Introduction to the History of Hebrew Philosophy

...[from their exter-]nities original: [extre]mitatium or [genti]um. The fragment completes a thought from the previous page regarding the outward signs or the nations themselves.. In the philosophy of the nations, certain ruins and traces are indeed found, but they are somewhat obscure and for the most part wrapped in many fables. This is true even though more and clearer examples occur in one nation than in another, depending on how much diligence they applied in preserving those traditions which were derived from our first parents and from men taught their lessons by God himself.

Yet no nation is found in the whole world that can come into comparison with the Hebrew nation in this specific chapter of history. Their most ancient annals, established by Moses—a man of divine standing—have preserved for us so many excellent monuments of the tradition that flourished among this people, having proceeded from their wisest men.

From these records, we learn above all that true and genuine wisdom original: sapientia commends itself most through its own simplicity. This wisdom deals soberly with divine matters; it does not indulge in empty subtleties or vain speculations, and even less does it loosen the reins to an ill-timed curiosity. For those who heed its warnings do not doubt that God is worshiped through the will and sincere love rather than through the intellect original: intellectu. They believe that His divine power, virtue, sweetness, and beauty are perceived through this devotion.

In the consideration of created things, this wisdom commands us to attend to the virtues, properties, and operations of each thing, rather than approving of subtle and never-ending disputes concerning their physical structure or their causes. Furthermore, for one who is about to shape their own character, it offers the knowledge of oneself, and of all vices, all evils, and all cala- The text cuts off mid-word; likely calamitatum, meaning "calamities" or "disasters."