John Tauler · 17 of 121

Secondly, of the work and knowledge of grace. · 71.

Fourthly, it is a mortal sin, if man with evil and obstinate will doeth that which is forbidden; as he, for example, who breaketh the ten commandments, in which the seven deadly sins are forbidden. Thus, in the first commandment, “Thou shalt believe in the Lord thy God,” which condemns unbelief, for unbelief is a mortal sin. Then, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and thy neighbour; “in this envy and hatred are condemned. “Thou shalt observe high days and holidays; “in this indolence is condemned. “Thou shalt not covet any man’s wife,” in which unchastity is condemned. “Thou shalt not covet any man’s property,” in which greed and avarice are condemned. “Thou shalt not worship idols,” where gluttony is chastised. “Thou shalt not kill any man,” where anger is proscribed. Furthermore, to break maliciously the commands which Holy Christianity hath set up, is also a mortal sin.