Lumen de lumine, or, A new magicall light discovered and communicated to the world by Eugenius Philalethes.

To the Reader.

I Have had some Contest with my self in the Dispo∣sall of this Piece, the Subject being crosse to the Ge∣nius of the Times, which is both Cor∣rupt, and Splenetic. It was my Desire to keep it within Doores, but the Re∣lation it bears to my former Discour∣ses hath forc'd it to the Presse. It is ••he last Glasse of my thoughts, and their first Reflex being not compleat, •• have added this to perfect their I∣mage, and Symmetrie. I must con∣fesse I have no Reason for it, but what

my Adversaries supply me withall: I would advance the Truth, because they would suppresse it. Indeed I have been scurvily rewarded, but the suc∣cesse of this Art grows from its Op∣position, and this I believe, our late Libellers have observed, for they quit the Science, to quash the Profes∣sors.

It is not enough to abuse and mis∣interpret our writings: with studied Calumnies doe they disparage our per∣sons, whom they never saw, and per∣haps never will see. They force us to a Bitternesse beyond our own Dispo∣sitions, and provoke men to sin, as if they did drive the same Design with the Devill.

For my own part, I will no more hazard my soule by such uncivill Dis∣putes,* 1.1 I know I must give an Accompt for every idle word. This Theme hath reduc'd my passions to a Diet, I have resolv'd for the future to suffer: for

this I am sure of, God will condemn no man for his patience.

The World indeed may think the truth overthrown, because shee is attended with her Peace, for in the judgement of most men, where there is no Noyse, there is no Victorie. This I shall look upon as no Disadvantage. The Esti∣mat of such Censors will but lighten the Scales, and I dare suppose them very weak Brains, who conceive the Truth sinks, because it outweighs them.

As for tempestuous Out-cries, when they want their Motives, they disco∣ver an irreligious spirit, one that hath more of the Hurry-cano, than of Christ Jesus. God was not in the wind, that rent the Rocks to pieces, nor in the Earth-quake, and Fire at Horeb: He was in Aura tenui, in the still, small voice.* 1.2

My Advise is, that no Man should resent the common spleen. Who writes the Truth of God, hath the same Pa∣tron

with the Truth it self, and when the world shall submit to the generall Tribunal, he will find his Advocate, where they shall find their Judge. There is a mutuall Testimonie between God and his Servants, if the Baptist did beare witnesse of Christ, Christ also did as much for the Baptist: He was a burning, and a shining Light.* 1.3

This, Reader, I thought fit to Pre∣face, that if any Discourse of mine be traduc'd hereafter, thou maist not expect my Vindication. I have referr'd my Quarrell to the God of Nature, it is involv'd in the Concernments of his Truth. I am satisfi'd with the Peace and Test of a good Conscience: I have written nothing but what God hath verified before my Eyes in particular, and is able to justifie before the world in generall. I have known his secret Light, his Candle is my School-master; I testifie those things, which I have seen under his very Beams, in the

bright Circumference of his Glory.

When I did first put my Thoughts to paper, God can beare me witnesse, it was not for any private ends. I was drawn, and forc'd to it by a strong Admiration of the Mysterie and Ma∣jestie of Nature. It was my D••sign to glorisie the Truth, and in some mea∣sure to serve the Age, had they been capable of it. But the barbarous In∣sults I have met withall, and without any Deserts of mine, have forc'd my Charitie to keep at Home. Truly, had not I been robb'd of my Peace, I had imparted some things, which I am confident this Generation will not receive from another Pen. But the Times in this Respect fall not even with providence, for the Years of Dis∣coverie are not yet come. This Truth, like the Dove in the Deluge, must ho∣ver in winds and Tempests, overlooke the Surges and Billows, and find no place for the Sole of her Foot. But the

wise God provides for her: on all these waves and Waters she hath a little Ark to returne to. Me thinks I see her in the window all wet, and weather-beaten. She hath been rejected abroad, and now I will take her Home. Come in with thy Branch of Olive!

To conclude, this Discourse is my last, and the only Clavis to my First. What I have written formerly, is like the Arabian's Halicali: it is Domus signata, a House shut up, but here I give you the Key to the Lock. If you enter, seale up what you see in your Hearts: Trust it not to the Tongue, for that's a Flying Scroul. Thus I deliver my Light to your Hands, but what Returns you will give me, I know not. If you are for Peace, Peace be with you: if for War, I have been so too, but Let not him that girds on his Armour, boast like him, that puts it off.* 1.4 Doe well, and Farewell.

1651.

E. P.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mat. 12. ••6.
• * 1.2

  1 Kings 19.
• * 1.3

  John 5. 35.
• * 1.4

  1 Kings 20. 11.