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to_o the_o heavenly_a call_n but_o count_v all_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n though_o alas_o the_o number_n of_o such_o be_v lamentable_o small_a in_o all_o sort_n in_o fine_a let_v whosoever_o be_v weary_a and_o heaven_n load_v come_v resolute_o absolute_o and_o constant_o hither_o and_o he_o shall_v assure_o by_o divine_a assistance_n find_v rest_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o peace_n which_o the_o world_n can_v give_v nor_o take_v away_o even_o amid_o all_o outward_a adversity_n yea_o and_o inward_a tentation_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o the_o rhetoric_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o all_o the_o force_n and_o cunning_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n to_o unstable_a the_o foundation_n either_o mean_n or_o end_n if_o he_o continue_v faithful_a under_o christ_n yoke_n to_o pass_v further_o to_o a_o brief_a touch_n of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o many_o memorable_a thing_n in_o her_o life_n from_o her_o own_o manuscript_n and_o from_o the_o faithful_a and_o judicious_a record_n of_o her_o life_n continue_v antonia_n bourignon_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o city_n of_o lisle_n in_o flanders_n on_o the_o
life_n be_v with_o incomparable_a purity_n evidence_n clearness_n and_o solidity_n in_o that_o soul_n which_o thou_o do_v sanctify_v and_o be_v yet_o in_o her_o holy_a write_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n that_o be_v there_o recommend_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v the_o only_a and_o the_o true_a way_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o abandon_v ourselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o pure_a truth_n there_o be_v none_o lord_n there_o can_v be_v none_o other_o in_o heaven_n nor_o in_o earth_n there_o be_v none_o other_o way_n unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v put_v into_o the_o mouth_n in_o the_o write_n and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o most_o holy_a handmaid_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr i_o praise_v and_o bless_v and_o thank_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n that_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o know_v the_o same_o and_o have_v open_v and_o incline_v the_o ear_n of_o my_o heart_n thereto_o give_v i_o grace_n to_o love_v to_o observe_v and_o to_o maintain_v that_o heavenly_a truth_n unto_o death_n happy_a he_o that_o shall_v lose_v a_o thousand_o life_n for_o so_o worthy_a a_o subject_n happy_a he_o who_o shall_v never_o for_o any_o consideration_n leave_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o let_v i_o by_o thy_o divine_a grace_n be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o after_o this_o short_a life_n of_o trial_n that_o most_o certain_a and_o most_o infallible_a mean_v make_v i_o enjoy_v my_o sovereign_a end_n which_o be_v to_o have_v the_o happiness_n ever_o to_o adore_v and_o praise_v thy_o great_a majesty_n o_o jesus_n eternal_a god_n creator_n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n while_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n thou_o shall_v reign_v glorious_o in_o all_o eternity_n amen_n revelation_n ch._n 3._o he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o publisher_n this_o treatise_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n whereof_o the_o one_o may_v be_v call_v extructive_a which_o build_v or_o establish_v and_o the_o other_o destructive_a which_o destroy_v or_o evert_v for_o the_o first_o ten_o letter_n be_v adapt_v to_o the_o plant_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o evert_v and_o root_v out_o what_o may_v hinder_v its_o increase_n to_o recommend_v virtue_n be_v take_v the_o precept_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n and_o example_n of_o it_o by_o which_o be_v make_v a_o introduction_n show_v what_o virtue_n we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n embrace_v and_o by_o what_o meanstend_v to_o they_o which_o be_v by_o obedience_n and_o renounce_v our_o own_o will_n unto_o the_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v let._n 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o nature_n of_o which_o humility_n be_v explain_v and_o the_o mean_n conduce_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o viz_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o misery_n which_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n lie_n under_o let._n 4_o 5_o 6._o which_o ought_v to_o produce_v in_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o renounce_v our_o natural_a sense_n and_o be_v content_a with_o what_o be_v of_o mere_a necessity_n we_o shall_v flee_v all_o pleasure_n and_o proper_a satisfaction_n let._n 7_o 8._o which_o empty_v of_o ourselves_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o incontinent_o possess_v the_o heart_n from_o which_o vicious_a affection_n be_v expel_v because_o of_o the_o near_a relation_n and_o sympathy_n between_o they_o as_o between_o the_o creature_n and_o its_o natural_a element_n in_o which_o love_n consist_v the_o essence_n and_o compliment_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o all_o good_a let._n 8_o 9_o 10._o concern_v the_o overturning_a and_o resist_a the_o impediment_n and_o tentation_n of_o satan_n be_v treat_v let._n 11._o whether_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o imagination_n or_o sensibility_n even_o spiritual_a let._n 12_o 13._o or_o to_o the_o understanding_n make_v we_o rest_n in_o the_o naked_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n let._n 14._o or_o exciting_a we_o to_o external_a act_n or_o internal_a with_o vain_a glory_n or_o by_o deject_v we_o through_o immoderate_a mortification_n or_o in_o unseasonable_a good_a work_n spiritual_a or_o corporal_a towards_o our_o neighbour_n let._n 15_o 16._o or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o devil_n accuse_v he_o too_o much_o or_o too_o little_a of_o our_o sin_n let._n 17_o 18._o whether_o these_o tentation_n affect_v the_o will_n who_o godly_a fervour_n satan_n will_v extinguish_v by_o grief_n spiritual_a negligence_n and_o self-love_n as_o show_v let._n 19_o 20_o and_o to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v brief_o represente_v the_o whole_a subject_n handle_v in_o this_o divine_a treatise_n which_o be_v more_o special_o note_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o each_o letter_n that_o you_o may_v kind_a reader_n view_v as_o in_o a_o table_n and_o better_o retain_v in_o your_o memory_n the_o divine_a instruction_n therein_o deliver_v moreover_o you_o may_v with_o we_o well_o admire_v the_o infamous_a audacity_n of_o some_o as_o the_o churchman_n in_o holsatia_n whereby_o some_o year_n ago_o they_o cause_v that_o these_o so_o wholesome_a instruction_n while_o under_o the_o press_n in_o the_o german_a and_o low_a dutch_a tongue_n be_v take_v away_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o rent_n while_o i_o consider_v these_o obscure_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o scripture_n offer_v itself_o to_o i_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v and_o will_v do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n and_o come_v not_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n be_v reprove_v and_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o he_o who_o do_v and_o will_v do_v the_o truth_n for_o he_o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a because_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n joh._n ch._n 3._o i_o pray_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n that_o he_o gracious_o please_v to_o instruct_v and_o lead_v you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n that_o you_o never_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n farewell_o to_o the_o reader_n friendly_a reader_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o impart_v unto_o you_o these_o twenty_o four_o letter_n which_o i_o have_v write_v to_o one_o of_o my_o particular_a friend_n where_o i_o show_v he_o what_o solid_a virtue_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o necessary_a for_o the_o present_a time_n when_o we_o see_v false_a virtue_n reign_n or_o such_o as_o be_v only_o apparent_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o while_o so_o many_o person_n deceive_v themselves_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v true_a virtue_n whereas_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o fine_a speculation_n they_o think_v themselves_o humble_a when_o they_o can_v talk_v well_o of_o humility_n and_o think_v they_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o they_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v in_o effect_n only_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n when_o they_o say_v they_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n see_v they_o think_v they_o may_v follow_v that_o corruption_n without_o sin_v provide_v they_o do_v no_o evil_a reprovable_a before_o man_n and_o have_v a_o will_v to_o do_v well_o and_o love_n god_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o be_v save_v for_o good_a desire_n without_o effect_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n they_o be_v indeed_o foundation_n stone_n serve_v to_o the_o build_n of_o true_a virtue_n for_o without_o good_a desire_n we_o can_v do_v good_a work_n we_o must_v first_o have_v the_o desire_n and_o after_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n which_o be_v want_v to_o many_o person_n of_o a_o good_a will_n who_o content_n themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a will_n and_o hope_v with_o that_o all_o shall_v go_v well_o without_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v to_o all_o in_o general_n depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_n now_o the_o evil_n be_v in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o ignore_v yet_o few_o depart_n from_o that_o corruption_n and_o most_o love_n and_o follow_v it_o think_v they_o do_v well_o which_o be_v a_o great_a abuse_n and_o presumption_n of_o spirit_n for_o we_o can_v do_v good_a except_o we_o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o resist_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o renounce_v it_o can_v acquire_v true_a virtue_n which_o few_o person_n comprehend_v and_o thence_o be_v it_o that_o they_o have_v only_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o no_o real_a one_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o cause_n print_v these_o twenty_o four_o
letter_n which_o treat_v of_o virtue_n that_o they_o who_o aspire_v unto_o it_o may_v see_v the_o state_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o also_o if_o they_o have_v acquire_v any_o degree_n of_o it_o or_o if_o their_o virtue_n be_v only_o imaginary_a i_o do_v not_o present_v this_o matter_n of_o true_a virtue_n to_o all_o in_o general_a since_o many_o shall_v find_v it_o too_o difficult_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o such_o as_o yet_o love_v themselves_o or_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v have_v all_o their_o mind_n bend_v to_o acquire_v this_o virtue_n nor_o tend_v to_o the_o spiritual_a diligence_n which_o it_o require_v but_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o free_a and_o generous_a soul_n who_o have_v abandon_v the_o world_n to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n and_o such_o will_v easy_o understand_v i_o for_o none_o be_v better_a dispose_v to_o understand_v i_o than_o he_o that_o will_v practice_v true_a virtue_n and_o other_o who_o have_v not_o that_o desire_n may_v content_v themselves_o to_o know_v the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o general_n see_v they_o aspire_v not_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n so_o i_o say_v to_o they_o as_o st._n john_n to_o the_o soldier_n use_v no_o violence_n nor_o fraud_n to_o any_o person_n and_o be_v content_a with_o your_o wage_n he_o say_v so_o to_o they_o because_o he_o find_v they_o not_o dispose_v for_o great_a perfection_n and_o every_o one_o be_v free_a to_o tend_v to_o what_o degree_n of_o perfection_n he_o will_v so_o st._n john_n choose_v of_o two_o evil_n the_o least_o in_o councel_n the_o soldier_n to_o be_v content_a with_o their_o pay_n and_o do_v no_o violence_n but_o if_o these_o soldier_n have_v tend_v unto_o christian-perfection_n doubtless_o st._n john_n have_v counsel_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v soldier_n and_o to_o forsake_v all_o that_o they_o possess_v as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v to_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n after_o he_o say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n i_o say_v the_o very_a same_o to_o they_o to_o who_o i_o present_v this_o matter_n of_o true_a virtue_n in_o these_o twenty_o four_o letter_n which_o be_v but_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o design_n to_o show_v wherein_o it_o