the Turba and in Eternity reacheth not to God also it knoweth nothing of him but is a Life according to the Essence Property of the Parents 13. Where yet it doth not reach to the kindling or burning for the Soul had not it self acted or committed sin but is a fountain-quality-Spirit without self-desire and wonders like the flame of Brimstone and like an Ignis Fatuus which cannot reach to God but remain so between Heaven and Hell in the Mystery till the Judgment of God which will gather in its harvest and give every thing its right and true place of Repository 14. Though perhaps our learned Masters in this may have another kind of Philosophy but we enquire not after their Art we have eyes they have Arts we speak what we see 15. Thus we give you to understand that no Soul is generated or born into this world without sin how honest vertuous and godly soever the Parents are for it is conceived and bred forth or hatched in earthly Seed and bringeth the Turba of the Body along with it and that hath also surrounded the Soul 16. Therefore in the Old Testament God made a Covenant with the Children in Circumcision and so ordered in the Covenant that they must shed their Blood and drown the Turba of the the Soul therewith 17. And in the New Testament there is the Baptism wherein the holy Spirit with the Water of Life washeth off the Turba of the Souls water that it may come to God and become God's Child 18. But if any will say that every one that hath not baptism as Jews and Turks and other People with whom is not the knowledge thereof who have not the Candlestick among them that they are all rejected of God although they never so vehemently press with their teaching Life and Death into the Love of God that is a phancy and Babel-like spoken without knowledge 19. Blessedness and Salvation lyeth not alone in the outward Word but in the Power and Vertue Who will exclude those that enter into God 20. Is it not Babel who seduceth and confoundeth the whole world so that they have devided People into Opinions and yet in their wills go but one way who is the Cause of this but the Antichrist when he drew the Kingdom of God into his might authority and power and made fictions concerning the Regeneration of which when it comes to be day the very Children will be ashamed of them 21. A Man may say with good ground that Antichrists Doctrine is a fighting with a shadow as in a looking-glass and a falshood and wickedness of the Serpent which continually beguileth Eve 22. Thus it is apprehensible to us that no Soul cometh into this world without Sin every one bringeth the Turba along with it for if it were without Sin then it must dwell in a totally pure body which hath no evil will or inclination at all in which there is no earthly seeking or desire 23. But thus indeed is every body and soul tyed and united together till the Turba findeth the Limit of the Body and then the Turba seeketh the works or actions of the Body as hath been mentioned above The Fifteenth Question How Sin cometh into the Soul being it is God's Work and Creature 1. IT is in such a manner as is above mentioned The Turba together with the earthly seeking came along with it into this world and so the Soul becometh vehemently drawn by two parties first by the Word of the Lord which is passed into the middle which there of Love is become Man or incarnate that draweth the Soul continually into God's Kingdom and setteth the Turba before the eys of the Soul so that the Soul seeth in Nature what is false or wicked and sin and if it suffereth it self to be drawn then it becometh regenerated in the Word so that it is God's Image 2. And secondly the Turba also draweth the Soul mightily with its bands and bringeth the Soul continually back into the earthly seeking or longing especially in youth when the earthly Tree sticketh full of green sprouting driving Essences and Poyson and then the Turba thus flyeth strongly or mightily in so that many a soul in eternity cannot become freed and loosed from it 3. A thing which is from two beginnings which stand in equal ballance or weight doth by putting in more weight on the one part sink down be it either by evil or good 4. Sin maketh not it self but the will maketh it it cometh from the Imagination into the Spirit and then the Spirit goeth into a thing and becometh infected from the thing and so the Turba of that thing cometh into the Spirit and destroyeth first the Image of God 5. And then it goeth further seeketh deeper and so it findeth the Abysse viz. the Soul and seeketh in the Soul and so it findeth the fierce wrathful Fire by which it mixeth it self with the thing introduced into the Spirit and so now sin is totally generated or born and so now all is sin which desireth to bring that which is outward into the Will 6. The will should simply or singly be inclined and exercised in Love Meekness as if it were a nothing or dead it should only desire God's Life that God may work act or create in it and whatsoever it doth besides its will should be inclined or intended so as to do it for God 7. But if it put its will into the Thing or Substance then it bringeth that thing or Substance into the Spirit which possesseth its Heart and so the Turba becometh generated and the Soul captivated with that Thing 8. Thus we give you for an answer that no Soul cometh pure and clean out of the Mothers body or womb be it begotten by holy or unholy Parents 9. For as the Abysse and Anger of God as also the earthly world do all cleave to and depend on God the Father and yet cannot apprehend or touch his Heart and Spirit so it is also with the Child in the Mother Body or Womb. 10. If it be begotten of godly pious Parents then each Principle standeth in its own part by it self when the Turba taketh the earthly Body then the Heaven taketh the Spirit and so the Majesty filleth the Spirit and so the Soul is in God and is free from pain 11. But while the Soul sticketh in the Earthly Life it is not free and it is because the Earthly Spirit continually bringeth its Abominations with its Imagination into it and the Spirit must continually stand in strife against the Earthly Life The Sixteenth Question How the Soul both in the Adamical Body as also in the New-born or Regenerate Body is held or preserved in such union together 1. VVE have mentioned above that there are Three Principles which moreover are all Three in the Soul and stand in one another as one thing and we offer you this that the strife in the Soul beginneth in the Seeds while they yet
can desire to do well and be sorry when he hath been drawn away to do evil by the Lusts of his own Heart by which the Devil tempteth us to do Evil but if we will resist the Devil he will flie from us if we will leave off to do evil and desire trie and learn to do well without doubt we shall be able through God that dwelleth in us and then he will teach us all things and lead us into all Truth by his Spirit All this we shall fully understand and all Mysteries when God shall manifest himself in us if we earnestly desire it with all Humility self-denyal losing of Our Souls and being Nothing in our selves for then God will be All in All and nothing is impossible with God All this and much more hath the Author of this Answer to these Questions concerning the Soul found true and hath out of his inward Mystery manifested many things in this and other Writings of his the knowing whereof will be exceeding useful to the furtherance of the Salvation of every Soul which when I had read I was very much satisfied in my own Soul and do desire that others may be made partakers of them so far as lyeth in me I have therefore taken in hand to put this Treatise into English which I chose to do rather out of the Original then out of any Translations because they many times come short of the Authors own meaning and because I found many Errours in some of them and he is so deep in his Writings that we have need to desire that our Souls may be put into such a condition as his was in else they cannot be fully understood But the same God that satisfied his desires will satisfie ours if we cast our selves upon him in Our Souls and let him do with us what he pleaseth Concerning the Author I have now published the Brief Translation of his Life written in High-Dutch by Abraham Van Frankenberg who was long his acquaintance and continued so till his death The Relation is as followeth A brief Account of the Life and Conversation of Jacob Behme afterwards by Learned Men in Germany called Teutonicus Written in High-Dutch by Abraham van Franckenberg one very much acquainted with him JAcob Behme was born in the year 1575. at Old Seidenburg distant about two Miles from Gerlitz a City in Upper Lusatia highly Esteemed by Learned Men His Parents were Jacob his Father Vrsula his Mother both Countrey people In his youth he kept Cattel and at length by advice of Friends was sent to School where he learned to Read and Write together with the Fear of God afterwards was put to the Handicraft Trade of a Shoomaker when he became Master of his Trade in the year 1594. he marryed a Maid one Catharine the Daughter of John Kunshman a Butcher of Gerlitz with whom he lived quietly and well for thirty years together and had four Sons that learned Handicraft Trades Being from his youth inclined to the fear of God and very diligent in frequenting to hear the Preaching of Sermons he was at length stirred up by that saying and promise of our Saviours Lube 11. 