To
the Wise and Understanding Reader.
Wisdom (saith Solomon) is to a man an infinite Treasure, for she is
the Breath of the Power of God, and a pure Influence that floweth from
the Glory of the Almighty; she is the Brightness of Eternal Light, and
an undefiled Mirror of the Majesty of God, and an Image of his Goodness;
she teacheth us Soberness and Prudence, Righteousness and Strength;
she understands the Subtilty of words, and Solution of dark sentences;
she foreknoweth Signs and Wonders, and what shall happen in time to
come; with this Treasure was our first Father Adam fully endued: Hence
it doth appear, that after God had brought before him all the Creatures
of the Field, and the Fowls under Heaven, he gave to every one of them
their proper names, according to their nature.
Although now through the sorrowful fall into sin this excellent Jewel
Wisdom hath been lost, and meer Darkness and Ignorance is come into
the World, yet notwithstanding hath the Lord God sometimes hitherto
bestowed, and made manifest the same, to some of his Friends: For the
wise King Solomon doth testifie of himself, that he upon earnest prayer
and desire did get and obtain such Wisdom of God, that thereby he knew
how the World was created, thereby he understood the Nature of the Elements,
also the time, beginning, middle and end, the increase and decrease,
the change of times through the whole Year, the Revolution of the Year,
and Ordinance of the Stars; he understood also the properties of tame
and wilde Beasts, the cause of the raigning of the Winds, and minds
and intents of men, all sorts and natures of Plants, vertues of Roots,
and others, was not unknown to him. Now I do not think that there can
be found any one who would not wish and desire with all his heart to
be a Partaker of this noble Treasure; but seeing the same Felicity can
happen to none, except God himself give Wisdom, and send his holy Spirit
from above, we have therefore set forth in print this little Treatise,
to wit, Famam & Confessionem, of the Laudable Fraternity of the
Rosie Cross, to be read by every one, because in them is clearly shewn
and discovered, what concerning it the World hath to expect.
Although these things may seem somewhat strange, and many may esteem
it to be but a Philosophical shew, and no true History, which is published
and spoken of the Fraternity of the Rosie Cross; it shall here sufficienty
appear by our Confession, that there is more in recessu then may be
imagined; and it shall be easily understood, and observed by every one
(if he be not altogether voyd of understanding) what now adays, and
at these times, is meant thereby.
Those who are true Disciples of Wisdom, and true Followers of the Spherical
Art, will consider better of these things, and have them in greater
estimation, as also judg far otherwise of them, as hath been done by
some principal Persons, but especially of Adam Haselmeyer, Notarius
Publicus to the Arch Duke Maximilian, who likewise hath made an Extract
ex scriptis Theologicis Theophrasti, and written a Treatise under the
Title of Jesuiter, wherein he willeth, that every Christian should be
a true Jesuit, that is, to walk, live, be, and remain in Jesus: He was
but ill rewarded of the Jesuits, because in his answer written upon
the Famam, he did name those of the Fraternity of the Rosie Cross, The
highly illuminated men, and undeceiving Jesuits; for they not able to
brook this, layd hands on him, and put him into the Galleis, for which
they likewise have to expect their reward.
Blessed Aurora will now henceforth begin to appear, who (after the passing
away of the dark Night of Saturn) with her Brightness altogether extinguisheth
the shining of the Moon, or the small Sparks of Heavenly Wisdom, which
yet remaineth with men, and is a Forerunner of pleasant Phebus, who
with his clear and fiery glistering Beams brings forth that blessed
Day, long wished for, of many true-hearted; by which Day-light then
shall truly be known, and shall be seen all heavenly Treasures of godly
Wisdom, as also the Secrets of all hidden and unvisible things in the
World, according to the Doctrine of our Forefathers, and ancient Wisemen.
This will be the right kingly Ruby, and most excellent shining Carbuncle,
of the which it is said, That he doth shine and give light in darkness,
and to be a perfect Medicine of all imperfect Bodies, and to change
them into the best Gold, and to cure all Diseases of Men, easing them
of all pains and miseries.
