Chapter V. On the Second Point for Self-Consideration

Consider in the next place who thou art now and who thou wert formerly. Yet it seems to me that I ought to say nothing concerning this latter point, but should rather leave it to the silence of thine own reflections. However, I will say this much : that it would be a shame for thee if, after having lived in so perfect a state, thou wert to show thyself in anything less than perfect. Why shouldst thou not blush to be found little in great things, when thou canst remember to have been great in little things ? Thou hast not yet forgotten thy first profession ; although thou hast been torn from its protection, the love and the recollection of it remain with thee still. It will be very profitable for thee to keep the thought of it before thy mind in all thy injunctions, in all thy judgments, V and in all thy undertakings, for it will make thee a despiser of honour even in the height of honour — and that is no small benefit. Never suffer it to leave thy memory : it will be as a shield to protect thee from even this fatal arrow : " And man when he was in honour did not understand " (Ps. xlviii. 13).

Therefore, speak thus to thyself : " ' Formerly I was an abject in the house of my God' * (Ps. lxxxiii. 11). How then has it come to pass that I am lifted up out of poverty and abjection and set over peoples and kingdoms ? Who am I and what is my father's house (1 Par. xvii. 16) that I should be placed above princes ? Undoubtedly, He Who said to me, ' Friend, go up higher ' (Luke xiv. 10) expects that I shall prove His friend. It is not expedient for me, therefore, to disappoint His expectation. For He has power to cast down as well as to lift up. And it will then be of no use to complain, ' Having lifted me up, Thou hast thrown me down ' " (Ps. ci. n). Greatness of elevation has nothing that can flatter thee when the solicitude which accompanies it is greater still. There is danger in the former, but the latter is the proof of friendship. Thou shouldst endeavour, consequently, to stand the test well unless thou desirest hereafter " with shame to take the lowest place " (Luke xiv 9).