,whichtheydoashypocrites, thattheymaybehonouredbythecongregation, andhadingreatesteem.ThatwhichPauland theApostlesleft[behindthem]viz.Thatthe congregationshouldabideinreverenceandin love,andthattheelderswhichbehavedthemselves well,shouldbeaccountedworthyofdoublehonour, (whichwasrightinthecongregationtodoitto themthatbehavedthemselveswell),thistheyusurp tothemselves,intotheirownpowerin[awayof] compulsion:Menmustperformittothem,though theybenowayworthyofit;andbecausethey couldnothandsomelyuseanyothersword,therefore theymadetothemselvesafalsesword,viz. Curse[ofExcommunication],andthatshould makemenreverencetheirholiness,thattheymight

notseemtobebloodyExecutionersthemselves; justasthePhariseesdid,whodeliveredChristup toPilate;sothesealso,theyaresodevoutin showandappearance[theywillshednobloodwith theirownhands],buttheirheartisadevil:They stirupthemagistratesupontheirdevilishCurse ofExcommunication,whomustbetheirexecutioners, toexecutewhattheirdevilishhearthath concludedupon. 7.Odearprinces,openyoureyes;youroffice, ifyoudothatwhichisright,isindeedgrounded innature;buttheirfictionsandconceitsarenot; thereforebenotExecutionersunderthem:See withyourowneyes;youshall,andmust,atthe LastDay,giveanaccountofyouroffice;benot ledaboutwithouteyes,blindfold;youshould seewithyourowneyes:Youarethetrueheads ofthecongregation:ThelambsofChristare committedtoyourtrust;thepriestsarebutelders inthecongregation;iftheywalkrightlybefore them,andgivegoodexampletothecongregation bytheirgooddoctrine,life,andconversation,then honourandrespectshouldbegiventothemas eldersofthecongregationofChrist;notthatthey arelordsoverthecongregation,butservantsof thecongregation:Theyshouldhavethespiritof Christ,andblessthecongregation,andthecongregation shouldgivethemselvesupwiththem intoonelove,intoonewill,andsoprayandsing, andspeaktogetherofGod'sloveandwonders,that sotheremaybeonespirit,oneheart,inonewill,

andsotheweakmaybehelpedbytheprayerand faithofthestrong. 8.Thecongregationshouldinclinetheirearto thespeechoftheelders,whoarestrongand powerfulinthespirit,andshouldreceivetheword ofthespiritwithearnestdesire:Theeldersshould teachwithmeekness,anddealwiththecongregation aswiththeirownchildren,theyshould instructthemintheirteachingandreprovingwith modestadmonition:Theyshouldnotbringbitter heartsintothecongregation,insendingforth reproachesagainsttheweakchildren,thatthe feeblebenotquitediscouraged. 9.Buthethatdespiseththecongregationof Christ,anddepartethfromtheChristianway,they shouldprivatelywarnandadmonishsuchanone:If hewillnotregard,thentheyhavethecurse[or Excommunication]ofthespirittobindhiminhell intheangerofGod,thatSatanmayvexhis heart,tillheturnandrepent:forthecongregation hathinChristgreatpower,theyhavethekeyto openandshut;but,asismentionedbefore,the priestalonehathnotthepower:No,hehathit notalone,forheisbuttheservantofthecongregation: Themeanestofthemall,ifheisfaithful[loyalinFaith], hathasmuchauthorityinthecurseorExcommunication asthegreatest;forweareallmembers ofthebodyofChrist:Ifthemeanestofallshut anyoutofthecongregationinthecurseofExcommunication, ifthepartyisguilty,thenheisin

[orunder]thecurse,orExcommunication;butif thepartyhaswrongdonehim,thenheisinthe curse,orExcommunication,whohathdonehimthe wrong,whohathbeliedhim:Thereforelooktoit, yeelders,considerwhatyoudo,anddonotmake thecongregationofChrist,whichChristhath dearlypurchasedwithhisblood,toscandalize[reproach, oroffend]oneanother,elseyouyourselvesarein[orunder]the curseofExcommunication,andarewithoutthe congregationofChrist.Search[try,andexamine]andconsider beforehand,ereyoujudgewhatspirit'schildhe iswhomyoujudge:Tryhisspiritbeforehand,for manyarezealousoutofignorance,whomyou shouldinstructandreceive:youknownotwhat God'sspiritgivethtoeveryone;forhehathmany andsundrygifts:Judgeallinthewayoflove; benotrigid,benotfurious,sternandobstinate: Instructthesimpleinmeekness,thathemayplace hisdelightinthecongregation;forsuchwere Christ'sApostles,yourpredecessors:Theytaught insuchamanner,andinstructedthecongregation bygoodexample,doctrine,andlife.

[ConcerningtheLord'sSupper.] 10.Whentheymettogether,andmadeknown thewondersoftheLORD,andsattogetherwith aferventspirit;then,afterexhortationoneof another,theydistributedtheLord'sLastSupper, ashehadcommandedthem:Theytookbreadand brakeit,andateofit,andthereby,andtherewith,

havecommemoratedtheLord'sdeath;inlike manneralsotheytookthecup,anddrankofit, andcommemoratedthesheddingofhisblood; sayingonetoanother,Take,andeattheLord's body,whichwasgivenforusonthecross. 11.Soalsotheydidwiththecup;theytookit intheirhand,anddrankofit;fortheuppermost ofthecongregationbegan,andsaidtotheother, TakethecupanddrinkthebloodofChristour Lord,whichhehathshedforusonthecrossfor theremissionofsins,andcommemoratehisdeath, andthesheddingofhisblood,untilhecomeagain tojudgment,andbringusintohimself.

12.This,dearchildren,wasthetrueApostolical practice,andtheLastSupperofChristwaseven so;for,whenChristhadinstructedandtaughthis disciples,hebegan(aftersupper,whentheyhad eatenthePaschalLamb)therighteatingofthe PaschalLamb,andgavethemthatPaschalLamb[Passover] toeat,ofwhichthefirstinstitutedbyMoseswas butanimageandashadow[ortype];forhegavethem hisheavenlybodytoeat,andhisheavenlybloodto drink,whichhehadintroducedintoMary'swomb intheeternalbeginninglessheavenlyVirginof God,inthepurechasteimmaterial[virginity], withoutspotorblemish,andhadassumeditfrom hisearthlymother. 13.Yououghthighly[deeply]tounderstandthis:He

gavenothisdisciplestheearthlysubstance,which didbuthangtoChrist'sbody,inwhichhesuffered death,whichwasdespised,buffeted,spitupon, scourged,andslain;forthenhadhegiventhem themortalflesh;buthegavethemhisholybody, hisholyflesh,whichhungalsoonthecrossinthe mortalsubstance,andhisholyblood,whichwas shedtogetherwiththemortal,asanimmortal fleshandbloodwhichthedisciplesreceivedinto theirbody,whichwasputontothesoulasanew bodyoutofChrist'sbody,wherebythedisciples werecapableof[receiving]Christ,andbecame membersofhisbody. 14.Youmustnotunderstanditthus,that Christ'sdisciplestookapieceoftheoutwardbody ofChrist,viz.ofhisearthlybody,andputitin theirmouths,andcheweditwiththeiroutward earthlyteeth,andsoswalloweditdownintotheir bellies:No,thisisapparent,inthathesatwith thematthetable,anddidnotdividehisoutward body. 15.Butnote,AstheDeityhadconceivedinits willtheimagewhichGodcreatedinhisVirginof hiswondersandwisdom,andbroughttheflesh andbloodtogetherwiththeeternaltincture,in whichthesoulliveth,(viz.theeternalfirewhich reachethintotheDeityafterthesubstanceofthe Majesty,andallayeth,filleth,andstrengtheneth itselftherewith),outofMaryinthevirgininto theHolyTernary,intowhichtheWordgaveitself,

(asalifeinthetinctureoftheeternity),and becamethespirit,life,andvirtueofthatflesh, whichsproutethoutofthetinctureofthatfireof thesoul;forthespiritwasintheWord,andthe Wordwasthepowerorvirtue,andoutofthe virtueshonethelightoftheMajesty,andthe kingdom,withthepowerofthisworld,hungto it[thespirit]alsoasitsproperown,whichwasgenerated outoftheVirginofitswondersandwisdomout oftheeternalcentreofnature,whereinalsoMary stood,withtheoutwardvirtueandlife,withthe outwardfleshandblood:Soalsoinsuchamanner asthishathChristthetrueSonofGod,[and]our Brother,giventohisdiscipleshisbodytoeat,and hisbloodtodrink. 16.AndasGod,inhisheavenlyVirgin(outof whichtheheavenlysubstantialityisespied,and attainethsubstanceinthetinctureofthefire)isa substance;whichsubstance,God(withtheWord andHeart,withthereceivinginofthetincture outofMary'sblood,inwhichthesouldwelt)did, withthewordFiat,aswiththeeternalastringent matrix,comprehend,andletthemtogetherbecome fleshandbloodafterahumanwayandmanner; (understand,astheeternalsubstantiality,withthe wisdom,viz.theeternalvirginity,hathgivenitself intotheperishedtinctureandmatrixofMary, whereinwasthepromisedWord,whichgaveitself alsointheeternalsubstantialityintotheperished tincture[orlife],andsobecameaNewMan,being strangeandunknowntotheearthlyman);sothis

NewBodyofChrist,(understandtheinward Christ,whichtheoutwardmanwhichwasmortal covered),gaveitselfunderbreadandwine,asan outward[thing]intothetinctureofthesoulsof theApostles,andbecamemanintheApostles,in thetinctureofthesoul;andthatistheNewBody whichChristhathbroughtusfromheaven;[of whichhesaid,Nonegoethtoheaven,buthethat iscomefromheaven];sothatwhenwewholly yieldupourselvestohiminobedience,andwith ouroldwillgooutfromourselvesintohiswill, andsocomeintoChrist'scongregation,anddesire hisfleshandblood,withallhisbenefits,thenhe givethusthisbodyandbloodtoeatandtodrink, whichtheinwardmanbornofGodreceiveth:for thebodyofChristiseverywherepresentinsubstance: itcontaineththeSecondPrinciple:[that is,theangelicalworld,accordingtowhichGodis calledMerciful,andtheeternalgood]. 17.For,tosaythatChristfeedeththesoulwith spiritwithoutbody,isnottrue;theHolyGhost makethnotaPrinciple,buttheeternalsubstantiality inwhichtheHolyGhostdwelleth,and goethoutfromthenceinaformofmanythousand innumerableessences,eventhatwhichisso goneforth,isthevirginofchastity,viz.the eternalwisdom,inwhichallthewondersofthis worldwerebeheldfrometernity. 18.Understandusrightly,accordingtoitshigh andpreciousworth;thatsubstantiality,wherein

thevirginofGodconsisteth,Adamhadonhim: forthespiritofthisworldwasgivenhim,and breathedintohimtherein;buttheessenceswere paradisical,andsprungupthroughthe[onepure] element,whichthesubstantialitycontaineth,and thatsubstantialitythespiritofthisworld,in Adam,tookintoitself,intoitspower,[asthe watertakeththelight(inaflamingredhotiron) intoit,andquenchethit]. 19.Firsttheheavenlysubstantialityhadthe power[orpredominancy],butafterwards,when Adamwentbackwithhislustintotheearthly [substantiality],thentheearthly[substantiality] gotthepowerandpredominancy,andthatisthe causethatourperishedheavenlysubstantiality isbecomeearthly:andthereforemustGod, withtheheavenlysubstantiality,inusbecome man,andintheheavenlyvirginandinthe earthly,Godisbecomeman,andhathputon uponoursoulstheheavenlysubstantialityagain, viz.hisheavenlybody:yetourearthlymust passaway,buttheheavenlyremainethstanding forever. 20.Andyet,nevertheless,wearecaptivated poorsinnerswiththeoldAdam,intowhichthe devilhathanentrance,andwegomanytimesout fromthefairimage,understand,thesoulturneth itswilloftenintotheoutwardman;andthere foreGodhath,appointedthisTestament[TheLord'sSupper], sothatwhenweturnagaintohim,hethengivethour

soulthenewgarmentagain,viz.theNewBody, andrenewethandfeedethit. 21.HethatoncegetteththebodyofChrist,it departethnotfromhim,unlesshespoilitas Adamdid;itisonlycoveredwiththeold Adam,andmoreoverpassethintotheMystery; anditisverypossibleforthesoultogoout fromit,thereforethesoulshouldnotbesecureor careless,butwatchful. 22.Thereforeknow,thatChristgavehisdisciples histrueallpresenteternaldivinebodyto eat,andhisbloodtodrink,outofwhichtheHoly Ghostproceedeth;andtheinwardmouthwhich receiveditwasthedesirouswillingoftheirsouls; forthesoulofmanhungerethandthirstethcontinually sincetheheavyfall,aftersuchfleshand blood,andputteththesameonasthegarmentof God;forthesoulinitselfisaspirit,andhath needofabody,andthereitattainethabody, aneweternalincorruptiblebodyintotheold Adamicalbody. 23.Thus,youaretoknow,thebreadwhich Christgavetohisdisciples,wasthatwhichthe outwardmouthtook,andgavetothebelly;but theword,whereofChristsaidEat,thisismybody, thatsamewordwastheeternalbodyofChrist, andhadheavenlyfleshandbloodinit,andthat thesoulreceived,asanewbody;andthusthere wasatonce,inthehandofChrist,twokingdoms,

viz.aheavenlyandanearthly. 24.Butyoumustknow,thattheheavenly cannotbecomprehendedorcarriedforthbythe earthly;fortheheavenlyman,viz.theheavenly bodyofChrist,whichwasintheoutward Christ,thatallatonce,andineternity,also filledtheangelicalworld,viz.thesecondPrinciple ofGod;sothatwithoutthatsamebodilysubstance Godisnotknownatall,forthepowerof theDeityhathmanifesteditselftherein,and yettheoutwardimageremainethstanding;so thatinheavenmenseethehumannaturepalpably andapprehensivelystandinginthatform itwasinhereuponearth:Thouseestnothing elseinitbuttheMajestyoftheclarityof thebrightness,whichfilleththeangelicalworld; andwheresoevernowtheMajestyis,thereis thesubstantialityofChrist;fortheHeartand WordofGodhathuniteditinthesubstantiality: AsweconsiderthattheWordisevery where,soisthesubstantiality(thebodyof theWord)[everywhere],thoughindeedwithout image;forthecreaturehathonlythe[formation or]image. 25.Behold,Igiveyouasimilitude:Consider, allthingsarecreatedoutofthewater,andinthe waterwasallpowerandvirtue;foryoufindthat allthingshavewater,thoughitbeaverystone, orflesh,orwhatsoeveritis;butthesulphuris thereinwiththepowerofnature,whichformeth

thesubstantiality. 26.Now,behold,inthewholedeep,thereis nothingbutwater,air,andfire,outofwhich thereisthesubstance,viz.thebodyortheearth [cometobe]. 27.Now,youseeverywell,thatthesun(being butone)causeththat,andisalsothevirtue andmajestyinthiselementarysubstance:It allbelongethtothesun,andalldesireththe sun,andthesunwithitsvirtueaffordeththe dominion[orgovernmentofeverythinginthe universe]. 28.See,andconsiderthisinasimilitude:God istheeternalsuninthesecondPrinciple:understand theHeart,splendour,virtue,andMajesty; andtheelements,fire,water,andearth,are(spoken bywayofsimilitude)[asitwere]GodtheFather: Nowthesunstandeththereasabody,asindeedit is,whichresembleththecreatureChrist;andthe wholesubstanceofthefourelementsresembleth thesubstantialityofthecreature,whereinthe splendourofthesunshineth:thesunresembleth theWordandtheMajesty;andthefourelements resemblethevirtueofthebody,andtheFather, outofwhichtheSonshineth. 29.Thereforeknow,thatinheaven,everywhere allover,istheFather'svirtueorpower,andinthe virtuetheWord;andtheWordhaththesubstantiality,

whichbelongethalltothepersonof Christ;forChriststandethintheFather[as]an image,asthesunintheelements. 30.IfGodshouldonceopenhimself,thewhole worldwouldbemeresun;forthedeepreceiveth thesplendourofthesun;orelseiftherewereno suchthinginthedeepasthesunis,thedeep couldnotreceivethelight;butthusitdesireth itslike:Andthusitisalsoinheaven:TheSonis everywhereintheFather,andisbecomeman: ThetotalholyNumberThreewithoutendand substance,hathmanifesteditselfinanimagein substance,andthatisChrist,andwearehis members:WeareGod's,ifwecontinueinhim;he isourfountain,ourlight,andwearehisstars:He givethushisbodyandvirtue,andhissplendour for[our]light. 31.Thushefeedethushereuponearthinthe Supper,andwhenwedesireit,withthevirtueof hisbody,andwiththespiritwhichproceedeth fromthatvirtue,(forthatisthespiritandlifeof thevirtueorpower),thenwereceivethetotalholy NumberThree[orTrinity]:Thesubstantialityhathsulphur, understandthebodyofChrist,thatistheFather, andthesulphurhaththevirtueorpower;andin thevirtueisthelightoflifeasanotherperson,and outofthevirtueinthelightgoethforththesmell andspiritofthevirtue,andisnotcomprisableor detainablebythevirtue,andyetitgoethforth fromthevirtue,andistheHolyGhost.

32.Understandusrightly,thus:Wereceive notintheSupperanothercreature,withanew soul;No,butwereceiveontooursoul,thebody ofChrist,whichfillethheaven,andisalready [beforehand]theeternalCreature:Thesoul eatethChrist'sflesh,anddrinkethhisblood,which fillethheaven;andoutofthatwhichthesoul receivethandeateth,theregrowethabodytothe soul,andinthatbodyitisinthehandofGod, andcanattheendoftheworldgowiththatbody throughthefireoftheangerofGod,without feeling[ofit];andasthefirecannotlayholdon ChristintheNumberThree,sonotofuseither; forthefirereceiveththemeekness[orallay]from God'smeeknessandours,andbecomethinus changedintoarisingupofthedesireoflove,so thatourfireandburninginusisamerelovedesire; foritcomethtobeabrightnessofthe Majesty,andthusweareinGod,andthechildren ofGod,Hallelujah,Hallelujah,Hallelujah.

[ConcerningtheBaptism.] 33.Andaftersuchamannerisitwiththe baptismofchildren,thesoulconsistingintwo things,viz.infireandwater;forthebloodhath twoforms,viz.sulphurandwater:Sulphurgiveth tinctureandlife,foritgivethlight,whichisthe burningoutfromthesulphur,andthatislife. ThePhurisfire,andtheSulislight,andoutof

thelightgoeththemeekness,whichdraweththe Phurtoitagain,andquenchethitsfierceness therewith,andthatattractingmakeththemeekness substantial,whichiswater;andMercurymaketh thereinthegreatlife,viz.alifeinthewater,and theheavenlyLunabreedethit,thatitturnethto aliquorandtoblood,whereinisthecentreof naturewithsevenforms. 34.Nowobserve,Whentheseedtothechildis sown,thenthetinctureofthefire,viz.theman's tincture,issownintothetinctureofVenus,outof whichproceedethaTwofoldLife,viz.afirelifeof thesoul,andinVenusawaterlifeofthespirit,[or awaterspiritlife],whichspringuptogether,and becomeaman.Andthusnowbothtincturesin Adamarecorrupted. 35.Thetinctureofthesoulwascaptivatedby theeternalangerofGod,whereinthedevilsat, andthetinctureofthespiritwascaptivatedby theSpiritusMajorisMundi[ofthemacrocosmos], thespiritofthe greatworld,thespiritofthisworld,andtheyhad bothremainedcaptivatedbythedevil,ifthe VerbumDomini,theWordoftheLord,whichat lengthbecameflesh,hadnotinterposedinthe midst[asamediator]. 36.ThereforehathGod,throughChrist,instituted TwoTestaments,one[testament](forlittle children)intheHolyGhost,whoperformeththe

office,whochieflymanageththeofficeinthe Baptism,andmakethinthewaterofthesoula wateroflifeinhisvirtue;andone[other testament](forpoorsinnersthataremoreinyears, tounderstandit)intheWordoflife,asinflesh andblood,wheretheWord,viz.theHeartofGod chieflymanageththeoffice,andfeedethwithhis body,andgivethhisbloodfordrink;which testamentwithfleshandbloodbelongethtothe tinctureofthefirelife,tothesoul;andthetestament ofwaterbelongethtothespiritlife,viz.to theothertincture,andyetisbutoneman:But beforethebirthofChrist,thedevilusedgreat treachery,andwroughtmuchmischiefwithman, inthathespirituallypossessedthem,[asmaybe readconcerningtheidoloracles],andhere[inthe Baptism]histradeandhandicraftwaslaidaside; forChristerectedforthechildrenalaverof RegenerationintheHolyGhost,(forachildhath notfaithasyet,alsothereareveryfewthatlearn [oraretaught]whatfaithis),thattheremightbe onetestamentthatmightpreservepoorignorant man. 37.NotthattheHolyGhostalonebaptizeth, indeedhechieflymanageththeoffice,andtaketh thevirtueoftheNumberThreewherewithhe baptizeth;andsowhenthebaptizersaith,I baptizetheeinthenameoftheFather,andofthe Son,andoftheHolyGhost;thentheHolyGhost takethholdintheNumberThree,andbaptizethin thewaterofthesoul,inthewateroflife,which

isinthebloodofthetincture,whichcontaineth thespiritlife,viz.thesecondcentreofnature; andsothespiritofthesoulreceiveththevirtue andofficeoftheHolyGhost,andherelieththe MysteriumMagnum,[theGreatMystery]. 38.DearbrethreninBabel,donotsodance aboutontheoutsideoftheMystery,enterin,or elseyearenottheministersofChrist;ifyou cannotapprehendthis,yetcontinueinthefaithon theWord:ButwhenyousayChrist'stestaments areonlysignsandnotsubstance,thenyouare theAntichrist,anddenytheDeity,andarenot capableoftheoffice:Youcannotbaptizethe child,butthecongregationofGod,(whichhath thefaith),baptizethit:Akeeperofsheep,ora keeperofswine,thatsimplybelieveththatbaptism isagreathiddenMystery,whereintheholy NumberThreebaptizeth,andthathimselfisbut theservant,minister,orinstrument,whichperformeth onlytheoutwardwork,heinhissimplicity baptizethmuchbetterthanyoudo. 39.Yougreatschoolrabbisandmasters,that sitaloft,letthisbetoldyou:Thereisonecoming whowillbaptizeyouwiththefireofwrath,because youdenyhispowerandvirtue:Youhaveahard bit[tochew]ofChrist'stestaments:Ifyouwill notgoforthfromyourcouncilsintothetempleof JesusChristyoumustbequitecastaway. 40.Intimesofoldyouwereverymanyofyou;

foryoupropagatedyourselves,andnottheoffice ofChrist:Butyouarenowbecomeverythinin Germany;whereyouwereathousand,youare nowscarceahundredofyou:Ifyouwillnot leaveoffyourhumanwitandyourowninventions, Godwillsocastyouaway,thatwhereyouarenow ahundred,thereshallnotremaintenofyou,nora lessnumber.Awakefromyoursleep,lestyou thusgodownintoperditionintotheabyss. 41.Yousaywelaughyoutoscorn:Itmaybe youthinkso,forthereisonethatlaughethyouto scornwhomweknow,whoshewethittous:He willsuddenlyawake:benotsosecureandcareless: Considerofit;fornonetakethanythingto himself,unlessitbegivenhimofGod;neither willthisbespokeninvain. 42.ObelovedandworthyChristendom,observe itwell:Donotsay,Ifourteachersleadus notaright,letthemlooktoit:Ono,itconcerns yourveryself,itwillcostthelossofyourbody andsoul.DearChristendomisdepartedfromall theapostolicalordinances,virtue,andpower,into humaninventionsandinstitutions;andinsteadof Christ'skingdom,thereisapompous,stately, hypocriticalonesetup,byBaptismandthe [Lord's]Supper. 43.Mensetupceremonies:O,iftheyhadkept thetruefaith,andhadshewnpeoplethedivine wayintothenewregeneration:Iftheyhadshewn

themtheclearcountenanceofGod,thenpeople haddepartedfromtheirsinsintoadivinelife. 44.Butthywitandsubtlety,Othouwhore, hathblindedall:Ifmyeyeshadnotbeenopened byGod,howshouldIhaveknownthee?Ishould indeedhavestillworshippedthee:Theworld shallseekthee,andatlengthfindthee;andthen Europeshallbeacrown,andAsiatheman[orhusband],and Africathecountry,andasimpleshepherdshall leadustopasture:Ifthoudidstunderstandthis, thouwouldstenterintothyself;butthouwiltbe blindtillthouartrecompensed:Asthouhast pouredforthaffliction,sothoushaltdrinkup miseryandtorment,forthouhastmadeitsovery greatasitis,andartawildtree,andshaltbe brokenoff:Thereisnoremedy,thyownwrath casteththeetotheground;forthouartweighed inabalance,andartfoundtoolight,saiththe spiritoftheGreatWonders.

TheMagiaoutoftheWonders. 45.Athingwhichgrowethoutofabeginning, hathbeginningandend,andgrowethnohigher thanthatthinghathinitsnumberoutofwhich itgroweth;butthatwhichintheonenumber[orunitnumber] isincorruptible,foritisbutoneandnomore,there isnothinginitthatcanbreakit;for,notany thingthatisoneisatenmitywithitself;but whentherearetwothingsinone,thereisplain

contrarietyandstrife;forthatwhichisone strivethnotagainstitself,butdrawethintoitself, andoutofitself,andremainethone,andthough itseekmoreinitself,yetitfindethnomore,and thatcanneverbeatoddswithitself;foritisone thing,whithersoeveritgoeth,itgoethinonewill; forwheretherearetwowills,thereisdivisionor separation;foronewilloftengoethinwardand theotheroutward;andthen,ifthatthinghavea body,thenthatkingdomorgovernmentinthat bodyisatodds:Andsoifoneenterintothe otherwithenmity,therethatisacontrarywill whichgoethinagainsttheother,andthentherein dwelleththethirdnumber;andthethirdnumber isamixedessenceoutofthefirsttwo,andis againstthemboth,andwillbeitsown,andyet hathalsotwowillsinitselffromthefirsttwo,one whereoftendethtotherighthand,andtheother totheleft. 46.Thusthethingrisethupfromtwointo many,andeveryonehathitsownwill,andifit beinone[only]body,thenitisatoddswith itself,forithathmanywills,andneedethajudge topartthem,andkeepthewillsinawe;butif thewillsbestrong,andwillnotbekeptunderin awebythejudge,butgooutaloft,thenofone government[orkingdom]therebecomethtwo,forthatwhich isflownoutjudgethorrulethitselfaccordingtoits ownwill,andhateththefirst,becausethatisnot initswill,andsothereisastrife,onedesiringto keepdowntheother,andsotoelevateitselfalone

inonesubstance,andifitcannotkeepdownthe other,(thoughitmakethneversomuchopposition,) theneachofthemincreasethinitselftoitshighest number[degree,orpitchofitsstrengthorlimit], andisalwaysinstrifeagainsttheother: Andifitcometopassthatitbegrowntoits highestnumber,thatitcangonofarther,thenit enterethintoitself,andviewethitselftoseewhy itcangrownofarther,andsoitseeththeendof thenumber,andsettethitswillintheendofthe number,anddesirethtobreakthebandorlimit asunder,andinthatwill(whichitputsintothe endofthenumber,wherewithitwillbreakit)the prophetisborn,andheisitsownprophet,and prophesiethoftheerrorsinthewill,thatthey cannotgofurther,andofthebreakingofthem, forheisborninthehighestnumberofthecrown, attheendofthelimit,andspeakethofthe Turba[disturbance]initskingdom,howitshallhaveanend, andwhatthecauseisthatitcannotgobeyondits ownnumber,andthenheprophesiethofanew [kingdomorgovernment],whichshallbeagain generatedoutofthebreaking;forhe[theprophet] isthemouthofthatkingdom[orgovernment], andpointethatthecontrarywill,howitisgrown fromonewill,andhowwithitsowndesireitis goneoutofitselfintomanywills,anddiscovereth theprideofthekingdom[orgovernment],and thecovetousnessandenvyofit,andinthatthe kingdomhadbutoneroot,outofwhichitwas grown;thereforehesheweththeeviltwigsor brancheswhicharegrownoutoftheroot,which

arethedistractionanddisturbance,orturbaof thekingdom,whichdestroytheoldtree,andtake awayitsvirtueandsap,sothatitmustwither away. 47.Andthenheshewethalsothefalsehoodof thetwigsandbranches,whichhavetakenaway thevirtueofthetree,andthrownittotheground. Theysaytheyareanewtree,andagoodkingdom [orgovernment],andvauntit,asiftheywere strangeguests,withgreatwitandseeming devotion,andyettheyaregrownoutoftheold tree,andareitschildren,andsodevourtheirown father:Andthereforesaiththeprophet,They arenochildren,butwolves,theyarecometo murderanddevour,andtosetupthemselvesin thesteadoftheoldtree;whichprideoftheirs thusalsodrivethontillthelimit,andthenitwill againbedevouredbytheirchildren. 48.Thisistheirownprophet,whichisgrown upontheircrown;forhedeclareththeevilnessof therootoutofwhichthefirsttreewasgrown: Hesheweththepoisonwherewiththerootwas poisoned,sothatoutofonewillmanywillsare grown,outofwhichthestrifeandmaliceis sprung. 49.Andsothen,iftheturbainathingbe grownupwithit,whichofonemakethmany, wherethemultiplicityisatenmitywithitself, thentheturbaalsobreakeththemultiplicity;for

thefirstwilltoathingdesirethonlythatone thingwhichisitsbodyanddelight:Butthe multiplicityinathingmakethenmity:forthe onewillalwaysriseupabovetheother;andyet theotherwillnotendureit;andthencecometh envyandfalsehood,outofwhichgrowangerand strife,sothatonedesirethtobreakoff,andthrow downtheother;andalthoughthefirstwillbe judge,yettheturbaisalsosprungupinallthe twigsandbranches,whichdestroyethobedience; andsoeachwillgoitsownway,andwillnotbe judgedorruled,buttakethuponitself,andcontemneth thefather,andallthe[other]children, whichyetareitsbrothersandsisters;andsaith itselfaloneisthetreeandthevirtueofit,whereas itisbutabrokenselfwilledproudmurderer,which opposethitselfagainstthefirstwill,viz.theroot. 50.Andnow,whenthefatherseethhisevil disobedientchild,heseeketharemedy,toheal thatwhichisbroken,andpourethoilintothe wounds:buthefindeththattheoilispoisonto them,fortheyhaveturnedawaytheirwillfrom thefirstwill,asfromtheroot,outofwhichthe oilfloweth,andtheturbahathgeneratedanother oilinthem:sothatthereisnoremedytoheal thiskingdom[governmentordominion]: itmustbedevouredinandbyitselfasanevilkingdom: andyetitgrowethtoitshighestnumber,astothenumberthousand, tilltheend:forthecrownhaththenumber thousand,andthenthereisnoremedymore;for thenitwillbewhollyonewithitselfagain,and

gointothefirstwillagain,andgiveitselfinto obedience,andbecomeonethingagain;andthen itbeginnethtonumberagain;yetitisgoodat, first,solongasitremainethinpaucity[asmallorlittlething]: butthatwhichhathagreatdealofroomisnoteasily quashed;butthatwhichissqueezedintoanarrow room,andshutupclose,willalwaysstrivetoget outaboveitslimit,andeasilysurmisesthatits neighbour'sdwellingdothalsobelongtoit,and willalwaysbreakthereinsandbounds.And although,thusoutofonethingtheregroweth another,yetbeingnotagreeabletothefirstwill,out ofwhichitisgrownoriginally,thereforeitisnot itstrueson,butisawildtwig[orbranch],whichisopposite tothemother,andlovethnotthemother:forit growethupinitsmalice,andthereforethemother takethitnotagainintoherfirstwill,thatitmay subsisteternally,butlettethitrunontoitslimit [orend]. 51.Butwhenthemotherseeththatallher childrenthusbreakofffromher,forsakeher,and becomestrangetoher,shefallethintosorrowand lamentation,shehopethforamendment,andyet itcomethnot,andthensheherselfseekeththe turba[ordestruction],forsheturnethherwill againintoherself,andseekeththegenetrix:and thereshefindethanewchildinthelilytwig[thepurity]and giveththeapostatechildrentotheturba,sothat theythemselvesdevourandmurderoneanother; alsoshepourethforththeirownturbaandpoison uponthem,thattheymaybedividedandtaken

outoftheway;thatshemaybringupheryoung sonthatmaycontinueinherhouse,whereinshe mayhavejoy. 52.Thusitisspokentothee,thougreatand broadtree[ofthegenerationofAdam],whointhe beginningwastalittlebranch;thouwastcreated inonewillonly,allthytwigsshouldhavethat willofthine,butthedevilgrudgedtheethat,and strewedpoisonintothywill,outofwhichthe turbagrew:andsothouhastspoiledallthy childrenandtwigstherewith,sothattheturbais grownupalsointoeverylittletwig:Thoudidst enterintopride,andwentestforthfromthefirst will,whichGodgavethee,intothegreatwonders ofthegreatturba[oruproars,andcommotions, contentionanddestructioninthefourelementary worlds],wherewithallthychildrenwereenamoured, andleftthee[thyfirstwill]. 53.Thereforesaiththemotherofthegenetrix[theeternalnature], Iaminanguish,Ihadplantedmealittletree, anddesiredtoeatofitsgoodfruit;butithath bornemuchwildfruit,whichIhavenomindto eatof;Iwillconceive,andbringforthayoung soninmyoldage,whichmaycontinueinmy house,anddomywill,thatImayhavejoyat last;sinceallmychildrenleaveme,Iwilltake comfortinmyyoungson,andheshallremainin myhousewhileIlive,andSatanshallnottempt him.Iwillputachild'sgarmentuponhim,and heshalldwellwithmeinatotalchildishsimplicity:

behold!Iwillgeneratehimoutofthefirstroot, andwillbreaktheturba:foritsnumberinthe crownisaccomplished. 54.Whatseekyousomuch,youwildbranches? Yousayyouareabovethemother,[abovethe spiritofGod];youhaveart,knowledge,and learning;whatdelighthaththemotherinyour witandart?Shedesirethnoartandwit;forshe isaltogethersimple,andcountethbut[thenumber] one;ifyouwouldpleasethemother,youmustgo fromthemultiplicityintooneagain;notthrough artandwit,butyoumustgoforthoutofyour proudturba,outofself,intosimplehumility;you mustleavethebraveryandhypocrisyofyourown witthatproceedsfromtheturba,andbecomeas children,elseyouarenotacceptabletoyourfirst mother,buttheturbatakethyouup;andthen considerwhereyoushallremain,whenGodshall judgethesecretsofmankind,whenallshallpass throughthefireofhiswrath,saiththespiritof thegreatwonders. 55.MotherEvesaid,whenshebroughtforth thefirstchild;Behold!Ihavetheman,theLord; heshalleffectthebreakingoftheserpent'shead, andpossessthekingdom:butitwasCainthe murderer. 56.Andthusalsoyounowsay,Wehavefound theLord:nowwewillpossessthekingdom;for wehavefoundthetruedoctrine,wewillteachthus

andthus,andthenweareGod'schildren.But hearken!Youhaveindeedfoundthetruedoctrine; butyouareCain,youlookafterthekingdom,and notthepowerandvirtueofAbel'ssacrifice:you desireonlytocontinueinfleshlypleasure,and retainonlytheshellofGod'sword,whichhath novirtueorpower:Youretainthehistory,(and contendaboutit,andsodestroyyourcountryand people),butyoudenythepowerofit:yousay, WeareneartothekingdomofGod;andareyet farfromit,whichyourendwilltestify. 57.Whatdothyourknowledgeavail?The devilknowethasmuchasyou,buthedothitnot, nomoredoyou:andthereforethekingdomof Godremainshiddenfromyouboth:yourknowledge isthesnarethatcatchethyou:ifyouwere simple,youwouldnotbesoproud:whatdoththe simpleknowconcerningthefalse,subtle,cunning deceit,ifhelearnitnotfromthewitofthe turba[contentiousdisputations]? Doyousay,thatyouhaveGod'swilh andteachit?AreyounotCainthatmurders] Abeleveryday?Consideryourselfwell,youare heindeed:Abelliethatyourfeet,andbeseecheth you,butyouarethatevilbeast,thattreadethAbel underfoot;yourideoverthebendedknee,and accountthepoorandsimpletobebutdirtand dung,andyetdevourhissweatandlabour,and fillyourselfwithdeceitwithoutmeasure:How dareyouthensay,HereistheChurchofChrist? OyouareBabel,thatcityofwhoredomand

falsehood. 58.ThouknowestthewillofGod,andyetdost onlythineownwill,andsayestmoreover,Weare goneoutfromBabel:wehavethetrueteaching [ordoctrine]amongstus:indeedifyouhadthe spiritofrighteousness,andtruth,andwould contentyourselfwithalittle,thenthemother wouldalwaysgiveyouenough,youshouldwant nothing:butyourprideandhaughtinessdonot trustGod,thereforeyoutrustonlyincovetousness, andaregreedytodevourthefatoftheearth;you takeitbyforceandnotofright;therightyou produce,claim,andplead,hathonlybeeninvented byyourcovetousheart,youliveonlyindeceit: youpersuadeanddeceiveyourselftoyourownloss: ifyouhadwitandunderstanding,youwouldhave respecttoyourend,andwhatwillfollowhereafter: butyoublindfoldyourselfwithpride,andsay, Behold!herearegoldentimes;manyhavedesired toseewhatwesee,andtohearwhatwehear,and havenotseenorheardit:Hearken!indeedthat shallbeawitnessagainstyou,andwillmakeyour judgmenttheheavier;youhavenothithertobeen thebetterforit,buttheworse,thereforeknow thatwhatisdeclaredtoyou[bytheReformation] isbyyourownprophet,whohathcalledyouback againfromyourprideintoyourmotherhumility: butyouarebecomeworseandworse;youhave brokentheswordofthespirit,thatyoumaydo whatyoulist:buthehathleftyou,andgivenyou uptotheturba,whichshalldevouryou,aswas

doneofoldtoIsrael:thereisnocounselor remedytohelp:Yourcovenantsareallnothing, whileyourelyuponthearmofflesh;andso Godalsoisdepartedfromyou,andleavethyou todevouryourself. 59.Orwhereforedoyoutakethecovenantof Godintoyourmouth,seeingyouhatetobe reformed,andthirstaftercovetousness?Doyou supposeGodtobeafalsehypocriteandliar,as youare?Leaveoffyourclamouring,youare notacceptabletoGod,exceptyouturn,andgo outfromyourfalsehood. 60.Itiswithyounowaccordingtotheturba's driving,whichtakethitsrecreationinaccomplishing theangerofGod,andtodevourwhatisgrown initskingdom,andyouareblindconcerningit, andseeitnot:Whyareyousocovetous?Go butoutfromit.Doyounotseehowthenoble tincture[theblossomoflife]hathraisedupitself? Itisnearitsblossoming,andthenyouwillhavesilver andgoldenough. 61.Butwhatshallwesay?Youhavecommitted whoredomtillyouhavefallenasleep:yougodown aliveintotheabyss,ratherthanyouwillforsake thewhore;andthereforeitshallbeuntoyouas yourownprophettestifieth,whohathverylong calledyoubyhistrumpet;youwaitfor[deliverance by]thefierysword,whichwillalsocutyou inpieces.

62.Ordoyousupposeustobemad,inthat wespeakthus?Indeedwearebornoutofyou; weseeandunderstandthecomplaintofour mother,whichreprovethherchildren;forshe declareththewrathintheturba,whichisgrown upintothefiercewrathofGod. 63.Wespeakwhatisgiventous,whichwe knowinthezealoftheLord:Whathaveweto dowithBabel[confusion,strife,andjangling]? Wespeaktoourself,andtothefellowmembers ofourbody,andthosethatdwell inthecourtsofGod,withthosewhoatpresent mournwithus,whosemourningshallbeturned intojoy.

