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HISTORY OF THE ROStCRUClANS.
He writes now from Hermeupolis, 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 ; all the world knows this gentleman
studies honourable 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 con-
cernments 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 his 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." His enemies are forced to praise his
vertue, and his friends are sorry he hath not ten thousand
pounds a year. He doth not resent the common spleen ;
and when the world shall submit to the general tribunal,
he will find his advocate where they shall find their judge.
When I writ this gentleman's life, God can bear me witness,
it was unknown to him, and for no private ends. 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 re-
solve 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.