Theosophick Letters or Epistles Of the Man, From God Enlightened, in Grace: Jacob Behme OF Old Seidenburg Wherein Every where are Divine blessed Exhortations to True Repentance and Amendment. As also Plain Instructions concerning the highly worthy and Precious Knowledge Of the Divine and Natural WISDOM Together with a right Touchstone or Trial of These Times for an Introduction to the Authors other writings published in English, For the good of the sincere Lovers of true Christianity. By JOHN SPARROW. LONDON: Printed by M. S. for Giles Calvert, at the Sign of the Black Spread Eagle, at the West End of St. Paul's. 1661. An Abstract out of Herre Abraham von Frankenbergs Letter of 7 September, 26 August, 1651. concerning the Explanation of the Copper Title of Jacob Behm's Theosophick Epistles. 1. In the Title page of the Epistles, at the Right hand above is a Dove with an Olive Branch: at the Left hand the City Alexandria; or Leiden; with the Dove, which carrieth a Letter or Epistle sealed up, as Histories mention. 2. These are Two Doves in the Midst of which, is The holy Spirit in the form of a Dove, with the Gospel of Peace. 3. Thus there are THREE Three-fold Spirit: the 1. of God, the 2. of Nature, the 3. of Art. The Preface of Abraham Von Franckenberg the Publisher of Jacob Behm's LXII. Letters called Theosophick Epistles. Whereof 21. not being yet in English are here translated and published; with a Letter, concerning the Author here also Englished. The Preface To the Reader who loveth God and the Truth. 1. IF thou art minded fruitfully to know the true simplicity of The blessed saving Faith; and the clear immaculate innocency of the holy Life of God in CHRIST JESUS, together with the secret Mystery of the Divine and Natural wisdom, from or out of the Light of Grace and of Nature, in a very Childlike and fundamental way, to Thy Temporal and Eternal welfare, blessedness or Happiness and Salvation: Then thou wilt assuredly, in these hitherto unknown to the world, yet very Christian and divinely blessed Epistles; find a distinct plain Glimpse and Relish thereof to thy satisfaction and content. 2. Which, we in that regard, among other causes, not without extraordinary pains and Cost, have brought to light and published, whereby the searcher of the divine and Natural WONDERS and secret Mysteries, might have a true Exemplar or Pattern, and that not taken out of Books of humane Art, but such instruction as is received and brought forth, out of the Divinely revealed and Living EXPERIENCE; every one according to his own Measure; and might thereby honourably and edifyingly, build up and refresh or quicken himself in a Christian brotherly Union and Communion. 3. As, the right manner of understanding and use of these writings, especially with repentant and Operating fruit, in all blessedness and ways of Salvation, will clearly and further Manifest. 4. Concerning the Author JACOB BOEME called the Theutonick of Old-Seidenburg; in his other herein mentioned and signified, Wonder-writings, More will be mentioned and declared concerning his Person and Gift; where the desirous seeker may find it; and with these truly Christian Epistles he may be prepared in the future the more fitly to peruse the Great work of his other writings. 5. Which we also with the assistance of God, for the higher knowledge of the present More scornful and perverted, then divinely Learned world, in divine and Natural wisdom: not sparing either diligent Labour or Cost; for the honour and benefit of the German or High-Dutch Nation, here attempted the work of publishing them in Print under the Title following. THEOSOPHIA THEUTONICA Oder OFFERBAHRUNG Gottlicher und Naturlicher WEISHEIT. THEOSOPHIA TEUTONICA OR The Revelation of Divine and Natural WISDOM Subscribed. Abraham von Frankenberg. M. L. H. H. B. A. V. F. The Ninth Epistle To C. B. Of the 12. September 1620. Light, Salvation and Eternal Power, out of the wellspring or fountain of the Heart of JESUS CHRIST, be our refreshing or Quickening, and Enlivening. 1. HOnourable and Esteemed Sir: and in Christ, loving Brother, the Letter you sent me, with the enclosed Rix-Doller, I received, and return you thanks for it, God will, according to his word, richly repay it. 2. Although * Acts 8. 18. the Gifts of God are not sold for Money of any of this world's Good, yet I find in you, according to your Letter, an Earnest diligence, in that you are desirous to study the divine wisdom, and that you have a Zeal, yourself to write out a Copy, of that which is given me from God out of Grace; and I acknowledge it to be done out of Thankfulness and obedience towards God; and in that regard, I also willingly accept it. 3. And exhort you brotherly in Christ, that you proceed according to the Course you have begun, to strive as a Constant Soldier, against ownself outward Reason in Flesh and Blood; also against the Devil and the Hypocritical flattering Evil world; with firm trust and Confidence in God, with a zealous Spirit and Mind, in a still quiet Life: whereby you may obtain the Noble Crown or Garland of Victory; which indeed assisteth a young fellow-companion fearing God and is very acceptible, in the presence of God and his Angels: which if it be once set upon you, you will well discern * NOTE. What God IS and CAN do. 4. And then you will not much need to learn of others when the right Teacher is IN yourself; who Teacheth ALICE Men. and confirmeth that to God's Children which he teacheth from or out of Man; for † Luk. 17. 21. the Kingdom of God is IN Man; if he be borne again in Christ. 5. As you will find it sufficiently described in my writings, which are not proceeded or sprung from conceit or Opinion, but in such a way, as themselves signify and Express: viz. concerning the Soldier Combat, and what I have attained thereby, and HOW I have overcome. 6. I have written this for my own Remembrance and Meditation, also for their sakes, whom God will visit or stir up thereby, and also Crown with THIS Garland, as indeed is given me to know, for which things sake, I have written according to the High Gifts in the Light of God, and suppressed the outward Reason as folly or a foolish Virgin, and not advanced my outward Life and honour thereby, because much scorn and persecution hath become my wages, besides, what further may attend me at hand. 7. But I account it enough for me, if I may but bring my Garland along with me out of this world into my true native Father's Country, then have I honour enough and riches enough; * Gen: 3. 15. The Serpent must still in this life always bruise or sting the woman's Seed in the Heel. 8. In the Cross affliction and tribulation, † Joh. 3. 7. we must be borne anew, for, * 2 Tim. 2. 11, 12. If we would live with Christ, we must also be persecuted with him, and die with him, and be buried in him, also rise again in Him, and Eternally live in him; become wholly † Phil. 3. 10. 11. Rom. 8. 29. conformable to his Image, and come to him only under his Purple Mantle, he only must cover us, else we are in the Devils and Antichrists Net, and stand with the Babylonish Whore quite Naked; and ashamed before the Countenance of God. 9 But seeing God hath already opened your Heart, so that you see with other Eyes; therefore it is highly necessary to proceed on, and to remain Constant; for he that will crown you is already upon the way, but you must * James 1. 12. endure the Affliction and hold out, and not give way or room to the fleshly Reason, for the Devil vehemently sets upon the Grain of Mustardseed, which becometh sown by the Holy Spirit, he would continually destroy it. 10. It goeth with a New borne Child of Christ, as with a young tender Tree, which is easily destroyed, but when it groweth and becometh strong, than it can stand; and though likely many times a Branch is torn off by a storm of wind, yet the Stock or Body standeth; and bringeth forth other Branches. 11. But it must be earnestness that will fight with the Devil and overcome the Anger of God; Own Reason must drown and kill IT self, and give itself up into God, that God might live in the understanding of Man; that he might be his willing and doing, else there is no finding in the divine wisdom; the Spirit of God must only find itself in Man, that the true Image may be his work and wonder. 12. For, all whatsoever is taught and spoken concerning God, without the Spirit of God, is but Babel, let it play the hypocrite and flatter how it will, God's spirit must speak from or out of US, if our speech be acceptible before God. 13. For, he himself presenteth us before God; for, and in, himself, he bringeth our will-spirit with, and in, himself, into God, and confirmeth us to be his children in Christ; it is HE that findeth us, WE cannot find him, but his Will standeth presented to us, HE hath IN Christ, spread abroad both his Arms on the Cross; to receive or embrace us; we should only cast ourselves into or upon him, and go forth out of Reason and Malice. 14. If we do that, than we fall to him into Christ's Arms, and there he seeketh and findeth us in him, and, there we become his own and his dwelling house; and there he followeth after our will-spirit, and † 1 Cor. 14. 32. is subject to us, and all whatsoever we then perform or do, THAT is acceptable to him, and * Rev. 14. 13. all those works follow us, and are our Eternal boasting, and become put on to us, as a garment, to God's honour and deeds of wonder; † NOTE. for which things sake, God hath moved himself to the Creation of Man, and for which things sake God became Man, that he might deliver us from Evil. 15. Therefore seeing you have my writings in your hands, I give you to understand, that you should only Childelike and simply consider them; and so you may find the Pearl therein; for sharp or acute * Searching only, doth not find the Pearl. searching alone doth it not; but to will and do WELL; for the Pearl lieth not in the LETTER, but as above mentioned. 16. In the Book that is sent with this, which also is borne out of this School, you will find further ground concerning this Author. 17. But if any thing shall be too hard in the Understanding I would, if you signify it unto me, clear and illustrate it, though I hope once to speak with yourself herein, if an Opportunity afford. 18. As for the Two other little books, viz: the New Testament, and Third part of † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Gnothi Seaut●n; have a little patience, for they are not yet in my hands, till the Leipsick Mart, Leipsick. but I am confident, than they shall be sent you. And I commend you into the brotherly Love in Christ. Dated as above. The NAME of the LORD is a strong Fortress; the righteous runneth into it and is Exalted. Jacob Behme. The Thirteenth Epistle To C. B. 8. Junii, 1612. The open Fountain in the Heart of Jesus Christ be our Quickening or refresh! 1. HOnourable and Esteemed Sir: high friend in the Love of Christ; after wishing you all health and welfare, I acquaint you friendly, that this * The Aurora. writing accompanying this Letter, is sought and read by many learned and Noble Persons; with delight and Longing desire; and are so very much spread abroad, that I very much wonder at it, and it is done wholly without my knowledge. 2. Men very much, in all † Silesia. Silesia as also in many places in the * Mark, Meisen, Saxony. Mark, Meisen and Saxony, as letters daily come to my hand that are sent, signifying the desire of them; also eminent people; Entreat they may be put in Print; which to me at present, while Babel Burneth, is not acceptible or convenient, but will have its Time: for the † NOTE The Golden Age will begin in the Midst of the Fire in Babel. Aureum seculum or Golden Age, will begin to spring in the Midst of the Fire in Babel. 3. This I mention faithfully from a true heart, for you to Consider, and to stir you up, in the desire, in our IMMANUELL, as one of the first Fruits, comprehended under * Rev. 10. 7. the Sound of the Seaventh Trumpet. 4. † Math. 7. 7. Seek, saith Christ, and you shall find; the Noble PEARL, revealeth or Manifesteth itself in those, which at present seek it; for it is an acceptible Time, BOTH in Heaven and Hell; both Doors stand at present open with their desire: It is a time to seek one's self; let none take it otherwise then in Earnest; else he falleth home into the fierce wrathful Anger of God, and will be comprehended in the Vengeance of the fierce wrath. 5. Only be humble a little while under the Cross; May will well bring forth * NOTE, ITS Roses, and the Lily branch, its fruit. 6. It is well for him that hath it in his heart, it will serve to his highest honour, for this world's honour is but Dung to the Divine. 7. This I mention to you as to my beloved in the LORD Christ; from a true Heart, to put you in Mind and encourage you in the LORD. 8. And I commend you to the Love of JESUS CHRIST. Dated at * Gerlitz. Gerlitz as above. Your willing Servant, Jacob Behme. The fourteenth Epistle Of the 21. Junij 1661. To C. B. The Open wellspring or fountain in the heart of Jesus Christ, be our quickening or refreshing. 1. MY Dear Herr Christianus, and high friend. Your welfare and happiness is always dear to me. I send you herewith, De tribus Principiis, the Book of the Three Principles; to write it out fully, if you please, and I exhort you in the Love of Christ, as one member should do to the other; to be diligent in study and prayer to God; that our Faith and knowledge, may grow and take place one among another; and that we at length, might reap the fruit thereof, and enjoy it. 2. Be only watchful in Christ, to fight against the Reason and the world, and the will of the FLESH; and fight like a valiant Soldier; your victory is in the Lord; who will set it upon Thee, when it pleaseth him. 3. The Crown is deposited and laid by for you, for which you Fight, it will not repent you; but the Wound-Marks of Christ you must bear in this world, and * Phil: 3. 10, 11. Rome 8. 29. be conformable to his Image: else you attain NOT the Crown: this I acquaint you with, in a brotherly Manner. 4. Prepare yourself diligently, for there is a Great Storm at hand; that you may be preserved to the praise of God, and to the year of the Lily which springeth: committing you to the Love of Jesus Christ. I pray you after you have written it out; to send it again, for it is desired; Scholars are found to whom it is to be lent. The Nineteenth Epistle of the 3. July 1622. to Herr † Christianus. C. B. God's Grace, Salvation and Eternal Light, be our quickening or refreshing. 1. TRuly honourable, and esteemed Sir: my very loving good friend; Let my willing and diligent service at all times be presented, together with the Desire of all welfare and happiness to you. 2. Your Letter sent to me in the Advent, I have received, and understand your very industrious and Christian Mind and desire; and though I am a stranger to you, yet I have out of Herr walter's Letter sufficient information concerning your * Wesen. Conversation and Person. 3. And moreover, he giveth me to know, your very longing and industrious desire, in your Letter you sent me, and therein I am not only willing, to receive you into my skill and friendship, but I rejoice most highly, that such a Mind as yours is born of God; and I exhort you Christianly to remain steadfast therein: and then you will attain all whatsoever your honourable Mind wisheth or desireth; and you will in a while experience, in yourself; what manner of writings they are, which you as I perceive, have lately received from Herr Walter, though I suppose you have very little perused them. 4. But there shall very shortly, if you be desirous of it, a very excellent clear work, be sent to you, which will highly rejoice you, for as I perceive from Mr. Walter and also from yourself, the Author of them is unknown to you, he may well come to be known to you, if you have a longing after the Noble or precious Stone, Lapis Philosophorum, the Philosophers-Stone, spiritually. 