THEFOURTEENTHCHAPTER OftheBroadWayinthisWorld,whichleadeth usintotheAbyss.AndoftheNarrowWay [thatleadeth]intotheKingdomofGod. 1.DEARchildrenofGod,letusheartilyand seriouslyconsider,fromwhenceweare, andwhitherwearetogo,andwhatwedoand purpose,thatwemaynotlosetheeternaland highestgood;whereforedowesoverymuchlabour aftertemporarypleasureandvoluptuousness,after honour,money,andgoods?Arewenotinthisworld strangeguests,andpilgrims,whichshouldcontinually expectwhenthislifeshallend?Wearenot createdforthepleasureandlustofthislife,but forparadisicaljoy,andtoleadasimplechildlike life;weshouldnotknowofanypomp,state,or haughtiness,butlivetogetheraschildrenina lovingsportofjoy:wearegoneoutfromour true,pure,paradisicalmother,whereinweshould liveinherasdearandlovingchildren. 2.Weareshutupinthemother,[thetemporary nature],whichgenerateththeevilbeast;and wehavereceivedbestialproperties;wedono otherwisethanasevilbeasts,wehavegivenup ourselvestoastrangemother,whicheducatethus andleadethuscaptiveinherbands:andwemust atlengthleavetheoutwardmantotheearthly mother,wecannotgetawayfromher,forshehath

captivatedusinfleshandblood;shebreedethus, andbringethusupinherself,andkeepethusfor herchildren:Butyetwehaveaveryprecious jewelhiddentherein,withwhichweareGod's children:withthatletusendeavourafterthe highestgood,thatwemayattainit. 3.Dearchildren,ourstrifeaboutthehighest goodconsistsnotinthesword,inkillingand slaying,thatweshouldmakewarsandfightforthe causeofGodandhiskingdom,andsopersecute andmurderoneanother:neitherdothitconsist inmuchknowing,butmerelyinasimple,childlike obedience,thatweshouldgooutfromthewill ofourflesh,whichisbestial,whereinthedevil dwelleth,andenterintothewillofGod:itlieth innoman'sopinionorknowledge,forthespirit ofGodgivethknowledgetoeveryoneoutofthe wonders,outofwhichheisborn. 4.Youseehowweareputundersubjectionto thespiritofthisworld:forwhenachildissown in[into]itsmother'swomb,thatspiritisthereready, andformethitaccordingtothewheelofthe outwardnature,thatgivethcondition,will,and dispositiontoit;thatshewethitthewondersof itssecretmystery,andopenethtoitthewayof thewillthereof,thatleadethitintotheentrance intoitsmother,andoutofitsmotherthrough thisworld:thatgivethitsbodytotheearth,and itssoultohell.

5.Therefore,sinceweknowthis,weoughtto liftupthespiritofoursoul,andmakewaronly againstthatevilearthlyspirit,andopposeitwith oursoulandbody,andnotagainstourbrethren andsisters;wecannotovercomethedevilwith disputingandknowingmuch;neithercanwe maintainGod'swordwithwarsandthesword,but withthesimpleobedientlifeofGod,thatwebe! contentedwiththatlittlewhichwehave,and departfromtheevillustafterpride,intoan humble,childlikelife,whereineveryoneshould withalldiligenceperformhiswork,forthebenefit andprofitofhisbrethrenandsisters,endeavouring therebytoserveGodhisCreator,andtopleasure hisbrother;notseekinghisownhonour,butwith adesiretodosowell,thathisbrotherandsister maysincerelylovehim,andwishallhappinessand welfaretohim. 6.IfyouwillserveGod,giveoffencetonone, thatyourgoodandbenefitbenothindered;Let notSatanhavepoweroveryourhearttosift[or prevailwith]you;Putawayallevilthoughts, instigations,andinfluxes[ofthemind];forSatan insinuatethhimselfintheinfluxesfromthespirit ofthisworld,andpossessethyourmind;becontinually watchful,andstriveagainsthim;cast thosefalseandevilinfluxesuponhishead,and sendhimawaywiththem;andconsiderthatyou walkuponaverynarrowpathbetweenheavenand hell,inverygreatdanger;beatnotimesecureor careless,foryouknownotwhenthespiritofthis

worldwilltakeawayfromyouitsown,foryour limitwassetinyourmother'swomb,whichyou cannotpass,neitherdoyouknowthedayandhour whereinthespiritofthisworldwillleaveyou, andthenyourpoorsoulwillstandquitenaked, hungry,andempty,andthenifithavenot Christ'sbodyonit,itwillbecaptivatedbythe devil. 7.Dearchildren,itisaverystrait,narrow waythatleadethintoGod'skingdom;hethatwill walkthereininthislifemust[submitand]prepare himselfforaffliction;foreverythingisagainst him;thedevilisaltogetheragainsthim;hisown fleshandbloodsetthemselvesearnestlyagainst him;forthespiritofthisworld,infleshand blood,seekethonlythemattersanddominionof thisworld:thedevilcontinuallysetsonhis childrenandservantsagainsthim:he[thatwalks towardsheaven]mustbetrampleduponand despised:heisnotinthisworldacknowledgedto beachildofGod. 8.Dearchildren,lookwelltoyourselvesinthis world:atpresentmenleadyouoninhypocritical ways:theyboastmuchoffaith,andleadpeople oninanhistoricalfaith,whichisbutmere notion[oropinion],theyteachyouthenotion,andhethat dothnotsticktothatisaccountedanheretic: Ohowdeadisthepresentfaith!Itstayethat theknowledge,orthenotion;theysupposethat whenpeopleknowhowtospeakmuchofGod,of

Christ'smerits,sufferings,anddeathformankind, andcomfortthemselvestherewith,thatitisthe waytoeternallife. 9.Ono,allthatavailethnothing,thatthou knowestandticklestthyselfwithit:truefaithin Christisquiteanotherthing;itliethnotbarely inthehistory,andintheletter:the[bare]letter isnottheWord,itisbutaleaderanddirector totheword:theWordisliving,andhaththe spirit;therightfaithistherightwill,which enterethintotheLivingWord. 10.Ifyoucomfortyourselfneversolongwith thesufferingsofChrist,andyetyourwilland purposeremainindeceitandwickedness,thenthe spiritwhichproceedethoutofyourwill,isathief andamurderer;youteachonething,anddo another:Goddesirethnoflatteringhypocrisy, butanearnest[sincerepurposeand]will,which enterethintohimbyobedience,andthisisright believing[orfaith]intheHolyGhost;andthereinisthe wordanddeathofChristfruitfulindeed. 11.Christsaith,Youmustturnandbeaslittle children,whoarenotyetconsciousofanyfalsehood, deceit,orwickedness,andinChrist,through Christ'sdeath,bebornofhisfleshandblood, ifyouwillseethekingdomofheaven;forhe thateatethnotthefleshoftheSonofMan,and drinkethnothisblood,hathnopartinhim.

12.Dearbrethren,itconsistethnotintheHost [whichthepriestdeliversforHolyBread] only,whichyoudelivertothepeople,andinthe cuporchalice[whereintheycarrytheHost]: No,butwhenthesoulconverteth, andbringeththebodyundersubjection,andgiveth itselfupwhollyinobedienceuntoGod,andinto hiswill,anddesirethtogoinatChrist'sentrance totheFather;thenitgoethoutfromthelifeof thisworld,andgoethwithChristintotheFather, whogivethitChrist'sfleshandblood;foriteateth oftheWordoftheLordatGod'stable,andgetteth Christ'sfleshforitsbody,andChrist'sbloodfor itsrefreshmentandhabitation;forthesouldwelleth intheheart,andburnethoutoftheheartbloodas akindledlight;andhathitsprincipaldominion inthehead,inthebrains,andthereithathfive opengates[thefivesenses],inwhichitgoverneth withthespiritofitslife. 13.Andthereforeifthetinctureinthesoul, intheheartblood,beenteredintoChrist'swill, thenthatwillgoverneththespiritofthesoulin thehead;andthoughithathmanyobstaclesand hindrancesfromtheearthlybestialspirit,asalso fromthedevil,whoinfecteththeearthlyspirit,(so oftenasthesoulissecureorcareless),andbringeth itintofleshlylust;yetnevertheless,whenthesoul dothbutrejecttheearthlybestialthoughtsand influences,orinstigations,thenitremainethin Christstill;forthebodyofChrist,whichthesoul hath,istoohardabitforthedeviltoovercome;

andyetaharderbititisforthesoultoturnaway fromthespiritofthisworld,andenterintothe obedienceofGod. 14.Dearbrethren,itisnotahandfulofhistorical faiththatwilldo,formentosetthemeritsof Christaloft:itmustbesincereandearnest:You mustearnestlyenterthroughdeathandhellof thedevilsintothemeritsofChrist:Youmust overcomethespiritofthisworld:Yourwillmust pressitselfwithallitsreasonandthoughtsinto thewillofGod,andthenyouwillseehowlittle thehistoricalknowledgecando. 15.Ifyouwillnotdrivethedeviloutofyour heart,thenhewillnotletyouenterintoGod's will:Ifyouwillkeeptheiniquityoffalsehoodin yourheart,andsofightwiththemeritsandsatisfaction ofChristagainsthim,thenyouwillbe hindered;forthedevilopposethitstrongly:He strivethagainstthesoulaslongashecan:He lettethnotthesoulgobeforeitheapsallearthliness uponhisneck,anddepartsfromit;whenthe souldothso,thenitdepartethoutofhiscountry, andthenheisovercome:ButO,howdothhe continuallylaythat[asanet]beforeit,andgoeth alwaysaboutlikeafowler;andifhecanpossibly, hewillcasttheearthlygarmentontoitagain. 16.Ohowhardacombatmustthepoorsoulhold outagainstthedevil;butthereinthesufferings, merit,satisfaction,anddeathofChrist,areavailable,

whenthedevilhathensnaredthepoorsoul again,andwillnotletitgo,butgoethdownwith itintotheabyss,intodespair:Therethesoul musttakewithitthesufferingsanddeathofChrist, andwalkwiththedevilthroughhell,intothedeath ofChrist,andoutofChrist'sdeathspringupwith ChristintoGodagain;andthenitisthelilywhich thedevildothnotliketosmellupon. 17.Butforyoutodependwhollyonthehistory, andsotoapplythemerit,suffering,anddeath ofChrist,andwillstillkeepthedevillodgingin yoursoul,thatisareproachtoChrist:Whatdoth itavailyoutopray,thatGodwouldforgiveyou forChrist'ssake,whenyouforgivenotallothers? Yourheartstickethfullofrevengeandrobbery. 18.Yougotochurch,intothecongregationof Christ,andyoubringafalsehypocrite,liar,a covetous,angry,adulterous,proudpersonandsoul inwithyou;andthesameyoubringoutwithyou again.Whatbenefithaveyouthereby?Yougo intothecongregationtotheSupperofChrist,and desireChrist'sfleshandblood,andyetkeepthe blackdevilinyouforaguest:Whatmeanyou? YoureceivenothingbutthesevereangerofGod: HowwouldyoufeeduponChrist'sfleshandblood, ifyoursoulbenotinclinedwithallearnestnessand sincerityintoGod?DoyousupposethatChrist's bodyandblooddwellsointheearthlyelement thatyoucanchewitwithyourteeth?No,friend, itisamorepureandsubtlething;thesoulmust

apprehendit,themouthofthesoulmustreceiveit: ButhowshallitreceiveChrist,ifthedevilbestill lodginginthesoul?Thesoulmustbeinthewill ofGod,ifitwillfeeduponGod:Indeeditcan continuallyeatofChrist'sflesh,ifitliveinthe fleshofChrist,foreveryspiriteatethofitsown body[isfedbyitsownsubstancewhichisitsfleshandblood]. 19.Thistestamentisordainedtothatendthat inthecongregationweshouldthereeatthefleshof Christ,anddrinkhisblood;thatweshouldthereby commemoratehisdeath,andteachthesameto ourchildren,andtellthemwhatChristhathdone forus,thatwemightbepreservedinonemind andwill,andthatweshouldbeonebodyinChrist, andwalktogetherinonelove;andthereforewe shouldeatofoneandthesamebread,anddrinkof oneandthesamecup,andacknowledgethatChrist hathbegottenusagaintoonebodyinhimself,and thathehath,throughhisdeath,broughtusagain, throughhellandthefireofGod'swrathintohis Fatherinhimself,thatwemightwhollyputour willsintohiswill,andloveoneanother,andmake oneanotherrejoiceinhim,andsing,speakof,and declarehismarvellousdeedsandbenefits,and therebyrenouncetheolddevilwhohathheldus captive,andtreadhimunderfootinourmind. 20.ThisistherightCatholic[oruniversal]wayoftruefaith: Hethatteachethandlivethotherwiseisnotappointed forashepherdbyChrist,butisashepherd sprungupofhimselffromhisownartandreason,

which,inthekingdomofChrist,accordingtothe outwardman,shouldbecontinuallydead,that Christinusmaylive:Noneisatrueshepherd overChrist'ssheepunlesshehaththespiritof Christ;ifhehathnotthat,thenhehathnot thetrueapostolicalpowerandauthorityof Excommunication:HemustinChrist'sspirithave thekeytoheavenandtohell,elseheisbutavizor andimagewithoutlife:Howcansuchanone,who iscaptivatedbythedevil,judgeinthecongregation ofChrist?Canthewordandcommandment ofsuchanonebethewordofGod,whereashe speakethbutfromafalsespirit? 21.Oyoufalsebishops[come]fromtheuniversities, howhaththedevilofprideblindedyou, thatyousetshepherdsoverthelambsofChrist, accordingtoyourownfavourandrespect!St. Paulteachethyou,dobutreadit,whataheavy accountyouaretogive:Nothingavailethwith youbutart;andinthekingdomofChristartis butdrossanddung:Godleadethapureheartby hisownspirit;ifoneinclinetowardshim,and submituntohiswill,tosuchanoneheteacheth heavenlyart. 22.ThecongregationofChristshouldbeinone will,andtheshepherdsthereofshouldhavethe spiritandwill[orconsent]ofthecongregation:Itisnotso slightamattertoputonthegarmentofChrist, asmanysupposewhoseekonlycovetousnessand honourtherein,andtheyfindnothingbutthe

angerofGodtherein. 23.Or,whatshallwesay?Thepriestdevil hathblindfoldedthekingdomofChrist,sothat thecongregationofChristisstarkblind,where mensupposetheyaregods,andthattheyteach fromtheHolyGhost,whereastheirownhonour andcovetousnessaremerelysoughtafterindeceit andfalsehood:Menseehowgreatmischiefthey havecausedintheworld:Howmanycountries havetheycausedtobelaidwaste,andmurdered manyhundredthousandpersonswiththeirfalse opinions,andhaveonlyservedthedevilinthe garmentofChrist.Ifthecongregationdidbut discernit,theywouldpresentlyconsiderit;butall thiscomethtopass,inthattheyaffordnothonour tothespiritofChrist:Menwillchooseshepherds themselves,whereasthedevilisinallmerehuman elections,whenitconcerneththehonourand doctrineofGod. 24.Thebishops[orpastors]thataregrownupofthem selves,andchosenforfavour,withoutthespiritof God,areasprofitabletotheworldasafifth wheeltoawaggon:Indeedtheydobutlittle, exceptitbetomakethecongregationgoastray, slander,jangle,anddispute;astheirscandalous pamphletstestify,inmanyofwhichthereisas muchofthefearofGod,andlovetotheir neighbour,asthedevilinhellhath:Bloody provocationsarethedevil'sdrumsandtrumpets, bywhichhereproacheththesimplecongregation

ofChrist. 25.Odearchildren,openyoureyeswide,go outfromthepriest'scontentions,andenterinto combatagainstthedevil,againstyourvoluptuous fleshandblood:AChristianisnotawrathful soldierorwarrior,whodesireththekingdomof thisworld:ForChristsaith,Mykingdomisnot ofthisworld,elsemyservantswouldcontendfor it.St.Paulsaith,Seekthatwhichisabove,where Christis;wearecalledbyChristoutofthis world,thatsowemightserveGodwiththesoul, andbeinChrist;butwiththebodyinthisworld, thatwemayhavemaintenanceandsustenancefor it:Thereforetheearthlylifeoughttolabourand maintainitsbody,butthesoulshouldbelordand governor,andrulethebody;itshouldnotsuffer thestarryspirittopractiseanyfalsehood,and fillitselfwithliesanddeceit,forsuchthingsare sobroughtintothesoul. 26.Thepoorsoulishereinthislifeinvery greatdanger,wherethejawsofhellcontinually reachtoitslips,foritisinfectedwiththespiritof thestarsandelements,whichfightagainstitday andnight:Considerthyselfnow,thoudearmind, andthinkinwhatvesselthysoul,viz.thybest treasure,lieth,andthouwiltsurelyawakeout ofthesleepofthebestiallife;andconsiderwhat willfollowhereafter,whenthespiritofthestars andelementswillleavethee,wherethen,thy bestjewel(whichthouthyselfart)willremain,in

whatconditionthouwiltbeforeverwithoutend; forweknowthatthesouldwellethintheheart: Itsownsubstanceisthecentreofthesevenspirits ofnature:Thesixspiritsarethegovernmentof thelife,andtheseventhisthetinctureofthe substantiality,foritssubstantialityisbloodand fleshwhichmakeththetincture,thoughthe tinctureisnotbloodandflesh,butavirginwithout generating;yetthesixspiritsinthetincture continuallygenerateoneanother,asismentioned beforeconcerningthecentreofnature;butthe brightnessofthenoblepearlofthesoulisespecially knowninthetincture,forthereinitattaineth God'spowerandspirit;andtheregettethits rightname[Seel],SOUL;for,asGodisabove nature,whichcannotcomprehendhim,sothe virgin[Sophia,Wisdom]inthetinctureisaspiritabovethespirits ofnature,whichbelongtothecentre:andyet thevirgin,withoutthespiritsofnature,would notbe;evenastheNumberThreeofGod,without theeternalnature,wouldnotbeknown:soalso thesoul. 27.Thesixspiritsofnaturecontaintheeternal centre,withwhichthedarknessandangerofGod iscomprehended,fortheoriginalofmobility consisteththerein;forthefireexisteththerein, thoughindeeditstandethbutinfourforms,andin thefifthformspringethupthetruelife,andinthe sixththeunderstanding;andthenfirstthereisin theseventhanotherspirit,whichisnotthecentre intheanguishsource[orproperty];forinthe

seventhformthereisanothersource[orproperty]: Indeedthefirstsixformsruletherein,andare thelifeofthesource,andacauseofthelife;but theymaketogetheronespirit,whichlivethinthe blood,water,andair. 28.Andthoughitbeso,thatweare,through theheavyfallofAdam,broughtintotheoutward dominion,sothatthesoulswimmethinthe palpable[orvisiblewater],yettheeternalwater, viz.themotherofthewater,ishiddenintheoutward, inwhichthesoulisanangel:Wegiveyou tounderstandthatthesoulisaspirit,asGodthe HolyGhostis,whogoethforthfromtheFather andtheSon,andisthemobilityoftheDeity;for theFatherstandethstill,andhathmovedhimself butonce,viz.inthecreation;butthespirithath theWordoftheFather,andperformethallthings throughtheWord. 29.Andthus,also,thesoulisaspiritgenerated outoftheeternalcentreofnature,outofitsown spiritsofitsownnature,notstrangeones,which[soul] haththeword,whichcomprisethitselfinthesix formsofnatureuponthewheelofthecross,and performethallthingsthroughtheWord;foritis thespiritandlifeoftheWord,andmovethupon thewingsofthewindasaflashorblaze;itformeth theWord,andproducethit,andthesixspirits areitscounsellors;thoughtherearebutfive,for thesixthistheformoftheWorditself,butthe fivecontainthefivesenses.

30.Wherewewoefullyfind,andhavegreat causetolamentit,howourfatherAdamhath hereintroducedtheevil,poisonous,earthly dominion,sothatthepoorsoulisthuswholly captivatedbythespiritofthisworld,which flowethforth,andworkethpowerfullyinthe soul;sothatoftenandhourlytherebreaketh forthoutofthewordofthesoultheevilofthe abyss;inwhichthedevilminglethhimself,and possessethourheartsoutwardly,andthenalso mostinwardly,viz.inthefirstfourformsof nature,andturnethusawayfromthewillofGod, intoallabominationsandwickednesswhichare inhim:Andashenowobservethhowmanis qualified,viz.whatspiritispredominantaccording tothedominionofhisbody,[whetheritbe pride,covetousness,envy,wrath,unchastity, wantonness,voluptuousness,andsuchlike], accordinglyheassaulteth[ortempteth]himcontinually,and effectethsuchgreatwickednesswiththesoul, asnotonguecanexpress;forintheoutward dominiontherearealsosevenforms,viz.the sevenplanets,whichruletheoutwardman,and reachintothebottomofthesoul,ifwithoutceasing itdonotresist,andrejecttheevilmalignant influences[influxesorinstigations]: Inthesamethedevilhathapower fulaccesstothesoul,butyethehathnotthat dominion,noranycompletepowertherein,unless theTurbaMagnaintheangerofGodbekindled [asinjudgments,pestilence,thunder,andthelike

plaguesandpunishments],andthereheisthe executioner;buthehaththeinwarddominionof thefourformstothefirelife,thesehecanpossess, asoftenasthesoulplungethitselfthereinto:If hegetitthere,Ohowfastheholdethit,andwill quitedownwithit,forthatishiskingdom,[viz. theabyssofthefourforms]. 31.Andobserveit,accordingtoitsprecious depth:Thefourformscontaininthemtheoriginal ofnature;wherefirst(inthedesiringwilling,)the darkness,withtheattracting,enterethintoadesire; andsothedesiringbecomethstrong,[sharp,astringent], harsh,hard,andcold;andthedesiringmakethanattraction andstirringinthestrongharshness,whichare twoforms,andthethirdformisthegreatanguish, inthatthedesiringwouldbefree,whichstirreth theanxiouswheelofnature,andintheend [stirrethup]theflashoffire,whichisthefourth form,asisatlargementionedbefore. 32.Andsothatharshattractionmakethinthe desiringofthewill,intheoutwardnatureofthis world,agreatcovetousness,sothatthemind wouldattractalltoitself,andpossessitalone;and thoughitcannotdevourit,yetwillpossessit,and wouldnotwillinglyaffordanythingtoanyother; andthisisonerootoftheabyssofhell,wherein thedevilvehementlyassaulteththesoul,thatit mightnotgoout,andcometothelightofGod. 33.Thesecondrootisthebitternessofnature,

whichintheharshnessisaninimicitioussting, andwillnotenduretobesubdued:Themoreit isresisted,thegreaterisitssting:Thisisthe secondform,whichmakethintheoutwardnature, aninimicitious,stinging,envious,bittermind, whereintoalsothedevilwindethhimself,and kindleththewordofthesoul,withadespiteful, stinging,envioussubject[matterorsubstance],sothatthewill continuallyburnethinenvy,andneverspeakethany good,butmerevanityandwantonness,whichis serviceabletothedevil;whenceproceedliars, slanderers,backbiters,falsehearts:Godhavemercy uponusinourgreatmisery,intowhichweare plunged! 34.Thethirdrootistheanxiouswheelofthe mind,whencethesenses[orthoughts]ariseandaregenerated, whichcontainethinitespeciallythemiserable houseofsadness,andyetisthehouseofthe springingupoflife;thisischieflythedwelling placeofthedevil,withinwhichheseatethhimself: Itishisseat,andhecontinuallyraisethupthat houseofsadness,sothatthesoulgrowethtimorous anddoubtethofthegraceofGod,andofthelight ofeternallife:Hecontinuallycastethinthetwo firstforms,viz.covetousnessandenvy,andwith thatpoisonwindeththewheelofthemindabout, andmakethahurlyburlyintheessencesofthe thoughts:Hecontinuallymixethcovetousness andenvytogether,thathemayretainhisseat; andsowhenthepoorsoulwouldgooutaloftand begone,thenhebarrethitupintothechamber

ofanguish,andstraitenethit,thatitmightand shoulddespair;forthechamberofanguishis alwaysindarkness,andtherehecastethitdown, thatitmaynotgetaloftonthewheel,lestit shoulddiscoverthefire,andsohewouldbeknown. 35.Thefourthrootisthefireflash;andwhen thedevilcannotdetainthesoulstillinthehouse ofsadness,butthatitreachethaftertheflashof thelightofthelibertyofGod,thenheslipsinto theflash,andbringeththethoughtsinthewordof thesouloutaloftabovethecrossinhighmindedness, [asmenthatthroughlearningstriveafter thelightofGod,andhavingattainedit,little thinkhowthedevilslippethintoit,andbringeth themintohighmindedness,tobeproudofthemselves, esteemingthemselvesasclergymentobe betterthanthelaity],sothatthesoulthusflieth outaloft,andelevatethitselfabovethemeekness, asthedevilhimselfdid. 36.For(aswehavementionedbefore)nature getteth,inthekindlingofthefire,twokingdoms, [ortwoPrinciples,asmaybeseeninacandle, outofwhich(inthekindling)ariseththeconsuming fire,andthepleasantrefreshinglight], viz.oneinthefiercenessofthefire,whichflieth outaloftabovethecentre,withthefourwrathful severeforms;andtheotherinthelightofthe meekness,whichremainethstandingimmoveably, andhathalsoallthepowerofthecentre,inwhich powerthespiritoftheDeityandoftheMajesty

isknown;whereinstandeththe[rain]bowwith thecrossoftheNumberThree;fortheMajesty isherethebrightnessoftheDeity;andherethe eternallibertywithout[orbeyond]nature,(which hathbutoneonlywill),getteththestrength, power,majesty,andglory;fortheeternityisthus revealed[ormanifested],whichotherwisewouldbeasitwere astillnothing,inthecreature'sesteemandaccount. 37.Abovethisstillsofthumilitythedevil leadeththesoulofmaninitswilloutaloftin thefireflash;forherein,accordingtothespirit ofthisworld,consisteththedominionofthesun, whichgivethmightandstrengthtotheoutward man,andalsothelightandpoweroftheoutward senses,sothatreasoncomethtosee;andtheoutward spiritgettethgreatoutwardskillandwisdom, accordingtothedominionofthisworld. 38.Alsohereinallsubtletiesoftheessencesand sensesdisclosethemselves,whichthedevilverywell observeth:Ifany,intheupperdominion,according tothespiritofthisworld,beachildofthesun, thenhe[thedevil],inthecentreofnaturewithout ceasing,slippethintothefireflashofthesoul, wherethefireandheatexist,andalwaysbringeth inwithhimtheotherthreepoisonousforms intheoriginal:Hebringeththesouloutaloft overthecrossabovethemeeknessoftheMajesty, inthewrathfulfireflash,sothatitgroweth proud,lascivious,andfierce;hemakethittocontemn meeknessandhumility,andsoitfliethforth

initsownwit,inthefiercenessoftheflash,above Godandthekingdomofheaven,[andscorneth allthatbelongethtoGodandtoeternallife]. 39.Andallthis,(dearbrethreninBabel), proceedethfromhence;thatyouarevoidofthe divinewitandunderstanding,sothatyoufly abovethewheelofnatureinyourownwit;you shouldstayinthecrossinhumility,andyour soulshouldbeinvertedandinclinedintothe meekMajestyofGod;butnowyouflyuponthe wheelofthefireinyourpride,aloftoverthe Deity;andthisthedevildothtoyouinsubtle craftiness,thathemaythusleadyou,thatthereby thekingdomofGodmightnotbeknown;you seekthekingdomofGodinart;butarthath thesixformsofthewheelofnature;theDeity hathanothercentreinthecross;forthedivine spiritseparatethitselffromthefire,andyetis notquiteasunderfromit;butitmakethanother Principle,whichconsistethinmeekness,inmere loveandjoy;theformsofnaturearethereina merepoweroflove;foritisanaccomplishment oftheeternalwill,outofwhichnatureexisteth, andthewrathfulkingdomisanaccomplishment oftheeternalhungerandthirst,whichcannot beotherwiseineternity,fortheessenceofall essencesisthus. 40.Foritissufficientlyknowntous(seeing Godismerelygood)thathecreatednothing evil;forthatwhichwasnotfrometernity,was

notinthecreation. 41.Godcreatednohell,noranydevils,but angels:OnlyLuciferhathturnedhimselfaway fromthemeekness,andisflownoutabovethecross oftheNumberThree,andhathhimselfawakened thefireofangerintheflash,whichhadfrometernity remainedhiddeninsecret,whichisnowhishell andhabitation;hecannowbenootherwise thancovetous,envious,anxious,andwrathful; thereisnootherproperty[qualityorlivingfaculty] orsourceinhim;forhisownmother,outofwhich hewasbroughtforthandcreated,holdethhimnow, sothatheisadevilwithallhislegions. 42.Therefore,dearchildren,sinceweknowthat wearethusenvironedwithhellandthedevils, intheangerofGod,itisverynecessaryforus toflyintohumility;andthereforeChristteacheth ussoveryearnestlytostudymeekness,love,and mercy,thatweshouldloveoneanother,andshould notsoeagerlyendeavourafterthespiritofthis world;forthedevilslippethintoit,andseducethus: Weshouldwatchfullytakeheedofpride,forthe devilfliethintoit;andofanger,forthatisthe devil'ssword,wherewithhecommitethallmurders. 43.Ohowlamentableathingitisthatthe soulisthusblindedthatitknowethnottheheavy shacklesandbandswhereinitliethcaptive!The fireofhellrisethuptoitsverylips,thewhole worldisfullofsnareswhichthedevilhathlaid

tocatchthepoorsoul:Iftheeyesoftheoutward manshouldbeopened,hewouldbeterribly affrighted:Allwhatsoevermandothbuttouchor lookupon,thereisanetandsnareofthedevil init;andiftheVerbumDomini,theWordof theLord,whichisbecomeman,werenotinthe middle,sothatthehiddeneternalsubstantiality oftheWordisabody,therewouldnonebesaved: thedevilwouldcatchanddevourallsouls. 44.Therefore,dearchildren,Christhathwell toldus,ThatthekingdomofGodinusissmall asagrainofmustardseed;buthethatendeavoureth seriously,andstrivethafterit,tohim itgrowethgreatasatree,andthedevilmust needsletitalone;andthoughheoftenbreaketh offatwig,yetthestockstandethstill. 45.Christwarnedtherichyoungmantobeware ofcovetousness,andtoldhim,thatacamelwould easiergothroughtheeyeofaneedle,thanarich manenterintothekingdomofheaven;andthe causeofallthisis,thatthesoulenterethintolust, andintothedominionofthisworld:forifthe soulwhollygivethupitselfintothelust,pleasure, anddominionofthisworld,thenthedevildoth notsift[ortempt]itsostrongly,butcarriethitinhis triumphantchariot,fromoneabominationand wickednesstoanother:hischariotisVenus,viz. theloveoftheflesh,whereinthesoulcontinually endeavourethaftertemporarypower,authority,and honour,afterriches,beauty,andthedesiresofthe

flesh,afterbestialinordinatecopulation;though indeedthesouldothnotsoeagerlydesireit,unless itbetotallyinfected:butitisonlyfromhence thatthesoulinAdamhathlustedafterit,andis captivatedtherewith;andthedevilcontinually makethitstirring,hecontinuallytickleththesoul therewith,thatitmightconfidentlyandfreelyeat oftheforbiddenfruit. 46.WefindthatthehumanlifeisThreefold, withthreespiritstogetherinone,asifitwere butonespirit,anditisindeedbutonelife;but ithaththreedominions,eachofwhichhathits ownmother,whichafibrdethorgeneratethit;the centreofnature,withitsforms[orproperties],is theeternallife;foritisthefirelife;andthe spirit,whichisgeneratedandgoethforthoutof thecentreofnature,whichdwellethinthe tincture,istheeternallifeofthesoul;andthe airspirit,withthequalitiesorpropertiesofthe dominionofthestars,isthebeginning,ending, andtransitorylife,whichisthebestiallife,[the animallifewhichwehaveincommonwithbeasts]. 47.Nowthesoulisgeneratedonlyoutofthe firsttwo,andthethirdisbreathedintoit;not thatitshouldenterintoit,andgiveupitself thereto,asAdamhathdone;butthatthesoul shouldmightilyruleoverit,andthereinopen thegreatwondersofGod,whichfrometernity werebeheldinthewisdomofGod;forthethird dominionisgeneratedandcreatedoutofthefirst;

andtheseconddominionshouldcontinueinits ownplace(inthenobletincture)inparadise,and shouldopenthegreatwondersinthethird:And thereforemanwasmadelordoverallthings;he hadthetincture[orlife]oftheearthinhisown hand[orpower],andgoldandsilverwereaseasy forhimtofindasanyothervisiblething:The tinctureoftheearthwashisornamentand sport,altogetherchildlike,withoutcovetousness; heneedednootherclothing;andasthegold waspurewithoutdrosssowashischildlike mindalso. 48.Butthedevilawakeneduntohimthe sulphur[orgrossmatter]therein,andhathset thebestialspiritinthesuperiordominioninhim; thatwhichmanshouldhaveruledover,ruleth overhim,andthatishisFall. 49.Thusnowthedevilhathgottenpower, inasmuchastheoutwarddominionisgenerated outoftheinward,[viz.thecentreofnature],and thathedwellethinthemostinnermost,andso heslidethoutoftheinnermostintotheoutermost, andkindleththeoutermostinthemind; fromwhencearisefalselustsandinclinations,and evilconcupiscence,sothattwodominions[viz. theinwardandtheoutward]striveagainstthe soul;andsothepoorsoulisinthemidstbetween thedominionofthisworld,andthedominionof thehellishsource[orquality],andthereitstandeth beforethegateofheaven,inaverygreatdeep,

ingreatdanger;itsrootistheangerofGodand hellfire;anditssuperiororpredominantspirit isthedominionofthisworld;andthereitstandeth inthetinctureofthefire,inthemidst;and whithersoeveritinclineth,thitheritentereth;if itgoethintothelustandpleasureofthisworld, thenitstandeththerein,andiscaptivatedbythe devil;butifitenterethintoitselfinwardsinto God,thenthedevilwillbuffetit,forthenitis inhiscountry. 50.ButwhenitgetteththefleshofChristfor anewbody,thenitisnotinhiscountry:that isatreebeforehim,whichispoisonanddeath tohim:atwhichheisvexed,andloathtotouch it:Buthestirrethuphisservantsandministers againsttheoutwardbody,thatmustbearre proachandscorn,thattherebyhemaycoverand hidethistree,thatitmaynotbeknown;else itmightbringforthmorebranches,whereupon atlasthellwouldbetoonarrowforhim;therefore hewillpreventitaslongashecan. 51.Andsonow,whenthepoorsoulbreaketh awayfromhim,andwithitsdearbridegroom ChristturnethtotheloveofGod,sothatthrough earnestRepentanceandturningintoGod,it enterethintothewillofGod;yetthenthedevil hathsevencordsstill,witheachofwhichhe holdethitfast,beforehewillletitgo;and thenitmustgetitselfthroughalltheseven,and leavehiscordswhollytohimself.[Theseseven

bandsarethesevenspiritsofnaturehereafter mentioned.] 52.Andeighthly,itmustgothroughthefire, andthereistheearnestsevereproba,orhard trial;andwhenitiscomethrough,itgetteth theheavenlytinctureintheninthnumber:and inthetenthnumber,uponthecross,itgetteth thebodyofChrist,andsoisanangelinheaven, andastrangerandpilgrimuponearth,inthis tabernacle. 53.Thesevensnareswherewithitisentangled, arethesevenspiritsoftheoutwardnatureof thedominionofthisworld:theseitmustwind through,andpressquitethroughthem,andcast themallbehindit;andintheeighthnumber standethMoses,withhisLaw;andthereisfirst readtothesoul,whatafinefowlitwas;and therecomeththedevilwithhisregisteror catalogue,andreadethwhatitis,andsheweth hisrighttoit:andthereitisdirectedtobow downandlayholdonthewoundsandpassionof Christ:andhereitisnecessarythatthepoor soultakeholdonthemeritsanddeathofChrist, andwrapitselffasttherein,foroutofthese swaddlingbandsthedevilcannotpullthesoul; nay,hedarenottouchthem:andherethedevil mustleavethesoul,forChriststandethinthe fireoftheFather'sanger,andistheaccomplishment ofobedience;andtherethesoulisbrought intotheninthform,intothetinctureoftheeternal

life:andthereitissurroundedwiththeMajesty ofGod;andthefairblessedvirgin(thewisdom ofGod)meetethitwithhergarlandofpearls,and crowneththesoulasaheavenlyconqueror. 54.WhatjoyisheretotheangelsofGod, andwhatjoythesoulattaineththere,wehave nopentodescribeit,norinthisworldanytongue toexpressit;onlywewishtotheReader,and allmen,thattheymightthemselveshaveexperience ofit,forwhichcausewesetaboutthis writingwithmuchtoilanddeeplabour. 55.Forwewritewhatweourselveshave known,andhaveseenwithspiritualeyes;we speakitnottoourownboasting,butthatthe Readermayknow,thatifhewillfollowus, whatheistoexpectfromit;seeingheperceiveth howtheworldmakethagazingstockofthe childrenofGod:Butweshallafterthisshortlife havefullrecompense;andmoreover,thisgarland ismoredeliciousthanthiswholeworld:and thoughitbeoftencoveredandhiddenfromus, yetitdiethnot. 56.Forastheroughwinterhideththebudding andflourishingoftheearth,sothatreasonsaith, Allisdead;butwhenthespringcometh,then itbeginnethtobudandblossomagain;soalso itiswiththenobleandfairgarlandofChrist; whenthatspringethagain,thenitproduceth lilieswithoutnumber;andeveryspring,when

themindisrenewedinChrist,itmultiplieth tenfold.

OftheCompanyandAssistanceofthe HolyAngels. 57.Aswethataremeninthisworld,ifwebe thechildrenofGod,assistandhelponeanother innecessityanddistress,andreadilydeliverone anotherfrommiseryandtrouble;thusalsoit isinheaven,concerningthechildrenofGod, whilethesoulbelongethtothefellowshipof angels;theyaffectthecompanyofhonest, virtuous,andchastemen,thatfearGod,and standbytheminnecessity:fortheScripture saith,Theyareallministeringspirits,sentforth fortheserviceofthosethataretoinheritthe kingdomofGod.Theyoftenavertthefiery dartsofwickedness:whatmischiefwouldthe deviloftendo,ifhewerenotopposedandhindered bythethroneprincesofthelegions!Howoften wouldheterrifyandcastmendownheadlongto theground! 58.Buttheangelsareourservantsandkeepers, ifwebeChristians,andnotbeasts;thoughindeed thedevilsettethuponChristiansmostofall;how veryoftenwouldmanybedrownedandkilledby afall,whoyetreceivewonderfuldeliverancefrom angels:theyarereadyaboutpeople,whosing andspeakofGod;theyhavegreatdelightamong

littleinfants,sothattheymanytimesmanifest themselvestoaninfant,andplaywithit,ifit bethechildofGod. 59.Howmanyexamplesarethereinthe Scripture,oftheangelsleadingandconducting thechildrenofGod;especiallytheexampleof Tobiah:thoughourschoolrabbiswillratherhave itcastoutoftheBible[thanbelieveit]:but considerofthethreeangelswithAbraham,and thetwoangelswithLot:alsohowtheyhave plainlyforetoldanddeclaredtheconceptionof highlyworthymen,[asofIsaac,Jacob,Samuel, Samson,etc.]especiallyofJohn[theBaptist],and ofCHRIST:considerwhatwasdoneathisbirth, [totheshepherdsinthefield]andtothewisemen[OrMagi] oftheeast:andatlengthtoJoseph[howhewas directed]togowithMaryandtheBabeinto Egypt:wherebywemaysufficientlyperceivetheir greatcarefulnessaboutus;fortheyareGod's ministers;hesendeththemtoconductus[through thisvalleyofmisery,throughthisworldofthistles andthorns],andtodefendusfromthedevil:O howgreatjoytheyhaveforonepoorsoul,whenit isdeliveredfromthesnaresofthedevil,yea,more thanforninetyninerighteous,asChristsaith. 60.Thereforeweshouldnotsosuddenlydespair inadversity,whenweareinnecessity;when oftensupposethatthewholeworldisagainstus, yetthechoirorhostofangels,andthespiritof God,arewithus;itisoftenwithusaswiththe

Canaanitishwoman,sothatwecannotfindthe countenanceofGod;butwemustwaitforthe proof,andtrialmustpassoverthesoul;themore goldispurified,thefineritis;soalsothesoul,the moreitisbroughtintotrial,ifitholdsout,the fairerandbrighteritis:andGod'saimistohave fairandlovelychildren,andsuchasareofunderstanding, andlearntodiscover[thedeceitsof]the olddevil. 61.Butyoumustknowthattheangelsarevery pure,chaste,modestspirits,alsohumbleand friendly,andareliketoinfantswhoknowofno deceitoriniquity,butwhatisinnateinthem.

