Inasmuch

as many have undertaken
to compile a narrative of the things
which have been accomplished among us,
just as they were delivered to us
by those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word,
it seemed good to me also,
having followed all things closely for some time past,
to write an orderly account for you,
most excellent Theophilus (lover of God),
that you may know the truth
concerning the things
of which you have been informed.
The first four verses
of the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke