Of the Imitation of Christ/Book I/Chapter XIV
CHAPTER XIV.
OF AVOIDING RASH JUDGMENT.
URN thine eyes unto thyself, and beware thou judge not the deeds of others. In judgment of others a man laboureth in vain, often erreth, and easily sinneth; but in judging and examining himself, he always laboureth fruitfully.
We often judge of things according as we fancy them; for private affection bereaves us easily of a right judgment.
If God were always the pure object of our desire, we should not be so easily troubled, through the repugnance of our carnal mind.
2. But oftentimes something lurketh within, or else occurreth from without, which draweth us after it.
Many secretly seek themselves in what they do, 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 moved and much vexed.
Diversities of judgments and opinions cause oftentimes dissensions between friends, and between religious and devout persons.
3. An old custom is hardly broken, and no man is willing to be led farther than himself can see.
If thou dost rely more 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.
