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MYSTERIES

OF

The Rosie Cross,

OR

The History of that Curious Sect of the
Middle Ages,

KNOWN AS THE

Rosicrucians;

WITH

Examples of their Pretensions and Claims

AS SET FORTH IN THE WRITINGS OF THEIR LEADERS
AND DISCIPLES.

A. Reader, Orange Street, Red Lion Square, London.
1891.

[Pg iii]

PREFACE.

In the following pages an attempt has been made to convey something likean intelligible idea of the peculiar mystic sect known to the readers ofhistory, as the Rosicrucians. The subject is confessedly difficult, owingto the grossly absurd character of the writings left by the disciples ofthis body, and the secrecy with which they sought to surround theirmovements and clothe their words. Anything like a consecutive narration isan impossibility, the materials at hand being so fragmentary anddisjointed. We have, however, done the best that we could with such factsas were within reach, and if we are not able to present so scientific andperfect a treatise as we might have hoped to do, we at least trust thatthe following contribution to the scanty literature treating of thismatter will be found interesting, and will throw some light upon what isshrouded in such profound mystery.

[Pg iv]

CONTENTS.