Jacob Boehme's Aurora
Chapter 18: Of the Creation of Heaven and Earth; and of the first Day.
MOSES writes in his first Book as if he had been present, and had beheld all with his Eyes; but without Doubt he received it in Writing from his Forefathers: It may be, he might have well discerned somewhat more herein in the Spirit than his Forefathers.
But because at that Time when God created Heaven and Earth, there was yet no Man which saw it, therefore it may be concluded, that Adam before his Fall, while he was yet in the deep Knowledge of God, knew it in the Spirit only.
But yet when he fell, and was set into the outward Birth or Geniture, he knew it no more, but had only a Remembrance of it, as of a dark and secret Action or History, and so left it to his Posterity.
For it is manifest, that the first World before the Deluge or Flood, knew as little of the Qualities, and Birth or Geniture of God, as this last World wherein we now live. For the external fleshly Birth or Geniture could never apprehend or understand the Deity, otherwise somewhat more would have been written of it.
But seeing through the divine Grace in this high Article this great Mystery has been somewhat revealed to me, in my Spirit, according to the inward Man, which qualifies, mixes, and unites with the Deity, therefore I cannot forbear to describe it according to my Gifts. And I would have the Reader faithfully admonished, not to be offended at the Simplicity of the Author.
For I do it not out of a Desire of Boasting and Vain-glory, but in a humble Information to the Reader, that thereby the Works of God might be somewhat better known, and the Devil’s Kingdom revealed and laid open, seeing this present modern World moves and lives in all Malice, Wickedness, and devilishly vicious Blasphemies, that it might once see in what kind of Power, Impulse, or Driving it lives, and in what kind of Inn it takes up its Lodging. And
I do it to try, whether I may happily with the infused Talent get Gain of Usury, and not return it to my God and Creator again singly and empty, without Improvement, like the lazy Servant, who had stood idle in the Vineyard of the Lord, and would require his Wages without having laboured at all.
But if the Devil should raise Mockers and Despisers, who would say, it does not become me to climb so high into the Deity, and to dive so deeply thereinto.
To all of them I give this for an Answer: That I am not climbed up into the Deity, neither is it possible for such a mean Man as I am to do it; but the Deity is climbed up into me, and from its Love are these Things revealed to me, which otherwise I in my half-dead fleshly Birth or Geniture must needs have let alone altogether.
But seeing I have such an Impulse upon me, I let him act and move in me, who knows and understands what it is, and whose Pleasure it is that I should do it; I poor Man of Earth, Dust and Ashes, could not do it. But the Spirit invites and cites all such Mockers and Despisers before the innermost Birth or Geniture of God in this World, to desist from their Wickedness and Malice: If not, then they shall be spewed out as hellish Chaff into the outermost Birth or Geniture in the Wrath of God.
Now observe,
When God was now moved to Anger in the third Birth or Geniture, in the Court, Quarters, or Region of Lucifer, which was all the Space and Room, or Extent of this World, then the Light was extinguished in the third Birth or Geniture, and all became a Darkness, and the Salitter in the third Birth or Geniture was rough, wild, hard, bitter, sour, and in some Parts stinking, muddy and brittle, all according to the Birth or Geniture of the qualifying or fountain Spirits, then at that Time working.
For in that Place wherein the astringent Quality was predominant, there the Salitter was attracted together and dried, so that hard dry Stones came to be; but in those Places, where the astringent Spirit and the Bitter were equally alike predominant, there sharp small Gravel and Sand came to be, for the raging bitter Spirit broke the Salitter all to Pieces.
But in those Places, where the Tone together with the astringent Spirit were predominant in the Water, there Copper, Iron, and such like rocky Oar of Minerals came to be: but where the Water was predominant, together with all the Spirits jointly and equally, there the wild Earth came to be, and the Water was here and there like a Cloud or Vapour held captive in the Clefts and Veins, or Spaces of the Rocks; for the astringent Spirit, as the Father of corrupted Nature, held it captive with its sharp attracting together.
But the bitter Spirit is the chiefest Cause of the black Earth, for through its fierce Bitterness the Salitter became killed in its outermost Birth or Geniture, from whence exiled the wild or barren Earth.
But the Heat in the astringent Spirit chiefly helped to make the Hardness; but where that came to be, there it generated the noblest and most precious Salitter in the Earth, as Gold, Silver, and precious Stones.
For when the shining Light, by reason of the hard, dry, and rough Matter, became extinguished, then it was together dried up and incorporated in the Heat, which is the Father of the Light.
Yet you must understand it thus,
Viz.
Where the hot Spirit in the sweet Water was predominant in Love; there the astringent Spirit attracted the Matter together, and so thereby the noblest Ores of Minerals and precious Stones were generated.
