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(12) But who were they that falsified and adulterated the right pure Christian Doctrine, and always fought against and opposed it? Even the learned Doctors and Scribes, Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, and great Men, or Masters and Teachers. And why did the World follow after them, and depend on them? But because they had great Respect, were in great Authority and Power; lived stately, and carried a Port in the World; even such a proud Whore, is the corrupt, perished, human Nature.

(52) Yet notwithstanding, I do no way approve or excuse the Unbelief of the Jews, Turks, and Heathens, and their stiff-necked Stubbornness, and their fierce Wrath, furious Malice, and Hatred against the Christians. No; these Things are mere Snares of the Devil, whereby he allures Men to Pride, Covetousness, Envy, and Hatred, that he may kindle in them the hellish Fire: Neither can I say, that these four Sons of the Devil are not domineering in Christendom, nay indeed in every Man. Now thou sayest: What then is the Difference between Christians, Jews, Turks, and Heathens? Answer.

(70) But if the Turks be of an astringent Quality, and the Heathens of a bitter, what is that to thee? Is the Light become shining in the astringent and bitter Qualities? then it gives Light also.

(40) So likewise it professeth to remain unmoved by any of the creature’s works; whether they be good or evil, against God or not, is all alike to it; and it keepeth itself apart from all things, like God in Eternity, and all that belongeth to God and to no creature it taketh unto itself, and vainly dreameth that this belongeth unto it; and deemeth itself well worthy of all this, and that it is just and right that all creatures should serve it, and do it homage. And thus no contradiction, suffering or grief is left unto it; indeed nothing but a mere bodily and carnal perceiving: this must remain until the death of the body, and what suffering may accrue therefrom. Furthermore, this False Light imagineth, and saith, that it has got beyond Christ’s life in the flesh, and that outward things have lost all power to touch it or give it pain, as it was with Christ after His resurrection, together with many other strange and false conceits which arise and grow up from these. And now since this False Light is nature, it possesseth the property of nature, which is to intend and seek itself and its own in all things, and what may be most expedient, easy and pleasant to nature and itself. And because it is deceived, it imagineth and proclaimeth it to be best that each should seek and do what is best for himself. It refuseth also to take knowledge of any Good but its own, that which it vainly fancieth to be Good. And if one speak to it of the One, true, everlasting Good, which is neither this nor that, it knoweth nothing thereof, and thinketh scorn of it. And this is not unreasonable, for nature as nature cannot attain thereunto. Now this False Light is merely nature, and therefore it cannot attain thereunto. Further, this False Light saith that it hath got above conscience and the sense of sin, and that whatever it doeth is right, Yea, it was said by such a false Free Spirit, who was in this error, that if he had killed ten men he should have as little sense of guilt as if he had killed a dog. Briefly: this false and deceived Light fleeth all that is harsh and contrary to nature, for this belongeth to it, seeing that it is nature. And seeing also that it is so utterly deceived as to dream that it is God, it were ready to swear by all that is holy, that it knoweth truly what is best, and that both in belief and practice it hath reached the very summit. For this cause it cannot be converted or guided into the right path, even as it is with the Evil Spirit. Mark further: in so far as this Light imagineth itself to be God and taketh His attributes unto itself, it is Lucifer, the Evil Spirit; but in so far as it setteth at nought the life of Christ, and other things belonging to the True Light, which have been taught and fulfilled by Christ, it is Antichrist, for it teacheth contrary to Christ. And as this Light is deceived by its own cunning and discernment, so all that is not God, or of God, is deceived by it, that is, all men who are not enlightened by the True Light and its love. For all who are enlightened by the True Light can never more be deceived, but whoso hath it not and chooseth to walk by the False Light, he is deceived. This cometh herefrom, that all men in whom the True Light is not, are bent upon themselves, and think much of themselves, and seek and propose their own ends in all things, and whatever is most pleasant and convenient to themselves they hold to be best. And whoso declareth the same to be best, and helpeth and teacheth them to attain it, him they follow after, and maintain to be the best and wisest of teachers.

(49) Do not the Turks, Jews, and Heathens live in the same Body, or Corporeity, wherein thou livest, and make use of that Power and Virtue of the same Body, which thou usest; moreover, they have even the same Body which thou hast, and the same God which is thy God, is their God also? But thou wilt say: They know him not; also they honour him not. Answer.

(1) Fools laud and magnify the mosque, But the former is mere form, the latter spirit and truth. The mosque that is built in the hearts of the saints Is the place of worship of all, for God dwells there. So long as the hearts of the saints are not afflicted, Our forefathers lifted their hands against the prophets; Seeing their bodies, they took them for ordinary men. In you also abide the morals of those men of old; How can you avoid fearing that you will act like them? The morals of those unthankful ones dwell in you, Seeing that all these bad symptoms are seen in you, And that you are one with those men, how can you escape?

(58) Therefore also God gave the Law to the Jews, that they should diligently study and endeavour after meek Holiness and Love, that thereby all the World might have them for their Looking-glass or Mirror. But when they grew proud, and boasted in their Birth, instead of entering into Love, they turned the Law of Love into Sharpness of Wrath; then God removed their Candlestick, and went to the Heathens.

(63) But unto those Heathens, Jews, and Turks, Blindness did befall, yet notwithstanding they stand in an anxious Birth, and seek for a Rest; they desire Grace, though they seek not for it at the right Mark, or in the right Place or Limit: but God is every where, and looks upon the Ground of the Heart.