A. C. R. C. Hoc, universi compendium, vivus mihisepulchrum feci.
About the outer edge was, Jesus mihi omnia.
In the centre were four figures; each enclosed in a circle, with these circumscriptions:
1. Nequaquam Vacuus.2. Legis Jugum.3. Libertas Evangelii.4. Dei gloria intacta.
Thereupon they all knelt down and returned thanks to heaven for having made them so much wiser than the rest of the world, a native trait that adds not a little to the verisimilitude of the story. Then they divided the vault into three parts—the roof, or heaven—the wall, or the sides—and the ground, or pavement. The first and last were according to the seven sides divided into triangles, while every side was divided into ten squares with figures and sentences, to be explained to the newly initiated. Each of these again, had a door opening upon a closet, wherein were stored up sundry rare articles, such as secret books of the order, the vocabulary of Paracelsus, and other things of the same nature, which it was allowable to impart even to the profane. In one, they discovered the life and itinerary of their founder; inanother they lighted upon mirrors possessed of different qualities, a little bell, burning lamps, and a variety of curious matters, intended to help in rebuilding the order, which after the lapse of many centuries was to fall into decay. Curiosity to see their founder induced them to push aside the altar, when they came upon a strong brass plate, and this too being removed,
“Before their eyes the wizard layAs if he had not been dead a day.”
Moreover, like the celebrated character described in these lines, he had a volume under his arm, which proved to be of vellum with letters of gold, and at the end of it, in two separate circles, were the names of eight brethren who had assisted at their founder’s interment. Next to the Bible, the Rosicrucians valued this book beyond any portion of their inheritance, yet it is not said whether they took away any of these rarities, or left the dead man in quiet possession of his treasures.[4]
Weshall now call the attention of our readers to the third of the books we spoke of as published simultaneously about the year 1610, “the substance of which,” says De Quincey, “it is important to examine, because they in a very strange way, led to the foundation of the Rosicrucian order as a distinct body.” The third book is theConfessio Fraternitatis, which we present almost in its entirety.
The Fame and Confession of the Fraternity of R:C:Community, of the Rosie Cross.
The Epistle to the Reader:—To the Wise and Understanding Reader.
Wisdom (saith Solomon) is to a man an infinite Treasure for she is the Breath of the Power of God, and a pure Influence that floweth from the Glory of the Almighty; she is the Brightness of Eternal Light, and an undefiled Mirror of the Majesty of God, and an Image of his Goodness; she teacheth us Soberness and Prudence, Righteousness and Strength; she understands the Subtilty of words, and Solution of dark sentences; she foreknoweth Signs and Wonders, and what shall happen in time to come; with this Treasure was our first Father Adam fully endued: Hence it doth appear, that after God had brought before him all the Creatures of the Field, and the Fowls under Heaven, he gave to every one of them their proper names, according to their nature.
Although now through the sorrowful fall into sin this excellent Jewel Wisdom hath been lost, and meer Darkness and Ignorance is come into the World, yet, notwithstanding, hath the Lord Godsometimes hitherto bestowed, and made manifest the same, to some of his Friends: for the wise King Solomon doth testifie of himself, that he upon earnest prayer and desire did get and obtain such Wisdom of God, that thereby he knew how the world was created, thereby he understood the Nature of the Elements, also the time, beginning, middle, and end, the increase and decrease, the change of times through the whole year, and Ordinance of the Stars; he understood also the properties of tame and wilde Beasts, the cause of the raiging of the Winds, and minds and intents of men, all sorts and natures of Plants, vertues of Roots and others, was not unknown to him. Now I do not think that there can be found any one who would not wish and desire with all his heart to be Partaker of this noble Treasure; but seeing the same felicity can happen to none, except God himself give Wisdom and send his Holy Spirit from above, we have therefore set forth in print this little Treatise, to wit, Famam and Confessionem, of the Laudable Fraternity of the Rosie Cross, to be read by every one, because in them is clearly shewn and discovered, what concerning it the World hath to expect.
Although these things may seem somewhat strange, and many may esteem is to be but a Philosophical shew, and no true History, which is published and spoken of the Fraternity of the Rosie Cross; it shall here sufficiently appear by our Confession that there is morein necessuthan may be imagined; and it shall be easily understood, and observed by every one (if he be not altogether voyd of understanding) what now-adays, and at these times is meant thereby.
Those who are true Disciples of Wisdom, and true Followers of the Spherical Art, will consider better of these things, and have them in greater estimation, as also judge far otherwise of them, as hath been done by some principal Persons but especially of Adam Haselmeyer, Notarius Publicus to the Arch Duke Maximilian,who likewise hath made an Extract ex scriptis Theologicis Theophrasti, and written a Treatise under the Title of Jesuiter, wherein he willeth, that every Christian should be a true Jesuit, that is, to walk, live, be, and remain in Jesus. He was but ill rewarded of the Jesuits, because in his Answer written upon theFamam, he did name those of the Fraternity of the Rosie Cross, the highly illuminated men, and undeceiving Jesuits; for they not able to brook this, layd hands on him, and put him into the Calleis, for which they likewise have to expect their reward.
Blessed Aurora will now henceforth begin to appear, who (after the passing away of the dark Night of Saturn) with her Brightness altogether extinguisheth the shining of the Moon, or the small Sparks of Heavenly Wisdom, which yet remaineth with men, and is a Forerunner of pleasant Phebus, who with his clear and fiery glistering Beams brings forth that Blessed Day long wished for, of many true hearted; by which Daylight then shall truly be known, and shall be seen all heavenly Treasures of godly Wisdom, as also the Secrets of all hidden and invisible things in the World according to the Doctrine of our Forefathers and ancient Wisemen.
This will be the right kingly Ruby, and most excellent shining Carbuncle, of the which it is said, That he doth shine and give light in darkness, and to be a perfect Medicine of all imperfect Bodies, and to change them into the best Gold, and to cure all Diseases of Men, easing them of all pains and miseries.
Be, therefore, gentle Reader, admonished, that with me you do earnestly pray to God, that it please him to open the hearts and ears of all ill hearing people, and to grant unto them his blessing, that they may be able to know him in his Omnipotency, with admiring contemplation of Nature, to his honour and praise, and to the love, help, comfort and strengthening of our Neighbours, and to the restoring of the diseased.