13. Your Heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him for it and because of the very many Controversies in Religion about which he could not satisfie himself he was moved in simplicity of Heart or Spirit inwardly earnestly and uncessantly to pray or ask seek and knock that he might know or apprehend the truth whereby then according to the Divine Drawing and will in the Spirit or Heart he was rapt into the Holy Sabbath wherein he continued seven whole dayes by his own Confession in highest Joy Afterwards when he was come to himself and having put off the folly of Youth he was driven by Divine Zeal vehemently to reprove all scandalous reproachful and blasphemous Speeches and withdrew from all unseemly matters and actings with earnestness for Love to Vertue By which way and Life being contrary to the course of the world he became but their scorn and derision During which time he mentained himself with the labour of his hands in the sweat of his Brows till the beginning of the sixth Seculum or Age viz. Anno 1600. when he was a second time touched by the Divine Light and by a sudden Glimps of a Pewter Vessel he was introduced into the Inward Ground or Center of the Hidden Nature He not being yet sufficiently satisfied with this went forth into the open fields and there perceived the wonderful or wonder-works of the Creator in the Signatures Shapes Figures and Qualities or Properties of all created things very clearly and plainly laid open whereupon being filled with exceeding Joy kept silence praising God and so contentedly satisfied himself therewith for a while But according to God's Holy Counsel and Determination who manageth his works in secret about Ten years after viz. in the year 1610. by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit he was a third time stirred up and renewed by God whereupon being so enlightned with such great Grace bestowed upon him he could not put it out of his mind nor strive against his God therefore did by small means and without the help of any Books but only the Holy Scriptures write secretly for himself these Books following viz. 1. Anno 1612. the first Book called Aurora the Morning Redness or Rising of the Sun and being complained of to the Magistrates of Gerlitz for being the Author thereof the Book was taken and laid up in the Councel House with command to him that he being an Ideot or Layick should from thence-forth forbear such writing of Books which did not belong to his condition and employment upon which he abstained for seven years but after that being in like manner stirred up again by the moving of the Holy Spirit and being exhorted to it by the entreaty and desire of some people that feared God he took Pen in hand again and went on to write and perfected with good leasure and deliberation these that follow 2. Anno. 1619. The second Book concerning the Three Principles with an Appendix concerning the Three-fold Life-of Man 3. Anno. 1620. A Book of the Threefold Life of Man 4. The Answer to the Forty Questions of the Soul proposed by Dr. Balthazer Walter in the first Chapter whereof is contained a Treatise of the Reversed Eye or Philosophick Globe with an Appendix concerning the Soul the Image of the Soul and the Turba or destroyer of the Image 5. Three Books First 1. of the becoming Man or Incarnation of Jesus Christ Second 2. Of the Suffering Dying and Resurrection of Christ Third 3. Of the Tree of Faith 6. A Book of the small six Points and a Book of the Great Six Points 7. A Book of the Heavenly and Earthly Mystery 8. A Book of the Last Times or of the 1000. years Sabbath being two Epistles to Paul Keym. 9. Anno. 1621. De Signature Rerum of the
the Deity 30. For the Spirit stirreth up the Turba of all things or Substances in all the Three Principles and then in one hour all will stand manifest whatsoever is in Heaven Hell or this VVorld 31. For the Turba stirreth up all things substances or works of all Creatures and all will be visible whatsoever is in Heaven or Hell and every one will see the work of his Heart good or Evil. 32. And in this hour appeareth also the Judge Christ upon the Bow of the Number Three like a Rain-Bow for according to the Principle of this VVorld it is a Natural Rain-bow but according to the Principle of God it is the Number Three The Cross with a Doubled Rain-bow one part whereof standeth turned into the Inward Principle viz. into the Abysse of the Anger there he sits upon God's Anger and that the Devils and all wicked Men shall see 33. For that Bow is included in all the Three Principles and this Judge Christ sitteth upon and in the Omnipotence of the Eternity above all whatever is called Substance or Thing 34. And there will rise up the lamentable horrour of all Devils and wicked Men and they will tremble yell and cry and say to the wise Virgins give us some of your Oyl comfort us a little and teach us what we should do give us some of your Holiness that we may stand before the Angry Countenance of God for the Eye of Hell standeth wide open whither shall we fly from this Anger 35. And the wise Virgins viz. the Children of God will say Away to your Sellers and buy of them we have Oyl only enough for us lest you and we both want away to your Hypocrites Flatterers and Deceivers who have tickled your Ears with Hypocrisie for your Money buy of them we have need of ours have we not been your Fools Now away with the Glistering of your deceit and Hypocrisie we will not make our selves partakers with you lest we suffer what will come upon you 36. There will they stand in great horrour yelling and Crying to the Judge Christ but his Anger-Eye with their Turba gripes them in the Heart quite through Spirit and Flesh through Marrow and Bones for the Soul is in the Turba with the moving of God clearly stirring in the fierce VVrath 37. And then for very Anguish they will fall to the Earth and one part of them will bite their Blasphemous Tongues the Proud will say O ye Mountains fall on us and ye Hills cover us from this Eye of the fierce wrath they will creep into the Holes into the Cliffs of stony Rocks and Mountains to shelter them they would fain put themselves to Death and yet there is no more Death they use VVeapons to put themselves out of the Body but there is no dying there but only fierce VVrath and Anger 38. In this horrour will all buildings in the World fall down for the Earth will Tremble as shaken with Thunder and the horrour will be in all and every Life every one according to its source quality or pain A Beast hath no such source or quality or pain as the Soul only it is affraid of the Turba 39. And in this Elevation and moving all the Waters will flow up above all high Mountains that there will be no breaking upon the Earth it will be so high as if they were all consumed for they will all be comprised in the Anger in the Turba so that in the Elements there will be nothing but Anguish 40. All high Rocks and Mountains will crumble and fall down the Stars will fall to the Earth with their strong or stern power or vertue and all this will be done in several Dayes all accordingly as the World was Created so it shall also have an End for the seeking of the Earth in its Anguish will draw the Stars to it as they have alwayes done in this time so that the Earthly Body hath drawn the seeking or influence of the Stars to it 41. For the Stars are a Magical seeking which have awakened Life so that now the Earth standeth awakened in the Creat Turba and therefore it is so hungry and thirsty that it will draw the Stars to it such an Anguish will be upon the Earth 42. But the Children of God will lift up their Eyes with folded hands to Christ and rejoyce that the Day of their deliverence is come for the Anguish toucheth them not 43. And in those dayes which are hidden in God how many belong to it for in six dayes the World with its Hosts was Created this is hidden from us the Water will find it self again and fill all deeps more then before 44. For now Death cometh with it and in that hour all Creatures except Man shall the and all the Men that have crept into the Clefts of the Rocks and Mountains will come forth again but with Anguish of their Consciences though now the Turba hath permitted that the horrour stand in Death for the falling of the Water taketh hold of the Turba 45. And then will the voice of the Holy Number Three according to all the Three Principles open it self and through the Mouth of the Judge Christ say Arise ye Dead and come to Judgment 46. This voice is the Original Eternal Spirit which holdeth or preserveth the Life of all things and hath alwayes ruled in all the Three Principles for it is the Spirit out of which all and every Life is existed and in which it standeth in Eternity which hath been the Life moving of all things in which the Beginning of Every Life hath stood as also its End and the Eternity for it is from Eternity and the Creator of all things 47. It hath two Eternal Beginnings viz. in the Fire and in the Light and the Third Beginning hath been a Looking-Glass of the Eternal viz. the Spirit of this World It hath been as a Wonder in this World and through it the Wonders are become manifested or revealed and that it is which possesseth the last Judgment its Motion is the Last 48. For in the Creation it moved the Father and in the Incamation or becoming Man it moved the Son and now the last moving and Judgment is its own it wil bring home every thing into its Eternal Place and this is done through the Voice of the Word out of the Mouth of Christ 49. And the Spirit goeth forth in God in Two Principles viz. in the Anger viz. in the Fire it goeth forth as the Earnest or severe fierce wrath of the fire-life and in the Light of the Love it goeth forth as a flame of the Divine Majesty and in the Spirit of this World as a Wonder of Life as indeed all this is undeniable 50. And if there were one that would seem to be so highly Learned as to deny it he is required to shew it in any thing we will not have any thing in this World excepted but it
