...which was almost obscured by dust and filth. Let whoever wishes read this little book, and then say whether theology among us is new or old; for this book is not new. But perhaps they will say (as they have before) that we are "German theologians." Let it be so. I thank God that I hear and find my God in the German tongue as I—and others with me—have not found Him until now, neither in the Latin, Greek, nor Hebrew tongues. ☞ May God grant that more of these little books come to light; then we shall find that the German theologians are, without a doubt, the best theologians, etc.

A decorative woodcut initial 'D' containing floral motifs and leaves.
This little book was spoken by the almighty eternal God through a wise, understanding, truthful, and righteous man, His friend, who long ago was a Teutonic Knight Teütscher herr; a member of the Teutonic Order, a religious-military order, a priest and a warden Custos; an administrative official in a religious house in the house of the Teutonic Knights at Frankfurt. It teaches many lovely distinctions of divine truth, and especially how, where, and by what means one may recognize the true, righteous friends of God, and also the unrighteous, false "free spirits" freyen geist; a term for mystical movements often accused of believing they were above moral laws, who are very harmful to the holy Church.

The Table of Contents Follows.

¶ First: What the "perfect" is and what the "parts" are, and how the parts are set aside when the perfect comes. A reference to 1 Corinthians 13:10: "But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."
☞ Second: What sin is, and how one should not claim any good for oneself, because it belongs to the true Good alone.
¶ Third: How humanity's fall and turning away must be mended, even as Adam’s fall was.
¶ Fourth: How a person falls by assuming and taking some good for themselves, and thereby robs God of His honor.