alkahe_v some_o ignorant_a boaster_n that_o neither_o know_v the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o have_v teach_v that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o same_o shall_v so_o far_o show_v their_o difference_n that_o no_o tyro_n but_o may_v effectual_o distinguish_v they_o in_o his_o theory_n know_v therefore_o and_o note_v well_o this_o short_a distinction_n there_o be_v no_o affinity_n between_o they_o either_o in_o matter_n or_o operation_n they_o differ_v in_o matter_n as_o much_o as_o one_o species_n do_v from_o another_o the_o one_o be_v metalline_a the_o other_o saline_n they_o differ_v in_o their_o operation_n as_o much_o as_o love_n and_o wrath_n the_o one_o in_o love_n preserve_v the_o other_o in_o wrath_n destroy_v life_n and_o motion_n i_o can_v but_o admire_v notwithstanding_o the_o real_a care_n and_o great_a labour_n of_o many_o know_v and_o candid_a philosopher_n to_o prevent_v error_n in_o admonish_v the_o studious_a to_o beware_v of_o subtlety_n sequester_v the_o art_n from_o the_o 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in_o perpetual_a labour_n lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o this_o world_n and_o spend_v his_o life_n in_o sorrow_n without_o any_o benesit_fw-la or_o reward_n i_o will_v add_v my_o own_o opinion_n their_o reward_n be_v just_a who_o provoke_v god_n endeavour_v to_o force_v nature_n abuse_v the_o adept_n and_o abound_v in_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n therefore_o as_o many_o as_o expect_v better_a fare_n let_v they_o seek_v right_o first_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o know_v your_o heart_n to_o be_v purge_v from_o impurity_n and_o faith_n to_o have_v possession_n by_o which_o you_o may_v attain_v to_o virtue_n then_o pursue_v knowledge_n also_o be_v sure_a to_o attempt_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o with_o great_a respect_n acknowledge_v the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o the_o adept_v brother_n that_o have_v communicate_v their_o experience_n and_o hint_v the_o way_n then_o pursue_v our_o diana_n with_o great_a industry_n who_o beauty_n be_v singular_a and_o quality_n excellent_a she_o be_v more_o fair_a more_o grave_a and_o yet_o lively_a and_o more_o fit_a for_o generation_n then_o any_o other_o marry_v she_o to_o the_o sun_n and_o their_o offspring_n shall_v be_v your_o reward_n and_o for_o your_o instruction_n know_v and_o note_v it_o well_o that_o our_o water_n or_o mercury_n be_v a_o compound-simple_a compound_v in_o respect_n to_o quality_n simple_a in_o respect_n to_o matter_n and_o homogeneity_n the_o matter_n be_v watery_a the_o quality_n fiery_n which_o be_v reconcile_v by_o air_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o element_n but_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n thus_o the_o matter_n be_v mercurial_a the_o quality_n sulphureous_a reconcile_v by_o salt_n which_o also_o may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v call_v the_o water_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n or_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n take_v it_o either_o way_n but_o be_v sure_a to_o understand_v they_o scientificial_o or_o practical_o the_o necessity_n of_o which_o learn_v from_o this_o follow_a discovery_n salt_n prepare_v sulphur_n salt_n and_o sulphur_n prepare_v mercury_n mercury_n preserve_v they_o so_o that_o without_o salt_n sulphur_n can_v be_v prepare_v or_o set_v at_o liberty_n from_o his_o prison_n it_o be_v the_o only_a key_n thereto_o without_o salt_n and_o sulphur_n mercury_n can_v be_v qualify_v and_o without_o mercury_n salt_n and_o sulphur_n can_v effect_v nothing_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a vessel_n or_o matrix_fw-la but_o be_v sure_a all_o be_v homogeneal_a or_o the_o mercurial_a simplicity_n will_v be_v impossible_a therefore_o make_v the_o latter_a judge_n of_o the_o two_o former_a for_o all_o metaline_a thing_n be_v try_v in_o a_o mercurial_a balance_n first_o learn_v these_o thing_n theoretical_o and_o see_v the_o same_o confirm_v by_o many_o philosopher_n before_o you_o enter_v upon_o practice_n this_o be_v safe_a and_o delightful_a and_o then_o although_o error_n shall_v happen_v which_o expect_n yet_o be_v support_v by_o a_o true_a theory_n they_o will_v instruct_v but_o till_o then_o confound_v and_o distract_v believe_v i_o and_o take_v this_o candid_a advice_n therefore_o as_o many_o as_o set_v about_o this_o work_n let_v they_o first_o