The Epistles of Jacob Behmen

ment; so also our mind is like an organ or instrument, but it sounds only according to the tune and note of that Spirit that possesses and activates it. We convert and assimilate original: "assimulate" — to take in and incorporate information or experiences. all things according to the spirit and will that is ruling and predominant within us. In that spirit, the mind, thoughts, and senses are enkindled and inflamed. For if we have a merely astral original: "Astrall" — in Boehme's terminology, this refers to the "spirit of the world" or the natural/celestial influences on the human psyche, as opposed to the Divine Spirit., worldly, carnal, self-conceited, contemptuous, caviling original: "Cavilling" — making petty or unnecessary objections., Pharisaical original: "Pharisaicall" — hypocritically self-righteous or obsessively legalistic., and hypocritical spirit, we will form and frame our notions, judgments, and criticisms accordingly, perverting everything to a wrong sense and use.

But if the Divine Spirit of love, light, meekness, humility, self-denial, sincerity, and holy desires dwells, rules, and acts within us, then our understanding is accordingly holy, divine, and real. For to the pure, all things are pure; but to the impure, all things are impure; for their very minds and consciences are defiled original: "To the pure, all things are pure..." — a reference to Titus 1:15..

☞ Just as this author did not receive his learning, gifts, and high endowments from the schools of this world, but from the school of divine wisdom and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, so too the meaning and purpose original: "drift" of his writings will not be understood by those who are merely trained and skilled in the literal and historical schools of this world. These people follow the canons, rules, and axioms of their own "wise" Pharisaical reason; they condemn, judge, and rashly criticize anyone who does not speak in their specific phrase, style, or dialect original: "Dialect" — here meaning a specialized vocabulary or way of speaking.. For