Lusthof des Gemoets (Pleasure Garden of the Heart) is a Dutch Mennonite hymnary, published in 1732 at Groningen, with an introduction by Alle Derks. This hymnbook, which was to replace an older songbook, was used by the Groningen Old Flemish until about 1830. It contains 139 "schriftuirlycke liedekens" (Scriptural songs) borrowed from other hymnaries and without notes, being intended for public meetings and also, as is said in the title and in the introduction, "to be read to refresh the souls." It is followed by an appendix, called Agter-Hofje (Back Yard), of which two editions 1732 and 1736 are known, both at Groningen. This Agter-Hofje contains 51 hymns with notes; it has a short preface by Alle Derks.                                       

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 3, p. 415. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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