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 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 chapter_n vii_o let_v we_o yet_o go_v far_o on_o and_o dig_v and_o sound_v deep_o into_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 anything_o yet_o deep_a do_v anything_o 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 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ego_fw-la deliqui_fw-la propterea_fw-la eloquium_fw-la tuum_fw-la custodivi_fw-la 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 complanie_n 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 what_o soever_o we_o be_v possible_o able_a to_o suffer_v in_o this_o life_n be_v mere_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o any_o one_o of_o all_o our_o sin_n have_v deserve_v will_v you_o perhaps_o conceive_v that_o he_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v dishonour_v and_o despise_v who_o have_v dishonour_v and_o despise_a god_n do_v you_o not_o think_v it_o to_o be_v reason_n that_o he_o be_v light_o esteem_v who_o set_v light_n by_o god_n will_v you_o not_o confess_v that_o that_o will_v which_o dare_v 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of_o god_n than_o the_o profound_a study_n of_o all_o science_n and_o the_o reason_n which_o s._n bernard_n give_v be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o high_a science_n of_o all_o other_o and_o of_o the_o great_a benefitt_a for_o from_o hence_o a_o man_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o s._n bonaventuâ—e_n say_v by_o that_o mystery_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n which_o christ_n our_o savyour_fw-mi wrought_v upon_o the_o person_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a for_o by_o lay_v dust_n upon_o his_o eye_n he_o give_v he_o both_o corporal_a sight_n wherewith_o to_o see_v himself_o and_o spiritual_a sight_n also_o weherewith_o to_o know_v and_o adore_v god_n sic_fw-la dominus_fw-la nos_fw-la caecos_fw-la natos_fw-la per_fw-la nostri_fw-la &_o dei_fw-la ignorantiam_fw-la illuminat_fw-la lutum_fw-la unde_fw-la nati_fw-la sumus_fw-la liniendo_fw-la super_fw-la oculos_fw-la nostros_fw-la ut_fw-la primum_fw-la 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a_o man_n know_v himself_o in_o who_o he_o find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o goodness_n at_o all_o but_o only_o nothing_o and_o sin_n the_o more_o he_o find_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n of_o god_n who_o vouchsafe_v to_o love_v we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o converse_v with_o so_o great_a a_o baseness_n as_o we_o be_v from_o hence_o grow_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v great_o kindle_v and_o inflame_v towards_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o it_o never_o give_v over_o marvel_v and_o give_v thanks_n to_o god_n for_o that_o man_n be_v so_o miserable_a and_o so_o wicked_a god_n endure_v he_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o daily_o alsoe_o do_v he_o many_o savour_n for_o it_o happen_v often_o that_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o endure_v ourselves_o and_o that_o yet_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v such_o as_o that_o not_o only_o he_o endure_v we_o but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o say_v of_o we_o deliciae_fw-la meae_fw-la esse_fw-la cum_fw-la filijs_fw-la 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this_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o certain_a way_n and_o the_o more_o you_o dig_v down_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o yourselves_o the_o high_a shall_v you_o rise_v and_o the_o more_o shall_v you_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n as_o alsoe_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o high_a you_o rise_v and_o the_o more_o you_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o low_a you_o will_v descend_v and_o the_o more_o you_o will_v profitt_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o yourselves_o for_o the_o light_n which_o come_v to_o you_o from_o heaven_n will_v show_v you_o such_o slutish_a corner_n in_o your_o soul_n as_o will_v make_v you_o ashamed_a of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n will_v seem_v very_o fair_a and_o good_n s._n bonaventure_n say_v that_o as_o when_o the_o sun_n beam_n enter_v into_o any_o room_n every_o moat_n of_o the_o air_n will_v show_v itself_o sic_fw-la &_o cor_fw-la radiis_fw-la gratiae_fw-la 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soever_o they_o see_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o still_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o which_o they_o see_v not_o and_o conceive_v that_o the_o least_o part_n thereof_o be_v that_o which_o they_o can_v come_v to_o know_v &_o after_o this_o rate_n do_v they_o esteem_v themselves_o for_o as_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v more_o good_a than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v so_o alsoe_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o themselves_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o â—s_n how_o much_o soever_o we_o conceive_v or_o know_v of_o god_n we_o can_v perfect_o comprehend_v he_o but_o still_o there_o will_v be_v more_o and_o much_o more_o to_o be_v conceive_v and_o know_v so_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o humble_v and_o despise_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o descend_v so_o low_o as_o to_o arrive_v to_o the_o profounditie_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o this_o be_v no_o exaggeration_n but_o a_o clear_a truth_n for_o since_o man_n have_v nothing_o of_o his_o own_o store_n but_o nothing_o and_o sin_n who_o will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o humble_a and_o abase_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o those_o two_o title_n deserve_v we_o read_v of_o a_o saint_n who_o desire_v light_n of_o god_n to_o know_v herself_o and_o she_o discern_v so_o much_o deformity_n and_o misery_n in_o her_o condition_n that_o she_o be_v not_o able_a to_o endure_v it_o and_o then_o she_o pray_v thus_o to_o god_n o_o lord_n not_o so_o much_o for_o i_o shall_v faint_a under_o the_o burden_n and_o father_n auila_n say_v that_o he_o know_v a_o certain_a person_n who_o beg_v of_o god_n many_o time_n that_o he_o will_v make_v he_o see_v and_o know_v himself_o god_n open_v his_o eye_n a_o little_a and_o it_o have_v like_a to_o have_v
to_o do_v by_o the_o wiseman_n beatus_fw-la homo_fw-la qui_fw-la semper_fw-la est_fw-la pavidus_fw-la de_fw-fr propitiato_fw-la peccato_fw-la noli_fw-la esse_fw-la sine_fw-la metu_fw-la bless_a be_v that_o man_n who_o always_o fear_v and_o be_v not_o with_o out_o fear_v even_o concern_v those_o sin_n for_o which_o you_o have_v do_v penance_n this_o consideration_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v a_o very_a efficatious_a mean_n to_o make_v we_o put_v little_a value_n upon_o ourselves_o &_o to_o be_v ever_o humble_a &_o to_o live_v as_o it_o be_v even_o under_o ground_n for_o there_o be_v much_o to_o be_v get_v &_o dig_v up_o from_o thence_o if_o beside_o we_o will_v stay_v and_o consider_v the_o defect_n and_o wound_n which_o original_a sin_n have_v cause_v in_o we_o how_o copious_a will_v that_o matter_n be_v which_o we_o may_v find_v therein_o for_o our_o humiliation_n how_o be_v our_o nature_n pervert_v and_o corrupt_v by_o sin_n for_o as_o a_o stone_n be_v incline_v by_o the_o natural_a weight_n thereof_o to_o fall_v downward_o just_o so_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o original_a sin_n we_o have_v a_o most_o active_a inclination_n to_o love_v honour_n and_o profitt_a and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o we_o be_v extreme_o awake_a towards_o all_o those_o temporal_a thing_n which_o concern_v we_o but_o stark_o dead_a towards_o those_o other_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a that_o command_v in_o we_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o that_o obey_v which_o shall_v command_v and_o to_o conclude_v under_o the_o out_o side_n and_o posture_n of_o man_n the_o appetite_n of_o beast_n lie_v conceal_v and_o we_o have_v heart_n which_o grow_v grovel_v towards_o the_o ground_n prawm_fw-la est_fw-la cor_fw-la hominum_fw-la &_o inscrutabile_fw-la quis_fw-la cognoscit_fw-la illud_fw-la the_o hart_n of_o man_n be_v wicked_a and_o inscrutable_a and_o who_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o malice_n thereof_o the_o deep_a you_o dig_v into_o this_o wall_n the_o great_a abomination_n will_v you_o discover_v therein_o as_o be_v show_v in_o that_o figure_n to_o ezechiell_n and_o if_o now_o we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v our_o present_a defect_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o very_o full_a of_o they_o for_o these_o grow_v ever_o out_o of_o our_o own_o store_n how_o slippery_a be_v our_o tongue_n and_o how_o ill_o guard_v be_v our_o heart_n how_o inconstant_a be_v we_o in_o our_o good_a purpose_n and_o how_o earnest_n for_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o gust_n how_o