And so by little and little our malicious enemy getteth entrance, whilst he is not resisted in the beginning. And the longer one is slack in resisting, the weaker he becomes daily, and the enemy stronger against him. *8. Some suffer the greatest temptation in the beginning of their conversion; others in the latter end. *Others again are much troubled almost throughout their life. Some are but slightly tempted according to the wisdom which weigheth the states of men, and ordereth all things for the good of his elect. 9. We ought therefore, when we are tempted, so much the more fervently to pray unto God, who surely will give with the temptation a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it. Let us therefore humble ourselves under the hand of God in all temptations and tribulations; for he will exalt the humble in spirit. 10. In temptations and afflictions 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 overcame in small ones; that being humbled, they may never trust themselves in great matters, who are baffled in so small things. CHAPTER XI. _Of avoiding rash Judgment._ TURN thine eyes unto thyself, and beware thou judge not the deeds of other men. In judging of others a man laboureth in vain, often erreth, and easily sinneth: but in judging and examining himself he always laboureth 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 are opposed. 2. 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 cause dissentions between religious persons, between friends and countrymen. 3. 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. CHAPTER XII. _Of works done out of charity._ THE outward work, without charity, profiteth nothing; but whatsoever is done out of charity, be it never 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 doth. *He doth much that loveth much. 2. He doth much, that doth a thing well. He doth well, that serveth his neighbour, and not his own will.