Reconditorium ac reclusorium opulentiae sapientiaeque numinis mundi magni, cui deditur in titulum chymica vannus, obtenta quidem & erecta auspice mortale coepto ...

on the imitation of Christ, my constant companion in life and way, these words.

14. It is good for us that we sometimes have some weights and contradictions, because they often recall man to his heart, so that he may recognize that he is in exile, and not place his hope in any thing of the world. It is good for us that we suffer contraries sometimes, and that it is felt badly and imperfectly of us, even if we act and intend well. These things often aid to humility, and defend us from vain glory; for then we seek the interior witness, God, better, when we are vilified on the outside by men, and it is not well believed of us.

15. Since, therefore, I am so rude, stupid, and ignorant, and the world judges so insipidly, and my specimens are ever offensive to men, to You, O indeclinable Tetragrammaton the four-letter name of God! to whom the smallness of my person is not unknown, who never waver in your judgment, before whom frequently the insipid and uncultivated count for more than the prudent and learned, this unformed Firstborn of my genius and little-wit I offer in supplication. Before You, I say, I most heartily and emphatically acknowledge my infancy, childhood, and lack of knowledge with the following two documents.