that_o dark_a depth_n of_o be_v nothing_o if_o god_n through_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n have_v not_o take_v you_o out_o from_o thence_o and_o place_v you_o among_o his_o creature_n give_v you_o that_o real_a and_o true_a be_v which_o you_o now_o enjoy_v so_o that_o for_o as_o much_o as_o be_v on_o our_o part_n we_o be_v nothing_o and_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v ourselves_o but_o equal_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o and_o we_o must_v ascribe_v to_o god_n that_o advantage_n which_o now_o we_o have_v above_o they_o this_o be_v that_o which_o saint_n paul_n say_v if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o be_v any_o thing_n he_o be_v deceive_v for_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v nothing_o we_o have_v here_o discover_v a_o great_a deep_o i_o whereby_o to_o enrich_v ourselves_o with_o humility_n yea_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o in_o this_o for_o even_o now_o after_o we_o eat_v create_v and_o have_v receive_v our_o be_v it_o be_v not_o we_o who_o hold_v it_o and_o can_v contain_v it_o in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v not_o as_o when_o the_o archirect_a have_v build_v a_o house_n which_o sustain_v itself_o when_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o without_o need_v he_o any_o more_o who_o make_v it_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o our_o case_n but_o now_o after_o we_o be_v create_v we_o have_v still_o as_o great_a need_n of_o god_n in_o every_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v not_o loose_v the_o be_v which_o we_o have_v already_o as_o we_o have_v whilst_o we_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o may_v grow_v to_o be_v he_o be_v ever_o sustain_v and_o hold_v we_o up_o with_o his_o hand_n of_o power_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o again_o fall_v down_o into_o that_o profound_a pit_n of_o be_v nothing_o out_o of_o which_o he_o take_v we_o before_o and_o so_o say_v david_n thou_o o_o lord_n do_v frame_v i_o and_o thou_o do_v place_v thy_o hand_n upon_o i_o and_o this_o hand_n of_o thy_o o_o lord_n hold_v i_o still_o fast_o on_o foot_n and_o conserves_n i_o that_o so_o i_o may_v not_o again_o return_v to_o my_o former_a nothing_o we_o be_v ever_o so_o depend_v and_o so_o hang_v upon_o this_o handfast_a of_o god_n that_o if_o once_o this_o shall_v fail_v we_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v take_v off_o that_o hand_n but_o for_o any_o one_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n in_o the_o same_o very_a moment_n we_o be_v dispatch_v and_o we_o shall_v loose_v our_o be_v and_o so_o return_v to_o our_o nothing_o as_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v once_o hide_a the_o earth_n be_v dark_a for_o this_o reason_n say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o nation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o and_z as_o nothing_o and_o they_o be_v mere_a emptiness_n itself_o before_o he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o all_o be_v say_v every_o minute_n namely_o that_o we_o be_v nothing_o but_o yet_o i_o doubt_v that_o we_o say_v it_o only_o with_o our_o mouth_n for_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o we_o understand_v what_o we_o say_v o_o that_o we_o understand_v and_o feel_v it_o as_o the_o prophet_n understand_v and_o feel_v it_o when_o he_o say_v thus_o to_o god_n i_o o_o lord_n be_o as_o nothing_o in_o thy_o fight_n real_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o nothing_o for_o i_o have_v no_o be_v and_o the_o be_v which_o now_o i_o have_v be_v not_o have_v by_o i_o of_o myself_o but_o thou_o o_o lord_n do_v give_v it_o i_o and_o to_o thou_o must_v i_o ascribe_v it_o all_o and_o i_o have_v nothing_o whereof_o to_o brag_v or_o glory_n in_o myself_o for_o i_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v therein_o and_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v ever_o conserve_n i_o in_o be_v and_o hold_v i_o still_o fast_o on_o foot_n and_o thou_o be_v still_o give_v i_o strength_n wherewith_o to_o work_v all_o be_v all_o strength_n all_o power_n to_o work_v come_v to_o we_o from_o thy_o hand_n for_o on_o our_o part_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o and_o we_o be_v worth_a nothing_o and_o in_o fine_a be_v nothing_o so_o that_o now_o of_o what_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o wax_v proud_a will_v it_o be_v perhaps_o of_o the_o nothing_o which_o we_o see_v we_o have_v we_o say_v a_o while_n ago_o of_o what_o do_v thou_o grow_v proud_a o_o thou_o who_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o now_o we_o may_v say_v of_o what_o do_v thou_o grow_v proud_a o_o thou_o who_o be_v nothing_o which_o be_v less_o than_o dust_n and_o ash_n what_o occasion_n or_o even_o colour_n can_v a_o thing_n of_o nothing_o take_v for_o look_v big_a and_o grow_v proud_a and_o hold_v itself_o in_o some_o account_n infallible_o none_n at_o all_o chap_n vii_o of_o a_o most_o principal_a mean_n for_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o and_o obtain_v humility_n which_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o sin_n let_v we_o yet_o go_v far_o on_o and_o dig_v and_o sound_v deep_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o let_v we_o use_v the_o spade_n once_o again_o but_o what_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n yet_o deep_o do_v any_o thing_n lie_v low_a than_o nothing_o yes_o there_o do_v and_o much_o low_a what_o the_o sin_n which_o you_o have_v add_v to_o it_o o_o what_o a_o deep_a pit_n be_v this_o it_o be_v much_o deep_a than_o nothing_o for_o sin_v be_v much_o worse_a than_o not_o be_v and_o it_o be_v better_o for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v then_o to_o have_v sin_v and_o so_o say_v christ_n our_o lord_n of_o judas_n who_o mean_v to_o sell_v he_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v there_o be_v not_o a_o place_n so_o low_a so_o distant_a and_o so_o despise_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o either_o be_v or_o be_v not_o as_o that_o man_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n he_o be_v disinherited_a of_o heaven_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o sentence_v for_o all_o eternity_n to_o hell-fire_n and_o though_o now_o through_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o lord_n your_o conscience_n be_v not_o charge_v with_o the_o allowance_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n yet_o as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o nothing_o you_o call_v to_o mind_v that_o time_n wherein_o we_o have_v no_o be_v so_o for_o the_o know_v of_o our_o baseness_n and_o misery_n we_o be_v now_o to_o call_v that_o time_n to_o mind_n when_o we_o be_v in_o sin_n consider_v in_o how_o wretched_a estate_n you_o be_v when_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n you_o be_v ungracious_a ugly_a his_o enemy_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n