Preface!

and a lover of mankind / who
helps us out of all suffering original: "Creutz" (Cross). In Franck’s 16th-century context, "the Cross" refers to the trials, persecutions, and self-denial required of a true believer. / and
does not impose it / who provides
for us fortune and well-being / money /
honor / goods / long life /
a beautiful wife / children / etc.
This, in the New Testament, is
now the Devil / for which reason
the whole world takes him for
their God and Prince / as
the Scripture then calls him the
Prince and God of the world /
whom they love / praise / and
worship in their hearts / John 12, 14, 16;
2 Corinthians 4. These verses refer to the "Prince of this world" (John) and the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians) who blinds the minds of unbelievers. Conversely, what
the living GOD is / namely
a Spirit / and therefore /
according to His nature / against
the flesh / the world says / it is
the Devil / as is clearly seen
in the case of Christ in Luke 11, Matthew 12,
[and] John 8. In these Gospel passages, the religious authorities accuse Jesus of performing miracles by the power of Beelzebub (the Devil) rather than by God. Therefore the entire
world says in its heart / as
David speaks in Psalm 14 /
and not with the mouth (where