man_n from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o have_v create_v he_o to_o delight_v himself_o with_o he_o and_o will_v for_o that_o that_o he_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n there_o can_v be_v delight_n but_o with_o what_o be_v belove_v and_o therefore_o will_v god_n be_v love_v of_o man_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o that_o he_o place_v his_o affection_n in_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o he_o only_o the_o devil_n no_o soon_o perceive_v that_o but_o he_o entice_v he_o by_o the_o five_o natural_a sense_n which_o be_v as_o the_o five_o window_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o withdraw_v his_o heart_n and_o affection_n from_o god_n and_o to_o place_v they_o on_o visible_a and_o sensible_a thing_n the_o devil_n than_o first_o move_v adam_n heart_n to_o regard_v the_o beautiful_a creature_n which_o god_n have_v create_v for_o he_o he_o move_v also_o his_o sense_n of_o hear_v to_o give_v attention_n to_o the_o false_a persuasion_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n who_o make_v he_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v know_v good_a and_o evil_a if_o he_o do_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o he_o move_v he_o to_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o touch_v that_o apple_n his_o smell_a to_o smell_v it_o and_o his_o taste_n to_o eat_v it_o and_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o devil_n carry_v adam_n heart_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o creature_n and_o turn_v he_o away_o from_o the_o love_n he_o owe_v to_o god_n if_o the_o devil_n can_v have_v draw_v man_n heart_n direct_o to_o love_v he_o he_o have_v do_v it_o but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o invisible_a spirit_n he_o can_v not_o move_v the_o five_o natural_a sense_n of_o man_n to_o love_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o serve_v himself_o of_o visible_a and_o sensible_a creature_n to_o get_v himself_o indirect_o love_v by_o man_n that_o by_o move_a man_n to_o self-love_n and_o to_o use_v all_o the_o other_o creature_n to_o satisfy_v his_o self-love_n and_o consequent_o withdraw_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v do_v with_o too_o much_o success_n see_v he_o have_v cause_v adam_n and_o all_o that_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o he_o to_o disobey_v against_o god_n and_o so_o make_v he_o abandon_v that_o dependence_n that_o he_o will_v no_o more_o depend_v but_o upon_o his_o own_o will_n and_o love_v nothing_o but_o himself_o behold_v the_o miserable_a fall_n into_o which_o the_o devil_n cause_v all_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o in_o adam_n and_o they_o all_o in_o general_n be_v bear_v in_o that_o misery_n and_o disobedience_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o that_o evil_a inclination_n to_o love_v themselves_o and_o follow_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o sense_n which_o breed_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o be_v now_o move_v by_o a_o evil_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o devil_n whence_o no_o good_a can_v proceed_v for_o the_o privation_n of_o all_o good_a be_v the_o possession_n of_o all_o evil_a so_o that_o he_o that_o have_v reject_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o will_v not_o renounce_v himself_o have_v deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a see_v there_o be_v no_o other_o good_a but_o god_n and_o be_v fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a that_o be_v to_o say_v into_o the_o privation_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o good_n god_n never_o create_v any_o evil_n but_o man_n produce_v it_o when_o he_o deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o which_o alone_o consist_v all_o sort_n of_o good_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o call_v sin_n which_o signify_v to_o turn_v away_o and_o desert_n god_n who_o be_v all_o good_a and_o in_o the_o privation_n of_o he_o be_v all_o evil_a so_o that_o he_o that_o have_v withdraw_v his_o affection_n from_o god_n to_o place_v they_o in_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o or_o of_o any_o other_o creature_n have_v abandon_v all_o good_a and_o embrace_v all_o sort_n of_o evil._n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o evil_n but_o the_o privation_n of_o all_o good_a into_o which_o man_n engage_v himself_o when_o he_o carry_v his_o love_n and_o affection_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o then_o god_n and_o what_o adam_n do_v once_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n man_n do_v it_o for_o their_o own_o particular_a as_o often_o as_o they_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o any_o thing_n beside_o god_n only_o observe_v a_o little_a my_o child_n how_o often_o you_o have_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o sin_n with_o adam_n and_o love_v any_o other_o thing_n than_o god_n alone_o and_o also_o if_o you_o be_v not_o actual_o addict_v to_o your_o self-love_n and_o retire_v from_o the_o love_n of_o your_o god_n but_o i_o be_o not_o surprise_v at_o it_o because_o you_o never_o know_v that_o sin_n consist_v in_o that_o and_o no_o person_n have_v teach_v you_o it_o for_o the_o man_n of_o this_o time_n be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o you_o and_o they_o that_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o virtuous_a be_v full_a of_o self-love_n though_o they_o think_v themselves_o free_a from_o sin_n so_o far_o do_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n deceive_v itself_o but_o for_o your_o part_n be_v wise_a for_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v go_v to_o perdition_n you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o save_v your_o own_o soul_n the_o great_a number_n of_o damn_a will_v not_o diminish_v your_o torment_n if_o you_o shall_v be_v damn_v with_o they_o but_o rather_o augment_v they_o by_o the_o augmentation_n of_o cry_n blasphemy_n and_o noysomeness_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o shall_v augment_v in_o hell_n with_o proportion_n to_o the_o number_n of_o damn_a and_o therefore_o i_o counsel_v you_o to_o leave_v that_o common_a tract_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o man_n which_o esteem_v nothing_o sin_n but_o the_o material_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v one_o to_o another_o to_o be_v evil_a thing_n which_o god_n regard_v little_a see_v he_o be_v a_o pure_a spirit_n who_o not_o only_o these_o gross_a material_a thing_n offend_v as_o they_o decifer_n sin_n as_o drunkenness_n robbery_n whoredom_n and_o other_o material_a sin_n unblamable_a before_o man_n but_o god_n be_v offend_v to_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n cleave_v to_o and_o love_n thing_n so_o vile_a since_o he_o create_v he_o to_o love_v his_o god_n only_o who_o will_v delight_v himself_o with_o he_o and_o yet_o man_n desert_n god_n to_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o take_v in_o eat_v drink_v and_o clothing_n and_o recreation_n with_o any_o other_o creature_n which_o huge_o displease_v god_n and_o man_n become_v his_o enemy_n by_o disobedience_n while_o he_o act_v against_o the_o design_n god_n have_v in_o create_v he_o after_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n to_o take_v his_o delight_n with_o he_o notwithstanding_o man_n against_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n delight_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v less_o than_o himself_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v create_v under_o heaven_n be_v much_o below_o man_n who_o be_v as_o the_o head_n and_o principal_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o be_v establish_v over_o all_o the_o other_o inferior_a work_n of_o god_n be_v make_v as_o a_o little_a god_n in_o his_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v enclose_v in_o his_o humanity_n but_o the_o devil_n envious_a of_o his_o happiness_n from_o the_o instant_n of_o his_o creation_n strive_v to_o make_v he_o lose_v that_o part_n of_o the_o divinity_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o he_o he_o render_v he_o sensual_a and_o earthly_a to_o make_v he_o leave_v the_o love_n of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o alone_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v love_v and_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o have_v enjoy_v all_o the_o other_o creature_n at_o pleasure_n as_o master_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o that_o be_v subject_v to_o he_o but_o the_o proud_a devil_n can_v not_o suffer_v man_n in_o dominion_n over_o the_o other_o creature_n he_o be_v reject_v and_o banish_v from_o the_o friendship_n of_o god_n deprive_v of_o all_o good_a and_o replenish_v of_o all_o evil_a so_o he_o by_o rage_n and_o envy_n attempt_v to_o destroy_v man_n with_o himself_o and_o make_v he_o companion_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o see_v man_n compose_v of_o a_o body_n and_o a_o spirit_n he_o insinuate_v into_o his_o spirit_n endeavour_v to_o unite_v himself_o with_o he_o under_o pretext_n of_o procure_v good_a to_o he_o and_o so_o make_v he_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v know_v all_o thing_n as_o god_n if_o he_o will_v eat_v the_o fruit_n god_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o and_o these_o thought_n be_v enter_v into_o adam_n spirit_n gain_v his_o affection_n and_o make_v he_o forget_v the_o love_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n begin_v to_o love_v
defect_n fire_n be_v good_a in_o that_o it_o warm_v and_o enlighten_v but_o evil_a in_o that_o it_o burn_v and_o smoke_v water_n be_v good_a in_o that_o it_o refresh_v and_o quench_v thirst_n but_o evil_n in_o that_o it_o be_v crude_a and_o cold_a the_o air_n be_v good_a for_o respiration_n and_o to_o purge_v bad_a vapour_n but_o evil_a in_o that_o it_o have_v tempest_n the_o earth_n be_v good_a for_o produce_v fruit_n but_o evil_a in_o that_o it_o be_v miry_a and_o that_o it_o produce_v prick_v thorn_n and_o thistle_n gold_n silver_n and_o other_o metal_n be_v good_a in_o that_o they_o serve_v man_n commodity_n but_o evil_a for_o their_o heaviness_n and_o obscurity_n all_o the_o plant_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v something_o of_o good_a and_o something_o of_o evil_n and_o also_o all_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o air_n and_o the_o water_n and_o man_n especial_o be_v compose_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o amiable_a but_o god_n alone_o since_o there_o can_v never_o be_v evil_a in_o he_o and_o out_o of_o he_o nothing_o good_a to_o be_v love_v all_o be_v accompany_v or_o mix_v with_o evil_a evil_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o love_n nor_o worthy_a of_o our_o affection_n man_n then_o be_v create_v to_o love_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a to_o he_o than_o love_n he_o must_v needs_o love_v something_o for_o he_o may_v be_v as_o soon_o without_o life_n as_o without_o love_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o love_n of_o earthly_a thing_n but_o the_o love_n which_o be_v in_o his_o nature_n can_v never_o end_v it_o be_v create_v of_o god_n who_o be_v eternal_a it_o shall_v also_o endure_v eternal_o but_o that_o love_n can_v have_v divers_a object_n one_o love_v good_a thing_n another_o evil_n a-third_a thing_n mix_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n now_o he_o that_o love_v good_a thing_n love_v god_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a beside_o he_o and_o all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n come_v from_o he_o he_o that_o love_v evil_a thing_n love_v the_o devil_n see_v there_o be_v nothing_o evil_a but_o what_o come_v from_o he_o for_o god_n have_v not_o create_v evil_a nor_o any_o thing_n evil_a it_o be_v the_o devil_n alone_o who_o have_v produce_v all_o evil_n in_o separate_v himself_o from_o all_o good_a and_o be_v by_o consequence_n fall_v into_o all_o evil_a which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o privation_n of_o all_o good_a and_o he_o that_o love_v the_o creature_n love_v a_o object_n compose_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o god_n create_v they_o all_o good_a but_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o subtle_a malice_n have_v insinuate_v the_o evil_a into_o the_o good_a when_o he_o gain_v man_n will_n who_o consent_v to_o that_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n for_o god_n have_v create_v man_n free_a so_o he_o will_v not_o hinder_v he_o to_o use_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v once_o give_v he_o and_o therefore_o man_n be_v free_a during_o this_o life_n which_o be_v his_o time_n of_o trial_n where_o he_o may_v choose_v one_o of_o these_o three_o object_n viz_o if_o he_o will_v love_v god_n or_o the_o devil_n or_o earthly_a creature_n now_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n be_v the_o most_o lovely_a object_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o evil_a wherefore_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n as_o he_o have_v command_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o lovely_a as_o he_o and_o beside_o that_o love_n bring_v we_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a for_o god_n be_v as_o powerful_a as_o lovely_a and_o can_v render_v man_n happy_a in_o time_n and_o in_o eternity_n o_o what_o quiet_a joy_n and_o contentment_n even_o in_o this_o world_n have_v a_o person_n that_o love_v god_n and_o how_o much_o shall_v these_o good_n be_v augment_v in_o eternity_n what_o disquiet_a grief_n and_o trouble_v inward_o have_v a_o man_n that_o love_v the_o devil_n for_o let_v he_o do_v all_o the_o evil_n he_o can_v he_o be_v never_o please_v nor_o content_a his_o conscience_n can_v never_o be_v in_o quiet_a and_o his_o joy_n can_v be_v only_o false_a and_o apparent_a because_o of_o the_o sadness_n which_o sin_n infallible_o bring_v for_o evil_a blind_v the_o soul_n fill_v the_o heart_n with_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a thought_n dull_v the_o spirit_n and_o torture_n the_o conscience_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o evil_n be_v over_o and_o after_o these_o temporal_a evil_n he_o must_v look_v for_o great_a and_o eternal_a one_o because_o he_o have_v love_v the_o devil_n who_o can_v give_v nothing_o but_o torment_n have_v nothing_o else_o in_o his_o power_n so_o that_o evil_a object_n be_v as_o little_a profitable_a as_o lovely_a it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o creature_n while_o we_o can_v love_v they_o without_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o carry_v mix_v with_o the_o good_a which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o they_o and_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o whatever_o nature_n have_v no_o power_n to_o render_v we_o happy_a neither_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o in_o that_o to_o come_v for_o if_o we_o love_v riches_n which_o be_v so_o much_o love_v now_o adays_o we_o be_v their_o slave_n because_o of_o the_o travail_n we_o must_v use_v to_o get_v they_o and_o the_o care_n and_o disquiet_v to_o preserve_v they_o nor_o can_v they_o afford_v