Page 7 - Treatise on Salt

To the reader

Friendly reader,

I entreat thee not to be inquisitive after who is the author of this little
treatise, neither seek to penetrate into the reason for which he wrote it. It
is not necessary neither that thou should know who I am myself. Only be
most assured, that the author of this little work is in full possession of the
stone of the philosophers, and that he has already made it. And because
we had a sincere and mutual kindness for one another, I asked him as a
token of his friendship to explain to me the three first principles, which
are the mercury, the sulphur, and the salt. I also prayed him to tell me
whether the stone of the philosophers was to be sought for in those which
we see, and are common; or if there were any others, that he would be so
kind as to signify to me in most clear words, and in a plain simple style,
free from all intricacy. He was pleased to grant my request, and after I
had written what I could of these little treatises, as it were by stealth, I
persuaded myself that if I printed them, although contrary to the
inclination of the author, who is altogether free from ambition, the true
lovers of philosophy would be obliged to me: for I no way doubt but
having read them with attention, and duly considered them, they will be
better able to guard themselves against impostors, and will sustain less
loss of their time, money, honour and reputation. Take therefore in good
part (friendly reader) the intention we have to do thee service; place all
thy hopes in God; adore him with all thy heart, and venerate him with
fear: take care to be silent; love thy neighbour in a benevolent and
bountiful manner, and God will grant thee all things.

The beginning of wisdom is to fear God.

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