A compendious view of the grounds of the Teutonick philosophy : with considerations by way of enquiry into the subject matter and scope of the writings of Jacob Behmen, commonly called, the Teutonick philosopher : also several extracts from his writings and some words used by him explained

Of Jacow Beumen’s Writings. 27

Now this cannot be exprefied or defcribed, nor brought to the underftanding by the tongue of man; for God has no beginning: but it is here fet down as if he had, to diftinguith the firft from the fecond principle, and what'God or Spirit is. Indeed there is no difference in God, neverthelefs when it is enquired from whence evil and’ good proceed, it.is to be known what is the original fountain of wrath and anger ; and alio that of love: fince they both now proceed from one and the fame original, out of one mother, although but one thing in the divine unity.

Tt cannot be faid that fire, bitternefs and harfhnefs is in God, much lefs that air, water, Or earth, are inhim. Only it is known that all thefe things have proceeded out of the original. Neither can it be faid, that death, hell-fre, or forrowfulnefs, is in God, but it is known that thefe things have come out of the original; thefe things are in eternal nature, and eternal nature originated mediately from God. Therefore the fource of the caufe muft be fought, namely, what is the firft matter of evil, which has brought forth itfelf in the fpirit of the creature, and the wrath of God in the firft principle continually burning therein.

CHAP.