P R E F A C E.

...to equate this to Holy Scripture, yet I have dared to say this: that both its internal and external nature are not at all distant from the truth. If its inner spirit and even its external appearance were weighed in the scales of Justice—that is, the balances of equity—you will perceive that no small amount of truth and utility can be drawn and discovered from it. This applies to the arrangement of physics (or nature) as well as the disposition of Ethics—that is, the harmonious ordering of human affairs—through external visions. Furthermore, you will find that its internal and hidden mysteries direct contemplation toward divine and super-celestial things.

The action of these mysteries consists in the Divine Word original: "verbo," referring to the Logos or Christ, the light of the world and the life of all creatures. From that cornerstone (I say), the sole fountain of mysteries, the virtue and power of performing miracles is accustomed to flow. Because bread is appropriated to Him in the Holy Scriptures (wherefore the Word said:

This is my body original: "Hoc est corpus meum",
And elsewhere,
Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God original: "Non solo pane viuit homo..."
), we have therefore said that there is a great mystery in bread; or rather, through bread, we attest to the greatest mystery—namely the Word—in a hieroglyphic manner The author uses "hieroglyphic" to mean symbolic or encoded in the physical form of nature.

Nor indeed do I hope that I can be justly condemned by anyone for this, since in this endeavor of mine I am an imitator of the Savior. While I write these things under the secure shadow of His wings, I shall hide myself humbly, preceded by the central prayers of my heart, so that I may more safely escape the viperous tongues of the malevolent.

Finally, the chief reason that induced me to publish this treatise to the world is this: because in this are contained the foundations of my philosophy, both macrocosmic relating to the great world or universe and microcosmic relating to the little world, or man, supported and confirmed by the pillar of truth. All these things my promise in preceding volumes compels and urges me to offer here to your eyes and judgment and to publish openly. To this end, my labors and late-night studies may finally be received by you with a more grateful and certain embrace, without further hesitation or doubt regarding my previously published philosophy; especially as they are supported by infallible demonstrations and reasons derived from the very storehouse or sanctuary of Nature. Farewell.

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Contents of the First Book.