only too often fails in this, its tendency being to satisfy itself, which it cannot do within the bounds of authority.  Therefore it is that from being a venial, this species of pride becomes a mortal offense, because it leads almost infallibly to disobedience and rebellion.  There is a pride, improperly so called, which is in accordance with all the rules of order, reason and honor.  It is a sense of responsibility and dignity which every man owes to himself, and which is compatible with the most sincere humility.  It is a regard, an esteem for oneself, too great to allow one to stoop to anything base or mean.  It is submissive to authority, acknowledges shortcomings, respects others and expects to be respected in return.  It can preside with dignity, and obey with docility.  Far from being a vice, it is a virtue and is only too rare in this world.  It is nobility of soul which betrays itself in self-respect.

Here is the origin, progress and development of the vice.  We first consider the good that is in us, and there is good in all of us, more or less.  This consideration becomes first exaggerated; then one-sided by reason of our overlooking and ignoring imperfections and shortcomings.  Out of these reflections arises an apprehension of excellence or superiority greater than we really possess.  From the mind this estimate passes to the heart which embraces it fondly, rejoices and exults.  The conjoint acceptation of this false appreciation by the mind and heart is the first complete stage of pride—­an overwrought esteem of self.  The next move is to become self-sufficient, presumptuous.  A spirit of enterprise asserts itself, wholly out of keeping with the means at hand.  It is sometimes foolish, sometimes insane, reason being blinded by error.

The vice then seeks to satisfy itself, craves for the esteem of others, admiration, flattery, applause, and glory.  This is vanity, different from conceit only in this, that the former is based on something that is, or has been done, while the latter is based on nothing.

Vanity manifested in word is called boasting; in deed that is true, vain-glory; in deed without foundation of truth, hypocrisy.

But this is not substantial enough for ambition, another form of pride.  It covets exterior marks of appreciation, rank, honor, dignity, authority.  It seeks to rise, by hook or crook, for the sole reason of showing off and displaying self.  Still growing apace, pride becomes indignant, irritated, angry if this due appreciation is not shown to its excellence; it despises others either for antipathy or inferiority.  It believes its own judgment infallible and, if in the wrong, will never acknowledge a mistake or yield.  Finally the proud man becomes so full of self that obedience is beneath him, and he no longer respects authority of man or of God.  Here we have the sin of pride in all the plenitude of its malice.