12. Of the Sixth Kind of Evil Men

OF the sixth kind there are the naturally proud, and the subtle and clear-sighted by knowledge either natural or acquired, frequently refined in life and outward manners, in natural contemplation lofty and easy, and ever devoted to their own will. These are consistent and upright in mind from pride, and in a distinguished mode of life always imagine themselves to excel, and attempt to do so : and because of this spiritual life of theirs they desire to receive everyone's honour and respect ; and indeed they find very few to give them enough satisfaction or to soothe their disposition ; for it is impossible to please them sufficiently unless one thinks highly of them. Whatever is being stated and explained either concerning the inner or the outer life of any other persons whatsoever, that they always belittle, but their own life they esteem highly. They desire to instruct all others, and think that they have gained all wisdom, nor do they endure to be trained or rebuked by anyone, for they are proud and self-willed. But by the sharpness of their natural intelligence all things tend to strengthen their knowledge, and they rebut all reasonings and whatever opposes them ; and this natural knowledge is itself an occasion and an assistance to their pride. And whosoever are not illumined by divine light, nor grounded in true humility, on account of their acuteness, and their externally refined manners, think highly of themselves with respect to their readiness of natural contemplation. But inasmuch as they are not moved nor aroused by divine grace, frequently in any necessity they fail towards those who are by circumstances their neighbours.

For charity never fails our neighbours, but their nature is unequal, because in contemplation it regards itself and they are readier to engage in their own contemplation than in any work of charity — whereby evidently they are deceived -and wrong. For the works of charity are of precept ; and contemplation, supernatural though it be, apart from deeds of charity is of necessity. harmful. Moreover whatever they possess or obtain they think is a necessity to them ; for they believe that both in their outer and inner life they are extremely susceptible. Natural intellect flourishes strongly in them, and is exceedingly exalted ; and they receive no uncommon pleasure from this knowledge of theirs and from their spiritual* life. Finally there are few of this character on earth, but however many there are, they are unworthy of divine grace ; whereby nevertheless if they desire to become worthy, they must look to the praise and honour of God, with a humble heart in ail their actions and in their whole life ; they will gain knowledge of themselves and least of all uplift themselves in heart, and will strive to make other men equally adorned and refined with virtues as they are themselves — not less but rather more than themselves. And they will retain and hold that clearness of intellect with which they are endowed, together with humility, and thus will be illumined with divine light : indeed by means of holy leisure, and the casting away of those occupations which are associated with things of earthy they will lay hold of the contemplative life. They will hold fast too, the refined manners of the natural virtues towards God and their neighbours, and will keep them in true charity, devotion, kindness and generosity, and thence they will gain too the active life. Therefore whosoever are now included in the before mentioned kinds of men, are all living outside the grace of God, and are subjected to mortal sins ; nor can they be saved unless they are converted by that one only way which has been stated.