illustrare_fw-la adultisque_fw-la ad_fw-la subtilia_fw-la ineptis_fw-la persuadere_fw-la valeat_fw-la cujus_fw-la exemplum_fw-la paucis_fw-la ab_fw-la hinc_fw-la annis_fw-la nobis_fw-la tulit_fw-la flandria_n in_fw-la virguncula_fw-la infante_fw-la septimum_fw-la aetatis_fw-la annum_fw-la nondum_fw-la egressa_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la vitam_fw-la hanc_fw-la spatio_fw-la brevem_fw-la &_o curriculo_fw-la miseram_fw-la satis_fw-la cerneret_fw-la mortales_fw-la tantopere_fw-la ea_fw-la capi_fw-la obstupuit_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la jesum_fw-la christum_fw-la vitam_fw-la immortalem_fw-la suis_fw-la acquisivisse_fw-la audivisset_fw-la enixe_v &_o continuo_n parent_n rogavit_fw-la ut_fw-la se_fw-la in_o christianorum_fw-la regiones_fw-la ducerent_fw-la cum_fw-la autem_fw-la ipsi_fw-la christum_fw-la in_o flandria_n coli_fw-la responderent_fw-la hoc_fw-la incredibile_fw-la exclamavit_fw-la christum_fw-la enim_fw-la paupertatem_fw-la laudasse_fw-la illis_fw-la autem_fw-la nummos_fw-la numen_fw-la esse_fw-la illum_fw-la dignitates_fw-la sprevisse_fw-la illos_fw-la autem_fw-la have_v ambire_fw-la flendo_fw-la arguebat_fw-la et_fw-la quis_fw-la talia_fw-la fando_fw-la temperet_fw-la a_o lachrymis_fw-la that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o illuminate_v infant_n in_o the_o dawn_n of_o their_o age_n and_o to_o persuade_v age_a people_n that_o be_v not_o apt_a or_o dispose_v for_o subtle_a thought_n whereof_o flanders_n have_v a_o few_o year_n ago_o furnish_v we_o a_o example_n in_o a_o infant_n girl_n not_o past_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o her_o age_n who_o when_o she_o perceive_v well_o this_o life_n to_o be_v of_o a_o short_a continuance_n and_o miserable_a course_n be_v astonish_v that_o mortal_n be_v so_o much_o take_v with_o it_o and_o have_v hear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v purchase_v eternal_a life_n for_o his_o follower_n she_o earnest_o and_o continual_o ask_v her_o parent_n that_o they_o will_v take_v she_o into_o the_o country_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o when_o they_o answer_v that_o christ_n be_v worship_v in_o flanders_n she_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a and_o argue_v with_o tear_n christ_n command_v poverty_n but_o they_o love_v money_n as_o their_o god_n he_o despise_v honour_n but_o they_o covet_v they_o and_o who_o can_v relate_v or_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n without_o weep_v i_o add_v one_o a._n de_fw-fr h._n which_o may_v be_v something_o of_o a_o directory_n to_o those_o in_o the_o like_a case_n with_o the_o writer_n a_o renown_a physician_n in_o the_o town_n of_o middleburg_n in_o zealand_n who_o former_a write_n communicate_v to_o the_o world_n give_v testimony_n how_o just_a and_o penetrate_a his_o spirit_n be_v when_o he_o have_v well_o begin_v to_o make_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n the_o object_n of_o its_o consideration_n give_v his_o raw_a thought_n in_o a_o plain_a familiar_a letter_n to_o mr._n p._n thus_o reverend_a sir_n after_o by_o your_o counsel_n and_o recommendation_n i_o begin_v to_o read_v mrs._n antonia_n bourignons_n write_n i_o feel_v as_o it_o be_v a_o fight_n against_o they_o and_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o not_o to_o deserve_v so_o much_o praise_n yet_o consider_v that_o your_o esteem_n must_v depend_v on_o a_o well-grounded_n knowledge_n because_o you_o know_v the_o gentlewoman_n you_o converse_v with_o she_o and_o have_v accurate_o examine_v her_o write_n hence_o i_o begin_v to_o read_v more_o attentive_o whence_o immediate_o a_o sublim_o wisdom_n lay_v open_a man_n interior_a display_v itself_o the_o numerous_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o beginning_n do_v evanish_v as_o my_o read_n be_v with_o more_o attention_n yet_o i_o can_v as_o yet_o assent_v unto_o all_o perhaps_o because_o i_o have_v read_v only_o few_o of_o they_o and_o have_v put_v few_o of_o they_o into_o practice_n without_o which_o these_o uriting_n seem_v not_o understandable_a as_o also_o the_o intelligence_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o they_o who_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o practice_n may_v keep_v pace_n with_o knowledge_n which_o to_o overcome_v we_o must_v seek_v strength_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n which_o be_v seldom_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n lay_v many_o obstacle_n in_o the_o way_n and_o the_o seduce_a world_n strengthen_v it_o especial_o in_o the_o art_n to_o which_o i_o have_v perhaps_o without_o god_n conduct_n addict_v myself_o in_o which_o a_o thousand_o distraction_n do_v daily_o occur_v a_o act_n so_o uncertain_a and_o so_o fill_v with_o deceit_n that_o i_o doubt_v if_o it_o may_v be_v exercise_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n before_o i_o will_v demonstrate_v and_o amend_v its_o error_n but_o i_o know_v not_o the_o source_n of_o error_n sin_n and_o in_o vain_a be_v the_o redress_n of_o evil_n seek_v from_o he_o who_o be_v in_o evil._n i_o ready_o assent_v to_o mrs._n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr that_o christian_n must_v live_v otherwise_o than_o man_n do_v now_o adays_o thought_n of_o this_o sort_n sir_n have_v exercise_v i_o since_o i_o read_v your_o divine_a oeconomie_n and_o mrs._n bourignons_n write_n and_o have_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o speak_v with_o you_o if_o my_o intend_a journey_n into_o holland_n have_v succeed_v but_o that_o be_v hitherto_o hinder_v i_o will_v give_v you_o these_o line_n to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v give_v i_o counsel_n to_o the_o read_n of_o these_o write_n with_o the_o great_a fruit_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o corruption_n of_o my_o nature_n i_o willing_o grant_v there_o be_v so_o many_o wholesome_a counsel_n in_o they_o that_o it_o may_v seem_v superfluous_a to_o desire_v more_o if_o you_o think_v so_o i_o be_o content_a and_o recommend_v myself_o to_o your_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v perfect_v the_o work_n he_o have_v begin_v in_o i_o i_o shall_v remain_v reverend_a sir_n you_o in_o christ_n a._n de_fw-fr h_n his_o succeed_a letter_n so_o much_o breathe_v out_o conviction_n of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n as_o may_v stumble_v worldling_n heart_n but_o why_o it_o be_v a_o work_n beyond_o a_o volume_n to_o allege_v all_o that_o may_v be_v adduce_v of_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o her_o write_n in_o allarm_v the_o conscience_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o inflame_v the_o desire_n to_o the_o overturning_a of_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o worldly_a thing_n to_o seek_v only_o eternal_a one_o and_o all_o such_o as_o it_o be_v to_o attribute_v robbery_n to_o another_o power_n than_o that_o of_o the_o adorable_a majesty_n of_o our_o god_n and_o that_o in_o all_o rank_n and_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o different_a country_n profession_n capacity_n and_o temper_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o sect_n and_o general_o all_o that_o seek_v god_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o whatever_o circumstance_n have_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n join_v hand_n embrace_v approve_a and_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o substantial_a essence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n here_o every_o where_o and_o only_o recommend_v many_o of_o which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v impartial_o speak_v the_o most_o sound_a and_o profound_a spirit_n of_o the_o age_n at_o least_o in_o the_o european_a world_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o latin_a tongue_n serve_v to_o propagate_v the_o communication_n of_o thought_n and_o that_o as_o well_o in_o the_o general_a quality_n of_o a_o solid_a judgement_n and_o penetrate_a spirit_n as_o in_o the_o specification_n by_o determine_v the_o same_o to_o particular_n subject_n and_o study_n whether_o theologie_n or_o law_n or_o physic_n or_o philosophy_n in_o all_o of_o which_o some_o sufficient_o attest_v to_o the_o literate_a world_n capable_a of_o its_o great_a attempt_n yet_o in_o they_o god_n have_v reserve_v that_o candour_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o heavenly_a call_n but_o count_v all_o loss_n and_o dung_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n though_o alas_o the_o number_n of_o such_o be_v lamentable_o small_a in_o all_o sort_n in_o fine_a let_v whosoever_o be_v weary_a and_o heaven_n load_v come_v resolute_o absolute_o and_o constant_o hither_o and_o he_o shall_v assure_o by_o divine_a assistance_n find_v rest_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o peace_n which_o the_o world_n can_v give_v nor_o take_v away_o even_o amid_o all_o outward_a adversity_n yea_o and_o inward_a tentation_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o the_o rhetoric_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o all_o the_o force_n and_o cunning_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n to_o unstable_a the_o foundation_n either_o mean_n or_o end_n if_o he_o continue_v faithful_a under_o christ_n yoke_n to_o pass_v further_o to_o a_o brief_a touch_n of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o many_o memorable_a thing_n in_o her_o life_n from_o her_o own_o manuscript_n and_o from_o the_o faithful_a and_o judicious_a record_n of_o her_o life_n continue_v antonia_n bourignon_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o city_n of_o lisle_n in_o flanders_n on_o the_o
which_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o though_o it_o mix_v itself_o with_o the_o devil_n motion_n it_o be_v his_o custom_n to_o follow_v every_o one_o natural_a inclination_n to_o cover_v himself_o the_o better_a that_o he_o be_v not_o know_v and_o by_o that_o device_n he_o remain_v unknown_a each_o attribute_v his_o fault_n to_o his_o nature_n one_o will_v be_v support_v in_o his_o anger_n another_o in_o his_o sadness_n and_o morosity_n another_o in_o his_o lust_n say_v often_o i_o can_v help_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v my_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o language_n the_o devil_n hear_v glad_o because_o so_o he_o lurk_v unknown_a and_o make_v we_o go_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_a unto_o death_n but_o they_o that_o have_v esteem_v the_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o devil_n natural_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n shall_v see_v clear_o at_o death_n that_o it_o be_v devilish_a malice_n which_o mix_v itself_o with_o every_o one_o natural_a inclination_n and_o the_o devil_n labour_v always_o to_o discover_v these_o natural_a inclination_n that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o play_v his_o part_n and_o remain_v unknown_a under_o that_o covert_n of_o natural_a infirmity_n and_o so_o he_o amuse_n many_o that_o they_o never_o think_v it_o be_v the_o devil_n because_o he_o be_v so_o strait_o unite_v with_o their_o nature_n and_o that_o be_v his_o subtlety_n he_o know_v well_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o obey_v if_o he_o give_v tentation_n contrary_a to_o one_o natural_a inclination_n and_o so_o he_o follow_v always_o every_a one_o nature_n and_o augment_v the_o inclination_n which_o he_o find_v there_o if_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o choleric_a person_n he_o stir_v he_o up_o the_o more_o to_o anger_n if_o a_o luxurious_a or_o sad_a person_n he_o augment_v their_o luxury_n or_o sadness_n to_o gain_v they_o all_o on_o the_o weak_a side_n he_o do_v as_o a_o enemy_n that_o will_v attack_v a_o city_n he_o will_v not_o assault_v where_o it_o be_v fortify_v but_o where_o it_o be_v weak_a if_o he_o find_v some_o corner_n of_o the_o wall_n break_v he_o attempt_v to_o break_v it_o more_o that_o by_o it_o he_o may_v enter_v the_o town_n being_n the_o most_o advantageous_a entry_n for_o he_o and_o the_o devil_n our_o town_n enemy_n do_v the_o very_a same_o he_o can_v surprise_v we_o in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v on_o our_o guard_n