for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o learned_a now_o adays_o be_v altogether_o antichristian_a that_o be_v to_o say_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o that_o their_o word_n be_v dissonant_n for_o they_o read_v the_o same_o gospel_n which_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v but_o they_o gloss_n and_o explain_v so_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o bring_v forth_o a_o quite_o perverse_a sense_n notwithstanding_o they_o live_v in_o quiet_a though_o all_o their_o action_n manner_n and_o desire_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n doctrine_n for_o every_o one_o now_o idolize_v his_o own_o proper_a will_n and_o jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v it_o methinks_v all_o christendom_n be_v become_v at_o present_a the_o people_n of_o ephesus_n which_o adore_v the_o great_a diana_n with_o this_o difference_n that_o christian_n now_o adays_o adore_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o 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shall_v always_o be_v true_a for_o if_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v it_o the_o dead_a will_v speak_v or_o the_o stone_n to_o declare_v it_o unto_o man_n and_o tho_o these_o minister_n put_v i_o to_o death_n god_n have_v yet_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o million_o of_o person_n who_o he_o can_v use_v to_o declare_v the_o same_o truth_n which_o i_o advance_v and_o therefore_o my_o son_n i_o exhort_v you_o to_o retain_v they_o well_o and_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n for_o though_o i_o be_v not_o in_o the_o world_n you_o must_v nevertheless_o save_v your_o own_o soul_n cost_v what_o it_o will_v if_o you_o will_v enjoy_v god_n to_o all_o eternity_n which_o she_o wish_v you_o with_o all_o her_o heart_n who_o love_v your_o happiness_n husum_fw-la febr._fw-la 5._o 1684._o st._n vet_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr the_o
cloud_n agitate_a by_o the_o wind_n and_o represent_v such_o figure_n to_o our_o eye_n it_o be_v even_o so_o with_o man_n science_n who_o fancy_n themselves_o wise_a when_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a for_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v yet_o true_o discover_v one_o science_n even_o natural_a and_o how_o can_v they_o then_o in_o mystical_a or_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v what_o jesus_n christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n he_o that_o see_v i_o see_v my_o father_n but_o you_o know_v neither_o i_o nor_o the_o father_n notwithstanding_o we_o will_v often_o search_v curious_o the_o profound_a mystery_n and_o divine_a secret_n and_o we_o know_v not_o natural_a thing_n which_o we_o see_v and_o handle_v one_o will_v vaunt_v in_o be_v a_o doctor_n of_o medicine_n another_o in_o theology_n another_o will_v be_v a_o astronomer_n and_o so_o of_o other_o science_n although_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o think_v they_o know_v well_o 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of_o his_o skill_n more_o than_o the_o other_a be_v they_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a which_o do_v not_o add_v nor_o pare_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o have_v each_o great_a ground_n of_o humility_n if_o astrologer_n also_o know_v how_o far_o short_a they_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heaven_n they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o bear_v the_o name_n and_o will_v acknowledge_v all_o their_o wisdom_n in_o that_o to_o be_v but_o folly_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n who_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o science_n and_o what_o they_o have_v write_v be_v but_o imaginary_a supposition_n far_o from_o be_v truth_n and_o upon_o like_a imagination_n be_v found_v also_o all_o other_o human_a science_n which_o they_o learn_v by_o read_v and_o study_n for_o when_o they_o be_v not_o found_v 〈◊〉_d the_o truth_n of_o god_n they_o be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o false_a and_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o deceive_v man_n who_o by_o they_o deceive_v one_o another_o and_o hinder_v each_o other_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a wisdom_n and_o before_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v but_o folly_n to_o blind_v our_o spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o in_o which_o consist_v true_a humility_n of_o heart_n which_o jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o must_v learn_v of_o he_o which_o to_o do_v she_o pray_v you_o who_o love_v the_o perfection_n of_o your_o soul_n your_o well-affectioned_n in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr in_o holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n jan._n 18._o 1672._o st._n vel._n the_o v._o letter_n humility_n be_v acquire_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o self_n to_o the_o same_o show_v he_o that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n even_o of_o thing_n most_o esteem_v by_o man_n aught_o to_o serve_v to_o humble_v they_o such_o as_o the_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o all_o these_o be_v vain_a disquiet_v unsatisfy_v and_o hurtful_a my_o dear_a child_n you_o have_v see_v by_o my_o last_o what_o humility_n be_v where_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o no_o person_n can_v ever_o be_v proud_a but_o for_o lack_v of_o know_v himself_o for_o in_o know_v themselves_o they_o will_v find_v subject_a enough_o to_o humble_v themselves_o by_o see_v their_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o he_o who_o will_v reflect_v serious_o upon_o himself_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o discover_v his_o own_o nothingness_n but_o will_v judge_v himself_o much_o worse_o than_o nothing_o and_o consequent_o will_v be_v far_o from_o esteem_v and_o magnify_v himself_o unless_o he_o be_v altogether_o a_o fool_n and_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o if_o he_o judge_v by_o a_o upright_a judgement_n what_o he_o be_v he_o shall_v see_v nothing_o but_o 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trouble_v and_o disquiet_v to_o preserve_v they_o and_o his_o virtue_n can_v be_v other_o than_o feign_v see_v it_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o nothingness_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o therefore_o vainglory_n and_o esteem_n of_o ourselves_o can_v never_o be_v other_o than_o mere_a folly_n which_o satan_n inspire_v and_o foist_n into_o man_n spirit_n see_v there_o be_v in_o they_o nothing_o esteemable_a as_o to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n but_o abundance_n of_o misery_n worthy_a of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n so_o that_o we_o may_v true_o call_v a_o proud_a man_n a_o very_a fool_n because_o he_o glory_v of_o his_o misery_n and_o judge_n his_o ignorance_n wisdom_n and_o his_o trouble_n riches_n for_o such_o be_v temporal_a riches_n which_o create_v continual_a trouble_n and_o disquiet_n with_o a_o thousand_o care_n both_o to_o acquire_v