62.Now,whosoeverwillenjoythecompanyand assistanceofangelsmustnotbealustfulbullor heifer,oralasciviouswantonVenus,orhavea falsewickedmind,whichdayandnightstudieth nothingbutcunningtricksanddeceit,howtoget moneyandwealth:neithermustalwaysdabble andswimintheworld'sbackbiting,scoffingjests andconceits,andtickleandfeedthesoulwith them,inwhichtheworldusethtoprovokeone another,andtotakeexceptionsoneatanother: No,noangelwillstaywithsuchmen,buttheblack devil,whopossesseththeheartsofthesemen,so thattheytakepleasureinwickedness. 63.Whosoeverwillhavetheassistanceofangels neednotcalluponthem,orpraytothem;forthey

acceptnotofthathonour,theygiveallhonourto God;but[he]oughtonlytoturnawayfrom uncleannessofheartandenterthroughtrueRepentance intoGod'swill,andcontinuallyputaway evilthoughtsandinfluences;hemustcontinually inclinehiswilltoGod[andgoodness],andprayto GodfortheguidanceofhisholySpirit. 64.Andthoughthedevilholdethfast,andwill notletgo,andlayethopenhisuncleannessbefore him;thereisnobettercoursetobetaken,thanto leaveallhisuncleannessandfilthinessuponthe devil'sneck,andwindhimselfoutfromit,inspite ofall[carnal]reason,andcasthimselfinhumility intoGod'swill,andcommithimselftoit,andleave alldoubtingtothedevil(forthatishislodging), andhemustconsiderthatitisagreatsintocontinue indoubting;heshouldconsiderthatdoubtingis thedevilsbandwherewithheholdeththesoul fast:Whenanyman'suncleannessmeetethhim andrepresentethitselfbeforehim,sothatthesoul canreceivenostrength,thatisnotGod'shardening [oftheheart],butthedevilwrappethhimselfabout thesoul,andwillnotletthesoulcometothelight, thatitmayreceivestrengthandvirtue;andthere thewordsandpromisesofChrist,withhisbloodshedding, sufferinganddeath,areasovereign medicine;whenthesoulwrappethitselfupin them,andleavethallitsuncleannessuponthe devil'sneck,thatispoisontothedevil,which makethhimfaintandfeeble;andsothesoulthen pressethforthintothelightofGod,andreceiveth

strengthandvirtue;andthereitmustearnestly enterintohumility,andthenittreadethuponthe devil'shead,anddestroyethhishell;andthenthe angelsassociatewiththatman,andhavegreatjoy thatthedevilisovercome,whointendedtobeGod andcreatorinthesoul. 65.ButasoulinChristmustbeacontinual warrior,andalthoughthedevilcannotgetposses sionofthesoul,yethestillholdethitbeforethe uncleanforbiddentree,thatitshouldtasteof unchastity,iniquity,liesanddeceit,ofangerand envy:andifhecanbringittopassthatthesoul letteththeevillustanddesirekitoitself,Ohow dothhehideandcoverit!howdothhestrew sugaruponit!Andifheshouldoncedrawit intoVenus'sheaven,hewillsparenopainstoget hisfortressagain.Forthedevilisneverbetterat easethaninman,fortherehecanbelordofthis world,andperformhiswork,andaccomplishhis will;whichhecannotdointhespiritofthis worldwithoutman;forhiskingdomisnotinthe outwarddominionofthisworld,butintheinward, intherootintheabyss. 66.Hecandonothinginthisworld,inthe external[part],unlesstheturbaMagnainthe wrathofGodbekindled,andthereheisbusy, especiallywhentheelementsarekindled[or inflamed]withtempestuousstorms[ofthunderand lightning];andtheniftheangerofGodburneth therein,thereheisabusyexecutioner;ifhecould

ruinthewholeworldhewoulddoit;buthehath nofurtherroomthanthefiercewrathintheturba affordethhim;Theturba[plague,vengeanceanddestruction] ishismaster,heisbutajuggleranddestroyer, sofarastheangerintheturbaiskindled. 67.Knowalso,thatthedeviloftenstrivethand fightethwiththeangels;andwhenthesoulis carelessandsecure,hesettethuponitstrongly: butheisheldoff,thathecannotdowhathewill; butsosoonasthesoulimagineth,andiscaptivated bythelust,[likeAdamandEve],thenthedevil overcometh;butthenagainsosoonasthesoul castethawaythatevillust,[andenterethinto repentance],thenheisdrivenawaybytheangels. 68.Andthereisacontinualstrifeaboutthe soulofman;Goddesirethtohaveit;thedevil alsowouldhaveit;andthecauseofthisis,that thetwokingdomspartinthecross:theoneisthe loveofGod,thekingdominTernarioSancto,viz. theangelicalone:andtheotheristhefiercewrath outofthecentreofnature,whichistheangerand severity[orsharpness]ofGod. 69.AndthereforeitisthatGodmanifestethhis willtous,andsettethbeforemanlightanddarkness; hemayendeavourafterwhichhewill:And thatwemightknowthatGodwouldhavethesoul intohisholykingdom,heaffordethusteachingand instruction,andshewethusthewaytolife[or light];hestirrethupbyhisspirithighlyworthy

teachers,whoarethelightoftheworld,thatmen mightbewareofhisangerandfiercewrath,andnot awakenitinthemselves. 70.Fortheangermustindeedbeineverylife, [asthegallinlivingcreatures];butwherethelove andmeeknessprevailoverit,itisnotmanifested ineternity,butisonlyacauseofthelife;forin thelove,theangermakethgreatexultingjoyand paradise.Theanger[orMars]inthekingdomof Godisthegreatwondrousjoy,wherenothingof theangerisperceived.Asweepingandlaughing comefromoneplace,andtheweepingisturned intojoy;aftersuchamannerisitwiththelove andangerofGod. 71.Thereforeitis,thatChristsoearnestly teachethuslove,humility,andmercifulness;and thecausewhyGodisbecomeman,isforour salvationandhappinesssake,thatweshouldnot turnbackfromhislove:Godhathspenthisheart thatwemightbehischildren,andremainso eternally;whentherewasnoremedy,neitherin heavennorinthisworld,thenhemovedhimself forman'ssake,thathemightbedeliveredfrom thedevil,andfromhisanger[intowhichhewas falleninAdam], 72.Therefore,dearlybelovedchildren,donotso rejectandcastfromyoutheloveandgraceofGod, elseyouwilllamentitineternity;forafterthis time[ofthetemporarylife]thereisnomore

remedyorhelp.Praylearndivinewisdom;and learntoknowwhatGodis;anddonotimagine orsetanyimageofanythingbeforeyou,thinking GodtobeanimageanywaybutinChrist:We liveandareinGod,weareofhis[essenceor] substance[orbeing]:Wehaveheavenandhellin ourselves.Whatwemakeofourselves,thatwe are:Ifwemakeofourselvesanangelinthe lightandloveofGodinChrist,weareso;but ifwemakeofourselvesafierce,angry,falseand wicked,haughty,flyingdevil,whichfliethaloft aboveallloveandmeekness,inmerecovetousness, greedyhungerandthirst,thenalsoweareso;for afterthislife,itisotherwisewithustherethan here;whatthesoulhereembraceth,thatithath there;andso,thoughtheoutwardbreakethin death,yetthewillretaineththatembracedthing initssource[orproperty,]andthatisitssus tenance;buthowthatwillsubsistbeforethe paradisicalsourceanddominionofGod,andbefore hisangels,youyourselfmayconsider:Wewould haveitfaithfullysetbeforeyou[forawarning], asitisgiventous[forthatpurpose].

THEFIFTEENTHCHAPTER OfthemixedWorld,anditswickedness,asitnow standeth,andasitexercisethitsDominion atpresent.AGlasswhereinEveryonemay seehimself;andmaytrywhatSpirit's Childheis;outoftheSealoftheWonders. 1.CHRISTsaith,Matth.23.OJerusalem, Jerusalem!HowoftenwouldIhave gatheredthychildrentogetherasahengathereth herchickensunderherwings,andyouwouldnot: OJerusalem,thouthatkillesttheprophets,and stonestthemthataresentuntothee,etc.Also,We havepipeduntoyou,andyouhavenotdanced,etc. WhatshouldIdomoretothisstiffneckedpeople, whowillnotsuffermyspirittoreprovethem? Also,Theirmouthisfullofcursingandbitterness; thepoisonofaddersisundertheirlips;they speakmeredeceit,andtheirheartsareneverat unity.OhowfainwouldIeatofthebestgrapes; butIamasavinedresserthatgleaneth:Ihad plantedmeavineyard,butitbringethforth nothingbutsourgrapes:Iambecomestrange tomymother'schildren:Theywhicheatatmy table,treadmeunderfoot. 2.Thusthemotherthencomplainedofthe wickedchildrenofmen;butwhatshallshenow dointhesepresenttimes?Shestandethyetin greatsorrowandlamentation,andhathturnedaway

hercountenancefromthosewickedchildren,and willnothaveanyofthemthatareinthatgarment:[Offilthywickedness] Shecrieth,andnoneheareth:Shestandethingreat mourningandlamentationoverthewickednessof thosefalseunrulyandperversechildren:Every onerunnethafterthecovetouswhore,whois fullofblasphemies,andabominations;boththe shepherd[pastor]andthesheep[people]doso:Itisamost lamentabletime,andifitshouldnotbeshortened, nomanshouldbesaved. 3.Itisatimewhichalltheprophetshave prophesiedof,andthousupposestittobea goldentime;butconsiderthyself,thoublind man,whitherartthougone?Dostthousuppose thatthiswickednessandfalsehoodwhichthou practisestistheordinanceofGod?Waitbuta while,andyouwillsoonsee.Itisthetimeof thelastseal,whereintheangerofGodhathpoured forthitsvials,sothatthewondersofhellcometo light[thattheymaybeknown].Letthisbetold you,wehaveknownitinTernarioSancto;[or understooditintheangelicalworld,intheheavenly substantiality]. 4.Forthemotherhathrejectedit,andwill havenoneofthoseabominationsanymore:She isbigwithchild,andbringethforthasoninher oldage,whichshorteneththedaysofwickedness. Letthisbetoldyou;whosoeverperseverethand goethoninwickedness,shallhavegreatshame thereof.

5.Isnotthelittleboy(whichrunnethupand downinhischildishsport)veryfullofthepoison, venom,andwickednessofthedevil?Anddonot allvicesandabominationsstickinhim?Heisa scorner,andblasphemerofGod,aswearer,curser, liaranddeceiver,veryfitandapttoservethe devilinallmannerofshamefulfilthiness:Scurrility andobscenenessarehisbestLatinand eloquence,heknowethhowtomock,disgrace,and layallmannerofaspersionsuponthesimple:All mannerofthievery,cheatingtricksandcozenage, arefineartswithhim:Deceit,overreaching,and circumvention,arehisgloriousboasting:They mockandderidepoorpeoplewithoutanycause: HethatfearethGodisbythemaccounteda fool,andsetasanowltobewonderedat.This, parentsandancientpeoplesee,andtakedelight andpleasureinit,thattheirchildrenareso dexterousandwittyintheirwantonnessand waggery:Theyaretickledattheheartwithit whentheyunhappilyjestathonestpeople;that whicholdfolksdarenotdoforshame,thatthey teachthechildren,thattherebythelustoftheir heartsmaybebroughttopass:Allthisthedevil teacheththem,andsoridethintheirheartsas lordoverbodyandsoul. 6.Ifanycanbutcozenandcheathisneighbour, despise,slander,andfindfaultwithhim,and bereavehimofhishonourandgoods,thesearethe satisfyingoftheirlusts:Allimmodestwanton

wordsandmannersareheldthebestartand courtship:Hethatcanlaughandjeerhis neighbouroutofcountenance,ismasteruponthe place:Allthesearedevil'spranksandtricks; andthusheleadeththepoorsoulinhisstring,and manunderstandethitnot. 7.Youth,bothofthemaleandfemalesex, learnfirstthedevil'stradebeforetheytakeany thingelseinhand:Disdainfulmaliciouswantonness isthefirstworktheylearn;andtheparents encouragetheirchildreninit,andholditfora necessaryworldlyfashionableaccomplishment. 8.Whentheyaregrownupalittle,thenthe desireofbestialunchastityisthesecondworkthey learn,whichtheycallatrickofyouth,andallure oneanothertoit:Thusyouthsgiveroomtothe devil,atthefirstblossoming,toenterintotheheart, sothatthedevilmakethhisnesttherein,andso catchethonewiththeabominationsofanother, themalewiththefemale,andthefemalewith themale. 9.Ifanyonesendasontotheuniversityto learnsomewhatthatisgood,thathemaybe serviceabletoGod,andusefulintheworld;then helearnethwantonness,bravery,pride,subtlety, howtodeceivethesimpleoftheirown,and bereavethemoftheirsweat,andcontriveacloak forit,saying,itishisrightbylaw;butthat cloakisthedevil's,andthefalsedeceitfulheartis

hisminister.IfhecanspeakalittleLatin,or foreignlanguage,thennosimplemanisgood enoughforhiscompany:Hishighmindedness fliesaloft,thestinkingcarcase[whichisbutmeat forworms]mustbetrimmedwithribandsand baubles;togoawhoring,anddefloweringmaids, iscourtship:Therearepeoplethatcanbehave themselvessofinely,tilltheyawakenthegnawing wormofconscienceintheheartofmanya mother'sdaughter. 10.Andsuchareadvancedinthechurchesand universities,andsetupforshepherds[pastorsorministers]ofChrist, andyettheyhavethedevillodgingintheirheart; andsoalsotheyarepromotedtoworldlygovernment [orthecivilmagistracy],andthenthey governastheirguestintheirheartwillhaveit: Thusthesuperior,ormagistrate,workeththe greatestabominations,andtheinferiorlearnethof him:Heinventethtrickshowhemay,withthe appearanceoflaw,justice,andequity,getthegoods orestateoftheinferiortohimself:Hemaketh constitutions,orders,andstatutes,andsaiththey areforthepublicgood:Heconstraineththepoor andmiserabletodohardservice,thathemay satisfyhisprideandstate:Hecrusheththesimple withharsh,cruellanguage,hetakethawayhis sweat,andtormentethhisbody:Hemakethhim hisveryslave,andthoughhehathnomorebut onesoulofhisown,[nomorethanothers],andis butastrangerandpilgriminthisworld,[yethe thinks]theneedymustspendhissweatwhollyin

hisservice;thereisnopitynorreleasetobehad fromhim:hisdoghathabetterlifethanthepoor needysoulunderhisroof,andthisheaccounteth hisrightandprerogative;whereasitisnotatall groundedinnature,butonlyintheabyss,where oneformorpropertyplagueth,vexeth,andtormenteth theother,wherethelifeisitsownenemy; [andthereitisgrounded]. 11.Thistheinferiorlearnethfromthesuperior, andsogettethhislivingalsowithsubtletyand deceit,covetousnessandknavery;for,ifhedoth notusethesethings,hecanhardlyfillhisbelly inrighteousness;andthereforereasonpersuadeth himthatnecessityforcethhim,thathemust enhancehislabourandcommodities,andmust wrestfromhisneighbourhissweatagain,without loveandrighteousness,thathemaybutfillhis belly:Heleamethfromhissuperiortogormandize andpamperhisbody,andliveabestial life.Whatthesuperiorspendethinacourtly statelyfashion,thattheinferiorspendethina beastly,swinishfashion,andmanneroflife: Thusonewickednesseffectethanother,andthe devilremainethprinceonearthoverbodyand soul. 12.Howwiltthoubeabletosubsist,whenGod inhiszealorjealousyshalljudgethesecretsof mankind,whenthecauseofeverythingwill appear,whythatortheotherthingcametobe evil?Andthereeverysoulwillcryoutofthose

thatleaditastray,andcursethem:Everything willhaveitscauseappearbeforeit,andthesoul willfeelitinitsconscience:Wherethenwillyou, superior,remain,whenyourinferiorshallcryout andsay,Woebetoyou,inthatyouhaveforced himtosuchwickedcourses,andthatyouhave bereavedhimofhissweat,andconsumedhisgoods andlaboursinidlenessandwantonness?Howwill yougiveanaccountofyouroffice,intowhichyou areput,whereinyoushouldstopunrighteousness, andholdthewickedinawebyreproofandpunishment? Andyouhavenotregardedhiswicked courses,thatyoumightpreventandhinderthem, buthaveonlylookedafteryourcovetousness,how youmightbereavehimofhissweat:Youhave notsoughthissoul'sgood,buthissweatand labour:Hemightelsedowhathewould:And besides,youhavegivenanevilexampletohim,so thathehathlookeduponyourcourses,and madethemhispattern.Cursing,blaspheming, threatening,daringsurliness[provocations],havebeenyour fashion,andthathehathlearntofyou,andhath soconstantlyreproachedthenameofGod,which youhavenotregarded;youhaveonlylookedafter, hismoney,andnotafterhissoul. 13.Andnow,whentheseverejudgmentofGod shallappear,andthateveryworkshallbemanifested inthefieryessences,wherethenallshallbe triedinthefire,whatthinkyou?Shallnotall suchworksremainintheeternalfire?Andthere willthepoorsoulcryoutuponyourungodly

curseddeeds,wordsandworks:Andonewill curseandwishalleviltotheother,forbeingthe causeofsucheviltohim,andthesourceand propertyoffalsehoodandwickednesswillriseup inthesoul,andgnawit,that,forsoshortand emptyvanity,voluptuousnessandfalselust,it hathfooledawaysuchgreateternalglory. 14.Allmannerofreproaches,allslanders,all scoflings,allcovetousness,pride,anddeceitshall riseupinthesoul,andonesource[orproperty] shallcontinuallykindleandgnawtheother,which hathgivencausetothestirringupoftheother, andthesoulwillthink,iftheseabominationswere notinthee,thoumightestattaingrace;andwhen itshallbeholdandconsideritself,itwillfindhow oneabominationhathgeneratedanother,andwill seethatitselfisamerestinkingabominationin thepresenceofGod;andthereitwillcastitself downinthesourceofanguish,intothecentreof nature,andcurseGod,thathehathmadeita soul;andthedeeperitdesirethtoplungeitself, thedeeperitfalleth,andyetmustcontinuein theplaceofitsabominations:Itcannotgofrom thence,forthehellishmatrixholdethit,and itmustthusfeeditselfwithanguish,cursing, abominations,andbitterness,andevenwiththat whichitshearthathdonehere[inthislife], whereinatlengthitdespaireth,andthatisits eternalfood. 15.Allearthlyfoodandlustpassethawayat

theendofdays,andreturnethagainintothe ether;butthewillremainethstandingeternally, andthedesireinthewill. 16.Therefore,youparentsandchildren,you superiorsandinferiors,observe,youhavefilled themotherofnaturefullwithabominations,the fierceangerofGodisathand,theLastJudgment isatthedoor,Godwillpurgetheearthwithfire, andgiveeveryonehiswages:Theharvestcometh, thisgarmentwillremainnolonger,everything willbegatheredintoitsbarn:Hethatwillnot takecounsel,lethimtakehiscourse;hewillfind bywoefulexperiencewhattheseventhsealatthe centrebringethwithit. 17.Whenreasonlookethallaboutandconsidered, itsaith,Iseenotyetthatitisotherwise thanitwasinformertimes:Moreover,theworld wasalwaysgoodandbad,ashistoriesrelate: Also,amanmusttakesuchcourses,elsehewillbe accountedafoolandanowlintheworld,and muststarveandperishforhunger. 18.IfIdonotgivemychildrenleavetolearn themannersandfashionsoftheworld,thenthey wouldbedespisedandscornedofeverybody: AndifImyselfdidnotcarryitoutwithstate, loftiness,andstoutness,Ishouldnotberegarded: AndifImusthavecredit,Imustusesome cunningtogetit;forwithtruth,love,and righteousness,Ishallnotattainit:Imusttherefore

doasotherpeopledo,andthenImay beabletoliveamongstthem:MustIneeds bemadethefoolofalltheworld?Though indeedIcommitsin,yetGodisgraciousand merciful;andhathnotChristslainsinanddeath onthecross,andtakenawaythepowerofthe devil?Ishallonedayrepentwellenough,and besaved. 19.Thisistheruleoftheworldwhichthe superiorandinferiorgoby;alsotheshepherd[pastor] andthesheep:Christ'ssufferingsmustbeacover fortheirwickedness:EveryonewillbeaChristian underthecoverofChrist,whenthepoor soulsittethawhoringwiththedevil:Ifonedo butsaywiththemouthheisaChristian,and yetcoverhiswickednesswiththepurplemantle ofChrist,alliswell:Thuswearebravelip ChristiansunderthemantleofChrist;butinthe heartwehavetheAntichristianwhoresittingas aguest. 20.OyoufalseshepherdsofChrist,whogo intothesheepfoldatyourthievishbackdoor,why doyoucoveryourwickednesswithChrist'ssufferings anddeath?DoyouthinkChristwaswicked? Seekthecentreofnature,andshewpeoplethe abyssthatisintheirheart:Shewthemthesnares ofthedevil,wherewithweliebound,thatthey maynotesteemcursedworldlythings;butthat theymaylearntostriveagainstfleshandblood, againstthedevil,andagainstthehypocriticallife

andconversation,thattheymaygoforthfromthe devil'shighmindednessintorighteousness,into loveandhumility. 21.ThesufferingofChristisprofitabletonone, unlesstheyturnfromtheirfalseevilpurposes,and repent,andenterintothecovenantofGod;andto theseitisveryeffectual.Thehypocritesusethis forashow,andthattheymaybecalledChristians; buttherebytheytakethenameofGodinvain, andmustgiveastrictaccountthereof. 22.OyouAntichristianshepherdsofthenew order[ordination],whousethesufferingofChristwithfalse hypocrisytopleasemen,fortheirfavour,andfor youridolthebelly'ssake,tocoveroverthe hypocriteandfalsedeceiver,whoisbutashow Christian:Howwillyoubeabletoanswerit, whenChristwillrequirehissheepatyourhands, andyouhavewittinglyandwillingly,underhis purplemantle,coveredwolves,inwhomthedevil dwelleth?Whydoyounotcrackthenutshell, whereinthekernelandheartlieth,andtellthe superioraswellastheinferiorofhisabominations? AreyouChrist'sshepherds?Whydoyounot thenasChristdid,whosetthetruthbeforethe eyesofeveryone?Hereprovedandhealed,not forman'sfavourandrespect,butaccordingtothe willofhisFather;andsooughtChrist'sshepherds todoalso. 23.Odearreason,thouwalkestwiselyinthe

pathsofthisworld,inwhatconcerneththeoutward body:Butwherelieththepoorsoul?Thesoul isnotathomeinthisbody,thatisnotitseternal nativecountry.Whatwillitavailtheetoenjoy pleasureforalittlewhile,witheternalshameand torment?Or,whydostthousufferthychildren tohavetheirwillstofollowfashionsandfinery, foralittlewhileinthisworld,andtakestdelight thereinwhentheyscornthemiserableandthe needy,andshaltlosethemhereaftereternally? Thouthinkestthoulovestthem,anddostwellfor them:Whentheworldcommendstheircunning andbravery,falsehoodandwickedness,that commendationdelighteththee,butthedevil acceptethandreceivethitasbelongingtohim, andthouartthemurdererofthychildren:Thou arttheirgreatestenemy;forchildrenlookupon theirparents,andwhentheiruntowardtricks pleasetheirparents,thentheyfollowthemthe more,andgrowthemoreaudaciousinthem.At theLastJudgmentdaytheywillcryoutof theirparents,thattheyhavenotrebukedtheir wantonnessandungodlylife,andbroughtthem upinmodestyandinthefearofGod. 24.Ifyouloveyourlife,andyourchildren, thenlosethemastothewickednessofthisworld, thattheymaynotbenorconversetherein;and thenyoushallfindthem,togetherwithyourlife, inheavenagain;asChristteachethus,saying, Hethatlovethhislifeshallloseit;buthethat losethhislife,goodsandhonour,formysake,

shallfinditinthekingdomofheaven:Also, Whentheworlddespiseth,persecuteth,andhateth youformysake,thenrejoice,foryourrecompense isgreatinthekingdomofheaven.Also,What willitprofitamantohavealltemporalhonour andpleasure,andlosehisownsoul?Whereas thislifecontinuethbutforamoment,incomparison oftheeternity. 25.DearchildreninChrist,leteveryonehave acareinwhatsoilhegroweth:Youmustnot expectanybettertimeoflifetorepentin; buttoday,whilethevoiceofGodsoundeth,let everyoneenterintohimself,andsearchhimself, letnoneregardthebroadwayofthisworld,forit leadethintotheabysstoalldevils;buttheway tothekingdomofheavenisverynarrowand strait:Hethatwillsetintoit,mustnotdefer norlingeroutthetimetillthedevilbarrethup thedoor:Hemustnotregardthecourseofthe world,hemustgodirectlyintohimself,andseek himself:Thetimewillcomethathewillthink thatheisaloneinthisway,butGodhathalways hisseventhousandwithElijah,whomheknoweth notof. 26.ForasincereChristiandothnotwholly knowhimself,heseethnothingbuthisvices,in whichthedevilstrivethagainsthim,theyare continuallybeforehim;butinthisworldhe knowethnothissanctity[orholiness];forChristhideth suchpeopleunderhiscross,sothatthedevil

dothnotseethem.Thereforebewatchfuland sober,andresistthesubtledevil,thatyoumay liveeternally.

THESIXTEENTHCHAPTER OfPrayingandFasting,andduePreparation totheKingdomofGod.WhatPrayingis, andbringethtoEffect:WhatthePowerofit is,andwhatthefinaluseandbenefitofitis. 1.FORtheinstructionandcomfortofthe sinceresimpleChristianity,andfora constantawakeningofourselves,thatwemight befoundworthytohearthevoiceofthenoble bridegroom,whocallethhisbride,andwillbring herhome!

AverylovelyGate. 2.Ahungryspiritthatiswearyandfaint,is desirousofthestillmeeknessandrest,thatitmay goforthfromthesource[forceorpower]ofthedriver,andmay satiateitselfwithmeeknessandstillness,andso withthatwhichisthedesireofitslife,wherebyit maysustainitsbody. 3.Thus,mydearlybelovedmind,thouart generatedoutoftheeternalstillmeekness,and wert(beforethetimeofthisworld)inthewisdom ofGod,[intheeternalvirgin];themeeknessof theloveofGodwasthysource[orproperty],and thouwastafruitfulraininthystilleternal mother[theeternalnature],wherethouwastnot

yetcreatedaspirit:Considerthyself,howgreat unquietnessthouartnowin:Thouartimmeasurably hungry,thoualwaysthirstethafterthefood, andsource[orproperty]ofthymother:Othat thetimeofrefreshmentwerecome!Thisdoth thepoorsoulwishandpantafter:Onedaycrieth toanother,themorningcriethtotheevening,and thenightlongethaftertheday,andthereisno placenorrest(fromthedriver[persecutor,tormentor])forthepoorsoul, thedrivertakethholdofitsverythroat;and thoughithidethitself,yetitfindethnoplacenor restfreefromthesource[orproperty]ofitsdriver: Hedrivethitfurtherandfurther,tillitfindeththe bosomofitsmother,whereitlayethdownitself, andisasonethatisescapedinagreatbattle, whodarethnotliftuphisheadforfearofthe enemy. 4.MydearchildreninChrist,andallyouthat havegivenupyourselvesinChrist,tothekingdom ofheaven,youelectinChrist;thusitis withoursouls:Oursoulsstickinsuchgreat unquietness;andasitiswithasoldierinafight, whoiscontinuallyinexpectationofdeath,where theenemiespressuponhimoneveryside,and strikeathim,andcontinuallydesirehisdeath;or, asitiswithonethatisfallenintoadeepsea,and swimmeththere,andseethnoshore,andcontinually expectethdeath,wherethewatergoethintohis mouth,whosighethanddesirethhelpfromabove; or,likeonethatisfallingintoadeeppit,whereno helpisdiscerned,whoalsoexpectethhelpfrom

above. 5.Soitisalsowiththepoorsoul,itisfallen intoadarkdungeon,andswimmethinadangerous anddeepwater,whereitisencompassed withenemiesoneveryside,whoallstrikeatit: Everyonewouldmurderit,anditseethnohelp aboutit;ifitsearcheththroughitsbody,through itsfleshandblood,alsothroughmarrowandbones, itfindeththeyallareitsenemies,whichleadeth itintotheabyss. 6.Thespiritofthisworld(infleshandblood) drawethit,andbowethitdowntotheground,in thedeepofthewaters,andcontinuallydesirethto drownit;foritwouldonlymaintainandpamper thebestiallife. 7.Soalsothedevildrawethitmightilydowninto theabyss,andwouldfainthrowitintotheeternal achingsource[ortorment]ofhell;andifit resist,hestrikethatitwiththeanguishofhell, thatitshoulddespair,andthrowitselfintothe abyss;andthereithathnohelperwithit,nor aboutit,norcanitdiscoveranytoappear,tillit raiseitselfupwardsintotheloveandmercyof God,wherethenitmustleaveandforsakeall whatsoeverisinitshouse,andmustwindquite throughfromit,asaspiritwithoutsubstance; thatis,itmustgoforthwithitswillfromallits thoughts,andoutfromallitsmind,intothemercy ofGod,intothefirstoriginalmother[eternalnature],whereit

wasonlyaseedbeforethecreationoftheworld. 8.Andwhenitcomeththither,itfindeththat thesameWordwhichcreatedit,isbecomeman; intowhichitcastethitself,andeatethofthat humanity,asofapureandnewbody,inwhich thereisnosource[orproperty]ofenmity,butonly ameek,pure,desirouslove;andthereitswillis accepted[orreceived]ofGod,andtheHolyGhostentereth intoitswill,andbringethtothepoorcaptive soulheavenlyrefreshmentandcomfort,sothatit feedethonthefleshoftheeternalWordofits originalmother,anddrinkethofthewaterof eternallife,wherein,beforetheworld,itwasonly aseed. 9.Thereitfindeththeplaceofitsrest,and coolethitsflamestherewith,andrestethinthe bosomofitsmother,foritenterethintotheland oftheliving,andtheHolyGhostleadethitoutof prison,anditeatethatGod'stable,andsitteth amongthechildrenoflove[God'slove].Ohowhumbleitis, thattheHolyGhosthathdelivereditfromthe strifeofbattle!andthenGodhathatrue,obedient, andhumblechildofit.Andthusitiswiththe soulswhichpressforthoutofthisseaofmisery intoGod,orwhichwiththedeliverancefromthe earthlylifeenterintoGod,andsoarereleased fromthedriver[thedevil]. 10.Sincethereforeitiscertainlythus,andthat wehavefoundouttheway,wewillspeakwhat weknow,andtestifythetruth:ForChristsaith;

MyFatherwill[ordesiresto]givetheHolyGhosttothemthat askhimforit:NosonaskeththeFatherfor anegg,andheqfferethhimascorpioninstead ofit:orforbread,andhegivethhimastone; orforfish,andhegivethhimaserpent:Ask andyeshallreceive,knockanditshallbeopened untoyou,saithChrist. 11.Whentheheartandmind,andallthe sensesorthoughts;resolveintoawillandpurpose, thatthesoulwillenterintothemercyofGod,and repentofitsmisdeeds,andisresolvedtoseek afterloveandmercy,thenitissaid,Beforethey call,Ihaveheardthem;asmaybeseenby Daniel,whentheangelsaidtohim,Whenthou chastisedstthyself,anddidstintendtoprayfor thineownsins,andthesinsofthepeople,I broughtthyprayerbeforeGod,andthiscommand wentforth.ReadthehistoryofTobiah,what prayingandfasting,andduepreparationforthe kingdomofGod,areabletoeffect:briefly,the wholescriptureisfullofsuchexamples. 12.ConsidertheprayerofChrist;howhis humansoulinGodtheFathercalled,andawakened theVerbumDominiinhim,whenhewoulddo greatwonders[ormiracles];especiallyabout Lazarus,whomheraisedfromthedead:thenhe sighedtohisFather,andawakenedthecentreof nature,andtheWordinthecentreofnatureon thecrossoftheNumberThree:TheretheHoly Ghost,andtheWordwhichtheHolyGhostthen

awakened,wentforthinhissoul:andthenthe soulofChristthankedhisFatherwhohadheard him,andsaidinthepoweroftheWordtodead Lazarus,Lazarus,comeforth;andtherethey sawthepoweroftheWordinthesoul,thatthe deadmustarise;whichpowerthesoulofChrist hadopenedandawakenedwithhisknocking. 13.YoumustknowthatLazaruswasawakened fromwithin;andweshallallatthelastday hearthevoiceofGodfromwithin,inthecentreof thesoul:fortheWord,withtheNumberThree, dwellethwithinit,inthecentreonthecross,and thatsoundethforthoutwards,andraisethupthe bodyoftheessences:Forthesoulsofmenareall, asitwere,onesoul;fortheyareallpropagated outofoneonlysoul;andthereforetheywillall hearthevoiceofthehumansoulinChrist,and arisewiththeirbodies. 14.So,then,whenwepraytoGod,Godheareth oursoulsinthecentreinourselves;thatis,the soulpressethforthwithitsrepentingwill,outof thecentreofanguish,outoftheabyssofhell,and alsooutofthespiritofthisworld,intothesecond Principle,intoGod,whichisalsointhesoul;for alltheThreePrinciplesareinthesoul,viz.the twoeternal,andthecorruptible,whichmakeththe deathofthisworld. 15.Understandusaccurately,accordingtoits highworth,thus;GodtheFathermovethnot

himself[whenthouprayest],theHolyGhostonly movethhimself:thoughthatindeedavailethus noteither.ButtheWordwhichhathcreatedour soulisbecomeman,andthathaththeHolyGhost init,andhegoethforthfromtheFatherinthe Word,andmeeteththecallingmindandwill,and openethhimselffromwithinoutwardsintothe soul:Fortheoutwardbestialbodyisnotworthy oftheHolyGhost,thatheshouldopenhimselfin it;thoughsometimesithappenedsotothesaints, thathewentforthofthesoulintotheoutward Principle;andthenthebodytriumpheth,andfor veryjoyknowethnotwhatishappenedtoit:but inthenewbodyofthesoulinChrist,whenthe soulattaineththebodyofChrist,inthattheHoly Ghostdwelleth. 16.Andsowhenthedevilcometh,andwillset uponthesoulfrombeneath,inthefirstPrinciple, inthecentreofthefirstfourformstothesourceof thefire,thenthewillofthesoulpressethintothe fleshofChrist,intothesecondPrinciple,inwards intoitself,andthereitisrefreshedandreleased, andthedevilmustgodown;forthatlifedoth notrelishwithhim:yetheissofurious,that hesettethuponthesoul,sooftenasheperceiveth ittobesecureandcareless,orneversolittle burdenethitselfwithfalsehoodandwickedness: healwaysseekethanopportunitywhereinhe mightfindhisnestopen[forhim]. 17.Therefore,dearchildren,whenyepray,

thinknotthatGoddwellethafarofffromyou,and soneitherhearethyou,norseethyou;thatisa falseconceitandopinion.Indeedthose,whowill notenterintoGod,thosethatstickfastintheir maliceandiniquity,andretainwickednessintheir soul,thoseindeedarenotheard.Hethatcrieth toGod,thathewouldoutwardlyaccepthiswords fromhim,andyetretaineththeeviloneinhis soul,hemockethGod:Goddwellethnotoutwardly; fortheoutwardisthebestialstarryspirit:he dwellethinwardlyinhimself;theoutwardsubstance isonlyafigureandsimilitudeofGod: IndeeditisofGod,andgeneratedoutofthe inwardcentre,andexpressed[orspokenforth] throughtheVerbumfiat:butitisnotthesubstance oftheNumberThree,whichisasubstance andspiritintheTrinity,abovenature,andyet dwellethinnatureinitself;incomprehensibleto nature,asthewindandthelightarenotcomprehended bythefire,andyetarethespirit, brightness,andlifeofthefire. 18.Therefore,whenyouwillpray,putaway theabominationsoutofyoursoul,andenterinto yourself;thatis,youmustloathetheabominations, andframeawillandpurposeinyoursoul,thatyou willnotletsuchabominationsuntoyouanymore; alsoyoumustnotsufferyourwilltostickinany abominationanddespair;forwhenyoudespair, yousinkyourselfdownintotheabyss. 19.Butconsider,thatitisthedearwilland

pleasureofGod,thatyoupressearnestlyand stronglythrough,andleavetheabominationstothe deviluponhisneck,andcomeveryhumbly,praying asasinfulchildtoGod:heistheFatherof thelostson,youhavevainlyriotedandspentyour beautyandrighteousnesswiththedevil,andwith theAntichristianwhore,youareamongstthe swineatBabel;andhavinglostyourgoodsyou eatgrainsandhuskswiththeswine;youare nakedandtorn,andarenotworthytobecalled hisson:Considerandimaginethisinyourself,for itistrue,andsocomewithtrueconversionoutof thefilthandmireoftheswinetoourancientloving Father,andprayforhisgraceandfavour,that hewouldbutmaketheeasoneofhishiredservants inhiscourt:acknowledgetohimthyevildeeds, andthatthouartnotworthytobecalledhisson. Behold,dearsoul,observeit,itistheveryprecious truth. 20.Whenyouthusenterintoyourself,and searchoutyourabominations,andthehusksof thedevil,andoftheworld,whichyouhavesolong devoured,andconsiderofGodandhismercy,then turnnotagainintothehogsty;andsaynot,I amashamedtocomebeforemygoodoldFather; Idarenotcomeintohissight,forgreatshameand abomination;forIwasagloriousson,andnowam anakedswineherd;butconsiderthatyourFather takethmorecareaboutyouwhoarehislost prodigalson,thanyoudoabouthisfavourand love,whichyouhavewilfullytrifledaway.

21.Framebutaloving,humble,submissive, obedientwillandpurpose,andcome,comeaway fromtheswine,leavethehuskstotheworld,let theswinedevourthemandfeedthemselvesfat: butenteryouintoyourself,andknockatyourevil heart:breakinthroughthedoorsandgates:and thoughallswinecry,anddevilsshouldhowlfor theirkeeper,yetcomeyoutoyourFatherwith anyhumbledemeanourandwords,youneednot troubleyourselfabouttheadorningofthemwith accurateeloquence;forthoughyouhavenomore wordsthanthepoorpublican,itisnomatter,it liethnotinthem,butinanearnestconstant purposewithoutceasing:andthoughhellshould breakinpieces,andbodyandsoulpartasunder, yetstandstill,andgonotforthagainoutofthe doorsoftheFather. 22.Forassoonasyouwillopenthedoorin yoursoul,andwillgooutofthemire,towardsthe ancientFather,thathedothbutperceivethatitis youhisson,andthatyouarereturnedtohim,then hesaith;Thisismysonwhichwaslost,forwhom myheartwastroubled,andisenteredintothe humanity,intothisworld,andhathsoughthim, andnowIhavefoundhim. 23.AndtherehesendeththeHolyGhostto meethim,andfallethkindlyabouthisneck,and receivethhimwithjoy,andforatokenofhislove, heputteththesealandtheringoftheHolyTrinity,

inthesufferinganddeathofChrist,ontothehand ofthesoul:andtherehebringeththeblessed virginofhiswisdom,thenewangelicalgarment (viz.thefleshofChrist)andputtethitontothe soul;andalltheservantsofGod(viz.theholy angelsinthehouseoftheFather)mustrejoiceand bemerrywiththelostSon;andtheretheancient Fatherslayeththefattedcalf,andfeedethhisson athistable(oftheheavenlysubstantiality),with thepowerandwiththefleshofhisobedientSon Christ,andgivethhimtodrinkofthewaterof eternallife,inthebloodofChrist,inthefirst mother,outofwhichthesoulhathbeencreated; andthereisjoyinheavenamongtheninetynine angels,orholysouls,whicharewithGod,thata dearbrotheriscomeintotheirsociety. 24.Andalthoughtheown[invented]worksof holiness(viz.theelderson,whohathalways beenbusyathomeintheAntichristianhouse) murmurandgrumbleatit,(andboastethofhis obedience,labour,andtoil,whichhehadtakenin hypocrisy),theFatherregardethnotthat;thenew sonpleasethhimbetterthanhethathadcontinued inthehouse:Hethoughtthathealonewasheir, thatthekingdomofheavenbelongedtohim:he hadmeritedit,andhathnotgoneoutofthehouse; tohimbelongeththekeysofthetreasure;theother isbutaswineherd:Allthisdothnotdivertthe Father,butheismerrywithhisservantsthe angelsandholysouls,andlettethhimthatwas angry(whowouldnotrejoicewithhisbrother)

godownintothewrathfulpitofthedevil;and heismerrywithhischildren.Butseeingthe hypocriteisangry,anddespiseththesupperof theFather,thereforehedothnottasteofthe heavenlyjoy. 25.Hearken,youRomanPope,andyouRoman Emperor,Whyareyouangrywithuspoorlost sonsinGermanywhogointoourfirsttrueFather? Wouldhenotfainhaveus?Areyounotour brother?Whereforethendoyougrumble?Are youPopeinthehouse?Thenhaveacarethat youbetheFather'sobedientson,andrejoicewith thelostson,whenhegoethoutfromAntichrist, totheFather:Ifyouwillnotdosoyoumust eternallybeangry,andshallhavenojoywithus [once]lost,but[now]againlivingchildren,to eternity. 26.OyouAntichristianwolf,Whyareyou angry,whentheFatherreceivethaswineherdfor adearchild,andgivethhimthesealring,the MysteriumMagnum?Doyouthinkyoudoright init?Thoughindeedyouarebornofanacademy [orfromanuniversity],andtheswineherds[are born]inthefieldamongtheswine,asyouaccount them;yetinthemthegreatestwondersare awakened[ormanifested]aboveyourhypocritical reason:looktoit,rulewellinthehouseofyour academy;weheardawatchmansay,Leaveoff; TheCityBabelisfallen:seethatyoubenot takeninBabel:foritburnethinthefire:the

TurbaMagnawillspewitout;thereisnoother remedyorcounsel,butforalltogotogetherwith theswineherdtotheFather,andpraytohimfor grace;elseyouwillbefaintotry,bywoeful experience,whatthispenhathwritten,andoutof whatspirititflowed,andwasrevealed. 27.WhenChristdravethedeviloutofthe lunaticthatwaspossessed,hisdisciplessaidto him,Master,whycouldwenotdrivehimout? ThensaidChrist,Thiskinddothnotgooutbutby fastingandprayer. 28.Dearchildren,brethrenandsisters,beadvised, forthekindloveofGodtheFatherinhisheart (whichforoursakesisbecomeman),hathliftedup himselfinthecrownofthespiritofthisworld, andcallethus:Itgrievethhismercythatweare fallenhometothewrathoftheTurbaMagna;he nowsendethyoumanymessengers,andcallethyou intheirvoice,andhewillsendmoreuntoyou: Whydoyoudespisethemandkillthem?Try themwhethertheirspiritbebornofGodorno;or whethertheyseektheirownwayoftheirbellyin Antichrist:Surelyitistimetoawakefromsleep: Nojestingmatterwillfollow:youshouldnot daretojestsowiththekeysoftheHolyGhost, andmakeconclusionsoffaith,accordingtoyour ownopinions,tenetsandconceits:Faithwillnot bebegottenbyconclusionsandcanons,butis awakenedbytruesincerity,bybeingobedient childrenofChrist.