But concerning precious Stones, as Carbuncles, Rubies, Diamonds, Smaragdiens or Emeralds, Onixes, and the like, which are of the best Sort, they have their Original where the Half of the Light rose up in the Love. For that Half becomes generated in the Meekness, and is the Heart in the Center of the qualifying or fountain Spirits; therefore the Stones are also meek, full of Virtue, delightful, pleasant and lovely.
Now it might be asked: Why Man in this World is so in love above all other Things with Gold, Silver, and precious Stones, and uses them for a Defence or Protection, and the Maintenance of his Body?
Answer:
[† Ecclef. 7. 12: With Money and Treasures Men defend themselves, as with a Shield.]
Herein lies the Pith or Kernel; for Gold, Silver, and precious Stones, and all bright Ores of Minerals, have their Original from the Light, which shone before the Times of Wrath in the outermost Birth or Geniture of Nature, that is, in the seventh Nature-Spirit: And so now, seeing every Man is, as the whole House of this World is, therefore all his qualifying or fountain Spirits love the Kernel, or the best Thing that is in the corrupted Nature, and that they use for the Defence, Protection, and Maintenance of themselves. [a Or Livelihood.]
But the innermost Kernel, which is the Deity, that they can no where comprehend, for the Wrath of the Fire lies before it, as a strong Wall, and this Wall must be broken down with a very strong Storm or Assault, if the astral Spirits will see into it. But the Door stands open to the animated or soulish Spirit, for it is withheld by Nothing, but is as God himself is in his innermost Birth or Geniture. [b Or Bulwark.]
Now then it might be asked: How shall I then understand myself in or according to the threefold Birth or Geniture in Nature?
The depth!
Behold the first innermost and deepest Birth or Geniture stands in the Center, and is the Heart of the Deity, which is generated by the qualifying or fountain Spirits of God; and this Birth or Geniture is the Light, which though it be generated out of the qualifying or fountain Spirits, yet no qualifying or fountain Spirit of itself alone can comprehend it, but every qualifying or fountain Spirit comprehends only its own innate Place or Seat in the Light, but all the seven Spirits jointly together comprehend the whole Light, for they are the Father of the Light.
Thus also the qualifying or fountain Spirits of Man do not wholly comprehend the innermost Birth or Geniture of the Deity, which stands in the Light, but every qualifying or fountain Spirit reaches with its animated or soulish Birth or Geniture into the Heart of God, and unites, qualifies, or mixes in that Place therewith.
And that is the hidden Birth or Geniture in Nature, which no Man by his own Reason, Wit, or Capacity can comprehend; but the Soul of that Man which stands in the Light of God only comprehends it, and no other.
The Second Birth or Geniture in Nature, are the seven Spirits of Nature.
This Birth or Geniture is more intelligible and comprehensible, but yet also only to the Children of this Mystery; the Plowman does not understand it, though he fees, smells, tastes, hears, feels it, yet he looks on it, but knows not how the Being thereof is. [
decorated W] Now if this be meant or understood the corrupt Reason in its own Wit, Ingenuity, or Capacity, without the Spirit of God. The Doctor, as well as the Plowman, is here meant, the one is as blind concerning the Deity as the other, and sometimes the Peasant or Plowman exceeds the Doctor in Knowledge, if he adheres close to God. [By this is meant or understood the corrupt Reason in its own Wit, Ingenuity, or Capacity, without the Spirit of God. The Doctor, as well as the Plowman, is here meant, the one is as blind concerning the Deity as the other, and sometimes the Peasant or Plowman exceeds the Doctor in Knowledge, if he adheres close to God.]
Now these are the Spirits wherein all Things stand both in Heaven and in this World, and from these the third and outermost Spirit is generated, wherein Corruptibility stands.
But this Spirit, or this Birth has seven Kinds or Species, viz. the astringent, the sweet, the bitter, the hot: these four generate the Comprehensibility in the third Birth or Geniture. [third Spirit.]
The fifth Spirit is the Love, which exists from the Light of the Life, which generates Sensibility and Reason.
The sixth Spirit is the Tone, which generates the Sound and Joy, and is the Spring or Source rising up through all the Spirits.
In this sixth Spirit now stands the Spirit of Life, and the Will, or Reason and Thoughts of all the Creatures, and all Arts, Inventions, Formings, and Imagings of all that which stands in the Spirit in the Incomprehensibility.
The seventh Spirit is Nature, in which stands the corporeal Being of all six Spirits, for the six Spirits generate the seventh. In this Spirit stands the corporeal Being of Angels, Devils, and Men, and is the Mother of all the six Spirits, in which they generate themselves, and in which they also generate the Light, which is the Heart of God.
Of the Third Birth or Geniture.
Now the third Birth or Geniture, is the Comprehensibility or Palpability of Nature, which was rarified and transparent, lovely, pleasant and bright, before the Time of God's Wrath, so that the qualifying or fountain Spirits could see through and through all.
