PREFACE

...which did not have philosophers of a certain definite sect as either its assistants or promoters. If their opinions are not thoroughly examined or explored, it is impossible to even sufficiently understand what those architects of errors intended for themselves; much less can it be certain whether they were condemned justly or unjustly, or whether they taught truth or falsehoods, so that a firm judgment can be made. Therefore, I judged it to be of the greatest importance to everyone that the true sources of church history original: "ecclesiasticae historiae." be laid open, and the springs original: "scaturigines," referring to the bubbling source or headwaters of a stream. of so many errors, controversies, and disputes, stirred up throughout all ages, be revealed.

     They certainly perform a worthwhile task, nor are they to be deprived of their deserved praise, who dig up what they call ecclesiastical rituals and antiquities, or investigate the calculations of dates, or emend the writings of the Church Fathers The influential early Christian theologians and writers whose works established the foundations of Christian doctrine., performing the duty of critics rather than historians. But whether the labor of the former will be as necessary today as that of the ones who investigate the true doctrines original: "dogmata." of the ancients and show their origins original: "natales," literally "birthdays" or "lineage." in the sects of the philosophers, I leave for others to judge.

     To me, certainly, the necessity and utility of this matter seemed so great that, even though I am not sufficiently equipped with those resources original: "praesidiis," referring here to the scholarly tools, libraries, and source materials required for such a project. which so great a work requires, I nevertheless thought it advisable to stir others by my example to produce more refined works.