SAINT AUGUSTINE Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) was a foundational Christian theologian. Alchemists often cited him to bridge the gap between divine revelation and the study of nature.

IN THE SWEET DISCOURSES original Latin: "In Dulciloquiis." This likely refers to a devotional anthology of Augustine’s meditations popular in the late medieval and early modern periods.

Book 2, Chapter 8

May the Light of Your Countenance A reference to Psalm 4:6; in an alchemical context, this "Light" is often associated with the "Light of Nature" or the hidden spirit within matter. be marked upon us,
O Lord: For we are not the Light
that enlightens every human
coming into this world: But we are
enlightened by You, so that we who were
once Darkness, might be Light in You.
Recognize, I pray, you Sons of Men, the
INTERNAL ETERNAL original: "INTERNUM ÆTERNUM." This emphasizes the mystical idea that the divine truth or the "Philosopher's Stone" is to be found within the human soul or the heart of matter., and see and taste how
sweet the Lord is

Vocabulary: This section translates the Latin technical terms listed at the bottom of the original page.
Augustine, Sweet Discourses, Light, Countenance, World, Darkness, Light, INTERNAL, ETERNAL, sweet, Lord