There was neither Stone nor Earth therein, neither had it Need of any such created or contracted Light as now; but the Light generated itself every where in the Center, and all stood in the Light.
But when King Lucifer was created, then he excited or awakened the Wrath of God in this third Birth or Geniture; for the Bodies of the Angels came to be Creatures in this third Birth.
Now then, seeing the Devils kindled their own Bodies, intending thereby to domineer over the whole Deity, therefore the Creator also, in his Wrath, kindled this third Spirit, or this third Birth or Geniture in Nature, and imprisoned the Devil therein, and made an eternal Lodging therein for him, that he might not be higher than the whole God. [
decorated X] Understand, in the outward Sources or Qualities; for the outermost of all, is also the inmost of all.
But seeing the Devils kindled themselves out of Pride, Wantonness, and Wickedness; therefore they were quite thrust out from the Birth or Geniture of the Light; and they can neither lay hold of, or comprehend it eternally.
For the Light of their Heart, which qualified, mixed, or united with the Heart of God, they have extinguished that themselves, and instead thereof have generated a fierce, hot, astringent, bitter, and hard stinking devilish Spirit.
But now thou must not think, that thereupon the whole Nature or Place of this World is become a mere bitter Wrath of God. No; here lies the Point; the Wrath does not comprehend the innermost Birth or Geniture in Nature, for the Love of God is yet hidden in the Center, in the whole Place of this World, and so the House which Lord Lucifer is to be in, is not fully separated, but there is still in all Things of this World, both Love and Wrath one in another, and they always wrestle and thrive one with another.
But the Devils cannot lay hold on the Wrestling of the Light, but only on the Wrestling of the Wrath, wherein they are Executioners or Hangmen, to execute the Justice or Law, which was pronounced in God's Wrath against all wicked Men.
Neither ought any Man to say, that he is generated in the Wrath-fire of the total Corruption, or Perdition, out of God's predestinate Purpose. No; the corrupted Earth does not stand neither in the total Wrath-fire of God, but only in its outward Comprehensibility or Palpability, wherein it is so hard, dry, and bitter.
Whereby every one may perceive, that this Poison and Fierceness does not belong to the Love of God, in which there is nothing but Meekness.
Yet I do not say this, as if every Man was holy as he comes from his Mother's Womb, but as the Tree is, so is its Fruit. Yet the Fault is not God's, if a Mother bears or brings forth a Child of the Devil, but the Parent's Wickedness.
But if a wild Twig be planted in a sweet Soil, and be ingrafted with some other of a better and sweeter Kind, then there grows a mild Tree, though the Twig were wild. For here all is possible; as soon is the Good changed into Evil, as the Evil into Good.
For every Man is free, and is as a God to himself; he may change and alter himself in this Life either into Wrath, or into Light. Such Cloaths or Garments as a Man puts on, such is his Ornament or Lustre. And what Manner of Body soever Man sows into the Earth, such a Body also grows up from it, though in another Form, Clarity and Brightness, yet all according to the Quality of the Seed.
For if the Earth was quite forsaken of God, then it could never bring forth any good Fruit, but mere bad and evil Fruit. But seeing the Earth stands yet in God's Love, therefore his Wrath will not burn therein eternally, but the Love which has overcome will spew out the Wrath-fire. And
then will the burning Hell begin, when the Love and the Wrath shall be separated. In this World the Love and the Wrath are one in another in all Creatures, and that which overcomes in the Wrestling inherits the House of or by Right, whether it be the Kingdom of Hell, or of Heaven.
I do not speak so, as if the Beasts in their Birth or Geniture were to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven: No; for they are like the corrupted Earth, evil and good; but if they be sown again into their Mother the Earth, then they are Earth.
But the Salitter in a good Beast shall not therefore be left to the Devil for a Property, but will in the separated Part, in the Nature of God, eternally blossom, and bring forth other heavenly Figures. But the Salitter of the Beast! of God's Wrath will in the Wrath of God bear hellish Fruits. [From, or belonging to; Y y.] ["
That is, their Figure will stand as a Shadow upon the Holy Ground, in the Wonders, viz. in the eternal Magia."]
For if the Earth be once kindled, then in the Wrath burns the Fire; and in the Love the Light; and then all will be separated, for the one cannot comprehend the other any more.
But in this Time every thing has a twofold Source and Quality; whatsoever thou buildest and sowest here in the Spirit, be it with Words, Works, or Thoughts, that will be thy eternal House.
Thus thou seest and understandest out of what the Earth and Stones are come to be. But if that kindled Salitter should have continued to be thus in the whole Deep of this World, then the whole Place thereof would have been a dark Valley, for the Light was imprisoned together also with, and in the third Birth or Geniture.
