XL. questions concerning the soule·: Propounded by Dr. Balthasar Walter· And answered, by Jacob Behmen. Aliàs Teutonicus Philosophus. And in his answer to the first question is the turned eye, or, philosophick globe. (Which in it selfe containeth all mysteries) with an exposition of it. VVritten in the Germane language. Anno. 1620.

The three and twentieth Question. Whether doe the Soules of the wicked, without difference, (for so long a time before the Day of Judgement) feele any ease, or Refreshment?

1. A Thing whîch goeth into an Eternall Entrance, is also in the Eter∣nall End; who can put any thing into his hand that is a far off, and not present where it is to be done? he must give it onely into his hand that is by, to receive it: And that thing, which with its will is gone forth out of it selfe, can receive nothing within it selfe, because it desireth nothing within it selfe.

2. Thus it is with the wicked, in this world: he is gone with his will out of himselfe into Covetousnesse, Pride and pleasure, into vices, gormandizing, tipling and whoring, also into Gluttony: his will is continually bent to dispise the poore; in scorne and disgrace to plague the poore, and to tread him downe by Authority.

3. He hath corrupted Judgement with lies and bribes, and con∣tinually swallowed downe unrighteousnesse as a Cow drinketh water; all that hath come from him hath beenl bitter Anger, which he pro∣secuted as farre as his power would reach: his will hath been meere wilfulnesse, he hath done what he listed; he hath danced after the Devills owne Pipe, and hath wholly entred into Covetousnesse; he hath accounted his money and meanes, his Treasure; and his will hath continually entred into it.

4. He hath never retired into himselfe, and sought after Love, much lesse humility; he hath esteemed the needy, as his footstoole, he hath crushed him under without measure: he hath counted it his Art and wit, when he hath been able thus to gripe and over-reach the simple; and deprive him of his labour.

5. He hath supposed, that he had found out the finest policy, whom could contrive his businesse so sure, that he might doe what he li∣sted, then he thought himselfe very cunning, and that he had great Wisdome.

6. All this, yea, and much more he hath conceived in his will, and therewith the Image of the Spirit of the soule hath been filled, and all this standeth in his figure; and when ever the bodyn dieth, then the Turba layeth hold of this in the Spirit.

7. And then if the Spirit would faine enter into it selfe, the Turba goeth with it, and seeketh the ground, viz. the Roote of the soule, and so the fire is buto kindled by it.

8. And you must know, that the soules of the wicked have no ease, their best ease and joy is when they climbe up in the will, in theirp workes which they did here, and continually desire to doe them more still: it grieveth them that they did not afflict the honest more then they did; their will is just so as it was here.

9. They are Spirits of Pride, like the Devill, a Covetous devou∣ring Spirit, which devoureth their abominations which they com∣mitted here: their joy is onely to thinke how they will contemne God, and be their owne Lords, this is their recreation and refresh∣ing, and no other.

10. For, how should they receive any other refreshing? when they dare not for shame lift up their eyes to God, nor dare they flie to the Saints, whom they have here scorned; they are ashamed to doe that, for their falshood continually smiteth them on the face, and their malice and falshood boyleth up from Eternity to Eternity.

11. When but the least thought of the last Day, commeth into their mindes, then feare and horrour stirreth in them: they rather let that thought alone, and recreate themselves in haughtinesse.

12. And this is also a Wonder, and the greatest Wonder of All, that anq Angell should become such a furiousr Devill: and so the Power of Gods Anger commeth to be manifest in God: for God hath manifested himselfe according to boths Eyes, in Love and Anger: and it is left free to Man, he may goe into which of them he will: God throweth none into wrath, the soule casteth it selfe into it.

13. But you must know, that the wrath hath set itst throat wide open, and draweth mightily, and desireth to devoure All; for it is the Covetousnesse, and the Pride insulting over humility.

14. And so also Love and Humility have opened their Mouth; and draw with all their Powers, and would draw Man into Love, into Heaven.

15. Now into which of these the soule entreth, in that it remai∣neth and groweth, whether in Love or in Anger; In that Tree it standeth, and there is no Deliverance in Eternity from thence: here in this Life the soule stands in a Balance in the Angle, and may (though it have been evill) be borne againe in Love; but when the Angle breaketh then it is gone: it is afterwards in its owne Coun∣try, in its Principle.

16. Who shall breake that which is Eternall, where no breaker can be found? for it is its own Maker; whence then shall another Turba come, when a thing is in the Eternity where no Limit is.

17. But that you may see for all this, that God willeth not evill: He

maketh his will knowne unto you; He sendeth you Prophets and teachers, and giveth them his Spirit, that they may give you war∣ning: Now if you refuse to obey; then you stay still willingly in the Anger, which is youru wages and Kingdome.

18. Godx afflicteth you, to breake you off from your owne will, from your voluptuous proud, and dissolute Life! But if you goe on, you shall hereafter surely taste the hellish Dregs.

19. Wee teach you the Crosse: and the Devill teacheth you plea∣sure: Now you may take which you will, you shall have it, be it Love, or wrath.

20. We labour for you, but you contemne us: what should wee doe more for you; we are even your very slaves; if you will not ac∣cept us, be it at your perill, and get you gone with that which is your owne, and we will take that which is ours, and so wee are parted for ever.

21. Wee will neverthelesse worke in our Day-labour, and doe what is commanded us: at the Harvest we shall appeare before one another, and then you will know us, and doe that to your selves there, which you have here done to us: we will not hide this from you, but tell you what we see.

Notes

• l

  Or cruell.
• m

  Had gotten an Office.
• n

  Or returnes to Earth.
• o

  Inflamed.
• p

  Employment, or Office.
• q

  Or an Image of Love.
• r

  Or mad sense∣lesse Image of Anger, and wrath.
• s

  The Eye of Love, and the Eye of wrath.
• t

  Or Jawes.
• u

  Dwelling, or Prison.
• x

  Sends you Crosses.