DEDICATION

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...harlot original: "retricis." This is the conclusion of the word meretricis from the preceding page., he casts this reproach upon it. Furthermore, throughout his entire historical work, and in keeping with his Pietistic modesty The author uses the phrase "Pietistic modesty" sarcastically to mock the Pietists, a movement that emphasized individual piety over ritual, whom the author views as arrogant for judging the established church., he labels all Lutherans as heretics and pagans, sometimes even calling them Epicureans Epicureans: In this period, this was a derogatory label for people perceived as lacking religious fear or living only for worldly pleasure, rather than a reference to the ancient Greek philosophy. and Atheists. Indeed, he is entirely focused on persuading the unlearned that the truth of religion should be judged based on the behavior of its teachers rather than on the doctrine doctrine: The official set of beliefs and teachings of the church. itself. For this reason, he attacks the faithful ministers of GOD original: "DEI ministros." who fight bravely for the faith once delivered to them; without distinction, he heaps upon them insults, curses, and the most shameful...