Not that the Light of the Heart of God in its innermost Birth is imprisoned: No; but that Lustre and the Shining thereof, in the third Birth or Geniture, was together incorporated or compacted in the outermost Comprehensibility, and therefore it is, that Men are in love with all those Things which stand in that Salitter.
But seeing the whole Deep in the third Birth or Geniture was very dark in regard of the corrupted Salitter of the Earth and Stones, therefore the Deity could not endure it to be so, but created and compacted the Earth and Stones together as in one Lump, or as on a Heap. Concerning which, Moses writes thus:
Am Anfang erschuff GOTT Himmel und Erden.
In the Beginning, created, GOD, Heaven and Earth. [Gen. 1. 1. as on a Heap. Concerning which, Moses writes thus:]
Am Anfang erschuff GOTT Himmel und Erden.
In the Beginning, created, GOD, Heaven and Earth. [Gen. 1. 1. as on a Heap. Concerning which, Moses writes thus:]
These Words must be considered exactly, what they are. For the Word (Am) conceives itself in the Heart, and goes forth to the Lips, but there is captivated and goes back again sounding, till it comes to the Place from whence it went forth. [n Or how these German Words are framed in the Articulation by the Instruments of Speech; that what they signify according to the Language of Nature may be understood. o Voice of God. p The Place of
this World. q Or murmuring Sound. r Or Palate.]
And this signifies now, that the o Sound went forth from the Heart of God, and encompassed the whole Place or Extent of this World; but when p it was found to be evil, then the Sound returned again into its own Place.
The Word or Syllable (An) thrusts itself out from the Heart, and presses forth at the Mouth, and has a long following q Pressure; but when it is spoken forth, then it closes itself up in the Midst or Center of its Seat with the r upper Gums, and is half without, and half within. And
this signifies, that the Heart of God had a Loathing against the Corruption, and so thrust away the corrupted Being from himself, but laid bold on it again in the Midst or Center at the Heart. And
as the Tongue breaks off or divides the Word or Syllable, and keeps it half without and half within, so the Heart of God would not wholly reject the kindled Salitter, but the Malignity, Malice and Malady of the Devil, and the other Part should be re-edified or built again after this Time.
The word or Syllable (fang) goes swiftly from the Heart out at the Mouth, and is laid also by the hinder Part of the Tongue, and the Gums; and when it is let loose, it makes another swift Pressure from the Heart, out at the Mouth. And
this signifies the sudden Rejection at the Riddance and Thrusting out of the Devils, together with the corrupted Salitter; for the strong and swift Spirit thrusts the Breath fiercely away from it, and retains the true Tone of the Word, or the Expression with it at the hindermost Gum, and that is the true Spirit of the Word or Syllable. And
this signifies, that the corrupted Fierceness is thrust out eternally from the Light of God, but the inward Spirit, which is loaded therewith against its Will, shall be let again in its first House.
The last following Pressure (ang) signifies, that the innermost Spirits in the Corruption are not altogether pure, and therefore they need a sweeping away, purging, or consuming of the Wrath, in the Fire, which will be done at the end of this Time.
The Word (schang) conceives itself above and beneath the Tongue, and shuts the Teeth in the upper and lower Gums, and so presses itself close together, and being held together, and pokes forth again, then it opens the Mouth again swiftly, like a Horn.
An! his signifies the astringent Spirit's strong driving together of the corrupted Salt, r, as a Lump on a Heap.
For the Teeth retain the Word, letting the Spirit go forth leisurely between the Teeth: And this signifies that the astringent Quality holds the Earth and Stones firmly and fast together; and yet, notwithstanding, lets the Spirits of the Earth spring up, grow, and bear Blossoms out of the astringent Spirit; which signifies the Regeneration or Refinitium of the Spirits of the Earth.
But that the Mouth is swiftly opened again after the Word is ended, it signifies concerning the Deep above the Earth, that God the Lord will nevertheless dwell there, and reserve his Regiment for himself, and hold the Devil as a Prisoner in the Wrath-Fire.
The Word (SDETE) conceives itself in the Midst or Center, upon the Tongue, and is thrust thither out of the Heart, and leaves the Mouth open, and stays sitting on its royal Seat, and sounds without and within; but when it is spoken forth, then it makes another Pressure between the upper Teeth and the Tongue. And
this signifies, that when God created Heaven and Earth, and all the Creatures, he nevertheless remained in his Divine, Eternal, Almighty Seat, and never went away from it at all, and that HE alone is ALL. The last Pressure signifies the Sharpness of his Spirit, whereby in a Moment he effects all in his whole Body.
The Word (immel) conceives itself in the Heart, and is thrust forth to the Lips, there it is shut up, and the Syllable (mel) sets the Lips open again, and is held on the Middle of the Tongue, and so the Spirit goes forth on both sides of the Tongue out of the Mouth. And
this signifies, that the innermost Birth is become shut up from the outermost by the horrible Sins, and is incomprehensible to the outward corrupted Birth or Geniture.
