John Tauler · 11 of 121

Secondly, of the work and knowledge of grace. · 65.

And this is found in the heathen, who, prompted by genuine nature, left vice and worked virtue. For they knew from nature that vice keeps man from happiness; as Seneca said: “Even if it were true that the gods did not know my sins, and did not avenge them on me, I would still leave sin and the soiling of sin.” But where natural men are to be blamed, is where they keep to themselves selfishly, and possess themselves in their own property and ease. And these are very hurtful men, for they change their human nature into a devilish nature. Lucifer, when he stood in his natural nobility when God had created him, was a pure, noble creature. But when he kept to self, and possessed himself as a property with his natural nobility, he fell, and became instead of an angel a devil. So also is it with man. If he cometh to the summit of his nature and stands empty of all accidents, his nature is very noble. But if he remaineth in himself and possesseth himself of his natural nobility as a property, he falleth, and becomes instead of a man a devil. And therefore is sin wicked, as it maketh out of an angel a devil, and maketh a man devilish.