ANTHONY: I said, Cousin Vincent, that of pusillanimity cometh
this temptation, and very truth it is that indeed so it doth. But
yet I meant not that only of faint heart and fear it cometh and
growth always. For the devil tempteth sundry folk by sundry ways.
But I spoke of no other kind of that temptation save only that one
which is the daughter that the devil begetteth upon pusillanimity,
because those other kinds of temptation fall not under the nature
of tribulation and fear, and therefore fall they far out of our
matter here. They are such temptations as need only counsel, and
not comfort or consolation, because the persons tempted with them
are not troubled in their mind with that kind of temptation. but
are very well content both in the tempting and in the following.
For some have there been, cousin, such that they have been tempted
to do it by means of a foolish pride, and some by means of anger,
without any fear at all--and very glad to go thereto, I deny not.
But if you think that none fall into it by fear, but that they
have all a mighty strong stomach, that shall you well see to be
the contrary. And that peradventure in those of whom you would
think the stomach more strong and their heart and courage most
bold.
VINCENT: Yet is it marvel to me, uncle, that it should be as you
say it is--that this temptation is unto them that do it for pride
or anger no tribulation, or that they should not need, in so great
a distress and peril, both of body and soul to be lost, no manner
of good ghostly comfort.
Pages:
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164