understand_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o yet_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o his_o soul_n though_o he_o be_v account_v a_o saint_n for_o than_o shall_v he_o not_o have_v need_v human_a divertisment_n to_o be_v joyful_a by_o as_o for_o i_o i_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o i_o have_v more_o joy_n and_o contentment_n in_o my_o soul_n in_o solitude_n and_o far_o from_o human_a divertisment_n than_o i_o have_v in_o man_n conversation_n or_o among_o the_o most_o divertise_v object_n which_o give_v assurance_n that_o my_o joy_n proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o it_o come_v not_o from_o human_a mean_n for_o it_o be_v my_o consolation_n never_o to_o come_v out_o of_o my_o closet_n and_o to_o hear_v nothing_o but_o in_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o inner_a man_n but_o the_o joy_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o evil_a spirit_n terminate_v and_o end_v always_o in_o sadness_n and_o melancholy_n with_o a_o earn_n after_o new_a divertisment_n to_o divert_v that_o sadness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o discover_v if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o disposition_n and_o operation_n which_o we_o feel_v in_o they_o when_o we_o have_v the_o desire_n to_o do_v or_o say_v any_o thing_n we_o need_v not_o so_o much_o go_v to_o consider_v if_o it_o be_v in_o appearance_n good_a or_o indifferent_a to_o know_v if_o it_o come_v from_o god_n as_o to_o examine_v the_o disposition_n which_o that_o desire_n bring_v into_o our_o soul_n to_o wit_n if_o it_o be_v in_o peace_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o its_o desire_n with_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a for_o that_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v give_v we_o that_o desire_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o effect_v it_o but_o if_o we_o perceive_v that_o that_o desire_v to_o do_v or_o say_v any_o thing_n mar_v our_o peace_n and_o disturb_v our_o spirit_n with_o impatience_n and_o attempt_v to_o precipitate_v we_o before_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v our_o desire_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o if_o the_o desire_n or_o thing_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o the_o devil_n will_v mix_v and_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o that_o good_a work_n to_o reap_v his_o glory_n thence_o however_o we_o must_v not_o cease_v to_o do_v or_o speak_v what_o be_v good_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o must_v be_v on_o our_o guard_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o the_o devil_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o in_o it_o we_o must_v then_o use_v continual_a prayer_n to_o have_v god_n succour_n and_o assistance_n and_o strength_n to_o overcome_v the_o tentation_n which_o the_o devil_n offer_v we_o while_o we_o be_v do_v good_a we_o must_v never_o cease_v from_o do_v good_a work_n because_o of_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o he_o will_v glad_o always_o hinder_v they_o if_o he_o can_v but_o we_o must_v examine_v well_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o discover_v if_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o insinuate_v himself_o therein_o that_o we_o may_v purify_v our_o intention_n and_o beware_v that_o the_o devil_n find_v no_o advantage_n therein_o and_o if_o you_o will_v know_v my_o son_n when_o it_o be_v god_n that_o inspire_v any_o thing_n to_o you_o remark_n always_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o goodness_n benignity_n faith_n continence_n and_o chastity_n for_o god_n never_o give_v inspiration_n that_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o these_o condition_n but_o the_o devil_n often_o give_v inclination_n to_o do_v good_a with_o fret_v malice_n despite_n dispair_n inconstance_n levity_n and_o impurity_n i_o have_v see_v sometime_o person_n that_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a by_o despite_n and_o fret_v upbraid_v and_o reproach_v they_o without_o any_o faith_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n i_o have_v see_v other_o assist_v at_o public_a devotion_n with_o insolence_n and_o lightness_n and_o now_o adays_o almost_o all_o marry_v by_o incontinence_n and_o impurity_n all_o these_o thing_n though_o good_a in_o themselves_o be_v induce_v and_o excite_v by_o the_o evil_a spirit_n since_o they_o tend_v to_o a_o evil_a end_n though_o good_a in_o appearance_n and_o therefore_o must_v we_o always_o be_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o watch_v against_o so_o powerful_a a_o enemy_n who_o attempt_v to_o surprise_v we_o in_o all_o our_o action_n both_o good_a and_o indifferent_a that_o he_o may_v render_v they_o evil_n therefore_o we_o must_v study_v well_o to_o discern_v the_o good_a spirit_n from_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o may_v do_v see_v there_o be_v assure_v mark_n to_o know_v they_o never_o say_v then_o my_o son_n that_o you_o know_v not_o if_o it_o be_v god_n or_o the_o devil_n who_o move_v you_o to_o do_v or_o omit_v any_o thing_n but_o rather_o acknowledge_v with_o humility_n of_o heart_n that_o you_o be_v not_o vigilant_a enough_o and_o diligent_a to_o discover_v that_o evil_a spirit_n who_o dazzle_v your_o understanding_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o for_o every_o word_n you_o speak_v or_o action_n you_o do_v you_o may_v discover_v if_o it_o come_v of_o the_o devil_n provide_v you_o make_v a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o yourself_o but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o we_o be_v distract_v and_o wander_a and_o the_o devil_n make_v we_o forget_v what_o we_o shall_v remember_v and_o put_v in_o our_o mind_n what_o we_o shall_v forget_v that_o he_o may_v bring_v confusion_n in_o all_o our_o behaviour_n remark_n well_o that_o advertisement_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v but_o too_o well_o ground_v for_o since_o the_o devil_n can_v no_o more_o make_v you_o fall_v into_o manifest_a sin_n he_o will_v always_o endeavour_v to_o make_v you_o contradict_v the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o you_o