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oath_n whoredom_n robbery_n lie_n and_o infidelity_n and_o other_o gross_a sin_n they_o will_v leap_v in_o your_o face_n curse_v you_o despise_v you_o calumniate_v and_o hate_v you_o so_o that_o instead_o of_o do_v they_o any_o work_n of_o mercy_n you_o shall_v excite_v they_o to_o great_a sin_n and_o put_v yourself_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v abuse_v and_o persecute_v without_o any_o profit_n as_o i_o have_v know_v person_n zealous_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n who_o can_v not_o suffer_v the_o wicked_a in_o their_o presence_n and_o reprove_v their_o vice_n and_o admonish_v they_o upon_o occasion_n and_o these_o have_v often_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v kill_v by_o they_o they_o admonish_v the_o devil_n attempt_v so_o to_o extirpate_v they_o which_o also_o happen_v to_o one_o of_o my_o friend_n who_o be_v poison_v for_o be_v overzealous_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o over-fervent_a in_o oppose_v evil_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v in_o all_o thing_n use_v discretion_n 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he_o may_v foresee_v that_o st._n paul_n will_v obtain_v the_o prayer_n which_o he_o make_v for_o his_o brethren_n he_o know_v also_o that_o god_n will_v not_o damn_v st._n paul_n for_o his_o great_a charity_n which_o he_o carry_v to_o his_o brethren_n offer_v his_o own_o salvation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v he_o can_v have_v no_o extrance_n there_o see_v charity_n be_v god_n himself_o on_o who_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o power_n but_o he_o have_v much_o over_o all_o our_o external_a action_n when_o they_o be_v do_v without_o discretion_n therefore_o be_v it_o st._n anthony_n say_v discretion_n be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o virtue_n see_v they_o be_v disorderly_a when_o not_o regulate_v with_o discretion_n for_o fast_n watch_n prayer_n and_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o other_o virtue_n be_v not_o good_a when_o discretion_n be_v want_v it_o be_v good_a to_o admonish_v and_o instruct_v our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o fit_a season_n and_o when_o he_o desire_v it_o but_o when_o he_o do_v not_o seek_v it_o or_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o we_o must_v withdraw_v testify_v that_o their_o imperfection_n and_o sin_n displease_v we_o without_o go_v to_o correct_v or_o restrain_v they_o authoritative_o for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o our_o brother_n in_o charge_n he_o be_v leave_v free_a as_o well_o as_o we_o so_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o help_v he_o but_o by_o charity_n as_o far_o as_o he_o have_v need_n and_o desire_v it_o not_o far_o god_n do_v equal_o the_o same_o with_o all_o man_n he_o please_v to_o have_v they_o free_a and_o so_o constrain_v they_o in_o nothing_o now_o we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o be_v more_o just_a or_o charitable_a than_o god_n in_o willing_a to_o oblige_v our_o neighbour_n to_o do_v well_o by_o force_n and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n and_o
to_o do_v so_o even_o with_o great_a conviction_n and_o sbame_n that_o god_n have_v replenish_v my_o spirit_n with_o several_a most_o rare_a grace_n and_o unknown_a light_n which_o will_v render_v i_o so_o much_o the_o more_o damnable_a before_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o mercy_n on_o i_o i_o own_o that_o all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v for_o so_o many_o year_n and_o do_v continue_v daily_o to_o pour_v into_o my_o soul_n as_o that_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n of_o satan_n reign_v in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n sect_n and_o religion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o vanity_n of_o human_a literature_n or_o that_o which_o they_o call_v theology_n whether_o study_v or_o compose_v book_n which_o i_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v mere_a delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o many_o other_o secret_n which_o god_n speak_v often_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o my_o 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understanding_n find_v it_o so_o full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la in_o favour_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o against_o all_o other_o sect_n as_o also_o addict_v to_o book_n and_o worldly_a science_n this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v i_o leave_v the_o romish_a church_n in_o which_o i_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v to_o the_o