consist_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o these_o namely_o who_o will_v follow_v it_o and_o to_o none_o other_o see_v that_o be_v to_o cast_v pearl_n before_o swine_n or_o the_o child_n bread_n unto_o dog_n those_o be_v soul_n yet_o earthly_a and_o attach_v to_o the_o honour_n pleasure_n and_o good_n of_o this_o life_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o in_o a_o disposition_n to_o put_v true_a virtue_n in_o practice_n it_o seem_v enough_o to_o they_o not_o to_o transgress_v gross_o and_o external_o the_o command_n of_o god_n because_o they_o know_v no_o other_o evil_n but_o what_o be_v express_v in_o these_o command_n but_o the_o soul_n who_o have_v abandon_v the_o world_n to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o revive_v in_o his_o spirit_n must_v labour_v with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o acquire_v this_o 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nature_n and_o he_o have_v not_o entire_o renounce_v his_o own_o will_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n together_o come_v not_o near_o the_o victory_n which_o be_v in_o master_v the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o st._n paul_n name_v yet_o great_a virtue_n than_o these_o i_o have_v name_v when_o he_o say_v if_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o faith_n that_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o give_v all_o my_o good_n to_o nourish_v the_o poor_a i_o be_o nothing_o if_o i_o want_v charity_n now_o charity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o we_o can_v obtain_v but_o in_o renounce_v self-love_n and_o hate_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o we_o can_v never_o do_v good_a except_o we_o first_o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n since_o it_o be_v fall_v into_o sin_n so_o that_o we_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n but_o by_o renounce_v that_o 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in_o he_o and_o there_o can_v proceed_v out_o of_o a_o vessel_n other_o than_o what_o be_v in_o it_o when_o man_n be_v new_o create_v by_o god_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n he_o be_v full_a of_o all_o good_a and_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a proceed_v from_o he_o but_o since_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o sin_n he_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o evil_a and_o there_o can_v nothing_o proceed_v out_o of_o he_o but_o all_o evil_a that_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n and_o by_o it_o ought_v every_o one_o to_o regulate_v his_o life_n if_o he_o will_v be_v save_v for_o there_o be_v no_o exception_n see_v all_o man_n have_v be_v corrupt_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o consequent_o be_v fill_v with_o evil_n none_o except_v it_o be_v true_a man_n nature_n differ_v in_o manner_n and_o condition_n one_o be_v meek_a another_o harsh_a one_o be_v proud_a another_o humble_a but_o that_o be_v from_o their_o natural_a temperament_n because_o man_n be_v compose_v of_o four_o element_n water_n fire_n earth_n and_o air_n his_o manner_n natural_o be_v dispose_v with_o proportion_n to_o the_o element_n which_o predomines_fw-la in_o he_o for_o every_o one_o have_v in_o his_o nature_n divers_a disposition_n he_o that_o in_o the_o form_n of_o his_o body_n have_v contract_v more_o of_o fire_n than_o of_o the_o other_o element_n will_v be_v more_o choleric_a and_o luxurious_a because_o the_o fire_n have_v more_o power_n in_o he_o than_o the_o air_n water_n or_o earth_n another_o who_o in_o his_o formation_n have_v contract_v more_o of_o water_n will_v be_v more_o dull_a in_o his_o manner_n slow_a in_o comprehend_v any_o thing_n and_o less_o courageous_a he_o that_o in_o his_o formation_n have_v receive_v more_o of_o earth_n than_o of_o other_o element_n shall_v be_v more_o heavy_a lazy_a and_o rude_a in_o his_o manner_n final_o he_o that_o in_o his_o formation_n have_v contract_v more_o of_o air_n than_o other_o element_n will_v be_v in_o his_o manner_n more_o light_a and_o inconstant_a and_o more_o active_a in_o spirit_n and_o prompter_n to_o good_a or_o evil_a and_o by_o these_o natural_a temperament_n all_o man_n be_v of_o divers_a complexion_n and_o different_a manner_n according_a as_o they_o have_v contract_v of_o their_o parent_n the_o intemperature_n of_o the_o element_n of_o which_o their_o body_n be_v form_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o grace_n they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o like_a nature_n and_o be_v by_o sin_n all_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o corruption_n one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o so_o they_o all_o need_n to_o combat_v that_o corruption_n since_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n which_o they_o must_v master_v if_o they_o will_v be_v save_v without_o go_v to_o persuade_v that_o one_o be_v better_a than_o another_o because_o he_o have_v in_o his_o nature_n a_o
add_v nothing_o to_o our_o soul_n and_o can_v have_v the_o recompense_n of_o eternal_a life_n they_o may_v indeed_o be_v a_o mean_a to_o attain_v to_o true_a virtue_n when_o our_o design_n be_v to_o aspire_v and_o arrive_v at_o it_o but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o many_o rest_n at_o these_o mean_n and_o external_a virtue_n as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o end_n and_o so_o they_o think_v they_o have_v virtue_n indeed_o whereas_o they_o have_v it_o only_o in_o shadow_n not_o in_o reality_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o i_o teach_v you_o what_o true_a virtue_n be_v and_o particular_o what_o be_v that_o meekness_n which_o j._n ch._n say_v we_o must_v learn_v of_o he_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o peace_n quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o these_o be_v spiritual_a quality_n which_o can_v be_v see_v or_o feel_v but_o by_o their_o outward_a operation_n but_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o virtue_n of_o meekness_n 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meekness_n when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o vice_n of_o sloth_n and_o injustice_n which_o make_v they_o yield_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o resist_v it_o with_o diligence_n and_o courage_n but_o they_o will_v not_o take_v so_o much_o trouble_v it_o be_v not_o then_o that_o false_a meekness_n which_o i_o exhort_v you_o unto_o my_o child_n for_o so_o you_o shall_v not_o learn_v that_o which_o j._n ch._n teach_v but_o i_o will_v glad_o make_v you_o comprehend_v what_o be_v that_o true_a meekness_n that_o you_o may_v love_v and_o follow_v it_o it_o be_v then_o a_o inward_a peace_n a_o quiet_a of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o soul_n behold_v what_o that_o meekness_n which_o j._n ch._n recommend_v to_o learn_v of_o he_o contain_v himself_o practise_v that_o meekness_n all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o mortal_a life_n and_o you_o may_v observe_v from_o that_o if_o there_o be_v at_o present_a any_o soul_n possess_v by_o 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refuse_v to_o any_o bring_v we_o this_o comparison_n to_o the_o purpose_n who_o be_v he_o of_o you_o who_o when_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o demand_v fish_n will_v give_v he_o a_o serpent_n and_o he_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v to_o give_v good_a thing_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v not_o your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o all_o the_o evil_n consist_v in_o that_o we_o do_v not_o desire_v he_o and_o that_o desire_n can_v be_v great_a in_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o do_v not_o know_v he_o many_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o work_v in_o soul_n now_o adays_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o j._n christ_n rend_v his_o apostle_n because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v he_o in_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n as_o he_o appear_v at_o the_o baptism_n of_o j._n chr._n or_o as_o tongue_n of_o fire_n as_o on_o the_o apostle_n at_o 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the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o natural_a spirit_n can_v give_v true_a peace_n nor_o true_a quiet_a nor_o true_a tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n as_o give_v the_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n which_o j._n christ_n say_v we_o must_v learn_v of_o he_o i_o suppose_v by_o these_o my_o child_n you_o comprehend_v sufficient_o what_o be_v that_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n which_o j._n ch._n teach_v and_o also_o that_o you_o have_v remark_v enough_o that_o i_o possess_v it_o in_o my_o soul_n see_v you_o see_v i_o in_o inward_a peace_n quiet_a of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n without_o notable_a change_n but_o yet_o you_o know_v not_o how_o you_o may_v come_v to_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o meekness_n of_o j._n ch._n in_o your_o soul_n i_o know_v certain_o you_o love_v they_o so_o far_o as_o you_o know_v they_o but_o you_o know_v not_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o they_o which_o i_o shall_v also_o teach_v you_o if_o you_o will_v give_v good_a attention_n and_o follow_v my_o counsel_n for_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o obtain_v the_o meekness_n which_o j._n ch._n teach_v if_o you_o will_v empty_v your_o soul_n of_o what_o hinder_v it_o and_o absolute_o become_v a_o disciple_n of_o j._n ch._n and_o follow_v his_o doctrine_n and_o if_o you_o feel_v not_o in_o your_o soul_n true_a inward_a peace_n quiet_a of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n you_o may_v believe_v you_o have_v not_o yet_o learn_v of_o j._n ch._n his_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n and_o so_o you_o must_v embrace_v the_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o it_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a mean_n be_v absolute_o to_o will_n and_o desire_v it_o which_o i_o believe_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n you_o do_v in_o the_o
seem_v to_o have_v some_o pleasure_n in_o it_o see_v there_o be_v person_n that_o have_v no_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v well_o and_o that_o sense_n add_v somewhat_o to_o man_n body_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o replenish_v with_o misery_n than_o the_o other_o four_o because_o it_o hurt_v more_o both_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n see_v it_o cause_v so_o many_o disease_n and_o even_o death_n by_o its_o excess_n and_o also_o so_o many_o soul_n damn_v themselves_o in_o strive_v to_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o taste_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o several_a other_o sin_n and_o withdraw_v they_o assure_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o require_v to_o have_v our_o affection_n alone_o for_o he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o notwithstanding_o we_o place_v they_o in_o thing_n vile_a and_o corruptible_a as_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n for_o what_o be_v more_o naughty_a than_o meat_n and_o drink_v they_o have_v scarce_o past_o the_o throat_n but_o they_o become_v putrid_a and_o corrupt_a and_o especial_o the_o more_o fine_a and_o delicate_a corrupt_v more_o than_o the_o courser_n and_o for_o all_o that_o people_n love_v they_o bestow_v pain_n and_o travail_n to_o attain_v they_o which_o be_v a_o gross_a blindness_n of_o mind_n from_o which_o i_o pray_v god_n preserve_v you_o that_o your_o love_n may_v remain_v in_o god_n only_o and_o you_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o salutary_a thing_n in_o the_o desire_n whereof_o i_o remain_v your_o wellwisher_n in_o jesus_n christ_n antonio_z bourignon_fw-fr holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n 17._o febr._n 1672._o st._n vet_n the_o vii_o letter_n he_o that_o serve_v the_o lust_n of_o his_o sense_n by_o that_o same_o renounce_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o same_o exhort_v he_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o humility_n by_o the_o renounce_v of_o his_o sense_n show_v he_o that_o no_o man_n can_v follow_v they_o unless_o thereby_o he_o renounce_v the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o 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otherways_o we_o must_v die_v the_o eternal_a death_n after_o the_o temporal_a which_o may_v easy_o be_v conceive_v since_o man_n nature_n be_v corrupt_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o have_v quit_v dependence_n on_o god_n to_o depend_v of_o itself_o it_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n remain_v in_o that_o corruption_n and_o sin_n until_o every_o man_n for_o his_o own_o particular_a have_v overcome_v that_o corruption_n and_o disobedience_n which_o he_o have_v contract_v against_o god_n or_o else_o he_o abide_v in_o death_n and_o