THE THIRD BOOK

OF THE AUTHOR.

A High and Deep Search

The Threefold Life of Man.

Chapter 1.

1.

When we consider the beginning of our life and compare it with the eternal life which we have in the promise, we cannot say or find that we are at home in this life. For we see the beginning and the end of the outward The "outward life" refers to our physical, earthly existence in the material world. life, as well as the total decay and final corruption of our bodies. Furthermore, we see or know of no return into this outward life, nor do we have any promise of it from the high and eternal Good original: "Good"—a common term for God as the ultimate source of all goodness..

2. Seeing then that there is a life in us which is eternal and incorruptible, with which we strive after the highest Good; and a life (from this world) which is finite and corruptible; and also a life in which the source and original cause of life stands, wherein the highest danger of eternal perdition eternal punishment or damnation, misery, and calamity consists; therefore it is necessary that we consider the beginning of life, from where all these things proceed and have their origin.

3. Now, when we consider what life is, we find that it is a burning fire which consumes, and when it has no more fuel to feed upon, it goes out—as may be seen in all fires. For life has its nourishment from the body, and the body from its food; for when the body has no more food, then it is