the_o heaven_n earth_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o that_o be_v all_o this_o great_a world_n be_v like_o a_o embryo_n in_o the_o chaos_n whence_o none_o can_v have_v any_o light_n unless_o he_o consider_v the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o progress_n of_o its_o distinction_n and_o formation_n let_v we_o therefore_o first_o go_v to_o the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n that_o we_o may_v thence_o trace_v the_o rivulet_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o and_o know_v they_o and_o by_o example_n of_o form_n judge_v of_o thing_n form_v i_o say_v therefore_o that_o the_o prime_n and_o absolute_a creator_n who_o be_v as_o a_o point_n whence_o all_o proceed_v and_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n whence_o infinite_a rivulet_n issue_n have_v a_o nature_n proper_a and_o particular_a to_o himself_o which_o be_v to_o conserve_v as_o well_o as_o produce_v the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o good_a author_n to_o produce_v thing_n and_o when_o he_o have_v procreate_v they_o to_o conserve_v and_o defend_v they_o this_o first_o effect_n which_o be_v creation_n be_v a_o secret_a that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o but_o by_o the_o affinity_n or_o likeness_n it_o have_v to_o generation_n but_o the_o second_o be_v open_a and_o manifest_a to_o such_o at_o least_o as_o be_v illuminate_v elect_v and_o bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n but_o not_o to_o such_o as_o be_v son_n of_o the_o flesh_n lest_o precious_a pearl_n shall_v be_v tread_v upon_o and_o cast_v to_o swine_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n have_v perfect_v the_o former_a and_o more_o excellent_a and_o teach_v we_o command_v we_o to_o imitate_v he_o in_o all_o good_a work_n whereof_o he_o have_v set_v we_o a_o ensample_n for_o nature_n walk_v always_o in_o the_o same_o tract_n and_o never_o forsake_v her_o way_n as_o therefore_o the_o universal_a parent_n or_o conserver_n consult_v by_o his_o providence_n the_o common_a conservation_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o nature_n from_o the_o beginning_n have_v her_o intention_n and_o be_v always_o occupy_v in_o continual_a action_n about_o production_n for_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o man_n shall_v descend_v from_o above_o so_o be_v it_o likewise_o as_o necessary_a that_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o body_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n because_o from_o below_o where_o the_o seat_n and_o habitation_n of_o corruption_n be_v neither_o life_n nor_o safety_n can_v proceed_v for_o what_o end_n do_v the_o heaven_n the_o perpetual_a fountain_n of_o restauration_n and_o perfection_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o their_o virtue_n flow_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o the_o benevolent_a star_n with_o their_o benign_a aspect_n sympathize_v with_o the_o afflict_a society_n of_o mankind_n do_v daily_o gracious_o prosecute_v and_o affect_v but_o to_o generate_v in_o she_o a_o durable_a and_o enliven_a spirit_n which_o in_o the_o womb_n of_o this_o fecund_a mother_n assume_v a_o body_n and_o manifest_v and_o dilate_v its_o faculty_n through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n distribute_v they_o to_o each_o creature_n according_a to_o its_o exigency_n and_o hereupon_o do_v the_o particular_a power_n depend_v which_o we_o must_v know_v by_o their_o effect_n in_o herb_n beast_n stone_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v draw_v their_o propriety_n from_o this_o general_a spirit_n and_o do_v miraculous_o conserve_v we_o and_o other_o creature_n and_o as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o enrich_v man_n with_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o own_o son_n according_a to_o the_o extension_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o have_v any_o one_o contaminate_a with_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n to_o seek_v remedy_n and_o health_n from_o man_n but_o from_o himself_o the_o true_a fountain_n whence_o all_o perfection_n flow_v so_o also_o nature_n the_o perfect_a observer_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o imitator_n of_o his_o work_n have_v not_o settle_v the_o perfect_a virtue_n of_o curation_n and_o restauration_n in_o herb_n and_o particular_a creature_n but_o will_v have_v we_o seek_v it_o precise_o in_o the_o centre_n whence_o this_o be_v communicate_v to_o creature_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o earth_n where_o this_o enliven_a spirit_n be_v generate_v for_o if_o simples_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o virtue_n of_o cure_v restore_a nourish_a and_o conserve_n how_o much_o more_o have_v the_o abundant_a dispenser_n of_o it_o whence_o all_o these_o receive_v it_o but_o that_o the_o earth_n â—s_v the_o treasury_n and_o dispenser_n of_o these_o virtue_n daily_a experience_n give_v we_o sufâ—ient_a reason_n for_o she_o must_v needs_o possess_v they_o else_o she_o can_v not_o give_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o admirable_a that_o so_o many_o egregious_a man_n shall_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o draw_v their_o water_n from_o simple_a rivulet_n far_o remove_v from_o their_o pure_a fountain_n and_o run_v through_o a_o â—uddy_a current_n and_o not_o go_v to_o the_o fountain_n head_n i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n contemn_v special_a medicament_n but_o i_o will_v that_o general_n be_v more_o seek_v after_o and_o particular_n not_o neglect_v for_o though_o 〈◊〉_d general_n medicament_n may_v salve_v every_o sore_a yet_o particular_n merit_v commendation_n especial_o in_o external_a superficiary_a disease_n when_o the_o centre_n of_o sanity_n be_v not_o afflict_v that_o therefore_o i_o may_v return_v to_o my_o scope_n i_o say_v again_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o matrix_fw-la wherein_o the_o heaven_n beget_v that_o spirit_n that_o nourisher_n restorer_n and_o conserver_n of_o body_n which_o alone_o give_v solidity_n and_o perfect_a cure_n and_o how_o this_o so_o potent_a and_o efficacious_a a_o spirit_n shall_v be_v find_v and_o take_v all_o wise_a man_n shall_v direct_v their_o cogitation_n to_o so_o useful_a a_o inquisition_n that_o they_o may_v observe_v the_o exemplary_a step_n which_o nature_n pace_n in_o perfect_v her_o intention_n and_o hold_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n though_o god_n infinite_o exceed_v nature_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o natural_a reason_n no_o more_o than_o a_o monarch_n to_o the_o law_n himself_o prescribe_v which_o yet_o his_o subject_n observe_v without_o inquire_v why_o he_o prescribe_v they_o and_o who_o have_v more_o faithful_o and_o successful_o follow_v this_o example_n than_o hermes_n trismegistus_n who_o after_o the_o deluge_n be_v first_o as_o some_o say_v that_o open_v to_o man_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o exact_o explicate_v nature_n secret_n for_o beside_o that_o angel-like_o in_o his_o poemandrum_fw-la he_o explain_v divinity_n where_o he_o manifest_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o great_a and_o small_a world_n its_o beginning_n progress_n and_o duration_n he_o also_o continue_v his_o holy_a philosophy_n with_o the_o same_o hand_n in_o his_o asclepium_fw-la declare_v with_o a_o spirit_n and_o voice_n prophetical_a that_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n endue_v with_o humane_a â—lesh_n he_o also_o industrious_o touch_v the_o same_o scope_n in_o his_o tabula_fw-la smaragdina_fw-la where_o he_o say_v that_o as_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v make_v out_o of_o one_o subject_n by_o mediation_n of_o one_o god_n so_o his_o magistery_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o general_a medicine_n may_v be_v perfect_v and_o complete_v by_o adaptation_n only_o which_o adaptation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o glass_n where_o we_o may_v see_v divine_a meditation_n enigmatical_o represent_v to_o show_v that_o nature_n necessary_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o her_o master_n he_o also_o atte_v in_o other_o book_n that_o the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o