know_v what_o they_o seek_v and_o what_o they_o will_v effect_v it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o be_v capable_a to_o inform_v matter_n and_o that_o in_o a_o instant_n consider_v who_o it_o imitate_v do_v not_o our_o lord_n effect_v this_o at_o the_o marriage_n in_o canaan_n on_o the_o water_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o wine_n think_v not_o therefore_o it_o be_v attain_v without_o a_o blessing_n from_o he_o profound_a meditation_n herculean_a labour_n and_o cost_n diligent_o therefore_o attend_v and_o note_v well_o what_o i_o say_v matter_n be_v inform_v by_o light_n of_o which_o matter_n and_o form_n all_o create_v concret_o consist_v light_n be_v the_o form_n in_o all_o concretes_n and_o life_n of_o all_o being_n which_o light_n be_v ineffable_a &_o not_o know_v abstract_a from_o matter_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o most_o beautiful_a creature_n either_o humane_a or_o other_o as_o also_o in_o the_o curious_a flower_n of_o the_o earth_n how_o through_o the_o withdraw_n of_o a_o invisible_a fire_n or_o spirit_n they_o become_v dead_a opake_v and_o fit_a only_o for_o corruption_n that_o nature_n may_v again_o react_v and_o communicate_v form_n such_o be_v her_o viscissitude_n but_o she_o also_o have_v her_o darling_n and_o last_o perfection_n wherein_o she_o have_v firm_o unite_v form_n with_o pure_a matter_n yea_o so_o firm_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o art_n she_o can_v hardly_o alter_v the_o same_o and_o see_v the_o perfection_n of_o matter_n be_v form_n why_o shall_v any_o studious_a in_o philosophy_n neglect_v to_o contemplate_v the_o perfection_n of_o gold_n which_o be_v thus_o perfect_v by_o nature_n and_o true_o if_o its_o permanancy_n and_o beauty_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o captivate_v his_o thought_n and_o hand_n from_o work_v on_o thing_n impure_a and_o fade_a i_o must_v tell_v he_o his_o offspring_n will_v not_o be_v long_o live_v for_o such_o as_o the_o tree_n be_v such_o be_v the_o fruit_n such_o as_o the_o father_n be_v such_o be_v the_o son_n this_o form_n be_v call_v sulphur_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a light_n and_o in_o his_o dialogue_n thereof_o thus_o write_v he_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o a_o thousand_o thing_n he_o know_v how_o to_o make_v metal_n better_o and_o correct_v mineral_n and_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o teach_v animal_n understanding_n know_v how_o to_o make_v all_o kind_n of_o flower_n in_o herb_n and_o tree_n and_o be_v chief_a over_o they_o corrupt_v the_o air_n which_o he_o amend_v again_o he_o be_v maker_n of_o all_o odour_n and_o painter_n of_o all_o colour_n again_o know_v that_o sulphur_n be_v the_o virtue_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o let_v the_o studious_a in_o alchemy_n open_v their_o eye_n and_o behold_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o proclaim_v
philadelphia_n or_o brotherly_a love_n to_o the_o studious_a in_o the_o hermetick_n art_fw-la wherein_o be_v discover_v the_o principle_n of_o hermetick_n philosophy_n with_o much_o candour_n and_o plainness_n write_a by_o eyreneus_n philoctetes_n and_o god_n say_v let_v the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o grass_n the_o herb_n yield_v seed_n and_o the_o fruit_n tree_n yield_v fruit_n after_o its_o kind_n who_o seed_n be_v in_o itself_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v so_o gen_n 1_o 11._o if_o thou_o do_v desire_v to_o exalt_v a_o thing_n beyond_o what_o nature_n have_v do_v consider_v well_o in_o what_o and_o by_o what_o it_o be_v better_v and_o let_v it_o always_o be_v do_v in_o its_o own_o kind_n sendivo_fw-la trea._n 1._o print_v and_o sell_v by_o t._n sowle_n at_o the_o crooked_a billet_n in_o holy-well-lane_n in_o shoreditch_n 1694._o to_o the_o studious_a reader_n in_o make_v the_o follow_a tract_n and_o letter_n in_o which_o it_o be_v enclose_v that_o precede_v it_o thou_o thy_o obligation_n to_o i_o will_v bear_v some_o proportion_n with_o i_o to_o my_o friend_n that_o communicate_v they_o neither_o art_n thou_o excusable_a without_o a_o degree_n of_o acknowledgement_n to_o he_o also_o for_o doubtless_o next_o to_o the_o author_n of_o such_o tract_n our_o obligation_n be_v great_a to_o the_o publisher_n and_o communicator_n for_o indeed_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v some_o ignoble_a mind_n who_o when_o such_o tract_n have_v fall_v into_o their_o hand_n have_v