entertain_v himself_o with_o his_o heavenly_a father_n free_a from_o all_o distraction_n and_o nothing_o more_o pure_a than_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o say_v he_o come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o notwithstanding_o the_o devil_n have_v the_o impudence_n to_o go_v to_o tempt_v he_o several_a time_n by_o vainglory_n in_o present_v to_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o the_o stone_n to_o convert_v into_o bread_n for_o his_o hunger_n he_o tempt_v he_o also_o by_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o be_v shall_v throw_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n because_o it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o angel_n shall_v preserve_v we_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o these_o full_a cunning_a wile_n of_o the_o devil_n while_o he_o use_v the_o most_o holy_a thing_n to_o tempt_v jesus_n christ_n he_o attempt_v to_o catch_v he_o by_o his_o fast_n his_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o by_o glory_n in_o present_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n how_o then_o shall_v he_o leave_v untempted_a frail_a and_o imperfect_a creature_n like_v we_o for_o what_o be_v man_n there_o that_o must_v not_o confess_v himself_o far_o short_a of_o the_o least_o of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o perfection_n who_o be_v he_o that_o retire_v to_o the_o desert_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o entertainment_n with_o god_n out_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o divertisment_n of_o the_o world_n who_o refuse_v the_o kingdom_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o be_v he_o among_o the_o spiritual_n that_o do_v not_o tempt_v god_n by_o his_o temerity_n and_o presumption_n for_o they_o no_o soon_o receive_v any_o particular_a light_n or_o grace_n from_o god_n but_o they_o glory_n and_o esteem_n themselves_o beyond_o other_o and_o no_o soon_o do_v they_o forsake_v sin_n to_o give_v themselves_o to_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o they_o think_v god_n be_v behold_v to_o they_o and_o that_o every_o body_n shall_v esteem_v they_o which_o happen_v to_o all_o that_o begin_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o follow_v true_a virtue_n except_v none_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n he_o that_o say_v or_o believe_v the_o contrary_n be_v deceive_v and_o walk_v not_o in_o rhe_n truth_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o for_o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o particular_a bring_v these_o natural_a inclination_n with_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o be_v all_o proud_a presumptuous_a covetous_a of_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n always_o prefer_v themselves_o to_o other_o and_o esteem_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o all_o good_n and_o honour_n yea_o they_o think_v god_n oblige_v to_o they_o for_o the_o least_o good_a action_n they_o do_v because_o the_o devil_n have_v fur_v into_o man_n nature_n that_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o inflame_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o hinder_v he_o to_o abase_v himself_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n we_o see_v that_o even_a adam_n do_v not_o humble_v himself_o after_o his_o sin_n but_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v it_o say_v the_o woman_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o tempt_v i_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o apple_n and_o she_o say_v the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o all_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o pride_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v already_o plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n that_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o they_o for_o all_o be_v stain_v with_o that_o sin_n of_o pride_n and_o so_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n but_o defend_v they_o to_o their_o power_n which_o also_o remain_v with_o they_o till_o death_n unless_o they_o overcome_v that_o corruption_n of_o nature_n by_o true_a virtue_n and_o when_o they_o arrive_v at_o that_o they_o overcome_v the_o devil_n for_o he_o have_v no_o power_n but_o over_o his_o own_o work_n or_o the_o corruption_n which_o he_o have_v cause_v in_o our_o nature_n that_o be_v once_o overcome_v we_o revive_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o grace_n wherein_o adam_n be_v create_v and_o when_o man_n find_v himself_o unite_v to_o god_n by_o the_o love_n he_o have_v to_o he_o than_o he_o scorn_v at_o the_o devil_n and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o so_o will_v no_o more_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o that_o corruption_n wherein_o he_o be_v bear_v yet_o such_o a_o one_o must_v be_v upon_o his_o guard_n for_o the_o devil_n who_o seduce_v our_o first_o parent_n when_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n may_v well_o seduce_v a_o man_n that_o be_v regenerate_v in_o it_o so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v in_o his_o time_n of_o trial_n which_o be_v this_o miserable_a life_n for_o god_n will_v prove_v man_n fidelity_n to_o he_o he_o create_v he_o free_a that_o liberty_n than_o must_v needs_o be_v prove_v otherwise_o it_o shall_v be_v constraint_n for_o if_o god_n have_v will_v absolute_o to_o constrain_v he_o to_o love_v he_o he_o have_v be_v happy_a as_o god_n slave_n but_o he_o will_v honour_v man_n much_o more_o in_o create_v he_o free_a that_o he_o may_v entertain_v himself_o with_o he_o he_o will_v then_o choose_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o his_o spouse_n and_o not_o his_o slave_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v have_v a_o time_n of_o proof_n or_o advisement_n to_o resolve_v if_o it_o will_v join_v and_o unite_v with_o its_o god_n or_o not_o now_o this_o time_n of_o trial_n be_v this_o present_a life_n in_o which_o adam_n shall_v have_v give_v testimony_n of_o his_o fidelity_n to_o his_o god_n notwithstanding_o he_o be_v so_o imprudent_a as_o to_o break_v the_o fidelity_n he_o owe_v to_o the_o spouse_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v go_v join_v himself_o to_o creature_n unworthy_a of_o his_o love_n and_o so_o he_o interrupt_v the_o covenant_n and_o fellowship_n which_o god_n will_v make_v with_o his_o soul_n even_o until_o his_o sin_n and_o infidelity_n be_v purge_v by_o repentance_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o his_o time_n of_o trial_n be_v turn_v into_o one_o of_o penitence_n which_o adam_n undergo_v faithful_o all_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n but_o the_o pride_n which_o his_o first_o sin_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o heart_n make_v we_o often_o depise_v he_o and_o wish_v evil_a to_o he_o because_o of_o the_o hurt_n he_o cause_v we_o as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o damnation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a error_n for_o although_o adam_n have_v never_o sin_v yet_o other_o man_n may_v always_o have_v damn_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n during_o their_o time_n of_o trial_n for_o each_o one_o for_o himself_o shall_v in_o this_o time_n have_v give_v testimony_n of_o his_o fidelity_n to_o god_n since_o all_o man_n and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o condition_n and_o also_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o adam_z before_o his_o sin_n and_o there_o be_v at_o present_v no_o other_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o state_n of_o man_n now_o and_o that_o of_o adam_n but_o that_o since_o sin_n come_v man_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o inclination_n to_o evil_a whereas_o adam_n have_v inclination_n to_o good_a only_o when_o he_o be_v create_v with_o that_o exception_n we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o adam_n and_o create_v for_o the_o same_o end_n that_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v spouse_n to_o god_n provide_v we_o remain_v faithful_a to_o he_o during_o the_o time_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o penitence_n which_o we_o must_v attend_v in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v full_a short_a in_o regard_n of_o that_o of_o adam_n but_o if_o we_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o discover_v the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o shun_v and_o evite_v they_o in_o our_o good_a action_n we_o may_v hope_v to_o attain_v again_o to_o a_o eternal_a union_n with_o god_n for_o adam_n sin_n can_v damn_v we_o if_o our_o own_o sin_n do_v it_o not_o see_v god_n have_v pardon_v adam_n sin_n in_o case_n he_o fulfil_v his_o repentance_n and_o he_o have_v also_o pardon_v all_o other_o man_n upon_o the_o same_o condition_n but_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n now_o adays_o be_v that_o they_o know_v not_o those_o thing_n and_o will_v here_o enjoy_v instead_o of_o suffer_v which_o be_v a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o holy_a thing_n while_o we_o perceive_v it_o not_o which_o be_v a_o truth_n she_o exhort_v you_o to_o believe_v who_o be_v careful_a of_o your_o soul_n holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n may._n 8_o 1672._o st._n vet_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr the_o xvii_o letter_n sin_n proceed_v from_o man_n freewill_n to_o the_o same_o show_v he_o a_o eleven_o sort_n of_o tentation_n whereby_o we_o lie_v the_o blame_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o the_o devil_n to_o free_v ourselves_o where_o be_v
