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To the Highly

Enlightened Brotherhood

of the Highly Praiseworthy Order of the R. C. The Order of the Rosy Cross (Rosicrucians), a secret society of doctors, sages, and mystics that emerged in early 17th-century Germany.

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You highly learned men of God, how blessed is this present time in which you—moved by the love of the Most High, and feeling more than compelled—must step forward with your talents original: "Pfunde." Referring to the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30, where "talents" or "pounds" (Pfunde) represent spiritual gifts or responsibilities granted by God that must be put to use rather than hidden. bestowed by God the Almighty. You do this for the comfort of the dearly purchased little flock A term often used in Reformation-era texts to refer to the community of true Christian believers redeemed by Christ. and reveal those high gifts that transcend human reason—not only to high princely persons and the learned, but especially