OF HIDDEN SECRETS

the most natural and highest progression
of things / which treat of the most
supreme perfection / and which are
to be learned. And whoever desires
to be a Master in this art of
inner, hidden secrets original: "heimligkeiten"; refers here to "mysteries" or "arcana," the concealed workings of nature and spirit. / let him
place all his trust and intention in
the name of the Lord. For he
shall so certainly and surely
receive the reward of study /
the knowledge of the secrets /
with the help of God’s grace /
and the reflection of his understanding understanding: "verstendnus," implying a spiritual discernment that goes beyond mere logic. /
which he should join and compel
through no neglect / but rather
that he dig out the end of the
foundation from the building /
which foundation of the building
of the Orchard original: "Baumgarten"; literally a tree-garden or orchard. In alchemical literature, the "Philosophical Orchard" represents the space where the seeds of wisdom are planted and harvested. of all wisdom
and knowledge / the Masters of
study have explained / which is
more beautiful and more precious
than all silver / gold / pearls /
and gemstones / that are upon the
earth.

But whoever is idle in studying
this book / he may not come to such