obnoxious_a to_o eternal_a torment_n and_o then_o despise_v yourselves_o thorough_o and_o abase_v yourselves_o into_o the_o low_a &_o profound_a place_n that_o possible_o you_o can_v for_o you_o may_v safe_o believe_v that_o how_o much_o soever_o you_o humble_a and_o despise_v yourselves_o you_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o arrive_v to_o that_o depth_n of_o contempt_n which_o he_o deserve_v who_o have_v offend_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n which_o be_v god_n this_o business_n have_v no_o bottom_n at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o most_o profound_a and_o infinite_a depth_n for_o till_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v in_o heaven_n how_o good_a god_n be_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o know_v perfect_o how_o great_a a_o ill_a sin_n be_v which_o be_v commit_v against_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o punishment_n he_o deserve_v who_o commit_v it_o o_o that_o we_o will_v continue_v in_o this_o meditation_n and_o dig_v on_o and_o still_o sound_v deep_o into_o this_o mine_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o misery_n how_o humble_a will_v we_o then_o be_v in_o how_o small_a account_n will_v we_o hold_v ourselves_o and_o how_o easy_o will_v we_o admit_v to_o be_v dis-esteemed_n and_o contemn_v by_o all_o he_o who_o have_v be_v a_o traitor_n to_o god_n what_o contempt_n will_v he_o not_o endure_v for_o his_o love_n he_o who_o give_v god_n away_o for_o a_o fancy_n or_o toy_n or_o for_o some_o pleasure_n of_o a_o instant_n he_o who_o offend_v his_o creator_n and_o his_o lord_n and_o deserve_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o in_o hell_n what_o dishonour_v what_o affront_v or_o injury_n will_v not_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o receive_v and_o accept_v they_o as_o gentle_a chastisement_n for_o those_o offence_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v against_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n as_o say_v the_o prophet_n david_n before_o that_o scourge_n come_v wherewith_o god_n humble_v and_o afflict_v i_o i_o have_v give_v he_o cause_n to_o inflict_v it_o i_o have_v already_o sin_v and_o therefore_o now_o i_o be_o silent_a nor_o dare_v i_o complain_v for_o all_o be_v much_o less_o than_o my_o sin_n deserve_v thou_o have_v not_o punish_v i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o my_o offence_n for_o
forsake_v wickedness_n of_o life_n and_o as_o for_o we_o we_o can_v only_o make_v a_o little_a noise_n with_o the_o trumpet_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v break_v these_o earthen_a pot_n of_o our_o body_n with_o mortification_n and_o if_o man_n may_v be_v able_a to_o see_v the_o light_n of_o a_o very_a exemplar_n life_n shine_v in_o we_o we_o shall_v indeed_o have_v do_v our_o part_n but_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v only_a god_n who_o must_v give_v we_o the_o victory_n let_v we_o gather_v and_o draw_v two_o thing_n from_o hence_o that_o so_o we_o may_v exercise_v our_o function_n with_o much_o comfort_n and_o with_o the_o profit_n both_o of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n the_o first_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o distrust_v ourselves_o to_o place_v all_o our_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o to_o attribute_v the_o whole_a fruit_n and_o good_a success_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o he_o st_o chrysostome_n say_v let_v we_o not_o wax_v proud_a but_o let_v we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v unprofitable_a that_o so_o we_o may_v grow_v to_o be_v profitable_a and_o useful_a and_o saint_n ambrose_n say_v if_o you_o will_v produce_v much_o fruit_n among_o your_o neighbour_n observe_v the_o rule_n which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n he_o who_o speaks_z let_v he_o make_v account_n that_o god_n put_v these_o word_n into_o his_o mouth_n he_o who_o work_n let_v he_o make_v account_n that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o work_v by_o he_o and_o let_v he_o give_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o all_o to_o he_o let_v we_o not_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o ourselves_o nor_o run_v away_o with_o strange_a conceit_n nor_o take_v any_o vain_a contentment_n in_o the_o act_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o disanimate_v or_o deject_v when_o we_o consider_v our_o own_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o we_o have_v also_o great_a need_n for_o who_o observe_v himself_o to_o be_v call_v to_o so_o high_a a_o office_n and_o to_o so_o supernatural_a a_o end_n as_o it_o be_v to_o convert_v soul_n to_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o sin_n out_o of_o heresy_n out_o of_o infidelity_n who_o i_o say_v consider_v this_o will_v not_o faint_v under_o the_o thought_n and_o say_v o_o jesus_n how_o great_a a_o disproportion_n be_v this_o such_o a_o employment_n fit_v not_o well_o with_o i_o who_o be_o the_o most_o needy_a and_o miserable_a creature_n of_o all_o other_o but_o yet_o in_o this_o you_o be_v deceive_v for_o even_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n this_o enterprise_n be_v fit_a for_o you_o moses_n can_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v ever_o to_o perform_v so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o to_o draw_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o captivity_n of_o egypt_n and_o he_o excuse_v himself_o thus_o to_o god_n who_o be_v desirous_a to_o send_v he_o what_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v treat_v with_o the_o king_n and_o procure_v he_o to_o let_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n send_v he_o o_o lord_n who_o you_o be_v to_o send_v for_o as_o for_o i_o i_o be_o a_o stammerer_n and_o unfit_a for_o the_o employment_n this_o be_v that_o say_v god_n which_o serve_v my_o turn_n it_o be_v not_o thou_o shall_v do_v it_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v teach_v thou_o what_o thou_o be_v to_o say_v the_o same_o happen_v also_o to_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n who_o god_n send_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n but_o he_o begin_v to_o excuse_v himself_o thus_o a._n a._n a._n do_v you_o not_o see_v o_o lord_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o pronounce_v my_o word_n but_o be_o a_o very_a child_n and_o how_o then_o will_v you_o have_v i_o undertake_v so_o great_a a_o enterprise_n as_o this_o even_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n he_o will_v use_v thou_o and_o thou_o be_v just_o the_o man_n he_o seek_v and_o perhaps_o if_o thou_o be_v endue_v with_o many_o part_n god_n will_v not_o have_v choose_v thou_o to_o this_o end_n but_o now_o thou_o shall_v have_v no_o colour_n to_o steâ—â—â—_n the_o praise_n and_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o thyself_o and_o by_o such_o weak_a instrument_n