do_v not_o yet_o know_v well_o you_o have_v indeed_o resolve_v in_o general_a to_o obey_v he_o and_o follow_v he_o as_o you_o have_v do_v in_o abandon_v the_o world_n in_o lose_v your_o affection_n from_o earthly_a good_n and_o desire_v to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o lowness_n and_o humility_n all_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v govern_v you_o in_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n and_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o but_o now_o he_o attacque_n you_o in_o small_a thing_n and_o of_o little_a import_n that_o he_o may_v hinder_v you_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o often_o he_o gain_v your_o will_n to_o make_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o common_a and_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o if_o you_o reflect_v upon_o yourself_o you_o shall_v find_v there_o a_o certain_a opposition_n to_o whatever_o i_o propose_v to_o you_o which_o come_v often_o even_o contrary_a to_o your_o will_n yea_o you_o be_v vex_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v so_o oppose_v or_o contradict_v i_o yet_o on_o the_o first_o occasion_n you_o do_v it_o again_o which_o can_v proceed_v of_o yourself_o since_o you_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o now_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o true_a rule_n that_o whatever_o evil_n we_o do_v against_o our_o will_n come_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o of_o ourselves_o i_o know_v that_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n which_o you_o have_v against_o what_o i_o desire_v come_v not_o of_o your_o own_o will_n for_o you_o will_v glad_o obey_v i_o in_o every_o thing_n see_v you_o know_v that_o i_o never_o desire_v any_o evil_n but_o you_o can_v in_o effect_v obey_v i_o in_o thing_n good_a and_o salutary_a which_o come_v assure_o of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v i_o for_o he_o move_v as_o soon_o as_o i_o speak_v and_o bring_v some_o contradiction_n or_o opposition_n to_o what_o i_o propose_v he_o be_v trouble_v enrage_v and_o fret_v and_o will_v cause_v among_o we_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n as_o heatt_z and_o cold_a do_v which_o occur_v in_o the_o air_n which_o you_o do_v often_o and_o know_v not_o to_o help_v it_o because_o you_o have_v not_o sufficient_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n do_v it_o in_o you_o against_o your_o will_n for_o you_o allege_v sometime_o reason_n as_o if_o you_o will_v sustain_v his_o quarrel_n and_o show_v that_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o contradict_v i_o which_o you_o can_v not_o do_v if_o you_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o who_o no_o evil_a can_v proceed_v but_o the_o devil_n make_v you_o forget_v that_o and_o excite_v in_o you_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n to_o which_o your_o nature_n be_v also_o incline_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n you_o discover_v not_o sufficient_o that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o attribute_v it_o to_o your_o natural_a inclination_n
spiritual_a or_o temporal_a since_o all_o good_a come_v from_o god_n and_o all_o evil_n from_o man_n and_o the_o devil_n but_o when_o one_o have_v learn_v any_o good_a from_o god_n he_o can_v teach_v it_o to_o his_o neighbour_n but_o he_o can_v have_v that_o good_a of_o himself_o because_o sin_n have_v fill_v he_o with_o all_o evil_a and_o deprive_v he_o of_o all_o good_a and_o we_o can_v bring_v out_o of_o a_o thing_n what_o be_v not_o in_o it_o for_o if_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o latent_fw-la in_o the_o flink_n it_o will_v not_o come_v out_o by_o strike_v on_o the_o iron_n and_o if_o virtue_n be_v not_o in_o a_o soul_n it_o will_v not_o appear_v upon_o occasion_n so_o as_o it_o appear_v in_o job_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o tentation_n for_o he_o bless_v god_n say_v when_o he_o be_v inform_v of_o the_o death_n of_o his_o child_n god_n give_v they_o and_o god_n have_v take_v they_o bless_v he_o his_o holy_a name_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n it_o be_v plant_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o so_o produce_v fruit_n in_o its_o reason_n but_o he_o that_o live_v yet_o in_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n can_v produce_v nothing_o but_o sin_n and_o evil_a since_o he_o have_v nothing_o but_o that_o in_o he_o and_o no_o good_a can_v proceed_v out_o of_o his_o soul_n because_o there_o be_v none_o in_o it_o therefore_o man_n be_v sottish_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v do_v good_a temporal_a or_o spiritual_a see_v in_o effect_n he_o ruin_v whatever_o he_o touch_v and_o can_v do_v no_o good_a but_o by_o the_o particular_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o because_o man_n do_v not_o sufficient_o study_v spiritual_a diligence_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o know_v himself_o he_o easy_o persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v wise_a to_o do_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a without_o noticing_z that_o his_o nature_n be_v altogether_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n he_o speak_v work_n and_o act_n of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o know_v to_o do_v any_o good_a though_o all_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v evil_a man_n then_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v that_o distrust_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o never_o follow_v his_o own_o proper_a will_n for_o whatever_o proceed_v from_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o that_o truth_n shall_v fall_v into_o many_o excess_n and_o sin_n therefore_o be_v it_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v christian_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o more_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o example_n of_o that_o denial_n say_v i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o do_v my_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o now_o if_o there_o can_v in_o all_o the_o human_a nature_n be_v a_o good_a will_n it_o be_v