But seeing it is a Word with a twofold Syllable, and that the second Syllable (mel) opens the Mouth again, it signifies, that the Gates of the Deity are become opened again.
But that by the Word or Syllable (mel) it is conceived again upon the Tongue, and held fast with the upper Gums, and that in the mean while the Spirit flippeth forth on both Sides of the Tongue;
this signifies, that God would again give to this corrupted Kingdom, or Place in God, a King or great Prince, who should open again the innermost Birth or Geniture of the clear and bright Deity, and thereby the Holy Ghost should go forth on both Sides, that is, out of the innermost Depth of the Father and of the Son, and should go forth again into this World, and should new regenerate this World again through the New King.
The Word (um) conceives itself in the Heart, and is staid and compacted, or incorporated by the Tongue on the upper Gums; but when it is let loose, it makes another Pressure from the Heart, out at the Mouth.
Now this signifies the Difference or Distinction between the holy and the earthly Birth or Geniture. This Syllable comes indeed from the Heart, but is staid by the Tongue on the upper Gums, so that one cannot yet perceive what Kind of Word it is; and this signifies that the earthly and corrupt Birth or Geniture cannot lay hold on, or apprehend the innermost Birth or Geniture, but is foolish and silly. [‡ The Earthly Birth.] [† A foolish or silly Virgin.]
The last Pressure from the Heart signifies, that it will indeed qualify, mix, or unite with the innermost Birth or Geniture in its Sensibility, Perception, or Thoughts, but cannot apprehend it in its Reason; therefore this Syllable or Word alone by itself is dumb, and has no Signification or Understanding in it alone, but is used only for Distinction's Sake, with some other Word.
The Word (Etten) is thrust forth from the Heart, and is conceived on the binder Part upon the Tongue, at the binder Gums, and trembles; the Tongue is used about the first Syllable (Er), yet not steadily, but it recoils inward at the nether Gums, and crouches as it were before an Enemy trembling. [Or flaggers.]
The other Syllable (-ben) is conceived by the Tongue and upper Gums, and leaves the Mouth open, and the Spirit of Formation goes forth at the Nostrils, and will not go forth together in this Word out at the Mouth; and though it carries forth somewhat indeed along with it, yet the true Tone or Noise of the true Spirit goes only forth through, or at the Nostrils, or Organ of Smelling.
This is a great Mystery.
The Word or Syllable (Er-) signifies the kindled, astringent and bitter Quality, the earnest severe Wrath of God, which trembles at the hinder Part of the Gums, before which the Tongue is as it were afraid, and crouches at the nether Gums, and flies as it were from an Enemy.
The Word or Syllable (-ben) conceives itself on the Tongue again, and the Spirit attracts the Power and Virtue out of the Word, and therewith goes forth another Way at the Nostrils, and so goes therewith up into, or towards the Brain before the royal Seat. And this signifies, that the outermost Saltire of the Earth is eternally rejected from God’s Light and Holiness.
But that the Spirit lays hold on the Power and Virtue of the Word, and goes another Way through the Nostrils into the Brain before the Throne of the Senses or Thoughts, it signifies, that God will extract the Heart of the Earth from the Wrath of Wickedness; and use it to his eternal royal Praise.
Observe.
He will extract from the Earth the Kernel, and the best of the good Spirit, and will regenerate it anew, to his Honour and Glory.
Here, O Man, consider thyself well, and mind what Manner of Seed thou sowest into the Earth, the very same will spring up, and bear Blossoms and Fruit for ever, either in the Love, or in the Wrath.
But when the Good shall be separated from the Evil, then thou wilt live in that Part which thou hast laboured for here, be it either in Heaven, or in Hell-fire.
In whatsoever thou endeavourest, labourest and assistest here, into that thy Soul goes, when thou diest. [Whether Heavenly or Hellish, good or evil Matter or Thing.]
Or dost thou think, that my Spirit has sucked this which I have set down here out of the corrupted Earth, or out of an old felt Hat, or old Shoe?
Truly no, for the Spirit at this Time of my Description and setting it down did unite and qualify, or mix with the deepest Birth or Geniture of God. In that I have received my Knowledge, and from thence it is sucked, not in great earthly Joy, but in the anxious Birth or Geniture, Perplexity and Trouble.
For what I did hereupon undergo, suffer, and endure from the Devil and the hellish Quality, which as well rules in my outward Man, as in all Men whatsoever; this thou canst not apprehend, unless thou also dancest in this Round.
Had not our Philosophers and Doctors always plaid upon the Fiddle of Pride, but on the musical Instrument of the Prophets and Apostles, there would have been far another Knowledge and Philosophy in the World.
