Basil Valentine: Last Will & Testament (1671)

V.

In the fifth part, I have annexed the transcendent, most dear, and wonderful medicine of all metals and minerals, and of other things which God Almighty has ordained and graciously granted for men who, in this valley of misery A common religious metaphor for earthly life., are subject to sickness and poverty, that they may have a remedy to help themselves against both.

God the Father of mercy and salvation, who lives from eternity to eternity and is above all creatures, grant grace and blessing to this my purpose. May I write in such a way that everyone may understand God’s infinite mercy and His gracious goodness, so that redemption may be known, acknowledged, and continually meditated upon. May everyone call on the Great Creator day and night, and may He grant them fervent hearts to direct all their thoughts so that they make use of this noble creature of God and this transcendent great mystery of nature—along with the anatomy thereof—only to the great honor of God and the good of all good children. May the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost grant this in His mercy. Amen.