assure_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o we_o learn_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o renounce_v altogether_o his_o own_o will_n say_v to_o his_o father_n not_o my_o will_n but_o thou_o be_v do_v and_o he_o say_v so_o because_o he_o know_v that_o the_o will_n of_o all_o man_n be_v corrupt_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v follow_v without_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o will_v not_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n know_v well_o that_o as_o to_o his_o mortal_a nature_n his_o own_o proper_a will_n be_v evil_a 6._o as_o be_v those_o of_o all_o other_o man_n unto_o who_o he_o will_v make_v himself_o like_a when_o he_o put_v on_o our_o mortality_n now_o if_o jesus_n christ_n pray_v his_o father_n that_o his_o proper_a will_n be_v not_o do_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v man_n corrupt_v by_o his_o own_o sin_n beside_o the_o corruption_n of_o adam_n sin_n which_o all_o man_n have_v contract_v from_o he_o it_o be_v thence_o that_o their_o will_n be_v become_v evil_a and_o so_o produce_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n which_o we_o can_v evite_v but_o by_o a_o spiritual_a diligence_n watch_v continual_o over_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o proper_a will_n that_o we_o may_v resist_v sin_n for_o if_o we_o fall_v into_o spiritual_a negligence_n our_o own_o will_n shall_v always_o have_v the_o upperhand_n and_o govern_v all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n which_o shall_v be_v always_o evil_a and_o so_o we_o shall_v commit_v continual_a sin_n without_o perceive_v it_o and_o it_o be_v by_o that_o spiritual_a negligence_n alone_o that_o soul_n perish_v insensible_o and_o from_o which_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a proceed_v we_o may_v see_v that_o truth_n in_o temporal_a and_o corporal_a thing_n for_o when_o they_o be_v neglect_v they_o catch_v always_o hurt_v if_o we_o neglect_v a_o new_a bear_v infant_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n die_v for_o lack_v of_o vigilance_n if_o we_o take_v not_o care_n after_o to_o teach_v it_o in_o speak_v walk_v and_o labour_v it_o shall_v grow_v up_o like_o a_o beast_n and_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v labour_v trade_n or_o study_v if_o it_o will_v subsist_v and_o have_v necessary_a aliment_n so_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n shall_v befall_v it_o by_o that_o negligence_n in_o thing_n corporal_a and_o it_o will_v even_o rot_v and_o be_v eat_v of_o vermin_n if_o neglect_v to_o be_v cleanse_v what_o evil_n do_v not_o negligence_n bring_v in_o civil_a matter_n country_n and_o city_n be_v ruin_v by_o want_n of_o foreseeing_a for_o if_o a_o lord_n or_o governor_n of_o a_o country_n be_v not_o diligent_a to_o watch_v over_o what_o he_o have_v in_o charge_n his_o enemy_n will_v surprise_v he_o and_o he_o will_v lose_v his_o honout_n and_o good_n while_o asleep_o and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n of_o a_o city_n be_v not_o diligent_a to_o watch_v over_o his_o citizen_n they_o shall_v forget_v their_o duty_n and_o introduce_v into_o the_o republic_n evil_n which_o after_o they_o can_v remedy_v and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v by_o their_o negligence_n suffer_v they_o too_o long_o the_o same_o be_v it_o with_o the_o master_n of_o a_o house_n or_o society_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o subject_n he_o shall_v find_v himself_o oppress_v with_o confusion_n which_o he_o can_v redress_v afterward_o negligence_n in_o business_n empoverish_v many_o and_o lose_v their_o honour_n by_o infamous_a banquerupt_v also_o by_o negligence_n be_v lose_v the_o grain_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o we_o do_v not_o sow_v and_o reap_v they_o in_o due_a season_n it_o destroy_v the_o household_n provision_n bring_v rust_n on_o the_o iron_n moth_n in_o clothes_n and_o rot_v in_o linen_n and_o in_o fine_a negligence_n bring_v many_o rich_a man_n to_o poverty_n disgrace_n those_o that_o be_v in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n it_o bring_v damage_n and_o evil_n unto_o every_o thing_n even_o to_o the_o small_a thing_n for_o if_o but_o one_o stitch_n in_o your_o stocking_n slip_v and_o you_o neglect_v to_o mend_v it_o that_o stitch_n will_v quiek_o become_v a_o great_a hole_n and_o in_o the_o end_n rend_v the_o whole_a stocking_n which_o your_o diligence_n may_v have_v preserve_v for_o some_o year_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o diligence_n preserve_v in_o good_a order_n whereas_o by_o negligence_n they_o be_v destroy_v and_o bring_v to_o confusion_n yea_o it_o often_o cause_v death_n for_o if_o a_o disease_n be_v well_o attend_v at_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v often_o easy_o cure_v but_o negligence_n render_v it_o difficult_a and_o sometime_o incurable_a as_o if_o a_o pleuritique_n be_v let_v blood_n too_o late_o he_o must_v die_v and_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sick_a be_v not_o know_v to_o apply_v timely_o suitable_a remedy_n for_o his_o indisposition_n he_o must_v die_v that_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n now_o adays_o live_v so_o short_a a_o while_n in_o regard_n of_o adam_n and_o his_o successor_n who_o live_v to_o several_a hunderd_n of_o year_n because_o they_o know_v the_o disposition_n of_o nature_n better_o each_o know_v what_o be_v good_a and_o needful_a for_o himself_o on_o every_o occasion_n but_o now_o while_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o nature_n they_o take_v often_o remedy_n contrary_a to_o their_o evil_n and_o neglect_v such_o as_o may_v cure_v they_o but_o this_o corporal_a or_o civil_a negligence_n though_o it_o cause_v so_o many_o evil_n be_v nothing_o in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a negligence_n see_v the_o first_o cause_n only_o temporal_a and_o transitory_a evil_n and_o the_o other_o eternal_a one_o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a and_o subject_n he_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a which_o be_v eternal_a damnation_n for_o he_o that_o have_v not_o spiritual_a diligence_n to_o watch_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o mean_v he_o shall_v embrace_v to_o his_o salvation_n he_o must_v perish_v by_o that_o only_a negligence_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