rather_o than_o the_o other_o marvellous_a thing_n he_o do_v on_o earth_n he_o do_v not_o bid_v they_o learn_v to_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o heal_v the_o sick_a or_o to_o do_v other_o miracle_n but_o express_o to_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o be_v meek_a lowly_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o my_o child_n that_o i_o counsel_v you_o to_o labour_v to_o acquire_v that_o meekness_n since_o it_o be_v good_a wholesome_a and_o teach_v by_o j._n chr._n himself_o who_o practise_v it_o and_o tell_v that_o we_o shall_v learn_v it_o of_o he_o i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o you_o will_v find_v some_o little_a repugnancy_n to_o it_o and_o that_o you_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o your_o nature_n see_v it_o incline_v always_o more_o to_o harshness_n than_o to_o meekness_n but_o we_o must_v take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o force_n for_o it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n eternal_a life_n deserve_v well_o a_o little_a suffering_n and_o also_o the_o violence_n which_o we_o must_v use_v to_o resist_v our_o evil_a habit_n for_o these_o suffering_n be_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n whereas_o the_o eternal_a joy_n they_o purchase_v shall_v never_o end_v these_o consideration_n may_v well_o make_v the_o great_a affliction_n we_o can_v endure_v in_o resist_v ourselves_o appear_v but_o light_n therefore_o resolve_v with_o yourself_o to_o overcome_v that_o passion_n of_o anger_n it_o be_v it_o which_o torment_v you_o most_o and_o give_v the_o devil_n most_o advantage_n against_o your_o soul_n watch_v over_o yourself_o therefore_o that_o you_o may_v resist_v it_o upon_o occasion_n for_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o anger_n be_v not_o in_o your_o power_n because_o of_o the_o evil_a habit_n which_o your_o parent_n have_v not_o correcterd_v in_o your_o youth_n and_o so_o it_o be_v become_v as_o natural_a to_o you_o and_o be_v stir_v up_o almost_o at_o every_o occasion_n you_o ought_v therefore_o to_o use_v continual_a prayer_n to_o resist_v these_o continual_a motion_n the_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o feel_v they_o but_o to_o consent_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o feel_v the_o motion_n of_o anger_n give_v not_o place_n to_o they_o but_o return_v in_o to_o yourself_o and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o strength_n to_o resist_v they_o in_o that_o case_n hold_v your_o peace_n because_o you_o will_v not_o speak_v meek_o as_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v you_o shall_v and_o when_o other_o speak_v what_o you_o be_v unwilling_a to_o hear_v withdraw_v rather_o than_o answer_v they_o so_o shall_v you_o by_o little_a and_o little_o overcome_v that_o inclination_n and_o become_v meek_a and_o gentle_a as_o for_o humbleness_n of_o heart_n it_o consist_v in_o submit_v willing_o to_o the_o will_n of_o other_o in_o all_o good_a or_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o believe_v assure_o that_o so_o long_o as_o you_o find_v a_o repugnancy_n to_o yield_v to_o another_o will_n it_o be_v a_o token_n that_o your_o heart_n be_v not_o humble_a since_o it_o will_v have_v another_o to_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o he_o a_o humble_a heart_n always_o distrust_v itself_o and_o desire_n rather_o to_o obey_v than_o to_o command_v it_o submit_v always_o its_o opinion_n to_o that_o of_o other_o and_o will_v not_o contend_v to_o maintain_v its_o own_o esteem_v it_o the_o least_o of_o any_o and_o therefore_o yield_v willing_o to_o every_o body_n in_o matter_n good_a or_o indifferent_a my_o child_n if_o you_o have_v that_o humility_n of_o heart_n which_o j._n ch._n require_v you_o will_v be_v happy_a and_o content_a for_o nothing_o will_v ever_o arrive_v against_o your_o will_n which_o be_v submit_v to_o god_n will_v always_o receive_v every_o thing_n from_o his_o hand_n although_o they_o come_v by_o wicked_a man_n or_o the_o devil_n himself_o which_o can_v not_o hurt_v you_o when_o you_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o long_o vex_v a_o humble_a heart_n for_o humility_n displease_v he_o he_o fly_v from_o the_o humble_a because_o he_o can_v gain_v upon_o they_o and_o he_o search_v out_o the_o proud_a because_o they_o be_v more_o like_a himself_o as_o the_o bird_n of_o one_o feather_n flock_v together_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v be_v free_a from_o the_o devil_n be_v humble_a of_o heart_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v learn_v that_o virtue_n he_o will_v insensible_o flee_v from_o you_o and_o at_o length_n strive_v no_o more_o against_o you_o but_o you_o must_v have_v a_o true_a humility_n of_o heart_n not_o consist_v in_o humble_a outward_a action_n but_o in_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o your_o heart_n which_o from_o the_o bottom_n ought_v not_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o honour_v far_o less_o follow_v and_o obey_v but_o a_o humble_a heart_n honour_n and_o esteem_v other_o and_o obey_v they_o willing_o see_v there_o be_v nothing_o give_v more_o quiet_a to_o man_n than_o obedience_n for_o he_o that_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o obey_v need_v not_o devise_v in_o his_o mind_n what_o to_o do_v or_o speak_v he_o have_v but_o to_o hear_v what_o be_v say_v to_o he_o and_o follow_v it_o live_v so_o as_o a_o child_n without_o care_n except_o that_o of_o please_a god_n which_o shall_v yield_v great_a quiet_a outward_a and_o inward_a i_o suppose_v no_o body_n even_o natural_o can_v desire_v to_o command_v at_o least_o without_o he_o have_v a_o proud_a and_o arrogant_a heart_n desire_v dominion_n over_o other_o for_o submission_n and_o obedience_n be_v pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a and_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o who_o take_v his_o own_o will_n have_v often_o regret_n and_o dissatisfaction_n after_o and_o be_v discontent_n for_o do_v so_o which_o flow_v thence_o that_o our_o proper_a will_n be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n and_o so_o produce_v all_o sort_n of_o noxious_a corruption_n to_o he_o that_o follow_v it_o how_o many_o have_v ruin_v and_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a for_o all_o their_o life_n by_o follow_v their_o own_o will_n one_o have_v engage_v himself_o in_o some_o marriage_n to_o his_o hurt_n another_o follow_v the_o war_n take_v some_o charge_n or_o undertake_v some_o business_n which_o have_v empoverish_v and_o render_v they_o miserable_a yea_o and_o by_o grief_n and_o melancholy_n cause_v their_o death_n and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o will_v follow_v their_o own_o will_n without_o take_v counsel_n or_o submit_v to_o any_o person_n and_o such_o be_v force_v to_o suffer_v and_o endure_v the_o adversity_n which_o their_o own_o will_n have_v cause_v but_o he_o that_o can_v find_v a_o disinterest_v person_n and_o obey_v he_o according_a to_o god_n be_v most_o happy_a and_o content_a as_o the_o proverb_n be_v he_o that_o play_v the_o fool_n by_o counsel_n do_v it_o well_o that_o be_v not_o that_o any_o folly_n be_v good_a but_o to_o show_v that_o he_o who_o submit_v his_o will_n to_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n counsel_n do_v always_o well_o alhough_o man_n shall_v judge_v it_o folly_n as_o most_o part_n do_v at_o this_o day_n judge_v it_o to_o follow_v these_o counsel_n express_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n so_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o human_a sense_n to_o despise_v the_o good_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n to_o become_v humble_a and_o mean_a with_o jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o that_o play_v the_o fool_n at_o that_o rate_n fool_n be_v well_o not_o that_o i_o will_v counsel_v you_o my_o child_n to_o be_v submissive_a and_o obedient_a in_o matter_n of_o importance_n to_o man_n that_o live_v yet_o after_o their_o proper_a will_n as_o well_o as_o you_o for_o that_o will_v oft_o time_n be_v evil_a the_o corrupt_a will_n of_o another_o be_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o you_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v profitable_a for_o your_o perfection_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a or_o of_o small_a consequence_n when_o they_o do_v hurt_v to_o no_o person_n and_o thereby_o you_o shall_v overcome_v your_o own_o corruption_n and_o shall_v accustom_v yourself_o to_o submit_v to_o what_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o god_n voluntary_o for_o habit_n change_v into_o nature_n and_o he_o that_o accustom_n himself_o to_o submit_v to_o man_n for_o his_o own_o perfection_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a to_o he_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o the_o same_o do_v it_o without_o any_o repugnance_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v accustom_v to_o obey_v in_o indifferent_a thing_n will_v find_v pleasure_n to_o obey_v in_o good_a thing_n and_o hence_o your_o heart_n may_v find_v always_o quiet_a and_o contentment_n but_o so_o long_o as_o you_o shall_v be_v unexercised_a in_o this_o obedience_n and_o submission_n of_o your_o spirit_n you_o will_v have_v trouble_n and_o debate_n in_o yourself_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v love_v of_o other_o nor_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o will_n with_o
that_o because_o justice_n and_o truth_n respect_v god_n but_o meekness_n and_o goodness_n respect_v also_o our_o neighbour_n and_o although_o one_o be_v just_a and_o true_a before_o god_n he_o must_v also_o be_v meek_a and_o good_a otherways_o he_o love_v not_o his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o see_v he_o give_v not_o that_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n which_o that_o command_n require_v and_o because_o only_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o goodness_n be_v in_o any_o it_o must_v also_o be_v testify_v outward_o by_o gentleness_n or_o else_o our_o neighbour_n shall_v not_o be_v edifyed_a thereby_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o j._n ch._n say_v we_o must_v learn_v of_o he_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n or_o gentleness_n he_o speak_v no_o superfluous_a word_n in_o distinguish_a meekness_n and_o gentleness_n but_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v goodness_n within_o we_o but_o we_o must_v also_o testify_v it_o 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bridle_n otherwise_o it_o will_v precipitate_v our_o soul_n into_o hell_n now_o your_o reason_n can_v easy_o perceive_v that_o you_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v save_v and_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o j._n ch._n to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v then_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o reason_n to_o bridle_v and_o lead_v your_o nature_n into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o sure_a path_n of_o the_o gospel_n law_n see_v you_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o save_v your_o soul_n you_o must_v not_o then_o obey_v the_o motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o your_o nature_n but_o god_n who_o have_v show_v we_o particular_o what_o be_v his_o will_n by_o the_o gospel_n advice_n which_o j._n ch._n have_v give_v we_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 he_o can_v not_o better_o express_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o than_o by_o these_o express_a term_n of_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n 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accompany_v with_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o one_o may_v be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a by_o nature_n dissimulation_n or_o hypocricy_n which_o be_v often_o sin_n before_o god_n in_o lieu_n of_o virtue_n for_o that_o apparent_a and_o pharisaticall_a lowliness_n be_v not_o praiseworthy_a but_o before_o man_n and_o i_o ch_z tell_v we_o except_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o no_o moral_a virtue_n that_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o engender_v there_o by_o a_o divine_a faith_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a recompense_n and_o be_v recompense_v only_o by_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n who_o be_v material_a judge_n by_o appearance_n but_o god_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o must_v have_v humility_n of_o heart_n with_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n