be_v he_o desirous_a to_o do_v great_a thing_n the_o holy_a evangelist_n recount_v that_o the_o apostle_n come_v from_o preach_v and_o christ_n our_o lord_n observe_v the_o fruit_n which_o they_o have_v gather_v and_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v wrought_v do_v high_o rejoice_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o give_v great_a thanks_o and_o glorify_v his_o eternal_a father_n i_o give_v thou_o thanks_o o_o eternal_a father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o that_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v reveal_v and_o communicate_v they_o to_o thy_o little_a one_o and_o by_o their_o mean_n do_v work_v so_o great_a wonder_n bless_a and_o praise_v be_v thou_o o_o lord_n for_o ever_o because_o thou_o have_v be_v please_v to_o do_v thus_o o_o happy_a little_a one_o happy_a humble_a soul_n for_o these_o be_v they_o who_o god_n exalt_v and_o by_o who_o he_o work_v wonder_n and_o who_o he_o take_v for_o his_o instrument_n in_o do_v great_a thing_n in_o work_v great_a conversion_n and_o gather_v great_a fruit_n of_o soul_n therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v discourage_v or_o dismay_v be_v not_o afraid_a little_a flock_n be_v not_o disanimate_v or_o put_v out_o of_o heart_n because_o thou_o see_v thyself_o very_o little_a and_o least_o of_o all_o other_o for_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o your_o heavenly_a father_n to_o give_v you_o power_n over_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o say_v christ_n our_o saviour_n i_o will_v assist_v you_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o then_o hold_v for_o certain_a that_o jesus_n will_v ever_o be_v our_o succour_n as_o himself_o promise_v to_o our_o father_n the_o blessed-apostle_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v ever_o have_v he_o for_o our_o conductor_n and_o captain_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o grow_v weary_a or_o be_v discourage_v in_o this_o so_o great_a affair_n of_o help_a soul_n to_o which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o humility_n which_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v mean_o of_o himself_o laurentius_n justinianus_n say_v that_o no_o man_n know_v well_o what_o humility_n be_v but_o he_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o be_v humble_a from_o god_n it_o be_v real_o a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o be_v know_v a_o man_n say_v he_o deceive_v himself_o in_o nothing_o more_o then_o in_o think_v that_o he_o know_v what_o true_a humility_n be_v do_v you_o think_v it_o consist_v in_o say_v i_o be_o a_o miserable_a sinful_a creature_n i_o be_o proud_a etc._n etc._n if_o it_o consist_v in_o this_o the_o thing_n be_v easy_a enough_o and_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v humble_a for_o we_o all_o say_v of_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v this_o and_o we_o be_v that_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n that_o we_o may_v all_o speak_v as_o we_o think_v and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o say_v it_o with_o the_o mouth_n alone_o and_o by_o way_n of_o compliment_n do_v you_o think_v that_o humility_n consist_v in_o wear_v poor_a and_o mean_a clothes_n or_o in_o employ_v ourselves_o about_o object_n and_o contemptible_a thing_n it_o consist_v not_o in_o this_o for_o herein_o may_v be_v much_o pride_n and_o as_o man_n may_v desire_v to_o be_v much_o esteem_v and_o value_v even_o for_o this_o and_o to_o hold_v himself_o to_o be_v better_o and_o more_o humble_a than_o other_o which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o pride_n true_a it_o be_v that_o these_o exterior_a thing_n do_v help_v towards_o true_a humility_n if_o they_o be_v use_v as_o they_o ought_v whereof_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o afterward_o but_o yet_o in_o fine_a humility_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o this_o saint_n hierome_n say_v many_o follow_v the_o appearance_n and_o shadow_n of_o humility_n few_o the_o truth_n a_o easy_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o carry_v the_o head_n bow_v down_o the_o eye_n low_a the_o speech_n submiss_a and_o soft_a to_o sigh_v often_o and_o at_o every_o word_n to_o be_v call_v themselves_o miserable_a and_o sinful_a creature_n but_o yet_o if_o you_o touch_v these_o very_a man_n with_o any_o little_a word_n though_o it_o be_v but_o very_o light_o you_o shall_v instant_o be_v able_a to_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o true_a humility_n let_v all_o feign_a word_n be_v lay_v aside_o away_z with_o hipocrisy_n and_o exterior_a show_n for_o the_o true_a humble_a man_n say_v he_o be_v show_v by_o his_o sufferance_n and_o patience_n this_o be_v that_o touchstone_n whereby_o
also_o must_v we_o dwell_v as_o little_a here_o but_o turn_v our_o eye_n quick_o in_o again_o upon_o ourselves_o and_o upon_o our_o own_o misery_n and_o frailty_n for_o if_o we_o stick_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o goodness_n the_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n of_o god_n and_o forget_v what_o we_o be_v in_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v run_v much_o hazard_n of_o presumption_n and_o pride_n and_o we_o shall_v grow_v to_o be_v too_o secure_a of_o ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v overbold_a and_o not_o so_o humble_a and_o careful_a as_o be_v fit_a which_o be_v a_o dangerous_a course_n and_o have_v be_v the_o foundation_n and_o root_n of_o many_o fearful_a and_o great_a ruin_n o_o how_o many_o man_n who_o be_v very_o spiritual_a and_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v exalt_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n and_o contemplation_n have_v cast_v themselves_o down_o headlong_o by_o this_o precipice_n o_o how_o many_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v saint_n have_v come_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o have_v most_o wretched_a fall_n because_o they_o forget_v themselves_o because_o they_o make_v themselves_o too_o sure_o through_o the_o favour_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n they_o grow_v to_o be_v full_a of_o confidence_n as_o if_o there_o have_v already_o be_v no_o more_o danger_n for_o they_o and_o so_o they_o come_v miserable_o to_o destruction_n we_o have_v book_n which_o be_v full_a of_o such_o accident_n saint_n basil_n say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o miserable_a fall_n of_o king_n david_n both_o into_o adultery_n and_o murder_n be_v the_o presumption_n which_o once_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v visit_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n with_o abundance_n of_o consolation_n so_o far_o as_o that_o he_o presume_v to_o say_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v or_o alter_v from_o this_o state_n psal_n 30._o well_o stay_v a_o while_n god_n will_v a_o little_a take_v off_o his_o hand_n these_o extraordinary_a