tribute to it. To
Behmen's Works this mode of printing seems especially appropriate. In
our now too literary language, many words have become so trite and
carelessly used that they have almost ceased to have reference to real
existing things. But Behmen never uses words in this merely literary
way, being indeed in nowise a man of letters. It might have been said of
him, as indeed his enemies did at the time say, that which was said by
the Jews of our Lord, "How knoweth this man letters having never
learned?" When he speaks of the "_glory_" of God, he means something as
real as if he spoke of the "_leaves_ on that tree," and so with all his
words. I was therefore somewhat inclined, in order to mark this, to
adhere altogether to the old custom in this case, and though I have not
done so, fearing it might annoy the eye of the unaccustomed reader, I
have preserved the capital letters in many cases, where it is especially
desirable to dwell on the expression of real existences by the words. It
is of course an illogical compromise between two customs.

The title "Supersensual Life" is not altogether a good one, but it is
that which is used in former editions of Behmen. The idea is rather of
Life behind, than above, the life of sense.

_Sentences Selected from Jacob Behmen's Treatises "Regeneration" and
"Christ's Testaments"_

1

A true Christian, who is born anew of the Spirit of Christ, is in the
simplicity of Christ, and hath no strife or contention with any man
about religion.

2

The Christendom that is in Babel striveth about the manner how men ought
to serve God and glorify him; also, how they are to know him, and what
he is in his Essence and Will. And they preach positively that whosoever
is not one and the same with them in every particular of knowledge and
opinion, is no Christian, but a heretic.

3

But a Christian is of no sect. He can dwell in the midst of sects, and
appear in their services, without being attached or bound to any. He
hath but one knowledge, and that is, Christ in him. He seeketh but one
way, which is the desire always to do and teach that which is right;
and he putteth all his knowing and willing into the Life of Christ. He
sigheth and wisheth continually that the Will of God might be done in
him, and that his Kingdom might be manifested in him. His faith is a
desire after God and Goodness, which he wrappeth up in a sure hope,
trusting to the words of the promise, and live