they_o and_o to_o conserve_v they_o some_o of_o the_o pagan_n have_v discover_v that_o throw_v all_o their_o gold_n and_o money_n into_o the_o sea_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o care_n and_o disquiet_v of_o keep_v it_o and_o live_v with_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n which_o shall_v confound_v the_o christian_n who_o employ_v all_o the_o force_n of_o his_o body_n and_o industry_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o acquire_v riches_n so_o burdensome_a to_o have_v and_o troublesome_a to_o keep_v when_o the_o pagan_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v have_v they_o in_o contempt_n and_o throw_v they_o from_o they_o which_o they_o do_v because_o they_o have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o natural_a thing_n and_o thence_o also_o do_v they_o despise_v the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o see_v they_o so_o miserable_a and_o of_o so_o short_a continuance_n one_o count_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o pain_n to_o build_v a_o house_n to_o lodge_v in_o be_v content_a with_o a_o barrel_n to_o defend_v he_o from_o sun_n and_o rain_n another_o see_v that_o he_o can_v convenient_o enough_o carry_v water_n into_o his_o mouth_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n will_v no_o more_o use_v a_o cup._n so_o firm_o have_v these_o pagan_n despise_v this_o present_a life_n that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v any_o pleasure_n therein_o nor_o use_v create_v thing_n but_o for_o urgent_a necessity_n and_o the_o least_o that_o may_v be_v reject_v what_o be_v more_a and_o so_o they_o do_v because_o they_o know_v that_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n be_v vain_a false_a and_o deceitful_a that_o they_o may_v obtain_v true_a one_o which_o be_v eternal_a they_o long_v therefore_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o this_o miserable_a life_n which_o they_o esteem_v a_o prison_n a_o valley_n of_o tear_n as_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v but_o man_n now_o adays_o discover_v not_o that_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o happy_a in_o their_o misery_n and_o rich_a in_o 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respect_n more_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o withal_o that_o they_o reckon_v themselves_o happy_a to_o be_v so_o engage_v and_o bind_v to_o the_o world_n and_o its_o vanity_n to_o which_o they_o willing_o yield_v themselves_o slave_n for_o if_o they_o will_v retain_v their_o liberty_n they_o will_v disengage_v themselves_o from_o these_o human_a regard_n and_o withdraw_v from_o worldly_a creature_n without_o yield_v their_o spirit_n to_o be_v bewitch_v in_o think_v its_o slavery_n to_o be_v a_o liberty_n and_o its_o fetter_n to_o be_v chain_n of_o gold_n for_o ornament_n which_o be_v mere_a falsehood_n and_o vanity_n for_o to_o serve_v god_n only_o be_v to_o reign_v and_o to_o serve_v the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v a_o slave_n which_o these_o wise_a pagan_n know_v well_o and_o therefore_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o its_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n yea_o some_o of_o they_o care_v not_o to_o be_v visit_v by_o king_n and_o emperor_n so_o that_o one_o of_o they_o desire_v and_o bid_v a_o king_n that_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o stand_v by_o and_o be_v go_v complain_v that_o he_o keep_v from_o he_o what_o he_o can_v not_o give_v namely_o by_o interrupt_v from_o he_o the_o sunshine_n which_o he_o esteem_v more_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n for_o which_o they_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o the_o great_a charge_n afford_v also_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o he_o that_o be_v over_o other_o be_v servant_n of_o all_o for_o he_o must_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o as_o he_o will_v answer_v to_o god_n which_o may_v disquiet_v and_o vex_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n and_o put_v in_o hazard_n his_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o he_o must_v not_o only_o reckon_v for_o himself_o but_o also_o for_o all_o that_o have_v be_v under_o he_o and_o bear_v for_o and_o with_o they_o the_o punishment_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o by_o order_n sufferance_n or_o for_o want_n of_o instruction_n and_o correction_n according_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n therefore_o be_v it_o that_o a_o superior_a be_v more_o miserable_a than_o another_o in_o time_n and_o in_o eternity_n which_o we_o may_v observe_v even_o in_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n who_o must_v take_v care_n and_o travail_v to_o entertain_v his_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n while_o they_o be_v often_o without_o care_n know_v that_o their_o master_n must_v feed_v and_o clothe_v they_o in_o due_a time_n that_o they_o want_v nothing_o in_o which_o they_o be_v much_o happy_a than_o their_o master_n for_o they_o have_v only_o one_o service_n to_o perform_v and_o their_o master_n be_v burden_a with_o several_a yet_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o man_n that_o every_o one_o desire_n charge_n estate_n superiority_n and_o mastership_n which_o they_o can_v not_o desire_v if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o air_n of_o pride_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v inspire_v into_o their_o mind_n otherways_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v seek_v after_o charge_n but_o do_v their_o utmost_a to_o evite_v they_o as_o several_a saint_n have_v do_v former_o some_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o undertake_v the_o charge_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o retire_v private_o to_o evite_v it_o and_o even_o one_o of_o the_o pope_n consider_v the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o his_o charge_n exchange_v his_o popedom_n for_o a_o desert_n so_o afflict_v be_v charge_n and_o superiority_n for_o they_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o own_o misery_n and_o frailty_n and_o so_o they_o have_v contemn_v they_o and_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o see_v to_o themselves_o and_o desire_v not_o a_o posterity_n to_o succeed_v to_o their_o misery_n which_o they_o know_v too_o well_o to_o desire_v they_o for_o their_o posterity_n they_o love_v rather_o to_o live_v chaste_o than_o to_o procreate_v child_n so_o miserable_a as_o themselves_o in_o which_o they_o be_v very_o wise_a be_v we_o see_v that_o in_o effect_n man_n wax_v worse_o every_o day_n and_o the_o child_n be_v worse_o than_o their_o father_n and_o child_n child_n yet_o worse_a because_o of_o the_o great_a corruption_n that_o be_v now_o among_o man_n which_o augment_v even_o visible_o so_o that_o he_o that_o know_v the_o truth_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o multiply_v this_o perverse_a generation_n but_o will_v expect_v that_o man_n resume_v a_o true_a christian_a life_n and_o so_o may_v multiply_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o holy_a generation_n lo_o what_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a desire_n but_o the_o ignorant_a think_v it_o a_o happiness_n to_o produce_v child_n heir_n of_o their_o misery_n because_o themselves_o do_v not_o know_v they_o and_o so_o glory_n in_o their_o shame_n without_o perceive_v it_o
life_n be_v with_o incomparable_a purity_n evidence_n clearness_n and_o solidity_n in_o that_o soul_n which_o thou_o do_v sanctify_v and_o be_v yet_o in_o her_o holy_a write_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n that_o be_v there_o recommend_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v the_o only_a and_o the_o true_a way_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o abandon_v ourselves_o whole_o and_o entire_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o it_o be_v the_o pure_a truth_n there_o be_v none_o lord_n there_o can_v be_v none_o other_o in_o heaven_n nor_o in_o earth_n there_o be_v none_o other_o way_n unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v put_v into_o the_o mouth_n in_o the_o write_n and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o thy_o most_o holy_a handmaid_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr i_o praise_v and_o bless_v and_o thank_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n that_o thou_o give_v i_o to_o know_v the_o same_o and_o have_v open_v and_o incline_v the_o ear_n of_o my_o heart_n thereto_o give_v i_o grace_n to_o love_v to_o observe_v and_o to_o maintain_v that_o heavenly_a truth_n unto_o death_n happy_a he_o that_o shall_v lose_v a_o thousand_o life_n for_o so_o worthy_a a_o subject_n happy_a he_o who_o shall_v never_o for_o any_o consideration_n leave_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o let_v i_o by_o thy_o divine_a grace_n be_v of_o that_o number_n that_o after_o this_o short_a life_n of_o trial_n that_o most_o certain_a and_o most_o infallible_a mean_v make_v i_o enjoy_v my_o sovereign_a end_n which_o be_v to_o have_v the_o happiness_n ever_o to_o adore_v and_o praise_v thy_o great_a majesty_n o_o jesus_n eternal_a god_n creator_n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n while_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n thou_o shall_v reign_v glorious_o in_o all_o eternity_n amen_n revelation_n ch._n 3._o