the attainment of devotion, or because of my own necessities which force me to seek after you (for no mortal man can comfort me), then might I well hope in Your grace, and rejoice in the gift of new consolation. Thanks be to You, from whom all comes, whenever it goes well with me.
But before You I stand, vain and empty, a man unstable and weak. In what can I glory? Or for what do I desire to be respected? Is it for being nothing? This too is most vain. Empty glory is in truth an evil pest, the greatest of vanities; because it draws from true glory, and robs of heavenly grace. For while a man pleases himself, he displeases You; while he seeks the praise of men, he is deprived of true virtues.
But true glory and holy exultation is to glory in you and not in himself; to rejoice in Your name, not in his own virtue, nor to take delight in any creature except it be for Your sake.
Praised be Your name, not mine; magnified by Your work, not mine; blessed be  Your holy name, but to me let no part of men's praises be given. You are my glory; You are the joy of my heart. In You I will glory and rejoice all the day, but yet of myself I will not glory, but in my own weakness.†
Let the nations seek glory among themselves, I will ask for that which
