Complete. “Imitation of Christ,” Chap. xiv.

TURN thine eyes unto thyself, and beware thou judge not the deeds of other men. In judging of others a man laboreth in vain, often erreth, and easily sinneth; but in judging and discussing of himself, he always laboreth fruitfully.

  We often judge of things according as we fancy them; for private affection bereaves us easily of true judgment.

  If God were always the pure intention of our desire, we should not be so easily troubled, through the repugnance of our carnal mind.

  But oftentimes something lurketh within, or else occurreth from without, which draweth us after it.

  Many secretly seek themselves in their actions, and know it not.

  They seem also to live in good peace of mind, when things are done according to their will and opinion; but if things happen otherwise than they desire, they are straightway troubled and much vexed.

  The diversities of judgments and opinions cause oftentimes dissensions between friends and countrymen, between religious and devout persons.

  An old custom is hardly broken, and no man is willing to be led further than he himself can see.

  If thou dost more rely upon thine own reason or industry than upon that power which brings thee under the obedience of Jesus Christ, it will be long before thou become illuminated; for God will have us perfectly subject unto him, that, being inflamed with his love, we may transcend the narrow limits of human reason.