Temptations
and trials show what hides in the heart of a man. Temptation is similar to the medicine called
an emetic. An emetic reveals what is
hidden inside the stomach. So
temptations and trials make manifest what is hidden inside a man. The Holy Word of God and other Christian
books point out the corruption of our nature, but we recognize it by actual
experience or deed in temptations and trials.
Thus vainglory becomes evident through deprivation of glory, avarice
through deprivation of riches, envy through success of one’s neighbor, and
anger through disappointment. If, then,
you fall into various temptations, O Christian, this all happens by God’s
permission for your great benefit, that you may thereby know what is hidden in
your heart, and so knowing it, you may correct yourself.
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