we_o more_o than_o a_o little_a nourishment_n for_o our_o body_n and_o clothes_n to_o cover_v we_o which_o the_o poor_a can_v have_v also_o and_o with_o less_o trouble_n and_o if_o they_o think_v themselves_o happy_a because_o they_o can_v satisfy_v their_o taste_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v delicious_o that_o be_v only_o a_o great_a misery_n cause_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n from_o which_o they_o that_o live_v sober_o be_v free_a and_o if_o we_o love_v some_o human_a creature_n we_o be_v yet_o more_o miserable_a see_v we_o so_o sell_v our_o liberty_n and_o become_v subject_a to_o the_o passion_n and_o inclination_n of_o another_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n for_o the_o man_n that_o love_v the_o creature_n see_v they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o far_o less_o in_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v profitable_a and_o amiable_a for_o man_n and_o no_o other_o object_n we_o must_v then_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o love_v he_o and_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a both_o for_o our_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o i_o pray_v you_o to_o believe_v your_o well-affectioned_n in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr in_o holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n april_n 20._o 1672._o st._n vel._n the_o ix_o letter_n that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o love_n god_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o the_o same_o to_o who_o be_v show_v that_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a profitable_a honourable_a sweet_a and_o pleasant_a to_o love_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o command_n for_o he_o that_o will_v deny_v himself_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n my_o dear_a child_n never_o suffer_v yourself_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n as_o these_o ignorant_n false_o say_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a sweet_a pleasant_a honourable_a and_o profitable_a than_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n first_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a see_v man_n be_v create_v to_o love_n love_n be_v the_o strong_a passion_n he_o have_v in_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o he_o can_v no_o more_o be_v without_o love_n than_o without_o life_n consequent_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o follow_v that_o natural_a inclination_n where_o there_o in_o no_o need_n to_o do_v any_o violence_n see_v the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n tend_v thither_o of_o itself_o and_o that_o its_o easy_a to_o follow_v a_o love_n which_o be_v engrave_v in_o all_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n no_o person_n then_o need_v doubt_v that_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o love_v but_o some_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o love_n god_n be_v he_o be_v a_o object_n invisible_a to_o nature_n and_o we_o can_v love_v what_o we_o know_v not_o but_o with_o great_a difficulty_n that_o sentiment_n be_v altogether_o brutish_a and_o can_v be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o reasonable_a man_n who_o by_o his_o reason_n can_v see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n author_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n that_o have_v not_o its_o origine_fw-la from_o a_o supreme_a cause_n who_o be_v its_o author_n and_o creator_n or_o else_o they_o can_v
not_o have_v be_v nor_o existence_n for_o although_o man_n be_v above_o all_o the_o other_o creature_n yet_o he_o can_v give_v light_n nor_o heat_n to_o the_o sun_n nor_o sustain_v the_o water_n in_o the_o firmament_n nor_o fructtifie_v the_o earth_n all_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o a_o supreme_a cause_n who_o he_o may_v know_v by_o his_o operation_n his_o understanding_n can_v see_v clear_o even_o by_o his_o bodily_a eye_n in_o contemplate_v the_o beautiful_a order_n which_o be_v in_o all_o nature_n we_o need_v but_o consider_v the_o distinction_n of_o season_n the_o production_n of_o herb_n plant_n beast_n and_o of_o man_n and_o though_o we_o can_v see_v the_o author_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n yet_o we_o can_v see_v his_o work_n palpable_o and_o visible_o the_o savage_a pagan_n do_v both_o know_v and_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n author_n of_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v christian_n at_o present_a so_o unnatural_a that_o they_o dare_v say_v they_o know_v not_o god_n because_o they_o see_v he_o not_o with_o their_o fleshly_a eye_n and_o from_o that_o they_o will_v argue_v that_o they_o can_v love_v he_o because_o they_o know_v he_o not_o they_o render_v themselves_o in_o that_o like_a to_o the_o beast_n which_o have_v no_o spirit_n to_o perceive_v other_o than_o natural_a thing_n and_o see_v they_o as_o though_o they_o subsist_v by_o themselves_o but_o man_n have_v a_o spirit_n more_o noble_a than_o beast_n comprehend_v even_o by_o their_o natural_a spirit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n author_n of_o nature_n which_o engage_v some_o pagan_n to_o set_v up_o altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n some_o other_o of_o they_o at_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n say_v either_o nature_n be_v a_o dissolve_v or_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n suffer_v these_o thing_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o christian_n of_o this_o time_n blush_v for_o shame_n who_o say_v they_o can_v love_v god_n who_o they_o see_v not_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o punish_v in_o hell_n than_o the_o pagan_n that_o have_v apply_v their_o spirit_n to_o know_v god_n by_o nature_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a these_o christian_n do_v not_o at_o all_o study_n to_o know_v he_o neither_o by_o nature_n nor_o by_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o evangelical_n law_n beside_o that_o which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n these_o brutish_a christian_n must_v neither_o believe_v nature_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o say_v they_o can_v love_v god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n who_o they_o do_v not_o know_v for_o though_o they_o know_v not_o god_n by_o his_o work_n which_o yet_o they_o see_v and_o touch_v they_o shall_v at_o least_o know_v he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o enjoin_v to_o love_n god_n if_o he_o be_v not_o see_v then_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o be_v consequent_o a_o object_n amiable_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o man_n be_v full_a of_o love_n aught_o to_o be_v easy_o carry_v to_o love_v he_o for_o love_n be_v always_o carry_v to_o good_a and_o beautiful_a thing_n so_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a to_o he_o than_o to_o love_n god_n who_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o good_a and_o beauty_n but_o all_o the_o difficulty_n man_n find_v now_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n come_v hence_o that_o he_o do_v not_o apply_v his_o spirit_n to_o discover_v and_o meditate_v the_o work_n and_o marvellous_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o so_o can_v know_v nor_o love_v he_o but_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o regard_v the_o earthly_a creature_n in_o themselves_o and_o attribute_n to_o themselves_o the_o little_a of_o good_a and_o beauty_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n carry_v his_o affection_n to_o love_v the_o gross_a object_n which_o be_v visible_a and_o sensible_a to_o his_o stupid_a sense_n it_o be_v difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o love_n god_n they_o can_v love_v heavenly_a object_n while_o they_o regard_v only_o earthly_a one_o as_o they_o can_v comprehend_v eternal_a thing_n because_o they_o contemplate_v only_o transitory_a and_o that_o be_v not_o because_o of_o their_o incapacity_n see_v god_n have_v make_v they_o capable_a of_o love_v he_o but_o because_o by_o their_o free_a will_n they_o choose_v to_o love_v the_o vile_a creature_n more_o than_o he_o and_o it_o be_v that_o vicious_a choice_n make_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o love_n god_n and_o themselves_o make_v that_o impossibility_n they_o be_v like_o person_n who_o stay_v in_o a_o valley_n full_a of_o snow_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v cold_a and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v warm_v among_o that_o snow_n which_o be_v very_o true_a but_o if_o they_o will_v walk_v a_o little_a to_o get_v out_o of_o that_o snow_n and_o get_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n they_o shall_v well_o feel_v that_o it_o be_v full_a easy_a to_o become_v warm_a where_o the_o sun_n bestow_v his_o ray_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o earthly_a man_n who_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o snow_n of_o worldly_a lustre_n they_o say_v and_o think_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v warm_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v also_o very_o true_a so_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o valley_n of_o tear_n for_o nothing_o can_v warm_v they_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n while_o there_o all_o be_v but_o snow_n which_o cool_v they_o he_o that_o have_v his_o pleasure_n in_o carnal_a thing_n can_v have_v they_o in_o spiritual_a and_o he_o that_o put_v his_o affection_n in_o perish_a good_n can_v have_v they_o in_o eternal_a one_o and_o he_o that_o take_v his_o pleasure_n here_o in_o sensuality_n can_v have_v they_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n see_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_n which_o can_v never_o abide_v together_o so_o long_o then_o as_o a_o man_n feel_v himself_o cold_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o token_n that_o he_o live_v yet_o in_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o valley_n of_o snow_n which_o be_v quencher_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n he_o can_v then_o feel_v in_o himself_o other_o than_o a_o impossibility_n or_o at_o least_o great_a difficulty_n to_o love_n god_n with_o his_o whole_a heart_n but_o if_o they_o will_v quit_v their_o affection_n to_o this_o valley_n of_o misery_n and_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o eternal_a thing_n they_o shall_v soon_o feel_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n warm_v our_o soul_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n fill_v our_o heart_n which_o will_v not_o only_o find_v facility_n therein_o but_o also_o sweetness_n pleasure_n honour_n and_o profit_n see_v in_o effect_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o love_v god_n for_o i_o i_o have_v experience_v that_o all_o love_n to_o the_o creature_n be_v bitter_a and_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n only_o be_v sweet_a and_o pleasant_a for_o when_o i_o love_v riches_n they_o give_v i_o abundance_n of_o trouble_n to_o preserve_v they_o when_o i_o love_v honour_n i_o find_v there_o many_o bitter_a and_o pierce_a displeasure_n when_o i_o be_v not_o esteem_v or_o honour_a as_o i_o wish_v so_o that_o sometime_o one_o sleight_n cause_v i_o more_o pain_n than_o a_o hundred_o honour_n have_v give_v i_o contentment_n when_o i_o love_v the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o this_o life_n i_o find_v there_o great_a bitterness_n because_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o pleasure_n that_o carry_v not_o its_o own_o pain_n with_o it_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o taste_n breed_v poverty_n and_o disease_n and_o be_v insatiable_a they_o never_o satisfy_v no_o more_o than_o those_o of_o the_o flesh_n which_o resemble_v salt-water_n the_o more_o one_o drink_n the_o more_o drought_n i_o have_v remark_v that_o in_o several_a carnal_a person_n who_o after_o have_v ruin_v their_o body_n and_o health_n in_o satisfy_v their_o concupiscence_n use_v all_o mean_n to_o cure_v their_o infirmity_n and_o that_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v wallow_v yet_o more_o in_o their_o nasty_a pleasure_n and_o when_o i_o have_v love_v any_o human_a creature_n it_o be_v always_o painful_a for_o i_o to_o satisfy_v and_o please_v they_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o offend_v or_o lose_v they_o be_v unto_o i_o a_o continual_a anxiety_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o god_n alone_o who_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o sweet_a to_o love_v nothing_o be_v more_o pleasant_a for_o all_o other_o love_n have_v grief_n mix_v with_o their_o great_a pleasure_n we_o see_v young_a people_n marry_v with_o joy_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o mirth_n play_n and_o dance_n but_o the_o wedding_n be_v scarce_o over_o and_o sometime_o soon_o when_o we_o see_v they_o sad_a and_o afflict_a pensive_a and_o melancholy_a disease_n attack_v they_o the_o care_n of_o
