DiotimosReading Desk

Diotimos Library · Esotericism & Spirituality Collection · Parallel Edition

Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes)

Lumen de Lumine

A New Magical Light · The Complete 1651 First Edition

Explore the Lexicon
Lumen de LumineTo the Reader · Passage 2

Swipe or use the arrow keys.

Facing Pages · Branch 17 of 200

To the Reader · Passage 2

Book Mode

Original English

It is not enough to abuse and misinterpret our writings: with studied Calumnies doe they disparage our persons, whom they never saw, and perhaps never will see. They force us to a Bitternesse beyond our own Dispositions, and provoke men to sin, as if they did drive the same Design with the Devill.

For my own part, I will no more hazard my soule by such uncivill Disputes; I know I must give an Accompt for every idle word. This Theme hath reduc’d my passions to a Diet. I have resolv’d for the future to suffer: for this I am sure of, God will condemn no man for his patience.

Modern English

It is not enough for them to abuse and misinterpret our writings: with deliberate slanders they disparage people they have never seen, and perhaps never will. They force us into a bitterness beyond our natural dispositions and provoke people to sin, as though pursuing the same design as the devil.

For my part, I will no longer endanger my soul in such uncivil disputes. I know I must account for every idle word. This thought has put my passions on a diet. I have resolved to endure in future, for I am sure of this: God will condemn no one for patience.

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.