HERE BEGINNETH THE FOUR AND SIXTIETH CHAPTER
Of the other two principal powers Reason and Will; and of the work of them
before sin and after.
REASON is a power through the which we depart the evil from the good, the evil
from the worse, the good from the better, the worse from the worst, the better
from the best. Before ere man sinned, might Reason have done all this by nature.
But now it is so blinded with the original sin, that it may not con work this
work, unless it be illumined by grace. And both the self Reason, and the thing
that it worketh in, be comprehended and contained in the Memory.
Will is a power through the which we choose good, after that it be determined
with Reason; and through the which we love good, we desire good, and
rest us with full liking and consent endlessly in God. Before ere man sinned,
might not Will be deceived in his choosing, in his loving, nor in none of his
works. For why, it had then by nature to savour each thing as it was; but now it
may not do so, unless it be anointed with grace. For ofttimes because of
infection of the original sin, it savoureth a thing for good that is full evil,
and that hath but the likeness of good. And both the Will and the thing that is
willed, the Memory containeth and comprehendeth in it.
our kind sponsors.