he_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v the_o preface_n of_o the_o publisher_n this_o treatise_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n whereof_o the_o one_o may_v be_v call_v extructive_a which_o build_v or_o establish_v and_o the_o other_o destructive_a which_o destroy_v or_o evert_v for_o the_o first_o ten_o letter_n be_v adapt_v to_o the_o plant_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o evert_v and_o root_v out_o what_o may_v hinder_v its_o increase_n to_o recommend_v virtue_n be_v take_v the_o precept_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o master_n and_o example_n of_o it_o by_o which_o be_v make_v a_o introduction_n show_v what_o virtue_n we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n embrace_v and_o by_o what_o meanstend_v to_o they_o which_o be_v by_o obedience_n and_o renounce_v our_o own_o will_n unto_o the_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v let._n 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o nature_n of_o which_o humility_n be_v explain_v and_o the_o mean_n conduce_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o viz_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o misery_n which_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n lie_n under_o let._n 4_o 5_o 6._o which_o ought_v to_o produce_v in_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o renounce_v our_o natural_a sense_n and_o be_v content_a with_o what_o be_v of_o mere_a necessity_n we_o shall_v flee_v all_o pleasure_n and_o proper_a satisfaction_n let._n 7_o 8._o which_o empty_v of_o ourselves_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o incontinent_o possess_v the_o heart_n from_o which_o vicious_a affection_n be_v expel_v because_o of_o the_o near_a relation_n and_o sympathy_n between_o they_o as_o between_o the_o creature_n and_o its_o natural_a element_n in_o which_o love_n consist_v the_o essence_n and_o compliment_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o all_o good_a let._n 8_o 9_o 10._o concern_v the_o overturning_a and_o resist_a the_o impediment_n and_o tentation_n of_o satan_n be_v treat_v let._n 11._o whether_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o imagination_n or_o sensibility_n even_o spiritual_a let._n 12_o 13._o or_o to_o the_o understanding_n make_v we_o rest_n in_o the_o naked_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n let._n 14._o or_o exciting_a we_o to_o external_a act_n or_o internal_a with_o vain_a glory_n or_o by_o deject_v we_o through_o immoderate_a mortification_n or_o in_o unseasonable_a good_a work_n spiritual_a or_o corporal_a towards_o our_o neighbour_n let._n 15_o 16._o or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o devil_n accuse_v he_o too_o much_o or_o too_o little_a of_o our_o sin_n let._n 17_o 18._o whether_o these_o tentation_n affect_v the_o will_n who_o godly_a fervour_n satan_n will_v extinguish_v by_o grief_n spiritual_a negligence_n and_o self-love_n as_o show_v let._n 19_o 20_o and_o to_o the_o end_n there_o be_v brief_o represente_v the_o whole_a subject_n handle_v in_o this_o divine_a treatise_n which_o be_v more_o special_o note_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o each_o letter_n that_o you_o may_v kind_a reader_n view_v as_o in_o a_o table_n and_o better_o retain_v in_o your_o memory_n the_o divine_a instruction_n therein_o deliver_v moreover_o you_o may_v with_o we_o well_o admire_v the_o infamous_a audacity_n of_o some_o as_o the_o churchman_n in_o holsatia_n whereby_o some_o year_n ago_o they_o cause_v that_o these_o so_o wholesome_a instruction_n while_o under_o the_o press_n in_o the_o german_a and_o low_a dutch_a tongue_n be_v take_v away_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o rent_n while_o i_o consider_v these_o obscure_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o scripture_n offer_v itself_o to_o i_o that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v and_o will_v do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n and_o come_v not_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n be_v reprove_v and_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o he_o who_o do_v and_o will_v do_v the_o truth_n for_o he_o come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a because_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o 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desire_v to_o have_v it_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v in_o effect_n only_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v but_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n when_o they_o say_v they_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n see_v they_o think_v they_o may_v follow_v that_o corruption_n without_o sin_v provide_v they_o do_v no_o evil_a reprovable_a before_o man_n and_o have_v a_o will_v to_o do_v well_o and_o love_n god_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o be_v save_v for_o good_a desire_n without_o effect_n be_v nothing_o before_o god_n they_o be_v indeed_o foundation_n stone_n serve_v to_o the_o build_n of_o true_a virtue_n for_o without_o good_a desire_n we_o can_v do_v good_a work_n we_o must_v first_o have_v the_o desire_n and_o after_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n which_o be_v want_v to_o many_o person_n of_o a_o good_a will_n who_o content_n themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o good_a will_n and_o hope_v with_o that_o all_o shall_v go_v well_o without_o consider_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v to_o all_o in_o general_n depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_n now_o the_o evil_n be_v in_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o ignore_v yet_o few_o depart_n from_o that_o corruption_n and_o most_o love_n and_o follow_v it_o think_v they_o do_v well_o which_o be_v a_o great_a abuse_n and_o presumption_n of_o spirit_n for_o we_o can_v do_v good_a except_o we_o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o resist_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o renounce_v it_o can_v acquire_v true_a virtue_n which_o few_o person_n comprehend_v and_o thence_o be_v it_o that_o they_o have_v only_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o no_o real_a one_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o cause_n print_v these_o twenty_o four_o
better_a temperament_n for_o that_o nature_n be_v nothing_o as_o to_o grace_n and_o sometime_o he_o that_o have_v more_o of_o fire_n will_v be_v more_o virtuous_a than_o he_o that_o have_v more_o of_o water_n see_v in_o case_n he_o serve_v himself_o of_o that_o natural_a heat_n to_o love_n god_n he_o will_v love_v he_o so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o if_o he_o employ_v his_o anger_n to_o defend_v justice_n and_o virtue_n he_o will_v do_v much_o more_o good_a than_o a_o phlegmatic_a person_n who_o ordinary_o love_v only_o his_o ease_n it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o that_o in_o the_o intemperature_n of_o their_o nature_n have_v contract_v more_o air_n than_o other_o element_n for_o they_o will_v always_o be_v more_o subtle_a to_o discover_v evil_a and_o more_o prompt_a to_o do_v good_a when_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o search_n of_o true_a virtue_n as_o he_o that_o have_v more_o of_o earth_n than_o other_o element_n will_v be_v more_o pose_v and_o grave_a and_o if_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n he_o will_v be_v more_o constant_a and_o persevere_v in_o it_o than_o the_o other_o three_o and_o so_o every_o one_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n in_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o he_o be_v produce_v provide_v he_o apply_v the_o talon_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n therefore_o say_v david_n let_v all_o spirit_n praise_v the_o lord_n that_o â—s_v not_o as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n praise_v the_o lord_n see_v these_o blaspheme_v he_o but_o he_o give_v to_o understand_v that_o all_o spirit_n that_o will_v become_v true_a christian_n praise_v the_o lord_n though_o they_o be_v all_o of_o divers_a natural_a complexion_n see_v god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n and_o do_v not_o regard_n whether_o we_o have_v more_o of_o fire_n or_o of_o water_n or_o