age_n of_o 22._o or_o 23._o year_n apprehend_v that_o i_o shall_v perish_v if_o i_o die_v in_o it_o believe_v also_o that_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v altogether_o holy_a i_o be_v abuse_v or_o impose_v on_o therein_o from_o one_o babylon_n which_o i_o leave_v i_o be_o come_v into_o another_o if_o i_o be_v yet_o in_o that_o of_o my_o nativity_n i_o will_v no_o more_o leave_v it_o but_o with_o my_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o will_v sanctify_v myself_o there_o as_o well_o as_o in_o so_o many_o other_o sect_n which_o i_o perceive_v now_o to_o be_v all_o but_o work_v or_o idol_n of_o man_n hand_n so_o many_o pant_n prayer_n study_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o 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conscience_n do_v yet_o retain_v i_o in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o i_o shall_v forsake_v it_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o desire_n of_o come_v as_o near_o unto_o you_o as_o i_o can_v especial_o if_o i_o be_v assure_v to_o be_v in_o the_o least_o useful_a to_o aid_v you_o as_o much_o in_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n i_o mean_v in_o carry_v that_o new_a and_o everlasting_a gospel_n unto_o the_o world_n as_o i_o shall_v hope_v you_o will_v be_v unto_o i_o for_o my_o soul_n welfare_n another_o reason_n oblige_v i_o to_o write_v to_o you_o be_v that_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o grace_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o my_o soul_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n i_o be_o yet_o wrathful_a and_o be_o carnal_a in_o marriage_n these_o two_o sin_n have_v very_o sore_a and_o often_o afflict_v my_o soul_n even_o i_o dare_v not_o promise_v unto_o god_n that_o i_o will_v not_o commit_v they_o any_o more_o for_o i_o have_v promise_v too_o often_o to_o he_o and_o have_v fall_v therein_o too_o too_o often_o again_o my_o soul_n have_v be_v in_o great_a sorrow_n for_o it_o and_o have_v learn_v thereby_o to_o put_v itself_o below_o all_o gross_a sinner_n also_o god_n will_v so_o humble_v i_o thereby_o that_o i_o never_o reprove_v sin_n or_o sinner_n nor_o ever_o speak_v of_o they_o but_o i_o fall_v into_o great_a myself_o it_o be_v in_o this_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n that_o you_o shall_v judge_v proper_a that_o i_o desire_v you_o will_v give_v i_o some_o rule_n to_o lead_v my_o life_n after_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n will_v to_o god_n it_o may_v be_v to_o my_o salvation_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o say_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o first_o time_n i_o be_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v yet_o more_o mrs_n your_o most_o humble_a most_o obedient_a and_o most_o oblige_a servant_n antoni_fw-la grellot_n minister_n of_o the_o french_a church_n of_o outreberg_n at_o outreberg_n in_o the_o electoral_a palatine_a the_o 6-16_a novemb_n 1677._o she_o receive_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o gentleman_n of_o london_n the_o stile_n and_o genius_n give_v reason_n to_o expound_v the_o r._n b._n that_o subscribe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o famous_a and_o honourable_a robert_n boil_v a_o vow_v her_o write_n most_o praiseworthy_a and_o of_o so_o sweet_a a_o odour_n that_o he_o cause_v translate_v they_o into_o english_a with_o design_n to_o cause_n print_v they_o in_o that_o language_n and_o signify_v his_o most_o ardent_a desire_n to_o know_v of_o her_o state_n and_o her_o other_o write_n so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v incline_v her_o heart_n and_o so_o rejoice_v extreme_o his_o spirit_n because_o with_o she_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o holy_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o which_o she_o give_v testimony_n unto_o other_o and_o to_o he_o wish_v she_o all_o good_a and_o love_v she_o in_o the_o love_n which_o be_v life_n itself_o r._n b._n the_o inscription_n to_o the_o most_o noble_a virgin_n antonia_n bourignon_n in_o her_o lodging_n amsterdam_n see_v the_o veneration_n with_o bleed_a regret_n of_o that_o just_a penetrate_a spirit_n sir_n george_n makenzie_n late_a lord_n avocat_fw-la to_o his_o majesty_n in_o a_o treatise_n de_fw-fr imbellicitate_fw-la ratiocinationis_fw-la humanae_fw-la publish_v last_o year_n by_o grevius_fw-la at_o vtrecht_n page_n 49._o have_v say_v that_o we_o shall_v employ_v our_o reason_n in_o war_a against_o vice_n and_o in_o attain_v to_o virtue_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o just_a add_v tanta_fw-la est_fw-la ratiocinationis_fw-la huius_fw-la efficacia_fw-la ut_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o aetatis_fw-la diluculum_fw-la infant_n