will_v not_o promise_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v in_o his_o service_n sensual_a pleasure_n or_o worldly_a riches_n and_o vain_a contentment_n but_o i_o promise_v you_o assure_o quiet_v of_o conscience_n tranquillity_n of_o spirit_n a_o inward_a peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o your_o soul_n which_o be_v thing_n far_o more_o estimable_a than_o the_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o impure_a contentment_n and_o abundance_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n which_o can_v never_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n be_v they_o be_v spiritual_a and_o can_v consequent_o be_v satisfy_v with_o material_a thing_n therefore_o be_v it_o that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o man_n perfect_o content_a and_o satisfy_v in_o this_o world_n unless_o he_o love_v god_n with_o his_o whole_a heart_n there_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o a_o one_o who_o can_v be_v entire_o content_a for_o only_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a full_o to_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n for_o they_o be_v little_a divinity_n which_o can_v be_v full_o content_v out_o of_o god_n from_o who_o they_o proceed_v therefore_o must_v you_o my_o child_n labour_v to_o attain_v to_o that_o love_n for_o when_o you_o have_v true_o find_v it_o you_o shall_v have_v all_o thing_n and_o you_o shall_v reign_v over_o all_o the_o world_n have_v in_o contempt_n all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n and_o you_o have_v no_o violence_n to_o use_v with_o god_n to_o obtain_v his_o love_n see_v he_o give_v it_o liberal_o and_o free_o to_o all_o that_o desire_n and_o ask_v it_o and_o even_o compel_v man_n by_o a_o express_a command_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o but_o you_o must_v do_v a_o little_a violence_n to_o yourself_o to_o obtain_v that_o love_n because_o your_o affection_n be_v carry_v to_o other_o thing_n than_o he_o so_o you_o must_v reclaim_v they_o and_o constrain_v they_o to_o return_v to_o their_o god_n and_o in_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o combat_n as_o you_o have_v habitude_n to_o love_v other_o thing_n then_o god_n if_o you_o be_v then_o strong_o addict_v to_o self-love_n or_o love_n of_o other_o creature_n your_o combat_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a but_o the_o business_n deserve_v suffer_v well_o see_v after_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v so_o great_a good_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a we_o shall_v spare_v nothing_o to_o gain_v such_o a_o treasure_n the_o pain_n shall_v pass_v swift_o and_o the_o joy_n endure_v eternal_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v suffer_v willing_o to_o retire_v your_o affection_n from_o earthly_a thing_n and_o place_v they_o in_o god_n alone_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v you_o in_o my_o last_o that_o that_o be_v good_a pleasant_a honourable_a and_o profitable_a it_o remain_v for_o you_o now_o to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n examine_v once_o what_o it_o be_v that_o you_o love_v beside_o god_n and_o then_o detest_v that_o love_n and_o withdraw_v from_o it_o your_o heart_n if_o you_o love_v object_n without_o yourself_o flee_v from_o they_o as_o the_o enemy_n of_o your_o good_a lose_v from_o they_o your_o heart_n and_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o see_v they_o and_o if_o your_o affection_n be_v occupy_v in_o self-love_n remove_v they_o from_o a_o object_n so_o little_a lovely_a to_o place_v they_o in_o god_n who_o only_o merit_v your_o affection_n and_o nothing_o else_o protest_v then_o against_o that_o natural_a inclination_n of_o self-love_n and_o yield_v no_o more_o any_o thing_n to_o that_o nature_n but_o thing_n pure_o necessary_a for_o it_o be_v your_o great_a enemy_n to_o which_o you_o must_v not_o furnish_v arm_n to_o fight_v against_o you_o the_o better_a you_o must_v know_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n war_n against_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o you_o yield_v to_o it_o so_o give_v it_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n you_o can_v even_o till_o you_o have_v overcome_v it_o withdraw_v then_o from_o it_o your_o affection_n you_o must_v restrain_v it_o as_o a_o horse_n with_o bridle_n that_o it_o kick_v not_o nor_o attempt_n but_o to_o serve_v the_o master_n you_o love_n behold_v the_o mean_n to_o render_v you_o free_a to_o love_n god_n with_o your_o whole_a heart_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o your_o affection_n be_v retire_v from_o all_o creature_n they_o will_v be_v assure_o carry_v to_o love_n god_n their_o creator_n because_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o element_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o which_o only_o it_o can_v live_v recreate_v and_o repose_v itself_o that_o love_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a centre_n of_o our_o soul_n whither_o they_o fall_v of_o themselves_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v disengage_v of_o other_o affection_n which_o be_v all_o vain_a it_o be_v as_o with_o a_o stone_n throw_v into_o the_o air_n which_o will_v not_o rest_v till_o it_o fall_v on_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v its_o centre_n unless_o it_o be_v retain_v with_o bond_n or_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o man_n soul_n which_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o air_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n it_o can_v find_v rest_n there_o if_o we_o do_v not_o retain_v it_o by_o force_n by_o bait_n and_o allurement_n of_o affection_n for_o earthly_a thing_n doubtless_o it_o will_v present_o fall_v into_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v its_o centre_n and_o element_n where_o it_o can_v rest_v and_o recreate_v itself_o to_o satisfaction_n because_o the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n than_o god_n from_o who_o it_o proceed_v and_o it_o can_v never_o repose_v till_o it_o be_v return_v to_o he_o and_o when_o it_o be_v compel_v to_o remain_v out_o of_o its_o element_n it_o be_v as_o a_o fish_n which_o by_o net_n and_o line_n be_v force_v out_o of_o the_o water_n which_o be_v to_o it_o very_o disagreeable_a and_o cause_n to_o it_o death_n if_o it_o be_v not_o quick_o return_v into_o the_o water_n the_o same_o happen_v to_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o net_n of_o earthly_a affection_n it_o must_v quick_o die_v because_o it_o can_v find_v there_o a_o element_n suitable_a to_o its_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o it_o languish_v withers_o and_o die_v a_o eternal_a death_n unless_o it_o break_v the_o net_n of_o earthly_a affection_n to_o return_v to_o its_o element_n which_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n you_o must_v my_o son_n labour_n that_o you_o may_v break_v all_o the_o bond_n of_o earthly_a affection_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o feel_v affection_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n rescind_v it_o quick_o for_o it_o be_v a_o chain_n which_o retain_v you_o out_o of_o your_o element_n and_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v painful_a for_o you_o to_o loose_v your_o heart_n from_o any_o thing_n to_o which_o it_o incline_v these_o pain_n shall_v quick_o change_v into_o consolation_n for_o you_o shall_v no_o soon_o be_v return_v into_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o you_o shall_v bathe_v in_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n as_o fish_v new_o return_v to_o the_o water_n which_o be_v its_o element_n it_o be_v for_o that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o his_o yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n he_o call_v a_o yoke_n our_o natural_a inclination_n because_o we_o must_v constrain_v and_o retain_v they_o and_o they_o be_v troublesome_a and_o grievous_a to_o bear_v for_o if_o we_o follow_v they_o we_o precipitate_v ourselves_o into_o a_o thousand_o evil_n see_v nature_n be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n incline_v always_o to_o evil_a and_o these_o evil_n be_v often_o troublesome_a and_o weighty_a to_o bear_v i_o know_v well_o that_o to_o we_o it_o seem_v grievous_a that_o we_o may_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n follow_v our_o natural_a inclination_n but_o if_o we_o take_v on_o that_o yoke_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o will_v become_v light_a and_o easy_a to_o we_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v teach_v no_o person_n can_v dispense_v or_o excuse_v himself_o from_o bear_v it_o since_o our_o first_o father_n adam_n lay_v it_o on_o the_o shoulder_n of_o all_o his_o posterity_n all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a be_v charge_v with_o the_o misery_n which_o sin_n bring_v upon_o human_a nature_n they_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o heat_n cold_a intemperance_n of_o the_o air_n hunger_n thirst_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n to_o ignorance_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o disorderly_a motion_n of_o passion_n for_o sin_n have_v bring_v all_o these_o thing_n upon_o man_n nature_n which_o god_n create_v altogether_o perfect_a but_o since_o all_o man_n have_v partake_v of_o adam_n sin_n they_o be_v also_o subject_a to_o his_o penitence_n that_o be_v the_o yoke_n which_o god_n have_v give_v man_n to_o satisfy_v his_o divine_a justice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n must_v bear_v that_o yoke_n will_v they_o or_o not_o
but_o it_o will_v soon_o revive_v if_o they_o grant_v to_o their_o nature_n ease_v and_o pleasure_n but_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v regenerate_v in_o jesus_n christ_n know_v well_o that_o nature_n must_v be_v keep_v under_o subjection_n and_o restraint_n during_o this_o short_a life_n which_o be_v a_o time_n of_o penitence_n where_o we_o must_v suffer_v if_o we_o will_v enjoy_v after_o which_o show_v that_o those_o who_o say_v they_o may_v enjoy_v all_o beautiful_a and_o good_a thing_n here_o praise_v god_n be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o deceive_v by_o the_o devil_n for_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v regenerate_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v false_a see_v his_o spirit_n do_v not_o teach_v that_o we_o shall_v taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o use_v all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a but_o he_o teach_v penitence_n and_o renounce_v ourselves_o to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n to_o forsake_v all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o watch_v and_o be_v sober_a all_o that_o be_v not_o to_o enjoy_v whatever_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a for_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v to_o take_v the_o least_o and_o to_o choose_v the_o low_a place_n if_o then_o these_o person_n have_v but_o attain_v however_o little_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v be_v far_o from_o say_v that_o they_o have_v overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n while_o they_o do_v thing_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o do_v and_o teach_v for_o if_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o regenerate_v to_o take_v their_o pleasure_n and_o to_o enjoy_v whatever_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a in_o nature_n doubtless_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v do_v so_o see_v there_o be_v never_o any_o person_n regenerate_v and_o have_v overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n so_o perfect_o as_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o suffering_n become_v poor_a bear_v the_o cross_n and_o deny_v ourselves_o these_o imprudents_n must_n think_v themselves_o more_o perfect_a than_o he_o see_v they_o say_v they_o may_v well_o taste_v all_o what_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a in_o nature_n provide_v they_o thank_v god_n notwithstanding_o our_o lord_n deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o give_v we_o example_n do_v you_o not_o see_v my_o son_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cunning_a device_n of_o satan_n to_o deceive_v they_o that_o aspire_v unto_o virtue_n for_o he_o fill_v their_o spirit_n with_o presumption_n assoon_o as_o he_o have_v get_v they_o to_o digest_v some_o curious_a speculation_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n they_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v already_o regenerate_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n although_o they_o live_v altogether_o according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o the_o old_a adam_n such_o person_n be_v very_o far_o from_o true_a virtue_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o shall_v never_o arrive_v at_o it_o see_v they_o think_v themselves_o in_o it_o already_o but_o they_o be_v far_o from_o it_o and_o they_o have_v better_o never_o have_v begin_v to_o be_v virtuous_a than_o to_o take_v up_o false_a virtue_n these_o sin_n be_v worse_o than_o other_o because_o of_o their_o hypocrisy_n they_o think_v themselves_o virtuous_a and_o they_o be_v yet_o full_a of_o vice_n and_o sin_n i_o despair_v more_o of_o these_o apparent_a devout_a person_n than_o of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v any_o fear_n of_o god_n for_o they_o have_v the_o beginning_n of_o virtue_n which_o other_o have_v not_o who_o can_v fear_v god_n believe_v themselves_o regenerate_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o assurance_n and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o peril_n and_o danger_n of_o lose_v their_o soul_n by_o presumption_n and_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o attempt_v always_o to_o turn_v aside_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o follow_v true_a virtue_n he_o first_o by_o some_o inward_a consolation_n and_o sweetness_n endeavour_v to_o fix_v they_o on_o it_o by_o self-love_n for_o corrupt_a nature_n love_v to_o be_v comfort_v but_o the_o new_a beginner_n no_o soon_o take_v his_o pleasure_n in_o these_o sensible_a sweetness_n and_o consolation_n but_o he_o fall_v the_o reason_n be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o mind_v his_o duty_n in_o resist_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n when_o he_o be_v fasten_v to_o these_o sensibility_n but_o will_v think_v he_o have_v already_o overcome_v it_o when_o he_o feel_v delight_n and_o consolation_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n whereas_o before_o he_o feel_v none_o but_o in_o natural_a thing_n and_o that_o make_v he_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v already_o at_o the_o height_n of_o perfection_n though_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o at_o the_o first_o degree_n which_o be_v the_o tear_n of_o penitence_n and_o regret_n for_o offend_a god_n and_o the_o desire_n to_o walk_v henceforth_o in_o his_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o virtue_n but_o the_o devil_n divert_v that_o fear_n and_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v already_o virtuous_a because_o they_o desire_v to_o become_v so_o and_o so_o do_v the_o devil_n amuse_v those_o that_o begin_v and_o he_o will_v willing_o keep_v they_o all_o their_o life_n with_o sweetness_n &_o inward_a consolation_n which_o the_o devil_n can_v give_v and_o also_o man_n be_v own_o nature_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o withdraw_v from_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n they_o find_v great_a quiet_a since_o it_o be_v a_o slavery_n to_o serve_v the_o world_n there_o they_o torture_v and_o rack_v their_o understanding_n by_o care_n to_o maintain_v themselves_o well_o in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o be_v well_o clothe_v and_o adorn_v and_o to_o be_v follow_v and_o esteem_v what_o diligence_n must_v not_o a_o worldly_a person_n use_v to_o please_v man_n what_o fear_v of_o incur_v disgrace_n how_o must_v he_o dissemble_v and_o suffer_v to_o have_v man_n favour_n and_o keep_v it_o how_o much_o toil_n to_o gain_v sufficient_o to_o maintain_v he_o honourable_o what_o device_n and_o cunning_a must_v he_o use_v to_o get_v esteem_n and_o to_o avoid_v contempt_n in_o fine_a he_o that_o serve_v the_o world_n have_v nothing_o but_o toil_n and_o disquiet_v but_o he_o that_o have_v resolve_v to_o quit_v it_o to_o serve_v god_n begin_v to_o be_v loose_v from_o the_o weighty_a yoke_n of_o please_v the_o world_n and_o to_o find_v himself_o in_o much_o more_o quiet_a and_o contentment_n which_o be_v pleasant_a to_o nature_n but_o if_o it_o please_v and_o fix_v itself_o upon_o these_o pleasure_n it_o will_v not_o advance_v in_o virtue_n but_o live_v in_o self-love_n instead_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o that_o the_o devil_n forward_o nature_n mighty_o in_o augment_v these_o sweetness_n and_o inward_a consolation_n to_o fix_v the_o person_n the_o more_o to_o they_o god_n bestow_v also_o sweetness_n and_o consolation_n upon_o they_o that_o begin_v to_o draw_v they_o the_o more_o easy_o from_o earthly_a affection_n to_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o by_o sensible_a consolation_n which_o the_o soul_n find_v in_o his_o service_n but_o whencesoever_o they_o come_v we_o must_v never_o rest_v thereon_o nor_o take_v pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n for_o all_o sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o man_n love_v the_o creature_n and_o take_v his_o pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o when_o we_o take_v pleasure_n in_o inward_a consolation_n we_o turn_v from_o god_n in_o love_v that_o sensibility_n it_o be_v permit_v to_o feel_v and_o perceive_v they_o since_o god_n give_v they_o sometime_o but_o we_o can_v addict_v ourselves_o to_o they_o without_o sin_v no_o more_o than_o to_o other_o thing_n beside_o god_n for_o our_o whole_a heart_n ought_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n only_o i_o know_v well_o the_o devil_n attempt_v to_o turn_v we_o from_o that_o love_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o occasion_n and_o he_o no_o soon_o see_v one_o retire_v from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n but_o he_o attacque_n they_o by_o the_o affection_n of_o virtue_n and_o inward_a consolation_n to_o withdraw_v their_o heart_n thereby_o from_o that_o pure_a love_n of_o god_n be_v then_o upon_o your_o guard_n my_o son_n lest_o the_o devil_n ensnare_v you_o under_o pretext_n of_o virtue_n which_o care_n she_o wish_v you_o who_o remain_v your_o well-affected_n in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n may_v 3._o 1672._o sy_n vet_n the_o fourteen_o letter_n the_o devil_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n to_o the_o same_o to_o who_o be_v discover_v a_o five_o and_o six_o artifice_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o he_o cause_v man_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o
