Of the Testaments of J. C.

greens [or blooms] through the death of Christ, in His resurrection, as a beautiful flower out of the earth: and there a true Christian is born, who is a branch on the vine of Christ.

16. For this, neither great art nor science is required, but only childlike simplicity: The peasant is as close to it as the doctor: they must all together (in the simplicity of Christ) step into obedience, and come into the Temple with the Prodigal Son and the Publican: there is no other way to it, there is no great speculation necessary as to with what elegant words or manners one desires to come thereto [namely, to the Testaments of Christ]; but only with the children, who surrender themselves to the Father in the rod, and must pray for grace.

17. He who knows much, and has learned how he shall prepare himself for it, he is not more acceptable to God than the one who knows nothing, and yet turns from his whole heart and soul (in sorrow for his sins) toward Him [namely, toward God], and has a [firm] faith in grace, and a right intention to become a new creature.