76z Ofthejpiritudcoils whichacc mepany lborldy things. Pike throughhis louer ;andas a bird hafteth to thefnare, not knowing that he is in danger. Pee But as the abundance of thefe worldly things, immode_ That worldly rately loued, domake menblindand ignorant in theknow- abundance ledgeofall things, fo efpecially of chemfelues andoftheir makesmenfo friends; for theywho arepampred with profperirie, forget ignorant that their humane and fraile condition, whereby theyare be- tbeycannot knemtfië¡eluts. comemiferable, both inre(pe& oftrne andpunifhment; and are readie in their pride and felfeloue to deific them - felues,and to imagine that theyare creatures diuine and im- mortal!. And this maketh them alto to difdaine and con- temne their brethren, as though they were not madeby the fameworkman, of fame matter, and inthe fame mould; but creatures (ifat leaf}creatures) ofpurer fubflance,andof a farrc more excellent natureand condition. And thus the ambitious man being aduanced vnto honours and prefer- ments, can neuer haue a true fight andknowledge of him- felfe; partly becaufe his owne pride and felfeloue blinded' him, fo as hee can neuer make a true ellimate ofhis owne worth, and partly becaufe hebath a wholecloud ofparautes and flatterers about him,which dazle his fight, and with ouer partiall praifes extol! his goodparts, and magnifie his gifts farreaboue their truevallue; fo as he canneuer feethem as theyare in truth,hut as thefefalfe glaffes offer them to his view. Vnto whichhe is content togiue more credit,then ei- ther to the teflimonie ofhis friends, or his owre fight and iudgement,becaufe their vntruths are morepleafingand de- lightful(; asif deformed creatures beingmagnified for their beautie,fhould voluntarily put out their eyes, becaufe by looking in true glaffes, they should difcouerthis falfeand vndeferued commendations. And thusalto riches and abun- danceofworidly plcafures and delights, doe puffe menvp with pride, whereby they forget theirowne frailtie & mor- talitie,andare apttoconceiue,that theyexceed all others as muchin true worth and exceilencie, as they are preferred before them in riches and delights. Nowwhat canbe more miferable,then for a man to be ignorant ofhimfelfe, and to imagine thathee is happiewhen hee is wretched, excellent ',then
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