CHAPTER VI.

_Of avoiding vain hopes and pride._

HE is vain that putteth his trust in man or creatures.

Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world.

Presume not upon thyself, but place thy hope in God.

*Do what lieth in thy power, and God will assist thy good-will.

*Trust not in thy knowledge, nor in any living creature; but rather in the grace of God; who helpeth the humble, and humbleth the proud.

2. Glory not in wealth, nor in friends; but in God, who giveth all things, and desireth to give thee himself above all.

Value not thyself for the strength or beauty of thy body, which is spoiled and disfigured with a little sickness.

Pride not thyself in thy natural gifts or wit, lest thereby thou displease God.

3. Esteem not thyself better than others, lest in the sight of God thou be accounted worse than they.

Be not proud of thy good works: for the judgment of God is far different from the judgment of men.

If there be any good in thee, believe that there is much more in others.

It hurts thee not, if thou thinkest thyself worse than all men: but it hurts thee much, to prefer thyself before any one man.

*The humble enjoy continual peace; but in the heart of the proud is envy and frequent indignation.