Chapter XCVII. His words against those who praised themselves

134. He would often say to the brethren: "No one ought to flatter himself with unjust applause on account of anything that a sinner can do. A sinner (said he) can fast, pray, weep, mortify his own flesh. But this he cannot do: be faithful to his Lord. Herein therefore we should glory, if we render to God His glory, if serving Him faithfully we ascribe to Him whatever He gives. The flesh is man's greatest foe. It knows not how to recollect anything so as to grieve over it, nor to foresee anything so as to fear it. Its study is, to use up the present. And, what is worse, it claims for itself, and transfers to its own glory what has been given not to it, but to the soul. It gathers from without praise for its virtues, applause for its watchings and prayers. It leaves the soul nothing, and seeks payment even for its tears."