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To the Despisers.

Although it causes no loss to my health or condition if someone holds what I have written in contempt or disparages it; nevertheless, to everyone who finds this not to their liking (as it is impossible to satisfy all complexions In the 17th century, "complexion" referred to a person's physical and mental temperament or personality type at once and be pleasing to all), it is my friendly admonition that he should not display his partisan head original: partheyischen Kopf; meaning a narrow-minded or biased attitude against it. Instead, he should at least show humanity original: humanitæt; here meaning basic civility and common courtesy and not hinder others who look upon it more gladly than he does, so that it may reach their hands without his opposition—which, to my knowledge, does him no harm, unless it be that he enjoys some easily-severed private profit likely referring to professional or financial gain from the religious status quo and fears that it might be hindered by this work.

But to the others, to whom this is not only pleasing but who also feel a co-witnessing in their conscience that it is the truth: I beg you, through the dear God and Lord of us all, who provides for all people in the whole world with equal love, that they would strive and meditate with all the powers of their understanding and ability upon the means and ways by which love among men—one toward another, and also of men toward God—might be more greatly kindled. For at this present time, love is almost entirely extinguished and has transformed into an inhuman cruelty of one brother against another. In my estimation, the priests and teachers of all religions and sects, none excepted, bear no small blame for this, because they keep the hearts of their listeners always preoccupied original: præoccupirt; filled or biased in advance and prejudiced with hatred and loathing against others who are not of their confession religious denomination or specific set of beliefs. Were it not for this, there would often be better and friendlier blood among men.

Indeed, nature teaches almost all nations this lesson, as they allow the produce of their land, their wares, and manufactures to go to other nations regardless of what religion they are; and likewise, they gladly accept and use the gifts of God that come to them from other lands. Yes, many quarrelsome teachers themselves drink the wine and beverages of the very kingdom whose inhabitants they consider damned because of "wrong" religion (as they see it), nor do they despise the minted coin of a people for their own necessities, though they recognize those same people as heretics original: Ketzer; those holding "false" religious opinions. Nevertheless, they are often so fierce and embittered against those same fellow humans who seem heretical to them—whose land, produce, wine, money, cloth, etc., they themselves use—that they would not be unwilling to see them completely rooted out. This, however, is entirely against God; and those who wish to be born of Him must also be full of Divine mercy original: Barmherzigkeit toward friends and enemies alike. Let the lovers of truth strive to help spread such things.