Chapter 46. Of having confidence in God when evil words are cast at us (Book 3. On Inward Consolation as a Gift of God) (The Imitation of Christ) (a-Kempis, Thomas)

1. "My Son, stand fast and believe in Me. For what are words but words? They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone. If you are guilty, think how you would gladly amend yourself; if you know nothing against yourself, consider that you will gladly bear this for God's sake. It is little enough that you sometimes have to bear hard words, for you are not yet able to bear hard blows. And wherefore do such trivial matters go to your heart, except that you are yet carnal, and regardest men more than you ought? For because you fearest to be despised, you are unwilling to be reproved for your faults, and seek paltry shelters of excuses.

2. "But look better into yourself, and you will know that the world is still alive in you, and the vain love of pleasing men. For when you fleest away from being abased and confounded for your faults, it is plain that you are neither truly humble nor truly dead to the world, and that the world is not crucified to you. But listen to My word, and you will not care for ten thousand words of men. Behold, if all things could be said against you which the utmost malice could invent, what should it hurt you if you were altogether to let it go, and make no more account of it than of a mote? Could it pluck out a single hair of your head?

3. "But he that has no heart within him, and has not God before his eyes, is easily moved by a word of reproach; but he who trusts in Me, and seeks not to abide by his own judgment, shall be free from the fear of men. For I am the Judge and the Discerner of all secrets; I know how the thing has been done; I know both the injurer and the bearer. From Me went forth that word, by My permission this has happened, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. I shall judge the guilty and the innocent; but beforehand I have willed to try them both by a secret judgment.

4. "The testimony of men often deceives. My judgment is true; it will stand, and it shall not be overturned. It commonly lies hid, and only to few in certain cases is it made known; yet it never errs, nor can err, although it seem not right to the eyes of foolish men. To Me, therefore, must men have recourse in all judgment, and must not lean to their opinion. For there shall no evil happen to the just, whatsoever may be sent to him by God. Even though some unjust charge be brought against him, he will care little; nor, again, will he exult above measure, if through others he be clearly vindicated. For he considers that I am He who try the hearts and reins, who judge not outwardly and according to human appearance; for often in Mine eyes that is found blameworthy which in the judgment of men is held worthy of praise."

5. O Lord God, O Judge, just, strong, and patient, who know the frailty and sinfulness of men, be You my strength and my whole confidence; for my own conscience suffices me not. You know what I know not; and therefore ought I under all rebuke to humble myself, and to bear it meekly. Therefore mercifully forgive me as often as I have not done this, and grant me the next time the grace of greater endurance. For better to me is Your abundant pity for the attainment of Your pardon, than the righteousness which I believe myself to have for defence against my conscience, which lies wait against me. Although I know nothing against myself, yet I am not hereby justified, because if Your mercy were removed away, in Your sight should no man living be justified.

Luke ii. 35. Proverbs xii. 21. Psalm vii. 9. 1 Corinthians iv. 4. Psalm cxliii. 2.