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she_o and_o not_o he_o but_o her_o the_o last_o and_o high_a expression_n of_o god_n love_n to_o mankind_n to_o intimate_v which_o god_n send_v a_o comet_n when_o she_o be_v bear_v another_o when_o she_o first_o begin_v to_o write_v and_o a_o three_o at_o her_o death_n which_o be_v great_a and_o more_o dreadful_a than_o any_o that_o be_v ever_o see_v before_o she_o be_v the_o divine_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n she_o be_v truth_n pure_a truth_n and_o the_o only_a truth_n that_o can_v guide_v one_o to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o life_n eternal_a say_v he_o but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o mouth_n in_o the_o write_n and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr 34._o and_o again_o if_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v edify_v upon_o earth_n it_o can_v be_v by_o any_o other_o mean_v but_o by_o the_o remonstrance_n the_o rule_n doctrine_n spirit_n and_o example_n of_o mademoiselle_fw-fr bourignon_fw-fr he_o call_v she_o the_o woman_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o revelation_n who_o be_v show_v to_o st._n john_n in_o a_o vision_n who_o say_v he_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o by_o who_o our_o ear_n have_v hear_v and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o as_o he_o render_v unto_o god_n thanks_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o know_v she_o 601._o and_o of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o she_o so_o he_o most_o passionate_o expostulate_v with_o god_n for_o suffer_v she_o to_o die_v who_o be_v the_o only_a just_a the_o only_a holy_a the_o only_a person_n who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n where_o lord_n where_o be_v now_o your_o holy_a church_n alas_o it_o be_v altogether_o destroy_v and_o subsist_v only_o in_o ruin_a house_n in_o some_o scatter_a stone_n which_o as_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o ancient_a sanctuary_n be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o every_o street_n break_a deface_v and_o unpolished_a and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o gather_v they_o together_o nor_o to_o set_v about_o 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they_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o he_o for_o all_o who_o have_v take_v this_o woman_n part_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n he_o who_o write_v the_o apologetic_a preface_n to_o her_o work_n employ_v all_o the_o rhetoric_n which_o passion_n and_o a_o strong-heated_n passion_n can_v inspire_v in_o defence_n of_o this_o woman_n to_o remove_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v entertain_v against_o her_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o she_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o send_v to_o renew_v the_o church_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o its_o utmost_a perfection_n if_o this_o author_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v all_o the_o word_n and_o write_n of_o this_o woman_n be_v sacred_a as_o scripture_n itself_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o devout_o read_v yea_o much_o rather_o read_v for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a what_o he_o say_v they_o be_v more_o profitable_a and_o do_v discover_v more_o full_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o leipsick_a transaction_n observe_v 3._o he_o make_v the_o new_a scripture_n of_o madam_n bourignon_n either_o to_o confirm_v the_o old_a or_o to_o explain_v they_o or_o to_o correct_v they_o in_o this_o preface_n the_o author_n consider_v the_o several_a way_n by_o which_o god_n may_v and_o do_v communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o he_o assert_v confident_o of_o mademoiselle_n bourignon_n that_o god_n use_v all_o these_o several_a way_n with_o she_o as_o vision_n external_a voice_n intimate_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o such_o ineffable_a communication_n as_o make_v she_o to_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o all_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v in_o he_o her_o whole_a life_n say_v
he_o be_v a_o continue_a series_n of_o god_n word_n and_o 188._o discourse_n with_o she_o and_o of_o she_o with_o he_o and_o again_o she_o have_v so_o often_o those_o communication_n with_o god_n which_o he_o reckon_v up_o in_o the_o second_o classis_fw-la 192._o that_o they_o be_v very_o common_a with_o she_o by_o which_o god_n communicate_v to_o her_o the_o intimate_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a matter_n of_o right_n and_o fact_n thing_n speculative_a and_o practical_a thing_n mystical_a thing_n appertain_v to_o faith_n and_o morality_n thing_n future_a and_o prophetic_a such_o as_o be_v the_o last_o thing_n of_o which_o she_o have_v often_o speak_v final_o he_o make_v a_o kind_n of_o union_n between_o god_n and_o her_o soul_n and_o say_v 193._o that_o they_o speak_v to_o one_o another_o as_o