To the Reader.

Lord of the first Matter Known in Latin as prima materia, this refers to the primordial, formless substance from which all things in the universe were created—a central concept in alchemy and Hermetic philosophy., and from the first matter, and the Dispensation The "dispensation" refers to the way this substance is distributed or administered throughout the natural world. thereof, all the fortunes of man both good and bad doe proceed. According to the Rule, and Measure of this Substance all the world are rich or poore, and hee that knows it truly, and withall the true use thereof, he can make his fortunes constant, but hee that knowes it not, though his Estate be never so great, stands on a slipperie Foundation.

Look about thee then, and consider how thou art compassed with infinite Treasures, and miracles, but thou art so blind, thou doest not see them: nay, thou art so mad, thou doest think there is no use to be made of them, for thou doest believe that Knowledge is a meere Peripateticall Chatt The "Peripatetics" were followers of Aristotle. The author is dismissing traditional academic philosophy as empty talk—"chatt"—that lacks practical application., and that the Fruits of it are not Works, but words. If this were true, I would never advise thee to spend one Minute of thy life upon Learning, I would first be one of those should ruine all Libraries and Universities in the world, which God forbid, any good