DEDICATION

of reason from the oppression of evils, they may be con-
soled and rejoice, and be struck less,
protected by the shield of providence. The small
works truly, which until now, by the suggestion, persua-
sion, care, and diligence of mine, have been printed
with no small labor, are these:
the explanation of Abbot Joachim Joachim of Fiore (c. 1135–1202): A famous Italian mystic who believed history was divided into three ages. His "explanation" mentioned here refers to a commentary on prophecies attributed to Saint Cyril. himself on the blessed Cyril, regarding the state of the church
from now until the end of the age. And more speci-
fically regarding that horrendous schism of the mystic
antichrist, the precursor of the true anti-
christ Joachim's theology often distinguished between multiple "antichrists" or precursors (like corrupt leaders or heretics) who would appear before the final, biblical Antichrist at the end of the world.. Also the Book of the Harmony of the New and
Old Testaments, the fundamental and
regular original: "regularis," implying it provides the "rule" or framework for understanding his other writings. work for his other ones. Also [the work]
on Isaiah, regarding the burdens Burdens: A biblical term (often used in the Book of Isaiah) for heavy prophecies or pronouncements of judgment against specific nations or cities. upon the entire
world. Also, that celebrated and fa-
mous work on the Apocalypse The Book of Revelation., which
I have now for the first time given to be printed, together with the
Psaltery of Ten Strings Psalterium decem chordarum: One of Joachim’s three main books. It uses the ten-stringed musical instrument mentioned in the Psalms as a mathematical and symbolic tool to explain the Trinity.: in which the
form original: "forma," referring to the specific "way" or "rule" of life. of those contemplating and leading a celibate life
is described. Which life indeed, after the
fall of the New Babylon In apocalyptic literature, Babylon represents a corrupt society or a degenerate church that must fall before a new era of peace can begin., and the re-