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

xxii The Epiror to the Reaper,

fure by the veffel, fubje& to fo many flaws and frailties? How unworthy is it to afcribe the excellency of that power to ourfelves, which belongs wholly to God? SureI am, itis not the vefiel that makes us rich, but the treafure which is in the veffel.

Thus again, the fame apoftle fpeak- ing of the fame thing, tells us, « The ‘** kingdom of God is not in word but ‘¢ in power.” 1 Cor. iv. 20. This kingdom confifts not in the excellency of our notions and apprehenfions, of eur words and expreflions concerning fpititual things; but in the inward, life, power, and fpirit, that is to change the whole man in the faith and love which is in Jefus Chrift ; into one image of glory. Spiritual knowledge is not a notional, but a real and practical thing. Divine truth is better underftood, as it opens and unfolds itfelf in the holy and heavenly mind, and life of a fincere man, than by all the fyftems of

divinity, and good books in the world. ce God