of_o god_n until_o god_n appoint_v she_o to_o return_v to_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o live_v while_o god_n extraordinary_a divine_a communication_n to_o she_o flow_v more_o and_o more_o during_o all_o her_o life_n like_o a_o stream_n still_o increase_v until_o its_o end_v a_o mighty_a river_n into_o the_o vast_a ocean_n which_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n increase_v in_o her_o soul_n that_o constancy_n divine_a love_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n as_o not_o move_v be_v more_o establish_v by_o all_o the_o assault_n which_o the_o craft_n and_o malice_n of_o hell_n do_v eager_o spew_v out_o all_o her_o life_n while_o she_o pursue_v she_o first_o search_n of_o true_a christian_n which_o when_o she_o can_v not_o find_v any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o self-seeking_a among_o all_o the_o devout_a and_o religious_a person_n who_o earthly-mindedness_a she_o easy_o discover_v through_o all_o their_o fair_a pretext_n she_o turn_v the_o more_o in_o to_o god_n in_o her_o heart_n where_o he_o train_v she_o in_o the_o true_a christianity_n and_o tell_v she_o she_o must_v not_o seek_v it_o in_o the_o world_n but_o in_o her_o own_o heart_n with_o god_n and_o in_o solitude_n whereupon_o she_o do_v over_o the_o belly_n of_o all_o opposition_n tentation_n allurement_n of_o friend_n riches_n and_o all_o worldly_a advantage_n most_o generous_o and_o constant_o forsake_v all_o seek_v that_o belove_a solitude_n where_o she_o may_v enjoy_v god_n without_o disturbance_n god_n give_v she_o a_o spiritual_a solitude_n retire_v her_o heart_n and_o soul_n from_o all_o that_o be_v not_o himself_o yet_o retain_v she_o from_o other_o to_o make_v she_o a_o light_n to_o lead_v other_o good_a soul_n out_o of_o the_o egypt_n of_o this_o world_n into_o the_o same_o wilderness_n of_o heavenly-mindedness_a the_o traverse_n she_o meet_v with_o her_o constant_a advance_n and_o all_o the_o step_n of_o her_o conduct_n so_o signal_o dispose_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n and_o council_n of_o god_n as_o its_o unaccountable_a and_o vast_a so_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o bound_n and_o design_n of_o this_o short_a preliminary_n to_o insist_v on_o who_o desire_v a_o more_o satisfy_a account_n may_v be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o history_n of_o her_o life_n write_v partly_o by_o herself_o partly_o by_o a_o faithful_a and_o judicious_a eye_n and_o ear_n witness_v her_o desire_n be_v to_o be_v unknown_a and_o unnoticed_z yet_o many_o person_n of_o goodwill_n of_o several_a sort_n come_v to_o her_o acquaintance_n who_o owe_v and_o own_v unto_o she_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o god_n spirit_n their_o conversion_n their_o enlighten_v their_o inflame_a in_o divine_a love_n their_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v and_o their_o eternal_a life_n testify_v as_o they_o be_v live_v and_o stand_v testimony_n that_o her_o word_n her_o write_n her_o work_n and_o all_o her_o life_n have_v a_o unutterable_a divine_a efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o convert_v and_o save_v soul_n that_o be_v well_o dispose_v infinite_o beyond_o all_o the_o enervate_a and_o lifeless_a mean_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o most_o elaborate_a and_o erudite_fw-la head_n exercise_v that_o trade_n for_o their_o daily_a bread_n without_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o under_o which_o alas_o its_o too_o visible_a and_o by_o all_o that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o ingenuity_n confess_v and_o of_o sincerity_n regrete_v that_o we_o live_v most_o part_v so_o little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o move_v from_o our_o earthly_a bias_n of_o self_n which_o decline_v we_o so_o much_o to_o hell_n that_o if_o we_o get_v but_o a_o little_a survey_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o never_o attain_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v seek_v any_o true_a glimpse_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o give_v we_o to_o notice_n the_o same_o proportion_n of_o illuminate_v enliven_a and_o invigorate_n force_n of_o paint_a preach_n to_o real_a one_o as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o sun_n paint_v on_o a_o board_n to_o that_o in_o the_o firmament_n several_n who_o with_o good_a applause_n have_v long_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o conduct_v and_o direct_v soul_n as_o minister_n and_o father_n in_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o least_o erudition_n but_o of_o the_o most_o uprightness_n make_v it_o their_o happiness_n to_o learn_v at_o this_o illiterate_a maid_n the_o empty_a vanity_n of_o their_o former_a fruitless_a labour_n and_o to_o begin_v again_o from_o the_o a_o b_o c_o of_o solid_a virtue_n under_o her_o direction_n own_v more_o solid_a light_n and_o divine_a life_n from_o some_o few_o ray_n of_o her_o spirit_n than_o from_o all_o their_o school_n and_o book_n study_n and_o preach_n notice_n only_a one_o notable_a matter_n in_o the_o way_n in_o a_o hospital_n of_o poor_a girl_n she_o charitable_o govern_v she_o discover_v they_o all_o to_o be_v witch_n in_o express_a compact_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o a_o vast_o surprise_v great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o be_v usual_o by_o the_o innocent_a thought_n be_v such_o by_o evidence_n satisfy_v and_o convictive_a to_o the_o most_o doubt_v that_o will_v not_o be_v obstinate_a pass_v from_o her_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o her_o first_o public_a appearance_n to_o the_o world_n on_o the_o second_o of_o december_n 1667._o she_o depart_v from_o mechline_n in_o flanders_n and_o come_v to_o amsterdam_n with_o design_n to_o satisfy_v the_o solicitation_n of_o her_o friend_n and_o god_n will_n of_o have_v the_o truth_n promulgate_v and_o know_v by_o the_o print_n her_o write_n entitle_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o convenient_a season_n of_o sail_v to_o go_v for_o holstein_n where_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o nordstrand_n she_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n from_o mr._n de_fw-fr cort_n the_o director_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o proprietor_n of_o most_o of_o it_o who_o be_v go_v with_o she_o in_o honour_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o obscure_a mean_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o she_o may_v be_v unknown_a she_o hire_v a_o little_a house_n by_o the_o shore_n in_o a_o very_a retire_a place_n but_o fall_v soon_o into_o a_o sore_a and_o dangerous_a sickness_n she_o be_v oblige_v to_o yield_v to_o mr._n de_fw-fr corts_fw-fr bring_v a_o physician_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n who_o with_o another_o he_o have_v tell_v of_o she_o come_v to_o know_v she_o can_v not_o abstain_v from_o tell_v other_o that_o quick_o her_o fame_n be_v through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o one_o of_o her_o letter_n to_o the_o dean_n of_o lille_n which_o be_v the_o 5_o the_o letter_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o light_n arisen_a in_o darkness_n and_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o her_o work_n that_o be_v print_v come_v out_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1668._o make_v she_o so_o famous_a that_o every_o one_o be_v earnest_a to_o see_v she_o and_o converse_v with_o she_o she_o see_v it_o god_n will_n to_o manifest_v she_o resolve_v to_o give_v free_a entry_n and_o audience_n to_o all_o that_o please_v she_o be_v then_o visit_v for_o about_o a_o year_n and_o a_o half_a from_o all_o place_n by_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o profession_n religion_n and_o opinion_n by_o theologue_n phylosophe_n rabbin_n imaginary_a prophet_n and_o all_o the_o most_o curious_a and_o expert_a in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n almost_o all_o do_v easy_o discover_v in_o she_o the_o divine_a light_n whereby_o god_n will_v revive_v his_o love_n in_o their_o soul_n with_o most_o sensible_a and_o convince_a touch_v and_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o they_o can_v not_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o their_o farm_n their_o merchandise_n their_o office_n and_o calling_n their_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o they_o and_o stifle_v the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n and_o all_o the_o protestation_n they_o have_v make_v to_o follow_v christ_n forsake_v all_o for_o he_o except_v two_o or_o three_o who_o forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o she_o to_o death_n of_o the_o many_o memorable_a thing_n pass_v in_o these_o visit_n you_o shall_v be_v divert_v but_o with_o two_o or_o three_o before_o she_o have_v any_o acquaintance_n or_o visit_n there_o mr._n de_fw-fr cort_n tell_v she_o that_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v good_a and_o pious_a man_n have_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n bestow_v on_o she_o and_o that_o they_o protest_v if_o they_o may_v come_v to_o she_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o humility_n as_o little_a child_n submit_v to_o the_o light_n of_o god_n she_o answer_v prompt_o that_o be_v not_o true_a these_o be_v great_a man_n who_o will_v hardly_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o become_v little_a child_n god_n reveal_v their_o disposition_n to_o her_o better_a than_o themselves_o
life_n be_v with_o incomparable_a purity_n evidence_n clearness_n and_o solidity_n in_o that_o soul_n which_o thou_o do_v sanctify_v and_o be_v yet_o in_o her_o holy_a write_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n that_o be_v there_o recommend_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v the_o only_a and_o the_o true_a way_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o abandon_v ourselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o pure_a truth_n there_o be_v none_o lord_n there_o can_v be_v none_o other_o in_o heaven_n nor_o in_o earth_n there_o be_v none_o other_o way_n unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v put_v into_o the_o mouth_n in_o the_o write_n and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o most_o holy_a handmaid_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr i_o praise_v and_o bless_v and_o thank_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n that_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o know_v the_o same_o and_o have_v open_v and_o incline_v the_o ear_n of_o my_o heart_n thereto_o give_v i_o grace_n to_o love_v to_o observe_v and_o to_o maintain_v that_o heavenly_a truth_n unto_o death_n happy_a he_o that_o shall_v lose_v a_o thousand_o life_n for_o so_o worthy_a a_o subject_n happy_a he_o who_o shall_v never_o for_o any_o consideration_n leave_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o let_v i_o by_o thy_o divine_a grace_n be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o after_o this_o short_a life_n of_o trial_n that_o most_o certain_a and_o most_o infallible_a mean_v make_v i_o enjoy_v my_o sovereign_a end_n which_o be_v to_o have_v the_o happiness_n ever_o to_o adore_v and_o praise_v thy_o great_a majesty_n o_o jesus_n eternal_a god_n creator_n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n while_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n thou_o shall_v reign_v glorious_o in_o all_o eternity_n amen_n revelation_n ch._n 3._o he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o publisher_n this_o treatise_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n whereof_o the_o one_o may_v be_v call_v extructive_a which_o build_v or_o establish_v and_o the_o other_o destructive_a which_o destroy_v or_o evert_v for_o the_o first_o ten_o letter_n be_v adapt_v to_o the_o plant_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o evert_v and_o root_v out_o what_o may_v hinder_v its_o increase_n to_o recommend_v virtue_n be_v take_v the_o precept_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n and_o example_n of_o it_o by_o which_o be_v make_v a_o introduction_n show_v what_o virtue_n we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n embrace_v and_o by_o what_o meanstend_v to_o they_o which_o be_v by_o obedience_n and_o renounce_v our_o own_o will_n unto_o the_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v let._n 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o nature_n of_o which_o humility_n be_v explain_v and_o the_o mean_n conduce_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o viz_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o misery_n which_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n lie_n under_o let._n 4_o 5_o 6._o which_o ought_v to_o produce_v in_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o renounce_v our_o natural_a sense_n and_o be_v content_a with_o what_o be_v of_o mere_a necessity_n we_o shall_v flee_v all_o pleasure_n and_o proper_a satisfaction_n let._n 7_o 8._o which_o empty_v of_o ourselves_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o incontinent_o possess_v the_o heart_n from_o which_o vicious_a affection_n be_v expel_v because_o of_o the_o near_a relation_n and_o sympathy_n between_o they_o as_o between_o the_o creature_n and_o its_o natural_a element_n in_o which_o love_n consist_v the_o essence_n and_o compliment_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o all_o good_a let._n 8_o 9_o 10._o concern_v the_o overturning_a and_o resist_a the_o impediment_n and_o tentation_n of_o satan_n be_v treat_v let._n 11._o whether_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o