Chapter 29

But in this I stood beholding things general, troublously and mourning, saying thus to our Lord in my meaning, with full great dread: Ah! good Lord, how might all be well, for the great hurt that is come, by sin, to the creature? And here I desired, as far as I durst, to have some more open declaring wherewith I might be eased in this matter.

But as I considered things in general, I was troubled and grieving. With great fear, I said to our Lord in my heart: Ah, good Lord, how can all be well, given the great harm sin has done to your creatures? And so, as far as I dared, I asked for a clearer explanation to ease my mind about this.

And to this our blessed Lord answered full meekly and with full lovely cheer, and shewed that Adam's sin was the most harm that ever was done, or ever shall be, to the world's end; and also He shewed that this [sin] is openly known in all Holy Church on earth. Furthermore He taught that I should behold the glorious Satisfaction¹: for this Amends-making² is more pleasing to God and more worshipful, without comparison, than ever was the sin of Adam harmful. Then signifieth our blessed Lord thus in this teaching, that we should take heed to this: For since I have made well the most harm, then it is my will that thou know thereby that I shall make well all that is less.

Our blessed Lord answered this very gently and with a loving expression. He showed that Adam’s sin was the greatest harm ever done, or ever to be done, until the end of the world. He also showed that this sin is openly known throughout the Holy Church on earth. Furthermore, he taught me to look upon the glorious Satisfaction¹. For this Amends-making² is, beyond comparison, more pleasing and honorable to God than Adam’s sin was harmful. Through this teaching, our blessed Lord means us to understand this: Since I have made good the greatest harm, I want you to know that I will make good all lesser harm.