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Paracelsus: The Book Concerning the Tincture of the Philosophers · 13 of 13 · tr. Arthur Edward Waite

Section 1m

O thou treasure of treasures, mystery of mysteries, called by Avicenna "an unspeakable substance", the purest and most perfect soul of the world, than which there is nothing more costly under Heaven, unfathomable in nature and power, wonderful in virtue and works, having no equal among creatures, possessing the virtues of all bodies under Heaven! For from it flow the water of life, the oil and honey of eternal healing, and thus hath it nourished them with honey and water from the rock. Therefore, saith Morienus: "He who hath it, the same also hath all things". Blessed art Thou, Lord God of our Fathers, in that Thou hast given the prophets this knowledge and understanding, that they have hidden these things (lest they should be discovered by the blind, and those drowned in worldly godlessness) by which the wise and the pious have praised Thee! For the discoverers of the mystery of this thing to the unworthy are breakers of the seal of Heavenly Revelation, thereby offending God's Majesty, and bringing upon themselves many misfortunes and the punishments of God. Therefore, I beg all Christians, possessing this knowledge, to communicate the same to nobody, except it be to one living in Godliness, of well-proved virtue, and praising God, Who has given such a treasure to man. For many seek, but few find it. Hence the impure and those living in vice are unworthy of it. Therefore is this Art to be shewn to all God-fearing persons, because it cannot be bought with a price. I testify before God that I lie not, although it appear impossible to fools, that no one has hitherto explored Nature so deeply. The Almighty be praised for having created this Art and for revealing it to God-fearing men. Amen. And thus is fulfilled this precious and excellent work, called the revealing of the occult spirit, in which lie hidden the secrets and mysteries of the world. But this spirit is one genius, and divine, wonderful, and lordly power. For it embraces the whole world, and overcomes the Elements and the fifth Substance. To our Trismegistus Spagyrus, Jesus Christ, be praise and glory immortal. Amen.
Themes
Apophatic Theologytheology

Describing the divine only by negation—God transcends all positive categories and concepts; the via negativa.

The text repeatedly emphasizes the unspeakable nature of the substance, calling it 'an unspeakable substance' and stating it transcends all positive categories.

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Hidden Sayingssoteriology

Esoteric teachings reserved for those ready to receive them; outer meaning conceals an inner liberating truth.

The text describes the 'secrets and mysteries of the world' being hidden by prophets to protect them from the unworthy.

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Prayerpraxis

Direct address to the divine, whether petitionary, contemplative, or liturgical; speech and silence offered upward.

The passage includes a direct invocation of praise and blessing to God.

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Related passages · 2 parallels
western_esoteric|Transcendental Magic I: The Doctrine (Éliphas Lévi)|11. The Magic Chaina
MANUS FORCE THE GREAT Magical Agent, by us termed the Astral Light, by others the soul of the earth, and designated by old chemists under the names of Azoth and MAGNESIA, this occult, unique and indubitable force, is the key of all empire,…”
Both passages describe a mystical, divine substance or force that is the source of all power and knowledge. They emphasize the need for purity and godliness to access this force and warn against its misuse by the unworthy. The passages share a conceptual parallel in their reverence for a hidden, transformative power and the ethical requirements for its attainment.
western_esoteric|Transcendental Magic II: The Ritual (Éliphas Lévi)|12. The Great Workb
Here then is the great Hermetic Arcanum, and we reveal it for the first time clearly and devoid of mystical figures: that which the adepts term dead substances are bodies as found in Nature; living substances are those which have been assim…”
Both passages discuss the concept of a divine, transformative substance or power that is central to alchemical and mystical traditions. They emphasize the secrecy and sacredness of this knowledge, the need for purity and godliness in those who seek it, and the ultimate praise and glory attributed to a divine figure (Christ in Passage A, the Ruach-Elohim in Passage B).