5. Then in that, when you attain it, you will have the Highest Joy; you will love and esteem it above Gold and all the world, for it is fairer or brighter than the SUN, and more costly or precious than the Heaven, and whosoever findeth it, is Richer than any Prince on Earth; he hath the Art and understanding of the whole world, and in him lieth hidden ALL the POWERS of Heaen and Earth. 6. † Luke 10. 42. You have with Mary elected or chosen the best part, in that you set your youth not on worldly pomp state or Pride, but do offer it up to God; and though you thereby Sat a little while in dark obscurity, yet you will therefrom attain Eternal Light, this I commend to you friendly and intent it faithfully. 7. And it will well hereafter be discovered to you, who is the Author of the writing; and it shall faithfully be imparted to you, for there is but a small part of them come to your hands: but there hath been a hindrance that I could not now send them with this, you shall shortly have them if you have a mind to them. 8. You will see very precious Noble rare and excellent things, which for the most part have been hidden from the beginning of the world hitherto: about which all the Learned have danced and sought after them, and some have supposed they had the Noble Stone: but the Time was not yet come: which God vouchsafeth to the last world. Herewith I commend you to the divine protection and Grace. Dated as above. Your always willing Servant, Jacob Behme. The One and Twentieth Epistle of the 8. July 1621. An Herrn C. B. I Intimately hint to you, that you prepare; for the vehement Tribulation, will exceedingly, seize upon some of our Country. 2. But do you seek diligently, to include or enclose yourself in THAT Peace, which Christ hath brought again to us, and to defend yourself with it, as with a Wall or Fortress. 3. For BABEL must drink up an earnest severe draught, and even that which she hath procured with Abomination, all Chains and Bands will fly asunder and not hold, and all will fly in pieces; but when it stands clearly so; * NOTE 1 Thess: 5. 3. THAN cometh suddenly the destruction. 4. The Highness or lostinesse of the world, is itself blind at present, and will not see what it doth to itself, but will shortly become Seeing, * NOTE 1 Thess: 5. 3. when the MISERY will pass upon, or seize upon, Body and Soul. And I commend you into the Meek or Gentle Love of Jesus Christ. Dated as above. Your willing Servant, Jacob Behme. The Three and Twentieth Epistle of the 29. October 1621. An Herr C. B. Emanuel! 1. HOnourable, much beloved High friend in Christ. I wish to you only and solely, what my Soul wisheth continually and desireth from God; viz: the right true knowledge of God, in the Love of JESUS CHRIST; that the * Rev: 22. 16. bright Morning Star, might continually arise to you and shine in you, through this vale of Misery, to your Eternal Joy. 2. And I exhort you in the Love of Christ: out of my hearty good intentions towards you, that you go on and remain constant in the way you have begun in CHRIST'S Warfare, that the little paradisical Tree or Plant may spring and take root, you will afterwards well see your Noble or precious fruit, and Eternally enjoy it, and sufficiently refresh yourself therewith, though indeed it be covered a long while with the Earthly Field or Soil, yet the Noble GOLD springeth or groweth without any Ceasing at all. 3. How it goes with your brother at † Beuten. Beuten, to whom you have lent those writings, and what Judgement he maketh of them, were very acceptable to me to know, for there are more people at Beuten besides, who also have some of them, and exceedingly desire the other; and you would show a service to your loving brother and others, if you would lend them what they shall desire more, of them: I will send you somewhat more shortly, which yet you want. 4. Herr Caspar Lindner, Customer at Beuten and one of the Council, is also a Lover of them, if he shall desire any of them, you should do well; to lend them to him, he useth not to keep them Long. 5. These writings are spread abroad far and wide in many Countries; among high and Low, and partly hath sounded and been known to highly Learned people: God guide it to his honour and Glory. 6. I send you with directions Three Sacks for the Corn which Herr Rodolf will send, pray take so much pains for me as to receive it: when Specht or the other from * Rausche. Rausche will come over, if you see him tell him of it, and bid him take it up, I will seek about for him and tell him as much, he will bring it to me very well, I will requite it again friendly. And I commend you into the Love of JESUS CHRIST. Dated as above. Your willingly serviceable Friend and Brother, Jacob Behme. The Six and Twentieth Epistle of the 28. of April, 1622. An Herrn C. B. The Open fountain in the Heart of Jesus Christ, be our quickening or refreshing, and constant Light. 1. HOnourable and esteemed, in Christ Loving Sir and friend, let my faithful wishes for you, of the Love and Grace of our Saviour Christ, and all temporal welfare, be presented to you. 2. When I perceived from the forementioned People, how much Sir, you are a Lover of God and of the study of wisdom; I could not forbear, faithfully from a true heart; although in a manner, I am unknown to you; to seek you with this Letter out of a Christian Mind, and to procure acquaintance with you. 3. For it joyeth me at the Heart, when I perceive, how God's Love worketh in his Children, and I rejoice with and in them, in the Lifes-Tree Jesus Christ, in and out of which, we become begotten and new born, and are branches or little sprouts in him. 4. Therefore hath my mind stirred me up, to seek and to refresh myself with you Sir as with my fellow Member, in the Spirit and Love of Christ; * 1 Cor: 5. 3. Col: 2. 5. though absent, yet in the will- spirit present, especially in this troublesome time, wherein we are surrounded with Enemies on all sides, and that our Tree, is very weak and withered in many Branches. 5. But seeing the Grace- Sun, JESUS CHRIST, at present shineth with a bright aspect on us, and openeth his Door, of Love and high knowledge, in many several Gifts, so that we know the great wonders of his unsuperable wisdom; therefore we should do well to † Heb: 3. 13. exhort one another in Love as Brethren, * Rev: 18. 4. and go out from BABEL which is kindled or inflamed in the Anger-Fire of God, for it is really a time of great earnestness or severity, wherein we should seek with great earnestness to know ourselves, and see where we are. 6. And yet it is so, that men see at present many glorious fair sprouts, as it were with wonder, in the Tree of CHRIST, also in the Midst in the fire of God, at which I highly rejoice, that the Grace- Sun, shineth forth again in bright clearness, and that God still keepeth his faithful promise. 7. In that he saith in Isaiah, † Isai: 49. 16. He hath signed or imprinted us in his hands, which in some Men at present showeth itself in Power, how the Fountain of JESUS CHRIST worketh powerfully in them; which in * NOTE short time will be done yet more strongly, as he hath promised us in his Prophets, † Isa: 44. 3. Joel 2. 28. Acts 2. 17, 18. That in the Last time, he will pour out his Spirit upon all Flesh, * Math: 24. 14. Mark 13. 10. and the Gospel of God shall be preached in all the world, for a witness to all Nations; And also now more and more the time draweth near at hand, that the Beast together with the whore in the Apocalypses or Revelations, shall be destroyed, Therefore we may well † Luke. 21. 18. Lift up our heads to the Mountains of God, and rejoice, therefore, that our Redemption draweth near. 8. Seeing then God hath entrusted me with a little Talon, of his Noble Bounty, out of his wellspring or Fountain of Christ, to know BOTH the Heavenly and also the outward Natural wisdom. 9 I have therefore the more refreshing in the Children of the wisdom of Christ; and though I may be unknown to you Sir, yet you should not account me in your Mind a stranger, who is bound thereto, as a Member in the Love of Christ, and I entreat, if you please, that you would take me into your friendship and acquaintance. 10. Till our Noble Pearl Tree of Christ, shall be become manifested IN Us, * 2 Pet. 1. 14. AFTER the Vale of this Tabernacle, and that we shall dwell together in a brotherly Communion, and THAN we will indeed recreate ourselves in, that which we have begun here in a brotherly union, and in that regard, though absent as to the body, we will in the Spirit and fore-taste thereof, exhort and comfort one another, and I pray you friendly to observe it. 11. By Herrn D. G. You May Sir see somewhat of my Gifts, if you have a Mind, to behold yourself in the divine Exorcise in high or sublime divine things, which are indeed high, and yet are described in the meanest and lowest simplicity. 12. But since it is entrusted to me, as God's Bounty, therefore I impart it very willingly and faithfully to the hungry Hearts. 13. And I will commend you Sir, and yours into the Meek Love of Jesus Christ, and entreat you in my behalf to salute Herr J. B. as a Lover, as also Herr J. G. B. friendly: Dated at * Gerlitz Gerlitz as above. Sir, Your willing Servant, Jacob Behme. The Seven and twentieth Epistle of the 21. Junij 1622. An Herrn C. B. The Open Fountain of Jesus Christ be our quickening or refreshing and Constant Light. 1. MY very worthy and Loving friend, I wish you and yours, and to all the Children of Christ, in the Kingdom of our Angelical Fraternity, God's Love and Blessing, that the fountain of Christ in us, may spring up, grow and bear much Fruit, in which sprouting, our true Regeneration consisteth, and I hope assuredly in God, as indeed is showed to me, that the time is NEAR at hand, wherein it will clearly sprout, which I rejoice at. 2. And though at present I see the fire burn in Babel, yet out of the FIRE will exist a clear shining Light, which will drive away the dark night, but through a great anxious Birth, will THAT be generated. 3. I exhort my loving brethren, that they would give up themselves into that anxious birth or Geniture, that they may also sprout forth in the Life of God, in the Light; and not be comprehended in the Turba; which abominably, at present spreadeth abroad with its Properties; viz: with Covetousness, Envy, Anger, and Pride, and the Fruits that grow out from thence, powerfully draweth its fire to it, in which they clearly burn in many places. 4. I have upon desire and entreaty, made a little Book of Repentance; together with a form of Prayer; which is all very Earnestly, and a right beginning and Entrance into the Theosophick School, Weicha. which upon desire I herewith send to Herr R. B. G. at Weicha, and entreat you, to send it to him, and you may please to open it, and if you please also to write a Copy of it speedily, only let the writing to Herr R. remain sealed. 5. And that you will not, if it may be, keep it above three or four days by you, seeing it is small, it may be soon Copied out, and be sent to Herr R. 6. Also your Brother is not to be forgotten; for without doubt it will be acceptable to him, and be a true KEY, whom I according to my salutations desire as much good for, as to my own Life. 7. If you would enter into the Practice of this Book, than you would soon experience, its profit, for it is generated out of an anxious Twig, through Fire, and it was and is my own very process or way, whereby I have attained the PEARL of the divine knowledge. 8. And though indeed, I must live in weakness or infirmity as other Men, yet the Pearl is more dear to me then all the world's Good, for the sake of which I willingly suffer and bear all, that I may but retain or keep that. 9 Sagan Yet I herewith acquaint you, that Herr D. A. B. M. at Sagan, hath written to me now the Third Time, and desired friendship with me, and earnestly entreated me to lend him some of these writings. 10. But though I have almost none of mine at home, yet I would serve him with somewhat to Copy out; and see whether it might turn to God's honour; but if you observe, that it is to find fault with them, or pry censoriously into them, which yet I hope to be otherwise, than you will know further what to do. 11. Build and get increase, as you have gotten increase, from the Divine Grace, you will well * Gal. 6. 7. reap what you have sown. 12. But as soon as you can, send him this Letter, written to him, together with a Treatise of your writing, and signify to him, that he should not keep it long as some do. 13. He is truly esteemed by me, yet Men should see what God will do; with the book of Repentance herewith sent, when you have copied it out, you may well get increase, for, it hath a great Harvest, and None is much against it, if he be but a Man and Not a Beast. Thus I commend you to the meek Love of JESUS CHRIST! Dated as above. Your willing Servant and Brother, Jacob Behme. The One and Thirtieth Epistle of the 12. November 1622. To Herr C. B. V. H. I. L. I. C. Our Salvation is in the Life of Jesus Christ. 1. MY very loving Sir and worthy friend, I wish you much Joy in the Power of the Divine Vision, Inventibility and Perceptibility; together with bodily welfare; and I rejoice at your steadfastness in the divine Exercise, which to me is a Mark of the Eternal Fraternity, in the Divine Essence, and I exhort you in Love therein to remain, in earnest steadfastness; and to wait for the Eternal Wages, only not to turn to worldly scorn and Apish-Mimick works, or Imitation. 2. For a true Christian, must not only be a Mouth or Verbal Christian, but walk in Christ, in his way or Process, and * Rome 13. 14. Gal: 3. 27. put on Christ: which I hope is clearly done by you, only do not put on the Devil's flattering or Hypocritical worldly Vizard: for this Time is short upon which the Eternal wages followeth; and pray salute in my behalf your brethren and fellow-brethrens in the Lord. 3. I send you here Two Sacks, and pray you to take the pains to fill them with Corn, and take notice and seal it a little, in the Sack there is a packet to Herr Rudolphen von Gerdorf, and to Herr Frederick von Kregwitz: which should only be sent to Herr Gersdorffen, he will send Herr Kregwitz's part well enough: but pray take the pains to convey it to Herr Gersdorffen, if you cannot light upon a Messenger to your Mind, then send it by a Messenger on purpose, he will be well paid by Gersdorffen, else I will pay him myself if he do not. 4. Pray make up the pack again, for I have left it unsealed for you, there is with each Letter a Treatise annexed, which are useful for you, you should do well to copy them out with the soon conveniency, and then speedily without further delay, send it to the forementioned place. 5. But pray pack each Treatise to its proper peculiar Letter, and seal that by itself, that each Treatise may not want its own Letter. 6. By Herr Kregwitz Letter you should only write out the bound or stitched Treatise, the other two sheets that are loose, or unsewed, you may have of Herr Gersdorffen: Kregwitz, hath the beginning, fair. 7. Beuten. The Apology to Esaiah Stiefel, and Ezekiel Meths, their followers called Perfectists. Concerning the List of Books from Herr Lindenern at Beuten, I answer, that those Mentioned Books are all mine, which were all made half a year ago, and part of them this Summer. That which you have now received of Gersdorffen, is one against the Methists, and here in Kregwitz writing you may find also one of true Resignation, the other are partly great ones, especially the Book de signatura Rerum, the signature or impress of things, concerning the Original of the Creation and of its Form or Impression, a very high work of forty one sheets which is copied out once and again. 