favour_n and_o grace_n shall_v cease_v and_o you_o shall_v see_v what_o will_v happen_v thou_o turn_v away_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o and_o i_o be_v trouble_v god_n leave_v you_o in_o your_o poverty_n &_o then_o you_o will_v be_v like_o yourself_o &_o you_o shall_v know_v to_o your_o cost_n whou_fw-mi you_o be_v once_o fall_v that_o which_o you_o will_v not_o know_v whilst_o you_o be_v visit_v and_o favour_v by_o almighty_a god_n and_o saint_n basil_n also_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n and_o denial_n of_o the_o apostle_n saint_n peter_n be_v the_o confide_n and_o presume_v vain_o in_o himself_o because_o he_o say_v with_o arrogancy_n and_o presumption_n that_o though_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v scandalize_v yet_o will_v not_o he_o be_v scandalize_v but_o will_v rather_o die_v with_o christ_n for_o this_o do_v god_n permit_v that_o he_o shall_v fall_v that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o know_v himself_o we_o must_v never_o give_v way_n that_o our_o eye_n may_v wander_v from_o ourselves_o nor_o ever_o be_v secure_a in_o this_o life_n but_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v we_o must_v go_v ever_o on_o with_o great_a care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o with_o great_a care_n and_o fear_v lest_o the_o enemy_n who_o we_o carry_v still_o about_o we_o put_v some_o trick_n upon_o we_o and_o provide_v some_o snare_n into_o which_o he_o may_v procure_v we_o to_o fall_v so_o that_o as_o we_o must_v not_o stay_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o misery_n and_o weakness_n but_o pass_v instant_o on_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o must_v we_o stay_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o mercy_n and_o favour_n but_o return_v with_o speed_n again_o to_o cast_v our_o eye_n down_o upon_o ourselves_o this_o be_v that_o jacob_n ladder_n whereof_o one_o end_n be_v fasten_v to_o the_o earth_n in_o our_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o other_o reach_v up_o to_o the_o very_a height_n of_o heaven_n by_o this_o ladder_n must_v you_o ascend_v and_o descend_v as_o the_o angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v by_o that_o other_o rise_v up_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o stay_v not_o there_o lest_o you_o grow_v into_o presumption_n but_o descend_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o yourselves_o yet_o stay_v not_o also_o there_o lest_o you_o fall_v into_o despair_n but_o still_o return_v again_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v confidence_n in_o he_o in_o fine_a the_o business_n consist_v in_o that_o you_o be_v still_o ascend_v and_o descend_v by_o this_o ladder_n we_o read_v of_o a_o certain_a devout_a woman_n that_o do_v use_v this_o exercise_n to_o free_v she_o fall_v from_o several_a temptation_n which_o the_o devil_n bring_v against_o she_o as_o she_o herself_o relate_v when_o the_o devil_n will_v tempt_v she_o by_o way_n of_o confusion_n desire_v to_o make_v she_o believe_v that_o her_o whole_a 〈◊〉_d be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n error_n and_o abuse_n than_o she_o will_v raise_v herself_o up_o but_o yet_o sill_z with_o humility_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o she_o will_v be_v say_v to_o this_o effect_n i_o confess_v o_o my_o creator_n that_o my_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v lead_v in_o darkness_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v hide_v myself_o in_o the_o wound_n of_o christ_n jesus_n crucify_v and_o i_o will_v bathe_v myself_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o so_o my_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v consume_v and_o i_o will_v rejoice_v in_o my_o creator_n &_o my_o lord_n thou_o shall_v wash_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v white_a than_o snow_n and_o so_o also_o when_o the_o devil_n will_v offer_v to_o put_v she_o up_o to_o pride_n by_o tentation_n of_o a_o contrary_a kind_n seek_v to_o make_v she_o think_v that_o she_o be_v perfect_a and_o please_v to_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o she_o shall_v any_o long_o afflict_v herself_o and_o lament_v her_o sin_n then_o will_v she_o humble_v herself_o and_o make_v the_o devil_n this_o answer_n o_o wretched_a creature_n that_o i_o be_o saint_n john_n baptist_n be_v sanctify_v in_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v continual_o exercise_v about_o repentance_n and_o i_o have_v commit_v so_o many_o defect_n and_o have_v never_o lament_v they_o no_o nor_o even_o consider_v they_o as_o they_o deserve_v with_o this_o the_o devil_n not_o like_v to_o endure_v so_o great_a humility_n on_o the_o one_o side_n nor_o so_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o other_o as_o we_o may_v imagine_v say_v thus_o to_o she_o be_v thou_o accurse_v and_o he_o also_o who_o have_v teach_v thou_o this_o for_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o make_v entrance_n here_o since_o if_o i_o abase_v thou_o by_o confusion_n thou_o raise_v thyself_o up_o as_o high_a as_o heaven_n by_o the_o considetation_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o if_o i_o raise_v thou_o up_o towards_o presumption_n thou_o abase_v thyself_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o sin_n as_o low_a as_o hell_n by_o way_n of_o humility_n now_o after_o this_o very_a manner_n be_v we_o to_o use_v this_o exercise_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v full_a of_o circumspection_n and_o fear_v and_o on_o the_o other_o full_a of_o courage_n and_o joy_n fearful_a in_o regard_n of_o ourselves_o and_o joyful_a through_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n these_o be_v those_o two_o lesson_n which_o god_n give_v daily_o to_o his_o elect_a the_o one_o to_o make_v they_o see_v their_o defect_n and_o the_o other_o to_o make_v they_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o take_v they_o from_o we_o with_o so_o much_o love_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o profit_n which_o grow_v by_o this_o exercise_n of_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o to_o the_o end_n haâ—_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v more_o animate_v to_o this_o exercise_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o we_o will_v go_v on_o declare_v some_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v contain_v therein_o one_o of_o the_o chief_n thereof_o have_v be_v show_v already_o namely_o that_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o root_n of_o humility_n and_o the_o necessary_a mean_n both_o for_o the_o purchase_n and_o preservation_n thereof_o one_o of_o those_o ancient_a father_n be_v ask_v how_o a_o man_n may_v do_v to_o obtain_v true_a humility_n make_v this_o answer_n if_o he_o consider_v only_o his_o own_o sin_n sound_v &_o dig_v deep_a into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o this_o man_n shall_v obtain_v true_a humility_n this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o attend_v much_o to_o this_o exercise_n since_o it_o import_v we_o so_o very_o much_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o virtue_n but_o yet_o we_o may_v pass_v further_o on_o and_o say_v that_o the_o humble_a knowledge_n of_o
