De vero Christianismo libri quatuor, Latine versi (Four Books on True Christianity, Translated into Latin)
Leipzig: Gleditsch the Elder, 1704. Revised and annotated edition. Hardcover. Four parts, long duodecimo (17 by 7 cm). [46: title; dedication; reader's preface; author's introduction; contents], 1344 pp. Title in red and black; engraved frontisportrait; printed marginalia. Contemporary vellum wrapped in decorative paper covers with gilt morocco lettering piece. Edges stained red. Small worm trace at bottom margin early leaves; occasional faint dust soiling. A very good, clean copy.
Revised and annotated Latin edition of this influential theological work, which has been called an "Evangelical Imitatio Christi," first published in German at Braunschweig between 1606 and 1609, in four parts. The pastor and writer Johann Arndt (1555-1621) attained his highest professional position in 1611 as general superintendent and court preacher in Celle. "Arndt tried to breathe new life into the rapidly petrifying Lutheran church, to which he nevertheless remained true... [H]e meant to revive the active moral forces in Christianity and showed little interest for dogma, his sole effort being directed toward the re-establishment of a closer relationship between man and God. The Pietists renewed the interest in Arndt's works and regarded him as their predecessor. Paul Gerhardt was deeply influenced by Arndt" (Faber du Faur, pp. 28-29). "Drawing on medieval mysticism (Bernhard, Angela von Foligno, Tauler, Thomas von Kempen, Theologia Deutsch) and Valentin Weigel, Arndt emphasized the subjective (living) faith in Christ... He always maintained his orthodoxy, and not wrongly, even though his emphasis on the unity of faith and ethics was modeled more on mysticism than on Luther. So he found joyful approval and bitter hostility in the ranks of the orthodox Lutherans... The extent to which Arndt, despite the mystical-ethical features, hit a sore spot in Orthodox doctrinal law with his portrayal of Christian life is shown by the deep impact of his writings, which extended into Catholicism and were translated into almost all European languages and have been continually republished up to the present day" (NDB). Very good. Item #54319
References: Faber du Faur, German Baroque Literature, pp. 28-29, cf. nos. 109/111 (German language eds. 1712/1755); NDB 1 (1953); VD18 12919535
Full title and imprint: De vero Christianismo libri quatuor, Latine versi, nunc accurato studio revisi, et cum adnotationibus, adhuc ineditis theilogi celeberrimi, Io. Georg. Dorschei, D. ed. a Io. Georgio Pritio, D. Lipsiae, sumtibus Gleditschii Senioris. MDCCIV.
Price: $375.00