die_v damn_v eternal_o for_o although_o adam_n have_v not_o sin_v all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a can_v have_v sin_v and_o corrupt_v his_o way_n by_o leave_v dependence_n on_o his_o god_n and_o that_o because_o all_o the_o man_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v be_v all_o create_v free_a and_o can_v continue_v in_o the_o dependence_n of_o god_n and_o also_o recede_v from_o it_o if_o they_o please_v for_o god_n force_v no_o person_n so_o 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their_o five_o sense_n in_o not_o follow_v they_o but_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v in_o that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o must_v take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o force_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o so_o that_o be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v fight_v by_o force_n to_o gain_v the_o kingdom_n for_o god_n create_v it_o for_o we_o and_o he_o give_v it_o we_o free_o but_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v resist_v with_o force_n the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o that_o we_o approve_v not_o in_o we_o the_o sin_n which_o adam_n commit_v and_o do_v not_o of_o our_o own_o proper_a will_v retire_v from_o dependence_n on_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a warfare_n for_o we_o must_v continual_o combat_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o sense_n without_o that_o we_o can_v never_o return_v to_o dependence_n on_o god_n from_o which_o adam_n 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their_o affair_n and_o household_n disquiet_v they_o fortune_n be_v against_o they_o and_o in_o the_o end_n their_o pleasure_n terminate_v in_o divers_a grief_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o pain_n those_o of_o the_o pallate_n into_o disease_n honour_n into_o contempt_n and_o slight_v even_o as_o haman_n pleasure_n when_o invite_v to_o the_o queen_n banquet_n change_v into_o grief_n when_o he_o see_v that_o mordecai_n will_v not_o render_v he_o the_o honour_n he_o desire_v so_o do_v all_o earthly_a pleasure_n terminate_v in_o displeasure_n and_o sadness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v find_v no_o other_o true_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o love_n god_n only_o which_o be_v full_a pleasant_a and_o also_o honourable_a for_o what_o honour_n be_v man_n capable_a of_o approach_v unto_o that_o of_o love_v a_o god_n so_o mighty_a who_o create_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o sustain_v they_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n and_o who_o can_v give_v unto_o 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to_o bear_v in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o rich_a be_v the_o most_o miserable_a for_o they_o can_v never_o have_v more_o of_o their_o riches_n but_o a_o little_a necessary_a nourishment_n and_o clothing_n to_o cover_v they_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v superfluous_a to_o they_o and_o shall_v serve_v other_o see_v he_o must_v not_o take_v for_o himself_o but_o for_o pure_a necessity_n what_o be_v over_o give_v only_o the_o disquiet_n care_n and_o trouble_v of_o dispense_v or_o bestow_v it_o so_o that_o a_o lackey_n be_v happy_a than_o his_o master_n he_o have_v no_o care_n but_o for_o himself_o but_o the_o master_n must_v care_v for_o himself_o and_o all_o under_o he_o and_o see_v that_o nothing_o be_v want_v to_o they_o or_o else_o his_o servant_n will_v upbraid_v or_o despise_v he_o be_v not_o that_o a_o poor_a advantage_n a_o little_a money_n that_o man_n can_v afford_v and_o yet_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o thousand_o thanks_o and_o beside_o to_o take_v a_o 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suit_v himself_o to_o the_o impulse_n and_o inclination_n of_o every_o one_o leave_v the_o rest_n in_o quietness_n my_o son_n i_o speak_v much_o to_o you_o in_o my_o last_o of_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n because_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o you_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o your_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o know_v true_a virtue_n for_o if_o you_o know_v only_o the_o good_a you_o shall_v easy_o fall_v into_o the_o evil_a even_o without_o perceive_v it_o and_o so_o shall_v sometime_o follow_v evil_a think_v that_o you_o do_v well_o but_o since_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o teach_v you_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o must_v speak_v to_o you_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o how_o he_o tempt_v man_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o perdition_n as_o he_o have_v already_o lead_v many_o even_o such_o as_o have_v never_o discover_v that_o be_v be_v the_o devil_n who_o incite_v they_o to_o do_v evil_a and_o so_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v insensible_o by_o he_o though_o they_o have_v be_v person_n well_o incline_v yet_o have_v they_o be_v lose_v by_o ignorance_n for_o ignorance_n do_v not_o excuse_v before_o god_n every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o leave_v that_o he_o may_v please_v the_o lord_n if_o then_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v to_o you_o only_o of_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o you_o know_v not_o the_o wiles_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o attempt_v to_o hinder_v man_n to_o arrive_v at_o it_o doubtless_o you_o shall_v never_o enjoy_v it_o he_o will_v stop_v you_o in_o the_o way_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o so_o that_o i_o judge_v it_o more_o necessary_a that_o you_o know_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o power_n he_o have_v over_o man_n when_o he_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o than_o to_o teach_v you_o the_o deep_a mystery_n of_o divinity_n for_o all_o science_n together_o can_v not_o make_v you_o holy_a but_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n shall_v lead_v you_o to_o damnation_n if_o you_o know_v it_o not_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o apply_v diligent_o your_o spirit_n to_o comprehend_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a come_v from_o the_o devil_n as_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a come_v from_o god_n there_o be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o evil_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a in_o heaven_n or_o on_o earth_n in_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o every_o place_n proceed_v immediate_o from_o god_n and_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a in_o every_o thing_n come_v from_o the_o devil_n for_o he_o be_v by_o his_o sin_n separate_v from_o god_n be_v fall_v into_o all_o evil_n there_o be_v no_o good_a but_o in_o god_n alone_o and_o in_o the_o privation_n of_o good_a consist_v all_o evil_a all_o that_o be_v infallible_a evil_n then_o be_v no_o real_a thing_n and_o god_n never_o give_v it_o a_o be_v but_o all_o good_a thing_n come_v ever_o from_o god_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o privation_n of_o all_o good_a be_v all_o evil_a so_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v all_o good_a be_v consequent_o fall_v into_o all_o evil_a which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o privation_n of_o all_o good_a that_o miserable_a nothing_o be_v the_o devil_n who_o by_o his_o free_a will_n will_v separate_v himself_o from_o all_o good_a and_o it_o be_v that_o separation_n which_o make_v all_o evil_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o evil_n but_o the_o want_n and_o deprival_n of_o all_o good_a see_v god_n never_o create_v evil._n now_o nothing_o can_v have_v a_o be_v but_o what_o god_n create_v and_o have_v never_o create_v evil_a it_o can_v be_v other_o thing_n but_o a_o curse_v
nothing_o which_o we_o call_v evil_a and_o that_o evil_a be_v in_o its_o essence_n in_o the_o devil_n as_o good_a be_v in_o god_n without_o mixture_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o evil_a in_o god_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o good_a in_o the_o devil_n but_o we_o find_v a_o mixture_n in_o the_o other_o creature_n which_o have_v partake_v of_o good_a from_o god_n and_o evil_a from_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o they_o can_v be_v mix_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n and_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o proportion_n as_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o god_n give_v unto_o man_n all_o sort_n of_o good_n in_o abundance_n since_o he_o have_v the_o power_n to_o give_v they_o and_o the_o devil_n that_o impotence_n have_v give_v nothing_o to_o man_n but_o so_o much_o evil_n as_o he_o have_v obtain_v consent_n from_o the_o free_a will_n of_o man_n and_o no_o more_o for_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o miserable_a impotence_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v but_o nothing_o you_o need_v but_o consider_v what_o we_o see_v and_o touch_v in_o nature_n for_o we_o see_v assure_o that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n be_v but_o the_o want_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n cold_a be_v but_o the_o privation_n of_o heat_n and_o death_n the_o privation_n of_o life_n and_o so_o be_v it_o with_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o befall_v man_n which_o be_v only_o the_o privation_n of_o the_o good_n which_o he_o need_v for_o his_o sustenance_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a for_o though_o we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v in_o hell_n pain_n and_o torment_n fire_n ice_n sadness_n bitterness_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o pain_n all_o these_o be_v nothing_o in_o effect_n but_o the_o privation_n of_o the_o good_n which_o man_n shall_v have_v have_v to_o be_v happy_a viz._n all_o sort_n of_o contentment_n in_o god_n all_o pleasure_n all_o satisfaction_n and_o delight_n refreshment_n peace_n and_o joy_n eternal_a but_o the_o privation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n make_v the_o torment_n and_o suffering_n of_o hell_n without_o need_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v material_a fire_n ice_n or_o famin._n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v deprive_v of_o all_o good_a to_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_a we_o may_v see_v that_o yet_o more_o clear_o in_o a_o new_a bear_v infant_n if_o it_o be_v leave_v without_o the_o good_a of_o assistance_n it_o be_v reduce_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a and_o will_v die_v without_o our_o touch_v it_o to_o do_v it_o any_o evil_n for_o we_o deprive_v it_o of_o life_n in_o deprive_v it_o of_o assistance_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n they_o be_v only_a privation_n of_o good_a which_o notwithstanding_o cause_n pain_n and_o torment_n incomprehensible_a to_o man_n soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o fire_n hunger_n and_o other_o torment_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n which_o a_o soul_n suffer_v that_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o that_o soul_n be_v not_o only_o fall_v into_o the_o cold_a of_o ice_n and_o heat_v of_o fire_n but_o also_o into_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o torment_n because_o the_o privation_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v the_o possession_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a and_o see_v that_o grace_n cause_v we_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a its_o privation_n must_v needs_o throw_v we_o into_o all_o evil_a now_o whatsoever_o live_v in_o nature_n generate_v always_o because_o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o bent_n and_o inclination_n to_o produce_v its_o like_a herb_n and_o plant_n yield_v their_o seed_n and_o sprig_n or_o branch_n nothing_o remain_v unfruitful_a that_o live_v in_o nature_n every_o kind_n produce_v its_o like_a to_o its_o power_n beast_n produce_v after_o their_o kind_n man_n produce_v human_a creature_n spirit_n spirit_n every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n the_o good_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o god_n produce_v always_o good_a spirit_n the_o evil_a which_o be_v the_o devil_n produce_v evil_a the_o one_o and_o the_o other_a of_o these_o spirit_n attempt_v to_o produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n their_o own_o sort_n and_o as_o man_n be_v the_o noble_a of_o all_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v neither_o angel_n nor_o devil_n have_v power_n over_o he_o but_o so_o far_o as_o man_n give_v they_o the_o good_a angel_n always_o incite_v man_n to_o good_a the_o evil_a who_o be_v the_o devil_n to_o evil_a and_o that_o by_o the_o desire_n that_o each_o of_o these_o spirit_n have_v to_o render_v man_n like_v to_o themselves_o the_o devil_n endeavour_v to_o render_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n