Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 November 2018
Howbeit we know after a time there wil now be a general reformation, both of divine and humane things, according to our desire, and the expectation of others: for it's fitting, that before the rising of the Sun, there should appear and break forth Aurora, or some clearness, or divine light in the sky; and so in the mean time some few, which shall give their names, may joyn together, thereby to increase the number and respect of our Fraternity, and make a happy and wished for beginning of our Philosophical Canons, prescribed to us by our brother R.C. and be partakers with us of our treasures (which never can fail or be wasted) in all humility, and love to be eased of this worlds labor, and not walk so blindly in the knowledge of the wonderful works of God.
— Fama fraternitatis (1614)I wish to acknowledge the generous support of the Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung in preparing diis essay as well as the generosity of my colleagues at the Institut fur Anglistik, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (1992-93).