PREFACE

Beyond our Vulgata the Latin Vulgate Bible and its interpretation made by the infallible authority of the Church, and beyond tradition and the doctrine of the holy Fathers, a champion suitable in every respect should also be instructed in the knowledge of the oriental languages, especially Hebrew and Greek, and thus begin the contest. For how necessary this skill in languages is for a Theologian, men of cultured Minerva wisdom/learning have acknowledged at every time, and the Caesarean and Apostolic Majesty has confirmed this anew, desiring that any professor of Theology in the universities of his kingdoms be instructed in this. Indeed, that the knowledge of these languages might never die out, he has most graciously deigned to institute a special professor of them everywhere. What is more, our own country has also begun to see a brighter sun; for the most recently exempt Benedictine-Bavarian Congregation has decided in a general chapter that in the common study moved to the most celebrated monastery of Benedictoburanum Benediktbeuern, the doctrine and interpretation of Holy Scripture should be joined to theological questions. To complete this with a firmer footing, they have most wisely arranged and provided for a professor of the sacred language. This institution is certainly greater than all praise and commendation, and it would be desired with every vote that it might spread more widely. Therefore, since I am destitute of such weapons, I shall strive to contend with those which my most holy Mother and the unblemished spouse of Christ, the Church, provides to me for a similar contest; namely, our Vulgata Vulgate, by which she has willed and decided—in the Council of Trent, session 4—that we should use it in deciding questions of our faith, leaving aside the Hebrew and Greek text.