The fame and confession of the fraternity of R: C: Commonly, of the Rosie Cross. With a præface annexed thereto, and a short declaration of their physicall work. By Eugenius Philalethes.

Fama Fraternitatis, OR, A DISCOVERY OF THE Fraternity of the most laudable Or∣der of the Rosy Cross.

SEeing the only Wise and Merciful God in these lat∣ter 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 hereto∣fore unknown & hidden, but he hath also made manifest unto us many wonderful, and never-heretofore seen, 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 imper∣fect) to perfection; so that finally Man might thereby understand his own No∣bleness 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 Co∣vetousness of the Learned is so great, it will not suffer them to agree to∣gether; 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 Me∣thod of all Arts: but such is their op∣position, that they still keep, and are loth to leave the old course, esteeming Por∣phiry, 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 errone∣ous Doctrines. But here is too great weak∣ness for such a great Work: And although in Theologie, Physic, and the Mathema∣tic, the Truth doth oppose it self▪ never∣theless the old Enemy by his subtilty and craft doth shew himself in hindering eve∣ry good purpose by his Instruments and contentious wavering people. To such an intent of a general Reformation; the most godly and highly illuminated▪ Fa∣ther, 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 descen∣ded 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 ear∣nest desire and request) being yet in his growing years, was associated to a Bro∣ther, 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, mind∣ing 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; here∣by was that high and noble Spirit of Bro∣ther 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 Ara∣bians, 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 witnesseth) not as a stran∣ger, but as one whom they had long ex∣pected, they called him by his name, and shewed him other secrets out of his Cloy∣ster, whereat he could not but mightily

wonder: He learned there better the A∣rabian Tongue; so that the year follow∣ing 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 re∣joyce, 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 re∣mained 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 th'one from th'other, should not only be of one opinion, hating all conten∣tious 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 Rea∣sons.

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 In∣habitants, 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, na∣ture, 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, falshood, 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 al∣ways agreeing with it self; but all the rest is spotted with a thousand erroneous conceits.

After two years Brother C. R. depart∣ed 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 learn∣ed 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 con∣ferred

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 Indi∣tia 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 un∣quietness, 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 Fa∣culties, Sciences and Arts, and whole Nature, as that which he knew would di∣rect 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 learn∣ed for a Rule, that also there might be a Society in Europe, which might have Gold, Silver, and precious Stones, suffi∣cient 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 Com∣motions, laboring to be delivered of them; and did bring forth painful, wor∣thy men, who brake with all force through Darkness and Barbarism, and left us who succeeded to follow them: and assuredly they have been the upper∣most

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 Theophrast us been in Vocation and Callings, although he was none of our Fraternity, yet ne∣vertheless 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 Understand∣ing he had of Nature. And therefore in his writing he rather mocked these busie bodies, and doth not shew them altoge∣ther what he was: yet nevertheless there is found with him well grounded the a∣forenamed 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 In∣structions, returned again into Germany, the which he (by reason of the alterations which were shortly to come, and of the strange and dangerous contentions) hear∣tily 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 Ci∣tizens thereof, Man, then all vain glory and pomp.

Nevertheless he builded a fitting and neat habitation, in the which he rumina∣ated his Voyage, and Philosophy, and reduced them together in a true Memo∣rial. In this house he spent a great time in the Mathematicks, and made many fine Instruments, ex omnibus hujus art is parti∣bus, 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 re∣gard 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 at∣tempt 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. Bro∣ther 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 silla∣ble and word.

After this manner began the Fraterni∣ty of the Rosie Cross; first, by four per∣sons 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 re∣spect that that 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 re∣ceive yet others more into their Frater∣nity; 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 & 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 stri∣keth every minute, where ours scarce striketh perfect hours. We also sted∣fastly 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 con∣summation.

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 Phi∣losophy, they would not remain any longer together, but as in the beginning they had agreed, they separated them∣selves 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 any thing, 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 gra∣tis. 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 up∣on the day C. they should meet together at the house S. Spiritus, or write the cause of his absence. 4. Every Brother should look about for a worthy person, who af∣ter 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 Bre∣thren departed, only the Brethren B. and D. remained with the Father Fra: R. C. a whole year; when these likewise de∣parted, 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 Bre∣thren. And although that as yet the Church was not cleansed, nevertheless we know that they did think of her, and what with 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 joyned 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 chief∣ly because he cured a young Earl of Nor∣folk of the Leprosie. They had con∣cluded, 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 suc∣cessor; but this we wil confesse publick∣ly 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 rea∣diness; but hereof more in our Confessi∣on, where we do set down 37 Reasons wherefore we now do make known our Fraternity, and proffer such high Myste∣ries freely, and without constraint and re∣ward: also we do promise more gold then both the Indies bring to the King of Spain; for Europe is with child and wil 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 hi∣therto 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, bro∣ther 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 suc∣cession; otherwise we must confess, that after the death of the said A. none of us had in any manner known any thing of Brother R. C. and of his first fellow-bre∣thren, then that which was extant of them in our Philosophical Bibliotheca, a∣mongst which our Axiomata was held for the chiefest Rota Mundi, for the most artificial, and Protheus the most profita∣ble. 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 bu∣rial of R. C. but also made manifest pub∣lickly by the foresight, sufferance and

commandment of God, whom we most faithfully obey, that if we shall be answer∣ed discreetly and Christian-like, we will not be afraid to set forth publickly in Print, our names, and sirnames, our meet∣ings, or any thing else that may be requi∣red at our hands.

