Readers will find in this volume an introduction to life, times, and writings of Valentin Weigel (1533-1588), a German teacher and theologian who articulated a variant of the Protestant Reformation known as Spiritualism. Spiritualism refers to a form of dissent emphasizing spiritual or inner dependence from rules, ceremonies, and the visible or organized church. Offered here for the first time in English are a selection of Weigel`s most important and characteristic works. Together, these works present the heart of Weigel`s thought, which championed tolerance and individual conscience in an age of confessional hatred and religious war. Weigel`s writings are Spiritualist theory at its most accurate. They complete a missing chapter in the history of mystical literature and therefor be of supreme interest to those who study: --Philosopy --Theology --Reformation history