earth_n or_o air_n in_o our_o nature_n but_o with_o what_o affection_n every_o one_o will_v love_v and_o serve_v he_o which_o i_o regard_v also_o in_o write_v of_o solid_a virtue_n i_o mean_v not_o to_o make_v it_o heavy_a and_o difficult_a i_o will_v only_o make_v it_o know_v to_o they_o that_o will_v follow_v and_o practice_v it_o because_o i_o love_v such_o so_o i_o can_v leave_v they_o in_o ignorance_n nor_o let_v they_o perish_v amid_o their_o good_a will_n for_o want_v of_o know_v wherein_o true_a virtue_n consist_v that_o be_v it_o which_o have_v engage_v i_o to_o deduce_v that_o matter_n at_o length_n lest_o these_o soul_n which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o i_o shall_v perish_v by_o ignorance_n as_o many_o have_v already_o who_o think_v they_o have_v acquire_v true_a virtue_n while_o they_o have_v only_o apparent_a one_o or_o curious_a speculation_n of_o virtue_n not_o know_v that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o overcome_a of_o corrupt_a nature_n in_o true_a humility_n and_o voluntary_a poverty_n though_o jesus_n christ_n have_v so_o much_o teach_v it_o by_o word_n and_o work_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o follow_v in_o the_o practice_n for_o want_v of_o good_a explication_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o i_o will_v willing_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o in_o send_v to_o light_v this_o first_o part_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o with_o time_n and_o opportunity_n i_o shall_v present_v more_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n who_o aspire_v after_o true_a virtue_n and_o perfection_n what_o i_o offer_v they_o at_o present_a be_v with_o good_a heart_n as_o a_o present_v come_v from_o heaven_n which_o shall_v show_v they_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o manifest_v the_o deceit_n of_o false_a virtue_n as_o also_o the_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o that_o which_o be_v solid_a and_o true_a this_o first_o part_n discover_v among_o other_o thing_n how_o the_o devil_n attempt_v always_o to_o divert_v soul_n from_o true_a virtue_n by_o so_o many_o wiles_n and_o different_a mean_n and_o final_o it_o be_v a_o school_n where_o you_o may_v learn_v to_o deny_v yourself_o take_v up_o your_o cross_n and_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o have_v teach_v unto_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o perfect_a sense_n and_o true_a explication_n receive_v it_o therefore_o with_o as_o good_a heart_n as_o i_o present_v it_o you_o by_o christian_a charity_n who_o remain_v friendly_a reader_n your_o well-affected_a in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr index_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o part._n letter_n i._n we_o must_v learn_v of_o jesus_n christ_n meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n write_a to_o one_o desirous_a of_o true_a virtue_n also_o all_o the_o follow_a be_v address_v to_o the_o same_o show_v that_o to_o attain_v thereto_o we_o must_v have_v submission_n and_o obedience_n by_o which_o we_o may_v begin_v to_o learn_v meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n page_n 1._o ii_o we_o must_v learn_v of_o jesus_n christ_n meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n show_v wherein_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n consist_v which_o be_v fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o can_v be_v obtain_v unless_o we_o renounce_v our_o own_o will_n submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n p._n 10._o iii_o man_n can_v sufficient_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o they_o will_v perform_v it_o show_v him_z that_o persuade_v himself_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o manifest_a in_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v accomplish_v it_o deny_v our_o own_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v and_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o the_o command_v of_o god_n which_o jesus_n christ_n propose_v so_o clear_o say_v learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n p._n 18._o iv._o humility_n be_v acquire_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o show_v what_o humility_n of_o heart_n be_v what_o the_o mark_n of_o it_o and_o how_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o attain_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o blindness_n of_o our_o mind_n p._n 25._o v._o humility_n be_v acquire_v by_o know_a one_o self_n show_v that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n even_o of_o thing_n most_o esteem_v by_o man_n aught_o to_o serve_v to_o humble_v they_o such_o as_o the_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o all_o these_o be_v vain_a disquiet_v unsatisfy_v and_o hurtful_a p._n 32._o vi_o humility_n be_v acquire_v by_o know_a one_o self_n admonish_v to_o learn_v humility_n by_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o disorder_n of_o our_o five_o natural_a sense_n p._n 40._o vii_o he_o that_o serve_v the_o lust_n of_o his_o sense_n thereby_o actual_o renounce_v the_o love_n of_o god_n exhort_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o humility_n the_o renounce_n of_o our_o sense_n show_v that_o none_o can_v follow_v they_o but_o he_o thereby_o renounce_v the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o the_o essence_n of_o true_a virtue_n p._n 47._o viii_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o love_n god_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o show_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o abuse_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v refer_v to_o god_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a reasonable_a and_o necessary_a to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n p._n 57_o ix_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o love_n god_n than_o any_o thing_n beside_o he_o show_v that_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a sweet_a profitable_a and_o honourable_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 but_o that_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 p._n 65._o x._o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v easy_a and_o render_v all_o thing_n easy_a show_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v acquire_v whence_o the_o difficulty_n proceed_v which_o we_o find_v they_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v remove_v that_o this_o love_n admirable_o make_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o gospel_n easy_a and_o pleasant_a p._n 74._o xi_o we_o must_v always_o proceed_v in_o virtue_n whatever_o impediment_n occur_v give_v encouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n although_o the_o beginning_n be_v difficult_a because_o of_o the_o tentation_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n vex_v they_o that_o have_v resolve_v to_o embrace_v true_a virtue_n p._n 83._o xii_o the_o devil_n the_o enemy_n of_o true_a virtue_n oppose_v it_o by_o all_o manner_n of_o device_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o