Be therefore, gentle Reader, admonished, that with me you do earnestly
pray to God, that it please him to open the hearts and ears of all ill
hearing people, and to grant unto them his blessing, that they may be
able to know him in his Omnipotency, with admiring contemplation of
Nature, to his honour and praise, and to the love, help, comfort and
strengthening of our Neighbors, and to the restoring of all the diseased.
Fama Fraternitatis,
or,
A Discovery of the Fraternity of the most laudable Order of the Rosy
Cross.
Seeing the only Wise and Merciful God in these latter days hath poured
out so richly his mercy and goodness to Mankind, wherby we do attain
more and more to the perfect knowledg of his Son Jesus Christ and Nature,
that justly we may boast of the happy time, wherein there is not only
discovered unto us the half part of the World, which was heretofore
unknown & hidden, but he hath also made manifest unto us many wonderful,
and never-heretofore see, Works and Creatures of Nature, and moreover
hath raised men, indued with great Wisdom, which might partly renew
and reduce all Arts (in this our Age spotted and imperfect) to perfection;
so that finally Man might thereby understand his own Nobleness and Worth,
and why he is called Microcosmus, and how far his knowledg extendeth
in Nature.
Although the rude World herewith will be but little pleased, but rather
smile and scoff thereat; also the Pride and Covetousness of the Learned
is so great, it will not suffer them to agree together; but were they
united, they might out of all those things which in this our Age God
doth so richly bestow upon us, collect Librum Naturae, or a perfect
Method of all Arts: but such is their opposition, that they still keep,
and are loth to leave the old course, esteeming Porphiry, Aristotle,
and Galen, yea and that which hath but a meer shew of learning, more
then the clear and manifested Light and Truth; who if they were now
living, with much joy would leave their erroneous Doctrines. But here
is too great weaknesses for such a great Work: And although in Theologie,
Physic, and the Mathematic, the Truth doth oppose it self; nevertheless
the old Enemy by his subtilty and craft doth shew himself in hindering
every good purpose by his Instruments and contentious wavering people.
To such an intent of a general Reformation, the most godly and highly
illuminated Father, our Brother, C.R. a German, the chief and original
of our Fraternity, hath much and long time laboured, who by reason of
his poverty (although descended of Noble Parents) in the fifth year
of his age was placed in a Cloyster, where he had learned indifferently
the Greek and Latin Tongues, who (upon his earnest desire and request)
being yet in his growing years, was associated to a Brother, P.A.L.
who had determined to go to the Holy Land.
Although this Brother dyed in Ciprus, and so never came to Jerusalem,
yet our Brother C.R. did not return, but shipped himself over, and went
to Damasco, minding from thence to go to Jerusalem; but by reason of
the feebleness of his body he remained still there, and by his skill
in Physick he obtained much favour with the Turks: In the mean time
he became by chance acquainted with the Wise men of Damasco in Arabia,
and beheld what great Wonders they wrought, and how Nature was discovered
unto them; hereby was that high and noble Spirit of Brother C.R. so
stired up, that Jerusalem was not so much now in his mind as Damasco;
also he could not bridle his desires any longer, but made a bargain
with the Arabians, that they should carry him for a certain sum of money
to Damasco; he was but of the age of sixteen years when he came thither,
yet of a strong Dutch constitution; there the Wise received him (as
he himself witnessseth) not as a stranger, but as one whom they had
long expected, they called him by his name, and shewed him other secrets
out of his Cloyster, whereat he could not but mightily wonder: He learned
there better the Arabian Tongue; so that the year following he translated
the Book M. into good Latin, which he afterwards brought with him. This
is the place where he did learn his Physick, and his Mathematicks, whereof
the World hath just cause to rejoyce, if there were more Love, and less
Envy. After three years he returned again with good consent, shipped
himself over Sinus Arabicus into Egypt, where he remained not long,
but only took better notice there of the Plants and Creatures; he sailed
over the whole Mediterranean Sea for to come unto Fez, where the Arabians
had directed him. And it is a great shame unto us, that wise men, so
far remote thone from thother, should not only be of one
opinion, hating all contentious Writings, but also be so willing and
ready under the seal of secrecy to impart their secrets to others.