Concerning which, in Regard of my Imbecility, Want of Literature or Learning, and Study, as also the Slowness and Dulness of my Tongue, I am very insufficient, but not so slender in the Knowledge. Only I cannot deliver it in profound Language, and the Ornament of Eloquence, but I rest contented with my Gift I have received, and am a Philosopher among the Simple.
Concerning the Creation of the Light in this World.
Here shut the Eyes of thy Flesh a little, for here they will profit thee nothing, seeing they are blind and dead, and open the Eyes of thy Spirit, and then I will rightly show thee the Creation of God.
Observe,
When God had driven the corrupted Salitter of Earth and Stones, which had generated itself in the outermost Birth by the kindling, together on a Heap as in a Lump, then, for that Cause, the third Birth or Geniture in Nature in the Deep, above the Earth, was not pure and bright, because the Wrath of God did yet burn therein.
And though the innermost Birth or Geniture was light and bright, yet the outermost, which stood in the Wrath-fire, could not comprehend it, but was altogether dark.
For Moses writes, Und es war Finsterniß auf der Tieffe. And it was Dark on the Deep. The Word (auf) on, signifies the outermost Birth or Geniture, and the Word (in) signifies the innermost Birth or Geniture. [Gen. 1.]
But if the innermost Birth had been dark, then the Wrath of God had rested in this World eternally, and it would never have been Light; but the Wrath has not thus touched, or reached the Heart of God.
Therefore He is a sweet, friendly, bounteous, good, meek, pure and merciful God, according to his Heart in the innermost Birth or Geniture in the Place of this World, and still continues to be so; and his meek Love presses forth from his Heart into the outermost Birth or Geniture of the Wrath, and quenches the same, and therefore Sprach Er, he said, Es werde Licht, Let there be Light.
Here observe the Sense in the highest Depth.
The Word (Sprach) or said, is spoken after the Manner of Men: You Philosophers, open your Eyes, I will in my Simplicity teach you the [Sprach] Gottes the Speech, Speaking or Language of God, as when he says a Thing; and indeed it must be so.
The Word (Sprach) conceives itself between the Teeth, for they bite or join close together, and the Spirit hisses forth through the Teeth, and the Tongue bows or bends in the Middle, and sets its Forepoint, as if it did listen after the Hissing, and was afraid.
But when the Spirit conceives the Word, that shuts the Mouth, and conceives it at the hinder Gums upon the Tongue in the Hole or Hollowness, in the bitter and astringent Quality. And
there the Tongue is terrified, trembles, and crouches to the nether Gums, and then the Spirit comes forth from the Heart, and closes the Word, which conceives itself at the hinder Gums in the astringent and bitter Quality, in the Wrath, and goes forth mightily and strongly through the Fierceness, as a King and a Prince, and also opens the Mouth, and rules with a strong Spirit from the Heart through the whole Mouth within, and also without the Mouth, and makes a mighty and long Syllable, as a Spirit which has broken the Wrath.
Against which the Wrath, with its Snarling in the astringent and bitter Quality, at the hinder Gums in the Hollow on the Tongue, struggles, and keeps its Right to itself, and keeps its Seat in its Place, and lets the meek Spirit come forth from the Heart, through it, and thunders with its snarling after it, and so helps to form or frame the Word, yet with its thundering cannot get away from its Seat, but abides in its hollow Hole, as a captive Prisoner, and looks terribly.
This is a great Mystery.
Here observe the Sense and Meaning; if thou apprehendest it, then thou understandest the Deity right, if not, then thou art yet blind in the Spirit.
Judge not, else here thou runnest counter against a strong Gate, and wilt be imprisoned; if the Wrath-fire catches thee, then thou wilt remain eternally therein.
Thou Child of Man, behold now, how great a Gate of Heaven, of Hell, and of the Earth, as also of the whole Deity, the Spirit opens to thee.
Thou shouldest not think, that God at that Time did speak in that Way as Men do, and that it was but a weak impotent Word, like Man's Word.
Indeed Man's Word conceives itself just in such a Form, Manner, Proportion, Quality, and Correspondency; only the half dead Man does not understand it: And this Understanding is very noble, dear and precious, for it is generated only in the Knowledge of the Holy Ghost. [The Holy Ghost.]
But God's Word, which He spoke then in Power, has encompassed Heaven and Earth, and the Heaven of Heavens; yes, and the whole Deity also.
But it frames and conceives itself first between the Teeth closed or clapped together, and hisses, which signifies, that the Holy Ghost at the Beginning of the Creation went through the firmly closed Wall of the third and outermost Birth or Geniture, which stands in the Wrath-fire in this World.
For it is written, And it was dark on the Deep, and the Spirit of God moved on the Water. The Deep signifies the innermost Birth or Geniture; and the Darkness signifies the outermost corrupt Birth or Geniture, in which the Wrath burned. The Water signifies the Allaying or Mitigation of the Spirit.