presume_v to_o censure_v the_o world_n not_o worthy_a the_o same_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o author_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v confine_v their_o love_n and_o candour_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v to_o their_o own_o private_a closet_n who_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o want_v to_o accuse_v the_o philosopher_n of_o envy_n in_o conceal_v the_o matter_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o art_n whilst_o they_o manifest_v their_o own_o to_o the_o studious_a in_o that_o which_o be_v less_o i_o can_v reflect_v on_o the_o complaint_n of_o a_o modern_a and_o candid_a author_n without_o a_o indignation_n to_o the_o practice_n who_o after_o he_o have_v write_v a_o enchyridion_n of_o experiment_n together_o with_o a_o diurnal_a of_o meditation_n wherein_o be_v many_o philosophical_a receipt_n declare_v the_o whole_a secret_n etc._n etc._n it_o fall_v into_o such_o hand_n he_o conceive_v will_v never_o restore_v it_o no_o less_o happenned_a to_o the_o comment_n on_o sir_n george_n ripleys_n last_o six_o gate_n this_o very_a unworthy_a a_o generous_a mind_n and_o very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o studious_a as_o well_o as_o discourage_v to_o the_o author_n let_v therefore_o such_o possess_v ignorance_n with_o their_o envy_n want_v of_o ability_n with_o their_o ingratitude_n whilst_o the_o generous_a grateful_a and_o abhorrer_n of_o such_o practice_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o such_o candour_n and_o help_v even_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o their_o heart_n desire_v for_o i_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o author_n of_o philadelphia_n will_v be_v a_o presumption_n since_o he_o have_v choose_v secrecy_n nor_o of_o the_o tract_n itself_o since_o thou_o may_v think_v it_o surmount_v my_o understanding_n therefore_o i_o prefer_v its_o self_n to_o any_o thing_n of_o i_o to_o proclaim_v its_o author_n praise_n as_o well_o as_o ability_n and_o candour_n know_v it_o be_v too_o common_a for_o publisher_n to_o presume_v to_o comment_v on_o that_o they_o understand_v not_o by_o which_o the_o reader_n be_v abuse_v and_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o ambition_n discover_v if_o not_o to_o every_o reader_n yet_o to_o many_o and_o to_o every_o master_n at_o least_o for_o my_o part_n rather_o than_o spend_v time_n and_o paper_n to_o no_o more_o purpose_n either_o to_o my_o self_n or_o reader_n in_o such_o commentation_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o better_o spend_v in_o humility_n to_o address_v the_o sage_n of_o our_o time_n that_o they_o themselves_o will_v be_v please_v to_o illustrate_v the_o obscure_a part_n of_o medical_n practice_n to_o the_o young_a and_o laborious_a student_n in_o the_o physical_a art_n no_o doubt_v but_o some_o such_o there_o be_v who_o nature_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o crack_n of_o the_o shell_n through_o great_a labour_n and_o study_n though_o stripling_n to_o who_o a_o help_a hand_n will_v prove_v acceptable_a which_o may_v conduct_v they_o by_o the_o near_a way_n to_o the_o centre_n who_o will_v it_o serve_v and_o what_o will_v it_o merit_v if_o the_o production_n of_o their_o red_a lead_n and_o reductioon_o into_o potability_n be_v familiar_o teach_v though_o the_o first_o water_n and_o its_o preparation_n be_v whole_o conceal_v will_v not_o the_o sick_a be_v help_v and_o the_o happy_a attainer_n of_o the_o first_o water_n be_v make_v early_o serviceable_a also_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o peculiar_a operation_n that_o be_v partly_o mechanical_a on_o the_o universal_a mercury_n will_v make_v the_o possessor_n capable_a of_o spend_v his_o time_n and_o matter_n to_o a_o more_o early_a advantage_n and_o further_a step_n in_o practice_n few_o arrive_v here_o without_o a_o sufficient_a share_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o both_o to_o entitle_v they_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o help_n these_o together_o with_o the_o arbour_n aquavitae_fw-la or_o permissible_a oil_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o joy_n and_o reward_n of_o every_o adeptist_n and_o desire_v of_o the_o least_o attainer_n no_o less_o profitable_a to_o the_o attainer_n of_o principle_n will_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o high_o serviceable_a and_o much_o desire_a liquor_n by_o the_o physical_a and_o