Theosophical Epistles

The 4th Epistle (continued)

44. For God keeps the day and hour before Him, and indicates through His Spirit the wonders which are to come.

45. Furthermore, I inform you that H. N. original: "H. N." stands for Hic Nomen (Latin for "this name"), a placeholder used to protect the identity of Boehme's associates from potential persecution. has hired H. N. to transcribe my two books for him, and is now striving to get hold of the actual original of the first one himself; which, as I understand, will happen, and can most conveniently be brought out through Master Carl.

46. Although it is true that the New Antichrist Boehme often used "Antichrist" to describe the rigid, institutionalized religious authorities of his day who suppressed spiritual freedom—the "Old" being the Roman Church and the "New" being the intolerant Protestant factions. is now triumphing greatly in the growth of the Old, and burns like a fire in juniper wood—imagining it to be joy when it is actually in sorrow—and while Babel In Boehme's theology, "Babel" represents the confused, divided state of the worldly church and its empty formalities. stands scorched, obstacles might occur; but God the Highest does what He will.

47. I do not have time in my current haste to write more to you, for nothing further has been started yet; however, I hope to begin again very soon, as my mind in its driving will always shows me; I will faithfully send it to you at the designated place.

48. And I faithfully commend you to the gentleness of Jesus Christ.

J. B.

1. The letter 'D' is illustrated with an ornamental woodcut featuring scrolling foliage patterns, common in 17th-century printing to mark the start of a new letter. May the Love in the heart of God the Father, and the Light of His power in the life of Jesus Christ, be our refreshment; may it enlighten us and help us toward the new birth term: "Wiedergeburht" (New Birth). A central concept for Boehme, referring to a literal spiritual transformation where the soul is reborn into the light of God's love., so that the true image may appear to God's glory and wonder-working, and let the beautiful little branch of His lilies Boehme's "Time of the Lilies" refers to a future age of spiritual peace, purity, and universal understanding. grow within us in the little garden of paradise of Jesus Christ.

2. Noble, Severe, Honorable, and High-named Lord, to the same be my humble and most willing services, alongside wishes for all temporal and eternal welfare! I have received from the bearers, your servants, a bushel of grain which Your Honor original: "E. G." (Euer Gestrengen), a formal title for a knight or nobleman. sent to me; I thank you for this most kindly and pray to God the Highest, who will repay Your Honor many times over.