as_o be_v three_o thing_n knit_v together_o which_o can_v be_v separate_v one_o from_o the_o other_o no_o more_o than_o the_o three_o quality_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n which_o correspond_v to_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n and_o be_v always_o join_v inseparable_o in_o all_o his_o work_n whereof_o if_o one_o be_v want_v his_o work_n will_v not_o be_v perfect_a even_o so_o meekness_n and_o lowlyness_n shall_v be_v imperfect_a if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o humility_n of_o heart_n which_o shall_v beget_v infallible_o true_a meekness_n and_o lowlyness_n for_o a_o humble_a heart_n be_v always_o meek_a and_o lowly_a see_v my_o child_n by_o that_o touchstone_n if_o you_o be_v arrive_v at_o that_o humility_n of_o heart_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v it_o of_o god_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v assure_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a which_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n 9_o feb._n 1672._o stile_n vel_fw-la antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr the_o iv._o letter_n humility_n be_v acquire_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o same_o showing_z him_z what_o humility_n of_o heart_n be_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o it_o and_o how_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o attain_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o the_o blindness_n of_o our_o mind_n my_o dear_a child_n i_o exhort_v you_o by_o my_o last_o to_o humility_n of_o heart_n but_o i_o know_v not_o if_o you_o understand_v well_o what_o that_o humility_n of_o heart_n be_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v you_o may_v discover_v if_o you_o have_v it_o or_o not_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o speak_v very_o particular_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v discern_v in_o every_o thing_n true_a virtue_n from_o false_a and_o only_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o to_o lay_v in_o your_o soul_n a_o good_a foundation_n of_o solid_a virtue_n without_o amuse_v you_o as_o do_v now_o adays_o so_o many_o person_n of_o goodwill_n with_o apparent_a or_o imaginary_a virtue_n which_o before_o god_n be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o value_n you_o have_v now_o sufficient_o hear_v what_o be_v that_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n which_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v we_o must_v learn_v of_o he_o endeavour_v now_o to_o discover_v what_o be_v that_o humility_n of_o heart_n which_o he_o teach_v in_o that_o same_o counsel_n for_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o particular_o what_o it_o be_v what_o need_v we_o have_v to_o possess_v it_o and_o what_o profit_n it_o bring_v to_o our_o soul_n that_o you_o want_v it_o not_o through_o ignorance_n humility_n then_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v above_o other_o and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o labour_v more_o to_o attain_v it_o
himself_o and_o search_v the_o mean_n for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n now_o god_n have_v give_v man_n five_o natural_a sense_n that_o he_o may_v prove_v all_o that_o god_n have_v create_v for_o he_o provide_v he_o praise_v and_o thank_v the_o creator_n for_o so_o many_o good_a thing_n but_o he_o begin_v to_o use_v his_o sense_n to_o please_v himself_o and_o attribute_v to_o himself_o the_o favour_n and_o grace_n god_n have_v bestow_v on_o he_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v his_o own_o and_o he_o the_o sovereign_n independent_a on_o god_n for_o he_o please_v himself_o to_o see_v so_o many_o beautiful_a creature_n and_o attribute_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o also_o to_o hear_v the_o pleasant_a melody_n which_o god_n produce_v in_o nature_n please_v himself_o in_o hear_v they_o without_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n the_o same_o do_v he_o in_o smell_v take_v his_o contentment_n in_o all_o the_o good_a odour_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o show_v unto_o man_n his_o liberality_n give_v 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self-love_n that_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v well_o my_o child_n that_o you_o render_v not_o yourself_o guilty_a before_o that_o great_a majesty_n and_o discover_v if_o you_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o embrace_v voluntary_o adam_n penitence_n since_o you_o have_v fall_v so_o often_o in_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o quit_v the_o love_n and_o dependence_n of_o your_o god_n to_o love_v yourself_o and_o depend_v on_o your_o proper_a will_n so_o resolve_v to_o renounce_v your_o five_o natural_a sense_n which_o be_v assure_o actuate_v by_o the_o devil_n for_o since_o he_o get_v power_n over_o adam_n spirit_n he_o have_v after_o have_v it_o over_o that_o of_o all_o man_n and_o will_v have_v it_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o live_v in_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n from_o which_o i_o pray_v god_n deliver_v you_o and_o i_o remain_v forever_o your_o wellwisher_n in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n 18._o febr._n 1672._o st._n vet_n the_o viii_o letter_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o love_n god_n than_o any_o other_o thing_n to_o the_o same_o to_o who_o be_v show_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o evil_a use_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n also_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a equitable_a reasonable_a and_o necessary_a to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n my_o son_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v one_o of_o those_o evil_n advise_v person_n who_o say_v there_o be_v little_a evil_n in_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n god_n create_v nature_n say_v they_o and_o can_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o follow_v it_o several_a of_o my_o acquaintance_n have_v be_v of_o that_o mind_n they_o be_v give_v to_o lasciviousness_n and_o tell_v i_o that_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v they_o for_o that_o see_v himself_o have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o use_v it_o to_o multiply_v the_o world_n so_o 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not_o bring_v any_o profit_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o much_o hurt_n for_o as_o a_o vessel_n fill_v with_o some_o liquor_n can_v receive_v any_o other_o thing_n without_o mix_v with_o what_o be_v in_o it_o or_o spill_v it_o over_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o our_o understanding_n when_o it_o be_v replenish_v with_o curious_a study_n of_o whatever_o matter_n for_o then_o the_o light_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v pour_v into_o it_o pure_a it_o be_v mix_v with_o our_o proper_a thought_n and_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o in_o that_o confusion_n as_o in_o trouble_a water_n the_o devil_n fish_n and_o dissipate_v quite_o that_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o so_o few_o soul_n receive_v pure_o the_o light_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o be_v not_o empty_a but_o fill_v with_o fine_a speculation_n of_o mystique_a thing_n other_o have_v their_o mind_n fill_v with_o medicine_n other_o with_o astrology_n and_o so_o of_o other_o study_n they_o can_v 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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 the_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v not_o always_o direct_o man_n will_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o for_o he_o complain_v sometime_o of_o it_o but_o when_o god_n take_v they_o away_o it_o be_v always_o with_o the_o indirect_a will_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n for_o example_n the_o person_n do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v poor_a afflict_a or_o sick_a but_o desire_n that_o god_n send_v he_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o salvation_n and_o god_n regard_v that_o good_a will_n remove_v from_o he_o whatever_o may_v hinder_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o desire_a salvation_n and_o that_o be_v a_o fatherly_a love_n which_o god_n bear_v to_o man_n and_o not_o a_o punishment_n as_o the_o natural_a sense_n take_v it_o and_o complain_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v true_o what_o the_o person_n desire_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n viz_o salutary_a thing_n and_o the_o prophet_n even_o pray_v god_n that_o he_o will_v 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
end_n retain_v they_o to_o himself_o be_v therefore_o upon_o your_o guard_n my_o son_n and_o before_o all_o embrace_v spiritual_a diligence_n as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o the_o perseverance_n of_o your_o virtue_n for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o devil_n to_o tempt_v we_o but_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v continual_a exercise_n to_o combat_v it_o for_o it_o be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n that_o it_o produce_v continual_o evil_a effect_n in_o our_o soul_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o perish_v eternal_o we_o need_v but_o follow_v that_o nature_n to_o be_v damn_v as_o i_o have_v else_o where_o tell_v you_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o neither_o will_n nor_o desire_n but_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o tend_v to_o self-love_n it_o be_v true_a man_n be_v create_v by_o god_n perfect_a and_o in_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n he_o do_v all_o good_a blessing_n and_o honour_v god_n and_o so_o enjoy_v every_o thing_n without_o sin_v but_o since_o man_n abandon_v that_o state_n of_o perfection_n by_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v become_v so_o corrupt_v that_o whatever_o he_o do_v or_o say_v tend_v only_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n or_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v to_o sin_n see_v all_o glory_n belong_v to_o god_n alone_o and_o man_n ought_v to_o seek_v nothing_o but_o to_o please_v he_o and_o as_o often_o as_o he_o do_v otherways_o he_o offend_v he_o and_o therefore_o must_v you_o have_v that_o spiritual_a diligence_n to_o watch_v over_o all_o your_o word_n and_o action_n except_o you_o will_v live_v in_o continual_a sin_n for_o if_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v it_o be_v ordinary_o to_o please_v our_o taste_n and_o sensuality_n instead_o of_o take_v these_o necessary_a thing_n with_o praise_v the_o lord_n who_o make_v they_o if_o we_o clothe_v ourselves_o it_o be_v also_o for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n ease_n and_o glory_n instead_o of_o clothing_n ourselves_o in_o humility_n and_o with_o confusion_n 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be_v always_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o proper_a satisfaction_n or_o profit_n