But I think also, uncle, that
no man will do so. For I see no man who will confess, for very
shame, that he desireth riches, honour, renown, and offices of
authority only for his worldly pleasure. For every man would fain
seem as holy as a horse. And therefore will every man say--and
would it were so believed, too--that he desireth these things,
though for his worldly wealth a little so, yet principally to merit
thereby through doing some good with them.
ANTHONY: This is, cousin, very surely so, that so doth every man
say. But first he who in the desire of these things hath his
respect unto his worldly wealth, as you say, "but a little so," so
much as he himself thinketh but a little, may soon prove a great
deal too much. And many men will say so, too, who have principal
respect unto their worldly commodity, and toward God little or none
at all. And yet they pretend the contrary, and that unto their own
harm. For "God cannot be mocked."
And some peradventure know not well their own affection themselves.
But there lieth more imperfection secretly in their affection than
they themselves are well aware of, which only God beholdeth. And
therefore saith the prophet unto God, "Mine imperfection have thine
eyes beheld." And therefore the prophet prayeth, "From mine hidden
sins cleanse thou me, good Lord.
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