8. Brucks Troppen Doctor Brux hath also one, and Doctor Gyller of Troppen, hath one, when I have gotten them into my hands, I will send you still one after another; do but signify to me when you have leisure to write, if you will write out those which you have now gotten from Gersdorffen, you may do it, only first write out the Two which I now send with this, and send them away, and send over to me with the Corn, Herr Gersdorff's writing. 9 Leuten-meritz Boehmia Lip Concerning the Cosacks; I acquaint you, that they lie in Leuten-meritz in Boehmia, even to Lip, and very much waste the Country, it is said they are to draw by us, and go towards Poland. 10. Lusatia But we have nothing certain; but I suppose they will remain in Boehmia or Lusatia, and not see Poland, for we shall shortly have new Times, the Present Peace is not firm, for the sickness is to Death, and was never greater, as time will manifest. 11. But how else it is with you, and what your Condition is, I would fain know, if you had written me what to pay, I would have sent it to you, I know Sir, well enough that you will have opportunity to write it out: and I commend you to the Love of JESUS CHRIST. Jacob Behme. The Four and Thirtieth Epistle of the 13. December, 1622. To Herrn C. B. Our Salvation is in the Life of Jesus Christ. 1. MY very Loving and worthy Sir, and good friend: I wish unto you, God's rich Grace, in the Temporal and Eternal Salvation! And acquaint you, that I have safely received your Letter. 2. Also I rejoice, at your constant divine Mind, which I hope in God, doth still more and more grow and increase in divine knowledge, wherein Sir you are bound up therewith, in the band of the Living God, and may be defended in This great Tribulation, which at present is begun. 3. It is time earnestly, at present to shelter ourselves in the fountain of Life, JESUS CHRIST: for the Sword of God's Anger will mightily Cut, and be set against Body and Soul. 4. Therefore we should do well to banish the Antichrist, the Beast and the whore out of the HEART; for they shall and must fall, but in whomsoever they shall still be found, those will the Turba take away with them. 5. Next Spring, I have a purpose if God permit and afford us so much peace and quiet, to see you Personally, and a little supply, what is necessary, as also with other good friends and brethren in Christ, and I exhort you faithfully to prepare for Tribulation, for it cannot otherwise be, it is near and goeth on mightily in Turba Magna, in the Great Turba. 6. This dear time of scarcity, will be greater, and be brought into great Necessity; and every one should apply himself to earnest Sincerity, Great Wars Uproars and Insurrections Calamity and Death, will mightily fall in, in a short time. This Sir, I acquaint you with, in my knowledge, for your brotherly consideration. 7. But if you have any desire to read my writings, you may procure them from Herr Doctor Gersdorffe: I have written to him about you, he will be very well contented therewith, and thus I commit you to the Meek gentle Love of Jesus Christ! Dated in haste as above. Your willing Servant, Jacob Behme. The Fortieth Epistle To Herr C. B. of the 13. October 1623. V. H. I. L. I. C. I. V. Vnser. Heil. Im. Leben. jesus. Christi. In. Vns! Our. Salvation, is in. the Life. of Jesus. Christ. In. Us! 1. VEry loving Sir, Brother Christianus, I wish you the operative power of God, that the fountain in the Life of JESUS CHRIST may flow up in you * Col: 3. 16. richly, and that your Soul may continually be satisfied and refreshed, therein; and may drink of this holy water, and therein grow and sprout, and bear much good fruit: as also bodily welfare! 2. And I rejoice at your happy condition, and that God hath restored your house or family to health again, praised be God; that you are yet in health, and know it operatively in my Talon; for God hath more and more opened to me his Grace-Dore, and not alone to ME, but also to many OTHERS, who get to read these writings, whose heart God hath touched; so that they are entered into repentance and Conversion or amendment; and are in themselves come to the Inward divine vision, and desire to cast away the Garment of Sins and Impurity, and to follow CHRIST in Life and Will. 3. As indeed a few days ago, such a Motion of Two Persons were presented to me, who indeed are high in the world, and loved the world before; In whom I saw the New Birth in Great power, and in triumph of Divine Knowledge, in such humility and deep expression; that I never saw the like from my very childhood, except what God hath wrought in myself poor Man, which had not been possible for me to believe, if I had not found it by Experience, and had the like. 4. One of which did despise himself as to his Earthly world's matters, and disesteemed his former conversation; who did also, so deeply sink down into Resignation and into Repentance, that he accounted himself TOO unworthy, to pour out his Prayers before God, but esteemed himself as dead and altogether unworthy, and fell into God's Mercy, let him do through and with him what he would, and that he would pray and Repent through him. 5. Upon which instantly the divine SUN shone in him, and through his Mouth for THREE hours spoke nothing Else but these words * NOTE. GOTT. GOD, † KOHT. To GOD I am but DUNG, or filthy Rottenness. Dung, GOD, Dung; And accounted HIMSELF as Dung in the presence of GOD; in which Expression, the divine Sun of the joyfulness and Great Knowledge arose; and wholly carried about and renewed his Heart and Mind. 6. Upon which, he to either with another Man in the like condition came to me; after I had seen that Motion in him, and did highly rejoice with me in that through my Book of Repentance, THEY were brought to IT. 7. As indeed in a little time many MORE also were seen in the Like condition, so that thus I did with great wonder perceive; how the Door of Grace so mightily moved itself, and in those who are earnest, openeth itself: as hath a long time before been showed to me: in which dear Sir and brother, I in certain truth, and in the presence of God, do relate and show to you, seeing you are one of the First Fruits of those to whose hands this Talon is come through the divine appointment. 8. Which you have also received with Joy, and have taken great pains therewith, and though you do not long after such a thing as above mentioned, concerning the TWO Persons, nor labour for it, that you might receive it from God; which if you did, would be a great Joy to me in my spirit; yet indeed a Man should not purpose to receive from God, according to his own will, but only sink down into God's will; as the forementioned Persons; that God might with him, do, know, will, and enlighten, and lead him, how HE will. 9 But I would inform you of this in Love, for I well know, that your Soul will together with them and me rejoice thereat also. 10. Further I acquaint you, that God hath brought some Pharisees, which were such before, and reproached me, to the Light, and Converted them, so that they desire to have and read these writings; and now teach the New Birth and Renovation in the Spirit of CHRIST, and do esteem and teach, that all Disputation is Dung, and an unprofitable frivolous thing, but direct men to the LIFE of Christ, as indeed they are newly desired and written for, by high Potentates or Great men, so that it is hoped the daybreak is near at hand. 11. For it is found moreover, at present, that our LEARNED Men love them very much, with whom I have much conversation, this I mention for your consideration, because it is well known to me, that with you also the Wolf standeth behind the Lamb; and would devour all. 12. * NOTE. Yet be of good Comfort, and help to pray and work, for our wages will be given to us in PARADISE, we should not desire wages HERE; for † Joh. 15. 5. we are Christ's Branches on his vine, and should bear good fruit unto him; which he himself worketh or bringeth forth through US. 13. God will fill our Bellies well enough; let us only be contented with a little, * 1 Pet. 5. 7. he will take care for us: though it may be he often permitteth Tribulation, yet it will come to a good End or Issue, and though it may be we must suffer disgrace and Misery for his knowledge sake, also if we should altogether lose the outward Life for it; † Rom. 8. 28. yet must all serve for the Best, to the Children of God; for it continueth here but for a Moment, upon which our Harvest followeth, * Gal. 6. 7. of that which we have sewen. 14. I pray Sir from me salute your brother the † Conrector. Conrector, with the Salutation of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, as also all those who know me in Love, and Love me in the Truth; with whom you are acquainted and have to do; and so I commit you together with them, to the Meek Love of Jesus Christ! Dated as above. Your willing Servant in the Love of Christ. Jacob Behme. The Three and Fortieth Epistle To Herr C, B. Of the 27. of December, 1623. Our Salvation is in the Life of Jesus Christ in us. 1. Dear beloved Sir Christianus; after wishing you the Divine Love-working! I would fain know, your condition how it is with you, whether you are still assaulted with the Pharisaical venom or Poison; whose Fire is near, wherein it shall be Transmuted or changed, under which we wait in divine Patience; for I perceive, that very poison with you in Babel, will burn very much against me and you. 2. But I have seen also on the contrary to that, the Great Love-Fire to be kindled in some, so that I know certainly that the time of the divine visitation is near and clearly at hand: you together with me, and other Children of CHRIST, should take it in Patience till the Anger of God overthrow the Evil Beast, together with the Whore. 3. We ought as Children of Christ, to suffer with Christ, and in suffering to be made conformable to his Image; only let it not seem strange to you, if the world hate you and be fiercely enraged with you; it must be so, the world's Enmity is our Exaltation in CHRIST, for we are strange Guests in the world, and wander in the Pilgrim's Path into our Fathers or Native Country against: And Commit you to the Love of JESUS CHRIST! Dated as above. Yours in the Love of Jesus Christ well known, Jacob Behme. The Five and Fortieth Epistle To Herr C. B. Of the 4. of April. 1624. Our Salvation is in the Life of Jesus Christ In US. 1. MY very loving Sir, Christianus, after the Working Love of our LORD Jesus Christ, in Soul and Body, desired for you; I acquaint you: I have safely received both your Letters together with your packet of both the Books. 2. But I have been come home these Few days after I had Journeyed eight days and almost nights, and have not been at home these Six weeks, else I would have answered you long ago: also as soon as I came home, I sent a little Letter, Zitta. to Zitta for your Books; and informed the Herr who formerly did bid five Rixdollers for them, that they were with me, but he was not at home; Dresden. but Journeyed to Dresden, and I have yet no answer from him, till he come home, If I could find him any where Else, I would willingly do it. 3. And I further acquaint you; that Satan in our Chief Priest, is enraged against the * The way to Christ. printed little Book, and as it were raving and Mad, with Cursing and reproaching, lying and Murdering, so that I powerfully see; that this Book is totally against the Devil, and he would fain murder me for it, and I must at present because of his horrible persecution stand under the Cross of CHRIST, and bear the Marks of his wounds for the Devil vomits out now his Last Poison. 4. How it is with your Father and Brother, together with the Conrector, whom I desire you to salute from me, I would fain know; and what Men with YOU, Judge of the printed Book, and whether it be reproached: With US, many hungry Hearts rejoice at it. But the Chief Evil Man or Superintendent, relisheth it NOT; seeing it teacheth Repentance and Prayer. And so I commend you to the Love of our LORD Jesus Christ: Gerlitz. Dated in Gerlitz: as above. Your always in the Love of Christ true faithful friend, Jacob Behme. The Six and Fortieth Epistle Of the 6. of April. 1624. To Herr. J. S. Our Salvation is in the Life of Jesus Christ in US. 1. MY Dear and Worthy friend, Sir John Sigismond, after my hearty wishing of the Continual Enduring Love working, of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Soul and Spirit, that the Sun of the Divine, Love may Eternally shine, in, your heavenly Talon given you of God, that I might Eternally rejoice myself with you. 2. At present I acquaint you, that Satan is so very Angry against us, as if we had destroyed his Totall Hell, whereas it is but only begun in some Few Men, that his Den of Robbery is stormed and assaulted. 3. But seeing we will not afford him any Lodging further in Ourselves therefore he is become so raving against us, that he supposeth he shall cast us out of the world, that thereby No more such little Herbs or Lilies may grow in his supposed Garden, which he would have planted with sin in Adam; which we will submit to our Lord God, and leave it to him, what he will use *. I B. Gods new Planted Rosebud. US his new planted Rosebud for, and stand still with Patience in Hope, under the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and † Psal. 85. 8. hear what the Lord will say, what he will do with his Instrument. 4. As I came from you home, I found Satan's prepared Bed, wherein he would have laid me; If God had not hindered it through some honest hearts, to whom our way is more known. 5. For the Superindent, or Chief Pharisee, viz. the * Primarius. Primate, hath so vehemently raged against the Printed Book, as if his son had been murdered, and all his Goods burnt; and hath vomited out such a heap of Lies against me, together with such reproachful taking away my reputation, as in his herewith sent public † Gregory Rickter's, Book to which J. B. hath written his Apology. Pasquil Pamphlet or Libel, is to be read. 6. Such shameful lying and scandal, he hath not only broached in the Pulpit, but also hath written about it to * Lignitz. Gerlitz. Weichbild Lignitz. Lignitz to the Pastor called Frisius, and desireth him not only to proclaim it in the Pulpit as he also hath done, but cause it to be printed; and admoninisheth him to complain against it to the Councill-Court at Gerlitz, and present it in such Names, as if it were the Complaint of ALL the Priests in Weichbild Lignitz against my writings Especially against the printed Little Book. 7. This hath Frisius done, and represented me to a Councillor at Gerlitz: upon the Desire of our Primate, so, with a Lying Letter. 8. Upon this, our Primate, hath often run to the Chiefest Lords of our City, and so vehemently raged against me with Lies, and exclaimed against me, and desired, that as soon as I should come home, they might put me into Prison, and then banish me out of the City, also he put in such a Lying complaint to the Council, and Even fired Hell against me and prepared the Lake. 9 But seeing Most of the Lords of the Council, had read my little printed Book, and found Nothing unchristianlike therein, but was very much liked and loved by some of them, also by many of the Burghers, therefore many of them accounted such proposal and desire of the Primate to be unequal, and that there was no just cause for such persecution of me, and spoke against it and said, that THIS Religion was NOT New; but it was even the GROUND of the Ancient holy Fathers, wherein men might find many More such like books. 