so_o he_o attacque_n we_o where_o we_o do_v not_o expect_v it_o and_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o gain_v easy_o our_o will_n and_o make_v it_o obey_v he_o in_o what_o we_o have_v inclination_n to_o we_o must_v then_o always_o make_v a_o serious_a reflection_n on_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v what_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n see_v it_o have_v always_o his_o quality_n and_o produce_v within_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o envy_n trouble_v impatience_n sadness_n and_o other_o which_o i_o mark_v above_o we_o may_v also_o remark_n enough_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o devil_n cause_v we_o to_o do_v for_o if_o you_o will_v examine_v yourself_o narrow_o you_o shall_v always_o find_v something_o in_o your_o word_n untrue_a or_o dissemble_a or_o speak_v by_o vain_a complacency_n to_o please_v man_n which_o make_v that_o there_o be_v not_o always_o justice_n in_o your_o word_n for_o he_o that_o speak_v by_o the_o good_a spirit_n be_v true_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o please_v or_o flatter_v man_n but_o declare_v native_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n as_o well_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o as_o what_o be_v advantageous_a see_v he_o seek_v only_o to_o please_v god_n alone_o to_o know_v if_o our_o action_n be_v excite_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o not_o you_o need_v but_o mark_n if_o they_o be_v do_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o for_o your_o own_o and_o if_o you_o seek_v not_o yourself_o therein_o for_o the_o devil_n will_v always_o incite_v we_o to_o seek_v ourselves_o in_o all_o that_o we_o do_v he_o know_v well_o that_o self-love_n mar_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o so_o he_o excite_v our_o understanding_n to_o consider_v if_o what_o we_o do_v or_o say_v shall_v be_v advantageous_a to_o we_o if_o it_o shall_v give_v we_o pleasure_n honour_n or_o profit_n and_o when_o we_o observe_v none_o of_o these_o advantage_n in_o it_o he_o slacken_v our_o courage_n that_o we_o do_v not_o accomplish_v our_o undertake_n nor_o prosecute_v our_o work_n the_o good_a spirit_n on_o the_o contrary_n incite_v always_o to_o labour_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o assistance_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o so_o he_o that_o be_v guide_v thereby_o do_v nothing_o for_o his_o own_o proper_a interest_n but_o endeavour_n to_o his_o power_n to_o assist_v his_o neighbour_n in_o need_n because_o the_o charity_n which_o that_o good_a spirit_n carry_v in_o it_o attend_v more_o the_o common_a good_a than_o his_o own_o particular_a by_o that_o my_o son_n you_o may_v observe_v all_o your_o word_n and_o action_n to_o know_v if_o they_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n for_o these_o be_v infallible_a mark_n to_o discern_v the_o spirit_n if_o from_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n without_o amuse_v you_o to_o speculate_v or_o seek_v to_o discover_v the_o devil_n in_o himself_o since_o he_o be_v a_o invisible_a spirit_n and_o incomprehensible_a to_o your_o understanding_n but_o you_o shall_v always_o discover_v he_o infallible_o by_o his_o quality_n and_o the_o fruit_n which_o he_o produce_v in_o your_o soul_n and_o your_o inward_a disposition_n will_v tell_v you_o it_o which_o she_o assure_v you_o of_o who_o be_v your_o well-affected_a in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n 15._o may_v 1672._o st._n vet_n the_o xix_o letter_n we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n be_v free_a from_o tentation_n to_o the_o same_o who_o be_v grieve_v for_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o tempt_v we_o so_o various_o a_o thirteen_o artifice_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v show_v he_o wherein_o he_o break_v the_o firmness_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o sadness_n that_o tentation_n be_v necessary_a and_o profitable_a to_o try_v and_o purify_v we_o my_o son_n i_o see_v you_o be_v grieve_v in_o spirit_n because_o the_o devil_n have_v power_n to_o tempt_v man_n so_o many_o divers_a way_n but_o you_o shall_v rejoice_v while_o you_o learn_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n for_o if_o you_o know_v it_o not_o the_o devil_n will_v seduce_v you_o by_o ignorance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v so_o many_o thousand_o who_o have_v obey_v he_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o they_o think_v to_o follow_v the_o will_n of_o god_n while_o they_o follow_v certain_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o so_o have_v perish_v insensible_o for_o before_o god_n ignorance_n do_v not_o excuse_v sin_n every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o omit_v to_o attain_v to_o salvation_n we_o need_v not_o think_v to_o say_v to_o god_n after_o death_n lord_n i_o know_v not_o this_o or_o that_o or_o i_o think_v not_o i_o do_v evil_a in_o that_o for_o all_o excuse_n will_v be_v uncurrent_a coin_n which_o will_v not_o be_v receive_v nor_o approve_v of_o he_o see_v we_o have_v abundant_o the_o mean_n to_o find_v if_o we_o have_v the_o desire_n to_o seek_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o see_v a_o man_n poor_a and_o miserable_a overcharge_v with_o his_o enemy_n when_o he_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o labour_n or_o seek_v a_o better_a way_n of_o live_v and_o will_v needs_o sleep_v and_o rest_n at_o his_o ease_n though_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v surround_v by_o his_o enemy_n we_o shall_v certain_o say_v that_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o misery_n and_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o may_v befall_v he_o and_o why_o will_v you_o not_o judge_v also_o that_o he_o who_o neglect_v to_o search_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n his_o enemy_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o damnation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v impute_v only_o to_o ourselves_o see_v we_o have_v abundant_o the_o mean_n to_o find_v if_o we_o have_v a_o true_a desire_n to_o seek_v tell_v i_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o cause_n of_o ignorance_n can_v a_o christian_n pretend_v who_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o teach_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o which_o he_o give_v credit_n and_o accord_n that_o they_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n who_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o who_o seek_v to_o devour_v we_o that_o our_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a combat_n that_o we_o must_v watch_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o tentation_n notwithstanding_o man_n will_v not_o do_v either_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o
or_o temporal_a or_o for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o devil_n will_v play_v the_o dumb_a and_o keep_v we_o silent_a when_o we_o shall_v speak_v at_o another_o time_n he_o will_v play_v the_o orator_n make_v we_o speak_v and_o discourse_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a of_o and_o so_o will_v draw_v from_o our_o word_n great_a sin_n for_o both_o good_a and_o evil_a person_n be_v often_o offend_v at_o our_o word_n if_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o hear_v it_o for_o it_o be_v as_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o so_o even_o pious_a person_n themselves_o can_v support_v it_o while_o it_o reprove_v since_o correction_n be_v never_o agreeable_a in_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v administer_v but_o if_o we_o speak_v falsehood_n or_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o please_v man_n the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a shall_v be_v thereby_o stumble_v for_o our_o example_n will_v fortify_v the_o wicked_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o falsehood_n and_o the_o good_a shall_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o who_o profess_v virtue_n be_v not_o true_a in_o every_o thing_n and_o will_v yet_o please_v the_o world_n and_o worldling_n so_o that_o on_o every_o hand_n we_o give_v advantage_n to_o the_o devil_n in_o speak_v or_o keep_v silence_n and_o that_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v not_o obtain_v spiritual_a diligence_n to_o watch_v over_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n for_o if_o you_o will_v my_o child_n reflect_v upon_o yourself_o you_o shall_v experience_n that_o you_o do_v or_o say_v nothing_o without_o sin_v but_o because_o the_o devil_n hold_v you_o yet_o in_o spiritual_a negligence_n you_o perceive_v it_o not_o but_o by_o chance_n for_o he_o obscure_v your_o memory_n that_o you_o shall_v not_o remember_v what_o be_v necessary_a and_o represent_v to_o your_o mind_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o forget_v and_o by_o that_o make_v you_o do_v his_o will_n as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o in_o temporal_a concern_v for_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o by_o what_o he_o ensnare_v you_o but_o he_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o tempt_v by_o evil_a action_n such_o as_o seek_v to_o become_v jesus_n christ_n disciple_n he_o tempt_v they_o but_o by_o omission_n know_v that_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v his_o suggestion_n in_o evil_a thing_n though_o ready_o in_o omission_n and_o so_o he_o make_v they_o forget_v or_o neglect_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o of_o other_o now_o he_o gain_v much_o more_o with_o good_a person_n by_o these_o omission_n than_o he_o can_v do_v by_o action_n see_v evil_a action_n displease_v welmeaning_a person_n and_o be_v reprehensible_a before_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o commit_v they_o although_o the_o devil_n do_v tempt_v they_o if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o avoid_v a_o bad_a example_n or_o scandalize_a their_o neighbour_n but_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v more_o secret_a and_o difficult_a to_o discover_v and_o consequent_o more_o dangerous_a for_o soul_n which_o have_v not_o spiritual_a diligence_n for_o they_o fall_v insensible_o and_o without_o perceive_v it_o in_o spiritual_a negligence_n and_o when_o they_o be_v fall_v therein_o they_o often_o know_v not_o that_o they_o have_v sin_v attribute_v that_o neglect_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o memory_n or_o infirmity_n of_o their_o understanding_n without_o perceive_v that_o the_o devil_n occasion_n the_o forget_v of_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o subtle_a snare_n of_o satan_n so_o my_o son_n you_o must_v watch_v well_o lest_o he_o surprise_v you_o ignorant_o for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o before_o god_n to_o say_v i_o think_v not_o of_o it_o or_o i_o forget_v see_v we_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o think_v of_o and_o remember_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o salutary_a hence_o be_v the_o proverb_n he_o that_o sin_n ignorant_o go_v ignorant_o to_o hell_n and_o it_o be_v say_v somewhere_o that_o ignorance_n do_v not_o excuse_n sin_n to_o show_v that_o spiritual_a diligence_n be_v especial_o necessary_a for_o he_o that_o will_v work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o god_n admit_v no_o excuse_n in_o what_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v i_o believe_v among_o man_n every_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o justify_v and_o excuse_v himself_o for_o be_v all_o frail_a and_o imperfect_a they_o flatter_v and_o excuse_v also_o such_o as_o be_v like_o themselves_o when_o they_o love_v they_o then_o they_o attribute_v to_o fragility_n what_o proceed_v from_o spiritual_a negligence_n but_o god_n who_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o search_v the_o conscience_n make_v another_o judgement_n of_o our_o action_n and_o omission_n he_o will_v condemn_v for_o sin_n whatever_o we_o have_v neglect_v to_o do_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o salvation_n or_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o