de_fw-fr borgia_n that_o no_o one_o thing_n trouble_v he_o so_o much_o as_o when_o he_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v honoe_v for_o a_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o be_v ask_v once_o why_o he_o afflict_a himself_o so_o much_o for_o this_o himself_n not_o desire_v it_o nor_o procure_v it_o he_o make_v answer_v that_o he_o fear_v the_o account_n which_o he_o be_v to_o give_v to_o god_n when_o he_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o far_o another_o man_n from_o that_o which_o he_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v which_o be_v that_o which_o we_o say_v before_o of_o saint_n gregory_n after_o this_o manner_n be_v we_o to_o be_v very_o deep_o ground_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o that_o so_o the_o wind_n of_o praise_n and_o estimation_n of_o man_n may_v not_o blow_v we_o up_o and_o draw_v we_o out_o of_o our_o nothing_o but_o we_o must_v rather_o be_v the_o more_o ashamed_a thereof_o and_o confound_v thereby_o consider_v how_o false_a those_o praise_n be_v and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o virtue_n in_o we_o as_o may_v deserve_v they_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o such_o as_o the_o world_n conceive_v and_o publish_v and_o as_o indeed_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v chap._n xv._o of_o the_o four_o step_n which_o be_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v disesteem_v and_o despise_v and_o to_o be_v glad_a thereof_o the_o four_o step_n for_o arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humility_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v despise_v and_o disesteem_v and_o be_v glad_a of_o dishonour_n injury_n and_o contempt_n saint_n bernard_n say_v the_o man_n who_o be_v true_o humble_a desire_v to_o be_v hold_v by_o other_o in_o small_a account_n and_o not_o to_o be_v account_v humble_a but_o unworthy_a and_o mean_v and_o to_o be_v glad_a thereof_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o second_o degree_n of_o humility_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n humility_n be_v compare_v to_o nard_n which_o be_v a_o small_a and_o odoriferous_a herb_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o canticle_n my_o spikenard_n send_v forth_o the_o smell_v thereof_o cant_n 1.12_o for_o than_o do_v the_o odour_n of_o this_o nard_n of_o humility_n extend_v and_o impart_v itself_o to_o other_o when_o not_o only_o you_o put_v little_a esteem_n upon_o yourself_o but_o when_o you_o also_o desire_v and_o like_v well_o that_o you_o be_v despise_v and_o disesteem_v by_o other_o saint_n bernard_n note_n that_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o humility_n one_o be_v when_o a_o man_n consider_v himself_o and_o perceive_v his_o misery_n and_o baseness_n be_v convince_v by_o the_o truth_n and_o hold_v himself_o in_o no_o esteem_n and_o resolve_n that_o he_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v despise_v and_o dishonour_v by_o all_o man_n he_o say_v that_o the_o former_a humility_n namely_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o in_o christ_n our_o lord_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o think_v that_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v hold_v in_o mean_a account_n and_o much_o less_o to_o be_v dishonour_v and_o despise_v because_o he_o understand_v himself_o perfect_o well_o and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v true_a god_n and_o equal_a to_o his_o father_n but_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o humility_n be_v in_o he_o namely_o that_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o wil._n for_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a love_n which_o he_o bear_v we_o he_o be_v please_v to_o abuse_v and_o disauthorise_v himself_o and_o to_o seem_v vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o he_o say_v learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o humble_a of_o heart_n but_o as_o for_o we_o we_o be_v to_o have_v both_o these_o humility_n because_o the_o first_o without_o the_o second_o be_v deceitful_a and_o false_a to_o desire_v to_o seem_v and_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o other_o than_o that_o which_o real_o you_o be_v be_v falsehood_n and_o deceit_n he_o who_o real_o be_v humble_a and_o indeed_o think_v base_o and_o disesteem_v and_o despise_v himself_o be_v also_o to_o be_v glad_a that_o other_o may_v despise_v and_o disesteem_v he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v of_o christ_n our_o lord_n consider_v how_o cordial_o and_o with_o how_o ardent_a desire_n and_o will_n he_o embrace_v dishonour_n and_o contempt_n for_o love_n of_o we_o for_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o abase_v and_o empty_v himself_o by_o make_v himself_o man_n and_o take_v the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n upon_o he_o he_o who_o be_v &_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o he_o will_v needs_o assume_v the_o form_n and_o habit_n of_o a_o sinner_n as_o say_v the_o apostle_n god_n send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o habit_n and_o similitude_n of_o a_o sinful_a man_n he_o take_v not_o sin_n because_o sin_n can_v not_o be_v in_o he_o but_o he_o take_v the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o sinner_n for_o he_o will_v be_v circumcise_v as_o a_o sinner_n and_o baptize_v among_o publican_n and_o sinner_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v one_o of_o they_o and_o will_v be_v less_o esteem_v than_o barrabas_n and_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o worse_a man_n and_o more_o unworthy_a of_o life_n than_o he_o to_o conclude_v the_o desire_n which_o he_o have_v to_o suffer_v affront_n and_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n for_o love_n of_o we_o be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o he_o think_v the_o hour_n to_o stay_v very_o long_o wherein_o all_o inebriate_v and_o sick_a with_o love_n he_o may_v remain_v naked_a like_o another_o noah_n to_o be_v scorn_v by_o man_n with_o baptism_n say_v he_o be_o i_o to_o be_v baptize_v which_o be_v a_o baptism_n of_o blood_n and_o how_o be_o i_o in_o pain_n till_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n with_o desire_n have_v i_o desire_v that_o the_o hour_n may_v once_o arrive_v wherein_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o for_o i_o but_o buffet_n and_o spurn_v as_o to_o any_o slave_n for_o he_o know_v that_o they_o will_v spit_v upon_o his_o face_n as_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o clothe_v he_o with_o white_a as_o a_o fool_n and_o with_o purple_a as_o a_o counterfeit_a