5The Pearl of Christian Comfort is a dialogue between a mature believer and a young Christian designed "for the instruction and consolation of all troubles hearts who are not properly able to distinguish between the law and the gospel." Petrus Dathenus (1531-1588) masterfully sets forth the relationship between faith and works in an evangelical and experimental manner typical of the early period of the Dutch Second Reformation. This succinct treatise lets the light of Scripture shine clearly on the practical issues involved in teaching and living the doctrines of sovereign grace.