Now the true and fundamental relati∣on of the finding out of the high illumi∣nated man of God, Fra: C. R. C. is this; After that A. in Gallia Narbonensi was de∣ceased, then succeeded in his place, our loving Brother N. N. this man after he had repaired unto us to take the solemn oath of fidelity and secrecy, 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 help∣ful, 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 pur∣pose sufficiently provided with Fortunatus purse, he thought (he being a good Archi∣tect) 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 indiffer∣ent big stone out of the thin wall, or plai∣stering of the hidden door, and so unlook∣ed 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 let∣ters, 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 Ro∣tam; but we refer our selves again to the confession, for what we here publish is done for the help of those that are wor∣thy, but to the unworthy (God willing) it will be small profit: For like as our

door was after so many years wonderful∣ly discovered, also there shall be opened a door to Europe (when the wall is re∣moved) which already doth begin to ap∣pear, 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 foot broad, and the height of eight foot; Although the Sun never shi∣ned in this Vault, nevertheless it was en∣lightned with another sun, which had learned this from the Sun, and was scitu∣ated in the upper part in the Center of the sieling; in the midst, in stead of a Tomb-stone, was a round Altar cover∣ed 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, in∣closed 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 eter∣nal God, who hath taught us more then all mens wit could have found out, prai∣sed be his holy name. This Vault we parted in three parts, the upper part or siel∣ing, the wall or side, the ground 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 so∣ciety) behold the same with your own eys; but every side or wall is parted into ten squares, every one with their several fi∣gures 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 divers things, especially all our books, which otherwise we had, besides the Voca∣bular of Theoph: Par. Ho. and these which daily unfalsifieth we do participate. Here∣in also we found his Itinerarium, and vi∣tam, 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; ge∣nerally al done to that end, that if it should happen after many hundred years, the Order or Fraternity should come to no∣thing, 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 unto 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 follow∣ing Elogium

Granum pectori Jesu insitum.

C. Ros. C. ex nobili at{que} splendida Ger∣maniae R. C. familia oriundus, vir sui seculi divinis revelationibus subtilissimis imagi∣nationibus, indefessis laboribus ad coelestia, at{que} humana mysteria; arcanavè admissus postquam suam (quam Arabico, & Africa∣no itineribus Collegerat) plusquam regiam, at{que} imperatoriam Gazam suo seculo nondum convenientem, posteritati eruendam custo divisset & jam suarum Artium, ut & no∣minis, fides acconjunctissimos herides insti∣tuisset, mundum minutum omnibus motibus magno illi respondentem fabricasset hoc{que} tandem preteritarum, praesentium, & futu∣rarum, rerum compendio extracto, contena∣rio

major non morbo (quem ipse nunquam corpore expertus erat, nunquam alios infes∣tare sinebat) ullo pellente sed spiritu Dei evo∣cante, illuminatam animam (inter Fratrum amplexus & ultima oscula) fidelissimo cre∣atori Deo reddidisset, Pater dilectissimus, Fra: suavissimus, praeceptor fidelissimus amicus integerimus, a suis ad 120 annos hic abscon∣ditus est.

Underneath they had subscribed themseves,

• 1 Fra: I. A. Fr. C. H. electione Fra∣ternitatis caput.
• 2 Fr: G. V. M. P. C.
• 3 Fra: R. C. Iunior haeres S. spiritus.
• 4 Fra: B. M. P. A. Pictor & Archi∣tectus.
• 5 Fr: G. G. M. P. I. Cabalista.

Secundi Circuli.

• 1 Fra: P. A. Successor, Fr: I. O. Ma∣thematicus.
• 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 deli∣gently 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 Minutum Mundum, we found it kept in another little Altar, truly more finer then can be imagined by any understanding man; but we will leave him undescribed, untill we shal truly be an∣swered upon this our true hearted Fa∣mam; 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 com∣mand of our Rota, there are come to sight some books, among which is contained

M. (which were made in stead of hous∣hold care by the praise-worthy M. P.) Fi∣nally we departed the one from the other, and left the natural heirs in possession of our Jewels. And so we do expect the an∣swer and judgment of the learned, or un∣learned.

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 it's 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 par∣takers with us of our treasures (which ne∣ver 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 clean∣sed and voyd of all swerving people, He∣reticks, and false Prophets,) in certain and noted Countries maintained, defended and propagated: Also we use two Sacra∣ments, as they are instituted with all Formes and Ceremonies of the first re∣newed Church. In Politia we acknow∣ledge the Roman Empire and Quartam Monarchiam for our Christian head; al∣beit 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 a∣lone) can make it common, nor any un∣worthy 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 hin∣der 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 Inventi∣on,

but as Adam after his fall hath re∣ceived 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 peace∣able, brief, and always like her self 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 shal not be said, this is true according to Philosophy, but true ac∣cording to Theologie; And wherein Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras and others did hit the mark, and wherein Enoch, Abraham, Mo∣ses, Solomon did excel; but especially wherewith that wonderful book the Bible agreeth. All that same concurreth toge∣ther, and make a Sphere or Globe, whose total parts are equidistant from the Cen∣ter, as hereof more at large and more plain shal be spoken of in Christianly Con∣ference.

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 a∣buse 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 search∣er of all hearts: we therefore do by these presents publickly testifie, That the true Philosophers are far of another minde, e∣steeming 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: aurum 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 Chy∣mia

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 lear∣ned 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 Langua¦ges) this our Famam and Confessionem, that it would please them with good de∣liberation 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 Communicato 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 lan∣guage 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 shal earnestly, and from his heart, bear af∣fection 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∣self to utter ruine and destruction. Also our building (although one hundred thou∣sand people had very near seen and be∣held the same) shal for ever remain un∣touched, undestroyed, and hidden to the wicked world, sub umbra alarum tuarum Jehova.