Rigorists

Rigorists, a name given to the Jansenists by their adversaries. They made repentance to consist in the voluntary sufferings which the transgressor inflicts upon himself, in proportion to the nature of his crimes and the degree of his guilt. They went so far as to call those who had shortened life by excessive abstinence and labor the sacred victims of repentance, and said that they were consumed by the fire of divine love; that their conduct was highly meritorious in the sight of God; and that by their sufferings they not only appeased the wrath of God, but drew down abundant blessings upon their friends and upon the Church. SEE JANSEN.