29.SaintPauldidnotsaytohisdisciple, DisputeoftheMysteriesofGod;buthesaid, Awakenorstirupthegiftsthatareinthee: Noman'sownwitcandoit;muchlessthepride ofthehighschools[oruniversities],whichyet theycloakwithhypocrisy,andhideitunderthe mantleoftheHolyGhost:Whydoyoumake conclusionsaboutthebodyandthepersonof Christ?Haveyoupowerandauthoritytodo so?IsitnotaMysterytoyou?Andyou understandnothinginitunlessyoubenewborn againinChrist;Dothhenotsay,Behold,Iam withyoueventotheendoftheworld?Ishe withyou?Whythendoyousetyourselvesupon histhrone,anddenyhispresence?Areyounot PilatewhosentencethChrist?Fromwhomhave youthemightandauthoritytomakeconclusions andarticles?Areyouhislords?Then youarenotchildren:haveacareyouprovenot theeldestsoninthehouse,whostrivethaboutthe inheritance,andaboutthepowerandauthority, andyetcontinuethtobeaproudangrymurmurer againsttheFather.Dearchildren,itavaileth nothingtogosuchaway:Christsaidtohis disciples,whenhedravethedeviloutofthe lunaticthatwaspossessed,whichthedisciples couldnotdointheirownreason,Thiskindgoeth notoutbutbyfastingandprayer. 30.Dearbrethren,youwillnot[beableto] drivethedeviloutofus,ifyouhavenotChrist

withyou;yourartandconclusionsofreasonwill donothingelsebutcausepeopletogooutfrom Godintotheirownselfwill:Wemustfastand pray,thatwefallnotintotemptation,andinto thenetsandsnaresofthedevilinourreason: forthedevilalwaysholdethhisnetbeforereason, andhethatfallethintoit,supposethheiscaught inChrist'sfishingnet:butheistakeninAnti christ'snet:Reasoncomprehendethnothingof thekingdomofGodbutthehusk;thevirtueand powerofitremainethhiddentoreason,unlessit beborninGod,andthenreasongoethforthasa burningfireinthespiritofGod;butthespirit lettethitnotflyaloft,butbowethittotheearth [inhumility],forheknoweththewarrior[Satan]that fightethagainstreason. 31.Awatchfullifeisrequisite,whichis chastenedandnotoverflownwiththefleshly voluptuousspiritofthisworld,andnotalife alwaysdrunkenandfull:forassoonasthe soulisinflamedwiththevigourandpowerof theearthlyspirit,thenGod'sspiritpassethinto itsownPrinciple;andthesouliscaptivatedby thespiritofthisworld,andthedevilgainethan accesstoit;andthenitsformerwitandunderstanding (knowninGod)ischangedintooutward reason,andthenmansupposethstillthatitis God'sspirit. 32.Onofriend!theconstellation[ofthestarswithinus],which shouldrestinthespiritofChrist,lustethalso

topossesssuchaheartandsoul,wherethespirit ofGodhathbeensitting;foreverycreature longethafterthevirtueandpowerofGod: buttheconstellation,thoughitcomeintothe templeofGod,drivethonitsownmattersthat lieinitspower,itknowethnothingofdivine wisdom:ithathawisdom,andconstituteththe spiritofthisworld:indeedithathgreatart andlearning:fortheearthlyandelementary MysteriumMagnumlieththerein:butithath notthekeytothePrincipleofthelibertyofGod withoutandbeyondnature;forithathabeginning andend,andlookethnofurther;itmaketh andseekethonlyahypocriticalbestiallife. 33.Thereforeletusnotbeproud[stout,surly]andsecure, norrelyuponartandlearning,muchlessupon theletter:forthespiritthereofishiddentous, withoutthespiritofGod:wehavethewillof GodintheHolyScripture:yetwithoutthe spiritofGodwehavebutthehuskandthedead word(exceptGod'sspiritfirstawakentheliving wordinus,thatwemayunderstandtheletter andthewrittenword);whichisplainenough,in thatthelearnedinartsarebutlearnedinthe letter,andnotlearnedinGod,otherwisethey wouldnotcontendandwrangleaboutChrist's honouranddoctrine,norsodisputeaboutthecup ofChrist. 34.Thoughtherewereathousandmenlearned inGod,whoareborninthespiritofChrist,and

weretogether,andhadeachofthemaspecial giftandknowledgeinGod,yettheywouldall bebutoneintherootofChrist,andwouldevery onedesireonlytheloveofGodinChrist:What discipleorscholarwillexalthimselfabovehis master?WeareonebodyinChrist,whythen shouldonemembercontendwiththeotherabout thefood?Whenthedesirousmouthfeedeth, thenallthemembersreceivestrengthand virtue;everymemberhathitsownofficeor workinopeningthewondersofGod:wedonot allbringoneandthesamewords,butonespirit inChrist,everyonehaththatwhichishisown impartedtohim,whatheshallopeninGod,that thegreatmysteriesofGodmaybemademanifest, andthewonderswhichhavebeenforeseenfrom eternityinhiswisdommightberevealed:to whichendthesoulwascreatedofGod. 35.Iknow,andthespiritshewethittome, thatthou,Antichristiansophister,wiltobject againstme,thatevenamongtheApostlesthere hathbeenstrifeandcontentionaboutthewords ofChrist:Itistrueindeed,anditwasSatan's masterpiecetosiftChrist'sdisciples,andthe disciplesofthosedisciples,sosoonasthey becamesecure:fortheyweremenaswellas we,andonewasstrongerinspiritthananother, accordingastheydidsearch[orexamine]themselves,and raiseupthemselvesinGod:fortheylivedamong evilmen,andmanytimesmustapplythemselves totheworld,andmustgivetheweakmilkto

drink,atwhichothersmanytimesstumbledin theirreason,andgrewhotandzealous,and reprovedoneanotherforit;asmaybeseen aboutCornelius,whenPeterwentintothe heathens,andtheotherApostlessupposedthat thekingdomofGodbelongedonlytoIsrael. 36.Butyouaretoknow,thattheloveofGod issohumble[pliable],thatwhenithathkindledthesoul itself,itselfissubjecttothesoul;butnosoul willenjoythat,butthosethatarehumbledinthe loveofGod,andconstantlygoforthfromtheir desires,thatthespiritofGodmayliveinthem, andthattheymayhaveaneyeuntohim:the soulispermittedtobezealous,butitdothbetter toliveinmeekness,inwhichitenterethintothe Majesty[ofGod],andisatotallybelovedchild; whatdothitavailmethatIpouroutfireupon mybrother,andsoburnmyselftherein?Itis moreblessedtocontinueunderthecrossin patienceandinmeekness,thantobringfire fromheaven. 37.Christiscometoseekandtosavethat whichwaslost;nottoawakenhisangeragainst us,butthathemighthelpusoutofthejawsof thedevil;andhathregeneratedusinhimselfto bealivingcreatureinGod,andhathbroughtus quitethroughthefireofhisFather'sanger.He hathbrokenthebands,thatwemightfollowhim inloveandmeekness,aschildrenshouldfollow theirparents:Thereforeheteachethusfaithfully

whatweshoulddo,andhowweshouldpray.

[OftheLord'sPrayer.] 38.Theprayerwhichhehathtaughtusisan instructionandteachingofallwhatsoeverwe shoulddoandleaveundone;andwhatwe shouldaskandexpectfromGod:andisalways rightlytobeunderstoodaccordingtotheThree Principles,whichwewillheremakeashort introductionto,thoughitcannotbeconfined orconcluded,forthespiritintheprayercomprehendeth initthewholeeternity,alsonature andeverything;sothatnotonguecansufficiently expoundit.Themoreitisconsidered,themore isfoundinit.Yetwewillventureuponit,and givethereaderanintroduction;nottotieor limitthespirit:foritrisethupineveryone'ssoul, asvirtueandpowerisgivenfromthewondersof God.AndsoitisalsowiththeGospel,thatis nottiedtoanyexposition:Themoreanysearch intoit,themoretheyfindtherein:forthespirit ofGoditselfteachethustoprayaright,andalso presentethustoGod.Forweknownotwhatwe shouldsay;ourwholebusinessofprayingand conversionconsistethonlyinthewillandpurpose thatwegiveourselvesupintoGod;GodtheHoly Ghosthimselfmakeththespringingandgrowing upthroughhimselfinGod,hedrivethforththe blossomofthenewbodyofthesoul,outfromthe divinecentreforththroughthesoul,sothatthe

fruitofeternallifespringethforthoutofthesoul's body,withmanybranchesandfairfruit,and standethasaglorioustreeinthekingdomofGod; sothatwhenweprayoursouleatethofmany heavenlyfruits,whichareallgrownoutofthe bodyofthesoulasoutofaheavenlysoilor ground:andthesouleatethofthemagainin prayer,andtheyareitsfoodonthetableofGod: ThusiteatethexverboDomini,oftheWordof theLord;concerningwhichChristsaith;Man livethnotbybreadonly,butbyeverywordwhich proceedethoutofthemouthofGod. 39.TheLord'sPrayeraffordethaveryhigh andexcellentunderstandinginthelanguageof nature:foritexpresseththeeternalbirth,alsoall thethreePrinciples,alsothelamentableFallof man,andshewethhimtheRegenerationinChrist: itshewethhimwhatheshoulddo,andhowhe shouldbehavehimself,thathemaycomeagain intothedivineunion;andshewethhimhow kindlythespiritofGodmeetethhim. 40.Butbecauseitishardtobeunderstoodwe willsetdownabriefsummary,contentsand| exposition;andcommitthefurtherworkofthe HighesttonguetothespiritofGodineverysoul; anditmaywellbehandledatlargeinatreatise byitself,iftheLordgiveusleave. [Herefollowethasummaryexpositionofthe LORD'SPrayer,howitistobeunderstood

inthelanguageofnaturefromsyllableto syllable,asitisexpressedinthewordsofthe HighGermantongue[Germanlanguage],whichwastheauthor's nativelanguage;butbecausethelanguageof natureisnotyetclearlyunderstoodbyme, thereforeIcannottransferittotheEnglish tongue:butmustsetitdowninthesyllables oftheHighGermanwords,andinterlinethe Englishunderit."Whosoeverdesirethtosee moreconcerningthelanguageofnature,let himreadinthefifthchapterofthisBook, versethe85th,uponthewordSchuff,and elsewhereinhisotherwritings[Aurora;Epistles;MysteriumMagnum; etc.]]

[TheEntrance.] UnserVaterimHimmel. (OurFatherwhichartinHeaven) 41.Whenwesay,UnserVaterimHimmel, thenthesoulraisethupitselfinalltheThree Principles,andgivethitselfupintothatoutof whichitiscreated;whichweunderstand,inthe languageofnature,veryexactlyandaccurately. ForUnisGod'seternalwilltonature,sercomprehendeth initthefirstfourformsofnature; whereinthefirstPrincipleconsists.

42.Vatergiveththetwodistinctionsofthe twoPrinciples;forvaisthematrixuponthe cross,terisMercuryinthecentreofnature;and theyarethetwomothersintheeternalwill,outof whichallthingsarecometobe;theonesevereth itselfintofire,andtheotherintothelightof meekness,andintowater:forvaisthemotherof thelight,whichaffordethsubstantiality,andter isthemotherofthefire'stincture,whichaffordeth thegreatandstronglife:andVaterisboth ofthem. 43.Whenwesayim,weunderstandtheinnermost, viz.theheart,fromwhichthespiritgoeth forth:forthesyllableimgoethforthfromthe heart,andsoundeththroughthelips,andthelips keeptheheartintheinnermostunawakened. 44.WhenwesayHim,weunderstandthe creationofthesoul.Thesyllablemelisthe angelicalsoulitself,whichtheheartonthecross inthecentrebetweenthetwomothershathcomprehended; andwiththewordHim,framedit intoacreature,viz.intomel:forHimisthe habitationofmel:thereforethesouliscreatedin heaven,thatis,inthelovingmatrix[ormother].

TheFirstPetition. DeinNamewerdegeheiliget. ThyNamebehallowed[sanctified.]

45.WhenwesayDein,weunderstandhowthe poorsoulswimmethinthewaterofthisworld; andhowitcastethitselfwithitswillintothe PrincipleofGod:itgoethwiththesyllableDein intothevoiceofGod. 46.InthesyllableNaitinclinethinwards, andinthesyllablemeitcomprehendeththe heavenlysubstantiality:andthisisdoneinthe willofthesoul. 47.Andwhenwesaywer,thenthewhole creaturegoethalonginthewill:forwerhaththe wholecentre,andwiththesyllablede,itlayeth itselfdowninobedienceinthemeekness,andwill notkindlethewerinthefire,asLuciferhaddone. 48.Andwhenwesayge,thenthesoulgoeth intotheheavenlysubstantiality,asaquietchild withoutanger,andthenheiisthepowerful enteringuponthecross,intotheNumberThree, wherethesoul'swillpressethintotheMajesty, intothelightofGod;withthesyllableli,the soul'swillhathcomprehendedtheHolyGhost. [Inthesyllable]get,therethesoul'swillgoeth forthwiththeHolyGhost:forthebrightnessof theMajestyshinethinthewill,andtheHolyGhost goethalongintheglanceoftheMajestyuponthe chariotofthesoul;forthewillisthesoul's weddingchariot,withwhichitridethinTernarium SanctumintotheHolyTernary,whereintheHoly

GhostsittethwiththebrightnessoftheDeity.

TheSecondPetition. DeinReichkomme. ThyKingdomcome. 49.Dein,therethepoorsoulgivethitselfup againintothewillofGod,asGod'schild. 50.Reich,herethesoulgivethitselfintothe virtueandpoweroftheangelicalworld,anddesireth tocomeoutofthedeepofthewatersintothe powerofGod. 51.Komme,inthesyllableKom,itgoethinto thevirtueandpower,andapprehendethit:and withthesyllableme,itmakeththeheavenbe open,andgoethforthwiththeapprehendedpower intothekingdom,asasprout:forthememaketh thelipsbeopen,andletteththesproutofthewill goforth,andletsitgrowsoftlybydegrees.

TheThirdPetition. DeinWillengeschehewieimHimmelalsoauchaufErden. ThyWillbedoneasinHeavensoalsoonEarth. 52.Dein,herethesouldothwithitswill,asin thefirstandsecondpetition:itcastethitselfinto

God'swill. 53.Wilisitsdesiretowillthesamewiththe HolyGhost:len,withthissyllableittakethin thespiritwiththewillintothecentre,asintothe heart,andwilleththatitswillintheHolyGhost shouldflowupintheheart. 54.Ge,withthissyllableitgoethintothe will:sche,withthissyllableitworkeththe workofGod:forthereitdothwhatthecounsel oftheFatheris,whattheHeartofGodwills: asthesoulofChristsuffereditselftobehanged onthecross,andasweinmiserybowdown underthecross:he,inthissyllableittaketh patientlywhatGodworketh;itbowethitselfas achild. 55.Wie,thereitgoethagainintothevoiceof thehighMajesty.Im,istheHeartofGod,out ofwhichthespiritgoethforth:inwhichwillit wouldbe.Him,isagainthecreatingofthe creatures;mel,isthesoul,thatis,itwillethto actinthewillofGod,liketheangels,whodothat whichGod'swillaccepteth. 56.Al,thereitcomprehendeththatwill,and drivethiton,withthesyllableso,outofits centreintothisworld,intotheoutwardPrinciple. Auch,thereitaffordethallwhatsoeverithathin itselfoutintotheoutward,outfromitselfintothis world.

57.Auf,withthissyllableitapprehendeththe sameagain,anddesireththatitssubstanceshould notbedissipated:foritonlyletteththewillof thesubstancegoforththroughtheclosedlipsto theteeth,anddesireththattheformofthewill shouldremainasafiguredsubstanceeternally. 58.Er,withthissyllableitbringethits substanceintothespiritofthisworlduponthe earth,andtherethewillshallworkwonders,as inthekingdomoftheangelsinthepowerofGod: thewillmustmanifestthehiddensecretsofGod: den,withthissyllableitsheweththattheymust notbedoneinthefireoftheanger,inwhichthe devildwelleth:forthissyllabledothnotbreakup thecentre:theyshouldbedoneinmeeklove, andyetbetakenoutoftheEr.Thesoulshall mightilyruleinallhiddensecrets:butitmust notletinthedevil. 59.Hereourwantisverymuch,theheavyFall pressethushard.O,thereisverymuchherein hidden,whichwouldbetoolongtodescribe.For thewillofGodshouldbedone,andnotthewillof theflesh,andofthedevil.Andthereforeitis thatwearesodoubtfulinprayer,becausethepoor soulrunnethoninthewilloftheflesh,andofthe devil.Ifitdidliveininnocenceweshouldhave thisskillperfect,andtherewouldbenodoubting inourprayers,butanactingandaccomplishment ofthem:[ThistheApostlesofChristwanted,

whentheyaskedwhytheycouldnotcastoutthe dumbdevil].Wedoreallyswimhereinmisery, whichthespiritofthewondersshewethus.

TheFourthPetition. GibunsunsertglichBrotheute. GiveusourdailyBreadtoday. 60.Gib,therethewillstickethintheheart, andpressethoutwards,andthemouthcatcheth it;thatis,thesoulwouldbefed:whatthe wordgivethforth,thatthesoultaketh;forthat belongethtoit,itwillhavethat. 61.Uns,withthissyllablethesouldesireth foodforallits[fellow]members,viz.forallsouls, asiftheywerebutonetreewithmanybranches, whereofeverybranchmusthavesapandvirtue fromthestock:andsoitdesirethtohavethisin common,outofthevirtueofGod,forthelifeof allsouls:foritattracteththatwithallitsdesire toit,andinall[others],asalovingbrother;it willethtohaveitincommon,andnotaloneto itselfincovetousness,asthedevildid. 62.Un,withthissyllablethewillofthesoul goethintotheeternalwisdom,wherein,beforethe creationintheseed,itwasdiscerned,intheeternal will:ser,withthissyllableittakeththeoriginal ofnatureinthewill,whereoneformintheoriginal

generateth,filleth,andpreserveththeother:and thatisthebandofthesoul,wherebyiteternally livethandsubsisteth:andthatthewillofthesoul desireth,elseitwouldbedissolved.Foraspirit desirethnomorethantoretainitsband,andto fillitwithvirtue,thatitmayflowforth. 63.Andherelieththekeyofthegreatesthidden secretoftheBeingofallBeings.Beloveddoctors, ifyouwerelearnedyouwouldseekhere;andif youunderstandnothinghere,norwilltounderstand, thenyouarenotlearned,butareonlytellersof stories,whichthesimple,ifhedidusehimselfto it,wouldperformaswellasyou:Thisisthetrue doctorshipintheHolyGhost:theoutward[in thelearningoftheschoolofreason]isbuta foppery,andpuffethupintoahighmind. 64.Tg,withthissyllabletheheavenlynumber isunderstood,aswhereinthespiritonthecross intheholymatrixcomprehendeththegenetrixin themultiplication,wherethewillofthespirit recreateth,confirmeth,andstrengthenethitself: lich,inthissyllablethesoul'swillquickeneth itselfinthelightandvirtueoftheMajestyof God;andstrengtheneththesoulwiththeheavenly number,whichspringethupoutoftheMajesty infinitely:andhereinthesoulisacknowledgedfor anangel,andlivethinthehandofGod. 65.Brot,herethecorporealsubstancespringeth up,andourmisery:forBrot[bread]isgenerated

outofthecentreofnature,althoughthelastletter inthesyllableBrotexpresseththatitisparadisical bread:forthecrossinitscharacter[T] inthelanguageofnature,carrieththeseverename ofGod[GOTTES];which,ifmenwillrightly expoundit,andunderstanditaccordingtothe languageofnature,maybeunderstoodpowerfully, andinitshighestdepth,inthewordTetragrammaton [Jehovah];forthatwordcomprehendeth alltheThreePrinciples;andinthewordAdonai, GodisunderstoodasinonePrinciple,viz.inthe angelicalworld;whichmaybeexpoundedina treatisebyitself.Wesetdownthis,thatthis syllablemightbeconsideredof;forBrot[bread] isthefoodofthebody;andistobeunderstood concerningthefiercewrath,thatithathmixed itselfinit,andsignifieththehouseoflamentation andmourning:Butsincewemusthavethisfood, thereforethesoulreachethafteritforthemaintenance ofitsbestialbody. 66.Heu,thissyllablesignifieththeeternal breadofthesoul,thenewbody,viz.theheavenly substantiality:forthewillgoethforthoutofthe breadintotheHeu,thatis,theeternalsubstantiality, viz.thebreadofGod,Christ'sflesh;te,this syllableconfirmeththatitaffordethandframeth theseverename[Gottes]ofGod;forthesoul desirethatwofoldbread,oneforthebelly,andthe otherforitsholyheavenlybody.

TheFifthPetition. UndverlasseunsunserSchuld,alswirverlassenunserSchuldigern. AndforgiveusourDebts[trespasses],asweforgiveourDebtors. 67.Und,thissyllableisthatwhereinthewill ofthesoulawakeneththeloveofGod;forthe willstickethfastinthewordund,asinthe meekness;itsatiateththever,viz.theanger, andspringethwiththeund[ormeekness]up,as abudding,growingsubstance[vegetable],likeablossomout ofthever,andyettheyremainoneinanother: forveristhecentreofthelife,ithaththefire ofthewrath,andtheundbelongethtothesecond Principle:lasseorlassisthecleansingofthat whichisgeneratedoutofthever,ofwhichIsaiah saith;Wereyoursinsredasblood,ifyouturn, theyshallbeaswool,whiteassnow.Inthe syllablelasse,isthebathorlaver,whereinthe vermustbewashed,orelseitcannotsubsistin thekingdomofGod. 68.Unsistheunionagain,wherethewillof thesoul,viz.thecommunionorfraternity,thatis allsouls,inonewill,desiretobewashed. 69.Un,therethewillyieldethitselfintothe loveofGod,andwasheth[cleanseth]theevilchild,ser; andtherebyconfessethallevilandwickedness[forall incommon],asiftheywerebutoneonlysoul. 70.Schuld,thisisthetruecatalogueor

register,whichtheangerhathbroughtintothe soul,whichcataloguethewilldesirethtocast awayaltogether:Butthemouthcatcheththe syllableagainasaflash,tosignifythatourworks shallstandeternallytothewondersofGod;and weneedonlywashthem,thattheymightnot becomprisedinthefiercewrathofGod,and inflamed;elsetheybelongtotheabyss,tothe darkPrinciple. 71.Als,inthissyllablethewillofthesoul comprisethtogetherallwhatsoeveriscalledsoul, andspeakethofmany,asiftheywerebutone. 72.Wir,inthissyllablethewillcomplaineth againsttheanguishofthesourceofdisquietnessin thesoul,whereonesouloftenhurtethanother, andthereforethewillcomprisethtogetherthe turbaofallsouls,andsaith[asfolloweth]: 73.Ver,thatis,thewill[ofthesoul]desireth thatthefiercewrathofallsoulsmightbethrust downwarduponaheapintotheabyss:las, thatis,toletitgo,andnotknowitmorein thefiercenessoftheanger:forthesyllablesen retaineththeformofthewonder:butitmustbe washedintheLassen[orlettingitgo],forLassen isthelaverorbath[towashitin]. 74.Un,thissyllableyetagainpressethinto theloveofGod,anddesirethtobringthewashed soulsintothelove:ser,thissyllable,inthe

presenceofGod,sheweththeevilchild,whichis nowwashedinthelove,andthereputtethit amongthewondersofGod,foritsettethforth whatsoeveriscometobeawonderinthetincture ofthefireinthesoul. 75.Schul,thissyllablesheweththeunprofitable [orvain]works,whichonesoulhathwrought towardsanotheroutofthetinctureofthefire[fiercewrathfullife], andisasettingforthoftheevil,whichthesoulin thewillitselfhathwashedandcleansedagain: di,thissyllableputteththeunionagainintothe Majesty,andintotheHolyGhost,wherethereis nocontrarywillanymore:gern,istheevilchild, whichnowstandethbeforeGod,toGod'sdeedsof wonder;fromwhencethewilltookitsfall,and desireththattheHolyGhostwilltakeitinasa wonderintotheMajesty.

TheSixthPetition. UndfhreunsnichtinVersuchung. AndleadusnotintoTemptation. 76.Undisoncemoreaninjectionintothe lovingmeeknessofGod,wherethewillofthesoul intheMajestyhumblethitselfbeforetheNumber Three[orTrinity]. 77.Fh,therethewillgoethalongwiththe HolyGhost:re,therethewillwouldnotgo

throughthefiercewrath;foritisafraidofthe prisonofthefiercewrath;forthewillshouldalways bestedfastlyinclinedintoGod,thatitmaypass throughthefirewithoutmolestation,andalso throughtheoutwardPrinciple,viz.throughthis world,andyetshouldnotcatchat,oroffertolust after,anything:butseeingthesoulknoweththat itstoodnotoutinthefirsttemptation,whenit wasbroughtintothespiritofthisworld,whenthe VerbumFiatbreatheditintotheimage,thereforeit fliethnowtotheHolyGhost,entreatingthathe wouldnotenterwithitswillintothetemptation, proba,ortrial,forittrustethnotinitselfthatit shallstandstedfastlyagainstthedevil;whenhe shallsiftit:asChristsaidtoPeter,Thedevilhath desiredtosiftthee;butIhaveprayedforthee thatthyfaithfailnot:thatis,Ihaveenclosed theeintheWord,andhavenotgiventhedevil anyleave,butIhaveinmyprayerbroughtthee intothewillofGod,thatthoushouldstbepreserved bytheHolyGhost;elsethoushouldsthavebeen siftedbythedevil,throughtheanger,andthrough thespiritofthisworld. 78.Uns,thissyllableonceagaincompriseththe brotherlyunion,asinonewillintheMajesty,and fliethintothespirit. 79.Nicht,inthissyllablethewillrendethitself quiteoutfromtherootoftheanger,andretainetha peculiargovernmentwithouttheanger,andthen thesoulburnethforthfromthefire,andisthe

truelifewithoutthefire,inthelightflaming tinctureinair,andvirtueorpower. 80.In,thereitstandethasasoundandsubstance ofitsown,asifitwerethecentreitself:ver, thereitmust,withthewill,gothroughthefierce wrath,andmitigateorsatiateit,andmustcool it,thatitmightnotenflameitsmeeklife:such, withthissyllableitpresseththroughthefierce wrathwithitslovetincture,viz.throughthecentre ofnature,andquencheththefiercewrathaftera divinemanner,anddriveththesubtletyofthe deviloutofthefiresourceoutoftheoriginal, whereotherwisehewouldhaveanaccessintothe soul:ung,therethesoultakeththevirtueoutof thesevenformsofitsnaturewithit,asaspirit, andsettethitselfmightilyoverthecentre,and rulethoveritasakingoverhiskingdom;fornow ithathovercome[orcooled]thecentrewithits love,andwillnowletinthetempternomore.

TheSeventhPetition. Sondernerlseunsvombel. ButdeliverusfromEvil. Son,inthissyllableit[thesoul]appearethinthe Majestywithitsvirtue,powerandbrightness overthecentreoftheheart,andhathaprinciple ofitsownintheMajesty:dern,thereitcommandeth thefiercewrathinthecentre,andruleth

overit,andtamethitwithitswill(asmaybeseen byMoses,whenthefiercewrathsaid;Letme alone,that1mayconsumeIsrael). 82.Er,thereitbringethablossomandsprout outofthecentre,andopeneththewondersof God;foritheregoethaboutwiththecentre, asitwill,forithathovercome:l,thatis,the sprout,whichgrowethoutofthefiercewrathout ofnature,andisnowlovely,good,andusefulin thekingdomofGod:se,thereitcontinuethto befruituponGod'stable,freefromtheanger. 83.Uns,thereitonceagaintakeththeunion ofallsoulswithit,andlayethitopenthere,that itwasarootinthekingdomofGodbeforeits creation,andhathnowbroughtforthmany,that is,itisatree,andhathputforthmanybranches, andpresenteththemthereasinatree. 84.Vom,thatisthegreatwonderthatGod hathmadeofonetwo,andyetitremaineth butone:Itsheweththis;foryouseethatthe rootintheearthisanotherthingthanthestalk whichgrowethoutoftheroot;soyoumust understanditalsoconcerningthetrueholysoul; thatgrowethasastalkoutoftheroot,outof thecentreofnature,andisanotherthingthan thecentre;andyetthecentregeneratethit, anditmovethinfullomnipotenceoverthe centre,andrulethoveritasGodrulethover nature;andyettherethenameoftheNumber

Threeintheeternalnatureariseth:AndasGod isfreefromnature,andyetnatureisofhis essenceorsubstance,andnotseparatedfrom God,soisthesoulalso;itisfreefromnature, andisalordofnature,foritisonespiritwith God,andyetblossomethorsproutethoutof nature.IndeedGodisnotwhollytobelikened tothesoul;forGod'seternalwillisacause andbeginningofnature,but[thesoulistobe likened]totheMajestyofGod,whosebrightness arisethoutofthesharpnessoftheeternalnature, andyetarisethbeforenature,liketheflashof theeternalliberty,fromwhencenature,inits sharpgenerating,receiveththelustre,andelevateth itinthefire,toatriumphanthighlight: forwhichcausesake,theeternallibertywithout naturelongethafternature,becauseitdesireth tobemanifestedinwonders,andwillhavemajesty ingloryandpower. 85.For,iftherewerenonature,therewould benoglory,norpower,muchlessMajesty;also therewouldbenospirit,butonlyastillness withoutsubstance[essenceorbeing]:Butthusin naturethereappearethpowerandvirtue,might, glory,Majesty,NumberThree[Trinity],andBeing [essenceorsubstance],andarethemanifestation oftheeternalBeing.Now,sincethesoul,asa spirit,isdiscoveredandtakenoutofthisBeing, ithaththereforetwoforms,oneisnature,and theotheristhedivineblossom,orthesprout outofnature,whichisabovenature,andisa

spiritinitself,asGodisaspiritinhimself,as youmayseethisbythefire:Thefireisthe nature,andtheflamewiththeair[orvapour] whichgoethforthoutofthefire,isaspiritwith allthepowerofthefire'snature,andyetisabove thefire'snature,forthefire'snaturecannotcom prehendit[orruleit];andsoalsothefire'snaturecould notsubsist,ifthespiritoftheairdidnotblow upthefireagain. 86.Thusthefiregenerateththespiritwith thelustre,andlongethearnestlyagainafterthe spirit,andattractethitcontinuallyintoitself, andyetretainethitnot;foritisthelifeofthe fire,andtheglanceorlustreisoutofthesharpness ofthefire,yetthereisnofeelinginthe glanceorlustre,andyettheglancehaththe virtueorpower,andnotthefire;for,fromthe virtueofthelustretherespringethupandgroweth asprout,andnotfromthefire,asyoumayperceive bythe[sunshineor]lustreofthesun. 87.Now,seeingthepoorsoul,intheheavy fallofAdam,wascaptivatedbytwofires,viz. bythatfirethroughwhichthespiritofthis worldhathcompriseditinitself,underwhich lieththefireoftheoriginal;thereforeitwould beagainfreewithitsspiritlife,inwhichitis anangel,andtheimageofGod,andgoethwith itswillvom[from],thatis,asasproutoutfrom nature,andalsooutfromthespiritofthisworld, outofthewondersofGod,forthfromthem;and

standethrightlyquitevom,[from],thatis,it hathnowthevirtueofnatureandMercury,in thevirtueandpoweroftheMajesty,whichis anotherPrinciple,andyethathalsothesevere fiery[Principle],butnotmanifested;forthe holyPrincipleintheMajestychangeththefierce wrathintolove. 88.AndiftheseverePrincipleshouldbe awakenedagain,itwouldbefire,andthefirst fourformsofnaturewouldflowforth;and thereforeGodisbecomeman,thatthelovespirit [might]haveabody. 89.Thereforeitflieth,(ifitbeyetunregenerated, andsostickethonlyintheearthly body)andsaith,Erlseunsvombel,[deliver usfromevil]:Itdesirethtobereleasedfrom theanger;for,andbel,aretwowillsinone substance:isthefirechild,andbelhathalso twoPrinciples;forthefirstletterbhaththe outwarddominion,andtheothertwo,viz.eand l,thatis,el,haththeangel,thewilltobe deliveredfromboth,[viz.fromthechildofthe fire,andthespiritoftheoutwardworld],not presentlyseparated,(foritisthecounselofGod thattheydwellinoneanother);buttheangel's willwouldbefreefromthefalsehood;itwould ruleoverthebelorevil:Hedesirethto beinthewillofGod,andthebelorevil shallstand,theone[part](accordingtothe spiritofthisworld)tothewondersofGod,

andtheother[part](accordingtothesource ofthefiercewrath)tothewondersoftheanger ofGod. 90.Forboththemothersarestirring,and desiretoopentheirwonders;yetthewillof thesoulwouldnotgointotheanger;forit knoweththedevil,thatheishaughty,and flyingaloftovertheloveandmeeknessofGod, atwhichthesoulisamazed;soalsoitwould notwillinglyworkinthespiritofthisworld, forthathidethalsoGod'slightfromit,and thereforeitgoethforthwithitswillfromthem both,andwouldbefreeinitswill:Thespirit ofthisworldmayawakenitswondersinthe flesh,butitcastethitswillintoGod'sspirit,he shallgovernit;andhewillnotletthebel [orevil]enterintoitswill:Itdesireth[with itswill]tobedeadin[orto]thisworld,thatitmay liveintheHolyGhost;soalsoitwillnot awakentheabyss,andthereforeithidethor shelterethitselfunderthecross,andletteththe roaringdevilpassby;alsoitletteththespirit ofthisworld,viz.thefleshlylife,passby,it dothasifitweredead:Itsuffereth,yetnot inGod,butinthebel[orevil],whichthesoul ofAdamhathleftitasaninheritance;itholdeth notthatbel[orevil]foritsown,butforthe wondersofGod. 91.Thereforeitremainethpatient,asasufferer (andyetalsonotasufferer),underthecrossof

patience,tillChristshallsettleitagainuponthe cross,intherainbow,[intheeternalsubstantiality, orintheeternalcovenant]:Forhesitteth ontherainbow,andhisbody,hissubstance,is thefullnessofheaven[ortheheavenisfullof hissubstance]. 92.Thethreecoloursintherainbowarethe ThreePrinciples,thefourth[colour]ishisbody inTernarioSancto;[orintheinwardheavenly workingpowerintheangelicalworld,inthe eternalsubstantiality,whereinthedivineTrinity worketh]. 93.Ohowgreatarethewonders!hethat comprehendeththemhathgreatjoythereon, therecannothingbenamedthatislikethese hiddensecretmysteries,notonguecanexpress them:ForwhatisbetterthantohaveGod forhisspouse,tobeinGodwithone'swill; andafterthis[life]timetobewhollyinsubstance aheavenlybodyandaclarifiedor glorifiedsoul? 94.Ogreatdepth,whyartthousohiddento men?Itcomethfromhence:becausetheylove thedevil,andthehaughtyproudfierceness,more thanthee;andthereforetheyarenotablethus withfiercenesstoenterintothee.Omercyof God!bringagainthetreewhichthouhast planted:Whyshouldthywrathboastthatit hathbornemorefruituponthytreethanthy

love?Buildagaintheruinedcity,Jerusalem, thatthykingdommaycome,andthywillbe done.Whowillgivetheethanksinhell?Draw usyetinwiththyspirit,intothypraise[or temple,wheretheysingofthypraise].Howlong shallhelldropwithfatness?Behold!ithath openeditsjaws,andwoulddevourusall:Come yet,andbuildthecityofthycourt,thatwemay dwellnearthee,thatthywondersmayleapforjoy, whenthylovespiritjudgeth:Tarrynot,OLord, forthytreeisbecomeoldforsorrow;[thatis,the numberofvirtuouspeopleissmall]:Bringyet forththenewgreenbranches,whichagainstthe devil'swillspringupthroughhiskingdom:Let thedaybreakforth:Whereforeshallthenightof theangerkeepbackthelilytwig?OLord,thy treegroweththroughthewholeworld;therefore awakenus,OLord,thatwemayeatofitsfruit.

OftheAmen. Sobeit. AndClose[ofthePrayerintheLanguageofNature]. 95.Aisthefirstletter,andpressethforthout oftheheart,andhathnonature[orfiercenessin thepronunciation];butweclearlyunderstand herein,theseeking,longing,orattractingofthe eternalwillwithoutnature,whereinnatureis generated,whichhathbeenfrometernity.For thewilldesireththeheart,andtheheartdesireth thewill,theyareFatherandSon;andthe

virtue,whichgoethforthfromthem,isthespirit oftheeternallife,ofwhichweformerlymademention. [inthisbook.] 96.Now,astheAisgeneratedoutoftheheart, viz.outoftheeternalwill,andthrustforthoutof thewill,sooutofAafterwardscomeththewhole alphabetwithfourandtwentynumbers[letters];forthe Abeginnethtonumber,andcompriseththewhole numberinthe[syllable]men:Thesearethe wondersandworksofGod,whichappearinthe spiritabovenature,viz.inthebrightnessofthe Majesty;whichyoumayunderstandthus:We arewithoursoulinastrangeinn,viz.inthespirit ofthisworld,whichholdethitcaptive,andsoit couldnotcomeintoGod,ifGodwerenotbecome man,whohathbroughtoursoulintotheWord,as intothelivingpowerofGod,inhimself;butnow wearebranchesonthattree,andmustattractthe sapofthetreeintous,ifwewouldspringfromthe tree;else,ifweonlyimagine[andreach]afterthe airandsun,thenourbranchwithereth:Ourwill mustbeputorgraftedintothetree,andthatis [thegroundoftrue]prayer. 97.Whenwepray,thenthewillgoethinto thetree,andattracteththesapofthetreeinto thehungry,thirstyanddrysoul;andthenthere growethoutofthatsapabody,andthensaiththe soulwithgreatjoy,men,thatis,itismine;that istosay,yes,itisdone,takewhatthywill desireth:Thisisfaith,andnot[theknowledgeor]

thehistorywhichBabelmakesastirabout;for prayerhathtwothingsinit;oneistheearnest will,whichpressethforthoutofthemiserable smokyhouseoftheheart,outofthesoulin greathumility,andgivethitselfupintothe HeartofGod,whichbecameman,asintothe treeoflife. 98.AndthatiscalledGlau[Glauben],andthenthe willeatethofthedivinepower,andthat[is theother,and]iscalledben,forthespirit ofthesoulapprehendethit,andholdethit withthetonguetotheteeth;(understandit accordingtothelanguageofnature);andlets theHolyGhostgoforthoutofthevirtueand powerwhichthewillintroducethintothesoul, outofthevirtueandpowerwhichthesoul hathapprehended;evenasitmightilygoeth forth,outoftheheartthroughtheapprehended virtueandpower,throughtheteeth;forinthe virtueandpowerofGodnothingconsumeth: Themorethewillapprehendeth,andthesoul eateth,themoreisthevirtueandpower,and themightierandmorejoyfulisthebodyof God,thatis,thebodyofChrist;notthatitis greateratonetimethanatanother:No,forit isalwaysgreaterthanall;onlythevirtueand powerinthegreatwondersofjoyclimbup outofeternityintoeternity[orfrometernity toeternity]. 99.Understandusaccurately,accordingtoits

preciousdepth,thus;Whenwepray,wedonot onlyspeakbeforeGod;indeedthewillboweth itselfbeforeGod;butitenterethintoGod,and thereisfilledwiththepowerandvirtueofGod, andbringeththatintothesoul:Thesouleateth atthetableofGod,andthatisitofwhichChrist said,ManlivethbyeverywordofGod. 100.TheLord'sPrayerisGod'sWord,and hathsevenpetitions,andanentrance[introduction]andAmen, orconclusion,whichtogetherarenineinnumber, andthetenthisGodhimself:Withtheentrance oftheLord'sPrayerthewillofthesoulentereth intotheFather;andwiththesevenpetitionsit receivethwhatsoeveristheFather's,fortherebyit becomethanangelagain;forinthesevenpetitions itattaineththeheavenlyanddivinecentreof nature;andintheAmenitcomprisethalltogether anddwelleththerein;foritisthebodyof thesoul,itisthefleshofChrist,thebodyofGod; thatistheninthnumberinTernarioSancto; hereinisthetincture,heavenlyanddivine;and thetenthnumberholdeththecross,intowhichno creaturecango:thewillofthesoulonlygoeth thereinto:Thewillofthesoulisassubtleasthe spiritofGod,andGod'sspiritridethalsointhe willofthesoul;itishischariotwhichheloveth tohave. 101.Understandusthus:ThemereDeityis Spirit,andasthinasawill;butitisbecome man,andthethinspiritofGoddwellethinthe

humanity,sothatoursoulsmaywellcometo God;andsowhenthesoulthuseatethofthe bodyofGod,thenitgettethalsothebodyofGod ontoit,andisthechildofGod:GodinChristis thetree;andoursouls,initsholybody,arethe boughsandbranchesthereof. 102.Letusberevealedtoyou,Oworthy Christianity,[fromtheeasttothewest],fromthe risingtothesetting:Thetimeisnearwherein theBridegroomwillfetchhomehisBride:Benot blind,butsee:Buyyouoil,Oyoufoolishvirgins: Goforthfromthewhoredomofcovetousness,and ofpride,orelseyouwillnottasteofthis[Wedding]Supper: WhosoevershallnothavethebodyofGodonthe soulshallnotbeguests,neithercantheyenter intothekingdomofGod. 103.Andsonow,whenwespeakofthecon clusionoftheLord'sPrayer,wefindthathe[God]is thetenthnumber;foritissaid,Deinistdas Reich,unddieKrafft,unddieHerrligkeitin Ewigheit:ThineistheKingdom,andthePower, andtheGloryinEternity.Thatis,Godhimself inhisNumberThree[orTrinity];for,understand itrightly,thus:ThekingdomistheFather's,he isitall;andthevirtueorpoweristheSon'swho isalsoallinthekingdom;andtheHolyGhostis theglory,forhepossessethallinthekingdom,and isthelifeinthekingdom. 104.AndthisTrinityisoftheeternalliberty,

andremainetheternallytobetheliberty.There isoneGod,oneWill,oneSpirit,oneLord,which togetheriscalledWonder,Counsel,Power,andis becomeMan;whoiscalledthePrinceofPeace, Saviour,andConqueror;anditisdonetothe end,thathisdominionmaybegreat,andthat peacemayhavenoend,saithIsaiahtheprophet ofGod.

