Mystery of the Cross

THE AUTHOR TO THE READER.

The Author is in harmony with the theme he has undertaken: original Latin: "A Se suscepto cum themate congruit Author"
It is fitting for one writing about the Cross to stand beneath the Cross. The author is likely referring to his imprisonment at Sonnenstein, suggesting that he is not just writing about suffering theoretically, but experiencing it as he writes.
If the Reader should perchance ask why he writes about the Cross?
He wishes to alleviate the Cross through his writings along with the Cross.
Christ alleviates it: He crowns the smallest and sweet crosses,
When we carry our crosses with a heart united to Him.
Hence the Cross received from the hand of the Lord, with a willing heart
Is borne as a sweet yoke and a light burden. This imagery draws from Matthew 11:30: "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

As for me, God forbid that I should boast, except in the Cross of our Lord JESUS Christ, by which the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians VI. v. 14.

Whoever wants to come after me, let him renounce himself, and carry his Cross, and follow me. Matthew XVI. v. 24.