instead_o of_o undertake_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n only_o and_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o force_n of_o his_o body_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o glorify_v god_n who_o give_v we_o they_o he_o also_o do_v often_o glory_n vain_o in_o the_o gift_n and_o talent_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o his_o god_n and_o attribute_n they_o to_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o proprietary_n of_o they_o and_o independent_a of_o the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a and_o so_o forget_v what_o be_v write_v viz._n that_o every_o good_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n they_o come_v not_o then_o from_o man_n power_n who_o incline_v to_o nothing_o but_o to_o do_v evil_a and_o consequent_o if_o man_n can_v labour_v study_n or_o do_v any_o other_o good_a and_o necessary_a thing_n these_o be_v grace_n and_o favour_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o and_o can_v take_v from_o he_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o therefore_o man_n have_v not_o reason_n of_o glory_v or_o to_o attribute_v to_o himself_o the_o least_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o do_v notwithstanding_o either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n so_o he_o have_v need_n to_o watch_v continual_o if_o he_o will_v abstain_v from_o sin_n otherwise_o he_o shall_v fall_v every_o moment_n without_o perceive_v it_o for_o since_o he_o be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n he_o can_v have_v a_o good_a thought_n nor_o speak_v one_o word_n that_o be_v not_o defile_v and_o mix_v with_o self-love_n or_o self-esteem_a which_o i_o can_v show_v you_o my_o son_n in_o your_o own_o experience_n if_o you_o be_v capable_a but_o all_o your_o thought_n and_o word_n be_v mix_v with_o impurity_n i_o know_v well_o you_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o general_a to_o please_v god_n and_o no_o more_o to_o sin_n yet_o you_o do_v it_o as_o often_o as_o you_o seek_v your_o own_o satisfaction_n you_o do_v it_o through_o ignorance_n because_o you_o have_v not_o sufficient_o discover_v how_o much_o human_a nature_n be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n and_o you_o have_v not_o esteem_v it_o evil_n to_o follow_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_a you_o and_o all_o other_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o corruption_n have_v hold_v it_o for_o a_o good_a thing_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o will_n as_o far_o as_o they_o do_v not_o induce_v they_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n evil_a and_o reprehensible_a before_o man_n for_o every_o one_o walk_n in_o his_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o light_n to_o know_v their_o misery_n and_o the_o state_n into_o which_o sin_n have_v bring_v they_o and_o that_o ignorance_n make_v they_o live_v at_o ease_n in_o their_o self-love_n without_o hold_v it_o for_o sin_n though_o in_o effect_n that_o self-love_n be_v the_o essence_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n for_o if_o man_n kill_v steal_z commit_v adultery_n or_o do_v any_o other_o thing_n forbid_v in_o the_o command_n of_o god_n it_o be_v only_o to_o satisfy_v his_o self-love_n if_o he_o seek_v his_o profit_n pleasure_n or_o ease_n if_o he_o esteem_v or_o boast_v of_o himself_o it_o be_v all_o to_o satisfy_v that_o love_n the_o same_o if_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n in_o fine_a self-love_n be_v the_o womb_n in_o which_o be_v engender_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o it_o entrie_o rob_v our_o heart_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pure_a can_v remain_v with_o the_o impure_a love_n of_o ourselves_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o it_o need_v not_o appear_v strange_a to_o any_o that_o they_o can_v obtain_v the_o love_n of_o god_n though_o they_o desire_v it_o for_o they_o can_v never_o obtain_v it_o while_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o and_o they_o shall_v rather_o account_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n than_o rash_o to_o desire_v that_o god_n shall_v come_v to_o reside_v in_o a_o heart_n fill_v with_o self-love_n and_o pollute_v with_o sin_n they_o that_o will_v have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o forsake_v that_o of_o themselves_o be_v very_o imprudent_a see_v they_o will_v make_v so_o unsuitable_a a_o match_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o which_o consist_v all_o sort_n of_o good_a with_o self-love_n in_o which_o consist_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_a which_o be_v intolerable_a and_o unworthy_a of_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o if_o they_o will_v join_v heat_n and_o cold_a in_o the_o same_o place_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o nature_n which_o will_v never_o suffer_v that_o but_o these_o two_o contrary_n shall_v so_o wrestle_v together_o that_o the_o strong_a shall_v hold_v the_o place_n alone_o for_o if_o we_o put_v fire_n in_o the_o water_n it_o be_v extinguish_v when_o it_o can_v overcome_v the_o water_n but_o if_o the_o fire_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o can_v consume_v the_o water_n it_o become_v victorious_a and_o destroy_v the_o water_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o the_o soul_n that_o desire_v the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o place_n where_o be_v the_o cold_a of_o self-love_n and_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o when_o that_o self-love_n be_v the_o strong_a it_o extinguish_v entire_o the_o fire_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o if_o the_o love_n of_o god_n kindle_v more_o in_o the_o soul_n it_o banish_v quite_o self-love_n which_o arrive_v unto_o the_o purify_a soul_n which_o scarce_o feel_v any_o more_o their_o self-love_n when_o that_o of_o god_n have_v get_v the_o upperhand_n in_o the_o soul_n they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o love_n and_o despise_v self-love_n but_o he_o that_o live_v in_o self-love_n be_v a_o slave_n of_o sin_n and_o
though_o he_o commit_v no_o other_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v of_o our_o soul_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o the_o perfect_a sense_n the_o ground_n that_o be_v not_o labour_v shall_v bring_v forth_o thistle_n and_o briar_n because_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o soul_n become_v curse_v by_o sin_n and_o be_v fall_v into_o that_o curse_n it_o can_v no_o more_o bear_v any_o wholesome_a fruit_n without_o bestow_v on_o it_o a_o great_a diligence_n we_o must_v trench_v and_o till_o it_o with_o the_o iron_n of_o penitence_n to_o tilk_v the_o tare_n and_o bad_a weed_n of_o corruption_n which_o have_v spring_v up_o in_o the_o earth_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o these_o be_v not_o root_v out_o they_o shall_v suffocate_v always_o the_o good_a grain_n of_o true_a virtue_n which_o shall_v thereby_o be_v stifle_v though_o sow_v in_o good_a quantity_n in_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v maintain_v it_o by_o a_o continual_a diligence_n otherwise_o it_o will_v bear_v no_o fruit_n we_o must_v watch_v over_o our_o enemy_n we_o must_v always_o resist_v the_o inclination_n of_o that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o final_o we_o must_v continual_o study_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o for_o he_o that_o know_v not_o himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o and_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o virtue_n to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n which_o jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o shall_v learn_v of_o he_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v find_v than_o that_o he_o that_o know_v not_o the_o misery_n ignorance_n and_o malediction_n wherein_o sin_n have_v bring_v we_o can_v be_v meek_a he_o shall_v on_o the_o contrary_n be_v fierce_a and_o arrogant_a and_o presume_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v which_o shall_v also_o take_v away_o and_o hinder_v his_o meekness_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n and_o also_o his_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o he_o that_o know_v not_o himself_o think_v he_o have_v need_n of_o no_o person_n and_o consequent_o will_v not_o be_v meek_a nor_o kind_a towards_o his_o neighbour_n and_o yet_o less_o humble_a of_o heart_n which_o come_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o the_o miserable_a estate_n into_o which_o sin_n have_v reduce_v he_o and_o so_o he_o can_v humble_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v so_o good_a and_o salutary_a unto_o which_o i_o exhort_v you_o my_o son_n that_o you_o follow_v it_o to_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o i_o be_o your_o well-affected_a in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr husum_fw-la feb._n 3._o 1674._o st._n vet_n the_o xxiv_o letter_n man_n be_v idolater_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o enemy_n of_o virtue_n to_o the_o same_o advertise_v he_o that_o the_o continuation_n of_o that_o subject_n be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o devil_n exciting_a the_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n enemy_n of_o virtue_n and_o friend_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o writer_n by_o their_o dispute_n lie_n and_o calumny_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o persecution_n my_o son_n i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o you_o of_o solid_a virtue_n but_o the_o time_n be_v want_v to_o i_o at_o present_a see_v my_o enemy_n be_v all_o earn_v to_o hinder_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n our_o common_a enemy_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o solid_a virtue_n beside_o he_o keep_v man_n at_o present_a in_o spiritual_a negligence_n with_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o they_o take_v they_o for_o solid_a and_o true_a one_o therefore_o will_v he_o make_v they_o rest_v in_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o without_o arrive_v at_o solid_a virtue_n now_o while_o he_o can_v hinder_v that_o i_o shall_v discover_v it_o because_o god_n disclose_v it_o to_o i_o he_o endeavour_v to_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v its_o be_v publish_v he_o induce_v divers_a person_n to_o write_v against_o i_o to_o take_v up_o my_o time_n in_o answer_v they_o and_o to_o entertain_v i_o with_o 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minister_n and_o learned_a which_o be_v esteem_v worthy_a of_o credit_n these_o wise_a and_o learned_a strive_v at_o present_a to_o kill_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o such_o like_o before_o kill_v his_o body_n you_o have_v see_v the_o defamatory_n treatise_n which_o john_n berckendal_n in_o name_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o calvin_n reformation_n in_o altena_n have_v compose_v against_o i_o and_o i_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n against_o so_o