THESEVENTEENTHCHAPTER ConcerningGod'sBlessinginthisWorld.A verygoodandnecessaryRevelationfor thosethatareweakinFaith.

1.DEARchildren,ifwebeconvertedfromour reason,andgiveup[orsubmit]ourselvesintothe willofGod,thathemaydowithus,andmakeus, whathewill,then,whenweputourtrustinhim, wegointoourtrueFather,andarehischildren. 2.Andnow,asafathercarethforhischildren, soalsoGodourFatherdothforus,asChristhath faithfullytaughtus,saying,Firstendeavourafter thekingdomofGod,andtherighteousnessthereof anlthenallotherthingsshallbeafforded[oraddedtoyou] you.Also,Beholdthefowlsofheaven,theysow not,neitherdotheyspin,neitherdotheygather intothebarn;yetyourheavenlyFatherfeedeth them;andareyounotmoreworththanthese? Oyeoflittlefaith! 3.Thesoulknoweththatthisgarment(of earthlyfleshandblood)isastrangegarment, whereinitisheartilyanddeeplyashamedbefore theMajestyofGod,andthereforeitdothso muchdoubtofGod'sgrace,whenitprayeth; italwaysthinkethitssinsaresomanythatit cannotreachintotheMajestyofGod.

4.Andsuchpainthedevilputtethitto,who alwaysopenethhissmokypit,withtheanger, anddraweththesmokeintothewillofthesoul, thatitkeepethback,andisafraidofGod:The devilalwayspresentethGodasaseverejudge. 5.Thusthepoorsoulkeepethback,and enterethintothespiritofthisworld,andseeketh alivelihoodandmaintenance:ItthinkethGod letsthingsgoastheywill,andthatthings prosperwiththosethatbuildupon,andtrust in,themselves.For,whenthesoulthussticketh inreasonwithoutGod,itsupposeththatitmust usecarkingandcaringtobringittopass;it thinkeththereisnootherway,itmustbedone thus,thelabourofthehands(orelsecunning andsubtlety)mustdoit;fromwhencesomany [strongdelusions]potentevilsdoarise. 6.Dearchildren,berightlyinformed.The outwardearthlylifeisfallenhometothespirit ofthisworld,thebellyneedethearthlyfood,and thebodyearthlyclothing,andahousetodwell in;afterthesethingstheoutwardspiritmust endeavour:itshouldlabourandtakepains;for inthesweatofthyfaceshaltthou(earthlyman) eatthybread,tillthoureturntoearthfrom whencethouwasttaken,saithGodinMoses. 7.Forthebodywastakenfromthematrixof theearth,andhathimagined[orputitsmind] intotheearth,andtheearthhathcaptivated

thatagain,sothatithatheatenearthlyfruit; andsoisturnedtoearth,fromwhenceitwas taken. 8.ForGodtookitfromtheearth,thatis[he took]aMesch,amassorconcretionofredearth, [*AdamfromAdamah],fromthefire'scentre, andfromthewater'scentre,viz.fromboththe mothersofnature,andbreathedintoitthebreath fromwithoutbythespiritofthegreatworld, andthesoulfromwithinoutofthesecond PrincipleintotheHeart. 9.Thesouldothnotdwellquiteintheoutward, onlyitiscaptivatedwiththeoutward:Itswill isenteredintotheoutward,andthereisimpregnated withtheoutwarddominion,andsothe outwarddominioniscomeintothesoul. 10.AndthatwasitwhichGoddidforbidto man,thatheshouldnotlustafterearthlyfruit, power,andvirtue;neitherwasthereanynecessity thatdravehimtoit,forhewasinparadise,and hadparadisicalfood,withoutwantanddeath; andasGoddwellethintheearth,andyetthe earthknowethhimnot,andapprehendethhim not;soalsoman;hecouldhavedweltinthe matrixoftheearthandyethavebeenwiththe soulinGod,andthewillofthesoulhadbrought divinefoodtothesoul:butnow,beingturned away,thesouleatethofthecentreofnature,and theoutwardspiriteatethoftheearth:butifthe

soulturn,andgowithitswillintotheloveofGod, theniteatethofGod'sword,andtheoutward bodyeatethoftheblessingofGod. 11.Forwhenthesoulisblessed,thenGod blesseththebodyalso,forthesoulcarriethan heavenlybodyintheoldAdamicalone:And sohismeatanddrinkisblessed,andallthat thewholemandothandhath:heobtaineth awonderfulblessingwhichhisreasoncannot apprehend:hemustlabourandtrade,fortherefore heiscreatedintotheoutwardworld,that heshouldmanifestGod'swonderswithhisskill andtrading[handicraftandbusiness]. 12.Alltrades,businesses,andconditions,are God'sordinance;everyoneworkeththewonders ofGod:andsonow,ifthesoulstandinthehand ofGodinhislove,thenthebodyisinGod's worksofwonder;andGodhathnodispleasure atitsbusinessordoings,whatsoeveritdoth, wherebyitgettethitsfoodandliving. 13.Theoutwardlifeconsistethinthreeparts: oneisthedominionofthestars;thesecondis the[one]elementdividedintofourparts,asinto thefourforms,offire;air,water,andearth;the thirdisthedominionofGod;forthespiritofGod movesuponthewater,uponthecapsula[surface],upon thematrix.Whatmansoeverputshistrustin God,anddothnotwhollysethisheartuponhis reason,haththespiritofGodforacreator;

whichspiritofGodhaththeVerbumFiat,and createthcontinually:itblessethhiminbodyand soul,inthehouseandinthefield,inthework ofhishands,hisbusinessandtrading;whatsoever hedoth,thespiritofGodiscontinuallyinit, andcreateth[oreffectethit]. 14.Howshoulditbeotherwise?Thesoulhath thebodyofthespiritofGod;Howcanthespirit ofGodthenforsaketheoutwardbody,whichmust openitswonders? 15.Mandothwellenoughineverythingthat isnotfalseorwicked,andifitbenotcontrary toGodandtheloveofmankind:Ifamandid onlycaststonesintothesea(ifhisbrotherbe pleasedwithit,andthathegethislivingbyit) thenheisasacceptabletoGodasapreacherin apulpit:forwhatcarethGodforthelabour? Hehathnotanyneedofthat. 16.Manhathfreewill[choiceorliberty];hemayrecreate himselfuponearth,inwhatworkhewill;let himdowhatsoeverhewill,itallstandethinthe wondersofGod.Aswineherdisasacceptable toGod(asadoctor),ifhebehonest,andtrusteth onlyinGod'swill;thesimpleisasprofitableto himasthewise;forwiththewiseherulethand governeth,andwiththesimplehebuildethand tilleththeground;theyareallhislabourersin hisworksofwonder.

17.Everyonehathanemployment[orcalling] whereinhespendethhistime;allarealiketo him;only,thespiritofthisworldhathitspitch, whichitdistributethinitsmight,asthespirit ofGoddothinheaven;therearegreatdistinctions anddegreestherealso;asthespiritor soulisenduedwithdivinepowerandvirtue,so accordinglyisitsdegreeofexaltationinheaven, alsoitsbeautyandclarity,orglory,butallin onelove. 18.Everyangelandsoulhathjoyinanother's powerandbeauty:astheflowersoftheearth donotgrudgeatoneanother,thoughonebe morebeautifulandfullerofvirtuethananother; buttheystandkindlyonebyanother,andenjoy oneanother'svirtue:andasaphysicianputs manysortsofherbstogether,andeveryoneof themaffordethitsvirtue,andallbenefitthesick, soweallpleaseGod,ifwegiveupourselvesinto hiswill;westandallinhisfield. 19.Andasthethornsandthistlesgrowoutof theearth,andchokeandspoilmanyagoodherb orflower;soalsodoththewicked,whotrusteth notinGod,butbuildethuponhimself,andthinketh withhimself,IhavemyGodinmychest:Iwill covet,andleavemychildrengreattreasurebehind me,thattheyalsomaysitinmyplaceofhonour anddignity,thatisthebestway.Andthereby hespoilethmanyagoodheart,andmakethittake baseandwickedcourses,andthinkeththattobe

theonlywaytogethappiness;andso,ifthey haveriches,honourandpower,thentheyhave goodsindeed;butifanyconsiderit,itisno betterwiththesethanothers,andbesides,the poorsoulislostthereby. 20.Forthedaintiesoftherichrelishnotso wellwiththemasabitofbreaddothtothe hungry:Thereiseverywhere,care,sorrow, vexation,fear,sickness;andatlastdeath:Allin thisworldisbutmerefoppery:Themightysitin thedominionofthespiritofthisworld;andthey thatfearGodsitinthedominionofthedivine powerandwisdom:Thedominionofthisworld takethitsendwiththedyingofthebody;and thedominioninthespiritofGodcontinueth standingeternally. 21.Itisaverylamentablethingthatman runnethsoeagerlyafterthatwhichwouldrun aftermanifhewererighteousandhonest:he runnethaftercaresandsorrows,andtheyrunafter him;heisasifhewerecontinuallymad;he makethdisquiettohimself;ifhewouldbecontented, hewouldhaverestandquietenough.He puttethaneatingworm[orcancer]intohisheartthata plaguethandtormentethhim,andcausethanevil consciencethatgnawethhim,andheisamerefool withallthis:forheleavethhisgoodstoothers, andtakeththegnawingwormintheevilconscience withhimfromthisworld;andthatwhichplagueth himeternally,thatheholdethforhistreasure.

Therecannotbeagreaterfollyfoundunderthe sunthanthis,Thatman,whoisthenoblestand mostrationalcreatureinthisworld,should,in covetousness,bethegreatestfoolofall,tohunt andpresssoeagerlyafterthatwhichhehathno needof;foreveryonehathhissufficientportion givenhimfromthespiritofthisworld,ifhewould butbecontentedwithit. 22.Thusonemanisadeviltoanother;and theytormentoneanother;andallthebusinessis butaboutahandfulofearth,orforastone,of whichtheearthhathenough;Andmustnotthat beawonderindeed?Dothnotthefiercehellish spiritaccomplishitswondersaccordingtoitswish inman?AstheBookoftheRevelationwitnesseth; whereonesealofangerhathbeenopenedafter another,andmenarebecometheservantsand ministersofwrath;theyhavewilfullyentered uponitwiththeirbloodandgoods[orestate], andthoughttheydidGodgoodserviceinit. 23.Oblindman!howartthoucaptivatedin theanger!Whatdostthou,orwhereartthou? Whydostthousufferthedeviltobefoolthee? Heavenandearthiswhollythine,Godwillgive ittheeall:Hehathgiventheeall:thouhast anaturalrightandproprietyinit;thesun andthestarsarethine,thouartlordofall;let nowthyfoolishwillgo:Whydostthougive thyselfupintocovetousnessandhaughtiness? DothnotthekingdomofGodconsistinlove

andhumility? 24.Ordostthousupposeitissogoodtodwell inthewrath?Behold,whenthelightofthy eyesdothcease,thenthougoestintodarkness, andtakestthyfolly,towhichthouhasthere addictedthyself,alongwiththee:Isthenthe darknessbetterthantheeternallight?Askthe nightwhetheritisbetterthantheday.Ordost thousupposethatwearemadthatwespeakthus? Wespeakwhatwesee,andtestifywhatweknow, andthouartblind. 25.ThusartthoublindedbytheBabylonish whore,whichthecovetousdevilbroughtforth whenmenweresecureandcareless,whenthey loathedthewordandspiritofGod,astheRevelation ofJohntestifieth,saying;Iwillcomeandtake awaythycandlestickfromthee:AndPaulsaith; Godshallsufferpowerfulerrorstofallamong them,thattheyshallbelievethespiritoflying, whichspeakethliesinhypocrisyanddeceit;[So that]theywillstickclose[cleave]tothedevils.Butin theLastTime(saiththeprophetDavid)shallthe wordoftheLordspringuplikegrassuponthe earth:openwidethegatesintheworldandset openthedoors,thattheLordmayenterin:Who istheLord?Heisthechampioninthebattle;all swordsandspearsshallbeturnedintoploughshares andsickles(saiththeprophetofGod),and itshallbedone:whosoevershallcallonthename oftheLordshallbesaved.

26.Therefore,itisgoodtotrustinGod;and thoughtheearthlybodyshouldalwayslieindung, itisbutforalittlewhile,andnooneknoweth whathourhistimeinthisworldisout,and thenfolloweththejudgment,accordingtohis life:Thereforedesistfromcovetousness;itisthe eternalrootofallevil,andofallfolly.A covetousmanisthegreatestfoolonearth,for hedevourethhimself,andcausethdisquietnessto himself,andsobringetheviluponhimselfbyit: Heknowethnotwhatmanitwillbewhoshall possesshiscovetousness;andmanytimesitis shamefullyconsumedinwhoring:Thatwherewith onehathdestroyedhissoul,withthesameanother isfrolic,inanotherfoolery:Foritmustallcome toitseffect.ButhethattrustethinGodhath continuallyenough:whatsoeverhehathheis contentedwithit,andsoheismuchricherthan thefoolishcovetous[person],whooppresseththe miserableformoney,whichcannotprolonghis lifefromdeathnorpreservehimfromhell. 27.Thehonestandvirtuousgatherethtreasure inheaven,hegettethanewbody,whereinthere isneitherhungernorthirst,norfrostnorheat, andhehathrestinhisconscience,andwill eternallyrejoiceinhistreasure:Andthecovetous foolgatherethanearthlytreasure,whichhemust leavetoothers;andanevilconscience,anda treasureintheabyss,whichwillgnawandeat himeternally.

28.God'sblessingneverleavethanythat sincerelytrustinGod,andletteththatgowhich willnotstay:Godhaswonderfulways,wherewith hefeedethandnourishethhischildren;as Danielinthelions'den;andElijahunderthe junipertree;andthewidowofSareptainthe famine.HethattrustethinGod,hathbuiltsure inheavenandonearth.

THEEIGHTEENTHCHAPTER

OfDeath,andofDying.HowManiswhen heDieth;andhowitiswithhiminDeath. AGreatGateofWonders. 1.IKNOWthatreasonwillsay:Thouhast nevertriedit[orundergoneit],andthouartyetinthis worldintheoutwardlife,Howthencanstthou knowthis?Indeed,dearreason,accordingtomy outwardmanImustsaysotoo;andIsaythe truthastotheoutwardman. 2.ButseeingwecanlivebothinGodandin thisworldtogether;andseeingthesoul,ifit willknowGod,mustwithChristpressintoGod throughanarrowstraitgate,throughdeathand hell;thereforewehavepowertowriteoftheway, andwillsetitdownforamemorial,sinceweare yetinthisworld:ForGodiswonderful,who judgeth[ordetermineth]inathingandyetthejudgmentisnot executedinthethingatthatinstant:andso, thoughweareintheearthlylife,weshallyet speakofthelifeindeath,whichwewellknow [andunderstand]. 3.Forthereisnoknowledgeincomprehensible tothematrixofnature;ifthespiritrideuponits wings,itgoeththroughthethreePrinciples,and ifitrideuponitstriumphantchariot,mayitnot

thenridethroughdeathandhell?Whocanhinder it?Andmaynotasoulthusbeholdthewonders ofGod;especiallywhenthisisthetimewherein allwondersshallberevealed[ormademanifest]? 4.Wespeaknotofourselvesalone:Thestar[of thesixthseal] isappearedwhichhathbrokentheseal:whydost thoulongstandgazing?Observeit,thetimeis come,thereisnopreventingofitmore. 5.Allthathathabeginninghathanend,that whichisincludedintimegoethwithtimeagain intotheether:Ifwehadlivedinthisworldwithout necessity,andwithoutdeath,inapurebody withoutspotorblemish,yettheoutwardkingdom attheendwouldhavedepartedfromus,andso weshouldhaveremainedintheheavenlysubstantiality, afterthemannerofEnochandElijah, asalsoMoses;yetMosesenteredthroughdeath intotheparadisicallife:ButEnochandElijah weretakenupwithoutdying;andtheretheoutward dominionwiththespiritofthisworldwas takenfromthemwithoutdying;whichwillalso bedoneatthelasttrumpet;uponwhichwill followaneternallife,andaneternaldeath. 6.Thetruemanintheheavenlyimagehathno time;histimeislikearoundcrown,orawhole rainbow,whichhathnobeginningnorend:forthe image,whichisthesimilitudeofGod,hathneither beginningnornumber:ithathstoodfrometernity

inthewisdomofGodasavirginwithoutbringing forth[generating],orwithoutwilling;forGod'swillingwasthe willinginher;shehathappeared[shoneforth]intheHoly Ghostwithallthewonderswhichwehavebrought toessenceandlightinthisworld. 7.Butshewaswithoutbody,withoutsubstance, withoutessences;theessenceswereoutofthe eternalcentreinhermadestirringwiththeir creation,asinthreemothers,accordingtothe ThreePrinciples:ThatGodwouldbemanifested inalltheThreePrincipleswasthecreation;and thatthedominionoftheimagedidnotcontinue initsorderandappointmentwasthedeath,in thatthemiddlegaveitselfintotheoutward,and theoutwardintothemiddle,whichisnotthe ordinance[orderoflaw]oftheeternity:andthereforethere happenedabreaking:fortheoutwardinthe middlehathabeginning,andanumber,and thereforeitgoethtotheend,andmustbreak itselfofffromthemiddleagain,andthisthe longingdesirehathdone,ithathsetthemiddle (whereinthereisaneternallife)outward,andlet intheoutwardintothemiddle. 8.Thusthelifeconsistethinthreeparts;as first,theinward,whichisGod'seternalhidden Mysteryinthefire,fromwhencethelifeexisteth: Andsecondly,themiddle,whichhathstoodfrom eternityasanimageorsimilitudeofGodinthe wondersofGod,withoutsubstance,inwhichGod's desirewastoseehimselfinanimage;andjustas

amanseethhimselfinaglass,sowasthisalso: Andsothirdly,thisimageinthecreationhath againgotaglasstoseeitselfin,whichwasthe SpiritusMajorisMundi,thespiritofthegreat world,viz.theoutwardPrinciple,whichisalsoa figureoftheeternal[Principle]. 9.Andonthis[outward]figuretheimagehath sogazedthatithathimaginedandreceivedinthe outwardimage;whichmustnowbreakoffagain: butseeingitisboundwithitsbondtotheeternal centreofnature,thereforeithappenethtobevery painfultobreakoff,astothatbond;forthereone lifeisbrokenoff. 10.Andwhentheairceaseth,thenthefiremust besmothered,andgointoitsether,andthatis death:fortheoutwardPrincipleandtheinward breakoffonefromanother;fortheoutwardhath abeginning,andtheinwardnot;andtherefore theoutwardmustbreakoff. 11.Theoutwardconsistethonlyinthesun's tincture,anditsdominionistheplanetsandstars, whoalwaysdriveontheirdominiontothelimit [orperiodoftheircourse],foreveryplanethathits limitinthatplaceitstoodinatthecreation,and thatisitsperiod,anditsseculum,orcourse:and whenitcomethtothatplace,orpoint,thenall whatsoeveritwaswhollylordover,breaketh:for itbeginnethanewcourseorseculum.

12.Butyoumustunderstanditaright,[thus], Everyone[oftheplanets]hathnotthetinctureof life:Saturn,Mars,andJupiterhavethegreat life;Saturnseparatethwhatsoeverhegettethin hislimit,hedothitnot[actually],butheleaveth thelife,andthenithathnoleader,butbreaketh ofitself,andsoitiswiththeother[planets].But itslimitorperiodmustreachtothecrownofthe stars[orzodiacofsigns],inthatsignandpoint inwhichtheplanethathitslimitandperiod. 13.Andthereforemanyayoungchild,evenin itsmother'swomb,isoldenoughfordeath,forits lord[Thelordofitsascendant]isathisperiod, andleavethitschild;and thecausewhywecannot[easily]searchoutour endis,thatwedonotproperlyandexactlyknow thelimitofourleader[calculationofnativities]: forwemustknowitsnumberorperiod, andthenumberorperiodofthesign,ifwewillhit thepointofourlimitorend. 14.Beholdnowinwhatdangerweare,according totheoutwardlife;neitherareweathomein thislife,andyetwearequickenedandawakened, throughtheoutwardlife,andsoasoulcomestobe generated:thoughindeedtheoutwardlifecannot generateasoul;fortheseedissownwith[or in]allthethreePrinciples,andtherearethree mothers,eachofwhichhatchethitschicken. 15.Thismightwasgiventoman:though

indeedtheimageofGoddidnotstandthus:For Adam,beforehisEve[wasmade],wasachaste virgin,notmannorwoman:hehadboththe tinctures,thatinthefire,andthatinthespirit ofmeekness,andcouldofhimselfhavebrought forthafteraheavenlymanner,withoutdividingor rendingofhimself,ifhehadstoodoutthetrial; andthenonemanhadbeengeneratedfromanother, afterthatmanner;asAdaminhisvirginlike mannerwasman,andtheimageofGod. 16.Forthatwhichisoutoftheeternalhathalso. aneternalmannerofgenerating,itssubstancemust gowhollyoutoftheeternal,elseitsubsistethnot ineternity.Buthavingnotonguetobringto lighthowoneisindeath,whenheisdead,though indeedweunderstandit,thereforewemustshewit insimilitudes. 17.Adeadmanhathnobreath,neitherhath heanyfireinhisbody:thebodyhathnofeeling, foritbreaketh[orcorrupteth]altogether:its essencesgointotheearth:itselementaryspirit, viz.theair,goethintotheair,andvanishethin avapour:thewaterandbloodisreceivedbythe waterandearth,andthenthereremainethnothing oftheoutwardman:heisquitegone,forhehath beginningandend,allhisessencesaregone. 18.Understandusafterthismanner:Asthe imagestoodinaformfrometernity,andyetit hadnocertainform,butwasawonder,likeone

thatdreamethofasightorimage;andsoit hathbeenforeseeninthewisdomofGod,withall wonders. 19.Alsoobservethis;whenGodtheFatheronce movedhimselftothecreation,thenheawakened (intheimage)essences,whichstoodhiddeninthe centreofnature;andtheseessencesareoutofthe eternalliberty,theyshouldworktheirwondersin oraccordingtothewillofGod;theyshouldframe nootherwill,forthatwhichtheyshoulddoand openshouldstandeternally,foritwasoutofthe eternal,andshouldworkinthefragileorcorruptible, andbringitssimilitudesintothewonders. 20.Forthefragileorcorruptiblehathinthe inwardaneternalmother;andseeingnowthat theeternalimagehathletthecorruptibleintoits will,thereforehaththerootofthecorruptible (whichisalsoeternal)wroughtintheimage,and putitswonderstherein,whichcontinuenow standingeternallyasafigure,seeingtheyare generatedoutoftheeternal:andsotheystand inthewill,inthedesireofthesoul,whenitis departedfromthebody. 21.Andthoughithappenthatthewill(inthe timeofthislife,viz.inthetimeofthebody)goeth forthoutoffalsehoodandwickedness,yetthe will[purposeandintention(Therepresentationofthethought)] remainethasafigure,whichfolloweththewillasashadow,for itisgeneratedoutoftheeternal,thesoul,inits

eternalessences,hathmadethat;forthesoul workethbyitswillinthecentre,andthestarry spiritworkethinthebody,inthefleshandblood, andhangethontothesoul,andmakeththesoul tolongandlust,thatitalsomaydoasthestarry spiritdoth. 22.Andsonowwhatthesouldoth,itdothin itsPrinciple,intheeternal,andallthatfolloweth thesoulinthedeceasingofthebody;onlyinthe timeofthebody,ithathabilitytodrawitswill outfromit:andwhenthewillisrenewed,then alsothesubstance[orsubjectmatter],whichthewill hathmadeinthecentre,isrenewed;andthoughithadbeen evil,yetitbecomethgood,andsostandethinthe centre,tothemanifestationofGod'sworksof wonder. 23.Thusalsowegiveyoutoconsiderhow theconditionofthewickedsoulis,whichthus incovetousness,haughtiness,intyranny,andmere falsehoodandwickedness,departethfromthebody, whenallthatstillstickethinthewillofthesoul unconvertedfromit;inthoseveryworksthesoul musteternallyswim[orswelter],forthatisitssubstance whichithathheremade[toitself],neitherdothit desireanyother:Andthoughitofferethtohate it,andseekethinthecentreforabstinence[to avoidit],yetitawakenethbutthefireroot thereby,whichkindlethandincreaseththissubstance; forthemeekness[viz.thewaterofeternal life]isnotinitswill,wherebyitmightquench.

thefire,andturnitselffromtheevilintothewill ofGod:andthoughitseekforthat,yetthereis nofindingofit. 24.Thencomethsorrowandlamentationupon it,andkindleththeevilsubstancemanyhundred timesmore,sothatthesouldesirethtocastitself downheadlong,andyetfallethcontinuallydeeper intothecentreoftheabyss. 25.Itiswiththatsoulaswithonethat dreameththatheisingreattormentandanguish, andseekethhelpeverywhere,andyetcannotfind it,andsointheenddespairethandgivethhimself overtothedriver[ortormentor],whenheseeth noremedy,todowhathewillwithhim:And thusthepoorsoulfallethintothedevil'sarms, andneitherdarenorcangoanyfurther:butwhat hedoth,thatitmustdoalso. 26.ItmustbeGod'senemy,andinhighmindedness, initsfalsehoodandwickednesswhich itcommittedhere,flyoutinthefireabovethe princelythronesofangels;andthatisitsrecreation initsfoolishsport;andbeingithath constantly[hereonearthinthebody]madeitself afool,therealsoitremainethtobeafoolanda juggler. 27.Foreverydamnedsoulgoethforth(inits herepractisedfalsewickedmatters)intheanger ofGod,asastout,prouddevil;thatwhichithath

hereacted,thatitdoththerealso;forthatvery matteroffollyisitstreasure,andthereinisits willalso,anditsheart,asChristsaith. 28.Butthosesoulswhichattheendnarrowly escapethedevil,andbutthenfirstenterintothe willofGod,whenthebodyisdeceasing,theyare asonethatisescapedfromafight,fortheyare quitenaked,andhavelittleofthebodyofthe heavenlysubstantiality;andtheyareveryhumble, andlovetoliedowninrest,andsointhestillness waitfortheLastJudgment,hopingwiththe clarification[transfigurationorrenovation]ofthe heavenstohavejoywithallthesouls:and althoughtheyhavejoywiththem,yettheysee theirsubstanceunderthem,andareveryhumble intheMajesty:fortheirdwellinganddelightis onlyparadise,viz.intheoneelement,butnot Majesty;fortheclarificationorgloryisdifferent, allaccordingastheholinessandloveis. 29.Butthezealoussoulsinthewondersof God,whichhereunderthecrosswroughtthe wondersofGodinobediencetohiswill,which aremightyinthepowerofGod,whichhaveput onthebodyofGod,thatis,Christ'sbody,and walkedthereininrighteousness,andtruth,all theirdoings[works,matters,oressences] alsofollowthemintheirstrongwill anddesire;andtheyhaveunspeakablejoyinthe loveandmercifulnessofGod.

30.ForthemeekloveofGodembraceththem continually:allthewondersofGodaretheirfood; andtheyarecontinuallyinsuchglory,power, might,majesty,andwonder,asnotonguecan express;fortheyareGod'schildren,God'swonder, God'spowerandvirtue,God'sstrength,God's honourandglory;theyarehispraise,theysing hissongofpraiseorHallelujahinparadise,inthe element,andinthecentreofnature;thereisno awakeningofthewrath[there]ineternity;but everyspiritinnatureisalovedesire:theythere knownodevil,anger,norhell;thereiseternal perfection:whatsoeverthewilldesireth,thatis there,andallinpower. 31.Itiswritten,ThekingdomofGodconsisteth inpower,andnotintheearthlysubstance,for thisearthlysubstanceisnotfrometernity,therefore alsoitwillnotbetoeternity;ifyouwill conceiveoftheheavenlysubstance,youmusthave acarethatyoubringaheavenlymindtoit,and thenthespiritofGodwillwellshewtheheavenly substance,itismucheasierfortheenlightenedto conceiveoftheheavenlysubstance,thanofthe earthly:LetnottheReaderimaginethethingso difficult. 32.Butinthethoughtsofhisownreasonhe cannotreachtoit;lethimleaveoff,forthereby heattainethonlyaglimpse,evenasAntichrist hathbutaglimpseoftheWordofGod,andofthe doctrineofChrist,andyetstronglysupposeththat

hehathapprehendedtheWord;butitisamere foppery,theircryingandroaringismerejuggling. 33.Ifyouhavenottherighthammeryou cannotstriketheclockthatawakeneththepoor captivesoul;heavenandearthandeverythinglie inman,youneedbuttousetherighthammer,if youwillstrikehisclockandawakenhimoutof hissleep:yourcryingaloudwillnotdoit,you willnotbeabletobeatthedivinesoundintohim, ifyouyourselfhaveitnot:Butthosethathave therighthammer,theyawakenhimindeed:therefore allteacherswithoutGod'shammerarebut jugglers,hammersforthebelly,hammersforthe ear,andnohammersforthesoul. 34.Thesouldwellethnotintheoutwardspirit; indeedtheoutwardspirithathinsinuateditselfas anevilcompanionintothesoul,buthathnotthe Principleinitwhereinthesouldwelleth,butis onlyacoverandhindrancetoit. 35.AndsoalsotheAntichristisbutahindrance tothepoorsoul;forifthepoorsoulwerenot sofasttiedandboundtothecrying,whichonly fillethpeople'searsinsermons,itwouldenter intoitself,andseekitself;itwouldendeavour afteramendmentandabstinencefromsin;butnow itsupposeththattobeholinesswhichentereth inattheear,andyetmanytimesthereisnothing butdross,filth,andreproachagainstloveand concordinit.

36.Whatshallamansay?Isnotallquite blindfoldedandfullofhypocrisy;everyone endeavourethafternothingbutforthebelly; boththeshepherd,andthesheep,thesuperior [ormagistrate],andtheinferior[orsubject];the spiritofGodisveryscarceandrareamong them,andthoughtheyboastmuchofit,yetit isbutashowofholinessandhypocrisy,where theheartknowethlittleofthespiritofGod, itisamerenotionalconjecturalknowledge,and matter[thingorconfusedmedley]withoutspirit. 37.OthouworthyChristianity,beholdthyself: OEurope,Asia,andAfrica,openyoureyesand lookuponyourself;dobutseek[orexamine]yourself.Let everyoneseekhimself,orelseitwillnotbewell withhim:Thereisastrongbowbent:Fallinto thearmsofthearcher,andbeconverted,and findthyself;orelsethouwiltbeshotaway[as anarrowoutofabow].Benotrockedtosleepby children,butriseandwalkuponthyownfeet:It ishightime,thesleepisatanend:Theangel hathsoundedhistrumpet,donotdrawback:Consider whattheRevelationofJesusChristsaith, ThatthosewhichhangtothewhoreofBabel[that is,totheconfusion],willgoalongwithherinto thelakewhichburnethwithfireandbrimstone; [viz.thelakeofGod'sanger,whichburnethwith judgment,famine,andpestilence,whichwillsweep thewholeearth].

38.Forthewhorewillnotbeconverted,she mustdrinkofthedregsofthatcupwhichshe hathfilled;thereforeleteveryonehimselfopen hisowneyes,forGodisgreat,whowilljudgeher: Shewillcontinue,andgooninhersins,andat lengthdespair:Shecrieth,Mordio[Murder, Murder],andyetnonehurtethher,butitisher ownevilthatplaguethandtormentethher,viz. thehypocrisy,supposedholiness,highmindedness, andcovetousness:Shehathwolvesthatbiteand tearher,yettheyarebutwolvesthatdoso;and arenoneofthesheep. 39.Thereforeitisnecessarytoawake,notin muchsearchingafteropinionsandfooleries,but inseekingthyself;formuchsearching,without conversionfromevil,ismeredeceit,andseduction fromthisway:Andthoughthoushouldstread thisathousandtimeswithoutconversionofthy will,thouwouldstunderstandasmuchofit,as theassdothofthePsalmbookandjustthusit iswiththebellypriests,theAntichrist. 40.Doyousupposeitaslightmatter,tosetan assuponakinglythrone?Howthenshallthe bellyassstandbeforeGod,whosettethhimself withanass'sheartinthethroneofChrist,which isthedwellingplaceoftheHolyGhost,onlyfor thesakeofgain,honour,andesteem,andismerely atellerofstories,orrelaterofahistory,without anyknowledge;andbesides,isfullofblasphemy andwickedness?Or,dostthousupposethouart

fitenoughtositinthethroneofChrist,whenthou haststudiedsomeartsandforeignlanguages? Prayconsider!LookuponGod'schoice,upon Abraham,andthepatriarchs,alsouponMoses andtheshepherds,alsoupontheprophetsand apostles,andthouwiltsoonseewhomGodchooseth, andwhetherhechoosethartorspirit. 41.Thereforebewarned,leteveryoneconsider thestateandconditionheisin:Hethatworketh, workeththewondersofGod,andgoethinsimplicity withhiswillintoGod'swill,andhangethasa childtoGod:Hehathbuttwowaystogo,onein hiswork,wherewithhemaysustainhisbody;the other,inthewillofGod,andsoputtethhistrust inGod,lethimmakeanddowithhimwhathe will;andwheresoeverheis,orwhatsoeverheis goingabout,hesaith,Lord,itismyemployment, orcalling,thywillbedone,givemewhatisgood forme;andsuchgoonveryrightlyinGod's worksofwonder. 42.Buthethatischosenbynaturetobea ruler,governor,orleader,especiallyinaspiritual stateandcondition,heoughtwelltohaveacare ofhisdoings,thathedothnotgowithouthis weapons,orarmour;forheleadeththeflockof Christ:Heisashepherd[orpastor],thewolfiscontinually abouthim. 43.Ifhebewatchful,andconsiderthathehath Christ'ssheepunderhiskeeping,andfeedthem

aright,asafaithfulshepherd,thentheshepherd's crookshallbeagreatglorytohimintheeternity: Butifheseekonlythewool,viz.hisownhonour andesteem,might,power,andauthority,pomp, state,glory,andvoluptuousness,andspendor consumethesheep'spasture,anddonotgivethem foodanddrink,butisalazysleeper,snoringin fleshlylustandpleasure,whileonesheepisgoing astrayhere,andanotherthere,beingscattered,and liabletobedevouredbywolves;andsuchaswill notgoinbythedoorofthesheepfold,butclimb upontheoutside,andonlycontrivehowthey maybycunning,subtlety,andcraftytricks,steal awaytheirfood,andshearofftheirwool:Allsuch areofthenumberofwolves,andhavenotthe shepherd'scrookofChrist;buttheyhaveanduse thedevil'sshears,andmusthereafterhowlwith thewolveseternally. 44.Howmayanycallhimselfashepherdof Christ,whoisnotchosentobeashepherdbythe spiritofChrist?Ormayawolfmakeashepherd overthesheep?Aretheynotbothwolves?Or dowespeakfromconjecture?Itisnotsoin theorderofnature,foranevilthingcannotproduce agoodthingoutofitself,butoneevilthing generatethanother. 45.Howthencanonewrathfulsoldierappease anotherfurioussoldier,whofullypurposethtokill, slay,andmurder?Orhowwiltthouawakenthe HolyGhostinman,seeingthereisonlythespirit

ofthisworldinthyvoice?Thatcannotbe,unless itwerealreadyawakenedinthehearer,whoheareth thevoiceoftheHolyGhostinallwordswhich arespokenofthewonders[orworks]ofGod. 46.And,ifanasscouldspeak,andshouldspeak ofGod'sword,thehammeroftheawakenerwould thenstrikeinthesoulwhichisinGod:Whosoever isofGod,hearethGod'sword,saithChrist; Yethereforehearnot,becauseyouarenotofGod, butofthedevil,andofthespiritofthisworld. 47.InsomethereisnowordorspiritofGodat alltobeawakened;forthewrathfulmatrixhath captivatedthem;whichisplainandmanifestin sometowhomChristhimselfspake:Hehadthe hammerindeed,buthisspiritenterethnotintothe maliciousobstinatesoul,butintothosewhowould fainbevirtuous,honest,andgodly,iftheycould: Andwhenoncethehammerthusawakeneththe spiritofthesoul,thatthesoulturnethandcasteth itselfintoGod,thenitcan. 48.Theoldman[theoldAdam]shouldnothavethedominion, butthespiritofGodshouldhaveit;elsethereis noability,butakeepingbackbythewrath;for thereisatwofoldlongingorseekinginthesoul: Oneisthefire'sgreedycovetousfiercelonging, whichalwaysseekethafterearthlymatters;and theotherisfromthespirit,whichisbroughtforth outofthefire,whereintherightlifeofthesoulin theimageofGodisunderstood,thatis,God's

longing,whichseekeththekingdomofheaven. 49.Andso,whentherighthammer(viz.the spiritofGod)strikethinit.thenthatlongingis sostrong,thatitovercomeththefiresourceand longing,andmakethitmeek,sothatitdesireth thelongingoflove,viz.thelongingofthesoul's spirit;andthereisgoodtobedone:Suchasoul iseasytobeawakened,soastosubduetheoutward dominion,especiallywhenthehammeroftheHoly Ghostsoundeththroughtheearsintotheheart, thenthetinctureofthesoulreceivethitinstantly; andthereitgoethforththroughthewholesoul, throughboththelongings,foritcastethitselfinto onewill;fortwowillsdonotsubsistineternity, theremustbebutone;oneofthemmustbe impotent,orofnomight;andtheotheromnipotent, oralmighty,orelsethereisdisunion,and noagreement. 50.Forthatistheright[ortrueproperty]of eternity,andoftheeternalsubsistence,tohave butoneonlywill:Ifithadtwo,onewouldbreak ordestroytheother,andsotherewouldbestrife: Indeedtheeternityconsistethinmanypowersand wonders,butitslifeismerelyandonlythelove, outofwhichgoethforthlightandmajesty:All creaturesinheavenhavebutonewill,andthatis inclinedintotheHeartofGod,andgoethinto God'sspirit,evenintothecentreofmultiplicityin thespringingandblossoming:butGod'sspiritis thelifeineverything.