become_v man_n and_o live_v among_o man_n for_o their_o edification_n he_o say_v also_o in_o his_o tabula_fw-la which_o he_o leave_v as_o the_o last_o testament_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o thought_n that_o this_o general_a spirit_n the_o conserver_n of_o body_n shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n to_o wit_n from_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n which_o in_o his_o poemandrum_fw-la he_o call_v the_o principal_a ruler_n in_o this_o mundane_a monarchy_n to_o assume_v a_o body_n in_o the_o earth_n which_o he_o call_v the_o spirit_n nurse_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o air_n in_o who_o belly_n he_o shall_v be_v carry_v because_o the_o celestial_a influence_n can_v be_v communicate_v to_o the_o earth_n unless_o the_o air_n which_o be_v like_o a_o intercessor_n carry_v they_o to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o divine_a restorer_n and_o protector_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o assumption_n of_o humane_a flesh_n depose_v nothing_o of_o his_o divinity_n so_o say_v he_o the_o universal_a spirit_n shall_v retain_v and_o keep_v all_o its_o virtue_n entire_a when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o earth_n
alive_a and_o can_v increase_v the_o other_o be_v dead_a and_o if_o this_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v the_o matter_n will_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o itâ—_n perfection_n which_o this_o art_n promise_v 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v indeed_o so_o efficacious_a as_o to_o perfect_v imperfect_a metal_n but_o this_o same_o invisible_a gold_n or_o silver_n which_o by_o this_o magistery_n be_v exalt_v to_o so_o sublime_a aâ—_n degree_n can_v communicate_v its_o perfection_n to_o imperfect_a metal_n without_o the_o help_n and_o service_n of_o vulgar_a gold_n and_o silver_n wherefore_o alchemist_n always_o adjoyn_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o and_o so_o make_v gold_n the_o father_n of_o the_o elixir_n but_o such_o as_o will_v be_v further_o inform_v in_o this_o verity_n shall_v diligent_o evolve_v good_a author_n for_o it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n to_o speak_v more_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o show_v that_o divine_a hermes_n with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o finger_n touch_v both_o string_n or_o under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sentence_n lock_v a_o twofold_a meaning_n which_o himself_n declare_v when_o he_o assert_n that_o he_o be_v call_v hermes_n trismegistus_n because_o he_o possess_v three_o part_n of_o the_o world_n knowledge_n for_o have_v give_v the_o anatomy_n of_o this_o universal_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o material_a author_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o three_o chief_a kind_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o world_n he_o have_v attain_v so_o much_o of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n that_o nothing_o can_v lie_v hide_v from_o his_o eye_n and_o this_o principle_n he_o make_v one_o so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v from_o one_o by_o mediation_n of_o one_o and_o adaptation_n to_o one_o this_o one_o then_o of_o which_o he_o speak_v be_v that_o general_a spirit_n whereof_o i_o treat_v and_o that_o one_o by_o which_o he_o say_v miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v be_v the_o true_a mineral_n matter_n of_o the_o stone_n whereof_o we_o speak_v even_o now_o which_o be_v produce_v from_o the_o first_o general_a matter_n or_o universal_a spirit_n in_o the_o earth_n by_o nature_n which_o spirit_n potential_o contain_v all_o celestial_a virtue_n in_o itself_o communicate_v so_o much_o to_o this_o mineral_n matter_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o its_o perfection_n but_o omit_v chemical_a doctrine_n as_o much_o as_o we_o may_v in_o this_o treatise_n we_o say_v that_o this_o general_a spirit_n be_v a_o stone_n or_o elixir_n compose_v by_o nature_n by_o mediation_n whereof_o she_o work_v all_o her_o miracle_n which_o be_v much_o more_o admirable_a than_o the_o alchemist_n stone_n which_o be_v only_o a_o grant_n of_o this_o universal_a spirit_n that_o it_o may_v act_v and_o perfect_a thing_n like_o itself_o for_o be_v true_o metallical_a purify_v and_o complete_v 〈◊〉_d art_n it_o purify_v and_o digest_v metal_n leâ—â—_n in_o their_o impurity_n for_o want_v of_o digestion_n but_o this_o physical_a or_o natural_a stone_n perpetual_o restore_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v produce_v by_o nature_n and_o hourly_o prâ—creates_v new_a thing_n as_o well_o in_o the_o kind_n of_o animal_n as_o of_o vegetable_n and_o mineral_n which_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o do_v without_o the_o help_n and_o influence_n of_o thâ—_n heavenly_a body_n especial_o of_o the_o suâ—_n which_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o principle_n of_o aâ—_n faculty_n and_o generation_n it_o have_v theâ—_n the_o sun_n for_o its_o father_n and_o contain_v iâ—_n itself_o spiritual_a gold_n and_o silver_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o gold_n and_o silveâ—_n corporal_a and_o because_o air_n be_v the_o medium_n through_o which_o it_o receive_v these_o superior_a influence_n hermes_n say_v thaâ—_n the_o wind_n carry_v it_o in_o its_o belly_n foâ—_n which_o cause_n raymundus_n lullius_n call_v iâ—_n aereal_n mercury_n but_o the_o earth_n like_v at_o universal_a parent_n nourish_v it_o in_o her_o fruitful_a womb_n which_o appear_v by_o the_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o earth_n for_o if_o this_o spirit_n be_v not_o include_v therein_o she_o will_v have_v no_o power_n nor_o virtue_n in_o generation_n and_o production_n see_v she_o be_v proper_o no_o more_o than_o the_o common_a vessel_n or_o matrix_fw-la of_o these_o many_o and_o different_a generation_n for_o the_o general_a matter_n or_o mercury_n of_o they_o be_v as_o philosopher_n denote_v invisible_a and_o almost_o incorporeal_a can_v be_v make_v visible_a and_o corporeal_a but_o by_o some_o subtle_a artifice_n which_o matter_n if_o it_o can_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o its_o nurse_n and_o purge_v from_o all_o accidental_a superfluity_n may_v notwithstanding_o any_o reason_n i_o can_v see_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o thing_n whereto_o it_o be_v apply_v separate_a thing_n corruptive_a and_o heterogeneous_a and_o conserve_v and_o multiply_v thing_n homogeneous_a and_o conformable_a to_o it_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_n that_o author_n be_v misunderstand_v when_o they_o seem_v to_o assert_v that_o metal_n only_o shall_v be_v usurp_v to_o the_o production_n of_o metal_n say_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o gold_n be_v in_o gold_n for_o beside_o that_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o common_a metal_n and_o of_o those_o which_o philosopher_n assume_v to_o the_o confection_n of_o their_o magistery_n we_o dare_v yet_o affirm_v that_o without_o this_o general_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n the_o sole_a cause_n oâ—_n vegetation_n the_o faculty_n innate_a in_o aâ—_n metal_n of_o become_a gold_n and_o silveâ—_n can_v never_o be_v deduce_v to_o vegetation_n oâ—_n from_o potency_n to_o act_v because_o nature_n produce_v not_o itself_o but_o in_o every_o operation_n there_o must_v be_v some_o agent_n and_o some_o matter_n subjacent_a to_o the_o action_n and_o this_o doubless_a be_v that_o fire_n which_o pontanus_n speak_v of_o which_o all_o philosopher_n have_v conceal_v and_o keep_v under_o lock_n and_o key_n as_o the_o sole_a stearn_n of_o their_o action_n for_o want_n of_o which_o fire_n pontanus_n as_o himself_o confess_v err_v two_o hundred_o time_n in_o his_o practice_n though_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o right_a matter_n this_o threefold_a mercury_n then_o or_o sum_n total_a be_v the_o first_o seed_n of_o all_o metal_n as_o also_o of_o the_o other_o two_o kind_n or_o genus_fw-la be_v which_o be_v by_o little_a and_o little_o coagulate_v and_o by_o the_o continual_a action_n of_o heat_n lie_v in_o the_o i_o harden_v and_o tinct_a when_o it_o be_v perfect_o pure_a but_o it_o make_v