63. We are also to know that the Ancient Philosophers know more than one way to attain the Philosophers Stone; though indeed the most of them sought it in minerals and metals, which is the longest way.
64. And that because it is impossible to change the metallick species, without bringing metals back into their first matter. See my Treatise of the principles of metals, and the seventh part of my Pharmacopœa Spagyrica.
65. But others have taken a nearer way to attain this secret; and to some Christians God hath been pleased to discover the shortest way of all, by revealing unto them that he made Adam every way perfect, giving him all that was necessary, either for his Soul or Body.
66. Now that Adam could not discern how richly God had endowed him, was his own fault, because he was disobedient to God, following the deceitfull Serpents advice.
67. And after this manner doth the Devil yet daily deceive Men, by perswading them to do against the commands of God, and that their disobedience shall not bring any such mischief upon them as God’s threatnings seem to import.
68. This then is the reason why Men do not understand the secrets of God, because they give too much way to Sin, whereby they become blinded, that they can neither see nor hear the good that comes from above.
69. Now the reason why most of the Alchymists have sought for this great gift of God in minerals and metals, and especially in Sol, is this, because their intention was to multiply Sol, which they supposed could no way better be done than by sowing it like other Seeds in the Earth, but could not imagine that besides common Sol, there were other subjects, wherein the Sol-making virtue did reside.
70. Which opinion of theirs was probably grounded upon that saying of the Philosophers. What you sow, that you will reap.
71. This seems at first sight very rational, that from filth or excrements no good, and so no Sol can come; but let us hear the other side also, and we shall be otherwise informed.
72. For the Philosophers say that their Medicine is Vegetable, Animal and Mineral; so that Vegetables and Animals are not excepted.