Concerning the Three Principles of the Divine Essence

1. IV /T~Y beloved Reader, we tell thee this, -1-VJL that all things from the original of the essence of all essences (everything from its originality) hath its driving [or impulsion] in its own form ; and it always maketh that very thing, with which the spirit is impregnated ; the body must always labour in that wherein the spirit is kindled. When I consider and think, why I write thus [many wonders], and leave them not for other sharper wits, I find that my spirit is kindled in this matter, whereof I write ; for there is a living running fire of these things in my spirit, and thereupon (let me purpose what I will) yet this thing continually moveth and swimmeth on the top, and so I am captivated therewith in my spirit ; and it is laid upon me as a work which I must exercise. Therefore seeing it is my work that myp. 658Ch. 24] OF TRUE REPENTANCE 659 spirit driveth, 1 will write it down for a Memorial, in such a manner as I know it in my spirit, and down no 2 strange thing, which myself have not a ^he^thing tried [and known], that I be not found 3 a liar con- *™ JJJH.

1 in such a manner as I attained to it, and I will set 1 th« way how

cerning myself before God. « Or to write

2. Now then, if there be any that have a desire " to follow me, and would fain have this knowledge whereof I write, I advise him that he follow me in this following table [pattern or way], not presently with the pen, but with the labour of the mind, and then he shall find how I could come to write thus ; whereas I was not taught from the schools of this world, but only a little of this mean hand-writing, as may be seen here.

3. But now seeing I have in hand the articles of repentance, therefore I certify the Reader, that in my earnestness this pen was given me, which the hunter would have broken, with whom I began an earnest storm, insomuch that he had cast me down to the ground under his feet, but the breath of God helped me up ; so that I stand up, and have the first pen in my mind still, wherewith I will write further, though the devil for malice should storm hell.

4. Therefore now, if we will speak of this most serious article, we must go from Jerusalem to Jericho, and see how we lie among murderers, who have so wounded us, and beaten us, that we are half dead, and we must look about us for the

p. 660

Samaritan with his beast, that he may dress our wounds, and bring us into his inn. 0, how lamentable and miserable it is, that we are so beaten by the murderer (the devil) that we are half dead, and yet feel our smart no more ! 0, if the Physician would come, and dress our wounds, that our soul might revive and live, how should we rejoice ! Thus speaketh the desire, and hath such longing hearty wishes ; and although the Physician is present, yet the mind can nowhere apprehend him, because it is so very much wounded, and lieth half dead.

5. My dear mind, thou supposest thou art very sound, but thou art so beaten, that thou feelest thy disease no more. Art thou not very near unto death, how then canst thou account thyself to be sound ? 0, my dear soul, boast not of thy soundness, thou liest fettered in heavy bonds, yea in a very dark dungeon ; thou swimmest in a deep water, which riseth up to thy very lips, and thou must continually expect death. Besides, the

1 Or corrupt l hunter is behind thee with a great company of nature. . r J thy worst enemies, whereby he draweth thee continually down by his chains into the horrible deep, into the abyss of hell, and his crew thrust thee on behind thee, and run upon thee on all sides, yelling and hunting, as if they had the hind they hunt after.

6. Then saith reason, Wherefore do they so?
0, my dear soul, they have great cause for it ;
behold, thou hast been their hind, and thou art