up_o several_a species_n and_o acquire_v divers_a form_n and_o colour_n according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o place_n and_o adjacent_a matter_n produce_v metal_n mineral_n and_o stone_n in_o the_o bowel_n tree_n and_o plant_n in_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o she_o be_v animate_v by_o the_o solar_a ray_n without_o which_o she_o will_v be_v barren_a for_o nature_n at_o first_o establish_v this_o for_o a_o law_n that_o the_o sun_n shall_v perpetual_o nourish_v and_o calefie_v the_o matter_n always_o move_v its_o threefold_a faculty_n animal_n vegetable_a and_o mineral_n to_o its_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o hermes_n write_v the_o sun_n its_o father_n chap._n 5._o how_o the_o moon_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o universal_a matter_n je_v any_o might_n here_o be_v deceive_v he_o must_v consider_v that_o as_o one_o of_o we_o a_o microcosm_n have_v a_o body_n a_o spirit_n and_o a_o soul_n even_o so_o have_v the_o macrocosm_n and_o see_v nothing_o exist_v that_o want_v these_o three_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v great_a affinity_n among_o they_o so_o that_o no_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v find_v without_o the_o other_o and_o though_o two_o of_o they_o may_v seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o subject_n yet_o they_o be_v only_o hide_v in_o the_o three_o that_o remain_v as_o a_o subtle_a and_o profound_a artist_n may_v easy_o experience_n by_o the_o examination_n of_o fire_n what_o therefore_o be_v matter_n the_o same_o be_v spirit_n and_o what_o be_v spirit_n may_v and_o that_o not_o impertinent_o be_v call_v a_o body_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v indivisible_a and_o by_o nature_n law_n so_o generate_v that_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o which_o account_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o only_a matter_n or_o soul_n or_o spirit_n but_o refer_v and_o represent_v all_o because_o one_o be_v always_o generate_v and_o nourish_v with_o the_o other_o so_o that_o in_o the_o propagation_n and_o action_n of_o one_o the_o two_o other_o be_v always_o present_a when_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o the_o moon_n â—s_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o universal_a matter_n we_o speak_v not_o irrational_o â—or_a assert_v any_o absurdity_n but_o here_o we_o must_v more_o intimous_o
inquire_v whence_o his_o maternity_n proceed_v heatt_z and_o moisture_n then_o be_v the_o two_o key_n of_o generation_n and_o heat_n perform_v the_o office_n of_o the_o male_a but_o moisture_n of_o the_o female_a corruption_n arise_v upon_o the_o action_n of_o heat_n over_o moisture_n and_o generation_n follow_v upon_o corruption_n â—s_v we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o small_a body_n of_o a_o â—gg_n wherein_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o fomentation_n and_o incubation_n the_o sperm_n puâ—â—efies_v and_o afterward_o the_o chicken_n be_v â—agulated_v and_o form_v the_o same_o be_v so_o apparent_a in_o the_o generation_n of_o â—an_v who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o natural_a heat_n of_o the_o woman_n act_v upon_o thâ—_n masculine_a and_o feminine_a sperm_n unite_v in_o she_o matrix_fw-la be_v deduce_v tâ—_n a_o complete_a body_n perfect_a in_o all_o iâ—_n part_n by_o corruption_n here_o we_o understand_v mutation_n and_o passage_n of_o one_o form_n inâ—â—_n another_o which_o can_v be_v effecteâ—_n without_o the_o mediation_n of_o putrefaction_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a medium_n and_o way_n 〈◊〉_d generation_n which_o be_v also_o promote_v 〈◊〉_d the_o help_n of_o some_o mercury_n or_o quicâ—_n silver_n which_o be_v the_o special_a conduct_n of_o the_o vegetative_a faculty_n and_o thâ—_n sperm_n of_o all_o body_n be_v aqueous_a anâ—_n as_o it_o be_v full_a of_o mercurial_a humouâ—_n and_o if_o their_o innate_a heat_n be_v borough_n from_o potency_n to_o act_v by_o the_o external_a heat_n of_o the_o sun_n then_o may_v their_o generation_n be_v procure_v by_o decoction_n hence_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n â—â—sert_n that_o the_o sun_n and_o man_n generaâ—â—_n the_o sun_n the_o terrestrial_a sun_n which_o gold_n and_o man_n man._n and_o it_o be_v manife_a that_o without_o the_o heat_n of_o tâ—â—_n sun_n the_o heat_n of_o the_o elementary_a fire_n dead_a and_o barren_a whence_o the_o sun_n also_o call_v the_o master_n of_o life_n and_o generation_n heat_v then_o in_o all_o generation_n come_v from_o the_o sun_n but_o radical_a moisture_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o moon_n which_o influence_n all_o sublunaries_n receive_v and_o feel_v when_o this_o planet_n be_v in_o its_o increase_n or_o wane_n and_o thus_o you_o have_v a_o account_n how_o and_o why_o hermes_n call_v the_o sun_n father_n and_o the_o moon_n mother_n to_o this_o universal_a matter_n for_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moisture_n of_o the_o moon_n generate_v all_o thing_n because_o heat_n and_o moisture_n in_o a_o due_a temperament_n cause_n conception_n and_o upon_o conception_n life_n and_o generation_n and_o though_o fire_n and_o water_n be_v contrary_n yet_o one_o can_v do_v no_o good_a without_o the_o congress_n of_o the_o other_o but_o by_o their_o diverse_a action_n all_o thing_n conceive_v and_o be_v conceive_v ainsi_fw-fr dans_fw-fr l'univers_a discordante_a concord_n aux_fw-fr generation_n devient_fw-fr apt_a &_o so_o accord_v if_o generation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v have_v than_o what_o erst_o discord_n be_v in_o concord_n make_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o have_v my_o reader_n suspect_v that_o by_o too_o hasty_a judgement_n i_o will_v abstract_a hermes_n his_o prime_a intention_n from_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o all_o alchemist_n into_o the_o by-path_n wherein_o i_o tread_v because_o i_o know_v that_o all_o good_a philosopher_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v say_v that_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n shall_v bâ—_n in_o conjunction_n that_o they_o may_v absoluâ—_v perfect_a generation_n for_o as_o arnoldus_fw-la dâ—_n villa_n nova_fw-la in_o flore_n florum_fw-la say_v the_o philosopher_n sperm_n be_v not_o join_v to_o their_o body_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o their_o mooâ—_n which_o moon_n be_v not_o common_a silver_n buâ—_n the_o true_a matter_n of_o their_o stone_n whicâ—_n congregate_n and_o inseparable_o retain_v in_o its_o belly_n body_n which_o be_v the_o sun_n and_o sperm_n which_o be_v mercury_n and_o hâ—_n speak_v of_o this_o moon_n in_o his_o novum_fw-la lumeâ—_fw-la where_o he_o say_v that_o except_v his_o mastâ—â—_n of_o who_o he_o learn_v his_o work_n he_o kneâ—_n none_o that_o ever_o operate_v in_o the_o truâ—_n matter_n but_o all_o be_v extravagant_a anâ—_n erroneous_a in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o maâ—ter_n as_o if_o they_o will_v generate_v a_o man_n 〈◊〉_d a_o dog_n chap._n 6._o that_o the_o root_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v seek_v in_o the_o air._n wind_n be_v nothing_o but_o air_n move_v and_o agitate_a as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o respiration_n of_o animal_n which_o blow_n wind_v when_o they_o breath_n air._n wind_v then_o be_v air_n and_o air_n be_v whole_o vital_a and_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n for_o without_o air_n nothing_o can_v live_v or_o subsist_v for_o whatsoever_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o â—is_n suffocate_v and_o die_v yea_o plant_n themselves_o that_o be_v destitute_v of_o free_a air_n wither_v and_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o other_o dry_a and_o dead_a we_o therefore_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o air_n be_v a_o vital_a spirit_n penetrate_v all_o thing_n communicate_v life_n and_o consistence_n to_o all_o bind_v move_a and_o fill_v all_o by_o this_o air_n then_o the_o universal_a spirit_n that_o lie_v hide_v and_o shut_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v generate_v and_o manifest_v by_o this_o it_o be_v ingross_v form_v and_o make_v more_o apt_a for_o generation_n whereoâ—_n calid_n the_o philosopher_n