TURN THINE EYES unto thyself, and beware thou judge not the deeds of other men.1 In judging of others a man laboreth in vain, often errs, and easily sins;2 but in judging and examining himself, he always laboreth fruitfully.
We often judge things according as we fancy them; for selflove bereaves us easily of true judgment.
If God were always the pure intention of our desire, we should not be so easily troubled, through the resistance of our carnal mind.
2. But oftentimes something lurketh within, or else occurreth from without, which draweth us after it.
Many secretly seek self-advantage in what they do, and know it not.
They seem also to live in good peace of mind, when things are done according to their will and opinion; but if things happen otherwise than they desire, they are at once moved and much vexed.
The diversities of judgments and opinions cause oftentimes dissensions between friends and countrymen, between religious and devout persons.3
3. An old custom is not easily broken,4 and no man is willing to be led farther than he can see.
If thou dost more rely upon thine own reason or industry, than upon that power which brings thee under the obedience of Jesus Christ, it will be long before thou become enlightened; for God will have us perfectly subject unto him, that being inflamed with his love, we may transcend the narrow limits of human reason.
1. Matt. 7:1; Rom. 15:1
2. Matt. 12:25; Luke 12:51
3. Eccles. 3:16
4. Jer. 13:23