Every year the Arabians and Affricans do send one to another, inquiring
one of another out of their Arts, if happily they had found out some
better things, or if Experience had weakened their Reasons. Yearly there
came something to light, whereby the Mathematica, Physic and Magic (for
in those are they of Fez most skilful) were amended; as there is now
adays in Germany no want of learned Men, Magicians, Cabalists, Physicians,
and Philosophers, were there but more love and kindness among them,
or that the most part of them would not keep their secrets close only
to themselves. At Fez he did get acquaintance with those which are commonly
called the Elementary Inhabitants, who revealed unto him many of their
secrets: As we Germans likewise might gather together many things, if
there were the like unity, and desire of searching out of secrets amongst
us.
Of these of Fez he often did confess, that their Magia was not altogether
pure, and also that their Cabala was defiled with their Religion; but
notwithstanding he knew how to make good use of the same, and found
still more better grounds of his Faith, altogether agreeable with the
Harmony of the whole World, and wonderfully impressed in all Periods
of times, and thence proceedeth that fair Concord, that as in every
several kernel is contained a whole good tree or fruit, so likewise
is included in the little body of Man the whole great World, whose Religion,
policy, health, members, nature, language, words and works, are agreeing,
sympathizing, and in equal tune and melody with God, Heaven and Earth;
and that which is dis-agreeing with them, is error, falsehood and of
the Devil, who alone is the first, middle, and last cause of strife,
blindness, and darkness in the World: Also, might one examine all and
several persons upon the Earth, he should find that which is good and
right, is always agreeing with it self; but all the rest is spotted
with a thousand erroneous conceits.
After two years Brother R.C. departed the City Fez, and sailed with
many costly things into Spain, hoping well, he himself had so well and
so profitably spent his time in his travel, that the learned in Europe
would highly rejoyce with him, and begin to rule, and order all their
Studies, according to those sound and sure Foundations. He therefore
conferred with the Learned in Spain, shewing unto them the Errors of
our Arts, and how they might be corrected, and from whence they should
gather the true Inditia of the Times to come, and wherein they ought
to agree with those things that are past; also how the faults of the
Church and the whole Philosopia Moralis was to be amended: He shewed
them new Growths, new Fruits, and Beasts, which did concord with old
Philosophy, and prescribed them new Axiomata, whereby all things might
fully be restored: But it was to them a laughing matter; and being a
new thing unto them, they feared that their great Name should be lessened,
if they should now again begin to learn and acknowledg their many years
Errors, to which they were accustomed, and wherewith they had gained
them enough: Who so loveth unquietness, let him be reformed.
The same Song was also sang to him by other Nations, the which moved
him the more (because it happened to him contrary to his expectation,)
being then ready bountifully to impart all his Arts and Secrets to the
Learned, if they would have but undertaken to write the true and infallible
Axiomata, out of all Faculties, Sciences and Arts, and whole Nature,
as that which he knew would direct them, like a Globe, or Circle, to
the onely middle Point, and Centrum, and (as it is usual among the Arabians)
it should onely serve to the wise and learned for a Rule, that also
there might be a Society in Europe, which might have Gold, Silver, and
precious Stones, sufficient for to bestow them on Kings, for their necessary
uses, and lawful purposes: with which such as be Governors might be
brought up, for to learn all that which God hath suffered Man to know,
and thereby to be enabled in all times of need to give their counsel
unto those that seek it, like the Heathen Oracles: Verily we must confess
that the world in those days was already big with those great Commotions,
laboring to be delivered of them; and did bring forth painful, worthy
men, who brake with all force through Darkness and Barbarism, and left
us who succeeded to follow them: and assuredly they have been the uppermost
point in Trygono igneo, whose flame now should be more and more brighter,
and shall undoubtedly give to the World the last Light.