51.Thecentreofnatureaffordeththesubstance, andtheMajestyaffordethpower;andtheHoly Ghostisthebringerforth:Hehaththepredominancy; andithathbeensofrometernity,but inaninvisiblesubstancebefore[orto]thecreatures: Thereisnothingnewinheaventhatwasnot before,butonlythatthesubstanceisbecome palpableandcomprehensible:Godhimselfhath shewnforthhimselfinsimilitudesandimages,else allhadbeenbutmerelyandonlyGod:Thedevil isGod's;heishiswrathorfiercenessinthemost inwardcentre,whichisalsothemostoutward,for hiskingdomisthedarknessinnature,asisbefore mentioned, 52.Thereforemanshouldhaveacareofhim self,andendeavourtopropagateorputforth himself[bringforth,orregeneratehimself] forheisarootinthesoilofGod,andhath gottenthespiritofunderstanding:Hemustbring forthfruitoutofthespiritofthesoul,inthe poweroftheHolyGhost;notaccordingtothe formandmannerofdarkness,butoutofthepower ofthelight;forwhatsoevergrowethoutofthe powerofthelight,thatbelongethtoGod'stable; andwhatsoevergrowethoutfromthedarkness, whichremainethafruitindarkness,belongethto thedarknessintheabyssinthewrathfulmatrix [orinthefiercegenetrix]. 53.Afterthis[life]timethereisnorecalling;

for,asanherbissprungupandgrown,soit remaineth,andsoitrelisheth,andisafterwards desiredforfoodonlyofthosethatareofthesame essences[orquality];butthosethathavenotthe sameessences,desireitnotforfood;neitherdo theygatheritintotheirbarns.

54.Therefore,leteverysoultryandexamine itself,andconsiderwhatkindoffruititis:Itis goodconvertingwhilewearehereinthislife,and topruneoff[theevil]branch,andtosendfortha betterfromitsroot:ButwhentheGreatReaper cometh,hecuttethoffall,oneandother;andthen theweedsandevilbranchesareboundinbundles, andcastintothefire;butthegoodherbsareset uponGod'stable. 55.Wehaveveryfaithfullyopenedthis accordingtoourgifts,andwhosoeverishungrylet himeat,andwhosoeverthirstethlethimdrink; theymayhaveitwithoutmoney,thatourjoyin Godmaybefull,andthatwealsomayhavetoeat intheotherworld[theworldtocome]. Hallelujah.Amen.

THEENDOFTHEBOOKOF THETHREEFOLDLIFE (next:alphabeticallistofterms)

ANALPHABETICALTABLE OFTHEMATERIALCONTENTSOFTHE SEVERALVERSESOFTHISBOOKOFTHE THREEFOLDLIFEOFMAN CHAP.Abyss.VERSE 5.WhereintheabyssoftheangerofGodconsisteth.109 5.Admonitiontotheseekersthatsupposetheabyss wherethedevilsdwell,tobefaroff..111 5.Theabyssuponwhichthefourelementsstand,isthe angerofGod,andthehabitationofthedevils.141 6.Theabyssofhellisinthisworld....67 9.Howtheabyssmixethitswondersamongthewonders ofGod........11 14.Whencethegreatcovetousness(whichisthefirstroot oftheabyss)ariseth,whichaffordethnothingtoany willingly32 14.Oftheenvyinthewordofthesoul,thesecondroot oftheabyss,fromwhenceliarsandslanderersarise. Theauthorlamenteththegreatmisery...33 14.Thethirdrootoftheabyss,whichistheseatofthe devil,viz.theanguish:Ofthewonderfulworking ofthedevilinthisproperty.....34 14.Theworkingofthedevilinthefourthrootorform oftheabyss,viz.theflash,thespringingupofthe lightintheunderstanding35 Adam. 5.HowAdamwasinparadisebeforehissleep..135 5.HowAdamisbecomebestialandearthly...136 5.OutofwhatAdamiscreated.....137 CHAP.Adam.Verse 5.HowAdamwouldbelikeGod,andhowEvewas misled..138 5.HowAdamwascreatedinthebeginning..144 5.HowAdamshouldhaveremainedforever..145

6.OutofwhatitwasthatGodspaketoAdam..1 6.AlamentationthatAdamandhisgenerationhathnot continuedtobechildrenofGodinparadise..14 6.HowtheperishedsoulofAdamwasagainsetinthe eternalhumanity85 6.TheFallofAdamislikenedtothequenchingof aflamingpieceofiron90 6.TheDeitywasnotextinguishedintheFallofAdam. TheconditionofAdam,ifhiswillhadcontinued inGod..91 6.HowAdamwascaptivatedbytheworld,bydeath,by thedevil,andhell92 6.WhattheFallofAdamwas93 6.HowthepoorsoulofAdamwasashamed;andwhat hisclothingwasbeforetheFall....94 7.FromAdamtoChrist,thetreeofpearlgrewhidden undertheveilofMoses12 7.ThepowerandconditionofAdambeforehisFall26,27 7.ThewillofAdambeforehisFallwasinGod,and Godinhim,andheinparadise....28 7.Whythecommandmentnottoeatoftheforbidden fruitcame:AlsohowlongAdamwasinparadise beforehefellasleep...........29 7.HowAdaminhissleepbecamemaleorman,andso Evewasformedintoawoman....30 7.ThemiserableconditionofAdamaftertheFall,and ofoursalso31 7.HowweareshutupintheangerwithAdam..43 8.Adamwasinparadiseinthedivinebody,andnowis betweenheavenandhell9 11.Reasonshouldopenbotheyes.ThecreationofAdam explained:AlsothecausewhyGoddidnotatfirst createAdamanAngel11 12.AspeechtoallthatareproceededfromAdam..12 18.HowAdamwasbeforehisEve15

Air. 7.Oftheinstabilityandwrestlingoftheair...76 7.Ofthespiritoftheairinthecreatures,anditstransitoriuess 78

Almighty. CHAP.All.Allthings.Almightiness.VERSE 3.Menshouldsearchtheirownproperty.Allisfullof God33 3.Menmusthescorned:Alsohowallmaybefound thatisdesired.......36 4.Allconsistethinthewill.Thewillcarriethand leadethus.......6 4.Theessenceofallessencesisacontinualhungerand satiating:Alsohowallchangeth,andyetremaineth still7 4.Whenceallthatiscometobehathproceeded:Also wheretimebegan......25 9.Howallisbecomesubstantial45 15.Allshallbetriedinthefire13 5.Whyallthingsarecometoacorporealsubstance.123 17.Godhathgivenalltous23 10.HowinthewillofGodweareabletodoallthings.32 2.HowGodisalmighty......26 4.Natureconsistethofendlessforms:Nonumberisfound inthealmightiness......9 Amen. 16.HowintheAmenisunderstoodtheseekingofthe eternalnature.......95 16.HowthewholealphabetproceedethoutoftheA: Alsoofthesyllablemen:IfGodwerenotbecome man,wecouldnotattainhim....96 Angels. 14.Howtheangelsoftenassistthevirtuousinnecessity.58 14.HowtheangelsoftendeliverChristians...57 14.Whattheconditionoftheholyangelsis..61 14.Whatconditiontheyareofthatwanttheassistance andsocietyofangels.....62 14.Theangelsacceptofnohonournorworshipfromus.63 14.Theangelsstrivewiththedevilsaboutthesoulof man67 Anger. 3.TheangerofGodisnotathingwithoutGod,neither isitthemereDeity......19

CHAP.Anguish.Verse 2.Whatthedesireoftheanguishis...30 3.Thatwhichmakethanguishinthedarkcentre,maketh joyinthelight15 Antichrist.Antichristian. 6.ThespiritwhichhathblindedusintheAntichrist.11 6.HowAntichristridethoverheaven,earth,andGod.13 11.HeretheproudcovetousAntichrististoldwhereits poorsoulshallremain48 11.OftheveryAntichrist:hismysticalness:everyman carriethhiminhisheart51 11.TheAntichristhurtethnottheignorant:Godwill manifesthim,andheshalllosehisstinginthe childrenofGod.52 11.TheAntichristisacauseofthefallingawayofthe Asians,Assyrians,Egyptians,Moors,Greciansand Africans:TheIndiansarebetterthantheAntichrist89 11.TheythatwillslaytheAntichrist,aretheverybeast whereuponherideth:Alsowhatcontentioneffecteth93 11.HowtheAntichristpronouncethpeoplehappyformoney96 11.AspeechtoAntichristconcerningthebusinessbetween PeterandAnanias98 11.Itwereoftenbetternottobehearersoftheliesof Antichrist100 11.Antichristisbornoflies:Alsowherehefeedethhis sheep101 11.HowAntichrististobeslainandpulleddown..105 12.HowbythebusinessofCainandAbel,Antichrist maybediscerned.17 12.AspeechtotheAntichristconcerninghisleading peopleastray.29 12.WhoarethebearsandwolvesofAntichrist:Also whentheMysteryofthekingdomofGodshallbe manifest.30 12.Advicetoprinces:Antichriststickethinallcovetousness32 12.ThemarksofthelastAntichrist:Admonitiontothe childrenofGod.34 6.HowtheAntichristianspiritshallberightlyshewntous12

Art. 3.Howmenbindtrueunderstandingtoartandstudy.83 4.WithoutthewillofGodallthatisdoneinnatural artisbutagravenimage.....46 7.Art,eloquence,audanuniversityavailnothing..5 CHAP.Asia.VERSE 12.WhyAsia,Africa,andGreece,aretobeaccounted happy25 Author. 1.Whothosearethatcanunderstandtheauthor..22 1.Theendoftheauthor'swriting.....41 1.Theauthorwillshewwhatweareinbodyandsoul: AlsowhatGod,heaven,andhellare;andsaithwe areblinderthantheheathen....44 2.Theauthorspeakethofhisknowledge..18 2.TheDeitysubjecttonoalteration.Theauthor speakethbutinpart66 3.Theauthorwillshewthatwhichhathbeenhidden sincetheFallofAdam.....6 3.AdvicetothechildrenofChrist.Theauthordoth notforbidgoingtothechurchesofstone..90 3.Theauthorhathnotsoughtafterthesophisters,but aftertheHeartofGod92 4.Iftheauthordidnotseeandunderstand,hewould holdhispeace.......3 4.TheauthorwritesthesethingsdownforaMemorial tohimself.......4 5.Theauthorspeakethasachildspeakethofitsmother23 5.TothosethatarenotbornofGod,theauthorisdumb25 5.Theauthorspeakethfromtwolanguages...26 5.Theauthoradmonishesthewolvestoembracethe poorABCscholars.......78 6.Whytheauthorhathundertakentowritethisbook.5 6.Theauthorwritethasformany7 6.Theauthorspeakethbylivingexperience...35 6.Theauthorspeakethwhatheknoweth,andmust speak.........73 7.Theauthorwillshewthehardprisonofourblindness53 7.Theauthorbewailethourblindness....59 8.TheauthorisclothedwithAdam'sskin,andalso livethinthehopeofIsrael.....8

9.Theautliorspeakethwhathemustspeak,anddespiseth none30 9.Theauthorspeakethwhathehimselfhathtried.38 10.Theauthorshewethhowfarweoughttosearch..29 11.Theauthordesirethnottoreproachmankindbyhis wonderfuldiscoveryinhiswritings...30 13.Theauthorspeakethwhatisgiventohim,andknown tohim.63 CHAP.Author.VERSE 14.Theauthorwriteththatwhichhehathseenwith spiritualeyes55 16.Theauthorhathexperimentedwhathementioneth concerningthesoul10 18.TheauthorhathabilitytowritetheseMysteries.2 Babel. 3.WhenBabelbreaketh,thenthereisthetabernacleof Godwithmen81 3.Babelreprovedforjudgingthosethatareinthe angelicalworld88 7.WhatthepoorsoulinBabelmustdotobehappy.7 8.AwonderfuldescriptionoftheFallofBabel,andthe dragon,thatis,thecontentiousdisputationand tyrannicalgovernment.....49 10.VengeancedenouncedoverBabel....35 14.AnadmonitiontoBabel.Alsoconcerningtheeternal satisfactionandatonement.....39 Band. 1.Sournessandbitternesstogetherarethebandthat makethitself.29 1.Oftheeternalband,outofwhichallthingsaremade40 Baptize.Baptizer.Baptism. 13.TheythatsaytheTestamentsorSacramentsarebut meresignsorsymbols,aretheAntichrist.Also howasimplepersonisabletobaptize...38 13.TheschoolrabbiswillbebaptizedbyOnethatis coming,whowillbaptizewiththefireofanger.39 7.WhereforeChristhathinstitutedthebaptismforus.50 13.Awonderfuldescriptionofbaptism....33

13.WhyGodbyChristinstitutedtwoTestamentsor Sacraments.Howthedevil'soraclesceasedat thecomingofChrist.Anexplanationhowthe baptismisfortheignorantandsuchashave notfaithyet.......36 13.TheHolyGhostchieflymanageththeofficeinbaptism37 Beast.Beasts. 3.Thespiritresemblethustoanabominablebeast,upon whichhesetteththefinespirituality,orclergy.61 3.Whatbeastthedaintywomanridethupon,not Christ'sass,butthedevil62 CHAP.Beast.Beasts.VERSE 5.Inthecourtsofprincesthevialsofangerarepoured forththroughtheinstigationofthehypocrites,the clergy:themightofprincesisthebeastofthe whore66 6.Advicetotheseekingmindthatwouldberidofthe beast.16 8.Abeastunderstandethnotitsbeginning,butthereis anotherlifeinus26 8.Wearenotmerelyoutoftheearthasabeastis..27 8.Howthefleshofbeastswhichweeatsullieththesoul,19 8.Wearebothmenandbeasts25 8.Ofthedesirewhichbeastshave....28 9.Whencetheweedsandevilbeastshavetheiroriginal.12 9.Theevilbeastshaveproceededaccordingtothedevil's desire.........55 Beginning. 4.Whatthebeginningis....21 Birth. 1.HowwemayenterintotheNewBirth...17 1.Nonatureisfeltinthedivinelife:Thesoulisafire intheeternalnature:Thesoulisaspirithaving sevenforms,whereinheavenandhellconsist:The authorhereunderstandeththeeternalbirth..19 2.Ofthebirthofnatureinasimilitude..27 2.Howthebirthis;alsooftheessencesandofthe firespirit71 3.Ofthebirthofthefourformsoftheeternalnature.8

3.ThenamesofthesecondbirthorWord...24 3.Withoutthesourbirththerewouldbenonaturenor life:Thelifeisthemostdelectable:thesourbirth iseternal.27 3.AthanksgivingfortheNewBirthoutofdarknessinto thelight........59 4.Awarningtothemindtoconsideritself:forthe eternalbirthislikethemind....75 5.Theauthorwillspeakandnotbesilentconcerning theeternalbirthoftheheartofGod...35 6.Howthewholebirthoftheeternalnatureisincluded inasmallcircleorpoint43 9.WhattheeternalWordis,anditsbirth:Theendof nature93 CHAP.Bishops.Verse 14.Howprofitablethebishopschosenforartsakeareto theworld.Manyoftheirwritingshaveasmuch lovetotheirneighbourinthemasthedevilin hellhath...24 Blessed. 17.Howthebodyalsoisblessed.....11 Body. 5.Whythebodyislikeacross.OurFallandRedemption34 8.Howweshouldtamethebody,andnotpamperitas awantonass.......22 8.Thebodywillnotreadilybreakoffitswill:alsoitis averyunfaithfulneighbourtothesoul...24 9.Howeveryformorcreaturehathfigureditsbody.49 11.Outofwhatthebody,andalsothespiritofthe creatures,iscreated......7 11.WhatkindofbodywehaveinGod....72 13.WhatbodyitwasthatChristgavetohisdisciples.22 13.OftheheavenlybodyofChristthatfilleththe angelicalworld,andyetthecreature[Christ]may wellbeseenstandingpalpably....24 14.HowtheangerofGodisreceivedinsteadofthebody andbloodofChrist18 17.Whencethebodyis,andwhatitwillbeagain..7 17.Thebodyisamixedmassorlumpoftwocentres.8

Breath. 11.Ofthebreathinginofthelivingbreath:Adviceto thehighschoolsoruniversities....13 Bridegroom. 16.AdvicetoChristendom.Ofthecomingofthe bridegroom102 Brightness. 2.Whencethebrightnessexisteth....82 Candlesticks. 3.Whythecandlesticksweretakenawayafterthetime oftheApostles.ThesevensealsaretheFather's nature:audthesevencandlesticksaretheSon's.42 CHAP.Candlesticks.VERSE 3.Oftheimageinthemidstofthesevencandlesticksor sevenspiritsofGod......46 3.Whatwemustdotobeholdthesevencandlesticksin ourselves65 Care. 17.HowGodtakethcareforus.....2 17.Howmanreliethuponhisownlabourandcaretaking5 Centre. 9.Howbeforethecreationofthesuntheoutwardcentre ofnaturewheeleditselfthriceabout84 9.Thesimilitudeoftheeternalcentrewasnotfigured beforethecreation95 9.HowtheheartofGodcreatedthesevenformsofthe centreofnature96 Ceremonies. 11.AspeechtotheAntichristianworld,withitsceremonies; shewingwhatitshouldhavetaughtmen46 13.ItisbettertoshewthewayoftheLord,thantoset upceremonies43 Children. 11.Howchildrenareourschoolmasters....110 15.Ifourchildrendidnotasothersdo,theywouldbethe

scornoftheworld;assomeparentsallege..18 Christ. 3.Theauthor'smeaningistobesoughtandfoundinthe lifeofChrist4 3.HowJesusChristmustbecomemaninus,ifwewill findGod31 3.WhatmanmustdotohaveChrist,theSupper,the Baptism,andtheHolyGhost....86 3.Menmustgowithearnestnessintothetempleof Christ,aswellasintothechurchesofstone..91 5.WhatbodyChristgivethustoeat:alsooftheone element........68 5.WhytheNewAdamChristmusthangonthecross.140 5.WhytheNewAdamChristmustgothroughhell.142 CHAP.Christ.VERSE 5.TheNewAdamChristmusthetemptedfortydaysin thewilderness143 6.Howtheinnermostcourtshallbegiventothosethat knownotthenameofChrist....23 6.AwonderfulexpositionhowChristsittethattheright handofGoduponthecircleofourlife...71 6.HowtheThreePrinciplesweremanifestedinthe personofChrist81 8.OfourpowerinChristtobecomethechildrenof God17 8.Howtheministersorservantsofthedragonwould havesmotheredtheResurrectionofChrist..70 8.HowChristisnewborninGod,andsittethonthe rainbow72 8.HowChristcastawaynothingfromhimathisResurrection, butthespiritofthisworld...73 8.HowthesoulattaineththefleshofChristeveninthis lifetime76 11.Theauthorshuttethnotupthegracefromany,but writeswhyChristisborn.....31 11.ReasonaskethhowwecanbeinthebodyofChrist.67 11.MenmustenterintothetempleofChrist,elsethey stayindarkness.78 11.HowChristwarnethus,hisappearingisasthe lightning.82 11.ChrististheWay,theDoor,andagoodShepherd.83

11.ItisnotnecessarytochooseanyplacetofindChrist in,heiseverywhere.Christisourcarcase,to whomweflyaseagles.86 13.HowCliristwillbewithus,andtakecareforus.2 13.Christgavehisdisciplesnoearthlytransitorything.13 13.TheapostlesdidnoteattheoutwardfleshofChrist.14 13.Aplain(thoughtoreasonahigh)similitudeofeating thebodyofChrist15 13.AnothersimilitudeofeatingthatbodyofChristwhich iseverywhere.......16 13.Christfeedethnotthesoulwithspirit,butwithbody17 13.HowtheoncereceivedbodyofChristdepartethnot fromus,exceptweourselveslikeAdamspoilit.21 13.HowtherewereinthehandofChristtwokingdoms atonce23 13.HowChriststandethintheFather,asthesuninthe elements........29 14.HowChristisreproached17 14.ItisnoslightmattertoputonthegarmentofChrist.22 CHAP. Christ.VERSE 15.ThelamentationofChristatthedisobedienceofthe world.........1 15.TowhomthesufferingsofChristareprofitable..21 16.WhatprofitChrisfsIncarnationistous..88 18.HethatsittethinthethroneofChristwithanass's heart,isbutatellerofstories,andnopreacher.40 Christendom.Christian.Christians. 13.HowChristendomhathfallenasleepbyherwhoredom61 13.TheauthoraskethwhetherChristendomthinkethhim madorno62 6.ThevainboastingofthenameChristianorJew.25 15.HowasincereChristianknowethnothimself..26 6.TheChristianssayyea,intheparableofthetwosons27 6.TheChristiansjudgeandcondemnthatinothers, whichtheythemselvesdo29 6.Christiansshouldnotbejudges,butlightstothe world30 Church.Churches. 7.Hethatrestethcontentedwithmeregoingtochurch, isaswellbeforeasafterhecomesthere..2

7.ThefalseMaguscrieth,hereisthechurchofChrist; butitisthewhore57 9.Forwhomitisbesttostayfromchurch...28 11.Howonemaybealoneinawilderness,andyetinthe congregationorcfiurchofChristatthesametime.66 11.ThechurchofChristiseverywhere.Arepentant TurkisinChrist88 11.WhatitistheAntichristscandaliseththechurchof Christwith99 12.Theauthordeclarethhisheartylovetothechurchor congregationofChrist9 13.WhentheRomishchurchlostthejewel,itbecame Babel5 14.Howthepriestdevilhathmadethechurchand congregationofChriststarkblind....23 9.Thedevilmostreadilydriveththedistressedsoulinto thestonechurches24 11.Theauthorwouldnothavethestonechurchesdestroyed ;buthesheweththehypocrites;and shewethalsothelivingTempleofChrist..77 CHAP.Circle.Verse 11.Howeachcircleinthewheelofnaturegivethitsown inclinationtoitscreature3 11.Ofthecirclebetweenthemoonandtheearth:alsoof thepropertyofthemoonandoftheearth..4 Clergy. 5.Theworldlygovernmentshavetheiroriginalfromthe heavenly,whichthespiritualityorclergybelieve not.62 12.Theclergyhavethievishlydealtwiththecongregation ofChrist19 15.Howtheappearingholyclergyhavethepredominancy intheworld19 16.Bytheeldersonintheparable,theappearingholy clergyaredeciphered......24 Conceits. 4.AllconceitsaregravenimagesinthewondersofGod.50 Contrariety. 2.Whencecontrariety,anguish,andcoldariseth..14

Conversion.Convert. 18.BeadingwithoutconversionisasbeneficialasaPsalter toanass39 18.Itisgoodtoconvertinthislifetime....54 Corporeity. 4.Theseventhformisasubstantialform,outofwhich corporeityproceedeth,whichconsistethalsooftwo forms,lightanddarkness12 Corruptibility.Corruptible.Corruption. 18.Ofthecorruptibility10 18.Howthatwhichiscorruptible,hathaneternal mother;alsowhereforethewondersshallcontinue eternally20 1.Whencecorruptionandtormentarise....30 Covenant. 11.WhyGodmadehiscovenantwithusinChrist..27 CHAP.Covetous.Covetousness.VERSE 17.ThewickedcovetouspersonhathhisGodinhischest19 17.Anadmonitiontodepartfromcovetousness...26 Councils. 11.Whythecouncilsareinstituted:HowtheAntichrist glisterethintheformofAaron....47 Create.Created.Creation.Creatures. 10.Whatitistocreate14 14.Admonitiontoconsiderwhenceweare,andtowhat endwewerecreated......1 5.Theauthorwillrightlyshewthecreationtothe childrenofGod124 6.Asallthingswereformedinthecreation,soour mouthformeththem2 6.Whytheseekershavenotfoundthepearlofthe creation17 7.Withoutthecreationoftheworld,thewondersofthis worldhadnotbeenknowntotheangels..23 7.Howtheeternityhathmoveditselftocreation..75 10.Thegroundofthecreationisclearlytobeunderstood

bytheinwardman......11 10.OfthecreationoftheFifthDay;alsothecreationof theelementaryspirits......20 11.HowGodontheFifthDaycreatedalllivingcreatures2 11.Thelifeofthecreaturesconsistethinthematrixout ofwhichtheyarecreated9 Cross. 8.Whatthehangingonthecrosswas....71 Damned. 2.Theseveralkindsofconditionsofthedamnedarenot onlyfour,butinfinite:theyhaveallformsbutthe light56 18.Thehereactedfopperiesarethetreasureofthe damnedsoul27 Darkness. 1.Oftheformsinthedarknature:thedarknesslongeth afterthelight27 2.Ofdarkness:accordingtowhichGodissaidtobea consumingfire90 CHAP.Darkness.VERSE 5.Outofwhatdarknessisgenerated;alsooftheFather's property.......20 5.Howtheflashdissipateththedarkness...38 6.Godisnotguiltyofanyone'sremainingindarkness.18 Day. 17.Itisaskedwhetherthenightorthedaybebest.24 Death. 2.Howdeathtremblethatthelife....72 8.Whatis,andiscalled,death37 8.Thereisnodeathintheeternity;alsowhatiscalled theeternaldeath.......38 9.Afterthecursedeathwasinallfruits,whenceweeat death..........16 14.Howmenmustgothroughdeathandhellofthe devilsintothemeritsofChrist....14 Deity.

1.ThepureDeity,thebirthoftheTrinity,andthe angelicalworld,areeverywherepresent..48 2.TheauthorwillshewtheformoftheDeity..59 2.TheDeityissubjecttonoalteration....66 4.WithoutandbeyondnaturetheDeityiscalled Majesty;andinnatureitiscalledFather,Son, andHolyGhost,Wonder,Counsel,Power..86 16.OfthepureDeity;alsohowthesoulattaineththe bodyofGod,andbecomeththechildofGod..101 Deliverance. 3.Ofthedeliveranceofthesoul57 3.Inwhatmannerthesoulhathdeliverance...58 Departeth. 18.Howthesoulisthatdepartethfromthebodywithout conversion23 Desire. 2.Whatthedesireis,andwhatitworketh...11 2.Whattheimpregnationofthedesireis,wherebyit generateth...12 7.Ofthedesireofthelight,andofthedesireofthe Fire67 8.Howthedesiremakethnotitself,butismade..52 8.Whenceourdesireafterthehighestgoodproceedeth, andwhenceithathitssustenance..55 9.Thefirstdesireofmanisforpower,honour,andglory..19 Theseconddesireisforriches,plenty,andvoluptuousness ...20 9.Thethirddesireisforthekingdomofheaven..21 9.HowthedesiregoethinwardsintoitselftoGod.69 10.Allliethinthewill:thedesireassumethwhere nothingis9 10.Thedesireandthewillaretwodistinctthings..13 Despair. 14.Advicenottodespairindistress.....60 Devil.Devils. 5.Whythedeviliscalledaprinceofthisworld..18 5.Aprincedothasreadilyservethedevil,asapoor shepherddoth;yeteachofthemhearethhisoffice

forGod65 8.Whenitisthatthedevilstandethinfear...12 9.Thedevilandthisworldstrivewiththesoul..5 9.Thetricksofthedevilwhenthesoulhearethanything taughtconcerningtheNewBirth....25 9.Thetricksofthedevilwhentheteacherslandereth, andwhenhereprovethfullyaccordingtohisduty26 9.Thedevilhathkindledthelifeoftheevilbeastsin himself:Alsoinwhatformsthedevilsshapetheir bodiesinhell.......56 10.Thedevildwellethnearus:Hehateththelight,and isthepoorestcreatureinthecrown...23 11.Ofthegreatmysteryoftheanger,andofthedevil: Alsoofthetwodominionsinman:Alsoofthe totallyfalsesoul'sfiguration,outwardlycourteous, andinwardlyadevil,whichsobetrayethitself.42 14.Ofourmisery;ofthegreatassaultsofSatanagainst man:Alsowhereitisthatthedevilhathpower.30 14.Howthedevilhathgottenpowerintheoutward dominion:Alsohowthepoorsoulisbetweentwo dominionsinthedeep.....49 14.Howthesoulisreleasedfromthedevil...50 14.Ofthesevencordsofthedevil,withwhichheholdeth thesoulfastwithal......51

CHAP.Devil.Devils.VERSE 14.Howthosemustdo,(towhomthedevilsetsallthe sinstheyhavecommittedbeforetheireyes),that thedevilmaybefaintandweak....64 14.Howthedevilbetrayeththesoul.Manisthedevil's bestbelovedlodging65 14.Whereisitthatthedevilhathpoweroutwardly.66 16.Howthedeviloverwhelmeththesoulterribly..7 16.Inwhatmannerthedevilassaulteththesoulinits security16 17.Onemanisadeviltoanother22 2.HowthedevilslostthelightofGod,andnowarein thefourforms48 2.Howthedevilscameintotheabyssofhellina moment54 4.ThedevilsstandinthewondersofGod...90

7.Whythedevilsarenottransitory....16 7.Howthedevilsareeternalspiritsinthefiercematrix, andarealookingglassforangelsandmen..17 7.Whencetheoriginalofthedevilsis,whereinall corporeitydothconsist69 8.Howthedevilshavelostthetinctureofmeeknetjs: Theyhavenopalpablebody.....39 10.Wherethedevilsdwell:Howtheworldscornethall revelation22 Divines. 2.PhysiciansnowunderstandnotthecentreofSulphur, Mercury,andSal;nordothedivinesunderstand thespiritoftheHolyScriptures....17 Doctrine. 12.OftheseedwhichtheAntichristiandevilhathsown intothedoctrineofChrist16 Doings. 17.AllourdoingsareacceptabletoGod,iftheybenot falseorwicked15 Doubt.Doubtful.Doubting. 7.Howthesouliskeptindoubtbyleaningtoopinions.6 7.Itisgoodtoseewithourowneyes,others'eyesmake usbutdoubt55 CHAP.Doubt.Doubtful.Doubting.VERSE 9.ItisagreatsintodoubtofthegraceofGod..35 11.Thatmenshouldnotdoubtinprayer:plaininstruction55 11.Howpoorsoulsfallintodistrustanddoubt..97 17.Whythesoulisdoubtfulinprayer....3 4.Themindsearchetbafterthemostinwardground, whichishereshewn:Alsohowdoubtingcometh.60 11.Whencedoubtinginprayerariseth:fairinstruction.56 16.InthewordErden,whichsignifiethearth,liemany hiddenmysteries:Alsoconcerningourdoubting inprayer;andourmisery....58,59 17.Howthedevil,bringethdoubtingintothesoul,and makethaseverejudgeofGod....4 Driver.

11.AsongconcerningthefalloftheDriver,whohath setusatodds113 Die.Dieth.Dying. 18.Howachildinthemother'swombisatfirstold enoughtodie.Ourlimitishiddeninus..13 18.Theauthormustspeakbywayofsimilitude,howone iswhenhedieth.......16 12.Howthesimpledyingmanknowethnotwhitherhis soulshallgo26 12.Wherethesimpledyingman'ssoulremaineth;whence purgatoryisframed;wherethesoulsofthe deceiversremain.Note,itiswonderful..27 Earth. 5.Outofwhattheearth,stones,andmetalscome..98 6.Whattheearthsignifieth64 9.Howtheearthspringethinitsownlife...58 10.Wherethedevildwells;alsoofthewheelingofthe globeoftheearth,andoftheotherplanets.2126 11.Ofthelongingoftheearth,whyitwheeleth,oris wheeledabout.......5 11.Howthebuddingforthoftheearthspringethtowards thesun;alsooftheindurabilityofthefruitsof theearth6 11.Ofthematrixoftheearth,beingacorruptedmatrix; whatitwasbeforetheFall8 12.Whencethedivisionsamongallpeopleoftheearth havearisen........18 CHAP.Eat.VERSE 13.Hethathungereth,lethimeat;andhethatthirsteth, lethimdrink,withoutmoney....55 Elders. 5.OftheGlassySeabeforetheseatsoftheelders..10 9.Whatthesevenspiritsare,(wheretheSonofMan standeth),andalsothefourandtwentyelders beforethethroneofGod......80 Election. 7.WhencetheelectionofthechildrenofGodcometh.35 7.OftheelectionamongthechildrenofJesse..45

7.TheelectionisnotordainedfrometernityinGod.46 Element.Elements. 5.Outofwhattheelementofwateriscreated..13 5.Howthefruitgettethitsornament,andhowallislike awrestling,viz.inthepureelement....54 5.Outofwhatthefourelementshaveproceeded..105 5.HowGod'sspiritdraveforththefourElementsthat haveappearedasapeculiarPrinciple...106 5.Howthefourelementsareinonepureelement..118 5.Whyallthatliveinthefourelementsmustcorrupt.121 6.Whencethestirringoftheelementsariseth..50 11.Howevilmenkindletheelements:Alsohowthe angerwillethtodevour;whichtheprophets foretold39 13.Howthesubstantialityoftheearthproceedethfrom theotherthreeelements26 Employment. 17.Manmayusewhatinnocentemploymenthewillto gethislivingwith.....16 Enemies. 12.Ourworstenemyisinourbosom:Alsodirectionhow weoughttowalk..44 12.Howmenmaydefendthemselvesagainsttheirenemies, andnotdispleaseGod......42 16.Howthesoulisbegirtwithenemies....5 CHAP.Essences.VERSE 1.Whencemultiplicityofessencesorfacultiesariseth.31 2.Howthewheeloftheessencesstandethtrembling.70 3.Ofthewheeloftheessences,whencethefireproceedeth9 3.Howallessenceswhichhavelaidholdofthelight, standinthefirstgeneratingwill....11 Eternal.Eternity. 6.Whatiseternal,andwhatisnoteternal...42 18.Thatwhichisproceededoutoftheeternity,isofan eternalkind16 14.Howtheeternityisrevealed36 Eve.

7.WhatmovedEvetoeatofthefruit....48 13.HowmotherEvewasdeceivedinheropinion..55 Evil. 3.Inthesewritingsmaybefound,whenceevilproceedeth25 9.Theevilaswellasthegoodisuseful....13 13.Howthegoodoilispoisontotheevil...50 14.Godcreatednothingevil....40 15.Delightinevilisthedevil'schainandfetters..6 18.Howbythestrikingoftherighthammerthegood overcomeththeevil......49 Excommunication. 12.Ofthosethatarecursedwithexcommunicationdeservedly :Alsoofthosethatarecursedforthe truth'ssake8 13.OftheChurch'sreproofandexcommunication:He thatreprovethandexcommunieatetkinthewrong ishimselfexcommunicate9 Exposition. 2.TheexpositionofthewordSulphur....19 2.TheexpositionofthewordsSulphur,Mercurius,and Sal41,42,43 2.Anexpositionofthesewords:Inthebeginningwas theWord60 5.Anexpositionofthattext:Wehavepipedtoyou,and youhavenotdanced8 CHAP.Exposition.VERSE 11.AplainexpositionofthesewordsofChrist:When theuncleanspiritgoethoutofamanhewandereth throughdryplaces,etc58 14.AnexpositionofthosewordsofChrist:Acamelmay soonergothroughtheeyeofaneedle,thanarich manenterintothekingdomofheaven:Alsowhat thedevil'striumphantchariotis....45 16.Towhatthisexpositiontendeth....1 16.Theauthor'sexpositionofthesewords:Beforethey called,Iheardthem11 16.Anexpositionofthewordvom,orfrom.Howthe soulgrowethasastalkoutoftheroot:Awonderful descriptionofthesoul.....84

16.Furtherexpositionofnatureandofthesoul,bythe similitudeoffire85,86 Faith. 10.Concerningtheliesofthosethatspeakfromtheirown conceit:Alsowhencethestrifeaboutfaithand religionproceedeth......32 11.Asayingtothesophisters,whoofopinionsmake articlesoffaith:Thereisheresyineveryopinion: MenmustcleavetothelivingWord...80 14.Ofthedeadfaith,andofthetruefaith...8,9 16.Whatweattaininprayer:Whatthesyllablemenin Amensignifieth:Whatfaithis:Howprayercomprehendeth twothings......97 Fall. 5.WhattheheavyfallofAdamwas....120 11.OfAdam'swisdom,ornament,clothing,andmembers beforehisfall:HowhewentoutfromGod,and causedthecreationoftheTreeofGoodandEvil.21 11.HowthedevilstirredupAdam'slust.Adam'scondition afterthefall22 Father. 1.ThespeakeristheFatheroftheWord.Theabyss ofhellstandethinthecentreoftheFather..39 2.OftheFather'swilltogeneratehisSonorWord.61 2.HowGodtheFatheriswithoutname...76 2.HowGodtheFathercomprehendethhiswilloutof nothing,butonlyoutofhimself.Howthegenetrix istobeunderstood,whereintheessenceisgenerated77 CHAP.Father.VERSE 4.WhencetheFatherhaththenameFather..64 4.ThemindintheFatherinnature,butnotinthe liberty,islikethemindofman....65 5.WhithertheFatherspeakethorgenerateththeWord40 7.HowGodtheFatherisallinnature,bothloveand wrath62 16.HowweshouldgowithearnestnesstotheFatherof thelostProdigalSon....19 16.HowtheFatherrejoicethatthefindingofthelostson22

16.HowtheFatherentertaineththelostson...23 17.HowwegotoourtrueFather,andbecomehis children1 Fiat. 7.Howthewaterisbecomematerial.Theworkingof theFiat71 9.HowthespiritofGoddriveththeFiat...115 Figure. 5.WhenGodshallbemanifested,thefigureofevery thingremainetheternally.....122 5.ThebeastsaftertheLastDaygetnobodiesmore,but thefigureoftheelementarysubstanceremaineth.131 9.Whythefigureofallkindsofcreaturesmustremain ineternity........60 9.HowGodhathmanifestedhimselfinafigurativeform inthegreatwondersofGod.....62 10.Howthefigureofthewillstandethinthedesire: Alsoofthecreation12 18.Theimagehathstoodfrometernity,asafigureina dream18 Fire. 2.Arecitaloftheoriginalofthefire....69 4.Ofthefireoftheliberty:Howdeathaffordethweight: Howtheanguishbecomethmaterial...14 4.Withoutfirethereisnobodythathathanyfeeling.15 5.Oftheoriginalofthefire,andoftheairorwind.103 5.Howthepropertyofthewaterholdeththefirecaptive104 7.Theeternalnature,andtheeternalliberty,arerepresented byfire......65 7.Howthematrixofthewaterholdeththefirecaptive70 8.Howthefiredevoureththesubstantiality...33 CHAP.Fire.VERSE 8.Howthesubstantialityfliethoutfromthefireagain.34 8.Ofthetwofoldfire41 9.Adescriptionoftheeighthnumber,viz.thefire.90 10.TheauthorshewethustheMysteriumMagnum.The fireistheeighthnumber.Alsoadescriptionof thefire27 10.Themostinwardtinctureistheninthnumber;the

tenthnumberistheeternalfireofGod;witha wonderfuldescriptionofit28 11.Whatfirethatiswhichwillmeltawaythestones andearth16 11.Howallmustpassthroughthefire,andthefloormust bepurged28 14.Howthesoulmustpassthroughthefire,viz.the eighthform,orthelawofMoses....52 Flash. 2.Theflashisfreefromnature25 2.Theflashisthethirdform.....28 Flesh. 11.Wearealloneflesh,soul,andspirit....68 11.HowthefleshthatinAdambecameearth,became heavenagain.70 11.HowChrist'ssoulandfleshisoursoulandflesh: AlsohowweliveinChrist....71 Form.Forms. 2.Harsh,sour,tart,stern,fierceattraction,isthefirst form.........32 2.Bitterstingisthesecondform.....33 2.Theflashoflibertyisthethirdform....34 2.Whatmakeththethirdforminnature...35 2.Whatiscalledthefourthforminnature...36 2.Howthefifthformrisethup73 2.Howthefifthformisthetrueoriginaloflife..74 3.Howthesixthforminnatureisgenerated...13 3.Oftheseventhformoftheeternalnature..41,44 1.Thetwofirstforms,sourandbitter,aretheoriginal ofeverything,andtheeternalwillisthemother ofthem28 2.Howthetwofirstformsholdthecentre...20 2.Howthetwoformswithouttheotherareingreat anguish.21 CHAP.Form.Forms.VERSE 2.Furtheroftheworkingofthefourforms...47 2.Theauthorwillshewthethreeotherheavenlyforms thataregeneratedoutofthefirstfourforms..65 5.Amentionofthesevenforms.....15

14.Amentionofthefourformsthatcontaintheoriginal ofnature31 Forsaken. 17.Hethatlettethgowhatwillnotwillinglystay,will notbeforsakenofGod......28 Fruit. 18.ManisarootinthefieldofGod:Whatfruitbelongeth toGod'stable,andwhattothewrathful mother.......52 18.Asafruitgroweth,soittasteth....53 Furious. 18.Howcanonefuriouspersonappeaseanotherfurious person?........45 Garden. 11.Howwewalkunderthefigtreeinthegardenofroses112 Generator.Genetrix. 2.WhereforethegeneratoroftheWordiscalledFather88 1.Thegenetrixisadarkness:Thebirthoftheeternal being35 2.Thegroundofthegenetrix,andcircleoflife..1 2.Howallisgeneratedoutofthegenetrix.Ofthe eternalWord,andofthenameGod...6 4.Ofthepropertiesinthegenetrix,ortheeternalmother35 11.MentionconcerningtheBeingofallBeings.Ofthe genetrix,andofthethreekingdoms...1 13.Howthemother,thegenetrix,desirethtogeneratea youngsoninheroldage53 16.HowthegenetrixoftheangerofGod,andthegenetrix oftheoutwardnature,areworkinginthisoutward life90 Gifts. 12.Howonesoulshallrejoiceinthegiftsofanother.3 CHAP.God.VERSE 1.NonecanknowGodrightlywithoutthespiritof God46 1.AwarningnottoseekGodonlyabovethestars.47

