Chapter 5
CHAPTER Iir.
Early Leaders — LUerature — Romantic Stories.
WE now proceed to gpeak of some of the more prominent of
the Rosicrucian leadeiB and teachers, and to call atten-
tion to the literature from which we obtain our only reliable
information.
In the sixteenth century lived that extraordinaiy man Theo-
jphrastus Paracelsus, whose writings exercised a greater in-
fluence, perhaps, over the minds of his fdlow creatures than any
other author of his time. No man it is certain had contributed so
juuch as he, to the diffusion of the Cabbalism, Theosophy and
Alchemy which had flooded Germany and flowed over a greater
part of Western Europe. Now it was generally believed that in
the seventeenth century a great and general reformation amongst
the human race would take place, as a neeessaiy fore-runner to the
*day of judgment In connection with this, Paracelsus made
several prophecies which took a very firm hold of the public mind.
He declared that the comet which made its appearance in 1572
was the sign and harbinger ci the coming revoliiiion, and he
prophesied that soon aftw the death of the Emperor Rudolph,
there would be found three treasures that had never been revealed
before that time. In the year 1610 there were puUished at the
same time three books which led to the foundation of the Jtosicrucian
order as a district society. One was called '^ Ufiivtrsdl Reforms-
turn of the Whole Wide World,*^ , De Quincey summarises its con-
tents thus : " The Seven Wise Men of Greece, together with M. Cato
and Seneca, and a secretary named Mazzonius, are summoned to
Delphi by Apollo, at the desire of the Emperor Justinian, and
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there deliberate, oni^e best mode of redressing human misery.
All sorts of strange schemes are proposed. Thales advised to cut
a hole in every man's breast, and place a little window in it, by
which means it would become possible to look into the heart, to
detect hypocrisy and vice, and thus to extinguish it. Solon pro-
poses an equal part^ion of all possessions and wealth. Chile's
opinion is that the readiest way to the end in view would be
to banish out of the world the two infamous and rascally metals
gold and silver. Eleolinlus steps forward as the apologist of
gold and silver, but thinks that iron ought to be prohibited,
because in that case no more wars could be carried on amongst
men. Pittacus insists upon more rigorous laws, which should
make virtue and merit the sole passports to honour; to which,
however, Periander objects that there had never been any
scarcity of such laws, nor of princes to execute them, but scarcity
enough of subjects conformable to good laws. The conceit of Bias,
is that nations should be kept apart from each other, and each
confined to its own home ; and for this purpose, that all bridges
should be demolished, moimtains rendered insurmountable, and
navigation totally forbidden. Cato, who seems to be the wisest of
the party, wishes that Grod in his mercy would be pleased to wash
away all women from the face of the earth by a new deluge, and
at the same time to introduce some new arrangement for the
continuation of the excell^it male sex without female help.
Upon this pleasing and sensible proposal the whole company
manifest the greatest displeasure, and deem it so abominable that
they unanimously prostrate themselves on the ground, and
devoutly pray to God '^ that He would graciously vouchsafe to
preserve the lovely race of women " (what absurdity) " and to save
the world from a second deluge !" At length after a long debate,
the counsel of Seneca prevails ; which counsel is this — ^that out of
all ranks a society should be composed having for its object the g&ie-
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24 BARLT liEADERS^LlTERATURB^ROHANTTC STORIBS:
ral welfare of mankind, and pursuing it in secret. Tbia counsel is
adopted : though without much hope on the part of the deputation,
on account of the desperate condition of * the Age/ who appears
before them in person, and describes his own wretched state of
health."