two_o friend_n use_v to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o discourse_n which_o she_o have_v with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o he_o have_v with_o she_o proceed_v not_o from_o herself_o but_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n which_o prompt_v she_o to_o speak_v and_o that_o her_o book_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o divine_a conference_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n with_o other_o and_o several_a instance_n of_o their_o frailty_n be_v upon_o record_n at_o the_o direction_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o this_o anonymous_n advocate_n for_o antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o above_o mention_v who_o continue_v and_o enlarge_v the_o history_n of_o her_o life_n begin_v by_o her_o self_n i_o say_v he_o will_v not_o allow_v she_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o slip_n or_o inadvertency_n or_o fail_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n unworthy_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o leipsick_a transaction_n tantâ_fw-la cum_fw-la religione_fw-la veneratur_fw-la ut_fw-la &_o soloecismos_fw-la ejus_fw-la &_o in_o stylo_fw-la errata_fw-la dictamini_fw-la divino_fw-la tribuat_fw-la he_o justify_v all_o she_o say_v or_o do_v by_o parallel_n from_o the_o prophet_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o confident_o assert_n that_o the_o opposition_n she_o meet_v with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o outcry_n against_o she_o or_o her_o doctrine_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o principle_n which_o persecute_v they_o 197._o for_o to_o give_v you_o his_o sentiment_n in_o short_a she_o be_v the_o pure_a the_o most_o disinterested_n and_o self-denied_n soul_n and_o the_o most_o resign_v to_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v upon_o earth_n the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o no_o value_n to_o she_o she_o be_v perfect_o deny_v to_o all_o sense_n and_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o depend_v upon_o imagination_n in_o her_o divine_a conference_n that_o be_v her_o conversation_n with_o god_n she_o use_v neither_o idea_n nor_o meditation_n but_o be_v in_o a_o admirable_a vacuity_n of_o all_o desire_n of_o know_v either_o this_o or_o that_o have_v no_o will_n of_o she_o own_o nor_o any_o inclination_n nor_o fondness_n for_o any_o sentiment_n no_o not_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o most_o divine_a but_o a_o total_a perfect_a and_o most_o accomplish_a resignation_n for_o receive_v what_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o communicate_v to_o she_o and_o no_o other_o thing_n with_o a_o absolute_a resolution_n to_o execute_v whatever_o will_v please_v god_n though_o in_o do_v it_o it_o behove_v to_o combat_v the_o world_n and_o hell_n and_o lose_v a_o thousand_o life_n in_o this_o habitual_a and_o invariable_a state_n where_o she_o continue_v from_o the_o eighteen_o year_n of_o her_o age_n to_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o her_o life_n none_o but_o god_n alone_o can_v act_v in_o the_o fund_z of_o her_o soul_n in_o all_o those_o several_a way_n mention_v and_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o such_o a_o person_n can_v not_o be_v but_o divine_a see_v she_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n now_o that_o the_o reputation_n of_o antonia_n bourignon_n may_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o two_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a author_n who_o be_v afraid_a to_o expose_v their_o name_n that_o what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v not_o be_v think_v their_o particular_a rhapsody_n i_o will_v confirm_v the_o same_o by_o instance_n from_o some_o who_o have_v public_o own_v it_o and_o do_v glory_n in_o it_o i_o will_v begin_v with_o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr cort_n one_o of_o her_o first_o disciple_n who_o be_v superior_a of_o the_o oratory_n and_o pastor_n of_o saint_n john_n at_o mechlin_n and_o who_o as_o it_o be_v say_v lose_v his_o life_n in_o her_o cause_n this_o man_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o vicar-general_n of_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o mechlin_n after_o have_v tell_v he_o how_o he_o have_v happen_v to_o read_v that_o passage_n 2_o king_n xxii_o about_o hilkiah_n find_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o send_v to_o huldah_n the_o prophetess_n to_o inquire_v about_o it_o he_o write_v that_o have_v make_v a_o very_a serious_a reflection_n upon_o all_o this_o he_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o sensible_a grief_n consider_v that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o excellent_a woman_n a_o friend_n of_o god_n the_o favourite_n of_o jesus_n the_o organ_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v great_a than_o huldah_n to_o who_o god_n have_v communicate_v himself_o extraordinary_o