treat_v say_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o mineral_n have_v their_o root_n in_o the_o air_n theiâ—_n head_n and_o top_n in_o the_o earth_n as_o iâ—_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o air_n cause_v thiâ—_n spirit_n to_o enliven_v augment_v and_o multiply_v mineral_n in_o the_o earth_n though_o those_o that_o have_v some_o experience_n it_o prepare_v the_o philosopher_n stone_n may_v say_v that_o this_o place_n shall_v bâ—_n otherwise_o understand_v for_o according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n in_o their_o philosophical_a work_n there_o be_v two_o part_n onâ—_n volatile_a which_o be_v elevate_v in_o form_n of_o a_o vapour_n and_o then_o condenseâ—_n and_o resolve_v into_o water_n and_o thiâ—_n they_o call_v the_o spirit_n the_o other_o more_o fiâ—ed_v reside_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o vesseâ—_n which_o they_o call_v the_o body_n rosinus_n explain_v this_o sentence_n by_o another_o of_o thâ—_n same_o author_n for_o he_o say_v take_v thâ—_n thing_n off_o their_o soul_n and_o exalt_v they_o oâ—_n high_a and_o reap_v they_o in_o the_o top_n of_o theiâ—_n mountain_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o theiâ—_n root_n where_o the_o glosser_n say_v these_o word_n be_v true_a and_o clear_a without_o envy_n and_o ambiguity_n though_o he_o declare_v not_o what_o he_o understand_v by_o thing_n whereof_o he_o speak_v but_o by_o mountain_n say_v rosinus_n the_o philosopher_n mean_v cucurbite_n by_o the_o top_n of_o their_o mountain_n alembic_n by_o reap_v he_o mean_v we_o must_v receive_v the_o water_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a thing_n through_o the_o alembick_a into_o the_o receptacle_n by_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o root_n he_o mean_v that_o we_o shall_v reduce_v the_o say_a water_n to_o the_o earth_n whence_o it_o arise_v this_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o morienus_n who_o say_v that_o the_o philosopher_n operation_n consist_v only_o in_o extract_a water_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o reduce_v it_o to_o the_o earth_n till_o the_o earth_n putrefy_v for_o the_o earth_n putrefy_v when_o this_o water_n be_v purify_v which_o be_v once_o pure_a will_v by_o god_n help_n direct_v and_o perfect_a the_o whole_a magistry_n some_o have_v explode_v air_n out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o element_n think_v it_o as_o glue_v or_o lime_n to_o conjoin_v divers_a nature_n judge_v it_o the_o spirit_n or_o instrument_n of_o the_o world_n because_o it_o be_v the_o chariot_n of_o the_o universal_a spirit_n for_o it_o first_o receive_v the_o influence_n of_o all_o celestial_a body_n and_o communicate_v they_o to_o other_o element_n and_o mix_v body_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n like_o some_o divine_a looking-glass_n receive_v and_o retain_v the_o species_n and_o form_n of_o all_o natural_a thing_n which_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o and_o insinuate_a itself_o into_o the_o pore_n of_o animal_n impress_n those_o form_n on_o they_o whether_o they_o sleep_v or_o wake_v we_o learn_v from_o animal_n and_o vegetable_n that_o every_o spirit_n near_o the_o earth_n receive_v its_o virtue_n and_o vigour_n from_o the_o air_n for_o we_o see_v such_o thing_n increase_v and_o extol_v themselves_o the_o spirit_n which_o give_v they_o life_n do_v so_o much_o delight_n in_o air_n as_o the_o place_n where_o it_o have_v its_o origine_fw-la hermes_n also_o say_v that_o the_o air_n carry_v it_o in_o its_o belly_n whereunto_o aristotle_n subscribe_v say_v that_o moist_a thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o air_n and_o terrene_a thing_n from_o the_o moist_a one_o for_o air_n be_v next_o the_o earth_n humectare_v it_o on_o every_o side_n
need_v no_o proof_n but_o appear_v sufficient_o manifest_a from_o the_o natural_a and_o sometime_o the_o immature_n end_n of_o animal_n vegetable_n and_o mineral_n which_o we_o see_v every_o day_n by_o their_o corruption_n when_o the_o body_n be_v dead_a the_o spirit_n must_v undergo_v the_o same_o fortune_n that_o be_v the_o virtue_n that_o enliven_v it_o be_v annihilate_v but_o because_o the_o prime_a opificer_n will_v be_v admirable_a in_o all_o his_o work_n of_o his_o mere_a goodness_n and_o love_n to_o mankind_n who_o from_o the_o beginning_n he_o predestinate_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o who_o he_o subject_v whatever_o be_v admirable_a in_o the_o creation_n for_o his_o commodity_n i_o say_v he_o give_v certain_a expedient_a remedy_n whereby_o he_o may_v not_o only_o purify_v and_o perfect_v the_o thing_n create_v but_o also_o preserve_v and_o arm_v himself_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o mortal_a corruption_n know_v then_o that_o the_o two_o part_n of_o man_n be_v one_o create_v in_o another_o to_o wit_n the_o spirit_n in_o the_o body_n and_o that_o the_o body_n will_v be_v continual_o infect_v by_o corruption_n and_o by_o sensuality_n draw_v and_o allure_v to_o intemperance_n which_o infer_v the_o true_a corruption_n and_o weaken_v of_o all_o the_o member_n he_o foresee_v that_o the_o spirit_n inhabit_v like_o a_o guest_n in_o the_o body_n can_v not_o be_v exempt_v from_o its_o contagious_a depravation_n and_o we_o ordinary_o see_v that_o man_n give_v to_o excess_n of_o intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n accustom_v themselves_o to_o ill_a manner_n and_o take_v liberty_n in_o all_o corruption_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n neither_o regard_v love_n nor_o fear_n to_o god_n honour_n or_o respect_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o piety_n to_o themselves_o nor_o charity_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a if_o they_o be_v thus_o bind_v to_o inquination_n in_o death_n but_o their_o spirit_n must_v undergo_v punishment_n as_o they_o have_v participate_v of_o pleasure_n see_v moreover_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n obnoxious_a to_o death_n and_o thence_o every_o man_n inevitable_o to_o incur_v total_a destruction_n and_o perdition_n he_o mitigate_v or_o rather_o redintegrate_v this_o misery_n by_o a_o admirable_a remedy_n far_o exceed_v our_o capacity_n for_o know_v man_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o body_n to_o participate_v of_o heaven_n and_o of_o earth_n the_o remedy_n also_o he_o make_v to_o partake_v of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v compatible_a sole_o to_o our_o only_a lord_n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n who_o descend_v from_o heaven_n into_o the_o earth_n and_o by_o a_o mystery_n incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o common_a sense_n be_v miraculous_o make_v man_n without_o the_o abdication_n of_o his_o godhead_n because_o our_o health_n can_v not_o come_v from_o earth_n alone_o corruption_n reign_v there_o but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o water_n shall_v come_v from_o above_o where_o the_o fountain_n of_o purity_n be_v he_o therefore_o come_v down_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o we_o and_o with_o we_o and_o conclude_v we_o within_o the_o term_n of_o justice_n and_o temperance_n regenerate_v we_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n by_o the_o mutation_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o body_n and_o mortify_v in_o we_o our_o corruption_n and_o sin_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o purity_n of_o virtue_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v effect_v save_o by_o he_o alone_o the_o extreme_a of_o both_o nature_n for_o he_o be_v god-man_n that_o he_o may_v conjoin_v superior_a with_o inferior_a thing_n which_o be_v disjoined_n by_o the_o incomparable_a distance_n of_o life_n and_o death_n purity_n and_o corruption_n the_o earth_n doubtless_o receive_v this_o inestimable_a treasure_n far_o exceed_v its_o merit_n by_o a_o medium_n that_o can_v be_v comprehend_v from_o which_o he_o again_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n by_o the_o water_n of_o purification_n and_o fire_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o accident_n and_o corporal_a passion_n though_o he_o depose_v not_o his_o body_n but_o retain_v it_o incorruptible_a and_o glorious_a have_v acquire_v immortality_n