desirous_a be_v we_o to_o fulfil_v our_o appetite_n how_o full_o be_v we_o of_o self_n love_n how_o strong_a in_o the_o abet_v of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o will_n how_o lively_o do_v we_o still_o find_v our_o passion_n how_o entire_a our_o bad_a inclination_n and_o how_o easy_o do_v we_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v transport_v by_o they_o s._n gregory_n say_v very_o well_o upon_o those_o word_n of_o job._n contra_fw-la solium_fw-la quod_fw-la vento_fw-la rapitur_fw-la ostendis_fw-la potentiam_fw-la tuam_fw-la that_o a_o man_n be_v with_o much_o reason_n compare_v to_o the_o leaf_n of_o a_o tree_n for_o as_o a_o lease_n be_v turn_v and_o toss_v with_o every_o wind_n so_o be_v man_n by_o the_o wind_n both_o of_o his_o passion_n and_o temptation_n sometime_o he_o be_v trouble_v with_o anger_n sometime_o he_o be_v dissolve_v with_o vain_a mirth_n some_o time_n he_o be_v transport_v by_o the_o appetite_n of_o avarice_n some_o time_n of_o ambition_n and_o some_o time_n of_o lust_n some_o time_n he_o be_v hoist_v up_o by_o pride_n and_o some_o time_n cast_v down_o by_o inordinate_a fear_n and_o so_o say_v the_o prophett_n esay_n cecidimus_fw-la quasi_fw-la folium_fw-la universi_fw-la &_o iniquitates_fw-la nostrae_fw-la quasi_fw-la ventus_fw-la abstulerunt_fw-la nos_fw-la as_o the_o leaf_n of_o tree_n be_v shake_v and_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o wind_n so_o be_v we_o assaultet_fw-la and_o subdue_v by_o temptation_n we_o have_v no_o hability_n or_o strength_n in_o virtue_n nor_o in_o execute_v our_o good_a purpose_n but_o indeed_o we_o have_v enough_o for_o which_o we_o may_v humble_v and_o confound_v ourselves_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o weigh_v alsoe_o of_o those_o work_n which_o seem_v in_o our_o eye_n to_o be_v very_o good_a for_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v and_o examine_v they_o well_o we_o shall_v find_v occasion_n and_o matter_n enough_o for_o which_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n which_o common_o we_o mingle_v with_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o same_o prophet_n facti_fw-la sumus_fw-la ut_fw-la immundus_fw-la omnes_fw-la nos_fw-la &_o quasi_fw-la pannus_fw-la menstruatae_fw-la universae_fw-la iustitiae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la we_o be_v become_v as_o one_o unecleane_a and_o all_o our_o justice_n be_v like_o some_o filthy_a and_o pollute_a rag_n but_o of_o this_o we_o have_v speak_v else_o where_o and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o now_o herein_o how_o we_o be_v to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o be_v that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deject_a or_o dismay_v chapter_n viii_o our_o misery_n be_v so_o great_a &_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o we_o have_v so_o hourly_o experience_n thereof_o that_o we_o seem_v to_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o be_v animate_v and_o encourage_v to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deject_a and_o dismay_v consider_v ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o imperfection_n and_o fault_n then_o to_o be_v exhort_v to_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o and_o this_o be_v so_o very_o true_a that_o holy_a writer_n &_o instructour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o spirit_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v dig_v and_o sound_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o frailty_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o in_o we_o stop_v not_o there_o for_o fear_v lest_o the_o soul_n shall_v sink_v down_o by_o distrust_n into_o despair_n in_o regard_n we_o see_v so_o great_a misery_n in_o ourselves_o and_o so_o great_a inconstancy_n in_o our_o good_a purpose_n but_o that_o we_o must_v they_o pass_v on_o towards_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o place_v our_o whole_a confidence_n in_o he_o that_o so_o the_o sorrow_n for_o have_v sin_v may_v not_o as_o s._n paul_n say_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o cause_v dejection_n and_o despair_n ne_fw-fr fortè_fw-la abundantiori_fw-la tristitia_fw-la absorbeatur_fw-la qui_fw-la eiusmodi_fw-la est_fw-la but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o well_o temper_a sorrow_n &_o mingle_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o not_o fix_v they_o whole_o upon_o the_o only_a consideration_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o deformity_n and_o greiveousnesse_n thereof_o and_o so_o they_o say_v that_o we_o must_v not_o dwell_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o poverty_n and_o weakness_n lest_o so_o we_o be_v dismay_v but_o only_o that_o we_o may_v thereby_o find_v reason_n to_o distrust_v ourselves_o observe_v that_o on_o our_o part_n we_o have_v no_o leaninge-place_n on_o which_o to_o rest_n and_o then_o instant_o to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o remain_v discourage_v but_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v animate_v and_o reviue_v thereby_o because_o that_o which_o serve_v to_o make_v we_o distrust_v when_o we_o behold_v ourselves_o will_v serve_v to_o strengthen_v our_o hope_n when_o we_o look_v up_o to_o god_n &_o the_o more_o we_o know_v our_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o more_o we_o be_v distrust_v full_a of_o ourselves_o by_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o rely_v on_o he_o and_o by_o place_v all_o our_o confidence_n in_o he_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o the_o more_o strong_a and_o full_a of_o courage_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o the_o saint_n do_v here_o advertise_v we_o of_o apointe_n which_o import_v very_o much_o namely_o that_o as_o we_o must_v not_o dwell_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n lest_o we_o fall_v upon_o distrust_n and_o despair_n but_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o goodness_n the_o mercy_n &_o liberality_n of_o god_n and_o place_v our_o whole_a confidence_n in_o he_o so_o alsoe_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 over_o bold_a and_o not_o so_o
doubtful_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 fundation_n &_o root_n of_o 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 sublime_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 real_o be_v saint_n and_o great_a 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 s._n basill_n say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o miserable_a salle_fw-fr 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 abondance_n of_o consolation_n so_o far_o as_o that_o he_o presume_v to_o say_v ego_fw-la dixi_fw-la in_o abundantia_fw-la mea_fw-la non_fw-la movebor_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la i_o shall_v never_o be_v alter_v from_o this_o state_n well_o stay_v a_o while_n god_n will_v a_o little_a take_v of_o his_o hand_n those_o extraordinary_a savour_n and_o regalo_n shall_v cease_v and_o you_o shall_v see_v what_o will_v happen_v auertisti_fw-la faciem_fw-la tuam_fw-la a_o i_o &_o factus_fw-la sum_fw-la conturbatus_fw-la god_n leave_v you_o in_o your_o poverty_n and_o then_o you_o will_v be_v like_o yourself_o and_o you_o shall_v know_v to_o your_o cost_n when_o 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 savour_v by_o almighty_a god_n and_o s._n basill_n alsoe_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n &_o denial_n of_o the_o apostle_n s_o peter_n be_v the_o confide_n and_o presume_v vayn_o in_o himself_o etiam_fw-la si_fw-la oportuerit_fw-la i_o mori_fw-la tecum_fw-la non_fw-la te_fw-la negabo_fw-la &_o si_fw-la omnes_fw-la scandalizati_fw-la fuerint_fw-la in_o te_fw-la ego_fw-la nunquam_fw-la scandalizabor_fw-la because_o he_o say_v with_o arrogancy_n and_o presumption_n that_o thouhg_v 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 doubt_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 &_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 &_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 jacobs_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 thus_o do_v s._n katherine_n of_o sienna_n use_v this_o exercise_n to_o free_v herself_o 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 in_o her_o dialogue_n 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 life_n be_v nothing_o but_o error_n and_o abuse_v for_o than_o she_o will_v raise_v herself_o up_o but_o yet_o still_o 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_a 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 and_o my_o lord_n lavabis_fw-la i_o &_o super_fw-la nivem_fw-la dealbabor_fw-la 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 seeke_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 her_o self_n 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 s._n john_n baptist_n never_o commit_v sin_n &_o be_v sanctify_v in_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v contynual_o do_v penance_n and_o i_o have_v comit_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 on_o the_o other_o say_v thus_o to_o she_o be_v thou_o accurse_v and_o he_o alsoe_o uhoe_n 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 consideration_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 presomption_n thou_o abase_v thyself_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o sin_n as_o low_o as_o hell_n by_o way_n of_o humility_n yea_o and_o thou_o persecute_v i_o even_o in_o hell_n itself_o 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_n 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 our_o self_n 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 as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o other_o saint_n 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 of_o the_o great_a benefitt_a and_o profitt_a which_o grow_v by_o this_o exercise_n of_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o chapter_n ix_o to_o the_o end_n that_o 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 cheise_v 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 si_fw-mi sva_fw-la tantummodo_fw-la &_o non_fw-la alterius_fw-la mala_fw-la consideret_fw-la if_o he_o consider_v only_o his_o own_o sin_n sound_v and_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_v of_o this_o virtue_n but_o yet_o the_o saint_n pass_v further_o on_o and_o say_v that_o the_o humble_a knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a way_n towards_o the_o knowledge_n
