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I. WE have properly three Fires, with∣out which this our Art can∣not be perfected; and who∣soever works without them, takes a great deal of Labour in vain.
II. The First Fire is that of the Lamp, which is con∣tinuous, humid, vaporous, Spiritous, and found out by Art.
III. This Lamp-fire ought to be proportioned to the enclosure; wherein you must use great Judgment, which none can attain to, but he that can bend to the search thereof.
IV. For if this Fire of the Lamp be not measured, and duly proportioned or fitted (to the Fornace) it will be, that either for want of heat you will not see the expect∣ed Signs, in their limited times, whereby you will lose your hopes and expe∣ctation by a too long delay: Or else, by reason of too much heat, you will burn the Flores Auri, the Golden Flowers, and so foolishly be∣wail your lost Expence.
V. The Second Fire is Ig∣nis Cinerum, an Ash heat, in which the Vessel herme∣tically sealed is recluded, or buried: Or rather, it is that most sweet and gentle heat, which proceeding from the temperate Vapours of the Lamp, does equally surround your Vessel.
VI. This Fire is not vio∣lent or forcing, except it be too much excited or stir∣red up; it is a Fire digestive, alterative, and taken from another body than the mat∣ter; being but one only, moist also, and not na∣tural.
VII. The Third Fire, is the natural Fire of our Wa∣ter, which is also called the Fire against nature, because it is Water; and yet never∣theless, it makes a mere Spi∣rit of Gold, which common Fire is not able to do.
VIII. This Fire is Mine∣ral, equal, and participates of Sulphur; it overturns or destroys, congeals, dissolves, and calcines; it is penetra∣ting, subtil, incombustible and not burning, and is the fountain of Living Water, wherein the King and Queen bathe themselves, whose help we stand in need of, through the whole Work, through the beginning, mid∣dle and end.
IX. But the other Two above-mentioned, we have not always occasion for, but only at some times.
X. In reading therefore the books of Philosophers, conjoin these Three Fires in your Judgment, and with∣out doubt, you will under∣stand whatever they have wrote of them.