The Epistle to the Reader.
implore you to undertake its patronage and defense so that, through your efforts, it may be safeguarded from the slanderous attacks of malicious individuals and the malevolence of the world, ensuring it remains unharmed.
As for this little volume, you will find a summary of its contents in the Epistle to the Reader. Regarding its style, it does not boast great erudition, wit, artistry, eloquence, or imaginative invention (for I have particularly considered the unlearned and ordinary folk, whose spiritual growth I primarily aim to foster). However, it does contain elements that may pique the interest of the learned and provide them with some satisfaction. Whatever it may be, I entrust it to your honour's judgement, imploring you to receive it kindly.
And now, I take my leave, bidding farewell with utmost humility. I commend both yourself, your esteemed wife, and your entire household to the merciful protection of the eternal God. From SouthShoobery in Essex. April 10, in the Year of Our Lord 1601.
Yours faithfully, at your service in the Lord, ARTHUR DENT.
The Epistle to the Reader.
Dear Reader, since my little Sermon on Repentance, which was published a few years ago, was well received, I have now published this Dialogue for your further benefit. It is the third product of my labor, and I hope it achieves similar success, bringing glory to God and providing comfort to you as the Reader. In a section of this
Dialogue, I have cited some ancient writers and even wise Heathens, who, under oath and in their own language, testify to the ugliness of certain vices that we, in this age, tend to overlook. I hope this does not offend anyone. In other parts of this work, I have mostly set aside
such references. However, in this particular case, I deemed them to be somewhat useful in illustrating this point: if we do not repent in time, forsake our sins, and seek after God, both the ancient Christian fathers (who did not see what we see or hear what we hear) and even the Heathens themselves will rise up to judge us. Therefore, let no one stumble because of this. But if anyone does, let them remember that I am in a Dialogue, not a Sermon. I write for everyone of all kinds, not just a few individuals of one group. Moreover, what I have done here is not much different from what the Apostle did when he said, "As some of your own poets have said" (Acts 17). It is permissible.
One thing, dear Christian, I beseech you to do: I ask that you do not read just two or three pages of this book and then cast it aside.
Instead, read it all the way through to the very end. I assure you, if there is anything worth reading, it is found in the latter part, particularly towards the conclusion. Therefore, do not be discouraged by the harshness of the beginning; expect smoother content in the middle, and the smoothest in the conclusion and wrap-up. This Dialogue does not possess the nature of a Tragedy, which begins with joy and ends with sorrow, but rather that of a Comedy, which begins with sorrow and ends with joy.
This book does not concern itself with controversies in the Church or matters of the Ecclesiastical establishment. Its sole focus is engaging in a dispute with Satan and sin. It is organized into six main sections.
First, it reveals the wretchedness of humanity in its natural state and presents the means of redemption. Secondly, it strongly denounces the wickedness of the present time and the prevalent corruptions of the world. Thirdly, it outlines the distinguishing characteristics of God's children and the Reprobates, along with the evident signs of salvation and damnation. Fourthly, it declares the difficulty of attaining eternal life and the rarity of those who will achieve it.
Fifthly, it exposes the ignorance prevalent in the world, addressing the objections raised by the same. Lastly, it proclaims the sweet
promises of the Gospel and the abundant mercy of God available to all who repent, believe, and genuinely turn to Him.
May the Author of all blessings bestow His blessing upon this work.
May the God of peace, who brought our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, back from the dead through the blood of the everlasting covenant, perfect us in all good works, sanctify us completely, correct all our imperfections, and keep us blameless until the day of His most glorious appearing. Amen.
Yours in the Lord, A.D.