10. But some, especial whom the Primate had instigated, have thought it good to summon me and compel me to come before a Council, I should see whether the Emperor or Prince Elector would not be stirred up by the Priests, to suffer them to lay hold on me, as it is just so come to pass, when I came before the Council, it was said thus to me; they ordered me to go aside a little that they might not be troubled or disquieted with me. 11. Upon this I had framed my * Answer to Gregory Rickter. Answer in writing and would have delivered it up to them; But the Primate hindered, so that they should not receive any Answer from me in writing, for he feared HE must be constrained, to Answer for his Lies. 12. And so it was not received by the Council, but I was only warned to go aside out of the way, or a while, to live with some people that would entertain me; and so submit to them, that they might be at Quiet, but No command was laid upon me. 13. Upon this I answered, that seeing Men would not hear my Answer, that I might declare my Innocency, and could be admitted to no Defence against the Primate complaints & unjust Slanders; I must commit it to God; and see whether God would bring me somewhere to honest good people, and so shelter me at length that I might once get out of the Primates sight. 14. Which was acceptible to them, but they gave NO command that I should and must be gone, but only admonished me. 15. Whereupon I went home from the Council, where, at the Council Door in the outward Porch, some spiteful scorners of the Primates retinue, and perhaps sent by him stood and desired me, and one of them a wicked Buffoon did anatomize me from the Crown of the Head to the Sole of the Foot; concerning my clothes and Gifts, and did so vehemently Fall upon the Holy Spirit and Scorned IT, at last he also said. That at length the Holy Spirit would be as Common as Pieces of Leather at the Skinners. 16. Thus this took an End; and the Primate upon this caused this Pasquil or Libel to be printed; and now I must instantly stand under the Cross of CHRIST; let God order it according to his Council! 17. I entreat you Sir: that you would let me know your pleasure herein, and to signify it to me; I suffer it all with patience but my Children will thereby be shamefully discredited, which yet must be, that the Measure may be full, and the punishment come. 18. I entreat you to salute, Herr, Doctor Koschwitzen and then also, Herr Abraham von Franckenberg, together with your Lady Mother, and all the dear children of Christ, that are with you; the Messenger is in haste expecting the Letter else I would have written more. 19 And I commend you together to the Love of JESUS CHRIST, I will shortly see you again; all our acquaintance salute you. Dated as above. Your, in the Love of Jesus Christ, willing servant Jacob Behme. The Nine and Fortieth Epistle To Herr C. B▪ Of the 5. of May, 1624. Our Salvation is in Christ. 1. MY beloved Sir, Christianus, after, desiring all blessed welfare to your peace and Quiet Rest, I wish you the defence and protection of God, that he will Guard you with his loving Angels, and bring you to honest Christian Hearts: and preserve you with Health, and that he will perfect through you, his own will. 2. Leipzig I have now written to Herr Baltasar walter, at Leipzig- * Messe. 42. Sheets. 16. Sheets. 27. Sheets. 6. Sheets. 3. Copies of the way to Christ. Mart, and sent him with it the Book of the Election of Grace or Predestination of Forty-two sheets, as also of Christ's Testaments, of Sixteen Sheets also, Twenty-seaven sheets upon Genesis, together with a Clavis of these writings of Six sheets; and then Three Copies of my little printed Book. 3. Also, I have Answered to both the Herrs of † Lubeck. Lubeck, who have written to me, and sent each of them a Copy of the little printed book, who are well known to Herr Walter. 4. Salute your Brother the Herr Conrector, and I take it with great thankfulness, that he will accept my Letters, and I will often send him somewhat. 5. Next friday, I take my Journey to * Dresden. Dresden, where I am called to the Prince Electors Council, to speak with them as also with Herr H. Verwaltern of the Laberatory in † Schlosse. Schlosse. 6. God afford his Grace and favour in it! so I commend you to the Love of Jesus Christ. Dated as above. Your, in the Love of Christ, willing servant, Jacob Behme. The Two and Fiftieth Epistle Of the 15. of May, 1624. To Herr T. K. Immanuel. 1. MY very loving and worthy Sir and Brother; in the Life and in the power of our LORD Jesus Christ; after wishing you the divine Love, and Patience under the* Cross of Christ, I acquaint you, that I have safely received your letter, and therein discern your Christian brotherly Love, as indeed it was well known to me before, and I first rejoice at your, and My, health; I am also praised be God, in Good condition, together with Herr Melchior Bernt, gotten hither to Herr Benedict H. where all Christian love and friendship is afforded me, and they are likewise in good conversation one with another, also my coming, is Related by Herr H. almost to all the Prince Electors Council, who most of them read and Love my little printed Book: and acknowledge it for a divine Gift, and make use of it daily, and have often times desired their salutation and ready good will, to be remembered to me, by Herr H. who must daily come to them, seeing he practiseth there, and they themselves use him; and desire I would stay here, they will so contrive and order it, that they might come into some Conversation with me, as they have come to receive more of my writings: and are daily acquainted with them. 2. As Herr John von Loss, a very wise Person, Imperial and Electorate Councillor, who is one of the Chief hath caused to be signified to me: that he hath so appointed his business, that he will go at the End of the Holy days to his Schlosse or Castle, a mile from Dresden, where he will receive me and Herr H. and entertain us some days, for good conference and discourse. 3. In like manner also, the Marshal of the Prince's House and Chief Master of the Horse; have sent to me, and I hope these will, not only look upon me favourably, but also somewhat countenance my writings: which I account to be all of it a divine providence, and shall hardly come home again these 3. weeks, because I must stay here, and Expect how God will order it, also the fire of Satan's Anger and Rage burneth at Home, but I have good friends in this place and hear nothing of such Tumults and Uproars. 4. But I exhort you in Love, that you would have patience, and expect what God will do, I have no trouble or perplexity of mind, but am very cheerly at it, that I see the devil is enraged with anger against me, and doth so belie me; It is the Badge of CHRIST'S ensign, the Devil's Lies will well appear, so that our Enemies must be ashamed; let us only pray, and * Isai. 49. 4. leave the judgement to God; he doth so even to Christ and his Children, his Excuse which yet is false; will not avail; I wish, he did so Pray, as to bring the HOLY Spirit into the Desk or Pulpit, than he would not bring the Angry slanders of the Devil into it; It concerneth now the Whore in Babel, and therefore is the Devil so veryenraged, with Anger. 5. I desire you to treat with my wife, and tell her, that she should get Patience and give herself to Quiet, and not be so fearful and dismayed, at it, as I perceive she is; for it is very well with me, and I am preserved with honour and Love, and I will not leave Her; if we have not leave to be in one place, God will lead us into another. 6. For I see now what the Lord's way is, which he will take, she should not count it any disgrace, because we are persecuted for the divine Knowledge and Gift, for the sake of Christ our Redeemer; † Math. 5. 12. Christ bids us rejoice, when it is so with us; for our Reward in Heaven is great; I intent God willing, to take care of Her and my Children, let her but give herself up to Patience and Peace, and let none put into her head, but that I will have a care of myself, she need not take care about me; Also there is a time coming, wherein it will not be dishonourable to her; None know how to speak any disgraceful thing of us; but only ONE wicked Man, who belieth us, and persecuteth us for Christ's sake, it is mere Joy to me, to suffer disgrace for Christ's sake and his Gift, also our Enemy must help to promote our Good. 7. The Threats of our Enemy is only his evil malicious will, who knoweth but a Hook may be put into his Nostrils? I will not let it be unknown to the Prince Electours Council, and indeed they clearly know it, and do not speak well of it, in him, also I hope I shall come personally before the Illustrious Prince elector himself, and do hope all will be well, he need not lift up himself so aloft and rest on Lies and upon Man, his Christian Heart will be manifest well enough, even his present friends may well speak against him. 8. But since he supposeth it not to be right, that my book is gone forth under No Name; therefore I hope suddenly it will go forth under a Name, he shall not hinder it, I have good opportunity: also there are this present Leipsig-Mart, come forth many such like books in print; Leipsig Mart he may hinder them, if he think he is the Man that can do it, I hope ere a year be come about, HIS hindrance will be commonly called Babel. 9 Concerning my Son Jacob, that he is come home, I rejoice, and desire that he would stay at Gerlitz till my coming, and not entertain dispute or make contention with any, because of scornful people, that God's Gifts be not scandalised, and lest the Enemy might say, that we would take up the * NOTE. Sword, and raise uproars, but to have a little Patience, that our good things may be planted with profit and benefit to others, and we be known to be the children of CHRIST; 10. For the Age that is Coming, will not be in contention or disputing biting and devouring, but in Love and Patience, Peace and Joy in the knowledge of the divine Gift. 11. But seeing God hath together chosen us to be first fruits, therefore we should begin aright, and stand as a Rose among the Thorns; for our Native Country is in Heaven and not upon Earth, therefore let us labour for THAT. 12, I entreat you to Salute my wife, and all our good brethren in Christ, with our Love, especially, signify my Condition to Herr Hans Rotten that he may write it to his brother Horr Carel Endern and his brother Michael Endern, that it might come to the knowledge of Herr Hans Sigmund, how it is with me at present, and that you would write to them with the soon, for I cannot now do it because of hindrance; but Comfort my wife, that she may let go her fruitless care, there is no danger about me, I am at present as well and better then at Gerlitz; Gerlitz. but let her stay at home and be at Rest, and let Babel Burne, our Enemy standeth in the Fire, and therefore he is so angry and wrathful! And I commend you to the Love of CHRIST. Dated at Dresden, Dresden. as above. Your, in the Love of Christ, willing Servant, Jacob Behme. The Three and Fiftieth Epistle Of the 19 May, 1623. To Herr T. K. V. H. I. L. I. C. I. V. Vnser. Heil. Im. Leben. jesus. Christi. In. Vns. Our. Salvation. In the. Life. of jesus. Christ. In. Vs. 1. MY very loving Sir, and Christian Brother; after my faithful hearty memberlike, desire of the Continual enduring Love-power, that our Soul may always draw and drink of the Fountain of Christ. 2. If it go well with you and yours, and our dear friends, as also with my wife, it will be acceptible to me, as for me, I thank God, who hath wonderfully conducted me according to his good pleasure, I got in the Middle of the week, before Christ's Ascension; together with Herr Melchior Bernten to Dresden in good health, Dresden to Herr Benedict H. where all Christian Love and friendship is afforded me; and I am well entertained, and there we have much good Converse. 3 And there are found also amongst the Prince Electors Council, and indeed the Chiefest of them, very Christian Loving Gentlemen to whom this Theosophick Ground is very acceptible, and also do read and love my writings; for my printed Book is already come into the Hands of very Many Officers and other Learned Men, all which I account to be Good, and a Gift from God, and they Labour and Contrive, how such good writings as lead Men to the Imitation or * Math. 10. 38. and 6 24. Mark. 8. 34. Luke 9 33. following of Christ, may be published, and will help to promote them and Not suppress them; As in my Country is done out of Hatred to the Person, which God pity and help. 4. And the Herr Primates slanderous Libel is very wonderfully looked upon by the Counsel and Learned; and some suppose, that the Malicious Evil Spiteful Spirit hath dictated it to him, and he is despised by the Priests, who say, that he transgresses and goeth aside out of his Office. For Herr Henckel hath shown it to the Counsel and to the Learned, who wonder at the Man's folly, that he dare vomit out his Evil affections in public against a Christian Book, at which many honest hearts are troubled, and account it a Judgement from God, that those who should teach others are so blind, and that themselves do resist the Truth. 5. Also some of the chiefest Counsellors, have caused their Good Will to be made known to me, and signified that the soon day they have opportunity, they will cause me to be invited to them, for a Christian converse and conference with me, which I look for, and expect what may be done then: But I hope that it will be all well, for I am assured of this, that they love my writings, as also the Superintendent here readeth and loveth my printed little Book; and I hope also they will here be licenced and Printed, as is signified to me, and then the strife hath an issue, and I expect daily how God will effect it. 6. I entreat you Sir, to signify to my wife, that she should not perplex herself by reason of me, but diligently pray, that God would order it for the best, and if she want any thing she knoweth very well where she may have it, she should only keep WITHIN, and a little submit herself; this stormy Tempest will soon pass over, and the Sun shine upon it: I shall upon the entreaty of Herr Henckelman, stay with him a Month longer yet, or what time it happens to be, here at Dresden, for I have promised it to him, seeing he giveth me my charges and other Conveniences and is a very Christian Gentleman, who can do much for me, yet let it be according to Gods will; I rely upon no Man, but upon the living God, and am therewith very cheerly and full of Comfort, who knoweth how the Current may run? 7. My writings are here copied out, Time will open and discover all; I will write to you again with the first; so soon as I have opportunity, and inform you of my condition, I am yet but New and a stranger, but I hope to be well acquainted and known, ere a Month pass. And thus I commend you to the Love of Jesus Christ! Dated at Dresden as above. Your, in the Love of Jesus Christ, willing Servant, Jacob Behme. The Four and Fiftieth Epistle To Herr T. K. Of the 23. May 1624. Vnser. Heil. In. Christo. jesus. In. Vns! Our. Salvation. in. Christ. Jesus. In. Us! 1. MY very Dear Sir and Christian Brother, after wishing you the divine Love, Patience and Hope of deliverance or Redemption from the Driver or Persecutor, also the constant working in the power of Christ, that your little Pearle-Tree, may continually grow greater; if it go well with you it is exceeding Joy to me; as for me I praise God, for my Cause it hath hitherto stood in a good Condition here, God help it further! 2. At the Day of the Holy Penticost, past Noon, the Prince Electours Officers, viz: the THREE Lords from Swalbach & the Marshal of the House Those very Noble Potent Chief Rulers under the Prince elector, Swalbach viz. the Marshal of his house, the Master of his Horse and the Chief Chamberlain, and a Counsellor, were invited to my Lodging, and came thither for my sake, to be acquainted with me, which also in Love, favour and kindness was accepted BY THEM, and they heard me very willingly, and my cause was acceptible to them, they also promised me favour and assistance in IT, and they desired and appointed to confer further with me, which I daily expect, also they read my * The Book of Repentance. printed Book with love and liking. 3. On Thursday in Pentecost, The Most Noble Potent Herr Joachim von Loss, Privy Counsellor to His Imperial Majesty, and to the Prince Elector, and Officer of the Empire, at his Castle a Mile from * Dresden Dresden, caused me and the Person where I lodged, Herr Henckelme, and a Doctor of Physic, to be fetched in his Coach, to be acquainted with Me; which Lord highly loved my Cause and Gifts, who also promised me favour and assistance, also signified, that he would see to assist my Person with the Prince Elector, that I might get some liberty and rest, to propagate my Talon. 4. This Herr is a very Learned Man of High understanding, who also hath been very serviceable to our Country, as also to Silesia, since the Fall of * Prince Elector Palatine and King of Boehmia. Frederick, our King that was, and all high Matters pass through his Counsel, who desired I would be oftener with him, He will be my Patron and favourable Assistant, and I expect hourly, when the Illustrious Prince Elector will send for me, for which, by the forementioned Counselors intimation and assistance, I am ready: also there are Many other Lords and Counsellors, by whom my little book is loved and liked, as also by the Superintendent; And I hope it will all be well, after this suffered hurt and persecution. 5. Now if the Primate of Gerlitz have any thing to complain against me, he might now here present it to the Prince Electours Counsel, and let his venomous slanders before the honourable Council, my Lords at Gaerlitz be tried and examined, here I would stand directly before him, and set his Lies before his Face, which he hath in a venomous spiteful Manner vomited out before the Church and in his Libel against me. 6. His Christian heart will be exceedingly praised if he did partly know, how men look upon his Libel for so very Christian and just a piece. 7. He doth the City of Gaerlitz disgrace and dishonour, therewith, in that they have such a Slanderer and Reproacher for their Highpriest, who causeth so infamous a Libel and defamation, to be printed against his Parish-childrens; and cannot instruct them better. 8. He hath got him an excellent Name therewith, so that Men account him an unchristian Man, he had need to have his Mouth altogether stopped, and be bidden to have a care of his Office, and to imitate or follow Christ and the Apostles, unless He dare appear, if Men would sift and complain against his infamous words in the Libel, and in the Pulpit. 9 I hope I should well find Richters or Judges who would Judge this * Richteren Gregory Richter Richter or Judge, and though I can have no hearing at Gaerlitz, which yet seems wonderful to these Lords, that a Burger will not receive and take notice of a Cause, yet I will not make any complaint ●f my Lords at Gaerlitz, without further Cause. 10. But that it troubles the Primate that I have answered in writing, and thereupon will fly aloft, and reproach much more; to that I say, if he have not enough of the written Answer, I will commit it to the Press, as it seemeth Good to many Learned Persons so to do: I know also a good cause for it; It were good for him to keep his mouth from slandering, else he must see and hear, that which will not please him. 11. Though indeed I have no pleasure in THAT, for I perceive very well, that the Devil would fain Sully and defile my Talon with Contention and DISPUTATION; but I hope to stand under the Divine Protection and Defence, for I find now powerfully, how God leadeth and protecteth his Children, Therefore HE is to be praised. 12. And it will not so be, that the Primate, will be able to hunt all those people from Gaerlitz; who read my little Book, for than must he also come to Dresden, and into many other places, and hunt away the Prince Electours Council and Priests; but let him have a care, that God's Anger do not hunt him into the Hellish Fire 🜂 it were good to Repent. 13. But if he will begin a Reformation, then will the Prince elector also look into it, what Manner of Reformation he hath in his Country, you need not be afraid of him, it is but a Pharisaical zeal without Ground. 14. I hope yet, the Time of the Great Reformation will suddenly come, wherein Men will be commanded to Reform, and to Teach Christ, and Not Shoemakers Pitch and Blacking, and to reproach the Children of Christ: Let him come but to Dresden into the Booksellers Shops, he will see the New Reformation well enough; which looketh like my Ground as to what concerneth the Theological Ground: I hear in this place none reproach it, for it is read with Joy; as even the Superintendent himself, and Doctor Hŏe do now teach the New Birth and the Inward Man; The Primate of Gaerlitz may forbid it to them, And many OTHERS in † Meisen Saxony Thuringen See-Stadten. Meisen, Saxony, Thuringen, and See-Stadten, write and teach thereof very right, if our Primate will hinder THAT, he had need of Time to prescribe a Council, and take upon him the Reformation, else they will be ALL Enthusiasts, as he calleth, it. 15. I still entreat you, to salute my Wife and Son, and let them read this, and exhort them to Patience and Prayer, I hope all will be well, they should have patience yet a little, who knoweth how the Current may run? This persecution may well * Rom. 8. 28. serve for the best; I will within Three Weeks, if it may be, certainly come home, though perhaps I must make a Journey hither again, pray write to me in the mean time, how it goes further with you Sir: and exhort my Son Jacob to wait, and that he would go often to † Hans Bergern Schoolmaster to Elias Behme. Hans Bergern and see what Elias Learneth; and that he behave himself with his † Schoolmaster in Love, to whom he shall present my Salutation, and not conceal my purpose, that he may not look upon it, as if there were any CAUSE, to flee away from the Primate, and for that cause † Elias might be abused and Evilly entreated by his Schoolmaster, therefore my present good condition should do well to be signified to him. 16. I pray you to salute these Herrs and Christian brethren, viz: Herr Hans R●hten, Herr Friederick Rhenisch, Herr Martin Mollern, and Herr * Michael Hurtzen that wrote Jacob Behme's life after his decease. Michael Kurtzen, together with all the Children of Christ, that are near you, and discover my Condition to them, also that they should as Children of Christ, † Matth 28. Labour in the Vineyard of Christ, and let Satan Roar; the Time of Redemption Cometh clearly in ITS Season. 17. Also signify my Salutation especially to the Doctor's Wife, and mention to my Wife and Sons, that they be quiet and Patient, and not be zealous, that the Evil Enemy may not spy any little hole against us, and that at length every one may see, that we are pecsecuted for the sake of the knowledge of Christ and of his Truth; And thus I commend you to the Meek Love of Jesus Christ! Dated at * Dresden Dresden, as above. Your, In the Love of Christ, willing Servant, Jacob Behme. The One and Sixtieth Epistle To Herr C. B. without Date. Emanuel! 1. MOst Honourable highly esteemed Sir: and faithful friend, your Salvation and welfare is very acceptable to me, I would long ago have visited you with a Letter, for I long also to understand your condition; seeing you give yourself to the Study of WISDOM, which is more dear to me then the whole world, and do wish that I might once confer with you therein as it is necessary: as I hope shortly to make a Journey towards you, then will I speak with you. 2. Hitherto I have been hindered by God's permission, for I have been these Six Weeks, cast down into the Sickness of the Evil raised Soldiers, and scarce come to health again. 3. Also how it is with our Dr. Waltern, or where he is if you know any thing of him, signify it to me; also how you go on in your study, whether the Grace Dore be more opened to you, to apprehend the high Divine Mystery, it would be very acceptable to me to know; for I hope if you order your life therein, and did bring the Practice into Exercise, that Door would be opened to you, so that you would see, with right or true Magical Eyes in Magiam Divinam into the Divine Magia. 4. For so soon as the Sprout of the New Man springeth, it hath its Seeing or Sight; for as the outward Man seeth this outward world, so also the New Man, seeth the divine world, wherein it dwelleth; for it is written; * 1 Cor. 2. 10. The Spirit of Man in the Spirit of Christ, searcheth all things, even the depths of the Deity. 5. And although, it lieth not in the Searching and flying aloft, if men will search in Reason, but in a humble lowly submitting to enter into it, that the Soul desire Nothing but God's Love; now when it attaineth THAT, than it suddenly bringeth the richly joyful Spirit of God, the Souls Image or the similitude of God, into the Heavenly Divine School of the Noble and precious knowledge; where than it is taught more than in the School of this world; for it studyeth in the School of the Divine Wisdom; The Holy Spirit is its Schoolmaster, also its knowing and understanding. 6. It is no knowing of God, that a CREATURE knoweth or feeleth God, but THAT knowledge only which is IN God: The Twig draweth into it, the Sap of the Tree; if a Man be not with his will-spirit entered into God, but into the outward Reason, than he is BLIND to God. 7. But if he with earnestness desireth God, than he becometh in his Desire impregnate with God's Substance, and God's Substance becometh given to him for his OWN propriety, wherein the Spirit of God ruleth; and he becometh God's Child, viz: a Twig on the Tree. 8. Seeing then I perceive from Herr Walter, that you lead your Life in † Prov. 16▪ 6. The Fear of God; and he showeth me also your writings, that you have a desire after the Divine Wisdom; and after the wellspring or fountain of Christ; therefore I am the more encouraged to write unto you, and to inform you of the WAY thereof, for it affordeth me mere Joy, when I discern any of God's Children. 9 Just as one Twig of a Tree, enjoyeth itself with the other in the Tree, with an amiable or Lovely Essence, so also do the Children of Christ; but if any thing in my writings should be misunderstood; do but signify it to me, and it shall be brought into an easier understanding for you; or if it were too deep for your Mind or Thoughts, I would set it down more simply and Childlike, whereby the Pearl might be sought and found with delight; for it is not given in vain. 10. But seeing you are one of the First, whom God will favour with it; therefore I exhort you, in true Christian Love, that you would diligently seek the Noble Jewel; you will certainly attain it, for though it seems as if it would not; let not THAT discourage you, and do not shrink back, but stand still; If any will be a Soldier he must fight; where God is nearest of all he will not discover it, his Children must be proved or Tried. 11. We must enter into Combat against the Old Adam, and kill him, if a New be to grow out of him; if the fair Crown or Garland be once set upon you; than it would afterwards need no more searching after; you will have one that will search well enough; who will seek and find himself IN you; that you shall see God and the Kingdom of Heaven, according to that Glimpse or discovery; This I would needs friendly intimate to you. 12. A very Hard Time is coming, for that year, and the year following; will be years of great Tribulation, for the sickness and † Rev. 18. 8. death of the Where is Coming, but she will not observe it, she saith still, I am a Virgin, her wounds are uncurable. 13. Dear friend Christianus, let us indeed open our Eyes aright, that we learn to know Her, and * Rev. 18. 4. fly from her, else we may receive her plagues and Punishments; there is no je●●ing, it will cost Body and Soul; The highest Good. Thus I commend you to the Love of JESUS CHRIST. Jacob Behme. † Prov. 18. 10. The Name of the LORD is a strong City; the Righteous, runneth unto it and is exalted. The two and sixtieth Epistle C. B. without Date. Immanuel. 1. DEar faithful friend and brother in the Love of Christ, I wish constantly in my desire, that you may continue steadfast in the way you have begun, that your hunger and thirst after Christ's wellspring or fountain may constantly endure, for it is the assured * John 6, 44. drawing of the Father in the Spirit of Christ to him. 2. The Earthly Adam is a Cover before it, that Christ in this Earthly Tabernacle cannot be totally manifested, for Holy † Psal. 126. 5. David, the Man of God, saith; They go away sewing in Tears, but they reap in Joy. 3. I exhort you very brotherly, that you be not discouraged, though the SUN of the rich joyfulness do not shine in the Old Adam, it is Gods will it should be so; for with its richly Joyful Glance or Lustrous Beams, it belongeth not to the Earthly Man; But it giveth itself many times to the Dead Mystery, which disappeared or faded in Adam, and at the Last Judgement Day shall * 1 Cor. 15. 43. arise in Power, such a friendly Aspect Glimpse or Countenance; for the Comfort of the poor Soul; and to the strengthening of the New Sprout: But here it must be generated or born in mere longing and anxious desire: The Sun oftentimes hideth itself; but so it seeketh only into the Root, that it may generate a Twig out of the Tree. 4. Wrestle cheerfully, the Crown or Garland is assuredly deposited in you, it will assuredly be set upon you; according to the Measure which pleaseth God; for according to what he will use any for in this world, according to that measure also he manifesteth himself in him in the outward Man: but the true Lilly-Twig or Branch; standeth not in the outward world; It is exceeding Joy to me, when I perceive, that you long anxiously after the Lily, and think you have it not; but I see much better than you, WHAT you have; which often delights me thus with my exhortation to awaken and stir it up; that the Tree may grow and become Great; for I would fain also NOW partake of its Fruits: for which things sake, I labour towards YOU and Many OTHERS, accordingly as I am driven. 5. I send you the * The Philosophic Globe see in the 40. Questions of the Soul. Magic Globe, with the Explanation thereof, you will have therein a fine delightful walk for recreation: but send me it back again as soon as you can, I will shortly send you somewhat else. 6. The Little † Jacob Behmes little Book of the Two Testaments, of Baptism and the Supper. Testaments, I cannot get at present; but am promised to have it copied out. 7. I pray, if you see any acquaintance of * Zolnig. Zolnig, send this enclosed Letter to Herr M. W. if not, then leave it at his House, than it will come at him. 8. I thank you also for sending the Corn: I will in Love, Pay you for it; I have justly received it, and perceive your diligence: If Herr M. W. would send me my Sack again, I should rest contented, but I perceive very well how his heart is, I have discovered to him the Babylonish WHORE: and still friendly write to him; to try if he will become seeing, and fall away from the verge of Antichrist, though it seemeth to me they are but Glistering Specious words, as they almost all of them do give. 9 For, I have in this Generation found very Few of them, wherein there is true earnestness; but they have only * Math. 13. 20. Mark 4. 16. Luke 8, 13. received the History, with Joy; and suppose it sticketh in the knowledge, viz: in the Letter; they make ostentation therewith: yet I know some wherein there is sincere earnestness, where I have seen the Spirit in Power, God be praised! 