⚠Heavy ink bleed-through from the verso page makes reading some sections difficult; ghost text is visible throughout the page.

OF THE CATHOLIC CONFESSION,

original: "Confessionis Catholicae." As in the main work, the word "Catholic" here refers to the "universal" or "orthodox" Christian faith, rather than the Roman Catholic Church. Gerhard is claiming that the Lutheran faith is the truly universal one.

in which the

DOCTRINE

CATHOLIC AND EVAN-

GELICAL, WHICH THE CHURCHES

adhering to the Augsburg Confession profess,
is confirmed by the testimonies
of Roman Catholic writers,
original: "Augustanae Confessioni." This refers to the 1530 Augsburg Confession, the primary statement of faith for the Lutheran Church. Gerhard’s strategy was "receptionist" polemics: proving his own side right by quoting the most respected authors of his opponents.

BY THE AUTHOR

DR. JOHANN GERHARD.

An EPITOME of Book I: General,

original: "Epitome." A summary or abridgment. The "General Book" usually refers to the foundational principles of theology, such as the authority of Scripture.

prepared by the work and study of

JOHANN ERNEST ERNST GERHARD, SON OF JOHANN,

DOCTOR AND PUBLIC PROFESSOR OF SACRED THEOLOGY

original: "SS. Theol. D. et PP." Johann Ernst (1621–1668) followed in his father's footsteps as a prominent theologian at the University of Jena.

With the PRIVILEGE An ornate oval printer's device featuring a central figure standing in a landscape, holding a long staff or shepherd's crook. The figure is surrounded by an oval border containing the motto: ALL MY GOODS ARE THE GIFTS OF GOD (original Latin: "Omnia mea bona sunt Dei dona"). The device is topped with a decorative flourish and sits upon a small pedestal containing a monogram or symbol. of His Holy Imperial Majesty.
A "Privilege" was an early form of copyright granted by the Emperor to protect the printer from unauthorized reprints.

JENA,

Printed and Published by GEORG SENGENWALD.

IN THE YEAR 1661.