many_o falsehood_n by_o a_o great_a teatise_n whereto_o be_v join_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a many_o person_n yet_o alive_a and_o worthy_a of_o credit_n that_o work_n hinder_v i_o from_o write_v more_o to_o you_o of_o solid_a virtue_n though_o i_o know_v that_o to_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o you_o and_o for_o all_o that_o desire_v and_o aspire_v at_o become_v true_a christian_a as_o you_o do_v there_o be_v at_o present_a so_o many_o person_n deceive_v by_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o who_o learn_v always_o and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o think_v they_o be_v already_o in_o true_a virtue_n whereas_o they_o be_v yet_o altogether_o in_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o therefore_o be_v the_o devil_n so_o angry_a when_o i_o write_v of_o true_a virtue_n lest_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o false_a be_v discover_v by_o the_o true_a but_o the_o devil_n can_v hinder_v i_o to_o know_v it_o since_o god_n discover_v it_o to_o i_o so_o he_o attempt_v to_o bereave_v i_o of_o the_o time_n to_o write_v it_o that_o neither_o you_o nor_o other_o soul_n that_o aspire_v after_o it_o shall_v know_v it_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o incite_v divers_a person_n to_o write_v against_o i_o that_o so_o i_o may_v not_o have_v time_n to_o write_v of_o solid_a virtue_n he_o labour_v to_o occupy_v i_o always_o in_o oppose_a slanderer_n but_o he_o deceive_v himself_o for_o among_o the_o refutation_n of_o the_o calumny_n of_o my_o enemy_n i_o intermix_v always_o something_o of_o solid_a virtue_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o you_o my_o son_n a_o discipline_n to_o regulate_v well_o your_o life_n and_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n examine_v well_o then_o all_o that_o come_v from_o my_o pen_n and_o you_o shall_v always_o find_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o enlighten_v and_o wholesome_a instruction_n which_o you_o shall_v find_v principal_o in_o the_o 23_o letter_n which_o i_o have_v write_v last_o to_o you_o concern_v the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 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 all_o that_o matter_n shall_v suffice_v for_o aliment_n to_o your_o soul_n until_o i_o can_v write_v more_o unto_o you_o which_o i_o shall_v do_v when_o i_o have_v answer_v two_o treatise_n which_o the_o disciple_n of_o labadie_n have_v compose_v against_o i_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o have_v leisure_n to_o read_v they_o but_o i_o conjecture_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o rest_n full_a of_o error_n and_o calumny_n and_o that_o because_o all_o they_o that_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v in_o error_n and_o falsehood_n and_o be_v not_o in_o quiet_a nor_o at_o peace_n with_o the_o truth_n because_o these_o be_v two_o contrary_n which_o always_o exclude_v one_o the_o other_a and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o all_o these_o learned_a scholar_n oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o i_o advance_v it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n beside_o neither_o will_v they_o approve_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o maintain_v they_o in_o honour_n profit_n ease_v and_o commodity_n of_o this_o life_n to_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o it_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o poverty_n contempt_n suffering_n and_o persecution_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
than_o any_o other_o virtue_n see_v it_o beget_v of_o itself_o several_a other_o and_o banish_v several_a vice_n which_o can_v abide_v in_o a_o humble_a heart_n as_o pride_n presumption_n avarice_n pomp_n and_o vain_a glory_n and_o many_o other_o sin_n which_o proceed_v from_o pride_n of_o heart_n but_o when_o it_o become_v humble_a then_o be_v all_o these_o vice_n banish_v and_o to_o know_v what_o that_o humility_n of_o heart_n be_v essential_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o one_o self_n for_o he_o that_o know_v himself_o well_o can_v never_o be_v proud_a nor_o have_v a_o esteem_n of_o himself_o he_o will_v not_o glory_v in_o the_o praise_n and_o honour_n of_o man_n he_o will_v not_o desire_v riches_n to_o be_v adorn_v or_o serve_v for_o a_o humble_a heart_n believe_v that_o it_o deserve_v nothing_o and_o the_o least_o thing_n content_a and_o satisfy_v it_o a_o humble_a heart_n be_v not_o in_o wrath_n for_o be_v abase_v or_o despise_v because_o he_o see_v in_o know_v himself_o that_o he_o deserve_v nothing_o but_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o contempt_n and_o whereas_o that_o be_v not_o practise_v among_o man_n it_o be_v because_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o and_o so_o esteem_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o esteem_n and_o honour_n riches_n and_o service_n and_o that_o make_v they_o proud_a for_o if_o they_o observe_v well_o whence_o they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o esteem_n themselves_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v see_v that_o they_o deserve_v all_o sort_n of_o contempt_n because_o they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o spirit_n frail_a ignorant_a and_o unconstant_a and_o as_o to_o the_o body_n full_a of_o misery_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n liable_a to_o death_n and_o corruption_n all_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o give_v matter_n of_o exalt_v himself_o to_o man_n understanding_n or_o to_o make_v he_o esteem_v himself_o in_o any_o wise_a but_o rather_o ground_n to_o humble_a and_o abase_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o man_n because_o of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o make_v themselves_o great_a be_v arrogant_a esteem_v much_o of_o themselves_o and_o in_o fine_a believe_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o honour_n pleasure_n riches_n and_o service_n every_o one_o advance_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o power_n all_o that_o proceed_v from_o thence_o that_o man_n know_v not_o themselves_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o glory_v in_o their_o misery_n folly_n and_o ignorance_n for_o man_n have_v nothing_o else_o in_o himself_o and_o all_o these_o default_n be_v annex_v to_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n if_o you_o open_v but_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n you_o shall_v see_v abundant_o the_o misery_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o how_o it_o be_v agitate_a by_o divers_a motion_n and_o intemperate_a passion_n also_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n you_o see_v the_o bodily_a misery_n under_o which_o all_o man_n lie_v and_o if_o you_o reflect_v whence_o the_o body_n of_o man_n proceed_v and_o of_o what_o substance_n it_o be_v form_v you_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o proceed_v of_o a_o unclean_a and_o putrid_a matter_n and_o from_o those_o member_n of_o his_o parent_n body_n which_o be_v the_o most_o shameful_a and_o thence_o he_o have_v no_o subject_n to_o glory_n or_o esteem_v himself_o in_o his_o origin_n see_v it_o be_v from_o so_o vile_a and_o base_a thing_n which_o ought_v to_o give_v he_o occasion_n of_o confusion_n and_o humility_n and_o even_o beast_n have_v more_o estimable_a quality_n than_o man_n as_o to_o the_o body_n for_o he_o will_v present_o be_v stifle_v in_o the_o filth_n accompany_v his_o nativity_n if_o he_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o and_o he_o will_v present_o starve_v with_o hunger_n and_o other_o necessity_n if_o care_n be_v not_o take_v to_o sustain_v he_o whereas_o the_o beast_n can_v help_v themselves_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o man_n will_v look_v forward_o into_o his_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mass_n of_o misery_n link_v one_o to_o another_o what_o feebleness_n be_v in_o man_n body_n he_o can_v endure_v neither_o too_o much_o heat_n nor_o too_o much_o cold_a a_o little_a over_o in_o exercise_n and_o he_o be_v weary_v he_o must_v rest_v and_o sleep_v or_o he_o lose_v his_o strength_n and_o health_n he_o must_v be_v clothe_v and_o alimented_a cleaned_a and_o cherish_v whereby_o his_o understanding_n be_v occupy_v in_o care_n travail_n and_o disquiet_v all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n to_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o body_n and_o how_o many_o sort_n of_o disease_n afflict_v the_o body_n of_o man_n they_o be_v almost_o innumerable_a and_o they_o say_v thaâ—_n the_o eye_n alone_o be_v liable_a to_o fifty_o sort_n what_o then_o oâ—_n all_o the_o other_o member_n when_o every_o one_o have_v its_o particular_a one_o beside_o the_o disorder_a motion_n of_o thâ—_n passion_n as_o of_o fear_n terror_n sadness_n melancholy_a anger_n jealousy_n and_o such_o other_o sort_n of_o evil_n to_o which_o man_n be_v subject_a during_o this_o miserable_a life_n where_o he_o have_v no_o subject_n of_o glory_v and_o esteem_v himself_o but_o great_a reason_n to_o abase_v himself_o in_o the_o view_n of_o so_o many_o misery_n to_o which_o his_o sin_n have_v reduce_v he_o which_o give_v he_o good_a cause_n of_o submission_n and_o humility_n before_o god_n and_o man_n feel_v himself_o miserable_a and_o infirm_a both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o the_o spirit_n have_v its_o disease_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n for_o do_v but_o take_v heed_n to_o yourself_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v your_o spirit_n agitate_a by_o various_a superfluous_a desire_n and_o useless_a thought_n which_o carry_v it_o away_o often_o against_o its_o intention_n as_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o order_v his_o thought_n which_o every_o one_o may_v feel_v for_o when_o we_o will_v fix_v our_o heart_n on_o prayer_n or_o other_o good_a exercise_n it_o waver_v here_o and_o there_o that_o we_o can_v retain_v it_o so_o that_o we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n to_o contain_v his_o thought_n so_o infirm_a be_v his_o spirit_n that_o his_o reason_n have_v not_o the_o force_n to_o stay_v the_o course_n of_o his_o thought_n which_o often_o sway_v the_o reason_n whither_o it_o will_v not_o so_o that_o man_n spirit_n be_v captivate_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o his_o disorder_a passion_n which_o often_o lead_v he_o into_o great_a evil_n even_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n say_v i_o approve_v not_o what_o i_o do_v because_o what_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v and_o what_o i_o will_v that_o i_o do_v not_o to_o prove_v how_o many_o 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for_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o spirit_n no_o more_o than_o for_o those_o of_o his_o body_n but_o will_v see_v ground_n of_o humility_n for_o his_o misery_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v elevate_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o a_o esteem_n of_o himself_o but_o a_o blast_n of_o wind_n which_o the_o devil_n inspire_v into_o his_o spirit_n to_o precipitate_v he_o into_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n by_o sottish_a imagination_n which_o proceed_v from_o that_o air_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o wherewith_o he_o be_v fill_v for_o even_o all_o the_o science_n of_o man_n understanding_n be_v but_o figure_v form_v of_o that_o wind_n as_o we_o see_v figure_n in_o the_o air_n by_o the_o cloud_n appear_v sometime_o as_o if_o we_o see_v mountain_n move_v or_o house_n and_o army_n all_o which_o notwithstanding_o be_v but_o
