The Golden Calf, Which the World Adores and Desires

Molt Excellent, and Prudent Sirs:

Before 1 cuter upon the Defcriptioni of the Philofophick P IGM Y, (in this little Theatre of Secrets) overs coming and Jubduing GIA NT S; 1 pray permit me-here tò nfe the words of Vanhelmont, tak2x ont of his Book De Arbore Vite, fol.630. and here Tranferibed,

Am compelled -to-beliewe, that there isiy Aurifitk, and Apa geatick Stine. But ( Friend of the Spagyrick Art) Tamnot ignorant; that many have been found among the moft wife, yea among the exquifite. Chimifts, who haye not only confumed their own Goods, but: the Goods of others alfo, in this: Great Fulcanick Secret, as Experience even atthis very day fufficiently proves. For we have feen, the more isthe pity!, how unwary Chimifis, yea. fach as are. more worthy, than thofe who are called Alchimifts; how, I fay, they, labouring fimply, are daily deluded; with Guile of this kind, by Diabolick, Aurifickand Argentick Suck-goods. Alfo I know, that many. Stupid Men will rife up, and contradi& the.truth of my true Experience, touching the Philofophick Stone. One will have it to be a work of the Devil, another af Gris there is no {uch thing; a third faith it is the Soul of Gold only,and that with anOunce of that’ Gold,anOunceofLead,and no more may be again tinged: but this is repugnant to the Atteftation of Kifflerus,.as fhall briefly com—memorate.; a fourth believes the Verity and Poffibility thereof, but faith it is fo chargeable, as ie:will: never quit Coft, with many other like Allegations. Yet I wonder not at this, for‘according to. this- Saying,