A Brief Opening of the Three Principles and Worlds in Man

...made subject, as I have well experienced in my long years of earnest struggle original: "Kampf"; a common Pietist term for the grueling internal battle between the "old man" (sinful nature) and the "new man" (spiritual nature)..

6. And it is not enough that many a person begins with a good intention and earnestness, and even perseveres therein for eight, nine, ten, or more years, and finally gives way through carelessness, offending original: "ärgert"; here used in the older sense of "causing to stumble" or creating a spiritual obstacle for others. not only themselves but also other weak hearts, and plunging with them into eternal ruin;

7. But he must sacrifice his whole lifetime to the Lord, surrendering himself eternally to Him with body, soul, and spirit, as well as with property and blood; and consider that he has been called by God out of pure grace into the New Birth original: "Wiedergeburt"; the central mystical experience of spiritual transformation, where the believer is "born again" into a divine life., and has promised eternal faithfulness and steadfastness to his God, being bound to stand firm by his head, Christ original: "Christo"; Latin dative case., and to lay down his life for his testimony of the truth.

8. And what might it profit a man that he loves his earthly life and seeks to preserve it? It is fragile after all, and will finally be lost according to Christ’s saying original: "Christi Ausspruch"; referring to Matthew 16:25, "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it...". It is much better that one does not put his hand to the plow An allusion to Luke 9:62: "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." and waits patiently in his simplicity for the Lord’s call, or if one is indeed in the