The Renewal of the Evangelical Spirit (1679-1682) - Page 11

[...understand through his] The text continues from the previous page's final word "understand." self-esteem, believing himself to deserve everything because of the Virtue The author capitalizes "Virtue" to emphasize how the self-deceived person treats their own perceived goodness as a grand achievement. he believed he possessed, thinking that everyone was obliged to serve and honor him for his virtue, which seemed to him to deserve all the finest and best of things he had for his use: as do (just as much as he) all those people who believe themselves to be in the state of regeneration regeneration: A theological term for spiritual rebirth or being "born again" into a state of grace., and yet are not.

III. He who esteems himself, and who believes himself worthy of everything, is neither a Christian nor Regenerated.

b 2 Cor. 6:14

i John 21:19

l Psalm 22:7

m Matt. 20:28

n Phil. 2:5

o Luke 14:8, 10

For what relationship b can there be between the practices of such a person and the person of Jesus Christ (who said to the regenerated and to all Christians, i be my imitators)? Since Jesus Christ practiced directly the opposite by despising himself, not believing he deserved anything; seeing that in all the things that were necessary for him, Jesus Christ always chose the least, and said (speaking of himself), l I am not a man, but the reproach of men: a worm, and no man. original: "Je ne ſuis point un homme, ains l'opprobre des hommes : un ver, non pas un homme." This is a quote from Psalm 22:6 (numbered 22:7 in some historical bibles). And instead of having himself served and honored, he says precisely, m I did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life for many. n This is what all those who call themselves regenerated persons must also do in imitation of him, practicing the lowliness original: "baſſeſſe." While this can mean "meanness," here it refers to the voluntary adoption of a low social or spiritual status, echoing Christ’s humility. of Jesus Christ, instead of swelling with pride and esteeming themselves as something because of their virtues: they must o choose the last place, according to the advice of their good Master, and take the least things for their uses, even esteeming themselves...