they_o will_v willing_o be_v great_a and_o rich_a that_o they_o may_v have_v mean_n to_o please_v their_o sense_n and_o these_o pleasure_n ruin_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o since_o nature_n be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n all_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n be_v become_v brutish_a and_o insolent_a and_o know_v no_o more_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n for_o they_o intemperate_a without_o order_n or_o measure_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o eye_n be_v never_o satisfy_v with_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n with_o hear_v to_o show_v how_o our_o sense_n be_v disorder_v and_o insatiable_a the_o more_o the_o eye_n see_v the_o more_o it_o will_v see_v and_o so_o the_o ear_n hear_v and_o they_o be_v never_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o feel_n smell_a and_o taste_n the_o other_o three_o sense_n for_o whenever_o a_o man_n give_v himself_o to_o satisfy_v his_o sense_n he_o be_v never_o full_o satisfy_v nor_o content_a for_o in_o every_o place_n he_o may_v find_v something_o that_o smell_v unpleasant_o and_o though_o he_o carry_v about_o musk_n and_o civet_n that_o will_v not_o hinder_v that_o he_o breathe_v not_o in_o the_o bad_a exhalation_n and_o vapour_n of_o the_o air_n cause_v by_o the_o corruption_n and_o filth_n of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n although_o he_o have_v but_o the_o stink_n of_o his_o own_o body_n since_o all_o that_o proceed_v out_o of_o it_o be_v nasty_a and_o putrid_a which_o can_v satisfy_v his_o smell_n which_o desire_v always_o good_a smell_n and_o agreeable_a and_o in_o love_v that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v content_a nor_o satisfy_v and_o yet_o less_o can_v we_o satisfy_v the_o sense_n of_o feeling_n it_o be_v insatiable_a they_o will_v have_v fine_a linen_n silk_n soft_a bed_n smooth_a cover_n and_o other_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o touch_n which_o be_v not_o content_a with_o thing_n that_o be_v sufficient_a but_o the_o sense_n of_o taste_n exceed_v all_o the_o other_o in_o disorder_n and_o intemperance_n for_o he_o that_o will_v satisfy_v his_o taste_n and_o delicacy_n render_v himself_o miserable_a and_o in_o continual_a dissatisfaction_n for_o when_o he_o have_v one_o food_n that_o be_v good_a he_o desire_v another_o as_o better_a the_o wine_n be_v too_o sharp_a or_o stale_a for_o he_o the_o beer_n be_v too_o sweet_a for_o his_o delicate_a taste_n he_o belong_v always_o for_o what_o he_o have_v not_o and_o what_o he_o can_v get_v so_o insolent_a be_v man_n natural_a sense_n that_o they_o often_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o spirit_n with_o a_o thousand_o torture_n of_o desire_n intemperances_n lust_n excess_n and_o gluttony_n which_o bring_v disease_n poverty_n and_o death_n and_o yet_o they_o call_v he_o happy_a who_o have_v the_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v his_o sense_n without_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n and_o therefore_o they_o beget_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n which_o she_o pray_v you_o to_o discover_v who_o wish_v your_o good_a holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n 15._o febr._n 1672._o st._n vet_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr the_o vi_o letter_n humility_n be_v attain_v by_o know_v ourselves_o to_o the_o same_o who_o be_v admonish_v to_o learn_v humility_n by_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o disorder_n of_o our_o natural_a sense_n my_o dear_a child_n i_o can_v entertain_v you_o too_o much_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o misery_n to_o which_o he_o be_v subject_a during_o this_o miserable_a life_n to_o prevent_v your_o ever_o place_v your_o affection_n on_o it_o but_o that_o you_o may_v learn_v the_o humility_n of_o heart_n which_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v which_o will_v follow_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o yourself_o but_o you_o shall_v never_o attain_v it_o unless_o you_o examine_v in_o retail_v the_o misery_n and_o infirmity_n of_o your_o body_n and_o spirit_n since_o it_o be_v that_o knowledge_n which_o shall_v teach_v you_o the_o humility_n of_o heart_n which_o jesus_n christ_n require_v for_o if_o you_o remain_v in_o the_o general_a ignorance_n of_o man_n you_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o it_o you_o will_v always_o think_v you_o deserve_v honour_n and_o esteem_v see_v other_o like_o yourself_o honour_v and_o esteem_v and_o that_o they_o also_o take_v their_o pleasure_n and_o sensuality_n more_o than_o you_o do_v but_o trust_v i_o my_o dear_a child_n that_o conduct_n proceed_v from_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o from_o the_o profound_a darkness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v without_o perceive_v it_o and_o they_o blind_a one_o another_o still_o more_o by_o their_o practice_n for_o one_o think_v he_o be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o he_o may_v do_v what_o another_o do_v and_o so_o one_o follow_v another_o blindfold_o and_o think_v he_o do_v but_o what_o be_v suitable_a for_o a_o honest_a man_n to_o do_v but_o however_o great_a the_o number_n of_o blind_a be_v that_o will_v not_o help_v you_o in_o particular_a and_o that_o broad_a way_n will_v always_o lead_v to_o perdition_n though_o many_o tread_v it_o the_o great_a number_n of_o miserable_n will_v not_o lessen_v your_o condemnation_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v augment_v your_o pain_n and_o misery_n far_o from_o any_o way_n mitigate_a they_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o you_o must_v not_o regard_v if_o other_o be_v blind_a and_o know_v not_o themselves_o esteem_v themselves_o and_o follow_v their_o sensuality_n for_o you_o shall_v not_o give_v a_o account_n for_o they_o there_o shall_v only_o your_o own_o work_n follow_v you_o at_o death_n and_o according_a to_o they_o shall_v you_o be_v judge_v god_n afford_v you_o now_o the_o occasion_n of_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o thing_n beware_v of_o neglect_v it_o but_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mercy_n he_o show_v you_o beyond_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o person_n who_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o know_v themselves_o and_o for_o have_v never_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v before_o god_n they_o amuse_v themselves_o to_o look_v one_o to_o another_o without_o penetrate_v into_o the_o state_n of_o man_n and_o what_o he_o be_v whence_o he_o be_v and_o whither_o he_o tend_v though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a import_n on_o which_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v therefore_o i_o exhort_v you_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o knowledge_n of_o yourself_o see_v that_o must_v rule_v all_o your_o action_n and_o make_v you_o become_v humble_a of_o heart_n as_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o thing_n shall_v deliver_v you_o from_o all_o evil_a that_o be_v also_o the_o mistress_n of_o virtue_n for_o if_o you_o possess_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o virtue_n and_o deliver_v you_o from_o all_o vice_n for_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n be_v vicious_a and_o not_o virtuous_a be_v because_o he_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o take_v the_o shadow_n for_o the_o body_n the_o bark_n for_o the_o wood_n and_o so_o go_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o for_o if_o he_o know_v true_o what_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o virtue_n he_o will_v deliver_v himself_o from_o the_o one_o to_o attain_v the_o other_o since_o he_o will_v see_v clear_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o mere_a tyrant_n which_o torture_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o that_o virtue_n be_v beautiful_a good_a sweet_a and_o pleasant_a and_o so_o he_o can_v not_o retain_v himself_o from_o hate_v sin_n and_o love_a virtue_n see_v that_o be_v good_a and_o equitable_a but_o for_o lack_v of_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n they_o love_v what_o they_o shall_v hate_v and_o hate_v what_o be_v lovely_a and_o to_o show_v you_o what_o sin_n be_v know_v that_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o disorder_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n for_o when_o god_n create_v man_n he_o be_v well_o order_v temperate_a and_o regular_a in_o all_o his_o natural_a function_n and_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o all_o his_o sense_n without_o do_v evil_n because_o all_o that_o god_n make_v be_v good_a and_o he_o create_v beautiful_a thing_n to_o please_v his_o sight_n and_o all_o the_o melody_n of_o beast_n man_n and_o all_o melodious_a thing_n to_o afford_v pleasure_n to_o the_o hear_n and_o all_o flower_n and_o pleasant_a smell_n for_o his_o smell_a and_o all_o smooth_a and_o agreeable_a thing_n for_o his_o feel_n and_o all_o good_a and_o savoury_a thing_n to_o afford_v pleasure_n to_o his_o taste_n so_o that_o he_o can_v allowable_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o all_o his_o five_o natural_a sense_n because_o all_o the_o other_o creature_n be_v create_v for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o recreation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v so_o perfect_a that_o he_o use_v all_o these_o thing_n only_o for_o his_o recreation_n with_o just_a order_n weight_n and_o measure_n
