of God in all temptations and tribulations, for He will save and exalt the humble.
8. In temptations and afflictions a man is proved, how much he hath profited; and his reward is thereby the greater, and his graces do more eminently shine.
Neither is it any such great thing if a man be devout and fervent, when he feeleth no affliction; but if in time of adversity he bear himself patiently, there is hope then of great growth in grace.
Some are kept from great temptations, and in small ones which do daily occur are often overcome; to the end that, being humbled, they may never presume on themselves in great matters.
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
