Introduction to the Work, Described Historically.

The holy, unique, eternal Divine being, which is the origin of all things, beholding through the mirror of His Divine wisdom the entire world in its darkness and covered with the mists of sin: foresaw, therefore, through His merciful love, a means by which the fallen human race might be set right again, and the gate of life be opened; which was: namely, that He would send down His Eternal Word, the light of His wisdom, in a human form, and through the same not only teach and instruct, but also, through His very life and conduct, set an exemplary image original: "exemplaer beelt," meaning a perfect model or archetype to be imitated of all holiness and perfect virtues; furthermore, through His sacrifice, provide an eternal reconciliation original: "versoeningh," referring to the theological concept of atonement and certain entrance into life for those who would believe in His name.

From this bright and clear Sun, which would reveal itself in its proper time, there sometimes came certain glimmers and rays; such that the pious, who were sighing under the burden of sins, turning their eyes hither and thither, often thought they had now found the true Savior of Salvation, even according to the light that appeared to them at that time. For God, in His hidden holy being, did not cease to comfort the world with this and to sustain it through promises, so that they, being awakened by a living hope, would always look toward His Fatherly goodness and receive from His hand the blessing of their Salvation; and so that they would not grow faint through the long-lasting expectation, nor be drawn into unbelief by the cunning of the Devil, this being the root of all