PREFACE.

...has made himself known in such a living, pure, and penetrating way to those who have loved and obeyed him, that they have not been able to lose the memory and deep impression of it, nor, by the Lord’s graceDutch: genade. A central concept in Labadist theology, emphasizing that spiritual progress is a gift from God rather than a human achievement., shall they ever lose it.

As for me, I gladly let those who constantly observe my life and conduct judge whether my actions or manner of proceeding are as domineering and enslaving as Dominie KoelmanJacobus Koelman (1632–1695), a Dutch Reformed minister who initially supported the Labadists but later became their most prominent critic, accusing them of sectarianism and authoritarianism. and others would have people believe. Through the Lord’s grace, I take to heart that it is in no way so; although I well feel that the fear that it might appear so to some must never cause me to abandon or diminish the rights of God and His truth: for that would then be a selfish fear, for which God might justly punish me. Through His grace, the Lord has 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 either to the self-centered and human spirit, nor to self-love, nor to self-will, since the will of God alone must reign over us and over others. If there were no lawful and holy order in a House or Congregation of GodDutch: Huys of Gemeynte Gods. This refers to the specific Labadist community, which lived together in a "household" (such as at Wieuwerd) to model the primitive Christian church., then it would not be what it is called. And those whom God specifically appoints to make Him reign in the midst of His people 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 professionDutch: professie. This refers to the formal commitment members made to live according to the community’s strict spiritual and communal rules. of it. The Lord knows that this is our guidance and way of acting—which people nevertheless try to make suspicious and hateful at every opportunity—and His Spirit gives us witness through His grace that we intend nothing but this in the sincerity of our hearts. This sincerity 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