萝莉社

PRAEFATIO
AD. STUDIOSUM
Coelestis Philosophiae

LECTOREM

Ita est, Lector, ita suaviter ludit in orbe terrarum aeterna Dei sapientia, ut vix saeculum adeo rude et impolitum extiterit, quo non Mundum ad antiqua veluti nauseabundum novis divinae potentiae suae spectaculis exhilararit, novis magnae scenae praeludiis erudierit; ut vel hoc pacto homines in amorem atque admirationem sui raperet et, si quandoque a via mandatorum divinorum declinassent, formidandis prodigiorum monstris praevaricatores ad cor reduceret. Quod uti olim, ita et hisce ultimis potissimum seculis magno mortalium stupore evenit. Nihil unquam venerabilis antiquitas de novi Orbis in rerum natura existentia norat, nihil de vasta Oceani circa terrarum Orbem diffusionem; nihil de Antichtonum statu compererat; cum ecce Deus Opt: Max: post expleta inscrutabilis consilii sui tempora non nobis Mundi theatrum, tanta exoticarum rerum varietate quantam cum admiratione ex Historicorum novi Orbis monumentis legimus, refertum aperuit; quas si Veteribus quispiam enarrasset, eas non dicam inter historias verosimiles; sed puras putas inter fabulas et anilia deliramenta haud dubie censuissent. Non stetit hic divinae benignitatis lusus, dum non ita longo annorum intervallo post novi Orbis detectionem novum nobis coelestium spectaculorum theatrum expandit, inaudita omnibus retro seculis coelesti tubi beneficio revelavit. Mundanae machinae fabrica ab immemorabili hucusque tempore externum tantum faciei suae decorem hominibus ostenderat, modo vero aperto cortice nucleum detexit, apertisque claustris interiorem rerum statum, rotarum situm, dispositione, proportionemque, globorum quoque compositionem, centrorum officia, materiae et formae quibus singula componuntur ostendit; occultas motuum semitas pandit, nidos lucis ac caloris explicatus tanto Philosophorum stupore, ut nemo fere esset, qui ad insolentia naturae monstra summo conatu contemplanda armatis oculis non accurrerit. Hic in coeli scenam prodierunt praeter antiqua, sed olim indistincta in nebulosis sideribus, et in toto Galaxiae ambitu numerosorum siderum agmina; novarum stellarum in Cassiopaea, Serpentario et Cygno, natura, proprietate, figura, colorumque diversitate mirum in modum discrepantium geneses; ut interim Cometarum varietatem dira mortalibus omnia omittam. Hic Sol, quo nihil hucusque mundus lucidius, nitidiusque credidit, mira quadam macularum, umbrarumque varietate transformatus, ac veluti ingentes aestuum ebullitiones moliens, constantissimum Mundi sidus, perpetuae alterationum vicissitudini obnoxium comparuit. Hic Luna montibus, lacubus, maribus, insulis aggravata in scenam se dedit; quam Venus secuta corniculata fronte, partium asperitate non ita venustam sese, ac Veteres crediderunt ostendit. Mercurius lucidus, scaber, ac in varias divisus facies mirum praebuit spectaculum; tum Mars gibbo ac retuso quodam, nec plane rotundo umbone; at ferruginea macula trux, ignisque eructatione formidabilis; tum Iovis sidus quaternis, non tam satellitum quam Regulorum circumdatum splendoribus, raro unico, saepius gemino, rarius tergemino baleo transversim einctum; Agmen tandem claudit Saturnus Planetarum Geryon, tricorporis stellae monstro ac stupore admirabilis sese horrenda visui forma exhibuit. Hic itaque novus Mundi apparatus ac inaudita lascivientis naturae feracitas, tametsi omnium in sese Astronomorum oculos attraxerit, dici tamen vix potest, quantum tam insolentium effectuum causae nullius non ingenium torserint. Et uti rerum insolitarum rumores omnium aures mirum in modum vellicant; ita non Mathematicos tantum et Philosophos, sed et Principum curiositatem anxie exstimulavit. Inter hos merito connumerari potest Augustissimus Caesar Ferdinandus III Mecaenas munificentissimus, qui pro laudabili curiositatis suae instinctu, dum Mundi subterranei a me iam dudum incepti arcana mysteria urget, coelestium quoque huiusmodi portentorum, quae huius seculi sagacitas peperit, rationes