Memoirs of the life, death, burial, and wonderful writings, of Jacob Behmen

...the translator's own, will serve the purpose intended for them and prove acceptable. If one or another of them might seem somewhat redundant original: "superfluous", it is hoped that the intention to provide everything in full original: "at large", as it stands in the original, and to make every thing as plain as possible, will excuse it.

The purpose original: "Design" of supporting the whole work with the wise observations made by his very valuable acquaintance and friend, the late Dr. Byrom of Manchester, will be as obvious as it is necessary. As for the re-translated Letter original: "Epistle" of Jacob Boehme original: "J. B." at the end, it is intended to show the reader both what the author himself thought regarding an appropriate mindset original: "suitable Disposition" for reading his works profitably, and that a time will come when they will be more universally known, better understood, and consequently prove to be of much greater advantage and spiritual growth original: "Edification" than they have been so far. It is also hoped that the large postscript concerning HIEL HIEL was the pseudonym of Hendrik Niclaes (1501–1580), a mystic and founder of the "Family of Love," whose writings were often studied alongside Boehme's., etc., will prove acceptable to the right readers.

Thus then, in humble confidence that it is God’s will to have Jacob Boehme and his writings better known during the present and approaching times original: "Conjunctures"; if the translator original: "Tr." could contribute his small part original: "his Mite"; a biblical reference to the widow's small but significant offering in Mark 12:42. toward carrying out his Lord’s purposes, it shall mean more to him than if he possessed the reputation of the greatest names which this or any other nation or time ever produced—notwithstanding all intervening and, to some degree, inevitable misapprehensions, misunderstandings, reproach, and verbal abuse original: "Obloquy". The following words have great weight with him, and with them he will conclude this preface:

“Why do you trouble the woman? She has done
what she could.” Matthew 26:10; Mark 14:8.

“David, after he had served his own generation by
the will of God, fell asleep.” Acts 13:36.

Also, “Blessed are those servants whom the Lord,
when he comes, shall find watching. Truly I say
to you, that he shall dress himself to serve, and make them
sit down to a meal original: "Meat", and will come forward and serve
them.” Luke 12:37.