these_o few_o but_o heavenly_a word_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o those_o ancient_a father_n to_o love_n god_n to_o despise_v themselves_o not_o to_o contemn_v or_o judge_v any_o other_o and_o then_o instant_o the_o book_n vanish_v a_o way_n how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o chapter_n xii_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o what_o be_v say_v how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o thales_n milesius_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o wise_a man_n of_o greece_n be_v ask_v which_o of_o all_o natural_a thing_n be_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v know_v make_v this_o answer_n amans_fw-la self_n because_o the_o love_n which_o a_o man_n bear_v himself_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o distract_v and_o hinder_v this_o knowledge_n and_o from_o hence_o grow_v that_o say_n which_o be_v so_o much_o celebrate_v among_o the_o ancients_n nosce_fw-la te_fw-la ipsum_fw-la know_v thyself_o and_o a_o other_o say_v tecum_n habita_fw-la dwell_v with_o thyself_o but_o let_v we_o leave_v these_o stranger_n and_o come_v home_o to_o other_o of_o our_o own_o communion_n who_o be_v better_a master_n of_o this_o science_n the_o b._n saint_n augustine_n and_o saint_n bernard_n say_v that_o the_o science_n of_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o be_v the_o most_o profitable_a and_o most_o high_a that_o ever_o be_v invent_v or_o find_v man_n say_v saint_n augustine_n be_v wont_a to_o esteem_v much_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o earth_n by_o astrology_n and_o cosmographie_n and_o to_o know_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o sky_n and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o planet_n with_o their_o propriety_n and_o influence_n but_o yet_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v the_o most_o high_a and_o profitable_a science_n of_o they_o all_o other_o science_n blow_v a_o man_n and_o puff_n he_o up_o as_o saint_n paul_n say_v but_o we_o be_v humble_v and_o edify_v by_o this_o and_o so_o the_o saint_n and_o all_o master_n of_o spirit_n do_v great_o charge_v we_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o prayer_n upon_o this_o exercise_n and_o they_o reprove_v the_o error_n of_o some_o who_o pass_v too_o light_o over_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o defect_n and_o detain_v themselves_o in_o think_v upon_o other_o devout_a thing_n because_o they_o find_v gust_n in_o they_o but_o none_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o defect_n and_o fault_n because_o they_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o look_v into_o themselves_o and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v like_o such_o as_o be_v deform_v who_o because_o they_o be_v so_o dare_v not_o look_v upon_o themselves_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glorious_a saint_n bernard_n speak_v to_o man_n in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n say_v thus_o o_o homo_fw-la si_fw-la te_fw-la videres_fw-la tibi_fw-la displiceres_fw-la &_o mihi_fw-la placeres_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la te_fw-la non_fw-la vides_fw-la tibi_fw-la place_n &_o mihi_fw-la displices_fw-la o_o man_n if_o thou_o do_v see_v and_o know_v thyself_o thou_o will_v be_v displease_v to_o thyself_o and_o thou_o will_v be_v please_v to_o i_o but_o now_o because_o thou_o do_v not_o see_v and_o know_v thyself_o thou_o be_v please_v to_o thyself_o and_o be_v displease_v to_o i_o veniet_fw-la tempus_fw-la cum_fw-la nec_fw-la mihi_fw-la nec_fw-la tibi_fw-la placebis_fw-la mihi_fw-la quia_fw-la peccasti_fw-la tibi_fw-la quia_fw-la in_o aeternum_fw-la ardebis_fw-la take_v heed_n that_o there_o come_v not_o once_o a_o time_n when_o thou_o shall_v neither_o be_v please_v to_o god_n nor_o to_o thyself_o not_o to_o god_n because_o thou_o have_v sin_v nor_o to_o thyself_o because_o thou_o be_v damn_v by_o thyself_o through_o thy_o own_o fault_n saint_n gregory_n treat_v of_o this_o say_v there_o be_v some_o who_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o begin_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o take_v virtue_n a_o little_a into_o their_o consideration_n think_v present_o that_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o do_v so_o place_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o good_a they_o do_v that_o they_o forget_v their_o misery_n and_o sin_n past_a yea_o and_o sometime_o their_o present_a sin_n too_o for_o they_o be_v so_o very_o busy_a about_o gaze_v upon_o the_o good_a they_o do_v that_o they_o attend_v not_o nay_o and_o see_v not_o the_o ill_a which_o sometime_o they_o commit_v but_o such_o as_o indeed_o be_v good_a and_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n proceed_v after_o a_o very_a different_a manner_n for_o where_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v full_a of_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n they_o be_v yet_o ever_o look_v upon_o the_o ill_a they_o do_v and_o be_v consider_v and_o ruminate_v upon_o their_o imperfection_n &_o defect_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v what_o become_v of_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o man_n for_o they_o who_o be_v most_o consider_v their_o sin_n secure_v their_o good_a deed_n and_o conserve_v the_o great_a virtue_n which_o they_o possess_v remayne_v ever_o in_o humility_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n those_o other_o who_o be_v look_v so_o earnest_o upon_o their_o good_a deed_n lose_v they_o because_o they_o grow_v vain_a and_o proud_a thereof_o so_o that_o good_a man_n serve_v themselves_o of_o their_o very_a sin_n and_o draw_v good_a &_o spiritual_a profitt_a from_o thence_o whereas_o ill_a man_n draw_v hurt_v and_o loss_n even_o from_o their_o good_a deed_n because_o they_o make_v ill_o use_v thereof_o as_o it_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o corporal_a food_n which_o though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v healthful_a &_o good_a yet_o if_o a_o man_n eat_v of_o it_o without_o rule_n or_o measure_n it_o will_v make_v he_o sick_a and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o the_o very_a poison_n of_o viper_n be_v take_v with_o a_o certain_a composition_n &_o proportion_n it_o will_v become_v a_o treacle_n and_o give_v he_o health_n when_o therefore_o they_o shall_v bring_v the_o good_a thing_n which_o you_o have_v do_v to_o your_o memory_n to_o the_o end_n that_o you_o may_v esteem_v and_o value_v yourself_o s._n gregory_n advise_v you_o to_o oppose_v your_o ill_a deed_n against_o they_o and_o to_o call_v your_o former_a sin_n to_o mind_n so_o do_v s._n paul_n to_o the_o end_n that_o his_o great_a virtue_n may_v not_o blow_v he_o up_o as_o alsoe_o his_o have_v be_v rapt_v into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o make_v capable_a of_o those_o high_a revelation_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o he_o quia_fw-la prius_fw-la blasphemus_fw-la fui_fw-la &_o persecutor_n &_o contumeliosus_fw-la alas_o say_v he_o i_o have_v be_v a_o blasphemour_n and_o a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n alas_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n because_o i_o have_v persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n qui_fw-la non_fw-la sum_fw-la dignus_fw-la vocari_fw-la apostolus_fw-la quoniam_fw-la persecutus_fw-la sum_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la dei_fw-la this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a counterpoise_n and_o a_o very_a good_a countermine_n against_o this_o temptation_n upon_o those_o word_n which_o the_o archangel_n gabriel_n speak_v to_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n