A decorative woodcut headpiece with ornate, symmetrical floral and foliate scrolls forming a horizontal decorative band at the top of the page.

FORERUNNER original: "PRODROMUS",

To the Favorable Reader / and all loyal German Patriots, for necessary brief information.

A large decorative drop-cap initial 'I' within a square frame, embellished with intricate leafy flourishes and floral patterns.

In what a sorrowful and dangerous con-
dition the German Nation / our
beloved Fatherland / and above all /
the common Protestant Evangelical Cause|The term 'Evangelical' (Evangelische Wesen) refers to the Lutheran and Reformed Protestant movements
has fallen / requires no elabo-
ration; the painful evidence makes
it plain to see / and what is worst / that there are few /
who rightly consider the true origin of all this evil / as well as
the long-intended / actual purpose of the opposing side /
to re-introduce the Papacy / and to root out the Protestants /
as supposed heretics / or even to take up
a heroic courage with upright German zeal /
as our praiseworthy ancestors did in similar upheavals original: "revolutionen" /
to stand in the breach / and to check the course of
Papal / and Spanish tyranny / and to drive it
back.

One part lets themselves / with good smooth words /
with empty consolations / with private interests
be blinded / many let themselves be led astray
through false, devious information / as is commonly...