The second work was the celebrated Fama FratemitcUis of the
meritorious order of the Rosy Cross, addressed to the learned in:
general, and the Governors of Europe. Here we may cite De
Quincey again : " Christian Rosycross, of noble descent, having
upon his travels into the East and into Africa learned great
mysteries from Arabians, Chaldeans, etc., upon his return to Ger-
many established, in some place not mentioned, a secret society
composed at first of four — afterwards of eight — ^members, who
dwelt together in a building called the House of the Holy Ghost,
erected by him : to these persons, under a vow of fidelity and
secrecy, he communicated his mysteries. After they had been in-
structed, the society dispersed agreeably to their destination, with
the exception of two members, who remained alternately with the
founder. The rules of the order were these : — ^The members were
to cure the sick without fee or reward. No member to wear a
peculiar habit, but to dress after the fashion of the coimtry. On
a certain day in every year all the members to assemble in the
House of the Holy Ghost, or to account for their absence. Every
member to appoint some person with the proper qualifications to
succeed him at his own decease. The word Rosy-Cross to be their
seal, watchword, and characteristic mark. The association to be
kept unrevealed for a hundred years. Christian Rosycross died at
the age of a hundred years. His death was known to the Society,
but not his grave ; for it was a maxim of the first Rosicrucians to
conceal their burial places even from each other. New masters
were continually elected into the House of the Holy Ghost, and
the Society had now lasted 120 years. At the end of this period^
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a door was discovered in the house, and upon the opening of this
door a sepulchral vault Upon the door was this inscription :
One hundred and twenty years hence I shall open (Fost CXX,
annos patebo). The vault was a heptagon. Every side was five
feet broad and eight feet high. It was illuminated by an arti-
ficial sun. In the centre was placed, instead of a grave-stone, a
circular altar with a little plate of brass, whereon these words were
inscribed : This grave, an abstract of the whole world, I made for
myself while yet living (A. C. R. C. Hoc Universi compendium
vivus mihi sepulchrum feci). About the margin was — ^To me
Jesus is all in all (Jesus mihi omnia). In the centre were four
figures enclosed in a circle by the revolving legend : Nequaquam
vacuum legis jugum. Libertas Evangelii. Dei gloria intacta.
(The empty yoke of the law is made void. The liberty of the
gospel. The unsullied glory of God). Each of the seven sides of
the vault had a door opening into a chest ; which chest, besides the
secret books of the order and the Vocahularium of Paracelsus,
contained also mirrors — ^little bells — burning lamps — marvellous
mechanisms of music, etc., all so contrived that, after the lapse of
many centuries, if the whole order should have perished, it might
be re-established by means of this vault. Under the altar, upon
raising the brazen tablet, the brothers foundthebody of Rosycross,
without taint or corruption. The right hand held a book written
upon vellum with golden letters : this book which is called T., has
since become the most precious jewel of the society next after the
Bible ; and at the end stand subscribed the names of the eight
brethren, arranged hi two separate circles, who were present at
the death and burial of Father Rosycross. Immediately after the
above narrative follows a declaration of then* mysteries, addressed
by the society to the whole world. They profess themselves to be
of the Protestant faith ; that they honour the Emperor and the
laws of the Empire; and that the art of gold making is but a
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slight object with them." The whole ends with these words ^
*^ Our House of the Holy Ghost though a hundred thousand men
should have looked upon it, is yet destined to remain untouched,
imperturbable, out of sight, and unrevealed to the whole godless
world for ever."
Before we proceed to notice at any length the third of the books
we have mentioned, we will turn to some further accounts of the
burial place of the founder of this party, which, though in some
respects similar and in the main stating the same facts, yet,
supply other matter both curious and interesting.
