PRÆFATIO.

pertains to the use of this salt, so that there will never be a lack of those who, penetrating into the knowledge of these secrets, will properly master its use.

He who has eyes, let him see and use them; since the time approaches, indeed it is gradually drawing near, in which knowledge will be useful, and it will be well for those who have been imbued with the knowledge of useful things. It is surely better to know than to possess great goods which no one can carry with them, or by which no one can bring help to himself and his own. Blessed is he who, with the philosopher referring to Bias of Priene, commonly cited by Cicero, may say, "I carry all my things with me." What a great injury is inflicted upon that kind God by those who accuse Him of having begrudged wine, abundance of grain, lemons mala citrea citron/lemon fruits, and gold to certain regions in which equally great treasures would be found if the eyes of the inhabitants were not clouded. If nothing else, wood is certainly found, which, without any labor, expense, or trouble of the rich or poor, offers itself to them spontaneously by growing day and night, and addresses them with these words: "Do I not perform my due duty? Do I not appear before your sight so that you may contemplate me for the sake of knowing the divine kindness, and use me with thanksgiving?" There is no reason, therefore, why one region should place itself above another because it is better, or on the contrary complain that the divine blessing has taken less account of it. Each one has enough,