when_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v to_o god_n i_o have_v not_o find_v if_o you_o have_v not_o do_v necessary_a duty_n to_o search_v there_o be_v person_n so_o imprudent_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o take_v a_o account_n of_o they_o for_o what_o they_o have_v not_o know_v in_o which_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o far_o deceive_v at_o death_n for_o we_o be_v always_o oblige_v to_o search_v what_o we_o need_v to_o find_v and_o we_o shall_v absolute_o know_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v arrive_v at_o salvation_n as_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n precept_n and_o he_o that_o perform_v not_o what_o be_v there_o ordain_v can_v be_v save_v it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o for_o he_o to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o god_n require_v nor_o the_o gospel-law_n see_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v both_o and_o to_o do_v all_o possible_a diligence_n to_o learn_v they_o that_o he_o may_v do_v they_o if_o then_o we_o have_v not_o that_o spiritual_a diligence_n for_o our_o salvation_n we_o shall_v never_o obtain_v it_o for_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o excuse_v the_o sin_n so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o jesus_n christ_n say_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v pray_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o 15._o which_o be_v not_o to_o say_v as_o many_o ignorant_o allege_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v satisfy_v all_o for_o we_o see_v he_o exhort_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o pray_v to_o knock_v and_o to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v to_o obtain_v it_o teach_v thereby_o that_o that_o spiritual_a diligence_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o these_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v it_o by_o the_o diligence_n of_o another_o which_o be_v but_o a_o flattery_n to_o destroy_v we_o while_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v we_o so_o much_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o tentation_n for_o if_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v satisfy_v all_o what_o need_n have_v we_o to_o watch_v and_o pray_v we_o need_v but_o to_o remain_v in_o ease_n and_o quiet_a in_o expect_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v satisfy_v all_o for_o we_o then_o we_o need_v not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o knock_v pray_v and_o search_v if_o all_o be_v find_v and_o obtain_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o may_v well_o let_v you_o see_v my_o son_n that_o man_n be_v at_o present_a give_v up_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o that_o they_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n for_o they_o make_v one_o another_o believe_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n and_o will_v by_o their_o gloss_n annul_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o that_o doctrine_n excite_v always_o unto_o spiritual_a diligence_n for_o jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o must_v pray_v always_o and_o without_o cease_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o must_v always_o be_v diligent_a to_o watch_v over_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n without_o commit_v sin_n nor_o do_v any_o action_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v defile_v so_o long_o as_o we_o remain_v and_o live_v in_o corrupt_a nature_n wherein_o we_o be_v bear_v for_o that_o corruption_n love_v itself_o turn_v to_o its_o own_o glory_n and_o profit_v all_o that_o we_o do_v or_o say_v which_o be_v a_o continual_a sin_n which_o we_o can_v evite_v but_o by_o spiritual_a diligence_n or_o continual_a prayer_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o sin_n we_o must_v continual_o combat_v it_o or_o yield_v and_o
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 fine_a discourse_n but_o such_o only_a as_o make_v know_v the_o native_a truth_n the_o word_n the_o term_n may_v well_o be_v debate_v and_o control_v but_o never_o the_o true_a sense_n which_o be_v true_a i_o will_v not_o dispute_v with_o the_o wise_a see_v god_n shall_v short_o overcome_v they_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o my_o word_n nor_o also_o polish_v my_o language_n because_o the_o simple_a nativeness_n please_v god_n more_o than_o the_o rhetorical_a eloquence_n subject_a unto_o vanity_n for_o he_o that_o speak_v that_o he_o may_v speak_v elegant_o be_v fill_v with_o vainglory_n willing_a to_o renounce_v which_o i_o seek_v only_o simple_a word_n that_o may_v express_v my_o conception_n i_o believe_v sir_n that_o you_o have_v sufficient_o understand_v i_o and_o that_o i_o can_v say_v no_o more_o to_o you_o to_o cooperate_v unto_o your_o salvation_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o but_o to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n which_o you_o shall_v do_v more_o easy_o in_o solitude_n or_o the_o 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
a_o admirable_a treatise_n of_o solid_a virtue_n which_o the_o man_n of_o this_o generation_n know_v not_o seeing_z they_o take_v the_o appearance_n of_o virtue_n for_o true_a virtue_n teach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o these_o word_n learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o salutary_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v give_v for_o true_a christian_n by_o antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr write_a in_o 24._o letter_n to_o a_o young_a man_n who_o seek_v after_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n teach_v he_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o five_o natural_a sense_n translate_v from_o the_o original_a french_a at_o amsterdam_n by_o henry_n wetstein_n 1698._o which_o jesus_n say_v both_o reveals_z and_o judge_n man_n heart_n how_o much_o of_o this_o divine_a truth_n be_v in_o these_o epistle_n the_o more_o upright_o the_o soul_n be_v it_o shall_v more_o discover_v and_o how_o much_o of_o this_o upright_a sincerity_n be_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o same_o epistle_n will_v detect_v here_o the_o most_o earnest_a hunger_n shall_v be_v adequate_o satiate_v and_o the_o most_o stupid_a inappetency_n unless_o it_o be_v voluntary_o habitual_a and_o perverse_o obstinate_a may_v be_v awaken_v to_o a_o earnest_a search_n of_o that_o virtue_n by_o the_o genuine_a representation_n of_o its_o inestimable_a value_n and_o ravish_a beauty_n and_o the_o easy_a plain_a and_o sure_a mean_n of_o attain_v it_o here_o hold_v forth_o but_o be_v a_o little_a may_v be_v by_o far_o too_o much_o in_o the_o ordinary_a yea_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v universal_a way_n of_o talk_v much_o like_o a_o perroquet_n of_o virture_n without_o any_o live_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o the_o spirit_n its_o best_a not_o to_o divert_v the_o reader_n from_o that_o fountain_n where_o it_o flow_v live_v i_o mean_v that_o speaker_n who_o can_v true_o in_o a_o most_o ample_a sense_n say_v with_o david_n credidi_fw-la propter_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o locutus_fw-la sum_fw-la i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v speak_v and_o with_o the_o master_n of_o virtue_n verba_fw-la quae_fw-la loquor_fw-la non_fw-la mea_fw-la sunt_fw-la sed_fw-la patris_fw-la qui_fw-la i_o misit_fw-la the_o word_n which_o i_o speak_v be_v not_o i_o but_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o only_o this_o be_v likely_a the_o first_o that_o have_v appear_v in_o our_o language_n of_o the_o write_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a organ_n of_o god_n spirit_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr it_o may_v be_v both_o suitable_a and_o acceptable_a to_o give_v the_o curious_a searcher_n of_o solid_a truth_n some_o entry_n into_o the_o unparalelled_a greatness_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o a_o brief_a recital_n of_o some_o memorable_a thing_n of_o that_o person_n and_o of_o the_o thought_n of_o some_o few_o of_o they_o who_o soul_n that_o same_o spirit_n touch_v by_o that_o person_n and_o her_o doctrine_n who_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o life_n of_o both_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o last_o mr._n grellot_n a_o ancient_a protestant_a minister_n express_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o soul_n first_o to_o his_o friend_n mr._n p._n and_o then_o to_o mrs._n a._n b._n herself_o in_o his_o to_z mr._n p._n i_o have_v long_o ago_o resolve_v for_o myself_o to_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v my_o live_n by_o the_o most_o abject_a and_o contemptible_a work_n and_o employ_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o lay_v my_o acount_n so_o for_o certain_o if_o i_o preach_v in_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v person_n how_o ever_o little_o more_o know_v or_o of_o more_o worldly_a power_n than_o here_o i_o will_v never_o be_v suffer_v only_o because_o i_o manifest_v the_o deceit_n that_o reign_v in_o religion_n and_o in_o sect_n i_o most_o willing_o leave_v that_o precious_a soul_n mrs._n bourignon_n to_o sleep_v and_o rest_n in_o jesus_n christ_n therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o nor_o will_v not_o pray_v you_o to_o salute_v she_o in_o my_o name_n i_o pray_v god_n only_o ratify_v the_o salutation_n and_o divine_a benediction_n that_o you_o tell_v i_o she_o wish_v to_o i_o i_o marvel_v not_o at_o what_o you_o write_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o mrs._n bourignon_fw-fr that_o they_o who_o be_v with_o you_o will_v judge_v and_o think_v and_o cabal_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o zelots_n see_v i_o find_v no_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o his_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o man_n see_v god_n show_v the_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o you_o and_o to_o i_o to_o see_v and_o feel_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v in_o she_o pauci_fw-la quos_fw-la aequus_fw-la amavit_fw-la jupiter_n god_n give_v also_o grace_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o to_o our_o soul_n salvation_n though_o before_o i_o say_v i_o dare_v not_o nor_o will_v not_o have_v you_o to_o salute_v that_o child_n of_o god_n mrs._n bourignon_n from_o i_o yet_o do_v it_o if_o you_o can_v convenient_o i_o desire_v earnest_o to_o see_v mrs._n bourignon_n while_o she_o be_v yet_o alive_a for_o man_n be_v not_o worthy_a that_o she_o shall_v be_v so_o long_o i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o the_o ministry_n i_o have_v long_o deplore_v the_o imprudence_n i_o have_v when_o i_o engage_v in_o it_o his_o letter_n to_o mrs._n bourignon_n mistress_n it_o be_v now_o three_o year_n since_o mr._n p._n begin_v to_o address_v your_o write_n to_o i_o i_o have_v no_o soon_o see_v or_o read_v they_o but_o i_o judge_v you_o be_v of_o god_n i_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o rather_o because_o god_n have_v already_o tell_v i_o several_a like_a or_o near_a unto_o they_o since_o that_o time_n i_o have_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o my_o interior_a and_o be_o so_o daily_o more_o that_o you_o be_v whole_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o nothing_o be_v capable_a to_o make_v i_o believe_v the_o contrary_a although_o i_o be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o world_n of_o that_o mind_n and_o i_o think_v not_o strange_a that_o you_o be_v whole_o fill_v with_o it_o see_v you_o have_v employ_v so_o many_o year_n to_o attain_v it_o i_o mean_v that_o you_o practise_v holiness_n and_o have_v give_v yourself_o to_o the_o purify_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o the_o other_o thing_n that_o obtain_v it_o from_o god_n i_o see_v you_o possess_v alone_o all_o the_o truth_n whereof_o all_o the_o other_o sect_n and_o religion_n of_o christian_n have_v only_o a_o part_n and_o that_o you_o have_v they_o in_o your_o soul_n and_o in_o your_o book_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o