Human Figures, &c.

A focused mind can dwell on the imaginative thoughts of intelligence for so long until it is fully illuminated by the light of truths; and that which one wishes to comprehend is first understood without the mixture of other images, viewed simply and purely by oneself; so that one does not easily stray from the path. Therefore, we also believe that by following this path, we can become reasonably wise. As Solomon said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, because it teaches us to view God, the source of truths, without the impediment of personal desires. (We must not consider the word 'fear' in a narrow or negative sense here; rather, we should perceive it broadly and fully as the nature of God's perfect qualities.) This will reveal why a human, whose spirit or conscience is aware of many sins, trembles before God's holiness and seeks to hide, striving to choose an adorned form of worship, whereby God cannot reveal Himself as he truly is; yet He does so when one deems their wrong inclinations as beneficial. This is the first source of all error. For there are very few people who align themselves through reason, thought, ambition, or upbringing, examples or in another way according to some preconceived judgment; and also according to some religion: This is why many of these individuals depend solely on the teachings of others, making it impossible for them to avoid straying.

How one could avoid straying from errors.

Origin of all Errors.

Translation Notes:
'Mensch-beelden' translates to 'Human Figures'.
'Vreese des Heeren' is translated to 'fear of the Lord', referring to reverence rather than fear.
'Dwaling' is translated to 'error'.