shall give testimony to Us let him come when he will he ought not to for bear and say We are Mad such a short words answer are not enough we will demonstrate it to him so that he shall find himself and see who he is and though the Devil should burst for Anger yet we will set it before his Eyes 51. And being that Spirit hath the VVord Fiat viz. God's VVord with the Center of Nature out of which it hath originated from Eternity and as the Spirit of the Center goeth forth in two wayes viz. one in the Fire in the Essences of the Life 's Original in the Ground of the Souls Original and then secondly in the Light of the Fire viz. in the second source or quality which sprouteth through Death and is called God's Kingdom where in the Light it is the Flame of Love and in the Fire the Flame of Anger 52. So it will also shake the Gates of Death and awaken or raise the Dead and it hath the word Fiat in it and that Fiat is in the Soul and also in the Body and though it hath consumed the Body long agoe yet the Turba with the Wonders of the Body are remaining in the Fiat 53. And now must the Elements give the Substance or Works which they have swallowed up again to the Fiat for the Word of the Lord is therein but in its own Principle every one of them must render or give up what it hath received viz. the Earth the Body viz. the Phur and the VVater also its Essences the Air the sound of the Voice of VVords and the Fire the Essences of the Soul for it shall all be judged distinctly and sentenced 54. All words which the Mouth hath spoken which the Air hath received into it self and the Words which it hath served to make those the Air shall set forth again or represent again for it is the Looking-Glass of the Eternal Spirit the Spirit seeth all in the Looking-Glass 55. And now will Man in Heart Mind and Thoughts be proved and Judged for the Turba standeth in all Evil Malice or wickedness which is against the Love and there will not much excuse be made for every one complaineth of or accuseth himself his Turba accuseth him 56. Understand us thus that Spirit which is all in all will awaken and raise every Life that hath been immortal and with or by the Fiat give it to the Body for the Fiat draweth the Body to the Soul with all its Deeds and VVonders with all whatsoever it hath been done with Words or Works all whatsoever hath reached the Souls Abysse that must come forth 57. For in the still or quiet Eternity there shall be no Turba more and therefore shall all things or Substances be tryed by the Fire and the Turba shall remain in the Fire with all whatsoever hath been Evil and capable of the Turba unless in the Time it hath been washed in the Water of Life by the Souls Conversion else it must remain in the Fire 58. Now many having sown in the Fire will suffer loss is Christ telleth us that the works of the wicked will remain in the Fire and he will suffer loss 59. Understand us aright thus The Body which hath conversed here upon the Earth that evil perished Body which hath swallowed up that Noble precious and fair of bright Image of Paradise shall come and present it self with the Precious Image in it and give an account of God's Image 60. Now it is well with those who have Christ's Spirit they have their first Image in the word Fiat and that they must give again to the Soul and that in the Adamical Body 61. But those which have not Christ's Spirit they will stand indeed presented in the Evil Body but their Soul will have lost the right and true Image and will have an Image in their Souls-Spirit what their daily Lust or delight hath been such will their Image be 62. And in this hour will also the fierce wrathful Fiat of the Darkness present the Devils which now also shall receive their Wages and Habitation at which when they hear of it they Tremble 63. And thus will all the Dead both Evil and Good arise every one in his Two-fold Body and will have the Soul with the Spirit in the Body 64. One will have the outward Earthly Life and therein a Beastial Image in the Souls-Spirit and will have the fierce wrathful Anger 's Substantiality or Works in the Inward Image 65. And another will have the outward Body and therein Christ's Image and in the Souls-Spirit will God's Love-Spirit give Light on to these the Word Fiat draweth the right and true Adamical pure Image again 66. For the pure Image stood in God hidden in the Word which was Incarnate or became Man And now when the Soul standeth at the limit it getteth that again with the fair Virgin of the Wisdom of God 67. For the Noble and Precious Image was destroyed in Adam when the Woman was made out of him so that he only retained the Fires Tincture now each of them cometh whole home again 68. For the Woman will in the Fire of God receive the Fires Tincture so that she will be as Adam neither Woman nor Man but a Virgin full of Chastity and Modesty without Feminine or Masculine shape or Members 69. And here it will no more be as we are and say thou art my Husband thou art my Wife but they are Brethren In the Divine Magical Wonders somewhat of it will be apprehended but none will regard that but there we are all only Gods Children in a Life and Love Sport of Children 70. All this will be done before the Sentence for the Sentence will first be on the Last Day of the Judgement and the Living will not then Die but be with the Voice of God presented together before the Judgment of God 71. For the word Fiat will bring them all thither and all will be presented in its order by the word Fiat viz. a King and Emperour with his Subjects over whom he hath Ruled a Prince Nobleman Burgomaster and Superiour Magistrate each in his own Office and Employment 72. And here shall every one who have set themselves up for Shepherds of Christ without God's calling stand with the flock of their Sheep and give an account of their Doings and Doctrine whether they have been Christ's Shepherds and have pastured the Sheep or whether they have been their Belly-Shepherds here will the Spirit make enquiry after their calling and office whether they have from his Election and power or vertue entered into the Office of a Pastour or Shepherd or through Mans favour without God's Spirit and Election 73. For the Judge will say Now give an account of your Lives of your words Works Deeds and Matters or Substance then will the Turba tell every Man what his Substance or Matters have been for now will all within them and without them stand in
the Fire only the Turba with the Introduced Abominations plagueth it there is an Eternal Despair in them and therefore they are also God's Enemies 8. Whatsoever belongeth to Blasphemy and Cursing that is their best power and vertue they devour Hellish Brimstone and Abominations For their Fruits are such manner of things a kind of Matter that is outwardly fair and inwardly meer fierce wrath and as they have been such flattering Hypocrites upon Earth therefore also their Heaven giveth them such Bread to Eat 9. They are at Large shut up in Nothing they may go as Deep as they will yet it is every where the Abysse and the Darkness and yet they are but in their First Place the Deeper they desire to swing themselves the Deeper they Fall and yet are no where at an End or at the Ground or Bottom 10. Their Number is no Humane Number their delight is a stink of Fire and Brimstone because of their Cursed Blasphemy that they were Angels and now Devils when they consider themselves then first riseth up the gnawing Worm that Devoureth and Tormenteth them 11. What should a Man write of their Cursedness they are filthy Evil Beasts all that they have practised upon the Earth that followeth after them and that they would also do there they swallow down Abomination and Cursing without Measure a Man cannot apprehend their Dominion better then by the Antichristian Horse and by Cursing blaspheming Men which are Mad with Cursing though it be but a Looking-Glass in respect of the Hellish Abominations and we will not further mention them for they are not worthy to be named The Five and Thirtieth Question What the Enochian Life is and how long it lasteth 1. THis is also above Humane Reason and which no outward Reason can Comprehend but seeing it is born or generated therefore it shall stand open for there stick such Mysteries here that the World cannot comprehend and we shall not mention them at large for it hath its limit how far it shall go for in this Time shall Wonders be done upon Earth for which cause our speech is taken from us that we must be silent 2. Yet we shall shew what kind of Life it is or whither Enoch is gone as also Elias and Moses It is no Conjecture we speak what here is given us we shall further be silent and not believe Reason it is a Fool herein 3. And we may well mention this for the Time is Born that Enoch speaketh and Elias worketh Wonders which Babel shall try by Experience For Moses hath Horns and yet is a Patient or Meek Lamb. 4. O how wouldest thou rejoyce if thou wouldst go amongst Moses Flock for he hath a good Message or Embassie rejoyce ye Heaven and be merry ye Earth for Enoch is in the field and keepeth his Flock 5. What will Elias do He had a white Garment on and was with Christ on the Mount and spake to him concerning the finishing the Redemption of Mankind and spake to him also of the Entrance into Paradise and of the final Deliverance from the Driver or Persecutor 6. He that is born Blind seeth Nothing how can a Lame Man run to the limit for the Prize and a Deaf Man distinguishâ—â—â—… Words and Languages Doth not the Sun shin all the Day and yet the Mole remaineth blind still Will Babel then come to see We say she is a Scorner and therefore also she must be blind though the Sun shineth to her 7. How can any see what is in TWO Worlds that dwelleth alwayes but in ONE Or is it not Art and Wit that hath understanding that can search the Deep Gates But it flyeth aloft like a Wind that holdeth nothing and yet maketh such a Bluster so also Babel 8. When we will speak of the Enochian Life we must consider the Scripture and see who Enoch was and what Life he lead and then we may soon find where he is and what his going away and taking up is 9. The Scripture saith his Father was called Jared if you understand the Language of Nature you had the whole Ground 10. And Enoch begat Methusalah who attained the Highest Age of any Man and after he had begotten him he continued in a Godly or Divine Life till the Lord took him into his Principle 11. And we are not so to understand it as if he were wholly perfect in the Light of God's Majesty and should not appear at the Judgment Day He is indeed in God without necessity and Death also in God's Love but in the Birth of God's Principle for he had also Adam's Flesh 12. So you know very well that the outward Kingdom with the Earthly Flesh belongeth to the Turba though indeed he had in the outward Body the Body of God's Wonders as to which he was taken up into the Mystery so that the outward Body was as it were swallowed up of the Mystery 13. But now must the Mystery give up again all whatsoever it hath swallowed up as ye know that at the End it shall present the outward Body with all Substances or Works before the Judgment of God so also is the Turba still in the outward Body with the Wonders which shall be manifested and tryed in the Fire 14. Seeing then Enoch is taken up with Body and Soul with both Bodies therefore his outward Body is in the Mystery and the inward Body is a Heavenly Mystery in the Arcanum or hiddenness and so he liveth in two Mysteries invisibly and incomprehensibly to the outward World as we give you to understand that Paradise is still at hand and not vanished but is as it were swallowed up by the Curse of God and lyeth yet as a Mystery uncorrupted in the Curse 15. For we can with good ground of Truth say that Paradise is still upon Earth but we are not therein yet Enoch is therein but he hath still the Body of the Turba in the Mystery and in the Heavenly Mystery he hath God's Body a Paradisical Body that is capable of Paradise thus he is a Wonder and is a Prophet on the Crown at the limit of the Wonders 16. For ye know the Scripture saith that after he begat Methuselah the Man of the highest Age that afterwards he continued in a Divine Life and that is significant 17. Methuselah sheweth the end of the Wonders of this World and Enoch in his Divine Life after the Birth of Methuselah sheweth as to his Three hundred years the opening of the Wonders and the open Ministry viz. a preaching of Righteousness whereby every one hath his Turba shewen him and the End of the Wonders of this World is shewed viz. God's punishment and reward to the Good 18. And the Time after Enoch wherein Enoch lived till the Number of the Crown when Enoch with his Preaching was taken up sheweth that the Enochian Light which appeared in his Time will pass again into the Principle and will seek the Earthly Body of Enoch and it will be
