irst, keep yourself in peace, and then you will be able to bring peace to others. A peaceable man does more good than he who is well learned. A passionate man turns good into evil, and easily believes evil. A good, peaceable man turns all things to good. He who is well in peace is not suspicious of any.† But he who is discontented and troubled is tossed with diverse suspicions. He is neither quiet himself, nor suffers others to be quiet. He often speaks that which he ought not to speak; and omits that which it were more expedient for him to speak. He considers what others are bound to do,† and neglects that which he is bound to do himself.
First, therefore, be zealous over yourself,† and then you may justly be zealous toward your neighbor. You know how to excuse and color your own deeds, but you are not willing to receive the excuses of others. It were more just that you should accuse yourself, and excuse your brother. If you wish others to bear with you, you must bear with them.†
Behold, how far off you are from true love and humility, which know not how to be angry with any, or to be moved with indignation, except against its own self! It is no great matter to associate with the good and gentle, for this is naturally pleasing to all, and everyone enjoys peace, and
