Philadelphia: Hermetik Sanatın Taliplerine Kardeş Sevgisi

It is a real cause for lamentation to see so many pressing after knowledge, and so few taking the right path, or making a true estimation of it. I could indeed make known my zeal on this occasion with pleasure, if I did not know by experience that most who are studious in this science pass over such lines with impatience and great neglect; for their minds are focused only on the practice of Alchemy, and they reject almost every line that does not deal with it. I must indeed confess that the Arcanum of this art is not only desirable but truly excellent. I also confess that through it, divine truths are foreshadowed. Yet, I also affirm that it does not grant the possession of those truths, which is reserved solely for that divine excellence that never fails: charity. For surely, whether there are prophecies, they shall fail; or tongues, they shall cease; or knowledge, it shall vanish away. But the word of the Lord abides forever. Therefore, let me advise those who are studious to pursue knowledge along its proper path. They will then make a true assessment and will perceive that knowledge is not the ultimate goal but only a link in the divine chain. And just as there are steps to knowledge, so likewise there are steps beyond it. As the holy man divinely sets forth and advises, faith and virtue must precede knowledge; then to add to knowledge self-control; to self-control, patience; to patience, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. Oh, happy attainment! Oh, divine chain of perfection! Although we should understand all mysteries and all knowledge and had not charity, it would avail us nothing.