the Fire-source or quality viz. Red and therein the power and vertue viz. Sulphur and the other as a Thin Meekness and yet Substantiality viz. Water which the desirous Tincture draweth and turneth into one in a thing so that it becometh Blood 11. Now in the Blood is the Original of the Fire viz. the Warmth that is a Tincture a Life and in the power and vertue of the Tincture goeth forth out of the Thin Water of Life the power and vertue out of the power and vertue and the vertue and power receiveth that going forth or exit continually again and that going forth is free from the Fire and also from the power and vertue for it is going forth and yet is generated out of the Power and Vertue 12. And this is now the right and true Spirit that becometh generated out of the Soul wherein the Image of God with the Divine Virgin of the Wisdom of God standeth for in the Spirit lyeth all Wit or Ingenuity Wisdom and Understanding it hath the THOUGHTS and the Noble or Precious Life which uniteth it self with God and is so subtile that this Spirit CAN and may enter into God 13. And then if this Spirit do give it self up into God and casteth away its Souls Fire-pomp and Wit then it attaineth God's Image and God's Body for it goeth with the Will into God and dwelleth with Power and Authority in God Thus it hath God's Substance on it or in it and is without this World in the Life of God 14. But being this Spirit out of the Center of Nature first originateth out of the Fire-Life though it is not the Fire-Life but its Spirit and the Fire-Life with the Original in the Abysse standeth in the quality or source of the Anger of God therefore hath Christ not Commended this his Spirit to the Fiery-Life but to his Father into his Hands 15. His Hands are the Love Desiring wherewith he reacheth after our Spirit when we enter into him and Commit or Commend our selves to him 16. For now when his Body was to die on the Cross and his Soul was to go through Hell God's Anger then the Devil waited and thought we will surely keep him well enough in our Turba in the Fire therefore CHRIST Commended his Spirit into God 's Love 17. And thus came now the Soul of Christ with the Spirit into God's Hands comprised in the Anger-Fire in Death there Death would have held him but it was broken and made a scorn of 18. For it slew the outward Man viz. the outward Life and took it away and thought now must the Soul needs stay in the Turba but there was a stronger in the Soul viz. God's Word that took Death Captive and destroyed the Anger and quenched the fierce Wrath with the Love in the Spirit of Christ 19. That was a Poyson to Hell that the Love of God came into it and slew it in the Soul and was to Death a Pestilence and a Dying a Breaking and destroying it must now suffer that an Eternal Life grow up in it 20. Thus the Spirit of Christ took the Devil Captive and brought him out of this Souls-Fire forth into the Darkness and thrust him into Darkness out from the Souls Fire out from Gods Fire into the fierce wrathful harsh austereness and bitterness in the Cold there he may heat himself lest he freeze for Cold. 21. Consider the first four Forms of Nature and then you may be informed what the Devils dwelling house is For before Christ he held the Soul Captive in the Turba with the Fire and though clearly he doth not hold the Souls Spirit yet he had the root in the Turba but there the forbearance was commanded him and he was thrust out and brought into the Darkness and his Malice and Wickedness was thus destroyed by Christs going into Hell and Christ became his Judge 22. Thus ye have in brief described what Christs and our Spirit is viz. not the outward Life but the Spirit of the Soul not the Soul it self but its Lifes-Spirit 23. As there is in God the Holy Number Three a Distinction of Three Persons in One Substance and yet but ONE God where the Sonne hath the Spirit viz. the Life proceeding out of his Heart and Mouth and the Heart is the Flame of Love and the Father the Source or Quality of Anger and is meekned and allayed by his Son in the Love so that ALL in God is ONE Will and Substance or Deed. 24. So it is also in Man and no otherwise in one Syllable whatsoever God in Christ is that are we also in Christ in God his true Children and therefore should we also commend our Spirits into his hands and so we may also enter through Death into Life with Christ in God 25. Be not led astray and deluded by the facetious pleasant specious shews as Men hither to have been in Babel where they have conceited this and that concerning the Soul and its Spirit one thus another otherwise there is no Ground but Conceits and Opinions 26. The Understanding is generated in God not in the Schools or Universities from Art though we despise not Art for if it be generated in God it is a TEN-fold Mystery for it attaineth alwayes the Tenth Number in Wit or Understanding more then the Layick for it can of many Numbers make One 27. But it standeth not in own self ability No the Entrance upon the Cross must be in One as well as in the Other be he Doctor or Layick in God's Mysteries there are none Doctors but only Scholars yet a Learned Scholar can go far 28. Had this Hand the High Art and also this High Gift you should well see it but God would have it as it is it pleaseth him well that he might turn the Wisdom of this World into Foolishness and he giveth his power to the weak that every Life may bow before him and acknowledge him that He is Lord and doth whatsoever he will The Eight and Thirtieth Question Of those things which are to be done at the End of the World 1. MY Beloved Friend here we ought not to answer your Question also it standeth not in our Ability neither ought any to Ask for it is the secret Counsel of God and none should Esteem himself as God and know ALL before hand 2. Our knowledge standeth in God's Spirit and Will when that moveth then go you on in the Heavenly Magia and pass into the Wonders of the Earthly Now is the Prophet Born for he standeth upon the Crown and speaketh Magically concerning the Beginning of the Wonders and of its Turba and how it shall come to an End and break again and come into the First 3. For all Prophets speak out of the Turba they declare what is false or wicked and shew that which is better which goeth in God's Will 4. Therefore do not burthen us with this Question for we should be captivated by the Turba
and St. James saith chap. 1. 17. Every good and perfect Gift cometh from above from the Father of Lights in whom there is no alteration nor shadow of change 6. But seeing you seek these things so vehemently you are even become the cause of finding them for God giveth his Mysteries both by means and without means but that none might boast he oftentimes useth very mean people in it that it may be known to come from His Hand 7. You shall be answered with a very firm and deep Answer yet comprized in brief not according to outward Reason but according to the Spirit of Knowledge 8. And though I could have fully demonstrated these things and set them down in a larger description yet seeing they are all plentifully enough described and explained in my other Writings I pass them ever now briefly for the delight of the Reader and that this may be a brief Memorial of the great Mysteries 9. But he that desireth to know these things fully and from the ground of them let him seek in the foregoing Writings especially in the Third Part where he hath the whole ground of the Divine Substance as also of the Creation of all things of that which is Eternal and also that which is temporary or transitory and how all hath come to be and act as it doth and what it will come to be at last 10. Wherein lyeth the Mysterium magnum the great Mystery so far as a Creature is able to apprehend or bear Thither I would have you directed for further Explanation and commend me to you in Christ into the Brotherly Love Anno Christi 1620. Jacob Beheme Called Teutonicus The First Question Whence the Soul Existed from the Beginning of the World 1. VVE have sufficiently in the Second and Third Book explain'd the Mystery of the Soul by the Three Principles of the Divine Substance where we have described the Eternal Centre of the Eternal Nature as also the Number Three of the Divine Substance with many circumstances and what Eternity hath ever been and how the beginning of the Creation came to be what an Angel and Soul is as also the heavy Fall of Lucifer and then both the Mothers that have so brought it forth the one generating the Heavenly Substantiality the other the Hellish Abomination also of Light and Darkness 2. Therefore in this Treatise we are not so very easily to be understood unless the Third part of our writings have been read and apprehended 3. Although that Apprehension doth not at all consist in humane power yet the way to it is very faithfully shewn so that if any have a mind to attain it if he will follow our counsel and advice therein he will well get a leader and directer that will shew him the Key the Mysterium magnum the great Mystery to the noble Stone Lapis Philosophorum the Philosophers Stone and to all Mysteries let none account it impossible for with God All is possible whosoever findeth God findeth ALL with and in HIM 4. Ye know from or in Reason that all things are sprung and come forth out of the Eternity and the Scripture telleth you In God are All things in him we live and move and we are all of his Off-spring 5. And though indeed we cannot say of God that the pure Deity is Nature but Majesty in the number Three yet we must say that God is in Nature though Nature doth not contain or comprehend him as little as the Air can contain or comprehend