sedulous_a student_n which_o crown_v paracelsus_n and_o give_v honour_n to_o helmont_n in_o the_o cure_n of_o disease_n who_o practice_n be_v assert_v and_o no_o doubt_n true_o by_o a_o know_a master_n to_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o difficult_a than_o the_o elixir_n itself_o what_o reader_n if_o i_o show_v thou_o my_o opinion_n wherein_o not_o as_o one_o know_v but_o desirous_a to_o learn_v and_o with_o submission_n to_o correction_n if_o my_o conception_n be_v wrong_a the_o elixir_n be_v produce_v natural_o and_o by_o natural_a principle_n therefore_o the_o difficulty_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o attainment_n of_o principle_n rather_o than_o practice_n which_o be_v artificial_a to_o find_v but_o the_o alkahe_a be_v produce_v artificial_o or_o mechanical_o from_o natural_a principle_n and_o art_n be_v more_o intricate_a than_o nature_n for_o she_o be_v true_a plain_a patient_a constant_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o artist_n more_o inconstant_a impatient_a and_o consequent_o irregular_a must_v necessary_o be_v more_o subject_a to_o err_v and_o consequent_o the_o more_o difficult_a to_o effect_v be_v in_o all_o natural_a production_n though_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o help_v must_v go_v nature_n pace_n and_o way_n or_o else_o more_o injurious_a than_o helpful_a but_o in_o artificial_o a_o great_a latitude_n be_v give_v to_o the_o artist_n to_o vary_v many_o way_n as_o seem_v most_o proper_a to_o every_o one_o cogitation_n a_o example_n we_o may_v find_v in_o this_o art_n in_o its_o help_n to_o nature_n in_o the_o production_n of_o a_o herb_n tree_n or_o flower_n be_v oblige_v to_o nature_n pace_n and_o way_n without_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n only_o prevent_v accident_n and_o extreme_n of_o heat_n and_o cold_a but_o art_n in_o the_o mannual_a or_o mechanical_a separation_n and_o union_n of_o the_o natural_a principle_n viz._n spirit_n oil_n and_o salt_n which_o indeed_o be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n all_o one_o but_o diversisy_v by_o art_n for_o the_o more_o spirit_n the_o less_o oil_n and_o salt_n yea_o they_o both_o may_v be_v make_v spirit_n too_o so_o also_o the_o more_o oil_n the_o less_o spirit_n and_o salt_n and_o the_o more_o salt_n the_o less_o spirit_n or_o oil_n for_o indeed_o they_o be_v convertable_a of_o that_o herb_n or_o flower_n be_v certain_o leave_v to_o a_o wide_a field_n of_o practice_n and_o seem_a probability_n whereby_o the_o artist_n be_v abundant_o more_o liable_a to_o err_v in_o short_a i_o can_v find_v many_o artificial_a way_n to_o destroy_v a_o natural_a life_n but_o but_o one_o way_n to_o manifest_v or_o maintain_v it_o which_o be_v according_a to_o nature_n own_o procedure_v no_o other_o thus_o reader_n accept_v my_o love_n both_o in_o show_v my_o opinion_n and_o solicit_v help_n for_o the_o studious_a and_o lest_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v chargeable_a with_o folly_n and_o the_o last_o with_o boldness_n by_o those_o i_o so_o much_o value_n i_o take_v leave_n to_o conceal_v my_o name_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v their_o dipleasure_n may_v fall_v more_o general_a on_o the_o studious_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o make_v the_o attempt_n who_o be_o a_o real_a admirer_n of_o divine_a and_o natural_a verity_n a_o lover_n of_o god_n my_o neighbour_n and_o enemy_n philomathes_n to_o
his_o respect_a and_o worthy_a friend_n thy_o early_a love_n to_o hermetick_n philosophy_n sincere_a respect_n to_o the_o master_n of_o it_o and_o long_a perseverance_n in_o the_o study_n be_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o communicate_v what_o may_v fall_v into_o my_o hand_n that_o be_v rare_a and_o valuable_a though_o the_o obligation_n of_o friendship_n be_v less_o numerous_a the_o enclose_v manuscript_n i_o have_v have_v by_o i_o for_o some_o time_n but_o for_o some_o reason_n can_v not_o communicate_v it_o so_o soon_o as_o my_o respect_n to_o thy_o self_n and_o it_o will_v have_v prompt_v i_o i_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o hear_v of_o many_o copy_n therefore_o for_o its_o novelty_n may_v presume_v and_o for_o its_o worth_n speak_v what_o i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o compendious_a and_o plain_a theory_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n in_o general_a and_o of_o hermetick_n practice_n in_o particular_a not_o fantastical_o talk_v of_o