Preface.

...those who walk in these inner ways of the Spirit should take great care not to misuse the figures of speech in these writings in a carnal sense to excuse their own hardness of heart hardness of heart: a theological term for a state of spiritual stubbornness or resistance to divine grace, for by doing so they would only heap damnation upon themselves. For these testimonies are by no means written for such people, but rather only for the comfort, encouragement, and as a means of help for childlike, simple, and sincere souls who are currently enduring difficult trials and temptations temptations: here referring to 'Anfechtungen,' or deep spiritual crises and feelings of abandonment by God. These are souls who strive for the pure love of GOD with their whole heart, and who would much rather suffer death and every kind of martyrdom a thousand times over than consent to even the slightest sin.

However, so that the kind reader may also have some information about the author of these excellent testimonies, I will share here in the German language the entire preface that was placed before the four volumes.

Since the writings of Mr. Bernieres Jean de Bernières-Louvigny (1602–1659), a French mystic and influential figure in the development of Quietism have been received with such great esteem by all those who walk in the inner ways and in the