... Positiones, de, rerum divisione, et adquirendo earundem iure gentium dominio

so that I may add spirit to our own people who are applying themselves to virtue and piety, so that they may embrace virtue with greater contention, and so that they, looking at you, may bring the beginnings of either the saving studies of Theology or the most beautiful studies of jurisprudence to their goal with greater hope and more ardent care. I, as I ingenuously confess, have always been wonderfully incited by your virtue and piety. And although I do not dare to conceive the hope that I might attain it, I have not yet regretted, nor will I ever regret, my own emulation of that virtue of yours, such as it is. Invited and led by the love of it, as I have said, I wished to dedicate and inscribe these Propositions of mine ON THE DIVISION OF THINGS, AND THE ACQUISITION OF DOMINION OVER THE SAME BY THE LAW OF NATIONS, which I debated in the Alma Academy of Basel for the sake of obtaining public testimony, to you: both because you will be able to pass judgment on these matters more correctly, since you yourselves have at some time treated and still treat the same kind of argument to preserve the rights and privileges of our fatherland against others: and also so that they might exist as a pledge—small indeed, but perpetual—of my observance toward you, with God being propitious and auspicious. Therefore, I also hope that you will judge more kindly than many others are accustomed to do regarding this study of mine toward you. I pray, however, to God the Best and Greatest and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He may keep you safe and sound for a long time: and that He may govern, rule, and protect our Republic, which has hitherto provided a most ample home for both the Church and studies. Farewell, most distinguished men, and love me, as you are accustomed to do. From the city of Basel, the 19th day before the Kalends of January.