C. E. C. ex nobili atque splendida Germanise R. C. familia

oriundus, vir sui seculi divinis revelationibus, subtilissimis
imaginationibus, indefessis laboribus ad coelestia atque
humana mysteria ; arcanave admissus postquam suam (quam
Arabico at Africano itineribus collejerat) plus quam regiam,
atque imperatoriam Gazam suo seculo nondum convenien-
tem, posteritati eruendam custodivisset et jam suarum
Artium, ut et nominis, fides ac conjunctissimos heredes
instituisset, mundum minutum omnibus motibus magno
illi respondentem fabricasset hocque tandem preteritarum,
prsesentium, etfuturarum, rerum compendio extracto, cente-
nario major, non morbo (quern ipse nunquam corpore ex-
pertus erat, nunquam alios infestare sinebat) ullo pellente
sed Spiritis Dei evocante, illuminatam animam (inter
Fratrum amplexus et ultima oscula) fidelissimo Creatori
Deo reddidisset, Pater delictissimus, Frater suavissimus,
praeceptor fidelissimus, amicus integerimus, a suis ad 120
annos hie absconditus est.

Underneath they had subscribed themselves,

1. Fra. I. A. Fra. C. H. electione Fraternitatis cajjut.

2. Fra. G. V. M. P. C.

3. Fra. F. R. C., Junior hares S. Spiritus.

4. Fra. F. B. M. P. A., Pictor et Architectus.

5. Fra. G. G. M. P. I., Cabalista.

Secundi Circuli.

1. Fra. P. A. Successor, Fra. I. 0., Mathematics s.

2. Fra. A. Successor, Fra. P. D.

,

8o HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.

3. Fra. R. Successor Patris C. R, C., cum Christo
trium/phantis.

At the end was written,

Ex Deo nascimur, in Jesu morimur, per Spiritual Sanctum
reviviscimus.

At that time was already dead, Brother 1. 0. and
Brother D., but their burial place where is it to be found 1
We doubt not but our Fra. Senior hath the same, and some
especial thing layd in earth, and perhaps likewise hidden.
We also hope that this our example will stir up others
more diligently to enquire after their names (which we
have therefore published), and to search for the place of
their burial ; the most part of them, by reason of their
practice and physick, are yet known and praised among
very old folks ; so might perhaps our GAZA be enlarged,
or, at least, be better cleared.

Concerning Minutum Mundum, we found it kept in
another little altar, truly more finer then can be imagined
by any understanding man, but we will leave him un-
described untill we shall be truly answered upon this our
true-hearted FAMA. 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. Moreover, 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 and unlearned.

Howbeit we know after a time there will now be a
general reformation, both of divine and humane things,
according to our desire and the expectation of others ; for

FAMA FRATERNITATIS. 81

it is 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 joyn together, thereby to
increase the number and respect of our Fraternity, and
make a happy and wished for beginning of our PHILOSO-
PHICAL CANONS, prescribed to us by our Brother E. 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 labours, and not walk so blindly in the know-
ledge 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 now adays 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 and renewed Church. In Politia we
acknowledge^the Eoman 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 blinde, as the heathen's Fortuna, but
is the Churches' ornament and the honour of the Temple.
Our Philosophy also is not a new invention, but as Adam

F

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82 HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUC1ANS.

after his fall hath received it, and as Moses and Solomon
used it, also it ought not much to be doubted of, or con-
tradicted 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, so it shal 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 book the Bible agreeth. All that same con-
curreth together, and maketh a sphere or globe whose total
parts are equidistant from the center, as hereof more at
large and more plain shal be spoken of in Christianly
Conference (in den Boecke des Levens).

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 villainies, and
cozen and abuse the credit which is given them ; yea, now
adays men of discretion do hold the transmutation of
metals to be the highest point and fastigium 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, the which with unpremeditate prayers
they hope to obtain of the alknowing God and searcher of
all hearts ; but we by these presents publickly testifie, that
the true philosophers are far of another minde, esteeming
little the making of gold, which is but a paragon, for
besides that they have a thousand better things. We say

FA MA FRATERNITATIS. 83

with our loving Father 0. E. C., Phy. aurium nisi quantum
aurum, for unto him the whole nature is detected; he
doth not rejoice that he can make gold, and that, as
saith Christ, the devils are obedient unto him, but is
glad that he seeth the Heavens open, 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 glorias Dei,
as we wil name them in their due season, and wil give to
the pure-hearted a catalogue or register of them. We pray
all learned men to take heed of these kinde of* books, for
the Enemy never resteth, but soweth his weeds til a
stronger one doth root them out.

So, according to the wil and meaning of Fra. C. R. C.,
we his brethren request again all the learned in Europe who
shal read (sent forth in five languages) this our Fama and
Confesb-io, that it would please them with good deliberation
to ponder this our offer, and to examine most nearly and
sharply their arts, and behold the present time with all
diligence, and to declare their minde, either communicate
consilio, or singulatim by print. And although at this time
we make no mention either of our names or meetings, yet
nevertheless every one's opinion shal assuredly come to our
hands, in what language so ever it be, nor any body shal
fail, whoso gives but 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
shal earnestly, and from his heart, bear affection unto us, it
shal be beneficial to him in goods, body, and soul ; but
he that is false-hearted, or onely greedy of riches, the same

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84 HISTORY OF THE ROS1CRUCIANS.

first of all shal 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
very near seen and beheld the same, shal for ever remain
untouched, undestroyed, and hidden to the wicked world.
Sub umbra alarum tuarum, Jehova.