PREFACE

     In all sects original: "sectis." In this context, the author refers to philosophical schools or factions rather than religious denominations., however, I will conduct myself so that anyone will discover through the facts themselves that I am devoted to none, and that I have plainly "sworn by the words of no master" original: "nullius plane magistri me iurasse in verba." A famous quote from the Roman poet Horace, signaling intellectual independence.. For it can scarcely happen that one performs the duty of a historian correctly here unless he brings with him a mind equally free of hatred and love. Therefore, I have decided to set forth impartially both those things that seem to deserve praise and those that deserve blame. And this, if I am not mistaken, I have already sufficiently proven by the example of the first specimen The author is referring to the current volume or section as a "specimen" or sample of his larger historical project. which I am now publishing.

     For it is abundantly clear that the true seat of true wisdom was among the Hebrew people original: "gente ebraea.", so much so that the dogmas Established principles or core teachings. received among them—before they were infected by the decay of the age and lost the purity of wisdom along with their piety—must be held as monuments of a doctrine derived from heaven for mortals; this can be denied by no reasoning. Thus far, therefore, I praise Hebrew philosophy, and I contend with the greatest strength I can that it must be both followed and unearthed from the darkness in which it lies buried.

     But after it was corrupted by the vain fabrications of mortals, there is certainly a need for caution, lest we embrace foolishness instead of wisdom, or "a cloud instead of Juno" original: "pro Iunone nubem." A classical proverb derived from the myth of Ixion, who was deceived by a cloud shaped like the goddess Juno; it means to be misled by a deceptive appearance or to mistake a fantasy for reality.. And I do not conceal this, so that everywhere [I may show] what things please,