ACC ~ John 7 v24

HONOR AND TRUTH NEEDED IN JUDGING

AUGUSTINE: It requires a lot of work in this world to stay clear of the vice our Lord has noted in this place. It is difficult to maintain sound judgment and to stop judging by appearances. His admonition to the Jews is an admonition to us as well…. Let us not judge, then, by appearances, but hold to sound judgment. But who is it who does not judge according to appearances? It is the one who loves [all] equally. When there is equal love for all, then we do not accept people on the basis of who they are. We are not talking about a situation where we honor people in a different way because of their different degrees of status. This is not an instance where we should be afraid that we are accepting people on the basis [of who they are]. For instance, there may be a case to decide between father and son. We should not put the son on an equal footing with the father in point of honor. But, in respect of truth, if the son has the better cause, we should give him the preference. In this way we give each their due so that justice does not destroy merit. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 30.7-8. [1]

[1] NPNF 1 7:188**. Basil, Letters 204.2 (NPNF 2 8:243) speaks of the impartiality needed in hearing disputes.