will_v not_o promise_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v in_o his_o service_n sensual_a pleasure_n or_o worldly_a riches_n and_o vain_a contentment_n but_o i_o promise_v you_o assure_o quiet_v of_o conscience_n tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n a_o inward_a peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o your_o soul_n which_o be_v thing_n far_o more_o estimable_a than_o the_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o impure_a contentment_n and_o abundance_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n which_o can_v never_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n be_v they_o be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v consequent_o be_v satisfy_v with_o material_a thing_n therefore_o be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o man_n perfect_o content_a and_o satisfy_v in_o this_o world_n unless_o he_o love_v god_n with_o his_o whole_a heart_n there_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o a_o one_o who_o can_v be_v entire_o content_a for_o only_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a full_o to_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n for_o they_o be_v little_a divinity_n which_o can_v be_v full_o content_v out_o of_o god_n from_o who_o they_o proceed_v therefore_o must_v you_o my_o child_n labour_v to_o attain_v to_o that_o love_n for_o when_o you_o have_v true_o find_v it_o you_o shall_v have_v all_o thing_n and_o you_o shall_v reign_v over_o all_o the_o world_n have_v in_o contempt_n all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n and_o you_o have_v no_o violence_n to_o use_v with_o god_n to_o obtain_v his_o love_n see_v he_o give_v it_o liberal_o and_o free_o to_o all_o that_o desire_n and_o ask_v it_o and_o even_o compel_v man_n by_o a_o express_a command_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o but_o you_o must_v do_v a_o little_a violence_n to_o yourself_o to_o obtain_v that_o love_n because_o your_o affection_n be_v carry_v to_o other_o thing_n than_o he_o so_o you_o must_v reclaim_v they_o and_o constrain_v they_o to_o return_v to_o their_o god_n and_o in_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o combat_n as_o you_o have_v habitude_n to_o love_v other_o thing_n then_o god_n if_o you_o be_v then_o strong_o addict_v to_o self-love_n or_o love_n of_o other_o creature_n your_o combat_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a but_o the_o business_n deserve_v suffer_v well_o see_v after_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v so_o great_a good_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a we_o shall_v spare_v nothing_o to_o gain_v such_o a_o treasure_n the_o pain_n shall_v pass_v swift_o and_o the_o joy_n endure_v eternal_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v suffer_v willing_o to_o retire_v your_o affection_n from_o earthly_a thing_n and_o place_v they_o in_o god_n alone_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v you_o in_o my_o last_o that_o that_o be_v good_a pleasant_a honourable_a and_o profitable_a it_o remain_v for_o you_o now_o to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n examine_v once_o what_o it_o be_v that_o you_o love_v beside_o god_n and_o then_o detest_v that_o love_n and_o withdraw_v from_o it_o your_o heart_n if_o you_o love_v object_n without_o yourself_o flee_v from_o they_o as_o the_o enemy_n of_o your_o good_a lose_v from_o they_o your_o heart_n and_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o see_v they_o and_o if_o your_o affection_n be_v occupy_v in_o self-love_n remove_v they_o from_o a_o object_n so_o little_a lovely_a to_o place_v they_o in_o god_n who_o only_o merit_v your_o affection_n and_o nothing_o else_o protest_v then_o against_o that_o natural_a inclination_n of_o self-love_n and_o yield_v no_o more_o any_o thing_n to_o that_o nature_n but_o thing_n pure_o necessary_a for_o it_o be_v your_o great_a enemy_n to_o which_o you_o must_v not_o furnish_v arm_n to_o fight_v against_o you_o the_o better_a you_o must_v know_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n war_n against_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o you_o yield_v to_o it_o so_o give_v it_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n you_o can_v even_o till_o you_o have_v overcome_v it_o withdraw_v then_o from_o it_o your_o affection_n you_o must_v restrain_v it_o as_o a_o horse_n with_o bridle_n that_o it_o kick_v not_o nor_o attempt_n but_o to_o serve_v the_o master_n you_o love_n behold_v the_o mean_n to_o render_v you_o free_a to_o love_n god_n with_o your_o whole_a heart_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o your_o affection_n be_v retire_v from_o all_o creature_n they_o will_v be_v assure_o carry_v to_o love_n god_n their_o creator_n because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o element_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o which_o only_o it_o can_v live_v recreate_v and_o repose_v itself_o that_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a centre_n of_o our_o soul_n whither_o they_o fall_v of_o themselves_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v disengage_v of_o other_o affection_n which_o be_v all_o vain_a it_o be_v as_o with_o a_o stone_n throw_v into_o the_o air_n which_o will_v not_o rest_v till_o it_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v its_o centre_n unless_o it_o be_v retain_v with_o bond_n or_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o man_n soul_n which_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o air_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n it_o can_v find_v rest_n there_o if_o we_o do_v not_o retain_v it_o by_o force_n by_o bait_n and_o allurement_n of_o affection_n for_o earthly_a thing_n doubtless_o it_o will_v present_o fall_v into_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v its_o centre_n and_o element_n where_o it_o can_v rest_v and_o recreate_v itself_o to_o satisfaction_n because_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n than_o god_n from_o who_o it_o proceed_v