by_o death_n who_o shall_v again_o descend_v from_o his_o father_n right-hand_n into_o the_o earth_n after_o the_o universal_a conflagration_n to_o renew_v the_o world_n and_o make_v a_o separation_n betwixt_o the_o good_a destine_v to_o life_n and_o the_o evil_n condemn_v to_o death_n see_v now_o how_o well_o the_o omnipotent_a father_n the_o father_n of_o all_o compassion_n consult_v for_o man_n good_a to_o who_o body_n join_v with_o his_o soul_n he_o give_v a_o equal_a preserver_n who_o he_o send_v from_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v be_v bear_v on_o earth_n and_o who_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o ought_v to_o seek_v see_v man_n be_v therefore_o endue_v with_o reason_n and_o judgement_n that_o he_o may_v acknowledge_v and_o comprehend_v his_o great_a gift_n but_o man_n create_v heavenly_a for_o the_o indagation_n of_o this_o benefit_n as_o too_o forgetful_a of_o his_o birth_n lay_v out_o that_o noble_a and_o divine_a light_n within_o he_o in_o search_v out_o frivolous_a and_o transitory_a vanity_n and_o not_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o verity_n brief_o he_o have_v rather_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o his_o terrestrial_a geniture_n then_o divine_a and_o celestial_a wisdom_n which_o he_o neglect_v as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o casual_o send_v to_o he_o from_o above_o wherefore_o the_o root_n of_o mankind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v extinguish_v before_o it_o grow_v out_o except_o some_o few_o who_o have_v have_v better_a star_n and_o more_o favourable_a aspect_n in_o their_o nativity_n they_o desire_v the_o possession_n of_o transitory_a good_n more_o than_o the_o attainment_n of_o divine_a and_o precious_a gift_n which_o our_o fecund_a mother_n nature_n have_v public_o and_o in_o all_o place_n fix_v for_o the_o conservation_n of_o life_n hurt_n rather_o than_o help_v by_o their_o abundance_n immerge_v in_o mortal_a corruption_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o high_a spirit_n though_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o fulgour_fw-la and_o splendour_n of_o those_o mundane_a riches_n as_o no_o way_n despicable_a yet_o they_o will_v not_o rest_v in_o this_o surface_n but_o seek_v to_o divine_a virtue_n occlude_v in_o the_o centre_n which_o have_v indeed_o be_v cause_n of_o great_a error_n both_o in_o medicine_n and_o philosophy_n to_o such_o as_o destitute_a of_o true_a light_n grope_v at_o and_o in_o the_o dark_a pass_n by_o both_o recall_v then_o my_o mind_n to_o the_o clear_a light_n by_o who_o guidance_n we_o may_v attain_v that_o salutary_a and_o best_a remedy_n which_o god_n ordain_v particular_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o celestial_a benediction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o humility_n and_o requisite_a sincerity_n not_o as_o a_o divine_a but_o as_o a_o disciple_n of_o wisdom_n follower_n to_o adumbrate_v my_o conception_n in_o a_o rude_a style_n which_o the_o lover_n of_o verity_n may_v accept_v grateful_o if_o they_o find_v they_o rational_a and_o please_a i_o say_v then_o that_o all_o understanding_n communicate_v to_o any_o man_n from_o man_n alone_o be_v uncertain_a and_o confuse_a because_o man_n be_v ordinary_o load_v with_o ignorance_n and_o slow_a resolution_n but_o that_o which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o univerial_a light_n be_v clear_a and_o immovable_a for_o to_o know_v absolute_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o thing_n by_o its_o first_o cause_n and_o there_o be_v no_o certitude_n in_o second_o cause_n till_o we_o come_v to_o their_o original_n wherefore_o we_o can_v know_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o species_n unless_o we_o foreknow_v its_o genus_fw-la neither_o can_v we_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o microcosme_n which_o be_v almost_o infinite_a unless_o we_o first_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o macrocosm_n that_o give_v they_o be_v man_n likewise_o can_v be_v know_v without_o the_o precedent_a cognition_n of_o the_o world_n who_o effigy_n he_o be_v nor_o yet_o the_o great_a world_n unless_o we_o know_v whence_o and_o how_o it_o be_v make_v for_o how_o shall_v one_o know_v a_o man_n who_o principle_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o small_a deform_a mucilage_n or_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v unless_o he_o know_v those_o that_o beget_v he_o and_o here_o i_o mean_v not_o the_o second_o but_o the_o first_o parent_n to_o wit_n heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o unless_o a_o man_n understand_v the_o first_o creation_n of_o these_o how_o shall_v he_o know_v they_o as_o a_o embryo_n in_o a_o womb_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o congregation_n of_o a_o certain_a humour_n which_o be_v afterward_o form_v to_o the_o example_n of_o its_o parent_n and_o so_o in_o progress_n till_o it_o become_v perfect_a so_o
that_o be_v when_o it_o assume_v a_o terrestrial_a body_n god_n also_o will_v his_o own_o son_n and_o our_o redeemer_n in_o his_o assume_v humanity_n be_v as_o it_o be_v regenerate_v by_o and_o with_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n and_o fire_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o that_o he_o need_v any_o such_o purgation_n but_o because_o he_o be_v to_o converse_v with_o man_n contaminate_v with_o corruption_n that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n yield_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o renovation_n and_o purification_n give_v man_n a_o visible_a and_o ample_a testimony_n that_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o not_o contaminate_v or_o corrupt_v but_o obnoxious_a to_o passion_n and_o equal_o mortal_a as_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o fecund_a mother_n nature_n will_v her_o first-born_a though_o pure_a in_o his_o centre_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v by_o water_n and_o fire_n that_o be_v by_o separation_n of_o the_o terrestrial_a from_o the_o fiery_a part_n the_o spisse_fw-la from_o the_o subtle_a and_o the_o impure_a from_o the_o pure_a which_o hermes_n also_o aim_v at_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v separate_v from_o fire_n for_o what_o god_n have_v conjoin_v man_n shall_v not_o separate_v but_o only_o the_o impure_a and_o gross_a from_o the_o subtle_a and_o pure_a by_o fire_n and_o beside_o this_o sense_n which_o first_o offer_v itself_o to_o our_o intellect_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o more_o occult_a meaning_n for_o see_v by_o the_o separation_n of_o earth_n from_o fire_n he_o mean_v that_o that_o be_v gross_a from_o that_o that_o be_v subtle_a he_o seem_v to_o hint_n that_o we_o shall_v separate_v the_o natural_a quality_n of_o these_o two_o element_n by_o detract_n the_o moist_a frigidity_n mix_v with_o heavy_a terrestrial_a thing_n without_o which_o that_o cold_a can_v subsist_v and_o by_o put_v on_o hot_a siccity_n which_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n and_o consequent_o light_a and_o spiritual_a for_o which_o cause_n he_o add_v that_o it_o must_v ascend_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v from_o imperfection_n to_o perfection_n for_o paracelsus_n call_v fire_n the_o firmament_n and_o as_o nothing_o can_v attain_v perfection_n unless_o it_o first_o depose_v its_o imperfect_a gross_a and_o mortal_a bark_n wherein_o this_o cold_a quality_n abound_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o mortification_n as_o heat_n be_v of_o life_n so_o also_o prudent_a nature_n observe_v this_o rule_n that_o each_o subject_n shall_v sustain_v and_o pass_v the_o obsure_n blackness_n of_o death_n and_o expect_v the_o clear_a and_o candid_a renovation_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n that_o be_v impassable_a essence_n whereon_o neither_o fire_n nor_o corruption_n have_v any_o power_n and_o assure_o the_o acquisition_n of_o this_o life_n by_o death_n be_v natural_o exercise_v by_o all_o creature_n continual_o for_o all_o sperm_n or_o seed_n of_o animal_n be_v mortify_v in_o some_o matrix_fw-la and_o of_o vegetable_n in_o the_o earth_n before_o any_o specification_n can_v be_v make_v but_o if_o this_o rule_n take_v place_n in_o the_o member_n by_o how_o much_o may_v we_o more_o exact_o observe_v and_o direct_o imitate_v it_o in_o the_o head_n and_o if_o the_o life_n acquire_v by_o mortification_n be_v of_o any_o duration_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v that_o be_v perpetual_a which_o be_v principal_a jesus_n christ_n teach_v these_o thing_n by_o similitude_n of_o a_o grain_n which_o he_o say_v can_v fructify_v unless_o it_o first_o die_v signify_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o his_o death_n shall_v precede_v for_o he_o will_v death_n that_o he_o may_v rise_v to_o a_o glorious_a and_o perpetual_a life_n therein_o not_o only_o give_v example_n to_o man_n but_o express_v the_o whole_a idea_n of_o nature_n that_o divine_a and_o learned_a ermite_n morienus_n romanus_n who_o be_v often_o quote_v by_o modern_a and_o natural_a philosopher_n aver_v the_o same_o of_o the_o fix_a grain_n whereto_o nature_n have_v give_v power_n to_o perfect_a metal_n for_o he_o say_v unless_o it_o putrefy_v and_o grow_v black_a it_o can_v be_v perfect_v and_o complete_v but_o return_v to_o nought_o i_o have_v take_v liberty_n to_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o i_o may_v teach_v the_o young_a sort_n how_o the_o creator_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o simple_a creature_n and_o because_o the_o vulgarity_n of_o man_n beg_v this_o knowledge_n from_o remote_a thing_n act_v as_o they_o do_v who_o seek_v the_o perfection_n of_o science_n from_o the_o scholar_n of_o the_o low_a form_n whereas_o they_o shall_v require_v it_o from_o the_o best_a director_n and_o doctor_n i_o will_v excite_v they_o by_o these_o natural_a coneeption_n that_o they_o will_v convert_v the_o principal_a endowment_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o the_o search_n of_o the_o general_a principle_n and_o that_o in_o more_o exquisite_a thing_n such_o as_o impart_v life_n and_o preservation_n to_o all_o mortal_a creature_n mortification_n then_o necessary_o precede_v all_o entrance_n into_o life_n and_o principal_o in_o this_o spirit_n the_o first-born_a of_o nature_n when_o it_o assume_v a_o body_n for_o else_o no_o man_n can_v separate_v it_o from_o body_n which_o hinder_v its_o regeneration_n to_o life_n and_o pacification_n of_o its_o essence_n not_o as_o though_o by_o combustion_n and_o destruction_n it_o lose_v its_o body_n in_o death_n nor_o yet_o by_o putrefaction_n but_o so_o that_o in_o germination_n the_o putrefaction_n of_o seeds_n annihilate_v not_o that_o which_o be_v corporify_v in_o they_o for_o which_o cause_n in_o the_o exaltion_n of_o mercury_n or_o the_o universal_a spirit_n after_o the_o first_o degree_n which_o be_v make_v by_o separation_n all_o that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o spiritual_a become_v volatile_a because_o the_o sublimatory_n virtue_n therein_o overcome_v the_o fix_v faculty_n but_o the_o fix_a part_n afterward_o retain_v the_o volatile_a with_o it_o be_v help_v by_o the_o action_n of_o heat_n which_o augment_v the_o power_n of_o the_o two_o noble_a element_n destroy_v the_o power_n of_o the_o two_o weak_a which_o hermes_n hint_n at_o in_o a_o certain_a treatise_n by_o a_o plumou_n bird_n detain_v with_o a_o bird_n without_o feather_n and_o nicholaus_fw-la flumellus_n by_o two_o dragon_n one_o with_o and_o another_o without_o wing_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o long_o fold_v myself_o in_o these_o daedalean_a labyrinth_n see_v we_o not_o all_o vegetable_n increase_v and_o elevate_v themselves_o upward_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o volatile_a spirit_n which_o as_o i_o say_v before_o will_v carry_v they_o high_o towards_o the_o place_n whence_o it_o come_v whereto_o it_o have_v a_o appetite_n but_o that_o it_o be_v detain_v by_o its_o proper_a earth_n and_o corporal_a mass_n wherein_o some_o fix_a matter_n reside_v but_o lest_o some_o not_o sufficient_o accustom_v to_o philosophical_a term_n shall_v think_v we_o contradict_v ourselves_o i_o will_v here_o explicate_v myself_o i_o say_v then_o that_o i_o mean_v not_o by_o this_o volatile_a spirit_n that_o which_o i_o before_o call_v volatile_a and_o separable_a sulphur_n for_o that_o be_v rather_o the_o author_n of_o corruption_n than_o growth_n but_o that_o most_o simple_a part_n of_o the_o primaeve_fw-la vapour_n which_o never_o lose_v it_o be_v subtle_o who_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v elevate_v and_o tend_v to_o perfection_n for_o to_o sublimate_v be_v proper_o and_o philosophical_o no_o more_o then_o to_o perfect_a and_o exalt_v matter_n from_o imperfection_n to_o perfection_n as_o therefore_o this_o mercury_n have_v a_o elevable_a so_o have_v it_o a_o stable_a substance_n the_o first_o be_v natural_o innate_a in_o it_o the_o second_o be_v in_o its_o centre_n or_o power_n yet_o it_o can_v compass_v its_o effect_n without_o the_o help_n of_o art_n and_o that_o i_o may_v show_v more_o plain_o in_o what_o way_n nature_n proceed_v in_o her_o operation_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o add_v a_o little_a about_o the_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o fixation_n repeat_v therefore_o that_o indubitable_a axiom_n i_o allege_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o book_n as_o perpetual_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n constitution_n to_o wit_n that_o all_o that_o have_v life_n have_v also_o some_o duration_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v produce_v under_o the_o cope_n of_o heaven_n which_o have_v not_o some_o kind_n of_o life_n in_o it_o i_o say_v that_o this_o duration_n must_v be_v wrought_v by_o conservation_n to_o perpetuity_n for_o perpetuation_n be_v the_o scope_n of_o nature_n see_v it_o be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o every_o good_a opificer_n to_o preserve_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n till_o it_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n or_o the_o light_n of_o its_o life_n extinguish_v by_o the_o cold_a ash_n of_o death_n to_o who_o foot_n all_o thing_n necessary_o prostrate_v themselves_o by_o this_o inevitable_a law_n that_o whatsoever_o have_v
beginning_n must_v also_o have_v a_o end_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n shall_v remain_v in_o their_o first_o extreme_a that_o be_v in_o their_o beginning_n without_o progress_n to_o their_o second_o extreme_a that_o be_v their_o death_n all_o thing_n have_v yet_o be_v leave_v in_o their_o chaos_n or_o rather_o nothing_o will_v have_v consist_v in_o its_o be_v and_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o subject_n be_v useless_a and_o destructive_a to_o themselves_o nature_n therefore_o to_o eschew_v these_o inconvenience_n observe_v the_o say_a order_n and_o progress_n of_o thing_n exist_v in_o continual_a action_n and_o motion_n that_o be_v conservation_n and_o perpetuation_n and_o now_o that_o which_o extend_v life_n or_o conserves_n it_o can_v subsist_v against_o the_o force_n of_o destruction_n without_o some_o fixation_n and_o constancy_n and_o this_o conservative_a essence_n be_v in_o some_o more_o fix_v then_o in_o other_o whence_o they_o be_v also_o of_o a_o long_o and_o more_o durable_a life_n and_o more_o difficult_o destroy_v and_o mortify_v as_o a_o hart_n and_o crow_n among_o animal_n a_o oak_n among_o plant_n and_o gold_n among_o mineral_n and_o this_o happen_v by_o the_o more_o equal_a and_o digest_v commixtion_n of_o element_n so_o that_o death_n who_o property_n it_o be_v to_o divide_v and_o disjoin_v can_v so_o easy_o enter_v these_o compound_n as_o be_v firm_o unite_v and_o well_o digest_v and_o by_o how_o much_o body_n be_v more_o firm_a thus_o by_o so_o much_o they_o be_v less_o subject_n to_o the_o accident_n of_o mortal_a corruption_n but_o nature_n be_v not_o able_a of_o herself_o to_o attain_v this_o perfection_n of_o union_n and_o digestion_n can_v total_o and_o final_o save_v and_o preserve_v body_n from_o destruction_n but_o the_o industry_n of_o art_n though_o art_n of_o itself_o be_v nothing_o without_o nature_n imitate_v she_o in_o these_o thing_n exceed_v she_o in_o the_o proper_a course_n of_o she_o own_o way_n for_o observe_v that_o conservation_n and_o prolongation_n of_o life_n be_v attainable_a by_o something_o tend_v to_o fixation_n which_o must_v be_v effect_v by_o union_n and_o