On trampling down vanity. How dangerous vanity is too, is shown in a few words of the Savior, who said to his disciples when they were rejoicing in vanity: 'I beheld Satan falling like lightning from heaven' (Luke 10:18). And to the Jews, when they were at some time justifying themselves, he said: 'That which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of the Lord' (Luke 16:15). By these, and by the example of that most notorious Pharisee justifying himself (Luke 18:11 ff.), it is gathered that vanity and lofty boasting are the slayer of all good things: since the goods of the Pharisee, vainly praised, perished, while the sins of the publican, accused, vanished away. Let no grand word, therefore, go forth from the mouth of a monk, lest his own grand labor perish.