John Tauler · 33 of 121

Secondly, of the work and knowledge of grace. · 87.

The third spirit that speaketh to a man is the angel, and his speaking is for virtue, which leadeth the man to God. The highest angel draws his image from God; this image is multiplied in him, and he giveth it over to a second angel; this one again giveth it to the lowest angel, and this lowest angel at length giveth it to the soul, which obtains thereby the power of distinguishing how she has to seize and hold the truth, and how she shall practise each virtue in proper order and measure, and according to necessity. And this clear distinction which man obtains is given him by the angel, who also lets him see crime, that he may guard against it. When man knoweth crime he also knoweth virtue, just as through the colour black you can recognise white. And if man denies crime he draweth nigh unto virtue, but if he departs from virtue crime returneth to him; and the man who turneth away from virtue must of necessity arrive at all crimes.