THE
FIFTH PART
OF THE
Spagyrical Dispensatory.
Discoursing of the true Universal Medicine, and of those most Eminent Arcana’s, as well Universal as Particular, which are hitherto unknown unto the World; by the help of which unheard-of and almost incredible Operations may be effected, not onely in Medicine, but also in Alchymy. Proposed by way of Question and Answer.
Question 1.
Whether or no it is a thing possible in nature for such a Tincture, or so Universal a Medicament to be prepared, as by the help of which, both the Bodies of Men and Metals may be promoted unto an higher, better, and more noble Degree or Essence?
Answer.
It is not at all to be doubted of, for, as well the Authority of so many and so great Men (who confess by their Writings which they have published that they have made the same) as daily experience demonstrates the same to be a truth, void of any doubt.
Question 2.
If those things which so many illuminated Philosophers have written of this Universal Medicine be true; how comes it to pass, that though almost the whole World search after the same, yet scarce one of so many thousands is master of the same, and that the greatest part of the inquisitors after it, wast their Estates in the search to no purpose?
Answer.
The Art is not to be blamed, because of the fruitless endeavours of so very many men that so greedily gape after so great a treasure; but the fault is to be imputed to their own selves, for they are hereto driven and stirred up by their insatiable covetousness and unjust intentions, to make their search after so divine a gift, and their design is to scrape up to themselves, by the help thereof, great Riches and Honours, little thinking that God always hath and still doth bestow his gifts upon such as are upright and sincere, and who doe not onely daily pray unto him for the same, but do also search after them with uncessant Labours. This the Apostle himself doth witness in express words, saying, It is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shews mercy. And yet the extreamly blinded World believes it not, nor proposeth unto it self any other Scope than the scraping together of Gold and Silver right or wrong, and fain would as it were wrest this so great a treasure out of the hands of God; and having gotten it, add fewel to their malice, pride, and impiety; And so by this means, more nearly approach (even in this life) to the Devil the Father of all wickedness, and be at last plainly like him. And this now is the primary and principal cause, why so very many as are busied about the search of so great a treasure, do lose both their labour and expence.