The following story has been quoted by a writer on the Rosi-
crucians, as related by Dr. Plot in his History of StaflFordshire ; a
careful examination of the four copies of that work in the library
of the British Museum, however, has failed to unearth the tale ;
it is to the following efifect. At the close of a summer's day a
countryman was diggmg a trench in a field in a valley which was
surrounded by dense masses of woodland scenery. It was shortly
after sunset, and the workman wearied with his task was about to
cease his labour ; before his pick, however, had ^ven its last blow,
it struck against some hard material a little below the surface of
the ground with sufficient force to cause a bright spark to flash
out into the evening gloom. This, exciting his curiosity, he for-
got his fatigue and again went on with his digging, anxious to
ascertain what it was he had discovered. The stone he had come
upon was large and flat, and lay nearly in the middle of a field at
a considerable distance from any of the farms of the neighbouring
country. It was covered with grass and weeds, the growth of many
years and had a large iron ring fixed at one end in a socket. For
some time it proved too much for the countryman's strength, half
an hour's struggling with it failed to remove it from its position,
and it was not till he had rigged up some tackle by the aid of some
rope and a tree that he managed to raise it. He then found it
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covered a deep hollow in the ground, wherein after some examina-
tion he discovered a stone staircase of apparently extraordinary
depth. His inquisitiveness to know whither the steps led, and the
thought peiiiaps that he might be the discoverer of some bidden
treasure, gave him more courage than he naturally possessed, and
•he descended a few of the stairs, then, after vainly trying to
penetrate into the darkness beneath, paused and looked up to the
sky above. Encouraged by the remains of the sunlight and the
shining planet Venus above him, he resumed his descent. He
went, he supposed a hundred feet underground, when he came
upon a square landing-place with a niche in the wall, then he came
to another long staircase, still descending into darkness. Once
more he paused, and looked up at the now very little bit of sky
visible over head. Seeing nothing to cause any fear, and hopeful of
soon being able to unravel the mystery, he stretched out his hands,
and by cautiously feeling the walls, and with equal caution plac-
ing his feet slowly and firmly upon each step, he boldly went for-
ward and counted in his descent two himdred and twenty steps.
He foimd himself able to breathe pretty freely, but noticed an
aromatic smell like that of burning incense, which he thought
Egyptian. This he noticed rolling up now and then from beneath,
as if from another world, and it occurred to him that it was from
the world of mining gnomes, and that he was breaking in upon
their secrets. Still he went cm, in spite of all his fears, until he
was momentarily stopped by a wall in front ; turning sharply to
the right, however, he found the way open to him, and discovered
a still deeper staircase, at the foot of which was a steady though
pale light. His alarm at discovering light so far down in the
earth's interior was naturaUy great, but not great enough to ov^-
oome his curiosity and cause him to retrace his steps, and he once
more comm^iced descending the mouldering old steps which
leaked as if they had not been .trodden for ages. Then he thought
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28 . EARLY LEADERS— LITERATURE— ROMANTIC STORIES:
he heard mysterious rumblings over head, like the sound of heavy
waggons and horses, then all was still again. Many times he
paused and thought he would return, thinking he might have ao-
cidently stumbled upon either the haunt of robbers or the abode
of evil spirits ; he stood still for awhile, fairly paralysed with
fear. Then he began to recall where he had been working, he
thought of the field above, the surrounding woods and his native
hamlet only a few miles distant. This somewhat cheered him,
but still with a good deal of fear remaining in his heart, he went
down the rest of the stairs, the light growing brighter at every
step. At last, he came upon a square chamber, built up of large
hewn ancient stones. Filled with awe and wonderment, he found
a flagged pavement and a lofty roof rising to a centre, in the groins
of which was a rose beautifully carved in some dark stone or in
marble. The alarm he had hitherto felt was nothing as compared
with the fear which overwhelmed him when, after passing a Oothic
stone portal, light suddenly streamed out over him with a bright-
ness equal to that of the setting sun, and revealed to him the
figure of a man whose face was hidden as he sat in a studious at-
titude in a stone chair, reading in a great book, with his elbows
resting on a table like a rectangular altar, in the light of a large,
ancient iron lamp, suspended by a thick chain to the middle of
the roof. The adventurous countryman was unable to repress the
cry that rose to his lips as he gazed upon this strange and un-
expected scene. As the sound of his foot touching the fLoor
resounded through the chamber, the figure started bolt upright
from his seated position, as if in awful astonishment, fie erected
his hooded head, and seemed about angrily to question the in-
truder. The latter seemed perfectly fascinated by what he saw, and
instead of withdrawing advanced yet another step into the chamber.
