Preface vii 



its internal form externally, for the internal continually labours 

 or works itself forth to manifestation ; . . . therefore the 

 greatest understanding lies in the signature wherein man 

 (viz. the image of the greatest virtue) may not only learn to 

 know himself, but therein he may learn to know the essence 

 of all essences ; . . . the fiat of that essence forms the quality 

 of the essence in the voice or virtue which it sends forth." 



It will be at once pointed out that Jacob Boehme's words 

 may be taken in two opposite senses ; for the Essence of 

 which he speaks is elusive, and the Signatura Rerum may be 

 our old enemy (or disguised friend), Heredity. Who shall 

 decide ? Who will tell us whether there is any certain road 

 from the manifestation of the children of the drunkard and the 

 dissolute to the manifestation of the sons of God ? It is not 

 for me to frame the answer: all I have to do is to ask for 

 a proper scrutiny of the facts presented by Miss Thomson and 

 the conclusions which she suggests. 



RENDEL HARRIS. 



