The top of the page features a decorative header consisting of three circular floral ornaments at the very top, followed by a wide band of repeating typographical fleurons (cross-shaped ornaments) arranged in four rows. The main text begins with a large, square woodcut decorative initial 'P' containing intricate floral and vine patterns.

Preface.

Paradox, original: "Paradoxon." In Franck's radical theology, a paradox is a spiritual truth that appears contradictory, absurd, or false to human reason and the "world," but is fundamentally true in the eyes of God. dear
friends and bro-
thers, is what the
Greeks call a say-
ing, which is nonethe-
less certain and true,
but which the whole world, and
all who live according to human nature,
consider to be anything but true:
Such as: that only the
wise and the godly are rich; that
a Christian cannot sin and
die; likewise, that God’s
commandment is easy, and
to keep it is not difficult;
that the Cross The "Cross" represents the trials, suffering, and self-denial required of a believer, which Franck identifies as a source of spiritual joy and "good fortune" rather than a burden. is good fortune

)( 3

be/ original: "sey/." This is the catchword for the following page, completing the sentence: "that the Cross is [blessedness/good fortune]."