De consolatione ethnica et christiana, censura theologica

I.

A decorative drop cap P is used.It is our purpose, σὺν χάριτι with grace, to demonstrate that Ethnic Consolations, if compared with ours which are sought from the doctrine of Christ Jesus, are of little value and use, and are therefore quite worthless if they are set against the more than gem-like Christian Consolations. May that Paraclete original: παράκλητος; a title for the Holy Spirit as Comforter/Advocate—whom Christ Jesus our Lord also sends to us from the Father, I say that Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father (John 15:26)—grant that we speak only what is true and salutary, and that we defend it in this sacred συζητήσει discussion/debate. Amen.

II.

And so that it may be clear to pious and ingenious Youth from the beginning regarding the particular Method which we have used so that we might indicate many things in few words: we will put forward a causal definition, so that what is different between Ethnic and Christian Consolation, and why the latter is to be preferred to the former on many counts, might become manifest. For that which consists of order is beautiful, as Augustine judged, because it can be rightly judged, apprehended with less effort, stored in the high mind, and easily transferred to use.

III.

Ethnic Consolation is a relief and ἀλεξιφάρμακον antidote for the human Soul, originating from man, in the name of sadness, fear, or some other perturbation, sickly: moving itself through adapted speech from the contemplation of evil: for the sake of soothing and wiping away pain: so that a man might not suffer human things turbulently: which is only as much as there is strength and nerve in each person's Soul, as Cicero has learnedly taught in various places.