An Hermetic Work.

In these four Compendiums for the extraction of Gold , AVIII come profit , but not so much other ways . NOAV let none marvel why I reveal not here any of these four Compendiums ; I have been enough bitten by the envy of other men : For Avhere they could not understand my AAritings by their OAVU dulness , though I had plainly enough expressed the matter : and so could not perform the same ; they then publickly brought a scandal on

jne , and reported , that Avhatever I writ were lyes ; Nay , some others have seen the thing performed , and yet afterwards for hatred and envy , have slighted it and me . But however Avhilst I live , ( by God's Grace and providence ) I shall be helpful to my neighbour , by using my Talent to serve them , and like a most bright shining Light will sheAV the wonderful great mystery of God , to the ignorant and simple people , against the will of all the enemies of Truth , though they fret and vex never so much

at it , I have resolved so to do ; Yea , behold though my adversaries should all conspire and Avholly devour me alive , they should swallow but a mean or lean Morsel of Earth , for Glauber shoidd be and remain Glauber still , till the consummation of the World , or A ^ es ! noAV if these men AVere of the ancient stamp and frame of faith and vi rtue , they would not detract and scandalize their Innocent neighbour , without deserving ill at their hands .

Let these things be sufficient at this time concerning the extraction of Gold out of Sand , Stones , and Flints . Now further I say ; although every one should use this extraction of Gold for their Imployment or Trade , yet the one would not be a hindrance to the benefit of the other , by reason Stones and Sand are obvious to every body in all Countries , as also the Salts that are useful to extract the same are plentifid , so that nothing is wanting but a lover of the work to set his hand unto it .

Paracelsus in his book of vexation of Alchymists saith , That more Gold and silver is found upon the earth , than in the Bowels thereof , and that often times a Countrey Clown throws a stone at a Cow , which is worth more then the price of the COAV , and it is most certain true and Ayill remain true ; for a lye cannot degenerate or exalt it self to a truth ; but in its time hereafter shall be punisht in eternal darkness with the Dei'd ( as the father and original of all liers . ) Without doubt Demoeritus his Laughter , and Heraclitus his Weeping came from the contemplation of mortal man ' s eager pursuit

after Gold and Silver through great Anxieties , Labours , and Troubles , with loss of health and hazard of Soul and Body , sailing many times through the vast Ocean for it , and tearing open the earth to rush and sink do \ vn therein to fetch out Gold and Silver , Avhich is so plentifully and easy to be had upon the superficies of the Earth in every Region and Countrey , as that its ( avrapKua ) abundance may be had . Solomon writ not from the purpose saying that great virtue Avas in Herbs , Woods , and Stones ; For that which is fixt in Stones is Volatil in Herbs . As in my little Treatise Printed 1663 , demonstrated ; although the first Ens of Gold ( whence Gold may be

made ) be in both . We read also in Esdras there is much Earth to Vessels or Pots ; but a little ponder or dust to make Gold . And all sorts of Earth are not so rich to gain by Extraction of wold , nor is it to be thought that all Stones and Sand and every one are so rich in Corporal Gold , as to yield any profit ; yet they still contain the first Ens of " Gold , or yield such a Cakby which ( or the helthereof ) Good Gold be madethe which

, p may ; ¦ Calx or Pouder , if we knew how to extract and order , we would make greater aecompt , and esteem it more than of Gold it self . Now since such an Aurifying or Goldmaking louder is so largely extended and diffused in Stones and Sand , etc . Yet it is not easy to beat ib or force it out with a Hammer , but only by a peculiar Art , is to be extracted , "id perfected ; thereupon the mrdtitude of covetous Gold hunters will not believe it no a ° re than IgnorantsAVIIO know nothing of the Artand yet this Art hath been always

, ; esteemed amongst Philosophers as their greatest Secret of Secrets , and so hath been Preserved amongst them . Also where Paracelsus writes of the first Ens or Essence of Gold , he tells ns , it may e ch'aAvn forth by sublimation ; And Basilius Valentinus also tells us , That the pre-