Such a one likewise hath Theophrastus been in Vocation and Callings,
although he was none of our Fraternity, yet nevertheless hath he diligently
read over the Book M: whereby his sharp ingenium was exalted; but this
man was also hindered in his course by the multitude of the learned
and wise-seeming men, that he was never able peaceably to confer with
others of his Knowledg and Understanding he had of Nature. And therefore
in his writing he rather mocked these busie bodies, and doth not shew
them altogether what he was: yet nevertheless there is found with him
well grounded the aforenamed Harmonia, which without doubt he had imparted
to the Learned, if he had not found them rather worthy of subtil vexation,
then to be instructed in greater Arts and Sciences; he then with a free
and careless life lost his time, and left unto the World their foolish
pleasures.
But that we do not forget our loving Father, Brother C.R. he after many
painful Travels, and his fruitless true Instructions, returned again
into Germany, the which he (by reason of the alterations which were
shortly to come, and of the strange and dangerous contentions) heartily
loved: There, although he could have bragged with his Art, but specially
of the transmutations of Metals; yet did he esteem more Heaven, and
the Citizens thereof, Man, then all vain glory and pomp.
Nevertheless he builded a fitting and neat inhabitation, in the which
he ruminated his Voyage, and Philosophy, and reduced them together in
a true Memorial. In this house he spent a great time in the Mathematicks,
and made many fine Instruments, ex omnibus hujus artis partibus, whereof
there is but little remaining to us, as hereafter you shall understand.
After five years came again into his mind the wished for Reformation;
and in regard he doubted of the ayd and help of others, although he
himself was painful, lusty, and unwearisom, he undertook, with some
few adjoyned with him, to attempt the same: wherefore he desired to
that end, to have out of his first Cloyster (to the which he bare a
great affection) three of his Brethren, Brother G.V. Brother J.A. and
Brother J.O. who besides that, they had some more knowledg in the Arts,
then at that time many others had, he did binde those three unto himself,
to be faithful, diligent, and secret; as also to commit carefully to
writing, all that which he should direct and instruct them in, to the
end that those which were to come, and through especial Revelation should
be received into this Fraternity, might not be deceived of the least
sillable and word.
After this manner began the Fraternity of the Rosie Cross; first, by
four persons onely, and by them was made the Magical Language and writing,
with a large Dictionary, which we yet dayly use to Gods praise and glory,
and do finde great wisdom therein; they made also the first part of
the Book M: but in respect that the labor was too heavy, and the unspeakable
concourse of the sick hindred them, and also whilst his new building
(called Sancti spiritus) was now finished, they concluded to draw and
receive yet others more into their Fraternity; to this end was chosen
brother R.C. his deceased fathers brothers son, brother B. a skilful
Painter, G. and P.D. their Secretary, all Germains except J.A. so in
all they were eight in number, all batchelors and of vowed virginity,
by those was collected a book or volumn of all that which man can desire,
wish, or hope for.
Although we do now freely confess, that the World is much amended within
an hundred years, yet we are assured, that our Axiomata shall unmovably
remain unto the Worlds End, and also the world in her highest and last
Age shall not attain to see any thing else; for our Rota takes her beginning
from that day when God spake Fiat, and shall end when he shall speak
Pereat; yet Gods Clock striketh every minute, where ours scarce striketh
perfect hours. We also stedfastly beleeve, that if our Brethren and
Fathers had lived in this our present and clear light, they would more
roughly have handled the Pope, Mahomet, Scribes, Artists, and Sophisters,
and had shewed themselves more helpful, not simply with sighs, and wishing
of their end and consummation.
When now these eight Brethren had disposed and ordered all things in
such manner, as there was not now need of any great labour, and also
that every one was sufficiently instructed, and able perfectly to discourse
of secret and manifest Philosophy, they would not remain any longer
together, but as in the beginning they had agreed, they separated themselves
into several Countries, because that not only their Axiomata might in
secret be more profoundly examined by the learned, but that they themselves,
if in some Country or other they observed anything, or perceived some
Error, they might inform one another of it.