the glance or shining of the Sun yet we must needs say that Nature is generated in his Will and is a Seeking proceeded out of the Eternity 6. For where there is no Will there is also no Desiring But there is in God an Eternal Will which is Himself to generate his Heart or Sonne and that Will maketh the stirring or the exit out of the will of the heart which is a Spirit so that the Eternity standeth in Three Eternall Forms which are called Persons as we have very exactly explained it in the third Book 7. And since we see and know that there is not only Light and Majesty but also Darkness as is plain before our eyes 8. Therefore we ought to know from whence Darkness originateth for in the Eternity without or besides Nature no Darkness can be for there is nothing that can afford it we must only look into the Will and into the Desiring for a Desiring is an attracting 9. And whereas yet in the Eternity it hath nothing but only it self it attracts it self in the Will and maketh the Will fall and that is its Darkness 10. Whereas otherwise if it were not desirous it would be nothing but an Eternal stillness without Being or Substance the attracting therefore maketh Mobility and Essence which otherwise in the stillness cannot be and therefore also it maketh austere astringency hardness and grosness as also sharpness 11. Yet we cannot say neither that the Darkness swalloweth up the Light viz. the Eternal Liberty for that which is Eternal suffereth not it self to be altered or changed but we must say that Light and Darkness are IN One another 12. Now the Light is good and hath pleasant vertue or power and the Darkness hath austere or astringent hard cold and the Wills Desiring maketh Essences and attracting that is a stirring in the hardness thus the attracted stirreth from the drawing and is a whirling whereby in the sharpness Light and Darkness become mingled 13. And thus we are to consider how the free Light in the sharp stirring in the Substance is also sharpned where we understand the Fire flash of Lightning and the earnest severity and yet cannot say that any rending asunder is there 14. For that which is Eternal from no beginning hath no parting of one from another but standeth as a Wheel that generates it self in it self as you have a similitude of it in the Mind of a man where there is indeed a will of rising and flying but no departing away and the greater the will is the greater also is the substance and the more potent is the matter or the thing represented seeing it is sharpned 15. Thus seeing the still liberty which is neither Light nor Darkness becometh sharpned in the sharp desiring attracting so that it appeareth as a flash of Lightning that shineth 16. Therefore also we cannot say that the Liberty holdeth or captivateth the Light for from Eternity it hath had nothing but we may well say that the Light and the Glance shineth in the Liberty 17. For that which is free letteth in the Light but that which is not free as the harsh or austere astringency which maketh Darkness and is Material spoken after a spiritual manner that receiveth not the Light 18. But we may well say that which is meek and not holding or contracting receiveth the Light as ye see in water
that is done in the twinckling of an eye 281. For the Water in the Deep originateth from the Fire yet not from the fierce Wrath but from the Light for the Light goeth forth from the Fire and hath its own seeking or longing it seeketh to it self a Looking-Glass that it may behold it self and have it for a habitation and draweth it in the Desiring into it self and dwelleth therein and that which is drawn in is Water which apprehendeth the Light else the Deep of the World would not apprehend the Light if the Light did not dwell in the Water the Water is the fulfilling or satiating of the Light in its desiring 282. And the Water seeketh again a Looking-Glass and willeth to have a habitation which is Flesh as ye see that the Water receiveth the glimps or shadow of all Substances or Things in their Body so that the Body it self is represented in the Water which is because the seeking of the Fire hath taken hold of it 283. Further herein is seen the End of Nature for the Eye findeth its Life in the Water and thus it goeth back into the seventh Form and seeketh its Body in the Water and there is further no desire more in the outward this Body desireth no other Body more in the outward but it looketh back after its mother of which ye have a right and true Example in a Looking Glass which is Fire and Water and that receiveth the Image very clearly 184. And thus ye see that the End goeth back again and seeketh the Beginning and nothing further in the outward for this World is at the limit and is included in a Time and runneth on to the Limit and then the End findeth the Beginning and this World standeth as a Model or as a Looking-Glass in the Beginning Let this serve you to the finding of the Mystery and remit your self rightly into the Beginning that ye may be apprehended or known to be a wonder in God's Love 285. And thus ye are to know that the the second Form of the Water consisteth in the Spirit it is its Fathers Looking-Glass its Makers which dwelleth in the Spirit and is found only by its Maker it self findeth not it self for so long as a thing goeth forward externally there is no finding in the Inward internally only the Spirit which dwelleth in the Inward findeth it self in the Outward 286. But the outward Life findeth not the inward unless it have the inward Spirit then is the finding and it is done according to the inward Spirit and then the outward Life speaketh of the inward and yet knoweth it not only the inward Spirit filleth the outward so that the outward is a Mouth and the inward hath and produceth the Word so that the inward Kingdom standeth manifest in the outward in the sound and that now is a wonder 287. The inward is a Prophet and the outward apprehendeth it not but if it do come to apprehend it then it hath God's Substantiality in it viz. God's Flesh Christ 's Flesh the Virgins Flesh and yet the Prophet standeth or consisteth in the Spirit but that Flesh conceiveth its Power or Vertue and assureth the outward Man that he doth even that which his Maker willeth as indeed this Pen is in such a condition and no otherwise 288. Thus we apprehend the ground of this World that it is a Figure of the inward according to both Mothers that is according to both Fires viz. according to the Fire of fierce Wrath and according to the Fire of the Light as the Model viz. the Looking-glass of the Light of Eternity is the Sun and the Looking-Glass of the fierce Wrath is the outward Fire and the Substantiality of both is the Water and the Earth the Earth is the fierce Wraths Substantiality the Water the Lights the Air the Eternal Spirits which is called God the holy Spirit 289. Yet ye are to know that this World is not the Substance of the Eternity but a Figure a Looking-Glass therefore it is called a Principle of or by it self because it hath a peculiar Life of its own and yet standeth in the Magick Seeking of the inward 290 The Word Fiat is the Master of the outward for it holdeth the outward in its conceived or framed Looking-Glass it is not the Looking-Glass it self but a Similitude in which its Spirit discovereth it self in deeds of Wonder to behold the Wonders of Both Fires viz. of the Wrath and of the Love and thus continually bringeth the Substance of all Substances into the Beginning And therefore is this World turning as a Wheel or Orb for the End seeketh continually the Beginning and when it findeth the Wonders then the End giveth the Wonders to the Beginning and that is the Cause of the Creation of this World 291. The Life of all and every Creature is a Wonder before the Beginning for the Abyss knew nothing of it and the beginning of the Eye findeth it all and setteth or placeth the Model in it self so that it hath an Eternal Number and recreateth it self in the Number of the Wonders The Eighth Form of Fire 292. Seeing thus there is ONE Substance in TWO Forms one that taketh on an unsearchable Beginning in it self and holdeth it Eternally and another that is the Eternal Model which compriseth and with its Body is included in a limit therefore we are to consider of the Turba which breaketh the included comprised Life again and setteth the Model of the comprised Wonders in the Beginning and presenteth such things to the Beginning as were not from Eternity but came to be in the comprised Time 293. Beloved Friend to you and such as you are who seek the Beginning is this thing shewn for your Mind is our Mystery seek it in U S not in ME I the outward Man have it not but the Inward in the Virgin in which God dwelleth THAT hath it and that calleth it self twofold 294. My outward Man is not worthy of the Mystery but God hath so ordained it that he might manifest or reveal it to you by means that you might know him by Means and not say it is from my own wit and understanding 295. And seeing you are a learned Person you should know that God loveth also the silly and despised of this World if he seek God as indeed I have done and that the right and true finding or invention sticketh not in Art but in Gods Spirit and Will 296. For this hand is simple and accompted foolish in the esteem of the World as you know and yet there lyeth such a hidden secret or Arcanum therein as is unsearchable to Reason 297. Therefore have a care pour Oyl into the Wounds that desire or require healing and consider well what Christ saith How hard it is for a man to enter into the Kingdom of God who is captivated with cares of the Belly in Might or Potency and Honour 298. You will not find