2d._o place_n you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v all_o impediment_n which_o retard_v that_o peace_n quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n these_o impediment_n be_v in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n for_o from_o sin_n man_n be_v falâ—_n into_o a_o continual_a trouble_n war_n and_o disquiet_v and_o our_o passion_n be_v disorder_v breed_v all_o these_o and_o they_o can_v be_v govern_v order_v and_o keep_v in_o peace_n except_o we_o have_v resist_v and_o overcome_v they_o and_o also_o altogether_o renounce_v our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o then_o be_v it_o that_o we_o find_v peace_n quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n and_o not_o before_o behold_v wherefore_o it_o be_v that_o j._n ch._n say_v we_o must_v deny_v ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n for_o that_o renounce_n of_o our_o passion_n alone_o be_v the_o true_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o that_o peace_n quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n for_o since_o sin_n come_v our_o passion_n bereave_v we_o of_o these_o which_o before_o sin_n be_v well_o regulate_v and_o temperate_a bring_v joy_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o our_o soul_n whereas_o now_o we_o feel_v the_o quite_o contrary_a for_o if_o we_o suffer_v our_o passion_n to_o rule_v they_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o intemperance_n sadness_n and_o disquiet_n of_o spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o one_o that_o live_v according_a to_o his_o natural_a sense_n to_o learn_v the_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n which_o j._n ch._n teach_v we_o and_o it_o be_v for_o that_o he_o add_v the_o gospel_n doctrine_n that_o we_o must_v deny_v ourselves_o for_o the_o one_o can_v be_v without_o the_o other_o if_o we_o will_v be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a as_o j._n ch_n teach_v we_o must_v of_o necessity_n deny_v ourselves_o see_v our_o nature_n have_v nothing_o but_o harshness_n and_o fret_a which_o cause_n trouble_v of_o spirit_n and_o disquiet_v in_o the_o will_n and_o contention_n with_o our_o neighbour_n for_o he_o that_o have_v not_o meekness_n in_o himself_o can_v have_v peace_n with_o his_o neighbour_n except_o it_o be_v a_o dissemble_v or_o civil_a peace_n which_o yield_v not_o inward_a quiet_n nor_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n as_o i_o believe_v my_o child_n you_o feel_v in_o yourself_o for_o though_o you_o have_v a_o quiet_a of_o conscience_n because_o you_o have_v abandon_v the_o world_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n yet_o you_o have_v not_o that_o inward_a peace_n which_o will_v render_v your_o spirit_n tranquil_a and_o peaceable_a for_o you_o act_v yet_o with_o disturbance_n which_o proceed_v from_o corrupt_a and_o distemper_a passion_n so_o if_o you_o know_v to_o vanquish_v that_o and_o calm_v these_o unprofitable_a agitation_n it_o be_v your_o great_a advantage_n and_o you_o will_v easy_o obtain_v the_o meekness_n which_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v as_o also_o lowliness_n and_o gentleness_n see_v these_o two_o be_v knit_v together_o meekness_n of_o heart_n engender_v gentleness_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n for_o he_o that_o be_v tranquil_a and_o peaceable_a in_o himself_o will_v not_o trouble_v his_o neighbour_n nor_o give_v any_o occasion_n of_o fret_v see_v the_o meekness_n of_o the_o good_a quench_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o though_o one_o that_o have_v learn_v the_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v surround_v with_o trouble_n of_o all_o sort_n he_o will_v yet_o keep_v a_o tranquil_a spirit_n because_o he_o do_v no_o more_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o so_o retain_v peace_n quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n where_o it_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o j._n chr._n my_o child_n if_o you_o will_v also_o learn_v that_o lesson_n endeavour_v to_o deny_v yourself_o and_o not_o follow_v your_o own_o will_n in_o any_o thing_n for_o since_o it_o be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n it_o always_o incline_v to_o evil_a suspect_v whatever_o proceed_v from_o your_o own_o will_n and_o follow_v it_o in_o nothing_o it_o be_v it_o which_o bereave_v you_o of_o the_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n which_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v and_o we_o have_v no_o great_a enemy_n in_o the_o world_n than_o our_o proper_a will_n if_o you_o can_v well_o comprehend_v that_o truth_n doubtless_o you_o will_v not_o follow_v it_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o