Mirror of the Honesty of Life

acutely or harshly by scolding others, because fraternal correction has no place where amendment is not hoped for, and the sound comes in vain to the ears unless God speaks in the heart, because God alone converts the hearts of the sons of men. Fraternal correction, however, ought to be done with great moderation, with groaning and benevolence, in its proper place and time, with prayer always preceding.

Therefore, if some do not complete all things that are of the order, provided that you are a good emulator and discreet, you will not judge the deeds of others. Nor let it move you if you see some who are less discreet, others ignorant, others unlearned, others slack in the hours, or liable to any vices whatsoever; close your eyes as much as you are able to investigating the deeds of others. Beware lest you seem to condemn those you do not wish to imitate, because in judging others there is a great danger, and such men are often deceived in their suspicions. Whether they are true or false, they nevertheless diminish the affection and charity that a man has toward his neighbor; this you must especially beware of, lest the charity of anyone toward you, or toward anyone else, be corrupted or even diminished, because there is no greater spoil or loss than in the taking away or diminution of charity. For all things, however useful or necessary they may seem, must be scorned if the tranquility of peace is avoided, and all things that are considered adverse must be endured so that the tranquility of peace and love...