TO THE READER.

The honest reader will easily perceive the great effort applied to correcting these books if he compares the old edition with this new one. No one would believe how easily even well-transcribed copies can become corrupted. Also added here are the kabbalistic Referring to the Jewish mystical tradition known as Kabbalah, which some Renaissance scholars sought to harmonize with Christianity. writings of Capnio The Greek-style pseudonym of Johann Reuchlin (1455–1522), a famous German humanist and pioneer of Hebrew studies among Christians., a subject well-suited to this work. In these writings, much mention is made of the ancient Fathers who awaited CHRIST the Redeemer with the greatest longing and knew perfectly well that the salvation they had lost would be recovered through the wood The "wood" refers to the wood of the Cross.. Truly, "good wine needs no ivy-wreath hung above the door" original: "uino uendibili non opus est suspensa hedera." This is an ancient proverb meaning that a high-quality product needs no advertisement; its excellence is its own recommendation.. All these things, however, aim toward this goal: that the Church founded by the Apostles may be rebuilt, once we have set aside the sects and conflicting opinions which have never failed to bring in a sea of troubles, and which have either altered or utterly overthrown every well-ordered state. The Jews serve as a daily example to us, lest we fall into the wrath