(55) But I marvel that God should reveal himself thus fully to such a simple man, and that God thus impelleth him also to set it down in writing; whereas there are many learned writers who could set it forth and express it better, in a more flourishing style, and demonstrate it more exactly and fully than I, who am a scorn and a fool to the world.

(64) If thou wert come to this window, thou wouldst not then say that it is earthly: And though I must indeed use the earthly tongue, yet there is a true heavenly understanding couched under it, which in my outermost birth I am not able to express, either in writing or in speaking.

(112) But here I speak with an angel's tongue, thou must not understand it earthly, like unto this world.

(43) "Although I had resolved never to give in writing to any person the secret of the Ancient Sages, yet notwithstanding out of peculiar affection and love to you, I have taken it upon me, to which the nearness of our relation obliges me, and especially because this temporal life is short, and Art is very dark and you may therefore not attain the wished for end;--but my Son because so precious a jewel belongs not to swine; and also this so great a gift of God may be treated carefully and Christianlike, in consideration thereof I do so largely declare myself to thee.

(89) 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 simple in the knowledge. Only I cannot deliver it in profound language, and in 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.

(1) BECAUSE I write here of heavenly and divine things, which are altogether strange to the corrupted, perished nature of man, the Reader doubtless will wonder at the simplicity of the author, and be offended at it.

(162) Or why and what do I write, I, whose tongue does but stammer like a child that is learning to speak? With what shall I compare it? or to what shall I liken it? Shall I compare it with the love of this world? No, that is but a mere dark valley to it.

(65) The Mind (which knows [or understands] nothing in the Light of Nature) will marvel at such Writings, and will suppose that it is not true, that God has extracted and created Man out of such an Original. Behold, thou beloved Reason and precious Mind, bring thy five Senses hither, and I will show thee whether it be true [or not.] I will show thee [plainly,] that thou hast not the least Spark [or Degree of Reason or Cause] to allow any other Ground [to build upon,] except that thou wilt let thy Heart be, imbittered by the Devil in bestial Reason, and except thou wilt wilfully contemn the Light of Nature, which stands in the Presence of God. And indeed, if thou art in such a bestial Way, leave my Writings, and read them not, they are not written for such Swine, but for the Children [of Wisdom,] that are to possess the Kingdom of God. But I have written them for myself, and for those that seek, and not for the Wise and Prudent of this World.

(10) Now perhaps thou wilt say that I write in a heathenish manner. Hearken and behold! observe the distinct understanding, how all this is so; for I write not heathenishly or barbarously, but philosophically; neither am I a Heathen, but I have the deep and true knowledge of the one only great God, who is ALL.