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CHAP. III.
What Secrets do lye hidden, and what is taught in Natural Magick; how Gods glory is magnified therein, and that it is nothing but the Work of Nature.
IN this Art of Natural Magick,* 1.1 God Almighty hath hidden many secret my∣steries; as wherein a man may learn the properties, qualities, and know∣ledge of all Nature. For it, teacheth to accomplish matters in such for and opportunity, as the common people thinketh the same to be miraculous; and to be compassed none other way but only by Witchcraft. And yet in truth,* 1.2 Na∣tural Magick is nothing else but the work of Nature: For in tillage, as Nature produceth Corn and Herbs; so Art being Natures minister, prepareth it.* 1.3 Wherein Times and Seasons are greatly to be respected: for Annus, non arvus producit aristas.
But as many necessary and sober things are herein taught; so doth it partly (I say) consist in such experiments and conclusions as are but toyes, but never∣theless lie hid in Nature, and being unknown, do seem miraculous, specially when they are intermedled and corrupted with cunning illusion, or Legierde∣main, from whence is derived the estimation of Witchcraft. But being learned and known, they are contemned, and appear ridiculous; for that only is won∣derful to the beholder, whereof he can conceive no cause nor reason, according to the saying of Ephesius, Miraculum solvitur unde videtur esse miraculum. And therefore a man shall take great pains herein, and bestow great cost to learn that which is of no value and a meer jugling knack. Whereupon it is said that a man may not learn Philosophy to be rich; but must get riches to learn Philosophy; for to sluggards, niggards, and dizzards, the secrets of Nature are never open∣ed. And doutless a man may gather out of this Art, that which being published,* 1.4 shall set forth the glory of God, and be many wayes beneficial to the Common∣wealth: the first is done by the manifestation of his works; the second, by skil∣fully applying them to our use and service.