Their agreement was this: First, That none of them should profess any
other thing, then to cure the sick, and that gratis. 2. None of the
Posterity should be constrained to wear one certain kind of habit, but
therein to follow the custom of the Country. 3. That every year upon
the day C. they should meet together at the house S. Spiritus, or to
write the cause of his absence. 4. Every Brother should look out for
a worthy person, who after his discease might succeed him. 5. The word
C.R. should be their Seal, Mark, and Character. 6. The Fraternity should
remain secret one hundred years. These six Articles they bound themselves
one to another to keep; and five of the Brethren departed, only the
Brethren B. and D. remained with the Father Fra: R.C. a whole year;
when these likewise departed, then remained by him his Cousen and Brother
J.O. so that he hath all the days of his life with him two of his Brethren.
And although that as yet the Church was not cleansed, nevertheless we
know that they did think of her, and with what longing desire they looked
for: Every year they assembled together with joy, and made a full resolution
of that which they had done; there must certainly have been great pleasure,
to hear truly and without invention related and rehearsed all the Wonders
which God hath poured out here and there through the World. Every one
may hold it out for certain, that such persons as were sent, and joined
together by God, and the Heavens, and chosen out of the wisest of men,
as have lived in many Ages, did live together above all others in highest
Unity, greatest Secrecy, and most kindness one towards another.
After such a most laudable sort they did spend their lives; and although
they were free from all diseases and pain, yet notwithstanding they
could not live and pass their time appointed of God. The first of this
Fraternity which dyed, and that in England, was J.O. as Brother C. long
before had foretold him; he was very expert, and well learned in Cabala,
as his Book called H. witnesseth: In England he is much spoken of, and
chiefly because he cured a young Earl of Norfolk of the Leprosie. They
had concluded, that as much as possibly could be their burial place
should be kept secret, as at this day it is not known unto us what is
become of some of them, yet every ones place was supplyed with a fit
successor; but this we wil confesse publickly by these presents to the
honour of God, That what secret soever we have learned out of the book
M. (although before our eyes we behold the image and pattern of all
the world) yet are there not shewn unto us our misfortunes, nor hour
of death, the which only is known to God himself, who thereby would
have us keep in a continual readiness; but hereof more in our Confession,
where we do set down 37 Reasons wherefore we now do make known our Fraternity,
and proffer such high Mysteries freely, and without constraint and reward:
also we do promise more gold then both the Indies bring to the King
of Spain; for Europe is with child and will bring forth a strong child,
who shall stand in need of a great godfathers gift.
After the death of I.O. Brother R.C. rested not, but as soon as he could,
called the rest together, (and as we suppose) then his grave was made;
although hitherto we (who were the latest) did not know when our loving
father R.C. died, and had no more but the bare names of the beginners,
and all their successors to us; yet there came into our memory, a secret,
which through dark and hidden words, and speeches of the 100 years,
brother A. the successor of D. (who was of the last and second row and
succession), and had lived amongst many of us,) did impart unto us of
the third row and succession; otherwise we must confess, that after
the death of the said A. none of us had in any manner known anything
of Brother R.C. and of his first fellow-brethren, then that which was
extant of them in our Philosophical Bibliotheca, amongst which our Axiomata
was held for the chiefest Rota Mundi, for the most artificial, and Protheus
the most profitable. Likewise we do not certainly know if these of the
second row have been of the like wisdom as the first, and if they were
admitted to all things. It shall be declared hereafter to the gentle
Reader, not onely what we have heard of the burial of R.C. but also
made manifest publickly by the foresight, sufferance and commandement
of God, whom we most faithfully obey, that if we shall be answered discreetly
and Christian-like, we will not be afraid to set forth publickly in
Print, our names, and sirnames, our meetings, or any thing else that
may be required at our hands.