digestion_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v fix_v but_o what_o be_v homogeneous_a and_o of_o one_o nature_n the_o artist_n labour_v that_o he_o may_v find_v out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v fixable_a and_o deduce_v it_o to_o perfect_a fixation_n which_o he_o do_v by_o the_o same_o way_n order_n and_o operation_n that_o nature_n use_v to_o wit_n by_o separate_v extraneous_a and_o unite_n homogeneous_a part_n which_o he_o absolve_v by_o long_a and_o ingenious_a digestion_n of_o the_o thing_n unite_v but_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o separate_v or_o extract_v this_o from_o individual_a and_o specifical_a body_n because_o of_o their_o firm_a union_n and_o more_o compact_a digestion_n he_o be_v glad_a to_o seek_v it_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n whence_o all_o thing_n proceed_v for_o to_o extract_v it_o entire_a and_o absolute_o virtuous_a from_o another_o place_n be_v a_o work_n of_o no_o profit_n and_o impossible_a and_o to_o think_v how_o it_o may_v be_v make_v perfect_a be_v a_o labour_n both_o long_o and_o dubious_a whence_o the_o poet_n say_v well_o hic_fw-la sive_fw-la nullibi_fw-la illud_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la querimus_fw-la here_o or_o nowhere_o be_v that_o we_o seek_v and_o they_o be_v doubtless_o deceive_v who_o follow_v crooked_a and_o by-path_n stick_v in_o the_o common_a signification_n and_o rind_n of_o philosophical_a word_n and_o study_v not_o to_o find_v out_o the_o lively_a marrow_n of_o their_o intention_n they_o shall_v therefore_o sacrifice_v first_o to_o the_o infernal_a queen_n for_o there_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o thing_n wise_a man_n begin_v their_o work_n from_o the_o root_n and_o not_o from_o the_o branch_n choose_v as_o doctor_n bacon_n say_v to_o congeal_v the_o thing_n that_o nature_n begin_v she_o first_o operation_n about_o by_o a_o proportionate_a mixtion_n and_o union_n of_o pure_a live_a mercury_n with_o a_o like_a quantity_n of_o sulphur_n into_o one_o mass_n oh_o holy_a word_n wherein_o this_o good_a anglian_a or_o rather_o angel_n clear_o depinge_v that_o one_o and_o true_a matter_n whereof_o all_o philosopher_n have_v write_v volume_n under_o divers_a figure_n and_o enigmatical_a fable_n not_o because_o they_o will_v malicious_o hide_v it_o but_o keep_v the_o privilege_n of_o this_o knowledge_n for_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n who_o by_o continual_a study_n and_o laborious_a experience_n find_v and_o adorn_v it_o but_o lest_o i_o shall_v move_v some_o master_n to_o suspect_v that_o i_o allege_v this_o place_n ignorant_o and_o understand_v it_o improper_o i_o will_v have_v they_o know_v that_o by_o that_o matter_n which_o bacon_n so_o ingenious_o represent_v i_o mean_v the_o universal_a spirit_n whereof_o i_o treat_v and_o likewise_o that_o i_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n or_o the_o genitor_fw-la and_o he_o that_o be_v generate_v or_o the_o producer_n and_o he_o that_o be_v produce_v neither_o need_v i_o blush_v to_o say_v that_o i_o know_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o the_o philosopher_n here_o will_v have_v such_o inquire_v after_o the_o confection_n of_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n to_o seek_v the_o principle_n of_o mineral_n and_o he_o paint_v out_o the_o first_o matter_n of_o metal_n prepare_v compound_a and_o specify_v by_o nature_n but_o i_o treat_v of_o first_o matter_n not_o yet_o specify_v which_o may_v be_v proper_o call_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o this_o first_o matter_n of_o metal_n or_o the_o most_o general_a genus_fw-la so_o much_o celebrate_v by_o raymundus_n lullius_n but_o i_o use_v this_o sentence_n for_o example_n and_o authority_n sake_n yet_o so_o as_o no_o absurdity_n lurk_v therein_o for_o the_o universal_a spirit_n be_v the_o common_a parent_n of_o mercury_n and_o sulphur_n contain_v and_o proportionated_a by_o nature_n in_o this_o one_o philosophical_a subject_n but_o i_o will_v have_v the_o curious_a artist_n consider_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o by_o subtle_a imagination_n he_o choose_v a_o enliven_a nature_n apt_a for_o the_o conservation_n of_o all_o body_n the_o other_o that_o he_o choose_v a_o thing_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v enliven_v and_o regenerate_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o two_o different_a &_o separate_a matter_n choose_v the_o one_o agent_n and_o the_o other_o patient_n but_o only_o one_o that_o may_v at_o once_o be_v of_o virtue_n to_o enliven_v and_o to_o be_v enliven_v as_o to_o active_a vivification_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o but_o as_o to_o the_o passive_a i_o say_v that_o every_o principle_n have_v its_o original_a from_o itself_o for_o if_o it_o shall_v have_v it_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v no_o principle_n and_o while_o it_o give_v be_v to_o other_o it_o must_v necessary_o whilst_o it_o generate_v they_o draw_v from_o itself_o restauration_n and_o perpetual_a plenitude_n wherefore_o it_o be_v in_o continual_a action_n and_o motion_n towards_o vivification_n whereby_o its_o destruction_n be_v hinder_v for_o it_o will_v never_o forsake_v itself_o and_o it_o have_v motion_n in_o and_o from_o itself_o which_o macrobius_n also_o dispute_v in_o his_o comment_n upon_o scipio_n dream_n discourse_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n though_o i_o think_v his_o discourse_n may_v be_v better_o apt_v to_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v my_o subject_n i_o will_v therefore_o borrow_v this_o from_o his_o argument_n whatsoever_o be_v move_v of_o it_o self_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o motion_n and_o live_v continual_o and_o that_o that_o live_v continual_o can_v be_v enliven_v but_o from_o itself_o it_o be_v therefore_o vivificable_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o because_o it_o have_v its_o seat_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o convert_v itself_o into_o earth_n wherein_o as_o hermes_n right_o all_o it_o virtue_n action_n and_o quality_n remain_v entire_a it_o follow_v also_o see_v it_o be_v vital_a that_o it_o reassume_v life_n restore_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o proper_a power_n we_o find_v the_o same_o also_o in_o this_o universal_a mercury_n which_o be_v always_o nourish_v and_o restore_v in_o its_o i_o so_o that_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n it_o be_v extract_v it_o always_o grow_v to_o the_o same_o form_n whereof_o it_o be_v before_o and_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v cast_v there_o will_v be_v plenty_n of_o it_o always_o after_o not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v generate_v of_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o the_o earth_n through_o who_o part_n it_o creep_v extend_v itself_o continual_o by_o multiplication_n and_o vegetation_n which_o the_o ancient_n denote_v by_o the_o serpent_n which_o moses_n say_v creep_v on_o the_o earth_n &_o feed_v itself_o on_o the_o dust_n thereof_o and_o this_o cause_v the_o cabalist_n to_o call_v he_o the_o prince_n of_o sepulcher_n because_o he_o devour_v and_o