Fama Fraternitatis,Or, A Discovery of the Fraternity of the most laudableOrder of the Rosy Cross.
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 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 heretofore 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 imbued with great Wisdom, which might partly renew and reduce all Arts (in this our Age spotted and imperfect) to perfection; so that finally 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 this our Age God doth so richly bestow upon us, collectLibrum Naturæ, or a perfect method of all Arts; but such is their opposition, that they still keep and are loth to leave the old course, esteeming Porphiry, Aristotle, and Galen, yea and that which hath a meer show of learning, more than the clear and manifested Light and Truth, who if they were now living, with much joy would leave their erroneous Doctrines. But here is too great weakness for such a great Work, and although in Theologie, Physic, and the Mathematic, the Truth doth oppose itself, nevertheless the old enemy by his subtilty and craft doth shew himself in hindering every good purpose by his Instruments and contentious wavering people. To such an intent of a generalReformation, the most godly and highly illuminated Father, 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 descended 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 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 dyed in Cyprus, and so never came to Jerusalem, yet our Brother C. R. did not return, but shipped himself over, and went to Damasco, 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 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; hereby was that high and noble Spirit of Brother C. R. so stirred 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 Arabians that they should carry him for a certain sum of money to Damasco.
As we have on another page stated all these particulars on the authority of the epistle dedicatory to the Axiomata we need simply allude to them as recorded in the work from which we are now quoting. The account proceeds pretty much as stated in the Axiomata by John Heydon, then after stating that the Fraternity began with an association of four persons only, the Fama says that finding their labour too heavy 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 skilful Painter, G. and P. D. their Secretary, all Germans except J. A., so in all they were eight in number, all bachelors and ofsound 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 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 stedfastly 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 consummation.
When now these eight brethen 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 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 any thing or perceived some error, they might inform one another of it.
Their Agreement was this:—1, That none of them should profess any other thing than to cure the sick, and that gratis. 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 upon 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 after his decease 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 another to keep; and five of the Brethren departed, only the Brethren B. and D. remained with the Father Fra. R. C. a whole year; when these likewise departed, then remained by him his Cousin and Brother J. O., so that he hath all the days of his life with him two of his Brethren. 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 disease 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 chiefly because he cured a young Earl of Norfolk of the Leprosie. 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 every one’s place was supplyed with a fit successor; but this we will confess publickly 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 beholdthe 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 readiness; but hereof more in our Confession, where we do set down 37 Reasons whereby we now do make known our Fraternity, and proffer such high Mysteries freely, and without constraint and reward: also we do promise more gold than both the Indies bring to the King of Spain; for Europe is with child, and will 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 as we suppose) then 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 100 years, brother A. the successor of D. (who was one of the last and second row and 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 R. C., 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 the most profitable. 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 only what we have heard of the burial of the R. C., but also made manifest publickly 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 afraid to set forthpublickly 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. is this; after that A. in Gallia Narbonensi was deceased, 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 usbona 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, helpful, 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 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 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 to us. In this table stuck a great naile, somewhat strong, so that when he was with force drawn out, he took with him an indifferent big stone out of the thin wall, or plastering of the hidden door, and so unlooked 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 letters, 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 Rotam; 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 of 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 already doth 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 corners, every side five foot broad, and the height of eight foot. 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 centre of the ceiling; in the midst, instead of a Tombstone, was a round Altar covered over with a plate of brass.
Round about the first Circle or Brim stood Jesus mihi omnia. We kneeled all together down, and gave thanks to the sole wise, sole mighty, and sole eternal God, who hath taught us more than all men’s wit could have found out, praised be his holy name. This Vault we parted in three parts, the upper part a ceiling, the wall a side, the ground a 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 centre; but what therein is contained, you shall, God willing (that are desirous of our society) behold the same with your own eyes; but every side or wall is parted into ten squares, every one with their several figures 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 described 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 laydivers things, especially all our books, which otherwise we had, besides the Vocabular of Theoph. Par. Ho., and these which daily unfalsifieth we do participate. Herein also we found his Itinerarium, and Vitam, 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, and chiefly wonderful artificial Songs; generally all done to that end, that if it should happen after many hundred years, the Order or Fraternity should come to nothing, they might by this vault be restored again.
Now as yet we had not seen the dead body of our careful and wise father, we therefore removed the Altar aside, there we lifted up a strong plate of brass, and found a fair and worthy body, whole and unconsumed.
Concerning Minutum Mundum, we found it kept in another little Altar, truly more finer than can be imagined by any understanding man; but we will leave him undescribed until we shall truly be answered upon this our true hearted Famam; 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 command of our Rota, there are come to sight some books, among which is contained M. (which were made instead of household care by the praiseworthy M. P.). Finally we departed the one from the other, and left the natural heirs in possession of our Jewels. And so we do expect the answer and judgment of the learned, or unlearned.
Howbeit we know after a time there will now be a general reformation, both of divine and human 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 meantime some few, which shall give their names, may join together, thereby to increase the number and respect of our Fraternity, andmake a happy and wished for beginning of our Philosophical Canons, prescribed to us by our brother R. C., and be partakers with us of our treasures (which never can fail or be wasted) in all humility, and love to be eased of this world’s labour, 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 nowadays cleansed and voyd of all swerving people, Hereticks and false Prophets), in certain and noted Countries maintained, defended and propagated; also we use two Sacraments, as they are instituted with all Formes and Ceremonies of the first renewed Church. In Politia we acknowledge the Roman Empire and Quartam Monarchiam for our Christian head; albeit we know what alterations be at hand, and would fain impart the same with all our hearts, to other Godly learned men; notwithstanding our handwriting which is in our hands, no man (except God alone) can make it common, nor any unworthy person is able to bereave us of it. But we shall help with secret aid this so good a cause as God shall permit or hinder us, for our God is not blind as the Heathen’s Fortuna, but is the Church’s ornament and the honour of the Temple. Our Philosophy also is not a new Invention, but as Adam after his fall hath received 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 peaceable, brief, and always like herself in all things, and especially accorded by withJesus in omni parteand all members. And as he is the true Image of the Father, so is she his Image; it shall not be said, this is true according to Philosophy, but true according to Theologie: and wherein Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras and others did hit the mark, and wherein Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Solomon did excel; but especially wherewith that wonderfulbook the Bible agreeeth. All that same concurreth together, and make a Space or Globe whose total parts are equidistant from the centre, and hereof more at large and more plain shall be spoken of in Christianly Conference.
