The Hermetic Museum Volume Ii Annotated And Illustrated

Author : . a Waite
Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN 13 : 9781984269973
Total Pages : 328 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (699 download)

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Download or read book The Hermetic Museum - Restored and Enlarged, Volume II written by . a Waite and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-01-26 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the PREFACE SECOND. To the honour of the One God, who is Three Persons in One, this book has been written, in order that, after my death, learned and unlearned men might see how everyone who will follow my good counsel, and ponder it well before he begins the work, may obtain great treasure through the Art of Alchemy. But the book is also a storehouse of mighty secrets for the learned. Let me warn the unlearned that they must study this Art with fear and trembling, lest they be led astray by the false delusions of those who counsel many costly experiments, and use high sounding words. For my part, I desire none of that fame which the world can give, but only your prayers to God for me, though you need not utter my name. Let no one trouble himself about the author, but rather let him diligently consider the contents of the Book. If you enquire into the motives of men, you will find many who are induced to give their minds to the study of Alchemy, only by the desire of gain and riches; and such men are found even among Cardinals of highest rank, Archbishops, and Bishops of lofty order, Abbots and religious Priors, also among hermits, monks, and common priests, and among Kings, princes, and lords of high degree. For men of all classes desire to partake of our good things: merchants, and those who exercise their craft in the forge, are led captive by a longing to know this Art; nor are common mechanics content to be excluded from a share in it: they love the Art as dearly as great lords. The goldsmiths are consumed with the desire of knowing -- though them we may excuse since they have daily before their eyes that which they long to possess. But we may wonder that weavers, Freemasons, tailors, cobblers, and needy priests join in the general search after the Philosopher's Stone, and that even painters and glaziers cannot restrain themselves from it. Nay, tinkers presumptuously aspire to exalt themselves by its means, though they should be content with the colour with which glass is stained. Many of these workmen, however, have been deceived by giving credulous heed to impostors, who helped them to convert their gold into smoke, and though they are grieved and disappointed at the loss, they yet buoy themselves up with sanguine thoughts, and hope that they will after ali reach the goal; alas, too many have I known, who, after amusing themselves with delusive hopes through a long life, have at last died in squalid poverty! ....