P R E F A C E

To the

R E A D E R .

Decorative woodcut initial 'N' set within a square frame featuring scrolling floral and foliage motifs.Because the publication of others, whom I mentioned a few years ago in the release of certain Treatises, has been neglected until now due to various travels and obstacles, there will undoubtedly be some who will think (having no knowledge of me) that I am unable to fulfill my promises. Others, however, not ignorant of my condition, nor fearing the insults of my detractors, will worry that I have been turned away from my purpose by these insults and will suppress the promised secrets. Therefore, I have decided to stand by my promises so that the former may see that I am not moved or altered by the abuse of the malevolent, and the latter may be convinced by a real demonstration of the Secrets not veiled to me, some of which I shall now endeavor to communicate for the sake of public benefit. Although I had cause to remain silent due to the ingratitude of the world, the candor of my mind would not permit me to keep silent about those things because of malevolent ingrates. Furthermore, the following also moved me