Instantly the figure thrust out its arm, as though- warning the
intruder oflF; the hand contained an iron baton and it was raised
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in the most threatening attitude, but the unhappy explorer, seem-
ingly unable to control himself, took a third step forward, and then
the image or man raised his arm high above his head, and with
his truncheon striking the lamp a tremendous blow left the place
in utter darkness. Nothing more followed but a long, low roll of
thunder, which gradually died away and all was stilL
The place was afterwards known as the burial place of one of
the brotherhood, whom the people called Bosicrucius, and it is
said the arrangement of the lamp had been made by some Rosi-
crucian, to shew that he had discovered the secret of the ever
burning lamps of the ancients, but was resolved that no one should
reap the benefit of it.
The Spectator^ No. 379, gives the following : — " A certain person
having occasion to dig somewhat deep in the ground, where this
philosopher (Rosicrucius) lay interred, met with a small door,
having a wall on each side of it. His curiosity, and the hopes of
finding some hidden treasure, soon prompted him to force open the
door. He was immediately surprised by a sudden blaze of light,
and discovered a very fair vault. At the upper end of it was a
statue of a man in armour, sitting by a table, and leaning on his
left ann. He held a truncheon in his right hand, and had a lamp
burning before him. The man had no sooner set one foot within
the vault, than the statue erecting itself firom its leaning posture,
stood bolt upright ; and upon the fellow's advancing another step,
lifted up his truncheon in its right hand. The man still ventured a
third step, when the 9tatue, with a furious blow, broke the lamp
into a thousand pieces, and left his guest in a sudden darkness.
Upon the report of this adventure, the country people came
with lights to the sepulchre, and discovered that the statue, which
was made of brass, was nothing more than a piece of clockwork ;
that the floor of the vault was all loose, and underlaid with several
springs, which, upon any man's entering, naturally produced that
/
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3^ EARLY LEADERS-^UTERATUBE— BOMANTIG aTORIES. '
which had happened. Rosicrucius, say his disciples, made use of
this method to show the world that he had re-invent 3d the ever
burning lamps of the ancients, though he was resolved no one
should reap any advantage from the discovery. "
Respecting the above story given as we have said in the Spectar
tor, No. 379, a writer in Notes and Queries (6th S. 7th vol) says :
** This is a very old tale, and has been printed again and again.
The following is an early version, which was printed by Caxton in
1482 ; but I give from the edition printed by Peter de^Treveris in
1527. The Polycronicon was originally written in Latin early in
the fourteenth century, and translated into English in 1357. As
the book is chiefly a compilation from old monkish chronicles, the
tale was probably very old even when Higden included it in the
Polycronicon. At any rate it was current bng before the date
given as the year of death of the somewhat mythical Christian
Rosencrutz. I have met with several versions of it, varying more
or less. In one a man with a bow and arrow extinguishes the
lamp. There are many accounts of these miraculous lamps dis-
covered burning in tombs hundreds of years after interment, but
having omitted to make notes of them, 1 am unable to give refers
enoes just now. . . , In Albesterio a place that hyghte Mutatorium
Cesaris were made whyte stoles for Emperours. Also there was a
candlestyke, made of a stone that hyght Albestone whan it was
ones steynd and sette a fire and I sette without thee coude no
manne quenche it with no crafte that men coude devyse, qR.
In this maner it myght be that the Geant Pallas about the yere
of oure Lorde a thousand and xi. That yere was founde in Rome
a Geantes body buiyed hole and sounde, the space of his wounde
was foure foote longe and a halfe, the length of his body passed
the heyght of the walles, at his hede was founde a lantern
brennyng alwaye that no man coulde quenche with blaste ne
with wat^ ne with other cralte, unto the tyme that there was
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BAALT LBADEBS — ^UTEBATURB*— BOMAKTIO TALSS. 31
made a lytell hole under the lyght benethe that the ayer might
enter. Men i^en that Tumus slowgh this Ckan Pallas when
Eneas fought for Lanina that was Eneas wyfe. This Geantes
Epytaphium is* this. The wiytyng of mynde of hym that lay
there was this. Pallas Enandres sone lyeth here, hym Tumus
the knyght with his spere slowghe in his maner."