error_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o see_v no_o sect_n that_o have_v not_o more_o or_o less_o of_o error_n as_o their_o author_n do_v more_o or_o less_o come_v near_o to_o god_n internal_o you_o alone_o discover_v full_o the_o false_a piety_n wherein_o the_o devout_a of_o this_o world_n be_v deceive_v as_o i_o do_v firm_o believe_v then_o that_o be_v fill_v with_o god_n he_o will_v that_o you_o be_v a_o channel_n and_o conduit_n through_o which_o he_o will_v flow_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v dispose_v and_o fit_v to_o receive_v he_o i_o desire_v that_o he_o may_v flow_v from_o you_o into_o i_o and_o that_o be_v in_o i_o he_o put_v there_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o spirit_n adduce_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o abjectness_n and_o indignity_n the_o multitude_n of_o her_o letter_n and_o write_n already_o disperse_v the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o restrict_v to_o particular_n as_o retard_v his_o writing_n to_o she_o he_o proceed_v yet_o mr._n p._n my_o friend_n among_o other_o thing_n he_o write_v to_o i_o from_o you_o have_v salute_v i_o in_o your_o name_n two_o different_a time_n i_o desire_v and_o pray_v that_o these_o salutation_n may_v be_v ratify_v by_o god_n and_o thereupon_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o represent_v unto_o you_o something_o for_o the_o good_a of_o my_o soul_n which_o i_o do_v most_o humble_o and_o before_o god_n i_o see_v also_o that_o many_o good_a soul_n from_o divers_a place_n desire_v to_o become_v yet_o better_a some_o by_o your_o letter_n and_o the_o rest_n by_o come_v as_o near_o unto_o your_o person_n as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o you_o have_v the_o charity_n to_o stretch_v forth_o your_o arm_n unto_o all_o of_o they_o i_o hope_v also_o you_o will_v hold_v they_o forth_o to_o i_o the_o more_o willing_o because_o i_o be_o afflict_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o for_o my_o not_o have_v love_n enough_o to_o my_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v amend_v in_o i_o if_o i_o may_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n or_o of_o jesus_n as_o i_o desire_v i_o ought_v the_o rather_o
to_o do_v so_o even_o with_o great_a conviction_n and_o sbame_n that_o god_n have_v replenish_v my_o spirit_n with_o several_a most_o rare_a grace_n and_o unknown_a light_n which_o will_v render_v i_o so_o much_o the_o more_o damnable_a before_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o mercy_n on_o i_o i_o own_o that_o all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v for_o so_o many_o year_n and_o do_v continue_v daily_o to_o pour_v into_o my_o soul_n as_o that_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n of_o satan_n reign_v in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n sect_n and_o religion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o vanity_n of_o human_a literature_n or_o that_o which_o they_o call_v theology_n whether_o study_v or_o compose_v book_n which_o i_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v mere_a delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o many_o other_o secret_n which_o god_n speak_v often_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o my_o soul_n be_v all_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o holiness_n it_o must_v be_v fill_v with_o that_o it_o may_v see_v god_n and_o that_o if_o it_o have_v not_o the_o last_o though_o it_o do_v divine_o possess_v all_o these_o other_o satan_n may_v well_o entertain_v it_o therein_o and_o even_o teach_v it_o more_o provide_v he_o may_v keep_v it_o always_o captive_a under_o one_o or_o more_o sin_n it_o be_v upon_o that_o very_a foundation_n that_o i_o do_v passionate_o love_v and_o study_v human_a literature_n in_o which_o satan_n will_v willing_o have_v nourish_v i_o and_o entertain_v my_o spirit_n all_o my_o life_n in_o detain_v i_o thereby_o from_o the_o search_n and_o from_o the_o true_a adoration_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n so_o i_o be_v already_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o ministry_n even_o for_o some_o year_n that_o i_o have_v not_o any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o most_o ignorant_a of_o true_a religion_n these_o thing_n can_v get_v no_o entry_n into_o my_o understanding_n find_v it_o so_o full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la in_o favour_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o against_o all_o other_o sect_n as_o also_o addict_v to_o book_n and_o worldly_a science_n this_o be_v it_o that_o make_v i_o leave_v the_o romish_a church_n in_o which_o i_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v to_o the_o age_n of_o 22._o or_o 23._o year_n apprehend_v that_o i_o shall_v perish_v if_o i_o die_v in_o it_o believe_v also_o that_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v altogether_o holy_a i_o be_v abuse_v or_o impose_v on_o therein_o from_o one_o babylon_n which_o i_o leave_v i_o be_o come_v into_o another_o if_o i_o be_v yet_o in_o that_o of_o my_o nativity_n i_o will_v no_o more_o leave_v it_o but_o with_o my_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o will_v sanctify_v myself_o there_o as_o well_o as_o in_o so_o many_o other_o sect_n which_o i_o perceive_v now_o to_o be_v all_o but_o work_v or_o idol_n of_o man_n hand_n so_o many_o pant_n prayer_n study_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v employ_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o quality_n of_o minister_n i_o have_v employ_v they_o to_o the_o sanctify_a of_o my_o soul_n also_o i_o know_v that_o the_o charge_n of_o pastor_n which_o i_o have_v exercise_v more_o than_o these_o ten_o year_n be_v a_o charge_n mere_o politic_a and_o human_a and_o that_o have_v nothing_o divine_a nor_o of_o god_n but_o vain_a in_o the_o person_n exercise_v it_o and_o in_o they_o that_o yield_v themselves_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o and_o although_o for_o some_o year_n i_o have_v preach_v truth_n unknown_a unto_o i_o and_o also_o which_o man_n can_v nor_o will_v not_o know_v to_o wit_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v as_o such_o yet_o i_o find_v it_o be_v a_o subtle_a deceit_n to_o pretend_v to_o sanctify_v man_n without_o be_v holy_a ourselves_o and_o that_o these_o good_a will_n do_v not_o always_o come_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n hence_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o as_o long_o as_o minister_n be_v not_o holy_a god_n will_v not_o work_v any_o thing_n by_o they_o and_o that_o i_o do_v firm_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v at_o present_a in_o his_o anger_n curse_v the_o minister_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n i_o say_v far_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o good_a man_n to_o exercise_v it_o after_o god_n without_o partake_v with_o man_n sin_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n that_o oblige_v i_o to_o write_v to_o you_o and_o because_o i_o believe_v you_o give_v no_o counsel_n but_o after_o god_n mind_n i_o desire_v your_o advice_n herein_o and_o wish_v god_n give_v i_o grace_n to_o follow_v it_o namely_o the_o ministry_n be_v both_o in_o i_o and_o in_o other_o such_o as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o describe_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v continue_v in_o it_o or_o not_o that_o be_v i_o desire_v to_o know_v by_o you_o what_o be_v god_n will_v concern_v i_o many_o reason_n oblige_v i_o to_o leave_v it_o off_o and_o i_o can_v tell_v what_o other_o point_n of_o conscience_n do_v yet_o retain_v i_o in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o i_o shall_v forsake_v it_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o desire_n of_o come_v as_o near_o unto_o you_o as_o i_o can_v especial_o if_o i_o be_v assure_v to_o be_v in_o the_o least_o useful_a to_o aid_v you_o as_o much_o in_o the_o glorify_v of_o god_n i_o mean_v in_o carry_v that_o new_a and_o everlasting_a gospel_n unto_o the_o world_n as_o i_o shall_v hope_v you_o will_v be_v unto_o i_o for_o my_o soul_n welfare_n another_o reason_n oblige_v i_o to_o write_v to_o you_o be_v that_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o grace_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o my_o soul_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n i_o be_o yet_o wrathful_a and_o be_o carnal_a in_o marriage_n these_o two_o sin_n have_v very_o sore_a and_o often_o afflict_v my_o soul_n even_o i_o dare_v not_o promise_v unto_o god_n that_o i_o will_v not_o commit_v they_o any_o more_o for_o i_o have_v promise_v too_o often_o to_o he_o and_o have_v fall_v therein_o too_o too_o often_o again_o my_o soul_n have_v be_v in_o great_a sorrow_n for_o it_o and_o have_v learn_v thereby_o to_o put_v itself_o below_o all_o gross_a sinner_n also_o god_n will_v so_o humble_v i_o thereby_o that_o i_o never_o reprove_v sin_n or_o sinner_n nor_o ever_o speak_v of_o they_o but_o i_o fall_v into_o great_a myself_o it_o be_v in_o this_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n that_o you_o shall_v judge_v proper_a that_o i_o desire_v you_o will_v give_v i_o some_o rule_n to_o lead_v my_o life_n after_o god_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n will_v to_o god_n it_o may_v be_v to_o my_o salvation_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o say_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o first_o time_n i_o be_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v yet_o more_o mrs_n your_o most_o humble_a most_o obedient_a and_o most_o oblige_a servant_n antoni_fw-la grellot_n minister_n of_o the_o french_a church_n of_o outreberg_n at_o outreberg_n in_o the_o electoral_a palatine_a the_o 6-16_a novemb_n 1677._o she_o receive_v a_o letter_n from_o a_o gentleman_n of_o london_n the_o stile_n and_o genius_n give_v reason_n to_o expound_v the_o r._n b._n that_o subscribe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o famous_a and_o honourable_a robert_n boil_v a_o vow_v her_o write_n most_o praiseworthy_a and_o of_o so_o sweet_a a_o odour_n that_o he_o cause_v translate_v they_o into_o english_a with_o design_n to_o cause_n print_v they_o in_o that_o language_n and_o signify_v his_o most_o ardent_a desire_n to_o know_v of_o her_o state_n and_o her_o other_o write_n so_o far_o as_o god_n shall_v incline_v her_o heart_n and_o so_o rejoice_v extreme_o his_o spirit_n because_o with_o she_o a_o lover_n of_o the_o holy_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o life_n of_o which_o she_o give_v testimony_n unto_o other_o and_o to_o he_o wish_v she_o all_o good_a and_o love_v she_o in_o the_o love_n which_o be_v life_n itself_o r._n b._n the_o inscription_n to_o the_o most_o noble_a virgin_n antonia_n bourignon_n in_o her_o lodging_n amsterdam_n see_v the_o veneration_n with_o bleed_a regret_n of_o that_o just_a penetrate_a spirit_n sir_n george_n makenzie_n late_a lord_n avocat_fw-la to_o his_o majesty_n in_o a_o treatise_n de_fw-fr imbellicitate_fw-la ratiocinationis_fw-la humanae_fw-la publish_v last_o year_n by_o grevius_fw-la at_o vtrecht_n page_n 49._o have_v say_v that_o we_o shall_v employ_v our_o reason_n in_o war_a against_o vice_n and_o in_o attain_v to_o virtue_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o just_a add_v tanta_fw-la est_fw-la ratiocinationis_fw-la huius_fw-la efficacia_fw-la ut_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o aetatis_fw-la diluculum_fw-la infant_n