imagination_n or_o sensibility_n even_o spiritual_a let._n 12_o 13._o or_o to_o the_o understanding_n make_v we_o rest_n in_o the_o naked_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n let._n 14._o or_o exciting_a we_o to_o external_a act_n or_o internal_a with_o vain_a glory_n or_o by_o deject_v we_o through_o immoderate_a mortification_n or_o in_o unseasonable_a good_a work_n spiritual_a or_o corporal_a towards_o our_o neighbour_n let._n 15_o 16._o or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o devil_n accuse_v he_o too_o much_o or_o too_o little_a of_o our_o sin_n let._n 17_o 18._o whether_o these_o tentation_n affect_v the_o will_n who_o godly_a fervour_n satan_n will_v extinguish_v by_o grief_n spiritual_a negligence_n and_o self-love_n as_o show_v let._n 19_o 20_o and_o to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v brief_o represente_v the_o whole_a subject_n handle_v in_o this_o divine_a treatise_n which_o be_v more_o special_o note_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o each_o letter_n that_o you_o may_v kind_a reader_n view_v as_o in_o a_o table_n and_o better_o retain_v in_o your_o memory_n the_o divine_a instruction_n therein_o deliver_v moreover_o you_o may_v with_o we_o well_o admire_v the_o infamous_a audacity_n of_o some_o as_o the_o churchman_n in_o holsatia_n whereby_o some_o year_n ago_o they_o cause_v that_o these_o so_o wholesome_a instruction_n while_o under_o the_o press_n in_o the_o german_a and_o low_a dutch_a tongue_n be_v take_v away_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o rent_n while_o i_o consider_v these_o obscure_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o scripture_n offer_v itself_o to_o i_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v and_o will_v do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n and_o come_v not_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n be_v reprove_v and_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o he_o who_o do_v and_o will_v do_v the_o truth_n for_o he_o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a because_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n joh._n ch._n 3._o i_o pray_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n that_o he_o gracious_o please_v to_o instruct_v and_o lead_v you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n that_o you_o never_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n farewell_o to_o the_o reader_n friendly_a reader_n i_o can_v abstain_v from_o impart_v unto_o you_o these_o twenty_o four_o letter_n which_o i_o have_v write_v to_o one_o of_o my_o particular_a friend_n where_o i_o show_v he_o what_o solid_a virtue_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n so_o necessary_a for_o the_o present_a time_n when_o we_o see_v false_a virtue_n reign_n or_o such_o as_o be_v only_o apparent_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o while_o so_o many_o person_n deceive_v themselves_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v true_a virtue_n whereas_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o fine_a speculation_n they_o think_v themselves_o humble_a when_o they_o can_v talk_v well_o of_o humility_n and_o think_v they_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o they_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v in_o effect_n only_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n when_o they_o say_v they_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n see_v they_o think_v they_o may_v follow_v that_o corruption_n without_o sin_v provide_v they_o do_v no_o evil_a reprovable_a before_o man_n and_o have_v a_o will_v to_o do_v well_o and_o love_n god_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o be_v save_v for_o good_a desire_n without_o effect_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n they_o be_v indeed_o foundation_n stone_n serve_v to_o the_o build_n of_o true_a virtue_n for_o without_o good_a desire_n we_o can_v do_v good_a work_n we_o must_v first_o have_v the_o desire_n and_o after_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n which_o be_v want_v to_o many_o person_n of_o a_o good_a will_n who_o content_n themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a will_n and_o hope_v with_o that_o all_o shall_v go_v well_o without_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v to_o all_o in_o general_n depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_n now_o the_o evil_n be_v in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o ignore_v yet_o few_o depart_n from_o that_o corruption_n and_o most_o love_n and_o follow_v it_o think_v they_o do_v well_o which_o be_v a_o great_a abuse_n and_o presumption_n of_o spirit_n for_o we_o can_v do_v good_a except_o we_o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o resist_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o renounce_v it_o can_v acquire_v true_a virtue_n which_o few_o person_n comprehend_v and_o thence_o be_v it_o that_o they_o have_v only_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o no_o real_a one_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o cause_n print_v these_o twenty_o four_o
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 he_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n neeful_a for_o the_o sustenance_n of_o his_o be_v but_o also_o delectable_a thing_n to_o procure_v he_o pleasure_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sight_n hear_v and_o smell_v and_o man_n can_v well_o have_v subsist_v without_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o but_o god_n will_v oblige_v he_o to_o love_v he_o by_o excess_n of_o benefit_n and_o so_o create_v so_o many_o good_a and_o beautiful_a creature_n only_o for_o pleasure_n to_o man_n have_v create_v all_o sort_n of_o delicious_a fruit_n for_o his_o nourishment_n and_o so_o many_o other_o creature_n to_o satisfy_v his_o feel_n that_o he_o may_v lack_v nothing_o for_o sustenance_n and_o pleasure_n which_o he_o can_v use_v at_o pleasure_n provide_v he_o bless_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v make_v they_o for_o he_o but_o ingrate_a man_n fall_v from_o that_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o god_n and_o take_v all_o his_o gift_n for_o his_o proper_a satisfaction_n and_o so_o he_o leave_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o have_v turn_v to_o love_v himself_o which_o have_v necessary_o render_v he_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n for_o such_o ingratitude_n be_v insupportable_a though_o it_o be_v but_o commit_v by_o one_o man_n to_o another_o for_o what_o man_n will_v be_v satisfy_v to_o have_v desire_v the_o friendship_n and_o fidelity_n of_o another_o have_v with_o that_o aim_n bestow_v his_o good_n on_o he_o in_o abandance_n and_o procure_v he_o all_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n and_o recreation_n that_o he_o may_v faithful_o keep_v friendship_n if_o that_o ingrate_a wretch_n forsake_v his_o benefactor_n to_o take_v his_o pleasure_n in_o these_o same_o good_n which_o he_o have_v so_o free_o receive_v how_o much_o more_o than_o shall_v god_n resent_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o man_n while_o he_o place_v his_o love_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v so_o liberal_o bestow_v on_o he_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o love_v he_o and_o yet_o man_n have_v forsake_v he_o and_o please_v himself_o only_o in_o 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 flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n to_o satisfy_v their_o sense_n and_o more_o say_v they_o god_n have_v give_v all_o these_o to_o man_n and_o we_o can_v be_v without_o see_v hear_v smell_a feel_v and_o taste_v that_o be_v all_o true_a but_o they_o have_v not_o light_a enough_o to_o discern_v the_o miserable_a state_n into_o which_o man_n be_v fall_v by_o sin_n from_o that_o happy_a one_o into_o which_o god_n have_v create_v he_o for_o then_o in_o that_o state_n man_n can_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o five_o sense_n provide_v he_o love_v and_o bless_a god_n but_o since_o he_o have_v fall_v into_o sin_n he_o can_v no_o more_o enjoy_v they_o without_o offend_a god_n because_o all_o the_o pleasure_n he_o now_o take_v in_o his_o five_o sense_n be_v only_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o advantage_n but_o before_o sin_n be_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o sense_n serve_v only_o to_o bless_v praise_n and_o glorify_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o mercy_n he_o receive_v of_o he_o so_o that_o he_o no_o soon_o see_v these_o beautiful_a thing_n but_o his_o heart_n be_v elevate_v to_o praise_n god_n who_o have_v give_v he_o these_o beautiful_a object_n these_o melody_n fragrant_a odour_n delicious_a taste_n and_o feeling_n so_o that_o whatever_o he_o see_v or_o perceive_v good_a or_o pleasant_a be_v to_o he_o matter_n of_o blessing_n god_n and_o magnify_v he_o for_o his_o benefit_n but_o since_o man_n be_v fall_v into_o sin_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v to_o he_o matter_n of_o offend_a god_n for_o if_o he_o see_v any_o beautiful_a thing_n he_o covet_v it_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o and_o that_o self-love_n retire_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v it_o which_o make_v sin_n see_v he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o can_v love_v these_o beautiful_a thing_n without_o infringe_v that_o command_n see_v all_o our_o heart_n can_v be_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o a_o part_n of_o it_o be_v upon_o beautiful_a thing_n fine_a odour_n melody_n delight_n of_o the_o taste_n and_o feeling_n for_o that_o be_v a_o heart_n divide_v into_o as_o many_o part_n as_o there_o be_v different_a thing_n it_o love_v and_o consequent_o far_o from_o be_v entire_a in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v command_v we_o but_o man_n be_v so_o blind_a and_o do_v so_o blind_a one_o another_o that_o every_o one_o persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o love_v god_n while_o he_o love_v only_o himself_o it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o think_v to_o please_v god_n with_o word_n in_o say_v with_o their_o mouth_n that_o they_o love_v he_o but_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v satisfy_v their_o five_o natural_a sense_n they_o will_v not_o love_v god_n see_v these_o be_v corrupt_a will_v engender_v all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o consequent_o the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n notwithstanding_o no_o man_n value_v these_o evil_n and_o they_o think_v it_o be_v allowable_a to_o satisfy_v their_o sense_n and_o so_o follow_v they_o often_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v without_o believe_v they_o do_v evil_a and_o not_o apprehend_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o deceitful_a than_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o often_o flatter_v itself_o to_o its_o own_o destruction_n but_o you_o my_o child_n be_v more_o wise_a learn_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n without_o yield_v yourself_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o false_a appearance_n never_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v allowable_a to_o take_v any_o pleasure_n out_o of_o god_n and_o far_o less_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o follow_v your_o five_o natural_a sense_n since_o that_o can_v be_v without_o sin_n for_o though_o we_o give_v our_o affection_n but_o for_o a_o
hour_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n we_o be_v for_o that_o hour_n turn_v from_o god_n to_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v sin_n since_o we_o do_v in_o that_o what_o god_n have_v forbid_v viz._n we_o cease_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n for_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o always_o without_o interruption_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o we_o must_v refrain_v our_o sense_n and_o give_v they_o law_n that_o they_o take_v no_o other_o liberty_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o may_v well_o use_v these_o five_o natural_a sense_n and_o employ_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n who_o give_v they_o for_o we_o can_v be_v without_o see_v hear_v smell_a feel_a and_o taste_v but_o we_o must_v not_o take_v pleasure_n in_o these_o for_o our_o proper_a satisfaction_n we_o must_v employ_v they_o only_o on_o thing_n necessary_a and_o those_o that_o may_v serve_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o example_n man_n be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n he_o have_v need_n to_o employ_v all_o his_o five_o natural_a sense_n for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_a he_o must_v see_v and_o behold_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v serve_v he_o for_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o hear_v touch_n taste_n and_o feel_v they_o love_v they_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o salvation_n he_o must_v also_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o need_v for_o entertain_v his_o body_n to_o which_o his_o natural_a sense_n can_v afford_v he_o much_o help_n for_o he_o must_v see_v thing_n necessary_a as_o a_o house_n to_o devil_n in_o clothes_n to_o cover_v he_o food_z to_o nourish_v he_o all_o that_o must_v be_v look_v on_o he_o must_v hear_v the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v they_o smell_v they_o that_o he_o take_v nothing_o hurtful_a in_o his_o aliment_n touch_n and_o taste_v they_o for_o that_o same_o end_n for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a be_v good_a and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v sin_n to_o use_v they_o for_o necessity_n but_o it_o be_v always_o evil_a to_o use_v they_o to_o satisfy_v our_o sensual_a pleasure_n or_o self-love_n because_o that_o be_v a_o affection_n we_o carry_v to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o affection_n and_o love_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o god_n alone_o not_o to_o thing_n so_o base_a and_o vile_a which_o we_o may_v well_o use_v but_o never_o love_n see_v god_n will_v have_v our_o heart_n entire_o which_o be_v figure_v by_o the_o earthly_a paradise_n where_o god_n place_v man_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n he_o give_v he_o a_o full_a liberty_n to_o eat_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o delicious_a fruit_n but_o reserve_v that_o of_o one_o only_a tree_n of_o which_o he_o forbid_v man_n to_o eat_v and_o that_o to_o let_v we_o understand_v that_o god_n do_v permit_v we_o to_o use_v all_o the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v create_v for_o we_o provide_v we_o keep_v our_o affection_n for_o himself_o only_o so_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o place_v it_o on_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o mark_n the_o first_o command_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v that_o our_o heart_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v divide_v and_o part_v to_o something_o else_o but_o be_v altogether_o to_o he_o but_o man_n do_v not_o penetrate_v that_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v allowable_a to_o