The Vegetable Work

Preface. 9

on / since it can be perceived from manifest Divine Providence that GOD through His gracious guidance has led us together; for He alone knows the soulsoriginal: Gemüther; refers to the inner character, disposition, or spiritual state of a person., while for us humans such a thing is impossible. I must confess that in times past, I placed a confident trust in some—owing to their virtuous reputationoriginal: fama and what appeared to me to be very good character—believing I was their debtor in this matter. It was my intention to share with them the mine and the fountainoriginal: fodin und fontin; likely derived from the Latin fodina (mine) and fontina (little fountain). In alchemical literature, these represent the source of mineral material and the source of the "living water" or solvent. entrusted to me by the Father of LightsA biblical title for God from the Book of James (1:17), often used by alchemists to describe God as the source of all spiritual and intellectual illumination., making this known to them. Similarly, other praiseworthy persons have offered themselves and their spirits, eager for the Artoriginal: Kunst-begieriges Gemüth; specifically referring to the "Hermetic Art" or alchemy., to me. However, a doubt always arose soon thereafter, either in them or in me, and in this way, the matter was hindered. I will therefore henceforth abandon such meddling curiosityoriginal: Fürwitzes; implies a sort of over-eager or impertinent striving to know or do something before its proper time. and leave everything to Divine Governance. I wish to let this be known as a friendly notice to those who have searched for me until now. To them, I must also necessarily make this known: that I understand some have recently appeared who have boasted of having attained my acquaintance and intimacy—