CHAPTER I

WHEREFORE THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN

Certain of my friends have desired and besought
me, that I should show and make plain in a few
words and according to my best cunning, shortly
and clearly, how I understand and feel the truth of
all the highest teachings that I have written before ;
so that none should take offence at my words, but
everyone should profit by them. And this I willingly
consent to do. I will, with God's help, teach the
humble who love virtue and truth ; and, with the
same words, I shall inwardly vex and darken the
false and the proud : for to these inj' words will be
displeasing and contrary, and this the proud cannot
endure, but it provokes them to anger.
CHAPTER n

A SHORT REPETITION OF ALL THE HIGHEST TEACHINGS
WRITTEN BY THE AUTHOR

Behold, I have said this : that the contemplative
lover of God is united with God through means, and
also without means, and thirdly, without difference
or distinction ; and this I find in nature, and in grace.
The Book of Supreme Truth 227

and also in glory. Further I have said tliat never
creature may be or become so holy that it loses its
created being and becomes God ; even the soul of
our Lord Jesus Christ shall ever remain creature, and
other than God. Yet, none the less, we must all be
lifted up above ourselves into God, and become one
spirit with God in love ; and then we shall be blessed.
And therefore mark my words and my meaning,
and understand me aright as to what is the condition
and the way to our eternal blessedness.
