Mysterium Magnum

...and give himself up to it, and pray to God for light and understanding. At last, he will rightly understand our basis original: ground; Böhme uses "ground" to mean the underlying reality or foundation of existence, and it will find very great love and acceptance with him.

15. However, we have written nothing for the proud and haughty pretenders to wisdom original: wiselings who think they already know enough. In truth, they know nothing at all. Their appetite original: Belly is their god; they follow only the Beast of the Babylonian Whore A reference to the "Whore of Babylon" from the Book of Revelation, often used by Böhme to symbolize corrupt religious institutions and drink of her poison. They choose to remain in blindness and the devil's snare. Through the spirit of our knowledge, we have placed a strong bolt across the understanding of the foolish so they cannot grasp our meaning. This is because they willfully and willingly serve Satan and are not the children of God.

16. But we desire to be clearly and fundamentally understood by the children of God. We heartily and readily share the knowledge given to us by God, because the time for such revelation has arrived original: is borne. Therefore, let everyone take care regarding what judgment and criticism original: Sentence and Censure they pass. Each person shall receive their reward accordingly. We commend everyone to the grace of the meek and tender love of Jesus Christ. Amen.

September 11, the year 1623 original: Anno 1623.

[An ornate woodcut decoration featuring elaborate scrollwork, foliage, and figures surrounding a central frame with a face.]