Pyrrho Clidensis Redivivus: A Consideration of the Rosicrucian Brotherhood (1616) - Page 5

PYRRHO CLIDENSIS

The fourth person has deemed it a magical society, and suggests that their Father meaning their leader or founder is something like a Bar-Jesus or Elymas; concerning this, one should read the 13th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles original: "Apostolischen Geschichte" along with the Lutheran commentary original: "Lutherischen Gloß." Bar-Jesus (also called Elymas) was a sorcerer and false prophet who opposed the Apostle Paul.

The fifth regards it as a puffed-up, yet empty revival of Paracelsianism original Latin: "pro tumida, sed & ventosa Paracelsia rediviva." This refers to the followers of Paracelsus, a controversial Swiss physician and alchemist whose work combined medicine with mysticism.

The sixth has judged it to be merely an unfounded pretense of several clever, inquisitive, and idle minds.

In short: as for me, I cannot despise this Brotherhood—nor should I mock it—since it has not yet truly been brought into the light of day original Latin: "in aprico". For as it is said, it is a hallmark of ignorance to pronounce judgment immediately after hearing only a little original Latin: "cum imperitiae proprium sit paucis auditis statim pronunciare", just as Aristotle says in his Sophistical Refutations original: "Elenchis". Furthermore, it is said: "He is condemned only when the condemnation is upheld" original Latin: "Damnatus ille est, ubi damnatio tenuit". This cannot yet be said of the Rosicrucians original: "RosenCreutzern"; and rightfully, those premature accusers, who do not yet grasp the case (and I know not if they ever could) original Latin: "qui causam nondum tenent (nescio an tenere possint)", should be punished with exile.

This Brotherhood, I say, must endure more harsh critics original: "Aristarchos," referring to Aristarchus of Samothrace, an ancient scholar known for his severe literary criticism and "nosey" original: "Nasenwitzige," literally "nose-wise" or presumptuous censors than the hundred-eyed Argus a giant from Greek mythology who served as an all-seeing watchman could have found corners to peek into.