ON THE SIGNATURE

Whatever quality dwells within, so it marks itself outwardly in its external form and shape. A human being is marked in their speech, will, and conduct, as well as by the form of their limbs, which they possess and must use according to that same internal shape. Their inner configuration also marks them in the features of the face; likewise an animal, and also a herb and even trees. Every single thing is marked externally exactly as it is internally. For even if it happens that a thing often transforms from evil into good, or from good into evil, it still retains its external Characteroriginal: "Caracter"; here meaning a spiritual or physical seal or stamp of identity, so that one may recognize the good or the evil—that is, the transformation.

For a human being is recognized in this regard by their daily practices, as well as by their behavior and words; for the highest instrument is always struck, whichever one is most tightly strung. It is the same with an animal: if it is evil but has been tamed by force and drawn toward another property, it does not easily let its first inherent form be noticed—unless that form is provoked, in which case it steps forth before all other forms.

It is also the same with the herbs of the earth: if a herb is sown from an evil field into a good one, it immediately acquires a strong body, as well as a lovely scent and power, and displays its inner Essenceoriginal: "Essenz"; the fundamental nature or "being" of the plant in the outward appearance. And there is nothing in Natureoriginal: "Natur" that is created