Important truths. With extracts from the way to Christ by Jacob Boehme

The PUBLISHER to the READER.

...heaven by such dull torches as these, or be admitted into the choir of seraphim original: "seraphims"; the highest order of angels, associated with light and purity—spirits inflamed with the pure love of GOD—or cherubim original: "cherubims" who shine with innate and fundamental light? Surely not; for the fire of love and self-discipline mortification which should refine them from their impurities original: "dross" and corruption here, shall after this life kindle the anger of GOD. It will raise a terrifying fire original: "direful conflagration" against them and convert their fiery passions into unquenchable flames, which shall torment them for ages everlasting. In contrast, the sincere love of GOD would dispel these thick mists that darken the soul and prove to be that vital heat that preserves it active, lively, and glorious for all eternity.

GOD, through various ways and instruments, offers His saving original: "salutary" truth to humanity. He does this so that, according to the different temperaments original: "constitutions" of their minds, everyone may find what is most agreeable to his own taste and condition, in order to prepare and entice him to seek and aspire after divine love. And whoever will read these Discourses Discourses with a free and unbiased mind, and with a sincere intention to do the will of GOD,

mortification — The practice of self-denial and spiritual discipline to overcome worldly desires.

Discourses — A formal and orderly speech or writing on a specific subject, in this case, a series of religious or philosophical treatises.