One other notice will close this part of the subject.
Although we find in the works of some of the Apologists for the
Rosicrucians extraordinary statements as to the length of life it
was within their power to attain imto (John Higden professes to
shew how a man may live two hundred years) and although some
of the fraternity actually did live a great number of years, we find
them at last dying one by one notwithstanding their professed
power to guard against or to relieve sickness. The founder him-
self seems to have reached the tolerably advanced age of a
hundred and six (some say a hundred). He then died, and accord-
ing to the Fama the place of his burial remained a secret to all
except the two brothers who were with him, and they, according
to the agreement to which they had boimd themselves, carried
the mystery with them to the grave. The society still continued to
exist, imknown to the world, and always consisting of eight mmnbers,
till another one hundred and twenty years had elapsed, when, ac-
cording to a tradition among them the grave of Rosenkrutz was to
be discovered, and the brotherhood to be no longer a mystery to
the world. It was about this time that the brothers b^an to
make some alterations in their building, and thought of removing
to another and more fitting situation the memorial tablet, on
which were inscribed the names of the associates. The plate
which was of brass, was fixed to the wall by means of a niul in its
c^tre, and so firmly did it hold, that in tearing it away a portion
4>f the plaster came off too and discovered to them a concealed
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32 BARLY LBADBRS — LITERATURE — ROMANTIC TALES, i
door. Upon this door being yet farther cleansed from the incrus-
tation, there appeared above in large letters
Post CXX Annos Patebo.
Great was their delight at so unlooked-for a discovery ; but still
they so far restrained their curiosity as not to open the door till
the next morning, when they found themselves in a seven sided
vault, each side five feet wide, and eight feet high. It was lighted
by an artificial sun in the centre of the arched roof, while in the
middle of the floor, instead of a tomb, stood a round altar covered
with a small brass plate on which was this inscription :
A. 0. R. C. Hoc, universi compendium, vivus mi hi
sepulchrum feci.
About the outer edge was, Jesus mihi omnia.
In the centre were four figures ; each enclosed 'm, 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 ; in
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KARLT LEADERS — UTBBATURE — BOMAMTIG TALES. 33
another they lighted upon mirrors possessed of different qualities,
a little bell, burning lamps, and a yarietj of curious matters, in-
tended 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 lay
As if he had not been dead a day."
Morever, 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 ei^t brethren who had assisted at their founder's in-
terment. 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.*
* New Curioaitiea of Literature, voL 2, p. 46.
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CHAPTER tV.
The Fame and Confession of the Fraternity.
WE shall 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 Rosiorucian order as a distinct body." The
third book is the Confessio Fratemitatis, which we present almost
in its entirety.
The Fame and Confession of the Fraternity of E:C : Community ^
of the Sosie Gross,
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 flow-
eth from the Gloiy 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 Pru-
dence, 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 God
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THE PAHS A3n> CONFE8SIOH OF THE FBATEBNITT. 35
Bometimes 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, yertues 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
more in necesm than 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 Publicum to the Arch Duke Maximilian,
d2
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36 THE FAMB AND CONFESSION
who likewise hath made an Extract ex scriptis Theologicis Theo-
phrasti, 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 the Famam, 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 \into 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.
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OF THE FRATERNITY. 3 1
Fama Fraternitatis,
Or, A Discovery of the Fraternity of the most laudable
Order 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 imto us the half
part of the World, which was heretofore imknown 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 Covetous-
ness 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, collect
Lihrwn NaturoB^ or a perfect method of aU Arts ; but such is their
opposition, that they still keep and are loth to leave the old
course, esteeming Porphuy, 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 general Re-
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38 THE FAME AND CONFESSION
formation, the most godly and high|y illuminated Father, oar
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 him-
self 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 then* 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 of
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OF THE FRATERNITY. 39
sound virginity ; by those wad 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 himdred years, yet we are assured that our
Axiomata shall unmovably remain imto the World's End, and also
the world in her highest and last Age shall not attain to see any-
thing 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 stnketh 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
thhigs 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
profoimdly examined by the learned, but that they themselves, if
in some coimtry 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 Countiy.