and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v discover_v all_o his_o secret_n she_o never_o yet_o deceive_v any_o person_n be_v always_o faithful_a firm_a constant_a immovable_a she_o possess_v the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o his_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n understanding_n knowledge_n piety_n courage_n counsel_n fear_v of_o god_n and_o together_o with_o these_o she_o possess_v the_o twelve_o fruit_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n charity_n joy_n peace_n patience_n longanimity_n goodness_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o eight_o beatitude_n do_v also_o shine_v in_o she_o she_o live_v not_o to_o herself_o but_o altogether_o to_o god_n she_o speak_v as_o she_o live_v and_o she_o live_v as_o she_o speak_v her_o word_n be_v lively_a efficacious_a and_o operative_a they_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o scripture_n her_o life_n be_v altogether_o miraculous_a and_o i_o do_v remember_v that_o which_o your_o reverence_n have_v often_o say_v to_o i_o how_o that_o she_o be_v a_o admirable_a maid_n that_o there_o be_v never_o find_v her_o like_a we_o be_v happy_a to_o have_v such_o a_o treasure_n and_o true_o she_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n moreover_o i_o remember_v how_o i_o have_v bring_v letter_n to_o she_o in_o which_o you_o have_v earnest_o desire_v her_o prayer_n for_o yourself_o and_o for_o your_o friend_n recommend_v to_o her_o many_o particular_a affair_n and_o â—ow_o as_o concern_v the_o public_a in_o the_o time_n of_o universal_a scourge_v in_o all_o these_o danger_n no_o body_n consult_v she_o no_o body_n make_v prayer_n to_o she_o no_o body_n employ_v she_o these_o thought_n have_v touch_v my_o heart_n very_o sensible_o as_o for_o i_o i_o have_v thank_v you_o and_o do_v still_o thank_v you_o infinite_o because_o god_n inspire_v you_o to_o send_v i_o to_o this_o creature_n i_o never_o receive_v neither_o from_o archbishop_n nor_o from_o bishop_n nor_o from_o pastor_n nor_o from_o my_o director_n and_o superior_n nor_o from_o saint_n nor_o from_o god_n himself_o immediate_o more_o good_a than_o from_o she_o by_o god_n only_o i_o beseech_v you_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n for_o your_o own_o private_a good_a and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v under_o your_o charge_n to_o consult_v she_o and_o to_o believe_v she_o as_o to_o that_o which_o she_o shall_v tell_v you_o from_o god_n concern_v these_o deplorable_a time_n st._n jerome_n say_v that_o deuteronomium_fw-la est_fw-la secunda_fw-la lex_fw-la &_o evangelicae_fw-la legis_fw-la praefiguratio_fw-la that_o be_v deuteronomy_n or_o the_o book_n that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o huldah_n be_v the_o second_o law_n or_o the_o second_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o figure_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o evangelical_n law_n now_o i_o be_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o evangelical_n law_n which_o be_v first_o establish_v and_o afterward_o forget_v and_o lose_v shall_v be_v renew_v and_o reestablish_v as_o deuteronomy_n be_v a_o second_o time_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o new_a huldah_n this_o letter_n be_v prefix_v to_o the_o treatise_n which_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o interior_a life_n of_o mademoiselle_fw-fr bourignon_fw-fr where_o also_o there_o be_v extract_v of_o some_o letter_n of_o the_o same_o vicar-general_n bear_v a_o testimony_n unto_o she_o here_o we_o have_v have_v one_o bear_v witness_n to_o antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr not_o upon_o
secret_a thought_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o do_v not_o foretell_v they_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n or_o relate_v they_o as_o if_o she_o have_v dream_v they_o we_o find_v also_o diverse_a time_n that_o she_o can_v tell_v what_o past_a in_o her_o absence_n and_o how_o our_o soul_n behave_v themselves_o towards_o god_n ibid._n in_o short_a this_o divine_a soul_n tell_v we_o so_o many_o secret_n of_o the_o mystical_a and_o inward_a life_n that_o all_o our_o theology_n be_v too_o short_a and_o insufficient_a to_o answer_v she_o to_o so_o high_a question_n not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o theology_n but_o also_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o various_a rencounter_n and_o occurrence_n which_o fall_v out_o so_o that_o one_o will_v have_v think_v that_o though_o a_o man_n have_v peruse_v all_o sort_n of_o history_n and_o grow_v old_a in_o the_o study_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o science_n he_o can_v not_o know_v with_o such_o understanding_n all_o the_o thing_n which_o this_o pilgrimess_v tell_v we_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o write_v in_o particular_a the_o admirable_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o this_o pilgrimess_n 46._o so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v of_o her_o