But that the Spirit hisses through the Teeth, it signifies that the Spirit is gone forth from the Heart of God through the Wrath; but that the Teeth remain closed together, whilst the Spirit hisses, and do not open themselves, it signifies, that the Wrath has not comprehended or reached the Holy Ghost.
But that the Tongue crouches towards the nether Gums, and is sharp at the Point, and will not be used about the Hissing, it signifies, that the outward Birth or Geniture, together with all the Creatures which are therein, cannot comprehend, or reach to apprehend the Holy Spirit, which goes forth out of the innermost Birth or Geniture out from the Heart of God, neither can they hinder him by their Power. [The Natural Man cannot perceive the Things of God.]
For he goes and penetrates through all shut or closed Doors, Closets, and Births, and needs no Opening of them; as the Teeth cannot stay or hinder the Spirit or Breath from going or passing through them.
But that the Lips stand open, when it is come hissing through the Teeth, it signifies, that he with his going forth out of the Heart of God, in the Creation of this World, has opened again the Gates of Heaven, and is gone through the Gates of God's Wrath, and has left the Wrath of God strongly shut and bolted up, and has left the Devil his eternal kindled Wrath-house close locked up, out of which he cannot come eternally.
It further signifies, that the Holy Ghost in like Manner has an open Gate in the Wrath-house of this World, where he may drive and perform his Work, incomprehensibly as to the Gates of Hell, and where he gathers or collects a holy Seed to his eternal Praise, against, or without the Will of the strong, fast shut hellish Gates, and altogether incomprehensibly as to them.
But as the Spirit effects his going forth, and his conceived or intended Will through the Teeth, and yet the Teeth do not stir, nor can comprehend the Will of the Spirit, so the Holy Ghost also, without the Apprehension or Comprehension, either of the Devil, or of the Wrath of God, builds, or erects continually a holy Seed or Temple in the House of this World.
But that the whole Word (sprach) said, forms or conceives itself at the hinder Gums on the Tongue in the hollow Hole in the Center of the astringent and bitter Quality, and finals. It signifies, that God has conceived or framed the Place of this World at the Heart in the Midst or Center of it, and has built to himself again a House to his Praise, against all the Grumbling, Murmuring, and Snarling of the Devil, in which he rules with his Holy Spirit.
And as the Spirit goes forth from the Heart through the Grumbling, Murmuring, and Snarling of the bitter and astringent Quality very strongly and powerfully, and with its going forth rules in the astringent and bitter Quality, incomprehensibly as to the astringent and bitter Quality as a potent King, so also the Spirit of God rules in the outermost Birth or Geniture of this World (in the Wrath-house) mightily, and generates to himself a Temple therein, incomprehensible as to the Wrath-house.
But that the astringent and bitter Spirit does so grumble and murmur, when the Spirit from the Heart goes through its House, and rules powerfully, it signifies, that the Wrath of God, together with the Devils, are in the House of this World, set in Opposition to the Love, so that both these, all the Time of this World, must fight and strive one against the other, as two Armies in the Field; from whence also Wars and Fightings among Men, and among Beasts, and all Creatures, have their Original.
But that the astringent and bitter Quality conceive themselves together with the Word, and unite and agree one with another, and yet the Spirit of the Heart only speaks forth the Word at the Mouth, it signifies, that all Creatures, which were only produced and put forth by the Word, viz. the Beasts, Fowls, Fishes, Worms, Trees, Leaves, Herbs and Grass, were formed from the whole Body, being Good and Evil.
And that, in all these, there would stand both the angry and corrupt Quality, and also the Love of God; and yet all would be driven on by the Spirit of Love, though those two would disturb, rub, plague, squeeze, and vex one another.
Note.
Whereby then, in many a Creature, the Wrath-fire would be so very hard kindled, that the Body together with the Spirit will afford and produce an eternal Wrath Saltiter in Hell.
For the Spirit, which is generated in the Heart, must in its Body walk through the Midst or Center of the Hellish Gates, and may very easily be kindled; they are as Wood and Fire, which will burn, if thou pourest no Water in among them.
O Man, thou wast not created together with and as the Beasts, by the Word, from Good and Evil; and if thou hadst not eaten of Good and Evil, then the Wrath-fire would not have been in thee; but by that means thou hast also gotten a bestial Body: It is done, the Love of God take Pity, and have Mercy in that Behalf.
But, that after the conceiving and compacting of the Word together in the astringent Quality at the hinder Gums upon the Tongue, the Mouth opens itself wide, and the compacted and united Spirit goes forth together at the Mouth, which Spirit is generated both out of the Heart, and also out of the astringent and bitter Quality, it signifies, that the Creatures would live in great Anguish and Anxiety, and would not be able to generate through one Body, but through two.