10. Pray signify my Salutation and willing Service in Love, to your Brother the Herr Conrector; to commend one another into the Love of Jesus Christ. Your Loving Friend and Brother in CHRIST, Jacob Behme. FINIS. J. B's hand writing, or Manuscript Epist: in High-dutch I. S' in English I Have in Jacob Behme's own hand writing, a Letter of his in the High-Dutch which was sent me by Michael L● Blon, Resident for the Queen of Sweden in Holland, with the States there: of the 10/20 April, 1650. the Letter of J. B's he received from Abraham von Frankenberg, who was then at Mr. Beyerlands in Amsterdam, to whom Jacob Behme wrote in his life time, and conversed much with him, he was a Learned Man, much acquainted with the Divine Mysteries of the Hoiy Scriptures and other the profoundest Literature; this I also translate into English, and here insert. J. B. used to put on the Back of his Letters this Mark, as in the Letter I have, appears, viz: OOO Which signifieth the THREE Eternal Worlds one in another as ONE; or the THREE Principles; or the THREE Persons in the TRINITY; whose impress is to be seen in All things whatsoever, both in THIS World and in ETERNITY. The Letter followeth thus in High-Dutch, in J. B.'s. own hand writing. OOO Licht Heil und Ewige Krafft auss dem Brunquel des Hertzens jesu Christi sei unser erquickung. Erenvester wolbenampter Herr euch seind meine willige dienste jederzeitbevorn, ich fuge euch zu wissen Das ich in den verheischenen schrifften been etwas verhindert word, welche ich euch chicken wolt nach Zu schreiben, den Sie seind obey einem liebhaber derselben auch nach geshriben word, weil aber H. Pa●tzer W. ●●t wider zu Land ankomen, hat er dieselben jetz selber unter der feather, so euch aber I ge●ipte etwas darum Zu haben und nach ●u schreiben, So sol euch etwas, so bald es muglich ist, gefolget werden und thue euch Gotlichen schutze Empfhelen. Datum Gerlitz. Jacob Behme. Translated into English written in J. S'. own hand writing. OOO Light, Salvation, and Eternal Power out of the Fountain of the heart of Jesus Christ, be our Refreshing. Honourable worthy Sir▪ let my willing service be always presented to you I must acquaint you, that I have been somewhat hindered in the writings I promised you, which I was to send you to Copy out; for they have been by a lover of them now lately Copied out, but seeing H. Baltzer Walter, is come into this Country again, he hath them now himself in hand, under his Pen, but if you have a Mind to have any of them and to copy them out, as soon as is possible some of them shall be sent, so I commend you to the Divine Protection Dated at Gerlitz Jacob Behme. That in High-Dutch was the hand writing of Jacob Behme; that in English of John Sparrow: Thus the very Character of All Manuscripts may be communicated and perpetuated. This I have caused to be expressed from both the Hand-writings exactly in a Copperplate by Edward C●cker and here printed off, annexed: Tuesday 3. December 16●●. John Sparrow. Because I found after the printing of this Sheet 5. Epistles not Englished, I here insert them. The Third Epistle. 24. of October, Anno. 1619. 1. I present you my Salutation through and from God, wishing you the Light of the divine Kingdom of Joy in our Emanuel. 2. The Letter you sent me, together with my writings I have directly safe received of Zeigern, and as soon as I had sealed those writings up, I sent them to H. N. by N. N. who at that present was with me, I would needs send him this Letter, seeing it was already sealed, and supplied with my writings enclosed in it. But now I understand in my Mind, seeing it happens as it doth: that you have sent for them, that it may be a providence of God, therefore I send them to you herewith, pray consider them, there is a very Noble Jewel therein, which God hath bestowed since your departure; & I acquaint you, that a very lovely Gate is sprung open, into which, if God will, as it highly appears he will, we will enter; concerning which yet I can say Nothing, for it is not belonging to my outward Man, but as all Vegatives or Plants of the Earth, rejoice when the Sun ariseth, and shineth upon them with its power and virtue; so also my Soul in the fair Wonder-Blossom, wherein the Lord is so sweet and friendly, I hope I shall well refresh myself with it, which you will perceive in this last Part of this * The Three Principles. Book, if God open the Gates to you in HIS Spirit. 3. I cannot write IT to you, for it is wonderful, I hope God will open your Heart, that you also may taste and relish somewhat thereof: you desire to know, whether I had any converse with the Herr you know of, I must acquaint you, that I could not come to him, for I have had much to do in another Country, where indeed with my outward Man, I was not at home, and am hitherto hindered with a Journey to Prague, for Seven Days, and then what God will shall be done, although at present a Deep Gat● standeth open to me, and therein I shall do what GOD will. 4. I send you the finishing of this Book sealed, and if you have an opportunity, either send it to H. N. or to me again with the other writings, for they were on the way to H. N. but when the Messenger came from you, I held it fit to send all thus packed up, and I desire you to mind it highly and exactly, that there is † The Threefold Life. another very excellent high work, apprehended in the Spirit, and do hope God will vouchsafe it to us, you may search further after it, in short time it shall be sent you. And so I commend you into the divine Kingdom of the Joy of the Eternal wellspring or Fountain. Jacob Behme. The One and Fiftieth Epistle. To Herr F. K. M. D. Of the 9 May, 1624. V. H. I. L. I. C. I. V. Vnser. Heil. Im. Leben. Jesus. Christi. In. Vns. Our. Salvation. Is in. the Life. of Jesus. Christ. In. Vs. 1. MY very dear Sir and Christian faithful friend, I Heartily wish you the divine Love, that the Sun of Righteousness in Soul and Spirit may Eternally shine to you! If it still go well with you, it would be great Joy to me, to know; God be praised I am at this time in Good bodily Health: But very much outwardly bespattered with Satan's Dirt, by the Pharisaical spirit; for how very enraged Satan is at me and my printed little Book of Repentance, I can scarce write to you, and only from the Chief Pharisee and those that are like him; For they fear lest their Authority and Respect might fall, if unlearned people should bring forth the highest Ground, and that people might require of them the Imitation or following of Christ and his Apostles, in Life and Doctrine, then must their Belly-God fall, and their Mind be somewhat more lowly, all which, doth not relish. 2. But it must come to pass, the Time is generated or Borne, and no Reproaching will help; for by their Reproaching they cause the People to ask after these Writings, and so they further them, more than hinder them, as is done among us at present; that almost every one would fain see them, and find the Great wonder, and what kind of wild Beast is therein, and when they come to read them, they are amazed at their Blindness, and enter into themselves, and consider their Lives according to it, whereby very Many of them have Converted, and have entered into Repentance, and have desired friendship with me, and those which before had been reproachers are become afterwards the Sheep of Christ. So very wonderfully the Lord manageth his way, and all things must serve for the Best to God's children. 3. The Primate with us hath caused to be printed a venomous lying Pamphlet or Libel of one Sheet in the Latin Tongue in * Carmenweise. In Meeter. Verse, against me, wherein Men may wonderfully see his Spirit, and Satan, with his Claws; against which I have written an Answer, which together with the Libel you may get of Herr Michael Endern, he will willingly lend it you, there you will see wonderful strange things, which I cannot here write to you. 4. Mit Zeigern I send you also by Zeigern, one of the Printed little Books, I hope you will well practise it, seeing without that you are a Lover of the true Ground, and I would fain have sent you somewhat of the writings, but I have lent them all abroad. 5. This day, being the 9 of May, I travail to Dresden, whither I am Invited by the chief Eminent Persons of the Prince Electours Court, for a Conference with me, which also read and Love my writings, God give Grace and Power for it, what may there come to pass, I shall inform you at another Time. 6. And I entreat you, to send the Packet to Herre Martin Mosern by some safe opportunity, wherein you will do him and me a service of Love, and yet you may have acquaintance with Herr Michael Endern if that were not done, where you may Get All my writings, for he hath them ALL, and is a very great Practiser of them, and a loving Man, also very Secret and Faithful, you will have a good friend of him; And I commend you to the Love of Our LORD JESUS CHRIST! Dated as above. Jacob Behme. The Seven and Fiftieth Epistle To N. N. 1. MY dear Sir, next the wishing you the Love of our LORD Jesus Christ, in Soul and Spirit; I acquaint you Sir, That in my Absence this Journey; when I was abroad at Herr Hans Sigismund●, the Pharisaical Spirit, hath raged, as if he would storm Heaven and break Hell in pieces, and all because of the * The Way to Christ. printed little Book, which yet is very highly loved by many; And I do not know yet how it will go with me, in regard of this Pharisaical Spirit, but I put my hope and whole Confidence, in the Love of Jesus Christ, and do Praise God that I shall be made conformable to the Image of Jesus Christ, and suffer reproach for HIS sake, and will bear all with Patience under the * ✚ Cross of Christ; for Satan stormeth or warreth against Christ, and Christ against Satan, and it goeth as it did with Christ, one part say, † Joh. 9 17. 31. Ch. 8. 48. He is an honest Good man, and a Prophet, the other say * Joh. 10. 19 20. He hath a Devil. How it will conclude I shall let you know further Sir; and I commend you to the Love of Jesus Christ! Sir Your willing servant Jacob Behme. The Nine and Fiftieth Epistle V. H. I. L. I. C. I. V. Vnser. Heil. Im. Leben. Jesus. Christi. In. Vns. Our. Salvation. Is in. the Life. of Jesus. Christ. In. Vs. 1. MY Dear Sir Augustinus, and Christian Brother, I heartily, wish you the Divine Light, in the working Power of the Holy Ens in Christ! That you somewhat conceive my Gift and love it, and that you read and write it out, is NOT of me; also I am NOT he that giveth you the understanding and apprehension, much less, the desire to do so, but the Spirit of God IN yourself, giveth it, for if that could be done by me, and if I had the ability, I would have it so, that All men should understand it, within them; and that which is vouchsafed to me poor unworthy Man, out of or from the Divine Gift. 2. Also, it doth not become me to arrogate it as my proper owne, much less to receive the world's Honour or Gifts for it, unless what might be done by the ●ich of their Overpluss for the sustenance of Life, and for the further expectation from this Talon; therefore I desire nothing of any Body. 3. Your sincere and rightly Zealous and Christian Mind, is very well known to me: and I love it more than Money or Riches, or any worldly Goods: for I know that I can have a Christian brother, for an Eternal Enjoyment, and rejoice myself in and with him, as one Member with and in another; concerning which I am well satisfied, and CHRIST will be my Rich abundant Wages, if I through my diligence have helped to work and gain any thing in the vineyard of Christ: I would in no way desire any Temporal thing for it. And I commit you to the Love of JESUS CHRIST. Jacob Behme. The Sixtieth Epistle. To Herr A C. Immanuel. 1. IN Christ much beloved Sir and friend, I wish you the divine Love and blessed Knowledge, and all Temporal welfare! In your well intended Beginning, you might indeed be somewhat hindered, but a True right Christian Zealous Heart, hath its School in itself, even in the midst of all Businesses and Employments; for if we follow or or Imitate Christ, and attain Him in US, than he is in all Things our Beginning and End and our Teaching-Master or Schoolmaster, in us. 2. It may indeed be very advantageous to our Conversation, since you may have so fair an Opportunity, as to have these writings in your Hands, have a care do not give it over or neglect it, but apply and fit yourself therein, you will find a very excellent understanding in the Brief Summary; which at present I have in Hand to write; of which Herr Tobias hath written out a part already. 3. For there is a very clear Morning Sta●●● arisen, at which, if your Spirit might be unlocked, you would Wonder what the most High at present favoureth us with all, wherein men may clearly see, how the Bright day breaks forth in the midst of the Dark Night, at which, many hungry. Heart's will rejoice, & thereby be freed from ALL Error. 4. I exhort you as my dear brother, that you would Lay-hold on this fair Season and opportunity and Not slip the Rose-Time, but Budforth, together with others, as Good Sprouts in our Fair Garden of Delight. 5. For, the End with Babel, is at Hand, and the Turba hath a Great Harvest to Reap, for it will be Earnest and severe, but let every One seek or search himself in the Time of Grace, and go forth out of the Fleshly Babel, that he be not also taken IN it, it is high Time, and is no fiction forged by Us, it is become highly apprehended and known. 6. And I also exhort Herr Tobias brotherly, that he would make good use of his present fit and acceptible Time, and seek or search himself, I intent it faithfully; thus I commend you to the meek Love of Jesus Christ! Yours in Love, Jacob Behme. A Table of Behme's LXII. Epistles. Epistles, printed in High Dutch cont verses. In English printed Epistles cont verses. 1. To. C. v. E. 1618. 18. January, 12. 25. Co: 28. 2. To C. v. E. 1619. 22. October. 10. 27. 18. 3.— 1619. 24. October. 4. Here printed. 3. 4. 4.— 1619. 15. November. 48. 15. 48. 5. To C. v. E. 1619. 1. December. 10. To Carel. von Endern. 26. 18. 6. To C. v. E. 1620. 4. May. — 28. 7. 7. To Dr. B. W. 1620. 7. June. 11. Before the supersensuall Life. — 14. 8. To Paul Keym. 1620. 14. August. — 1. of 1000 years' Sabbath. 4. 118. 9 To C. B. 1620. 12. September. — Here printed. 9 18. 10. To H. A. v. S. 1620. 12. September. — Concerning the Aurora. 3. 40. 11. To Paul Keym. 1620. 18. November. — 2. of 1000 years' Sabbath. 5. 88 12. To H. C. L 1621. 10. May. 80. To Casper Lindnern. 2. 80. 13. To C. B. 1612. 8 June. — Here printed. 13. 8. 14. To C. B. 1621. 21. June. — Here printed. 14. 4. 15. To Dr. J. D. K. 1621. 3. July. — 22. 20. 16. To Her. C. D. S. 1621. 3. July. 14. 17. 12. 17.— 1622. 3. July. 11. To Christianus Berntern, 2. july 18. 13. 18. To Her. S. v. S. 1622. 3. July. — 1621. 3. july. 16. 12. 19 To Her. C. B. 1622. 3. July. — Here printed. 19 8. 20. To H. J. D. K. 1621. 3. July. 15. 2. Apol. to B. Tylcken. — 25. 21. To H. C. B. 1621. 8. July. — Here printed. 21. 4. 22.— 1621. 17. October. 37. 9 38. 23. To H. C. B. 1621. 29. October. — Here printed. 23. 6. 24. To H. v. S. 1622. 1. January. — Question about A Statue. 24. 14. 25. To C. v. E. 1622. 22. February. 29. 5. 26. To C. B. 1622. 28. April. — Here printed. 26. 13. 27. To C. B. 1622. 21. June. — Here printed. 27. 13. 28 To Her. H. v. T. 1622. 6. July. — To Chr. Steinberger Medicus. 23. 18. 29. To F. K. M. D. 1622. 17. July. 10. To Fred. Krausen. 14. 10. 30. To N. N. 1622. 1. November. 27. Of Killing of Antichrist in Us. 10. 27. 31. To Herr. C. B. 1622. 12. November. — Here printed. 31. 11. 32. To Herr. N. N. 1622. 10. December. 24. 31. 12. 33. To Her. J. B. 1622. 30. December. — To john Budorfsky. 12. 10. 34. To Her. C. B. 1622. 13. December. — Here printed. 34. 7. 35. To Hr. N. N. 1623. 19 February. 14. 7. 25. 36. To Hr. F. K. 1622. 19 February. 