SEEING THE ONLY WISE AND merciful God in these latter days hath poured
out so richly His mercy and goodness to mankind, whereby we do attain more
and more to the perfect knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ and of 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 hitherto unknown and 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 spotted and imperfect age) to perfection, so that man might thereby
understand his own nobleness and worth, and why he is called Microcosmus,
and how far his knowledge extendeth in Nature.
Although the rude world herewith will be but little pleased, but rather
smile and scoff thereat; also the pride and covetousness of the learned
is so great, it will not suffer them to agree together; but were they united,
they might out of all those things which in our age God doth so richly bestow
on us, collect Librum Naturae, or, a Perfect Method of all Arts.
But such is their opposition that they still keep, and ate loath to leave,
the old course, esteeming Porphyry, Aristotle, and Galen, yea, and that
which hath but a mere show of learning, more than the clear and manifested
Light and Truth. Those, if they were now living, with much joy would leave
their erroneous doctrines; but, here is too much weakness for such a great
work. And although in Theology, Medicine and Mathematics, the truth doth
oppose itself, nevertheless, the old Enemy, by his subtlety and craft, doth
show himself in hindering every gold purpose by his instruments and contentious,
wavering people.
To such an intention of a general reformation, the most godly and highly
illuminated Father, our Brother, C.R.C., a German, the chief and original
of our Fraternity, hath much and long time laboured, who, by reason of his
poverty (although descended of noble parents), in the fifth year of his
age was placed in a cloister, where he had learned indifferently the Greek
and Latin tongues, and (upon his own earnest desire and request), being
yet in his growing years, was associated to a Brother, P.A.L., who had determined
to go to the Holy Land. Although this Brother died in Cyprus, and so never
came to Jerusalem, yet our Brother C.R.C. did not return, but shipped himself
over, and went to Damascus, minding from thence to go to Jerusalem. But
by reason of the feebleness of his body he remained still there, and by
his skill in medicine he obtained much favour with the Turks, and in the
meantime he became acquainted with the Wise Men of Damcar in Arabia, and
beheld the great wonders they wrought, and how Nature was discovered unto
them.
Hereby was that high and noble spirit of Brother C.R.C. so stirred up, that
Jerusalem was not so much now in his mind as Damcar; also he could not bridle
his desires any longer, but made a bargain with the Arabians that they should
carry him for a certain sum of money to Damcar.
He was but of the age of sixteen years when he came thither, yet of strong
Dutch Constitution. There the Wise Men received him not as a stranger (as
he himself witnesseth), but as one whom they had long expected; they called
him by his name, and showed him other secrets out of his cloister, whereat
he could not but mightily wonder.
He learned there better the Arabian tongue, so that the year following he
translated the Book M (Liber Mundi) into good Latin, which he afterwards
brought with him. This is the place where he did learn his Medicine and
his Mathematics, whereat the world hath much cause to rejoice, 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 remained 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.
It is a great shame unto us that wise men, so far remote the one from the
other, should not only be of one opinion, hating all contentious writings,
but also be so willing and ready, under the seal of secrecy, to impart their
secrets to others. Every year the Arabians and Africans do send to one another,
inquiring of one another out of their arts, if haply they had found out
some better things, or if experience had weakened their reasons. Yearly
there came something to light whereby the Mathematics, Medicine, and Magic
(for in those are they of Fez most skillful) were amended. There is nowadays
no want of learned men in Germany. 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 inhabitants, 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 secrets amongst us.
Of those at Fez he often did confess, that their Magic 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
for this faith, altogether agreeable with the harmony of the. whole world,
and wonderfully impressed in all periods of time. Thence proceedeth that
fair Concord, that as in every several kernel is contained a whole good
tree and Emit, so likewise is included in the little body of man, the whole
great world, whose religion, policy, health, members, nature, language,
words, and works, are agreeing, sympathizing, and in equal tune and melody
with God, Heaven, and Earth; and that which is disagreeing with them is
error, falsehood, 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-always agreeing within itself, but all the rest
is spotted with a thousand. erroneous conceits.
