For what will a beggar succeed in entering into court with a rich man, what will a simple man succeed in entering into court with a nobleman, if these sons and servants loyal to the Fatherland sit in court? Nothing at all! They will depart as they come, with the same tears, even more bitter. Therefore they are compelled to endure every offense and violence, rather than seek protection in vain and to their great misfortune, and no longer to man, but to God the Judge, and to cry out. These same tears and cries intercede for nothing else than God's wrath and eternal destruction for those who, according to their office, do not wipe them away.

§ 133. A rank or honor for a Christian should be nothing other than a yoke imposed by God, which he should wear for the glory of God and for the benefit of his brethren. Being honorable, he must, as he has sworn to do so, serve society, eradicate falsehood, defend the offended, restrain the impudent and self-willed impudence, be an example of good deeds for his subordinates, and so on. If anyone is called and for this reason ascends in honor, he is not subject to the vice of love of glory; but such a person will not seek honor, but honor itself will seek him. He avoids honor, but honor chases him. So-and-so is worthy of honor, as all wise people believe and affirm.

On the contrary, he who seeks honor is unworthy of honor. For what he seeks honor for, he will do when he has received honor. But hardly anyone desires honor in order to raise his labors for the common good, and not for his own temporary gain? Soon such seekers, having received what they desire, show themselves to be nothing but tares sown among the wheat, as it is said.

§ 134. But in order to get rid of this vice, you must remember:

1) that the glorious and the rootless, masters and slaves, honorable and simple, die and are given up to the earth. No one takes this glory with him, but all worldly things remain in the world.

2) That the judgment of those in authority is strict. For the least deserves mercy, but the strong will be greatly tormented, says Solomon (Wis. 6:5-6).

3) That there is no greater honor and glory than to be a true Christian, and the love of glory deprives you of this dignity, according to the word of Christ: How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and do not seek the glory that is from God alone? (John 5:44).

Conclusion of this article.

On Turning Away from the Wicked

We bequeath to you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to depart from every brother who acts disorderly, and not according to the tradition which you have received from us.

(2 Thess. 3:6)

Bad associations corrupt good morals.

(1 Cor. 15:33)