PREFACE.

...[he] taught [them] to know [the Lord] in a living, pure, and penetrating way—those who loved and heard him—so that they could never lose the memory and deep impression of it, nor, by the Lord's graceDutch: genade. A central concept for the Labadists, emphasizing that spiritual perseverance is a gift from God rather than a human effort., shall they ever lose it.

As for me, I gladly let those who constantly see my life and conduct judge whether my actions or way of doing things are as domineering and subjugating as Dominie KoelmanJacobus Koelman (1632–1695). Though he shared some of the Labadists' desires for church reform, he eventually wrote extensively against them, accusing them of sectarianism and spiritual pride. and others would have people believe. Through the Lord’s grace, I take it to heart that it is not so at all; although I do feel that the fear that some appearance might lead people to judge that it is so, must never make me abandon or diminish the right of God and His truth: for that would then be a selfish fear, for which God might rightly punish me.

The Lord has, through His grace, given us a tender and charitable heart for the souls who desire to please Him from the heart. But He also makes us see that we must be holily unyielding, so as not to yield to either the personal and human spirit, nor to self-love, nor to self-willDutch: eyge wille. In 17th-century Pietism, the "self-will" was seen as the primary obstacle to union with God; "yielding" or Gelatenheid was the desired state., as the will of God alone must rule over us and over others. If there were no lawful and holy order in a House or Community of GodDutch: Gemeynte Gods. The Labadists viewed their community as a "true" church of the reborn, distinct from the institutional Reformed Church., then it would not be what it is called. And those whom God specifically appoints to make Him rule in the midst of His own, must above all take to heart that He be obeyed and followed in everything, and that His Spirit guide and regulate the souls who make such a singular profession of it.

The Lord knows that this is our guidance and way of doing things, which people nevertheless try to make suspicious and hateful on every occasion; and His Spirit gives us testimony through His grace that we propose nothing but that alone in the sincerityDutch: oprechtigheyt. Referring to a state of being "upright" or "honest" before God, without hidden motives. of our hearts. The same is known to the Lord, since it is a gift of His mercyDutch: barmhertigheyt. and grace, and that is fully enough for us. Furthermore, we can say that love