Now the true and fundamental relation of the finding out of the high
illuminated man of God, Fra: C.R.C. is this; After that A. in Gallia
Narbonensi was deceased, then suceeded in his place, our loving Brother
N.N. this man after he had repaired unto us to take the solemn oath
of fidelity and scerecy, he informed us bona fide, That A. had comforted
him in telling him, that this Fraternity should ere long not remain
so hidden, but should be to all the whole German Nation helpful, needful,
and commendable; of the which he was not in any wise in his estate ashamed
of. The year following after he had performed his School right, and
was minded now to travel, being for that purpose sufficiently provided
with Fortunatus purse, he thought (he being a good Architect) to alter
something of his building, and to make it more fit: in such renewing
he lighted upon the memorial Table which was cast of brasse, and containeth
all the names of the brethren, with some few other things; this he would
transfer in another more fitting vault: for where or when Fra: R.C.
died, or in what country he was buried, was by our predecessors concealed
and unknown unto us. In this Table stuck a great naile somewhat strong,
so that when he was with force drawn out, he took with him an indifferent
big stone out of the thin wall, or plaistering of the hidden door, and
so unlooked for uncovered the door; wherefore we did with joy and longing
throw down the rest of the wall, and cleared the door, upon which that
was written in great letters, Post 120 annos patebo, with the year of
the Lord under it: therefore we gave God thanks and let it rest that
same night, because first we would overlook our Rotam; but we refer
our selves again to the confession, for what we here publish is done
for the help of those that are worthy, but to the unworthy (God willing)
it will be small profit: For like as our door was after so many years
wonderfully discovered, also there shall be opened a door to Europe
(when the wall is removed) which already doth begin to appear, and with
great desire is expected of many.
In the morning following we opened the door, and there appeared to our
sight a Vault of seven sides and corners, every side five foor broad,
and the height of eight foot; Although the Sun never shined in this
Vault, nevertheless it was enlightened with another sun, which had learned
this from the Sun, and was scituated in the upper part in the Center
of the sieling; in the midst, in stead of a Tomb-stone, was a round
Altar covered over with a plate of brass, and thereon this engraven:
A.C. R.C. Hoc universi compendium unius mihi sepulchrum feci.
Round about the first Circle or Brim stood,
Jesus mihi omnia.
In the middle were four figures, inclosed in circles, whose circumscription
was,
1. Nequaquam vacuum.
2. Legis Jugum.
3. Libertas Evangelij.
4. Dei gloria intacta.
This is all clear and bright, as also the seventh side and the two Heptagoni:
so we kneeled altogether down, and gave thanks to the sole wise, sole
mighty, and sole eternal God, who hath taught us more then all mens
wit could have found out, praised be his holy name. This Vault we parted
in three parts, the upper part or sieling, the wall or side, the gound
or floor.
Of the upper part you shall understand no more of it at this time, but
that it was divided according to the seven sides in the triangle, which
was in the bright center; but what therein is contained, you shall God
willing (that are desirous of our society) behold the same with your
own eys; but every side or wall is parted into ten squares, every one
with their several figures and sentences, as they are truly shewed,
and set forth Concentratum here in our book.
The bottom again is parted in the triangle, but because therein is discribed
the power and rule of the inferior Governors, we leave to manifest the
same, for fear of the abuse by the evil and ungodly world. But those
that are provided and stored with the heavenly Antidote, they do without
fear or hurt, tread on, and bruise the head of the old and evil serpent,
which this our age is well fitted for: every side or wall had a door
for a chest, wherein there lay diverse things, especially all our books,
which otherwise we had, besides the Vocabular of Theoph: Par. Ho. and
these which daily unfalsifieth we do participate. Herein also we found
his Itinerarium, and vitam, whence this relation for the most part is
taken. In another chest were looking-glasses of divers virtues, as also
in other places were little bells, burning lamps, & chiefly wonderful
artificial Songs; generally al done to that end, that if it should happen
after many hundred years, the Order or Fraternity should come to nothing,
they might by this onely Vault be restored again.