king_n and_o above_o all_o that_o they_o will_v load_v he_o with_o scourge_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o malefactor_n and_o murder_a thief_n and_o final_o with_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o company_n of_o murderer_n which_o then_o be_v the_o most_o ignominious_a &_o reproachful_a manner_n of_o death_n that_o can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n desire_v with_o so_o great_a desire_n as_o say_v the_o prophet_n in_o his_o name_n i_o be_v expect_v reproach_n and_o affront_n as_o one_o will_v expect_v somewhat_o which_o be_v very_o please_v to_o he_o and_o be_v to_o give_v he_o much_o delight_n and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n say_v he_o desire_v and_o thirst_v after_o this_o hour_n that_o he_o may_v as_o a_o man_n may_v say_v even_o have_v his_o belly_n full_o of_o reproach_n and_o affront_n and_o scorn_n as_o of_o thing_n to_o which_o he_o carry_v a_o extreme_a appetite_n and_o of_o which_o he_o be_v very_o greedy_a and_o indeed_o they_o be_v most_o savoury_a to_o he_o for_o the_o love_n of_o we_o but_o now_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n desire_a dishonour_n and_o contempt_n with_o so_o great_a appetite_n and_o receive_v they_o with_o so_o much_o contentment_n and_o gust_n for_o the_o love_n of_o we_o he_o have_v no_o way_n deserve_v they_o i_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o strange_a matter_n for_o we_o who_o have_v so_o well_o deserve_v all_o kind_n of_o dishonour_n and_o contempt_n to_o desire_v for_o love_n of_o he_o to_o be_v hold_v for_o no_o other_o than_o what_o we_o be_v and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o suffer_v those_o disgrace_n and_o affront_n which_o we_o deserve_v as_o saint_n paul_n do_v when_o he_o say_v for_o which_o reason_n i_o rejoice_v in_o my_o infirmity_n and_o injury_n and_o affront_n and_o necessity_n and_o persecution_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n for_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o writing_n to_o the_o philippian_n and_o treat_v of_o his_o imprisonment_n he_o desire_v they_o to_o bear_v he_o company_n in_o the_o joy_n he_o have_v to_o see_v himself_o in_o chain_n for_o christ_n our_o lord_n he_o have_v such_o a_o abundance_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n which_o he_o suffer_v that_o he_o have_v to_o spare_v for_o his_o friend_n and_o therefore_o he_o invite_v they_o to_o partake_v thereof_o with_o he_o this_o be_v that_o milk_n which_o the_o bless_a apostle_n suck_v from_o the_o breast_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o we_o read_v thus_o of_o they_o they_o be_v full_a of_o joy_n &_o rejoice_v when_o they_o be_v carry_v prisoner_n before_o their_o precedent_n and_o into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o esteem_v it_o for_o a_o great_a
present_n of_o the_o leprous_a naaman_n thou_o have_v take_v the_o good_n of_o naaman_n and_o behold_v his_o leprosy_n shall_v also_o stick_v to_o thou_o and_o to_o all_o thy_o descendants_n for_o ever_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o man_n that_o since_o he_o will_v needs_o have_v the_o riches_n of_o lucifer_n which_o be_v his_o pride_n he_o shall_v also_o have_v his_o leprosy_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n thereof_o you_o see_v therefore_o here_o that_o man_n be_v also_o undo_v and_o make_v like_o the_o devil_n because_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v like_o god_n and_o what_o may_v now_o be_v fit_a for_o son_n of_o god_n to_o do_v find_v his_o eternal_a father_n to_o be_v so_o jealous_a and_o careful_a to_o maintain_v his_o own_o honour_n i_o see_v say_v he_o that_o by_o my_o occasion_n my_o father_n lose_v his_o creature_n the_o angel_n will_v needs_o be_v as_o i_o be_o they_o overthrow_v themselves_o man_n will_v also_o be_v so_o and_o he_o be_v also_o overthrow_v they_o all_o have_v envy_n at_o i_o and_o will_v fain_o be_v such_o as_o i_o be_o well_o then_o behold_v say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o will_v go_v in_o such_o a_o form_n that_o whosoever_o will_v from_o henceforth_o become_v like_o i_o shall_v not_o lose_v but_o gain_n and_o for_o this_o come_v the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n and_o make_v himself_o man_n otherefore_o let_v such_o a_o bounty_n and_o mercy_n be_v bless_v and_o praise_v and_o glorify_v which_o move_v almighty_a god_n to_o condescend_v to_o that_o so_o great_a desire_n which_o we_o have_v to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o now_o we_o may_v be_v as_o god_n not_o according_a to_o falsehood_n and_o with_o a_o lie_n and_o according_a to_o what_o the_o devil_n say_v but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o not_o now_o with_o pride_n &_o malice_n but_o with_o much_o sanctity_n &_o humility_n upon_o those_o word_n unto_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v the_o same_o saint_n say_v since_o god_n be_v so_o great_a make_v himself_o little_a for_o we_o let_v we_o procure_v to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o make_v ourselves_o also_o little_a that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o we_o that_o the_o great_a god_n make_v himself_o so_o little_a as_o to_o become_v a_o child_n for_o we_o because_o if_o you_o become_v not_o like_o this_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n chap._n xviii_o of_o some_o humane_a consideration_n and_o reason_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o help_v ourselves_o for_o be_v humble_a from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o treatise_n we_o have_v be_v declare_v many_o consideration_n and_o reason_n which_o may_v help_v and_o animate_v we_o much_o towards_o the_o get_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o humility_n show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o root_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n the_o short_a way_n to_o acquire_v they_o the_o mean_n to_o conserve_v they_o and_o that_o in_o fine_a if_o we_o possess_v this_o we_o shall_v be_v master_n of_o they_o all_o but_o yet_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o we_o mean_v not_o to_o carry_v it_o all_o by_o the_o only_a way_n of_o spirit_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o that_o we_o deliver_v some_o humane_a consideration_n and_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v more_o proportionable_a and_o connatural_a to_o our_o weakness_n to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v so_o convince_v not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o spirit_n and_o of_o perfection_n but_o even_o of_o natural_a reason_n also_o we_o may_v have_v both_o more_o courage_n and_o more_o affection_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o way_n of_o humility_n for_o all_o this_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o acquire_v of_o a_o thing_n so_o hard_o as_o this_o and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v