CHAPTER VII.

_That grace is to be guarded by humility._

_Christ._ THINK, when thou art in grace, how miserable thou art wont to be without grace.

The way of man is not in his power, but it belongeth to God to comfort when he will, and how much he will, and whom he will; as it shall please him, and no more.

They that are unacquainted in the way of the Lord, unless they govern themselves by the counsel of discreet persons, may easily be deceived and overthrown.

2. And if they will rather follow their own judgment, than give credit to others that are experienced, the event will be dangerous.

_Christian._ Shall I speak unto my Lord who am dust and ashes?

If I esteem better of myself, behold thou standest against me, and my iniquities bear true witness against me, neither can I contradict it.

But if I know myself to be nothing, if I renounce all self-esteem, and account myself to be but dust; thy grace will be favourable unto me, and thy light will be near my heart.

And all self-esteem, how little soever, shall be swallowed up, and perish everlastingly.

Thou shewest myself unto me, what I am, and what I have been; for I am nothing, and I knew it not.

And if I be left to myself, behold I become all weakness.

But if thou lookest upon me, I am made strong.

And it is a great marvel, that I am suddenly lifted up, and so graciously embraced by thee, who by my own weight always sink downward.

3. Thy love is the cause thereof, freely preventing me, and relieving me in so many necessities; preserving me also from grievous dangers, and delivering me from innumerable evils.

For by inordinate loving myself, I lost myself; and by seeking thee alone, and loving thee, I have found both myself and thee, and by that love have more deeply brought myself to nothing.

For thou, O most sweet Lord, dealest with me above all desert, above all that I dare hope or ask.

*4. Blessed be thou, my God; for although I be unworthy of any benefits; yet thy bounty, and thy infinite goodness, never ceaseth to do good even to the ungrateful, and them that are far from thee.

*Turn us unto thee, O Lord, that we may be thankful, humble, and holy; for thou art our power, and our strength, and our salvation.