2.HowGodisaconsumingfire.....58 2.HowmenshallspeakrightlyofGod....68 3.Godiswithoutbeginning:HisWordhathaneternal unsearchablebeginning,andisrightlycalleda Person........2 3.Theauthortelleththereader,thathemeanethnot two,butoneGod16 5.WemustlodgeinheavenwithGod,orinhellwith thedevil27 5.AdirectionhowtofindandseeGod....31 5.HowwearenotabletoknowanythingofGod..51 5.HowGodismanifestedinacreaturelyformbythe angelicalworld60 5.TheA.B.C.scholarsreachthedeepofGod:Their speechisvarious73 5.Whatistrulycalledliftingone'sselfaboveGod.76 5.WhywecannotseethekingdomofGod...119 6.Bywhatwemayknowthatwearethechildrenof God3 6.WearegodsinGod:Alsowhyabeastcannotspeak.4 6.HowGodisfoundofthemthatsoughthimnot..24 6.HowGodisinus,andwewithoutGod,andhowwe enterintoGod.......31 6.Nothingisfrometernity,andineternity,butGod.45 6.WhyGodbecameman.WithouttheNewBirthall islost61 7.Whataretherightmeanstoseethekingdomof God4 7.Godmovethhimselfnomorebutthrice...19 7.Thefirst,second,andthirdmovingofGod.2022 8.God,andallheavenlyproperties,arebutonebody.4 Govern.Government. 18.ThespiritofGod,andnottheoldman,shouldgovern: Thereisatwofoldseekinginthesoul:Alsoofthe truelifeofthesoul48 4.Whatgovernmenttherewasbeforethetimeofthe angelicalworld56 4.Thespiritsareincomprehensibletous.Theauthor willshewusthegovernmentofheavenfurther,and thenthegovernmentofman57

CHAP.Govern.Government.VERSE 13.Awonderfuldiscourseconcerningtheriseandfallof akingdom,government,dominion,orreligion.4547 17.Allinthisworldisbutmerefoppery:Alsoofthe governmentofthepotentates,andthegovernment ofsuchasfearGod20 Heart. 4.Theeternalessencedesirethanumberorlimit:The HeartofGodistheendofnature....10 4.WhatisnecessarytotheattainingoftheHeartof God47 4.ThePrincipleoftheHeartofGodchangethnot.49 5.WhereforetheWordistheHeartofGod...36 5.Whythebodymustpassaway,andthesoulnot;and whytheHeartofGodmustbecomeman..139 6.TheformoftheHeartofGoddescribedbythesimilitude ofarainbow68 7.IftheHeartofGodhadnotbecomeman,theimage oftheNumberThree,ortheeternalVirgin,hadnot beenknowntotheangels24 9.HowtheHeartisinanxiety.....91 Heathen. 6.AfalseChristianiswithoutGod,aswellasawicked heathen........20 11.God'swillstandethopentoallmen:Alsohowa heathenmaybesaved79 Heaven.Heavens. 4.Whereinthekingdomofheavenandtheangelical worldconsists62 5.Oftheoutwardheaven67 5.Howweoughttobe,thatwemaycomeintothe kingdomofheaven......71 7.Thestrifeaboutthekingdomofheaven,andthekingdom ofhell34 12.Whatthereisinthekingdomofheaven...4 12.Westandbetweenheavenandhell,andshallbecome eitheranangeloradevil48 14.Whatmenmustdotoseethekingdomofheaven.11 18.Inheaventhereisnothingnew51 12.Hebiddeththeheavensrejoice:Thepraiseofthe

Lordgoethoverallmountains....11 CHAP.Hell.VERSE 2.Thegroundofhell,andofevil8 2.Theconditionofhell,andofthedamned,inthefour forms..4849 2.Howhellisnotlimited,norcircumscribedbyplace.50 2.Godmadenohell,orpeculiarseveralplacetotorment theangelsandmenin53 8.WhatisLucifer'shell45 14.Godhathcreatednohell,nordevil:whatisthedevil's hell,andthepropertyofit41 Heresy.Heretic. 11.Thereisheresyineveryopinion:Menmustcleaveto thelivingWord80 3.Howonecallethanotherahereticintheirdevilish disputation.......82 Hidden. 2.Thatwhichwashiddentotheheathen,andisstill hidden,shallberevealed39 HolyGhost. 3.HowtheApostlesreceivedtheHolyGhostinlove, butnotincontentionandscorn....89 4.OftheHolyGhost,whichisthespiritMercuriusin thedivinenature,whichisthesoundthatmaketh thewillmanifest......72 4.AcomparisonbetweentheHolyGhostandthespirit andlifeofman.83 5.Godfillethall;andseeingtheHolyGhostgoethout fromtheFather,themindasketh,Whitherdoth itgo?9 5,HowGoddwellethinheaven;alsohowtheHoly Ghostproceedeth.14 12.HowmenmaygettheHolyGhost....41 16.ItisnottheFatherbuttheHolyGhostthatmeeteth thecryingsoul.15 Hypocrites. 2.Awarningtothehypocrites,andthosethatarelearned intheletter2

11.Ofthegenerationofthefalsehypocrite,andofhis behaviour33 CHAP.Image.VERSE 3.WearetheexpressimageofGod;whereforethe FatherhathregeneratedusinChrist...49 6.Howthespiritcreatedthesubstantialityintoanimage, andhowtheimagestoodintheangelicalworld.51 6.Whatpropertieswereintheimage....52 6.Howtheimagewasawholesimilitudeoftheeternal substance53 6.AcomparisonoftheFallofLuciferwiththeFallof theimageorAdam......54 6.Howtheimageawakenedthepropertyofanger,and becametheimageofaserpent....58 6.Howtheregenerateputontheeternalimage..75 7.Howtheimagedotedonthisworld,asLuciferdidon thematrixofnature.Adam'spowerbeforetheFall26 7.Thehorribleblasphemywherebytheserpentbythe imageblasphemeththespiritofGod...61 9.WhattheimageintheRevelation,andtheCrown signifieth........75 11.WhatcausedGodtocreatehisimage...14 18.Howtheimageattainedessenceorsubstanceinthe movingoftheFather19 Incomprehensible. 18.Nothingisincomprehensibletothemotherofnature.3 Joy. 1.Ofthejoyinthedivinelife18 5.Howeveryoneshallhavejoyorsorrowofthatwhich ishis.........133 12.Whatwemustchoose,thatwemayhaveeternaljoy therein2 14.TheangerinthekingdomofGodisthegreatwondrous joy70 17.Howtheangelsandsoulshavejoyofoneanother's clarity,brightness,orlustre18 18.OfthejoyofthesoulthatfearethGod..2930 Judgeth.Judgment.

6.Hethatseethnot,judgethamiss....36 5.WhatthelastJudgmentDayis....130 8.HowourbodiesattheLastDayofJudgmentmust comeforthagain74 8.Thejudgmentofthespiritsofperdition;alsowho shallexecutethejudgment75 CHAP.Judgeth.Judgment.VERSE 8.Ofthosethatshallbealiveatthelasthourofthe judgment78 11.Thediscoursebetweenthewiseandfoolishvirginsin thejudgment29 12.ClearadvicetohavethejudgmentofGodbeforeour eyes38 15.Howitshallbewiththesuperiorandinferiorin judgment12 Kingdom. 14.Howwemustbeprepared,ifwewillwalkinthe narrowwaytothekingdomofGod...7 Know.Knowers.Knowing.Knowledge. 18.Theauthortellethhowhecanknowthesethings.14 13.Howthekingdomofheavenremainethhiddentothe knowersthatarenotdoers57 14.Thedevilisnotovercomebymuchknowingand disputing5 1.NonecancometotheknowledgeoftheessenceofGod, butbygrace20 3.Everyonemayfindinhimselftheauthor'sknowledge7 5.Theauthorhavingthisknowledge,cannotbesilent.2 6.Thisknowledgeisnotbornofthewisdomofthisworld6 7.Theauthorwillspeakfromhisknowledge,notopinion54 14.Whereinourstrivingforthehighestgoodconsistefch, notinthesword,norinmuchknowledge..3 16.Whatisrequisiteandnecessaryforusthatwemay attaintheknowledgeofthekingdomofGod:Also howwearedeceivedintheoutwardreason..31 Lamb. 3.HowtheLambtooktheBook.Hewhounderstandeth notthis,isundertheseals.....79 6.HowmenmustgototheLamb,andflyfromthebeast15

13.HowChristgavethetruePaschalLambtohisApostles, viz.hisheavenlyfleshandblood....12 Language. 3.WhatisunderstoodinthewordTernariusinthe languageofnature17 3.WhatisunderstoodinthewordTernariusSanctusin thelanguageofnature.18 CHAP.Language.VERSE 4.WhatismeantbythewordSchuff,orcreated,inthe languageofnature:Asubstancemayproceedout ofathought.......30 5.Bythelanguageofnatureheshewethwhatthe creationofGodwas84 5.Inthelanguagesofallnationsthelanguageofnature maybeunderstood:Adamininnocenceunderstood thelanguageofnature,inhisFallwelostit,and attainitagaininChrist85 5.Itisnotgoodthattheunregeneratemanshouldknow thelanguageofnature,whichcontaineththesecrets ofthecreation87 5.Adiscourseaccordingtothelanguageofnatureupon thewordSchuff,whichsignifiethcreated..88 5.Furtherofthelanguageofnature....93 5.AsthemouthformeththewordSchuff,accordingto thelanguageofnature,sowasthecreationformed.101 8.OfthewordTernariusSanctus,inthelanguageof nature3 9.HowGodseparatedthewaterandtheearth.The wordMeer[orSea]inthelanguageofnature,isa scorntodevils57 9.Outofwhattheseventytwolanguagesproceed,which signifyBabel.......78 16.OfthemostexcellentunderstandingwhichtheLord's Prayerhathinthelanguageofnature...39 16.AnexpositionofthewordGlauben[orBelieving"]in thelanguageofnature.InthepowerofGodthere isnoconsumingproperty98 Lazarus. 16.OfChrist'sprayerwhenheraisedLazarus..12 16.HowLazaruswasraised;andhowweshallhearthe

voiceattheLastJudgmentDay:Allsoulsareas itwereonesoul.......13 Learned.Learning. 1.Thelearnedhaveonlythehistoryofthesaints..42 3.Whythelearnedcontemnsimplelowliness..51 3.Whythelearnedinreasoncontemnthecommandments ofGod,andhavegainsaidthem....52 3.Howlaymen,orthevulgar,danceafterthepipeof thelearned........84 CHAP.Learned.Learning.VERSE 5.Ofthosewhoboastthemselvestobemastersand learned75 13.Howtheconceitsthatarebuiltuponthedoctrineof thelearnedaredeceitful56 16.Thedoctorisadmonishedtoseekwhatthetrue doctorshipintheHolyGhostis.Outwardlearning isbutashadow.......63 Letters. 9.Ofthefourandtwentyletters,theirtwofoldproperty, evilandgood77 Liberty. 2.Howboththelibertyandthefiercestrengthareinthe fire24 2.ThelibertywithoutandbeyondnatureisGodthe Father.AlsohowGodisAlmighty...26 9.Whatthelibertywithoutnatureis:Alsohowthe centreofthethirdPrinciplehathgenerateditself.83 Lie. 11.Theythatgointoalie,gooutfromChristintothe devil103 Life. 1.Lifeisaburningfirethatgoethoutifithavenofuel3 1.Thedivinelifeofthesoulneedethfood...5 1.Everylifedesirethitsmotherforfood...6 1.Whereinthetransitorylifeconsisteth:Thesoul'slife eternal.7

1.Whencethelifeofthesoulproceedeth...8 1.TheThreefoldLifeisnotdivided:HowGodtheFather isall..9 1.Aconsiderationwhencelifeanddeathcome,offeredto themind36 2.Ofthebreakingandraisingupoflife...16 5.Howtheblossomoflifespringethupinthetincture: Alsohoweverylifeeatethofitsownmother.22 5.Howthefiercemightmanagethitsorderafteran heavenlymanner.Wehavelifeanddeathbefore us.........63 5.Afterthislifethereisnoalterationtilltheendofthis world'stime.129 CHAP.Life.VERSE 5.Thatwhichproceedethoutofthecentreoftheeternal lifecontinueth:Alsohowallwordsandworks continue132 6.Ofatwofoldpropertyintheeternallife,joyandpain65 6.Howallrulethinandoverourearthlylife..72 8.Ofthetemporaryspirit'slife,andoftheeternalSpirit's life,andgovernmentinthisworld...1 8.Ofthefireofthelifeofeternity.Oftheeternal earth,orsubstantiality2 8.Ofourabilitytogooutofthisdangerouslifeintothe eternallife........16 8.Ofourlongingafteranincorruptiblelife...29 8.Everylifedesirethitsmother,orthebestthatisinits owncentre........30 8.Whatistherightlifeineverylife:Hownature reachethaftertheliberty31 8.Thedeepoftheworldhathsuchalifeastheother creatureshave.......40 8.Howthelightorelementarylifeinbeastsissimple.50 8.Howtheelementarylifeinmanistwofold..51 8.Howthereisanothertinctureorlifeinthelifeofthis world.........53 8.Whattheoutwardlifedesireth....54 8.Ofthesecondmotionorlifeinman....58 9.Whenceeverygovernmentineverylifeinthisworld proceedeth.108 13.Ofatwofoldlifethatachildgettethintheconception, viz.thetwotincturescorruptedinAdam..34

14.WhatwemustdoifwedesiretoserveGod.The limitofourlifeissetinthemother'swomb..6 14.AshortexpositionoftheThreefoldLifeinman.46 14.HowthethreelivesinAdamwerepleasingtoGod.47 14.Howthethirdlife,throughthesubtilityofthedevil, didgetthepredominancy48 14.Afterthislifetimethereisnoremedy:Ifwemake ourselveseitheranangel,oradevil,thatweare,and remain........72 15.Theythatwillfindtheirownlifeandtheirchildren inheaven,mustlosetheminthisworld..24 17.Howtheoutwardlifeconsistethofthreeparts..13 18.HowEnoch,Elijah,andMoses,areenteredintothe paradisicallife.......5 18.HowSaturnleaveththelife12 18.Thedangerintheoutwardlife.Theseedishatched andbroughtforthoutofthreemothers...14 CHAP.Light.VERSE 1.HowthelightandlifeofGodcomethintothesoul.15 2.Howthefifthformisthetrueoriginaloflife.How thelightshinethinthedarkness,andyetthedarkness remaineth74 2.Howthelightstandethoppositetothedarkness,hut thelightischief89 4.ThelongingofGodhathcreatedallthingstothelight, andnottothedarkness......26 4.Thelightconsistethinthemeekness,anddwellethin theliberty......63 7.Howthelightisthelove,andhowthefireisacause ofthelight.63 8.OfthelightoftheMajesty,andofthelightofthelife ofthecreatures5 9.Weshouldnotburyourreceivedtalentintheearth, butsetourlightuponatable....3 9.Ofthecreationofthelight.....51 14.Whencetheoutwardlightorwisdomariseth.37 Lily. 14.Whatlilyitisthedevilisnotwillingtosmellof.16 Limit. 2.Thelimitoftheeternaldeath......29

Love. 2.Howloveisthedeathofthefiercewrath...86 2.Thefountainofloveistheovercomingofthefierce might92 3.Ofthebirthofthekindlove,andofthesixthformof nature,whereinthefivesensesaretobefound. Godmakeththegenetrix...1 3.Howthesournesssharpenethitselfinthelove..14 12.Afriendlyinvitationtoloveandconcord...10 12.WherewithwearewellpleasingtotheMostHigh,by seikingeveryonewithourlove.Muchknowledge isnotprofitable36 Lucifer. 4.OftheheavyFallofLucifer33 4.ThemindaskethwhatmovedLucifertofall..34 4.Whencethesuperiorprincipaldominioncometh.In thematrixthepurposeandimaginationofLucifer istobeunderstood......38 CHAP.Lucifer.VERSE 4.ThecauseoftheprideofLucifer,andhisangels.40 4.Luciferwascreatedinthefourthformofthematrix, whereloveandangerstandopposite...41 4.Thedesireofloveisgeneratedinhumility,whichwas notinLucifer44 4.ThemindiswarnedofthatwherebyLuciferbecamea devil61 5.WhyLucifer,withhiswholedominion,isfallen.61 8.TheFallofLuciferiscomparedtothecoldfirethat makethice42 8.Lucifer,beingathroneprince,hadfreewilllikeusmen43 8.WhatwasLucifer'sFall,andwhatwasnothisFall.44 9.Ofthecreation:AlsohowLuciferlosthissupposed kingdom........50 10.Luciferwouldbecreatorinthetenthnumber,he soughttheeternaloriginalfire,whichisnowhis hell30 12.WewrestleforthecrownwhichLuciferoncehad.46 Luna.

10.HowLunashinethnotofitself,butfromSol..7 Lust. 9.Outofwhattheprovocationorlusttocopulateinall kindsariseth.......43 15.Thesecondlessonyouthlearnisthebestiallust.8 Magistrate. 12.Oftheofficeofthemagistrate.Advicetosubjects.37 13.Theofficeofprinces,butnotSabel'stricks,arefounded innature.Babelmakeththemagistrateblindfold. TheprincesarethetrueheadoftheChurch.7 18.Allhuntforthebelly,boththeshepherdandthe sheep,magistrateandpeople;sothatthereisvery littleofthespiritofGodamongstmen...36 Majesty. 4.TheMajestyhathgeneratednature....88 11.WhatthefoodoftheMajestyis....49 Maker. 2.Godandthewillhavenomaker7 CHAP.Man.Men.VERSE 1.Manbelongethnottotheoutwardworld...1 1.ManhathaThreefoldLife2 1.HowmanmayknowGod,andrightlyspeakof him.45 4.TheThreePrinciplesstandopeninnocreaturebutin man58 4.HowGodinloveandangerhathmanifestedhimselfin man,andhowtheomnipotenceofmanwasbarred upthroughAdam76 5.Accordingtotheoutwardmanwearestrangersinour mother'shouse,andthereforeunderstandnotthe mothertongue24 5.Howmanisdrawnbytwo,andisinthisworldasa balance........30 5.Whenthefourelementsinmanbreak,thenthesoul iseitherinparadiseorintheabyss...126 6.Wewhollysleepintheoutwardman.37 6.Whenitisthatmanseethwithhisowneyes..39 6.Mancannotcarrytheeternityupanddown,muchless

theDeity;what.thatisthatmakethlocality,and whyGodisAand0......44 6.Allwhatsoevercanbenamedisinman...47 6.ThewholemanconsistethofThreePrinciples,and howthatcanbe....48,49 6.HowmanwasconstitutedofThreePrinciples,and whattheyare55 6.HowmanstandethbetweenthekingdomofGod,and thekingdomofhell,andistheservantofthatto whichheyields.......56 6.ThefallofmantouchethnotGod.HowtheNumber Threedwellethintheanger.....57 6.Howmankindiswithoutbeginning....74 6.Howtheeternalfleshishiddenintheearthlyman whichmustperish......97 7.Thesoulmustnotsetthegarlandofpearlsuponthe oldman10 7.Howchildrenarebegottenintwokingdoms:Alsoof thestrifeaboutman.33 8.TheauthorunderstandswhatmanwasbeforetheFall, intheFall,intheRegeneration,andafterthislife7 9.Hellintheanger,thespiritofthisworld,andthe kingdomofGod;allthreestriveaboutman..17 9.Thedesireofmanstandethinthreethingsor dominions........18 9.Howmanfollowethallthreedesires....23 CHAP.Man.Men.VERSE 9.Thegateofthedeepgroundofmanwasbarredupby Adam,andopenedtotheauthor....39 9.Whatwemustdotoknowwhatmanis..40 9.Theauthorbeginnethtohandletheimageofman, howmancomethtobe,orisincarnate...42 10.Howmanseethintwokingdomswithatwofoldeye; theinwardwillshouldbelord:Whatmanmustdo tobelikeGod,andtofindallthings...10 11.HowGodcreatedmantohisimage;andoutofwhat heiscreated10 11.Man'sabilitybeforetheFall,andhiscondition.19 11.WhyGodcreatedmaninasixthdaybyhimself,and notonthatdaythatthebeastswerecreated:Also whyhecreatedbutoneman....20 11.Howthemansowethsoulsandthewomanspirit:

HowAdamsavedEve,andEveAdam..24 11.Ofthedevil'spracticeinman'scarelessnessandevil constellation37 18.Howheavenandearthandallthingslieinman;also ofthetrueheaven33 7.Whatconcernethusmenmostofall....1 9.Mencanbetterremembertheslandersthanthatwhich concerneththesoul27 Mary. 6.TheerroroftheancientsthatsupposedMarywasone comefromheaven,andnotofearthlyparent?.76 6.OftheblessingofMary,andhowGodandmanbecame one77 6.HowtheWordbecamemaninMary....79 Meekness. 4.Ofthetwocentres,theonethirstingaftermeekness, theotherafterfierceness.Themeeknessisgenerated outofthefierceness67 5.Howthefiercenessischangedintomeekness..21 7.HowthemeeknessofGodholdeththeangercaptive.68 Mercy.Mercifulness. 3.TheWordonlycanovercomethewrath,andisrightly calledGod'smercyormercifulness...22 3.AnexpositionofthewordBarmhertzigkeit,mercifulness 23 16.HowatpresentthemercyofGodisgrievedforus.28 CHAP.Mind.Minds.VERSE 1.AquestiontothemindwhyitspeakethmoreofGod thanitunderstandeth37 2.Howthemindandthepoorsoulsseethedevil,and theangerofGod;andhowitcomeththatmany fallintodespair,andmakeawaywiththemselves.52 4.Themindsearchethafterthemosthiddenground, whichishereshewn;alsohowdoubtingcometh.60 5.Hereweneedanangelicaltongue:themindunderstandeth acorporealthing55 7.Thewholedeeplikenedtothemindofman..77 9.Whatthemindinthedeepis,andinthecreatures.71 12.Thedevilhathsownanevilwillintoourmind..14

16.Whatthedesireofthehungryandthirstymindis.2 16.Adescriptionofthestateofoursoulsormindsbefore thecreationoftheworld,andinthistimeand valleyofmisery3 Ministers. 11.AdiscourseabouttheministersofAntichrist,whowill berich,andhavefatbelliesorlivings...96 Miracles. 12.Awonderfulexpositionwhatthezealouswillcando inthewondersormiracles22 12.HowtheAntichristhathascribedthemiraclesthat havebeenwroughttotheopinionofthosethat wroughtthem23 Moon. 9.Whywomenaretalkative;howthemoongoverneth theirmatrix;alsowhythemoonrunnethhercourse sosoon........113 Mystery.Mysteries.Mysterium. 1.Ofhislabourinvainwhoseekethforthemysteryin thestars47 2.Prideforbiddethsearchingaftermysteries...3 3.Whythesedeephiddenmysteriesarewrittendown.5 3.Oftheseventhformoftheeternalnature.Weneed notreadmanybooksorgototheuniversitiesto understandtheMysteries29 3.Whentheseventhsealisopened,thegreatmysteries ofGodshallberevealed78 CHAP.Mystery.Mysteries.Mysterium.VERSE 4.ThatintheseventhsealtheMysteriesmightstand open,nothingshouldherebeomitted...2 10.ItisanarrowwaythattheMysteriumMagnumis foundin2 11.Bydisputationanddebatemenmayperceivethatthe worldhathlosttheMysteriumMagnum..87 12.Howweshallbecrownedwiththecrown,Mysterium Magnum;oftheauthor'ssimplicityintheMystery beforethetenthnumber:Herehementionethhis strugglingintheattainingofthisknowledge..45

16.AcomplaintofthegreatdepthoftheMystery:A petitiontothemercyofGod,withalamentation.94 Nature. 1.IntheeternalnaturewithoutthelightofGodisthe painandtorment.Onlytheangelsandsoulsproceed fromtheeternalnature;whyoutwardthings aretransitory;thecauseoftheFallofoursouls.16 2.Natureconsistethoffourforms....31 2.WithoutnaturetherewouldbenoWordtocreatein thegenetrix79 2.Withoutnaturethereisnobrightness.Howthesprout [orword]ofloveisbornoutofnature...83 3.Whencekindnessinthefather'snatureandinthis worldcometh......26 4.Whatthevanquisherofnatureis...22 4.HowthefiercenessofthenatureofGodwouldalsobe creaturely.Thefallenangelshavekindledthe matrix,whichisnowtheireternalhabitation.42 4.Howthedivinenatureisfreefromthefiercedarkness70 4.Thatwhichiswithoutnaturecannothelpus,because weareinnature87 4.Theeternaldivinenatureisourmotherandfood;our soulisGod'sfood89 5.Natureinthespiritofman,andinthespiritofGod, isonesubstance.......94 9.Thedescriptionofthewheelofnature;howGodis totallyeverywhere67 9.Aportraitureofthewheelofnature....68 9.Afurtherexpositionofthecentreofnature..81 9.Howtheoutwardnaturelongethtobedeliveredfrom vanity.........94 9.Hownaturevehementlylongethtobefreedfrom vanity..114 CHAP.Nature.VERSE 13.Howthemother,theeternalnature,lamentethfor theevilchildrenwhomshehathgivenuptobe devoured,andchoosethanewson.51 13.Howtheeternalnaturedesirethnotart,butobedience54 14.Howweliecaptiveintheoutwardnature,andofour preciousjewelhiddentherein....2 15.Themotherofnaturebearethayoungson,whowill

shortenthedaysofwickedness....4 Opinion.Opinions. 11.Ofthedistressedsoulthatknowethnotwhatopinion tochoose82 12.HowfaropinionsaretolerablethatareheldinGod, andnottoberejected......24 12.OftheopinionsabouttheCupandPersonofChrist inGermany.Thosethatarezealousinanopinion hangtothetailofAntichrist....31 Paradise. 5.Ofparadise.Adamwasinthisworldinparadise.69 5.Paradiseisbothwithinandwithoutthisworld.God iseverywhere.......116 5.Whereparadiseis,intowhichthesoulsoftheholy childrenofGodenter125 5.Whatsoulsgointoparadise,andwhatintohell127,128 7.HowlongAdamwasinparadisebeforehefellasleep.29 7.Howyoungpeoplesetthegarlandofparadiseupon theserpent51 Pardon. 11.Ofpraying.Alsoofthewrongmeaningofpardon ofsins.53 Patience. 16.Howthesoulinpatienceremainethunderthecross.91 Perfection. 2.ThedivinemindintheHeartofGodisonlyperfection, andhowwecomprehendthatwhichisperfectin ourmind67 CHAP.Person.Persons.VERSE 1.OfthesecondPerson,thebrightnessoftheFather.50 2.WhytheFatheristhefirstPerson.Thedesirein thewillisthefirst10 2.TheworkingofthethreePersons...6163 4.Thelightconsistethinmeekness,anddwellethinthe liberty.AlsoofthethreePersons...63 4.WhytheFatherandSonarecalledtwoPersons.69

4.HowthethirdPersonistheimagerandformerin nature.........77 4.HowthethirdPersonmanageththeswordofomnipotency 78 Petition. 16.AnexpositionofthefirstpetitionoftheLord'sPrayer: Thewillisthesoul'sweddingchariot..4548 16.AnexpositionofthesecondpetitionoftheLord's Prayer.4951 16.AnexpositionofthethirdpetitionoftheLord's Prayer5258 16.Anexpositionofthebeginningofthefourthpetition oftheLord'sPrayer.....6062 16.Anexpositionofthelatterpartofthefourthpetition oftheLord'sPrayer,alsowhatliethhidinthe wordTetragrammatonandAdonai..6466 16.AnexpositionofthefifthpetitionoftheLord's prayer6775 16.AnexpositionofthesixthpetitionoftheLord's Prayer7680 16.ThebeginningoftheseventhpetitionoftheLord's Prayer8184 16.Anexpositionconcerningthesoul;alsoOftheseventh petitionoftheLord'sPrayer....89 Philosophers. 2.Anadmonitiontothephilosophers....91 5.Theauthortellsthephilosophersofthecreatingthe worldinsixdays46 Physicians. 2.Physiciansnowunderstandnotthecentreofsulphur, MercuryandSal,northedivinesthespiritofthe HolyScriptures17 CHAP.Planet.Planets.VERSE 9.OfthepropertyoftheplanetSaturn....63 9.WhatthedesireoftheplanetSaturnis..65 9.AdescriptionoftheplanetJupiter....66 9.HowtheplanetSaturnandtheMoonstandopposite onetoanother85 9.OftheoperationoftheplanetJupiter...86

9.OftheoperationoftheplanetMercury,wherelife takethbeginning;alsoofMars....87 9.ThedescriptionoftheplanetVenus,whichhatha peculiarlustreofitsown.....88 9.TheplanetMarsstandethabovetheSun,heispoison andanger,andbetokeneththefiercenessofthefire98 9.TheplanetJupiterstandethaboveMars,andmaketh thebrain.99 9.TheplanetSaturnstandethaboveJupiter,andmaketh thebrainpan.......100 9.TheplanetVenusstandethundertheSun;alsowhat Venusmakethandcauseth.....101 9.TheplanetMercurystandethunderVenus;alsowhat hecauseth.......102 9.TheMoonstandethundertheplanetMercury:The operationandfearoftheMoon;theMoonflattereth withthecentreoftheearth,andcentreoftheSun103 9.Howtheplanetsaretobetransposed,theMoonand Saturnmakethebody.....64 9.OftheoperationofthethreeplanetsabovetheSun, andthethreeundertheSun,whichisinthemidst97 9.Thedominionofallcreaturesislikethedominionof theplanets........104 9.AstheplanetsdrawvirtuefromtheSun,sodoththe lifefromtheheart105 9.OftheruleofthethreeplanetsabovetheSun,andof thethreeplanetsundertheSun....109 10.Outwardreasoncannotunderstandthecourseofthe planets........24 11.Howthemixtureismade;alsooftheworkingofthe planetswiththeseed......25 18.Whereintheoutwardlifeconsisteth;alsoofthe spiritoftheplanets11 Pope.Popery. 16.AdmonitiontotheRomanPopeandEmperor..25 12.WhencePoperyisgrown.TheAntichristianpriestdevil hathledthepeopleastray....20 CHAP.Portion.VERSE 17.Manrunnethafterthatwhichwouldrunafterhimif hewerevirtuousandhonest:Everyonehathhis

sufficientportion21 Power. 11.HethathathpowerinGodisnoSimonMagus..73 18.Howthereasonspiritofthestarsalsolongethafter thedivinepower..32 16.HowthesoulintheFallofAdamwascaptivatedby twofires;alsohowthesoulhaththepowerof nature.87 Pray.Prayer. 16.Howwemustroottheabominationoutofthesoul, whenwedesiretopray.....18 16.WhyChristcameintheflesh;alsowhathehath taughtustopray......37 16.HowweenterintoGodwhenwepray:andhowthe souleatethatGod'stable99 9.Howthedeviltakethawaytheearnestnessandvirtue oftheprayeroutoftheheart....32 9.Whatprayeritiswhichisnoprayer,wherebythe nameofGodismisused33 9.Whatprayeris,andhowmenmuststriveagainstthe devil.34 16.HowGodhearethoursoulinprayer:Thereare ThreePrinciplesinthesoul14 16.Goddwellethnotafaroff:Awarningagainstfalse thoughtsinprayer17 16.Concerningprayer27 16.WhatthatprayeriswhichChristhathtaughtus:No tonguecansufficientlyexpressthecontentsofthat prayer,noroftheGospel.....38 16.TheauthorsetsdownbutbriefcontentsoftheLord's Prayer40 16.AnexpositionoftheLord'sPrayer...41104 16.TheLord'sPrayercontainethsevenpetitions,with anentranceandconclusion;alsowhatthesoul attaineththerein.WhattheAmenis.Alsoof thesubtlenessofthewillofthesoul...100 16.OfthethreePersonsoftheTrinityintheconclusion oftheLord'sPrayer103 CHAP.Priest.Priests.VERSE 11.Awordtotheblindworldthatsupposeththatthe

MysteryofGodshouldnotbetouchedbutby thepriestalone.......76 14.Admonitiontogooutfromthepriest'scontentions. WhoisarightChristian.Alsoourdutyinthe maintenanceoftheearthlybody....25 Principle.Principles. 5.HowthePrincipleisdividedintotwodominions,as intoloveandanger19 5.WhereinaPrincipledothconsist....108 5.HowthesecondPrincipleisinthemidstofboththe Principles........113 5.Howthesecond,ordivinePrincipleisthepowerof thefirst.......114 5.HowthesecondPrincipleworkethintheoutward Principle........115 6.HowthethirdPrinciplewascreated,andwhat itis62 6.AdescriptionofthethirdPrinciple....63 6.HowthisthirdPrinciplewouldbeiftheSunwere extinguished.66 7.WhatthethirdPrincipleis,asalsothethirdlife inGod80 1.TheauthorwillshewthegroundofthePrinciples.43 5.WherethedistinctioninthethreePrinciplesbeginneth100 11.HowallthethreePrinciplesdesireman...107 11.InGodthereisnodominion,butinthethree Principles;alsowhencethefaultcomeththatany thingperisheth.......108 Rabbis. 13.HowthintheRabbisinGermanyare,ofathousand scarceahundredleft......40 14.TheschoolRabbishatetheexampleofyoungTobiah59 Rainbow. 6.Adescriptionoftherainbowanditscolours..69 6.HowChristshallappearuponsucharainbowathis coming........70 16.Whattherainbow,andthebodyofChrist,is,which Mysterynotonguecanexpress...92,93

CHAP.Reason.VERSE 3.BlindreasonwillgoabovetheHeartofGodlikethe devil...32 5.Theglisteringartinreasonisahindrancetothelight32 5.Ofreason'sblindnessastowhattheearth,stones, andelementsaregeneratedof....79 6.Thiswritingisnowordofoutwardreason...8 6.Admonitiontoblindreasontoseewithinwardeyes.38 7.Whatreasonjudgethconcerningthedangerofbeing overcomebytheworld......15 15.Reasonthinkethitwillbenootherwisenowthanin formertimes.......17 15.Howreasonwalkethwiselyinoutwardthings,but thesoulisforgotten23 16.Howthedevilcaptivatethusinreason,anddeceiveth usbyit30 Rest. 4.Inthesixformsthereisnoplaceofrest.Thesour motheristherestofthehungrynature...8 Regenerate. 9.Thespiritoftheregeneratesoulsearcheththroughall thethreePrinciples41 Rejoice. 12.Theyshouldrejoicewhoaredespisedfortheirfearing ofGod39 Revelation. 3.ThecausewhytheRevelationhathnothithertobeen fundamentallyunderstood,isbecauseithathnot beeninman'sability.......39 Riches. 6.Whattransitoryriches,andwhateternalrichesare.33 10.Howtherichesofthisworldarebutdrossanddung.8 Rule. 17.Theruleofthespiritofthisworld,andofthespirit ofGod.17 CHAP.Renewing.VERSE

18.Howintherenewingofthewilltheformedsubstance isrenewed........22 Scriptures. 5.Theauthorhathnootherknowledgeofthecreation, thanthatoftheHolyScriptures....80 7.TobeabletorepeatalltheHolyScriptureswithout bookbringethnosalvation3 Sea. 5.TheGlassySeaisthewaterspirit....11 8.Thecauseofthegreatsea46 Seeker. 4.Theauthorjudgethnottheblindseeker,heshallfind hisreward........51 Seal.Sealed.Seals. 3.Thetimefromthebeginningtotheendistheseventh seal,whereinthesixsealsaccomplishtheirwork:. Where(intheHeartofGod)menhavefound wonders41 3.Aftertheopeningoftheseventhseal,theArchshepherd willfeedhissheephimself...80 9.TheworldsincetheFallofAdamhathbutoneeye; butbytheseventhsealithathtwoeyes..107 15.Nowisthetimeofthelastseal,whereinthehellish wonderscometolight3 18.Thestarwhichhathbrokenthesealisappeared..4 3.WhereforeGodhathsealedus,andleftusblind.60 3.ThesevenformsarethesevensealsofGod,outof whichthepowerfulWordisgenerated...21 3.Thetimeisthatthesevensealsarebrokenopen.38 3.Oftheglassysea.Thesixsealsarethebirthofthe eternalnature.44 3.WhereforetheWordofGodmustenterintothe sharpnessofdeath,wherehebroketheseven sealsinthesoul.54 3.HowanyinGodhavepowertoopenthesevenseals inthedesirousmind68 3.Thesealsarehiddenfromthewhoretillshehathdevoured herself....75

CHAP.Seal.Sealed.Seals.VERSE 4.Thespiritopeneththesealsinthethoughts:He manifesteththeDeityinnature:Heisthepower ofthebrightness.82 5.Thesealsbringtheirwonderstolightunderthe worldlygovernment64 Search. 2.Howwemaysearcharightandfind....4 Seventh.Seventytwo. 9.Whattheseventhnumberinthecentreis...74 9.Inthenumberseventytwolieththegreatestsecret, theoriginalofcontention79 Selves. 3.Admonitiontoconsiderourselves:Alsoofheaven andtheangerofGod28 Senses. 3.Ofthebirthofthekindlove,andofthesixthformof nature,whereinthefivesensesaretobefound; Godmakeththegenetrix1 Sermons. 18.TheAntichristisahindrancetothesoulwithfilling people'searswithsermons35 Sex.Sexes. 9.Byaflamingironthetwopropertiesinmaleand femalesexaredeciphered47 9.Ofthetwokindsorsexes,masculineandfeminine. Whythemanisthehead111 Shepherd.Shepherds. 13.Areproofagainstthewhore;alsoofasimpleshepherd thatshallfeedus.......44 14.Thetruecatholicway;alsowhoisatrueshepherd ofChrist20 18.Howcanawolfmakeashepherdoversheep..44 14.Thefalsebishopsappointshepherdsaccordingto favour,andinrespectoftheirart....21

CHAP.Shepherd.Shepherds.VERSE 15.AspeechtothefalseshepherdsofChrist...20 15.AspeechtotheAntichristianshepherdsofthenew order22 18.Thewaysofthegoodandofthebadshepherds..43 Signs. 9.Howthetwelvesigns,partthemselvesintotwo governments.......72 Simple. 3.Advicetothesimpleholiness85 Sin.Sinners.Sins. 11.Thefalsesoulseekethafteruorighteousness,butonly thatitmaycoveritssin44 11.Howthesinnershouldhavehisforgivenesspronounced64 11.HowGodforgivethoursinswhenwepraytohim.54 11.Howheismistakenwhosupposethheisdelivered fromhisoldsins,whenhesinnethanew..57 Snare.Snares. 6.Ofoursnare,andtheexcellenceofpatience..34 12.Menshouldnotlookafterpompandpride;also whicharethesnaresandnetsofthedevil..40 14.Theworldisfullofsnarestoentanglethepoorsoul; alsowhatthatiswhichhindereththatthedevildo notdevoureverysoul......43 14.Anexpositionofthesevencordsorsnares;alsoan expositionofwhatthesouluhdergoethinthetrial beforeitgetteththrough53 Sodom. 8.Howthedevil'spurposeconcerningSodomwasnullified47 Son.Sons. 3.OftheSon,thebrightnessoftheFather,whatproceedeth from,andiscreatedbyit....3 3.HowwemustseektheSonofGodinthemanger,if wewillfindall30 4.TheSonisonewiththeFather;alsowhathissole williscalled71 6.Ofthetwosons,theonesayingyes,theother,no.26

CHAP.Sophister.Sophisters.VERSE 5.Thesophisterlookethuponthewisdomoftheworld; butthisauthornot;hementionethhisjoyinthe wondersofGod.......1 10.Theauthorspeakethtothesophister,andthestubborn whorethatsittethuponthestoolofpestilence.34 11.Ofthesophister,whoisthedevil'spriest;alsoof thosethatfallintosinsagainsttheirwill..43 11.ThesophisterisasprofitabletotheChurchasafifth wheeltoawaggon......74 11.Thesophisterwerebetterinahogstythaninapulpit75 5.AdmonitiontothechildrenofGodconcerningthe contentionofthesophisters.....70 9.Areproofagainsttheslanderingsandblasphemingsof thesophistersinthepulpit....29 Soul.Souls. 1.Thesoulisafireandneedethfood....4 1.Howthesouldwellethinthebody,andiscaptivated bythehumanspirit.......10 1.Thesoullivethinanothersubstancebesidesthespirit oftheelements.......11 1.Oftheoriginalofthefacultiesofthesoul,outofthe eternalnature;andhowGoddwellethmerelyin himself12 1.Howthesouldesirethtopressoutfromthebandof natureintoGod14 1.Nonaturefeltinthedivinelife:Thesoulisfirein theeternalnature:Thesoulisaspirit,having sevenforms,whereinheavenandhellconsist. Theauthorhereunderstandeththeeternalbirth.19 1.Howthesoulcomethtosee,andtobeabletospeak ofitsnativecountry......21 2.Ofthelightofthesoul;alsoofitsfall,andhowit mustenterintothelightagain....49 2.Howitiswiththesoulthatattainethnotthelight ofGod;andhowitisregeneratedanew..55 3.Theconditionofthesoul,whenAdamwasgoneout fromtheWord,itwasinthesevensealsofthe Father...56 5.HowthesoulloseththeMajestyofGod,andiscalled acastawaydevil.......95