that_o because_o justice_n and_o truth_n respect_v god_n but_o meekness_n and_o goodness_n respect_v also_o our_o neighbour_n and_o although_o one_o be_v just_a and_o true_a before_o god_n he_o must_v also_o be_v meek_a and_o good_a otherways_o he_o love_v not_o his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o see_v he_o give_v not_o that_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n which_o that_o command_n require_v and_o because_o only_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o goodness_n be_v in_o any_o it_o must_v also_o be_v testify_v outward_o by_o gentleness_n or_o else_o our_o neighbour_n shall_v not_o be_v edifyed_a thereby_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o j._n ch._n say_v we_o must_v learn_v of_o he_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n or_o gentleness_n he_o speak_v no_o superfluous_a word_n in_o distinguish_a meekness_n and_o gentleness_n but_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o have_v goodness_n within_o we_o but_o we_o must_v also_o testify_v it_o outward_o by_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n therefore_o my_o child_n exercise_v yourself_o in_o that_o virtue_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o you_o may_v attain_v meekness_n and_o gentleness_n he_o will_v never_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o give_v you_o his_o grace_n to_o practice_v they_o if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o you_o it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o command_n and_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o afford_v grace_n to_o obey_v in_o what_o he_o have_v command_v otherwise_o j._n ch._n will_v not_o bid_v we_o learn_v of_o he_o to_o be_v meek_a &_o lowly_a if_o he_o know_v not_o very_o well_o that_o god_n will_v sure_o give_v these_o virtue_n to_o they_o that_o seek_v and_o desire_v they_o and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o feel_v they_o yet_o in_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o token_n you_o have_v not_o yet_o enough_o demand_v and_o desire_v they_o and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o because_o you_o have_v not_o till_o now_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o contain_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v not_o labour_v to_o your_o power_n to_o acquire_v they_o but_o you_o have_v simple_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o your_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o incline_v to_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n but_o to_o harshness_n and_o fret_v but_o our_o nature_n be_v as_o a_o horse_n to_o which_o sometime_o you_o must_v use_v a_o bridle_n sometime_o spur_n to_o make_v it_o turn_v and_o march_v where_o it_o be_v needful_a and_o though_o it_o have_v repugnance_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o its_o motion_n and_o inclination_n we_o must_v not_o for_o that_o give_v it_o free_a bridle_n to_o go_v where_o it_o please_v because_o our_o proper_a will_n be_v always_o evil_a since_o it_o be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n and_o be_v no_o more_o capable_a to_o make_v one_o good_a determination_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o with_o a_o bridle_n and_o govern_v by_o reason_n as_o they_o do_v a_o horse_n with_o a_o bridle_n otherwise_o it_o will_v precipitate_v our_o soul_n into_o hell_n now_o your_o reason_n can_v easy_o perceive_v that_o you_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v save_v and_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o j._n ch._n to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v then_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o reason_n to_o bridle_v and_o lead_v your_o nature_n into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o sure_a path_n of_o the_o gospel_n law_n see_v you_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o save_v your_o soul_n you_o must_v not_o then_o obey_v the_o motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o your_o nature_n but_o god_n who_o have_v show_v we_o particular_o what_o be_v his_o will_n by_o the_o gospel_n advice_n which_o j._n ch._n have_v give_v we_o say_v learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n he_o can_v not_o better_o express_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o than_o by_o these_o express_a term_n of_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o every_o one_o can_v understand_v by_o these_o term_n what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o what_o he_o require_v of_o all_o christian_n endeavour_n first_o of_o all_o to_o acquire_v these_o virtue_n and_o after_o if_o you_o need_v other_o particular_a knowledge_n to_o discover_v his_o will_n without_o doubt_n he_o will_v reveal_v they_o to_o you_o in_o due_a time_n and_o will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o what_o we_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o obey_v no_o more_o than_o he_o will_v be_v want_v to_o give_v his_o grace_n necessary_a to_o attain_v to_o christian_a perfection_n for_o he_o desire_v our_o perfection_n more_o than_o ourselves_o do_v and_o so_o be_v far_o from_o refuse_v his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v arrive_v at_o it_o if_o we_o will_v but_o ask_v they_o with_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o without_o humility_n of_o heart_n no_o prayer_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o our_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n can_v be_v good_a if_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o one_o may_v be_v meek_a and_o gentle_a by_o nature_n dissimulation_n or_o hypocricy_n which_o be_v often_o sin_n before_o god_n in_o lieu_n of_o virtue_n for_o that_o apparent_a and_o pharisaticall_a lowliness_n be_v not_o praiseworthy_a but_o before_o man_n and_o i_o ch_z tell_v we_o except_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o no_o moral_a virtue_n that_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o engender_v there_o by_o a_o divine_a faith_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a recompense_n and_o be_v recompense_v only_o by_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n who_o be_v material_a judge_n by_o appearance_n but_o god_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o must_v have_v humility_n of_o heart_n with_o meekness_n and_o lowliness_n as_o be_v three_o thing_n knit_v together_o which_o can_v be_v separate_v one_o from_o the_o other_o no_o more_o than_o the_o three_o quality_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n which_o correspond_v to_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n and_o be_v always_o join_v inseparable_o in_o all_o his_o work_n whereof_o if_o one_o be_v want_v his_o work_n will_v not_o be_v perfect_a even_o so_o meekness_n and_o lowlyness_n shall_v be_v imperfect_a if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o humility_n of_o heart_n which_o shall_v beget_v infallible_o true_a meekness_n and_o lowlyness_n for_o a_o humble_a heart_n be_v always_o meek_a and_o lowly_a see_v my_o child_n by_o that_o touchstone_n if_o you_o be_v arrive_v at_o that_o humility_n of_o heart_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v it_o of_o god_n and_o then_o you_o shall_v assure_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a which_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n 9_o feb._n 1672._o stile_n vel_fw-la antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr the_o iv._o letter_n humility_n be_v acquire_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o same_o showing_z him_z what_o humility_n of_o heart_n be_v what_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o it_o and_o how_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o attain_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o the_o blindness_n of_o our_o mind_n my_o dear_a child_n i_o exhort_v you_o by_o my_o last_o to_o humility_n of_o heart_n but_o i_o know_v not_o if_o you_o understand_v well_o what_o that_o humility_n of_o heart_n be_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v you_o may_v discover_v if_o you_o have_v it_o or_o not_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o speak_v very_o particular_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v discern_v in_o every_o thing_n true_a virtue_n from_o false_a and_o only_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o to_o lay_v in_o your_o soul_n a_o good_a foundation_n of_o solid_a virtue_n without_o amuse_v you_o as_o do_v now_o adays_o 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they_o will_v willing_o be_v great_a and_o rich_a that_o they_o may_v have_v mean_n to_o please_v their_o sense_n and_o these_o pleasure_n ruin_n soul_n and_o body_n for_o since_o nature_n be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n all_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n be_v become_v brutish_a and_o insolent_a and_o know_v no_o more_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n for_o they_o intemperate_a without_o order_n or_o measure_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o the_o eye_n be_v never_o satisfy_v with_o see_v nor_o the_o ear_n with_o hear_v to_o show_v how_o our_o sense_n be_v disorder_v and_o insatiable_a the_o more_o the_o eye_n see_v the_o more_o it_o will_v see_v and_o so_o the_o ear_n hear_v and_o they_o be_v never_o satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o feel_n smell_a and_o