FOREWORD.

...could not prevent that sometimes, from the abundance of the heart, his mouth would speak and his hand would write the same thing. A reference to Matthew 12:34: "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Judge this work without passion, dear reader, and never forget what Jesus Christ tells us all in Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

An ornamental woodcut tailpiece featuring a central lion's head or grotesque mask flanked by floral scrolls and foliage.

CURIOUS HISTORY

of the Life, Conduct, and

true sentiments of

Mr. JEAN DE LABADIE.

What a learned Father of the Early Church Likely a reference to St. Jerome or another patristic writer who commented on the nature of various nations. once said of France—that it was in a position to supply the world with men of eloquence and courage—could be said in some way of our United Provinces The Dutch Republic (the Netherlands).: that they have always had the honor of seeing illustrious men shine within their borders, who in eloquence and strength never yielded to those of ancient Rome, and much less to those of modern France. Without it being necessary to mark famous names on paper—which are so well engraved on marble that time will have difficulty erasing them—we will content ourselves with painting the portrait of a man of reputation and great notoriety The original French "grand bruit" literally means "great noise," suggesting someone who was the subject of much gossip or public debate. who, although a native of France, nevertheless had the kindness to come to us to be naturalized in as many ways as he thought possible. This is Mr. Jean de Labadie, so well known in France and in these Provinces that it seems almost useless to provide a vivid por- The catchword "ture," on the original page completes the French word "peinture," meaning portrait or painting.