An Hermetic Work.

I might further enlarge Avith some rare Philosophick particular preparations in every kind or thing , and of the universal Sp irit , and general Phlegmatick Menstruum or dissolvent , and of some SAveet oyls and spirits of Balsamick , Salts , Sulphurs , and Mercuries , cj-c . both for Mcnstruums and Medicines ; ancl to set forth Butlers Magnetick , Mystical , Physical , Anodyne Stone , Avith other Sympatheticks , Magueticks , $ c . But it Avere against my intention of brev % , and I have sufficiently done in tho general , for the Philosophers Stone and Elixirs , ( instar omnium ) comprehends all .

CHAP . V . An Apologitieal Peroration of Mans Mortality , Resurrection , and State for Eternity . Perhaps here some may say , it is not easie to find or understand all Avritten in this short volume , by solitary experiments , or public Print , Avhich I confess to be true ; nor could 1 till I had the blessing to converse Avith some Philosophick Authorsand had

, , living Avords to demonstrate it ; whereby likewise I felt and found out Paracelsus and llelmont , in their concealments , AA'hich I have here given thee a Key to open ; and if it may be any help unto thee , acknoAvledge it from God ; if thou dislike it , thy time and charge Avill not be much prejudiced by these feiv lines , and might be spent Avorse , but take it for good intentions , or how else thou pleasest , so thou forfeit not thy Christian name by envy , or speaking evil of what thou knowest not .

Aud thus I hope in this short discourse I have sufficiently explained my Philosophical tenygmatical Scutcheons , and Epitaph , ivith the Alchahcst , Samech , and other Elixirs , as also my adjoyning Avords and Figures , the rest I leave , ( if thou be more curious ) to be explained by the aforesaid Authors , and multitude of others better experienced in this Art ; and if thou yet shalt blame me for thy want of ap 2 irehension hereof hy these writingsor of my Fi and EitaphI am resolved to be dumb and

, gures p , silent like a dead man still ; for if I deserve blame I ought to bear it quietly ; if ofcher-Avise , I have been used to scandals and reproaches from Pharaolis Court to Jobs Dunghil , and can take it for a Glory to suffer patiently ; for I have set doivn what the Philosophers ancl Adeptists have said and confessed , viva voce , and in Print ; no could I or they give this knoivledge in the plainest Avords , ivithout the peculiar inspiration of God : Wherefore if thou desirest this great blessingask it of him Avho giveth

, liberally and upbraideth not when it may tend to his glory . But be sure thou prepare thyself by purity and holiness , Avith true mortification , as thou desirest thy Avork should prosper and thrive . And therefore pray affectionately , That God , in and through Ohrists spirit , may enliven thee from dead Avorks , and seperate light from thy dark body and Chaos of sin , that so being truly baptized into him and his Righteousness , by an Essential and Living Seed of Faith , thou maiest improve thy Talent , and mount

through ancl above the quarfcernary deiiling ivorld into the Trivne power , and at last come to the quintessential , or Super celestial Central circle of Peace , and Heavenl y Beatitude . Wherefore now , candid Reader , if thou beest not satisfied with this work or these expressions , leave them for the Author , for the said Epitaph and Figured Scutcheons Avill serve me well enough for a Grave Stone ( AA'hich Avas so chiefly intended at the first ) Avhere

l may lye at rest , Avith or without any other Herauldry , or Applause ; and wherein thou maiest plainly nevertheless read thy mortality , as on other Tombs , To prepare thy self for thy long home of Eternity , for thy Body , Soul , and Spirit , must be seperate , and the four Elements thus corrupted from the Sal , Sulphur , and Mercury , generate Worms , & c . which after a full and perfect separation , are again to be reunited at the day of doomfor quintessential celestialand eAerlasting being

, a , super , - : Ihe good in Joy ancl Peace of the Holy Ghost , Avhich had fermented the same b y highteousness in this life into Christs Body as Members , and was in all the Saints and « -ue Catholick Church , the Hope of Glory . But the other that Avere Bad , left to 'herr Bestial , Sensual , and Divelish Fermented Affections , to he tormented eternall y , 2 L 2