What the Hermetic Mastery is, etc.

...the body has vanished, the shadow remains; and even if some others remain in the body: yet I have spoken rightly, for they are unknown to the world, despite the fact that I know them. Let no one wonder at this, for as true Sages and Philosophers Philosophers: In this context, "Philosophers by Fire" or alchemists, who sought wisdom through the study of nature and chemical transformation—free from vain honor, fame, and what is called self-love—they possess their adornment inwardly, not outwardly. Their good works of gentleness, mercy, generosity, and manifold aid, and what is called love of neighbor, they perform secretly and unknown, through third and fourth hands An idiom meaning they use multiple intermediaries to ensure their identity remains hidden even from those they help; not seeking the glory of thanks, but satisfied with themselves and their own conviction that they have done good. O you great men! Continue fortunately in your undertakings; you are nevertheless not unrecognizable. For the great God, the Rewarder, sees you, and that alone is enough for you. He has given it to you, for whose honor and the benefit of His creatures you then employ it, as is fitting. Now I leave you to judge for yourselves: whether an Art which has not only produced kings, princes, and knights, but also other great men who have performed such great, magnificent, and useful things with it, and some of whom still do so, may not rightfully be called a Royal Art?

From this, which has been reported so far in the present chapter, it becomes simultaneously quite clear how wrong those are who [apply] the passages of Holy Scripture from the Philosophers...