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 de-
cease might succeed him. 6, The word C. R. should be their seal.
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4Q THE FAME AND CONFESSION
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. 0., so that he hath all the days of his life with
him two of his Brethren. And although that as yet the Chiurch was
not cleansed, nevertheless we know that they did think of her, and
what with longing desire they looked for. Every year they assem-
bled 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 notwith-
standing they could not live and pass their time appointed of
God. The first of this Fraternity which dyed, and that in England,
was J. 0., as Brother C. long before had foretold him ; he was
very expert, and well learned in Cabala, as his book caUed 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 behold
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OF THE FRATERNITY. 41
the 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. 0. 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 Aiiomata 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 dis-
creetly and Christian like, we will not be afraid to set forth
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42 THE FAME AND CONFESSION
publickly 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
Oallia 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 us bona
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 un
looked 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,
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pF THE PRATBRXmr. 43
also there shall be opened a door to Europe (when the wall is re-
moved) 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 comers, 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 onmia.
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 foimd out, praised be his holy nama 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 imderstand 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
contsdned, 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 lay
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44 THE FAME AND CONFESSION
divers 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 Itinera-
rium, 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 foimd 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 under-
standing man ; but we will leave him undescribed imtil 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 Eota, 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 re-
formation, both of divme 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 mean-
time some few, which shall give their names, may join together,
thereby to increase the number and respect of our Fraternity, and
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OP THE FRATERNITY. 45
make 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
o^ 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 with Jesus in omni parte and 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 wonderful
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46 THE FAMB AND CONFESSION
book 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 imder 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 trans-
mutation of Mettals to be the highest point, and fastigivm in
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 aU 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 father B, C. C. Phy : aurum nisi
quarUum aurumy for imto 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 testifle that
under the name of ' Chymia ' many books and pictures are set forth
in Contumeliam glorias 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
£urope who shall read (sent forth in five languages) this oui'
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OF THE FRATERNITY. 47
Famam and Confessionem, that it would please them with good
deliberation to ponder this our offer, and to examine most nearly
«nd most sharply their Arts, and behold the present time with all
diligence, and to declare their minde, either Communicato consUioy
or dnguiahim by print.
And although at this time we make no mention either of our
names or meetings, yet nevertheless every one's opinion shall as-
suredly come to our hands, in what language soever it be ; nor any-
body 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 that his false-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 mine 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 Con-
fession 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 was
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48 THB FAME AND CONFESSION
held 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 Fratemitatis,
Or, The Confession of the laudable Fraternity of the most
honourable Order of the Rosie Cross^ written to the
learned 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 imto those who mak<B 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 aug-
mented and multiplied.
Although we cannot be by any suspected of the least Heresie, or
of any wicked beginning, or purpose against the worldly govern-
ment ; 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 add
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6f thb pratebnity. 49
tfomewhat 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
&r 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 dis-
covereth 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 wluch (if we will behold our age) containeth much of Theology
and medicine, but little of the wisdom of Lawyers, and doth dili-
gently 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 al-
though we do highly esteem and regard such mysteries and a^ecrets.
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50 THE FAMB AND CK)NFBSSION
we nevertheless hold it fit, that the knowledge thereof be mani"
fested 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 imknown Miranda sextse setatis, or those which by reason
of course of the world, esteem the things to cozAe 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 un-
derstanding, 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 suf*
ranee, 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 ac-
cording 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 the
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OF THE FRATEBNITT. 51
sixth Candelabrum, were it not good that we needed not to care, not
to fear hunger, poYerty, 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 theur counsels from thee.
