Ah! if a man had but one spark of perfect charity, he would doubtless perceive that all earthly things are full of vanity.
Chap. XVI.
Of bearing the defects of others.
1. What a man cannot amend in himself or others, he must bear with patience, till God ordains otherwise.
Think, that it perhaps is better so for thy trial and patience: without which, our merits are little worth.
Thou must, nevertheless, under such impressions, earnestly pray that God may vouchsafe to help thee, and that thou mayest bear them well.
2. If any one being once or twice admonished, does not comply, contend not with him: but commit all to God, that his will may be done, and he may be honoured in all his servants, who knows how to convert evil into good.
Endeavour to be patient in supporting others defects and infirmities of what kind so ever: because thou also hast many things which others must bear withal.
If thou canst not make thyself such a one as thou wouldst: how canst thou expect to have another according to thy liking?
We would willingly have others perfect: and yet we mend not, our own defects.