CHAPTER XVII
How we are not to take unto ourselves what we have done well: but
only what we have done amiss.
Behold! now it is reported there be some who vainly think and say that they are
so wholly dead to self and quit of it, as to have reached and abide in a state
where they suffer nothing and are moved by nothing, just as if all men were
living in obedience, or as if there were no creatures. And thus they profess to
continue always in an even temper of mind, so that nothing cometh amiss to
them, howsoever things fall out, well or ill. Nay verily! the matter standeth
not so, but as we have said. It might be thus, if all men were brought into
obedience; but until then, it cannot be.
But it may be asked: Are not we to be
separate from all things, and neither to take unto ourselves evil nor good? I
answer, no one shall take goodness unto himself, for that belongeth to God and
His goodness only; but thanks be unto the man, and everlasting reward and
blessings, who is fit and ready to be a dwelling and tabernacle of the Eternal
Goodness and Godhead, wherein God may exert His power, and will and work
without hindrance. But if any now will excuse himself for sin, by refusing to
take what is evil unto himself, and laying the guilt thereof upon the Evil
Spirit, and thus make himself out to be quite pure and innocent (as our first
Parents Adam and Eve did while they were yet in paradise; when each laid the
guilt upon the other), he hath no right at all to do this; for it is written,
"There is none without sin." Therefore I say; reproach, shame, loss, woe, and
eternal damnation be to the man who is fit and ready and willing that the Evil
Spirit and falsehood, lies and all untruthfulness, wickedness and other evil
things should have their will and pleasure, word and work in him, and make him
their house and habitation.