He that hath received greater, cannot extol himself above others; for he is greater and better, that ascribeth least unto himself, and is more humble and devout in rendering thanks.
And he that esteemeth himself vilest of all men, is fitter to receive greater blessings.
3. And he that hath received fewer, ought not to repine, nor envy them that have greater store; but attend rather unto thee, and highly praise thy goodness, who 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 man, and why one hath less and another more.
It is not ours, but thine to judge, who dost exactly know what is meet for every one.
4. Nothing therefore ought so to rejoice him that loveth thee, and acknowledgeth thy benefits, as thy will in him, and the good pleasure of thy eternal appointment.
With this he ought to be so contented and comforted, that he would be as willing to be the least, as another is to be the greatest.
He is as peaceable and contented in the last as in the first place.
*He is as willing to be despised and contemned, and to be of no esteem or account, as to be preferred in honour above all others, and to be greater in the world.