Chapter IV.—I have need of humility.

I have great knowledge in God,⁷⁴⁵⁷⁴⁵    Literally, “I know many things in God.” but I restrain myself, lest, I should perish through boasting. For now it is needful for me to be the more fearful; and not give heed to those that puff me up. For they that speak to me [in the way of commendation] scourge me. For I do indeed desire to suffer, but I know not if I be worthy to do so. For this longing, though it is not manifest to many, all the more vehemently assails me.⁷⁴⁶⁷⁴⁶    A different turn altogether is given to this passage in the longer recension. I therefore have need of meekness, by which the prince of this world is brought to nought.

But I measure myself, that I may not perish through boasting: but it is good to glory in the Lord.⁷⁴⁷⁷⁴⁷    1 Cor. i. 31. And even though I were established⁷⁴⁸⁷⁴⁸    Or, “confirmed.” in things pertaining to God, yet then would it befit me to be the more fearful, and not give heed to those that vainly puff me up. For those that commend me scourge me. [I do indeed desire to suffer⁷⁴⁹⁷⁴⁹    Omitted in the ms. ], but I know not if I be worthy to do so. For the envy of the wicked one is not visible to many, but it wars against me. I therefore have need of meekness, by which the devil, the prince of this world, is brought to nought.