Now as yet we had not seen the dead body of our careful and wise father,
we therfore removed the Altar aside, there we lifted up a strong plate
of brass, and found a fair and worthy body, whole and unconsumed, as
the same is here lively counterfeited, with all the Ornaments and Attires;
in his hand he held a parchment book, called I. the which next to the
Bible, is our greatest treasure, which ought to be delivered to the
censure of the world. At the end of this book standeth this following
Elogium.
Granum pectori Jesu insitum.
C. Ros. C. ex nobili atque splendida Germaniae R.C. familia oriundus,
vir sui seculi divinis revelationibus subtilissimis imaginationibus,
indefessis laboribus ad coelestia, atque humana mysteria ; arcanave
admissus postquam suam (quam Arabico, & Africano itineribus Collegerat)
plusquam regiam, atque imperatoriam Gazam suo seculo nondum convenientem,
posteritati eruendam custo divisset et jam suarum Artium, ut et nominis,
fides acconjunctissimos herides instituisset, mundum minutum omnibus
motibus magno illi respondentem fabricasset hocque tandem preteritarum,
praesentium, et futurarum, rerum compendio extracto, centenario major
non morbo (quem ipse nunquam corpore expertus erat, nunquam alios infestare
sinebat) ullo pellente sed spiritu Dei evocante, illuminatam animam
(inter Fratrum amplexus et ultima oscula) fidelissimo creatori Deo reddidisset,
Pater dilectissimus, Fra: suavissimus, praeceptor fidelissimus amicus
integerimus, a suis ad 120 annos hic absconditus est.
Underneath they had subscribed themselves,
1. Fra: I.A. Fr.C.H. electione Fraternitatis caput.
2. Fr: G.V. M.P.C.
3. Fra: R.C. Iunior haeres S. spiritus.
4. Fra: B.M. P.A. Pictor et Architectus.
5. Fr: G.G. M.P.I. Cabalista.
Secundi Circuli.
1. Fra: P.A. Successor, Fr: I.O. Mathematicus.
2. Fra: A. Successor, Fra. P.D.
3. Fra: R. Successor patris C.R.C. cum Christo triumphant.
At the end was written :-
Ex Deo Nascimur, in Jesu morimur, per spiritum sanctum reviviscimus.
At that time was already dead Brother I.O. and Fra: D. but their burial
place where is it to be found? we doubt not but our Fra: Senior hath
the same, and some especial thing layd in Earth, and perhaps likewise
hidden: we also hope that this our Example will stir up others more
diligently to enquire after their names (whom we have therefore published)
and to search for the place of their burial; for the most part of them,
by reason of their practice and physick, are yet known, and praised
among very old folks; so might perhaps our Gaza be enlarged, or at least
be better cleared.
Concerning Minitum Mundum, we found it kept in another little Altar,
truly more finer than can be imagined by any understanding man; but
we will leave him undescribed, untill we shal truly be answered upon
this our true hearted Famam; and so we have covered it again with the
plates, and set the altar thereon, shut the door, and made it sure,
with all our seals; besides by instruction and command of our Rota,
there are come to sight some books, among which is contained M. (which
were made in stead of household care by the praise-worthy M.P.) Finally
we departed the one from the other, and left the natural heirs in possession
of our Jewels. And so we do expect the answer and judgment of the learned,
or unlearned.
Howbeit we know after a time there wil now be a general reformation,
both of divine and humane things, according to our desire, and the expectation
of others: for its fitting, that before the rising of the Sun,
there should appear and break forth Aurora, or some clearness, or divine
light in the sky; and so in the mean time some few, which shall give
their names, may joyn together, thereby to increase the number and respect
of our Fraternity, and make a happy and wished for beginning of our
Philosophical Canons, prescribed to us by our brother R.C. and be partakers
with us of our treasures (which never can fail or be wasted) in all
humility, and love to be eased of this worlds labor, and not walk so
blindly in the knowledge of the wonderful works of God.