16. To Fred. Kraussen Dr. Med. 21. 17. 37. To Hr. A. v. S. 1623. 20. February. 13. Of Predestination. 20. 22. 38. To Hr. G. F. v. F. M.D.Z.G. 1623. 27. February. — Of Predestination. 19 42. 39 To Hr. N. N. 1623. 30. March. 21. Of Temptation. 13. 21. 40. To Hr. C. B. 1623. 13. October. — Here printed. 40. 14. 41. To Hr. N. N. 1623.— 76. Of a true Christian. 1. 76. 42. To Hr. G. F. & J. H. 1623. 12. November. 36. Of the True and False Light. 6. 82. 43. To Hr. C. B. 1623. 27. December. — Here printed. 43. 8. 44. To Hr. M. M. 1624. 19 March. — To M. Mausern, of G. Rickter. 33. 27. 45. To Hr. C. B. 1624. 4. April. — Here printed. 45. 4. 46. To Hr. J. S. 1624. 6. April. 19 Here printed. 46. 19 47. To N. N. 1624. 20. April. — 32. 17. 48. To Hr. N. N. 1624. 25. April. 16. 11. 30. 49. To Hr. C. B. 1624. 5. May. — Here printed. 49. 6. 50. To Hr. N. N. 1624. 8. May. — 34. 30. 51. To Hr. F. K. M. D. 1624. 9 May. 6. Here printed. 51. 6. 52. To Hr. T. K. 1624. 15. May. 12. Here printed. 52. 12. 53. To Hr. T. K. 1624. 19 May. 7. Here printed. 53. 7. 54. To Hr. T. K. 1624. 23. May 17. Here printed. 54. 17. 55. To Hr. T. K. 1624. 13 June. 21. To Dr. Tobias Kobern. 35. 23. 56. To Hr. N. N. — Without Date. 33. Upon A Drs. 4. Questions. 8. 32. 57 To Hr. N. N. — Without Date. Here printed. 57 1. 58. To Hr. N. N. — Without Date. 6. 30. 5. 59 To Hr. A. C. — Without Date. 3. Aug: Coppen. Here printed. 59 3. 60. To Hr. A. C. — Without Date. 6. Here printed. 60. 6. 61. To Hr. A. C. — Without Date. — Here printed. 61. 13. 62. To Hr. A. C. — Without Date. — Here printed. 62. 10. J. B's Manusc. Ep. OOO. Without Date. — Here printed. — — Dr. C. Weisners Ep. 1651. 21: February. — Next following. — 37. Doctor C. Weisner's Epistle Narrative. Being, A True Relation from Herr C. Weisner Doctor Medicinae, a Dr. of Physic, out of which the Reader that loveth God, will have information concerning the Blessed Jacob Behme his Meekness which he exercised and held forth; 1. In his Conference with the forementioned Doctor. 2. With the Spiritual Lords or Clergy at Gerlitz. Gerlitz. Dresden. 3. In his Examination at Dresden, in the Presence of the Illustrious Prince Elector, and eight of the chiefest Professors of Divinity, etc. Now as concerning the Course of his Life, J. B's. Life at Large with the Book of the way to Christ printed at Amsterdam, Anno. 1658. it shall be related at Large, in the Book of the Way to Christ, that was in the Press at Amsterdam, in the Year 1658. The Grace of God, together with brotherly Love and Faithfulness, I desire to commend to you. 1. TO give you information and Testimony concerning the Blessed Jacob Behme Teutonicus, I am in the presence of God willing and inclined to do it, but know little of him by my own Experience; yet so much as is known to me, I write to your Honour, with a hearty good will, and acknowledge myself obliged to do much more than that to serve you. 2. My acquaintance with the forementioned blessed Jacob Behme The Teutonick, was made about July in the year 1618. at * Lauben. Lauben in my Native Country, by a Handicraftsman a Tailor (now deceased, called Libertus Schneller) who together with his Wife's Brother a young Preacher; by name Solomon Schroter; which were both Jacob Behm's and my good friends, and were his beloved faithful scholars, who were very diligent in his writings, and had through Prayer attained an excellent knowledge therein from GOD. 3. But I was Praeceptor or Turour to a Noble Man's Children at Schweinitz called * Balthazar Tilken. Schweintz. Balthasar Tilken, and there seeing he was an Opposer of Jacob Behme; I got Adeo Contrariam Mentem contra illum, so opposite a mind against him, God forgive me in it, that I also became altogether averse to him, and yet supposed, that he stuck in or adhered to the Opinion of the † Calvinists. Reformed, concerning Predestination, or the Election of God in his Son, etc. 4. Whereupon the two forementioned friends when at a time the blessed Man came to them at Lauben, entreated ME to come thither, and gave me occasion and opportunity of a Christian Conference with him, which, praised be our Dear God for it, did so happily come about; that we become friends and laid aside all animosity and misunderstanding, and were united together in Christian brotherly Love. 5. Where the blessed Man did bear in very wonderful great friendliness with my Academical Turbulence and discoursed in such Love, that for the sake of the fear of God, I could no longer resist or oppose him, but must yield and give up myself, to the Truth and Friendliness of the Spirit of JESUS CHRIST in him; since which time I never spoke with him or saw him any More. 6. But De Actu Gerlicensi concerning the proceedings at Gerlitz, which I lately gave you an account of at N. I have received true information of it from the forementioned faithful friends: thus; Antagonista Gerlicensis ille qui ibidem Pastor Gewesen, His Antagonist at Gerlitz, who was Pastor there, did lend to one of Jacob Behmes Nephews, a young Baker who had lately married a Niece of Jacob Behmes. One * The value 4. 6. Doller for his necessity, to buy wheat to bake white Bread at Christmas, for which he presented him in Thankfulness, a good big White-Loafe; and then soon after the Holidays, he brought the Doller of Money and paid it him again; in hope the Preacher would for the Interest of the Doller, accept of his former Present, in full satisfaction being he used it but for a Fortnight. 7. But the Preacher unsatisfied, pronounced against him God's Anger and terrible Curse, and so vehemently terrified the young Baker therewith, that he fell into very deep perplexity Melancholy and despair of his Salvation, in that he had enraged the Priest, and had such a curse or Anathema from him; so that for the space of several days he spoke to No Body; nor would say what hurt him, but went up and down sighing and speaking to himself with Great perplexity; till at last upon the hearty entreaty and desire of his, WIFE her uncle Jacob Behme took the matter upon him: and so friendly discoursed with the perplexed young Man, till he found what lay upon him, and after he perceived it, he comforted him and spoke peace to him. 8. And without discouragement he cheerfully went to the enraged Preacher, and courteously entreated him, no longer to be an gry with the young Man, but that he would be favourable to the young Man, he would himself, for the young Man's sake, satisfy him, the enraged Preacher; what he desired further for the Interest of the Doller he lent him, and would willingly bring it to him, if he did but know how much the Primate desired: yet thought that the poor young Man, according to his ability, had paid enough for it, yet if he pleased to have any more, he would supply what he was wanting in it. 9 Whereupon the Preacher with impatience broke forth; saying what had that Rascal (J. B.) to do with him, to disquiet Molest and disturb him? What was that to him? he should meddle with his own business and be gone. 10. But he continued his importunity, and entreated his favour promising to make satisfaction, and give him content: But the Primate, ashamed of his injustice and wrong, would not acknowledge it, Nor say, what he desired, but still continually bad this supplicant or interposer to get him gone, and showed him the outward Door out of which he was to get him gone. 11. But the Primate sat upon his chair and had his Slippers on, and when the Honest interposer humbly and meekly sighing to God, very lovingly, for his unsuccessful business went away; as he was going out of the Door, gave the Angry Primate a Christian valediction, saying, GOD preserve your worship, the Primate was angry at it, and because off his blessing him was much worse than before; and took of his Slipper, and threw it out at the honest Man, saying, what have you to do, thou wicked Rogue, to bid me or wish me a good Night? what care I for thy Blessing? etc. 12. But the Dear Man calmly took up the Slipper and carried it and laid it at his Feet again, and said: Sir! be not angry I do you no wrong, I commend you to God: So at this time he departed from him. 13. Till on Sunday following the Preacher in the Pulpit, vehemently inveyed against the blessed Dear Man of God, and thundered abominably and horribly against him by Name particularly threatening the destruction of the whole City; exclaiming against him for a maker of uproars a seditious vain fellow, and a Heretic. 14. And admonished them the Magistrate in the presence of the Congregation, to be avenged against such Tumultuous opposers of the Holy Office or Function of Preaching, who disturbed the Preacher, and molested him in his own House: and writes Heretical Books, lest God be angry with them, and in his Anger, cause the City to sink and be swallowed up; as was done at the Insurrection of Corah Dathan and Abiram, who withstood Moses, and they and theirs with them must be swallowed up into the Earth and go into the Abyss of Hell. 15. Upon which the Innocent, and falsely accused Man, who fate just at a Pillar right over against the Preaching Pulpit; where he had his Seat, and heard it all with patience himself; held his peace, till all the People were gone out of the Church, he staying all that while in his Seat; till the Preacher with his Chaplain or fellow Officer, went out of the Vestrey home through the Church. 16. Then he followed them; and without in the Churchyard spoke to the Preacher friendly and Courteously and asked him, what hurt he had done him; he could not conceive with himself, that he had given him one Evil word, prayed him in the presence of this worshipful Chaplain who was there and went along with him; to put him in Mind of his fault, and Express it particularly, that be might renounce it and repent, which he would fain do, if he did but know wherein he bade transgressed. 17. Whereupon the Preacher would answer nothing but looked upon him as if he would kill him with his Looks; and in a rage and Fury burst out beginning to Curse and wrong him horribly saying: Get the out from me Satan, tumble them into the Abyss of Hell with thy disturbance; canst thou not let me alone? must thou here rail at me and molest me? dost thou not see that I am a Spiritual Clergyman? pointing at his habit or Black Priests Gown, and go on in my Office. 18. But the troubled and highly wronged Man, gave him this Answer Yes worshipful Sir, I see well that you are a spiritual, or Clergy man, and have heard attentively in the Church; and have seen that you have stood there in your Office, and do justly esteem you without all further contradiction, for a spiritual or Clergyman; and I come therefore, and entreat you, AS a spiritual or Clergyman; that you will tell me, what hurt I have done you. 19 And turning himself to the Other spiritual or Clergyman the Chaplain, entreated him saying worshipful dear Sir, help me I pray upon my earnest entreaty to the Preacher, that he would tell me in your presence, what I have spoken or done against him; for which he was so vehement against me in the Pulpit, and hath spoke to the Magistrate to aveng it. 20. Upon which, the Preacher was st●ll more enraged; that he would needs have sent that servant he had behind him, for a Sergeant or City Officer or Bailie, to Take him away and put him in Prison which the Chaplain spoke against, and prevented it, so that it was not done; and excused the Man, and bid him go home to his House. 21. The Monday Morning following, when the Magistrates were met at the Council house; and sent for the false-accused before them; they examined him, perceived no Evil in him, they sound no anger or dislike neither in words or deeds or behaviour, to proceed from him; nor did they observe any thing that was unblamable; they asked him what hurt he had done to the Preacher? He answered, he knew not, neither could he know from the Preacher himself; and therefore entreated most submissively and earnestly; that they in their wisdoms would send for the Complainant or Preacher, and cause him to say what he had done to him! 22. Upon which the whole Council Concluded, that it was just, that the Preacher should be friendly entreated to come to them, and required him particularly to signify the Gravamina or Grievances, and thereupon sent Two Men of the Council, Honourably to the Preacher, and entreat him to come to them to the Council-house, or particularly to relate those Grievances to the Members sent to HIM. 23. Whereupon he was enraged, and sent them word▪ what had he to do with their Judgement-house Councill-house; what he hath to say; that he shall speak in the place of God: from the Pulpit, there is his Councill-Throne and Seat of his Profession; what he hath there said; they should follow that, and banish the vain, wicked, reprobate Heretic from the City, that he may no more oppose the Holy office of Preaching; and bring the punishment of Corah Dathan and Abiram upon the whole City. 24. Accordingly the Lords consulted, and could not find how they should justly help the Master; scaring the vehemency of their, Preacher in his Pulpit; and concluded to banish the Innocent Jacob Behme out of the City, in which conclusion some Men of the Council would NOT consent, but rose and went their way, but the Rest execute, and by the Executioners or City officers, cause the uncondemned faithful Citizen, to be instantly banished out of the Gates. 25. Which the patient blessed Man disliked NOT; but answered, in the Name of God, my Lords, I will do as you command and depart the City, but may I not go to my house first, and take mine along with me, or at least tell them my necessity? but they forbade it and denied him, saying they could not alter the Sentence, which the whole Council had concluded, in which he instantly was to be led from the Councill-house out of the City, with derision and scorn; then he said: Dear Sirs, let it be done seeing it cannot be otherwise; I am contented; so he was banished and gone away all Night- long. 26. But the Morning following, when the Council were met together again, and had reconciled their disagreement, they made another conclusion, to hunt after the persecuted Innocent Man, and sent up and down about the Country to seek him, and at length found him, and brought him solemnly with honour into the City again, which was a wonder from God, in the Midst of those Acts and Decrees of the Devil. 27. Thus much is what I am certainly informed, that it was so done. 28. Concerning the Acts or proceedings at Dresden. Dresden I know also and can certainly affirm, authoritate aliorum, side Dignorum, & exceptione majorum; upon the authority of others worthy of belief, and without exceptions; that the Blessed Man of God as a Hind hunted out and In, was Cited to Dresden: 29. And was examined in the Presence of the Illustrious Prince Elector, by the Chief Doctors assembled together, whose names were as followeth; Dr. Ho, Dr. Meisner, Dr. Baldwine, Dr. Gerrard, Dr. Leisern, and one Doctor more, which I cannot name at present, and Two Professors of the Mathematics, and appointed to discourse about his writings; also in several ways, set upon him with all sorts of Theological Philosophical and Mathematical Questions, but not overcome by any of them nor confounded by any of them, but so readily aptly and distinctly answered those Examiner's, that they said not one ill word to him. 30. But the Illustrious Prince elector HIGHLY Wondered at it, and desired to know the Conclusion of their Censure; but they the Doctors and Examinours, excused themselves and entreated the Illustrious Prince elector, that he would have Patience; till the Spirit of the Man should be more plainly Cleared to them; they could not understand him; but hoped he would hereafter more clearly be apprehended by them, and then they might and would give their Judgement but as yet they could not. 31, And THAN the deeply Grounded divinely blessed Man asked them again several Questions, which they were to Answer him in, with plain distinction, not unwillingly, nor very Earnestly, but Occasionally as it were, because they had heard such Great Things from such a simple Lay Man, beyond THEIR Apprehension and not able to understand him; but did not upbraid him, but unexpectedly the simple Man held forth to the Theologists, the Truth plainly, and distinguished from the Fictions, he Honoured them with Great Respect, and discoursed friendly with them, touched all their Errors, and showed them as with a Finger the Originals of them. 32. But to the Astrologers he said Expressly, Dear Sirs, observe, thus far is the skill of your Mathematics right, exact, and grounded upon the Mysteries of Nature; but whatsoever is beyond that, viz. this and this, are Heathenish additions, the Ignorance and blindness of the Heathens, which we Christians are not to follow. 