love_v divers_a other_o thing_n with_o god_n in_o which_o they_o grievous_o deceive_v themselves_o while_o the_o command_n of_o god_n express_v punctual_o viz._n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n if_o then_o it_o have_v be_v permit_v to_o love_v other_o thing_n with_o god_n he_o have_v not_o add_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n we_o make_v question_n and_o dispute_n upon_o so_o many_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o so_o many_o degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o we_o leave_v behind_o the_o principal_a piece_n in_o which_o consist_v all_o faith_n and_o virtue_n for_o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n to_o have_v penetrate_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o even_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o deep_a and_o mysterious_a theology_n if_o with_o all_o that_o he_o fulfil_v not_o the_o command_n of_o loving_n god_n with_o his_o whole_a heart_n and_o have_v his_o heart_n divide_v into_o many_o divers_a affection_n all_o his_o knowledge_n will_v profit_v he_o nothing_o we_o must_v then_o fulful_a that_o first_o commandment_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n i_o know_v well_o there_o be_v several_a gloss_n to_o explain_v how_o we_o must_v love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n one_o say_v we_o must_v love_v he_o above_o other_o thing_n and_o where_o we_o have_v a_o ounce_n of_o love_n to_o our_o money_n honour_n pleasure_n parent_n or_o even_o ourselves_o we_o must_v have_v a_o pound_n for_o god_n and_o that_o so_o we_o fulfil_v that_o first_o command_n and_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n other_o say_v we_o must_v love_v he_o so_o that_o if_o the_o case_n be_v we_o must_v lose_v god_n or_o our_o good_n parent_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o we_o shall_v lose_v all_o rather_o than_o quit_v god_n other_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fulfil_v that_o command_n and_o so_o every_o one_o attempt_n to_o extinguish_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o love_a god_n with_o our_o whole_a heart_n which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v lament_v and_o afflict_v the_o heart_n see_v so_o many_o man_n prefer_v the_o gloss_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n to_o so_o express_a ordinance_n of_o god_n he_o have_v add_v in_o vain_a the_o word_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n if_o we_o may_v put_v a_o part_n of_o our_o affection_n or_o of_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o creature_n yet_o god_n never_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o vain_a if_o he_o have_v not_o intend_v to_o show_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o their_o affection_n indivisible_o he_o have_v not_o add_v with_o all_o your_o heart_n consider_v a_o little_a my_o son_n with_o yourself_o by_o his_o grace_n if_o god_n do_v not_o well_o deserve_v that_o we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n our_o be_v and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v from_o he_o that_o whole_a heart_n with_o which_o he_o will_v be_v love_v he_o give_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o that_o be_v great_a ingratitude_n to_o refuse_v he_o the_o heart_n he_o give_v we_o himself_o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v be_v for_o himself_o alone_o he_o give_v we_o to_o enjoy_v so_o many_o creature_n provide_v we_o keep_v our_o heart_n for_o he_o which_o be_v the_o only_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v not_o that_o the_o least_o god_n can_v demand_v of_o man_n in_o bestow_v so_o many_o benefit_n on_o he_o ought_v not_o man_n of_o himself_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n his_o heart_n with_o all_o other_o thing_n although_o he_o be_v not_o command_v whatever_o we_o have_v or_o can_v have_v come_v immediate_o from_o he_o and_o consequent_o all_o aught_o voluntary_o to_o be_v offer_v unto_o he_o without_o constraint_n moreover_o on_o who_o can_v we_o better_o bestow_v our_o heart_n than_o on_o god_n and_o who_o can_v render_v it_o more_o happy_a than_o he_o if_o we_o bestow_v it_o on_o our_o parent_n or_o friend_n they_o can_v render_v it_o happy_a and_o content_a even_o in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o place_v it_o in_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n all_o these_o can_v satiate_v it_o see_v they_o be_v like_o salt-water_n the_o more_o our_o heart_n drink_v the_o more_o it_o be_v parch_v and_o therefore_o man_n be_v very_o unprovident_a to_o place_v his_o affection_n in_o any_o other_o thing_n than_o in_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o he_o that_o can_v satisfy_v and_o render_v we_o happy_a and_o content_a see_v in_o god_n alone_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o good_a and_o out_o of_o he_o all_o sort_n of_o evil._n never_o rest_n then_o my_o son_n on_o man_n discourse_n for_o they_o be_v liar_n and_o deceiver_n and_o their_o gloss_n be_v invent_v only_o to_o flatter_v their_o looseness_n and_o that_o of_o other_o who_o have_v no_o internal_a light_n so_o they_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v that_o command_n of_o love_a god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o they_o say_v so_o because_o they_o have_v no_o will_n to_o do_v it_o but_o god_n can_v never_o command_v thing_n impossible_a beside_o man_n spirit_n can_v easy_o comprehend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a to_o man_n than_o love_n and_o there_o be_v no_o object_n more_o lovely_a than_o god_n all_o that_o we_o see_v and_o know_v in_o nature_n have_v some_o
you_o remain_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o after_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o through_o god_n you_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o shall_v say_v with_o david_n with_o my_o god_n i_o leap_v over_o wall_n for_o so_o great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o true_a virtue_n that_o it_o make_v appear_v light_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o grievous_a to_o nature_n that_o be_v it_o which_o jesus_n christ_n intend_v by_o the_o comparison_n if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v remove_v mountain_n it_o be_v not_o so_o marvellous_a a_o thing_n to_o remove_v mountain_n of_o sand_n and_o stone_n see_v that_o will_v add_v nothing_o to_o our_o soul_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o acquisition_n of_o true_a virtue_n it_o appear_v at_o the_o begin_n as_o a_o inhabitable_a mountain_n whither_o one_o can_v never_o arrive_v but_o if_o the_o soul_n persevere_v faithful_o in_o its_o good_a resolution_n it_o will_v revive_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o with_o it_o will_v remove_v all_o these_o mountain_n of_o imaginary_a difficulty_n since_o in_o effect_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o acquire_n of_o true_a virtue_n we_o have_v no_o soon_o abandon_v earthly_a affection_n but_o we_o mount_v with_o ease_n unto_o true_a perfection_n for_o all_o the_o difficulty_n we_o apprehend_v be_v but_o false_a visage_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v place_v as_o vizard_n to_o frighten_v they_o that_o begin_v in_o true_a virtue_n but_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n for_o the_o mask_n be_v take_v off_o we_o find_v true_a virtue_n which_o be_v sweet_a pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a and_o he_o that_o have_v once_o discover_v and_o know_v it_o find_v no_o difficulty_n in_o it_o afterward_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a much_o quiet_a and_o consolation_n though_o the_o devil_n will_v never_o cease_v to_o tempt_v and_o pursue_v we_o he_o tempt_v jesus_n christ_n and_o pursue_v he_o even_o to_o the_o desert_n whither_o he_o have_v go_v by_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o must_v not_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o tentation_n which_o the_o devil_n make_v we_o but_o we_o must_v despise_v he_o as_o a_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o who_o have_v no_o power_n over_o man_n but_o what_o himself_o give_v he_o otherways_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o his_o nature_n mere_a impotence_n who_o can_v not_o lift_v a_o pile_n of_o straw_n from_o the_o ground_n if_o man_n do_v not_o permit_v he_o so_o man_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v well_o mock_v at_o the_o devil_n see_v then_o he_o can_v hurt_v he_o he_o wait_v and_o go_v about_o he_o indeed_o who_o be_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o can_v hurt_v he_o unless_o he_o fall_v from_o that_o grace_n or_o that_o he_o consent_v to_o the_o tentation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o feel_v tentation_n though_o they_o shall_v continue_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n provide_v we_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o they_o it_o be_v but_o a_o smoke_n which_o dissipate_v in_o the_o air_n it_o be_v not_o very_o agreeable_a but_o it_o can_v hurt_v he_o that_o do_v not_o approach_v it_o even_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o vanish_v if_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v it_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n work_n to_o tempt_v but_o man_n to_o resist_v thereto_o therefore_o say_v st._n peter_n my_o brethren_n watch_n and_o be_v sober_a for_o your_o enemy_n the_o devil_n go_v about_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v resist_v he_o therefore_o continue_v firm_a in_o the_o faith_n he_o say_v so_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o sleep_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v up_o to_o follow_v our_o appetite_n but_o that_o we_o must_v be_v sober_a and_o watch_v with_o perseverance_n for_o we_o have_v a_o enemy_n who_o never_o sleep_v we_o must_v overcome_v he_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v able_a to_o transport_v the_o great_a mountain_n of_o difficulty_n that_o can_v ever_o present_a to_o our_o understanding_n and_o if_o the_o devil_n shall_v tempt_v we_o night_n and_o day_n he_o can_v hurt_v our_o soul_n provide_v it_o remain_v in_o faith_n which_o beget_v hope_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n he_o have_v say_v come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n he_o except_v none_o but_o call_v all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a say_v they_o must_v come_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o he_o promise_v to_o ease_v we_o what_o sure_a caution_n will_v we_o have_v we_o have_v there_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v comfort_v we_o if_o we_o go_v to_o he_o in_o need_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v my_o son_n that_o you_o be_v burden_a with_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o he_o see_v that_o you_o seek_v after_o true_a virtue_n and_o so_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o attack_v you_o in_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o have_v give_v he_o advantage_n over_o your_o soul_n by_o your_o former_a sin_n he_o will_v not_o quit_v that_o fortress_n but_o by_o force_n see_v he_o have_v so_o long_o be_v ruler_n and_o governor_n there_o you_o must_v now_o then_o chase_v he_o by_o force_n it_o be_v in_o that_o only_a that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n for_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o we_o have_v no_o need_n to_o take_v that_o kingdom_n by_o force_n it_o be_v give_v we_o free_o of_o god_n but_o we_o must_v use_v great_a force_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o two_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o will_v rob_v our_o soul_n of_o that_o kingdom_n though_o it_o belong_v to_o we_o as_o the_o inheritance_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o say_v that_o the_o violent_a ravish_v it_o and_o that_o we_o must_v take_v it_o by_o force_n it_o be_v not_o that_o we_o must_v fight_v with_o weapon_n of_o iron_n to_o gain_v that_o kingdom_n for_o all_o the_o bodily_a force_n of_o nature_n together_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o the_o gain_v it_o but_o we_o must_v fight_v our_o enemy_n with_o spiritual_a weapon_n of_o which_o the_o chief_a be_v faith_n see_v it_o beget_v love_n and_o hope_v towards_o god_n the_o two_o buckler_n to_o defend_v we_o against_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n for_o he_o that_o love_v god_n fear_v nothing_o see_v love_n be_v strong_a as_o death_n and_o he_o that_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n shall_v never_o be_v confound_v so_o that_o the_o devil_n shall_v never_o have_v power_n over_o he_o that_o resist_v he_o by_o faith_n so_o my_o son_n fear_v nothing_o persevere_v in_o the_o good_a resolution_n of_o attain_v true_a virtue_n give_v all_o your_o affection_n to_o love_n god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v strong_a as_o death_n place_v your_o hope_n in_o god_n alone_o and_o you_o shall_v never_o be_v confound_v nor_o deceive_v for_o have_v these_o arm_n you_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o assault_n of_o your_o enemy_n the_o devil_n he_o be_v as_o a_o chain_a dog_n and_o can_v go_v no_o far_o than_o go_v the_o chain_n of_o man_n consent_n if_o he_o come_v to_o vex_v you_o in_o the_o night_n during_o sleep_n that_o can_v hurt_v you_o see_v man_n do_v not_o use_v his_o free_a will_n while_o he_o sleep_v and_o so_o can_v consent_v to_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o he_o know_v full_a well_o but_o he_o come_v to_o vex_v man_n in_o sleep_n that_o he_o may_v get_v he_o to_o consent_v when_o awaken_v to_o evil_a suggestion_n which_o he_o excite_v in_o his_o spirit_n while_o asleep_o for_o a_o man_n asleep_a sin_v not_o but_o be_v prompt_a to_o evelate_v your_o spirit_n unto_o god_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o awake_v and_o then_o the_o tentation_n shall_v vanish_v as_o smoke_v but_o if_o you_o begin_v to_o agitate_v in_o your_o spirit_n the_o thing_n which_o you_o dream_v by_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o give_v your_o consent_n thereto_o or_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o than_o you_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v never_o more_o overcome_v than_o when_o we_o despise_v he_o therefore_o i_o advise_v you_o never_o to_o regard_v dream_n or_o evil_a thought_n which_o he_o represent_v to_o you_o asleep_o nay_o nor_o those_o which_o he_o offer_v when_o you_o be_v awake_a because_o you_o can_v sin_v so_o long_o as_o you_o do_v not_o take_v