After two years Brother R.C. departed the city Fez, and sailed with many
costly things into Spain, hoping well, as he himself had so well and profitably
spent his time in his travel, that the learned of Europe would highly rejoice
with him, and begin to rule and order all their studies according to these
sure and sound foundations. He therefore conferred 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 Inditia 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 Philosophia Moralis
were 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 be fully restored. But it was to them a laughing
matter, and being a new thing unto them, they feared that their great name
would be lessened if they should now again begin to learn, and acknowledge
their many years' errors, to which they were accustomed, and wherewith they
had gained them enough. Whoso loveth unquietness, let him be reformed (they
said). The same song was also sung 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 the faculties, sciences, and arts, and whole nature, as that
which he knew would direct them, like a globe or circle, to the only middle
point and centrum, and (as it is usual among the Arabians) it should
only serve to the wise and learned for a rule, that also there might be
a society in Europe which might have gold, silver, and precious stones,
sufficient for to bestow them on kings for their necessary uses and lawful
purposes, with which society such as be governors might be brought up for
to learn all that which God hath suffered men to know, and thereby 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 commotions, labouring to be delivered of them, and did bring
forth painful, worthy men, who brake with all force through darkness and
barbarism, and left us who succeeded to follow them. Assuredly they have
been the uppermost point in Trygono igneo, whose flame should now
be more and more brighter, and shall undoubtedly give to the world the last
light.
Such a one likewise hath Theophrastus been in vocation and callings, although
he was none of our Fraternity, yet, nevertheless 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 the knowledge
and understanding he had of Nature. And therefore in his writings he rather
mocked these busybodies, and doth not altogether show them what he was;
yet, nevertheless, there is found in him well grounded the aforementioned
Harmonia, which without doubt he had imparted to the learned, if he had
not found them rather worthy of subtle vexation than to be instructed in
greater arts and sciences. He thus 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 R.C., he after many
painful travels, and his fruitless true instructions, returned again into
Germany, which he heartily loved, by reason of the alterations which were
shortly to come, and of the strange and dangerous contentions. There, though
he could have bragged with his art, but especially of the transmutations
of metals, yet did he esteem more Heaven, and men, the citizens thereof,
than all vainglory and pomp.
Nevertheless, he builded a fitting and neat habitation, in the which ruminated
his voyage and philosophy, and reduced them together in a true memorial.
In this house he spent a great time in the mathematics, and made many fine
instruments, ex omnibus hujus artis partibus, 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 regard to it he doubted of the aid and help of others, although he himself
was painful, lusty, and unwearisome; howsoever he undertook, with some few
adjoined with him, to attempt the same. Wherefore he desired to that end
to have out of his first cloister (to which he bare a great affection) three
of his brethren, Brother G.V., Brother I.A., and Brother I.O., who had some
more knowledge of the arts than at that time many others had. He did bind
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
in the least syllable and word.
After this manner began the Fraternity of the Rosy Cross - first by four
persons only, and by them was made the magical language and writing, with
a large dictionary, which we yet daily use to God's praise and glory, and
do find great wisdom therein. They made also the first part of the Book
M, but in respect that that labour was too heavy, and the unspeakable concourse
of the sick hindered them, and also while his new building (called Sancti
Spiritus) was now finished, they concluded to draw and receive yet others
more into their Fraternity. To this end was chosen Brother R.C., his deceased
father's brother's son; Brother B., a skillful painter; C.G.; and P.D.,
their secretary, all Germans except IA., so in all they were eight in number,
all bachelors and of vowed virginity, by whom was collected a book or volume
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 immovably remain
unto the world's end, and. also the world in her highest and last age shall
not attain to see anything else; for our Rota takes her beginning from that
day when God spake Fiat and shall end when He shall speak Pereat;
yet God's clock striketh every minute, where ours scarce striketh perfect
hours. We also steadfastly believe, 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 showed themselves
more helpful, not simply with sighs and wishing of their end and consummation.
When now these eight Brethren had disposed and ordered all things in such
manner as there was not now any need of any great labour, and also that
every one was sufficiently instructed and able perfectly to discourse of
secret and manifest philosophy, they would not remain any longer together,
but, as in the beginning they had agreed, they separated themselves 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 anything, 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 than to cure
the sick, and that gratis.
Second, None of the posterity should be constrained to wear one certain
kind of habit, but therein to follow the custom of the country.
Third, That every year, upon the day C., they should meet together
at the house Sancti Spiritus, or write the cause of his absence.