and_o it_o can_v never_o repose_v till_o it_o be_v return_v to_o he_o and_o when_o it_o be_v compel_v to_o remain_v out_o of_o its_o element_n it_o be_v as_o a_o fish_n which_o by_o net_n and_o line_n be_v force_v out_o of_o the_o water_n which_o be_v to_o it_o very_o disagreeable_a and_o cause_n to_o it_o death_n if_o it_o be_v not_o quick_o return_v into_o the_o water_n the_o same_o happen_v to_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o net_n of_o earthly_a affection_n it_o must_v quick_o die_v because_o it_o can_v find_v there_o a_o element_n suitable_a to_o its_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o it_o languish_v withers_o and_o die_v a_o eternal_a death_n unless_o it_o break_v the_o net_n of_o earthly_a affection_n to_o return_v to_o its_o element_n which_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n you_o must_v my_o son_n labour_n that_o you_o may_v break_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o earthly_a affection_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o feel_v affection_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n rescind_v it_o quick_o for_o it_o be_v a_o chain_n which_o retain_v you_o out_o of_o your_o element_n and_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v painful_a for_o you_o to_o loose_v your_o heart_n from_o any_o thing_n to_o which_o it_o incline_v these_o pain_n shall_v quick_o change_v into_o consolation_n for_o you_o shall_v no_o soon_o be_v return_v into_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o you_o shall_v bathe_v in_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n as_o fish_v new_o return_v to_o the_o water_n which_o be_v its_o element_n it_o be_v for_o that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n he_o call_v a_o yoke_n our_o natural_a inclination_n because_o we_o must_v constrain_v and_o retain_v they_o and_o they_o be_v troublesome_a and_o grievous_a to_o bear_v for_o if_o we_o follow_v they_o we_o precipitate_v ourselves_o into_o a_o thousand_o evil_n see_v nature_n be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n incline_v always_o to_o evil_a and_o these_o evil_n be_v often_o troublesome_a and_o weighty_a to_o bear_v i_o know_v well_o that_o to_o we_o it_o seem_v grievous_a that_o we_o may_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n follow_v our_o natural_a inclination_n but_o if_o we_o take_v on_o that_o yoke_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o will_v become_v light_a and_o easy_a to_o we_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v no_o person_n can_v dispense_v or_o excuse_v himself_o from_o bear_v it_o since_o our_o first_o father_n adam_n lay_v it_o on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o all_o his_o posterity_n all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v charge_v with_o the_o misery_n which_o sin_n bring_v upon_o human_a nature_n they_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o heat_n cold_a intemperance_n of_o the_o air_n hunger_n thirst_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n to_o ignorance_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o disorderly_a motion_n of_o passion_n for_o sin_n have_v bring_v all_o these_o thing_n upon_o man_n nature_n which_o god_n create_v altogether_o perfect_a but_o since_o all_o man_n have_v partake_v of_o adam_n sin_n they_o be_v also_o subject_a to_o his_o penitence_n that_o be_v the_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v give_v man_n to_o satisfy_v his_o divine_a justice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n must_v bear_v that_o yoke_n will_v they_o or_o not_o
you_o remain_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o after_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o through_o god_n you_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o shall_v say_v with_o david_n with_o my_o god_n i_o leap_v over_o wall_n for_o so_o great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o true_a virtue_n that_o it_o make_v appear_v light_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o grievous_a to_o nature_n that_o be_v it_o which_o jesus_n christ_n intend_v by_o the_o comparison_n if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v remove_v mountain_n it_o be_v not_o so_o marvellous_a a_o thing_n to_o remove_v mountain_n of_o sand_n and_o stone_n see_v that_o will_v add_v nothing_o to_o our_o soul_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o true_a virtue_n it_o appear_v at_o the_o begin_n as_o a_o inhabitable_a mountain_n whither_o one_o can_v never_o arrive_v but_o if_o the_o soul_n persevere_v faithful_o in_o its_o good_a resolution_n it_o will_v revive_v 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he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o attack_v you_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o have_v give_v he_o advantage_n over_o your_o soul_n by_o your_o former_a sin_n he_o will_v not_o quit_v that_o fortress_n but_o by_o force_n see_v he_o have_v so_o long_o be_v ruler_n and_o governor_n there_o you_o must_v now_o then_o chase_v he_o by_o force_n it_o be_v in_o that_o only_a that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n for_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o we_o have_v no_o need_n to_o take_v that_o kingdom_n by_o force_n it_o be_v give_v we_o free_o of_o god_n but_o we_o must_v use_v great_a force_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o two_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o will_v rob_v our_o soul_n of_o that_o kingdom_n though_o it_o belong_v to_o we_o as_o the_o inheritance_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 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shall_v vanish_v as_o smoke_v but_o if_o you_o begin_v to_o agitate_v in_o your_o spirit_n the_o thing_n which_o you_o dream_v by_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v your_o consent_n thereto_o or_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o than_o you_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v never_o more_o overcome_v than_o when_o we_o despise_v he_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o never_o to_o regard_v dream_n or_o evil_a thought_n which_o he_o represent_v to_o you_o asleep_o nay_o nor_o those_o which_o he_o offer_v when_o you_o be_v awake_a because_o you_o can_v sin_v so_o long_o as_o you_o do_v not_o take_v