of_o corruption_n which_o the_o great_a one_o have_v engender_v there_o and_o when_o it_o obey_v that_o corruption_n it_o obey_v the_o devil_n himself_o for_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n even_o as_o a_o man_n child_n be_v another_o man_n man_n be_v gross_o ignorant_a in_o that_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n when_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v in_o themselves_o preternatural_a evil_n and_o they_o call_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o nature_n a_o fragility_n without_o have_v ever_o serious_o consider_v whence_o that_o natural_a wickedness_n come_v to_o they_o god_n never_o create_v evil_a but_o he_o make_v man_n altogether_o perfect_a and_o with_o a_o inclination_n and_o will_n to_o good_a without_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o evil_n and_o therefore_o of_o necessity_n the_o wickedness_n and_o inclination_n to_o evil_n which_o man_n feel_v in_o his_o nature_n must_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o itself_o may_v be_v call_v a_o devil_n see_v there_o be_v no_o other_o evil_n but_o he_o as_o there_o be_v no_o other_o good_a but_o god_n so_o that_o they_o that_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n march_v quiet_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o drive_v such_o with_o tentation_n but_o stand_v afar_o off_o to_o see_v they_o go_v on_o know_v well_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v daily_o worse_o if_o they_o but_o follow_v simple_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o few_o be_v aware_a of_o but_o they_o will_v find_v themselves_o deceive_v at_o death_n for_o during_o their_o life_n they_o think_v it_o be_v no_o evil_a to_o follow_v their_o natural_a inclination_n yea_o say_v some_o god_n create_v nature_n and_o can_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o follow_v it_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a tentation_n and_o be_v a_o sentiment_n which_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n it_o be_v true_a god_n create_v nature_n and_o will_v that_o man_n use_v it_o but_o the_o devil_n have_v so_o corrupt_v nature_n that_o man_n can_v no_o more_o use_n and_o follow_v it_o without_o sin_v since_o it_o be_v corrupt_v man_n can_v even_o do_v any_o natural_a function_n now_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o that_o as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v not_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o if_o the_o natural_a man_n eat_v and_o drink_v he_o do_v it_o with_o affection_n now_o that_o affection_n ought_v to_o be_v carry_v to_o god_n alone_o so_o he_o sin_n when_o he_o turn_v it_o elsewhere_o and_o when_o he_o give_v his_o affection_n to_o see_v hear_v smell_v taste_n or_o feel_v he_o love_v something_o else_o then_o god_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o not_o place_v his_o affection_n on_o other_o thing_n beside_o he_o alone_o and_o so_o long_o as_o man_n put_v his_o affection_n on_o eat_v drink_v clothing_n or_o lie_v etc._n etc._n he_o be_v turn_v from_o all_o good_a which_o be_v god_n and_o turn_v to_o all_o evil_a which_o be_v the_o privation_n of_o all_o good_a it_o be_v the_o same_o if_o we_o love_v our_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o be_v turn_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o when_o we_o love_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o not_o those_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o exchange_v of_o affection_n cause_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o all_o evil_a see_v it_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o good_a if_o then_o we_o will_v depart_v from_o all_o evil_a and_o possess_v all_o good_a we_o must_v of_o necessity_n resist_v and_o overcome_v the_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v insensible_o fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o carry_v we_o to_o hell_n to_o follow_v corrupt_a nature_n and_o therefore_o my_o son_n you_o must_v die_v to_o yourself_o first_o if_o you_o will_v arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n see_v as_o long_o as_o corrupt_v nature_n be_v not_o entire_o mortify_v in_o you_o you_o can_v live_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o for_o that_o you_o must_v become_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o detest_v that_o old_a corruption_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v intrude_v into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o cause_v we_o all_o sort_n of_o evil._n notwithstanding_o the_o ignorant_a think_v it_o a_o happiness_n when_o they_o can_v follow_v their_o natural_a inclination_n although_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o source_n of_o all_o evil_n which_o you_o may_v well_o see_v by_o the_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v former_o deduce_v for_o although_o god_n have_v create_v nature_n and_o ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v sustain_v by_o aliment_n and_o also_o re-produce_a itself_o by_o generation_n yet_o he_o will_v always_o have_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n to_o himself_o entire_o without_o part_v god_n willing_o permit_v that_o man_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o generate_v and_o use_v his_o five_o natural_a sense_n for_o his_o necessity_n but_o he_o will_v also_o that_o we_o place_v not_o our_o affection_n and_o heart_n on_o these_o which_o he_o require_v to_o be_v preserve_v for_o himself_o only_o indivisible_o we_o may_v then_o well_o use_v all_o these_o thing_n but_o not_o fasten_v our_o heart_n on_o they_o for_o when_o in_o the_o beginning_n man_n be_v create_v in_o grace_n he_o do_v eat_v drink_v generate_v and_o use_v his_o five_o natural_a sense_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o that_o with_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n when_o he_o taste_v of_o good_a thing_n he_o praise_v god_n who_o have_v make_v they_o so_o savoury_a for_o he_o when_o he_o see_v beautiful_a thing_n he_o praise_v their_o author_n in_o admire_v those_o beauty_n if_o he_o smell_v good_a odour_n or_o hear_v pleasant_a melody_n or_o touch_v smooth_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n he_o rejoice_v in_o god_n bless_v he_o in_o that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o give_v he_o the_o thing_n necessary_a for_o entertain_v his_o life_n but_o also_o for_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n all_o these_o thing_n than_o serve_v man_n only_o to_o bless_v their_o creator_n and_o glorify_v he_o in_o his_o creature_n and_o man_n desire_v not_o generation_n but_o to_o increase_v the_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o god_n behold_v how_o man_n use_v all_o these_o thing_n well_o before_o the_o devil_n have_v corrupt_v his_o nature_n but_o since_o he_o be_v turn_v from_o god_n to_o carry_v his_o affection_n to_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v at_o present_a he_o desire_v not_o generation_n but_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o not_o for_o augment_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o to_o wallow_v in_o concupiscence_n for_o they_o have_v more_o inclination_n to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o to_o produce_v child_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o when_o man_n enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o use_v the_o beautiful_a and_o good_a creature_n it_o be_v more_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o than_o to_o bless_v and_o magnify_v god_n who_o give_v they_o so_o esteem_v more_o the_o gift_n than_o the_o giver_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v that_o what_o serve_v unto_o man_n for_o blessing_n when_o he_o be_v in_o grace_n serve_v now_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o sin_v and_o lose_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o find_v man_n so_o blind_v with_o self-love_n that_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o they_o can_v see_v hear_v smell_v taste_n and_o feel_v all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a and_o praise_n god_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n which_o be_v but_o falsehood_n for_o since_o man_n nature_n be_v corrupt_v it_o no_o more_o refer_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n but_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n please_v itself_o and_o use_v they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v before_o sin_n but_o that_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n for_o corrupt_a nature_n can_v seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o seek_v only_o its_o own_o and_o have_v no_o intention_n to_o bless_v and_o praise_n god_n for_o what_o it_o posess_v this_o desire_n of_o satisfy_v the_o five_o sense_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o live_v according_a to_o corrupt_a nature_n none_o except_v therefore_o those_o that_o say_v that_o they_o know_v to_o use_v good_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n in_o praise_v god_n do_v but_o flatter_v themselves_o for_o to_o do_v that_o they_o must_v have_v overcome_v corrupt_a nature_n which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v since_o we_o see_v they_o search_v after_o good_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o if_o they_o have_v overcome_v corrupt_a nature_n they_o will_v no_o more_o satisfy_v it_o in_o any_o thing_n for_o that_o corruption_n be_v never_o so_o mortify_v in_o this_o life_n
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
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 confess_v his_o fault_n and_o so_o seek_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o sin_n without_o himself_o which_o you_o may_v the_o rather_o do_v because_o i_o have_v deduce_v to_o you_o at_o length_n that_o all_o evil_n come_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o good_a from_o god_n but_o though_o that_o be_v most_o true_a we_o must_v not_o therefore_o imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n of_o himself_o can_v ever_o force_v we_o to_o do_v evil_a for_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a impotency_n who_o have_v no_o power_n over_o our_o soul_n heart_n and_o will_n but_o so_o much_o as_o we_o give_v he_o the_o devil_n may_v well_o represent_v evil_a to_o our_o spirit_n and_o incite_v our_o will_n to_o follow_v it_o and_o incite_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o he_o can_v never_o force_v we_o so_o long_o as_o our_o will_n remain_v firm_o resolve_v not_o to_o consent_v to_o evil_n the_o devil_n be_v as_o a_o chain_a dog_n who_o can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o his_o chain_n permit_v he_o and_o god_n will_v give_v he_o no_o more_o power_n than_o the_o will_n of_o man_n desire_v for_o though_o he_o permit_v he_o to_o tempt_v job_n by_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o good_n child_n friend_n and_o health_n he_o do_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o although_o job_n curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o nativity_n he_o do_v not_o herein_o offend_v god_n nor_o fall_v into_o any_o sin_n for_o he_o curse_v only_o the_o malediction_n which_o sin_n bring_v into_o human_a nature_n which_o all_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o do_v in_o feel_v the_o pain_n and_o suffering_n which_o sin_n have_v cause_v to_o we_o for_o before_o sin_n man_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o evil_n and_o he_o enjoy_v all_o good_a without_o mixture_n of_o evil_n he_o be_v not_o annoy_v with_o hunger_n or_o thirst_n heat_n or_o cold_a he_o have_v no_o labour_n to_o weary_v he_o he_o need_v no_o sleep_n nor_o have_v any_o alteration_n in_o soul_n or_o body_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o disease_n nor_o death_n so_o 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 man_n and_o the_o devil_n himself_o but_o they_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o way_n of_o god_n judge_v that_o job_n be_v impatient_a which_o be_v false_a for_o his_o soul_n rejoice_v in_o that_o god_n please_v to_o use_v he_o as_o a_o mirror_n of_o patience_n to_o confound_v the_o devil_n who_o can_v never_o make_v he_o fall_v into_o sin_n though_o he_o assay_v it_o so_o many_o several_a way_n god_n know_v that_o job_n heart_n be_v submit_v to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o that_o he_o offer_v himself_o continual_o to_o he_o to_o be_v prove_v in_o what_o manner_n it_o please_v he_o and_o because_o of_o these_o wish_n god_n permit_v that_o the_o devil_n may_v tempt_v he_o now_o if_o the_o devil_n have_v have_v power_n over_o man_n he_o have_v not_o need_v to_o ask_v god_n permission_n to_o tempt_v job_n for_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o of_o himself_o without_o any_o permission_n but_o he_o have_v no_o power_n over_o man_n save_o what_o he_o by_o his_o own_o free_a will_n give_v he_o beside_o god_n can_v never_o do_v any_o evil_n to_o man_n nor_o permit_v that_o it_o befall_v he_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o free_a will_n so_o if_o we_o commit_v sin_n it_o be_v of_o our_o own_o free_a will_n as_o also_o when_o we_o damn_v ourselves_o for_o god_n can_v never_o damn_v any_o person_n without_o do_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o ever_o be_v which_o can_v proceed_v from_o god_n who_o can_v never_o do_v any_o evil_n but_o it_o be_v our_o sin_n that_o damn_v we_o and_o not_o god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o damnation_n and_o sin_n depend_v on_o man_n free_a will_n we_o must_v not_o attribute_v our_o damnation_n either_o to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o devil_n see_v god_n give_v we_o always_o grace_n in_o abundance_n to_o save_v we_o and_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o power_n to_o damn_v we_o so_o that_o man_n alone_o be_v true_o unblamable_a for_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o commit_v and_o ought_v never_o to_o attribute_v the_o fault_n to_o 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
