A Preface of the Confession to the Reader who is desirous of Wisdom. Here, Gentle Reader, you shall finde incorporated in our Confession thirty seven Reasons of our purpose, and intention, the which according to thy pleasure thou mayst seek out and compare them together: thou mayst also consider with thyself, if they be weighty and sufficient enough to bring and persuade thee for to take our parts. Verily it requires no small pains to confirm that which men have not yet seen, but when it shall once come to light we doubt not, but they will then justly be ashamed of such doubts and conjectures. And as we do now altogether, securely, freely, and without any hurt call the Pope of Rome Antichrist, the which heretofore was held for a deadly sin, and such in all countries were put to death for it. So we know certainly, that the time shall likewise come, that that which we yet keep in secret, we shall openly, freely, and with a loud voice publish and confess it before all the world; the which Gentle Reader wish with us with all thy heart, that it may happen with speed. Confessio Fraternitatis, Or, The Confession of the laudable Fraternity of the most honourable Order of the Rosie Cross, written to the learned of Europe. Whatsoever there is published, and made known to every one, concerning our Fraternity by the foresaid Fama, let no man esteem lightly of it, nor hold it as an idle or invented thing, and much less receive the same, as though it were only a meer conceit of ours. It is the Lord Jehovah (who seeing the Lord's sabbath is almost at hand, and hastened again, his period or course being finished to his first beginning) doth turn about the course of Nature; and what heretofore hath been sought with great pains and dayly labour, is now manifested unto those who make small account, or scarcely once think upon it; but those which desire it, it is in a manner forced and thrust upon them, that thereby the life of the godly may be eased of all their toyl and labour, and be no more subject to the storms of unconstant Fortune; but the wickedness of the ungodly thereby, with their due and deserved punishment, be augmented and multiplied. Although we cannot be by any suspected of the least Heresie, or of any wicked beginning, or purpose against the worldly government; we do condemn the East and West (meaning the Pope and Mahomet) blasphemers against our Lord Jesus Christ, and offer and present with a good will to the chief head of the Romish Empire, our prayers, secrets, and great treasures of Gold. Yet we have thought good and fit for the learned sakes, to add somewhat more to this, and make a better explanation, if there be any thing too deep, hidden, and set down over dark in the Fama, or for certain reasons were altogether omitted, and left out; hoping herewith the Learned will be more addicted unto us, and be made far more fitter and willing for our purpose.