Preface. 22

...written in the High German language, and afterwards translated into Dutch. From there, it has now been sought out and brought to light once more out of love for the book—indeed, for the edification Spiritual improvement or guidance. of many simple hearts A term often used in Pietist literature to describe devout believers who prioritized sincere faith over intellectual complexity. and to promote the glory of God—because almost no copies were still available. For while people today publish other bickering and contentious disputes—in which, may God improve it, our theology original: "Theologia" mostly consists, and has been published for so many years and for so long, as all people witness, until finally one has had enough of bickering and quarreling: it is therefore a thousand times more useful and necessary to publish this and similar treatises original: "Tractat", so that gradually a true, living, and powerful Christianity original: "Krafft-Christenthumb"; refers to a faith defined by inner spiritual power rather than outward ritual. might come into vogue, and today's hypocritical appearance—