intellige_fw-la fili_fw-la hominis_fw-la o_o son_n of_o man_n observe_v what_o i_o intend_v to_o say_v to_o the_o s._n hierome_n say_v that_o those_o holy_a prophet_n daniel_n ezechiell_n &_o zacharias_n through_o the_o high_a &_o continual_a revelation_n which_o they_o have_v seem_v already_o as_o it_o be_v to_o converse_v among_o the_o quire_n of_o angel_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v not_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o themselves_o and_o grow_v idle_a head_v and_o proud_a upon_o that_o occasion_n as_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v grow_v to_o be_v of_o a_o kind_n of_o superior_a &_o angelical_a nature_n the_o angel_n let_v they_o know_v on_o the_o part_n of_o god_n that_o they_o must_v remember_v their_o human_a nature_n and_o frailty_n &_o he_o call_v they_o son_n of_o man_n that_o so_o they_o may_v understand_v themselves_o to_o be_v frail_a man_n and_o miserable_a creature_n like_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v humble_a and_o esteem_v themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v and_o we_o have_v many_o example_n in_o history_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o profane_a both_o of_o saint_n and_o other_o illustrious_a person_n king_n emperor_n and_o prelate_n who_o use_v this_o mean_n and_o ever_o keep_v some_o about_o they_o who_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o remembrance_n from_o time_n to_o time_n that_o they_o be_v but_o man_n so_o to_o conserve_v they_o in_o humility_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o grow_v vain_a and_o proud_a it_o be_v recount_v of_o our_o father_n franciscus_n borgia_n that_o whilst_o he_o be_v yet_o duke_n of_o caudia_n a_o holy_a man_n give_v he_o this_o council_n that_o if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o profitt_a much_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o day_n may_v pass_v
wherein_o he_o will_v not_o think_v serious_o of_o somewhat_o which_o may_v put_v he_o to_o confusion_n and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o himself_o and_o he_o take_v this_o counsel_n so_o much_o to_o hart_n that_o from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o use_v the_o exercise_n of_o mental_a prayer_n he_o employ_v every_o day_n the_o two_o first_o hour_n there_o of_o upon_o this_o knowledge_n &_o contempt_n of_o himself_o and_o beside_o what_o soever_o he_o hear_v and_o read_v &_o see_v it_o all_o serve_v he_o towards_o this_o abase_v &_o confusion_n and_o beside_o he_o have_v another_o devotion_n which_o help_v he_o much_o and_o it_o be_v that_o every_o day_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o rise_v he_o kiss_v the_o ground_n three_o time_n to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v dust_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o into_o earth_n he_o must_v return_v and_o it_o well_o appeer_v how_o much_o profitt_a he_o draw_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o great_a example_n of_o humility_n and_o sanctity_n which_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o let_v we_o therefore_o observe_v this_o council_n and_o practice_v it_o let_v not_o one_o day_n pass_v wherein_o we_o spend_v not_o some_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o consider_v not_o somewhat_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o our_o confusion_n and_o contempt_n and_o let_v we_o not_o grow_v weary_a nor_o give_v over_o this_o exercise_n till_o we_o find_v that_o our_o soul_n have_v even_o drink_v up_o a_o profound_a &_o cordial_a desire_n to_o be_v disesteem_v and_o despise_v and_o till_o we_o may_v feel_v ourselves_o to_o be_v great_o ashamed_a to_o appear_v with_o so_o much_o baseness_n and_o misery_n as_o we_o be_v before_o the_o high_a presence_n and_o majesty_n of_o almighty_a god_n we_o have_v very_o much_o need_n of_o all_o this_o for_o our_o pride_n and_o inclination_n to_o be_v honour_v and_o esteem_v be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o if_o we_o walk_v not_o contynual_o in_o this_o exercise_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o every_o hour_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o ourselves_o as_o cork_n go_v swyme_v upon_o the_o water_n for_o no_o cork_n be_v so_o light_a and_o vain_a as_o we_o we_o must_v ever_o be_v repress_v and_o beat_v down_o that_o swell_a and_o pride_n which_o heave_v we_o up_o and_o we_o must_v look_v towards_o the_o foot_n of_o our_o deformity_n and_o baseness_n that_o so_o the_o wheel_n of_o our_o vanity_n and_o pride_n may_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n let_v we_o remember_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o fig_n tree_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o which_o the_o owner_n thereof_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n because_o in_o three_o year_n it_o have_v bear_v no_o fruit_n but_o the_o gardener_n move_v that_o it_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v a_o year_n long_o and_o say_v that_o he_o will_v dig_v about_o it_o and_o that_o if_o then_o it_o give_v not_o fruit_n it_o may_v afterward_o be_v root_v up_o dig_v you_o in_o like_a manner_n about_o the_o dry_a and_o barren_a fig_n tree_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o let_v the_o dung_n and_o misery_n of_o your_o sin_n be_v cast_v round_o about_o it_o since_o you_o have_v such_o store_n thereof_o and_o so_o you_o shall_v be_v also_o fertile_a and_o bear_v fruit_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o animate_v to_o use_v this_o exercise_n and_o that_o no_o man_n take_v occasion_n to_o give_v it_o over_o through_o any_o vain_a apprehension_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o no_o man_n must_v think_v that_o this_o exercise_n belong_v only_o to_o beginner_n because_o it_o alsoe_o concern_v proficient_n and_o most_o perfect_a man_n since_o we_o see_v that_o they_o and_o even_o s._n paul_n himself_o do_v use_v it_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o exercise_n be_v no_o afflictive_a or_o melancholy_a kind_n of_o thing_n nor_o cause_n trouble_v or_o disquiet_v but_o rather_o bring_v with_o it_o great_a peace_n and_o rest_n yea_o and_o great_a contentment_n and_o joy_n for_o any_o man_n to_o consider_v &_o know_v himself_o how_o many_o defect_n and_o fault_n soever_o he_o commit_v &_o how_o perfect_o soever_o he_o understand_v that_o because_o he_o be_v so_o wicked_a he_o deserve_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v despise_v and_o hate_v he_o for_o when_o this_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o grow_v from_o true_a humility_n that_o pain_n come_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o swavitie_n and_o contentment_n that_o a_o man_n will_v be_v sorry_a to_o be_v with_o out_o it_o other_o pain_n and_o trouble_n which_o some_o feel_v when_o they_o consider_v their_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n be_v temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o on_o the_o one_o side_n procure_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o think_v that_o we_o be_v true_o humble_a and_o on_o the_o other_o will_v be_v content_a to_o make_v we_o distrust_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v dishearten_a and_o dismay_v in_o his_o service_n indeed_o if_o we_o be_v still_o to_o pause_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o misery_n and_o weakness_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n enough_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o sad_a yea_o and_o to_o be_v discourage_v and_o dismay_v but_o we_o must_v not_o stay_v there_o but_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o liberality_n of_o god_n and_o how_o much_o he_o love_v we_o and_o what_o he_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o in_o this_o be_v we_o to_o place_v all_o our_o hope_n and_o so_o that_o which_o will_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o dismay_n and_o sorrow_n by_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o serve_v to_o animate_v and_o encourage_v we_o and_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o great_a comfort_n and_o joy_n when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n towards_o god_n a_o man_n behould_v himself_o and_o see_v nothing_o but_o cause_n of_o grief_n but_o look_v up_o to_o god_n he_o confide_v in_o his_o goodness_n without_o fear_n of_o be_v forsake_v notwithstanding_o the_o many_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n and_o misery_n which_o he_o discern_v in_o himself_o for_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v place_v his_o eye_n and_o his_o hart_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v and_o outstripp_v all_o that_o which_o can_v be_v ill_a in_o us._n and_o with_o this_o consideration_n be_v root_v in_o the_o very_a string_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o man_n untye_v himself_o from_o himself_o as_o from_o some_o break_a reed_n and_o ever_o go_v rest_v upon_o god_n and_o confide_v in_o he_o according_a unto_o that_o of_o the_o prophett_n daniel_n neque_fw-la enim_fw-la in_o iustificationibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la prosternimus_fw-la preces_fw-la ante_fw-la faciem_fw-la tuam_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o miserationibus_fw-la tuis_fw-la multis_fw-la not_o confide_v in_o ourselves_o nor_o in_o any_o merit_n or_o good_a work_n of_o we_o do_v we_o presume_v to_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o thou_o o_o lord_n and_o to_o beg_v favour_n at_o thy_o hand_n but_o by_o put_v our_o confidence_n in_o thy_o great_a mercy_n of_o the_o second_o degree_n of_o humility_n and_o here_o it_o be_v declare_v wherein_o this_o degree_n consist_v chapter_n xiii_o the_o second_o degree_n of_o humility_n say_v s._n bonaventure_n be_v when_o a_o man_n desire_n to_o be_v hold_v by_o other_o in_o small_a account_v aman_n nesciri_fw-la &_o pro_fw-la nihilo_fw-la reputari_fw-la desire_v to_o be_v unknown_a and_o disesteem_v and_o that_o no_o body_n may_v have_v you_o in_o account_v if_o we_o be_v well_o ground_v in_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o humility_n we_o shall_v already_o have_v make_v most_o of_o our_o way_n towards_o the_o second_o if_o real_o we_o esteem_v ourselves_o little_a it_o will_v not_o seem_v very_o hard_a to_o we_o that_o other_o shall_v alsoe_o esteem_v little_a of_o we_o yea_o and_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a thereof_o will_v you_o see_v that_o this_o be_v true_a say_v s._n bonaventure_n all_o man_n be_v natural_o glad_a when_o other_o conform_v themselves_o to_o our_o opinion_n and_o think_v the_o same_o that_o we_o think_v well_o then_o if_o this_o be_v so_o why_o be_v we_o not_o glad_a when_o other_o have_v we_o in_o small_a account_n do_v you_o know_v why_o because_o we_o esteem_v high_o of_o ourselves_o and_o we_o be_v not_o of_o their_o opinion_n s._n bonaventure_n upon_o these_o word_n of_o job_n peccavi_fw-la &_o veer_fw-la deliqui_fw-la &_o ut_fw-la eram_fw-la dignus_fw-la non_fw-la recepi_fw-la say_v many_o with_o their_o tongue_n speak_v ill_a of_o themselves_o and_o say_v that_o they_o be_v this_o &_o that_o but_o they_o believe_v not_o what_o they_o say_v for_o when_o other_o say_v the_o same_o yea_o and_o less_o than_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v it_o and_o these_o man_n when_o they_o speak_v ill_o of_o themselves_o say_v it_o
rather_o think_v that_o you_o have_v lose_v opinion_n and_o credit_n by_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o be_v melancholy_a and_o sad_a yea_o and_o when_o you_o be_v to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o publicque_a thing_n the_o very_a fear_n of_o the_o success_n and_o whether_o you_o shall_v gain_v or_o loose_a honour_n by_o it_o make_v you_o afflict_v and_o grieved_a these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o proud_a man_n melancholy_n and_o sad_a but_o now_o the_o humble_a of_o hart_n who_o desire_v no_o honour_n or_o estimation_n and_o content_v himself_o with_o a_o mean_a place_n be_v free_a from_o all_o this_o restlessness_n and_o disquiet_n and_o enjoy_v great_a peace_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n from_o who_o that_o saint_n take_v this_o say_n of_o he_o if_o there_o be_v peace_n in_o this_o world_n the_o humble_a of_o hart_n possess_v it_o and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o spirit_n or_o perfection_n to_o be_v look_v after_o but_o only_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o keep_v our_o heart_n in_o peace_n and_o quietness_n even_o for_o this_o and_o this_o alone_a we_o be_v to_o procure_v humility_n for_o thus_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o live_v whereas_o the_o other_o be_v but_o to_o lead_v a_o kind_n of_o die_a life_n saint_n augustine_n to_o this_o purpose_n recounte_v a_o certain_a thing_n of_o himself_o whereby_o he_o say_v that_o our_o lord_n give_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o blindness_n and_o misery_n wherein_o he_o be_v as_o i_o go_v one_o day_n say_v he_o full_a of_o affliction_n and_o care_n in_o thought_n of_o a_o certain_a oration_n which_o i_o be_v to_o recite_v before_o the_o emperor_n in_o his_o praise_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n be_v to_o be_v false_a and_o myself_o procure_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o my_o pain_n even_o by_o they_o who_o know_v that_o it_o will_v be_v false_a that_o man_n may_v see_v how_o far_o the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o the_o world_n extend_v itself_o as_o i_o go_v i_o say_v with_o much_o thought_n hereof_o and_o be_v full_a of_o trouble_n and_o care_n how_o the_o business_n may_v succeed_v and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v even_o a_o kind_n of_o fever_n upon_o i_o of_o consume_a thought_n it_o happen_v that_o in_o one_o of_o the_o street_n of_o milan_n there_o be_v a_o poor_a beggar_n who_o after_o he_o have_v get_v well_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v be_v play_v trick_n and_o take_v his_o pleasure_n and_o in_o fine_a be_v very_o merry_a and_o jolly_a but_o when_o i_o see_v this_o i_o fall_v to_o sigh_v and_o represent_v to_o my_o friend_n who_o be_v present_a there_o to_o what_o misery_n our_o madness_n have_v make_v we_o subject_a since_o in_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o namely_o in_o those_o where_o in_o we_o find_v ourselves_o at_o that_o time_n carry_v a_o great_a burden_n of_o infelicity_n upon_o our_o back_n and_o be_v wound_v with_o the_o vexation_n of_o a_o thousand_o inordinate_a appetite_n and_o daily_o add_v one_o burden_n to_o another_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o procure_v to_o seek_v any_o other_o thing_n then_o only_o some_o secure_a kind_n of_o contentment_n and_o joy_n wherein_o that_o poor_a beggar_n have_v outstrip_v we_o already_o who_o perhaps_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o overtake_v he_o therein_o for_o that_o which_o he_o have_v now_o obtain_v by_o mean_n of_o a_o little_a alm_n namely_o the_o joy_n of_o temporal_a felicity_n i_o still_o go_v seek_v and_o hunt_v out_o with_o so_o much_o solicitude_n and_o care_n it_o be_v true_a say_v saint_n augustine_n that_o the_o poor_a man_n have_v no_o true_a joy_n but_o it_o be_v alsoe_o true_a that_o the_o contentment_n which_o i_o seek_v be_v more_o false_a than_o he_o and_o in_o fine_a he_o then_o be_v merry_a and_o i_o sad_a he_o be_v secure_a and_o i_o full_a of_o care_n &_o fear_n and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v ask_v i_o now_o whether_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v glad_a or_o grieved_a i_o shall_v quick_o make_v answer_n that_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v glad_a and_o if_o he_o shall_v ask_v i_o yet_o again_o whether_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v that_o beggar_n or_o myself_o i_o shall_v then_o rather_o choose_v to_o be_v myself_o though_o i_o be_v then_o full_a of_o affliction_n but_o yet_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v this_o choice_n for_o i_o ask_v what_o cause_n i_o can_v allege_v for_o my_o being_n more_o learned_a give_v i_o then_o no_o contentment_n at_o all_o but_o only_o desire_v to_o give_v contentment_n to_o other_o by_o my_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o that_o not_o by_o way_n of_o instruct_v they_o but_o but_o without_o doubt_n say_v he_o that_o poor_a man_n be_v more_o happy_a than_o i_o not_o only_o because_o he_o be_v merry_a and_o jolly_a when_o i_o be_v full_a of_o cogitation_n and_o care_n which_o draw_v even_o my_o very_a bowel_n out_o of_o my_o body_n but_o because_o he_o have_v get_v his_o wine_n by_o lawful_a mean_n whereas_o i_o be_v hunt_v after_o vain_a glory_n by_o the_o way_n of_o tell_v lie_n of_o another_o kind_n of_o mean_n more_o efficatious_a for_o the_o obtain_v the_o virtue_n of_o humility_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o chapter_n xxiii_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o mean_n which_o be_v usual_o assign_v for_o the_o obtain_v of_o virtue_n which_o be_v certain_a reason_n and_o consideration_n both_o divine_a and_o human_a but_o yet_o the_o inclination_n which_o we_o have_v to_o this_o vice_n of_o pride_n be_v so_o very_o great_a by_o reason_n that_o the_o desire_n of_o divinity_n eritis_fw-la sicut_fw-la diâ—_n remain_v so_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n from_o our_o first_o parent_n that_o no_o consideration_n at_o all_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o take_v our_o last_o leave_n of_o the_o impulse_n and_o edge_n which_o we_o have_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o esteem_v it_o seem_v that_o that_o happen_v to_o we_o herein_o which_o occurr_v to_o other_o who_o be_v full_a of_o fear_n for_o how_o many_o reason_n soever_o you_o give_v to_o persuade_v such_o person_n that_o they_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n they_o yet_o make_v this_o answer_n i_o see_v well_o that_o all_o you_o say_v be_v true_a and_o i_o will_v fain_o not_o fear_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v obtain_v it_o of_o myself_o for_o just_a so_o some_o say_v in_o our_o