taste_n the_o other_o three_o sense_n for_o whenever_o a_o man_n give_v himself_o to_o satisfy_v his_o sense_n he_o be_v never_o full_o satisfy_v nor_o content_a for_o in_o every_o place_n he_o may_v find_v 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pleasure_n in_o or_o consent_v thereto_o although_o you_o shall_v be_v torment_v all_o the_o day_n of_o your_o life_n by_o evil_a thought_n that_o shall_v not_o make_v you_o lose_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n so_o long_o as_o they_o displease_v you_o yet_o you_o have_v cause_n to_o humble_v yourself_o before_o god_n for_o your_o former_a sin_n for_o if_o you_o have_v never_o sin_v and_o willing_o give_v entry_n to_o evil_a thought_n the_o devil_n will_v not_o have_v have_v the_o power_n to_o cause_v you_o to_o have_v they_o after_o against_o your_o will_n but_o what_o be_v pass_v be_v no_o more_o in_o your_o power_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o you_o strive_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o they_o remain_v then_o faithful_a to_o god_n and_o persevere_v in_o your_o good_a resolution_n which_o you_o have_v take_v to_o find_v true_a virtue_n never_o weary_a in_o that_o search_n it_o deserve_v well_o that_o you_o endure_v some_o trouble_n for_o even_o the_o worldling_n endure_v yet_o much_o more_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o world_n for_o what_o disquiet_v care_n and_o travail_n do_v not_o a_o merchant_n suffer_v to_o gain_v a_o little_a money_n what_o pain_n must_v not_o a_o gentleman_n take_v to_o preserve_v his_o honour_n what_o fatigue_n and_o toil_n have_v the_o labourer_n and_o tradesmam_fw-la to_o gain_v their_o food_n which_o you_o have_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n without_o trouble_n will_v you_o not_o suffer_v a_o little_a tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v to_o buy_v at_o a_o very_a easy_a rate_n for_o all_o that_o the_o devil_n can_v do_v to_o you_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o joy_n which_o attend_v you_o in_o heaven_n if_o you_o endure_v with_o perseverance_n he_o may_v well_o disturb_v your_o spirit_n with_o divers_a tentation_n but_o can_v never_o cause_v you_o to_o fall_v into_o sin_n without_o that_o your_o own_o will_v consent_v to_o he_o for_o when_o you_o have_v render_v your_o will_n to_o god_n he_o will_v keep_v it_o well_o and_o not_o permit_v that_o the_o devil_n gain_v to_o make_v it_o consent_v unto_o evil._n and_o what_o more_o the_o devil_n can_v do_v be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n he_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n over_o your_o will_n if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v so_o former_o so_o he_o can_v not_o have_v trouble_v you_o so_o often_o for_o i_o perceive_v often_o his_o contradiction_n against_o i_o by_o you_o against_o your_o will_n he_o know_v that_o i_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o follow_v his_o will_n which_o he_o contradict_v to_o his_o power_n but_o he_o can_v hinder_v that_o i_o know_v and_o practice_v it_o and_o so_o hinder_v that_o you_o shall_v follow_v it_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o contradict_v it_o often_o in_o small_a thing_n because_o he_o can_v obtain_v that_o you_o shall_v oppose_v it_o in_o great_a thing_n he_o gain_v always_o a_o little_a when_o he_o can_v gain_v much_o i_o know_v well_o that_o be_v against_o your_o will_n and_o what_o come_v to_o pass_v against_o it_o come_v assure_o from_o the_o devil_n for_o a_o man_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o proper_a will_n what_o he_o will_v he_o desire_v and_o what_o he_o desire_v effect_n it_o so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n that_o do_v in_o he_o whatever_o he_o do_v against_o his_o own_o will_n if_o you_o comprehend_v well_o that_o my_o son_n you_o will_v resist_v he_o more_o and_o will_v no_o more_o cause_v i_o so_o much_o pain_n by_o the_o contradiction_n you_o make_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o by_o his_o grace_n i_o know_v in_o thing_n great_a and_o small_a and_o it_o you_o must_v follow_v to_o your_o power_n but_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o discover_v the_o subtle_a snare_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n nor_o overcome_v yourself_o nor_o human_a consideration_n which_o be_v the_o chain_n that_o yet_o hinder_v your_o flight_n to_o god_n but_o do_v not_o lose_v 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suit_v himself_o to_o the_o impulse_n and_o inclination_n of_o every_o one_o leave_v the_o rest_n in_o quietness_n my_o son_n i_o speak_v much_o to_o you_o in_o my_o last_o of_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n because_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o you_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o your_o salvation_n as_o it_o be_v to_o know_v true_a virtue_n for_o if_o you_o know_v only_o the_o good_a you_o shall_v easy_o fall_v into_o the_o evil_a even_o without_o perceive_v it_o and_o so_o shall_v sometime_o follow_v evil_a think_v that_o you_o do_v well_o but_o since_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o teach_v you_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o must_v speak_v to_o you_o of_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o how_o he_o tempt_v man_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o perdition_n as_o he_o have_v already_o lead_v many_o even_o such_o as_o have_v never_o discover_v that_o be_v be_v the_o devil_n who_o incite_v they_o to_o do_v evil_a and_o so_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v 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though_o he_o commit_v no_o other_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v of_o our_o soul_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o the_o perfect_a sense_n the_o ground_n that_o be_v not_o labour_v shall_v bring_v forth_o thistle_n and_o briar_n because_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o soul_n become_v curse_v by_o sin_n and_o be_v fall_v into_o that_o curse_n it_o can_v no_o more_o bear_v any_o wholesome_a fruit_n without_o bestow_v on_o it_o a_o great_a diligence_n we_o must_v trench_v and_o till_o it_o with_o the_o iron_n of_o penitence_n to_o tilk_v the_o tare_n and_o bad_a weed_n of_o corruption_n which_o have_v spring_v up_o in_o the_o earth_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o these_o be_v not_o root_v out_o they_o shall_v suffocate_v always_o the_o good_a grain_n of_o true_a virtue_n which_o shall_v thereby_o be_v stifle_v though_o sow_v in_o good_a quantity_n in_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v maintain_v it_o by_o a_o continual_a diligence_n otherwise_o it_o will_v bear_v no_o fruit_n we_o must_v watch_v over_o 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reign_n from_o our_o proper_a will_n and_o nothing_o else_o for_o our_o disease_n be_v often_o cause_v by_o our_o intemperance_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v or_o other_o excess_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o commit_v to_o satisfy_v our_o proper_a will_n which_o precipitate_v we_o sometime_o into_o some_o state_n that_o cause_v we_o a_o thousand_o pain_n or_o some_o employment_n or_o traffic_n which_o lead_v we_o into_o great_a trouble_n of_o process_n quarrel_n disquiet_n or_o other_o poverty_n and_o misery_n and_o all_o that_o proceed_v from_o that_o we_o will_v not_o submit_v our_o will_n unto_o that_o of_o god_n who_o will_v have_v rule_v we_o as_o a_o good_a father_n his_o child_n have_v love_v rather_o to_o follow_v our_o own_o will_n and_o undergo_v all_o manner_n of_o calamity_n in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v in_o peril_n of_o suffer_v after_o great_a one_o which_o shall_v never_o end_v because_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v guide_v by_o god_n can_v never_o be_v save_v see_v 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this_o life_n be_v short_a and_o that_o the_o necessity_n suffice_v unto_o a_o sojourner_n who_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o burden_n himself_o with_o thing_n useless_a or_o superfluous_a unto_o his_o voyage_n which_o will_v be_v a_o burden_n to_o he_o all_o man_n care_n go_n &_o come_n or_o