VII
VINCENT: Forsooth, uncle, this thing yet seemeth to me a somewhat
sore sentence, not because I think otherwise but that there is
good cause and great wherefore a man should so sorrow, but because
of truth sometimes a man cannot be sorry and heavy for his sin
that he hath done, though he never so fain would. But though he
can be content for God's sake to forbear it thenceforth, yet not
only can he not weep for every sin that is past, but some were
haply so wanton that when he happeth to remember them he can
scantly forbear to laugh.
Now, if contrition and sorrow of heart be so requisite of
necessity to remission, many a man should stand, it seemeth, in a
very perilous state.
ANTHONY: Many so should indeed, cousin, and indeed many do so.
And the old saints write very sore on this point. Howbeit, "the
mercy of God is above all his works," and he standeth bound to no
common rule. "And he knoweth the frailty of this earthen vessel
that is of his own making, and is merciful and hath pity and
compassion upon our feeble infirmities," and shall not exact of us
above the thing that we can do.
And yet, cousin, he who findeth himself in that state, let him
give God thanks that he is no worse, in that he is minded to do
well hereafter. But in that he cannot be sorry for his sin passed,
let him be sorry at least that he is no better.
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