Of avoiding rash judgement
OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
Book I 7. We must not, therefore, despair when we are tempted, but on that account pray the more fervently to God, that He would vouchsafe to help us in every tribulation. Of a truth, according to the saying of St. Paul, He will make such issue with the temptation, that we may be able to bear it.^ Let us, then, humble our souls under the hand of God" in every temptation and tribulation; for He will save and exalt the humble in spirit.
8. In temptations and tribulations is it proved what progress a man has made; and therein also there is greater merit, and virtue is made more manifest.
Nor is it a great thing if a man be devout and fervent when he feels no trouble; but if in time of adversity he suffers patiently, then will there be hope of much progress.
Some are preserved from great temptations and are often overcome in daily little ones. This is to humble them, so that they never presume upon themselves in great matters, who are foimd weak in things so smalL
CHAPTER 14
OF AVOIDING RASH JUDGEMENT
Turn your eyes upon your own self, and see that you judge not the doings of others.
In judging others a man labours in vain, often goes astray, and easily sins; but in judging and scrutinizing himself, he always labours with profit.
We often judge of a thing according as we feel disposed towards it, and our judgement is distorted by our feelings.
If God were always the sole object of our desire, we should not be disturbed so easily when our views are not accepted.
It is often the case that there is some motive lurking within, or some influence concurring from without; and thus are we drawn along.
Many, in what they do, are really seeking themselves; yet they are not aware of that fact.
They seem also to be happy and at peace so long as things are done in accordance with their own will and judgement.
But if anything happens otherwise than as they desire, then are they very quickly disturbed and saddened.
A difference in feelings and opinions too often gives rise 1 1 Corinthians x, 13.
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