pretension_n for_o thing_n present_a be_v as_o many_o witness_n which_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v not_o abandon_v their_o will_n unto_o god_n but_o will_v follow_v their_o own_o proper_a will_n leave_v the_o penitence_n which_o god_n have_v enjoin_v to_o exalt_v themselves_o into_o state_n honour_n and_o dignity_n seek_v to_o live_v at_o our_o ease_n instead_o of_o labour_v to_o fulfil_v the_o penitence_n due_a unto_o our_o sin_n we_o act_n direct_o contrary_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o he_o require_v that_o submission_n and_o penitence_n of_o we_o and_o with_o all_o that_o we_o say_v by_o word_n that_o we_o be_v abandon_v unto_o god_n and_o look_v 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be_v exceed_o full_a of_o false_a persuasion_n which_o flatter_v we_o to_o our_o ruin_n for_o it_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o who_o have_v resolve_v to_o abandon_v himself_o unto_o god_n seek_v no_o more_o earthly_a thing_n but_o those_o which_o be_v eternal_a god_n make_v he_o see_v sufficient_o that_o what_o be_v here_o below_o be_v but_o transitory_a thing_n which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o touch_v but_o with_o the_o extremity_n of_o his_o foot_n because_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o soul_n dedicate_v unto_o god_n which_o regard_v no_o more_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o please_v he_o and_o if_o you_o sir_n have_v other_o care_n believe_v assure_o that_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o abandon_v unto_o he_o because_o that_o abandon_v consist_v in_o a_o cessation_n from_o every_o thing_n to_o receive_v from_o god_n only_o and_o the_o less_o self_n act_n the_o more_o we_o receive_v there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o to_o cease_v and_o to_o receive_v for_o all_o our_o care_n and_o 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that_o that_o little_a word_n abandon_v comprehend_v great_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n to_o discover_v the_o eternal_a treasure_n unto_o which_o i_o aspire_v she_o say_v sir_n that_o word_n of_o abandon_v unto_o god_n comprehend_v 26._o all_o thing_n for_o he_o that_o be_v abandon_v unto_o he_o know_v he_o and_o love_v he_o and_o know_v also_o true_a virtue_n to_o follow_v it_o and_o the_o falsity_n of_o vice_n to_o evite_v they_o because_o god_n abandon_v himself_o unto_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v abandon_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n live_v in_o it_o and_o remain_v with_o it_o replenish_v it_o with_o his_o gift_n to_o know_v every_o thing_n and_o with_o his_o fruit_n to_o entertain_v it_o so_o that_o all_o our_o happiness_n depend_v
essence_n of_o virtue_n without_o practise_v it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o vain_a speculation_n and_o to_o know_v the_o evil_a without_o evit_v it_o be_v a_o worse_a curiosity_n which_o fill_v our_o understanding_n without_o fruit_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o true_a virtue_n that_o you_o may_v follow_v it_o rather_o than_o the_o false_a and_o also_o of_o the_o romish_a church_n that_o you_o may_v not_o follow_v it_o as_o holy_a i_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o of_o the_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n that_o you_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o its_o false_a appearance_n of_o piety_n declare_v unto_o you_o that_o more_o than_o three_o four_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o his_o compact_n that_o you_o may_v work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o may_v not_o trust_v yourself_o unto_o any_o person_n because_o the_o most_o wicked_a be_v the_o great_a hypocrite_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o deceive_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o that_o the_o last_o plague_n be_v begin_v that_o you_o may_v not_o refer_v your_o salvation_n unto_o another_o time_n because_o that_o which_o remain_v unto_o we_o be_v short_a i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v come_v upon_o earth_n to_o judge_v the_o good_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o shall_v there_o exterminate_v all_o evil_n that_o you_o may_v aspire_v after_o that_o felicity_n and_o depart_v from_o the_o misery_n of_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v send_v to_o hell_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v remain_v upon_o earth_n to_o reign_v there_o with_o all_o the_o righteous_a eternal_o that_o the_o expectation_n of_o that_o glorious_a come_v may_v give_v you_o strength_n to_o sustain_v with_o patience_n the_o plague_n and_o tribulation_n which_o must_v short_o arrive_v the_o like_a whereof_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v see_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v endure_v eternal_o and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o creature_n shall_v perish_v 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shall_v be_v make_v child_n of_o abraham_n and_o that_o you_o may_v willing_o leave_v the_o maxim_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n which_o shall_v for_o its_o evil-doing_n be_v quick_o extermine_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o man_n be_v create_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o take_v his_o delight_n with_o god_n that_o you_o may_v no_o more_o seek_v any_o thing_n upon_o earth_n and_o contemn_v every_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v that_o entertainment_n with_o god_n have_v also_o tell_v you_o that_o this_o present_a life_n be_v only_o a_o time_n of_o penitence_n that_o all_o your_o labour_n be_v perform_v in_o that_o spirit_n of_o penitence_n unto_o which_o god_n have_v subject_v all_o man_n for_o their_o sin_n final_o sir_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o all_o the_o law_n the_o prophet_n and_o all_o virtue_n consist_v in_o the_o abandon_v of_o our_o will_n unto_o that_o of_o god_n that_o you_o be_v not_o distract_v by_o so_o many_o other_o divers_a thing_n but_o may_v pass_v your_o life_n 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and_o be_v follow_v and_o serve_v one_o go_v in_o a_o chariot_n another_o upon_o horseback_n final_o every_o one_o will_v follow_v his_o solace_n and_o pleasure_n after_o his_o proper_a inclination_n believe_v with_o all_o that_o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n because_o the_o priest_n and_o religious_a promise_n it_o to_o they_o these_o be_v new_a god_n and_o new_a saviour_n who_o have_v change_v unto_o we_o the_o order_n establish_v by_o god_n our_o father_n and_o creator_n and_o the_o practice_n which_o his_o son_n jesus_n come_v to_o teach_v we_o they_o conduct_v we_o by_o the_o way_n of_o hell_n persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v that_o of_o paradise_n with_o these_o persuasion_n every_o one_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o seduce_v there_o be_v no_o person_n in_o christendom_n that_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o abandon_v his_o will_n unto_o that_o of_o god_n which_o be_v nevertheless_o a_o eternal_a truth_n which_o shall_v never_o change_v whatever_o man_n do_v if_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o dependence_n which_o he_o have_v upon_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n he_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o assume_v the_o evangelical_n counsel_n as_o the_o true_a mean_n teach_v by_o god_n for_o return_v into_o that_o dependence_n he_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v because_o god_n teach_v nothing_o unprofitable_a but_o only_a thing_n express_o necessary_a unto_o which_o all_o the_o world_n must_v yield_v which_o no_o person_n do_v believe_v man_n more_o than_o god_n though_o the_o most_o part_n be_v rule_v by_o the_o devil_n who_o gain_v unto_o himself_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n by_o mean_n of_o these_o savage_a pastor_n who_o abandon_v the_o sheep_n in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o infernal_a wolf_n to_o make_v they_o perish_v with_o themselves_o eternal_o in_o retire_v they_o from_o god_n to_o attract_v they_o to_o themselves_o i_o have_v