And if any thing be wrongfully pronounced against him, he will not much care; neither will he vainly rejoice, if by others he be reasonably excused; for he considers that I am he that searcheth the heart and the reins, (Apoc. ii.) who judge not according to the face, nor according to human appearance;
[USCCB: Revelation 3:23, "…I am the searcher of hearts and minds…".]
For oftentimes that is found blameworthy in my eyes, which in the judgment of men is esteemed commendable.
5. O Lord God, the best judge, strong and patient, who knowest the frailty and perverseness of men, be thou my strength, and all my confidence, for my own conscience sufficeth me not.
Thou knowest that which I know not; and therefore in every reprehension I ought to humble myself, and bear it with meekness.
Pardon me, I beseech thee in thy mercy, as often as I have not done thus, and give me again the grace to suffer still more.
For better to me is thy great mercy, for the obtaining of pardon, than the justice which I imagine in myself for the defence of my hidden conscience.
Although my conscience accuse me not, yet I cannot hereby justify myself; for setting thy mercy aside, no man living shall be justified in thy sight. Psalms cxlii.
[USCCB: Psalms cxliii.]