Now, although the way of truth, through which God leads us to heavenly bliss, has been wonderfully described in the Holy Scriptures by the Holy Spirit, confirmed by the blood of Christ and countless martyrs, and declared most effectively by the teachings of the holy Roman Church and its most excellent doctors, its knowledge seems to be completely extinct in our times, either through negligence or contempt, because men blinded by malice or tepidity love darkness rather than light. This is why, while we preach the truth of Christ and His simplicity, some have awakened from a deep sleep and adhered to it with constancy; others, however, not wanting to abandon the custom of their ceremonies and neglecting the inner purification of the heart in the manner of the Jews, have despised the simplicity of Christ. These men continually oppose us and, going around from house to house, seek with all their might to corrupt the simple. Still others, refusing to listen to the truth, which is contrary to their perverse customs known by all throughout the world, persecute us not only with the tongue but also with the sword.
