Preface.

To the God- and Wisdom-loving Reader.

Decorative drop cap 'W' featuring elaborate foliate and scroll-work patterns.
Although I have been very timid and cautious about sharing this little flower of Paradise original: "Paradis-Blümlein"; a common metaphor in this tradition for a delicate spiritual insight or revelation blooming within the soul.—which was opened to me during my great and earnest struggle—with this present coarse and swinish world, which only tramples the noble pearl of the knowledge of God original: "Erkentniß GOttes" and of self underfoot and tears its lovers to pieces; nevertheless, my dear fellow-combatants have overcome me with their repeated encouragement. I have agreed to bring this to light as a guide for those who search for the Mystery of God original: "Mysterio GOttes"; refers to the hidden spiritual reality of the divine working within the human soul. in their innermost ground In mystical philosophy, the "ground" (Grund) is the deepest, uncreated part of the soul where the individual meets the Divine., so that they may have a mirror before their eyes in which to behold themselves.

2. Also as a reminder and warning, because Adam The author uses Adam as the archetype for all humanity, whose "fall" is a psychological and spiritual event repeated within every person. lost the advantage and awakened the cold, fierce darkness in his forms of life original: "Lebens-Gestalten"; these are the fundamental spiritual forces or "source-spirits" that constitute a person's inner nature., making it active...