well_o that_o we_o help_v ourselves_o of_o it_o let_v it_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o that_o we_o put_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v and_o examine_v at_o good_a leisure_n and_o with_o attention_n what_o thing_n this_o honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o man_n be_v which_o make_v so_o continual_a war_n against_o we_o and_o give_v we_o all_o so_o much_o to_o do_v let_v we_o see_v what_o weight_n and_o bulk_n it_o have_v that_o so_o we_o may_v esteem_v it_o no_o better_o than_o it_o deserve_v and_o may_v animate_v ourselves_o to_o despise_v it_o and_o not_o continue_v in_o so_o much_o error_n as_o now_o we_o find_v ourselves_o subject_a to_o seneca_n say_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o hold_v to_o be_v great_a not_o because_o indeed_o they_o be_v great_a but_o because_o our_o poorne_n and_o wretchedness_n be_v such_o that_o the_o small_a seem_v great_a &_o the_o little_a much_o to_o we_o and_o he_o bring_v the_o example_n of_o that_o weight_n which_o be_v ordinary_o carry_v by_o aunt_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n be_v very_o great_a be_v yet_o very_o small_a in_o itself_o and_o just_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n if_o you_o deny_v it_o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o you_o be_v indeed_o either_o the_o better_o or_o the_o worse_a because_o they_o esteem_v you_o not_o infallible_o you_o be_v not_o saint_n augustine_n say_v neither_o be_v the_o ill_a man_n make_v good_a by_o be_v esteem_v &_o praise_v nor_o the_o good_a man_n make_v ill_a by_o be_v discommend_v and_o reproach_v think_v of_o augustine_n what_o thou_o will_v that_o which_o i_o desire_v be_v that_o my_o conscience_n may_v not_o reproach_v i_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o import_v the_o rest_n be_v foolery_n for_o it_o neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o this_o be_v that_o which_o another_o say_v what_o be_v a_o man_n the_o better_a for_o be_v praise_v by_o another_o and_o as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o much_o indeed_o he_o be_v and_o no_o more_o as_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n saint_n pauâ—_n for_o not_o he_o that_o commend_v himself_o be_v approve_v but_o who_o the_o lord_n commend_v 2_o cor_fw-la 10.18_o saint_n augastine_n bring_v a_o good_a comparison_n to_o this_o purpose_n pride_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o greatness_n but_o swell_a and_o wind_n and_o as_o when_o any_o part_n be_v swell_v it_o seem_v but_o be_v not_o true_o great_a so_o proud_a man_n who_o be_v value_v and_o esteem_v by_o the_o world_n seem_v as_o if_o they_o be_v great_a but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o because_o that_o be_v not_o greatness_n but_o swell_v there_o be_v certain_a sickly_a man_n who_o sometime_o be_v think_v to_o be_v upon_o recovery_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o look_v fat_a and_o well_o but_o that_o fatness_n be_v not_o sound_a and_o good_a but_o it_o be_v rather_o sickly_a and_o swell_a so_o say_v saint_n augustine_n be_v the_o applause_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o may_v puff_n you_o up_o but_o it_o can_v make_v you_o great_a if_o then_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o opinion_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o greatness_n in_o itself_o but_o rather_o of_o sickness_n and_o swell_a why_o do_v we_o go_v up_o and_o down_o like_a chameleon_n suck_v in_o wind_n with_o our_o mouth_n open_a that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o swellen_v and_o sick_a it_o be_v better_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v in_o health_n though_o he_o seem_v sick_a then_o to_o be_v sick_a and_o seem_v sound_a so_o also_o be_v it_o better_a to_o be_v good_a though_o he_o seem_v wicked_a then_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o be_v hold_v for_o good_a for_o what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v you_o to_o be_v hold_v virtuous_a and_o spiritual_a if_o indeed_o you_o be_v not_o so_o saint_n hierome_n upon_o these_o word_n his_o work_n shall_v praise_v he_o in_o the_o gate_n not_o the_o vain_a praise_n of_o man_n but_o your_o good_a work_n must_v needs_o defend_v and_o praise_v you_o when_o you_o appear_v in_o judgement_n before_o almighty_a god_n saint_n gregory_n recount_v how_o in_o the_o monastery_n of_o hiconia_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a monk_n who_o be_v general_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o be_v a_o saint_n and_o especial_o for_o be_v very_o abstinent_a and_o full_a of_o penance_n also_o otherwise_o but_o the_o hour_n of_o his_o death_n be_v come_v he_o defired_a that_o all_o the_o monk_n may_v be_v call_v to_o he_o for_o their_o part_n they_o be_v very_o glad_a of_o it_o as_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v to_o hear_v from_o he_o some_o matter_n of_o much_o edification_n but_o he_o tremble_v and_o be_v full_a of_o anguish_n and_o find_v himself_o compel_v from_o within_o to_o declare_v his_o true_a state_n to_o they_o and_o so_o he_o make_v they_o
he_o hold_v for_o a_o public_a sinner_n be_v better_a than_o he_o and_o so_o aquinus_n set_v this_o down_o for_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o degree_n of_o humility_n to_o say_v and_o think_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v the_o worst_a man_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v so_o with_o the_o tongue_n but_o it_o must_v be_v feel_v with_o the_o very_a heart_n think_v not_o that_o thou_o have_v profit_v at_o all_o if_o thou_o hold_v not_o thy_o sell_v for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n chap._n xxx_o how_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n may_v with_o truth_n esteem_v themselves_o less_o then_o other_o yea_o and_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v not_o be_v matter_n of_o curiosity_n but_o of_o much_o profit_n to_o declare_v how_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n may_v with_o truth_n esteem_v themselves_o esse_fw-la then_o all_o and_o also_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o we_o have_v say_v that_o we_o must_v procure_v to_o arrive_v thus_o far_o some_o of_o the_o saint_n refuse_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n how_o this_o may_v be_v and_o content_v themselves_o with_o believe_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v so_o in_o their_o heart_n saint_n dorotheus_n relate_v that_o the_o holy_a hosimus_n be_v one_o day_n speak_v of_o humility_n &_o say_v so_o of_o himself_o a_o certain_a philosopher_n be_v there_o who_o ask_v he_o how_o he_o can_v hold_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sinner_n since_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o live_v so_o upright_o and_o holy_o to_o which_o the_o holy_a man_n make_v this_o answer_n i_o say_v that_o this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o