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that oft Cometh by instinction[1] of the devil; the which may not surmount the man in none of the said temptations, nor in none other whatsomever they be, but if[2] the man, having the usage of reason, will by his own agreement consent to him. For our enemy is so feeble that he may not overcome but him that will be vanquished; and God is so good and just that He shall not suffer us to be tempted above that which we may not withstand; but He shall do to us aid and profit with the temptation, to the end that we may sustain it.

And every man ought to know that the victory of temptations cometh alway by humility and meekness; for they that have not in them the wind of pride fall never into the furnace. And therefore every sinner ought wholly to meek himself under the mighty hand of God, to the end that by the help of our Lord he may obtain victory in all temptations, in all sicknesses, and in all tribulations of pain and of sorrow, unto the death inclusively.

CHAPTER III

OF THE DEMANDS AND QUESTIONS THAT OUGHT TO BE MADE TO THE SICK PERSON

Then ought to be made askings and demands of them that be in the article of death, as long as they have the usage of reason and of speech; to the end that if

  1. instigation.
  2. except