9. In temptations and tribulations, a man is proved what progress he has made: and in them there is greater merit, and his virtue appears more conspicuous.
Nor is it much if a man be devout and fervent when he feels no trouble: but if in the time of adversity he bears up with patience, there will be hope of a great advancement.
Some are preserved from great temptations, and are often overcome in daily little ones: that being humbled, they may never presume of themselves in great things, who are weak in such small occurrences.
Chap. XIV.
Of avoiding rash judgment.
1. Turn thy eyes back upon thyself, and see thou judge not the doings of others.
In judging others a man labours in vain, often errs, and easily sins; but in judging and looking into himself, he always labours with fruit.
We frequently judge of a thing according as we have it at heart: for we easily love true judgment through private affection.
If God were always the only object of our desire, we should not so easily be disturbed at the resistance of our opinions.
2. But there is often something lies hid within, or occurs from without, which draws us along with it.