discourse_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o rapture_n that_o he_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n what_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o his_o elect_a now_o lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n come_v to_o she_o by_o natural_a mean_n or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o art_n and_o industry_n which_o other_o have_v not_o the_o happiness_n to_o know_v neither_o be_v capable_a to_o undergo_v we_o be_v tell_v 41._o that_o she_o never_o read_v nor_o learn_v of_o any_o body_n that_o she_o be_v without_o study_n even_o without_o read_v 33._o and_o which_o be_v more_o without_o meditation_n year_n and_o experience_n make_v other_o wise_a and_o know_v but_o she_o have_v her_o vast_a knowledge_n from_o the_o beginning_n she_o be_v not_o wise_a in_o her_o old_a age_n than_o in_o her_o youth_n for_o she_o be_v infallible_a in_o both_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n for_o correct_v or_o amend_v that_o which_o she_o speak_v or_o write_v in_o her_o first_o year_n 21._o for_o if_o you_o peruse_v her_o write_n impartial_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o many_o remarkable_a character_n that_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v find_v in_o many_o write_n a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o christianity_n with_o a_o constant_a urge_n of_o they_o as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o accessary_a truth_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n a_o inimitable_a simplicity_n of_o expression_n which_o a_o child_n may_v understand_v with_o as_o singular_a a_o sublimity_n of_o thought_n a_o convince_a power_n and_o force_n go_v along_o with_o they_o a_o plain_a unfolding_n in_o a_o few_o line_n the_o difficulty_n about_o which_o the_o learned_a write_v many_o volume_n a_o constant_a harmony_n and_o uniformity_n of_o sentiment_n in_o the_o write_n of_o a_o course_n of_o forty_o year_n from_o about_o the_o twenty_o three_o to_o the_o sixty_o five_o year_n of_o her_o age_n in_o which_o she_o die_v with_o a_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o all_o this_o by_o one_o who_o never_o read_v any_o book_n never_o converse_v with_o the_o learned_a to_o be_v instruct_v by_o they_o never_o premeditate_v what_o she_o write_v never_o blot_v out_o nor_o mend_v what_o be_v once_o write_v but_o be_v attentive_a to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o calm_a and_o inward_a recollection_n of_o her_o spirit_n write_v as_o fast_o as_o her_o hand_n can_v guide_v the_o pen_n and_o when_o some_o write_n be_v lay_v by_o unfinished_a for_o some_o year_n 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question_n and_o receive_v answer_n from_o he_o 19_o about_o the_o small_a matter_n in_o a_o word_n the_o design_n of_o these_o three_o preface_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o all_o her_o word_n and_o thought_n be_v god_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o give_v to_o she_o by_o measure_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o both_o for_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v a_o virgin_n for_o his_o mother_n so_o he_o have_v choose_v another_o virgin_n to_o be_v the_o organ_n of_o his_o light_n and_o spirit_n by_o who_o he_o design_v to_o renew_v his_o church_n and_o to_o give_v the_o last_o blow_n and_o overthrow_n to_o satan_n kingdom_n for_o which_o cause_n she_o be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o word_n of_o isaiah_n be_v apply_v unto_o she_o the_o people_n that_o walk_v in_o darkness_n have_v see_v a_o great_a light_n they_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n upon_o they_o have_v the_o light_n shine_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n 47._o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr cort_n say_v i_o look_v upon_o her_o acquaintance_n as_o a_o great_a favour_n than_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o i_o in_o this_o world_n yea_o even_o than_o my_o creation_n itself_o for_o that_o will_v serve_v i_o in_o little_a stead_n without_o the_o work_n out_o of_o my_o salvation_n which_o will_v have_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n if_o i_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o myself_o and_o of_o the_o design_n and_o marvel_n of_o god_n which_o i_o have_v learned_a and_o discover_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o creature_n and_o she_o have_v certain_o be_v send_v i_o as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o of_o all_o those_o who_o will_v profit_v by_o the_o recital_n of_o this_o narrative_a which_o i_o find_v myself_o oblige_v to_o publish_v for_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o this_o be_v the_o true_a treasure_n hide_v in_o the_o earth_n he_o who_o shall_v find_v it_o aught_o to_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o by_o this_o ground_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v find_v and_o discover_v this_o treasure_n and_o take_v it_o up_o