case_n i_o well_o perceive_v that_o all_o those_o reason_n which_o you_o have_v bring_v against_o the_o opinion_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v good_a and_o true_a and_o they_o convince_v that_o all_o be_v but_o mere_a vanity_n and_o wind_n but_o yet_o with_o all_o this_o i_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n wynne_n so_o much_o of_o myself_o as_o not_o to_o make_v some_o account_v thereof_o i_o will_v fain_o do_v it_o if_o i_o can_v but_o i_o think_v i_o know_v not_o how_o this_o kind_n of_o thing_n transport_n and_o disquiet_v i_o strange_o well_o then_o as_o no_o reason_n and_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o free_v the_o fearful_a man_n from_o fear_n but_o that_o beside_o this_o we_o must_v entreat_v he_o to_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o work_v and_o bid_v he_o draw_v near_o to_o feel_v and_o touch_v those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v bugbear_n and_o spright_n and_o advise_v he_o to_o go_v sometime_o by_o night_n and_o alone_o to_o the_o same_o place_n where_o he_o think_v he_o see_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o indeed_o but_o that_o all_o be_v his_o imagination_n and_o apprehension_n that_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v loose_v his_o fear_n so_o alsoe_o for_o the_o make_v we_o give_v over_o the_o desire_n of_o opinion_n and_o estimation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o saint_n affirm_v that_o no_o reason_n or_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o we_o must_v also_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o action_n and_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n for_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o efficatious_a mean_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n can_v employ_v towards_o the_o obtain_v of_o this_o virtue_n s._n basill_n say_v that_o as_o science_n and_o art_n be_v acquire_v by_o practice_n so_o alsoe_o be_v the_o moral_a virtue_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o good_a musician_n a_o good_a rethorition_n a_o good_a philosopher_n and_o a_o good_a workman_n in_o any_o kind_n let_v he_o exercise_v himself_o herein_o and_o he_o will_v grow_v perfect_a and_o so_o alsoe_o for_o obtain_v the_o habit_n of_o humility_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n we_o must_v exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o act_n thereof_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v
nemini_fw-la non_fw-la dico_fw-la preponas_fw-la sed_fw-la nec_fw-la comparare_fw-la presumas_fw-la not_o only_o be_v you_o not_o to_o prefer_v yourselves_o before_o any_o but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o presume_v to_o compare_v or_o equal_v yourselves_o with_o any_o other_o but_o you_o be_v only_o to_o remain_v in_o the_o last_o place_n without_o any_o equal_a in_o your_o baseness_n esteem_v yourselves_o to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a sinner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o put_v you_o say_v he_o to_o no_o danger_n if_o perharp_v you_o shall_v humble_v yourselves_o too_o much_o and_o put_v yourselves_o under_o the_o foot_n of_o all_o but_o the_o prefer_n yourselves_o before_o any_o one_o alone_a may_v put_v you_o to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o prejudice_n and_o he_o bring_v this_o ordinary_a comparison_n as_o when_o you_o pass_v by_o a_o low_a gate_n the_o stoop_v too_o much_o with_o your_o head_n can_v do_v you_o no_o hurt_n but_o if_o you_o stoop_v never_o so_o little_o less_o than_o the_o gate_n require_v you_o may_v do_v yourselves_o so_o much_o hurt_v as_o to_o break_v your_o head_n so_o be_v it_o alsoe_o in_o the_o soul_n for_o to_o abase_v and_o humble_v yourselves_o too_o much_o can_v be_v hurt_v full_a but_o to_o forbear_v to_o humble_v yourselves_o though_o it_o be_v but_o little_a to_o prefer_v or_o even_o equal_a yourselves_o to_o any_o one_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n what_o know_v thou_o o_o man_n whether_o that_o one_o who_o thou_o take_v not_o only_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o thou_o for_o perhaps_o it_o seem_v to_o thou_o now_o that_o thou_o be_v grow_v to_o live_v well_o but_o that_o he_o be_v the_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o great_a sinner_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v not_o prove_v perhaps_o a_o better_a man_n then_o either_o they_o or_o thou_o yea_o and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o already_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o know_v whether_o god_n will_v not_o change_v hand_n as_o jacob_n do_v and_o that_o the_o lot_n will_v be_v alsoe_o change_v and_o that_o thou_o will_v come_v to_o be_v the_o forsake_a and_o the_o other_o choose_v quid_fw-la scis_fw-la si_fw-la melior_fw-la &_o te_fw-la &_o illis_fw-la mutatione_n dexterae_fw-la excelsae_fw-la in_fw-la se_fw-la quidem_fw-la futurus_fw-la sit_fw-la in_fw-la deo_fw-la vero_fw-la iam_fw-la sit_fw-la how_o do_v you_o know_v what_o god_n hatht_v wrought_v in_o that_o hart_n since_o yesterday_o yea_o and_o in_o this_o last_o minute_n facile_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la in_o oculis_fw-la dei_fw-la subito_fw-la honestare_fw-la pauperem_fw-la in_o one_o instant_a be_v god_n able_a to_o make_v apostle_n of_o a_o publican_n and_o a_o persecutor_n as_o he_o do_v of_o saint_n matthew_n and_o saint_n paul_n potens_fw-la est_fw-la deus_fw-la de_fw-fr lapidibus_fw-la istis_fw-la suscitare_fw-la filios_fw-la abrahae_fw-la of_o sinner_n more_o stony_a and_o hard_a then_o a_o diamond_n can_v god_n make_v son_n for_o himself_o how_o mighty_o do_v that_o pharise_n find_v himself_o deceive_v when_o he_o judge_v saint_n mary_n magdalen_n for_o wicked_a and_o when_o christ_n our_o lord_n reprove_v he_o and_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v that_o she_o who_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 saint_n benet_n and_o saint_n thomas_n and_o other_o saint_n set_v this_o down_o for_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o degree_n of_o humility_n credere_fw-la &_o pronumtiare_fw-la se_fw-la omnibus_fw-la viliore_fw-la m._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 hart_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 thyself_o for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n say_v s._n paul_n how_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n may_v with_o truth_n esteem_v themselves_o less_o than_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 chapter_n xxxiv_o it_o will_v not_o be_v matter_n of_o curiosity_n but_o of_o much_o profitt_a to_o declare_v how_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n may_v with_o truth_n esteem_v themselves_o less_o than_o all_o and_o alsoe_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 s._n dorotheus_n relate_v hat_n the_o abbott_n zosimus_n be_v one_o day_n speak_v of_o humility_n and_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 keep_v god_n commandment_n to_o which_o the_o holy_a abbot_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 s._n augustine_n s._n thomas_n and_o other_o ss_z give_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n and_o they_o do_v it_o diverse_a way_n that_o of_o s._n augustine_n and_o s._n thomas_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 o_o but_o 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 hart_n since_o that_o tyme._n in_o a_o moment_n may_v god_n have_v secret_o impart_v some_o gift_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 pharise_n 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 dico_fw-la vobis_fw-la descendit_fw-la hic_fw-la iustificatus_fw-la indomum_fw-la svam_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la 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 with_o ked_a return_v justify_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o â—harâ—â—e_n 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 hart_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_v 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_a 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 conceave_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 alsoe_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_fw-la that_o abyss_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 abyss_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_v it_o be_v certain_o because_o we_o have_v smalle_fw-fr 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
gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n can_v with_o truth_n esteem_v themselves_o below_o all_o and_o affirm_v of_o themselves_o with_o all_o that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a sinner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n when_o our_o lord_n conduct_n a_o man_n by_o that_o other_o way_n of_o hide_v his_o gift_n that_o so_o he_o see_v no_o virtue_n in_o himself_o but_o all_o his_o fault_n and_o imperfection_n the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o in_o these_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o be_v you_o humble_a like_o s._n francis_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v how_o his_o companion_n press_v to_o understand_v how_o he_o can_v think_v and_o say_v so_o of_o himself_o with_o truth_n that_o seraphical_a father_n make_v this_o answer_n real_o i_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o speak_v it_o and_o i_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n have_v show_v those_o mercy_n and_o impart_v those_o grace_n to_o any_o murder_a thief_n or_o to_o the_o great_a sinner_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o i_o he_o will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a and_o much_o more_o grateful_a than_o i._o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o conceive_v and_o believe_v that_o if_o our_o lord_n shall_v take_v off_o his_o hand_n from_o i_o and_o not_o hold_v i_o fast_o i_o shall_v commit_v great_a sin_n and_o shall_v prove_v the_o most_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o great_a sinner_n and_o the_o most_o ungrateful_a of_o all_o man_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a answer_n and_o a_o very_a profound_a humility_n and_o it_o carry_v doctrine_n in_o it_o of_o admirable_a instruction_n this_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o saint_n dive_v down_o so_o low_a under_o the_o earth_n and_o cast_v themselves_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o all_o man_n and_o real_o esteem_v themselves_o for_o the_o great_a sinner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o they_o have_v that_o root_n of_o humility_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o misery_n and_o frailty_n well_o plant_v and_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o know_v very_o well_o how_o to_o penetrate_v and_o ponder_v both_o what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o have_v of_o themselves_o and_o this_o make_v it_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o hold_v they_o fast_o but_o once_o take_v of_o his_o hand_n from_o their_o head_n they_o will_v have_v prove_v the_o great_a sinner_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o they_o hold_v themselves_o for_o such_o and_o as_o for_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n they_o behold_v they_o not_o as_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o but_o as_o the_o good_n of_o another_o and_o only_o lend_v to_o they_o and_o not_o only_o do_v the_o have_v of_o all_o these_o gift_n not_o distract_v or_o hinder_v they_o from_o remain_v entire_a in_o their_o poorness_n and_o baseness_n or_o from_o esteem_v themselves_o below_o all_o other_o but_o it_o rather_o help_v they_o on_o towards_o that_o end_n because_o they_o think_v they_o profit_v not_o thereby_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v our_o eye_n whether_o we_o cast_v they_o inward_a upon_o what_o we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o or_o whether_o we_o cast_v they_o upward_o upon_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v occasion_n enough_o to_o be_v humble_v and_o to_o esteem_v ourselves_o below_o all_o saint_n gregory_n to_o this_o purpose_n ponder_v those_o word_n which_o david_n say_v to_o saul_n after_o he_o may_v have_v kill_v he_o in_o the_o cave_n into_o which_o saul_n have_v enter_v and_o when_o david_n spare_v his_o life_n and_o let_v he_o go_v he_o yet_o go_v after_o say_v quem_fw-la persequeris_fw-la rex_fw-la israel_n quem_fw-la persequeris_fw-la canem_fw-la mortuum_fw-la persequeris_fw-la &_o pulicem_fw-la unum_fw-la who_o do_v thou_o persecute_v o_o king_n of_o israel_n thou_o persecute_v a_o dead_a dog_n and_o a_o single_a flea_n as_o i_o be_o the_o s._n ponder_v it_o thus_o very_a well_o david_n be_v already_o anoint_v for_o king_n and_o have_v understand_v from_o the_o prophett_n samuel_n who_o anoint_a he_o that_o god_n will_v take_v the_o kingdom_n from_o saul_n and_o give_v it_o he_o and_o yet_o nevertheless_o he_o humble_v and_o lessen_v himself_o before_o he_o though_o he_o know_v that_o god_n have_v prefer_v he_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n he_o be_v a_o better_a man_n than_o saul_n whereby_o we_o may_v learn_v to_o esteem_v ourselves_o less_o than_o they_o of_o who_o we_o know_v not_o in_o what_o condition_n or_o degree_n they_o stand_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n that_o this_o three_o degree_n of_o humility_n be_v a_o good_a mean_n to_o overcome_v all_o temptation_n and_o to_o obtain_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n chapter_n xxxv_o cassianus_n say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o tradition_n of_o those_o ancient_a father_n &_o as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n among_o they_o that_o a_o man_n can_v not_o obtain_v purity_n of_o hart_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n if_o first_o he_o do_v not_o conceive_v and_o know_v that_o all_o his_o industry_n diligence_n and_o labour_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n without_o the_o especial_a favour_n &_o help_v of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a author_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o he_o say_v more_o over_o that_o this_o knowledge_n of_o he_o must_v not_o be_v only_o speculative_a and_o because_o we_o have_v hear_v it_o or_o read_v it_o or_o because_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o we_o must_v know_v it_o practical_o and_o by_o experience_n and_o be_v so_o convince_v so_o resolve_v and_o settle_v in_o this_o truth_n as_o if_o we_o see_v it_o with_o our_o eye_n &_o touch_v it_o with_o our_o hand_n and_o this_o be_v literal_o the_o three_o degree_n of_o humility_n whereof_o now_o we_o treat_v and_o of_o this_o kind_n of_o humility_n it_o be_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v and_o which_o promise_n so_o great_a and_o even_o innumerable_a blessing_n to_o such_o as_o be_v humble_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o saint_n assign_v it_o for_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a degree_n of_o humility_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o the_o preparation_n or_o disposition_n for_o receive_v all_o kind_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n from_o god_n and_o cassianus_n prosecute_a this_o point_n more_o in_o particular_a say_v concern_v chastity_n that_o no_o endeavour_n of_o we_o will_v serve_v for_o the_o obtain_v thereof_o till_o we_o certain_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o liberality_n and_o mercy_n of_o almigthie_a god_n and_o saint_n augustine_n agree_v very_o well_o herewith_o for_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a mean_n which_o he_o deliver_v for_o the_o acquire_v and_o conserve_n the_o gift_n of_o chastity_n be_v humility_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o our_o own_o diligence_n will_v suffice_v for_o this_o for_o if_o we_o rely_v and_o rest_v upon_o they_o we_o deserve_v to_o loose_v it_o but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o must_v come_v to_o we_o from_o above_o and_o that_o we_o must_v place_v our_o whole_a confidence_n in_o he_o and_o so_o one_o of_o those_o old_a father_n say_v that_o a_o man_n will_v be_v tempt_v with_o carnal_a thought_n till_o he_o come_v to_o know_v very_o well_o that_o chastity_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o no_o acquisition_n of_o our_o own_o palladius_n confirm_v this_o by_o the_o example_n of_o abbot_n moses_n who_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o strange_a corporal_a strength_n as_o alsoe_o of_o a_o most_o vicious_a mind_n be_v convert_v afterward_o to_o god_n with_o his_o whole_a heart_n at_o the_o first_o he_o be_v grievous_o tempt_v especial_o concern_v impurity_n and_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o those_o father_n he_o employ_v his_o best_a mean_n to_o overcome_v it_o he_o pray_v so_o long_o as_o that_o he_o pass_v six_o year_n in_o prayer_n yea_o and_o spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n remain_v still_o upon_o his_o foot_n he_o use_v much_o handy_a labour_n he_o eat_v nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o that_o in_o smalle_fw-fr quantity_n he_o go_v carry_v water_n to_o the_o old_a monk_n in_o their_o cell_n and_o use_v many_o other_o great_a mortification_n and_o austeritye_n but_o yet_o with_o all_o this_o he_o come_v not_o to_o be_v free_a from_o his_o temptation_n but_o be_v even_o set_v on_o fire_n