know_v it_o and_o they_o show_v at_o first_o to_o be_v touch_v but_o no_o soon_o do_v she_o without_o design_v any_o person_n discover_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o general_a corruption_n even_o in_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o holy_a but_o they_o find_v themselves_o pinch_v rise_v all_o up_o against_o she_o by_o the_o artifices_fw-la descry_v in_o the_o letter_n she_o write_v then_o in_o the_o 3._o part_n of_o light_n arisen_a in_o darkness_n and_o 2._o and_o 3._o part_v of_o the_o funeral_n of_o false_a theology_n mrs._n b._n in_o one_o of_o her_o letter_n to_o they_o have_v write_v not_o consider_v when_o she_o seek_v after_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o true_a christian_n and_o god_n tell_v she_o she_o shall_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o true_a believer_n lest_o that_o especial_o that_o mother_n of_o true_a believer_n shall_v stumble_v these_o erudide_a head_n she_o will_v score_v it_o out_o but_o god_n say_v to_o she_o what_o be_v write_v let_v it_o stay_v write_v and_o indeed_o no_o soon_o have_v they_o that_o in_o their_o hand_n but_o they_o make_v such_o a_o dirty_a hubub_n her_o pride_n her_o pride_n that_o though_o her_o after-writing_n satisfy_v any_o that_o have_v common_a sense_n on_o that_o head_n these_o man_n have_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o themselves_o mr._n serrarius_n famous_a enough_o for_o his_o correspondency_n and_o his_o write_n be_v of_o the_o first_o that_o know_v and_o recommend_v she_o every_o where_o he_o will_v lead_v she_o every_o where_o as_o a_o live_a gospel_n that_o shall_v enlighten_v all_o the_o world_n he_o will_v cause_n print_v all_o her_o write_n and_o even_o of_o his_o title_n and_o preface_n to_o they_o yet_o extant_a but_o see_v at_o length_n that_o she_o will_v not_o swerve_v from_o the_o pure_a truth_n god_n reveal_v in_o she_o to_o second_v his_o particular_a opinion_n of_o the_o restore_n a_o levitical_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o his_o esteem_n of_o a_o certain_a seducer_n at_o that_o time_n arisen_a in_o palestine_n he_o reject_v she_o for_o his_o own_o imagination_n mr._n comenius_n so_o famous_a among_o the_o learned_a his_o learning_n not_o have_v puff_v he_o up_o as_o it_o do_v ordinary_o fall_v out_o with_o mr._n serrarius_n because_o of_o his_o injustice_n against_o mrs._n bourignon_n and_o retain_v a_o veneration_n for_o her_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n and_o on_o his_o deathbed_n desire_v a_o last_o visit_n of_o she_o say_v o_o that_o holy_a maid_n where_o be_v she_o then_o may_v i_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o see_v she_o yet_o once_o before_o i_o die_v all_o the_o knowledge_n and_o science_n i_o have_v attain_v be_v but_o production_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o human_a spirit_n and_o study_n but_o she_o have_v a_o wisdom_n and_o light_n that_o come_v only_o from_o god_n immediate_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n after_o she_o have_v see_v he_o and_o be_v go_v he_o say_v of_o she_o with_o transport_n of_o joy_n to_o they_o that_o visit_v he_o i_o have_v see_v a_o angel_n of_o god_n god_n have_v send_v i_o his_o angel_n to_o day_n god_n do_v also_o let_v she_o see_v how_o far_o the_o best_a cultivated_a human_a spirit_n be_v blind_a and_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o conference_n she_o have_v with_o some_o cartesian_o both_o divine_n and_o mere_a philosopher_n she_o have_v a_o discourse_n with_o the_o professor_n heydan_n and_o burmannus_n but_o nicodemus_n be_v too_o great_a a_o doctor_n to_o understand_v christ_n language_n or_o learn_v of_o he_o though_o so_o blind_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o he_o list_v at_o present_a and_o his_o voice_n to_o be_v hear_v to_o infer_v that_o we_o must_v not_o abandon_v our_o vessel_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o steer_v by_o human_a spirit_n and_o reason_n she_o write_v to_o he_o on_o that_o occasion_n letter_n 12._o of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o funeral_n of_o false_a theology_n the_o philosopher_n will_v persuade_v she_o that_o she_o come_v near_o to_o their_o principle_n but_o god_n show_v she_o their_o nullity_n and_o error_n she_o tell_v they_o their_o disease_n that_o they_o will_v comprehend_v all_o by_o the_o activity_n of_o human_a reason_n and_o not_o give_v place_n to_o the_o illumination_n of_o divine_a faith_n which_o require_v a_o cessation_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o spirit_n that_o god_n may_v display_v that_o divine_a light_n which_o give_v the_o only_a true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o the_o mean_v pass_v that_o reason_n with_o all_o its_o equipage_n of_o idea_n and_o clear_a and_o distinct_a conception_n will_v be_v at_o to_o defend_v or_o regulate_v itself_o before_o god_n at_o death_n feel_v a_o cartesian_a gentleman_n even_o in_o this_o life_n who_o in_o the_o profound_a stupid_a security_n they_o be_v all_o leaven_a with_o after_o their_o once_o doubt_a to_o the_o full_a scorn_v mrs._n bourignons_n admonition_n say_v laugh_v you_o call_v yourself_o the_o mother_n of_o believer_n by_o the_o truth_n you_o say_v you_o persuade_v and_o make_v they_o believe_v and_o i_o who_o have_v clear_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n by_o which_o i_o can_v persuade_v reasonable_a spirit_n and_o make_v they_o believe_v much_o better_a i_o shall_v be_v the_o father_n of_o believer_n but_o this_o poor_a father_n of_o believer_n who_o be_v otherwise_o a_o man_n of_o spirit_n of_o a_o good_a beneficent_a nature_n and_o a_o person_n of_o quality_n be_v a_o little_a after_o in_o a_o deadly_a disease_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o his_o age_n god_n open_v his_o eye_n to_o see_v his_o poor_a state_n and_o lament_v his_o error_n he_o begin_v to_o cry_v with_o tear_n night_n and_o day_n o_o my_o understanding_n my_o understanding_n whereto_o have_v thou_o bring_v i_o alas_o my_o reason_n i_o rely_v so_o much_o on_o what_o assistance_n can_v thou_o give_v i_o now_o thou_o can_v not_o now_o give_v i_o salvation_n nor_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o i_o must_v be_v damn_v there_o can_v be_v no_o mercy_n for_o i_o a_o friend_n comfort_v he_o the_o best_a he_o can_v he_o whole_o disconsolate_a ask_v continual_o think_v you_o than_o there_o be_v yet_o any_o mercy_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o my_o soul_n and_o then_o look_v and_o toss_v about_o cry_v again_o my_o understanding_n my_o understanding_n alas_o whereto_o have_v thou_o lead_v i_o then_o to_o the_o first_o friend_n go_v tell_v desire_v that_o good_a soul_n mrs_n bourignon_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o i_o that_o i_o may_v obtain_v pardon_n of_o that_o sin_n for_o otherwise_o i_o be_o damn_v or_o i_o must_v suffer_v a_o flul_a long_a purgatory_n o_o if_o i_o can_v recover_v from_o this_o disease_n i_o will_v turn_v whole_o to_o god_n and_o will_v follow_v altogether_o another_o way_n but_o when_o he_o tell_v mrs._n bourignon_n of_o it_o she_o answer_v he_o shall_v not_o recover_v but_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o if_o he_o do_v recover_v he_o will_v fall_v deep_o in_o that_o pernicious_a error_n as_o in_o effect_n he_o do_v in_o a_o good_a and_o sound_a judgement_n in_o great_a contrition_n adore_v jesus_n christ_n crucify_v god_n have_v show_v she_o experimental_o by_o that_o frequent_a conversation_n how_o little_a hope_n remain_v of_o convert_v the_o world_n by_o the_o little_a welcome_n and_o less_o correspondence_n the_o truth_n meet_v with_o even_o with_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o all_o sort_n he_o bring_v she_o with_o the_o two_o or_o three_o that_o see_v the_o mean_n of_o purify_n their_o soul_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n in_o her_o company_n will_v sell_v all_o for_o that_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n maugre_o the_o tentation_n that_o lose_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o have_v great_a riches_n and_o reputation_n too_o i_o say_v he_o bring_v they_o from_o holland_n to_o holsatia_n and_o as_o from_o the_o beginning_n god_n do_v in_o all_o her_o after_o course_n unto_o himself_o serve_v himself_o of_o the_o manifold_a malice_n and_o persecution_n of_o satan_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o god_n to_o confound_v that_o blackfiend_n and_o all_o his_o hellish_a work_n of_o darkness_n his_o violent_a persecution_n to_o extinguish_v it_o serve_v but_o as_o wind_v to_o kindle_v it_o his_o attempt_n to_o cut_v off_o the_o messenger_n of_o it_o in_o one_o place_n serve_v but_o to_o carry_v she_o further_o to_o more_o place_n and_o person_n as_o with_o a_o general_a embassage_n his_o secret_n blow_v god_n do_v more_o secret_o often_o forewarn_v she_o of_o in_o spirit_n his_o outward_a open_a violence_n he_o often_o no_o less_o wonderful_o avert_v his_o calumny_n and_o accusation_n of_o heresy_n do_v but_o bring_v the_o truth_n to_o more_o admirable_a and_o dazzle_a evidence_n and_o bring_v to_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 and_o that_o proceed_v from_o that_o airy_a pride_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v inspire_v in_o to_o their_o spirit_n persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v though_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n ignorant_a and_o worthy_a of_o contempt_n we_o see_v that_o physician_n esteem_v themselves_o wise_a because_o they_o have_v read_v medicinal_a author_n and_o these_o author_n be_v often_o as_o ignorant_a as_o they_o that_o read_v and_o follow_v they_o because_o all_o they_o have_v write_v be_v but_o vanish_v figure_n which_o waver_v in_o the_o air_n of_o their_o imagination_n and_o what_o the_o ancient_n have_v write_v be_v follow_v by_o their_o posterity_n and_o so_o they_o think_v to_o cure_v the_o sick_a by_o remedy_n coin_v in_o the_o air_n of_o man_n imagination_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v divers_a science_n and_o remedy_n while_o they_o do_v but_o guess_v and_o hazard_v the_o life_n of_o the_o sick_a and_o i_o believe_v the_o physician_n have_v kill_v many_o more_o than_o they_o have_v cure_v to_o reckon_v the_o most_o common_a and_o ordinary_a and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v not_o discover_v the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o know_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n body_n nor_o the_o origin_n of_o his_o disease_n and_o consequent_o can_v exhibit_v proper_a remedy_n for_o they_o but_o often_o give_v what_o prove_v poison_n to_o kill_v man_n instead_o of_o cure_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o subject_n of_o glory_v for_o be_v call_v a_o doctor_n in_o medicine_n but_o rather_o of_o abasement_n and_o confusion_n for_o their_o great_a ignorance_n to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o patient_n they_o take_v care_n of_o and_o as_o that_o ignorance_n be_v great_a in_o regard_n of_o bodily_a medicine_n it_o be_v yet_o great_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o spiritual_a which_o be_v theology_n for_o it_o kill_v many_o more_o soul_n than_o medicine_n do_v body_n and_o so_o the_o one_o have_v not_o subject_a of_o glory_v 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 misery_n and_o infirmity_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o ignorance_n and_o disorder_n in_o his_o spirit_n for_o a_o beast_n know_v more_o than_o he_o for_o the_o conduct_n of_o its_o life_n and_o be_v more_o moderate_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o other_o natural_a thing_n than_o man_n and_o we_o see_v he_o frequent_o exceed_v in_o these_o thing_n which_o beast_n do_v not_o thence_o be_v it_o that_o man_n be_v much_o more_o subject_a to_o disease_n than_o the_o beast_n because_o they_o commit_v more_o excess_n and_o intemperances_n than_o they_o and_o when_o man_n find_v himself_o more_o disorderly_a and_o foolish_a in_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o life_n than_o the_o beast_n ought_v he_o not_o to_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o man_n as_o worthy_a of_o all_o confusion_n see_v god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o spirit_n more_o perfect_a than_o any_o beast_n and_o yet_o he_o know_v not_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o rule_v his_o passion_n and_o appetite_n which_o often_o cause_v to_o he_o great_a evil_n and_o sometime_o death_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o great_a subject_n of_o humility_n and_o contempt_n of_o himself_o he_o can_v never_o know_v that_o magnify_v and_o esteem_v himself_o if_o it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o be_v void_a of_o judgement_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o lose_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o give_v entry_n to_o the_o vanity_n which_o the_o devil_n inspire_v into_o his_o spirit_n to_o esteem_v himself_o then_o he_o go_v from_o one_o error_n to_o another_o because_o fall_v from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o know_v nothing_o but_o falsehood_n which_o that_o evil_a spirit_n make_v he_o believe_v and_o inspire_v into_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o honour_n for_o his_o wisdom_n or_o riches_n or_o virtue_n though_o he_o be_v contemptible_a even_o in_o all_o these_o very_a respect_n for_o his_o wisdom_n be_v but_o folly_n before_o god_n and_o his_o riches_n be_v but_o weighty_a charge_n painful_a to_o be_v bear_v and_o cause_n 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