with its Will Property be directed and inclined to be in God 5. But all Properties lye in it it may awaken and let in what it will and whatsoever then it awakeneth and letteth in that is acceptable to God if it stand converted with its will into Humility and into Obedience into God's Love then may it do what wonders it will it standeth or serveth all to Gods Honour and Glory The Third Question How the Soul is created to the Image of God 1. IT is clearly shewn that the Number Three with all the Three Principles hath pleased or longed to have a Total Similitude in Substance and Property according to the Sustance of all Substances 2. And the pleasure or longing to have that hath become awakened in Gods Heart as a Great Wonder 3. And that awakening was the harsh or astringent Fiat viz. the desirous attraction which hath drawn out of ALL into ONE and is become an Image according to the Similitude of God according to Heaven and this World and also according to the Anger-World It hath created all viz. the Total Fiat in verbo Domini in the Word of the Lord out of God's and out of the Anger-Kingdom 4. And as there is nothing higher than the Soul so there is nothing that can break it for all is under it and in it it is a child of the Total Substance of all Substances Thus it was created The Fourth Question What the Breathing in of the Soul is and when it is done 1. EVery Spirit without a Body is raw or void and knoweth not it self therefore every Spirit desireth a Body for its food and for its habitation 2. Now being God had before the Soul created the Third Principle as a Looking-Glass of the Deity therefore was the Looking-Glass clearly appendant to the Eternal for it was generated out of the Eternal Wonders and so created Therefore also the Third Principle would not leave the Soul free being it also was created out of God's Wonders and stood in the Beginning as a Figure in God's Wisdom and desired seeing it was material that it also might have a material Similitude in or on the Soul so stirred up in the Souls Creation also its Spirit together in the Fiat 3. And there was the outward Image according to the Spirit of this World laid hold on by the outward Fiat and became a Body created out of the Earths Matrix A Mesch a Mixture a Red Earth consisting of Fire and Water 4 And the Heavenly Matrix longed also after the Soul and would that the Soul should bear its Image and with the Bodies creation laid hold of its own Fiat and did create before the earthly Fiat created that was the First for out of the Center of the Word went the Fiat forth with the Word thus was the Third Principle Created in the Second 5. The Virgin-Wisdom surrounded the Souls Spirit first with heavenly Substantiality with heavenly Divine Flesh and the holy Spirit gave the heavenly Tincture which made heavenly Blood in the Water as in our Third Book is mentioned at large 6. Thus stood the inward Man in Heaven and its Essences were Paradisical its glance in the inward Eye was Majesty an incorruptible Body that could understand God's and the Angels Language the Language of Nature as is to be seen in Adam that he gave all Creatures their Names every one according to its Essence and Property he stood thus in the outward Image and yet knew not the outward Image by Experience as indeed the outward Body hath no apprehension 7. In this Twofold Body which was created on the Sixt Day on the Sixt hour of the Day even in the Hour when Christ was hanged on the Cross was the Kingly or Royal Soul after the finishing of the Body breathed in by the holy Spirit into the Heart into the holy Man into its Principle like an awakening of the Deity 8. The Third Number hath moved it self with the Souls breathing in for it was upon the Center in the Seed as a sprout of the springing of the Essences thus it was breathed in into the inward Center into the inward Man into the Heavenly Heart-blood into the Water of the Eternal Life with all the two inner Principles 9. And the Outward Spirit viz. the Air with the total outward Principle with Stars and Elements hung to the Inward and the outward Spirit breatheth into him its life together also with the Soul through the Nostrils into the Heart into the outward Heart into the Earthly Flesh which yet was not so Earthly for it became corporeal out of the Matrix out of the seeking out of which the Earth came to be 10. Thus the Holy Spirit rode upon the Souls Chariot upon the Inward Majestick Will and moved upon the Water for the Water comprehended him not therefore he moved upon it and in it it is all one and the Soul did burn or flame out of the Heart-blood as the Light out of a Candle and went through all the Three Principles as a King over his Country or Dominion 11. It could potently rule over the outward Principle if it were with its will entered again into the Heart of God into the Word of the Lord. 12. Also the Source or Quality of the fierce Wrath did thus together press in with the Breathing in viz. with the Original of the Soul 13. And the Soul could not otherwise continue to be God's Image unless it continue in Humility and Obedience and incline or set its will into God's Will wherein it was an Angel and God's Child else there was great danger for a Creature to over-power two Principles viz. the Angry and the Outward which was generated out of the Anger 14. Therefore its Temptation was not the mere biting of an Apple and hath endured for a few hours only but Forty Dayes so long as Christ was tempted in the Wilderness and even by all the Three Principles and Israel in the Wilderness when Moses was Forty Dayes upon the Mount when they also stood not but made a Calf The Fifth Question How the Soul is peculiarly formed and fashioned or framed 1. VVHen a Twig or Branch groweth out of a Tree then its Fashion or Shape is from the Tree it is not the Stock or the Root but yet its Form is like the Tree So also when a Mother breedeth a Child it is an Image of her 2. And that cannot otherwise be for there is nothing else that can make it otherwise unless it be fallen back home to the Turba which often awaketh a Monster according to the Spirit of this World according to its beginning or inceptive Maker viz. the Moon where the Fiat maketh a Moon-Monster in the Turba 3. Thus we are to apprehend and know in what Form it is viz. of a round Globe according to God's Eye through which the Cross goeth or pierceth and parteth it self into two parts viz. into Two
Eyes which stand back to back as we have made the Figure above with a twofold Rain-bow where the Cross goeth or pierceth through both and in the midst between the Bows one Arm or Point of the Cross reaching up aloft which signifieth a Sprout through the Fire through the Anguish viz. through Death and yet it is no Death but an Exit out of it self into another source or fountain quality where it standeth thus before the two Bows in the midst as a sprout out of the Cross 4. And the Arm of the Cross at the Right hand signifieth its Spirit which entereth into the Light of the Majesty and putteth on to the Soul viz. to the Center Divine Substantiality 5. And the Arm at the left of the Cross signifieth its Original in the Fire and holdeth or containeth in it the first Principle that it belongeth to the Father and standeth in the Original Eye in the strong and stern power and might as a Lord and Potentate or Ruler of Nature 6. And the under Part or Arm of the Cross signifieth the Water viz. the Humility or the Death so to resemble it that it should not rule in Fire nor kindle that but sink down in it self and under it self before God's Majesty and accompt it self as dead in its will that God might live in it and the holy Spirit conduct its Regiment or Government that it may not do what the Will of the Turba in the Fire willeth but what the Will in the Light willeth 7. Therefore should its Will sink down under it self into the meek Humility before God and so it goeth out from the Turba of the Fire for its Will is not therein and so also there can no Imagination be acted out of which that Looking-Glass can be born or generated so that it can behold and apprehend it self experimentally in the Fire that it is Lordly whence it becometh proud arrogant or stubborn and will rule it self in or according to its own might or power as Lucifer did and Adam in Paradise 8. Understand us aright thus The Soul in it self is a Globe with a Cross with two Eyes one Holy Divine and one Hellish Wrathful one in the Cross this it should shut up and rule hiddenly through the Anguish viz. through Death in the Second Principle therewith in the Love 9. And if it conceiveth or apprehendeth the Love then is the fierce wrathful Fire as it were dead and imperceptible But it is the Joy-Life of Paradise else in the Meekness would be no Life and Government or Dominion if the Fire did not give it self thereinto but it would remain the still Eternity without Substance for all and every substance or thing existeth in the Fire 10. And thirdly the Soul is formed according to the Total Body with all its Members 11. Which understand thus The Soul is the Stock viz. the Root which appeareth like the Center of the Number Three as an Eye a Globe a Cross and then its will which originateth our of the Eternal Will is a Spirit which the right or true Soul hath in its power and that Spirit openeth the Essences in the Fire and Water 12. So that its whole Form appeareth like a Tree with many Twigs Branches and is distributed into all the Branches of the Tree 13. Which is thus to be understood the Spirit distributeth them into the whole Body understand in the Tincture into all the Members they are all its Branches it appeareth in its Spirit no otherwise than as the whole Man with all Members 14. And herein it is also the right true Image of God for the Holy Spirit dwelleth in the Spirit if it be true and faithful if not the Devil dwelleth therein to which soever it giveth up it self or inclineth it self whether to Covetousness and High-mindedness or to Love and Humility that 's own it is 15. But if it persist in Abomination and loseth God then it loseth the Cross and its Eye is a Hellish Eye whereby the Turba introduceth the Form Shape and Model of an Abominable Beast into the Eye into the Will and Spirit 16. Therefore did Christ call the Pharisees Serpents and Generation of Vipers for so stood their Figure before him in their Spirit in respect of their Pride State and Covetous Will that they would be Lords and not Servants of God in Love and Humility 17. And thus also standeth the Figure of Antichrist in Babel as a Dragon with Seven Heads which are seven Spirits upon which its Hypocritical Spirit rideth in Mans Image into the Abysse it will needs be an Angel and yet is a Monster in respect of a right true Child of God it beareth the Name indeed but its Heart is that Beast in the Revelation of John It would have God and the Devil too and therefore is such a Monster as is like a Man and yet hideth the Devil in and under it self 18. O Child of Man fly away the door is open the Turba is come which will destroy the Image if you will not go away you must along with it there is neither counsel nor remedy but only to seek the right and true Image in the Love or else there is nothing further to be expected but necessity and calamity and death saith the Spirit of Wonder 19. This now is our direct Answer That the Soul in the First Principle according to the Original hath the Form of an Eye and yet twofold like a Heart wherein the Cross standeth 20. And in the Second Principle it is a Spirit and a total intire Image such a one as the outward Man is 21. And in the Third Principle it is a Looking-Glass of the whole World all lyeth therein whatsoever is in the Potentiality of Heaven Earth even the Properties of all Creatures for that Looking-Glass is as the Firmament and the Stars and Constellations 22. It is such a Crown as that and therein standeth the Outward Mans Number the end and termination of his Life withal Prosperity and Adversity if the outward Life be ruled by the Spirit of this World The Sixth Question What the Ability or Potentiality of the Soul is 1. IT is apprehensible to us that whatsoever cometh out of the unsearchable Profundity and is the Ground of it self that it is able to do all things for it is its own Substance and maketh it self 2. And though indeed the Soul be a Twig or Branch sprung out of this Tree yet it is now come into the Being of a Creature and is its own it is now an Image of the whole and a Child of the whole for when a Child is generated or born then is the Mother and the Child Two they are two persons but whilst it is yet in the Seed in the Mother then the Seed is the Mothers and the Mother hath dominion over it for when the Child is generated then it hath its own life in it self and hath the Center of Nature in its own Form
