OF SECRECY

[Div]ine face always toward us poor, un-
worthy, sinful creatures original: "Creaturen"; in this context, it refers to all created beings, especially humans, emphasizing their humble status before God. / also in all
places mercifully inclines and
looks upon [us] / For He alone knows the thoughts of
the hearts / and knows all things. There-
fore, O Almighty God / I thank
You in Your Holy Trinity / for You
show mercy and truth to man-
kind / for through the creatures of Your
great majesty I see Your
power / In their beauty I acknowledge
Your wisdom / and in their fertility
I acknowledge Your Divinity / thus You com-
plete Your works.

Therefore, you readers and artists artists: "Artisten" refers to practitioners of the "Art," likely alchemy or natural philosophy, rather than painters. /
do not let this little book annoy you
to read / because of my long writing /
But take good heed / for I have
written no word in vain / it is
necessary for you all to learn from it /
and may you consider every single word /
for there are many secrets hidden within.

Now, briefly to instruct in the truth
of this art art: "Kunst" specifically refers to the Alchemical Art or the "Great Work" of transforming matter. / which God the Al-
migh-