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 abuse the credit which is given them; yea nowadays men of discretion do hold the transmutation of Mettals to be the highest point, andfastigiumin Philosophy, this is all their intent and desire, and that God would be most esteemed by them, and honoured, which could make great store of Gold, and in abundance, the which with unpremeditated prayers, they hope to attain of the all knowing God, and searcher of all hearts; we therefore do by these presents publickly testify, that the true Philosophers are far of another minde, esteeming 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 fatherR. 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 Christ saith, 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 ‘Chymia’ many books and pictures are set forth in Contumeliam gloriæ Dei, as we will name them in their due season, and will give to the pure-hearted a Catalogue or Register of them; and we pray all learned men to take heed of these kinde of Books, for the enemy never resteth, but soweth his weeds, till a strange one doth root it out. So according to the will and meaning of Fra. C. R. C., we his brethren request again all the learned in Europe who shall read (sent forth in five languages) this ourFamam and Confessionem, that it would please them with good deliberation 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, eitherCommunicato consilio, orsingulatumby print.
And although at this time we make no mention either of our names or meetings, yet nevertheless every one’s opinion shall assuredly come to our hands, in what language soever it be; nor anybody shall fail who so gives 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 shall earnestly, and from his heart, bear affection with us, it shall be beneficial unto him in goods, body and soul; but he thatisfalse-hearted, or only greedy of riches, the same first of all shall not be able in any manner of wise to hurt us, but bring himself to utter ruine and destruction. Also our building (although one hundred thousand people had seen and beheld the same) shall for ever remain untouched, undestroyed, and hidden to the wicked world, sub umbra alarum tuarum Jehova.
A Preface of the Confession to the Reader who is desirous of Wisdom.
Here, Gentle Reader, you shall finde incorporated in our Confession thirty seven Reasons of our purpose, and intention, the which according to thy pleasure thou mayst seek out and compare them together: thou mayst also consider with thyself, if they be weighty and sufficient enough to bring and persuade thee for to take our parts.
Verily it requires no small pains to confirm that which men have not yet seen, but when it shall once come to light we doubt not, but they will then justly be ashamed of such doubts and conjectures. And as we do now altogether, securely, freely, and without any hurt call the Pope of Rome Antichrist, the which heretofore washeld for a deadly sin, and such in all countries were put to death for it. So we know certainly, that the time shall likewise come, that that which we yet keep in secret, we shall openly, freely, and with a loud voice publish and confess it before all the world; the which Gentle Reader wish with us with all thy heart, that it may happen with speed.
Confessio Fraternitatis,Or, The Confession of the laudable Fraternity of the mosthonourable Order of the Rosie Cross, written to thelearned of Europe.
Whatsoever there is published, and made known to every one, concerning our Fraternity by the foresaid Fama, let no man esteem lightly of it, nor hold it as an idle or invented thing, and much less receive the same, as though it were only a meer conceit of ours. It is the Lord Jehovah (who seeing the Lord’s sabbath is almost at hand, and hastened again, his period or course being finished to his first beginning) doth turn about the course of Nature; and what heretofore hath been sought with great pains and dayly labour, is now manifested unto those who make small account, or scarcely once think upon it; but those which desire it, it is in a manner forced and thrust upon them, that thereby the life of the godly may be eased of all their toyl and labour, and be no more subject to the storms of unconstant Fortune; but the wickedness of the ungodly thereby, with their due and deserved punishment, be augmented and multiplied.
Although we cannot be by any suspected of the least Heresie, or of any wicked beginning, or purpose against the worldly government; we do condemn the East and West (meaning the Pope and Mahomet) blasphemers against our Lord Jesus Christ, and offer and present with a good will to the chief head of the Romish Empire, our prayers, secrets, and great treasures of Gold.
Yet we have thought good and fit for the learned sakes, to addsomewhat more to this, and make a better explanation, if there be any thing too deep, hidden, and set down over dark in the Fama, or for certain reasons were altogether omitted, and left out; hoping herewith the Learned will be more addicted unto us, and be made far more fitter and willing for our purpose.
Concerning the alteration and amendment of Philosophy, we have (as much as at present is needful) sufficiently declared, to wit, that the same is altogether weak and faulty; yet we doubt not, although the most part falsely do alledge that she (I know not how) is sound and strong, yet notwithstanding she fetches her last breath and is departing.
But as commonly, even in the same place or Country where there breaketh forth a new unaccustomed disease, Nature also there discovereth a medicine against the same; so there doth appear for so manifold infirmities of Philosophy, the right means, and unto our Patria sufficiently offered, whereby she may become sound again, which is now to be renewed and altogether new.
No other Philosophy we have, than that which is the head and sum, the foundation and contents of all faculties, sciences and arts, the which (if we will behold our age) containeth much of Theology and medicine, but little of the wisdom of Lawyers, and doth diligently search both heaven and earth: or to speak briefly thereof, which doth manifest and declare sufficiently Man; whereof than all learned who will make themselves known unto us, and come into our brotherhood, shall finde more wonderful secrets by us, than heretofore they did attain unto, and did know, or are able to believe or utter.
Wherefore to declare briefly our meaning hereof, we ought to labour carefully that there be not only a wondering at our meeting and adhortation, but that likewise every one may know, that although we do highly esteem and regard such mysteries and secrets,we nevertheless hold it fit, that the knowledge thereof be manifested and revealed to many.
For it is to be taught and believed, that this our unhoped willing offer will raise many and divers thoughts in men unto whom (as yet) be unknown Miranda sextæ ætatis, or those which by reason of course of the world, esteem the things to come like unto the present, and are hindered through all manner of importunities of this their time, so that they live no otherwise in the world, than blinde fools, who can, in the clear Sun-shine days, discern and know nothing than only by feeling.
