'Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be not gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted, and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches, and it would be still nearer the truth.'
Charles Spurgeon in CJ Mahaney, 'The Pastor and Personal Criticism', p.11. Available at: www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Reference/CJ_Mahaney_P_PC.pdf
