Let us therefore humble ourselves under the hand of God, in all temptations and tribulations; for he will exalt the humble in spirit. 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. But oftentimes something lurks within, which draweth us after it. Many secretly seek themselves in their actions, but know it not. They live in peace of mind when things are done according to their will: but if things succeed otherwise than they desire, they are straightway troubled. Diversity of inclinations and opinions often causes dissensions between religious persons, between friends and countrymen. An old custom is hardly broken, and no man is willing to be led farther than himself can see. If thou dost more rely upon thine own reason, than upon Jesus Christ, late, if ever, shalt thou become illuminated. The outward work without charity, profiteth nothing; but whatsoever is done out of charity, be it ever so little and contemptible in the sight of the world, is wholly fruitful. For God weigheth more with how much love one worketh, than how much he doeth. He doth much that loveth much. He doth much that doth a thing well. He doth well that serveth his neighbor, and not his own will. Often it seemeth to be charity, and it is rather carnality; because natural inclinations, self-will, hope of reward, and desire of our own interest, are motives that men are rarely free from. He that hath true and perfect charity seeketh himself in nothing; but only desireth in all things that God should be exalted. He envieth none, because he seeketh not his own satisfaction; neither rejoiceth in himself, but chooses God only for his portion. He attributes nothing that is good to any man, but wholly referreth it unto God, from whom, as from the fountain, all things proceed: in whom finally all the saints rest. O that he had but one spark of true charity, he would certainly discern that all earthly things are full of vanity! [_December 23._]