A Pious and Useful Admonition Concerning the Brothers of the Rosy Cross

With the same moderation and distinction that was given above regarding the first reason, they also seem to understand that which was brought forward as the fourth point: namely, that they are greedy for riches original: "quasi diuitiīs inhient"; literally, "as if they gape after riches". For no one will deny that, at more relaxed levels of study, human weakness allows for various pursuits. It is more serious, however, what is brought forward as the fifth point: that they speak obscurely.
« This obscurity might suggest either ignorance imperitiam: a lack of skill or formal knowledge
« or envy Suggesting they hide knowledge because they are jealous of others possessing it.
« To this reason, they themselves may respond
« collectively, with their arguments better strengthened original: "neruo melius ponderato"; literally "with the sinew better weighed," implying a more forceful or vigorous defense. Meanwhile, this has been their excuse thus far: that it is against their principles to speak more clearly, and that they fear for themselves from the Catholics This highlights the religious tensions of the era; secret societies often feared persecution for heresy. Furthermore, regarding the sixth reason—that while desiring to know all things, they seem in effect to know nothing—they are said to limit their claim in this way: that they desire to be perfect in one thing, but in the rest, they desire to know their general principles, so that they might be able to judge a matter more easily after hearing the arguments brought forward from both sides. This excuse might cause some doubt scrupulum: literally a small sharp stone; a source of hesitation or unease for someone, although there are also those who [claim] they [can achieve] perfection in all things...