of_o the_o primitive_a time_n where_o we_o read_v of_o ugly_a and_o abominable_a fall_v of_o man_n who_o have_v already_o spend_v many_o of_o their_o year_n in_o a_o religious_a solitary_a &_o penitential_a life_n all_o which_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o humility_n &_o from_o confide_v and_o presume_v on_o themselves_o which_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o punish_v by_o permit_v man_n to_o fall_v into_o those_o other_o sin_n humility_n be_v also_o so_o great_a a_o ornament_n to_o chastity_n that_o saint_n bernard_n say_v i_o dare_v adventure_n to_o say_v that_o even_o the_o virginity_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n will_v not_o have_v be_v please_v to_o god_n without_o humility_n final_o for_o the_o virtue_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a truth_n that_o both_o he_o can_v be_v true_o obedient_a who_o be_v not_o humble_a and_o that_o he_o who_o be_v humble_a must_v needs_o be_v obedient_a the_o humble_a man_n may_v be_v command_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o so_o may_v not_o he_o who_o be_v not_o humble_a the_o humble_a man_n frame_v no_o contrary_a judgement_n but_o conform_v himself_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o superior_a and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o work_n but_o even_o in_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n also_o nor_o make_v he_o any_o contradiction_n or_o resistance_n if_o now_o we_o will_v come_v to_o speak_v of_o prayer_n upon_o which_o the_o very_a life_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o spiritual_a man_n rely_v if_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o humility_n it_o be_v of_o no_o worth_n whereas_o prayer_n with_o humility_n pierce_v heaven_n the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o humble_v himself_o do_v penetrate_v heaven_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o he_o will_v not_o give_v over_o till_o he_o obtain_v all_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o holy_a and_o humble_a judith_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o her_o oratory_n clad_v with_o sackcloth_n and_o cover_v with_o ash_n and_o prostrate_v upon_o the_o earth_n cry_v out_o in_o these_o word_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o meek_a of_o heart_n be_v ever_o please_v to_o thou_o o_o lord_n god_n behold_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o despise_v not_o their_o petition_n never_o think_v that_o the_o humble_a man_n shall_v be_v drive_v away_o or_o depart_v out_o of_o countenance_n he_o shall_v obtain_v what_o he_o ask_v god_n will_v hear_v his_o prayer_n do_v but_o consider_v how_o high_o that_o humble_a prayer_n of_o the_o publican_n in_o the_o gospel_n please_v god_n he_o who_o presume_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n but_o dispose_v himself_o far_o of_o into_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o knock_v his_o breast_n with_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o himself_o say_v o_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o for_o i_o be_o a_o grievous_a sinner_n i_o tell_v you_o of_o a_o truth_n say_v jesus_n christ_n our_o redeemer_n that_o this_o man_n go_v justify_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi who_o hold_v himself_o for_o a_o saint_n go_v condemn_v in_o this_o very_a manner_n may_v we_o discourse_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o go_v the_o next_o way_n for_o the_o get_n of_o they_o all_o and_o to_o learn_v a_o short_a and_o compendious_a document_n for_o the_o speedy_a obtain_n of_o perfection_n this_o be_v it_o be_v humble_a chap_n four_o of_o the_o particular_a necessity_n which_o they_o have_v of_o this_o virtue_n who_o profess_v to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o neighbour_n soul_n by_o how_o much_o thou_o be_v great_a see_v thou_o humble_v thyself_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v grace_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n we_o who_o make_v profession_n to_o gain_v soul_n to_o god_n may_v say_v for_o our_o confusion_n that_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o a_o very_a high_a state_n since_o our_o office_n be_v to_o serve_v the_o church_n in_o certain_a ministery_n which_o be_v very_o eminent_a and_o high_a even_o the_o same_o to_o which_o god_n choose_v the_o apostle_n namely_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o saint_n paul_n god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n he_o call_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o grace_n be_v communicate_v the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n god_n have_v make_v we_o his_o servant_n his_o ambassador_n as_o his_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o of_o that_o chief_n bishop_n jesus_n christ_n tongue_n &_o instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n