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AND SO it is most clearly established by instances and testimonies from
Scripture that the mischief of pride, although it comes later in the order
of the combat, is yet earlier in origin, and is the beginning of all sins
and faults: nor is it (like the other vices) simply fatal to the virtue
opposite to it (in this case, humility), but it is also at the same time
destructive of all virtues: nor does it only tempt ordinary folk and small
people, but chiefly those who already stand on the heights of valour.
For thus the prophet speaks of this spirit, "His meat is choice." And so
the blessed David, although he guarded the recesses of his heart with the
utmost care, so that he dared to say to Him from whom the secrets of his
conscience were not hid, "Lord, my heart is not exalted, nor are my eyes
lofty: neither have I walked in great matters, nor in wonderful things
above me. If I was not humbly minded;" and again, "He that worketh pride
shall not dwell in the midst of my house;" yet, as he knew how hard is
that watchfulness even for those that are perfect, he did not so presume on
his own efforts, but prayed to God and implored His help, that he might
escape unwounded by the darts of this foe, saying, "Let not the foot of
pride come to me, " for he feared and dreaded falling into that which is
said of the proud, viz., "God resisteth the proud;" and again: "Every
one that exalteth his heart is unclean before the Lord."
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