Now concerning the first part, we hold this, that the Meditations, knowledge and inventions of our loving Christian Father (of all that, which from the beginning of the world, Man’s Wisdom, either through God’s revelation, or through the service of the Angels and spirits, or through the sharpness and deepness of understanding, or through long observation, use and experience, hath found out, invented, brought forth, corrected, and till now hath been propagated and transplanted) are so excellent, worthy and great, that if all books should perish, and by God Almighty’s sufrance, all writings, and all learning should be lost, yet the posterity will be able only thereby to lay a new foundation, and bring truth to light again; the which perhaps would not be so hard to do as if one should begin to pull down and destroy the old ruinous building, and begin to enlarge the fore Court, afterwards bring the lights in the Lodgings, and then change the doors, staples and other things according to our intention.
But to whom would this not be acceptable, for to be manifested to every one rather than to have it kept and spared, as an especial ornament for the appointed time to come.
Wherefore should we not with all our hearts rest and remain in the only truth (which men through so many erroneous and crooked ways do seek) if it had only pleased God to lighten unto us thesixth Candelabrum, were it not good that we needed not to care, not to fear hunger, poverty, sickness and age.
Were it not a precious thing that you could always live so, as if you had lived from the beginning of the world, and moreover as you should still live to the end therof. Were it not excellent, you dwell in one place, that neither the people which dwell beyond the River Ganges in the Indies could hide anything, nor those which live in Peru might be able to keep secret their counsels from thee.
Were it not a precious thing that you could so read in one only book, and withal by reading understand and remember all that, which in all other books (which heretofore have been, and are now and hereafter shall come out) hath been, is, and shall be learned, and found out of them.
How pleasant were it that you could so sing, that instead of stony rocks you could draw to thee pearls and precious stones, instead of wilde beasts, spirits, and instead of hellish Pluto, move the mighty Princes of the world.
O ye people, God’s counsel is far otherwise, who hath concluded now to increase and enlarge the number of our Fraternity, the which we with such joy have undertaken as we have heretofore obtained this great treasure without our merits, yea without any our hopes and thoughts, and purpose with the like fidelity to put the same in practice, that neither the compassion nor pity of our own children (which some of us in the Fraternity have) shall draw us from it, because we know that these unhoped for goods cannot be inherited, nor by chance be obtained.
If there be somebody now which on the other side will complain of our discretion, that we offer our Treasures so freely, and without any difference to all men, and do not rather regard and respect more the godly, learned, wise, or princely persons than the common people; those we do not contradict, seeing it is not a slight and easie matter; but without we signify so much, that our Arcana orSecrets will no ways be common, and generally made known. Although the Fama be set forth in five languages, and is manifested to every one, yet we do partly very well know that, the unlearned and gross wits will not receive nor regard the same; as also the worthiness of those who shall be accepted into our Fraternity are not esteemed and known of us by Man’s carefulness, but by the Rule of our Revelation and Manifestation. Wherefore if the unworthy cry and call a thousand times, or if they offer and present themselves to us a thousand times, yet God hath commanded our ears, that they should hear none of them: yea, God hath so compassed us about with his Clouds, that unto us his servants, no violence or force can be done or committed; wherefore we neither can be seen or known by any body, except he had the eyes of an Eagle. It hath been necessary the Fama should be set forth in every ones Mother Tongue, because those should not be defrauded of the knowledge thereof, whom (although they be unlearned) God hath not excluded from the happiness of this Fraternity, the which shall be divided and parted with certain degrees; as those which dwell in the city Damcar in Arabia, who have a far different politick order from the other Arabians. For there they do govern only wise men, who by the King’s permission make particular Laws; according unto which example, also the Government shall be instituted in Europe (whereof we have a description set down by our Christianly Father) when first is done and come to pass that which is to precede. And thenceforth our Trumpet shall publiquely sound with a loud sound, and great noise, when namely the same (which at this present is showed by few, and is secretly, as a thing to come, declared in Figures and Pictures) shall be free and publiquely proclaimed, and the whole world be filled withall. Even in such manner as heretofore, many godly people have secretly and altogether desperately pusht at the Pope’s Tyranny, which afterwards, with great earnest, and especial zeal in Germany, was thrown from hisseat and trodden under foot, whose final fall is delayed, and kept for our times, when he also shall be scratched in pieces with nails, and an end be made of his Asses cry, by a new voyce: the which we know is already reasurably manifest and known to many learned men in Germany, as their writings and secret congratulations do sufficiently witness the same.
We could here relate and declare what all the time from the year of our Lord, 1378 (in which year our Christian Father was born) till now, hath happened, where we might rehearse what alterations he hath seen in the world these one hundred and six years of his life, which he hath left to our Brethren and us after his decease to peruse. But brevity, which we do observe, will not permit at this present to make rehearsal of it, till a more fit time; at this time it is enough for those which do not despise our declaration, having therefore briefly touched it, thereby to prepare the way for their acquaintance and friendship with us.
Yea, to whom it is permitted, that he may, and for his instruction use those great Letters and Characters which the Lord God hath written and imprinted in Heaven and Earth’s Edifice, through the alteration of Government, which hath been from time to time altered and renewed; the same is already (although as yet unknown to himself) ours: and as we know he will not despise our inviting and calling, so, none shall fear any deceit, for we promise and openly say, that no man’s uprightness and hopes shall deceive him, whosoever shall make himself known unto us under the Seal of Secrecy, and desire our Fraternity.
But to the false Hypocrites, and to those that seek other things than Wisdom, we say and witness by these presents publickly, we cannot be made known and be betrayed unto them, and much less they shall be able to hurt us any manner of way without the Will of God; but they shall certainly be partakers of all the punishment spoken of in our Fama; so their wicked counsels shall light uponthemselves, and our Treasures shall remain untouched, until the Lion doth come, who will ask them for his use, and employ them for the Confirmation and Establishment of his kingdom. We ought therefore here to observe well, and make it known unto every one, that God hath certainly and most assuredly concluded to send and grant to the world before her end, which presently thereupon shall ensue, such a Truth, Light, Life, and Glory, as the first Adam had, which he lost in Paradise, after the which his successors were put, and driven with him to misery, wherefore there shall cease all servitude, falsehood, lyes, and darkness, which by little and little with the great World’s Revolution, was crept into all Arts, Works and Governments of Men, and have darkened the most part of them. For from thence are proceeded an innumerable sort of all manner of false opinions and heresies, that scarce the wisest of all was able to know whose Doctrine and Opinion he should follow and embrace, and could not well and easily be discerned, seeing on the one part they were detained, hindered, and brought into Errors through the respect of the Philosophers and learned men, and on the other part through true experience. All the which when it shall once be abolished and removed, and instead thereof a right and true Rule instituted, then there will remain thanks unto them which have taken pains therein, but the Work itself shall be attributed to the Blessedness of our Age.