Anguish into Death and sprouteth forth again into the Liberty and that is the Light together with the Fires source or quality but it now containeth or holdeth another Principle in it for the Anguish is become Love 6. And just such a manner and kind it hath in the Body for the Flesh striveth against the Spirit the outward Fleshes Life is a Looking-glass of the most inward Fire-Life viz. of the Souls Life therefore is the Souls Spirit-Life together with the Light in the Tincture the Middlemost Life and yet becometh generated out of the Soul 7. But understand us according to its precious height the Souls Spirit wherein the Divine Image standeth originateth in the Fire and is first the Will to the Fire but when the fierce Wrath to the Fire so sharpneth and kindleth or inflameth it self then the Will cometh into great Anguish like a dying and sinketh down in it self out of the fierce Wrath into the Eternal Liberty and yet it is no Dying but thus the other or second World cometh to be out of the first 8. For the Will now sprouteth into the other World as a Sharpness out of the Fire but without such Quality flowing forth in the Eternal Liberty and is a moving driving and apprehending of the Anguish Nature it hath all Essences which are become generated in the first sharp Fire-world in the Anguish but they are as one that goeth out of the Fire into the Water where the Anguish of the Fire remaineth in the Water 9. Understand us thus Concerning this Life of the Souls Spirit-Life the Soul is the Center of Nature The Spirit is the precious Noble Image which God created to his Image herein standeth the High-Kingly and precious Image of God for God is also thus and comprehended in the same Lifes quality or source 10. The Spirit is not severed from the Soul No as ye see that Fire and Shining is not severed and yet also is not one and the same it hath a twofold source or quality the Fire fierce wrathful and the Light meek and lovely and in the Light is the Life and in the Fire Δ is the Cause of the Life 11. Thus you may very easily and without much seeking find the Cause of the Contrariety of the Flesh and of the Spirit for the Inward Spirit hath God's Body out of or from the Meek Substantiality and the Outward Spirit hath the fierce wrathfull Fires-Looking-Glasses Body viz. the Souls Looking-Glasses Body which would continually awaken the fierce Wrathfulness viz. the Great Wonders which lie in the Arcanum or secresie of the Souls Sternness therefore the Inward Love-Spirit hindereth it that it should not lift up it self and kindle or inflame the Soul else it would lose its Love-habitation and Image and the Souls Fierce-wrath would destroy it 12. The Contrariety is thus the inward Spirit would be Lord for it Subdueth the outward and the outward would be Lord for it saith I have the Great Wonders and the Arcanum or Secret and thus Glorieth about the Mystery and yet is but a Looking-Glass of the Mystery 13. It is not the Substance of the Mystery but a Seeking or Searching like a palpable Looking-Glass in which the Mystery becometh seen he will needs be a Master being he hath attained one Principle and is an own Self-Life but he is to be accounted a Fool in respect of the Mystery 14. Therefore loving Brother if you would seek the Mystery seek it not in the outward Spirit for so you will be deceived and get but a Glimps of the Mystery go in even to the Cross then seek Gold you will not be deceived you must seek the pure Child without blemish in another World in this world you find only the Rusty or Drossy Child which is altogether imperfect and now take this right thus 15. Go from the Cross back into the Fourth Form there you have Sun and Moon one in another bring it into Anguish into Death and drive on the made or framed Magick body so far till it become again what it was before the Center in the Will and then it is Magical and hungry after Nature 16. It is a seeking in the Eternal Seeking and would fain have a Body therefore give him for a Body Sol viz. the Soul and then it will suddenly make it a Body according to the Soul for the Will sprouteth in Paradise with very fair heavenly fruit without spot or blemish 17. There you have the fair noble and precious Child you Covetous stiff-necked Person we must indeed tell you seeing it is together born and generated with the time and yet we will hereby only be understood by those that are Ours 18. For we mean not A Looking-Glass or Heaven but Gold wherewith you boast that hath so long time been your Idol That is born or generated and puts the Eyes of the blind Cow or Beetle quite out at last so that it seeth less than before but the Children shall see eat and be fat that they may praise God 19. We speak wonderfully here yet onely that which we should speak which yet none wonder at that he knoweth the Mystery who never learned it Doth not an Herb grow without your counsel or advice it enquireth not after Art so also is the Mystery grown without your Art It hath its own School like the Apostles on the day of Pentecost who spake with many Tongues and Languages without the precognita or the fore-skill of Art and so is this Simplicity 20. And it is a forerunning Message to thee Babel of thy Overthrow that thou mayest know it no fierce Wrath or Anger will avail the Star is born or generated which leadeth the Wise-men out of the East but seek them only where thou art and find thy self and cast the Turba away from thee and so thou wilt live with the Children this we speak earnestly there is no other Counsel or Remedy thy Anger is the fire which will devour thy self 21. Or dost thou suppose that we are blind If we did not see we should be silent how would a Lye be pleasing to God and so we should be found in the Turba which sifteth through the work and doings and substance of all men or do we this service for Wages is it our living why do we not hold to depend on Bread according to our outward Reason 22. If it be our day Labour we should do as the Father will have us For †we shall give an account of it in the evening this we speak dearly and earnestly with deep seriousness 23. Thus we can certainly understand the Contrariety of the Spirit and of the Flesh and apprehend very well how Two Spirits are in one another one striving against the other for the one would have God and the other would have Bread and both are profitable and good 24. But let this be said to thee O Child of Man lead thy life Circumspectly let thy Souls Spirit be Lord and then thou wilt
have God and to know him and lose that again it were better to lose the World and the Outward-Life then to Lose God and the Kingdom of Heaven 7. It is not a thing to be dallied with to be disobedient to God see what befel Corah Dathan and Abiram about Moses the same will befal the Disobedient and Scorners 8. Indeed the Scorner feeth not his punishment presently but his Turba taketh it in now hath he laughed any to scorn in derision and would fain be freed or released from the Turba thereof then he must in Sorrow Lamentation grieve before God for it or else he will bring his scorn along with him into the Anger-Fire and that will Eternally gnaw him this we would have said for a Warning 9. For here we write of an earnest or severe business it is not to be slighted be not led astray God will not suffer himself to be mocked or scorned the fierce wrathful Anger is in his Might and Power he hath Hell and Heaven in his Power 10. The last Judgment is an Earnest or severe work but being we are to set down the Resurrection of the Dead therefore we must write the Manner of it how it shall be performed in what power this world shall pass away and the Dead arise it will be earnest or severe let none slight it we will speake of the ground of it 11. And think not that it is a Conceit it becometh generated out of the Turba upon your Crown the Turba of your own Spirit telleth you that for the End hath found the Beginning thus the whole Substance Matters or Works of the World stand in the Middle in the Light and out of that goeth your Prophet viz. out of your wrought Wonders or practised works 12. For it is not the Spirit of the Turba that will govern but the Spirit of Christ it hath overcome Death and taken the Turba captive He lead-leadeth Captivity Captive as a Conquerour 13. But the Turba will execute the Judgement or Justice for it is God's Servant in the Anger not his Lord but Servant therefore the Thunder which will terrifie the Earth goeth out of the Mouth of God which will kindle or inslame the Firmament and the Elements 14. The last Judgement belongeth to the Judge Christ together with the Holy Spirit For here will the Eternal Spirits Center stir it self which also hath parted it self into Three Principles viz. One in the Anger-Spirit and One in the Divine Love-Spirit and One in the Air-Spirit of the outward World 15. The last moving belongeth to him he is in Christ's Mouth according to the Deity and according to the Anger in the Hellish anguish source quality or Torment and according to the Wonders in the