Amphitheater of Eternal Wisdom

A detailed architectural and allegorical engraving serves as an entrance to the "Amphitheater of Eternal Wisdom." The scene features a rocky mountain with a cavernous portal at its center. At the very top, a small plaque sits atop a crag with the text "Begone from here, you profane ones." Above the cave entrance, the words "In all things, for all people" are inscribed. The entrance itself is framed by seven radiating stone blocks or rays, numbered 1 through 7, each containing text in Latin, Hebrew, or Greek. A small figure is seen at the mouth of the tunnel, walking towards a distant light. To the left, a large rock face is inscribed with a Greek word for "Mystery" and Latin text. To the right, another rock face is inscribed with a Hebrew name for God and Latin phrases. In the foreground, several figures in late 16th century dress observe the mountain. A large block of explanatory Latin text occupies the bottom of the plate, providing the title and authorial information.

original: "PROCVL HINC ABETE PROFANI"

IV.

YAHWEH original: "יהוה", the Tetragrammaton is the One Creator of all things; hold all other powers as His servants.

V.

If by chance a petition proceeds to lower powers, let there be no intervention of administration unless it is done in a delegated manner from the First.

VI.

Toward those lower powers, according to their proven record, let there be a pleasant obedience.

I.

YAHWEH.
Be washed; be clean.

II.

To the First [God], let there be vows and prayers; to the subordinates [angels], let there be hymns.

III.

ANGELS. original: "ΑΓΓΕΛΟΙ"
From us to YAHWEH, and from there back to us, let there be reverence and trembling.

VII.

Handle the sacred mysteries in such a way that they remain worthy for the noble and the wise, both secretly and openly, but far from the profane.

Left Rock

A MYSTERY original: "MYΣTHPION"
indeed truly
DIVINE
it is, which
rightfully carries
all spectators,
especially the
more deeply involved,
into admiration
and love of it.

Right Rock

YAHWEH
granting
to WILL well,
to KNOW, to be ABLE,
and to BE.

THE GATE OF THE AMPHITHEATER OF ETERNAL WISDOM, the only TRUE one; though narrow to the taste, it is yet sufficient. It is consecrated to JEHOVAH. Therefore, one approaches it by his mystic ladder a "prolegetic" or preparatory scale fixed before him, represented here in this picture. It consists of steps that are both Theosophical knowledge of God and truly Philosophical. It is intended only for the faithful sons of DOCTRINE, by the direct draw of GOD the Father, purely through inspiration original: "ενθουσιαστκῶ" / enthusiastically; Khunrath adds "shame on the slanderer!" in the parenthetical as well as through various mediations. To these alone, inspired by the DIVINE, is given the abundance to enter, according to the seven oracular LAWS flashing before the gate. They are given the power to see with the eyes of the body and mind in a way that is CHRISTIAN-CELESTIAL, DIVINE-MAGICAL, and also PHYSICO-CHEMICAL. They may contemplate and examine what the Wisdom, Goodness, and Power of the CREATOR truly are. Thus, they may die to the Sophists false philosophers but live Theosophically. These orthodox PHILOSOPHERS, having been so created and indeed, taught by God, or "θεο-διδακτῶς", shall relate the Works of the LORD through sincere and truly philosophical means. They shall worthily celebrate GOD, who has so blessed them as His friends. Constructed by HEINRICH KHUNRATH of LEIPZIG, a faithful lover of Theosophy and DOCTOR of both MEDICINES. In the year 1602 since the birth of JESUS CHRIST.