THE "RECI BESEDNI"
73
first one, with purely theoIt will be unnecessary to deal with logical subjects. them in detail, as Stitny's later work gives us a clearer insight into his theological views. It is easily noticeable that Stitny's studies gradually become more profound, and there is a marked difference between the simple and homely manner in which the books Of General Christian Matters are written and the more learned and more ters
again
deal, like the
is
is
a
a
is,
brilliant style of the Reii Besedni. The ReH Besedni, which we may translate into Enghsh by "Learned Entertainments," also known as Rozmluvy ndbohn^, "Religious Conversations," is the second great work of Stitny, and according to most A considerable Bohemian critics his masterpiece. number of MSS. containing the "Religious Conversations," both separately and together with the other works of Stitny, have been preserved, and we have two versions that differ considerably, the author having re-written his work as he did the books Of General Extracts from the book were Christian Matters also. printed some years ago, but it was only in 1897 that Professor Hattala published a complete edition of the Reci Besedni. The work like all the writings of Stitny, mainly theological treatise, but philosophy, then of considerable course the handmaiden of theology, has share in this book. The study of Aristotle and of numerous scholastic writers very evident, but, speaking generally, Stitny must be classed among the realists in He has, however, distinction from the nominalists. incorporated with his book such numerous quotations, or rather extracts, from other writers, that his system appears somewhat eclectic. an attempt to The general purpose of the book
