Observations upon Anthroposophia theomagica, and Anima magica abscondita by Alazonomastix Philalethes.

Pag. 3.

Lin. 3. I tooke to task the fruits of one Spring, &c. Here Anthroposophus is turned Herbalist for one whole Spring, damned to the grasse and fields like Nebuchadnezzar when he went on all four among the Beasts. But see how slow this Snail a∣mongst the herbs is, in finding out the truth; when he confesses it was the work of one whole Spring to find out, that the Earth or seeds of flowers are nothing like the flowers. There's not any old Garden∣weeder in all London, but without a pair of spectacles will discover that in four mi∣nutes, which he has beene a full fourth part of a year about. But certainely, he intends a great deal of pomp and ceremony, that will not take up such a conclusion as this, (viz. That things that are produced in Na∣ture are out of something in Nature which is not like the things produced) but upon the full experience and meditation of one entire Spring. And now after this whole Springs meditation and experience, hee is

forced to turn about to him whom hee so disdainfully flies, and confesse two of the three principles of the Aristotelean Physicks, viz. Matter and Privation, that homo is ex non homine, arbor ex non arbore, &c. But this Matter, he says (and it is the wisest word he has spoken yet) he knowes not what it is. But presently blots his credit again with a new peece of folly, intima∣ting hee will finde it it out by experience. Which is as good sense as if hee should say, hee would see it when his eyes are out. For it is alike easie to see visibles without eyes, as to see invisibles with eyes. But he flyes off hence, and is in quest after a sub∣stance which he smels out like a nosegay in Natures bosome. Which substance hee hopes to see by Art. Why! Eugenius are you so sharp sighted that you can see sub∣stances? A kind of Philosophick Hog, he can see the wind too I warrant you. But how can you hope to see that substance when Nature only exposes it to her own vitall celestiall breath? And tell what this Breath is, and doe not amaze us with strange words, or else keep your breath to your self to cool your poctage.