As we now willingly confess, that many principal men by their Writings will be a great furtherance unto this Reformation which is to come; so we desire not to have this honour ascribed to us, as if such work were only commanded and imposed upon us; but we confess, and witness openly with the Lord Jesus Christ, that it shall first happen that the stones shall arise, and offer their service before there shall be any want of Executors and Accomplishers of God’s Counsel: yea, the Lord God hath already sent before certain Messengers, which should testifie his Will, to wit, some new Stars,which do appear and are seen in the Firmament in Serpentario and Cygno, which signifie and give themselves known to every one that they are powerful Signacula of great mighty matters. So then, the secret hid Writings and Characters are most necessary for all such things which are found out by men, although that great Book of Nature stand open to all men, yet there are but few that can read and understand the same. For as there is given to man two instruments to hear, likewise two to see, and two to smell, but only one to speak, and it were but vain to expect speech from the ears, or hearing from the eyes: so there hath been Ages or Times which have seen, there have also been Ages that have heard, smelt and tasted: now there remains that which in short time, honour shall be likewise given to the Tongue, and by the same, what before times hath been seen, heard, and smelt, now finally shall be spoken, and uttered forth, viz., when the World shall awake out of her heavy and drowsie sleep, and with an open heart, bare-head and bare-foot, shall merrily and joyfully meet the now arising Sun.
These Characters and Letters, as God hath here and there incorporated them in the holy Scripture and the Bible, so hath he imprinted them most apparently into the wonderful Creation of Heaven and Earth, yea, in all Beasts. So that like as the Mathematician or Astronomer can long before see and know the Eclipses which are to come, so we may verily foreknow and foresee the darkness of Obscurations of the Church, and how long they shall last, from the which characters or letters we have borrowed our Magick writing, and have found out, and made a new language for ourselves, in the which withall is expressed and declared the nature of all things, so that is no wonder that we are not so eloquent in other languages, the which we know that they are altogether disagreeing to the languages of our forefathers, Adam and Enoch, and were through the Babylonical Confusion wholly hidden.
But we must also let you understand, that there are yet someEagle’s Feathers in our way, the which do hinder our purpose. Wherefore we do admonish every one for to read diligently and continually the holy Bible; for he that taketh all his pleasures therein, he shall know that he prepared for himself an excellent way to come into our Fraternity; for as this is the whole sum and content of our Rule, that every letter or character which is in the world ought to be learned and regarded well; so those are like unto us, and are very near allied unto us, who do make the holy Bible a Rule of their life, and an aim and end of all their studies; yea, to let it be a compendium and content of the whole world, and not only to have it continually in the mouth, but to know how to apply and direct the true understanding of it to all times and ages of the world. Also it is not our custom to prostitute and make so common the holy Scriptures, for there are innumerable expounders of the same, some alledging and wresting it to serve for their opinion, some to scandal it, and most wickedly do liken it to a Nose of Wax which alike should serve the Divines, Philosophers, Physicians and Mathematicians, against all the which we do openly witness and acknowledge, that from the beginning of the World there hath not been given unto men a more worthy, a more excellent, and a more admirable and wholesome Book than the holy Bible. Blessed is he that hath the same, yea, more blessed is he who reads it diligently, but most blessed of all is he that truly understandeth the same, for he is most like to God, and doth come most near to Him. But whatsoever hath been said in the Fama concerning the Deceivers against the transmutation of Metals, and the highest Medicine in the world, the same is thus to be understood, that this so great gift of God we do in no manner set at naught or despise it. But because she bringeth not with her always the knowledge of Nature, but this bringeth forth not only Medicine, but also maketh manifest and open unto us innumerable secrets and wonders; therefore it is requisite that we be earnest to attain to the understandingand knowledge of Philosophy. And moreover, excellent Wits ought not to be drawn to the Tincture of Metals, before they be exercised well in the knowledge of Nature. He must needs be an unsatiable Creature, who is come so far that neither poverty nor sickness can hurt him; yea, who is exalted above other men, and hath Rule over that, the which doth anguish, trouble and pain others, yet will give himself again to idle things, as to build houses, make wars, and use all manner of pride, because he hath of Gold and Silver infinite store.
God is far otherwise pleased, for he exalteth the lowly, and putteth down the proud with disdain; to those which are of few words he sendeth his holy Angel to speak with them, but the unclean Babblers he driveth in the wilderness and solitary places; the which is the right Reward of the Romish Seducers, who have vomitted forth their blasphemies against Christ, and as yet do not abstain from their lies in this clear Shining Light: in Germany all their abominations and detestable Tricks have been disclosed, that thereby he may fully fulfil the measure of sin, and draw near to the end of his punishment. Therefore one day it will come to pass that the mouth of those Vipers will be stopped, and the three double horns will be brought to nought, as thereof at our Meeting shall more plain and at large be discoursed.
In Conclusion of our Confession, we must earnestly admonish you, that you put away, if not all, yet the most books, written by false Alchemists, who do think it but a jest or a pastime, when they either misuse the holy Trinity, when they do apply it to vain things, or deceive the people with most strange figures and dark sentences and speeches, and cozen the simpliest of their money; as there are now-a-days too many such books set forth, which the enemy of Man’s Welfare doth daily, and will to the end, mingle among the good seed, thereby to make the Truth more difficult to be believed, which in herself is simple, easie and naked; butcertainly falsehood is proud, haughty, and coloured with a kind of lustre of seeming godly and of humane wisdom. Ye that are wise, eschew such books, and turn unto us, who seek not your moneys but offer unto you most willingly our great Treasures. We hunt not after your Goods with invented lying Tinctures, but desire to make you Partakers of our Goods: we speak unto you by Parables, but would willingly bring you to the right, simple, easie, and ingenuous Exposition, Understanding, Declaration and Knowledge, of all Secrets. We desire not to be received of you, but inviteyouunto our more than Kingly Houses and Palaces, and that verily not by our own proper motion, but (that you likewise may know it) as forced unto it, by the Instigation of the Spirit of God, by his Admonition, and by the Occasion of this present time.
