Sacred and Truly Christian Philosophy, or Cosmic Meteorology

DEDICATORY EPISTLE.

...brought to light two characters original: "characteres." In this context, Fludd refers to distinct expressions or monuments of the Bishop's legacy. which, in nature and condition, were not at all different from one another. One of these rendered that illustrious and world-renowned Academy of Cambridge richer through the tools of study and science, more adorned with a magnificent building, and more pleasant and accessible to those eager for learning. Furthermore, there is that magnificent sanctuary of select books, a vast structural undertaking destined for the use of a Library—a gift pleasing to all literate men, profitable to anyone seeking utility, and abundantly pouring forth (as if it were sweet milk from the breasts of Minerva Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom; her "milk" represents the nourishing quality of knowledge provided by the library.) upon the thirsty, liberally raining down its contents.

The other offspring, or "character," of your fruitful charity is that distinguished Library in the Monastery among the Londoners (most famous for the monuments and tombs of Kings, and called Westminster), erected at no small expense to your Dignity. It is furnished and adorned with every necessary refinement, and especially with rare books of the highest estimation. This library is celebrated and trumpeted throughout nearly all of Britain for the beauty of its structure and arrangement, as well as the excellence of the books contained within. It daily depicts and carves the praises of its noble founder and patron into eternal monuments of fame. Thus, it is clearly shown by this sweet and voluntary goodness of yours that your honor and dignity were born not for yourself alone, but for others, and that you are naturally inclined and devoted to doing good.

Finally, the latter order—and the reason more immediate to me—which has cautiously led my respect and prompted my mature consideration to celebrate your name and honor through this dedication of my works, is that close proximity of our spirits and the firm bond of our shared lineage original: "consanguinitate nexus." Fludd is highlighting a blood relation or a shared Welsh heritage with John Williams.. By virtue of this, though our bodies are otherwise separate, they are nonetheless joined, bound, and united by the strongest ties and by a certain magnetic glue of nature.

Therefore, since these works are offered to your Lordship and Dignity with a sincere heart and mind, may you (Reverend Father, a President most worthy of so great a place and office) deign to receive them with a serene brow and a peaceful countenance. I beseech you to follow me—who am most devoted to your Lordship in every duty of diligence and obedience—with favor and benevolence. Meanwhile, for my part, I humbly and from the very center of my soul pray to God, the Best and Greatest, that you may live long and happily, that you may be guided by a favorable and propitious divinity throughout your life, and that you may finally remain forever in the duty of holy goodness toward all.

Portio original: "Portio mea Jehova." This was Fludd's personal motto, meaning "The Lord is my portion," usually appearing at the end of his prefaces.