Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/200

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186
Of Trusting in God.

could be most maliciously invented, what would it hurt thee, if thou sufferedst it to pass entirely away, could it pluck so much as one hair from thy head?

3. But he that hath no heart within him, and hath not God before his eyes, is easily moved with a word of dispraise.

Whereas he that trusteth in Me, and hath no wish to trust in his own judgment, shall be free from the fear of men.

For I am the judge and the discerner of all secrets: I know him that offered the injury, and him that suffered it.

From Me hath this proceeded; by My permission this hath happened, that the thoughts of many hearts might be revealed.

I shall judge the guilty, and the innocent; but by a secret judgment I beforehand have proved them both.

4. The testimony of men oftentimes deceiveth; but My judgment is true; it shall stand and not be overthrown.

It is commonly hidden, and not known in all respects, but to few; notwithstanding it never erreth, neither can it err, although to the eyes of the foolish it seemeth not right.

Men ought therefore to have recourse to Me in every judgment, and not to lean on their own judgment.

For the just man will not be moved, whatsoever befalleth him from God; and if an unjust charge be brought against him, he will not be troubled.

Neither will he rejoice foolishly, if by means of others he be vindicated.