What think you, loving people, and how seem you affected, seeing that you now understand and know, that we acknowledge ourselves truly and sincerely to profess Christ, condemn the Pope, addict ourselves to the true Philosophy, lead a Christian life, and dayly call, intreat, and invite many more unto our Fraternity, unto whom the same Light of God likewise appeareth. Consider you not at length how you might begin with us, not only by pondering the Gifts which are in you, and by experience which you have in the Word of God beside the careful Consideration of the Imperfection of all Arts, and many other unfitting things, to seek for an amendment therein; to appease God, and to accommodate you for the time wherein you live. Certainly if you will perform the same, this profit will follow, that all the Goods which Nature hath in all parts of the World wonderfully dispersed, shall at one time altogether be given unto you, and shall easily disburden you of all that which obscureth the understanding of Man, and hindereth the working thereof, like unto the vain Epicides, and Excentrick Astronomical Circles.
But those Pragmatical and busieheaded men, who either areblinded with the glistering of Gold, or (to say more truly) who are now honest, but by thinking such great Riches should never fail, might easily be corrupted, and brought to Idleness, and to riotous proud living; those we do desire that they would not trouble us with their idle and vain crying. But let them think, that although there be a Medicine to be had which might fully cure all Diseases,neverthelessthose whom God hath destinated to plague with diseases, and to keep them under the Rod of Correction, such shall never obtain any such Medicine.
Even in such manner, although we might enrich the whole World, and endue them with Learning, and might release it from innumerable miseries, yet shall we never be manifested and made known unto any man, without the especial pleasure of God; yea, it shall be so far from him whosoever thinks to get the benefit, and be Partaker of our Riches and Knowledge, without and against the Will of God, that he shall sooner lose his life in seeking and searching for us, than to find us, and attain to come to the wished Happiness of the Fraternity of the Rosie Cross.
Aswe have frequently to mention works of that “extraordinary Royalist, mystic and geomancer,” John Heydon, who wrote so much respecting the Rosie Crucian Mysteries, and so loudly extolled the praises of the disciples, it will be advisable to present a sketch of his life as made by one Frederick Talbot, in the years 1662 and 1663, and attached to “Elhavareuna,” or the “English Physitian’s Tutor.” He says John Heydon is not basely, but nobly descended. The Antiquaries derive them (his parents) from Julius Heydon the King of Hungary and Westphalia, that were descended from that Noble family of Cæsar Heydon in Rome; and since in this Royal Race the line run down to the Honourable Sir Christopher Heydon, and Sir William Heydon, his brother of Heydon, neer Norwich; who married into Devonshire. Here the family flourished divers waies, to Sir John Heydon, late Lord Lieutenant of the King’s Tower of London. And this Sir William Heydon had one sonne christened also William, and had two sons William and Francis, both born in Devon, at Poltimore House; Francis married one of the Noble Chandlers in Worcestershire of the Mother’s side, which line spread by Marriage into Devonshire, among the Collins, Ducks, Drues and Bears, he had one Sister named Anne Heydon, who died two years since, his Father and Mother being yet living. He was born at his Father’s house in Green-Arbour, London (his father having bestowed £1,500 upon those houses) and was baptised at St. Sepulchre’s, and so was his Sister, and both in the fifth and seventh year of the Reign of King Charles the First; he was educated in Warwickshire among hismother’s friends, and so careful were they to keep him and his sister from danger, and to their books, that he had one continually to wait upon him, both to school and at home, and so had his sister.
He was commended by Mr. John Dennis, his Tutor in Tardebick, to Mr. George Linacre, Priest of Coughton, where he learned the Latin and Greek Tongues; the war at this time began to molest the Universities of this Nation, he was articled to Mr. Mic. Petley, an Attorney of Clifford Inne, with eighty pounds, that at five years’ end he should be sworn an Attorney; now being very young he applied his mind to learning, and by his happy wit attained great knowledge in all arts and sciences, afterwards also he followed the Armies of the King, and for his valour commanded in the troops, when he was by these means famous for learning and arms, he travelled into Spain, Italy, Arabia, Egypt, and Persia, etc., and gave his mind to writing, and composed about seventeen years since, the Temple of Wisdom in three Books, The Holy Guide in six Books, Elhavareuna in one Book, Ocia Imperialia in one Book, the Idea of the Law, the Idea of Government, the Idea of Tyranny in three parts, the Fundamental Elements of Moral Philosophy, Policy, Government and War, etc.
These Books were written near seventeen years since, and preserved by the good hand of God in the custody of Mr. Thomas Heydon, Sir John Hanner, Sir Ralph Freman, and Sir Richard Temple; during the tyrant’s time first one had the Books, then another, etc. And at last at the desire of these Noble, Learned and valiant Knights, and in honour of his Highness the Duke of Buckingham, they were printed.
He wrote many excellent things, and performed many rare experiments in the Arts of Astromancy and Geomancy, etc., but especially eighty one, the first upon the King’s death, predicted in Arabia by him to his friends, the second upon the losses of theKing at Worcester, predicted at Thauris in Persia. Thirdly he predicted the death of Oliver Cromwell in Lambeth House to many persons of honour mentioned in his books. Fourthly he wrote of the overthrow of Lambert, and of the Duke of Albymarle, his bringing again of the King to his happy countries, and gave it to Major Christopher Berkenhead, a Goldsmith at the Anchor by Fetter Lane end in Holborn; the fifth precaution or prediction he gave to his highness the Duke of Buckingham, two months before the evil was practised, and his enemy Abraham Goodman lies now in the Tower for attempting the death of the noble Prince. The sixth for Count Gramont when he was banished into England by the King of France, and he predicted by the Arts of Astromancy and Geomancy, the King’s receiving again into favour, and of his marriage to the Lady Hamilton. The seventh for Duke Minulaus, a peer of Germany, that the Emperor sent to him, when the Turk, had an army against him, and of the death of the Pope; the rest are in his books, and therefore by these monuments the name of Heydon for his variety of learning was famous not only in England, but also in many other nations into which his books are translated.
