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| Chapter VI. That the sin of pride is last in the actual order of the combat, but first in time and origin.
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Chapter VI.
That the sin of pride is last in the actual order of the
combat, but first in time and origin.
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.1021
For thus the
prophet speaks of this spirit, “His meat is
choice.”1022
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;”1023
and again, “He that worketh pride
shall not dwell in the midst of my house;”1024
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,”1025
for he feared
and dreaded falling into that which is said of the proud, viz.,
“God resisteth the proud;”1026
and again: “Every one that exalteth his heart is unclean before
the Lord.”1027
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