et causas una exponi iussit; cuius quidem imperio non obsecundare nefas ratus, novum hoc Opusculum, non tam spontaneo conatu, quam armata tanti Principis aliorumque deprecatione extortum condidi; quod quidem ut iucundius amoeniusque in legentium animos influeret, in dialogi formam concinnare visum fuit, Exstatici Itinerarii nomine indigitatum, in quo observationum hucusque factarum congeriem ad incudem revocans, hoc unicum intenta mentis contemplatione, pertinaci studio et variae combinationes rerum indagine, nec non multiplici rerum apparatu intendi, ut latentes tantorum paradoxorum causas, ex inaccessa, qua in haec usque tempora involvebantur, caligine, evolverem, rationibusque assignatis Mundi fabricam multo reconditioribus principiis, quam sibi aut praeteritorum saeculorum simplicitas, aut vulgares huius temporis philosophi persuadere possint, constitutam esse demonstrarem; multoque maiora in abditis illis altioris naturae sinibus et reconditoriis, quam hucusque creditum fuit, suis quandoque in mortalium solatium revelanda temporibus, latere docerem. Quod antequam faciam, hisce ea qua par est animi ingenuitate et candore profiteri volui, me nihil hoc in Opusculo, nisi Sanctis Patribus, Sacrae Scripturae et experimentis ab observationibus deductis, undequaque congruum adducturum. Ubi vero Lector audaciores forsan Theodidacti cum Cosmiele sermocinationes evolverit, cum raptus, extases, exoticasque operationes similesque contemplantium affectus effectusque tacitus expenderit, hoc obnixe ab eodem efflagitem, ne de me sinistrae, nescio cuius suspicionis umbram animo suo insidere patiatur; meque ideo nonnullius temeritatis arguat, quasi ultra humanum quid altius mihi arrogem, aut revelationum caelitus mihi inspiratarum oraculum, novus propheta novam apocalypsin Mundo confidentius protrudere attentem, aut arcano Numinis consilio interfuisse plus aequo mihi arrogare voluerim; absit, huiusmodi enim maleferiatorum hominum ambitio, quantum ab animo meo abhorreat, ii norunt qui me meaque omnia norunt. Finis itaque et unica suscepti Operis intentio fuit, eam in hoc libello sectari methodum, quam iam olim ex veteribus Trismegistus, Plato, Lucianus et ex succedentibus seculis complures tum Poetae tum Oratores laudabili sane consuetudine tenuerunt; methodum, inquam, quam iucundum, amoenum, et ad Lectoris gustum accommodatum dicendi genus ornaret, allegorica vero enarrationum involucra veluti lucem, coloremque, umbratiles linearum ductus suaviter contemperarent, Thaumaturgicae quoque stylo poetico descriptae operationes, Lectoris animum pruritu quodam sollicitatum ad propositarum rerum ponderationem suaviori impetu raperent; nullum itaque hic mysterium, nullum raptum aut divini Numinis revelationem, nullam epiphaniam angelicam, nullum Oraculi Delphici afflatum subesse velim; sed ut omnia luculenter demonstrarentur, ratiociniaque de rebus adeo incognitis suavius Lectoris animo ingererentur, sub ingeniosi figmenti velamine seu ficti raptus integumento exhibita esse Lector sibi persuadet velim; Ne vero solus intellectus mirandorum operum magnitudine captus sine ulla ad tanti Conditoris sapientiam, bonitatem et amorem facta reflexione; voluntatem debitis laudis, honoris, amorisque affectibus, intentis unice in hoc Opusculo pascuis destitueret; hinc Ascetarum more Theodidactus post maxima sapientissimi Conditoris opera in divini amoris actus, atque in admirationis affectus raptus, nihil aliud intendit, quam ut Lectorem ad similes Deo debitas gratiarum actiones, ad similes animi Deo pleni affectus concitet, ut hoc pacto per visibilia huius mundanae machinae prodigia, ad invisibilium bonorum numquam deficieniium ubertatem aspiret, ea toto mentis affectu quaerat, ac tandem perenni filiorum Dei consortio, atque aeternae felicitatis compos in eo quiescat, qui est finis ultimus, beatitudo aeterna, et universae creaturae centrum. His itaque praemissis iam tandem propositae nobis materiae argumentum prosequamur.