you_o will_v distrust_v even_o your_o good_a will_n and_o intention_n and_o suspect_v they_o but_o because_o you_o know_v not_o yet_o well_o that_o your_o proper_a will_n be_v so_o evil_a you_o do_v not_o distrust_v it_o notwithstanding_o be_v betray_v you_o often_o and_o it_o lead_v you_o to_o do_v evil_a often_o when_o you_o will_v do_v good_a your_o bottom_n and_o inward_a intention_n be_v good_a but_o your_o proper_a will_n oppose_v your_o good_a desire_n and_o make_v you_o often_o do_v the_o contrary_a of_o what_o you_o have_v well_o resolve_v if_o i_o be_v in_o your_o place_n i_o will_v not_o follow_v my_o own_o will_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o hold_v all_o my_o own_o best_a will_n for_o evil_a see_v there_o can_v never_o come_v good_a out_o of_o what_o be_v altogether_o corrupt_a as_o our_o will_n be_v become_v through_o sin_n so_o that_o no_o good_a can_v proceed_v from_o it_o whatever_o be_v good_a must_v proceed_v from_o god_n and_o whatever_o be_v evil_a from_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o corrupt_a will_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o a_o fire_n which_o kindle_v in_o our_o nature_n luxury_n anger_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o intemperance_n it_o be_v insatiable_a never_o satisfy_v ever_o desire_v what_o it_o have_v not_o restless_a in_o its_o desire_n turbulent_a in_o its_o search_n ever_o pant_v and_o never_o refresh_v nor_o content_a in_o the_o end_n our_o proper_a will_n create_v we_o more_o evil_a than_o the_o devil_n himself_o who_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a hurt_v we_o if_o our_o proper_a will_n do_v not_o consent_v thereto_o so_o that_o when_o we_o have_v overcome_v our_o own_o will_n we_o have_v overcome_v the_o devil_n also_o for_o he_o can_v never_o make_v we_o sin_n but_o in_o move_v our_o will_n to_o submit_v to_o he_o it_o be_v for_o that_o that_o i_o say_v man_n can_v never_o have_v a_o great_a enemy_n than_o his_o proper_a will_n and_o consequent_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a and_o all_o man_n in_o general_a aught_o to_o make_v war_n with_o their_o proper_a will_n yet_o how_o few_o esteem_n it_o their_o enemy_n and_o a_o great_a many_o idolize_v it_o esteem_v themselves_o happy_a that_o they_o can_v follow_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n without_o consider_v that_o it_o bring_v death_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o hinder_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o for_o he_o that_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n see_v these_o two_o be_v always_o contrary_a so_o that_o he_o who_o will_v accomplish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n renounce_v his_o own_o will_n and_o who_o will_v learn_v of_o j._n christ_n meekness_n and_o lowliness_n must_v refuse_v every_o thing_n to_o his_o proper_a will_n and_o so_o be_v shall_v possess_v in_o his_o soul_n peace_n quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n which_o i_o pray_v god_n grant_v you_o by_o renounce_v your_o proper_a will_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o make_v you_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o all_o eternity_n as_o wish_n she_o that_o desire_v your_o salvation_n holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n 5_o feb._n 1672._o antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr the_o iii_o letter_n man_n can_v sufficient_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o they_o will_v perform_v it_o to_o the_o same_o show_v he_o while_o he_o persuade_v himself_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o sufficient_o manifest_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v accomplish_v it_o deny_v our_o own_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v know_v and_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o the_o command_n of_o god_n which_o jesus_n christ_n propose_v so_o clear_o say_v learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n my_o child_n i_o believe_v you_o understand_v sufficient_o by_o my_o former_a what_o that_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n be_v which_o we_o must_v learn_v of_o j._n ch._n how_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o obey_v how_o man_n proper_a will_n be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n and_o how_o we_o must_v now_o fight_v with_o and_o overcome_v it_o if_o we_o will_v find_v peace_n in_o our_o soul_n quiet_a of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o our_o spirit_n but_o you_o can_v comprehend_v how_o you_o may_v so_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o follow_v it_o in_o quit_v your_o proper_a will_n believe_v i_o that_o scruple_n proceed_v from_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o will_v willing_o be_v dispense_v or_o excuse_v from_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v your_o proper_a will_n
