The Preface to the Reader.

They erred, not knowing the Scriptures, etc.

Others again, the mysterious Antichrist in Babel original: "Babel" — a reference to Babylon, representing spiritual confusion and false religion., through a selfish illumination original: "illumination" — a claim of divine insight or enlightenment. and blind persuasion, has so deeply captured and imprisoned—indeed, bewildered and bewitched—people in his mystery of iniquity and hypocrisy, that they not only take it upon themselves to despise original: "contemne" and condemn all that seem to contradict their received principles and opinions, but from the workings of the unclean Pharisaical spirit within them, they will draw strange conclusions and perverted meanings from the words and works of others to make them hateful and disgusting. These people are like toads that turn everything they eat into poisonous nourishment, which they then spit out again upon anyone who even touches them.

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There are also others who are very greedy and eager to read books to better and improve their knowledge; however, their simple, well-meaning minds are so darkened and possessed by the principles, mental idols, and opinions of their approved masters, and they have so chained, devoted, and sacrificed their consciences to them in blindfolded hypocrisy, that nothing can make any true impression upon them except for that which speaks for, pleads for, and maintains their cause, their way, or their sect, to which they have given themselves over. They will hold and believe those things simply because they choose to, or because such and such people—of whom they have a good opinion—[opinion...]