devilish_a and_o the_o good_a angel_n to_o render_v they_o angelical_a man_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o remain_v free_a to_o yield_v himself_o to_o be_v beget_v unto_o good_a or_o evil_a for_o none_o of_o these_o spirit_n can_v force_v man_n they_o can_v but_o incite_v he_o every_o one_o attempt_n to_o render_v he_o of_o his_o own_o party_n but_o since_o the_o devil_n have_v corrupt_v man_n nature_n he_o have_v also_o more_o power_n over_o it_o than_o the_o good_a angel_n which_o have_v not_o advance_v it_o to_o good_a as_o the_o devil_n to_o evil_n all_o the_o good_a in_o man_n come_v from_o god_n only_o and_o not_o from_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v a_o pure_a spirit_n have_v not_o power_n but_o over_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o represent_v to_o he_o good_a thing_n but_o the_o devil_n as_o a_o subtle_a spirit_n have_v insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n and_o as_o the_o vital_a spirit_n in_o man_n be_v in_o his_o blood_n disperse_v throw_v his_o whole_a body_n so_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n mix_v and_o disperse_v itself_o with_o the_o vital_a spirit_n of_o man_n and_o work_n much_o more_o upon_o his_o nature_n than_o the_o good_a angel_n who_o can_v join_v with_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o nature_n because_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n altogether_o pure_a but_o the_o devil_n be_v impure_a and_o accord_v well_o with_o the_o impurity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v always_o more_o unite_v with_o we_o than_o the_o good_a angel_n who_o do_v not_o delight_v but_o in_o the_o pure_a spirit_n of_o man_n for_o he_o find_v nothing_o conform_v to_o his_o angelic_a nature_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n because_o our_o human_a nature_n be_v too_o gross_a and_o earthly_a to_o be_v unite_v with_o the_o angelic_a nature_n but_o the_o devil_n as_o a_o impure_a beast_n wallow_v free_o in_o the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n he_o so_o mix_v himself_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o man_n that_o he_o easy_o move_v all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n to_o do_v evil_a but_o man_n know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n for_o he_o be_v so_o unite_a to_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o though_o we_o feel_v his_o motion_n we_o think_v that_o they_o proceed_v but_o from_o our_o own_o nature_n which_o be_v because_o man_n can_v comprehend_v that_o the_o devil_n shall_v so_o mix_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n since_o he_o be_v only_o a_o spirit_n without_o body_n as_o he_o be_v true_o but_o the_o devil_n have_v that_o subtlety_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o vital_a spirit_n of_o man_n to_o move_v the_o flesh_n to_o luxury_n wrath_n and_o other_o vicious_a passion_n you_o may_v see_v that_o my_o son_n by_o your_o proper_a experience_n for_o if_o you_o mark_v well_o the_o disposition_n of_o your_o sentiment_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o you_o have_v be_v often_o carry_v away_o with_o vicious_a passion_n even_o against_o your_o will_n and_o that_o you_o have_v perceive_v they_o with_o regret_n which_o can_v proceed_v from_o yourself_o for_o your_o will_n can_v contradict_v itself_o if_o you_o have_v natural_o a_o will_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o will_v not_o displease_v you_o but_o contrariwise_o you_o will_v take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o and_o be_v glad_a that_o you_o may_v effectuate_v it_o but_o when_o that_o carnal_a thought_n or_o desire_n displease_v you_o and_o you_o regret_n it_o that_o be_v a_o token_n that_o it_o come_v from_o a_o spirit_n which_o be_v without_o you_o and_o yet_o be_v in_o you_o without_o that_o you_o know_v how_o he_o be_v there_o yet_o you_o see_v well_o by_o the_o operation_n which_o he_o do_v there_o that_o that_o proceed_v not_o from_o your_o own_o will_n which_o can_v desire_v what_o displease_v it_o but_o it_o complain_v with_o st._n paul_n where_o he_o say_v the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o
of_o corruption_n which_o the_o great_a one_o have_v engender_v there_o and_o when_o it_o obey_v that_o corruption_n it_o obey_v the_o devil_n himself_o for_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n even_o as_o a_o man_n child_n be_v another_o man_n man_n be_v gross_o ignorant_a in_o that_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n when_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o themselves_o preternatural_a evil_n and_o they_o call_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o nature_n a_o fragility_n without_o have_v ever_o serious_o consider_v whence_o that_o natural_a wickedness_n come_v to_o they_o god_n never_o create_v evil_a but_o he_o make_v man_n altogether_o perfect_a and_o with_o a_o inclination_n and_o will_n to_o good_a without_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o evil_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o wickedness_n and_o inclination_n to_o evil_n which_o man_n feel_v in_o his_o nature_n must_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o itself_o may_v be_v call_v a_o devil_n see_v there_o be_v no_o other_o evil_n but_o he_o as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o good_a but_o god_n so_o that_o they_o that_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n march_v quiet_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o drive_v such_o with_o tentation_n but_o stand_v afar_o off_o to_o see_v they_o go_v on_o know_v well_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v daily_o worse_o if_o they_o but_o follow_v simple_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o few_o be_v aware_a of_o but_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v at_o death_n for_o during_o their_o life_n they_o think_v it_o be_v no_o evil_a to_o follow_v their_o natural_a inclination_n yea_o say_v some_o god_n create_v nature_n and_o can_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o follow_v it_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a tentation_n and_o be_v a_o sentiment_n which_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n it_o be_v true_a god_n create_v nature_n and_o will_v that_o man_n use_v it_o but_o the_o devil_n have_v so_o corrupt_v nature_n that_o man_n can_v no_o more_o use_n and_o follow_v it_o without_o sin_v since_o it_o be_v corrupt_v man_n can_v even_o do_v any_o natural_a function_n now_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o that_o as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v not_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o if_o the_o natural_a man_n eat_v and_o drink_v he_o do_v it_o with_o affection_n now_o that_o affection_n ought_v to_o be_v carry_v to_o god_n alone_o so_o he_o sin_n when_o he_o turn_v it_o elsewhere_o and_o when_o he_o give_v his_o affection_n to_o see_v hear_v smell_v taste_n or_o feel_v he_o love_v something_o else_o then_o god_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o not_o place_v his_o affection_n on_o other_o thing_n beside_o he_o alone_o and_o so_o long_o as_o man_n put_v his_o affection_n on_o eat_v drink_v clothing_n or_o lie_v etc._n etc._n he_o be_v turn_v from_o all_o good_a which_o be_v god_n and_o turn_v to_o all_o evil_a which_o be_v the_o privation_n of_o all_o good_a it_o be_v the_o same_o if_o we_o love_v our_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o be_v turn_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o when_o we_o love_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o those_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o exchange_v of_o affection_n cause_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o all_o evil_a see_v it_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o good_a if_o then_o we_o will_v depart_v from_o all_o evil_a and_o possess_v all_o good_a we_o must_v of_o necessity_n resist_v and_o overcome_v the_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v insensible_o fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o carry_v we_o to_o hell_n to_o follow_v corrupt_a nature_n and_o therefore_o my_o son_n you_o must_v die_v to_o yourself_o first_o if_o you_o will_v arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n see_v as_o long_o as_o corrupt_v nature_n be_v not_o entire_o mortify_v in_o you_o you_o can_v live_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o for_o that_o you_o must_v become_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o detest_v that_o old_a corruption_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v intrude_v into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o cause_v we_o all_o sort_n of_o evil._n notwithstanding_o the_o ignorant_a think_v it_o a_o happiness_n when_o they_o can_v follow_v their_o natural_a inclination_n although_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o source_n of_o all_o evil_n which_o you_o may_v well_o see_v by_o the_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v former_o deduce_v for_o although_o god_n have_v create_v nature_n and_o ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v sustain_v by_o aliment_n and_o also_o re-produce_a itself_o by_o generation_n yet_o he_o will_v always_o have_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o entire_o without_o part_v god_n willing_o permit_v that_o man_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o generate_v and_o use_v his_o five_o natural_a sense_n for_o his_o necessity_n but_o he_o will_v also_o that_o we_o place_v not_o our_o affection_n and_o heart_n on_o these_o which_o he_o require_v to_o be_v preserve_v for_o himself_o only_o indivisible_o we_o may_v then_o well_o use_v all_o these_o thing_n but_o not_o fasten_v our_o heart_n on_o they_o for_o when_o in_o the_o beginning_n man_n be_v create_v in_o grace_n he_o do_v eat_v drink_v generate_v and_o use_v his_o five_o natural_a sense_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o that_o with_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n when_o he_o taste_v of_o good_a thing_n he_o praise_v god_n who_o have_v make_v they_o so_o savoury_a for_o he_o when_o he_o see_v beautiful_a thing_n he_o praise_v their_o author_n in_o admire_v those_o beauty_n if_o he_o smell_v good_a odour_n or_o hear_v pleasant_a melody_n or_o touch_v smooth_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n he_o rejoice_v in_o god_n bless_v he_o in_o that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o 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but_o that_o be_v only_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a the_o devil_n can_v tempt_v man_n against_o his_o will_n but_o can_v make_v he_o sin_n against_o his_o will_n he_o may_v trouble_v his_o spirit_n and_o make_v he_o remember_v what_o he_o shall_v forget_v and_o forget_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o mind_n but_o if_o the_o person_n be_v well_o upon_o his_o guard_n and_o will_v not_o do_v evil_a he_o shall_v discover_v easy_o that_o that_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n be_v against_o his_o will_n and_o so_o will_v betake_v himself_o to_o continual_a prayer_n to_o god_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v so_o much_o recommend_v to_o we_o as_o most_o necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n since_o we_o have_v continual_o a_o enemy_n to_o combat_n we_o must_v continual_o have_v arm_n to_o defend_v we_o and_o that_o will_v be_v necessary_a all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n counsel_v we_o to_o pray_v always_o without_o cease_v because_o 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much_o power_n over_o his_o spirit_n otherwise_o man_n have_v in_o he_o a_o good_a judgement_n beyond_o any_o other_o creature_n and_o by_o that_o judgement_n he_o can_v assure_o know_v and_o discern_v good_a from_o evil_n and_o it_o be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o hate_v the_o evil_a by_o a_o absolute_a act_n of_o his_o will_n which_o the_o devil_n can_v hinder_v and_o moreover_o he_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n by_o faith_n and_o hope_v in_o god_n who_o never_o fail_v to_o come_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o a_o man_n who_o ask_v and_o desire_v it_o and_o therefore_o my_o son_n you_o must_v never_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n make_v you_o do_v any_o evil_n which_o be_v to_o make_v you_o his_o slave_n and_o testify_v your_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o be_v the_o sorcerer_n who_o have_v give_v he_o their_o soul_n and_o promise_v to_o obey_v he_o for_o such_o have_v true_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o do_v all_o the_o evil_n he_o please_v and_o when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o he_o beat_v and_o abuse_v they_o but_o you_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o voluntary_o subject_a to_o he_o you_o must_v nor_o