n all things look to the end; and how you will stand before that just Judge from whom nothing is hidden, who is not appeased with gifts, nor admits excuses, but will judge according to what is right. Oh, wretched and foolish sinner, who sometimes fear the countenance of an angry man, what answer will you make to God who knows all your wickedness? † Why do you not provide for yourself against the day of judgment, when no man can be excused or defended by another, but everyone will be a sufficient burden for himself? Now is your toil fruitful, your weeping acceptable,†  your groaning audible; now your grief commends you to God, and purges your soul.
The patient man has a great and wholesome purification. Though he receives injuries, yet he grieves more for the malice of the other than for his own wrong. He prays willingly for his adversaries,† and from his heart forgives their offenses. He is not slow to ask forgiveness from others; is more quickly moved to compassion than to anger; often severely disciplines himself, and labors to bring the flesh wholly into subjection to the spirit.
It is better to purge out our sins, and cut off our vices here, than to keep
