therefore wee say, that this Art is the gift of God alone, which being known, he must also bee prayed to that he would give his blessing to the Art; for without this divine blessing it would be of no use, and unprofitable, which wee our selves have had experience of, seeing wee have by reason of this Art undergone great dangers, yea wee have had more mischief, and misfortune by it, then advantage: but there is a time when men are wise too late. The judgements of the Lord are a great depth. Yet I admired at divine providence in these my misfortunes: for I alwaies had the protection of our great Creator alwaies at hand, that no enemie could bee too hard for me, or represse mee. The Angell of the Lord of this Treasury hath alwaies been my Keeper, into which Treasury the most High Creator hath shut close this treasure only, which hee will alwaies defend, and secure. For I have heard that my Enemies have fell into that snare which they laid for mee. They which would have taken away my life have lost their own; and some of them which would have taken away my goods have lost Kingdomes: Moreover, I know many that would have detracted from my good name, have perished with disgrace. So great preservation have I alwaies had from the great Creator of all things, who presently took mee from my Mothers wombe, put mee under the shadow of his wings, and infused the Spirit of understanding all naturall things, to whom be praise, and glory, for ever, and ever. So great blessings have I received from the most High God our Creator, that it is impossible not only for my pen, but my mind to comprehend. God scarce ever conferred upon any mortall man greater things, yea scarce so great. I wish I had so much affections, so much spirit, eloquence, and wisdome, that I might render meet thankes to him; for I know wee have not deserved so great things, only this I beleeve my selfe to bee, that in him alone I have alwaies trusted, doe trust, and shall trust. For I know that there is no mortall man is able to help mee, only this God, and our Creator; for it is a vain thing to trust in Princes, because they are men (as saith the _Psalmist_) and that all these have their breath of life from God, and this being taken away they are dust; but it is a safe, and secure thing to trust in the Lord God, from whom as from the fountain of goodnesse all good things doe most abundantly flow. Thou therefore that desirest to attaine to this Art, in the first place put thy whole trust in God thy Creator, and urge him by thy prayers, and then assuredly beleeve that hee will not forsake thee: for if God shall know that thy heart is sincere, and thy whole trust is put in him, hee will by one means or another shew thee a way, and assist thee in it, that thou shalt obtain thy desire. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdome. Pray, but yet worke: God indeed gives understanding, but thou must know how, and when to use it: for as a good understanding,