seem_v to_o have_v some_o pleasure_n in_o it_o see_v there_o be_v person_n that_o have_v no_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v well_o and_o that_o sense_n add_v somewhat_o to_o man_n body_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o replenish_v with_o misery_n than_o the_o other_o four_o because_o it_o hurt_v more_o both_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n see_v it_o cause_v so_o many_o disease_n and_o even_o death_n by_o its_o excess_n and_o also_o so_o many_o soul_n damn_v themselves_o in_o strive_v to_o satisfy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o taste_n which_o lead_v they_o to_o several_a other_o sin_n and_o withdraw_v they_o assure_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o require_v to_o have_v our_o affection_n alone_o for_o he_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o notwithstanding_o we_o place_v they_o in_o thing_n vile_a and_o corruptible_a as_o be_v meat_n and_o drink_n for_o what_o be_v more_o naughty_a than_o meat_n and_o drink_v they_o have_v scarce_o past_o the_o throat_n but_o they_o become_v putrid_a and_o corrupt_a and_o especial_o the_o more_o fine_a and_o delicate_a corrupt_v more_o than_o the_o courser_n and_o for_o all_o that_o people_n love_v they_o bestow_v pain_n and_o travail_n to_o attain_v they_o which_o be_v a_o gross_a blindness_n of_o mind_n from_o which_o i_o pray_v god_n preserve_v you_o that_o your_o love_n may_v remain_v in_o god_n only_o and_o you_o may_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o salutary_a thing_n in_o the_o desire_n whereof_o i_o remain_v your_o wellwisher_n in_o jesus_n christ_n antonio_z bourignon_fw-fr holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n 17._o febr._n 1672._o st._n vet_n the_o vii_o letter_n he_o that_o serve_v the_o lust_n of_o his_o sense_n by_o that_o same_o renounce_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o same_o exhort_v he_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o humility_n by_o the_o renounce_v of_o his_o sense_n show_v he_o that_o no_o man_n can_v follow_v they_o unless_o thereby_o he_o renounce_v the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o the_o essence_n of_o true_a virtue_n my_o dear_a child_n i_o deduce_v to_o you_o in_o my_o last_o how_o vain_a and_o miserable_a be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o have_v show_v you_o the_o truth_n of_o several_a thing_n that_o you_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o humility_n of_o heart_n which_o jesus_n christ_n require_v it_o be_v much_o to_o understand_v well_o these_o thing_n but_o also_o you_o must_v set_v about_o the_o practice_n and_o embrace_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o mortification_n of_o your_o sense_n follow_v the_o truth_n you_o have_v know_v otherways_o it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n if_o you_o put_v it_o not_o in_o practice_n knowledge_n be_v very_o good_a for_o you_o can_v practice_v what_o you_o know_v not_o but_o if_o that_o knowledge_n be_v not_o fruitful_a it_o can_v serve_v for_o our_o salvation_n we_o must_v needs_o put_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o war_n against_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n otherways_o we_o must_v die_v the_o eternal_a death_n after_o the_o temporal_a which_o may_v easy_o be_v conceive_v since_o man_n nature_n be_v corrupt_v by_o adam_n sin_n and_o have_v quit_v dependence_n on_o god_n to_o depend_v of_o itself_o it_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n remain_v in_o that_o corruption_n and_o sin_n until_o every_o man_n for_o his_o own_o particular_a have_v overcome_v that_o corruption_n and_o disobedience_n which_o he_o have_v contract_v against_o god_n or_o else_o he_o abide_v in_o death_n and_o die_v damn_v eternal_o for_o although_o adam_n have_v not_o sin_v all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a can_v have_v sin_v and_o corrupt_v his_o way_n by_o leave_v dependence_n on_o his_o god_n and_o that_o because_o all_o the_o man_n that_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v be_v all_o create_v free_a and_o can_v continue_v in_o the_o dependence_n of_o god_n and_o also_o recede_v from_o it_o if_o they_o please_v for_o god_n force_v no_o person_n so_o 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their_o five_o sense_n in_o not_o follow_v they_o but_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v in_o that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o must_v take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o force_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o so_o that_o be_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v fight_v by_o force_n to_o gain_v the_o kingdom_n for_o god_n create_v it_o for_o we_o and_o he_o give_v it_o we_o free_o but_o it_o be_v that_o we_o must_v resist_v with_o force_n the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o that_o we_o approve_v not_o in_o we_o the_o sin_n which_o adam_n commit_v and_o do_v not_o of_o our_o own_o proper_a will_v retire_v from_o dependence_n on_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a warfare_n for_o we_o must_v continual_o combat_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o sense_n without_o that_o we_o can_v never_o return_v to_o dependence_n on_o god_n from_o which_o adam_n 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his_o will_n who_o demand_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o disorder_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v cause_v in_o man_n nature_n when_o he_o make_v it_o turn_v the_o affection_n upon_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o first_o sin_n which_o man_n commit_v and_o thence_o all_o other_o sin_n draw_v their_o origin_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v evil_a or_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o that_o can_v be_v evil_a as_o nothing_o can_v be_v good_a but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o his_o will_n so_o the_o devil_n labour_v violent_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o pervert_v
you_o read_v these_o thing_n curious_o or_o much_o at_o a_o time_n you_o shall_v pause_v and_o consider_v what_o you_o find_v there_o profitable_a for_o your_o soul_n i_o will_v not_o altogether_o stop_v the_o curiosity_n you_o have_v to_o read_v my_o write_n or_o those_o of_o other_o who_o treat_v of_o solid_a virtue_n for_o that_o curiosity_n be_v necessary_a at_o the_o beginning_n for_o you_o can_v learn_v if_o you_o be_v not_o curious_a to_o know_v we_o must_v know_v before_o we_o can_v love_v if_o then_o you_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n which_o i_o write_v you_o can_v not_o practice_v they_o so_o we_o may_v give_v liberty_n to_o that_o curiosity_n to_o know_v good_a thing_n you_o must_v not_o read_v only_o to_o nourish_v or_o satisfy_v it_o but_o to_o learn_v the_o truth_n you_o can_v discover_v it_o too_o much_o though_o some_o natural_a satisfaction_n mix_v itself_o it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v you_o provide_v you_o rest_v not_o on_o that_o pleasure_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o mary_n magdalene_n go_v to_o jesus_n christ_n because_o they_o say_v to_o she_o that_o he_o be_v a_o beautiful_a man_n and_o speak_v well_o notwithstanding_o that_o vain_a curiosity_n lead_v she_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o after_o her_o first_o curiosity_n vanish_v she_o give_v herself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o she_o have_v hear_v from_o he_o do_v you_o the_o same_o my_o son_n search_v curious_o the_o book_n which_o treat_v of_o solid_a virtue_n and_o neglect_v no_o occasion_n to_o find_v they_o see_v they_o serve_v as_o mean_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o because_o god_n often_o speak_v to_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o good_a book_n move_v the_o heart_n to_o the_o affection_n of_o eternal_a thing_n and_o contempt_n of_o temporal_a you_o must_v only_o discern_v whether_o you_o read_v divine_a thing_n for_o your_o own_o satisfaction_n or_o if_o you_o do_v it_o only_o to_o enlighten_v your_o soul_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v for_o the_o last_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a that_o you_o give_v yourself_o to_o long_o read_v stay_v yourself_o only_o on_o the_o matter_n which_o move_v your_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n without_o go_v further_o until_o you_o have_v find_v mean_n to_o practice_v it_o well_o i_o do_v that_o in_o my_o young_a year_n when_o first_o i_o see_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o when_o i_o understand_v thereby_o what_o a_o gospel_n life_n be_v i_o close_v the_o book_n for_o twenty_o year_n and_o exercise_v myself_o to_o practice_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o so_o i_o find_v the_o light_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n without_o use_v book_n to_o instruct_v i_o in_o which_o you_o may_v imitate_v i_o when_o you_o have_v sufficient_o read_v what_o may_v avail_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o your_o soul_n which_o she_o wish_v to_o you_o who_o remain_v your_o well-affectioned_n in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n may_v 5._o 1672._o st._n vet._n the_o xv._n letter_n the_o devil_n incite_v to_o good_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v evil_a out_o of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o discover_v to_o he_o a_o seven_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o he_o carry_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o that_o compare_v our_o work_n with_o those_o of_o other_o we_o may_v from_o our_o virtue_n contract_n vainglory_n and_o a_o eight_o by_o which_o he_o incite_v we_o to_o immoderate_a maceration_n and_o mortification_n of_o the_o body_n and_o final_o a_o nine_o in_o which_o he_o excite_v we_o to_o immoderation_n in_o spiritual_a good_a work_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n as_o unreasonable_o to_o instruct_v convert_v reprove_v or_o correct_v he_o my_o son_n i_o must_v discover_v to_o you_o yet_o another_o device_n of_o satan_n by_o which_o he_o do_v gain_v several_a well_o incline_v person_n even_o such_o as_o have_v a_o good_a will_n who_o be_v not_o only_o resolve_v to_o labour_v for_o 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and_o also_o every_o one_o must_v combat_v and_o oppose_v it_o if_o he_o will_v attain_v to_o salvation_n but_o this_o pride_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v discover_v when_o it_o fur_n itself_o into_o virtue_n lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n without_o appear_v outward_o as_o do_v that_o which_o proceed_v from_o plenty_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o honour_n which_o man_n give_v for_o that_o vanity_n show_v itself_o sufficient_o outward_o for_o he_o that_o be_v proud_a of_o his_o riches_n will_v show_v to_o the_o world_n his_o riches_n and_o liberality_n by_o prodigality_n in_o several_a thing_n as_o in_o movable_n clothes_n meat_n and_o drink_v willing_a in_o every_o thing_n the_o best_a and_o dear_a to_o satisfy_v his_o vainglory_n and_o must_v also_o be_v serve_v with_o page_n and_o servant_n so_o that_o his_o outward_a action_n discover_v sufficient_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o heart_n but_o spiritual_a pride_n keep_v itself_o hide_v even_o under_o a_o cloak_n of_o humility_n for_o we_o see_v 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death_n by_o excess_n in_o fast_v and_o maceration_n of_o the_o body_n i_o know_v that_o be_v rare_a in_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o when_o none_o will_v embrace_v penitence_n most_o part_n love_a sensuality_n yet_o among_o the_o small_a number_n of_o penitent_n the_o devil_n insinuate_v himself_o cause_v they_o to_o exceed_v for_o when_o he_o can_v no_o more_o make_v they_o fall_v by_o ease_n and_o sensuality_n he_o do_v it_o by_o excess_n in_o good_a work_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o he_o cause_v they_o to_o tie_v themselves_o to_o a_o number_n of_o vocal_a prayer_n to_o over-charge_n they_o and_o disquiet_v they_o when_o they_o have_v not_o time_n to_o wait_v and_o fulfil_v these_o ordinary_a prayer_n which_o make_v the_o man_n sorrowful_a and_o dissatisfy_v think_v he_o do_v not_o please_v god_n when_o he_o do_v not_o fulfil_v all_o his_o ordinary_a prayer_n by_o custom_n and_o in_o that_o thought_n he_o be_v sad_a and_o pensive_a and_o uneasy_a to_o they_o he_o converse_v with_o the_o devil_n draw_v his_o advantage_n from_o excess_n in_o prayer_n for_o it_o hurt_v the_o head_n when_o too_o vehement_a and_o bring_v often_o confusion_n in_o their_o affair_n and_o houshold_v i_o have_v know_v woman_n so_o addict_v to_o their_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n that_o they_o neglect_v their_o family_n to_o go_v to_o church_n frequent_o at_o solemnity_n and_o devotion_n and_o with_o all_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o without_o discover_v the_o cunning_a of_o the_o devil_n who_o make_v they_o sin_n instead_o of_o do_v good_a for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n and_o he_o say_v express_o that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o those_o of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o use_v many_o word_n see_v the_o lord_n know_v what_o we_o have_v need_n of_o
