And he that esteemeth himself viler than all men, and judgeth himself most unworthy, is fittest to receive greater blessings.
But he that hath received fewer, ought not to be out of heart, nor to take it grievously, nor to envy them that are enriched with greater store; but rather to turn his mind to Thee and praise Thy goodness, for that Thou bestowest Thy gifts so bountifully, so freely, and so willingly, without respect of persons.
All things proceed from Thee, and therefore in all things Thou art to be praised.
Thou knowest what is fit to be given to every one. And why this man hath less and that more, it is not for us to judge, but for Thee Who dost exactly know every one's deserts.
4. Wherefore, O Lord God, I even esteem it a great mercy, not to have much of that which outwardly and in the opinion of men seems worthy of glory and applause.
He who considereth the poverty and unworthiness of himself, should be so far from conceiving grief or sadness, or from being cast down thereat, that he rather should take great comfort, and be glad.
For Thou, O God, hast chosen the poor and humble and the despised of this world for Thyself, to be Thy friends and servants.
Witnesses are Thine apostles themselves, whom Thou hast made princes over all the earth.
And yet they lived in the world without complaint, so humble and simple, without all malice and deceit, that they even rejoiced to suffer reproach for Thy
