Fountain of Wisdom — Anonymus von Schwartzfuss, 1706

13. From this seed all fountains arise naturally, but especially that of the Sages, which, as has been said, is of many kinds.

14. All creatures of the four kingdoms suck from this one and highest fountain everything they need. For they originate from one uncreated and eternal source and are also nourished and maintained by the same. For the spirit of the Most High is in all things; if He takes it away, they perish.

Chapter III.

How the Fountain of the Sages Becomes Animal.

An ornamental drop cap D is decorated with floral and scrollwork patterns.

The fountain of the Sages is, in the beginning of its origin, the seed of all elements and of heaven. Therefore, this seed is common to all four kingdoms of the world, so that anything can become of it.

2. When the light and heavenly power in this seed has attenuated refined or thinned the seed of all elements and brought it to a certain subtle degree, then nature brings forth from such seed and its own