First question. Again the monk appeared on his ladder as before saying: "O
Judge, I ask you: Why did you give us the bodily senses, if we are not to move and
live according to carnal feelings?"
Second question. "And why did you give us the means of carnal sustenance,
such as food and other delectable things, if we are not to live in order to sate the
carnal appetite?"
Third question. "Why did you give us free will, if we are not to follow our
own wishes?"
Fourth question. "Why did you give men and women the seed of intercourse
and a sexual nature, if the seed is not to be spilled according to the carnal appetite?"
Fifth question. "Why did you give us a heart and a will, if not to choose that
which tastes sweetest and to love the more enjoyable delights?"
Answer to the first question. The Judge answered: "Friend, I gave humans
sense and understanding in order that they might meditate on and imitate the ways
of life and shun the ways of death."
Answer to the second question. "I gave food and other carnal necessities for
the moderate sustenance of the body and so that people might exercise the virtues
of the soul with greater strength without growing weak from excessive
consumption."
Answer to the third question. "I gave humans free will so that they might give
up their own will for me, their God, and thus obtain a greater reward."
Answer to the fourth question. "I gave them the seed of intercourse so that it
might germinate at the right place and in the right way and bear fruit for a just and
rational cause."
Answer to the fifth question. "I gave humans a heart so that they might keep
within it me, their God, who am everywhere and incomprehensible, and so that the
thought of me should be their delight."
Revelations and Prophecies Imparted to St. Bridget
