Preface

...strengthened in such a way, when I—through a conversation brought about by Divine ProvidenceThe author attributes this chance encounter to God's guidance rather than mere luck. (as I cannot judge otherwise from the circumstances)—once again encountered Socinian principlesoriginal: "Socinianische Principia." Socinianism was a rationalist Christian movement that emerged in the 16th century; its followers rejected the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity and the full divinity of Christ. in someone where I would not have suspected them. However, I had to travel in great haste and thus had no opportunity to think further about it; I even set aside all such thoughts to avoid any further complication.

      Nevertheless, it so happened that soon after, I had some completely idle time which I could use at my own disposal. I then resolved to set aside some spare hours from my regular studies and to turn them toward a draft of my thoughts on the Holy Trinityoriginal: "H. Dreyeinigkeit." and the Divinity of Christoriginal: "Gottheit Christi."; yet, I was not yet willing to carry it out fully. But it eventually came to a full resolution to properly take up the subject and, according to God's will, to bring it to light through printing.

      To be sure, among other reasons, the weightiness of the subject matter might have reasonably deterred me from the work, especially since I had to consider that it ought to be handled with "holy hands" A common expression of the time suggesting that sacred topics should only be approached with spiritual purity and great reverence.. But when I looked upon the clear truth in the Scriptures and considered the unanimous testimony of the faithful, I became joyful and did not let myself be deterred from carrying out the matter to the best of my ability, with heartfelt humilityoriginal: "Demühtigung." before God and a plea for the enlightenment of His Spirit.