but_o fundamental_o evince_v from_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o and_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n full_o manifest_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a through_o the_o uniformity_n and_o regularity_n of_o nature_n action_n in_o the_o production_n of_o the_o several_a species_n of_o natural_a and_o perfect_a body_n for_o the_o author_n i_o shall_v nor_o presume_v to_o give_v any_o judgement_n since_o he_o be_v please_v to_o conceal_v his_o name_n and_o circumstance_n &_o there_o by_o lie_n obscure_a the_o practice_n of_o hermetick_n writer_n but_o this_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o his_o candour_n and_o brotherly_n love_n to_o the_o studious_a and_o religious_a stile_n entitle_v he_o to_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o his_o matter_n and_o method_n do_v to_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o school_n of_o hermes_n and_o nature_n whether_o he_o be_v old_a or_o young_a native_a or_o stranger_n and_o since_o he_o have_v be_v thus_o solicitous_a and_o even_o studious_a to_o prevent_v error_n in_o all_o and_o to_o direct_v the_o foot_n of_o the_o worthy_a in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n we_o must_v reasonable_o believe_v he_o have_v take_v the_o best_a method_n to_o effect_v it_o which_o be_v to_o inculcate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o true_a principle_n and_o possibility_n of_o nature_n and_o indeed_o i_o have_v long_o conceive_v the_o multitude_n of_o error_n in_o practice_n that_o have_v happen_v to_o the_o searcher_n of_o art_n have_v be_v most_o owe_a to_o the_o ignorance_n in_o principle_n and_o the_o want_n of_o a_o previous_a understanding_n in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nature_n no_o doubt_n have_v a_o law_n she_o can_v transgress_v let_v we_o therefore_o study_v to_o know_v that_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o attempt_v it_o neither_o art_n or_o accident_n may_v frustrate_v her_o end_n and_o cause_n abortion_n but_o neither_o carry_v she_o to_o or_o beyond_o her_o usual_a perfection_n but_o in_o her_o own_o way_n this_o small_a tract_n worthy_a friend_n concise_o teach_v what_o the_o fire_n and_o water_n or_o agent_n and_o patient_n that_o be_v active_a or_o live_a be_v how_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v live_v what_o their_o life_n and_o how_o understand_v and_o indeed_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o hermetick_n art_n very_o much_o illustrate_v thereby_o neither_o be_v it_o barren_a of_o so_o much_o divinity_n and_o some_o peculiar_a hint_n that_o may_v afford_v pleasure_n and_o profit_n to_o one_o so_o intent_n thereon_o as_o become_v so_o deep_a philosophy_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o shadow_n of_o divinity_n or_o young_a sister_n and_o indeed_o i_o can_v wish_v the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n work_n in_o nature_n be_v less_o omit_v by_o the_o christian_a professor_n of_o our_o age_n and_o the_o lucre_n of_o gain_n more_o see_v it_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o self_n every_o way_n except_o our_o satisfaction_n be_v in_o much_o riches_n and_o honour_n purchase_v with_o our_o most_o precious_a time_n and_o possess_v with_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n which_o be_v very_o short_a of_o the_o nobility_n of_o our_o intulect_n and_o end_n of_o creation_n and_o for_o which_o we_o must_v sure_o give_v a_o account_n be_v not_o the_o christian_a enable_v to_o ascribe_v the_o attribute_n of_o wisdom_n and_o power_n to_o god_n in_o the_o consideration_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o number_n and_o magnitude_n order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n as_o he_o be_v those_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o manifest_v the_o same_o word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v make_v to_o redeem_v and_o restore_v they_o the_o last_o absolute_o necessary_a the_o first_o altogether_o become_v and_o adorn_v a_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a mind_n and_o christian_a profession_n doubtless_o the_o natural_a and_o mechanic_n knowledge_n acquire_v by_o solomon_n no_o way_n unfit_a but_o qualify_v he_o for_o a_o divine_a who_o when_o he_o have_v erect_v that_o glorious_a edifice_n and_o beautify_v it_o with_o the_o choice_a product_n of_o nature_n and_o art_n as_o a_o naturalist_n and_o mechanic_n dedicate_v the_o