Chapter XXVI. Of three temptations that are full of peril to the devout (4) The third temptation is when one that is already a Clerk and learned doth aspire to the Priesthood, to high preferment or to any other dignity, on the plea of some holy motive such as u that of being the more able to be of profit to others, or of teaching better or of preaching more frequently. Although such an one may seem to have a good motive, yet inwardly he is weighed down by grievous pride in that he is in haste to go up higher so as to appear greater than his fellows. In that he loveth not lowly subjection and is unwilling to despise himself, he doth diligently beseech his friends that they recommend him for promotion, but heedeth not the danger of his own soul.
Alas! when he hath attained that little short-lived shadow of glory, gotten with a great effort, an effort indeed far greater than that which would suffice to deprive him of every honour, in how evil a case will he find his conscience.
(5) Let him who would be delivered from these three temptations pray God every day to save him from pride and vain conceit, and keep him in lowly subjection and perfect obedience; for pride doth make a man to be inwardly blind and without savour, and outwardly a vain babbler, presumptuous, ignorant of himself and despising others; and, what is worse, to seek lordship over others is clearly enough a sign of perdition and leadeth to many evils. When a certain Brother was talking with Florentius in his cell the Master said, 141 amongst other things: "Ye should study to give yourselves to lowliness, then may ye make progress and become worthy of the Grace of God."