exhort_v and_o persuade_v man_n by_o we_o our_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o speak_v to_o soul_n by_o our_o tongue_n by_o these_o tongue_n of_o flesh_n will_v our_o lord_n move_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n for_o this_o have_v we_o therefore_o more_o need_n than_o other_o of_o the_o virtue_n of_o humility_n and_o that_o upon_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o high_a our_o office_n and_o vocation_n be_v so_o much_o more_o hazard_n shall_v we_o run_v and_o so_o much_o the_o great_a will_v be_v the_o combat_n of_o vanity_n and_o pride_n the_o high_a hill_n as_o st_n hierome_n say_v be_v assault_v by_o the_o high_a wind_n we_o be_v employ_v in_o very_o high_a ministery_n and_o for_o this_o be_v we_o respect_v and_o esteem_v over_o the_o world_n we_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o even_o for_o other_o apostle_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o all_o our_o conversation_n be_v sanctity_n so_o by_o all_o mean_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o woe_n unto_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o and_o that_o our_o study_n be_v to_o make_v they_o also_o saint_n with_o who_o we_o converse_v here_o be_v need_n of_o a_o great_a foundation_n of_o humility_n that_o so_o high_a a_o build_n as_o this_o may_v not_o be_v drive_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v need_n have_v great_a strength_n of_o virtue_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o honour_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o a_o hard_a task_n it_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o honour_n and_o that_o yet_o no_o part_n thereof_o shall_v fasten_v itself_o to_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o every_o body_n case_n to_o have_v a_o head_n that_o can_v be_v safe_a so_o high_a o_o how_o many_o have_v grow_v giddy_a and_o fall_v down_o from_o that_o high_a state_n wherein_o they_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o humility_n how_o many_o who_o seem_v eagle_n tower_v up_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o several_a virtue_n have_v through_o pride_n become_v as_o blind_a as_o bat_n for_o this_o do_v we_o therefore_o stand_v in_o particular_a need_n to_o be_v very_o well_o ground_v in_o this_o virtue_n for_o if_o we_o be_v not_o we_o shall_v run_v great_a hazard_n of_o be_v giddy_a and_o of_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n yea_o and_o that_o the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a pride_n bonaventure_n declare_v this_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o pride_n one_o which_o concern_v temporal_a thing_n and_o this_o be_v call_v carnal_a pride_n and_o another_o which_o concern_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o this_o be_v call_v spiritual_a pride_n and_o so_o say_v that_o this_o second_o be_v a_o great_a pride_n and_o a_o great_a sin_n than_o the_o former_a the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v clear_a for_o as_o he_o say_v the_o proud_a man_n be_v a_o thief_n and_o commit_v robbery_n â—â—or_n he_o run_v away_o with_o the_o good_n of_o another_o against_o the_o will_n of_o the_o owner_n by_o have_v steal_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n and_o which_o he_o will_v not_o give_v away_o but_o reserve_v to_o himself_o my_o glory_n i_o will_v not_o give_v to_o another_o say_v he_o by_o the_o prophet_n isay_n and_o this_o do_v the_o proud_a man_n steal_v from_o god_n and_o he_o run_v away_o with_o it_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o himself_o now_o when_o a_o man_n grow_v proud_a of_o any_o natural_a advantage_n as_o of_o nobility_n of_o agility_n and_o strength_n of_o body_n of_o quickness_n of_o understanding_n of_o learning_n or_o the_o like_a this_o man_n be_v a_o robber_n but_o yet_o the_o theft_n be_v not_o so_o great_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o these_o blessing_n be_v of_o god_n they_o be_v yet_o but_o as_o the_o chaff_n of_o his_o house_n but_o he_o who_o shall_v grow_v proud_a of_o his_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o namely_o of_o sanctity_n or_o of_o the_o fruit_n which_o be_v gather_v by_o gain_v soul_n this_o be_v a_o great_a thief_n a_o robber_n of_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
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
