Authors/Joachim Morsius

Dedications, Prefaces, Postfaces

• Dedicatory Letter, 1621-05, [Joachim Morsius] to Georg Schumacher; Latin (Source: BP.Drebbel.1621-02) (#5907)

from: Cornelis Drebbel, Tractatus duo, ed. Joachim Morsius, Hamburg: Heinrich Carstens, 1621

• Dedication, 16 July 1626, Joachim Morsius to Gerhard Culemann; Latin

Morsius informs Culemann about the publication of a Catalog of Manuscripts, which Culemann had previously shown interest in during Morsius's visit to Rensburg. The catalog has been printed to facilitate its distribution among advisors and booksellers of Christian Kings and Princes, hoping to inspire generous patrons and diligent printers to publish such esteemed and valuable works. Morsius expresses a wish that rulers would redirect their resources from supporting aggressive and destructive military forces to fostering the pursuit of Theosophy, which battles against ignorance and impiety in the world. He contrasts two types of soldiers: those serving worldly kings through physical warfare and those engaged in spiritual warfare under divine guidance. The former are driven by various passions and desires, while the latter have renounced vices and live virtuously. Worldly soldiers seek personal glory and material gain, whereas spiritual soldiers aspire for eternal rewards and serve the common good. The text further elaborates on the characteristics of these two types of soldiers, emphasizing the inner stability and righteousness of spiritual warriors, regardless of external circumstances. Morsius highlights the importance of rulers who, guided by divine wisdom, can govern justly and equitably. He prays for the prosperity and well-being of the Danish and Holstein families and asks Culemann to commend his studies and endeavors to God.

Letters

• Letter, no date, Joachim Morsius to the Rosicrucians; Latin (Source: BP.Morsius.1619-13)

The letter is a deeply introspective and respectful communication to a group of wise men, whose writings he has recently discovered and studied with great diligence. The author, feeling divinely inspired, expresses his profound admiration for their wisdom and seeks their guidance. He reveals his background as a young man of about twenty years from Holstein, lacking extensive education but possessing a strong desire for knowledge and virtue. The author describes his life philosophy, which includes a commitment to the public good, a disdain for material wealth, and a pursuit of inner truth and virtue. He has chosen Theosophy as his guiding principle and hopes to align his life with its teachings. Despite his modest background and fortunes, he aspires to a life of intellectual and spiritual fulfillment, transcending his circumstances. The author expresses a readiness to meet and learn from these wise men, showing a willingness to embrace whatever life brings, guided by principles rather than personal desires. He concludes by affirming his disdain for the scorn of the uneducated and his dedication to living a life of honor, hoping for a response and keeping the wise men in his prayers.