George Ripley's Vision
Canon of Bridlington

This vision, which I am describing here, appeared to my troubled eyes, being occupied one night with my books.

I saw a Red Toad, drinking the juice of grapes with great avidity, so strongly until he was overloaded with this liquor, and he died of it.

And from his poisonous body he spewed deadly venom; the pain he was feeling caused him to start swelling in all parts of his body.

He approached his secret cavern, all dripping with foul sweat; and the stinking, smoldering vapors of his breath, poisoned his whole lair.

From which vapors there arose a golden humor, after some time, in the space of this place; which, dripping from the top of the vault, stained the earth with a russet-colored dew.

When his body began to gain strength, the vital breath failed him.

And this dying Toad first became like coal (because of its black color); being thus submerged in the poisonous deluge of his own veins, for the space of eighty days he lay roasting.

I wanted to try to drive away this venom, and for this purpose I put his carcass on a low fire; which produced a thing to see, but still more to tell.

This toad was permeated on all sides with rare colors, and when all this diversity of colors had passed white appeared.

Having then dyed itself red, it always remained in this state.

I then made a Medicine out of this poison thus prepared; of this venom, I say, which kills and heals whoever dares to take it.

Glory be to him who gives these Secrets, honor and eternal praise, with thanksgiving.

so be it