Were it not a precious thing that you could so read in one only
hook, 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 s'mg, that instead of
stony rocks you could draw to thee pearls and precious stones, in-
st^ of wilde beasts, spirits, and instead of hellish Pluto, move
the mighty Princes of the world.
0 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 j.9y have undertaken as we have hereto-
fore obtained this great treasure without our merits, yea without
any our hopes and thoughts, and purpose with the like fidelity to
put ihe 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 oflFer 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 oi;*
e2
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52 THE FAME AND OONFESSION
Secrets will no ways be common, and generally made known. Al-
though the Fama be set forth in five languages, and is manifested
to every one, yet we do partly very well know that, the imleamed
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 un-
worthy cry and call a thousand times, or if they oflFer 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 com-
passed us about with his Clouds, that unto us his servants, no vio-
lence 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 defruuded 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 ; accord-
ing 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 pre-
cede. 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 pro-
claimed, and the whole world be filled withall. Even in such man-
ner 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 his
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OF THE FRATERXITT. «53
seat and trodden under foot, whose final fall is delayed, and kept
for our times, when he abo shall be scratched in pieces with nails,
and an end be made of his Asses ciy, by a new voyce : the which
we know is already reasurably manifest and known to many learned
men in Germany, as theur 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 bom)
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 theur
acquaintance and friendship with us.
Yea, to whom it is permitted, that he may, and for his instruc-
tion use those great Letters and Characters which the Lord God
hath written and imprinted in Heaven and Earth's Edifice, through
the alteration of Grovemment, 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 o^
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
ftpoken of in our Fama ; so their wicked counsels shall light upon
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^4 THE FAME AND CONFESSION
themselves, 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 ser-
vitude, 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 be-
fore 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,
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OF THE FRATERNITY. 55
^ich do appear and are seen in the Firmament in Serpentario and
Cygno, which signifie and give themselves known to every one that
they are powerfdl 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 aU men, yet there are but few that can read
and understand the sama For as there is given to man two in-
struments 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 «melt, 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 Grod hath here and there incor-
porated them in the holy Scripture and the Bible, so hath he im-
printed them most apparently into the wonderfrd Creation of Hea-
ven and Earth, yea, in all Beasts. So that like as the Mathemati-
cian or Astronomer can long before see and know the Ek^lipses 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 tha^ they are altogether disagreeing to the lan-
guages of our fore&thers, Adam and Enoch, and were through the
Babylonical Confusion wholly hidden.
But we must also let you understand, that there are yet som^
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56 THE FAMK 4NP CONPESfittON
Eagle's Feathers in our way, the which do hinder our purpose
Wherefore we do admonish every one for to read diligently and con-
tinually 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 com-
mon 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 be-
cause she bringeth not with her always the knowledge of Nature,
.but this bringeth forth not only Medicine, but also maketh mani-
fest and open unto us innumerable secrets and wonders ; therefore
,it is requisite th^t we be earnest to attain to the understanding
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OF THE FRATERNITY. 57
and knowledge of Philosophy. . And moreover, excellent Wits ought
not to be drawn to the Tincture of Metals, before thej be exercised
well iu 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 put-
teth 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 ;
tis 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 difl&cult to
be believed, which in herself is simple, easie and naked ; but cer-
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58 THE ^AMB AND CONFESSION
tainly 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 invite yon
imto 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, see'
ing that you now understand and know, that we acknowledge our-
selves 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 pon-
dering 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 liva 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 hinder-
eth the working thereof, like unto the vain Epicides, and Excen-
trick Astronomical Circles.
But those Pragmatical and busieheaded men, who either are
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OP THE FRATERNITY. 59
blinded 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,
nevertherless those whom God hath destinated to plague with di-
seases, and to keep them under the Rod of Correction, such shall
never obtain any such Medicine.
£ven in such manner, although we might enrich the whole World,
and endue them with Learning, and might release it from mnumer-
able 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 search-
ing for us, than to find us, and attain to come to the wished Hap-
piness of the Fraternity of the Rosie Cross.
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