but_o that_o be_v only_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a the_o devil_n can_v tempt_v man_n against_o his_o will_n but_o can_v make_v he_o sin_n against_o his_o will_n he_o may_v trouble_v his_o spirit_n and_o make_v he_o remember_v what_o he_o shall_v forget_v and_o forget_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o mind_n but_o if_o the_o person_n be_v well_o upon_o his_o guard_n and_o will_v not_o do_v evil_a he_o shall_v discover_v easy_o that_o that_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n be_v against_o his_o will_n and_o so_o will_v betake_v himself_o to_o continual_a prayer_n to_o god_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v so_o much_o recommend_v to_o we_o as_o most_o necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n since_o we_o have_v continual_o a_o enemy_n to_o combat_n we_o must_v continual_o have_v arm_n to_o defend_v we_o and_o that_o will_v be_v necessary_a all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n that_o be_v it_o which_o the_o apostle_n counsel_v we_o to_o pray_v always_o without_o cease_v because_o 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capacity_n of_o man_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o he_o must_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n use_v continual_a prayer_n to_o discover_v the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o he_o can_v know_v without_o a_o divine_a light_n and_o yet_o less_o have_v he_o power_n to_o resist_v they_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n who_o he_o ought_v continual_o to_o invocate_v and_o call_v for_o help_v without_o intermission_n see_v the_o devil_n never_o sleep_v and_o watch_n over_o we_o when_o we_o rest_v but_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v in_o god_n can_v make_v we_o overcome_v the_o devil_n and_o despise_v he_o as_o but_o miserable_a impotence_n see_v he_o can_v never_o make_v we_o fall_v into_o any_o sin_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o own_o will_n which_o refuse_v he_o he_o can_v in_o no_o wise_a hurt_n man_n although_o he_o shall_v tempt_v he_o with_o all_o his_o might_n during_o all_o his_o life_n these_o tentation_n serve_v only_o for_o great_a and_o true_a virtue_n to_o the_o man_n because_o he_o pass_v the_o time_n of_o his_o trial_n in_o testify_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o god_n while_o he_o do_v not_o consent_n to_o the_o tentation_n the_o devil_n offer_v and_o i_o account_v it_o a_o much_o happy_a state_n to_o be_v tempt_v than_o not_o to_o be_v so_o while_o we_o resist_v the_o tentation_n see_v they_o purge_v our_o soul_n and_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n who_o have_v in_o justice_n enjoin_v penitence_n for_o our_o sin_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o accomplish_v during_o the_o time_n of_o our_o trial_n which_o god_n have_v limit_v since_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o voluntary_o suffer_v the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n now_o we_o must_v suffer_v abundant_o more_o sensible_a pain_n after_o our_o death_n when_o the_o soul_n be_v separate_v from_o this_o mortal_a body_n feel_v more_o vivid_o the_o separation_n from_o his_o god_n than_o it_o do_v when_o join_v with_o its_o mortal_a 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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 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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 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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 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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 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forget_v ordinary_o itself_o in_o too_o much_o prosperity_n we_o see_v daily_o among_o man_n that_o he_o that_o prosper_v become_v proud_a and_o fix_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o place_n of_o abode_n and_o permanent_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o he_o that_o be_v in_o adversity_n and_o tribulation_n become_v humble_a and_o have_v his_o recourse_n to_o god_n i_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v well-meaning_a and_o pious_a for_o to_o the_o wicked_a all_o turn_n to_o evil_a if_o they_o prosper_v they_o offend_v god_n the_o more_o if_o they_o be_v in_o adversity_n they_o blaspheme_v he_o and_o despair_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n arrive_v in_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o adversity_n so_o do_v they_o also_o to_o they_o that_o seek_v after_o true_a virtue_n for_o not_o be_v try_v by_o tentation_n and_o suffering_n they_o shall_v not_o persevere_v in_o virtue_n although_o they_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o profoun_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o 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well_o content_v not_o to_o be_v vex_v with_o tentation_n they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v then_o in_o a_o good_a state_n though_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n in_o the_o great_a of_o all_o tentation_n but_o god_n have_v deliver_v you_o from_o that_o danger_n in_o make_v you_o know_v and_o feel_v the_o tentation_n so_o you_o can_v no_o more_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o for_o i_o have_v show_v you_o it_o too_o plain_o and_o you_o feel_v it_o also_o upon_o occasion_n i_o see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o devil_n move_v your_o passion_n so_o soon_o as_o i_o open_v my_o mouth_n to_o speak_v to_o you_o and_o i_o feel_v that_o your_o inward_a motion_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v i_o which_o can_v proceed_v from_o yourself_o for_o you_o have_v resolve_v assure_o to_o follow_v and_o hear_v i_o because_o you_o be_v convince_v in_o your_o conscience_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n govern_v i_o and_o yet_o you_o can_v do_v it_o upon_o occasion_n and_o you_o feel_v fight_n against_o whatever_o i_o propose_v to_o you_o now_o if_o you_o