To the honorable, respectable,

and well-regarded worthy guild and trade association of innkeepers, people, taverners, and those belonging to and associated with this guild in the Imperial and Royal City of Breslau in Silesia, etc., my highly favored masters and friends.

A large, ornate decorative drop cap letter 'G' features intricate scrollwork and floral flourishes filling a square frame.Highly favored masters and good friends: Although it is as clear and evident as the bright midday sun that man is subject to many thousands of misfortunes in his life, one still finds people who are so callous and self-assured that they think of this little, or very rarely. Conversely, there is no doubt that the contemplation of this weakness and frailty of ours stimulates and moves man toward a greater fear of God and a more honorable way of living. Therefore, those who provide the cause and guidance for man to engage in such contemplation, and who write of this daily, do well and act rightly.