with_o joy_n as_o the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o the_o character_n of_o mademoiselle_fw-fr bourignon_fw-fr her_o personal_a endowment_n and_o qualification_n her_o divine_a mission_n and_o authority_n as_o they_o be_v declare_v and_o set_v forth_o by_o her_o disciple_n because_o they_o be_v material_a point_n in_o our_o enquiry_n about_o she_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o give_v these_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o word_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o that_o i_o do_v not_o charge_v they_o with_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o neither_o will_v own_v and_o now_o i_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o add_v that_o if_o mademoiselle_n bourignon_fw-fr deserve_v the_o character_n which_o be_v here_o give_v to_o she_o if_o it_o be_v true_a what_o these_o author_n i_o have_v quote_v do_v say_v of_o she_o if_o their_o commendation_n and_o praise_n be_v not_o rash_a and_o groundless_a but_o build_v upon_o a_o solid_a foundation_n than_o she_o be_v not_o only_o a_o very_a singular_a and_o extraordinary_a person_n but_o without_o exception_n the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n she_o be_v above_o all_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n she_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o at_o least_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v honour_v equal_o with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o she_o be_v as_o much_o without_o sin_n as_o he_o be_v and_o her_o body_n be_v of_o
hear-say_n or_o any_o uncertain_a report_n but_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n there_o be_v another_o still_o alive_a who_o know_v she_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o she_o and_o who_o give_v she_o a_o character_n above_o what_o either_o man_n or_o woman_n beside_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o deserve_v it_o be_v mounseur_fw-fr poiret_fw-la who_o may_v be_v call_v the_o chief_a disciple_n or_o first_o apostle_n of_o antonia_n bourignon_n he_o have_v spread_v her_o fame_n and_o propagate_v her_o opinion_n more_o studious_o and_o with_o more_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n than_o any_o other_o as_o st._n paul_n desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o save_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v so_o this_o man_n seem_v to_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o mademoiselle_fw-fr bourignon_fw-fr he_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n more_o firm_o than_o that_o this_o woman_n be_v divine_o inspire_v his_o word_n be_v to_o some_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n who_o visit_v he_o tam_fw-la certus_fw-la sum_fw-la eam_fw-la virginem_fw-la inspiratam_fw-la esse_fw-la quam_fw-la deum_fw-la existere_fw-la she_o be_v ever_o in_o his_o mouth_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n he_o recommend_v her_o book_n as_o have_v light_n and_o instruction_n and_o all_o desirable_a advantage_n above_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n without_o except_v the_o scripture_n some_o few_o year_n after_o her_o death_n he_o send_v a_o memorial_n to_o monsieur_n bale_n to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o novelles_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr republic_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr lettre_n that_o all_o the_o learned_a world_n may_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o wonderful_a woman_n and_o because_o monsieur_n bale_n have_v drop_v something_o which_o do_v not_o savour_n of_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o mademoiselle_fw-fr bourignon_fw-fr he_o again_o expostulate_v with_o he_o and_o correct_v he_o by_o another_o memorial_n both_o which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o nine_o article_n for_o the_o month_n of_o april_n and_o may_n for_o the_o year_n 1685._o all_o which_o monsieur_n poiret_n write_v now_o be_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o woman_n her_o doctrine_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o oeconomy_n divine_a in_o which_o he_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v explain_v all_o the_o mystery_n both_o of_o nature_n and_o religion_n clear_v all_o difficulty_n either_o in_o philosophy_n or_o divinity_n and_o reveal_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v all_o these_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o light_n which_o his_o belove_a mistress_n afford_v he_o take_v his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o i_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o principle_n and_o 28._o many_o other_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o my_o own_o invention_n but_o that_o i_o have_v be_v lead_v to_o they_o by_o the_o divine_a write_n and_o by_o the_o instruction_n of_o one_o of_o unknown_a worth_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o truth_n of_o myself_o if_o the_o light_n 