Trinum chymicum oder drey chymische Tractätlein : Trinum chymicum oder drey chymische Tractätlein secundum

5
of the Stone of the Wise.

parts, and becomes one piece, stone, thing, or matter again, and the three greatest things are in it, namely Mercury, Sulphur, Salt or Terra Earth, [this] is, in a philosophical way, GOD in the Holy Trinity, as GOD Father, Son, Holy Spirit, all together because of their effective, unspeakable, great mystery and Arcana secret powers, from which the heavenly and earthly of the Almighty GOD's creation and art can be seen. Our predecessors and philosophers have learned and discovered the art of alchemy from this unique matter; what this our matter also is, has, can do, and is capable of in its hidden nature, I cannot sufficiently write, report, tell, praise, honor, and laud, for it is worthy of all honor; it is held in great honor and dignity, among high and low status, especially among the philosophers, also among those who obtain grace from God, and understand the knowledge of this nature. It is Sol and Luna, man and woman, indeed everything: It is despised, swallowed, and trodden underfoot; it is with love and sorrow, and when it rots, it is, because of the foul stench it takes on, to be compared to a stinking carcass, dragon, and raven; which is also to be marveled at, that from such a hideous matter, such a pleasant, beautiful, joyful flower and secret is brought about through the phi-