is no sin so great but it may be healed, outake[1] despair alone. And Saint Justin saith also: All sins that a man hath done afore may not noy nor damn a man, but if he be well payd[2] in his heart that he hath done them. Therefore no man should despair, though it were so that it were possible that he alone had done all manner of sins that might be done in the world. For by despair a man getteth nought else but that God is much more offended thereby; and all his other sins be more grievous[3] in God's sight, and everlasting pain thereby increased infinitely to him that so despaireth.
Therefore against despair, for to induce him that is sick and laboureth in his dying to very trust and confidence that he should principally have to God at that time, the disposition of Christ in the cross should greatly draw him. Of the which Saint Bernard saith thus: What man is he that should not be ravished and drawn to hope, and have full confidence in God, and he take heed diligently of the disposition of Christ's body in the cross. Take heed and see : His head is inclined to salve thee; His mouth to kiss thee; His arms spread to be-clip[4] thee; His hands thrilled[5] to give thee; His side opened to love thee; His body along strait to give all Himself to thee.
Therefore no man should despair of forgiveness, but fully have hope and confidence in God; for the virtue of hope is greatly commendable, and of great