16._o which_o god_n communicate_v to_o one_o of_o his_o saint_n have_v not_o administer_v the_o occasion_n she_o be_v a_o person_n who_o write_n have_v lead_v i_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o solid_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n mademoiselle_fw-fr bourignon_fw-fr have_v receive_v from_o god_n such_o certain_a and_o particular_a light_n as_o without_o which_o i_o neither_o can_v have_v see_v nor_o be_v sensible_a in_o this_o manner_n of_o these_o divine_a truth_n how_o palpable_o soever_o the_o text_n of_o 21._o scripture_n may_v seem_v to_o lead_v the_o attentive_a reader_n unto_o they_o god_n have_v draw_v i_o forth_o not_o by_o the_o force_n and_o subtlety_n of_o my_o wretched_a reason_n nor_o by_o study_n or_o by_o read_v the_o book_n of_o learned_a man_n but_o by_o the_o write_n of_o a_o woman_n through_o which_o god_n have_v touch_v and_o illuminate_v my_o heart_n make_v i_o see_v a_o perfect_a light_n in_o all_o these_o matter_n and_o difficulty_n as_o well_o as_o almost_o in_o all_o other_o 340._o thing_n whether_o divine_a or_o humane_a natural_a or_o supernatural_a behold_v a_o great_a and_o notable_a truth_n and_o a_o key_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o admirable_a light_n for_o explain_v a_o thousand_o passage_n of_o divine_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o charitable_a and_o adorable_a conduct_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n nothing_o be_v want_v to_o make_v this_o rare_a and_o incomparable_a truth_n to_o be_v receive_v of_o man_n but_o that_o its_o discovery_n and_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o point_v it_o out_o have_v not_o be_v communicate_v by_o some_o ancient_a father_n or_o by_o some_o great_a doctor_n but_o by_o a_o unlearned_a woman_n to_o who_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o so_o far_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o contrary_a judgement_n of_o some_o beard_a animal_n whosoever_o 379._o will_v see_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o most_o divine_a light_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consult_v the_o work_n of_o mademoiselle_fw-fr bourignon_fw-fr particular_o these_o three_o or_o four_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o gospel-spirit_n antichrist_n discover_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o touchstone_n for_o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v not_o perceive_v that_o god_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n do_v ever_o discover_v more_o clear_o more_o sensible_o more_o strong_o more_o plain_o the_o greatness_n of_o man_n corruption_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o our_o day_n by_o that_o excellent_a organ_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o evil_n have_v offend_v all_o wilful_o wicked_a person_n at_o she_o their_o proud_a heart_n will_v not_o humble_v itself_o nor_o be_v cover_v with_o confusion_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v induce_v to_o hate_v and_o renounce_v themselves_o the_o devil_n also_o their_o good_a friend_n who_o dwell_v in_o their_o corrupt_a heart_n not_o endure_v to_o be_v thus_o expose_v have_v resolve_v to_o employ_v by_o his_o diabolical_a slave_n against_o this_o divine_a light_n and_o this_o holy_a soul_n which_o declare_v it_o his_o two_o ordinary_a machine_n lie_v and_o violence_n which_o he_o have_v inspire_v abundant_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o wicked_a person_n both_o learned_a and_o idiot_n who_o have_v not_o be_v want_v hitherto_o to_o labour_n in_o this_o as_o it_o become_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o master_n and_o king_n the_o murderer_n the_o persecutor_n the_o liar_n the_o calumniator_n from_o the_o beginning_n who_o will_v one_o day_n give_v they_o his_o common_a pay_n 92._o if_o they_o do_v not_o defeat_v the_o work_n which_o they_o have_v diabolical_o make_v for_o he_o against_o the_o most_o divine_a the_o most_o splendid_a and_o the_o most_o solid_a truth_n which_o ever_o yet_o appear_v thus_o far_a mounseur_fw-fr poiret_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o english_a reader_n by_o quotation_n from_o foreign_a book_n which_o be_v little_o know_v and_o in_o few_o hand_n i_o will_v justify_v this_o high_a character_n of_o antonia_n bourignon_n by_o passage_n of_o a_o parallel_a strain_n out_o of_o the_o preface_n to_o her_o treatise_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v now_o render_v into_o english_a to_o be_v read_v understand_v and_o consider_v by_o all_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v as_o the_o title-page_n bear_v there_o her_o eminent_a sanctity_n be_v declare_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o word_n which_o be_v never_o applicable_a to_o any_o creature_n before_o for_o none_o but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v ever_o say_v to_o be_v perfect_a and_o without_o sin_n but_o the_o purity_n 21._o of_o antonia_n bourignon_n life_n be_v