same_o in_o great_a wisdom_n as_o a_o divine_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o psalmist_n no_o less_o fill_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n that_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o creation_n which_o even_o compel_v he_o to_o celebrate_v the_o same_o almost_o continual_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o less_o be_v to_o be_v think_v than_o that_o a_o mind_n thus_o possess_v with_o admiration_n shall_v continual_o fear_v so_o great_a love_v so_o good_a and_o adore_v so_o glorious_a a_o be_v incomprehensible_a power_n and_o majesty_n neither_o have_v indeed_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o follower_n of_o christ_n fall_v short_a but_o rather_o excel_v in_o this_o and_o true_o respect_a friend_n the_o character_n of_o nature_n be_v preferable_a to_o those_o of_o man_n since_o they_o be_v god_n and_o such_o our_o lord_n himself_o choose_v to_o show_v forth_o the_o great_a mystery_n by_o therefore_o if_o ignorant_a of_o they_o how_o shall_v we_o understand_v his_o sermon_n and_o doctrine_n aright_o much_o may_v be_v say_v but_o in_o as_o much_o worthy_a friend_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o argument_n to_o covince_n though_o this_o may_v encourage_v one_o so_o full_o satisfy_v of_o its_o utility_n innocency_n and_o profit_n to_o prosecute_v the_o same_o with_o diligence_n &_o judgement_n and_o to_o prefer_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a and_o unbecoming_a practice_n of_o our_o age_n that_o solicit_v nothing_o but_o gain_n or_o greatness_n and_o miserable_o live_v in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n greatness_n and_o wisdom_n love_n and_o mercy_n make_v manifest_a in_o his_o creation_n and_o its_o redemption_n but_o lest_o i_o shall_v transgress_v my_o intend_a limit_n and_o detain_v too_o long_o from_o the_o enclose_v i_o shall_v refer_v what_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v here_o offer_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o secret_a art_n of_o hermes_n to_o another_o opportunity_n more_o convenient_a and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n continue_v to_o desire_v thy_o prosperity_n and_o happiness_n every_o way_n as_o i_o have_v hitherto_o do_v who_o be_o thy_o friend_n in_o sincerity_n and_o affection_n philetaeros_fw-la philadelphia_n or_o brotherly_a love_n to_o the_o studious_a in_o the_o hermetick_n art_fw-la it_o be_v real_a matter_n of_o lamentation_n to_o see_v so_o many_o press_n after_o knowledge_n and_o so_o few_o take_v the_o right_a path_n or_o make_v a_o true_a estimation_n thereof_o i_o can_v indeed_o make_v know_v my_o zeal_n on_o this_o occasion_n with_o pleasure_n do_v i_o not_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o most_o that_o be_v studious_a in_o this_o science_n pass_v over_o such_o line_n with_o impatience_n and_o great_a neglect_n for_o their_o mind_n be_v solicitous_a only_o about_o the_o practice_n of_o alchemy_n they_o reject_v almost_o every_o line_n that_o treat_v not_o thereof_o i_o must_v indeed_o confess_v that_o the_o arcanum_n of_o this_o art_n be_v not_o only_o defirable_a but_o true_o excellent_a and_o also_o that_o thereby_o divine_a truth_n be_v adumbrate_v yet_o also_o do_v affirm_v it_o give_v not_o the_o possession_n thereof_o which_o be_v alone_o entail_v upon_o that_o divine_a excellency_n that_o never_o fail_v charity_n for_o sure_o whether_o there_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v or_o tongue_n they_o shall_v cease_v or_o knowledge_n it_o shall_v vanish_v away_o but_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o charity_n or_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n abide_v for_o ever_o therefore_o let_v i_o admonish_v the_o studious_a to_o pursue_v knowledge_n in_o the_o path_n thereof_o who_o then_o will_v make_v a_o true_a estimation_n and_o will_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o ultimate_a attainment_n but_o only_o a_o link_n of_o the_o divine_a chain_n and_o as_o
