The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony. 29 



the better for that reason. He will see 

 that the highest things become the 

 lowest, and the lowest are changed into 

 the highest i. e., a medicine into a 

 poison, and a poison into a medicine ; a 

 sweet thing into a bitter, acid, and corro- 

 sive substance ; and a common thing, on 

 the other hand, into something useful. 



But, good God ! how difficult it is 

 for us shortlived men to explore the 

 whole compass of Nature. Thou hast 

 reserved to Thyself many things in 

 Creation which are objects of marvel 

 rather than of knowledge. Therefore 

 permit me to the end of my life to keep 

 Thee in my heart, that in addition to the 

 temporal health and wealth, which Thou 

 givest freely, I may also obtain the sal- 

 vation of my soul, and spiritual riches. Of 

 this I dare not doubt, for Thou hast shed 

 the balm and sulphur of my soul on the 

 bitter cross a balm which to the Devil 

 is deadly poison, but to sinners the most 

 potent medicine. I strive to heal the 

 souls of my brethren with prayer, and 

 their bodies with suitable remedies. May 



