Apodeixis, Antichristianismi

A rectangular woodcut ornament features two putti flanking a central caduceus and lyre motif.

Decorative drop cap 'Q'Although that famous argument concerning the Antichrist has been treated in this age by many in various ways, and by some learnedly: their industry or diligence has not in the least deterred me from publishing my own judgment on the matter. I have thought it most useful that so grave and necessarily known a mystery should be frequently examined and variously expounded, so that lovers of true piety, even the unlearned, might finally have something explicit and certain to embrace without any doubt. But as to why I follow the method I am about to describe, I was moved especially by this: that after the light of the Gospel—which in this time it has pleased God (whose goodness is infinite) to bring forth—I see not without sorrow that few open their eyes to look upon, embrace, and follow it; but that many, as the reality itself testifies, still praise and admire those former darknesses of Papism with misguided judgment. The way I take, unless I am greatly mistaken, is as certain as it is manifest and easy.