PREFACE

FOR THE STUDENT

of Celestial Philosophy

TO THE READER

Indeed, dear Reader, the eternal wisdom of God plays so gracefully within the Earthly sphere that scarcely has there been an age so unrefined and uncultivated that God has not delighted the World with new spectacles of His divine power. He refreshes it as though from an ancient weariness and conveys preludes to a magnificent new stage, instructing and drawing people into His love and admiration. Whenever humanity has strayed from the path of divine commandments, He has brought transgressors back to their senses by terrifying them with monstrous prodigies and wonders. As has happened in the past, so too in these most recent centuries, astonishing events have unfolded among mortals. Those esteemed in antiquity were oblivious to the existence of the New World, the vast expanse surrounding the Earth, and the lands of the Antipodes. After fulfilling His divine plan, Almighty God unveiled this vibrant world filled with exotic wonders, as detailed by historians of the New World. Had these marvels been shared with the ancients, they would likely have regarded them as fables rather than credible histories. Divine benevolence extended further with the discovery of the New World, leading to the unveiling of celestial spectacles through the telescope, illuminating the heavens. Previously, ancient times, the operations of the World had shown only the external beauty of its face to humanity. Now, it discloses its inner workings. It reveals the arrangement, proportions, and functions of celestial bodies while exposing the hidden paths of celestial motion and chambers of light and heat. Philosophers were so astonished by these revelations that many couldn't resist studying nature's wonders with open eyes. The celestial theater, now displaying not only ancient nebulous stars but also numerous star clusters across the Milky Way, includes the remarkable birth of new stars in Cassiopeia, Serpentarius, and Cygnus, each differing in nature and color. The variety of Comets, often seen as dire omens, warrants attention. Even the Sun, once thought to be the brightest, reveals diverse spots and shadows. The Moon adorned with mountains, lakes, and seas, takes its place in this cosmic display. Venus now shows a less beautiful visage than ancient beliefs suggested, and Mercury offers a bright yet rugged sight. Mars, with its irregular shadow and rusty spot, appears formidable, while Jupiter, surrounded by its four moons, rarely appears alone. Saturn, the leader of the planets, showcases a terrifying yet awe-inspiring sight with its three bodies. This new understanding of the World and its playful nature stirs both curiosity and bewilderment among astronomers. As news of these astonishing events spreads, it awakens the interest of Mathematicians, Philosophers, and Rulers, including the esteemed Caesar Ferdinand III, a generous patron. Inspired by his curiosity, he encouraged me to explain the mysteries of the Subterranean World, which I have studied extensively. He also urged me to discuss the celestial wonders revealed in our time. Thus, I have composed this treatise not merely out of my own desire, but in response to the requests of such a significant ruler. Ignoring these petitions would be a grave transgression. To make it more engaging and appealing to the readers, it was decided to present this work as a dialogue titled "An Ecstatic Journey," which suggests observations subjected to the scrutiny of truth. With persistent determination, I explored combinations of elements and materials, aiming to unveil the hidden causes behind these great paradoxes, deeper than the simple explanations of previous eras and common Philosophers today. I intend to reveal that profound truths are concealed in the higher realms than previously believed. These hidden causes will soon be disclosed for the comfort of humanity. Before proceeding, I wish to clarify that I do not intend to contradict the teachings of the Holy Fathers, Sacred Scriptures, or deductions from observations and experiments. However, I earnestly ask readers to refrain from suspecting me of overstepping boundaries or claiming to be a prophet offering divine revelations. Those who know my work understand how far removed such ambitions are from my heart. Thus, this work seeks to follow the method used by ancients like Trismegistus, Plato, Lucian, and subsequently many poets and orators. This method artfully adorns discourse with symbolic explanations akin to light and color, intertwining with the reader's sensibilities. The poetic, thaumaturgic style aims to captivate minds and inspire contemplation of these ideas. Therefore, I affirm that this work contains no mysteries, divine revelations, or angelic epiphanies. Instead, everything is presented clearly, with reasoning guided by inventive fiction or the guise of fictitious ecstasies. My hope is that readers will find not only astonishment in these marvels but also reflect on the Creator's wisdom and love. Consequently, Theodidactus, inspired by divine love, seeks only to encourage readers to offer thanks and honor to God. Through the visible wonders of this world machine, may readers aspire to the abundance of invisible blessings and ultimately find solace in eternal fellowship with God鈥檚 children, leading to everlasting happiness鈥攖he ultimate goal of creation. With these introductory thoughts, let us delve into the subject at hand.