cloud_n agitate_a by_o the_o wind_n and_o represent_v such_o figure_n to_o our_o eye_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o man_n science_n who_o fancy_n themselves_o wise_a when_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a for_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v yet_o true_o discover_v one_o science_n even_o natural_a and_o how_o can_v they_o then_o in_o mystical_a or_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v what_o jesus_n christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n he_o that_o see_v i_o see_v my_o father_n but_o you_o know_v neither_o i_o nor_o the_o father_n notwithstanding_o we_o will_v often_o search_v curious_o the_o profound_a mystery_n and_o divine_a secret_n and_o we_o know_v not_o natural_a thing_n which_o we_o see_v and_o handle_v one_o will_v vaunt_v in_o be_v a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n another_o in_o theology_n another_o will_v be_v a_o astronomer_n and_o so_o of_o other_o science_n although_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o think_v they_o know_v well_o and_o that_o proceed_v from_o that_o airy_a pride_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v inspire_v in_o to_o their_o spirit_n persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v though_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n ignorant_a and_o worthy_a of_o contempt_n we_o see_v that_o physician_n esteem_v themselves_o wise_a because_o they_o have_v read_v medicinal_a author_n and_o these_o author_n be_v often_o as_o ignorant_a as_o they_o that_o read_v and_o follow_v they_o because_o all_o they_o have_v write_v be_v but_o vanish_v figure_n which_o waver_v in_o the_o air_n of_o their_o imagination_n and_o what_o the_o ancient_n have_v write_v be_v follow_v by_o their_o posterity_n and_o so_o they_o think_v to_o cure_v the_o sick_a by_o remedy_n coin_v in_o the_o air_n of_o man_n imagination_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v divers_a science_n and_o remedy_n while_o they_o do_v but_o guess_v and_o hazard_v the_o life_n of_o the_o sick_a and_o i_o believe_v the_o physician_n have_v kill_v many_o more_o than_o they_o have_v cure_v to_o reckon_v the_o most_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v not_o discover_v the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o know_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n body_n nor_o the_o origin_n of_o his_o disease_n and_o consequent_o can_v exhibit_v proper_a remedy_n for_o they_o but_o often_o give_v what_o prove_v poison_n to_o kill_v man_n instead_o of_o cure_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o subject_n of_o glory_v for_o be_v call_v a_o doctor_n in_o medicine_n but_o rather_o of_o abasement_n and_o confusion_n for_o their_o great_a ignorance_n to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o patient_n they_o take_v care_n of_o and_o as_o that_o ignorance_n be_v great_a in_o regard_n of_o bodily_a medicine_n it_o be_v yet_o great_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o spiritual_a which_o be_v theology_n for_o it_o kill_v many_o more_o soul_n than_o medicine_n do_v body_n and_o so_o the_o one_o have_v not_o subject_a of_o glory_v of_o his_o skill_n more_o than_o the_o other_a be_v they_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a which_o do_v not_o add_v nor_o pare_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o have_v each_o great_a ground_n of_o humility_n if_o astrologer_n also_o know_v how_o far_o short_a they_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heaven_n they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o will_v acknowledge_v all_o their_o wisdom_n in_o that_o to_o be_v but_o folly_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n who_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o science_n and_o what_o they_o have_v write_v be_v but_o imaginary_a supposition_n far_o from_o be_v truth_n and_o upon_o like_a imagination_n be_v found_v also_o all_o other_o human_a science_n which_o they_o learn_v by_o read_v and_o study_n for_o when_o they_o be_v not_o found_v 〈◊〉_d the_o truth_n of_o god_n they_o be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o false_a and_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o deceive_v man_n who_o by_o they_o deceive_v one_o another_o and_o hinder_v each_o other_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a wisdom_n and_o before_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v but_o folly_n to_o blind_v our_o spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o