33. So they left him quietly, and dismissed him in peace; also the Illustrious Prince elector, had great satisfaction in his Answers; He required him to come to him apart by HIMSELF, and spoke with him about all Sorts of secret Mysteries, and admitted him to him in all Favour, and Gave him liberty to go to his house at Gerlitz. 34. I cannot remember that I have heard certainly more thereof, but I lately heard the Two Drs, Dr. Meisner, and Dr. Gerhard, Wittenberg. at Wittenberg, speak of Jacob Behme, that they wondered at the Continuation or Connexion & Harmony or agreement of the writings of THAT Man. 35. Dr. Gerhard said, Indeed I would not for the whole world condemn the Man; the Other Dr. Meisner answered him, nor I neither, my brother, who knoweth what may lie hidden within it, how can we censure what we have not apprehended, nor can apprehend; whether it be right, black or white, God convert the Man if he be in an Error; and keep us to his divine Truth, and give us to understand that further and better, also a Mind and apprehension to express it, and propagate it to our ability; besides this somewhat was said, but I went away. 36, Another time, I heard the Reverend Dr. Meisner at Wittenberg say; when Jacob Behme was spoken of; and being asked what Judgement he would give of him, he answered, he desired neither to Judge, nor procure that the Man should be condemned or suppressed, or silenced, he is a Man endued with wonderful high Gifts of the Spirit, which a Man can yet neither condemn nor approve. 37. God keep us all in Grace, by his blessed knowledge of JESUS CHRIST in US! The 21. February, A. 1651. C. W. M. D. Charles Weisner Medicinae Doctor. A CATALOGUE of ALL The Books that are known to be Extant written BY JACOB BEHME And now Printed in English this: ☽: 3: ♓: 1661-2 (1) Anno. 1612. THe First Book, called the Aurora; Dated Tuesday in Pentecost week: the 37. year of his Age: 2. June. printed in a Large Letter in 40. with some Notes edded with his own hand, in 1620. 2. 1619. The Second Book. Of the Three Principles of the One only Divine Substance, with an Appendix to it, concerning the Threefold Life of Man. in a small letter in 4ᵒ. 3. 1620. The Third Book. Of the Threesold Life of Man. in the same Letter. in 4ᵒ. 4. 1620. The Fourth Book. Being an Answer to Forty Questions concerning the Soul, in a Letter to Doctor Balthasar Walter; in the Midst of the Answer to The First Question; is the Scheame, or Figure of the Philosophic Globe; or Turned Eye, the Eye of the wonders of Eternity; or Looking Glass of Wisdom; with an Exposition of it, and of the Three-Worlds signified by it: with an Appendi●●, concerning the Soul, The Image of the Soul, and the Turbao● Destroyeresse of the Image. in 4ᵒ. 5. 1620. The fifth Book Dated in May: divided into Three Parts. The First, of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Second: Of the Suffering, Dying, Death, and Resurrection, of Christ. The Third: of the Tree of Faith. in 4ᵒ. 6. 1620. The sixth Book. The Grea● Six Points. Also a Small Book. of other Six Points. in 4ᵒ. 7. 1620. A little Book. Dated the 8. May. Of the Heavenly and Earthly Mystery. printed with the 6, Points. in 4ᵒ. 8. 1620. A Little Book of the Last Times. To P. K. being Two Epistles: the First To Paulus Keym, Dated 14. August, and the Second To Paulus Keym, Dated 23. November. Both concerning the 1000 years' Sabbath, and of the End of the World. Being the 4th. and 5th. of the 35. Epistles. printed formerly in 4ᵒ. 9 1621. A Book. De Signatura Rerum: Of the Signatures or Marks of the shapes and figures of all things. in 4ᵒ. 10. 1621. A Little Book. Dated in March. of Consolation, to the Tempted Soul, Concerning the Power Complexions. here printed in 4ᵒ. 11. 1621. The First Apology, in Answer to Balthasar Tylcken, concerning the Aurora. Also, The Second Apology Dated 3. July, To Balthasar Tylcken. The First Part concerning Predestination. The Second Part concerning the Person of Christ, and the Virgin Mary, written of, in the Book of the Incarnation, here printed in 4ᵒ. 12. 1621. A Little Book. Of Considerations, upon Esaias Stiesels Book. Dated 8. April. Concerning the Threesold State of Man, and the New Birth, of the Last Zion or New Jerusalem, etc. here printed in 4ᵒ. 13. 1622. A Large Book of the Errors of the Sects of Ezekiel Meths, or an Apology to Esaias Stiesel. concerning Perfection; Dated 6. April. here printed in. 4ᵒ. 14. 1622. A Little Book of True Repentance. 15. 1622. A Little Book of True Resignation. 16. 1622. A Little Book of Regeneration. Dated. 24. June. These Three make the Book called The Way to Christ. Printed in 12ᵒ. 17. 1623. A Book of Predestination, and the Election of God: Dated 8. February. At the End of it is the following Treatise. in 4ᵒ. 18. 1623. A Short Compendium of Repentance, Dated 9 February. in 4. and with the way to Christ. in 12ᵒ. 19 1623. Mysterium Magnum. The Great Mystery. Dated 11. September. being an Exposition of the whole Book of Genesis. Printed in a large Letter in Fo. 20. 1623. A Table of the Divine Manifestation or an Exposition of the Threefold World. in a Letter of The True and False Light to G. F. and J. H. with an Exposition of it. Dated 11. November. Printed at the End of the Mysterium. in Fo. and at the End of the Predestination. in 4ᵒ. and Part of it belongeth to the Epistle Of the True and False Light. printed with the 6. Points. in 4ᵒ. 21. 1624. A Little Book of the Supersensual Life. Printed at the End of the Way to Christ. in 12ᵒ. (22) 1624. A Little Book of Divine Contemplation or Vision. to the 6. verse of the 4. Chapter and no further: Printed with the 6. Points. in 4ᵒ. 23. 1624. A Book. Dated 7 May. Of the Two Testaments of Christ; viz. The: First Of Baptism. The: Second Of the Supper of the Lord. these 2. in 4ᵒ. 24. 1624. A Little Dialogue between the Enlightened and the Unenlightened Soul. in 8ᵒ. formerly printed with The Two Theosophick Epistles. and with the Way to Christ. in 12ᵒ. 25. 1624. An Apology for the Book of True Repentance. Dated 10. April. directed against a Pasquil published in Latin verse, by the Primate of Gerlitz, Gregory Rickter. here printed. in 4ᵒ. (26) 1624. A Book of 177. ●heosophick Questions, with Answers to 13. of them, printed with the 6. Points. in 4ᵒ. 27. 1624. An Epitome of the Mysterium Magnum, called an Abstract thereof. Printed at the End of that Book. in Fo. (28) 1624. A Prayer Book for Every Day of the week. called also the Holy week. With Prayers as far as the End of Tuesday, printed with the 6. Points. in 4ᵒ. 29. 1624. A Table of the Three Principles or a Key of his writings. Dated in February, to J. S. V. S. and A. v. S. Printed at the End of the Mysterium. In Fo. with an Exposition of it. also with the 6. Points in 4ᵒ. 30. 1624. A Book of the Last Judgement. said to be Consumed, at the Burning of Great Gloga● in Silesia, in Germany; and no other Copy of it yet found. 31. 1624. The Clavis or Key of his Writings, written in March and April. printed at the End of the Forty Questions. in 4ᵒ Also LXII. Theosophick Epistles written at several tim●s from 1619. to 1624. 35. of them were printed formerly. in 4ᵒ. 2. whereof viz. The First, concerning what a True Christian is, and The Second or 10th. of the Killing of Antichrist in ourselves. printed in 8ᵒ. The 6th. being the Epistle of the True and False Light, is printed with the 6. Points, in 4ᵒ. The 7th. of the 62. is the Preface to the Supersensual Life. in 120. the 20th of the 62. is the Preface to the 2. Apology to Tylcken: and 25. more are here printed in 4ᵒ. The Books which the Author finished not are thus marked () The Life of Jacob Behme. written by Mr. Durant Hotham. is printed at the End of the Mysterium Magnum. in F ᵒ, All are to be Sold, and most of them, by Giles Calvert, at the Black-Spread-Eagle, at the West-End of St. Paul's, London. The Errata belonging to the Apologies. Englishers Preface. p. 2. l. 17. r. self same. p. 8. l. 9 r. women. 1. Apology to Tylcken. Errata. 1. Title. l. 3. f. the r. this. v: 17. l. 4. & 5. deal they may v: 27. l. 1. r. Faith, before; v. 31. l. 3. r. others; v: 46. l. 2. r. conceived in. v. 60. l. 2. deal the †. v: 72. l. 2. Marg: r. 1. Tim. v: 85. l. 5. r. only shineth, v: 125. l. 3. f. himself, r. his own. v: 208. l. 2. r. or Angelical. v: 210. l. 7. f. shalt. r. will't. v: 221. l. 3. r, the * and in the Margin * 1 Cor. v: 233. f. hath, r. had. v: 235. l. 4. * r. in the Margin * Gen: 3. 15. v: 240. l. 2. Margin f. 10. r. 18 v. 242. * Margin f. 3. 11. r. 311. v: 256. l. 3. r. a Lord. v. 270. l. 5. r. and is become. v: 286. l. 2. r. was the Soul. v. 322. l. 3. f. Fire. r. Fires. v. 252. l. 4. f. Make. 4. made. v. 378. l. 6. r. the † Margin † or sternest: v: 389. f. came r. come. v: 412. l. 4. f. as ●. also. v: 443, l. 5. Marg: f. 16. r. 10. v: 450. r. And he the. v: 463. l. 4. r. wouldst. v: 508. l. 3. r. souls of Men. v: 540. l. 2. r. it upon. v: 547. l. 5. deal it. v: 561. l. 3 r. the Divine: 575. l. 3. 4. Ruler in, or manifester of, v. 629. f. 69. r. 629. 2. Apology to Tylcken. Predestination and Incarnation. V. 6. l. 3. r. of the. v: 108. l. 7. f. became r. become. v: 128. r: this. world-Kingdome. v: 155. l. 2. Margin f. 54 r. 5. 4. v: 167. l. 5. r. soon come. l. 6. f. * r. † v: 169. l. 7. r. God then. v: 178. l. 6. r. * Margin f. vix, r. viz. v. 198. l. 2. f. to r. with. v. 208. l. 3, f. Man, r. Men, v: 210. l. 1. r. any Mans. v: 262. l. 1. Margin, r. 17, 18. v. 279. l. 5. r. † what. v: 325. l. 2. r. we contend. p. 59 l. 2. r. of Three-page 69. l. 1. for concerning. r. containing. for 15. r. 25. The Four Complexions. V: 8. l. 8. r. and Careless. v: 9 l. 2. r. Dark, sad, v: 11. l. 7. r. for their. v: 14. l. 3. r. Complexions. v: 24. l. 1. r. or quality. v: 25. l. 3. r. or Constitution. v: 32. l. 3. Marg. f. * r. † v: 34. l. 4. r. though * Margin he perish in his Anger. v: 35. l. 2. f. Bond, r Band. v: 40. l. 3. r. it is fubtile and will. v: 46. l. 1. f. drawn into, r. aware of. v. 49. l. 4. and some what. v: 57 l. 2. r. in that. v: 59 l. 5. f. hear, r. here. v: 63. l. 8. * Margin Schwartz Hans. v: 72. l. 3. r. Devil. v: 74. l. 3. f. at r. of. v: 81. l. 7. r. fellow servants. v: 84. l. 4. f. Lost r. Last. v: 85. l. 1. f. * r. † v: 86. l. 3. r. of it v: 114. l. 8. r. of David, * If the † Morning. v: 146. l. 2. f. is r. it. v: 149. l. 10. f. for, r. far. v: 150. l. 6, and 7. f. seated r. feared. v: 164. l. 6. f. any, r. an. Considerations upon Esaiah Stiefel. V. 15. l. 5. r. or Power. v: 21. l. 18 r. until in. v: 25. l. 5. Marg: r. * v: 27. l. 1. r: showed. l. 2. First according. v: 27. l. 16 f. beometh r. becometh v: 28. l. 2 f, also, r. of it therein where, by the. v: 49. l. 4. r. impregnate v: 56. l. 4. f. all. r. also. v: 59 l. 1. r. into the. v: 62. l. 6 Marg. Psal. 143, 2. v. 72. l. 7. r. will, tear v. 80. r. Mensch, from the Lincus. v: 91. l. 3. Marg. † 2 Kings. v: 127. l. 7. f. borne, r. borne. v: 134. l. 3. r. world; the Paradise must. apology concerning Perfection. 1. Text, verse, E. S. v: 2. l. 13. f. or, r. and. I. B. v: 1. l. 2. r. Totall. v: 4. l. 3. Marg. r. * Isa: l. 4. Marg: r. † Deut v. 8 l. 2. f come. r came. v; 9 l. 2 f. Men, r. Man. l. 5. r † without. v: 21 l 2. Marg r. 32, 33. v: 24. l. 1. r. he is the. v. 62. l. 3. r. be as an. v: 69 l. 1 r. which, it also, r. world, in l. 3. r. one to. v. 95. l. 6. f. of r. in, v: 11● l. 3. r. conclusion. concerning the Creation of Man. v: 135. l. 1. r. He said. v: 162. l. 2 r. Job's words. v: 164. l, 2. Marg. f. 11. r. 1 v: 179. l. 1. r. Therefore say 1, v. 181. l 3. r God, whereas: v: 182 l. 6. Marg. f. 13 r. 3 v, 187. l 2, f. out. r. not. l 3 r. Humanity after the Fall: From. v. 190. ● 3. r. Mother of the Love. v: 203. l. 1. r. voice, as. v. 221. l. 3. r. that he was. v: 228. l 5. f. resteth r. rested. v: 229 l. 4. and 6. and 7. r. awaked, v: 244. l. 2 r. Man, not. v. 245. l 4. f. my. r. the. II. Text, E. S. v: 3 l. 7 Marg. f. 17. r. 27. v: 4 l. 6 f. come, r. came. I B v, 3 l 10. r. had * Marg * see verse. 221. v: 28. l. 4. r. himself, out of and in this, v: 46 Marg f. 28. r 38. III. Text. E. S v: 30. l 3. f. true, r. truly. I. B. v: 4 l 2. and 3. r. one, contrary. v: 12. l 2, and 3. r. Man, especially, being. v: 19 l. 1. Marg f 3 r. 5. v 26 l 2 r. in-standing, l. 4 r. in-generating. v: 34. l. 2. r. * the. and Marg. * Isai. 54. 5. v. 40. l. 1. f. freewill. r. Fire-will. v: ●2. l. 2. r. †. inward Man. IV. Text. 1. Point. E. S. IU. l. 3. r. Eternity or Unity. verse 9 l. 1 r People; that v. 10. Marg. f. 18. r. 8. v; 78. l 5. r. own will: In Christ. II. Point. I B. v: 63. l. 4. r. the vanity. v. 74. l 2, r when I look. v. 78 l. 4. r. substantiality, in, v: 102. l. 1. r. Mother or Finder, v: 108. 24. f * r. † and in the Marg f. * r. † v: 109 l. 1. Marg. r. 5. Math. 12 4. v: 122 l 10. r seed, whence sin. III Point. v: 22. l. 2. f. became, r. become, v: 30. l. 2. f. them, r. the. v: 37. l. 2. r. Marg. † Mensch. v: 45 l 1. Marg. r: 26. 4. v. 68 l 6. r. Serpent, and the Devil, v: 72 l 2 r. 10 a BEAST. v. 74. l. 3. childish, That they. IV. Point. E S. v. 15 l. 8 r. * Sulamith: Canticles. v. 25. l. 9 r. A. * Marg. Marriage. I B. v: 29. l. 2. r. would dwell. v: 45. l 1. r. world, viz. to the. v 60. l. 1. f. This, r. Thus. v: 68 l. 2. † HE Marg † E. S v: 72. l. 4 r. Transmutation or alteration of. v: 78. l 5. r. to the Flesh. v: 97 l 1. f. conceuning, r. concerning, v. 122 l. 7. put out shall. v. 125 l. 1. f. * r. † v: 143. l 1. r. Sweat Bloody. I. V. Apology, to Gregory Rickter. v: 8. l. 3. r. Spirit, v. 11 l. 6 r. Say. †. Marg. † Math. 25. 40. v. 57 l. 7 r. forsaken. v 75. l 2. r and the Life. v 78 l 1 & 2 f. Man, r. Men. v 94 l. 3 r. with Christ. l. 4. r. killed them. v 101. l. 2 f Separation, r. Seduction, v. 116 l. 1. for This, r. Thus, l. 4 r believe, than I do, v. 120. l 1. r. not a Mere. v. 131. l. 2. r. him up. v. 138. l. 2 r. his heart v. 140 l. 11. f. began r. begun. v. 156 l 2 r. whence he is. v. 178 l 5. r had long ago torn. v. 179. l 3. f. so, r. to, v. 181 l. 6. r. But he rejoiceth. v. 194. l. 1 r a Man. v. 199. l. 5. r. honest: here. L. L Preface to the Epistles, at the End. for M. H. r. M. B. The Epistles 14 l: 1, f. 1661. 1. r. 1621. Ep v. 7 l. 10 Marg f, 18 r 28. Ep. 40. v: 6. l. 1. r. he together. Ep. 43. v: 3. l. 7. r. And I Commit. Ep. 46. v: 10. l. 1. r. especially whom. v: 15. l. 3. f. desired. r. derided. Ep. 49. v: 5. l. 3. r. Laboratory. Ep. 53. v: 3. l. 1. r. Electors Council. l. 8. Marg. l. 4. r. Luk. 9 23. v: 7. l. 5. f. to. r. into. Ep. 54. v: 16. l. 3. Marg. f. Kurtzen. r. Kurtz. l. 5. Marg. r. Math. 20. 8. Ep. Dutch. l. 5. r. obey einem. before: Ep. 3. l. 1. r. foregoing sheet. Ep. 3. v: 2. l. 15. r. vegetives. Ep. 9 l. 1. r. my very. In the Table of Epistles Novemb. 17. r. Bernten. l. 37. r. Hr. A. C. Weisners Ep. v. 4. l. 5. r. we became. v. 7. l. 9 r. his WIFE, v. 14. l. 1. r. Magistrates. v: 17. l. 4. for them. r. thou. v. 24. l. 2. f. Master r. Matter.