Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/196

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182
Of Crediting Others.

and that which is especially necessary, we pass over; because the whole man doth slide off into outward things; and unless he speedily repent, he willingly settleth down in them.


CHAPTER XLV.

THAT CREDIT IS NOT TO BE GIVEN TO ALL: AND THAT MAN IS PRONE TO OFFEND IN WORDS.

GRANT me help, Lord, in tribulation, for vain is the help of man!

How often have I been deceived where I thought myself sure of faithfulness.

I found it often where beforehand I least expected it.

It is in vain therefore to trust in men, but the salvation of the righteous is in Thee, God!

Blessed be Thou, O Lord my God, in all things that befall us.

We are weak and unstable; we are quickly deceived and changed.

2. Who is he, that is able in all things so warily and circumspectly to keep himself, as never to fall into any deception or perplexity?

But he that trusteth in Thee, O Lord, and seeketh Thee, with a single heart, doth not easily fall.

And if he do fall into any tribulation, be he never so much entangled, yet he shall quickly either through Thee be delivered, or by Thee be comforted; for Thou wilt not forsake him that trusteth in Thee.