Manichaeism before the Manichaeans, and its Revival in Christianity

At the top center, the page number (o) is flanked by two decorative typographic ornaments resembling stylized florets or eyes.

...overflowing kindness, such as they could scarcely have promised to themselves, who had not proved themselves worthy of Your favor by more than one argument. But as for YOU, Most Reverend SIR, and likewise my Most Esteemed PATRON, my memory suggests to me many reasons which could lead—and even compel—one who was otherwise unwilling to follow the course of my present plan. For, even if I were to pass over in silence that supreme integrity of soul and that model of an excellent theologian, who thinks both piously and correctly regarding the chief points of heavenly doctrine The "heavenly doctrine" (doctrina coelestis) refers to the core tenets of the Christian faith, which the author believes the patron defends with orthodox precision. and solidly defends them—a quality which I, as well as others, am permitted to see in YOU with a wonderful sense of delight—there are still those various acts of kindness that are never absent from my thoughts. These are the favors with which you graciously began to welcome and honor me, both while I was still away and then as a new arrival advena: a newcomer or stranger to a region; the author likely refers to his arrival at a new university or ecclesiastical district in these lands, and...