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 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other_o but_o live_v at_o ease_n without_o fight_v they_o remain_v in_o quiet_a amid_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o which_o be_v strange_a when_o any_o will_v waken_v they_o out_o of_o that_o lethargique_a sleep_n they_o be_v grieve_v and_o dissatisfy_v notwithstanding_o that_o sleep_n will_v assure_o procure_v they_o eternal_a death_n if_o they_o do_v not_o awake_v to_o fight_v their_o enemy_n we_o can_v hinder_v that_o these_o enemy_n assail_v we_o every_o where_o but_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v discover_v because_o a_o enemy_n discover_v be_v half_o vanquish_v and_o therefore_o my_o child_n you_o ought_v to_o rejoice_v rather_o than_o be_v sorrowful_a that_o god_n permit_v that_o i_o now_o discover_v so_o many_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o you_o can_v make_v that_o he_o be_v not_o wicked_a and_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o malice_n proceed_v not_o from_o he_o nor_o can_v you_o hinder_v that_o he_o tempt_v man_n since_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v give_v he_o that_o power_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o do_v it_o we_o give_v he_o daily_o the_o same_o power_n over_o we_o which_o he_o get_v over_o they_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n to_o his_o tentation_n it_o be_v so_o we_o must_v fight_v or_o render_v to_o he_o which_o be_v lamentable_a for_o we_o be_v create_v true_a child_n of_o god_n after_o his_o image_n and_o resemblance_n and_o we_o shall_v become_v by_o our_o sloth_n child_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o you_o must_v never_o suffer_v but_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o evil_a and_o resist_v it_o to_o your_o power_n and_o bless_v god_n also_o that_o he_o send_v you_o his_o light_n that_o you_o may_v know_v it_o and_o beware_v of_o it_o without_o afflict_v yourself_o so_o much_o because_o the_o devil_n hoth_v power_n to_o tempt_v man_n for_o tentation_n purify_v the_o soul_n and_o render_v it_o agreeable_a to_o god_n he_o take_v pleasure_n to_o see_v we_o fight_v his_o and_o our_o enemy_n and_o he_o give_v we_o 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to_o tempt_v he_o but_o the_o devil_n be_v create_v free_a as_o well_o as_o man_n he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v all_o the_o evil_n he_o please_v in_o himself_o for_o he_o will_v even_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n which_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o to_o tempt_v adam_n in_o his_o innocence_n and_o that_o of_o tempt_a man_n now_o be_v yet_o far_o less_o see_v they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o first_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o less_o when_o he_o tempt_v they_o that_o have_v so_o often_o consent_v to_o he_o with_o deliberate_a will_n and_o therefore_o my_o son_n you_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o fret_v because_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o tempt_v you_o but_o you_o ought_v true_o to_o regret_n that_o you_o have_v by_o your_o past_a sin_n give_v he_o so_o much_o power_n over_o your_o soul_n resolve_v now_o to_o war_n against_o he_o with_o manly_a courage_n and_o hinder_a that_o he_o get_v more_o power_n over_o your_o soul_n by_o resist_v his_o tentation_n for_o that_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o salutary_a resolution_n but_o that_o grief_n which_o you_o conceive_v because_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o tempt_v you_o and_o other_o come_v from_o he_o he_o make_v we_o always_o desire_v thing_n impossible_a and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n that_o he_o may_v afflict_v and_o discourage_v we_o for_o he_o know_v well_o that_o a_o grieve_a and_o discourage_v person_n be_v not_o well_o fit_v to_o resist_v his_o tentation_n and_o that_o in_o that_o state_n he_o can_v easy_o lead_v he_o from_o one_o evil_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o he_o often_o cause_v vain_a grief_n such_o as_o be_v that_o which_o proceed_v from_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v so_o much_o power_n to_o tempt_v man_n and_o also_o the_o disturb_a grief_n for_o our_o sin_n past_a which_o be_v no_o more_o in_o our_o power_n these_o be_v extremity_n into_o which_o the_o devil_n attempt_v always_o to_o precipitate_v we_o it_o be_v true_a we_o ought_v to_o regret_n that_o we_o have_v willing_o 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that_o power_n can_v be_v exercise_v but_o on_o those_o that_o give_v or_o have_v give_v he_o their_o full_a consent_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n turn_v to_o good_a to_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v you_o remember_v that_o he_o can_v hurt_v you_o without_o your_o own_o consent_n and_o your_o resist_v his_o tentation_n render_v you_o agreeable_a to_o god_n for_o your_o soul_n must_v be_v prove_v as_o gold_n in_o the_o furnace_n which_o grow_v still_o the_o pure_a by_o continue_v in_o the_o fire_n even_o so_o be_v a_o soul_n purify_v by_o long_a tentation_n if_o it_o remain_v firm_a in_o resist_v and_o nothing_o can_v hurt_v it_o but_o sin_n from_o which_o if_o it_o abstain_v it_o carry_v the_o victory_n over_o its_o enemy_n and_o all_o they_o can_v do_v against_o it_o be_v but_o false_a alarm_n which_o try_v its_o fidelity_n and_o vigilancy_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o desire_v that_o the_o devil_n power_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o but_o earnest_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o strength_n to_o resist_v he_o and_o fight_v until_o death_n for_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o prayer_n which_o he_o leave_v to_o christian_n have_v not_o ask_v to_o be_v free_a from_o tentation_n but_o only_o not_o to_o be_v lead_v to_o follow_v the_o tentation_n and_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o evil_a and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evil_n but_o sin_n we_o pray_v only_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o not_o from_o tentation_n which_o be_v often_o profitable_a and_o salutary_a for_o we_o yea_o sometime_o necessary_a to_o our_o frailty_n for_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o feeble_a and_o corrupt_a that_o it_o can_v not_o remain_v faithful_a to_o god_n out_o of_o tribulation_n
rendet_fw-la ourselves_o its_o slave_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o devil_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n we_o behove_v notwithstanding_o to_o combat_v it_o continual_o see_v that_o corruption_n be_v as_o much_o a_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o the_o devil_n if_o you_o will_v my_o son_n examine_v well_o your_o own_o self_n you_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o you_o do_v not_o one_o single_a action_n which_o though_o good_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o defile_v with_o self-love_n and_o self-seeking_a and_o that_o you_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n which_o you_o aim_v not_o for_o your_o own_o advantage_n or_o praise_n or_o to_o excuse_v and_o justify_v yourself_o for_o self-love_n search_v always_o his_o own_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o will_v not_o have_v the_o blame_n in_o any_o thing_n yea_o it_o will_v appear_v innocent_a in_o the_o most_o manifest_a fault_n it_o commit_v it_o speak_v to_o excuse_v they_o reason_n to_o maintain_v its_o opinion_n or_o what_o it_o have_v fancy_v or_o undertake_v to_o maintain_v in_o fine_a it_o employ_v all_o the_o force_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n to_o disow_v its_o guilt_n so_o proud_a be_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v blame_v in_o any_o thing_n if_o it_o can_v evite_v it_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v manifest_a sin_n which_o rob_v our_o heart_n of_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o love_v and_o esteem_v ourselves_o and_o so_o infringe_v the_o command_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n while_o we_o love_v our_o own_o glory_n and_o esteem_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n i_o have_v often_o declare_v that_o the_o ressence_n of_o sin_n consist_v in_o that_o man_n retire_v his_o affection_n from_o god_n to_o place_v they_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o beside_o he_o so_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o man_n fall_v so_o often_o into_o sin_n as_o he_o turn_v to_o love_v himself_o and_o he_o fall_v so_o often_o into_o 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world_n they_o bring_v with_o they_o that_o pride_n which_o make_v they_o live_v in_o continual_a sin_n if_o they_o do_v not_o resist_v it_o continual_o by_o spiritual_a diligence_n and_o watch_v not_o over_o all_o their_o word_n and_o action_n to_o limit_v and_o regulate_v they_o by_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o that_o spiritual_a diligence_n which_o ought_v to_o rule_v all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v to_o salvation_n which_o she_o wish_v you_o who_o love_v your_o soul_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr husum_fw-la jan._n 27._o 1674._o the_o xxii_o letter_n spiritual_a diligence_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o the_o same_o exhort_v he_o to_o spiritual_a diligence_n because_o without_o it_o none_o can_v persevere_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n nor_o overcome_v his_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o self-love_n my_o son_n i_o can_v over_o much_o explain_v the_o worth_n and_o necessity_n of_o spiritual_a diligence_n 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