PREFACE

The Author's protestation or oath regarding the integrity of this art, etc.

...can be done, and before Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son, who is to judge the living and the dead A standard liturgical phrase from the Nicene Creed, used here to emphasize the solemnity of the author's oath., I say in truth, I swear and protest: Each and every thing that I have said in this work, or am about to say, and all the properties, modes, figures, operations, traditions, receptions, formations, inventions, institutions, changes, alterations, and everything that pertains to its contemplation, invention, attainment, operation, and practice, either in part or in whole, and all things contained in this volume of ours, rest upon true Catholic and natural principles; and each and every thing is done with God, with a good conscience without injury to the Christian faith, with the integrity of Ecclesiastical tradition, without any superstition whatsoever, without idolatry, without any pact with evil spirits, whether explicit or implicit; without fumigation original: "suffumigatione" — the ritual burning of incense or herbs often used in medieval magic to summon spirits., adoration, veneration, worship, sacrifice, or offering to demons, and without any fault or sin, whether venial or mortal: and each and every thing is done with truth, uprightness, sincerity, and purity. Thus, the science and practice of this invention may serve a good use and not be unbecoming to a wise man, a good and faithful Christian. For I too am a Christian, and voluntarily devoted to the monastic life: and I desire to live and conduct myself no otherwise than as becomes a true Christian and a monk professed under the Rule of the Holy Father Benedict The author, Johannes Trithemius, was a Benedictine abbot; the Rule of St. Benedict is the foundational document for Western monasticism.: and I have received the Catholic faith itself according to the tradition of the Holy Roman Church from my cradle, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, which I hold and believe with the universal Church of Christians, and as long as I live, with God's help, always keeping it firmly inviolate, I will hold it in heart, word, and deed, nor do I ever intend to deviate from it on any occasion. Far be it from me, therefore, to either learn or teach anything that is contrary to the Christian faith and purity, harmful to holy morals, or in any way adverse to my monastic purpose. I fear God, and I have sworn myself to His worship, from whom I shall not be separated either in life or (as I trust) in death.