This John Heydon, fears none, contemneth none, is ignorant of none, rejoyceth in none, grieves at none, laughs at none, is angry with none, but being himself a Philosopher, he hath taught the way to happiness, the way to long life, the way to health, the way to wane young being old, and the way to resolve all manner of Questions, Present and to Come, by the Rules of Astromancy and Geomancy, and how to raise the Dead.
There be many John Heydons, one John Heydon the divine and priest of Jesus Christ, this is a Philosopher and Lawyer, stiled a Servant of God and Secretary of Nature, and to this the Princes and Peers not only of England, but of Spain, Italy, France and Germany send dayly to him, and upon every occasion he shewethstrong parts and a vigorous brain; his wishes and aimes, and what he pointeth at, speaketh him owner of a noble and generous heart; this gentleman’s excellent books are admired by the world of lettered men, as the prodigy of these latter times (indeed his works before mentioned, if I am able to judge anything) are full of the profoundest learning I ever met withall: and I believe, who hath well-read and digested them will perswade himself, there is no truth too abstruse, nor hitherto conceived out of our reach, and if any should question my judgement, they may read the commendations of both the Universities, Oxford and Cambridge, besides the learned Thomas White and Thomas Revell, Esq., both famous in Rome and other parts beyond sea, that have highly honoured this gentleman in their books; yet he hath suffered many misfortunes, his fathered was sequestered, imprisoned, and lost two thousand pounds by Cromwell. This Oliver imprisoned this son also two year and half, or thereabout, in Lambeth House, for he and his father’s family were always for the King, and endeavoured to the utmost his restoration; and indeed the tyrant was cruel to him, but John Thurloe, his Secretary, was kind to him and pittied his curious youth. And the messenger kept him (at his request) at his own house, and gave him leave to go abroad, but yet being zealous and active for the King, he was again taken and clapt up in Lambeth House; in these misfortunes it cost him a £1,000 and upwards; after this some envious villains forged actions of debt against him, and put him in prison. It seems at the beginning of these misfortunes, a certain harlot would have him to marry her, but denying her suit, for he had never spoken to her in his life good or evil until then; she devised now with her confederates abundance of mischief against him. And many courted him to marry, but he denyed. Now there was left (amongt a few old Almanacks and scraps of other men’s wit) collected and bequeathed unto the world by Nic. Culpe (as his own admired experience) oldAlice Culpeper, his widow. She hearing this gentleman (that he was heir to a great estate after the death of his father, and after the death of his uncle, £1,000 a year, but whether this uncle be of the father’s or the mother’s side I know not, but the estate is sure his at their death), courts him by letters of love, to no purpose; the next saint in order was she that calls herself the German Princess. But he flies high and scorns such fowl great beasts, the first of these two blessed birds in her life time caused one Heath to arrest him, and another laid actions against him that he never knew nor heard of. In this perplexity was he imprisoned two years, for they did desire nothing but to get money, or destroy him, for fear if ever he got his liberty he might then punish them. He being of a noble nature forgave them all their malice and devices against him, and scorns to revenge himself such upon pittiful things. God indeed hath done him the justice, for this Heath consumes to worse than nothing, and indeed, if I can judge or predict anything his baudy-houses will be pawned, and he will dye a miserable diseased beggar. His mistress, when he was very young and a clerke, desired him to lay with her, but he like Joseph refusing, she hated him all her life. God preserved him from their malice, although one of these three lewd women swore this gentleman practised the art of Magic; she told Oliver Cromwell she saw familiar spirits come and go to him in the shape of Conies, and her maid swore she had often seen them in his chambers when he was abroad, and sometimes walking upon the housetop in moonshine nights, and sometimes to vanish away into a wall or Aire, but when asked she could not tell what manner of man he was. So these stories were not credited, and for all these and many more afflictions and false accusations, I never saw him angry, nor did he even arrest or imprison any man or woman in all his life.
He was falsely accused but lately of writing a seditious book and imprisoned in a messenger’s custody, but his noble friend the Dukeof Buckingham finding him innocent and alwaies for the king, he was then discharged, and indeed this glorious Duke is a very good and just judge and noble, for he forgave Abraham Godman that came to kill him with his sword drawn, the Duke with his plate and napkin (for he was at supper) takes away his sword, saying, I can kill thee, but I scorn it, and a little after he pardoned him. And so mercifull he is that after he had taken the Quakers prisoners in Yorkshire, he used so many wise convincing arguments that they submitted to the King; of which the Duke was glad, and saved all their lives; he studies the way to preserve his king and country in peace, plenty, and prosperity. It is a pity the King hath not many more such brave men as he, a thousand such wise Dukes as this (like marshell’d thunder, back’d with flames of fire) would make all the enemies of the King and Christendome quake, and the Turk fly before such great generals, in all submission; we humbly pray for this great Prince, and leave him to his pleasure and return to our subject.
John Heydon is not of that vain and presumptuous nature as the Taylors that despised all Artists, even Appolonius, More, Vaughan, and Smith, etc. And yet they cannot read these, and many other learned authors, they so impudently abuse, rob of their learning, and convert other men’s parts to their own profit. He lent one ten pounds gold, he in requital or return speaks ill of him, and pretends to know many admirable rules of Geomancy, and impertinently addes them to Nativities, and applyes them to all manner of questions in Astromancy, but his books being written so long since, viz., seventeen years by himself, their greediness of great matters is discovered, and we now know them to be neither scholars nor gentlemen, these hang up clouts with—here are Nativities calculated, questions resolved, and all the parts of Astrology taught by us.... In threepence, fourpence, sixpence, or higher if you please—thus are young apprentices, old women, and wenchesabused, and that they may be found for money, tell us the twelve houses of heaven in the sign of a coat of arms are to be let, when they might indeed set bills upon their brazen foreheads, engraven thus: Here are Rooms to be let unfurnished, but our Author regards not these men; all their scandals, forgeries, and villainous devises they contrive against him, he slights and scorns, and hath purposely forsaken Spittle Fields and his lodging there, to live a private life, free from the concourse of multitudes of people that daily followed after him, but if any desire to be advised, let them by way of letter leave their business at his booksellers, and they shall have answer and counsel without reward, for he is neither envious, nor enemie to any man; what I write is upon my own knowledge.
