Let us humble ourselves in this life that we may be exalted in that which is to come. Ever consider, O faithful soul, not what thou hast, but what thou lackest. Far rather greive for the virtue thou hast not, than glory over those which thou hast. Rather conceal thy virtues, and make known thy sins, for indeed it is to be feared that if thou dost openly boast of thy treasure of good works, the devil may rob thee of it through thy pride. Thou canst preserve burning coals by covering them with ashes. And so the fire of our love to God is never more securely guarded than when it is buried under the ashes of true humility. Pride is the seed of all sin. - Johann Gerhard, *Sacred Meditations* XXXIV.
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