VI

The nature of faith separated from charity

In order that it may be seen what the nature of faith is when separated from charity, I will set it forth in its nakedness as follows:

God the Father, being angry with mankind, cast them out from His presence, and to satisfy justice resolved to be revenged by their eternal damnation. He said to the Son: Go down, fulfil the Law and take upon thyself the damnation destined for them: and then perchance I will have mercy. Therefore, He descended, fulfilled the Law, and suffered Himself to be hung on the cross, and cruelly put to death.

When this was done, He returned to the Father and said, I have taken upon myself the damnation of mankind: now be merciful. Thus, He interceded for them. But He received for answer: For their own sake I cannot; but as I saw thee on the cross and then beheld thy blood, I am moved to compassion. Nevertheless I will not pardon them. I will however, impute to them thy merit, but only to those who acknowledge this. This shall be the faith by which they may be saved.