exact_a and_o constant_a she_o be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o live_a exemplar_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o short_a we_o may_v all_o true_o affirm_v that_o we_o never_o observe_v in_o she_o any_o vice_n sin_n or_o any_o weakness_n of_o spirit_n 43._o but_o a_o perfect_a and_o solid_a virtue_n surpass_v natural_a and_o humane_a strength_n which_o make_v we_o say_v that_o her_o life_n be_v altogether_o miraculous_a as_o if_o adam_n have_v never_o sin_v in_o she_o and_o as_o to_o her_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v make_v infinite_a for_o there_o be_v hide_v in_o she_o the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o 17._o enable_v she_o to_o utter_v thing_n unheard_a of_o so_o marvellous_a and_o sublime_a that_o we_o often_o remain_v quite_o lose_v with_o admiration_n for_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v such_o thing_n she_o explain_v likewise_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 41._o so_o perfect_o that_o none_o of_o the_o holy_a father_n have_v ever_o so_o do_v nor_o any_o body_n since_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 45._o she_o know_v the_o
censorious_a full_a of_o himself_o and_o who_o have_v no_o esteem_n for_o other_o who_o observe_v no_o distance_n neither_o pay_v any_o respect_n to_o other_o man_n outward_a dignity_n or_o moral_a endowment_n who_o be_v above_o all_o advice_n and_o counsel_n who_o pretend_v a_o privilege_n from_o obedience_n and_o a_o right_a to_o command_v then_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o slight_v deserve_o than_o we_o may_v without_o uncharitableness_n conclude_v that_o they_o be_v do_v out_o of_o some_o sinistrous_a design_n or_o that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o melancholy_a head_n or_o crazy_a brain_n or_o of_o some_o surly_a peevish_a predominant_a humour_n how_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o long_a fast_n and_o watch_n melancholy_n of_o rigid_a and_o severe_a act_n of_o mortification_n perform_v both_o by_o hypocrite_n and_o fool_n how_o often_o have_v both_o madman_n and_o wicked_a seem_v to_o be_v transport_v strange_o in_o the_o 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so_o from_o the_o other_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o jesus_n christ_n for_o so_o great_a a_o effect_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o any_o less_o cause_n nor_o can_v such_o exact_a sanctity_n such_o perfect_a holiness_n proceed_v from_o any_o mere_a man._n the_o most_o inspire_a prophet_n be_v inferior_a to_o he_o and_o though_o this_o holy_a jesus_n have_v have_v and_o i_o hope_v still_o have_v many_o sincere_a follower_n yet_o never_o any_o be_v neither_o can_v any_o be_v so_o perfect_a so_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v for_o his_o holiness_n will_v exceed_v other_o as_o much_o as_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v beyond_o those_o of_o the_o most_o perfect_a art_n and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o nay_o more_o foundation_n for_o a_o parallel_n between_o the_o action_n of_o a_o bedlamite_n and_o the_o even_a tract_n of_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n than_o for_o a_o just_a comparison_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o 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call_v he_o to_o he_o do_v give_v as_o great_a a_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o god_n as_o any_o who_o affect_v solitude_n and_o retirement_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v well_o consider_v especial_o by_o all_o religious_a wife_n and_o servant_n that_o out_o of_o a_o pretext_n of_o devotion_n as_o have_v be_v too_o often_o do_v the_o one_o may_v not_o neglect_v the_o service_n of_o their_o master_n nor_o the_o other_o the_o affair_n of_o their_o husband_n and_o the_o care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o child_n further_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o religion_n can_v be_v confine_v or_o annex_v only_o to_o the_o contemplative_a life_n or_o a_o state_n of_o sequestration_n from_o the_o world_n so_o neither_o must_v we_o think_v this_o state_n more_o perfect_a or_o more_o eligible_a than_o any_o other_o perfection_n be_v attainable_a by_o the_o active_a as_o well_o as_o contemplative_a life_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o either_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o prudent_a 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experience_n in_o retirement_n we_o may_v more_o easy_o preserve_v our_o innocence_n but_o without_o conversation_n and_o business_n we_o can_v exert_v christian_a wisdom_n and_o courage_n and_o other_o necessary_a virtue_n solitude_n and_o retirement_n be_v a_o safe_a refuge_n for_o weak_a constitution_n but_o they_o who_o be_v strong_a shall_v show_v themselves_o upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o the_o world_n a_o religious_a retreat_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o