fear_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v constrain_v you_o to_o sin_n against_o your_o will_n and_o so_o never_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o fault_n you_o commit_v yourself_o it_o be_v true_a the_o devil_n first_o incite_v good_a person_n to_o sin_n but_o they_o shall_v despise_v he_o and_o not_o follow_v he_o yea_o and_o mock_v at_o his_o tentation_n but_o we_o must_v always_o watch_v over_o his_o surprisal_n and_o never_o sleep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o true_a virtue_n believe_v then_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n where_o he_o say_v my_o brethren_n be_v sober_a and_o watch_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o the_o devil_n go_v about_o we_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seeking_z to_z devour_v we_o we_o must_v resist_v he_o courageous_o and_o not_o say_v i_o be_v not_o think_v of_o the_o devil_n when_o i_o fall_v into_o evil_n for_o he_o desire_v willing_o that_o we_o do_v evil_a without_o think_v on_o it_o that_o be_v his_o best_a recreation_n for_o it_o do_v not_o fall_v out_o that_o good_a person_n do_v evil_a but_o while_o they_o sleep_v and_o think_v not_o of_o evil_n then_o be_v it_o that_o the_o devil_n act_v most_o in_o we_o and_o cause_n that_o we_o think_v not_o of_o it_o till_o after_o the_o evil_n be_v commit_v but_o our_o negligence_n or_o sleepiness_n will_v not_o find_v excuse_n before_o god_n see_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o watch_v always_o if_o we_o will_v arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n to_o which_o she_o exhort_v you_o who_o care_v for_o your_o soul_n holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n may_v 13._o 1672._o st._n vet._n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr the_o xviii_o letter_n the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit._n to_o the_o same_o give_v he_o the_o sign_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n that_o move_v we_o show_v also_o a_o twelve_o artifice_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o he_o cause_v we_o to_o impute_v our_o vice_n to_o our_o natural_a propension_n without_o suspect_v he_o to_o lurk_v therein_o that_o he_o may_v remain_v unknown_a my_o son_n i_o see_v yet_o one_o difficulty_n which_o occur_v to_o your_o spirit_n to_o wit_n how_o you_o shall_v discover_v when_o the_o devil_n insinuate_v himself_o into_o your_o good_a action_n and_o how_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o move_v you_o to_o do_v good_a that_o he_o may_v catch_v you_o or_o to_o cause_v that_o what_o you_o do_v with_o a_o good_a intention_n turn_v to_o his_o honour_n for_o you_o protest_v that_o you_o will_v not_o obey_v he_o nor_o follow_v his_o tentation_n in_o any_o thing_n when_o you_o discover_v and_o know_v that_o he_o tempt_v you_o believe_v i_o my_o son_n that_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o discern_v provide_v you_o have_v a_o absolute_a will_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n it_o be_v very_o good_a and_o most_o easy_a to_o discover_v if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n who_o move_v we_o in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o word_n to_o do_v or_o say_v any_o thing_n small_a or_o great_a because_o these_o two_o spirit_n have_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n quite_o different_a and_o work_v in_o we_o quite_o contrary_a operation_n and_o disposition_n so_o that_o you_o may_v as_o it_o be_v feel_v with_o your_o finger_n if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a or_o a_o evil_a spirit_n which_o move_v you_o to_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o disposition_n you_o shall_v feel_v in_o your_o soul_n for_o the_o good_a spirit_n produce_v in_o our_o soul_n charity_n joy_n peace_n patience_n long-suffering_a goodness_n bounty_n meekness_n chastity_n faith_n continence_n and_o modesty_n and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n on_o the_o contrary_n produce_v therein_o self-love_n sadness_n trouble_v impatience_n rashness_n wickedness_n fret_v pride_n despair_n intemperance_n inequality_n unconstancy_n and_o impurity_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n and_o as_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n so_o may_v we_o know_v the_o evil_a spirit_n by_o the_o fruit_n he_o produce_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v always_o examine_v if_o our_o enterprise_n or_o the_o will_n or_o intention_n we_o have_v to_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v any_o thing_n produce_v in_o our_o soul_n charity_n peace_n faith_n joy_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o enterprise_n and_o will_n be_v from_o god_n see_v they_o bring_v unto_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o feel_v in_o our_o soul_n self-love_n sadness_n impatience_n and_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v well_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o desire_n and_o enterprise_n be_v excite_v by_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o sure_a rule_n we_o need_v not_o then_o amuse_v ourselves_o at_o fine_a speculation_n to_o discover_v if_o we_o be_v move_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v any_o thing_n while_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o good_a or_o a_o evil_a spirit_n for_o the_o devil_n will_v never_o incite_v to_o charity_n see_v it_o be_v a_o divine_a quality_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v not_o in_o his_o power_n and_o which_o unite_v soul_n to_o god_n but_o he_o draw_v from_o self-love_n all_o manner_n of_o advantage_n and_o decline_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o love_v himself_o covet_v pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n and_o so_o he_o be_v sad_a and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o capacity_n to_o acquire_v true_a virtue_n for_o he_o have_v not_o courage_n to_o resist_v the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o suffer_v himself_o rather_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o dark_a melancholy_a thought_n but_o the_o good_a spirit_n banish_v these_o thought_n by_o the_o joy_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o although_o there_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o occasion_n of_o sadness_n external_o even_o for_o our_o sin_n that_o good_a spirit_n comfort_n and_o rejoice_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n amid_o the_o most_o sensible_a trouble_n and_o pain_n when_o we_o have_v then_o inward_a joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffering_n it_o be_v a_o assure_a testimony_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o which_o have_v often_o rejoice_v i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n i_o feel_v therein_o a_o great_a joy_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n in_o lament_v my_o sin_n and_o i_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o give_v i_o these_o tear_n of_o repentance_n but_o the_o devil_n give_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o external_a joy_n which_o afflict_v and_o grieve_v the_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v over_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o we_o see_v worldly_a person_n always_o search_v after_o new_a recreation_n and_o divertisement_n for_o the_o one_o be_v no_o soon_o go_v but_o melancholy_a and_o sadness_n seize_v the_o heart_n who_o will_v so_o divert_v himself_o and_o for_o that_o he_o hunt_v insatiable_o after_o new_a divertisment_n without_o find_v withal_o true_a contentment_n which_o we_o can_v have_v but_o by_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o joy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o divertisment_n of_o the_o world_n i_o be_v astonish_v to_o hear_v one_o day_n of_o a_o person_n who_o will_v re-establish_a israel_n that_o he_o search_v for_o a_o great_a house_n with_o a_o garden_n to_o divert_v himself_o and_o walk_v therein_o as_o also_o that_o he_o must_v sometime_o go_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o field_n or_o go_v in_o a_o bark_n of_o pleasure_n or_o boat_n to_o divert_v himself_o which_o give_v i_o enough_o to_o
understand_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o yet_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o his_o soul_n though_o he_o be_v account_v a_o saint_n for_o than_o shall_v he_o not_o have_v need_v human_a divertisment_n to_o be_v joyful_a by_o as_o for_o i_o i_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v more_o joy_n and_o contentment_n in_o my_o soul_n in_o solitude_n and_o far_o from_o human_a divertisment_n than_o i_o have_v in_o man_n conversation_n or_o among_o the_o most_o divertise_v object_n which_o give_v assurance_n that_o my_o joy_n proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o it_o come_v not_o from_o human_a mean_n for_o it_o be_v my_o consolation_n never_o to_o come_v out_o of_o my_o closet_n and_o to_o hear_v nothing_o but_o in_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o inner_a man_n but_o the_o joy_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o evil_a spirit_n terminate_v and_o end_v always_o in_o sadness_n and_o melancholy_n with_o a_o earn_n after_o new_a divertisment_n to_o divert_v that_o sadness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o discover_v if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o disposition_n and_o operation_n which_o we_o feel_v in_o they_o when_o we_o have_v the_o desire_n to_o do_v or_o say_v any_o thing_n we_o need_v not_o so_o much_o go_v to_o consider_v if_o it_o be_v in_o appearance_n good_a or_o indifferent_a to_o know_v if_o it_o come_v from_o god_n as_o to_o examine_v the_o disposition_n which_o that_o desire_n bring_v into_o our_o soul_n to_o wit_n if_o it_o be_v in_o peace_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o its_o desire_n with_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a for_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v give_v we_o that_o desire_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o effect_v it_o but_o if_o we_o perceive_v that_o that_o desire_v to_o do_v or_o say_v any_o thing_n mar_v our_o peace_n and_o disturb_v our_o spirit_n with_o impatience_n and_o attempt_v to_o precipitate_v we_o before_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v our_o desire_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o if_o the_o desire_n or_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o devil_n will_v mix_v and_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o that_o good_a work_n to_o reap_v his_o glory_n thence_o however_o we_o must_v not_o cease_v to_o do_v or_o speak_v what_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o must_v be_v on_o our_o guard_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o the_o devil_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o in_o it_o we_o must_v then_o use_v continual_a prayer_n to_o have_v god_n succour_n and_o assistance_n and_o strength_n to_o overcome_v the_o tentation_n which_o the_o devil_n offer_v we_o while_o we_o be_v do_v good_a we_o must_v never_o cease_v from_o do_v good_a work_n because_o of_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o he_o will_v glad_o always_o hinder_v they_o if_o he_o can_v but_o we_o must_v examine_v well_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o discover_v if_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o insinuate_v himself_o therein_o that_o we_o may_v purify_v our_o intention_n and_o beware_v that_o the_o devil_n find_v no_o advantage_n therein_o and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v my_o son_n when_o it_o be_v god_n that_o inspire_v any_o thing_n to_o you_o remark_n always_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o goodness_n benignity_n faith_n continence_n and_o chastity_n for_o god_n never_o give_v inspiration_n that_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o these_o condition_n but_o the_o devil_n often_o give_v inclination_n to_o do_v good_a with_o fret_v malice_n despite_n dispair_n inconstance_n levity_n and_o impurity_n i_o have_v see_v sometime_o person_n that_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a by_o despite_n and_o fret_v upbraid_v and_o reproach_v they_o without_o any_o faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n i_o have_v see_v other_o assist_v at_o public_a devotion_n with_o insolence_n and_o lightness_n and_o now_o adays_o almost_o all_o marry_v by_o incontinence_n and_o impurity_n all_o these_o thing_n though_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v induce_v and_o excite_v by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n since_o they_o tend_v to_o a_o evil_a end_n though_o good_a in_o appearance_n and_o therefore_o must_v we_o always_o be_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o watch_v against_o so_o powerful_a a_o enemy_n who_o attempt_v to_o surprise_v we_o in_o all_o our_o action_n both_o good_a and_o indifferent_a that_o he_o may_v render_v