membre_n du_fw-fr monde_fw-fr qui_fw-fr be_fw-mi du_fw-fr tout_fw-fr en_fw-fr tout_fw-fr les_fw-fr nature_n changeant_n pour_v ame_fw-fr universelle_fw-fr en_fw-fr tous_fw-fr corpse_n te_fw-fr logeant_fw-fr ausquels_fw-fr tu_fw-la donne_fw-fr estre_fw-fr &_o mourirment_n &_o vie_fw-fr promant_fw-la par_fw-fr mille_fw-fr effect_n ta_fw-fr puissance_fw-fr infinite_a pan_n strong_a and_o subtle_a great_a and_o general_a that_o be_v both_o fire_n air_n earth_n water_n and_o all_o that_o raign'_v always_o and_o over_o every_o thing_n get_v conceive_v bear_v and_o keep_v what'ere_o beginning_n have_v or_o have_v a_o end_n that_o art_n both_o tree_n and_o fruit_n both_o foe_n and_o friend_n the_o spirit_n that_o do_v bind_v the_o world_n part_n that_o penetrate_v all_o nature_n and_o impart_v both_o life_n and_o motion_n power_n to_o act_n and_o will_n and_o that_o do_v with_o thy_o virtue_n all_o thing_n fill_v saturn_n the_o son_n of_o heaven_n and_o vesta_n which_o be_v the_o earth_n and_o husband_n to_o ops_n his_o sister_n which_o be_v that_o co-adjuvant_a and_o conservant_n power_n of_o all_o thing_n represent_v demogorgon_n and_o the_o infant_n that_o he_o first_o devour_v and_o then_o vomit_v up_o again_o be_v they_o not_o body_n to_o who_o he_o give_v be_v and_o at_o last_o reduce_v they_o to_o himself_o whence_o new_a one_o always_o issue_n that_o by_o his_o perpetual_a vicissitude_n the_o order_n establish_v in_o the_o beginning_n may_v be_v preserve_v to_o the_o end_n he_o be_v sometime_o paint_a with_o grey_a and_o sordid_a hair_n his_o head_n cover_v with_o a_o sickle_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o for_o his_o symbol_n have_v a_o serpent_n circular_o grate_v and_o hold_v its_o tail_n in_o its_o mouth_n and_o sure_o he_o be_v old_a enough_o be_v the_o grandfather_n of_o all_o his_o beard_n and_o hair_n be_v white_a always_o grow_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o always_o germinate_a he_o be_v sordid_a and_o ill_o dispose_v of_o himself_o because_o of_o the_o terrestrial_a impurity_n which_o adhere_v to_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o sulphureous_a and_o adustive_a corruption_n his_o head_n be_v cover_v that_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o perfection_n be_v close_v in_o the_o cover_n of_o impurity_n which_o make_v it_o know_v to_o few_o his_o sickle_n be_v his_o penetration_n &_o mordacity_n wherewith_o he_o penetrate_v &_o devour_v all_o thing_n the_o serpent_n bite_v its_o tail_n be_v his_o regenerate_a nature_n whereby_o he_o repair_v himself_o as_o be_v story_v of_o the_o phoenix_n by_z which_o name_n he_o be_v also_o sometime_o call_v so_o that_o he_o be_v always_o conversant_a in_o a_o circular_a and_o indeficient_a increase_n but_o methinks_v i_o hear_v some_o say_v that_o i_o miss_v of_o the_o intention_n of_o author_n in_o their_o fabulous_a description_n of_o saturn_n for_o they_o mean_v by_o saturn_n lead_v which_o be_v of_o all_o metal_n the_o seniour_n which_o also_o devour_v all_o other_o by_o its_o crudity_n because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o salt_n for_o mordacity_n arise_v from_o salt_n as_o the_o refiner_n of_o metal_n find_v in_o their_o probation_n for_o it_o there_o vomit_v out_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o it_o deglutiate_v but_o can_v not_o consume_v because_o in_o its_o decoction_n they_o receive_v fixation_n so_o as_o to_o resist_v the_o weak_a heat_n of_o its_o ventricle_n i_o do_v not_o altogether_o reject_v this_o sense_n because_o it_o be_v in_o some_o place_n conformable_a to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n concordant_a with_o what_o i_o have_v give_v i_o hope_v none_o will_v tell_v i_o i_o be_v false_a maia_n represent_v the_o earth_n so_o call_v because_o out_o of_o she_o as_o a_o mother_n the_o universal_a spirit_n or_o mercury_n have_v its_o origine_fw-la and_o from_o the_o pure_a invisible_a seed_n of_o jupiter_n which_o be_v the_o air_n for_o it_o proceed_v real_o out_o of_o these_o as_o the_o learned_a cosmopolita_n say_v in_o his_o precious_a treatise_n mercury_n be_v common_o paint_v with_o wing_n that_o they_o may_v show_v how_o she_o be_v of_o a_o volatile_a nature_n his_o head_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o hat_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o i_o before_o give_v for_o saturn_n head_n he_o carry_v a_o caduceous_a and_o fatal_a rod_n encircle_v with_o serpent_n both_o to_o signify_v and_o denote_v his_o regenerative_a faculty_n as_o those_o reason_n also_o i_o give_v to_o saturn_n serpent_n by_o this_o rod_n he_o open_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v life_n and_o death_n and_o that_o rod_n represent_v powerful_a nature_n for_o by_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o descend_v to_o the_o earth_n he_o acquire_v the_o virtue_n both_o of_o superior_a and_o inferior_a thing_n by_o this_o same_o power_n he_o draw_v soul_n out_o of_o hell_n make_v all_o eye_n yield_v to_o sleep_n as_o virgil_n write_v of_o he_o he_o be_v by_o some_o also_o call_v poison_n and_o a_o theriack_a or_o life_n and_o death_n according_a to_o his_o use_n and_o dosis_n for_o life_n consist_v in_o due_a temperament_n and_o justice_n death_n in_o excess_n many_o other_o such_o mystery_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o heathenish_a theology_n which_o have_v no_o other_o scope_n then_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o all_o which_o if_o i_o shall_v here_o explain_v my_o treatise_n will_v prove_v a_o volume_n but_o i_o will_v not_o defatigate_v my_o reader_n with_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n these_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o all_o mythological_a commentary_n such_o as_o these_o with_o their_o allegorical_a and_o historical_a sense_n give_v no_o occasion_n to_o poetical_a fiction_n as_o if_o any_o truth_n be_v in_o they_o but_o such_o thing_n tend_v chief_o to_o show_v the_o admirable_a operation_n of_o chemistry_n as_o among_o other_o the_o story_n of_o jason_n and_o medea_n explicate_v by_o chrysogonus_n polydorus_n to_o which_o explication_n i_o will_v add_v that_o this_o name_n medea_n that_o signify_v cogitation_n meditation_n or_o investigation_n be_v derive_v from_o a_o word_n that_o denote_v a_o principle_n origine_fw-la or_o reason_n for_o all_o meditation_n have_v doubtless_o some_o principle_n or_o reason_n for_o its_o foundation_n this_o medea_n teach_v jason_n that_o be_v a_o inquirer_n two_o thing_n wherein_o all_o philosophy_n consist_v first_o the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o golden_a that_o be_v the_o art_n of_o change_a metal_n and_o mineral_n and_o second_o the_o restauration_n of_o body_n weaken_v with_o disease_n ready_o and_o perfect_o cure_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o from_o old_a age_n to_o youth_n and_o vigour_n by_o this_o sole_a and_o universal_a medicine_n expel_v all_o corrupt_a and_o corrumpent_fw-la humour_n and_o superfluity_n from_o body_n which_o will_v else_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o end_n jason_n endeavour_v and_o perfect_v these_o miraculous_a effect_n by_o the_o observation_n of_o medea_n counsel_n after_o long_a and_o laborious_a navigation_n obnoxious_a to_o many_o peril_n both_o in_o sail_v in_o kill_v the_o dragon_n and_o tame_v the_o bull_n this_o navigation_n be_v the_o laborious_a inquisition_n and_o dubious_a experience_n of_o thing_n wherein_o many_o be_v exercise_v all_o their_o life_n long_o and_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o port_n of_o nature_n the_o monstrous_a bull_n which_o he_o be_v to_o tame_v and_o subjugate_v be_v the_o furnace_n wherein_o the_o operation_n be_v make_v which_o do_v not_o ill_o represent_v a_o bull_n head_n and_o breath_n out_o fire_n at_o their_o mouth_n and_o eye_n as_o the_o fable_n have_v it_o for_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v some_o transpiration_n else_o the_o fire_n will_v be_v extinguish_v and_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o heat_n not_o regulate_v for_o unless_o some_o experience_a man_n regulate_v the_o fire_n many_o thing_n will_v fall_v out_o wrong_a in_o the_o operation_n and_o delude_v the_o operator_n hope_n as_o i_o have_v experience_v for_o of_o nine_o vessel_n which_o i_o repose_v in_o a_o furnace_n to_o give_v it_o a_o due_a degree_n of_o heat_n i_o lose_v eight_o and_o one_o i_o conserve_v by_o mean_n whereof_o i_o obtain_v the_o say_v experiment_n in_o cure_v disease_n the_o watchful_a dragon_n be_v that_o universal_a mercury_n which_o cadmus_n have_v learned_a to_o kill_v that_o be_v fix_v the_o campus_n mortis_fw-la whereinis_fw-la the_o tooth_n of_o the_o martial_a serpent_n shall_v be_v sow_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o vessel_n wherein_o soldier_n arm_v with_o spear_n be_v elevate_v but_o this_o vessel_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o glass-alembick_a as_o polydorus_n think_v but_o make_v in_o form_n of_o a_o cooperculum_fw-la or_o covert_n narrow_a below_o and_o capacious_a above_o make_v of_o good_a earth_n well_o coct_v and_o not_o of_o iron_n or_o glass_n in_o who_o bottom_n mars_n his_o field_n must_v be_v elevate_v rigid_a with_o lance_n and_o spear_n represent_v soldier_n provoke_v and_o fight_v and_o this_o be_v only_o a_o ingenious_a fiction_n of_o the_o