the_o effect_n according_a to_o the_o same_o philosopher_n this_o one_o skill_n perform_v the_o mastery_n of_o theory_n ennoble_v a_o philosopher_n and_o unfold_v to_o the_o knower_n all_o our_o secret_n by_o which_o all_o may_v know_v whether_o they_o conceive_v aright_o for_o all_o pretence_n or_o conceit_n of_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o that_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n be_v certain_o of_o no_o value_n and_o indeed_o the_o secret_a dove_n of_o our_o secret_a dyana_n be_v true_o remote_a from_o every_o vulgar_a eye_n her_o fountain_n and_o wood_n must_v first_o be_v know_v where_o they_o ascend_v and_o descend_v before_o you_o attempt_v to_o catch_v they_o seek_v then_o wise_o &_o when_o their_o nest_n be_v find_v enclose_v they_o with_o a_o transparent_a wall_n so_o high_a and_o close_o that_o they_o can_v escape_v by_o flight_n then_o stir_v they_o up_o but_o at_o first_o expect_v only_o the_o female_a who_o be_v more_o watchful_a than_o her_o mate_n but_o she_o will_v return_v and_o bring_v he_o also_o but_o know_v also_o that_o as_o art_n imitate_v nature_n so_o do_v manual_a and_o preparatory_a work_n bear_v great_a analogy_n with_o natural_a and_o perfect_a operation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v effect_v in_o the_o one_o mechanical_o be_v lively_o act_v in_o the_o other_o natural_o even_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o the_o artist_n therefore_o once_o more_o let_v i_o assure_v the_o ingenious_a that_o philosopher_n have_v so_o joint_o speak_v of_o these_o which_o alone_o cover_v our_o secret_n that_o a_o distinction_n can_v be_v make_v without_o profound_a meditation_n and_o segacious_a wit_n which_o no_o soon_o be_v perform_v but_o the_o mastery_n of_o theory_n be_v acquire_v but_o till_o this_o be_v attain_v all_o practice_n be_v uncertain_a and_o to_o be_v shun_v for_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a then_o to_o misinterpret_v and_o consequent_o misapply_v our_o say_n and_o although_o we_o do_v say_v and_o that_o true_o &_o proper_o distil_v sublime_a calcine_v putrify_v separate_a and_o reconjoyn_v the_o element_n etc._n etc._n yet_o also_o admonish_v that_o our_o operation_n be_v not_o vulgar_a but_o secret_a and_o true_o natural_a and_o prrform_v in_o one_o only_a vessel_n therefore_o let_v none_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o be_v persuade_v by_o roguish_a sophister_n which_o abound_v contrary_a to_o this_o and_o true_o as_o our_o operation_n be_v secret_a so_o be_v our_o agent_n by_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o without_o intermission_n to_o their_o end_n for_o as_o be_v say_v by_o a_o know_a master_n our_o instrument_n that_o bring_v the_o matter_n into_o motion_n in_o the_o first_o second_o and_o three_o work_n be_v not_o the_o fire_n of_o a_o bath_n nor_o dung_n nor_o ash_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o work_n three_o period_n or_o termination_n which_o be_v three_o calcination_n or_o fixation_n so_o likewise_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v effect_v by_o its_o proper_a agent_n every_o termination_n or_o fixation_n terminate_a the_o action_n of_o its_o agent_n have_v perform_v its_o work_n as_o one_o to_o kill_v another_o to_o make_v alive_a etc._n etc._n also_o these_o work_n differ_v in_o their_o perfection_n the_o first_o produce_v imperfect_a saturn_n black_a and_o foul_a the_o second_o perfect_a luna_n white_a and_o pure_a the_o three_o ripe_a sol_n red_a and_o permanent_a these_o thing_n be_v premise_v presume_v i_o may_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o our_o operation_n themselves_o without_o yield_v a_o occasion_n to_o any_o foolish_o to_o endeavour_v the_o same_o by_o any_o vulgar_a mean_n as_o many_o therefore_o as_o will_v attain_v the_o mastery_n of_o our_o universal_a mercury_n that_o do_v possess_v the_o virtue_n of_o superior_a and_o inferior_a which_o be_v the_o one_o only_a subject_a of_o our_o secret_n let_v they_o thus_o proceed_v r._n the_o venerable_a matter_n of_o philosopher_n call_v by_o many_o name_n adapt_v a_o fit_a vessel_n furnace_n and_o fire_n according_a to_o its_o necessity_n then_o proceed_v to_o calcination_n which_o open_v the_o pore_n of_o the_o body_n be_v effect_v by_o a_o moist_a fire_n or_o bath_n and_o not_o only_o preserve_v but_o increase_v radical_a or_o natural_a moisture_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o calx_fw-la be_v make_v unctuous_a and_o fit_a for_o dissolution_n hence_o may_v be_v learn_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o we_o for_o which_o of_o they_o that_o vulgar_o operate_v make_v calcination_n with_o a_o moist_a fire_n or_o reduce_v the_o body_n or_o calx_fw-la into_o atom_n as_o it_o be_v impalpable_a abound_v with_o humidity_n and_o therefore_o easy_o flow_v we_o exclude_v from_o hence_o all_o corrosive_a water_n and_o strange_a humidity_n which_o the_o ignorant_a