One Hundred and Ninety-Seventh Subject. Proofs of Pride in a Soul

Brother Philippe, Subjects for Particular Examen, 1870, pp. 316–317

A generation whose eyes are lofty.—PROV. xxx. 13.
The proud man, filled with his imaginary merit, is occupied only with himself, speaks only of himself; he desires that all the world should know, what he knows, what he is, of what he is capable, what place he occupies; he pretends to know every thing, and permits himself to speak of every thing, without perceiving that he renders himself ridiculous. He makes comparisons without ceasing between his own merit and that of others, between the position which he fills and that which he believes to be his right. Others are placed too high and he too low. He is always careful to make manifest what may elevate him, and to hide whatever may humiliate him.
The proud man desires, at whatever price it may be, that others should pay attention to him, that they should esteem him, that they should praise him, that they should applaud him; he wishes to domineer in every thing; always to be in the right, to know always more than others.
The proud man is haughty towards his inferiors, disdainful towards his equals, rebellious towards his superiors. The proud man is always in the right; and even when all seek to convince him, he cannot refrain from accusing them of jealousy and injustice towards him. The exercises of humility which honor his brothers are a burthen to him; he would fear to be surprised in practising them.
Now let us sound our hearts; let us see what passes there; if we are not full of ourselves; if we are not too much occupied with ourselves; if we have not a horror of that which humiliates us, of that which shows what we are; let us see if we comprehend these words of the Holy Spirit: Humiliation follows the proud; and glory shall uphold the humble in spirit.—PROV. xxix. 23.
Pause.
ACT OF CONTRITION.—Long ago, Lord, I should have been abased at the feet of Lucifer, if Thou hadst only consulted Thy justice; but Thou didst rather listen only to Thy mercy, and in order to cure my pride Thou hast placed before my eyes the humiliations of Thy Son. Grant me the grace to profit by them; I ask this favor by the merits of His humiliation and by the intercession of Mary.
I make the resolution to......