Chapter V. Secondly, who the Pope is, and whence he comes

We must next notice 'who you are, and what your origin was. I have used the word ' origin ', but I think I had better-pass that over and leave it to your perception. This I do say, that it would be an unworthy thing for you, knowing the perfection you have left, to stop short of the perfection which lies before you. Should you not blush to be a minnow among the whales when you remember that you were a whale among the minnows ? You have not forgotten your first profession ; it is taken out of your hands, but you still have some thought for it, and even affection. To keep it in view will not be unprofitable in the framing of your several commands, judge ments, ordinances. This consideration makes you a despiser of honour even in the midst of honour. And that is a great thing. Lay it to heart ; it is your shield to protect you from the arrow — ' Man being in honour is without understanding'. Say, therefore, to yourself, I was of low estate in the house of the Lord. What means this, that, poor and lowly though I was, I am raised to rule over peoples and kingdoms ? Who am ], or what is my father's house, that I should sit above dignitaries r He who said to me, ' Friend, go up higher ', surely trusts that I shall be a friend. If I am found less, it is not indeed well with me. He who has raised me up can also cast me down. Too late should I complain, • Thou hast taken me up and dashed me to the ground.' There must be no flattery of your exalted rank, when there is more cause for anxiety. The rank magnifies the danger, the anxiety manifests the friend ! Let us give good heed to this, unless we wish at length with shame to take the lowest place.