The Waldensian Confession

PREFACE

...they feared that, having been given such an opportunity, they would be attacked by you in even more writings. For that man The Latin text uses "N." as a placeholder for a specific name, likely to protect the identity of the person who intercepted the secret document., whose letter is being sent, somehow managed to obtain this copy—I truly do not know by what craft—and he desires with all his heart that you respond to it. I earnestly pray that you do not neglect this, since the GREATEST NECESSITY OF THE CHURCH absolutely requires it, especially in POLAND, where many are being led astray by that Sect. Benedictus Morgenstern A Lutheran polemicist (1525–1599) known for his fierce defense of Lutheran orthodoxy against both Calvinists and the Bohemian Brethren., Pastor of the Church of Graudenz Modern-day Grudziądz, Poland. in PRUSSIA, also fights against these same people; those hypocrites have also built their "little nests" original: "nidulos"; a derogatory reference to the small, often secret communities or meeting houses established by the Bohemian Brethren. there, etc.

From these letters, as well as from the similar support and praise of many good men which could be brought forward at any time, it is clearly seen that my little book has until now not lacked purpose, and was indeed necessary for our churches. Furthermore, from the many testimonies of both nobles and commoners, as well as learned and unlearned men, the wicked efforts and tricks of those "Brothers" Referring to the "Bohemian Brethren" or Unitas Fratrum. are being revealed more and more. They have long used these schemes to entice and lure our listeners into their society; yet, despite so many trustworthy testimonies and even direct experience—or rather, ocular proof—they dare to shamelessly original Greek: "ἀναιδημόνως" (anaidēmonōs) deny these things throughout their whole Response original: "Responsio"; the formal written rebuttal published by the Brethren against the author. published against me. From this it is also understood, not si-