in_o which_o consist_v true_a humility_n of_o heart_n which_o jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o must_v learn_v of_o he_o which_o to_o do_v she_o pray_v you_o who_o love_v the_o perfection_n of_o your_o soul_n your_o well-affectioned_n in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr in_o holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n jan._n 18._o 1672._o st._n vel._n the_o v._o letter_n humility_n be_v acquire_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o self_n to_o the_o same_o show_v he_o that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n even_o of_o thing_n most_o esteem_v by_o man_n aught_o to_o serve_v to_o humble_v they_o such_o as_o the_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o all_o these_o be_v vain_a disquiet_v unsatisfy_v and_o hurtful_a my_o dear_a child_n you_o have_v see_v by_o my_o last_o what_o humility_n be_v where_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o no_o person_n can_v ever_o be_v proud_a but_o for_o lack_v of_o know_v himself_o for_o in_o know_v themselves_o they_o will_v find_v subject_a enough_o to_o humble_v themselves_o by_o see_v their_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o he_o who_o will_v reflect_v serious_o upon_o himself_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o discover_v his_o own_o nothingness_n but_o will_v judge_v himself_o much_o worse_o than_o nothing_o and_o consequent_o will_v be_v far_o from_o esteem_v and_o magnify_v himself_o unless_o he_o be_v altogether_o a_o fool_n and_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o if_o he_o judge_v by_o a_o upright_a judgement_n what_o he_o be_v he_o shall_v see_v nothing_o but_o misery_n and_o infirmity_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o ignorance_n and_o disorder_n in_o his_o spirit_n for_o a_o beast_n know_v more_o than_o he_o for_o the_o conduct_n of_o its_o life_n and_o be_v more_o moderate_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o other_o natural_a thing_n than_o man_n and_o we_o see_v he_o frequent_o exceed_v in_o these_o thing_n which_o beast_n do_v not_o thence_o be_v it_o that_o man_n be_v much_o more_o subject_a to_o disease_n than_o the_o beast_n because_o they_o commit_v more_o excess_n and_o intemperances_n than_o they_o and_o when_o man_n find_v himself_o more_o disorderly_a and_o foolish_a in_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o life_n than_o the_o beast_n ought_v he_o not_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o man_n as_o worthy_a of_o all_o confusion_n see_v god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o spirit_n more_o perfect_a than_o any_o beast_n and_o yet_o he_o know_v not_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o rule_v his_o passion_n and_o appetite_n which_o often_o cause_v to_o he_o great_a evil_n and_o sometime_o death_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o great_a subject_n of_o humility_n and_o contempt_n of_o himself_o he_o can_v never_o know_v that_o magnify_v and_o esteem_v himself_o if_o it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o be_v void_a of_o judgement_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o lose_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o give_v entry_n to_o the_o vanity_n which_o the_o devil_n inspire_v into_o his_o spirit_n to_o esteem_v himself_o then_o he_o go_v from_o one_o error_n to_o another_o because_o fall_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o know_v nothing_o but_o falsehood_n which_o that_o evil_a spirit_n make_v he_o believe_v and_o inspire_v into_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o honour_n for_o his_o wisdom_n or_o riches_n or_o virtue_n though_o he_o be_v contemptible_a even_o in_o all_o these_o very_a respect_n for_o his_o wisdom_n be_v but_o folly_n before_o god_n and_o his_o riches_n be_v but_o weighty_a charge_n painful_a to_o be_v bear_v and_o cause_n trouble_v and_o disquiet_v to_o preserve_v they_o and_o his_o virtue_n can_v be_v other_o than_o feign_v see_v it_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o nothingness_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o therefore_o vainglory_n and_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o can_v never_o be_v other_o than_o mere_a folly_n which_o satan_n inspire_v and_o foist_n into_o man_n spirit_n see_v there_o be_v in_o they_o nothing_o esteemable_a as_o to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o abundance_n of_o misery_n worthy_a of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n so_o that_o we_o may_v true_o call_v a_o proud_a man_n a_o very_a fool_n because_o he_o glory_v of_o his_o misery_n and_o judge_n his_o ignorance_n wisdom_n and_o his_o trouble_n riches_n for_o such_o be_v temporal_a riches_n which_o create_v continual_a trouble_n and_o disquiet_n with_o a_o thousand_o care_n both_o to_o acquire_v