Fourth, Every Brother should look about for a worthy person who,
after his decease, might succeed him.
Fifth, The word R.C. should be their seal, mark, and character.
Sixth, The Fraternity should remain secret one hundred years.
These six articles they bound themselves one to another to keep; five of
the Brethren departed, only the Brethren B. and D. remained with the Father,
Brother. R.C., a whole year. When these likewise departed, then remained
by him his cousin and Brother I.O., 50 he hath all the days of his life
with him two of his Brethren. And although 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 throughout
the world. Every one may hold it out for certain, that such persons as were
sent, and joined 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, but although
they were free from all diseases and pain, yet, notwithstanding, they could
not live and pass their time appointed by God. The first of this Fraternity
which died, and that in England, was I.O., as Brother C. long before had
foretold him; he was very expert, and well learned in Cabala, as his Book
H witnesseth. In England he is much spoken of, and chiefly because he cured
a young Earl of Norfolk of the leprosy. They had concluded, 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 everyone's
place was supplied with a fit successor. But this we will confess publicly
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 is known only to God Himself, Who thereby would
have us keep in continual readiness. But hereof more in our Confession,
where we do set down thirty-seven reasons wherefore we now do make known
our Fraternity, and proffer such high mysteries freely, without constraint
or reward. Also we do promise more gold than both the Indies can bring to
the King of Spain, for Europe is with child, and shall bring forth a strong
child, who shall stand in need of a great godfather's gift.
After the death of I.O., Brother R.C. rested not, but, as soon as he could,
called the rest together, and then, as we suppose, his grave was made, although
hitherto 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 hundred years, Brother A., the
successor of D. (who was of the last and second row of succession, and had
lived amongst many of us), did impart unto us of the third row and succession;
otherwise we must confess, that after the death of the said A., none of
us had in any manner known anything of Brother C.R., and of his first fellow-brethren,
than that which was extant of them in our philosophical Bibliotheca,
amongst which our Axiomata was held for the chiefest, Rota Mundi
for the most artificial, and Protheus for the most profitable. Likewise,
we do not certainly know if these of the second row have been of like wisdom
as the first, and if they were admitted to all things.
It shall be declared hereafter to the gentle reader not only what we have
heard of the burial of Brother R.C., but also it shall be made manifest
publicly, by the foresight, sufferance, and commandment of God, whom we
most faithfully obey, that if we shall be answered discreetly and Christian-like,
we will not be ashamed to set forth publicly in print our names and surnames,
our meetings, or anything else that may be required at our hands.
Now, the true and fundamental relation of the finding, out of the high-illuminated
man of God, Fra. C.R.C., is this: After that A. in Gallia Narbonensi
was deceased there 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,
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 the
whole German nation helpful, needful, and commendable, of the which he was
not anywise in his estate ashamed. The year following, after he had performed
his school right, and was minded now to travel; being for that purpose sufficiently
provided with Fortunatus' purse, he thought (he being a good architect)
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 brass, and containeth
all the names of the Brethren, with some few other things. This he would
transfer into a more fitting vault, for where or when our Brother R.C. died,
or in what country he was buried, was by our predecessors concealed and
unknown to us. In this table stuck a great nail somewhat strong, so that
when it was with force drawn out it took with it an indifferent big stone
out of the thin wall or plastering of the hidden door, and so, unlooked
for, uncovered the door, whereat we did with joy and longing throw down
the rest of the wall and cleared the door, upon which was written in great
letters
Post CXX 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 Rota-but
we refer ourselves again to the Confession, for what we here publish is
done for the help of those that are worthy, but to the unworthy, God willing,
it will be small profit. For like as our door was after so many years wonderfully
discovered, also there shall be opened a door to Europe (when the wall is
removed), which doth already begin to appear, 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 seven corners, every side five foot broad and
the height of eight feet. Although the sun never shined in this vault, nevertheless
it was enlightened with another sun, which had learned this from the sun,
and was situated in the upper part in the center of the ceiling. In the
midst., instead of a tombstone, was a round altar, covered with a plate
of brass, and thereon this engraven:
A. C. R. C. Hoc universi compendium unius mihi sepulchrum fed
Round about the first circle or brim stood,
Jesus mihi omnia.
In the middle were four figures, inclosed in circles, whose circumscription
was
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