Spirit of this World 16. He was the Work-master of All Things or Substances and he it is also that will give to Every work its Eternal Lodging and gathereth every thing into its Barn 17. For he hath many helpers for the Angels shall sever and seperate all things and then will the Mouth of God the Father with the Word of the Lord through the Mouth of Christ speak the Sentence and then Beginneth the burning World and the Entrance of Every thing into its Barn and Reservatory 18. For the Reservatories will be manifold not only two viz. in two Principles yet in two Principles but in many distinctions all according to the several power and vertue 19. For every work standeth in a Magick Principle as a several distinct Wonder both in the Heaven and in the Hell every one according to its Spirit and so will its Form or Condition be and appear according as it is good or evil and so will its Power and Vertue be like the Flowers or Blossoms of the Earth in their Varieties and so will Man also have Joy and Glorification all according to his here-wrought acted Substance or Works 20. But we understand Substance or Works of Faith the Power and Vertue in the Love-Substance or Works not of the outward works for all shall be presented or set forth in the Figure in the Wonders and that will be so with its Beginning and Circumstances 21. When the Last Judgment Day shall Dawn then all shall open it self once more viz. the Third Time the Deity in all forms in Love and Anger then will all stand equally manifested at once and visibly before all Creatures and that is done thus 22. The Beginning of the Creation in the Word Fiat hath included this World as a Model in it self and founded the limit wherein now the Wonders are become included which should be manifested or opened in the middle and in the time and come to Substance or Effect which were seen from Eternity in the Wisdom of God's Magia and so those Wonders are then all in the Substance or Work and then the Limit is at hand and no time of seeking more for it is finished whatsoever God hath in his Eternal Councel that he hath comprised and opened in a Time 23. And now is the End of Time and the beginning hath then found the End and the End is then the beginning passeth again into that which it was from Eternity 24. But the middle in the time with its opened wonders remaineth Eternally in the beginning and in the End as an Eternal Middle with its Wonders viz. with Angels and Men in their Substance or Works as also the Figures of all Creatures as also all Creatures and all whatsoever hath become Essential at any time the Earth with its Mettals Stones and all material Substances things or works as also Trees Herbs and Grass all of them stand in the Figure in the middle and in the Wonders but without such Essences and Life as they have here 25. For no Beast cometh again but its Figure in the Magia remaineth standing for it is originated out of the Eternal Looking-Glass therefore also it must now when the outward Earthly Looking-Glass breaketh stand in the Eternal as a Wonder to Gods Honour and Glory 26. And these very Substances belong all to Paradise for it will be the Holy Paradise wherein the Heavenly Elements will bear Substantial palpable Fruits 27. And as we here in this Life account the Fruits of the Earth out of its Essence as dead things without understanding so will also the Beastial and Earthly Images of this world appear as dead Substances things or works as also all other Creatures Substance or Work it shall stand as a shadow but the Paradise hath and beareth Fruit out of the Eternal Lifes Power and Vertue viz. out of God's Essences 28. This all which for the most part lyeth hidden to us is included in the word Fiat in the beginning and End and lyeth therein as a great VVonder 29. And now will the Spirit of the first Creation move all the Three Principles and before that is done the VVord of God compriseth it self with or by that Spirit like an Elevation or Manifestation of
the Figure before them that so there may be no denyal for the Spirit tryeth with the Turba Soul Spirit and Flesh here all is manifest 74. The Kings and Princes shall give an account of their Subjects how they have governed and protected them what Government they have exercised why they have taken away the lives of Many in Tyranny and shed innocent Blood why they have made War for their Covetousness and pleasure sake 75. In like manner other Superiours why they have intruded themselves and have set themselves up for Lords over the simple oppressed and squeezed them and taken away their sweat and labour from them and Consumed it in Pride 76. Now will the Root of every thing be enquired after whence it comes and out of what it is grown whether it bear God's Ordinance and whether it Originateth in the Heavenly Fiat or in the Hellish out of the Anger there shall every one give an account of his State and Condition whether he have intruded out of Coverousness and Pride and made himself a Lord and Master or whether his Government be ordained of God 77. There see O ye Worldly Rulers ye Potentates whether ye be God's Ordinance whether ye sit in a right and true Divine Ordinance what you do with the miserable and needy now they stand before your eyes and complain of you that you have been the Cause of their sins and of all their Evil 78. For there one will cry and complain against the other that he hath caused him to commit such and such abominations and will curse him the Inferiour the Superiour the Superiour his Superiour the Prince his false or wicked Counsellours the Counsellours the Priests who have not reproved their Courses but soothed and flattered them for advancement and honours sake 79. Oh how will you now subsist ye high Schools and Doctors all you that have sitten in Christ's Sear that you have so contended about Christ's Cup about his Honour Glory Doctrine in your Pride and have irritated or stirred up and constrained the Princes of your Countreys who are the Ordinance of God to Wars and Blood-shed for your Words sake which you your selves have forged 80. Where is now Christs Spirit in the Love which saith Love one another thereby men shall know that you are my Disciples where is now your Love see your Bloody provocations wherewith you have involved them in War and led the World astray from Love and Condescention 81. You have made Rents and Divisions so that Kings have divided and been at Enmity for your Pride sake in that you have drawn Christ's Word about by the Hair and not considered whether you have Christ's Spirit and Will or no there you above all others shall give a severe account for you have known the Lord's Will and have not done it you have run and intruded your selves into Christ's Office only for Gain Favour and Honour sake you have not regarded God's Spirit therefore the Spirit calleth you Babel a Confusion of all that live 82. You have set the whole World at Odds you should teach them Love and you have taught them strife and Contention so that one Brother hateth and persecuteth the other for your contrivance sake how is the Name of Christ despised for your Contentions sake whither will you go and where will you abide when the whole World shall Cry Wo wo on you 83. Here the Angels will be the Dividers these will seperate them into two Heads and set the Honest and Godly at the right and the evil and wicked at the Left viz. at the Anger-Eye For the right is here called the Lights Principle and the Left the fires Principle 84. And there will the Judgment be set all the Great Shepherds which God hath sent for Lights into the World who have reproved and taught viz. the Patriarchs concerning the Promise of Christ together with the Prophets and Apostles at the right hand of the Judgement and Moses and all teachers of the Law at the left hand of the Judgement 85. For Moses and Elias have the Fire-Sword together with all highly worthy Teachers of the Law and require God's Justice and Righteousnesse and those at the Right God's Mercy 86. And in this hour is the Last Day of the Judgement when the Judge will say Come ye Blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Beginning for I have been hungry thirsty naked sick and in Misery and you have served or Ministred unto me 87. And to the wicked Crew Away ye Cursed I know you not into the Eternal Fire For I have been hungry thirsty sick naked and in Prison and ye have not served or Ministred unto me 88. And then they will excuse themselves as to the Judges Person Lord we have not known thee and he will say what you have not done to my Children in Misery you have not dono unto me 89. And here will the Spirit of God first move himself to Justice in all the Three Principles and awaken the Center of Nature that it may burn in the Anger-Fire for All will stand in the Fire both Heaven Earth and the Firmament 90. And the Turba will swallow up the Earthly World into the Fire and set it in that condition again as it was before the Creation onely the Wonders remain standing in both Principles the Third passeth away all to the Wonders which will be set in the Beginning again 91. And there will the Earthly Life with the Earthly Body fall away and the fire will consume them 92. And in the Righteous will the Glorious bright Paradisical Body passe through the Fire with its Wonders or Works which will follow after it and that which is false or wicked will remain in the Fire 93. And they will be snatched through the Fire in the twinckling of an Eye although the Fire will not take hold of them as little as the Fire can detain the Light or the Wind so little also can it hold the Light of the Holy Men or Saints for they can dwell in the Fire without feeling any pain 94. And then instantly with the kindling of the Fire is God's Majesty prepared and the Paradisical Life into which they go as Children and live Eternally with their Father in one Love in a simple Loving Childs Life and there is a Communion of Saints or Holy Ones 95. No Dayes and Nights for the Sun passeth away and the Stars pass away and their Wonders only stand in the great Magia to the Honour and Glory of God thus they will sever themselves 96. The wicked must also go into the Fire and their Earthly Life also fall away and in their Spirit will be seen their Vizard-Image according to all manner of Abominable Beasts like the Devils 97. For they dwell in one and the same Principle and Luoifer is their Great-Prince whom they have here served and ministred unto and it was so that they did hang to their flattering Hypocrites