good_a work_n that_o he_o may_v have_v esteem_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o himself_o and_o by_o that_o he_o render_v the_o good_a work_n evil_a or_o he_o cause_v the_o merciful_a person_n to_o be_v much_o esteem_v and_o honour_v that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o fall_v into_o vainglory_n the_o devil_n have_v also_o the_o art_n to_o disquiet_v our_o spirit_n by_o the_o care_n of_o merciful_a work_n both_o spiritual_a and_o corporal_a and_o i_o be_v exercise_v myself_o with_o that_o temptation_n for_o in_o my_o youth_n i_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a sick_a i_o visit_v they_o frequent_o i_o help_v and_o serve_v they_o to_o my_o power_n and_o also_o i_o assist_v all_o sort_n of_o poor_a and_o necessitous_a person_n i_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v they_o that_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o to_o engage_v the_o slothful_a to_o labour_v and_o in_o short_a i_o lay_v these_o rhing_n so_o much_o to_o heart_n that_o i_o sustain_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o afflict_a that_o ask_v my_o aid_n and_o i_o be_v grieve_v to_o send_v any_o away_o unrelieve_v i_o but_o i_o find_v myself_o at_o length_n so_o occupy_v that_o my_o spirit_n have_v no_o more_o recollection_n and_o i_o be_v so_o importune_v by_o these_o poor_a that_o i_o behoove_v to_o abstain_v from_o help_v they_o more_o and_o that_o partly_o to_o recover_v commerce_n with_o god_n which_o i_o have_v lose_v by_o the_o voluntary_a distraction_n which_o these_o poor_a give_v i_o and_o partly_o because_o i_o discover_v daily_o their_o wickedness_n and_o deceit_n for_o abundance_n seek_v my_o help_n only_o that_o they_o may_v live_v more_o at_o their_o ease_n and_o to_o commit_v more_o sin_n as_o in_o effect_n they_o do_v i_o give_v often_o alm_n which_o the_o poor_a use_v in_o drunkenness_n gluttony_n and_o luxury_n and_o they_o become_v idle_a and_o lazy_a for_o when_o they_o have_v not_o so_o great_a necessity_n to_o labour_n they_o neglect_v to_o undertake_v any_o work_n for_o their_o entertainment_n because_o the_o alm_n give_v they_o it_o with_o less_o care_n and_o pain_n also_o i_o find_v they_o liar_n and_o deceitful_a for_o they_o often_o feign_a necessity_n disease_n or_o infirmity_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o so_o i_o see_v my_o assistance_n give_v they_o more_o matter_n of_o sin_v they_o study_v to_o lie_v cunning_o to_o get_v wherewith_o to_o live_v in_o idleness_n but_o when_o my_o design_n be_v to_o do_v all_o that_o i_o can_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o find_v that_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n turn_v to_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o inward_a indisposition_n of_o those_o i_o will_v have_v assist_v now_o i_o can_v do_v any_o work_n of_o mercy_n spiritual_a or_o corporal_a before_o i_o know_v if_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o not_o for_o i_o love_v far_o rather_o to_o cease_v than_o to_o do_v evil_a not_o that_o i_o fear_v do_v evil_a upon_o my_o part_n in_o assist_v my_o neighbour_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o occasion_n general_o and_o without_o exception_n of_o person_n for_o i_o know_v that_o god_n regard_v always_o our_o intention_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v upright_o and_o aim_v at_o his_o glory_n or_o at_o our_o own_o but_o my_o fear_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o poor_a who_o receive_v our_o assistance_n unworthy_o and_o employ_v our_o benefit_n only_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o understand_v that_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v do_v to_o his_o honour_n i_o know_v that_o seem_v strange_a to_o you_o my_o son_n but_o you_o have_v not_o well_o consider_v my_o reason_n for_o if_o you_o will_v examine_v the_o state_n of_o man_n now_o adays_o you_o will_v find_v it_o so_o corrupt_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a more_o to_o exercise_v work_n of_o mercy_n without_o sin_v in_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v do_v for_o most_o part_n be_v covetous_a unjust_a deceiveas_n and_o fill_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o assist_v and_o sustain_v they_o we_o cooperate_v to_o their_o sin_n which_o we_o can_v do_v in_o nine_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v viz._n in_o councel_n assist_v defend_v contribute_v not_o hinder_v when_o able_a not_o accuse_v to_o they_o that_o will_v hinder_v it_o partake_v praise_v or_o flatter_a evil_n now_o