from_o speak_v with_o god_n he_o carry_v a_o great_a brightness_n in_o his_o face_n which_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n see_v but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o see_v it_o not_o so_o the_o humble_a man_n see_v no_o virtue_n in_o himself_o all_o that_o which_o he_o see_v seem_v fault_n and_o imperfection_n to_o he_o yea_o and_o he_o further_o believe_v that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o misery_n be_v that_o which_o he_o know_v and_o that_o he_o be_v ignoraht_v of_o the_o great_a and_o now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v eafie_a for_o he_o to_o esteem_v himself_o below_o all_o and_o for_o the_o great_a sinner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v conceal_v nothing_o that_o as_o there_o be_v many_o several_a way_n whereby_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o conduct_v his_o elect_n so_o he_o lead_v many_o by_o this_o way_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v namely_o of_o conceal_v his_o gift_n from_o they_o so_o that_o themselves_o may_v not_o see_v they_o nor_o conceive_v that_o they_o have_v they_o but_o he_o manifest_v they_o to_o other_o and_o make_v they_o know_v they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v esteem_v his_o servant_n and_o be_v please_v in_o they_o and_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o most_o holy_a virgin_n mary_n do_v very_o well_o both_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a grace_n and_o gift_n which_o she_o possess_v and_o have_v receive_v from_o almighty_a god_n as_o she_o faith_n in_o her_o canticle_n my_o souldoth_a magnify_v and_o exalt_v our_o lord_n because_o he_o who_o be_v omnipotent_a have_v wrought_v mighty_a thing_n in_o i_o and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o not_o contrary_a to_o humility_n and_o perfection_n but_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o humility_n so_o very_a much_o elevate_v and_o so_o high_a that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o saint_n be_v wont_a to_o style_v it_o the_o humility_n of_o great_a and_o perfect_a man_n but_o yet_o here_o there_o be_v a_o great_a error_n and_o dange_n whereof_o we_o be_v advertise_v by_o the_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v when_o some_o think_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v more_o grace_n of_o god_n than_o indeed_o they_o have_v in_o which_o error_n be_v that_o miserable_a creature_n to_o who_o god_n command_v this_o to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n thou_o sa_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o be_v rich_a and_o that_o thou_o have_v need_v of_o nothing_o but_o thou_o do_v not_o understand_v thy_o own_o case_n for_o thou_o be_v miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a in_o the_o same_o error_n be_v that_o pharisee_v who_o gtave_n god_n thanks_o that_o he_o be_v not_o like_o other_o believe_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v what_o indeed_o he_o have_v not_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v better_a than_o other_o man_n and_o sometime_o this_o kind_n of_o pride_n steal_v in_o upon_o we_o so_o secret_o and_o with_o such_o disguise_n that_o almost_o before_o we_o know_v where_o we_o be_v we_o grow_v very_o full_a of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o own_o estimation_n and_o for_o this_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a remedy_n that_o we_o ever_o carry_v our_o eye_n open_a towards_o the_o virtue_n of_o other_o and_o shut_v up_o towards_o our_o own_o and_o so_o to_o live_v ever_o in_o a_o holy_a kind_n of_o fear_n whereby_o we_o ourselves_o will_v be_v more_o safe_a and_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n better_o keep_v but_o yet_o in_o fine_a forasmuch_o as_o our_o lord_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o this_o he_o conduct_n his_o servant_n by_o several_a way_n sometime_o as_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n say_v he_o will_v do_v his_o servant_n the_o particular_a favour_n of_o make_v they_o know_v the_o gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n have_v more_o difficulty_n namely_o how_o these_o saint_n and_o spiritual_a man_n who_o know_v and_o see_v in_o themselves_o so_o great_a 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_a to_o that_o holy_a father_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 he_o 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 stew_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 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 ungratef_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 carth_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 off_o his_o hand_n from_o their_o head_n they_o will_v have_v prove_v the_o great_a finner_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 our_o solve_n or_o wherth_o we_o cast_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 al._n 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 he_o say_v 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 singleflea_n as_o i_o be_o the_o saint_n poinder_n 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 prophet_n samuel_n who_o anoint_v he_o that_o god_n will_v take_v the_o kingdom_n from_o saul_n &_o give_v it_o he_o &_o yet_o neverthe_n less_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