For the astringent and bitter Quality receives the Power from the Spirit out of the Heart, and infects or affects itself therewith: And therefore is Nature now become to weak in the Spirit of the Heart, and is not able to elevate its own innermost Birth of the Heart; and for that Cause Nature has brought forth a Male and a Female.
Thus it denotes also the evil and good Will in the whole or universal Nature, and in all the Creatures; that there would be a continual Wrestling, Fighting, and Destroying, from whence this World is rightly called a Valley of Misery, full of Crosses, Persecutions, Toils, and Labours. For when the Spirit of Creation entered into the Midst, and interposed its Power, it was forced to make and form the Creation in the Midst or Center of the Kingdom of Hell. And
now seeing the outermost Birth or Geniture in Nature is twofold, that is, both Evil and Good, therefore it is that there is a perpetual Tormenting, Squeezing, Lamenting and Howling; and the Creatures in this Life are subject to Torments and Afflictions, so that this evil World is justly called a murtherous Den of the Devil.
But that the astringent and bitter Spirit sits still in its Seat at the hinder Gums on the Tongue, and thrusts forth the Word at the Mouth, and yet cannot get away from thence, it signifies, that the Devil and the Wrath of God would indeed be domineering in all the Creatures, yet should not have full Power in them, but must stay in Prison; and there would belch forth or blow into all the Creatures, and plague them, but should not overcome them, unless the Creatures themselves are minded to tarry there in that Place, or love to live in the Qualities, and be of the Conditions of the Devil, and Wrath of God.
Just as the meek Spirit of the Heart goes through the astringent and bitter Quality, and overcomes it; and though it be indeed infected with the astringent and bitter Spirit, yet it tears and breaks through, as a Conqueror: But if it should wilfully sit still in the hollow Hole in the astringent and bitter Spirit, and suffer itself to be taken captive, and would not fight, then the Fault were its own. And
thus it is also with those Creatures which will continually sow and reap in the hellish Fire, especially that Man who lives in a continual Desire of Pride, Covetousness, Envy, and Wrath, and will at no Time fight and strive against them with the Spirit and Fire of Love; such a one does himself pull the Wrath of God, and the burning hellish Fire, upon his Body and Soul.
But that the Tongue does crouch too much towards the nether Gums when the Word goes forth, it signifies and denotes the animated or soulful Spirit of the Creatures, especially of Man.
The Word which conceives itself at the upper Gums, and which qualifies or unites with the astringent and bitter Spirit, signifies the seven Spirits of Nature, or the astral Birth or Geniture, in which the Devil rules, and the Holy Ghost opposes him therein, and overcomes the Devil.
But the Tongue signifies the Soul, which is generated from the seven Spirits of Nature, and is the Son; and so now when the seven Spirits will, then the Tongue must stir, and must perform their Demands.
If the astral Spirits would not prove false, and would not woo the Devil to commit Adultery with him, then they would bide the animated or soulful Spirit, and hold it fast in their Bands as a Treasure, when they fight with the Devil: Just as they hide and cover the Tongue as their best Jewel, when they wrestle with the astringent and bitter Quality.
Thus you have a short and real Introduction concerning the Word which God has spoken, rightly described in the Knowledge of the Spirit, faithfully imparted according to my Gifts, and the Talent I am intrusted with.
Now it may be asked: What then is it that God spoke, when He said; let there be Light, and there was Light?
The Depth.
The Light went forth from the innermost Birth or Geniture, and kindled itself in the outermost. * It gave again to the outermost a natural peculiar Light of its own. [Note.]
Thou must not think, that the Light of the Sun and of Nature is the Heart of God, which shines in Secret. No; thou oughtest not to worship the Light of Nature, it is not the Heart of God, but it is a kindled Light in Nature, whose Power and Heart stands in the Unctuosity or Fatness of the sweet Water, and of all the other Spirits in the third Birth or Geniture, and is not called God. And
though it is generated in God, and from God, yet it is but the Instrument of his Handy-work, which cannot apprehend and reach back again to the clear Deity in the deepest Birth or Geniture, as the Flesh cannot apprehend or reach the Soul.
But it must not to be understood, as if the Deity was separated from Nature; no, but they are as Body and Soul: Nature is the Body, and the Heart of God is the Soul.
Now a Man might ask:
What Kind of Light then was it, which was kindled? Was it the Sun and Stars?
Answer.
No, the Sun and Stars were first created but on the fourth Day, out of that very Light: There was a Light risen in the seven Spirits of Nature, which had no peculiar distinct Seat or Place, but shone every where all over, but was not bright like the Sun, but like an azure Blue and Light, according to the Kind and Manner of the qualifying or fountain Spirits; till afterwards the right Creation and Kindling of the Fire in the Water, in the astringent Spirit, followed, viz. the Sun.