much_o power_n over_o his_o spirit_n otherwise_o man_n have_v in_o he_o a_o good_a judgement_n beyond_o any_o other_o creature_n and_o by_o that_o judgement_n he_o can_v assure_o know_v and_o discern_v good_a from_o evil_n and_o it_o be_v free_a for_o he_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a and_o hate_v the_o evil_a by_o a_o absolute_a act_n of_o his_o will_n which_o the_o devil_n can_v hinder_v and_o moreover_o he_o have_v power_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n by_o faith_n and_o hope_v in_o god_n who_o never_o fail_v to_o come_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o a_o man_n who_o ask_v and_o desire_v it_o and_o therefore_o my_o son_n you_o must_v never_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n make_v you_o do_v any_o evil_n which_o be_v to_o make_v you_o his_o slave_n and_o testify_v your_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o be_v the_o sorcerer_n who_o have_v give_v he_o their_o soul_n and_o promise_v to_o obey_v he_o for_o such_o have_v true_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o do_v all_o the_o evil_n he_o please_v and_o when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o he_o beat_v and_o abuse_v they_o but_o you_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o voluntary_o subject_a to_o he_o you_o must_v nor_o fear_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v constrain_v you_o to_o sin_n against_o your_o will_n and_o so_o never_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o fault_n you_o commit_v yourself_o it_o be_v true_a the_o devil_n first_o incite_v good_a person_n to_o sin_n but_o they_o shall_v despise_v he_o and_o not_o follow_v he_o yea_o and_o mock_v at_o his_o tentation_n but_o we_o must_v always_o watch_v over_o his_o surprisal_n and_o never_o sleep_v in_o the_o way_n of_o true_a virtue_n believe_v then_o the_o apostle_n counsel_n where_o he_o say_v my_o brethren_n be_v sober_a and_o watch_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o the_o devil_n go_v about_o we_o like_o a_o roar_a lion_n seeking_z to_z devour_v we_o we_o must_v resist_v he_o courageous_o and_o not_o say_v i_o be_v not_o think_v of_o the_o devil_n when_o i_o fall_v into_o evil_n for_o he_o desire_v willing_o that_o we_o do_v evil_a without_o think_v on_o it_o that_o be_v his_o best_a recreation_n for_o it_o do_v not_o fall_v out_o that_o good_a person_n do_v evil_a but_o while_o they_o sleep_v and_o think_v not_o of_o evil_n then_o be_v it_o that_o the_o devil_n act_v most_o in_o we_o and_o cause_n that_o we_o think_v not_o of_o it_o till_o after_o the_o evil_n be_v commit_v but_o our_o negligence_n or_o sleepiness_n will_v not_o find_v excuse_n before_o god_n see_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o watch_v always_o if_o we_o will_v arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n to_o which_o she_o exhort_v you_o who_o care_v for_o your_o soul_n holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n may_v 13._o 1672._o st._n vet._n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr the_o xviii_o letter_n the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n be_v know_v by_o their_o fruit._n to_o the_o same_o give_v he_o the_o sign_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n that_o move_v we_o show_v also_o a_o twelve_o artifice_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o he_o cause_v we_o to_o impute_v our_o vice_n to_o our_o natural_a propension_n without_o suspect_v he_o to_o lurk_v therein_o that_o he_o may_v remain_v unknown_a my_o son_n i_o see_v yet_o one_o difficulty_n which_o occur_v to_o your_o spirit_n to_o wit_n how_o you_o shall_v discover_v when_o the_o devil_n insinuate_v himself_o into_o your_o good_a action_n and_o how_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o move_v you_o to_o do_v good_a that_o he_o may_v catch_v you_o or_o to_o cause_v that_o what_o you_o do_v with_o a_o good_a intention_n turn_v to_o his_o honour_n for_o you_o protest_v that_o you_o will_v not_o obey_v he_o nor_o follow_v his_o tentation_n in_o any_o thing_n when_o you_o discover_v and_o know_v that_o he_o tempt_v you_o believe_v i_o my_o son_n that_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o discern_v provide_v you_o have_v a_o absolute_a will_n to_o resist_v the_o devil_n it_o be_v very_o good_a and_o most_o easy_a to_o discover_v if_o it_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n who_o move_v we_o in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o word_n to_o do_v or_o say_v any_o thing_n small_a or_o great_a because_o these_o two_o spirit_n have_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n quite_o different_a and_o work_v in_o we_o quite_o contrary_a operation_n and_o disposition_n so_o that_o you_o may_v as_o it_o be_v feel_v with_o your_o finger_n if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a or_o a_o evil_a spirit_n which_o move_v you_o to_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o disposition_n you_o shall_v feel_v in_o your_o soul_n for_o the_o good_a spirit_n produce_v in_o our_o soul_n charity_n joy_n peace_n patience_n long-suffering_a goodness_n bounty_n meekness_n chastity_n faith_n continence_n and_o modesty_n and_o the_o evil_a spirit_n on_o the_o contrary_n produce_v therein_o self-love_n sadness_n trouble_v impatience_n rashness_n wickedness_n fret_v pride_n despair_n intemperance_n inequality_n unconstancy_n and_o impurity_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n and_o as_o the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n so_o may_v we_o know_v the_o evil_a spirit_n by_o the_o fruit_n he_o produce_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v always_o examine_v if_o our_o enterprise_n or_o the_o will_n or_o intention_n we_o have_v to_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v any_o thing_n produce_v in_o our_o soul_n charity_n peace_n faith_n joy_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o enterprise_n and_o will_n be_v from_o god_n see_v they_o bring_v unto_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o feel_v in_o our_o soul_n self-love_n sadness_n impatience_n and_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v well_o be_v assure_v that_o our_o desire_n and_o enterprise_n be_v excite_v by_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o sure_a rule_n we_o need_v not_o then_o amuse_v ourselves_o at_o fine_a speculation_n to_o discover_v if_o we_o be_v move_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v any_o thing_n while_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o good_a or_o a_o evil_a spirit_n for_o the_o devil_n will_v never_o incite_v to_o charity_n see_v it_o be_v a_o divine_a quality_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v not_o in_o his_o power_n and_o which_o unite_v soul_n to_o god_n but_o he_o draw_v from_o self-love_n all_o manner_n of_o advantage_n and_o decline_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o love_v himself_o covet_v pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o god_n and_o so_o he_o be_v sad_a and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o capacity_n to_o acquire_v true_a virtue_n for_o he_o have_v not_o courage_n to_o resist_v the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o suffer_v himself_o rather_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o dark_a melancholy_a thought_n but_o the_o good_a spirit_n banish_v these_o thought_n by_o the_o joy_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o although_o there_o be_v all_o sort_n of_o occasion_n of_o sadness_n external_o even_o for_o our_o sin_n that_o good_a spirit_n comfort_n and_o rejoice_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o soul_n amid_o the_o most_o sensible_a trouble_n and_o pain_n when_o we_o have_v then_o inward_a joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffering_n it_o be_v a_o assure_a testimony_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o which_o have_v often_o rejoice_v i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n i_o feel_v therein_o a_o great_a joy_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n in_o lament_v my_o sin_n and_o i_o thank_v god_n that_o he_o give_v i_o these_o tear_n of_o repentance_n but_o the_o devil_n give_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o external_a joy_n which_o afflict_v and_o grieve_v the_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v over_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o we_o see_v worldly_a person_n always_o search_v after_o new_a recreation_n and_o divertisement_n for_o the_o one_o be_v no_o soon_o go_v but_o melancholy_a and_o sadness_n seize_v the_o heart_n who_o will_v so_o divert_v himself_o and_o for_o that_o he_o hunt_v insatiable_o after_o new_a divertisment_n without_o find_v withal_o true_a contentment_n which_o we_o can_v have_v but_o by_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o joy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o divertisment_n of_o the_o world_n i_o be_v astonish_v to_o hear_v one_o day_n of_o a_o person_n who_o will_v re-establish_a israel_n that_o he_o search_v for_o a_o great_a house_n with_o a_o garden_n to_o divert_v himself_o and_o walk_v therein_o as_o also_o that_o he_o must_v sometime_o go_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o field_n or_o go_v in_o a_o bark_n of_o pleasure_n or_o boat_n to_o divert_v himself_o which_o give_v i_o enough_o to_o
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 the_o love_n of_o himself_o as_o he_o will_v justify_v or_o excuse_v himself_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o just_a or_o excusable_a in_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v by_o sin_n become_v altogether_o evil_a and_o can_v of_o itself_o do_v any_o good_a spiritual_a or_o temporal_a but_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_n from_o which_o no_o good_a can_v proceed_v that_o be_v a_o truth_n to_o which_o all_o the_o world_n will_v ready_o acquiesce_v if_o they_o be_v disengage_v of_o self-love_n for_o than_o shall_v they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v slow_a to_o all_o good_a and_o bend_v to_o all_o evil_a that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a impotent_a and_o in_o short_a all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o this_o life_n be_v only_o to_o be_v esteem_v or_o to_o evite_v the_o contempt_n and_o humiliation_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o which_o proceed_v from_o that_o pride_n of_o life_n which_o sin_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o 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 since_o it_o do_v occasion_v your_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o attain_v in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v consider_v well_o that_o necessity_n that_o you_o may_v apprehend_v it_o and_o put_v it_o into_o practice_n since_o thereupon_o depend_v your_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o though_o you_o have_v acquire_v several_a other_o virtue_n yet_o the_o devil_n can_v easy_o ensnare_v you_o by_o spiritual_a negligence_n and_o suffer_v you_o to_o do_v well_o for_o a_o time_n that_o he_o may_v ensnare_v you_o after_o he_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o hinder_v you_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n to_o give_v yourself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n see_v that_o be_v your_o absolute_a resolution_n neither_o can_v he_o hinder_v that_o you_o have_v detest_a sin_n and_o undertake_v to_o follow_v true_a virtue_n but_o he_o attend_v you_o in_o the_o passage_n that_o he_o may_v stop_v your_o course_n and_o hinder_v your_o perseverance_n by_o divers_a tentation_n and_o by_o occasion_n which_o he_o will_v excite_v to_o withdraw_v you_o from_o your_o good_a purpose_n he_o will_v excite_v man_n of_o good_a will_n to_o render_v your_o resolution_n suspect_v even_o upon_o pious_a pretext_n he_o will_v make_v you_o sometime_o doubt_v if_o you_o shall_v not_o do_v better_a to_o remain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v your_o light_n to_o shine_v to_o other_o to_o enlighten_v they_o again_o he_o will_v represent_v to_o you_o if_o you_o have_v not_o better_o yet_o merchandise_n that_o you_o may_v assist_v your_o neighbour_n out_o of_o your_o superfluity_n or_o by_o your_o good_a example_n for_o the_o devil_n tempt_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o mean_n and_o when_o he_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o evil_a action_n he_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o our_o good_a work_n yea_o even_o into_o our_o good_a intention_n and_o mix_v therein_o some_o of_o his_o venom_n a_o little_a when_o he_o can_v much_o he_o give_v sometime_o a_o weariness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o make_v appear_v burdensome_a what_o be_v in_o itself_o light_a give_v the_o soul_n a_o backwardness_n or_o difficulty_n in_o well_o do_v or_o in_o overcome_v itself_o also_o he_o take_v away_o the_o hope_n of_o surmount_v our_o imperfection_n and_o arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n that_o he_o may_v render_v our_o soul_n slack_a and_o lazy_a because_o they_o see_v not_o the_o mean_n whereby_o to_o arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n so_o that_o he_o confound_v our_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v not_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v before_o god_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v occupy_v themselves_o always_o with_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o curious_a speculation_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o we_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a prayer_n and_o spiritual_a diligence_n if_o we_o will_v persevere_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n otherwise_o the_o devil_n will_v gain_v we_o by_o the_o one_o or_o other_o way_n let_v we_o then_o watch_v always_o that_o he_o make_v not_o our_o first_o fervour_n cool_v and_o slacken_v our_o good_a resolution_n of_o embrace_v solid_a virtue_n he_o will_v attempt_v even_o when_o we_o have_v obtain_v true_a virtue_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o spiritual_a negligence_n persuade_v we_o that_o we_o may_v well_o rest_v at_o ease_n see_v we_o have_v acquire_v it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v advance_v further_o i_o have_v know_v such_o person_n as_o say_v to_o i_o that_o they_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n to_o which_o they_o can_v attain_v and_o they_o say_v so_o because_o they_o have_v read_v all_o they_o can_v read_v and_o so_o they_o judge_v that_o to_o read_v more_o be_v but_o to_o repeat_v what_o they_o have_v already_o read_v and_o understand_v which_o be_v to_o i_o a_o great_a pride_n and_o a_o spiritual_a negligence_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v plant_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o perish_v by_o that_o negligence_n for_o not_o to_o advance_v in_o virtue_n be_v to_o fall_v back_o and_o recoil_v see_v man_n never_o attain_v that_o perfection_n that_o he_o ought_v it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v perfect_a to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o never_o rest_n in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n but_o always_o tend_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n even_o to_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n to_o follow_v the_o near_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n but_o the_o devil_n envious_a of_o our_o happiness_n endeavour_n to_o his_o power_n to_o divert_v we_o he_o serve_v himself_o of_o spiritual_a negligence_n when_o he_o can_v prevail_v by_o evil_a desire_n and_o action_n it_o be_v alike_o to_o he_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o ensnare_v our_o soul_n provide_v he_o can_v in_o the_o
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 because_o our_o sin_n make_v we_o ashamed_a and_o necessitate_v we_o to_o cover_v our_o body_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o air_n which_o the_o same_o sin_n render_v intemperate_a in_o heat_n cold_a and_o tempest_n for_o before_o sin_n man_n be_v altogether_o naked_a without_o shame_n and_o have_v no_o necessity_n to_o clothe_v himself_o be_v clothe_v only_o with_o glory_n and_o light_n he_o be_v lord_n and_o governor_n over_o all_o the_o element_n which_o be_v submissive_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o encompass_v he_o only_o for_o his_o contentment_n and_o pleasure_n but_o now_o that_o be_v since_o sin_n have_v corrupt_v human_a nature_n man_n can_v take_v pleasure_n in_o walk_v on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o refresh_n of_o the_o wind_n or_o water_n without_o sin_v because_o he_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n only_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n instead_o of_o do_v they_o to_o satisfy_v god_n alone_o if_o man_n study_v labour_n or_o undertake_v any_o thing_n it_o 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