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clear_v that_o the_o devil_n can_v draw_v man_n to_o sin_n nor_o do_v he_o any_o hurt_n except_o man_n give_v his_o own_o consent_n my_o son_n in_o my_o former_a i_o set_v before_o your_o eye_n how_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n many_o way_n and_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o virtue_n itself_o that_o he_o may_v direct_v our_o good_a work_n to_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o glory_n which_o very_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o i_o fear_v lest_o by_o yet_o another_o sort_n of_o tentation_n he_o catch_v you_o which_o you_o can_v not_o discover_v if_o you_o be_v not_o forewarn_v of_o it_o to_o wit_n when_o you_o have_v well_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o find_v in_o your_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o incite_v you_o to_o do_v evil_a it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o you_o will_v lay_v the_o blame_n upon_o the_o devil_n because_o sometime_o you_o do_v evil_a against_o your_o will_n for_o man_n heart_n be_v so_o proud_a that_o he_o will_v not_o 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that_o man_n have_v enjoy_v all_o sort_n of_o delight_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n be_v over_o confirm_v in_o grace_n he_o have_v live_v eternal_o happy_a and_o bless_a but_o sin_n have_v deprive_v he_o of_o all_o that_o happiness_n and_o have_v reduce_v he_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o suffering_n and_o misery_n which_o job_n consider_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o misery_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n when_o he_o see_v himself_o in_o inevitable_a misery_n you_o must_v consider_v that_o job_n do_v not_o curse_v the_o day_n that_o god_n create_v he_o in_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o bless_v he_o for_o all_o because_o he_o be_v his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o so_o he_o desire_v to_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o all_o his_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v now_o because_o he_o so_o desire_v god_n permit_v the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v he_o in_o divers_a manner_n that_o job_n faithfulness_n may_v be_v manifest_a before_o all_o 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the_o devil_n because_o he_o can_v wrong_v we_o if_o we_o will_v not_o he_o may_v well_o bark_v as_o the_o chain_a dog_n but_o he_o can_v bite_v we_o unless_o we_o approach_v he_o and_o therefore_o my_o son_n you_o ought_v never_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o evil_n do_v though_o all_o evil_n come_v from_o he_o he_o can_v effect_v they_o in_o we_o without_o our_o consent_n he_o may_v well_o afflict_v our_o body_n or_o spirit_n when_o we_o desire_v to_o purge_v our_o soul_n by_o suffer_v then_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o tempt_v we_o by_o the_o most_o salutary_a thing_n as_o he_o may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o bring_v to_o poverty_n a_o good_a man_n when_o he_o see_v that_o he_o will_v forget_v himself_o by_o worldly_a good_n god_n love_v his_o soul_n so_o take_v away_o his_o riches_n as_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o damnation_n of_o his_o soul_n sometime_o also_o he_o take_v away_o his_o honour_n or_o his_o health_n lest_o these_o shall_v hinder_v 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constrain_v his_o rebellious_a will_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v that_o god_n never_o afflict_v a_o person_n without_o his_o will_n and_o consent_v direct_a or_o indirect_a because_o he_o create_v he_o altogether_o free_a he_o can_v be_v touch_v to_o good_a or_o evil_n no_o more_o by_o god_n than_o by_o the_o devil_n who_o can_v never_o cause_v man_n to_o sin_n against_o he_o will_v direct_v or_o indirect_a but_o man_n do_v not_o always_o know_v the_o indirect_a will_v he_o have_v to_o sin_n and_o for_o that_o say_v or_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o make_v he_o sin_n against_o his_o will_n
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