they_o evil_n therefore_o we_o must_v study_v well_o to_o discern_v the_o good_a spirit_n from_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o may_v do_v see_v there_o be_v assure_v mark_n to_o know_v they_o never_o say_v then_o my_o son_n that_o you_o know_v not_o if_o it_o be_v god_n or_o the_o devil_n who_o move_v you_o to_o do_v or_o omit_v any_o thing_n but_o rather_o acknowledge_v with_o humility_n of_o heart_n that_o you_o be_v not_o vigilant_a enough_o and_o diligent_a to_o discover_v that_o evil_a spirit_n who_o dazzle_v your_o understanding_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o for_o every_o word_n you_o speak_v or_o action_n you_o do_v you_o may_v discover_v if_o it_o come_v of_o the_o devil_n provide_v you_o make_v a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o yourself_o but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o we_o be_v distract_v and_o wander_a and_o the_o devil_n make_v we_o forget_v what_o we_o shall_v remember_v and_o put_v in_o our_o mind_n what_o we_o shall_v forget_v that_o he_o may_v bring_v confusion_n in_o all_o our_o behaviour_n remark_n well_o that_o advertisement_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v but_o too_o well_o ground_v for_o since_o the_o devil_n can_v no_o more_o make_v you_o fall_v into_o manifest_a sin_n he_o will_v always_o endeavour_v to_o make_v you_o contradict_v the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o you_o do_v not_o yet_o know_v well_o you_o have_v indeed_o resolve_v in_o general_a to_o obey_v he_o and_o follow_v he_o as_o you_o have_v do_v in_o abandon_v the_o world_n in_o lose_v your_o affection_n from_o earthly_a good_n and_o desire_v to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o lowness_n and_o humility_n all_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v govern_v you_o in_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n and_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o but_o now_o he_o attacque_n you_o in_o small_a thing_n and_o of_o little_a import_n that_o he_o may_v hinder_v you_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o often_o he_o gain_v your_o will_n to_o make_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o common_a and_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o if_o you_o reflect_v upon_o yourself_o you_o shall_v find_v there_o a_o certain_a opposition_n to_o whatever_o i_o propose_v to_o you_o which_o come_v often_o even_o contrary_a to_o your_o will_n yea_o you_o be_v vex_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v so_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v i_o yet_o on_o the_o first_o occasion_n you_o do_v it_o again_o which_o can_v proceed_v of_o yourself_o since_o you_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o now_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o true_a rule_n that_o whatever_o evil_n we_o do_v against_o our_o will_n come_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o of_o ourselves_o i_o know_v that_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n which_o you_o have_v against_o what_o i_o desire_v come_v not_o of_o your_o own_o will_n for_o you_o will_v glad_o obey_v i_o in_o every_o thing_n see_v you_o know_v that_o i_o never_o desire_v any_o evil_n but_o you_o can_v in_o effect_v obey_v i_o in_o thing_n good_a and_o salutary_a which_o come_v assure_o of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v i_o for_o he_o move_v as_o soon_o as_o i_o speak_v and_o bring_v some_o contradiction_n or_o opposition_n to_o what_o i_o propose_v he_o be_v trouble_v enrage_v and_o fret_v and_o will_v cause_v among_o we_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n as_o heatt_z and_o cold_a do_v which_o occur_v in_o the_o air_n which_o you_o do_v often_o and_o know_v not_o to_o help_v it_o because_o you_o have_v not_o sufficient_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n do_v it_o in_o you_o against_o your_o will_n for_o you_o allege_v sometime_o reason_n as_o if_o you_o will_v sustain_v his_o quarrel_n and_o show_v that_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o contradict_v i_o which_o you_o can_v not_o do_v if_o you_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o who_o no_o evil_a can_v proceed_v but_o the_o devil_n make_v you_o forget_v that_o and_o excite_v in_o you_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n to_o which_o your_o nature_n be_v also_o incline_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n you_o discover_v not_o sufficient_o that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o attribute_v it_o to_o your_o natural_a inclination_n
other_o but_o live_v at_o ease_n without_o fight_v they_o remain_v in_o quiet_a amid_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o which_o be_v strange_a when_o any_o will_v waken_v they_o out_o of_o that_o lethargique_a sleep_n they_o be_v grieve_v and_o dissatisfy_v notwithstanding_o that_o sleep_n will_v assure_o procure_v they_o eternal_a death_n if_o they_o do_v not_o awake_v to_o fight_v their_o enemy_n we_o can_v hinder_v that_o these_o enemy_n assail_v we_o every_o where_o but_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v discover_v because_o a_o enemy_n discover_v be_v half_o vanquish_v and_o therefore_o my_o child_n you_o ought_v to_o rejoice_v rather_o than_o be_v sorrowful_a that_o god_n permit_v that_o i_o now_o discover_v so_o many_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o you_o can_v make_v that_o he_o be_v not_o wicked_a and_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o malice_n proceed_v not_o from_o he_o nor_o can_v you_o hinder_v that_o he_o tempt_v man_n since_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v give_v he_o that_o power_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o do_v it_o we_o give_v he_o daily_o the_o same_o power_n over_o we_o which_o he_o get_v over_o they_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n to_o his_o tentation_n it_o be_v so_o we_o must_v fight_v or_o render_v to_o he_o which_o be_v lamentable_a for_o we_o be_v create_v true_a child_n of_o god_n after_o his_o image_n and_o resemblance_n and_o we_o shall_v become_v by_o our_o sloth_n child_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o you_o must_v never_o suffer_v but_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o evil_a and_o resist_v it_o to_o your_o power_n and_o bless_v god_n also_o that_o he_o send_v you_o his_o light_n that_o you_o may_v know_v it_o and_o beware_v of_o it_o without_o afflict_v yourself_o so_o much_o because_o the_o devil_n hoth_v power_n to_o tempt_v man_n for_o tentation_n purify_v the_o soul_n and_o render_v it_o agreeable_a to_o god_n he_o take_v pleasure_n to_o see_v we_o fight_v his_o and_o our_o enemy_n and_o he_o give_v we_o strength_n and_o aid_n if_o we_o persevere_v constant_o yea_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o triumphant_a laurel_n and_o eternal_a reward_n of_o victory_n therefore_o you_o must_v not_o give_v place_n to_o that_o feebleness_n of_o spirit_n to_o languish_v because_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o tempt_v man_n since_o it_o be_v not_o in_o you_o to_o take_v it_o from_o he_o he_o have_v too_o long_o possess_v it_o for_o since_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n he_o have_v have_v power_n to_o do_v in_o himself_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o please_v although_o his_o evil_n can_v hurt_v man_n unless_o he_o consent_v for_o man_n have_v full_a liberty_n to_o resist_v he_o as_o the_o devil_n have_v full_a liberty_n to_o tempt_v we_o if_o that_o be_v not_o true_a he_o can_v never_o have_v tempt_v adam_n our_o first_o father_n who_o be_v altogether_o holy_a and_o perfect_a at_o his_o creation_n and_o have_v not_o in_o his_o beginning_n give_v any_o occasion_n to_o the_o devil_n 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and_o salutary_a resolution_n but_o that_o grief_n which_o you_o conceive_v because_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o tempt_v you_o and_o other_o come_v from_o he_o he_o make_v we_o always_o desire_v thing_n impossible_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n that_o he_o may_v afflict_v and_o discourage_v we_o for_o he_o know_v well_o that_o a_o grieve_a and_o discourage_v person_n be_v not_o well_o fit_v to_o resist_v his_o tentation_n and_o that_o in_o that_o state_n he_o can_v easy_o lead_v he_o from_o one_o evil_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o he_o often_o cause_v vain_a grief_n such_o as_o be_v that_o which_o proceed_v from_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v so_o much_o power_n to_o tempt_v man_n and_o also_o the_o disturb_a grief_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a which_o be_v no_o more_o in_o our_o power_n these_o be_v extremity_n into_o which_o the_o devil_n attempt_v always_o to_o precipitate_v we_o it_o be_v true_a we_o ought_v to_o regret_n that_o we_o have_v willing_o 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that_o power_n can_v be_v exercise_v but_o on_o those_o that_o give_v or_o have_v give_v he_o their_o full_a consent_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n turn_v to_o good_a to_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v you_o remember_v that_o he_o can_v hurt_v you_o without_o your_o own_o consent_n and_o your_o resist_v his_o tentation_n render_v you_o agreeable_a to_o god_n for_o your_o soul_n must_v be_v prove_v as_o gold_n in_o the_o furnace_n which_o grow_v still_o the_o pure_a by_o continue_v in_o the_o fire_n even_o so_o be_v a_o soul_n purify_v by_o long_a tentation_n if_o it_o remain_v firm_a in_o resist_v and_o nothing_o can_v hurt_v it_o but_o sin_n from_o which_o if_o it_o abstain_v it_o carry_v the_o victory_n over_o its_o enemy_n and_o all_o they_o can_v do_v against_o it_o be_v but_o false_a alarm_n which_o try_v its_o fidelity_n and_o vigilancy_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o devil_n power_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o but_o earnest_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o strength_n to_o resist_v he_o and_o fight_v until_o death_n for_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o prayer_n which_o he_o leave_v to_o christian_n have_v not_o ask_v to_o be_v free_a from_o tentation_n but_o only_o not_o to_o be_v lead_v to_o follow_v the_o tentation_n and_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o evil_a and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evil_n but_o sin_n we_o pray_v only_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o not_o from_o tentation_n which_o be_v often_o profitable_a and_o salutary_a for_o we_o yea_o sometime_o necessary_a to_o our_o frailty_n for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o feeble_a and_o corrupt_a that_o it_o can_v not_o remain_v faithful_a to_o god_n out_o of_o tribulation_n
rendet_fw-la ourselves_o its_o slave_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o devil_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n we_o behove_v notwithstanding_o to_o combat_v it_o continual_o see_v that_o corruption_n be_v as_o much_o a_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o the_o devil_n if_o you_o will_v my_o son_n examine_v well_o your_o own_o self_n you_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o you_o do_v not_o one_o single_a action_n which_o though_o good_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o self-love_n and_o self-seeking_a and_o that_o you_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n which_o you_o aim_v not_o for_o your_o own_o advantage_n or_o praise_n or_o to_o excuse_v and_o justify_v yourself_o for_o self-love_n search_v always_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o will_v not_o have_v the_o blame_n in_o any_o thing_n yea_o it_o will_v appear_v innocent_a in_o the_o most_o manifest_a fault_n it_o commit_v it_o speak_v to_o excuse_v they_o reason_n to_o maintain_v its_o opinion_n or_o what_o it_o have_v fancy_v or_o undertake_v to_o maintain_v in_o fine_a it_o employ_v all_o the_o force_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n to_o disow_v its_o guilt_n so_o proud_a be_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v blame_v in_o any_o thing_n if_o it_o can_v evite_v it_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v manifest_a sin_n which_o rob_v our_o heart_n of_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o love_v and_o esteem_v ourselves_o and_o so_o infringe_v the_o command_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n while_o we_o love_v our_o own_o glory_n and_o esteem_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n i_o have_v often_o declare_v that_o the_o ressence_n of_o sin_n consist_v in_o that_o man_n retire_v his_o affection_n from_o god_n to_o place_v they_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o he_o so_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o man_n fall_v so_o often_o into_o sin_n as_o he_o turn_v to_o love_v himself_o and_o he_o fall_v so_o often_o into_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o