incline_v to_o and_o you_o shall_v follow_v assure_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o shall_v you_o carry_v the_o victory_n over_o that_o evil_a spirit_n who_o trouble_v you_o now_o ply_v and_o submit_v your_o understanding_n under_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o never_o believe_v yourself_o wise_a than_o he_o in_o any_o thing_n for_o man_n be_v now_o abandon_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o their_o best_a science_n be_v but_o ignorance_n their_o wisdom_n folly_n and_o although_o you_o think_v sometime_o to_o have_v reason_n to_o contradict_v i_o do_v it_o not_o and_o after_o you_o shall_v see_v that_o your_o reason_n can_v be_v better_a than_o i_o which_o you_o may_v experiment_n while_o i_o remain_v your_o well-affected_a in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr holstein_n near_o gottorp_n castle_n may._n 19_o 1672_o st._n vet_n the_o xx._n letter_n spiritual_a diligence_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o the_o same_o to_o who_o be_v show_v a_o fourteen_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n more_o pernicious_a than_o the_o rest_n viz._n spiritual_a negligence_n he_o be_v move_v to_o spiritual_a diligence_n by_o consideration_n of_o the_o diligence_n usual_o bestow_v on_o temporal_a thing_n which_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n administer_v with_o more_o care_n and_o prudence_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n do_v spiritual_a thing_n my_o son_n i_o perceive_v it_o appear_v some_o what_o difficult_a to_o you_o to_o watch_v continual_o so_o narrow_o over_o all_o your_o word_n and_o action_n but_o believe_v i_o if_o you_o do_v it_o not_o the_o devil_n will_v assure_o surprise_v you_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o you_o shall_v obey_v he_o without_o know_v it_o for_o he_o be_v a_o most_o cunning_a spirit_n who_o watch_v always_o without_o rest_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a despise_v all_o difficulty_n to_o resolve_v absolute_o for_o the_o combat_n if_o you_o will_v obtain_v salvation_n and_o tend_v to_o true_a virtue_n for_o without_o fight_v there_o be_v no_o victory_n and_o except_o you_o apply_v your_o spirit_n to_o watch_v diligent_o over_o all_o your_o action_n and_o word_n you_o shall_v fall_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o evil_a and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o they_o call_v negligence_n a_o mortal_a or_o capital_a sin_n now_o negligence_n be_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o mortal_a sin_n as_o signify_v the_o want_n of_o bodily_a travail_n and_o labour_n for_o many_o person_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o bodily_a labour_n have_v other_o occupation_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n more_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a sometime_o than_o bodily_a labour_n and_o when_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o those_o good_a and_o useful_a thing_n they_o fall_v not_o into_o that_o sin_n of_o negligence_n which_o be_v call_v mortal_a for_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o occupy_v himself_o in_o different_a thing_n according_a to_o his_o condition_n or_o disposition_n a_o sick_a person_n can_v labour_v bodily_a and_o sometime_o also_o not_o in_o spirit_n neither_o because_o of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o so_o he_o fall_v not_o into_o the_o mortal_a sin_n of_o negligence_n for_o he_o may_v by_o act_v resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v more_o diligent_a than_o one_o that_o labour_v both_o in_o spirit_n and_o body_n a_o good_a master_n of_o a_o family_n labour_v often_o more_o in_o eye_v and_o watch_v over_o his_o servant_n than_o he_o that_o delve_n the_o ground_n a_o artist_n labour_v more_o by_o order_v well_o the_o building_n of_o a_o house_n than_o the_o workman_n that_o build_v it_o and_o so_o with_o other_o person_n who_o perform_v their_o duty_n every_o one_o in_o his_o state_n and_o vocation_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v that_o that_o sin_n of_o negligence_n be_v commit_v by_o they_o that_o labour_v not_o corporal_o but_o by_o all_o they_o that_o neglect_v to_o watch_v over_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n see_v such_o neglect_n their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o consent_v tacit_o to_o the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v certain_o a_o mortal_a sin_n and_o cause_n eternal_a damnation_n that_o be_v it_o wherefore_o this_o negligence_n be_v account_v among_o capital_a sin_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v call_v mortal_a since_o it_o cause_v death_n to_o the_o soul_n for_o he_o that_o through_o negligence_n do_v not_o resist_v the_o devil_n he_o leave_v his_o soul_n a_o prey_n to_o he_o and_o he_o that_o search_v not_o all_o mean_n to_o find_v true_a virtue_n shall_v never_o obtain_v it_o but_o die_v without_o it_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v spiritual_a diligence_n if_o you_o will_v be_v save_v for_o it_o be_v but_o flatter_v of_o yourself_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v receive_v your_o excuse_n when_o you_o shall_v say_v i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o power_n over_o we_o to_o tempt_v we_o or_o if_o you_o shall_v think_v to_o excuse_v yourself_o before_o god_n by_o your_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n you_o can_v not_o abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o can_v not_o attain_v to_o true_a virtue_n because_o you_o can_v not_o find_v the_o way_n for_o all_o these_o excuse_n and_o false_a reason_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v because_o he_o search_v the_o reins_o and_o try_v the_o conscience_n and_o see_v the_o least_o motion_n of_o our_o will_n and_o he_o know_v without_o need_v witness_n what_o diligence_n we_o have_v give_v to_o watch_v over_o our_o soul_n and_o what_o diligence_n to_o evite_v sin_n and_o follow_v true_a virtue_n for_o god_n be_v not_o as_o man_n who_o amuse_n one_o another_o by_o the_o false_a philosophy_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o maintain_v wickedness_n and_o excuse_v the_o malice_n of_o their_o like_v they_o invent_v smooth_a word_n to_o make_v wickedness_n appear_v truth_n and_o please_v themselves_o with_o these_o fine_a word_n and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o falsehood_n be_v truth_n when_o adorn_v with_o the_o fine_a term_n and_o word_n of_o their_o false_a philosophy_n but_o god_n regard_v the_o essence_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o see_v even_o to_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o he_o know_v if_o we_o have_v do_v all_o diligence_n in_o earnest_a to_o discover_v the_o deceit_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o find_v the_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o true_a virtue_n and_o find_v that_o we_o have_v do_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_a we_o be_v condemn_v without_o place_n for_o excuse_n and_o so_o my_o child_n you_o must_v not_o be_v deceive_v think_v not_o to_o find_v excuse_n before_o god_n when_o you_o have_v live_v in_o spiritual_a negligence_n for_o he_o will_v not_o accept_v they_o he_o have_v give_v you_o a_o body_n and_o spirit_n and_o that_o to_o apply_v they_o both_o diligent_o to_o eschew_v evil_a and_o follow_v good_a but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o man_n now_o adays_o be_v fall_v into_o so_o profound_a a_o ignorance_n that_o they_o employ_v body_n and_o soul_n in_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o acquire_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o render_v themselves_o by_o that_o mean_v incapable_a of_o have_v spiritual_a diligence_n for_o when_o a_o vessel_n be_v fill_v with_o dung_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a put_v in_o it_o alas_o what_o be_v all_o the_o care_n of_o the_o business_n and_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n other_o than_o dung_n which_o have_v fill_v your_o spirit_n you_o be_v a_o diligent_a merchant_n and_o your_o care_n and_o diligence_n have_v heap_v up_o money_n to_o you_o but_o now_o what_o will_v you_o do_v with_o that_o money_n you_o can_v expend_v it_o for_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o clothing_n nor_o can_v you_o carry_v it_o with_o you_o at_o death_n and_o if_o you_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o relation_n they_o shall_v thereby_o become_v more_o vicious_a and_o proud_a so_o that_o every_o way_n you_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o your_o spirit_n have_v be_v always_o fill_v with_o the_o dung_n of_o care_n and_o diligence_n for_o earthly_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o so_o you_o can_v not_o discover_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o the_o mean_n which_o advance_v unto_o true_a virtue_n because_o your_o diligence_n be_v employ_v about_o other_o thing_n but_o now_o when_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v discover_v to_o you_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n you_o must_v endeavour_v to_o use_v that_o diligence_n to_o discover_v the_o tentation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o virtue_n which_o former_o you_o use_v in_o your_o temporal_a affair_n i_o believe_v you_o will_v not_o then_o let_v slip_v any_o occasion_n wherein_o you_o see_v any_o profit_n without_o accept_v it_o and_o that_o you_o suffer_v
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
though_o he_o commit_v no_o other_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v of_o our_o soul_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o the_o perfect_a sense_n the_o ground_n that_o be_v not_o labour_v shall_v bring_v forth_o thistle_n and_o briar_n because_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o soul_n become_v curse_v by_o sin_n and_o be_v fall_v into_o that_o curse_n it_o can_v no_o more_o bear_v any_o wholesome_a fruit_n without_o bestow_v on_o it_o a_o great_a diligence_n we_o must_v trench_v and_o till_o it_o with_o the_o iron_n of_o penitence_n to_o tilk_v the_o tare_n and_o bad_a weed_n of_o corruption_n which_o have_v spring_v up_o in_o the_o earth_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o these_o be_v not_o root_v out_o they_o shall_v suffocate_v always_o the_o good_a grain_n of_o true_a virtue_n which_o shall_v thereby_o be_v stifle_v though_o sow_v in_o good_a quantity_n in_o our_o soul_n we_o must_v maintain_v it_o by_o a_o continual_a diligence_n otherwise_o it_o will_v bear_v no_o fruit_n we_o must_v watch_v over_o our_o enemy_n we_o must_v always_o resist_v the_o inclination_n of_o that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o final_o we_o must_v continual_o study_v the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o for_o he_o that_o know_v not_o himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o and_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o virtue_n to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n which_o jesus_n christ_n say_v we_o shall_v learn_v of_o he_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v find_v than_o that_o he_o that_o know_v not_o the_o misery_n ignorance_n and_o malediction_n wherein_o sin_n have_v bring_v we_o can_v be_v meek_a he_o shall_v on_o the_o contrary_n be_v fierce_a and_o arrogant_a and_o presume_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v which_o shall_v also_o