Complete Theological Works

TO THE READER.

...[as] is evident from parts of his own writings. And on this foundation, he has diligently—alongside his fellow servants who were of his time, such as Dirck Philips A key Anabaptist elder and writer who worked closely with Menno Simons to organize the movement. and others—sought to build and establish the House of the Lord, where it had been broken down and cast down by the envious Papists original: Pausgeſinde; those loyal to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church. and other adversaries. He has thoroughly expressed and described his understanding, his faith, and his teaching, which he presented to the people in his time, in these following books for the instruction of all well-meaning people. In these, one can clearly see with what weapons he fought, and what battle he waged: against the Scholars or Disputers of this world, against the lords and rulers of darkness, and against all sects and schismatics original: Afdeelders; literally "dividers," referring to those who caused splits within the budding Reformation movements. who set themselves against the teaching of Christ and his Apostles.

Furthermore, [it is shown] that he, and those who have obtained a like faith with him, are not of those from Münster The Münster Rebellion (1534–1535) was a violent takeover by radical Anabaptists. Menno Simons spent much of his career distinguishing his peaceful followers from these "vremde Secten" (strange sects) to avoid persecution., or of any strange sects or errors that have established themselves outside the house of God—though the envious often falsely label them as such. Rather, they have stood and still stand on the true foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, of which Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone original: Hoeckſteen.. We hope that every godly reader, if they hold these books against God's pure Word, will be able to judge and understand this well. To this end, we wish that God the merciful Father will give His blessing and grace, through His dear Son Jesus Christ, our only Savior and Redeemer original: Salighmaker; literally "one who makes holy/blessed.", Amen.