as_o he_o will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v himself_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o just_a or_o excusable_a in_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v by_o sin_n become_v altogether_o evil_a and_o can_v of_o itself_o do_v any_o good_a spiritual_a or_o temporal_a but_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n from_o which_o no_o good_a can_v proceed_v that_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o which_o all_o the_o world_n will_v ready_o acquiesce_v if_o they_o be_v disengage_v of_o self-love_n for_o than_o shall_v they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v slow_a to_o all_o good_a and_o bend_v to_o all_o evil_a that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a impotent_a and_o in_o short_a all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o this_o life_n be_v only_o to_o be_v esteem_v or_o to_o evite_v the_o contempt_n and_o humiliation_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o which_o proceed_v from_o that_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o sin_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o that_o pride_n which_o make_v they_o live_v in_o continual_a sin_n if_o they_o do_v not_o resist_v it_o continual_o by_o spiritual_a diligence_n and_o watch_v not_o over_o all_o their_o word_n and_o action_n to_o limit_v and_o regulate_v they_o by_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o that_o spiritual_a diligence_n which_o ought_v to_o rule_v all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v to_o salvation_n which_o she_o wish_v you_o who_o love_v your_o soul_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr husum_fw-la jan._n 27._o 1674._o the_o xxii_o letter_n spiritual_a diligence_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o the_o same_o exhort_v he_o to_o spiritual_a diligence_n because_o without_o it_o none_o can_v persevere_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n nor_o overcome_v his_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o self-love_n my_o son_n i_o can_v over_o much_o explain_v the_o worth_n and_o necessity_n of_o spiritual_a diligence_n since_o it_o do_v occasion_v your_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o attain_v in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v consider_v well_o that_o necessity_n that_o you_o may_v apprehend_v it_o and_o put_v it_o into_o practice_n since_o thereupon_o depend_v your_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o though_o you_o have_v acquire_v several_a other_o virtue_n yet_o the_o devil_n can_v easy_o ensnare_v you_o by_o spiritual_a negligence_n and_o suffer_v you_o to_o do_v well_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v ensnare_v you_o after_o he_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o hinder_v you_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n to_o give_v yourself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n see_v that_o be_v your_o absolute_a resolution_n neither_o can_v he_o hinder_v that_o you_o have_v detest_a sin_n and_o undertake_v to_o follow_v true_a virtue_n but_o he_o attend_v you_o in_o the_o passage_n that_o he_o may_v stop_v your_o course_n and_o hinder_v your_o perseverance_n by_o divers_a tentation_n and_o by_o occasion_n which_o he_o will_v excite_v to_o withdraw_v you_o from_o your_o good_a purpose_n he_o will_v excite_v man_n of_o good_a will_n to_o render_v your_o resolution_n suspect_v even_o upon_o pious_a pretext_n he_o will_v make_v you_o sometime_o doubt_v if_o you_o shall_v not_o do_v better_a to_o remain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v your_o light_n to_o shine_v to_o other_o to_o enlighten_v they_o again_o he_o will_v represent_v to_o you_o if_o you_o have_v not_o better_o yet_o merchandise_n that_o you_o may_v assist_v your_o neighbour_n out_o of_o your_o superfluity_n or_o by_o your_o good_a example_n for_o the_o devil_n tempt_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o mean_n and_o when_o he_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o evil_a action_n he_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o our_o good_a work_n yea_o even_o into_o our_o good_a intention_n and_o mix_v therein_o some_o of_o his_o venom_n a_o little_a when_o he_o can_v much_o he_o give_v sometime_o a_o weariness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o make_v appear_v burdensome_a what_o be_v in_o itself_o light_a give_v the_o soul_n a_o backwardness_n or_o difficulty_n in_o well_o do_v or_o in_o overcome_v itself_o also_o he_o take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o surmount_v our_o imperfection_n and_o arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n that_o he_o may_v render_v our_o soul_n slack_a and_o lazy_a because_o they_o see_v not_o the_o mean_n whereby_o to_o arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n so_o that_o he_o confound_v our_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v not_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v before_o god_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v occupy_v themselves_o always_o with_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o curious_a speculation_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o we_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a prayer_n and_o spiritual_a diligence_n if_o we_o will_v persevere_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n otherwise_o the_o devil_n will_v gain_v we_o by_o the_o one_o or_o other_o way_n let_v we_o then_o watch_v always_o that_o he_o make_v not_o our_o first_o fervour_n cool_v and_o slacken_v our_o good_a resolution_n of_o embrace_v solid_a virtue_n he_o will_v attempt_v even_o when_o we_o have_v obtain_v true_a virtue_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o spiritual_a negligence_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v well_o rest_v at_o ease_n see_v we_o have_v acquire_v it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v advance_v further_o i_o have_v know_v such_o person_n as_o say_v to_o i_o that_o they_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n to_o which_o they_o can_v attain_v and_o they_o say_v so_o because_o they_o have_v read_v all_o they_o can_v read_v and_o so_o they_o judge_v that_o to_o read_v more_o be_v but_o to_o repeat_v what_o they_o have_v already_o read_v and_o understand_v which_o be_v to_o i_o a_o great_a pride_n and_o a_o spiritual_a negligence_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o perish_v by_o that_o negligence_n for_o not_o to_o advance_v in_o virtue_n be_v to_o fall_v back_o and_o recoil_v see_v man_n never_o attain_v that_o perfection_n that_o he_o ought_v it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o never_o rest_n in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n but_o always_o tend_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n even_o to_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n to_o follow_v the_o near_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n but_o the_o devil_n envious_a of_o our_o happiness_n endeavour_n to_o his_o power_n to_o divert_v we_o he_o serve_v himself_o of_o spiritual_a negligence_n when_o he_o can_v prevail_v by_o evil_a desire_n and_o action_n it_o be_v alike_o to_o he_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o ensnare_v our_o soul_n provide_v he_o can_v in_o the_o
end_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o solid_a virtue_n extract_n of_o some_z of_o the_o work_n of_o mrs_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr belong_v to_o some_o most_o essential_a matter_n of_o christianism_n and_o health_n letter_n i._o of_o toleration_n that_o it_o ought_v never_o to_o go_v the_o length_n of_o communicate_v with_o sin_n direct_o or_o indirect_o of_o the_o essential_a and_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n of_o religion_n worship_n and_o ceremony_n and_o their_o use_n this_o letter_n be_v write_v to_o one_o of_o her_o intimate_n mr._n van_n de_fw-fr velde_n and_o be_v the_o second_o of_o light_n arise_v in_o darkness_n 3._o part_n sir_n 1._o i_o know_v you_o seek_v the_o perfection_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o you_o aspire_v after_o god_n i_o know_v also_o that_o he_o have_v impart_v of_o his_o grace_n to_o you_o and_o particular_o teach_v you_o his_o will_n in_o some_o thing_n but_o i_o know_v also_o that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o shall_v teach_v we_o all_o truth_n see_v you_o discern_v not_o yet_o well_o evil_a from_o good_a and_o love_v all_o indifferent_o by_o a_o natural_a goodness_n as_o do_v adam_n who_o know_v very_o well_o the_o consolation_n and_o quiet_v which_o a_o soul_n find_v in_o entertain_v itself_o with_o god_n but_o know_v not_o what_o evil_n be_v because_o he_o have_v never_o prove_v it_o he_o be_v create_v in_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o converse_v with_o his_o god_n in_o peace_n without_o apprehend_v the_o evil_a which_o may_v come_v upon_o he_o in_o abandon_v god_n to_o please_v himself_o with_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o do_v he_o so_o easy_o fall_v into_o sin_n before_o he_o perceive_v the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n it_o will_v cause_v he_o 2._o and_o almost_o the_o same_o be_v befall_v you_o my_o dear_a brother_n for_o when_o you_o enjoy_v sweet_a entertainment_n with_o god_n you_o remain_v in_o the_o sensuality_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n by_o which_o you_o have_v insensible_o lose_v commerce_n with_o god_n because_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v one_o take_v pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o himself_o he_o retire_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o live_v to_o itself_o which_o precipitate_v itself_o often_o into_o divers_a evil_n because_o our_o proper_a will_n engender_v death_n since_o it_o be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n 3._o you_o do_v love_n good_a and_o do_v yet_o love_v it_o but_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o hate_v evil_a because_o you_o do_v not_o well_o know_v it_o persuade_v yourself_o that_o you_o do_v well_o enough_o when_o you_o support_v it_o in_o other_o not_o perceive_v that_o we_o can_v sin_v in_o another_o nine_o way_n the_o first_o be_v in_o consent_v thereto_o 2_o in_o councel_n it_o 3d._o in_o tolerate_v it_o 4_o in_o assist_v it_o 5_o in_o defend_v evil_a 6_o in_o command_v it_o 7_o in_o partake_v with_o it_o 8_o in_o not_o hinder_v it_o when_o in_o our_o power_n 9_o in_o hide_v it_o from_o he_o that_o will_v hinder_v it_o 4._o all_o these_o be_v not_o enough_o consider_v and_o we_o easy_o fall_v into_o they_o without_o consider_v it_o although_o we_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n the_o devil_n often_o surprise_v we_o by_o sin_n without_o we_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o he_o can_v prevail_v to_o get_v we_o to_o commit_v they_o in_o ourselves_o for_o he_o have_v as_o much_o power_n over_o we_o by_o the_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v in_o another_o as_o by_o they_o we_o commit_v in_o ourselves_o see_v they_o shall_v both_o alike_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o if_o i_o do_v not_o advertise_v you_o of_o it_o you_o may_v easy_o fall_v into_o they_o without_o perceive_v it_o for_o example_n you_o converse_v with_o person_n that_o be_v avaritious_a proud_a or_o stain_v with_o any_o other_o sin_n they_o eat_v subject_a and_o inferior_a to_o you_o as_o your_o wife_n and_o child_n or_o your_o man_n or_o maidservant_n or_o hireling_n or_o whoever_o they_o be_v over_o who_o you_o have_v authority_n notwithstanding_o lest_o you_o shall_v displease_v they_o or_o lose_v their_o friendship_n you_o consent_v to_o their_o commit_n of_o sin_n without_o dare_v or_o will_v to_o resist_v it_o all_o these_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v with_o your_o consent_n shall_v assure_o be_v impute_v as_o if_o you_o have_v commit_v they_o yourself_o to_o council_n to_o do_v evil_a that_o you_o will_v not_o so_o long_o as_o you_o fear_v god_n but_o for_o suffer_v it_o in_o other_o i_o doubt_v you_o do_v it_o sometime_o because_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o of_o hatred_n to_o sin_n as_o when_o you_o see_v one_o deceive_v in_o sell_v to_o or_o labour_v for_o you_o and_o yet_o continue_v to_o buy_v of_o he_o or_o employ_v he_o in_o labour_n that_o be_v assure_o to_o suffer_v the_o evil_n which_o he_o commit_v 5._o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v in_o necessity_n without_o deal_v with_o they_o that_o sell_v or_o labour_n by_o avarice_n fraud_n or_o deceit_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o precious_a than_o the_o body_n which_o ought_v rather_o to_o endure_v its_o necessity_n than_o to_o supply_v they_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o its_o soul_n which_o be_v assure_o defile_v by_o suffer_v the_o sin_n of_o another_o and_o yet_o more_o by_o assist_v and_o help_v evil_a as_o he_o