Preface

But whoever desires to have some particular information concerning Mr. Bertot Jean de Bertot (1622–1681) was a French priest and a significant figure in the development of Quietism; he was a mentor to Madame Guyon, will find the specifics of it in a short essay which comprises everything that could be learned about him; therefore, we attach the said essay here word-for-word, just as it was shared with us.

“Mr. Bertot was born in the parish of Coutances in Normandy, and was ordained as a priest there. He was a great friend of the late Mr. de Bernières Louvigny Jean de Bernières-Louvigny (1602–1659), a layman and mystic whose work The Interior Christian was highly influential in 17th-century French spirituality, Treasurer of the Crown of France in Caen, who is so well known for his spiritual writings and who died on May 13, 1659, with the reputation of a holy man. After the death of this dear friend of his, whom he regarded as his spiritual father, Mr. Bertot applied himself to guiding souls in various convents original: "Nonnen Clöstern". Many others, both women and men (some of whom held very important positions original: "Chargen"; referring to high-ranking military or court offices at court and in the army), sought his counsel in order to learn from him the paths of
„Salvation original: "Heyls"; this is a catchword, a fragment of the first word of the following page, provided by the printer to ensure the pages were assembled in the correct order