Nice 2 volume set of the first German edition of the systematical theological classic by Noel Alexandre (Alexander Natalis), immensly learned French historian and theologian of the Order of St. Dominic. He studied philosophy and theology in the convent of Saint Jacques, Paris, where he afterwards taught for twelve years, during which time he gained some renown as a preacher. In 1672 he obtained the licentiate from the Sorbonne, and in 1675, the doctorate. About this time he attracted much attention by writing against Launoy on the subject of simony. He published at Paris, in 1677, the first volume of his Magnum Opus, bearing the general title "Selecta historiae ecclesiasticae capita et in loca ejusdem insignia dissertations historicae, criticae, dogmaticae", in which he treated of the first century of Christianity. His directness and conciseness, his critical acumen, and his manner of viewing history and dividing it into special studies (then quite original, although now common enough) won for him the approbation of the learned and the verdict of Rome who placed his works on the index. Upon the completion of his historical dissertation Father Alexander turned his attention for some years to strictly theological studies. "Über seine kirchenhistorischen Studien hinaus schrieb N.A. eine Fülle von viel beachteten Arbeiten in allen Gebieten der Theologie (Biogr.-Bibl. Kirchenlexikon VI, 972-77)." Alexandre's principal contribution to theological literature is his "Theologia Moralis" a commentary on the "Catechismus Romanus" by the the Council of Trent, first published in 1694. It was vehemently critisized by the jesuits as it went against their casuistic method. VD17 12:122186C; Michaud, I, p. 536v; Hurter, II, 1085; Small stamp on title, some parts paperspotted, pagenumbers 635-644 in vol. I omitted, text complete, else sound and nice copy