that_o will_v give_v good_n to_o one_o that_o be_v avaricious_a gluttonous_a proud_a slothful_a or_o a_o drunkard_n will_v assist_v he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o commit_v more_o with_o the_o gif_n and_o assistance_n he_o afford_v he_o and_o if_o we_o defend_v or_o excuse_v the_o evil_a of_o another_o we_o also_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o for_o we_o ought_v never_o to_o excuse_v or_o defend_v it_o lest_o we_o so_o maintain_v the_o evildoer_n in_o his_o sin_n to_o commit_v which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n need_v no_o encouragement_n and_o whoever_o afford_v it_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o other_o although_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v excuse_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o and_o assist_v sinner_n that_o be_v a_o false_a theology_n very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o upright_a who_o be_v often_o deceive_v by_o evil_a for_o lack_v of_o know_v it_o 6._o also_o you_o be_v not_o in_o hazard_n to_o command_v evil_a so_o long_o as_o you_o fear_v god_n neither_o will_v you_o ever_o partake_v with_o manifest_a sin_n as_o with_o robbery_n for_o god_n have_v deliver_v you_o by_o his_o grace_n from_o avarice_n yet_o you_o must_v take_v care_n to_o hinder_v evil_a when_o in_o your_o power_n or_o else_o the_o omission_n will_v render_v you_o partaker_n of_o the_o evil_n commit_v and_o even_o so_o when_o you_o do_v not_o declare_v it_o to_o they_o that_o will_v hinder_v it_o all_o these_o sin_n or_o part_n of_o they_o may_v be_v commit_v by_o good_a man_n who_o aspire_v after_o perfection_n particular_o when_o they_o be_v of_o a_o good_a disposition_n natural_o they_o take_v all_o in_o good_a part_n i_o have_v sometime_o slip_v into_o some_o such_o fault_n by_o too_o much_o natural_a goodness_n or_o human_a regard_n but_o after_o god_n show_v i_o clear_o these_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v in_o another_o which_o i_o impart_v to_o you_o because_o i_o love_v your_o perfection_n as_o much_o as_o my_o own_o by_o a_o true_a christian_a charity_n see_v that_o you_o aspire_v unto_o its_o perfection_n which_o i_o will_v also_o show_v wherein_o it_o consist_v for_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v at_o present_a so_o great_a that_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v well_o incline_v know_v nor_o whither_o they_o walk_v in_o regard_n of_o perfection_n take_v often_o the_o false_a for_o true_a and_o imperfect_a for_o perfect_v and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v now_o teach_v so_o many_o divers_a mean_n to_o perfection_n that_o one_o know_v not_o which_o to_o take_v for_o the_o sure_a exercise_n one_o say_v we_o must_v go_v frequent_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n another_o place_n christian_a perfection_n in_o enter_v into_o some_o religious_a fraternity_n or_o convent_n other_o in_o fasting_n and_o macerate_v the_o body_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a if_o well_o use_v but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o end_n nor_o that_o wherein_o christian_a perfection_n consist_v for_o these_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o salvation_n because_o no_o external_a thing_n perfect_v the_o soul_n nor_o can_v they_o defile_v it_o they_o be_v only_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o more_o easy_o attain_v to_o virtue_n or_o by_o abuse_n fall_v more_o easy_o into_o sin_n 8._o every_o soul_n in_o particular_a aught_o to_o use_v the_o external_a mean_n which_o excite_v they_o most_o to_o christian_a virtue_n and_o evite_v also_o thing_n
that_o engage_v they_o unto_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v write_v whoso_o love_v hazard_n shall_v perish_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o that_o feel_v himself_o so_o weak_a in_o chastity_n that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o force_n to_o look_v upon_o woman_n without_o lust_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o one_o and_o he_o that_o drink_v drink_v when_o he_o have_v wine_n ought_v also_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o evil_a because_o of_o our_o infirmity_n they_o cause_v evil_a as_o other_o occasion_n good_a and_o virtue_n in_o our_o soul_n when_o these_o mean_n of_o perfection_n be_v use_v for_o their_o end_n 9_o for_o example_n if_o you_o find_v by_o a_o true_a experience_n that_o you_o be_v more_o unite_v to_o god_n in_o go_v to_o church_n or_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n you_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v these_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a for_o every_o one_o ought_v always_o to_o seek_v his_o own_o further_a perfection_n but_o if_o those_o mean_n effect_v nothing_o in_o your_o soul_n you_o shall_v not_o use_v they_o and_o if_o you_o return_v better_o into_o god_n in_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o your_o closet_n you_o be_v oblige_v to_o remain_v there_o and_o not_o divert_v yourself_o by_o go_v to_o church_n and_o if_o your_o soul_n feel_v more_o union_n with_o god_n in_o solitude_n than_o when_o you_o seek_v that_o union_n by_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n you_o ought_v to_o keep_v you_o solitary_a and_o there_o feast_v inward_o with_o your_o god_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o continual_a feast_n where_o the_o soul_n repose_v and_o recreate_v itself_o with_o his_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o always_o need_v of_o external_a mean_n to_o excite_v itself_o to_o that_o union_n 10._o for_o often_o god_n prevent_v it_o with_o a_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o contenrment_n without_o that_o it_o know_v whence_o that_o joy_n have_v its_o origin_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n no_o way_n tie_v to_o material_a thing_n neither_o to_o time_n place_n nor_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o the_o soul_n a_o spirit_n they_o comunicate_v in_o spirit_n and_o he_o that_o have_v need_n to_o seek_v god_n in_o different_a religion_n and_o fellowship_n be_v not_o very_o far_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o know_v not_o yet_o the_o place_n where_o he_o feed_v at_o noon_n nor_o where_o he_o rest_v at_o night_n for_o if_o he_o know_v that_o he_o will_v not_o run_v from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o to_o find_v god_n but_o will_v remain_v fix_v in_o himself_o because_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v the_o palace_n of_o honour_n where_o god_n rest_v and_o take_v his_o delight_n all_o the_o fraternity_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v give_v that_o union_n with_o god_n we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o though_o the_o perfect_a society_n may_v well_o serve_v as_o mean_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o christian-perfection_n yet_o they_o can_v save_v we_o without_o the_o inward_a virtue_n 11._o one_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v a_o catholic_a another_o that_o he_o be_v reform_v other_o will_v be_v spiritual_a because_o in_o order_n or_o of_o the_o reformation_n of_o menno_n true_o my_o dear_a brother_n all_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o good_a and_o can_v yield_v no_o perfection_n to_o our_o soul_n to_o build_v our_o salvation_n upon_o any_o religion_n be_v to_o deceive_v ourselves_o see_v none_o of_o they_o can_v save_v we_o without_o have_v in_o our_o soul_n true_a christian_a perfection_n 12._o comparison_n if_o the_o rule_n or_o statute_n of_o any_o religion_n serve_v we_o as_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o experiment_n that_o they_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v they_o for_o we_o must_v esteem_v the_o mean_n as_o one_o will_v esteem_v the_o sheath_n of_o a_o sword_n of_o great_a price_n but_o never_o esteem_v the_o sheath_n so_o precious_a as_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v within_o see_v it_o can_v never_o serve_v we_o to_o fight_v against_o our_o enemy_n nor_o make_v they_o retire_v from_o we_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v our_o three_o swear_a enemy_n which_o continual_o attack_v our_o soul_n who_o we_o must_v fight_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o buckler_n of_o charity_n for_o if_o we_o think_v to_o overcome_v they_o with_o the_o outward_a sheath_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o devil_n shall_v laugh_v at_o we_o we_o shall_v laugh_v at_o a_o soldier_n who_o will_v fight_v his_o enemy_n with_o the_o sheath_n of_o his_o sword_n it_o be_v yet_o more_o ridiculous_a to_o see_v how_o christian_n will_v gain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o their_o religion_n which_o can_v save_v they_o without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o their_o neighbour_n 13._o worship_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o amusement_n and_o folly_n to_o fix_v themselves_o upon_o such_o a_o order_n or_o such_o a_o religion_n or_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o be_v enroll_v in_o the_o most_o perfect_a order_n or_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n if_o you_o think_v to_o be_v save_v for_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_a religion_n without_o a_o live_a faith_n hope_v in_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o your_o neighbour_n you_o be_v deceive_v for_o no_o person_n be_v true_o catholic_n but_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n see_v to_o be_v catholic_a be_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o be_v unite_v in_o heart_n and_o will_n with_o all_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n behold_v what_o make_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o catholic_n but_o if_o you_o see_v and_o feel_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o catholic_n lead_v you_o unto_o god_n you_o must_v observe_v they_o faithful_o and_o rather_o die_v than_o slip_n from_o they_o for_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o that_o love_v peril_n shall_v perish_v therein_o so_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o embrace_v faithful_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o perfection_n shall_v be_v perfect_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n it_o must_v always_o be_v aid_v and_o sustain_v by_o the_o mean_n that_o can_v strengthen_v it_o 14._o but_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v arrive_v at_o union_n with_o god_n they_o shall_v no_o more_o need_v to_o use_v any_o mean_n because_o then_o love_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o itself_o and_o that_o union_n overcome_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o which_o we_o have_v then_o no_o more_o need_n to_o resist_v by_o fast_n or_o other_o maceration_n of_o the_o body_n which_o mean_n be_v good_a for_o those_o that_o have_v give_v loose_a reins_o to_o their_o sensuality_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v or_o have_v allow_v their_o body_n other_o carnal_a pleasure_n the_o habit_n of_o such_o ordinary_o not_o yield_v but_o by_o do_v thing_n quite_o contrary_a because_o our_o nature_n be_v as_o a_o undaunted_a horse_n which_o be_v not_o tame_v but_o furious_a and_o unruly_a which_o we_o can_v tame_v after_o we_o have_v let_v he_o follow_v his_o liberty_n but_o by_o the_o bridle_n and_o spur_n of_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n 15._o see_v there_o my_o dear_a brother_n how_o you_o may_v learn_v to_o regulate_v well_o your_o soul_n and_o discern_v wherein_o perfection_n consist_v that_o you_o take_v not_o apparent_a virtue_n for_o real_a for_o we_o be_v that_o dangerous_a time_n whereof_o jesus_n christ_n prophesy_v say_v that_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o that_o many_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v do_v great_a sign_n and_o miracle_n i_o know_v you_o be_v fall_v into_o evil_a insensible_o and_o by_o little_a and_o little_o have_v lose_v entertainment_n with_o god_n by_o ignorance_n and_o for_o not_o have_v enough_o hate_a evil_n nor_o know_v the_o sin_n which_o you_o can_v commit_v in_o another_o but_o you_o must_v resume_v courage_n and_o begin_v anew_o consider_v more_o narrow_o in_o what_o consist_v christian_a perfection_n that_o as_o adam_n do_v no_o more_o fall_n into_o sin_n after_o he_o know_v the_o evil_a it_o have_v bring_v on_o he_o so_o you_o fall_v no_o more_o into_o the_o sensuality_n of_o nature_n but_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o adam_n do_v when_o he_o know_v they_o for_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a penitence_n and_o regret_n for_o have_v desert_v entertainment_n with_o god_n 16._o and_o if_o you_o have_v that_o perfect_a regret_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o relapse_n again_o into_o natural_a sensualite_n see_v that_o they_o have_v interrupt_v your_o communion_n with_o god_n that_o regret_n will_v purge_v