will_v not_o resist_v thereto_o you_o shall_v always_o follow_v the_o will_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o you_o desire_v not_o to_o do_v you_o must_v then_o watch_v continual_o and_o be_v never_o weary_a to_o resist_v the_o devil_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v to_o tempt_v you_o the_o great_a assault_n he_o give_v you_o now_o be_v to_o make_v you_o contradict_v and_o oppose_v my_o will_n and_o desire_n and_o that_o because_o he_o see_v that_o if_o you_o follow_v my_o will_n you_o follow_v assure_o the_o will_n of_o god_n see_v i_o have_v no_o other_o will_n but_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o act_v continual_o in_o you_o to_o contradict_v i_o and_o your_o spirit_n strive_v against_o i_o as_o gabriel_n do_v with_o lucifer_n you_o must_v resolve_v to_o which_o you_o will_v give_v the_o victory_n if_o you_o will_v that_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o you_o have_v the_o victory_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o devil_n will_v but_o if_o you_o will_v that_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o i_o carry_v it_o you_o must_v combat_v your_o own_o and_o hold_v it_o suspect_v in_o every_o thing_n for_o from_o a_o spirit_n that_o be_v evil_a can_v nothing_o good_a proceed_v now_o you_o can_v doubt_v but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o you_o be_v evil_a see_v it_o oppose_v itself_o to_o i_o and_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o you_o will_v not_o of_o your_o own_o will_v do_v and_o that_o you_o have_v displeasure_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o your_o soul_n that_o you_o contradict_v i_o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o my_o will_n for_o your_o own_o will_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o itself_o and_o can_v will_v that_o which_o it_o will_v not_o and_o so_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o evil_a spirit_n who_o act_n in_o you_o contrary_a to_o your_o own_o will_n and_o since_o you_o will_v not_o obey_v he_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o glad_a that_o i_o resist_v he_o upon_o occasion_n for_o i_o hold_v he_o for_o my_o enemy_n and_o will_v oppose_v he_o with_o all_o my_o power_n in_o every_o one_o in_o who_o i_o perceive_v he_o all_o i_o do_v in_o you_o i_o be_o then_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o evil_a spirit_n who_o give_v and_o inspire_v in_o you_o these_o opposition_n to_o my_o will_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o oppose_v you_o will_v follow_v all_o my_o will_n and_o desire_n with_o joy_n resist_v then_o valiant_o all_o your_o proper_a inclination_n and_o hold_v suspect_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o your_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v unite_v and_o by_o these_o motion_n he_o act_v in_o you_o but_o receive_v my_o sentiment_n and_o follow_v that_o which_o i_o
that_o engage_v they_o unto_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v write_v whoso_o love_v hazard_n shall_v perish_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o that_o feel_v himself_o so_o weak_a in_o chastity_n that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o force_n to_o look_v upon_o woman_n without_o lust_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o one_o and_o he_o that_o drink_v drink_v when_o he_o have_v wine_n ought_v also_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o and_o so_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v not_o evil_a because_o of_o our_o infirmity_n they_o cause_v evil_a as_o other_o occasion_n good_a and_o virtue_n in_o our_o soul_n when_o these_o mean_n of_o perfection_n be_v use_v for_o their_o end_n 9_o for_o example_n if_o you_o find_v by_o a_o true_a experience_n that_o you_o be_v more_o unite_v to_o god_n in_o go_v to_o church_n or_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n you_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v these_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a for_o every_o one_o ought_v always_o to_o seek_v his_o own_o further_a perfection_n but_o if_o those_o mean_n effect_v nothing_o in_o your_o soul_n you_o shall_v not_o use_v they_o and_o if_o you_o return_v better_o into_o god_n in_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o your_o closet_n you_o be_v oblige_v to_o remain_v there_o and_o not_o divert_v yourself_o by_o go_v to_o church_n and_o if_o your_o soul_n feel_v more_o union_n with_o god_n in_o solitude_n than_o when_o you_o seek_v that_o union_n by_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n you_o ought_v to_o keep_v you_o solitary_a and_o there_o feast_v inward_o with_o your_o god_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v a_o continual_a feast_n where_o the_o soul_n repose_v and_o recreate_v itself_o with_o his_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o always_o need_v of_o external_a mean_n to_o excite_v itself_o to_o that_o union_n 10._o for_o often_o god_n prevent_v it_o with_o a_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o contenrment_n without_o that_o it_o know_v whence_o that_o joy_n have_v its_o origin_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n no_o way_n tie_v to_o material_a thing_n neither_o to_o time_n place_n nor_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o the_o soul_n a_o spirit_n they_o comunicate_v in_o spirit_n and_o he_o that_o have_v need_n to_o seek_v god_n in_o different_a religion_n and_o fellowship_n be_v not_o very_o far_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o know_v not_o yet_o the_o place_n where_o he_o feed_v at_o noon_n nor_o where_o he_o rest_v at_o night_n for_o if_o he_o know_v that_o he_o will_v not_o run_v from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o to_o find_v god_n but_o will_v remain_v fix_v in_o himself_o because_o the_o centre_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v the_o palace_n of_o honour_n where_o god_n rest_v and_o take_v his_o delight_n all_o the_o fraternity_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v give_v that_o union_n with_o god_n we_o must_v find_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o though_o the_o perfect_a society_n may_v