Selected Extracts (1740) - Page 23

of the late Mr. J. W. U.

The initials J. W. U. refer to Johann Wilhelm Ueberfeld (1659–1731), a German mystic and prominent figure in the Pietist movement who edited the works of Jacob Böhme.

A 2

To C. U. on September 20, 1686.

1. Through earnest prayer, and faithfulness in the struggle, we can now easily overcome all obstacles of Satan and the spirit of the world within us. 2. How the prayer of a proven warrior comes to our aid therein.

I do not doubt that you will take the kingdom of GOD by force original: "Gewalt anthun"; a reference to Matthew 11:12, "the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force," implying a spiritual intensity required to reach God., and draw the same to you through earnest prayer. It is indeed true that Satan seeks to constantly lull the mind Gemüth A central term in German mysticism referring to the depth of the soul, encompassing the will, emotions, and spiritual disposition. to sleep, and instills many a doubt regarding the impossibility of breaking through, in order to frighten the soul: but Satan is a liar, and can do nothing other than lie and lead people away from GOD; that is his trade. Therefore, the person who wishes to reach God must by no means hold conversation with the devil, nor give ear to his whisperings, but must oppose him with all earnestness and fight against him; then he must retreat in shame. For he is a powerless spirit, and has absolutely no power over man, unless it be that man voluntarily submits to him. This, however, one must not do; instead, one must overcome him through earnest prayer, so he must be our servant and prisoner, and lie eternally under our feet. I write this knowing it well, and you also—if you will earnestly continue to fight—shall experience it in practice Praxi The lived experience or practical application of spiritual principles.. For the Hero in the struggle and the Breaker of death A common mystical title for Christ, depicting Him as a warrior who shatters the gates of hell and death. has paved the path for us—He who has overcome sin, death, devil, hell, and the world, so that they, praise GOD, can no longer hold us: and He has opened Paradise again in our souls, so that we now again have free access to our heavenly...