Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/183

Rh

EST thy heart firmly on the Lord, and fear not the judgment of men, when conscience testifieth of thy dutifulness and innocency.

It is a good and happy thing to suffer in such a way; nor will this be grievous to a heart which is humble, and which trusteth rather in God than in itself.

The most part of men are given to talk much, and therefore little trust is to be placed in them.

Moreover also, to satisfy all is not possible.

Although Saint Paul endeavoured to please all in the Lord, and made himself all things unto all men, yet with him it was a very small thing that he should be judged of man's judgment.

2. He did for the edification and salvation of others what lay in him; yet could he not hinder but that he was sometimes judged and despised by others.

Therefore he committed all to God, Wh knew all; and against such as thought vanities and lies, and spake boastfully whatever they listed, he with patience and humility defended himself against unjust tongues.

Yet sometimes he made answer, lest the weak should be offended by his silence.

3. Who art thou that fearest a mortal man? to-day he is, and to-morrow he is not seen.