well_o serve_v as_o mean_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o christian-perfection_n yet_o they_o can_v save_v we_o without_o the_o inward_a virtue_n 11._o one_o boast_v that_o he_o be_v a_o catholic_a another_o that_o he_o be_v reform_v other_o will_v be_v spiritual_a because_o in_o order_n or_o of_o the_o reformation_n of_o menno_n true_o my_o dear_a brother_n all_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o good_a and_o can_v yield_v no_o perfection_n to_o our_o soul_n to_o build_v our_o salvation_n upon_o any_o religion_n be_v to_o deceive_v ourselves_o see_v none_o of_o they_o can_v save_v we_o without_o have_v in_o our_o soul_n true_a christian_a perfection_n 12._o comparison_n if_o the_o rule_n or_o statute_n of_o any_o religion_n serve_v we_o as_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o experiment_n that_o they_o unite_v we_o to_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o embrace_v and_o follow_v they_o for_o we_o must_v esteem_v the_o mean_n as_o one_o will_v esteem_v the_o sheath_n of_o a_o sword_n of_o great_a price_n but_o never_o esteem_v the_o sheath_n so_o precious_a as_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v within_o see_v it_o can_v never_o serve_v we_o to_o fight_v against_o our_o enemy_n nor_o make_v they_o retire_v from_o we_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n be_v our_o three_o swear_a enemy_n which_o continual_o attack_v our_o soul_n who_o we_o must_v fight_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o buckler_n of_o charity_n for_o if_o we_o think_v to_o overcome_v they_o with_o the_o outward_a sheath_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o devil_n shall_v laugh_v at_o we_o we_o shall_v laugh_v at_o a_o soldier_n who_o will_v fight_v his_o enemy_n with_o the_o sheath_n of_o his_o sword_n it_o be_v yet_o more_o ridiculous_a to_o see_v how_o christian_n will_v gain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o their_o religion_n which_o can_v save_v they_o without_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o their_o neighbour_n 13._o worship_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o amusement_n and_o folly_n to_o fix_v themselves_o upon_o such_o a_o order_n or_o such_o a_o religion_n or_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o be_v enroll_v in_o the_o most_o perfect_a order_n or_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n if_o you_o think_v to_o be_v save_v for_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_a religion_n without_o a_o live_a faith_n hope_v in_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o your_o neighbour_n you_o be_v deceive_v for_o no_o person_n be_v true_o catholic_n but_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o saint_n see_v to_o be_v catholic_a be_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o be_v unite_v in_o heart_n and_o will_n with_o all_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n behold_v what_o make_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o catholic_n but_o if_o you_o see_v and_o feel_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o catholic_n lead_v you_o unto_o god_n you_o must_v observe_v they_o faithful_o and_o rather_o die_v than_o slip_n from_o they_o for_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o that_o love_v peril_n shall_v perish_v therein_o so_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o embrace_v faithful_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o perfection_n shall_v be_v perfect_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n it_o must_v always_o be_v aid_v and_o sustain_v by_o the_o mean_n that_o can_v strengthen_v it_o 14._o but_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v arrive_v at_o union_n with_o god_n they_o shall_v no_o more_o need_v to_o use_v any_o mean_n because_o then_o love_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o itself_o and_o that_o union_n overcome_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o which_o we_o have_v then_o no_o more_o need_n to_o resist_v by_o fast_n or_o other_o maceration_n of_o the_o body_n which_o mean_n be_v good_a for_o those_o that_o have_v give_v loose_a reins_o to_o their_o sensuality_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v or_o have_v allow_v their_o body_n other_o carnal_a pleasure_n the_o habit_n of_o such_o ordinary_o not_o yield_v but_o by_o do_v thing_n quite_o contrary_a because_o our_o nature_n be_v as_o a_o undaunted_a horse_n which_o be_v not_o tame_v but_o furious_a and_o unruly_a which_o we_o can_v tame_v after_o we_o have_v let_v he_o follow_v his_o liberty_n but_o by_o the_o bridle_n and_o spur_n of_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n 15._o see_v there_o my_o dear_a brother_n how_o you_o may_v learn_v to_o regulate_v well_o your_o soul_n and_o discern_v wherein_o perfection_n consist_v that_o you_o take_v not_o apparent_a virtue_n for_o real_a for_o we_o be_v that_o dangerous_a time_n whereof_o jesus_n christ_n prophesy_v say_v that_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o that_o many_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v do_v great_a sign_n and_o miracle_n i_o know_v you_o be_v fall_v into_o evil_a insensible_o and_o by_o little_a and_o little_o have_v lose_v entertainment_n with_o god_n by_o ignorance_n and_o for_o not_o have_v enough_o hate_a evil_n nor_o know_v the_o sin_n which_o you_o can_v commit_v in_o another_o but_o you_o must_v resume_v courage_n and_o begin_v anew_o consider_v more_o narrow_o in_o what_o consist_v christian_a perfection_n that_o as_o adam_n do_v no_o more_o fall_n into_o sin_n after_o he_o know_v the_o evil_a it_o have_v bring_v on_o he_o so_o you_o fall_v no_o more_o into_o the_o sensuality_n of_o nature_n but_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o adam_n do_v when_o he_o know_v they_o for_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a penitence_n and_o regret_n for_o have_v desert_v entertainment_n with_o god_n 16._o and_o if_o you_o have_v that_o perfect_a regret_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o relapse_n again_o into_o natural_a sensualite_n see_v that_o they_o have_v interrupt_v your_o communion_n with_o god_n that_o regret_n will_v purge_v