spiritual_a as_o rest_n be_v to_o the_o bodily_a life_n for_o by_o it_o we_o renew_v our_o decay_a spirit_n we_o recollect_v our_o dissipate_v thought_n and_o add_v strength_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o wise_a resolution_n and_o pious_a purpose_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o one_o can_v act_v wise_o who_o never_o think_v serious_o or_o that_o he_o can_v think_v serious_o and_o to_o purpose_n who_o be_v always_o in_o the_o hurry_n of_o affair_n therefore_o certain_o every_o one_o who_o consult_v his_o own_o good_a and_o be_v in_o any_o wise_a master_n of_o himself_o will_v so_o wise_o contrive_v his_o business_n and_o so_o order_v his_o affair_n that_o he_o may_v have_v hour_n and_o day_n if_o not_o week_n and_o month_n for_o meditation_n and_o contemplation_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v have_v a_o intercourse_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o heaven_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n that_o he_o may_v be_v fortify_v against_o all_o encounter_n and_o be_v qualify_v for_o gain_v that_o victory_n over_o the_o world_n which_o will_v give_v he_o a_o right_a to_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n and_o i_o be_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o frequent_a retreat_n be_v more_o adviseable_a to_o religious_a person_n than_o a_o constant_a or_o total_a sequestration_n from_o the_o world_n for_o such_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o mind_n while_o they_o be_v clog_v with_o this_o gross_a flesh_n that_o they_o can_v hold_v out_o long_o without_o weary_v in_o those_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o which_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n be_v to_o be_v desire_v if_o our_o spirit_n be_v too_o much_o extend_v at_o once_o they_o will_v flag_n and_o will_v become_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o be_v elevate_v unto_o degree_n of_o fervour_n than_o a_o tire_a and_o spend_v body_n be_v of_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n therefore_o the_o devotion_n of_o cloistered_a person_n be_v very_o often-dry_a and_o insipid_a and_o they_o do_v frequent_o perform_v their_o exercise_n with_o less_o taste_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o man_n in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v not_o care_v take_v to_o preserve_v those_o devout_a and_o sublime_a thought_n which_o soar_v above_o material_a thing_n and_o a_o sublunary_a world_n they_o will_v either_o quite_o evaporate_v or_o they_o will_v condense_a into_o airy_a notion_n or_o fantastical_a conceit_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o dream_n and_o vision_n and_o such_o like_a extravagancy_n do_v happen_v unto_o person_n altogether_o or_o very_o much_o abstract_v from_o the_o world_n more_o than_o unto_o other_o religious_a retirement_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o be_v sometime_o attend_v with_o dangerous_a consequence_n as_o well_o as_o conversation_n and_o business_n nor_o have_v person_n who_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n more_o need_n of_o monitor_n than_o those_o who_o have_v sequester_v themselves_o of_o wise_a director_n all_o i_o shall_v add_v more_o upon_o this_o head_n be_v that_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v err_v gross_o in_o chain_a religion_n so_o much_o to_o monastries_n and_o cloister_n so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a blemish_n in_o our_o reformation_n to_o demolish_v these_o house_n entire_o which_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v reform_v from_o the_o abuse_n that_o have_v creep_v into_o they_o so_o they_o may_v have_v be_v keep_v up_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o both_o the_o public_a and_o particular_a person_n they_o be_v very_o profitable_a if_o the_o snare_n of_o vow_n and_o the_o delusion_n of_o a_o peculiar_a sanctity_n in_o they_o be_v remove_v this_o digression_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o solitude_n and_o a_o contemplative_a life_n be_v not_o altogether_o from_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o mistake_v of_o enthusiastical_a person_n who_o common_o be_v excessive_o fond_a of_o this_o state_n and_o do_v ascribe_v more_o to_o it_o than_o it_o well_o deserve_v but_o now_o to_o return_v to_o mademoiselle_fw-fr bourignon_fw-fr as_o the_o chief_a instance_n allege_v be_v not_o certain_a proof_n of_o her_o sanctity_n so_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o she_o herself_o confess_v and_o which_o they_o who_o write_v her_o life_n do_v acknowledge_v which_o do_v not_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o that_o extraordinary_a sanctity_n that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o she_o for_o first_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o until_o the_o eighteen_o year_n of_o her_o age_n she_o run_v into_o a_o vain_a light_a and_o idle_a 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