i_o speak_v as_o i_o think_v and_o therefore_o ask_v i_o no_o more_o question_n but_o saint_n augustine_n aquinas_n and_o other_o saint_n give_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n and_o they_o do_v it_o divers_a way_n that_o of_o saint_n augustine_n and_o aquinas_n be_v that_o a_o man_n place_v his_o eye_n upon_o his_o own_o defect_n and_o consider_v in_o his_o neighbour_n the_o secret_a gift_n which_o he_o have_v or_o at_o least_o may_v have_v of_o god_n every_o one_o may_v with_o truth_n affirm_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v the_o vile_a and_o great_a sinner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o he_o know_v his_o own_o defect_n and_o know_v not_o another_o man_n grace_n or_o gift_n obut_n say_v you_o i_o see_v that_o he_o commit_v many_o sin_n which_o i_o commit_v not_o but_o yet_o how_o do_v you_o know_v what_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n since_o that_o time_n in_o a_o moment_n may_v god_n have_v secret_o impart_v some_o gist_n and_o favour_n to_o that_o man_n which_o may_v have_v make_v he_o excel_v you_o as_o it_o happen_v to_o that_o pharisee_v and_o that_o publican_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o go_v into_o the_o temple_n to_o pray_v very_o i_o say_v to_o you_o say_v christ_n our_o lord_n that_o the_o publican_n who_o be_v hold_v for_o so_o wicked_a return_v justify_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o pharisee_v who_o be_v hold_v for_o good_a go_v out_o condemn_v this_o alone_a may_v serve_v to_o fright_v we_o and_o to_o make_v we_o not_o presume_v i_o say_v not_o to_o prefer_v ourselves_o before_o but_o even_o not_o to_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o any_o and_o to_o make_v we_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o the_o low_a place_n of_o all_o which_o certain_o be_v most_o secure_a and_o for_o he_o who_o be_v true_o humble_a and_o from_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o most_o easy_a thing_n to_o hold_v himself_o in_o the_o low_a and_o least_o account_n of_o all_o other_o for_o the_o true_o humble_a man_n consider_v in_o other_o man_n the_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n which_o they_o have_v and_o in_o himself_o he_o observe_v but_o his_o own_o defect_n and_o he_o be_v so_o busy_a and_o earnest_n about_o the_o knowledge_n and_o redress_n thereof_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n towards_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o as_o conceive_v himself_o to_o have_v enough_o of_o his_o own_o to_o lament_v and_o so_o he_o hold_v all_o other_o man_n for_o good_a and_o himself_o for_o wicked_a and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o holy_a any_o man_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_a be_v this_o to_o he_o for_o after_o the_o rate_n or_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o other_o virtue_n the_o know_v despise_a and_o humble_v himself_o do_v also_o increase_v for_o all_o these_o thing_n go_v together_o and_o still_o the_o more_o light_n he_o have_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o more_o knowledge_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o majesty_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o more_o profound_a understanding_n will_v he_o come_v to_o have_v of_o his_o own_o misery_n and_o of_o he_o nothing_o because_o abyssus_n abyssum_fw-la invocat_n psal_n 42.9_o that_o depth_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o greatness_n of_o god_n call_v up_o and_o discover_v that_o other_o profound_a depth_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o make_v we_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o infinite_a little_a moat_n and_o grain_n of_o dust_n of_o our_o imperfection_n and_o if_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o in_o any_o account_n it_o be_v certain_o because_o we_o have_v small_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o little_a light_n from_o heaven_n the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o justice_n have_v not_o yet_o enter_v in_o by_o our_o window_n and_o so_o we_o do_v not_o only_o not_o see_v the_o moat_n which_o be_v our_o less_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n but_o we_o be_v so_o short_a sight_v or_o rather_o indeed_o so_o very_o blind_a that_o we_o scarce_o discern_v our_o great_a sin_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o god_n love_v humility_n in_o we_o so_o much_o and_o it_o be_v so_o very_a please_a to_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v ourselves_o in_o no_o account_n and_o conserve_v ourselves_o therein_o that_o in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n he_o be_v wont_v many_o time_n in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o great_a servant_n to_o who_o he_o impart_v many_o high_a benefit_n and_o savour_n to_o disguise_v his_o gift_n and_o to_o communicate_v they_o in_o such_o a_o secret_a and_o strange_a manner_n that_o even_o the_o man_n himself_o who_o receive_v they_o do_v not_o thorough_o comprehend_v they_o and_o think_v they_o be_v nothing_o saint_n hierome_n say_v all_o that_o beakty_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v cover_v with_o the_o skin_n of_o beast_n and_o so_o use_v god_n to_o conceal_v and_o cover_v the_o beauty_n of_o man_n virtue_n and_o of_o his_o own_o graee_n and_o benefit_n by_o permit_v variety_n of_o temptation_n yea_o and_o sometime_o of_o some_o error_n and_o in_o perfection_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o safe_o conserve_v as_o burn_a coal_n under_o ash_n may_v be_v saint_n john_n climacus_n say_v that_o as_o the_o devil_n procure_v to_o lay_v our_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n before_o our_o eye_n that_o so_o we_o may_v grow_v proud_a because_o he_o desire_v our_o ruin_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n our_o lord_n god_n because_o he_o desire_v our_o great_a good_a give_v more_o particular_a light_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o so_o they_o may_v see_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n and_o he_o cover_v and_o disguise_n his_o gist_n and_o grace_n to_o they_o that_o even_o the_o man_n himself_o who_o receive_v they_o may_v not_o be_v able_a express_o to_o understand_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o saint_n saint_n bernard_n say_v to_o conserve_v humility_n in_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a goodness_n dispose_v thing_n in_o such_o fort_n as_o that_o the_o more_o a_o man_n profit_n the_o less_o he_o conceive_v himself_o to_o profit_n and_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n almighty_a god_n permit_v he_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o such_o imperfection_n as_o concern_v the_o first_o degree_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v conceive_v himself_o not_o to_o have_v full_o obtain_v 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