in ecclesiastical history, denote those who espoused the sentiments of Daniel Hoffmann, professor of the university of Helmstadt, who, from the year 1598, maintained, that philosophy was a mortal enemy to religion; and that what was true in philosophy was false in theology. These absurd and pernicious tenets occasioned a warm and extensive controversy: at length Hoffmann was compelled by Julius duke of Brunswick to retract his invectives against philosophy, and to acknowledge, in the most open manner, the harmony and union of sound philosophy with true and genuine theology.