which_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o though_o it_o mix_v itself_o with_o the_o devil_n motion_n it_o be_v his_o custom_n to_o follow_v every_o one_o natural_a inclination_n to_o cover_v himself_o the_o better_a that_o he_o be_v not_o know_v and_o by_o that_o device_n he_o remain_v unknown_a each_o attribute_v his_o fault_n to_o his_o nature_n one_o will_v be_v support_v in_o his_o anger_n another_o in_o his_o sadness_n and_o morosity_n another_o in_o his_o lust_n say_v often_o i_o can_v help_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v my_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o language_n the_o devil_n hear_v glad_o because_o so_o he_o lurk_v unknown_a and_o make_v we_o go_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_a unto_o death_n but_o they_o that_o have_v esteem_v the_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o devil_n natural_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n shall_v see_v clear_o at_o death_n that_o it_o be_v devilish_a malice_n which_o mix_v itself_o with_o every_o one_o natural_a inclination_n and_o the_o devil_n labour_v always_o to_o discover_v these_o natural_a inclination_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o play_v his_o part_n and_o remain_v unknown_a under_o that_o covert_n of_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o so_o he_o amuse_n many_o that_o they_o never_o think_v it_o be_v the_o devil_n because_o he_o be_v so_o strait_o unite_v with_o their_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v his_o subtlety_n he_o know_v well_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o obey_v if_o he_o give_v tentation_n contrary_a to_o one_o natural_a inclination_n and_o so_o he_o follow_v always_o every_a one_o nature_n and_o augment_v the_o inclination_n which_o he_o find_v there_o if_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o choleric_a person_n he_o stir_v he_o up_o the_o more_o to_o anger_n if_o a_o luxurious_a or_o sad_a person_n he_o augment_v their_o luxury_n or_o sadness_n to_o gain_v they_o all_o on_o the_o weak_a side_n he_o do_v as_o a_o enemy_n that_o will_v attack_v a_o city_n he_o will_v not_o assault_v where_o it_o be_v fortify_v but_o where_o it_o be_v weak_a if_o he_o find_v some_o corner_n of_o the_o wall_n break_v he_o attempt_v to_o break_v it_o more_o that_o by_o it_o he_o may_v enter_v the_o town_n being_n the_o most_o advantageous_a entry_n for_o he_o and_o the_o devil_n our_o town_n enemy_n do_v the_o very_a same_o he_o can_v surprise_v we_o in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v on_o our_o guard_n so_o he_o attacque_n we_o where_o we_o do_v not_o expect_v it_o and_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o gain_v easy_o our_o will_n and_o make_v it_o obey_v he_o in_o what_o we_o have_v inclination_n to_o we_o must_v then_o always_o make_v a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v what_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n see_v it_o have_v always_o his_o quality_n and_o produce_v within_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o envy_n trouble_v impatience_n sadness_n and_o other_o which_o i_o mark_v above_o we_o may_v also_o remark_n enough_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o devil_n cause_v we_o to_o do_v for_o if_o you_o will_v examine_v yourself_o narrow_o you_o shall_v always_o find_v something_o in_o your_o word_n untrue_a or_o dissemble_a or_o speak_v by_o vain_a complacency_n to_o please_v man_n which_o make_v that_o there_o be_v not_o always_o justice_n in_o your_o word_n for_o he_o that_o speak_v by_o the_o good_a spirit_n be_v true_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o please_v or_o flatter_v man_n but_o declare_v native_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n as_o well_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o as_o what_o be_v advantageous_a see_v he_o seek_v only_o to_o please_v god_n alone_o to_o know_v if_o our_o action_n be_v excite_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o not_o you_o need_v but_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v do_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o for_o your_o own_o and_o if_o you_o seek_v not_o yourself_o therein_o for_o the_o devil_n will_v always_o incite_v we_o to_o seek_v ourselves_o in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v he_o know_v well_o that_o self-love_n mar_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o so_o he_o excite_v our_o understanding_n to_o consider_v if_o what_o we_o do_v or_o say_v shall_v be_v advantageous_a to_o we_o if_o it_o shall_v give_v we_o pleasure_n honour_n or_o profit_n and_o when_o we_o observe_v none_o of_o these_o advantage_n in_o it_o he_o slacken_v our_o courage_n that_o we_o do_v not_o accomplish_v our_o undertake_n nor_o prosecute_v our_o work_n the_o good_a spirit_n on_o the_o contrary_n incite_v always_o to_o labour_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o assistance_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o so_o he_o that_o be_v guide_v thereby_o do_v nothing_o for_o his_o own_o proper_a interest_n but_o endeavour_n