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But trust me this is not for a Tyro, nor for every one of us, unless he havethe Secret from his own Studies, and not by Tradition from a Master orGuide. Know then that this fore-recited way is true, but involved with athousand broileries.But our way which is an easie way, and in which no man may erre, ourbroad way, our Linear way, we have vowed never to reveal it but inMetaphors; I being moved with pity, will hint it to you. Take that which isnot yet perfect, nor yet wholly imperfect, but in a way to perfection and outof it make what is most noble and most perfect: This you may conceive tobe an easier Receipt, then to take that which is already perfect, and extractout of it what is imperfect, and then make it perfect, and after out of thatperfection to draw a plusquam perfection: and yet this is true, and we havewrought it, And because it is an immense Labour for any to undertake, wedescribe that way; but this last discovery which I hinted in few words, is itwhich no man ever did so plainly lay open, nor may any man make it moreplain, upon pain of an Anathema.For of this World our Stone is called the Cement,Which moved by craft as Nature doth require,In his increase shall be full opulent,And multiply his kind after thy own desire:Therefore if God vouchsafe thee to inspire,Like unto thee in Riches shall be but few.Our Stone it is the Representative of the great World, and hath the Virtuesof that great Fabrick, comprised or collected in this little System; in it is thevirtue Magnetical, attractive of its like in the whole World: it is theCoelestial Virtue, expounded universally in the whole Creation, butEpitomized in this small Map or Abridgment.This Virtue or Power is in it self barren, sluggish, dead and unactive, andfor this cause it remaineth without fruit; but being loosed by Art, it doththrough the co-operation of Nature, produce that Arcanum which hath notits like in the whole World; for it doth heal the imperfections of allCreatures and Metals, taking away their sickness, and restoring them toperfect health.The reward which his Mastery will bring to the Artist, is indeedinestimable; for having it, he needs want no worldly blessing, for wealth heneed take no care, and from all frailties of Body he hath a most sureAntidote.Pray then to God, that he would be propitious unto your studies andlabours, in giving thee the true knowledge of this secret Mystery; it is the169