If things foreseen do yet often hurt us, how can things unlooked for fail of wounding us grievously?
But why did I not provide better for myself, miserable wretch as I am? Why also have I so easily given credit to others?
But we are men, and are but frail men, though by many we are reputed and called angels.
To whom shall I give credit, O Lord? to whom but thee? Thou art the truth, which neither canst deceive nor be deceived.
And on the other side, Every man is a liar, (Psalms cxi.) infirm, unstable, and subject to fail, especially in words; so that we ought not readily to believe even that which in appearance seems to sound well.
4. How wisely didst thou forewarn us to take heed of men, (Matthew. x. 17.) and that man's enemies are those of his own household. (Matthew. x. 36.) And that we are not to believe, if any one should say, Behold here, or behold there. Matthew xxiv.
I have been taught to my cost, and I wish it may serve to make me more cautious, and not to increase my folly.
Be wary, saith one, be wary, keep in thyself what I tell thee: and whilst I hold my peace, and believe the matter to be secret, he himself cannot keep the secret which he desired me to keep, but presently discovers both me and himself, and goes his way.