to_o his_o power_n to_o assist_v his_o neighbour_n in_o need_n because_o the_o charity_n which_o that_o good_a spirit_n carry_v in_o it_o attend_v more_o the_o common_a good_a than_o his_o own_o particular_a by_o that_o my_o son_n you_o may_v observe_v all_o your_o word_n and_o action_n to_o know_v if_o they_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n for_o these_o be_v infallible_a mark_n to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n if_o from_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n without_o amuse_v you_o to_o speculate_v or_o seek_v to_o discover_v the_o devil_n in_o himself_o since_o he_o be_v a_o invisible_a spirit_n and_o incomprehensible_a to_o your_o understanding_n but_o you_o shall_v always_o discover_v he_o infallible_o by_o his_o quality_n and_o the_o fruit_n which_o he_o produce_v in_o your_o soul_n and_o your_o inward_a disposition_n will_v tell_v you_o it_o which_o she_o assure_v you_o of_o who_o be_v your_o well-affected_a in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n 15._o may_v 1672._o st._n vet_n the_o xix_o letter_n we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n be_v free_a from_o tentation_n to_o the_o same_o who_o be_v grieve_v for_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o tempt_v we_o so_o various_o a_o thirteen_o artifice_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v show_v he_o wherein_o he_o break_v the_o firmness_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o sadness_n that_o tentation_n be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a to_o try_v and_o purify_v we_o my_o son_n i_o see_v you_o be_v grieve_v in_o spirit_n because_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o tempt_v man_n so_o many_o divers_a way_n but_o you_o shall_v rejoice_v while_o you_o learn_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n for_o if_o you_o know_v it_o not_o the_o devil_n will_v seduce_v you_o by_o ignorance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v so_o many_o thousand_o who_o have_v obey_v he_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o they_o think_v to_o follow_v the_o will_n of_o god_n while_o they_o follow_v certain_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o have_v perish_v insensible_o for_o before_o god_n ignorance_n do_v not_o excuse_v sin_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 omit_v to_o attain_v to_o salvation_n we_o need_v not_o think_v to_o say_v to_o god_n after_o death_n lord_n i_o know_v not_o this_o or_o that_o or_o i_o think_v not_o i_o do_v evil_a in_o that_o for_o all_o excuse_n will_v be_v uncurrent_a coin_n which_o will_v not_o be_v receive_v nor_o approve_v of_o he_o see_v we_o have_v abundant_o the_o mean_n to_o find_v if_o we_o have_v the_o desire_n to_o seek_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o see_v a_o man_n poor_a and_o miserable_a overcharge_v with_o his_o enemy_n when_o he_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o labour_n or_o seek_v a_o better_a way_n of_o live_v and_o will_v needs_o sleep_v and_o rest_n at_o his_o ease_n though_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v surround_v by_o his_o enemy_n we_o shall_v certain_o say_v that_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o misery_n and_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o may_v befall_v he_o and_o why_o will_v you_o not_o judge_v also_o that_o he_o who_o neglect_v to_o search_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n his_o enemy_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o damnation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v impute_v only_o to_o ourselves_o see_v we_o have_v abundant_o the_o mean_n to_o find_v if_o we_o have_v a_o true_a desire_n to_o seek_v tell_v i_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o cause_n of_o ignorance_n can_v a_o christian_n pretend_v who_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o which_o he_o give_v credit_n and_o accord_n that_o they_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n who_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o who_o seek_v to_o devour_v we_o that_o our_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a combat_n that_o we_o must_v watch_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o tentation_n notwithstanding_o man_n will_v not_o do_v either_o the_o one_o nor_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 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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 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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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