all_o these_o way_n of_o sin_v be_v in_o part_n commit_v when_o we_o assist_v the_o wicked_a which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v such_o for_o if_o you_o know_v that_o one_o covet_v earthly_a good_n and_o give_v he_o of_o they_o you_o cooperate_v to_o that_o covetousness_n whether_o the_o person_n be_v poor_a or_o rich_a the_o quantity_n of_o good_n make_v nothing_o to_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v within_o the_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v it_o which_o cleave_v to_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o cleave_v to_o god_n and_o sin_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o turn_n from_o and_o abandon_v god_n if_o then_o we_o turn_v from_o he_o for_o much_o money_n or_o for_o little_a that_o do_v not_o diminish_v the_o sin_n of_o concupiscence_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o proud_a person_n for_o if_o you_o give_v he_o good_n or_o ptofit_n you_o maintain_v his_o pride_n and_o become_v partaker_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o shall_v be_v charge_v on_o you_o also_o if_o you_o give_v to_o a_o glutton_n or_o a_o slothful_a person_n you_o contribute_v to_o all_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o shall_v commit_v with_o your_o gift_n you_o sin_v also_o if_o know_v a_o liar_n or_o thief_n or_o unfaithful_a person_n you_o praise_v he_o instead_o of_o declare_v his_o wickedness_n to_o other_o for_o you_o render_v yourself_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o shall_v do_v because_o other_o be_v not_o advertise_v and_o aware_a of_o his_o wickedness_n which_o be_v it_o not_o dissemble_v or_o excuse_v can_v not_o hurt_v so_o many_o person_n who_o be_v deceive_v because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o so_o they_o yield_v to_o he_o without_o know_v that_o they_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o my_o son_n i_o will_v advertise_v you_o that_o you_o let_v not_o yourself_o be_v deceive_v ignorant_o and_o for_o not_o know_v the_o subtle_a craft_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o so_o he_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v honour_v and_o bring_v his_o own_o glory_n out_o of_o man_n best_a action_n when_o he_o can_v no_o more_o bring_v they_o to_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o if_o he_o ensnare_v we_o by_o thing_n good_a or_o evil_a he_o do_v as_o he_o that_o will_v draw_v one_o out_o of_o the_o water_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o he_o get_v hold_v of_o his_o hand_n or_o his_o arm_n he_o take_v hold_v where_o he_o can_v most_o easy_o and_o when_o he_o can_v draw_v he_o so_o he_o draw_v by_o his_o foot_n head_n or_o hair_n without_o consider_v much_o if_o he_o take_v he_o by_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o the_o same_o do_v the_o devil_n with_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v in_o peril_n of_o drown_v in_o the_o rage_a sea_n of_o this_o world_n god_n will_v save_v they_o by_o true_a virtue_n and_o the_o devil_n draw_v contrariwise_o with_o all_o his_o might_n for_o when_o he_o see_v he_o can_v draw_v they_o to_o he_o by_o manifest_a sin_n he_o draw_v they_o by_o virtue_n itself_o and_o by_o work_n of_o mercy_n which_o be_v do_v most_o part_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n unless_o we_o be_v strict_o on_o our_o guard_n and_o discover_v his_o deceit_n that_o we_o may_v evite_v they_o so_o we_o must_v purify_v our_o intention_n and_o seek_v nothing_o in_o all_o our_o good_a work_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n alone_o resist_v all_o the_o tentation_n the_o devil_n can_v make_v we_o protest_v against_o vainglory_n and_o all_o human_a consideration_n and_o so_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v evite_v all_o sort_n of_o excess_n and_o confusion_n and_o proceed_v always_o with_o discretion_n to_o regulate_v our_o good_a work_n behold_v the_o mean_n to_o do_v they_o not_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v cease_v from_o good_a work_n we_o can_v do_v too_o many_o if_o we_o do_v they_o with_o discretion_n but_o we_o must_v labour_v that_o the_o devil_n or_o sin_n be_v not_o mix_v with_o they_o as_o it_o ordinary_o happen_v because_o man_n be_v not_o wary_a enough_o lest_o the_o devil_n shall_v mix_v himself_o into_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a in_o themselves_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o tempt_v jesus_n christ_n during_o his_o fast_a in_o the_o wilderness_n although_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o holy_a and_o perfect_a than_o that_o retreat_n whither_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v lead_v he_o that_o he_o may_v