The First Chapter.

On the Origin original: "Urkund," referring to the primal source or the foundational record of existence. of Life: Also original: "Item." on the Eternal Birth of the Divine Essence.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'S' featuring intricate floral patterns and vine-like scrolls within a square frame.

Psalms 8:4, 10, 33, 104, 118, 136, 139, 148. Wisdom 11:21, 12:1. Sirach 16:24, 18:1, 24:16, 39:16, 42:15. Isaiah 40:22, 42:5, 44:24, 45:18, 48:13.

When we consider the beginning of our life and weigh it against the eternal life which we have in the promise: we cannot say or find that we are at home in this outward life. For we see the beginning and end of this outward life, as well as the complete fragility and final decay original: "Verwesung," referring to the decomposition of the physical body. of our bodies. Furthermore, we see and know of no return into this life, nor do we have any promise of such from the Highest and Eternal Good.

Isaiah 57:15, 66:1. Jeremiah 10:12, 31:35, 33:20. Job 26:7, 38. Amos 4:13, 5:8, 9:5. Micah 1:3. Habakkuk 3:3. Zechariah 12:1. 2 Corinthians 12.

2. Since there is a life in us which is eternal and unbreakable, with which we strive after the highest good; and also a life of this world, which is finite and fragile; and also a life in which the torment Quall: a core term in Böhme’s thought, punning on the German words for "source" (Quelle) and "agony" (Qual), describing the restless energy at the root of existence. and cause of life resides, in which lies the greatest danger of eternal perdition, sorrow, and misery; it is therefore necessary for us to consider the origin original: "Uhrsache," or cause. of life, from whence all this proceeds and thus manifests itself.

The

3. And as we now consider what life may be, we find that it is a burning fire which consumes; and when it has nothing more to consume, it is extinguished, just as the