y son, cast your heart firmly on the Lord, and fear not the judgment of men, when conscience proves you holy and guiltless. It is a good and happy thing to suffer in such a way; nor will this be grievous to a heart which is humble, and which trusts rather in God than in itself. Men say many things, and therefore little confidence is to be placed in them. Moreover, also, to satisfy all is not possible.
Although Paul endeavored to please all in the Lord, and was made all things to all men† yet he held it a very small thing that he should be judged of man's judgment.† He did abundantly for the edification and salvation of others as much as lay in his power to do; yet he was by others sometimes judged, sometimes despised. Therefore he committed all to God, who knew all. Against the face of men who spoke unjust things, or thought vanities and lies, and boasted of themselves as they pleased, he defended himself, with humility and patience. Sometimes however he answered, lest for the weak his silence should prove a stumbling block.†
“Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass” ? † Today he is, tomorrow he is not seen. Fear God, and you will not shrink from the terrors of men. What power has any man over you by
