The PREFACE.

We have spent a long time feeding upon solid Divinity, and we are not so easily overshadowed or startled—having been so long enlightened in God's path—that we should relapse into that childish age in which Aristotle’s Metaphysics was forbidden to be read by a Council in France. The author refers to the Council of Paris in 1210, which banned the teaching of Aristotle's natural philosophy.

But I urge the reader to hold a charitable opinion of this work, with my Christian protestation that my purpose herein is innocent. I entreat the reader to follow the advice of Tabaeus: "When people are arguing, consider them both to be in the wrong and guilty until the truth is known." original: "Qui litigant, sint ambo in conspectu tuo mali & rei." And if there is any scandal found in this enterprise of mine, it is taken by the reader, not given by the author. I find comfort in that axiom of Hermes Trismegistus: "He who is pious practices philosophy to the highest degree" original: "Qui pius est, summe philosophatur."; and therefore I present this work without disguise, offering it to all who possess candor and impartiality. As one observer noted, there are four types of readers: Sponges, which soak up everything without distinguishing between good and bad; Hour-glasses, which receive information and pour it out just as fast; Bags, which retain only the dregs of the spices and let the wine escape; and Sieves, which retain only the best. There are some readers of this last sort, and to them I present this Occult Philosophy, Occult Philosophy: The study of hidden natural and spiritual forces, often associated with Agrippa. knowing that they may reap good from it. As for those who are severe against it, they must pardon my opinion that such severity proceeds from Self-guiltiness; allow me to apply the words of Ennodius: "It is the nature of personal wickedness to suspect others of that which they deserve themselves." Ennodius was a 5th-century Bishop and poet. Indeed, it is the only comfort the guilty have: to find no one else innocent. But that this work may find some acceptance among others is the desire of