Text.Bapst.1605-01.!2r/Translation
To the Honorable, Esteemed, and Wise Mr. Paul Bapst, Council Member and Syndic of the City of Leipzig, My Very Gracious Lord and Friend,
Honorable, Esteemed, and Wise, Very Gracious Lord and Friend, The Holy Scriptures remind us through a parable by Lord Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, that every person should not bury their talents or gifts given and entrusted to them by Divine Majesty, but should invest them wisely and generate benefit. Although this teaching of Lord Christ primarily focuses on the Divine Word, it can also be applied to all gifts that God has bestowed upon humans in various but distinct ways.
Therefore, among other things, we are reminded to first use the high gifts we receive from Divine Providence to honor God, in whatever way possible. Then, to use them for the benefit and betterment of humanity, serving and aiding in both secular and domestic spheres.
This teaching of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was particularly practiced with great benefit by the Reverend and Learned Mr. Michaël Bapst, the late parish priest of Möhern (the Lord's brother), who remained steadfast in it and ended his life blessedly.
For he first returned the gifts he had received from God not only back to God but also used them to multiply God's glory, seeking His honor and spreading His divine name. And as he devoted himself to theology, God not only blessed him in this endeavor but also, after placing him in a church office, granted him divine grace and fruitful growth in spreading His holy word, allowing him to teach and preach the Divine Word to his parishioners with remarkable benefit, improving their lives without fail. In his calling, he remained steadfast, diligent, and fervently devoted to the true word of God until his peaceful end.
Secondly, having received wonderful gifts from God, he dedicated himself to raising and educating the blooming youth in the fear of God and in good arts. Alongside his duties, he established a school or seminary of piety and learning, to which Christ granted His grace and blessing, allowing him to educate many learned individuals who later served churches and schools beneficially. His institution was so beneficial to the youth that even prominent individuals were persuaded to send their children from prestigious city schools to his, entrusting them to his discipline, which always proved successful.
Thirdly, having a special inclination and passion for nature and medicine, he spent his remaining time, when not performing his duties and caring for the youth's education, in relaxation and enjoyment, reading through histories, natural sciences, and medical books, wandering through them as if in a garden, not just for pleasure but like a delicate bee, selecting the most beautiful and sweetest flowers and fruits. Although he pursued this work with special delight and pleasure, he did not want to keep its benefits to himself but allowed his "little spring" to flow onto his neighbor's field, leading him to publish his work for the public good. As his work was well-received by everyone, he was further motivated to continue in this endeavor, which he pursued with pleasure until his death.
He was prompted to undertake this last work because, while serving in his official capacity, he sat among juniper bushes and thus established a juniper garden, gathering and reading various authors' writings on the subject, planting what would adorn such a garden and what was necessary for its cultivation. He did not publish this work during his lifetime but left it for posthumous publication, deeming it worthy of being brought to light. I have overseen this posthumous manuscript for the common good and facilitated its publication. Since the author (blessed) did not write a preface, I wanted to recount this in praise and memory of the author.
Since this work is not mine, it could have been published in the name of the heirs, but that was not feasible. However, to maintain the name and friendship, I was prompted to publish and release this posthumous Juniperetum in the Lord's name for the reasons mentioned above and so that the reputation of this booklet might have a certain and reliable patron alongside me. I have no doubt that the work will praise its master itself, but when other knowledgeable people endorse it with their testimony, it tends to be more acceptable to the reader. May the Lord kindly and in friendship accept this well-intended dedication from me. I am always willing to be indebted to the Lord as much as I can and commend us both to the Divine Almighty. On the Day of the Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ, Anno 1605.
Your Honorable's Willing Servant, Joachimus Tanckius, Doctor and Professor at the University of Leipzig.
