A compendious view of the grounds of the Teutonick philosophy : with considerations by way of enquiry into the subject matter and scope of the writings of Jacob Behmen, commonly called, the Teutonick philosopher : also several extracts from his writings and some words used by him explained

54 What kind of Principle eternal Nature is. this miftake is, that Behmen js not well underftood, for fometimes he fpeaks of eternal Nature in its ftate of original purity, and prefently after fpeaks of ir, with reference to its fallen ftate, and this not being fufficiently diftinguifhed by unwary readers, makes them conclude that Jacob Behmen makes eternal Nature in its original purity to be the ground of evil; whereas it is indeed contrary to the whole fcope of his writings. Behmen was very fenfible that many would be apt thus to miftake his writings, which made him fay that there \ wes a veil upon bis writings which would hinder all thofe who were not born again, | from having a right underftaending cf them. Jacob Behmen, whenfoever he attributes to eternal Nature the ground of evil, he confiders it in its fallen ftate, as it became infected by the fall of Lucifer, in the hellifh principle, and therein I do fully agree with him; but I am here {peaking of eternal Naturé in its pure undefiled ftate, as it came out of the hands of God.

Obje&. You may fay that darknefs is an evil eflence: but how can that be evil,

Which is the caule of the light ? Sol,