take_v away_o and_o hinder_v his_o meekness_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n and_o also_o his_o humility_n of_o heart_n for_o he_o that_o know_v not_o himself_o think_v he_o have_v need_n of_o no_o person_n and_o consequent_o will_v not_o be_v meek_a nor_o kind_a towards_o his_o neighbour_n and_o yet_o less_o humble_a of_o heart_n which_o come_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o the_o miserable_a estate_n into_o which_o sin_n have_v reduce_v he_o and_o so_o he_o can_v humble_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v so_o good_a and_o salutary_a unto_o which_o i_o exhort_v you_o my_o son_n that_o you_o follow_v it_o to_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o i_o be_o your_o well-affected_a in_o jesus_n christ_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr husum_fw-la feb._n 3._o 1674._o st._n vet_n the_o xxiv_o letter_n man_n be_v idolater_n of_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o enemy_n of_o virtue_n to_o the_o same_o advertise_v he_o that_o the_o continuation_n of_o that_o subject_n be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o devil_n exciting_a the_o wise_a of_o this_o world_n enemy_n of_o virtue_n and_o friend_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o writer_n by_o their_o dispute_n lie_n and_o calumny_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o persecution_n my_o son_n i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v to_o you_o of_o solid_a virtue_n but_o the_o time_n be_v want_v to_o i_o at_o present_a see_v my_o enemy_n be_v all_o earn_v to_o hinder_v it_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n our_o common_a enemy_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o solid_a virtue_n beside_o he_o keep_v man_n at_o present_a in_o spiritual_a negligence_n with_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o they_o take_v they_o for_o solid_a and_o true_a one_o therefore_o will_v he_o make_v they_o rest_v in_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o without_o arrive_v at_o solid_a virtue_n now_o while_o he_o can_v hinder_v that_o i_o shall_v discover_v it_o because_o god_n disclose_v it_o to_o i_o he_o endeavour_v to_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v its_o be_v publish_v he_o induce_v divers_a person_n to_o write_v against_o i_o to_o take_v up_o my_o time_n in_o answer_v they_o and_o to_o entertain_v i_o with_o matter_n of_o contention_n instead_o of_o that_o of_o solid_a virtue_n which_o bereave_v i_o of_o my_o time_n and_o give_v i_o the_o displeasure_n of_o leave_v this_o treatise_n of_o solid_a virtue_n yet_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o repel_v the_o calumny_n and_o lie_n which_o they_o have_v disperse_v against_o i_o in_o divers_a place_n as_o some_o in_o england_n have_v also_o do_v so_o i_o be_v oblige_v to_o write_v a_o large_a advertisement_n against_o they_o for_o if_o i_o do_v not_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n against_o so_o many_o fall_n accusation_n and_o sie_fw-la which_o they_o have_v make_v i_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n which_o these_o false_a accusation_n produce_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o good_a person_n do_v not_o follow_v the_o truth_n which_o i_o propagate_v from_o god_n for_o so_o many_o false_a report_n will_v render_v they_o suspect_v the_o rather_o when_o i_o be_o not_o attack_v by_o the_o common_a people_n but_o by_o the_o minister_n and_o learned_a which_o be_v esteem_v worthy_a of_o credit_n these_o wise_a and_o learned_a strive_v at_o present_a to_o kill_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o such_o like_o before_o kill_v his_o body_n you_o have_v see_v the_o defamatory_n treatise_n which_o john_n berckendal_n in_o name_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o calvin_n reformation_n in_o altena_n have_v compose_v against_o i_o and_o i_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n against_o so_o many_o falsehood_n by_o a_o great_a teatise_n whereto_o be_v join_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a many_o person_n yet_o alive_a and_o worthy_a of_o credit_n that_o work_n hinder_v i_o from_o write_v more_o to_o you_o of_o solid_a virtue_n though_o i_o know_v that_o to_o be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o you_o and_o for_o all_o that_o desire_v and_o aspire_v at_o become_v true_a christian_a as_o you_o do_v there_o be_v at_o present_a so_o many_o person_n deceive_v by_o apparent_a virtue_n and_o who_o learn_v always_o and_o never_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o think_v they_o be_v already_o in_o true_a virtue_n whereas_o they_o be_v yet_o altogether_o in_o the_o love_n of_o themselves_o therefore_o be_v the_o devil_n so_o angry_a when_o i_o write_v of_o true_a virtue_n lest_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o false_a be_v discover_v by_o the_o true_a but_o the_o devil_n can_v hinder_v i_o to_o know_v it_o since_o god_n discover_v it_o to_o i_o so_o he_o attempt_v to_o bereave_v i_o of_o the_o time_n to_o write_v it_o that_o neither_o you_o nor_o other_o soul_n that_o aspire_v after_o it_o shall_v know_v it_o that_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o incite_v divers_a person_n to_o write_v against_o i_o that_o so_o i_o may_v not_o have_v time_n to_o write_v of_o solid_a virtue_n he_o labour_v to_o occupy_v i_o always_o in_o oppose_a slanderer_n but_o he_o deceive_v himself_o for_o among_o the_o refutation_n of_o the_o calumny_n of_o my_o enemy_n i_o intermix_v always_o something_o of_o solid_a virtue_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o you_o my_o son_n a_o discipline_n to_o regulate_v well_o your_o life_n and_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n examine_v well_o then_o all_o that_o come_v from_o my_o pen_n and_o you_o shall_v always_o find_v therein_o more_o and_o more_o enlighten_v and_o wholesome_a instruction_n which_o you_o shall_v find_v principal_o in_o the_o 23_o letter_n which_o i_o have_v write_v last_o to_o you_o concern_v the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n all_o that_o matter_n shall_v suffice_v for_o aliment_n to_o your_o soul_n until_o i_o can_v write_v more_o unto_o you_o which_o i_o shall_v do_v when_o i_o have_v answer_v two_o treatise_n which_o the_o disciple_n of_o labadie_n have_v compose_v against_o i_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o have_v leisure_n to_o read_v they_o but_o i_o conjecture_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o rest_n full_a of_o error_n and_o calumny_n and_o that_o because_o all_o they_o that_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v in_o error_n and_o falsehood_n and_o be_v not_o in_o quiet_a nor_o at_o peace_n with_o the_o truth_n because_o these_o be_v two_o contrary_n which_o always_o exclude_v one_o the_o other_a and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o all_o these_o learned_a scholar_n oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o i_o advance_v it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n beside_o neither_o will_v they_o approve_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o maintain_v they_o in_o honour_n profit_n ease_v and_o commodity_n of_o this_o life_n to_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o it_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o poverty_n contempt_n suffering_n and_o persecution_n
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 flesh_n whereas_o those_o adore_v a_o statue_n of_o gold_n or_o silver_n for_o we_o see_v these_o learned_a strive_v who_o can_v best_o find_v out_o subtle_a invention_n by_o which_o they_o may_v flatter_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n or_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o may_v well_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o withal_o attain_v to_o salvation_n so_o that_o every_o one_o follow_v that_o doctrine_n without_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v evil_a that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o every_o one_o adore_v that_o diana_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n as_o a_o goddess_n and_o so_o they_o bestow_v all_o their_o time_n and_o good_n to_o nourish_v honour_n and_o satisfy_v corrupt_v nature_n and_o more_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o so_o do_v while_o the_o minister_n and_o learned_a do_v the_o same_o and_o promise_v salvation_n to_o the_o people_n that_o live_v in_o that_o idolatry_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o teach_v in_o effect_n the_o mortification_n of_o their_o sense_n the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n how_o much_o it_o be_v ruin_v by_o sin_n and_o final_o the_o necessity_n of_o deny_v ourselves_o to_o be_v save_v as_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v by_o word_n and_o work_n but_o these_o savage_a pastor_n will_v not_o teach_v so_o unto_o their_o flock_n and_o will_v yet_o less_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n themselves_o yea_o nor_o will_v not_o suffer_v another_o to_o teach_v these_o christian_a truth_n it_o be_v for_o that_o they_o pursue_v i_o every_o where_o and_o will_v glad_o exterminate_v i_o because_o i_o have_v write_v of_o true_a virtue_n the_o same_o befall_v st._n paul_n by_o they_o of_o ephesus_n who_o will_v exterminate_v he_o when_o he_o teach_v the_o truth_n say_v one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o gain_n if_o they_o suffer_v paul_n to_o continue_v preach_v jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v ruin_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o great_a diana_n and_o cause_n that_o the_o goldsmith_n shall_v gain_v no_o more_o in_o the_o workmanship_n of_o the_o image_n of_o diana_n it_o go_v just_a so_o with_o these_o learned_a one_o who_o be_v as_o the_o master_n of_o the_o great_a diana_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o every_o one_o adore_v for_o his_o own_o particular_a but_o the_o learned_a be_v the_o master_n to_o gain_v money_n by_o the_o worship_n and_o adoration_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o they_o speak_v and_o teach_v the_o people_n such_o thing_n as_o please_v their_o corruption_n and_o endeavour_v to_o please_v man_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v advantage_n of_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o lose_v when_o then_o i_o begin_v to_o speak_v of_o true_a virtue_n they_o be_v all_o alarm_v against_o i_o as_o they_o of_o ephesus_n be_v against_o st._n paul_n but_o these_o learned_a take_v also_o the_o judge_n to_o their_o assistance_n and_o persecute_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v banish_v or_o be_v discharge_v to_o write_v or_o speak_v of_o true_a virtue_n some_o wish_v i_o dead_a other_o burn_v other_o that_o i_o be_v throw_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n that_o i_o may_v speak_v no_o more_o of_o solid_a virtue_n and_o so_o their_o gain_n and_o trade_n be_v not_o diminish_v and_o their_o shop_n become_v unfrequented_a that_o be_v that_o they_o sell_v no_o more_o their_o frivolous_a discourse_n to_o please_v man_n it_o be_v that_o which_o at_o last_o alarm_v they_o so_o at_o flensburg_n whither_o i_o have_v go_v about_o some_o business_n for_o the_o minister_n no_o soon_o have_v any_o suspicion_n that_o i_o be_v in_o their_o town_n but_o they_o preach_v in_o divers_a church_n that_o i_o be_o a_o arrant_a and_o pernicious_a person_n that_o i_o have_v a_o devilish_a doctrine_n and_o final_o no_o person_n shall_v lodge_v i_o so_o that_o i_o behove_v to_o come_v out_o secret_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v massacree_v by_o the_o rabble_n and_o child_n who_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o minister_n have_v animate_v against_o i_o for_o they_o have_v speak_v of_o i_o with_o great_a spite_n and_o horror_n proclaim_v public_o that_o my_o doctrine_n be_v worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n add_v beside_o that_o my_o doctrine_n be_v a_o mass_n of_o all_o the_o old_a heresy_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o teach_v any_o thing_n by_o my_o write_n or_o discourse_n but_o what_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o