First edition of the French translation conducted on the original edition, in Latin, published in 1717. He was considered the most expert German theologian of the time. He professed an eclecticism in philosophy that was based on the knowledge of history but recognized Descartes as the greatest philosopher of the time and attacked the atheist Spinoza (with this treatise) especially following the supporters of natural laws, such as Hugh Grotius, Samuel Pufendorf and Christian Thomasius. His work made history in the history of the Lutheran Church, especially that pertaining to the Old Testament and the apostolic age. Overall, Buddeus' life is placed in the transitional period following that of simple orthodoxy; there appears the influence of a new age and new interests, and he himself seems to be aware of this change. In biblical criticism it is available only in small concessions, since a single changed verse calls into question the whole. A successful academic, his writing is attractive and poignant