But that also every Christian may know of what Religion and belief we
are, we confess to have the knowledge of Jesus Christ (as the same now
in these last days, and chiefly in Germany, most clear and pure is professed,
and is now adays cleansed and voyd of all swerving people, Hereticks,
and false Prophets,) in certain and noted Countries maintained, defended
and propagated: Also we use two Sacraments, as they are instituted with
all Forms and Ceremonies of the first renewed Church. In Politia we
acknowledge the Roman Empire and Quartam Monarchiam for our Christian
head; albeit we know what alterations be at hand, and would fain impart
the same with all our hearts, to other godly learned men; notwithstanding
our hand-writing which is in our hands, no man (except God alone) can
make it common, nor any unworthy person is able to bereave us of it.
But we shall help with secret aid this so good a cause, as God shal
permit or hinder us: For our God is not blinde, as the Heathens Fortuna,
but is the Churches Ornament, and the honor of the Temple. Our Philosophy
also is not a new Invention, but as Adam after his fall hath received
it, and as Moses and Solomon used it: also she ought not much to be
doubted of, or contradicted by other opinions, or meanings; but seeing
the truth is peaceable, brief, and always like herself in all things,
and especially accorded by with Jesus in omni parte and all members.
And as he is the true Image of the Father, so is she his Image; It shall
not be said, this is true according to Philosophy, but true according
to Theologie; And wherein Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras and others did
hit the mark, and wherein Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Solomon did excel;
but especially wherewith that wonderful book the Bible agreeth. All
that same concurreth together, and make a Sphere or Globe, whose total
parts are equidistant from the Center, as hereof more at large and more
plain shal be spoken of in Christianly Conference.
But now concerning (and chiefly in this our age) the ungodly and accursed
Gold-making, which hath gotten so much the upper hand, whereby under
colour of it, many runagates and roguish people do use great villanies,
and cozen and abuse the credit, which is given them: yea now adays men
of discretion do hold the transmutation of Mettals to be the highest
point, and fastigium in Philosophy, this is all their intent, and desire,
and that God would be most esteemed by them, and honored, which could
make great store of Gold, and in abundance, the which with unpremeditate
prayers, they hope to attain of the alknowing God, and searcher of all
hearts: we therefore do by these presents publickly testifie, That the
true Philosophers are far of another minde, esteeming little the making
of Gold, which is but a parergon; for besides that they have a thousand
better things.
And we say with our loving Father R.C.C. Phy: aureum nisi quantum aurum,
for unto them the whole nature is detected: he doth not rejoyce, that
he can make Gold, and that, as saith Christ, the devils are obedient
unto him; but is glad that he seeth the Heavens open, and the Angels
of God ascending and descending, and his name written in the book of
life. Also we do testifie that under the name of Chymia many books and
pictures are set forth in Contumeliam gloriae Dei, as we wil name them
in their due season, and wil give to the pure-hearted a Catalogue, or
Register of them: And we pray all learned men to take heed of these
kinde of Books; for the enemy never resteth, but soweth his weeds, til
a stronger one doth root it out. So according to the wil and meaning
of Fra: C.R.C. we his brethren request again all the learned in Europe,
who shal read (sent forth in five languages) this our Famam and Confessionem,
that it would please them with good deliberation to ponder this our
offer, and to examine most nearly and most sharply their Arts, and behold
the present time with all diligence, and to declare their minde, either
Cummunicate consilio, or singulatim by Print.
And although at this time we make no mention either of our names, or
meetings, yet nevertheless every ones opinion shal assuredly come to
our hands, in what language so ever it be; nor any body shal fail, who
so gives but his name to speak with some of us, either by word of mouth,
or else if there be some lett in writing. And this we say for a truth,
That whosoever shall earnestly, and from his heart, bear affection unto
us, it shal be beneficial to him in goods, body and soul; but he that
is false-hearted, or onely greedy of riches, the same first of all shal
not be able in any manner of wise to hurt us, but bring him to utter
ruine and destruction. Also our building (although one hundred thousand
people had very near seen and beheld the same) shall for ever remain
untouched, undestroyed, and hidden to the wicked world, sub umbra alarum
tuarum Jehova.
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