seeking God's honour; if he think nothing of and unfeignedly despise himself, and even rejoice more to be despised and lowly esteemed by others.
CHAPTER VIII.
OF A MEAN CONCEIT OF OURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
HALL I speak unto my Lord, who am but dust and ashes? If I esteem myself to be anything more, behold, Thou standest against me, and my iniquities bear true witness, and I cannot contradict it.
But if I abase myself, and reduce myself to nothing, and shrink from all self-esteem, and grind myself to the dust which I am, Thy grace will be favourable to me, and Thy light near unto my heart; and all self-esteem shall be swallowed up in the valley of my nothingness, and perish for ever.
There Thou shewest Thyself unto me, what I am, what I have been, and whither I am come; for I am nothing, and I knew it not.
If I be left to myself, behold, I become nothing but mere weakness; but if Thou for an instant look upon me, I am forthwith made strong, and am filled with new joy.
And a great marvel it is, that I am so suddenly lifted up, and so graciously embraced by Thee, who of mine own weight am always sinking downward.
