Introduction to the History of Hebrew Philosophy

NEW PREFACE

When I was called to Jena original: Ienam vocato; Jena was a prestigious university city in Germany, other labors presented themselves which hindered me and made me less able to carry out the things I had intended. Therefore, this province original: prouincia; used here metaphorically to mean a specific field of scholarly responsibility had to be left to others who might possess both a more abundant store of learning and the leisure required to complete those things I began; if only someone should consider it to be of benefit either to themselves or to the republic of letters republic of letters: the international intellectual community of scholars and writers during the Enlightenment to traverse that same field which I have entered.

Such indeed is the happiness of our age that we abound in monuments original: monumentis; here referring to foundational written records or historical works regarding the history of philosophy original: historiam philosophicam; since men, outstanding in both genius and learning, have from all sides applied themselves with great courage to this kind of study. With the utmost diligence, they have brought to light from the darkness those things which pertain to a more accurate understanding of the opinions of both ancient and modern philosophers. However, so far no one has become known to me who has presented the history and doctrine of each and every philosopher in a proper system original: iusto quodam systemate, and at the same time demonstrated its use in ecclesiastical history ecclesiastical history: the study of the development and influence of the Christian Church. Yet today this should not be very difficult, given the great abundance of books relevant to this goal which we owe to the diligence of the most learned men. Regarding that specimen original: specimen; an introductory example or sample of a larger work which I gave concerning the philosophy of the Hebrews,