He now writes from Hermenpolis, a place I was never at; it seems by the word to be the city of Mercury, and truly he hath been in many strange places, among the Rosie Crucians, and at their Castles, Holy Houses, Temples, Sepulchres, Sacrifices. This gentleman hath suffered much by his own discreet silence and solitude. Every Nativity Hawker condemns the Rosie Crucians because they appear not to the world, and concludes there is no such society because he is not a member of it, and Mr. Heydon will not come upon the stage (let his enemies write or speak what they will) when any fool cries enter, neither doth he regard every dog that barks at him. All the world knows this gentleman studys honourable and honest things, and faithfully communicates them to others, yet if any traduce him hereafter, they must not expect his vindication, he hath referred his quarrel to the God of Nature, it is involved in the concernments of his Truths and he is satisfied with the peace of a good conscience; he hath been misinterpreted in his writing, with studied calumnies, they disparage a person whom they never saw, nor perhaps will see, he is resolved for the future to suffer, for he says God condemns no man for his patience,the world indeed may think the truth overthrown, because she is attended with his peace for in the judgment of most men, there is no victory, this he looks upon as no disadvantage, the estimate of such censures will but lighten the scales, and I don’t suppose them very weak brains who conceive the truth sinks because it outweighs them; as for tempestuous outcrys when they want their motives they discover an irreligious spirit, one that hath more of the Hurrey-cano than of Christ Jesus, God was not in the wind that rent the rocks in pieces, nor in the earthquake and fire at Horeb. He was in Aura tenui, in the still small voice. His enemies are forced to praise his vertues and his friends are sorry he hath not 10,000 pounds a year, he doth not resent the common spleen, who writs the truth of God hath the same Patron with the truth itself, and when the world shall submit to the general Tribunal, he will find his Advocate where they shall find their Judge, there is mutual testimony between God and his servants, or nature and her Secretary; if the Baptist did bear witness of Christ, Christ did also much for the Baptist; he was a burning and shining light; when I writ this gentleman’s life God can bear me witness it was unknown to him, and for no private ends, but I was forced to it by a strong admiration of the Mistery and Majesty of Nature, written by this servant of God and Secretary of Nature; I began his life some years since, and do set it down as I do finde it, if any man oppose this, I shall answer, if you are for peace, peace be with you, if you are for War, I have been so too (Mr. Heydon doth resolve never to draw sword again in England, except the King command him). Now let not him that puts on the Armour boast like him that puts it off. ‘Gaudet patientia duris’ is his Motto, and thus I present myself a friend to all artists, and enemy to no man.
FREDERICK TALBOT,Esq.
March 3, 1662.
What was thought of John Heydon and what he appeared to think of himself may be learned from the somewhat gushing testimonials he appended to several of his books.
At the commencement of the Axiomata we have the following:—
“To his most ingeniously accomplish’d friend, Mr. John Heydon, on his Rosie Crucian Infallible Axomata, the excellent and secret use of Numbers.”
“Now let the Pope no more pretend to bee,The Father of Infallibility;Unless he can great Heyden’s Numbers teach,And nimbly to his Axiomata reach.One learned Heydon, with his Art-like Pen,Hath exercised so the Brains of Men;That how to answer him this very AgeKnows not [I’m sure] with all its Wit and Rage.Our Author here, as Heir unto his skill,Hath kept his name up (with a pregnant Quill)So happily! that Ages yet to come,Shall sing his fame in this Eulogium;While Numbers sing the World’s glad Harmony,This worthy work shall teach Philosophy.”J. Gadbury.
Again in the same work.
“To his much honoured friend the Author Mr. John Heydon upon the Rosie Crucian Infallible Axiomata.”
“Pythag’ras redivivus, go thy waysInto the world: and number out thy praise;Laconian Lads esteem yourself no more,Who Numbers rich is, who esteems is poor,For they esteem themselves, because no more.Moses in Miracles did exceed ’tis trueBy Numbers done; only found out by youTherefore the greatest Miracle’s your due.Tria sunt omnia shall no more surpass,Who’s but for simple Numbers is an Asse,Thy compound Numbers shew as clear as Glass.That the wide world this piece shall so extollAs swears no soul, if not Harmonic allFor never was piece i’ the world so exactly done,In the time past, or present, what’s to come,Then teeming Soul give thy Pen intermission,And breathe a while before the next Edition.”John Fyge,Minister of the Gospell.
Again:—
“O Comprehensive Magus, praise attendsThy worthy work, to that each number tends,Sith to the Holy Cross thou art the Crown;And that, which Nature did at first set downIn Hieroglyphicks, that she might concealFrom Sons of earth, her Darling doth revealUnto the Sons of Art and doth unfoldThose Tomes of Crypicks that before were rold;Axioms infallible, thou dost us shew,Would Pyrrho make his doubting Trade forego;Philosophy may by thy Method beCourted, and won by men of low degree,When fancy tells me this cannot be done,My Reason prompts me to believe a Son,Inspired by the Rosie Crucian Spirit,Is Heir to more, to whom I do refer it.Thomas Fyge.”
“Hayl you (admired Heydon) whose great partsShine above envy; and the common Arts,You kin to Angels, and Superiour Lights,(A spark of the first fire) whose Eagle flightsTrade not with Earth, and grossness, but do passTo the pure Heavens, and make your God your Glass,In whom you see all forms, and so do giveThese rare discov’ries, how things move and live,Proceed to make your great designs compleat,And let not this rude world our hopes defeat.Oh let me but by this the dawning lightWhich streams upon me through your three pil’d night,Pass to the East of truth, ’till I may seeMan’s first fair state; when sage SimplicityThe Dove and Serpent, Innocent and WiseDwell in his brest, and he in Paradise.These from the Tree of knowledge his best boughsI’le pluck a Garland from this Author’s brows,Which to succeeding times Fame shall bequeath,With this most just Applause, Great Heyden’s wreath.Fred. Talbot,Esquire.”