VISIO SECUNDA, cap. XXXVII

VISIO SECUNDA, cap. XXXVII

But — as was said above — just as the sign of the sun was marked at the top of this image with its rays aimed at the places mentioned earlier, in the same way and in the same order, so too does it appear turned toward its right side and marked beneath its feet, in its own circle, aimed at those same places: because the gift of the spirit of strength, just as it floods the intention of the person with its outpouring in the same measure and manner, so too does it inspire the person's perfect works and examples, by which one builds up others, in the fullness of blessedness, toward the holiness desired by a right beginning. Since virtues make a faithful person — one who consents to them with good will — begin what is right, they are also urged on so as to lead that person forward to progress, and so as to show to others, in their lives, an example of justice brought to good completion. But the same virtues, even though they protect the person in various ways through their inspiration, nevertheless allow that person to be tempted often — as if toward the north — by the temptation of the flesh and by diabolical arts, so that through these trials the person may learn how to defend against them, lest, elated by presumption beyond measure, the person afterward fall into worse things and perish — just as those who were elated in presumption perished, about whom it is written in the words of the prophet Isaiah. A passage from the book of Isaiah, placed here to introduce these matters and to show how they are to be understood.