These three terms do signify
nothing else but three divers punishments in hell, according to the
offences. Judgment is less in degree than council, therefore it
signifieth a lesser pain in hell, and it is ordained for him that is
angry in his mind with his neighbour, and doth express his malice neither
by word nor countenance: council is a less degree in hell than hell-fire,
and is a greater degree in hell than judgment; and it is ordained for him
that calleth his neighbour "brainless," or any such word, that declareth
his ire and malice: wherefore it is more pain than judgment. Hell-fire
is more pain in hell than council or judgment, and it is ordained for him
that calleth his neighbour "fool," by reason that in calling his
neighbour "fool," he declareth more his malice, in that it is an earnest
word of ire: wherefore hell-fire is appointed for it; that is, the most
pain of the three punishments.
Now you have heard, that to these divers offences of ire and killing be
appointed punishments according to their degrees: for look as the offence
is, so shall the pain be: if the offence be great, the pain shall be
according; if it be less, there shall be less pain for it. I would not
now that you should think, because that here are but three degrees of
punishment spoken of, that there be no more in hell.
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