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Of Entire Resignation.
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CHAPTER XV.

IN EVERYTHING WHICH WE DESIRE HOW WE OUGHT TO STAND, AND WHAT WE OUGHT TO SAY.

MY son, say thou thus in everything; Lord, if this be pleasing unto Thee, so let it be.

"Lord, if it be to Thy honour, in Thy Name let this be done.

"Lord, if Thou see it to be expedient and profitable for me, then grant unto me that I may use this to Thine honour.

"But if Thou know it will be hurtful unto me, and no profit to the health of my soul, take away the desire from me."

For every desire proceedeth not from the Holy Spirit, even though it seem unto a man right and good.

It is difficult to judge truly whether a good spirit or the contrary be urging thee to desire this or that; or whether by thine own spirit thou be moved thereunto.

Many have been deceived in the end, who at the first seemed to be led by a good spirit.

2. Therefore whatever seemeth to be desirable, must always be desired and prayed for in the fear of God and with humility of heart; and chiefly thou must commit the whole matter to Me with special resignation of thyself, and thou must say,