Minor Works on Theological, Historical, and Philosophical Subjects, Volume 1

...demonstrated on every given occasion. All these things are so arranged that I cannot help but publicly celebrate your kindness toward me, now that this opportune occasion has been given. Here, a most ample opportunity would be afforded me to extol your Erudition and merits. But besides the fact that your remarkable modesty—which is a kind of varnish original: "vernix"; used here metaphorically to mean a finishing touch or protective coating that enhances the beauty of a surface. of all virtues—is well known to me, I do not wish, through the fault of my own talent, to wear away and obscure the splendor of your Virtues, especially since the Learned World original: "Eruditus Orbis"; the international community of scholars and intellectuals, often referred to as the "Republic of Letters." long ago recognized the value of your merits. Therefore, I shall add not another word. Farewell, most celebrated men, and continue to favor me.

A decorative woodcut printer's device or ornament featuring a crown above a stylized floral or heraldic element.

It is not my intention, Kind Reader, to delay your time with a long preface. I shall therefore encompass in just a few words those things I believe must be said. Into your sight come these dissertations original: "dissertationes"; formal academic essays or treatises intended for scholarly debate or publication. on various subjects, written and published by me at different times. I wished to collect these scattered pieces and publish them together: partly because I have been informed by reliable evidence that they have pleased those who study Theology; and partly because I have very often been invited to attempt this task by the encouragement of certain learned men, whose opinions I hold in high regard. As for the work itself, everything is submitted to your benevolent