by_o they_o and_o be_v sometime_o in_o danger_n to_o fall_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o institute_n of_o a_o monk_n be_v then_o in_o this_o trouble_n the_o holy_a abbott_n isidorus_n come_v to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o on_o the_o part_n of_o god_n that_o for_o that_o time_n forweard_n his_o temptation_n shall_v cease_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o so_o they_o do_v and_o never_o set_v upon_o he_o more_o and_o the_o saint_n by_o way_n of_o declare_v the_o cause_n add_v this_o that_o till_o then_o god_n have_v not_o give_v complete_a victory_n to_o abbot_n moses_n lest_o he_o shall_v have_v grow_v vain_a and_o proud_a as_o conceive_v that_o he_o have_v conquer_v by_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n have_v till_o then_o permit_v it_o for_o his_o great_a good_a moses_n have_v not_o yet_o obtain_v the_o gift_n of_o distrust_v himself_o and_o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v it_o and_o not_o grow_v proud_a by_o confide_v in_o himself_o god_n leave_v he_o so_o long_o a_o time_n and_o he_o obtain_v not_o by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a endeavour_n the_o complete_a victory_n over_o this_o passion_n which_o other_o by_o diligence_n have_v obtain_v the_o like_a do_v palladius_n relate_v to_o have_v happen_v to_o the_o abbot_n pacon_n for_o even_o whilst_o he_o be_v seaventy_n year_n old_a he_o be_v very_o much_o molest_v by_o unclean_a temptation_n and_o he_o say_v that_o the_o other_o affirm_v it_o to_o he_o with_o a_o oath_n that_o after_o he_o be_v fifty_o year_n old_a the_o combat_n have_v be_v so_o usual_a and_o so_o very_o fierce_a as_o that_o there_o have_v not_o pass_v either_o one_o day_n or_o night_n in_o all_o that_o time_n wherein_o he_o have_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o that_o sin_n he_o do_v very_o extraordinary_a thing_n to_o free_v himself_o from_o these_o temptation_n but_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n and_o lament_v one_o day_n and_o even_o half_o fear_v that_o our_o lord_n have_v forsake_v he_o he_o hear_v a_o voice_n which_o interior_o say_v thus_o to_o he_o know_v that_o the_o cause_n why_o god_n have_v permit_v this_o sharp_a assault_n to_o be_v make_v against_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o the_o end_n that_o thou_o may_v know_v thy_o own_o poverty_n and_o misery_n and_o the_o little_a or_o nothing_o which_o thou_o have_v of_o thyself_o and_o therefore_o see_v that_o thou_o humble_v thyself_o hereafter_o and_o confide_v not_o in_o thyself_o at_o all_o but_o in_o all_o thing_n have_v recourse_n for_o help_v to_o i_o and_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v so_o comfort_v by_o this_o instruction_n that_o he_o never_o feel_v that_o temptation_n again_o in_o fine_a the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v that_o we_o put_v all_o our_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o distrust_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o own_o diligence_n and_o mean_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n not_o only_o of_o saint_n augustine_n cassian_n and_o those_o ancient_a father_n but_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o and_o that_o in_o those_o very_a term_n whereby_o we_o have_v express_v it_o here_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n set_v express_o down_o both_o the_o theory_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o point_n in_o these_o word_n et_fw-la ut_fw-la scivi_fw-la quoniam_fw-la aliter_fw-la non_fw-la possem_fw-la esse_fw-la continens_fw-la nisi_fw-la deus_fw-la det_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la ipsum_fw-la erat_fw-la sapientia_fw-la scire_fw-la cvius_fw-la esset_fw-la hoc_fw-la donum_fw-la adij_fw-la dominum_fw-la &_o deprecatus_fw-la sum_fw-la illum_fw-la ex_fw-la totis_fw-la preâ—orâ—ijs_fw-la meis_fw-la when_o i_o know_v say_v solomon_n that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v continent_n but_o by_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o god_n now_o continent_n be_v here_o the_o general_a word_n which_o embrace_v not_o only_o the_o contain_v or_o restrain_v that_o passion_n which_o be_v against_o chastity_n but_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n alsoe_o which_o rebel_n against_o reason_n and_o that_o other_o place_n also_o of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la omnis_fw-la autem_fw-la ponderatio_fw-la digna_fw-la est_fw-la continentis_fw-la animae_fw-la no_o weight_n of_o gold_n be_v able_a to_o go_v in_o balance_n with_o a_o continent_n soul_n no_o precious_a thing_n be_v so_o much_o worth_n as_o the_o person_n who_o be_v continent_n he_o mean_v that_o kind_n of_o man_n who_o entire_o contain_v all_o his_o affect_n and_o appetite_n that_o they_o may_v not_o pass_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o now_o say_v solomon_n know_v that_o i_o can_v not_o contain_v these_o passion_n and_o power_n both_o of_o my_o body_n and_o soul_n within_o the_o moderation_n of_o virtue_n and_o truth_n without_o the_o especial_a gift_n of_o god_n but_o that_o sometime_o they_o will_v exceed_v the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v a_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n i_o have_v recourse_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o beg_v this_o gift_n of_o he_o with_o my_o whole_a hart_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a this_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v become_v continent_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o continue_v continent_n to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o good_a behaviour_n and_o to_o obtain_v victory_n over_o all_o temptation_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o prophet_n understand_v it_o right_o when_o he_o say_v nisi_fw-la dominus_fw-la aedificaverit_fw-la domum_fw-la in_fw-la vanum_fw-la laboraverunt_fw-la qui_fw-la aedificant_fw-la eam_fw-la unless_o our_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n he_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o desire_v to_o build_v it_o nisi_fw-la dominus_fw-la custodierit_fw-la civitatem_fw-la frustra_fw-la vigilat_fw-la qui_fw-la custodit_fw-la cam_fw-la if_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o guard_v the_o city_n he_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o seek_v to_o guard_v it_o it_o be_v he_o who_o must_v give_v we_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v they_o must_v concern_v they_o to_o we_o or_o else_o all_o our_o labour_n will_v be_v lose_v that_o humility_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o magnanimity_n but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o cause_n thereof_o chapter_n xxxvi_o saint_n thomas_n treat_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o magnanimity_n make_v this_o question_n on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o saint_n say_v yea_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n alsoe_o say_v that_o humility_n be_v very_o necessary_a for_o we_o and_o with_o all_o that_o magnanimity_n be_v alsoe_o necessary_a especial_o for_o such_o as_o exercise_v high_a ministery_n and_o live_v in_o high_a place_n now_o these_o two_o virtue_n seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a in_o themselves_o because_o magnanimity_n be_v a_o greatness_n of_o mind_n to_o attempt_v and_o enterprise_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o in_o themselves_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o honour_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o humility_n for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o which_o be_v to_o enterprise_v great_a thing_n this_o seem_v not_o to_o suit_v well_o with_o this_o virtue_n because_o one_o of_o the_o degree_n of_o humility_n which_o the_o saint_n assign_v be_v ad_fw-la omne_fw-la indignum_fw-la &_o inutilem_fw-la se_fw-la consiteri_fw-la &_o credere_fw-la to_o confess_v and_o hold_v himself_o unworthy_a and_o unprofitable_a for_o all_o thing_n and_o now_o for_o a_o man_n to_o attempt_v that_o for_o which_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a seem_v to_o be_v presumption_n and_o pride_n and_o as_o for_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o enterprise_n thing_n of_o honour_n it_o seem_v alsoe_o to_o be_v contrary_a because_o the_o true_a humble_a man_n must_v be_v very_o far_o from_o desire_v honour_n &_o estimation_n to_o this_o saint_n thomas_n answer_v very_o well_o and_o say_v that_o although_o in_o appearance_n and_o by_o the_o exterior_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n these_o two_o virtue_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a between_o themselves_o yet_o in_o effect_n and_o truth_n one_o virtue_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o another_o &_o in_o particular_a he_o say_v concern_v these_o two_o virtue_n of_o humility_n and_o magnanimity_n that_o if_o we_o will_v attentive_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o only_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a but_o that_o they_o be_v direct_a sister_n and_o depend_v much_o upon_o one_o another_o and_o this_o he_o declare_v very_o well_o because_o as_o for_o the_o first_o which_o be_v to_o enterprise_n and_o attempt_v great_a thing_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o magnanimous_a person_n it_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o humble_a man_n but_o rather_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o he_o and_o he_o who_o be_v the_o one_o may_v well_o do_v the_o other_o if_o confide_v in_o our_o own_o diligence_n and_o strength_n we_o shall_v undertake_v great_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v presumption_n and_o pride_n because_o we_o