Of the Imitation of Christ/Book III/Chapter XXXVI
CHAPTER XXXVI.
AGAINST THE VAIN JUDGMENTS OF MAN.
EST thy heart firmly on the Lord, and fear not the judgment of men, when conscience testifieth of thy dutifulness and innocency.
It is a good and happy thing to suffer in such a way; nor will this be grievous to a heart which is humble, and which trusteth rather in God than in itself.
The most part of men are given to talk much, and therefore little trust is to be placed in them.
Moreover also, to satisfy all is not possible.
Although Saint Paul endeavoured to please all in the Lord, and made himself all things unto all men, yet with him it was a very small thing that he should be judged of man's judgment.
2. He did for the edification and salvation of others what lay in him; yet could he not hinder but that he was sometimes judged and despised by others.
Therefore he committed all to God, Wh knew all; and against such as thought vanities and lies, and spake boastfully whatever they listed, he with patience and humility defended himself against unjust tongues.
Yet sometimes he made answer, lest the weak should be offended by his silence.
3. Who art thou that fearest a mortal man? to-day he is, and to-morrow he is not seen.
Fear God, and thou need not shrink from the terrors of men.
What harm can the words or injuries of any man do thee? He hurteth himself rather than thee, nor shall he be able to avoid the judgment of God, whosoever he be.
Do thou have God before thine eyes, and contend not with peevish words.
And if for the present thou seem to be worsted and to suffer shame undeservedly, do not therefore repine, neither do thou by impatience lessen thy crown.
But rather lift thou up thine eyes to Me in heaven, who am able to deliver thee from all shame and wrong, and to render to every man according to his works.