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 Jacos BEHMEN’s Writings. 115

gradually excite and call one another, until like a clock-work they confpire and join hands to bring on their great end, But if the plant voluntarily confent wholly to give up its will to breathing out its odour and fruit, what need concuffion, or flifhing, or any cleaving or dividing at all.

And though this dividing of Adam was as the lancet of a merciful furgeon; yet every wound of a friend fuppofes neceflity, and confequently incongruous with the perfection Of entire peace and union in the patient.

Though thefe demonttrations fpeak alfo plaineft after Eve’s tranfgreffion, yet may we fcrutiny by the effect into what occafioned it.

The fourth ftep was Adam’s lufting after Eve; for when he took her in his luft, where was then his modefty, divine virginity, and purity? The heavenly virgin withdraws from every the leaft appearance of unchaflity or inconftancy.

The fitth ftep was the tree of temptation; Adam having declined in fome degree from his primary perfeétion, brought the neceffity of dividing him; yet continuing to reign as a mighty powerful fon of

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