The More Select and Obscure Dogmas of the Kabbalists

...they themselves could not hostilely conquer. What doctrine is more fitly established to overcome Jewish non-belief original: "iudaicam perfidiam." A common, though harsh, theological term in this era for the refusal to accept Christ as the Messiah., and to silence the mouths of heretics, than the science which is called Kabbalah Cabala From the Hebrew Qabbalah, meaning "received tradition." Christian Kabbalists believed these secret Jewish teachings proved the truths of Christianity.?

O, what a crime—which no one has ever shuddered at enough (as is fitting)! I weep that such great glory of the more secret theologians is withering away like little flowers. For they, moved by mercy in times past, prepared with unwearied spirit the noble springs of the gardens and deep wells of living waters for the sheep of the Messiah, Christ.

But to what protector I should devote these writings, or who might care for these matters, I do not know, unless you, most illustrious Bernardino, show yourself merciful and pious toward them; and thus the more secret theologians will be able to boast that they enjoy the breeze of Parma A reference to Bernardino’s home or influence in the city of Parma.. Therefore, receive most kindly these sayings of the more skilled Kabbalists, restored to light by our own modest exposition and dedicated to you. Engage with them in frequent conversation: let them always be most faithful companions to you, and let them be at your disposal.

Like Job A biblical figure who lost everything but was eventually restored to even greater wealth., they have been made rich from poverty, and like Mordecai A Jewish hero in the Book of Esther who rose from humble status to become the king's chief minister., they have become distinguished from a humble state. They carry within their pockets—like the servant of Abraham Referring to Eliezer, whom Abraham sent to find a wife for Isaac; he brought rich jewelry to win over Rebecca (Genesis 24).—an innumerable supply of jewels, from which your soul, like a Rebecca, may be adorned and distinguished. I pray, therefore, that what Zacchaeus A wealthy tax collector in the Gospel of Luke who welcomed Jesus into his home, leading Jesus to say, "Today salvation has come to this house." was to Christ, you might be to these sacred and more secret theologians, so that through their words, salvation may come to your house in Christ Jesus.