Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/197

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
Of Crediting Others.
183

A friend is rarely to be found that continueth faithful in all his friend's distresses.

Thou, O Lord, even Thou alone, art most faithful at all times, and there is none like unto Thee.

3. O how wise was that holy soul that said, "My mind is firmly settled and grounded in Christ."

If it were so with me, human fear would not vex me, nor darts of words move me.

Who can foretell all things? who is able to beware beforehand of evils to come? If things foreseen do oftentimes hurt us, how can things unlooked for do otherwise than wound us?

But wretch that I am, why did I not provide better for myself? why also have I so trusted others?

But we are men, nothing else but frail men, although by many we may be reputed angels.

To whom shall I give credit, Lord, but to Thee? Thou art the truth, which neither doth deceive, nor can be deceived.

And on the other side, "every man is a liar," weak, inconstant, and subject to fall, especially in words; and therefore we must not at first give credit to that which in the outward show seemeth to sound aright.

4. O with what wisdom hast Thou warned us to beware of men; and a man's foes are they of his own household, not forthwith to believe if one should say, Lo here, or Lo there.

My hurt has been my instructor, and O that thereby I might increase my caution.

"Be wary," saith one, "be wary, keep to thyself what I tell thee;" and whilst I hold my peace, and think it is secret, he cannot himself keep that which