also_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o any_o 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receive_v every_o thing_n which_o human_a wisdom_n have_v divert_v have_v find_v so_o many_o study_n and_o argument_n to_o favour_v our_o proper_a will_n that_o all_o man_n believe_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o follow_v it_o without_o offend_v he_o who_o please_v to_o reserve_v it_o for_o himself_o sir_n 24._o these_o be_v all_o blind_a who_o lead_v the_o blind_a and_o all_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n be_v you_o never_o of_o that_o band_n but_o believe_v in_o the_o light_n which_o god_n show_v you_o i_o have_v speak_v truth_n unto_o you_o not_o affect_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o follow_v but_o only_o to_o tend_v and_o aim_v at_o your_o salvation_n all_o that_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v necessary_a for_o you_o if_o you_o will_v use_v it_o well_o because_o we_o can_v love_v god_n without_o know_v he_o nor_o follow_v virtue_n without_o comprehend_v it_o we_o can_v also_o evite_v the_o deceit_n without_o discover_v it_o nor_o escape_v the_o paw_n of_o the_o devil_n without_o turn_v away_o therefrom_o make_v good_a use_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o other_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o my_o manner_n of_o speech_n may_v have_v give_v you_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n because_o they_o do_v not_o accord_v with_o your_o philosophy_n theology_n or_o other_o scholastic_a science_n but_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v never_o make_v profession_n of_o any_o human_a science_n i_o love_v rather_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o than_o to_o know_v they_o and_o if_o i_o can_v learn_v in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n all_o the_o science_n of_o the_o school_n i_o will_v not_o employ_v so_o little_a time_n thereto_o because_o i_o know_v that_o human_a science_n be_v great_a impediment_n unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o also_o that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v 14._o when_o god_n shall_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o prudent_a and_o so_o i_o can_v use_v 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desert_n than_o elsewhere_o because_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n which_o be_v great_a let_n unto_o we_o and_o also_o the_o power_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v at_o present_a over_o their_o spirit_n to_o bewitch_v they_o that_o be_v yet_o sound_a and_o entire_a flee_v then_o sir_n that_o you_o may_v evite_v all_o these_o danger_n lest_o you_o may_v be_v divert_v from_o your_o good_a proposal_n and_o shall_v look_v back_o 26._o as_o lot_n wife_n who_o be_v change_v into_o a_o statue_n of_o salt_n yet_o a_o little_a penitence_n and_o after_o god_n will_v deliver_v you_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n which_o shall_v never_o end_v that_o be_v it_o i_o wish_v unto_o you_o in_o giving_z you_z adieu_o i_o be_v grieve_v to_o hear_v that_o she_o will_v leave_v i_o pray_v she_o not_o to_o withdraw_v see_v i_o will_v follow_v what_o she_o have_v teach_v i_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o self-denial_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n she_o say_v unto_o i_o sir_n it_o shall_v be_v more_o pure_a that_o you_o remain_v alone_o for_o i_o be_o only_o a_o creature_n as_o you_o be_v and_o we_o must_v cleave_v unto_o the_o creator_n alone_o without_o interruption_n 14._o he_o shall_v conduct_v you_o at_o his_o pleasure_n provide_v you_o be_v abandon_v unto_o his_o will_n you_o need_v no_o more_o instruction_n of_o any_o person_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o conduct_v you_o unto_o union_n with_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o only_a repetition_n of_o thing_n aforesaid_a which_o shall_v bereave_v your_o time_n and_o i_o which_o it_o be_v better_a to_o employ_v in_o the_o practice_n than_o in_o repetition_n leave_v i_o in_o my_o liberty_n and_o take_v you_o also_o you_o god_n have_v not_o create_v we_o together_o he_o shall_v save_v we_o though_o separate_v in_o body_n true_a union_n consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n of_o will_n with_o god_n and_o not_o in_o particular_a conference_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v often_o distract_v myself_o from_o entertainment_n with_o god_n to_o speak_v to_o you_o of_o so_o many_o divers_a thing_n but_o i_o judge_v they_o necessary_a for_o your_o salvation_n therefore_o have_v they_o not_o be_v grievous_a unto_o i_o but_o now_o when_o you_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o speak_v more_o unto_o you_o god_n shall_v always_o teach_v you_o enough_o provide_v you_o continue_v faithful_a unto_o he_o he_o have_v never_o refuse_v what_o man_n ask_v for_o their_o salvation_n you_o must_v have_v no_o more_o any_o other_o pretension_n let_v the_o etc._n world_n be_v overturn_v let_v the_o romish_a church_n perish_v let_v the_o element_n be_v move_v against_o sinner_n all_o that_o can_v touch_v you_o provide_v you_o keep_v you_o firm_o unite_v with_o god_n leave_v willing_o every_o thing_n to_o find_v that_o union_n if_o i_o be_v with_o you_o or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n provide_v you_o be_v with_o god_n that_o shall_v suffice_v because_o he_o alone_o can_v save_v you_o and_o none_o else_o there_o be_v always_o mixture_n when_o a_o creature_n cleave_v to_o its_o like_a i_o have_v often_o despise_v they_o who_o hold_v themselves_o addict_v to_o person_n although_o it_o be_v under_o some_o pious_a pretext_n i_o will_v not_o do_v myself_o what_o i_o despise_v in_o other_o i_o say_v unto_o she_o that_o she_o have_v promise_v to_o explain_v to_o i_o the_o 24._o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n that_o she_o shall_v at_o least_o give_v i_o it_o before_o she_o leave_v i_o she_o say_v sir_n i_o do_v not_o willing_o fail_v of_o my_o promise_n give_v i_o the_o text_n of_o that_o chapter_n and_o i_o shall_v explain_v it_o unto_o you_o word_n by_o word_n wish_v that_o all_o man_n of_o goodwill_n may_v see_v it_o that_o they_o may_v discover_v that_o it_o be_v of_o this_o present_a time_n that_o that_o chapter_n speak_v every_o one_o read_v it_o without_o understand_v it_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v pleasant_a advertisment_n to_o beware_v of_o this_o dangerous_a time_n wherein_o we_o live_v at_o present_a these_o be_v not_o fable_n make_v at_o pleasure_n but_o truth_n proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o which_o every_o one_o ought_v well_o to_o apprehend_v and_o follow_v the_o counsel_n which_o he_o give_v they_o be_v most_o salutary_a and_o most_o proper_a 36._o for_o escape_v the_o evil_n to_o come_v which_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n i_o must_v give_v it_o in_o write_v for_o a_o eternal_a remembrance_n that_o man_n may_v observe_v if_o all_o that_o it_o contain_v shall_v not_o be_v effect_v in_o our_o time_n do_v not_o oppose_v what_o you_o shall_v find_v contrary_a to_o your_o study_n or_o old_a impression_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v give_v perfect_a and_o unheard_a of_o intelligence_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o we_o be_v arrive_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n if_o you_o will_v receive_v they_o with_o humility_n of_o heart_n you_o shall_v understand_v all_o thing_n in_o perfection_n but_o you_o must_v become_v a_o child_n and_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n because_o 25._o god_n reveal_v his_o secret_n only_o unto_o little_a one_o and_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o earth_n we_o must_v not_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o say_v such_o a_o father_n explain_v it_o so_o or_o otherwise_o because_o the_o fullness_n be_v always_o more_o than_o a_o part_n you_o shall_v find_v what_o i_o say_v more_o clear_a than_o whatever_o the_o holy_a father_n have_v say_v because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v come_v but_o we_o must_v render_v simple_a our_o understanding_n as_o little_a child_n or_o otherwise_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o bring_v unto_o