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Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes)

Lumen de Lumine

A New Magical Light · The Complete 1651 First Edition

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Lumen de LumineLight From Light · Original

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Light From Light · Original

Original English

But to proceed in the Exposition of our Type; not far from this Lamp you may observe the Angel or Genius of the place. In one hand he bears a sword, to keep off the Contentious and unworthy: in the other a Clew of Thread to lead in the Humble, and Harmlesse. Under the Altar lyes the Green Dragon, or the Magician's Mercury, involving in it self a Treasure of Gold and Pearl. This is neither Dreame nor Fansie, but a known, Demonstrable, practicall Truth. The Treasure is there to be found, infinitely Rich and Reall: Indeed we must confesse it is inchanted, and that by the very Art and Magic of the Almightie God. It can neither be seen nor felt, but the Cabinet that holds it, is every way under our Feet. On this Treasure sits a little Child, with this Inscription, Non nisi parvulis. It tels us, how they should bee qualified who desire to be admitted to this place. They must be Innocent, and very Harmlesse: not impudent proud Ranters, nor Covetous uncharitable Misers. They must be affable, not Contentious: They must love the truth, and (to speak in a homely Phrase) they must also like Children and Fools, tell the truth. In a word, they must be as our Saviour himself hath said; Like one of these little ones.

Modern English

To continue the explanation of our image: not far from this lamp you may observe the place’s angel or genius. In one hand he bears a sword to keep away the contentious and unworthy; in the other, a ball of thread to lead in the humble and harmless. Beneath the altar lies the Green Dragon, or magician’s Mercury, enfolding a treasure of gold and pearl. This is neither dream nor fancy, but a known, demonstrable, practical truth. The treasure is there to be found, infinitely rich and real. We must admit that it is enchanted, by the very art and magic of almighty God. It can be neither seen nor felt, yet the cabinet holding it is everywhere beneath our feet. On the treasure sits a little child, with the inscription “Only for the little ones.” This tells us how those seeking admission must be qualified. They must be innocent and entirely harmless, rather than impudent, proud ranters or covetous, uncharitable misers. They must be affable, free from contention. They must love truth and, to put it plainly, tell the truth like children and fools. In a word, as our Saviour himself has said, they must be “like one of these little ones.”

About This Reading Edition

The complete 1651 Lumen de Lumine, or A New Magical Light, by Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes), with original and modern English, fresh translations of the Latin, Greek and Hebrew passages, the historical emblem and its inscriptions, all twelve Magical Aphorisms, 105 annotations and the complete supplied Diotimos study apparatus.

Historical Text and Translation

Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes), Lumen de Lumine, or A New Magicall Light. London: H. Blunden, 1651. Governing witness: Wellcome Collection EPB/A/69096.4, digitisation b30340160, Wing V150, ESTC R146. Source credit: Wellcome Collection; Public Domain Mark.

About Diotimos Editions

This historical edition credits Diotimos Editions as its English translator.

Rights

The historical text and emblem are public domain. The supplied 2026 reading, translations and Diotimos editorial material are published with the site owner’s authorization.