5.HowAdam'ssoulwascaptivatedbytheangerofGod146 6.ThedifferencebetweenthesoulandtheWord..86 6.HowtheWordandthesoulstandnotastwopersons87 CHAP.Soul.Souls.VERSE 6.Anearthlysimilitudeoftheironandfire,shewing howthesouldwellethintheDeity,andtheDeity inthesoul88 6.Howthesoultremblethattheprisonofthisflesh;. andwhyGodbecameman95 6.Howoursoulgettethincomprehensibleflesh..96 7.Whatresolutionthesoulmusttakeagainstthestriving mindandthedevil8 8.Thesoulbeneathisinhell,andaboveisinGodin .heaven.10 8.Ofthefaintingofthedevilbeforetheearnestsoul.12 8.Howthesoulisafirethatreceiveththepropertyofits food...20 8.HowthesoulstandethbetweentwoPrinciples:Also ofthedesireofthebody.....21 8.Howthesoulmustwatch;howitmustforsakeits ownpower23 8.Howthesouldesirethtobeoutofthisearthlymother, anddesireththeeternalrest60 8.Howthepoorsoulliethcaptiveinthespiritand tinctureofthisworld......61 8.Howthesoulhathnotitsowntincture,butliethin impotency62 8.HowthesoulofAdamisgoneoutfromthelustreof Godintothespiritofthisworld....63 8.Themiserableconditionofthesoulafterthefallof Adam:Theclosingofthesevenseals...64 8.Howthecentreofthesoulcannothelpitself..65 8.Howthekingdomofhellwouldhavetriumphedover thisfaircreature,thesoul.....66 8.Howthesoulcameagainintoitsfirstmother..69 9.Howthepoorsoulisbetweenheavenandhell..22 9.Thesoulmustnotdisputewiththedevil...37 11.Thesoulstandethadegreedeeperthanthesun..17 11.Outofwhatthesoulisrousedandawakened:The soulisGod'schild:Also,ofthefoodofthesoul.18 11.Adescriptionofthesoul,howitiswhilstitisinthe seed32

11.Howthesoulhathahardcombatagainsttheevil innateproperties36 11.Howthesoulmustbe,thatitmaybeacknowledged forachildofGod49 11.Thesoulisthedevil'smostbelovedlodging..59 12.Whatismostprofitableformantodo:Alsowhatthe soultakethwithitwhenitdepartethfromthebody1 CHAP.Soul.Souls.VERSE 14.NotintheHostonly,butintheVerbumDomini,the souleatethatthetableofGod:Alsowherethe soulwiththespiritofthesouldwelleth..12 14.Howthesoulisfreedfromthedevil'sassaults,which thesoulhathahardtaskof13 14.Howthesoulmustfightagainstthedevil,andovercome him15 14.Ofthegreatdangerasoulisin,inthislife:What thecentreofthesoulis:Whatthetinctureis: AlsoofthetruenameSOUL....26 14.Intheeternalwaterthesoulisanangel:Alsoconcerning theFather'sstandingstill....28 15.Howallcommittedabominationsshallflowupinthe soul........14 16.Asimilitudeofthefearanddisquietnessofoursoul inthisbody.4 16.Howthespiritofthisworld(infleshandblood) overwhelmeththesoul6 16.Howthepoorsoulreceivethheavenlyrefreshment.8 16.Ofthegreathumilityoftheredeemedsoul..9 17.Wherethesouldwelleth......9 18.Howthesoulisthatdepartethfromthebodywithout conversion23 18.Howthesorrowandlamentationofthesoulgoethon; andhowthesoulgivethupitself....24 18.Asimilitudeofthestateofthesoulafteritsdeparture .........25 18.Whatjoyorrecreationthewickedsoulhath..26 18.Oftheconditionofthesoul,thatconvertethatthe verylast........28 18.Oftheconditionoftheearnestzealoussoulthatfeareth God29 1.IntheeternalnaturewithoutthelightofGodisthe painandtorment:Onlytheangelsandsoulsproceed

fromtheeternalnature.Whyoutwardthings aretransitory;alsothecauseofthefallofour souls16 2.Menshouldnottrusttheirsoulswiththedissemblers andhypocrites5 2.Angelsandsoulsareeternal64 12.HowtheAntichristiansoulsareafterdeathtill judgment28 18.HowthespiritofGodcannotbeawakenedinsome souls:Alsowhatsoulcan,andwhatcannot,be converted47 CHAP.Sound.VERSE 4.Furtherdescriptionofthesoundanditsoperation.73 4.Howthewillwhichthrustethforthfromtheheart producethandformeththesound...74 Space. 1.Howthevastspacedesirethcontraction,andthat theremustbeacontrarywill,orelsenothingwould be,neitherdarknessnorlight,lifenordeath..33 2.Whathathshutthevastspaceintoanarrowroom.15 Sphere. 10.Thesphereofthewisemagistsandmathematiciansis notperfect:ofthewonderfulturningofthewheel ofnature........25 Spirit.Spirits. 1.ThespiritofGodisnotsubjecttothebandofthe eternalnature13 2.Thebrimstonespiritisthewillinthefourforms, whereinthedevilsdwell37 4.Thespiritdesirethtobringthelightforthinits deepestdepth1 4.Oftheseventhform:Also~howaspiritis,andhowit subsisteth........5 4.Asimilitudedescribingtheoutflownairandspiritof God...79 4.Ofthefurtherworkingofthespirit....81 4.Howthespiritdifferethfromthebody...84 4.Thespiritisnotthelight,buttheblowerupofthe light.85

5.Menshouldnotjudge,lesttheyfallontheswordof thespirit,whichwillreprovetheworldforsin, righteousness,andjudgment47 5.Howthespiritofthisworldmayknowitself..28 5.HowthespiritthatproceedethfromGod,openeththe understandingofthemind...29 5.HowthespiritproceedethfromtheFatherandthe Word37 5.Whitherthespiritgoethwhenitgoethforthfromthe FatherandSon39 5.HowtheHolySpiritrevealeththeopenedseals..42 5.Theaimofthedifferentwisdom.Thetouchstoneto trywhetherthespiritofGod,orthespiritofthe devilspeaketh..74 CHAP.Spirit.Spirits.VERSE 5.HowthespirithathbroughtallthethreePrinciples intoabody.89 5.Thecomparingofthespiritofmanwiththeeternal spirit,andtheNumberThree....90 5.Astheworldisspokenforthfromthespirit,soitis alsoinman'sspirit.....91 5.ThespiritofmanhathinitselfthekingdomofGod, ofhell,andofthisworld:Alsohowallwas withoutbeingtilltheAandO...92 5.Thecentrewasbutonespirit:Howallcametobe thick,gross,andhard,asitwereoppositetothe MajestyofGod99 5.HowtheairorwindisnotthespiritoftheNumber Three102 6.HowthespiritofGodrulethinus;andhowthesoul attaineththeparadisicalgarland....32 6.Asthespiritis,soisthebodyofit....59 7.HowoftenunwillinglytheHolyGhostiscalleda devil,andthedevilaccountedagoodspirit..60 8.Asimilitudeofthegoingforthofthespiritinaredhot iron........6 8.Hownospiritdesirethtocomeoutfromitsmother again.........59 9.Heonwhomtheunderstandingofthisspiritfalleth, heunderstandethit4 9.Oftherootofthefirespirit,andoftheimpotentairspirit ..54

10.HowthespiritofGodhathplantedandcreateda modelinhiswill.......15 11.Ofthebreathinginoftheairspirit,andofthespirit ofthesoul.15 11.Howthespiritofthisworldintroducethitsgovernment alsointheseed34 14.Howwearesubjectedtothesj/iritofthisworldfrom ourentranceintothewomhofourmother..4 17.Howtheoutwardspiritshouldlookafteroutward things........6 18.Howtheoutwardspirithathinsinuateditselfintothe soul.........34 3.Howthesixspiritshaveexecutedtheirfiercemight inus.........50 4.Wherefore,andofwhatthespiritsarecreated..29 4.Thespiritsarecreatedoutofthecentreoftheeternal mind.31 4.Howthecreationofthespiritswas....36 CHAP.Spirit.Spirits.VERSE 4.Thespiritsarecreatedeveryoneaccordingtoitskind37 4.Ofthespiritsthathavetheiroriginaloutoftheinceptive will........54 4.Outofwhattheearthlyandwateryspiritsare..55 4.Thespiritsareincomprehensibletous.Theauthor willshewusthegovernmentofheavenfurther, andthenthegovernmentofman....57 5.Whenitisthatthesixspiritsshallbeknown..47 5.Whenthehiddenspiritsgointotheether:Alsoof thetimewhentheseventhsealtakethitsbeginning, knownbytheauthor48 5.HowthespiritsofdarknessHecaptive...110 10.Howthecreatingofthespiritswas....16 14.Ofthesixspiritsofnature:Alsooftheoriginalof mobility27 Star.Stars. 7.Howeverystarhathaseveralproperty...74 3.TheWordisintheFather,andhaththesevenstars orformsinitspower47 3.Weareunderthepowerofthesevenstars,orseven spiritsoftheFather'snature....48 5.HowtheimageoftheWisdomofGodhaththeseven

stars43 6.Outofwhatthestarsare:Alsowhytheyaretous innumerable41 7.Ifthestarsandelementshadnotbeencreated,the groundofnaturehadnotbeenmanifestedtothe angels25 7.Outofwhatthestarsare,andtheirproperty..72 7.Thecauseoftheburningofthestars:Alsohowthey awakenallcreatures73 9.Ofthetincture'snumbersix,andofthespirit'snumber six;whichtogethermaketwelveinnumber;or thestarswhichtheWomanintheRevelation weareth........73 10.Howthestarsarechildrenofthesun:Verygreat thingsaretobeconcealedhere....17 10.HowGodontheFourthDaycreatedthesunandthe stars19 11.Oftheworkingofthestarsinthecreatures,tothe manifestationofthewondersofGod...35 11.Howthesoulcansubduethepowerofthestars, whichindeedwouldfainbedeliveredfromvanity.38 CHAP.Sting.VERSE 2.Thesourharshnessisthemotherofthestingorgoad: Alsohowinthelibertyitbecomethjoyful,and howthefifthformrisethup73 Stone. 6.TheeternalfleshisthenoblePhilosopher'sStone, whichtheMagifind98 6.ThereisnothinglikethePhilosopher'sStone:Itis manifest,andalsohidden.....99 6.OftheexcellenceoftheStone100 6.Thegreatjoywhichhehaththatfindeththe Stone101 6.ThisStoneistheslightestandmostcontemptible.102 6.ThepowerofthosethathavethisStone:Theywho rightlyseekit,findit;othersscornit..103 7.Whathelpthesoulgettethinitsearnestness:Also howlittleknowledgeisnecessaryfortheattaining oftheCornerStone......9 7.TheNobleStoneistobefoundeverywhere..14 7.HowIsaac,Jacob,andDavid,foundtheNobleStone,

Christ36 7.HowMosesandElijahhadtheNobleStone..38 7.Howalltheprophetsprophesiedandwroughtmiracles bythepowerofthisStone39 7.TheStoneofthewisemenisChristtheSonofthe livingGod40 7.Theworldlywiseschoolshavealwayspersecutedthe Stone..41 7.WhattheStoneoftheworldlywiseis...42 7.Howweareledastrayatthisdaybythedevil,and losetheNobleStone49 7.ThedistinctionbetweenthosethathavetheStone,and thosethathavethesubtletyoftheserpent..52 7.TheythathavetheStone,knowthefalseMagior whore.........56 9.Howtheworldlongedafterman.TheStonewas knowninSolomon'stime7 9.InwhatwayitisnothardtofindtheStone..8 10.HowthetrueMagishallfindtheNobleStone..4 10.Attheendofnaturelieththeincorruptible Stone5 10.HowtheStoneistobesoughtinmetals...6 13.WhatliethhidinthisStone,whichistheeternalSon ofGod1 CHAP.Strife.VERSE 2.Ofthestrifebetweenthefiercenessandmeekness.93 7.OfthevehementstrifeoftheangerofGod..44 8.Ofthestrifeofthetinctureagainstthefire..32 8.Thestrifebetweenthefireandthesubstantiality.35 13.Onewillaloneiswithoutstrife:intwowillsthereis discord45 13.Whencestrifeariseth,oneseekingtosubdueanother; alsoofathing'sownprophet,thatisborninthe highestnumberofthecrown....46 13.Howtheprophetsheweththecrownoutofwhichthe strifeandmaliceariseth48 14.Thecauseofstrifeaboutthesoulofmanisbecause therearetwodominionsinman....68 16.Amoogathousandthathaveaseveralgiftandknowledge taughtofGod,thereisnostrifeaboutthe foodofthesoul34 16.WhencethestrifeamongsttheApostlesarose..35

Subsistence.Substance.Substantiality. 2.Oftheeternalsubsistenceofthehellishcreatures.57 4.Adescriptionofthesubstanceindarkness,andofthe desirewhichhathgeneratedit:Alsowhatiscalled fire.13 4.Asubstancemayproceedoutofathought...30 6.Whythatwhichispalpableisadeadsubstance..60 7.Howtheeternalsubstanceis64 7.Inwhatmannereverysubstanceremainethstandingin theeternalnature81 18.Howmenmaybeabletounderstandtheheavenly substance31 18.Ownreasoncannotattaintheheavenlysubstance.32 8.Whatiscalledair:Alsowhatiscalledsubstantiality.36 9.Howoutofthematerialsubstantialitytwokindsare come.........46 9.Howallessenceswentforth:Theyallstoodinthe materialsubstantiality48 Sun. 9.Whatlightwasbeforethesun:Howthesunandall starscametobe:Thesunistheheart...61 9.Howthezodiac,theearth,andtheplanetsstandin order,andthesuninthemidst....70 9.Adescriptionoflight,andofthesun...89 CHAP.Sun.VERSE 9.Howthesunpenetratethpowerfullyintoallthesix forms92 9.Howlongthesun'sstandingstillwastohareremained hidden106 10.InwhatwaymanyhavefoundSol,orthesun..3 13.Howthesunhaththedominioninthefourelements.27 13.Aresemblanceoftheelementsandthesuntothe FatherandtheSon28 13.Ofthesun'sbeingeverywhereinthisworld;andhow itisasimilitudeoftheSon'sbeingeverywhere.30 Superior. 15.Howthesuperiorprovokeththeinferiortowickedness11

Supper. 13.HowtheApostlesandtheirsuccessorshavebroken bread,andcelebratedtheLord'sSupper..10 13.HowtheyhavedrunkoftheCupintheSupper.11 13.HowwereceivetheHolyTrinityintheLord'sSupper31 13.HowintheLord'sSupperweassumeintooursoul thebodyofChrist,whichfilleththeheaven,whereby atthejudgmentitwillpassthroughthefire.32 14.TowhatendtheTestamentoftheLord'sSupperwas instituted19 Swine. 16.Thatmenmustnotturnbacktothehusksofthe swine20 16.Howwemaypowerfullycastawayallswineanddevils21 Tabernacle. 11.Howthepresenttabernacle,aboutwhichwestrive,is noneofours,thedevilhathdefiledit:Ourmother willpurchaseanewgarmentforus...111 Teachers.Teaching. 11.Oftheteachersgrownupofthemselves,whoteachfor moneytoshewtheireloquenceandforeignlanguage85 11.Theauthorenviethnotwhatgoodpeoplegivetotheir teachers:Theoxthattreadethoutthecornshould notbemuzzled:Antichristislaidquitenaked.104 CHAP.Teachers.Teaching.VERSE 12.Theblessednessofthepotentatesandteachers,who governandteachwellthosethatareunderthem.7 12.Whatteacherstheprincesshouldchoose.Whois certainlytheAntichrist.Alsoofonethatcometh whowillteachthetruth33 13.Whatthecongregation'sandtheteacher'sbehaviour shouldbe8 3.ThespiritofChristinGodiswithoutlaw:The teachingfromselfauthorityisfalse...67 Temptation. 3.Menoughttoholdoutinthetemptation...35 Testament.Testaments.

13.Howoursouloftengoethoutfromthefairimage; andhowGodgivethitthenewgarmentagain throughtheTestament,orSacramentoftheLord's Supper........20 3.WithoutfaiththeTestamentsareshutseals.Also howtheTrinityisours.....87 11.ThehypocritesangerGodwiththeiruseofthe Testaments........45 13.TheauthorwillshewwhattheTestamentsofChrist are3 13.TheChurchinBabeldancethaboutthejewelof Christ'sTestaments.....4 13.HowthevirtueofthejewelremainethsealedtoEurope andAsia.Thegreatmisuseofthisjewel(the Testaments)byBabel6 Tetragrammaton. 16.OfwhatliethhidinthewordsTetragrammatonand Adonai65 Theologists. 2.Anadmonitiontothetheologistsordivines,witha reproof94 4.Ahinttothetheologists,whopreachofGod'swill.45 Thoughts. 2.Whencethemindandthoughtsproceed...40 CHAP.Thunders.VERSE 3.Ofthesevenstars,andoftheseventhunders..43 3.Ofthevoiceoftheseventhunders:Theyarenot manifestedinthecentreoftheson...53 5.Whatthecorporeityofthedivinenatureis:Alsohow theseventhundersshallheopenedoneafter another12 Time. 4.Howthewheeloftheeternalessencesmovedbefore thetimeoftheFiat:Alsoofthebeginningoftime32 15.Themotherofnaturecomplainethofherchildren,and thetimeshallbeshortened....2 15.Admonitionthatthepresentdayisthetimeof

repenting25 Tincture.Tinctures. 4.Thatthereisanotherwillbornthatattaineththe libertyinthefire,andiscalledthetincture..17 4.Thesecondwill,orthetincture,isthelustreinthe darkness,andtheornamentoftheessences,and blossomoflife.......18 4.Whythepowerofthetinctureishiddenfromthe alchemists........23 4.Thetinctureisthelightoftheearth:Thesunisthe lifeofthewholewheel27 4.Thetinctureofthekindjoyshonealsooutofthe fallenangels.39 4.Thetinctureinthewillofthedevilsisbecomefalse; theywoulddomineerovertheSonofGod..43 8.Howthetinctureisacreature,andwrestlethwiththe fire........56 8.Howthelustreisstill,andthetincturemoveableand living,andthedeepestgroundofheaven..57 9.Whereinthenobletinctureconsisteth:Howeverylife standethinthehandofGod:Howthespiritwould beinhellfire52 9.Oftheseparationofthetwotinctures,ofthefirelife, andtheairlife53 13.HowwithouttheVerbumDominiboththetinctures hadremainedcaptivatedbythedevil,intheanger ofGod,andinthespiritofthisworld...35 Tongue. 5.Whatthetonguesignifiethordenoteth...107 CHAP.Trade.VERSE 17.EverytradeandbusinessisintheordinanceofGod.12 Treasure. 17.Whattreasurethevirtuousgather,andwhattreasure thecovetousgather27 17.EverytradeandbusinessisintheordinanceofGod.12 Treasure. 17.Whattreasurethevirtuousgather,andwhattreasure thecovetousgather27

Tree.Trees. 7.OutofwhatthetreeofGoodandEvilinparadise grew........47 13.Aspeechtothegreatandwidetree,thegenerationof Adam52 14.Howthesmallgrainofmustardseedbecomethagreat tree44 17.WhyGoddidforbidmantoeatofthetree;alsoof hisstatebeforeandaftertheFall....10 9.Howtheparadisicalformswereknownonthetrees. Allourfruitsaregoodandevil.....14 9.Ourfruitsuponthetreesgrownotofthemselves.15 Trial. 14.Theauthorcannotwritenorexpresswhatjoythesoul hath,afterithathpassedthroughthetrial..54 Trinity. 3.WhattheNumberThreeorTrinityis...12 5.Howthatwhichisspokenforthisanimageofthe HolyTrinity41 5.WheretheNumberThreeorTrinitydwelleth..57 5.Thespiritofthesoul,butnotthelightoftheeyes, comprehendeththeTrinity.....58 5.Thereisnothingperfect,buttheNumberThree,or Trinity59 16.WhattheTrinityisfrometernitytoeternity..104 Turba. 13.Howtheturbadestroyeththemultiplicity,from whenceitisthatenvyandfalsehoodproceed.49 13.Howtheturbaexercisethitselfintheanger;alsoof thespringingupoftheblossomoflife...60 Turk.Turks. 6.HowaTurkattainethGod,togetherwiththechildren thatarewithoutunderstanding....21 CHAP.Turk.Turks.VERSE 6.TheTurkssay,no.HethathonoureththeFather, honoureththeSon28 11.ThecauseoftheTurks'potency;alsohowlongtheir

blindnessshallcontinue91 11.TheAntichristshallnotdevourthetreeoftheTurks withhisdragon'smouth,ortyrannouspolicy;also whatitistheAntichristshallbedestroyedby.92 11.HowtheTurksarebecomeawildtree...94 Vanity. 15.Vanityandwantonnessisthefirstlessonyouthslearn7 Vials. 5.Inthecourtsofprincesthevialsofangerarepoured forththroughtheinstigationofthehypocrites.66 Virgin. 6.HowtheeternalVirgincameintosubstance..80 6.TheWordistheunderstandingintheeternalVirgin.82 6.NeithertheVirginnorthefleshdooperate,butthe spirit.........83 11.OftheeternalVirgin,outofwhichthematrixofthe earthbecameanimage12 13.Howourcorruptedsubstancebecameearthly;andhow GodintheheavenlyVirgin,andalsointheearthly Virgin,becameman19 Understand. 3.TheythatarebornofGod,shallunderstandthis.37 4.Advicetothemthatareabletounderstandthistext.59 18.IfanassshouldspeaktheWordofGod,thatsoul whichfearethGodwouldunderstandit.46 Universities. 15.Whatourchildrenlearnattheuniversities..9 15.Howstudentsintheuniversitiesareadvancedtogovern inChurchandState;andhowtheyrulethen.10 16.ThePersonofChristisaMystery,hiddenfromthe prideofthehighschoolsoruniversities...29 Uppermost. 9.Howtheuppermostdesireththenethermost,andthe nethermosttheuppermost110 CHAP.Warning.VERSE 5.Awarningnottoaccountthesethingsfictions..147

5.Awarningtogooutfromcontention,areproofto Babel...149 7.Awarningtohimthatisfallentoriseagain..13 8.OfGod'scareinwarningofhischildren...48 11.AtoarningtothechildrenofGodtogooutfromthe whoreofseemingholiness50 11.Awarningnottorunafterdisputationandcontention85 12.Awarningtothosethatarehereadvancedtohonour5 12.A.warningtotherichtobemeekandgentle..6 12.Awarningagainstthedevilwhosowethweeds.What thedoctrineofMosesandofChristwas..15 12.Awarningtowrestleinpatience....47 13.Theauthor'swarningwillnotbeinvain...41 13.Warningtothosethatsay,Ifourteachersteachusnot rightly,letthemlooktoit:Alsoofthemisuseof theBaptismandSupper42 14.Warningconcerningthewayofseemingholiness.8 14.HowGodwarnethmanofhiswrath....69 15.Ateamingconcerningthepunishmentthatshallbe overthefaceoftheearth16 16.AforewarningoftheAntichristianwolfbornofan academy26 16.Awarningnottotrustintheskilloftheletter,but inthespiritofGod33 18.AwarningtoEurope,Asia,andAfrica,concerningthe strongbowthatisbent;advicetoarisefromsleep, andtoseewithourowneyes....37 Wars. 5.Oftherightmurderersthatprovokeprincestowars.77 12.Ofhimthatisthecauseofwars.Whatwaris,and whenceitspringeth......43 Watchful. 14.Whatwearetobewatchfulagainst....42 18.Everyoneshouldbewatchful,bothinaspiritualand temporalstateandcondition42 Water. 8.Howthewaterreachethuptoourlips...15 9.Ofthewaterabovethefirmament,andofthewater beneath59

CHAP.Water.VERSE 10.Howthewaterfliethfromthefire,andthefirerunneth afterthewater26 13.Asimilitude,shewinghowallthingshavewater,and thesubstantialityfromit....25 Ways. 18.Wehavebuttwowaystogo,oneoutwardlyinworking fornecessity,andtheotherinwardlyinthewill ofGod41 Weight. 2.Howdeathtremblethatthelife;andwhenceweight innatureproceedeth......72 3.Whencetheweight,matter,lustre,andsatiatingthe hungerofthefirstwillproceed....10 Whore. 3.Howtheobstinatewhorehathcausedherlawstobe reverencedandworshipped.....71 3.HowthewhorepossesseththekingdomofChristwith deceit73 3.TheprophetshaveprophesiedoftheBabylonishwhore, whomustgointothelake74 3.Thewhorescomeththeangel'ssoundingofhistrumpet, andflatterethherself......76 7.Thefalseteacherscomparedtothewhore...58 8.AnadmonitiontothewhoreofBabel...11 11.Allpeoplearescandalisedandkeptbackbythewhore90 13.Mentionoftheconceitedlywisewhorewhoisnobetter, butworse,bytheReformation:Alsoofherpunishment .........58 17.Whenmenwerecareless,theBabylonishwhorebrought forththecovetousdevil:AlsoconcerningtheLast Time25 18.Howitisthatthewhorewillnotbeconverted..38 Wicked. 5.Thewickedaswellasthegoodgrowtothewondersof God3 Wilderness. 3.Howmenmustgointothewilderness,andbetempted

ofthedevil34 CHAP.Will.VERSE 1.TheeternalwilloftheFatheristheoriginalofthefire oflife.23 1.Oftheeternalwillandtheeternaldesire...24 1.Howthewillimpregnateditself....25 1.Howthewilldesirethtobefree:Alsowhatthesecond will,ortheeternalmindis26 1.Whythefirstwillgeneratethasecondwill,andfalleth intoanguish.......31 1.Whatthewill,thecontrarywill,andthedesireare.32 2.Oftheeternalwill,Word,Father*ofthetwowills: Whatiscallednature,andAand0.Natureis manifestedinthesecondwill,asfireinlight..9 2.Ofthewill,andofthedesireinthewill...13 2.Thatthewillcannotbecaptivatedbythetwoforms.22 2.Howthewillissharpenedbythetwoforms..23 2.Howthesecondwillisfreefromnature,andconsumeth not62 2.Adescriptionofthefirsteternalwillthatiscalled God75 2.Thefirstwillcauseththebirthofthelove:Alsoof theoriginalofthenames,FattierandSon..87 3.Ofthefirstandsecondwill,andofthebirthofnature20 4.Aclearerdemonstrationofthealterationinthewill, orofthesecondwill24 4.Thewillisthemasterofeverywork,itsfirstoriginal isoutofGod48 4.Howmenshallattainadivinewill....53 4.Ofthetwofoldacceptabilityfromonewill...66 4.WhythesecondwilliscalledSon,Word,Person, Heartlight,lustre,love,andwonder...68 6.Itliethnotintheopinionorknowledgeofany,butin thegoodwillandwelldoing:Thewillbringethus eithertoGod,ortothedevil....19 6.Howweareallblind:Ourlifeandallourdoings consistinthewill.....22 8.WhatwillisinGod.Thegreatpowerofthewill hiddeninthespiritofthesoul....18 10.ThewillofGodisnotcontentionandstrife;alsoconcerning thehypocrites33 12.WemustgooutfromreasonintothewillofGod;

alsowhatourcontinualpurposeshouldbe.35 14.Goddesirethtohavenohypocrites,butasincere earnestwill10 15.Earthlyfoodpassethaway,butthewillandthedesire inthewillremaineth15 CHAP.Wisdom.Wisemen.VERSE 5.ThewisdomofGodisavirgin,andnowomanor wife44 5.OftheoperationofthewisdomofGodinbothmatrixes45 5.ThewisdomofGodisanimageoftheTrinity..49 5.Howthewisdomisthebodyofthespirit,through whichweknowhisform.....50 5.Howweknowthevirginofwisdom;sheistheornament oftheheavenlyfruit52 5.ThevirginofwisdomortheTrinityisnolocalthing, butwithoutend56 5.OurownwisdomattainethnotthecrownofGod's secrets........72 6.Theeternalvirgin,theeternalwisdom,andtheeternal Wordarenotdivided.78 7.Solomonlearnthiswisdominnouniversity..37 7.Theconstellationisacauseofwisdom,art,and subtlety,andofallworldlygovernmentamongst men,beasts,andfruits79 11.HowthefirstAdamlostthevirginofwisdom,and howthesecondAdamhadit....69 13.HowthelightoftheeternalwisdomofGodinAdam wasextinguished..18 14.Thedevil'spracticeisthewisdomofthosethat.are advancedtohighplaces38 14.Howthedivinewisdomisoftencoveredinthe childrenofGod56 2.WhatthewisemenunderstoodbySulphur,Mercury, andSal38 Woman. 3.TheWomanofthedragonistoldwhatshehath built.........63 3.AwarningtothefairWoman,as,sheaccounts herself........64 3.TheWomanhathnoauthoritybutfromthedragon.66 3.HowtheWomanupontheDragonridethinpride,

pomp,andstate.......69 3.TheangerofGodaccomplishethallitswondersonthe WomanoftheDragon70 3.HowtheWomanissaidtobetheGodoftheBeast; viz.howthespiritualityorclergyaresaidtobethe Godofthemagistrates,orworldlypower..77 9.Howmanhaththetincture,andwomanthesubstantiality, andhowthatwasineternity...44 CHAP.Woman.VERSE 9.Whythewomanmustbeunderthegovernmentof man112 9.Whywomenaretalkative;howthemoongoverneth theirmatrix;whythemoonrunnethhercourseso soon113 11.HowGoddividedAdam,andmadewomanoutofhim23 Wonders. 3.HowChristprayedtohisFatherandwroughtgreat wonders72 9.HowthespiritofGodopeneththewonderswhichwereforeseen intheeternityinthewisdom...116 17.TheoutwardbodyshouldmanifestthewondersofGod14. Word. 1.HowtheWordisGod,thateternallymakethitself.38 2.TheWordcreatethinthegenetrix.Whatthe eternalstilljoyis.Alsoinwhatnatureisgenerated 78 2.TheWordtakethitsoriginalinnature:TwoWords aregeneratedinnature:Thefirstexpresseththe fiercepower,whichistheFather'snature..80 2.AdescriptionoftheSecondWord,whichiscalled God81 2.HowtheSecondWorddwellethinthefirstwill.84 2.HowtheSecondWordistheSon,andthebrightness oftheFather:Alsohowloveandhatestandin opposition85 3.TheWordofGodhathbrokenthefiercemightinthe soul...55 4.HowtheHeartistheWord;andthespiritisthe formeroftheWord80 5.Thesoul,thespirit,andthebody,forma,word..86 5.Howthemeaning,theword,andtheformingofwords

istobeunderstood96 5.HowtheThirdPrinciplealsomaybeunderstoodin theword112 6.HowtheWordinninemonthsbecameaperfectman84 6.WhatintheironrepresenteththeWord,theMajesty, andtheHolyGhost89 8.HowitisthattheeternalWordwastobecomeman.67 8.HowtheWordwhichbecamemanenteredintodeath onthecross,andbrokethesevenseals...68 14.Howthesoulformeththeword....29 CHAP.World.VERSE 1.Theangelicalworldisnotwithouttheplaceofthis world34 3.Ofwhatandwhereforethisworldhathbeencreated.40 3.Godisaspirit:Theseventhformmanifestethhim; whereinthecreationofthisworldiseffected..45 4.Thisworldshallnotdie,butbechanged:Theshadow ofeverythingthereinremainetheternallyasa figuretothegloryofGod28 5.Theinwardgovernmentisnotseparatedfromthis world16 5.Whencethisworldisbecomecorporeal...17 5.ThisworldisasimilitudeoftheDeityinloveand anger.........81 5.Thisworldisasproutoutoftheeternalnature..82 5.TheformofthisworldwasfrometernityinGod's immaterialnature......83 5.Howbeforetimetheworldwaswithoutsubstance. Luciferhathstirredupthefireinhis habitation........97 5.Wheretheangelicalworldismanifest..117 6.Howweareyetblindconcerningthesubstanceofthis world.........10 6.Whatweare;alsowhattheworld,andtheoriginal thereofis.......40 6.Theeternalsubstanceandthisworldarelikeaman, theyeachgeneratetheirhike....46 7.WhyGodrejectethnottheworldbeforetheendof time.........18 8.Ofourownhardprisoninthespiritofthis world.........14 9.Whythisworldwascreated,whichbeforethecreation

stoodintheeternalwisdomasaninvisible figure6 9.Oftheinclinationofthespiritofthisworld..9 9.Ofthatwhichthespiritofthisworldhathbuilt.10 9.ThatwhichdesirethtoreachGodmustpassthrough thefire:Alsowhatfirethatiswhichmustdissolve theworld........82 11.TheworldisfullofGod:WhereGodis,andwhere theabyssis106 11.Whatthesubstanceofthisworld,theangelicalworld, andthehellishworld,areinthesightofGod:Also whereGodistobesought.....109 14.TheworldmakeththechildrenofGodbutagazing stock.........55 CHAP.Works.VERSE 4.Asthebuildingshallappear,soshallthebuilder:our worksfollowus52 5.HowtheevilworksoftheregenerateinChristshall appear.........134 8.ThedescriptionoftheNewBody,andoftheOld Man;andhowourworksshallfollowus.77 18.Howallworksfollowafterthewill;alsohowlustin thesoulisawakened21 Wrath. 1.Theseverekingdomofwrathisinthecentre;how theFatherisbutone;howthethirdPrinciple couldnothavebeencreated....49 11.HowGodwarnethmenofhiswrath;andhowhe letteththatcomewhichmanhimselfhathawakened, aswars,famine,pestilence,etc....40 11.WhatwehaveinheritedfromAdam:Howtheanger shouldhaverestedeternally;withouttheawakened wrathnodevilcanmoveafly....41 Writings. 4.Thoughtheauthor'swritingsbehardandincredible, yettheyhaveaninfalliblecertaintyofassurance.19 4.Hiswritingshaveanassuranceinthecentreofthe earth20 5.Thisisthewritingofachild33 6.Howpeoplemaybebenefitedbythesewritings..9

9.Whatthedevilintendethtodowiththesewritings.1 9.Theworld'sservantshadratherloseGod,andthe kingdomofheaven,thantheirhonourandgoods. Thewhorebytheinstigationofthedevilwill persecutethesewritings2 10.Adviceinthesewritings,torestcontentedwiththe presentapprehensionofthem....31 Youth. 15.Ofthewickednessandunrulinessofyouth,ifthey perceivetheirparentsgivewaytoit..5 Zeal. 12.Theinnocenceoftheblindsimplezealagainstthe Martyrs.21 16.OfthegreatsubmissionoftheloveofGod.Patience isbetterthanzeal36

Appendix
ACATALOGUEoftheBooks WrittenbyJACOBBEHMEN,TheTeutonicTheosopher. 1.ANNO1612,hewrotetheAurora,ortheDawningoftheDay;or MorningRednessintheRisingoftheSun:ContainingtheRootof Theology,Philosophy,andAstralSciencefromthetrueGround.Dated June2,AnnoAetatis37.IthadNotesadded,withhisownHand,in1620. Havingbeensummoned,onAccountoftheAspersionsofthe SuperintendentofGorlitz,andaccusedasAuthorofthisBook,itwaslaid upbytheMagistratesofthatPlace;andhewascommanded(asbeinga simpleLayman)todesistfromwritingofBooks.Uponthis,herefrained forsevenYears.ButbeingafterwardsstirredupbytheInstigationofthe DivineLight,heproceededtowritetherest,asfollows. 2.Anno1619.TheThreePrinciplesoftheDivineEssence:OftheEternal Dark,Light,andTemporaryWorld.WithanAppendixoftheThreefold LifeofMan. 3.Anno1620.TheHighandDeepSearchingoftheThreefoldLifeofMan, through,oraccordingtotheThreePrinciples. 4.AnanswertotheFortyQuestionsconcerningtheSoul,proposedby DoctorBalthasarWalter.IntheAnswertotheFirstQuestion,isthe

PhilosophicGlobe,orWonderEyeofEternity,orLookingGlassof Wisdom,(whichinitselfcontainsallMysteries)withanExplanationofit. 5.TheTreatiseoftheIncarnation.InThreeParts.DatedinMay. ParttheFirst,OftheIncarnationofJesusChrist. TheSecond,OftheSuffering,Dying,Death,andResurrectionofChrist. TheThird,OftheTreeofFaith. 6.TheGreatSixPoints,containingtheDeepGroundoftheGreatMystery, andoftheThreeWorlds;andabriefExplanationofsixothers,orthesmall sixPoints. 7.OftheHeavenlyandEarthlyMystery.DatedMay8. 8.OfthelastTimes;beingtwoLetters;TheFirst,toPaulKeym,dated August14;andtheSecond,tothesame,datedNovember23;both concerningtheThousandYearsSabbath,andoftheEndoftheWorld. TheyareintheCollectionofhisLetters. 9.Anno1621.SignaturaRerum;or,TheSignatureofallThings:Showing theSignandSignificationoftheseveralForms,Figures,andShapeof ThingsintheCreation;andwhattheBeginning,Ruin,andCureofevery Thingis;comprisingallMysteries 10.OftheFourComplexions:ATreatiseofConsolation,orInstruction,in TimeofTemptation.DatedinMarch. 11.TwoApologiestoBalthasarTylcken, TheFirst,inTwoParts,concerningtheAurora. TheSecond,inTwoParts.DatedJuly3. ParttheFirst,concerningPredestination. TheSecond,concerningthePersonofChrist,andtheVirginMary;which hehadwroteofintheTreatiseoftheIncarnation. 12.ConsiderationsuponIsaiahStiefel'sBook,datedApril8,concerning theThreefoldStateofMan,andtheNewBirth;andofthelastSion,or NewJerusalem. 13.Anno1622.OftheErrorsoftheSectsofEzekielMeths,oranApology toIsaiahStiefelconcerningPerfection.DatedApril6. 14.OfTrueRepentance. 15.OfTrueResignation. 16.OfRegeneration.DatedJune24. 17.Anno1623.OfPredestination,andtheElectionofGod.DatedFebruary 8.ThereisanAppendixtoit,intitledasfollows: 18.AShortCompendiumofRepentance.DatedFebruary9. 19.TheMysteriumMagnum:AnExplanationofGenesis;treatingofthe Manifestation,orRevelationoftheDivineWordthroughtheThree PrinciplesoftheDivineEssence:alsooftheOriginoftheWorldandthe

Creation,whereintheKingdomofNatureandGraceareexplained,forthe betterunderstandingoftheOldandNewTestament;andwhatAdamand Christare.DatedSeptember11. 20.ATableoftheDivineManifestation;or,AnExplanationofthe ThreefoldWorld:InaLetteroftheTrueandFalseLight,toG.F.andJ.H. DatedNovember11.ItisintheCollectionofhisLetters. 21.Anno1624.OftheSupersensualLife. 22.(22.)OfDivineContemplation,orVision.ItproceedstothesixthVerse ofthefourthChapter. 23.OfChrist'sTestaments.InTwoBooks.DatedMay7. TheFirst,OfHolyBaptism. TheSecond,OftheHolySupperoftheLordChrist. 24.OfIllumination.ADialoguebetweentheEnlightenedand UnenlightenedSoul. 25.AnApologyfortheBookofTrueRepentance,andofTrueResignation. DatedApril10;occasionedbyaLibelpublishedbyGregoryRickter,the PrimateofGorlitz. 26.(26.)AnHundredandSeventysevenTheosophicQuestions,with answerstoThirteenofthem;andtotheFifteenth,asfarastotheFifth Verse. 27.AnEpitomeoftheMysteriumMagnum. 28.(28.)TheHolyWeek,orPrayerBook.WithPrayerstotheEndof Tuesday. 29.ATableoftheThreePrinciples,or,AnIllustrationofhisWritings.ToJ. S.V.SandA.V.S.DatedinFebruary. 30.OfthelastJudgment:SaidtobeconsumedattheBurningofGreat GlogauinSilesia;andnootherCopyofitisyetfound. 31.TheClavis,oranExplanationofsomeprincipalPointsandExpressions inhisWritings. 32.ACollectionofhisLettersonseveralOccasions. Note,TheBookswhichtheAuthordidnotfinish,aredistinguishedbythis Mark(). No.s14,15,16,18,21,24werepublishedinoneVolume.titled"TheWay toChrist".