A treatise of mans imaginations Showing his natural evil thoughtsA treatise of mans imaginations Shewing his naturall euill thoughts

First, a thought of dishonour is any thought that tendeth to the contempt and abasing of the person of our neighbour, in respect of our selves. And it is then conceived in our minds, when we think thus of all other men beside our selves: such and such a man, is far inferior unto me, a base and contemptible ⟨p. 101⟩fellow in regard of me. Example hereof we have in the Pharisee, a man strict in profession, and zealous in his religion, who cometh to the Temple to pray with the Publican: now mark what he saith,^a Oh God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, or as this Publican. Which words proceed from such a proud thought as this; Lord I thank thee, all other men are far inferior unto me: I do far surpass the common sort: this Publican is a base fellow, and no body to me. If any shall imagine that this thought is not in every man, but in some few proud persons; I answer, it is by nature in every person living without grace: and therefore S. Paul giveth this commandment, That ^bevery ⟨p. 102⟩man in meekness should esteem others better then himself; giving us to understand, that by nature all men think best of themselves, and esteem others far worse then themselves.

First, a thought of dishonour is any thought that tendeth to the contempt and abasing of the person of our neighbour, in respect of our selues. And it is then conceiued in our mindes, when we thinke thus of all other men beside our selues: such and such a man, is farre inferiour vnto me, a base and contemptible