In temptations and afflictions a man is proved how much he hath profited.
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 proficiency.
Some are kept from great temptations, and are overcome in small ones; that being humbled, they may never trust themselves in great matters, who are baffled in so small things.
[December 16.]
Turn thine eyes unto thyself, and beware thou judge not the deeds of other men.
In judging others a man laboreth in vain, often erreth, and easily sinneth; but in judging and examining himself, he always laboreth fruitfully.
We often judge of things according as we fancy them: for affection bereaves us easily of a right judgment.
If God were always our desire, we should not be so much troubled when our inclinations were opposed.