A P P R O V A L

Since several theologians of our Society have reviewed the first volume of the works of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, translated from Syriac into Latin and illustrated by Father Peter Benedict Pietro Benedetti (1676–1742) was a Maronite scholar and Jesuit who played a crucial role in editing these volumes. of our Society, and have approved it for publication, we grant the faculty for it to be sent to the press, if it so pleases those whom it concerns. In witness of this, we have given these letters signed by our hand and secured with our seal.
Rome, December 22, 1736.

A P P R O V A L

I, the undersigned, by command of the Most Reverend Father Master of the Sacred Apostolic Palace The Master of the Sacred Apostolic Palace was the Pope's primary theologian and the official censor of books in Rome., have accurately read the Commentaries of Saint Ephrem the Syrian on the Old Testament, translated from Syriac into Latin by the Reverend Father Peter Benedict, a Syrian Maronite of the Society of JESUS, and I have found them all to be in harmony with Catholic Doctrine. In testimony of which, etc. This 12th day of December, 1735.

A P P R O V A L

By the commission of the Most Reverend Father Giambattista Benedict Zuanelli, Master of the Sacred Apostolic Palace, I have accurately read the Commentaries of Saint Ephrem the Syrian on the Heptateuch The first seven books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, and Judges. translated into Latin by the Reverend Father Peter Benedict, a Syrian-Maronite of the Society of JESUS. Being commanded to express my opinion on the work itself, I first affirm—with that reverence toward the Most Holy Doctor which I and all Catholics ought to have—what the ancient Greeks and Latins used to say about the books of the great Plato: marvel, and be silent original: "mirare, & sile". For what else is there? Could I hope to say anything equal to the dignity and merit of so great a Father? Or would I not rather admire him in silence, like one struck with amazement—him whom Basil and Jerome, the twin stars of the Church, so greatly respected? As for the remainder of my duty, I have examined the translation with the greatest possible diligence, and I have praised the intention of the learned translator in undertaking such a labor, and his judgment in pursuing it. His intention indeed, because I see that today the number of those with a "writing-itch" original: "scripturientium"; a satirical term for those who feel a compulsive need to publish unnecessary books. has increased excessively; in my judgment, they would do better if they devoted their zeal and effort to investigating and bringing to light the books of the ancients of proven faith. If that were done, surely so many errors and new...