in_o they_o i_o detest_v and_o revoke_v it_o as_o i_o have_v often_o offer_v to_o revoke_v all_o that_o they_o will_v show_v i_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o it_o be_v not_o for_o error_n they_o persecute_v i_o or_o any_o evil_n in_o my_o write_n see_v they_o can_v show_v i_o nothing_o such_o therein_o they_o persecute_v i_o then_o because_o i_o declare_v true_o what_o be_v true_a virtue_n and_o how_o a_o true_a christian_n shall_v live_v to_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o know_v well_o they_o mask_v these_o thing_n say_v that_o there_o be_v error_n in_o my_o write_n but_o no_o person_n show_v i_o these_o error_n they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v to_o contemn_v the_o truth_n which_o i_o maintain_v for_o the_o learned_a say_v first_o that_o i_o bring_v nothing_o of_o new_a and_o that_o they_o teach_v and_o preach_v though_o same_o thing_n twenty_o year_n agate_n but_o when_o they_o see_v in_o the_o book_n entitle_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n particular_n and_o truth_n more_o clear_a in_o divine_a mystery_n than_o those_o they_o learn_v in_o the_o school_n they_o say_v present_o that_o they_o be_v error_n and_o that_o never_o any_o person_n write_v such_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o behove_v that_o god_n shall_v regulate_v all_o according_a to_o their_o study_n and_o shall_v not_o give_v any_o new_a grace_n to_o man_n now_o adays_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v measure_v his_o light_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o scholastic_a doctrine_n and_o shall_v not_o send_v the_o holy_a spirit_n promise_v by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v teach_v all_o truth_n man_n then_o resist_v that_o holy_a spirit_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o other_o truth_n but_o those_o they_o have_v learn_v in_o the_o school_n it_o be_v every_o lamentable_a to_o see_v man_n such_o enemy_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o reject_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o come_v in_o this_o last_o time_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n have_v foretold_v that_o he_o will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n on_o all_o flesh_n and_o that_o your_o son_n and_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v and_o the_o old_a man_n see_v vision_n now_o because_o i_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o many_o other_o from_o god_n they_o will_v kill_v i_o as_o be_v do_v to_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n they_o think_v to_o hinder_v by_o that_o that_o true_a virtue_n shall_v be_v know_v and_o far_o more_o practise_v but_o though_o they_o shall_v kill_v i_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o die_v for_o that_o and_o rhe_n truth_n 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
end_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o solid_a virtue_n extract_n of_o some_z of_o the_o work_n of_o mrs_n antonia_n bourignon_fw-fr belong_v to_o some_o most_o essential_a matter_n of_o christianism_n and_o health_n letter_n i._o of_o toleration_n that_o it_o ought_v never_o to_o go_v the_o length_n of_o communicate_v with_o sin_n direct_o or_o indirect_o of_o the_o essential_a and_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n of_o religion_n worship_n and_o ceremony_n and_o their_o use_n this_o letter_n be_v write_v to_o one_o of_o her_o intimate_n mr._n van_n de_fw-fr velde_n and_o be_v the_o second_o of_o light_n arise_v in_o darkness_n 3._o part_n sir_n 1._o i_o know_v you_o seek_v the_o perfection_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o you_o aspire_v after_o god_n i_o know_v also_o that_o he_o have_v impart_v of_o his_o grace_n to_o you_o and_o particular_o teach_v you_o his_o will_n in_o some_o thing_n but_o i_o know_v also_o that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o shall_v teach_v we_o all_o truth_n see_v you_o discern_v not_o yet_o well_o evil_a from_o good_a and_o love_v all_o indifferent_o by_o a_o natural_a goodness_n as_o do_v adam_n who_o know_v very_o well_o the_o consolation_n and_o quiet_v which_o a_o soul_n find_v in_o entertain_v itself_o with_o god_n but_o know_v not_o what_o evil_n be_v because_o he_o have_v never_o prove_v it_o he_o be_v create_v in_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o converse_v with_o his_o god_n in_o peace_n without_o apprehend_v the_o evil_a which_o may_v come_v upon_o he_o in_o abandon_v god_n to_o please_v himself_o with_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o do_v he_o so_o easy_o fall_v into_o sin_n before_o he_o perceive_v the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n it_o will_v cause_v he_o 2._o and_o almost_o the_o same_o be_v befall_v you_o my_o dear_a brother_n for_o when_o you_o enjoy_v sweet_a entertainment_n with_o god_n you_o remain_v in_o the_o sensuality_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n by_o which_o you_o have_v insensible_o lose_v commerce_n with_o god_n because_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v one_o take_v pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o himself_o he_o retire_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o leave_v the_o soul_n to_o live_v to_o itself_o which_o precipitate_v itself_o often_o into_o divers_a evil_n because_o our_o proper_a will_n engender_v death_n since_o it_o be_v corrupt_v by_o sin_n 3._o you_o do_v love_n good_a and_o do_v yet_o love_v it_o but_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o hate_v evil_a because_o you_o do_v not_o well_o know_v it_o persuade_v yourself_o that_o you_o do_v well_o enough_o when_o you_o support_v it_o in_o other_o not_o perceive_v that_o we_o can_v sin_v in_o another_o nine_o way_n the_o first_o be_v in_o consent_v thereto_o 2_o in_o councel_n it_o 3d._o in_o tolerate_v it_o 4_o in_o assist_v it_o 5_o in_o defend_v evil_a 6_o in_o command_v it_o 7_o in_o partake_v with_o it_o 8_o in_o not_o hinder_v it_o when_o in_o our_o power_n 9_o in_o hide_v it_o from_o he_o that_o will_v hinder_v it_o 4._o all_o these_o be_v not_o enough_o consider_v and_o we_o easy_o fall_v into_o they_o without_o consider_v it_o although_o we_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n the_o devil_n often_o surprise_v we_o by_o sin_n without_o we_o when_o he_o perceive_v that_o he_o can_v prevail_v to_o get_v we_o to_o commit_v they_o in_o ourselves_o for_o he_o have_v as_o much_o power_n over_o we_o by_o the_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v in_o another_o as_o by_o they_o we_o commit_v in_o ourselves_o see_v they_o shall_v both_o alike_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o if_o i_o do_v not_o advertise_v you_o of_o it_o you_o may_v easy_o fall_v into_o they_o without_o perceive_v it_o for_o example_n you_o converse_v with_o person_n that_o be_v avaritious_a proud_a or_o stain_v with_o any_o other_o sin_n they_o eat_v subject_a and_o inferior_a to_o you_o as_o your_o wife_n and_o child_n or_o your_o man_n or_o maidservant_n or_o hireling_n or_o whoever_o they_o be_v over_o who_o you_o have_v authority_n notwithstanding_o lest_o you_o shall_v displease_v they_o or_o lose_v their_o friendship_n you_o consent_v to_o their_o commit_n of_o sin_n without_o dare_v or_o will_v to_o resist_v it_o all_o these_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v with_o your_o consent_n shall_v assure_o be_v impute_v as_o if_o you_o have_v commit_v they_o yourself_o to_o council_n to_o do_v evil_a that_o you_o will_v not_o so_o long_o as_o you_o fear_v god_n but_o for_o suffer_v it_o in_o other_o i_o doubt_v you_o do_v it_o sometime_o because_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o of_o hatred_n to_o sin_n as_o when_o you_o see_v one_o deceive_v in_o sell_v to_o or_o labour_v for_o you_o and_o yet_o continue_v to_o buy_v of_o he_o or_o employ_v he_o in_o labour_n that_o be_v assure_o to_o suffer_v the_o evil_n which_o he_o commit_v 5._o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v in_o necessity_n without_o deal_v with_o they_o that_o sell_v or_o labour_n by_o avarice_n fraud_n or_o deceit_n for_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o precious_a than_o the_o body_n which_o ought_v rather_o to_o endure_v its_o necessity_n than_o to_o supply_v they_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o its_o soul_n which_o be_v assure_o defile_v by_o suffer_v the_o sin_n of_o another_o and_o yet_o more_o by_o assist_v and_o help_v evil_a as_o he_o that_o will_v give_v good_n to_o one_o that_o be_v avaricious_a gluttonous_a proud_a slothful_a or_o a_o drunkard_n will_v assist_v he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o commit_v more_o with_o the_o gif_n and_o assistance_n he_o afford_v he_o and_o if_o we_o defend_v or_o excuse_v the_o evil_a of_o another_o we_o also_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o for_o we_o ought_v never_o to_o excuse_v or_o defend_v it_o lest_o we_o so_o maintain_v the_o evildoer_n in_o his_o sin_n to_o commit_v which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n need_v no_o encouragement_n and_o whoever_o afford_v it_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o other_o although_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o we_o shall_v excuse_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o and_o assist_v sinner_n that_o be_v a_o false_a theology_n very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o upright_a who_o be_v often_o deceive_v by_o evil_a for_o lack_v of_o know_v it_o 6._o also_o you_o be_v not_o in_o hazard_n to_o command_v evil_a so_o long_o as_o you_o fear_v god_n neither_o will_v you_o ever_o partake_v with_o manifest_a sin_n as_o with_o robbery_n for_o god_n have_v deliver_v you_o by_o his_o grace_n from_o avarice_n yet_o you_o must_v take_v care_n to_o hinder_v evil_a when_o in_o your_o power_n or_o else_o the_o omission_n will_v render_v you_o partaker_n of_o the_o evil_n commit_v and_o even_o so_o when_o you_o do_v not_o declare_v it_o to_o they_o that_o will_v hinder_v it_o all_o these_o sin_n or_o part_n of_o they_o may_v be_v commit_v by_o good_a man_n who_o aspire_v after_o perfection_n particular_o when_o they_o be_v of_o a_o good_a disposition_n natural_o they_o take_v all_o in_o good_a part_n i_o have_v sometime_o slip_v into_o some_o such_o fault_n by_o too_o much_o natural_a goodness_n or_o human_a regard_n but_o after_o god_n show_v i_o clear_o these_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v in_o another_o which_o i_o impart_v to_o you_o because_o i_o love_v your_o perfection_n as_o much_o as_o my_o own_o by_o a_o true_a christian_a charity_n see_v that_o you_o aspire_v unto_o its_o perfection_n which_o i_o will_v also_o show_v wherein_o it_o consist_v for_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n be_v at_o present_a so_o great_a that_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v well_o incline_v know_v nor_o whither_o they_o walk_v in_o regard_n of_o perfection_n take_v often_o the_o false_a for_o true_a and_o imperfect_a for_o perfect_v and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v now_o teach_v so_o many_o divers_a mean_n to_o perfection_n that_o one_o know_v not_o which_o to_o take_v for_o the_o sure_a exercise_n one_o say_v we_o must_v go_v frequent_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n another_o place_n christian_a perfection_n in_o enter_v into_o some_o religious_a fraternity_n or_o convent_n other_o in_o fasting_n and_o macerate_v the_o body_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a if_o well_o use_v but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o end_n nor_o that_o wherein_o christian_a perfection_n consist_v for_o these_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o salvation_n because_o no_o external_a thing_n perfect_v the_o soul_n nor_o can_v they_o defile_v it_o they_o be_v only_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o more_o easy_o attain_v to_o virtue_n or_o by_o abuse_n fall_v more_o easy_o into_o sin_n 8._o every_o soul_n in_o particular_a aught_o to_o use_v the_o external_a mean_n which_o excite_v they_o most_o to_o christian_a virtue_n and_o evite_v also_o thing_n