Autobiography

...with the incomparable herald of true Christianity () Johann Arndt (1555–1621), whose work "True Christianity" emphasized personal piety and internal transformation over mere dogmatic adherence., and with Johann Gerhard () One of the most significant Lutheran scholastic theologians of the 17th century., the exceptional theologian, I judged more fairly and gently than some of our own (), and expressed my opinion both privately and publicly. To him Arndt I owe the fact that—through God’s grace—I rose from the superficial theory of religion and the more dissolute life, which wraps itself in sterile faith, to true practice and an active faith; thereafter I also encouraged others, whom I found in the same state of lethargy original: "Schlafsucht"; literally "sleeping sickness," used here to describe a state of spiritual indifference or lukewarmness., and sought to pull them out through those efforts and services that are well-known. My reward was injustice, mockery, and scorn, which I endured through a great part of my life.

Now, although this reward—just as it was for the prophets of old, and after them the apostles—is still today granted to all faithful ser-

() Instead of the original: "Viri Christianissimi præcone" "herald of the most Christian man," one must read original: "Veri Christianissimi præc." "herald of the most true Christianity." Incidentally, A. [Arndt] was born in the year 1555 and died in Celle in 1621.
() Born in the year 1582, and died in Jena in 1637.
() Namely the Tübingen Chancellor, Lucas Osiander, who found all possible heresies in him.