Preface.

...live, it still cannot be concluded that the knowledge, expansion, and defense of the truth is in vain, or that it has no utility. It is not a matter of what people do, but what they ought to do; and if they do not do what they ought to do, then the testimony of truth presented to them will serve to leave them with even less excuse on that great Day of Judgment The final divine accounting at the end of time, where humans were believed to be judged by God based on their response to revealed truth.. However, even if it is true for many that they do not live according to their principles original: principia. The foundational axioms or core beliefs of a person’s worldview., but rather according to their passions original: adfecten. From the Latin affectus, referring to emotional impulses or worldly desires that cloud rational and spiritual judgment., this cannot be said of everyone.

For, praise God! there are still upright people here and there who demonstrate through their deeds that they have not received the truth in vain, and that they allow the knowledge of that truth to be the sole rule and guide for their entire lives. I will no more deny that some, despite having erroneous principles, can lead an outwardly honorable and virtuous life, than I will deny that others—who pride themselves on the greatest precision original: accuratesse. A fastidious, often pedantic focus on the exact wording of religious dogmas. in matters of faith—may well live in blatant sins and vices. However, regarding the former case, there is a great difference between an outward virtuous conduct and that which belongs to true Christianity; the latter cannot be found among those who hold errors that affect the very foundation of faith. The latter, however, only proves...