On the Secret Works of Art and Nature and the Nullity of Magic

what God has spoken through the mouth of his prophets, who have ever lived in the world, so that we, being redeemed from the power of our enemies (sin, tyrants, death, and the devil), might serve him without fear all the days of our lives (Luke 1:70). And every pious person should know that this will happen just as certainly as he knows that the One who has promised it is truthful. Here you have, O highly enlightened brothers, the whole course of how I have come to you. If you are indeed as I imagine you to be, you have no need for me to provide many proofs of myself, for you have the anointing from the Holy One, which teaches you everything. And just as it instructs you in all things (even about me), so you remain in it, because it is truthful and does not deceive (1 John 2). Do not be surprised, O desired brothers, that while you know all things, I have dedicated this edition of the letter of Rogerius original: "Rogerius"; referring to Roger Bacon to you, for I have done so for no other reason than to publicly express to you (as your fame demands) my love and high esteem; furthermore, because much of this is unknown to the people, even though I do not approach them and am still far behind, I wanted to encourage enthusiasts to believe that many truths still lie hidden, and to incite them to investigate these hidden things,