call_v moist_a fire_n be_v altogether_o foreign_a to_o our_o intent_n putrify_v this_o calx_fw-la in_o a_o fire_n of_o wet_a ash_n for_o forty_o day_n and_o night_n but_o let_v the_o fire_n be_v such_o that_o nothing_o sublime_a then_o distil_v it_o gentle_o and_o according_a to_o hermes_n separate_v the_o subtle_a from_o the_o gross_a the_o water_n from_o the_o earth_n with_o great_a discretion_n and_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v a_o water_n of_o great_a force_n and_o value_n which_o we_o call_v virgin_n milk_n and_o whiten_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o bottom_n will_v reside_v a_o black_a earth_n which_o be_v call_v the_o earth_n that_o remain_v cohabate_v this_o water_n so_o often_o till_o leton_n be_v wash_v and_o also_o dissolve_v and_o become_v one_o inseparable_a with_o the_o water_n then_o be_v the_o whole_a compound_n turn_v into_o purity_n without_o any_o manual_a separation_n according_a to_o the_o philosopher_n he_o that_o separate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o subject_n think_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a know_v nothing_o in_o philosophy_n for_o that_o which_o be_v superfluous_a unclean_a silthy_a and_o feculent_a in_o sum_n the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v perfect_v into_o a_o fix_a spiritual_a body_n and_o this_o the_o wise_a man_n never_o reveal_v therefore_o few_o come_v to_o the_o art_n think_v that_o to_o be_v some_o such_o superfluous_a &_o unclean_a thing_n another_o also_o thus_o write_v wash_v away_o the_o blackness_n from_o leton_n not_o with_o thy_o hand_n but_o with_o the_o stone_n or_o fire_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o separation_n of_o the_o pure_a from_o the_o impure_a be_v not_o make_v with_o hand_n but_o nature_n herself_o alone_o by_o work_v it_o circular_o to_o perfection_n bring_v it_o to_o pass_v this_o operation_n be_v not_o only_o call_v separation_n but_o also_o conversion_n of_o element_n whereby_o the_o quadrangle_n be_v make_v a_o circle_n and_o all_o true_o conjoin_v which_o indeed_o be_v our_o so_o much_o conceal_v conjunction_n and_o subject_n of_o wonder_n which_o now_o have_v attain_v the_o superior_a and_o inferior_a virtue_n of_o which_o say_v pontanus_n hermes_n speak_v obscure_o hence_o forward_o the_o work_n be_v more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o reward_v bountiful_a if_o according_a to_o hermes_n it_o be_v make_v complete_a for_o vis_fw-la ejus_fw-la est_fw-la integra_fw-la si_fw-la versa_fw-la fuerit_fw-la in_o terram_fw-la but_o this_o operation_n of_o congealation_n be_v also_o natural_a which_o be_v effect_v without_o any_o imposition_n of_o hand_n therefore_o let_v all_o beware_v of_o any_o other_o pretence_n or_o endeavour_n contrary_a to_o this_o have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n already_o and_o provide_v against_o i_o understand_v these_o thing_n gross_o need_v say_v no_o more_o a_o word_n to_o the_o wise_a be_v sufficient_a yet_o for_o the_o further_a instruction_n of_o a_o tyro_n let_v i_o admonish_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o to_o gather_v grape_n off_o thorn_n nor_o figgs_n from_o thistle_n but_o employ_v their_o whole_a study_n to_o understand_v these_o thing_n radical_o for_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v every_o effect_n have_v its_o cause_n which_o cause_n be_v unknown_a the_o consequence_n will_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v such_o a_o effect_n will_v be_v unknown_a though_o the_o effect_n shall_v be_v actual_o see_v for_o what_o will_v any_o be_v the_o wise_a shall_v they_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o arcanum_n upon_o imperfect_a metal_n and_o not_o apprehend_v the_o cause_n they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o effect_v it_o then_o before_o hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o understand_v the_o generation_n of_o this_o secret_a and_o powerful_a agent_n in_o the_o radix_fw-la of_o its_o nativity_n have_v therefore_o a_o desire_n to_o benefit_v the_o studious_a have_v already_o show_v above_o that_o all_o generation_n be_v and_o indeed_o must_v be_v effect_v by_o a_o homogeneous_a agent_n and_o patient_n seed_n and_o matter_n betwixt_o which_o a_o ferment_n be_v beget_v through_o a_o special_a appetite_n in_o they_o and_o through_o this_o ferment_n a_o offspring_n be_v produce_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o seed_n etc._n etc._n shall_v for_o