Several Tracts Pertaining to the Archidoxa

Preface of Theophrastus to the Reader.

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My intention here is to philosophize about high, hidden things, and to sufficiently uncover all things that pertain to Magia magic, Nigromontia black magic/necromancy, Necromontia necromancy, Pyromontia divination by fire, Hydromontia divination by water, and Geomontia divination by earth. Everything that is to be learned and accomplished with this is described here in this philosophy and sufficiently presented. And these should not have a beginning with their ceremonies and other abuses, as they have been held until now, and have been built and stood upon a merely assumed foundation and sand. Therefore, a wind has often easily knocked them down and thrown them over, and sometimes carried them away entirely, and thus also such artists, especially the Nigromantici necromancers, are also easily knocked down, overcome, and often carried away by winds, that is, by the spirits. Therefore, these things must be founded here upon Holy Scripture and upon the teaching of Christ, which is a fixed and firm foundation.

1,

Therefore, we want to lay the foundation and cornerstone upon three primary points: first, upon prayer, to which belongs seeking and knocking. Through this, we seek and knock for God the Almighty, and He proves the same in the right form, according to His promise, if it happens with a pure, devout heart. Then it will be given to us, and we find what we seek, and it will be opened to us, everything that is otherwise hidden and closed to us.

2

The second point is upon faith, which moves mountains and throws them into the sea, to which everything is possible, as Christ himself says.

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The third point is upon the Imagination, if it is rightly ignited in our spirit, it may easily agree with this faith.